EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 2/26/2010

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Men News

*****************************************************
  ABA   


Standings
ABA Standings
Exhibition Team
 1. Play2Win 10-4 
 2. Chico Rage 1-5 
 3. College Park 0-0 
 4. Smoky MJ 0-0 
 5. Crusaders 0-1 
 6. Arlington B. 0-2 
 7. Oklahoma 0-2 
 8. Modesto E. 0-6 
NoCal Div.
 1. S.Francisco R. 10-5 
 2. Clayton 9-3 
 3. California SK 9-6 
 4. Sacramento H. 9-10 
 5. Central Valley 4-10 
North Central Div.
 1. Chicago Steam 15-4 
 2. Lake Michigan 10-6 
 3. Columbus Crush 8-3 
 4. Pittsburgh P. 6-4 
 5. Detroit Hoops 6-5 
 6. Kansas City S. 4-0 
 7. Cleveland R. 2-2 
 8. G.Rapids F. 0-2 
 9. Youngstown S. 0-2 
 10. Akron R. 0-5 
Northeast Div.
 1. Jersey Expr. 12-4 
 2. NY Thunder 9-3 
 3. Maryland M. 7-10 
 4. NY Red Riders 6-9 
 5. Tri-City Suns 5-9 
Pacific Northwest Div.
 1. Seattle M. 8-6 
 2. Seattle ZG 3-0 
 3. Everett 2-2 
 4. Spokane Sunz 1-1 
 5. Washington R. 1-6 
SoCal Div.
 1. Riverside R. 9-3 
 2. LA Slam 6-9 
 3. San Diego S. 5-8 
 4. Compton C. 4-2 
 5. Las Vegas A. 3-0 
 6. California BB 2-6 
 7. Honolulu 1-1 
South Central Div.
 1. Kentucky S. 13-7 
 2. Kentucky B. 12-7 
 3. W.Virginia B. 6-10 
 4. St.Louis S. 0-3 
Southeast Div.
 1. Music City Stars 9-3 
 2. Mississippi B. 4-6 
 3. Columbus Life 3-5 
 4. Florida Th. 1-0 
 5. Charlotte 1-3 
 6. Carolina K. 0-0 
 7. Ga PROWL 0-1 
Southwest Div.
 1. SE Texas M. 20-3 
 2. N.Texas F. 10-4 
 3. W.Texas W. 7-5 
 4. Texas Fuel 3-7 
 5. Dallas G. 2-1 
 6. Texas Ch. 0-2 
 7. Houston T. 0-6 


*****************************************************
  ADRIATIC LEAGUE   


Radnicki inks Nenad Stefanovic - by Zoran Popovic
Radnicki Kragujevac signed Nenad Stefanovic (193-G-85, agency: Beo Basket) for rest of the season. The player is coming to Radnicki from Metalac Valjevo, where he started this season. Stefanovic played 15 games in A League with 6.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists. He also played six games in Balkan League adding 7 ppg, 2 rpg and 4 apg. Radnicki Kragujevac currently has 9-12 score. In the next round they will play against Cedevita.

Golubovic leaves Olimpija - by Zeljko Zule
Montenegrin Vladimir Golubovic (212-C-86) parted ways with Union Olimpija. He appeared in all 10 games of Euroleague this season, averaging 6.8 points (2P 62%, FT 57%), 4.2 rebounds, 0.4 steals and 0,5 blocks in 15.5 minutes per appearance and in 21 games of NLB Adriatic League, averaging 8.0 points (2P 73%,FT 70%), 4.7 rebounds, 0.4 assists, 0.4 steals and 0.7 blocks in 15.7 minutes per apperance. Golubovic won the 2009 Slovenian Championship and Super Cup and 2009 and 2010 Slovenian Cup with Olimpija.

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  ALBANIA   


Franko Bushati changes Prima Veroli for Aget Imola - by Eurobasket News
Franko Bushati (188-G-85) changed the team. The 24-year-old Albanian-Italian guard moved from Prima Veroli to Aget Imola. Franko Bushati averaged 2.9 points and 1.1 boards for Prima Veroli this season. Last season the guard started in Banco Di Sardegna. He tallied 6.0 points and 1.1 boards per game. Later Franko Bushati joined Banca Nuova Trapani in A dilletanti league. There the guard stepped up with 15.2 points, 3.8 boards and 2.5 assists per appearance. Bushati is the member of Albanian National Team.


*****************************************************
  BALTIC LEAGUE   


Mateo Kedzo moves to Latvia - by Eurobasket News
Mateo Kedzo (207-F/C-84) has agreed on terms of contract with Ventspils. The Croatian 25-year-old forward tipped off the season in Turkey. He tallied 6.2 points and 2.6 boards for Aliaga Petkim in the TBL. Mateo Kedzo however left the team in November and looked for the team from then. Last season the Croat played for Energa Czarni. He tallied 11.0 points, 4.3 boards and 1.0 assists per game in the PLK. In EuroChallenge his stats read 13.0 points, 6.2 boards and 1.2 assists.


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Rashaun BROADUS
  Suduva
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 21.7
 1. Broadus, Suduva21.7 
 2. Reed, Tallinna Kalev21.6 
 3. Davis, Valmiera20.0 
 4. Kleiza, Alytus Alita19.8 
 5. Fisher, Kalev/Cr.19.4 
 6. Akognon, Kalev/Cr.18.9 
 7. Tatarunas, Alytus A.18.8 
 8. Kelys, Perlas18.4 
 9. Sirvydis, Sakalai18.3 
 10. Gailius, Siauliai17.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Travis REED
  Tallinna Kalev
  (203-C-79)
  Avg: 10.1
 1. Reed, Tallinna Kalev10.1 
 2. Kieza, Suduva9.4 
 3. Watson, Zalgiris9.1 
 4. Tatarunas, Alytus A.9.0 
 5. Fisher, Kalev/Cr.8.9 
 6. Morrison, TU/Rock8.3 
 7. Valanciunas, Perlas8.3 
 8. Cresnar, Valmiera8.2 
 9. Kojenets, Liepaja8.1 
 10. McNaull, Norrkoping7.9 
Assists Per Game
 Tomas GAIDAMAVICIUS
  Juventus
  (191-G-82)
  Avg: 7.4
 1. Gaidamaviciu., Juven.7.4 
 2. Broadus, Suduva6.7 
 3. Renfroe, VEF Riga6.2 
 4. Grant, Norrkoping6.0 
 5. Popovic, Lietuvos.5.0 
 6. Maceina, Rudupis4.9 
 7. Sokk, Kalev/Cramo4.9 
 8. Alijevas, Nevezis4.6 
 9. Gervin, Norrkoping4.5 
 10. Jomantas, Lietuv.4.5 
Steals Per Game
 Rashaun BROADUS
  Suduva
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 3
 1. Broadus, Suduva3.0 
 2. Vileita, Rudupis2.6 
 3. Rannula, Valga Welg2.4 
 4. Covington, Tallin.2.4 
 5. Gervin, Norrkoping2.3 
 6. Gaidamaviciu., Juven.2.2 
 7. Leonavicius, Sakalai2.2 
 8. Bitinas, Neptunas2.2 
 9. Jomantas, Lietuv.2.2 
 10. Renfroe, VEF Riga2.1 
Blocks Per Game
 Kennyetta JOHNSON
  Kalev/Cramo
  (210-C-78)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Johnson, Kalev/Cr.3.1 
 2. Valanciunas, Perlas2.3 
 3. Tatarunas, Alytus A.2.1 
 4. Toome, TTU K.1.8 
 5. Davis, Valmiera1.6 
 6. Kieza, Suduva1.6 
 7. Silinskis, Nevezis1.5 
 8. Ezerskis, Techasas1.5 
 9. Rozitis, Zemgale1.4 
 10. Leonavicius, Sakalai1.4 


Standings - Men
Baltic League Standings
Elite Division
 1. Zalgiris 14-2 
 2. Lietuvos Rytas 12-1 
 3. Ventspils 9-6 
 4. TU/Rock 8-8 
 5. Siauliai 8-8 
 6. VEF Riga 8-8 
 7. Kalev/Cramo 7-7 
 8. Valmiera 5-11 
 9. Liepaja 3-12 
 10. Nevezis 2-13 
Challenge Cup
Group A
 1. Norrkoping 6-2 
 2. Juventus 5-3 
 3. Sakalai 4-4 
 4. Techasas 4-4 
 5. Valga Welg 1-7 
Group B
 1. Perlas 6-2 
 2. Tallinna Kalev 5-3 
 3. Zemgale 4-4 
 4. Alytus Alita 3-5 
 5. Aisciai 2-6 
Group C
 1. Rudupis 6-2 
 2. TTU KK 5-3 
 3. Neptunas 5-3 
 4. Suduva 4-4 
 5. Keizarmezs 0-8 


Siauliai land Maris Gulbis - by Eurobasket News
Siauliai boosted their roster with addition of Maris Gulbis (202-F-85). The 24-year-old Latvian forward started the season in Latvia. He averaged 16.6 points, 5.2 boards and 2.1 assists per LBL game for Zemgale. In Baltic League his stats read 17.5 points, 6.4 boards and 2.1 assists. Last season Maris Gulbis played in VEF Riga. There he tallied 9.0 points and 3.2 boards in the LBL as well as 10.3 points and 3.1 boards in Baltic League. Maris Gulbis played for U20 Latvian National Team.


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  CAPE VERDE   


Ivan's Stonehill Cruises Past Saint Michael's, 76-61 - by Pedro Gomes
EASTON, Mass. (February 13, 2010) - Stonehill College, ranked 25th in this week's National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) poll and also ranked second in the NCAA Division II East Regional rankings, built a 22-point halftime lead behind 60-percent shooting in posting a 76-61 victory over Saint Michael's College in Northeast-10 Conference men's basketball action at Merkert Gymnasium this afternoon.

Stonehill placed four players in double-figures, with sophomore Ivan Almeida (Praia, Cape Verde) leading the way with 15 points on 6-of-12 shooting from the field, draining his lone three-point attempt, to go with nine rebounds (six offensive), a season-high matching three blocked shots and two steals. Senior A.J. Rudowitz (Monroe Township, N.J./Monroe Township) also netted 15 points, making 7-of-8 shots from the field while converting his lone free-throw, to go with five rebounds and two blocks. He moved into tenth place on the program's career scoring charts on the afternoon, reaching 1,462 career points and passing Stonehill Athletic Hall of Famer Dick Munson who netted 1,448 points from 1962-65.

Junior Daniel Heppert (Richmond, Va./Benedictine) made 3-of-5 shots from the field, including 2-for-4 from three-point range, while converting 3-of-4 free-throws, to go with five rebounds and three assists. Senior Randall Stallworth (Toms River, N.J./Monsignor Donovan) also netted ten points to go with three assists.

Freshman Travis Warech (Pine Brook, N.J./Montville) led Saint Michael's with a game-high 20 points, shooting 8-of-16 from the field, including all three from beyond the arc, while converting his lone free-throw attempt to go with a team-high matching five rebounds and two blocked shots. Junior Nate Birr (Burnsville, Minn./Saint Thomas Academy) added 15 points, draining 3-of-6 three-pointers, five rebounds and three assists. Sophomore Qua'ron Pinckney (Bronx, N.Y./Saint Benedict's) chipped in 11 points, three rebounds and three assists.

Senior A.J. Rudowitz cracked the top ten on Stonehill's career scoring list with his 15 points today.

Stonehill finished shooting 51.9-percent (28-for-54) from the field for the afternoon, after using a 60% (18-30) first half performance, including 5-for-8 (62.5%) from three-point range, to open a 22-point (44-22) margin by halftime. Saint Michael's was held to 38.9% (21-54) for the afternoon, but did connect on 9-of-17 (52.9%) three-pointers, while converting 10-of-12 (83.3%) free-throws. The Skyhawks posted a 39-25 rebounding advantage which resulted in a 15-4 break in second-chance points.

Stonehill used a 12-0 run over a four-minute span to turn a four-point (16-12) lead with 12:23 left in the first half into a 16-point (28-12) bulge after two free-throws by Heppert with 8:16 to go before the break. Almeida and freshman Brian Hamor (Guilderland, N.Y./Bishop Gibbons) sparked the run with three-pointers. A layup by Heppert pushed the Skyhawks lead to 18 (38-20) with 4:12 to go, before scoring the final six-points to carry a 22-point lead (44-22) into the break.

Trailing by 21 (50-29) less than two minutes into the second half, Saint Michael's closed within 12 (50-38) with nine-straight points after a Birr layup. The Purple Knights were still within 12 (56-44) after a layup by Pinckney with 11:28 remaining, but Stonehill recovered and regained a 21-point margin (69-48 ) with a 13-4 run over the next five minutes after a three-point play by Rudowitz with 6:36 to go.

Saint Michael's moved back within 14 (69-55) after a Warech three with 4:13 remaining, but Stonehill held the Purple Knights right there, scoring seven-straight points, four from Stallworth, to regain the 21-point margin (76-55) with 2:35 on the clock to seal the win.

http://stonehillskyhawks.com/sports/mbkb/2009/Releases/mbkbSTM021310

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  CROATIA   


Olympiakos stays the only perfect team in Top 16 - by Eurobasket News
Cibona - Olympiakos 94-97

Olympiakos remains unbeaten in Top 16. The Reds are on top of Group H with perfect 4-0, while on the other side Croatian champion dropped to poor 0-4. Milos Teodosic (195-G-87) once again paced Olympiakos to victory. This time he scored 22 points (5 triples) and handed out 6 assists. Linas Kleiza (203-F-85, college: Missouri) secured a great help with 20 points, and Josh Childress (203-G/F-83, college: Stanford) added 14. For the hosts, Jamont Gordon (193-G/F-87, college: Mississippi St.) shined with 32 pts. Marko Tomas (201-G-85) stopped on 20.
Cibona had better start taking quick 15-7 lead. Olympiakos replied with 2-11 run, but still Cibona was the team who held 25-18 after 10 minutes of play. At the beginning of the second quarter, Cibona reached their first double-digit lead, 28-18. That was a signal for the Reds to start playing, what they immediately did. Milos Teodosic and his teammates responded with impressive 0-11 run. It was a basket after basket game for rest of the first half and Cibona grabbed 45-43 lead thanks to layup by Jamont Gordon. In third quarter, Olympiakos reached plus 7 and in the finish 58-66 lead. Gordon made it twice in penetration and Bogdanovic scored a triple for the hosts. Papaloukas answered with a 8-meter bomb for 65-70 with 10 minutes to go. Teams were almost leveled in the finish of this game. It was 91-92 with 41 seconds left when Jamont Gordon scored two free throws for Cibona. Linas Kleiza made a dunk, but Teodosic and Gordon split free throws for a 94-95 score. Milos Teodosic scored two more FTs with 5 seconds left and Cibona had the last possession. Olympiakos fouled on Marko Tomas not allowing him to try for 3. He missed twice from the line and Olympiakos grabbed fourth victory in Top 16.

Cibona: Jamont Gordon 32, Marko Tomas 20
Olympiakos: Milos Teodosic 22+6 as, Linas Kleiza 20, Josh Childress 14+5 boards

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  CYPRUS   


Scavolini Holds On To Beat APOEL And Stay Undeafeated - by Nima Siar
Pesaro, ITA- Scavolini Spar Pesaro found a way to hold off a late surge by Madisons Apoel Nicosia by defeating the Cyprus club 78-69 at home to remain perfect in Group K. Late in the 4th quarter APOEL was able to get within striking distance, however, Scavolini pulled away with some dominant inside game from Eric Williams who poured in 16 pts on 8/11 shooting. Although APOEL started the game a little shaky, they came out of the 1st half looking determined to get a valuable away win which would have put them in a tie for 2nd place in their group. Unfortunately, APOEL beat themselves by failing to create an inside game and not showing up on defense. They ended the game with only 3 offensive rebounds to Scavolini's 9. Lewis Sims led APOEL again with 15 pts 6 reb 7/8 ft. Each possesion that Sims took the ball to hole he was fouled and considering his recent hot streak behind the charity stripe, its suprising coach Yannis Christopoulos did not have Sims drive more often. Brandon Heath dropped 12 pts and was definitely trying to make plays an all ends of the court (5 reb) but his 7 turnovers proved to be costly. Newly acquired Rick Hughes played consistently on the offensive side with 14 pts on 5/6 fg, but his defense and ball handling need to improve dramatically if he is going to help the Nicosia team to make a late run in the Eurochallenge and the Cyprus playoffs. Daniele Cinciarini led all scorers with 18 pts 8/8 ft while Sullivan Phillips added 6pts 5reb 3stl for APOEL. Scavolini can now turn their attention on the Final 8 of tournament as the remaining 3 teams will be battling for the final spot.

Game Notes:
Madisons Apoel Nicosia: 22/44 - 50%fg , 21/26 FT, 16 turnovers
Scavolini Spar Pesaro: 29/61 - 47%fg, 8/28 3pts, 14 assists

Group K
1. SCAVOLINI SPAR PESARO 4-0
2. ELAN CHALON 2-2
3. Madisons Apoel Nicosia 1-3
4. KK BUDUCNOST M:TEL 1-3


Gonyeli Osan to win 3rd straight League Cup - by Bruno Baltazar
Gonyeli Osan is on track to win there third straight league title. The Head Coach Ahmed Alp is one of the top coaches in all of Cyprus, he has won 2 titles in 5 years of coaching with Gonyeli. The team has just returned from a tournement in Turkey and is sitting in first place in the standings. Coach Ahmet feels very confident with the way his team is playing and his experience is what carries his team come playoff time.

Eurobasket- Can you tell us more about the North Cyprus Premier League
Coach Ahmet 'the North Cyprus league is a great league with very talented players, it consist of 8 club teams that are located in the northern part of Cyprus also known as the Turkish Republic.

Eurobasket- What is the level of play in the league
Coach Ahmet 'It is considered mid level Europe, each team is allowed 3 imports per team, I feel in a couple more years it will be well respected all over Europe'.


Brandon Heath the best statistical profile! - by Dr. Nasios Orinos
We wish to inform our readers that after a close look at the statistics we have concluded that Brandon Heath (193-G-84, college: San Diego St.) of Apoel has so far the best statistical profile.

1) Appears in more statistical categories than any other player in his position.

2) One week before the final round he is the leagues first scorer with 248 points.

3) He ranks 6th in F.T Percentages with 84%.

4) He ranks 5th in 3-point percentages with 40%.
5) He ranks 7th in assists with 49 assists.
Good job Brandon!


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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


Standings - D2
1Liga Standings
 1. Plzen 19-4 
 2. Sparta Praha 17-6 
 3. J.Hradec 16-8 
 4. Chomutov 15-8 
 5. Sokol Prazsky 15-8 
 6. Opava B 14-9 
 7. Liberec 14-10 
 8. Usti n/Labem 13-12 
 9. Proton Zlin 12-9 
 10. Sokol H.Kralove 10-14 
 11. Benesov 7-17 
 12. VSB Ostrava 6-18 
 13. Trutnov 5-19 
 14. Litomerice 2-23 


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  DENMARK   


Standings - Basketligaen
Basketligaen Standings
 1. Svendborg 21-3 
 2. Bakken 19-6 
 3. Horsholm 16-9 
 4. SISU 15-10 
 5. Naestved 13-11 
 6. Aabyhoj 10-15 
 7. Horsens IC 9-16 
 8. Amager BK 7-18 
 9. Aalborg 7-18 
 10. Randers 6-17 


Stats Leaders - Basketligaen
Points Per Game
 Torre JOHNSON
  Bakken
  (198-F-85)
  Avg: 23.4
 1. Johnson, Bakken23.4 
 2. Smith, Svendborg23.4 
 3. Kearse, SISU22.8 
 4. Morris, Aabyhoj21.8 
 5. Nielsen, Randers20.4 
 6. Cavanuagh, Aalborg20.0 
 7. Dennis, Naestved19.1 
 8. Vance, Aalborg18.8 
 9. Seilund, Amager BK18.3 
 10. Proctor, Bakken18.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Chris CHRISTOFFERSEN
  Bakken
  (218-C-79)
  Avg: 10.4
 1. Christoffers., Bak.10.4 
 2. Morris, Aabyhoj10.1 
 3. Miskovic, Randers9.3 
 4. Willis, Randers9.3 
 5. Iversen, Svendborg9.2 
 6. Vance, Aalborg9.0 
 7. Johansen, Naestved8.6 
 8. Johnson, Bakken8.1 
 9. Cavanuagh, Aalborg7.7 
 10. Johnson, Horsens IC7.5 
Assists Per Game
 D.J. SMEDLEY
  Randers
  (180-G-84)
  Avg: 6.5
 1. Smedley, Randers6.5 
 2. Bradley, Amager BK5.3 
 3. Rinkevicius, SISU4.9 
 4. Jakobsen, Bakken4.7 
 5. Nielsen, Horsholm4.6 
 6. Darboe, Horsholm4.5 
 7. Claitt, Horsens IC4.4 
 8. Thuesen, Bakken4.1 
 9. Dennis, Naestved4.0 
 10. Smith, Svendborg4.0 
Steals Per Game
 Johnell SMITH
  Svendborg
  (186-G-80)
  Avg: 3
 1. Smith, Svendborg3.0 
 2. Proctor, Bakken2.0 
 3. Kearse, SISU2.0 
 4. Fall, Horsens IC1.8 
 5. Morris, Aabyhoj1.8 
 6. Dennis, Naestved1.8 
 7. Houguet, Aalborg1.7 
 8. Iversen, Svendborg1.6 
 9. Nielsen, Horsholm1.6 
 10. Nielsen, Randers1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Edward MORRIS
  Aabyhoj
  (203-F-84)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Morris, Aabyhoj2.4 
 2. Christoffers., Bak.2.2 
 3. Johnson, Bakken1.6 
 4. Willis, Randers1.6 
 5. Miskovic, Randers1.3 
 6. Cavanuagh, Aalborg1.3 
 7. Guyton, Aabyhoj1.1 
 8. Seilund, Amager BK1.1 
 9. Kalvelis, SISU1.0 
 10. Hakanowitz, Horsh.0.9 


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


Standings
D-League Standings
Central Division
 1. Iowa E. 30-7 
 2. Sioux Falls S. 19-14 
 3. Dakota W. 17-16 
 4. Erie Bay H. 13-22 
 5. Ft.Wayne MA 12-20 
Southwest Division
 1. Rio Grande 24-9 
 2. Austin T. 21-11 
 3. Maine R.Claws 21-14 
 4. Tulsa 66ers 18-14 
 5. Albuquerque 17-17 
West Division
 1. Utah F. 17-17 
 2. Idaho S. 16-17 
 3. Reno Bighorns 16-17 
 4. Bakersfield J. 9-24 
 5. Los Angeles D. 8-20 
 6. Springfield A. 5-25 


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Malik HAIRSTON
  San Antonio S.
  (198-G-87)
  Avg: 29.1
 1. Hairston, Austin T.29.1 
 2. Almond, Springfi.26.8 
 3. Harris, Rio Grande26.1 
 4. Williams, Sioux F.26.1 
 5. Farmer, Reno B.23.9 
 6. Gaines, Idaho S.23.9 
 7. Taylor, Idaho S.22.8 
 8. Powell, Albuquerque22.2 
 9. Tolliver, Idaho S.21.4 
 10. Howard, Ft.Wayne.20.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Dwayne JONES
  Austin T.
  (211-C-83)
  Avg: 15.4
 1. Jones, Austin T.15.4 
 2. Dorsey, Rio Grande13.2 
 3. Tolliver, Idaho S.11.4 
 4. Kurz, Ft.Wayne MA10.2 
 5. Butch, Bakersfi.10.0 
 6. Bryant, Erie Bay H.9.9 
 7. Harris, Rio Grande9.7 
 8. Reiner, Ft.Wayne.9.6 
 9. Simpson, Los A.9.5 
 10. Looby, Albuquerque9.2 
Assists Per Game
 Curtis STINSON
  Iowa E.
  (187-G-83)
  Avg: 10.4
 1. Stinson, Iowa E.10.4 
 2. Conroy, Rio Grande9.4 
 3. Jackson, Erie B.7.3 
 4. Curry, Springfield A.7.1 
 5. Gaines, Idaho S.6.9 
 6. Shakur, Tulsa 66ers6.8 
 7. Clinkscales, Erie B.6.8 
 8. Lafayette, Ft.Wayne.6.5 
 9. McLeod, Albuquer.6.1 
 10. Smith, Idaho S.5.9 
Steals Per Game
 Orien GREENE
  Utah F.
  (193-G-82)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Greene, Utah F.2.7 
 2. Trepagnier, Iowa E.2.4 
 3. Gaines, Idaho S.2.3 
 4. Shakur, Tulsa 66ers2.2 
 5. Stinson, Iowa E.2.2 
 6. Jackson, Erie B.2.0 
 7. Robinson, Reno B.2.0 
 8. Jeffers, Iowa E.1.9 
 9. Jerrells, Austin T.1.9 
 10. Baker, Dakota W.1.9 
Blocks Per Game
 Gregory STIEMSMA
  Sioux Falls S.
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 3.5
 1. Stiemsma, Sioux F.3.5 
 2. Looby, Albuquerque3.5 
 3. Ajinca, Maine RC3.1 
 4. Simmons, Idaho S.2.9 
 5. Jones, Austin T.1.9 
 6. Benson, Reno B.1.7 
 7. Trybanski, Reno B.1.7 
 8. McKenzie, Idaho S.1.5 
 9. Dorsey, Rio Grande1.5 
 10. Daniels, Bakersfi.1.5 


Butch's double-double powers Jam to victory - by Richard
Center Brian Butch (6'11''-F/C-84, agency: Edge Sports, college: Wisconsin) had 30 points and 24 rebounds Tuesday to lead the Bakersfield Jam past the Albuquerque Thunderbirds Thunderbirds 102-97 at the Jam Events Center.
Butch, out of the University of Wisconsin, was 10-of-20 from the field, and 11 of his rebounds came on the offensive end.
Forward William Daniels (6'8''-F-86, college: Rhode Island), out of Rhode Island, added 24 points, Patrick Mutombo (6'6''-F/G-80, college: Metro St.) had 14 and Jeremy Wise (6'2''-G-86, agency: Strategic Sports, college: S.Mississippi) and Reece Gaines (6'6''-G-81, college: Louisville) had 13 apiece for Bakersfield (9-25), which ended a four-game losing streak.
Mutombo was 4-for-8 on 3-pointers for the Jam, which made 10 of its 26 3-point tries.
Bakersfield, which trailed 42-39 at halftime, committed only 12 turnovers.
Guard Keith McLeod (6'2''-G-79, college: Bowling Green), out of Bowling Green University in Ohio, led Albuquerque Thunderbirds with 21 points.
Carlos Powell (6'7''-F-83, college: S.Carolina) had 18 points and Shane Edwards (6'7''-F-87, college: UALR) and Toppert scoreed 17 apiece for the Thunderbirds (17-16), and Antoine Agudio (6'3''-G-85) had 13. Albuquerque Thunderbirds was outscored 34-19 in the third period.
source: bakersfield.com

Wednesday Night in the D-League: Mad Ants Hold on to Roll Past Red Claws 118-110 - by Surujh Roopnarine
The Fort Wayne Mad Ants invaded Portland, Maine and handed the Red Claws their fifth loss in seven games, 118-110 last night at the Portland Expo Building. Former Golden State Warriors forward Robert Kurz (6'9''-F-85, college: Notre Dame) paced Fort Wayne with a game high 26 points and six steals, while teammate and NBA veteran Jared Reiner (6'11''-C-82, college: Iowa) tallied a double-double with 12 points and a game high 17 rebounds. Maine kept the game relatively close throughout, as the teams swapped leads five times during the night and capitalized on 17 Mad Ants turnovers. However, they effectively shot themselves out of serious contention, going 5-20 from the three point area, as starters Morris Almond (6'6''-F-85, college: Rice), Maurice Ager and Billy Thomas combined to go 0-12 on the evening. Russell Robinson (6'1''-G-86) led Maine with a team-high 23 points on 8-14 shooting. Fort Wayne received balanced contributions from the entire team, as six players reached double figures and all 10 players who saw the court scored. Fort Wayne brings their record up to 13-19 on the season, while Maine falls to 20-14.
MAD ANTS: Robert Kurz (26pt+6rb+6st), Jared Reiner (12pt+17rb), Dan Dickau (16pt+11as), Ryan Ayers (15pt)
RED CLAWS: Russell Robinson (23pt+5as), Morris Almond (21pt+6rb), Paul Davis (17pt+8rb), Darnell Lazare (13pt+8rb)


Cleveland Cavaliers Assign Darnell Jackson and Danny Green to D-League Affiliate Erie Bayhawks - by Surujh Roopnarine
The Cleveland Cavaliers have assigned second year forward Darnell Jackson (6'8''-F-85, college: Kansas) along with rookie swingman Daniel Green (6'6''-F/G-87, college: N.Carolina) to the Erie Bayhawks, their NBA D-League affiliate. Jackson and Green are the 21st and 22nd NBA players to be assigned to the D-League this season.
Jackson, a second-year forward out of Kansas, has appeared in 23 games for Cleveland this season, scoring 18 points in 92 minutes.
He rejoins the BayHawks following two brief assignments during the 2008-09 season. While with the BayHawks, Jackson averaged 19.5 points, 6.0 rebounds and 25.5 minutes. During his NBA career, Jackson has averaged 1.6 points, 1.4 rebounds and 7.1 minutes in 74 games. Green, the 46th overall selection of the 2009 NBA Draft, has played in 13 games for Cleveland this season, averaging 2.5 points and 5.2 minutes. The former North Carolina Tar Heel spent four years at Chapel Hill where he averaged 9.4 points and 4.1 rebounds for his career while helping lead the Tar Heels to the 2009 NCAA Championship. This will be the first assignment of Greens career.


