Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 3/5/2010

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Men News

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ABA

Standings

ABA Standings

Exhibition Team
1. Play2Win	10-4
2. Chico Rage	1-5
3. College Park	0-0
4. Smoky MJ	0-0
5. Crusaders	0-1
6. Arlington B.	0-2
7. Oklahoma	0-2
8. Modesto E.	0-6
NoCal Div.
1. S.Francisco R.	10-5
2. Clayton	9-3
3. California SK	9-6
4. Sacramento H.	9-10
5. Central Valley	4-10
North Central Div.
1. Chicago Steam	16-4
2. Lake Michigan	10-7
3. Columbus Crush	8-3
4. Pittsburgh P.	6-2
5. Detroit Hoops	6-5
6. Kansas City S.	4-0
7. Cleveland R.	2-2
8. G.Rapids F.	0-2
9. Youngstown S.	0-2
10. Akron R.	0-5
Northeast Div.
1. Jersey Expr.	12-4
2. NY Thunder	9-3
3. Maryland M.	7-10
4. NY Red Riders	6-9
5. Tri-City Suns	5-9
Pacific Northwest Div.
1. Seattle M.	8-6
2. Seattle ZG	3-0
3. Everett	2-2
4. Spokane Sunz	1-1
5. Washington R.	1-6
SoCal Div.
1. Riverside R.	9-3
2. LA Slam	6-9
3. San Diego S.	5-8
4. Compton C.	4-2
5. Las Vegas A.	3-0
6. California BB	2-6
7. Honolulu	1-1
South Central Div.
1. Kentucky S.	13-7
2. Kentucky B.	12-7
3. W.Virginia B.	6-10
4. St.Louis S.	0-3
Southeast Div.
1. Music City Stars	9-3
2. Mississippi B.	4-6
3. Columbus Life	3-5
4. Florida Th.	1-0
5. Charlotte	1-3
6. Carolina K.	0-0
7. Ga PROWL	0-1
Southwest Div.
1. SE Texas M.	22-3
2. N.Texas F.	10-4
3. W.Texas W.	7-5
4. Texas Fuel	3-11
5. Dallas G.	2-1
6. Texas Ch.	0-2
7. Houston T.	0-6

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ARGENTINA

Liga A transactions - by Facundo Iatzky
Lanus added Andre Smith (188-G-80, college: NC-Asheville) to their roster. Andre played this season in BB Estudiantes. He will replace center Dillon Sneed.
Libertad Sunchales, that miss Andres Pelussi for the rest of the season due to injury, signed 'bestia' Gregory Lewis (198-F-78, college: Winthrop), former soles mexicali. For this reason, Cleotis Brown was released and he could move to another team of liga A.
Olimpico la banda agreed terms with Diego Guaita

(204-C-83), a player who return to Argentina after years of playing in Spain. He replaces Martin Trovellesi. Alex Carcamo will not play anymore in Olompico.
Nick Billings (214-C-82, college: Binghamton) is the new foreigner of Regatas Corrientes. The giant will replace Benjamin Puckett, who would go to San Martin Marcos Juarez.

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BELGIUM

Ethias League News - by Peter Buyse
Things are really not going good for Antwerp Giants, after losing Thomas Gardner and Randy Oveneke they now have to do without Bryan Hopkins (183-G-83, college: SMU) for around 6 weeks due to hand injury.
He broke a bone in his left hand in a tough loss in Russia this past week against Krasnoyarsk.
This loss combined with the ongoing problems with Christophe Beghin's back pretty much force Antwerp to look for a replacment player.

Base Oostende has extended the contract of Stephane Pelle (204-C/F-80, college: Colorado) for the 2010-2011 season.

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CHINA

Standings - CBA

CBA Standings

1. Guandong	26-1
2. Xinjiang	23-4
3. Zhejiang G.L.	22-5
4. Shanghai	21-6
5. Jiangsu	19-9
6. Liaoning	18-9
7. Fujian	14-14
8. Shandong	13-14
9. Zhejiang C.	12-15
10. Bayi	11-16
11. DongGuan	10-17
12. Jilin	9-17
13. Shanxi Zh.	9-19
14. TianJin R.	8-20
15. Beijing	7-21
16. Qingdao DS	6-21
17. Shaanxi	4-24

Stats Leaders - CBA

Points Per Game

Andre EMMETT
  Shandong
  (196-G/F-82)
  Avg: 31

1. Emmett, Shandong	31.0
2. Gaines, Xinjiang	30.3
3. Edwards, Shaanxi	29.3
4. White, Zhejiang.	28.6
5. Pickett, Shaanxi	28.5
6. Rodgers, Jilin	27.1
7. Lucas, Shanghai	26.9
8. Lamizana, TianJ.	26.5
9. Brown, Zhejiang C.	26.0
10. Mays, Beijing	26.0

Rebounds Per Game

DeAngelo COLLINS
  Jilin
  (206-F-82)
  Avg: 15.4

1. Collins, Jilin	15.4
2. Mays, Beijing	13.2
3. Ramos, Zhejiang.	13.0
4. Swift, Shandong	12.4
5. Harvey, Jiangsu	12.4
6. Oyedeji, Liaoning	12.2
7. Williams, Fujian	11.8
8. Williams, Zhejiang C.	11.4
9. Gaines, Xinjiang	11.2
10. Crump, TianJin R.	11.1

Assists Per Game

Stephon MARBURY
  Shanxi Zh.
  (187-G-77)
  Avg: 10

1. Marbury, Shanxi Z.	10.0
2. Lu, Fujian	6.8
3. Parker, Guandong	5.5
4. Hu, Jiangsu	5.3
5. Allen, Xinjiang	4.8
6. Liu, Shanghai	4.7
7. Lucas, Shanghai	4.6
8. Zhang, Liaoning	4.3
9. Kelley, DongGuan	4.3
10. Pickett, Shaanxi	4.3

Steals Per Game

Chris WILLIAMS
  Qingdao DS
  (199-F/G-80)
  Avg: 4.3

1. Williams, Qingd.	4.3
2. Hu, Jiangsu	4.0
3. Marbury, Shanxi Z.	3.0
4. Parker, Guandong	2.9
5. Pickett, Shaanxi	2.5
6. Wang, Bayi	2.4
7. Emmett, Shandong	2.4
8. Zhong, Jilin	2.4
9. Allen, Xinjiang	2.3
10. Lu, Fujian	2.2

Blocks Per Game

Sean WILLIAMS
  Fujian
  (208-F-86)
  Avg: 4.7

1. Williams, Fujian	4.7
2. Lamizana, TianJ.	3.8
3. Swift, Shandong	3.0
4. Collins, Jilin	2.8
5. Xu, Bayi	2.3
6. Wang, Bayi	2.2
7. Steyn, Qingdao DS	2.2
8. McCoy, Fujian	1.8
9. Watkins, Jiangsu	1.8
10. Simmons, DongGuan	1.5

CBA Round: 29 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Jiangsu - Shanxi Zh. 128-115
Jiangsu outscored Shanxi Zhongyu 128:115 as Tang ZhengDong (213-C-84) top-scored with 31 points and 8 rebounds, while Donnell Harvey added 22 points and 15 rebounds and Jameel Watkins had 22 points. Marbury replied with 29 points and 11 assists.

Xinjiang - DongGuan 106-84
Xinjiang improved to 23-4 on the second place beating Dongguan 106:84. Gaines Charles (201-F-81, agency: Gross Zeev ISA, college: S.Mississippi) top-scored for the winners with 37 points and 10 rebounds. Song Kangming and Tre Kelley scored 17 each in defeat.

Fujian - Shanghai 98-103
Fujian lost to Shanghai 98:103 at the Regular Season Round 29. Lucas John

(180-G-82, college: Oklahoma St.) stepped up with 33 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists, while Liu Wei added 21 points. Porter Chris replied with 27 points in defeat and Gong SongLin scored 23.

Jilin - Qingdao DS 116-100
Jilin rolled over Qingdao 116:100 as Carr Tasheed (193-G-85, college: St.Joseph's) posted 36 points and Leon Rogers had 25 points. Chris Williams answered with 22 points, 15 rebounds and 6 assists for Qingdao.

Beijing - Zhejiang C. 101-108
Zhejiang edged Beijing 108:101 as Brown Andre

(205-F/C-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: De Paul) collected 29 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists. Ding Jinhui followed him with 27 points and 12 rebounds. Cedric Bozeman responded with 28 points and 8 rebounds for Beijing.

Liaoning - Shandong 111-99
Liaoning overcame Shandong 111:99 as Li Xiaoxu (207-C-90) delivered 32 points and 13 rebounds. Zhang QingPeng and Robinson Brandon followed him with 21 points each. Emmett Andre ended up with 37 points in the losing effort.

TianJin R. - Zhejiang G.L. 107-111
The Zhejiang Lions cruised past Tianjin 111:107 for 22-5 record. White Rodney (206-F-80, college: Charlotte) paced all the winners with 23 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists. Herve Lamizana had 37 points and 13 rebounds for Tianjin.

Shaanxi - Guandong 109-140
Guangdong nailed 140 points to allow Shaanxi to score 109 to reach a 26-1 record. Harrison David (213-C-82, college: Colorado) top-scored for the guests with 24 points, Zhu Fangyu scored 21 and Du Feng added 20. He Ben led Shaanxi with 31 points.

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CROATIA

Cibona blasts Khimky in Zagreb - by Eurobasket News
Top 16, Round 5: Cibona - Khimky 82-63

Cibona destroyed Khimky for the first victory in Top 16. If Caja Laboral wins against Olympiakos today, Cibona will not have a chance for the Quarterfinals. On the other side, if Olympiakos wins the Croatian squad will stay alive. Despite this huge loss, Khimky also has a chance to reach the next stage. Jamont Gordon

(193-G/F-87, college: Mississippi St.) once again was the leading player in Cibona collecting 23 points and 8 rebounds. Bojan Bogdanovic (202-G/F-89) followed with 22 pts and 9 boards, while Marko Tomas

(201-G-85) added 15 pts. Visitors got 16 pts from Keith Langford

CZECH REPUBLIC

Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game

Myles MCKAY
  USK Praha
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 23.9

1. McKay, USK P.	23.9
2. Smith, BC Kolin	16.9
3. Sarovic, Novy Jicin	16.5
4. Hatcher, BK Decin	16.5
5. Thomas, Podebrady	16.2
6. Stuchly, NH Ostrava	16.1
7. Meno, Basketbo.	15.6
8. Castleberry, Podeb.	14.9
9. Hampton, BK Pardu.	14.8
10. Stec, B&W Opava	14.6

Rebounds Per Game

Tremaine FORD
  USK Praha
  (207-F-86)
  Avg: 11.3

1. Ford, USK Praha	11.3
2. Meno, Basketbo.	9.2
3. Castleberry, Podeb.	9.2
4. Chan, BK Prostejov	7.6
5. Houska, BK Decin	7.0
6. Landry, BK Prost.	7.0
7. Payne, NH Ostrava	6.5
8. Arnold, BK Pardu.	6.3
9. Platt, BC Kolin	6.1
10. Machac, BC Kolin	6.1

Assists Per Game

Levell SANDERS
  Novy Jicin
  (189-G-75)
  Avg: 4.8

1. Sanders, Novy Jicin	4.8
2. Carnecky, B&W O.	4.7
3. Lawrence, BK Prost.	4.6
4. Mitchell, NH Os.	4.6
5. Jones, BC Kolin	4.5
6. Kotas, USK Praha	4.1
7. Hatcher, BK Decin	4.0
8. McKay, USK P.	3.8
9. Vrubl, Basketbo.	3.8
10. Wright, BK Pardu.	3.3

Steals Per Game

Eugene LAWRENCE
  BK Prostejov
  (184-G-86)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Lawrence, BK Prost.	2.4
2. Kotas, USK Praha	2.1
3. Mulligan, BK Decin	2.1
4. Wright, BK Pardu.	2.1
5. Mitchell, NH Os.	2.0
6. Muirhead, Novy Jicin	2.0
7. Sirina, B&W Opava	1.9
8. McKay, USK P.	1.9
9. Meno, Basketbo.	1.9
10. Lenzly, CEZ N.	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Ales CHAN
  BK Prostejov
  (214-C-80)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Chan, BK Prostejov	1.7
2. Walker, Novy Jicin	1.5
3. Ford, USK Praha	1.4
4. Meno, Basketbo.	1.4
5. Castleberry, Podeb.	1.2
6. Payne, NH Ostrava	1.2
7. Pelikan, Novy Jicin	1.1
8. Steffel, Novy Jicin	1.1
9. Benda, CEZ Nymburk	1.0
10. Houska, BK Decin	1.0

BK Nova Hut Ostrava sign Antoine Hood - by Eurobasket
BK Nova Hut Ostrava strengthened their roster with addition of 27-year old American guard Antoine Hood (195-G-83, college: Air Force). Hood played most recently at Colorado 14ers (D-League) in the U.S. which was his his first pro move after been waived from the Denver nuggets in October 2006. and he managed to be D-League Finalist -07
in his first game with BK Nova Hut Ostrava, hood played 36 minutes and scored 21 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists.
By Eurobasket Data Center

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DENMARK

Number One Defeats Number Two - by Evan Thompson
The Svendborg Rabbits won on Thursday night versus their rivals, and three-peat champions, the Bakken Bears. In a game that began evenly, the Rabbits went on an impressive second quarter run to ride a double-digit lead to victory.

At the end of the first quarter Bakken lead 24-19. The start of the game seemed to be an indication that this would be a back and forth affair that would go down to the final minutes of regulation. However, following a 26-6 quarter in which Svendborg completely dominated, Bakken was never able to recover.

Without star forward Torre Johnson (198-F-85, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee), who is recovering from a minor injury, Bakken looked helpless and overmatched. Once Svendborg gained a 15-point advantage at halftime, the Rabbits used a disciplined second half to maintain a comfortable lead. On a majority of their possessions, the Rabbits ran offensive sets down to single digits on the shot clock. This approach along with their consistent defensive pressure led to a great late-season win on the road against the number two team in the CDL.

