Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 12/30/2010

Copyright � 1997-2010 Eurobasket
WARNING:
Do not copy, redistribute, publish or otherwise exploit information that you download from the site!
Do not encumber, license, modify, publish, sell, transfer or transmit, or in any way exploit, any of the
content of the report, nor will you attempt to do so.
More info:www.eurobasket.com

Men News

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

ABA

Mavericks win 10th Game of Season - by Gianni Pascucci
The #1 Ranked SETX Mavericks (10-1) defeated the Arlington Bulldogs 134-83 in their Mavericks Holiday Shoot-Out Classic on Tuesday night at Nutty Jerrys Entertainment Center in Winnie, TX. The Bulldogs came out tough against the Mavericks in the first quarter. The score was tied several times early and was tied 13-13 at the five minute mark of the opening period. A Mavericks 14-2 run spearheaded by new Mavs point guard Hollis Giles (6'3''-G) allowed SETX to get some separation and gain control of the game. The Mavericks pulled ahead 33-17 at the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter the Mavericks bench led by Alex Sanders (6'7''-F/C-75, college: Louisville), Jon Rogers (6'9''-F/C-84, college: Valdosta St.), Desmond Cambridge (6'0''-G-79, college: Alabama A&M), and Currye Todd (6'4''-G-85, college: Lamar) allowed the Mavs to gain complete control of the game as the Mavericks cruised to a 73-35 half-time lead. The Bulldogs had no quit in them as they came out of the locker-room at half-time to score 31 third quarter points. Nathan Walker, Maurice Williams, and Antonio Odom kept Arlington fighting and trying to get back into the game. The Mavericks answered with 38 points of their own in the period.
With the game in hand heading into the final period of play the Mavericks controlled tempo and earned another victory at home at the NJEC The final score was Mavs 134 - Bulldogs 83.
The Mavericks had eight players score in double figures with a balanced scoring attack. Alex Sanders led the way with 23 points. Myles Thrash (6'0''-G-77, college: Stillman) added 22 points while playing his best game of the season at the point guard position. Odell Bradley (6'4''-F/G-81, college: IUPUI) scored 16 points. Todd and Cambridge chipped 15 points each respectively. DeRon Rutledge (6'6''-F-75, college: Tex.A&M-Kingsv.) followed up with 14 points and Josh Pace scored 10 points. First team All-ABA Center Jon Rogers had 11 points and 7 rebounds in his first game back with the Mavericks after finishing his season in Uruguay.
Kevin Ricard led the way for Arlington with 17 points. Antonio Odom followed up with a 14 point and 10 rebound performance.
The second night of the Holiday Shoot Out Classic will be played on Thursday night at the NJEC in Winnie, TX. The Arlington Bulldogs will face the Texas Fuel in the 6 PM game and at 8:30 PM the Houston Red Storm will face the SETX Mavericks.
In the first game of the Classic on Tuesday night, the Texas Fuel (7-3) defeated the Houston Red Storm (0-4) 124-101. Lamar Wright (6'10''-C-78, college: Porterville JC) scored 32 points and pulled down 17 rebounds and veteran center Johnny Tyson (6'11''-F/C-71, college: Cent.Oklahoma) followed up with 23 points and 14 rebounds. Kenny Wilson (6'4''-G-84, college: Boise St.) and Mike Gayle followed up 17 and 15 points respectively.

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

ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Adriatic League round 13 best performance: Corsley Edwards - by Eurobasket News
American Corsley Edwards (205-C/F-79, agency: Impact Basketball) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Cedevita Zagreb, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 13.
The 31-year old player was the main contributor (30 points, nine rebounds) to his team's victory, helping them to beat Igokea (#10, 5-8) 89-80. Cedevita is placed at 4th position in Adriatic League . They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Cedevita will need more victories to improve their 8-5 record. Edwards turned to be Cedevita's top player in his first season with the team. Corsley Edwards averages this season 16.3ppg and 5.1rpg.

The second best player in last round's games was 24-year old Jamaican Jerome Jordan (213-C-86) of KK Hemofarm Stada Vrsac. Jordan had a very good evening with 23 points and 8 rebounds. Bad luck as Hemofarm lost that game 70-90 to the higher-ranked Krka (#3, 8-5). This loss caused Hemofarm to drop to 9th position in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 6-7 record. Jordan is one of the most experienced players at Hemofarm and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third on the list of top players last round was Vladimir Dragicevic (206-C/F-86) of league's second-best Buducnost. Dragicevic scored 20 points and grabbed eight rebounds. He was a key player of Buducnost, leading his team to a 87-74 easy win against the lower-ranked CEZ Nymburk (#11, 5-8). Buducnost needs these victories very badly if they think about taking over top position in the standings. Their record at this point is 9 victories and 4 lost games. Dragicevic has a great season in Adriatic League. After 13 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 16.6ppg (9th best) and rebounds with 6.8rpg (4th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Jakov Vladovic (186-G-83) of Zadar - 22 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Dontaye Draper (180-G-84) of Cedevita - 15 points and 9 assists
6. James Gist (203-F-86) of Partizan - 24 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Ricardo Marsh (201-F-81) of Crvena Zvezda - 21 points and 8 rebounds
8. Kenny Gregory (197-G/F-78) of Union Olimpija - 16 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Michael Lee (207-F-86) of Radnicki - 19 points and 5 rebounds
10. Marko Scekic (207-F-81) of Buducnost - 18 points and 7 rebounds

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Michael LEE
  Radnicki
  (207-F-86)
  Avg: 21.5

1. Lee, Radnicki	21.5
2. Macvan, Hemofarm	19.2
3. Bogdanovic, Cibona	19.2
4. Draper, Cedevita	18.5
5. Marsh, Crvena Z.	18.3
6. Zoric, KK.	18.3
7. Car, Zadar	18.2
8. Chase, Igokea	16.7
9. Dragicevic, Buduc.	16.6
10. Edwards, Cedevita	16.3

Rebounds Per Game

Luka ZORIC
  KK Zagreb CO
  (211-C/F-84)
  Avg: 8.7

1. Zoric, KK.	8.7
2. Macvan, Hemofarm	6.8
3. Kasun, KK.	6.8
4. Dragicevic, Buduc.	6.8
5. Necas, CEZ Nymburk	6.7
6. Booker, Krka	6.5
7. Benda, CEZ Nymburk	6.4
8. Gist, Partizan	6.0
9. Nikolic, Crvena Z.	5.8
10. Lee, Radnicki	5.8

Assists Per Game

Dontaye DRAPER
  Cedevita
  (180-G-84)
  Avg: 6.1

1. Draper, Cedevita	6.1
2. Markovic, Radnicki	4.9
3. Morovic, Siroki TT	4.5
4. Lafayette, Partizan	4.2
5. Pavkovic, Hemofarm	4.2
6. Ilievski, Union O.	3.8
7. Nissim, CEZ N.	3.6
8. Stipcevic, Cibona	3.6
9. Bazdaric, Cedevita	3.5
10. Drca, Crvena Zvezda	3.5

Steals Per Game

Dontaye DRAPER
  Cedevita
  (180-G-84)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Draper, Cedevita	2.7
2. Lee, Radnicki	2.4
3. Stemberger, Siroki T.	2.3
4. Lafayette, Partizan	2.2
5. Radosevic, Cibona	2.1
6. Pumprla, CEZ N.	2.0
7. Car, Zadar	2.0
8. Ilievski, Union O.	1.9
9. Ozbolt, Union O.	1.9
10. Troha, Cedevita	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Luka ZORIC
  KK Zagreb CO
  (211-C/F-84)
  Avg: 1.1

1. Zoric, KK.	1.1
2. Nikolic, Crvena Z.	1.0
3. Vesely, Partizan	0.9
4. Shermadini, Union O.	0.8
5. Dragicevic, Buduc.	0.8
6. Chan, CEZ Nymburk	0.8
7. Radosevic, Cibona	0.8
8. Booker, Krka	0.8
9. Macvan, Hemofarm	0.7
10. Brnas, Cibona	0.6

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

ARGENTINA

U19 National Team camp 2011 - by Facundo Iatzky
Despite we are still in 2011 CABB already released the list of U19 players who will train since Febraury 15 in Buenos Aires. It is an important year for them because this year it will be played the U19 world championship. This is the roster:

Nicolas Agasse (179-G-92) Olimpia de Parana
Emiliano Basabe (190-G-92) Alma Juniors de Esperanza
Mateo Bolivar (187-G-92) San Martin (Corrientes)
Matias Bortolin (205-C-93). Atenas (Cordoba)
Nicolas Brussino (93) . San Martin de Marcos Juarez
Valentin Burgos (G-92). Gimnasia Esgrima de Comodoro Rivadavia
Joel Comba (202-F-92, agency: Dream Team Management) . Gimnasia Esgrima de Comodoro Rivadavia
Nicolas Copello (193-G-92). Boca Juniors
Marcos Delia (207-C-92). Boca Juniors
Lucas Diaz (198-F-92) . Libertad de Sunchales
Eric Flor (186-G-93) . Los Indios de Moreno
Tayavek Gallizzi (202-F-93) . Quilmes de Mar del Plata
Patricio Garino (196-G/F-93). Monteverde High School (USA)
Juan Giaveno (175-G-92) . 9 de Julio de Rio Tercero
Franco Giorgetti (200-F-92) . Penarol de Mar del Plata
Federico Herrera (197-C-93). Social Las Brenas (Chaco)
Lucas Machuca (185-G-92). Sionista de Parana
Luciano Massarelli (178-G-93). Ramos Meja L. T. C.
Carlos Paredes (201-F/G-92) . Monte Hermoso Basket
Pablo Perez (202-F-92) . Sionista de Parana
Fernando Podesta (204-C-92). Velez Sarsfield
German Ressia (181-G-92). Bahiense del Norte de Bahia Blanca
Cristian Scaramuzzino (206-C-92, agency: World Sport Agency) . Obras Sanitarias

Club 9 de Julio sign Travis Gabbidon - by Eurobasket News
Club 9 de Julio made the change in their imports department. The team signed a deal with Travis Gabbidon (201-F, college: UTSA). They also cut Leonardo Pomare (203-F-86, college: San Diego).
Pomare joined Club 9 de Julio back in November. Earlier he signed for Gas Metan in Romania but never appeared on the court because of the injury. Last season Leonardo Pomare played for the Sendai 89ers in Japan. He notched 15.0 points, 10.2 boards, 1.5 assists and 1.1 blocks per game.
Travis Gabbidon started the season in Australia. The forward signed his first pro deal with the Albury Wodonga Bandits in the ABA. Travis Gabbidon tallied 19.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.4 assists per game. In October 2010 the forward moved to Kuwait. He inked a deal with local Al Jahraa. In November Travis Gabbidon left Kuwait for the USA where he joined the Arizona Legends exhibition team. Club 9 de Julio are currently facing elimination from Liga A as they 4-14 record at the bottom of LigaA Zone Norte standings.

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

AUSTRALIA

Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game

Gary ERVIN
  Hawks
  (186-G-83)
  Avg: 23.3

1. Ervin, Hawks	23.3
2. Redhage, Wildcats	19.5
3. Penney, Breakers	19.4
4. Williams, Tigers	17.4
5. Khazzouh, Sydney K.	16.8
6. Worthington, Blaze	16.1
7. Sanders, Sydney K.	16.0
8. Ubaka, Taipans	15.6
9. Clark, Blaze	15.0
10. Ballinger, 36ers	14.5

Rebounds Per Game

Julian KHAZZOUH
  Sydney K.
  (211-C-86)
  Avg: 10.3

1. Khazzouh, Sydney K.	10.3
2. Holmes, 36ers	8.5
3. Nevill, Tigers	8.2
4. Davidson, Hawks	8.1
5. Williams, Tigers	7.3
6. Forman, Hawks	7.2
7. Vukona, Breakers	7.2
8. Knight, Wildcats	7.1
9. Crosswhite, Taipa.	6.4
10. Freeman, Croco.	6.4

Assists Per Game

Gary ERVIN
  Hawks
  (186-G-83)
  Avg: 5.1

1. Ervin, Hawks	5.1
2. Carter, 36ers	4.9
3. Saville, Hawks	4.7
4. Gibson, Blaze	4.6
5. Williams, Tigers	4.3
6. Cooper, Sydney K.	4.3
7. Braswell, Breakers	4.2
8. Ubaka, Taipans	3.9
9. DeVries, 36ers	3.4
10. Holmes, 36ers	3.0

Steals Per Game

Damian MARTIN
  Wildcats
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Martin, Wildcats	1.9
2. Saville, Hawks	1.7
3. Gilder, Sydney K.	1.6
4. Crawford, Croco.	1.6
5. Penney, Breakers	1.6
6. Khazzouh, Sydney K.	1.4
7. Gibson, Blaze	1.3
8. Crosswhite, Taipa.	1.3
9. Carter, 36ers	1.2
10. Braswell, Breakers	1.2

Blocks Per Game

Gary ERVIN
  Hawks
  (186-G-83)
  Avg: 1.2

1. Ervin, Hawks	1.2
2. Devendorf, Tigers	1.0
3. Redhage, Wildcats	0.9
4. Hudson, Blaze	0.9
5. Khazzouh, Sydney K.	0.9
6. Knight, Wildcats	0.8
7. Corletto, Tigers	0.8
8. Weigh, Wildcats	0.8
9. Vukona, Breakers	0.7
10. Sanders, Sydney K.	0.7

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings

1. Breakers		10-2
2. Wildcats		9-4
3. Hawks		9-4
4. Taipans		7-3
5. Crocodiles		7-7
6. Blaze		5-7
7. 36ers		4-7
8. Tigers		3-9
9. Sydney K.		1-12

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

AUSTRIA

Oberwart Gunners ink with Terrance Woodbury - by Stefan Prager
The Oberwart Gunners just found a new player under their christmas tree. As reported on the teams website the Gunners inked with guard/forward Terrance Woodbury (201-G/F-86, college: Georgia) to strengthen thier roster. The 24 year old Woodbury had a more than solid four year collegiate career at the University of Georgia of the NCAAs South East Conference. In his senior season in 2008/2009 he averaged 14.0 pgg along with 4.6 rpg. After that Woodbury was hampered by an ankle injury and tried to restart at AZS Koszalin in Poland this season. He left after the pre-season ended. Right now the Gunners are in fourth place in the Austrian ABL. Woodburys debut is expected for the away game against the Gussing Knights on January 2nd.

Panthers release forward Bryant Matthews - by Stefan Prager
Austrian runner up BSC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld Panthers released forward Bryant Matthews

(201-G/F-82, college: Virginia Tech) shortly before christmas as it is announced on the teams website. Matthews was a late addition this summer. He had a rough start in Austria and had to deal with inconsistency most of the time. As reported on the teams site Matthews had some differences with head coach Bob Gonnen which led to his release. In 14 appearances, sic of them as a starter, for the Panthers this season Matthews averaged 10.7 ppg along with 5.0 rpg while shooting 53% from the field. This was not enough to match the clubs expectations.

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

BAHRAIN

Isa Town and Al Hala triumph - by Yousef Ahmed

ISA Town and Al Hala registered identical blow-out victories yesterday in the Zain Bahrain Basketball League at Zain Arena in Um Al Hassam.

Isa Town outclassed Al Ettihad 90-61 in the day's first game. Hala then followed suit with a 96-66 win over Bahrain Club.

Isa Town were spearheaded by Cameroonian professional Boris Siakam (201-F-85, college: W.Kentucky). They claimed their fifth win in nine games to end the first round of the league in fifth place overall.

Ettihad, on the other hand, suffered their fifth defeat and dropped all the way down to seventh on the standings.

Hala, paced by American import Patrick Simpson, earned only their second victory of the season. The struggling club improved to eighth place on the table after previously being tied with Bahrain, who remained on one victory.

League action continues tonight with the final fixture of the first round. It will be a mammoth clash between defending champions Al Ahli and title favourites Manama.

The game is scheduled for a 7pm tip-off at the same venue. The winner of the tie will capture solo first place on the league standings heading into the mid-season break.

During the intermission, the 2011 Zain Bahrain Basketball Cup will be played. It is scheduled to tip off with the first qualifying round on New Year's Day.

Source GDN Posted on Wednesday, December 29, 2010

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

BELGIUM

Ethias League News - by Peter Buyse
Despite the end of year break there is some news for some of the Ethias League teams.
Generali Okapi Aalstar has announced the contract extension for Alex Ruoff till the end of next season.

Also some coaches news at VOO Verviers-Pepinster where former Gent, Braine and Oostende coach Aaron McCarthy became the new head-coach.
Besides Belgium he also spent several years in Finland coaching Helsinki as well as the Finnish National Team.
But the most time he spend in any country was Germany where he was the head-coach of Bayreuth, Wurtzburg, Tuebingen and most recently Trier.

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

BRAZIL

Sorocaba announced the signing of six players - by Paulo Freire
The Liga Sorocabana of Basketball (LSB) announced the signing of six players for the 2011 season. Two of them are Americans. The reinforcements will compose the team that will compete in two competitions in the first half of the year: the Brazil Cup and the New Millennium Tournament (Novo Milenio).

The main moves are the addition of the americans, the guard Kenny Dawkins (175-G-87, college: Lamar), 23 years old and 1.75 m high, which was formed by Lamar University and swingman Mario Edwards (191-G), 25 and 1.93 m, that just graduate by Coastal Carolina University. They will arrive in Brazil on January 11.

For the fight inside the basket the team add Douglas Gorauskas

(205-C-83) 27 years and 2.05 m. The player spent several seasons in Europe (Germany and Switzerland). Douglas returned to Brazil last October and played for the XV de Piracicaba on the end of the Paulista State Championship, playing in 18 games and taking the average of 9.6 points and 5.0 rebounds.

Who also arranged a deal to play for the LSB in 2011 is the point guard Luiz Felipe Soriani (188-G-89). The team is also bring in some young players, Diego Gomes, who was revealed in the LSB is back. He is 20 years old, 1.83 m tall and was playing in a small club, Jundiai. The other reinforcements is a young center Ney, who is 23 years old and 2.14 m tall, he played the Paulista State Championship for Barueri and avarege 4.3 ppg and 4.7 rpg.

The team will have four remaining for next season: the forward Cesar Araujo (201-F/C-81), Daniel Conti (200-F/C-81), Everson Rodrigues (78) and Fernando Augusto (79) who is undergoing medical treatment and returns to the court in February.

Macae sign new player for Brazil Cup - by Paulo Freire
The Macae team led by head coach Leonardo Costa, Leo, renewals the contracts of point guard Thiaguinho and smallforward Christiano Baierle.
Seeking the 2011 season, which begins in January with a race for the Brazil Cup, the Macae Basketball now is hiring the shottinguard Alan, who had been working on the Campos team from Rio de Janeiro.

'We are working to strengthen the team since the season should be tough, starting with a race for Brazil Cup. Alan Conceicao (187-G-85) is a player who stood out in Campos and will help us, we also renew with Thiaguinho and Cristiano Mirim (201-C/F-85), who both made a great season. ' said head coach Leonardo Costa.

Traditional club reactive their pro team - by Paulo Freire
This time one of the most traditional clubs of Minas Gerais, returned this season with their professionally basketball tem, they finishing in fourth place in the Mineiro State Championship of 2010.

The Olympic Club, will next Monday, Jan. 3 again be focused on training for a new challenge, the Brazil Cup. The club had produced several great players such as Gerson Victalino (205-C-59) Brazilian national Team member from 1983 to 1992, along others in the brazilian basketball history, but they have been without a professional team for years.

The coach staff is led by the american Mike Frink, who bringing over 34 years of coaching expertise from the high school, college and international levels. From 1990-98 with a coaching position with the Confederation of Brazilian Basketball (CBB). While in Brazil, Frink earned a pair of honors by being an assistant on the 1992 and 1996 Brazilian Summer Olympic teams in Barcelona and Atlanta, respectively.

Frink first launched his coaching career at Wheat Ridge High School from 1969-1976 where he coached legendary CU sports star and former NFL player Dave Logan. Frink later moved up to the collegiate ranks becoming an assistant at the University of Hawaii from 1976-78.

He later moved on to the University of Arizona (1978-1981) and then to the University of Washington (1981-85). At Washington, Frink coached future NBA all-star Detlef Schrempf and was named one of the top-15 coaches in the nation by Basketball Weekly. He guided the Huskies to back-to-back NCAA tournaments in 1984 and 1985.

For 2011, Mike Frink have kept a base for the team, with the point guards Djair Paulino (170-G-76) and american Tony Dennison (191-G-87), shottinguard Feliz Baeta (195-G/F-84) will also stay, besides the athletes of their youth teams that are helping the pro team.

The new additions on the team are the centers Fabiao Pires (199-C-77) coming from Sorocaba and Jonny Gomes (212-C-76) coming from Metodista/Sao Bernardo do Campo, the smallforward Ted Bento (199-F-80) coming from Americana.

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

BULGARIA

Second away win for the season for Rilski to end year 2010 - by Valentin Anguelov
Rilski Sportist won away in their last game of 2010 against Spartak in Pleven. The host team started the game very well and controlled the tempo during the entire first half. However right after the half time break Rilski Sportist came on top and with strong fourth quarter they ended the game in their favor - 95-84. They had great shooting percentage behind the 3-point line, having scored 11 of the 19 their shots beyond the arc. After tonights meeting Rilski Sportist has 6 victories and six losses while Spartak is with a record of 2 and 10.

Another great game for Rilski Sportist shooting guard Ivan Lilov (196-F/G-88, agency: 011 Sports). Once again he showed his scoring abilities and finished with 35 points as he also added 9 rebounds. Bogdan Boev scored 18 points and Alexander Gruev finished with 13 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists.

For Spartak Pleven Nikola Traykov

(197-G/F-85, college: Bloomsburg St.) was most effective with 24 points and Hrisimir Dimitrov added 21 points and 8 rebounds. Alexander Dyakovski finished with 17 points and 7 assists.

Right after the New Years Eve on January 8 Rilski Sportist will hosts Levski while Spartak will play at home versus Chernomorets.

Levski beat Balkan for another win in NBL - by Valentin Anguelov
Levski beat Balkan by 22 points in their last game for year 2010. The Blues led throughout the whole game and at the end the scoreboard showed 93-71 in their favor. Levski took double digit lead in the second quarter and kept that for the whole game. At one point in the last quarter they were up by 37 points 87-50 but the reserves of the team allowed the visitors to cut the lead to only 18 points with little more than 2 minutes to go. There was no time for surprise and at the end Levski won by 93-71. So far the team of coach Konstantin Papazov is second on the table with 10 wins and only 2 losses while Balkan occupies the third place with 7 success and 5 negative results.

Donald Cole

(204-C-81, agency: Edge Sports, college: Sam Houston St.) was the most effective for winners with 21 points and 7 rebounds. Jason Crowe added 17 points and 6 rebounds while Stanislav Slaveykov scored 14 points.

For the guests Krum Doichinov ended with 17 points. The youngster Stanimir Marinov added 14 and 4 steals and Lubomir Lilov finished with 13 points and 8 rebounds.

In the first round of the following year Levski will visit Rilski Sportist in Samokov while Balkan will play at home against the champion Lukoil Academic.

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

CHINA

Kings, Bobcats have talked to Rockets about potential Yao Ming trade - by Eurobasket News
The Houston Rockets have spoken to the Sacramento Kings and Charlotte Bobcats about a potential trade of Ming Yao (7'5''-C-80), according to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle.

Yahoo!'s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Monday that the Rockets were exploring the option of trading Yao by the February deadline. Yao has an expiring contract worth $17.7 million, $8 million of which will be paid by an insurer as the center will miss the remainder of the 2010-11 season due to a stress fracture in his foot. Yao played just five games this season, and missed all of 2009-10.

Feigen reports that the Rockets are looking to add young frontcourt talent, but that the Kings are unwilling to give up No. 5 pick DeMarcus Cousins. The Bobcats could offer draft picks in a potential trade.

The Kings do have other young big men outside of Cousins; Jason Thompson, a third-year forward-center, has actually been a target of the Bobcats in the past. The Kings traded for Carl Landry last season, and Houston has reportedly been interested in bringing the fourth-year forward back. Landry will be an unrestricted free agent at season's end.

The Bobcats are said to be concerned with salary obligations beyond this year, but it is unlikely Houston would take on a player like Gerald Wallace or Stephen Jackson. Houston has been said to be open to possibly trading Aaron Brooks, who will be a restricted free agent this summer. Though D.J. Augustin had a marvelous game in Paul Silas' debut as the coach of the Bobcats, Charlotte has dearly missed Raymond Felton this season. Felton signed with the New York Knicks during the offseason after the Bobcats reportedly made little effort to keep him.

Courtesy of www.sbnation.com

Xinjiang. Dongguan Remain Undefeated, Beijing Loses Without Randolph Morris - by Arthur Volbert
Dongguan remained undefeated by edging Zhejiang 108-105. Vroman Jackson (208-C/F-81, college: Iowa St.) had 33 points and 10 rebounds. Josh Akognon had 21 points and 5 rebounds. Zhang Kai had 17 points and 5 rebounds. Qiu Biao scored 13 and Meng Duo had 9. Mike James had 33 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds and 4 steals for Zhejiang. Ding Jinhui had 21 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Josh Boone had 21 points and 12 rebounds. Zhang Chunjun and Jin Lipeng each scored 8.

Xinjiang kept pace with Dongguan by trouncing Jiangsu 109-93. James Singleton had 30 points and 11 rebounds. Quincy Douby had 22 points and 8 assists. Mengke Bateer had 16 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists. Xirelijiang (Co Tal) had 9 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals. 206 cm Yang Bu had 10 points and 6 rebounds. Xu Guozhong scored 10. Yi Li had 22 points and 5 rebounds for Jiangsu. Hu Xuefeng scored 20. Tang Zhengdong had 14 points and 4 rebounds. Ricky Davis had 11 points and 5 assists. Jerome Moiso had 8 points and 11 rebounds.

The Zhejiang Lions smashed Foshan 115-80. Peter John Ramos had 26 points, 16 rebounds and 6 assists. Tre Kelley had 22 points. Zhang Wei had 18 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Lin Chih-Chieh had 12 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Deng Li had 10 points and 8 rebounds. Olumide Oyedeji had 17 points and 15 rebounds for Foshan. Stephon Marbury had 13 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Perhaps at age 33 Marbury's quickness and skills have diminished so that he is no better than most CBA import guards. Tre Kelley clearly outplayed him today. Perhaps the decline in Marbury's skills played a role in his dismissal from Shanxi Zhongyu, as he is being payed top dollar in CBA salary terms. Zhao Yonggang scored 12 points for Foshan and He Ben had 10.

Shanghai upset Beijing 94-81. Devin Green had 25 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Liu Wei scored 20. Michael Harris had 15 points and 12 rebounds. Peng Fei had 15 points and 5 rebounds. Wang Ligang had 8 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Zaid Abbas had 25 points and 18 rebounds for Shanghai. Chen Lei scored 19 and Ji Zhe had 15. Wang Xiaohui scored 8. Randolph Morris and Steve Francis did not play.

Young He Tian-ju (203-F-90) had 26 points and 8 rebounds as Liaoning rallied 28-14 in the fourth quarter to defeat Shanxi Zhongyu 105-101. Yang Ming scored 24. Donta Smith had 17 points and 6 assists. Chris Richard had 7 points and 10 rebounds. 7-1 Han Dejun had 9 points and 8 rebounds. Bian Qiang also scored 9. Leon Rogers had 27 points and 11 rebounds for Shanxi Zhongyu. Osama Daghlas had 16 points, 8 rebounds and 16 assists and has been playing better than displaced Stephon Marbury. Zhang Biao had 15, Wei Mingliang had 14 and Shang Ping scored 13.

Jameel Watkins had 23 points and 9 rebounds as Jilin beat Tianjin 107-97. Yu Shulong had 22 points, 3 rebounds and 6 assists. David Young had 20 points and 9 rebounds. Lu Wei also scored 20. Li Tao scored 12. Zhong Cheng missed all 7 of his shots but had 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals. Herve Lamizana had 41 points and 12 rebounds for Tianjin. Zhang Nan had 19 points and 5 assists. Lee Benson had 16 points and 15 rebounds. Li Gangfeng scored 9.

Sun Jie scored 31 points and had 6 rebounds to lead Shandong to a 109-101 triumph over Fujian. Myron Allen had 22 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Rodney White had 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Wu Ke had 11 points and 5 rebounds. Cao Zhenhua scored 10. #41, a new import, scored 31 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and had 4 assists for Fujian. David Jones had 19 points and 24 rebounds. Xie Yacai scored 11 while Yang Qin and Ba Zichao each scored 10.

Wang Zhizhi returned to the lineup and Bayi returned to the win column, defeating Qingdao 104-99. Wang had 24 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Han Shuo had 16 points and 7 rebounds. Zhang Bo scored 15 and the National team backup guard looks like a good one. Delehei had 13 points and 5 rebounds. Mo Ke had 11 points and 7 rebounds. Xu Zhonghao had 8 points and 9 rebounds. Charles Gaines had 31 points and 19 rebounds for Qingdao. Dee Brown had 21 points and 5 assists. Li Gen had 16 and Lv Yan had 14. Cai Liang had 8 points and 3 rebounds.

Standings - CBA

CBA Standings

1. DongGuan		7-0
2. Xinjiang		7-0
3. Beijing		6-2
4. Guandong		5-2
5. Shanghai		5-3
6. Bayi		5-3
7. Zhejiang G.L.		5-3
8. Jiangsu		4-4
9. Liaoning		4-4
10. Shandong		3-4
11. Jilin		3-5
12. Foshan		2-5
13. Qingdao DS		2-5
14. Shanxi Zh.		2-5
15. Zhejiang C.		2-6
16. TianJin R.		1-6
17. Fujian		1-7

Stats Leaders - CBA

Points Per Game

Charles GAINES
  Qingdao DS
  (201-F-81)
  Avg: 35.1

1. Gaines, Qingdao DS	35.1
2. Kelley, Zhejiang.	33.7
3. Morris, Beijing	33.3
4. Douby, Xinjiang	31.9
5. Lamizana, TianJ.	30.4
6. James, Zhejiang C.	27.9
7. Rodgers, Shanxi Zh.	27.3
8. Akognon, DongGuan	27.0
9. Crittenton, Zhejia.	25.8
10. Young, Jilin	24.8

Rebounds Per Game

Dwayne JONES
  Fujian
  (211-C-83)
  Avg: 20.4

1. Jones, Fujian	20.4
2. Benson, TianJin R.	16.6
3. Gaines, Qingdao DS	15.7
4. Ramos, Zhejiang.	14.4
5. Oyedeji, Foshan	14.4
6. Watkins, Jilin	14.3
7. Moiso, Jiangsu	13.5
8. Richard, Liaoning	12.6
9. Morris, Beijing	12.6
10. Boone, Zhejiang C.	12.4

Assists Per Game

Osama DAGHLAS
  Shanxi Zh.
  (199-G-79)
  Avg: 11.3

1. Daghlas, Shanxi Zh.	11.3
2. Vroman, DongGuan	5.6
3. Douby, Xinjiang	5.4
4. Hu, Jiangsu	5.4
5. Green, Shanghai	5.3
6. Lu, Fujian	5.2
7. Marbury, Foshan	5.1
8. Kelley, Zhejiang.	5.0
9. Jones, Guandong	4.9
10. Allen, Shandong	4.9

Steals Per Game

Quincy DOUBY
  Xinjiang
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 3.9

1. Douby, Xinjiang	3.9
2. Zhong, Jilin	3.6
3. Crittenton, Zhejia.	3.6
4. Vroman, DongGuan	3.4
5. Daghlas, Shanxi Zh.	3.4
6. Hu, Jiangsu	3.3
7. Kelley, Zhejiang.	3.0
8. Gaines, Qingdao DS	3.0
9. Allen, Shandong	2.7
10. Akognon, DongGuan	2.7

Blocks Per Game

Herve LAMIZANA
  TianJin R.
  (207-F/C-81)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Lamizana, TianJ.	3.3
2. Vroman, DongGuan	3.1
3. Jones, Fujian	2.9
4. Watkins, Jilin	2.1
5. Wang, Bayi	2.0
6. Zhang, Shanghai	1.9
7. Boone, Zhejiang C.	1.9
8. Moiso, Jiangsu	1.9
9. Morris, Beijing	1.7
10. Benson, TianJin R.	1.7

CBA Round 8: DongGuan Leopards defeat Zhejiang Cyclones in the closest game of the week - by Eurobasket News
Fifteenth-ranked Zhejiang Cyclones (2-6) gave a tough game to top-ranked DongGuan Leopards (7-0) in Hangzhou on Wednesday. The visitors from DongGuan managed to secure only three-point victory 108-105. However their fans expected much easier game. The guests started the game with a very strong first quarter 21-10. But Zhejiang Cyclones won second period 33-26. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. DongGuan Leopards made 33-of-43 free shots (76.7 percent) during the game, while Zhejiang Cyclones only scored seventeen points from the stripe. DongGuan Leopards forced 26 Zhejiang Cyclones turnovers. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when DongGuan Leopards made 7 blocks. 31 personal fouls committed by Zhejiang Cyclones helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of American-Lebanese power forward Jackson Vroman (208-81, college: Iowa St.) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 33 points (!!!), 10 rebounds and 4 blocks and Nigerian guard Josh-Emmanuel Akognon (180-86, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) who added 21 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. American guard Michael James (184-75, college: Duquesne) responded with 33 points (!!!), 5 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Undefeated DongGuan Leopards have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 7-0 record, which they share with Xinjiang. Zhejiang Cyclones at the other side keep the fifteenth place with six games lost. DongGuan Leopards is looking forward to face Jilin Tigers (#11) in Changchun in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Zhejiang Cyclones will play at home against Foshan (#12) and are hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Beijing Ducks (6-2) against eighth ranked Shanghai Sharks (5-3) on Wednesday night. Visiting Beijing Ducks were defeated by eighth ranked Shanghai Sharks (5-3) in Shanghai 94-81. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Beijing Ducks. The winners were led by American swingman Devin Green (201-82, college: Hampton) who scored that evening 25 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists and Mike Harris supported him with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Even a double-double of 25 points and 18 rebounds by Jordanian forward Zaid Abbaas (203-83) did not help to save the game for Beijing Ducks. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Shanghai Sharks moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Bayi and Zhejiang G.L. Beijing Ducks at the other side keep the third position with two games lost. Shanghai Sharks will play against league's second-placed Xinjiang Flying Tige in Urumqi in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Beijing Ducks will play on the road against Shanxi Zhongyu in Taiyuan and hope to get back on the winning track.
Eighth ranked Zhejiang Guangsha Lions (5-3) crushed at home 11th ranked Foshan (2-5) by 35 points 115-80, which is the biggest margin this round on Tuesday night. The best player for the winners was Peter John Ramos who had a double-double by scoring 26 points, 16 rebounds and 6 assists. Olumide Oyedeji produced a double-double by scoring 17 points and 15 rebounds for the guests. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Zhejiang Guangsha Lions moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Shanghai and Bayi. Loser Foshan dropped to the twelfth position with five games lost. They share it with Shanxi Zh. and Qingdao DS. Zhejiang Guangsha Lions will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Foshan will play against Zhejiang Cyclones (#15) in Hangzhou and hope to secure a win.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 8: bottom-ranked Fujian lost to Shandong on the opponent's court 101-109. Bayi managed to outperform Qingdao DS in a home game 104-99. Jiangsu lost to undefeated Xinjiang on the road 93-109. Liaoning defeated Shanxi Zh. on its own court 105-101. TianJin R. was beaten by Jilin in Changchun 97-107.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 31 points and 19 rebounds by Charles Gaines of Qingdao DS.

