EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 11/19/2010

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Men News

*****************************************************
  ACPBL   


Bombers Add Fire-power In Wise - by Justin Moore
As if the Beltway Bombers aren't already loaded with enough talent, they now add 6-6 forward Jamaal Wise (6'5''-F-83, college: Rhode Island). The former University of Rhode Island star played in the PBL and Overseas, while continually sparking interest from several D-Legaue and NBA teams. At 6-6 and a solid 230lbs, Jamal is an ideal inside/outside threat. Bombers COO and Head Coach Chaz Dudley knows what a player of Jamal's talents brings to his team. 'JWise is a beast and a problem matchup for any team. He's too fast for any big to guard him on the outside, and he's too strong for any guard or swing in the blocks. His game is very similiar to that of ex-Hornet/Knick Larry Johnson. 'He can knock down pro 3's, create from the wing off the dribble, great footwork down in the post, averages 7+ rebounds a game, and can guard the 2 through 4.'

What impresses Coach as much as Jamal's pro talents are his character and unselfishness. 'Jamal is the definition of what a pro should be, having the same great character traits as all my guys. Great work ethic, desires to get better, teammates love him, plays at a high level every game and his only agenda is winning'. Coach feels that Jamal won't be around all season. 'He'll get called up to the D-League or Level 1 Overseas very soon, and it will be well deserved.'

When asked about joining the Bombers, Jamal said 'I'm excited to play for the Beltway Bombers and Coach Chaz until I leave Overseas or for the D-League. Chaz is not only a great coach but a good friend of mine. He has helped me, and wants me to move forward with my pro career. By him allowing me to play on a team with such talent, and knowing that I could be leaving soon, is something I appreciate a great deal.'

Jamal now joins 6-0 PG Ed Braswell, 6-2 PG Perry King, 6-3 G Steve Miles, 6-3 G Angelo Hernandez, 6-5 G Darrian Lee, 6-4 G Eric Joe, 6-4 G Rogers Barnes, 6-5 F Daryl Owens, 6-7 F Ed Jones, 6-9 F Devon Neckles, 6-8 F Dallas Crawley, 6-7 F Chris Seaborn and 6-9 F Chris Darnell.

The Bombers open up their ACPBL season on the road Saturday, December 4th against the Westchester Wildkatz up in Port Chester NY at 7:00pm. Their Home Opener is Sunday, December 12th against the Norfolk Tru Hope Trailblazers at Potomoc High School in Dumfries VA. Tip off is at 3:00PM.





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  ANGOLA   


Sprite Slam Africa /USA 10 - by Luis Filipe Cristovao
The three Angolan young players chosen in the Sprite Slam Africa/USA 10 travel today to the United States. The youngsters were selected by former NBA player Horace Grant (209-F/C-65, college: Clemson).

In the seven day trip to the USA, the Angolan players will have the opportunity to physical training, a scrimmage game against Episcopal High School, a visit to Washington and then to Memphis, to see the between Grizzlies and Suns, followed by a dinner with Hasheem Thabeet (221-C-87, college: Connecticut).

In a team which includes players from Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, the three Angolans are: Tandala Domingos (Progresso Sambizanga, aged 17, 1.79m), Aldair Carlos (Petro Atletico de Luanda, aged 14, 1.80m) and Ivanadio Menezes (Desportivo 1. De Agosto Luanda, aged 16, 1.90m).

They all be back to their countries in November 25.


*****************************************************
  ASIAN GAMES   


Round: 2 (Qualifying Round) - by Eurobasket News
Group E
North Korea - China 62-98
China cruised past North Korea in Day 2 of the Men's Preliminary Round in Group E. The hosts of the Asian games celebrated 98:62 win at the Guangzhou Int'l Sport Arena. It was an easy start for the favorites as they produced a 25-15 in the opening quarter. In the second period the hosts dedicated more time and effort to defence and limited the opponents to just 9 points. After 21-9 in the second quarter China enjoyed 46:24 halftime advantage. The picture remained the same in the second half with China dominating the court. They added 28-21 in the third quarter and finished with 24-17 in the last period. That victory allowed them to take 2-0 record on top of Group E. North Korea meanwhile dropped to 0-2 in the bottom of the standings. Wang ZhiZhi (214-C-79) stepped up with 14 points for 2-0 record with his side. Ding Jinhui (204-C-90) and Zhang QingPeng netted 12, while Zhou Peng netted 11. In Day 3 North Korea will face South Korea that reached their second straight win at the Asian Games in China. The team improved to 2-0 record in Group E after the win over Jordan 95:49 at the Guangzhou Int'l Sport Arena. China meanwhile will play versus Uzbekistan on November 19th.

Uzbekistan - Mongolia 65-67
Mongolia grabbed valuable win over Uzbekistan in the most interesting game of Day 2 at the Asian Games in Group E. Mongolia celebrated 67:65 thriller to tie their record at 1-1. Uzbekistan meanwhile dropped to 0-2 in the standings. Mongolia started with 18-15 lead after the opening period and nailed another 18 points in the second frame. At that time Uzbekistan managed to provide 13 points and trailed 8 points at the halftime. In the third quarter Mongolia again notched 18 points, while they allowed the opponents to post 14. The last frame however belonged to Uzbekistan that produced 23-13 in it. It was not however enough to celebrate the victory. Bataa Munkhbold paced all the winners with 17 points and Ganbaatar Ikhbayar followed him with 13. Munkhbayar Badrakh notched 11, whilst Sedbazar Shinen (191-F-81) added 9. Denisov Vyacheslav responded with 17 points in the losing effort. Sharafutdinov Artur and Zinovev Gennadiy brought 15 each, while Samender Juginisov (202-F-87) scored 11. In Day 3 Mongolia will face Jordan that lost to South Korea. South Korea reached their second straight win at the Asian Games in China. The team improved to 2-0 record in Group E after the win over Jordan 95:49 at the Guangzhou Int'l Sport Arena. Uzbekistan will take on China on November 19th.

South Korea - Jordan 95-49
South Korea reached their second straight win at the Asian Games in China. The team improved to 2-0 record in Group E after the win over Jordan 95:49 at the Guangzhou Int'l Sport Arena. South Korea started with 28-16 in the first period and never looked behind after. They dominated the court and added 25-12 in the second frame. Moreover the favorites did not even think of slowing down and won both periods in the second half. With 20-12 South Korea finished the third quarter to increase their lead and then ended up with 22-9 in the last quarter. Lee Seung-Jun and Kim Joo-Sung paced all the winners with 14 points each. Cho Sung-Min (197-F-83) netted 11 and Oh SeKeun scored 10. Mohammad Hadrab (201-F-84) replied with 19 points in defeat and Zaghab Ali scored 10. In Day 3 South Korea will face North Korea that lost the the hosts. China cruised past North Korea in Day 2 of the Men's Preliminary Round in Group E. The hosts of the Asian games celebrated 98:62 win at the Guangzhou Int'l Sport Arena. Jordan meanwhile will play versus Mongolia.

Group F
Japan - Iran 57-56
Japan cruised past Iran in the top game of the Day 2 of the Men's Preliminary Round Group F in China. Japan grabbed 2-0 record on top of the group after 57:56 victory. It was a real thriller in the game and actually both teams deserved the win. Iran opened the game with 19-17 in the start and then added 12-11 in the second frame. Moreover the team celebrated the victory in the third period as well as they needed 16-15 for 4-point advantage before the final stanza. Japan however responded with 14-9 in the last frame to clinch the second win. Ishizaki Takumi stepped up with 13 points for the winners and Kosuke Takeuchi (205-C/F-85) followed him with 10.Tabuse Yuta netted 9, whilst Hirose Kenta scored 7. Kamrani Mahdi ended up with 15 points in the losing case as Iran tied their record at 1-1. Kardoust Asghar notched 11 and Hamed Afagh (190-G-83, agency: SportsList Inc.) netted 7. In Day 3 Japan will face Philippines that rolled over Qatar at the start of Day 2 of the Men's Preliminary Round Group F in China. Philippines tied both records at 1-1 in after 90:68 win in Asian Games. Iran meanwhile will take on India that lost to Taiwan.

Taiwan - India 93-66
Taiwan won all the periods over India for the total 93:66 success at the end of Day 2 in Asian Games. Taiwan improved to 1-1 record in Group F after the victory at the Ying Dong Gymnasium. Taiwan opened the game with 25-21 after the first 10 minutes and then limited the opponents to just 6 points in the second frame. They added 22-6 for 47:27 halftime advantage. In the third period Taiwan did not slow down and continued to dominate the court. They produced 25-19 in the third frame for the bigger lead and finished the game with 21-20 in the last stanza. Lin Chih-Chieh paced all the winners with 23 points and Tien Lei (203-F-83) nailed 20. Yang Ching-Min followed them with 13 points for the winning side. Singh Japdeep responded with 22 points in the losing case and Vishesh Bhriguvanshi (192-G-91) added 14. Koroth Hareesh scored 13, while Singh Yadwinder notched 10. In Day 3 Taiwan will meet Qatar that lost to Philippines.The latter tied both records at 1-1 in after 90:68 win in Asian Games. India will take on Iran that lost the thriller to Japan.

Philippines - Qatar 90-68
Philippines rolled over Qatar at the start of Day 2 of the Men's Preliminary Round Group F in China. Philippines tied both records at 1-1 in after 90:68 win in Asian Games. Philippines started with 23-14 in the opening period and never looked behind after. They produced 26-14 in the second frame for 50:28 halftime advantage. In the second half Qatar however started to play better and managed to show great basketball. Again Philippines celebrated 19-18 win in the third period to increase the lead to 23 points after 30 minutes in the court. In the last quarter both squads nailed 22 points each for the final result. Casio JV top-scored for the winners with 22 points and Marcio Lassiter (188-G-87, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) netted 13. Tiu Chris and Greg Slaughter (211-C-88) finished the night with 12 points apiece for the winning side. Ngombo Targuy ended up with 18 points in the losing case and Mohammed Baker Ahmad notched 12. In Day 3 Philippines will face Japan that cruised past Iran in the top game of the Day 2 of the Men's Preliminary Round Group F in China. Japan grabbed 2-0 record on top of the group after 57:56 victory. Qatar will play versus Taiwan that beat India.



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  AUSTRALIA   


Sydney Kings release Rod Grizzard - by Eurobasket News
Sydney Kings General Manager Bob Turner announced today that the club has released forward Rod Grizzard (203-G-80, agency: ZAG Advocates, college: Alabama).

Speaking about the release of the import player, Bob Turner said that Rod 'Griz' Grizzard has helped to establish solid building blocks as part of the restructured Sydney Kings franchise.

'The Sydney Kings brought Rod into the team for his experience, his understanding of National Basketball League (NBL), and his ability to lead and mentor a new team,' Turner said.

'When we set out to develop a new team from scratch, you need players with experience and ability to build confidence in the playing group. Rod ticked all the boxes and we certainly acknowledge his contribution to the Sydney Kings,' he added.

Ian 'Moose' Robilliard said that while Rod's leadership potential will be missed, he has been restricted by a chronic Achilles Heel injury that has not responded as quickly as the organisation had hoped.

'Rod is player who fits the culture of the Sydney Kings he is a great guy and a strong mentor for the younger players. I cannot reiterate strongly enough that it his Achilles Heel injury that has restricted his ability to play at the peak level required in the NBL and at the Sydney Kings,' Robilliard said.

'Unfortunately, we had to release Rod from his contract today so we can build on our game structure and look forward to meeting the expectations of our club and the city of Sydney,' he added.

'The search for a replacement for Rod, someone who will help meet our needs for our next phase of team and cultural development is now underway and we anticipate making an announcement before our next home game on December 5.

'It is the nature of professional sport that all aspects of the business are constantly in a state of flux and review. Rod's commitment was relevant to the team up to this point, but we are now looking to build a dynamic within the Sydney Kings that will, in part, be built on Rod's contribution,' Robilliard said.

Coming off a 1-4 loss, the Sydney Kings next play Wollongong Hawks away at The Sandpit, before their next home game against the New Zealand Breakers at the Kingdome on Sunday December 5, 2010.

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

*****************************************************
  AUSTRIA   


Standings - 2.Bundesliga
2.Bundesliga Standings
East
 1. Mattersb.R. 5-0 
 2. Harreither 4-1 
 3. Mistelbach 4-1 
 4. Modling 4-2 
 5. BC Vienna jrs 3-2 
 6. Fighters 2-4 
 7. Danube City 1-3 
 8. UBBC Enns 1-5 
 9. ATSE Graz 0-6 
West
 1. Dornbirn 5-0 
 2. Klagenfurt 4-2 
 3. Salzburg 3-3 
 4. Schwaz 3-3 
 5. Feldkirch 3-4 
 6. SVO/BRG 0-6 


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  BELGIUM   


Verviers Transfer News - by Peter Buyse
VOO Verviers-Pepinster has added American Russell Carter (196-G-85, college: Notre Dame) to their roster. Carter played college ball at Notre Dame where he finished his career at the end of the 2006-2007 season. His final season stats were 17.0 ppg and 4.9 rpg.
He then moved to Europe where he spent his first season in Italy playing for Serie A team Rieti and in Lega 2 for Sassari. Later in the 2007-2008 season he also played for the D-League's Tulsa 66ers. Came back to Europe at the end of 2008 and played 20 games for Gravelines. Played agian in the D-League this time for the Austin Toros to start the 2009-2010. Later played a couplle of games in Ukraine before heading to South America where he was on the roster of the Bucaneros de la Guairia in Venezuela. His stats in Venezuela were 13.5 ppg and 5.0 rpg.

Charleroi destroys Real Madrid for the first Euroleague win - by Eurobasket News
Charleroi - Real Madrid 67-49

Another failure of Ettore Messina's team. Charleroi destroyed Real Madrid celebrating the first Euroleague win this season. At the same time, Real dropped to 3-2. Brian Greene (204-F-81, college: Colorado St.) came up with 14 points, while Demond Mallet (185-G-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: McNeese St.) (5 rebs, 8 as) and Brent Wright (203-F/C-78, agency: Agency No 10, college: Florida) (8 rebs) scored 11 points each. Visitors got 12 pts and 8 rebs from Felipe Reyes (203-F/C-80). He was their only player with double-digits.
Everything started good for Charleroi, who made 11-6 lead at the beginning. Sergio Lull shined in the finish of the first period and together with his teammates closed the gap to one point. A dunk by Riddick gave Charleroi a 15-12 margin after 10 minutes. The hosts jumped to 22-12 at the beginning of the next frame and they reached plus 12 later. Visitors somehow improved for rest of the time in Q2 and mostly thanks to Nikola Mirotic cut the margin to 33-25, HT. Question about the winner is resolved in Q3 when Charleroi jumped to 42-29. That was not all. Demond Mallet was one fire and after his lay-up and basket by Santiago, the hosts were comfortable 50-35 up (52-37, Q3). Visitors had no chance in the last ten minutes as Charleroi was simply too strong for them. The hosts made 61-41 with six minutes to go and Real was facing with fiasco. At the end it was totally deserved 67-49 for the Belgian champ.
In the next round, Charleroi will meet Unicaja in another home game. Real Madrid will host Olympiakos.

Charleroi: Felipe Reyes 12+8 boards
Real Madrid: Brian Greene 14, Demond Mallet 11+5 boards+8 as, Brent Wright 11+8 boards

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  BELIZE   


We want Semi Pro Basketball back in Belize!!! - by David Magana
First off Id like to say that I love everything the Federation is doing in youth basketball development; its fantastic really, but what do those kids have to look forward to upon reaching adulthood? The senior tournaments are all good and fine but if that is all these kids have to look forward to in Belize basketball, then naturally they wont train as hard upon becoming men. Im not saying they wont play, Id never say that, but it will be out of pure passion and not because basketball is a way to put some food on the table. This is the current state of basketball in Belize, so how do we change this?
There are a few things that need to happen for basketball to progress in Belize and ultimately form a full professional league, not necessarily consisting of millionaires but at least players who can feed their families with the salaries they receive. The first thing that needs to be taken care of, in my opinion, is the basketball courts situation. All FIBA sanctioned tournaments should be played on wooden courts yet I know of only 2 wooden b-ball courts in Belize. But, how do we pay for this, you ask. Well weve been knocking at our governments door for decades and its becoming more and more apparent that, although they claim to love the sport and would want nothing more than to see it played at the highest level right here in Belize, they dont care as much as they say. So, if not the government, what other options do we have?
The private sector is the next feasible medium to get the ball bouncing towards a fully professional league. The trick is not to get the private business owners to invest solely in the Belize Basketball Federation (BBF) but to invest in their own basketball franchises, franchises which keep all their revenues while paying an annual fee to the BBF. So, no longer will an owner need to register and re-register a team year after year while scrambling to find players to fill the roster. Instead the owner will have a franchise in place with players on contract that can be marketed. Right now it might seem farfetched to some but if you look closely it has already started with the Belize Bank Bulldogs. You might say but which business other than Belize Bank is even remotely interested in such a thing? Take a look at the inter-office tournament, they have almost as many teams as the NBA so most definitely the interest is there. In the beginning the league more than likely will only have 3 or 4 teams but do not be discouraged because we need to start somewhere.
I think that the BBF should require that each franchise provide a place for their team to play with a wooden court with, at the very least, a roof over head. If the franchises refuse or are unable to provide this accommodation then they may play at the civic center but the BBF will take the lions share of the profits.
In conclusion, semi-pro basketball in Belize is a definite possibility and should be thoroughly discussed at the BBFs next meeting.

By Malcolm Hyde



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  BOSNIA   


D1: Round 5 review - by Eurobasket News
There is a three-way tie on top of D1 standings after five rounds. Bosna ASA BHT, Capljina Lasta and Borac Nektar all have almost perfect 4-1 record. Mladost is the fourth ranked team at this moment with 3-1 score and one game less than the Top 3.

Capljina - Hercegovac 91-76
Capljina played hosts to Hercegovac and managed to defend their home court. Hosts started off stronger and went on to secure 91-76 win.

Zrinjski - Mladost 92-66
Zrinjski also managed to record win at home in Round 5. They played hosts to Mladost and had no troubles on their way to 92-66 victory.

Brotnjo - Leotar 66-73
Leotar traveled to Brotnjo and had to work hard in order to overcome their hosts. In a closely contested matchup, Leotar players prevailed in the end to secure 66-73 win.

Celik - Sloboda Dita 89-79
Celik and Sloboda Dita played a derby match of Round 5. It was hosts who were better as they rolled onto 89-79 win.

Kakanj - Borac Nektar 72-76
Borac Nektar faced their hosts Kakanj and was in for a long night. It was a close game for the most part, but visitors used final period to secure narrow 72-76 away win in the end.

Varda - Bosna 53-62
Finally, Bosna also played away from home and secured a victory. They faced Varda and were able to celebrate 53-62 win.

D1 Standings
1. Capljina 4-1
2. Bosna 4-1
3. Borac Nektar 4-1
4. Mladost 3-1
5. SL IAT Leotar 3-2
6. Sloboda Dita 3-2
7. Hercegovac 2-2
8. Kakanj 2-2
9. Celik 2-3
10. Zrinjski MC 2-3
11. Brotnjo Citluk 1-4
12. Slavija 0-4
13. Varda 0-4

Standings - BIH League
D1 Standings
 1. Borac Nektar 5-1 
 2. Mladost 4-1 
 3. Bosna 4-1 
 4. Capljina 4-2 
 5. SL IAT Leotar 4-2 
 6. Sloboda Dita 4-2 
 7. Hercegovac 3-2 
 8. Kakanj 2-3 
 9. Celik 2-4 
 10. Zrinjski MC 2-4 
 11. Slavija 1-4 
 12. Brotnjo Citluk 1-5 
 13. Varda 0-5 
Will join on later stage:
 1. Igokea - 
 2. Siroki TT - 


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  BRAZIL   


Vitoria sign young PG - by Paulo Freire
The Vitoria basketball team has agreed with a new young point guard, Gustavo Henrique de Araujo Gomes, more knowing as Gutt.

Gustavo was selected to the Brazilian University National Team that won the title in the 1st Pan American Games World University Basketball, competition that was held in Salvador (BA) last August, 2010.

At 23 years old (22/04/1989), Gustavo played at Franca, Saldanha da Gama and was with Jacarai Basketball from Sao Paulo, a second division team. Gustavo will be a back up point guard in Vitoria.

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  CROATIA   


First joy for Lietuvos Rytas, Cibona stays winless - by Eurobasket News
Lietuvos Rytas - Cibona 90-62

With Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland) in the roster, Lietuvos Rytas blasted Cibona 90-62 for the first Euroleague win this season. Khalid El-Amin (178-G-79, agency: Beo Basket, college: Connecticut) top-scored in victory with 19 points and Martynas Gecevicius (193-G-88) added two less than him. Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92) helped the hosts with 15 points and 9 boards. In Cibona (0-5), Bojan Bogdanovic (202-G/F-89) delivered 19 points and Goran Vrbanc (194-G-84) stopped to 15.
Lietuvos Rytas dominated in this game from the very beginning. They made 16-11 lead in the first couple of minutes and later closed the first period with 23-12 lead. Khalid El-Amin capped off with a beautiful penetration layup in the Rytas last possession. Cibona was not able to respond in the second period, but at the same time their deficit did not increase. In the finish of the first half, they somehow cut the margin to 38-29. The hosts exploded after the breather making impressive 18-4 run. They finished Q3 later with 61-38 and question about the winner was resolved. Rytas had 76-40 at the beginning of Q4 and everything after that was just the formality. Aleksandar Trifunovic decided it was time to give the home fans an added reason to cheer, as Jacikevicius entered the game with 5:59 remaining.
In the next round, Lietuvos Rytas will meet Fenerbahce Ulker in another home game. Cibona will host Regal Barca.

Lietuvos Rytas: Khalid El-Amin 19+5 as, Martynas Gecevicius 17, Jonas Valanciunas 15+9 boards
Cibona: Bojan Bogdanovic 19, Goran Vrbanc 15

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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


Landry's a double-double lands him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
24-year old forward Kyle Landry (206-F-86) put on an amazing game in the last round for second-ranked BK Prostejov and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 10.
He had a double-double of 22 points and 11 rebounds, while his team crushed BC Kolin (#7, 4-5) with 19-point margin 83-64. BK Prostejov maintains the 2nd position in Czech Republic league. They are still close to the very top. BK Prostejov would have been even better if they kept winning the games like in the last round. They have a solid 8-1 record. It's Landry's second year at BK Prostejov and it's hard to imagine this team without him. Northern Arizona University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Landry is in league's top in points (2nd best: 16.3ppg), rebounds (3rd best: 8.9rpg) and averages solid 55.0% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Jakub Blazek (203-F-80) of BK Breda & Weinstein Opava. He is a forward in his 3rd season at B&W Opava. In the last game Blazek recorded impressive double-double of 23 points and 10 rebounds. Of course he lead B&W Opava to another comfortable win 64-51 over Plzen (#11, 0-9) being unquestionably team leader. B&W Opava's 6th position in the standings has not changed. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 4-5 record. Blazek is one of the most experienced players at B&W Opava and has a reputation of the team's most reliable player. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 14.6ppg (#6). He also registered 7.6 boards per game.

Third place about best performers goes to guard Emmanuel Holloway (188-G-86) of Basketbol Brno (#9). Holloway scored 19 points and passed five assists. He was a key player of Basketbol Brno, leading his team to a 88-56 easy win against slightly lower-ranked Svitavy (#10, 1-8). The chances of Basketbol Brno not to end season on such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 7 games, recording just three victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Holloway could try to bring Basketbol Brno's a little bit higher in the standings. Holloway has a very solid season. In 9 games in Czech Republic he scored 12.1ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Alton Mason (190-G-77) of NH Ostrava - 15 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Pavel Frana (212-C-77) of Plzen - 15 points and 13 rebounds
6. Petr Bohacik (202-F-85) of BK Pardubice - 21 points and 5 rebounds
7. Boris Meno (203-F-83) of Basketbol Brno - 12 points and 16 rebounds
8. Pavel Novak (199-F-83) of Plzen - 9 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Radoslaw Hyzy (203-F-77) of BK Prostejov - 16 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists
10. Radim Kramny (212-C-85) of Svitavy - 13 points and 14 rebounds

*****************************************************
  D-LEAGUE   


Energy release five, roster set - by Eurobasket News
The Iowa Energy have waived guards Stefhon Hannah (6'1''-G-85, college: Missouri), Kammron Taylor (6'2''-G-84, agency: Edge Sports, college: Wisconsin), Jason Bohannon (6'2''-G-87, agency: N.E.T.), David Nurse (6'3''-G-87, college: UMKC) and forward Kendrick Price (6'8''-F-86, college: Michigan). The roster now stands at 10 players, including Phoenix Suns assignee Gani Lawal.

Following is the list of players remaining on the training camp roster:

Name Pos Ht From

Curtis Stinson G 6'3 Iowa State

Kyle Weaver G 6'5 Washington State

Chris Lofton G 6'2 Tennessee

Shyron Ely G 6'4 Evansville

Michael Haynes F 6'7 Fordham

Scott Vandermeer C 7'1 Illinois-Chicago

Connor Atchley F 6'10 Texas

Gani Lawal* F 6'9 Georgia Tech (Phoenix Suns Assignee)

Courtney Sims F/C 6'11 Michigan

Othyus Jeffers G/F 6'5 Robert Morris (IL)

* - Rookie

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

More cuts - by Eurobasket News
The defending NBA Development League champion Rio Grande Valley Vipers announced Wednesday that they have finalized their opening night roster follow the waiving of guard/forward Ramon Harris (6'7''-F-88).

The Erie BayHawks set their 10-man roster today in preparation for the start of the season by waiving three players: Maureece Rice (6'1''-G-84, college: George Washington), David Gomez (6'7''-F-85, college: Tulane) and Charlie Parker (6'4''-G-85, college: Millersville). Rice is being released due to injury, giving the BayHawks the first right of refusal to sign him upon getting a clean bill of health.

The Sioux Falls Skyforce waived guard Ralphy Holmes (6'4''-G-79, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) and forwards John Millsap (6'6''-F-82, college: UTSA) and Brandon Smith today. The active roster now stands at 11 players.

Standings
D-League Standings
Central Division
 1. Dakota W. 0-0 
 2. Erie Bay H. 0-0 
 3. Ft.Wayne MA 0-0 
 4. Iowa E. 0-0 
 5. Sioux Falls S. 0-0 
Southwest Division
 1. Austin T. 0-0 
 2. Maine RC 0-0 
 3. New Mexico 0-0 
 4. Rio Grande 0-0 
 5. Texas L. 0-0 
 6. Tulsa 66ers 0-0 
West Division
 1. Bakersfield J. 0-0 
 2. Idaho S. 0-0 
 3. Reno Bighorns 0-0 
 4. Springfield A. 0-0 
 5. Utah F. 0-0 


McCants due to join Texas Legends soon - by Eurobasket News
Apparently, the long-running uncertainty regarding Rashad McCants (6'4''-G/F-84, college: N.Carolina) is close to a resolution.

Donnie Nelson, co-owner of the Texas Legends, said the former NBA first-round pick is supposed to join the team in the next couple of days.

He will quickly be placed in the starting lineup, Nelson said, along with Antonio McDaniels, Reece Gaines and Sean Williams, making the Frisco D-League team rich in NBA experience with four players who have competed in the big league.

The Legends have their fan jam tonight and open the regular season Thursday at the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

Courtesy of http://sportsblogs.star-telegram.com

*****************************************************
  ESTONIA   


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Rannar RAAP
  Parnu
  (187-G/F-92)
  Avg: 19.9
 1. Raap, Parnu19.9 
 2. Brown, Va.19.1 
 3. Erm, Rapla18.1 
 4. Saage, Rakvere17.7 
 5. Vares, Va.16.4 
 6. Kuuba, Voru KK15.2 
 7. Raadik, Parnu15.0 
 8. Pokla, Rakvere15.0 
 9. Tamsalu, Parnu14.8 
 10. Kurg, TT.14.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Anthony BROWN
  Valga/CKE
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 11.9
 1. Brown, Va.11.9 
 2. Kuuba, Voru KK10.0 
 3. Arnold, TT.9.0 
 4. Eziukwu, TU/Rock8.9 
 5. Pokla, Rakvere8.8 
 6. Ringmets, Rapla8.7 
 7. Osby, TT.8.3 
 8. Erm, Rapla8.2 
 9. Hughes, TT.7.8 
 10. Raadik, Parnu7.2 
Assists Per Game
 Georgi TSINTSADZE
  TU/Rock
  (192-G-86)
  Avg: 3.8
 1. Tsintsadze, TU/Rock3.8 
 2. Tamm, Kalev/Cramo3.4 
 3. Dorbek, Rakvere3.4 
 4. Sokk, TU/Rock3.4 
 5. Sokk, Kalev/Cramo3.3 
 6. Winston, Va.3.2 
 7. Oja, Va.3.1 
 8. Archibald, TT.3.1 
 9. Ringmets, Rapla3.0 
 10. Karner, Parnu3.0 
Steals Per Game
 Rait-Riivo LAANE
  Rapla
  (180-G-93)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Laane, Rapla2.8 
 2. Leppik, TU/Rock2.7 
 3. Dorbek, Rakvere2.4 
 4. Doronin, TU/Rock2.4 
 5. Keedus, TT.2.3 
 6. Veideman, TU/Rock2.3 
 7. Erm, Rapla2.2 
 8. Saage, Rakvere2.1 
 9. Raap, Parnu2.1 
 10. Karner, Parnu2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Callistus EZIUKWU
  TU/Rock
  (208-F/C-85)
  Avg: 2
 1. Eziukwu, TU/Rock2.0 
 2. Osby, TT.1.6 
 3. Brown, Va.1.2 
 4. Arnold, TT.1.1 
 5. Toome, Kalev/Cramo0.8 
 6. Talts, TU/Rock0.8 
 7. Montgomery, Rapla0.8 
 8. Saarmets, TTU/K.0.7 
 9. McGee, Rakvere0.7 
 10. Veski, Rakvere0.6 


Standings - 1.Liiga
1.Liiga Standings
Group A
 1. Kohila SK 7-0 
 2. TU/Rock II 5-2 
 3. Marcus 3-5 
 4. Paide Viking 2-4 
 5. TTU SK 2-4 
 6. Noortekoondis 1-5 
Group B
 1. Filmipood.ee 6-0 
 2. JAVICAR SWE-7 4-2 
 3. Parnu 2-4 
 4. Scanweld/EN 2-4 
 5. KK Rapina 1-5 
Group C
 1. KK Hito 6-2 
 2. Rapla KK 5-2 
 3. Elion/Corle 3-4 
 4. Tamsalu 3-4 
 5. Kalev II 3-5 
 6. Swedbank 2-5 


*****************************************************
  EUROCHALLENGE   


EuroChallenge best performance: Zvonko Buljan - by Eurobasket News
Croatian forward Zvonko Buljan (206-F-87) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Cytavision Apoel Nicosia, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 1.
The 23-year old player had a double-double of 24 points and 16 rebounds, while his team outclassed, the league's worst team Etha (#41, 0-1) with 27-point margin 86-59. The game rather meaningless between the teams, which do not have any influence on the top of the standings. Thanks to this victory APOEL moved-up to the 39th position in the EuroChallenge 3G. But it's just the very beginning of the season and APOEL won just one (their first) game. It's too early to say anything as the standings can be changed completely after next round. In the team's last game Buljan had a remarkable 64.3% from 2-point range. He turned to be APOEL's top player in his first season with the team. Former Texas Christian University star has very solid stats this year. Buljan leads league in rebounds with 16.0rpg. Buljan is in league's top in and averages impressive 64.3% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 30-year old American Troy Bell (186-G-80) of Entente Orleans 45. Bell had a very good evening with 28 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. It was enough for Orleans to edge M.Hainaut (0-1) 82-76. His team has extremely good start of the season. They won their first game. However the season is at the beginning, so everything can happen. They still may lose their high position in the standings. Bell is a newcomer at Orleans, but is already the team's top player.

Third on the list of top players last round was American forward Christopher Booker (208-F/C-81, agency: Lanshire Group) of Krka Novo Mesto (#34). Booker scored 21 points and grabbed twelve rebounds (!!!). Despite Booker's great performance Krka lost 77-89 to BK Prostejov (#31, 1-0). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. Krka can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have awful season losing so far all 1 games. Too bad for Booker he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. The season just started for Booker as he played only first game. But it already looks like he can be team's leader.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Jakov Vladovic (186-G-83) of Zadar - 13 points, 6 rebounds and 11 assists
5. Rashad Anderson (195-G/F-83) of Ventspils - 27 points and 8 rebounds
6. Dijon Thompson (201-G/F-83) of Spartak SP - 21 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Mohammed Abukar (208-F-85) of Lugano Tigers - 26 points and 6 rebounds
8. Michael Efevberha (196-G-84) of Lugano Tigers - 18 points and 9 rebounds
9. Ben Woodside (180-G-85) of Gravelines - 23 points and 5 rebounds
10. Brandon Brown (202-F-81) of Zadar - 20 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists

*****************************************************
  EUROCUP   


Asvel Basket relived head coach Vincent Collet of his duties - by Emiliano
ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne Basket relived head coach Vincent Collet of his duties at the club, Asvel basket chairmen Gilles Moretton announced on Wednesday. The move comes one day after the team lost its Eurocup opener at home against BG Goettingen. Collet was in his third season with the team. He led Asvel to the French championship in 2009 and an appearance in the Euroleague last season. This season did not go as well as Asvel started the season 2-4 in the French League and now with a loss in the Eurocup. Collet is also the head coach of the French national team.

Courtesy of Eurocupbasketball.com

EuroCup Action: Gas Terra Flames Lose A Heartbreaker - by Sanders Jackson
Tuesday night in the Martiniplaza in Game #1 of EuroCup action, the defending Dutch champion GasTerra Flames Groningen had throughout the game their Turkish opponent Galatasaray Cafecrown Istanbul on the ropes before the guests made piece by piece a run, before taking over the last two minutes of the game to send Gas Terra Flames to a heartbreaking 66-65 loss. The Flames led for the first 38 minutes of the game, including at one point in the first half by as much as 14 pts., had to make do without PG Robby Bostain (194-G/F-84, college: Furman), who was injured. Flames sniper Steve Ross (201-G/F-80, agency: Court Side, college: Santa Clara) was the shot in the arm for Donar, leading 22-11 at the end of the 1st quarter. The Turkish team would fight back into the game but Donar still led by 8 pts. heading into the last quarter. Galatasaray Cafecrown Istanbul went into a 2-3 zone that paid dividends, leading to four Donar turnovers and had a 7 minute scoring drought, giving them the opening they needed. From there it would come down to free throw shooting, with the guests converting them and Donar not. Within the last seconds and Donar leading 65-64, Matt Bauscher (188-G-85, agency: 540 Sports, college: Boise St.) missed two free throws and on the ensuing play Galatasaray Cafecrown Istanbul guard and Syracuse grad Preston Shumpert would get fouled, and with 4 seconds remaining Shumpert would convert both free throws to give Galatarsaray the lead. In the last seconds Ross would have an open three-point look, but his shot attempt would rim out. Ross led the Flames with 15 pts., including four threes.

Marko Popovic gets MVP of the Week award for Eurocup - by Eurobasket News
Croatian Marko Popovic (185-G-82) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's second-best Unics Kazan and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 1.
The 28-year old guard got a double-double of 23 points and ten assists, while his team crushed, the league's worst team EWE Baskets (#3, 0-1) with 17-point margin 89-72. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. Despite this victory Unics dropped to the 2nd position in Eurocup 2F. But it's just the very beginning of the season and Unics won just one (their first) game. It's too early to say anything as the standings can be changed completely after next round. In the team's last game Popovic had a remarkable four three-pointers out of 7 attempts. It's his second year at Unics and it's hard to imagine this team without him. S.Idaho JC graduate has very impressive stats this year. Popovic. Popovic is in league's top in points (8th best: 23.0ppg) and averages solid 57.1% from behind 3-point line.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 25-year old American forward P.J. Tucker (198-F-85) of Aris Thessaloniki. Tucker impressed basketball fans with 28 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Of course he lead Aris to another comfortable win 88-75 over Azovmash (0-1) being unquestionably team leader. His team has extremely good start of the season. They won their first game. However the season is at the beginning, so everything can happen. They still may lose their high position in the standings. Tucker is a newcomer at Aris and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become team's real leader. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 24.0ppg (#4). He also registered 10.7 boards per game.

The third best performed player last round was Russian Lazaros Papadopoulos (210-C-80) of PAOK Thessaloniki (#23). Papadopoulos showcased his all-around game by recording 24 points, seventeen rebounds (!!!) and four assists in the last round. Despite Papadopoulos' great performance PAOK lost 77-88 to Estudiantes (#22, 1-0). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. PAOK can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have awful season losing so far all 1 games. Too bad for Papadopoulos he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. The season just started for Papadopoulos as he played only first game. But it already looks like he can be team's leader.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Marko Scekic (207-F-81) of Buducnost - 22 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Milan Macvan (205-F-89) of Hemofarm - 17 points, 15 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Andrew James Ogilvy (211-C-88) of Besiktas - 20 points, 12 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Corsley Edwards (206-C/F-79) of Cedevita - 14 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Matt Walsh (197-F/G-82) of ASVEL - 30 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists
9. Marko Simonovic (202-F-86) of Buducnost - 23 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Ramel Curry (191-G-80) of Azovmash - 22 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists

*****************************************************
  EUROLEAGUE   


Round 5: Wednesday's games review - by Eurobasket News
Group A
Partizan - Caja Laboral 74-71
Partizan outplayed Caja Laboral thanks to great run in the last five minutes. James Gist (203-F-86) stepped up for the hosts with double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds. Nathan Jawai (207-C-86, college: Midland CC) (8 rebs) and Dusan Kecman (197-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) added 13 and 12 points respectively. For the Spanish champion, Stanko Barac (217-C-86) collected 17 points and 6 rebs. Fernando San Emeterio (198-G/F-84) and David Logan (184-G-82, college: Indianapolis) stopped to 14 pts each. Both teams had 2-2 record before this meeting.
Caja Laboral opened the game in style making 9-16 lead in the first five minutes. They later closed Q1 with 18-25 and were looking great. However, Partizan improved in the second period and they came to 31-33 after corner triple by Petar Bozic. Few moments later, James Gist made it from behind the arc and visitors were forced to call a time out. Despite that, Caja Laboral was not able to avoid 4-point deficit at the break, 42-38. Visitors opened the second half with 4-10 run, but Partizan tied the score to 50-50 soon after that. Teams went to the last ten minutes with 56-56 and everything was open. Than, Stanko Barac and his teammates exploded and they made 2-13 run, which seemed crucial at that time. However, the hosts didnt give up and mostly owing to James Gist and Dusan Kecman they closed this meeting with impressive 16-2, what was enough for third Euroleague victory of the season.
In the next round, Partizan will host Zalgiris. Caja Laboral goes to Tel-Aviv.

Group B
Charleroi - Real Madrid 67-49
Another failure of Ettore Messina's team. Charleroi destroyed Real Madrid celebrating the first Euroleague win this season. At the same time, Real dropped to 3-2. Brian Greene (204-F-81, college: Colorado St.) came up with 14 points, while Demond Mallet (185-G-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: McNeese St.) (5 rebs, 8 as) and Brent Wright (203-F/C-78, agency: Agency No 10, college: Florida) (8 rebs) scored 11 points each. Visitors got 12 pts and 8 rebs from Felipe Reyes (203-F/C-80). He was their only player with double-digits.
Everything started good for Charleroi, who made 11-6 lead at the beginning. Sergio Lull shined in the finish of the first period and together with his teammates closed the gap to one point. A dunk by Riddick gave Charleroi a 15-12 margin after 10 minutes. The hosts jumped to 22-12 at the beginning of the next frame and they reached plus 12 later. Visitors somehow improved for rest of the time in Q2 and mostly thanks to Nikola Mirotic cut the margin to 33-25, HT. Question about the winner is resolved in Q3 when Charleroi jumped to 42-29. That was not all. Demond Mallet was one fire and after his lay-up and basket by Santiago, the hosts were comfortable 50-35 up (52-37, Q3). Visitors had no chance in the last ten minutes as Charleroi was simply too strong for them. The hosts made 61-41 with six minutes to go and Real was facing with fiasco. At the end it was totally deserved 67-49 for the Belgian champ.
In the next round, Charleroi will meet Unicaja in another home game. Real Madrid will host Olympiakos.