Leading Performers:
Svendborg - Johnell Smith (186-G-80, college: New Orleans) (20pts, 4rebs), Niccolai Iversen (205-F-80, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: San Jose City JC) (16pts, 8rebs, 5asts)

Bakken - Darryl Proctor (193-F-86, college: UMBC) (19pts, 6rebs)

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D-LEAGUE

Standings

D-League Standings

Central Division
1. Iowa E.	30-9
2. Sioux Falls S.	23-14
3. Dakota W.	21-16
4. Erie Bay H.	13-24
5. Ft.Wayne MA	12-23
Southwest Division
1. Rio Grande	26-10
2. Austin T.	23-13
3. Maine R.Claws	23-14
4. Tulsa 66ers	20-16
5. Albuquerque	17-20
West Division
1. Utah F.	20-17
2. Idaho S.	17-18
3. Reno Bighorns	17-18
4. Los Angeles D.	10-22
5. Bakersfield J.	10-26
6. Springfield A.	6-29

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Malik HAIRSTON
  San Antonio S.
  (198-G-87)
  Avg: 29.1

1. Hairston, Austin T.	29.1
2. Almond, Springfi.	26.8
3. Williams, Sioux F.	26.4
4. Harris, Rio Grande	26.1
5. Gaines, Idaho S.	23.9
6. Farmer, Reno B.	23.9
7. Taylor, Idaho S.	22.5
8. Powell, Albuquerque	22.2
9. Gee, Austin T.	21.0
10. Howard, Ft.Wayne.	20.6

Rebounds Per Game

Dwayne JONES
  Austin T.
  (211-C-83)
  Avg: 15.6

1. Jones, Austin T.	15.6
2. Dorsey, Rio Grande	13.2
3. Tolliver, Idaho S.	11.4
4. Johnson, Sioux F.	11.2
5. Butch, Bakersfi.	10.8
6. Kurz, Ft.Wayne MA	10.2
7. Bryant, Erie Bay H.	9.9
8. Harris, Rio Grande	9.7
9. Reiner, Ft.Wayne.	9.7
10. Simpson, Los A.	9.5

Assists Per Game

Curtis STINSON
  Iowa E.
  (187-G-83)
  Avg: 10.6

1. Stinson, Iowa E.	10.6
2. Conroy, Rio Grande	10.1
3. Jackson, Erie B.	7.4
4. Blalock, Reno B.	7.2
5. Curry, Springfield A.	7.1
6. Gaines, Idaho S.	6.9
7. Shakur, Tulsa 66ers	6.9
8. Lafayette, Ft.Wayne.	6.5
9. Clinkscales, Erie B.	6.4
10. Bailey, Sioux F.	6.1

Steals Per Game

Orien GREENE
  Utah F.
  (193-G-82)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Greene, Utah F.	2.8
2. Trepagnier, Iowa E.	2.4
3. Gaines, Idaho S.	2.3
4. Shakur, Tulsa 66ers	2.1
5. Stinson, Iowa E.	2.1
6. Robinson, Los A.	2.0
7. Robinson, Reno B.	2.0
8. Jackson, Erie B.	2.0
9. Jeffers, Iowa E.	1.9
10. McLeod, Albuquer.	1.9

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Stiemsma, Sioux F.	3.7
2. Looby, Albuquerque	3.3
3. Ajinca, Maine RC	3.1
4. Simmons, Idaho S.	2.9
5. Jones, Austin T.	1.8
6. Benson, Reno B.	1.7
7. Trybanski, Reno B.	1.7
8. Daniels, Bakersfi.	1.6
9. McKenzie, Idaho S.	1.5
10. Dorsey, Rio Grande	1.5

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Santiago: Pueblo Nuevo Does It Again! - by Ozell Wells
Behind great play of import players Alejandro Flores (202-F-81, college: E.Oklahoma St. JC) and Edner Elisma (205-F/C-75, college: Georgia Tech), CPN Pueblo Nuevo came back from an 8 ponit deficit in the 4th quarter to defeat Plaza Valerio by a score of 85 - 83. CPN Pueblo Nuevo's best scorers were Alejandro Flores blue with 23 points and 13 rebounds with 4 dunks, Edner Elisma with 22 points and 16 rebounds, Victor Liz (205-C-78) with 15 points and 7 rebounds, Luis Martinez (198-F-84, college: William Pater.) with 18 points and 6 rebounds. Watching the bench of CPN Pueblo Nuevo however, they appeared very weak in this game
For the losing team, Dagoberto Pena (183-G-83) and Marcus Fleming (204-F-78, college: Alcorn St.) scored 20 points aided by Jamaal Thomas (202-F-80, college: Angelo St.) with 13 points and 3 rebounds.

On the second game of the day, Club Sameji celebrated its 38th anniversary by defeating CUPES 109 to 76, among its best players, Amaury Filion (206-C/F-81) had 22 points, Juan Coronado (196-G-84) 17 points, Marcos Villafana (193-F-76) 8 points, Marcel Giron (197-F-82) 16, Danny Tavarez 16 points, and 5 men in double figures.
For the losing team, Manuel Guzman had 12 points, Jose Brito 4 points, Leandro Bonilla (206-C/F-85) in his first game with CUPES, scored 10 points and 9 for Alberto Paniagua coming off the bench.

Upcoming Games: Friday 7:00 pm CDP vs CUPES and 9:00 pm SAMEJI vs GUG

Standings: CPN: 3-0
Plaza: 2-1
SAMEJI: 2-0
GUG: 0-2
CUPES: 0-2
CDP: 0-2

courtesy of ABASACA

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EGYPT

Superleague Standings

Superleague Standings

1-6 place
1. Sporting	0-0
2. Gezira	0-0
3. Geish Army	0-0
4. Somouha	0-0
5. Zamalek	0-0
6. Al Ittihad	0-0
7-12 place
1. Tanta	0-0
2. Ahly	0-0
3. Shorta-Police	0-0
4. Gasco	0-0
5. Masr Ins.	0-0
6. Al-Intaj	0-0

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EUROCUP

Jose Vicente Hernandez takes over Joventut - by Eurobasket News
Joventut quickly found the replacement for Alfonso Alonso . The Badalona outfit announced the signing of Jose Vicente Hernandez for the next two and a half seasons. The 51-year-old Spanish specialist worked with the Spanish National Team back in 2006 and 2007. He was at the helm of Spain at the World Championship in Japan and the EuroBasket in Spain. His latest stint with the club dates back to 2004/05 season when Pepu Hernandez was at helm of Estudiantes. With Estiduantes Hernandez has worked for eight straight seasons. He was named the ACB Coach of the Year in 2004.

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EUROLEAGUE

Standings

Euroleague Standings

Group E
1. Regal Barca		4-1
2. Partizan		3-2
3. Marousi BC		2-3
4. Panathinaikos		1-4
Group F
1. MMC Real M.		3-2
2. Maccabi T-A		3-2
3. Montepaschi		2-3
4. Efes Pilsen		2-3
Group G
1. CSKA		4-1
2. Assec.Prokom		3-2
3. Zalgiris		2-3
4. Unicaja		1-4
Group H
1. Olympiakos		5-0
2. Caja Laboral		2-3
3. Khimky		2-3
4. Cibona		1-4

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Matt WALSH
  Aris
  (197-F/G-82)
  Avg: 17.3

1. Walsh, U.Olimpija	17.3
2. Kleiza, Olympiakos	16.9
3. Woods, Assec.Pr.	16.7
4. Logan, Assec.Pr.	16.5
5. Tomas, Cibona	16.0
6. Batiste, Panathin.	15.8
7. Teletovic, Caja L.	15.5
8. Maric, Partizan	15.3
9. Childress, Olympiakos	15.1
10. Anderson, Maccabi .	15.1

Rebounds Per Game

Travis WATSON
  Zalgiris
  (203-F/C-81)
  Avg: 10

1. Watson, Zalgiris	10.0
2. Maric, Partizan	9.2
3. Roberts, Partizan	7.2
4. Kleiza, Olympiakos	6.9
5. Khryapa, CSKA	6.8
6. Javtokas, Khimky	6.3
7. Splitter, Caja L.	6.0
8. Woods, Assec.Pr.	5.7
9. Kasun, Efes Pilsen	5.5
10. Batiste, Panathin.	5.4

Assists Per Game

Thodoros PAPALOUKAS
  Olympiakos
  (200-G-77)
  Avg: 6.3

1. Papaloukas, Olymp.	6.3
2. Cook, Unicaja	5.8
3. Popovic, Lietuvos.	5.4
4. McIntyre, Montepas.	5.2
5. Rubio, Regal Barca	4.8
6. Khryapa, CSKA	4.8
7. Prigioni, MMC R.	4.5
8. Teodosic, Olympiakos	4.5
9. Sciarra, Orleans	4.2
10. Huertas, Caja L.	3.8

Steals Per Game

Bojan POPOVIC
  Efes Pilsen
  (191-G-83)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Popovic, Lietuvos.	2.4
2. Lukauskis, AS.	2.3
3. Jaaber, Lottomat.	2.2
4. Khryapa, CSKA	2.1
5. Gordon, Cibona	1.9
6. McIntyre, Montepas.	1.9
7. Smith, Efes Pilsen	1.9
8. Dobbins, Orleans	1.9
9. Perperoglou, Panath.	1.8
10. Minard, Lottomat.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Slavko VRANES
  Partizan
  (229-C-83)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Vranes, Partizan	1.7
2. Fischer, Maccabi .	1.6
3. Lasme, Maccabi T-A	1.5
4. Asik, Fener.Ulker	1.4
5. Sow, Assec.Prokom	1.4
6. Begic, Zalgiris	1.3
7. Vazquez, Regal B.	1.1
8. Lavrinovic, MMC R.	1.1
9. Javtokas, Khimky	1.1
10. Morris, Regal B.	1.1

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FINLAND

Standings - Korisliiga

Korisliiga Standings

1. Kouvot	30-7
2. Pyrinto	29-8
3. ToPo	25-12
4. KTP	21-15
5. Honka	20-17
6. LrNMKY	19-18
7. Korihait	17-20
8. Kataja	16-20
9. Namika Lahti	16-21
10. Karhu	12-25
11. Salon Vilpas	9-29
12. FoKoPo	8-29

Stats Leaders - Korisliiga

Points Per Game

Ricky HICKMAN
  Namika Lahti
  (190-G-85)
  Avg: 25.1

1. Hickman, Namika Lahti	25.1
2. Washington, KTP	22.0
3. Trotter, ToPo	21.1
4. Golson, Karhu	20.0
5. Turner, LrNM.	19.7
6. Rouse, Namika L.	19.1
7. Pearson, ToPo	19.1
8. Lowe, Pyrinto	18.9
9. Hester, Pyrinto	18.9
10. Belser, Honka	18.8

Rebounds Per Game

Jeremiah WOOD
  Karhu
  (200-F-85)
  Avg: 14.6

1. Wood, Karhu	14.6
2. Vinson, FoKoPo	12.1
3. McDade, KTP	11.9
4. Stamper, LrNM.	11.3
5. Williams, Pyrinto	10.6
6. Kaunisto, Kouvot	10.5
7. Kotti, Honka	10.2
8. Hamm, Salon Vilpas	10.0
9. Rouse, Namika L.	9.9
10. Smith, Karhu	9.4

Assists Per Game

Jeremiah WOOD
  Karhu
  (200-F-85)
  Avg: 4.5

1. Wood, Karhu	4.5
2. Hickman, Namika Lahti	3.8
3. Trotter, ToPo	3.8
4. Gibson, LrNM.	3.7
5. Williams, Pyrinto	3.5
6. Burgess, Salon Vilpas	3.4
7. Suonio, Namika Lahti	3.1
8. Elliott, Honka	3.1
9. Sarcevic, Korihait	3.0
10. Jarvinen, LrNM.	2.8

Steals Per Game

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

1. Gibson, LrNM.	3.2
2. Trotter, ToPo	3.1
3. Hickman, Namika Lahti	2.6
4. Golson, Karhu	2.2
5. Wood, Karhu	2.2
6. Turner, LrNM.	2.1
7. Stamper, LrNM.	2.1
8. Clarkson, Kataja	2.0
9. Shiloh, Kouvot	2.0
10. Bradford, Kataja	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Ricky HICKMAN
  Namika Lahti
  (190-G-85)
  Avg: 0.8

1. Hickman, Namika Lahti	0.8
2. Pearson, ToPo	0.8
3. Stamper, LrNM.	0.8
4. Hudson, Korihait	0.7
5. Clarkson, Kataja	0.7
6. Chones, Kataja	0.7
7. Shiloh, Kouvot	0.7
8. Washington, KTP	0.6
9. Stewart, FoKoPo	0.6
10. Champion, FoKoPo	0.6

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

FRANCE

French Cup Final 32: Challans overpasses Pau-Lacq-Orthez - by Chris Spiesser
The two last games of the french cup's final 32 took place this week and led to some thrilling surprises. Limoges, on a bad trend in ProB since a win over Pau, edged Vichy (80-76). Kevin Braswell prove that he could be a good help for the decisive spring games, the PG went for 20pts, 4rbs and 6ass. But the most impressive result came from Vendee where Challans downed Pau (97-95) which has almost two feet in ProA. The Boutry brothers, 41pts and 10rbs for them, led their squad and its impressive accuracy (58%) illustrated by Guillaume Merie's 5/5 at 3pts. Pau gave some minutes to all its 12 men but that can't be an explanation as all of those twelve fit in every Pro B roster, the greens never found a defensive answer in a burning 2000 men arena.

The final 16 round (played March 16th):
Limoges (Pro B) - Le Mans (Pro A)
Antibes (Pro B) - Aix-Maurienne (Pro B)
Orlans (Pro A) - Poitiers (Pro A)
Challans (N1) - Cognac (N1)
Lille (Pro B) - Rouen (Pro A)
Strasbourg (Pro A) - Nancy (Pro A)
ASVEL (Pro A) - Gravelines-Dk (Pro A)
Nanterre (Pro B) - Chalon (Pro A)

Let's stress out that one NM1 team will reach next round as Challans will meet their neighbours from Cognac, just like next Saturday in championnship. Limoges will once more heat Beaublanc with the reception of Le Mans for a 'classical' of french basket-ball and Christian Monschau will be welcomed in Villeurbanne after his last week's considerations about his opponent and the referees. Other potential surprises are possible in a competition that remains totally open.

Curtis Millage joins Hyeres-Toulon - by Eurobasket News
Curtis Millage (185-G-81, college: Arizona St.) moved to France. The 28-year-old guard has signed a deal with Hyeres-Toulon. Curtis Millage started the season in Union Olimpija. He averaged 2.5 points, 1.0 assist and 1.0 steal per game in Euroleague. In Adriatic League Millage tallied 1.0 point and 0.5 assists per appearance. Last season the guard spent in Russia. He notched 10.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 2.2 assists for Enisey.

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

GERMANY

The Paderborn Baskets Bring In Lashon Sheffield - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The Paderborn Baskets got active before the transfer deadline getting LaShon Sheffield (186-G-84, college: Tarleton St.). He is a 25 year old 186 cm combo guard from Memphis Tennessee. He has had experience playing in Germany the last two years and his strength is shooting and passing the ball. He is quick as lightening and has a quick first step and release when he shoots the ball. He has a vertical leap of 38 inches. he is strong form behind the arch and has great court vision to make his teammates better. He has one cleag goal with the Paderborn Baskets. 'I want to help the team stay in the league', stressed Lashon Sheffield, Paderborn coach Dirk Happe is confident that the American will help the team. 'He is fit and has left a good impression. We are happy that we could get an extra player', stated coach Dirk Happe.