Shandong - Fujian 109-101

Very expected game in Jinan where 17th ranked Fujian SBS XunXin (1-7) was defeated by tenth ranked Shandong Bulls (3-4) 109-101 on Wednesday. The hosts trailed by 1 point at the halftime before their 32-22 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Shandong Bulls made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game. They also forced 20 Fujian SBS XunXin turnovers. The best player for the winners was the former international guard Jie Sun (190-86) who scored 31 points and 6 rebounds. American guard Myron Allen (180-79, college: Lee JC) chipped in 22 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. American import center Dwayne Jones (211-83, college: St.Joseph's) added 19 points and 24 rebounds respectively for the guests. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Shandong Bulls maintains tenth position with 3-4 record. Fujian SBS XunXin lost fifth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom place with seven games lost. Shandong Bulls will meet at home higher ranked Bayi Fubang (#6) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Fujian SBS XunXin will play against Guandong Tigers (#4) in Dongguan.
Top scorers:
Shandong: S.Jie 31+6reb+1ast, A.Myron 22+7reb+6ast, W.Rodney 20+7reb+4ast, W.Ke 11+5reb+1ast, C.ZhenHua 10+4reb+2ast, L.JiuLong 6+6reb
Fujian: J.Dwayne 19+24reb+1ast, X.Yacai 11+4reb+2ast, B.ZhiChao 10+4reb, Y.Qin 10+5ast, G.Lei 8+2reb

Bayi - Qingdao DS 104-99

Very predictable result in Ningbo where sixth ranked Bayi Fubang (5-3) defeated 12th ranked Qingdao Double Star (2-5) 104-99 on Wednesday. However just five-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Qingdao Double Star trailed by 12 points after 3 quarters before a 39-32 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 99-104 at the end of the game. Bayi Fubang made 28-of-34 free shots (82.4 percent) during the game, while Qingdao Double Star only scored eleven points from the stripe. The best player for the winners was the former international center ZhiZhi Wang (214-79) who had a double-double by scoring 24 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). Guard Shuo Han (196-86) chipped in 16 points and 7 rebounds. American forward Charles Gaines (201-81, college: S.Mississippi, agency: Gross Zeev ISA) produced a double-double by scoring 31 points and 19 rebounds and his fellow American import guard Dee Brown (185-84, college: Illinois) added 21 points and 5 assists respectively for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Bayi Fubang moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Shanghai and Zhejiang G.L. Loser Qingdao Double Star keeps the twelfth position with five games lost. They share it with Shanxi Zh. and Foshan. Bayi Fubang will meet Shandong Bulls (#10) in the next round where they are favorite. Qingdao Double Star will play against Jiangsu Dragons in Nanjing and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Bayi: W.ZhiZhi 24+11reb+4ast, H.Shuo 16+7reb+1ast, Z.Bo 15+1reb, D.Lehei 13+5reb, M.Ke 11+7reb+2ast, X.ZhongHao 8+9reb+1ast
Qingdao DS: G.Charles 31+19reb+1ast, B.Dee 21+3reb+5ast, L.Gen 16+3reb+1ast, L.Yan 14+2reb+4ast, C.Liang 8+3reb+1ast, C.Kai 7+5reb+1ast

Zhejiang C. - DongGuan 105-108

Fifteenth-ranked Zhejiang Cyclones (2-6) gave a tough game to top-ranked DongGuan Leopards (7-0) in Hangzhou on Wednesday. The visitors from DongGuan managed to secure only three-point victory 108-105. However their fans expected much easier game. The guests started the game with a very strong first quarter 21-10. But Zhejiang Cyclones won second period 33-26. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. DongGuan Leopards made 33-of-43 free shots (76.7 percent) during the game, while Zhejiang Cyclones only scored seventeen points from the stripe. DongGuan Leopards forced 26 Zhejiang Cyclones turnovers. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when DongGuan Leopards made 7 blocks. 31 personal fouls committed by Zhejiang Cyclones helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of American-Lebanese power forward Jackson Vroman (208-81, college: Iowa St.) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 33 points (!!!), 10 rebounds and 4 blocks and Nigerian guard Josh-Emmanuel Akognon (180-86, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) who added 21 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. Four DongGuan Leopards players scored in double figures. American guard Michael James (184-75, college: Duquesne) responded with 33 points (!!!), 5 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals and his fellow American import power forward Josh Boone (208-84, college: Connecticut) produced a double-double by scoring 21 points and 12 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field). Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. DongGuan Leopards have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 7-0 record, which they share with Xinjiang. Zhejiang Cyclones at the other side keep the fifteenth place with six games lost. DongGuan Leopards is looking forward to face Jilin Tigers (#11) in Changchun in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Zhejiang Cyclones will play at home against Foshan (#12) and are hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
Top scorers:
DongGuan: V.Jackson 33+10reb+3ast, A.Josh-Emmanuel 21+5reb+2ast, Z.Kai 17+5reb+1ast, Q.Biao 13+3reb+3ast, P.Duo 9+3reb+2ast, C.Ya-Song 7+1ast
Zhejiang C.: J.Michael 33+5reb+7ast, B.Josh 21+12reb+1ast, D.Jinhui 21+7reb+4ast, Z.Chunjun 8+3reb+3ast, J.Lipeng 8+1ast, L.WeiWei 6+1reb+1ast

Xinjiang - Jiangsu 109-93

Not a big story in a game in Urumqi where 7th ranked Jiangsu Dragons (4-4) were defeated by top-ranked Xinjiang Flying Tige (7-0) 109-93 on Wednesday. The game was mostly controlled by Xinjiang Flying Tige. Jiangsu Dragons managed to win fourth quarter 34-29. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Xinjiang Flying Tige dominated down low during the game scoring 76 of its points in the paint compared to Jiangsu Dragons' 48. Xinjiang Flying Tige outrebounded Jiangsu Dragons 41-27 including 26 on the defensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The best player for the winners was American forward James Singleton (203-81, college: Murray St.) who had a double-double by scoring 30 points and 11 rebounds (on 13-of-15 shooting from the field). The former international center Bateer Mengke (210-75) chipped in 16 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists. International swingman Li Yi (203-85) produced 22 points and 5 rebounds and the former international guard XueFeng Hu (185-80) added 20 points respectively for the guests. Five Xinjiang Flying Tige and four Jiangsu Dragons players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Xinjiang Flying Tige have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with DongGuan. Loser Jiangsu Dragons dropped to the eighth place with four games lost. They share the position with Liaoning. Xinjiang Flying Tige will meet Shanghai Sharks (#5) on the road in the next round. Jiangsu Dragons will play against Qingdao Double Star and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Xinjiang: S.James 30+11reb+1ast, D.Quincy 22+1reb+8ast, M.Bateer 16+9reb+7ast, C.Tal 13+3reb+3ast, B.Yang 10+6reb, X.GuoChong 10+3reb
Jiangsu: Y.Li 22+5reb+3ast, H.XueFeng 20+1reb+3ast, T.ZhengDong 14+4reb+1ast, D.Ricky 11+1reb+5ast, M.Jerome 8+9reb+2ast, L.Yahui 7+1reb+1ast

Shanghai - Beijing 94-81

Very important is a road loss of third ranked Beijing Ducks (6-2) against eighth ranked Shanghai Sharks (5-3) on Wednesday night. Visiting Beijing Ducks were defeated by eighth ranked Shanghai Sharks (5-3) in Shanghai 94-81. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Beijing Ducks. It looked good early as Beijing Ducks took an 4-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Shanghai Sharks had a 21-15 second period charge getting the lead and Beijing Ducks were not able to take back game control losing it eventually 81-94. Shanghai Sharks outrebounded Beijing Ducks 46-35 including 33 on the defensive glass. The winners were led by American swingman Devin Green (201-82, college: Hampton) who scored that evening 25 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists and the other American import forward Mike Harris (198-83, college: Rice) supported him with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Four Shanghai Sharks players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 25 points and 18 rebounds by Jordanian forward Zaid Abbaas (203-83) did not help to save the game for Beijing Ducks. Swingman Lei Chen (195-83) added 19 points for the guests. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Shanghai Sharks moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Bayi and Zhejiang G.L. Beijing Ducks at the other side keep the third position with two games lost. Shanghai Sharks will play against league's second-placed Xinjiang Flying Tige in Urumqi in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Beijing Ducks will play on the road against Shanxi Zhongyu in Taiyuan and hope to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Shanghai: G.Devin 25+9reb+5ast, L.Wei 20+3ast, P.Fei 15+5reb+2ast, H.Mike 15+12reb+2ast, W.Ligang 8+5reb+4ast, Z.ZhaoXu 6+5reb
Beijing: A.Zaid 25+18reb+3ast, C.Lei 19+2reb+1ast, J.Zhe 15+4reb, W.Xiaohui 8+3reb, C.Shidong 5+2reb+1ast, L.Hsueh-Lin 3+2reb+6ast

Liaoning - Shanxi Zh. 105-101

Everything went according to plan in Yingkou where ninth ranked Liaoning Hunters (4-4) beat 11th ranked Shanxi Zhongyu (2-5) 105-101 on Wednesday. The hosts trailed by 10 points after three quarters before their 28-14 charge, which allowed them to win the game. The best player for the winners was forward Tian-ju He (203-90) who scored 26 points and 8 rebounds. Guard Ming Yang (193-85) chipped in 24 points. Jordanian guard Osama Daghlas (199-79, college: Midwestern St.) produced a double-double by scoring 16 points, 8 rebounds and 16 assists and American forward Leon Rodgers (199-80, college: N.Illinois) added 27 points and 11 rebounds respectively for the guests. Five Shanxi Zhongyu players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Liaoning Hunters moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Jiangsu. Loser Shanxi Zhongyu dropped to the twelfth position with five games lost. They share it with Foshan and Qingdao DS. Liaoning Hunters will meet TianJin Rongcheng (#16) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Shanxi Zhongyu will play against Beijing Ducks (#3) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Liaoning: H.Tian-ju 26+8reb, Y.Ming 24+3reb+2ast, S.Donta 17+3reb+6ast, H.Dejun 9+8reb+1ast, B.Qiang 9+2reb, R.Chris 7+10reb+2ast
Shanxi Zh.: R.Leon 27+11reb, D.Osama 16+8reb+16ast, Z.Biao 15+2reb, W.MingLiang 14+1reb, P.Shang 13+6reb+3ast, H.Bing 4

Jilin - TianJin R. 107-97

There was no surprise in Changchun where 16th ranked TianJin Rongcheng (1-6) was defeated by fourteenth ranked Jilin Tigers (3-5) 107-97 on Wednesday. The game was mostly controlled by Jilin Tigers. TianJin Rongcheng managed to win fourth quarter 25-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Jilin Tigers made 29-of-33 free shots (87.9 percent) during the game. They also forced 19 TianJin Rongcheng turnovers. They shot the lights out from three sinking 12 long-distance shots on high 54.5 percentage. The best player for the winners was American power forward Jameel Watkins (211-77, college: Georgetown) who scored 23 points and 9 rebounds (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field). International guard Shulong Yu (185-90) chipped in 22 points and 6 assists. Five Jilin Tigers players scored in double figures. Ivorian-French power forward Herve Lamizana (207-81, college: Rutgers) produced a double-double by scoring 41 points (!!!), 12 rebounds and 4 blocks and American power forward Lee Benson (208-73, college: Brown Mackie, agency: Paris Global Sports) added 16 points and 15 rebounds respectively for the guests. TianJin Rongcheng's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Jilin Tigers moved-up to eleventh place. TianJin Rongcheng lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the sixteenth position with six games lost. Jilin Tigers will meet league's leader DongGuan Leopards on the road in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. TianJin Rongcheng will play against Liaoning Hunters (#9) in Yingkou.
Top scorers:
Jilin: W.Jameel 23+9reb+1ast, Y.Shulong 22+3reb+6ast, L.Wei 20+2reb+2ast, Y.David 20+9reb+1ast, L.Tao 12+2reb+1ast, L.Wei 7+2reb
TianJin R.: L.Herve 41+12reb+2ast, Z.Nan 19+1reb+5ast, B.Lee 16+15reb, L.GangFeng 9+1reb, X.GuiJun 6+2reb+1ast, Z.Ji 4+2reb

Zhejiang G.L. - Foshan 115-80

Eighth ranked Zhejiang Guangsha Lions (5-3) crushed at home 11th ranked Foshan (2-5) by 35 points 115-80, which is the biggest margin this round on Tuesday night. The game without a history. Zhejiang Guangsha Lions led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to Foshan's 44. Zhejiang Guangsha Lions outrebounded Foshan 56-42 including a 41-28 advantage in defensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was American-Puerto Rican center Peter John Ramos (222-85) who had a double-double by scoring 26 points, 16 rebounds and 6 assists. Center Wei Zhang (203-84) chipped in 18 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Nigerian-British power forward Olumide Oyedeji (208-81) produced a double-double by scoring 17 points and 15 rebounds and American guard Stephon Marbury (187-77, college: Georgia Tech) added 13 points and 4 assists respectively for the guests. Five Zhejiang Guangsha Lions and four Foshan players scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Zhejiang Guangsha Lions moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Shanghai and Bayi. Loser Foshan dropped to the twelfth position with five games lost. They share it with Shanxi Zh. and Qingdao DS. Zhejiang Guangsha Lions will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Foshan will play against Zhejiang Cyclones (#15) in Hangzhou and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Zhejiang G.L.: R.Peter John 26+16reb+6ast, K.Tre 22+2reb+1ast, Z.Wei 18+9reb+4ast, L.Chih-Chieh 12+4reb+4ast, D.Li 10+8reb+1ast, W.Fei 9+4reb+1ast
Foshan: O.Olumide 17+15reb+1ast, M.Stephon 13+4reb+4ast, Z.Yong-gang 12+2ast, H.Ben 10+5reb+1ast, J.Jiming 8, Y.Wenbo 6+3reb

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

CROATIA

NIJT: Lietuvos Rytas eke out a narrow win over Zagreb - by Eurobasket News
IJT Lietuvos Rytas - IJT Zagreb 94:93

IJT Lietuvos Rytas claimed the third place at the Torneo Citta di Roma. The Lithuanian team escaped with a narrow victory over Zagreb tonight. Mantas Mockevicius (188-G-93) and Mindaugas Kacinas (195-F-93) scored 17 points each to lead the winners. Osvaldas Olisevicius (196-F-93) converted a layup late in regulation to help Lietuvos Rytas celebrate a narrow win.
Lietuvos Rytas looked slightly better in the starting quarter. They posted a 21:18 lead after ten minutes. Zagreb responded with a 21:10 run in the second frame to take a 41:32 lead. Zagreb arrived at halftime up by 6 points 45:39. Zagreb stayed in charge in the third term. Dominik Mavra (190-F-94) fired 13 points and the Croatian team piled up a 75:61 lead at the final break. But Lietuvos Rytas recovered in the fourth term as Narackevicius drew things level at 89. Dominik Mavra put Zagreb in charge 93:92 before Osvaldas Olisevicius hit a late layup and sealed the winning outcome for Lietuvos Rytas. Tomas Lekunas (195-F-93) delivered 14 points for Lietuvos Rytas. Osvaldas Olisevicius added 12 points in the win. Dario Saric (205-F/C-94) answered with 34 points and 15 boards for Zagreb. Dominik Mavra had 27 points in the loss.

IJT Lietuvos Rytas: Mantas Mockevicius 17, Mindaugas Kacinas 17, Tomas Lekunas 14
IJT Zagreb: Dario Saric 34+15 boards, Dominik Mavra 27

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

D-LEAGUE

Standings

D-League Standings

Central Division
1. Iowa E.		11-5
2. Erie Bay H.		9-5
3. Ft.Wayne MA		9-5
4. Dakota W.		4-11
5. Sioux Falls S.		2-10
Southwest Division
1. Texas L.		8-5
2. Tulsa 66ers		8-6
3. Austin T.		7-6
4. New Mexico		7-6
5. Maine RC		7-7
6. Rio Grande		7-7
West Division
1. Reno Bighorns		9-4
2. Bakersfield J.		8-6
3. Utah F.		7-5
4. Springfield A.		4-9
5. Idaho S.		2-12

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Trey JOHNSON
  Bakersfield J.
  (196-G-84)
  Avg: 27.2

1. Johnson, Bakersfi.	27.2
2. Greene, Utah F.	21.9
3. Anderson, New M.	21.1
4. Jeffers, Iowa E.	19.9
5. Edwards, New M.	19.6
6. Ewing, Reno B.	19.2
7. Wilmont, Ft.Wayne.	19.1
8. Alexander, Texas L.	18.7
9. Jones, Texas L.	18.6
10. Sims, Iowa E.	18.5

Rebounds Per Game

Patrick PATTERSON
  Houston R.
  (206-F-89)
  Avg: 10.3

1. Patterson, Rio G.	10.3
2. Alexander, Texas L.	10.1
3. Williams, Texas L.	10.1
4. Phillips, Ft.Wayne.	9.9
5. Sims, Iowa E.	9.6
6. Wheeler, Idaho S.	9.1
7. Sims, Maine RC	9.1
8. Johnson, Dakota W.	9.1
9. Pittman, Sioux F.	9.0
10. Jeffers, Iowa E.	8.9

Assists Per Game

Aaron MILES
  Reno Bighorns
  (186-G-83)
  Avg: 9.7

1. Miles, Reno Bighorns	9.7
2. Russell, Ft.Wayne.	8.4
3. Stinson, Iowa E.	8.3
4. Daniels, Texas L.	7.9
5. Jackson, Erie B.	6.6
6. Johnson, Austin T.	6.3
7. Kruger, Utah F.	5.4
8. Cooper, Dakota W.	5.4
9. Wise, Bakersfield J.	5.3
10. Smith, Maine RC	5.3

Steals Per Game

Zabian DOWDELL
  Tulsa 66ers
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Dowdell, Tulsa 66ers	2.8
2. Miles, Reno Bighorns	2.3
3. Wilmont, Ft.Wayne.	2.1
4. Jackson, Erie B.	2.1
5. Kramer, Ft.Wayne.	2.0
6. Lofton, Iowa E.	2.0
7. Hamilton, Utah F.	2.0
8. Linhart, Erie B.	2.0
9. Ewing, Reno B.	2.0
10. Russell, Ft.Wayne.	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Chris JOHNSON
  Dakota W.
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Johnson, Dakota W.	3.2
2. Alabi, Erie Bay H.	3.0
3. Whiteside, Reno B.	3.0
4. Williams, Texas L.	2.9
5. Naymick, Bakersfi.	2.1
6. Sykes, Sioux F.	2.0
7. Brackins, Spring.	1.8
8. Wallace, Bakersfi.	1.8
9. Goodridge, Spring.	1.6
10. Aldrich, Tulsa 66ers	1.6

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

ESTONIA

Estonian Cup: Tarvas and TU/Rock reached the final - by Janar Filippov
Estonian Cup semifinals were played in Rakvere. Local fans were driven crazy by BC Rakvere Tarvas, Estonian vice-champions, who suprised BC Kalev/Cramo 82:74 in semifinal. Joosep Pokla (195-F-86) scored 22 points and added 10 rebounds, playing against his former coach Aivar Kuusmaa, the one who sacked and openly criticized Pokla last spring. Brett McGee (198-G/F-84, college: Mt.Mercy) added 18 points and 9 rebounds, Kristo Saage (184-G-85) 15 and Viljar Veski (215-C-86)i 12 points. Kalev/Cramo was led by Reimo Tamm (185-G-84) (24 pts) and Rait Keerles

(201-F-80) (14). Kalev/Cramo led by 7 in the middle of the 3rd quarter and by 1, going into 4th quarter but Pokla scored 13 points in last quarter, taking his team to a somewhat un-expected victory.
Tarvas, led by most charismatic coach in Estonia, Andres Sober, will face TU/Rock in tomorrow's final for a re-match of last season's championship final series that Tarvas lost 2:4.
Rock beat TTU/Kalev 76:65, today, despite their best player, Janar Talts (205-C-83), sitting on the bench. Timo Eichfuss (200-F-88) led Rock with 17 points, Sten-Timmu Sokk (181-G-89) added 13 points and Rain Veideman (192-G-91), last season super-star in Tarvas had 12 points and will be the most interesting man to see in tomorrow's final.

Rakvere holds Final Four of the Estonian Cup - by Eurobasket News
Rakvere holds Final Four of the Estonian Cup as four teams finishes the Semifinal games tonight. At first TU/Rock overcame TTU/Kalev 76:65. Trailing 14:21 after the first quarter, Rock scored the same number of points in the second frame and allowed the opponents to finish with 8. Moreover they produced a 28-23 in the third period to take the lead. In the last quarter Rock added 20-13 for the final victory and will face the winner of another semifinal tomorrow. Timo Eichfuss (200-F-88) stepped up with 17 points for the winners and Sokk added 13. Rain Veideman netted 12 and Callistus Eziukwu

(208-F/C-85, college: Grand Valley St.) as well as Marek Doronin had 8 each. Bambale Osby

(203-F-86, college: Maryland) responded with 17 points in the losing effort.
The hosts Rakvere Tarvas surprised Kalev/Cramo 82:74 in another semifinal. They opened the game with 21-18 in the first frame, while Cramo replied with 19-18 in the second period. Moreover the guests produced a 22-19 in the third quarter to take the lead. The last quarter was decided in the game as Rakvere Tarvas exploded with 24-15 for the final success. Joosep Pokla (195-F-86) top-scored for the winners with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Brett McGee (198-G/F-84, college: Mt.Mercy) netted 18 and Kristo Saage (184-G-85) posted 15. Reimo Tamm replied with 24 points in the losing case. Rait Keerles scored 14 and Tanel Sokk notched 9.
The Final and the game for the third place will be played tomorrow.

Talts joins Krasnye Krylya - by Janar Filippov
Janar Talts (205-C-83), a star of Estonian National Team and Tartu Ulikool/Rock, will join Russian Pro Basketball League team BC Krasnye Krylya Samara, news portal Delfi announced. Talts won 2 Estonian championship titles with TU/Rock, one with Kalev Tallinn (in 2003) and has also won a German championship with RheinEnergie Kln.
BC Krasnye Krylya Samara has fallen to 9th place in Russian Pro Basketball League standings despite having stars like Primoz Brezec, Gerald Green and Qyntel Woods on their roster. Talts will certainly provide help under the basket as well as from a three-point line. He is a 6th best scorer, 8th best rebounder, and 7th best shot blocker so far in the Baltic League.

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

EUROLEAGUE

Asseco Prokom releases Jan-Hendrik Jagla - by Eurobasket News
The club and the player separated by mutual agreement. Jan-Hendrick Jagla

(213-F-81, college: Penn St.) will no longer represent the club.

'The game against Maccabi Tel Aviv was our last in 2010/2011 Euroleague campaign. Therefore both sides agreed that because of the facts that in the VTB United League and Tauron Basket League we need to adhere to regulations regarding Polish players and that we have got many forwards on the team, it will be better for the franchise and the player to part ways. Especially that he received interesting proposal from one of the Turkish clubs.' - said Tomas Pacesas.

Born in 1981 in Berlin, Jagla has played for Asseco Prokom for the last one and a half seasons. In 2010/2011 he averaged: 5,6 ppg, 5,4 rpg in Euroleague; 4 ppg, 5 rpg in TBL and 11 ppg, 8,5 rpg in VTB.

Courtesy of www.asseco.prokom.pl

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

FINLAND

Wilson's 36-point game gives him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
26-year old guard Jamar Wilson (185-G-84) put on an amazing game in the last round for Honka Espoo Playboys and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 22.
He had the game-high 36 points adding eight rebounds and five assists for Honka in his team's victory, helping them to edge out Salon Vilpas (#11, 5-17) 78-74. Honka is placed at 4th position in Finnish league. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Honka will need more victories to improve their 13-8 record. In the team's last game Wilson had a remarkable 68.8% from 2-point range. He turned to be Honka's top player in his first season with the team. University at Albany graduate has very impressive stats this year. Wilson is in league's top in points (2nd best: 20.1ppg) and averages solid 58.5% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Roope Suonio (176-G-82) of Namika Lahti. He is a guard in his 2nd season at Namika Lahti. In the last game Suonio recorded impressive 36 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Of course he lead Namika Lahti to another comfortable win 88-72 over slightly lower-ranked ToPo (#8, 10-12) being unquestionably team leader. This victory allowed Namika Lahti to move up to 7th position in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 10-11 record. Suonio is well-known at Namika Lahti and he already established his position as one of the team's leaders.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Jeremiah Wood (200-F-85, agency: Court Side) of Karhu Kauhajoki (#9). Wood scored 21 points and grabbed eleven rebounds (!!!). Despite Wood's great performance Karhu lost 77-80 to the higher-ranked Korihait (#6, 13-9). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Karhu ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 13 games, recording just nine victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Wood could help Karhu to bring them higher in the standings. Wood has a great season in Finland. After 22 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 18.7ppg (8th best), rebounds with 14.6rpg (#1 in league) and assists with 3.9apg (5th best). He also has 2.2spg and FGP: 64.8%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Kenneth Lowe (192-G-80) of Pyrinto - 25 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Durell Vinson (201-F-85) of Kouvot - 14 points and 25 rebounds
6. Jerald Fields (201-F-82) of KTP - 14 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists
7. James Lewis (191-G-86) of LrNMKY - 24 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists
8. LaVell Blanchard (201-F-81) of ToPo - 24 points and 17 rebounds
9. HL Coleman (202-F-74) of LrNMKY - 22 points and 6 rebounds
10. B.A. Walker (188-G-84) of Kouvot - 23 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists

The Player of the week is chosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

KORISLIIGA: Jason Conley coming back to Finland - by Rauno Hurmalainen
American F James Reaves (203-F-82, college: Niagara) got enough, Finnish Champion G-F Jason Conley

(196-G-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Missouri) wants back to Finland. Yes. Reaves never returned back to Uusikaupunki, Finland, but stayed at home and wanted to continue his Christmas vacation in the USA. Reaves played this time 21 games on Korihait roster averaging 14,1 ppg - 8,0 rpg in 29,2 mpg. Conley, who played three seasons in Germany (2005-08) came first time to Finland for the season 2008-09, played on YMCA Lahti roster 20 games and was helping his team to win the Finnish Championship in the spring -09. This time Conley will join Kataja (Joensuu) roster as he arrives Finland on Jan 6. Conley played last season in Austria and averaged 15,4 ppg - 7,7 rpg in 22 contests.

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

GEORGIA

Superleague Round 11 of Regular Season - by Eurobasket News
Superleague is at the halfway of the Regular Season and there are still another 11 rounds left.

Superleague round 11 most important game was a victory of Kutaisi over 4th placed TSU 86-63 on Wednesday night. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of TSU. It was a key game for the second position in the league. The game was mostly controlled by Kutaisi. TSU managed to win fourth quarter 21-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to TSU's 30. Kutaisi outrebounded TSU 46-33 including a 31-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Guard Buba Kvimsadze (195-82) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 15 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists. Center Mamuka Bolkvadze (205-83) contributed with 18 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Forward Zurab Korkotadze (194-83) answered with 17 points for TSU. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Kutaisi (8-3) moved-up to second place, which they share with MIA Tbilisi. TSU at the other side dropped to the fifth position with four games lost. They share it with Sokhumi. Kutaisi is looking forward to face Energy Invest (#4) in Rustavi in the next round. TSU's supporters also look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Tbilisi GTU.
Another interesting game for Samedicino-Academia (4-7) which played on the court of 7th ranked Batumi (3-8). Eighth ranked Samedicino-Academia had an easy win 71-53. It was a great evening for guard Mikheil Chochua (193-87) who led his team to a victory scoring 24 points and 6 rebounds. Irakli Keidia helped adding 14 points and 16 rebounds. Guard Ivane Maisuradze (194-85) responded with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 12 rebounds. Samedicino-Academia moved-up to seventh place. Batumi at the other side dropped to the eighth position with eight games lost. They share it with GTU Tbilisi. Samedicino-Academia's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Tbilisi to the arena MIA.
Another exciting game was a derby match between two local teams from Tbilisi: MIA (#5) and Sokhumi (#6). MIA (8-3) won against visiting Sokhumi (7-4) 87-80. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Sokhumi. It was an exceptional evening for Giorgi Markoishvili who led the winners and scored 23 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Lasha Parghalava came up with 31 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for Sokhumi in the defeat. MIA moved-up to second place, which they share with Kutaisi. Loser Sokhumi dropped to the fifth position with four games lost. They share it with TSU Tbilisi. MIA's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Tbilisi Samedicino-Academia.
An interesting game for Army Sport Klub (10-1) which played road game in Rustavi against second-ranked Energy Invest (7-3). First ranked Army Sport Klub managed to get a 8-point victory 68-60. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Energy Invest. The best player for the winners was Kote Tugushi who scored 18 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Army Sport Klub's coach Levan Moseshvili allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Army Sport Klub have an impressive series of ten victories in a row. Newly promoted Army Sport Klub maintains first place with 10-1 record. Defending champion Energy Invest dropped to the fourth position with three games lost. Army Sport Klub's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Tbilisi .
Another exciting game was again a derby between two local teams from Tbilisi: GTU (#10) and GSAU (#9). GSAU was crushed at home by 19 points 63-82 and even the advantage of their own court did not help. Beqa Chikviladze orchestrated the victory by scoring 25 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. GTU's coach Zurab Tomaradze used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The victory was the third consecutive win for GTU. They moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Batumi. GSAU lost their eighth game in a row. They dropped to the tenth position with nine games lost. GTU's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Tbilisi to the arena TSU.

The most impressive performance of 11th round was 14 points and 15 rebounds by Richard Damus of Sokhumi.

TSU Tbilisi - Kutaisi 63-86

Superleague round 11 most important game was a victory of Kutaisi over 4th placed TSU 86-63 on Wednesday night. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of TSU. It was a key game for the second position in the league. The game was mostly controlled by Kutaisi. TSU managed to win fourth quarter 21-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to TSU's 30. Kutaisi outrebounded TSU 46-33 including a 31-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Guard Buba Kvimsadze (195-82) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 15 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists. Center Mamuka Bolkvadze (205-83) contributed with 18 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Five Kutaisi players scored in double figures. Forward Zurab Korkotadze (194-83) answered with 17 points and guard Giorgi Markhvashvili (190-83) added 8 points and 11 assists in the effort for TSU. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Kutaisi (8-3) moved-up to second place, which they share with MIA Tbilisi. TSU at the other side dropped to the fifth position with four games lost. They share it with Sokhumi. Kutaisi is looking forward to face Energy Invest (#4) in Rustavi in the next round. TSU's supporters also look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Tbilisi GTU.
Top scorers:
TSU Tbilisi: Z.Korkotadze 17+2reb+2ast, M.Panchulidze 14+5reb, G.Markhvashvili 8+1reb+11ast, G.Gaprindashvili 7+3reb+2ast, I.Londaridze 6+8reb+1ast, M.Chitashvili 4+3reb+3ast
Kutaisi: V.Koguashvili 20+3reb, M.Bolkvadze 18+7reb+2ast, B.Kvimsadze 15+10reb+9ast, B.Berishvili 13+6reb+5ast, G.Barbakadze 13+5reb+3ast, A.Lominashvili 6+4reb

Batumi - Samedicino 53-71

Another interesting game for Samedicino-Academia (4-7) which played on the court of 7th ranked Batumi (3-8). Eighth ranked Samedicino-Academia had an easy win 71-53. The game was mostly controlled by Samedicino-Academia. Batumi managed to win third quarter 16-8. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Samedicino-Academia held Batumi to an opponent 23.9 percent shooting from the field compared to 41.8 percent accuracy of the winners. Samedicino-Academia brought some defensive toughness making 7 blocks. It was a great evening for guard Mikheil Chochua (193-87) who led his team to a victory scoring 24 points and 6 rebounds. The former international forward Irakli Keidia (203-83) helped adding 14 points and 16 rebounds. Four Samedicino-Academia players scored in double figures. Guard Ivane Maisuradze (194-85) responded with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 12 rebounds and the former international forward Lasha Keshelava (200-81) scored 14 points and 7 rebounds. Samedicino-Academia moved-up to seventh place. Batumi at the other side dropped to the eighth position with eight games lost. They share it with GTU Tbilisi. Samedicino-Academia's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Tbilisi to the arena MIA.
Top scorers:
Batumi: L.Keshelava 14+7reb+1ast, I.Maisuradze 12+12reb+1ast, L.Eliadze 8+9reb, I.Mikeladze 6+5reb+8ast, M.Ninua 5+2reb+4ast, N.Tenieshvili 4+9reb
Samedicino: M.Chochua 24+6reb+2ast, T.Tavartkiladze 16+4reb+4ast, I.Keidia 14+16reb+1ast, T.Niniashvili 12+9reb+3ast, B.Bekauri 5+5reb+1ast, I.Lezhava 0

Energy Rustavi - Army 60-68

An interesting game for Army Sport Klub (10-1) which played road game in Rustavi against second-ranked Energy Invest (7-3). First ranked Army Sport Klub managed to get a 8-point victory 68-60. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Energy Invest. Energy Invest was ahead by 1 point at the halftime before a 36-27 second half run of Army Sport Klub. 24 personal fouls committed by Energy Invest helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was the former international guard Kote Tugushi (192-84) who scored 18 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. The former international forward Zviad Babiashvili (199-78) chipped in a double-double by scoring 18 points and 11 rebounds. Army Sport Klub's coach Levan Moseshvili allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Guard Levan Tsekvava (190-89) produced 24 points and 5 rebounds and Cameroonian forward Talba Toudjani (201-80) added 13 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Army Sport Klub have an impressive series of ten victories in a row. Newly promoted Army Sport Klub maintains first place with 10-1 record. Defending champion Energy Invest dropped to the fourth position with three games lost. Army Sport Klub's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Tbilisi .
Top scorers:
Energy Rustavi: L.Tsekvava 24+5reb+3ast, T.Toudjani 13+6reb, D.Sanadze 10+4reb+3ast, B.Tsivtsivadze 6+4reb+3ast, S.Lamu 5+5reb, 2+6reb
Army: Z.Babiashvili 18+11reb+1ast, K.Tugushi 18+7reb+6ast, A.Boisa 7+2reb+1ast, G.Bakradze 7+3reb+2ast, D.Ugrekhelidze 7+4reb, I.Sakvarelidze 4+7reb+1ast

MIA Tbilisi - Sokhumi 87-80

Another exciting game was a derby match between two local teams from Tbilisi: MIA (#5) and Sokhumi (#6). MIA (8-3) won against visiting Sokhumi (7-4) 87-80. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Sokhumi. Sokhumi trailed by 12 points at halftime and as many as 13 after three quarters before a 25-19 last quarter charge cut the deficit to 80-87 at the end of the game. MIA made 18-of-23 free shots (78.3 percent) during the game. Strangely Sokhumi outrebounded MIA 44-31 including 29 on the defensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. It was an exceptional evening for swingman Giorgi Markoishvili (200-83) who led the winners and scored 23 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Naturalized Azerbaijan forward Davit Barbakadze (203-82) accounted for 13 points and 9 rebounds for the winning side. Guard Lasha Parghalava (191-87, college: Montana St. - Billin) came up with 31 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and American forward Richard Damus (198-83, college: Troy) added 14 points and 15 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) respectively for Sokhumi in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. MIA moved-up to second place, which they share with Kutaisi. Loser Sokhumi dropped to the fifth position with four games lost. They share it with TSU Tbilisi. MIA's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Tbilisi Samedicino-Academia.
Top scorers:
Sokhumi: L.Parghalava 31+5reb+5ast, 15+2reb+2ast, C.Damus 14+10reb, R.Damus 14+15reb+2ast, I.Shanidze 4+2reb, G.Kopaliani 2+4reb+1ast
MIA Tbilisi: G.Markoishvili 23+5reb+4ast, D.Imnadze 15+5reb+3ast, D.Barbakadze 13+9reb+1ast, T.Cotton 11+2reb+2ast, I.Berishvili 8+3reb+7ast, G.Nikoladze 5+1reb+3ast