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


Standings
Euroleague Standings
Group E
 1. Partizan 3-1 
 2. Regal Barca 3-1 
 3. Marousi BC 2-2 
 4. Panathinaikos 0-4 
Group F
 1. MMC Real M. 2-2 
 2. Maccabi T-A 2-2 
 3. Montepaschi 2-2 
 4. Efes Pilsen 2-2 
Group G
 1. CSKA 3-1 
 2. Assec.Prokom 3-1 
 3. Unicaja 1-3 
 4. Zalgiris 1-3 
Group H
 1. Olympiakos 4-0 
 2. Caja Laboral 2-2 
 3. Khimky 2-2 
 4. Cibona 0-4 


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Matt WALSH
  Aris
  (197-F/G-82)
  Avg: 17.3
 1. Walsh, U.Olimpija17.3 
 2. Kleiza, Olympiakos16.9 
 3. Woods, Assec.Pr.16.6 
 4. Batiste, Panathin.16.3 
 5. Maric, Partizan16.2 
 6. Tomas, Cibona16.1 
 7. Logan, Assec.Pr.16.1 
 8. Langdon, CSKA15.7 
 9. Teletovic, Caja L.14.9 
 10. Langford, Khimky14.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Travis WATSON
  Zalgiris
  (203-F/C-81)
  Avg: 9.9
 1. Watson, Zalgiris9.9 
 2. Maric, Partizan8.9 
 3. Roberts, Partizan7.5 
 4. Kleiza, Olympiakos7.1 
 5. Khryapa, CSKA6.9 
 6. Javtokas, Khimky6.4 
 7. Woods, Assec.Pr.6.0 
 8. Splitter, Caja L.6.0 
 9. Peker, Efes Pilsen5.5 
 10. Traore, AS.5.4 
Assists Per Game
 Thodoros PAPALOUKAS
  Olympiakos
  (200-G-77)
  Avg: 6.6
 1. Papaloukas, Olymp.6.6 
 2. Cook, Unicaja5.6 
 3. McIntyre, Montepas.5.4 
 4. Popovic, Lietuvos.5.4 
 5. Rubio, Regal Barca5.0 
 6. Khryapa, CSKA4.6 
 7. Teodosic, Olympiakos4.6 
 8. Sciarra, Orleans4.2 
 9. Spanoulis, Panath.4.1 
 10. Prigioni, MMC R.4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Bojan POPOVIC
  Efes Pilsen
  (191-G-83)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Popovic, Lietuvos.2.4 
 2. Lukauskis, AS.2.3 
 3. Jaaber, Lottomat.2.2 
 4. McIntyre, Montepas.2.0 
 5. Khryapa, CSKA2.0 
 6. Dobbins, Orleans1.9 
 7. Gordon, Cibona1.9 
 8. Perperoglou, Panath.1.8 
 9. Smith, Efes Pilsen1.8 
 10. Minard, Lottomat.1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Slavko VRANES
  Partizan
  (229-C-83)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Vranes, Partizan1.7 
 2. Fischer, Maccabi .1.6 
 3. Asik, Fener.Ulker1.4 
 4. Lasme, Maccabi T-A1.4 
 5. Sow, Assec.Prokom1.4 
 6. Begic, Zalgiris1.4 
 7. Morris, Regal B.1.2 
 8. Vazquez, Regal B.1.2 
 9. Javtokas, Khimky1.1 
 10. Lavrinovic, MMC R.1.1 


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


KORISLIIGA: Kouvot signed Issa Konare - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Kouvot (Kouvola), leading Korisliiga (Top League) after 35 rounds with 28-7 record, has signed C-F Issa Konare (202-F-80, agency: Warren Sports International, college: High Point). Konare will replace American C Ross Neltner (206-F-85, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Vanderbilt) as long as Neltner is on injured list. Konare has played this season in Swedish Top League (Jamtland), but Team's weak season (7-26) means Jamtland has no chances to make the play-off-games and Team released Konare. Konare, who has Senegal passport, averaged in Sweden 15,3 ppg - 10,4 rpg - 1,5 bpg in 31 mpg. Spanish LEB Gold Team Faymasa Palencia has signed with Finnish NT sharpshooter Samuel Haanpaa (203-G/F-86) for the rest of this season. At the same time Palencia signed Brazilian C Guilherme Gitterer (205-C-85).

*****************************************************
  FYR MACEDONIA   


Feni Industri looses Gjurov for the season - by Eurobasket News
Bad news for Feni Industri after their Round 4 match in FYR Macedonian Superleague. Their blowout win over Pelister came at price, after Marjan Gjurov (201-F-80) had to leave the match because of injury. According to the reports from various Macedonian media, Gjurov has suffered Achilles tendon injury. Reportedly first prognoses are not good, and the experienced forward is facing several months away from the court. This may come as blow for Feni Industri and their attempt to reclaim the championship title this year. Gjurov is the second important squad player to suffer hard injury, after Ognen Stojanovski has also missed a large portion of the season due to the surgery and recovery. It remains to be seen, if the short term replacement will be looked for by the clubs management.
Marjan Gjurov started his career with Vardar Osiguranje Skopje during season 2006-2007. In his first year with the club Gjurov has helped Vardar to win the National Cup. He was also voted All-Macedonian League Defensive Player of the Year in 2007. Following season, Gjurov moved to Feni Industri where he has quickly become valuable player for the team. In his debut season with Feni Industri, Gjurov has helped his team win both National Title and National Cup. Last season, Gjurov appeared in 12 BIBL games for Feni and has posted 5.7 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. His good games didnt go unnoticed as Gjurov participated at the 2009 Macedonian League All-Star Game.

Enes Hadzibulic moves to Bashkimi - by Eurobasket News
According to reports from FYR Macedonian media, Enes Hadzibulic (196-G-81, agency: Global Sports Plaza) has left Rabotnicki for Bashkimi in the Kosovo League. Experienced guard, has reportedly agreed a deal with Bashkimi where he has joined Macedonian Head Coach Slobodan Mitev. Besides Hadzibulic, Mitev has previously brought in another Macedonian player Muhammed Tachi (200-G/F-81). Hadzibulic will be expected to bring steadiness to guard position. If everything goes well, the player should make his debut in the next round.
Enes Hadzibulic started his career with Dukagjini Pec in 2001. After three seasons with the club, he moved to Kastrioti Ferizaj at the begging of the 2004-2005 season. In December of 204, he moved to Sigal Prishtine where he finished the season. In 2005 he moved again, this time Dukagjini Peje where has averaged 20.0 points per game. Hadzibulic has won two championship titles and one Cup in 2004 and 2005 while playing in Kosovo. One season later he became a member of Vardar Osiguranje Skopje, with whom he has won the National Cup in his debut season. Good games did not go unnoticed, so Hadzibulic was snapped by Dinamo-Galean Bucuresti. There he has posted averages of 18.6 points and 1.9 rebounds per game in 14 games. Last season, Hadzibulic moved again this time to CSU Cuadripol Brasov. He averaged 10.1 points and 1.3 rebound per game in 26 League games. This season, Hadzibulic returned to Macedonia where he signed with Fersped-Rabotnicki Skopje.


D1 Standings
Superleague Standings
Places 1-6
 1. V.Osiguruvanje 20-2 
 2. Feni Indistrija 18-4 
 3. Torus 12-9 
 4. Rabotnicki 9-11 
 5. Ovce Pole 8-12 
 6. Pelister 8-13 
Places 7-9
 1. Plejmejker K. 7-12 
 2. Vardar 2000 5-14 
 3. MZT Skopje 5-15 


Stats Leaders - Superleague
Points Per Game
 Nebojsa RISTIC
  Ovce Pole
  (194-G/F-77)
  Avg: 19.7
 1. Ristic, Ovce Pole19.7 
 2. Simic, V.Osiguruvanje19.4 
 3. Karadzovski, Torus19.4 
 4. Cekovski, Rabotnicki19.1 
 5. Stojanovski, V.Osig.17.0 
 6. Life, Feni Indistrija16.3 
 7. Dimcevski, Vardar 15.9 
 8. Held, Pelister15.7 
 9. Hadzibulic, Rabot.15.6 
 10. Petkovski, Pelister14.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Gjorgji CEKOVSKI
  Levski
  (202-F/C-81)
  Avg: 9.3
 1. Cekovski, Rabotnicki9.3 
 2. Krstevski, Vardar 8.0 
 3. Ristic, Ovce Pole7.7 
 4. Gjorevski, MZT S.7.6 
 5. Held, Pelister7.6 
 6. Simic, V.Osiguruvanje7.5 
 7. Pavlovski, Torus7.1 
 8. Televski, Pelister6.8 
 9. Dimcevski, Vardar 6.3 
 10. Knezevic, Feni I.6.3 
Assists Per Game
 Milan MILJKOVIC
  Pelister
  (186-G-86)
  Avg: 6.5
 1. Miljkovic, Pelister6.5 
 2. Petrovic, Pelister5.4 
 3. Samardziev, Feni I.5.2 
 4. Karadzovski, Torus4.8 
 5. Mirakovski, Rabot.4.3 
 6. Kocov, Vardar 20004.1 
 7. Mladenovic, Ovce Pole3.8 
 8. Tasevski, Torus3.8 
 9. Trajkovski, Plejme.3.7 
 10. Sokolov, Rabotnicki3.7 
Steals Per Game
 Milan MILJKOVIC
  Pelister
  (186-G-86)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Miljkovic, Pelister2.3 
 2. Tasevski, Torus1.8 
 3. Bogojev, Feni I.1.7 
 4. Kocov, Vardar 20001.6 
 5. Mladenovic, Ovce Pole1.6 
 6. Dimitrovski, Rabot.1.5 
 7. Dimcevski, Vardar 1.4 
 8. Popovic, Feni I.1.4 
 9. Knezevic, Feni I.1.4 
 10. Karakolev, Torus1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Toni SIMIC
  V.Osiguruvanje
  (210-C-76)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Simic, V.Osiguruvanje2.8 
 2. Krstevski, Vardar 1.7 
 3. Pavlovski, Torus1.6 
 4. Televski, Pelister1.3 
 5. Kralevski, Plejme.1.2 
 6. Ilic, Vardar 20000.7 
 7. Knezevic, Feni I.0.7 
 8. Trajkovski, Feni I.0.7 
 9. Cekovski, Rabotnicki0.6 
 10. Bilbija, Ovce Pole0.5 


Superleague: Round 5 review - by Eurobasket News
Incomplete Round 5 of the FYR Macedonian Superleague was concluded on Tuesday. The match between Ovce Pole and Rabotnicki was postponed due to the BIBL match Rabotnicki had to pay with Rilski Sportist. The game will be played at the later date, but for Ovce Pole who got some bad news it wont mean much. Reportedly, one of Ovce Pole best players, Boban Bilbija is done for the rest of the season due to the injury he sustained in the previous game he played for the club. Experienced center has suffered damage to his tendon of his left leg and underwent surgery to fix the injury so he is out for the rest of the season.
Feni Industri won an important derby match against Vardar Osiguruvanje. Team from Kavadarci hosted Vardar and managed to come away with 85-77 victory. Dusan Knezevic (207-C-80, agency: BeoExcell) led hosts to the win with double-double of 20 points and 13 rebounds. He was closely followed by Eftim Bogoev (185-G-80) and Vladimir Popovic (190-G-82) who contributed with 17 and 15 points respectively. For Vardar Osiguruvanje, Damjan Stojanovski and Pero Blazevski had 18 points apiece, while Toni Simic added 17 to go along his 12 rebounds.
Torus was better than Rabotnicki, winning with ease 75-110. Torus players took control of the match from the opening tip-off, which was not hard against the team who has lost one of it better players in Enes Hadzibulic, who has moved to Bashkimi. Seven players scored in double digits for Torus with Darko Gjorgjioski (202-C-92) and Dimitar Karadzovski (189-G-84, agency: Global Sports Plaza), who had 17 points apiece. Nikola Karakolev (197-G-87) followed with 12, while Marjan Janevski, Jovan Markovski, Aleksandar Opacic and Igor Atanaskovski all had 11 points. For Rabotnicki, Gorgi Anakievski led the way with 19 points while Jove Curciev had 12 points of his own.

Superleague standings
1. V.Osiguruvanje 20-2
2. Feni Indistrija 18-4
3. Torus 12-9
4. Rabotnicki 9-11
5. Ovce Pole 8-12
6. Pelister 8-13

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


Johannes Herber Gets A New Chance With The Walter Tigers Tuebingen - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
If there is one player in the BEKO BBL who deserves another chance with all his misfortune with injuries the last years, then it is Johannes Herber (197-G-83, agency: Pro One Sports, college: W.Virginia) who will return to the German courts with The Walter Tigers Tuebingen. Herber is a 27 year old 197cm guard from Darmstadt Germany who is in his fourth professional season and recieved a contract with Tuebingen until the end of the season. The last two and a half years have been like a nightmare for the German who suffered two cruciate ligament tears which disallowed him to play. Herber injured his left ligament in October 2007 and last summer shortly before the European Championships in Poland. At the moment Herber is working on his comeback in Berlin with German National coach Dirk Bauermann . He will join The Walter TIgers Tuebingen in 2-3 weeks. Tuebingen manager Robert Wintermantel knows Herber from their playing days with TV Langen and is overjoyed about this pleasant surprise of the interest of Herber to come play in Tuebingen. 'Johannes Herber when healthy is one of the best German basketball players. He will fit very well into our team and we want to help him with his comeback so he can stand on the court again. Our current team has a good harmony and I hope that Jo can play in the last games. We also want to convince him that Tuebingen is a good address for him even after this season', stressed Robert Wintermantel . Herber is also happy about getting a chance to play for The Walter Tigers Tuebingen. 'Tuebingen is a new start for me. The talks with Robert Wintermantel and Igor Perovic convinced me that Tuebingen is the right place for me to practice at a high level after my injury. At the moment, I am unable to practice with the team, but I will give my best to still be able to help the team this season. With my time at Alba Berlin and TV Langen, I have gotten to know Tuebingen as a very basketball euphoric city. I am looking forward to starting a new chapter in my career in Tuebingen', added Johannes Herber.

Herber started his basketball career with TV Langen in 1999 and played there until 2002. In his last season in Langen, he averaged 14.4ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.8apg in 27 games. He then went to the States to play NCAA basketball at West Virginia from 2002-2006. His best scoring season was his senior year as he played 33 games averaging 9.3ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.4apg, 1.0spg, FG: 40.6%, 3PT: 25.4%, FT: 79.2%. He reached the Elite 8 with West Virginia in 2005 and Sweet 16 in 2006. He played with Alba Berlin from 2006-2009 playing 51 BEKO BBL games, 10 ULEB Cup games and 2 Euroleague games. He won the German league title in 2008 and Cup in 2009. With the German National team, he played at the World Championships in Japan in 2006 and European Championships in Spain in 2007. Walter Tigers Tuebingen coach Igor Perovic has a sparkle in his eyes when talking about Herber. 'Johannes is a great player and we hope that he will move us forward with his quality. We are more versatile with him and have an extra strong player in our rotation. I am really thrilled that he has chosen Tuebingen', stressed Igor Perovic .
Source: www.walter-tigers.de

Jason Boone (BG Goettingen) Post Game Thoughts to 97-90 Win Against AEL In Eurochallenge Play - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Jason Boone (198-F/C-85, college: New York U.) is a 24 year old 198cm power forward/center from Sugar Loaf, New York. He is playing his third season with MEG Goettingen. He played at New York University (NCAA 3) from 2003-2007. In his senior year, he played 28 games averaging 14.1ppg, 9.6rpg, 2.4bpg, 2.9apg, FG: 63.0%, FT: 64.3%. Two seasons ago, he played at Bernau (Regionalliga) before making the jump up three leagues to MEG Goettingen. Last season, he averaged 4.4ppg, 4.0rpg, FG: 53.7%. This season, he is averaging 21 minutes per game and is averaging 11,0ppg, 5,6rpg and 1,1bs. He took some time to talk to eurobasket after the 97-90 win against AEL in Cyprus.

Congrats on the 97-90 win against AEL. It was the fifth win in a row for BG Goettingen. Is there anything that can stop the BG Goettingen train now?


We are definitely playing well but we are still dealing with injuries and haven't really been at FULL power one time this season. We are just trying to continue to improve so that we are playing our best basketball come May.

How confident is the team now that it will reach the Quarterfinal of the Eurochallenge?


Well we always feel confident when we play at home and our next game is against a Russian team that narrowly beat us over there. So we feel that if we are able to win this game (which would put us at 4-1) we can advance. And in the round of 8 anything can happen.

BG Goettingen had the 44-37 lead at halftime. What was key in the first half for having the lead?

We executed our gameplan pretty well in the first half. The warm weather added a little pep to our step, but we played harder than they did for the first 20 minutes and we had a little bit of a lead as a result.

It seemed like AEL had problems with the BG Goettingen pressure defense?


No point guards really like pressure and we understand that. They were not very deep at the PG position so we were able to wear down their only ball handler. After that, the game became a lot easier.

What did coach John Patrick tell the team at halftime to do better in the second half?


We just wanted to stay on them. Sometimes when you are winning you have a tendency to relax and allow them to make a comeback. Coach warned us that they were a high-power offensive team that could get back in the game quickly.

BG Goettingen got stronger in the second half and were able to pull out a well deserved victory. Does the self confidence of the team help disturb teams when the team has a nice lead?


Well like I said, there's a difference between 'playing to win' and 'playing not to lose.' We always like to 'play to win' but you'd have to ask our opponents if that self-confidence affects them. I'm not sure.

Six guys scored in double figurers and you played without Dwayne Anderson. Did you even notice that Anderson wasnt on the court?lol


I think I had more than 10 rebounds, which means I definitely knew Dwayne was not on the court and if he's out there then there aren't ten rebounds for me to go get. It seems like he knows where the ball is going to be at all times and it's a nightmare trying to keep him off the glass. Because he wasn't playing I knew I had to rebound even harder than usual.

You had another strong game with 20 points and 11 rebounds. You must of been happy with your game. You cleaned up with seven offensive rebounds.

Yeah, like I said, not having Dwayne out there made me conscious of the rebounding battle. It's a lot harder without him on the court but I know that he would have done it for me.

What was your impression of ex Skyliner Ilian Evtimov? Howwas he moving on the court?



Well he didn't play the first time and he looked like a player coming back from injury. His minutes were 'down' but his shot was still very much 'not down.' He was able to heat up when his team needed him down the stretch but lucky for us it was too little too late.

How was the trip to Cyprus off the court? Did you make any new discoveries?



The trip was great, the weather was warm, the food was good and the women were...well you know. We didn't have too much time to explore the city but did get a chance to walk on the beach and stick our feet in the ocean. Well they had a TGI Friday's which has always been one of my favorite restaurants, but just getting to walk around in a T-shirt in mid February was probably the best highlight.
Thanks Jason for the nice chat.

Brose Baskets bring in Aussie Mark Worthington - by Moritz Korff
Mark Worthington (202-F-83, college: Metro St.) has been appointed the latest addition to the squad of the Brose Baskets Bamberg, the 1. Bundesliga club announced today. The 26-year-old Australian international will add some versatility to the Bamberg roster as he is capable of playing on several positions on the court. Worthington started his career in the Australian SBL and take his game to the USA in 2001. He enrolled at Metropolitan State College, a NCAA Division 2 school from Denver, Colorado. He captured the NCAA D2 championship with his team in 2002 and was named a NCAA Division 2 All-America 2nd Team member after his senior season. In 2005 Worthington moved back to Australia and spent some time with NBL's Sydney Kings and the Melbourne Tigers most recently. In 28 games for the Tigers he averaged 16.3 points and 6.9 rebounds this season.
He attended the 2006 World Championships in Japan and the 2008 Olympic Games with the Australian National Team. In 2008 Worthington received Australiabasket.com All-Australian NBL First Team honors.

Quentin Pryor (Phoenix Hagen) Pregame Thoughts To Artland Dragons Game February 27th - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Morehead St.) is a 25 year old 193cm shooting guard/small forward from Eupora, Mississippi and is playing his second season with Phoenix Hagen. He started his college basketball career at Jackson State, before finishing at Morehead State from 2005-2007. In his senior year, he played 30 games averaging11.4ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 46.3%, 3Pts: 36.8%, FT: 71.7%. In 2007, he started his professional basketball career in Germany with FC Schalke 04 playing 29 games and averaging 15.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.2apg, Steals-1 (2.5spg), FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 37.4%, FT: 75.2%. Last season for Phoenix Hagen, he played 30 games averaging 14.7ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.0apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 60.5%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 75.2%. This season, he is averaging 7,6ppg, 2,9rpg, 1,4apg and has scored in double figures in six games. He spoke to eurobasket about the next game against The Artland Dragons February 27th.

It finally is getting warmer. Are you happy to be seeing grass again in Hagen?lol


Yes I am very happy to see grass again. It felt like I was in prison with all the snow and not being able to go many places.

Phoenix Hagen is riding a seven game losing streak. What has the team been focusing on in practice this week?


We are just trying to remain loose. We know that there is pressure to win but we can't let it get the best of us. We just have to continue to work on improving.

Have you ever had a long losing streak like this in your basketball career including your NCAA time?


Yes I have. Actually my first year at Morehead after transferring from junior college we lost 15 straight!!!

The next game is against the Artland Dragons. What do you remember from the 106-89 loss in the Dragons den?

I only remember us not having any answer for them on defense. They carved us up nicely that day.

Phoenix Hagen won the rebounding duel and shot ok. I guess defense will be a big focus in this game. Allowing 30 points less could give you the win?


Defense is always a focus. We just have to execute the plan the whole time and not have the mental lapses that we seem to have at certain points of the game.

What is your impression of Hollis Price. The Dragons will have a pretty good point guard duo with Price and Ross.


I have never played against him but I remember seeing him on TV in college. He was a pretty good player. He could shoot the ball and he always played hard. Price and Ross will be a good duo but we have to be willing to accept the challenge of stopping them.


What words of wisdom would you give singer Whitney Houston who didnt have her best performance in Brisbane, Australia?


She needs to take some time off and get her voice back or either hang it up. You can't go out like that being a star like her. Get some rest and maybe she will go back to her old self

What was the last DVD that you saw?


I watched Katt Williams Pimpadelic.
Thanks Miles


Perhaps A Supermarket Can Help Stop The 68 Month Winless Drought Of The Deutsche Bank Skyliners Against The Brose Baskets Bamberg In The Jako Arena February 27th? - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
In basketball terms, June 10th, 2004 seems about as long ago as the last hit of Lou Bega, but on this date, Boston Red Sox fans were still having nightmares about the curse of the bambino, Peyton Manning was just starting to make a shelf for his NFL MVP trophies, Franz Beckenbauer hadnt even thought about getting frequent flyer helicopter miles for the 2006 World Cup and Golf ace Tiger Woods was possibly not an expert yet on how to manage his free time best behind his wifes back, but this summer date was the last win for The Deutsche Bank Skyliners in Bamberg in game four of the 2004 BEKO BBL finals as since then the club has left the court as the loser 8 times. It could be a lot worse for Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ) and company, but the team finally successfully beat the Brose Baskets Bamberg 84-80 at home recently after a very strenuous dry spell of 52 winless months at home. Now Frankfurt must finally break the jink of the Bauermann and win on the road in the always tough Jako Arena. 'The win at home against Bamberg was surely a great win for the organization, but I assume it was just another win for the team, since most of the players werent around four years ago. I think if Frankfurt wins in Bamberg that it will be more special for the fans and organization and people that have been around the organization and not so much the players', stressed EWE Baskets Oldenburg American Josh Carter (201-G/F-88, college: Texas A&M). Only captain Pascal Roller (180-G-76) and Dominik Bahiense de Mello (190-G-85, agency: Pro One Sports) have been witnesses of most of the losses, but can it effect new players? 'Teams change from year to year. However once someone hears about the big losing streak the more you start to think about it', stressed Phoenix Hagen forward Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Morehead St.).