Lottomatica - Olympiakos 71-86
Olympiakos cruised past Lottomatica in Rome for 4-1 record in Group B. Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) shined for the Greeks with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Milos Teodosic (195-G-87) added 15 pts and 7 assists, while Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) helped with 14 pts. In Lottomatica (2-3), Andrea Crosariol (212-C-84, college: Fairleigh Dickinson) had 17 points and 6 rebs. Joshua Heytvelt (211-F-86, college: Gonzaga) had 13 points and 7 rebs and was the last one with double-digits in scoring.
Olympiakos had better start making 6-13 lead. Lottomatica replied with 10-5, but mostly owing to Mavrokefalides the Reds closed Q1 with 18-24. Second quarter was the crucial one as Olympiakos totally took control on their rival. They quickly jumped to plus 9 and later Bourousis and Halperin knocked down back-to-back long balls as the Olympiacos advantage extended to 14 points, 25-39 midway through the second quarter. Lottomatica came just one point closer for rest of the first half, 40-53. Nothing has changed after the breather as there was just one team playing on the court and it was Olympiakos. They managed to keep plus 13 before the last ten minutes, 55-68. The biggest 19-point lead Olympiakos reached after triple by Marko Keselj at the halfway of Q4 and all after that was just the formality.
In the next round, Olympiakos goes to Madrid. Lottomatica will meet Brose Baskets in Bamberg.

Group C
Lietuvos Rytas - Cibona 90-62
With Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland) in the roster, Lietuvos Rytas blasted Cibona 90-62 for the first Euroleague win this season. Khalid El-Amin (178-G-79, agency: Beo Basket, college: Connecticut) top-scored in victory with 19 points and Martynas Gecevicius (193-G-88) added two less than him. Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92) helped the hosts with 15 points and 9 boards. In Cibona (0-5), Bojan Bogdanovic (202-G/F-89) delivered 19 points and Goran Vrbanc (194-G-84) stopped to 15.
Lietuvos Rytas dominated in this game from the very beginning. They made 16-11 lead in the first couple of minutes and later closed the first period with 23-12 lead. Khalid El-Amin capped off with a beautiful penetration layup in the Rytas last possession. Cibona was not able to respond in the second period, but at the same time their deficit did not increase. In the finish of the first half, they somehow cut the margin to 38-29. The hosts exploded after the breather making impressive 18-4 run. They finished Q3 later with 61-38 and question about the winner was resolved. Rytas had 76-40 at the beginning of Q4 and everything after that was just the formality. Aleksandar Trifunovic decided it was time to give the home fans an added reason to cheer, as Jacikevicius entered the game with 5:59 remaining.
In the next round, Lietuvos Rytas will meet Fenerbahce Ulker in another home game. Cibona will host Regal Barca.

Cholet - Fener.Ulker 82-78
Cholet crushed Fenerbahce Ulker handing them first loss of the season. Sammy Mejia (198-G-83, college: De Paul) was a key player for the hosts with 29 points and 5 rebounds. He reached valuation 35. Antywane Robinson (203-F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Temple) had 14 points and 7 boards, while DeMarcus Nelson (193-G-85, agency: ZAG Advocates, college: Duke) helped the hosts with 12 points. In Fenerbahce Ulker, Roko-Leni Ukic (195-G-84) (6 rebs) and Tarence Kinsey (200-G-84, college: S.Carolina) netted 15 points each. Emir Preldzic (206-F-87, agency: Beo Basket) had 12 points. Cholet 3-2, Fener 4-1.
Fenerbahce Ulker took control on Cholet at the very beginning and mostly owing to Tomas, Ukic and Lavrinovic they made 6-11 lead. The hosts tied the score to 12-12 few moments later, but still Fener finished Q1 with 20-24. They had plus six, before Sammy Mejia scored for Cholet. The hosts drastically improved in the second frame. This time it was Vule Avdalovic who shined and together with Leonard and Mejia created 10-0 run. Marquis muscled his way for a basket and a 9-point edge, but Lavrinovic got 2 from the line to make it 41-34 at the break. Cholet was strong after the breather and didnt allow Fenerbahce to come closer. They constantly were 7-8 points in charge and later ended Q3 with 60-52. Visitors threatened in the finish as they came to 79-75 with 1:19 to go. Almost one minute later, Fener came to 76-72 after basket by Roko-Leni Ukic. Sammy Mejia grabbed the ball and got fouled after what he drained two FTs. Fenerbahce Ulker missed in their last attempts and Cholet celebrated third straight Euroleague win.
In the next round, Cholet will host Montepaschi Siena. Fenerbace Ulker goes to Vilnius.

Montepaschi - Regal Barca 76-67
Montepaschi was better than the reigning Euroleague champion getting 21 points from PG Bo Lester McCalebb (183-G-85, college: New Orleans). Milovan Rakovic (208-C-85) secured a nice help with 13 pts and Ksistof Lavrinovic (210-C-79) added 11 points, plus 6 boards. Pete Mickeal (199-F-78, college: Cincinnati) and Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) had 15 pts each on the other side. Montepaschi improved to 4-1, Barca dropped to 3-2 in Group C.
Montepaschi started the game with 9-4 and they later made 15-8 lead. In the finish of Q1, the hosts jumped to plus 10 but Regal Barca managed to close this period with quick 0-7 run for minus three, 26-23 Q1. Second frame was pretty leveled with Siena holding its 3-point lead. Thus, after 20 minutes of play the hosts had 43-40. Erazem Lorbek and Milovan Rakovic traded baskets to start the third period for both teams, and David Moss stepped in to hit the first two free throws of the second half for 47-43. Thanks to 9-2 run which they made later, Bo Lester McCalebb and his teammates jumped to 54-45. They managed to keep plus 9 for rest of the time in Q3 heading into the last ten minutes with 64-55. Zisis and Carraretto paced the hosts to 68-55 and Barca called a time out. Nothing has changed after that and Montepaschi earned plus 15 with four minutes to go. They had not troubles to keep their lead and to celebrate fourth Euroleague win.
In the next round, Montepaschi will meet Cholet on the road. Regal Barca goes to Zagreb to meet Cibona.

Group D
Union Olimpija - Valencia 72-68
Union Olimpija outplayed Valencia 72-68 for almost perfect 4-1 record in Group D. At the same time, visitors dropped to 1-4. Kevinn Pinkney (207-F-83, college: Nevada) stepped up for the hosts with 14 points and 6 rebounds, while Goran Jagodnik (203-F-74, agency: Beo Basket) added 12 points and 6 boards. In Valencia, Nando De Colo (202-G-87) collected 16 points and 6 rebs. Omar-Sharif Cook (186-G-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.John's) netted 13 pts for the guests, who were led by interim coach Chechu Mulero. New head coach Svetislav Pesic was due to travel back with the team to Valencia after the game.
Union Olimpija opened the game with 9-8, but than visitors started to play much better making 4-13 run. Thus, after ten minutes they were 13-21 up and were looking good. Olimpija replied with 7-0 at the beginning of Q2 and for rest of the period jumped to 35-32. The hosts made plus five after the breather and Valencia came to 46-45 soon after that. Thanks to triple by Salin, Olimpija was 54-50 ahead after 30 minutes. Game winner is decided in the finish. Olimpija entered to last 33 seconds with 70-68, after Omar-Sharif Cook made a basket for Valencia. He scored ten straight points in the last two minutes. Ilievski missed a triple for Oilimpija and visitors had a chance. However, Nando De Colo committed a turnover and Ilievski was sent to the line. He made it both times sealing the home victory for his team.
In the next round, Union Olimpija goes to Istanbul to meet Efes Pilsen. Valencia will host Panathinaikos.

Standings
Euroleague Standings
Group A
 1. Maccabi T-A 4-1 
 2. Zalgiris 4-1 
 3. Partizan 3-2 
 4. Khimky 2-3 
 5. Caja Laboral 2-3 
 6. Assec.Prokom 0-5 
Group B
 1. Olympiakos 4-1 
 2. Real Madrid 3-2 
 3. Unicaja 3-2 
 4. Lottomatica 2-3 
 5. Brose Baskets 2-3 
 6. Charleroi 1-4 
Group C
 1. Fener.Ulker 4-1 
 2. Montepaschi 4-1 
 3. Regal Barca 3-2 
 4. Cholet 3-2 
 5. Lietuvos Rytas 1-4 
 6. Cibona 0-5 
Group D
 1. Panathinaikos 4-1 
 2. U.Olimpija 4-1 
 3. Efes Pilsen 3-2 
 4. Armani MI 2-3 
 5. Valencia 1-4 
 6. CSKA 1-4 


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Angel D. VASSALLO
  ASVEL
  (198-G/F-86)
  Avg: 21
 1. Vassallo, AS.21.0 
 2. Macvan, Hemofarm20.8 
 3. Lampe, Unics19.5 
 4. Rakocevic, Efes P.18.4 
 5. Jenkins, ALBA16.8 
 6. Bogdanovic, Cibona16.2 
 7. Mejia, Cholet15.8 
 8. Pinkney, Union O.15.8 
 9. McCalebb, Montepas.15.8 
 10. Allen, ALBA15.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Randal FALKER
  Cholet
  (201-F-85)
  Avg: 8.5
 1. Falker, Cholet8.5 
 2. Jankunas, Zalgiris8.2 
 3. Tomic, Real Madrid7.6 
 4. Jefferson, AS.7.3 
 5. Bourousis, Olympiakos7.2 
 6. Zizic, AS.7.0 
 7. Barac, Caja Laboral7.0 
 8. Lampe, Unics6.8 
 9. Crosariol, Lottomat.6.6 
 10. Borisov, Hemofarm6.5 
Assists Per Game
 Milos TEODOSIC
  Olympiakos
  (195-G-87)
  Avg: 5.8
 1. Teodosic, Olympiakos5.8 
 2. Spanoulis, Olympiakos5.6 
 3. Popovic, Unics5.5 
 4. Huertas, Caja L.4.8 
 5. Hammonds, AS.4.8 
 6. Rodriguez, Unicaja4.6 
 7. Gordon, CSKA4.6 
 8. Diamantidis, Panath.4.6 
 9. Finley, Armani MI4.4 
 10. Stipcevic, Cibona4.4 
Steals Per Game
 Chuck EIDSON
  Maccabi T-A
  (201-F/G-80)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. Eidson, Maccabi .3.2 
 2. McCalebb, Montepas.3.0 
 3. Perkins, Maccabi .2.6 
 4. Diamantidis, Panath.2.4 
 5. Goldsberry, Brose B.2.3 
 6. Diot, Le Mans2.2 
 7. Ilievski, Union O.2.2 
 8. Hawkins, Armani MI2.0 
 9. Stonerook, Montepas.2.0 
 10. Moss, Montepaschi2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Mirza BEGIC
  Zalgiris
  (216-C-85)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Begic, Zalgiris2.6 
 2. Riddick, Charleroi2.1 
 3. Falker, Cholet1.8 
 4. Hines, Brose B.1.6 
 5. Lishchuk, Valencia1.4 
 6. Bozovic, Hemofarm1.3 
 7. Macvan, Hemofarm1.3 
 8. Lima, Unicaja1.3 
 9. Vranes, Unics1.3 
 10. Eze, Khimky1.2 


*****************************************************
  FINLAND   


Standings - Korisliiga
Korisliiga Standings
 1. KTP 13-1 
 2. Kataja 10-4 
 3. Pyrinto 9-4 
 4. Karhu 8-5 
 5. Honka 8-5 
 6. Kouvot 7-7 
 7. Korihait 7-7 
 8. Namika Lahti 6-8 
 9. ToPo 6-8 
 10. Salon Vilpas 4-10 
 11. LrNMKY 3-10 
 12. Tarmo 1-13 


Stats Leaders - Korisliiga
Points Per Game
 Jonathan HEARD
  Tarmo
  (198-G/F-86)
  Avg: 21.6
 1. Heard, Tarmo21.6 
 2. Wilson, Honka20.3 
 3. Bailey, LrNM.19.8 
 4. Barrett, KTP19.4 
 5. Harris, Salon Vilpas19.0 
 6. Ivey, KTP19.0 
 7. Allen, Karhu18.2 
 8. Moore, LrNM.18.0 
 9. Wood, Karhu17.4 
 10. Mathis, Namika Lahti17.1 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jeremiah WOOD
  Karhu
  (200-F-85)
  Avg: 14.5
 1. Wood, Karhu14.5 
 2. Young, Tarmo11.4 
 3. Vinson, Kouvot10.6 
 4. Kaunisto, Kouvot10.6 
 5. Doaks, Salon Vilpas10.6 
 6. Mathis, Namika Lahti9.9 
 7. Belser, Honka9.7 
 8. Williams, Pyrinto9.2 
 9. Wright, Korihait8.9 
 10. Fells, Kataja8.8 
Assists Per Game
 Dijuan HARRIS
  Salon Vilpas
  (175-G-86)
  Avg: 4.4
 1. Harris, Salon Vilpas4.4 
 2. Virtanen, Kataja4.3 
 3. Williams, Pyrinto4.3 
 4. Moore, LrNM.4.2 
 5. Wood, Karhu3.7 
 6. Kataja, Salon Vilpas3.6 
 7. Sarcevic, Korihait3.6 
 8. Ivey, KTP3.3 
 9. Vuori, Namika Lahti3.0 
 10. Fields, KTP3.0 
Steals Per Game
 Jerald FIELDS
  KTP
  (201-F-82)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Fields, KTP2.3 
 2. Sarcevic, Korihait2.2 
 3. Wood, Karhu2.0 
 4. Fells, Kataja1.8 
 5. Williams, Pyrinto1.8 
 6. Belser, Honka1.8 
 7. Barrett, KTP1.8 
 8. Newson, Kataja1.7 
 9. Conerly, Tarmo1.7 
 10. Wilson, Salon Vilpas1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Justice GRAHAM
  ToPo
  (195-G-79)
  Avg: 1.3
 1. Graham, ToPo1.3 
 2. Heard, Tarmo1.3 
 3. Reaves, Korihait1.0 
 4. Moore, LrNM.0.8 
 5. Belser, Honka0.8 
 6. Bailey, LrNM.0.8 
 7. Wood, Karhu0.8 
 8. Viita, Kataja0.8 
 9. Latimer, Namika Lahti0.7 
 10. Young, Tarmo0.7 


Korisliiga Round 14: Kataja rolls over ToPo by 23 points - by Eurobasket News
Korisliiga round 14 biggest difference game was a victory of Kataja over 8th ranked ToPo 95-72. American swingman Jared Newson (195-84, college: Tennessee-Martin, agent: Side Court) orchestrated the victory with double-double 19 points and 14 rebounds. International guard Petri Virtanen (183-80) contributed with 11 points and 12 assists for the winners. Coach Jukka Toijala used 11-player rotation giving the chance to rest for starting five. Forward Timo Heinonen (198-81) replied with 22 points for ToPo. Kataja has an impressive series of five victories in a row. They did not change their second position in the standings. ToPo dropped to the eighth place with 6-8 record. They have the same record like Namika Lahti. Kataja are looking forward to the next round to face Pyrinto (#3) in Tampere. ToPo will play at home against Salon Vilpas (#10) hoping to prove their fans that it was just an accident.
Another interesting game was between KTP (13-1) which hosted in Kotka Tarmo (1-13). First ranked KTP had an easy defeat 95-81. American forward Jerald Fields (201-82, college: E.Tenn.St., agent: Chris Kupcunas) scored 33 points (!!!) and 9 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Jeb Ivey helped with 15 points. American guard Aubrey Conerly (182-83, college: Jacksonville) responded with 26 points and 4 assists (made all of his eight free throws !!!). Both coaches used bench players saving starting five for next games. KTP has an impressive series of nine victories in a row. They of course still keep top position in the standings. Tarmo dropped to the twelfth place. KTP's next round game will be against Namika Lahti (#8) on the road which should be an easy walk for them. Tarmo will play against Honka (#5) to get more than just one victory in their record.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 14: Korihait was beaten by Honka on the road 78-84. LrNMKY lost to Kouvot at it's own court 62-73. Namika Lahti unfortunately lost to Salon Vilpas in a road game 66-71.


KTP - Tarmo 95-81

Another interesting game was between KTP (13-1) which hosted in Kotka Tarmo (1-13). First ranked KTP had an easy defeat 95-81. American forward Jerald Fields (201-82, college: E.Tenn.St., agent: Chris Kupcunas) scored 33 points (!!!) and 9 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and his countryman guard Jeb Ivey (190-80, college: Portland St.) helped with 15 points. American guard Aubrey Conerly (182-83, college: Jacksonville) responded with 26 points and 4 assists (made all of his eight free throws !!!) and American swingman Jonathan Heard (198-86) with double-double 16 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Both coaches used bench players saving starting five for next games. KTP has an impressive series of nine victories in a row. They of course still keep top position in the standings. Tarmo dropped to the twelfth place. KTP's next round game will be against Namika Lahti (#8) on the road which should be an easy walk for them. Tarmo will play against Honka (#5) to get more than just one victory in their record.
Top scorers:
KTP Basket Kotka: J.Fields 33+9reb+2ast, J.Ivey 15+1reb+3ast, J.Lehtoranta 9+3reb, V.Lind 9+7reb+1ast, M.Holme 7+2reb+1ast, J.Lehtoranta 6+1reb+1ast
Porvoon Tarmo: A.Conerly 26+3reb+4ast, J.Heard 16+11reb+4ast, E.Maki-Tulokas 13+5reb+4ast, J.Young 10+8reb, J.Petteri Mantyla 7+4reb, L.Trice Little 5+1reb

Honka - Korihait 84-78

No shocking result in a game in Espoo where fifth ranked Honka (8-5) beat 6th ranked Korihait (7-7) in Espoo 84-78. Former international guard Tuomas Iisalo (195-82, agent: Side Court) orchestrated the victory with 27 points. American center John Williamson (198-86, college: Cincinnati) contributed with 20 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. American forward James Reaves (203-82, college: Niagara) replied with double-double 17 points and 13 rebounds and American swingman Nigel Moore (195-81, college: Alabama A&M) added 13 points and 7 rebounds for Korihait. Honka (8-5) jumped to the fourth spot. They share that position with Karhu. Korihait dropped to the sixth place with 7-7 record. They have the same record like Kouvot. Honka are looking forward to the next round to face Kouvot (#6) in Kouvola. Korihait will play at home against LrNMKY hoping to prove their fans that this time they can win.
Top scorers:
Honka Espoo Playboys: T.Iisalo 27+4reb+1ast, J.Williamson 20+5reb, J.Wilson 18+3reb+3ast, V.Makalainen 9+8reb+1ast, J.Matinen 6+3reb+1ast, J.Suotamo 4+3reb
UU-Korihait Uusikaupunki: L.Wright 17+3reb+1ast, J.Reaves 17+13reb+1ast, N.Moore 13+7reb+2ast, P.Heinonen 13+4reb+1ast, B.Sarcevic 11+5reb+5ast, J.Kumpulainen 7+3reb

Kataja - ToPo 95-72

Korisliiga round 14 biggest difference game was a victory of Kataja over 8th ranked ToPo 95-72. American swingman Jared Newson (195-84, college: Tennessee-Martin, agent: Side Court) orchestrated the victory with double-double 19 points and 14 rebounds. International guard Petri Virtanen (183-80) contributed with double-double 11 points and 12 assists for the winners. Coach Jukka Toijala used 11-player rotation giving the chance to rest for starting five. Forward Timo Heinonen (198-81) replied with 22 points and international guard Mikko Koivisto (194-87, college: NC-Greensboro) added 14 points for ToPo. Kataja has an impressive series of five victories in a row. They did not change their second position in the standings. ToPo dropped to the eighth place with 6-8 record. They have the same record like Namika Lahti. Kataja are looking forward to the next round to face Pyrinto (#3) in Tampere. ToPo will play at home against Salon Vilpas (#10) hoping to prove their fans that it was just an accident.
Top scorers:
Joensuun Kataja: A.Kanervo 20+3reb+2ast, J.Newson 19+14reb, D.Fells 13+4reb, J.Nenonen 12+7reb+1ast, P.Virtanen 11+3reb+12ast, S.Lehtoranta 10+5reb+2ast
Torpan Pojat Helsinki: T.Heinonen 22+2reb+1ast, M.Koivisto 14+3reb+2ast, E.Lehtinen 10+3reb+1ast, A.Niskanen 7+5reb+2ast, F.Richards 7+4reb+1ast, E.Kajander 6+4reb+1ast

LrNMKY - Kouvot 62-73

Very expected game in Lappeenranta where 10th ranked LrNMKY (3-10) lost to seventh ranked Kouvot (7-7) 73-62. Former international forward Ville Kaunisto (204-82) orchestrated the victory with double-double 19 points and 10 rebounds. American guard B.A. Walker (188-84, college: Va Commonwealth, agent: Danny Servick) contributed with 19 points for the winners. American guard Malik Moore (192-77, college: Amer.Internat., agent: Adam Prossin) replied with 18 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and American forward Brant Bailey (202-77, college: Wisc.-Stevens Point) added 13 points for LrNMKY. It was the only win of guest team this round and in all other games host teams recorded victories. Kouvot (7-7) jumped to the sixth spot. They share that position with Korihait. LrNMKY dropped to the eleventh place with 3-10 record. Kouvot are looking forward to the next round to face higher ranked Honka in Espoo. LrNMKY will play on the road against Korihait (#7) hoping to prove their fans that they can break losing series.
Top scorers:
Kouvot Kouvola: B.Walker 19+4reb, V.Kaunisto 19+10reb+1ast, A.Nikkarinen 16+1reb, D.Vinson 10+8reb+1ast, G.Moyer 9+4reb+4ast, P.Niemi 0
Lappeenranta NMKY: M.Moore 18+6reb+4ast, B.Bailey 13+4reb, A.Koskinen 12+1reb, A.Tapio 7+1reb, P.Riihela 5+10reb+1ast, T.Kulha 3

Salon Vilpas - Namika Lahti 71-66

There was a surprise result when eleventh ranked Salon Vilpas (4-10) won against Namika Lahti (6-8) 71-66. American forward Nicchaeus Doaks (202-87, college: Chattanooga, agent: Michael Hart) orchestrated the victory with double-double 22 points and 14 rebounds. His countryman forward Theron Wilson (195-87, college: Bradley) contributed with 14 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Forward Cedric Latimer (198-87, college: St.Francis, PA) replied with 21 points and 6 rebounds and forward Pasi Pekkola (195-81) added 19 points and 6 rebounds for Namika Lahti. Salon Vilpas (4-10) jumped to the tenth spot. Namika Lahti dropped to the eighth place with 6-8 record. They have the same record like ToPo. Salon Vilpas are looking forward to the next round to face higher ranked ToPo (#9) in Helsinki where they do not belong to the favorites. Namika Lahti will play at home against league's new leader KTP having rather no chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Salon Vilpas Vikings: N.Doaks 22+14reb+1ast, R.Ahonen 17+1reb+2ast, T.Wilson 14+7reb+1ast, J.Kataja 6+6reb+3ast, D.Godbold 5+3reb+2ast, M.Nuutinen 4+7reb+2ast
Namika Lahti: C.Latimer 21+6reb+1ast, P.Pekkola 19+6reb+2ast, R.Ayers 17+5reb+2ast, V.Streng 5+3reb+1ast, A.Alanen 2+4reb+2ast, V.Vesala 2+4reb



*****************************************************
  FRANCE   


Cholet wins third straight, hands first loss to Fenerbahce Ulker - by Eurobasket News
Cholet - Fenerbahce Ulker 82-78

Cholet crushed Fenerbahce Ulker handing them first loss of the season. Sammy Mejia (198-G-83, college: De Paul) was a key player for the hosts with 29 points and 5 rebounds. He reached valuation 35. Antywane Robinson (203-F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Temple) had 14 points and 7 boards, while DeMarcus Nelson (193-G-85, agency: ZAG Advocates, college: Duke) helped the hosts with 12 points. In Fenerbahce Ulker, Roko-Leni Ukic (195-G-84) (6 rebs) and Tarence Kinsey (200-G-84, college: S.Carolina) netted 15 points each. Emir Preldzic (206-F-87, agency: Beo Basket) had 12 points. Cholet 3-2, Fener 4-1.
Fenerbahce Ulker took control on Cholet at the very beginning and mostly owing to Tomas, Ukic and Lavrinovic they made 6-11 lead. The hosts tied the score to 12-12 few moments later, but still Fener finished Q1 with 20-24. They had plus six, before Sammy Mejia scored for Cholet. The hosts drastically improved in the second frame. This time it was Vule Avdalovic who shined and together with Leonard and Mejia created 10-0 run. Marquis muscled his way for a basket and a 9-point edge, but Lavrinovic got 2 from the line to make it 41-34 at the break. Cholet was strong after the breather and didnt allow Fenerbahce to come closer. They constantly were 7-8 points in charge and later ended Q3 with 60-52. Visitors threatened in the finish as they came to 79-75 with 1:19 to go. Almost one minute later, Fener came to 76-72 after basket by Roko-Leni Ukic. Sammy Mejia grabbed the ball and got fouled after what he drained two FTs. Fenerbahce Ulker missed in their last attempts and Cholet celebrated third straight Euroleague win.
In the next round, Cholet will host Montepaschi Siena. Fenerbace Ulker goes to Vilnius.

Cholet: Sammy Mejia 29+5 boards, Antywane Robinson 14+7 boards, DeMarcus Nelson 12
Fenerbahce Ulker: Roko-Leni Ukic 15+6 boards, Tarence Kinsey 15, Emir Preldzic 12

Asvel Basket relived head coach Vincent Collet of his duties - by Emiliano
ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne Basket relived head coach Vincent Collet of his duties at the club, Asvel basket chairmen Gilles Moretton announced on Wednesday. The move comes one day after the team lost its Eurocup opener at home against BG Goettingen. Collet was in his third season with the team. He led Asvel to the French championship in 2009 and an appearance in the Euroleague last season. This season did not go as well as Asvel started the season 2-4 in the French League and now with a loss in the Eurocup. Collet is also the head coach of the French national team.

Courtesy of Eurocupbasketball.com

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


AJ Moye (Deutsche Bank Skyliners) Suffers A Stroke - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Skyliner forward Ajene Moye (193-G-82, college: Indiana) has suffered a stroke and is currently in a Frankfurt hospital undergoing intensive tests. On Monday, Moye and another player collided with their heads, but the two players were able to continue to practice. On Monday night, the step father of Moye spoke with his step son and noticed that he had problems speaking. On Tuesday at the morning shoot around before the Eurochallenge game against Maccabi Haifa, there was abnormal behavior detected with the Los Angeles native. As his behavior got more intense, Moye was brought to a Frankfurt hospital. At the hospital his condition worsened. The diagnosis that Moye had a stroke has been confirmed in the hospital. Further diagnosis about his recovery and therapy can not be determined at the present moment. Skyliner sports director Kamil Novak spent the whole day in the hospital with Moye yesterday. 'The family of AJ arrived in Germany today. AJ is the most professional player that ever played in our organization. There are situations in life where basketball becomes a minor matter. Right now our concern is with AJ', stressed Kamil Novak . 'AJ is a strong person, he will pull out of this situation. God Bless him and his Family', said McGowan Glen (206-F-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Pepperdine) who is playing in South Korea now and played in the BEKO BBL with Cologne.'A.J. is a very good player in my eyes because he was very tough to score against. He played with his heart and left it all on the court. Get well soon because basketball not only needs you, life itself does. God Bless and you are in my prayers', stressed Monta McGhee (198-F-79, college: Lewis) who played against Moye with Nordlingen and is currently playing for Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden (Holland-DBL).'On the court or of the court Ajene Moye is a great guy. I just want him to know that everybody out hear is praying for his speedy recovery. Honestly Im at a lost for words right now', stressed 2009 BEKO BBL top scorer Omari Westley (201-F-82, college: Cleveland St.) that played against Moye with Nordlingen.

Source: Deutsche Bank Skyliners

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners Seek To Transform The Real Eye Of The Tiger Energy From AJ Moye Into Their Game Against The Walters Tigers Tuebingen On Saturday November 20th - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Lovable Skyliner AJ Moye playing against his old club Tuebingen might not be as spectatcular as when Lebron James will face the Cavs for the first time, Randy Moss facing the New England Patriots for the first time, or when Dominican Republic baseball hulk Manny Ramirez faced his old club Boston Red Sox for the first time and stroking out a home run in his second game back at Fenway park, but the zeal that Ajene Moye has for the game of basketball is as great or even greater as Formula one racer Michael Schumacher has for that sport, singer Justin Timberlake has for not using facebook, but rather staying in touch with his loved ones with his phone, or former tennis legend and three time Wimbeldon champion Boris Becker has for not hiding in the closet, but displaying his private life now as a retired tennis player at boris-becker.tv. Moye might not document his life yet daily with the camera, but Moye would have given an extra 180% if he could have faced his old club Walter Tigers Tuebingen this Saturday after playing for them from 2006-2009, but as is so often the case, sometimes life threatening situations arise which cant be stopped. Skyliner forward Ajene Moye suffered a stroke and is currently in a Frankfurt hospital undergoing intensive tests. On Monday, Moye and another player collided with their heads, but the two players were able to continue to practice. On Monday night, the step father of Moye spoke with his step son and noticed that he had problems speaking. On Tuesday at the morning shoot around before the Eurochallenge game against Maccabi Haifa, there was abnormal behavior detected with the Los Angeles native. As his behavior got more intense, Moye was brought to a Frankfurt hospital. At the hospital his condition worsened. The diagnosis that Moye had a stroke has been confirmed in the hospital. Further diagnosis about his recovery and therapy can not be determined at the present moment. Skyliner sports director Kamil Novak spent the whole day in the hospital with Moye yesterday. 'The family of AJ arrived in Germany today. AJ is the most professional player that ever played in our organization. There are situations in life where basketball becomes a minor matter. Right now our concern is with AJ', stressed Kamil Novak . 'AJ is a strong person, he will pull out of this situation. God Bless him and his Family', said McGowan Glen (206-F-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Pepperdine) who is playing in South Korea now and played in the BEKO BBL with Cologne.'A.J. is a very good player in my eyes because he was very tough to score against. He played with his heart and left it all on the court. Get well soon because basketball not only needs you, life itself do. God Bless and you are in my prayers', stressed Monta McGhee (198-F-79, college: Lewis) who played against Moye with Nordlingen and is currently playing for Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden (Holland-DBL). 'On the court or off the court Ajene Moye is great guy. I just want him to know that everybody out hear is praying for his speedy recovery. Honestly Im at a lost for words right now', strtessed 2009 BEKO BBL leading scorer Omari Westley (201-F-82, college: Cleveland St.).Playing against an old team seems to always bring out the emotion in the player and the fans. 'I am sure that AJ would have been excited to play against the team where he spent some time in his career. This first game will bring back many memories, but it will also give him the chance to compete and once the ball goes up all that will go out the window', stressed TBB Trier guard John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.). Moye might be a gregarious player that can smile in the same league with a Michael Jordan (MBC), Titus Ivory, and Immanuel McElroy (193-G-80, college: Cincinnati), but come game time, he would have wanted to show how much he has developed in Finland and his few months in Frankfurt. 'I am sure a part of Moye would have felt different playing against his old team. I am always excited about playing an ex team, but at the same time, I always wanted to show that team how much I had grown as a player', warned Phoenix Hagen American Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Morehead St.)

Not only is Ajene Moye would have wanted to try to make a mark in the game against his old team The Walter Tigers Tuebingen, but so will also quarterback of the Tiger offense Branislav Ratkovica (193-G-85, agency: Beo Basket). At the moment in Europe, there are top point guards like Andre Collins (183-G-82, college: Loyola (MD)) in France, Kareem Reid (178-G-75, college: Arkansas) in France or Marcelinho Huertas (191-G-83, agency: Edge Sports) in Spain and in Germany presently there is not to much doubt that the top playmaker is Branislav Ratkovica who is playing his third season in Tuebingen. The 193cm Serb has developed each season and improved his assist rate each season from 2,3apg to 5,7apg to 7,3apg this season. Tuebingen has many central important figures in the team, but the engine doesnt run without Bane. 'Ratkovica is having a very solid season and getting his teammates the ball in the right area and its showing in the stats. He makes that team go and and is the head of that monster in that team. He is definitly one of the best point guards in the BEKO BBL this season', stated John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.). As so often is the case, Ratkovica credits his teammates for his success. 'My team mates are responsible for my good passing as they follow me in the game in the best possible way. What is left for me is only to find the right solution on the spot', said Branislav Ratkovica. For some players, the NBA is the lifelong dream and if that isnt possible then there is always the highest Spanish league the ACB. 'The ACB is the best league in Europe and it is certain that every player wants to play there. Therefore the competition is huge, but I believe I will go to Spain one day', warned Branislav Ratkovica. Ratkovica might not be the best for every player in the BEKO BBL, but he is respected. 'I think that my teammate Mark Dorris (188-G-85, college: Marshall) is the best point guard at the moment. I think Ratkovica is the second best. He does so much setting up his teammates', stressed Quentin Pryor

Since coming into the BBL in 2004-2005, the Walter Tigers Tuebingen have been treading water in the BBL middle standings and at times scrapping the deregulation area. The best finish of the club was 2006-2007 as they finished in 10th place. The Tigers have been more a harmless creature that seems to have their mouth sealed with little power escaping instead of showing their absolute unconquerable qualities of a tiger on the court. The team has been known for developing a healthy fan base and letting guys like Rasko Katic and Ajene Moye (his first year) develop into top BBL players, but then again also have gone the usual BBL route of signing an abundance of Americans and closing an eye for further developing German players and the organization also has been prone to getting involved with minor scandals like in 2006 with Tamien Trent (183-G-82, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Fairleigh Dickinson) and Mike Moten (203-C-71, college: Rhode Island) who were banned by the German basketball federation following a drug test. Making the jump to the BBL is not easy and if one were to ask experts in the Tuebingen surrounding, one would always here three things. A lack of management know how, a slim budget and not getting the right mix of players.

Ex coach Tolga Ongoren came in the middle of the 2007-2008 season and started getting the team in a right directionEx coach Tolga Ongoren came in the middle of the 2007-2008 season and started getting the team on the right path saving the team from stepping to the PRO A. In the 2008-2009 the team struggled again landing at 13th place. It was never able to go on a big run being able to only go on a three game winning streak. The six game losing streak in the middle of the season hurt their chances considerably for reaching the playoffs and finishing the season losing five of their last six games didnt necessarily speak for the nerves or stability in the team either. Despite not winning much, they had some highlights including beating the 2009 BBL champions EWE Baskets Oldenburg on Eurosport, sweeping the Artland Dragons season series as well as the TBB Trier season series including a exciting 102-100 win in Trier as well as a 98-95 nail bitter in Ulm. Their 5-12 road record was miserable and their knack for losing five close games by a combined total of only 13 points didnt speak positive of displaying nerves of steal in crunch time. The team had talent, but may not have had the right ingredients in the game plan in the offense to be successful on a consistent basis which is needed in the BBL. It seemed like Ongoren liked to hype the big man play which didnt really allow any of the guard play to be featured in scoring. The team had Katic and Haynes in the top ten scoring of the league. The team also didnt have a deep bench, stressed ex Ratiopharm Ulm German Jerome Bridgewater (193-F-89)

Last season, the Walter Tigers Tuebingen didt start off like a possible Cinderella team as they had a 2-7 record despite beating 8 time BEKO BBL champion Alba Berlin at home. Then came a solid stretch where the club won three of four games and the team was proving more and more that they had a lot of potential. However then came a small dry spell as they lost against top clubs Oldenburg and Bonn, but then they went on a six game winning streak having beaten Bamberg, Artland and Frankfurt at home and MBC on the road. However after their sixth win in a row at home against The Deutsche Bank Skyliners, they seemed to be at the peak of the basketball mountain and then suddenly as if a severe wind storm had hit them, fell down the mountain losing five of their next six games and losing ground in the playoff race. A few more wins earlier in the season might have let the Walter Tigers Tuebingen survive the wind storm hanging onto the peak and reaching the playoffs last season. 'I think what was missing last season was that they got behind early losing too much at teh start of teh season. I feel that if they would of won a few more games at the start that they could of made the playoffs', stressed Quentin Pryor 'Last season we blew a few games. We lost on 2 buzzer beater shots and lost a home game to Braunschweig. when we was up 10 with 255 left and lost', stated ex Water Tiger Tuebingen guard Steven Wright (191-G-83, agency: Court Side, college: N.Kentucky) After this bad streak, The Walter Tigers Tuebingen finished teh season with a record of 4-3 winning their last two home games against Bonn and Oldenburg and sending the fans home hoping for more luck in the next season.

This season, The Walter Tigers Tuebingen had to say goodbye to key players Michael Jenkins (191-G-86, college: Winthrop), Aleksandar Nadjfeji, Romeo Travis (201-F-84, college: Akron) and Steven Wright who averaged combined 45 points of the team average 77 last season. The team brought in Radovan Markovic (194-G-82), Nicolai Simon (191-G-87), Anatoly Kashirov (215-C-87) and Chris Oliver (198-F-85, agency: Court Side, college: Radford). The question will be if the team can be as strong as last season and if the club can win more games and possibly be in the playoff hunt in the last weeks? 'It is hard to say if they are as good as last season, because they hit their stride around the Allstar break last season. They are a pretty solid team right now', warned Quentin Pryor Currently The Walter Tigers Tuebingen. Despite the current 3-4 record, one should never underestimate the strength of the Tigers. 'Tuebingen is a solid team and can compete with any BEKO BBL team on any night. They have great guard play and anytime you can throw in a Chris Oliver (198-F-85, agency: Court Side, college: Radford) into the mix, he can cause match up problems because of his versatility to play inside out', expressed John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.). With Kashirov and Markovic, the team has two players that can hurt you inside or out. 'Tuebingen is a team with a good inside presence and strong shooters to space the floor. Their frontline is very big and can cause matchup problems and dangerous shooters on the wing', stressed Quentin Pryor They have one weakness where relying on their starting five to win might have to happen on more than one occasion. 'They lack some depth and only go 7-8 deep', warned Quentin Pryor 'We are better than what our record shows. We could have had afew more wins by now. We have to play with more toughness and be more physical to be successful in the future', said Walter Tiger Tuebingen guard Whit Holcomb-Faye (185-G-84, college: Radford)

The Walter Tigers Tuebingen is led by 25 year old 198cm power forward Chris Oliver (198-F-85, agency: Court Side, college: Radford) who comes from Kernersville, North Carolina. This is his first season in Tuebingen. He is an excellent athletic with great hands that played at Radford for four years. He started his professional basketball career in Germany for Braves (Germany-ProA, starting five): 30 games: Score-2 (20.5ppg), Reb-5 (9.0rpg), 1.2apg, 1.3spg, 1.7bpg, FGP: 56%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 79.6%. He played at BG Goettingen the last two years winning the Eurochallenge last season. Last season, he played 35 games: 14.1ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 80.9%. He is a great athlete and a pretty good shooter that likes to drive to the hoop. The kid has an all around game that will post up, shoot the 15 footer or take the three pointer. He plays well without the ball and doesnt need a lot of shots to score. It is important to limit his touches, because he will shy away at times. On defense, he is long and covers a lot of ground. He is a good weak side shot blocker and rebounder. I think if you attack him when he is playing defense and make him guard you then that is something that he is capable of doing, but doesnt do it a lot so Frankfurt should attack him inside, warned Ohio native Omari Westley (201-F-82, college: Cleveland St.). Ex Giessen 46er Ricky Hickman remembers Chris Oliver (198-F-85, agency: Court Side, college: Radford) very well what he can do. 'Oliver can do a little bit of everything. He is one of the toughest guys to match up within the league. When defending him, limit his open shots and be as physical as possible with him and give him nothing easy, stressed Ricky Hickman (190-G-85, agency: Court Side, college: NC-Greensboro) This season, Oliver is averaging 16,3ppg, 4,8rpg and 1,7spg.

