Eurobasket Daily News Report: 3/3/2010 1:00:00 AM

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 3/3/2010 1:00:00 AM

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Men News

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ABA

ABA Playoffs have started, but... - by Gianni Pascucci
On Sunday, the Southeast Texas Mavericks traveled to San Antonio and were challenged by a good Texas Fuel team. At the end of a very battled game, the Mavs escaped with another win, 113-103, with Josh Pace (6'6''-G-83, college: Syracuse) leading the way at 26 points and 9 rebounds. Herman Favors (5'9''-G-84, college: Georgia St.) and Kenny Dawkins (5'9''-G-87, college: Lamar) scored 17 and 16 points while running the show on court for the Mavs. Veteran DeRon Rutledge (6'6''-F-75, college: Tex.A&M-Kingsv.) chipped in 15 points and 6 rebounds. The SETX Mavericks will host tonight the New Mexico Rimrockers at Ford Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM.
The night before the Las Vegas Aces had won against the San Diego Surf in the 1st round of the ABA playoffs. The final score was 111-104, and the Aces leading scorer were Jamaal Smith (5'9''-G-85, college: N.Mexico) with 28 points, and Michael Johnson (6'0''-G-76, college: Oklahoma) with 14 points. Thanks to this win, the Aces advance to the second leg of the playoffs.
We are hard working to prepare a clear ABA playoff grid for all the Usbasket.com readers, and hope to be able to copmpleet it in a day or two, with the league officials help...

#1 SETX MAVERICKS 113 - TEXAS FUEL 103 - by Richard
SOUTHEAST TEXAS MAVERICKS (21-3) - TEXAS FUEL (3-11)

MAVS NEWS:
The Southeast Texas Mavericks traveled to San Antonio on Sunday and were challenged by a re-fueled Texas Fuel team that battled the #1 ranked SETX Mavericks in a thrilling game on Sunday afternoon at the Alamo Convocation Center.

The Mavs found themselves down by as many as five points in the first quarter, but behind Herman Favors (5'9''-G-84, college: Georgia St.), Jermaine Blackburn (6'7''-G/F-83, agency: Liman Sports, college: Boise St.), and Josh Pace (6'6''-G-83, college: Syracuse) the Mavs finished the first quarter with a scoring spurt to lead by 6 points at the end of one period of play 26-20.

In the second quarter the Mavericks controlled the tempo with back up point guard Kenny Dawkins (5'9''-G-87, college: Lamar) controlling things and the Mavs got their inside players involved with Jon Rogers (6'9''-F/C-84, college: Valdosta St.), DeRon Rutledge (6'6''-F-75, college: Tex.A&M-Kingsv.), DeSean White (6'8''-F-86, college: Northwood Fl.), and Lamar Sanders (6'6''-F-84, college: Lamar) controlling things in the paint! With Dawkins leading the way the Mavericks pulled clear of the Fuel by 9 points at the halftime break 58-49.

In the second half the Fuel made strong runs at SETX, but the Mavericks experience showed through as Rutledge, Pace, and Favors made big play after big play to stop Texas Fuel runs. The Mavericks led by as many as 19 points in the fourth quarter and went on to win by double figures on the road once again 113-103.

MAVS SCORERS:
Josh Pace led the Mavs in scoring with a stellar performance on the road with 26 points and 9 rebounds. Point Guards Herman Favors and Kenny Dawkins scored 17 and 16 points while running the show on court for the Mavs. DeRon Rutledge chipped in 15 points and 6 rebounds. Jermaine Blackburn followed up with 13 points. DeSean White closed out the double figure scorers for the Mavericks with 10 points respectively.

MAVS SUPERLATIVES:
* The SETX Mavericks are 18-2 on the road the last two seasons in the ABA.
* The Mavericks are on another winning streak having won their 10th straight game on Sunday with their victory over the Texas Fuel.
* The Mavericks have won 40 of their last 42 games, which includes a 30 game regular season Winning Streak (the longest in ABA History).
* The Mavericks have a 32-2 homecourt record at Ford Arena, where the Mavs will play their last two home games this upcoming week. The Mavericks will play all of their Playoff Games at the Parker Multipurpose Center on the campus of Lamar State College-Port Arthur.

MAVS NEXT GAME:
The Mavericks will host the New Mexico Rimrockers on Tuesday night, March 2nd at Ford Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM
source: SETX MAVERICKS

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ALBANIA

Standings - A1

A1 Standings

1. SK Tirana	13-0
2. Valbona	8-5
3. Vllaznia Shk.	5-7
4. Skenderbeu	4-8
5. Studenti	4-8
6. Teuta Durres	3-9

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ARGENTINA

Stats Leaders - TNA

Points Per Game

Derrick MILLER
  Bragado
  (202-C/F-78)
  Avg: 21.4

1. Miller, Bragado	21.4
2. Leith, Firmat SF	17.6
3. Melo, Z*Indepe.	17.4
4. Elsener, El Nacional	17.4
5. Williams, Independ.T.	16.3
6. Truscott, San M.	15.3
7. Ford, Belgrano SN	15.3
8. Tomatis, Alma Juniors	15.2
9. Wilkerson, Ciclista	15.2
10. Nwankwo, El Nacional	15.1

Rebounds Per Game

Louis TRUSCOTT
  Belgrano SN
  (199-F-78)
  Avg: 9.1

1. Truscott, San M.	9.1
2. Ford, Belgrano SN	8.5
3. Leith, Firmat SF	8.1
4. Williams, Independ.T.	8.1
5. Espinoza, Argentino	7.7
6. Frey, A.Italiana	7.5
7. Wilkerson, Ciclista	7.4
8. Benjamin, San M.	7.2
9. Williams, Club 9	7.2
10. Kornegay, A.Ita.	6.9

Assists Per Game

Julian OLMEDO
  Bragado
  (187-G-77)
  Avg: 4.1

1. Olmedo, Bragado	4.1
2. Gandoy, Belgrano SN	3.3
3. La Bella, Obera TC	2.9
4. Palacios, Firmat S.	2.7
5. Lauro, Z*Indepe.	2.6
6. Forastieri, Club 9	2.5
7. Ceci, Argentino	2.5
8. Sartorelli, San M.	2.5
9. Perez, El Nacional	2.4
10. Luchino, San M.	2.3

Steals Per Game

Alexis ELSENER
  El Nacional
  (196-G-88)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Elsener, El Nacional	2.2
2. Castets, Obera TC	2.2
3. Giletta, Alma Juniors	2.2
4. La Bella, Obera TC	2.1
5. Williams, Independ.T.	2.0
6. Fernandez, Alma J.	1.9
7. Castelli, Independ.T.	1.9
8. Fabio, Obera TC	1.7
9. Eseverri, Belgrano.	1.7
10. Gornatti, A.Italiana	1.6

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Clayton, Firmat SF	1.7
2. Espinoza, Argentino	1.4
3. Francis, Argentino	1.4
4. Williams, Club 9	1.4
5. Williams, Independ.T.	1.2
6. Kornegay, A.Ita.	1.0
7. Robinson, Argentino	0.9
8. Ford, Belgrano SN	0.9
9. Giorgi, Obera TC	0.8
10. Nwankwo, El Nacional	0.8

Stats Leaders - LigaA

Points Per Game

David JACKSON
  La Union
  (196-G-82)
  Avg: 19.2

1. Jackson, La Union	19.2
2. Funes, C.Entrer.	17.5
3. Nelson, Quilmes MP	17.4
4. Assie, Quilmes MP	17.3
5. Moodie, Boca Jrs	16.6
6. Williams, Olimpico.	16.6
7. Cutley, C.Entrer.	16.3
8. Lo Grippo, Atenas	16.1
9. Gonzalez, Quimsa	16.0
10. Gutierrez, Penarol	16.0

Rebounds Per Game

Federico KAMMERICHS
  Regatas C.
  (203-F/C-80)
  Avg: 12.2

1. Kammerichs, Regat.	12.2
2. Williams, Union S.	8.1
3. Griffin, Estudiantes	7.9
4. Rollins, Gimnasia.	7.9
5. Wolkowyski, Libertad.	7.5
6. Assie, Quilmes MP	7.3
7. Gonzalez, Quimsa	7.3
8. McFarlan, Union S.	7.0
9. Nelson, Quilmes MP	6.9
10. Leiva, Penarol	6.9

Assists Per Game

Luis CEQUEIRA
  Sionista
  (180-G-85)
  Avg: 4.8

1. Cequeira, Sionista	4.8
2. Victoriano, Lanus	4.6
3. Martinez, Sionista	4.2
4. Labaque, Obras	3.9
5. Franco, Estudiantes	3.6
6. Ginobili, Libertad S.	3.5
7. Cadillac, C.Entrer.	3.3
8. Salles, La Union	3.1
9. Williams, Olimpico.	3.0
10. Figueroa, Atenas	2.9

Steals Per Game

Frank WILLIAMS
  Olimpico LB
  (191-G-80)
  Avg: 2

1. Williams, Olimpico.	2.0
2. Moldu, Libertad S.	1.7
3. Pelussi, Libertad S.	1.6
4. Franco, Estudiantes	1.6
5. Labaque, Obras	1.5
6. Marshall, C.Entrer.	1.5
7. Funes, C.Entrer.	1.5
8. Victoriano, Lanus	1.5
9. Glover, Olimpico.	1.4
10. Figueroa, Atenas	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Derrick ALSTON
  Olimpico LB
  (208-C/F-72)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Alston, Olimpico.	1.9
2. Kammerichs, Regat.	1.4
3. Alston, Boca Jrs	1.3
4. Johnson, Lanus	1.1
5. Assie, Quilmes MP	1.0
6. Rollins, Gimnasia.	1.0
7. Marshall, C.Entrer.	0.9
8. Levy, Lanus	0.8
9. Mata, Penarol	0.8
10. Keep, Quilmes MP	0.8

Central Entrerriano Gualeguaychu sign Timothy Jennings and other transactions - by Eurobasket
Central Entrerriano Gualeguaychu signed 27-year old American guard Timothy Jennings (193-G-83, college: Gardner-Webb). Jennings played most recently at Atletico Cordon (Uruguay). Jennings is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Germany, Ireland, Mexico and Uruguay.
in his first game with Central Entrerriano Gualeguaychu, Jennings played 35 minutes and scored 13 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists.

Grady Reynolds (198-F-80, agency: Strategic Sports, college: St.John's) signed at Aerochaco Boca Juniors Capital Feder (LigaA), Reynolds, earlier this seon played 13 games at Faymasa Faymasa Palencia (Spain-LEB Gold), then he left in Dec.'09 and he averaged 6.9ppg and 4.4rpg. and in his first game with Boca juniors he played 15 minutes and scored 4 points and 2 rebounds.

Obras Sanitarias Buenos Aires agreed terms with 28-year old American power forward Mark Bortz (208-F/C-82, college: Buffalo, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management). Bortz played most recently at Halcones UV Cordoba (Mexico). While playing 3 games for Halc.Cordoba this season he averaged 12.0ppg, 11.3rpg, 1.0apg and 1.7spg. Bortz is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Belgium, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Turkey, Uruguay and Venezuela.
is his first game with Obras Sanitarias Buenos Aires, Bortz played 18 games and scored 5 points, 7 rebounds and 1 assists.
By Eurobasket Data Center

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AUSTRIA

Standings - A Bundesliga

A Standings

Group A
1. Furstenfeld	21-3
2. Gmunden	19-5
3. Wels	19-5
4. Klosterneub.	18-6
5. Kapfenberg	15-9
6. Arkadia	12-12
Group B
1. St.Polten	12-12
2. Oberwart	11-13
3. Gussing	7-17
4. Vienna	6-18
5. Worthersee	3-21
6. UBSC Graz	1-23

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Kevin HOUSTON
  Arkadia
  (193-G/F-76)
  Avg: 22.7

1. Houston, Arkadia	22.7
2. Mayes, Gmunden	20.9
3. Francois, Gussing	19.6
4. Penigar, Furstenf.	19.3
5. Roderick, Arkadia	18.4
6. Paez, Oberwart	18.2
7. Mahalbasic, Worth.	18.2
8. Dilys, Arkadia	18.0
9. Nagler, Klostern.	17.7
10. Nelson, Kapfenberg	17.5

Rebounds Per Game

Jason JOHNSON
  Oberwart
  (202-F/C-77)
  Avg: 9.3

1. Johnson, Oberwart	9.3
2. Houston, Arkadia	8.7
3. Penigar, Furstenf.	8.5
4. Mahalbasic, Worth.	8.2
5. Conley, Wels	7.8
6. Forrestal, UBSC G.	7.6
7. McCandies, Worth.	7.5
8. Heard, Gussing	7.1
9. Moric, Klostern.	6.9
10. Oppland, Gmunden	6.4

Assists Per Game

Benedikt DANEK
  Arkadia
  (174-G-86)
  Avg: 4.9

1. Danek, Arkadia	4.9
2. Boylan, Gmunden	4.9
3. Schreiner, St.Po.	4.6
4. Woschank, Kapfe.	4.3
5. Lanegger, UBSC G.	4.3
6. Richards, Gussing	4.0
7. Zeleznik, UBSC G.	3.9
8. Creddle, Klostern.	3.8
9. O''Neal, Vienna	3.5
10. Nelson, Kapfenberg	3.3

Steals Per Game

Lorenzo O''NEAL
  Vienna
  (188-G-88)
  Avg: 2.2

1. O''Neal, Vienna	2.2
2. Roderick, Arkadia	2.2
3. Boylan, Gmunden	2.1
4. Payton, Vienna	2.1
5. Penigar, Furstenf.	1.9
6. Schreiner, St.Po.	1.9
7. Zeleznik, UBSC G.	1.7
8. Jandl, St.Polten	1.7
9. Levy, Oberwart	1.5
10. Conley, Wels	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Shelton COLWELL
  Furstenfeld
  (202-F-80)
  Avg: 1.4

1. Colwell, Furstenfeld	1.4
2. Heard, Gussing	1.3
3. Anderson, Vienna	1.0
4. Mahalbasic, Worth.	0.8
5. Francois, Gussing	0.7
6. Roderick, Arkadia	0.7
7. Bralovic, Arkadia	0.7
8. Youngblood, Furstenf.	0.6
9. Kohlmaier, St.Polten	0.6
10. Koch, Gussing	0.5

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BELGIUM

Enisey and Antwerp opened EuroChallenge Top 16 Round 5 - by Eurobasket News
Enisey - Antwerp 89:77

The game between Enisey and Antwerp became the first one of the EuroChallenge Top 16 Round 5. The Russian team produced 89:77 win to remain alive for the Quarterfinals.
The hosts opened the game with a lay-up, while Brandon Gay

(203-F-82, agency: Edge Sports, college: San Diego) scored from the perimeter for the guests. It was a productive quarter for the Russian side that posted 29 points in 10 minutes. Dyachok drove a lay-up for 29:17 after the opening quarter. Moreover he made it 38:20 midway through the second period, while Bryan Hopkins

(183-G-83, college: SMU) reduced to 42:29. After 20-20 in the second frame the score was 49:37 at the halftime. Antwerp started the reduce the gap as the squads appeared after the break and Bryan Hopkins scored for 49:45. Enisey remained hot later tin the period an reached plus 10 finishing the quarter at 63:53. Brown opened the last period for 63:55 but the guests could not come closer. Fred Warrick (195-G/F-76, college: Coppin St.) posted for 80:64 and Savkov nailed a three for 85:72. Lionel Chalmers

(183-G-80, college: Xavier) made two free-throws at the end for the total success of the hosts.
Lionel Chalmers paced all the winners with 21 points as Enisey improved to 2-3 record in Group L. Andrei Komarovski (196-G-85) posted 14, Fred Warrick nailed 11, while Kaspars Kambala (206-C-78, college: UNLV) collected 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Enisey: Lionel Chalmers 21, Andrei Komarovski 14, Fred Warrick 11, Kaspars Kambala 10+11 rebs
Antwerp: Brandon Gay 23, Timothy Black (178-G-81, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Barton (NC)) 17, Bryan Hopkins 16

Artland Dragons won the road game over Belgacom Liege - by Eurobasket News
Liege - Artland Dragons 92:100

Artland Dragons won the road game over Belgacom Liege in Group J of Eurochallenge. The German side produced 100:92 to face KK Zagreb next week for the Quarterfinal ticket.
Although the hosts started with 5-0 they could not win the opening quarter. Trailing 21:22, the guests grabbed 28:24 lead as Nathan Peavy

(208-C-80, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Canisius) notched 15. Adrian Banks (191-G-86, college: NW Mississippi CC) answered with 26 points for the hosts as they dropped at 1-4. Michael Green

(185-G-85, college: Towson) posted 18 and Alex Ruoff (198-G-86, college: W.Virginia) delivered 17.

Liege: Adrian Banks 26, Michael Green 18, Alex Ruoff 17
Artland Dragons: Nathan Peavy 23, Toby Bailey 16, Darren Fenn 15

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CHINA

CBA All-star Game - by Robert Wang
CBA all-star game would be coming soon. After 6 weeks players' voting process, Zhang Qing Peng from Liao Ning team leads before all the players with 89924 tickets, and the next after Zhang is Wang Zhi Zhi from Ba Yi team with 82805, then the next are Zhu Fang Yu from Guang Dong team, Liao Xiao Xu from Liao Ning team and Ba terr from Xin Jiang team. CBA all-star team would be devided into 2 teams (northern team and southern team). Wang Zhi Zhi Zhi leads the south team and Zhang Qing Peng leads the north team. John Lucas from Shang Hai team will go to South team and Stephen Marbury will be the back-up at the point guard spot. Here is the team list . South team: Wang Zhi Zhi, Zhu Fang Yu, Zhang Kai, John Lucas and Hu Xue Feng; North team: Ba Terr, Li Xiao Xu, Zhang Nan, Zhang Qing Peng and Yang Ming.

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CROATIA

KK Zagreb won third consecutive game away from home in Top 16 - by Eurobasket News
FMP - KK Zagreb 63:74

KK Zagreb tied FMP on the top of Group J after winning third consecutive game away from home in Top 16. They are now with 3-2 records both as Croatian side celebrated 74:63 win.
The guests started with 6-0 run and enjoyed 13-3 advantage in the opening tip. Luka Zoric

(211-C/F-84) made it 21:8, while the hosts reduced to 9 points at the end of the first quarter. Milutinovic made a lay-up for 24:15 on the board. FMP were made to work hard for the points in the second period and posted only 10 in 10 minutes. KK Zagreb created a 9-0 run for 35:18 and Pankracije Barac

(196-G-81, agency: Agency No 10) brought 41:23. Krunoslav Simon (197-G/F-85) sent the teams to the lockers for 44:25 halftime deficit. Only after the break the Serbian side started to go back into the game. They produced 21-12 to cut it to 56:4after thirty minutes. Moreover Bojan Radetic

(203-F-88) made it 59:53 and Filip Covic

(180-G-89) scored for 62:58. KK Zagreb CO did not allow the hosts to catch up with them and on the game.
Krunoslav Simon led the way with 23 points and Andrej Stimac

(204-F/C-79) nailed 17. Pankracije Barac posted 14, while Luka Zoric delivered 13. Filip Covic and Bojan Radetic answered with 13 points in the losing effort.

FMP: Filip Covic 13, Bojan Radetic 13
KK Zagreb CO: Krunoslav Simon 23, Andrej Stimac 17, Pankracije Barac 14, Luka Zoric 13

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CZECH REPUBLIC

Nymburk shock Crvena Zvezda in Belgrade - by Eurobasket News
Crvena Zvezda - Nymburk 55:73
Nymburk set up an exciting finale for the EuroCup Last 16 Group L action. The Czech champions clinched a vital road win to catch up with Crvena Zvezda at 3-2 record. Now three teams share the top position before the final round. Gran Canaria will host Crvena Zvezda, while Nymburk will take on Turk Telekom for two available spots in the next round on March 9.
The teams kept it close throughout the opening frame. The lead changed hands for several times before Arthur Lee

(185-G-77, agency: Avi Zilberman, college: Stanford) tied things up at 15 with ten minutes into the encounter. Ron Lewis opened the second stanza with five points in a row to put Nymburk in front. Crvena Zvezda went on a 6:0 run midway through the period to spur in charge. Petr Benda

(196-F/G-80, agency: Interperformances, college: W.Kentucky) sparked the intrigue when he cut the margin at the start of the fourth period. However Michael Lenzly

(189-G-81, college: Wofford) came up with timely five points and the Czech team ran away for good.
Petr Benda nailed 18 points and collected 7 rebounds for Nymburk. Arthur Lee added 17 points and 6 assists in the win. Filip Videnov responded with 10 points for Crvena Zvezda as they suffered the second straight loss.