GSAU Tbilisi - GTU Tbilisi 63-82

Another exciting game was again a derby between two local teams from Tbilisi: GTU (#10) and GSAU (#9). GSAU was crushed at home by 19 points 63-82 and even the advantage of their own court did not help. The guests trailed by 3 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 7-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 82-63. Guard Beqa Chikviladze (195-91) orchestrated the victory by scoring 25 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. Forward Vasili Beruashvili (198-90) contributed with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. GTU's coach Zurab Tomaradze used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Center Goga Javakhshvili (200-92) answered with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 14 rebounds and guard Revaz Chachanidze (183-90) added 20 points in the effort for GSAU. The victory was the third consecutive win for GTU. They moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Batumi. GSAU lost their eighth game in a row. They dropped to the tenth position with nine games lost. GTU's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Tbilisi to the arena TSU.
Top scorers:
GSAU Tbilisi: R.Chachanidze 20+4reb+1ast, G.Javakhshvili 14+14reb+2ast, G.Khaniashvili 10+3reb+3ast, K.Mumladze 6+10reb+2ast, G.Nanitashvili 6+1reb+2ast, G.Tetelashvili 5+8reb+3ast
GTU Tbilisi: B.Chikviladze 25+7reb+5ast, V.Beruashvili 16+12reb+1ast, A.Lomouri 13+4reb, Z.Antadze 9+8reb+5ast, G.Akhalkatsi 8+11reb+4ast, G.Jangveladze 5+5reb

Highest League Standing

Superleague Standings

1. Army		10-1
2. MIA Tbilisi		8-3
3. Kutaisi		8-3
4. Energy Rustavi		7-3
5. TSU Tbilisi		7-4
6. Sokhumi		7-4
7. Samedicino		4-7
8. Batumi		3-8
9. GTU Tbilisi		3-8
10. GSAU Tbilisi		2-9
11. Dinamo Tbilisi		1-10

Geogian Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Beqa CHIKVILADZE
  GTU Tbilisi
  (195-G-91)
  Avg: 22.4

1. Chikviladze, GTU T.	22.4
2. Parghalava, Sokhu.	21.9
3. Panchulidze, TSU T.	19.6
4. Keshelava, Batumi	18.5
5. Tugushi, Army	17.4
6. Kvimsadze, Kutaisi	17.1
7. Babiashvili, Army	16.8
8. Matiashvili, TSU T.	16.8
9. Maisuradze, Batumi	16.1
10. Tsekvava, Energy R.	16.0

Rebounds Per Game

Richard DAMUS
  Sokhumi
  (198-F-83)
  Avg: 11.8

1. Damus, Sokhumi	11.8
2. Keshelava, Batumi	11.6
3. Matiashvili, TSU T.	10.3
4. Imnadze, MIA T.	9.6
5. Damus, Sokhumi	9.5
6. Tugushi, Army	9.0
7. Ugrekhelidze, Army	8.7
8. Toudjani, Energy R.	8.6
9. Antadze, GTU T.	8.6
10. Beruashvili, GTU T.	8.5

Assists Per Game

Giorgi GAPRINDASHVILI
  TSU Tbilisi
  (190-G-88)
  Avg: 6.4

1. Gaprindashvi., TSU T.	6.4
2. Tugushi, Army	5.5
3. Tetelashvili, GSAU T.	5.4
4. Parghalava, Sokhu.	4.8
5. Tavartkiladz., Samedi.	4.8
6. Mikeladze, Batumi	4.7
7. Kvimsadze, Kutaisi	4.4
8. Tsivtsivadze, Energy R.	4.4
9. Antadze, GTU T.	4.1
10. Didia, Kutaisi	4.1

Steals Per Game

Giorgi GULISABEDASHVILI
  Samedicino
  (194-G-88)
  Avg: 3.4

1. Gulisabedash., Samedi.	3.4
2. Tsekvava, Energy R.	2.8
3. Parghalava, Sokhu.	2.7
4. Antadze, GTU T.	2.7
5. Panchulidze, TSU T.	2.7
6. Beruashvili, GTU T.	2.6
7. Berishvili, Kutaisi	2.6
8. Sanadze, Energy R.	2.3
9. Gaprindashvi., TSU T.	2.2
10. Kokhreidze, TSU T.	2.2

Blocks Per Game

Samuel LAMU
  Energy Rustavi
  (204-C-81)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Lamu, Energy R.	1.7
2. Damus, Sokhumi	1.7
3. Bekauri, Samedicino	1.6
4. Imnadze, MIA T.	1.4
5. Damus, Sokhumi	1.3
6. Beruashvili, GTU T.	1.2
7. Toudjani, Energy R.	1.2
8. Matiashvili, TSU T.	1.2
9. Kobidze, GTU T.	1.1
10. Boisa, Army	1.1

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

GERMANY

1. Regionalliga South-East: Statistical leaders - by Moritz Korff
While the teams of the 1. Regionalliga South-East are currently taking a short break and are getting ready for the second half of the 2010-2011 season, let's take a look at those players who have been dominating the RLSO so far, as far as statistics are concerned.

Efficiency Rating (Pts + RT + AS + ST + BS) - ( (WTa - WTm) + (FWa + FWm) + TO):
1) Jason Swanson (201-F-86, college: W.Alabama) - Noerdlingen: 30.9
2) Anthony Pettaway (203-C-87, college: Defiance) - Dachau: 26.0
3) Georg Doelle (194-G/F-85) - Dresden: 25.8
4) Dima Rastatter (200-F-88) - Noerdlingen: 25.7
5) Augie Johnston (193-G-86, college: Cal.St.-Monterey) - Rattelsdorf: 25.2
6) Omari Knox (188-G, college: Bloomfield) - Dachau: 22.3
7) Brandon Kimbrough (188-G-84, college: Drury) - Noerdlingen: 20.8
8) Alexander Heide (205-F/C-91) - Baunach: 19.4
9) Andreas Endig (198-F-78) - Dresden: 18.6
10) John Fowler (193-F-86, college: UALR) - Zwickau: 18.2

Scoring:
1) Augie Johnston (193-G-86, college: Cal.St.-Monterey) - Rattelsdorf: 28.0ppg
2) Brandon Kimbrough (188-G-84, college: Drury) - Noerdlingen: 24.2ppg
3) Jason Swanson (201-F-86, college: W.Alabama) - Noerdlingen: 24.0ppg
4) Georg Doelle (194-G/F-85) - Dresden: 23.4ppg
5) Omari Knox (188-G, college: Bloomfield) - Dachau: 22.9ppg
6) Andreas Endig (198-F-78) - Dresden: 21.0ppg
7) John Fowler (193-F-86, college: UALR) - Zwickau: 20.9ppg
8) Anthony Pettaway (203-C-87, college: Defiance) - Dachau: 20.8ppg
8) Michael Kaiser (195-G-82) - Herzogenaurach: 20.8ppg
10) Moritz Wohlers (203-F/C-84, agency: Court Side, college: Montana St. - Billin) - Muenchen: 20.5ppg

Rebounds:
1) Jason Swanson (201-F-86, college: W.Alabama) - Noerdlingen: 12.8rpg
2) Anthony Pettaway (203-C-87, college: Defiance) - Dachau: 12.0rpg
3) Dima Rastatter (200-F-88) - Noerdlingen: 11.1rpg
4) Karim Aw (204-C-65) - Ansbach: 9.7rpg
5) Alexander Heide (205-F/C-91) - Baunach: 9.2rpg

Assists:
1) Brandon Kimbrough (188-G-84, college: Drury) - Noerdlingen: 5.5apg
2) Goran Petrovic (185-G-77) - Ansbach: 5.2apg
3) Daniel Aas (180-G-85) - Rattelsdorf: 4.9apg
4) Dean Jenko (188-G-67) - Ansbach: 4.6apg
5) Marco Miklos (197-G-89) - Weiden: 4.4apg

Steals:
1) Felix Ferner (173-G-83) - Baunach: 3.3spg
2) Thomas Simon (193-G/F-80) - Herzogenaurach: 2.6spg
3) Kevin Worsley (193-G/F-86, college: Norfolk St.) - Zwickau: 2.5spg
3) Richard Ware

(184-G-87) - Muenchen: 2.5spg
5) Andreas Albus (191-G/F-89) - Rattelsdorf: 2.2spg
5) Omari Knox (188-G, college: Bloomfield) - Dachau: 2.2spg
5) Goran Petrovic (185-G-77) - Ansbach: 2.2spg
5) Dean Jenko (188-G-67) - Ansbach: 2.2spg

Blocked Shots:
1) Karim Aw (204-C-65) - Ansbach: 2.2bpg
2) Michael Schmidbauer - Deisenhofen: 1.8bpg
3) Stefan Schmoll (196-F-89) - Treuchtlingen: 1.3bpg

Source: www.basketball-bund.net

Onil International Tournament. Spain hold off Germany - by Eurobasket News
Spain U18 - Germany U18 74:64

Spanish U18 selection opened the Onil International tournament with victory. They shot down German counterparts in the first game. Alejandro Suarez (204-F/C-93) stepped up with 14 points to lead the effort.
Spain got to a slightly better start. They outscored Germany for a 21:19 lead at the first intermission. Spain maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They accumulated a 40:36 halftime lead. Germany straighten their defense in the third term. The teams traded baskets as Spain ensured a 55:51 lead with one quarter remaining. But Germany ran out of steam in the final period. They failed to come up with the decisive strike scoring just 13 points and allowing the hosts to clear off for good. Diego Perez netted 12 points in the win. Daniel Diaz and Carlos Alcaraz had 9 points each in the win. Bogdan Radosavljevic (211-C-93) fired 23 points for Germany. Jakob Krumbeck (188-G-93) and Johannes Richter (203-F/C-93) netted 9 points each in the loss. Spain will take on Italy, while Germany will face Russia tonight.

Spain U18: Alejandro Suarez 14, Daniel Diaz 9, Carlos Alcaraz 9
Germany U18: Bogdan Radosavljevic 23, Jakob Krumbeck 9, Johannes Richter 9

Standings - 1. Bundesliga

1.Bundesliga Standings

1. Brose Baskets		15-0
2. Dt.Bank SKY		12-4
3. ALBA		10-4
4. Art.Dragons		10-6
5. EWE Baskets		10-7
6. Telekom Baskets		9-6
7. Bremerhaven		9-7
8. NY Phantoms		9-7
9. TBB Trier		9-8
10. EnBW L'burg		8-8
11. Goettingen		8-8
12. ratiopharm		6-9
13. MBC		5-10
14. Walter Tigers		5-10
15. LTi 46ers		5-11
16. Phoenix Hagen		5-11
17. Bayreuth		4-12
18. Duesseldorf		2-13

Stats Leaders - 1.Bundesliga

Points Per Game

DaShaun WOOD
  Dt.Bank SKY
  (185-G-85)
  Avg: 17.4

1. Wood, Dt.	17.4
2. Martin, Bremerha.	16.3
3. Rice, Art.Dragons	15.9
4. Peacock, LTi 46ers	15.3
5. Callahan, Bremerha.	15.2
6. Bryant, ratiopharm	14.8
7. Benzing, ratio.	14.6
8. Harris, EnBW L.	14.4
9. Watts, Walter T.	14.4
10. Campbell, Teleko.	14.3

Rebounds Per Game

John BRYANT
  ratiopharm
  (208-C-87)
  Avg: 10.4

1. Bryant, ratiopharm	10.4
2. Ensminger, Teleko.	8.2
3. Reiner, Bayreuth	8.2
4. Stevic, EWE B.	7.8
5. Watts, Walter T.	7.6
6. Martin, Bremerha.	7.4
7. Peacock, LTi 46ers	7.2
8. Ovcina, LTi 46ers	7.1
9. Pleiss, Brose B.	7.1
10. Evtimov, MBC	7.0

Assists Per Game

Branislav RATKOVICA
  Walter Tigers
  (193-G-85)
  Avg: 7.4

1. Ratkovica, Walter T.	7.4
2. Wood, Dt.	4.9
3. Jordan, MBC	4.9
4. Gamqrelidze, LTi	4.6
5. Joyce, TBB Trier	4.6
6. McElroy, AL.	4.5
7. Campbell, EWE B.	4.4
8. Green, EnBW L.	4.3
9. Rice, Art.Dragons	4.3
10. Goldsberry, Brose B.	4.1

Steals Per Game

Kevin HAMILTON
  NY Phantoms
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 2

1. Hamilton, NY Phant.	2.0
2. Martin, Bremerha.	1.7
3. Dorris, Phoenix .	1.7
4. Burtschi, Phoenix .	1.6
5. Bailey, Art.Dragons	1.5
6. Goldsberry, Brose B.	1.4
7. Campbell, Teleko.	1.4
8. Wise, Telekom .	1.4
9. Lukauskis, EWE B.	1.4
10. Trice, ratiopharm	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Ekene IBEKWE
  Ironi Ashkelon
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Ibekwe, Art.Drag.	2.4
2. Pleiss, Brose B.	2.1
3. Boumtje, Art.Drag.	1.2
4. Powell, Dt.	1.2
5. Scott, Goettingen	1.1
6. Bryant, ratiopharm	1.1
7. Baynes, EWE B.	1.1
8. Hines, Brose B.	1.0
9. Brempong, Duesseld.	1.0
10. Goree, NY Phantoms	1.0

Nic Wise Steals The Show From Dashaun Wood In Crunch Time Pacing The Telekom Baskets Past The Deutsche Bank Skyliners 92-89 - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
With Christmas gifts and scrumptious food on the back burner, the Deutsche Bank Skyliners had their last game of 2010 on the schedule and wanted to depart 2010 and halt the 2,187 day winless streak in Bonn with a win and didnt lose any of their focus that they have had this season as they were in the zone as much as the Dallas Mavericks and Dirk Nowitzki are this season looking for that first NBA title, The New England Patriots are threatening to win a fourth Super Bowl title with Tom Brady and an inexperienced and young defense that continues to make strides or the motor city Detroit Red Wings who are playing with a zooming passion and have a 21-8 record and are seeking another Stanley Cup win after winning their last in 2008, but as so often this season on the road, the Deutsche Bank Skyliners lost their fourth game on enemy territory in crunch time all games that they had in their grasp, but lost control of falling to the Telekom Baskets Bonn 92-89 in a high scoring game. In crunch time, Frankfurt let referee decisions get in the way of their play and emotions. It was a very physical game and it seemed with the flow of the game that the referees lost a handle on the game. We seem to have had a problem this season with referee calls and we have to find a better way not to get involved with it. Today it bit us in the butt. I told the referee he pushed me and I get a technical foul for that, stressed BEKO BBL top scorer DaShaun Wood (185-G-85, college: Wright St.). The Telekom Baskets didnt let any calls disturb their rhythm as they finished strong and had a handle on their emotions and their shots in crunch time. We hit big shots at the end. At times we lost our game plan, but at the end when we needed it most, we followed our defensive plan and we kept Frankfurt from making the key three pointers, stressed Telekom baskets Bonn forward Patrick Flomo

(203-F-80, college: Ohio). This was a disappointing loss, but one cant forget that Bonn is a very good team and we played them in their arena. A loss is a loss, but we fought back and made it a good game at the end, said Skyliner forward Kimmo Muurinen

(202-F-81, college: UALR)

So far this season, the name DaShaun Wood has been a topic of chatter in the German basketball world the same way guys like Lebron James and Kobe Bryant are talked about in the NBA. The BEKO BBL has an influx of very talented and powerful point guards and one player who is slowly starting to make a mark in the BEKO BBL is Houston Texas native Nic Wise (178-G-87, college: Arizona) who is a BEKO BBL rookie that played at Arizona (NCAA) from 2006-2010 averaging 14.4ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.3apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 38.6%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 87.8% in 31 games. This season he has been pretty solid, but still needs to get adjusted to the European style. The BEKO BBL and NCAA are different. The shot clocks are different and in Germany I have to get the offense started a lot quicker. I have to get guys in position a lot faster, stressed Nic Wise (178-G-87, college: Arizona). In the last few weeks, Wise has made some more strides as he won the point guard duel against two top BEKO BBL players with Tyrese Rice

(185-G-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Boston Coll.) and DaShaun Wood. I know Tyrese since a long time. He is always tough to guard. I like how he can change speeds. He will move down the court in a nonchalant way and then all of a sudden blow by you. He is hard to guard when he changes speeds like that. I saw film of Wood for the first time recently. He is very quick and very crafty. He has the total package and can do it all. That is the reason why he is leading the league in scoring, stressed Nic Wise (178-G-87, college: Arizona). His teammates also have seen a rise in his game. Nic is developing well. He is more calm now and is running the show better than at the start of the season. With scorers like Campbell and myself, we need someone like Wise to score and open it up for us. He is progressing game by game, stated ex Cologne guard Jeremy Hunt

(196-G-83, college: Memphis). Wise showed how good he was tonight. He made tough shots. Even when we switched the ball screen and put a four on him, he made the shot, said DaShaun Wood. Wise is agood point guard. He made tough shots and showed a lot of poise in crunch time, but that is how good point guards are supposed to play like, commented Skyliner guard Quantez Robertson

(190-G-84, college: Auburn). One thing is for sure, Arizona guards stick together. When I was young I looked up to Damon Stoudamire (179-G-73, college: Arizona) (Memphis Grizzlies coach). He was small and me and even though he was small, he played with a big heart. I also liked Jason Gardner

(178-G-80, college: Arizona). His heart was big and one of a kind, added Nic Wise (178-G-87, college: Arizona).

One player who is very motivated to show his skills at the BEKO BBL level is 22 year old 190cm guard Sajmen Hauer (190-G-88) who is day to day and had to sit out the Frankfurt game. He seemed very calm in street clothes and was itching to be on the court. He started his career with Franken Hexer, but then went to the Brose Baskets Bamberg in 2004. Already as a 17 year old, he played six BEKO BBL games. Bamberg was like a dream. The most important thing that I took with me with this experience was how high the intensity was with the opponents who I played against in international games, stressed Sajmen Hauer (190-G-88). Then all of a sudden as if he had opened a door and misfortune slapped him in the face, he landed in the PRO B for Franken Hexer and then played for RSV Eintracht Stahnsdorf . He had been labelled as a big talent who had a difficult character. I was injured in this time and just had to find myself. I was away from my family and had to do everything by myself. The most important thing was just that I could play again, added Sajmen Hauer (190-G-88). This season, Hauer has only scratched at the rotation and is hoping for more playing time down the road. It was obvious that I would not be bale to jump in and get 20-25 minutes. I have shown this season that I can come in for 5-10 minutes and give Wise a rest, commented Sajmen Hauer (190-G-88). At age 22, he is still very young and has the same goal as when he was a 16 year old playing for Dirk Bauermann (agency: Pro One Sports ) in Bamberg. My goal isnt any different than for a person working in a bank who wants to own the bank some day or be at the highest position. I want to play at the highest level and play well. I will just continue to work hard and do my best, warned Sajmen Hauer (190-G-88).

Playing in Bonn is always a special event for certain members of the Deutsche Bank Skyliners. Skyliner shooting guard Dominic Bahiense De Mello comes from Bonn and always has many friends at the game. Skyliner assistant coach Klaus Perwass and Skyliner manager Gunnar Wobke were seen before the game giving hugs to friends. Frankfurt was thrilled to have ex Utah Jazz Roger Powell

(198-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Illinois) back in the lineup who had missed six games. Bonn has never been a friendly environment for Frankfurt, but they quickly felt cosy after going on a ligtening 12-2 start as the club of Gordon Herbert banged home four consecutive three pointers from Wood, Jimmy McKinney

(192-G-83, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Missouri) and two from Kimmo Muurinen Skyliner big man Joe Dabbert (210-C-81, college: Creighton) then made a lay in as Frankfurt led 14-3. On the score by Mckinney, it was Dashaun Mr road runner Wood who penetrated into the zone scathed Nolte and while being blinded by two Bonn players somehow kicked the ball out to the American who was free for the three pointer. Wood is like a waiter who will serve his teammates all day long with delectable passes. It seemed like Frankfurt was more surprised by their quick start than just accepting a great start. Then the tide turned as Bonn American Jeremy Hunt

(196-G-83, college: Memphis) got an offensive rebound and knocked home a three pointer which would ignite a 24-7 Bonn run as they retook the lead 23-21. In this run, Hunt quickly showed why he can light up the score board and score in bunches as he would nail two more three pointers. Bonn also got production from BEKO BBL stallion Chris Ensminger

(209-C-73, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Valparaiso) with a dirty work lay in after getting an offensive rebound and a three pointer from German national player Tim Ohlbrecht. Frankfurt got production from Wood and Mckinney. Ex Artland Dragon Folarin Campbell

(193-G/F-86, college: George Mason) would give Bonn the lead and the club of Michael Koch led 27-22 after one quarter. Bonn showed their fighting qualities. Their guards Campbell and Hunt did a good job and Bonn stepped up the defense, stressed German agent Patrick King. The Telekom Baskets Bonn were shooting 50% from the field and 50% from outside while The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shooting 47% from the field and 67% from outside. Bonn had the 10-5 rebound edge and four turnovers while Frankfurt had two turnovers.

Ex Skyliner Alex King

(200-F/G-85, agency: Pro One Sports) was so deep in the corner that he somehow made a fade away jumper that only Celtic legend Larry Bird seemed to make, but since the Bavarian native is in Bonn, he has really stepped up his game. Bonn led 29-22, but Frankfurt roared back on a 8-0 run as Skyliner captain Pascal Roller

(180-G-76) dropped two bombs from downtown Bonn and Joe Dabbert (210-C-81, college: Creighton) dunked after getting a perfect feed from Wood. Frankfurt trailed only 32-30. Just as quickly as Frankfurt had stormed back, Bonn went on a 9-0 run which was helped by an unneeded Joe Dabbert (210-C-81, college: Creighton) technical foul. Jacob Jaacks (208-F-77, agency: Interperformances, college: Iowa) scored on a runner in the lane and a jumper and Campbell with a runner in the lane as well as three free throws. Frankfurt was having problems giving resistance in the lane as there was no stopper present. Canadian national player was able to put a small dent into the Bonn fire with a jumper, but Bonn kept hitting their shots as Wise hit an off balance jumper and Alex King

(200-F/G-85, agency: Pro One Sports) demonstrated that making a three pointer for Bonn is a piece of cake which wasnt the case in Frankfurt as Bonn led 47-34. Frankfurt had a mini 4-0 run as Wood scored and Mckinney found Roger Powell

(198-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Illinois) with a back door pass as Frankfurt trailed 48-40. However Jeremy Hunt

(196-G-83, college: Memphis) closed out the second quarter with three pointer over Marius Nolte as The Telekom Baskets Bonn led 52-41 at halftime. We got down in the second quarter, but we fought back which was the story of our game tonight, added Denver, Colorado native Joe Dabbert (210-C-81, college: Creighton). Bonn held the lead and were doing a good job on their ball movement and their defense was very good. Their was a lot of help for Wood and pressure on the wings. Bonn rebounded very well and Frankfurt missed too many open shots, stressed player agent Patrick King. The Telekom Baskets Bonn were shooting 54% from the field and 54% from the three point line while The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shooting 39% from the field and 60% from the three point line. Bonn had the 19-16 rebound edge and six turnovers while Frankfurt had only three turnovers.

In the third quarter, the offensives of both teams seemed to be stagnating a bit, but The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were able to chew at the Bonn lead and quietly get back into the game. Frankfurt clawed and scrapped away at the lead going on a 15-7 run to trail Bonn only 58-57. Frankfurt was getting to the free throw line and also getting hustle plays like Dabbert dunking home a Wood miss and Quantez Robertson

(190-G-84, college: Auburn) making a lay up speeding by Hunt. Frankfurt continued to get free throws from Wood, Muurinen and Bucknor and were trailing only 56-54. After a Wise fade away jumper, it was Bucknor who hit a three pointer as Frankfurt trailed only 58-57. However The Telekom Baskets Bonn then showed how dangerous they can be as they showed another type of blitzkrieg attack going on a 10-0 run and giving the word scoring in bunches a new meaning. Folarian Campbell nailed two three pointers and Bonn then got two buckets inside from Ensminger and Campbell as the Frankfurt defense just watched. Bonn was leading in double figures again 68-57. Roller and Hunt then traded jumpers as Bonn led 71-61 after three quarters. In the third quarter, we let up on defense and they came out aggressive on defense and limited us to one shot, stressed Skyliner guard Quantez Robertson

(190-G-84, college: Auburn). We moved the ball well on offense and played good team defense. I thought that we contained the Wood penetration pretty well and kept him away from the lane and on the side which made it easier for our rotations, expressed Ohio native Patrick Flomo. The Telekom Baskets Bonn were shooting 53% from the field and 53% from the parking lot while The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shooting 37% from the field and 41% from the parking lot. Bonn had the narrow 26-25 rebound edge, but eight turnovers and Frankfurt four turnovers.

Both teams saved their best for last as the last 10 minutes proved to be extremely exciting as there were 8 lead changes and The Deutsche Bank Skyliners didnt wait long to make their move in their comeback attempt. Frankfurt came out of the blocks in the last quarter going on a 14-3 run to retake the lead 75-74. Kimmo the invisible dirty work Muurinen started the run with a tap in off a De Mello miss, De Mello made a three pointer from the left and right wings, Mckinney a floater and Jermaine Bucknor (199-F-83, college: Richmond) one of two free throws giving Frankfurt the lead back for the first time since the first quarter. Now the game would go back and fourth as no team wanted to give up that last quarter big run. Wise gave Bonn lead back 76-75 with a pull up jumper, but De Mello scored inside getting a back door pass from Bucknor as Frankfurt led again 78-76. Nobody could handle Campbell all night long as he pumped home another three pointer as Bonn led again 79-78. Dabbert then made one of two free throws and Wood scored inside as Frankfurt led 81-79. Frankfurt then had some fortune as Jeremy Hunt

(196-G-83, college: Memphis) only made one of three free throws as Bonn still trailed 81-80. However then it was Nic Wise (178-G-87, college: Arizona) that took control of the game and stole the show from BEKO BBL leading scorer DaShaun Wood. Wise made a three pointer as Bonn led 82-81. Joe Dabbert (210-C-81, college: Creighton) who was a real force on offense sunk a mid distance jumper from the wing giving Frankfurt its last lead of the game 83-82. Wise then made two free throws as Bonn led 84-83 and would never look back again. Wood then had a turnover and got a technical foul. Wise then made two free throws and made a pretty fade away jumper in the lane as Bonn led 88-83. Wise then made a pull up jumper as Bonn led 90-83 as the hero wasnt a road runner with DaShaun Wood, but a calm cool cat with Nic Wise (178-G-87, college: Arizona). Wise came up big for us. We need him to step up big in tight games, stressed teammate Jeremy Hunt

(196-G-83, college: Memphis). Wood is an unbelievable player that is fast and under control and its amazing how he play like that with his speed. Nic stepped up to the challenge. We helped him on defense to contain Wood. If there is a weakness in the game of Wood then his defense. This loss wont shake Wood. He will be all right and rebound in next game, added Patrick Flomo. Wood didnt let the score get him down or the pressue get to him as he stormed back with a runner in the lane and free throw as Frankfurt trailed 90-86. Frankfurt then got some fortune as wise missed a key free throw as Bonn led only 91-86. De Mello, who seemed to take the role of Pascal Roller

(180-G-76) made a big shot from the corner as the captain was watching from the bench as Bonn led only 91-89. With less than a minute to go, Wise again made only one of two free throws as Bonn led 92-89. With 11 seconds to play, Frankfurt had only play and Bonn elected not to foul challenging Frankfurt to shoot themselves into overtime, but Bucknor missed a three pointer sending Frankfurt into 2011 without a victory. We lost our composure a bit at the end arguing with the refs. That got us out of our momentum and they hit easy shots and got to the free throw line, added Quantez Robertson

(190-G-84, college: Auburn). We didnt want to get beat by the three pointer so we rather had Wood penetrate and try to score over our four man. We did a good job not getting beaten by the three pointer at the end, said Patrick Flomo. Saying that Wood lost the game at the end would not be fair. You have to look at the big picture. There were so many other incidents where you could say that that was the turning point of the game. One cant say that one turnover or technical foul was the turning point of the game. We arent pointing any fingers. We work together and are family, warned Kimmo Muurinen

The Telekom Baskets Bonn were led by Folarin Campbell

(193-G/F-86, college: George Mason) with 24 points. Nic Wise (178-G-87, college: Arizona) added 21 points and five assists. Jeremy Hunt

(196-G-83, college: Memphis) chipped in with 16 points and three assists. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners had seven players in double figurers and were led by DaShaun Wood with 20 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Joe Dabbert (210-C-81, college: Creighton), Kimmo Muurinen and Dominik Bahiense de Mello

(190-G-85, agency: Pro One Sports) chipped in with 11 points a piece. Pascal Roller

(180-G-76), Jermaine Bucknor (199-F-83, college: Richmond) and Jimmy McKinney added 10 points a piece.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners finished the game shooting 45% form the field and 42% from downtown, but couldnt match up to the hot Bonn shooting of 54% from the field and 50% from downtown. The best Frankfurt quality once again was not crawling into a hole and surrendering. Fighting back was our best quality. It was a tough and physical game and we did a good job fighting them physically. We won the rebound battle, stated Kimmo Muurinen The big weak point for The Deutsche Bank Skyliners was their defense. Even if Bonn was hot and made many contested shots, giving up 92 points was not acceptable. Even though we practiced one on one defense last week, it didnt help much against Bonn, added Kimmo Muurinen We have to get back to the basics on defense. We have to play better help side defense and better one on one defense. They hit made half their three pointers. Any team will be hard to beat when they are hitting that many, added DaShaun Wood.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners finish 2010 in second place with a 12-4 record and have many wishes for 2011. My goal is to get better as an individual person and player get team to the top, warned DaShaun Wood. My big wish is that the Skyliners win the title and that Finland qualifies for the 2011 European championships, said Kimmo Muurinen My big wish is to come back in 2011 and have a big winning streak, added Quantez Robertson

(190-G-84, college: Auburn). I want to have a long season and good finish, warned Joe Dabbert (210-C-81, college: Creighton). My biggest wish is to have a healthy baby boy and then to stay healthy and win the title, stressed Patrick Flomo. Ratiopharm Ulm host The Deutsche Bank Skyliners on January 6th at 16:00.

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

GREECE

Panathinaikos outclass Aris at the first leg of Greek Cup semi-finals - by George Fragkos
Panathinaikos Athens had a very easy task against Aris Thessaloniki for the first leg of the Greek Cup semi-finals. The players of Zeljko Obradovic won the game by 87:58 making a huge step to the final as Aris Thessaloniki has almost no hope to turn things round at the second leg in Thessaloniki.

The home team faced some problems at the first two quarters finding it hard to get a safe point advantage. By the end of the first half Aris Thessaloniki were very close trailing only by six points. Things changed radically at the rest of the game. Panathinaikos Athens dominated and soon the Greek champions built a 30-point gap against the team of Sharon Drucker (agency: Beo Basket ), who were unable to follow their rhythm and accepted their heavy defeat.

One thing that can partly stand as an excuse for the visitors is that two of players of the starting five, the Americans, P.J. Tucker

(198-F-85, college: Texas) and Bobby Brown

(188-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Cal.St. Fullerton), arrived late due to the bad weather and the cancellation of their flights. The consequence was that Brown never really got into the game. On the contrary, P.J. Tucker made a great performance and he was the leading scorer of his team.

From Panathinaikos Athens, five players scored more than 10 points, while Kostas Tsartsaris was also the first rebounder with 8.

Panathinaikos Athens: Kostas Tsartsaris 19, Milenko Tepic 14, Dimitris Diamantidis 11, Romain Sato 11.
Aris Thessaloniki: P.J. Tucker 21, Konstantinos Sloukas

(197-G-90) 11.

Marousi lands Denis Clemente - by Emiliano
Denis Clemente (185-G-86, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Kansas St.) is a new player of Marousi BC. The Puerto Rican, former player of Kansas St., started the season in Israel with Maccabi Rishon Le-Zion, leaving the team after seven games (9.6ppg, 3.1rpg and 2.3apg).
Clemente will arrive today in Greece and will start his new adventure.
Last season in NCAA with Kansas St., the guard born in Bayamon in 1986, in 37 games played, recorded averages of 16.6ppg, 2.4rpg, 4.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 40.5%, 3PT: 34.1%, FT: 74.4%.

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

IRAN

Gijo Bain signed with Melli Haffari Ahwaz - by Aydin Dianat
After a loss to the defending champion Mahram Tehran, Melli Haffari Ahwaz empowered it's roster by adding Gijo Bain (213-C-85, college: S.Mississippi) to the line up. Gijo is a 213 m Bahamian national center played in Spain LEB league and Mexico. Gijo arrived in Tehran on Wednesday and hopeful to help his team on this week's game. The team is also waiting for their PG to arrive next week and join the team. Melli Haffari has another tough game this weekend against Rah Tarabari Qom in Qom. Rah Tarabari Qom is one the orgnized teams reached the Super League last season, Rah Tarabari Qom will face Mahram Tehran on next week.