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners wont only have to keep their mind off the fact that it has been almost six years since the last win, but also about how to be successful in a loud, ferocious like zoo atmosphere of the Jako arena. Frankfurt may have their cut work out for them before they can even think about the long losing drought. 'Bamberg is a tough place to play at, because the fans are so into the game. But teams are so different each year that I dont think they will even think about it. Frankfurt will have to have great starts in each half, get control of the fans and get confidence', stated Sluc Nancy forward Marcus Slaughter (203-F-85, college: San Diego St.). Frankfurt has to be mentally tough and reverse fortunes for a change with their own streak. Knowing about this losing streak could effect some players, but it depends what kind of players you have and they must be mentally tough. 'I think that playing in a hostile atmosphere is more of a challenge than hearing of a jinx. Winning in Bamberg would give them a streak of themselves and they could finally stop about thinking of this jinx. If they win it would be a great feeling for the organization and the city of Frankfurt', stressed ex Eisbaeren Bremerhaven forward Marcus Slaughter (203-F-85, college: San Diego St.). For a player like Pascal Roller (180-G-76), who could call the Jako arena his own guest room living room, getting the win against Bamberg earlier in the season could give him added confidence in Bamberg. 'The win against Bamberg in Frankfurt should take a lot of pressure off you. Frankfurt should be able to play more relaxed and loose after getting the monkey off their back. I know what Frankfurt is going through. In college, we hadnt won against Eastern Illinois in 8 years and then we finally won my senior year and it was the greatest feeling. It was so good', added Phoenix Hagen American Quentin Pryor.

In the last years, The Jako arena has been modernized including building a huge supermarket which can give the fans the chance to get some last minute shopping before experiencing a win. Sometimes when a team is having an unwanted long dry spell, you look for anything that might help you stop the unlucky period. Skyliner coach Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ) is known as a coaching fox that will do anything to win on the court, but could the club get some unexpected indirect help from next door. Ex Skyliner Lorenzo Gordon (201-F-83, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Oklahoma City) who is being rumoured as heading back to his old team didnt hesitate long before coming up with a supermarket plan to win. 'Frankfurt could put banana peels on the floor and hope that the players and fans slip', joked St Louis native Lorenzo Gordon (201-F-83, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Oklahoma City). 'Frankfurt could buy all the sweet candy and put it in the Bamberg lockers so the players would be too full and lazy to play or spill ice cream over the floor so the players slip', added Quentin Pryor. Ex Eisbaeren Bremerhaven forward Marcus Slaughter (203-F-85, college: San Diego St.) never played at Bamberg, but has heard how hard it is to play there. 'Frankfurt should put some powder into the sports drinks. So they have to use the toilet and forfeit the game', commented Marcus Slaughter (203-F-85, college: San Diego St.). Josh Carter (201-G/F-88, college: Texas A&M) chipped in with 9 points in a 78-67 Oldenburg in Bamberg and knows how to use the supermarket correctly for getting that win. 'You have to be hungry for a win whenever you go into a game so luckily teams dont have to go far to get something to eat', joked Josh Carter (201-G/F-88, college: Texas A&M).

In Bamberg, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners will not only have to fight a strong Bamberg team, a boisterous Bamberg fan base, but also against the luck of the Bamberg bear who looks about as friendly as Bill Clinton when he is smiling at a woman. There are way more scary looking mascots in the BEKO BBL, but the bear must have been doing a good job the last years since Bamberg has been very successful winning two of the last five BEKO BBL championships. There is also a friendly looking Michelin guy walking around that should not be underestimated. 'Frankfurt should get a girl bear to help distract the other bear. Usually women distract men from what they should do. Tires should be thrown around to get the Michelin guy chasing then and get away from the game', joked Marcus Slaughter (203-F-85, college: San Diego St.). 'The Skyliners have to throw that bear in the air and see if it will fly away', laughed Lorenzo Gordon (201-F-83, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Oklahoma City). 'Frankfurt should get someone to get a picnic going to attract the bear and therefore it would be too stuffed to do anything else. Frankfurt should wrap tires around the Michelin guys to keep him wrapped up', joked Quentin Pryor. 'Frankfurt can get rid of the bear by tucking it in with their kids', joked Josh Carter (201-G/F-88, college: Texas A&M).

Not long ago not saying, but just thinking about the term Bamberg Freak City could of brought out some nasty tension with Skyliner fans that it might have been safer for Argentine national coach Diego Maradona to return home to Buenos Aires, Argentina after a 10-0 thrashing by arch rival Brazil. The days where coach Dirk Bauermann could unknowingly scare a small child with his stare, Steffen Hamann (194-G-81) whining and raising his shoulder in disbelief of a foul all day long, and a truck (Jason Sasser) mowing over a Skyliner are long over. The only thing remaining from the Bauermann era are lovable ex Skyliner Robert Garrett (193-G-77, agency: SportsTalent)t, faithful assistant coach Volker Stix and unbearable and cruel 68 months since the last win in Bamberg in game four of the 2004 BBL finals. The first season after the Dirk Bauermann era was not an easy one for new coach Chris Fleming as it took a very long time until the team found its rhythm. The team was struck with injuries and players like Michael hakim Jordan and Dan Dickau (183-G-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga) coming and going. It wasnt until John Goldsberry (191-G-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: NC-Wilmington) returned that the team started to click as they finished the season with a record of 9-3. The team conserved their energy well getting by the big surprise team of 2008-2009 MEG Goettingen, but then ran out of gas as The EWE Baskets Oldenburg cruised to a 3-0 semi final win.

The Brose Baskets Bamberg last won the BBL title in 2007 and in the second year under coach Chris Fleming the club had some problems finding their rhythm in the first few months, but have steadily lifted their game in the last few months. The team started off cold losing six of their first eight games including an embarrassing 62-44 loss at home against 8 time BEKO BBL champion Alba Berlin and losing to new BBL club MBC. However since then the club has been extremely solid posting a 12-4 record and riding in 7th place, but could still make a move into the higher places down the stretch with their strong roster and play for the title. 'Bamberg have good shooters and I think that they are one of the deepest teams in the league with no weaknesses with the first 10 players. I think that they can be a title team. In a five game series, they will be very tough to beat', stressed Quentin Pryor. One problem might be that they have had problems beating top teams posting only a 3-7 record against teams like Alba Berlin, Bonn, Frankfurt, BG Goettingen, Artland Dragons, Bremerhaven and EWE Baskets Oldenburg. 'I honestly have no idea why Bamberg is having problems beating the top teams. They have a very good team and good players. Regardless of what their record states, they can beat any team on any given night', warned BG Goettingen forward Chris Oliver (198-F-85, agency: Court Side, college: Radford). 'I think that it just has to do with the little things. Teams have been able to hurt us in different ways. I dont think that it is a lack of talent, but it is more like missing a key rebound or a hustle play. We just havent been doing the little things to win against the top teams', added Brian Roberts (188-G-85, agency: Arik Krayn Services) However Bamberg can be totally unpredictable as well. 'They can beat any team on any night, but also lose to any team on any given night', stressed Ehingen center Ruben Spoden (202-F-89).

The Brose Baskets Bamberg were always known as a hard nosed defensive team under German National coach Dirk Bauermann , but since the arrival of Chris Fleming the team has found happiness and liking with scoring. This season, the club has scored 80 points or more nine times including reaching the 100 point mark twice and have not forgotten how to play defense keeping teams at 70 points or less nine times. 'Bamberg have a lot of weapons and depth. They share the ball well and play well together. Guys like Suput, Jacobsen, Roberts and Gavel are all dangerous', stressed Telekom Baskets Bonn American Bryce Taylor (196-G-86, agency: Priority Sports). 'On offense, they live from being very balanced. Every player can get hot at anytime. Suput carries the team, can score, is always there at the right moment and is not afraid to take responsibility. Gavel can have a good day any day', stressed ex TV Langen player Ruben Spoden (202-F-89). The Telekom Baskets Bonn won the season series against The Brose Baskets Bamberg, but had to be ready for their aggressive defense. 'Bamberg defend the pick and role very well and force you to beat you from outside in and force you to the baseline. They are very disciplined on defense', stated American Bryce Taylor (196-G-86, agency: Priority Sports). 'The Bamberg guards pressure the ball very well and Tibor Pleiss (214-F/C-89) gives them a lot of size under the basket', commented Quentin Pryor.

In the last four years, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners have had a miserable record in Bamberg since 2004 and slowly one has to contemplate if secretly a curse has been set upon the club. The Boston Red Sox couldnt win a title for 86 years as they were plagued by the curse of the bambino (Babe Ruth traded to New York Yankees) after title win in 1918. Hopefully there is no curse against the Skyliners at Bamberg, but since Game four of the 2004 BEKO BBL finals, nothing has gone right. There have been no memorable games in this winless streak, but just forgettable side notes like an 80-60 loss in 2006 where Antonio Meeking got injured,a humiliating 88-51 loss, but two close games like the 80-74 OT loss in 2006 where Frankfurt and Jimmy McKinney (192-G-83, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Missouri) were so close to winning and the 66-61 loss last season where American Anthony King showed his best game scoring 16 points and hauling down 11 rebounds. However the worst memory was losing game five of the 2005 BEKO BBL final 68-64 despite 17 points by Pascal Roller (180-G-76).

The Brose Baskets Bamberg are led by 32 year old 200cm forward Predrag Suput (200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) from Croatia who is playing his third season for the Brose Baskets Bamberg. He is averaging 14,5pp, 4.6rpg and 1,8apg. He has scored in double figures 19 times and scored 20 points or more five times. He belongs to the top players in the BEKO BBL and is a very strong player (could play 2-3-4 position) good defender, excellent shot from outside and strong penetration under the basket. Last season, he averaged 15.2ppg, 5.1rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 41.6%, FT: 83.3% in 41 games. Brian Roberts is a 24 year old 188cm guard from Toledo Ohio who is playing his first season in Bamberg. He played at Dayton (NCAA) from 2004-2008. Last season, he played in Israel for Altshuler Saham Galil Gilboa playing 28 games averaging 15.5ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.4apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 88.5%. This season, he is averaging 12,8ppg, 2,2rpg and 1,6apg. He has scored in double figures 17 times and scored 20 points or more four times. He scored 25 points against The Duesseldorf Giants.

28 year old 198cm shooting guard/small forward Casey Jacobsen (198-G/F-81, college: Stanford) from Glendora, California is back in Bamberg for his second tenure. He came for the second half of the 2006-2007 season helping the club win the BEKO BBL championship. He is an outstanding player, a great competitor, both a scorer and a shooter . He can defend, take the charge, and he'll get a rebound in a crowd because he's tough. He played at Stanford reaching the NCAA elite 8 in 2001. He was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 2002 and played 287 NBA games for teams like The Phoenix Suns, New Orleans Hornets and Memphis Grizzlies. Last season, he played for Alba Berlin averaging 9.3ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 44.6%, FT: 76.8% in 43 games. This season, he is averaging 10,9ppg, 3,5rpg and 3,0apg. He has scored in double figurers 14 times. His best scoring game was 28 points against BG Karlsruhe in 2007. 26 year old 206cm forward Elton Brown (206-F/C-83, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: Virginia) from Virginia is playing his second season with the Brose Baskets Bamberg. Brown is a strong inside player with great rebounding skills. His powerful body allows him to be very effective inside, but doesn' t have the shooting range to move outside. He played at Virginia from 2001-2005. The last few years, he has been in the training camps of The New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls, but was always cut. He played in Greece, Puerto Rico, Spain, Israel and the D-league. Last season, he was with Macabbi Tel Aviv shortly before moving to Bamberg averaging 13.0ppg, 7.7rpg, FGP: 53.1%, FT: 51.2% in 22 games. This season, he is averaging 8,9ppg, and 5,2rpg. He has scored in double figurers 10 times and his best scoring game was 27 points against The Telekom Baskets Bonn.

25 year old 189cm guard Anton Gavel (189-G-84, agency: Pro One Sports) is playing his first season with the Brose Baskets Bamberg. He started his basketball career in Germany with BG Karlsruhe and then played with the Giessen 46ers from 2004-2006. He played with Macabbi Tel Aviv American Chuck Eidson (201-F/G-80, agency: Court Side, college: S.Carolina) in 2005 reaching the BEKO BBL semi final. In 2005-2006, he averaged 16,0ppg, 2,7rpg, 3,0apg and 1,8spg. He then played two seasons with Murcia in Spain and last season for Aris Thessaloniki playing 28 games averaging 3,7ppg. He came to Bamberg recently and is averaging 7,6ppg, 2,4rpg and 2,7apg. His best scoring game in the German league was 31 points against The Artland Dragons in 2006. 20 year old 214cm center Tibor Pleiss (214-F/C-89) is playing his first season in Bamberg. He belongs to a group of young Germans who are seen as a new hope for The German National team in the next years. He played for the German U-18 and 19 teams. He won the European Championships U20 Division B in Targu Mures (Romania) in 2008 playing 8 games averaging 9.6ppg, 8.8rpg, 1.1bpg, 2FGP: 61.2%, FT:70.8%. Last summer, he also got some action at the European Championships in Poland. He played in Cologne from 2006-2009 amassing 39 BEKO BBL games. This season, he has been developing nicely in Bamberg and getting minutes as he is averaging 7.4ppg and 5,2rpg. He has scored in double figurers six times and scored 26 points against Phoenix Hagen last weekend.

32 year old 193cm guard Robert Garrett (193-G-77, agency: SportsTalent)tttt is playing his fifth season in Bamberg and has just about reached everything one can as a European Basketball player. He played in Wurzburg from 1996-2002 playing with Dirk Nowitzki (211-F-78) for a while. He played with The Opel Skyliners from 2002-2005 winning the BEKO BBL title in 2004. During the 2004-2005, he went shortly to Italy to play for Pompea Napoli. He won the BEKO BBL title with Bamberg in 2007 and played at the 2008 Summer Olympics . He has played 36 ULEB Cup games and 34 Euroleague games. This season, he is averaging 6,1ppg and 1,4rpg in 14,3 minutes per game. He has scored in double figurers five times and scored 37 points against The Telekom Baskets Bonn in 1999. 27 year old 191cm guard John Goldsberry (191-G-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: NC-Wilmington) is playing his second season in Bamberg. He played at North Carolina Wilmington from 2002-2006. Since 2006, he has called Germany home playing with The Bayer Giants Leverkusen in 2006-2007, and The Artland Dragons in 2007-2008 where he won the BEKO BBL cup in 2008. This season, he is averaging 5,9ppg, 1,3rpg and 2,8apg. He has scored in double figurers four times and his best BEKO BBL totals in points was 19 against Bonn and 11 assists against EnBW Ludwigsburg. Karsten Tadda (189-G-88, agency: Pro One Sports) is a 21 year old 189 cm guard playing his third season for Bamberg. He started his basketball career with Bamberg farm club TSV Troester Breitenguessbach in 2005. He had a short stint with Sellbytel Baskets Nurnberg in 2007-2008 before going to Bamberg. Last season he played 20 games averaging 4,1ppg and 1,5rpg. This season, he is averaging 4,3ppg, 1,5rpg and 1,7apg. He is also a young German who should be a member for the German National team down the road. He has played with the U-18 and 20 teams the last years. Beckham Wyrick is a 26 year old 198 cm forward from Cincinnati Ohio playing his second season in Bamberg. He had a similar path like Teammate John Goldsberry (191-G-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: NC-Wilmington) in that he also played at North Carolina-Wilmington from 2002-2006. He played with The Bayer Giants Leverkusen from 2006-2008. Last season, he averaged 4,2ppg and 2,1rpg in 35 games. This season, he is averaging 2,8ppg and 1,9rpg. He is a solid role player who always gives 110% on the court.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners will head to Bamberg to try to throw that monkey off their back and finally win again in Bamberg after 68 winless months. The Brose Baskets Bamberg are the favourite simply because of their long winning streak at home against Frankfurt and their 9-3 home record and their very noisy fans. However from the stats there are no real differences except for the rebounding which Frankfurt leads 34-31. 'Frankfurt has to play their game and execute their offense the way they normally do. But I think it is a very even matchup', stressed Bryce Taylor (196-G-86, agency: Priority Sports). Skyliner sport director Kamil Novak never likes to single out individual players to stop, because he stresses that the whole team must be stopped, but with Bamberg, one has to keep a very special eye on Predrag Suput (200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) and Casey Jacobsen.' It will be key to control them. Frankfurt needs to have a mobile and physical player to control Suput. Jacobson has to be guarded by someone who is willing to follow him and get knocked around going through screens. Once Jacobson gets the ball, you have stand on his toes and make him put the ball on the floor. Frankfurt has to make them defend and take away the three point shot, because that is Bambergs strength', warned Quentin Pryor.

There have been rumours that The Deutsche Bank Skyliners are working overtime to get a deal sorted out with ex Skyliner Lorenzo Gordon (201-F-83, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Oklahoma City) who they want to bring back to Frankfurt to help under the hoop. Gordon is currently playing in Turkey for Aliaga Petkim and could play for Frankfurt immediately. 'We missed the playoffs in Turkey and I could leave the team immediately. I really want to play for Frankfurt again', stressed Lorenzo Gordon (201-F-83, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Oklahoma City). 'There are pluses and minuses with Lorenzo Gordon (201-F-83, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Oklahoma City). He knows Frankfurt and our system, but then again had many injuries last year and didnt have his best season in Turkey. But he always has the ability to play well', warned Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ). People have been speculating that Turkey was better for Gordon, because he was in a small town in the middle of nowhere, whereas in Frankfurt, he is in a big city with the temptations of women getting his focus off basketball. 'Thats not true. When I was a rookie in Sweden, I averaged 21ppg and 10rpg and there were a lot of women and things to do there. When I played in Frankfurt last year, I was hit with the injury bug, but now I am focused and ready to help Frankfurt. I think that I have played well in Turkey averaging 15ppg and 6rpg this season', added Lorenzo Gordon (201-F-83, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Oklahoma City). Gordon may have been gone from Frankfurt 8 months ago, but he knows what the first order of business is for any Skyliner player when having to win a game against Bamberg. 'The players first have to listen to coach. They have to go with the game plan, control the paint, get easy baskets, dont let them get easy baskets and play close to them on defense', stressed Lorenzo Gordon (201-F-83, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Oklahoma City). Gordon also sees his cousin the new Jimmy McKinney as a vital part for the success of Frankfurt. 'Jimmy is important to the Skyliners because he knows the system since four years. If he plays hard and knocks down his shots, then he will be a big help', warned Lorenzo Gordon (201-F-83, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Oklahoma City). Ex TV Langen center Ruben Spoden (202-F-89) didnt waste many words describing what will be the key for Frankfurt winning. 'Frankfurt will win if they keep getting the ball inside', warned Ruben Spoden (202-F-89). Well If Lorenzo Gordon (201-F-83, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Oklahoma City) is aboard Saturday Iin Bamberg, then Frankfurt should have less problems getting the ball inside. The Brose Baskets Bamberg host The Deutsche Bank Skyliners On February 27th at 20:00.

The Nordlingen Giants Add Mark Dawson - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The Nordlingen Giants got some help under the boards after the knee injury to Rob Ferguson sidelined him by bringing in American Mark Dawson (206-F/C-83, agency: Tank Sports, college: Long Beach St.). He is a 26 year old 206cm power forward/center from Jersey City, New Jersey. He last played for the Newport Beach Surf of the WCBL. The club hopes that he will be able to help this coming weekend against USC Freiburg. 'We hope that Mark will be able to make a bang this weekend. He will be able to play. The question is only if he will be able to cope with the jetlag', stresed Nordlingen Giants manager Jurgen Kohl.

He started his basketball career at Pasadena City College (NJCAA) in 2002, playing there until 2004. He then transfered to Long Beach State where he played from 2005-2007. In 2006-2007, he played 29 games averaging 5.8ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 55.2%, FT: 51.4%. He played together with USC Heidelberg American Jibril Hodges at Long Beach State. In 2007-2008, he had a short tryoit with 1 FC Schalke before moving to Slovakia to play for Hopsi Polzela playing 13 games averaging 13.1ppg, Reb-1 (9.7rpg), Blocks-1 (1.8bpg), 2FGP: 53.6%, FT: 48.9%. Last season, he played at Basket Levice (Slovakia-Extraliga), and then moved to the Maywood Buzz (ABA)
Source: www.noerdlinger-basketball.de

Kyle Jeffers in Langen for second stint - by Moritz Korff
Kyle Jeffers (206-C-85, college: Oregon St.) will return to TV Langen (2. Bundesliga Pro A) for a second stint with the Giraffes to help out the struggling team, whos starting center Alonzo Hird (206-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: E.Kentucky) is currently unable to compete due to an injury. Jeffers appeared in 25 contests for Langen throughout the 2008-2009 campaign and almost put up a double-double on average: 14.5 ppg, 9.9rpg. In this current season Jeffers played 17 games for the Singapore Slingers and produced 15.8 points as well as 12.5 rebounds a contest.

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  GREECE   


Olympiakos stays the only perfect team in Top 16 - by Eurobasket News
Cibona - Olympiakos 94-97

Olympiakos remains unbeaten in Top 16. The Reds are on top of Group H with perfect 4-0, while on the other side Croatian champion dropped to poor 0-4. Milos Teodosic (195-G-87) once again paced Olympiakos to victory. This time he scored 22 points (5 triples) and handed out 6 assists. Linas Kleiza (203-F-85, college: Missouri) secured a great help with 20 points, and Josh Childress (203-G/F-83, college: Stanford) added 14. For the hosts, Jamont Gordon (193-G/F-87, college: Mississippi St.) shined with 32 pts. Marko Tomas (201-G-85) stopped on 20.
Cibona had better start taking quick 15-7 lead. Olympiakos replied with 2-11 run, but still Cibona was the team who held 25-18 after 10 minutes of play. At the beginning of the second quarter, Cibona reached their first double-digit lead, 28-18. That was a signal for the Reds to start playing, what they immediately did. Milos Teodosic and his teammates responded with impressive 0-11 run. It was a basket after basket game for rest of the first half and Cibona grabbed 45-43 lead thanks to layup by Jamont Gordon. In third quarter, Olympiakos reached plus 7 and in the finish 58-66 lead. Gordon made it twice in penetration and Bogdanovic scored a triple for the hosts. Papaloukas answered with a 8-meter bomb for 65-70 with 10 minutes to go. Teams were almost leveled in the finish of this game. It was 91-92 with 41 seconds left when Jamont Gordon scored two free throws for Cibona. Linas Kleiza made a dunk, but Teodosic and Gordon split free throws for a 94-95 score. Milos Teodosic scored two more FTs with 5 seconds left and Cibona had the last possession. Olympiakos fouled on Marko Tomas not allowing him to try for 3. He missed twice from the line and Olympiakos grabbed fourth victory in Top 16.

Cibona: Jamont Gordon 32, Marko Tomas 20
Olympiakos: Milos Teodosic 22+6 as, Linas Kleiza 20, Josh Childress 14+5 boards

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  GUATEMALA   


Standings
LPB Standings
 1. Compusys 0-0 
 2. Le Mans 0-0 
 3. USAC 0-0 
 4. Lanco B.C. 0-0 
 5. URL 0-0 
 6. D-Team 0-0 
 7. Australian Milk 0-0 


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  HOLLAND   


Standings - Eredivisie
Eredivisie Standings
 1. GasTerra F. 21-3 
 2. Giants 19-6 
 3. Eiff.Towers 17-7 
 4. ZZ Leiden 16-9 
 5. M.Magix 14-11 
 6. DeFriesland 13-12 
 7. EclipseJet 8-17 
 8. Upstairs Weert 8-17 
 9. Landstede 5-20 
 10. Rotterdam 3-22 


Stats Leaders - Eredivisie
Points Per Game
 Elijah PALMER
  Upstairs Weert
  (201-F-81)
  Avg: 19.4
 1. Palmer, Upstairs.19.4 
 2. Gibson, ZZ Leiden18.8 
 3. Boxley, ZZ Leiden17.7 
 4. Thomas, M.Magix16.8 
 5. Haryasz, GasTerra.16.5 
 6. Monroe, DeFriesl.16.4 
 7. Sanders, EclipseJet15.4 
 8. Hendley, Landstede15.3 
 9. McGhee, ZZ Leiden15.0 
 10. Blackwood, DeFriesl.14.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Patrick HILLIMAN
  Rotterdam
  (206-F/C-82)
  Avg: 10
 1. Hilliman, Rotterdam10.0 
 2. Haryasz, GasTerra.9.2 
 3. Ellis, GasTerra F.9.0 
 4. Palmer, Upstairs.9.0 
 5. Beasley, Eiff.Tow.8.3 
 6. McGhee, ZZ Leiden8.3 
 7. Monroe, DeFriesl.8.0 
 8. Boxley, ZZ Leiden7.8 
 9. Griffin, Giants7.6 
 10. Nelson, Upstairs.7.6 
Assists Per Game
 Torey THOMAS
  M.Magix
  (180-G-85)
  Avg: 7.2
 1. Thomas, M.Magix7.2 
 2. Oliver, Eiff.Towers5.5 
 3. Porter, Upstairs.4.9 
 4. Defares, Giants4.6 
 5. Bauscher, GasTerra.4.4 
 6. Bostain, GasTerra.4.1 
 7. Gibson, ZZ Leiden4.0 
 8. Blackwood, DeFriesl.4.0 
 9. Slagter, Giants3.9 
 10. Moore, DeFriesland3.9 
Steals Per Game
 Torey THOMAS
  M.Magix
  (180-G-85)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Thomas, M.Magix3.1 
 2. Bostain, GasTerra.2.7 
 3. Bauscher, GasTerra.2.6 
 4. Rodgers, EclipseJet2.6 
 5. Dourisseau, GasTerra.2.5 
 6. de Randamie, Eclip.2.4 
 7. Flowers, M.Magix2.3 
 8. Mason, EclipseJet2.3 
 9. Oliver, Eiff.Towers2.3 
 10. Kimbrough, Giants2.2 
Blocks Per Game
 James HUGHES
  M.Magix
  (211-C-83)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Hughes, M.Magix2.1 
 2. Slor, ZZ Leiden1.5 
 3. Hilliman, Rotterdam1.4 
 4. Boxley, ZZ Leiden1.3 
 5. Haryasz, GasTerra.1.2 
 6. Townes, GasTerra.1.1 
 7. Porter, Upstairs.0.9 
 8. Kuijper, ZZ Leiden0.9 
 9. Faris, Giants0.8 
 10. Sanders, EclipseJet0.7 


Easy Win for GasTerra Flames vs Upstairs Weert - by Fred Roggen
This was no top league game for GasTerra Flames, as they faced off against Upstairs Weert, a team that didn't has the talent that Flames has. The talent gap showed, as GasTerra Flames was able to cruise to a 87-61 victory.
The Flames were able to dominate early thanks to the strong play of Jason Dourisseau (196-G-83, college: Nebraska) and Jason Ellis (201-F-82, college: Boise St.). The GasTerra Flames was able to grab a 27-17 lead after the first quarter thanks to strong defense played by Coach Marco van den Berg 's squad. The Flames went into halftime with a 43-30 lead at the half, with Matt Haryasz (210-C-84, college: Stanford) leading the way with 15 points. Despite being in control, Coach Marco van den Berg kept his own team in their toes by switching defenses. The Flames squad would not relent, as they continued to play aggressive defense and run the floor wherever and whenever the opportunities presented themselves. After a final scrappy six-minute push from his starting line-up, GasTerra Flames coach Marco van den Berg put in his reserves to finish off what was a 87-61 win. Matt Haryasz finishing with 21 points, while Jason Dourisseau chipped in with 20 points for GasTerra Flames. Elijah Palmer (201-F-81, agency: Court Side, college: Duquesne) led the way for Upstairs Weert in the losing effort with 14 points.