Sheffield played at Tarleton State (NCAA 2) from 2004-2006. In his senior year, he played 34 games averaging14,6ppg, 2,4rpg, 4,3apg, 1,8spg, 43,2%FG, 41,3%3PT, 77,5%FT. In the 2006-2007 season, he came to Europe and played in Ireland for Mardyke UCC Demons Cork playing 9 games and averaging 25.4ppg, 4.2rpg, 4.1apg, 3.0spg, FGP: 50.5%, 3PT: 47.6%, FT: 77.1% In 2007-2008, he came to Europe and helped the Nordlingen Giants move up to the BEKO BBL as he played 30 games averaging 14.8ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.1apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 82.1%. Last season, he played in the PRO A for BBC Bayreuth playing 30 games averaging10.8ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 74.4%. He started the 2009-2010 basketball season in the ABA for the North Texas Fresh.
Source: www.paderborn-baskets.de

Gerald Robinson Has No happy Ending With USC Freiburg - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Gerald Robinson (204-F-84, college: Tennessee-Martin) is a 25 year old 204cm forward that was born in Amsterdam and grew up in Los Angeles. He is blessed with tremendous size and length. He demonstrates tremendous athletic ability and excellent leaping skills, which makes him a difficult match up for any team to guard. He is a true team leader and has a knack for hitting the big shot. He can take the defender off the dribble or use his incredible range and size to shoot over the defender. He played at Tennessee-Martin from 2004-2008 and in his senior year he played 28 games averaging 14.0ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.1spg, FGP: 40.7%, 3Pts: 30.3%, FT: 64.0%. Lasts eason, he split time between Spain and the UK with Alerta Cantabria Lobos (Spain-LEB Bronze, starting five): 9 games: 3.3ppg, 2.1rpg, in Dec.'08 moved to Oviedo Club Baloncesto (Spain-LEB Bronze), Spanish League: 3 games: 7.7ppg, 3.3rpg; left in Jan.'09, then moved to Airwaves Plymouth Raiders (United Kingdom-BBL): 18 games: 8.6ppg, 4.1rpg, 2FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 67.9%. This season, he played with USC Freiburg before being released. He spoke to German Hoops about why he got fired.

Gerald you are playing your first season in Germany in the PRO A with USC Freiburg. Why did you choose to come to play basketball in Germany?

I came to Germany because I heard a lot of good things about Germany and I thought it was a good situation for me.

USC Freiburg is currently in 12th place with a record of 8-14. why has the season not been as successful?

Well its hard to just throw a good team together in a short time. We have had some hurt players and lost some close games. But things will get better.

There have been rumours that the USC Freiburg got rid of you because you are always late? is that true?

We practice in 3 different gyms and I went to the wrong gym one time. I missed a few practices in the begining of the season due to a little injury to my foot. When we beat the Kirchheim Knights (20.02.2010) and Coach Zilch was happy, and told the team we had training on the following Monday evening at 9pm. My friend was here from the States to visit, and I had to drive them to the return flight to Frankfurt on Sunday. While in Frankfurt I received a call from USC manager. He called me at noon asking me where I was for the meeting, but he knew I wouldn't be available, because after to the game I told him I could meet with him around 3 because that's when I would be back in Freiburg. So because of this they tried to say I'm always late and they fired me without notice. I was however in my spare time. I played in each game, practice and haven't missed one all season. They wanted to get only another inside player (Kinsella). So they tried to trap me or find a reason to fire me! But things will get resolved.

There also seems to be other problems that you are suffering?

Since I arrived in Freiburg there has been money problems. Not only with me, but also with the other players. The remainder of December's salary we got real late. And I still haven't received the money for January AND February! Even though the management was late for months, I still played in each game and practice. In my contract it states that they pay me, and I play. I lived up to my side of the agreement, and they haven't. Also former players did not get their salaries punctually. But things will get resolved.

Not getting paid must really hurt your motivation?

It did hurt my motivation a little, but I still tried to play to my best of my abilities! I can only control my actions, and I have been a professional during this whole time. In order to quit without notice. Most people believe without money is no achievement, but I still tried to do my best given the current situation.

Have you ever suffered these type of problems with a professional team so early in your basketball career?

I am surprised at the USC Freiburg management. I regarded the club as honest people I thought I could trust the word and contract of the management. So far I have never had these types of problems. I know most German teams pay on time, but USC seems to be a special association. All past players have said this to me.

How disappointed are you about your current situation?

Without money one cannot live in Germany. I have been waiting now two months for my salary, I need money in the bank. With this reality it makes to tough to survive and play good basketball. If you do not know when you're going to get paid, how can you eat? pay things back home in America or pay your cell phone bill or whatever? You panic and you ask yourself, is the club broke or will it pay?

What are the major problems of the team at the moment? Why is the team only in 12th place?

It's hard work selecting a right team and coach each season. All of the pieces have to fit in the puzzle correctly to have a good season, and right now we are still trying to put them together. And we have been struggling on offense.

How is your relationship with coach Markus Zilch?

I think i have a pretty good relationship with Coach Zilch just like any other player and coach relationship. I respect everybody, especially coaches and management.

You are playing a solid season averaging 12,3ppg and 7,3rpg. How happy are you with your season so far?

Well it has been solid so far but I always think I should do better.

What will be your next move? Would you like to play in Germany again?

Not sure yet what my next move will be, I will have to see what happens. Yes I like Germany its and nice country and good basketball so we'll see what happens. Just looking to finish up the year somewhere.

What things do you still need to improve on with your game?

Well I'm never all the way happy so I like to improve on every part of my game!

Are you playing more the four position or the five position? You are more a four position player right?

Well actually I'm a three in college I started at the three and played some four, but I'm better at the three. This year I've been starting at the four and playing a little three.

To what NBA player would you compare your game to?

I wouldn't say compare but I tried to model my game after players that play inside and outside. Players like Antoine Walker, Carmelo Anthony and Paul Pierce.

Who were your NBA idols?

Well growing up in LA I was a Lakers fan so Nick Van Exel and Kobe Bryant were my favorite players.

Your from Los Angeles California, what was your childhood like?

Yes I was born in Amsterdam and raised in Los Angeles. Growing up in Los Angeles I had a nice childhood experience. Just like every other kid I played all sports basketball, football and baseball I just choose to stick with basketball. I love LA!

You must know many guys playing in Europe from Los Angeles?

Yes I know quit a few guys playing!

Where do you like to hang out most in Los Angeles?

Well I live in Florida now but when I'm back in Los Angeles I'm everywhere I have friends and family everywhere so I just visit with them and most importantly I work out.

What was your nicest memories of Tennesse Martin University?

My best memory was when my family came and seen me play on Senior night it was the first time they seen me play at home that was great and just being with the team.

What are your memories of Jared Newson?

Well Jared Newson left the year that I came so I didn't play with him but we would go at it in pick up games in the summer time at my school. He's a good player.

You had your first professional Basketball experience in Spain, but you didnt have an easy time there did you?

Well I was playing out of position there I was playing the 4 and 5. They got rid of the 5 man right before the season started. So it wasn't right for me.

You finished the season in the UK with Airwaves Plymouth Raiders (United Kingdom-BBL): 13 games: 8.6ppg, 4.1rpg, 2FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 67.9%. How was this basketball league?

Yes that was in 13 minutes of play. I liked the British basketball league I liked playing there Plymouth was great. I think that the league there is underrated, there is a lot of good players there.

What was your most crazy shot in a game or practice?

Well I don't have one crazy shot that I can remember but last year in England I was 4-4 in half court shots in the game which was kinda of crazy.

Who wins a one on one in practice, you or Lars Gruebler?

Lars is a good player but I think I will win that one

What would you like to do after your basketball career?

I want to open a clothing store and be a inspirational speaker to the youth about making right decisions.

What are your hobbies?

Besides basketball I like to lift weights, read and travel.

Whats was your best 2010 winter Olympic moment?

I don't have a best moment but I like watching Ice Hockey and watching Sidney Crosby play he's a great player.

What was the last DVD that you saw?

The last DVD I seen was Taken.

Thanks Gerald for telling your story!
Thanks Miles

Brandon Brooks (Eisbaeren Bremerhaven) Pregame Thoughts To Telekom Baskets Bonn Game March 5th - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Brandon Brooks

(188-G-87, college: Alabama St.) is a 22 year old 188cm guard from Montgomery, Alabama. He is a rookie and playing his first season in the BEKO BBL for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. He played at Alabama State, the last two years. In 2008-2009, he played 32 games: 13.7ppg, 4.2rpg, 6.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.2%, 3Pts: 36.9%, FT: 77.1%. He was the SWAC Regular Season Champion in 2008 and 2009. He took some time to talk to eurobasket before the game against The Telekom Baskets Bonn on June 5th.

How tough was losing 99-87 in Ulm. I guess coach Doug Spradley wasnt happy with the teams defense? What went wrong?

Those guys came out gunning and they deserve their props. It seemed like they hit every shot they took in the first half and our defense being horrible didnt help.

What is the team focusing on this week in practice?

Getting our chemistry down getting more fluid with our plays. Focusing on one on one defense.

How difficult is it in general to play a team that one beat recently in a big game to reach the Top 4 game?

It isnt because we know that we need to bring it every night in this league or it will get bad. Plus we still have to fight for the playoffs.

You have had their number this season winning both games against The Telekom Baskets Bonn. Why have Bremerhaven been so successful?

Seems like we just play good team basketball against them and click together.

Here is an interesting stat for you. Bonn has scored only 104 points in the last two games. Will that be an advantage for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven?

No advantage, that just means they will come out harder for game day and you dont necessarily need to score a lot of points to win games.

Both teams are very strong at each position, but I would give the edge to Bremerhaven at the point. is this where the game could be decided?

Thanks, but you never know it could be free throws, inside game, defense,3's its tough to call.

How excited are you about getting ready for Jared Jordan? How dificult is it to defend him?

Its cool I used to hear about him in college and now this will be the third time playing him. His very very smart he understands the game and gets his angles very good.

How has Norman Richardson been doing in practice? What is your impression of the ex NBA player?

He's pretty much got all of the plays down so far and he is getting his timing down. He is a good player who picks his spots he should help us out a lot.

Spring is around the corner. What activity would you like to explore outside in Bremerhaven once it gets nice and warm?

I am not sure yet my family is coming down in a couple weeks so we'll think of something.
Thanks Brandon for the chat.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners And Dragan Labovic Hope To Stifle The KKT (King Kong Tank) And Phoenix Hagen Sunday March 7th At 15:00 - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Phoenix Hagen (8 game losing streak) is so desperate for a win that they may do anything like dressing up as Paris Hilton and singing down main street in Hagen, dressing up as Popeye and eating nothing but spinach for a week and having to wash it down with maple syrup, or dyeing their hair green while adding a Mohawk and having the wide friendly grin of golf ace Tiger Woods plastered on each side of their head, but The Deutsche Bank Skyliners will have to be alert and bounce back after their bitter loss in Bamberg and not letting the phoenix bird to arise from its ashes as both clubs clash on Sunday March 7th at 15:00. Frankfurt is fighting to stay in the playoff places, but winning is a lot more urgent with Phoenix Hagen as they want to ascend from 18th place. 'I would do anything to win. I would even sing back up for Whitney Houston or wear a Lady Gaga costume. I would even go to a night club with Tiger Woods and be his wing man as long as we get a win. We are so desperate for a win that we feel like a pack of wolves', stressed Phoenix Hagen American Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Morehead St.). Some players like ex TV Langen Ruben Spoden (202-F-89) is always thinking first what one can do on the court, but sooner or later, he does show his comical side as well. 'I would do absolute everything for a win. If I was on a team that lost 8 games in a row, I would come back in the next game and run until my butt started burning and just fight fight fight until the end. I would even run around in a wig made out of pubic hair', joked Ruben Spoden (202-F-89).

Even though Phoenix Hagen is in 18th place, They have a very talented roster and are very strong under the hoops with Bernd Kruel (210-C/F-76) Jonathan Kale and John Turek

(205-F/C-83, college: Nebraska) who also can be referred to as the King Kong Tank. As a trio, they average 32,3ppg and 19,5rpg and are seen as a very dangerous trio inside, but can also step outside and hurt teams with their shooting. Their unique name is described best by their teammate Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Morehead St.). 'The KKT (King Kong Tank) are very strong and are one of the best front lines in the BEKO BBL. I would say that Kruel is the king, because of his experience and knowledge. Kale is kong, because he is pretty strong under the boards. When he is on, he is a beast (Kong). Turek is definitely a tank. He is very physical and I dont know many guys that will out work him on a nightly basis. They all bring something different to the table, but when put together, it is potent. The trio have to do what they do best and keep the front line of Frankfurt on their heels', warned Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Morehead St.). The Deutsche Bank Skyliners will have to find a way to stop this big and forceful tank. 'Kale is strong to the right, Kruel can shoot it and Turek is a load down low, so Frankfurt has to play good post defense and help from the weak side. I think that Frankfurt will be able to contain Kruel, but they cant allow Kale and Turek to get into the game. The Frankfurt big men have to deny their passes inside, work hard on the boards and then they should be ok', added Bryce Taylor

(196-G-86, agency: Priority Sports).

The Deutsche Bank Skyliner coach Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ) has been stressing all season long that to be successful in Europe, one has to be athletic and not necessarily big. However not having that big presence inside has back fired enough this season as Frankfurt witnessed first hand in the losses in Bonn and Bamberg the last weeks. Money seemed to be an issue with not being able to acquire a noteworthy big man. After not getting aid from magician David Blaine in Bamberg by bringing in Lorenzo Gordon

(201-F-83, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Oklahoma City), the team somehow created some much needed magic by getting 22 year old 207cm power forward Dragan Labovic

(207-C/F-87) from Serbia. He may only be 22 years old, but has a name in Europe. He played the last three seasons for FMP Zeleznik Beograd including the start of the 2009-2010 season and played 96 games in the Adriatic league and played 26 ULEB Cup games in this time. In 2008-2009, he led the Adriatic League in scoring in 26 games averaging 18.0ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 37.8%, FT: 79.9%. MBC Serbian guard Radenko Pilcevic

(188-G-86) is only one year older than Labovic and never played with him, but often against him and has a positive outlook about his capabilities. 'I think that Labovic will be able to help Frankfurt. He is young and smart, but has experience. He can shoot and play in the low post', stated Pilcevic. Labovic won the U-20 European Championships in 2006 and 2007, but there has been critic that many of the players in his age have developed quicker and that he may be too slow for the BEKO BBL. 'Labovic is too slow for his position, but he is still a very good player. I believe that he will be able to play well in this league, but it may take some time first', stated Radenko Pilcevic

(188-G-86). Labovic comes form the old Serbian school of power forwards and might not fly to the hoop like Super Tez Robertson, but will show his basketball strength in other ways. 'Labovic cant really jump much or dunk hard, but he can play one on one in the paint with anyone. He will make Frankfurt better on the pick and role with Pascal Roller', stressed MBC guard Radenko Pilcevic

(188-G-86).Coach Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ) is confident that the big Serb will help the team. 'We could of gotten a player that was playing in Korea or China, but we didnt want to gamble. Labo had some big time legends in front of him at Aris, so Frankfurt was a good alternative. He injured his hand and gained 15 kilos, but now has lost most of it. He has good fundamentals and I know that he will help us. He can play together with Derrick, Seth, Greg and Marius. He knows basketball. Inside play is contact. Our big men are progressing at learning this, while Labo is born with it. I hope that he can play 10 plus minutes', warned Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ).