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

ISRAEL

Stats Leaders - National League

Points Per Game

Brian ASBURY
  Hapoel T-A
  (200-F-85)
  Avg: 28

1. Asbury, Hapoel T-A	28.0
2. Hall, Beer Yaakov	25.1
3. Miller, Megido/Y.	24.3
4. Gomez, Beer Yaakov	23.3
5. Webb, Hapoel Tivon	22.7
6. Tramiel, Kohav Yair	22.6
7. Johnson, Ironi N.	22.0
8. Clemente, Megido.	21.9
9. Young, Hod Hasharon	21.3
10. Dobie, Lev Hasharon	21.2

Rebounds Per Game

Jason JOHNSON
  Ironi Nahariya
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 13.6

1. Johnson, Ironi N.	13.6
2. Rosefelt, Ironi R.	11.8
3. Brandy, Hod H.	11.0
4. Clemente, Megido.	10.2
5. Ibrahim, Kohav Y.	9.6
6. Hardin, Elitzur Yavne	9.6
7. Tramiel, Kohav Yair	9.3
8. Webb, Hapoel Tivon	9.0
9. McFarlin, Lev H.	9.0
10. Paris, Hapoel Beeri	8.5

Assists Per Game

Yoad BET-YOSEF
  Beer Yaakov
  (182-G-87)
  Avg: 8.5

1. Bet-Yosef, Beer Y.	8.5
2. Lahat, Hapoel T-A	8.0
3. Eliyahu, Hapoel Afula	6.2
4. Dobie, Lev Hasharon	5.8
5. Harush, Kohav Yair	5.5
6. Timor, Hapoel Tivon	5.3
7. Housman, Hapoel T.	5.2
8. Farhi, Beer Yaakov	5.1
9. Berkowitz, Elitzu.	5.1
10. Delaney, Maccabi .	4.5

Steals Per Game

Nate MILLER
  Megido/Yokneam
  (193-F-87)
  Avg: 3.4

1. Miller, Megido/Y.	3.4
2. Eliyahu, Hapoel Afula	3.2
3. Bet-Yosef, Beer Y.	2.8
4. Naor, Hapoel T-A	2.6
5. Bassett, Ironi R.	2.5
6. Harush, Kohav Yair	2.4
7. Stevens, Hapoel T.	2.3
8. Shtarkman, Megido.	2.3
9. Hofman, Elitzur .	2.2
10. Webb, Hapoel Tivon	2.2

Blocks Per Game

Rodney WEBB
  Maccabi Haifa
  (200-F-83)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Webb, Hapoel Tivon	2.2
2. Aidan, Hapoel Beeri	2.2
3. Rosefelt, Ironi R.	1.9
4. Utter, Hapoel T-A	1.9
5. Hugee, Hapoel Afula	1.8
6. Johnson, Ironi N.	1.6
7. Brandy, Hod H.	1.5
8. Hardin, Elitzur Yavne	1.5
9. Lewis, Ironi R.	1.3
10. Asbury, Hapoel T-A	1.2

Israeli National League round 13 best performance: Yoad Bet-Yosef - by Eurobasket News
Guard Yoad Bet-Yosef (182-G-87, agency: Avi Zilberman) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Beer Yaakov, receiving a Eurobasket.com National League Player of the Week award for round 13.
The 23-year old player got a double-double of 24 points and 10 assists, while his team beat Elitzur Yavne (#3, 9-4) 102-92. Beer Yaakov maintains the 5th position in Israeli National League. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Beer Yaakov will need more victories to improve their 8-5 record. In the team's last game Bet-Yosef had a remarkable 60.0% from 2-point range. He turned to be Beer Yaakov's top player in his first season with the team. Yoad Bet-Yosef has solid league stats. He is league's best passer with 8.5apg. Bet-Yosef is in league's top in and averages impressive 2.8spg,68.8% FGP and 55.6% from behind 3-point line.

The second best player in last round's games was 43-year old American Stanley Brandy (200-F-67) of Maccabi Hod Hasharon. Brandy had a very good evening with a double-double of 21 points and 14 rebounds. Bad luck as Hod Hasharon lost that game 81-87 to the higher-ranked Maccabi HBK (#2, 9-4). Hod Hasharon is still in a red zone at 11th spot in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 4-8 record. Brandy is well-known at Hod Hasharon and is a proven leader in his second season with the team.

Third on the list of top players last round was American forward Eric Traimel (201-F-88) of Kohav Yair (#7). Traimel got into 30-points club by scoring 31 points in the last round. He went also for nine rebounds . He was a key player of Kohav Yair, leading his team to a 107-99 win against slightly higher-ranked Megido/Yokneam (#6, 7-6). The chances of Kohav Yair ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 7 games, recording just six victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Traimel could help Kohav Yair to bring them higher in the standings. Traimel has a very solid season. In 12 games in Israel he scored 22.6ppg. He also has 9.3rpg and FGP: 63.1%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. DeVon Hardin (211-C-86) of Elitzur Yavne - 18 points and 14 rebounds
5. Paul Delaney (188-G-86) of Maccabi HBK - 28 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Keena Young (198-F-85) of Elitzur Ramla - 23 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists
7. Adrian Uter (201-F/C-84) of Hapoel T-A - 22 points and 5 rebounds
8. Ben Strong (211-C-86) of Hapoel Tivon - 18 points and 11 rebounds
9. Ramon Clemente (200-F-85) of Megido/Yokneam - 23 points and 12 rebounds

The Player of the week is chosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

Hapoel Tel Aviv dismissed Hapoel Holon from the Israeli cup! - by Ofer Shamur
The Israeli cup games provided a little surprise yesterday night, as Hapoel Hapoel Usishkin Tel Aviv from the national league defeated Hapoel Holon, which play in the premium league, 93-85 and qualified to the quarter final of the Israeli cup games.
The game was quite equal for the most of the game, before Hapoel Tel Aviv created a bigger gap on the last 5 minutes of the 4th quarter, a gap that Holon could not erase.
Brian Asbury

(200-F-85, college: Miami (FL)) was unstoppable with 34 points and 14 rebounds and Adrian Uter

(201-F/C-84, agency: Gross Zeev ISA, college: Hofstra) added 22 points, 10 rebounds and 5 blocks to Tel Aviv. Rich Melzer (203-F-79, agency: Court Side, college: Wisc.-RiverFal.) led Holon with 28 points and 7 rebounds. Robert Hite

(188-G-84, college: Miami (FL)) added 18 points and Moran Roth

(184-G-82) 17 points.

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

ITALY

SerieA Standings

1. Montepaschi		10-1
2. Armani MI		9-2
3. Bennet Cantu		8-3
4. Cimberio VA		6-5
5. CS Bologna		6-5
6. Scavolini PS		6-5
7. Air AV		5-6
8. Angelico BI		5-6
9. Fabi Shoes		5-6
10. Benetton TV		5-6
11. Vanoli CR		5-6
12. Lottomatica		5-6
13. Dinamo Sassari		4-7
14. Pepsi Caserta		4-7
15. Banca Tercas		3-8
16. Enel Brindisi		2-9

Stats Leaders - SerieA

Points Per Game

James WHITE
  Dinamo Sassari
  (198-G-84)
  Avg: 20.2

1. White, Dinamo Sassari	20.2
2. Ford, Fabi Shoes	18.4
3. Zoroski, Banca T.	16.7
4. Lavrinovic, Montepas.	16.3
5. Winston, CS Bo.	16.0
6. Rowland, Vanoli CR	15.9
7. Hunter, Dinamo S.	15.7
8. Thomas, Air AV	15.5
9. Milic, Vanoli CR	15.5
10. Goss, Cimberio VA	15.5

Rebounds Per Game

Sharrod FORD
  Fabi Shoes
  (206-F/C-82)
  Avg: 10.5

1. Ford, Fabi Shoes	10.5
2. Jones, Pepsi C.	8.7
3. Davis, Banca Tercas	8.4
4. Ivanov, Fabi Shoes	8.3
5. Troutman, Air AV	8.2
6. Hall, Banca Tercas	8.2
7. Homan, CS Bologna	8.2
8. Lang, Enel Brindisi	8.0
9. Suton, Angelico BI	7.8
10. Hunter, Dinamo S.	7.8

Assists Per Game

Marques GREEN
  Air AV
  (170-G-82)
  Avg: 6.4

1. Green, Air AV	6.4
2. Collins, Scavolin.	5.1
3. Sosa, Angelico BI	4.6
4. Zoroski, Banca T.	4.2
5. Diener, Dinamo S.	3.9
6. Markovic, Benetton.	3.7
7. Rowland, Vanoli CR	3.6
8. Green, Bennet Cantu	3.5
9. Goss, Cimberio VA	3.5
10. Hackett, Scavolin.	3.4

Steals Per Game

Fabio DI BELLA
  Pepsi Caserta
  (187-G-78)
  Avg: 3

1. Di Bella, Pepsi C.	3.0
2. Hackett, Scavolin.	2.9
3. Troutman, Air AV	2.8
4. Hawkins, Armani MI	2.7
5. Green, Air AV	2.6
6. White, Dinamo Sassari	2.6
7. Ray, Fabi Shoes	2.6
8. Sosa, Angelico BI	2.5
9. Milic, Vanoli CR	2.5
10. Rowland, Vanoli CR	2.5

Blocks Per Game

Sharrod FORD
  Fabi Shoes
  (206-F/C-82)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Ford, Fabi Shoes	2.4
2. Toure, Enel Brindisi	1.7
3. Polonara, Banca T.	1.4
4. Smith, Benetton TV	1.4
5. Crosariol, Lottomat.	1.3
6. Lang, Enel Brindisi	0.9
7. Drozdov, Vanoli CR	0.9
8. Szewczyk, Air AV	0.8
9. Homan, CS Bologna	0.8
10. Hunter, Dinamo S.	0.8

Onil International Tournament. Russia convincingly defeat Italy - by Eurobasket News
Russia U18 - Italy U18 84:68

Russian U18 team registered their first win at the Onil International Tournament in Spain. They thumped Italy in the opener. Pavel Khrebtov (197-F-93) fired 28 points to lead the winners.
Russia led right from the start. They poured in 26 points in the first quarter to take a 7-point advantage. Russia maintained the lead throughout the second term. They established a comfortable 47:32 lead at the interval. Italy showed some signs of recovery in the third term. They limited Russia to only 16 points and cut the distance at 13-point mark. But it was not enough. Russia were back in the drivers seat in the final period as they unloaded 21 points and celebrated a comfortable win at the end. Viktor Kashin (193-G-94) netted 17 points for Russia. Artem Popov (206-C-93) and Denis Zakharov (190-G-93) added 12 points each in the victory. Eric Lombardi (197-F-93) answered with 15 points for Italy. Francesco Candussi (211-F/C-94) had 9 points in the loss.
Russia will face Spain tonight. Italy will look for the initial win at the tournament when they take on Germany next.

Russia U18: Pavel Khrebtov 28, Viktor Kashin 17, Artem Popov 12, Denis Zakharov 12
Italy U18: Eric Lombardi 15, Francesco Candussi 9

NIJT: Fenerbahce triumph in Rome - by Eurobasket News
IJT Fenerbahce - IJT Montepaschi Siena 65:63

Fenerbahce triumphed at the Torneo Citta di Roma, the first stage of the Nike International Junior tournament. The Turkish team held off Montepschi Siena in the championship game tonight. Berkay Candan (202-F-93) delivered 19 points to lead the winners. Fenerbahce secured the birth in the final round of the NIJT to be held in Barcelona.
The teams traded baskets in a close first frame. Fenerbahce eked out a 19:14 lead after ten minutes. Montepaschi Siena entered the second term strongly. They went on a 6:0 run to surge ahead. Fenerbahce regrouped and answered with a late rally that propelled them to a 40:27 lead at the interval. The Italian team continued to fight bravely after the main break. They used a 7:0 outburst to get closer in the third term. The Turkish team headed into the fourth period up by just 7 points 55:48. Mehmet Sanli gave Fenerbahce a 10-point lead midway through the final quarter. But then Diego Monaldi (185-G-93) triggered a furious comeback run from Montepaschi Siena. The Italian side went on an 11:0 rally to take a 63:62 lead with one minute to go. Fenerbahce however capitalized on some late fouls from Siena to regain the lead. Kerem Hotic gave the visitors a 65:63 lead which they never surrendered. Oguzhan Turan (190-G-93) provided 10 points for the winners. Diego Monaldi answered with 17 points for Siena. Giovanni Severini (194-F/G-93) had 15 points in the loss.

IJT Fenerbahce: Berkay Candan 19, Oguzhan Turan 10
IJT Montepaschi Siena: Diego Monaldi 17, Giovanni Severini 15

SerieA Round 11: Armani Milano beats Cimberio Varese in overtime - by Eurobasket News
The round was rather attractive and full of interesting results. The round ended with few extra overtimes and favorites losing the games.

Cimberio Varese (#4) forced the game against Armani Milano (#2) into an overtime, but lost by four points 80-84 on Wednesday night. The hosts trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 1-point lead at the halftime then Cimberio Varese managed to tie the game at the end of regular time. However that was Armani Milano who were better in overtime eventually winning that period 15-11. They dominated down low during the game scoring 44 of its points in the paint compared to Cimberio Varese's 24 and made 28-of-36 free shots (77.8 percent) during the game. Armani Milano forced 20 Cimberio Varese turnovers. 33 personal fouls committed by Cimberio Varese helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was Lithuanian swingman Jonas Maciulis (198-85, agency: Interperformances) who had a double-double by scoring 11 points and 10 rebounds. International forward Stefano Mancinelli (203-83) chipped in 13 points. American guard Phil Goss (186-83, college: Drexel) produced 21 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists for the guests. Armani Milano has a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain second place with 9-2 record having just one point less than leader Montepaschi. Cimberio Varese lost third consecutive game. They keep the fourth position with five games lost. They share it with CS Bologna and Scavolini PS. Armani Milano are looking forward to face Bennet Cantu (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Cimberio Varese will play against Angelico Biella and is hoping to prove to their supporters that they can break losing series.
Ninth ranked CS Bologna won a triple-overtime thriller against 8th ranked Vanoli-Braga by sixteen points 116-100. Finnish guard Petteri Koponen (193-88) orchestrated the victory by scoring 36 points (!!!) and 5 rebounds (was perfect 14-for-14 from the free throw line !!!). Kennedy Winston contributed with 24 points and 14 rebounds for the winners. Slovenian forward Marko Milic (202-77) answered with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 12 rebounds for Vanoli-Braga. Vanoli-Braga's coach rotated ten players in such tough game. CS Bologna (6-5) moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Cimberio VA and Scavolini PS. Vanoli-Braga lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the seventh position with six games lost. They share it with 5 other teams. CS Bologna will play against league's leader Montepaschi Siena on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Vanoli-Braga will play against Benetton Treviso (#10) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Eighth-ranked Benetton Treviso (5-6) made lots of trouble for first ranked Montepaschi Siena (10-1) on Tuesday. The visitors from Siena managed to secure only two-point victory 79-77. However their fans expected much easier game. It was a great evening for Bo Lester McCalebb who led his team to a victory scoring 13 points. Montepaschi Siena's coach Simone Pianigiani used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Greg Brunner responded with 21 points and 9 rebounds (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field). Montepaschi Siena have an impressive series of eight victories in a row. Defending champion maintains first place with 10-1 record. Benetton Treviso at the other side dropped to the seventh position with six games lost. They share it with 5 other teams. Montepaschi Siena will meet at home CS Bologna (#5) in the next round. Benetton Treviso will play against Vanoli-Braga in Cremona and hope to secure a win.
Another very interesting game took place in Biella. It ended with only one-point home defeat of 7th ranked Angelico Biella (5-6) to third ranked Bennet Cantu (8-3) 75-74 on Tuesday evening. It was an exceptional evening for Benjamin Ortner who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 10 rebounds. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Bennet Cantu. They maintain third place with 8-3 record having just two points less than leader Montepaschi. Angelico Biella at the other side keeps the seventh position with six games lost. Bennet Cantu's next round opponent will be league's second-placed Armani Milano at home and it will be for sure the game of the week. Angelico Biella will play against Cimberio Varese (#4).
We should mention about the upset which took place in Pesaro, where higher ranked Scavolini Pesaro (6-5) lost at home to tenth ranked Fabi Shoes Montegranaro (5-6) 73-78 on Saturday. The best player for the winners was Sharrod Ford who scored 15 points, 5 rebounds and 4 blocks. Fabi Shoes Montegranaro moved-up to seventh place, which they share with 5 other teams. Loser Scavolini Pesaro dropped to the fourth position with five games lost. Fabi Shoes Montegranaro will face Banca Tercas (#15) in Teramo in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Scavolini Pesaro will play on the road against Enel Brindisi (#16).

Other games of round 11 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
bottom-ranked Enel Brindisi was defeated by Banca Tercas in Teramo 65-57. Lottomatica beat Dinamo Sassari at home 92-80. Pepsi Caserta lost to Air AV on the opponent's court 68-79.

Banca Tercas - Enel Brindisi 65-57

Everything could happen in Teramo at the game between two tied teams. Both fifteenth ranked Banca Tercas and 16th ranked Enel Brindisi had identical 2-8 record. This time Banca Tercas used a home court advantage and beat the opponent from Brindisi 65-57 on Tuesday night. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Enel Brindisi won third quarter 11-8. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The best player for the winners was American-FYR Macedonian center Kevin Fletcher (207-80, college: Colorado Springs, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) who scored 14 points and 9 rebounds. American guard Drake Diener (196-81, college: De Paul, agency: Priority Sports) chipped in 17 points. French forward Yakhouba Diawara (200-82, college: Pepperdine) produced a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds and American power forward Kristoffer Lang (211-79, college: N.Carolina, agency: SportsTalent) added 14 points and 11 rebounds respectively for the guests. Banca Tercas maintains fifteenth place with 3-8 record. Enel Brindisi lost their third game in a row. Newly promoted team stay at the bottom position with nine games lost. Banca Tercas will face higher ranked Fabi Shoes Montegranaro (#9) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Enel Brindisi will play against Scavolini Pesaro (#6).
Top scorers:
Enel Brindisi: Y.Diawara 17+11reb, K.Lang 14+11reb, A.Roberson 11+2reb+1ast, B.Dixon 4+5reb+2ast, H.Toure 4+2reb, G.Maresca 3+1reb+2ast
Banca Tercas: D.Diener 17+4reb+3ast, K.Fletcher 14+9reb+1ast, G.Boscagin 11+4reb+2ast, I.Zoroski 6+5reb+3ast, R.Rullo 5+2reb+1ast, R.De La Fuente 4+1reb

Angelico BI - Bennet Cantu 74-75

Another very interesting game took place in Biella. It ended with only one-point home defeat of 7th ranked Angelico Biella (5-6) to third ranked Bennet Cantu (8-3) 75-74 on Tuesday evening. The guests were ahead by 5 points but lost the second period ending it with a 1-point deficit before their 20-18 run, which allowed them to win the game. 26 personal fouls committed by Angelico Biella helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was an exceptional evening for Austrian power forward Benjamin Ortner (206-83, college: Metro St.) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 10 rebounds. American guard Mike Green (185-85, college: Butler) accounted for 9 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists for the winning side. Naturalized American forward Jeffrey Viggiano (200-84, college: Massachusetts) came up with 19 points and 8 rebounds and American forward Marc Salyers (205-79, college: Samford) added 17 points and 9 rebounds respectively for Angelico Biella in the defeat. Four Angelico Biella players scored in double figures. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Bennet Cantu. They maintain third place with 8-3 record having just two points less than leader Montepaschi. Angelico Biella at the other side keeps the seventh position with six games lost. Bennet Cantu's next round opponent will be league's second-placed Armani Milano at home and it will be for sure the game of the week. Angelico Biella will play against Cimberio Varese (#4).
Top scorers:
Angelico BI: J.Viggiano 19+8reb+2ast, M.Salyers 17+9reb+3ast, G.Jurak 13+4reb+1ast, E.Sosa 10+3reb+5ast, M.Soragna 8+3reb+2ast, A.Slaughter 7+2reb+1ast
Bennet Cantu: B.Ortner 21+10reb+2ast, V.Micov 15+4reb+3ast, M.Leunen 14+6reb+3ast, M.Green 9+9reb+9ast, J.Tabu 9+3reb+1ast, M.Mian 3+1reb

Lottomatica - Dinamo Sassari 92-80

Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both fourteenth ranked Lottomatica Roma and 12th ranked Dinamo Sassari had identical 4-6 record. This time Lottomatica Roma used a home court advantage and defeated the opponent from Sassari 92-80 on Tuesday night. Dinamo Sassari was tied after three quarters but could not keep up in the last quarter eventually losing the game. Dinamo Sassari was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. The best player for the winners was American guard Charles Smith (193-75, college: N.Mexico) who scored 24 points and 6 rebounds. French center Ali Traore (207-85, college: S.Idaho JC, agency: Beo Basket) chipped in 16 points and 7 rebounds. American guard James White (198-84, college: Cincinnati, agency: Court Side) produced 20 points and the other American import guard Travis Diener (183-82, college: Marquette) added 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists respectively for the guests. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. The victory was the third consecutive win for Lottomatica Roma. They moved-up to seventh place, which they share with 5 other teams. Dinamo Sassari lost their fourth game in a row. Newly promoted team dropped to the thirteenth position with seven games lost. Lottomatica Roma will face Pepsi Caserta (#14) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Dinamo Sassari will play against Air Avellino.
Top scorers:
Dinamo Sassari: J.White 20+3reb+2ast, O.Hunter 15+7reb, T.Diener 14+6reb+5ast, M.Pinton 12, D.Tsaldaris 11+2reb, B.Sacchetti 3+1reb
Lottomatica: C.Smith 24+6reb+1ast, A.Traore 16+7reb+1ast, D.Washington 11+2reb+1ast, A.Crosariol 11+4reb+1ast, V.Dasic 10+9reb+3ast, N.Dedovic 10+2reb+2ast

Benetton TV - Montepaschi 77-79

Eighth-ranked Benetton Treviso (5-6) made lots of trouble for first ranked Montepaschi Siena (10-1) on Tuesday. The visitors from Siena managed to secure only two-point victory 79-77. However their fans expected much easier game. The guests started the game with a very strong first quarter 25-16. But Benetton Treviso won second period 22-14. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 20-of-26 free shots (76.9 percent) during the game. It was a great evening for American-FYR Macedonian guard Bo Lester McCalebb (183-85, college: New Orleans) who led his team to a victory scoring 13 points. Lithuanian center Ksistof Lavrinovic (210-79) helped adding 11 points. Four Montepaschi Siena players scored in double figures. Montepaschi Siena's coach Simone Pianigiani used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. American-Swiss forward Greg Brunner (201-83, college: Iowa) responded with 21 points and 9 rebounds (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field) and Croatian forward Hrvoje Peric (203-85) scored 13 points. Montepaschi Siena have an impressive series of eight victories in a row. Defending champion maintains first place with 10-1 record. Benetton Treviso at the other side dropped to the seventh position with six games lost. They share it with 5 other teams. Montepaschi Siena will meet at home CS Bologna (#5) in the next round. Benetton Treviso will play against Vanoli-Braga in Cremona and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Benetton TV: G.Brunner 21+9reb, H.Peric 13+4reb+2ast, R.Toolson 12+3reb, A.Gentile 9+1reb, D.Motiejunas 8+4reb+2ast, D.Smith 4+6reb+1ast
Montepaschi: B.Lester McCalebb 13+3reb+3ast, R.Kaukenas 13+2reb+1ast, K.Lavrinovic 11+3reb+2ast, M.Carraretto 11+4reb, D.Moss 9+2reb+3ast, T.Ress 8+4reb+1ast

Air AV - Pepsi Caserta 79-68

Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both eleventh ranked Air Avellino and 13th ranked Pepsi Caserta had identical 4-6 record. This time Air Avellino used a home court advantage and won against the opponent from Caserta 79-68 on Tuesday night. Pepsi Caserta was trailing by 9 points at halftime but managed to get 4-point lead after three quarters before a 26-11 charge of Air Avellino, which allowed them to win the game. They made 29-of-38 free shots (76.3 percent) during the game, while Pepsi Caserta only scored thirteen points from the stripe. Air Avellino forced 21 Pepsi Caserta turnovers and outrebounded them 43-32 including 18 on the offensive glass. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Air Avellino made 7 blocks. Pepsi Caserta was plagued by 28 personal fouls down the stretch. The best player for the winners was American forward Chevon Troutman (202-81, college: Pittsburgh, agency: ACMT) who had a double-double by scoring 20 points and 13 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). His fellow American import forward Omar Thomas (197-82, college: UTEP) chipped in 19 points and 8 rebounds (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line). Four Air Avellino players scored in double figures. The former international guard Fabio Di Bella (187-78) produced 25 points and 6 rebounds and American guard Timothy Bowers (188-82, college: Mississippi St.) added 12 points and 5 rebounds respectively for the guests. Air Avellino (5-6) moved-up to seventh place, which they share with 5 other teams. Loser Pepsi Caserta keeps the thirteenth position with seven games lost. Air Avellino will face Dinamo Sassari (#13) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Pepsi Caserta will play against Lottomatica Roma and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Pepsi Caserta: F.Di Bella 25+6reb+2ast, E.Ere 12+4reb, T.Bowers 12+5reb+3ast, J.Jones 9+6reb+1ast, L.Koszarek 4+1reb, E.Williams 4+4reb
Air AV: C.Troutman 20+13reb, O.Thomas 19+8reb, T.Dean 13+2reb+1ast, S.Szewczyk 11+6reb, V.Spinelli 7+2reb+2ast, M.Green 6+4reb+7ast

Scavolini PS - Fabi Shoes 73-78

We should mention about the upset which took place in Pesaro, where higher ranked Scavolini Pesaro (6-5) lost at home to tenth ranked Fabi Shoes Montegranaro (5-6) 73-78 on Saturday. The guests trailed by 3 points at the halftime before their 24-14 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Fabi Shoes Montegranaro made 19-of-24 free shots (79.2 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was American power forward Sharrod Ford (206-82, college: Clemson, agency: Pro One Sports) who scored 15 points, 5 rebounds and 4 blocks. His fellow American import guard Allan Ray (188-84, college: Villanova) chipped in 14 points and 5 rebounds. The former international guard Daniel Hackett (196-87, college: USC) produced 16 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists and Puerto Rican guard Guillermo Diaz (188-85, college: Miami (FL)) added 12 points and 7 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Four Scavolini Pesaro players scored in double figures. Fabi Shoes Montegranaro moved-up to seventh place, which they share with 5 other teams. Loser Scavolini Pesaro dropped to the fourth position with five games lost. Fabi Shoes Montegranaro will face Banca Tercas (#15) in Teramo in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Scavolini Pesaro will play on the road against Enel Brindisi (#16).
Top scorers:
Scavolini PS: D.Hackett 16+7reb+4ast, A.Collins 15+2reb+1ast, N.Aleksandrov 13+5reb, G.Diaz 12+7reb+1ast, M.Cusin 9+2reb, D.Cinciarini 4+1reb+2ast
Fabi Shoes: S.Ford 15+5reb+1ast, A.Ray 14+5reb+2ast, D.Cavaliero 11, A.Maestranzi 11+1reb, D.Ivanov 9+8reb, A.Cinciarini 9+3reb+1ast

Armani MI - Cimberio VA 84-80 OT

Cimberio Varese (#4) forced the game against Armani Milano (#2) into an overtime, but lost by four points 80-84 on Wednesday night. The hosts trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 1-point lead at the halftime then Cimberio Varese managed to tie the game at the end of regular time. However that was Armani Milano who were better in overtime eventually winning that period 15-11. They dominated down low during the game scoring 44 of its points in the paint compared to Cimberio Varese's 24 and made 28-of-36 free shots (77.8 percent) during the game. Armani Milano forced 20 Cimberio Varese turnovers. 33 personal fouls committed by Cimberio Varese helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was Lithuanian swingman Jonas Maciulis (198-85, agency: Interperformances) who had a double-double by scoring 11 points and 10 rebounds. International forward Stefano Mancinelli (203-83) chipped in 13 points. Five Armani Milano players scored in double figures. American guard Phil Goss (186-83, college: Drexel) produced 21 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and center Diego Fajardo (208-76, agency: Players Group) added 12 points and 9 rebounds respectively for the guests. Armani Milano has a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain second place with 9-2 record having just one point less than leader Montepaschi. Cimberio Varese lost third consecutive game. They keep the fourth position with five games lost. They share it with CS Bologna and Scavolini PS. Armani Milano are looking forward to face Bennet Cantu (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Cimberio Varese will play against Angelico Biella and is hoping to prove to their supporters that they can break losing series.
Top scorers:
Cimberio VA: P.Goss 21+6reb+4ast, J.Thomas 12+4reb+1ast, D.Fajardo 12+9reb+1ast, K.Kangur 9+2reb+1ast, R.Slay 9+4reb, A.Righetti 8+2reb+1ast
Armani MI: O.Pecherov 15+3reb, I.Jaaber 14+3reb+1ast, S.Mancinelli 13+4reb+2ast, D.Hawkins 12+1reb+1ast, J.Maciulis 11+10reb+1ast, M.Finley 11+5reb+1ast

CS Bologna - Vanoli CR 116-100 3OT

Ninth ranked CS Bologna won a triple-overtime thriller against 8th ranked Vanoli-Braga by sixteen points 116-100. Vanoli-Braga was ahead by 8 points after three quarters before a 24-16 charge of CS Bologna, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time. They were better in triple-overtime eventually winning 49-33. CS Bologna made 31-of-40 charity shots (77.5 percent) during the game. They also forced 23 Vanoli-Braga turnovers and outrebounded them 55-44 including 18 on the offensive glass. Vanoli-Braga was plagued by 36 personal fouls down the stretch. Finnish guard Petteri Koponen (193-88) orchestrated the victory by scoring 36 points (!!!) and 5 rebounds (was perfect 14-for-14 from the free throw line !!!). American forward Kennedy Winston (198-84, college: Alabama, agency: Priority Sports) contributed with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 14 rebounds for the winners. Slovenian forward Marko Milic (202-77) answered with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 12 rebounds and American-Bulgarian guard Earl Rowland (188-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) added 23 points and 4 steals in the effort for Vanoli-Braga. Four CS Bologna and five Vanoli-Braga players scored in double figures. Vanoli-Braga's coach rotated ten players in such tough game. CS Bologna (6-5) moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Cimberio VA and Scavolini PS. Vanoli-Braga lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the seventh position with six games lost. They share it with 5 other teams. CS Bologna will play against league's leader Montepaschi Siena on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Vanoli-Braga will play against Benetton Treviso (#10) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Vanoli CR: E.Rowland 23+4reb+3ast, M.Milic 21+12reb+3ast, J.Foster 19+4reb+2ast, A.Drozdov 12+9reb+1ast, L.D'Ercole 10+4reb, J.Perkovic 7+5reb+1ast
CS Bologna: P.Koponen 36+5reb+1ast, K.Winston 24+14reb+3ast, J.Homan 22+15reb, D.Gailius 11+2reb+2ast, V.Amoroso 8+6reb, V.Sanikidze 5+7reb+1ast

NIJT: Stella Azzurra clinch fifth place with win over Benetton - by Eurobasket News
IJT Stella Azzurra - IJT Benetton 95:89 (OT)

Stella Azzurra finished the Torneo Citta di Roma at the fifth position. They overcame Benetton Treviso on the final day of the competition. Mirco Turel (190-G-94) notched 23 points to lead the effort.
The teams looked evenly matched in the opening quarter. The scoreboard read 22:22 ten minutes into the encounter. Benetton surged ahead in the second frame. They stressed defense limiting Stella Azzurra to just 8 points and posting a 39:30 advantage. Pavlin Ivanov (195-G-93, agency: Beo Basket) stepped up for Benetton in the third quarter. He unloaded 13 points in the period as Benetton stretched the lead to 19 points at one point. Stella Azzurra however cut the distance to 13 points with ten minutes remaining 55:68. Stella Azzurra opened the final term with seven points in a row to cut the distance. Benetton cleared off once again before Stella Azzurra triggered a 10:2 run to erase the deficit. Mirco Turel and Andrea Rampolla leveled things up at 79 at the end of regulation. Stella Azzurra quickly surged ahead in the extra period and rallied to the victory at the end. Matteo Falluca notched 20 points for Stella Azzurra. Mario Delle Cave (180-G-93) added 16 points in the victory. Pavlin Ivanov responded with 33 points and 13 rebounds for Benetton. Daniele Masoco accounted for 17 points in the loss.

IJT Stella Azzurra: Mirco Turel 23, Matteo Falluca 20, Mario Delle Cave 16
IJT Benetton: Pavlin Ivanov 33+13 boards, Daniele Masoco 17

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

JORDAN

Fixtures announced for WABA League - by Omar Shafaamri
ALEPPO, Syria / AMMAN, Jordan (WAL): WABA powerhouses Al Riyadi Beirut of Lebanon will match horns with Irans Zob Ahan in the opening game of the WABA League 2010-11 at Aleppo on Jan 3.

Group A games involving Al Riyadi Beirut (Lebanon), Zob Ahan (Iran), Al Ahli (Yemen), Al Jalaa (Syria) and Al Riyadi Amman (Jordan) will be played at Aleppo from Jan 3 to 7.

Amman, in Jordan will host the Group B games from Jan 12 to 16. ASU (Jordan), Champville (Lebanon), Duhok (Iraq), Mahram (Iran) and Al Jeish (Syria) are the teams involved in Group B.

The top four teams from each group will qualify for the play-offs quarterfinals, which will be played on a home-and-away basis.

We are starting the New Year on a positive note with the start of the WABA League. I am confident that the WABA League will provide the best of the basketball in the region, said WABA Secretary General Hagop Khajirian.

The new format of the League will be challenging, competitive and equally entertaining for the fans, he added.

Fixtures
Group A Aleppo, Syria
Monday, 03/01/2010
18:00 Al Riyadi (LIB) Vs. Zob Ahan (IRI)
20:30 Al Ahli (YEM) Vs. Al Jalaa (SYR)
Tuesday, 04/01/2010
18:00 Al Riyadi (JOR) Vs. Al Ahli (YEM)
20:30 Al Jalaa (SYR) Vs. Al Riyadi (LIB)
Wednesday, 05/01/2010
18:00 Al Ahli (YEM) Vs. Al Riyadi (LIB)
20:30 Al Riyadi (JOR) Vs. Zob Ahan (IRI)
Thursday, 06/01/2010
18:00 Zob Ahan (IRI) Vs. Al Ahli (YEM)
20:30 Al Jalaa (SYR) Vs. Al Riyadi (JOR)
Friday, 07/01/2010
18:00 Al Riyadi (LIB) Vs. Al Riyadi (JOR)
20:30 Zob Ahan (IRI) Vs. Al Jalaa (SYR)

Group B Amman, Jordan
Wednesday, 12/01/2010
17:00 Duhok (IRQ) Vs. Champville (LIB)
19:30 ASU (JOR) Vs. Mahram (IRI)
Thursday, 13/01/2010
17:00 Mahram (IRI) Vs. Duhok (IRQ)
19:30 Al Jeish (SYR) Vs. ASU (JOR)
Friday, 14/01/2010
17:00 Champville (LIB) Vs. Mahram (IRI)
19:30 Duhok (IRQ) Vs. Al Jeish (SYR)
Saturday, 15/01/2010
17:00 Al Jeish (SYR) Vs. Champville (LIB)
19:30 ASU (JOR) Vs. Duhok (IRQ)
Sunday, 16/01/2010
17:00 Mahram (IRI) Vs. Al Jeish (SYR)
19:30 Champville (LIB) Vs. ASU (JOR)

FIBA Asia

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

LATVIA

Latvian LBL round 12 best performance: Saulius Kuzminskas - by Eurobasket News
Lithuanian Saulius Kuzminskas (210-C/F-82) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for second-ranked Ventspils, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 12.
The 28-year old player was the main contributor (14 points, five rebounds and three assists) to his team's victory, helping them to outclass Turiba (#7, 3-9) with 50-point margin 103-53. Ventspils maintains the 2nd position in Latvian LBL. Ventspils has a very good season and are considered to have a run for the championship title. They improved their record to 9-1. It was one of impressive evenings for Kuzminskas as usually he does not deliver so high stats. Saulius Kuzminskas averages this season 8.9ppg and 5.2rpg.