Crvena Zvezda: Filip Videnov 10, Nemanja Bjelica

(209-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances) 9
Nymburk: Petr Benda 18, Arthur Lee 17, Michael Lenzly 12

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DENMARK

Stats Leaders - Basketligaen

Points Per Game

Johnell SMITH
  Svendborg
  (186-G-80)
  Avg: 23.6

1. Smith, Svendborg	23.6
2. Johnson, Bakken	23.4
3. Kearse, SISU	22.8
4. Morris, Aabyhoj	21.4
5. Nielsen, Randers	20.4
6. Cavanuagh, Aalborg	20.0
7. Dennis, Naestved	19.3
8. Vance, Aalborg	18.7
9. Claitt, Horsens IC	18.4
10. Seilund, Amager BK	18.3

Rebounds Per Game

Chris CHRISTOFFERSEN
  Bakken
  (218-C-79)
  Avg: 10.4

1. Christoffers., Bak.	10.4
2. Morris, Aabyhoj	10.0
3. Vance, Aalborg	9.3
4. Miskovic, Randers	9.3
5. Willis, Randers	9.3
6. Iversen, Svendborg	8.9
7. Johansen, Naestved	8.4
8. Johnson, Bakken	8.1
9. Cavanuagh, Aalborg	7.7
10. Johnson, Horsens IC	7.3

Assists Per Game

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

1. Smedley, Randers	6.5
2. Bradley, Amager BK	5.3
3. Rinkevicius, SISU	4.9
4. Darboe, Horsholm	4.7
5. Jakobsen, Bakken	4.7
6. Nielsen, Horsholm	4.5
7. Claitt, Horsens IC	4.3
8. Thuesen, Bakken	4.1
9. Smith, Svendborg	4.0
10. Dennis, Naestved	3.9

Steals Per Game

Johnell SMITH
  Svendborg
  (186-G-80)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Smith, Svendborg	2.9
2. Proctor, Bakken	2.0
3. Kearse, SISU	2.0
4. Dennis, Naestved	1.8
5. Fall, Horsens IC	1.8
6. Houguet, Aalborg	1.7
7. Morris, Aabyhoj	1.7
8. Nielsen, Horsholm	1.7
9. Iversen, Svendborg	1.6
10. Nielsen, Randers	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Edward MORRIS
  Aabyhoj
  (203-F-84)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Morris, Aabyhoj	2.3
2. Christoffers., Bak.	2.2
3. Johnson, Bakken	1.6
4. Willis, Randers	1.6
5. Miskovic, Randers	1.3
6. Cavanuagh, Aalborg	1.3
7. Seilund, Amager BK	1.1
8. Kalvelis, SISU	1.0
9. Guyton, Aabyhoj	1.0
10. Vance, Aalborg	1.0

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EBA

Standings

EBA Standings

Northern Conference
Empire Div.
1. Elmira B.	8-1
2. New York W.	7-1
3. Connecticut S.	3-4
4. Hudson V.H.	0-5
Mid-Atlantic Div.
1. DE Destroyers	9-0
2. Harrisburg H.	4-2
3. Garden St. R.	3-6
4. Newark P.	0-8
Southern Conference
Capital Div.
1. M. All-Stars	6-5
2. Washington M.	5-2
3. NoVa H.	5-3
4. Alexandria A.	3-6
5. Beltway B.	1-6
Dominion Div.
1. True Hope TB	8-1
2. Salem M.	3-4
3. Hampton RC	1-5
4. Virginia W.	0-8

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EUROCHALLENGE

Standings

EuroChallenge Standings

Group I
1. Goettingen		4-1
2. Krasnie Krilya		3-2
3. Eiff.Towers		2-3
4. AEL		1-4
Group J
1. KK Zagreb CO		3-2
2. FMP		3-2
3. Art.Dragons		3-2
4. Liege		1-4
Group K
1. Scavolini PS		4-1
2. APOEL		2-3
3. Buducnost		2-3
4. Chalon		2-3
Group L
1. Roanne		3-2
2. Antwerp		3-2
3. Enisey		2-3
4. Banvit		2-3

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Anthony TUCKER
  BC Donetsk
  (198-F-85)
  Avg: 23.4

1. Tucker, BC Donetsk	23.4
2. Mitchell, Khimik	21.3
3. Greene, Aalstar	20.2
4. Renfroe, VEF Riga	20.2
5. Giannoulis, AEL	19.5
6. Banks, Liege	18.9
7. Flores, Krasnie .	18.6
8. Perry, BC Donetsk	18.2
9. Smith, Keravnos	17.8
10. Simon, Strasbourg	17.8

Rebounds Per Game

Jason CONLEY
  Wels
  (196-G-81)
  Avg: 10.8

1. Conley, Wels	10.8
2. Burlacu, Ploiesti	10.2
3. Ebong, M.Hainaut	9.7
4. Blanchard, Khimik	9.3
5. Nsonwu, Roanne	9.0
6. Thomas, Liege	8.5
7. Beasley, Eiff.Tow.	8.4
8. Simon, Strasbourg	8.3
9. Tomic, KK.	8.2
10. Anderson, Goett.	7.8

Assists Per Game

Alex RENFROE
  VEF Riga
  (190-G-86)
  Avg: 9.8

1. Renfroe, VEF Riga	9.8
2. Everett, Chalon	7.6
3. Oliver, Eiff.Towers	6.2
4. Bremer, Krasnie .	6.1
5. Mitchell, Khimik	5.7
6. Heurtel, Strasbourg	5.5
7. Lukashov, BC Kyiv	5.5
8. Covic, FMP	5.4
9. Cooper, Keravnos	5.3
10. Mulaomerovic, KK Za.	4.6

Steals Per Game

Alex RENFROE
  VEF Riga
  (190-G-86)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Renfroe, VEF Riga	2.7
2. Mitchell, Khimik	2.7
3. Rodgers, EclipseJet	2.5
4. Ermis, Banvit	2.4
5. Green, Scavolini PS	2.4
6. Kolchenko, Khimik	2.3
7. Woodside, Gravelines	2.3
8. Fields, Wels	2.3
9. Lukashov, BC Kyiv	2.2
10. Krstic, KK.	2.1

Blocks Per Game

Taj GRAY
  Chalon
  (202-F/C-84)
  Avg: 2

1. Gray, Chalon	2.0
2. Morrison, TU/Rock	2.0
3. Akpomedah, Grave.	1.7
4. Owens, BC Donetsk	1.7
5. Kravtsov, BC Kyiv	1.7
6. Darden, Strasbourg	1.3
7. Talts, TU/Rock	1.2
8. Davis, Banvit	1.1
9. Cisse, AP.	1.1
10. Agafonov, Khimik	1.0

EuroChallenge Round: 5 (Top 16) - by Eurobasket News

Group I

Eiff.Towers - AEL 91-79
Eiffel Towers left the last spot of Group I beating AEL in s'Hertogenbosch . More than 2000 spectators supported the team and saw 91:79 win. Fells Courtney opened the game for the guests and he later made it 7:7. AEL played better in the opening quarter and enjoyed 28:20 lead after the first 10 minutes. Eiffel Towers however went on an 11-0 run to move in front at 31:28 and it was a lead they would never relinquish. Jansen Rogier made it 43:35 as the squads disappeared in the lockers. The third quarter was another nightmare for the guests that lost it 14-26. Blackwood Tristan made it 69:44 and Giannoulis closed the frame at 69:49. AEL managed to notch 30 points in the last period as they climbed closer to the hosts. Eiffel Towers however held the lead for good and won the game. Van Paassen Peter made a lay up for 91:79 victory to improve to 2-3 with his team. Anthony Richardson

(201-F-83, agency: 540 Sports, college: Florida St.) top-scored for the winners with 21 points and Jansen Rogier netted 17. Van Paassen Peter posted 16, while Blackwood Tristan notched 15. Fells Courtney responded with 17 points in defeat and Giannoulis Giannis netted 15.

Goettingen - Krasnie Krilya 89-68
German Goettingen overcame Krasnie Krilya for the top position in Group I. Taylor Rochestie (185-G-85, college: Washington St.) paced all the winners with 22 points as Goettingen celebrated 89:68 victory. Both sides traded baskets throughout the majority of the opening period, but 7-0 run gave the hosts 25:16 at the end of the first period. The visitors could not be shaken off that easily as they stayed in touch throughout the remainder of the half. Biggs made it 27:24, while Oliver scored for 36:26. Boone Jason was the last to score at the half for 42:39 home side advantage. In the second half, the visitors kept themselves in touch through Flores Luis and Douthit Marcus baskets. Goettingen again played better at the end of the period and enjoyed 66:54 after thirty minutes. In the final period the visitors could not get themselves back into the game and lost the period 14-23. McNaughton made the lay-up at the end for the final 89:68win. Little John posted 15 for the winners and Boone Jason nailed 14. Flores Luis responded with 16 points in the losing effort. Douthit Marcus notched 15, while Zelenskiy Gannadi was responsible for 12 points. The Russian side dropped at 3-2 record on the second position.

Group J

Liege - Art.Dragons 92-100
Artland Dragons won the road game over Belgacom Liege in Group J of Eurochallenge. The German side produced 100:92 to face KK Zagreb next week for the Quarterfinal ticket. Although the hosts started with 5-0 they could not win the opening quarter. Trailing 21:22, the guests grabbed 28:24 lead as Nathan Peavy

(203-F-85, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Miami, OH) closed the first period. The teams were tied several times but Artland Dragons took control later in the period. Price nailed from the perimeter for 57:49 halftime advantage. The game still hung in the balance heading into the final quarter with the score tied at 74:74 but Artland finished strongly to secure victory. Nathan Peavy made it 76:74 and he scored another five points for the German side. Seggelke posted three for 86:79 and Hall made a lay-up for 88:79. Bailey Toby made two free throws at the end for three digit number on the board. Nathan Peavy paced all the winners with 23 points for 3-2 record. Bailey Toby nailed 16, while Fenn Darren notched 15. Banks Adrian answered with 26 points for the hosts as they dropped at 1-4. Green Michael posted 18 and Ruoff Alex delivered 17.

FMP - KK Zagreb CO 63-74
KK Zagreb tied FMP on the top of Group J after winning third consecutive game away from home on Top 16. They are now with 3-2 records both as Croatian side celebrated 74:63 win. The guests started with 6-0 run and enjoyed 13-3 advantage in the opening tip. Zoric Luka made it 21:8, while the hosts reduced to 9 points at the end of the first quarter. Milutinovic made a lay-up for 24:15 on the board. FMP were made to work hard for the points in the second period and posted only 10 in 10 minutes. KK Zagreb created a 9-0 run for 35:18 and Barac Pankracije brought 41:23. Krunoslav Simon (197-G/F-85) sent the teams to the lockers for 44:25 halftime deficit. Only after the break the Serbian side started to go back into the game. They produced 21-12 to cut it to 56:4after thirty minutes. Moreover Radetic Bojan made it 59:53 and Covic Filip scored for 62:58. KK Zagreb CO did not allow the hosts to catch up with them and on the game. Krunoslav Simon led the way with 23 points and Stimac Andrej nailed 17. Barac Pankracije posted 14, while Zoric Luka delivered 13. Covic Filip and Radetic Bojan answered with 13 points in the losing effort.

Group K

APOEL - Chalon 85-72
APOEL beat French Chalon 85:72 to tie both records at 2-3 in Group K of EuroChallenge. Moreover Buducnost handed Scavolini their first loss in Top 16 of EuroChallenge as three teams now with that record in the group. The teams had shared the spoils in the first quarter. The team from Cyprus led the majority of the period but Braud tied the quarter at 23:23. The second stanza's first points were scored by Zianveni Maxime as he drilled a three ball to take the scores to 26:23. However, some points from Hopkins Lewis secured a 33:30 lead for the hosts. APOEL won the period 22-16 to take 45:39 lead at the halftime. The third quarter proved tough in the game, as both teams nailed 17 points each for 62:56 after thirty minutes. It was Heath Brandon to close the period and he made his side stayed ahead in the fourth for 70:60. The hosts remained in front until the end and reached the second victory in the group to remain alive for the Quarterfinal ticket. Milan Dozet

(203-G/F-79) paced all the winners with 18 points. Hopkins Lewis, Hughes Rick and Heath Brandon posted 14 points each in a win. Gray Taj responded with 19 points in the losing case. Zianveni Maxime delivered 16 and Schilb Blake scored 12.

Buducnost - Scavolini PS 90-87
Buducnost handed Scavolini their first loss in Top 16 of EuroChallenge as there are no undefeated teams left in the tournament. The team from Montenegro celebrated 90:87 win for 2-3 record. Scavolini made a fast start to the game with the first scores, and after some minutes they pushed their lead out to 9-0. Less than five minutes later that lead became 17-2 as Hicks Michael made a jump shot. Buducnost mounted a comeback from there, and lost the first period 10:21. The visiting Scavolini had difficulties holding the score for good and started to pay more attention to defense. Otasevic scored for 29:22 and Savovic brought 30:25 on the board. Joksimovic Nebojsa nailed three for the guests for 40:31 halftime advantage. The hosts could make no inroads in the beginning of the third quarter as the Italian side held the score. Simonovic Marko however tied the game at 48:48 and Goran Jeretin

(192-G-79, agency: Beo Basket) tasted 52:51 lead with the hosts. Savovic closed the third period from the arc for 59:56 lead. Things did not change in the fourth quarter a the teams stayed close to each other. Buducnost was in front almost for the whole time, while Green Marques nailed three in the last seconds for the final 90:87. Goran Jeretin topscored for the hosts with 19 points and Gordic Nemanja netted 15. Simonovic Marko nailed 13, while Vitkovac Cedomir posted 12. Williams Eric responded with 17 points in the losing effort and Joksimovic Nebojsa notched 16. Green Marques and Hicks Michael ended up with 15 points apiece in defeat.

Group L

Enisey - Antwerp 89-77
The game between Enisey and Antwerp became the first one of the EuroChallenge Top 16 Round 5. The Russian team produced 89:77 win to remain alive for the Quarterfinals. The hosts opened the game with a lay-up, while Gay Brandon scored from the perimeter for the guests. It was a productive quarter for the Russian side that posted 29 points in 10 minutes. Dyachok drove a lay-up for 29:17 after the opening quarter. Moreover he made it 38:20 midway through the second period, while Hopkins Bryan reduced to 42:29. After 20-20 in the second frame the score was 49:37 at the halftime. Antwerp started the reduce the gap as the squads appeared after the break and Hopkins Bryan scored for 49:45. Enisey remained hot later tin the period an reached plus 10 finishing the quarter at 63:53. Brown opened the last period for 63:55 but the guests could not come closer. Warrick Fred posted for 80:64 and Savkov nailed a three for 85:72. Lionel Chalmers

(183-G-80, college: Xavier) made two free-throws at the end for the total success of the hosts. Lionel Chalmers paced all the winners with 21 points as Enisey improved to 2-3 record in Group L. Komarovski Andrei posted 14, Warrick Fred nailed 11, while Kambala Kaspars collected 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Banvit - Roanne 95-83
Banvit outscored Roanne for 2-3 record in Group L of EuroChallenge. The Turkish side jumped higher after 95:83 home victory. The hosts opened the game with 7-0 run, however were caught up later by the opponents. Whilst the first quarter was a fairly even affair, the second stanza proved to make a real difference to the game, as Banvit went on a 48:38 rampage at the end. Simmons made a dunk for such a lead of the hosts. It was a fairly even third quarter after that with the teams exchanging the baskets. Roanne started to eat into Banvit's lead in the penultimate period, and eventually reduced it to just 3 points. Nsonwu made a dunk for 56:53 on the board with 6 minutes to play in the third. The Turkish side reached 73:66 as the teams finished thirty minutes of the game. The fourth quarter again saw Roanne fight back, as they reduced to 76:71 with Mims Ralph's three-pointer. Hersek also responded from the perimeter and later made a lay-up for 82:72. Turna scored for the arc for 88:72 and Simmons made a dunk for 93:79. Pellin made two free throws to close the game at 95:83. Charles Davis

(202-F-84, college: Alabama) top-scored for the winners with 22 points and Cankaya Yunus netted 16. Ozcan Baris followed them with 14 points. Mims Ralph responded with 19 points in defeat and Noel David notched 13.

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

EUROCUP

Eurocup Round: 5 (Top 16) - by Eurobasket News

Group I

Aris - DKV Joventut 84-54
Aris thrashed visiting Joventut for the third win in the EuroCup Last 16 Group I. The victory propelled Aris on top of the standings in the pool. Jeremy Richardson (199-G/F-83, college: Delta St.) knocked down 19 points to lead the charge. The teams stayed close in the opening minutes. However Aris marked the ambitions with a 9:0 run midway through the first stanza. Aris cleared off and secured a 28:16 lead at the first break. Aris maintained the winning margin throughout the second frame. They arrived at halftime up by 15 points 47:32. Luka Bogdanovic and Antonio Bueno kept the visitors hopeful at the start of the third term. However Aris finished the frame with nine points in a row opening a 26-point advantage. Jeremy Richardson triggered a 7:0 rally from the hosts to tip off the fourth stanza. Aris did not look back en route to the win afterwards. Matt Walsh produced 17 points and 6 boards for Aris. Kiki Clark had 16 points in the victory. Luka Bogdanovic delivered 16 points for Joventut. Kristaps Valters nailed 9 points in defeat.

ALBA - Le Mans 83-71
ALBA clinched an important home win against Le Mans. The victory propelled the German team to 3-2 record in EuroCup Last 16 Group I. ALBA face a decisive trip to Badalona next week for the spot in the next round. The teams traded baskets at the start of the game before Julius Jenkins triggered a 7:0 run. ALBA cleared off and earned a 22:14 lead at the first break. But Le Mans opened the second period with eight points in a row to draw things level. The hosts were helped by seven straight points from Rashad Wright to retain the advantage. Julius Jenkins and Zweiner capped the first half with three-pointers to establish a 44:35 lead. Blagota Sekulic

(209-F/C-82, agency: FCM) opened a double-digit advantage for the home team early in the third stanza. Le Mans managed to get within 9 points at the final break 52:61. ALBA stretched the gap to 15 points early in the fourth period but Le Mans were not ready to surrender just yet. Marc Salyers and Diot dragged the visitors within 8 points. Le Mans would got within 5 points late in the encounter before ALBA regained control and ran away with the win. Blagota Sekulic produced 17 points to lead the effort. Julius Jenkins and Rashad Wright notched 15 points apiece in the victory. Dewarick Spencer responded with 19 points for Le Mans. Marc Salyers had 15 points in the losing effort.

Group J

Unics - Galatasaray 92-89
Unics survived some late threats from Galatasaray before eking out a vital home win in EuroCup Last 16 fifth round. Unics now improved at 3-2 record and remained in the race for the ticket to the next round of the tournament. Unics will travel to Spain to take on Valencia in the final round of the Last 16 stage. Unics must win in the game but Galatasaray silenced the crowd in Kazan at the start of the encounter. The visitors opened it with 7 points in a row. However Veremeenko stopped the bleeding and Unics soon adjusted. Veremeenko drew things level at 17 late in the period. The forward put the hosts in front soon and Unics rallied to a 23:20 advantage at the first break. Marko Popovic

(185-G-82, college: S.Idaho JC) stretched the margin to 6 points early in the second frame. Kresimir Loncar extended the distance to 10 points midway through the period. However Jasaitis, Wilkinson and Washington dragged the visitors within 5 points at the interval. Galatasaray exploded with a 6:0 run in the third quarter to jump in front. The teams traded baskets for some time before Beyaz drained a three-pointer to seal the third quarter outcome at 69:66 for the Turkish team. Murat Rifat Kaya gave the visitors a 5-point lead early in the fourth quarter. Unics reacted with six points in a row to spur in front. The lead changed hands for several times before Unics finally set up an 87:80 advantage with two minutes to go. Galatasaray did not surrender and cut the deficit back to a single point. Marko Popovic and Maciej Lampe scored three free throws in the dying seconds to seal a tough win for Unics. Maciej Lampe knocked down 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for Unics. Marko Popovic top-scored with 22 points in the victory. Darius Washington responded with game-high 32 points, 7 assists and 5 boards for Galatasaray. Radoslav Rancik netted 15 points in defeat.

Hap.Jerusalem - Valencia BC 64-69
Valencia made a huge step towards qualifying into the next round of EuroCup. The Spanish team defeated Jerusalem on the road to improve at 4-1 record in Last 16 Group J. Thomas Kelati

(195-G/F-82, college: Washington St.) knocked down 17 points to pace the effort. The teams traded baskets throughout the starting minutes. The lead changed hands for several times before Yuval Naimy put Hapoel in charge 21:20 at the first break. Valencia opened the second period with six points in a row to surge ahead. Thomas Kelati drained back-to-back trebles to ensure a 32:22 advantage midway through the second frame. Jerusalem got within 6 points but Valencia stayed in charge and sealed the first half outcome with a 10-point lead 43:33. Valencia once again strongly started the period as they accounted for five straight points in the third term. But Jerusalem quickly responded and started to work their way back into the contest. Pooh Jeter and Yuval Naimy capped the stanza with four points and got within a single point 53:54. Thomas Kelati and Matt Nielson ballooned the margin to 7 points early in the final frame. Nando De Colo opened a double digit advantage for the visitors midway through the fourth term. Yuval Naimy and Pooh Jeter trimmed the distance to 5 points but it was as close as Jerusalem could get. Kosta Perovic nailed 13 points for Valencia. Nando De Colo had 11 points, 4 boards and 3 assists for the winners. Kevinn Pinkney delivered 15 points for Hapoel. Pooh Jeter finished with 13 points in defeat. Hapoel will face Galatasaray, while Valencia to face Unics in the decisive sixth round.

Group K

Bizkaia Bilbao - Benetton TV 68-72
Benetton claimed a road win over Bilbao in EuroCup K. The Italian team improved at 1-4 record without a single chance to reach the next stage. Bilbao in the meantime suffered the first loss in eleven games played in the tournament this season. Sandro Nicevic (210-C-76, agency: Beo Basket) nailed 14 points to lead the visitors. Benetton surged ahead early in the game and maintained the advantage throughout the opening frame. They secured an 18:15 lead at the first break. Marko Banic and Salgado dropped five points to put Bilbao in front at the start of the second quarter. Soon the hosts ballooned the margin to a 7-point mark. Bilbao ensured a 34:33 halftime advantage. The Spaniards boosted the gap to as many as 10 points midway through the third term. But Benetton denied the deficit and entered the fourth quarter levelled with Bilbao at 53. It all came down to the final minutes in this one. The teams were tied at 65 with two minutes remaining. Sandro Nicevic and Jasmin Hukic fired five consecutive points for the visitors to put them in charge. Janis Blums responded with a three-pointer but K.C. Rivers uttered the last word sealing the victory for the Treviso outfit. K.C. Rivers and Davor Kus stepped up with 11 points each for Benetton. Daniel Hackett had 12 points in the victory. Marko Banic replied with 14 points for Bilbao. Levour Warren finished with 11 points in defeat.

Brose Baskets - Panellinios 84-81
Brose Baskets overcame Panellinios in EuroCup Last 16 round Group K. The victory however has a bitter aftertaste as it was not enough for Bamberg to stay in the race for the next round ticket. Bamberg faced the task of winning by at least 8 points to stay alive. But Panellinios secured the needed result and booked their ticket in the tournaments Final Eight. Bamberg stayed in control in the first quarter. Mark Worthington and Brian Roberts gave the hosts a 17:12 lead ten minutes into the encounter. Brian Roberts stretched the gap to 7 points but Panellinios responded with 7 points in a row to draw things level. Soon the Greek team went on an 8:0 run to jump in front. Devin Smith and Djuro Ostojic secured a 38:33 lead for Panellinios at the main break. A tense and nervous battle of the third quarter saw Panellinios maintain the lead. Chris Owens accounted for two points late in the period to give the visitors a 56:51 lead with ten minutes left. Mark Worthington and Casey Jacobsen

(198-G/F-81, college: Stanford) pulled the home team closer early in the fourth quarter. Finally a 7:0 outburst from the German team put them ahead by one 64:63. But the Hellenes stayed calm. Papamakarios and Devin Smith went accurate from the stripe in the dying seconds giving Panellinios needed result. Casey Jacobsen notched 25 points and 6 boards to pace Brose Baskets. John Goldsberry netted 13 points in the winning effort. Roderick Blakney responded with 18 points for Panellinios. Ian Vougioukas produced 15 points in the losing effort.

Group L

T.Telekom - Gran Canaria 78-79
Gran Canaria earned a valuable road win at the EuroCup Last 16 stage. They edged Turk Telekom in Ankara for the 3-2 record in Group L. Gran Canaria will qualify into the next round in the case of Crvena Zvezda win over Nymburk. Jaycee Carroll

(188-G-83, agency: Priority Sports) knocked down 22 points to pace the Spaniards. Gran Canaria dominated in the first half. The visitors bravely started the encounter and earned a 26:21 lead at the first break. The Spanish team maintained the advantage in the second stanza. Gran Canaria raced to a 13-point lead at the interval. But Turk Telekom changed things around in the third quarter. The hosts limited their opponents to just 12 points in the frame and cut the distance to only 3 points. Led by Lamayne Wilson Turk Telekom continued to erase the deficit. It all came down to the final seconds when Gran Canaria proved more accurate and survived the challenge. James Augustine scored 14 points and pulled down 12 boards for Gran Canaria. Marcus Norris netted 11 points in the winning effort. Lamayne Wilson replied with 25 points for Turk Telekom. Huseyin Besok notched 15 points and 10 caroms in defeat.

Crvena Zvez. - CEZ Nymburk 55-73
Nymburk set up an exciting finale for the EuroCup Last 16 Group L action. The Czech champions clinched a vital road win to catch up with Crvena Zvezda at 3-2 record. Now three teams share the top position before the final round. Gran Canaria will host Crvena Zvezda, while Nymburk will take on Turk Telekom for two available spots in the next round on March 9. The teams kept it close throughout the opening frame. The lead changed hands for several times before Arthur Lee tied things up at 15 with ten minutes into the encounter. Ron Lewis opened the second stanza with five points in a row to put Nymburk in front. Crvena Zvezda went on a 6:0 run midway through the period to spur in charge. Petr Benda

(203-F/C-82, agency: Court Side) returned the advantage to Nymburk late in the half and the visitors sealed the outcome at 35:33. Oliver Stevic knotted things up early in the third period but Nymburk quickly restored the advantage and raced ahead. Arthur Lee and Petr Benda gave the visiting team a 16-point advantage late in the quarter. The hosts got within ten points but Ladislav Sokolovsky capped the stanza with a three-pointer to secure a 56:43 lead for Nymburk. Filip Videnov sparked the intrigue when he cut the margin at the start of the fourth period. However Michael Lenzly came up with timely five points and the Czech team ran away for good. Petr Benda nailed 18 points and collected 7 rebounds for Nymburk. Arthur Lee added 17 points and 6 assists in the win. Filip Videnov responded with 10 points for Crvena Zvezda as they suffered the second straight loss.