With only a few months left in the regular season, it could be normal to see a new player not being as motivated, but with The Deutsche Bank Skyliners only two wins away from winning the Top 4, it obvious that a title is not far away and the mood of Dragan Labovic

(207-C/F-87) in the weight room at BCM was upbeat and kittenish. 'I have lost weight and now I am ready to go. I goal is to play good basketball and win. I like pressure and will show my aggressiveness. I am healthy and want to play as long as I can. I never had any knee injury', stressed Dragan Labovic

(207-C/F-87). Only 24 hours after arriving in Germany, Labovic had his first introduction to the BEKO BBL in a test game in Tuebingen and played face to face against Serb legend Aleksandar Nadjfeji

(203-F-76) 'I like the aggressive and fast pace of the German league. I remember playing against Nadjfeji some years ago with FMP when he was with Cologne. Nadjfeji is a good player with a lot of experience. I played well against him scoring 11 points in 20 minutes. He told me that the German league is a good on,' stressed Dragan Labovic

(207-C/F-87).

Phoenix Hagen was founded in May 2004 after old club Brandt Hagen had filed for bankruptcy. Brandt Hagen had to stop operations in December 2003 and Phoenix Hagen is not the legal successor of Brandt Hagen, but a totally new independent new organization made to continue the rich basketball tradition in Hagen. The team placed second in the 2008-2009 PRO A season behind MBC and were able to move up to the BEKO BBL. They were so good last season, because they were really aggressive on offense and had guys that could score. They also played pretty good defense as well. We were able to beat them three times. We mainly defended better than they did, which helped us get the wins', stressed Nurnberg baskets (PRO B) guard Will Chavis (181-G-81, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Texas Tech).

Despite the strong PRO A season last season by Phoenix Hagen, no one had to be a basketball expert to know that their first season back in the BEKO BBL since 2004 would be no cake walk and not as easy looking basketball wise as was Michael Jacksons exciting moonwalk in 1983. It is never easy for a new club coming into the BEKO BBL, but Phoenix Hagen started out pretty well despite losing three players with Bambale Osby who fled so quickly to Israel that the Phoenix bird never even noticed, American Marcel Jones had to go and the Sean Finn

(212-C-82, college: Dayton) affair remains a mystery exactly what happened, but he is now doing damage in the Ukraine for Politekhnika Halychyna Lviv. Phoenix Hagen won two of the first four games including against Giessen on the road and at home against Ratiopharm Ulm. However the team then suffered an extreme dry spell losing eight of nine games. Despite the solid roster, Phoenix Hagen has visible problems. 'Hagen struggles to win on the road and tend to give up a lot of points on defense. It will always be tough to win on nights when they arent scoring. In the German league you have to get stops and grind games out', stressed Telekom Baskets Bonn American Bryce Taylor

(196-G-86, agency: Priority Sports). Phoenix Hagen has veterans with Germans Bernd Kruel and Matthias Grothe (200-F-78) but other than that are filled with young guns. 'I think one of the reasons for our current standings place is due to our inexperience. We are one of the younger teams in the league which leads to a lot of up and down play', added Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Morehead St.). However in the BEKO BBL, the common saying is anyone can beat anyone is still held in high regard. 'Phoenix Hagen is a decent team and has good individual players and no team can take them too lightly. They are strong on transition', stated Walter Tigers Tuebingen guard Steven Wright

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

With the losing of Phoenix Hagen becoming a normal habit like it is for Whitney Houston to flub her songs in concert recently, the club had to react by waiving 22 year old 178 cm guard Andre Mcghee who was a BEKO BBL rookie out of Lousiville who was averaging 8,5ppg, 1,8rpg and 2,1apg, but wasnt the floor leader that the club was looking for and didnt have the experience. The club were lucky and found a free Michael Jordan

(183-G-77, college: Pennsylvania) who was still looking for a club. The 32 year old 183cm guard who knows the German BEKO BBL about as good as Dirk Nowitzki knows the NBA. Jordan played for The Artland Dragons, Brose Baskets Bamberg and twice for Cologne winning the BEKO BBL title in 2006. As Jordan came, came the wins including a dramatic 68-65 win against The Giessen 46ers which Jordan won with a three point bomb with three seconds to play. This was the third win in a row for the club and slowly the belief was there that the club had made a turn around, but instead the team went on a 8 game losing streak and recently lost Michael Jordan

(183-G-77, college: Pennsylvania) due to a hamstring injury. Jordan should be back in a few weeks. 'Losing Jordan has really effected our team. He has a lot of experience and is our leader that guides our ship. We hope that he can come back soon', stressed Phoenix Hagen center John Turek

(205-F/C-83, college: Nebraska). Even though Jordan has been a big help, the team started losing again with Jordan and it is evident that the club has more deficiencies then they would like. 'A big problem is that we have great runs and then very bad runs. Beisdes being inexperienced, we are inconsistent, make too many turnovers and have problems on defense', warned ex Nebraska Cornhusker John Turek

(205-F/C-83, college: Nebraska). In order to compensate the loss to Jordan, the club picked up 25 year old 192cm guard Rolandas Alijevas who has the Swiss-Lithuvanian citizenship. He is a great offensive player, with a variety of offensive moves, fakes, and a great ball handling; can penetrate inside when he wants, uses well both his hands, and the passes the ball well. Despite his 25 years of age, he has a lot of European experience having played in Switzerland, Poland, Lituvania, Slovenia, Russia and Greece. He already showed as a 22 year his all around play as he played for Polonia Warszawa playing 30 games averaging 11.8ppg, 4.5rpg, 4.2apg, 2FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 31%, FT: 71.2%. 'Alijevas is solid. I think that he will help us and take some pressure off Jordan when he comes back', said Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Morehead St.). Jordan is averaging 8,1ppg, 1,6rpg and 5,4apg.

Despite the eight game losing streak of Phoenix Hagen, the team seems to have a steady head and arent losing focus on the season. 'We are doing fine. The main thing is that we are staying positive. No one is pointing fingers or blaming anyone. We are all together', stressed Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Morehead St.). German coach Ingo Freyer doesnt have an easy job getting his team out of the BEKO BBL cellar. 'Coach Fryer is doing a good job. He is not putting added pressure on us. He is doing things to keep us loose and focused', added Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Morehead St.). The team has been having to pay the price this week in practice with extra conditioning. This is something that BG Goettingen might be able to do in their sleep, but Phoenix Hagen are serious and will do anything to get back into the winners circle. 'I was always told that if you can do stuff 100% when you are tired then it will be easier when you are fresh. I think it is more to help us and keep us focused on doing the little things we tend to forget. The worst drill is the 17 line drill. We have to run from sideline to sideline 17 times in one minute. You have to run very hard and get out early. I would rather be sitting at caf Bar Celona in Hagen eating an ice cream cone', joked Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Morehead St.).

Phoenix Hagen is led by 26 year old 188 cm guard Chase Griffin (188-G-83, college: Pepperdine) who is averaging 13,8ppg, 3,3rpg and 2,5apg, while shooting 38% from the field, but still looking for his range from three point land with 30%. This season, he has scored in double figurers 16 times and his best scoring game was 27 points against The Giessen 46ers. This is only his third professional season and first in the BEKO BBL, but he shown early on that he could grow into the top class of point guards in the BEKO BBL. He is known as a playmaker, but has kept his reputation of being a scorer too. 'Griffin is a very dominant and strong point guard in the open court with strong ball handling, a quick eye for his teammates and also has a very quick shot. He reminds me a bit of Jason Williams with the way he presents himself on the court', commented Ruben Spoden (202-F-89) of Ehingen (PRO B). Without giving any disrespect to Phoenix Hagen, but where would the team rebounding average of 34 be without Jonathan Kale? It would be at 29 and the team might be even lower in the standings. Kale might be one of the strongest try out players that has come into the BEKO BBL in the last years. He has developed into a real workhorse averaging 15,3ppg and 9,6rpg. He is an Ivorian-American who is a BEKO BBL rookie that played at Providence last season playing 33 games and averaging 10.1ppg, 6.0rpg, FGP: 57.4%, FT: 56.6%. He grew up in Mattapan, a city suburb of Boston and played in the African Championships this past summer in Libya winning the silver playing 9 games and averaging 5.6ppg, 3.6rpg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 56.3%. This season he is averaging 12,2ppg, and 7,3rpg. He has scored in double figures 16 times including six double doubles. His best game was 26 points and 15 rebounds against Ratiopharm Ulm.

26 year old 205 cm power forward/center John Turek

(205-F/C-83, college: Nebraska) from Council Bluffs, Iowa who played at Nebraska, two seasons in Holland, and one in Belgium and Poland came early in the season but has quickly adjusted to the new league. He is a very effective front court player, who improved his performing year after year and seems now ready for the higher level. He bangs well inside, can score from outside and defends hard. He isn' t so athletic, but knows how to do and where to stay in almost any moment of the game. He has a great attitude and team mentality. 'John Turek

(205-F/C-83, college: Nebraska) is real good. I played against him in Holland', stressed ex MBC guard Will Chavis (181-G-81, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Texas Tech). This season Turek is averaging 12,0ppg and 6,5rpg. He has scored in double figures 14 times including two double doubles. He scored 19 points against Duesseldorf and Braunschweig. 25 year old 206cm forward Aaron Fleetwood is playing his second season in Hagen after averaging 8.9ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 60.7%, 3PT: 23.1%, FT: 75.0% in 30 games last season. This season, he is averaging 5,9ppg and 3,8rpg. He played at Delaware and then came to Germany in 2007-2008 getting his start with Osnabrueck in the German Regionaliga. 'Fleetwood is long and athletic and is mostly a garbage man. He runs the floor well can get offensive rebounds and is able to alter shots', said Will Chavis (181-G-81, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Texas Tech). He has been hit with the injury bug recently.

Phoenix Hagen recently were improved with sharp shooter Zygimantas Jonusas

(200-F-82) who is a 28 year old 200cm forward from Lituvania. This is his fourth season playing in the BEKO BBL. He played three seasons with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. Unfortunately his production fell each season. His best season was 2006-2007 as he averaged 11.7ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 52.7%, 3FGP: 40.1%, FT: 79.8% in 38 games. Last season, he played only 14 games averaging 4,9ppg, 1,9rpg and 1,1apg. He is a very dangerous three point shooter, but can also beat his man off the dribble and get to the rim and draw fouls. He can rebound and also has passing skills. Since his short stay in Hagen, he has scored in double figures two times. His best scoring game in the BEKO BBL was 25 points against Leverkusen. 33 year old 210 cm center Bernd Kruel has played most of his career in Hagen starting with Brandt in 1993, but leaving in January 2004 as the team folded. He got rewarded by winning a BBL title with the Opel Skyliners. After playing some years in Frankfurt and Bonn, he came back to Hagen in 2008-2009 helping the team get back into the BEKO BBL. He may not be the youngest anymore, but he will bang with anyone as he is averaging 8,1ppg, 5,7rpg and 1,9apg. His quickness, leaping ability, shot selection and rebounding are his main strength. He is a good athlete, can shoot, can dribble and plays inside and outside. Kruel has scored in double figures eight times including three double doubles. His best s oring game was 25 points against Lich in 1999 and 20 rebounds against Leverkusen.

Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Morehead St.) is a 26 year old 193 cm shooting guard/small forward that is playing his third year in Germany and his second with Phoenix Hagen. He is averaging 8,8ppg, 2,9rpg, and 1,5apg. He has scored in double figurers 10 times and had his best scoring game in the BEKO BBL last weekend against The Artland Dragons with 20 points. Last season, he was a big force in helping the team reach the highest German class playing 30 games and averaging 14.7ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.0apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 60.5%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 75.2%. 'He is a good defender and very athletic on the wing', added Will Chavis (181-G-81, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Texas Tech). 31 year old 200 cm 110 kilo power forward Matthias Grothe is the heart and soul of the team playing his 11th season in Hagen after having a short stay with TUS Iserlohn. This season, he is averaging 1,9ppg.. He can be intimidating in the zone with his big body that could plow over most BBL bodies and has gotten some added fame having a minor ole in the new German movie Hangtime. 'He can shoot the three, Pick and pop and looks overweight but he can play. He also puts the ball on the floor well as is a bit undersized, but uses his body well', stressed Will Chavis (181-G-81, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Texas Tech). The team also has the talented German boys Kristof Schwarz (186-G-87) and Malte Schwarz (188-G-89) (2,7ppg), who have developed nicely in the last years. 'I think it is great that the club is giving young players a chance. The Schwarz brothers have gotten playing time even though they are not as known as Robin Benzing at the moment', said Ruben Spoden (202-F-89).

Both The Deutsche Bank Skyliners and Phoenix Hagen have must win situations this Sunday, but for Phoenix Hagen risking any more loses could further jepordize them from getting out of the BEKO BBL basement. 'Phoenix Hagen has set the tone of the game from the start. They have to show Frankfurt that they are going to fight and scrap and do whatever it takes to win. Hagen has to make them work to score, be confident, be aggressive on offense and win the 50/50 loose ball battles. Hagen will have to speed it up and get production from Kale, Kruel, Griffin and Jonusas. Griffin has to step up and carry the team. He is a very aggressive guard who mixes in drives and outside shooting They also have to get enough stops to have a chance', warned Bryce Taylor

(196-G-86, agency: Priority Sports). Frankfurt continues to be without point guard Aubrey Reese and Hagen will be without point guard Michael Jordan

(183-G-77, college: Pennsylvania). 'This will be a different game without Aubrey Reese. Reese is a game changer. He always led Frankfurt to wins. Frankfurt will have to control their guards and Phoenix Hagen has to stop Derrick Allen since he will be key without Reese', stated ex Paderborn Baskets guard Steven Wright.

Frankfurt is the favourite and cant underestimate Phoenix Hagen. 'If Frankfurt plays their game, then they will be fine. Their methodical and disciplined style and solid defense has been the key to their success this season', expressed Bryce Taylor

(196-G-86, agency: Priority Sports). Rebounding and transition will be key for Frankfurt to stop. 'Phoenix Hagen has to run, run and run and run Frankfurt into the ground, if they want to win', warned ex TV Langen center Ruben Spoden (202-F-89). Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Morehead St.) knows that being abrasive and believing in the bird will be key in leaving the Ballsporthalle with a win. 'We have to be aggressive in everything. We have to let Frankfurt know that we are there to win and compete. Whoever has the bigger heart and executes for the full 40 minutes will win. We can look to the phoenix bird and rise out of the ashes (losing streak) like it did', warned Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Morehead St.). 'Every game is a final game. Hagen likes to play quick. They got a few more shooters and have good inside/out play from Kale, Kruela nd Turek. We have to give a big hustle intensity to win', warned Skyliner coach Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ). When a team has a potent offense like Frankfurt, then sometimes all that matters is defense. 'Frankfurt only has to focus on defense. When you play against Phoenix Hagen, you only need to play defense', stressed MBC point guard Radenko Pilcevic

(188-G-86). The Deutsche Bank Skyliners host Phoenix Hagen on Sunday March 7th at 15:00.

Ade Dagunduro (MBC) Pregame Thoughts To Duesseldorf Giants Game March 5th - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Adeola Dagunduro (196-G-86, college: Nebraska) is a 23 year old 196cm guard from Inglewood, California that is playing his first season in the BEKO BBL for the MBC Wolves. He grew up a few steps from the legendary Forum which was home to NBA legends like Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul Jaabar and James Worthy. He started his career at Antelope Valley junior college before transfering to Nebraska. In the 2007-2008 season, he played 33 games averaging 8.9ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 49.1%, 3Pts: 36.4%, FT: 60.6%. In his senior year, he played 31 games averaging 12.8ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 52.0%, 3Pts: 34.4%, FT: 69.7%. He took some time to talk to eurobasket before the game against The Duesseldorf Giants on March 5th.