The second best player in last round's games was another Ventspils' star - 33-year old former international guard Sandis Buskevics (190-G-77, agency: Alti Sport). Buskevics had a very good evening with a double-double of 12 points and 11 assists. Of course together with Kuzminskas he helped Ventspils with another comfortable win outscoring the lower-ranked Turiba (#7, 3-9) 103-53. Ventspils' second position in the standings has not changed. His team belongs to top of the standings with 9-1 record and is considered one of the main candidates for the league title. Buskevics is a newcomer at Ventspils, but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was guard Janis Kaufmanis (185-G-89) of Valmiera (#4). Kaufmanis scored 22 points and grabbed eight rebounds. He was a key player of Valmiera, leading his team to a 71-64 win against the lower-ranked Turiba (#7, 3-9). Valmiera needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 6 victories and 5 lost games. Kaufmanis has a very solid season. In 8 games in Latvia he scored 13.8ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Oskars Virsis (191-G-89) of Valmiera - 15 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Martins Laksa (200-F-90) of VEF Riga jrs - 21 points and 4 rebounds
6. Kaspars Berzins (213-F/C-85) of VEF Riga jrs - 13 points and 7 rebounds
7. Ingus Bankevics (195-G/F-85) of Ventspils - 17 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Arturs Strelnieks (196-G/F-85) of Ventspils - 15 points and 7 rebounds
9. Arturs Berzins (204-C-88) of Ventspils - 12 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Ivans Nelyubov (207-C-88) of VEF Riga jrs - 15 points and 3 rebounds

The Player of the week is chosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

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

LEBANON

Div.A Round 16: Sagesse beats Hoops Club in a derby game - by Eurobasket News
The most interesting game of Round 16 was a derby match between two local teams from Beirut: Sagesse (#4) and Hoops Club (#6). Hoops Club was defeated at home 76-80 and even the fact of playing on their own court did not help. Hoops Club was trailing by 10 points at halftime but managed to get 1-point lead after three quarters before a 26-21 charge of Sagesse, which allowed them to win the game. 32 personal fouls committed by Hoops Club helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. International guard Rony Fahed (186-81, agency: Pro Management Agency) fired 17 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. American center Darryl Watkins (211-84, college: Syracuse, agency: Priority Sports) chipped in 18 points and 6 rebounds. American guard Calvin Cage (183-84, college: Buffalo) produced 23 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists for lost side. Hoops Club's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Sagesse maintains fourth position with 8-6 record. Hoops Club at the other side keeps the sixth place with nine games lost. They share the position with Antranik. Sagesse will meet Chabab in the next round. Hoops Club's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Beirut Al Riyadi.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Beirut. Second ranked Al Riyadi faced one of their biggest challengers Al Moutahed. Host Al Riyadi (11-3) smashed guests from Tripoli (9-5) 104-76. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Al Moutahed. The game was dominated by American players. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Nathanel Johnson (199-77, college: Louisville) who helped to win the game recording 25 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Loren Woods contributed with 17 points, 13 rebounds and 5 blocks (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) for the winners. Guard Austin Johnson (191-87, college: Oklahoma) replied with 22 points and 6 assists for Al Moutahed. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Al Riyadi maintains second position with 11-3 record having just two points less than leader Champville. Al Moutahed at the other side keeps the third place with five games lost. Al Riyadi's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Beirut to the arena Hoops Club.
Ninth-ranked Chabab (2-12) made lots of trouble for fifth ranked Anibal (8-7) in Zahle on Monday. The visitors from Zahle managed to secure only nine-point victory 94-85. However their fans expected much easier game. Worth to mention a great performance of Alpha Bangura who helped to win the game recording 28 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 6 steals. At the losing side Marc Dawson responded with a double-double by scoring 34 points (!!!) and 15 rebounds. Anibal has a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain fifth position with 8-7 record. Chabab lost ninth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom place with 12 games lost. Anibal will meet at home Antranik (#7) in the next round. Chabab's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face Sagesse on the road.

In the last game of round 16 Byblos were defeated by Antranik in Beirut 92-83.
The best stats of 16th round was 36 points (!!!) and 13 rebounds by Calvin Warner of Byblos.

Al Riyadi - Moutahed 104-76
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Beirut. Second ranked Al Riyadi faced one of their biggest challengers Al Moutahed. Host Al Riyadi (11-3) smashed guests from Tripoli (9-5) 104-76. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Al Moutahed. The game without a history. Al Riyadi led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Al Moutahed's 38. Al Riyadi had a 33-20 advantage in offensive rebounds. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 27 assists. Al Riyadi brought some defensive toughness making 7 blocks. The game was dominated by American players. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Nathanel Johnson (199-77, college: Louisville) who helped to win the game recording 25 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Center Loren Woods (218-78, college: Arizona) contributed with a double-double by scoring 17 points, 13 rebounds and 5 blocks (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) for the winners. Four Al Riyadi players scored in double figures. Guard Austin Johnson (191-87, college: Oklahoma) replied with 22 points and 6 assists and forward Lavell Payne (203-85, college: Cent.Florida, agency: ACMT) added 18 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Al Moutahed. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Al Riyadi maintains second position with 11-3 record having just two points less than leader Champville. Al Moutahed at the other side keeps the third place with five games lost. Al Riyadi's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Beirut to the arena Hoops Club.
Top scorers:
Al Riyadi: N.Johnson 25+6reb+4ast, J.Abed El Nour 25+6reb, L.Woods 17+13reb+2ast, J.Vogel 17+11reb+1ast, A.Saoud 7+1reb+2ast, W.Abou El Zloulof 5
Moutahed: A.Johnson 22+4reb+6ast, L.Payne 18+7reb+1ast, B.Bawji 9+3reb+1ast, B.Balaa 6+3reb, E.Roustom 6+7reb+2ast, M.Fahes 5+2reb+1ast

Chabab - Anibal 85-94 OT
Ninth-ranked Chabab (2-12) made lots of trouble for fifth ranked Anibal (8-7) in Zahle on Monday. The 'visitors' managed to secure only nine-point victory 94-85. However their fans expected much easier game. The guests trailed by 5 points after three quarters before their 24-19 charge, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time and get a 9-point victory in overtime. Anibal shot 23 for 31 from the free-throw line, while Chabab only scored seven points from the stripe. Anibal outrebounded Chabab 49-34 including a 22-10 advantage in offensive rebounds. Worth to mention a great performance of Sierra Leonean-American swingman Alpha Bangura (197-80, college: St.John's) who helped to win the game recording 28 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 6 steals and American forward Terrence Shannon (203-79, college: Elgin CC, agency: Paris Global Sports) who added 16 points and 15 rebounds during the contest. Four Anibal players scored in double figures. At the losing side American power forward Marc Dawson (206-83, college: Long Beach St.) responded with a double-double by scoring 34 points (!!!) and 15 rebounds and his fellow American import guard Enique Clemons (180-80, college: Missouri, agency: Strategic Sports) scored 22 points. Anibal has a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain fifth position with 8-7 record. Chabab lost ninth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom place with 12 games lost. Anibal will meet at home Antranik (#7) in the next round. Chabab will meet Sagesse.
Top scorers:
Anibal: A.Bangura 28+7reb+5ast, J.El-Murr 24+6reb+1ast, T.Shannon 16+15reb+1ast, R.Akl 15+5reb+10ast, R.Samaha 6+8reb+1ast, C.Tabet 3+7reb
Chabab: M.Dawson 34+15reb+2ast, E.Clemons 22+3reb+3ast, E.Motran 10+3reb+2ast, H.Lakiss 9+6reb+3ast, R.Dagher 6+3reb, Y.Kassem 4+2reb+1ast

Antranik - Byblos 92-83
The game between closely ranked teams ended with 8th ranked Byblos' (3-12) road loss to seventh ranked Antranik (5-9) 83-92 on Sunday. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Byblos won third quarter 24-23. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Antranik made 19-of-21 free shots (90.5 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a great performance of who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 21 points and 10 rebounds (made all of his eight free throws) and American guard Willie Bannister (180-84, college: Liberty, agency: Warren Sports International) who added 17 points, 9 assists and 4 steals during the contest. Five Antranik players scored in double figures. At the losing side the former international forward Calvin Warner (201-80, college: Jacksonville) responded with a double-double by scoring 36 points (!!!) and 13 rebounds (on 15-of-19 shooting from the field) and American swingman Anthony Danridge (196-86, college: N.Mexico) scored 24 points. Antranik moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Hoops. Loser Byblos keep the eighth position with 12 games lost. Antranik will meet higher ranked Anibal (#5) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Byblos will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Antranik: M.Battles 21+10reb+1ast, N.Souaid 19+5reb+4ast, W.Bannister 17+4reb+9ast, K.Koudssi 11, A.Kanaan 10+5reb+2ast, R.Farraj 6+1reb+1ast
Byblos: C.Warner 36+13reb+3ast, A.Danridge 24+3reb+3ast, S.Moucharef 8+7reb+5ast, T.Aamar 8+7reb+3ast, A.Barada 7+3reb+4ast, R.Fares 0+2ast

Hoops - Sagesse 76-80
The most interesting game of Round 16 was a derby match between two local teams from Beirut: Sagesse (#4) and Hoops Club (#6). Hoops Club was defeated at home 76-80 and even the fact of playing on their own court did not help. Hoops Club was trailing by 10 points at halftime but managed to get 1-point lead after three quarters before a 26-21 charge of Sagesse, which allowed them to win the game. 32 personal fouls committed by Hoops Club helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. International guard Rony Fahed (186-81, agency: Pro Management Agency) fired 17 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. American center Darryl Watkins (211-84, college: Syracuse, agency: Priority Sports) chipped in 18 points and 6 rebounds. American guard Calvin Cage (183-84, college: Buffalo) produced 23 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists for lost side. Hoops Club's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Sagesse maintains fourth position with 8-6 record. Hoops Club at the other side keeps the sixth place with nine games lost. They share the position with Antranik. Sagesse will meet Chabab in the next round. Hoops Club's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Beirut Al Riyadi.
Top scorers:
Sagesse: D.Watkins 18+6reb, R.Fahed 17+6reb+5ast, S.Khoury 16+4reb+4ast, G.Rida 13+3reb, G.Thompson 9+10reb+4ast, F.Abou El Mona 2+2ast
Hoops: C.Cage 23+7reb+6ast, W.Byrd 22+9reb+2ast, A.Eid 17+4reb+4ast, B.Soaid 5+3reb+1ast, M.Hamdar 4+4reb, R.Bou Dagher 2+3reb+1ast

Stats Leaders - Men

Points Per Game

Fadi EL KHATIB
  Champville
  (199-F-79)
  Avg: 28.7

1. El Khatib, Champville	28.7
2. Warner, Byblos	24.2
3. Cage, Hoops	22.6
4. Shannon, Anibal	21.3
5. Abed El Nour, Al Ri.	21.0
6. Zachery, Antranik	20.7
7. Youngblood, Champ.	20.6
8. Byrd, Hoops	20.4
9. Battles, Antranik	20.1
10. Dawson, Chabab	20.0

Rebounds Per Game

Loren WOODS
  Al Riyadi
  (218-C-78)
  Avg: 15.3

1. Woods, Al Riyadi	15.3
2. Dawson, Chabab	12.8
3. Thompson, Sagesse	12.4
4. Warner, Byblos	12.3
5. Shannon, Anibal	11.6
6. Watkins, Sagesse	11.6
7. Byrd, Hoops	11.1
8. Payne, Moutahed	11.0
9. Battles, Antranik	10.8
10. Allen, Champville	10.7

Assists Per Game

Brandon MASON
  Byblos
  (194-G/F-81)
  Avg: 7.8

1. Mason, Byblos	7.8
2. Johnson, Moutahed	6.8
3. Akl, Anibal	6.3
4. Mahmoud, Al Riyadi	5.9
5. Clemons, Chabab	4.6
6. Fahed, Sagesse	4.3
7. El Khatib, Champville	3.8
8. Roustom, Moutahed	3.6
9. Khoury, Sagesse	3.4
10. Barada, Byblos	3.4

Steals Per Game

Enique CLEMONS
  Chabab
  (180-G-80)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Clemons, Chabab	3.3
2. Youngblood, Champ.	2.6
3. Mason, Byblos	2.4
4. Byrd, Hoops	2.4
5. Roustom, Moutahed	2.4
6. Mahmoud, Al Riyadi	2.3
7. Lakiss, Chabab	1.9
8. Moucharef, Byblos	1.9
9. Johnson, Moutahed	1.9
10. Khoury, Sagesse	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Rammel ALLEN
  Pioneros
  (210-C-79)
  Avg: 3.7

1. Allen, Champville	3.7
2. Woods, Al Riyadi	2.4
3. Watkins, Sagesse	2.1
4. Thompson, Sagesse	1.8
5. Byrd, Hoops	1.4
6. Hamdar, Hoops	1.4
7. Kanaan, Antranik	1.3
8. Payne, Moutahed	1.2
9. Shannon, Anibal	1.2
10. Warner, Byblos	1.2

Derby Zahle #2: Anibal wins again... - by Rabih Khoury
The second derby of the season in Zahle ended again for Anibal by a score of 94-83 Chabab after an overtime. Anibal were playing with 3 sick players, Terrence Shannon (203-F-79, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Elgin CC), Roy Samaha (205-F/C-84, agency: Pro Management Agency) and Alain Andraous. The game was close from the very first minute, and Chabab got the lead for sometime, but in the 4th quarter Toni Vujanic 's guys controlled the game again after being down by 5 at the end of the 3rd. A very remarkable performance by the two locals Jihad El-Murr (196-F-85) and Rodrigue Akl (190-G-88, agency: Pro Management Agency) secured the game in the overtime. Also to not the great performance of Alpha Bangura (197-F/G-80, college: St.John's) and Terrence Shannon even with the sickness. Fron Chabab part, Marc Dawson (206-F/C-83, college: Long Beach St.) had a huge game, in addition to Enique Clemons and with a small help of Elias Mutran.
30 seconds before the end of the game, Chabab fans attacked Anibal players and throw bottles of water and empty Garbage cans on the court after seeing their team loosing by 10pts. Also to note that Chabab needs to win their last 2 games against Sagesse and Hoops in order to survive and enter the final 8.

Stats:
Chabab:
-Marc Dawson 34Pts, 15Rbs, 2Ass (16/22 FG + 2/7 FT) (Added 3 Steals, 2 Blocks and 5 TO) in 45 min
-Ricky Clemons 22Pts, 3Rbs, 3Ass (8/19 FG + 3/12 3's + 3/4 FT) (Added 3 TO) in 43 min
...-Elie Motran 10Pts, 3Rbs, 2Ass (4/7 FG + 2/4 3's) in 28 min
-Hassan Lakkis 9Pts, 6Rbs, 3Ass (4/12 FG + 1/8 3's + 0/2 FT) in 41 min
-Raymond Dagher 6Pts, 3Rbs (2/6 FG + 2/6 3's) in 30 min
-Yasser Kassem 4Pts, 2Rbs, 1Ass (1/1 FG + 2/2 FT) in 14 min

Anibal:
-Alpha Bangoura 28Pts, 7Rbs, 5Ass (9/25 FG + 1/5 3's + 9/11 FT) (Added 6 Steals + 2 TO) in 45 min
-Jihad Murr 24Pts, 6Rbs, 1Ass (8/18 FG + 6/11 3's + 2/2 FT) (Added 4 TO) in 40 min
-Terrence Shanon 16Pts, 15Rbs, 1Ass (3/11 FG + 1/3 3's + 9/10 FT) (Added 7 TO) in 44 min
- Rodrigue Akl 15Pts, 5Rbs, 10Ass (5/10 FG + 3/7 3's + 2/4 FT) (Added 2 TO) in 45 min
-Roy Samaha 6Pts, 8Rbs (3/5 FG + 0/2 FT) in 23 min
-Charles Tabet 3Pts, 7Rbs (1/3 FG + 1/2 FT) (Added 3 TO) in 22 min

Best players of Lebanese Div.A round 16 - by Eurobasket News
Experienced American Loren Woods (218-C-78) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's second-best Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut and that's him to receive a Asia-basket.com Player of the Week award for round 16.
The 32-year old center had a double-double of 17 points and thirteen rebounds, while his team outclassed Moutahed (#3, 9-5) with 28-point margin 104-76. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. Al Riyadi maintains the 2nd position in Lebanese Div.A. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Al Riyadi will need more victories to improve their 11-3 record. In the team's last game Woods had a remarkable 75.0% from 2-point range. He turned to be Al Riyadi's top player in his first season with the team. University of Arizona graduate has very impressive stats this year. Woods leads league in rebounds with 15.3rpg. Woods is in league's top in and averages solid 2.4bpg and 59.8% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 27-year old American power forward Marc Dawson (206-F/C-83) of Chabab - Zahle. Dawson impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 34 points and 15 rebounds. Bad luck as Chabab lost that overtime game 85-94 to the higher-ranked Anibal (#5, 8-7). Chabab are still at the very bottom. 12 lost games are too many comparing to just two victories Chabab managed to get this year. Dawson is a newcomer at Chabab and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders.

The third best performed player last round was American forward Calvin Warner (201-F-80) of Byblos (#8). Warner got into 30-points club by scoring 36 points in the last round. He went also for thirteen rebounds . Despite Warner's great performance Byblos lost 83-92 to slightly higher-ranked Antranik (#7, 5-9). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. Byblos can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have rather bad season and 3-12 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Warner he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Warner has individually a great season in Lebanon. After 15 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 24.2ppg (2nd best) and rebounds with 12.3rpg (4th best). He also has 1.2bpg and FGP: 54.2%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Alpha Bangura (197-F/G-80) of Anibal - 28 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists
5. Rodrigue Akl (190-G-88) of Anibal - 15 points, 5 rebounds and 10 assists
6. William Byrd (201-G/F-85) of Hoops - 22 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Darryl Watkins (211-C-84) of Sagesse - 18 points and 6 rebounds
8. Nadim Souaid (192-F-86) of Antranik - 19 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists
9. Rony Fahed (186-G-81) of Sagesse - 17 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

Standings - Division A

Div.A Standings

1. Champville		13-1
2. Al Riyadi		11-3
3. Moutahed		9-5
4. Sagesse		8-6
5. Anibal		8-7
6. Hoops		5-9
7. Antranik		5-9
8. Byblos		3-12
9. Chabab		2-12

Hoops vs Sagesse...Referees spoil the beautiful game.... - by Rabih Khoury
Hoops home team welcomed Sagesse in a very exciting game where the guests were leading in the first 20 minutes 36-26 at halftime. in the second part of the game, Hoops players were back and made a lead up to 10 points before loosing the game 80-76 at the end after having 3 Hoops players with 5 fouls where imports Calvin Cage and William Byrd where 2 of them. The game had big referees mistakes and was not controlled as basketball fans wished. Greek Referee Stelios Koukoulekidis gave 5 technical fouls in the game, while Lebanese referees Ziad Tannous and Marwan Ego where just there to watch the game without interfering too much with the foreign referee calls... William Byrd got fouled out with 5 minutes to play where Hoops were leading by 6pts, and nobody on court saw a foul except the referee.
BIG BIG MISTAKES... AND AFTER THAT WHAT WE WILL ACHEIVE ??? I WROTE ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE 2 WEEKS AGO... AND YESTERDAY'S GAME PROVED AGAIN THAT WHAT I WROTE WAS VERY TRUE.... ANOTHER BIG DEMAND FOR THE LEBANESE FEDERATION: PLEASE IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THE REFEREES... AWESOME LEAGUE..TERRIBLE REFEREES...

Some Stats:
Calvin Cage was the ebst scorer with 23 points and 7 rebounds and 6 assists, William Byrd had 22 points and 9 rebounds. From Sagesse Club Darryl Watkins

(211-C-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Syracuse) scored 18 points and 6 rebounds, while Rony Fahd scored 17 points and 5 assists. Also Hoops player Amir Eid scored 17 points and 4 assists.

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

LITHUANIA

Points Per Game

Aurimas KIEZA
  Juventus
  (202-F-82)
  Avg: 19.3

1. Kieza, Juventus	19.3
2. Ruikis, Neptunas	18.8
3. Alijevas, Nevezis	18.1
4. Viskontas, Perlas	17.4
5. Volkus, Techasas	17.3
6. Juskevicius, Rudupis	16.4
7. Dimsa, Nevezis	16.3
8. Dilys, Naglis-Adakris	16.2
9. Bajramovic, Lietuv.	15.1
10. Gvezdauskas, Siauliai	14.6

Rebounds Per Game

Aurimas KIEZA
  Juventus
  (202-F-82)
  Avg: 12.4

1. Kieza, Juventus	12.4
2. Sarakauskas, Siauliai	10.4
3. Valanciunas, Lietuv.	9.2
4. Dimsa, Nevezis	7.6
5. Zelionis, Rudupis	7.5
6. Mikalauskas, Naglis.	7.4
7. Jankunas, Zalgiris	7.3
8. Silinskis, Techasas	7.1
9. Vasylius, Neptunas	6.9
10. Valukonis, Techasas	6.6

Assists Per Game

Rolandas ALIJEVAS
  Nevezis
  (192-G-85)
  Avg: 5.9

1. Alijevas, Nevezis	5.9
2. Rinkevicius, Techasas	5.5
3. Juskevicius, Rudupis	5.5
4. Collins, Zalgiris	5.4
5. Dainys, Rudupis	4.8
6. El-Amin, Lietuvos.	4.6
7. Viskontas, Perlas	4.5
8. Kalnietis, Zalgiris	4.3
9. Ezerskis, Techasas	4.2
10. Janavicius, Siauliai	4.1

Steals Per Game

Valdas VASYLIUS
  Neptunas
  (203-F-83)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Vasylius, Neptunas	2.4
2. Rinkevicius, Techasas	2.3
3. Juskevicius, Rudupis	2.2
4. Viskontas, Perlas	2.2
5. Razutis, Naglis-A.	2.1
6. El-Amin, Lietuvos.	2.0
7. Valukonis, Techasas	2.0
8. Ruikis, Neptunas	2.0
9. Alijevas, Nevezis	2.0
10. Prekevicius, Juven.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Darius SILINSKIS
  Techasas
  (216-C-84)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Silinskis, Techasas	2.6
2. Begic, Zalgiris	2.4
3. Valanciunas, Lietuv.	2.1
4. Cresnar, Nevezis	1.6
5. Cepukaitis, Juven.	1.5
6. Volkus, Techasas	1.3
7. Galdikas, Neptunas	1.1
8. Zelionis, Rudupis	1.0
9. Klimavicius, Zalgiris	1.0
10. Kieza, Juventus	0.9

Standings - LKL

LKL Standings

1. Zalgiris		10-0
2. Rudupis		9-2
3. Lietuvos Rytas		8-1
4. Techasas		6-4
5. Juventus		6-5
6. Siauliai		5-4
7. Nevezis		5-5
8. Neptunas		4-6
9. Naglis-Adakris		4-6
10. Aiscai Kaunas		4-8
11. Sakalai		3-8
12. Perlas		3-8
13. Alytus Alita		0-10

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

MEXICO

LNBP Round 35: Soles defeat leader Pioneros - by Eurobasket News
There will be only one (last) round of the Regular Season in LNBP.

The most surprising game in Round 35 was a loss of top-ranked Pioneros (26-9) in Cancun on Monday night. Hosts were edged by tenth ranked Soles (20-15) 96-93. American-Spanish forward Devin Davis (202-74, college: Miami (OH)) orchestrated the victory by scoring 27 points and 5 rebounds. American forward Terrance Thomas (198-80, college: Baylor) contributed with 13 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. American center Rammel Allen (210-79, college: Bridgeport) answered with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 12 rebounds for Pioneros. Pioneros' coach Alberto Espasandin rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Soles has a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain tenth place with 20-15 record. Pioneros at the other side still keep top position with nine games lost. They share it with Fuerza Regia and Halc.Xalapa. Soles are looking forward to face bottom-ranked Volcanes (#18) in Toluca in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Pioneros will play at home against Potros (#11) in Ciudad Obregon and are hoping to win this game.
Very important is a home loss of second ranked Halcones UV Xalapa (26-9) against fifth ranked Halcones Rojos (24-11) on Monday night. Host Halcones UV Xalapa was defeated by fifth ranked Halcones Rojos (24-11) in Xalapa 98-87. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Halcones UV Xalapa. It was a great evening for Puerto Rican guard Carlos Rivera (187-83, college: Hofstra, agency: Paris Global Sports) who led his team to a victory scoring 23 points and 5 rebounds. Jaime Lloreda helped adding 20 points and 6 rebounds. American power forward Robert Traylor (204-77, college: Michigan) responded with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Halcones UV Xalapa's coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Halcones Rojos has a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain fifth place with 24-11 record. Halcones UV Xalapa at the other side still keeps top position with nine games lost. They share it with Fuerza Regia and Pioneros. Halcones UV Xalapa will play again on the road against Halcones Rojos in Veracruz and hopes to get back on the winning track.
The game in Tampico was quite interesting. Eighth ranked Huracanes (21-14) played at the court of 6th ranked Angeles (23-12). Huracanes defeated Angeles 86-70 on Monday. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Angeles. It was an exceptional evening for Robert Hornsby who led the winners and scored 23 points and 6 assists. Huracanes' coach used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Axiers Sucre came up with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 10 rebounds for Angeles in the defeat. Huracanes maintains eighth place with 21-14 record, which they share with Lechugueros. Loser Angeles keep the sixth position with 12 games lost. Huracanes will meet at home Titanes (#16) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Angeles will play against Ola Verde (#12) in Poza Rica and hope to secure a win.
The game between fourth ranked Toros (25-10) and 14th ranked Abejas (12-22) in Nuevo Laredo ended with biggest points difference. Toros outscored guests from Guanajuato 122-84. The best player for the winners was Anthony Rougeau who scored 24 points and 6 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field). Toros' coach Jose Martinez felt very confident that he used 10 players and allowed the starting five to rest. Toros has a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain fourth place with 25-10 record. Abejas at the other side keep the fourteenth position with 22 games lost. Toros' next round opponent will be Lechugueros (#8) in Leon. Abejas will play on the road against Fuerza Regia (#3) in Monterrey.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 35: Lechugueros were beaten by Fuerza Regia on the road 91-80. Panteras lost to Lobos Grises on its own court 79-96. Potros outscored Volcanes in Ciudad Obregon 97-63.
The most impressive performance of 35th round was 36 points (!!!), 5 rebounds and 5 assists by Larry Morinia of Volcanes.

Fuerza Regia - Lechugueros 91-80
No shocking result in a game when third ranked Fuerza Regia (26-9) beat 7th ranked Lechugueros (21-14) in Monterrey 91-80. The game was mostly controlled by Fuerza Regia. Lechugueros managed to win third quarter 22-14. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Fuerza Regia players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. The best player for the winners was American forward Jeremis Smith (203-86, college: Georgia Tech) who had a double-double by scoring 18 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Bahamas forward Mitchell Johnson (196-85, college: Jarvis Christian) chipped in 11 points, 6 assists and 4 steals. Five Fuerza Regia players scored in double figures. Fuerza Regia's coach Reginald Jordan allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Jamaican guard Ricky Johns (193-85, college: Utah) produced 28 points and Bahamas power forward Ryan Moss (200-74, college: UALR) added 20 points and 7 rebounds respectively for the guests. Fuerza Regia have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Halc.Xalapa and Pioneros. Lechugueros at the other side dropped to the eighth place with 14 games lost. Fuerza Regia's next round opponent will be Abejas (#14) in Guanajuato which should be an easy win for them. Lechugueros will play on the road against Toros (#4) in Nuevo Laredo.
Top scorers:
Fuerza Regia: J.Smith 18+10reb+6ast, S.Bowie 15+2ast, J.Habel 14+4reb+1ast, A.Izaguirre 13+3reb+1ast, A.Joseph Tyronzic 11+2reb+1ast, M.Johnson 11+4reb+6ast
Lechugueros: R.Johns 28+4reb+2ast, M.Smith 20+6reb+1ast, R.Moss 20+7reb+2ast, M.Jackson 6+10reb+2ast, J.Jenkins 4+10reb+5ast, A.Sanchez 2+4reb

Panteras - Lobos Grises 79-96
Very expected game when 13th ranked Panteras (13-20) lost to eighth ranked Lobos Grises (22-14) in Aguascalientes 79-96. Lobos Grises moved-up to seventh place. Panteras lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth position with 20 games lost. Lobos Grises' next round opponent will be Jaguares (#17) in Nayarit and are hoping to win another game. Panteras will play at home against Algodoneros (#15) in la Comarca and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Halc.Xalapa - Halc.Rojos 87-98
Very important is a home loss of second ranked Halcones UV Xalapa (26-9) against fifth ranked Halcones Rojos (24-11) on Monday night. Host Halcones UV Xalapa was defeated by fifth ranked Halcones Rojos (24-11) in Xalapa 98-87. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Halcones UV Xalapa. The game was mostly controlled by Halcones Rojos. Halcones UV Xalapa managed to win fourth quarter 27-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. It was a great shooting night for Halcones Rojos especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 55.0 percentage. It was a great evening for Puerto Rican guard Carlos Rivera (187-83, college: Hofstra, agency: Paris Global Sports) who led his team to a victory scoring 23 points and 5 rebounds. Panamanian power forward Jaime Lloreda (201-80, college: LSU) helped adding 20 points and 6 rebounds. American power forward Robert Traylor (204-77, college: Michigan) responded with 17 points and 9 rebounds and Italian-Uruguayan guard Leandro Garcia Morales (186-80, college: Texas A&M, agency: Interperformances) scored 18 points and 5 rebounds. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Halcones UV Xalapa's coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Halcones Rojos has a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain fifth place with 24-11 record. Halcones UV Xalapa at the other side still keeps top position with nine games lost. They share it with Fuerza Regia and Pioneros. Halcones UV Xalapa will play again on the road against Halcones Rojos in Veracruz and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Halc.Rojos: C.Rivera 23+5reb+2ast, J.Lloreda 20+6reb+3ast, P.Stoll 18+2reb+5ast, L.Hill 12+3reb+2ast, B.Robinson 11+7reb+2ast, A.Solares 5
Halc.Xalapa: L.Garcia Morales 18+5reb+2ast, R.Traylor 17+9reb, V.Mariscal 15+1reb+2ast, J.Harris 14+3reb+6ast, O.Mendez-Valdez 10+2reb+3ast, A.Parada 7+3reb

Huracanes - Angeles 86-70
The game in Tampico was quite interesting. Eighth ranked Huracanes (21-14) played at the court of 6th ranked Angeles (23-12). Huracanes defeated Angeles 86-70 on Monday. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Angeles. The game was mostly controlled by Huracanes. Angeles managed to win second period 23-22. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Strangely Angeles outrebounded Huracanes 32-18. It was an exceptional evening for American power forward Robert Hornsby (196-82, college: Troy) who led the winners and scored 23 points and 6 assists. The former international guard Omar Quintero (183-81, college: S.Nazarene) accounted for 16 points and 5 assists for the winning side. Huracanes' coach used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Venezuelan forward Axiers Sucre (198-78) came up with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 10 rebounds and American-Venezuelan forward Jermaine Walker (198-77, college: Miami (FL)) added 18 points respectively for Angeles in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Huracanes maintains eighth place with 21-14 record, which they share with Lechugueros. Loser Angeles keep the sixth position with 12 games lost. Huracanes will meet at home Titanes (#16) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Angeles will play against Ola Verde (#12) in Poza Rica and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Huracanes: R.Hornsby 23+2reb+6ast, O.Quintero 16+2reb+5ast, T.Bobbitt 14+1reb+3ast, A.Hunter 13+1reb+2ast, A.Wilder 11+3reb, A.Fuqua 6+6reb+2ast
Angeles: J.Walker 18+2reb+1ast, A.Sucre 12+10reb, D.Guevara 12+1reb+2ast, C.Withers 11+9reb, G.Vargas 9+3reb+4ast, C.Morris 4

Volcanes - Potros 63-97
Very predictable result when twelfth ranked Potros (17-18) rolled over bottom-ranked Volcanes (2-33) in Toluca 97-63. The game without a history. Potros led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 82 of its points in the paint compared to Volcanes' 30. Potros players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by Volcanes' players. The best player for the winners was American forward Sammy Monroe (198-85, college: Newberry, agency: Prossin Sports Management) who scored 19 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists. British V.Islands center Kleon Penn (211-86, college: McNeese St., agency: Paris Global Sports) chipped in 15 points and 7 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field). Monroe is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top summer league for players who want to play basketball overseas. Five Potros players scored in double figures. Potros' coach felt very confident that he used 10 players and allowed the starting five to rest. American guard Larry Morinia (180-80, college: Montana St., agency: ProSportsCareers) produced 36 points (!!!), 5 rebounds and 5 assists and American-Barbados swingman Malcolm Connor (198-80, college: W.New Mexico) added 8 points and 9 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Potros moved-up to eleventh place. Volcanes lost sixth consecutive game. Newly promoted team dropped to the bottom. Potros' next round opponent will be league's leader Pioneros in Cancun and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Volcanes will play at home against Soles (#10) in Mexicali.
Top scorers:
Potros: J.Thomas 20+2reb, S.Monroe 19+9reb+7ast, K.Penn 15+7reb, G.James 12+6reb+3ast, M.Valenzuela 10+3reb, H.Carrillo 6+2reb+3ast
Volcanes: L.Morinia 36+5reb+5ast, M.Connor 8+9reb, C.Roland 7+6reb, A.Velarde 7+2ast, S.Torres 5+4reb, F.Zimbron 0

Pioneros - Soles 93-96
The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Pioneros (26-9) in Cancun on Monday night. Hosts were edged by tenth ranked Soles (20-15) 96-93. American-Spanish forward Devin Davis (202-74, college: Miami (OH)) orchestrated the victory by scoring 27 points and 5 rebounds. American forward Terrance Thomas (198-80, college: Baylor) contributed with 13 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. American center Rammel Allen (210-79, college: Bridgeport) answered with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 12 rebounds and the other American import forward Nathan Brumfield (196-86, college: Oklahoma Baptist) added 22 points in the effort for Pioneros. Five Pioneros players scored in double figures. Pioneros' coach Alberto Espasandin rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Soles has a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain tenth place with 20-15 record. Pioneros at the other side still keep top position with nine games lost. They share it with Fuerza Regia and Halc.Xalapa. Soles are looking forward to face bottom-ranked Volcanes (#18) in Toluca in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Pioneros will play at home against Potros (#11) in Ciudad Obregon and are hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Soles: D.Davis 27+5reb+2ast, H.Hernandez 14+2reb+1ast, T.Thomas 13+8reb+2ast, A.Pedroza 12+2reb+1ast, V.Esquer 9+1reb+1ast, O.Lopez 9+6reb+1ast
Pioneros: N.Brumfield 22+2reb, R.Allen 19+12reb+3ast, S.Soriano 12+5reb, G.Grays 12+4reb+1ast, J.Dominguez 11, K.Young 7+2reb+1ast

Toros - Abejas 122-84
The game between fourth ranked Toros (25-10) and 14th ranked Abejas (12-22) in Nuevo Laredo ended with biggest points difference. Toros outscored guests from Guanajuato 122-84. The game was mostly controlled by Toros. Abejas managed to win fourth quarter 33-23. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Abejas' 48. Toros outrebounded Abejas 50-29 including a 34-22 advantage in defensive rebounds. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 28 assists comparing to just 5 passes made by Abejas' players. The best player for the winners was American guard Anthony Rougeau (198-86, college: UNLV) who scored 24 points and 6 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field). His fellow American import swingman Joseph Hutchingson (196, college: Lincoln (MO)) chipped in 19 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Toros' coach Jose Martinez felt very confident that he used 10 players and allowed the starting five to rest. Guard Elijah Flores produced a double-double by scoring 18 points and 11 rebounds and American guard Jonathan Maxwell (191-82) added 20 points respectively for the guests. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Toros has a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain fourth place with 25-10 record. Abejas at the other side keep the fourteenth position with 22 games lost. Toros' next round opponent will be Lechugueros (#8) in Leon. Abejas will play on the road against Fuerza Regia (#3) in Monterrey.
Top scorers:
Toros: A.Rougeau 24+6reb+2ast, E.Vasquez 21+3reb+1ast, A.Henning 21+3reb+1ast, J.Hutchingson 19+6reb+4ast, B.Assie 14+7reb+4ast, Q.Joseph 11+12reb+3ast
Abejas: J.Maxwell 20+3reb+1ast, E.Flores 18+11reb, D.Ojo 14+4reb+1ast, D.Bunton 13+4reb+2ast, R.Elicerio 12+2reb, I.Anibal Rivera Solis 5+2reb

Smith's double-double lands him LNBP Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
24-year old forward Jeremis Smith (203-F-86) put on an amazing game in the last round for Fuerza Regia Monterrey and receives a Latinbasket.com LNBP Player of the Week award for round 35.
He had a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds, while his team beat Lechugueros (#8, 21-14) 91-80. Smith turned to be Fuerza Regia's top player in his first season with the team. Georgia Tech graduate has very impressive stats this year. Smith is in league's top in points (3rd best: 18.0ppg), rebounds (7th best: 9.5rpg) and averages solid 57.2% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Larry Morinia (180-G-80, agency: ProSportsCareers) of Volcanes de Toluca. He is American guard in his first season at Volcanes. In the last game Morinia recorded impressive 36 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Bad luck as Volcanes lost that game 63-97 to the higher-ranked Potros (#11, 17-18). The game was between two teams which are definitely not main contenders for the title. Volcanes dropped in the standings to very bottom position. 33 lost games are too many comparing to just two victories Volcanes managed to get this year. Morinia is a newcomer at Volcanes and quickly became one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 21.2ppg (#4). He also recorded 3.4 assists per game. Former Montana State University star Morinia is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Devin Davis (202-F-74) of Soles de Mexicali (#10). Davis scored 27 points and grabbed five rebounds. He was a key player of Soles, leading his team to a 96-93 win against the higher-ranked Pioneros (#1, 26-9). Soles needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 20 victories and 15 lost games. Davis has a very solid season. In 9 games in Mexico he scored 11.8ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Anthony Rougeau (198-G-86) of Toros - 24 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Rammel Allen (210-C-79) of Pioneros - 19 points, 12 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Sammy Monroe (198-F-85) of Potros - 19 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists
7. Jaime Lloreda (201-F/C-80) of Halc.Rojos - 20 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Ryan Moss (200-F/C-74) of Lechugueros - 20 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Carlos Rivera (187-G-83) of Halc.Rojos - 23 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Joseph Hutchingson (196-G/F) of Toros - 19 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

Standings - LNBP

LNBP Standings

1. Pioneros		26-9
2. Halc.Xalapa		26-9
3. Fuerza Regia		26-9
4. Toros		25-10
5. Halc.Rojos		24-11
6. Angeles		23-12
7. Lobos Grises		22-14
8. Lechugueros		21-14
9. Huracanes		21-14
10. Soles		20-15
11. Potros		17-18
12. Ola Verde		15-15
13. Panteras		13-20
14. Abejas		12-22
15. Algodoneros		8-17
16. Titanes		8-26
17. Jaguares		2-30
18. Volcanes		2-33

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

MONTENEGRO

MNE1B - 10 Round : Univ. Mediterranean win in derby game - by Dragan Scepanovic
Mediterranean University - Student Center 89:70 (20:12, 18:24, 19:20, 32:11)
Hall: 'Rex'. Spectators: around 50 Judges: George Kicovic (Bar), Mirko Muhadinovic (Cetinje) and Ivan Kostic (Ulcinj).
UNIVERSITY OF THE MEDITERRANEAN: Djordje Obradovic (187-G-82) 23, Milutinovic 14, Scepanovic 17, Adzic, Rajovic 5, Vujacic 2, Miranovic, Danilo Vojvodic (202-F/C-83) 19, Knezevic 7, Vujisic , Spasoje Palameta 2, Femic - Coach Zdenko Grbavcevic
STUDENT CENTER: Bulatovic 3, Lazovic, Djuranovic, Markovic, Erakovic, Gojsina 6, Jovovic, Ranko Stevovic (200-F-80) 14, Pavicevic 3, Nicaj 15, Fatic 15, Djesina 14
Led by a cheerful Djordje Djordje Obradovic, who was next to an efficient game successfully razigravao his teammates, players of the University Med School in Derby beat city rivals Student Center. The winner is decided in the last period, which were brilliantly played by domestic and eventually came to convincing victories.