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

FRANCE

Chalon losses in Cyprus - by Eurobasket News
APOEL - Chalon 85:72

APOEL beat French Chalon 85:72 to tie both records at 2-3 in Group K of EuroChallenge. Moreover Buducnost handed Scavolini their first loss in Top 16 of EuroChallenge as three teams now with that record in the group.
The teams had shared the spoils in the first quarter. The team from Cyprus led the majority of the period but Braud tied the quarter at 23:23.
The second stanza's first points were scored by Maxime Zianveni (198-F-79) as he drilled a three ball to take the scores to 26:23. However, some points from Lewis Hopkins (203-F/C-73, agency: Strategic Sports, college: New Orleans) secured a 33:30 lead for the hosts. APOEL won the period 22-16 to take 45:39 lead at the halftime. The third quarter proved tough in the game, as both teams nailed 17 points each for 62:56 after thirty minutes. It was Brandon Heath

(193-G-84, college: San Diego St.) to close the period and he made his side stayed ahead in the fourth for 70:60. The hosts remained un front until the end and reached the second victory in the group to remain alive for the Quarterfinal ticket. Milan Dozet

(203-G/F-79) paced all the winners with 18 points. Lewis Hopkins, Rick Hughes (204-C/F-73, agency: Interperformances, college: Thomas More) and Brandon Heath posted 14 points each in a win. Taj Gray

(202-F/C-84, college: Oklahoma) responded with 19 points in the losing case. Maxime Zianveni delivered 16 and Blake Schilb

(201-G-83, agency: ZAG Advocates, college: Loyola, IL) scored 12.

APOEL: Milan Dozet 18, Lewis Hopkins 14, Rick Hughes 14, Brandon Heath 14
Chalon: Taj Gray 19, Maxime Zianveni 16, Blake Schilb 12

Stats Leaders - ProA

Points Per Game

Derrick OBASOHAN
  Hyeres-Toulon
  (199-F-81)
  Avg: 20.5

1. Obasohan, Hyeres-T.	20.5
2. Spencer, Le Mans	18.1
3. Vassallo, Paris-.	17.2
4. Banks, Orleans	17.0
5. Roberson, Stras.	17.0
6. Greer, Nancy	15.6
7. Chatfield, Rouen	15.4
8. Woodside, Gravelines	15.3
9. Terrell, Hyeres-T.	15.0
10. Darden, Strasbourg	14.9

Rebounds Per Game

Mouhamed SENE
  Hyeres-Toulon
  (213-C-86)
  Avg: 12.6

1. Sene, Hyeres-Toulon	12.6
2. Issa, Vichy	11.2
3. Falker, Cholet	9.0
4. Greer, Nancy	8.5
5. Nsonwu, Roanne	8.5
6. Edwards, Grave.	8.1
7. Fazekas, Dijon	7.8
8. Akpomedah, Grave.	7.2
9. Terrell, Hyeres-T.	7.1
10. Akingbala, Nancy	6.9

Assists Per Game

Kareem REID
  Vichy
  (178-G-75)
  Avg: 7.5

1. Reid, Vichy	7.5
2. Rogers, Rouen	7.3
3. Everett, Chalon	6.9
4. Greer, Nancy	6.2
5. Pierce, Hyeres-T.	5.6
6. Neitzel, Chalon	5.3
7. Sciarra, Orleans	5.2
8. Heurtel, Strasbourg	4.9
9. Woodside, Gravelines	4.7
10. Tchicamboud, Nancy	4.7

Steals Per Game

John LINEHAN
  Cholet
  (175-G-78)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Linehan, Cholet	2.8
2. Greer, Nancy	2.1
3. Rogers, Rouen	2.1
4. Flowers, Vichy	2.0
5. Miller, Le Havre	1.9
6. Spencer, Le Mans	1.8
7. Ball, Paris-Levallois	1.8
8. Issa, Vichy	1.8
9. Melody, Vichy	1.7
10. Wright, Le Mans	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Mouhamed SENE
  Hyeres-Toulon
  (213-C-86)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Sene, Hyeres-Toulon	2.6
2. Issa, Vichy	2.4
3. Akpomedah, Grave.	1.8
4. Badiane, Poitiers	1.7
5. Slaughter, Nancy	1.6
6. Akingbala, Nancy	1.5
7. Fazekas, Dijon	1.3
8. Falker, Cholet	1.3
9. Darden, Strasbourg	1.2
10. Jean-B., Paris-.	1.1

Stats Leaders - ProB

Points Per Game

Jason SIGGERS
  Lille
  (187-G-85)
  Avg: 18.8

1. Siggers, Lille	18.8
2. Davis, Charleville	18.5
3. Dunn, Maurienne	16.8
4. Gay, Fos Ouest	16.5
5. Coleman, Bourg	16.3
6. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.	16.3
7. Huertas, Fos Ouest	16.1
8. Mohammed, Limoges	16.0
9. Ingram, Clermont	15.9
10. McKenzie, St Va.	15.8

Rebounds Per Game

Luc-Arthur VEBOBE
  Antibes
  (203-F-80)
  Avg: 10.4

1. Vebobe, Antibes	10.4
2. Giles, Nantes	10.2
3. McClark, Bourg	8.4
4. Melicie, Brest	8.1
5. Calasan, Charleville	8.0
6. Bing, Clermont	8.0
7. Badiane, Maurienne	7.7
8. Badiane, Nanterre	7.6
9. Mathis, Evreux	7.4
10. McKenzie, St Va.	7.4

Assists Per Game

Philippe DA SILVA
  Evreux
  (192-G-79)
  Avg: 7.8

1. Da Silva, Evreux	7.8
2. Taylor, Le Portel	6.8
3. Kerckhof, Antibes	6.4
4. Mullins, Bourg	6.2
5. McIntosh, St Va.	6.0
6. Downey, Nantes	5.9
7. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.	5.9
8. Cisse, Fos Ouest	5.1
9. Dunn, Maurienne	5.1
10. Swift, Brest	4.8

Steals Per Game

Errick CRAVEN
  Boulazac
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 3

1. Craven, Boulazac	3.0
2. Riley, Nanterre	2.9
3. Driss, Bordeaux	2.9
4. Siggers, Lille	2.3
5. Periac, Bordeaux	2.2
6. Mullins, Bourg	2.2
7. Paelay, Charleville	2.1
8. Da Silva, Evreux	2.0
9. McKenzie, St Va.	2.0
10. Dunn, Maurienne	2.0

Blocks Per Game

John FORD
  Limoges
  (207-C-78)
  Avg: 2

1. Ford, Limoges	2.0
2. Williams, Bordeaux	1.8
3. Badiane, Maurienne	1.7
4. Gay, Fos Ouest	1.7
5. Owona, Bordeaux	1.4
6. Gouez, Lille	1.1
7. Bauer, Pau-Lacq.	0.9
8. N''Diaye, Le Portel	0.9
9. Badiane, Nanterre	0.9
10. Taccoen, Lille	0.8

Fein in, Huertas out - by Laurent Maugein
After the departure of David Huertas (196-G-87, college: Mississippi), Fos Ouest Provence Basket signs Shaun Fein (191-G-78, college: Georgia Tech). David Huertas has decided to return to his country for to find his family and playing the summer meetings with Puerto Rico.
Then Remi Guitta and all the staff have chosen to hire the guard, Shaun Fein. Very experienced players of French championship, he evoluted in many teams like Nantes, Evreux, Reims, Quimper, Pau and more recently St-Quentin. 19.0 ppg (2FGP 50.2% 3FGP 39.6%), 3.6 apg and 1.4 spg in 2008-2009. Shaun Fein will have helped to get his Fos keeps Pro B.

Banvit outscored Roanne for 2-3 record in Group L of EuroChallenge - by Eurobasket News
Banvit - Roanne 95:83

Banvit outscored Roanne for 2-3 record in Group L of EuroChallenge. The Turkish side jumped higher after 95:83 home victory.
The hosts opened the game with 7-0 run, however were caught up later by the opponents. Whilst the first quarter was a fairly even affair, the second stanza proved to make a real difference to the game, as Banvit went on a 48:38 rampage at the end. Simmons made a dunk for such a lead of the hosts. It was a fairly even third quarter after that with the teams exchanging the baskets. Roanne started to eat into Banvit's lead in the penultimate period, and eventually reduced it to just 3 points. Nsonwu made a dunk for 56:53 on the board with 6 minutes to play in the third. The Turkish side reached 73:66 as the teams finished thirty minutes of the game. The fourth quarter again saw Roanne fight back, as they reduced to 76:71 with Ralph Mims

(191-G-85, college: Florida St.)'s three-pointer. Hersek also responded from the perimeter and later made a lay-up for 82:72. Turna scored for the arc for 88:72 and Simmons made a dunk for 93:79. Pellin made two free throws to close the game at 95:83.
Charles Davis

(202-F-84, college: Alabama) top-scored for the winners with 22 points and Yunus Cankaya

FYR MACEDONIA

Dime Tasovski agrees a deal with Trepca - by Eurobasket News
According to reports from FYR Macedonian media, Dime Tasovski (201-F-80) has moved to KB Trepca Mitrovice.
The FYR Macedonian International has started the season with Politekhnika-Halychyna, but recently he has terminated the contract with the Ukrainian club. He did not have to wait long to find a new team, as KB Trepca Mitrovice reacted fast and was first to get player's signature. Prior to leaving Ukrainian outfit, Tasovski has played in 14 games posting averages of 3.3 points and 1.6 rebounds per game. Tassovski is expected to make his debut soon. Head coach of KB Trepca Mitrovice is Panche Milevski, also from FYR Macedonia.
Dime Tasovski started his career with Zito Vardar Veles in 1997. He established himself as an important player for the team in the 6 seasons he spent there. During 2002-2003 season, which was his last with Zito Vardar Veles, Tasovski posted averages of 24.5 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. That year he was voted FYR Macedonian League MVP. In 2003, he moved to Fersped-Rabotnicki Skopje with whom he has enjoyed great success. During his time at Rabotnicki, Tasovski has won four National Titles as well as two National Cups. Also, last season he posted averages of 14.7 points and 3.6 rebounds per game in 12 BIBL appearances. Tasovski has been a member of FYR Macedonian NT since 2002. At the EuroBasket in Poland in 2009, he has made 8 appearances and has averaged 3.5 points and 1.5 rebound.

Superleague: Round 6 review - by Eurobasket News
Feni Indistrija - Torus 89-82
Feni Industri hosted Torus and managed to record an important home win. Bosko Jovovic (205-F/C-83) led the winning side to 89-82 victory with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Vladimir Popovic (190-G-82) added 15, while Dusan Knezevic and Bojan Trajkovski (13 rebs) added 14 points apiece. For Torus, Dimitar Karadozvski and Zoran Milovic had 17 points each.

Pelister - Rabotnicki 70-81
Rabotnicki went to Bitola and surprised their hosts Pelister stealing this one from them. After a close encounter, visitors used great third quarter to secure 70-81 win. Angel Mitkov (194-G-89) led the way for winning side with 18 points, and Marko Simonovski (190-G-89, agency: Interperformances) chipped in 17 points. For hosts, not even 22 points by both Djordji Anakievski and Krste Krstevski was enough to avoid defeat in this one.

V.Osiguruvanje - Ovce Pole 104-98
In a high scoring affair, Vardar Osiguruvanje was better than Ovce Pole 104-98. Damjan Stojanovski (197-F-87) poured in 30 points (10 rebs), while Kiril Nikolovski (210-C-88, agency: Interperformances) chipped in 29 pts (8 rebs) for the winning side. Aleksandar Kostovski was also great, finishing the match with 16 points. Ovce Pole was led by Aleksnadar Held and Danilo Sibalic (8 rebs) who scored 27 and 25 points respectively.

Play-Out

Plejmejker K. - Vardar 2000 82-61
Plejmejker Kubus had no trouble beating Vardar 2000 at home. They controlled the game from the start on their way to 82-61 win. Nick Stallings (190-G-83, college: Centenary) poured in 23 points for hosts, while Nenad Zivcevic (204-F-87, agency: Global Sports Plaza) followed closely with 21. For Vardar 2000, Ivica Dimchevski was the only player to reach double digits with 28 points.

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

GERMANY

German Goettingen overcame Krasnie Krilya for the top position in Group I - by Eurobasket News
Goettingen - Krasnie Krilya 89:68

German Goettingen overcame Krasnie Krilya for the top position in Group I. Taylor Rochestie (185-G-85, college: Washington St.) paced all the winners with 22 points as Goettingen celebrated 89:68 victory.
Both sides traded baskets throughout the majority of the opening period, but 7-0 run gave the hosts 25:16 at the end of the first period. The visitors could not be shaken off that easily as they stayed in touch throughout the remainder of the half. Biggs made it 27:24, while Oliver scored for 36:26. Jason Boone

(198-F/C-85, college: New York U.) was the last to score at the half for 42:39 home side advantage. In the second half, the visitors kept themselves in touch through Luis Flores

(188-G-81, college: Manhattan) and Marcus Douthit

(211-F/C-80, college: Providence) baskets. Goettingen again played better at the end of the period and enjoyed 66:54 after thirty minutes. In the final period the visitors could not get themselves back into the game and lost the period 14-23. McNaughton made the lay-up at the end for the final 89:68 win.
John Little

(180-G-84, college: N.Iowa) posted 15 for the winners and Jason Boone nailed 14. Luis Flores responded with 16 points in the losing effort. Marcus Douthit notched 15, while Gannadi Zelenskiy

(187-G-82) was responsible for 12 points. The Russian side dropped at 3-2 record on the second position.

Goettingen: Taylor Rochestie 22, John Little 15, Jason Boone 14
Krasnie Krilya: Luis Flores 16, Marcus Douthit 15, Gannadi Zelenskiy 12

Deutsche Bank Skyliners Get Height And Muscle With Dragan Labovic - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The rumours were big about getting Lorenzo Gordon, but in the end The Deutsche Bank Skyliners decided to look east and get a big guy named Dragan Labovic

(207-C/F-87). He is a 22 year old 207cm center from Serbia that last played in Greece for Aris Thessaloniki. Skyliner Sports director Kamil Novak hopes that Labovic will be able to strengthen the team. 'We await that he will help in the zone and give us good minutes', stressed Kamil Novak. Many basketball experts have compared the Serb for the next Goran Savic. He is not so tall, but a strong bodied center, with impressive low post moves. He has quick feet, a middle range shot, rebounds well and knows yet how to use his body underneath. Labovic is an old time classic Serbian basketball player, a pure power forward with great basketball prospective. Labovic comes from the old Serbian school of power forwards. His style is like the one of Savic. He can play in the paint as well as in the peripheral as he has quite a good three pointer, he can do very good the short-tall system as well as the pick-en-roll. Has very long arms and his wing span helps him to defend his shots in and out of the paint. From the arc has around 30% which is very good having in mind that he is a strong power forward with very good moves to the basket.

Labovic started his basketball career with Zdravlje Leskovac in 2001-2002. In 2002-2003 he played for FMP Zeleznik Beograd cadet team. He played for Reflex Beogradfrom 2003-2005. In 2006, he played for KK Borac Cacak SCG A1 League: 22 games: 18ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.4apg, 2.6spg; SCG Superleague: 10 games: 12.1 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2 spg. In the last three years, he played for FMP Zeleznik Beograd. Last season, he led the Adriatic League in scoring in 26 games: Score-1 (18.0ppg), 6.3rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 37.8%, FT: 79.9%. He has played 26 ULEB Cup games in his career. He also has had a long career in the Serbian U-16, U-18 and U-20 National teams. He won the European Championships U20 in Izmir (Turkey) in 2006 and played 3 games averaging 4.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.0apg. He also won the European Championships U20 in Nova Gorica (Slovenia) in 2007 playing 8 games averaging 16.9ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.0apg, 1.3bpg, 2FGP: 58.3%, 3FGP: 26.5%, FT: 77.6%. He won the Radivoj Korac (Serbian Cup) in 2007. Frankfurt also gave PRO B Skyliner Willis Gardnera license to play in the BEKO BBL.
Source: www.deutschebankskyliners.de

Panellinios advance in EuroCup despite loss in Germany - by Eurobasket News
Brose Baskets - Panellinios 84:81

Brose Baskets overcame Panellinios in EuroCup Last 16 round Group K. The victory however has a bitter aftertaste as it was not enough for Bamberg to stay in the race for the next round ticket. Bamberg faced the task of winning by at least 8 points to stay alive. But Panellinios secured the needed result and booked their ticket in the tournaments Final Eight.
Bamberg stayed in control in the first quarter. Mark Worthington and Brian Roberts gave the hosts a 17:12 lead ten minutes into the encounter. Brian Roberts stretched the gap to 7 points but Panellinios responded with 7 points in a row to draw things level. Soon the Greek team went on an 8:0 run to jump in front. Devin Smith and Djuro Ostojic secured a 38:33 lead for Panellinios at the main break. A tense and nervous battle of the third quarter saw Panellinios maintain the lead. Chris Owens accounted for two points late in the period to give the visitors a 56:51 lead with ten minutes left. Mark Worthington and Casey Jacobsen

(198-G/F-81, college: Stanford) pulled the home team closer early in the fourth quarter. Finally a 7:0 outburst from the German team put them ahead by one 64:63. But the Hellenes stayed calm. Papamakarios and Devin Smith went accurate from the stripe in the dying seconds giving Panellinios needed result.
Casey Jacobsen notched 25 points and 6 boards to pace Brose Baskets. John Goldsberry

(191-G-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: NC-Wilmington) netted 13 points in the winning effort. Roderick Blakney (181-G-76, college: S.Carolina St.) responded with 18 points for Panellinios. Ian Vougioukas (212-C/F-85, college: St.Louis) produced 15 points in the losing effort.

Brose Baskets: Casey Jacobsen 25, John Goldsberry 13, Predrag Suput

(200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) 12
Panellinios: Roderick Blakney 18, Ian Vougioukas 15

Artland Dragons won the road game over Belgacom Liege - by Eurobasket News
Liege - Artland Dragons 92:100

Artland Dragons won the road game over Belgacom Liege in Group J of Eurochallenge. The German side produced 100:92 to face KK Zagreb next week for the Quarterfinal ticket.
Although the hosts started with 5-0 they could not win the opening quarter. Trailing 21:22, the guests grabbed 28:24 lead as Nathan Peavy

(208-C-80, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Canisius) notched 15. Adrian Banks (191-G-86, college: NW Mississippi CC) answered with 26 points for the hosts as they dropped at 1-4. Michael Green

(185-G-85, college: Towson) posted 18 and Alex Ruoff (198-G-86, college: W.Virginia) delivered 17.

Liege: Adrian Banks 26, Michael Green 18, Alex Ruoff 17
Artland Dragons: Nathan Peavy 23, Toby Bailey 16, Darren Fenn 15

Deandre Haynes (Paderborn Baskets) Postgame Thoughts To 101-98 Triple Overtime Win Against TBB Trier - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
DeAndre Haynes

(187-G-84, college: Kent St.) is a 25 year old 187 cm guard from Detroit Michigan that is playing his first season in the BEKO BBL with The Paderborn Baskets. He played at Kent from 2002-2005 and at Kent state from 2005-2006. In his senior year, he played 34 games averaging 13.0ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.9apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 43.7%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 78.6%. He won the MAC Tournament in 2006 and was player of the year in the MAC conference in 2006. He came to Europe as a rookie and played in Belgium for BBC Royal Atomia Brussels playing 23 games and averaging 4.0ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.1apg, 1.0spg. The next season, he stayed in Belgium and played for Okapi Aalstar playing 35 games averaging 9.4ppg, 1.5rpg, 2.6apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 74.0%. Last season, he played in Hungary for Kecskemeti Univer KSE playing 26 games averaging 13.6ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.4apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 61.1%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 70.9%. He spoke to eurobasket after the 101-98 triple overtime win in Trier.

What a crazy wild game in Trier. Have you ever been involved in a game like this before?

Not that I can remember, but it was a great game from both teams.

What was most memorable of the bus ride home?

The best memory was just seeing our team being able to smile, and hold our heads high as we had a long journey home.

This was a huge win. Is the belief in being able to win even bigger now with the team?

We always feel like we can win games, but this game in particular was all about us playing together and having each other back for the entire game. We did a great job of coming together even in the 3 overtimes to pull out the win.

Paderborn had the comfortable 36-28 lead at halftime. What was Paderborn doing well up to halftime?

Soon as we stepped between the lines we started to pressure them for 40 minutes. We did a great job of moving the ball on offense, and defensively we just was every where on the floor trying to keep them off balanced.

Describe the last play taking the game into overtime with the shot by Derek Raivio?

They got the ball to him on the baseline, and he just raised up with great pressure on him and knocked down the shot for his team.

In the first overtime Jamal Shuler brought the game into the second overtime. Describe that play? Was Schuler a mini Michael Jordan on this day?

Jamal Shuler had a great game, He got the ball from one end of the floor came across half court and shot a running 3 pointer that hit nothing but net. I don't know about Jordan, but he had an outstanding performance against us.

In the third overtime Paderborn had control and won the game. Paderborn held the nerves and won the game. What was key in the last overtime for the win?

The Key throughout the whole game including overtime was to go through Kevin Langford. We played inside out, he gave them a hard time under the basket. Our team played together, and a lot of guys stepped up and hit some big shots.

How impressed were you by the play of Daniel Lieneke who was top scorer as a little used German player?

Daniel came off the bench with a lot of energy, and knocked down some key shot's for us, I'm just happy to see our team stick together, and finish off a great game.

What words of wisdom did coach Dirk Happe give the team after the game?

Coach Happe was excited for us to get our first win with him as our coach. He said when we play together as a team, and continue to work hard we will have a better chance of winning every game. Enjoy the win for now, but come focused this week, because we haven't accomplished our goal yet, and that's not to finish in the bottom two.

What was your winter Olympic highlight?

I haven't been following the winter Olympics to be honest with you.
Thanks Dre for the chat

Osvaldo Jeanty Looking To Make The Three Point Line His New Home With The Giessen 46ers - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Osvaldo Jeanty is a 26 year old 183cm combo guard from Canada that is currently playing for The Giessen 46ers. He played at Carleton University from 2002-2007. In his senior year, he played 21 games averaging 17.1ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.9apg, FGP: 44%, 3Pt: 39%, FT: 82%. He won the CIS Tournament from 2004-2007 and was the CIS player of the year in 2006 and 2007. he started his professional basketball career in Germany with The Nordlingen Giants in 2007 helping the team advance to the BEKO BBL in 2008 playing 30 games and averaging 14.8ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 42.4%, FT: 80.1%. Last season for Nordlingen, he played 32 games averaging 13.3ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 40.2%, 3PT: 45.4%, FT: 73.5%. he won the 2009 BEKO BBL Allstar game three point shooting contest. This season, he played briefly in Romania and with The Nordlingen Giants before coming to The Giessen 46ers. He is a good shooter with unlimited range and incredibly consistent. He defends bigger guards extremely well because of his strength. He is as tough a competitor and extremely hard worker, determined and focused. He has a great attitude. His focus is on the execution of game plans, belief in his coach, and faith in his teammates to deliver a common goal. He took some time to talk to eurobasket about his new team The Giessen 46ers shortly after he joined the club..

Did you watch the Superbowl and did you like the result?

Yes, I watched it but was not happy with the result. I never thought that the Indianapolis Colts would loose.

You are playing for the Giessen 46ers now since a short time. How well have you gotten used to the new surroundings?

