Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 2/5/2010

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Men News

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ABA

Admirals triumph over Phantoms - by Gianni Pascucci
In their last ABA game, the Lake Michigan Admirals defeated the Pittsburgh Phantoms 110-94. After the first quarter the Admirals were up by two 26-24 and from that point they never looked back. At the half the score was 52-44. Anthony Slater (5'9''-G-79, college: Florida Atlantic) led the Admirals having simply the game of his life with a quadruple double: 14 points, 10 rebounds, 11 steals, and 19 assists. 'I really love this team and how it's coming together and it's alot of fun to play in front of the Admirals' fans,' said Slater. Since Coach Buck Riley has taken over the head coaching duties he has a record of 6 wins and 3 losses. The other game best performers were Odgra Bobo (6'6''-F-85, college: Oakland CC), who had 23 points and 18 rebounds, Dominick Melton (6'6''-F, college: Wisc.-Parkside) with 13 points and 11 rebounds, and Dewayne Pettus (6'2''-G-85, college: Bethune-Cookman), who led the Phantoms with 24 points.

Standings

ABA Standings

Exhibition Team
1. Play2Win	10-3
2. Chico Rage	1-5
3. College Park	0-0
4. Smoky MJ	0-0
5. Arlington B.	0-1
6. Crusaders	0-1
7. Oklahoma	0-2
8. Modesto E.	0-5
NoCal Div.
1. S.Francisco R.	9-4
2. California SK	9-5
3. Clayton	8-3
4. Sacramento H.	7-8
5. Central Valley	3-9
North Central Div.
1. Chicago Steam	15-2
2. Columbus Crush	8-3
3. Lake Michigan	8-5
4. Pittsburgh P.	7-3
5. Detroit Hoops	6-4
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.	10-3
2. NY Thunder	9-3
3. NY Red Riders	6-8
4. Maryland M.	6-9
5. Tri-City Suns	3-9
Pacific Northwest Div.
1. Seattle M.	6-4
2. Seattle ZG	3-0
3. Everett	2-2
4. Spokane Sunz	1-1
5. Washington R.	1-6
SoCal Div.
1. Compton C.	4-2
2. San Diego S.	4-4
3. LA Slam	4-5
4. Las Vegas A.	2-0
5. Riverside R.	2-3
6. Honolulu	1-1
7. California BB	1-3
South Central Div.
1. Kentucky S.	11-6
2. Kentucky B.	9-7
3. W.Virginia B.	5-8
4. St.Louis S.	0-3
Southeast Div.
1. Music City Stars	9-3
2. Mississippi B.	4-5
3. Florida Th.	1-0
4. Charlotte	1-2
5. Columbus Life	1-4
6. Carolina K.	0-0
7. Ga PROWL	0-1
Southwest Div.
1. SE Texas M.	17-3
2. N.Texas F.	9-4
3. W.Texas W.	6-5
4. Texas Fuel	3-6
5. Dallas G.	2-1
6. Texas Ch.	0-2
7. Houston T.	0-5

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Zadar and Micah Downs part ways - by Eurobasket News
Zadar and Micah Downs (203-G-86, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga) decided to split ways. The 23-year-old guard joined the Croatian powerhouse at the start of the season. Micah Downs averaged 11.0 points, 3.6 boards and 0.6 assists per game in EuroCup. In Adriatic League the guard tallied 8.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists per appearance. Micah Downs joined Zadar after graduating from Gonzaga. In NCAA the player scored 9.6 points and grabbed 4.6 rebounds in the senior college year.

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ARGENTINA

Pepe Sanchez to Obras - by Facundo Iatzky
Pepe Sanchez

(193-G-77, college: Temple) become in another olympic champion to return to Liga A. He agreed terms with Obras Sanitarias where he will play with his former national team team-mate Gabriel Fernandez. He join Lucas Victoriano as the two most important returns to argentinian basketball this season. Manager of Obras Fabian Borro said he feels very happy to add another olympic champion who comes to try to put Obras in the best position they can. Pepe is expected to make his debut on Febraury 17 against Atenas.

Obras Sanitarias land Pepe Sanchez - by Eurobasket News
Obras Sanitarias exploded with a big market move. The team has agreed on terms of contract with Pepe Sanchez

(193-G-77, college: Temple). The 32-year-old guard with one of the best portfolios in the Argentinean basketball will definitely strengthen Obras backcourt. Pepe Sanchez spent the previous season in Real Madrid. The guard averaged 1.3 points, 1.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game in Euroleague. After graduating from Temple back in 2000 Pepe Sanchez has played in the NBA, Greece and Spain. He had stints with the biggest names in the world basketball such as Unicaja, Barcelona, Panathinaikos, Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers. Pepe Sanchez played for the Argentinean National Team at the 2002 World Championships in Indianapolis and 2006 World Championships in Japan.

Standings - LigaA

LigaA Stage Two Standings

1. Atenas	9-3
2. La Union	9-6
3. Lanus	9-6
4. Penarol	8-4
5. Quimsa	8-5
6. Regatas C.	8-6
7. Boca Jrs	8-6
8. Sionista	8-7
9. Union S.	7-6
10. Libertad S.	7-6
11. Olimpico LB	6-7
12. Gimnasia CR	6-8
13. Estudiantes	5-8
14. Obras	4-8
15. C.Entrerriano	4-10
16. Quilmes MP	2-12

Stage One Standings

Standings - TNA

TNA Standings

TNA1
1. Argentino	3-0
2. Club 9	3-0
3. El Nacional	2-1
4. Ciclista	1-2
5. San Mart.C.	1-3
6. San Mart.MJ	1-3
7. Bragado	1-3
TNA2
1. Obera TC	3-0
2. A.Italiana	2-1
3. Belgrano SN	1-2
4. Alma Juniors	1-2
5. Firmat SF	1-2
6. Independ.T.	1-2

Stats Leaders - LigaA

Points Per Game

David JACKSON
  La Union
  (196-G-82)
  Avg: 19.1

1. Jackson, La Union	19.1
2. Funes, C.Entrer.	18.6
3. Assie, Quilmes MP	17.3
4. Cequeira, Sionista	16.9
5. Gonzalez, Quimsa	16.8
6. Gonzalez, Quimsa	16.8
7. Moodie, Boca Jrs	16.6
8. Gutierrez, Penarol	16.2
9. Lo Grippo, Atenas	16.2
10. Cutley, C.Entr.	16.0

Rebounds Per Game

Federico KAMMERICHS
  Regatas C.
  (203-F/C-80)
  Avg: 12.7

1. Kammerichs, Regat.	12.7
2. Williams, Union S.	7.8
3. Rollins, Gimnasia.	7.7
4. Gonzalez, Quimsa	7.4
5. Wolkowyski, Libertad.	7.4
6. Gonzalez, Quimsa	7.4
7. Assie, Quilmes MP	7.3
8. McFarlan, Union S.	7.3
9. Leiva, Penarol	7.2
10. Osborne, La Uni.	6.9

Assists Per Game

Luis CEQUEIRA
  Sionista
  (180-G-85)
  Avg: 4.9

1. Cequeira, Sionista	4.9
2. Victoriano, Lanus	4.3
3. Martinez, Sionista	3.9
4. Labaque, Obras	3.8
5. Franco, Estudiantes	3.6
6. Ginobili, Libertad S.	3.4
7. Salles, La Union	3.3
8. Williams, Olimpico.	3.1
9. Cadillac, C.Entrer.	3.1
10. Williams, Olimpi.	3.1

Steals Per Game

Frank WILLIAMS
  Olimpico LB
  (191-G-80)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Williams, Olimpico.	2.4
2. Williams, Olimpico.	2.4
3. Victoriano, Lanus	1.8
4. Funes, C.Entrer.	1.8
5. Franco, Estudiantes	1.7
6. Moldu, Libertad S.	1.7
7. Labaque, Obras	1.6
8. Pelussi, Libertad S.	1.6
9. Lopez, Quilmes MP	1.6
10. Woodward, Boca J.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Federico KAMMERICHS
  Regatas C.
  (203-F/C-80)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Kammerichs, Regat.	1.5
2. Alston, Boca Jrs	1.3
3. Johnson, Lanus	1.1
4. Assie, Quilmes MP	1.0
5. Rollins, Gimnasia.	1.0
6. Mata, Penarol	0.9
7. Williams, Union S.	0.9
8. McFarlan, Union S.	0.8
9. Gonzalez, Quimsa	0.8
10. Keep, Quilmes	0.8

Stats Leaders - TNA

Points Per Game

Derrick MILLER
  Bragado
  (202-C/F-78)
  Avg: 21.8

1. Miller, Bragado	21.8
2. Elsener, El Nacional	17.9
3. Melo, Z*Indepe.	17.4
4. Tomatis, Alma Juniors	16.4
5. Williams, Independ.T.	15.5
6. Truscott, San M.	15.3
7. Barlasina, San M.	15.3
8. Ceruti, San M.	15.2
9. Wilkerson, Ciclista	15.2
10. Ford, Belgrano	15.1

Rebounds Per Game

Louis TRUSCOTT
  San Mart.C.
  (199-F-78)
  Avg: 9.1

1. Truscott, San M.	9.1
2. Ford, Belgrano SN	8.9
3. Williams, Club 9	8.2
4. Williams, Independ.T.	8.0
5. Espinoza, Argentino	7.9
6. Kornegay, A.Ita.	7.8
7. Leith, Firmat SF	7.8
8. Benjamin, San M.	7.8
9. Frey, A.Italiana	7.5
10. Wilkerson, Ciclis.	7.4

Assists Per Game

Julian OLMEDO
  Bragado
  (187-G-77)
  Avg: 4.3

1. Olmedo, Bragado	4.3
2. La Bella, Obera TC	3.1
3. Palacios, Firmat S.	2.9
4. Lauro, Z*Indepe.	2.6
5. Gandoy, Belgrano SN	2.6
6. Ceci, Argentino	2.5
7. Safar, Argentino	2.4
8. Sartorelli, San M.	2.3
9. Eiguren, Firmat SF	2.3
10. Luchino, San.	2.2

Steals Per Game

Alexis ELSENER
  El Nacional
  (196-G-88)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Elsener, El Nacional	2.5
2. La Bella, Obera TC	2.3
3. Castets, Obera TC	2.1
4. Fernandez, Alma J.	1.9
5. Williams, Independ.T.	1.8
6. Giletta, Alma Juniors	1.8
7. Eiguren, Firmat SF	1.7
8. Eseverri, Belgrano.	1.6
9. Forte, Alma J.	1.6
10. Castelli, Independ.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Jeremy CLAYTON
  Firmat SF
  (201-F-86)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Clayton, Firmat SF	1.7
2. Francis, Argentino	1.6
3. Williams, Club 9	1.5
4. Williams, Independ.T.	1.3
5. Espinoza, Argentino	1.3
6. Kornegay, A.Ita.	1.2
7. Ford, Belgrano SN	1.0
8. Giorgi, Obera TC	1.0
9. Robinson, Argentino	0.9
10. Nwankwo, El Nacion.	0.8

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ASEAN LEAGUE

ASEAN-League Round: 2 (Semi-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
KL Dragons - Philip.Patriots 65-70
Philippine Patriots paved their way into the ASEAN League Finals after they nipped KL Dragons in the second game of the semifinal series. Jason Dixon (205-C-73, college: Liberty) scored 22 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead the Patriots to the win. Gabe Freeman added 17 points and 12 boards in the victory. Chris Kuete answered with 20 points and 10 rebounds for KL Dragons. Rudy Lingganay finished with 13 points in defeat.

Satria Muda - Singapore S. 74-45
Satria Muda came up with the first class defensive performance to knock down Singapore Slingers in Game 2 of the series. Nakiea Miller (205-C-79, college: Iona) scored 24 points, grabbed 16 boards and made 9 blocks for the winners. Alexander Hartman added 15 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists for the Jakarta outfit. Michael LeBlanc notched 14 points and 6 boards for the Slingers in the loss.

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AUSTRALIA

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings

1. Perth	15-10
2. Blaze	14-10
3. Crocodiles	14-11
4. Hawks	13-11
5. Breakers	12-13
6. Tigers	11-14
7. Taipans	11-15
8. 36ers	10-16

Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game

Kirk PENNEY
  Breakers
  (196-G-80)
  Avg: 22.8

1. Penney, Breakers	22.8
2. Williams, Crocodiles	18.2
3. McKee, Hawks	17.9
4. Ballinger, 36ers	17.5
5. Hodge, Tigers	17.3
6. Worthington, Tig.	16.9
7. Gilchrist, 36ers	16.9
8. Bruton, Breakers	16.6
9. Ubaka, Blaze	16.3
10. Redhage, Per.	15.1

Rebounds Per Game

Rick RICKERT
  Breakers
  (211-F-83)
  Avg: 7.2

1. Rickert, Breakers	7.2
2. Roberts, Crocodiles	7.1
3. Petrie, Blaze	7.0
4. Davidson, Hawks	7.0
5. Rychart, Taipans	6.8
6. Worthington, Tig.	6.8
7. Maxey, Blaze	6.5
8. Schenscher, Perth	6.5
9. Holmes, 36ers	6.5
10. Burston, 36e.	6.1

Assists Per Game

Julius HODGE
  Tigers
  (201-G-83)
  Avg: 6.4

1. Hodge, Tigers	6.4
2. McKee, Hawks	4.5
3. Ubaka, Blaze	4.2
4. Gilchrist, 36ers	4.2
5. Gibson, Blaze	4.1
6. Williams, Crocodiles	3.5
7. Crosswell, Tigers	3.4
8. Bruton, Breakers	3.4
9. Groves, 36ers	3.3
10. Boucher, Breake.	3.2

Steals Per Game

Glen SAVILLE
  Hawks
  (197-G/F-76)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Saville, Hawks	1.5
2. Martin, Perth	1.5
3. Williams, Crocodiles	1.4
4. Hodge, Tigers	1.3
5. Bruton, Breakers	1.3
6. Jones, Taipans	1.3
7. McKee, Hawks	1.2
8. Boucher, Breakers	1.2
9. Lisch, Perth	1.1
10. Robbins, Per.	1.0

Blocks Per Game

Julius HODGE
  Tigers
  (201-G-83)
  Avg: 1.1

1. Hodge, Tigers	1.1
2. Penney, Breakers	0.8
3. Williams, Crocodiles	0.8
4. Maxey, Blaze	0.7
5. Bradshaw, Blaze	0.7
6. Rickert, Breakers	0.7
7. Rychart, Taipans	0.7
8. Melzer, Taipans	0.6
9. Redhage, Perth	0.6
10. Lisch, Per.	0.6

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BALTIC LEAGUE

Ventspils invite Jamaal Tatum - by Eurobasket News
The Latvian champions invited Jamaal Tatum

(188-G-84, college: S.Illinois) for try-outs. Ventspils is looking for the strengthening of the squad after they released Sandis Buskevics and Aaron Pettway. Jamaal Tatum started the season in Cholet Basket in France. The 25-year-old guard averaged 3.7 points, 1.0 rebound and 1.0 assist per game in EuroCup. In ProA his stats read 5.4 points and 1.2 assists. Last season Jamaal Tatum played in the D-League. He produced 11.7 points, 4.0 assists and 2.4 rebounds for the Idaho Stampede.

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BELGIUM

Ethias League News - by Peter Buyse
With all its foreign players back from the injured list, Spirou Charleroi is willing to release its Croatian Center Jure Lalic (212-C-86).

Jef Van der Jonckheyd (203-F-82) will be out another 3 weeks due to the hip injury which already sidelined him for several weeks.

Oostende's Stephane Pelle (204-C/F-80, college: Colorado) recently underwent surgery to repair a broken bone in his finger. He should be out between 3 to 4 weeks.

Another injured player is Antwerp Giants Randy Oveneke (201-F-86) who needs to undergo knee surgery due to a meniscus injury.
He should be out for about a month.

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BOSNIA

D1, 16th Round: Sutjeska beat Igokea - by Sead Buljina
In filled out sports arena Foca, heavy underdog Sutjeska made sensation by beating leader Igokea 70:68.

D1, 16th Round Scores:

Sloboda - Leotar 68:58
Sports arena 'Mejdan', Tuzla.
SLOBODA: Ibracevic, Halilovic 7, Adamovic 15, Hrncic 15, Halilbegovic 4, Jevtic, Persic 9, Suljagic 4, Tanasilovic 4, Hodzic, Bulic, Albijanic 10. Coach: Senad Muminovic.
LEOTAR: D. Aleksic, Jovanovic 16, V.Aleksic 2, Sarenac 9, Radulovic, Zotovic, Zagorac, Djurasovic 13, Markovic 8, Setencic 7, Antic, Glisovic 3. Coach: Radomir Kisic.

Borac Nektar - Capljina Lasta 86:69
Sports arena 'Borik', Banja Luka.
BORAC: Loncar 4, Zdravkovic 14, Kostadinovic, Milosevic 4, Jagodic, Kuridza 26, Vlaskovic 3, Gajic 15, Pavlovic 10, Ivic, Nikolic 2, Josipovic 8. Coach: Bora Dzakovic.
CAPLJINA: Radovanovic 4, Raguz 2, Opancar 2, Leric 10, Brkic 16, Galic 8, Jerkic, Bakovic 18, Jelcic 6, Prce 3. Coach: Ante Nazor.

Sutjeska - Igokea 70:68
City sports arena, Foca.
SUTJESKA: Egeric 10, Radovic 10, Bodiroga 7, Solaja, Stevanovic, Joknic, Prstojevic 9, Janjusevic, Damjanac 10, Paprica, Milanovic, Mrkovic 24. Coach: Milenko Ivanovic..
IGOKEA: Vucenovic, Janjusevic 1, Bocka 12, Djurkovic, Djurica 12, Djujovic 14, Komatina 10, Popovic 13, Fekete 6, Jovicic, Miletic, Tomazovic. Coach: Drago Karalic.

Celik - Slavija 68:67
'Arena', Zenica.
CELIK: Trivunovic 10, Begagic, Avdibegovic 3, Jahic 7, El. Dedic, Sadibasic 6, Pezer 4, R.Rizvic 16, Jezildzic, Suljic 13, Prasovic 9. Coach: Marko Trbic.
SLAVIJA: Vukelic 3, Miljkovic 6, Stanic, Damjanovic, Andjelic, Cubrilo 16, Mihajlovic 23, Prekovic 14, Gavranovic 5, Besovic. Coach: Bojan Kusmuk.

Mladost - Grude 79:76
'Komercijalna banka' arena, Mrkonjic Grad.
MLADOST: Stojakovic 12, Pekez, Milinovic, Gemaljevic 8, Kascelan 9, Radanovic, Blanusa 22, Vukovic 14, Kezic 2, Palalic 3, Velimirovic 9, Timotic. Coach: Slobodan Jankovic.
GRUDE: Susak, Pajevic 5, Sakota, Jelcic 6, Bilinovac 4, Keser 21, Vuckovic 9, B.Barac 6, Novak, Pinjuh 25. Coach: Romeo Bilinovac.

Hercegovac - Zrinjski HTM 78:84
City arena, Bileca.
HERCEGOVAC: Vukajlovic 3, Kures, M. Vukovic 9, Savic 1, Simonovic 28, Vukoje, Kuljic, S. Vukovic 10, Pejovic 15, Radovanovic, Crnobrnja 4, Vranjes 8. Coach: Zoran Glomazic.
ZRINJSKI: Klarica, Tomovic 10, Kastratovic, M.Gligora 17, L.Gligora 18, Oroz, Ramljak 10, Rimac 19, Vrsaljko 8, Perajica 2, Petric. Coach: Ivan Vujcic.

Standings - D2 Leagues

D2 Leagues Standings

A1 League
1. Kakanj	11-0
2. Limometal	9-2
3. Brcko	8-2
4. Play Off	7-4
5. Triland	7-4
6. Student T.	5-6
7. Bosnjak	5-6
8. Vogosca	4-7
9. Trica	4-7
10. Bihac	2-7
11. Orlovik	2-8
12. Novi Grad	0-11
D1 Srpska Liga
1. Varda	12-1
2. Radnik B.	11-2
3. Servitium	11-2
4. Drina	8-5
5. Prijedor	8-5
6. Bratunac	7-6
7. Plus Gradanski	7-7
8. Wolf Security	5-8
9. Rudar	3-10
10. Gacko	3-10
11. Glasinac	2-11
12. Findo	2-12
Herceg-Bosne
1. Brotnjo Citluk	8-1
2. Vitez	8-1
3. Posusje	6-2
4. Odzak	6-2
5. Livno	5-2
6. Rama	4-5
7. Kiseljak	3-6
8. Ljubuski	2-4
9. Zrinjski II	2-5
10. Siroki II	2-6
11. Tomislav	1-7
12. Busovaca	1-8

D2: Kakanj heading to D1 - by Sead Buljina
After the first half of the season, B.C. Kakanj hold a perfect 11:0 record on D2 standings. Team led by Ado Kahrimanovic, Nedzad Mulic and Narcis Begovac will most likely qualify for the top Bosnian league without a single loss. Not even rich Triland with several former National team members can chalenge D2 leaders from small coal-mining town between Sarajevo and Zenica.

Division 2, 11th Round Scores:
Triland - Student 97:76
Orlovik - Kakanj 72:91
Bosnjak - Play Off IPSA 82:99
Cazin Limometal - Novi Grad 93:88
Brcko D.C. - Bihac (postponed)
Trica Mann Hummel - Vogosca 76:70

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BRAZIL

Flamengo and Pinheiros win in postponed games - by Eurobasket News
Flamengo earned the ninth win in the NBB championship as they thrashed Paulistano/Amil 105:70 at home court. Marcelinho Machado (199-F/G-75, agency: Interperformances) fired 30 points to lead the reigning champions. Eduardo Machado (195-G-82) and Guilherme Teichmann (204-F/C-83, college: Tulsa) scored 19 points each for the winners. Flamengo led from start to finish. They built a 40:31 lead at halftime. Flamengo stepped on the gas in the second half pouring in 65 points and rallying to a comfortable victory. Jefferson da Silva (207-C-83) had 17 points for the winners. Daniel Zillmer (203-F/C-86) responded with 21 points for Paulistano/Amil as they slipped at 4-7 record.
Pinheiros in the meantime fired past Sao Jose/Vinac 100:79 on the road. Shamell Stallworth (196-F-80, agency: Interperformances, college: USF) exploded with 31 points to pace the charge. Pinheiros grabbed an 8-point lead at the first break. Sao Jose got a bit closer in the third frame but the visitors went on a 32:17 run in the final period and ran away for good. Olivinha Rodriguez (202-F-83) accounted for 19 points in the victory. Paulo Nery (188-G-81) nailed 20 points in the losing effort.

Standings - BNL

NBB Standings

1. Universo/BRB	12-1
2. Flamengo	9-4
3. Pitagoras/Minas	9-4
4. Ciser/Joinville	8-4
5. Vivo/Franca	7-3
6. Pinheiros/Sky	7-7
7. CETAF	6-7
8. Amigao/Assis	5-7
9. GRSA/Bauru	5-7
10. Londrina	5-8
11. Paulistano	4-7
12. S.Jose/Vinac	4-7
13. Palmeiras/Lupo	3-9
14. Saldanha	2-11

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CHINA

Stats Leaders - CBA

Points Per Game

Andre EMMETT
  Shandong
  (196-G/F-82)
  Avg: 32.6

1. Emmett, Shandong	32.6
2. Gaines, Xinjiang	29.6
3. Edwards, Shaanxi	29.3
4. White, Zhejiang.	28.9
5. Rodgers, Jilin	26.7
6. Lucas, Shanghai	26.6
7. Lamizana, TianJ.	26.6
8. Pickett, Shaanxi	26.4
9. Mays, Beijing	26.0
10. Kelley, DongGu.	25.8

Rebounds Per Game

DeAngelo COLLINS
  Jilin
  (206-F-82)
  Avg: 16.2

1. Collins, Jilin	16.2
2. Mays, Beijing	13.2
3. Ramos, Zhejiang.	12.5
4. Oyedeji, Liaoning	12.1
5. Williams, Zhejiang C.	12.1
6. Swift, Shandong	11.5
7. Gaines, Xinjiang	11.2
8. Harvey, Jiangsu	11.1
9. Zhang, DongGuan	11.1
10. Lamizana, Tia.	10.8

Assists Per Game

XiaoMing LU
  Fujian
  (176-G-79)
  Avg: 6.6

1. Lu, Fujian	6.6
2. Hu, Jiangsu	5.7
3. Liu, Shanghai	5.1
4. Parker, Guandong	5.0
5. Lucas, Shanghai	4.9
6. Kelley, DongGuan	4.8
7. Fahed, TianJin R.	4.4
8. White, Zhejiang.	4.4
9. Zhang, Liaoning	4.3
10. Allen, Xinjia.	4.3

Steals Per Game

Chris WILLIAMS
  Qingdao DS
  (199-F/G-80)
  Avg: 4.4

1. Williams, Qingd.	4.4
2. Hu, Jiangsu	4.1
3. Parker, Guandong	3.2
4. Emmett, Shandong	2.7
5. Wang, Bayi	2.6
6. Zhong, Jilin	2.6
7. Lu, Fujian	2.5
8. Liu, Shanghai	2.4
9. Sui, Shandong	2.3
10. Allen, Xinjia.	2.2

Blocks Per Game

Herve LAMIZANA
  TianJin R.
  (207-F/C-81)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Lamizana, TianJ.	3.5
2. Swift, Shandong	3.2
3. Collins, Jilin	2.6
4. Watkins, Jiangsu	2.2
5. Steyn, Qingdao DS	2.2
6. Simmons, DongGuan	2.0
7. Xu, Bayi	1.8
8. McCoy, Fujian	1.8
9. Wang, Bayi	1.7
10. Siler, Shangh.	1.6

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

CROATIA

CUBA

Ciego de Avila on top of Liga Superior - by Eurobasket News
Ciego de Avila jumped on top of the standings at the Liga Superior. The team clinched three wins in four games played. Ciego de Avila opened the tournament against Capitalinos. The teams traded wins. Ciego de Avila claimed a 70:60 victory in the opening game. Yudniel Perez (189-G-84) fired 23 points to pace the charge. Yoan Luis Haiti (200-C-82) had 16 points in the winning effort. Alexis Labastida (187-G-77) replied with 22 points for Capitalinos. Lima Eliecer finished with 13 points in defeat. However the vice-champions rebounded in the second game as they clinched a 76:71 success.
Ciego de Avila however quickly forgot about the defeat and edged Pinar Del Rio twice to improve at 3-1 record on top of the standings. Yudniel Perez poured in 37 points to lead the defending champions in the first game 116:93. The second encounter finished with a 77:64 victory for Ciego de Avila. Yoan Luis Haiti dropped 33 points for the victors. Ruslan Diaz (190-G-82) paced Pinar Del Rio with 33 points.