The team signed 23 year old 215cm Russian Anatoly Kashirov (215-C-87) who comes from CSKA Moscow and has gotten some experience despite the always deep rosters. He has played 16 Euroleague games and is a seven footer that has amazing sense of the basket especially in the paint. He has solid scoring aptitude and variability. He is really unbeatable in the paint. Last season, he played his first season in the BEKO BBL playing for the MBC Wolves playing 34 games: 12.0ppg, 4.1rpg, FGP: 52.1%, FT: 72.7%. He was a Euroleague finalist in 2007 and winner in 2008 and Russian cup finalist in 2007. He also was A Superleague Champion in 20 07 and 2008 and Russian A Superleague Regular Season Champion 2007 and 2008. He has very much talent and potential and needs to have higher rebounding stats for his size and has improved this season as he is currently averaging 14,5ppg and 5,5rpg. The club brought back Dane Watts (203-F-86, agency: Pro One Sports) who is a 24 year old 203 cm who is playing his third season in Germany and who is a modern day forward doing the job inside and outside. He played at Creighton from 2004-2008. In his senior year, he averaged 11,3ppg, 6,4rpg and 1,0apg. Last season, he quietly had a very solid BBL rookie season in Ludwigsburg averaging in 20 minutes averaging 8.9ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP-1 (68.4%), 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 68.7% in 32 games. It wouldnt be a surprise if most followers of German basketball didnt even know that he led the BBL in field goal percentage at 68%. in 2008-2009 as a rookie. He is a team player that still has a lot of potential and could become more of a scoring option in Tuebingen. Dane has a lot of potential and has all the qualities that a big player of today needs. He can shoot, is athletic, has good ball handling and defends well. I am sure that he will surprise a lot of people except for us, joked Jay Thomas (193-F-79, college: Cent.Washington). Last season, Watts played 34 games: 10.2ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 37.6%, FT: 71.0%. Currently he is averaging 13,2ppg, 5,8rpg and 1,3apg. 25 year old 193 cm guard from Serbia Branislav Ratkovica is playing his second season with the Walter Tigers Tuebingen. He played with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg from 2007-2009 and averaged 9,4ppg, 2,1rpg and 2,3 apg. Those were very good stats for a guy who was primarily a role player for a team with such a deep roster. He is quietly making a name of himself in the BEKO BBL as a potent point guad and as rajon Rondo is slowly getting closer to being the best point guard in the NBA, Rathkovica is becoming the best point guard in the BEKO BBL. His biggest strength is that he is a lethal scoring option and has been the strong play maker that the team was searching for. Last season, the Serb played 34 games: 10.7ppg, 2.6rpg, Assists-1 (5.7apg), 1.3spg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 26.3%, FT: 67.8%. I have seldom seen such a clever player like Bane. He usually sees things before they even happen and he is a good defender. I am sure that he will become one of the top point guards in the BBL this season,added Jay Thomas (193-F-79, college: Cent.Washington). This season, he is averaging 12,0ppg, 2,5rpg, 7,8apg, 1,2spg. In 2005, he played the European Championships U20 in Moscow (Bronze): 8 games: 5.1ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 46.4%, 3FGP: 30%, FT: 54.5%.

The club also signed 28 year old 194cm guard Radovan Markovic (194-G-82) who is from Serbia. he started his professional basketball career with Astra Banka Beograd in 2000. he played for Lavovi 063 Beograd (YUBA) from 2001-2004. He then played in Germany for Telekom Baskets Bonn (Germany-1.Bundesliga): ULEB Cup: 3 games: 3,3ppg, 1reb; German Bundesliga: 1 game: 0pts, played also for 2nd team in 2.Regionalliga. Since 2005, he has played in Serbia. he played for KK Swisslion Takovo Lions Vrsac from 2005-2009. Last season, he played for Tamis Petrohemija Pancevo (A League): 32 games: 16.4ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 41.2%, FT: 88.4%. This season for Tuebingen, he is averaging 6,8ppg and 1,5rpg. He also is shooting 43% from the field and 40% from outside. One of the biggest surprises has been 25 year old 203cm power forward/center Kenneth Wiliams (203-F-85, college: Mississippi) from Miami Florida. He played at Mississippi and was a rookie with Tuebingen in 2008-2009 averaging only 3,5ppg and 3,1rpg in 13 mpg. He seemed to be a long term project for the club, but he has made huge strides last season as he played 34 games: 9.1ppg, 4.0rpg, FGP: 57.1%, FT: 43.9%. He is mainly there to clean up the zone and get rebounds, but last season, he showed that he can be a real scoring option scoring 23 points against Phoenix Hagen. I saw an upside coming with Wiliams two years ago. He will get even better with time, but he is already leaving a mark now, warned 2009 BEKO BBL scoring leader Omari Westley (201-F-82, college: Cleveland St.). Currently Wiliams is averaging 6,8ppg and 3,2rpg and 1,0spg.

One player who has lived to tell about what the definition of bad luck is, then its Johannes Herber (197-G-83, agency: Pro One Sports, college: W.Virginia) who has been injured on and off the last years. In the last four years, the ex German national player was only able to play 63 games. He came to Tuebingen half way through last season and kept rehabilitating his injury. Now he is fit again and is averaging 3,8ppg, 1,3rpg and 1,5apg in 20 minutes per game. He started his basketball career with TV Langen and played there from 1999-2002. He then played at W.Virginia (NCAA) from 2002-2006. In his senior year, he played 33 games: 9.3ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.4apg, 1.0spg, FG: 40.6%, 3PT: 25.4%, FT: 79.2%. He reached the Tournament Elite Eight in 2005, and the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2006. He played at the World Championships in Japan in 2006 and European Championships in Spain in 2007. 23 year old 191 cm guard Nicolai Simon (191-G-87) is playing his first season in Tuebingen. He is made a comeback in The BEKO BBL last season after coming into the BEKO BBL in 2006-2007 after being heralded as a big German talent. In 2006-2007, he was able to play 33 games for Alba Berlin despite being on a team with a deep roster. In 2007-2008, he injured himself playing only five games. Last season, he took a step back and played for Ergas Ehingen in the German PRO B averaging 8,9ppg, 2,4rpg and 5,2apg. and to develop further as a professional basketball player. This past summer, he played at the World University games in Belgrad averaging 4,1ppg, 3,6rpg and 1,4apg. Last season, he played for Paderborn Baskets (1.Bundesliga): 31 games: 5.5ppg, 1.1rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 40.8%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 79.4%. This season, he is averaging 3,4ppg and 1,4 rpg in 13 minutes per game. His role is too give Rathkovica a breathier every now and then.

The team recently gave Whit Holcomb-Faye (185-G-84, college: Radford) a short term contract. Faye is a 26 year old 185cm guard from Winston-Salem, North Carolina and is a childhood friend of teammate Chris Oliver (198-F-85, agency: Court Side, college: Radford). Faye is a hard-nosed competitor; has the natural scoring instinct with the ability to draw the foul and convert the bucket; has the ability to breakdown defenses with his penetration; and is a very good free throw shooter; and an under rated three-point shooter. He played at Radford (NCAA) from 2002-2006 with Chris Oliver (198-F-85, agency: Court Side, college: Radford). In his senior year, he played 29 games: 23.1ppg, 2.9rpg, 4.0apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 39.5%, 3FGP: 33.5%, FT: 80.9%. He played the last four years in the German PRO A with Kaiserslautern for three years and one season with BBC Bayreuth. He always had first rate stats and it was sort of a mystery why it took him so long to reach the BEKO BBL. In the four years in the PRO A, he averaged 5,8 assists per season and led the PRO A twice in assists. Last season with Saar-Pfalz Braves he played 30 games: 16.0ppg, 2.8rpg, Assists-1 (8.4apg), 1.1spg, FGP: 46.3%, 3PT: 26.6%, FT: 76.1%. Currently he is averaging 3,0ppg and 2,8rpg in 14,55 minutes per game. 30 year old 193 cm forward Jay Thomas (193-F-79, college: Cent.Washington) will play his fifth season for Tuebingen. He has never really got a big chance to get many minutes as he is a role player coming from the bench. Before coming to Tuebingen, he played for TG Sandshausen, USC Heidelberg and two years with Bayern Muenchen (Germany-2.Bundesliga) from 2004-2006, where he averaged 10,0ppg. Last season for Tuebingen, he played 33 games: 1.4ppg, 1.2rpg. This season, he is averaging 0,8ppg, 2,3rpg and 1,0apg in 9,25 minutes per game. The team also has 20 year old 190cm guard Akeem Vargas (191-G-90, college: Iowa Lakes CC) who is a German American. He started his basketball career for SG Urspringschule junior team in 2005. He played for Erdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule from 2006-2009. Last season, he played in the United Staes for Iowa Lakes CC (JUCO): 31 games: 5.6ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.5apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 53.0%, FT: 94.0%. this season, he has played three games and averaged 1,28 minutes per game.

One thing riding for The Deutsche Bank Skyliners is that they have a 7-1 record against The Walter Tigers Tuebingen. The most memorable win was the 104-102 double overtime win in Frankfurt in 2007. Two seasons ago, Frankfurt won in Tuebingen 78-70 as Derrick Allen (203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi) led all scorers with 27 points and 13 rebounds. Last season, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners routed Tuebingen 72-59 as Keith Simmons poured in 25 points and six rebounds and left a lasting memory with a flying dunk through the zone like a bird. Last season, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners destroyed Tuebingen 98-66 in the beginning of last season as Frankfurt had five players in double figurers as Derrick Allen (203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi) had 18 points, six rebounds and four assists. Aubrey Reese (183-G-78, agency: Interperformances, college: Murray St.) had 16 points and six assists and Grayson Moyer had 14 points. Frankfurt then had their seven game winning streak broken in Tuebingen losing 91-70 as Tuebingen played one of their better games of the season as Dane Watts (203-F-86, agency: Pro One Sports) shined with 24 points. Currently The Deutsche Bank Skyliners are on a six game winning streak in the BEKO BBL and want to win their fifth game in a row in the Ballsporthalle against Tuebingen as their last loss at home was in 2005. Jimmy McKinney (192-G-83, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Missouri) is back in the lineup after returning with 12 points against Maccabi Haifa. Roger Powell (198-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Illinois) and DaShaun Wood (185-G-85, college: Wright St.) are currently playing explosive basketball, but the team will be hoping for a better performance from American center Joe Dabbert (210-C-81, college: Creighton) that had three points and three rebounds in 22 minutes and two unnecessary offensive fouls. If Frankfurt can keep their strong form from the last weeks in BEKO BBL play, then they should be able to defeat a pesky Tuebingen team. 'Key to winning will be controlling Ratkovica. Frankfurt has to keep constant pressure on him and keep him from getting in the lane to create the open look for the shooters', warned Quentin Pryor 'I think Frankfurt must control the inside on Tubingen and dont let them get open looks. Also, they must keep Ratkovica under control', stressed Gloria Giants Duesseldorf guard Steven Wright The Deutsche Bank Skyliners host The Walter Tigers Tuebingen on Saturday November 20th at 18:30.

1.Bundesliga Round 9: Bremerhaven defeats Art.Dragons in the closest game of the week - by Eurobasket News
The closest game of round 9 was defeat of 5th ranked Art.Dragons on the road to seventh ranked Bremerhaven 76-78. American swingman Torrell Martin (196-85, college: Winthrop, agent: John Spencer) stepped up with 16 points and 9 rebounds for the winners and international forward Philipp Schwethelm (201-89, agent: Side Court) helped with 17 points and 9 rebounds. The best for the losing side was American guard Tyrese Rice (185-87, college: Boston Coll., agent: Aaron Mintz) with 19 points. That victory allowed Bremerhaven (5-4) to climb to sixth place. They share it with Phoenix Hagen. Art.Dragons (6-4) on the other side took fourth position as they recorded their fourth loss. Bremerhaven are looking forward to the next round to face EnBW L'burg (#15) in Ludwigsburg which should be an easy walk for them. Art.Dragons will have a break next round.
Very significant was ALBA's (#3) 44-point home victory against Duesseldorf 91-47. American guard Immanuel McElroy (193-80, college: Cincinnati) nailed 10 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists for the winning side and Tadija Dragicevic accounted for 15 points and 7 rebounds. American guard DeAndre Haynes (187-84, college: Kent St.) came up with 7 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for Duesseldorf in defeat. Both coaches used bench players giving the chance to rest for starting five. Despite the victory ALBA (6-1) stay at third position having just four points less than leader Brose Baskets. Eighth consecutive loss means that Duesseldorf is still at the bottom of the standings. ALBA's next round game will be against league's new leader Brose Baskets at Bamberg and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Duesseldorf will play at home against MBC (#13) hoping to get finally their first victory.
Quite upsetting was Walter Tigers' 21-point home defeat in a game versus Brose Baskets who smashed hosts 105-84. The biggest contributor to a victory was Casey Jacobsen with 19 points. At the other side the best for losing team was Anatoly Kashirov who recorded 22 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players saving starting five for next games. Brose Baskets has an impressive series of nine victories in a row. current champion Brose Baskets (9-0) stay at first position. Walter Tigers (3-4) on the other side took twelfth place as they recorded their fourth loss. Brose Baskets will meet next round ALBA (#3). Walter Tigers will play against league's second-placed Dt.Bank SKY (#2) hoping for a come back to a winning shape.
And what about another game where EnBW L'burg beat higher ranked Telekom Baskets 79-69 on the road. It was a good game for Jerry Green who lead his team to a victory with 15 points and 9 assists. Despite the victory EnBW L'burg (3-6) stay at fifteenth position. Telekom Baskets (4-5) on the other side took tenth place as they recorded their fifth loss. EnBW L'burg's next round opponent will be higher ranked Bremerhaven (#7) on the road and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
Let's mention also Bayreuth's road win over higher ranked TBB Trier 71-61. Jared Reiner stepped up with double-double 17 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. Both coaches allowed to play bench players allowing starting five to get some rest. Despite the victory Bayreuth (3-7) stay at seventeenth position. TBB Trier (5-5) on the other side took eighth place as they recorded their fifth loss. Bayreuth will have a break next round.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 9: EWE Baskets was destroyed by Phoenix Hagen on the opponent's court 62-89. MBC managed to outperform ratiopharm in a home game 61-49. NY Phantoms managed to beat LTi 46ers on the road 80-70.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 17 points and 12 rebounds by Vassil Evtimov of Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels.

Telekom Baskets - EnBW L'burg 69-79

And what about another game where EnBW L'burg beat higher ranked Telekom Baskets 79-69 on the road. It was a good game for American guard Jerry Green (191-80, college: Cal-Irvine) who lead his team to a victory with 15 points and 9 assists. His countryman forward John Bowler (206-84, college: E.Michigan, agent: Ingo Wolf) contributed with double-double 11 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. American swingman Folarin Campbell (193-86, college: George Mason) answered with 16 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and American guard Jeremy Hunt (196-83, college: Memphis) added 18 points for Telekom Baskets. Despite the victory EnBW L'burg (3-6) stay at fifteenth position. Telekom Baskets (4-5) on the other side took tenth place as they recorded their fifth loss. EnBW L'burg's next round opponent will be higher ranked Bremerhaven (#7) on the road and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
Top scorers:
EnBW Ludwigsburg: J.Green 15+3reb+9ast, A.Harris 15+3reb, J.Bowler 11+10reb, R.Rickert 10+4reb+1ast, D.McCray 10+2reb+2ast, T.Bailey 8+3reb+1ast
Telekom Baskets Bonn: J.Hunt 18+4reb+3ast, M.Tyndale 16+6reb+2ast, F.Campbell 16+5reb+4ast, C.Ensminger 11+4reb+1ast, A.King 6+2reb+2ast, J.Jaacks 2+4reb+2ast

Art.Dragons - Bremerhaven 76-78

The closest game of round 9 was defeat of 5th ranked Art.Dragons on the road to seventh ranked Bremerhaven 76-78. American swingman Torrell Martin (196-85, college: Winthrop, agent: John Spencer) stepped up with 16 points and 9 rebounds for the winners and international forward Philipp Schwethelm (201-89, agent: Side Court) helped with 17 points and 9 rebounds. The best for the losing side was American guard Tyrese Rice (185-87, college: Boston Coll., agent: Aaron Mintz) with 19 points and American swingman Adam Hess (201-81, college: William & Mary) with 13 points. That victory allowed Bremerhaven (5-4) to climb to sixth place. They share it with Phoenix Hagen. Art.Dragons (6-4) on the other side took fourth position as they recorded their fourth loss. Bremerhaven are looking forward to the next round to face EnBW L'burg (#15) in Ludwigsburg which should be an easy walk for them. Art.Dragons will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Eisbaeren Bremerhaven: P.Schwethelm 17+9reb+1ast, T.Martin 16+9reb+2ast, S.Denison 15+3reb+3ast, A.Drevo 10+4reb+3ast, C.Callahan 8+1reb, J.Thomas 6+1reb+2ast
Artland Dragons Quakenbrueck: T.Rice 19+1reb+2ast, A.Hess 13+4reb+1ast, D.Fenn 11+5reb, N.Peavy 10+3reb+1ast, B.Bailey 6+7ast, E.Ibekwe 5+6reb+1ast

ALBA - Duesseldorf 91-47

Very significant was ALBA's (#3) 44-point home victory against Duesseldorf 91-47. American guard Immanuel McElroy (193-80, college: Cincinnati) nailed 10 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists for the winning side and Serbian forward Tadija Dragicevic (205-86, agent: Misko Raznatovic) accounted for 15 points and 7 rebounds. American guard DeAndre Haynes (187-84, college: Kent St.) came up with 7 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and American guard Jamaal Tatum (188-84, college: S.Illinois) added 10 points for Duesseldorf in defeat. Both coaches used bench players giving the chance to rest for starting five. Despite the victory ALBA (6-1) stay at third position having just four points less than leader Brose Baskets. Eighth consecutive loss means that Duesseldorf is still at the bottom of the standings. ALBA's next round game will be against league's new leader Brose Baskets at Bamberg and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Duesseldorf will play at home against MBC (#13) hoping to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
ALBA Berlin: J.Jenkins 16+1reb+2ast, T.Dragicevic 15+7reb+1ast, H.Price 11+4reb+4ast, I.McElroy 10+6reb+7ast, Y.Idbihi 10+3reb, D.Allen 10+3reb+1ast
Gloria Giants Duesseldorf: E.Vierneisel 10+1reb, J.Tatum 10+4reb+1ast, R.Brempong 8+3reb+1ast, D.Haynes 7+5reb+4ast, D.McDaniel 6+5reb, O.Famutimi 4+6reb+1ast

Phoenix Hagen - EWE Baskets 89-62

There was an upset when 4th placed EWE Baskets (6-4) was crushed by sixth ranked Phoenix Hagen (5-4) 89-62. Lithuanian forward Zygimantas Jonusas (200-82) stepped up with double-double 16 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners and American swingman Quentin Pryor (193-83, college: Morehead St., agent: Gerrit Kersten-Thiele) helped with 20 points and 4 assists. The best for the losing side was Bosnian power forward Oliver Stevic (204-84) with double-double 14 points and 11 rebounds and American guard Rickey Paulding (196-82, college: Missouri, agent: Danny Servick) with 10 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players giving the chance to rest for starting five. Despite the victory Phoenix Hagen (5-4) stay at sixth position. EWE Baskets (6-4) on the other side took fourth place as they recorded their fourth loss. Phoenix Hagen are looking forward to the next round to face ratiopharm (#14) in Ulm which should be another easy walk for them. EWE Baskets will play at home against TBB Trier (#9) hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Phoenix Hagen: Q.Pryor 20+4reb+4ast, M.Dorris 19+3reb+4ast, Z.Jonusas 16+12reb+4ast, D.Bell 11+1reb+2ast, J.Burtschi 10+9reb+1ast, B.Kruel 6+3reb
EWE Baskets Oldenburg: O.Stevic 14+11reb+1ast, S.Smith 11+2reb+1ast, M.Lukauskis 10+1reb+2ast, R.Paulding 10+6reb+2ast, C.McNaughton 7+4reb+1ast, A.Baynes 4+8reb

MBC - ratiopharm 61-49

Very predictable result in Weissenfels where thirteenth ranked MBC (3-5) defeated 14th ranked ratiopharm (3-5) 61-49. French-Bulgarian power forward Vassil Evtimov (207-77, college: N.Carolina, agent: Luciano Capicchioni) stepped up with double-double 17 points and 12 rebounds for the winners and former international power forward Guido Grunheid (209-82) helped with 10 points and 6 rebounds. The best for the losing side was American center John Bryant (208-87, college: Santa Clara) with 8 points and 13 rebounds and international guard Per Guenther (185-88) with 16 points. Despite the victory MBC (3-5) stay at thirteenth position. MBC are looking forward to the next round to face bottom-ranked Duesseldorf (#18) on the road which should be theoretically an easy game. ratiopharm will play against Phoenix Hagen (#6) hoping to prove their supporters that it was just an accident.
Top scorers:
Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels: V.Evtimov 17+12reb+2ast, W.Bernard 10+2reb+1ast, G.Grunheid 10+6reb+3ast, R.Pilcevic 7+2reb+3ast, J.Tillman 6+2reb, S.Leutloff 6+5reb+1ast
ratiopharm Ulm: P.Guenther 16+1ast, J.Bryant 8+13reb+1ast, R.Trice 7+5reb+1ast, R.Benzing 7+1reb+1ast, C.Collins 6+5reb, S.Sonderleiter 3+7reb

LTi 46ers - NY Phantoms 70-80

There was an upset in Giessen where 8th ranked LTi 46ers (5-5) was defeated by tenth ranked NY Phantoms (4-5) 80-70. American center Kyle Visser (211-85, college: Wake Forest) stepped up with 17 points and 5 rebounds for the winners and his countryman guard LaMarr Greer (196-76, college: Florida St.) helped with 15 points. The best for the losing side was Bosnian power forward Elvir Ovcina (211-76, college: Syracuse, agent: Luciano Capicchioni) with double-double 17 points and 11 rebounds and American forward Zachery Peacock (203-87, college: Georgia Tech, agent: Danny Servick) with double-double 16 points and 10 rebounds. Despite the victory NY Phantoms (4-5) stay at tenth position. LTi 46ers (5-5) on the other side took eighth place. NY Phantoms are looking forward to the next round to face Goettingen (#16) on the road which should be theoretically an easy game. LTi 46ers will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig: K.Visser 17+5reb+1ast, L.Greer 15+3reb+1ast, J.Cain 11+2reb+3ast, T.Skinn 10+4reb+2ast, N.Mittmann 10, M.Goree 10+3reb+2ast
LTi Giessen 46ers: E.Ovcina 17+11reb+2ast, Z.Peacock 16+10reb, R.Brooks 14+4reb, G.Gamqrelidze 13+4reb+4ast, J.Freese 7+3reb, T.Kepkay 3+3reb+2ast

Walter Tigers - Brose Baskets 84-105

Quite upsetting was Walter Tigers' 21-point home defeat in a game versus Brose Baskets who smashed hosts 105-84. The biggest contributor to a victory was American swingman Casey Jacobsen (198-81, college: Stanford) with 19 points. International power forward Tibor Pleiss (214-89) helped with 11 points and 8 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was Russian center Anatoly Kashirov (215-87) who recorded 22 points and 5 rebounds and former international guard Johannes Herber (197-83, college: W.Virginia, agent: Patrick King) added 12 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players saving starting five for next games. Brose Baskets has an impressive series of nine victories in a row. current champion Brose Baskets (9-0) stay at first position. Walter Tigers (3-4) on the other side took twelfth place as they recorded their fourth loss. Brose Baskets will meet next round ALBA (#3). Walter Tigers will play against league's second-placed Dt.Bank SKY (#2) hoping for a come back to a winning shape.
Top scorers:
Brose Baskets Bamberg: C.Jacobsen 19+3reb+3ast, R.Terry 18+3reb, P.Suput 14+3reb+2ast, B.Roberts 12+1reb+5ast, T.Pleiss 11+8reb+3ast, K.Hines 10+4reb+2ast
Walter Tigers Tuebingen: A.Kashirov 22+5reb+3ast, R.Markovic 15+1reb+1ast, J.Herber 12+5reb+2ast, W.Holcomb-Faye 10+3ast, D.Watts 9+7reb, C.Oliver 9+2reb

TBB Trier - Bayreuth 61-71

Let's mention also Bayreuth's road win over higher ranked TBB Trier 71-61. American center Jared Reiner (211-82, college: Iowa, agent: Brad Ames) stepped up with double-double 17 points and 13 rebounds for the winners and Canadian-Haitian guard Osvaldo Jeanty (183-84, agent: Luciano Capicchioni) helped with 18 points. The best for the losing side was international forward Philip Zwiener (198-85, agent: Side Court) with 16 points and 7 rebounds and American guard Dru Joyce (183-85, college: Akron) with 13 points and 7 assists. Both coaches allowed to play bench players allowing starting five to get some rest. Despite the victory Bayreuth (3-7) stay at seventeenth position. TBB Trier (5-5) on the other side took eighth place as they recorded their fifth loss. Bayreuth will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
BBC Bayreuth: O.Jeanty 18+1reb+1ast, J.Reiner 17+13reb, J.Harris 14+2reb+2ast, K.Archibong 7+2reb, P.Campbell 6+2reb+2ast, D.Gibson 5+5ast
TBB Trier: P.Zwiener 16+7reb, D.Joyce 13+7ast, B.Stewart 10+5reb+1ast, G.Evans 8+7reb+2ast, M.Zirbes 3+7reb, O.Fassler 3+3reb



Travis Walton (Ratiopharm Ulm) Pregame Thoughts To Phoenix Hagen Game November 20th - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber


Travis Walton is a 23 year old 187cm point guard from Lima, Ohio. He is playing his first season with Ratiopharm Ulm. He played at Michigan State from 2005-2009 where he served as team captain for three consecutive years, being the 3rd in history of Michigan State school to do that. Led the Big 10 in assist to turnover ratio 2.4 to 1 and broke Magic Johnson's career assist record at Michigan State. Walton possesses great toughness, strength and leadership skills and is an exceptional defender. Last season he played shortly for Lugano Tigers (Switzerland-LNA, starting five), left in Dec.'09: 13 games: 8.9ppg, 1.2rpg, Assists-5 (4.9apg), 1.5spg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 85.7% before returning back to Michigan State to help the coaching staff. Some achievements that he has received were Big Ten Tournament Semifinals -06, 08, 09, Big Ten All-Defensive Team -07, 09, NCAA Sweet 16 -08, Big Ten Regular Season Champion -09, and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year -09. He spoke to eurobasket before the game against The Artland Dragons November 20th.

Ratiopharm Ulm averaged 84 points in the three game winning streak, but scored only 49 points in MBC. Was the team able to forget this bad expereince and get ready for Phoenix Hagen?

Yes its basketball. Sometimes you will have bad games or even bad months.The keep is learn from your mistakes and to continue to improve.

What do you need to do as a team offensively to rebound after a low scoring game? Do you practice more shooting in practice or do you just rely on your offensive instincts in the next game?

You just have to rely on your offensive instincts. You can shoot all you want but you can still have a bad shooting night. You just have to go out there and play basketball and make smart plays.

The next game is against Phoenix Hagen who have been sort of a surprise this season. What has been your impression of the team and do you know any player on that team?


Hagen is a very good team with some good talent. Yes I know Matt Terwilliger. We grew up playing against each other.

How much of a challenge will it be for you to guard guys like David Bell and Mark Dorris? Bell is a smart veteran and Dorris is a young player who at the moment seems to have absolutly no fear on the court and can do what he wants

Yea they are very good players and playing great basketball right now. It will be a tough challenge for us to guard them but we have to play good team defense.

Point guard Per Gunther has had some very solid games in the last weeks. He seems to really be developing. How much of a floor general has he become since the first day of training camp?

Yes Per has been playing great ball for us. I think he has just got a lot more confidence in his game.

What will be key in winning the game against Phoenix Hagen?


Taking care of the basketball.

Are you surprised about the quick 8-4 start by the Atlanta Hawks? What will they achieve this season?


No.They were a playoff team last year and have two all stars on their team and the best sixth man in the league.


What is your prediction for Michigan State this season? Where will their journey end?


NATIONAL CHAMPS... WE SPARTANS DAWGS.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?


A basketball game of me playing in college.

Thanks Travis forthe chat.

FC Schalke 04 parts company with Richmond Pittman - by Moritz Korff
FC Schalke 04 (Regionalliga West) has parted company with Richmond Pittman (198-F-83, college: Cent.Conn.St.), according to derwesten.de. The performances of the 28-year-old forward didn't live up to the expectations of the Schalke coach and the management. Pittman scored 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds in his last game for the Royal Blues this past weekend, when S04 defeated SVD 49 Dortmund 73-67. Schalke currently sits in sixth place in the RLW standings, holding a 4-4 record.

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  GREECE   


Kolossos added Golemac - by Giorgos Diploidis
The coach of VAP Kolossos Rodou, Giannis Sferopoulos was looking to improve its team power next to the basket and he decided to sign with Jurica Golemac (209-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) for one year contract. The experienced power forward-center will add depth to the team of Rodos which didn't start as good as it was expected in the Greek League (1-3 record).

The Slovenian player in the past played in Greece with the team of Panellinios (season 2008-09, 25 games), while last season he appeared with the shirt of Panathinaikos for four games. Then he had an experience with the Eurocup finalist, Alba Berlin.


Darko Russo the new head coach of Iraklis - by George Fragkos
Iraklis Thessaloniki has finally a new head coach on the bench. The talks with Slobodan Subotic (agency: Interperformances ) did not have a happy end and the people of the club chose Bosnian Darko Russo (agency: Beo Basket ) as the replacement of Kostas Pilafidis (agency: Interperformances ), who resigned. The two sides reached an agreement and the new coach will assume duties immediately, beginning from this weekends game against VAP Kolossos Rodou.

Darko Russo is supposed to be a very good option for the team from Thessaloniki. He is an experienced coach and he has worked in Greece for a lot of years in the past, as head coach at Apollon Patras and Marousi.

Last year he coached Bosnian side BC Igokea Aleksandrovac and he achieved to lead the team to the league semi-finals.

Olympiakos cruises past Lottomatica in Rome - by Eurobasket News
Lottomatica - Olympiakos 71-86

Olympiakos cruised past Lottomatica in Rome for 4-1 record in Group B. Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) shined for the Greeks with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Milos Teodosic (195-G-87) added 15 pts and 7 assists, while Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) helped with 14 pts. In Lottomatica (2-3), Andrea Crosariol (212-C-84, college: Fairleigh Dickinson) had 17 points and 6 rebs. Joshua Heytvelt (211-F-86, college: Gonzaga) had 13 points and 7 rebs and was the last one with double-digits in scoring.
Olympiakos had better start making 6-13 lead. Lottomatica replied with 10-5, but mostly owing to Mavrokefalides the Reds closed Q1 with 18-24. Second quarter was the crucial one as Olympiakos totally took control on their rival. They quickly jumped to plus 9 and later Bourousis and Halperin knocked down back-to-back long balls as the Olympiacos advantage extended to 14 points, 25-39 midway through the second quarter. Lottomatica came just one point closer for rest of the first half, 40-53. Nothing has changed after the breather as there was just one team playing on the court and it was Olympiakos. They managed to keep plus 13 before the last ten minutes, 55-68. The biggest 19-point lead Olympiakos reached after triple by Marko Keselj at the halfway of Q4 and all after that was just the formality.
In the next round, Olympiakos goes to Madrid. Lottomatica will meet Brose Baskets in Bamberg.

Lottomatica: Andrea Crosariol 17+6 boards, Joshua Heytvelt 13+7 boards
Olympiakos: Ioannis Bourousis 16+10 boards, Milos Teodosic 15+7 as, Vassilis Spanoulis 14

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  HOLLAND   


EuroCup Action: Gas Terra Flames Lose A Heartbreaker - by Sanders Jackson
Tuesday night in the Martiniplaza in Game #1 of EuroCup action, the defending Dutch champion GasTerra Flames Groningen had throughout the game their Turkish opponent Galatasaray Cafecrown Istanbul on the ropes before the guests made piece by piece a run, before taking over the last two minutes of the game to send Gas Terra Flames to a heartbreaking 66-65 loss. The Flames led for the first 38 minutes of the game, including at one point in the first half by as much as 14 pts., had to make do without PG Robby Bostain (194-G/F-84, college: Furman), who was injured. Flames sniper Steve Ross (201-G/F-80, agency: Court Side, college: Santa Clara) was the shot in the arm for Donar, leading 22-11 at the end of the 1st quarter. The Turkish team would fight back into the game but Donar still led by 8 pts. heading into the last quarter. Galatasaray Cafecrown Istanbul went into a 2-3 zone that paid dividends, leading to four Donar turnovers and had a 7 minute scoring drought, giving them the opening they needed. From there it would come down to free throw shooting, with the guests converting them and Donar not. Within the last seconds and Donar leading 65-64, Matt Bauscher (188-G-85, agency: 540 Sports, college: Boise St.) missed two free throws and on the ensuing play Galatasaray Cafecrown Istanbul guard and Syracuse grad Preston Shumpert would get fouled, and with 4 seconds remaining Shumpert would convert both free throws to give Galatarsaray the lead. In the last seconds Ross would have an open three-point look, but his shot attempt would rim out. Ross led the Flames with 15 pts., including four threes.

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  IBL   


IBL recognizes Derrick Rowland and Paul Sir for excellent coaching - by Trask Frost
IBL graduates two talented and experienced coaches

Derrick Rowland was a very good player in college and overseas, Derrick even played a few games in the NBA but Derrick is mainly known for his high level play in the Continental Basketball Association where he finished as the leagues 5th leading scorer (of all time- CBA since 1947). Derrick has coached professional overseas basketball in the Philippines, France, Israel, the CBA, and USBL Rowland has coached All Star teams, finals teams and recently as head coach of the Albany Legends, he led his team to the International Basketball League 2010 championship. Derrick Rowland can be reached at drowland0721@excite.com. IBL Commissioner Mikal Duilio- 'Derrick calmly led his team from 8 points down with 65 seconds to go in a playoff game, to tie the game up at the end of regulation and then win the game in overtime. Rowland has a professional demeanor at all times in games that really affects his players, gives them confidence. Rowland really understands when to make changes in a game; Rowland can coach talented players and win championships.'

Paul Sir was an all-state basketball player in high school and an accomplished player at Winona State University before playing overseas and eventually moving on to business and coaching. Sir is the coach of the Concordia University (Edmonton) since 2005 to present where he holds a 115-56 career record. And for the last three years, Paul Sir has been coaching for Edmontons IBL team where he amassed a record of 44-19 in three seasons (Edmonton had the best record in the IBL in 2009). Sir is the Executive Director of Basketball Alberta and as the title suggests- Sir is involved in building basketball in Alberta Canada. Paul Sir can be reached at psir@shaw.ca. IBL Commissioner Mikal Duilio- 'Paul Sir is the type of coach that does what it takes to get the right pieces in place, always starting with the strongest point guard available and then working to the 4s and 5s before finding his 2s and 3s; Paul is an architect who can build teams; the professional basketball world should take a solid look at Paul's ability to analyze talent and build a championship level team.'

Note: Rowland and Sir are not expected to be coaching in the upcoming IBL season so the IBL wanted to take some time to recognize these very experienced and successful coaches. For more information on the International Basketball League or for more information about IBL teams, visit www.iblhoopsonline.com


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  INDIA   


Taiwan beat India in the last game of Day 2 - by Eurobasket News
Taiwan-India 93:66

Taiwan won all the periods over India for the total 93:66 success at the end of Day 2 in Asian Games. Taiwan improved to 1-1 record in Group F after the victory at the Ying Dong Gymnasium.
Taiwan opened the game with 25-21 after the first 10 minutes and then limited the opponents to just 6 points in the second frame. They added 22-6 for 47:27 halftime advantage. In the third period Taiwan did not slow down and continued to dominate the court. They produced 25-19 in the third frame for the bigger lead and finished the game with 21-20 in the last stanza.
Lin Chih-Chieh (192-F/G-82) paced all the winners with 23 points and Tien Lei (203-F-83) nailed 20. Yang Ching-Min (188-G/F-84) followed them with 13 points for the winning side. Japdeep Singh (199-C-86) responded with 22 points in the losing case and Vishesh Bhriguvanshi (192-G-91) added 14. Hareesh Koroth (185-G-84) scored 13, while Yadwinder Singh (198-C-86) notched 10.
In Day 3 Taiwan will meet Qatar that lost to Philippines.The latter tied both records at 1-1 in after 90:68 win in Asian Games. India will take on Iran that lost the thriller to Japan.

Taiwan: Lin Chih-Chieh 23, Tien Lei 20, Yang Ching-Min 13
India: Japdeep Singh 22, Vishesh Bhriguvanshi 14, Hareesh Koroth 13, Yadwinder Singh 10

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  IRAN   


Japan cruised past Iran in the top game of the Day 2 - by Eurobasket News
Japan -Iran 57:56

Japan cruised past Iran in the top game of the Day 2 of the Men's Preliminary Round Group F in China. Japan grabbed 2-0 record on top of the group after 57:56 victory.
It was a real thriller in the game and actually both teams deserved the win. Iran opened the game with 19-17 in the start and then added 12-11 in the second frame. Moreover the team celebrated the victory in the third period as well as they needed 16-15 for 4-point advantage before the final stanza. Japan however responded with 14-9 in the last frame to clinch the second win.
Takumi Ishizaki (188-G-84) stepped up with 13 points for the winners and Kosuke Takeuchi (205-C/F-85) followed him with 10.Yuta Tabuse (173-G-80, college: BYU-Hawaii) netted 9, whilst Kenta Hirose (193-G-85) scored 7. Mahdi Kamrani (181-G-82) ended up with 15 points in the losing case as Iran tied their record at 1-1. Asghar Kardoust (210-C-86, agency: SportsList Inc.) notched 11 and Hamed Afagh (190-G-83, agency: SportsList Inc.) netted 7.
In Day 3 Japan will face Philippines that rolled over Qatar at the start of Day 2 of the Men's Preliminary Round Group F in China. Philippines tied both records at 1-1 in after 90:68 win in Asian Games. Iran meanwhile will take on India that lost to Taiwan.

Japan: Takumi Ishizaki 13, Kosuke Takeuchi 10, Yuta Tabuse 9, Kenta Hirose 7
Iran: Mahdi Kamrani 15, Asghar Kardoust 11, Hamed Afagh 7

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  ISRAEL   


Bobby Brown Goes 1 on 1 With 'Eurobasket.com' - by David Pick
After spending the last two years on four different NBA rosters (Sacramento Kings, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Hornets and Los Angeles Clippers) averaging 5.4 ppg in a total of 108 games, early this season, Bobby Brown thought he would play on another roster in what is considered, 'The Best League in The World'. Surprisingly, the fast and talented guard, decided again, to take his talent overseas, as he landed in Poland, where he now plays for Asseco Prokom Gdynia.

While Proving day in and day out every bit of the talent he possesses, brown has played so far only 4 games in the 'PLK' (Polish D1) but is already known as one of the most toughest and respected players while being ranked #1 in scoring (24.7), #5 in assists (4.7) and #4 in steals (2).

After suffering his 5th consecutive Euroleague lose this season, 99:58, last night in Israel, to Maccabi Tel-Aviv, Brown made the time and spoke with 'Eurobasket.com'.

Bobby, personally you had a solid game finishing with 10 points and 3 assist, but what happened to your team, how did you fold so easily?

'We finally got off to good start for the first time in our Euroleague campaign, but as the game went on, Maccabi made some threes, we stopped making shots, and when you don't score, it's kind of hard to keep up, especially with the Maccabi fans and the momentum they build. Basically, we played bad basketball. As a team we just didn't give it enough effort and when you play a tough team like Maccabi, you always have to come really focused and motivated'.

This is defiantly NOT where you thought you'd see your team after completing the first round of the Euroleague games. What do you think you need to do in order to improve?

'Well we need to go back to Poland, try to regroup, to get something done, and to take care of business. It was just the first round. Now we have 5 games left, we are going to keep fighting and fighting until the end'.

What do you think won the game for Maccabi?

'Definitely their full court pressure was a surprise to us, but it's still not an excuse for us as basketball players. We had to try and make plays in order to beat the traps, but they played defense as a team and forced us to a lot of turnovers'.

Why was the Maccabi pressure such a problem for you?

'We were too close to each other and when a team pressures you it's smart to spread out. Our spacing was terrible. When u turn the ball over so many times and the other team scores, it is very hard to rally back'.

Aren't having 5 post NBA players an advantage for you on other teams?

We have 5 experienced NBA players, but now we all play in Europe and the Euroleague games are completely different from the NBA. The court is smaller, the guys zone up and play better defense on and off the ball. In the NBA everything is more open and spread out, you have more room to move and penetrate to the rim. Here if we drive or pass my man, there is always someone coming from behind to help. So once again, 5 guys coming from the NBA doesn't really mean a great deal to us'.