*****************************************************
  ICELAND   


Division 1 games. - by Siggi Hjorleifsson
Thor Ak. 69 Skallagrimur 78. A must needed win for Skallagrimur. Odinn Asgeirsson leading scorer for Thor 17 pts. Silver Laku 28 for Skallgrim.
Armann 84 UMFH 71. Armann fighting for the place to stay up in the league UMFH not won game yet this season. Helgi Thorvaldsson 23 for Armann. Mate Dalmay 22 for UMFH.
Haukar 99 Armann 80. Semaj Inge 34 for Haukar. Halldor Kristmannsson 25 for Armann.
A 106 Valur 114 in double overtime. Hordur Nikulasson 20 Dagyr Thorisson 21 Askell Jonsson 20 for IA. Bjorgvin Valentinusson (202-F/C-89) 32 Byron Davis 28 Hordur Hreidarsson 23 for Valur.
Thor Thorl. 65 Haukar 72. Richard Field 27 for Thor Semaj Inge 19 for Haukar

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  IRELAND   


Stats Leaders - Men
Points Per Game
 Juwann JAMES
  Neptune
  (198-F-)
  Avg: 34.8
 1. James, Neptune34.8 
 2. Ratzsch, Belfast .31.9 
 3. Aaron, Hoops30.2 
 4. Turner, Killester25.6 
 5. Robbins, UL Eagles24.1 
 6. Perre, Belfast Star23.0 
 7. Johnson, UCC D.22.3 
 8. Fritsch, Moycullen21.7 
 9. Foley, Ulster Elks19.2 
 10. Cummins, Ulster Elks18.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Carlton AARON
  Hoops
  (206-C-79)
  Avg: 19
 1. Aaron, Hoops19.0 
 2. Ratzsch, Belfast .13.6 
 3. Johnson, UCC D.13.3 
 4. Robbins, UL Eagles13.2 
 5. James, Neptune12.3 
 6. Neal, Ulster Elks11.8 
 7. Perre, Belfast Star11.8 
 8. Turner, Killester11.5 
 9. Trimmer, DCU S.11.0 
 10. White, Hoops9.8 
Assists Per Game
 Scott KINEVANE
  UL Eagles
  (175-G-87)
  Avg: 8.4
 1. Kinevane, UL Eagles8.4 
 2. Drumm, Ulster Elks6.2 
 3. Coughlin, UCC D.4.1 
 4. Ratzsch, Belfast .4.0 
 5. Cummins, Ulster Elks3.9 
 6. Turner, Killester3.9 
 7. Donnelly, DCU S.3.9 
 8. Noonan, Neptune3.7 
 9. Hall, UL Eagles3.6 
 10. James, UCD Marian3.6 
Steals Per Game
 Jermaine TURNER
  Killester
  (195-F-74)
  Avg: 3.4
 1. Turner, Killester3.4 
 2. Kelly, Killester2.7 
 3. James, Neptune2.7 
 4. Nihill, Moycullen2.7 
 5. Perre, Belfast Star2.6 
 6. Murphy, UCC Demons2.4 
 7. Loughnane, Moycu.2.3 
 8. Summersgill, Belfas.2.2 
 9. Madsen, Killester2.2 
 10. Donnelly, DCU S.2.1 
Blocks Per Game
 Nate FRITSCH
  Moycullen
  (198-F-83)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Fritsch, Moycullen2.2 
 2. James, Neptune2.1 
 3. Trimmer, DCU S.2.1 
 4. Bennett, Neptune1.7 
 5. Neal, Ulster Elks1.5 
 6. Johnson, UCC D.1.3 
 7. Robbins, UL Eagles1.3 
 8. Turner, Killester1.2 
 9. Perre, Belfast Star1.2 
 10. Ratzsch, Belfast .1.1 


Standings - EBS Superleague
SuperLeague Standings
North Conference
 1. Killester 12-4 
 2. Belfast Star 9-7 
 3. DCU Saints 7-8 
 4. Ulster Elks 5-10 
 5. UCD Marian 4-10 
South Conference
 1. Eagles 14-2 
 2. Neptune 9-5 
 3. UCC Demons 9-6 
 4. Hoops 3-11 
 5. Moycullen 3-12 


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  ISRAEL   


Efes Pilsen beat Maccabi Electra 63-56 - by Eurobasket News
Efes Pilsen - Maccabi T-A 63-56

Efes Pilsen outplayed Maccabi last night so both teams have 2-2 record in Group F. Mario Kasun (213-C-80) stepped up for the Turkish powerhouse with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Charles Smith (193-G-75, college: N.Mexico) added 11 pts for 17 minutes on the court. David Bluthenthal (202-F-80, college: USC) replied with 15 points in loss. In Game 1 between these two teams Maccabi celebrated 72-62 victory.
Efes was much better in the first quarter taking 17-8 lead. The hosts kept plus 9 until the last seconds of this period, when Anderson made his first points for Maccabi last night, 21-14. Efes Pilsen jumped to plus 8 at the beginning of the second quarter, but visitors replied with 0-8 run tying the score to 24-24. Teams exchanged baskets unstil Arslan, Nachbar and Rakocevic stepped up for the hosts. Arslan drained a triple, Nachbar made a jumper and Rakocevic followed with a layup for 35-30 HT lead. At the halfway of third period Maccabi once again tied the score in this game and it was 37-37. Still, thanks to Mario Kasun and Igor Rakocevic, Efes Pilsen had 47-44 with one quarter left. It was a close matchup until the end. With less than a minute to go David Bluthenthal drained a triple for 58-56 deficit. Charles Smith replied with an inside basket, and Fischer missed a jumper for the guests. Charles Smith scored a crucial triple for Efes Pilsen, but still Maccabi held on in the closing seconds to retain the tiebreak advantage between them after winning the game in Tel Aviv by 10.

Efes Pilsen: Mario Kasun 14+13 boards, Charles Smith 11
Maccabi: David Bluthenthal 15

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  ITALY   


Casale extend Mats Levin, Cremona land Alessandro Bencaster - by Eurobasket News
Casale have decided to extend the contract with Mats Levin (188-G-77). The Swedish guard signed for the LegaDue team in January. In eight games the 32-year-old player averaged 10.3 points, 4.6 assists and 2.1 rebounds. Mats Levin arrived to Italy from Sweden where he played for the Sundsvall Dragons. Levin will stay in Italy till June.
In the meantime Vanoli Cremona landed Alessandro Bencaster (193-G-80, agency: Players Group). The 29-year-old guard started the season in Edimes Pavia. The player averaged 2.3 points, 1.7 boards and 1.0 assists per appearance in LegaDue. He left Pavia in December and lately trained with Cremona.


Franko Bushati changes Prima Veroli for Aget Imola - by Eurobasket News
Franko Bushati (188-G-85) changed the team. The 24-year-old Albanian-Italian guard moved from Prima Veroli to Aget Imola. Franko Bushati averaged 2.9 points and 1.1 boards for Prima Veroli this season. Last season the guard started in Banco Di Sardegna. He tallied 6.0 points and 1.1 boards per game. Later Franko Bushati joined Banca Nuova Trapani in A dilletanti league. There the guard stepped up with 15.2 points, 3.8 boards and 2.5 assists per appearance. Bushati is the member of Albanian National Team.


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  KENYA   


AFRICAIN PLAYERS AT NCAA DIVISION 2 - by Carlos Pereira
KENYA

James Oyamo jr 1,96m Nyack Col.

Kharles Mwalo fr 1,93m (6-4) Bluefield St. Un.

Antoinne Bbayaga 1,96m (6-5) Western Oregon Un.

ANGOLA

Nuno Furtado jr 2,01m (6-7) Cal State L.A. Un.

SENEGAL

Mactar Gueye jr 1,96m (6-5) Cal State Stanislaus

Papa Lo so 2,06m (6-9) Bryant Un.

Alioune Ndiaye sr 2,06m (6-9) Dowling Col.

Youssoupha Sene sr 2,01m (6-7) Lambuth Un.

Mouhamadou Kane sr 2,06m (6-9) Oakland Un.

MALI

Ismaila Traore jr 2,01m (6-7) Holy Family Un.

Waly Coulibaly fr 1,91m (6-3) Chaminade Un.

Mamadou Diarra so 2,13m (7-0) Chaminade Un.

GAMBIA

Amadou Sambou so 2,03m (6-8) Saint Augustine Col.

Dawda Njie fr 2,01m (6-7) Armstrong Atlantic St. Un.

NIGERIA

Kamarachi Onyirioha jr 2,03m (6-8) ngelo State Un.

Ochigbo Ameh sr 2,06m (6-9) Lees-McRae Col.

CAMEROON

Pierre Bakinde fr 1,88m (6-2) Armstrong Atlantic St. Un.

Franck Ndongo jr 1,98m (6-6) Augusta St. Un.

Eric Nsangou sr 1,77m (6-0) Barry Un.

Julien Bendeke sr 1,96m (6-5) Barry Un.

Jacques Dovonou sr 1,98m (6-6) Brevard Col.

James Tchana sr 2,01m (6-7) CW Post Un.

Luc Atangana so 1,91m (6-3) Charleston Un.

Gaby Ngoundjo jr 2,03m (6-8) Grand Canyon Un.

Rony Tchatchoua jr 1,98m (6-6) Grand Canyon Un

Aboubakar Wandji sr 2,01m (6-7) Midwestern St. Un.

Stephane Bakinde sr 2,03m (6-8) Newberry Col.

Dave Karlson jr 1,96m (6-5) Shepherd Un.

Yann Sani 2,01m (6-7) Texas Permian Un.

ZIMBABWE

Luke Jarvis so 1,93m (6-4) Assumption Col.

SUDAN

Riiny Ngot so 2,17m (7-2) Bridgeport Un.
GABON
Jores Dongo sr 2,06m (6-9) South Carolina Aiken Un.

*****************************************************
  KOSOVO   


Enes Hadzibulic moves to Bashkimi - by Eurobasket News
According to reports from FYR Macedonian media, Enes Hadzibulic (196-G-81, agency: Global Sports Plaza) has left Rabotnicki for Bashkimi in the Kosovo League. Experienced guard, has reportedly agreed a deal with Bashkimi where he has joined Macedonian Head Coach Slobodan Mitev. Besides Hadzibulic, Mitev has previously brought in another Macedonian player Muhammed Tachi (200-G/F-81). Hadzibulic will be expected to bring steadiness to guard position. If everything goes well, the player should make his debut in the next round.
Enes Hadzibulic started his career with Dukagjini Pec in 2001. After three seasons with the club, he moved to Kastrioti Ferizaj at the begging of the 2004-2005 season. In December of 204, he moved to Sigal Prishtine where he finished the season. In 2005 he moved again, this time Dukagjini Peje where has averaged 20.0 points per game. Hadzibulic has won two championship titles and one Cup in 2004 and 2005 while playing in Kosovo. One season later he became a member of Vardar Osiguranje Skopje, with whom he has won the National Cup in his debut season. Good games did not go unnoticed, so Hadzibulic was snapped by Dinamo-Galean Bucuresti. There he has posted averages of 18.6 points and 1.9 rebounds per game in 14 games. Last season, Hadzibulic moved again this time to CSU Cuadripol Brasov. He averaged 10.1 points and 1.3 rebound per game in 26 League games. This season, Hadzibulic returned to Macedonia where he signed with Fersped-Rabotnicki Skopje.


*****************************************************
  KUWAIT   


Standings
D1 Standings
 1. Al Kuwait 16-2 
 2. Kazma 16-3 
 3. Al Sahel 15-2 
 4. Al Qadsia 15-3 
 5. Al Jahraa 15-4 
 6. Al Arabi 10-8 
 7. An Nasr 8-9 
 8. Al Yarmook 5-14 
 9. Sulaibikhat 5-14 
 10. Al Tadhamon 4-16 
 11. Al Shabab 2-17 
 12. Al Salmiyah 1-20 


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


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Martins BERKIS
  Snaefell
  (199-F-85)
  Avg: 18.5
 1. Berkis, Keizarmezs18.5 
 2. Timermanis, Barons18.5 
 3. Davis, Valmiera17.1 
 4. Gulbis, Zemgale16.6 
 5. Kojenets, Liepaja16.5 
 6. Silavs, Keizarmezs16.3 
 7. Efejuku, Barons16.2 
 8. Valeika, Valmiera15.1 
 9. Bertans, Ventspils14.4 
 10. Kisielius, Liepaja14.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Arturas VALEIKA
  Valmiera
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 10.5
 1. Valeika, Valmiera10.5 
 2. Kojenets, Liepaja8.1 
 3. Zorin, Barons7.2 
 4. Renfroe, VEF Riga7.0 
 5. Silavs, Keizarmezs6.0 
 6. Nelyubov, VEF Riga5.6 
 7. Rozitis, Zemgale5.5 
 8. Cresnar, Valmiera5.4 
 9. Gulbis, Zemgale5.2 
 10. Davis, Valmiera5.1 
Assists Per Game
 Alex RENFROE
  VEF Riga
  (190-G-86)
  Avg: 6.7
 1. Renfroe, VEF Riga6.7 
 2. Silavs, Keizarmezs5.6 
 3. Jeromanovs, Liepa.4.6 
 4. Sirsnins, Barons4.1 
 5. Vilums, Liepaja3.5 
 6. Bergmanis, Zemgale2.8 
 7. Valeika, Valmiera2.4 
 8. Efejuku, Barons2.4 
 9. Davis, Valmiera2.2 
 10. Bertans, Ventspils2.1 
Steals Per Game
 Rinalds SIRSNINS
  Barons
  (186-G-85)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Sirsnins, Barons2.5 
 2. Bertans, Ventspils2.4 
 3. Renfroe, VEF Riga2.4 
 4. Silavs, Keizarmezs2.2 
 5. Osins, Keizarmezs2.0 
 6. Davis, Valmiera1.9 
 7. Vilums, Liepaja1.6 
 8. Vitols, Barons1.6 
 9. Ragsdale, Barons1.6 
 10. Labuckas, VEF Riga1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Jekabs ROZITIS
  Zemgale
  (206-F/C-86)
  Avg: 1.4
 1. Rozitis, Zemgale1.4 
 2. Davis, Valmiera1.2 
 3. Cresnar, Valmiera1.1 
 4. Zorin, Barons0.8 
 5. Nelyubov, VEF Riga0.7 
 6. Labuckas, VEF Riga0.6 
 7. Ferguson, Barons0.6 
 8. Blaus, Ventspils0.6 
 9. Kosuskins, Liepaja0.6 
 10. Valeika, Valmiera0.5 


Mateo Kedzo moves to Latvia - by Eurobasket News
Mateo Kedzo (207-F/C-84) has agreed on terms of contract with Ventspils. The Croatian 25-year-old forward tipped off the season in Turkey. He tallied 6.2 points and 2.6 boards for Aliaga Petkim in the TBL. Mateo Kedzo however left the team in November and looked for the team from then. Last season the Croat played for Energa Czarni. He tallied 11.0 points, 4.3 boards and 1.0 assists per game in the PLK. In EuroChallenge his stats read 13.0 points, 6.2 boards and 1.2 assists.


LBL Standing
LBL Standings
 1. Barons 12-4 
 2. Valmiera 7-7 
 3. Liepaja 7-7 
 4. VEF Riga 5-1 
 5. Ventspils 4-3 
 6. Zemgale 3-16 
 7. Keizarmezs 0-18 


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  LEBANON   


Anibal very close to Final 6!!! - by Maarouf Mawloud
A very important game was hosted in Zahle on wednesday!! Home team Anibal hosted Antranik in a 'Win or Go home' game where the winner is 80% in the final 6 and the looser's season will end... Anibal started the game with a big focus from all the players ans especially the locals.. first quarter was very close and both teams were scoring simultaneously and ended 24-19 for Anibal..in the second, Anibal made a great defense and lead by as many as 16pts, but Antranik forced Anibal to make 8 TO in this quarter using the full court press..At Halftime, a new game has begun for just 20 minutes and the score was 47-47...

In the third quarter, Anibal's coach Dany Ammous felt the trouble when Curtis Slaughter (201-G-80, agency: Promotex, college: Cal.St. Northridge) made his 4th foul just 2min after the quarter began... But the locals made the unexpected and played a great basketball for the first time this year and ended the 3rd 70-61 for Anibal...Last 10minutes of the game Anibal kept control of the game leading all the way and taking a very important win 93-88...

Anibal showed a very good team play by dishing 28 assists in total..while Antranik had a very bad shooting night scoring only 8 3pts from 36 attempts

Here are some stats

Anibal stats
Curtis Slaughter 23pts 7reb 6asts 2blcks
Simon Daoud 22pts 6reb 6asts
Ersid Ljuca 17pts 17reb 2asts 1blck
Walid Zakhia 16pts 6asts
Elie Kassouf 11pts 9reb 2asts
Alain Andraous 3pts 6asts
Antranik stats
Alex Mclean 31pts 16reb
Jamaal Miller 28pts


Mouttahed takes an important road win - by Maarouf Mawloud
Michel el Murr stadium hosted a game to remember on Wednesday night!!The best 2 defensive teams in the league met.. 2 different styles 2 different composed teamsone team with 2 excellent Imports against a team with one import that didnt performed as high as we could expect and very good playing local players it was a game between Hoops the Black Horse team of the 2009-2010 season and best defensive team in Lebanon Mouttahed Guests started very strong and determine to win this gameHoops were suppressed after the big win against Riyadi on monday 1st quarter finished with 22-6 for Mouttahed, that played incrediblewe saw great dunks, pressure, steelswe saw magical 10 minutes in 2nd quarter Hoops increase pressure & with severall TO's Mouttahed allowed Hoops to come back in game, but with 1 second on the shot clock after time out Mohammed Ibrahim exsiccated set perfectly with corner 3 points shot and 2 teams went to deserved brakeMouttahed was leading by 11 points (23-34).
Hoops started the third quarter in a very good way by a zone press that slowed down Trablos team transition and on other side quick fast breaks gave Hoops a deserved come back25th min game was open 36-37quarter finished with Mouttahed lead 48-46.

4th quarter was very exciting and two teams played great basketball5 min till the end game was turned & Hoops lead first time with 58-57and then starts the guest team againplaying hard defense trying to stop Imports of Hoops and in same time exsiccating on perfect way press breaker and finishing their set offencelast 2 minutes Mouttahed had 4-5 points lead and finish this important game with 69-63 win.



This was strong defensive game from both teams Mouttahed deserved to win playing on higher levelguest team shot 1-15 from 3 point range and 12-22 FTthats shows how compact defense Trablos team played



Hoops played good and specially their 2 Imports Enique Clemons and William Byrd that are producing all season long 70% of total team score on other side Lebanese players of Trablos team play with game better and better & are showing a great basketballit is unique situation that one team is still high ranked and play mostly all season (except 2-3 games) with local players. In Mouttahed team Elie Rostom ,Bassam Balaa and Jad Bittar showed a great level and very strong game

Mouttahed Stats:
4-Rickey Huckaby 14 pts 8 rbds 6 ass
5-Hassan Lakkis 4 pts 1 ass
8-Elie Roustom (191-F-87) 16 pts 14 REBOUNDS 6 ass
9-Bassem Balaa 16 pts 7 rebounds 1 ass
12-Jad Bitar 12 pts 6 rebds 1 ass 3 stl
13-Bassel Bawji 4 pts 4 rbds
14-Mohamed Ibrahim 3 pts 2 ass 2 rbds
Hoops Stats:
Rickey Clemons 20 pts
william bird 17 pts 16 rbds

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  LITHUANIA   


Siauliai land Maris Gulbis - by Eurobasket News
Siauliai boosted their roster with addition of Maris Gulbis (202-F-85). The 24-year-old Latvian forward started the season in Latvia. He averaged 16.6 points, 5.2 boards and 2.1 assists per LBL game for Zemgale. In Baltic League his stats read 17.5 points, 6.4 boards and 2.1 assists. Last season Maris Gulbis played in VEF Riga. There he tallied 9.0 points and 3.2 boards in the LBL as well as 10.3 points and 3.1 boards in Baltic League. Maris Gulbis played for U20 Latvian National Team.


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  MEXICO   


Stats Leaders - LNBP
Points Per Game
 John MILLSAP
  Bucaneros
  (198-F-82)
  Avg: 25.4
 1. Millsap, Bucaneros25.4 
 2. Moore, Abejas24.3 
 3. Monroe, Potros23.9 
 4. Hickerson, Pioneros22.1 
 5. Mills, Indios22.0 
 6. Habel, Cosmos22.0 
 7. Thomas, Potros21.9 
 8. Hornsby, Huracanes21.9 
 9. Jackson, Pilares21.7 
 10. Capers, Barreteros21.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Mattis MCHUGH
  Quimper
  (198-F-84)
  Avg: 11.8
 1. McHugh, Abejas11.8 
 2. Long, Indios11.1 
 3. Jackson, Angeles10.6 
 4. Allen, Pioneros10.3 
 5. Aubry, Halc.Rojos10.0 
 6. Berghoefer, Potros9.8 
 7. Garcia, Pioneros9.4 
 8. Mills, Indios9.2 
 9. Moss, Lechugueros9.0 
 10. Fuller, Fuerza Regia8.4 
Assists Per Game
 William FUNN
  Bucaneros
  (188-G-82)
  Avg: 6.4
 1. Funn, Bucaneros6.4 
 2. Osimani, Halc.Cordoba5.9 
 3. Brown, Fuerza R.5.6 
 4. Malpica, Cosmos5.2 
 5. lee, Indios4.5 
 6. Stokes, Barreteros4.5 
 7. Hollyfield, Barre.4.2 
 8. Rivera, Halc.Rojos4.0 
 9. Roque, Toros3.9 
 10. Villegas, Lechugueros3.8 
Steals Per Game
 Luis Manuel GONZALEZ
  Libertadores
  (182-G-)
  Avg: 3
 1. Gonzalez, Libertad.3.0 
 2. Moore, Abejas2.5 
 3. Lewis, Soles2.3 
 4. Hollyfield, Barre.2.2 
 5. Malpica, Cosmos2.2 
 6. Funn, Bucaneros2.2 
 7. Monroe, Potros2.1 
 8. Garcia Moral., Halc.X.2.0 
 9. Hornsby, Huracanes2.0 
 10. Gooner, Halc.Rojos1.9 
Blocks Per Game
 Jamal JOHNSON
  Angeles
  (201-F-81)
  Avg: 1.2
 1. Johnson, Angeles1.2 
 2. Millsap, Bucaneros1.1 
 3. Jackson, Pilares0.9 
 4. Arceneaux, Lechugue.0.9 
 5. lee, Indios0.8 
 6. Cox, Angeles0.8 
 7. McCullough, Libert.0.8 
 8. Carmona, Fuerza R.0.8 
 9. McHugh, Abejas0.8 
 10. Soto, Abejas0.7 


LNBP Semifinals: Halcones Rojos and Pioneros take 3-1 lead - by Eurobasket News
Toros - Halc.Rojos 44-59
Halcones Rojos is just one win away from the LNBP Finals. Lawrence Hill (203-F-87, college: Stanford) led his team to victory last night with 14 points and 5 rebounds. Miguel Ayala (198-F/G-82, college: UTEP) added 10 pts and also 5 boards. In Toros, Quentin Gonzales (200-F-84, college: Mc Neese St.) and Henry Dugat (183-G-87, college: Baylor) collected 10 points and 7 rebounds each.

Pioneros - Halc.Xalapa 94-91
Pioneros jumped to 3-1 against Halcones Xalapa and needs just one more win for the LNBP Finals. Jabari Smith (211-C/F-77, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: LSU) this time led Pioneros scoring 25 points (6 rebs). Gregory Grays (185-G-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Detroit Mercy) and Ricardo Melendez (180-G-83) followed with 21 and 20 pts respectively. In Halcones Xalapa, Gerald Brown (193-G-75, college: Pepperdine) had 24 points and 5 boards.