Standings - LSB

LSB Standings

1. Ciego de Avila	3-1
2. Guantanamo	3-1
3. Capitalinos	3-1
4. Camaguey	3-1
5. Holguin	2-2
6. Pinar	2-2
7. Santiago	0-4
8. Matanzas	0-4

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

CYPRUS

Rick Hughes moves to Madisons Apoel Nicosia - by Interperformances
The 6'9'' Rick Hughes (204-PF/C-73, agency: Interperformances, college: Thomas More) will spent the rest of the 2009/2010 season in Cyprus with Madisons Apoel Nicosia. Currently the team is in top of the Cyprus A division standings with a 11-2 record. Apoel Nicosia is also in the top 16 of the EuroChallenge Cup. The Club is 2nd in group K standings (Scavolini , Chalon and Buducnost) and has a strong chance to finish in the final eight of the EuroChallenge. Rick started the season in the Spanish LEB Gold Leon Breogan. In 13 games he registered 26mpg, 16.3ppg, 6.2rpg 58.9 2FGP, 79.1FT and 1.2apg. Last season he played in Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket and also participated in the EuroChallenge Cup.

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

DENMARK

Basketligaen Round: 23 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Horsens IC - Amager BK 97-100
Round 23 of the Danish Basketligaen was marked with wins by visiting teams in every single matchup. Amager BK was better than their hosts Horsens IC 97-100. Visitors got 26 points from Nerijus Brasas (200-F-85) while Mathias Seilund (201-F-90) added 21. For the hosts, Rickey Claitt (188-G-81, college: Oregon St.) and Brian Johnson had 25 points each.

Aalborg - Naestved 77-82
Naestved recorded away win over Aalborg 77-82. Visitors were led by Mickey Dennis (190-G/F-78, college: JMU) poured in 25 points while Peter Johansen (205-F/C-80, agency: Arik Krayn Services) added 19 and 13 boards. For the hosts, not even 22 points scored by both Dreshawn Vance (203-F/C-85, college: Cal Poly - SLO) and Lasse Kristiansen were enough to avoid defeat.

Aabyhoj - Randers 80-83
Randers played a closely contested game with Aabyhoj and came up with 80-83 victory. Chris Nielsen (192-G/F-85) had 27 points for the winning side, while D.J. Smedley (180-G-84, college: Ill.-Chicago) followed with 19. Edward Morris (203-F-84, college: Pittsburg St.) replied with 26 points and 13 rebounds in loss.

Horsholm - Bakken 71-78
Bakken Bears stole one from Horsholm, winning the contest 71-78. Andreas Jorgensen (190-G/F-84) led the way for winning side with 18 points while Darryl Proctor (193-F-86, college: UMBC) and Chris Christoffersen (218-C-79, college: Oregon) added 16 and 14 points respectively. For the hosts, Jens Hakanowitz had 16 while Jonathan Gilling had 12 points.

SISU - Svendborg 67-76
Finally, Svendborg Rabbits were better than their hosts SISU on their way to 67-76 win. Johnell Smith (186-G-80, college: New Orleans) stepped up for the Rabbits with 19 points. Niccolai Iversen (205-F-80, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: San Jose City JC) had double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Dameon Mason (196-G/F-85, college: LSU) came off the bench to add 13 points. For hosts, Mindaugas Kalvelis had 19 points in loss.

Randers Cimbria is declared bankrupt! - by Thomas Soltau

The financial crisis has hit hard this year in the CDL. First SISU CPH came scarily close to having to declare bankruptcy, now Randers Cimbria Basketball has announced on their website that they will be declared bankrupt by the Danish Tax Agency.

Randers Cimbria Basketball has been part of the best Danish League for a very long time, and it looks like the financial trouble in the club sadly is the reason why they can no longer be part of the best basketball in Denmark.

As of now it looks like the club will be relegated to the 2.div and will have to start the process of fighting their way back to the best league from the beginning of next season.

The team won the bronze medal last season, so today is a very sad day for the Cimbria organization and the players.

Without Allstar, Bakken Gets Win Over SISU - by Evan Thompson
Despite being without star player Torre Johnson (198-F-85, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee), the Bakken Bears were able to defeat SISU Copenhagen in the featured game of the week on Danish television (DK4). Led by Darryl Proctor (193-F-86, college: UMBC) with 22 points, Bakken recorded its 17th win of the season and remains in second place in the overall standings.

The Bakken Bears are three-peat champions of the CDL, but on Thursday, looked mortal relative to their teams in past years. This observation was amplified by the fact that they were playing against a SISU Copenhagen team that has been somewhat broken up due to the effects of the financial crisis.

While Bakken seemed to just get by in the first half, it was SISU's team effort that looked impressive. Point guard Tomas Rinkevicius (178-G-78) controlled the tempo throughout this time and was very vocal offensively. Mychal Kearse (194-G/F-83, college: Mt.St.Mary's) added to the effort by providing much-needed scoring as well as rebounding. However, SISU's solid play would not last.

Midway through the third quarter is when Bakken turned up the heat and began to pull away. After making a run to close the quarter, Bakken opened the fourth quarter with a 61-52 lead. Building on their play, Bakken went on an 11-2 run to start the fourth. The Bears used their deep bench to eventually run SISU out of the gym with a 91-68 win.

Leading Performers:
Bakken Bears - Darryl Proctor (22pts, 4rebs, 2asts)
SISU Copenhagen - Mychal Kearse (14pts, 8rebs, 2asts)

Standings - Basketligaen

Basketligaen Standings

1. Svendborg	20-2
2. Bakken	16-5
3. Horsholm	14-8
4. SISU	13-8
5. Naestved	12-9
6. Aabyhoj	7-14
7. Amager BK	7-15
8. Horsens IC	6-14
9. Aalborg	6-15
10. Randers	6-17

Stats Leaders - Basketligaen

Points Per Game

Torre JOHNSON
  Bakken
  (198-F-85)
  Avg: 23.6

1. Johnson, Bakken	23.6
2. Smith, Svendborg	23.0
3. Kearse, SISU	22.8
4. Morris, Aabyhoj	21.7
5. Nielsen, Randers	20.4
6. Cavanuagh, Aalborg	20.0
7. Johansen, Naestved	18.5
8. Dennis, Naestved	18.5
9. Vance, Aalborg	18.3
10. Seilund, Amager	17.6

Rebounds Per Game

Chris CHRISTOFFERSEN
  Bakken
  (218-C-79)
  Avg: 10.7

1. Christoffers., Bak.	10.7
2. Morris, Aabyhoj	10.4
3. Vance, Aalborg	9.6
4. Willis, Randers	9.3
5. Miskovic, Randers	9.3
6. Iversen, Svendborg	9.2
7. Johansen, Naestved	9.0
8. Cavanuagh, Aalborg	7.7
9. Johnson, Bakken	7.6
10. Johnson, Horsens	7.4

Assists Per Game

D.J. SMEDLEY
  Randers
  (180-G-84)
  Avg: 6.5

1. Smedley, Randers	6.5
2. Rinkevicius, SISU	5.0
3. Jakobsen, Bakken	4.9
4. Bradley, Amager BK	4.8
5. Nielsen, Horsholm	4.7
6. Darboe, Horsholm	4.7
7. Smith, Svendborg	4.1
8. Dennis, Naestved	4.1
9. Claitt, Horsens IC	3.9
10. Thuesen, Bakk.	3.8

Steals Per Game

Johnell SMITH
  Svendborg
  (186-G-80)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Smith, Svendborg	2.8
2. Kearse, SISU	2.1
3. Proctor, Bakken	2.1
4. Fall, Horsens IC	1.8
5. Dennis, Naestved	1.7
6. Nielsen, Horsholm	1.7
7. Morris, Aabyhoj	1.7
8. Iversen, Svendborg	1.7
9. Nielsen, Randers	1.6
10. Kristiansen, Aalbo.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Edward MORRIS
  Aabyhoj
  (203-F-84)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Morris, Aabyhoj	2.6
2. Christoffers., Bak.	2.1
3. Willis, Randers	1.6
4. Johnson, Bakken	1.3
5. Cavanuagh, Aalborg	1.3
6. Miskovic, Randers	1.3
7. Guyton, Aabyhoj	1.2
8. Kalvelis, SISU	1.0
9. Seilund, Amager BK	1.0
10. Hakanowitz, Hor.	0.9

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

D-LEAGUE

D-League Round: 46 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Rio Grande - Albuquerque 114-123
The Albuquerque Thunderbirds rebounded from yesterday's sluggish performance to knock off the Western Conference leading Rio Grande Valley Vipers 123-114 on Wednesday night. Carlos Powell and Antoine Agudio combined to score 51 points for Albuquerque, helping the team improve its season record against the Vipers to 3-4. Carlos Powell led the T-Birds in scoring with 28 points. Agudio added 23, while Edwards (17), Kris Collins (15) and Jason Horton (10) also scored in double figures for Albuquerque. Kurt Looby showcased his full repertoire with 8 points, 11 rebounds and 5 blocks for the T-Birds. Rio Grande Valley's Jermaine Taylor led all scorers with 32 points. Mike Harris added 26 for the Vipers. Albuquerque shot 49.4% from the field, while Rio Grande Valley connected on 47.7% of its shots. The game featured nine ties and six lead changes. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Sioux Falls S. - Idaho S. 121-110
In their first contest this season, the Sioux Falls Skyforce defeated the Idaho Stampede 121-110 in Boise. The Stampede finished with six players scoring in double figures including Taylor with a game high 29, Bryson McKenzie with 15 points and 12 rebounds, Allred with 14 points, Lance Hurdle with 12, and Bergersen and Andre Barrett with 10 points each. Sioux Falls had five players score in double figures including Reggie Williams with a team high 25, Alexander Johnson with 21 points and 16 boards, Raymond Sykes with 20 points, Chris McCray with 19, and Greg Stiemsma with 11. *Courtesy of www.keloland.com

Tulsa 66ers - Utah F. 103-111
In a well-played game that saw both teams shoot over 55 percent from the field, the Tulsa 66ers were defeated by the Utah Flash 111-103 Wednesday night at the McKay Events Center in Orem, UT. The 66ers shot 42-74 (56.8 percent) from the floor, while the Flash came up with 34-point first and fourth quarters en route to shooting 59.2 percent (45-76) for the game. The 66ers (13-13) finished with five players in double-figures. Brown finished with a team-high 21 points, while Shakur had 20 points and six assists. Owens added 18 points, six rebounds and four steals, and Washington came off the bench for 12 points. Ehambe added 10 off the bench as well for Tulsa. The Flash (16-13) were led by Greene with a season-high 32 points, and eight rebounds. Jefferson finished with 19 points, while Carlos Wheeler contributed 16 points and nine boards. Bennet Davis came off the bench to 16 points, and Luke Nevill had 12 points. *Courtesy of www.ourspoertscentral.com

Los Angeles D. - Bakersfield J. 125-122
Except for the knee-length shorts, Wednesday night's contest between Los Angeles D-Fenders and Bakersfield Jam had a mid-80s NBA game look to it, with both teams doing a lot of scoring and not playing much defense. Unfortunately for the Jam, it failed to the get the ball in the basket when it needed to the most, allowing L.A. to escape with a 125-122 victory at Jam Events Center. Michael Fey top-scored in victory with 23 points. Keith Brumbaugh shined in loss with 27 pts and 7 boards.

Iowa E. - Erie Bay H. 101-87
The Erie BayHawks (12-17) could not overcome a 13 point first half deficit, after being outscored 35 - 21 in the second quarter and lost to East Conference leading Iowa Energy (23-6) 101 - 87 at the Tullio Arena. The Energy was led by Jeff Trapagnier with 25 points, shooting 6 of 9 from three point range. Othyus Jeffers added 19 points and Mark Tyndale came off the bench to chip in 16. The BayHawks were led by Jackie Manuel with 25 points, despite shooting just 4 of 10 from the free throw stripe. On the night the BayHawks shot a dismal 45% from from the line. Alade Aminu, freshly named to the NBA D-League All- Star game, added 17 points and Mike Gansey knocked down 15. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Reno Bighorns - Austin T. 106-115
The script was eerily similar to their loss the night before. Once again, the Toros dug themselves an early deficit. Once again, they stormed back. Only this time, the Toros completed their comeback against Reno for a 115-106 victory Wednesday at the Cedar Park Center. Justin Bowen's basket with just over seven minutes to play gave the Toros their first lead. They never gave it back. Bowen (16 points, 11 rebounds), who started but played sparingly in the first half, had 10 fourth-quarter points. The Toros (16-10) also received a late jolt from their bench and were stingy defensively down the stretch. On his second assignment from the Spurs, Malik Hairston again led the Toros with 23 points to go with seven rebounds. But the spark the Toros received from their bench might have been even more critical. Lewis Clinch (17 points) and Roderick Riley (eight points five rebounds) combined for 16 second-quarter points. In defeat, Desmon Farmer had 26 points and 8 rebounds. *Courtesy of www.statesman.com

Maine Red Claws Acquire Cory Underwood in trade with Idaho Stampede for Joe Dabbert - by Surujh Roopnarine
Cory Underwood (6'10''-F/C-80, college: SUNO) is a well-traveled man. This season alone he has had to pack his bags and go from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Halifax, Novia Scotia, to Boise, Idaho and now to Portland, Maine. Making his third stop on the NBA D-league circuit, Underwood was traded from Idaho to Maine in exchange for Dabbert Joe (6'11''-C-81, college: Creighton), who Maine had just acquired. The 6-10 Underwood began the season with the Thunderbirds where he saw action in seven games before being waived and moving to the Halifax Rainmen of the Premier Basketball League. After two games Halifax wound up not being a perfect fit, but then he signed with Idaho and played his last five games there before the trade. In 11 combined D-League games he is averaging 7.1 points and 3.3 rebounds while shooting 53.1% from the field. Dabbert Joe spent the 2008-09 season with the Colorado 14ers under current Stampede Head Coach Bob MacKinnon. Last season the former Creighton center appeared in 50 games, averaging 11.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per contest. Dabbert began this season playing for the Seoul SK Knights of South Korea, but was released in December. In 29 games he averaged 6.9 points and 3.7 rebounds while shooting 66.4% from the field. With the injury to Charlotte Bobcats assignee Alexis Ajinca, Underwood should have an opportunity to contribute to the Red Claws, while Dabbert will fill an inside presence for Idaho who are still without the services of Golden State Warriors call-up Anthony Tolliver.

Standings

D-League Standings

Central Division
1. Iowa E.	23-6
2. Sioux Falls S.	14-13
3. Dakota W.	12-13
4. Erie Bay H.	12-17
5. Ft.Wayne MA	9-17
Southwest Division
1. Rio Grande	21-7
2. Maine R.Claws	18-9
3. Austin T.	16-10
4. Albuquerque	14-13
5. Tulsa 66ers	13-13
West Division
1. Utah F.	16-13
2. Idaho S.	13-12
3. Reno Bighorns	11-14
4. Los Angeles D.	7-15
5. Bakersfield J.	7-20
6. Springfield A.	5-20

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Malik HAIRSTON
  San Antonio S.
  (198-G-87)
  Avg: 29.5

1. Hairston, Austin T.	29.5
2. Almond, Springfi.	26.9
3. Harris, Rio Grande	26.7
4. Williams, Sioux F.	25.7
5. Gaines, Idaho S.	23.9
6. Farmer, Reno B.	23.8
7. Powell, Albuquerque	22.9
8. Taylor, Idaho S.	22.7
9. Howard, Ft.Wayne.	22.4
10. Tolliver, Idaho.	21.4

Rebounds Per Game

Dwayne JONES
  Austin T.
  (211-C-83)
  Avg: 15

1. Jones, Austin T.	15.0
2. Dorsey, Rio Grande	13.2
3. Tolliver, Idaho S.	11.4
4. Kurz, Ft.Wayne MA	10.9
5. Bryant, Erie Bay H.	10.3
6. Reiner, Ft.Wayne.	10.2
7. Harris, Rio Grande	10.0
8. Barron, Iowa E.	9.6
9. Looby, Albuquerque	9.6
10. Cummings, Spri.	9.3

Assists Per Game

Curtis STINSON
  Iowa E.
  (187-G-83)
  Avg: 9.9

1. Stinson, Iowa E.	9.9
2. Conroy, Rio Grande	8.4
3. Jackson, Erie B.	7.6
4. Curry, Springfield A.	7.3
5. Lafayette, Ft.Wayne.	7.0
6. Gaines, Idaho S.	6.9
7. Clinkscales, Erie B.	6.9
8. Shakur, Tulsa 66ers	6.9
9. McLeod, Albuquer.	6.4
10. Anderson, Rio.	6.0

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. Stinson, Iowa E.	2.2
5. Shakur, Tulsa 66ers	2.1
6. Robinson, Reno B.	2.0
7. Baker, Dakota W.	2.0
8. Charlo, Reno B.	1.9
9. Jerrells, Austin T.	1.9
10. Jackson, Erie.	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Gregory STIEMSMA
  Sioux Falls S.
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 3.7

1. Stiemsma, Sioux F.	3.7
2. Looby, Albuquerque	3.6
3. Ajinca, Maine RC	3.1
4. Simmons, Idaho S.	2.9
5. Looby, Rio Grande	2.6
6. Jones, Austin T.	2.0
7. Daniels, Bakersfi.	1.9
8. Trybanski, Reno B.	1.9
9. Simpson, Los A.	1.7
10. Benson, Reno.	1.7

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

EBA

Owens to leave the Avengers ? - by Gianni Pascucci
Eastern Basketball Alliance veteran Daryl Owens (6'2''-G-76, college: Nova CC) informed Usbasket.com that he requested to be released out of his contract with the Alexandria Avengers. He contacted the EBA league office that I would like to become a free agent due to coaching/management issues of the Avengers. Owens says to be currently in discussions with a few EBA teams and will sign next week. As a veteran in the league since '99 he knows what it take to become a championship team, and his signing could be a very significant move for his new team.

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

EUROCHALLENGE

EUROLEAGUE

Sportingbet MVP for January: Milos Teodosic, Olympiacos - by Eurobasket News
Even a highly talented young player must climb from learner to role player to contributor - with stops and starts along the way - before he can star at a major club. The new decade's first month might well be remembered as the one in which Milos Teodosic (195-G-87) of Olympiacos, Euroleague Basketball's choice as Sportingbet MVP for January, made a giant leap in the direction of stardom. In three victories bridging two rounds during January, the 22-year-old point guard proved himself a true floor general for the constellation of older stars at Olympiacos. To start the month, he played the most minutes for the Reds in their decisive road win at Efes Pilsen, sharing weekly MVP honors in the process. In the regular season finale, he produced without needing to score by posting team-high totals in assists, steals and - get this - blocked shots as Olympiacos was just the second team in almost three months to beat Partizan. Finally, to start off the Top 16, he directed Olympiacos to a second major road win, over Caja Laboral, in a game that required leadership through many spectacular twists and turns. It was no accident, at the end of January, to find that Teodosic not only had the best average performance index rating of all Euroleague players for the month, but is also the highest-rated Euroleague point guard thus far in the 209-10 season. Most of all, helped make sure that an Olympiacos team with high expectations met them with flying colors in the crucial month of January.

The Sportingbet MVP of the Month honor is in its sixth season. Although statistics and performance ratings are taken into consideration for the award, they alone do not determine who is honored. The winner is named by Euroleague Basketball based on his and his team's performance. The award for January was decided considering the last two regular season games played by all teams during that month and the first game of the Top 16. Sportingbet, a Euroleague Basketball partner, is the new sponsor of the MVP of the Month award. Just as the best Euroleague player each month combines performance and leadership for success, so does Sportingbet's sponsorship communicate its conviction to be the best betting brand in European basketball.

Although Olympiacos was already qualified for the Top 16, it opened 2010 with the higher goal of winning its regular season group despite an injury to team leader Theodoros Papaloukas. The Reds had quickly hired another veteran point guard, Scoonie Penn, for their potential group-clinching trip to play Efes Pilsen in Istanbul, but Teodosic was more than ready to step up. The second-youngest player to take the floor in that game, Teodosic stayed for 41 minutes, providing key points and assists in the second half and overtime, when his game-tying triple and go-ahead pass sparked the Reds to an 85-93 victory. When the buzzer sounded, Teodosic had 17 points to go with 12 assists - only five people have ever dished more in a Euroleague game - for a performance index rating of 34, which tied Teodosic for that week's MVP honor. More importantly, Olympiacos now had a grip on first place in its group. Next, Olympiacos avenged an earlier loss to Partizan with a resounding 81-60 home win to finish the regular season. (In its very next game, Partizan would defeat Olympiacos rival Panathinaikos in Athens to open the Top 16.) Against Partizan, Teodosic took fewer shots but was no less effective, dishing 9 more assists to go with 4 steals and 3 blocked shots - an unheard-of figure for a point guard. Next came perhaps the month's biggest challenge as Olympiacos started the Top 16 as the only regular-season winner that had to play a second-seeded team on the road. In a tremendously entertaining game at Caja Laboral in Vitoria, Spain, the Reds prevailed 85-89 as Teodosic again made major contributions all night long: 14 points, 6 assists and decisive connections with Papaloukas in the closing minutes for a tandem that must be a dangerous thought for any Olympiacos opponent.

By the end of January, Teodosic had some great raw numbers to contemplate: 13 points, 9 assists, 2.3 steals and a 25.3 index rating per game. Most impressive of all, perhaps were his turnovers - or lack of them - only 1 per game despite playing an average of 34 minutes, with the ball in his hands almost every time down the floor. And though he can score from anywhere, Teodosic spent the month racking up his Euroleague career highs in other, team-oriented categories: assists (12), steals (4), blocks (3), index rating (34) and minutes (41). Olympiacos moves forward out of January with the certain knowledge that its young point guard can be relied on as a complete player ready to lead in any way necessary to help the team win. With two of the month's major victories having come on the road, the Olympiacos fans in Pireaus will no doubt be ready to show their appreciation when Milos Teodosic receives his January MVP award at an upcoming home game.