Maccabi Tel-Aviv Talks With Eurobasket.com - by David Pick
Maccabi Tel-Aviv still leads Group A for the second consecutive week, as it crushed the life out Asseco Prokom Gdynia 99-58, in Tel-Aviv, and earned, as of now, its biggest win of the 2010/11 Euroleague season. Prokom started the game well with mini 7-1 run, and got the early lead, but yellow and blue men fought back, went on a 19-0 blitz that put them put up 60-31, and never looked back.

The winning coach, David Blatt said after the game: 'I have 12 players that play great defense, and that's something I've never had my entire coaching career. Chuck Eidson is a very special player. He's put on a few shows for us this season, and that's very important for him. We still didn't qualify to the Top16 yet, so we can't look to far ahead. We played tonight great defense with fire in our eyes. Our fans give us a lot of love and my boys earn and benefit from it'.

MVP of the game, Chuck Eidson (20 points and 5 steals), spoke about his great performance: 'We played with great energy, which made all the difference. I'm very happy we won when worked very hard on defense. Everybody contributed and put a lot of pressure on the ball and it was fun to watch. We work very hard on the defense end, but there is still work to be done. We must stay focused, do our job and keep being in the top spot of our group'.

Guy Pnini: 'It was a great game for us. The fans were on fire and it really motivated us. We are very pleased with this result and of the way we play. Next week we'll continue to fight like we did tonight only this time, against Caja Laboral, where we will try to get our revenge'.

Doron Perkins who has a solid game with 13 points (4-7 for three), 6 rebounds and 3 assist said: we just played the way we play all year. Against Prokom, we were able to just make some shots, and when they gone down we are a very dangerous team. Eidson didnt surprise me tonight, he was the Euroleague MVP. He a great player and tonight he just lit up. When he makes those shots it's a lot easier for us because he's are go to guy'.

Jeremy Pargo, who once again finished as the player with most assists (6) said: 'we played a great team with great players who can score the ball, but fortunately for us, we were able to stop us on defense. We're not looking down on any team. We need to come in every night and get the win. For now all I'm thinking about is celebrating this win and then I'll look ahead on the next game'.

Lior Eliyahu was pleased with the win but is already looking forward to next week when he meets his former team from Spain: we played great together as a team. I'm already looking forward to next week when we meet my former team, Caja Laboral. It will be very interesting and I'm looking forward on getting my revenge'.



National League Round 7: Hapoel T-A defeats Hapoel Tivon in the game between Top 4 teams - by Eurobasket News
Round 7 most important game was a victory of Hapoel T-A over their biggest opponent Hapoel Tivon 89-71 ending at the same time the series of five consecutive victories of Hapoel Tivon. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Brian Asbury (200-85, college: Miami (FL)) who helped to win the game recording 28 points and 7 rebounds. Former international forward Matan Naor (194-80) contributed with 16 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. American forward Rodney Webb (200-83, college: Florida Atlantic) answered with double-double 20 points and 13 rebounds for Hapoel Tivon. Hapoel T-A has an impressive series of six victories in a row. They of course still keep top position in the standings. Hapoel Tivon dropped to the second place with 5-2 record. They have the same record like Elitzur Yavne. Hapoel T-A are looking forward to the next round to face higher ranked Hapoel Beeri in Beer Yaakov. Hapoel Tivon will have a break next round.
Another interesting game was between Elitzur Yavne (5-2) which hosted on the court of Lev Hasharon (4-3). Third ranked Elitzur Yavne crushed visitors 96-76. It was a great evening for swingman Elad Hofman (192-85) who lead his team to a victory with 21 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Zafrir Volfer helped adding 19 points. Coach used 11-player rotation giving the chance to rest for starting five. At the losing side American guard Antwan Henry Dobie (183-78, college: LIU Brooklyn, agent: Chris Warren) responded with 18 points and 8 assists. Elitzur Yavne has an impressive series of three victories in a row. They jumped to the second spot. They share that position with Hapoel Tivon. Lev Hasharon dropped to the fourth place. They have the same record like Hapoel Afula and Maccabi HBK. Elitzur Yavne's next round game will be against Ironi Nahariya (#11) on the road which should be another easy walk for them. Lev Hasharon will play against Kohav Yair (#8) to get back on winning track.
An interesting game was also surprising road defeat of higher ranked Elitzur Ramla (#9) in a game versus Ironi Ramat Gan (#14) 84-92. It was an exceptional evening for Isaac Rosefelt who lead the winners with 27 points and 9 rebounds. Keena Young came up with double-double 23 points and 14 rebounds for Elitzur Ramla in defeat. Coach Yaniv Vaitsman tried in this game 10 players saving starting five for next games. Ironi Ramat Gan (2-5) jumped to the twelfth spot. They share that position with defeated Elitzur Ramla and Hapoel Bsheva. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
We should not miss home victory of thirteenth ranked Ironi Nahariya (2-4) over 10th ranked Hapoel Bsheva (2-5) 107-104. Jason Johnson fired double-double 38 points (!!!) and 17 rebounds for the winners. Ironi Nahariya (2-4) jumped to the tenth spot. They share that position with Hod Hasharon. Hapoel Bsheva dropped to the twelfth place. Ironi Nahariya's next round opponent will be league's second-placed Elitzur Yavne at home and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
And finally the game worth to mention about is Megido/Yokneam's win against 4th placed Hapoel Afula 93-85. It was a very good performance for Ramon Clemente who helped to win the game recording 21 points and 8 rebounds. Megido/Yokneam (3-4) jumped to the eighth spot. They share that position with Kohav Yair. Hapoel Afula dropped to the fourth place with 4-3 record. Megido/Yokneam will have a break next round. Hapoel Afula will play at home against Beer Yaakov (#7) and be promoted back to Premier League just one year after relegation.

In the last two games of round 7 Maccabi HBK beat Beer Yaakov on the road 95-88. Kohav Yair won against Hod Hasharon at it's own court 105-87.

Megido/Yokneam - Hapoel Afula 93-85

And finally the game worth to mention about is Megido/Yokneam's win against 4th placed Hapoel Afula 93-85. It was a very good performance for American-Puerto Rican forward Ramon Clemente (200-85, college: Wichita St., agent: Goran Gramatikov) who helped to win the game recording 21 points and 8 rebounds. His countryman forward Nate Miller (193-87, college: Bowling Green) contributed with 21 points and 4 assists for the winners. Welsh forward Tal Michael Dunne (197-87) answered with 23 points and American forward Darnell Hugee (201-85, college: Prairie View A&M) added 19 points and 8 rebounds (perfect from the field making all six shots) for Hapoel Afula. Megido/Yokneam (3-4) jumped to the eighth spot. They share that position with Kohav Yair. Hapoel Afula dropped to the fourth place with 4-3 record. Megido/Yokneam will have a break next round. Hapoel Afula will play at home against Beer Yaakov (#7) and be promoted back to Premier League just one year after relegation.
Top scorers:
Hapoel Yokneam/Megido: R.Clemente 21+8reb+2ast, N.Miller 21+4reb+4ast, L.Shvarzvald 12+3reb+2ast, N.Levi 8+1reb+2ast, C.Buchman 7+2reb, J.Shtarkman 6+1ast
Hapoel Afula: T.Michael Dunne 23+3reb+3ast, D.Hugee 19+8reb, O.Zamir 15+3reb+1ast, E.Solomoviz 13+5reb, A.Eliyahu 11+3reb+6ast, G.Aud 3+2reb+2ast

Beer Yaakov - Maccabi HBK 88-95

I am not sure if we can call it surprise result between close teams when seventh ranked Maccabi HBK (4-3) beat 6th ranked Beer Yaakov (3-3) 95-88. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Noam Matalon (197-87, agent: Avi Zilberman) who helped to win the game recording 23 points. American forward Robert Brown (195-80, college: Buffalo, agent: Zeev Gross) contributed with 21 points for the winners. American forward Jermaine Hall (196-80, college: Wagner) answered with 21 points and 8 rebounds and American-Cape Verdean guard Joshua Gomez (190-83, college: E.Illinois) added 23 points for Beer Yaakov. Maccabi HBK (4-3) jumped to the fourth spot. They share that position with Lev Hasharon and Hapoel Afula. Beer Yaakov dropped to the seventh place with 3-3 record. Maccabi HBK will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Beer Yaakov will play on the road against Hapoel Afula (#4) hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Maccabi Habikaa: N.Matalon 23+2reb+2ast, R.Brown 21+3reb+2ast, I.Grinboim 20+3reb+1ast, E.Skverer 12+4reb+8ast, I.Lev 8+5reb+2ast, S.Bradford 6+12reb+2ast
Maccabi Beer Yaakov: J.Gomes 23+1reb, J.Hall 21+8reb+2ast, I.Levi 17+2reb+2ast, Y.Alter 8+1reb+3ast, O.Farhi 8+2reb+7ast, G.Karni 7+6reb

Hapoel Tivon - Hapoel T-A 71-89

Round 7 most important game was a victory of Hapoel T-A over their biggest opponent Hapoel Tivon 89-71 ending at the same time the series of five consecutive victories of Hapoel Tivon. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Brian Asbury (200-85, college: Miami (FL)) who helped to win the game recording 28 points and 7 rebounds. Former international forward Matan Naor (194-80) contributed with 16 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. American forward Rodney Webb (200-83, college: Florida Atlantic) answered with double-double 20 points and 13 rebounds and American swingman Tramaine Stevens (200-87, college: Morehead St.) added 22 points and 7 rebounds for Hapoel Tivon. Hapoel T-A has an impressive series of six victories in a row. They of course still keep top position in the standings. Hapoel Tivon dropped to the second place with 5-2 record. They have the same record like Elitzur Yavne. Hapoel T-A are looking forward to the next round to face higher ranked Hapoel Beeri in Beer Yaakov. Hapoel Tivon will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Hapoel Usishkin Tel-Aviv: B.Asbury 28+7reb+2ast, A.Utter 19+7reb, M.Naor 16+7reb+3ast, G.Eytan 9+4reb+2ast, E.Eliyah 9+5reb+2ast, Y.Lahat 4+5reb+8ast
Hapoel Kiryat Tivon: T.Stevens 22+7reb+2ast, R.Webb 20+13reb+2ast, B.Harvey 12+2reb+4ast, Z.Evans 9+2reb+2ast, K.Izik 2+6reb+3ast, B.Timor 2+3reb+3ast

Ironi Nahariya - Hapoel Bsheva 107-104

We should not miss home victory of thirteenth ranked Ironi Nahariya (2-4) over 10th ranked Hapoel Bsheva (2-5) 107-104. American forward Jason Johnson (203-86, college: S.Carolina St.) fired double-double 38 points (!!!) and 17 rebounds for the winners. Guard Adi Pereg (186-79) helped with 23 points and 4 assists. American guard Albert Fisher (184-86, college: Kent St.) produced double-double 28 points, 6 rebounds and 11 assists and forward Yotam Shiran (198-90, agent: Zeev Gross) added 25 points and 6 rebounds for lost side. Ironi Nahariya (2-4) jumped to the tenth spot. They share that position with Hod Hasharon. Hapoel Bsheva dropped to the twelfth place. Ironi Nahariya's next round opponent will be league's second-placed Elitzur Yavne at home and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
Top scorers:
Ironi Nahariya: J.Johnson 38+17reb+2ast, A.Pereg 23+4reb+4ast, R.Sabag 15+3reb+5ast, J.Dews 12+4reb+1ast, A.Sela 9+2reb+1ast, M.Snir 8+4reb+1ast
Hapoel Beer-Sheva: A.Fisher 28+6reb+11ast, Y.Shiran 25+6reb+2ast, D.Aidan 14+6reb+3ast, E.Knafo 13+10reb+1ast, T.Havkin 9+2reb+1ast, Y.Bet-Yosef 6+2ast

Elitzur Yavne - Lev Hasharon 96-76

Another interesting game was between Elitzur Yavne (5-2) which hosted on the court of Lev Hasharon (4-3). Third ranked Elitzur Yavne crushed visitors 96-76. It was a great evening for swingman Elad Hofman (192-85) who lead his team to a victory with 21 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Forward Zafrir Volfer (200-81) helped adding 19 points. Coach used 11-player rotation giving the chance to rest for starting five. At the losing side American guard Antwan Henry Dobie (183-78, college: LIU Brooklyn, agent: Chris Warren) responded with 18 points and 8 assists and American forward Ivan McFarlin (203-82, college: Oklahoma St.) with 15 points and 7 rebounds. Elitzur Yavne has an impressive series of three victories in a row. They jumped to the second spot. They share that position with Hapoel Tivon. Lev Hasharon dropped to the fourth place. They have the same record like Hapoel Afula and Maccabi HBK. Elitzur Yavne's next round game will be against Ironi Nahariya (#11) on the road which should be another easy walk for them. Lev Hasharon will play against Kohav Yair (#8) to get back on winning track.
Top scorers:
Elitzur Yavne: E.Hofman 21+6reb+5ast, Z.Volfer 19+2reb+3ast, D.Hardin 18+6reb, G.Cohen 9+3reb, D.Tamir 8+1reb+2ast, C.Timberlake 6+3reb+1ast
Hapoel Lev Hasharon: I.Eiram 19+3reb, A.Henry Dobie 18+3reb+8ast, I.McFarlin 15+7reb+1ast, R.Pitshon 10+5reb+1ast, O.Hover 6+2reb, M.Yakubovich 4+1reb+1ast

Kohav Yair - Hod Hasharon 105-87

There was an upset when 8th ranked Hod Hasharon (2-4) lost to eleventh ranked Kohav Yair (3-4) in Kohav Yair 105-87. It was a very good performance for guard Shlomi Harush (185-87) who helped to win the game recording double-double 25 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists. contributed with 20 points for the winners. American guard Jitim Young (188-81, college: Northwestern, agent: Keith Kreiter) answered with 20 points and American forward Stanley Brandy (200-67, college: De Paul) added 13 points and 10 rebounds for Hod Hasharon. Both coaches used bench players giving the chance to rest for starting five. Kohav Yair (3-4) jumped to the eighth spot. They share that position with Megido/Yokneam. Hod Hasharon dropped to the tenth place with 2-4 record. They have the same record like Ironi Nahariya. Kohav Yair are looking forward to the next round to face higher ranked Lev Hasharon (#6) on the road and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Hod Hasharon will play against Ironi Ramat G. (#) having rather not much hope for a victory.
Top scorers:
Elitzur Kohav Yair/Yuval: S.Harush 25+10reb+6ast, G.Amitai 20+3reb+3ast, A.Zelkovits 18+2reb+2ast, E.Traimel 16+7reb, S.Ibrahim 10+9reb, S.Molnar 6+2ast
Maccabi Hod Hasharon: J.Young 20+4reb+3ast, G.Gendal 16+2reb+2ast, S.Brandy 13+10reb+1ast, E.Ventura 9+1reb+6ast, A.Bier-Katz 8+8reb, I.Sharon 8+4ast

Ironi Ramat Gan - Elitzur Ramla 92-84

An interesting game was also surprising road defeat of higher ranked Elitzur Ramla (#9) in a game versus Ironi Ramat Gan (#14) 84-92. It was an exceptional evening for American power forward Isaac Rosefelt (205-85, college: St.Thomas, agent: Avi Zilberman) who lead the winners with 27 points and 9 rebounds and swingman Yariv Yatzkan (199-75, agent: Avi Zilberman) who stepped in adding 22 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. American forward Keena Young (198-85, college: BYU) came up with double-double 23 points and 14 rebounds and guard Tal Parselani (195-87) added 23 points for Elitzur Ramla in defeat. Coach Yaniv Vaitsman tried in this game 10 players saving starting five for next games. Ironi Ramat Gan (2-5) jumped to the twelfth spot. They share that position with defeated Elitzur Ramla and Hapoel Bsheva. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Ironi Kfar Hamaccabia Ramat Gan: I.Rosefelt 27+9reb+1ast, Y.Yatzkan 22+8reb+7ast, O.Brener 12+3reb+3ast, E.Kohansky 9+1reb+2ast, S.Brown 8+1reb, Y.Arbiv 7+2reb
Elitzur Ramla: K.Young 23+14reb, T.Parselani 23+3reb, L.Levi 13+4reb+1ast, R.Woods 11+9reb+2ast, G.Lavie 6+1reb, O.Levy 5+3reb+1ast



Stats Leaders - National League
Points Per Game
 Jason JOHNSON
  Ironi Nahariya
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 33.5
 1. Johnson, Ironi N.33.5 
 2. Asbury, Hapoel T-A28.3 
 3. Hall, Beer Yaakov25.7 
 4. Miller, Megido/Y.24.5 
 5. Stevens, Hapoel T.23.0 
 6. Webb, Hapoel Tivon22.7 
 7. Brown, Maccabi HBK22.3 
 8. Young, Hod Hasharon22.0 
 9. Young, Elitzur Ramla20.6 
 10. Tramiel, Kohav Yair20.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jason JOHNSON
  Ironi Nahariya
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 17
 1. Johnson, Ironi N.17.0 
 2. Brandy, Hod H.12.2 
 3. Ibrahim, Ironi N.11.0 
 4. Clemente, Megido.10.1 
 5. Rosefelt, Ironi R.9.7 
 6. Tramiel, Kohav Yair9.5 
 7. Pitshon, Lev H.9.1 
 8. McFarlin, Lev H.9.1 
 9. Webb, Hapoel Tivon9.0 
 10. Spicer, Elitzur Ramla8.7 
Assists Per Game
 Yaron LAHAT
  Hapoel T-A
  (186-G-76)
  Avg: 7.7
 1. Lahat, Hapoel T-A7.7 
 2. Eliyahu, Hapoel Afula7.4 
 3. Dobie, Lev Hasharon6.1 
 4. Farhi, Beer Yaakov5.8 
 5. Timor, Hapoel Tivon5.8 
 6. Fisher, Hapoel B.5.6 
 7. Harush, Kohav Yair5.6 
 8. Berkowitz, Elitzu.5.6 
 9. Matalon, Maccabi .5.5 
 10. Housman, Hapoel T.5.2 
Steals Per Game
 Nate MILLER
  Megido/Yokneam
  (193-F-87)
  Avg: 4
 1. Miller, Megido/Y.4.0 
 2. Johnson, Ironi N.3.5 
 3. Eliyahu, Hapoel Afula3.3 
 4. Young, Hod Hasharon3.0 
 5. Harush, Kohav Yair2.9 
 6. Naor, Hapoel T-A2.8 
 7. Hofman, Elitzur .2.7 
 8. Shtarkman, Megido.2.3 
 9. Webb, Hapoel Tivon2.2 
 10. Farhi, Beer Yaakov2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Daniel AIDAN
  Hapoel Bsheva
  (204-F-89)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Aidan, Hapoel B.2.7 
 2. Rosefelt, Ironi R.2.3 
 3. Brandy, Hod H.2.2 
 4. Webb, Hapoel Tivon2.2 
 5. Utter, Hapoel T-A2.2 
 6. Hugee, Hapoel Afula1.6 
 7. Asbury, Hapoel T-A1.5 
 8. Johnson, Ironi N.1.5 
 9. Naor, Hapoel T-A1.3 
 10. Lewis, Ironi R.1.3 


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


Olympiakos cruises past Lottomatica in Rome - by Eurobasket News
Lottomatica - Olympiakos 71-86

Olympiakos cruised past Lottomatica in Rome for 4-1 record in Group B. Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) shined for the Greeks with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Milos Teodosic (195-G-87) added 15 pts and 7 assists, while Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) helped with 14 pts. In Lottomatica (2-3), Andrea Crosariol (212-C-84, college: Fairleigh Dickinson) had 17 points and 6 rebs. Joshua Heytvelt (211-F-86, college: Gonzaga) had 13 points and 7 rebs and was the last one with double-digits in scoring.
Olympiakos had better start making 6-13 lead. Lottomatica replied with 10-5, but mostly owing to Mavrokefalides the Reds closed Q1 with 18-24. Second quarter was the crucial one as Olympiakos totally took control on their rival. They quickly jumped to plus 9 and later Bourousis and Halperin knocked down back-to-back long balls as the Olympiacos advantage extended to 14 points, 25-39 midway through the second quarter. Lottomatica came just one point closer for rest of the first half, 40-53. Nothing has changed after the breather as there was just one team playing on the court and it was Olympiakos. They managed to keep plus 13 before the last ten minutes, 55-68. The biggest 19-point lead Olympiakos reached after triple by Marko Keselj at the halfway of Q4 and all after that was just the formality.
In the next round, Olympiakos goes to Madrid. Lottomatica will meet Brose Baskets in Bamberg.

Lottomatica: Andrea Crosariol 17+6 boards, Joshua Heytvelt 13+7 boards
Olympiakos: Ioannis Bourousis 16+10 boards, Milos Teodosic 15+7 as, Vassilis Spanoulis 14

Montepaschi too much for Regal Barca - by Eurobasket News
Montepaschi - Regal Barca 76-67

Montepaschi was better than the reigning Euroleague champion getting 21 points from PG Bo Lester McCalebb (183-G-85, college: New Orleans). Milovan Rakovic (208-C-85) secured a nice help with 13 pts and Ksistof Lavrinovic (210-C-79) added 11 points, plus 6 boards. Pete Mickeal (199-F-78, college: Cincinnati) and Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) had 15 pts each on the other side. Montepaschi improved to 4-1, Barca dropped to 3-2 in Group C.
Montepaschi started the game with 9-4 and they later made 15-8 lead. In the finish of Q1, the hosts jumped to plus 10 but Regal Barca managed to close this period with quick 0-7 run for minus three, 26-23 Q1. Second frame was pretty leveled with Siena holding its 3-point lead. Thus, after 20 minutes of play the hosts had 43-40. Erazem Lorbek and Milovan Rakovic traded baskets to start the third period for both teams, and David Moss stepped in to hit the first two free throws of the second half for 47-43. Thanks to 9-2 run which they made later, Bo Lester McCalebb and his teammates jumped to 54-45. They managed to keep plus 9 for rest of the time in Q3 heading into the last ten minutes with 64-55. Zisis and Carraretto paced the hosts to 68-55 and Barca called a time out. Nothing has changed after that and Montepaschi earned plus 15 with four minutes to go. They had not troubles to keep their lead and to celebrate fourth Euroleague win.
In the next round, Montepaschi will meet Cholet on the road. Regal Barca goes to Zagreb to meet Cibona.

Montepaschi: Bo Lester McCalebb 21, Milovan Rakovic 13, Ksistof Lavrinovic 11+6 boards
Regal Barca: Pete Mickeal 15, Erazem Lorbek 15

*****************************************************
  JAPAN   


JBL2 Standings
JBL2 Standings
 1. Toyota Tsusho 6-0 
 2. Aisin AW 5-1 
 3. Toyoda Gosei 4-3 
 4. Hitachi C.B. 3-3 
 5. Ishikawa 3-3 
 6. TGI D-Rise 3-3 
 7. Kagoshima 2-4 
 8. Kuroda Electric 1-5 
 9. Tokyo Big Blue 1-6 


Japan cruised past Iran in the top game of the Day 2 - by Eurobasket News
Japan -Iran 57:56

Japan cruised past Iran in the top game of the Day 2 of the Men's Preliminary Round Group F in China. Japan grabbed 2-0 record on top of the group after 57:56 victory.
It was a real thriller in the game and actually both teams deserved the win. Iran opened the game with 19-17 in the start and then added 12-11 in the second frame. Moreover the team celebrated the victory in the third period as well as they needed 16-15 for 4-point advantage before the final stanza. Japan however responded with 14-9 in the last frame to clinch the second win.
Takumi Ishizaki (188-G-84) stepped up with 13 points for the winners and Kosuke Takeuchi (205-C/F-85) followed him with 10.Yuta Tabuse (173-G-80, college: BYU-Hawaii) netted 9, whilst Kenta Hirose (193-G-85) scored 7. Mahdi Kamrani (181-G-82) ended up with 15 points in the losing case as Iran tied their record at 1-1. Asghar Kardoust (210-C-86, agency: SportsList Inc.) notched 11 and Hamed Afagh (190-G-83, agency: SportsList Inc.) netted 7.
In Day 3 Japan will face Philippines that rolled over Qatar at the start of Day 2 of the Men's Preliminary Round Group F in China. Philippines tied both records at 1-1 in after 90:68 win in Asian Games. Iran meanwhile will take on India that lost to Taiwan.

Japan: Takumi Ishizaki 13, Kosuke Takeuchi 10, Yuta Tabuse 9, Kenta Hirose 7
Iran: Mahdi Kamrani 15, Asghar Kardoust 11, Hamed Afagh 7

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


South Korea reached their second straight win - by Eurobasket News
South Korea-Jordan 95:49

South Korea reached their second straight win at the Asian Games in China. The team improved to 2-0 record in Group E after the win over Jordan 95:49 at the Guangzhou Int'l Sport Arena.
South Korea started with 28-16 in the first period and never looked behind after. They dominated the court and added 25-12 in the second frame. Moreover the favorites did not even think of slowing down and won both periods in the second half. With 20-12 South Korea finished the third quarter to increase their lead and then ended up with 22-9 in the last quarter.
Lee Seung-Jun (186-G-88) and Kim Joo-Sung (205-C-79) paced all the winners with 14 points each. Cho Sung-Min (197-F-83) netted 11 and Oh SeKeun (201-C-87) scored 10. Mohammad Hadrab (201-F-84) replied with 19 points in defeat and Ali Zaghab (204-F/C-88) scored 10.
In Day 3 South Korea will face North Korea that lost the the hosts. China cruised past North Korea in Day 2 of the Men's Preliminary Round in Group E. The hosts of the Asian games celebrated 98:62 win at the Guangzhou Int'l Sport Arena. Jordan meanwhile will play versus Mongolia.

South Korea: Lee Seung-Jun 14, Kim Joo-Sung 14, Cho Sung-Min 11, Oh SeKeun 10
Jordan: Mohammad Hadrab 19, Ali Zaghab 10

*****************************************************
  LEBANON   


Lebanese Div.A round 6 best performance: Terrence Shannon - by Eurobasket News
American forward Terrence Shannon (203-F-79, agency: Paris Global Sports) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Anibal Zahle, receiving a Asia-basket.com Player of the Week award for round 6.
The 31-year old player had a double-double of 32 points and 18 rebounds, while his team crushed Hoops (#7, 1-4) with 17-point margin 71-54. Despite this victory Anibal dropped to the 6th position in Lebanese Div.A. Anibal is rather weak team placed in lower part in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 2-4 record. Shannon turned to be Anibal's top player in his first season with the team. Former Elgin CC star has very solid stats this year. Shannon is in league's top in points (4th best: 22.8ppg) and averages impressive 1.7bpg and 54.8% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 27-year old American Marc Dawson (206-F/C-83) of Chabab - Zahle. Dawson had a very good evening with a double-double of 20 points and 26 rebounds. It was enough for Chabab to edge the lower-ranked Byblos (#9, 1-5) 90-88. Chabab's 5th position in the standings has not changed. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 2-3 record. Dawson is a newcomer at Chabab, but is already the team's top player.

Third on the list of top players last round was another Chabab - Zahle's star - American guard Enique Clemons (180-G-80, agency: Strategic Sports). Clemons got into 30-points club by scoring exactly 30 points in the last round. He went also for five assists. He was another key player of Chabab, helping his team with a 90-88 win against the lower-ranked Byblos (#9, 1-5). The chances of Chabab ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 3 games, recording just two victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Clemons could help Chabab to bring them higher in the standings. Clemons has a great season in Lebanon. After only 5 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in assists with 5.6apg (2nd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. William Byrd (201-G/F-85) of Hoops - 30 points and 8 rebounds
5. Garnett Thompson (207-F/C-80) of Sagesse - 22 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Samer Moucharef) of Byblos - 26 points, 14 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Jean Abed El Nour (197-G/F-83) of Al Riyadi - 32 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Fadi El Khatib (199-F-79) of Champville - 27 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Calvin Warner (201-F-80) of Byblos - 26 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Sabah Khoury (196-G-82) of Sagesse - 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists

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  LITHUANIA   


Stats Leaders - LKL
Points Per Game
 Zygimantas JANAVICIUS
  Siauliai
  (192-G-89)
  Avg: 21
 1. Janavicius, Siauliai21.0 
 2. Kieza, Juventus20.9 
 3. Volkus, Techasas19.5 
 4. Bajramovic, Lietuv.18.3 
 5. Alijevas, Nevezis17.7 
 6. Dilys, Naglis-Adakris17.4 
 7. Gvezdauskas, Siauliai16.3 
 8. Valukonis, Techasas16.2 
 9. Juskevicius, Rudupis15.3 
 10. Sirvydis, Sakalai14.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Aurimas KIEZA
  Juventus
  (202-F-82)
  Avg: 14
 1. Kieza, Juventus14.0 
 2. Sarakauskas, Siauliai11.3 
 3. Silinskis, Techasas9.3 
 4. Dimsa, Nevezis8.5 
 5. Valeika, Alytus Alita8.5 
 6. Valukonis, Techasas8.5 
 7. Vasylius, Neptunas7.8 
 8. Janisius, Sakalai7.8 
 9. Valanciunas, Lietuv.7.8 
 10. Klimavicius, Zalgiris7.1 
Assists Per Game
 Khalid EL-AMIN
  Lietuvos Rytas
  (178-G-79)
  Avg: 6.5
 1. El-Amin, Lietuvos.6.5 
 2. Kalnietis, Zalgiris5.7 
 3. Collins, Zalgiris5.7 
 4. Juskevicius, Rudupis5.2 
 5. Lowe, Naglis-Adakris5.0 
 6. Dainys, Rudupis4.8 
 7. Maceina, Juventus4.7 
 8. Ezerskis, Techasas4.7 
 9. Alijevas, Nevezis4.7 
 10. Gvezdauskas, Siauliai4.5 
Steals Per Game
 Marius VALUKONIS
  Techasas
  (198-F-88)
  Avg: 3
 1. Valukonis, Techasas3.0 
 2. Juskevicius, Rudupis2.7 
 3. Viskontas, Perlas2.7 
 4. Newley, Lietuvos.2.5 
 5. Janavicius, Siauliai2.5 
 6. Vasylius, Neptunas2.3 
 7. Rinkevicius, Techasas2.3 
 8. Razutis, Naglis-A.2.1 
 9. Alijevas, Nevezis2.0 
 10. Lipkevicius, Rudupis1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Darius SILINSKIS
  Techasas
  (216-C-84)
  Avg: 3.7
 1. Silinskis, Techasas3.7 
 2. Begic, Zalgiris2.4 
 3. Valanciunas, Lietuv.2.2 
 4. Cresnar, Nevezis2.0 
 5. Jucikas, Siauliai1.5 
 6. Galdikas, Neptunas1.3 
 7. Klimavicius, Zalgiris1.1 
 8. Petrukonis, Perlas1.0 
 9. Gumenyuk, Siauliai1.0 
 10. Sarakauskas, Siauliai1.0 


Changes in LKL teams - by Evaldas Ceilytkas
There was some changes in Lithunian legue in these days. Alytus forward Arturas Lazdauskas (201-F-86, college: Long Beach St.) leaves the team. There some rumors that he will play in some lower french division. This season he averaged 6.8ppg and 2.8rpg.
KK Kaunas added first foreign player. It is guard Timothy Smith (176-G-82, agency: Heinrich Sports, college: E.Tenn.St.). Last year he played for Gestiberica Ciudad de Vigo in second spanish division.
Sakalai changed their coach. After bad start of the saeson Erikas Kuciauskas retired. New coach will be Rutenis Paulauskas .

First joy for Lietuvos Rytas, Cibona stays winless - by Eurobasket News
Lietuvos Rytas - Cibona 90-62

With Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland) in the roster, Lietuvos Rytas blasted Cibona 90-62 for the first Euroleague win this season. Khalid El-Amin (178-G-79, agency: Beo Basket, college: Connecticut) top-scored in victory with 19 points and Martynas Gecevicius (193-G-88) added two less than him. Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92) helped the hosts with 15 points and 9 boards. In Cibona (0-5), Bojan Bogdanovic (202-G/F-89) delivered 19 points and Goran Vrbanc (194-G-84) stopped to 15.
Lietuvos Rytas dominated in this game from the very beginning. They made 16-11 lead in the first couple of minutes and later closed the first period with 23-12 lead. Khalid El-Amin capped off with a beautiful penetration layup in the Rytas last possession. Cibona was not able to respond in the second period, but at the same time their deficit did not increase. In the finish of the first half, they somehow cut the margin to 38-29. The hosts exploded after the breather making impressive 18-4 run. They finished Q3 later with 61-38 and question about the winner was resolved. Rytas had 76-40 at the beginning of Q4 and everything after that was just the formality. Aleksandar Trifunovic decided it was time to give the home fans an added reason to cheer, as Jacikevicius entered the game with 5:59 remaining.
In the next round, Lietuvos Rytas will meet Fenerbahce Ulker in another home game. Cibona will host Regal Barca.

Lietuvos Rytas: Khalid El-Amin 19+5 as, Martynas Gecevicius 17, Jonas Valanciunas 15+9 boards
Cibona: Bojan Bogdanovic 19, Goran Vrbanc 15

Lithuanian LKL round 8 best performance: Adas Juskevicius - by Eurobasket News
Swingman Adas Juskevicius (194-G/F-89) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Rudupis Prienu, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 8.
The 21-year old player was the main contributor (22 points, five rebounds and four assists) to his team's victory, helping them to edge out Juventus (#4, 4-3) 64-62. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. Rudupis maintains the 3rd position in Lithuanian LKL. They are still close to the very top. Rudupis would have been even better if they kept winning the games like in the last round. They have a solid 5-1 record. Juskevicius turned to be Rudupis' top player in his first season with the team. Adas Juskevicius has solid league stats. He is in league's top in points (9th best: 15.3ppg), assists (4th best: 5.2apg) and averages impressive 2.7spg and 54.2% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was young Marius Valukonis (198-F-88) of Panevezys Techasas. Valukonis had a very good evening with 31 points and 2 rebounds. Of course Techasas cruised to a 87-79 relatively comfortable win over slightly lower-ranked Aiscai Kaunas (#7, 3-4). This victory allowed Techasas to move up to 6th position in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 3-3 record is not bad and everything may still change. Valukonis is a newcomer at Techasas, but is already the team's top player. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 16.2ppg (#8). He also registered 8.5 boards per game.

Third on the list of top players last round was Swiss guard Rolandas Alijevas (192-G-85) of Nevezis Kedainiai (#10). Alijevas showcased his all-around game by recording 22 points, six rebounds and four assists in the last round. Despite Alijevas' great performance Nevezis lost 79-81 to slightly lower-ranked Perlas (#12, 1-5). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Nevezis not to end season on such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 4 games, recording just two victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Alijevas could try to bring Nevezis' a little bit higher in the standings. Alijevas has individually a great season in Lithuania. After only 6 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 17.7ppg (5th best) and assists with 4.7apg (9th best). He also has FGP: 60.0% and 3PT: 50.0%. Rolandas Alijevas has also Lithuanian passport and can play in the league with a status of domestic player.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Martynas Mazeika (190-G-85) of Neptunas - 18 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Siim-Sander Vene (203-F-90) of Aiscai Kaunas - 20 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Edgaras Zelionis (208-C-89) of Rudupis - 7 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Aidas Viskontas (185-G-86) of Perlas - 21 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Giedrius Jankauskas (206-F/C-81) of Rudupis - 16 points and 7 rebounds
9. Valdas Vasylius (203-F-83) of Neptunas - 10 points and 7 rebounds

*****************************************************
  MALDIVES   


Standings - D1
D1 Standings
 1. DSC 0-0 
 2. Hurricane BC 0-0 
 3. T-REX 0-0 
 4. Victory SC 0-0 


*****************************************************
  MONGOLIA   


Mongolia grabbed valuable win over Uzbekistan - by Eurobasket News
Uzbekistan -Mongolia 65:67

Mongolia grabbed valuable win over Uzbekistan in the most interesting game of Day 2 at the Asian Games in Group E. Mongolia celebrated 67:65 thriller to tie their record at 1-1. Uzbekistan meanwhile dropped to 0-2 in the standings.
Mongolia started with 18-15 lead after the opening period and nailed another 18 points in the second frame. At that time Uzbekistan managed to provide 13 points and trailed 8 points at the halftime. In the third quarter Mongolia again notched 18 points, while they allowed the opponents to post 14. The last frame however belonged to Uzbekistan that produced 23-13 in it. It was not however enough to celebrate the victory.
Munkhbold Bataa (191-F-86) paced all the winners with 17 points and Ikhbayar Ganbaatar (180-G-83) followed him with 13. Badrakh Munkhbayar (179-F-84) notched 11, whilst Sedbazar Shinen (191-F-81) added 9. Vyacheslav Denisov (190-F-83) responded with 17 points in the losing effort. Artur Sharafutdinov (200-F-90) and Gennadiy Zinovev (195-F-84) brought 15 each, while Samender Juginisov (202-F-87) scored 11.
In Day 3 Mongolia will face Jordan that lost to South Korea. South Korea reached their second straight win at the Asian Games in China. The team improved to 2-0 record in Group E after the win over Jordan 95:49 at the Guangzhou Int'l Sport Arena. Uzbekistan will take on China on November 19th.

Uzbekistan: Vyacheslav Denisov 17, Artur Sharafutdinov 15, Gennadiy Zinovev 15, Samender Juginisov 11
Mongolia: Munkhbold Bataa 17, Ikhbayar Ganbaatar 13, Badrakh Munkhbayar 11, Sedbazar Shinen 9

*****************************************************
  MONTENEGRO   


Aleksandar Radulovic joins Ulcinj - by Emiliano
Aleksandar Radulovic (190-G-88) moved from Serbian team, Crnokosa from Kosjeric to Montenegrian team, BC Ulcinjska Rivijera Ulcijn. In the last season he had 10.4 ppg, 2.7 rpg and 3.5 apg for 26 games in A League. He was selected to Serbian League All-Star Game -10.
This season the player was averaging 10.5ppg, 2rpg and 4.2apg in 6 games in Serbian league.
In 2007 Radulovic played World Championships U19 in Novi Sad with Serbian NT averaging 2.2ppg, 1.2apg, 1.0spg in 9 games winning the gold medal.

Nikola Pekovic out for two weeks - by Emiliano
Nikola Pekovic (6'11''-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) will be sidelined for the next two weeks. The center from Montenegro, in NBA for his first season with Minnesota Timberwolves, twisted his ankle during the game against New York Knicks.
Pekovic, who signed a three year deal with the NBA franchise, is averaging 5.5ppg and 3.3rpg in 10 games in NBA so far in 12.8 minutes per game.
Before landing in NBA, Pekovic has played for Panathinaikos, winning two Greek Championships and one Euroleague and was named Eurobasket.com All-Greek A1 League Center of the Year both years in Greece.

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


Nikola Pekovic out for two weeks - by Emiliano
Nikola Pekovic (6'11''-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) will be sidelined for the next two weeks. The center from Montenegro, in NBA for his first season with Minnesota Timberwolves, twisted his ankle during the game against New York Knicks.
Pekovic, who signed a three year deal with the NBA franchise, is averaging 5.5ppg and 3.3rpg in 10 games in NBA so far in 12.8 minutes per game.
Before landing in NBA, Pekovic has played for Panathinaikos, winning two Greek Championships and one Euroleague and was named Eurobasket.com All-Greek A1 League Center of the Year both years in Greece.

Yao Ming to be out rest of week - by Eurobasket News
Rockets center Ming Yao (7'5''-C-80) did not travel with the team to Oklahoma City for tonight's game and will not be in Toronto for Friday's game, making Monday's game against Phoenix the earliest he could come back from his sprained left ankle.

Yao sprained his ankle against Washington last Wednesday. The Rockets said he would be out for a minimum of a week. He said Tuesday it would take 'about another week' to return.

'It's pretty simple,' Yao said. 'We just wait for the feeling to get normal, no soreness and (when) I can push off with no soreness or pain. At that time, I will come back to the court. It's all about the ankle. It's improving.'

Courtesy of www.chron.com

Greg Oden will miss the season after a second surgery - by Emiliano
Portland Trail Blazers center Greg Oden (7'0''-C-88, college: Ohio St.), the former No. 1 draft pick whose short career has been marred by injuries, will have microfracture surgery on his left knee and will not play this season.