Kotor - Ibar 84:85 (30:24, 23:14, 12:19, 19:28)
Hall: PS Njegos 'in Kotor. Spectators: about 100 judges in Milan Cirovic (Bar), Predrag Boskovic (Podgorica) and Suzana Vujicic (H. Novi).
KOTOR: Gojkovic 7, A. Crepulja 4, Dzudovic 1, Pavicevic 16, Vlacic, Ljeskovica, Sekulic, Jeknic 32, Vasic 24, P. Crepulja.
IBAR: Micovic, Kalic 7, Kosuta 30 , Culjkovic 15, Mijovic, Nurkovic 14, Grbovic 19, Zejnelovic.

Rudar - Centre 76:57 (15:13, 23:16, 27:19, 11:9)
Hall: 'Ada'. Spectators: around 200 Referees: Boris Raicevic, Emir Kajevic (Bijelo Polje) and Branko Scekic (Berane).
RUDAR: Cacic, Bajrovic, Kartal 20, Gospic 3, Starovlah, Lacmanovic, Borijan Dzogaz (204-C-80) 16, Danilovic, Borko Brkovic (204-F-81) 21, Markovic 16, Beljka, Mijatovic.
CENTER: R. Radovic 14, Konatar, N. Radovic 4, Mulabegovic, Fisika 7, Korak 5, Nedovic, Vojinovic, Femic 19, Sekularac 4, Joksimovic, Knezevic 4

Podgorica - Lim 78:55 (19:22, 17:16, 23:8, 19:9)
Hall: 'T-Mobajl. Spectators: about 100 Judges: Mihailo Krivokapic, Vladan Turcinovic (Cetinje) and Caroline Radinovic (Podgorica).
PODGORICA: Nisic 2, Drobnjak 4, Mumin 3, Vusovic 16, Djurovic 4, Bardak, Pajovic 12, Perovic 20, Ljeskovic 1, Stamatovic, Milickovic 3, Ljubenkovic 13
LIM: Vujosevic 3, 6 Markovic, Damjanovic, Tomovic 17, Jovanovic 13, Scekic 15, Obradovic , Dedovic, Veljic, Pesic

Bonus - Novljanin 70:80 (16:18, 24:18, 20:17, 10:27)
Niksic.Sports Centre. Spectators: around 200 Judges: Dejan Sanjevic, Mladen Nikolic and Vladimir Laban (Podgorica).
BONUS: Djokovic, Kasalica 8, Cvorovic, Miljanic, Mijatovic 5, Djurkovic, Zarko Dragicevic (188-G-81) 20, Zarubica 2, Asanin 19, Jovanovic, Pavic 10, Perovic 6
Novljanin: Popovic 7, Dusan Sucevic (204-F-61), Dzelatovic, Rajevic 15, Bjelica , Zambelic 19, Micunovic, Subasic 8, Zoran Sucevic (205-C-83) 31

Standings - 1A

1A Standings

1. Ulcijn		9-1
2. Lovcen		8-2
3. Mornar Bar		7-3
4. Teodo Tivat		6-4
5. Jedinstvo		6-4
6. ABS Primorje		4-6
7. Ljubovic		3-7
8. Gorstak		2-7
9. Mogren		2-7
10. Danilovgrad		2-8
Play in international cups:
1. Buducnost		-

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

NAIA

XU's Harvey receives GCAC Player of the Week honor - by Emiliano
Xavier (LA)'s Michael Harvey (6'3''-G), who scored a game-high 20 points in a 72-58 men's basketball victory at Southern, is the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Player of the Week for Dec. 20-26.
Harvey, a 6-foot-3 senior guard from Amite, La., and a graduate of Amite High School, scored 10 points in each half against Southern to lead the Gold Rush to its first regular-season victory since 2000 against an NCAA Division I opponent. Harvey was 8-of-12 from the floor and made a career-high-tying four 3-pointers in 25 minutes.
Through 12 games this season, Harvey ranks third on the Gold Rush with a 9.3 scoring average and leads the team with 19 made 3-pointers. Harvey is shooting 51 percent from the floor and a team-best 43 percent from 3-point range.
Xavier, 12-0 for the first time since 1983-84 and ranked ninth in NAIA Division I, will play Webber International (5-4) at 4 p.m. EST Wednesday in the Miami Gardens (Fla.) Classic at St. Thomas University.

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

NBA

Points Per Game

Kevin DURANT
  Oklah.City T.
  (206-G/F-88)
  Avg: 28.1

1. Durant, Oklah.Ci.	28.1
2. Stoudemire, New Y.	26.3
3. Ellis, Golde S.	25.5
4. Bryant, LA Lakers	25.1
5. Wade, Miami Heat	24.5
6. James, Miami Heat	24.4
7. Nowitzki, Dallas M.	24.1
8. Anthony, Denver N.	24.0
9. Rose, Chicago B.	24.0
10. Gordon, LA Clippers	23.9

Rebounds Per Game

Kevin LOVE
  Minnesota T.
  (208-C-88)
  Avg: 15.5

1. Love, Minnesota T.	15.5
2. Howard, Orlando M.	12.9
3. Randolph, Memph.	12.4
4. Griffin, LA Clipp.	12.4
5. Evans, Toronto R.	12.1
6. Noah, Chicago B.	11.7
7. Bogut, Milwauke.	11.6
8. Gasol, LA Lakers	11.0
9. Camby, Portland TB	10.9
10. Lee, Golde S.	10.1

Assists Per Game

Rajon RONDO
  Boston C.
  (186-G-86)
  Avg: 13.8

1. Rondo, Boston C.	13.8
2. Nash, Phoenix Suns	10.8
3. Paul, N.Orleans H.	9.8
4. Williams, Utah Jazz	9.5
5. Felton, New Y.	9.0
6. Kidd, Dallas M.	8.7
7. Wall, Washington W.	8.6
8. Rose, Chicago B.	8.5
9. Westbrook, Oklah..	8.1
10. Miller, Portland.	7.4

Steals Per Game

Chris PAUL
  N.Orleans H.
  (183-G-85)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Paul, N.Orleans H.	2.8
2. Ellis, Golde S.	2.4
3. Rondo, Boston C.	2.3
4. Westbrook, Oklah..	2.1
5. Lowry, Houston R.	2.0
6. Wall, Washington W.	2.0
7. Conley, Memphis G.	2.0
8. Felton, New Y.	1.9
9. Curry, Golde S.	1.9
10. Garnett, Boston C.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Andrew BOGUT
  Milwaukee B.
  (212-F/C-84)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Bogut, Milwauke.	2.8
2. McGee, Washingt.	2.5
3. Howard, Orlando M.	2.5
4. Milicic, Minnesota T.	2.5
5. Stoudemire, New Y.	2.2
6. Ibaka, Oklah.Ci.	2.2
7. Duncan, San A.	2.0
8. Gasol, LA Lakers	2.0
9. Smith, Atlanta H.	2.0
10. Hibbert, Indiana P.	1.9

Standings

NBA Standings

Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
1. Boston C.		24-6
2. New York K.		18-13
3. Philadelph.76		13-19
4. Toronto R.		11-20
5. New Jersey N.		9-23
Central Div.
1. Chicago B.		20-10
2. Indiana P.		13-17
3. Milwaukee B.		12-18
4. Detroit P.		11-21
5. Cleveland C.		8-24
Southeast Div.
1. Miami Heat		25-9
2. Atlanta H.		21-13
3. Orlando M.		20-12
4. Charlotte B.		11-19
5. Washington W.		8-22
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
1. Oklah.City T.		22-11
2. Utah Jazz		21-10
3. Denver N.		18-13
4. Portland TB		16-16
5. Minnesota T.		8-25
Pacific Div.
1. LA Lakers		22-10
2. Phoenix Suns		13-17
3. Golde State W.		12-19
4. LA Clippers		10-22
5. Sacramento K.		6-23
Southwest Div.
1. San Antonio S.		27-4
2. Dallas M.		24-6
3. N.Orleans H.		18-14
4. Houston R.		15-16
5. Memphis G.		14-18

Carmelo Anthony expected to return Thursday - by Eurobasket News
The Denver Nuggets say Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-F-84, college: Syracuse) will return to the team Thursday after missing four games to spend time with his family following his sisters death.

In a statement released through the team, Anthony said he appreciated the outpouring of love and support from his Denver family during this time. Anthonys sister Michelle Anthony died last week of a pre-existing medical condition in Baltimore. Her funeral was Monday.

Anthony didnt play Tuesday night against the Portland Trail Blazers. He is averaging 24 points and 8.3 rebounds, both team-highs.

Also, Nuggets forward Al Harrington is expected to sit out two games with a dislocated right thumb. He was injured in Sundays loss to Philadelphia.

Courtesy of Yahoo

Earl Boykins suspended for making contact with ref - by Eurobasket News
Milwaukee Bucks guard Earl Boykins (5'6''-G-76, college: E.Michigan) has been suspended one game without pay by the NBA for making intentional contact with a referee.

Boykins was issued a technical foul, but not ejected after bumping Brian Forte with 5.3 seconds left in the third quarter of the Bucks' 95-80 home loss to Atlanta on Monday.

Boykins missed the Bucks' game at Chicago on Tuesday. With the Bucks already missing starter Brandon Jennings with a broken foot, coach Scott Skiles said he would be forced to play John Salmons and Chris Douglas-Roberts at point guard.

'Earl apologized the very second it happened, then he apologized again. He apologized to Brian,' Skiles said. 'Again, the league knows Earl is not in any way a malicious character or anything like. But on the other hand, the league has rules that you can't cross and we understand that as well.'

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

Tuesday's games (7) review - by Eurobasket News
Cleveland C. - Orlando M. 95-110
Gilbert Arenas (6'3''-G-82, college: Arizona) scored 22 points, fellow newcomer Jason Richardson (6'6''-G-81, college: Michigan St.) added 20, and the Orlando Magic made a season-high 19 3-pointers in a 110-95 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night. Orlando won its fourth straight by breaking open a close game in the fourth quarter with leading scorer Dwight Howard on the bench. Howard went out with his fourth foul late in the third period and didn't play in the fourth as the Magic extended a one-point lead to 102-85 with 4:23 to play. The Cavaliers lost for the 14th time in 15 games and are 1-13 in December. The 3-pointers allowed was their season high. Orlando, which attempted 31 3-pointers, had six players in double figures. Richardson made five 3-pointers, while J.J. Redick had 14 points and made all three of his 3-point tries. Jameer Nelson added 13, while Howard and Earl Clark scored 12 points apiece. The Magic have made 10 or more 3-pointers 14 times this season and are 10-4 in those games. Antawn Jamison led Cleveland with 21 points while Daniel Gibson, who fouled out late in the game, scored 15. Anderson Varejao and Mo Williams added 14 apiece. All of Williams' points came in the first quarter. *Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Dallas M. - Toronto R. 76-84
Rookie Ed Davis (6'10''-F-89, college: N.Carolina) and the short-handed Toronto Raptors took advantage of the injury absence of All-Star Dirk Nowitzki to pull off one of the season's biggest upsets. Davis had a career-best 17 points and 12 rebounds, Linas Kleiza

(6'8''-F-85, college: Missouri) and Demar DeRozan (6'7''-F-89, college: USC) added 16 points apiece, and the Raptors beat the Dallas Mavericks 84-76 on Tuesday night. Nowitzki had an MRI exam earlier Tuesday that revealed a sprained right knee and the team said he was day to day. Nowitzki, seventh in the league with 24.1 points per game, was injured in the second quarter of Monday night's 103-93 victory at Oklahoma City. 'We've got to get used to playing without the big fella for a while,' said Mavericks center Tyson Chandler. 'We had a tough time adjusting. Our defense held them to 84, but offensively we had nothing.' Dallas went 31 for 75 from the floor, 5 for 22 from 3-point range. The Raptors remain without top scorer (Andrea Bargnani, 21.2 points), leading rebounder Reggie Evans (12.1), starter Sonny Weems and long-range shooter Peja Stojakovic. *Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

San Antonio S. - LA Lakers 97-82
Tim Duncan (6'10''-F-76, college: Wake Forest) and Manu Ginobili (6'6''-G-77, agency: Interperformances) were on the bench before the final horn, and not because of their bad shooting nights. That's how easy it was for the San Antonio Spurs. On the other end, Kobe Bryant was also out of the game early. That's how bad it's getting for the Los Angeles Lakers. Tony Parker scored 23 points and the Spurs, backing up their NBA-best record against the defending champions, beat a still-frustrated Bryant and the reeling Lakers 97-82 on Tuesday night. 'It's always great to beat the champion,' Ginobili said. The Spurs improved to 27-4, and if there are any doubts about that record being inflated, they can likely put those to rest this week. Next up is Dallas, one of the only teams to beat them this season, followed by games against Oklahoma City, New York and Boston. The Lakers, meanwhile, can't seem to beat anyone. It was another humiliation for the Lakers, who lost a week ago by 19 at home to lowly Milwaukee. That was followed by letting LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) and the Miami Heat leave the Staples Center with another easy victory on Christmas Day, in one of the highest-rated televised NBA games in recent years. Bryant railed on his team's lack of focus following the Heat loss, but had a more quiet disappointment after the Spurs became the third straight team to crush the Lakers. *Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Denver N. - Portland TB 95-77
Chauncey Billups (6'3''-G-76, college: Colorado) scored 18 points and the short-handed Denver Nuggets snapped a season-high, three-game losing streak by beating the Portland Trail Blazers 95-77 on Tuesday night. J.R. Smith (6'6''-G-85) and Nene added 17 points apiece for the Nuggets, who were without forward Carmelo Anthony for a fourth consecutive game following the death of his sister. The Nuggets, who next play at Minnesota on Wednesday, said in a statement that Anthony is expected to rejoin the team on Thursday. Anthony left the team to be with his family after the death last week of Michelle Anthony, 38. Her funeral was held on Monday. LaMarcus Aldridge had 18 points and 13 rebounds for the Trail Blazers, who lost their fifth straight at the Pepsi Center while being held to a season low in scoring by a Denver opponent. The previous low also was by Portland in an 86-83 victory over the Nuggets at the Rose Garden on Nov. 18. *Courtesy of www.katu.com

Indiana P. - Boston C. 83-95
Paul Pierce (6'7''-F-77, college: Kansas) scored 21 points and Ray Allen (6'6''-G-75, college: Connecticut) added 17 to help the Boston Celtics beat the Indiana Pacers 95-83 on Tuesday night. Boston point guard Rajon Rondo missed his fifth straight game with a sprained left ankle. The Celtics improved to 4-1 without him and maintained the best record in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics were coming off an 86-78 loss at Orlando on Christmas that ended a 14-game winning streak. Brandon Rush led the Pacers with 17 points. Danny Granger scored 15 points, but he shot 5 for 21 from the field. The Pacers had gotten off to a promising start this season, but they now have lost consecutive home games to Memphis and Boston. Indiana had already beaten the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami this season, but 26 percent shooting in the fourth quarter prevented the Pacers from notching another big-time win. *Courtesy of www.sfgate.com

Miami Heat - New York K. 106-98
No blowout this time for the Miami Heat. They can beat the Knicks with a grind-it-out finish, too. Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) scored 15 of his season-high 40 points in the fourth quarter, LeBron James and Chris Bosh each finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds, and the Heat held off a late comeback to beat New York 106-98 on Tuesday night, Miami's 15th win in its last 16 games overall and its seventh straight over the Knicks. Wade hit a step-back 3-pointer with less than 2 minutes left to stop one New York run, and James essentially sealed it by blowing past Danilo Gallinari for a layup and seven-point lead with 40 seconds remaining. 'My teammates did a great job, especially in the fourth, of looking for me,' said Wade, who scored 15 of Miami's 21 points in the last 8:30. 'Guys did a great job getting me the ball in my sweet spots and I was able to attack.' Zydrunas Ilgauskas scored 14 points and added 10 rebounds for the Heat, who won by 22 in New York on Dec. 17 and led this one by 22 as well - then held off a big challenge down the stretch. 'I told the guys, a 22-point lead against the Knicks is similar to a seven- or eight-point game against a normal team,' Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. 'They kept on coming ... and that's what they do.' Amare Stoudemire scored 30 points for the Knicks, who lost for the fourth time in their last six games. Wilson Chandler scored 21 for New York, which got 15 from Raymond Felton, 13 from Gallinari and 11 from Toney Douglas. *Courtesy of www.ktvu.com

Chicago B. - Milwaukee B. 90-77
Carlos Boozer (6'10''-F/C-80, college: Duke) and Derrick Rose (6'4''-G-88, college: Memphis) stuck to the simple game plan in the fourth quarter that helped make Boozer a star in Utah. Boozer had 24 points and nine rebounds, Luol Deng scored 24 points, and the Chicago Bulls beat the Milwaukee Bucks 90-77 on Tuesday night. Derrick Rose had 18 points, 12 assists and six assists for Chicago, who has won 11 of its last 13 games. Milwaukee was clogging up the lane for most the game, so the Bulls used the pick-and-roll to spread the floor in the fourth quarter. 'We just started to do the pick-and-roll, we stopped doing the rest of our stuff,' Boozer said. 'We mixed it up through the course of the game, we realized that we had a good matchup with D-Rose and I on the pick-and-roll and we just kept going to it.' Rose and Boozer are starting to jell after Boozer missed the first 15 games of the season with a broken hand. 'He is teaching me, he knows sometimes he doesn't need to set the pick or he can slip if I just drive at his man and his man stays with me I can just bounce pass and he has his left hand,' Rose said. 'Everything is coming to us, but we've got to continue to do it.' John Salmons scored 18 points for the Bucks, who shot a season-low 32.1 percent. *Courtesy of www.foxsportswisconsin.com

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

NCAA1

No. 5 Orange clip Providence in Big East opener - by Rick Ross
Curtesy of SI.COM
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) -- Rick Jackson had just been called for a technical after a
scuffle under the Providence basket and the Friars seemed poised to hand Syracuse its first loss of the season.

Scoop Jardine had other ideas.
After Marshon Brooks hit one of two free throws to move Providence within 51-47 with 13:31 left,
Jardine scored nine points to key an 11-2 run and No. 5 Syracuse held off
Providence 81-74 on Tuesday night in the Big East opener for both teams.

I just took what the defense gave me,' said Jardine, who scored 17 of his
21 points in the second half. 'Coach told us we'd be able to get in the lane with our penetration,
and that's what I tried to do.

Kris Joseph had a career-high 27 points, eclipsing the 25 he had in the previous
game against Drexel, and Brandon Triche finished with 15 points for the Orange (14-0).
Jackson had nine points, a career-high five assists, 17 rebounds and two blocks to
become the 10th player in program history to surpass 200.

Brooks finished with 27 points, his eighth straight game with at least 25,
Gerard Coleman had 12 points, Bilal Dixon had 11 points and nine rebounds,
and Vincent Council had 10 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists for Providence.

The game-changing run began when the Friars inbounded the ball after the technical.
Syracuse forced one of Providence's 10 turnovers, and that got the crowd energized.

Jardine started the spurt with a fast-break layup and a 3 from the left
wing and finished it with a pair of free throws to put the Orange up 62-49 with 9:39 to go.

They're a very knowledgeable crowd, so when they need to get on the officials,
or when they need to get their team going, or when they need to just fire them
up when they make a spectacular play, it's an amazing place to play,' Providence
coach Keno Davis said. 'I think the crowd was a big difference, and I credit our team for fighting back.
It looked like a stretch there where it could have been a 20- or 30-point game,
and all of a sudden we're right back into it.

The Friars (11-3) never got closer than four the remainder of the game,
but they made it tense.
Triche's 3 off a feed from Jardine boosted the lead to 16 at 9:11,
but Council and Brooks each hit 3s, and Coleman had another and converted
a three-point play as Providence closed to 68-63 at 4:54.

They didn't give up at all,' said Joseph, who had a career-high four 3-pointers.
They kept on fighting. We didn't think it was over when we got up
by 16 and they definitely kept fighting back. We have to fight back as well.
Brooks missed a wide-open 3 from the corner with
Syracuse leading 71-67 with under 2 minutes left as the Providence bench groaned.

Oh my gosh! I felt it,' Brooks said. 'It's human nature when the clock starts
clicking lower, you start playing a little bit harder. I think we started playing
a little bit harder. It's tough to score on their zone because they're very,
very big. But when you get stops, you can run, we can play our game.

Coleman then missed a pair from beyond the arc before Duke Mondy
drained a 3 from the left corner with 32 seconds left to move Providence within 78-74.

'To beat a team that's fifth in the country, you need that shot (Brooks' 3)
to fall,' Davis said. 'You need Syracuse to shoot their average from 3 or the free throw line.
When Syracuse shoots better from 3 than they have on average, better from the free throw line,
you're not going to beat the fifth-rated team in their building. But it wasn't for lack of effort.
The bounce of the ball didn't quite go our way in the last couple minutes.

Joseph, who played every minute for the first time in his career,
and Jardine made three of four free throws in the final 30 seconds to secure the victory.
When we have teams on the ropes, we have to put them away,
Jardine said. 'We know we can win these types of games because our defense tightens up.
We have experience in close games, and every game in the Big East is going to be a close game.

The Friars shot 8 of 30 from beyond the arc, while the Orange were 9 of 22.
Providence shot 39.7 percent (25 of 63) for the game, well below the Friars'
45.6 percent average.
Boeheim kept freshmen centers on the bench for most of the game. Fab Melo played
only five minutes and Baye Moussa Keita logged 11 and neither scored.
Freshman guard Dion Waiters had one point in nine minutes.

KENTUCKY'S Lamb is Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week - by George Manousidis
ST. LOUIS (USBWA) -- The U.S. Basketball Writers Association has selected Kentucky guard Doron Lamb (6'4''-G) as its Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week for games ending the week of Sunday, Dec. 26. The USBWA's weekly honor is presented by Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook and will be handed out each Tuesday through Feb. 22 this season.

As the Southeastern Conference Player of the Week, Middleton was nominated for the weekly award, which was chosen by a representative of the USBWA board of directors from a list of Division I conference players of the week.

Lamb, a 6-4 freshman from Queens, N.Y., came off the bench to score 32 points in leading the Wildcats to an 89-52 win over Winthrop. He went 11-for-12 from the field, making 7-of-8 3-pointers to break the school single-game freshman scoring record of 31 points set by Jamal Mashburn on Feb. 3, 1991 vs. Georgia.

It marks the third time that Lamb has scored at least 20 points in a game this year. He set career highs for points, field goals and 3-pointers. Lamb's seven 3-pointers are tied for the most by an SEC player this season.

This is the second season that the USBWA has selected a national player of the week. The weekly Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week is added to the Oscar Robertson Trophy watch list, which will be released at mid-season.

Since the 1958-59 season, the USBWA has named a National Player of the Year. In 1998, the award was named in honor of the University of Cincinnati Hall of Famer and two-time USBWA Player of the Year Oscar Robertson. It is the nation's oldest award and the only one named after a former player.

At the conclusion of the regular season, the USBWA will name finalists for the award, which is voted on by the entire membership of the USBWA. The winner of the 2011 Oscar Robertson Trophy will be announced and presented by its namesake, Oscar Robertson, at the USBWA's annual awards breakfast on Fri., April 1 in Houston, site of the 2011 NCAA Men's Final Four.

The U.S. Basketball Writers Association was formed in 1956 at the urging of then-NCAA Executive Director Walter Byers. With some 900 members worldwide, it is one of the most influential organizations in college basketball. It has selected an All-America team since the 1956-57 season. For more information on the USBWA and the Oscar Robertson Trophy, contact executive director Joe Mitch at 314-444-4300.

Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook, the most comprehensive college basketball publication in the world, returns for its 30th season, bigger and better in 2010-11. Blue Ribbon - long-known as 'The Bible of College Basketball' - gives its readers the most thorough, up-to-date and timely evaluations of every Division I team in the country. For more information about Blue Ribbon Yearbooks, visit blueribbonyearbookonline.com.

2010-11 Oscar Robertson National Players of the Week
Week of Dec. 5: Nick Glover, Iona
Week of Dec. 12: Jimmer Fredette, BYU
Week of Dec. 19: Khris Middleton, Texas A&M
Week of Dec. 26: Doron Lamb (6'4''-G), Kentucky

California 74, Hartford 56 - by Milord Nikolic
California gave coach Mike Montgomery his 600th career victory with a 74-56 triumph over Hartford at Haas Pavilion on Tuesday. Harper Kamp had 19 points and nine rebounds. Freshman guard Allan Crabbe added 17 points for Cal, including five 3-pointers. Brandon Smith chipped in with 15 points.
Joe Zeglinski and Genesis Maciel scored 11 points apiece for the Hartford, who lost their fourth straight game. Tuesday's game served as a last test for the Golden Bears as they begin Pac-10 Conference play Sunday against Stanford.

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

NCAA2

Central Washington Slips in Rankings - by Sanjey Noriega
From: gnacsports.com

Cent.Washington slipped six places in last week's NABC Division II national poll but is still the highest ranked West Region team.

The Wildcats (9-1) fell from No. 5 to No. 11 after dividing a pair of games in the Great Western Shootout in Las Vegas.

The only other West Region team in the rankings is Cal State Dominguez which is ranked 15th. Defending national champion Cal Poly Pomona fell out of the rankings after losing to Montana State Billings.

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

PARAGUAY

America wins Liga de Pilar U22 - by Gianni Pascucci
After defeating in the Semis 1 de Mayo 2-0, America de Pilar triumphed in the Super Final over Club Social y Deportivo Obrero, claiming the Liga de Pilar Under 22 title. The game ended 70-64, with partial scores 17-15, 28-28 and 45-47. Martin Martinez led America with 17 points, Ernesto Galeano (182-G-88) added 16 pts and Juan Marcos Ortiz (174-G-92) 14 at the winning side. Alejandro Benitez and Carlos Rodriguez (G) were the best in Club Social y Deportivo Obrero, with 16 and 14 pts, respectively.

History: METRO Champios of the 80's - by Santiago Maciel
This Gallery is dedicated to the history of METRO Champs from the 80's.
It is always good to remember that our METRO competition has a very long histry started in 1937 with the first season ever , having Olimpia de Asuncion as th 1st champion of our basketball history.
Today we will mentioned to the Champios of the 80's. In this decade 2 teams were the clear dominant ones. Sol de America Asuncion and Libertad. Both not only won Championships but also gave extraordinary basketball shows. Olimpia de Asuncion also won 3 championships but we believe SOL and Libertad were the teams of the 80's.Here is the list.
1980 Olimpia de Asuncion
1981 Olimpia de Asuncion
1982 SOL
1983 SOL
1984 SOL
1985 Ciudad Nueva
1986 Libertad
1987 Libertad
1988 Olimpia de Asuncion
1989 Rowing.

Unforgettable the 3 Velazquez's brothers in SOL for 3 straight championships and of course Frank Jackson and Carey Holland in Libertad's 2 in a row championship.

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

POLAND

Asseco Prokom releases Jan-Hendrik Jagla - by Eurobasket News
The club and the player separated by mutual agreement. Jan-Hendrick Jagla

RUSSIA

NIJT: Lottomatica account for CSKA - by Eurobasket News
IJT Lottomatica Roma - IJT CSKA 74:69

IJT Lottomatica finished the Torneo Citta di Roma on a high note. They knocked down IJT CSKA to earn the seventh position. Gabriele Carrano (186-G-93) and Riccardo Ferrarese (193-G-93) accounted for 13 points each in the victory. CSKA ended the contest winless.
IJT Lottomatica played aggressively in defense in the opening frame. They held the visitors to only 13 points in the starting quarter. Lottomatica increased the tempo in the second stanza. The hosts fired 25 points to pile up a 41:30 lead at halftime. However things changed drastically in the third term. CSKA played arguably their best quarter on the tournament. The Russian team outgunned their opponents 23:11 to take a narrow 53:52 lead with ten minutes remaining. But Lottomatica recovered pretty quickly. They returned on the court with their defensive aggressiveness and pulled away with a tough five-point win at the end. Nicola Lucibello contributed 12 points for Lottomatica. Emanuele Di Giacomo provided 8 points in the win. Viacheslav Fedorchenko answered with 20 points for CSKA. Alexander Gudumak (203-F-93) notched 18 points and game-high 20 rebounds in defeat.

IJT Lottomatica Roma: Gabriele Carrano 13, Riccardo Ferrarese 13, Nicola Lucibello 12
IJT CSKA: Viacheslav Fedorchenko 20, Alexander Gudumak 18+20 boards

Onil International Tournament. Russia convincingly defeat Italy - by Eurobasket News
Russia U18 - Italy U18 84:68

Russian U18 team registered their first win at the Onil International Tournament in Spain. They thumped Italy in the opener. Pavel Khrebtov (197-F-93) fired 28 points to lead the winners.
Russia led right from the start. They poured in 26 points in the first quarter to take a 7-point advantage. Russia maintained the lead throughout the second term. They established a comfortable 47:32 lead at the interval. Italy showed some signs of recovery in the third term. They limited Russia to only 16 points and cut the distance at 13-point mark. But it was not enough. Russia were back in the drivers seat in the final period as they unloaded 21 points and celebrated a comfortable win at the end. Viktor Kashin (193-G-94) netted 17 points for Russia. Artem Popov (206-C-93) and Denis Zakharov (190-G-93) added 12 points each in the victory. Eric Lombardi (197-F-93) answered with 15 points for Italy. Francesco Candussi (211-F/C-94) had 9 points in the loss.
Russia will face Spain tonight. Italy will look for the initial win at the tournament when they take on Germany next.

Russia U18: Pavel Khrebtov 28, Viktor Kashin 17, Artem Popov 12, Denis Zakharov 12
Italy U18: Eric Lombardi 15, Francesco Candussi 9

Standings - Superleague B

Superleague Standings

1. Saransk		13-3
2. Spartak-Primorie		13-3
3. Univ.Surgut		13-5
4. Severstal		11-5
5. Ural Ekaterinb.		8-7
6. Rjazan		8-8
7. Metallurg-Univ.		7-9
8. Irkutsk		6-10
9. Revda		6-10
10. Lokomotiv		3-14
11. Zaretchny		1-15

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

SLOVAKIA

Standings - D1

Extraliga Standings

1. Nova Ves		15-6
2. Pezinok		14-6
3. Nitra		14-7
4. Vahostav-Zilina		12-10
5. Komarno		11-10
6. Levice		10-11
7. Handlova		10-12
8. Svit		9-11
9. Prievidza		7-14
10. Inter Bratislava		7-14
11. B.Bystrica		6-14

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

SOUTH KOREA

KBL Round 23: Dongbu Promy defeats Samsung Thunders in the closest game of the week - by Eurobasket News
What a coincidence that all visitors won their games.