Courtesy of Euroleague

Standings

Euroleague Standings

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

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Matt WALSH
  U.Olimpija
  (197-F/G-82)
  Avg: 17.3

1. Walsh, U.Olimpija	17.3
2. Kleiza, Olympiakos	17.2
3. Maric, Partizan	16.8
4. Woods, Assec.Pr.	16.5
5. Batiste, Panathin.	15.9
6. Logan, Assec.Pr.	15.7
7. Langdon, CSKA	15.5
8. Tomas, Cibona	15.2
9. Childress, Olympiakos	15.1
10. Teletovic, Caja.	14.8

Rebounds Per Game

Travis WATSON
  Zalgiris
  (203-F/C-81)
  Avg: 10.7

1. Watson, Zalgiris	10.7
2. Maric, Partizan	9.1
3. Kleiza, Olympiakos	7.6
4. Khryapa, CSKA	7.4
5. Roberts, Partizan	7.3
6. Woods, Assec.Pr.	6.6
7. Javtokas, Khimky	6.4
8. Splitter, Caja L.	6.2
9. Asik, Fener.Ulker	6.0
10. Fotsis, Panathinaik.	5.8

Assists Per Game

Thodoros PAPALOUKAS
  Olympiakos
  (200-G-77)
  Avg: 6.7

1. Papaloukas, Olymp.	6.7
2. Cook, Unicaja	5.5
3. Popovic, Lietuvos.	5.4
4. Rubio, Regal Barca	5.2
5. McIntyre, Montepas.	4.8
6. Khryapa, CSKA	4.5
7. Teodosic, Olympiakos	4.4
8. Spanoulis, Panath.	4.3
9. Sciarra, Orleans	4.2
10. Huertas, Caja.	4.0

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. Gordon, Cibona	2.0
5. Dobbins, Orleans	1.9
6. Khryapa, CSKA	1.9
7. McIntyre, Montepas.	1.8
8. Smith, Efes Pilsen	1.8
9. Perperoglou, Panath.	1.8
10. Diamantidis, Pana.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Slavko VRANES
  Partizan
  (229-C-83)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Vranes, Partizan	1.9
2. Fischer, Maccabi .	1.5
3. Sow, Assec.Prokom	1.4
4. Asik, Fener.Ulker	1.4
5. Vazquez, Regal B.	1.3
6. Begic, Zalgiris	1.3
7. Lasme, Maccabi T-A	1.3
8. Lavrinovic, MMC R.	1.3
9. Morris, Regal B.	1.3
10. Javtokas, Khim.	1.2

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

FINLAND

Stats Leaders - Korisliiga

Points Per Game

Ricky HICKMAN
  Namika Lahti
  (190-G-85)
  Avg: 24.3

1. Hickman, Namika Lahti	24.3
2. Washington, KTP	22.5
3. Trotter, ToPo	22.2
4. Golson, Karhu	19.7
5. Turner, LrNM.	19.6
6. Lowe, Pyrinto	19.6
7. Wood, Karhu	18.9
8. Rouse, Namika L.	18.7
9. Hester, Pyrinto	18.7
10. Belser, Hon.	18.6

Rebounds Per Game

Jeremiah WOOD
  Karhu
  (200-F-85)
  Avg: 14.4

1. Wood, Karhu	14.4
2. McDade, KTP	12.1
3. Vinson, FoKoPo	12.1
4. Kaunisto, Kouvot	10.8
5. Stamper, LrNM.	10.5
6. Williams, Pyrinto	10.3
7. Rouse, Namika L.	10.1
8. Hamm, Salon Vilpas	10.0
9. Kotti, Honka	9.9
10. Smith, Kar.	9.4

Assists Per Game

Jeremiah WOOD
  Karhu
  (200-F-85)
  Avg: 4.9

1. Wood, Karhu	4.9
2. Hickman, Namika Lahti	4.1
3. Trotter, ToPo	3.8
4. Gibson, LrNM.	3.7
5. Williams, Pyrinto	3.7
6. Burgess, Salon Vilpas	3.4
7. Sarcevic, Korihait	3.0
8. Jarvinen, LrNM.	3.0
9. Suonio, Namika Lahti	3.0
10. Stewart, FoKo.	2.8

Steals Per Game

Matthew GIBSON
  LrNMKY
  (196-G-84)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Gibson, LrNM.	3.2
2. Trotter, ToPo	3.1
3. Hickman, Namika Lahti	2.7
4. Golson, Karhu	2.5
5. Belser, Honka	2.1
6. Turner, LrNM.	2.0
7. Wood, Karhu	2.0
8. Clarkson, Kataja	1.9
9. Washington, KTP	1.9
10. Bradford, Kata.	1.9

Blocks Per Game

J''son STAMPER
  LrNMKY
  (200-F/C-85)
  Avg: 1

1. Stamper, LrNM.	1.0
2. Hickman, Namika Lahti	0.8
3. Hudson, Korihait	0.8
4. Chones, Kataja	0.7
5. Niskanen, Karhu	0.7
6. Pearson, ToPo	0.7
7. Moye, Kouvot	0.7
8. Shiloh, Kouvot	0.7
9. Turner, LrNM.	0.6
10. Champion, FoKo.	0.6

KORISLIIGA: Two technical fouls - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Korisliiga, round 30: No big upsets tonight. Pyrinto (Tampere) almost crushed Karhu (Kauhajoki) 106-85, when hosting team got 65 points from their three American players.
Reggie Golson (201-F-81, agency: Court Side, college: SE Missouri St.) scored 30 pts for Karhu. Torpan Pojat (Helsinki) beat YMCA Lahti 109-96. Tyray Pearson (201-F-80, college: Iowa St.) and Obie Trotter (186-G-84, college: Alabama A&M) netted 24 pts both. YMCA Lahti, last season Finnish Champion, is missing Ilkka Vuori (on injured list) and Vesa Makalainen (in Sweden) a lot. Team's defense is much weaker than last year (difference 11 pts/game). Ricky Hickman

(190-G-85, agency: Court Side, college: NC-Greensboro) led again Lahti with 27 pts. Korihait (Uusikaupunki) took an important victory, when defeating Kataja (Joensuu) 77-67. Josh Gonner (188-G-82, college: S.Carolina) led the hosts with 18 pts and Kristian Clarkson (202-F-84, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Widener) the visitors with 25 pts and 13 rbs. Sami Lehtoranta (205-C/F-79) was back in action (16 pts). KTP (Kotka) again tough at home court. Honka (Espoo) had to admit also that after a 95-84 loss. Honka had 'bad luck' during the second quarter. First American G Carl Elliott (193-G-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington) got two technical fouls and his game was over (played only 13:42 minutes). Then Clifton Jones (201-F-78, college: Oregon St.) (KTP) fouled against G Anselmi Vanjoki (193-G-88) in the way, that Vanjoki hurt his back - and he could not play at all during the second half. In the same time KTP newcomer G Ian Young (191-G-81, college: Auburn) scored game high 24 pts and led his new team to victory. And Honka had just four players on the court during the last 41 seconds. The only win on the road at Forssa, where FoKoPo scored only 75 pts and that was 10 pts less than Kouvot (Kouvola) was able to score. The Player of January Ross Neltner (206-F-85, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Vanderbilt) led Kouvot with 20 pts.
Pyrinto - Kauhajoki 106-85 (55-46) (Chris Hester 25, Kenny Lowe 22, Damon Williams 18/13 - Reggie Golson 30, Jeremiah Wood 18).
Torpan Pojat - YMCA Lahti 109-96 (54-56) (Tyray Pearson 24, Obie Trotter 24, Samuel Haanpaa 17 - Ricky Hickman 27, Corey Rouse 21/12, Pasi Pekkola 16).
Korihait - Kataja 77-67 (42-32) (Josh Gonner 18, Darryl Hudson 16, Petri Heinonen 12 - Kristian Clarkson 25/13, Sami Lehtoranta 16, Tim Whitworth 11).
KTP - Honka 95-84 (53-47) (Ian Young 24, Isaac Spencer 19/11, Ryan McDade 15/13 - Corey Belser 24, Tuukka Kotti 23/12, Tuomas Iisalo 15).
FoKoPo - Kouvot 75-85 (37-40) (Rodrick Stewart 15, Alex Barnett 15, Durell Vinson 14 - Ross Neltner 20, Antti Kanervo 16, Antto Nikkarinen 14).

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

GERMANY

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners Want No Rabbits Foot On The Court Against Ratiopharm Ulm On February 6th - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Despite an unsatisfactory 7-13 record in the first half, Ratiopharm Ulm started the second half trying to gather luck with a five day trip to China and having Mike Taylor and Per Gunther (185-G-88, agency: Rasmussen Services) play the trumpet at a local radio station to get the team on a positive route, but having Ratiopharm Ulm sneak a rabbits foot into the Ballsporthalle court is something that The Deutsche Bank Skyliners will have to keep an eye on as they welcome Ratiopharm Ulm on Saturday February 6th at 17:40. The Ratiopharm Ulm mascot is a fun loving faithful rabbit named spass (fun) that resembles Bugs Bunny, but if it sneaks into the Ballsporthalle, it will have to be alert not to be caught. 'Frankfurt has to trap the rabbit in a corner and chop off its paws', stressed Phoenix Hagen guard Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Morehead St.). There might also be other ways to torture the poor rabbit for making the big mistake of making the journey to Frankfurt. 'Frankfurt will punish the rabbit for its lack of size, cut off its fur and kick it out of the arena and make it freeze', joked 2008-2009 BEKO BBL scoring leader Omari Westley

(201-F-82, college: Cleveland St.)

(201-F-82, college: Cleveland St.) 'If Frankfurt plays their game, then our mascot Spass wont have anything to laugh about', stated Jerome Bridgewater (193-F-89).

Recently Ratiopharm Ulm coach Mike Taylor and German national player Per Gunther (185-G-88, agency: Rasmussen Services) visited a local radio station in Ulm to test their talent at blowing all their air into a trumpet. This act was a promotional gag from the team in preparation for the last home game against Phoenix Hagen. Ratiopharm Ulm had had very much misfortune earlier in the season losing a nail bitter 76-75, a game they had as good as won until Chase Griffin (188-G-83, college: Pepperdine) was fouled near the end and drained three free throws. The motto of Ratiopharm Ulm for the home game against Phoenix Hagen was to blow the opponent out of the Kuhberg Halle and that is exactly what they did winning 87-72. This action gave the gang of Mike Taylor very much luck and possibly the club should think of a team song that might give them some extra luck in the second half of the season. Two songs that sound very delicious just from the titles are Touch a four leaf clover from Atlantic Star or Lucky man from Emerson Lake and Palmer, while other players have their own ideas of how music could help Ratiopharm Ulm. 'I think the song You cant see me from Tu Pac would help them', stressed ex Nordlingen forward Omari Westley

(201-F-82, college: Cleveland St.) Another player looks to a neighboring team of Ratiopharm Ulm for inspiration. 'They should look to Tuebingen and get some of that Tiger magic and have the song Eye of the tiger', joked Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Morehead St.) of Phoenix Hagen.

Even though The Deutsche Bank Skyliners have made it pretty clear that despite being chopped to pieces in the zone in Tuebingen allowing 42 points, they are not going to get a big guy, but continue to pursue a guard. Finding out possible guard candidates from coach Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ) is about as difficult as deciding if there is any difference to Lady Gaga with or without a mask. However one player that Frankfurt should keep in the back of their mind is ex Giessen 46er combo guard Ricky Hickman

(190-G-85, agency: Court Side, college: NC-Greensboro) who is leading the Finish league in scoring with 24,1ppg, 5,0rpg, 4,3apg and 2,7spg. If Hickman were available then he would be a huge help for any team not only Frankfurt. However guard or no guard, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners should be dreaming of a big guy landing on the Ballsporhalle court on Saturday, but instead Ratiopharm Ulm recently got a big guy in Kevin Martin (208-C-83, college: Florida Gulf Coast) who is a 26 year old, 135 kilo 208cm center from Maplewood, New Jersey. He played at Wagner and had some productive seasons at Klosternburg in Austria having a double double season averaging 15,4ppg and 10,7rpg in 2006-2007. 'Martin will definitely help Ratiopharm Ulm on the boards. He is strong on the boards, plays with a lot of energy and hurt us last weekend', stressed Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Morehead St.). Even though Ratiopharm Ulm is doing a solid job on the boards this season, thinking about the legacy of Jeff Gibbs

(188-F-80, college: Otterbein) always lingers and getting a player like him will probably never happen again, but not hesitating to think about it is difficult. 'Ratiopharm Ulm needs to find a lab and make a clone of Jeff Gibbs

(188-F-80, college: Otterbein) or they could do like in the movie Space Jam and get a magic basketball and steal his talent. Martin just has to be his best on the boards and just be a big figure. Gibbs was king under the boards', added Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Morehead St.). With Martin, you have a guy who is 20 cm taller than Gibbs. 'To be like Gibbs, you need a guy who can rebound and be tougher than the opponent and I think Martin will be able to do the job', stressed Walter Tigers Tuebingen guard Steven Wright

(191-G-83, college: N.Kentucky). 'Ulm has been missing a special piece all season long, but maybe Kevin Martin (208-C-83, college: Florida Gulf Coast) is that missing piece. It is always hard to fill that big hole left by Jeff Gibbs

(188-F-80, college: Otterbein) under the basket', stressed Jerome Bridgewater (193-F-89).

At the weekly press conference at the Deutsche Bank Skyliner facilities BCM, Skyliner coach Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ) and Sport director Kamil Novak made it clear that there continues to be a limited budget and the new player could be at home at a few positions, but there is no rush at the moment for him to fly in. It is no secret that Quantez Robertson (190-G-84, college: Auburn), Grayson Moyer (196-G-86, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Humboldt St.), Fabian Franke (198-F-88) and Seth Doliboa (203-F-80, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Wright St.) (like a rookie only second year in Europe) are all rookies and the team is being carried by the older players. 'We have many good character players, but we have a nice team at the moment we can take some time. In Turkey we say dont feed the baby that dont cry. We could use a back up point guard so Pascal Roller

(180-G-76) can continue to focus on his shot at the two position which he is shooting like a layup. We can also use a three position player to help with rebounding and a position five player. There are some spaces that need fixing, but we dont know yet which player will fit that missing piece', warned Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ).

It was not a surprise too any one that it would not be a cake walk for Ratiopharm Ulm this season especially in the early part after the team lost so many strong players last season like fan favourite Mr Ulm Jeff Gibbs

(188-F-80, college: Otterbein), calm point guard Dru Joyce, Mr comical Romeo Travis

(201-F-84, agency: Reed Athlete Management, college: Akron), defense specialist Keith Triplett, the human shark Sean Finn

(212-C-82, college: Dayton), the heart and soul of the team Emeka Erege (193-G-78, college: Davidson) and versatile Dan Fitzgerald. The team has a small core remaining from last season with German National player Per Gunther who is still finding his game rhythm, forward Sebastian Betz

(200-F-85, agency: Pro One Sports) and 2006 and 2007 NCAA champion with Florida Lee Humphrey (188-G-84, college: Florida). The team has had a slow start currently in 13th pl ace with a record of 8-13. They had some big wins against Bamberg, Bremerhaven, BG Goettingen and Oldenburg, so they are definitely a team that can beat any team on any night. 'Ratiopharm Ulm has many talented players that can go one on one and play to their strengths, can get up and down the floor, can defend and are athletic. I remember in our win at home, our zone trap bothered them for a little in the first quarter, but once they settled, they jumped on us. They showed how explosive they can be as they got up by 16 points in the second half. We fought back and were lucky to win on the free throws by Chase Griffin' (188-G-83, college: Pepperdine), stressed Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Morehead St.). 'Ratiopharm Ulm is a good team with great guards and a solid big man with Coleman Collins

(206-F-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Virginia Tech)', stated ex Paderborn Basket Steven Wright

(191-G-83, college: N.Kentucky).

However the record of 8-13 speaks for itself as Ratiopharm Ulm not only has problems on offense and defense, but is also inconsistent. The team has never won more than two games in a row this season and have a 1-9 record on the road. 'We have been struggling on the road and get good minutes in the first quarter, but are not able to finish strong or compete for 40 minutes. We run too many plays on offense and guys are confused. It has been difficult to integrate the new players. We have a thin bench, an eight man rotation and guys like Sebastian Betz

(200-F-85, agency: Pro One Sports) and John Bryant (201-F-82, college: St.Joseph's) arent getting enough minutes', stressed Ratiopharm Ulm German Jerome Bridgewater (193-F-89). 'Being inconsistent goes back to their one on one play. Often they break plays when they shouldnt or try to make plays that arent there', commented Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Morehead St.). Ratiopharm Ulm can definitely score points, but the offense seems too one dimensional at times. 'Our offense is too reliable on Christian Burns (203-F-85, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Philadelphia). Other guys need to step up their games. At times Burns should take better shots. He could be a lot more effective. He lives from his incredible speed as many four position guys cant stop him', warned Jerome Bridgewater (193-F-89). Ratiopharm Ulm also is not the strongest defensive team in the BEKO BBL as they have allowed more than 80 points 13 times. 'We are weak on defense and have problems getting any boards. Collins has problems stopping guys in the post, Trice gambles too much about what could happen next, Burns is undersized for the four spot and Rowland and Gunther arent physical enough', expressed Jerome Bridgewater (193-F-89).

Mike Taylor is not only known as a good players coach and motivator, but also a first class recruiter as he put together another strong team that could be one of the most talented teams in the BBL this season with potent Americans and Germans. The most spectacular signing was 25 year old 191cm forward Roderick Trice

(191-F-84, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: S.Carolina) from Georgia that could probably make a living touring the world dunking, but is too versatile and valuable to basketball to do that. He has made a big splash in Germany tearing up the PRO A two years ago with Cuxhaven and last year with MEG Goettingen leading the team into the playoffs averaging 11.7ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.5apg, Steals-1 (2.6spg), FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 26.7%, FT: 69.6% in 34 games. This season he is averaging 12,0ppg, 5,8rpg and 2,0apg. He has scored in double figures 17 times. The team also picked up 23 year old 206 cm American Coleman Collins

(206-F-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Virginia Tech) who is a big man that runs the floor well and played in the BBL in 2007-2008 with ENBW Ludwigsburg averaging 10.6ppg, 4.1rpg, 2FGP: 58.3%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 70.1% in 33 games. He almost made the Phoenix Suns last season, but played in the D League for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants averaging 11.2ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 48.4%, FT: 75.1% in 46 games. This season, Collins is averaging 11,7ppg, 4,8rpg and 1,2apg. He has scored in double figures 13 times.

The team also signed 24 year old 203 cm Christian Burns (203-F-85, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Philadelphia) who is a real bruiser and played in Portugal last season for FC Porto Ferpinta (Portugal-UZO Liga, starting five): 22 games: Score-3 (18.9ppg), 7.3rpg, 1.5apg, 1.1spg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 21.4%, FT: 69.7%. He currently is the leading scorer of Ulm averaging 15,9ppg, 6,5rpg and 1,2apg. He had his break out game in a one point loss in Hagen with 23 points and 14 rebounds. He has scored in double figures 16 times. 'Burns is a tough cover, because he is not your typical pick and pop player. He has the handle of a guard so he can break down any big off the dribble. He is pretty physical and has a nice mid range jumper', stressed Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Morehead St.)

The team started with American rookie Kevin Kanaskie (193-G-86, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Middle Tenn.St.), but he had problems adjusting to the fast type of play in the BEKO BBL and had to depart. The club returned an old known face to Ulm with American Austen Rowland (186-G-81, agency: Court Side, college: Lehigh) who had played there in 2006-2007 as he led the BEKO BBL in assists with 6,0. He registered 18 assists in a game against TBB Trier. Last season, he played in Austria for Furstenfeld averaging 9,4ppg, 1,8rpg and 4,2apg. He won the Austrian Cup in 2009. He has court vision and can do everything a point guard should be able to do. It was a very smart pick up by Mike Taylor . Currently Rowland is averaging 9,7ppg, 1,3rpg and 3,7apg. He has scored in double figures in three games, but has only been with the team for a short time. German national player Per Gunther (185-G-88, agency: Rasmussen Services) started the season as the starting point guard, but now has taken a step back coming from the bench, but he has taken this new change with class. He is averaging 6,5ppg, 2,1rpg and 2,8apg. He has scored in double figures in four games this season.

Ratiopharm Ulm rounded the roster with getting 27 year old 201 cm forward John Bryant (201-F-82, college: St.Joseph's) who has a lot of experience having played in the States, England, and Australia. He is a powerful player, who provides a strong defensive presence inside. He has great leadership and work ethic. He is a guy that will help the young guys and give 180% each time he comes into the game. This season he is averaging 3,3ppg and 3,7rpg. The team also got an old friend back with 25 year old 180 cm guard Christian Grosse who played in Ulm from 2001-2007 and then played in Rhoendorf and then retired in 2008. Now he is back and ready to warm the bench and hope for playing time. Mike Taylor also has youth to develop with German Jerome Bridgewater (193-F-89), Nemanja Kekic and Darko Jukic from Denmark.

The team brought back 25 year old 188 cm guard Lee Humphrey (188-G-84, college: Florida), who is probably best known for breaking the netting in a college game on account of his fast shot. Last season, he played 36 games averaging 10.9ppg, 1.1rpg, FGP: 46.7%, 3PT: 43.9%, FT: 77.6%. When he is hot, he can be as efficient from three point land the same way Pascal Roller

(180-G-76) is from the free throw line. He is still looking for his consistency with his shot this season as he is averaging 9,2ppg, 1,5rpg and 1,2apg. He is shooting 42% from the field and 39% from three point land. 24 year old 200cm forward Sebastian Betz

(200-F-85, agency: Pro One Sports) is a a young, hardworking wing who provides energy, defensive effort and consistent three point shooting. Last season, he was about as consistent as a player could be coming in and often scoring very much in limited time as he averaged 5.2ppg, 1.5rpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 54.9% in 36 games averaging 10 minutes per game.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners will also have their second meeting with ex TV Langen player Robin Benzing

(208-F-89), who made such a giant leap as a player last summer in the German National team, but many Frankfurt fans were unhappy that Frankfurt was unable to sign him. The reasons and speculation why Benzing was not able to put on a Skyliner shirt this season have been varied, but the idea that Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ) did not want him are false. 'Who wouldnt want a god given talent? We wanted him more than a German beer or champagne', stressed Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ). Benzing made his mark in the German National team training camp and reached the pinnacle of starting many games for Germany at The European Championships in Poland. In 6 games, Benzing averaged 5.5ppg, 1.7rpg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 91.7% after tearing up the PRO A last season averaging 22.2ppg), 5.0rpg, 2.0apg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 53.1%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 80.0%. Benzing is 20 years old and has been labelled as a diva by some except for his new coach Mike Taylor who has no problem keeping him grounded.

'Robin Benzing

(208-F-89) keeps himself in line because he is an excellent player and quality person. When I think of Robin, 'diva' is no way I would ever describe him. Robin is a hardworking team player who has tremendous talent and great potential. What impresses me is how grounded he is after all of his success this summer with the National team. I absolutely love to work with Robin and believe in him completely. Robin will earn his success because he works for it and I am happy to help him improve', stressed Mike Taylor . For captain Pascal Roller

(180-G-76), after seeing Benzing on TV and practicing with him last season, he will play his second pro game against him. 'Benzing made a huge jump with the National team. I didnt really get to know him so well since he wasnt at many practices, but from what I saw, he is a very mobile power forward and can shot from outside. If he has the goal to play international, then he has to get stronger', added Pascal Roller

(180-G-76). Benzing has played very solid this season as he is averaging 11,9ppg, 2,2rpg and 1,1apg. His shooting is not top notch yet at 37% form the field and 31% from outside, but players are already getting a lot of respect for him. 'Robin is very talented. He is still young and I am sure he will improve his rebounding with time and work', stressed Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Morehead St.). If The Deutsche Bank Skyliners will keep an extra eye on Robin Benzing

(208-F-89) seems not to be an issue. 'We have no special plan just to stop Benzing. We are concentrating on all their players. We are looking to stop Ratiopharm Ulm and will have no special defense on him', stressed Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ).

In the last three years, Frankfurt has a 4-3 record against Ratiopharm Ulm. The Eric Chadfield buzzer beater will for some reason always be stuck in the minds of people. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners have a positive 2-1 record in the Ballsporthalle. Last season, Frankfurt lost 74-69, but got a strong game form ex Skyliner Lorenzo Gordon

(201-F-83, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Oklahoma City) who scored 23 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. In the first meeting this season, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners dominated the game in Ulm and put on a scoring display led by 23 points by Seth Doliboa (203-F-80, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Wright St.) as the club prevailed 95-82.Frankfurt shot an astronomical 57% from the field and easily won the rebounding fight 34-25. Ratiopharm ulm did a great job only having seven turnovers.

Omari Westley

(201-F-82, college: Cleveland St.) who won the 2008-2009 BEKO BBL scoring title might be thousands of miles away in Kuwait, but even when his birthday is only hours away, he always has time for a quick scouting report of players for eurobasket. Westley might consider becoming a scout or assistant coach after his playing days, because he has very much knowledge about the game and players for a 28 year old. Westley is earning his dough in Kuwait and remembers Lee Humphrey (188-G-84, college: Florida), Per Gunther (185-G-88, agency: Rasmussen Services) and Roderick Trice very well from his duels against Ratiopharm Ulm from last season and has some tips for The Deutsche Bank Skyliners about these three players. 'You cant give Humphrey any open jump shots, because that is his best shot and all that he does all day long just taking jumpers from all over the court. However Frankfurt should go at him on offense, because it is safe to say that he doesnt play much defense. Gunther is a nice young guard who is very crafty and will penetrate looking to dish so I would make him finish at the rim. He doesnt shoot a lot so I would let him shoot until he makes a shot and then guard him. Per and Lee are small guards so Frankfurt will have mismatches all day long and that is how Frankfurt should take advantage of them. Trice is a crazy athlete. If you dont box him out then you will get dunked on. He has a good cross over and likes the mid range jumper. The mid range is his bet shot unless he is dunking. He can take the three, but isnt a volume shooter. He is good at defense, because he is long and plays the passing lanes well like Lebron does and is gambling a lot so Frankfurt should slow him down on offense and make him work on defense', warned Ohio native Omari Westley

(201-F-82, college: Cleveland St.)

After the bitter loss to The Walter Tigers Tuebingen last weekend and the 42 allowed points in the zone, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners will be looking to put up a big snow wall in the zone. If Ratiopharm Ulm is smart, then they should try to go inside and try their luck the same way Tuebingen did. However Steven Wright

(191-G-83, college: N.Kentucky) of The Walter Tigers Tuebingen doesnt see Frankfurt having problems inside again the way they did in Tuebingen. 'Frankfurt needs to play from the inside out. Ulm only have Collins, Burns and Bryant. Frankfurt will have to keep an eye on Burns. I made first team All American Division 2 with him. He plays with a lot of energy and can score inside out', stressed Steven Wright

(191-G-83, college: N.Kentucky). Frankfurt will have the home court advantage and seem to have the upper hand on offensive fire power as well. 'Frankfurt has to play their game. Ratiopharm Ulm will. Struggle no matter what. Ulm does not have enough options or answers on offense', stressed Jerome Bridgewater (193-F-89). Ratiopharm Ulm is a very talented ball club, but for a win, they will need for very much to go right. 'Ratiopharm Ulm has to establish the post more and take quality shots and not forcing anything (that is what Mike Taylor always says). The club hasnt really played excellent team ball as the roles arent established yet. Trice, Burns and Collins too often try to be the man. Gunther has to win the battle of the German point guards against Pascal Roller

(180-G-76) and show that he is the next generation of German point guards', warned Jerome Bridgewater (193-F-89). Winning a ball game doesnt always depend on the Xs and Os, but simply the desire and fire of a team. 'The team that plays tougher will win. The harder a team plays will outweigh the talent that you play against', stressed Omari Westley

(201-F-82, college: Cleveland St.) The Deutsche Bank Skyliners host Ratiopharm Ulm On Saturday February 6th at 17:40.

Ade Dagunduro (MBC) Ready To Unleash Another Weapon In The Second Half Of The BEKO BBL Season - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Adeola Dagunduro (196-G-86, college: Nebraska) is a 23 year old 196cm guard from Inglewood, California that is playing his first season in the BEKO BBL for the MBC Wolves. He grew up a few steps from the legendary Forum which was home to NBA legends like Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul Jaabar and James Worthy. He started his career at Antelope Valley junior college before transfering to Nebraska. In the 2007-2008 season, he played 33 games averaging 8.9ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 49.1%, 3Pts: 36.4%, FT: 60.6%. In his senior year, he played 31 games averaging 12.8ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 52.0%, 3Pts: 34.4%, FT: 69.7%. He took some time to talk to eurobasket about his rookie season with MBC.

You are a BEKO BBL rookie and are playing your first season in Germany. How do you like it here?

I like the country and league. Before I came to Germany, Many guys who had played in Germany had told me that the league wasnt as strong, but now since playing here I have to say in belongs to the top leagues behind Spain, Italy, Greece and Turkey.

MBC had a great start at 6-2, but since then have a record of 4-7. What have been the reasons for less successful play recently?