Giessen is a nice town and the people all make me feel like home there. It has been a good experience.

The last month were not easy for you. I was surprised that no BBL teams wanted you, there seemed to be interest from the Deutsche Bank Skyliners?

Yes, it was a hard time for me as clubs were not sure exactly what position I could play. Yes, there was interest from the Deutsche Bank Skyliners but nothing came out of it.

You had a short stay in Romania with Gazmetan Medias, why did you only play there for a short time?

I played in Romania but left after the team got disqualified from the Balkan League. So because of this, I was able to get out of my contract.

You then returned to your ex-team, the Noerdlingen Giants, and played 4 games. Did you do this more as a favour to your old team since I doubt they could have paid you?

Yes, it was a favour to Noerdlingen, I had signed a contract to play in Morocco but that also did not work out. Most rosters in Europe were full, so I decided to go to Noerdlingen. The reason was that I could stay with my guest family again and I could stay in shape. This was an advantage to me to find a new team because I would not have to let teams fly me in, which they would have needed if I still had been in Canada.

Did you ever doubt your basketball abilities in this hard time when no BBL wanted to sign you?

No, I never stopped believing in myself. I have worked very hard to develop my game in the last years and I am proud of it. I just had to stay patient and wait for a good situation to come. The only hard part was staying motivated.

You had 23 and 16 points in the first games of Giessen. You seem to be a weapon in their offense.

I hope I am a weapon. I always knew that Giessen was a strong team but they had some injuries and could not put it together. They lost some close games as well. The additions of me and Elvir Ovcina. I can spread the floor and Ovcina is more a one on one player and is a good passer and makes everyone around him better.

What can the Giessen 46ers achieve this season?

The sky is the limit. It depends how much we believe in each other. The team has had a tough losing streak, we have to forget that and get past it, stick together and play better.

What is your impression of coach Vladi Bogojevic? What is your role? You cannot only be a 3-point weapon? You are a player that always believes highly in your coach.

I think Vladi is a great, young coach that is experimenting with his team and will get better in the next years. He pushes us. My big weapon is my 3-point shot but I can also play the 1 and if we see different defensive formations, I will have to adjust and penetrate and kick out and use ball screens and find my team mates.

You are from Gloucester, Canada. How was your childhood?

I had a simple childhood with my brother and my parents. I played streetball till I was 16 and then got more serious with basketball.

Who were your NBA idols?

Michael Jordan but I also liked Steve Nash for his ability to pass the ball and read plays.

To what NBA player would you compare your game to?

I would compare my game to Chauncey Billups because I can score, run the point and run the offense in a different way than a Steve Nash and Chris Paul, who like to attack more. I am more the guy that is reading the defense and making the plays off the screen.

You played at Carlton University. What was your nicest memory?

It was winning our 4th consecutive title. We were the #1 at the time but right before the tournament started, we lost our center Aaron Dornekamp, who is playing in Italy now. We won the national title without a big man.

How would you compare the CIS to the NCAA?

I think that the CIS is as good as the NCAA except that the top teams are stronger in the NCAA. The problem is all the big men in Canada over 6.11 and 7 footers leave Canada to play in the NCAA. We do not have the size to compete with NCAA teams.

Who is the best player that you ever played against in the NBA?

The best player was Arron Afflolo, who played in the NCAA and now plays for the Denver Nuggets. Another player is Julius Jenkins, who I always watch tapes of. He has great footwork and he has hardly any flaws on offense.

You played at the Panamerican Games in Rio 2007. What kind of experience was that?

It was a great experience, I was around great athletes, it was nice talking to them and learning what got them to the games and then comparing it with my road.

You were a fan favourite in Noerdlingen. What do you miss most?

Noerdlingen was a great place and I had a great time there playing basketball. We were able to stay in the league, the fans were really supportive there and I tried to help around the community as well. I really miss it.

You were born in Haiti and are helping for the earth quake victims. How difficult has this period been for you?

The earth quake was a difficult time for me, many people passed away in my family. It was harder for my mother than for me since she was closer to them. They were 2nd and 3rd cousins of mine. I feel for my mom and I give my best to support Haiti.

You speak many languages and have an interest in cultures. What fascinates you mostly about the German culture?

I am not sure how it is in all of Germany but I remember that in Noerdlingen, it was all very family-orientated. It seemed like everyone was always eating together. In the States, kids eat in front of the TV or the parents come home late from work. In Germany, it seems like it is family first and not work and money.

What was your craziest shot?

I have had many different shots. I do not usually make the last second shots but I think that making shots with 15 or 20 seconds to go are just as big.

How do you think you would have done against Taylor Rochestie at the 3-point shooting contest?

I think it would have been fun. It was a shame I could not defend my title, but if he stays in the league we might need next year.

Who wins a one on one on the court you or Danny Gibson?

If we have a shooting contest, I will win most times. In just a regular one on one, it would go back and forth but if Danny starts dribbling to the basket, he is tough to stop.

Do you still have contact to your old team mates from Noerdlingen?

I try to make each season where I am playing friendships to the players. I keep in contact with Omari Westley, Monta McGhee, Danny Gibson and Ty Shaw.

What was the last DVD you saw?

Book of Eli with Denzel Washington.
Thank you Os for the chat.

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

GREECE

Ilysiakos Athens sign Othello Hunter - by Eurobasket
Ilysiakos Athens signed 24-year old American forward Othello Hunter (203-F-86, college: Ohio St.). Hunter played most recently at Atlanta Hawks (NBA) in the U.S. While playing 7 games for Atlanta H. this season he averaged 1.6ppg and 1.7rpg.
in his first game with Ilysiakos Athens, Hunter player 14 minutes and scored 8 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals
By Eurobasket Data Center

Stats Leaders - A1

Points Per Game

A.J. ABRAMS
  Trikalla
  (180-G-86)
  Avg: 17.3

1. Abrams, Trikalla	17.3
2. Erceg, Panionios	17.0
3. Childress, Olympiakos	16.8
4. Arnold, Perister.	16.3
5. Kleiza, Olympiakos	15.7
6. Green, AEK	15.5
7. Carter, Ilysiakos	15.5
8. Harris, VAP K.	15.4
9. Kaimakoglou, Marou.	15.1
10. Gregory, PAOK	14.9

Rebounds Per Game

Christophe MASSIE
  Olimpia L.
  (206-F-77)
  Avg: 10.7

1. Massie, Olimpia L.	10.7
2. Carter, Ilysiakos	8.1
3. Francis, AEK	7.8
4. Bryant, Panionios	7.8
5. Arnold, Perister.	7.2
6. Papadopoulos, PAOK	7.0
7. Erceg, Panionios	6.4
8. Dozier, VAP K.	6.3
9. Homan, Marousi BC	6.1
10. Alexander, Kavala.	6.0

Assists Per Game

Dimitris DIAMANTIDIS
  Panathinaikos
  (196-G-80)
  Avg: 4.8

1. Diamantidis, Panath.	4.8
2. Karidas, Ilysiakos	4.6
3. Dickel, Trikalla	4.6
4. Teodosic, Olympiakos	4.5
5. Lukas, Marousi BC	4.2
6. Spanoulis, Panath.	3.8
7. Hammonds, Perister.	3.6
8. Papaloukas, Olymp.	3.6
9. Vasiljevic, VAP K.	3.5
10. Green, AEK	3.5

Steals Per Game

Prodromos NIKOLAIDIS
  AEK
  (201-F-78)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Nikolaidis, AEK	1.9
2. Lukas, Marousi BC	1.9
3. Collins, Kavala/P.	1.8
4. Diamantidis, Panath.	1.8
5. Dickel, Trikalla	1.8
6. Petway, Ilysiakos	1.7
7. Cummings, Ilysiakos	1.7
8. Hammonds, Perister.	1.7
9. Katsares, Trikalla	1.7
10. Miles, Aris	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Brent PETWAY
  Vichy
  (203-F-85)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Petway, Ilysiakos	2.2
2. Vougioukas, Panellin.	1.6
3. Harissis, VAP K.	1.2
4. Homan, Marousi BC	1.0
5. Benton, Ilysiakos	1.0
6. Mavroidis, Marou.	0.9
7. Childress, Olympiakos	0.8
8. Fotsis, Panathinaikos	0.8
9. Pelekanos, Marou.	0.7
10. Arnold, Perister.	0.7

Stats Leaders - A2

Points Per Game

Nikos LIAKOPOULOS
  Perama
  (201-F-76)
  Avg: 20.1

1. Liakopoulos, Per.	20.1
2. Totsios, Ikaroi S.	18.8
3. Michalos, Near E.	18.4
4. Gagaloudis, Olimpi.	18.3
5. Tsoutsos, Dafni	17.0
6. Anagnostopou., Xan.	16.6
7. Kiriakopoulo., KAOD	15.9
8. Kaklamanos, Pagra.	15.2
9. Mantic, Ermis L.	15.1
10. Koutroulias, Near E.	15.1

Rebounds Per Game

Damir LATOVIC
  AGOR
  (204-C-80)
  Avg: 11.5

1. Latovic, AGOR	11.5
2. Amato, Perama	10.6
3. Kakiouzis, Pagrati	9.6
4. Koutroulias, Near E.	7.2
5. Dimitriadis, Ermis L.	6.9
6. Cartelo, KAOD	6.7
7. Anagnostopou., Xan.	6.6
8. Giovanivic, Arkadikos	6.4
9. Harismidis, Pagrati	6.3
10. Kosanovic, Olimpiad.	6.3

Assists Per Game

Nikos LIAKOPOULOS
  Perama
  (201-F-76)
  Avg: 6.3

1. Liakopoulos, Per.	6.3
2. Gagaloudis, Olimpi.	5.4
3. Zoupas, Amyntas	5.2
4. Vassilopoulo., Dafni	4.8
5. Moscovitis, Pagrati	4.8
6. Kaklamanos, Pagra.	3.9
7. Kiriakopoulo., KAOD	3.8
8. Michalos, Near E.	3.7
9. Koumoulos, AGOR	3.5
10. Maslarinos, Xanthi	3.5

Steals Per Game

Yannis GAGALOUDIS
  Olimpiada P.
  (191-G-78)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Gagaloudis, Olimpi.	1.7
2. Petrovic-S., Iraklis	1.6
3. Sourlis, Arkadikos	1.5
4. Karapostolou, Iraklis	1.4
5. Dorkofikis, Amynt.	1.4
6. Lianos, Dafni	1.3
7. Liakopoulos, Per.	1.3
8. Castle, Iraklis	1.3
9. Michalos, Near E.	1.2
10. Harismidis, Pagrati	1.2

Blocks Per Game

Vassilis VAGENAS
  OFI
  (202-F-80)
  Avg: 1.1

1. Vagenas, OFI	1.1
2. Vagenas, OFI	1.0
3. Harismidis, Pagrati	0.9
4. Amato, Perama	0.8
5. Koutroulias, Near E.	0.8
6. Giovanivic, Arkadikos	0.8
7. Despos, Iraklis	0.7
8. Souflias, OFI	0.7
9. Anagnostopou., Xan.	0.7
10. Cartelo, KAOD	0.6

Panellinios advance in EuroCup despite loss in Germany - by Eurobasket News
Brose Baskets - Panellinios 84:81

Brose Baskets overcame Panellinios in EuroCup Last 16 round Group K. The victory however has a bitter aftertaste as it was not enough for Bamberg to stay in the race for the next round ticket. Bamberg faced the task of winning by at least 8 points to stay alive. But Panellinios secured the needed result and booked their ticket in the tournaments Final Eight.
Bamberg stayed in control in the first quarter. Mark Worthington and Brian Roberts gave the hosts a 17:12 lead ten minutes into the encounter. Brian Roberts stretched the gap to 7 points but Panellinios responded with 7 points in a row to draw things level. Soon the Greek team went on an 8:0 run to jump in front. Devin Smith and Djuro Ostojic secured a 38:33 lead for Panellinios at the main break. A tense and nervous battle of the third quarter saw Panellinios maintain the lead. Chris Owens accounted for two points late in the period to give the visitors a 56:51 lead with ten minutes left. Mark Worthington and Casey Jacobsen

(198-G/F-81, college: Stanford) pulled the home team closer early in the fourth quarter. Finally a 7:0 outburst from the German team put them ahead by one 64:63. But the Hellenes stayed calm. Papamakarios and Devin Smith went accurate from the stripe in the dying seconds giving Panellinios needed result.
Casey Jacobsen notched 25 points and 6 boards to pace Brose Baskets. John Goldsberry

(200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) 12
Panellinios: Roderick Blakney 18, Ian Vougioukas 15

Aris bruise Joventut in Greece - by Eurobasket News
Aris - Joventut 84:54

Aris thrashed visiting Joventut for the third win in the EuroCup Last 16 Group I. The victory propelled Aris on top of the standings in the pool. Jeremy Richardson (199-G/F-83, college: Delta St.) knocked down 19 points to lead the charge.
The teams stayed close in the opening minutes. However Aris marked the ambitions with a 9:0 run midway through the first stanza. Aris cleared off and secured a 28:16 lead at the first break. Aris maintained the winning margin throughout the second frame. They arrived at halftime up by 15 points 47:32. Luka Bogdanovic

(210-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) and Antonio Bueno kept the visitors hopeful at the start of the third term. However Aris finished the frame with nine points in a row opening a 26-point advantage. Jeremy Richardson triggered a 7:0 rally from the hosts to tip off the fourth stanza. Aris did not look back en route to the win afterwards.
Matt Walsh

(197-F/G-82, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Florida) produced 17 points and 6 boards for Aris. Kiki Clark

(173-G-84, college: St.Peter's) had 16 points in the victory. Luka Bogdanovic delivered 16 points for Joventut. Kristaps Valters

(188-G-81) nailed 9 points in defeat.

Aris: Jeremy Richardson 19, Matt Walsh 17, Kiki Clark 16
Joventut: Luka Bogdanovic 16, Kristaps Valters 9

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HOLLAND

Stats Leaders - Eredivisie

Points Per Game

Elijah PALMER
  Upstairs Weert
  (201-F-81)
  Avg: 19.1

1. Palmer, Upstairs.	19.1
2. Gibson, ZZ Leiden	18.4
3. Boxley, ZZ Leiden	17.6
4. Thomas, M.Magix	17.0
5. Haryasz, GasTerra.	16.8
6. Monroe, DeFriesl.	16.0
7. Hendley, Landstede	15.3
8. McGhee, ZZ Leiden	15.0
9. Sanders, EclipseJet	14.9
10. LeMelle, ZZ Leiden	14.2

Rebounds Per Game

Patrick HILLIMAN
  Rotterdam
  (206-F/C-82)
  Avg: 9.9

1. Hilliman, Rotterdam	9.9
2. Palmer, Upstairs.	9.1
3. Haryasz, GasTerra.	8.9
4. Ellis, GasTerra F.	8.8
5. McGhee, ZZ Leiden	8.3
6. Beasley, Eiff.Tow.	8.1
7. Monroe, DeFriesl.	7.9
8. Griffin, Giants	7.7
9. Boxley, ZZ Leiden	7.7
10. Gordon, Landstede	7.4

Assists Per Game

Torey THOMAS
  M.Magix
  (180-G-85)
  Avg: 7.5

1. Thomas, M.Magix	7.5
2. Oliver, Eiff.Towers	5.5
3. Porter, Upstairs.	4.8
4. Defares, Giants	4.6
5. Bauscher, GasTerra.	4.3
6. Bostain, GasTerra.	4.3
7. Gibson, ZZ Leiden	4.1
8. Blackwood, DeFriesl.	4.0
9. Moore, DeFriesland	3.8
10. Slagter, Giants	3.8

Steals Per Game

Torey THOMAS
  M.Magix
  (180-G-85)
  Avg: 3.1

1. Thomas, M.Magix	3.1
2. Bostain, GasTerra.	2.6
3. Rodgers, EclipseJet	2.6
4. Bauscher, GasTerra.	2.6
5. Dourisseau, GasTerra.	2.6
6. de Randamie, Eclip.	2.4
7. Mason, EclipseJet	2.3
8. Flowers, M.Magix	2.3
9. Oliver, Eiff.Towers	2.3
10. Kimbrough, Giants	2.2

Blocks Per Game

James HUGHES
  M.Magix
  (211-C-83)
  Avg: 2

1. Hughes, M.Magix	2.0
2. Hilliman, Rotterdam	1.5
3. Slor, ZZ Leiden	1.4
4. Haryasz, GasTerra.	1.3
5. Boxley, ZZ Leiden	1.3
6. Kuijper, ZZ Leiden	0.9
7. Porter, Upstairs.	0.9
8. Faris, Giants	0.8
9. Sanders, EclipseJet	0.8
10. Williams, Landstede	0.7

Eiffel Towers left the last spot of Group I - by Eurobasket News
Eiffel Towers - AEL 91:79

Eiffel Towers left the last spot of Group I beating AEL in s'Hertogenbosch . More than 2000 spectators supported the team and saw 91:79 win.
Courtney Fells (198-G-86, agency: Strategic Sports, college: N.Carolina St.) opened the game for the guests and he later made it 7:7. AEL played better in the opening quarter and enjoyed 28:20 lead after the first 10 minutes. Eiffel Towers however went on an 11-0 run to move in front at 31:28 and it was a lead they would never relinquish. Rogier Jansen (188-G-84, agency: Court Side) made it 43:35 as the squads disappeared in the lockers. The third quarter was another nightmare for the guests that lost it 14-26. Tristan Blackwood (183-G-85) made it 69:44 and Giannoulis closed the frame at 69:49. AEL managed to notch 30 points in the last period as they climbed closer to the hosts. Eiffel Towers however held the lead for good and won the game. Van Paassen Peter made a lay up for 91:79 victory to improve to 2-3 with his team.
Anthony Richardson

(201-F-83, agency: 540 Sports, college: Florida St.) top-scored for the winners with 21 points and Rogier Jansen netted 17. Van Paassen Peter posted 16, while Tristan Blackwood notched 15. Courtney Fells responded with 17 points in defeat and Giannis Giannoulis (207-C-76, agency: World Sport Agency) netted 15.

Eiffel Towers: Anthony Richardson 21, Rogier Jansen 17, Van Paassen Peter 16, Tristan Blackwood 15
AEL: Courtney Fells 17, Giannis Giannoulis 15

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

ICELAND

Jon Stefansson 19 pts - by Siggi Hjorleifsson
Jon Stefansson

(196-G-82)

(196-G-82) had a very good game when CB Granada won DKV Joventut 86-76.
Stefansson 19 ots 1 rebounds & 1 assist.
Logi Gunnarsson (190-G-81, agency: Liman Sports) on St Etienne in NM1 France lost to Lieven 63-69. Gunnarsson 9 pts & 2 rebs.
Helgi Magnusson

(198-G/F-82, college: Catawba) and Solna Vikings lost at home against Sodertalje 68-72. Magnusson 11 pts, 4 boards & 2 assist.
Sundsvall Dragons had a good trip to Boras and won 81-88.
Jakob Sigurdarson

(192-G-82, college: Birmingham Souther) with a very good all around game 22 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assist & 4 steals

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ISRAEL

Valencia bring victory from Jerusalem - by Eurobasket News
Hapoel Jerusalem - Valencia 64:69

Valencia made a huge step towards qualifying into the next round of EuroCup. The Spanish team defeated Jerusalem on the road to improve at 4-1 record in Last 16 Group J. Thomas Kelati

(179-G-83, agency: Buck Andre, college: Portland) and Yuval Naimy capped the stanza with four points and got within a single point 53:54. Thomas Kelati and Matt Nielson ballooned the margin to 7 points early in the final frame. Nando De Colo

(202-G-87) opened a double digit advantage for the visitors midway through the fourth term. Yuval Naimy and Pooh Jeter trimmed the distance to 5 points but it was as close as Jerusalem could get.
Kosta Perovic (217-C-85) nailed 13 points for Valencia. Nando De Colo had 11 points, 4 boards and 3 assists for the winners. Kevinn Pinkney

(206-F-83, college: Nevada) delivered 15 points for Hapoel. Pooh Jeter finished with 13 points in defeat. Hapoel will face Galatasaray, while Valencia to face Unics in the decisive sixth round.

Hapoel Jerusalem: Kevinn Pinkney 15, Pooh Jeter 13
Valencia: Thomas Kelati 17, Kosta Perovic 13, Nando De Colo 11

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

ITALY

A Dilettanti Weekend Results - by Armando Caporaso
Group A

In the Round 24 Bologna destroys Jesolo for 123-60 in the match between first and last of the standing. Alessio Carniato (198-F-78) scores 20 points with 6/16 at shoot and 9 fouls suffered for Jesolo, still without wins. For Fortitudo 22 points and 9 rebounds of Francesco Quaglia (207-F/C-88), 13 points and 7 rebounds of Silvio Gigena

(200-F-75), 22 points and 7 assist of Gennaro Sorrentino

(185-G-85), 13 points and 9 rebounds of Marko Micevic (199-F-89), 21 points of Salvatore Genovese

(198-G/F-87, agency: Players Group) and 15 points with 7 rebounds for Jacopo Borra (211-C-90). Ozzano wins at Treviglio for 64-63 thanks at the double-double of Alex Ranuzzi (195-F-86) with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Matteo Da Ros (204-F-89) closes with 19 points for Co.Mark. Trieste exceeds Verona for 93-87. Dennis Bocchini (193-G-76) leads the team with 25 points, 8 steals and 8 assist. 22 points and 9 rebounds of Andrea Benevelli (200-F-85), 11 + 11 for Andrea Colli (203-F/G-88, agency: Players Group). For Tezenis Ousmane Gueye (188-G-82) signs 32 points with 10/17 at shoot, 28 points and 9 rebounds of Federico Bellina (205-C-79, agency: Players Group). The other results:

Nobili Castelletto - Cartiere Riva 85-72 (G.Mariani 15 pts & 6 ass, L.Masieri 10 reb, D.Scodavolpe 8 stl)
Edilcost Osimo - Bitumcalor Trento 71-83
Centrale Brescia - Paffoni Omegna 76-74 (B.Musso 20 pts, M.Caruso 15 reb, J.Wojciechowski 3 blk)
Siram Fidenza - Agricola Montecatini 60-57 (D.Parente 21 pts & 5 stl, S.Agostini 11 reb, P.Nanut 5 ass)

Group B

Ostuni wins against Siena and confirms the first place... in the 74-62 final 20 points and 11 rebounds of Domenico Morena (210-F/C-70). For the visitors 20 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocks of Gino Cuccarolo (219-C-87). Barcellona wins at Agrigento thanks at the 20 points of Ryan Bucci (192-G/F-81, college: C.W. Post) and at the performance of Manuele Mocavero

(203-C-80), that scores 17 points and adds 6 rebounds. For the Moncada 16 points of John Pennisi (209-C-78) and Emiliano Paparella (187-G-83, agency: Players Group). Trapani wins against Potenza for 94-86. Gennaro Tessitore (193-G-82) leads the team at the victory with 31 points, 8/11 by 3 and 4 steals. 22 points and 11 rebounds of Walter Santarossa

(200-F-78), 12 points and 4 assist for Marco Evangelisti (198-G-84). Stefano Maioli (206-F/C-82) is the MVP for the Publisys with 19 points and 10 fouls suffered. 18 points for Gints Antrops (202-F-82). The other matches:

Liomatic Perugia - Adriatica Ruvo 62-64 (S.Bonfiglio 20 pts, S.Bonamente 8 reb, D.Poltroneri 4 stl)
Auto Ford Molfetta - FMC Ferentino 65-76 (A.Malamov 21 pts & 5 stl, F.Tagliabue 13 reb, P.Calbini 4 ass)
Solsonica Palestrina - Mazzeo S.Severo 70-66 (R.Fossati 16 pts, S.Gironi 12 reb, S.Laudoni 4 stl)
Bawer Matera - Frontiere S.Antimo 82-79 (M.Gizzi 31 pts, F.Politi 10 reb, F.Candido 4 blk)