Oden hasn't played since last December because he needed surgery to repair a fractured left patella. The Blazers say this operation, announced Wednesday night and scheduled for Friday in Vail, Colo., will repair damaged cartilage and is unrelated to the patella injury.

Oden, the first name announced in the 2007 NBA draft, missed his rookie season because of microfracture surgery on his right knee. The procedure stimulates cartilage growth.

Blazers trainer Jay Jensen said the latest problem with Oden's left knee became apparent about two weeks ago when he experienced some pain and fluid in the joint. Soon thereafter, an MRI revealed the damage.

'We sat there and it was like we'd been kicked in the stomach,' Jensen said, choking up. 'It felt like hearing someone close to us had died.'

'Some things you just can't explain,' Blazers coach Nate McMillan said.

It had been expected that Oden would play this season, but at the start of fall practice he said he wasn't close. When asked at the time if he could return by Christmas, Oden shrugged his shoulders and threw up his hands.

The former Ohio State star has played in only 82 games over parts of two seasons, averaging 9.4 points and 7.3 rebounds.

McMillan said he spoke to Oden on Wednesday.

'As you can expect, the young man is devastated by not having the opportunity to play this season. ... It's like 'Here we go again' for him.'

Jensen said Oden has a hole in the articular cartilage on the end of a bone in his knee. It is unclear what caused the damage.

Jensen also said he was as perplexed as anyone as to why Oden was injury-prone. The 22-year-old had MRIs on both knees prior to the 2007 Draft, which one onlooker called 'pristine,' the trainer said.

Asked whether he would be able to come back after the latest blow, Jensen said: 'I believe in Greg Oden.'

The Blazers announced last month they would not offer Oden a contract extension. He was the first No. 1 pick since Kwame Brown (6'11''-F/C-82, agency: Priority Sports) not to get one at the end of his rookie contract.

The Blazers also announced Wednesday that All-Star guard Brandon Roy (6'6''-G-84, college: Washington) would miss the next two games because of a sore left knee. Roy recently underwent an MRI exam and team doctors determined there is no immediate need for surgery. He will be evaluated again next week.

Courtesy of NBA.com



Golden State Warriors' David Lee undergoes second surgery - by Eurobasket News
Warriors forward David Lee (6'9''-F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Florida) has had a second operation to clean out his infected elbow, and general manager Larry Riley said the player is headed to a full recovery.

'I'm totally comfortable with the situation,' Riley said of Lee, who remains in Stanford Hospital and likely will be sidelined for at least 10 more days. 'He's getting excellent care, and this thing will be resolved.'

Lee will remain in the hospital for the next few days and will continue on antibiotics and will be required to rest when he is released. The infection will have to be completely eliminated before he can return to action. The injury occurred last Wednesday in New York when an accidental elbow to the mouth of the Knicks' Wilson Chandler led to a laceration on the inner elbow of Lee's left arm.

Dr. Bill Maloney, head of orthopedic surgery at Stanford Hospital, said the infection was in Lee's skin and in the tissue directly below the skin. He performed the second surgical cleansing and said the infection did not spread to the muscle or bone. He said Lee's elbow 'is in good shape,' and the injury is not career-threatening as long as the player receives proper treatment.

'This is the equivalent of a human bite wound,' Maloney said. 'The mouth, unfortunately, is a very dirty place. We see this in your average Saturday night bar brawls when someone punches someone in the mouth and they have a puncture wound from someone's teeth. It's usually in the hand.'

Dallas forward Dirk Nowitzki had a similar injury last season during a collision with then-Houston forward Carl Landry. One of Landry's teeth lodged into Nowitzki's right elbow. But the Mavericks star did not return to action and avoided infection. He missed only one game.

Lee came out of the Warriors-Knicks game, his arm was heavily wrapped with bandages, and he checked back in 10 seconds later. He played the rest of the game, but the bleeding persisted, enough to be seen through the wrapping. In the fourth quarter, he could be seen grimacing and favoring his left elbow.

The next morning, Lee checked into the emergency room of a Chicago hospital complaining of excruciating pain. He received pain medication and antibiotics. He attended the game against the Bulls last Thursday with his unwrapped elbow swollen and discolored. He wound up going back to the hospital after the game and stayed overnight.

On Friday morning, Lee and Riley flew back to the Bay Area with new owner Joe Lacob. Surgery to clean out the wound was performed Friday night at the Fremont Surgery Center. After little progress was evident, Lee was admitted to Stanford Hospital on Sunday night for treatment and monitoring.

'It would've happened no matter what they did,' said Maloney, rejecting the notion the infection was caused by the Warriors wrapping the wound and allowing Lee to return to the game rather than treating it immediately. 'It was a dirty wound. No matter what they'd done in New York, it would have had to be opened up and cleaned out.'

Courtesy of www.mercurynews.com

Wednesday's games (10) review - by Eurobasket News
Oklah.City T. - Houston R. 116-99
Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) scored 24 points in only three quarters, Russell Westbrook (6'3''-G-88, college: UCLA) had 21 points and 12 assists and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Houston Rockets 116-99 on Wednesday night for their most lopsided win this season. Durant came in playing elevated minutes due to Jeff Green's absence from the lineup with a sprained left ankle and a series of close games for the Thunder. He was second in the league with 41 minutes per game, but played just under 30 with Oklahoma City comfortably ahead. Luis Scola had 26 points and Kevin Martin scored 19 for Houston, but both of them also stayed on the sideline in the final period with the Rockets way behind and in the second leg of a back-to-back. Aaron Brooks missed his sixth straight game and Yao Ming his fifth straight for Houston, while Oklahoma City's Green sat out for the fifth time in six games. All three have sprained left ankles. *Courtesy of www.katv.com

Utah Jazz - New Jersey N. 98-88
On a night when neither team could find the basket, the Utah Jazz showed how well they can move the ball. That proved the difference as the Jazz (8-4) held on for a 98-88 victory against the New Jersey Nets on Wednesday night. Deron Williams (6'3''-G-84, college: Illinois) led Utah with 23 points and added eight assists, while Paul Millsap (6'7''-F-85, college: Louisiana Tech) had 19 points, 15 rebounds and four assists. All five Jazz starters were in double figures by early in the third quarter -- a first this season -- with Al Jefferson adding 16 points and Andrei Kirilenko 15. *Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Philadelph.76 - Toronto R. 86-94
The Toronto Raptors had 24 hours to stew after a lackluster 15-point loss at Washington on Tuesday night. And they took out their frustration on a team struggling worse than they are. Andrea Bargnani (6'10''-F/C-85) scored a season-high 30 points, Sonny Weems (6'6''-G/F-86, college: Arkansas) added a career-high 25 and the Raptors beat the Philadelphia 76ers 94-86 on Wednesday night in a matchup of two of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference. Reggie Evans, who began the night fourth in the league in rebounding at 11.5 per game, pulled down 14 for the Raptors, who improved to 3-9 and snapped a two-game losing streak. Jose Calderon chipped in 12 points for Toronto. *Courtesy of www.msn.foxsports.com

Boston C. - Washington W. 114-83
Paul Pierce (6'7''-F-77, college: Kansas) scored 23 points, and Rajon Rondo (6'1''-G-86, college: Kentucky) had 12 points and 13 assists on Wednesday night before the Boston starters sat out the fourth quarter and watched the bench pull away for a 114-83 victory over the Washington Wizards. Kevin Garnett scored 18 in 24 minutes, and Ray Allen had 11 points in 26. Except for Shaquille O'Neal, who scored 13 points in 22 minutes, all the starters spent more time on the bench than in any other game this season. Nick Young scored 20 points for the Wizards, who were without No. 1 overall draft pick John Wall and center Yi Jianlian for the second straight game. The depleted roster helped Boston pull away early and rest their aging starters in its first game back after a four-city road trip. *Courtesy of www.signonsandiego.com

Detroit P. - LA Lakers 90-103
Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) scored 33 points, grabbed nine rebounds and handed out four assists to power the Los Angeles Lakers to a 103-90 victory over Detroit. Pau Gasol (7'0''-F/C-80) added 25 points and 12 boards, while Lamar Odom chipped in with 15 points and 14 rebounds for the Lakers, who won their third straight visit to the Palace of Auburn Hills. Rodney Stuckey scored 18, and Tayshaun Prince supplied 13 points and six rebounds in defeat for the Pistons, who have dropped two in a row and three out of five overall. *Courtesy of www.detroit.sbnation.com

Miami Heat - Phoenix Suns 123-96
All Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech) needed to get his scoring touch back was a matchup with the Phoenix Suns. And it didn't even take a full night's work. Bosh scored a season-high 35 points before sitting out the fourth quarter, LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) finished with 20 points and the Miami Heat ran away from the Suns 123-96 on Wednesday. Dwyane Wade added 17 points, six rebounds and six assists for Miami, which used two big runs -- a 24-9 spurt to end the first half, followed by an 18-3 flurry that closed the third quarter -- to snap the Suns' three-game winning streak. James also had nine assists and eight boards. All five Phoenix starters scored in double figures, led by Steve Nash's 17. Nash only had two assists, matching his lowest total since Dec. 29, 2008, against Oklahoma City, a span of 141 games. Grant Hill scored 15 and Channing Frye added 14 for the Suns. Eddie House scored 15 for Miami, which outrebounded the Suns 42-32. *Courtesy of www.justnews.com

San Antonio S. - Chicago B. 103-94
Tony Parker (6'0''-G-80) scored 21 points, hours after his Hollywood actress wife filed for divorce, to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 103-94 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night. The Spurs won their eighth straight and improved to 9-1, tying a franchise-best start that even Tim Duncan never saw during any of the four championship runs for the Spurs. But when Parker arrived at the arena, none of that seemed to matter. Actress Eva Longoria filed court papers in Los Angeles earlier Wednesday to divorce Parker, citing irreconcilable differences between the 'Desperate Housewives' star and the point guard. A swarm of media before the game waited for Parker, who called the divorce a private matter. Derrick Rose (6'4''-G-88, college: Memphis) scored 33 points for the Bulls, whose win streak ended at four. *Courtesy of www.suntimes.com

Sacramento K. - New York K. 106-113
The way the New York Knicks started the game, it sure appeared as though they were headed for a seventh straight loss. Then somehow they found their shooting stroke and came through with a much-needed win. Amare Stoudemire (6'10''-F-82, agency: Rogue Sports) and Danilo Gallinari (6'9''-G/F-88, agency: Players Group) each scored 27 points to help the Knicks overcome a slow start to snap a six-game losing streak with a 113-106 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night. Raymond Felton added 16 points for the Knicks, who were the stronger team down the stretch despite playing for the second straight night. Stoudemire had 10 rebounds, Toney Douglas sparked New York off the bench with 14 points and Gallinari made a career-high 16 foul shots. *Courtesy of www.signonsandiego.com

N.Orleans H. - Dallas M. 99-97
David West (6'8''-F-80, college: Xavier) denied Dirk Nowitzki (6'11''-F-78) a chance to send the New Orleans Hornets to a second straight loss. West scored 17 points and stole the ball from Nowitzki with 2 seconds left to preserve the Hornets' 99-97 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night. After Jason Kidd had forced a turnover on an inbound pass, Dallas, trailing 98-97, was trying to set up for a potential game-winning shot when West stole the ball near midcourt and made one of two free throws for the final margin. The turnover soured an otherwise productive night for Nowitzki, who had 29 points and nine rebounds. Chris Paul had 20 points and 11 assists for New Orleans (9-1), which avenged its first loss of the season Monday night in Dallas. Emeka Okafor had 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Marco Belinelli scored 17 and Trevor Ariza added 12. Jason Terry had 16 points in a reserve role and Kidd had 11 points for Dallas. *Courtesy of www.signonsandiego.com

Minnesota T. - LA Clippers 113-111
After fumbling away a chance to win a game for the Minnesota Timberwolves two nights ago, Michael Beasley (6'9''-F-89, college: Kansas St.) responded by drilling a similar chance against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday. It's what stars do. It's what Beasley is fast becoming in Minnesota. Beasley scored 33 points and hit the winning jumper with 2.3 seconds to play to lift the Timberwolves to a 113-111 victory over the beleaguered Clippers. Kevin Love (6'10''-C-88, college: UCLA) added 24 points and 14 rebounds and Beasley had seven boards for the Timberwolves, who nearly blew another big lead in the fourth quarter but held on to hand Los Angeles its seventh straight loss. Eric Gordon scored 30 points and Blake Griffin had 26 points and 17 rebounds for the Clippers (1-11), who haven't won since beating Oklahoma City on Nov. 3. *Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Lakers shopping for short-term backup center - by Eurobasket News
With Andrew Bynum (7'0''-C-87, agency: David Lee services) still a few weeks away, Theo Ratliff (6'10''-F/C-73, college: Wyoming) out for a month or more after knee surgery, Lamar Odom's (6'10''-F-79, college: Rhode Island) sore foot and so on, the Lakers may be looking for some help. So that Pau Gasol doesnt have to play 43 minutes, like he did against the Bucks Tuesday.

Phil Jackson said the Lakers could be in the market to sign a center, according to the Los Angeles Times.

We have to have some support there interim until Andrew comes back, Coach Phil Jackson said Tuesday.

The Lakers will talk to the representative for free-agent Erick Dampier, though it might not be a good match for either side. Dampier will want more than a short-term contract, and the Lakers are looking for a little more mobility in the post.

The Lakers cannot offer a 10-day contract (it is not allowed until later in the season) but this deal would be essentially that, a non-guaranteed deal where the guy will be cut loose when everyone is healthy. Dampier would never sign that deal, so we dont need to get into what a bad fit that would be.

Jake Voskuhl, Steven Hunter and Sean May will get looks, according to the report. Also, for the next couple games expect to see more of rookie Derrick Caracter (already on the Lakers roster).

Courtesy of http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com

San Antonio Spurs sign Danny Green - by Emiliano
The San Antonio Spurs have signed Daniel Green (6'6''-F/G-87, college: N.Carolina), according to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports.
The player started last season with Cleveland Cavaliers averaging 2.1ppg in 19 games played with the former franchise of LeBron James. Then, he moved to NBDL where he wore the jersey of Erie Bay Hawks scoring 25.5ppg in 2 games, before going back to Cavs.
Green started this season with Cavaliers but was waived before the beginning of the season.
The player had a terrific career at college with N.Carolina. In his last season in NCAA he recorded averages of 13.1ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.7apg, 1.8spg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 47.1%, 3Pts: 41.8%, FT: 85.2% in 38 games.


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Kevin DURANT
  Oklah.City T.
  (206-G/F-88)
  Avg: 28
 1. Durant, Oklah.Ci.28.0 
 2. Ellis, Golde S.26.5 
 3. Bryant, LA Lakers26.3 
 4. Rose, Chicago B.25.5 
 5. Anthony, Denver N.24.6 
 6. Wade, Miami Heat24.0 
 7. Nowitzki, Dallas M.23.6 
 8. Gordon, LA Clippers23.6 
 9. Gay, Memphis G.23.4 
 10. Westbrook, Oklah..23.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Kevin LOVE
  Minnesota T.
  (208-C-88)
  Avg: 14.3
 1. Love, Minnesota T.14.3 
 2. Noah, Chicago B.12.9 
 3. Gasol, LA Lakers12.1 
 4. Evans, Toronto R.11.7 
 5. Randolph, Memph.11.3 
 6. Bogut, Milwauke.11.3 
 7. Lee, Golde S.11.3 
 8. Howard, Orlando M.10.9 
 9. Camby, Portland TB10.9 
 10. Griffin, LA Clipp.10.8 
Assists Per Game
 Rajon RONDO
  Boston C.
  (186-G-86)
  Avg: 14.9
 1. Rondo, Boston C.14.9 
 2. Paul, N.Orleans H.10.2 
 3. Williams, Utah Jazz10.0 
 4. Wall, Washington W.9.8 
 5. Kidd, Dallas M.9.8 
 6. James, Miami Heat8.9 
 7. Nash, Phoenix Suns8.9 
 8. Rose, Chicago B.8.7 
 9. Westbrook, Oklah..8.1 
 10. Miller, Portland.7.8 
Steals Per Game
 John WALL
  Washington W.
  (193-G-90)
  Avg: 3.3
 1. Wall, Washington W.3.3 
 2. Conley, Memphis G.2.6 
 3. Paul, N.Orleans H.2.5 
 4. Rondo, Boston C.2.5 
 5. Ellis, Golde S.2.5 
 6. Curry, Golde S.2.3 
 7. Brewer, Minnesot.2.2 
 8. Westbrook, Oklah..2.1 
 9. Parker, San A.2.0 
 10. Kidd, Dallas M.2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Josh SMITH
  Atlanta H.
  (205-F-85)
  Avg: 3.3
 1. Smith, Atlanta H.3.3 
 2. McGee, Washingt.2.9 
 3. Howard, Orlando M.2.8 
 4. Hibbert, Indiana P.2.8 
 5. Ibaka, Oklah.Ci.2.7 
 6. Bogut, Milwauke.2.5 
 7. Milicic, Minnesota T.2.5 
 8. Chandler, New Y.2.4 
 9. Okafor, N.Orlean.2.3 
 10. Duncan, San A.2.0 


Standings
NBA Standings
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
 1. Boston C. 9-2 
 2. New Jersey N. 4-7 
 3. New York K. 4-8 
 4. Toronto R. 3-9 
 5. Philadelph.76 2-10 
Central Div.
 1. Chicago B. 6-4 
 2. Cleveland C. 5-5 
 3. Milwaukee B. 5-6 
 4. Indiana P. 4-5 
 5. Detroit P. 4-8 
Southeast Div.
 1. Atlanta H. 8-4 
 2. Orlando M. 7-3 
 3. Miami Heat 7-4 
 4. Charlotte B. 4-7 
 5. Washington W. 3-7 
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
 1. Utah Jazz 8-4 
 2. Oklah.City T. 7-4 
 3. Portland TB 7-5 
 4. Denver N. 6-5 
 5. Minnesota T. 4-9 
Pacific Div.
 1. LA Lakers 10-2 
 2. Golde State W. 7-4 
 3. Phoenix Suns 6-5 
 4. Sacramento K. 3-7 
 5. LA Clippers 1-11 
Southwest Div.
 1. N.Orleans H. 9-1 
 2. San Antonio S. 9-1 
 3. Dallas M. 7-3 
 4. Memphis G. 4-8 
 5. Houston R. 3-8 


*****************************************************
  NCAA1   


No. 6 Villanova dumps BU to reach NIT semifinals - by Eurobasket News
These Wildcats have balance - inside and out.

Antonio Pena (6'8''-F-86) scored 17 points and Corey Fisher (6'1''-G-88) had 16 to lead No. 6 Villanova to an 82-66 victory over Boston University in the second round of the NIT Season Tip-Off on Wednesday night.

The Wildcats (3-0) won their 40th straight game at The Pavilion, and advanced to face UCLA in the semifinals of the tournament next Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York.

John Holland (6'5''-G/F-88) scored 14 points and Jake O'Brien (6'8''-F-89) had 13 for the Terriers (1-2).

The Wildcats shot 55.2 percent (32 of 58) mainly because they got most of their points on layups. Known to be a solid 3-point shooting team, Villanova took just 12 shots from beyond the arc and only made one.

The Terriers focused on taking away Villanova's perimeter shooting, so the Wildcats worked the ball inside to their big guys.

'We're more of a traditional team than we've ever been,' coach Jay Wright said. 'It's fun. We've got an inside game and obviously we've got guards. We've learned how to read it and take advantage of the inside game.'

Coming off a 37-point win over Marist on Tuesday, Villanova cruised again. The Wildcats led by 16 at halftime and were never seriously challenged.

Pena stole a pass and strolled in for an uncontested slam to cap an 18-5 run and give Villanova a 24-12 lead with 8:35 left in the first half.

The Terriers tried to make a run in the second half. Matt Griffin's 3-pointer cut the deficit to 57-45 midway through. But Mouphtaou Yarou scored on a layup and Pena sank two free throws and hit a jumper to extend Villanova's lead to 63-45.

'Coach is always telling me to be more assertive,' Pena said. 'Playing with Fish, (Corey) Stokes and Maalik (Wayns), that can be amazing for any forward. I just have to get my hands ready and be around the basket.'

Griffin nailed an 18-footer to get BU within 72-59 with 4:36 remaining. The Wildcats answered with a layup by Dominic Cheek and two free throws by Wayns, who finished with 12 points and 12 assists

BU didn't get closer than 14 the rest of the way.

'They're a tough team,' BU coach Patrick Chambers said. 'We knew they would try to jam it down our throats and they did. Wayns and Fisher are lightning-quick, hard to stay in front of. I knew they are good players, and Pena did a great job.'

It was a homecoming for Chambers, most of his staff and team. Chambers spent four years on Wright's staff, the last one as associate head coach in 2009 when the Wildcats reached the Final Four.

Chambers played at Philadelphia University, and BU's assistant coaches all went to Big Five schools. Eight Terriers attended high schools in the extended Philadelphia area.

While Villanova has become an NCAA tournament regular under Wright, BU clearly isn't close to that level. This was BU's first game against a top-10 opponent since losing to No. 1 Duke five years ago.

'Our guys never gave up,' Chambers said. 'They competed for 40 minutes. I think we took a step to get better.'

The schools met only once before, a Villanova win during the 1937-38 season.

The normally animated Wright again spent most of the game sitting on the bench. He got up a couple times, but didn't do much yelling at his players or referees.

'I don't know why I'm doing it,' Wright said. 'I have great confidence in Maalik and Fish calling the plays. I'm enjoying it.'

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

*****************************************************
  NORTH KOREA   


North Korea lost to the hosts of Asian Games - by Eurobasket News
North Korea-China 62:98

China cruised past North Korea in Day 2 of the Men's Preliminary Round in Group E. The hosts of the Asian games celebrated 98:62 win at the Guangzhou Int'l Sport Arena.
It was an easy start for the favorites as they produced a 25-15 in the opening quarter. In the second period the hosts dedicated more time and effort to defence and limited the opponents to just 9 points. After 21-9 in the second quarter China enjoyed 46:24 halftime advantage. The picture remained the same in the second half with China dominating the court. They added 28-21 in the third quarter and finished with 24-17 in the last period. That victory allowed them to take 2-0 record on top of Group E. North Korea meanwhile dropped to 0-2 in the bottom of the standings.
Wang ZhiZhi (214-C-79) stepped up with 14 points for 2-0 record with his side. Ding Jinhui (204-C-90) and Zhang QingPeng (189-G-81) netted 12, while Zhou Peng (207-F-89) netted 11.
In Day 3 North Korea will face South Korea that reached their second straight win at the Asian Games in China. The team improved to 2-0 record in Group E after the win over Jordan 95:49 at the Guangzhou Int'l Sport Arena. China meanwhile will play versus Uzbekistan on November 19th.

North Korea: Chol Pak Un (185-G-81) 19, O Jin Hyok 11
China: Wang ZhiZhi 14, Ding Jinhui 12, Zhang QingPeng 12, Zhou Peng 11

*****************************************************
  PHILIPPINES   


PBA Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Gary DAVID
  Powerade T.
  (187-G/F-78)
  Avg: 22
 1. David, Powerade T.22.0 
 2. Devance, Alaska20.6 
 3. Cardona, Meral.17.7 
 4. Santos, San Miguel17.6 
 5. Simon, Derby A.17.3 
 6. Isip, Barako16.9 
 7. Buenafe, Air2116.8 
 8. Mercado, Rain o.16.3 
 9. Hontiveros, San M.15.3 
 10. Washington, San M.15.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Rudy HATFIELD
  Ginebra
  (191-F-77)
  Avg: 12.6
 1. Hatfield, Ginebra12.6 
 2. Maierhofer, Derby A.11.9 
 3. Carey, Talk N Text11.6 
 4. Thoss, Alaska10.0 
 5. Peek, Talk N Text9.8 
 6. Santos, San Miguel9.6 
 7. Williams, Talk N.9.5 
 8. Washington, San M.9.2 
 9. Devance, Alaska9.0 
 10. Al-Hussaini, Air218.9 
Assists Per Game
 Alex CABAGNOT
  San Miguel
  (183-G-82)
  Avg: 5.1
 1. Cabagnot, San M.5.1 
 2. Alapag, Talk N Text5.1 
 3. Ross, Meralco B.4.9 
 4. Yap, Derby Ace L.4.7 
 5. Mercado, Rain o.4.5 
 6. Tenorio, Alaska4.3 
 7. Norwood, Rain o.3.9 
 8. Miller, Ginebra3.8 
 9. Urbiztondo, Air213.7 
 10. Villanueva, Derby A.3.6 
Steals Per Game
 Gabe NORWOOD
  Rain or Shine
  (196-G/F-85)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Norwood, Rain o.2.6 
 2. Ross, Meralco B.1.9 
 3. Mercado, Rain o.1.8 
 4. Baguio, Alaska1.7 
 5. Reyes, Talk N Text1.5 
 6. Arboleda, Air211.4 
 7. Dela Cruz, Alaska1.3 
 8. Helterbrand, Gineb.1.2 
 9. Buenafe, Air211.2 
 10. Cabagnot, San M.1.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Siverino BACLAO
  Air21
  (198-F/C-87)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Baclao, Air212.4 
 2. Maierhofer, Derby A.2.1 
 3. Washington, San M.1.7 
 4. Andaya, Barako1.4 
 5. Devance, Alaska1.4 
 6. Eman, Alaska1.3 
 7. Reyes, Powerade T.1.2 
 8. Peek, Talk N Text1.1 
 9. Ildefonso, San Miguel1.0 
 10. Menk, Ginebra1.0 


Standings - PBA Fiesta Conference
PBA Standings
 1. San Miguel 8-2 
 2. Ginebra 7-2 
 3. Talk N Text 6-3 
 4. Rain or Shine 4-4 
 5. Meralco B. 4-5 
 6. Derby Ace L. 4-5 
 7. Alaska 4-5 
 8. Air21 3-6 
 9. Powerade T. 3-6 
 10. Barako 2-7 


Casio leads Philippines over Qatar - by Eurobasket News
Philippines -Qatar 90:68

Philippines rolled over Qatar at the start of Day 2 of the Men's Preliminary Round Group F in China. Philippines tied both records at 1-1 in after 90:68 win in Asian Games.
Philippines started with 23-14 in the opening period and never looked behind after. They produced 26-14 in the second frame for 50:28 halftime advantage. In the second half Qatar however started to play better and managed to show great basketball. Again Philippines celebrated 19-18 win in the third period to increase the lead to 23 points after 30 minutes in the court. In the last quarter both squads nailed 22 points each for the final result.
JV Casio (177-G-86) top-scored for the winners with 22 points and Marcio Lassiter (188-G-87, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) netted 13. Chris Tiu (178-G-85) and Greg Slaughter (211-C-88) finished the night with 12 points apiece for the winning side. Targuy Ngombo (196-F-89, agency: Court Side) ended up with 18 points in the losing case and Mohammed Baker Ahmad notched 12.
In Day 3 Philippines will face Japan that cruised past Iran in the top game of the Day 2 of the Men's Preliminary Round Group F in China. Japan grabbed 2-0 record on top of the group after 57:56 victory. Qatar will play versus Taiwan that beat India.

Philippines: JV Casio 22, Marcio Lassiter 13, Chris Tiu 12, Greg Slaughter 12
Qatar: Targuy Ngombo 18, Mohammed Baker Ahmad 12

*****************************************************
  QATAR   


Casio leads Philippines over Qatar - by Eurobasket News
Philippines -Qatar 90:68

Philippines rolled over Qatar at the start of Day 2 of the Men's Preliminary Round Group F in China. Philippines tied both records at 1-1 in after 90:68 win in Asian Games.
Philippines started with 23-14 in the opening period and never looked behind after. They produced 26-14 in the second frame for 50:28 halftime advantage. In the second half Qatar however started to play better and managed to show great basketball. Again Philippines celebrated 19-18 win in the third period to increase the lead to 23 points after 30 minutes in the court. In the last quarter both squads nailed 22 points each for the final result.
JV Casio (177-G-86) top-scored for the winners with 22 points and Marcio Lassiter (188-G-87, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) netted 13. Chris Tiu (178-G-85) and Greg Slaughter (211-C-88) finished the night with 12 points apiece for the winning side. Targuy Ngombo (196-F-89, agency: Court Side) ended up with 18 points in the losing case and Mohammed Baker Ahmad notched 12.
In Day 3 Philippines will face Japan that cruised past Iran in the top game of the Day 2 of the Men's Preliminary Round Group F in China. Japan grabbed 2-0 record on top of the group after 57:56 victory. Qatar will play versus Taiwan that beat India.

Philippines: JV Casio 22, Marcio Lassiter 13, Chris Tiu 12, Greg Slaughter 12
Qatar: Targuy Ngombo 18, Mohammed Baker Ahmad 12

*****************************************************
  RUSSIA   


Standings - Superleague B
Superleague Standings
 1. Spartak-Primorie 9-1 
 2. Saransk 8-2 
 3. Univ.Surgut 8-4 
 4. Ural Ekaterinb. 7-4 
 5. Severstal 6-4 
 6. Irkutsk 5-5 
 7. Metallurg-Univ. 5-7 
 8. Rjazan 5-7 
 9. Revda 4-6 
 10. Zaretchny 1-9 
 11. Lokomotiv 1-10 


*****************************************************
  SERBIA   


Partizan explodes in the finish, beats Caja Laboral 74-71 - by Eurobasket News
Partizan - Caja Laboral 74-71

Partizan outplayed Caja Laboral thanks to great run in the last five minutes. James Gist (203-F-86) stepped up for the hosts with double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds. Nathan Jawai (207-C-86, college: Midland CC) (8 rebs) and Dusan Kecman (197-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) added 13 and 12 points respectively. For the Spanish champion, Stanko Barac (217-C-86) collected 17 points and 6 rebs. Fernando San Emeterio (198-G/F-84) and David Logan (184-G-82, college: Indianapolis) stopped to 14 pts each. Both teams had 2-2 record before this meeting.
Caja Laboral opened the game in style making 9-16 lead in the first five minutes. They later closed Q1 with 18-25 and were looking great. However, Partizan improved in the second period and they came to 31-33 after corner triple by Petar Bozic. Few moments later, James Gist made it from behind the arc and visitors were forced to call a time out. Despite that, Caja Laboral was not able to avoid 4-point deficit at the break, 42-38. Visitors opened the second half with 4-10 run, but Partizan tied the score to 50-50 soon after that. Teams went to the last ten minutes with 56-56 and everything was open. Than, Stanko Barac and his teammates exploded and they made 2-13 run, which seemed crucial at that time. However, the hosts didnt give up and mostly owing to James Gist and Dusan Kecman they closed this meeting with impressive 16-2, what was enough for third Euroleague victory of the season.
In the next round, Partizan will host Zalgiris. Caja Laboral goes to Tel-Aviv.

Partizan: James Gist 14+11 boards, Nathan Jawai 13+8 boards, Dusan Kecman 12
Caja Laboral: Stanko Barac 17+6 boards, Fernando San Emeterio 14+5 boards, David Logan 14+5 as

Aleksandar Radulovic joins Ulcinj - by Emiliano
Aleksandar Radulovic (190-G-88) moved from Serbian team, Crnokosa from Kosjeric to Montenegrian team, BC Ulcinjska Rivijera Ulcijn. In the last season he had 10.4 ppg, 2.7 rpg and 3.5 apg for 26 games in A League. He was selected to Serbian League All-Star Game -10.
This season the player was averaging 10.5ppg, 2rpg and 4.2apg in 6 games in Serbian league.
In 2007 Radulovic played World Championships U19 in Novi Sad with Serbian NT averaging 2.2ppg, 1.2apg, 1.0spg in 9 games winning the gold medal.

*****************************************************
  SLOVAKIA   


Standings - D1
Extraliga Standings
 1. Pezinok 10-3 
 2. Nitra 9-5 
 3. Nova Ves 9-5 
 4. Svit 8-5 
 5. Levice 8-6 
 6. Komarno 7-7 
 7. Vahostav-Zilina 6-8 
 8. Handlova 6-8 
 9. Inter Bratislava 5-8 
 10. B.Bystrica 4-9 
 11. Prievidza 3-11 


*****************************************************
  SLOVENIA   


Union Olimpija jumps to 4-1 in Group D - by Eurobasket News
Union Olimpija - Valencia 72-68

Union Olimpija outplayed Valencia 72-68 for almost perfect 4-1 record in Group D. At the same time, visitors dropped to 1-4. Kevinn Pinkney (207-F-83, college: Nevada) stepped up for the hosts with 14 points and 6 rebounds, while Goran Jagodnik (203-F-74, agency: Beo Basket) added 12 points and 6 boards. In Valencia, Nando De Colo (202-G-87) collected 16 points and 6 rebs. Omar-Sharif Cook (186-G-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.John's) netted 13 pts for the guests, who were led by interim coach Chechu Mulero. New head coach Svetislav Pesic was due to travel back with the team to Valencia after the game.
Union Olimpija opened the game with 9-8, but than visitors started to play much better making 4-13 run. Thus, after ten minutes they were 13-21 up and were looking good. Olimpija replied with 7-0 at the beginning of Q2 and for rest of the period jumped to 35-32. The hosts made plus five after the breather and Valencia came to 46-45 soon after that. Thanks to triple by Salin, Olimpija was 54-50 ahead after 30 minutes. Game winner is decided in the finish. Olimpija entered to last 33 seconds with 70-68, after Omar-Sharif Cook made a basket for Valencia. He scored ten straight points in the last two minutes. Ilievski missed a triple for Oilimpija and visitors had a chance. However, Nando De Colo committed a turnover and Ilievski was sent to the line. He made it both times sealing the home victory for his team.
In the next round, Union Olimpija goes to Istanbul to meet Efes Pilsen. Valencia will host Panathinaikos.

Union Olimpija: Kevinn Pinkney 14+6 boards, Goran Jagodnik 12+6 boards
Valencia: Nando De Colo 16+6 boards, Omar-Sharif Cook 13

Standings - D2
D2 Standings
East
 1. Bistrica 6-0 
 2. Radenska 6-0 
 3. Terme Olimia 5-1 
 4. Dravograd 4-2 
 5. Jezica 4-2 
 6. Fenomeni 3-3 
 7. Vrani 3-3 
 8. Mavrica 2-4 
 9. Lastovka 1-5 
 10. Nazarje 1-5 
 11. Posavlje Krsko 1-5 
 12. Union Olim. II 0-6 
West
 1. Crnomelj 6-0 
 2. Strazisce 6-0 
 3. Ajdovscina 5-1 
 4. Plama Pur 5-1 
 5. Jance 4-2 
 6. Kos Koper 3-3 
 7. Pingvini S. 3-3 
 8. Krka II 2-4 
 9. Globus 1-5 
 10. Jesenice 1-5 
 11. Tolmin 1-5 
 12. Ilirija 0-6 


*****************************************************
  SOUTH KOREA   


South Korea reached their second straight win - by Eurobasket News
South Korea-Jordan 95:49

South Korea reached their second straight win at the Asian Games in China. The team improved to 2-0 record in Group E after the win over Jordan 95:49 at the Guangzhou Int'l Sport Arena.
South Korea started with 28-16 in the first period and never looked behind after. They dominated the court and added 25-12 in the second frame. Moreover the favorites did not even think of slowing down and won both periods in the second half. With 20-12 South Korea finished the third quarter to increase their lead and then ended up with 22-9 in the last quarter.
Lee Seung-Jun (186-G-88) and Kim Joo-Sung (205-C-79) paced all the winners with 14 points each. Cho Sung-Min (197-F-83) netted 11 and Oh SeKeun (201-C-87) scored 10. Mohammad Hadrab (201-F-84) replied with 19 points in defeat and Ali Zaghab (204-F/C-88) scored 10.
In Day 3 South Korea will face North Korea that lost the the hosts. China cruised past North Korea in Day 2 of the Men's Preliminary Round in Group E. The hosts of the Asian games celebrated 98:62 win at the Guangzhou Int'l Sport Arena. Jordan meanwhile will play versus Mongolia.

South Korea: Lee Seung-Jun 14, Kim Joo-Sung 14, Cho Sung-Min 11, Oh SeKeun 10
Jordan: Mohammad Hadrab 19, Ali Zaghab 10

*****************************************************
  SPAIN   


LEB Silver Round 8: Andorra loses the game and top position - by Eurobasket News
There was a change at the LEB Silver leadership position after last games. The most important game of round 8 was defeat of the league's best team Andorra. They lost on the road to fourth ranked Clavijo 74-83. Worth to mention a great performance of center Sidnei De Santana (215-C-83) (215-83) who helped to win the game recording double-double 18 points and 18 rebounds and American forward Kyle Swanston (201, college: JMU) who added 21 points. American forward Robert Johnson (203-81, college: Oregon) responded with 18 points and 6 rebounds. That victory allowed Clavijo (6-1) to take over a leadership position. They share it with Mallorca and Promobys. Andorra (6-2) on the other side went down to fourth place as they recorded their second loss. Andorra will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest and make it back to the top of the standings. Clavijo will try to continue on it's current victory against eighth ranked Prat Juventud on the road.
Very significant was ADT Tarragona's (#8) 40-point home victory against Illescas 89-49. The winners were lead by guard Jose Antonio Marco (180-89) who had that evening 12 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists and Edward Cage who supported him with 13 points and 6 rebounds. Even 9 points and 7 rebounds by DR Congolese center Bismack Biyombo (204-92) did not help to save the game for Illescas. Coach Sergio Jimenez tried in this game 11 players giving the chance to rest for starting five. That victory allowed ADT Tarragona (4-3) to climb to seventh place. Illescas (2-6) on the other side went down to twelfth position as they recorded their sixth loss. ADT Tarragona's next round game will be against higher ranked Plasencia (#6) on the road where they do not belong to the favorites. Illescas will play against league's new leader Promobys (#1) having rather no chance for a victory.
Quite upsetting was Regal FC II's (#9) road defeat in a game versus fourteenth ranked Coruna 74-67. The best player for the winner was Ronald Thompson who had double-double 18 points and 13 rebounds. Coach Antonio Perez used 11-player rotation saving starting five for next games. Reginald Larry produced 14 points and 6 rebounds (made all of his six free throws) for the guests. That victory allowed Coruna (2-6) to climb to twelfth place. They share it with Illescas. Regal FC II (3-4) on the other side took ninth position as they recorded their fourth loss. In the next round Coruna will meet league's second-placed Mallorca on the road, where they do not belong to the favorites. Regal FC II will play against Santurtzi (#10) hoping for a come back to a winning shape.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 8: Guadalajara lost to Santurtzi on the opponent's court 64-76. Avila unfortunately lost to Plasencia in a home game 69-77. Prat Juventud recorded a loss to Promobys on the road 63-69. Lan Mobel ISB was defeated by Mallorca at it's own court 69-76.