I feel that at the start teams underestimated us. Many thought that we would finish last, which helped us be successful. Since the league has gotten to know us better, teams have scouted us better and executed their game plan better.

MBC is still having a solid season at 10-9 and is in 8th place. What is the secret of the success?

I think the key of our success is that we have a young team and young coach and we play with a lot of ease. We dont feel any pressure and just have fun on the court.

How are you getting used to the quick play with MBC? Is their style similar to what you experienced with Nebraska in the NCAA?

MBC plays similar to what we played at Nebraska with this pressing style. I think that my experience with Nebraska helped me get used to the style with MBC.

Coach Bjorn Harmsen is very young and looks like a professor. What is his biggest strength on the court?

He knows exactly what he is doing and knows the game so well. He studies the game very much and has the mind of a professor who is a lot older.

Your averaging 9,0ppg, 4,6rpg, and 1,6apg. You are very athletic and can shoot very well. What is something else that you do well on the court, that nobody knows about.

I have a pretty strong mid range game. I havent really used this part of my game in the BEKO BBL, but always used it in college. I want to start using it more in the second half of the season.

How is it living in Weissenfels? It must not be much different to the countryside of Nebraska?

Both places are very cold, but Weissenfels is smaller. I think I have an advantage to other Americans that come from big cities, because I am used to the smaller place than they are.

You are an American, but have Nigerian roots. How was your childhood in Inglewood, California?

I had an interesting childhood. My dad was from Nigeria and my mom from Los Angeles. I had two different perspectives on life with two different cultures. I felt this helped me grow as a person and I was one of the few guys that had this opportunity while growing up.

I guess you often visited the old Forum where The Los Angeles Lakers played?

I grew up practically 20 seconds from the Forum. I am a huge Lakers fan and was often hanging around the arena.

Who were your NBA idols as a kid?

Anybody from the Los Angeles Lakers. But I also idolized Hakeem Olajuwon who is from Nigeria. As a kid, I thought he was my uncle, because my father always told everyone he was. There is this tradition in Nigeria that you call anyone older than you uncle in Nigeria. Later I found out that he wasnt my uncle.

After what NBA player would you describe your game too?

Paul Pierce is from Inglewood just like me. He does a little bit of everything on the court just like me with driving, shooting and redounding.

What was your nicest experience at Nebraska in the NCAA?

When we knocked off higher ranked teams. It was always great seeing the fans rush out on the court after wins.

Who was the best player that you played against at Nebraska that might be in the NBA now?

Michael Beasley from the Miami Heat, who was the second NBA pick last year.He was bigger than everyone else and just was a dominating force.

What was your most craziest shot that you ever took in a game or practice?

It was a half court shot in Junior College with one second to tie the game. I couldnt believe that I made the shot.

Who would win a one on one game on the court? You or Wayne Bernard?

That is a tough call. I think I would win in the end by using my strength and break him down in the low post.

What are your hobbies?

I like to read and watch soccer. It is my favourite sport and I am happy that I have Eurosport and can watch a lot of soccer. My pick to win the World Cup is Nigeria.

What would you like to do after your basketball career?

I would like to do social work and help kids that might not have two parents or come from unstable homes.

What was the last DVD that you saw?

Oceans 13.
Thanks Ade for the chat. Good luck the rest of the season.
.

Jason Boone (BG Goettingen) Post Game Thoughts To 67-57 Win Against The Paderborn Baskets - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Jason Boone

(198-F/C-85, agency: Weller Sports - Entertainment, 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 BG 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 BG Goettingen. Last season, he averaged 4.4ppg, 4.0rpg, FG: 53.7%. This season, he is avergaing 21 minutes per game and is averaging 11,0ppg, 5,6rpg and 1,1bs. He took some time to talk to eurobasket after the 2010 BEKO BBL Allstar game.

Congrats on the 67-57 win in Paderborn. Is the team getting used to playing without Chris Oliver? The team seems to have enough offensive power to beat teams without him.

I don't think we are used to playing without him, he is still a very important part of what our team likes to do but we know that if we can continue to play well without him, it's only going to improve when he gets back.

BG Goettingen only scored 67 points, but only allowed 57 points. Could one say that the pressure defense got an A tonight?

Actually, we weren't as sharp on defense as we would have liked to be. Haynes and Moore came out of the gates and really attacked us, got to the FT line and kept it pretty close. I think our pressure eventually tired them out but I'd say more like a B+

The game was very tight as BG Goettingen led 38-36 at halftime. Why did BG Goettingen have problems to break away in the first half?

We didn't control the pace of the game, they stayed mostly on the perimeter, but were able to get to the basket and hit FT's over and over in the first half.

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

He didn't even have to say much, Ben Jacoboson and John Little gave us an ear full about not 'just expecting' to win. It was going to be a fight for the next 20 minutes and, especially on the road, we had to play harder. And that's what we did.

In the second half, you limited The Paderborn Baskets to only 21 points. Did you make extra adjustments on defense to hamper the opponent even more on offense?

With it so close at halftime was definitely a wake-up call. I don't think we did anything 'different' except bring more energy to each defense possession. I mean, John Little, who had 4 fouls in the third quarter was still out there picking up 94ft. When your captain is willing to do that, it's contagious.

How was your duel against Matt Terwilliger who finished with 16 points and eight rebounds? How tough is it to play against him?

I was fortunate enough to get both Langford and Oehle in a bit of foul trouble. Unfortunately that meant I had to guard Terwilliger for a good chunk of the second half. He is an extremely talented player but didn't get enough touches in my opinion. Our guards did a good job of forcing their guards into some quick shots/bad possessions, but Matt is definitely one player we tried to key on and not let get too hot.

BG Goettingen totally dominated the boards 49-29. Was it as easy as it looked for you under the boards?

It's never easy down there, sometimes we were in the right place, sometimes we battled and went to get them, but it did seem like we were around every rebound. When Chester Frazier grabs 12 or Dwayne Anderson gets 9 or 10 it makes my job a lot easier, but again, that's all about playing with energy.

Goettingen seem to have problems in the last games with team assists with only five against Paderborn. Is this a major concern since you have some good creators?

Well a good amount of our points came in the paint (post moves and offensive rebounds) and if we take three dribbles and a jump hook or get a tip-in there is no assist given. But I don't think it's a concern, we definitely have to move the ball better on offense and it will help when Chris Oliver and Michael Meeks return.

What is your early impression of Antoine Jordan? How will he help the team best?

Antoine Jordan fits our system very well, he's an intense defender who can knock down an open three and get to the basket if someone bigger is guarding him. He's a pass first player, which big guys ALWAYS like, and I think he is really going to help us.

What was the last DVD that you saw?

The last DVD was an independent film called 'Taj Gettin' Dough' you can see the trailer here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkT5pNu7ugg

Thanks Jason for the chat.

No problem.

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GREECE

Olympiakos outplays Khimky for 2-0 in Group H - by Eurobasket News
Olympiakos - Khimky 87-69

Olympiakos managed to grab the second consecutive victory in Top 16. The Reds outplayed Khimky for 2-0 in Group H. Yotam Halperin (196-G-84, agency: Arik Krayn Services) shined for the hosts with 15, while Sofoklis Schortsanitis (206-C-85) nailed one point less than him. Linas Kleiza (203-F-85, college: Missouri) followed with 12 points and 7 rebounds. In Khimky (1-1), Keith Langford

(193-G/F-83, college: Kansas) and Kelly McCarty (201-F-75, agency: Avi Zilberman, college: S.Mississippi) had 18 and 15 points respectively.
After 10 minutes of play, it was already clear that Olympiakos is going to take this one. The Reds opened this matchup with 4-0 and later jumped to 15-4 lead. That was not all, despite visitors finally woke up. Theo Papaloukas closed the first period with a basket and Oympiakos was excellent 22-10 up. The Russians improved after that. They got few important baskets from Javtokas, Jankunas and Mozgov closing the gap to 29-25. Olympiakos answered with mini 5-2 run and later, thanks to trio Sofoklis Schortsanitis - Yotam Halperin - Scoonie Penn, grabbed back double-digit lead (38-28, HT). At the halfway of third period Khimky again threatened coming to 44-40, but Olympiakos replied through Sofoklis Schortsanitis and Linas Kleiza. It was 58-52 for the hosts and just 3 second left in the period when Milos Teodosic made a basket-plus-foul, pushing his team up to 61-52. When Olympiakos reached 68-54 at the beginning of the last quarter, it was clear that Khimky is done. The hosts jumped to 78-59 in the finish celebrating second straight victory in Top 16.

Olympiakos: Yotam Halperin 15, Sofoklis Schortsanitis 14, Linas Kleiza 12+7 boards
Khimky: Keith Langford 18, Kelly McCarty 15

Sportingbet MVP for January: Milos Teodosic, Olympiacos - by Eurobasket News
Even a highly talented young player must climb from learner to role player to contributor - with stops and starts along the way - before he can star at a major club. The new decade's first month might well be remembered as the one in which Milos Teodosic (195-G-87) of Olympiacos, Euroleague Basketball's choice as Sportingbet MVP for January, made a giant leap in the direction of stardom. In three victories bridging two rounds during January, the 22-year-old point guard proved himself a true floor general for the constellation of older stars at Olympiacos. To start the month, he played the most minutes for the Reds in their decisive road win at Efes Pilsen, sharing weekly MVP honors in the process. In the regular season finale, he produced without needing to score by posting team-high totals in assists, steals and - get this - blocked shots as Olympiacos was just the second team in almost three months to beat Partizan. Finally, to start off the Top 16, he directed Olympiacos to a second major road win, over Caja Laboral, in a game that required leadership through many spectacular twists and turns. It was no accident, at the end of January, to find that Teodosic not only had the best average performance index rating of all Euroleague players for the month, but is also the highest-rated Euroleague point guard thus far in the 209-10 season. Most of all, helped make sure that an Olympiacos team with high expectations met them with flying colors in the crucial month of January.

The Sportingbet MVP of the Month honor is in its sixth season. Although statistics and performance ratings are taken into consideration for the award, they alone do not determine who is honored. The winner is named by Euroleague Basketball based on his and his team's performance. The award for January was decided considering the last two regular season games played by all teams during that month and the first game of the Top 16. Sportingbet, a Euroleague Basketball partner, is the new sponsor of the MVP of the Month award. Just as the best Euroleague player each month combines performance and leadership for success, so does Sportingbet's sponsorship communicate its conviction to be the best betting brand in European basketball.

Although Olympiacos was already qualified for the Top 16, it opened 2010 with the higher goal of winning its regular season group despite an injury to team leader Theodoros Papaloukas. The Reds had quickly hired another veteran point guard, Scoonie Penn, for their potential group-clinching trip to play Efes Pilsen in Istanbul, but Teodosic was more than ready to step up. The second-youngest player to take the floor in that game, Teodosic stayed for 41 minutes, providing key points and assists in the second half and overtime, when his game-tying triple and go-ahead pass sparked the Reds to an 85-93 victory. When the buzzer sounded, Teodosic had 17 points to go with 12 assists - only five people have ever dished more in a Euroleague game - for a performance index rating of 34, which tied Teodosic for that week's MVP honor. More importantly, Olympiacos now had a grip on first place in its group. Next, Olympiacos avenged an earlier loss to Partizan with a resounding 81-60 home win to finish the regular season. (In its very next game, Partizan would defeat Olympiacos rival Panathinaikos in Athens to open the Top 16.) Against Partizan, Teodosic took fewer shots but was no less effective, dishing 9 more assists to go with 4 steals and 3 blocked shots - an unheard-of figure for a point guard. Next came perhaps the month's biggest challenge as Olympiacos started the Top 16 as the only regular-season winner that had to play a second-seeded team on the road. In a tremendously entertaining game at Caja Laboral in Vitoria, Spain, the Reds prevailed 85-89 as Teodosic again made major contributions all night long: 14 points, 6 assists and decisive connections with Papaloukas in the closing minutes for a tandem that must be a dangerous thought for any Olympiacos opponent.

By the end of January, Teodosic had some great raw numbers to contemplate: 13 points, 9 assists, 2.3 steals and a 25.3 index rating per game. Most impressive of all, perhaps were his turnovers - or lack of them - only 1 per game despite playing an average of 34 minutes, with the ball in his hands almost every time down the floor. And though he can score from anywhere, Teodosic spent the month racking up his Euroleague career highs in other, team-oriented categories: assists (12), steals (4), blocks (3), index rating (34) and minutes (41). Olympiacos moves forward out of January with the certain knowledge that its young point guard can be relied on as a complete player ready to lead in any way necessary to help the team win. With two of the month's major victories having come on the road, the Olympiacos fans in Pireaus will no doubt be ready to show their appreciation when Milos Teodosic receives his January MVP award at an upcoming home game.

Courtesy of Euroleague

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GUATEMALA

Del Barba named National Team coach - by Gianni Pascucci
Manuel Roberto Matzer Diaz, President of the Guatemalan National Basketball Federation, officially communicated last week that Argentinean Victor Jose Del Barba has been hiered as the new Senior National Team Coach and National Selection Coordinator. Del Barba joins Guatemala this week to start working at the players convocation list.

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HOLLAND

Monta McGhee out with injury, but for how long? - by Fred Roggen
Monta McGhee

(202-F-79, college: Lewis) out with injury, but for how long?
The heart and soul of ZZ Leiden, forward Monta McGhee injured his left thigh in the Sunday game against Eiffel Towers Den Bosch and recovery will take several weeks.
The exact nature of the injury is not completely clear.

This season, McGhee is averaging 33 minutes per game and is averaging 15.0ppg, 8.3rpg and 2.8apg.

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

ITALY

Aaron Johnson can join Fileni Jesi - by Eurobasket News
Aaron Johnson (203-F-83, college: N.Mexico) is expected to arrive soon in Jesi. The 26-year-old forward will join the team in the training process with the possibility of signing contract. Aaron Johnson started the season in Scafati Basket. He averaged 8.8 points, 11.6 rebounds and 2.0 steals per appearance. Last season the forward played in Holland. Johnson tallied 9.9 points, 10.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game for West-Brabant Giants.

Efes Pilsen too strong for Montepaschi - by Eurobasket News
Efes Pilsen - Montepaschi 88-78

Efes Pilsen downed Montepaschi celebrating the first victory in Top 16. Ergin Atamans team and the Italian powerhouse now have the same 1-1 score in Group F. Mario Kasun (213-C-80) shined for the winners nailing 17 points and pulling down 9 rebounds, all of that in just 18 minutes on the floor. Kaya Peker (207-C/F-80, agency: Court Side) had 13 points and 5 rebounds, while Charles Smith (193-G-75, college: N.Mexico) added 11 pts. Romain Sato

(194-G/F-81, college: Xavier) responded with double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds. Terrell McIntyre (175-G-77, college: Clemson) and David Hawkins (193-G-82, agency: Buck Andre, college: Temple) netted 12 pts each in this defeat. At the halfway of the last period it was already clear who the winner of the night will be as Efes Pilsen reached 76-56 lead.
Efes Pilsen opened the game better taking quick 6-0 lead. Later, the Turkish giant jumped to 20-9, but Montepaschi replied with 0-5 run. Thanks to Rakocevic, Domercant and Nachbar, Efes Pilsen held 27-17 lead after one period of play. Second quarter was pretty leveled. Mario Kasun dominated in the paint keeping his team on safe distance. Montepaschi threatened few times, but was not able to avoid 45-34 deficit at the HT. Third period was the crucial one in this game. At the beginning of it Mario Kasun lifted Efes Pilsen to plus 15. Later they reached 18-point lead, but Montepaschi did not give up. Romain Sato and his teammates cut the margin to 61-50 and it seemed they are finally waking up. However, Efes Pisen then made valuable 6-2 run for plus 15 again. In the last quarter they were up even 20 points and Montepaschi had no chance for rest of the way.

Efes Pilsen: Mario Kasun 17+9 boards, Kaya Peker 13+5 boards, Charles Smith 11
Montepaschi: Romain Sato 19+10 boards, Terrell McIntyre 12, David Hawkins 12

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JORDAN

Six teams in Orthodox Club senior tournament - by Mohammed Malas
Jo-Basket.com, Al Ghad Newspaper on its today's edition had mentioned all the details of Orthodox Club Senior Tournament which will begin the 10th of February and will resume until the 15th of the same month.

Six teams confirmed officially their participation in the last few days and they're: Four teams from Jordan (Hosts Orthodox, Zain, ASU Sports Club and Al Riyadi Amman) and two teams from abroad (Army of Syria and Palestinian side Sariyyet Ramallah), The teams will be drawn into two groups and the game wll be played in Emile Haddad Gym.

Orthodox Club had organised so far four tournaments for younger ages (Under-13, Under-15, Under-17 & Under-19) to help in a way or another in stopping this bad current situation of basketball in the country following the dissolving the ex-Basketball federation from 7 months.

Imports are allowed
Import players will be allowed to participate in the tournament as Zain will utilize this tournament to try some forgein players before the 13th WABA Clubs Championship next march, Same thing to Syrian team Army and maybe ASU Sports Club who may reconsider their decision of their withdrawal, Rasheim Wright (Zain) and Suny Sakakini (Al Riyadi) will be considered as locals.

Zain's first local showup
Zain's participation in this tournament will be the first showup for the team in local competitions this season, They did'nt participate in the Orthodox tournament last december and even the ASU Sports Club tournament in the same month.

The American-Jordanian head coach Maz Trakh will depend on the same roster which took part in Dubai International Tournament last month and included Sam Daghlas, Rasheim Wright, Enver Soobzokov, Mousa Al Awadi, Fadel Najjar, Mohammad Hamdan, Khaldoun Abu Rukayeah, Ali El-Zubi, Moussa Basheer, Mohammad Shaher, Ayman Idais, Zaid Al Khas and Jamal Al Maaytah.

The teams management is looking forward to finalize their signature with forgein import in center position as soon as possible before their participation in the West Asian event in Tehran, Iran.

ASU for the 3rd title?
Meanwhile, ASU Sports Club under the command of a new technichal mind represented by the Nigirian head coach Fredrick Oniga and his assistant Ibrahim Al Asous is trying to snatch their third local title this year.

ASU was crowned with the two pervious local friendly competitions last december, The team players are: Wesam Al-Sous, Islam Abbaas, Nidal Al-Shareef, Ahmad Hamarsheh, Abdullah Abu Koura, Ghazi Annaber, Louai Najjar, Eyad Abdeen adding to some youth players who still wait to get their chance.

Al Riyadi & Orthodox are optimistic
About Al Riyadi and Orthodox, Both teams are optimistic of a good participation in order to give the young players the experience needed for future.

Al Riyadi directors have faith in the abilities of the team's head coach Sameer Morcos in utlizing the growing of his youth players after years in depending on them plus theor decision not to get any import player in the last 3 seasons, The team's current roster is: Saif Amer, Malek Khashan, Issa Kamel, Yousef Al-Faqs, Mahmoud Maff, Suni Sakakeeni, Faisal Khair and Ali Jamal.

On the other hand, Seems Orthodox is happy with the current hard work from the Serbian head coach Nenad Hrvoic who worked in developing all the ages teams and he's depending on a mixture of players from all ages and experiences such as Mahmoud Abdeen, Fuad Nassar, Amro Tkaidek, Shadi Flaifel, Ibrahim Bassam, Abdelatif Qaddoumi, Omar Al Asi in addition of the veteran forward Nasser bassam.

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LATVIA

Ventspils invite Jamaal Tatum - by Eurobasket News
The Latvian champions invited Jamaal Tatum

LBL Standings

1. Barons	14-3
2. Valmiera	10-6
3. Liepaja	10-6
4. VEF Riga	5-0
5. Zemgale	5-12
6. Ventspils	4-3
7. Keizarmezs	0-18

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Ivars TIMERMANIS
  Barons
  (202-F-82)
  Avg: 20.2

1. Timermanis, Barons	20.2
2. Berkis, Keizarmezs	18.5
3. Davis, Valmiera	17.9
4. Kojenets, Liepaja	17.0
5. Gulbis, Zemgale	16.9
6. Silavs, Keizarmezs	16.3
7. Nelyubov, VEF Riga	16.2
8. Efejuku, Barons	15.9
9. Valeika, Valmiera	15.1
10. Bertans, Ventspi.	15.0

Rebounds Per Game

Arturas VALEIKA
  Valmiera
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 10.5

1. Valeika, Valmiera	10.5
2. Pettway, Ventspils	8.6
3. Kojenets, Liepaja	8.0
4. Zorin, Barons	7.1
5. Renfroe, VEF Riga	7.0
6. Nelyubov, VEF Riga	6.4
7. Silavs, Keizarmezs	6.0
8. Cresnar, Valmiera	5.6
9. Timermanis, Barons	5.4
10. Davis, Valmie.	5.3

Assists Per Game

Alex RENFROE
  VEF Riga
  (190-G-86)
  Avg: 6

1. Renfroe, VEF Riga	6.0
2. Silavs, Keizarmezs	5.6
3. Jeromanovs, Liepa.	4.6
4. Sirsnins, Barons	4.5
5. Vilums, Liepaja	3.6
6. Strelnieks, Ventspils	3.2
7. Steinbergs, Keiza.	2.8
8. Bergmanis, Zemgale	2.5
9. Valeika, Valmiera	2.4
10. Bankevics, VEF Ri.	2.4

Steals Per Game

Dairis BERTANS
  Ventspils
  (192-G/F-89)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Bertans, Ventspils	2.6
2. Sirsnins, Barons	2.6
3. Renfroe, VEF Riga	2.2
4. Silavs, Keizarmezs	2.2
5. Davis, Valmiera	2.0
6. Osins, Keizarmezs	2.0
7. Labuckas, VEF Riga	1.8
8. Vilums, Liepaja	1.8
9. Vitols, Barons	1.7
10. Ragsdale, Baro.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Jekabs ROZITIS
  Zemgale
  (206-F/C-86)
  Avg: 1.4

1. Rozitis, Zemgale	1.4
2. Davis, Valmiera	1.2
3. Cresnar, Valmiera	1.1
4. Nelyubov, VEF Riga	0.8
5. Zorin, Barons	0.8
6. Blaus, Ventspils	0.7
7. Ferguson, Barons	0.7
8. Labuckas, VEF Riga	0.6
9. Kosuskins, Liepaja	0.6
10. Pettway, Ventspi.	0.6

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LITHUANIA

CSKA beats Zalgiris in Kaunas thanks to great second half - by Eurobasket News
Zalgiris - CSKA 68-83

CSKA jumped to 2-0 in Top 16 phase (Group G). The Russian powerhouse cruised past Zalgiris in Kaunas making a huge step forward to Euroleague Quarterfinals. At the same time, the Greens dropped to 0-2. Trajan Langdon (192-G-76, college: Duke) top-scored in victory with 17 points, Viktor Khryapa (204-F/G-82) (6 rebs) and Zoran Planinic (199-G-82) had 16 pts each, while J.R. Holden (185-G-76, college: Bucknell) this time helped with 11 pts. The hosts got 12 points from Tadas Klimavicius (204-F-82, agency: Interperformances). Aleksandar Capin (186-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) and Dainius Salenga (197-F-77) had 10 points apiece.
Everything started great for Zalgiris, who created 26-17 lead in the first quarter. Nothing has changed after that as the Lithuanians still controlled rhythm of the game. At the halfway of the second period Tadas Klimavicius and his teammates jumped to impressive 42-27 lead and the crowd in Kaunas arena exploded. However, the experienced Russian team had an answer for that, and they made 3-8 run for rest of the way in the first half. Thus, after 20 minutes of play it still was 45-35 for the hosts. In just few minutes of third period CSKA cut the margin to 51-48. Soon after that, Vorontsevich gave CSKA its first lead from the line as quiet fell over the arena. CSKA was 53-57 up, before Marcus Brown drained a long range triple for Zalgiris to close this period. Visitors opened the last quarter with crucial 2-14 run. Siskauskas, Viktor Khryapa and Trajan Langdon shined at that time. Zalgiris tried to mount a comeback, but Trajan Langdon stopped them with another triple and CSKA celebrated second victory in Top 16.

Zalgiris: Tadas Klimavicius 12, Aleksandar Capin 10, Dainius Salenga 10
CSKA: Trajan Langdon 17, Viktor Khryapa 16+6 boards, Zoran Planinic 16, J.R. Holden 11

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

MEXICO

LNBP Round: 4 (Second Stage) - by Eurobasket News
Huracanes - Halc.Rojos 86-94
Halcones Rojos was able to steal one from Huracanes, beating them 86-94. Visitors got 22 point effort from Daimon Gooner (198-F-80, college: SE Missouri St.) and Lawrence Hill (203-F-87, college: Stanford). The second one added 11 rebounds beside that. Miguel Ayala (198-F/G-82, college: UTEP) was also excellent with 20 points. For hosts, Roland Lamont (193-G-78, college: LSU) had 22 while Robert Hornsby (196-F/C, college: Troy) added 21 points.

Angeles - Toros 66-80
Toros had a fairly easy job at Angeles overcoming them 66-80. Adrian Henning

(203-F-82, college: Austin Peay St.) and Henry Dugat (183-G-87, college: Baylor) led the way with 18 points apiece. Wilfredo Pagan (184-G-76, agency: Paris Global Sports) was also good with 14 points. Hosts got 20 points and 11 rebounds from Luis Bethelmy (200-C-86), while Alejandro Flores (202-F-81, college: E.Oklahoma St. JC) chipped in 16 points.

Fuerza Regia - Lobos Grises 69-75
Lobos Grises also won away from home, beating Fuerza Reggia 69-75. Angel Figueroa

(196-G/F-81, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Dowling) had 28 points and 9 reboudns for the winning squad. Jovan Harris (191-G/F-81, college: USF) followed with 17 points of his own. On the other side, Fred Hooks (198-F-82, college: Humboldt St.) was excellent for hosts with 28 points.