Lega 2 review, Round 22 (regular season) - by Gianni Pascucci
Best italian players starting 5 of round 22

PG:Fabio Ruini

(186-G-80) of Bialetti Scafati: 15 points with 3/4 from 3PT
SG:Giorgio Boscagin

(195-G-83) of Trenkwalder Reggio Emilia:
SF:Simone Pierich

(198-F-81) of Fastweb Casale Monferrato: 16 points with 4/5 from 3PT
F: Nicolo Melli

(205-F-91) of Trenkwalder Reggio Emilia: 19 points (7/8 from field), 8 rebounds, 3 blocks, 3 steals and 2 assists
C: Tommaso Fantoni

(203-F-85, agency: Players Group) of Fastweb Casale Monferrato: 25 points (10/12 from field), 15 rebounds and 6 steals

Best import players starting 5 of round 22

PG:Courtney Eldridge (176-G-80, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: NC-Greensboro) of A.B. Latina: 31 points (11/15 from field), 2 assists and 3 steals
SG:Trent Whiting

(185-G-76, college: BYU) of Aget Imola: 30 points (12/12 from the line), 5 steals and 3 assists and 7 rebounds
SF: Omar Thomas

(197-F-82, agency: Interperformances, college: UTEP) of Enel Brindisi: 26 points (8/11 from field) and 6 rebounds
F: Ndudi Ebi

(206-F-84, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Arizona) of Riviera Solare Rimini: 15 points, 14 rebounds, 1 block, 2 steals and 2 assists
C: Kyle Hines

(198-F/C-86) of Prima Veroli: 21 points, 7 rebounds, 1 blovck, 3 steals and 2 assists

Season high for:
Courtney Eldridge of A.B. Latina (31 points), Tommaso Fantoni of Fastweb Casale Monferrato (25 points),
Klaudio Ndoja

(198-G/F-85) of Fileni Jesi (20 points), Joel Salvi

(199-F-78, college: Rutgers) of Miro Radici Vigevano (25 points)

WITH THE HELP OF ANTONELLO VARALLO

Standings - B1

A dilettanti Standings

Group A
1. Fortitudo BO	21-2
2. Forli	19-3
3. Ozzano	18-4
4. Brescia	13-9
5. Trento	13-10
6. Treviglio	12-10
7. Tezenis Verona	12-10
8. Omegna	11-11
9. Castelletto	11-12
10. Trieste	10-13
11. Fidenza	8-15
12. Osimo	8-15
13. Montecatini	7-15
14. Riva del Garda	5-17
15. Jesolo S.Dona	0-22
Group B
1. Ostuni	17-5
2. Barcellona	16-6
3. Trapani	14-8
4. Ferentino	13-9
5. San Severo	13-9
6. Comsum.it SI	12-10
7. Perugia	12-10
8. Palestrina	12-10
9. Ruvo	11-11
10. S.Antimo	11-11
11. Matera	10-12
12. Agrigento	7-15
13. Molfetta	3-19
14. Potenza	3-19

Buducnost handed Scavolini their first loss in Top 16 of EuroChallenge - by Eurobasket News
Buducnost - Scavolini 90:87
Buducnost handed Scavolini their first loss in Top 16 of EuroChallenge as there are no undefeated teams left in the tournament. The team from Montenegro celebrated 90:87 win for 2-3 record.
Scavolini made a fast start to the game with the first scores, and after some minutes they pushed their lead out to 9-0. Less than five minutes later that lead became 17-2 as Michael Hicks (193-G-76, college: Texas A&M - C.C.) made a jump shot. Buducnost mounted a comeback from there, and lost the first period 10:21. The visiting Scavolini had difficulties holding the score for good and started to pay more attention to defense. Otasevic scored for 29:22 and Savovic brought 30:25 on the board. Nebojsa Joksimovic

(193-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) nailed three for the guests for 40:31 halftime advantage. The hosts could make no inroads in the beginning of the third quarter as the Italian side held the score. Marko Simonovic (202-F-86, agency: Beo Basket) however tied the game at 48:48 and Goran Jeretin

(192-G-79, agency: Beo Basket) tasted 52:51 lead with the hosts. Savovic closed the third period from the arc for 59:56 lead. Things did not change in the fourth quarter a the teams stayed close to each other. Buducnost was in front almost for the whole time, while Marques Green (170-G-82, college: St.Bonaventure) nailed three in the last seconds for the final 90:87.
Goran Jeretin topscored for the hosts with 19 points and Nemanja Gordic (194-G-88) netted 15. Marko Simonovic nailed 13, while Cedomir Vitkovac

(201-F-82, agency: Beo Basket) posted 12. Eric Williams (206-C-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest) responded with 17 points in the losing effort and Nebojsa Joksimovic notched 16. Marques Green and Michael Hicks ended up with 15 points apiece in defeat.

Buducnost: Goran Jeretin 19, Nemanja Gordic 15, Marko Simonovic 13, Cedomir Vitkovac 12
Scavolini: Eric Williams 17, Nebojsa Joksimovic 16, Marques Green 15, Michael Hicks 15

Benetton edge Bilbao in Spain - by Eurobasket News
Bilbao - Benetton 68:72
Benetton claimed a road win over Bilbao in EuroCup K. The Italian team improved at 1-4 record without a single chance to reach the next stage. Bilbao in the meantime suffered the first loss in eleven games played in the tournament this season. Sandro Nicevic (210-C-76, agency: Beo Basket) nailed 14 points to lead the visitors.
Benetton surged ahead early in the game and maintained the advantage throughout the opening frame. They secured an 18:15 lead at the first break. Marko Banic

(204-F-84) and Salgado dropped five points to put Bilbao in front at the start of the second quarter. Soon the hosts ballooned the margin to a 7-point mark. Bilbao ensured a 34:33 halftime advantage. The Spaniards boosted the gap to as many as 10 points midway through the third term. But Benetton denied the deficit and entered the fourth quarter levelled with Bilbao at 53. It all came down to the final minutes in this one. The teams were tied at 65 with two minutes remaining. Sandro Nicevic and Jasmin Hukic fired five consecutive points for the visitors to put them in charge. Janis Blums responded with a three-pointer but K.C. Rivers (196-G/F-87, college: Clemson) uttered the last word sealing the victory for the Treviso outfit.
K.C. Rivers and Davor Kus (192-G-78) stepped up with 11 points each for Benetton. Daniel Hackett (196-G-87, college: USC) had 12 points in the victory. Marko Banic replied with 14 points for Bilbao. Levour Warren

JAMAICA

Samuels rejection saves Louisville - by Leonard Whyte
Storrs, CT (03-01-2010): Samardo Samuels blocked the potential game-winning basket with .01 seconds left to help University of Louisville preserve a 78-76 victory over Big East foe University of Connecticut on Sunday evening. After Louisville scored on a driving layup with .08 seconds to break the tie, UConn elected not to use its final timeout and raced to the other end of the court only to have the shot rejected by Samuels. The sophomore center led four Louisville players in double figures with 14 points as the Cardinals improved to 10-6 in the conference and 19-10 overall. The conference road win allowed Louisville to sweep their rivals in the season series but most importantly, added another quality victory to its NCAA Tournament resume. Tonight Louisville travels to Milwaukee to face another Big East opponent, Marquette University, at 9:30 p.m. on ESPNU.

Cedarville survives to reach AMC title game - by Leonard Whyte
Amherst, NY (03-02-2010): NAIA Division II No. 14 Cedarville outlasted Daemen College 80-78 to advance to the finals of the American Mideast Conference Tournament over the weekend. Cedarville won despite losing captain Ricardo Alliman in the second half when the senior forward fouled out after playing just 21 minutes. Alliman, however, added 13 crucial points before departing as Cedarville won for the 14th time in its last 15 games. The Yellow Jackets survived despite missing 10-of-21 free throws to move to 24-8 on the season. In the title game this evening, Cedarville will face Notre Dame College who is led by another Jamaican, Karim McFarlane. In the first meeting Cedarville dominated and McFarlane was a no factor being the victim of early foul trouble.

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

KOSOVO

Standings - Superleague

SuperLeague Standings

1. Sigal Prishtina	20-2
2. Trepca	18-5
3. Bashkimi	17-6
4. Peja	12-11
5. Bambi	8-14
6. Kosova	7-15
7. Col.Eurosport	5-18
8. Drita	3-19

KUWAIT

Christensen to Al Qadsia - by Ali Ahmed
Al Qadsia basketball team management agreed terms with the American forward Micheal Christensen (203-F-85, agency: Pro Management Agency, college: New Hampshire) to play for them till the end of the season.

Outlook:
One of his best strengths is his versatility. He has played anywhere from point guard to center in his four years at school.
Among his best strengths also is driving to the hoop, penetrating and finishing. Playing mostly the four positions this year gave him the opportunity to focus on posting up and interior defense. He was one of the leaders in the conference in rebounding especially at the defensive end. Playing around better players the past few months of College has really shown his passing ability. He averaged nearly 3 assists a game which was the most for a big guy in his conference.

Awards/Achievements:
AEC All-Rookie Team -05
AEC Tournament Semifinals -06
Dubai International Tournament Finalist -08
Jordanian Cup Winner -09
WABA Club Championships -09 (Finalist)

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

LEBANON

Ghassan Sarkis wil be coaching U18 NT, Dany Ammous Assistant... - by Maarouf Mawloud
The Lebanese Basketball Federation choosed the Lebanese coach Ghassan Sarkis to be the Head Coach of the Lebanese National Team Under 18...Sarkis is currently coaching Champville and doing good results in the league...Also, Anibal coach Dany Ammous is the assistant coach of the U18 NT after a very good season with Anibal leading them to Final 6 with a very limited budget and ressources..Also Marwan Khalil will be second assistant coach.

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LITHUANIA

LKL Round: 22 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Sakalai - Perlas 77-70
Sakalai posted the fifth win as they held off Perlas. Rolandas Matulis (199-C-73) netted 18 points and grabbed 12 boards to lead the effort. Virginijus Sirvydis nailed 15 points for the winners. Aidas Viskontas responded with 15 points and 5 assists as Perlas suffered the 12th defeat.

Rudupis - Alytus Alita 96-69
Rudupis cruised past Alytus for the eighth win in the season. Valdas Dabkus (204-F-84) knocked down 26 points and grabbed 9 boards to lead the hosts. Giedrius Jankauskas added 19 points in the victory. Andrius Aleksandrovas provided 29 points for Alytus.

Siauliai - Aisciai 103-81
Siauliai had no problems against visiting Aisiciai. Mindaugas Kuzminskas

(204-F-89) came up with 24 points, 5 boards and 5 steals to lead the home team. Arvydas Siksnius and Vytautas Sarakauskas had 21 points each in the victory. Vytenis Lipkevicius accounted for 18 points in the loss.

Techasas - Neptunas 51-60
Neptunas prevailed against Techasas on the road. Mindaugas Girdziunas notched 21 points to lead the Klaipeda team. Jouzas Ramanauskas added 12 points and 11 rebounds in the win. Laimonas Lukosevicius replied with 14 points for Techasas. Ernestas Ezerskis had 11 points, 6 boards and 4 assists in the loss.

Standings - LKL

LKL Standings

1. Lietuvos Rytas	16-1
2. Siauliai	15-3
3. Zalgiris	14-1
4. Juventus	10-6
5. Neptunas	10-8
6. Rudupis	8-9
7. Techasas	8-11
8. Suduva	7-11
9. Perlas	7-12
10. Aisciai	5-12
11. Alytus Alita	5-13
12. Sakalai	5-13
13. Nevezis	3-13

Standings - NKL

NKL Standings

1. Nafta Univ.	23-7
2. Delikatesas	22-8
3. Mazeikiai	21-9
4. Pieno Zv.	21-9
5. Erelita	20-10
6. Naglis-Adakris	20-10
7. Meresta Pak.	19-11
8. Triobet Malsta	17-13
9. Akademija	12-18
10. VKM-Perlas	12-18
11. Radviliskis	11-19
12. ABRO-Univ.	10-20
13. Zalgiris-Sab.	9-21
14. LKKA-Atletas	8-22
15. Silute	8-22
16. Bremena K.	7-23

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MALTA

Siggiewi break Luxol's hold - by Eurobasket News
Siggiewi beat Luxol 81-72 to win the MBA Shield.

Luxol 72
Siggiewi 81
(19-22, 17-21, 9-15, 27-23)

Siggiewi Kent Boringer yesterday captured the MBA Shield after despatching the challenge of holders Bupa Luxol 81-72 in the final, played at the Ta' Qali pavilion.

Luxol, who earlier this month went down to rivals Athleta Compleet IS in a high-scoring Super Cup final, were looking to keep hold of the MBA Shield but their bid was wrecked by Siggiewi who pulled clear of their opponents in the second and third quarters.

A balanced first session ended with Siggiewi three points ahead but the latter enjoyed a 12-0 run in the opening minutes of the second quarter to open a sizeable gap.

After changing ends with a seven-point lead, Siggiewi retained the upperhand in the third to extend their advantage to 19 points as the final 10 minutes got underway.

Luxol tried to make a comeback in the final session but Siggiewi held firm to win by nine points and secure their first honour of the 2009/10 season.

Steve Schembri (187-F-79), of Luxol, was the game's top scorer with 24 points, two more than Siggiewi's Lee Ross.
Courtesy of: http://www.timesofmalta.com

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MEXICO

Halcones Xalapa joins Halcones Rojos in LNBP Finals - by Eurobasket News
Halc.Xalapa - Pioneros 79-66
Halcones Xalapa celebrated in crucial game against Pioneros and will meet Halcones Rojos in LNBP Finals. Adam Parada (213-C-81, college: Cal-Irvine) led the hosts with monster double-double of 19 points and 17 rebounds. Leandro Garcia Morales (186-G-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Texas A&M) followed him with 17 pts, 6 boards and 9 assists, while Gerald Brown (193-G-75, college: Pepperdine) added 12 points. In Pioneros, Gregory Grays (185-G-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Detroit Mercy) collected 19 points and 6 assists. Halcones Xalapa - Pioneros 4-3!

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MONTENEGRO

(192-G-79, agency: Beo Basket) tasted 52:51 lead with the hosts. Savovic closed the third period from the arc for 59:56 lead. Things did not change in the fourth quarter a the teams stayed close to each other. Buducnost was in front almost for the whole time, while Marques Green (170-G-82, college: St.Bonaventure) nailed three in the last seconds for the final 90:87.
Goran Jeretin topscored for the hosts with 19 points and Nemanja Gordic (194-G-88) netted 15. Marko Simonovic nailed 13, while Cedomir Vitkovac

NBA

Wizards buy out Mike James then waive him - by Eurobasket News
Michael James (6'1''-G-75, college: Duquesne) wasn't a part of the Wizards' present, and certainly not it's future, so it was only right that the two sides were able to make an amicable split on Monday. James left the team by a mutual agreement immediately after the Feb. 18 trade deadline and needed to be waived by March 1 in order to have an opportunity to make the postseason roster of another team.

James, 34, only played four games with the Wizards this season, averaging 4.5 points and 1.3 assists. He made his last appearance in New York on Feb. 3.

'He's excited to go out there and have a job and continue having an NBA career,' James's agent, Bernie Lee, said in a telephone interview on Monday. 'Mike is able to focus on what's next, even though we don't know what's next. He's just been in a holding pattern the last three or four months.'

James started 50 games last season after arriving from New Orleans in a three-team trade that also involved Javaris Crittenton. But he faced an uphill battle for minutes, with the return of Gilbert Arenas and the addition of Randy Foye. He lost nearly 25 pounds over the summer and arrived in training camp in impeccable shape. James proclaimed that no one should count him out, but he asked for a trade the day after Coach Flip Saunders didn't play him in the first preseason game against Memphis, believing that he wouldn't get a chance to play for the Wizards.

The Wizards were unable to move James and his expiring $6.5 million contract at the deadline and James went home to Houston to be with his family. After asking for the Wizards to release him outright, James was able to negotiate a buyout on Monday. According to league sources, James was able to reach his separation for $150,000 - almost one-tenth of the amount Zydrunas Ilgauskas was forced to pay after arriving from Cleveland.

Lee wouldn't confirm the amount when asked. He said simply, 'The Wizards were extremely fair and we're thankful for the opportunity to move on.'

Miami and Charlotte have expressed interest in James, although Bobcats general manager Rod Higgins to the Charlotte Observer that signing James was unlikely.

Courtesy of www..washingtonpost.com

Wednesday's games (9) review - by Eurobasket News
Portland TB - Memphis G. 103-93
Brandon Roy (6'6''-G-84, college: Washington) scored 25 points and Nicolas Batum

(6'7''-F-88) added 21 as Portland erased a 14-point first-half deficit with the strong third quarter and defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 103-93 on Monday night. Andre Miller followed with 12 points and 11 assists. In Memphis Grizzlies, Zach Randolph had 22 pts and 7 boards.

San Antonio S. - N.Orleans H. 106-92
George Hill (6'2''-G-86, college: IUPUI) decided to make it tough for Collison to stay with him on the other end, scoring a team-leading 23 points as the San Antonio Spurs beat New Orleans 106-92 on Monday night. Tim Duncan (6'10''-F-76, college: Wake Forest) had 22 points and 9 rebounds in this victory. On the other side, NO Hornets got 30 pts and 7 boards from Marcus Thornton.

Toronto R. - Houston R. 92-116
Kevin Martin (6'7''-G/F-83, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: W.Carolina) and Aaron Brooks (6'0''-G-85, agency: Buck Andre, college: Oregon) scored 28 points each in three quarters and the Rockets rolled to a 116-92 win over Toronto on Monday night. David Andersen added 16 points and 5 boards. Toronto got 15 pts from Marcus Banks.

Denver N. - Phoenix Suns 85-101
Amare Stoudemire (6'10''-F-82) had 19 points and 10 rebounds, and the reserves keyed a big second quarter for the Suns in a 101-85 victory on Monday night. Grant Hill (6'8''-F-72, college: Duke) also scored 19 and he grabbed 8 rebounds, while Channing Frye added 16 pts in this victory. Visitors got 21 pts from Chauncey Billups.

Dallas M. - Charlotte B. 89-84
Dirk Nowitzki (6'11''-F-78) had 27 points and 13 rebounds, Jason Terry (6'2''-G-77, college: Arizona) had several key buckets down the stretch, and the surging Dallas Mavericks beat Charlotte 89-84 on Monday night. Jason Terry added 20 pts. In the loosing squad, Stephen Jackson collected 20 points and 7 boards.

New York K. - Cleveland C. 93-124
LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) had 22 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, and Cleveland used a 74-point first half to hammer the Knicks in their first game since learning Shaquille O'Neal (7'2''-C-72, college: LSU) will miss the rest of the regular season. Antawn Jamison had 17 points and 12 rebounds, while J.J. Hickson also scored 17 pts, but with 9 boards. For the NY Knicks, Bill Walker collected 21 points and 5 boards.

Orlando M. - Philadelph.76 126-105
Jameer Nelson (6'0''-G-82, college: St.Joseph's) came up 22 points and 10 assists, and the Orlando Magic beat the Philadelphia 126-105 last night. Rashard Lewis (6'10''-F-79, agency: Union Sports) and Vince Carter helped with 19 points each. In 76ers, Jrue Holiday collected 23 points and 6 assists.

Atlanta H. - Chicago B. 116-92
Josh Smith (6'9''-F-85) scored 17 points with a season-high 18 rebounds, Jamal Crawford (6'5''-G-80, college: Michigan) scored 21 points and the Atlanta Hawks beat the short-handed Chicago Bulls 116-92 on Monday night for their fourth win in five games. Marvin Williams and Alfred Horford combined 33 points and 19 rebounds. The hosts got 24 pts from Derrick Rose.

Utah Jazz - LA Clippers 104-108
Eric Gordon

(6'4''-G-88, college: Indiana) scored 13 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter on Monday night in a 108-104 win that snapped a six-game losing streak against the Jazz. Drew Gooden (6'10''-F-81, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Kansas) had 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Baron Davis also scored 19 pts and handed out 12 assists beside that. Carlos Boozer delivered 20 points for the Jazz.

Spurs waive Michael Finley after nearly 5 seasons - by Eurobasket News
The San Antonio Spurs have waived veteran forward Michael Finley (6'7''-G-73, college: Wisconsin) after nearly five seasons.

The Spurs said Monday that Finley had asked to be released from his contract, which was in its final year. The 36-year-old saw his playing time cut drastically this season after being demoted to the bench.

Finley, who will turn 37 this week, can still sign with a playoff contender.

Finley missed several weeks with an ankle injury and appeared in just 25 games, averaging 8.5 points and 3.5 rebounds. He joined the Spurs in 2005 in search of an NBA championship, which he finally got in 2007.

Courtesy of www.woai.com

Michael Redd to have knee surgery - by Eurobasket News
Michael Redd (6'6''-G-79, college: Ohio St.) will undergo knee surgery Tuesday to repair the torn ligaments in his left knee, an injury suffered Jan. 10 against the Lakers.

This will be the second surgery on the knee to repair the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments. The first procedure was performed on March 3, 2009, almost a year prior to the same operation Redd faces tomorrow.

Unlike last season, the Bucks went out and found a replacement for the 30-year-old shooting guard. John Salmons was acquired from the Bulls at the trade deadline. Salmons has been the catalyst for the team's recent success, vaulting them to the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference, only a game-and-a-half out of the fifth seed.

Redd was slowed earlier this season, coming back from the injury as well as a patella tendon strain that caused him to miss an additional 16 games prior to the season-ending injury.

Never fitting in with rookie point guard, Brandon Jennings, Redd only averaged 11.9 points a game when he was healthy this year. He was a very likely candidate to be traded before the trade deadline this year had he not hurt his knee again.

Next year, Redd will enter the final year of his six-year, $91 million deal he signed in the summer of 2005. It would appear almost impossible for him to ever start for the Bucks again with the success of Salmons, and the lack of success he had playing with Jennings.

If he can come back from this second surgery, he'll likely see a role coming off the bench. The days of him playing big minutes and being a 20-plus point-a-game scorer are over. It's just too hard for a player to come back from two severe injuries on the same leg.

No one can ever say a bad word about Michael Redd off the court. He has done great things for the city of Milwaukee and their youth. He is a model citizen in a sporting world that is becoming increasingly filled with thugs.

Unfortunately, that counts for very little when you make a huge salary and are unable to stay healthy.

Courtesy of www.bleacherreport.com

Pacers waive Travis Diener, reportedly to sign with Blazers - by Eurobasket News
The Indiana Pacers announced today that they waived seldom-used point guard, Travis Diener (6'0''-G-82, college: Marquette).

'We want to thank Travis for his time with us,' said Pacers President of Basketball Larry Bird. 'Unfortunately, he struggled with injuries while with us and that held him back. Hes a tough player who Im sure will contribute somewhere in the NBA. We wish him the best.'

Diener only played in four games this season, bouncing bouncing back and forth between the active and inactive roster for games. A toe injury kept him sidelined early in the season but he appeared to be healthy enough to play if needed over the past couple of months.

Unless something strange happened behind the scenes, this is likely the Pacers offering Diener an out to sign with another team where he may have a chance to play. There's no doubt Diener wasn't happy with his situation on the roster, simply because he didn't have a chance to play. Rookie A.J. Price pushed Diener out of the picture for playing time this season and any available second of time Price doesn't play at this point is a crime against humanity.

Diener was set to be a free agent at the end of this season.