KBL round 23 closest game took place in Seoul between Dongbu Promy and Samsung Thunders. Second ranked Dongbu Promy (18-7) got a very close victory on the road over 4th placed Samsung Thunders (14-11). Dongbu Promy managed to escape with a 2-point win 86-84 on Wednesday evening. Samsung Thunders trailed by 14 points after 3 quarters before a 29-17 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 84-86 at the end of the game. It was a great shooting night for Dongbu Promy especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 56.3 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. 25 personal fouls committed by Samsung Thunders helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a great evening for American power forward Rod Benson (208-84, college: California) who led his team to a victory scoring 25 points and 8 rebounds. Guard Ji-Hyon Park (183-79) helped adding 19 points. American forward Aaron Haynes (201-81, college: Boise St.) responded with a double-double by scoring 34 points (!!!), 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Dongbu Promy maintains second place with 18-7 record having just -1 point less than leader Elephants. Samsung Thunders lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the fourth position with 11 games lost. Dongbu Promy are looking forward to face KCC Egis (#7) in Jeonju in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Samsung Thunders will have a break next round.
The game in Daegu was quite interesting. Seventh ranked LG Sakers (12-13) played at the court of 8th ranked Daegu Orions (8-18). LG Sakers defeated Daegu Orions 80-68. It was an exceptional evening for American center Chris Alexander (216-80, college: Iowa St., agency: Priority Sports) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 17 rebounds (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line). Greg Stevenson accounted for 22 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. The former international forward Dong Jun Lee (200-80) came up with 25 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists (on 10-of-11 shooting from the field) for Daegu Orions in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. LG Sakers moved-up to sixth place. Daegu Orions lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the ninth position with 18 games lost. LG Sakers will play against higher ranked Sonic Boom KT (#3) in Busan in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Daegu Orions will play on the road against Anyang KGC (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game in Jeonju was quite interesting. Third ranked Sonic Boom KT (17-8) played at the court of 7th ranked KCC Egis (12-14). Sonic Boom KT managed to secure a 5-point victory 113-108 on Wednesday. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of KCC Egis. The best player for the winners was Sang-Oh Park who scored 29 points. Seung-Jin Ha produced 23 points and 7 rebounds for the hosts. Sonic Boom KT has a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain third place with 17-8 record having just 0 points less than leader Elephants. KCC Egis at the other side keep the seventh position with 14 games lost. Sonic Boom KT will meet LG Sakers (#6) in the next round. KCC Egis will play against the league's second-placed Dongbu Promy in Wonju and hope to secure a win.

In the last game of round 23 SK Knights won against Mobis Phoebus on the opponent's court 71-63.

Daegu Orions - LG Sakers 68-80

The game in Daegu was quite interesting. Seventh ranked LG Sakers (12-13) played at the court of 8th ranked Daegu Orions (8-18). LG Sakers defeated Daegu Orions 80-68. The game was mostly controlled by LG Sakers. Daegu Orions managed to win second period 25-23. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 18-of-22 charity shots (81.8 percent) during the game. It was a great shooting night for LG Sakers especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 66.7 percentage. It was an exceptional evening for American center Chris Alexander (216-80, college: Iowa St., agency: Priority Sports) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 17 rebounds (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line). Naturalized American forward Greg Stevenson (198-78, college: Richmond, agency: SportsTalent) accounted for 22 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the winning side. Five LG Sakers players scored in double figures. The former international forward Dong Jun Lee (200-80) came up with 25 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists (on 10-of-11 shooting from the field) and American forward Glen McGowan (206-81, college: Pepperdine, agency: Pro One Sports) added 13 points and 6 rebounds respectively for Daegu Orions in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. LG Sakers moved-up to sixth place. Daegu Orions lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the ninth position with 18 games lost. LG Sakers will play against higher ranked Sonic Boom KT (#3) in Busan in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Daegu Orions will play on the road against Anyang KGC (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Daegu Orions: D.Jun Lee 25+8reb+6ast, G.McGowan 13+6reb+2ast, Y.Oh 12+3reb+2ast, J.Park 9+2reb+1ast, O.George 5+4reb, I.Heo 4+3reb+1ast
LG Sakers: G.Stevenson 22+6reb+5ast, C.Alexander 16+17reb+1ast, D.Kang 13+1ast, S.Cho 11+3reb+3ast, S.Ki 10+2reb, C.Lee 3+4reb+1ast

Samsung Th. - Dongbu Promy 84-86

KBL round 23 closest game took place in Seoul between Dongbu Promy and Samsung Thunders. Second ranked Dongbu Promy (18-7) got a very close victory on the road over 4th placed Samsung Thunders (14-11). Dongbu Promy managed to escape with a 2-point win 86-84 on Wednesday evening. Samsung Thunders trailed by 14 points after 3 quarters before a 29-17 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 84-86 at the end of the game. It was a great shooting night for Dongbu Promy especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 56.3 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. 25 personal fouls committed by Samsung Thunders helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a great evening for American power forward Rod Benson (208-84, college: California) who led his team to a victory scoring 25 points and 8 rebounds. Guard Ji-Hyon Park (183-79) helped adding 19 points. American forward Aaron Haynes (201-81, college: Boise St.) responded with a double-double by scoring 34 points (!!!), 10 rebounds and 4 assists and naturalized American power forward Eric Sandrin (206-78, college: Seattle Pacific) scored 15 points and 7 rebounds. Dongbu Promy maintains second place with 18-7 record having just -1 point less than leader Elephants. Samsung Thunders lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the fourth position with 11 games lost. Dongbu Promy are looking forward to face KCC Egis (#7) in Jeonju in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Samsung Thunders will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Samsung Th.: A.Haynes 34+10reb+4ast, E.Sandrin 15+7reb+3ast, D.Kim 12+1reb+2ast, H.Kang 9+1reb+5ast, J.Lee 6+4reb+5ast, J.Cha 5
Dongbu Promy: R.Benson 25+8reb+2ast, J.Park 19+2reb+3ast, V.Thomas 16+3reb, J.Kim 6+3reb+1ast, B.Kim 6+2reb+1ast, J.Hwang 6+1reb+7ast

KCC Egis - Sonic Boom KT 108-113

The game in Jeonju was quite interesting. Third ranked Sonic Boom KT (17-8) played at the court of 7th ranked KCC Egis (12-14). Sonic Boom KT managed to secure a 5-point victory 113-108 on Wednesday. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of KCC Egis. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But KCC Egis won fourth quarter 28-24. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Sonic Boom KT shot 61.8 percent from the field and made 16-of-18 free shots (88.9 percent) during the game. They shot the lights out from three sinking 13 long-distance shots on high 54.2 percentage. The best player for the winners was forward Sang-Oh Park (196-81) who scored 29 points. American center Jasper Johnson (201-83, college: Delta St.) chipped in 22 points and 6 rebounds. International center Seung-Jin Ha (222-85) produced 23 points and 7 rebounds and forward Seung-Kyun Choo (190-74) added 22 points and 4 assists (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) respectively for the hosts. Four Sonic Boom KT and five KCC Egis players scored in double figures. Sonic Boom KT has a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain third place with 17-8 record having just 0 points less than leader Elephants. KCC Egis at the other side keep the seventh position with 14 games lost. Sonic Boom KT will meet LG Sakers (#6) in the next round. KCC Egis will play against the league's second-placed Dongbu Promy in Wonju and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
KCC Egis: C.Daniels 23+4reb, S.Ha 23+7reb+3ast, S.Choo 22+2reb+4ast, J.Merrill 14+5reb+2ast, T.Chon 12+2reb+5ast, B.Kang 9+3reb+2ast
Sonic Boom KT: S.Park 29+4reb+2ast, J.Johnson 22+6reb+2ast, S.Cho 18+2reb+2ast, Y.Song 14+1reb+4ast, C.Rhodes 10+2reb, D.Cho 8+2reb+3ast

Mobis Phoebus - SK Knights 63-71

Very expected game in Ulsan where 10th ranked Mobis Phoebus (5-20) were defeated by fifth ranked SK Knights (14-12) 71-63 on Tuesday. The guests were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. The best player for the winners was American center Terrence Leather (204-81, college: S.Florida) who had a double-double by scoring 20 points and 14 rebounds. The former international guard Hee-Jung Joo (181-77) chipped in 10 points and 5 assists. Swingman Kyoung-Suk No (189-83) produced 21 points and forward Su Hwa Hong (195-87) added 8 points and 9 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. SK Knights maintains fifth place with 14-12 record. Defending champion Mobis Phoebus stay at the bottom position with 20 games lost. SK Knights will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Mobis Phoebus will play against the league's leader ET Land Elephants (#1) in Inchon and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Mobis Phoebus: K.No 21+2reb+2ast, J.Park 13+2reb+1ast, S.Hwa Hong 8+9reb+1ast, L.Ekperigin 6+4reb, D.Yang 4+1reb+4ast, K.Gransberry 4+4reb
SK Knights: T.Leather 20+14reb+1ast, H.Kim 14+1reb+1ast, H.Joo 10+3reb+5ast, M.Jae Yi 6+1ast, S.Shin 5+1reb+1ast, K.Hoon Byun 5+1reb+2ast

Standings

KBL Standings

1. Elephants		18-6
2. Dongbu Promy		18-7
3. Sonic Boom KT		17-8
4. Samsung Th.		14-11
5. SK Knights		14-12
6. LG Sakers		12-13
7. KCC Egis		12-14
8. Anyang KGC		8-17
9. Daegu Orions		8-18
10. Mobis Phoebus		5-20

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

SPAIN

Stats Leaders - LEB Gold

Points Per Game

Ricardo GUILLEN
  La Laguna
  (205-F/C-76)
  Avg: 18.4

1. Guillen, La Laguna	18.4
2. Detrick, Melilla	17.6
3. Palacios, La Palma	17.2
4. Navarro, Girona	16.3
5. Quezada, Leon	15.3
6. Franklin, CB Tarra.	15.1
7. Mohammed, Lleida	15.0
8. Faverani, CB Mu.	14.6
9. Downs, Burgos	14.4
10. Narros, Navarra	14.4

Rebounds Per Game

Dwayne CURTIS
  Lleida
  (203-C-85)
  Avg: 8.8

1. Curtis, Lleida	8.8
2. Wachsmann, Alcazar	8.6
3. Sinanovic, Clinic.	8.1
4. Franklin, CB Tarra.	8.1
5. Kale, Ourense	7.8
6. Faverani, CB Mu.	7.8
7. Lima, Clinicas Rincon	7.8
8. Blair, Navarra	7.6
9. Arteaga, Breogan	7.5
10. Humphrey, Caceres	7.5

Assists Per Game

Juan AGUILAR
  CB Tarragona
  (187-G-88)
  Avg: 4.6

1. Aguilar, CB Tarra.	4.6
2. Sabat, La Laguna	4.1
3. Bernabe, Leon	3.8
4. Jimenez, Melilla	3.7
5. Rodriguez, Obrad.	3.5
6. Rivero, CB Murcia	3.3
7. Quezada, Leon	3.3
8. Cherry, Caceres	3.2
9. Rodriguez, La Pa.	3.2
10. Garrido, Palencia	3.2

Steals Per Game

Andres RODRIGUEZ
  Obradoiro
  (182-G-81)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Rodriguez, Obrad.	2.9
2. Bernabe, Leon	1.9
3. Johnson, Huesca	1.8
4. Quezada, Leon	1.8
5. Castro, Burgos	1.7
6. Rost, Girona	1.6
7. Navarro, Girona	1.6
8. Jasen, CB Murcia	1.6
9. Ventura, Huesca	1.5
10. Calvo, Leon	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Ryan HUMPHREY
  Caceres
  (203-F-79)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Humphrey, Caceres	1.9
2. Foote, Melilla	1.7
3. Fontet, Leon	1.7
4. Diouf, CB Tarragona	1.6
5. Faverani, CB Mu.	1.5
6. Joseph, Navarra	1.1
7. Arteaga, Breogan	1.1
8. Sinanovic, Clinic.	1.1
9. McCoy, Caceres	1.0
10. Franklin, CB Tarra.	1.0

Standings - LEB Gold

LEB Gold Standings

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

Standings - LEB Silver

LEB Silver Standings

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

Stats Leaders - ACB

Points Per Game

Jaycee CARROLL
  Gran Canaria
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 17.7

1. Carroll, Gran Canaria	17.7
2. Baron, Lagun A.	15.9
3. Teletovic, Caja L.	15.8
4. Navarro, Regal B.	15.5
5. Martinez, Valencia	15.5
6. Mickeal, Regal Barca	15.4
7. McDonald, DKV J.	14.4
8. Kurz, Granada	14.2
9. San Emeterio, Caja L.	13.3
10. Bullock, Cajasol	13.1

Rebounds Per Game

Robert KURZ
  Granada
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 9.8

1. Kurz, Granada	9.8
2. Batista, Fuenlabr.	8.5
3. Barac, Caja Laboral	7.7
4. Trias, DKV Joventut	7.2
5. Donaldson, Menorca	6.6
6. Wallace, Gran Canaria	6.5
7. Hosley, DKV J.	6.3
8. Caner-Medley, Estudi.	6.2
9. Miralles, Lagun A.	6.2
10. Doblas, Lagun A.	6.2

Assists Per Game

Marcelinho HUERTAS
  Caja Laboral
  (191-G-83)
  Avg: 5.9

1. Huertas, Caja L.	5.9
2. Rubio, Regal Barca	5.8
3. McIntyre, Unicaja	4.6
4. Cook, Valencia	4.5
5. Ciorciari, Menorca	4.3
6. Green, Gran Canaria	4.2
7. Dumas, Valladolid	4.0
8. Ingles, Granada	3.9
9. Prigioni, Real Madrid	3.8
10. Valters, Fuenlabr.	3.7

Steals Per Game

Tariq KIRKSAY
  Cajasol
  (199-F-79)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Kirksay, Cajasol	2.4
2. Ingles, Granada	2.3
3. Calloway, Cajasol	2.1
4. Robinson, DKV J.	2.0
5. Mickeal, Regal Barca	2.0
6. San Miguel, Manre.	1.8
7. Victor, Menorca	1.8
8. Rubio, Regal Barca	1.8
9. Doellman, Meridiano	1.7
10. Ayon, Fuenlabrada	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Fran VAZQUEZ
  Regal Barca
  (209-C-83)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Vazquez, Regal B.	1.9
2. Fischer, Real Madrid	1.8
3. Barnes, Valladolid	1.5
4. Ayon, Fuenlabrada	1.3
5. Kurz, Granada	1.3
6. Barac, Caja Laboral	1.2
7. Batista, Fuenlabr.	1.1
8. Andriuskevic., Meridi.	1.0
9. Savane, Gran C.	1.0
10. Tomic, Real Madrid	0.9

Standings - ACB

ACB Standings

1. Real Madrid		10-2
2. Regal Barca		9-3
3. Caja Laboral		9-4
4. Fuenlabrada		8-5
5. Lagun Aro GBC		7-6
6. Valladolid		7-6
7. Unicaja		7-6
8. Gran Canaria		7-6
9. Bizkaia Bilbao		7-6
10. Valencia		7-6
11. Cajasol		7-6
12. DKV Joventut		7-6
13. CAI Zaragoza		5-8
14. Estudiantes		5-8
15. Manresa		4-9
16. Menorca		4-9
17. Granada		3-10
18. Meridiano		3-10

Stats Leaders-LEB Silver

Points Per Game

Kevin RATZSCH
  Oviedo Feve
  (201-F-86)
  Avg: 16.4

1. Ratzsch, Oviedo F.	16.4
2. Witt, Clavijo	16.1
3. Perez, Promobys	15.3
4. Bratton, Lan M.	15.2
5. O''Leary, Oviedo F.	15.2
6. Justo, Avila	15.1
7. Bivia, Mallorca	15.1
8. Swanston, Clavijo	15.1
9. Mortellaro, Lan M.	15.0
10. Bustamante, Plase.	14.6

Rebounds Per Game

Olaseni LAWAL
  Guadalajara
  (206-F/C-86)
  Avg: 10.8

1. Lawal, Guadalajara	10.8
2. O''Leary, Oviedo F.	9.3
3. Chubrevich, Illescas	8.1
4. De Santana, Clavijo	7.9
5. Howard, Andorra	7.8
6. Larry, Regal F.	7.7
7. Mesa, Clavijo	7.7
8. Mortellaro, Lan M.	7.7
9. McDade, Promobys	6.9
10. Ramsdell, Avila	6.9

Assists Per Game

Matt WITT
  Clavijo
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 5.8

1. Witt, Clavijo	5.8
2. Lopez, Coruna	5.7
3. Uriz, Santurtzi	5.2
4. Rufian, Promobys	4.4
5. Ibargutxi, Lan M.	4.4
6. Bivia, Mallorca	4.1
7. Marco, ADT T.	4.1
8. Lopez, Avila	3.6
9. Suarez, Oviedo Feve	3.4
10. Bavosi, Promobys	3.4

Steals Per Game

Mikel URIZ
  Santurtzi
  (180-G-89)
  Avg: 2

1. Uriz, Santurtzi	2.0
2. Martinez, Plasencia	2.0
3. Guirao, ADT T.	1.9
4. Barcelo, Plasencia	1.8
5. Witt, Clavijo	1.8
6. Ramsey, Promobys	1.7
7. Bratton, Lan M.	1.7
8. Rueda, Plasencia	1.6
9. Casado, Santurtzi	1.6
10. Rufian, Promobys	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Bismack BIYOMBO
  Illescas
  (204-C-92)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Biyombo, Illescas	1.9
2. Mbaye, Regal F.	1.8
3. Todorovic, Prat J.	1.4
4. Lawal, Guadalajara	1.3
5. Cage, ADT Tarragona	1.1
6. Conde, Avila	1.1
7. Johnson, Andorra	1.1
8. De Santana, Clavijo	0.9
9. Aramburu, ADT T.	0.9
10. Marti, Prat J.	0.9

Onil International Tournament. Spain hold off Germany - by Eurobasket News
Spain U18 - Germany U18 74:64

Spanish U18 selection opened the Onil International tournament with victory. They shot down German counterparts in the first game. Alejandro Suarez (204-F/C-93) stepped up with 14 points to lead the effort.
Spain got to a slightly better start. They outscored Germany for a 21:19 lead at the first intermission. Spain maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They accumulated a 40:36 halftime lead. Germany straighten their defense in the third term. The teams traded baskets as Spain ensured a 55:51 lead with one quarter remaining. But Germany ran out of steam in the final period. They failed to come up with the decisive strike scoring just 13 points and allowing the hosts to clear off for good. Diego Perez netted 12 points in the win. Daniel Diaz and Carlos Alcaraz had 9 points each in the win. Bogdan Radosavljevic (211-C-93) fired 23 points for Germany. Jakob Krumbeck (188-G-93) and Johannes Richter (203-F/C-93) netted 9 points each in the loss. Spain will take on Italy, while Germany will face Russia tonight.

Spain U18: Alejandro Suarez 14, Daniel Diaz 9, Carlos Alcaraz 9
Germany U18: Bogdan Radosavljevic 23, Jakob Krumbeck 9, Johannes Richter 9

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

TAIWAN

Sheldon Bailey leaves Taiwan - by Chris Wang
Shelden Bailey has left Taiwan after playing only one game for his employer Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor reportedly because KKL did not pay him. Due to Bailey's absence, KKL lost to BOT 84-77 Wednesday.

The United Daily News reported that Bailey told the team he had to go because of family business, but the true reason for Bailey's departure was the deferred payment.

KKL head coach Lo Tien-chin said Shawn Hawkins, who played with the team last year, has expressed interests to re-join the team.

BOT made 10 of 12 free-throws in the last minute for the win. Chang Po-sheng led with 21 points and Jason Faulknor had 16 points, 6 rebounds and 4 steals. Liu Jui-sheng had 12 while Chen Shun-hsiang had 11.

Chang Jun-hsuan scored 21 points for KKL, which also received 13 points from center Wu Chun-hsiung and 12 from Chen Ching-hwan.

In the other game, Taiwan Beer handed Yulon the first defeat of the season. Emmanuel Jones had 21 points and 20 boards and Cheng Jen-wei had 20 for the winner. Yang Ching-min had 18 and 7.

Yulon was led by Yang Che-yi's 18. Chen Chih-chun and Wu Chien-lung scored 12 apiece.

Standings:
TB 2-0, PY 2-0, Yulon 2-1, BOT 1-1, Dacin 0-1, TM 0-2, KKL 0-2

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

TURKEY

NIJT: Fenerbahce triumph in Rome - by Eurobasket News
IJT Fenerbahce - IJT Montepaschi Siena 65:63

Fenerbahce triumphed at the Torneo Citta di Roma, the first stage of the Nike International Junior tournament. The Turkish team held off Montepschi Siena in the championship game tonight. Berkay Candan (202-F-93) delivered 19 points to lead the winners. Fenerbahce secured the birth in the final round of the NIJT to be held in Barcelona.
The teams traded baskets in a close first frame. Fenerbahce eked out a 19:14 lead after ten minutes. Montepaschi Siena entered the second term strongly. They went on a 6:0 run to surge ahead. Fenerbahce regrouped and answered with a late rally that propelled them to a 40:27 lead at the interval. The Italian team continued to fight bravely after the main break. They used a 7:0 outburst to get closer in the third term. The Turkish team headed into the fourth period up by just 7 points 55:48. Mehmet Sanli gave Fenerbahce a 10-point lead midway through the final quarter. But then Diego Monaldi (185-G-93) triggered a furious comeback run from Montepaschi Siena. The Italian side went on an 11:0 rally to take a 63:62 lead with one minute to go. Fenerbahce however capitalized on some late fouls from Siena to regain the lead. Kerem Hotic gave the visitors a 65:63 lead which they never surrendered. Oguzhan Turan (190-G-93) provided 10 points for the winners. Diego Monaldi answered with 17 points for Siena. Giovanni Severini (194-F/G-93) had 15 points in the loss.

IJT Fenerbahce: Berkay Candan 19, Oguzhan Turan 10
IJT Montepaschi Siena: Diego Monaldi 17, Giovanni Severini 15

Gardener's double-double lands him TB2L Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
28-year old center Hernold Gardener (205-C-82) put on an amazing game in the last round for Final Genclik and receives a Eurobasket.com TB2L Player of the Week award for round 11.
He had a double-double of 21 points and 16 rebounds, while his team edged out Darussafaka (6-5) 66-63. Final Genclik is placed at 6th position in Turkish TB2L. Final Genclik is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 6-5 record. Gardener turned to be Final Genclik's top player in his first season with the team. Lon Morris JC graduate has very impressive stats this year. Gardener is in league's top in points (4th best: 19.2ppg), rebounds (4th best: 10.8rpg) and averages solid 1.3bpg and 55.6% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Jermaine Dearman (202-F/C-80) of Hacettepe University. He is American forward in his 2nd season at Hacettepe University. In the last game Dearman recorded impressive 19 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists. It was enough for Hacettepe University to edge slightly lower-ranked Selcuk Univ. (#5, 6-5) by 5 points 79-74. Hacettepe University's 3rd position in group B has not changed. His team's 8-3 record is not bad at all. Dearman is well-known at Hacettepe University and he already established his position as one of the team's leaders. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 17.9ppg (#6). He also registered 7.8 boards per game.

Third place about best performers goes to Mustafa Arslantas (83) of Izmir Buyuksehir Belediyesi (#12). Arslantas scored 21 points and grabbed eleven rebounds (!!!). Despite Arslantas' great performance Izmir Buyuksehir Belediyesi lost 70-84 to slightly higher-ranked FMV Isikspor (#10, 3-8). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. Izmir Buyuksehir Belediyesi can only dream about fighting for top spots in group A. They have awful season losing so far all 11 games. Too bad for Arslantas he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Arslantas has a very solid season. In 11 games in Turkey he scored 9.4ppg. He also has 6.4rpg and FGP: 54.2%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Tyrone Nelson (206-F-85) of Akhisar Bld - 26 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Jayme Miller (203-F-85) of Gelisim - 20 points and 9 rebounds
6. Nusret Yildirim (202-F-89) of Istanbulspor - 16 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Gokhan Orcun Tunca (201-F-80) of Hacettepe Univ. - 16 points and 8 rebounds
8. Ozan Er (200-C-84) of Istanbulspor - 21 points and 5 rebounds
9. Ryan Wright (206-F-87) of Orman Genc - 21 points and 7 rebounds
10. Dane Johnson (208-C-86) of Istanbul B.B. - 8 points and 14 rebounds

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

TB2L Round 11: Change at the top of the standings - by Eurobasket News
TB2L is at the halfway of the Regular Season and there are still another 11 rounds left. The fans could enjoy quite many interesting games in the last round. The round ended with change at the leadership position, derby games, favorites losing the games, games ending by tiny margin and even winless team recording their first victory.

TB2L round 11 caused change at the leadership position. Third defeat of league's leader Usak (8-3) against fourth ranked Orman Genc (8-3) 61-59 was the most important game of the last round. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Usak. It was a key game for the second position in Group A. Usak trailed by 11 points after 3 quarters before a 18-9 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 59-61 at the end of the game. Orman Genc dominated on the defensive end, holding Usak to just 7 points in first quarter. Canadian forward Ryan Wright (206-87, college: Oklahoma) orchestrated the victory by scoring 21 points and 7 rebounds. Forward Hasan Karabulut (202-81) contributed with 8 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Guard Egemen Arikan (183-83) answered with 18 points for Usak. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Orman Genc moved-up to second place in Group A, which they share with Vestel and Usak. Usak will play next round against Pertevniyal trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Orman Genc will try to continue on its current victory against sixth ranked Final Genclik in Bursa.
The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Optimum TED as it allowed them to take a leadership position in Group B. Optimum TED defeated leader Kepez Bld in Ankara 77-71. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Kepez Bld. It was a key game for the top position in Group B. It was a great evening for guard Burak Erol (196-88) who led his team to a victory scoring 13 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Recai Ozturk helped adding 14 points. Optimum TED's coach Hakan Yavuz allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Swingman Cihan Amasyali (191-83) responded with 19 points. Optimum TED has a solid series of three victories in a row. As mentioned above they took over a top position. Kepez Bld at the other side dropped to the second place with two games lost. Kepez Bld will play next round against Istanbulspor trying to get back on the winning streak. Optimum TED will try to continue on its current victory against fourth ranked Gaziantep at home.
Important game to mention about took place in Bursa. Seventh ranked Final Genclik (6-5) saved a 3-point victory at home edging 6th ranked Darussafaka (6-5) 66-63 in the game for the sixth place. It was an exceptional evening for Hernold Gardener who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 16 rebounds. Final Genclik's coach Ali Ozbay used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Brandon Gordon came up with 13 points and 9 rebounds for Darussafaka in the defeat. Final Genclik moved-up to sixth place in Group A, which they share with defeated Darussafaka. Final Genclik will meet league's second-placed Orman Genc in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Darussafaka will play against the league's leader Genc Banvit (#1) in Balikesir and hope to secure a win and be promoted back to the TBL just one year after relegation.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Genc Telekom (7-4) against fifth ranked Vestel (8-3) on Saturday night. Visiting Genc Telekom was defeated by fifth ranked Vestel (8-3) in a tough game in Manisa 62-67. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Genc Telekom. It was a key game for the second position in Group A. The best player for the winners was Hakan Erol who scored 16 points and 8 rebounds. Vestel moved-up to second place in Group A, which they share with Usak and Orman Genc. Genc Telekom at the other side dropped to the fifth position with four games lost. Vestel's next round opponent will be FMV Isikspor (#10) in Istanbul and are hoping to win another game. Genc Telekom will play on the road against Istanbul B.B. (#8).
ITU Istanbul's fans can finally celebrate the first win of their team after ten consecutive loses. The victory is especially important as they defeated much higher ranked Basaksehir (4-7)on the road game in Istanbul 73-65 on Saturday. Tolga Tekinalp orchestrated the victory by scoring 15 points and 9 rebounds. ITU Istanbul maintains twelfth place in Group B with 1-10 record. Newly promoted Basaksehir dropped to the eighth position with seven games lost. ITU Istanbul will face higher ranked Selcuk Universitesi (#5) in Konya in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 11:
In Group A FMV Isikspor beat Izmir B.B. on the road 84-70. Pertevniyal won against Adanaspor on its own court 69-62. Genc Banvit managed to outperform Istanbul B.B. in Balikesir 62-57.
In Group B Gaziantep managed to beat TED Istanbul at home 80-72. Akhisar Bld was defeated by Beykoz on the opponent's court 64-58. Istanbulspor beat Gelisim in a home game 84-75. Hacettepe Univ. won against Selcuk Univ. on the road 79-74.

Group A

Izmir B.B. - FMV Isikspor 70-84

No shocking result in a game when tenth ranked FMV Isikspor (3-8) beat on the road bottom-ranked Izmir B.B. (0-11) 84-70 on Saturday. The guests trailed by 1 point after three quarters before their 25-10 charge, which allowed them to win the game. FMV Isikspor made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game. They also forced 19 Izmir B.B. turnovers. Power forward Gokhan Tokatli (205-78) orchestrated the victory by scoring 14 points and 8 rebounds. American guard Darnell Harris (183-86, college: La Salle) contributed with 11 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Four FMV Isikspor players scored in double figures. Mustafa Arslantas (-83) answered with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 11 rebounds and guard Orcun Topcu (183-81) added 11 points in the effort for Izmir B.B.Izmir B.B.'s coach rotated ten players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. FMV Isikspor maintains tenth place in Group A with 3-8 record. Newly promoted Izmir B.B. with 11 games lost. FMV Isikspor will face higher ranked Vestel (#3) in Manisa in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Izmir B.B. will play at home against Adanaspor (#11) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Izmir B.B.: M.Arslantas 21+11reb, O.Topcu 11+3reb+3ast, E.Demirer 8+4reb+2ast, O.Celik 7+3reb+3ast, U.Ozciger 7+3reb+1ast, C.Aydin Ergen 6+4reb
FMV Isikspor: A.Uruk 17+4reb, G.Tokatli 14+8reb+1ast, M.Baygul 13+3reb+1ast, D.Harris 11+8reb+3ast, O.Surucu 8+5reb+4ast, E.Yoldas 8+4reb

Pertevniyal - Adanaspor 69-62

Rather expected game when 11th ranked Adanaspor (2-9) lost to ninth ranked Pertevniyal (4-7) in Istanbul 62-69 on Sunday. The hosts trailed by 3 points after three quarters before their 22-21 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Adanaspor was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. Forward Ali Isik (205-90) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 12 rebounds. Guard Soykan Yikilmaz (185-92) contributed with 9 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. American power forward Jamil Terell (200-80, college: W.Texas A&M) answered with a double-double by scoring 11 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks and guard Baris Erdogan (175-84) added 11 points and 5 assists in the effort for Adanaspor. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Pertevniyal maintains ninth place in Group A with 4-7 record. Adanaspor lost sixth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the eleventh position with nine games lost. Pertevniyal will face higher ranked Usak (#4) at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Adanaspor will play against Izmir B.B. (#12) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Adanaspor: U.Koksal 12+1reb+1ast, B.Erdogan 11+4reb+5ast, J.Terell 11+13reb+1ast, T.Aktulgali 10+3reb, A.Kislitsin 6+2reb+1ast, D.Guney 5+1reb+1ast
Pertevniyal: A.Isik 14+12reb, B.Can 13+7reb, C.Korkmaz 11+3reb+1ast, Y.Can 10+1ast, S.Yikilmaz 9+6reb+5ast, C.Osman 5+3reb

Orman Genc - Usak 61-59

TB2L round 11 caused change at the leadership position. Third defeat of league's leader Usak (8-3) against fourth ranked Orman Genc (8-3) 61-59 was the most important game of the last round. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Usak. It was a key game for the second position in Group A. Usak trailed by 11 points after 3 quarters before a 18-9 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 59-61 at the end of the game. Orman Genc dominated on the defensive end, holding Usak to just 7 points in first quarter. Canadian forward Ryan Wright (206-87, college: Oklahoma) orchestrated the victory by scoring 21 points and 7 rebounds. Forward Hasan Karabulut (202-81) contributed with 8 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Guard Egemen Arikan (183-83) answered with 18 points and center Engin Algin (202-75) added 12 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Usak. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Orman Genc moved-up to second place in Group A, which they share with Vestel and Usak. Usak will play next round against Pertevniyal trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Orman Genc will try to continue on its current victory against sixth ranked Final Genclik in Bursa.
Top scorers:
Usak: E.Arikan 18+3reb+2ast, E.Algin 12+7reb+1ast, L.Smith 9+3reb+1ast, U.Yanar 9+2reb+1ast, C.Coskun 4+3reb, E.Sinanoglu 3+1reb+3ast
Orman Genc: R.Wright 21+7reb, H.Karabulut 8+8reb+2ast, M.Sinan 8+2reb+2ast, T.Yener 6+4reb+2ast, A.Denk 5+5reb+2ast, E.Bozkurt 5+6reb+1ast

Vestel - Genc Telekom 67-62

Very important is a road loss of third ranked Genc Telekom (7-4) against fifth ranked Vestel (8-3) on Saturday night. Visiting Genc Telekom was defeated by fifth ranked Vestel (8-3) in a tough game in Manisa 62-67. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Genc Telekom. It was a key game for the second position in Group A. It looked good early as Genc Telekom took an 5-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Vestel had a 26-17 second period charge getting the lead and Genc Telekom was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 62-67. The best player for the winners was swingman Hakan Erol (200-83) who scored 16 points and 8 rebounds. Guard Bugra Gacemer (187-83) chipped in 8 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists. Four Vestel players scored in double figures. Guard Can Ugur Ogut (178-92) produced 17 points and 7 rebounds and guard Murat Goktas (201-87) added 19 points and 5 rebounds respectively for the guests. Vestel moved-up to second place in Group A, which they share with Usak and Orman Genc. Genc Telekom at the other side dropped to the fifth position with four games lost. Vestel's next round opponent will be FMV Isikspor (#10) in Istanbul and are hoping to win another game. Genc Telekom will play on the road against Istanbul B.B. (#8).
Top scorers:
Genc Telekom: M.Goktas 19+5reb, C.Ugur Ogut 17+7reb+3ast, S.Gunes 8+9reb, I.Gokalp 7+1reb+1ast, Y.Akcay 4+2reb+2ast, G.Karabiyik 4+5reb+2ast
Vestel: H.Erol 16+8reb+1ast, M.Gorur 13+3reb, H.Gungor 11+6reb+1ast, A.Johnson 11+4reb+3ast, B.Gacemer 8+6reb+7ast, A.Ruhcan 6+1reb

Final Genclik - Darussafaka 66-63

Important game to mention about took place in Bursa. Seventh ranked Final Genclik (6-5) saved a 3-point victory at home edging 6th ranked Darussafaka (6-5) 66-63 in the game for the sixth place. The hosts trailed by 4 points after three quarters before their 17-10 charge, which allowed them to win the game. It was an exceptional evening for Costa Rican center Hernold Gardener (205-82, college: Lon Morris JC) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 16 rebounds. Guard Sayit Ay (185-80) accounted for 13 points and 5 assists for the winning side. Final Genclik's coach Ali Ozbay used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. American guard Brandon Gordon (201-85, college: Alabama St., agency: EM-PA) came up with 13 points and 9 rebounds and power forward Engin Elhan (204-79) added 8 points and 10 rebounds respectively for Darussafaka in the defeat. Final Genclik moved-up to sixth place in Group A, which they share with defeated Darussafaka. Final Genclik will meet league's second-placed Orman Genc in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Darussafaka will play against the league's leader Genc Banvit (#1) in Balikesir and hope to secure a win and be promoted back to the TBL just one year after relegation.
Top scorers:
Darussafaka: T.Gedikli 17+2reb+2ast, B.Gordon 13+9reb, E.Elhan 8+10reb+3ast, Y.Sonsirma 8+1reb, A.Turgut 8+3reb+1ast, B.Selen 7+7reb
Final Genclik: H.Gardener 21+16reb, S.Ay 13+3reb+5ast, M.Esen 12, B.Yilmaz 8+4reb, E.Karalar 6+7reb+1ast, E.Ilter 4+4reb+2ast