Panteras - Bucaneros 84-76
Panteras hosted Bucaneros and came away with 84-76 win. Hosts were led by Joe Webb (201-G/F-82, college: Bellevue) who scored 24 points, while Devon Ford (193-G-77, agency: Huss Sport Agency, college: Idaho) and Matthew Mitchell (199-F-77, college: Morningside) added 18 and 16 pts respectively. For visitors, John Millsap (198-F-82, college: UTSA) recorded double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds. Victor Buelna (192-G-78) stopped on 13 points.

Stats Leaders - LNBP

Points Per Game

John MILLSAP
  Bucaneros
  (198-F-82)
  Avg: 25.4

1. Millsap, Bucaneros	25.4
2. Moore, Abejas	24.6
3. Monroe, Potros	24.3
4. Habel, Cosmos	22.1
5. Thomas, Potros	21.9
6. Jackson, Pilares	21.7
7. Hickerson, Pioneros	21.7
8. Hornsby, Huracanes	21.5
9. Mills, Indios	21.4
10. Capers, Barreter.	21.4

Rebounds Per Game

Mattis MCHUGH
  Quimper
  (198-F-84)
  Avg: 11.8

1. McHugh, Abejas	11.8
2. Long, Indios	11.1
3. Jackson, Angeles	10.6
4. Allen, Pioneros	10.4
5. Aubry, Halc.Rojos	10.0
6. Berghoefer, Potros	10.0
7. Mills, Indios	9.3
8. Moss, Lechugueros	9.3
9. Garcia, Pioneros	9.1
10. Fuller, Fuerza Reg.	8.7

Assists Per Game

William FUNN
  Bucaneros
  (188-G-82)
  Avg: 6.5

1. Funn, Bucaneros	6.5
2. Osimani, Halc.Cordoba	5.8
3. Brown, Fuerza R.	5.4
4. Malpica, Cosmos	5.3
5. Stokes, Barreteros	5.0
6. lee, Indios	4.5
7. Hollyfield, Barre.	4.3
8. Rivera, Halc.Rojos	4.1
9. Roque, Toros	4.1
10. Villegas, Lechuguer.	3.8

Steals Per Game

Luis Manuel GONZALEZ
  Libertadores
  (182-G-)
  Avg: 3.1

1. Gonzalez, Libertad.	3.1
2. Moore, Abejas	2.5
3. Hollyfield, Barre.	2.3
4. Lewis, Soles	2.3
5. Malpica, Cosmos	2.2
6. Funn, Bucaneros	2.2
7. Gooner, Halc.Rojos	2.1
8. Garcia Moral., Halc.X.	2.1
9. Monroe, Potros	2.1
10. Penny, Sol.	1.9

Blocks Per Game

John MILLSAP
  Bucaneros
  (198-F-82)
  Avg: 1.2

1. Millsap, Bucaneros	1.2
2. Johnson, Angeles	1.2
3. Jordan, Lobos G.	0.9
4. Jackson, Pilares	0.9
5. Arceneaux, Lechugue.	0.9
6. lee, Indios	0.8
7. Hill, Halc.Rojos	0.8
8. Carmona, Fuerza R.	0.8
9. Cox, Angeles	0.8
10. McHugh, Abej.	0.8

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

NBA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Carmelo ANTHONY
  Denver N.
  (203-F-84)
  Avg: 29.7

1. Anthony, Denver N.	29.7
2. Durant, Oklah.Ci.	29.7
3. James, Clevelan.	29.4
4. Bryant, LA Lakers	27.9
5. Wade, Miami Heat	27.0
6. Ellis, Golde S.	26.5
7. Nowitzki, Dallas M.	25.1
8. Bosh, Toronto R.	24.2
9. Roy, Portland TB	23.1
10. Arenas, Washin.	22.6

Rebounds Per Game

Dwight HOWARD
  Orlando M.
  (207-F-85)
  Avg: 13.3

1. Howard, Orlando M.	13.3
2. Camby, LA Clippers	12.1
3. Noah, Chicago B.	12.0
4. Love, Minnesota T.	11.9
5. Randolph, Memph.	11.6
6. Bosh, Toronto R.	11.5
7. Lee, New York K.	11.4
8. Wallace, Charlotte B.	11.0
9. Duncan, San A.	10.8
10. Boozer, Utah Ja.	10.7

Assists Per Game

Chris PAUL
  N.Orleans H.
  (183-G-85)
  Avg: 11.2

1. Paul, N.Orleans H.	11.2
2. Nash, Phoenix Suns	11.1
3. Williams, Utah Jazz	9.8
4. Rondo, Boston C.	9.8
5. Kidd, Dallas M.	9.3
6. James, Clevelan.	8.2
7. Davis, LA Clippers	7.9
8. Westbrook, Oklah..	7.4
9. Arenas, Washingt.	7.2
10. Wade, Miami He.	6.4

Steals Per Game

Rajon RONDO
  Boston C.
  (186-G-86)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Rondo, Boston C.	2.4
2. Paul, N.Orleans H.	2.3
3. Ellis, Golde S.	2.2
4. Iguodala, Philadel.	1.9
5. Davis, LA Clippers	1.9
6. Jackson, Charlott.	1.9
7. Kidd, Dallas M.	1.8
8. Felton, Charlott.	1.8
9. Curry, Golde S.	1.8
10. Wade, Miami He.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Dwight HOWARD
  Orlando M.
  (207-F-85)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Howard, Orlando M.	2.7
2. Oden, Portland TB	2.3
3. Bogut, Milwauke.	2.2
4. Dalembert, Philad.	2.2
5. Smith, Atlanta H.	2.2
6. Haywood, Washingt.	2.1
7. Perkins, Boston C.	2.0
8. Lopez, New J.	2.0
9. Camby, LA Clippers	2.0
10. Andersen, Denver.	1.8

Standings

NBA Standings

Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
1. Boston C.	31-16
2. Toronto R.	27-23
3. New York K.	19-29
4. Philadelph.76	17-31
5. New Jersey N.	4-44
Central Div.
1. Cleveland C.	40-11
2. Chicago B.	23-24
3. Milwaukee B.	21-26
4. Indiana P.	17-32
5. Detroit P.	16-31
Southeast Div.
1. Orlando M.	33-16
2. Atlanta H.	31-17
3. Charlotte B.	24-24
4. Miami Heat	24-26
5. Washington W.	16-32
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
1. Denver N.	33-16
2. Utah Jazz	30-18
3. Portland TB	29-22
4. Oklah.City T.	28-21
5. Minnesota T.	11-38
Pacific Div.
1. LA Lakers	38-13
2. Phoenix Suns	30-21
3. LA Clippers	21-28
4. Sacramento K.	16-32
5. Golde State W.	13-35
Southwest Div.
1. Dallas M.	31-18
2. San Antonio S.	29-19
3. Memphis G.	26-22
4. Houston R.	26-22
5. N.Orleans H.	26-23

Wednesday's games (11) review - by Eurobasket News
LA Clippers - Atlanta H. 97-103
Joe Johnson (6'8''-F-81, college: Arkansas) scored 34 points, Jamal Crawford (6'5''-G-80, college: Michigan) added 22, and the Atlanta Hawks overcame a nine-point, fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Los Angeles Clippers 103-97 on Wednesday night. Alfred Horford helped with 16 points and 10 rebounds in this victory. In LA Clippers, Chris Kaman collected 17 points and 10 rebounds.

Chicago B. - Philadelph.76 103-106 OT
Elton Brand (6'8''-F-79, college: Duke) scored 26 points, and Andre Iguodala (6'6''-G-84, college: Arizona) had 25 points, eight rebounds and eight assists to help the Philadelphia 76ers rally for a 106-103 overtime victory over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night. In the loosing squad, Derrick Rose collected 30 points and 9 assists.

New Jersey N. - Toronto R. 99-108
Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech) scored 20 points, Sonny Weems

(6'6''-G/F-86, college: Arkansas) set career highs with 14 points and 11 rebounds and the short-handed Raptors beat the New Jersey Nets 108-99 on Wednesday night, their fifth win in six games. Antoine Wright had 18 points and 7 boards in this victory. In NJ Nets, Devin Harris and Yi Jianlian scored 15 pts each.

Portland TB - Utah Jazz 105-118
Mehmet Okur (6'11''-C/F-79) scored a season-high 28 points and had eight rebounds, and Andrei Kirilenko (6'9''-F-81) added 22 points, eight assists and six rebounds for Utah. Paul Millsap had 12 points and eight rebounds, rookie Wesley Matthews had 16 points and C.J. Miles scored 10. In Portland TB, LaMarcus Aldridge shined with 27 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists.

Golde State W. - Dallas M. 101-110
Dirk Nowitzki (6'11''-F-78) scored nine of his 20 points in the final period, Jason Terry (6'2''-G-77, college: Arizona) had 21 points and the Mavericks extended Golden State's losing streak to seven games, beating the Warriors 110-101 on Wednesday night. Josh Howard and Shawn Marion (9 rebs) helped with 19 and 18 points respectively. Monta Ellis was great in loss draining 46 points.

Phoenix Suns - Denver N. 109-97
Amare Stoudemire (6'10''-F-82) had 20 points and 17 rebounds, leading the Phoenix Suns to a 109-97 victory Wednesday night over a Denver squad missing Carmelo Anthony. Jason Richardson (6'6''-G-81, college: Michigan St.) scored 20 and Steve Nash followed with 17 points in this victory. Nash handed out 10 assists beside that. In defeat, Hilario Nene collected 15 points and 9 boards.

San Antonio S. - Sacramento K. 115-113
Filling in admirably for the injured Tony Parker, George Hill (6'2''-G-86, college: IUPUI) tied a career high with 23 points, had a career-high nine assists, and hit four free throws in the final 6.5 seconds to help the Spurs beat the Sacramento Kings 115-113 on Wednesday night. Tim Duncan (6'10''-F-76, college: Wake Forest) helped with double-double of 22 points and 13 rebounds. Tyreke Evans replied with 32 points, 7 boards and 8 assists in defeat.

Charlotte B. - LA Lakers 97-99
Andrew Bynum (7'0''-C-87) had 17 points and 14 rebounds, and Lamar Odom (6'10''-F-79, college: Rhode Island) scored 19 points while making several big plays down the stretch, making sure Jackson added another superlative to his matchless coaching career in Los Angeles' 99-97 victory over the Bobcats on Wednesday night. Pau Gasol and Ron Artest netted 14 pts each. Stephen Jackson drained 30 points for the Bobcats.

Washington W. - New York K. 85-107
Nate Robinson (5'9''-G-84, college: Washington) scored 23 points, Al Harrington (6'9''-F-80) and Larry Hughes also put in double figures off the bench, and the New York Knicks beat the Washington Wizards 107-85 on Wednesday night to snap a three-game losing streak. David Lee was good as always with 22 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists. Visitors got 15 points from Randy Foye and Nick Young (each).

Miami Heat - Boston C. 102-107
Ray Allen (6'6''-G-75, college: Connecticut) came up with 23 points and 7 rebounds, Rajon Rondo (6'1''-G-86, college: Kentucky) had 22 points and 14 assists, Kevin Garnett had a season-high nine assists, and Tony Allen made a key steal in the final minute to help the Celtics beat the Heat 107-102 on Wednesday night. Dwyane Wade replied with 30 points and 13 assists in loss.

Oklah.City T. - N.Orleans H. 103-99
Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) scored 30 points, Russell Westbrook (6'3''-G-88, college: UCLA) had 26 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds and the Thunder shot a season-high 57.5 percent in their 103-99 victory. Nenad Krstic and Jeff Green nailed 14 pts each. In NO Hornets, Marcus Thornton had 22 points and 6 assists.

Del Harris opting out; leaves NJ Nets after two months as assistant coach - by Eurobasket News
Take a long look at the silver-haired gent sitting next to Kiki Vandeweghe on the Nets bench when the game against the Pistons gets underway: You may never see him on an NBA sideline again.

Del Harris, one of the games seminal thinkers, has decided to leave the team before the road trip that opens Wednesday in Toronto, according to a friend of the coach.

Harris, who was brought in to be Vandeweghes gray eminence on Dec. 4 after the latter moved into the head coaching position, has several reasons for making his exit now all of them professional issues but these should not be disclosed by anyone but Harris himself, his friend said.

Vandeweghe, meanwhile, was hoping he could talk the 72-year-old Harris out of leaving right up until game time, but the coachs confidant said there was little chance of that happening.

In those practices the Nets had held over the last eight weeks, Harriss voice was the one heard most often by the players during the teaching sessions.

Recently, Vandeweghes trust of John Loyer has clearly risen, if that can be judged by the head coachs willingness to turn the floor over to Lawrence Franks former assistant during planning segments. So it is unclear whether the Nets will bring in another assistant to replace Harris, even with Tom Barrise having already moved into the front office.

Courtesy of www.nj.com

Chauncey Billups to replace Chris Paul on 2010 West NBA All-Star team - by Eurobasket News
Denver Nuggets point guard Chauncey Billups (6'3''-G-76, college: Colorado) has been chosen to replace Chris Paul (6'0''-G-85, college: Wake Forest) on the Western Conference All-Star team, Billups told Yahoo! Sports.

Paul is scheduled to have arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on Thursday to repair a meniscus tear and will miss the All-Star game. NBA commissioner David Stern chose Billups as Pauls replacement.

Billups is averaging 19.4 points and 6.2 assists and has guided the Nuggets to the Western Conferences second-best record. He averaged 24.2 points in January, including a career-high-tying 37 against Golden State on Jan. 20.

Billups received the news while he was resting up Wednesday afternoon for the Nuggets game against the Phoenix Suns.

Im definitely excited, Billups said. Its always great to be at the best weekend with the worlds best basketball players.

The West coaches didnt vote Billups among the All-Star reserves, despite the Nuggets success this season. But Billups knew there was a chance he might be selected as a replacement.

Do I feel like I shouldve got in by the coachs vote? Of course I do, Billups said. But I dont know that I deserve it over anyone. It doesnt take the luster off of it. At the end of the day, Im an All-Star. Im there.

Billups said he had been talking with Paul since Yahoo! Sports reported Sunday night that the Hornets point guard needed surgery and likely wouldnt be able to play in the All-Star game.

I told him, Youre young. You will still have 15 more years in the league, Billups said.

After he wasnt selected as a reserve, Billups made plans to spend the break in Mexico with his wife, Piper.

Im just trying to get my refund. I hope I can, Billups said. That was for a big day, Valentines Day in Cabo. She is excited about me getting rewarded, but shed surely like to have me to herself for a weekend than with everyone in Dallas.

Courtesy of Yahoo (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ys-billupsnuggets020310&prov=yhoo&type=lgns)

Knicks Hall of Famer Dick McGuire dies at 84 - by Eurobasket News
Dick McGuire, part of a basketball Hall of Fame family and longtime member of the New York Knicks organization, died Wednesday of natural causes. He was 84.

The Knicks said McGuire died at Huntington Hospital in Long Island. McGuire, whose brother Al coached Marquette to an NCAA title and is also in the Hall of Fame, still worked for the Knicks as a senior basketball consultant.

Dick McGuire was a part of the Knicks' organization for 53 of its 64 seasons, doing everything from finding the open man to finding future All-Stars. He was Hall of Famer Walt Frazier and Phil Jackson's first NBA coach, and was responsible for the drafting of Mark Jackson, who would later pass him on the team's career assists list.

Knicks president Donnie Walsh said Dick McGuire 's name was probably the first in the NBA he knew growing up, and would later come to rely on his knowledge as a respected talent evaluator.

'He's been a part of this, almost like the bricks, and so I don't know of anybody else in the league that I can say that about in the same way,' Walsh said. 'So it's a terrible loss for us.'

McGuire had still been traveling to scout college games in recent years. Walsh named the team's legacy award after McGuire last year.

'Me coming in here in the last year and a half and seeing Dick more often then I would before, I'm going to miss that,' Walsh said. 'He always had a great opinion, I thought, because he knew what it took to win in this league, he knew what it took to play in this league.'

A Bronx native, McGuire was a five-time All-Star and led the Knicks to three straight NBA finals from 1951-53. He went on to serve the team as a coach, assistant coach and scout. His No. 15 was retired in 1992 and he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame a year later.

McGuire still ranks third on the Knicks' career list with 2,950 assists.

'As one of its first superstars, Dick was instrumental to the early success of the NBA,' commissioner David Stern said in a statement. 'Whether as player, coach, scout or consultant, Dick loyally served the New York Knicks organization.'

Nicknamed 'Tricky Dick,' McGuire was born Jan. 26, 1926, in New York. He played in college at St. John's and was picked by the Knicks in the first round of the 1949 draft. He played eight seasons for the team before he was traded to Detroit on April 3, 1957, for a first-round pick. McGuire spent his final three seasons with the Pistons.

'Dick was one of a kind,' former St. John's coach Lou Carnesecca said. 'He was a great ballplayer and coach and a better human being. All of basketball is going to miss him.'

McGuire is survived by his wife, Teri, four children and seven grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

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

NCAA1

Stats Leaders - NCAA1

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1. Coleman, Houston 26.0
2. Haynes, Tex Arl 24.3
3. Harangody, N Dame 24.2
4. Hazell, S Hall 23.0
5. Downey, S Carol 22.9

Rebounds Per Game

1. Faried, Morehead 13.7
2. Parakhouski, Radford 13.2
3. Thompson, Morgan 12.4
4. Saunders, Duquesne 12.2
5. Emerson, Mercer 11.9

Assists Per Game

1. Moore, Siena 8.3
2. Wall, Kentucky 6.8
3. Moss, TCU 6.4
4. Taylor, FAU 6.4
5. Drew II, UNC 6.2

Steals Per Game

1. Coleman, Houston 3.2
2. Downey, S Carol 3.0
3. Threatt, Delaware 3.0

Blocks Per Game

1. Whiteside, Marshall 5.4
2. Varnado, Miss. St 5.0
3. Ndiaye, Rutgers 4.9

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

NORWAY

Standings - BLNO

BLNO Standings

1. Asker	18-1
2. Gimle	14-5
3. Tromso	12-7
4. Harstad	11-8
5. Baerum	9-10
6. Ammerud	8-11
7. Froya	3-16
8. Ulriken	1-18

BLNO Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Matthew LAWRENCE
  Tromso
  (201-G-86)
  Avg: 24.1

1. Lawrence, Tromso	24.1
2. Eskeland, Ulriken	23.4
3. Williams, Tromso	22.0
4. Karlsen, Asker	20.2
5. Djerman, Gimle	19.2
6. Skaara, Baerum	19.2
7. Oatis, Baerum	18.7
8. Mahnin, Asker	18.5
9. Bullock, Gimle	17.9
10. Kombat, Fro.	17.9

Rebounds Per Game

Donald OATIS
  Baerum
  (206-F/C-79)
  Avg: 10.9

1. Oatis, Baerum	10.9
2. Gray, Baerum	10.8
3. Woodson, Harstad	10.7
4. Nwachukwu, Ammerud	9.6
5. Bullock, Gimle	9.2
6. Djerman, Gimle	8.7
7. Williams, Tromso	8.1
8. Karlsen, Asker	7.9
9. Christensen, Tro.	7.8
10. Kombat, Fro.	7.7

Assists Per Game

Christer ELGMORK
  Baerum
  (180-G-87)
  Avg: 6.1

1. Elgmork, Baerum	6.1
2. Mahnin, Asker	5.0
3. Mihaylov, Tromso	4.4
4. Diomande, Harstad	4.1
5. Hinsch, Ammerud	4.0
6. Jawara, Froya	4.0
7. Woodson, Harstad	3.9
8. Ble, Harstad	3.8
9. Issalhi, Tromso	3.4
10. Nguyen, Fro.	3.1

Steals Per Game

Peter BULLOCK
  Gimle
  (198-F-82)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Bullock, Gimle	2.5
2. Jawara, Froya	2.3
3. Myhrer, Harstad	2.2
4. Ellingsen, Gimle	1.8
5. Nwachukwu, Ammerud	1.8
6. Eskeland, Ulriken	1.7
7. Lancaster, Gimle	1.7
8. Issalhi, Tromso	1.7
9. Ble, Harstad	1.7
10. Gray, Baer.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Donald OATIS
  Baerum
  (206-F/C-79)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Oatis, Baerum	2.8
2. Williams, Tromso	1.5
3. Kombat, Froya	1.3
4. Woodson, Harstad	1.2
5. Bullock, Gimle	0.8
6. Frierson, Harstad	0.8
7. Karlsen, Asker	0.8
8. Christensen, Tro.	0.7
9. Bolinz, Asker	0.6
10. Ouakkaha, Ulrik.	0.6

BLNO Round: 22 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Asker - Baerum 93-71
Asker cruised past Baerum for the 18th win in the season. Ronny Karlsen (203-F-78, college: Independence CC) scored 21 points to lead the league leaders. Magnus Midtvedt and Mustafa Mahnin added 18 points each in the victory. Nils-Paul Skaara responded with 23 points for Baerum in defeat.

Ulriken - Gimle 85-99
Gimle stole a road win againt Ulriken. Ivan Djerman (202-F-83, agency: Global Sports Plaza) scored 27 points and collected 17 rebounds to lead the visitors. Peter Bullock added 24 points and 17 boards in the win. Paul Hafford responded with game-high 36 points and 11 boards for the Eagles.

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

PBL

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Anthony ANDERSON
  Manchester M.
  (180-G-81)
  Avg: 23.2

1. Anderson, Manchest.	23.2
2. Payne, Buffalo S.	23.0
3. Wise, Quebec K.	22.0
4. Stanley, Buffalo S.	21.3
5. Sherrill, Maryland.	20.3
6. Jackson, Vermo.	20.3
7. Friel, Rochester R.	20.2
8. Young, Manchest.	20.0
9. Ayuso, Capitanes	19.7
10. Bennett, Halifax.	19.0

Rebounds Per Game

Angelo REYES
  Capitanes
  (205-F/C-81)
  Avg: 17.7

1. Reyes, Capitanes	17.7
2. Cunningham, Maryland.	15.5
3. Crookshank, Halif.	13.9
4. Aubry, Capitanes	12.8
5. Demasi, Vermont FH	11.8
6. Wise, Quebec K.	10.0
7. Brown, Buffalo S.	9.3
8. Johnson, Rocheste.	8.5
9. Ocitti, Manchest.	8.5
10. Ross, Buffalo.	8.2

Assists Per Game

Andres RODRIGUEZ
  Capitanes
  (182-G-81)
  Avg: 6.2

1. Rodriguez, Capit.	6.2
2. Anderson, Manchest.	6.2
3. Crouch, Rocheste.	5.7
4. Price, Buffalo S.	5.5
5. Bowden, Lawton F.	5.3
6. Ervin, Halifax R.	5.0
7. Robinson, Buffa.	4.9
8. Daniels, Lawton F.	4.5
9. Rice, Vermont FH	4.5
10. Gilchrese, Manc.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Al STEWART
  Manchester M.
  (178-G-83)
  Avg: 2

1. Stewart, Manchest.	2.0
2. Rice, Vermont FH	2.0
3. Bowden, Lawton F.	2.0
4. Young, Manchest.	2.0
5. Jeanty, Quebec K.	2.0
6. Robinson, Buffa.	1.9
7. Johnson, Rocheste.	1.8
8. Thomas, Maryland.	1.8
9. Holmes, Quebec K.	1.8
10. Mims, Lawton Ft..	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Reggie GEORGE
  Quebec K.
  (208-C-85)
  Avg: 2

1. George, Quebec K.	2.0
2. Aubry, Capitanes	2.0
3. Bailey, Vermont FH	1.8
4. Thomas, Maryland.	1.8
5. Crookshank, Halif.	1.4
6. Marshall, Lawton F.	1.3
7. Bailey, Rocheste.	1.2
8. Ocitti, Manchest.	1.0
9. Pierre, Quebec K.	1.0
10. Underwood, Hal.	1.0

Standings

PBL Standings

1. Capitanes	8-0
2. Halifax R.	6-2
3. Rochester R.	5-1
4. Lawton Ft.SC	4-2
5. Buffalo S.	2-5
6. Maryland G.	2-5
7. Manchester	2-6
8. Vermont FH	1-4
9. Quebec Kebs	1-6

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

PHILIPPINES

PBA Quarterfinals, Round 3: First wins for Ginebra and Rain or Shine - by Eurobasket News
Ginebra - Talk N Text 102-97
Barangay Ginebra also stayed alive in their own best-of-5 quarterfinal series after pulling off a scary 102-97 victory over Talk �N Text in Game 3 to cut the latter's lead to 2-1. JC Intal (195-C-83) led the Kings anew with 25 points and 10 rebounds but it was the steady game of Eric Menk (199-F-74, college: L.Superior) that helped the Kings to weather the late-game run of the defending champion. 'I'm glad we're able to get through this game and hope to win another one on Friday to force another game on Sunday,' said Ginebra head coach Jong Uichico who got 20 points from Menk including a pair of free throws in the closing seconds that sealed the win for the Kings. Ginebra was comfortably ahead at 99-91 when the Tropang Texters, behind Jimmy Alapag, cut the lead to 97-99 with 1:22 remaining. Ronald Tubid halved his free throws to give the Kings a 100-97 cushion. Alapag had the chance to tie the count but his triple was way off the mark but the Texters were given another chance to level the score when Tubid missed his 3-point attempt in the next play. Renren Ritualo and Alapag had chances to send the game in overtime but their 3-point attempts failed to hit the mark and Menk collared a crucial board that led to two free throws to peg the final score. Mark Cardona (180-G/F-81) led seven Tropang Texters in double figures with 18 points. TNT gets another crack to close out the series with a win on Friday at 5 p.m. - Courtesy of www.abs-cbnnews.com