UPDATE: According to Woj, once through waivers, Diener expects to sign with the Portland Trail Blazers. Larry Bird definitely did Travis a solid.

Courtesy of www.indycornrows.com

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NCAA1

Atlantic 10 Conference Weekly Recap: Bonnie's Hall Player of the Week - by Carl Berman
ATLANTIC 10 CONFERENCE (RPI #6)

Ranked Teams: Temple #20, Richmond #23.

Game Recaps: Temple and Xavier are now ties atop the conference standings at 12-2. Temple beat a falling Dayton squad 49-41 before taking care of cross-town rival LaSalle. Xavier reached 12-2 with a 73-71 win at St. Louis before beating Richmond at home in a double-overtime thriller 78-76. With the loss Richmond dropped to 11-3. The Spiders had beaten George Washington earlier. Temple, Xavier and Richmond have NCAA bids sewn up. Fourth place now is in the hands of St. Louis at 10-4. The Billikens defeated Duquesne 69-59 after the Xavier loss. Charlotte, Rhode Island and Dayton have all staggered and appear to be on the verge of elimination from NCAA tournament consideration unless they finish very strongly. Charlotte dropped to 9-5 with a bad loss at George Washington. Rhode Island had a very bad loss at the hands of St. Bonaventure 81-75 to drop to 8-6. Dayton beat UMass after the Temple loss to go to 8-6 but has tough games against Richmond and St. Louis left. St. Bonaventure's win against Rhode Island was their third straight in conference play for the first time since the 2001-2002 season.

Player of the Week: St. Bonaventure's Jonathan Hall (6'5''-G-86) led the Bonnies to victories over LaSalle, Fordham and Rhode Island by averaging 16.3 points, 8.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists. Hall, a 6'5 senior guard scored 24 points against Fordham and had 16 points and 10 rebounds against Rhode Island to be named NetScouts Basketball Atlantic 10 Player of the Week.

International Player of the Week: Temple's Juan Fernandez averaged 15 points to help the Owls to victories over Dayton and LaSalle. Fernandez, a 6'4 sophomore guard from Argentina scored 23 points against LaSalle on 7-for-11 three-point shooting to be named NetScouts Basketball Atlantic 10 International Player of the Week for the fourth time this season.

Game of the Week: Xavier battled Richmond in a 78-76 double-overtime win which gave the Musketeers a share of the conference lead. Richmonds David Gonzalvez hit a three-pointer to help send the game to overtime. Xavier took the 78-76 lead and Richmond called a time-out with 3.1 seconds left. The Spiders Justin Harper then missed a driving layup to would have sent the game to a third overtime. Xavier's Terrell Holloway scored 24 points including seven in the second overtime..

Upcoming Schedule: The last week of the conference season has Temple traveling to St. Louis. Richmond gets Dayton at home and travels to Charlotte. Xavier should have an easy week with Fordham and St. Bonaventure on tap. Rhode Island gets Charlotte at home and travels to UMass. Dayton plays St. Louis in addition to Richmond. St. Louis, Dayton, Rhode Island and Charlotte cannot afford any additional conference losses if they want to retain any NCAA tournament hopes.

Carl Berman is a Managing Partner of NetScouts Basketball. Check out their website at www.netscoutsbasketball.com for other conference recaps.

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NCAA3

2010 NCAA D3 Tournament Bracket are known - by Arnault Desira
After a week end of Championship game, the 2010 NCAA D3 Tournament bracket is now known. Some teams are finnaly in: Anderson and Wesley and some time unfortunately out: Calvin and Colby. The 3 teams who will start to play direct in secound round are Texas-Dallas, Whitworth and Williams.
The First Round will be played March 4 or March 5 on different regional site. Two-times defending champion Washington U will host regional tournament and face the SLIAC Champion Westminster College in the frist Round Friday March 5th. Washignton U. has the opportunity this year to equal North Park's record but will face very pretty good teams.

Here is the tournament schedule according to NCAA:

The 2010 tournament schedule:
March 4: Three first-round men's games on campus. Winners play at three bye teams on Saturday, March 6
Regionals
March 5: 26 first-round men's games at 13 on-campus sites
March 6: 16 second-round men's games
Sectionals
March 12: Four men's sites host Sweet 16 doubleheaders. On-campus sites announced March 7.
March 13: Winners meet in four men's Elite Eight games
Final Four
Men, March 19-20 at Salem Civic Center in Salem, Va.

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NEW ZEALAND

Southland Sharks bring in Mike Rose - by Eurobasket News
The NBL newcomers Southland Sharks ensured the services of Michael Rose (193-F/G-87, college: E.Kentucky). The Sharks signed a short-term deal with the 22-year-old player. The guard started the season in Oyak Renault in Turkey but left after just one game. Michael Rose appeared in Australia where he inked the contract with the Melbourne Tigers. In the ANBL the guard tallied 7.4 points, 2.7 boards and 1.1 steals per game. Rose graduated from the Eastern Kentucky University in 2009. There he notched 20.0 points, 5.3 boards and 2.5 assists per game in the senior season.

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NIGERIA

Warriors Begin League Camping - by Enoma Ugheghe
Dordan Warriors Basketball Club of Lagos are expected to begin camping on Wednesday ahead of the commencement of the 2010 DSTV/NBBF Premier Basketball League season.
The team will begin the build-up at their Ilupeju basketball court on Wednesday as the new season dunks off on March 17.
The team co-ordinated by Colonel Sam Ahmedu (rted) came third last season behind their local rivals, Lagos Islanders and the reigning champions Kano Pillars.

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PORTUGAL

Standings - LPB

LPB Standings

1. Benfica	14-0
2. Ovarense	12-3
3. VSC Guimar.	10-5
4. Porto Ferpinta	9-6
5. Illiabum	7-8
6. Academica	7-8
7. CAB	6-8
8. Sampaense	6-9
9. Barreirense	6-9
10. AD Vagos	5-10
11. Ginasio	5-10
12. Fisica	3-12

Standings - Proliga

Proliga Standings

1. Penafiel	14-2
2. Lusitania	14-2
3. Barcelos	12-4
4. Povoa	9-7
5. Electrico FC	9-7
6. Galitos FC	8-8
7. Angra	7-9
8. Seixal	7-9
9. Sangalhos	7-9
10. Terceira Basket	6-10
11. A.Musical	2-14
12. Maia Basket	1-15

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PUERTO RICO

BSN 82th season to get underway - by Luis Ramirez
On Thursday, Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN) will get underway with its 82 season. The BSN held its press conference today to announce the start of the competition. The season is dedicated to Jenaro (Tuto) Marchand, one of the most well known basketball personalities on the Island. Marchand who was president of FIBA and for 9 years held the helm of the BSN was humbled and proud to have been selected for this honor.

The tournament will get underway with the San German Athletics facing the Bayamon Cowboys who are the reigning BSN Champions. The tournament will host 8 other teams which are, the Quebradillas Pirates, Santurce Crabbers, Arecibo Captains, Ponce Lions, Mayaguez Indians, Humacao Caciques, Guaynabo Mets, and Isabela Gallitos.

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QATAR

Guyton lands in Al Rayyan - by Mohammed Malas
The ex-NBA player A.J. Guyton (187-G-78, agency: Interperformances, college: Indiana) arrived to Doha, Qatar few days ago to join Al Rayyan club who will host the next Asian Clubs Championship from the 22nd until the 30th of May.

Guyton is a very Experienced Professional Player. Excellent outside shooter and pure scorer. Solid aggressive defender, loves to guard the point guard but can guard 2 position. Great off the screen shooter. Shoots very well off Ball screens. Can play point guard position as good decision maker doesn't turn the ball over much. Quick first step, can play one on one within the offensive structure. TEAM player. All Levels of experience College (Indiana), NBA (Chicago Bulls), NBDL (Huntsville Flight) Europe (Skipper Bologna 2 Years) Euro-league (2 Years) Europe (Virtus Bologna) Europe Reggio Calabria, Europe Cedevita (Croatia) plus his career in Greece and Sweden.

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RUSSIA

(183-G-80, college: Xavier) made two free-throws at the end for the total success of the hosts.
Lionel Chalmers paced all the winners with 21 points as Enisey improved to 2-3 record in Group L. Andrei Komarovski (196-G-85) posted 14, Fred Warrick nailed 11, while Kaspars Kambala (206-C-78, college: UNLV) collected 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Enisey: Lionel Chalmers 21, Andrei Komarovski 14, Fred Warrick 11, Kaspars Kambala 10+11 rebs
Antwerp: Brandon Gay 23, Timothy Black (178-G-81, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Barton (NC)) 17, Bryan Hopkins 16

Unics stay alive in EuroCup - by Eurobasket News
Unics - Galatasaray 92:89

Unics survived some late threats from Galatasaray before eking out a vital home win in EuroCup Last 16 fifth round. Unics now improved at 3-2 record and remained in the race for the ticket to the next round of the tournament. Unics will travel to Spain to take on Valencia in the final round of the Last 16 stage.
Unics must win in the game but Galatasaray silenced the crowd in Kazan at the start of the encounter. The visitors opened it with 7 points in a row. However Veremeenko stopped the bleeding and Unics soon adjusted. Veremeenko drew things level at 17 late in the period. The forward put the hosts in front soon and Unics rallied to a 23:20 advantage at the first break. Marko Popovic

(185-G-82, college: S.Idaho JC) stretched the margin to 6 points early in the second frame. Kresimir Loncar

(210-F-83) extended the distance to 10 points midway through the period. However Jasaitis, Wilkinson and Washington dragged the visitors within 5 points at the interval. Galatasaray exploded with a 6:0 run in the third quarter to jump in front. The teams traded baskets for some time before Beyaz drained a three-pointer to seal the third quarter outcome at 69:66 for the Turkish team. Murat Rifat Kaya gave the visitors a 5-point lead early in the fourth quarter. Unics reacted with six points in a row to spur in front. The lead changed hands for several times before Unics finally set up an 87:80 advantage with two minutes to go. Galatasaray did not surrender and cut the deficit back to a single point. Marko Popovic and Maciej Lampe (210-C-85) scored three free throws in the dying seconds to seal a tough win for Unics.
Maciej Lampe knocked down 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for Unics. Marko Popovic top-scored with 22 points in the victory. Darius Washington

(188-G-85, college: Memphis) responded with game-high 32 points, 7 assists and 5 boards for Galatasaray. Radoslav Rancik (207-F/C-79, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.Cloud St.) netted 15 points in defeat.

Unics: Marko Popovic 22, Maciej Lampe 19+10 boards, Kresimir Loncar 16
Galatasaray: Darius Washington 32, Radoslav Rancik 15

German Goettingen overcame Krasnie Krilya for the top position in Group I - by Eurobasket News
Goettingen - Krasnie Krilya 89:68

German Goettingen overcame Krasnie Krilya for the top position in Group I. Taylor Rochestie (185-G-85, college: Washington St.) paced all the winners with 22 points as Goettingen celebrated 89:68 victory.
Both sides traded baskets throughout the majority of the opening period, but 7-0 run gave the hosts 25:16 at the end of the first period. The visitors could not be shaken off that easily as they stayed in touch throughout the remainder of the half. Biggs made it 27:24, while Oliver scored for 36:26. Jason Boone

(198-F/C-85, college: New York U.) was the last to score at the half for 42:39 home side advantage. In the second half, the visitors kept themselves in touch through Luis Flores

(188-G-81, college: Manhattan) and Marcus Douthit

(180-G-84, college: N.Iowa) posted 15 for the winners and Jason Boone nailed 14. Luis Flores responded with 16 points in the losing effort. Marcus Douthit notched 15, while Gannadi Zelenskiy

SCOTLAND

Standings

National League Standings

1. Edinburgh K.	15-2
2. C.Eriksson F.	12-5
3. St.Mirren	11-6
4. Troon T.	6-10
5. Glasgow S.	3-13
6. E.Lothian B.	2-13

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SERBIA

(196-F/G-80, agency: Interperformances, college: W.Kentucky) sparked the intrigue when he cut the margin at the start of the fourth period. However Michael Lenzly

(209-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances) 9
Nymburk: Petr Benda 18, Arthur Lee 17, Michael Lenzly 12

KK Zagreb won third consecutive game away from home in Top 16 - by Eurobasket News
FMP - KK Zagreb 63:74

KK Zagreb tied FMP on the top of Group J after winning third consecutive game away from home in Top 16. They are now with 3-2 records both as Croatian side celebrated 74:63 win.
The guests started with 6-0 run and enjoyed 13-3 advantage in the opening tip. Luka Zoric

(203-F-88) made it 59:53 and Filip Covic

(180-G-89) scored for 62:58. KK Zagreb CO did not allow the hosts to catch up with them and on the game.
Krunoslav Simon led the way with 23 points and Andrej Stimac

SPAIN

Benetton edge Bilbao in Spain - by Eurobasket News
Bilbao - Benetton 68:72
Benetton claimed a road win over Bilbao in EuroCup K. The Italian team improved at 1-4 record without a single chance to reach the next stage. Bilbao in the meantime suffered the first loss in eleven games played in the tournament this season. Sandro Nicevic (210-C-76, agency: Beo Basket) nailed 14 points to lead the visitors.
Benetton surged ahead early in the game and maintained the advantage throughout the opening frame. They secured an 18:15 lead at the first break. Marko Banic

(196-F-81, college: S.Carolina) finished with 11 points in defeat.

Bilbao: Marko Banic 14, Levour Warren 11
Benetton: Sandro Nicevic 14, Daniel Hackett 12, K.C. Rivers 11, Davor Kus 11

Aris bruise Joventut in Greece - by Eurobasket News
Aris - Joventut 84:54

Aris thrashed visiting Joventut for the third win in the EuroCup Last 16 Group I. The victory propelled Aris on top of the standings in the pool. Jeremy Richardson (199-G/F-83, college: Delta St.) knocked down 19 points to lead the charge.
The teams stayed close in the opening minutes. However Aris marked the ambitions with a 9:0 run midway through the first stanza. Aris cleared off and secured a 28:16 lead at the first break. Aris maintained the winning margin throughout the second frame. They arrived at halftime up by 15 points 47:32. Luka Bogdanovic

(197-F/G-82, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Florida) produced 17 points and 6 boards for Aris. Kiki Clark

(173-G-84, college: St.Peter's) had 16 points in the victory. Luka Bogdanovic delivered 16 points for Joventut. Kristaps Valters

(188-G-81) nailed 9 points in defeat.

Aris: Jeremy Richardson 19, Matt Walsh 17, Kiki Clark 16
Joventut: Luka Bogdanovic 16, Kristaps Valters 9

Serkan Erdogan to move to Spain - by Eurobasket News
Serkan Erdogan (190-G-78, agency: 1x1 Sports) has reportedly reached agreement with Alicante. The Turkish 31-year-old guard is expected to sign for the Spanish team till the end of the season. Serkan Erdogan started the season in Turk Telekom. In TBL Erdogan tallied 9.8 points, 2.3 assists and 1.6 boards. In EuroCup his stats read 7.3 points, 1.7 assists and 1.0 rebound per game. Serkan Erdogan is now new to Spain. He used to play for Tau Ceramica Vitoria.

Gran Canaria nip Turk Telekom in Ankara - by Eurobasket News
Turk Telekom - Gran Canaria 78:79
Gran Canaria earned a valuable road win at the EuroCup Last 16 stage. They edged Turk Telekom in Ankara for the 3-2 record in Group L. Gran Canaria will qualify into the next round in the case of Crvena Zvezda win over Nymburk. Jaycee Carroll

(204-F-80, college: Troy) Turk Telekom continued to erase the deficit. It all came down to the final seconds when Gran Canaria proved more accurate and survived the challenge.
James Augustine

(208-F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Illinois)

(208-F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Illinois) scored 14 points and pulled down 12 boards for Gran Canaria. Marcus Norris

(185-G-74, agency: SportsTalent, college: Ball St.) netted 11 points in the winning effort. Lamayne Wilson replied with 25 points for Turk Telekom. Huseyin Besok (212-C-75) notched 15 points and 10 caroms in defeat.

Turk Telekom: Lamayne Wilson 25, Huseyin Besok 15+10 boards
Gran Canaria: Jaycee Carroll 22, James Augustine 14+12 boards, Marcus Norris 11

Valencia bring victory from Jerusalem - by Eurobasket News
Hapoel Jerusalem - Valencia 64:69

Valencia made a huge step towards qualifying into the next round of EuroCup. The Spanish team defeated Jerusalem on the road to improve at 4-1 record in Last 16 Group J. Thomas Kelati

SWEDEN

Jonas Jerebko named Rookie of the Month in the NBA - by Andreas Eriksson
Swedens by far biggest star in basketball is the Detroit Pistons Rookie 22-year old Jonas Jerebko (206-F-87), the first ever born and raised Swedish Player to play in the NBA, was yesterday named Rookie of the Month in the NBA Eastern Conference after averaging 10.2 ppg, 6.0 rpg, shooting 56.4% from the floor during February. Jerebko originally from Kinna outside of Bors, played for Plannja in Sweden before moving to Angelico Biella in Italy, spent 2 seasons there and was drafted with the 39th overall pick by the Detroit Pistons in last Junes NBA Draft. Jerebko was earlier in February also a part of the Rookie team during the Rookie vs. Sophomore game in All-Star Weekend in Dallas. Jerebko was the highest pick of all the Rookies, and the only 2nd round pick along with DeJuan Blair from San Antonio to be named to that game.

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TAIWAN

Stats Leaders

SBL Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1. Alexus Foyle, TM 28.4
2. Shawn Hawkins, KKL 27.2
3. Jon Sanders, PY 20.9
4. Cheng Jen-wei, KKL 20.3
5. Derek Stribling, TB 20.0

Rebounds Per Game

1. Jon Sanders, PY 13.2
2. Jeff Jones, BOT 12.3
3. Alexus Foyle, TM 11.6
4. Shawn Hawkins, KKL 10.8
5. Tseng Wen-ting, Yulon 10.1

Assists Per Game

1. Tseng Wen-ting, Yulon 4.5
2. Wu Yung-jen, TM 4.5
3. Jon Sanders, PY 3.9
4. Su Yi-chieh, Dacin 3.9
5. Chen Shih-nian, TB 3.9

Steals Per Game

1. Lee Hsueh-lin, Yulon 2.0
2. Derek Stribling, TB 2.0
3. Tseng Wen-ting, Yulon 1.9
4. Chang Chih-feng, Dacin 1.9
5. Jon Sanders, PY 1.9

Blocks Per Game

1. Tseng Wen-ting, Yulon 3.0
2. Derek Stribling, TB 2.5
3. Cheng Jen-wei, KKL 2.3
4. Byron Allen, Dacin 1.6
5. Jeff Jones, BOT 1.4

Week 6 MVP: Jon Sanders - by Chris Wang
Pure Youth forward Jon Sanders became the first repeat winner of the 2010 SBL weekly MVP when he was named Week 6 MVP Tuesday.

Sanders averaged 24 points, 13 rebounds and 4.5 assists in two wins last week, beating out imports Alexus Foyle of Taiwan Mobile and Shawn Hawkins of KKL. Sanders had 19 points while Foyle and Hawkins had 14 and 12 respectively.

The 6-6 American is averaging 20.9 points, 13.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists for the season.

2010 SBL Weekly MVPs

Week 6: Jonathan Sanders, PY
Week 5: Alexus Foyle, TM
Week 4: Shawn Hawkins, KKL
Week 3: Chang Chih-feng, Dacin
Week 2: Tseng Wen-ting, Yulon
Week 1: Jonathan Sanders, PY

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TANZANIA

RBA League in thrilling semis stage - by Carlos Pereira
Oliver Albert
After battling for about two months, the Dar es Salaam's RBA League enters a nail-baiting semi-final stage with four top teams locking horns on Saturday.
Savio, who topped the league with 23 points entertain third placed Oilers while second placed ABC take on Pazi at the National Indoor Stadium.
Hapless JKT, who were the defending champions failed to prove their mighty after being bundled out. Their title defence hopes were irreparably damaged when they lost to both Pazi and Oilers.

JKT bounced back with a resounding 67-41 win over Vijana alias City Bulls to tie with both Oilers and Pazi on 21 points, but the victory could not qualify them following their earlier defeats.

'The teams tied, but our regulations are clear on this, whoever lost to the other exits automatically, thus JKT lost to both sides and thus did not qualify,' clarified Dar es Salaam Basketball (BD) technical director Manase Zabloni.

In the RBA women's league, already Jeshi Stars and Don Bosco Lady Lioness have made it to the final. The final ties for both men and women will be held on Sunday at the same venue.

The Lioness romped into the final after whipping hard-fighting JKT Stars 52-47 in a highly competitive game while Jeshi Stars sank Police 85-63 to guarantee their final berth.

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TURKEY

Banvit outscored Roanne for 2-3 record in Group L of EuroChallenge - by Eurobasket News
Banvit - Roanne 95:83

Banvit outscored Roanne for 2-3 record in Group L of EuroChallenge. The Turkish side jumped higher after 95:83 home victory.
The hosts opened the game with 7-0 run, however were caught up later by the opponents. Whilst the first quarter was a fairly even affair, the second stanza proved to make a real difference to the game, as Banvit went on a 48:38 rampage at the end. Simmons made a dunk for such a lead of the hosts. It was a fairly even third quarter after that with the teams exchanging the baskets. Roanne started to eat into Banvit's lead in the penultimate period, and eventually reduced it to just 3 points. Nsonwu made a dunk for 56:53 on the board with 6 minutes to play in the third. The Turkish side reached 73:66 as the teams finished thirty minutes of the game. The fourth quarter again saw Roanne fight back, as they reduced to 76:71 with Ralph Mims

(202-F-84, college: Alabama) top-scored for the winners with 22 points and Yunus Cankaya

(199-F-85, agency: EM-PA) netted 16. Baris Ozcan (192-G-80) followed them with 14 points. Ralph Mims responded with 19 points in defeat and David Noel (198-G/F-84, college: N.Carolina) notched 13.

Banvit: Charles Davis 22, Yunus Cankaya 16, Baris Ozcan 14
Roanne: Ralph Mims 19, David Noel 13

Unics stay alive in EuroCup - by Eurobasket News
Unics - Galatasaray 92:89

Unics survived some late threats from Galatasaray before eking out a vital home win in EuroCup Last 16 fifth round. Unics now improved at 3-2 record and remained in the race for the ticket to the next round of the tournament. Unics will travel to Spain to take on Valencia in the final round of the Last 16 stage.
Unics must win in the game but Galatasaray silenced the crowd in Kazan at the start of the encounter. The visitors opened it with 7 points in a row. However Veremeenko stopped the bleeding and Unics soon adjusted. Veremeenko drew things level at 17 late in the period. The forward put the hosts in front soon and Unics rallied to a 23:20 advantage at the first break. Marko Popovic

(185-G-82, college: S.Idaho JC) stretched the margin to 6 points early in the second frame. Kresimir Loncar

(204-F-80, college: Troy) Turk Telekom continued to erase the deficit. It all came down to the final seconds when Gran Canaria proved more accurate and survived the challenge.
James Augustine

(208-F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Illinois)

(208-F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Illinois) scored 14 points and pulled down 12 boards for Gran Canaria. Marcus Norris

(185-G-74, agency: SportsTalent, college: Ball St.) netted 11 points in the winning effort. Lamayne Wilson replied with 25 points for Turk Telekom. Huseyin Besok (212-C-75) notched 15 points and 10 caroms in defeat.

Turk Telekom: Lamayne Wilson 25, Huseyin Besok 15+10 boards
Gran Canaria: Jaycee Carroll 22, James Augustine 14+12 boards, Marcus Norris 11

Tyler Smith joins Bornova - by Eurobasket News
Bornova landed Tyler Smith (201-F-86, college: Iowa). The 23-year-old forward will spend the reminder of the season in Turkey. Tyler Smith played for the University of Tennessee basketball team. Last season he averaged 17.4 points, 5.8 boards and 3.4 assists per game. However Smith was excluded from the team after getting accused of possession of firearms. Tyler Smith was named into the SEC All-Tournament Team in 2009.