Clavijo - Andorra 83-74
There was a change at the LEB Silver leadership position after last games. The most shocking disappointment of round 8 was defeat of one of league's best team Andorra. They lost at home to fourth ranked Clavijo 74-83. Worth to mention a great performance of center Sidnei De Santana (215-83) who helped to win the game recording double-double 18 points and 18 rebounds and American forward Kyle Swanston (201, college: JMU) who added 21 points. American forward Robert Johnson (203-81, college: Oregon) responded with 18 points and 6 rebounds and American center Justin Howard (208-81, college: Mercer) with 12 points and 6 rebounds. That victory allowed Clavijo (6-1) to take over a leadership position. They share it with Mallorca and Promobys. Andorra (6-2) on the other side went down to fourth place as they recorded their second loss. Andorra will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest and make it back to the top of the standings. Clavijo will try to continue on it's current victory against eighth ranked Prat Juventud on the road.
Top scorers:
CB Clavijo: K.Swanston 21+2reb+2ast, S.De Santana 18+18reb, E.Suarez 17+2reb+3ast, M.Witt 9+1reb+6ast, A.Ott 7+4reb+2ast, J.Herrero 5+4reb+1ast
B.C. River Andorra: R.Johnson 18+6reb, J.Howard 12+6reb, N.Zamora 11+4reb+2ast, A.Matali 10+4reb+2ast, A.Ros 8+2reb, J.Holmes 7+3reb

Santurtzi - Guadalajara 76-64
There was an upset when 10th ranked Guadalajara (2-5) was defeated by twelfth ranked Santurtzi (3-5) 76-64. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Mikel Uriz (180-89) who helped to win the game recording 18 points and 8 assists and Czech Republic center Tomas Hampl (215-88) who added 13 points and 9 rebounds. American swingman Deforrest Smith (198-84, college: Southern, agent: Chet Ervin) responded with 12 points and 5 rebounds and Nigerian power forward Olaseni Lawal (206-86, college: Wayne St., MI, agent: Richard Katz) with 7 points and 6 rebounds. Coach Roman Peinado tried in this game 11 players giving the chance to rest for starting five. That victory allowed Santurtzi (3-5) to climb to tenth place. Guadalajara (2-5) on the other side went down to eleventh position as they recorded their fifth loss. Santurtzi are looking forward to the next round to face higher ranked Regal FC II (#9) in Barcelona where they do not belong to the favorites. Guadalajara will play at home against Avila hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Adreilu Santurtzi: M.Uriz 18+4reb+8ast, R.Leichtweis 14+3reb+1ast, T.Hampl 13+9reb+1ast, R.Read 13+3reb+1ast, M.Casado 10+1reb+3ast, D.Reichel 3+5reb+2ast
CB Guadalajara: C.Arjonilla 12+1reb, D.Smith 12+5reb+1ast, S.Fernandez 10+1reb, O.Lawal 7+6reb+3ast, D.Haro 6+3reb+4ast, R.Nunez 5+1reb+2ast

Avila - Plasencia 69-77
Very predictable result when sixth ranked Plasencia (5-3) defeated 13th ranked Avila (1-6) 77-69. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Jonathan Barcelo (192-79) who helped to win the game recording 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and American forward Andre Howard (199-78, college: St.Joseph's) who added 16 points and 10 rebounds. Swingman Guillermo Justo (192-85) responded with 22 points and Brazilian center Leonardo Klassman (209-89) with 12 points and 8 rebounds. Despite the victory Plasencia (5-3) stay at sixth position. Avila (1-6) on the other side went down to fourteenth place as they recorded their sixth loss. Plasencia are looking forward to the next round to face ADT Tarragona (#7) on the road. Avila will play against Guadalajara (#11) hoping to prove their fans that it was just an accident.
Top scorers:
Plasencia Extremadura: J.Barcelo 20+5reb+5ast, A.Howard 16+10reb, A.Bustamante 15+3ast, R.Rueda 14+2reb+3ast, G.Gitterer 8+6reb, M.Sekulic 2+3reb
Fontedoso Carrefour El Bulevar de Avila: G.Justo 22+3reb+2ast, L.Klassman 12+8reb, C.Ramsdell 12+6reb, D.Garcia 8+1reb+4ast, C.Sekou Conde 7+6reb, C.Bart-Williams 3+2reb+1ast

ADT Tarragona - Illescas 89-49
Very significant was ADT Tarragona's (#8) 40-point home victory against Illescas 89-49. The winners were lead by guard Jose Antonio Marco (180-89) who had that evening 12 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists and American power forward Edward Cage (203-78, college: Bradley) who supported him with 13 points and 6 rebounds. Even 9 points and 7 rebounds by DR Congolese center Bismack Biyombo (204-92) did not help to save the game for Illescas. Coach Sergio Jimenez tried in this game 11 players giving the chance to rest for starting five. That victory allowed ADT Tarragona (4-3) to climb to seventh place. Illescas (2-6) on the other side went down to twelfth position as they recorded their sixth loss. ADT Tarragona's next round game will be against higher ranked Plasencia (#6) on the road where they do not belong to the favorites. Illescas will play against league's new leader Promobys (#1) having rather no chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
A.D. Tarragona: J.Aramburu 14+4reb+1ast, X.Guirao 13+2reb+3ast, E.Cage 13+6reb+1ast, D.Vinas 13+2reb, J.Antonio Marco 12+6reb+8ast, D.Stribling 11+1reb
CB Illescas Urban CLM: A.Munoz 10+3reb, O.Kohout 9+3reb, B.Biyombo 9+7reb, J.Martin Orellano 5+1reb+2ast, A.Chubrevich 4+5reb, J.Machuca 4+1ast

Promobys - Prat Juventud 69-63
Not a big story in a game in Tijola where 7th ranked Prat Juventud (4-4) was defeated by second ranked Promobys (6-1) 69-63. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Ivan Matemalas (193-80) who helped to win the game recording 14 points and American forward Keith Ramsey (206-87, college: Missouri, agent: Michael Hart) who added 10 points and 6 rebounds. Forward Marco Todorovic (199-92) responded with 14 points and 6 rebounds (made all of his six free throws) and forward Joan Tomas (201-92) with 9 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players giving the chance to rest for starting five. Promobys has an impressive series of three victories in a row. That victory allowed Promobys (6-1) to keep a leadership position. They share it with Mallorca and Clavijo. Prat Juventud (4-4) on the other side went down to eighth place as they recorded their fourth loss. Promobys are looking forward to the next round to face Illescas (#12) on the road which should be an easy walk for them. Prat Juventud will play against Clavijo (#3) hoping to prove their fans that it was just an accident.
Top scorers:
CB Promobys Hoteles Tijola: I.Matemalas 14+4reb+1ast, V.Perez 11+3reb+2ast, K.Ramsey 10+6reb+1ast, R.McDade 9+6reb+1ast, F.Bavosi 8+2reb+1ast, N.Maglisceau 6+6reb+1ast
CB Prat Juventud: M.Todorovic 14+6reb, A.Ventura 11+3reb, J.Tomas 9+6reb+2ast, N.Llobet 8+6reb, F.Bassas 7+2reb+2ast, R.Vilanova 4+1reb+1ast

Lan Mobel ISB - Mallorca 69-76
Everything went according to plan in Azpeitia where third ranked Mallorca (6-1) beat 15th ranked Lan Mobel ISB (1-7) 76-69. Worth to mention a great performance of center Antoni Jaume Vicens (202-90) who helped to win the game recording 22 points and 9 rebounds (made all of his six free throws) and guard Joan Carles Bivia (185-85) who added 12 points and 5 rebounds. American swingman Reginald Bratton (193-86, college: Lenoir-Rhyne) responded with 16 points and 7 rebounds and American-Italian power forward Cristopher Mortellaro (206-82, college: Drury) with 18 points. That victory allowed Mallorca (6-1) to keep a leadership position. Mallorca share that place with Clavijo and Promobys. Lan Mobel ISB (1-7) on the other side took fifteenth place. Mallorca are looking forward to the next round to face Coruna (#13) on the road which should be an easy walk for them. Lan Mobel ISB will play against Oviedo Feve hoping to prove their fans that they can break losing series.
Top scorers:
Basquet Mallorca: A.Jaume Vicens 22+9reb+1ast, I.Torres 12+5reb+2ast, J.Carles Bivia 12+5reb+2ast, M.Axton 8+3reb+2ast, S.Alonso 7+1reb+1ast, M.Kingsley 5+5reb
Iraurgi Saski Baloia Lan Mobel: C.Mortellaro 18+4reb+1ast, R.Bratton 16+7reb+3ast, A.Paez 9+7reb+1ast, J.Ibargutxi 8+2reb+5ast, A.Martinez 7+4reb, X.Osa 6+2reb

Coruna - Regal FC II 74-67
Quite upsetting was Regal FC II's (#9) road defeat in a game versus fourteenth ranked Coruna 74-67. The best player for the winner was American power forward Ronald Thompson (208-81, college: Morehouse) who had double-double 18 points and 13 rebounds. Guard Lino Lopez (189-76, agent: Side Court) helped with 13 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists (made all of his six free throws). Coach Antonio Perez used 11-player rotation saving starting five for next games. American forward Reginald Larry (201-86, college: Boise St.) produced 14 points and 6 rebounds (made all of his six free throws) and power forward Ivan Garcia (207-86) added 8 points and 7 rebounds for the guests. That victory allowed Coruna (2-6) to climb to twelfth place. They share it with Illescas. Regal FC II (3-4) on the other side took ninth position as they recorded their fourth loss. In the next round Coruna will meet league's second-placed Mallorca on the road, where they do not belong to the favorites. Regal FC II will play against Santurtzi (#10) hoping for a come back to a winning shape.
Top scorers:
Leyma Basquet Coruna: R.Thompson 18+13reb+3ast, L.Lopez 13+6reb+9ast, A.Cruz 12+1reb, J.Lucas 12+5reb+2ast, J.Ramon Esmoris 8+3reb+1ast, M.Wilson 4+2reb
Regal FC Barcelona II: R.Larry 14+6reb, A.Aparicio 11+3reb, J.Marcos 10+1reb+3ast, I.Garcia 8+7reb+1ast, J.Mas 8+1reb, E.Jimenez 8+1ast



Standings - LEB Gold
LEB Gold Standings
 1. Obradoiro 9-0 
 2. CB Murcia 7-2 
 3. Caceres 7-2 
 4. Leon 7-2 
 5. La Palma 7-2 
 6. Burgos 6-3 
 7. Navarra 5-4 
 8. Melilla 5-4 
 9. Clinicas Rincon 4-5 
 10. Girona 4-5 
 11. Huesca 4-5 
 12. Lleida 4-5 
 13. Alcazar 3-6 
 14. La Laguna 3-6 
 15. Breogan 2-7 
 16. Palencia 2-7 
 17. CB Tarragona 1-8 
 18. Ourense 1-8 


Standings - LEB Silver
LEB Silver Standings
 1. Promobys 6-1 
 2. Mallorca 6-1 
 3. Clavijo 6-1 
 4. Andorra 6-2 
 5. Oviedo Feve 5-2 
 6. Plasencia 5-3 
 7. ADT Tarragona 4-3 
 8. Prat Juventud 4-4 
 9. Regal FC II 3-4 
 10. Santurtzi 3-5 
 11. Guadalajara 2-5 
 12. Illescas 2-6 
 13. Coruna 2-6 
 14. Avila 1-6 
 15. Lan Mobel ISB 1-7 


LEB Gold Round 9: Derby game ends with La Palma's win against Leon - by Eurobasket News
Round 9 most important game was a victory of La Palma over second-best Leon 84-79. It was a good game for Colombian forward Juan Palacios (203-F-85) (203-85) who lead his team to a victory with 17 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Guard Daniel Rodriguez (180-84) contributed with 15 points for the winners. Coach Carlos Frade used 11-player rotation giving the chance to rest for starting five. American-Dominican Rep. guard Emmanuel Quezada (188-85, college: USF) answered with 20 points and 4 assists for Leon. La Palma (7-2) jumped to the second spot. They share that position with Caceres, CB Murcia and defeated Leon. La Palma are looking forward to the next round to face CB Tarragona (#17) on the road which should be an easy walk for them. Leon will play against Lleida (#12) hoping to win this game.
Another exciting game was between Clinicas Rincon (4-5) which played on the court of 3rd placed Burgos (6-3). Twelfth ranked Clinicas Rincon won 78-74 ending at the same time the series of four consecutive victories of Burgos. Bosnian center Nedzad Sinanovic (221-83) stepped up with double-double 20 points and 12 rebounds for the winners and Jhornan Zamora helped with 15 points. The best for the losing side was American guard Micah Downs (203-86, college: Gonzaga, agent: Brad Ames) with 22 points and 9 rebounds (perfect from the field making all nine shots !!!). Clinicas Rincon (4-5) jumped to the ninth spot. They share that position with Huesca, Girona and Lleida. Burgos dropped to the sixth place. Clinicas Rincon will meet Girona in the next round. Burgos will play on the road against league's second-placed CB Murcia (#2) being definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
An interesting game was also road defeat of 16th ranked CB Tarragona in a game versus Melilla (#9) 68-77. Jason Detrick nailed 23 points and 5 rebounds (made all of his six free throws) for the winning side. Coach Gonzalo Garcia allowed to play his deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Alexander Franklin came up with double-double 10 points and 11 rebounds for CB Tarragona in defeat. Melilla (5-4) jumped to the seventh spot. They share that position with Navarra. CB Tarragona dropped to the seventeenth place with 1-8 record. They have the same record like Ourense. Melilla will meet next round on the road Alcazar (#13) on the road which should be theoretically an easy game. CB Tarragona will play against La Palma (#5).
We should not miss road victory of eighteenth ranked Palencia (2-7) over higher ranked Girona (4-5) 100-96. The biggest contributor to a victory was Timothy Frost with double-double 20 points and 13 rebounds. Coach Nacho Lezkano used 10-player rotation allowing starting five to get some rest. Palencia (2-7) jumped to the fifteenth spot. They share that position with Breogan. Girona dropped to the ninth place. Palencia's next round opponent will be league's new leader Obradoiro in Santoago de Comp and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
And finally the game worth to mention about is leader Obradoiro's win against Ourense 69-62. It was a good game for Oriol Junyent who lead his team to a victory with 22 points and 5 rebounds. Obradoiro (9-0) of course still keep top position in the standings. Ourense dropped to the seventeenth place with 1-8 record. Obradoiro will face next round Palencia (#16) on the road which should be an easy walk for them. Ourense will play against Huesca.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 9: Alcazar was beaten by Navarra on the road 66-72. Huesca won against Breogan at it's own court 79-74. La Laguna unfortunately lost to Caceres in a road game 88-96. Lleida recorded a loss to CB Murcia at home 75-82.
The most impressive performance of 9th round was 31 points and 8 rebounds by Josep Ortega of Sant Josep Girona.

Navarra - Alcazar 72-66
No shocking result in a game in Pamplona where tenth ranked Navarra (5-4) beat 11th ranked Alcazar (3-6) in Pamplona 72-66. It was a good game for American-Swedish power forward Jason Blair (201-79, college: San Diego) who lead his team to a victory with 16 points. Guard Jose Gonzalez (185-80) contributed with 8 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Trinidad and Tobago power forward Duane Virgil (205-74, college: Murray St.) answered with 16 points and 5 rebounds and guard Francisco Robles (195-81) added 13 points for Alcazar. Both coaches used bench players giving the chance to rest for starting five. Navarra (5-4) jumped to the seventh spot. They share that position with Melilla. Alcazar dropped to the thirteenth place with 3-6 record. They have the same record like La Laguna. Navarra are looking forward to the next round to face La Laguna (#14) on the road which should be an easy walk for them. Alcazar will play against Melilla hoping to prove their supporters that it was just an accident.
Top scorers:
Grupo Iruna Navarra: J.Blair 16+4reb+1ast, I.Narros 12+1reb+1ast, I.Sanz 11+4reb, R.Joseph 9+4reb+1ast, J.Gonzalez 8+8reb+1ast, A.Garcia 7+2reb+2ast
Fundacion Adepal Alcazar: D.Virgil 16+5reb+1ast, F.Robles 13+4reb, J.Ward 9+7reb, J.Balmon 7+1reb, I.Corrales 6+3reb+3ast, A.Frutos 5+2reb+3ast

Obradoiro - Ourense 69-62
And finally the game worth to mention about is leader Obradoiro's win against Ourense 69-62. It was a good game for former international center Oriol Junyent (207-76) who lead his team to a victory with 22 points and 5 rebounds. American swingman Deron Washington (201-85, college: Virginia Tech) contributed with 13 points for the winners. Central African-French guard Michael Mokongo (180-86, agent: Hirant Manakian) answered with 18 points and 4 assists and center Jose Fernandez (202-75) added 9 points and 5 rebounds for Ourense. Obradoiro (9-0) of course still keep top position in the standings. Ourense dropped to the seventeenth place with 1-8 record. Obradoiro will face next round Palencia (#16) on the road which should be an easy walk for them. Ourense will play against Huesca.
Top scorers:
Obradoiro CAB: O.Junyent 22+5reb, D.Washington 13+3reb+1ast, A.Corbacho 10+4reb, E.Sanchez 8+3reb, L.Kendall 5+10reb+1ast, J.Bulfoni 5
Aquas De Sousas Club Ourense Baloncesto: M.Mokongo 18+3reb+4ast, J.Kale 12+2reb, J.Salvador Arco 10+2reb+2ast, J.Fernandez 9+5reb+1ast, E.Moses Randall 6+1reb, J.Manuel Coego 4+8reb

Huesca - Breogan 79-74
Very expected game when 15th ranked Breogan (2-7) lost to thirteenth ranked Huesca (4-5) 79-74. It was a good game for forward Asier Zengotitabengoa (201-88) who lead his team to a victory with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Forward Javier Salson (199-82, college: Bloomfield) contributed with 16 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Coach Angel Navarro used 11-player rotation giving the chance to rest for starting five. Center Oliver Arteaga (211-83) answered with 19 points and 8 rebounds and American guard Eric Hayes (193-87, college: Maryland, agent: Brad Ames) added 13 points and 4 assists for Breogan. Huesca (4-5) jumped to the ninth spot. They share that position with Girona, Lleida and Clinicas Rincon. Breogan dropped to the fifteenth place with 2-7 record. They have the same record like Palencia. Huesca are looking forward to the next round to face bottom-ranked Ourense (#18) on the road which should be an easy walk for them. Breogan will play against Caceres hoping to prove their supporters that they can break losing series.
Top scorers:
CB Lobe Huesca: J.Salson 16+7reb+1ast, A.Zengotitabengoa 16+6reb+3ast, R.Freimanis 15+6reb+2ast, J.Aranda 11+2reb+1ast, S.Johnson 10+2reb+1ast, Q.Smith 5+6reb
Leche Rio Breogan Lugo: O.Arteaga 19+8reb+1ast, E.Hayes 13+4reb+4ast, J.Camilo Riveiro 12+2reb, J.Vallmajo 8+2reb+5ast, W.Brown 7+4reb+1ast, J.Gomes 6+6reb

Caceres - La Laguna 96-88
Very predictable result when fourth ranked Caceres (7-2) won against 14th ranked La Laguna (3-6) 96-88. It was a good game for former international forward Francisco Sanchez (202-79) who lead his team to a victory with 20 points and 5 assists. Forward Jose Angel Antelo (203-87) contributed with 16 points and 8 rebounds (perfect from the field making all six shots) for the winners. Former international power forward Ricardo Guillen (205-76) answered with 19 points and guard Albert Sabat (187-85) added 10 points and 7 assists for La Laguna. Both coaches used bench players giving the chance to rest for starting five. Caceres (7-2) jumped to the second spot. They share that position with CB Murcia, Leon and La Palma. La Laguna dropped to the thirteenth place with 3-6 record. They have the same record like Alcazar. Caceres are looking forward to the next round to face Breogan (#15) in Lugo which should be an easy walk for them. La Laguna will play at home against Navarra hoping to prove their supporters that they can break losing series.
Top scorers:
Caceres 2016 C.B.: F.Sanchez 20+4reb+5ast, J.Xavier 17+1reb+1ast, J.Angel Antelo 16+8reb+1ast, J.McCoy 14+6reb+1ast, C.Cherry 9+5ast, D.Mediano 8+1reb+1ast
La Laguna Socas Canarias: R.Guillen 19+4reb+1ast, N.Richotti 14+1reb, I.Yanez 12, A.Sabat 10+1reb+7ast, J.Heras 8+1reb+2ast, J.Chagoyen 6+6reb+1ast

La Palma - Leon 84-79
Round 9 most important game was a victory of La Palma over second-best Leon 84-79. It was a good game for Colombian forward Juan Palacios (203-85) who lead his team to a victory with 17 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Guard Daniel Rodriguez (180-84) contributed with 15 points for the winners. Coach Carlos Frade used 11-player rotation giving the chance to rest for starting five. American-Dominican Rep. guard Emmanuel Quezada (188-85, college: USF) answered with 20 points and 4 assists for Leon. La Palma (7-2) jumped to the second spot. They share that position with Caceres, CB Murcia and defeated Leon. La Palma are looking forward to the next round to face CB Tarragona (#17) on the road which should be an easy walk for them. Leon will play against Lleida (#12) hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
U.B. La Palma: J.Palacios 17+8reb+5ast, D.Rodriguez 15+4reb+2ast, S.Arrocha 12+3reb+2ast, R.Martinez 9+3reb+2ast, C.Odiakosa 8+9reb, J.Bonhome 7+2reb+2ast
Baloncesto Leon: E.Quezada 20+4ast, K.Seawright 20+3reb+1ast, J.Garcia 13+5reb+1ast, A.Fontet 9+3reb, J.Jose Bernabe 7+4reb+7ast, J.Calvo 5+1reb

Lleida - CB Murcia 75-82
Not a big story in a game when 8th ranked Lleida (4-5) lost to fifth ranked CB Murcia (7-2) 82-75. It was a good game for Brazilian center Vitor Faverani (211-88, agent: Herb Rudoy) who lead his team to a victory with 20 points and 7 rebounds (perfect from the field making all nine shots !!!). Argentinian-Italian forward Juan Ignacio Jasen (196-85) contributed with 10 points and 7 rebounds (made all of his eight free throws !!!) for the winners. Ghanian guard Alhaji Mohammed (192-81, college: Louisville, agent: Misko Raznatovic) answered with 21 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists and power forward Hector Manzano (205-80) added 12 points for Lleida. Coach Jose Maria Raventos tried in this game 10 players saving starting five for next games. CB Murcia (7-2) jumped to the second spot. They share that position with Caceres, Leon and La Palma. Lleida dropped to the ninth place with 4-5 record. They have the same record like Huesca, Girona and Clinicas Rincon. CB Murcia are looking forward to the next round to face Burgos (#6) on the road. Lleida will play against Leon hoping to prove their supporters that this time they can win.
Top scorers:
C.B. Murcia: V.Faverani 20+7reb, M.Umeh 11+3reb, J.Ignacio Jasen 10+7reb+1ast, P.Rivero 10+1reb+3ast, S.Taggart 8+4reb+2ast, S.Perez 7+1reb
CE CIP Lleida Basquetbol: A.Mohammed 21+6reb+5ast, D.Curtis 12+4reb, H.Manzano 12+4reb+2ast, D.Perez 10+5ast, M.Ambres 7+4reb+1ast, D.Martin 7+5reb

Burgos - Clinicas Rincon 74-78
Another exciting game was between Clinicas Rincon (4-5) which played on the court of 3rd placed Burgos (6-3). Twelfth ranked Clinicas Rincon won 78-74 ending at the same time the series of four consecutive victories of Burgos. Bosnian center Nedzad Sinanovic (221-83) stepped up with double-double 20 points and 12 rebounds for the winners and Jhornan Zamora helped with 15 points. The best for the losing side was American guard Micah Downs (203-86, college: Gonzaga, agent: Brad Ames) with 22 points and 9 rebounds (perfect from the field making all nine shots !!!). Clinicas Rincon (4-5) jumped to the ninth spot. They share that position with Huesca, Girona and Lleida. Burgos dropped to the sixth place. Clinicas Rincon will meet Girona in the next round. Burgos will play on the road against league's second-placed CB Murcia (#2) being definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
CB Ins Oftamologico Clinicas Ricon: N.Sinanovic 20+12reb, J.Zamora 15+2reb+1ast, C.Cobos 14+3ast, I.Martinez 11+1ast, P.Almazan 7+4reb+3ast, J.Pozas 4+2reb+4ast
Autocid Ford Burgos: M.Downs 22+9reb, P.Lorant 10+6reb+3ast, M.Gomez 10+10reb+2ast, M.Vinicius Toledo 8+3reb+1ast, R.Lopez 7+1reb+1ast, J.Castro 7+2reb+1ast

Girona - Palencia 96-100
We should not miss road victory of eighteenth ranked Palencia (2-7) over higher ranked Girona (4-5) 100-96. The biggest contributor to a victory was American center Timothy Frost (208-80, college: Utah) with double-double 20 points and 13 rebounds. Guard Enrique Garrido (178-82) helped with 23 points (made all of his ten free throws !!!). Coach Nacho Lezkano used 10-player rotation allowing starting five to get some rest. At the other side the best for losing team was center Josep Ortega (201-84) who recorded 31 points and 8 rebounds and swingman David Navarro (192-83) added 16 points and 4 assists. Palencia (2-7) jumped to the fifteenth spot. They share that position with Breogan. Girona dropped to the ninth place. Palencia's next round opponent will be league's new leader Obradoiro in Santoago de Comp and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
Top scorers:
Faymasa Palencia: E.Garrido 23+2reb+1ast, T.Frost 20+13reb+1ast, C.Bravo 14+1reb+1ast, S.Haanpaa 13+3reb, A.Moss 13+10reb+1ast, R.Clark 6+2reb
Sant Josep Girona: J.Ortega 31+8reb+1ast, D.Navarro 16+3reb+4ast, I.Ordin 16+2reb+2ast, M.Kedzo 11+3reb, D.Middleton 11+3reb, L.Rost 6+1reb

Melilla - CB Tarragona 77-68
An interesting game was also road defeat of 16th ranked CB Tarragona in a game versus Melilla (#9) 68-77. American-Austrian guard Jason Detrick (198-80, college: Oklahoma) nailed 23 points and 5 rebounds (made all of his six free throws) for the winning side and power forward Miguel Montanana (206-80) accounted for 18 points and 10 rebounds. Coach Gonzalo Garcia allowed to play his deep bench players saving starting five for next games. American forward Alexander Franklin (196-88, college: Siena) came up with double-double 10 points and 11 rebounds and guard Jorge Santana (193-90) added 13 points (made all of his ten free throws !!!) for CB Tarragona in defeat. Melilla (5-4) jumped to the seventh spot. They share that position with Navarra. CB Tarragona dropped to the seventeenth place with 1-8 record. They have the same record like Ourense. Melilla will meet next round on the road Alcazar (#13) on the road which should be theoretically an easy game. CB Tarragona will play against La Palma (#5).
Top scorers:
Melilla Baloncesto: J.Detrick 23+5reb+2ast, M.Montanana 18+10reb+1ast, J.Miguel Morales 12+5reb+2ast, J.Vega 8+2reb, D.Pakamanis 6+2ast, R.Glenn 4+4reb+1ast
C.B. Tarragona 2017: J.Santana 13+1reb+1ast, R.Fornas 10+5reb, A.Franklin 10+11reb+2ast, R.Schraeder 7+1reb+3ast, A.Alba 7+2reb+1ast, M.Diouf 7+7reb

Partizan explodes in the finish, beats Caja Laboral 74-71 - by Eurobasket News
Partizan - Caja Laboral 74-71

Partizan outplayed Caja Laboral thanks to great run in the last five minutes. James Gist (203-F-86) stepped up for the hosts with double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds. Nathan Jawai (207-C-86, college: Midland CC) (8 rebs) and Dusan Kecman (197-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) added 13 and 12 points respectively. For the Spanish champion, Stanko Barac (217-C-86) collected 17 points and 6 rebs. Fernando San Emeterio (198-G/F-84) and David Logan (184-G-82, college: Indianapolis) stopped to 14 pts each. Both teams had 2-2 record before this meeting.
Caja Laboral opened the game in style making 9-16 lead in the first five minutes. They later closed Q1 with 18-25 and were looking great. However, Partizan improved in the second period and they came to 31-33 after corner triple by Petar Bozic. Few moments later, James Gist made it from behind the arc and visitors were forced to call a time out. Despite that, Caja Laboral was not able to avoid 4-point deficit at the break, 42-38. Visitors opened the second half with 4-10 run, but Partizan tied the score to 50-50 soon after that. Teams went to the last ten minutes with 56-56 and everything was open. Than, Stanko Barac and his teammates exploded and they made 2-13 run, which seemed crucial at that time. However, the hosts didnt give up and mostly owing to James Gist and Dusan Kecman they closed this meeting with impressive 16-2, what was enough for third Euroleague victory of the season.
In the next round, Partizan will host Zalgiris. Caja Laboral goes to Tel-Aviv.

Partizan: James Gist 14+11 boards, Nathan Jawai 13+8 boards, Dusan Kecman 12
Caja Laboral: Stanko Barac 17+6 boards, Fernando San Emeterio 14+5 boards, David Logan 14+5 as

Charleroi destroys Real Madrid for the first Euroleague win - by Eurobasket News
Charleroi - Real Madrid 67-49

Another failure of Ettore Messina's team. Charleroi destroyed Real Madrid celebrating the first Euroleague win this season. At the same time, Real dropped to 3-2. Brian Greene (204-F-81, college: Colorado St.) came up with 14 points, while Demond Mallet (185-G-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: McNeese St.) (5 rebs, 8 as) and Brent Wright (203-F/C-78, agency: Agency No 10, college: Florida) (8 rebs) scored 11 points each. Visitors got 12 pts and 8 rebs from Felipe Reyes (203-F/C-80). He was their only player with double-digits.
Everything started good for Charleroi, who made 11-6 lead at the beginning. Sergio Lull shined in the finish of the first period and together with his teammates closed the gap to one point. A dunk by Riddick gave Charleroi a 15-12 margin after 10 minutes. The hosts jumped to 22-12 at the beginning of the next frame and they reached plus 12 later. Visitors somehow improved for rest of the time in Q2 and mostly thanks to Nikola Mirotic cut the margin to 33-25, HT. Question about the winner is resolved in Q3 when Charleroi jumped to 42-29. That was not all. Demond Mallet was one fire and after his lay-up and basket by Santiago, the hosts were comfortable 50-35 up (52-37, Q3). Visitors had no chance in the last ten minutes as Charleroi was simply too strong for them. The hosts made 61-41 with six minutes to go and Real was facing with fiasco. At the end it was totally deserved 67-49 for the Belgian champ.
In the next round, Charleroi will meet Unicaja in another home game. Real Madrid will host Olympiakos.

Charleroi: Felipe Reyes 12+8 boards
Real Madrid: Brian Greene 14, Demond Mallet 11+5 boards+8 as, Brent Wright 11+8 boards

Montepaschi too much for Regal Barca - by Eurobasket News
Montepaschi - Regal Barca 76-67

Montepaschi was better than the reigning Euroleague champion getting 21 points from PG Bo Lester McCalebb (183-G-85, college: New Orleans). Milovan Rakovic (208-C-85) secured a nice help with 13 pts and Ksistof Lavrinovic (210-C-79) added 11 points, plus 6 boards. Pete Mickeal (199-F-78, college: Cincinnati) and Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) had 15 pts each on the other side. Montepaschi improved to 4-1, Barca dropped to 3-2 in Group C.
Montepaschi started the game with 9-4 and they later made 15-8 lead. In the finish of Q1, the hosts jumped to plus 10 but Regal Barca managed to close this period with quick 0-7 run for minus three, 26-23 Q1. Second frame was pretty leveled with Siena holding its 3-point lead. Thus, after 20 minutes of play the hosts had 43-40. Erazem Lorbek and Milovan Rakovic traded baskets to start the third period for both teams, and David Moss stepped in to hit the first two free throws of the second half for 47-43. Thanks to 9-2 run which they made later, Bo Lester McCalebb and his teammates jumped to 54-45. They managed to keep plus 9 for rest of the time in Q3 heading into the last ten minutes with 64-55. Zisis and Carraretto paced the hosts to 68-55 and Barca called a time out. Nothing has changed after that and Montepaschi earned plus 15 with four minutes to go. They had not troubles to keep their lead and to celebrate fourth Euroleague win.
In the next round, Montepaschi will meet Cholet on the road. Regal Barca goes to Zagreb to meet Cibona.

Montepaschi: Bo Lester McCalebb 21, Milovan Rakovic 13, Ksistof Lavrinovic 11+6 boards
Regal Barca: Pete Mickeal 15, Erazem Lorbek 15

Union Olimpija jumps to 4-1 in Group D - by Eurobasket News
Union Olimpija - Valencia 72-68

Union Olimpija outplayed Valencia 72-68 for almost perfect 4-1 record in Group D. At the same time, visitors dropped to 1-4. Kevinn Pinkney (207-F-83, college: Nevada) stepped up for the hosts with 14 points and 6 rebounds, while Goran Jagodnik (203-F-74, agency: Beo Basket) added 12 points and 6 boards. In Valencia, Nando De Colo (202-G-87) collected 16 points and 6 rebs. Omar-Sharif Cook (186-G-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.John's) netted 13 pts for the guests, who were led by interim coach Chechu Mulero. New head coach Svetislav Pesic was due to travel back with the team to Valencia after the game.
Union Olimpija opened the game with 9-8, but than visitors started to play much better making 4-13 run. Thus, after ten minutes they were 13-21 up and were looking good. Olimpija replied with 7-0 at the beginning of Q2 and for rest of the period jumped to 35-32. The hosts made plus five after the breather and Valencia came to 46-45 soon after that. Thanks to triple by Salin, Olimpija was 54-50 ahead after 30 minutes. Game winner is decided in the finish. Olimpija entered to last 33 seconds with 70-68, after Omar-Sharif Cook made a basket for Valencia. He scored ten straight points in the last two minutes. Ilievski missed a triple for Oilimpija and visitors had a chance. However, Nando De Colo committed a turnover and Ilievski was sent to the line. He made it both times sealing the home victory for his team.
In the next round, Union Olimpija goes to Istanbul to meet Efes Pilsen. Valencia will host Panathinaikos.

Union Olimpija: Kevinn Pinkney 14+6 boards, Goran Jagodnik 12+6 boards
Valencia: Nando De Colo 16+6 boards, Omar-Sharif Cook 13

Stats Leaders-LEB Silver
Points Per Game
 Kevin RATZSCH
  Oviedo Feve
  (201-F-86)
  Avg: 17
 1. Ratzsch, Oviedo F.17.0 
 2. Swanston, Clavijo16.4 
 3. Bivia, Mallorca16.0 
 4. Justo, Avila15.6 
 5. Perez, Promobys15.3 
 6. Bustamante, Plase.15.1 
 7. Witt, Clavijo15.0 
 8. Mesa, Clavijo14.9 
 9. Ramsdell, Avila14.7 
 10. Uriz, Santurtzi14.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Olaseni LAWAL
  Guadalajara
  (206-F/C-86)
  Avg: 11.7
 1. Lawal, Guadalajara11.7 
 2. O''Leary, Oviedo F.9.9 
 3. Chubrevich, Illescas8.5 
 4. Thompson, Coruna8.1 
 5. Llobet, Prat J.8.0 
 6. De Santana, Clavijo7.6 
 7. Mesa, Clavijo7.4 
 8. Mortellaro, Lan M.7.4 
 9. Howard, Andorra7.4 
 10. Mbaye, Regal F.7.2 
Assists Per Game
 Matt WITT
  Clavijo
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 6.3
 1. Witt, Clavijo6.3 
 2. Uriz, Santurtzi5.3 
 3. Rufian, Promobys4.6 
 4. Lopez, Coruna4.5 
 5. Ibargutxi, Lan M.4.0 
 6. Marco, ADT T.3.9 
 7. Suarez, Oviedo Feve3.6 
 8. Bavosi, Promobys3.3 
 9. Lopez, Avila3.3 
 10. Bustamante, Plase.3.1 
Steals Per Game
 Ruben MARTINEZ
  Plasencia
  (196-F-85)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Martinez, Plasencia2.4 
 2. Uriz, Santurtzi2.3 
 3. Alonso, Mallorca2.3 
 4. Creus, Regal F.2.0 
 5. Barcelo, Plasencia1.9 
 6. Ramsey, Promobys1.9 
 7. Matali, Andorra1.9 
 8. Guirao, ADT T.1.7 
 9. Jimenez, Regal F.1.7 
 10. Pampin, Mallorca1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Papa MBAYE
  Regal Barca
  (--90)
  Avg: 2
 1. Mbaye, Regal F.2.0 
 2. Biyombo, Illescas1.5 
 3. Lawal, Guadalajara1.4 
 4. Cage, ADT Tarragona1.1 
 5. Todorovic, Prat J.1.1 
 6. De Santana, Clavijo1.1 
 7. Conde, Avila1.0 
 8. Johnson, Andorra1.0 
 9. Maglisceau, Promo.1.0 
 10. Howard, Plasencia1.0 


Stats Leaders - LEB Gold
Points Per Game
 Ricardo GUILLEN
  La Laguna
  (205-F/C-76)
  Avg: 19.4
 1. Guillen, La Laguna19.4 
 2. Detrick, Melilla18.0 
 3. Palacios, La Palma17.4 
 4. Navarro, Girona17.0 
 5. Quezada, Leon16.6 
 6. Mokongo, Ourense15.2 
 7. Sanchez, Caceres15.1 
 8. Rocchia, Leon15.0 
 9. Mohammed, Lleida15.0 
 10. Frost, Palencia14.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Nedzad SINANOVIC
  Clinicas Rincon
  (221-C-83)
  Avg: 9.4
 1. Sinanovic, Clinic.9.4 
 2. Junyent, Obradoiro8.7 
 3. Kale, Ourense8.4 
 4. Faverani, CB Mu.8.1 
 5. Lima, Clinicas Rincon8.1 
 6. Blair, Navarra8.0 
 7. Wachsmann, Alcazar7.8 
 8. Keefe, Clinicas.7.5 
 9. Humphrey, Caceres7.4 
 10. Curtis, Lleida7.3 
Assists Per Game
 Juan AGUILAR
  CB Tarragona
  (187-G-88)
  Avg: 5
 1. Aguilar, CB Tarra.5.0 
 2. Rodriguez, Obrad.4.0 
 3. Bernabe, Leon4.0 
 4. Sabat, La Laguna3.8 
 5. Jimenez, Melilla3.8 
 6. Vallmajo, Breogan3.4 
 7. Cherry, Caceres3.4 
 8. Lopez, Burgos3.2 
 9. Frutos, Alcazar3.2 
 10. Quezada, Leon3.1 
Steals Per Game
 Andres RODRIGUEZ
  Obradoiro
  (182-G-81)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Rodriguez, Obrad.2.6 
 2. Jasen, CB Murcia2.1 
 3. Bernabe, Leon1.9 
 4. Johnson, Huesca1.9 
 5. Palacios, La Palma1.9 
 6. Quezada, Leon1.8 
 7. Rivero, CB Murcia1.8 
 8. Aguilar, CB Tarra.1.7 
 9. Aranda, Huesca1.7 
 10. Rost, Girona1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Ryan HUMPHREY
  Caceres
  (203-F-79)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Humphrey, Caceres1.8 
 2. Fontet, Leon1.4 
 3. Sinanovic, Clinic.1.3 
 4. Faverani, CB Mu.1.3 
 5. Diouf, CB Tarragona1.2 
 6. McCoy, Caceres1.1 
 7. Joseph, Navarra1.1 
 8. Arteaga, Breogan1.1 
 9. Dobbins, CB Murcia1.0 
 10. Olmos, Palencia0.9 


*****************************************************
  SWEDEN   


Jeansson number one in Sweden for round 9 - by Eurobasket News
Former international guard Johan Jeansson (197-G-85) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Sundsvall Dragons, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 9.
The 25-year old player was the main contributor (35 points, three rebounds) to his team's victory, helping them to crush Solna (#6, 4-5) with 21-point margin 95-74. Sundsvall maintains the 4th position in Swedish Basketligan. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Sundsvall will need more victories to improve their 5-4 record. In the team's last game Jeansson had a remarkable seven three-pointers out of 11 attempts. It's his second year at Sundsvall and it's hard to imagine this team without him. Johan Jeansson has solid league stats. He is in league's top in points (8th best: 17.1ppg) and averages impressive 56.9% FGP and 43.3% from behind 3-point line.

The second best player in last round's games was another Sundsvall Dragons' star - 28-year old Irish Liam Rush (202-F/G-82). Rush had a very good evening with 26 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists. Bad luck as Sundsvall lost that game 83-89 to the higher-ranked Sodertalje (#1, 8-1). It was definitely game of the week between two contenders to the title. Sundsvall still maintains its place in the top 4 of the standings, even despite this loss. His team's 5-4 record is not bad at all. Rush is a newcomer at Sundsvall, but is already the team's top player. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 21.1ppg (#2). He also registered 6.7 boards per game.