Purefoods - Rain or Shine 92-95
No more end-game collapse for Rain or Shine this time. Gabe Norwood (196-G/F-85, college: George Mason) threw down a missed drive by Jeffrei Chan (191-F-83) to secure a 95-93 win over Purefoods Tender Juicy in Game 3 to stay alive in their best-of-5 quarterfinal series of the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum. Norwood's putback slam denied the Giants of a possible comeback and a 3-0 sweep of the series. The Elasto Painters try to level the series with a win Friday in Game 4 also at the Big Dome. 'I'm just at the right place at the right,' said Norwood of his crucial basket that halted the Giants' 6-0 run for a 95-90 lead with 4.6 seconds left. Chan scored all but two of his 17 points in the second half, highlighted by 5-of-11 shooting from the 3-point zone that helped Rain or Shine regain the momentum after being down by 11, 59-70, late in the third quarter. Trailing 68-72 after the first three quarters, Chan had 12 in the Elasto Painters' 17-5 exchange at the start of the final period and took an 85-77 lead with 5:25 left in the game. They stretched their advantage to 11, 91-80, and were still holding a 93-84 lead with under three minutes in the contest. But Purefoods, which took the first 2 games of the series via come-from-behind fashions, scored the next 6 points capped by Rafi Reavis's 3-point play to threaten at 90-93 with 27.3 seconds left. Rain or Shine melted precious seconds in their last possession before Chan drove hard at the baseline but his lay-up rimmed out and Norwood collared the offensive board and dunked the leather to seal the victory. 'I just told the players we have to compete every game and not look at the standings because I still believe we're playing good basketball,' said Elasto Painter head coach Caloy Garcia who also drew 16 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists from Norwood. 'Whether Purefoods still play with Rico (Maierhofer) and Kerby (Raymundo), I think we can still compete,' he added. The Giants mentor Ryan Gregorio failed to utilize Maierhofer and Raymundo due to injuries. Peter June Simon also did not play. Nino Canaleta (196-F-82) led Purefoods with 18 points while James Yap, the hero in the team's 95-94 win in Game 2, and Roger Yap added 17 markers apiece. James Yap was 0-of-8 from the three-point area. Paul Artadi contributed 14 points, 8 rebounds and 3 steals but had 7 of the team's 19 turnovers. - Courtesy of www.abs-cbnnews.com

PBA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Mark CARDONA
  Talk N Text
  (180-G/F-81)
  Avg: 19.3

1. Cardona, Talk N.	19.3
2. Santos, San Miguel	18.8
3. Williams, Santa Lucia	17.9
4. Yap, Purefoods	16.9
5. Miller, Alaska	16.7
6. Tubid, Ginebra	16.5
7. Mercado, Rain o.	15.6
8. Alapag, Talk N Text	15.3
9. Tenorio, Alaska	14.7
10. David, Burger Ki.	14.6

Rebounds Per Game

Kelly WILLIAMS
  Santa Lucia
  (198-F-82)
  Avg: 14.6

1. Williams, Santa Lucia	14.6
2. Taulava, Coca-Cola	12.5
3. Santos, San Miguel	10.2
4. Carey, Talk N Text	9.3
5. Reavis, Purefoods	8.9
6. Pena, San Miguel	8.6
7. Pingris, Purefoods	7.8
8. Alonzo, Barako Bull	7.4
9. Devance, Alaska	7.4
10. Rodriguez, Coc.	7.1

Assists Per Game

Alex CABAGNOT
  Burger King
  (183-G-82)
  Avg: 5.9

1. Cabagnot, Coca-Cola	5.9
2. Helterbrand, Gineb.	5.4
3. Alapag, Talk N Text	5.0
4. Villanueva, San M.	4.9
5. Reyes, Santa Lucia	4.6
6. Mercado, Rain o.	4.5
7. Taulava, Coca-Cola	4.5
8. Miller, Alaska	4.3
9. Tenorio, Alaska	4.1
10. Castro, Talk N Te.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Ryan REYES
  Santa Lucia
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Reyes, Santa Lucia	2.1
2. Artadi, Purefoods	1.7
3. Williams, Santa Lucia	1.7
4. Buenafe, Burger K.	1.4
5. Santos, San Miguel	1.4
6. Castro, Talk N Text	1.4
7. Lanete, Burger King	1.4
8. Norwood, Rain o.	1.4
9. Abarrientos, Gineb.	1.3
10. Tenorio, Alas.	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Ali PEEK
  Talk N Text
  (194-F-75)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Peek, Talk N Text	1.5
2. Santos, San Miguel	1.5
3. Quinahan, Burger K.	1.3
4. Maierhofer, Puref.	1.2
5. Thoss, Alaska	1.0
6. Pennisi, San Miguel	0.9
7. Hrabak, Rain o.	0.9
8. Devance, Alaska	0.8
9. Belga, Burger King	0.8
10. Aquino, Santa Luc.	0.8

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

POLAND

Standings - 1 Liga

1Liga Standings

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

Stats Leaders - 1Liga

Points Per Game

Marcin STERENGA
  Gornik Walb.
  (201-F-78)
  Avg: 21.5

1. Sterenga, Gornik W.	21.5
2. Celej, Start Lublin	21.4
3. Pacocha, Big Star	18.5
4. Wojdyla, Sudety JG	18.4
5. Pluta, MOSiR K.	18.3
6. Flieger, Zastal ZG	17.8
7. Weatherspoon, Znicz B.	16.8
8. Mazur, Spojnia S.	16.8
9. Storozynski, Asec.P.	16.4
10. Piechowicz, MMKS.	16.2

Rebounds Per Game

Tomasz WOJDYLA
  Zastal ZG
  (201-F-77)
  Avg: 11.8

1. Wojdyla, Sudety JG	11.8
2. Sterenga, Gornik W.	10.5
3. Lisewski, MMKS D.	10.0
4. Storozynski, Asec.P.	9.8
5. Kwiatkowski, Start L.	9.3
6. Kulikowski, Zubry	9.2
7. Grudzinski, Spojn.	9.1
8. Mis, Siarka T.	9.0
9. Nowak, Sudety JG	8.1
10. Dluski, LKS Lo.	7.8

Assists Per Game

Marcin STOKLOSA
  Spojnia S.
  (188-G-77)
  Avg: 7.5

1. Stoklosa, Spojn.	7.5
2. Sikora, Start Lublin	6.8
3. Ecka, Znicz Basket	5.9
4. Baran, Siarka T.	5.2
5. Trepka, LKS Lodz	5.1
6. Basinski, MMKS D.	4.6
7. Pacocha, Big Star	4.4
8. Glapinski, Sokol L.	4.3
9. Flieger, Zastal ZG	4.3
10. Rapucha, Zub.	4.3

Steals Per Game

Marcin FLIEGER
  Zastal ZG
  (182-G-84)
  Avg: 3.4

1. Flieger, Zastal ZG	3.4
2. Marciniak, Siarka T.	2.8
3. Ecka, Znicz Basket	2.8
4. Szpyrka, Siarka T.	2.8
5. Krupa, Siarka T.	2.7
6. Sikora, Asec.Pro.	2.7
7. Sikora, Start Lublin	2.5
8. Chodkiewicz, Zastal Z.	2.5
9. Nowak, Znicz B.	2.3
10. Stoklosa, Spo.	2.3

Blocks Per Game

Rafal KULIKOWSKI
  Zubry
  (204-C-85)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Kulikowski, Zubry	2.4
2. Lisewski, MMKS D.	2.2
3. Milewski, AZS A.	1.7
4. Mis, Siarka T.	1.5
5. Jarmakowicz, Zastal Z.	1.4
6. Salamonik, Big Star	1.1
7. Nowak, Znicz B.	1.1
8. Rajewicz, Zastal Z.	0.9
9. Pisarczyk, LKS Lodz	0.9
10. Pelka, Tempco.	0.9

Valuable win for Asseco Prokom in Malaga - by Eurobasket News
Unicaja - Asseco Prokom 50-70

The Polish powerhouse demonstrated wonderful performance in Malaga celebrating valuable 50-70 victory. That is the second win in Top 16 for Prokom, who now shares the first place in Group G with CSKA. Qyntel Woods (203-F/G-81, college: N.Mississippi JC) led the winning squad last night with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Ronnie Burrell

(204-F-83, agency: Pro One Sports, college: NC-Greensboro) followed with 16 points and 6 boards. In Unicaja, Berni Rodriguez

(197-F/G-80) netted 13 pts.
Asseco Prokom did a great job at the beginning taking quick 0-8 lead. Printezis finally scored for Unicaja, who later managed to close the gap to 13-17 after 10 minutes of play. Qyntel Woods and his teammates had impressive start of the second frame, as they jumped to another double-digit lead in this game. It was 13-23 after triple by Ronnie Burrell. Soon after that, Asseco Prokom was 18-33 up closing the 2-12 run. The hosts once again recovered and for a short time closed the gap to 33-37 (HT). Still, Asseco Prokom did not give up and was ahead during the entire third quarter. Prokom kept Unicaja scoreless for the final five minutes of the third and Qyntel Woods closed it with a basket for 40-49. Unicaja was in until the middle of the last period. It was 44-51 for Asseco Prokom, when Ewing hit free throws, Varda and Hrycaniuk scored, and Qyntel Woods followed with a basket for excellent 45-59 lead. It was clear that the game is already over for Unicaja, who was not able to stop Prokom on their way for final 50-70 victory.

Unicaja: Berni Rodriguez 13, Omar Cook 10
Asseco Prokom: Qyntel Woods 17+9 boards, Ronnie Burrell 16+6 boards

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

PORTUGAL

LPB Round 12 Preview and Picks - by Antonio Santos
Two weeks after the last round, with the Hugo dos Santos Cup being played last week (formerly called the League Cup), the LPB is back! It is the start of the second half of the season and it promises to be an interesting one. Here are the games, our picks, and some insight about the matchups:

Ginasio - Benfica
Ginasio is getting stronger, at least on paper, with the signing of Jason Hartford (206-F/C-85). He will be important as an inside presence. The team struggled to contain weight and height on the inside. The bad news is that they are facing the, so far, best team in the league. Coming off a loss in the cup against Porto, Benfica will be ready. A defeat for an experienced team is usually taken as a wake up call for stepping up and raising it up a notch. Will Frisby

(203-F/C-81, college: Miami, FL) got injured last week, but this is an experienced and deep roster that has in Heshimu Evans (198-F-75, college: Kentucky) a versatile option for playing inside outside.
Pick: Benfica - Even if Ginasio came close to winning at Benfica in the first round, we don't see it happening this time around against a team who should be out to prove something

Academica - Fisica
Academica has added a new face in Kalen Grimes (206-C, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Missouri). The club has stated it felt it needed to add height to the team. I believe Academica's problems are a bit deeper than that and, while a strong side, it won't improve significantly. Last year's successful run was made by a team based on a trio of import players lacking height, but excelling in mobility and ability to create their owns shots. It is a solid team, but it is still lagging behind the elite of the league. It faces Fisica, the likely lowest budget in the league. A team that will struggle to win in the 2nd round. Their direct competitors have gotten stronger, and the fantastic performances of Austen Powers (203-F-87, agency: Tank Sports, college: Seattle) have slowed down a bit, maybe due to the fact every opponent is now preparing well for containing him.
Pick: Academica - while the team has been struggling to score, it faces, at home, the so far worst team in the league

CAB - Vagos
Two new faces in the CAB lineup, David Vik (210-C-72, college: Washington St.) (who has already played a game) and Dwayne Archbold (198-F/G-80, college: Siena). It will be interesting to see if CAB can raise the quality of its game which has been somewhat disappointing so far. After being 5 seconds away from defeating Benfica, Vagos was annihilated by Guimaraes. Raheem Moss (193-G-83, college: Cleveland St.) is predicted to be returning to the lineup, giving them one more option on offense.
Pick: CAB - it's once more about home court advantage

Barreirense - Sampaense
Barreirense added Anthony Brown (203-F-86, college: Oklahoma St.) to a team that was often killed on the boards during the first half of the season. Sampaense saw the departure of Ricondo Crutchfield (200-F/G-78, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Philadelphia), the third best scorer in the league. While his replacement, Bobby Madison (198-F-82, college: W.Michigan), is a quality player, it is a blow to a team that overperformed in the beginning of the season just to take a hard fall after the first few games. Sampaense is seriously risking a second half of the season with very few wins. Still, a good chance for Sampaense to gain momentum if they can pull it off. Barreirense has shown it can be mighty at home. It has a 3-2 record against the top five teams in the league (granted, only one of those games was away) and a stunning 1-5 against the bottom 6 teams (with only 2 home games).
Pick: Barreirense - Its youth leads us to believe it won't be a blow out as the team lacks that killing instinct, when up by double digits, to completely kill a game. Still, at home, it should prevail against a free falling Sampaense

Illiabum - Porto
Porto got humbled in Barreiro during the last round. While a defeat is a negative, it can be seen as a positive when a team proudly sees it as an opportunity to correct and improve. It took Porto one week to do just that. Coach Moncho Lopez (agency: Interperformances ) turned things around that fast, and got quality wins in the cup against Guimares, Benfica and Ovarense. Those are just, other than Porto, the three best teams in the league. It was not an easy walk folks, props to Porto for bringing it. It was rumored for a while that Illiabum was going to switch one of its import players and then the team won 3 in a row and those rumors disappeared. While the team suffered step backs after that, it is now a stronger side.
Pick: Porto - An experienced group will remember well what last happened when they traveled to play on the road, and will be very focused this time around

Guimaraes - Ovarense
I'll admit it, this writer finds it very frustrating to see Ovarense playing. It is a talented group, with good import players lining up with quality Portuguese players. Miguel Miranda

(205-F-78)'s production has dramatically decreased. But, most frustrating, is to see the team's total inability to score on offense. It just should not be as bad as it has been. Thankfully for the team's loyal followers (kudos to a great group of fans in a town that truly cares about the game of basketball) it excels on defense. Guimaraes forces a quick tempo, a higher number of ball possessions than usual. Interesting matchup? I think so. But, at the same time, I sense if Guimaraes gets going, it might be a blow out.
Pick: Guimaraes - in what, on paper, looks like the most unpredictable game of the week, Guimaraes prevails driven by going on a couple of good runs throughout the game

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

RUSSIA

B Superleague Standings

1. N.Novgorod	24-2
2. Saransk	21-6
3. Revda	16-9
4. Severstal	16-10
5. Lok.Novos.	15-11
6. Spartak-P.	12-12
7. Ural Ekater.	12-13
8. Rjazan	11-15
9. Chelabinsk	9-15
10. Naltchik	8-16
11. Magnitogorsk	7-17
12. Tambov	7-19
13. Irkutsk	7-19

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

SERBIA

Partizan hands the first Euroleague loss to Regal Barca - by Eurobasket News
Partizan - Regal Barca 67-66 OT

There is no more unbeaten teams in Euroleague this season. Partizan Belgrade crushed Regal Barca 67-66 in heartbreaking thriller for perfect 2-0 in Group E. It was a game full of turns and the winner is decided in overtime, actually after 10 minute break as the referees had to watch the replay of the Barcas last shot many times. Partizan had plus 1 and Barca had the last possession in OT. Pete Mickeal tried from the paint, but his almost perfect hook went out of the rim, after what Lawrence Roberts

(205-F/C-82, college: Mississippi St.) swept the ball away once the board was illuminated, signaling that the time has expired. Referees watched the replay many times and decided that ball was not in goaltending when Roberts touched it. Jan Vesely (211-F-90) shined for the hosts with double-double of 13 points and 15 rebounds. Lawrence Roberts had 12 points and 11 boards, while Aleksandar Rasic

(195-G-84, agency: Beo Basket) helped with 11 points and 6 assists. Slovenian duo in Regal Barca, Jaka Lakovic (186-G-78) and Erazem Lorbek (210-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.), responded with 14 and 10 points respectively.
Partizan opened this game in style creating quick 10-0 lead. Later it was 12-4 and 19-9 for the hosts. Jaka Lakovic cut the margin to 8 points the finish, but Dusan Kecman answered with triple for 23-12 after 10 minutes of play. In the second quarter Partizan reached 31-18 lead, but visitors answered with mini 0-4 run. Rasic and Basile scored 2 FTs on the both sides, and Mitrovic closed the first half with a lay-up for 35-24. Totally different picture on the court was seen after that. Regal Barca took control on Partizan tying the score to 40-40 without any troubles. Thanks to great plays by Domen Lorbek and Basile the Spanish giant was 43-47 up after 3 periods of play. Barca finished this quarter 8-23. Visitors jumped to 45-54 at the beginning of the last frame and it seemed they are on the right track to victory, but Partizan exploded with 13-2 run. In thriller finish, Jaka Lakovic scored a 3-pointer for Regal Barca and Roberts missed on the other side. Lakovic had a chance to become a game hero, but he missed a seven meter triple and teams went to OT. During these five minutes Barca had plus 3 and Partizan made 67-66 turn. As described above, Pete Mickeal was unsuccessful at the buzzer and Partizan stopped 11-game winning streak made by the Spanish champion.

Partizan: Jan Vesely 13+15 boards, Lawrence Roberts 12+11 boards, Aleksandar Rasic 11+6 as
Regal Barca: Jaka Lakovic 14, Erazem Lorbek 10

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

SLOVENIA

Standings - 1A

Liga Standings

1. Krka	13-4
2. Rudar	12-4
3. Helios	12-5
4. Geoplin Slovan	11-5
5. Zlatorog	10-6
6. Alpos Sentjur	8-8
7. TCG Mercator	7-9
8. Polzela	7-9
9. Parklji	7-9
10. Elektra Esotech	6-10
11. Luka Koper	4-12
12. Sencur CP	0-16
Will join on later stage:
1. U.Olimpija	-

Stats Leaders - 1A

Points Per Game

Sandi CEBULAR
  Sentjur
  (196-G-86)
  Avg: 22

1. Cebular, Sentjur	22.0
2. Crenshaw, Sentjur	19.1
3. Snow, Helios	17.9
4. Dragic, Geoplin .	17.7
5. King, Polzela	16.9
6. Mucic, Rudar	16.4
7. Cup, Elektra .	16.2
8. Feeley, Elektra .	16.0
9. Drzic, Luka Koper	15.7
10. Bubnic, Zlator.	15.2

Rebounds Per Game

Shawn KING
  Polzela
  (208-C-82)
  Avg: 9.4

1. King, Polzela	9.4
2. Feeley, Elektra .	8.5
3. Nikolic, Krka	8.1
4. Thondique, Polzela	6.8
5. Cup, Elektra .	6.6
6. Bubnic, Zlatorog	6.4
7. Virijevic, Sencur C.	6.2
8. Markic, Luka Koper	6.1
9. Muric, Parklji	6.1
10. Simovic, Sentj.	5.9

Assists Per Game

Tadej KOSTOMAJ
  Elektra Esotech
  (186-G-87)
  Avg: 5.5

1. Kostomaj, Elektr.	5.5
2. Crenshaw, Sentjur	5.4
3. Anzulovic, Rudar	4.8
4. Nachbar, Luka Koper	3.9
5. Mocnik, Helios	3.9
6. Jersin, Parklji	3.8
7. Cmer, Zlatorog	3.8
8. Udrih, Polzela	3.1
9. Cebular, Sentjur	3.0
10. Petrovic, Heli.	2.7

Steals Per Game

Gregor HAFNAR
  Carmatic PT
  (195-G-77)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Hafnar, Polzela	2.1
2. Dragic, Geoplin .	2.0
3. Strnad, Zlatorog	1.8
4. Markic, Luka Koper	1.7
5. Udrih, Polzela	1.7
6. Jovanovic, Sencur C.	1.6
7. Skok, Polzela	1.6
8. Lapornik, Sentjur	1.6
9. Cebular, Sentjur	1.5
10. Mocnik, Heli.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Uros NIKOLIC
  Krka
  (207-F/C-87)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Nikolic, Krka	1.8
2. King, Polzela	1.3
3. Sviridov, Polzela	0.8
4. Simovic, Sentjur	0.8
5. Cup, Elektra .	0.8
6. Sjekloca, Elektr.	0.8
7. Ibok, Polzela	0.8
8. Pavic, Geoplin Slovan	0.7
9. Finzgar, TCG M.	0.6
10. Klepo, Geoplin Slov.	0.6

Dimec has finger injury, Collins arrives for Zlatorog trial - by Zeljko Zule
Luka Dimec

(207-F/C-90) of Zlatorog had surgery on his left index finger after and injury during the practice. He will be sidelined at least four weeks. Zlatorog immediatelly have taken Canadian David Collins (213-C-85, college: West Plains JC) on a trial. He arrives from US college Bradley University where he was averaging 4.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 35 games for the Braves last season. Last summer Collins played for Canada at Universiade 2009, averaging 3.5 points and in six games.

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

SPAIN

Ruben Douglas is close to Cajasol - by Eurobasket News
Ruben Douglas (193-G-79, agency: Pro One Sports, college: N.Mexico) is reported to be in negotiations with Cajasol. The sides are close to reaching the agreement on terms of contract. The 29-year-old guard started the previous season in Pamesa Valencia. He tallied 10.2 points, 3.4 boards and 1.1 steals per game in the ACB. In EuroCup Ruben Douglas delivered 10.9 points, 3.5 boards and 2.0 assists. He left the Spanish team in February 2009 and joined Lottomatica Roma. In Italy Douglas notched 7.5 points, 2.1 boards and 1.3 assists per Seria A game. In Euroleague his stats read 10.7 points, 3.0 boards and 1.3 steals.

Valuable win for Asseco Prokom in Malaga - by Eurobasket News
Unicaja - Asseco Prokom 50-70

The Polish powerhouse demonstrated wonderful performance in Malaga celebrating valuable 50-70 victory. That is the second win in Top 16 for Prokom, who now shares the first place in Group G with CSKA. Qyntel Woods (203-F/G-81, college: N.Mississippi JC) led the winning squad last night with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Ronnie Burrell

(204-F-83, agency: Pro One Sports, college: NC-Greensboro) followed with 16 points and 6 boards. In Unicaja, Berni Rodriguez

(197-F/G-80) netted 13 pts.
Asseco Prokom did a great job at the beginning taking quick 0-8 lead. Printezis finally scored for Unicaja, who later managed to close the gap to 13-17 after 10 minutes of play. Qyntel Woods and his teammates had impressive start of the second frame, as they jumped to another double-digit lead in this game. It was 13-23 after triple by Ronnie Burrell. Soon after that, Asseco Prokom was 18-33 up closing the 2-12 run. The hosts once again recovered and for a short time closed the gap to 33-37 (HT). Still, Asseco Prokom did not give up and was ahead during the entire third quarter. Prokom kept Unicaja scoreless for the final five minutes of the third and Qyntel Woods closed it with a basket for 40-49. Unicaja was in until the middle of the last period. It was 44-51 for Asseco Prokom, when Ewing hit free throws, Varda and Hrycaniuk scored, and Qyntel Woods followed with a basket for excellent 45-59 lead. It was clear that the game is already over for Unicaja, who was not able to stop Prokom on their way for final 50-70 victory.

Unicaja: Berni Rodriguez 13, Omar Cook 10
Asseco Prokom: Qyntel Woods 17+9 boards, Ronnie Burrell 16+6 boards

Tucker and Norel to Miss Big Derby - by Paul Nilsen
DKV Joventut have been left reeling after Clay Tucker

(195-G-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) and Henk Norel (212-F/C-87) were seemingly ruled out of this weekends bug derby game with Barcelona after sustaining injuries in the European clash in Berlin with Alba. The biggest blow will be the absence of sharp shooter and team captain Clay Tucker who has damage to his right knee while Norel has a problem with his left ankle. Badalona will have an uphill struggle in bouncing back from their mauling in Estu last time out - especially with Barcelona still fuming from their controversial EuroLeague loss in Belgrade during the week.