After the big win against Alba Berlin, how difficult is it getting back to business and preparing fort he next game against The Duesseldorf Giants?

After the big win against Alba we celebrated that and then put it behind us. The whole team is focused on certain goals and we take Dusseldorf very seriously so there is no time to not focus on them.

What was your nicest memory from the 71-69 win against 8 time BEKO BBL team Alba Berlin?

The best memory of the Alba win had to be celebrating with the team right after Wright missed the game winning shot! Not a lot of people believed in us!

What is your early impression of Velimir Radinovic and Oskar Fassler?

Velimir is a big beast almost typical of your average Serbian he is a great addition to the team and will help us with more size down low. Oskar will also help us he is young but very mature and tough.

What is your memory of the MBC 101-96 win against Duesseldorf?

The Dusseldorf game was tough we had a lead of 23 going in to the fourth quarter and the game ended up going into overtime.

How dangerous will this game be? Duesseldorf is near the end of the standings and is desperate to win. What does MBC have to keep in mind the most playing in Duesseldorf?

Yeah this game is very dangerous as Duesseldorf wants to stay in the league so they will fight for there lives, but we also have goals that we want to accomplish so we will have to match and past there intensity.

What will be key to winning this game?

The key of winning this game is to play harder than the do from start to finish to let them know early that we are here to play!

Now that it is getting warmer is there anything that you are looking forward to doing outside in Weissenfels?

It definitely is getting warmer I am looking for the day where I can wear some shorts out in Weissenfels not quite that warm yet but hopefully it will be soon!
Thanks Ade for the chat.

Ivan Buntic Joins The Saar-Pfalz Braves - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The Saar Pfalz Barves have added Ivan Buntic (188-F-87) to the roster who is regarded as one of the biggest basketball talents in the Saarland area. He is a 207cm 18 year old from Croatia. He has been playing for The Baskets 98 Voelkingen in the second German Regionaliga and got a double license to play for the PRO A team Braves. He had been practicing with the Saar-Pfalz Braves the last months, was playing for the U-19 JBBL team of TBB Trier and is a member of the Croatian U-18 National team.

Buntic comes from a basketball family as both parents played professionally in Croatia. As Ivan was three years old, the family went to live in Speyer as dad Robert played for Speyer in the second German Bundesliga. The family then went to live in Voelkingen as Robert Buntic went to coach the first Voelkingen team. Ivan Buntic is very happy to be able to play for the Saar-Pfalz Braves. 'I have so much fun playing basketball. It has become more than a hobby. Every day I am in the gym between two and four hours. I am very honored by having this double license and it motivates me much. I will give my best', answered Ivan Buntic.
Source: www.k-city-ballers.de

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GREECE

Regal Barca too much for Marousi in Athens - by Eurobasket News
Top 16, Round 5: Marousi BC - Regal Barca 58-85

Regal Barca blasted Marousi in Athens for 4-1 score in Group E. With this victory, the Spanish champion officially booked a spot for the Euroleague Quarterfinals. Erazem Lorbek (210-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) led the scorers in Barca with 14 points, Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) had 13 and Terence Morris (207-F-79, college: Maryland) added 12 points, plus 8 boards. In Marousi (2-3), William Keys (188-G-77, college: N.Mexico St.) delivered 12 pts and was the only one with double-digits. The Greek squad is in tough situation after this loss. If Partizan beats PAO tonight, Marousi will not have a chance to advance. Their only hope is that Partizan register two defeats until the end, but still Marousi will have to beat PAO in the last round.
First quarter was pretty leveled and teams exchanged in lead few times. Barca had 13-14 and later Marousi tied the score to 18-18. Thanks to jumper by Jared Homan, the Greek squad grabbed 20-18 lead after 10 minutes of play. They touched 24-18 soon after that, but Barca had an answer. Juan Carlos Navarro and his teammates created 4-11 run for 28-29 turn. They continued in the same rhythm for rest of the first half taking nice 35-42 lead after it. Barca totally took control on Marousi in third quarter. Visitors intensified defense and the hosts faced with big troubles. They just couldnt make it and everything resulted with only 3 points for 10 minutes. Barca drained 17 on the other side for huge 38-59 with one quarter to go. All after that was just the formality and Barca registered comfortable victory. In the last round Barca will meet Partizan and will have to beat them in order to end this stage as No.1 of Group E.

Marousi: William Keys 12, Konstantinos Kaimakoglou 9
Regal Barca: Erazem Lorbek 14, Juan Carlos Navarro 13, Terence Morris 12+8 boards

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GUATEMALA

Standings

LPB Standings

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

First win for Comupsys - by Gianni Pascucci
Compusys took its first win in 2010 last night, by defeating 127-118 Australian Milk in Universidad Popular Gymnasium. The game top performer was Marcos Zetina (180-G-86), who scored 42 points at the wining side. Alejandro Carrillo (192-F-88) was inpressive he too, with 37 points at the Australian Milk side. The league goes on tonight, with the game between Le Mans and USAC.

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HUNGARY

Kormend won in Kaposvar - by Tamas Deri
Last night the team of MJUS-Fortress Kormend could win also in Kaposvar and keep the third place. Player of the game was american forward Mike Scott with 25 points and 9 rebounds. Jermaine Thomas helped his team with 15 points and 8 fouls against, Mikalai Aliakseyeu had a great double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Matija Ceskovic added 32 points in defeat.

Kaposvari KK - MJUS-Fortress Kormend 77-84
(20-22, 18-23, 14-15, 25-24)
Kaposvar, Att.: 700, Referees: Kiss L., Kiraly L., Szabo G. (Bacsfay)
Kaposvar: Matija Ceskovic (192-G-81, agency: Court Side) 32/15, Vojvoda 15/6, Welton 10, Kovats 6, David 7, Orosz 5/3, Kiss K. 2, Coach: Fekete Adam
Kormend: Jermaine Thomas (186-G-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: La Salle) 15, Fodor G. 4, Ferencz 10/6, Mike Scott (203-F-86, college: Kent St.) 25/6, Mikalai Aliakseyeu (212-C-78, agency: High Post Agency, college: Buffalo) 12, BoldizsAr 8, Trummer 1, Booker 9/3, TOth G. -, Kutasi -, Coach: Sabali Balazs

A Division Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Jonathan JONES
  Dongbu Promy
  (211-C-79)
  Avg: 24.6

1. Jones, Dombovar	24.6
2. Frazier, Falco	22.1
3. Horvath, Falco	21.3
4. Huckaby, Salgotar.	21.3
5. Doyne, Marso-Vagep	21.2
6. Farmer, Debreceni	21.0
7. Rice, Szolnok	20.6
8. Watson, ZTE K.	20.3
9. Brooks, Soproni	19.6
10. Walker, Dombovar	18.4

Rebounds Per Game

Ousmanne BARRO
  Szolnok
  (208-F-84)
  Avg: 11.3

1. Barro, Szolnok	11.3
2. Jones, Dombovar	11.1
3. Horvath, Falco	10.4
4. Davis, Salgotarjani	9.5
5. Scott, Kormend	8.3
6. Wilson, ZTE K.	7.6
7. Knight, Soproni	7.6
8. David Vay, PVSK P.	7.3
9. Frazier, Falco	7.1
10. Dies, Falco	6.9

Assists Per Game

Laszlo KALMAN
  Falco
  (186-G-72)
  Avg: 7.9

1. Kalman, Falco	7.9
2. Simon, Albacomp	6.8
3. Kelley, Szolnok	6.3
4. Hinnant, ZTE K.	6.0
5. Savic, Debreceni	5.9
6. English, Atomeromu	4.9
7. Thomas, Kormend	4.9
8. Dejon, Kaposvari	4.7
9. LaGrange, Dombovar	4.7
10. Fodor, Szolnok	4.6

Steals Per Game

Winsome FRAZIER
  Falco
  (193-G/F-82)
  Avg: 3.9

1. Frazier, Falco	3.9
2. Sirutaviaciu., Salgot.	3.3
3. Dejon, Kaposvari	2.9
4. Toya, Albacomp	2.7
5. Lee, Albacomp	2.7
6. Ames, PVSK P.	2.6
7. English, Atomeromu	2.6
8. Wittmann, Kecsk.	2.5
9. Watson, ZTE K.	2.5
10. Savic, Debreceni	2.4

Blocks Per Game

DuJuan WILEY
  Marso-Vagep
  (206-C-75)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Wiley, Marso-Vagep	1.7
2. Hendlein, Kaposvari	1.6
3. Clark, Atomeromu	1.4
4. Barro, Szolnok	1.4
5. David Vay, PVSK P.	1.1
6. Nuhanovic, Debre.	1.1
7. Walker, Dombovar	1.1
8. Scott, Kormend	1.0
9. Sitku, Marso-Vagep	1.0
10. Horvath, Falco	1.0

Standings - A Division

A Division Standings

1. ZTE KK	19-0
2. Szolnok	16-4
3. Kormend	14-6
4. Atomeromu	13-7
5. Albacomp	12-7
6. Soproni	10-10
7. Falco	10-10
8. Kecskemeti	10-10
9. Kaposvari	9-11
10. Dombovar	8-11
11. Marso-Vagep	8-12
12. PVSK Pannon	7-13
13. Debreceni	1-18
14. Salgotarjani	1-19

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IRAN

ISRAEL

Anthony Tucker returns to Israel - by Eurobasket News
Anthony Tucker

(198-F-85, agency: Buck Andre, college: Texas) has landed in Israel. The 24-year-old forward signed a deal with Bnei Hasharon. Tucker played for Hapoel Holon back in 2007/08 season. He averaged 14.6 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game in the Premier League. Later Tucker moved to Ukraine to play for BC Donetsk. He averaged 19.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.0 assists per appearance in the Ukrainian Superleague previous season. This year Anthony Tucker tallied 11.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists for BC Donetsk before the team went bankrupt.

Stats Leaders - National League

Points Per Game

Robert BROWN
  Hap.Haifa
  (195-F-80)
  Avg: 30.2

1. Brown, Hap.Haifa	30.2
2. Asbury, Hap.Tivon	27.4
3. Markson, Elitzur .	22.5
4. Byerson, Natzrath.	21.7
5. Paris, Hapoel Beeri	20.9
6. Clemente, Macc.Ash.	20.7
7. Drayton, Beer Y.	20.2
8. Hicks, Kohav Yair	20.0
9. Simhon, Hod H.	19.8
10. Brandy, Hod H.	19.4

Rebounds Per Game

Stanley BRANDY
  Hod Hasharon
  (200-F-67)
  Avg: 12.4

1. Brandy, Hod H.	12.4
2. Byerson, Natzrath.	12.1
3. Paris, Hapoel Beeri	11.7
4. Clemente, Macc.Ash.	11.6
5. Peterson, Elitzur .	11.0
6. Tzubrevitch, Elitzu.	9.8
7. Drayton, Beer Y.	9.5
8. Auter, Macc.Hab.	9.5
9. Lee, Kiryat Ata	9.2
10. Hicks, Kohav Yair	8.7

Assists Per Game

Ilan BERKOVICH
  Hap.Haifa
  (187-G-75)
  Avg: 7

1. Berkovich, Hap.H.	7.0
2. Nenikashvili, Megido.	6.4
3. Arieli, Hap.Tivon	5.6
4. OFIR FARHI Macc..	5.6
5. Huli, Lev Hasharon	5.6
6. Shifman, Hapoel Beeri	5.2
7. Rubinstein, Hapoel B.	5.1
8. Brandwein, Elitzu.	5.1
9. Golan, Lev Hasharon	5.1
10. Hirsh, Beer Yaakov	4.6

Steals Per Game

Ofir FARHI
  Macc.Ashdod
  (187-G-86)
  Avg: 2.8

1. OFIR FARHI Macc..	2.8
2. Asbury, Hap.Tivon	2.4
3. Markson, Elitzur .	2.3
4. Berkovich, Hap.H.	2.3
5. Cohen, Hapoel Beeri	2.0
6. Karpels, Elitzur .	1.9
7. Matalon, Megido/Y.	1.9
8. Brandy, Hod H.	1.8
9. Harush, Kohav Yair	1.8
10. Yakusi, Hap.Haifa	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Brad BYERSON
  Natzrath Elite
  (201-F-85)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Byerson, Natzrath.	1.8
2. Auter, Macc.Hab.	1.8
3. Paris, Hapoel Beeri	1.5
4. Tzubrevitch, Elitzu.	1.4
5. Peterson, Elitzur .	1.2
6. Aiden, Hapoel Beeri	1.2
7. Markson, Elitzur .	1.1
8. Martin, Elitzur Yavne	1.0
9. Brandy, Hod H.	0.9
10. Carr, Megido/Yok.	0.9

National League Round: 20 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Elitzur Yavne - Hap.Haifa 96-88
Elitzur Yavne rolled over Hapoel Haifa 96:88. Bryant Markson

(198-F-83, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Utah) op-scored for the winners with 22 ponts and Shoutvin Anton delivered 21. Brown Robert responded with 31 points in the losing case.

Beer Yaakov - Hap.Tivon 67-81
Beer Yaakov was beaten by Hapoel Tivon 67:81 as the latter got 29 points from Brian Asbury (201-F, college: Miami, FL). Izik Kobi and Arieli Tamir nailed 14 points each. Drayton responded with 21 points and 13 boards in he losing effort.

Elitzur Ramla - Kohav Yair 85-97
Elitzur Ramla was beaten by Kohav Yair 85:97 as Jordan Fliegel (198-F-86, agency: Gross Zeev ISA, college: Bowdoin) stepped up with 19 points for the winners, while Amitay Gil and Zelkovicth Aviram chipped in 17 apiece. Bank Dan replied with 20 points for the hosts, while Young Zetin and Peterson Damon netted 18 each.

Megido/Yok. - Macc.Habikaa 81-83
Megido lost to Maccabi Habikaa 81:83 at the top game of the Regular Season Round 20. Adrian Auter (200-C-84) collected 23 points and 10 rebounds for the winners while Matalon Noam followed him with 18. Nenikashvili Ilan posted 20 in defeat and Shulman Eyal added 18.

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ITALY

Othyus Jeffers signs a 10- day contract with the Utah Jazz - by Interperformances
After Reggie Williams (6'5''-G/F-86, agency: Interperformances, college: VMI) call- up from the Warriors another Interperformances player has been called up from the NBA this week. 6.5 Wingman Othyus Jeffers (6'5''-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Robert Morris) of the NBA Development Leagues Iowa Energy signs a 10- day contract with the Utah Jazz. The 24-year-old concluded his collegiate career at Robert Morris University Illinois, an NAIA school in Chicago. That season averaged: 24.0 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game and was named The Sporting News NAIA Player of the Year and Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Year honors. In the 2008 D League Draft was selected by the Iowa Energy in the third round (47 overall ). That season Jeffers led the Energy to the playoffs averaging in 47 games: 21.4ppg, 9.1rpg, 2.8apg, 2.0spg. Was named 2009 NBA D-League Rookie of the year, All D-League Honorable mention and was also selected for the 2009 NBA D-League All-Star game. Won the D-League Central Division Championship. He began the 2009-10 season with NGC Cantu of the Italian Serie A, averaged 9.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 2.7 steals in nine games with Cantu. In January returned to Iowa Energy where appeared in 22 games averaging 15 points, 7 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.9 steals. Jeffers has led the Energy to a D-League best 30-9 record. Othyus defensive talent, athleticism and great tenacity are qualities that will likely help the Jazz.