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UKRAINE

Russell Carter arrives in Yuzhny - by Eurobasket News
Khimik Yuzhny has brought in Russell Carter (196-G-85, college: Notre Dame) for a 10-day try-out period. The 24-year-old guard is expected to appear in the next Superleague game. Russell Carter started the season in the D-League. He averaged 5.9 points, 2.5 boards and 0.9 steals per game for the Austin Toros. Last season Russell Carter played for Gravelines in France. In ProA the guard tallied 8.6 points, 3.6 boards and 1.4 steals per appearance.

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UNITED KINGDOM

Wildcats, Mets take Sunday trophies at Crystal Palace - by Eurobasket News
Patron's Cup Final

Durham Wildcats 96
Westminster Warriors 70

Versatile American wingman Scott Morton and the Durham Wildcats cruised to a 96-70 Patron's Cup victory on Sunday afternoon at London's Crystal Palace National Sports Centre.

Morton was selected as the game MVP for his 29 points and 7 rebounds after last last year's Division Three Wildcats won the 2010 knockout competition for D2 Men.

Paul Elderkin (87) and Stephen Jones (87) also had 15 apiece for Durham, while Westminster's only double figure man was Jonathan Johnson with 10 points, but all 12 Warriors did get on the scoresheet.

Morton's basket 30 seconds into the game gave Durham a lead they never lost as their defence held the Warriors' players to 30% field goal shooting.

Men's National Trophy Final

London Mets 80
Manchester Magic 73

Another newly-promoted team made headlines on Sunday as the London Mets defeated the Manchester Magic 80-73 in the Men's Trophy Final.

Arturo Noha-Pascual (190-G-80) was the MVP with his 21 point, 10 rebound double-double as the London club defeated the Magic in their home city.

Manchester's Brandon Kimbrough made his second appearance since injuring his knee in December, but the high-calibre guard was clearly far from 100%, scoring 10 points on 4 of 16 shooting while picking up 7 turnovers in the loss. The league's leading scorer Stefan Gill kept up his fine season with 31 points (7/16 behind the arc), but it wasn't enough to stop the ever-improving Mets.

The lead was traded throughout the game with the first double-digit margin coming on a Solomon Ayinla three to close the first half with Mets up 43-33.

The Magic chopped away in the third, eventually retaking the lead after Gill hit from outside to make it 57-56, but Ajumobi quickly answered and London hung on to an advantage until the final buzzer.

Jeff Danchie had 17 points and 7 boards for the Mets while Courtney Van Beest had 13 and 6. Dave Watts had 15 points and 10 rebounds for Manchester, but struggled shooting from the floor (22% 2Pt FG, 13% 3Pt FG).

After seeing his team lift the National Trophy London Mets' player-coach Solomon Ayinla had praise for the Magic side:

'My commiseration go to coach Jones and his team. There was no loser on Sunday's Final!

'Both coaches are committed to players' development in their adopted country. Coach Jones had 11 English players and one American and I had 11 English and one Spaniard on my rosters. The only other programme that could boast those numbers of English players on their roster is Derby. I'll encourage other teams to do the same in their club and communities.'

Ayinla admitted that his team struggled to contain Stefan Gill:

'Gill was a tough customer to deal with on Sunday afternoon. Their big three showed up for the match, especially in the first half. But Gill personally carried the team in the second half. We threw different combinations at him to slow him down to 31 points. He's way up there with Dave Artwell and Arturo Noha-Pascual for the season MVP.'

Ayinla had a curious way of getting his team focussed on the final:

'Last weekend was a difficult one, we lost to the bottom team Tees Valley at home, the weekend before the Trophy final.

'Most of my players looked sad; I quickly assembled them on the floor and we started celebrating after a terrible losss. One of the fans came to me after the jubilation and asked me what we were celebrating, I told him that we had to put this loss behind us and start thinking about next weekend Trophy Final.'

Having seen his team race through the EBL divisions to lift a piece of silverware in their first season in the top flight, Ayinla was a happy man after the game:

'Lastly, I would to thank several institutions. England Basketball for believing in our programme and promoting us in four successive years from Division Four to Division One this year.

'Secondly London Metropolitan University for appreciating what we're doing with young students and athletes and their continuous support. Also Hackney Community College for sending their young talented athletes to our programme and the last but not the least, Kingston Wildcats Basketball Club for giving me the opportunity to start coaching a decade ago, after playing professionally in France.'
Courtesy of: http://www.englandbasketball.co.uk/

BBL Team of the Week #22 - by Andy Webb
Leading the offense in this weeks BBL Team of the Week is American Jessie Sapp (191-G, college: Georgetown), who scored 23 points, on 7/12 field goal shooting for Glasgow Rocks, in their defeat of Marshall MK Lions last weekend in the BBL Championship. He also seized an incredible 10 defensive rebounds and 11 assists for an inspiring triple-double, as well as 3 steals in a productive outing for his first BBL club. He is joined by his player/coach Sterling Davis, who earned his place with a 28 point haul against the Everton Tigers, as the Rocks sealed two wins last weekend to hold on to third place in the league. The naturalised Brit sunk 9 of his 12 two point attempts and shot 100% from three point range, as well as 7/9 from the free throw line, 4 steals and 3 assists as he continues to successfully juggle playing and coaching duties in this league.

The Rocks fine form has clearly been noted, as Steve Parillon also features in the Team of the Week, thanks to a 26 point, 9 rebound display against the Lions. Shooting an incredible 75% from the three point line and knocking down 100% of his foul shots, he also had 3 assists and the same number of steals to his name.

The other guard spot is taken by Mike Cook, who is having a well and truly unbelievable season in the UK. He notched 33 points, shooting 60% from behind the arc and 6/7 from the free throw line, as well as grabbing 6 defensive rebounds. To keep his team mates involved, he also dished out 3 assists in his 35:37 minutes in court.

Finally, BBL Cup Final MVP James Hamilton appears this week. He scored a massive 31 points, in Cheshire Jets convincing victory over PAWS London Capital. The veteran was on fire, shooting 8/9 from the field, 3/5 three pointers and 6/6 free throws in 33:47 minutes of action.

Stats Leaders - BBL

Points Per Game

Mike COOK
  Sheffield S.
  (193-G/F-84)
  Avg: 27.5

1. Cook, Sheffield S.	27.5
2. Bratton, Worthing.	25.0
3. Patton, Sheffiel.	21.0
4. Wierzbicki, Leices.	20.9
5. Yanders, Scottish.	20.6
6. Harrison, MK Lions	20.3
7. Moore, Everton T.	20.0
8. Valencia, Plymouth R.	19.9
9. Toney, Sheffield S.	19.3
10. Martin, Guildford H.	19.2

Rebounds Per Game

Tafari TONEY
  Sheffield S.
  (203-F/C-86)
  Avg: 11.1

1. Toney, Sheffield S.	11.1
2. Johnson, Leiceste.	10.6
3. Rodrigo, Essex P.	9.2
4. Janusauskas, London C.	8.8
5. Rowe, Plymouth R.	8.8
6. Richard, Worthing.	8.3
7. New, MK Lions	7.6
8. Valencia, Plymouth R.	7.3
9. Bratton, Worthing.	7.3
10. Gariba, London C.	7.1

Assists Per Game

Anthony MARTIN
  Plymouth R.
  (186-G-80)
  Avg: 7.9

1. Martin, Plymouth.	7.9
2. Sapp, Scottish R.	7.3
3. Moore, Everton T.	5.5
4. Patton, Sheffiel.	5.0
5. Drakeford, Guildfor.	4.8
6. Yanders, Scottish.	4.6
7. Westbrooks, Leices.	4.3
8. Peterson, Cheshire.	4.3
9. Bell, Everton T.	4.3
10. Jackson, Newcastl.	4.2

Steals Per Game

Trey MOORE
  Everton T.
  (192-G-75)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Moore, Everton T.	2.5
2. Babalola, Evert.	2.4
3. Peterson, Cheshire.	2.3
4. Middleton, Worceste.	2.2
5. O''Reilly, Cheshire.	2.1
6. Normantas, Worceste.	2.0
7. Lasker, Plymouth.	2.0
8. Sapp, Scottish R.	2.0
9. Adu, Essex Pirates	2.0
10. Bratton, Worthing.	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Kadiri RICHARD
  Worthing T.
  (203-F-80)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Richard, Worthing.	2.1
2. Johnson, Leiceste.	1.8
3. Hanke, Scottish R.	1.7
4. Toney, Sheffield S.	1.6
5. Young, Cheshire J.	1.2
6. Morris, MK Lions	1.1
7. Holmes, MK Lions	1.0
8. Disy, Worcester W.	0.9
9. Janusauskas, London C.	0.9
10. Flournoy, Newcastl.	0.9

Toney Takes Plaudits for Fabulous February - by Andy Webb
The Molten BBL Player of the Month goes to Sheffield Sharks Centre Tafari 'Tap' Toney (203-F/C-86), whilst the coachs equivalent goes to his former boss, Fabulous Flournoy of the Newcastle Eagles. Player-coach Flournoy has led his side to an 8-0 record during the month of February, as they have recorded victories over PAWS London Capital, Reading Rockets, Guildford Heat, Worthing Thunder, Worcester Wolves, Marshall MK Lions, Essex Pirates and Everton Tigers. Beating Worthing in the Quarter Finals of the BBL Trophy is definitely a highlight, as the Eagles met arch rivals, the Tigers, last Sunday in the first leg of an exciting BBL Trophy Semi Final. Flournoy commented: It is a huge honour to have won the Coach of the Month award, but it's not me that deserves praise, it is the players that should get the praise for this award. We said back in January that we needed a run of wins, and credit to the guys for building this winning momentum, that we must keep going.

Toney, a Team GB squad member in his second BBL season, has had his quality rewarded, as he continues to have a break out year in this league. The 6'8'' hustle man, scored 91 points in four games over the month of February, as well as providing defensive steel and rebounding energy for the league leading Sharks. He averaged an impressive 22.75 points per game in the month, and Sharks player-coach Atiba Lyons, sees him as crucial to the Sharks title assault. Lyons emphasised though, that it was not just his starting Centres ability to put the ball in the basket that is impressive: Tafari is having a great season with us and is very consistent night in, night out he said: He has shown great improvement and can still improve a whole lot more. The good thing for him is that he is at a young age doing a lot, and still has a lot of time to build on his game. He added: Tafari is absolutely key to our success as a team, especially his consistency defensively, in that even if he is having an off scoring night, he will still give you defensive energy and grab a lot of rebounds. He is also a great team guy, and he brings a lot of intangibles to the team that he doesnt always get credit for.

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USBA

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

Atlanta, Ga. (March 2, 2010) ---The United States Basketball Association (USBA) is pleased to announce an Open House, Job Fair and basketball Player Tryout in each individual team city.
The Open Houses will take place at the home gymnasiums of each individual team. Each team will conduct a job fair and the local basketball player tryout at the same time, in an effort to fill position with individual teams.

Churches, civic groups and fans of each team are invited to come and get autographs, take pictures with the teams 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 children in the foster care system 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. Each soft drink company has contractual agreements in place at the college or university under agreement with the USBA.

USBA president Duane Jenkins says, 'This is an opportunity for us to get to know our supporters and fans 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 teams.' The league is said to employ 15 to 20 people at each home game.

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 Schwinn 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. said 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 .

Schwinn Bicycle and the USBA ride together on a bicycle built for two - by USBA Media
Atlanta, Ga. (March 2, 2010)---The United States Basketball Association (USBA), Pacific Cycle and Schwinn Bicycle come together that names Schwinn Bicycle the official league bicycle sponsor and vendor for the USBA 2010 and 2011 basketball season. We are pleased with this relationship and we are confident in the proven reliability of Schwinn Bicycle products to provide our fans with the one of the highest quality bikes in the marketplace.

'We're very excited to be part of the USBA, their youth programs, and with their basketball teams', noted Scwinn Bicycle spokesperson, John Riggs. 'What counts here is supplying the league with the best bikes available, today. We love the sport of basketball and with this partnership with the USBA, we're fired up about introducing more fans to the sport of cycling.' 'Cycling is a great way to keep muscles and tendons in the lower leg and the small of the back toned and firm. Basketball and cycling are a perfect fit.

Schwinns presence in consumer of cycling is legendary. The partnership between the USBA and Schwinn Bicycle was forged in recent months after a relationship between the USBA and Trek Bicycle fell apart. The Alden Group LLC, parent company of the USBA approached Schwinn in November 2009 to be their supplier. Trek Bicycle originally was to partner with the USBA to supply bicycles to the league. The USBA and Trek mutually decided to end their relationship. No other information on the split was made available.

'Schwinn Bicycle has been around since the late 1900s, we knew that we wanted them to be apart of our team', noted Duane Jenkins, USBAs President and Chief Executive Officer. 'We didn't want to jump into a partnership with just any team; we are very sure that this relationship is the right move for and the USBA. When we approached Schwinn about a partnership, we realized that the opportunity to work with this company was too good to pass up. It's no secret that theyve enjoyed tremendous success, and they've demonstrated time and time again that they are one of the best in recreational cycling'.

'It was an easy decision to partner with this cycling company,' Jenkins said when USBA officially announced their acquisition of the partnership. 'We, think our fans will be excited as cycling has always been apart of a very important part of physical fitness, we believe this agreement will help significantly increase the sport of cycling in our team cities.' Jenkins continued.

The Schwinn bikes will be featured in the USBAs season ticket and single ticket promotions. The league will give away 432 bicycles to fans during their 2010 Season Ticket Extravaganza and then repeat the giveaway during the leagues 2010 Single Ticket Extravaganza in which the league will again give away an additional 432 bicycles at seasons end. The giveaways are sponsored by the USBA Youth Outreach, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) company. Refer to league website at www.usbaball.com .

'I'm very happy to have Schwinn as a sponsor and a vendor of the league and our basketball teams. Schwinn offers high-performance high quality bikes that look awesome. Most importantly, I know I can trust its reliability as they have dealers ready to offer superior customer service in all our cities.' All the major retailers carry their products, Wal Mart, Dicks Sorting Goods and Toys R Us,' you cant go wrong being associated with a product sold by these giants' said Jenkins. ' My 11 year old daughter, Elizabeth has rdden a Schwinn Bicycle since her first bike.'

About Pacific Cycle, Inc-- a division of Dorel Industries, Inc., a global leader in branded consumer products. Pacific Cycle designs, markets and distributes high quality bicycles and other recreational products around the world. Pacific Cycle products a wide range of brands including Schwinn, Mongoose, In Step, Schwinn Motorsport, BMW, Roadmaster, Pacific Dyno and Power Ride.

About Schwinn Bicycle Companywas founded by Ignaz Schwinn in Chicago, Illinois in 1895. Pacific Cycle purchased Schwinn in 2001.

About USBA-- Established in 2007, the United States Basketball Association is a mid spring and early summer mens professional basketball league. The league is designed to showcase basketball players for the National Basketball Association Development League (NBADL) and international professional leagues. The league is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The regular season runs from April 7, 2010 through July 3, 2010. Teams play a thirty game schedule. There is an All Star game scheduled for the third week of May 2010 as well as a championship playoff series at season end. Elite players can be catapulted to enjoy further opportunities in the NBADL as well as exposure to other professional leagues from around the world.

Contact:
media@usbaball.comm

www.pacificcycle.com
www.schwinnbicycle.com

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VENEZUELA

Inexplicable - by Carlos Santander
The rumors about some changes in Guaiqueries of Margarita are getting stronger. Coach Maita Mercedes, whom has been struggling a lot with the new roster, could be coaching his last game of this 2010 professional basketball league of Venezuela. Despite Guaiqueries won its second game versus Toros de Aragua 83-72, the name of the Boricua Tony Ruiz is making noise in Margarita Island. It sound annoying, because they didn't appreciate it that Coach Mercedes was trying to build up a new chemistry in the team due his very expensive Tapipa Barrios didn't want to play. Anyway there are many questions without answers; how come Guaiqueries management took this decision to get rid of coach Mercedes just in the beginning of the season? what happened with Mr. Ruiz in Puerto Rico? Why Mr. Ruiz said no to Guaros? What happened with Tapipa? Maybe Mr. Tovar thinks that Guaiqueries is going to win some games of having Tony Ruiz making vulgar gestures to people as grabbing his masculine parts while he is jumping in the bench.

LPB 2010 - Week 2 (Feb. 25): Marinos and Trotamundos win easily - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Marinos de Anzoategui enjoyed a perfect night from the long distance range to defeat Cocodrilos de Caracas visitors, while Trotamundos de Carabobo pulled out a victory away against Guaiqueries de Margarita.

Marinos de Anzoategui 103 - Cocodrilos de Caracas 69
Naciones Unidas Park - Caracas, D.C.

Quarter by quarter
COC: 17-19-17-16= 69
MAR: 20-25-35-23= 103

Scorers
COC: Luis Bethelmy 14 points, Jesus Centeno (190-G-85) 13 points, Tephen Hamilton (201-F-78) 11 points, Kevin Palacios (203-F/C-84) 9 points, Kevin Freeman (201-F-78) 8 points, Juan Herrera (197-F-81) 5 points and 6 rebounds, Edgar Moreno (191-G-81) 5 points, Kenji Urdaneta (188-G-85) 3 points, Windi Graterol (204-C-86) 1 point, Robert Palacios (185-G) 0 points, Derson Santos (197-F-84) 0 points, Henry Paez (184-G-70) 0 points
MAR: Axiers Sucre (198-F-78) 20 points and 9 rebounds, Jermaine Walker (198-F-77) 19 points, Oscar Torres (195-F/G-76) 15 points, Diego Guevara (184-G-77) 11 points, Denham Brown (198-F-83) 11 points, Hatila Passos (211-C-86) 10 points and 6 rebounds, Gregory Vargas (182-G-86) 9 points, Adan Reyes (183-G-83) 3 points, Leonardo Cappare (186-G-80) 3 points, Robert Iriarte 2 points, Luis Julio (199-F-80) 0 points, Jose Manuel Briceno (203-C/F-79) 0 points

Trotamundos de Carabobo 82 - Guaiqueries de Margarita 71
Ciudad de La Asuncion Arena - La Asuncion, Nueva Esparta

Quarter by quarter
GUAI: 21-19-20-11= 71
TRO: 21-16-22-23= 82

Scorers
TRO: Alex Galindo (198-F-85) 24 points and 8 rebounds, Richard Lugo (209-C-73) 24 points and 13 rebounds, Miguel Marriaga (208-C-84) 15 points, Kenny Taylor (192-G-82) 11 points, Kellen Milliner (193-G-83) 4 points, Jose Vargas (196-G/F-82) 2 points and 8 rebounds, Leinert Zerpa (182-G-82) 2 points, Manuel Berroteran (185-G-80) 0 points, Javinger Vargas (206-C-90) 0 points, Jorge Parra (206-C-84) 0 points, Sterling Guedez (204-C-88) 0 points, Yorvis Umbria (203-F-85) 0 points
GUAI: Tulio Cobos (196-F-86) 15 points, Christopher Moore (205-F-82) 12 points, Carlos Cedeno (193-G/F-85) 10 points, Edgar Arteaga (198-F-76) 9 points, Duke Freeman-McKamey (208-F-80) 7 points and 6 rebounds, Cesar Silva (187-G/F-81) 7 points, Jackson Zapata (198-F-85) 4 points, Rene Farias (188-G-86) 4 points, Francisco Sanabria (190-G-77) 3 points, Carlos Rodriguez (206-C-89) 0 points, Jorge Rondon (193-G/F-90) 0 points, Douglas Chiquito (193-G-86) 0 points

LPB 2010 - Week 2 (Feb 26): Guaiqueries and Panteras get the triumphs - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Guaiqueries de Margarita took revenge at home against Trotamundos de Carabobo, while Panteras de Miranda continued their winning ways by defeating Bucaneros de La Guaira, a team that hasn't been able to win so far.

Guaiqueries de Margarita 86 - Trotamundos de Carabobo 81 (ET)
Ciudad de La Asuncion Arena - La Asuncion, Nueva Esparta

Quarter by quarter
GUAI: 22-15-17-16-16= 86
TRO: 21-19-15-15-11= 81

Scorers
GUAI: Christopher Moore (205-F-82) 18 points and 13 rebounds, Kelvin Pena 17 points, Tulio Cobos (196-F-86) 15 points and 9 rebounds, Carlos Cedeno (193-G/F-85) 15 points, Duke Freeman-McKamey (208-F-80) 10 points, Cesar Silva (187-G/F-81) 4 points, Francisco Sanabria (190-G-77) 3 points, Rene Farias (188-G-86) 2 points, Edgar Arteaga (198-F-76) 1 point, Jackson Zapata (198-F-85) 1 point, Carlos Rodriguez (206-C-89) 0 points, Jorge Rondon (193-G/F-90) 0 points
TRO: Kellen Milliner (193-G-83) 20 points, Richard Lugo (209-C-73) 16 points and 15 rebounds, Jose Vargas (196-G/F-82) 15 points and 6 assists, Miguel Marriaga (208-C-84) 13 points and 7 rebounds, Kenny Taylor (192-G-82) 9 points, Alex Galindo (198-F-85) 6 points,Yorvis Umbria (203-F-85) 2 points, Leinert Zerpa (182-G-82) 0 points, Manuel Berroteran (185-G-80) 0 points, Javinger Vargas (206-C-90) 0 points, Jorge Parra (206-C-84) 0 points, Sterling Guedez (204-C-88) 0 points

Panteras de Miranda 92 - Bucaneros de La Guaira 89
Jose Maria Vargas Arena - La Guaira, Vargas

Quarter by quarter
BUC: 22-25-17-25= 89
PAN: 34-16-24-18= 92

Scorers
PAN: Marcus Elliott (191-G-84) 24 points, Eduardo Torres (195-F-81) 20 points, Kojo Mensah (185-G-85) 19 points, Roque Osorio (206-C-76) 9 points, Michael Flores (192-G-85) 8 points, Devougn Lamont (208-F-84) 5 points and 8 rebounds, Alfredo Rodriguez 5 points, Rosmel Blanco (205-C-76) 2 points, Darwin Jaramillo (192-F-86) 0 points, Richard Mejias (187-G-78) 0 points, Victor Gonzalez (200-F-69) 0 points, Julio Rausseo (200-F/C-77) 0 points
BUC: Rafael Guevara (194-F-79) 20 points and 7 assists, Dennis D'Adezzio (191-G-81) 14 points, Jean Wilder (198-F-82) 14 points, Quentin Smith (205-C-77) 12 points and 13 rebounds, Robert McKiver (191-G-84) 11 points, Oswaldo Gonzalez (203-F/C-79) 10 points and 11 rebounds, Carlos Morris (194-G-75) 4 points, Derwin Ramirez (191-F-82) 3 points, Hernan Salcedo (198-F-80) 1 point, Samuel Marsielle (193-G-91) 0 points, Erick Herrera (184-F-80) 0 points, Jose Yovera (194-G/F-75) 0 points

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Women News

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ALBANIA - Women

Standings - Women

A1 Standings

1. Tirana	11-2
2. Flamutari	11-2
3. Apolonia	11-2
4. Studenti	8-5
5. Elbasani	4-8
6. Vllaznia	3-9
7. Skenderbeu	3-10
8. Mati	0-13

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BULGARIA - Women

NBL: Round 15 review - by Eurobasket News
Lukoil Neftochimik went to Minyor and had no troubles to win the match 63-77. Visiting side dominated the game from the start, building 33-44 lead after 20 minutes of play. In the second half, they continued to maintain their lead and have deservedly celebrated 14-point margin victory. Vera Perostiyska (196-C-82, college: Florida Intern.) led the winning side with 19 points. Anna Sokolan (178-G-84) came off the bench to add 16, while Tacyana Lihtarovich and Frida Aiili chipped in 14 and 13 points respectively. For hosts, Svetla Asenova poured in 20 points while Kameliya Mihalkova contributed with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Dunav Econt also won away from home, as they overcame their hosts Montana 2003 with ease 76-69. Natalia Topalova-Shopova (187-F-80) led the rout with 22 points while Elena Yolovska (183-F-74) added 18. Zornitsa Kostova and Danielle Burgin were also good, coming off the bench to add 16 and 13 points respectively. On the other side, Montana was led by Agnesa Doychinova who recorded double-double of 23 points and 15 rebounds.
Beore 07 had to work hard in order to secure home win over Slavia. After a 42-40 advantage at the halftime, hosts used great third quarter which they won by 11 points to secure the final victory of 83-75. Latasha Byears (184-F-73, college: De Paul) was great for winners with 23 points and 17 rebounds. She got support from Ralitsa Naneva (178-F-86) and Petya Dzhambaska who followed with 18 and 16 points respectively. For visitors, Stefka Nikolova and Radostina Slavova stood out with 25 points apiece but received little support.