Partizan hands the first Euroleague loss to Regal Barca - by Eurobasket News
Partizan - Regal Barca 67-66 OT

There is no more unbeaten teams in Euroleague this season. Partizan Belgrade crushed Regal Barca 67-66 in heartbreaking thriller for perfect 2-0 in Group E. It was a game full of turns and the winner is decided in overtime, actually after 10 minute break as the referees had to watch the replay of the Barcas last shot many times. Partizan had plus 1 and Barca had the last possession in OT. Pete Mickeal tried from the paint, but his almost perfect hook went out of the rim, after what Lawrence Roberts

SWEDEN

Standings - Basketligan

Basketligan Standings

1. Norrkoping	26-4
2. Plannja	23-6
3. Sundsvall	23-6
4. Solna	19-11
5. Uppsala	12-17
6. Gothia Basket	12-17
7. Eco Orebro	11-18
8. Sodertalje	11-18
9. Boras	11-19
10. 08	7-22
11. Jamtland	6-23

Stats Leaders - Basketligan

Points Per Game

Drazen KLARIC
  Eco Orebro
  (205-F-80)
  Avg: 20.4

1. Klaric, Eco Orebro	20.4
2. McKnight, Plannja	19.7
3. Rush, Gothia Basket	18.8
4. Palm, Boras	18.6
5. Sigurdarson, Sunds.	18.2
6. Spagrud, Sundsvall	16.2
7. Konare, Jamtland	15.7
8. Gervin, Norrkoping	15.7
9. Carter, Gothia B.	15.6
10. Nystrom, Bor.	15.5

Rebounds Per Game

Michael PALM
  Boras
  (208-C-79)
  Avg: 10.7

1. Palm, Boras	10.7
2. Konare, Jamtland	10.4
3. Spagrud, Sundsvall	8.8
4. Akingbade, Jamtl.	8.7
5. Rush, Gothia Basket	8.5
6. Djordjic, Soder.	7.8
7. Akesson, Plannja	7.7
8. Mottram, Gothia B.	7.4
9. Jonzen, Uppsala	7.2
10. Kjellbom, Norrkopi.	6.9

Assists Per Game

Andrew PLEICK
  Eco Orebro
  (196-G-80)
  Avg: 6.2

1. Pleick, Eco Orebro	6.2
2. Levin, Sundsvall	5.8
3. Grant, Norrkoping	5.6
4. Chuk, Sodertalje	5.1
5. Mbemba, Solna	4.9
6. Mitchell, Solna	4.8
7. Carter, Gothia B.	4.7
8. Gervin, Norrkoping	4.5
9. McKnight, Plannja	4.1
10. Larsson, Plann.	4.1

Steals Per Game

Rhys CARTER
  Gothia Basket
  (190-G-84)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Carter, Gothia B.	2.9
2. Chuk, Sodertalje	2.4
3. Mbemba, Solna	2.0
4. Grant, Norrkoping	2.0
5. McKnight, Plannja	2.0
6. Mitchell, Solna	1.9
7. Hellgren, Jamtland	1.9
8. Person, Uppsala	1.9
9. Gervin, Norrkoping	1.7
10. Pleick, Eco Oreb.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Joakim KJELLBOM
  Norrkoping
  (213-C/F-79)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Kjellbom, Norrkoping	1.9
2. Rosendahl, Plannja	1.8
3. Palm, Boras	1.6
4. Konare, Jamtland	1.5
5. Rush, Gothia Basket	1.3
6. Ayuba, Norrkoping	1.2
7. Akesson, Plannja	0.9
8. Drains, Norrkoping	0.9
9. Spagrud, Sundsvall	0.9
10. McNaull, Norrkopi.	0.8

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SWITZERLAND

Standings - LNB

LNB Standings

1. Bernex	17-1
2. Zurich W.	14-4
3. Swiss Central	12-6
4. Villars	11-8
5. Martigny	10-8
6. Chene	10-9
7. Vevey	10-9
8. Acad.Fribourg	7-10
9. DDV Lugano	7-11
10. Vernier	7-11
11. Zurich K.	6-11
12. Pully	6-11
13. Neuchatel	0-18

Stats Leaders LNA

Points Per Game

Kenny THOMAS
  Lausanne
  (191-G-87)
  Avg: 20.2

1. Thomas, Lausanne	20.2
2. Brown, Starwings	20.2
3. Sowell, Geneva Devils	19.2
4. Hamilton, SAM M.	19.0
5. Volcy, Monthey	18.7
6. Bradley, MGS	17.9
7. Hollins, Starwings	17.7
8. Abukar, Lugano T.	17.2
9. Schneiderman., SAV V.	17.0
10. Mladjan, Lugano.	16.8

Rebounds Per Game

Marcus SLOAN
  Starwings
  (205-F-82)
  Avg: 11.5

1. Sloan, Starwings	11.5
2. Grimm, SAM M.	9.9
3. Thompson, Lausanne	9.6
4. Volcy, Monthey	9.4
5. Southall, BBC Nyon	8.9
6. Gugino, Boncourt	8.5
7. Vogt, Fribourg	7.9
8. VanderMeer, Lugano T.	7.9
9. Sanders, Lugano T.	7.3
10. Dacevic, SAV.	7.0

Assists Per Game

Vernard HOLLINS
  Starwings
  (190-G-80)
  Avg: 5.9

1. Hollins, Starwings	5.9
2. Stein, Lugano T.	5.5
3. Monroe, Boncourt	5.4
4. Lukovic, SAV V.	5.2
5. Bradley, MGS	5.1
6. Wooten, Boncourt	5.0
7. Walton, Lugano T.	4.9
8. Pleux-D., Lausanne	4.8
9. Petkovic, Fribourg	4.6
10. Gray, SAM Massag.	4.6

Steals Per Game

Vernon HAMILTON
  Mykolaiv
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 5

1. Hamilton, SAM M.	5.0
2. Stein, Lugano T.	3.0
3. Gray, SAM Massagno	2.9
4. Gugino, Boncourt	2.7
5. Tshomba, Boncourt	2.4
6. Dacevic, SAV V.	2.3
7. Jaquier, Starwings	2.3
8. Volcy, Monthey	2.3
9. Mladjan, Lugano T.	2.2
10. Pleux-D., Lausan.	2.2

Blocks Per Game

Alex THOMPSON
  Lausanne
  (208-F-85)
  Avg: 4.4

1. Thompson, Lausanne	4.4
2. Southall, BBC Nyon	3.3
3. VanderMeer, Lugano T.	2.9
4. Sloan, Starwings	1.7
5. Niang, MGS	1.4
6. Sanders, Lugano T.	1.3
7. Vogt, Fribourg	1.2
8. Volcy, Monthey	1.2
9. Grimm, SAM M.	1.1
10. Grimes, Lausan.	1.0

Bulle Basket sign Gomes and Thalmann - by Luca Maffioli
Bulle Basket have agreed on terms of contract with Nicolas Gomes (200-F/C-80) and Simon Thalmann (192-G-84). Gomes averaged 2.1 points, 3.0 rebounds and 0.7 assist per appearance with Villars-sur-Glane Basket in LNB Swiss. Thalmann growed up in Olympic Fribourg and he played since 2005-2006 season with Marly Basket (Serie Cantonale). Lugano Tigers U23 sign Branimir Krstic. The 19-years-old guard/forward played in SP Star Gordola and he averaged 3.8 points per game.

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

TPBL

TX HURRICANES (DALLAS) take on the ABILENE HEAT this week - by Chris Cardenas
ABILENE,TX- The TPBL is ready to get back to action after the week 4 bye week. All teams had a chance to gather their troops, rest from injuries, and reload to play strong for the next 4 weeks. First on the list will be a good ol' fashioned shoot out between the Dallas,tx team TX HURRICANES and the ABILENE HEAT. Both Teams feature high scoring and tough defense and knowing that everyone is itching to play this week, could make for a super game on saturday night.
GAME TIME : 7:00 PM , LOCATION: MANN MIDDLE SCHOOL (3145 S. Barrow st. abilene,tx) , ADULTS: $5 STUDENTS: $3

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

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Sylven Landesberg Named ACC Player of the Week - by Don Farrell
GREENSBORO, N.C.Virginia sophomore guard Sylven Landesberg was named the Atlantic Coast Conferences mens basketball Player of the Week on Monday (Feb. 1) for his play in Virginias games with Virginia Tech and North Carolina last week. Its the second time this season Landesberg has earned the award.

The 6-6 Landesberg, , scored 47 points and had nine rebounds in the two games. He shot 55.9 percent (19-34) from the field, including 33.3 percent (2-6) from three-point range, and 70 percent (7-10) from the free-throw line. He also had seven assists, three steals and one blocked shot in 71 minutes of playing time in the two games.

In the Cavaliers 76-71 overtime loss at home to Virginia Tech on Jan. 28, Landesberg scored 18 points and had four rebounds. He also had five assists and one steal in 37 minutes of action.

In Virginias 75-60 win at North Carolina on Jan. 31, Landesberg scored a game-high 29 points and had five rebounds. He also had two assists, two steals and one blocked shot in 34 minutes of playing time.

Landersberg career high assist helps Cavaliers past NC State - by Don Farrell
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - Mike Scott scored 15 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, and Virginia held North Carolina State scoreless for more than 7 minutes on the way to a 59-47 victory Wednesday night.

Virginia (14-6, 5-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) regained a share of first place in the conference with No. 10 Duke, and completed a season sweep of the series with the Wolfpack.

North Carolina State (14-9, 2-6) led 28-25 at halftime, but managed just 19 points in the second half, none during a stretch when Virginia turned a 32-29 deficit into a 40-32 lead. Scott had four points and Jerome Meyinsse three in the Cavaliers' 11-0 run. The Wolfpack never got closer than six points the rest of the game.

Virginia head coach Tony Bennett was pleased with his team's defensive effort in the second half.

I was proud of how we stepped up and defended,' Bennett said after the game. 'We were way too indecisive in the first half and gave up way too many points in the paint. We did not have a sense of urgency. At halftime I really challenged them hard, I said, thats not who we are or who we have to be. They worked a lot harder and were more together defensively in the second half, and I thought that with some of the guys being a little cold tonight, that second half defense won it for us. I like to see that, it was good how much they battled.

Scott's double-double was his fourth of the season and the 14th of his career.

Mustapha Farrakhan added 11 points and Meyinsse 10 for Virginia, while Sylven Landesberg failed to score in double figures for the first time this season, finishing with seven. But Landesberg, who shot 2-for-10, did contribute a career-high nine assists and had six rebounds. Meyinsse's 10 points were a personal ACC career high.

Richard Howell led NC State with 14 points and Tracy Smith had 12.

Virginia shot 40.7 percent (22-54) from the field for the game, including 37.5 percent (6-16) from three-point range, and 69.2 percent (9-13) from the free-throw line. The Cavaliers shot 48.0 percent (12-25) from the field in the second half, including 50.0 percent (3-6) from three-point range.

UVa out-rebounded the Wolfpack 40-30 and the Cavaliers had just eight turnovers in the game. Virginia has had 10 or fewer turnovers in a game 11 times this season.

Bennett was asked about his team being tied for first place in the ACC.

The kids have responded,' Bennett said. 'It is still very early, but the kids have responded and bounced back from a tough loss both times and have battled. It is a good place to be in, but by no means does that mean that we have arrived. I just want them to keep improving. I thought they won in a way today that they havent before in the second half. It was with our defense and with some of our key guys not shooting well, so that is a good sign. We won with some foul trouble and cold shooting, but the defense clamped down, and we will take it.

North Carolina State shot 37.5 percent (18-48) from the field in the game, including 18.2 percent (2-11) from three-point range, and 56.3 percent (9-16) from the free-throw line. The Wolfpack shot just 29.2 percent (7-24) from the field in the second half, including 14.3 percent (1-7) from three-point range.

'I think that the difference in the ball game was the run that [Virginia] made in the second half when Tracy Smith came to the bench because of foul trouble,' NC State head coach Sidney Lowe said. 'They made a little run and we had trouble scoring even when Tracy came back in the game. I thought Richard Howell did a good job of helping him, but other than that we didnt have much help. They hit big shots and we missed them. I thought we were playing well in the first half. They only scored 59 points when they average 71 so I would have thought wed have a chance, but our perimeter just didnt play well.'

Williams block Nets! - by Albert-Lee Young
National team captain Miguel Williams came up with a huge block shot on a Kern George game winning attempt as Petro Jazz held on for a hard fought 71-70 win over Sports World Straker Nets on Monday night at the St Paul Street Complex, Port of Spain.

The 6-8 Williams led Jazz with a double-double 19 pts & 11 rebounds while Ako Pascall contributed 19 and Louie Davis chipped in with 12.

For Nets Kern George had 16 points, Jeffery Harris 14 and Mario Davis added 10.

In the other game of the National Club Championships Big 8 Playoffs, Royal Extra Lions bounced back from their opening loss to register a 78-68 upset victory against tournament favourites Detour Shak Attack.

Coincidently Lions attack was led by former Shak Attack power forward Andrew Ifill who hit 20 points with six rebounds. Ifill was ably supported by shooting guard Steve Neils Jr with 21 points and center Brian Zamore who posted up 14 points & 9 rebounds.

For Shak Attack the lanky 6-9 Shawn Lawrence scored a game high 22 points while Kurt Koto Christian had 16 in a losing effort.

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TURKEY

TB2L Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Albert FISHER
  Akcakoca P.
  (185-G-86)
  Avg: 25.3

1. Fisher, Akcakoca P.	25.3
2. Haciyeva, Pertevniyal	23.2
3. Nelson, Akhisar Bld	22.3
4. Abi, ITU	21.7
5. Curtis, Beykoz	21.4
6. Garrison, Pamuk.	21.1
7. Kan, Yesilyurt	19.7
8. Hairston, Duzce G.	19.2
9. Eiukwu, Usak	18.2
10. Karamahmut, Us.	18.1

Rebounds Per Game

Orhan HACIYEVA
  Darussafaka
  (--89)
  Avg: 12.8

1. Haciyeva, Pertevniyal	12.8
2. Brown, Yesilyurt	12.5
3. Mims, Istanbul.	11.8
4. Curtis, Beykoz	11.6
5. Eiukwu, Usak	11.5
6. Nelson, Akhisar Bld	11.1
7. Egemonye, Optimum .	10.5
8. Garrison, Pamuk.	10.2
9. Gokay, Akcakoca P.	9.9
10. Gray, Gelis.	9.4

Assists Per Game

Admir KAN
  Yesilyurt
  (185-G-83)
  Avg: 5.8

1. Kan, Yesilyurt	5.8
2. Eris, Istanbul B.B.	5.7
3. Ogut, Genc Telekom	5.1
4. Fisher, Akcakoca P.	5.0
5. Senol, Final Genclik	5.0
6. Gacemer, Gelisim	4.9
7. Kavaklioglu, Hacett.	4.9
8. Tutuncu, Beykoz	4.7
9. Akyol, Olin Genclik	4.4
10. Tunceri, Hacett.	4.3

Steals Per Game

Orhan HACIYEVA
  Darussafaka
  (--89)
  Avg: 3

1. Haciyeva, Pertevniyal	3.0
2. Yavuklu, Orman G.	2.3
3. Gursu, Genc Banvit	2.2
4. Erdogan, Duzce G.	2.2
5. Mutaf, FMV I.	2.1
6. Celebioglu, Genc B.	2.1
7. Nelson, Akhisar Bld	2.1
8. Ozseven, TED I.	2.1
9. Guney, TED Istanbul	2.0
10. Kan, Yesilyu.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Callistus EIUKWU
  Usak
  (208-F/C-85)
  Avg: 3.7

1. Eiukwu, Usak	3.7
2. Garrison, Pamuk.	2.4
3. Hairston, Duzce G.	2.2
4. Fobbs, Trabzonspor	2.1
5. Taylor, Vestel	1.9
6. Mims, Istanbul.	1.8
7. Turkyilmaz, Genc B.	1.7
8. Egemonye, Optimum .	1.7
9. Courtney, Final G.	1.6
10. Balto, Genc.	1.4

Efes Pilsen too strong for Montepaschi - by Eurobasket News
Efes Pilsen - Montepaschi 88-78

Efes Pilsen downed Montepaschi celebrating the first victory in Top 16. Ergin Atamans team and the Italian powerhouse now have the same 1-1 score in Group F. Mario Kasun (213-C-80) shined for the winners nailing 17 points and pulling down 9 rebounds, all of that in just 18 minutes on the floor. Kaya Peker (207-C/F-80, agency: Court Side) had 13 points and 5 rebounds, while Charles Smith (193-G-75, college: N.Mexico) added 11 pts. Romain Sato

UBA

Who will be crowned Champion - by Griselle Martis-Barnes
2010 URBL Champion will join the UBA.

In Celebration of the URBLs final season the UBA has announced that the winner of the 2010 season will move up to the UBA in the 2010-2011 season. The UBA is set to begin it's first season, under the control of J.D. Barnes, December 2010. Barnes purchased the URBL from Mac Claire in 2009 and later changed the league name to the UBA.

'We have decide to keep the URBL as a developmental league to the UBA. It will give players and owners the opportunity to gain much needed experience in the professional basketball world,' said Barnes. The URBL includes 6 teams which will be playing this season beginning April 2, 2010.

'It will be interesting to see who comes out on top and will gain the opportunity to join the UBA,' said Barnes.

This season the teams will include: Austin Knight, Converse Flight, Houston Gladiators, Houston Asteroids, San Antonio Airmen and the Irving Assault.

'It's exciting to see who will finish on top. I think this is a great way to reward the top team of the URBL', said Claire.

Geoff Harner (6'1''-G-83)

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

UKRAINE

Hoverla seals a deal with Rostislav Kryvych - by Platon Khegai
31-years-old Ukrainian Rostislav Kryvych (198-F/G-78) found new team after BC Donetsk ceased its existence. Former Tigers' combo has played 10 games in Superleague Championship this season showing 9.6 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 0.4 apg. Also he appeared in VTB League and EuroChallenge scoring 8.0 ppg and 7.0 ppg respectively. Rostislav, like his twin brother Ihor, became famous playing for Sumykhimprom where he spent 10 years.
BC Hoverla

SL Cup: third stage, first games - by Platon Khegai
Third stage, round of 8. First games:

Gladiators defeated Lions on the road and almost secured a spot in the Final Four.
Halychyna - Budivelnyk 72-90 (16:16, 19:17, 21:30, 16:27)
H: Williams 20; McIntosh 16; Tasovski 11.
B: ElAmin 25 points, 6 rebounds, 6 steals, 5 assists; Henderson 23; Anisimov 15 points, 6 rebounds; Guinn 11.

Ferro, headed by coach Bolshakov, has demonstrated its power again and again. Loosing by 15 after 1st half, in the 2nd visitors not only equalized but then overcame hosts by 9 points after the final horn.
Khimik - Ferro-ZNTU 79:88 (27:18, 20:14, 18:27, 14:29)
K: Agafonov 17 points, 13 rebounds; Mitchell 15 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 steals; Kolchenko 13; Blanchard 11.
F: Thomas 16 points, 15 rebounds; Burtt 16 points + 5 assists; Kondrusevych 14; Hunter 14; Rybalko 11; Shaposhnykov 10.

MBC Mykolaiv lost to BC Kyiv at home by 6 and therefore has poor chance for success in Kyiv.
MBC Mykolaiv - BC Kyiv 74:80 (18:22, 17:26, 21:17, 18:15)
M: Onufriev 21; McClintock 15 points, 12 rebounds, 3 blocks; Love 12; Vaikulis 11.
K: Zabirchenko 19 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals; Briantsev 13; Pustozvonov 10 points, 9 rebounds; Kravtsov 9 points, 8 rebounds; Lukashov 9.

Azovmash unexpectedly easy destroyed Sharks from Odessa. Only one player for the visitors gained 10+ points.
Azovmash - BC Odessa 95:58 (30:17, 26:10, 28:21, 11:10)
A: Daniels 23; Rizvic 15 points, 14 rebounds; Alexander 15; House 12 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals.
O: Balashov 12; Coleman 9; Blessingame 9.

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UNITED KINGDOM

Season defining weekend for Trailblazers - by George Manousidis
Derby Trailblazers face what could become a landmark weekend in their impressive season as they take on Coventry Crusaders side in the league before facing London Mets in the semi-final of the EBL Mens Trophy.

Both matches are on the road and will present stern challenges for the Trailblazers. The Crusaders have won their last three home fixtures and their last defeat in Coventry came at the hands of London Mets.

Coach Clarence Wiggins remains confident about Derbys potential, but admits this could be a season defining weekend for his club:

The Trophy Semi-Final is very important to us, but we want to win our league game first, so well probably go a little bit easier than normal in our training. Were going to focus on Coventry by looking at what we did well last time and reviewing the game tape we have of them.

Theyve added a big American who can really score, so well need to try and limit him. We also need to watch out for [Stephen] Danso, because he really hurt us last time when he put a big run together late in the game, he said.

The new American referred to by Wiggins is 69 power forward Matthew Smith (206-C-83, college: Warner Southern), who can play both inside and out, with the ability to work relentlessly on the boards and to shoot a high percentage from outside the arc. He scored 25 points on his debut and along with Danso and fellow American John Olinger (186-G, college: Willamette), recently combined for 88 points in Coventrys win over Tees Valley Mohawks.

Wiggins admits the Crusaders are a much improved team than the one Derby beat 93-84 at Moorways earlier this season:

If we were to go there unprepared, theres no doubt we would lose as other teams have done in recent weeks. So our focus at least initially will be to focus on getting the job done against the Crusaders. Then we can start to think about Sunday, he said.

After the trip to Coventry, Derby will head straight down to the capital to stay over ahead of their one oclock tip off against London Mets in the Trophy semi-final. The Trailblazers are still harbouring the disappointment of losing out to Bristol Academy Flyers in the semi-final of the EBL Cup and Wiggins is determined to do better in the Trophy:
The match against Mets will be difficult because they tend to put out a stronger line up at home than they do on the road. But well be taking the same approach as we do for the Coventry game. Well look at some game tape and well try to identify their weaknesses.

I dont think they have great three point shooters and if we can keep them from getting too many offensive rebounds, Im confident we can win the ball game. I keep telling the guys at every training session that were a really good team and I think theyre starting to believe it.

But you know what? Theres still room for improvement and we intend to make sure we do improve between now and the end of the season. We have moments when we look really, really solid, but we need to reach the point where we can do that for the entire game and I believe thats something we can do as the season progresses.

Getting to a final has been one of our objectives since the start of the season, so hopeful Sundays game will see us realise that ambition, he said.

Derby beat the Mets 81-48 in the only other meeting between the two clubs at Moorways in December. Dave Attewell led the Trailblazers with 15 points and 16 rebounds, while Michael Odumoso was the top scorer for the visitors with 11 points.

Both sides have made changes to their roster since then. Derby have added 21-year-old Ryan Lewis who was a team-mate with Martyn Gayle and Joel Madourie at Birmingham A's last season.

Meanwhile, Mets lost Mansour Mbye to Edmonton Phoenix and Laurent Irish to London Leopards over the Christmas break, but have signed veteran forward Okolie Ugbana, whose most recent club was Worthing Thunder. They are also waiting on international clearance for former Brixton Topcat Nathan Ashley who has been playing in France.

Their player-coach, Soloman Ayinla is expecting a difficult challenge:

'Derby got the best of us last time, but this is a new ball game. They are the form team judging by recent results and they're a well balanced team, probably the most complete team in Division One. But, we had our moment when we visited them late last year, so we'll look to exploit those weaknesses,' he said.