Third on the list of top players last round was American guard Kellen McCoy (168-G-87) of Boras Basket (#7). McCoy showcased his all-around game by recording 20 points, six rebounds and five assists in the last round. Despite McCoy's great performance Boras lost 74-84 to slightly lower-ranked Jamtland (#9, 2-7). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Boras not to end season on such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 6 games, recording just three victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, McCoy could try to bring Boras' a little bit higher in the standings. McCoy has individually a great season in Sweden. After only 9 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 19.9ppg (3rd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. John Rosendahl (203-F/C-77) of LF Basket - 25 points and 5 rebounds
5. Darius Hargrove (193-G-82) of Jamtland - 21 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists
6. Christopher McKnight (201-F-87) of Boras - 26 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Johnell Smith (186-G-80) of Sodertalje - 24 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists
8. Hlynur Baeringsson (200-F/C-82) of Sundsvall - 16 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists
9. Rickard Eriksson (190-G-82) of Uppsala - 19 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists
10. Drazen Klaric (205-F-80) of Jamtland - 18 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists

*****************************************************
  SYRIA   


Officialy : Milan Vucicevic with Karameh ............ - by Ahmad Madwar
Finally and after a couple of days under tryout ... Milan Vucicevic (208-F/C-85, agency: 011 Sports) already sign contract for full season with Al Karameh club
Milan Showed some speicial abilities in the practises and in the friendly games ... Rateb Cheikh-Najeb the heard coach of Al Karameh team said : Milan is good center, very strong player and he can help the team to do different thing this season ......
this is the second season for Milan in the middleast .. he played with Sadd in Qatar and played in Smart Gilas Philippen in Asian club champion ... he was the best third rebounder

*****************************************************
  TAIWAN   


Taiwan beat India in the last game of Day 2 - by Eurobasket News
Taiwan-India 93:66

Taiwan won all the periods over India for the total 93:66 success at the end of Day 2 in Asian Games. Taiwan improved to 1-1 record in Group F after the victory at the Ying Dong Gymnasium.
Taiwan opened the game with 25-21 after the first 10 minutes and then limited the opponents to just 6 points in the second frame. They added 22-6 for 47:27 halftime advantage. In the third period Taiwan did not slow down and continued to dominate the court. They produced 25-19 in the third frame for the bigger lead and finished the game with 21-20 in the last stanza.
Lin Chih-Chieh (192-F/G-82) paced all the winners with 23 points and Tien Lei (203-F-83) nailed 20. Yang Ching-Min (188-G/F-84) followed them with 13 points for the winning side. Japdeep Singh (199-C-86) responded with 22 points in the losing case and Vishesh Bhriguvanshi (192-G-91) added 14. Hareesh Koroth (185-G-84) scored 13, while Yadwinder Singh (198-C-86) notched 10.
In Day 3 Taiwan will meet Qatar that lost to Philippines.The latter tied both records at 1-1 in after 90:68 win in Asian Games. India will take on Iran that lost the thriller to Japan.

Taiwan: Lin Chih-Chieh 23, Tien Lei 20, Yang Ching-Min 13
India: Japdeep Singh 22, Vishesh Bhriguvanshi 14, Hareesh Koroth 13, Yadwinder Singh 10

*****************************************************
  TURKEY   


Cholet wins third straight, hands first loss to Fenerbahce Ulker - by Eurobasket News
Cholet - Fenerbahce Ulker 82-78

Cholet crushed Fenerbahce Ulker handing them first loss of the season. Sammy Mejia (198-G-83, college: De Paul) was a key player for the hosts with 29 points and 5 rebounds. He reached valuation 35. Antywane Robinson (203-F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Temple) had 14 points and 7 boards, while DeMarcus Nelson (193-G-85, agency: ZAG Advocates, college: Duke) helped the hosts with 12 points. In Fenerbahce Ulker, Roko-Leni Ukic (195-G-84) (6 rebs) and Tarence Kinsey (200-G-84, college: S.Carolina) netted 15 points each. Emir Preldzic (206-F-87, agency: Beo Basket) had 12 points. Cholet 3-2, Fener 4-1.
Fenerbahce Ulker took control on Cholet at the very beginning and mostly owing to Tomas, Ukic and Lavrinovic they made 6-11 lead. The hosts tied the score to 12-12 few moments later, but still Fener finished Q1 with 20-24. They had plus six, before Sammy Mejia scored for Cholet. The hosts drastically improved in the second frame. This time it was Vule Avdalovic who shined and together with Leonard and Mejia created 10-0 run. Marquis muscled his way for a basket and a 9-point edge, but Lavrinovic got 2 from the line to make it 41-34 at the break. Cholet was strong after the breather and didnt allow Fenerbahce to come closer. They constantly were 7-8 points in charge and later ended Q3 with 60-52. Visitors threatened in the finish as they came to 79-75 with 1:19 to go. Almost one minute later, Fener came to 76-72 after basket by Roko-Leni Ukic. Sammy Mejia grabbed the ball and got fouled after what he drained two FTs. Fenerbahce Ulker missed in their last attempts and Cholet celebrated third straight Euroleague win.
In the next round, Cholet will host Montepaschi Siena. Fenerbace Ulker goes to Vilnius.

Cholet: Sammy Mejia 29+5 boards, Antywane Robinson 14+7 boards, DeMarcus Nelson 12
Fenerbahce Ulker: Roko-Leni Ukic 15+6 boards, Tarence Kinsey 15, Emir Preldzic 12

*****************************************************
  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS   


Kemba Walker puts on one-man show in Hartford - by David Edole
Hartford - Junior Kemba Walker (185-G-90) looked exhausted Wednesday.

Sitting on the XL Center floor under the basket late in the first half, Walker tried to catch his breath after getting knocked down.

'I was just tired,' Walker said. 'My stomach started to hurt and my back started to hurt but I was good.'

Walker was more than good. He was spectacular.

The Kemba Walker Show started early and ran late, as the dazzling point guard finished with a career-high 42 points, carrying UConn past Vermont, 89-73.

'We struggled just about the entire game,' coach Jim Calhoun said. 'But Kemba's performance was pretty special. Every time we needed something, he got it. He also led us in rebounding. He played with great determination.

'He got stomach cramps and had them right off the bat. Thank God, he recovered.'

No Husky - not Ray Allen, Richard Hamilton, Caron Butler or Ben Gordon - has scored more points in Calhoun's 25 years in charge. Donyell Marshall (1993-94) and Cliff Robinson (1987-88) also scored 42 points. The point total also tied Robinson's building record in Hartford.

Walker can rest at least until UConn (2-0) plays Wichita State in the Maui Invitational opener Monday in Hawaii.

The Huskies have no other reliable offensive options right now. Freshman Roscoe Smith scored 15 points but several points came with the Huskies in control. Sophomore Alex Oriakhi had 11 points to go with seven rebounds and five blocks.

Even with Walker scoring 21 points in the first half, the Huskies trailed 36-33 at the break and didn't seize the lead for good until freshman Tyler Olander converted two free throws for a 45-43 lead with 15:41 remaining.

'Even though Walker had 21, I was like, 'Hey, that's fine. He can get his 40 if we can just stay in the game,'' Vermont coach Mike Lonergan said.

The game changed when UConn applied ball pressure, forcing 12 of Vermont's 19 turnovers after intermission. Freshman Shabazz Napier was a pest, finishing with five steals.

Walker played the starring role, sparking a game-changing run by sinking a variety of shots all over the court. He showed off his improved midrange jumper. He drained three free throws to surpass his previous career high of 29 points against Villanova last Feb. 15. He floated in a runner and grabbed a loose ball off a rebound and scored.

'I just wanted to be aggressive,' Walker said. 'That's what I did and I was fortunate enough to get baskets.'

Walker energized the struggling Huskies, who suffered through defensive lapses, especially inside, poor shot selection and unforced errors. The Vermont duo of Evan Fjeld (26 points) and Matt Glass (24) led the Catamounts, who shot 47 percent from the field.

His teammates admired the Kemba Walker Show but realize they need to play a supporting role instead of a spectator's role.

'He really just put us on his back and he was scoring at will,' Oriakhi said. 'That's kind of what we expect from him. I didn't think he was going to get 42. If he can do that, why not? But he's going to need help.'

Walker has faith in his young teammates but will take over when necessary this season.

'I just want to do what it takes to win,' Walker said.

By the way, Walker has had higher scoring games in his playing career. As a 15-year-old, he scored 88 points in an outdoor tournament in his Bronx neighborhood. His best scoring output at Rice High School was 39 points.

By Gavin Keefe
Publication: The Day



*****************************************************
  UBA   


URBL Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Jermaine BARNES
  (194-G/F-82)
  Avg: 28.3
 1. Barnes, GIE M.28.3 
 2. Kearse, Metro A.26.0 
 3. Sloan, S.Generals22.5 
 4. Hill, DFW Warriors21.0 
 5. Davis, Metro A.20.0 
 6. Thomas, C.Texas C.20.0 
 7. Kearse, Dallas Star20.0 
 8. James, DFW W.19.0 
 9. Stroud, GIE M.19.0 
 10. Snell, Atlanta A.19.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jermaine DAILEY
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 10.3
 1. Dailey, GIE M.10.3 
 2. Davis, Dallas Star10.0 
 3. Davis, Metro A.10.0 
 4. Moore, S.Generals9.0 
 5. Stroud, GIE M.9.0 
 6. Hill, DFW Warriors9.0 
 7. Williams, GIE M.8.7 
 8. Kearse, Metro A.8.0 
 9. Brewster, Atlan.8.0 
 10. Kearse, Dallas Star8.0 
Assists Per Game
 William BELTON
  (186-G-84)
  Avg: 10
 1. Belton, GIE M.10.0 
 2. Kearse, Metro A.9.0 
 3. Haskins, C.Texas C.8.0 
 4. Williams, GIE M.8.0 
 5. Douglas, DFW W.7.0 
 6. Kearse, Dallas Star7.0 
 7. De La Cruz, S.Gen.6.5 
 8. Snell, Atlanta A.6.0 
 9. Broderick, GIE M.5.0 
 10. Cox, S.Generals5.0 
Steals Per Game
 Mychal KEARSE
  (194-G-83)
  Avg: 5
 1. Kearse, Dallas Star5.0 
 2. Kearse, Metro A.5.0 
 3. Stroud, GIE M.3.5 
 4. Williams, GIE M.3.0 
 5. Walker, Atlanta A.2.5 
 6. Snell, Atlanta A.2.5 
 7. Dailey, GIE M.2.3 
 8. Belton, GIE M.2.0 
 9. Douglas, DFW W.2.0 
 10. James, DFW W.2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Demario WILLIAMS
  (216-C-85)
  Avg: 7.7
 1. Williams, GIE M.7.7 
 2. Moore, S.Generals7.5 
 3. Hill, DFW Warriors4.0 
 4. Davis, Metro A.4.0 
 5. Davis, Dallas Star3.0 
 6. Dailey, GIE M.3.0 
 7. Stroud, GIE M.3.0 
 8. Stokes, Dallas Star2.0 
 9. Green, Dallas Star2.0 
 10. Green, Dallas Star2.0 


Standings
UBA Standings
Eastern
 1. Cleveland V. 0-0 
 2. Colonial F. 0-0 
 3. Columbus C. 0-0 
 4. NE Air Soul 0-0 
 5. Southeast H. 0-0 
Southern
 1. S.Generals 2-0 
 2. GIE Morrow D. 2-1 
 3. Georgia L. 0-0 
 4. St.Mountain H. 0-0 
 5. Atlanta A. 0-2 
Western
 1. C.Texas C. 1-0 
 2. DFW Warriors 1-0 
 3. Austin K. 0-0 
 4. Norman E. 0-0 
 5. Tennessee D. 0-0 
D-League
 1. Irie M. 0-0 
 2. Proline 0-0 
 3. Team Japan 0-0 
Travel Teams
 1. Columbus Crush 0-0 
 2. KC Lakers 0-0 
 3. Nashville B. 0-0 
 4. North Texas 0-0 
 5. Oklahoma S. 0-0 
 6. Dallas Star 0-1 
 7. Metro Atlanta 0-2 


*****************************************************
  UKRAINE   


Ramel Curry gets MVP of the Week award for Ukrainian Superleague - by Eurobasket News
American Ramel Curry (191-G-80) had an amazing evening in the last round for Azovmash Mariupol and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 14.
The 30-year old guard had the game-high 20 points adding six rebounds and six assists for Azovmash in his team's victory, helping them to beat Ferro-ZNTU (#8, 6-8) 77-72. Azovmash maintains the 4th position in Ukrainian Superleague. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Azovmash will need more victories to improve their 8-5 record. Curry turned to be Azovmash's top player in his first season with the team. Cal State - Bakersfield graduate has very impressive stats this year. Curry is in league's top in points (4th best: 17.2ppg), assists (3rd best: 4.2apg) and averages solid 57.0% FGP and 45.5% from behind 3-point line.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 32-year old American guard Justin Love (188-G-78) of MBC Mykolaiv. Love impressed basketball fans with 17 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. Of course Mykolaiv cruised to a 81-69 relatively comfortable win over BC Odessa (8-6). Mykolaiv's 6th position in the standings has not changed. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 8-6 record is not bad and everything may still change. Love is well-known by Mykolaiv fans and he already established his position as the team's most reliable player.

The third best performed player last round was Nigerian Oritseweyinmi Efejuku (196-G-86) of Ferro-ZNTU Zaporozhye (#8). Efejuku showcased his all-around game by recording 21 points, eight rebounds and five assists in the last round. Despite Efejuku's great performance Ferro-ZNTU lost 72-77 to the higher-ranked Azovmash (#4, 8-5). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Ferro-ZNTU ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 8 games, recording just six victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Efejuku could help Ferro-ZNTU to bring them higher in the standings. Efejuku has a very solid season. In 3 games in Ukraine he scored 14.7ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. James Hughes (211-C-83) of Mykolaiv - 18 points and 9 rebounds
5. Oritseweyinmi Efejuku (196-G-86) of Ferro-ZNTU - 21 points and 2 rebounds
6. John DeGroat (198-F-85) of BC Odessa - 17 points and 8 rebounds
7. Christian Burns (203-F-85) of Ferro-ZNTU - 15 points and 10 rebounds
8. Jamison Brewer (193-G-80) of BC Odessa - 10 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists
9. Bojan Bakic (197-G-83) of Kryvbasbasket - 21 points and 2 rebounds
10. Alexander Rybalko (190-G-79) of Ferro-ZNTU - 18 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists

*****************************************************
  UNITED KINGDOM   


Kingma of Scotland - by Paul Nilsen
The Glasgow Rocks have completed the signing of 6'10' Australian/Dutch centre Michael Kingma (209-C-79, agency: R.H.Consultancy).

Michael Kingma, who was born and raised in Sydney, Australia, has signed on the dotted line to come and play for the Glasgow Rocks for the remainder of the BBL Season. His 6'10' frame is what the Rocks have been looking for to fill the void inside the paint.

Kingma is a genuine centre, who has accumulated a great deal of experience playing professionally in Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, and Holland. Kingma has been highly renowned for his high energy, enthusiasm and desire to win, initiating his cult following back in Australia under the alias 'The Wild Thing'. The Rocks are hoping that he can bring all of these components and more to the club when he arrives on Tuesday morning to train with his new teammates.

Rocks player/coach Sterling Davis is relieved to have found the big man that the Rocks have needed since releasing Hugh Barnett earlier in the season.

'Kingma is a guy who was on my radar earlier in the summer but at the time, things just didn't suit. Surprisingly he was still available at this point in the season which is exactly the position we are short on.'

Coach Davis believes that Kingma will play a key role in the ongoing success of the Rocks this season and that his presence under the basket will be priceless.

'Michael will definitely give us the size inside we have been looking for. He has a knack for the ball when it comes to rebounding but is also an offensive threat with his ability to face up to the opposition. He will definitely give us the option to throw different looks at teams.'

Michael Kingma will make his first appearance in a Rocks jersey on the 20th November when the rocks travel down to Worthing to play the Thunder.



*****************************************************
  URUGUAY   


Standings - LUB
LUB Standings
 1. Bigua 15-4 
 2. Aguada 14-7 
 3. Trouville 14-9 
 4. Defensor 13-7 
 5. Malvin 13-7 
 6. Hebraica 13-8 
 7. Olimpia 10-10 
 8. Sayago 10-11 
 9. Anastasia 9-10 
 10. Welcome 9-13 
 11. Bohemios 8-11 
 12. Montevideo 8-12 
 13. Cordon 7-13 
 14. Un.Atletica 6-15 
 15. Cader 5-17 


Stats Leaders - LUB
Points Per Game
 Johwen VILLEGAS
  Olimpia
  (193-G-85)
  Avg: 31.1
 1. Villegas, Olimpia31.1 
 2. Maxey, Un.Atletica31.0 
 3. Cornley, Cader25.3 
 4. McGowan, Sayago25.0 
 5. Craft, Cordon24.9 
 6. Aguiar, Hebraica24.5 
 7. Taboada, Bigua22.6 
 8. Martinez, Malvin22.3 
 9. Woodward, Defensor20.3 
 10. Elliott, Hebraica20.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Terrance GAMBLE
  Cader
  (208-C-83)
  Avg: 11.7
 1. Gamble, Cader11.7 
 2. Shelman, Sayago11.2 
 3. Jackson, Anastasia11.2 
 4. Maxey, Un.Atletica11.0 
 5. Rogers, Un.Atletica10.2 
 6. Dilligard, Olimpia10.1 
 7. McGowan, Sayago10.0 
 8. Puckett, Aguada9.8 
 9. Wilborn, Bigua9.3 
 10. Coleman, Bohemios9.2 
Assists Per Game
 Mauro TORNARIA
  Trouville
  (187-G-82)
  Avg: 5.8
 1. Tornaria, Trouville5.8 
 2. Elliott, Hebraica5.7 
 3. Cambon, Bigua5.3 
 4. Vidal, Bigua5.3 
 5. Latham, Anastasia4.9 
 6. Gonzalez, Defensor4.9 
 7. Taboada, Bigua4.7 
 8. Rivero, Montevideo4.7 
 9. Martinez, Malvin4.7 
 10. Muro, Aguada4.6 
Steals Per Game
 Carl ELLIOTT
  Hebraica
  (193-G-83)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Elliott, Hebraica2.8 
 2. Latham, Anastasia2.7 
 3. Rovira, Bigua2.5 
 4. Tornaria, Trouville2.4 
 5. Rivero, Montevideo2.4 
 6. Shelman, Sayago2.2 
 7. Galeano, Olimpia2.2 
 8. Dilligard, Olimpia2.2 
 9. Woodward, Defensor2.1 
 10. Aguilera, Trouville1.9 
Blocks Per Game
 Greg DILLIGARD
  Olimpia
  (203-F-85)
  Avg: 4.5
 1. Dilligard, Olimpia4.5 
 2. Newsome, Malvin2.7 
 3. Wilborn, Bigua2.5 
 4. Rogers, Un.Atletica2.4 
 5. Ferguson, Defensor2.2 
 6. Douglas, Bohemios2.1 
 7. Shelman, Sayago2.0 
 8. Billings, Bigua1.6 
 9. Gamble, Cader1.6 
 10. Kanis, Trouville1.6 


*****************************************************
  UZBEKISTAN   


Mongolia grabbed valuable win over Uzbekistan - by Eurobasket News
Uzbekistan -Mongolia 65:67

Mongolia grabbed valuable win over Uzbekistan in the most interesting game of Day 2 at the Asian Games in Group E. Mongolia celebrated 67:65 thriller to tie their record at 1-1. Uzbekistan meanwhile dropped to 0-2 in the standings.
Mongolia started with 18-15 lead after the opening period and nailed another 18 points in the second frame. At that time Uzbekistan managed to provide 13 points and trailed 8 points at the halftime. In the third quarter Mongolia again notched 18 points, while they allowed the opponents to post 14. The last frame however belonged to Uzbekistan that produced 23-13 in it. It was not however enough to celebrate the victory.
Munkhbold Bataa (191-F-86) paced all the winners with 17 points and Ikhbayar Ganbaatar (180-G-83) followed him with 13. Badrakh Munkhbayar (179-F-84) notched 11, whilst Sedbazar Shinen (191-F-81) added 9. Vyacheslav Denisov (190-F-83) responded with 17 points in the losing effort. Artur Sharafutdinov (200-F-90) and Gennadiy Zinovev (195-F-84) brought 15 each, while Samender Juginisov (202-F-87) scored 11.
In Day 3 Mongolia will face Jordan that lost to South Korea. South Korea reached their second straight win at the Asian Games in China. The team improved to 2-0 record in Group E after the win over Jordan 95:49 at the Guangzhou Int'l Sport Arena. Uzbekistan will take on China on November 19th.

Uzbekistan: Vyacheslav Denisov 17, Artur Sharafutdinov 15, Gennadiy Zinovev 15, Samender Juginisov 11
Mongolia: Munkhbold Bataa 17, Ikhbayar Ganbaatar 13, Badrakh Munkhbayar 11, Sedbazar Shinen 9



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

Women News

*****************************************************
  ASIAN GAMES - Women  


Standings
Standings
Group A
1. S.Korea1-0
2. China1-0
3. India0-1
4. Thailand0-1
Group B
1. Taiwan1-0
2. Japan0-0
3. Maldives0-1


Round: 1 (Qualifying Round) - by Eurobasket News
Group A
China - India 107-39
China opened their Asian Games campaign with victory. The hosts took care of India in Group A. Guan Xin scored 16 points to lead all scorers. China did not waste time as they surged ahead right away. The home team piled up a comfortable 29:8 lead ten minutes into the encounter. China opened the second term on a 16:5 run to enlarge the distance at 32 points. The dominance was obvious as China enjoyed a 56:21 lead at halftime. Things hardly changed after the long break. China mounted the pressure as the margin kept on increasing. The home team rallied to an 84:36 lead with one quarter to go. China spurred ahead with a 12:2 rally at the beginning of the final quarter and never looked back again. Gao Song (190-F-92) netted 14 points for the winners. Zhang Wei (184-G/F-86) contributed 13 points for China. Geethu Anna Jose (185-C-85) replied with 12 points for India. Raspreet Sidhu (89) and Anitha Pauldurai (170-G-85) produced 11 points each in defeat.

South Korea - Thailand 93-55
South Korea recorded the first win at the Asian Games in Guangzhou. They fired past Thailand in Group A opener. Beon Yeon-Ha (180-F-80) came up with 21 points to lead the effort. South Korea stormed into this one. They erupted for 31 points in the starting period to take a confident 21-point lead. South Korea kept Thailand scoreless for more than five minutes in the second period to boost the lead. The scoreboard read 46:23 for the Korean team at halftime. A one-way traffic continued in the third stanza. South Korea dominated on every spot of the floor as they enjoyed a 72:39 lead at the final break. Thailand tipped off the final term strongly as they cut the margin but not enough to threat the deficit. South Korea stayed confident and rolled to the win at the end. Kim Kwe-Ryong (192-C-79) contributed 15 points for the Korean side. Ha Eun-Joo (200-C-83) had 14 points in the win. Atchara Kaichaiyapoom (178-C-92) responded with 11 points for Thailand. Naruemol Banmoo (185-C-87) netted 8 points in the loss.

Group B
Taiwan - Maldives 127-23
Taiwan had no problems en route to the win in their Asian Games opener. Chien Ping Lin team crushed Maldives by impressive 104 points. Seven players scored in double figures for Taiwan. Peng Szu-chin (163-G-91) stepped up with 20 points to lead the charge. Maldives accounted for 3 points in the opening 15 minutes of the encounter allowing Taiwan to run away. The Taiwanese team actually piled up an insurmountable 57:3 lead at this point. They finished the first half leading by as many as 61 points 71:10. Taiwan have already passed 100-point mark in the third stanza. They coasted easily and played for fun en route to the first victory in Group B. Chang Shih-Chieh (172-G-86) delivered 15 points for Taiwan. Tsai Pei-Chen (186-C-84), Ma Yi Hung (80) and Liu Yi Chun (183-C-86) netted 13 points apiece for the winners. Aminath Shiura (176-C-87) replied with 8 points and 7 rebounds for Maldives. Fadhuwa Zahir (161-F-86) chipped in 6 points in the loss. Taiwan had much more serious test on Saturday when they take on Japan.



*****************************************************
  BELGIUM - Women  


D1 Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Sara LEEMANS
  Sint Kateline
  (178-G/F-88)
  Avg: 19.2
 1. Leemans, Sint K.19.2 
 2. Dennett, Sint K.17.0 
 3. Meesseman, Ieper16.3 
 4. VanMalderen, Dexia N.16.3 
 5. Whipple, Houthalen15.0 
 6. Crelot, Houthalen15.0 
 7. Boonen, BBC Boom14.8 
 8. Malfait, Jeugd G.14.7 
 9. Wilkins, Point Chaud14.5 
 10. Mayombo, Point C.14.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Rhona MCKENZIE
  Houthalen
  (183-F-76)
  Avg: 16
 1. McKenzie, Houth.16.0 
 2. Dennett, Sint K.14.0 
 3. Meesseman, Ieper11.7 
 4. Hendrickx, Sint K.10.5 
 5. Gaither, Dexia N.9.5 
 6. Wilkins, Point Chaud9.5 
 7. Malfait, Jeugd G.9.3 
 8. Mans, Willebroek7.3 
 9. Hoehne, R.Spirou.7.3 
 10. Verbeest, Deerlijk7.3 
Assists Per Game
 Sara LEEMANS
  Sint Kateline
  (178-G/F-88)
  Avg: 4.2
 1. Leemans, Sint K.4.2 
 2. Mayombo, Point C.2.7 
 3. Devliegher, Ieper2.4 
 4. Mertens, Sint K.2.4 
 5. Blommaers, Houth.2.3 
 6. Boonen, BBC Boom2.2 
 7. Van Dessel, Sint K.2.2 
 8. Salvi, Point Chaud2.2 
 9. Vanloo, Waregem2.2 
 10. Ballau, R.Spirou.2.2 
Steals Per Game
 Irina MEDVEDEVA
  Waregem
  (190-F/C-76)
  Avg: 3
 1. Medvedeva, Waregem3.0 
 2. McKenzie, Houth.3.0 
 3. Meesseman, Ieper2.7 
 4. De Bondt, Deerlijk2.3 
 5. Van Driel, BBC B.2.3 
 6. Gaither, Dexia N.2.2 
 7. Van den Vond., BBC B.2.2 
 8. Deneil, Dexia Namur2.0 
 9. Mayombo, Point C.2.0 
 10. Ray, Dexia Namur2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Emma MEESSEMAN
  Ieper
  (188-C-93)
  Avg: 3.3
 1. Meesseman, Ieper3.3 
 2. Boonen, BBC Boom2.2 
 3. Dennett, Sint K.1.8 
 4. Gaither, Dexia N.1.3 
 5. Medvedeva, Waregem1.2 
 6. Arts, BBC Boom1.0 
 7. Hoehne, R.Spirou.1.0 
 8. Malfait, Jeugd G.1.0 
 9. Lentacker, Jeugd G.0.9 
 10. Raman, Waregem0.8 


Nothing is impossible - by Juliane Hoehne
After a tough 18-point loss last weekend versus Blue Cats Ieper, R.Spirou Monceau Charleroi is looking forward to bounce back to a 500-record. However, this wont be an easy task facing Declercq Stortbeton Waregem, which has lost only one game so far.
The players of R.Spirou Monceau Charleroi know exactly what they have to change to come up with a win. Not only do they need to step their defense up, but also decrease their turnover ratio (25 last game of which 17 came in the first half) and making the easy baskets. The team is very dimished at the time with Fanny Vandesteene (176-F-87) and Sarah Signore (175-F-88) injured, but if Krystel Ballau (168-G-84, agency: LBM Management) shows another hot shooting night like against Blue Cats Ieper (21), the win is possible. Hope makes also the last weekends result when Point Chaud Sprimont, who was until then victoryless, beat the top team Sint Kateline Waver with 80-87.


Standings - Women
D1 Standings
 1. BBC Boom 7-1 
 2. Sint Kateline 6-1 
 3. Ieper 6-2 
 4. Waregem 5-1 
 5. Dexia 4-3 
 6. R.Spirou M. 3-4 
 7. Houthalen 2-4 
 8. Willebroek 2-5 
 9. Deerlijk 2-6 
 10. Jeugd Gentson 2-6 
 11. Point Chaud 1-7 


*****************************************************
  BOSNIA - Women  


D1: Round 4 review - by Eurobasket News
Borac - Sloboda 70-75
Sloboda traveled to Borac and managed to steal one from them after 70-75 victory. Kristina Surlan (179-G-93) led the way with 16 points, while Azra Ferhatovic (175-F/C-83) and Dragoljubka Damjanovic added 14 points apiece. Natasa Kajtaz also had a good game for visitors as she added 13 points. For Borac, Miljana Dzombeta stood out with 15 points and Ljiljana Todorovic chipped in 13 points.

Banovici - Igman 68-69
Banovici and Igman played a close game with visiting side managing to prevail to secure narrow 68-69 win. Svjetlana Papcevic (186-C-79) was the best scorer for visiting side with 17 points. She got support from Sejla Sofovic (180-G-88) and Andrea Pinter who added 12 and 10 points. On the other side, Banovici got 13 points from both Maida Rahmanovic and Marica Gajic.

Jedinstvo - Zeljeznicar 54-78
Zeljeznicar had a fairly easy match as they were able to secure 54-78 win. Emina Demirovic (186-C-85) shinned for winners with 23 points while Rada Vidovic (177-G-79) followed with 17. Anesa Hamsic (189-C-91) and Dajana Bugarin (179-G-89) also stood out for winning side with 12 points each. For Jedinstvo, Zdenka Kovacevic and Irma Rahmanovic led the way with 20 and 12 points respectively.

Mladi Krajisnik - Tomislav 79-53
Maldi Krajisnik hosted Tomislav and managed to secure more than comfortable 79-53 win.

Trebinje - Rudar 72-83
Rudar also won away from home as they were better than Trebinje 72-83. Jelena Stosic (181-F/C-85) poured in 25 points, while Minja Jovovic (183-G-88) followed closely with 20 points. On the other side, Trebinje got 18 points from Jelena Ninkovic and Jelena Tomic.

D1 Standings
1. Zeljeznicar 4-0
2. Mladi Krajisnik 3-0
3. Igman 3-1
4. Jedinstvo 3-1
5. Sloboda 2-2
6. Banovici 1-3
7. Rudar 1-3
8. Tomislav 1-3
9. Borac ML-IEFK 1-4
10. Trebinje 0-3

*****************************************************
  CANADA - Women  


CIS Standings
CIS Standings
AUS
 1. Acadia 0-0 
 2. Cape Breton 0-0 
 3. Dalhousie 0-0 
 4. Memorial 0-0 
 5. New Brunsw. 0-0 
 6. St.Francis X. 0-0 
 7. St.Mary's 0-0 
 8. UPEI 0-0 
Canada West
 1. Alberta 0-0 
 2. Brandon 0-0 
 3. Calgary 0-0 
 4. Lethbridge 0-0 
 5. Manitoba 0-0 
 6. Regina 0-0 
 7. Saskatchewan 0-0 
 8. Thompson R. 0-0 
 9. Trinity West. 0-0 
 10. UBC 0-0 
 11. UFV 0-0 
 12. Victoria 0-0 
 13. Winnipeg 0-0 
QSSF
 1. Bishop's 0-0 
 2. Concordia 0-0 
 3. Laval 0-0 
 4. McGill 0-0 
 5. UQAM 0-0 
UOA East
 1. Carleton 0-0 
 2. Laurentian 0-0 
 3. Ottawa 0-0 
 4. Queen's 0-0 
 5. RMC 0-0 
 6. Ryerson 0-0 
 7. Toronto Univ. 0-0 
 8. York 0-0 
UOA West
 1. Brock 0-0 
 2. Guelph 0-0 
 3. Lakehead 0-0 
 4. Laurier 0-0 
 5. McMaster 0-0 
 6. Waterloo 0-0 
 7. Western 0-0 
 8. Windsor 0-0 


*****************************************************
  CHINA - Women  


China account for India at Asian Games - by Eurobasket News
China - India 107:39

China opened their Asian Games campaign with victory. The hosts took care of India in Group A. Guan Xin (196-C-87) scored 16 points to lead all scorers.
China did not waste time as they surged ahead right away. The home team piled up a comfortable 29:8 lead ten minutes into the encounter. China opened the second term on a 16:5 run to enlarge the distance at 32 points. The dominance was obvious as China enjoyed a 56:21 lead at halftime. Things hardly changed after the long break. China mounted the pressure as the margin kept on increasing. The home team rallied to an 84:36 lead with one quarter to go. China spurred ahead with a 12:2 rally at the beginning of the final quarter and never looked back again.
Gao Song (190-F-92) netted 14 points for the winners. Zhang Wei (184-G/F-86) contributed 13 points for China. Geethu Anna Jose (185-C-85) replied with 12 points for India. Raspreet Sidhu (89) and Anitha Pauldurai (170-G-85) produced 11 points each in defeat.

China: Guan Xin 16, Gao Song 14, Zhang Wei 13
India: Geethu Anna Jose 12, Raspreet Sidhu 11, Anitha Pauldurai 11


*****************************************************
  CROATIA - Women  


Standings - Women
A1 Standings
 1. Biska Pula 4-0 
 2. Studenec O. 4-1 
 3. Croatia 2006 2-2 
 4. Agram 2-2 
 5. Pozega 2-3 
 6. Split 1-3 
 7. Zadar 0-4 
Will join on later stage:
 1. Gospic - 
 2. Jolly - 
 3. Lupa Promot. - 
 4. Medvescak - 


Brod only unbeaten in North-East (A2 League, Round 3) - by Zeljko Zule
Brod are the only unbeaten team in A-2 League, Nort-East Division, after Mursa's loss at Dubrava.
North-East, Round 3:
Dubrava-Mursa 64-59 (Ples 15, Karaga 16, Matic 8, Mihic 5, Raguz 2, Peric 3, Resetar 15 - Cicic 14, Grbesa 6, Bagaric 6, Mihic 13, Sarlija 2, Tataj 1, Matijevic 1).
Brod-Podravac 49-47 (Hustic 4, Aksamovic 18, Majic 11, Pracuk 4, Alar 6, Sutalo 2, Pehar 14 - Vujcic 2, Bukovcan 14, Simunic 16, Baruskin 1, Simunic 9, Bukovcan 5)
Vindi-Radost 68-50 (Snidaric 15, Karabegovic 4, Novak 8, Kudelnjak 23, Papec 2, Kis 17 - Hlebec 10, Balog 17, Hozjan 4, Kucek 4, Levacic 5, V.Zivkovic 6, Tkalec 2, A.Zivkovic 2)
Standings: Brod 3-0, Dubrava 2-1, Mursa 2-1, Podravac 1-2, Vindi 1-2, Radost 0-3.
South-West, Round 3:
Otocac-Rijecanka 57-54 (Domitrovic 23, Delac 2, Made 21, Boric 2, Blazevic 9 - Peric 15, Tomic 31, Hajdin 2, Polic 2, Grkovic 4)
Pescenica Zitnjak-Gospic CO II 104-41 (Bilbija 12, Pintaric 8, Tomas 3, Draganovic 5, Badalic 17, Spretnjak 13, Mihaljevic 9, Lisica 8, Martinovic 8, Mlinar 6, Dumbovic 15 - I: Romac 7, P.Devcic 3, G.Devcic 6, D.Dosen 6, A.Dosen 12, Starcevic 5, Mesic 2)
Jabuka-Tresnjevka 2009 55-64 (Rupert 9, Herceg 6, Raos-Stojnic 7, Starcevic 4, Kalebic 17, Jurjevic 9, Saric 3 - Kotor 2, Mikulic 4, Kovacina 1, Mamic 16, Jularic 13, Vrinjanin 14, Lelas 10, Mlinaric 4)
Pleter bye
Standings: Pescenica Zitnjak 3-0, Pleter 2-0, Otocac 2-1, Tresnjevka 2009 1-2, Gospic CO II 1-2, Rijecanka 0-2, Jabuka 0-2.


*****************************************************
  EUROCUP - Women  


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Pauline AKONGA NSIMBO
  Arras
  (187-F/C-82)
  Avg: 25
 1. Akonga Nsimb., Arr.25.0 
 2. Likhtarovich, Goriz.22.7 
 3. Sanni, Villeneuve22.5 
 4. Dabovic, Dy.22.0 
 5. Carson, SEAT L.21.8 
 6. Krawiec, Energa T.20.5 
 7. Petrakova, Cheva.20.0 
 8. Henry, Mann Filter19.5 
 9. Thomas, Villeneuve19.5 
 10. Wright, Elitzur Ramla19.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jasmine STONE
  Partizan
  (191-F-88)
  Avg: 14
 1. Stone, Partizan14.0 
 2. Willingham, Elitzu.13.5 
 3. Thomas, Villeneuve13.0 
 4. Davis, Hatis Y.11.0 
 5. Podesvova, MBK R.11.0 
 6. Ohlde, Umana Reyer10.7 
 7. Henry, Mann Filter10.5 
 8. Sanni, Villeneuve10.3 
 9. Dennett, Sint K.10.3 
 10. Hasper, Gorizont9.3 
Assists Per Game
 Tamara BAJIC
  Zeljeznicar
  (172-G-87)
  Avg: 7.3
 1. Bajic, Zeljeznicar7.3 
 2. Cherepanova, Cheva.7.3 
 3. Tanqueray, Villeneuve6.3 
 4. Comtesse, Saarl.6.0 
 5. Gajda, Energa Torun5.3 
 6. Brandao, Olivais5.3 
 7. Laczi, Szeged5.0 
 8. Chapdelaine, Hatis Y.5.0 
 9. Aubert, Nantes4.8 
 10. Selwyn, Elitzur Ramla4.5 
Steals Per Game
 Johanne GOMIS
  Arras
  (177-G-85)
  Avg: 4
 1. Gomis, Arras4.0 
 2. Tanqueray, Villeneuve4.0 
 3. Mitchell, Arras4.0 
 4. Kartaltepe Y., Besik.3.5 
 5. Malashenko, Arras3.5 
 6. Chaney, Hatis Y.3.3 
 7. Barnert, Saarlouis3.3 
 8. Krawiec, Energa T.3.0 
 9. Doron, Elitzur Ramla3.0 
 10. Carpreaux, Villeneuve3.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Luca IVANKOVIC
  Jolly
  (200-C-87)
  Avg: 6
 1. Ivankovic, Jolly6.0 
 2. Myasoedova, Dynam.4.0 
 3. Kuzina, Dynamo M.2.7 
 4. Dennett, Sint K.2.3 
 5. Misura, Jolly2.0 
 6. Riley, Athinaikos2.0 
 7. Meesseman, Ieper1.8 
 8. Skrba, Aris1.7 
 9. Davenport, Cheva.1.7 
 10. Gogiya, Dy.1.7 


Standings
Eurocup Standings
Group A
 1. Chevakata 3-0 
 2. Zeljeznicar 1-2 
 3. Lemminkain. 0-2 
Group B
 1. Gorizont 3-0 
 2. Spartak N. 1-2 
 3. Craiova 0-2 
Group C
 1. Partizan 2-1 
 2. Besiktas 1-1 
 3. Aris Thessal. 1-2 
Group D
 1. Athinaikos 1-0 
 2. Medvescak 0-1 
Group E
 1. Dynamo K. 1-0 
 2. Jolly 0-1 
Group F
 1. Elitzur Ramla 2-0 
 2. Dynamo-GUVD 2-1 
 3. Hatis Yerevan 0-3 
Group G
 1. Dynamo M. 3-0 
 2. Minsk-2006 1-2 
 3. AEK Larnaca 0-2 
Group H
 1. Nantes 3-1 
 2. SEAT Lami 3-1 
 3. Saarlouis 2-2 
 4. AD Vagos 0-4 
Group I
 1. Villeneuve 4-0 
 2. MBK Ruzomb. 2-2 
 3. Ieper 2-2 
 4. Olivais 0-4 
Group J
 1. Energa Torun 3-0 
 2. Mann Filter 1-1 
 3. Alges 0-3 
Group K
 1. Umana Reyer 3-0 
 2. Arras 1-1 
 3. Dexia Namur 0-3 
Group L
 1. Gran Canaria 2-0 
 2. Sint Kateline 1-2 
 3. Szeged 1-2 


*****************************************************
  EUROLEAGUE - Women  


Euroleague Round 4 (Qualifying Round) best performance: DeWanna Bonner - by Eurobasket News
American guard DeWanna Bonner (193-G-87) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Rivas Ecopolis, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 4 (Qualifying Round).
The 23-year old player had a double-double of 30 points and 13 rebounds, while her team crushed Gospic (#12, 0-4) with 17-point margin 92-75. Each game in Qualifying Round is important. but the teams lost the distance to the top of the standings. Rivas Ecopolis maintains the 11th position in Euroleague 5D. Too late to salvage the team, which is currently ranked such low. They already lost 3 games and recorded just one victory. Bonner turned to be Rivas Ecopolis' top player in her first season with the team. Former Auburn University star has very solid stats this year. Bonner is in league's top in points (4th best: 18.8ppg), rebounds (4th best: 10.5rpg) and averages impressive 1.3bpg.