Istanbul B.B. - Genc Banvit 57-62

Very predictable result when second ranked Genc Banvit (9-2) won on the road against 8th ranked Istanbul B.B. (5-6) 62-57 on Saturday. Istanbul B.B. was tied after three quarters but could not keep up in the last quarter eventually losing the game. Center Ufuk Gurgen (205-77) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 10 rebounds. Guard Erolcan Cinko (188-90) contributed with 13 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Genc Banvit's coach Ahmet Gurgen used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. American center Dane Johnson (208-86, college: Hofstra) answered with 8 points and 14 rebounds and Recep Dogrusoz (-86) added 13 points and 5 assists in the effort for Istanbul B.B.Genc Banvit has a solid series of four victories in a row. They keep a position of Group A leader. Istanbul B.B. lost third consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with six games lost. Genc Banvit will face Darussafaka (#7) in Istanbul in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Istanbul B.B. will play at home against Genc Telekom in Ankara.
Top scorers:
Istanbul B.B.: I.Daloglu 14+4reb+2ast, R.Dogrusoz 13+4reb+5ast, A.Ozer 11+5reb, D.Johnson 8+14reb+1ast, S.Tasdelen 5+3reb, E.Eryuz 4+8reb+4ast
Genc Banvit: U.Gurgen 15+10reb+1ast, E.Cinko 13+7reb+3ast, A.Canititiz 13+7reb+1ast, C.Sekeroglu 8+10reb+1ast, M.Kolaric 5+10reb+1ast, B.Yonder 3+3reb

Group B

Gaziantep - TED Istanbul 80-72

Not a big story in a game when 11th ranked TED Istanbul (2-9) lost on the road to fourth ranked Gaziantep (8-3) 80-72 on Saturday. TED Istanbul trailed by 11 points at halftime and as many as 16 after three quarters before a 23-15 last quarter charge cut the deficit to 72-80 at the end of the game. TED Istanbul was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. American forward Jamal Boykin (203-87, college: California) orchestrated the victory by scoring 12 points and 9 rebounds. Guard Volkan Ertetik (190-80) contributed with 16 points for the winners. Five Gaziantep players scored in double figures. Naturalized Bulgarian forward Musa Gunes (200-85) answered with 14 points and 8 rebounds and American forward Kristian Clarkson (202-84, college: Widener, agency: BrezoPro) added 16 points in the effort for TED Istanbul. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Gaziantep moved-up to third place in Group B, which they share with Hacettepe Univ. Loser TED Istanbul keeps the eleventh position with nine games lost. Gaziantep will face league's leader Optimum TED in Ankara in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. TED Istanbul will play on the road against Akhisar Bld (#10) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
TED Istanbul: K.Clarkson 16+4reb, M.Gunes 14+8reb, A.Kan 10+3reb+2ast, K.Kaan Atikir 8+3reb, G.Naldoven 8+4reb, S.Tulek 7+3reb+1ast
Gaziantep: V.Ertetik 16+1ast, C.Delicay 13+1reb+2ast, J.Boykin 12+9reb+2ast, O.Bugra Dag 10+3reb, M.Dogan 10+2reb, N.Pastal 8+1reb

Beykoz - Akhisar Bld 64-58

There was a small surprise when tenth ranked Beykoz (4-7) defeated 8th ranked Akhisar Bld (4-7) in Istanbul 64-58 on Saturday. Akhisar Bld trailed by 11 points at halftime and as many as 14 after three quarters before a 18-19 last quarter charge cut the deficit to 58-64 at the end of the game. Beykoz forced 19 Akhisar Bld turnovers and outrebounded them 42-27 including 28 on the defensive glass. Akhisar Bld was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. Guard Erkan Inan (192-89) orchestrated the victory by scoring 17 points and 6 rebounds. American power forward Gentry Lewis (206-81, college: Philander Smith) contributed with a double-double by scoring 10 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. American forward Tyrone Nelson (206-85, college: N.Mexico St.) answered with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 10 rebounds and forward Mert Eken (193-87) added 13 points in the effort for Akhisar Bld. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Beykoz moved-up to eighth place in Group B, which they share with Akhisar Bld and Basaksehir. Akhisar Bld lost third consecutive game. Beykoz will face higher ranked Hacettepe Univ. (#3) in Ankara in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
Top scorers:
Akhisar Bld: T.Nelson 26+10reb+2ast, M.Eken 13+3reb+1ast, G.Esmer 9+3reb, E.Yenice 4+1reb+1ast, B.Sahillioglu 3+3reb+4ast, B.Sasmaz 2+1reb+2ast
Beykoz: E.Inan 17+6reb+2ast, N.Kaba 11+4reb, G.Lewis 10+12reb+1ast, A.Sogancioglu 9+8reb, B.Kayi 8+2reb, O.Sarisoy 7+4reb

Basaksehir - ITU 65-73

ITU Istanbul's fans can finally celebrate the first win of their team after ten consecutive loses. The victory is especially important as they defeated much higher ranked Basaksehir (4-7)on the road game in Istanbul 73-65 on Saturday. The guests trailed by 1 point at the halftime before their 37-28 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Strangely Basaksehir outrebounded ITU Istanbul 49-36 including 34 on the defensive glass. The former international forward Tolga Tekinalp (202-74, agency: 1x1 Sports) orchestrated the victory by scoring 15 points and 9 rebounds. American swingman Curtis Terry (196-85, college: UNLV) contributed with 22 points for the winners. Forward Sahin Ekmen (203-89) answered with 20 points and 8 rebounds and power forward Tyrus Boswell (202-78, college: Ky Wesleyan) added 9 points and 9 rebounds in the effort for Basaksehir. ITU Istanbul maintains twelfth place in Group B with 1-10 record. Newly promoted Basaksehir dropped to the eighth position with seven games lost. ITU Istanbul will face higher ranked Selcuk Universitesi (#5) in Konya in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
Top scorers:
Basaksehir: S.Ekmen 20+8reb+1ast, V.Incekara 10+7reb, A.Yilmaz 9+6reb+1ast, T.Boswell 9+9reb+3ast, S.Batur 8+6reb, V.Cetintahra 7+9reb
ITU: C.Terry 22+2reb, T.Tekinalp 15+9reb+3ast, E.Enis Ekmen 10+8reb+2ast, O.Aksoy 9+4reb+3ast, A.Duman 7+4reb+1ast, K.Sems Tunceri 6+3reb+2ast

Istanbulspor - Gelisim 84-75

There was a minor upset when 6th ranked Gelisim (5-6) lost on the road to ninth ranked Istanbulspor (5-6) 84-75 on Saturday. Gelisim was trailing by 5 points at halftime but managed to get 7-point lead after three quarters before a 28-12 charge of Istanbulspor, which allowed them to win the game. They made 21-of-26 free shots (80.8 percent) during the game. Forward Nusret Yildirim (202-89, agency: EM-PA) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds. Center Ozan Er (200-84) contributed with 21 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Four Istanbulspor players scored in double figures. Guard Sercan Topcu (185-85) answered with 21 points and 7 assists and American forward Jayme Miller (203-85) added 20 points and 9 rebounds in the effort for Gelisim. Istanbulspor has a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to sixth place in Group B, which they share with defeated Gelisim. Gelisim lost fourth consecutive game. Istanbulspor will face league's second-placed Kepez Bld in Antalya in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
Top scorers:
Gelisim: S.Topcu 21+3reb+7ast, J.Miller 20+9reb+1ast, C.Mumcuogullari 11+9reb+1ast, C.Terzioglu 8+1reb, D.Deniz Yigit 7+3reb+1ast, F.Kizilca 4+3reb
Istanbulspor: O.Er 21+5reb+1ast, C.Bayraktar 16+2reb+3ast, N.Yildirim 16+10reb+2ast, O.Sonsirma 16+5ast, O.Okkali 7+2reb+1ast, I.Demircioglu 5+5reb+5ast

Optimum TED - Kepez Bld 77-71

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Optimum TED as it allowed them to take a leadership position in Group B. Optimum TED defeated leader Kepez Bld in Ankara 77-71. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Kepez Bld. It was a key game for the top position in Group B. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Kepez Bld won third quarter 18-13. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Optimum TED outrebounded Kepez Bld 39-27 including a 27-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a great evening for guard Burak Erol (196-88) who led his team to a victory scoring 13 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Forward Recai Ozturk (198-82) helped adding 14 points. Optimum TED's coach Hakan Yavuz allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Swingman Cihan Amasyali (191-83) responded with 19 points and American guard Marcus Hall (185-85, college: Colorado) scored 13 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Optimum TED and five Kepez Bld players scored in double figures. Optimum TED has a solid series of three victories in a row. As mentioned above they took over a top position. Kepez Bld at the other side dropped to the second place with two games lost. Kepez Bld will play next round against Istanbulspor trying to get back on the winning streak. Optimum TED will try to continue on its current victory against fourth ranked Gaziantep at home.
Top scorers:
Kepez Bld: C.Amasyali 19+4reb+3ast, M.Ademoglu 15+7reb, M.Hall 13+6reb+5ast, O.Sevinc 10+1reb+2ast, E.Yetim 10+9reb+2ast, R.Oksuz 2
Optimum TED: O.Onver 16+4reb, R.Ozturk 14+4reb+3ast, M.Ozdogan 13, B.Erol 13+8reb+4ast, E.Ozpulat 7+3reb, I.Yalcin 7+3reb+1ast

Selcuk Univ. - Hacettepe Univ. 74-79

No shocking result in a game when third ranked Hacettepe Univ. (8-3) beat 5th ranked Selcuk Universitesi (6-5) in Konya 79-74 on Saturday. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Selcuk Universitesi won third quarter 26-19. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Hacettepe Univ. won last quarter 22-19. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Hacettepe Univ. made 7 blocks. American power forward Jermaine Dearman (202-80, college: S.Illinois) orchestrated the victory by scoring 19 points and 7 rebounds. Forward Gokhan Orcun Tunca (201-80) contributed with 16 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Four Hacettepe Univ. players scored in double figures. American forward Brian Boddicker (204-81, college: Texas, agency: EM-PA) answered with 12 points and 7 rebounds and swingman Melih Kabakci (200-82) added 16 points in the effort for Selcuk Universitesi. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Hacettepe Univ. maintains third place in Group B with 8-3 record having just two points less than leader Optimum TED, which they share with Gaziantep. Loser Selcuk Universitesi keeps the fifth position with five games lost. Hacettepe Univ. will face Beykoz (#8) in Istanbul in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Selcuk Universitesi will play at home against ITU Istanbul.
Top scorers:
Selcuk Univ.: M.Kabakci 16+2reb+1ast, C.Sahin 12+5reb+2ast, B.Boddicker 12+7reb+2ast, M.Yolcu 9+2reb+2ast, S.Gursu 6+5reb+2ast, F.Aydemir 6+2reb+3ast
Hacettepe Univ.: J.Dearman 19+7reb+3ast, G.Orcun Tunca 16+8reb, O.Adiguzel 15+3reb+2ast, O.Altinmakas 10+1reb+3ast, A.Onder Kulcebas 8+7reb+3ast, D.Yannier 6+2reb+1ast

Standings - TBL

TBL Standings

1. Galatasaray		10-2
2. Fener.Ulker		10-2
3. Banvit		9-2
4. Efes Pilsen		9-3
5. Antalya		8-3
6. Besiktas		7-4
7. Karsiyaka		6-5
8. Olin Edirne		6-5
9. Bornova		5-7
10. Turk Telekom		5-7
11. Tofas		4-8
12. Aliaga		4-8
13. Trabzonspor		3-8
14. Erdemir		2-8
15. Mersin		2-10
16. Oyak Renault		2-10

Stats Leaders - D1

Points Per Game

Ali KARADENIZ
  Trabzonspor
  (203-F-80)
  Avg: 21.3

1. Karadeniz, Trabzons.	21.3
2. Barbour, Erdemir	19.7
3. Randle, Aliaga	19.3
4. Christopher, Antal.	19.0
5. Mays, Oyak Renault	18.5
6. Scales, Mersin	18.4
7. Seibutis, Olin Edirne	18.3
8. Smith, Bornova	18.2
9. Gibson, Oyak R.	18.1
10. Onan, Fener.Ulker	16.6

Rebounds Per Game

James THOMAS
  Erdemir
  (203-F/C-80)
  Avg: 10.9

1. Thomas, Erdemir	10.9
2. Yucel, Mersin	10.6
3. Mays, Oyak Renault	10.0
4. Samardjiski, Olin E.	9.8
5. Aldemir, Karsiyaka	9.3
6. Wesson, Turk T.	8.9
7. Smith, Bornova	8.8
8. Karadeniz, Trabzons.	8.7
9. Ruzic, Tofas	8.4
10. Guler, Antalya	8.1

Assists Per Game

David HOLSTON
  Karsiyaka
  (170-G-86)
  Avg: 5.8

1. Holston, Karsiyaka	5.8
2. Rasic, Trabzonspor	5.7
3. Chatman, Besiktas	5.3
4. Ermis, Banvit	5.0
5. Rowe, Tofas	4.6
6. Acik, Galatasaray	4.5
7. Senturk, Bornova	4.4
8. Guler, Antalya	4.2
9. Iverson, Besiktas	4.2
10. Akin, Olin Edirne	4.1

Steals Per Game

Aubrey COLEMAN
  Aliaga
  (193-G-87)
  Avg: 3.1

1. Coleman, Aliaga	3.1
2. Holston, Karsiyaka	2.7
3. Waller, Oyak Renault	2.5
4. Mays, Oyak Renault	2.4
5. Scales, Mersin	2.1
6. Rowe, Tofas	2.1
7. Prince, Antalya	2.0
8. Iverson, Besiktas	2.0
9. Gibson, Oyak R.	2.0
10. Seibutis, Olin Edirne	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Predrag SAMARDJISKI
  Olin Edirne
  (214-C-86)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Samardjiski, Olin E.	2.3
2. Stiemsma, Turk T.	1.8
3. Simpsons, Turk T.	1.5
4. Likholitov, Besiktas	1.4
5. Francis, Bornova	1.3
6. Ruzic, Tofas	1.3
7. Ogilvy, Besiktas	1.2
8. Aldemir, Karsiyaka	1.2
9. Johnson, Erdemir	1.1
10. Sonkol, Bornova	1.0

Jagla agrees terms with Turk Telekom - by Umut Akin
Turkey BBL team Turk Telekom Ankara brings back 29 years old German power forward Jan Hendrik jagla back to Turkey. Jan-Hendrick Jagla

(213-F-81, college: Penn St.) spent last season in Asseco Prokom Gdynia, Poland. He is expected to come to Turkey tonight and sign the contract tomorrow, becoming the second player brought back by Telekom in 10 days period, after Khalid El Amin.

He played for Turk Telekom Ankara in 2006-2007 season befores signing to Joventut Badalona. Jan-Hendrick Jagla is also a regular member of German national team and participated in 2006 and 2010 world championships, 2007 and 2007 eurobaskets and 2008 summer olympics.

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

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Raja Bell believes in the Jazz, and so should you - by David Edole
What you're about to read is nothing new. It's not a secret; it's not what we like to call 'breaking news.'

See, what you're about to read is an affirmation of sorts. An affirmation for Utah Jazz fans who might need one now that we're in the middle of the NBA's dog days.

Remember how the Jazz lost to Portland on Monday? Remember how it looked like they were in control for a while, then tanked it in the second half?

And now they've got the L.A. Clippers tonight at Staples Center. Normally, this would be a real cakewalk game. The Clippers aren't going to make anyone in southern California forget about the Lakers, we know that already. But young center Blake Griffin is doing his best to change that and people are definitely taking notice.

So, even tonight's game is anything but a guaranteed W for the Jazz.

Consequently, I figure fans might need something positive right about now.

OK, here goes.

Close your eyes and think about Raja Bell (196-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida Intern.), the second oldest guy on the team (just a few months behind Francisco Elson).

Raja Bell, who used to play here in Utah, then high-tailed it to Phoenix when it appeared the Jazz were about to go through a rough patch.

Raja Bell, the tough guy.

Raja Bell, the guy who once clotheslined Kobe Bryant.

Raja Bell, the guy who spurned Kobe's offer to come be a part of the Lakers this season.

Here's the affirmation: He could be L.A. or Miami, but he's here in Utah because he likes it here and he believes in the Jazz.

Repeat it daily, as needed.

I wrote about this very subject earlier this year, when Bell first signed a free agent deal with the Jazz. Specifically, I wrote about how the 34-year-old opted to sign with the Jazz rather than go play for Kobe and the Lakers.

The response I got was predictable. Many Lakers fans wrote back to say I was crazy for believing Bell's decision to sign with Utah over L.A. was based on anything other than money.

After all, the Jazz were offering him a better deal than anything L.A. could come up with.

I'm not saying the extra cash didn't play a part in Bell's decision. What I am saying, however, is that it wasn't the ONLY part of his decision. And I'm basing my opinion on a conversation Bell had with a handful of notebook jockeys prior to the Jazz-Heat game played earlier this month in Salt Lake City.

See, Bell, who played college ball in Miami, also turned down an offer to play for his hometown team. Granted, the Heat were trying to line him up before they landed LeBron James and Chris Bosh. But even then it seemed likely and the Heat saw Bell as the perfect complementary piece to their 'championship' puzzle.

Even after Miami had its Big Three in place, Heat coach Eric Spoelstra sent Bell a few texts saying, 'It's time to come play at home.'

But apparently Bell wasn't interested in taking his talents to South Beach.

Thanks, but no thanks. Good luck, he wrote back.

Stand by for the best part of the story ...

From a basketball perspective, Bell in Miami with those other guys could have been a wonderful fit. But he wasn't quite so sure, simply because he didn't see himself as some sort of an aging jester to help out the King and his Court.

'It was hard to tell exactly what kind of opportunities were going to be there when you throw guys on a team like that,' he said, speaking his mind without the slightest bit of hesitation.

'I wasn't ready to concede some of the things I thought I could (still) do as a player,' he added. 'I know some people did, but I didn't think I was that old and I didn't think I was marginalized to that point as a player.'

If you ask me, Bell's exactly right. At 34, his best playing years are behind him. But I for one, love the fact he had a better vision of himself than merely playing some bit role.

Come to think of it, that's an affirmation we all can use.

By Jim Burton
Standard-Examiner staff

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

UBA

David Walls interview with UBA Standout Michael Sloan - by UBA media
Michael Sloan (6'5''-G/F-84, college: Clayton St.) (6'5''-G/F-84, college: Clayton St.) has been named UBA Player of the Month for the second time this season. Sloan is currently second in the UBA in scoring (25.2) and is playing for the top team in the league. We took the time to get a up close and personal interview with Mike Sloan.

Q: Congratulations on being named UBA Player of the Month. Do the personal honors mean anything or is it just another day to Mike Sloan?

A: 1st off thank you for naming the UBA player of the month again. And to answer your question, Yes the honors do mean something to me but it's not just for me it's for my teammates and my coach that believe in me and put me in good situations I can work out of. They deserve the honor just as much as I do.

Q: Why play in the UBA? Why not the ABA, WBA D-League etc?

A: Well the UBA is unique in that it does give you real exposure, keeps yours stats, and it is a good competitive league. Not to down any other leagues but the UBA just seemed to fit best for me.

Q: The UBA has sent over 28 players overseas in the last 2 years. What does that say about the league and the talent that plays in the league?

A: Well I guess I kind of answered that in the last question but its just not like some of the other leagues, agents and coaches from around the world see the stats online, the video online and they see how many players have been sent over to play and its no question that this a good league. Its a battle every night and I am just thankful to be a part of it.

Q: You are a great talent. Why do you think you haven't played overseas yet?

A: Because I did not have the UBA to play in...I have never stopped playing or working on my game, some of the other leagues just have not kept their end of the deal, haven't kept the stats consistently, haven't kept up with game film and haven't pushed for players to make it overseas. All of those things are very essential in getting a job playing ball, the UBA does those things.

Q: Well sources say that since your off to this start in the league you are receiving a lot attention from several European clubs (Germany, Iceland, Denmark). How does that make you feel?

A: It feels great to see all the work I put in start to get recognized you know. It's definitely not all me though, I have people working and talking for me...I am doing the easy part, playing. But all in all I feel blessed.

Q: If anyone follows the UBA they know that your at the top of the list for the 2011 UBA MVP. How does that make you feel?

A: Once again I feel blessed, honored and somewhat overwhelmed by it. Just to be in the conversation with Jermaine Barnes (6'5''-G/F-82, agency: SportsList Inc., college: Atlanta Christian) and all the things he's done accomplished in his career is just an absolute honor and a blessing.

Q: Jermaine Barnes was the UBA Most Valuable Player in 2009 and 2010. I can't help but to notice the rivalry you guys have. Darryl Reshaw has been quoting saying that it's a joy watching you two go at each other. Is this a Bird vs. Magic kind of thing or a Knicks vs. the Bulls?

A: It's a joy getting out there competing with such a great player...JB (Jermaine Barnes) taught me somethings in and coming out of college and I use what he taught me against him out there. As far as the rivalry goes...I admire guys like Bird and Magic so much I can't say it's that serious because those two had some history but if I had to put a name to equate it to they would fit good. Now the Knicks vs. the Bulls I wouldn't say that because the knicks beat Jordan up literally for a few years and either JB or I would have to be the Jordan in that scenario and I highly doubt either one of us wants to take that beating.

Q: Barnes was quoted on UBA TV saying 'Sloan is the best player in the UBA right now'. What I would like to know is who is the best in the UBA (In your opinion)?

A: It's so many great players in the UBA it's hard to say. JB is great, but I also admire JD (Jermaine Daley of the GIE Morrow Disciples) he plays hard and he makes the game tough for whoever is on the opposing end. And not to mention my starting point guard Will De La Cruz who has been playing great for us and setting me up so I can have interviews like this one.

Q: Will you be attending the Eurobasket Summer League in Houston?

A: I will most definitely be in the Eurobasket Summer League in Houston. It's ALL about exposure, you can be as good as Jordan, Magic or Bird but if you don't get seen what is the difference.

Q: Who are some of your major influences and what words of advice can you give younger players who seek to play professional basketball?

A: Man I have so many influences I don't know where to start. My mom is number one. As far as basketball influences I always loved the greats...MJ, Magic, Bird, Miller even John Stockton but on a more personal level I was always around great players like JB, Derrick Stroud, my coach John White is a huge influence on me, commissioner Darryl Reshaw , my college coach Gordon Gibbons and the list goes on and on. When people talk I listen, simple as that so I get inspired by almost anything.

Q: There are alot of talented teams in the UBA (Disciples, DFW Warriors, Tennessee ect), who do you think you guys will face in the finals if you make it?

A: Well that's tough to say who we will be facing, as of right now it looks like 'the rivalry' will continue in the finals but we will see who steps up to the plate. God willing we will be there waiting on a challenger to emerge.

Tuesday's UBA games review - by UBA media

Georgia L. - GIE Morrow D. 73-76
Warren Beaulah (6'5''-G-84, college: Brewton Parker) had 21 points, 11 assists as the GIE Morrow Disciples beat the Georgia Lions 76-73 on Tuesday night. Derrick Stroud (6'8''-F/C-75, college: Indiana St.) added 21 points and 11 rebounds in the victory. The Disciples improved to 8-4, rebounding from a 89-99 loss to Southern Geneals on Sunday night. 'The Georgia Lions are a very good team, said Disciples guard Jermaine Barnes. They play great team defense. Barnes was held to 13 points on (4-10) shooting. I'm just glad coach Mike Davis pulled us out with a win.
The Lions were led by Ashton Pitts (6'8''-F/C-87) with 17 points. Chris Miller-Williams (6'5''-F-87, college: W.Georgia) added 14 points and 8 rebounds in the loss.

Southern G. - Metro Atlanta S. 96-85
Michael Sloan (6'5''-G/F-84, college: Clayton St.) had 25 points, Will De La Cruz (6'2''-G-80, college: Atlanta Christian) added 23 points and a game high 13 assist as the Generals pass the Metro Atlanta 96-85. The Generals are now on a 7 game winning streak as they contunie to domanate the Southern Conference.

URBL Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Jermaine BARNES
(194-G/F-82)
Avg: 25.4

1. Barnes, GIE M.	25.4
2. Sloan, S.Generals	25.1
3. Kearse, Dallas Star	23.6
4. Hill, DFW Warriors	23.3
5. Cromartie, Atlan.	22.7
6. Joseph, St.Mount.	20.2
7. Webb, Tennessee D.	19.5
8. James, DFW W.	19.3
9. Clark, St.Mount.	19.0
10. Davis, Dallas Star	18.6

Rebounds Per Game

Jermaine DAILEY
(203-F-86)
Avg: 12.5

1. Dailey, GIE M.	12.5
2. Hall, St.Mount.	10.8
3. Anderson, DFW W.	10.0
4. Hill, DFW Warriors	9.8
5. Stroud, GIE M.	9.8
6. Davis, Dallas Star	9.4
7. Wilson, Tennesse.	9.3
8. Akpele, S.Generals	9.2
9. Moore, S.Generals	9.0
10. Miller-W., Georg.	8.8

Assists Per Game

Will DE LA CRUZ
  DOM
  (188-G-80)
  Avg: 9.5

1. De La Cruz, S.Gen.	9.5
2. Beaulah, GIE M.	9.3
3. Belton, GIE M.	7.9
4. Douglas, DFW W.	7.5
5. Williams, GIE M.	7.4
6. Taylor, Tennesse.	6.8
7. Kearse, Dallas Star	6.0
8. Webb, Tennessee D.	5.8
9. Snell, Atlanta A.	5.2
10. Barnes, GIE M.	5.1

Steals Per Game

Mychal KEARSE
(194-G-83)
Avg: 4.2

1. Kearse, Dallas Star	4.2
2. Taylor, Tennesse.	3.8
3. Williams, GIE M.	3.6
4. Sloan, S.Generals	3.0
5. Barnes, GIE M.	2.6
6. Stroud, GIE M.	2.5
7. Snell, Atlanta A.	2.4
8. De La Cruz, S.Gen.	2.0
9. Beaulah, GIE M.	2.0
10. Clark, St.Mount.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Demario WILLIAMS
(216-C-85)
Avg: 6.2

1. Williams, GIE M.	6.2
2. Moore, S.Generals	5.5
3. Hall, St.Mount.	3.5
4. Davis, Dallas Star	3.4
5. Wilson, Tennesse.	3.0
6. Hill, DFW Warriors	2.8
7. Stokes, Dallas Star	2.6
8. Dailey, GIE M.	2.6
9. Stroud, GIE M.	2.0
10. Anderson, DFW W.	2.0

Standings

UBA Standings

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

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

UKRAINE

Michael Fraser gets MVP of the Week award for Ukrainian Superleague - by Eurobasket News
Canadian Michael Fraser (203-C/F-84, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) had an amazing evening in the last round for DniproAzot and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 24.
The 26-year old had a double-double of 27 points and seventeen rebounds, while his team beat Kryvbasbasket (#4, 14-9) 79-67. DniproAzot is placed at 10th position in Ukrainian Superleague. DniproAzot is rather a weak team placed in lower part in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 8-15 record. Fraser turned to be DniproAzot's top player in his first season with the team. Michael Fraser averages this season 13.5ppg and 11.3rpg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 28-year old American power forward Mario Austin (206-F/C-82, agency: Strategic Sports) of Dnipro Dnepropetrovsk. Austin impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 22 points and 12 rebounds. Of course he lead Dnipro to another comfortable win outscoring the lower-ranked BC Odessa (#9, 11-13) 101-81. Dnipro's 6th position in the standings has not changed. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 13-11 record is not bad and everything may still change. Austin is a newcomer at Dnipro and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders.

The third best performed player last round was American Curtis Millage (185-G-81) of Khimik-OPZ Yuzny (#12). Millage got into 30-points club by scoring 31 points in the last round. He went also for five assists. He was a key player of Khimik, leading his team to a 89-73 easy win against the higher-ranked Dnipro (#6, 13-11). Khimik can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have rather bad season and 5-16 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Millage he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Millage has individually a great season in Ukraine. After 21 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in assists with 5.5apg (best passer). He also has 2.5spg and FGP: 54.1%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Steve Burtt (185-G-84) of Dnipro - 38 points and 4 rebounds
5. Chris Owens (204-F-79) of Azovmash - 23 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists
6. John DeGroat (198-F-85) of BC Odessa - 23 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Chris Owens (204-F-79) of Azovmash - 17 points and 6 rebounds
8. Ramel Curry (191-G-80) of Azovmash - 15 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Demetrius Alexander (204-F/C-75) of Azovmash - 20 points and 4 rebounds
10. Pavlo Burenko (188-G-90) of BC Kyiv - 9 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists

The Player of the week is chosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

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

URUGUAY

Defensor is the new leader - by Hector Lopez
Defensor Sporting took the leadership for the Uruguayan League after beating Cordon 90-81, while Bigua lost the first position defeated by Aguada 99-97. Defensor Sporting has now 27.5 points and the second position is for three teams, Bigua, Aguada and Malvin all with 27.0. The 10 teams are playing the LUB second stage, with half the points earned in the first stage to qualify eigth for the playoff. Others standings are: Trouville 25.5, Hebraica 25.0, Olimpia 23.5, Welcome 22.5 and Bohemios and Cordon 22.0
Defensor Sporting 90 - Brian Woodward (191-G-81, college: Rhode Island) 34 points 7 rebounds 1 block, Clerence Matthews (201-F-83, college: Tennessee St.) 10 points 9 rebounds
Cordon 81 - Austen Powers (203-F-87, college: Seattle) 30 points 6 rebounds 2 blocks, Christopher Hayes (206-F-87, college: Detroit Mercy) 24 points 9 rebounds 4 assists
- - -
Aguada 99 - Benjamin Puckett

(205-F-83, college: Clayton St.) 32 points 10 rebounds 3 assists, Brian Craig (206-C-79, college: Miles) 17 points 6 rebounds
Bigua 97 - Michael Sweetney (203-F-82, college: Georgetown) 20 points 9 rebounds, Elgrace Wilborn (203-F-83, college: W.Kentucky) 12 points 9 rebounds 3 blocks
- - -
Malvin 78 - Reque Newsome

(204-C-81, college: S.Indiana) 20 points 6 rebounds 2 blocks, Mark Bortz

(208-F/C-82, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: Buffalo) 10 points 8 rebounds 1 block, Carl Edwards

(196-F-81, college: Charleston) 6 points 5 rebounds
Welcome - Scott Cutley (196-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) 19 points 9 rebounds 3 assists, Kevin Nelson

(192-G-84, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Park) 13 points 2 rebounds 5 assists

Standings - LUB

LUB Standings

1. Defensor		2-0
2. Aguada		2-0
3. Malvin		2-0
4. Trouville		2-0
5. Hebraica		1-1
6. Bigua		1-1
7. Bohemios		0-2
8. Cordon		0-2
9. Olimpia		0-2
10. Welcome		0-2

Stats Leaders - LUB

Points Per Game

Johwen VILLEGAS
  Olimpia
  (193-G-85)
  Avg: 28

1. Villegas, Olimpia	28.0
2. Maxey, Un.Atletica	25.0
3. Craft, Cordon	24.9
4. McGowan, Sayago	24.7
5. Cornley, Cader	24.3
6. Taboada, Bigua	23.5
7. Aguiar, Hebraica	23.1
8. Hayes, Cordon	20.5
9. Martinez, Malvin	20.4
10. Woodward, Defensor	20.1

Rebounds Per Game

Terrance GAMBLE
  Cader
  (208-C-83)
  Avg: 12.8

1. Gamble, Cader	12.8
2. Shelman, Sayago	11.2
3. Rogers, Un.Atletica	10.6
4. Jackson, Anastasia	10.2
5. Wilborn, Bigua	10.0
6. Dilligard, Olimpia	9.7
7. McGowan, Sayago	9.7
8. Reynolds, Hebraica	9.4
9. Puckett, Aguada	9.3
10. Maxey, Un.Atletica	9.2

Assists Per Game

Mauro TORNARIA
  Trouville
  (187-G-82)
  Avg: 6

1. Tornaria, Trouville	6.0
2. Martinez, Malvin	5.8
3. Pereyra, Bohemios	5.6
4. Elliott, Hebraica	5.5
5. Vidal, Bigua	5.1
6. Cambon, Bigua	5.0
7. Gonzalez, Defensor	4.8
8. Muro, Aguada	4.8
9. Latham, Anastasia	4.8
10. Rivero, Montevideo	4.7

Steals Per Game

Carl ELLIOTT
  Hebraica
  (193-G-83)
  Avg: 3

1. Elliott, Hebraica	3.0
2. Tornaria, Trouville	2.6
3. Rovira, Bigua	2.5
4. Rivero, Montevideo	2.3
5. Latham, Anastasia	2.2
6. Galeano, Olimpia	2.0
7. Shelman, Sayago	2.0
8. Woodward, Defensor	2.0
9. Thomas, Cader	2.0
10. Aguilera, Trouville	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Greg DILLIGARD
  Olimpia
  (203-F-85)
  Avg: 4.3

1. Dilligard, Olimpia	4.3
2. Rogers, Un.Atletica	2.7
3. Bortz, Malvin	2.5
4. Newsome, Malvin	2.5
5. Wilborn, Bigua	2.3
6. Ferguson, Defensor	2.2
7. Douglas, Bohemios	2.0
8. Gamble, Cader	1.9
9. Shelman, Sayago	1.9
10. Kanis, Trouville	1.7

Antonio Garcia is ready to play in Uruguay - by Sergio Palay
Antonio Garcia (203-F/C-76, college: Ky Wesleyan) is ready to begin play in Hebraica Macabi.
The arrival of the Panamanian player to Montevideo was few days ago but was unable to play against Bohemios on Tuesday because he was not authorized by the Comision de Educacion Fisica. The player had high cholesterol.
However, after solving its problems with cholesterol, Garcia received his medical license
Tonito will debut next Tuesday against Atletico Bigua. The clash against Michael Sweetney (203-F-82, college: Georgetown) promises to be exciting.

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

WABA

Women News

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

MONTENEGRO - Women

Standings - Women League

Superleague Standings

1. Buducnost		4-1
2. Jednistovo II		4-1
3. Heceg Novi		4-1
4. Rudar		2-3
5. Roling Niksic		2-3
6. Primorje		0-5
Play in international cups:
1. Jedinstvo BP		-

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

TAIWAN - Women

WSBL to open new season January 10 - by Chris Wang
Chinese Taipei Basketball Association (CTBA) announced that the Women's Super Basketball League (WSBL) will open its 2011 season on January 10 and, for the first time in 10 years, as many as six teams will compete in the highest level of Taiwanese women's basketball.

The participating teams of the new season will be the defending champion Taiyuan Textile, Taipower, Chunghwa Telecom, Fo Guang, the expansion team Applause Red Devils and Cathay Life, which returns to the league after a one-year hiatus.

Taiyuan and Cathay Life were favored to meet in the Finals.

Cathay Life, which had won 17 straight titles in Taiwanese women's league, withdrew from the 2010 WSBL season over what it claimed was a violation by Chunghwa Telecom in signing Chiang Feng-chun, a former Cathay Life star forward who came out of retirement.

Chiang subsequently finished her one-year contract with Chunghwa Telecom before signing with Zhejiang of the Chinese women's league WCBA (Women's Chinese Basketball Association) in October.

The regular season will be played from Jan. 10-March 30 at Taipei Gymnasium, located in downtown Taipei, and Sinjhuang Stadium in nearby Xinbei City. Top four teams in the regular season advance to the playoffs. No. 3 and No. 4 teams meet in the best-of-three bronze medal series while the top two teams meet in the best-of-three WSBL Finals.

Popularity of women's basketball in Taiwan lagged far behind the men's competition as the number of teams decreased over the years. According to the CTBA, the last time there were six women's teams in Taiwan's top division was in 2001.

The CTBA is still in talks with several companies in order to put the WSBL games on television or the internet.