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JORDAN

WABA latest news - Import List - - by Maarouf Mawloud
Days before the the opening of Waba, here are some news about the latest imports that will play...

ALPHA BANGOURA AND ONTARIO LETT ARE ZAIN FOREIGNERS
CALVIN CAGE AND ALEX MCLEAN ARE D'HOUK (IRAQ) FOREIGNERS
JACKSON VROMAN AND LOREN WOODS ARE MAHRAM IMPORTS
DEMETRIC SHAW AND Garnett Thompson (207-F/C-80, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Providence) ARE JALAA IMPORTS
Nate Johnson AND CJ JILES ARE RIYADI'S IMPORTS
ENIQUE CLEMONS AND WILLIAM BYRD ARE HOOPS IMPORTS

Rasheim Wright With Sagesse ! - by Omar Shafaamri

Jordan NT and Zain Club Guard Rasheim Wright (194-G-81, college: District of Col.) Signed with the Lebanese Club Sagesse to Complete with the Sagesse the Play-offs of the Lebanese - Bank Med - League . Rasheim will join Sagesse after the participation with Zain Club in WABA clubs championship this Month .

Wright is playing on Loan Now with Iran and Asia Champions Mahram Club in the Iranian League were Mahram leading over Zob Ahan 1-0 in the Finals Series .

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LEBANON

LITHUANIA

Zalgiris beats Asseco Prokom, but Polish champ goes to Euroleague Quarterfinals - by Eurobasket News
Top 16, Round 5: Zalgiris - Asseco Prokom 93-88

Zalgiris jumped to 2-3 in Group G, but they will not make it to the next stage. The reason is 89-65 win by Asseco Prokom in the first round of Top 16. One week before the end of this phase, it is already clear that Asseco Prokom and CSKA (No.1) will advance to the Quarterfinals. Marcus Brown (193-G-74, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Murray St.) led the hosts to victory last night with 23 points. Dainius Salenga (197-F-77), Mantas Kalnietis (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances) and Mirza Begic (215-C-85) added 11 points each. For the Polish champion, David Logan

(184-G-82, college: Indianapolis) shined with 22 pts. Qyntel Woods (203-F/G-81, college: N.Mississippi JC) nailed 17. This is the first time ever for Prokom to reach the Euroleague Quarterfinals.
Prokom opened the game better taking 5-8 and later 11-14 lead. Zalgiris made quick 4-0 run after that and for rest of the first period managed to grab 22-18 lead. Third quarter totally belonged to Zalgiris. Marcus Brown was on fire and he helped the hosts to make 7-0 run at the halfway of this period. They reached 36-29 at that time, but that was not all. Mantas Kalnietis and Mirza Begic joined Brown and in the finish of the first half Zalgiris was up by 15, 46-31. Varda scored for Prokom and Dainius Salenga delivered for Zalgiris setting the score to 50-34 after 20 minutes of play. The hosts jumped to plus 19 at the beginning of third period, but Prokom finally woke up after that. David Logan, Ewing and Jagla helped the guests to cut the margin to 59-52. Watson, Pocius, Kalnietis and Begic stepped up for the hosts and they jumped to plus 13 again, but Ewing was the one who closed third quarter with a triple (73-63, 3Q). Prokom made impressive 0-10 run at the start of the last period. Zalgiris replied with 7-3 run and with 2 minutes left they grabbed 86-79 lead. Prokom was unable seriously to threat after that, but despite this loss they already booked a spot for the Euroleague Quarterfinals.

Zalgiris: Marcus Brown 23, Dainius Salenga 11, Mantas Kalnietis 11, Mirza Begic 11
Asseco Prokom: David Logan 22, Qyntel Woods 17

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MOROCCO

Morocco Basketball Throne Cup 2009/2010. First Semifinals - by Eurobasket News
AS Sale and Ittihad Tanger won the first Semifinals of the Morocco Basketball Throne Cup 2009/2010. AS Sale overcame Sport Plazza Casa 93:67 with a good start in the game. The hosts produced 26-17 in the first period and added 28-16 in the second. Game 2 is scheduled on March 15th.
Ittihad Tanger rolled over Maghreb Fez 70:63 with 20-16 in the start of the game. The latter however responded with 13-9 in the second period, but Ittihad Tanger was better in the second half. Game 2 is scheduled on March 13th.

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NBA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

LeBron JAMES
  Cleveland C.
  (203-F-84)
  Avg: 29.8

1. James, Clevelan.	29.8
2. Durant, Oklah.Ci.	29.7
3. Anthony, Denver N.	28.6
4. Bryant, LA Lakers	27.6
5. Wade, Miami Heat	26.2
6. Ellis, Golde S.	25.7
7. Nowitzki, Dallas M.	25.2
8. Bosh, Toronto R.	24.5
9. Granger, Indiana P.	22.8
10. Roy, Portland TB	22.1

Rebounds Per Game

Dwight HOWARD
  Orlando M.
  (207-F-85)
  Avg: 13.1

1. Howard, Orlando M.	13.1
2. Camby, LA Clippers	12.1
3. Randolph, Memph.	11.9
4. Lee, New York K.	11.6
5. Bosh, Toronto R.	11.4
6. Noah, Chicago B.	11.4
7. Love, Minnesota T.	11.3
8. Boozer, Utah Jazz	11.1
9. Gasol, LA Lakers	11.0
10. Duncan, San A.	10.9

Assists Per Game

Steve NASH
  Phoenix Suns
  (190-G-74)
  Avg: 11.2

1. Nash, Phoenix Suns	11.2
2. Paul, N.Orleans H.	11.2
3. Williams, Utah Jazz	10.2
4. Rondo, Boston C.	9.9
5. Kidd, Dallas M.	9.2
6. James, Clevelan.	8.6
7. Davis, LA Clippers	8.0
8. Westbrook, Oklah..	7.9
9. Arenas, Washingt.	7.2
10. Harris, New J.	6.7

Steals Per Game

Rajon RONDO
  Boston C.
  (186-G-86)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Rondo, Boston C.	2.5
2. Paul, N.Orleans H.	2.3
3. Ellis, Golde S.	2.2
4. Kidd, Dallas M.	1.9
5. Jackson, Charlott.	1.9
6. Wade, Miami Heat	1.8
7. Iguodala, Philadel.	1.8
8. Curry, Golde S.	1.8
9. Felton, Charlott.	1.7
10. Bryant, LA Lakers	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Dwight HOWARD
  Orlando M.
  (207-F-85)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Howard, Orlando M.	2.8
2. Bogut, Milwauke.	2.4
3. Oden, Portland TB	2.3
4. Dalembert, Philad.	2.1
5. Haywood, Washingt.	2.1
6. Smith, Atlanta H.	2.0
7. Camby, LA Clippers	2.0
8. Andersen, Denver N.	1.9
9. Lopez, New J.	1.9
10. Perkins, Boston C.	1.8

Standings

NBA Standings

Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
1. Boston C.	38-21
2. Toronto R.	31-28
3. Philadelph.76	22-38
4. New York K.	21-39
5. New Jersey N.	6-54
Central Div.
1. Cleveland C.	48-14
2. Milwaukee B.	31-29
3. Chicago B.	31-30
4. Detroit P.	21-40
5. Indiana P.	20-41
Southeast Div.
1. Orlando M.	42-20
2. Atlanta H.	39-21
3. Miami Heat	31-31
4. Charlotte B.	28-31
5. Washington W.	21-37
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
1. Denver N.	40-21
2. Utah Jazz	38-22
3. Portland TB	37-27
4. Oklah.City T.	36-24
5. Minnesota T.	14-48
Pacific Div.
1. LA Lakers	46-16
2. Phoenix Suns	39-24
3. LA Clippers	25-36
4. Sacramento K.	21-40
5. Golde State W.	17-43
Southwest Div.
1. Dallas M.	41-21
2. San Antonio S.	34-24
3. Memphis G.	32-30
4. N.Orleans H.	31-31
5. Houston R.	30-30

Wednesday's games (12) review - by Eurobasket News
Phoenix Suns - LA Clippers 127-101
Amare Stoudemire (6'10''-F-82) had 30 points and 14 rebounds for the Suns, who breezed to their second rout of the Clippers in six days with a 127-101 victory on Wednesday night - completing a sweep of the four-game season series for the second straight year. Channing Frye (6'11''-C/F-83, college: Arizona) and Jason Richardson delivered 23 and 22 points respectively. Chris Kaman replied with 24 points and 9 rebounds in loss.

Minnesota T. - Dallas M. 109-112
Jason Terry (6'2''-G-77, college: Arizona) scored seven of his 26 points after taking an elbow to the face on a play late in the third quarter when he was called for a foul, Dirk Nowitzki (6'11''-F-78) had 22 with the go-ahead basket and the Mavericks held on for a 112-109 victory over the last-place Minnesota Timberwolves 112-109 on Wednesday night. Shawn Marion and Rodrigue Haywood delivered 17 points each. On the other side, Corey Brewer collected 24 points and 7 boards.

Sacramento K. - Houston R. 84-81
Carl Landry (6'7''-F-83, college: Purdue) had 22 points and 10 rebounds against his old team, leading the Sacramento Kings to an 84-81 win Wednesday night. Beno Udrih (6'5''-G-82) scored 13 and Omri Casspi added two points less. Aaron Brooks replied with 22 points in defeat, while Luis Scola had 19 pts, 18 rebs and 5 assists.

Oklah.City T. - Denver N. 90-119
Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-F-84, college: Syracuse) outplayed Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas), scoring 30 points, and the Nuggets took control with a big third quarter to rout the Oklahoma City Thunder 119-90 on Wednesday night. Hilario Nene (6'10''-C-82) added 20 points in this victory. On the other side, Durant and James Harden netted 19 points each.

Indiana P. - Portland TB 79-102
Brandon Roy (6'6''-G-84, college: Washington) scored 22 points, LaMarcus Aldridge (6'11''-C-85, college: Texas) added 19 points and seven rebounds, and the Trail Blazers continued the offensive push that carried them through a tough road swing, cruising to a 102-79 win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night. Rudy Fernandez delivered 16 pts last night. In Indiana Pacers, Danny Granger was the only one with double-digits (30 points).

Cleveland C. - New Jersey N. 111-92
LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) had 26 points and 14 assists leading his Cavs to 111-92 win against the Nets. J.J. Hickson

(6'9''-F/C-88, college: N.Carolina St.) also shined last night adding 20 points and 13 rebounds. In defeat, Brook Lopez collected 21 points and 14 boards.

Detroit P. - New York K. 104-128
Bill Walker (6'6''-F-87, agency: N.E.T., college: Kansas St.) scored a career-high 22 points in his first career start, and New York handed the Detroit Pistons their fifth straight loss with a 128-104 victory. Al Harrington (6'9''-F-80) was great with 26 points and 8 rebounds. He made 6 of 8 attempts from behind the arc. For Detroit, Tayshaun Prince and Rodney Stuckey netted 16 points each.

Washington W. - Milwaukee B. 87-100
John Salmons (6'7''-F-79, college: Miami, FL) scored 16 of his 22 points in the second half and the Bucks continued their post-All-Star break surge with a 100-87 victory over the Wizards on Wednesday night. Ersan Ilyasova (6'10''-F-87) had 19 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists to help the Bucks. In defeat, Andray Blatche collected 18 points and 9 boards.

Memphis G. - N.Orleans H. 104-100
Mike Conley

(6'1''-G-87, college: Ohio St.) scored a season-high 26 points and the Grizzlies won their franchise-record fifth-straight road game, 104-100 over New Orleans on Wednesday night. Zach Randolph (6'9''-C-81, college: Michigan St.) collected 23 points and 11 rebounds. For the Hornets, Marcus Thornton shined with 24 pts, while Darren Collison added 17 points and 14 assists.

Philadelph.76 - Atlanta H. 93-112
Marvin Williams (6'9''-F-86, college: N.Carolina) scored 21 points and Jamal Crawford added 20 to power the Atlanta Hawks to a 112-93 victory over Philadelphia on Wednesday night. Joe Johnson (6'8''-F-81, college: Arkansas) added 18 points, Al Horford had 12 and Mike Bibby 11 for the Hawks, who have won three straight and five of six. In the loosing squad, Louis Williams delivered 30 pts.

Golde State W. - Orlando M. 90-117
Dwight Howard (6'10''-F-85) had 28 points and 12 rebounds, and the Magic cruised to a 117-90 victory over the undermanned Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night. Rashard Lewis (6'10''-F-79) added 17 points, and Vince Carter finished with 15 points. In Golden State Warriors, C.J. Watson netted 18 pts.

Charlotte B. - Boston C. 80-104
Paul Pierce (6'7''-F-77, college: Kansas) scored 27 points and a stingy Celtics defense held the Charlotte Bobcats to 29 percent shooting in the second half of Boston's 104-80 victory Wednesday night. Nate Robinson (5'9''-G-84, college: Washington) helped with 16 pts. Visitors got 15 points and 10 boards from Tyrus Thomas.
<<>><<>>

Bulls to re-sign Richard, waive Hunter - by Eurobasket News
In a move speculated for days, the Bulls re-signed Chris Richard

(6'9''-F/C-84, college: Florida) for rest of the season and waived Lindsey Hunter (6'2''-G-70, agency: Priority Sports, college: Jackson St.).

Hunter will remain in the organization in an unspecified position.

The Bulls waived Richard on Feb. 18, the day they acquired Hakim Warrick, Acie Law, Joe Alexander and Flip Murray. Coach Vinny Del Negro made clear that his staff had lobbied to keep Richard.

Without Joakim Noah, Brad Miller's minutes are piling up. Richard averaged 2.2 points and 4.6 rebounds in five games with the Bulls.

Richard started practicing with the team on Wednesday.

Courtesy of www.chicagobreakingsports.com

Trail Blazers sign Travis Diener - by Eurobasket News
The Portland Trail Blazers signed free-agent Travis Diener (6'0''-G-82, college: Marquette) on Wednesday to fill their final roster spot.

Diener, a 6-foot-1 point guard, played four games for Indiana earlier this season before undergoing surgery on his big toe. The Pacers released him on Monday.

The Blazers traded Steve Blake to the Los Angeles Clippers in the Marcus Camby deal Feb. 16 but have three other point guards on the roster: Andre Miller, Jerryd Bayless and rookie Patrick Mills.

'We're very happy to have Travis on our roster,' Blazers general manager Kevin Pritchard said. 'He is a veteran point guard who will be a good complement to our existing backcourt.'

The 28-year-old Diener began his career in Orlando and posted career-highs of 6.9 points and 3.8 assists in 2007-08 with the Pacers.

Courtesy of www.oregonlive.com

Sacramento Kings sign free agent Garrett Temple to 10-day contract - by Eurobasket News
The Sacramento Kings added another former Houston Rocket to the roster today, signing a free-agent on a trial basis.

The Kings today signed free-agent guard Garrett Temple (6'6''-G-86, college: LSU) to a 10-day contract, according to Kings President of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie.