Sundays Trophy semi-final is a one oclock tip at the Science Centre, London Metropolitan University, while Saturdays league match against the Crusaders at Coventry Sports & Leisure Centre tips off at 7.30pm.

~~~~~

Elsewhere, Trailblazers II and the clubs Under 18s both face Manchester at the Amaechi Basketball Centre, with games tipping at 3pm and 1pm respectively on Saturday. The clubs Under 16s are home to Shropshire at 1pm on Sunday.

Revenge Rules All - by Andy Webb
One of the highlights of Fridays and Saturdays games will almost certainly be the clash between Marshall MK Lions, and Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders on Saturday night, at John Sandford Sports Centre. The Riders will want to put right the 67-89 beating that the Lions handed them back in October, and both teams come into the game off the back of victories. Lions' owner-coach Vince Macaulay said he is excited at the prospect of facing a side who he claims are going through a transition.

Having parted company with starting point guard Tack Minor just before the Christmas break, the Riders have returned the athletic Duane James as his replacement, and after a set of mixed results, picked up a morale boosting 87-92 win over Guildford Heat last Sunday. Macaulay said on the East Midlands leading franchise: Against the Riders this Saturday we have to be wary as they are going through a transition, they have lost a very good player and are once again trying to find their identity. He also said that the fact that former Lion Tony Windless features in the Riders side, will add some spice to the game: I expect a tough encounter he added: Whilst we have more size than they do I feel, but with ex-Lion Tony Windless in the side, they will be fired up.

Leicester boss Rob Paternostro, took his hat off to the performance of his bench players last weekend, in two key wins, as the Riders beat Essex Pirates on Saturday night prior to the Guildford trip: I thought two games in a row our bench of Aaron Westbrooks, Tony Windless, Duane James, and Barry Lamble played very well he said: Our depth is one of our strengths and on Sunday we were able to play all nine guys for fifteen minutes or more.

Another double header confronts Leicester this week, as before they welcome Milton Keynes to their home court; they must make the trip to Sheffield Sharks on Friday night, as they look to avenge their BBL Cup Semi Final aggregate loss to the Yorkshire based club. Another team looking for revenge will be PAWS London Capital, as they bid to cause an upset against Newcastle Eagles on Friday evening, whilst two of Team GB coaching staff meet once again, as Tony Garbelotto (Everton Tigers coach) and Tim Lewis (Essex Pirates boss), take their men into battle at Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre on Saturday evening. Despite Airwaves Plymouth Raiders having won eleven of their thirteen games against Worcester Wolves, the West Midlanders had the last laugh with an 83-85 BBL Trophy First Round defeat of Plymouth, so revenge appears to be the theme this weekend, as the Raiders will try to make up for last time against the Wolves.

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URUGUAY

Defensor Sporting is number 1 for the play off - by Hector Lopez
Defensor Sporting clinched number 1 for the Uruguayan League quarter finals after beating Malvin 102-90, with only one round still to be played to finish the regular season. For Defensor Sporting, Robby Collum (185-G-81, college: W.Michigan) scored 35 points, incluiding 6 three-point shots and 11/12 on free shots, plus 5 assists, while Christopher Jackson (208-C-81, college: N.Mexico St.) netted 26 grabbed 22 rebounds plus one block and 4 assists. The best scorer for Malvin was Fernando Martinez (170-G-79) with 30 points. Torraye Braggs (203-F/C-76, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Xavier) netted 12 and Brian Laing

(195-G/F-85, college: Seton Hall) 13. Malvin need one more win to clinch number 2.

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USBA

USBA will hold Job Fair and Open House, March 13 and March 20, 2010 - by USBA Media

Atlanta, Ga. (February 4, 2010) -- The United States Basketball Association (USBA) is pleased to announce a Job Fair and team Open Houses. The Job Fair and Open Houses will take place at the home gymnasiums of each individual team on Sarurday March 13 and March 20, 2010 .

Churches, civic groups and fans of each team are invited to come and get autographs, take pictures with the team and get to know the players who will be representing each individual city. A special invitation has been extended to the Boys and Girls Clubs as well as Big Brothers and Big Sisters organizations. 'We are also extending a very special invitation to foster children in each city.'

The Open Houses will take place on Saturday March 13 and Saturday March 20, 2010 from 2-7 pm with refreshments such as hot dogs, soft drinks, chips and other snacks being provided free of charge by Coca-Cola or Pepsi-Cola.

USBA president Duane Jenkins says, 'This is an opportunity for us to get to know our fans and supporters in each city. We want our fans to be able to have autographs signed and quite simply, fans will be able to talk to the players on a more personal level.' We will conduct a job fair on these dates to fulfill positions with the team.'

Each local team will conduct interviews for game day staff as well as holding tryouts for basketball players and dance team applicants. For a list of available positions, refer to www.usbaball.com/employment .

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

The league has set the price of $105.00 per season ticket and comes with admission to all fifteen home games and as an extra added bonus each season ticket comes with an additional fifteen free single game tickets; this includes admittance to all home playoff games. As a bonus, fans receive priority seating, complimentary concessions, a free game day program and a 24x36 full color poster with the basketball team and dance team. (The total number of admittance per season ticket is 30, which breaks down to $3.50 per admittance)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All drawings for this promotion will be held at halftime of the teams home season opener. 'As far as we know, this is the biggest and most extravagant season ticket promotion in the history of minor league sports.' says Jenkins. Fans can visit our website at www.usbaball.com for rules and disclaimers about the raffle and the United States Basketball Association. 'We plan to begin our first season with a bang. All of our games will be geared toward top notched basketball competition, family fun and entertainment surrounded in a faith based environment, our goal is to offer each community a great experience' proclaimed, Mr. Jenkins. For more information, call the USBA league office at (678) 966-9993 or go to www.usbaball.com .

USBA to host National Basketball Player Combine at Agnes Scott College - by USBA Media

Atlanta, Ga. (February 4, 2010)---The United States Basketball Association (USBA) will host its first invitation-only national basketball player combine as part of the process for filling its 2010 inaugural basketball team rosters. 'The combine is scheduled to be held at the Woodruff Physical Activity Building on the campus of Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia,' said USBA Vice President of Basketball Operation Kenneth Green. The combine will be held on Saturday, March 6, 2010. 'We invite all qualified professional players to participate, we have already heard from agents who represent players from other countries as well as here in the United States,' said Green. The combine will be open to all qualified basketball players. The registration period is February 12, 2010 thru March 1, 2010. Players are required to pre-register on the league website, beginning February 12 and no one will be accepted after the deadline. Registration forms can be mailed to the league office. All applications should be postmarked before March 1, 2010. Forms will be available from the leagues website.

The combine was originally to be held at Oglethorpe University, according to league sources the change was made to better accommodate participants. 'Oglethorpe is a fine university and they have great facilities, however it is in a predominately residential area and we need to make hotels available to the combine participants.'

'We are working tirelessly in our pursuit to find the best players available for all USBA teams; this will enable us to provide our fans the very best minor league professional basketball players from day one,' said USBA President and C.E.O., Duane Allen Jenkins . 'This national search for players and our combine is a truly special and unique opportunity for all of our coaches to evaluate basketball players to fit their style of play in one place and at one time,' continued Jenkins.

Invited players will participate in scrimmage games and will be evaluated by the league coaching staff and invited scouts. USBA coaching staff will then select the players to try out for their local team. USBA individual team tryouts are scheduled for March 13, 2010 and March 20, 2010. According to the league, players will be charged a fee of $75.00 to participate in the combine. The league will waive the all fees for team individual tryouts for the players who participate in the combine. Basketball players will need to have a minimum of two years experience on the collegiate level to be invited to both the combine and the individual team tryouts.

Players participating in the combine will receive a tee shirt, lunch from Subway and a video taped disc of the days events. Deer Park will provide bottled water to the players and coaches. Trainers and paramedics will be on hand to assist participants.

The basketball games during combine will be officiated by league referees. 'We have a prime opportunity to expose these players to the crews that will officiate the USBA games,' said USBA Supervisor of Officials, Simmie Lavender. 'The minimum experience of my officials is the NCAA division two level; we have quite a few people that referee in the NCAA division one and currently registered with the D-League.' The USBA uses NBA rules and regulations.

The USBA has eighteen teams in three divisions. The teams are spread out over ten southern states and the District of Columbia. Please refer to the league website at www.usbaball.com. Combine signup will begin February 12, 2010 and end March 1, 2010. Complete instruction on player registration, confirmed site location and hotel reservation information will be made available on the league website on February 12, 2010. The USBA utilizes medium to small college and university gymnasiums for the home location of their teams. All USBA coaches will be in attendance to evaluate players. Coaches will have the option to sign players to an agreement or invited them to an additional tryout with their local team.

Basketball player compensation package includes; $350.00 per week, $25.00 sponsor paid appearances, 25% commission on sponsorship sales, a daily meal at Golden Coral Buffet Restaurant, workman compensation and housing, when needed. Each team plays a thirty game schedule, fifteen home games and fifteen games away.

About the United States Basketball Association----The United States Basketball Association (USBA) is a mid spring thru early summer mens professional basketball league. The league headquarters is located in Atlanta, Georgia. The league as eighteen teams split into three divisions, spread out over ten southern states and the District of Columbia. Basketball players, coaches, dance team members and game day staff could be catapulted to enjoy further opportunities in the National Basketball Association Developmental League (NBADL), as well as exposure to other reputable professional basketball leagues from around the world. League website is www.usbaball.com .

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Women News

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BELGIUM - Women

D1: Round 17 review - by Eurobasket News
In Round 17 of the Belgian top division, No.1 Waregem hosted BBC Boom and came up with 89-79 victory. Nele Deyaert (186-F-79) scored 37 points for the winning side, while Julie Vanloo (174-G-93) added 22. For visiting side, Elen Lauwers had 20, while Virginie Michelis finished the game with 13 points.
Dexia had an easy job at home as they rolled over Novia Namur 87-42. Romina Ciappina (180-F/G-88) and Oksana Agabalova (186-F-73) led the rout with 16 points apiece. On the other side, Sarah Dochez was the only player to reach double figures with 13 points and 10 rebounds.
Ieper stole one from Houthalen, as they recorded 61-66 away win. Emma Meeseman had 21 points for the winners, while Valerie Boydens (175-F-84) and Ann Plasman added 14 and 13 points respectively. For hosts, Katrien Vercauteren had 19 points.
Point Chaud was able to easily beat R. Spirou as they recorded 64-86 win. Rachel Wojdowski (179-G/F-82, agency: LBM Management, college: New York U.) scored 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Nina Crelot (170-G/F-87) added 18 for the winners. Hosts were led by Krystel Ballau who had 14 points.
Jeugd Genson also recorded away win, as they were able to overcome St. Katelijne 73-84. Nele Poffyn (173-G-91) led the way for winning side with19 points, while Anne-Sophie Strubbe (184-F-90) chipped in 17 points. On the other side, hosts got 19 points from Melissa Dennett.

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BULGARIA - Women

NBL, Round 11: Dunav jumps to 10-1 - by Eurobasket News
Dunav Econt hosted Minor and displayed its dominance on their way to 120-64 blowout win. The game was practically over by the halftime, as the hosts managed to build 62-30 lead. In the second half of the match they continued with the pressure and have ensured 56 point margin victory. Danielle Burgin (196-F/C-87, college: Charlotte) led the rout with 33 points while Natalia Topalova-Shopova (187-F-80) followed with 21. Nataliya Anufrienka and Daniela Peteva were also excellent finishing the game with 17 and 15 points respectively. For visitors, Radmila Nesheva had 19 points while Ralitsa Vasileva added 13 of her own.
Montana also had an easy job at home against Savija. They have won three out of four quarters with ease on their way to 96-75 win. Hosts got 26 points and 13 rebounds from Agnesa Doychinova (188-F-73). Zoia Stanoeva (182-F-76, agency: Global Sports Plaza) followed with 20, while Zaneta Zhelyova and Rumyana Nikolovska chipped in 16 points apiece. On the other side, Radostina Slavova recorded double-double of 33 points and 13 rebounds while Albena Bachkova finished the game with 16 points.
Lukoil Neftohimik continued where they left off before the break with another win. They hosted Beroe 07 and came up on top 85-62. Frida Aili (179-G-88, agency: LBM Management) led the way for winners with 21 points. She received support from Vera Perostiyska (196-C-82, college: Florida Intern.) who added 18 as well as Tacyana Lihtarovich and Anglea Tisdale who added 12 points apiece. For Beroe, Lastasha Byers had 18 points, while Anna Rimpova added 13.

NBL Standings
1. Dunav 10-1
2. Lukoil 9-2
3. Montana 2003 7-4
4. Beroe 2007 5-6
5. Minor 2-10
6. Slavia 0-10

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CHINA - Women

Bayi and Henan share 15-4 records as both lose to Liaoning - by Eurobasket News
Bayi won their latest games to share 15-4 records on top with Henan. Bayi Kylin rolled over the Octopus 79:76 with 20-17 in the opening quarter. The hosts also added 19-16 in the second frame, while the guests bettered their positions after 22-17 in the third. Bayi needed 23-21 to grab the 15th win in the League. Chen Lisha (195-C-82) top-scored for the winners with 17 points and 5 assists. Zhang Xiaoni (195-C-83) followed her with 16 and Wen Lu (188-F-90) posted 15. Shanghai Octopus got 26 points from Zeng Meiling (191-C-88) and Shi Xiufeng posted 20.
Henan meanwhile lost to Liaoning as the latter upset the second favorite for 13-6 record. Liaoning produced 82:66 victory as America Center nailed 19 points. The hosts opened the game with 25-22 and added 22-18 in the second frame. Another 21-12 in the third quarter was decisive in the game and the squads also tied the last stanza at 14-14. Mattera Katie (203-C-82, college: Liberty) responded with 24 points in the losing effort. Ji Yanyan (182-G/F-85) followed her with 20 and Su Hua added 7.
The next games are scheduled on February 6th.

Standings - WCBA

WCBA Standings

1. Bayi	15-4
2. Henan	15-4
3. Beijing	13-6
4. Liaoning	13-6
5. Shenyang ar.	12-7
6. Guangdong	12-7
7. Jiangsu	10-9
8. Shanghai	8-11
9. Yunnan	6-13
10. Heilongjiang	6-13
11. Shandong	2-17
12. Zhejiang	2-17

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EUROCUP - Women

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Nykesha SALES
  Besiktas
  (183-F/G-76)
  Avg: 25.5

1. Sales, Besiktas	25.5
2. Player, Olivais	23.8
3. Pimenova, Cheva.	22.0
4. Champion, CAB M.	21.0
5. Villarroel, Sierre	20.6
6. Kuzina, Dynamo M.	19.9
7. Doron, Targoviste	19.4
8. Reid, Hatis Yerevan	19.3
9. Milovanovic, ICIM A.	19.3
10. Diacona, Sf.	19.0

Rebounds Per Game

Courtney PARIS
  Botas
  (193-C-87)
  Avg: 14

1. Paris, Botas	14.0
2. Fleischer, Dexia	12.1
3. Mazic, Medvescak	11.8
4. Santos, AD Vagos	11.5
5. Anosike, Targoviste	11.0
6. Veremeenko, Nadezhda.	10.1
7. Little, AEL	9.7
8. Carter, CCC P.	9.7
9. Kuzina, Dynamo M.	9.7
10. Sanford, EBE.	9.4

Assists Per Game

Krystyna SZYMANSKA-LARA
  Dexia
  (173-G-69)
  Avg: 7

1. Szymanska-L., Dex.	7.0
2. Zoll, Botas	6.6
3. Reid, Hatis Yerevan	4.8
4. Berseneva, Nadezhda.	4.8
5. Chapdelaine, MBK R.	4.7
6. Keyru, Dynamo M.	4.6
7. White, Hapoel T-A	4.3
8. Gomez, Mann Filter	4.3
9. Zygelyte, Lemminkain.	4.2
10. Zellous, Besikt.	4.2

Steals Per Game

Nykesha SALES
  Besiktas
  (183-F/G-76)
  Avg: 3.8

1. Sales, Besiktas	3.8
2. Radocaj, Hemofarm	3.8
3. Keyru, Dynamo M.	3.6
4. Baker, AEL	3.5
5. Anosike, Targoviste	3.5
6. Bingham, Saarlouis	3.5
7. Doron, Targoviste	3.3
8. Reid, Hatis Yerevan	3.2
9. Villarroel, Sierre	3.1
10. Linkeviciene, Dynamo.	3.1

Blocks Per Game

Anastasiya VEREMEENKO
  Nadezhda O.
  (192-C-87)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Veremeenko, Nadezhda.	3.3
2. Kuzina, Dynamo M.	2.3
3. Sowinski, CAB M.	2.2
4. Lukacovicova, MBK R.	1.9
5. Ivankovic, Sibenik	1.8
6. Kovacevic, Hemof.	1.8
7. Gidden, Sf. G.	1.7
8. Alyoshkina, Samsun	1.7
9. Dacic, Besiktas	1.3
10. Frohlich, Targovis.	1.3

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EUROLEAGUE - Women

The 2010 EuroLeague Women All Star Game rosters are announced - by Carlo Grilli
FIBA Europe has announced the list of athletes and technical staff selected for the 2010 EuroLeague Women All Star Game scheduled in Gdynia, Poland on March 9th between Europe and the Rest of the World. The starters were chosen by the public vote.

EUROPE
Starters:
Rebekka Hammon (168-G-77, college: Colorado St.) - Ros Casares Valencia
Marta Fernandez (178-F-81) - Wisla Can-Pack
Nevriye Yilmaz (195-C-80, agency: Ates Ceren) - Fenerbahce
Agnieszka Bibrzycka (184-F/G-82, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Abil.Christian) - UMMC Ekaterinburg
Sandrine Gruda (193-C-87) - UMMC Ekaterinburg

Substitutes
Anete Jekabsone-Zogota (177-G-83) - Spartak Moscow Region Vidnoje
Clara Bermejo (178-G-81) - Rivas Ecopolis
Alba Torrens (184-F-89) - Halcon Avenida
Laura Macchi (187-F-79) - Beretta Famila Schio
Anna Vajda (191-F/C-84) - MiZo Pecs 2010
Ivana Matovic (197-C-83) - Lotos Gdynia
Emmeline Ndongue (190-C-83) - Bourges Basket

Head coach: Ismael Canto (Ros Casares)
Assistant coach: Jacek Winnicki (Lotos Gdynia)

REST OF THE WORLD

Starters:
Diana Taurasi (182-F/G-82, college: Connecticut) - Spartak Moscow Region
Penelope Taylor (185-F-81) - Fenerbahce
Candice Dupree (188-F/C-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Temple) - Good Angels Kosice
Janell Burse (197-C-79, college: Tulane) - Wisla Can-Pack
Sophia Young (186-F-83, college: Baylor) - Galatasaray

Substitutes:
Lindsay Whalen (173-G-82, college: Minnesota) - ZVVZ USK Prague
Catherine Joens (180-G-82) - Rivas Ecopolis
Delisha Milton-Jones (186-F-74, college: Florida) - Ros Casares Valencia
Angel McCoughtry (185-F-86, college: Louisville) - Good Angels Kosice
Erin Phillips (173-G-85) - Lotos Gdynia
Rebekkah Brunson (191-F/C-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Georgetown) - Cras Basket Taranto
Tay McWilliams (189-F/C-70, college: St.Edward's) - Frisco Sika Brno

Head coach: Pokey Chatman (Spartak Moscow Region)
Assistant coach: Dariusz Maciejewski (KSSSE AZS-PWSZ Gorzow)

The game's venue is The Sport and Show Hall 'Gdynia' at K. Gorskiego street 8, Gdynia, POL.
During the half-time interval there will be the Three-point Shootout among 6 skilled-shooters: Anete Jekabsone-Zogota, Agnieszka Bibrzycka, Catherine Joens, Penelope Taylor and two more players yet to nominate by the Local Organising Committee.

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LEBANON - Women

Standings - Women League

Div.1 Standings

1. Homentmen A.	2-0
2. Al Riyadi	2-0
3. Antranik	1-0
4. Antoura	1-1
5. Homentmen BH	0-0
6. Moutahed	0-1
7. Homentmen B.	0-2
8. Anibal	0-2

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SLOVENIA - Women

Standings - Women

SKL Standings

1. Merkur Celje	16-0
2. AJM Maribor	13-2
3. Hit Kr.Gora	12-1
4. Ilrija	9-7
5. Triglav	7-7
6. Konjice	6-8
7. Jezica	6-10
8. Odeja KED	4-10
9. Domzale	1-15
10. Rogaska	1-15

Merkur Celje improved to 16-0 record on top - by Eurobasket News
The favorite of the Slovenian League Merkur Celje improved already to 16-0 record. Last night the team had a road victory over Jezica 85:46. The League-leaders opened the game with 22-12 and added massive 23-5 in the second frame. Merkur Celje also won the third period 19-13 and triumphed with 21-16 in the last. Rankica Sarenac (202-C-74) top-scoered for the winners with 19 points and 15 rebounds, while Turcinovic netted 16. Tavic posted 13, while Verbole added 12. Ziva Kolman (175-G-83) ended up with 13 points in the losing effort.
HIT Kranjska Gora is with 12-1 record after smashing Domzale 86:35. The most productive and defensive period for the hosts was the third frame when they had 14-2 in it. Viktoriya Pantsiukh (185-F-87) top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Iva Grbas (87) collected 15 pioints and 10 boards. Oblak netted 11, while Osterman and Trebec added 10 apiece. Vukovic responded with 10 points in the losing case.
AJM is with 3-2 record beating Panter Ilirija 90:37. Ljubica Kure (178-G-81) top-scored for the winners with 28 points and Dover followed her with 15. Barbara Skof (182-F-80) replied with 14 points for the guests.

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SOUTH KOREA - Women

Standings - WKBL

WKBL Standings

1. S-Birds	26-4
2. Bichumi	19-11
3. Redwings	15-15
4. Cool Cats	12-18
5. KB Savers	12-18
6. Woori Hansae	6-24

S-Birds improved to 26-4 record - by Eurobasket News
The defending champions improved to 26-4 record on top after another victory in the League. KB Savers lost to the favorites 74:82 on the last day of January. The game between Woori Hansae and Cool Cats opened February as the latter got 73:64 win. Redwings later overcame 60:57, while Cool Cats rolled over KB Savers 80:67 tonight. Bichumi is second with 19-11 record, while Redwings are third with 15-15. The next games to be played on February 6th.

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SWITZERLAND - Women

Moves in team Pully - by Melanie Nussbaumer
Momar N'doye , the head coach of Esperance Sportive Pully decided to quit his post for personal reasons. Hes replaced by Sebastien Fragniere, who was assistant coach so far and Jean Fernandez will assist him. Since mid-January, the team reinforced its roster, with the add of Jamila Griffith (183-G/F-82, college: Md-Eastern Shore). She is not unknown in Swiss championship since she played the past 3 seasons for the team Helios Basket. She averaged last season 18.9ppg, 9.9 rpg and 1.8 apg.

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TANZANIA - Women

Jeshi Stars edge Don Bosco - by Carlos Pereira
Jeshi Stars beat Don Bosco lionesses by 58-48 points in a tension-packed encounter of the Dar es Salaam regional basketball women league at the National Indoor Stadium on Sunday.

The win has elevated Stars, who are among the stalwarts in the league, to stay in contention for the title while breathing heavily before the neck of equally competitive rivals JKT Stars.
Jeshi Stars made a resounding resurgence to overwhelm their opponents who looked dominant at the early stages of the match.
Don Bosco started the game promisingly to claim 14-11points lead at the end of the first quarter with towering centre player Nina Mliga thwarting a series of moves orchestrated by Jeshi Stars.
She intermittently attempted to surge upfront in support of teammates Amina Ahmed, Linda John, Jasmine Bablia and Sajida Ahmed to spearhead onslaughts.
Jeshi Stars opted for an aggressive game during the closing stages of the second quarter to pin their opponents into retreat.
Stars took a narrow one point lead (21-20) at half time mark in the spellbinding match.
Tensioned reigned high in the remaining two quarters as players from both sides committed a series of flagrant fouls in a desperate attempt to contain each others attacks.
Jeshi Stars effectively deployed their blistering pace down the lanes to open up Don Bosco defense in the third quarter.
Jeshi Stars Faraja Malaki and Jabu Shaaban played with impressive precision in the last quarter to besiege Don Bosco defense.
Shaaban had 18 points, Malaki pumped 17 and seasoned player Grace Peter finished with eight for Jeshi Stars, while Don Bosco lionesses scorers were Sajida Ahmed with 11 points, Linda John and Bablia had eight points apiece while Amina Ahmed had seven.

The mens category saw Tanzania Prisons bounce back with 79-61 victory over PT Stars in a match played earlier at the same venue.

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TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO - Women

TT women qualify for Centrobasket & CAC games - by Albert-Lee Young
The Trinidad & Tobago women basketball team automatically qualified for the Centrobasket Tournament tentatively scheduled to be played in Santo Domingo from July 5-11.

At the previous championships held in 2008 TT women team secured a fifth place finish from amongst an eight team tournament roster. And in the absence of the pre qualifying tournament, the 2009 CBC Women Championships, they have been selected for this year championships.

In addition all eight teams from the Centrobasket will go on to play at the 2010 CAC Games which will be held in Puerto Rico from July 15-31.

The Centrobasket tournament is a qualifier leading up to the Olympics Games and is the most prestigious basketball tournament in the region.

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TURKEY - Women

TBBL, Round 12: Easy wins for the leading trio - by Eurobasket News
Kocaeli - Mersin 54-78
Mersin had an easy job against the last ranked Kocaeli, keeping the second place in the league with almost perfect 11-1 score. Olympia Scott (188-C/F-74, college: Stanford) came up with 17 points and 12 rebounds, Ivory Latta (168-G-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: N.Carolina) scored 16 and Korel Engin (200-C-80) added 12 points, plus 12 boards. Ceyda Kozluca (179-C-84) netted 16 pts for Kocaeli, who stays the only winless team in the league.

Tarsus Bld - Samsun 74-59
Tarsus was better than Samsun so both teams have 5-7 now in TBBL. Marina Kress (192-C-80) stepped up for the hosts with 18 points and 14 rebounds. Seda Erdogan (170-F-87, agency: 1x1 Sports, college: Dodge City CC) secured a nice help adding 14 pts. In defeat, Katryna Gaither (191-C-75, agency: LBM Management) collected 17 points and 9 rebounds.

Fenerbahce - Cankaya 93-76
Fenerbahce extended its wining streak to 12 and of course remained on top of the TBBL standings. Ebony Hoffman (188-C/F-82, college: USC) and Penelope Taylor (185-F-81) shined for the hosts scoring 20 and 19 points respectively. Megan Frazee (191-G/F-87, college: Liberty) replied with 22 points and 16 boards in Cankaya (3-9).

Botas - Galatasaray 59-67
Ninth victory of the season for Galatasaray, who got 16 points and 10 rebounds from Sophia Young (186-F-83, college: Baylor). Tamika Catchings (186-F-79, college: Tennessee) also was great in this victory netting 16 pts. On the other side, Courtney Paris (193-C-87, college: Oklahoma) collected 19 points and impressive 18 boards. Galatasaray 9-3, Botas 4-8.

TED Kayseri - Besiktas 83-66
TED Kayseri handed 83-66 loss to Besiktas joining it with 6-6 score. LaToya Pringle (191-F/C-86, agency: 540 Sports, college: N.Carolina) demonstrated magnificent performance for the hosts. She spent 37 minutes on the floor collecting 26 points and 20 rebounds. Nykesha Sales (183-F/G-76, college: Connecticut) scored 16 pts for the guests.

Istanbul Univ. - Ceyhan Bld 83-86
Ceyhan Bld closed Round 12 with 83-86 road win against Istanbul Universitesi. Both teams had 5-6 score before this meeting. Michelle Campbell (188-F-84, college: Rutgers) was totally the best player in victory registering double-double of 27 points and 11 rebounds. Doneeka Hodges (175-G-82, college: LSU) responded with 19 points and 7 assists in loss.

Standings - TBBL

TBBL Standings

1. Fenerbahce	12-0
2. Mersin	11-1
3. Galatasaray	9-3
4. TED Kayseri	6-6
5. Ceyhan Bld	6-6
6. Besiktas	6-6
7. Istanbul Univ.	5-7
8. Tarsus Bld	5-7
9. Samsun	5-7
10. Botas	4-8
11. Cankaya	3-9
12. Kocaeli	0-12

Stats Leaders - Women

Points Per Game

Michelle CAMPBELL
  Ceyhan Bld
  (188-F-84)
  Avg: 22.4

1. Campbell, Ceyhan Bld	22.4
2. Frazee, Cankaya	20.7
3. Prince, Botas	18.6
4. Hodges, Istanbul.	18.5
5. Sales, Besiktas	18.3
6. Taylor, Fenerbahce	16.2
7. Young, TED Kayseri	16.1
8. Bowen, Cankaya	15.9
9. Chaney, Samsun	15.4
10. Zellous, Besikt.	15.3

Rebounds Per Game

Megan FRAZEE
  Cankaya
  (191-G/F-87)
  Avg: 12.7

1. Frazee, Cankaya	12.7
2. Ervin, Ceyhan Bld	11.7
3. Pringle, TED K.	11.3
4. Dacic, Besiktas	10.6
5. Black, Tarsus Bld	10.5
6. Campbell, Ceyhan Bld	9.6
7. Sevinc, Kocaeli	9.2
8. Alyoshkina, Samsun	8.9
9. Larkins, Mersin	8.8
10. Kress, Tarsus B.	8.7

Assists Per Game

Sharnee ZOLL
  Botas
  (170-G-86)
  Avg: 5.6

1. Zoll, Botas	5.6
2. Yigit, Galatasaray	4.3
3. Siyahdemir, Tarsus B.	4.2
4. Hodges, Istanbul.	4.0
5. Unuvar, Cankaya	4.0
6. Brooks, Cankaya	4.0
7. Vardarli, Fener.	3.8
8. Latta, Mersin	3.8
9. Yillar, Kocaeli	3.7
10. Chaney, Sams.	3.7

Steals Per Game

Quianna CHANEY
  Samsun
  (180-G-86)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Chaney, Samsun	3.3
2. Penn, Istanbul.	2.7
3. Zoll, Botas	2.6
4. Prince, Botas	2.4
5. Gokce, Mersin	2.3
6. Brooks, Cankaya	2.3
7. Gaither, Samsun	2.3
8. Douglas, Galatasa.	2.2
9. Young, TED Kayseri	2.1
10. Smith, Ceyhan B.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

LaToya PRINGLE
  TED Kayseri
  (191-F/C-86)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Pringle, TED K.	2.3
2. Dacic, Besiktas	1.6
3. Black, Tarsus Bld	1.5
4. Sutton-Brown, Fenerb.	1.2
5. Alyoshkina, Samsun	1.1
6. Perostiyska, Sam.	1.0
7. Ervin, Ceyhan Bld	0.9
8. Engin, Mersin	0.8
9. La Dorian Hu., Istanb.	0.8
10. Gaither, Sams.	0.8