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


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 LeBron JAMES
  Cleveland C.
  (203-F-84)
  Avg: 29.9
 1. James, Clevelan.29.9 
 2. Durant, Oklah.Ci.29.8 
 3. Anthony, Denver N.29.2 
 4. Bryant, LA Lakers27.9 
 5. Wade, Miami Heat26.1 
 6. Ellis, Golde S.25.7 
 7. Nowitzki, Dallas M.24.8 
 8. Bosh, Toronto R.24.5 
 9. Granger, Indiana P.22.8 
 10. Roy, Portland TB22.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Dwight HOWARD
  Orlando M.
  (207-F-85)
  Avg: 13.5
 1. Howard, Orlando M.13.5 
 2. Camby, LA Clippers12.1 
 3. Randolph, Memph.11.7 
 4. Love, Minnesota T.11.5 
 5. Lee, New York K.11.5 
 6. Noah, Chicago B.11.4 
 7. Bosh, Toronto R.11.4 
 8. Boozer, Utah Jazz11.2 
 9. Duncan, San A.11.0 
 10. Gasol, LA Lakers10.9 
Assists Per Game
 Steve NASH
  Phoenix Suns
  (190-G-74)
  Avg: 11.2
 1. Nash, Phoenix Suns11.2 
 2. Paul, N.Orleans H.11.2 
 3. Williams, Utah Jazz10.0 
 4. Rondo, Boston C.9.8 
 5. Kidd, Dallas M.9.2 
 6. James, Clevelan.8.5 
 7. Davis, LA Clippers7.8 
 8. Westbrook, Oklah..7.7 
 9. Arenas, Washingt.7.2 
 10. Harris, New J.6.7 
Steals Per Game
 Rajon RONDO
  Boston C.
  (186-G-86)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Rondo, Boston C.2.5 
 2. Paul, N.Orleans H.2.3 
 3. Ellis, Golde S.2.2 
 4. Jackson, Charlott.1.9 
 5. Kidd, Dallas M.1.9 
 6. Iguodala, Philadel.1.9 
 7. Curry, Golde S.1.8 
 8. Wade, Miami Heat1.8 
 9. Davis, LA Clippers1.8 
 10. Ariza, Houston R.1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Dwight HOWARD
  Orlando M.
  (207-F-85)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Howard, Orlando M.2.8 
 2. Oden, Portland TB2.3 
 3. Bogut, Milwauke.2.3 
 4. Dalembert, Philad.2.1 
 5. Haywood, Washingt.2.1 
 6. Smith, Atlanta H.2.1 
 7. Camby, LA Clippers2.0 
 8. Andersen, Denver N.1.9 
 9. Perkins, Boston C.1.9 
 10. Lopez, New J.1.9 


Standings
NBA Standings
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
 1. Boston C. 36-20 
 2. Toronto R. 31-25 
 3. Philadelph.76 22-35 
 4. New York K. 19-37 
 5. New Jersey N. 5-52 
Central Div.
 1. Cleveland C. 45-14 
 2. Chicago B. 30-27 
 3. Milwaukee B. 29-28 
 4. Detroit P. 21-36 
 5. Indiana P. 19-39 
Southeast Div.
 1. Orlando M. 39-19 
 2. Atlanta H. 36-20 
 3. Miami Heat 29-29 
 4. Charlotte B. 27-29 
 5. Washington W. 20-35 
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
 1. Denver N. 37-19 
 2. Utah Jazz 37-20 
 3. Portland TB 34-26 
 4. Oklah.City T. 33-23 
 5. Minnesota T. 14-45 
Pacific Div.
 1. LA Lakers 43-15 
 2. Phoenix Suns 36-23 
 3. LA Clippers 24-33 
 4. Sacramento K. 18-39 
 5. Golde State W. 16-40 
Southwest Div.
 1. Dallas M. 37-21 
 2. San Antonio S. 32-23 
 3. N.Orleans H. 30-28 
 4. Memphis G. 29-28 
 5. Houston R. 28-28 


Wednesday's games (11) review - by Eurobasket News
Detroit P. - LA Clippers 91-97
Chris Kaman (7'0''-C-82, college: Cent.Michigan) had 21 points and 15 rebounds, Drew Gooden (6'10''-F-81, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Kansas) added 20 points and 13 boards and the Los Angeles Clippers watched Detroit's Richard Hamilton clang one foul shot after another in the final seconds before they escaped with a 97-91 victory on Wednesday night. Rasual Butler and Eric Gordon netted 16 and 13 points respectively. Hamilton answered with 21 points for Detroit.

Oklah.City T. - San Antonio S. 87-95
Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) finished with 21 points and 12 rebounds, marking the first time he has scored fewer than 25 points since Dec. 19. Manu Ginobili (6'6''-G-77, agency: Interperformances) led the Spurs with 26 points. His last field goal was a big 3-pointer a minute after he made the defensive play of the game - and maybe the season - for the Spurs. Tim Duncan (6'10''-F-76, college: Wake Forest) had 19 points and 15 rebounds.

LA Lakers - Dallas M. 96-101
Dirk Nowitzki (6'11''-F-78) scored 31 points, Jason Terry (6'2''-G-77, college: Arizona) added 30 and the short-handed Mavericks won their fifth straight game, beating the Los Angeles Lakers 101-96 on Wednesday night. Jason Kidd helped with 14 points, 7 rebounds and 13 assists. In LA Lakers, Lamar Odom and Kobe Bryant delivered 21 and 20 points respectively.

Philadelph.76 - Phoenix Suns 95-106
Steve Nash (6'3''-G-74, college: Santa Clara) was at his shooting and creative best Wednesday night, scoring 20 points and handing out 13 assists as the Phoenix Suns beat the Philadelphia 76ers 106-95 for their fourth straight victory. Jason Richardson (6'6''-G-81, college: Michigan St.) drained 24 and Amare Stoudemire added 22 pts in this win. Andre Iguodala replied with 20 points in loss.

Charlotte B. - Utah Jazz 93-102
Carlos Boozer (6'10''-F/C-80, college: Duke) scored 20 of his game-high 33 points in the second half. Deron Williams (6'3''-G-84, college: Illinois) had 20 points and 12 assists. Gerald Wallace scored 27 points for Charlotte, and Tyrus Thomas had 20 - the most in his four games since being acquired in a trade with Chicago.

Memphis G. - Washington W. 99-94
Zach Randolph (6'9''-C-81, college: Michigan St.) scored 22 points, and Rudy Gay (6'9''-F/G-86, college: Connecticut) and Marc Gasol each scored 20 pts. Mayo scored 17 points, 10 in the fourth quarter, to help Memphis win its third straight road game. For the hosts, Andray Blatche collected 24 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists.

Indiana P. - Chicago B. 110-120
Luol Deng (6'7''-F-85, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Duke) scored a season-high 31 points, and the Bulls pulled away for a wild 120-110 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night after blowing an early 23-point lead. Derrick Rose (6'4''-G-88, college: Memphis) added 23 points and eight assists, while Ronald Murray helped with 16 pts and 6 boards. Indiana got 21 points and 7 boards from Brandon Rush, and 20 pts and 7 rebs from Danny Granger.

N.Orleans H. - Milwaukee B. 95-115
Andrew Bogut (7'0''-F/C-84, college: Utah) had 26 points and 13 rebounds to continue his string of dominant performances, leading Milwaukee to a 115-95 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday night. John Salmons (6'7''-F-79, college: Miami, FL) had 18 and Jerry Stackhouse added 13 pts. On the other side, Marcus Thronton collected 25 points and 5 boards.

Orlando M. - Houston R. 110-92
Dwight Howard (6'10''-F-85) had 30 points and 16 rebounds on a perfect shooting night to help the Magic cruise to a 110-92 victory over Houston. The Magic used a 37-point second quarter to take a commanding lead and the Rockets never really threatened after that. Jameer Nelson (6'0''-G-82, college: St.Joseph's) had 17 points and 9 assists in this victory. Aaron Brooks collected 24 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists in defeat.

Minnesota T. - Atlanta H. 92-98
Josh Smith (6'9''-F-85) had a season-high 27 points, Joe Johnson (6'8''-F-81, college: Arkansas) added 21 and the Hawks beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 98-92 on Wednesday night. Al Horford finished with 11 points and 13 rebounds for the Hawks, who have won nine of 11 at home to improve to 22-6 at Philips Arena. In Minnesota, Kevin Love collected 19 points ad 12 rebounds.

Portland TB - Toronto R. 101-87
Andre Miller (6'3''-G-76, college: Utah) had 18 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds, Brandon Roy (6'6''-G-84, college: Washington) scored 20 points, and the Trail Blazers beat the Raptors 101-87 on Wednesday night. Rudy Fernandez scored 17 points, Jerryd Bayless had 11 and Juwan Howard 10 for the Trail Blazers. In defeat, Hedo Turkoglu netted 24 pts.


Wizards sign Mike Harris to 10-day contract - by Eurobasket News
The Washington Wizards have signed forward Michael Harris (6'6''-F-83, college: Rice) to a 10-day contract.

Washington signed Harris on Wednesday after Josh Howard was lost for the season when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in Monday's game.

Harris was averaging 26.3 points and 9.8 rebounds in 28 games for Rio Grande Valley in the NBA D-League.

The 6-foot-6 Harris played in two games earlier this season with the Houston Rockets, averaging 2.5 points and 1.5 rebounds.

In 2007-08, he played 17 games with the Rockets, averaging 3.7 points and 3.2 rebounds.

Harris will be in uniform Wednesday for Washington's game against Memphis.

Courtesy of ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4941336)

Cavs assign Darnell Jackson and Danny Green to BayHawks - by Eurobasket News
The Cleveland Cavaliers have assigned second-year forward Darnell Jackson (6'8''-F-85, college: Kansas) and rookie forward Daniel Green (6'6''-F/G-87, college: N.Carolina) to the NBA Development League Erie BayHawks. Both players will be on the BayHawks roster starting Thursday, and on Friday will wear their familiar white Cavs uniforms as part of the team's 'Cavaliers Affiliate Night' promotion.

Jackson appeared in two games last season with the BayHawks coming on two separate assignments. He posted 24 points and six rebounds in his debut on February 9, 2009 in a win over the Utah Flash and added another 15 points and six rebounds for a second victory on March 18 against the Austin Toros.

Green was the Cavaliers second round draft pick, selected 46th overall, in the 2009 NBA Draft. He has seen limited action with Cleveland this season.

Both players were members of national championship teams at the collegiate level, Jackson as a member of the Kansas Jayhawks 2008 squad and Green as member of the 2009 North Carolina Tar Heels.

The BayHawks return to the Tullio Arena Thursday for a two-game series with the Dakota Wizards. Friday's game features the team's promotional highlight of the season that brings NBA-caliber entertainment to Erie: it's 'Cavaliers Affiliate Night' featuring the Cavalier Girls Dance Team, the Cavs Hip-Hop Scream Team, Moondog the mascot and Quicken Loans Arena host, Ahmaad. The whole team will wear the Cavs home white uniforms.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com


Mavericks sign guard Von Wafer to 10-day contract - by Eurobasket News
The Dallas Mavericks have signed guard Von Wafer (6'5''-G-85, college: Florida St.) to a 10-day contract.

The five-year NBA veteran last played in the NBA for Houston last season. He played in 63 games (11 starts) for the Rockets, and averaged 9.7 points with 1.8 points and 1.1 assists in 19 minutes a game.

Since the Los Angeles Lakers made him a second-round pick out of Florida State, Wafer has played in 109 games with the Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver, Portland and Houston. He also played in the D-League and internationally in Greece.

Wafer was available before Wednesday night's game against the Lakers, the first of six games over 10 days for Dallas.

Courtesy of www.startribune.com


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


#3 Purdue wins at Minnesota 59:58, but loses Hummel for the season. - by Rangi Gescheit
#3 Purdue win at Minnesota 59:58, but lose Robbie Hummel (6'8''-F-89) for the season.

#3 Purdue, gets their 10th win in a row, keeps their first place in the Big 10 conference but looses one of their trilogy leaders that brought them there. Robbie Hummel15.7 ppg, just under 7 rpg, and close to 2 apg (with Jajuan Johnson (6'10''-F/C-89) and Etwaun Moore (6'4''-G-89), completed the threesome that led the boilermakers to their best ranking position since 1993-94.

As for the game itself, Purdue led most of the first half, which ended 30:26 Boilermakers favor. In the second half Ralph Sampson (6'11''-F/C-90) (mainly points) and Colton Iverson (6'10''-F/C-89) (on the boards) pushed the Golden Gophers back to the game. Once Robbie Hummell got injured and left the game, Minnesota had their run and took over the game. Purdue, as the Final Four hopes team it is, found the character and ability just to hang around long enough. Chris Kramer (6'3''-G-88) found Grant for a big 3 point shot and Purdue were only down by 1 55:56. Etwaun Moore made another 2, Purdue is up by 1. Lawrence Westbrook scored couple of points on the other end to make it 1 point Minnesotas favor.
With 13 seconds to go, Keaton Grant (6'4''-G-86) scored a 2 point jumper for the win, and Purdue connected their 10th win in a row, and as was mentioned, kept their first place in the Big 10.
As later on was found out, Junior Forward Robbie Hummell hurt his ACL in his right knee and will miss the remaining of the season.
Purdues next time out will be when they will host #14 in the nation and 3 in the conference Michigan St. on Sunday, 4pm ET.
Minnesota will go to meet Bruce Webber and his Illinis on Saturday at 4pm ET.


*****************************************************
  NCAA2   


Former NCAA D2 Stars lead the ABA Cleveland Travel Team over New York Red Riders! - by Lucius Jones
The ABA Cleveland Travel Team defeated the New York Red Riders 132-128. Cleveland was fresh off of a victory versus Detroit Hoops leaving the team at 2-1 on the season.

Marwan Gaines (6'5''-F-82, college: Findlay (OH)) led with 38points and 23rebounds while shooting 15-19FG and 9-9FT with 2assists,3steals,2blocks as well.

Sam Liggins (5'10''-G) played the point guard position amazingly to the tune of 21points on 7-10FG including 3-4 3pt and 4-6FT with 11 assists, 5steals, 2blocks, 6rebounds.

Mike Melton added 18points. Joe Roberts (6'6''-F/C, college: Alders.-Broad.) scored 16points and grabbed 10rebounds. Dontae Anthony ended with 11 points. Leroy Mack (6'4''-G/F-81, college: Columbus St. CC) finished with 11points on 4-7FG and 3-4FT with 7rebounds and 5assists. Reggie Harwell scored 15 points. Shaun Ballard put in 2points and grabbed 6 rebounds.

In the second contest the Cleveland Travel team lost to New York but was led by a spectacular performance from Sam Liggins (5'10''-G) who scored 32points on 11-14FG and passed for 7 assists while snatching 5rebounds,4steals, and 4 blocks. Mike Melton scored 33points. Reggie Harwell ended with 22points. Leroy Mack scored 19points on 8-11FG and grabbed 11 rebounds. Joe Roberts added 11points and 12 rebounds. Shaun Ballard scored 5points but also contributed 10rebounds, 4assists, 2steals, 3blocks. Cleveland returns to action Saturday vs the Kentucky Bluegrass Stallions at 7pm.

Anchorage Beats Fairbanks For Key Win - by Sanjey Noriega
Casey Robinson (6'6''-F-87) scored all 18 of his points in the second half Wednesday as Alaska-Anch. earned a 81-78 victory over Alaska-Fairb. in a GNAC contest at the Wells Fargo Sports Complex.

The Seawolves (16-8, 7-6) also prevailed thanks to a career-high 17 points from point guard Drew Robinson (6'1''-G-85).

The Nanooks (7-16, 2-12) were led forward Joe Powell (6'8''-F) with 19 points and eight rebounds while point guard Emmanuel Jenkins (6'0''-G) scored 18 points and nearly brought the visitors back in the final minutes.

UAA took a 39-33 lead when it scored the first eight points of the second half, but the Nanooks responded quickly, and the game remained a one- or two-possession affair for the next 10 minutes.

Tied for the 10th and final time at 58-58, Drew Robinson began a 13-2 UAA run with a pair of free throws at the 8:20 mark. Donnie Lao ended the spurt with a fast break layup with 5 minutes left, making it 71-60 before the Nanooks made their final surge.

Two three-pointers by Jenkins sliced UAA's advantage to 73-70 with 2:44 to play, and Jenkins pulled the Nanooks within 75-74 when he converted off UAF's offensive rebound of Powell's missed free throw.

After a pair of 30-second timeouts, Lao got the ball in the corner and drove baseline with the shot clock running down. With the defensive collapsing in the lane, Lao dished to Casey Robinson at the top of the key for a huge three-pointer that made it 78-74 with 1:13 left.

The Nanooks again trimmed it to a one-point game on Edwin Clayton's jumper with 22 second to go, and Brandon Walker was fouled on the ensuing inbounds play.

The Seawolves' leading scorer drained both free throws to complete a 15-point effort and set up UAF's last chance to tie.

Jenkins fired a 28-foot three-point attempt that appeared to be on target but clanged off the rim.

A scramble for the rebound left UAF with possession with 2.6 seconds showing, however the Seawolves deflected the inbounds pass into the back court, preventing the Nanooks from attempting a last shot.

Casey Robinson made four of nine three-pointers and six of six free throws, while Drew Robinson made six of 11 field goal tries and all four of his free throws.

The victory was UAA's ninth straight over its rival and seventh straight at home. The Seawolves now lead the all-time series 66-21, including 38-5 in Anchorage .


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


PBA Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Mark CARDONA
  Talk N Text
  (180-G/F-81)
  Avg: 19.4
 1. Cardona, Talk N.19.4 
 2. Williams, Santa Lucia17.9 
 3. Santos, San Miguel17.6 
 4. Yap, Purefoods16.9 
 5. Mercado, Rain o.16.4 
 6. Tubid, Ginebra15.9 
 7. Alapag, Talk N Text15.5 
 8. Miller, Alaska15.4 
 9. Norwood, Rain o.14.9 
 10. Tenorio, Alaska14.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Kelly WILLIAMS
  Santa Lucia
  (198-F-82)
  Avg: 14.6
 1. Williams, Santa Lucia14.6 
 2. Taulava, Coca-Cola12.5 
 3. Santos, San Miguel10.0 
 4. Reavis, Purefoods9.1 
 5. Carey, Talk N Text8.9 
 6. Pingris, Purefoods8.4 
 7. Devance, Alaska7.9 
 8. Pena, San Miguel7.8 
 9. Alonzo, Barako Bull7.4 
 10. Reyes, Rain o.7.2 
Assists Per Game
 Alex CABAGNOT
  Burger King
  (183-G-82)
  Avg: 5.9
 1. Cabagnot, Coca-Cola5.9 
 2. Helterbrand, Gineb.5.1 
 3. Villanueva, San M.5.0 
 4. Alapag, Talk N Text4.9 
 5. Mercado, Rain o.4.6 
 6. Reyes, Santa Lucia4.6 
 7. Taulava, Coca-Cola4.5 
 8. Tenorio, Alaska4.5 
 9. Miller, Alaska4.2 
 10. Castro, Talk N Text4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Ryan REYES
  Santa Lucia
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Reyes, Santa Lucia2.1 
 2. Williams, Santa Lucia1.7 
 3. Lanete, Burger King1.4 
 4. Artadi, Purefoods1.4 
 5. Buenafe, Burger K.1.4 
 6. Tenorio, Alaska1.4 
 7. Norwood, Rain o.1.4 
 8. Dimaunahan, Barako B.1.3 
 9. Castro, Talk N Text1.3 
 10. Caguioa, Ginebra1.2 
Blocks Per Game
 Ali PEEK
  Talk N Text
  (194-F-75)
  Avg: 1.4
 1. Peek, Talk N Text1.4 
 2. Quinahan, Burger K.1.3 
 3. Santos, San Miguel1.3 
 4. Thoss, Alaska1.1 
 5. Maierhofer, Puref.1.0 
 6. Reavis, Purefoods0.9 
 7. Norwood, Rain o.0.8 
 8. Intal, Ginebra0.8 
 9. Belga, Burger King0.8 
 10. Hrabak, Rain o.0.8 


PBA Finals: Giants take Game 1, Beermen bag 3rd place - by Eurobasket News
Finals
Alaska - Purefoods 77-81
Purefoods Tender Juicy made key plays in the closing minutes to pull off an 81-77 win in Game 1 of the best-of-7 championship series of the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum. Roger Yap (186-G-77) made a crucial offensive rebound and an important tap in the dying seconds to save the game for the Giants for a 1-0 lead in the series. James Yap (191-F/G-82) led all scorers with 24 points while Kerby Raymundo (199-C-81) and Marc Pinrgis added 15 and 13 markers respectively for Purefoods. Pinrgis also had 13 rebounds. 'I may sound a broken record but our defense held on today,' said Giants head coach Ryan Gregorio. 'The only way to beat a fluid team like Alaska to play tough defense and limiting them to 77 after averaging more than 100 in the semis is well within our target,' he added. Roger Yap scored only 5 points but had 7 rebounds and 5 assists and made two crucial plays that helped Purefoods escape with the win. The Giants were holding a 78-74 lead on Rafi Reavis's basket with 2:22 left in the game. LA Tenorio and Willie Miller missed their attempts in the next possessions of the Aces and Reavis padded their lead to 80-74 with a lay-up, 35.9 seconds remaining. Miller redeemed himself as he buried a triple to put Alaska back, 77-80, 29.2 seconds left. The Aces had the chance to come closer when KG Canaleta missed a triple but Roger Yap tapped the ball to Canaleta and was fouled by Tony dela Cruz. The two-time Slam Dunk champion split his free throws for an 81-77 lead and after Miller lost the ball while going to the hoop, Roger Yap again made an important play by hitting the ball to their frontcourt and wasted precious seconds. Miller led Alaska with 23 points but shot 9-of-27 from the field. Joe Devance (201-C-82, college: UTEP) was the only Ace in double figures in scoring with 10. - Courtesy of www.abs-cbnnews.com

Third place
San Miguel - Ginebra 95-88
San Miguel Beer pocketed its 15th third place finish after beating sister-team Barangay Ginebra, 95-88, in their knock-out consolation match. Dondon Hontiveros (188-G-77) scored a team-high 18 points while Danny Ildefonso (198-F-76) added 15 including the last four of the Beermen that sealed the victory. Danny Seigle and Dorian Pena each had 10 markers for coach Siot Tanquingcen, who lost to Purefoods Tender Juicy in the semifinals in 6 games. 'A setback is always a set up for a comeback,' said Tanquingcen, who also drew 9 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists from Jonas Villanueva. 'I told the players, it's always not too late to do the right thing. Even though hindi kami nag-champion, babalewalain na namin ang third place,' he added. San Miguel was in full control of the game and Olsen Racela's three-pointer gave them a 91-83 with 3:55 left in the game. Enrico Villanueva's three free throws shoved the Kings to 86-91 but Ildefonso hit back-to-back jumpers to clinch the win for San Miguel, which is bringing in back Gabe Freeman in defending their Fiesta Cup crown. Ronald Tubid (186-G-81) led the Kings with 22 points while JC Intal and Rich Alvarez added 13 and 10 markers respectively for coach Jong Uichico. - Courtesy of www.abs-cbnnews.com


*****************************************************
  POLAND   


Standings - 1 Liga
1Liga Standings
 1. MMKS DG 22-4 
 2. Zastal ZG 21-6 
 3. Siarka T. 19-6 
 4. Big Star 18-9 
 5. Spojnia S. 17-10 
 6. LKS Lodz 16-10 
 7. Sokol L. 14-12 
 8. Start Lublin 13-12 
 9. Znicz Basket 13-14 
 10. Trefl SSA 10-15 
 11. Zubry 9-17 
 12. Gornik Wal. 9-18 
 13. MOSiR Krosno 9-18 
 14. Tempcold AZS 8-18 
 15. Sudety JG 7-19 
 16. AZS AWF K-ce 4-21 


Standings - 2 Liga
2Liga Standings
Group A
 1. Astoria 21-2 
 2. SKK Siedlce 19-3 
 3. Norgips 18-5 
 4. Nowy Dwor Gd. 18-6 
 5. Zuraw Gn. 15-10 
 6. Tur B.Podl. 14-8 
 7. Harmattan 14-10 
 8. MMKS SIDEn 13-10 
 9. Basket Kw. 12-9 
 10. Korsarz 8-15 
 11. Assec.Prokom 3 8-15 
 12. AZS Olsztyn 7-15 
 13. Unibet Legia 5-15 
 14. Zyrardowianka 4-18 
 15. OSSM W-wa 2-18 
 16. OSSM Sopot 0-20 
Group B
 1. AZS Szczecin 16-1 
 2. AZS PP Poznan 16-2 
 3. Open Basket 16-3 
 4. Pogon Prudnik 14-12 
 5. AZS Kutno 13-6 
 6. Ksiezak 11-7 
 7. Nysa Klodzko 9-6 
 8. AZS PO Opole 7-9 
 9. Stal Ostrow 7-10 
 10. MKS Skiern. 7-11 
 11. Obiekty Wrocl. 6-12 
 12. Slask Wroclaw 5-13 
 13. OSSM Wroclaw 2-17 
 14. KKS Siechnice 0-18 
Group C
 1. Unia Tarnow 19-3 
 2. Rosasport 18-1 
 3. AZS Pol.Cz-wa 14-7 
 4. AZS PR Radom 13-8 
 5. Cracovia 12-7 
 6. MCKiS Jaw. 10-6 
 7. UMKS Kielce 10-8 
 8. Alba 8-10 
 9. Komtek 8-11 
 10. MKS Limanowa 8-12 
 11. Pogon Ruda Sl. 7-6 
 12. Staco Niepol. 5-14 
 13. Mickiewicz 5-16 
 14. Wisla Krakow 3-17 
 15. OSSM S.Wola 1-20 


Stats Leaders - 1Liga
Points Per Game
 Tomasz CELEJ
  Start Lublin
  (198-F/G-78)
  Avg: 21.6
 1. Celej, Start Lublin21.6 
 2. Sterenga, Gornik W.20.4 
 3. Pacocha, Big Star19.1 
 4. Pluta, MOSiR K.17.9 
 5. Mazur, Spojnia S.17.3 
 6. Flieger, Zastal ZG16.5 
 7. Storozynski, Asec.P.16.4 
 8. Piechowicz, MMKS D.15.9 
 9. Weatherspoon, Znicz B.15.6 
 10. Kulikowski, Zubry15.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Tomasz WOJDYLA
  Zastal ZG
  (201-F-77)
  Avg: 11.8
 1. Wojdyla, Sudety JG11.8 
 2. Sterenga, Gornik W.10.2 
 3. Lopatka, Asec.Pro.10.1 
 4. Storozynski, Asec.P.9.8 
 5. Lisewski, MMKS D.9.8 
 6. Grudzinski, Spojn.9.6 
 7. Kulikowski, Zubry9.3 
 8. Czech, Sudety JG8.7 
 9. Kwiatkowski, Start L.8.6 
 10. Mis, Siarka T.8.6 
Assists Per Game
 Marcin STOKLOSA
  Spojnia S.
  (188-G-77)
  Avg: 8
 1. Stoklosa, Spojn.8.0 
 2. Sikora, Start Lublin6.8 
 3. Trepka, LKS Lodz5.0 
 4. Basinski, MMKS D.5.0 
 5. Rapucha, Zubry4.8 
 6. Glapinski, Sokol L.4.7 
 7. Baran, Siarka T.4.7 
 8. Pacocha, Big Star4.3 
 9. Mordzak, Asec.Pro.4.3 
 10. Flieger, Zastal ZG4.0 
Steals Per Game
 Marcin FLIEGER
  Zastal ZG
  (182-G-84)
  Avg: 3
 1. Flieger, Zastal ZG3.0 
 2. Szpyrka, Siarka T.2.9 
 3. Sikora, Asec.Pro.2.7 
 4. Basinski, MMKS D.2.4 
 5. Stoklosa, Spojn.2.4 
 6. Krupa, Siarka T.2.3 
 7. Sikora, Start Lublin2.3 
 8. Szczepaniak, LKS L.2.2 
 9. Chodkiewicz, Zastal Z.2.2 
 10. Aleksandrowi., Znicz B.2.1 
Blocks Per Game
 Rafal KULIKOWSKI
  Zubry
  (204-C-85)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Kulikowski, Zubry2.4 
 2. Lisewski, MMKS D.2.3 
 3. Milewski, AZS A.2.0 
 4. Mis, Siarka T.1.4 
 5. Marculewicz, Zubry1.3 
 6. Czech, Sudety JG1.2 
 7. Pisarczyk, Siarka T.1.2 
 8. Jarmakowicz, Zastal Z.1.2 
 9. Wrobel, Gornik Walb.1.1 
 10. Barycz, Siarka T.1.0 


Asseco Prokom too much for CSKA in Gdynia - by Eurobasket News
Asseco Prokom - CSKA 88-81

Asseco Prokom demonstrated wonderful performance last night beating CSKA 88-81. With this victory Prokom joined CSKA on top of Group G (3-1). David Logan (184-G-82, college: Indianapolis) led the hosts in scoring with 22 points, Qyntel Woods (203-F/G-81, college: N.Mississippi JC) had 19, Jan-Hendrick Jagla (213-F-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: Penn St.) added 18 points and 7 boards, while Ratko Varda (216-C/F-79) helped with 15 pts and 6 boards. In CSKA, Trajan Langdon (192-G-76, college: Duke) (6 rebs) and Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78) scored 20 and 19 points respectively. As a reminder, in Game 1 between these two teams CSKA celebrated 84-73 victory.
CSKA controlled its rival in the first ten minutes. At the halfway of this period the Russian powerhouse already made 7-17 lead. The hosts woke up after that and they managed to close the gap to 20-25 for rest of the first quarter. Than in the second, David Logan and his teammates came to 32-33. Thanks to Adam Hrycaniuks basket, Prokom grabbed the first lead in this game and until the half time jumped to 48-43. CSKA didnt give up. Ramunas Siskauskas shined at the beginning of the second half lifting his CSKA to 50-51. Prokom took plus 3 soon after that, but still it was CSKA who ended third period with 5-13 run for 64-69. The hosts created 12-2 series at the beginning of the last quarter for plus 5, 76-71. With 3 minutes to go they had 81-74 and were on the right track to victory. CSKA came to minus 5, but Ratko Varda was there to stop them with a basket for 86-79. Few moments later, David Logan sealed the first-ever victory over CSKA. With this one Prokom made a huge step forward to Euroleague Quarterfinals.