The former Louisiana State product appeared in nine games for the Houston Rockets this season and posted averages of 5.0 ppg (.448 FG%, .667 FT%), 1.6 rpg, and 0.8 apg. Temple, 6-feet-6-inches tall and 190 pounds, is a former GATORADE NBA D-League call-up, having averaged 14.9 ppg (.427 FG%, .372 3pt%, .804 FT%), 3.7 rpg and 3.4 apg in 30 games (started 30) with the 2009-10 Rio Grande Valley Vipers before joining the Rockets.

Temple will wear number 17 with the Kings.

Sacramento's roster now stands at 15.

The move follows a roster shift that saw star guard Kevin Martin traded away along with teammates Sergio Rodriguez and Hilton Armstrong. In return, in a trade that involved the Houston Rockets and New York Knicks, the Kings got Carl Landry, Joey Dorsey and Larry Hughes. The Kings have already waived the injured Larry Hughes.

Courtesy of www.examiner.com

Othyus Jeffers signs a 10- day contract with the Utah Jazz - by Interperformances
After Reggie Williams (6'5''-G/F-86, agency: Interperformances, college: VMI) call- up from the Warriors another Interperformances player has been called up from the NBA this week. 6.5 Wingman Othyus Jeffers (6'5''-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Robert Morris) of the NBA Development Leagues Iowa Energy signs a 10- day contract with the Utah Jazz. The 24-year-old concluded his collegiate career at Robert Morris University Illinois, an NAIA school in Chicago. That season averaged: 24.0 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game and was named The Sporting News NAIA Player of the Year and Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Year honors. In the 2008 D League Draft was selected by the Iowa Energy in the third round (47 overall ). That season Jeffers led the Energy to the playoffs averaging in 47 games: 21.4ppg, 9.1rpg, 2.8apg, 2.0spg. Was named 2009 NBA D-League Rookie of the year, All D-League Honorable mention and was also selected for the 2009 NBA D-League All-Star game. Won the D-League Central Division Championship. He began the 2009-10 season with NGC Cantu of the Italian Serie A, averaged 9.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 2.7 steals in nine games with Cantu. In January returned to Iowa Energy where appeared in 22 games averaging 15 points, 7 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.9 steals. Jeffers has led the Energy to a D-League best 30-9 record. Othyus defensive talent, athleticism and great tenacity are qualities that will likely help the Jazz.

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NCAA3

Nick Brady named 2010 CAC Player of the Year - by Arnault Desira
From http://www.ycpspartans.com :

York College mens basketball senior Nick Brady (6'2''-G) was named the 2010 Capital Athletic Conference Player-of-the-Year as the post-season conference awards were announced on Tuesday. Brady, who was also a first-team selection, was joined on the all-conference squad by junior guard Kevin Whaley (6'4''-G) who was tabbed as a second-team selection.

Nick Brady (6'2''-G) is the second Spartan in the history of the CAC to earn the conference Player-of-the-Year award as former Spartan standout Chad McGowan was a two-time winner in 2007 and 2008.

Nick Brady (6'2''-G) was a two-year Spartan captain and closed out his career as one of eight Spartans to reach 1,500 career points. He finished his 104-game career with 1,524 points, 552 rebounds, 158 assists, and 87 steals. He was a 44.9% career shooter from the floor, 39.6% from three and 77.5% from the free throw line. Brady canned 218 threes in his career including 76 during his senior year.

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NEW ZEALAND

Eric Devendorf explodes with 49 points in season opener - by Eurobasket News
The NBL defending champions Waikato Pistons tipped off the new season in style. They fired past the Nelson Giants 92:73 in the remake of the last seasons championship game. Eric Devendorf (193-G-87, college: Syracuse) stole the show going on a scoring frenzy. The 22-year-old US guard unleashed 49 points to sink the Giants. The Pistons earned just a 7-point halftime lead but stepped on the gas after the main break. Eric Devendorf helped the Pistons account for 25 points in the third stanza to leave Nelson far behind. Alex Pledger (216-C-87, college: Belm.Abbey) had 11 points, while Gerard Bowden added 10 in the win. Michael Harrison

(206-F/C-84, agency: Interperformances) responded with 24 points for the Giants. Phill Jones (196-G-74) netted 17 points in the losing effort.
The Christchurch Cougars opened the championship with a narrow 75:72 win over the LPG Bay Hawks. Paora Winitana

(195-G-76) netted 27 points to pace the effort. The Bay Hawks ensured a 19:18 lead ten minutes into the encounter. The margin grew at as many as 18 points after a 17:0 run from the Bay Hawks in the second stanza. The Cougars responded with a 14:3 run early in the third period. Paora Winitana exploded with 18 points in the second half as the Cougars found the rhythm and raced to the victory.
Jeremy Kench (184-G-84) nailed 20 points in the winning case. David Langrell (195-G/F-76, college: Le Moyne) responded with 18 points for the Bay Hawks. Nat Connell (185-G-80) netted 15 points in defeat.

Standings Men

NBL Standings

1. Waikato	1-0
2. Cougars	1-0
3. Manawatu	0-0
4. Otago	0-0
5. Southland Sharks	0-0
6. Taranaki	0-0
7. Harbour Heat	0-0
8. Wellington	0-0
9. Nelson	0-1
10. Bay Hawks	0-1

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PALESTINE

Standings - Men

PBBA Standings

1. Ibdaa D.	1-0
2. Qalandia	0-0
3. RaI AlSaleh	0-0
4. AlAroob YC	0-0
5. De La Salle	0-0
6. Orthodox R.	0-0
7. Orthodox BJ	0-0
8. Catholic A.	0-0
9. Hiteen	0-0
10. Sarriyet	0-0
11. Ebal	0-0
12. Islami	0-0
13. Terrasanta	0-0
14. Al Ahli	0-0
15. Bethlehem	0-0
16. Orth. Thaq. BS	0-1

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POLAND

PUERTO RICO

A Preview of the 2010 BSN Season - by Raul Colon
Tonight at 8 p.m. the reigning champion Bayamn Cowboys start their quest for a repeat as the 2010 Superior Basketball League season begins. The campaign opens with great expectations thanks to a rejuvenated 10-team field.
We expect a banner year, especially coming off what could be described as one of the most successful seasons in years, said SBL president Carlos Beltrn on Tuesday.
As was the case last year, the SBL will be welcoming another old franchise back the mix as the Isabela Gallitos will suit up for the first time in five years. Hopes are flying high in the northern town thanks to last years unexpected run by Quebradillas.
The 2010 campaign will be dedicated to one of the most revered basketball men the island has ever produced, Jenaro Tuto Marchand.
Its with great honor and pleasure that the SBL dedicates its new season to Don Tuto, stated Beltrn, who points to Marchands influence as one of his guidelines in working with the sport considered the islands national pastime. His contributions, over three decades of tireless work, are invaluable. He has taught us all to love this game and give everything to improve it.
Heres a look at the field:
1. Quebradillas Pirates: Talentwise, the 2010 Pirates lack the top-to-bottom athleticism that made them an instant success in their return season last year. But that doesnt mean that the team will fall on its back. On the contrary, once their import talent returns (center Peter John Ramos is expected by April, and sharpshooter Shawn Redhage in mid-April, forward Greg Stevenson in May) they should be contending once again. Until then, the Pirates will tread water.
2. Bayamn Cowboys: The defending champions bring back almost the same nucleus that propelled them to their first title in over a decade. Center Danny Santiago, who sparked them down the stretch, wont be available until mid-to-late April. The same goes for F Nathan Peavy. Two players to watch for the Cowboys this year are point guard Jason Wingate and F Markus Thomas. Expect Bayamn to get off a fast start, and once again, anything but a championship will be considered a failure.
3. Guaynabo Mets: The new-look Mets have arguably the best starting five in the league. It includes two former NBA stars in power forward Antoine Walker and C Marcus Fizer. One (Walker) is desperately trying to resurrect a long-dead professional career. In the case of Fizer, a real strong showing in Puerto Rico could land him back in the NBA. If highly regarded G Samuel Villegas can give them a spark offensively, this club could go places. Still, the lack of depth could cost them come playoff time.
4. Mayagez Indians: One of 2009s surprises will not catch anyone sleeping this time around. Like last season, the Indians will try to do it the old fashioned way, with ball control and tough-minded defense. The signing of Alejandro Bimbo Carmona, from the now-defunct Carolina franchise, gives the club an outside threat. If C Dan Langhi and PF Keenan Jourdon remain healthy for the whole year, this team could once again surprise us all.
5. Arecibo Captains: Probably the deepest team in the league, the Capitanes boast one of the islands best native big men in Angelo Reyes. And with energetic G/F David Cortes and promising G Guillermo Daz, this team has the right ingredients for a deep run. If veteran SG Larry Ayuso can show the same dedication to defense he displayed at last summers FIBA Americas Championships, the 2008 titleholders could mount a real run.
6. San Germn Athletics: The strength of the Athletics resides in their frontline. Starting C/F Manuel de Jess is primed for a big year, as is C Alphonse Dyer. If SF Carlos Strong (first-round pick out of Boston University) plays to his potential, this front line will be scary. The team returns one of the best scoring machines in the league in 6-4- slasher Jesse Pellot, who won the league scoring title in 2009 with an average of 23.5 points per game). For good measure, San Germn has boosted its bench with young, native talent. A key may be PG Christopher Vega.
7. Ponce Lions: One of the most intriguing clubs around. The Lions have the talent to make a run at the playoffs. Everything else will be a bonus with the current roster. Veteran PG Bobby Joe Hatton will once again be counted on to lead. His primary backup, Carlos Rivera, who some view as the future of the franchise, is nursing an injury (sustained in the Mexican league semifinals) and wont play until late March. The team added Alvin Cruz and Alex Falcn for reinforcement on the blocks. Still, they havent signed any significant imports so far.
8. Santurce Crabbers: I cant envision a tournament without Santurce, said Beltrn back in early January when the fate of the team was still in the air. Thanks to some creative wheeling and dealing, the Crabbers are back! After losing Ayuso, the club promptly made Puerto Rican PG (although he played for the U.S. Virgin Islands national team in last years FIBA Americas) Walter Hodge one of their key offseason acquisitions. The 6-foot Hodge has all the physical skills to become a top-flight point guard in this league. Highly touted imports Richard Chaney and Ira Newble wont be available for some time, so the team will probably struggle out of the gate.
9. Isabella Gallitos: Last year it was the Pirates who made a triumphant return. This year its Isabela, which last played in the SBL in 2005. The Gallitos have assembled a very solid core of young and exciting players. Leading the pack is Angel Daniel Danny Vassallo, a scoring forward out of Virginia Tech who will give the new franchise some much-needed scoring punch on the perimeter when he joins the club in April. The same goes for shoot-first PG Filiberto Rivera. The biggest weakness in Isabela is the lack of top-tier talent in the frontcourt.
10. Humacao Caciques: The busiest team in the offseason, the young and energetic Caciques will be a run-and-gun team trying to take advantage of a 12-deep, albeit inexperienced, roster. SF Major Wingate will serve as their primary big man until 7-foot rookie Kleon Penn gets acclimated to playing on the island. The player to watch in Humacao is Jos Guitani. The 6-foot-10 PF has the makings of a budding star.

Standings - BSN

BSN Standings

1. Bayamon	0-0
2. Humacao	0-0
3. Ponce	0-0
4. San German	0-0
5. Quebradillas	0-0
6. Isabela	0-0
7. Santurce	0-0
8. Guaynabo	0-0
9. Mayaguez	0-0

San German surprises Bayamon on Opening Night - by Luis Ramirez
With the game on the line, Donald Copeland (177-G-84, college: Seton Hall) made a huge shot from long range to give the San German Athletics a win over the reigning champs Bayamon Cowboys 70-68.
San German dominated much of the 1st quarter as they were leading 11-9 with 4:21 left in the 1st quarter. At this point Blake Walker for San German was leading the Athletics with 5 points including a 3 pointer. San German with a good defense and with various drives to the basket was leading 17-11 with 1:24 left in the quarter. With seconds to finish this quarter Alphonse Dyer buried a 3 pointer as the Athletics took the 1st quarter 22-16.

In the 2nd quarter Bayamon tried to make their adjustments and came with a zone defense to try to stop the running game of the Athletics, but then San German started to bomb the Cowboys from long range and with 5:03 left in the half was leading 32-23. With 2:08 left in the half, San German was leading 43-28. The cowboys were starting to show some frustration at this point of the game.
The 1st half ended with the Athletics up by 11 points, 45-34.

The 3rd quarter opened with the Athletics getting their first point of this quarter at the foul line with 7:17 to go in the quarter. From this point in the game the Athletics went once again on an offensive run and with 5:31 left in the quarter were leading 51-37. The Cowboys once again suffered an offensive drought during this quarter but with less than 2 minutes to go the Cowboys mounted an offensive run of their own to reduce the lead to a single digit 55-46, and with a 3 point play in the final seconds of the quarter were able to cut the deficit to just 6 points, 57-51.

In the 4th quarter both teams looked a little disorganized, but with two consecutive baskets from Carmelo Lee and a Layup from Javier Mojica tied the game at 57 points with 7:30 left in the game.
San German called an emergency time out at this point, but right out of the time out Bayamon scored another short jumper to take the lead 59-57 with 6:49 left. Both teams traded baskets and with 4:27 the Cowboys were leading 65-62. San German was able to cut the Cowboy lead to just 1 point, 67-66 with 1:38 to go in the game. Monty Wilson was fouled and went to the line to try to tie the game but was only able to make one of the foul shots. Bayamon tried to run the clock down but San German took the ball up the court with just .8 seconds to play and Copeland made a 3 pointer to take the lead once again. Bayamon tried a last desperate attempt but came up short.

For San German, Johwen Villegas scored 22 points with 8 rebounds, followed by Donald Copeland (177-G-84, college: Seton Hall) with 20 points and 7 assists. For Bayamon, Carmelo Lee scored 15 points followed by Christian Dalmau and DeMarco Johnson with 13 points each.