The second best player in last round's games was 29-year old American Cheryl Ford (191-F/C-81) of Frisco Sika Brno. Ford had a very good evening with a double-double of 24 points and 16 rebounds. Bad luck as Frisco Sika lost that game 62-67 to slightly higher-ranked Bourges (#20, 3-1). The game was between two teams which are definitely not main contenders for the title. But Frisco Sika managed to improve slightly their position in standings taking 22th place. 3 lost games is too many comparing to just one victory Frisco Sika managed to get this Qualifying Round. Ford is a newcomer at Frisco Sika, but is already the team's top player.

Third on the list of top players last round was Australian guard Erin Phillips (173-G-85) of TS Wisla Can-Pack Krakow (#4). Phillips scored 25 points and passed six assists. She was a key player of Wisla Can-Pak, leading her team to a 89-48 easy win against slightly lower-ranked TTT Riga (#6, 0-4). Wisla Can-Pak needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 2 victories and 2 lost games. Phillips has a very solid season. In 4 games in EUR she scored 14.0ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Valeriya Berezhynska (193-C-86) of Mondeville - 19 points, 16 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Megan Mahoney (183-F-83) of Taranto - 17 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81) of Spartak V MR - 24 points and 4 rebounds
7. Rebekkah Brunson (191-F/C-81) of Ros Casares - 16 points and 11 rebounds
8. Penelope Taylor (185-F-81) of Fenerbahce - 21 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists
9. Angel McCoughtry (185-F-86) of MKB Eurol. - 14 points and 12 rebounds
10. Anastasiya Veremeenko (192-C-87) of Nadezhda O. - 11 points and 16 rebounds

*****************************************************
  HUNGARY - Women  


Standings - Women
A Standings
 1. Pecs 2010 10-0 
 2. MKB Eurol. 9-1 
 3. SEAT Lami 9-1 
 4. Nanette FTC 8-2 
 5. Szeged 8-3 
 6. ZTE 5-5 
 7. Szolnok 4-6 
 8. Atomeromu 4-7 
 9. Bajai NKK 3-6 
 10. BSE 2-8 
 11. Vasas-Csata 2-8 
 12. BEAC 1-9 
 13. Cegledi EKK 1-10 


*****************************************************
  INDIA - Women  


China account for India at Asian Games - by Eurobasket News
China - India 107:39

China opened their Asian Games campaign with victory. The hosts took care of India in Group A. Guan Xin (196-C-87) scored 16 points to lead all scorers.
China did not waste time as they surged ahead right away. The home team piled up a comfortable 29:8 lead ten minutes into the encounter. China opened the second term on a 16:5 run to enlarge the distance at 32 points. The dominance was obvious as China enjoyed a 56:21 lead at halftime. Things hardly changed after the long break. China mounted the pressure as the margin kept on increasing. The home team rallied to an 84:36 lead with one quarter to go. China spurred ahead with a 12:2 rally at the beginning of the final quarter and never looked back again.
Gao Song (190-F-92) netted 14 points for the winners. Zhang Wei (184-G/F-86) contributed 13 points for China. Geethu Anna Jose (185-C-85) replied with 12 points for India. Raspreet Sidhu (89) and Anitha Pauldurai (170-G-85) produced 11 points each in defeat.

China: Guan Xin 16, Gao Song 14, Zhang Wei 13
India: Geethu Anna Jose 12, Raspreet Sidhu 11, Anitha Pauldurai 11


*****************************************************
  ISRAEL - Women  


D1 Round 5: Raanana Her. beats Elitzur Holon by 3 after a very close game - by Eurobasket News
Round 5 closest game was a victory of Raanana Her. (#5) over 8th ranked Elitzur Holon. They managed to get only 3-point win 72-69. American forward Christi Thomas (191-82) orchestrated the victory with double-double 23 points and 11 rebounds. her countrywoman forward LaToya Thomas (188-81, college: Mississippi St.) contributed with 16 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners. American forward Kerri Gardin (186-84, college: Virginia Tech) answered with double-double 13 points and 13 rebounds for Elitzur Holon. Raanana Her. (2-3) did not change their fifth position in the standings. Elitzur Holon dropped to the eighth place with 1-4 record. They have the same record like Elitzur R.Le-Zion. Raanana Her. are looking forward to the next round to face higher ranked Elitzur Ramla (#3) on the road and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Elitzur Holon will play against league's new leader Electra Ramat (#1) hoping to prove their supporters that they can break losing series.
Another exciting game was between Electra Ramat (5-0) which hosted in Hasharon H.R. Le-Zion (3-2). First ranked Electra Ramat won 57-53. American swingman Camille Little (188-85, college: N.Carolina) stepped up with double-double 15 points and 11 rebounds for the winners and Alexis Hornbuckle helped with 14 points and 9 rebounds. American swingman Danielle McCray (180-87, college: Kansas) responded with 20 points and 5 rebounds. Electra Ramat has an impressive series of five victories in a row. Defending champion Electra Ramat of course still keep top position in the standings. H.R. Le-Zion dropped to the fourth place. Electra Ramat's next round game will be against Elitzur Holon (#8) at home which should be an easy walk for them. H.R. Le-Zion's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Rishon Le-Zion Elitzur R.Le-Zion.
In the last two games of round 5 Elitzur Netanya was beaten by Elitzur Ramla on the road 68-86. Ramat Hen won against Elitzur R.Le-Zion at it's own court 80-68.

Elitzur Holon - Raanana Her. 69-72

Round 5 closest game was a victory of Raanana Her. (#5) over 8th ranked Elitzur Holon. They managed to get only 3-point win 72-69. American forward Christi Thomas (191-82) orchestrated the victory with double-double 23 points and 11 rebounds. her countrywoman forward LaToya Thomas (188-81, college: Mississippi St.) contributed with 16 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners. American forward Kerri Gardin (186-84, college: Virginia Tech) answered with double-double 13 points and 13 rebounds and American swingman Sheri Lynette Sam (183-74, college: Vanderbilt) added 18 points and 5 rebounds for Elitzur Holon. Raanana Her. (2-3) did not change their fifth position in the standings. Elitzur Holon dropped to the eighth place with 1-4 record. They have the same record like Elitzur R.Le-Zion. Raanana Her. are looking forward to the next round to face higher ranked Elitzur Ramla (#3) on the road and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Elitzur Holon will play against league's new leader Electra Ramat (#1) hoping to prove their supporters that they can break losing series.
Top scorers:
Raanana Hertzeliya: C.Thomas 23+11reb+3ast, L.Thomas 16+7reb+8ast, S.Sharon 9+3reb+3ast, S.Bobbitt 8+6reb+2ast, S.Levi 7+1reb+1ast, B.Elohim 5+5reb
Elitzur Maclaren Holon: S.Lynette Sam 18+5reb+2ast, R.Carmon 15+5reb, B.Galinski 14+6reb, K.Gardin 13+13reb+3ast, E.Brown 7+6reb+3ast, C.Shtain 2

Elitzur Ramla - Elitzur Netanya 86-68

No shocking result in a game when third ranked Elitzur Ramla (4-1) beat 6th ranked Elitzur Netanya (2-3) 86-68. American guard Tanisha Wright (180-83, college: Penn St., agent: Yves Lejeune) orchestrated the victory with 25 points and 7 assists. her countrywoman center Le'Coe Willingham (183-81, college: Auburn) contributed with double-double 21 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. American forward Randee Henry (186-82, college: UNLV) answered with 14 points and 5 rebounds and American guard Ashley Shields (178-85, college: SW Tenn.St.CC) added 14 points for Elitzur Netanya. Elitzur Ramla has an impressive series of three victories in a row. They did not change their third position in the standings. Elitzur Netanya dropped to the fifth place with 2-3 record. They have the same record like Maccabi Ashdod and Raanana Her.. Elitzur Ramla are looking forward to the next round to face Raanana Her. (#5) in Hertzeliya. Elitzur Netanya will play at home against Hapoel T-A hoping to prove their supporters that it was just an accident.
Top scorers:
Elitzur Ramla: T.Wright 25+4reb+7ast, L.Willingham 21+10reb, O.Shwartz 11+2reb+1ast, L.Wisdom-Hylton 9+11reb+2ast, L.Selwyn 7+4reb+9ast, R.Grinboym 6+2reb
Elitzur Netanya: A.Shields 14+3reb+2ast, R.Henry 14+5reb+3ast, O.Oren 10+2reb, A.Rachel Lux 9+1reb+3ast, T.Noy 8+3reb+2ast, R.Galayda 5+6reb

Ramat Hen - Elitzur R.Le-Zion 80-68

Very expected game when 9th ranked Elitzur R.Le-Zion (1-4) lost to second ranked Ramat Hen (5-0) 80-68. American power forward Ashley Walker (185-87, college: California, agent: Stephanie Stanley) orchestrated the victory with 24 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. her countrywoman forward Tiffany Jackson (191-85, college: Texas) contributed with double-double 13 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Coach Shiki Falah used 11-player rotation giving the chance to rest for starting five. American forward Jillian Robbins (185-84, college: Tulsa, agent: Yves Lejeune) answered with 24 points and 7 rebounds and American guard Ashley Barlow (175-88, college: Notre Dame, agent: Stephanie Stanley) added 17 points and 6 assists for Elitzur R.Le-Zion. Ramat Hen has an impressive series of five victories in a row. They is a new league leader. They share that position with Electra Ramat. Elitzur R.Le-Zion dropped to the eighth place with 1-4 record. They have the same record like Elitzur Holon. Ramat Hen are looking forward to the next round to face Maccabi Ashdod (#7) on the road which should be theoretically an easy game. Elitzur R.Le-Zion's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Rishon Le-Zion to the arena H.R. Le-Zion.
Top scorers:
Maccabi Ramat Hen: A.Walker 24+7reb+4ast, M.Epstein 17+2reb+1ast, T.Jackson 13+14reb+4ast, I.Latta 11+4reb+3ast, S.Gigi 4+5reb+3ast, L.Pelleg 4+1reb+1ast
Elitzur Rishon Le-Zion: J.Robbins 24+7reb+3ast, A.Barlow 17+2reb+6ast, S.Shabtai 11+5reb, A.Phillips 10+7reb+2ast, H.Haleli 4+3reb+4ast, E.Yaari 2+1reb+1ast

Electra Ramat - H.R. Le-Zion 57-53

Another exciting game was between Electra Ramat (5-0) which hosted in Hasharon H.R. Le-Zion (3-2). First ranked Electra Ramat won 57-53. American swingman Camille Little (188-85, college: N.Carolina) stepped up with double-double 15 points and 11 rebounds for the winners and her countrywoman guard Alexis Hornbuckle (180-85, college: Tennessee) helped with 14 points and 9 rebounds. American swingman Danielle McCray (180-87, college: Kansas) responded with 20 points and 5 rebounds and American forward Khadijah Whittington (186-86, college: N.Carolina St.) with 5 points and 13 rebounds. Electra Ramat has an impressive series of five victories in a row. Defending champion Electra Ramat of course still keep top position in the standings. H.R. Le-Zion dropped to the fourth place. Electra Ramat's next round game will be against Elitzur Holon (#8) at home which should be an easy walk for them. H.R. Le-Zion's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Rishon Le-Zion Elitzur R.Le-Zion.
Top scorers:
A.S. Ramat Hasharon Electra: C.Little 15+11reb+2ast, A.Hornbuckle 14+9reb+2ast, M.Dori 11+4reb+3ast, C.Black 7+9reb+1ast, Y.Aharonov 6+1reb, A.Cohen 4+3reb+3ast
Hapoel Rishon Le-Zion: D.McCray 20+5reb+2ast, K.Nechama 10+2reb, R.Ross 8+1reb+3ast, I.Orion 6+4reb+1ast, K.Whittington 5+13reb+3ast, A.Clark 4+12reb+1ast



*****************************************************
  ITALY - Women  


A2: Round 7 review - by Eurobasket News
In Group North, Crema needed an overtime in order to prevail against visiting Udine 69-68. Annalisa Censini (170-G-79) led the winners with 27 points, while Laura Baribero chipped in 12 points. For Udine, Santa Derimane scored 19 points in loss.
Bolzano stayed close to the top after defeating Bologna 77-65. Hosts were led to victory by Safy Fall (176-G-89) and Elizabeth Riberio da Silva who scored 18 and 15 points. For visitors, Eleonora Costi led the way with game high 25 points.
In other matches, Alghero was better than their hosts Milano 57-68, Borgotaro overcame Cervia 62-54 while Cagliari CUS secured 62-65 away win over Biassono. San Martino surprised Cagliari V as they have beat them 56-57 while Marghera rolled over visiting Vigarano winning the match 71-48.
Siena took the top of the table in Group South after securing 53-48 win over Alcamo. Lauma Reke (185-F-86, college: St.Peter's) scored 18 points, while Cristina Consolini (182-F-83) added 16 points for Siena. On the other side, Andra Simina Mandache had 18 points in loss.
T. Spezia celebrated 51-63 away win over their hosts College Italia to remain close to the top of the table. Visitors were led to win by Elisa Templari (172-G-89) and Zane Egite who scored 16 and 13 points respectively. For hosts, Marta Masioni was the only player in double digits with 14 points.
Elsewhere, Chieti secured narrow 57-55 win against Battipaglia, Ancona won their matchup against Rende 59-50, while Oriveto was better than visiting Pomezia 55-39. R. La Spezia had no problems on their way to 72-53 win against Napoli while Ragusa managed to steal one from Firenze, winning the game 48-55.

*****************************************************
  LATVIA - Women  


Best players of Latvian LSBL round 5 - by Eurobasket News
Talented Ieva Krastina (176-G/F-90, agency: LBM Management) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's leader Latvijas Universitate and that's her to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 5.
The 20-year old swingman had a double-double of 19 points and ten rebounds, while her team beat Cesis (#7, 0-5), the league's worst team 68-55. It allowed LU to consolidate first place in the Latvian LSBL. They maintain perfect record without any lost game in the league. The season is still on an early stage, but LU already had a very good start winning all 5 without losing a single one. In the team's last game Krastina had a remarkable 57.1% from 2-point range. She turned to be LU's top player in her first season with the team. Krastina has impressive league stats. She is league's best scorer averaging so far 20.0ppg. Krastina is in league's top in assists (3rd best: 4.2apg) and averages solid 2.4spg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 26-year old forward Laura Audere (180-F-84, agency: Promotex) of SK Cesis. Audere impressed basketball fans with 19 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Bad luck as Cesis lost that game 53-69 to the higher-ranked RTU-Merks (#3, 4-1). Cesis managed to keep the same 7th spot in the standings. 5 lost games is too many considering they did not win any game. Audere is a newcomer at Cesis and it seems she did not have too much trouble to become team's real leader. She belongs to the best scorers in the league with 13.5ppg (#9). Her other stats are also decent: 11.0rpg and 4.0apg.

The third best performed player last round was another SK Cesis' star - Zane Jakobsone (180-F-85). Jakobsone scored 20 points and grabbed six rebounds. Despite Jakobsone's great performance Cesis lost 53-69 to the higher-ranked RTU-Merks (#3, 4-1). But her team cannot count on just these two top stars as they also need help of the other teammates. Cesis can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have awful season losing so far all 5 games. Too bad for Jakobsone she does not play for a better team. But maybe if she did, her season stats would not be that high. Jakobsone has individually a great season in Latvia. After only 3 games, she made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 19.0ppg (2nd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Laura Audere (180-F-84) of Cesis - 8 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists
5. Liga Surkusa (192-C-91) of TTT Juniores - 19 points and 7 rebounds
6. Anda Eibele (170-G-84) of TTT Riga - 20 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists
7. Dita Krumberga (183-F-84) of TTT Riga - 20 points and 6 rebounds
8. Dace Zarina (190-F/C-85) of LU - 9 points and 12 rebounds
9. Anete Vorma (165-G-89) of LU - 15 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists
10. Lina Lisnere (192-F/C-86) of Cesis - 13 points and 8 rebounds

*****************************************************
  MALDIVES - Women  


Taiwan cruise past Maldives in Guangzhou - by Eurobasket News
Taiwan - Maldives 127:23

Taiwan had no problems en route to the win in their Asian Games opener. Chien Ping Lin team crushed Maldives by impressive 104 points. Seven players scored in double figures for Taiwan. Peng Szu-chin (163-G-91) stepped up with 20 points to lead the charge.
Maldives accounted for 3 points in the opening 15 minutes of the encounter allowing Taiwan to run away. The Taiwanese team actually piled up an insurmountable 57:3 lead at this point. They finished the first half leading by as many as 61 points 71:10. Taiwan have already passed 100-point mark in the third stanza. They coasted easily and played for fun en route to the first victory in Group B. Chang Shih-Chieh (172-G-86) delivered 15 points for Taiwan. Tsai Pei-Chen (186-C-84), Ma Yi Hung (80) and Liu Yi Chun (183-C-86) netted 13 points apiece for the winners. Aminath Shiura (176-C-87) replied with 8 points and 7 rebounds for Maldives. Fadhuwa Zahir (161-F-86) chipped in 6 points in the loss. Taiwan had much more serious test on Saturday when they take on Japan.

Taiwan: Peng Szu-chin 20, Chang Shih-Chieh 15, Tsai Pei-Chen 13+14 boards
Maldives: Aminath Shiura 8, Fadhuwa Zahir 6


Standings
D1 Standings
 1. DBC 0-0 
 2. DSC 0-0 
 3. Hurricane 0-0 


Maldives National Team 2010 - by Emiliano
Maldives National Team for Asian Games in Guangzhou (china)
Starting five
#s#
Aminath Shiura
Shiura
Aishath Reema
Reema
Fadhuwa Zahir
Zahir
Shamama Ahmed
Ahmed
Fathimath Rishma
Rishma
#e#5
4 Aminath Shiura 176-C-87
5 Aishath Reema 171-G-82
7 Fadhuwa Zahir 161-F-86
12 Shamama Ahmed 155-G-86
15 Fathimath Rishma 176-G-85
6 Husna Mohamed 155-F-79
8 Fathimath Rizna 173-G-89
9 Aishath Risma 176-F/G-85
10 Zulaikha Ibrahim 158-F-90
11 Aminath Shaina 176-G-84
13 Aminath Samha 162-F/G-93
14 Hauma Ubaidulla 161-G-89

Supon Wimal Pujitha coach
Rasheed Shizna Assistant


*****************************************************
  PORTUGAL - Women  


Williams' 21 points and 7 rebounds give her Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
23-year old forward Earnesia Williams (185-F-87) put on an amazing game in the last round for Olivais Coimbra and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 6.
She had the game-high 21 points adding seven rebounds and two assists for Olivais in her team's victory, helping them to crush GDESSA (#10, 1-4) with 20-point margin 86-66. Olivais maintains the 4th position in Portuguese Liga Feminina. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost two games earlier this season. Olivais will need more victories to improve their 3-2 record. Williams turned to be Olivais' top player in her first season with the team. The University of Texas graduate has very impressive stats this year. Williams is in league's top in points (9th best: 16.8ppg).

Second best performed player last round was Angelica Robinson (196-F-87) of Mcell-ALGES. She is American forward in her first season at Alges. In the last game Robinson recorded impressive double-double of 23 points and 12 rebounds. Bad luck as Alges lost that game 62-68 to the higher-ranked AD Vagos (#6, 3-2). Despite lost game Alges moved up to 9th position in the standings. 4 lost games is too many comparing to just one victory Alges managed to get this year. Robinson is a newcomer at Alges and quickly became the team's new leader. She belongs to the best scorers in the league with 22.0ppg (#5). She also registered 14.7 boards per game.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Joana Lopes (185-F-86) of AD Vagos (#6). Lopes scored 19 points and grabbed eight rebounds. She was a key player of AD Vagos, leading her team to a 68-62 win against the lower-ranked Alges (#9, 1-4). AD Vagos needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 3 victories and 2 lost games. Lopes has a very solid season. In 5 games in Portugal she scored 14.4ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Necolia Simmons (183-F/C-87) of CDTN - 24 points and 12 rebounds
5. Chineze Nwagbo (183-G-82) of AD Vagos - 22 points and 9 rebounds
6. Kendel Ross (185-G/F-88) of GDESSA - 19 points, 13 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Kelsey Hodgson (178-G) of CDTN - 20 points and 5 rebounds
8. Carla Ribeiro (168-G-86) of Uniao Micaelense - 19 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Utahya Drye (185-F-88) of CAB Madeira - 18 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Adelina Rebelo (F/C-72) of Uniao Micaelense - 12 points and 6 rebounds

*****************************************************
  ROMANIA - Women  


Stats Leaders - Women
Points Per Game
 Florina DIACONA
  Rapid
  (176-G-82)
  Avg: 26
 1. Diacona, Rapid26.0 
 2. Klein, Satu Mare20.0 
 3. Saponjic, Alexandria19.5 
 4. Stoenescu, Timis.18.6 
 5. Walker, Iasi18.4 
 6. Bigica, Olimpia17.1 
 7. Tarta, Craiova16.8 
 8. Cutas, Iasi15.8 
 9. Ardeleanu, Sf.Gheor.15.7 
 10. Cursaru, Olimpia15.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Fatou KANE
  Craiova
  (198-C-85)
  Avg: 17.6
 1. Kane, Craiova17.6 
 2. Terglav-T., Sf.Gheor.12.0 
 3. Rus, Alexandria10.6 
 4. Ducker, Satu Mare10.3 
 5. Saponjic, Alexandria9.8 
 6. Stanga, Sp.Stude.9.5 
 7. Tkachenko, Iasi9.3 
 8. Ivan, Brasov9.2 
 9. Vescan, Sf.Gheorghe8.9 
 10. Adi, Oradea8.7 
Assists Per Game
 Paula Cristina CIOCAN
  ICIM Arad
  (183-G-82)
  Avg: 4.7
 1. Ciocan, ICIM A.4.7 
 2. Parau, Sf.Gheorghe4.6 
 3. Bucica, Alexandria3.7 
 4. Diacona, Rapid3.6 
 5. Pavel, Rapid3.3 
 6. Tarta, Craiova3.2 
 7. Sipos, Craiova3.0 
 8. Cutas, Alexandria3.0 
 9. Vass, Sf.Gheorghe3.0 
 10. Ardeleanu, Sf.Gheor.2.9 
Steals Per Game
 Alina CHIVU
  Alexandria
  (177-F-90)
  Avg: 4.1
 1. Chivu, Alexandria4.1 
 2. Diacona, Rapid3.4 
 3. Boriga, ICIM A.3.3 
 4. Kane, Craiova3.2 
 5. Sipos, Craiova3.2 
 6. Ardeleanu, Sf.Gheor.3.1 
 7. Budean, Timisoara3.1 
 8. Walker, Iasi2.7 
 9. Vass, Sf.Gheorghe2.7 
 10. Ivan, Brasov2.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Fatou KANE
  Craiova
  (198-C-85)
  Avg: 2
 1. Kane, Craiova2.0 
 2. Terglav-T., Sf.Gheor.1.9 
 3. Craciun, Olimpia1.9 
 4. Blanaru, Timisoara1.3 
 5. Toma, ICIM A.1.2 
 6. Ionescu, Olimpia1.1 
 7. Chivu, Alexandria0.9 
 8. Avram, Brasov0.8 
 9. Rus, Alexandria0.8 
 10. Stanga, Sp.Stude.0.8 


*****************************************************
  SLOVENIA - Women  


Stats Leaders - Women
Points Per Game
 Teja OBLAK
  Hit K.Gora
  (172-G-90)
  Avg: 20.8
 1. Oblak, Hit K.Gora20.8 
 2. Baltic, AJM M.19.0 
 3. Kure, AJM Maribor17.2 
 4. Mikic, Grosuplje16.8 
 5. Baric, Merkur C.16.8 
 6. Komplet, Hit K.16.0 
 7. Oblak, Odeja KED15.6 
 8. Skof, Ilrija15.0 
 9. Baloh, Kozmetik.13.1 
 10. Macura, Jezica13.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Tjasa MUHOVIC
  Kozmetika Afr.
  (188-C-91)
  Avg: 9.2
 1. Muhovic, Kozmetik.9.2 
 2. Macura, Jezica9.1 
 3. Skof, Ilrija9.0 
 4. Ljubenovic, Triglav9.0 
 5. Baltic, AJM M.8.0 
 6. Komplet, Hit K.7.8 
 7. Zdolsek, Triglav7.4 
 8. Jevtovic, Merkur C.7.3 
 9. Klancnik, GVT K.6.9 
 10. Jurse, Kozmetik.6.8 
Assists Per Game
 Nika BARIC
  Merkur Celje
  (169-G-92)
  Avg: 5.4
 1. Baric, Merkur C.5.4 
 2. Jurse, Kozmetik.4.5 
 3. Oberc, Ilrija3.8 
 4. Oblak, Hit K.Gora3.2 
 5. Panic, Hit K.Gora3.0 
 6. Abramovic, Merkur C.2.8 
 7. Baltic, AJM M.2.6 
 8. Dover, AJM Maribor2.5 
 9. Kolman, Grosuplje2.4 
 10. Zdolsek, Triglav2.4 
Steals Per Game
 Klavdija OBLAK
  Odeja KED
  (170-G-88)
  Avg: 4.6
 1. Oblak, Odeja KED4.6 
 2. Abramovic, Merkur C.3.8 
 3. Zupancic, Grosuplje3.4 
 4. Dover, AJM Maribor3.2 
 5. Oblak, Hit K.Gora3.0 
 6. Gabrovsek, Jezica2.7 
 7. Svetic, Kozmetik.2.7 
 8. Rupnik, Jezica2.6 
 9. Zakelj, Odeja KED2.6 
 10. Zalar, Ilrija2.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Katja KLANCNIK
  GVT Konjice
  (175-F-90)
  Avg: 0.9
 1. Klancnik, GVT K.0.9 
 2. Zdovc, GVT Konjice0.8 
 3. Trebec, Hit K.Gora0.8 
 4. Srot, GVT Konjice0.8 
 5. Pavli, Jezica0.7 
 6. Jagodic, Merkur C.0.6 
 7. Stevovska, Jezica0.5 
 8. Vene, Ilrija0.5 
 9. Lesjak, Domzale0.5 
 10. Valic, Triglav0.5 


*****************************************************
  SOUTH KOREA - Women  


South Korea thump Thailand at Asian Games - by Eurobasket News
South Korea - Thailand 93:55

South Korea recorded the first win at the Asian Games in Guangzhou. They fired past Thailand in Group A opener. Beon Yeon-Ha (180-F-80) came up with 21 points to lead the effort.
South Korea stormed into this one. They erupted for 31 points in the starting period to take a confident 21-point lead. South Korea kept Thailand scoreless for more than five minutes in the second period to boost the lead. The scoreboard read 46:23 for the Korean team at halftime. A one-way traffic continued in the third stanza. South Korea dominated on every spot of the floor as they enjoyed a 72:39 lead at the final break. Thailand tipped off the final term strongly as they cut the margin but not enough to threat the deficit. South Korea stayed confident and rolled to the win at the end. Kim Kwe-Ryong (192-C-79) contributed 15 points for the Korean side. Ha Eun-Joo (200-C-83) had 14 points in the win. Atchara Kaichaiyapoom (178-C-92) responded with 11 points for Thailand. Naruemol Banmoo (185-C-87) netted 8 points in the loss.

South Korea: Beon Yeon-Ha 21, Kim Kwe-Ryong 15, Ha Eun-Joo 14
Thailand: Atchara Kaichaiyapoom 11, Naruemol Banmoo 8


*****************************************************
  SWEDEN - Women  


Standings - Damligan
Damligan Standings
 1. Solna Vikings 7-0 
 2. Lulea BBK 6-2 
 3. Telge 5-2 
 4. Kvarnby 4-2 
 5. Norrkoping 4-3 
 6. Sallen 4-3 
 7. 08 4-3 
 8. Visby 4-3 
 9. Marbo Basket 3-5 
 10. Eos 2-5 
 11. Brahe 0-7 
 12. Umea 0-8 


Stats Leaders - Damligan
Points Per Game
 Brittany SMART
  Kvarnby
  (175-G-85)
  Avg: 27.7
 1. Smart, Kvarnby27.7 
 2. Saunders, Visby21.5 
 3. Ferm, Eos19.1 
 4. Zahui, Telge17.3 
 5. Glaser, Kvarnby17.3 
 6. Key, Marbo Basket16.5 
 7. Tattersdill, Sallen15.6 
 8. Gustavsson, Brahe15.4 
 9. Bacon, Solna Vikings15.1 
 10. Forsman-Goga, Tel.15.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Amanda ZAHUI
  Telge
  (191-C-93)
  Avg: 10.9
 1. Zahui, Telge10.9 
 2. Brown, Visby10.3 
 3. Frieson, Kvarnby9.3 
 4. Tattersdill, Sallen8.7 
 5. Andersson, Solna V.8.4 
 6. Bacon, Solna Vikings7.7 
 7. Smart, Kvarnby7.5 
 8. Glaser, Kvarnby7.2 
 9. Gustavsson, Brahe7.1 
 10. Forsman-Goga, Tel.7.1 
Assists Per Game
 Brittany SMART
  Kvarnby
  (175-G-85)
  Avg: 4.2
 1. Smart, Kvarnby4.2 
 2. Johansen, Sallen4.1 
 3. Kucukkaya, Telge4.1 
 4. Persson, Brahe4.0 
 5. Gultekin, Solna V.4.0 
 6. Kjelsson, 083.9 
 7. Rivero, Kvarnby3.8 
 8. Saunders, Visby3.5 
 9. Frieson, Kvarnby3.0 
 10. Sigefelt, Umea3.0 
Steals Per Game
 Anette JOHANSEN
  Sallen
  (176-F-82)
  Avg: 4.9
 1. Johansen, Sallen4.9 
 2. Brooks, Solna Vikings3.3 
 3. Persson, Brahe2.8 
 4. Neffati, Norrkoping2.8 
 5. Ausmann, Eos2.6 
 6. Forsman-Goga, Tel.2.4 
 7. Bilibani, Brahe2.3 
 8. Saunders, Visby2.3 
 9. Aili, Lulea BBK2.2 
 10. Nekmouche, Sallen2.1 
Blocks Per Game
 Katarina ANDERSSON
  Solna Vikings
  (191-C-83)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Andersson, Solna V.2.3 
 2. Cesnaviciute, Visby2.3 
 3. Frieson, Kvarnby2.3 
 4. Scott, Lulea BBK1.6 
 5. Glaser, Kvarnby1.5 
 6. Nnamaka, Sallen1.3 
 7. Smart, Kvarnby1.2 
 8. Abdi, 081.0 
 9. Mohr, Umea1.0 
 10. Renholm, Lulea BBK1.0 


Katarina Andersson gets MVP of the Week award for Swedish Damligan - by Eurobasket News
Former international center Katarina Andersson (191-C-83) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's leader Solna Vikings and that's her to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 8.
The 27-year old center had a double-double of 17 points and ten rebounds, while her team beat Norrkoping (#7, 4-3) 65-54. It allowed Solna Vikings to consolidate first place in the Swedish Damligan. They maintain perfect record without any lost game in the league. The season is already in a full swing and Solna Vikings still have not lost a single game, getting all 7 victories. Andersson has many years of experience at Solna Vikings, through which he has constantly improved. Andersson has impressive league stats. She is in league's top in rebounds (5th best: 8.4rpg) and averages solid 2.3bpg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 24-year old guard Alexandra Ferm (175-G-86) of IK Eos. Ferm impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds. Of course Eos cruised to a 70-58 relatively comfortable win over Umea (#12, 0-8). The game was between two teams which are definitely not main contenders for the title. Eos keeps 10th position. 5 lost games is too many comparing to just two victory Eos managed to get this year. Ferm is one of the most experienced players at Eos and has a reputation of the team's most reliable player. She belongs to the best scorers in the league with 19.1ppg (#3). She also registered 6.6 boards per game.

The third best performed player last round was American Rachel Maenpaa (185-C-84) of Marbo Basket (#9). Maenpaa scored 23 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Despite Maenpaa's great performance Marbo Basket lost 60-71 to the higher-ranked Telge (#2, 5-2). But her team cannot count on just a single player as she also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Marbo Basket not to end season on such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 5 games, recording just three victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Maenpaa could try to bring Marbo Basket's a little bit higher in the standings. Maenpaa has a very solid season. In 7 games in Sweden she scored 13.0ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Cleopatra Forsman-Goga (180-G-91) of Telge - 24 points and 7 rebounds
5. Fatima Maddox (168-G-83) of Norrkoping - 11 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists
6. Jeannie Saunders (173-G-86) of Visby - 18 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists
7. Amanda Zahui (191-C-93) of Telge - 14 points and 12 rebounds
8. Christy Bacon (182-G/F-80) of Solna Vikings - 18 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Joanna Ausmann (186-F-86) of Eos - 18 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Henna Koponen (183-F-86) of Umea - 14 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists

*****************************************************
  TAIWAN - Women  


Taiwan cruise past Maldives in Guangzhou - by Eurobasket News
Taiwan - Maldives 127:23

Taiwan had no problems en route to the win in their Asian Games opener. Chien Ping Lin team crushed Maldives by impressive 104 points. Seven players scored in double figures for Taiwan. Peng Szu-chin (163-G-91) stepped up with 20 points to lead the charge.
Maldives accounted for 3 points in the opening 15 minutes of the encounter allowing Taiwan to run away. The Taiwanese team actually piled up an insurmountable 57:3 lead at this point. They finished the first half leading by as many as 61 points 71:10. Taiwan have already passed 100-point mark in the third stanza. They coasted easily and played for fun en route to the first victory in Group B. Chang Shih-Chieh (172-G-86) delivered 15 points for Taiwan. Tsai Pei-Chen (186-C-84), Ma Yi Hung (80) and Liu Yi Chun (183-C-86) netted 13 points apiece for the winners. Aminath Shiura (176-C-87) replied with 8 points and 7 rebounds for Maldives. Fadhuwa Zahir (161-F-86) chipped in 6 points in the loss. Taiwan had much more serious test on Saturday when they take on Japan.

Taiwan: Peng Szu-chin 20, Chang Shih-Chieh 15, Tsai Pei-Chen 13+14 boards
Maldives: Aminath Shiura 8, Fadhuwa Zahir 6


*****************************************************
  THAILAND - Women  


South Korea thump Thailand at Asian Games - by Eurobasket News
South Korea - Thailand 93:55

South Korea recorded the first win at the Asian Games in Guangzhou. They fired past Thailand in Group A opener. Beon Yeon-Ha (180-F-80) came up with 21 points to lead the effort.
South Korea stormed into this one. They erupted for 31 points in the starting period to take a confident 21-point lead. South Korea kept Thailand scoreless for more than five minutes in the second period to boost the lead. The scoreboard read 46:23 for the Korean team at halftime. A one-way traffic continued in the third stanza. South Korea dominated on every spot of the floor as they enjoyed a 72:39 lead at the final break. Thailand tipped off the final term strongly as they cut the margin but not enough to threat the deficit. South Korea stayed confident and rolled to the win at the end. Kim Kwe-Ryong (192-C-79) contributed 15 points for the Korean side. Ha Eun-Joo (200-C-83) had 14 points in the win. Atchara Kaichaiyapoom (178-C-92) responded with 11 points for Thailand. Naruemol Banmoo (185-C-87) netted 8 points in the loss.

South Korea: Beon Yeon-Ha 21, Kim Kwe-Ryong 15, Ha Eun-Joo 14
Thailand: Atchara Kaichaiyapoom 11, Naruemol Banmoo 8


*****************************************************
  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - Women  


Brittney Matthew signs with Stephen F. Austin - by David Edole
NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Stephen F. Austin Ladyjack head coach Brandon Schneider announced the signing of five student-athletes to National Letters of Intent on Thursday as part of the first signing class of his tenure.

Three of the incoming prospects - Daylyn Harris (F, Livingston HS), Ashley Bettis (G, Channelview HS) and Kyaris Johnson (G, Mansfield Legacy HS) - are ranked as top-40 recruits in Texas according to multiple publications, while Tierany Henderson (F, Austin LBJ HS) and Brittney Matthew (G, Fort Bend Hightower HS) bring plenty of success from their high school careers as well.

Matthew led her team the farthest of any of the Ladyjack recruits last season, guiding Hightower High School to the Class 5A state title game where they fell to one of the top teams in the nation - Cy-Fair High School.

She set the school's single-season scoring record for either boys or girls as a freshman, averaging 19 points per contest. Matthew was a unanimous first team all-District 23-5A selection last year, and was also voted as her team's MVP and an all-region selection by the TABC while helping the Hurricanes amass a 35-3 record in the state's largest classification.

'Brittney is a floor general with great vision and a high basketball I.Q.,' Schneider said. 'She is a playmaker off the bounce and can create shots for both herself and her teammates. She has range beyond the arc and is very active defensively.'



*****************************************************
  URUGUAY - Women  


Argentina Brazil and Venezuela won for the U15 South American tournament - by Hector Lopez
Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela won their games during the second day of the U 15 South American championship for women, played in Trinidad (Uruguay). Argentina played its first game defeating Peru 72-33, with 13 points by Victoria LLorente and Maria Belen Tombesnetted. Argentina and Chile already advanced to the semifinals. Brazil destroyed Uruguay 113-21, with 20 points by Izabella Sangalli and 20 points by Daphner Pezavento. In the last quarter Uruguay lost 0-28. Venezuela defeated Paraguay 74-46, with 18 points by Daniella Warren. Standings: Group A Argentina 1-0, Chile 1-0, Peru 0-2. Group B: Brazil 2-0, Venezuela 1-1, Paraguay 1-1 Uruguay 0-.2. Games for today: Chile-Argentina, Brazil-Paraguay and Uruguay-Venezuela

*****************************************************
  VENEZUELA - Women  


LINABAFE 2010 - Round Robin: EPB and Yaracuyanas advanced to the Finals - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Escuela Pedagogica de Baloncesto and Yaracuyanas advanced to the LINABAFE 2010 Finals, as they finished the Round Robin with the two best win-loss records among four teams involved in the fight for glory, while Lanceras de Guarico and Estudiantes will have to wait till next season.

EPB lost in the last matchday of the round, 84-78, as hosts of Lanceras de Guarico at Manuel Gallegos Carratu Arena. Jofranny Guerra (88) scored 21 points and Yosimar Corrales (G-90) added 16 points. For the hosts, Fanny Diaz (82) netted 20 points and Enmy Blanco (82) added 12.

Meanwhile, Yaracuyanas swept Estudiantes at Nicolas Ojeda Parra Arena of San Felipe with a triumph, 91-75. Sonia Rodriguez (90) was the top scorer with 18 points and Mariana Duran supported her with 16. For Estudiantes, Sharol Renault (86) and Irene Tazon ended up with 17 points each.

ROUND ROBIN
EPB 5-3
Yaracuyanas 5-3
Lanceras 4-4
Estudiantes 2-6

LINABAFE 2010 - Round Robin: Estudiantes eliminated, EPB one step closer - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Escuela Pedagogica de Baloncesto (EPB) and Yaracuyanas got one step closer to their main goal, which is to play the LINABAFE 2010 Finals, as they were able to defeat Lanceras de Guarico and Estudiantes, respectively, in the last weekend of the Round Robin. Estudiantes is officially out of the race for a spot in the next round.

EPB won 89-86 against Lanceras at Manuel Gallegos Carratu Arena of Caracas. They experienced an important comeback in the second quarter, after beginning it down 25-17. They were able to react and went to halftime ahead in the scoreboard, 48-40. Even though Guarico won the next quarters 16-17 (64-57) and 25-29, it wasn't enough.

The team coached by Eduardo Gil defeated the side coached by Ivan Melendez . Fanny Diaz (82) netted 22 points, Angely Frontado added 14 and Leinel Pino supported them with 14. For Lanceras, Yosimar Corrales (G-90) finished up with 31 and Dianora Rivas (90) added 15.

Meanwhile, Yaracuyanas defeated Estudiantes 94-82 at Nicolas Ojeda Parra Arena of San Felipe. The first quarter ended with a 21-21 tie and from then on Yaracuyanos got in control of the action, taking the second partial 28-16 (49-37), loosing the third 20-22 (69-59) and taking the last one, 25-23.

Sonia Rodriguez (90) and Mariana Duran were the top scorers for the home team with 19 points each. For Estudiantes, Sharol Renault (86) netted 22 points and Irene Tazon followed her with 15. Yaracuyanas is coached by Hugo Calvette and Estudiantes by William Boxill .