Asseco Prokom: David Logan 22, Qyntel Woods 19, Jan-Hendrick Jagla 18+7 boards, Ratko Varda 15+6 boards
CSKA: Trajan Langdon 20+6 boards, Ramunas Siskauskas 19+6 boards

*****************************************************
  PUERTO RICO   


Narvaez with a possibility of becoming a Lion - by Luis Ramirez
The Ponce Lions team administrators and Center Manuel Narvaez (211-C-81, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: S.Nazarene) are currently undergoing talks in hopes of Narvaez joining the Ponce Lions. According to information provided by Jose Paris agent for Narvaez the two sides are pretty close to finalizing a deal, but there were certain aspects that needed further talks according to Paris.

When asked what were the odds of Narvaez joining the team, Paris indicated that at this point he could not realistically say that they were good, but that there was common ground between the parties and he was to have further dialogue with team administrator Couto.

The Lions are short at their Center position and would like to add Narvaez to their roster, the season is just days away from starting and BSN teams are scrambling to finalize their team rosters at this point.


*****************************************************
  ROMANIA   


Robert Thomson lands in UMobitelco Cluj Napoca - by Eurobasket News
UMobitelco penned deal with Robert Thomson (208-C-82, college: Fairfield). The 27-year-old US-Rwandan centre is expected to play for the Cluj Napoca outfit as soon as Sunday. The centre started the season in France with Pau-Lacq-Orthez. Robert Thomson averaged 4.1 points, 3.8 boards and 0.8 assists per game in the ProB. In January 2010 the centre moved to Lebanon to join Champville. Robert Thomson is now new to Romania. Last season he played for Gaz Metan tallying 11.2 points, 6.5 boards and 1.1 blocks per appearance. Last year Robert Thompson participated at the 2009 AfroBasket in Libya. He notched 11.4 points, 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks for Rwanda.


Stats Leaders - Men
Points Per Game
 O''Darien BASSETT
  Craiova
  (188-G-86)
  Avg: 22.5
 1. Bassett, Craiova22.5 
 2. Krstanovic, U.Mobi.20.9 
 3. Bubanja, Brasov19.4 
 4. Pesic, Timisoara19.0 
 5. Peciukas, Mures18.9 
 6. Mack, Steaua T.18.6 
 7. Santana, Municipal B.18.0 
 8. Lawrence, U.Mobite.17.8 
 9. Dzambic, Timisoara17.8 
 10. Dawson, Gladiato.17.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Justin HERNDON
  CSU Sibiu
  (208-C-83)
  Avg: 10.4
 1. Herndon, CSU Sibiu10.4 
 2. Harvey, Craiova10.0 
 3. Carutasu, Ploiesti9.7 
 4. Masiulis, Mures9.0 
 5. Krstanovic, U.Mobi.8.8 
 6. Paltinisanu, Timis.8.6 
 7. Trim, Rovinari8.6 
 8. Waterstradt, Munici.8.5 
 9. Mijajlovic, Munici.7.6 
 10. Nicoara, Gaz Metan7.6 
Assists Per Game
 Jarrett HOWELL
  Gaz Metan
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 5.5
 1. Howell, Gaz Metan5.5 
 2. Cooley, Mures5.4 
 3. Dzambic, Timisoara5.0 
 4. Fometescu, Dinamo B.4.8 
 5. Cuic, U.Mobitel.CN4.6 
 6. Mladenovic, Brasov4.4 
 7. Howard, Gladiato.4.4 
 8. Bassett, Craiova4.3 
 9. Helcioiu, Municipa.4.2 
 10. Dawson, Gladiato.4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Brandon JOHNSON
  CSU Sibiu
  (185-G-86)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Johnson, CSU Sibiu2.7 
 2. Cooley, Mures2.6 
 3. Howell, Gaz Metan2.5 
 4. Mitchell, Gaz Metan2.2 
 5. Maric, Oradea2.2 
 6. Smith, CSU Sibiu2.0 
 7. Hargrove, Ploiesti2.0 
 8. Fometescu, Dinamo B.2.0 
 9. Medvedj, U.Mobite.2.0 
 10. Bassett, Craiova1.9 
Blocks Per Game
 Arturas MASIULIS
  Mures
  (210-C-80)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Masiulis, Mures2.3 
 2. Lazar, Oradea2.1 
 3. Dragovic, Craiova1.7 
 4. Dragusin, Pitesti1.6 
 5. Herndon, CSU Sibiu1.6 
 6. Wiggins, Steaua T.1.3 
 7. Trim, Rovinari1.1 
 8. Vajda, Mures1.0 
 9. Pantelic, Steaua T.1.0 
 10. Pavlovski, Otopeni1.0 


Standings
Div.A Standings
 1. Ploiesti 19-4 
 2. U.Mobitel.CN 18-3 
 3. Gaz Metan 18-5 
 4. CSU Sibiu 16-7 
 5. Pitesti 13-10 
 6. Timisoara 12-10 
 7. Otopeni 12-10 
 8. Steaua Turabo 12-11 
 9. Rovinari 11-12 
 10. Oradea 11-12 
 11. Mures 11-12 
 12. Dinamo B. 9-14 
 13. Bucuresti 8-15 
 14. Gladiator CN 5-17 
 15. Craiova 4-18 
 16. Brasov 2-21 


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


Standings - Superleague B
B Superleague Standings
 1. N.Novgorod 25-3 
 2. Saransk 22-9 
 3. Revda 20-9 
 4. Severstal 18-10 
 5. Lok.Novos. 17-13 
 6. Spartak-P. 14-14 
 7. Rjazan 13-15 
 8. Ural Ekater. 13-16 
 9. Chelabinsk 10-18 
 10. Naltchik 10-18 
 11. Magnitogorsk 9-19 
 12. Irkutsk 8-20 
 13. Tambov 8-22 


Stats Leaders - Superleague A
Points Per Game
 Sergey BYKOV
  Dynamo M.
  (190-G-83)
  Avg: 21.5
 1. Bykov, Dynamo M.21.5 
 2. Capin, Lokomoti.20.4 
 3. Rush, Triumph18.0 
 4. Chalmers, Enisey17.3 
 5. Popovic, Unics16.9 
 6. Rakovic, Spartak SP15.9 
 7. Green, Lokomoti.15.6 
 8. Monya, Dynamo M.15.0 
 9. Lyday, Unics14.7 
 10. Kambala, Enisey13.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Sergey MONYA
  Dynamo M.
  (204-F-83)
  Avg: 8.4
 1. Monya, Dynamo M.8.4 
 2. Trushkin, Krasni.8.0 
 3. Khryapa, CSKA8.0 
 4. Rakovic, Spartak SP7.0 
 5. Javtokas, Khimky6.6 
 6. Ford, Spartak SP6.0 
 7. Lampe, Unics5.8 
 8. Kaun, CSKA5.8 
 9. Savenkov, Lokomoti.5.6 
 10. McCarty, Khimky5.6 
Assists Per Game
 Ernest BREMER
  Krasnie Krilya
  (196-G-80)
  Avg: 5.7
 1. Bremer, Krasnie .5.7 
 2. Capin, Lokomoti.4.4 
 3. Bykov, Dynamo M.4.3 
 4. Khryapa, CSKA4.0 
 5. Cabezas, Khimky3.9 
 6. Fields, Spartak SP3.9 
 7. Rush, Triumph3.4 
 8. Planinic, CSKA3.3 
 9. Popovic, Unics3.1 
 10. Lopez, Khimky3.0 
Steals Per Game
 Sergey BYKOV
  Dynamo M.
  (190-G-83)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Bykov, Dynamo M.2.7 
 2. Rush, Triumph2.3 
 3. Bremer, Krasnie .2.0 
 4. Chalmers, Enisey1.8 
 5. Khryapa, CSKA1.8 
 6. Surovtsev, Lokomoti.1.6 
 7. Holden, CSKA1.5 
 8. Lyday, Unics1.5 
 9. Sergeev, Triumph1.5 
 10. Vyaltsev, Triumph1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Sergey MONYA
  Dynamo M.
  (204-F-83)
  Avg: 1.6
 1. Monya, Dynamo M.1.6 
 2. Gist, Lokomotiv K.1.5 
 3. Mozgov, Khimky1.3 
 4. Savenkov, Lokomoti.1.1 
 5. Kaun, CSKA0.9 
 6. Sokolov, CSKA0.9 
 7. Trushkin, Krasni.0.9 
 8. Douthit, Krasnie .0.8 
 9. Varlamov, Triumph0.8 
 10. Khryapa, CSKA0.8 


Caja Laboral grabs valuable win in Russia - by Eurobasket News
Top 16, Round 4: Khimky - Caja Laboral 83-94

Caja Laboral celebrated excellent 83-94 victory in Russia tonight. After this game, both squads have 2-2 record in Group H, where Olympiakos dominates with perfect 4-0 score. Mirza Teletovic (205-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) was on fire for Caja Laboral scoring 25 points. He made 5 of 7 attempts from behind the arc and 4 of 6 for FG2. Fernando San Emeterio (198-G/F-84) had 16 and Carl English (192-G-81, college: Hawaii) helped with 13 points in this victory. As a reminder, Caja Laboral played without Tiago Splitter (ankle injury). In Khimky, Keith Langford (193-G/F-83, college: Kansas) shined with 27 points and 5 rebounds. Robertas Javtokas (211-C-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Arizona) added 17 pts and also 5 boards.
Caja Laboral opened the game with quick 3-7 and later 10-13 lead. For rest of the first quarter Mirza Teletovic and his teammates managed to reach plus 6, 18-24. Teletovic made it from downtown at the beginning of the next period and Huertas scored for the first double-digit lead of Caja Laboral, 18-29. Few moments later it was plus 15 and Khimky was in deep trouble. However, Keith Langford stepped up for the hosts and together with Mozgov and Robertas Jatvokas helped them to cut the margin to 39-46 (HT). Langford scored 18 pts in the first half. Khimky came out strong after the breather and at the midway of third period managed to tie the score at 56-56. Still, there was Mirza Teletovic in a game mood for Caja Laboral who led his team to 65-70 with one period to go. Eliyahu shined for the guests and Teletovic drained his fourth and fifth triple. Khimky struggled at the both sides of the court and after just few minutes in the last quarter, Caja Laboral was up by 15, 73-88. They reached plus 17 later having no troubles to win this one.
As a reminder, in Game 1 between these two teams Khimky grabbed 71-82 victory in Vitoria. Carl English missed last two free throws for Caja Laboral tonight and Keith Langford scored a jumper on the other side for minus 11.

Khimky: Keith Langford 27+5 boards, Robertas Javtokas 17+5 boards
Caja Laboral: Mirza Teletovic 25, Fernando San Emeterio 16, Carl English 13

Asseco Prokom too much for CSKA in Gdynia - by Eurobasket News
Asseco Prokom - CSKA 88-81

Asseco Prokom demonstrated wonderful performance last night beating CSKA 88-81. With this victory Prokom joined CSKA on top of Group G (3-1). David Logan (184-G-82, college: Indianapolis) led the hosts in scoring with 22 points, Qyntel Woods (203-F/G-81, college: N.Mississippi JC) had 19, Jan-Hendrick Jagla (213-F-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: Penn St.) added 18 points and 7 boards, while Ratko Varda (216-C/F-79) helped with 15 pts and 6 boards. In CSKA, Trajan Langdon (192-G-76, college: Duke) (6 rebs) and Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78) scored 20 and 19 points respectively. As a reminder, in Game 1 between these two teams CSKA celebrated 84-73 victory.
CSKA controlled its rival in the first ten minutes. At the halfway of this period the Russian powerhouse already made 7-17 lead. The hosts woke up after that and they managed to close the gap to 20-25 for rest of the first quarter. Than in the second, David Logan and his teammates came to 32-33. Thanks to Adam Hrycaniuks basket, Prokom grabbed the first lead in this game and until the half time jumped to 48-43. CSKA didnt give up. Ramunas Siskauskas shined at the beginning of the second half lifting his CSKA to 50-51. Prokom took plus 3 soon after that, but still it was CSKA who ended third period with 5-13 run for 64-69. The hosts created 12-2 series at the beginning of the last quarter for plus 5, 76-71. With 3 minutes to go they had 81-74 and were on the right track to victory. CSKA came to minus 5, but Ratko Varda was there to stop them with a basket for 86-79. Few moments later, David Logan sealed the first-ever victory over CSKA. With this one Prokom made a huge step forward to Euroleague Quarterfinals.

Asseco Prokom: David Logan 22, Qyntel Woods 19, Jan-Hendrick Jagla 18+7 boards, Ratko Varda 15+6 boards
CSKA: Trajan Langdon 20+6 boards, Ramunas Siskauskas 19+6 boards

*****************************************************
  RWANDA   


Robert Thomson lands in UMobitelco Cluj Napoca - by Eurobasket News
UMobitelco penned deal with Robert Thomson (208-C-82, college: Fairfield). The 27-year-old US-Rwandan centre is expected to play for the Cluj Napoca outfit as soon as Sunday. The centre started the season in France with Pau-Lacq-Orthez. Robert Thomson averaged 4.1 points, 3.8 boards and 0.8 assists per game in the ProB. In January 2010 the centre moved to Lebanon to join Champville. Robert Thomson is now new to Romania. Last season he played for Gaz Metan tallying 11.2 points, 6.5 boards and 1.1 blocks per appearance. Last year Robert Thompson participated at the 2009 AfroBasket in Libya. He notched 11.4 points, 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks for Rwanda.


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


Dusan Katnic leads Mega Vizura to win, Radnicki inks PG/G - by Zoran Popovic
Round 22 of League A is finally completed. It started on February 19th, but some of the games were played later due to Final 8 of Radivoj Korac National Cup. In the last game of the round it was Mega Vizura who beat Radnicki Basket with ease, 85-62. Dusan Katnic (195-G-89, agency: Beo Basket), who recovered from injury, exploded for Mega Vizura with 21 points. He made 3 of 4 for 3-pts. With this win, Mega Vizura moved up to 11-11 score.
Beside Dusan Katnic, Danilo Andjusic also was good and he scored 15 points. Radnicki Basket had Nikola Markovic (208-F/C-89) with 20 points but despite this defeat they are on good way to avoid relegation this season.

In the meantime, Radnicki Kragujevac signed Nenad Stefanovic (193-G-85, agency: Beo Basket) for rest of the season. The player is coming to Radnicki from Metalac Valjevo, where he started this season. Stefanovic played 15 games in A League averaging 6.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists. He also played six games in Balkan League adding 7 ppg, 2 rpg and 4 apg. Radnicki Kragujevac currently has 9-12 score. In the next round they will play against Cedevita.

Standings - A Liga
A Standings
 1. Borac 17-5 
 2. Metalac 15-7 
 3. Tamis 15-7 
 4. Beograd 14-8 
 5. Vojvodina 14-8 
 6. Novi Sad 13-9 
 7. Proleter Naft. 13-9 
 8. Napredak 12-10 
 9. Mega Vizura 11-11 
 10. Sloga 10-12 
 11. Masinac 9-13 
 12. Radnicki Basket 6-16 
 13. Ergonom 4-18 
 14. KG 06 1-21 
Will join on later stage:
 1. Radnicki K. - 
 2. Crvena Zvez. - 
 3. Partizan - 
 4. Hemofarm - 
 5. FMP - 


Stats Leaders - 1A
Points Per Game
 Vladimir PANIC
  Metalac
  (194-F-82)
  Avg: 19.5
 1. Panic, Metalac19.5 
 2. Jorovic, Borac17.7 
 3. Markovic, Tamis17.5 
 4. Mladenovic, Ergon.17.0 
 5. Markovic, Napredak16.9 
 6. Vukosavljevi., Prolet.15.8 
 7. Martinic, Vojvodina15.8 
 8. Micevic, Borac15.3 
 9. Rakic, Novi Sad15.2 
 10. Micic, Napredak15.1 
Rebounds Per Game
 Aleksandar MLADENOVIC
  Ergonom
  (207-F/C-84)
  Avg: 7.3
 1. Mladenovic, Ergon.7.3 
 2. Mikic, KG 066.9 
 3. Ljubojevic, Novi S.6.5 
 4. Borovcanin, Sloga6.1 
 5. Lukovic, Radnic.6.1 
 6. Dramicanin, Borac6.0 
 7. Jelovac, Mega V.6.0 
 8. Bosnjak, Vojvodina6.0 
 9. Buric, Tamis6.0 
 10. Jorovic, Borac5.7 
Assists Per Game
 Vid ZARKOVIC
  Proleter Naft.
  (189-G-75)
  Avg: 7.2
 1. Zarkovic, Prolet.7.2 
 2. Rakic, Novi Sad4.3 
 3. Stefanovic, Metal.4.3 
 4. Martinic, Vojvodina4.0 
 5. Kocergin, Masinac4.0 
 6. Djordjevic, Sloga3.9 
 7. Korac, Beograd3.9 
 8. Dimitrijevic, Sloga3.7 
 9. Prolovic, Borac3.5 
 10. Radulovic, Masinac3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Goran MARTINIC
  Vojvodina
  (186-G-87)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Martinic, Vojvodina2.3 
 2. Vulin, Proleter Naft.2.2 
 3. Zarkovic, Prolet.1.8 
 4. Dundjerski, Beograd1.7 
 5. Stajic, Tamis1.7 
 6. Djordjevic, Sloga1.7 
 7. Rakic, Novi Sad1.6 
 8. Tomasevic, Vojvo.1.6 
 9. Borovcanin, Sloga1.5 
 10. Tresac, Borac1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Uros LUKOVIC
  Radnicki Basket
  (212-C-89)
  Avg: 1.2
 1. Lukovic, Radnic.1.2 
 2. Bircevic, Metalac1.1 
 3. Buric, Tamis1.1 
 4. Mladenovic, Ergon.1.1 
 5. Maravic, Mega V.1.1 
 6. Ljubojevic, Novi S.0.9 
 7. Arsic, Masinac0.8 
 8. Dramicanin, Borac0.8 
 9. Beader, KG 060.7 
 10. Sladoje, KG 060.6 


A League: Borac keeps the top after 22 rounds - by Eurobasket News
Mega Vizura - Radnicki Basket 85-62
Mega Vizura closed Round 22 with 85-62 win against Radnicki Basket. Dusan Katnic (195-G-89, agency: Beo Basket) was a key player in this victory with 21 points. Danilo Andjusic (197-G-91, agency: Beo Basket) and Stefan Stojacic had 15 and 11 points respectively. In the loosing squad, Nikola Markovic delivered 20 pts. Mega Vizura 11-11, Radnicki Basket 6-16.

Napredak - Ergonom 75-63
Napredak handed 18th loss of the season to Ergonom. Djordje Micic (195-G-83) stepped up for the hosts with 26 points and Vojdan Stojanovski (194-G-87) added 16 pts. Marko Jovanovic replied with 25 points in defeat. Napredak 12-10, Ergonom 4-18.

Proleter Naft. - KG 06 105-68
Proleter Naftagas blasted KG 06 with huge 105-68. Filip Vukosavljevic (206-C-83) was on fire in victory with 29 points and he pulled down 9 rebounds beside that. Dragan Simic (207-F/C-81) added 18 pts. Petar Beader had 17 pts, 5 boards and 5 assists in defeat. Proleter 13-9, KG 06 1-21.

Tamis - Beograd 73-66
Tamis had Dejan Buric (204-C-81) in a game mood with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Radovan Markovic (194-G-82) secured a nice help adding 14 pts. For the guests, Sasa Mijajlovic had 16 points and 5 boards. Tamis 15-7, Beograd 14-8.

Metalac - Borac 80-88
Borac cruised past Metalac on the road staying the top-ranked team in the league with 17-5 record. Branko Jorovic (205-F-81, agency: Beo Basket) led Borac with 25 points and 8 rebounds. He made 5 of 8 attempts from behind the arc. Nikola Micevic (196-G-82) scored 16 pts. In defeat, Vladimir Panic collected 29 pts.

Masinac - Novi Sad 64-74
Novi Sad jumped to 13-9 after nice road win against Masinac. Miljan Rakic (195-G-86, agency: Beo Basket) paced visitors with 18 points, Maksim Kovacevic (199-G/F-87) had 15 and Bojan Ljubojevic added 12 points, plus 7 rebounds. Balas Sanjin collected 21 points and 8 boards for the hosts.

Vojvodina - Sloga 88-75
It was the opening game of Round 22 and Vojvodina celebrated 14th victory of the season. Nenad Tomasevic (192-G-84) led the way with 19 points, Ivan Miceta had 15, while Goran Martinic (186-G-87, agency: BeoExcell) and Dejan Kovacevic added 12 pts each. Nikola Razic collected 25 points in defeat. Vojvodina 14-8, Sloga 10-12.

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  SLOVAKIA   


Michael Anderson joins Inter Bratislava - by Eurobasket News
Michael Anderson (201-F-86, agency: Union Sports, college: Va Commonwealth) strengthened the roster of Inter Bratislava. The 23-year-old forward graduated from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 2008. Michael Anderson signed for the Quebec Kebs at the PBL. There he averaged 17.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. Later the forward moved to the Halifax Rainmen. This season Michael Anderson started in Austria. He tallied 16.0 points, 6.4 boards and 1.5 steals per game for Vienna.