NBL standings
1. Dunav 13-2
2. Lukoil 12-3
3. Montana 2003 9-5
4. Beroe 2007 7-7
5. Minor 3-13
6. Slavia 0-14

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CHINA - Women

The favorites reach Semifinals - by Eurobasket News
All four top teams reached the Semifinals of the Play-offs. The first and the third team of the Regular Season however needed decisive games prove their superiority.
Henan that finished the season first lost the first game, won the second and the third over Yunnan. In the decisive game the favorites started with massive 39-15 and added 18-17 in the second period. Yunnan managed to win the third and the last quarters however could not tie the game. Mattera Katie (203-C-82, college: Liberty) stepped up with 24 points for the winners and Ji Yanyan followed her with 17. Wang Jing (188-C-84) nailed 14 and Wu Chin-Chu (175-G-88) posted 10. Zhu Yongfu (183-C-84) responded with 20 points in the losing effort.
The second team of the league Bayi needed 76:63 over Jiangsu to win the series 2-0. The favorites opened the game with 22-9 but lost the second period 15-18. Bayi produced 25-15 in the third period and lost the fourth 14-21. Zhou Shasha (182-F-86) top-scored for the winners with 18 points. Zhang Xiaoni (195-C-83) netted 16 and Wen Lu notched 14. Xu Song delivered 25 points in the losing case.
Shenyang ar.swept the series over Guangdong 2-0. Liaoning needed 85:69 over Beijing to win the series 2-1. They started with 24-17 and added 19-11 in the second period. Liaoning won the third frame 24-15, but lost the last one 18-26.
The first Semifinals will be played on March 2nd.

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CROATIA - Women

Standings - Women

A1 Standings

Places 1-6
1. Studenec O.	1-0
2. Pozega	1-0
3. Biska Pula	1-0
4. Split	0-1
5. Croatia 2006	0-1
6. Zadar	0-1
Places 7-12
1. Agram	1-0
2. Tresnjevka	0-1
3. Gospic	-
4. Medvescak	-
5. Sibenik	-
6. Ragusa	-

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FINLAND - Women

Piipari player of February - by Esko Saarinen
Reetta Piipari of the team Catz is the player of Febryary. She is playing in the same team than Jelena Solovjeva, who is the player of January. On February every team lost at least one match as PeKa won Catz and Catz won Espoo. Catz won on February five matches of six. Piipari is a guard who plays also in Finnish International Team. Piipari, 170 cms and 30 years made on February 16,2 points, her made 2-points shots on 61,9 % average and 37,0 % ave on three points shota. Also she had 2,8 rebounds and assists.

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GERMANY - Women

Standings - 2.Bundesliga - by Cornelius Damm

2.Bundesliga Standings

North
1. Osnabrucker	14-2
2. Chemnitz	13-2
3. Rotenburg/S.	12-4
4. Rist Scala	11-4
5. Quakenbrueck	7-9
6. Hagen Phoe.	6-9
7. Bielefeld	5-11
8. Dorsten	5-11
9. Jena	4-12
10. Bonn	1-14
South
1. Leimen	17-2
2. Mainz	16-3
3. Viernheim	16-3
4. Speyer	13-6
5. Gruenberg	12-8
6. Wuerzburg	10-9
7. Sandhausen	10-9
8. Herzogenaur.	6-13
9. Germering	6-14
10. Heidelberg	5-14
11. Ludwigsburg	2-17
12. Keltern	2-17

Standings - Women

DBBL Standings

1. Saarlouis	15-3
2. Marburg	14-5
3. Wasserburg	13-5
4. Halle	12-7
5. Freiburg	12-7
6. Oberhausen	11-8
7. Wolfenbuettel	9-10
8. Herner	9-10
9. Donau-Ries	6-13
10. Opladen	4-15
11. Rhein MB	4-15
12. Leipzig	4-15

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ISRAEL - Women

D1 Round: 5 (Quarter-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Elizur Netanya - Ramat Hen 74-78
Ramat Hen won Game 5 over Elizur Netanya 78:74 to win the Quarter-Finals series 3-2. Marissa Little (188-F/G-85, college: N.Carolina) stepped up with 23 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists, while Epstain Michal nailed 20 points. Dotson Marshae collected 22 points and 10 boards in defeat, while Howard Okeisha notched 21.

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ITALY - Women

A1, Round 18 review: Taranto fails for the first time - by Eurobasket News
Bracco Geas - Vomero NA 74-49
Bracco Geas celebrated 74-49 home victory against Vomero NA in the last game of Round 18. Clarisse Machanguana (194-C/F-73, college: ODU) stepped up for the hosts with 12 and Martina Crippa (175-G/F-88) added 11 points, plus 5 rebounds. For the guests, Paola Mauriello collected 14 points and 7 boards. Bracco Geas 8-10, Vomero NA 2-15.

Basket Parma - Comense 59-66 OT
Comense grabbed an overtime win against Basket Parma for 8-10 record in Italian top division. Brooke Smith (191-F/C-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Stanford) was a key player in victory with 23 points and 6 rebounds. Angela Zampella (170-G-78, college: St.Joseph's) added 15 pts. In the loosing squad (5-13), Francesca Zara collected 16 points and 6 boards.

GMA Napoli - Livorno 60-51
GMA Napoli had Marcedes Walker (191-C-86, agency: Merit Sports, college: Pittsburgh) in a game mood with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Tamecka Dixon (176-G-75, agency: Merit Sports, college: Kansas) followed with 10 pts and 7 boards. On the other side, Courtney Willis shined with 21 pts and 8 boards. Both teams have 5-13 now.

Familia Schio - Taranto 74-61
Familia Schio is the first team who managed to beat Taranto this season. Laura Macchi (187-F-79) led the hosts to this impressive victory scoring 27 points and pulling down 6 rebounds. She did not miss any single shot in this game. Nicole Antibe (187-C/F-74) followed closely with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Megan Mahoney replied with 12 pts in defeat. Familia Schio improved to 13-4. Despite this loss Taranto stays No.1 with 16-1 score.

Umbertide - Umana Reyer 62-39
7-10 for Umbertide and 12-6 for Umana Reyer after this game. Chiara Consolini (182-F-88) top-scored in this victory with 16 points (7 rebs). Liene Jansone (190-F/C-81, college: Siena) helped with 13 pts. For the guests, Jenifer Nadalin collected 16 points and 5 rebounds.

Faenza - Priolo 69-64
Faenza celebrated in this game mostly owing to Francesca Modica (177-G-81) and Adriana Pinto (169-G-78), who scored 18 and 17 points respectively. Maja Erkic also had important role in this victory adding 10 pts. Kristin Haynie responded with 18 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in defeat. Faenza 14-4 (second place), Priolo 11-7.

Standings A1 (W)

A1 Standings

1. Taranto	16-1
2. Faenza	14-4
3. Familia Schio	13-4
4. Umana Reyer	12-6
5. Priolo	11-7
6. Bracco Geas	8-10
7. Comense	8-10
8. Umbertide	7-10
9. GMA Napoli	5-13
10. Livorno	5-13
11. Basket Parma	5-13
12. Vomero NA	2-15

Stats Leaders - Women

Points Per Game

Tamecka DIXON
  GMA Napoli
  (176-G-75)
  Avg: 17.5

1. Dixon, GMA Napoli	17.5
2. Smith, Comense	17.3
3. Macchi, Familia Schio	16.9
4. Robert, Faenza	16.6
5. Machanguana, Bracco G.	15.7
6. Cirov, Priolo	15.7
7. Brunson, Taranto	15.2
8. Walker, GMA Napoli	15.1
9. Pascalau, Priolo	13.8
10. Pinto, Faenza	13.4

Rebounds Per Game

Marcedes WALKER
  GMA Napoli
  (191-C-86)
  Avg: 9.8

1. Walker, GMA Napoli	9.8
2. Robert, Faenza	9.1
3. Brunson, Taranto	8.2
4. Harper, Umana R.	7.6
5. Willis, Livorno	7.5
6. Smith, Comense	7.4
7. Screen, Basket P.	7.1
8. Machanguana, Bracco G.	7.1
9. Mosby, Bracco Geas	6.3
10. Harmon, Comense	6.2

Assists Per Game

Adriana PINTO
  Faenza
  (169-G-78)
  Avg: 3.1

1. Pinto, Faenza	3.1
2. Macchi, Familia Schio	2.6
3. Eric, Vomero NA	2.4
4. Dixon, GMA Napoli	2.3
5. Moro, Familia Schio	2.3
6. Goryanova, GMA N.	2.2
7. Ballardini, Umana R.	2.2
8. Martinez Pra., Bracco G.	2.1
9. Carpreaux, Livorno	2.0
10. Haynie, Priolo	2.0

Steals Per Game

Tamecka DIXON
  GMA Napoli
  (176-G-75)
  Avg: 4.9

1. Dixon, GMA Napoli	4.9
2. Carpreaux, Livorno	4.8
3. Pinto, Faenza	4.7
4. Ristic, Livorno	4.4
5. Palie, Vomero NA	4.4
6. Martinez Pra., Bracco G.	4.4
7. Fazio, Comense	4.2
8. Robert, Faenza	4.1
9. Zara, Basket Parma	3.8
10. Macchi, Familia Schio	3.8

Blocks Per Game

Oleksandra PRYSTUPA
  Faenza
  (203-C-89)
  Avg: 1.1

1. Prystupa, Faenza	1.1
2. Alexander, Faenza	1.0
3. Smith, Comense	0.9
4. Harper, Umana R.	0.9
5. Van Malderen, GMA N.	0.8
6. Godin, Taranto	0.7
7. Wabara, Bracco G.	0.7
8. Ngoyisa, Familia .	0.6
9. Robert, Faenza	0.6
10. Brunson, Taranto	0.5

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MALTA - Women

Athleta edge Loyola in basement clash - by Eurobasket News
The women's league continued with a full programme last weekend.

At the bottom end of the standings, Honey Athleta beat Loyola Allcare Insurance but lowly Starlites Sports Experience were never a threat for leaders Hibs Medsea. Luxol, meanwhile, kept the pressure on the leaders thanks to their victory over St Andrew's.

In a balanced match, it was Athleta who had the best finish to clinch their third victory in the championship.

Athleta settled down first but Loyola improved to share the exchanges till half-time - 22-15. An 8-1 run at the start of the third quarter saw Athleta extend their lead to 30-16 only for Loyola to hit back strongly in the closing minutes and reduce the gap to 34-24.

Loyola's recovery continued as the last ten minutes got underway. They were only a point behind, 39-38, but were unable to match Athleta's strong finish as the latter potted five successive points to secure a 44-38 win.

With captain Lucienne Bezzina back in the team after a long absence, Hibs took control right from the jumpball to open a comfortable 38-10 lead by half-time.

Starlites were never in the match and the champions rolled on for their 11th consecutive victory, 72-28.

Luxol moved back into the runners-up spot in the standings. Against St Andrew's, they never looked back after obtaining the first eight points, going on to change ends 26-11 ahead.

Despite playing without chief scorer Steffi DeMartino, Luxol increased the tempo after the interval to finish 56-34 winners.

Standings: Hibs 22 (11-0), Luxol 20 (9-2), Depiro 19 (8-3), Loyola 15 (4-7), St Andrew's 15 (4-7), Athleta 14 (3-8), Starlites 11 (0-11).

Top scorers: K. Agius (Depiro) 259, Leanne Sciberras (F-90) (Athleta) 198, Sarah Pace (155-G-88) (Depiro) 186.
Courtesy of: http://www.timesofmalta.com

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SCOTLAND - Women

Standings - Women

National League Standings

1. Glasgow	14-0
2. Edinburgh	13-2
3. St.Mirren	9-7
4. Polonia P.	8-8
5. Clark Erikss.	6-9
6. St Maurice's	2-12
7. Grampian	0-14

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SLOVAKIA - Women

Standings - Women

Extraliga Standings

Group A
1. Dobri Anjeli	26-0
2. MBK Ruzomb.	20-7
3. Presov	19-8
4. Nitra	16-11
5. Poprad	12-14
6. Basket Steel	11-17
Group B
1. Roznava	9-14
2. Slovan	5-18
3. Cassovia K.	4-18
4. Banska Bystrica	4-19

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SPAIN - Women

Last moves of teams,Cindy Lima arrives to Valencia - by Ivan Villar
Last friday was the deadline to sign new players for this season.Ros Casares has signed Cindy Lima (192-C-81) and Hondarribia Irun added Iveta Salskauke. Cindy Lima arrives to Valencia after playing in TTT Riga and Cypruss.She will help to make stronger to favourite team, Ros Casares. Cindy joins to their teammates in national team as Amaya Valdemoro, Elisa Aguilar, Anna Montaana and Elisa Aguilar.By other side Hondarribia Irun made its last move for last 6 rounds of season.Iveta Salskauke is a big center who will help vasc team to avoid last positions.

Pilar Valero,K.O. until end of season - by Ivan Villar
Bad luck flies over Vigo.One of best player of women spanish basketball ever,Pilar Valero (173-F-70),has fell injured until next season.The shooting guard has been playing with a lot of pain in her back for last months.Doctors decided that she would be operated as soon as possible to be ready for next season.In spite of her age,Pilar Valero shows a great level a long time ago.Celta Vigo looses a great player but they are still fighting to place 4th position and going to final playoffs.By other side,Olga Maznichenko will be able to come back to Vigo because club fixed her visa's problem.

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TANZANIA - Women

Don Bosco in final - by Carlos Pereira
Don Bosco Lionesses beat JKT Stars 54-48 in the Dar es Salaam regional basketball women category league match played at the National Indoor Stadium on Sunday to qualify for the finals.

Amina Ahmed scored 22 points and Nina Mliga had 12 points including two three-pointers to guide Don Bosco Lionesses into the finals where they will play Jeshi Stars.

Jeshi Stars, who mostly comprised ageing players, failed to cope with their opponents speed and it was not surprising to see the army ladies struggle to catch up for the better part of the game.

Don Bosco Lionesses opted for high pace game and tight marking and the trick paid off as they successfully contained JKT Stars, who were yet to find their rhythm when Don Bosco led by 16-11 at the end of the first quarter.

JKT Stars, however, slowly reorganised themselves and relied on the experience of their seasoned players Nelly Anyingisye, Evodia Kazinja Muhoja Nyawawa and Lulu Joseph to minimise the score margin. Their effort helped them cut Don Boscos lead to only two points in the second quarter before Anyingisyes lay-up saw them lead 42-40 in the third quarter.

Don Bosco Lionesses were still a side that dominated the proceedings in the second and third quarters despite dictating a slim 26-24 lead and trailing JKT Stars in the third quarter.

Ahmed posed more threat in front of JKT Stars hoop every time she pushed forward, prompting the latters defense to foul her frequentlyand the player carefully exploited the free-throws she won to put Don Bosco Lionesses in command.

Although JKT Stars pressed hard in the last quarter in an effort to reverse the score, they were let down by poor finishing. Veterans Anyingisye, Kazinja and Joseph clearly lost their scoring touch, missing several attempts on Don Boscos hoop as time ticked by.

Anyingisye scored 19 points and took seven rebounds, Kazinja had seven points and two assists while Mwajuma Shaaban scored six points for JKT Stars.

Don Boscos Mliga capped her impressive spell with seven rebounds and four assists while other team mates Jasmin Bablia and Kalambo added nine and four points respectively.

JKT will therefore play Police Dar es Salaam in a third place play-off on Saturday with two semi-final matches in the mens category also taking place the same day. Savio meet Oilers while ABC and Pazi will lock horns shortly thereafter. Finals will be played the subsequent Sunday.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

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TURKEY - Women

Ceyhan Belediyespor sign Jessica Foley - by Eurobasket
Ceyhan Belediyespor added to their roster 27-year old Australian guard Jessica Foley (182-G-83, college: Duke). Foley played most recently at Adelaide Link Lightning (Australia). While playing 18 games for Adelaide this season she averaged 15.4ppg, 6.3rpg, 2.9apg and 1.3spg.
Foley was in the Australian National Team 2009, and participated in Oceania Championships 2009 and the became the Champion, Jessica played 2 games and averaged 10.0ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.5bpg, 3.5spg, 2FGP: 22.7%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 100.0%
in his first game with Ceyhan Belediyespor, played 29 minutes and scored 10 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists.
By Eurobasket Data Center

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U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - Women

Hamilton with a double double - by David Edole
ASHEVILLE, N.C. Lindsey Thompson drained a three with 1.7 seconds in regulation and then UNC Asheville out scored Radford, 12-5 in overtime to earn a 75-68 victory over the Highlanders, Monday evening from the Justice Center.

Thompson, along with Kendall Shepard netted a team-high 15 points for the Bulldogs (8-20, 3-12 Big South) who snapped a three-game slide with the victory.

Ashley Buckhannon (Wytheville, Va./George Wythe) came off the bench to score a career-high 20 points for the Highlanders (6-20, 5-10), hitting 5-of-9 three pointers. She also dished out a team-best five assists.

Victoria Hamilton (183-G) (St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Island/Antilles School) and Kymesha Alston (Hampton, Va./Manhattan) each recorded a double-double for the Highlanders.

Hamilton pulled down a game and career-high 13 boards and chipped in with 10 points and four assists. Alston finished with 17 points, 11 rebounds and a game-best four steals.

Radford, which had rallied from a six-point deficit with a 14-3 run, had a chance to secure the win in regulation, but hit just one-of-four free throws down the stretch, setting up Thompsons game-tying triple.

In the overtime, UNC Asheville scored the first five points and did not look back. The Highlanders free throw woes continued into the extra period as they were just 1-for-6 and finished 9-for-22 (41 percent) for the game.

Radford, which scored 14 points off of 15 UNCA turnovers, took a 36-33 lead into the lockerroom. The Highlanders recorded eight steals in the half and were led by a combined 17 points from Buckhannon and Alston.

Buckhannons early three-point accuracy (3-for-4) helped Radford race out to a 13-4 lead at the 13:41 mark. The Highlanders would hit four of their first six trifectas and 5-of-11 (45.5 percent) in the first half.

A 19-8 run by the Bulldogs over the next 7:22 knotted the game at 21-21, but a Katherine Brockett (Geelong, Australia) triple, her second of the half, kickstarted an 11-2 spurt pushing Radfords lead to 32-23 with 2:47 remaining.

UNCA closed out the final 1:56 of half with a 10-4 spurt, capped off by Shepards jumper with two ticks on the clock getting the Bulldogs within three at the break. Shepard led the Bulldogs with seven first half points.

Trailing 54-48, Radford used its 14-3 run to take a 62-57 lead with 1:33 left in regulation. The run was highlighted by Alstons three-point play that put the Highlanders in the lead (57-56).

The Highlanders wrap up their regular season on Friday, March 5 at Liberty. Tip is set for 7 p.m.

Carey and JCJC season ends - by David Edole
East Mississippi Community College took the lead for good early in the second half and went on to defeat Jones County Junior College 71-56 on Monday in the womens Region 23 Tournament.

East Mississippi, the defending regional champion, will now meet the winner of the Northwest/Baton Rouge Community College (La.) contest at noon on Wednesday in the semifinals. JCJC ends the season at 22-6.

The Lady Bobcats were coming off a second straight MACJC State Championship after sweeping three games at EMCC last week. But they could never find the right combination against the Lady Lions.

JCJC only shot 35.6 percent from the floor (21-of-59) and failed to connect on ten shots from 3-point range. EMCC outrebounded the Lady Bobcats, 28-25.

JCJC had swept the Lady Lions during the regular season, 65-59 in Scooba and 70-59 in Ellisville.

Tanecka Carey (G) led the Lady Bobcats with 19 points and five assists. Ashley Lee had 12 points, while Taylor had 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Martika Hull had 15 points and 13 rebounds for EMCC, now 15-12. Gray also had 15 points, while Shelby Crawford added 12 and Tate had 10.

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UKRAINE - Women

Natalia Alexeeva heads to Lugansk - by Eurobasket News
Natalia Alexeeva (190-C-72) heads to Lugansk and will debut for Luganski Lastivki. The Russian player will definitely better the roster of the squad.
In 2004-2005 the Russian player started for Baltiyskaia Zvezda St.Petersburg (A Superleague, starting five) and in 9 games averaged 14.3ppg, 10.1rpg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 33.0%, 3FGP: 29.0%. In 2005-2006 Baltiyskaia Zvezda St.Petersburg (A Superleague, starting five) saw her in 29 games as she showed 10.8ppg, 6.6rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 34.0%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 74.0%. In 2006-2007 Natalia Alexeeva played her last season for Baltiyskaia Zvezda St.Petersburg (A Superleague) and in 21 games showed 8.8ppg, 4.3rpg, 2FGP: 32.0%, 3PT: 28.0%, FT: 73.0%. In 2007-2008 moved to Spartak St.Petersburg (A Superleague, starting five) and in 21 games her stats read 11.7ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 36.3%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 78.2. Last season she played for Spartak Vidnoe Moscow Region (A Superleague). She has experience in Euroleague and in Russian League averaged 1.9ppg, 1.6rpg.
In 2009 she became Euroleague Champion, Russian Superleague Regular Season Runner-Up, Russian Superleague Finalist and Russian Cup Finalist.
Luganski Lastivki will meet Kozachka on March 5th in their next game.

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UNITED KINGDOM - Women

Standings - Women

EBL Standings

1. UWIC Archers	15-2
2. Sheffield H.	14-1
3. Nottingham W.	12-4
4. Leeds C.	12-4
5. Northumbria	9-7
6. Sevenoaks S.	8-8
7. Barking Abbey	7-7
8. Brixton T.	4-11
9. London M.	3-13
10. Birmingham	0-13
11. Wellingborough	0-14

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WBCBL - Women

Flint's Jones Signs with Australia - by Willie McCray
Dana-Renae Jones of the Flint Lady Flames semi-pro basketball team signed a professional contract with the Perry Lake Hawks in Perth, Australia. Graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi (2003) where she Averaged 11 points and 6 rebounds per game, Jones was awarded Team Offensive and Defensive MVP and voted fifth in conference for field goal percentage.

This power forward was a leading force in the Flames backcourt producing 10.8 points per game. Jones, is quite familiar with playing in the professional circuit. She played in Austria, Australia, and in the Holland National League. Her work ethic and aggressive nature landed her an invite to the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks Training Camp.
- Ladel Lewis
Flint Lady Flames Owner/GM