Standings - D1
Extraliga Standings
 1. Pezinok 29-4 
 2. Nitra 24-9 
 3. Handlova 19-14 
 4. Prievidza 18-14 
 5. Nova Ves 17-14 
 6. Inter Bratisl. 14-18 
 7. Komarno 14-19 
 8. B.Bystrica 14-19 
 9. Vahostav-Zilina 11-22 
 10. Svit 10-23 
 11. Levice 9-23 


Stats Leaders - D1
Points Per Game
 Jeremy FEARS
  Prievidza
  (196-G-85)
  Avg: 23.1
 1. Fears, Prievidza23.1 
 2. Glavinic, Handlova21.1 
 3. Polakovic, Svit19.2 
 4. Bosak, Prievidza17.7 
 5. Nicholson, Pezinok16.6 
 6. Stojanovic, Vahost.16.5 
 7. Mroz, Nova Ves16.3 
 8. Polakovic, Inter B.16.1 
 9. Jackson, Pezinok16.0 
 10. Laco, Svit15.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Pawel MROZ
  Nova Ves
  (215-C-84)
  Avg: 9.1
 1. Mroz, Nova Ves9.1 
 2. Nicholson, Pezinok8.2 
 3. Szalay, Prievidza7.8 
 4. Skara, B.Bystrica7.5 
 5. Tomek, Nitra7.4 
 6. Polakovic, Svit6.8 
 7. Cvitanovic, Svit6.8 
 8. Madaj, Komarno6.5 
 9. Batka, Nova Ves6.4 
 10. Dorazil, B.Bystrica6.3 
Assists Per Game
 T.J. BANNISTER
  Komarno
  (180-G-)
  Avg: 9.1
 1. Bannister, Komarno9.1 
 2. Glavinic, Handlova7.6 
 3. Scott, Nitra5.1 
 4. Jefferson, Nova Ves4.4 
 5. Fears, Prievidza4.4 
 6. Immink, B.Bystrica3.6 
 7. Milosevic, Pezinok3.3 
 8. Grznar, Levice3.2 
 9. Bosak, Prievidza3.1 
 10. Demecko, Nova Ves3.0 
Steals Per Game
 Edward SCOTT
  Nitra
  (186-G-81)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Scott, Nitra2.7 
 2. Zavodny, Vahost.2.6 
 3. Fears, Prievidza2.2 
 4. Zilik, Inter B.2.0 
 5. Glavinic, Handlova2.0 
 6. Mielczarek, Nova V.1.9 
 7. Ravasz, Inter B.1.9 
 8. Jackson, Pezinok1.9 
 9. Jefferson, Nova Ves1.8 
 10. Demecko, Nova Ves1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Ivica BLAGOJEVIC
  Komarno
  (206-C-74)
  Avg: 0.8
 1. Blagojevic, Komar.0.8 
 2. Polakovic, Svit0.8 
 3. Cvitanovic, Svit0.7 
 4. Klar, Levice0.6 
 5. Madaj, Komarno0.6 
 6. Gudelj, Komarno0.6 
 7. Klar, Komarno0.6 
 8. Bosak, Prievidza0.6 
 9. Glavinic, Handlova0.5 
 10. Jackson, Pezinok0.4 


Extraliga Round: 36 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Svit - Nova Ves 71-77
Nova Ves managed to prevail against Svit on the road. Corey Jefferson (183-G-85, college: Texas St.-San Marcos) nailed 18 points to lead the visitors. Michal Batka notched 15 points and 6 caroms in the win. Jovan Bajic responded with 17 points and 10 rebounds for Svit.

Nitra - Inter Bratislava 83-92
Inter Bratislava quite sensationally outgunned one of the league leaders Nitra away from home. Michael Anderson (201-F-86, agency: Union Sports, college: Va Commonwealth) debuted for Inter with 27 points, 8 rebounds and 5 steals. Dominik Stefanac was helpful with 19 points for the Bratislava team. Branislav Tomek tallied game-high 34 points and 11 rebounds. Filip Lehman had 14 points in defeat.

Komarno - Prievidza 113-96
T.J. Bannister (180-G, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Liberty) fired 32 points and issued 12 assists to lead Komarno past Prievidza. Jaraun Burrows added 24 points and 9 rebounds for the winning side. Jeremy Fears came up with 32 points, 6 boards and 6 assists for Prievidza in defeat.

Vahostav-Zilina - Handlova 80-85
Handlova upset Vahostav-Zilina away from home for the 19th win. Josip Glavinic (192-G-82) scored 27 points and grabbed 7 rebounds to lead the effort. Nikola Manojlovic netted 15 points in the victory. Dejan Stojanovic replied with 23 points for Zilina. Viliam Kosa had 15 points in the loss.

Pezinok - B.Bystrica 80-58
Pezinok registered the 29th win in the championship as they cruised past Banska Bystrica at home court. Yemi Nicholson (208-C-83, college: Denver) accounted for 19 points and 8 rebounds to pace the hosts. Nenad Milosevic nailed 18 points in the victory. Danilo Savovic replied with 13 points for Banska Bystrica.


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  SLOVENIA   


Golubovic leaves Olimpija - by Zeljko Zule
Montenegrin Vladimir Golubovic (212-C-86) parted ways with Union Olimpija. He appeared in all 10 games of Euroleague this season, averaging 6.8 points (2P 62%, FT 57%), 4.2 rebounds, 0.4 steals and 0,5 blocks in 15.5 minutes per appearance and in 21 games of NLB Adriatic League, averaging 8.0 points (2P 73%,FT 70%), 4.7 rebounds, 0.4 assists, 0.4 steals and 0.7 blocks in 15.7 minutes per apperance. Golubovic won the 2009 Slovenian Championship and Super Cup and 2009 and 2010 Slovenian Cup with Olimpija.

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  SPAIN   


Tomas Delininkaitis and CB Murcia part ways - by Eurobasket News
Tomas Delininkaitis and CB Murcia have reached an agreement on terms of contract termination. The Lithuanian international inked with the Spanish team at the start of the season. He tallied 7.6 points, 1.9 boards and 1.4 assists per game in the ACB. Last season Tomas Delininkaitis played in Ukraine. The guard tipped off in Azovmash tallying 15.4 points, 2.4 boards and 2.0 assists. Later Tomas Delininkaitis then moved to Budivelnyk to average 17.3 points, 3.8 assists, 2.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals for the Kyiv outfit. Tomas Delininkaitis played for the Lithuanian National Team at the 2009 EuroBasket. In Poland he notched 5.0 points, 3.0 assists and 1.8 boards.


Huelva tab Andre Howard - by Eurobasket News
Huelva boosted the roster with addition of Andre Howard (199-F-78, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: St.Joseph's). The 31-year-old forward played for Mallorca earlier in the season. He tallied 5.5 points and 3.8 rebounds per game in the LEB Gold. Now Andre Howard will try to help Huelva to win LEB Gold promotion. Last season the US-Spanish forward played for Caja Rioja. There he tallied 11.8 points, 6.6 boards and 1.4 assists per appearance.


Xavi Lopez joins Hospitalet - by Eurobasket News
C.B. Hospitalet made some changes in their roster. Yesterday Sergio Perez (189-G-85) decided to leave the team. The 24-year-old guard signed contract with Huesca. Sergio Perez averaged 6.3 points, 2.3 assists and 2.1 boards per game for Hospitalet in the season.
Hospitalet however quickly found the replacement. They landed Xavier Lopez (191-G-83, agency: Court Side, college: Point Loma). The 26-year-old guard started the season in Tarragona. Xavier Lopez averaged 2.3 points and 0.8 assists per game in LEB Gold. Last season Xavier Lopez tipped off in Rosalia. He tallied 2.1 points before moving to Hospitalet. In LEB Silver his stats grew at 7.3 points and 1.6 rebounds per appearance.


Caja Laboral grabs valuable win in Russia - by Eurobasket News
Top 16, Round 4: Khimky - Caja Laboral 83-94

Caja Laboral celebrated excellent 83-94 victory in Russia tonight. After this game, both squads have 2-2 record in Group H, where Olympiakos dominates with perfect 4-0 score. Mirza Teletovic (205-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) was on fire for Caja Laboral scoring 25 points. He made 5 of 7 attempts from behind the arc and 4 of 6 for FG2. Fernando San Emeterio (198-G/F-84) had 16 and Carl English (192-G-81, college: Hawaii) helped with 13 points in this victory. As a reminder, Caja Laboral played without Tiago Splitter (ankle injury). In Khimky, Keith Langford (193-G/F-83, college: Kansas) shined with 27 points and 5 rebounds. Robertas Javtokas (211-C-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Arizona) added 17 pts and also 5 boards.
Caja Laboral opened the game with quick 3-7 and later 10-13 lead. For rest of the first quarter Mirza Teletovic and his teammates managed to reach plus 6, 18-24. Teletovic made it from downtown at the beginning of the next period and Huertas scored for the first double-digit lead of Caja Laboral, 18-29. Few moments later it was plus 15 and Khimky was in deep trouble. However, Keith Langford stepped up for the hosts and together with Mozgov and Robertas Jatvokas helped them to cut the margin to 39-46 (HT). Langford scored 18 pts in the first half. Khimky came out strong after the breather and at the midway of third period managed to tie the score at 56-56. Still, there was Mirza Teletovic in a game mood for Caja Laboral who led his team to 65-70 with one period to go. Eliyahu shined for the guests and Teletovic drained his fourth and fifth triple. Khimky struggled at the both sides of the court and after just few minutes in the last quarter, Caja Laboral was up by 15, 73-88. They reached plus 17 later having no troubles to win this one.
As a reminder, in Game 1 between these two teams Khimky grabbed 71-82 victory in Vitoria. Carl English missed last two free throws for Caja Laboral tonight and Keith Langford scored a jumper on the other side for minus 11.

Khimky: Keith Langford 27+5 boards, Robertas Javtokas 17+5 boards
Caja Laboral: Mirza Teletovic 25, Fernando San Emeterio 16, Carl English 13

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


Basketligan: Round 37 review - by Eurobasket News
Boras - Sodertalje 77-95
77-95 road win for the Kings, who improved their score to 13-20. William Walker (201-F, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Bethel (IN)) shined last night with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Brandon Crone (198-F-84, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Butler) followed with 22 pts and 6 boards. In Boras (13-21), Michael Palm collected 17 points and 13 rebs.

Plannja - Gothia Basket 87-58
Plannja had John Williamson (198-C-86, college: Cincinnati) on fire with 21 points (9 rebounds). He was unmistakable from the field (9/9), as well as from the FT line (3/3). Brandon McKnight (188-G-83, agency: Promotex, college: Purdue) and Christoffer Ryan netted 16 and 15 pts respectively. In the loosing squad, Rhys Carter netted 16 points. Plannja stays on the second place with 27-7 record.

Solna - Uppsala 93-67
22nd win for the Vikings, who got 23 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists from Rudy Mbemba (181-G-87). Martin Pahlmblad (193-G-86) added 20 points in this victory. Visitors (14-20) got 15 points and 8 rebounds from Gordon Watt.

Norrkoping - 08 88-60
No.1 Norrkoping Dolphins destroyed 08 Stockholm for 31st victory of the season. Fred Drains (195-F-71, college: Kean) led the hosts with 18 points and 6 rebounds, while George Gervin (189-G-76, college: Houston) added 2 points less than him. Joakim Blom had 17 points and 9 boards in defeat.

Standings - Basketligan
Basketligan Standings
 1. Norrkoping 31-4 
 2. Plannja 27-7 
 3. Sundsvall 24-9 
 4. Solna 22-13 
 5. Uppsala 14-20 
 6. Gothia Basket 13-20 
 7. Sodertalje 13-20 
 8. Boras 13-21 
 9. Eco Orebro 12-22 
 10. 08 10-24 
 11. Jamtland 7-26 


Stats Leaders - Basketligan
Points Per Game
 Gordon WATT
  Uppsala
  (198-F-86)
  Avg: 20.5
 1. Watt, Uppsala20.5 
 2. Klaric, Eco Orebro20.1 
 3. McKnight, Plannja20.0 
 4. Rush, Gothia Basket19.0 
 5. Palm, Boras18.8 
 6. Sigurdarson, Sunds.17.9 
 7. Spagrud, Sundsvall16.3 
 8. Nystrom, Boras15.7 
 9. Akingbade, Jamtl.15.7 
 10. Carter, Gothia B.15.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Michael PALM
  Boras
  (208-C-79)
  Avg: 10.7
 1. Palm, Boras10.7 
 2. Konare, Jamtland10.4 
 3. Spagrud, Sundsvall9.0 
 4. Watt, Uppsala8.9 
 5. Akingbade, Jamtl.8.7 
 6. Rush, Gothia Basket8.4 
 7. Akesson, Plannja7.5 
 8. Mottram, Gothia B.7.5 
 9. Djordjic, Soder.7.4 
 10. Jonzen, Uppsala6.9 
Assists Per Game
 Andrew PLEICK
  Eco Orebro
  (196-G-80)
  Avg: 6.2
 1. Pleick, Eco Orebro6.2 
 2. Levin, Sundsvall5.8 
 3. Grant, Norrkoping5.8 
 4. Mbemba, Solna5.3 
 5. Chuk, Sodertalje5.2 
 6. Carter, Gothia B.4.6 
 7. Mitchell, Solna4.5 
 8. Gervin, Norrkoping4.3 
 9. Larsson, Plannja3.9 
 10. Hellgren, Jamtland3.8 
Steals Per Game
 Rhys CARTER
  Gothia Basket
  (190-G-84)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Carter, Gothia B.2.8 
 2. Chuk, Sodertalje2.2 
 3. McKnight, Plannja2.1 
 4. Grant, Norrkoping2.1 
 5. Hellgren, Jamtland2.0 
 6. Crone, Sodertalje2.0 
 7. Mbemba, Solna2.0 
 8. Mitchell, Solna1.9 
 9. Gervin, Norrkoping1.8 
 10. Person, Uppsala1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Joakim KJELLBOM
  Norrkoping
  (213-C/F-79)
  Avg: 2
 1. Kjellbom, Norrkoping2.0 
 2. Rosendahl, Plannja1.7 
 3. Palm, Boras1.6 
 4. Konare, Jamtland1.5 
 5. Rush, Gothia Basket1.2 
 6. Ayuba, Norrkoping1.1 
 7. Drains, Norrkoping0.9 
 8. Spagrud, Sundsvall0.8 
 9. McNaull, Norrkoping0.8 
 10. Akesson, Plannja0.8 


*****************************************************
  TANZANIA   


Firm moves to support Dream Team - by Carlos Pereira
A Dar es Salaam-based firm SD Africa has extended a sponsorship to Dar's dream team in the Intercity Basketball Tournament slated for March 22-28 in Mombasa, Kenya.

Dar es Salaam Regional Basketball Association's president Simon Msoffe said the firm also sponsored Dar's team in last years Intercity edition held in Arusha.
'We thank the company for their sponsorship which has assured us effective participation in the event,' said Msoffe.

Msoffe said the association planned to set up the team destined for the games from players taking part in the ongoing RBA League.
Seven cities from East, Central and Southern Africa have so far confirmed to send teams to the competition, he said.
The cities are Arusha, Tanga, Mogadishu, Kampala, Harare and the hosts Mombasa. He said Sudan's Khartoum has also shown interest in fielding a squad in the event.

Dar es Salaam men and women's teams clinched the runners-up positions in last year's Intercity games in which Kenyan cities excelled, with Mombasa claiming the men's title as Nairobi donned the women's crown.

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  TUNISIA   


Super Playoff Set! - by Matthew Kyle
The Top 4 for the Tunisian Super Playoff is set!

The 4 qualifing teams are:

ESS (13-1)

SN (13-1)

USM (9-5)

JSK (7-7)

Good Luck to all the teams competing!

The Final 8 of the Tunisian Cup will be played on March 13th.

The match ups are as followed:

EZS - ESS

USM - ESR

SN - CSC

CA - JSK

The Tunisian Cup has some potential to be entertaining. We may see a surprise in the USM - ESR game. ESR has been playing good lately and looks to take the upset.

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


Efes Pilsen beat Maccabi Electra 63-56 - by Eurobasket News
Efes Pilsen - Maccabi T-A 63-56

Efes Pilsen outplayed Maccabi last night so both teams have 2-2 record in Group F. Mario Kasun (213-C-80) stepped up for the Turkish powerhouse with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Charles Smith (193-G-75, college: N.Mexico) added 11 pts for 17 minutes on the court. David Bluthenthal (202-F-80, college: USC) replied with 15 points in loss. In Game 1 between these two teams Maccabi celebrated 72-62 victory.
Efes was much better in the first quarter taking 17-8 lead. The hosts kept plus 9 until the last seconds of this period, when Anderson made his first points for Maccabi last night, 21-14. Efes Pilsen jumped to plus 8 at the beginning of the second quarter, but visitors replied with 0-8 run tying the score to 24-24. Teams exchanged baskets unstil Arslan, Nachbar and Rakocevic stepped up for the hosts. Arslan drained a triple, Nachbar made a jumper and Rakocevic followed with a layup for 35-30 HT lead. At the halfway of third period Maccabi once again tied the score in this game and it was 37-37. Still, thanks to Mario Kasun and Igor Rakocevic, Efes Pilsen had 47-44 with one quarter left. It was a close matchup until the end. With less than a minute to go David Bluthenthal drained a triple for 58-56 deficit. Charles Smith replied with an inside basket, and Fischer missed a jumper for the guests. Charles Smith scored a crucial triple for Efes Pilsen, but still Maccabi held on in the closing seconds to retain the tiebreak advantage between them after winning the game in Tel Aviv by 10.

Efes Pilsen: Mario Kasun 14+13 boards, Charles Smith 11
Maccabi: David Bluthenthal 15

TBL news ( Transfer and injured player ) - by Baha Kurtulus
After Thomas Baldwin has left Kepez Bld Antalya, they reached an agreement with Marcus Hall (185-G-85, college: Colorado). The import player number raised to five with Marcus Hall.

2007-2008: Colorado (NCAA): 32 games: 14.0ppg, 3.9rpg, 4.0apg
2008-2009: BC Levski Ekopetroulium Sophia (Bulgaria-NBL, starting five): Bulgarian League: 31 games: 22.3ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.9apg
2009-2010: Fastweb Junior Casale Monferrato ( (Italy-Lega2, starting five ) : 13 games : 12.6 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.5 apg

Reha Oz (200-F-78) from Aliaga Petkim had an operation from his waist and closed the season.


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


Khimik changes a head coach - by Alexander Muzyka
- Another Khimik's fiasco (78:84 OT vs MBC Mykolaiv) became the last for Dmytro Bazelevskyi as a head coach of this team. Today Khimik's headqurters will officially introduce a new head coach. It's very possible for Valentin Voronin to work at this position.

- Khalid el-Amin (178-G-79) is injured and will be out of the game for three weeks. Budivelnyk played too hard without him vs Dnipro-Azot. Note, that Volodymyr Abdrakhmanov (194-G-90) and Yuri Lokhmanchuk (197-G/F-87) are loaned to Dniprodzerzhynsk while Volodymyr Orlenko (215-C-85) is back from Hoverla Ivano-Frankivsk.

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


Lyons Ready for MK Bite - by Andy Webb
Player-coach of the BBL Cup winning Sheffield Sharks, Atiba Lyons (198-F-82, college: Pace) , says that his team must be ready for the physicality of Marshall MK Lions, whom they face tonight in a crucial BBL Championship match up at the EIS, Sheffield. He said: This Thursday against Milton Keynes, we need to be more focused and not veer from the game plan. They are a physical team that will try and knock you out of your rhythm. We have to be patient, set screens and run a good offense. Defensively, they are a good transition team and EJ Harrison is in a good rhythm at the moment.

His MK equivalent, Vince Macaulay, claimed that despite two significant defeats last weekend and an injury to star big man Frank Holmes, his side do not to make any adjustments for their visit to Steel City. Instead, he emphasised that they need to go back to what has worked for them all season long. The 48 year old explained: Adjustments are not what is key to us this week, we need to improve the way we start games and we need to revert to the kind of defence we have played all season long. He also said he could not possibly speculate on who will win the league title this season, adding: I am sure there are smarter people than me who know who the League winners will be, I have no idea!

This game is followed by a battle of two experienced BBL coaches on Friday night, as Sterling Davis, player coach of Glasgow Rocks, takes his men to Everton, where he will try to outsmart Tigers and Team GB Assistant coach, Tony Garbelotto. Both coaches are clearly up for the challenge. Garbelotto said: Our league game against the Rocks is crucial. If they win then they have the head to head. If we win, it will be come down to the third game. We played well at their place two weeks ago and I think it will be just as close. He added: They are very deep though and I expect them to be right there for third place in the league.

On Saturday, Essex Pirates will be trying to cause an upset, as the BBLs only all-European team take on Newcastle Eagles, Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders will attempt to keep on their winning run when they welcome the Cheshire Jets, the question of whether basement side PAWS London Capital can beat Airwaves Plymouth Raiders twice in a season will be raised as these two clubs face off at in the Capital, and on the South Coast, Worthing Thunder entertain Paul James Worcester Wolves.


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


Two quarter finals series are tied - by Hector Lopez
Nick Billings (214-C-82, college: Binghamton) netted 25 points and grabbed 8 rebounds leading Bigua, the last Uruguayan champions, to beat Defensor Sporting 102-84 to tie 2-2 the best of five quarter finals series. For Defensor Sporting, Robby Collum (185-G-81, college: W.Michigan) scored 17 points and took 6 rebounds while Christopher Jackson (208-C-81, college: N.Mexico St.) netted 14 and took 14 rebounds, but he was injured and left the court foir the last four minutes of the game. Olimpia, which begin the serie 0-2, defeated Union Atletica again to put the quarter finals 2-2. Reque Newsome (203-C-81, college: S.Indiana) netted 14 points with 8 rebounds, Jeff McMillan (203-F-80, college: USC) scored 9 and grabbed 17 rebounds, while Quincy Wadley (193-G-78, agency: Liman Sports, college: Temple) finished with 10 points and 3 assists. For UnioN Atletica Arthur Long (206-F/C-73, college: Cincinnati) netted 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Evan Brock finished with 10 poinmts and 8 rebounds.

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  VENEZUELA   


Standings - LPB
LPB Standings
 1. Guaros 4-0 
 2. Trotamundos 4-1 
 3. Cocodrilos 4-2 
 4. Marinos 4-2 
 5. Gaiteros 3-1 
 6. Panteras 2-2 
 7. Gigantes 1-3 
 8. Guaiqueries 1-4 
 9. Toros 0-4 
 10. La Guaira BBC 0-4 




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Women News

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


The Start of the Quarterfinals - by Eurobasket News
The first games of the Quarterfinal Round brought some unexpected results. Yunnan upset the winner of the Regular Season Henan 75:72. The hosts opened the game with 18-13 and produced massive 19-12 in the second period. Henan did not expect such a story in the game and bounced back with 22-17 in the third quarter. They added 25-21 in the last frame, however could not tie the game. Shao Tingting (175-G-85) top-scored for the winners with 23 points and Shuang Xin (184-F-84) netted 19. Cao Bette (180-F-87) followed them with 13 points and Zhang Chen Rui scored 7. Mattera Katie (203-C-82, college: Liberty) responded with 26 points in the losing effort. Ji Yanyan posted 17 and Pan Li added 12.
Bayi overcame Jiangsu 74:71 for 1-0 in the series. The second team after the Regular Season started with 19-21, however responded with 22-16 in the second period. Both teams were tied at 14-14 in the third quarter and Jiangsu produced 20-19 in the last frame. Chen Lisha (195-C-82) top-scored for the winners with 22 points and Song Xiaoyun (175-G-83) netted 15. Zhang Xiaoni (195-C-83) scored 14, whilst Chen Nan (197-C-83) added 9.
Beijing surprised Liaoning 71:69, while Shenyang rolled over Guangdong 83:82.


Stats Leaders
WCBA Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1. Miao Shen Dep 28.3
2. Ji Yanyan Henan 26.0
3.Mattera Katie Hen 24.4
4.Cara Black Cotton 24.3
5. Gao Song Heilon 23.3


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  CZECH REPUBLIC - Women  


Standings - ZBL (W)
ZBL Standings
Group A
 1. Frisco Sika 22-1 
 2. USK Praha 21-2 
 3. Trutnov 12-11 
 4. Slovanka MB 9-14 
Group B
 1. Karlovy Vary 15-11 
 2. Valosun Brno 12-14 
 3. Strakonice 11-15 
 4. Hradec Kralove 11-15 
 5. VS Praha 9-17 
 6. BA Sparta 2-24 


Stats Leaders - Women
Points Per Game
 Petra REISINGEROVA
  Strakonice
  (196-C-73)
  Avg: 19.6
 1. Reisingerova, Strako.19.6 
 2. Vlkova, Valosun .18.6 
 3. Viteckova, Frisco S.16.9 
 4. Zrustova, Valosun .16.7 
 5. Misurova, Trutnov16.7 
 6. Vetrovcova, Karlov.15.5 
 7. Sipova, Slovanka.15.4 
 8. Wallace, BA Sparta14.9 
 9. Snajdrova-Z., Trutn.14.6 
 10. Grima, Frisco Sika14.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Petra REISINGEROVA
  Strakonice
  (196-C-73)
  Avg: 11.1
 1. Reisingerova, Strako.11.1 
 2. Hartigova, Trutnov8.9 
 3. Kulichova, Frisco S.8.9 
 4. Vetrovcova, Karlov.7.9 
 5. Sipova, Slovanka.7.8 
 6. Stepanova, VS Praha7.7 
 7. Zrustova, Valosun .7.4 
 8. Tamane, USK Praha6.9 
 9. Novakova, Hradec K.6.8 
 10. Svobodova, Valosun .6.5 
Assists Per Game
 Hana NEZDARILOVA-STANKOVA
  Slovanka MB
  (170-G-84)
  Avg: 4.5
 1. Nezdarilova-S., Slovan.4.5 
 2. Horakova, Frisco S.4.2 
 3. Bednarova, USK P.3.7 
 4. Whalen, USK Praha3.1 
 5. Skerovic, Frisco Sika3.0 
 6. Borecka, Karlovy .2.7 
 7. Maltsi, USK Praha2.4 
 8. Johnova, Strakonice2.4 
 9. Giacintova, Valosu.2.3 
 10. Misurova, Trutnov2.3 
Steals Per Game
 Hana HORAKOVA
  Frisco Sika
  (182-F/G-79)
  Avg: 3.8
 1. Horakova, Frisco S.3.8 
 2. Nezdarilova-S., Slovan.3.4 
 3. Wallace, BA Sparta2.7 
 4. Snajdrova-Z., Trutn.2.7 
 5. DeHaven, Karlovy .2.7 
 6. Vetrovcova, Karlov.2.5 
 7. Sipova, Slovanka.2.4 
 8. Borecka, Karlovy .2.4 
 9. Le Drean, USK P.2.3 
 10. Brantlova, Karlovy .2.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Petra KULICHOVA
  Frisco Sika
  (198-C-84)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Kulichova, Frisco S.1.9 
 2. Tamane, USK Praha1.8 
 3. Novakova, Hradec K.1.2 
 4. Kraayveld, USK P.1.0 
 5. Reisingerova, Strako.1.0 
 6. Vetrovcova, Karlov.1.0 
 7. Stepanova, VS Praha0.9 
 8. Hartigova, Trutnov0.8 
 9. Kohoutova, Hradec K.0.8 
 10. Svobodova, Valosun .0.7 


ZBL Round: 8 (Second Stage) - by Eurobasket News
Group B
Karlovy Vary - Strakonice 68-54
Karlovy Vary posted the 15th win as they toppled visiting Strakonice. Kyle DeHaven (175-G-84, college: Delaware) scored 16 points, collected 12 boards and issued 5 assists to lead the effort. Lenka Vetrovcova added 14 points in the winning case. Darina Johnova responded with 18 points for Strakonice.

Valosun Brno - VS Praha 87-78
Valosun Brno prevailed against VS Praha at home court. Michaela Zrustova (183-F-87) scored 28 points and grabbed 8 rebounds to lead the charge. Veronika Vlkova contributed 21 points in the victory. Kamila Stepanova responded with 17 points and 9 boards for VS Praha. Adela Necaskova had 19 points in the loss.

BA Sparta - Hradec Kralove 68-64
BA Sparta outscored visting Hradec Kralove for the second win in the tournament. Terra Wallace (170-G-85, college: Texas Arlington) accounted for 29 points, 8 rebounds and 4 steals in the rare BA Sparta win. Irena Spirkova had 10 points for the winners. Andrea Ovsikova replied with 16 points for Hradec Kralove in defeat.


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  EUROCUP - Women  


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Nykesha SALES
  Besiktas
  (183-F/G-76)
  Avg: 25.5
 1. Sales, Besiktas25.5 
 2. Player, Olivais23.8 
 3. Pimenova, Cheva.22.0 
 4. Champion, CAB M.21.0 
 5. Villarroel, Sierre20.6 
 6. Kuzina, Dynamo M.20.5 
 7. Reid, Hatis Yerevan19.3 
 8. Milovanovic, ICIM A.19.3 
 9. Diacona, Sf. G.19.0 
 10. Mazic, Medvescak18.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jennifer FLEISCHER
  Poprad
  (195-C-84)
  Avg: 12.1
 1. Fleischer, Dexia12.1 
 2. Mazic, Medvescak11.8 
 3. Santos, AD Vagos11.5 
 4. Anosike, Targoviste11.0 
 5. Little, AEL9.7 
 6. Carter, CCC P.9.7 
 7. Veremeenko, Nadezhda.9.7 
 8. Sanford, EBE I.9.4 
 9. Alyoshkina, Samsun9.2 
 10. Whittington, Lattes M.9.2 
Assists Per Game
 Sharnee ZOLL
  Botas
  (170-G-86)
  Avg: 6.6
 1. Zoll, Botas6.6 
 2. Reid, Hatis Yerevan4.8 
 3. Berseneva, Nadezhda.4.8 
 4. Chapdelaine, MBK R.4.7 
 5. Keyru, Dynamo M.4.7 
 6. Kalentzou, Athinaikos4.3 
 7. Gomez, Mann Filter4.3 
 8. Zygelyte, Lemminkain.4.2 
 9. Zellous, Besiktas4.2 
 10. Parau, Targoviste4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Tamara RADOCAJ
  Hemofarm
  (168-G-87)
  Avg: 3.8
 1. Radocaj, Hemofarm3.8 
 2. Sales, Besiktas3.8 
 3. Anosike, Targoviste3.5 
 4. Johnson, Mondeville3.4 
 5. Doron, Targoviste3.4 
 6. Keyru, Dynamo M.3.3 
 7. Reid, Hatis Yerevan3.2 
 8. Zoll, Botas3.1 
 9. Villarroel, Sierre3.1 
 10. Dubrovina, Dnipro3.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Anastasiya VEREMEENKO
  Nadezhda O.
  (192-C-87)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. Veremeenko, Nadezhda.3.2 
 2. Sowinski, CAB M.2.2 
 3. Kuzina, Dynamo M.2.2 
 4. Lukacovicova, MBK R.1.9 
 5. Ivankovic, Sibenik1.8 
 6. Kovacevic, Hemof.1.8 
 7. Alyoshkina, Samsun1.7 
 8. Toma, Targoviste1.5 
 9. Dacic, Besiktas1.3 
 10. Yolovska, Dunav1.3 


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  ICELAND - Women  


Standings - Women
Express Standings
Group A
 1. KR 17-2 
 2. Keflavik 12-7 
 3. Grindavik 11-8 
 4. Hamar 11-8 
Group B
 1. Haukar 10-8 
 2. Njardvik 6-13 
 3. Snaefell 5-13 
 4. Valur 3-16 


KR regular season Champions - by Siggi Hjorleifsson
KR is regular season Champions 2009-2010 season even they lost last night against Hamar. Teams second loss in the league. Final score KR 69 Hamar 72.
Gudrun Thorsteinsdottir with good game for KR 20 pts For Hamar Julia Demirer 26 + 15 rebs.
Grindavik lost in overtime against Keflavik 76-79 Michele DeVault 24 for Grindavik. Kristi Smith 25. Birna Valgardsdottir 19. Bryndis Gudmundsdottir 15 + 14 rebs for Keflavik. these games from A group.
In B group. Haukar 71 Snaefell 52 Heather Ezell as usual leading scorer for Haukar 39 points. For Snaefell Sherell Hobbs with good game 27 pts & 13 rebounds.
Njardvik 56 Valur 66.
Olof Helga Palsdottir 17 for Njardvik. Dranadia Roc 32 Hrund Johannsdottir (C-87) 18 + 15 rebounds for Valur

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  LATVIA - Women  


Standings - LSBL
LSBL Standings
 1. Cesis 17-1 
 2. TTT Riga 16-2 
 3. RTU-Merks 10-10 
 4. DU/Swedbank 7-11 
 5. Liepajas met. 7-12 
 6. TTT Jun. 4-14 
 7. LU 3-14 


Cesis thrash TTT Riga - by Eurobasket News
Cesis climbed back on top of the LSBL ladder. They stormed past TTT Riga 70:53 in the Latvian capital to leapfrog their archrivals for the top place in the standings. Kristen Mann (188-F-83, college: UCSB) paced Cesis as she knocked down 27 points and grabbed 7 rebounds.
The teams entered the game trading baskets and neither side dominated. The visitors however eked out a narrow 26:22 lead ten minutes into the clash. The second frame proved the difference. Cesis worked hard in defence and it paid off as they limited TTT Riga to just 11 points. Cesis capitalized going for an 11-point advantage at halftime. Cesis did not loosen the grip in the second half. They continued to pile up the lead and accounted for a 17-point cushion heading into the fourth stanza. TTT Riga scored just 7 points in the final quarter and gave up at the end. Rima Valentiene (170-G-78) scored 19 points and grabed 6 boards in the win. Ieva Tare (185-F-74) finished with 11 points for Cesis. Anda Eibele (170-G-84) responded with 13 points for TTT. Jennifer Lacy (191-F/C-83, college: Pepperdine) chipped in 12 points in the loss.


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  LITHUANIA - Women  


Standings - LMKL
LMKL Standings
 1. TEO Vilnius 20-2 
 2. Cesis 20-2 
 3. Aistes-Atletas 13-9 
 4. Lemminkain. 13-9 
 5. Laisve 13-10 
 6. Ruta Siauliai 5-17 
 7. MRU 5-17 
 8. LAMMKK 0-23 


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  ROMANIA - Women  


Standings - Women
D1 Standings
A1
 1. Sf. Gheorghe 4-0 
 2. Targoviste 3-0 
 3. ICIM Arad 3-1 
 4. Alexandria 2-2 
 5. Oradea 1-3 
 6. Satu Mare 1-3 
 7. Craiova 1-3 
 8. Rapid Bucuresti 0-3 
A2
 1. Cluj Napoca 3-0 
 2. Sp.Studentesc 2-1 
 3. Olimpia 2-1 
 4. Alba Iulia 2-1 
 5. Timisoara 1-3 
 6. Brasov 1-3 
 7. Iasi 1-3 


LMK BC Sepsi Sf. Gheorghe reaches 4-0 record - by Eurobasket News
LMK BC Sepsi Sf. Gheorghe reaches 4-0 record in the Group A of Romanian league. Last night the team posted the road victory over CSTA BC Alexandria 75:49 to be the first team with four victories. LMK BC Sepsi Sf. Gheorghe however trailed 10-18 after the opening quarter, but bounced back with 20-12 in the second period. The favorites produced 17-7 in the third frame and finished it with massive 28-12 in the last quarter. Diaconu top-scored for the winners with 28 points and Alessandra Santos (200-C-73) collected 17 points and 24 rebounds. Alina Chivu (177-F-90) responded with 13 points in the losing case.
Municipal MCM Targoviste is with 3-0 record beating Baschet ICIM Arad on February 20th. Both teams entered the game with no losses as the defending champions needed three quarters to win the game. After 16-16 in the first period they produced 17-13 in the second and won the quarters also in the second half. Chrissy Givens (180-F-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Middle Tenn.St.) led the way with 22 points and Tina Thompson (188-F-75, agency: Merit Sports, college: USC) had 18 points and 12 rebounds. Graham notched 17 points in the losing case.
Last night also CSS Bega BC Danzio Timisoara beat Politehnica-National Iasi 82:68 and SCM U Craiova rolled over Rapid Bucharest 75:67. Universitatea Cluj-Napoca cruised past Olimpia Bucharest 74:71 and Baschet ICIM Arad overcame CSM U Oradea 77:54.

Dynamo Kursk manages to erase deficit and qualify for EuroCup Semis - by Eurobasket News
EuroCup Quarterfinals, 2nd leg: Dynamo Kursk - Targoviste 76-55

Dynamo Kursk smashed Targoviste in the last ten minutes (23-6) booking a spot for the EuroCup Semifinals. Targoviste had 18-point lead from Game 1, but they couldn't survive in Russia last night. The beginning of the match did not promise such conclusion as Targoviste came out with confidence. They slowly took the game over and by the end of the first quarter, they were already up 18-22. Than in the second, hosts opened the period with 8-0 run which got them 26-22 lead. Dynamo players displayed good defense, limiting visitors to 10 points in the period. As result, at the halftime break, Dynamo was up 40-32 but was still trailing on aggregate. In the third quarter the tempo of the match slowed down as teams struggled somewhat on the offensive end. Low scoring quarter was finished 13-14 and Targoviste has managed to cut the deficit to 53-49. Than in the final 10 minutes, Dynamo players seemed to have raised their game to a whole new level. They increased defensive pressure, while on the offense they started hitting almost everything. As the minutes went by, they increased their lead while they limited Targoviste to only 6 points in the period. After a thrilling finish it was the hosts who celebrated 76-55 win as well as 133-130 aggregate win.
Donnette Snow (196-C-80, agency: LBM Management, college: Tennessee) stepped up for the hosts with 18 points and 7 rebounds. Sandra Linkeviciene (176-G-82) had 16 and Varvara Psareva (194-C-85) added 15 points, plus 9 rebounds. Olena Ogorodnikova (186-F-81) and Linda Frohlich (188-F/C-79, agency: LBM Management, college: UNLV) netted 10 points each in loss.
In the Semifinals, Dynamo Kursk will be playing the winner of the Dynamo Moscow Athinaikos Quarterfinals matchup.

Dynamo Kursk: Donnette Snow 18+7 boards, Sandra Linkeviciene 16, Varvara Psareva 15+9 boards
Targoviste: Olena Ogorodnikova 10, Linda Frohlich 10

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  RUSSIA - Women  


Dynamo Kursk manages to erase deficit and qualify for EuroCup Semis - by Eurobasket News
EuroCup Quarterfinals, 2nd leg: Dynamo Kursk - Targoviste 76-55

Dynamo Kursk smashed Targoviste in the last ten minutes (23-6) booking a spot for the EuroCup Semifinals. Targoviste had 18-point lead from Game 1, but they couldn't survive in Russia last night. The beginning of the match did not promise such conclusion as Targoviste came out with confidence. They slowly took the game over and by the end of the first quarter, they were already up 18-22. Than in the second, hosts opened the period with 8-0 run which got them 26-22 lead. Dynamo players displayed good defense, limiting visitors to 10 points in the period. As result, at the halftime break, Dynamo was up 40-32 but was still trailing on aggregate. In the third quarter the tempo of the match slowed down as teams struggled somewhat on the offensive end. Low scoring quarter was finished 13-14 and Targoviste has managed to cut the deficit to 53-49. Than in the final 10 minutes, Dynamo players seemed to have raised their game to a whole new level. They increased defensive pressure, while on the offense they started hitting almost everything. As the minutes went by, they increased their lead while they limited Targoviste to only 6 points in the period. After a thrilling finish it was the hosts who celebrated 76-55 win as well as 133-130 aggregate win.
Donnette Snow (196-C-80, agency: LBM Management, college: Tennessee) stepped up for the hosts with 18 points and 7 rebounds. Sandra Linkeviciene (176-G-82) had 16 and Varvara Psareva (194-C-85) added 15 points, plus 9 rebounds. Olena Ogorodnikova (186-F-81) and Linda Frohlich (188-F/C-79, agency: LBM Management, college: UNLV) netted 10 points each in loss.
In the Semifinals, Dynamo Kursk will be playing the winner of the Dynamo Moscow Athinaikos Quarterfinals matchup.

Dynamo Kursk: Donnette Snow 18+7 boards, Sandra Linkeviciene 16, Varvara Psareva 15+9 boards
Targoviste: Olena Ogorodnikova 10, Linda Frohlich 10

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  SLOVAKIA - Women  


Extraliga (second stage): Round 6 review - by Eurobasket News
Group 1-6: Round 6 review

MBK Ruzembrok went to Basket Steel Kosice and managed to steal one away fairly comfortably. Visiting team took control of the match from the start so they had no problems winning it by 27-point margin. After initial 10 minutes of play, MBK Ruzembrok players have managed to build 15-20 lead. In the second quarter, they continued to dominate and have further extended their lead. At the halftime break, visiting team held comfortable 32-47. Things didnt change for BSS Kosice after the break as they were unable to catch on with their opponent. With 10 minutes to play, visitors had 46-64. Still they did not let go as they won the last quarter 15-25 for the final score of 62-89. Simona Podesvova (186-F-83) was unstoppable tonight, finishing the game for winning side with 32 points. Chloe Kerr (191-C-85, college: USC) and Lizanne Murphy (185-F-84, college: Hofstra) were also good for visitors adding 17 and 12 points respectively.
Presov hosted Nitra and had no problems in achieving 35 point margin victory. Hosts displayed dominance on both offensive and defensive end of the court on their way to 91-46 blowout win. On defense, Presov players did not allow visitors to score more than 13-point in any quarter and that was the main reason for such a large win. Jennifer Risper (175-G-87, agency: LBM Management, college: Vanderbilt) and Romina Ciappina (180-F/G-88) led the rout with 26 and 22 points respectively. On the other side, Nitra got 12 points from Bibiana Kalafutova who was the only player in double digits.
The match between Dobri Anjeli and Poprad remains to be played in order to complete Round 6.

Group A
1. Dobri Anjeli 24-0
2. MBK Ruzomb. 19-6
3. Presov 17-8
4. Nitra 15-10
5. Poprad 12-12
6. Basket Steel 11-15

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


Kim Yu-Na breezes to gold - by Rick Ross
Courtesy of SI/Associated Press

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP)
Kim Yu-na put one hand to her mouth and let the tears flow.

All that pressure, so many expectations.
The Queen' took it all on and delivered royally.

The South Korean won the Olympic gold medal Thursday night,
soaring to a world-record 228.56 points and shattering her
previous mark by more than 18 points. It may go down as one of the greatest
performances in figure skating history, and it's sure to set off
wild celebrations from Seoul to Pyongchang.
It's South Korea's first medal at the Winter Olympics in a sport other than speedskating.

Even Kim seemed to be dazzled by the show she put on, gasping
when she saw the monstrous score. Coach Brian Orser gave a Rocky
like victory pump, shaking his clasped fists over each shoulder.

Longtime rival Mao Asada of Japan won the silver medal, but it was no contest
even with Asada landing both her triple axels, one in combination with a double toe loop.
Joannie Rochette, skating four days after the sudden death of her mother, won the bronze,
giving Canada its first women's medal since Liz Manley's silver in 1988.

The Americans, meanwhile, are going home without at least one medal for only
the second time since 1952. The other time? 1964, three years after a plane
crash wiped out the entire U.S. team on its way to the world championships.

Mirai Nagasu was fourth while U.S. champion Rachael Flatt dropped to seventh.

Kim came in bearing almost incomprehensible pressure. Not only was the reigning
world champ the biggest favorite since Katarina Witt in 1988
she's lost just one competition over the last two seasons
she carried the weight of an entire nation on her slim shoulders.

The most popular athlete in South Korea, she's been dubbed 'Queen Yu-na
check out the sparkly crowns that twinkle in her ears
and she needs bodyguards whenever she returns home from her training base in Toronto.
Anything she does creates a frenzy, and even a simple practice draws a rinkful of photographers.

Kim seemed to shrug it all off earlier this week, saying after the short
program that it felt like any other competition. But it was clear Thursday
that it meant so much more -- for her and Orser, a two-time Olympic silver

medalist who was devastated to lose the 'Battle of the Brians to American Brian Boitano in '88.

There were simply no flaws in Kim performance, from her skating to her
expressions to that lovely cobalt blue dress. While other skaters slow
down as they approach their jumps to steady themselves, she hurtles into
them at full speed yet touches down with pillow-like softness.
Her connecting steps are like art on ice, and her edge quality is so fine there is
not even the slightest hint of a harsh scrape, just the sound of her crisp edge.
Her spins are centered so perfectly the tracings look as if they were made with a protractor,
and she's got to be quadruple-jointed with all the positions she manages in her combination spins.

But what really makes her transcendent is her performance skills. She breathed
life into Gershwin's 'Concerto in F,' moving across the ice like notes on a score.
As the music lifted the first time, she put one hand on the small of her back and
gave a flirty little smile that set shutters clicking throughout the building.

When she finished, you could almost see the pressure fall away as Kim bent over and cried.
The tears fell no matter how hard she tried to blink them back, and she held up her hands
helplessly when she reached Orser. So many stuffed toys and flowers littered the ice the
full complement of sweepers had to be deployed -- not once, but twice.




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


Standings - Damligan
Damligan Standings
 1. Solna Vikings 18-3 
 2. Telge 17-4 
 3. 08 17-4 
 4. Sundsvall 14-7 
 5. Lulea BBK 12-9 
 6. Norrkoping 12-9 
 7. Marbo Basket 10-11 
 8. Sallen 10-11 
 9. Eos 5-16 
 10. Visby 5-16 
 11. Umea 4-17 
 12. Brahe 2-19 


*****************************************************
  SWITZERLAND - Women  


Standings - LNF
LNA Standings
 1. Nyon 14-1 
 2. Sierre 11-2 
 3. Fribourg 9-5 
 4. Riva Basket 8-8 
 5. Pully 3-12 
 6. Helios 2-11 
 7. BBC 1-9 


Nyon and Sdent Sierre will play in League Cup Final - by Eurobasket News
Nyon and Sdent Sierre made it into the Final of the League Cup. They celebrated victories in the respective semifinal battles in the midweek.
Nyon held off Fribourg in an intense encounter. Fribourg grabbed the lead early in the game. They enjoyed an 18:15 advantage at the first break. But Nyon managed to change the complexion of the clash in the second stanza. Nyon surged in front for a 4-point halftime advantage. Nyon dominated after the main break and sealed a 75:61 win at the end. Noemie Mayombo (171-G-91, agency: LBM Management) scored 22 points to lead the effort. Sophie Charlier (180-G-82, agency: LBM Management) provided 21 points for Nyon. Celeste Trahan (184-C-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Elizabeth City) responded with 24 points and 18 rebounds for Fribourg. Janese Banks had 21 points in defeat.
Sdent Sierre made it look easier. They avalanched past Helios 120:36 to book their ticket into the title decider. Six players scored in double figures to lead Sdent Sierre. Evgeniya Teplyashina (171-G-87) and Carrem Gay (188-F-87, college: Duke) accounted for 19 points each for the winners. Katia Clement (182-C-85) netted 17 points and pulled down 11 rebounds for Sdent Sierre. Polina Hadjiyankova (175-G-86, college: Iona) replied with 13 points in the loss.
The Final game is scheduled for February 28.


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  TAIWAN - Women  


Chiang Feng-chun's elegibility confirmed - by Chris Wang
Chinese Taipei Basketball Association (CTBA) announced Wednesday that its Discplinary Committee has ruled former Cathay Life forward Chiang Feng Chun (184-F-81) eligible to play for Chunghwa Telecom in the 2010 WSBL (Women's Super Basketball League) season.

Chiang Feng Chun, one of the best players in Taiwan and widely seen as one of the best forwards in Asia, came out of retirement and joined Chunghwa Telecom. Her former employ Cathay Life, which has won 17 straight women's titles, announced Feb. 9 that it will pull out of the 2010 season over Chiang's controversy.

CTBA said that Chiang's contract with Cathay Life expired on Feb. 2, 2009 and has been a free agent since then. According to the player registration rule, she is free to transfer and sign with any team.

The association also urged Cathay Life to drop its previous decision and return to the 2010 season.

Chiang, a national team regular, returned to basketball one year after a surprising retirement in February 2009 at the age of 28. Her unexpected return sparked controversy and highlighted an 'unwritten rule' that Taiwanese women players stay with a single team throughout their careers or face being boycotted by the other teams if they try to switch teams.

CTBA changed the rule in 2008 when lawyers said it violated the Constitution, which rules that people's right to work should be protected. All players -- men and women -- are now free agents and free to sign with any team after their contracts expire or they receive letters of clearance.

However, Cathay Life still opposed the transfer of Chiang, who retired after a falling out with the team's head coach, Hung Ling-yao.

Chiang was quoted by the media as saying she decided to leave Cathay Life because Hung kept rejecting her wish to play U.S. college basketball or elsewhere overseas.


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  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - Women  


Carey and JCJC advances to finals - by David Edole
SCOOBA The Jones County Junior College Lady Bobcats are within one game of their second consecutive state championship.

JCJC held off a furious Northwest Mississippi Community College rally in the final minutes and knocked off the Lady Rangers, 85-82, here Wednesday afternoon in the semifinals of the MACJC State Tournament at Currie Coliseum on the campus of East Mississippi Community College.

JCJC, now 21-5, will face the undefeated and third-ranked Co-Lin Community College Lady Wolves for the championship at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. Co-Lin, 25-0, defeated Itawamba Community College, 70-63, in Wednesdays other semifinal game.

The title game will be televised on www.jcjc.tv with Lance Pittman and Mark Easley on the call. Airtime will be 5:25 p.m.

Northwest, the North Division regular season champion, falls to 14-7.

Both the Lady Bobcats and Lady Rangers will compete in the Region 23 Tournament March 1-4 on the campus of Mississippi College in Clinton. A tournament bracket will be released on Friday.

Lady Bobcats 85, Lady Rangers 82

Head coach Sandra Sumralls team never trailed in downing Northwest.

The Lady Bobcats took a 12-3 lead with 14:31 left in the first half when Ashley Lee hit an 8-footer in the lane. Northwests Hope Adams canned a 3-pointer from the top of the key extended to trim the Jones lead to 27-22 with 8:33 left.

JCJC then went on a 15-3 run over the next four minutes. Brigit Taylor converted a 3-point play with 4:10 showing to give Jones a 42-25 lead.

Northwest cut the lead to 43-34 at halftime.

Jones got off to another good start to open the second half. Leading 49-43, JCJC went on an 8-0 run and took a 57-43 advantage with 14:26 remaining when Taylor hit two free throws.

The Lady Bobcats went up 71-51 with 9:00 remaining when Tanecka Carey (G) scored. A Dominique Evans putback gave JCJC a 75-55 lead with 7:00 to play.

Thats when Northwest began its rally.

The Lady Rangers scored 13 straight points and pulled within 75-68 with 3:16 left when Tamara Wadlington converted a 3-point play. Careys 3-pointer with 3:05 to play ended the run and put Jones up 78-68.


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  UKRAINE - Women  


Standings (Women)
UPBL Standings
 1. Dnipro 18-2 
 2. Dynamo-NPU 15-1 
 3. Kozachka 14-5 
 4. Donbas 10-8 
 5. Luganski Last. 9-10 
 6. Politeh Basket 5-13 
 7. Yuzhna Palmira 5-15 
 8. BC Frankivsk 4-15 
 9. Orlan Simfer. 4-15 


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  WBCBL - Women  


Lady Flames Announces New Coach - by Willie McCray
A native of Flint Michigan and former attendee of the Flint Community Schools, Dreyon Drey Wynn starts the 2010 season as Head Coach of the Flint Lady Flames.

Wynn states, I am excited for the opportunity to coach this team and help build it into a title contender. Flint has a rich history and legacy regarding basketball and has produced great male and female basketball players. With the right mix of players and experienced coaching staff, I believe this team could be the jewel of the Womens Blue Chip Basketball League.

Wynn began his coaching career as Head Coach of the Central Michigan University Lady Hoopers Basketball Club for six seasons. During his coaching tenure, the Lady Hoopers dominated on the local, regional and national levels. During his era several players were honored with Regional, All Tournament & All American honors. After graduating from Central Michigan University with a Master of Arts in Education Administration, Drey currently resides in Michigan and recently celebrated three years of marriage to wife Katrina.

- Ladel Lewis
Owner/GM
Flint Lady Flames


Hoskins Becomes 1st WBCBL Player to Sign with WNBA - by Willie McCray
Brandie Hoskins' (5'9 - G/F) career has been one of patience and passion. As a High School player in Dayton, Brandie was such a highly regarded player that she played in the McDonald's All American Game.
From there, Hoskins took her talents to Ohio State and was an instant impact player for the upstart Buckeyes. She was a Big 10 All Freshman Team member and even made and played for the USA University National Team and won a Gold in Turkey.

As she rounded out her career at Ohio State, the All Big 10 performer was drafted by the Seattle Storm in the 3rd round with the 33rd pick overall. Due to injury she was unable to display her vast talents in the roster spot she earned. After attempting to prove that she was fully recovered with quality play in top-level leagues like Israel, Greece, Ukraine, and of course the WBCBL with the Columbus Hidden Gems, Brandie wondered if her 2nd chance would ever come.

Well the opportunity of a lifetime has finally been placed upon this awe-striking talent as Brandie Hoskins has signed with the WNBA New York Liberty to their Training Camp roster. The New York Liberty does not do the usual 'free agent camp' or the 'rookie camp' like many other teams. They bring in a very select amount players, (18-20 usually) and pick their final roster from there, which makes Brandie's chances of making the team for 2010 very high. Brandie Hoskins was dominant in her WBCBL debut last season with averages of 18.5ppg 5.9rpg 4.5apg 1.9spg 59%FG 39%3pt 66%FT in slightly more than 20mins per game.

This amazing signing shows the high quality of play in the WBCBL and also the realistic possibility that a top notch player from the WBCBL can not only make a living playing professional basketball overseas at various levels of play, but that a WBCBL player can truly take her game to THE top level of female basketball in the entire world......just as the great Brandie Hoskins has done. The Columbus Hidden Gems are proud to say that the WBCBL is truly a place where dreams can come true.'


- Lucius Jones, Head Coach,
Columbus Hidden Gems Basketball