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

ROMANIA

Stats Leaders - Men

Points Per Game

O''Darien BASSETT
  Craiova
  (188-G-86)
  Avg: 22.5

1. Bassett, Craiova	22.5
2. Krstanovic, U.Mobi.	21.0
3. Bubanja, Brasov	19.5
4. Pesic, Timisoara	18.8
5. Peciukas, Mures	18.5
6. Santana, Municipal B.	17.9
7. Mack, Steaua T.	17.9
8. Dzambic, Timisoara	17.8
9. Dawson, Gladiato.	17.6
10. Mandic, Oradea	17.4

Rebounds Per Game

Justin HERNDON
  CSU Sibiu
  (208-C-83)
  Avg: 10.3

1. Herndon, CSU Sibiu	10.3
2. Harvey, Craiova	9.9
3. Carutasu, Ploiesti	9.4
4. Masiulis, Mures	9.2
5. Krstanovic, U.Mobi.	9.0
6. Paltinisanu, Timis.	8.3
7. Waterstradt, Munici.	8.3
8. Miskovic, CSU S.	8.2
9. Trim, Rovinari	8.1
10. Mijajlovic, Munici.	7.6

Assists Per Game

Jarrett HOWELL
  Gaz Metan
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 5.6

1. Howell, Gaz Metan	5.6
2. Cooley, Mures	5.4
3. Dzambic, Timisoara	5.0
4. Fometescu, Dinamo B.	4.7
5. Cuic, U.Mobitel.CN	4.6
6. Howard, Gladiato.	4.4
7. Bassett, Craiova	4.4
8. Mladenovic, Brasov	4.3
9. Helcioiu, Municipa.	4.1
10. Dawson, Gladiato.	4.1

Steals Per Game

Brandon JOHNSON
  CSU Sibiu
  (185-G-86)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Johnson, CSU Sibiu	2.6
2. Cooley, Mures	2.5
3. Howell, Gaz Metan	2.5
4. Maric, Oradea	2.2
5. Medvedj, U.Mobite.	2.1
6. Mitchell, Gaz Metan	2.1
7. Mack, Steaua T.	2.0
8. Fometescu, Dinamo B.	2.0
9. Smith, CSU Sibiu	2.0
10. Hargrove, Ploiesti	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Arturas MASIULIS
  Mures
  (210-C-80)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Masiulis, Mures	2.4
2. Lazar, Oradea	2.1
3. Dragovic, Craiova	1.6
4. Herndon, CSU Sibiu	1.6
5. Dragusin, Pitesti	1.6
6. Wiggins, Steaua T.	1.1
7. Bubanja, Brasov	1.1
8. Rhymer, Gaz Metan	1.0
9. Pantelic, Steaua T.	1.0
10. Vajda, Mures	1.0

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

RUSSIA

(201-G-85) added 15 pts. Visitors got 16 pts from Keith Langford

(193-G/F-83, college: Kansas) and 10 from Kelly McCarty (201-F-75, agency: Avi Zilberman, college: S.Mississippi). Cibona 1-4, Khimky 2-3 in Group H.
Cibona opened the game with quick 12-4 lead, but Khimky replied with mini 0-5 run after that. The hosts managed to keep plus 3 until the end of the Q1 mostly owing to Jamont Gordon and Dalibor Bagaric, 20-17. At the beginning of the second quarter Cibona jumped to 25-17, but Kelly McCarty and Lopez answered with 0-8 run for 25-25 tie. That was all from the Russian squad in this period. Cibona intensified defense and they didnt let Khimky to score any single point in the last six minutes of the first half. On the other side, Gordon was on fire, while Troha, Andric and Marko Tomas secured a great help. Everything resulted with impressive 15-0 run for the hosts (40-25 HT). It was 17-0 run later as Marko Tomas entered to the second half with a jumper. Cabezas finally scored for Khimky, but Bojan Bogdanovic stepped up on the other side leading his team to huge 49-27 lead. Visitors were good in the finish of third period and thanks to 0-11 run they managed to cut the margin to 58-43. When Samo Udrih scored a layup for the hosts, it was plus 22 for them again. Khimky called a timeout, but they just were not able resist for rest of the way and Cibona celebrated impressive 82-63 victory.

Cibona: Jamont Gordon 23+8 boards, Bojan Bogdanovic 22+9 boards, Marko Tomas 15
Khimky: Keith Langford 16, Kelly McCarty 10

CSKA celebrates in Malaga, clinches first place in Group G - by Eurobasket News
Top 16, Round 5: Unicaja - CSKA 70-76

CSKA secured first place in Group G after 70-76 victory in Malaga. Even if the Russian powerhouse losses against Zalgiris in Moscow, and Asseco Prokom beats Unicaja next week, CSKA will be No.1 due to plus four in two games against Prokom. Unicaja dropped to 1-4 and next week will say goodbye to 2009/10 Euroleague edition. Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78) stepped up for CSKA with 16 points and 5 rebounds. Sasha Kaun (211-C-85) also was good netting 14 pts and pulling down 8 rebounds. Andrey Vorontsevich (204-C-87) delivered 13 points for 16 minutes on the court. For the hosts, Omar Cook

(186-G-82, college: St.John's) collected 17 points and 8 assists. Georgios Printezis (206-F-85, agency: FCM) had 15 pts.
CSKA had impressive start last night. Ramunas Siskauskas and his teammates were great at the both sides of the court taking 5-11 and later 5-19 lead. That was not all and for rest of the way in the first quarter the Russian powerhouse jumped to 10-24. That includes 0-15 run in this period. Unicaja was unable to resists and CSKA controlled rhythm of this game. After low scoring second quarter, visitors managed to take 18-33 HT lead. After the breather, Sasha Kaun and Zoran Planinic shined for CSKA lifting it up to 21-38. The host finally woke up and through Omar Cook and Jiri Welsch closed the gap to 33-40 (12-2 run). Teams exchanged baskets until the end of third quarter and it was CSKA holding 40-49 lead with 10 minutes to go. Unicaja came to minus 4 twice in the last period, second time with less than 3 minutes left. However, Ramunas Siskauskas and Khryapa answered for CSKA and immediately brought them 62-69, what was unreachable for the hosts.

Unicaja: Omar Cook 17+8 as, Georgios Printezis 15
CSKA: Ramunas Siskauskas 16+5 boards, Sasha Kaun 14+8 boards, Andrey Vorontsevich 13

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

SAUDI ARABIA

D1 Standings

D1 Standings

1. Al Ittihad	13-0
2. Ohod	11-1
3. Al Ansar	10-3
4. Al Hilal	9-3
5. Al Ahli	9-4
6. Al Fateh	5-8
7. Al Maseerah	4-8
8. Al Wahda	4-8
9. Al Nahda	4-9
10. Al Naser	3-10
11. Al Jabil	3-10
12. Al Khaleej	1-12

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

SOUTH KOREA

KBL Round: 53 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Daegu Orions - Mobis Phoebus 79-92
Daegu Orions lost to Mobis Phoebus 79:92 as the latter grabbed 38-14 record. Dunston Bryant

(201-F/C-86) collected 23 points and 15 rebounds, while Ham Ji-Hoon notched 18 points. Johnson Anthony replied with 24 points for the Orions.

LG Sakers - KCC Egis 89-80
LG Sakers tied KCC Egis at 34-19 record after 89:80 win. Stevenson Greg (198-F-78, agency: SportsTalent, college: Richmond) top-scored for the winners with 28 points and 10 boards, while Cho Sang-Hyun followed him with 14. Akins Tony and Johnson Ivan replied with 25 points each in defeat.

Samsung Th. - KT&G Kites 85-75
Samsung overcame KT&G Kites 85:75 on March 3rd. Sandrin Eric (206-F/C-78, college: Seattle Pacific) stepped up with 22 points and Brand Micah followed him with 19. Daniels Chris answered with 21 points in the losing case and Kim Sung-Chul scored 18.

Dongbu Promy - Sonic Boom KT 85-87
Sonic Boom KT jumped to 39-14 record on top defeating Dongbu Promy 87:85 at the end of the Regular Season Round 53. Johnson Jasper (201-C-83, college: Delta St.) paced all the winners with 19 points and Song Young-Jin posted 18. Chandler Marquin responded with 23 points in the losing effort.

Daegu Orions - LG Sakers 76-88
Daegu Orions were beaten by LG Sakers 76:88 as the latter got 24 points and 10 rebounds from Alexander Chris. Stevenson Greg had 21 points and 15 rebounds, while Ki Seung-Ho posted 15. Hill Herbert ended up with 15 points and 11 boards in defeat.

Sonic Boom KT - ET Land B.Sl. 76-68
Sonic Boom KT opened month March with the win over ET Land 76:68. Cho Sung-Min (197-F-83) produced 16 points and Johnson Jasper delivered 14. Bell Rashad ended up with 22 points and 11 caroms in defeat.

SK Knights - Dongbu Promy 87-82
SK Knights beat Dongbu Promy 87:82 as Kim Julian (200-F-82) paced all the winners with 18 points and 11 boards. Krabbenhoft Joe had 15 points and 10 boards, while Joo Hee-Jung scored 13 points and dished out 12 assists. Chandler Marquin ended up with 26 points in defeat.

Samsung Th. - Mobis Phoebus 82-79
Samsung upset Mobis Phoebus 82:79 on the first day of March. Sandrin Eric top-scored for the winners with 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Lee Sang-Min aded 10. Yang Dong-Geun delivered 14 points in the losing case.

Standings

KBL Standings

1. Sonic Boom KT	39-14
2. Mobis Phoebus	38-14
3. KCC Egis	34-19
4. LG Sakers	34-19
5. Dongbu Promy	33-20
6. Samsung Th.	26-26
7. ET Land B.Sl.	15-37
8. KT&G Kites	15-37
9. SK Knights	15-37
10. Daegu Orions	13-40

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

SPAIN

Regal Barca too much for Marousi in Athens - by Eurobasket News
Top 16, Round 5: Marousi BC - Regal Barca 58-85

Regal Barca blasted Marousi in Athens for 4-1 score in Group E. With this victory, the Spanish champion officially booked a spot for the Euroleague Quarterfinals. Erazem Lorbek (210-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) led the scorers in Barca with 14 points, Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) had 13 and Terence Morris (207-F-79, college: Maryland) added 12 points, plus 8 boards. In Marousi (2-3), William Keys (188-G-77, college: N.Mexico St.) delivered 12 pts and was the only one with double-digits. The Greek squad is in tough situation after this loss. If Partizan beats PAO tonight, Marousi will not have a chance to advance. Their only hope is that Partizan register two defeats until the end, but still Marousi will have to beat PAO in the last round.
First quarter was pretty leveled and teams exchanged in lead few times. Barca had 13-14 and later Marousi tied the score to 18-18. Thanks to jumper by Jared Homan, the Greek squad grabbed 20-18 lead after 10 minutes of play. They touched 24-18 soon after that, but Barca had an answer. Juan Carlos Navarro and his teammates created 4-11 run for 28-29 turn. They continued in the same rhythm for rest of the first half taking nice 35-42 lead after it. Barca totally took control on Marousi in third quarter. Visitors intensified defense and the hosts faced with big troubles. They just couldnt make it and everything resulted with only 3 points for 10 minutes. Barca drained 17 on the other side for huge 38-59 with one quarter to go. All after that was just the formality and Barca registered comfortable victory. In the last round Barca will meet Partizan and will have to beat them in order to end this stage as No.1 of Group E.

Marousi: William Keys 12, Konstantinos Kaimakoglou 9
Regal Barca: Erazem Lorbek 14, Juan Carlos Navarro 13, Terence Morris 12+8 boards

LEB Gold: Round 26 review - by Eurobasket News
Burgos - CAI Zaragoza 78-80
CAI Zaragoza had to work hard to record narrow 78-80 win over their hosts Burgos. Darren Phillip (201-F-78, college: Fairfield) recorded double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Pedro Rivero

(186-G-79) chipped in 14 points for the winning side. For Burgos, Alberto Miguel and Peter Lorant both came off the bench to score 16 and 15 points respectively.

Mallorca - CB Tarragona 88-90
Adam Hess

(201-G/F-81, college: William & Mary) scored 18 points while the trio of Kahiem Seawright (203-F-86, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: Rhode Island) (16 rebs), Matt Kieffer (208-F-83, college: Purdue) and Terrance Oglesby all added 16 points apiece to lead CB Tarragona to 88-90 win over Mallorca. For hosts, Shaun Green was excellent after pouring in 25 points.

Cornella - Melilla 78-86
Melilla stole one from their hosts Cornella, winning the contest 78-86, behind the play of Jorge Jimenez (182-G-81) who poured in 22 points, while Taylor Coppenrath (205-F-81, college: Vermont) who followed with 13. For hosts, Xavier Rabaseda scored 22 points and Mamadou Samb had 13 points.

Leon - Breogan 88-69
Leon rolled over Breogan 88-69 behind 35 points and 13 rebounds by Ryan Humphrey (203-F-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: Notre Dame), who was unstoppable on the night. For Breogan, Eric Coleman (200-C-85, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: N.Iowa) scored 14, while Joao Gomes chipped in 12 points.

La Laguna - Caceres 92-67
La Laguna got 22 points from Ricardo Guillen (205-F/C-76) as well as 20 from Jakim Donaldson (203-C/F-83, college: Edinboro) on their way to 92-67 win over Caceres. Shawn Taggart and Lucio Angulo scored 16 and 13 points respectively for Caceres.

Vive Menorca - Clin.Rincon 72-52
Vive Menorca had no troubles beating Clinicas Rincon 76-55 thanks to Michael Umeh

(188-G-84, college: UNLV) who scored 16 points as well as Urko Otegui (203-F/C-81) who followed closely with 15. On the other side, visiting team got 13 points from Alejandro Navas.

Vigo - Girona 78-88
Girona also recorded 78-88 away win over Vigo primarily thanks to 18 point effort by Troy DeVries (193-G-82, college: N.Mexico), as well as 15 points off the bench from Dreke Bouldin (202-G/F-80, college: Fresno St.). For Vigo, Marcos Suka-Umu had 14 points in loss.

Ourense - Tenerife 55-65
Tenerife stole one from Ourense, winning the contest 55-65. Tenerife celebrated primarily thanks to Louis Roe

(200-F-72, college: Massachusetts) and David Fergerson (184-G-78, college: St.Louis), who led the way with 17 and 15 points respectively. For hosts, Jose Manuel Coego shined with 18 points.

Jose Vicente Hernandez takes over Joventut - by Eurobasket News
Joventut quickly found the replacement for Alfonso Alonso . The Badalona outfit announced the signing of Jose Vicente Hernandez for the next two and a half seasons. The 51-year-old Spanish specialist worked with the Spanish National Team back in 2006 and 2007. He was at the helm of Spain at the World Championship in Japan and the EuroBasket in Spain. His latest stint with the club dates back to 2004/05 season when Pepu Hernandez was at helm of Estudiantes. With Estiduantes Hernandez has worked for eight straight seasons. He was named the ACB Coach of the Year in 2004.

Joventut part ways with Alfonso Alonso - by Eurobasket News
Joventut decided to make changes at the bridge. The decision was provoked by a stunning road defeat to Aris in EuroCup. Joventut and Alfonso Alonso have reached an agreement on terms of termination of contract. Alfonso Alonso has been working in Badalona for the last seven years. He took over as the assistant coach back in 2005. In 2008 Sito Alonso was promoted to the head coaching position. The 34-year-old specialist won the Copa del Rey in 2008.

Stats Leaders - LEB Gold

Points Per Game

Darren PHILLIP
  CAI Zaragoza
  (201-F-78)
  Avg: 18.3

1. Phillip, CAI Z.	18.3
2. Morley, Burgos	17.5
3. Donaldson, La La.	17.5
4. Riera, Mallorca	17.2
5. Hughes, Leon	16.3
6. Guillen, La Laguna	16.2
7. Roe, Tenerife	15.6
8. Quinteros, CAI Z.	15.3
9. Humphrey, Leon	15.3
10. Rabaseda, Cornella	15.0

Rebounds Per Game

Jakim DONALDSON
  La Laguna
  (203-C/F-83)
  Avg: 10.8

1. Donaldson, La La.	10.8
2. Starosta, Melilla	9.9
3. Sinanovic, Clin.Rin.	9.0
4. Arteaga, Palencia	8.2
5. Lima, Clin.Rincon	8.2
6. Adrien, Breogan	7.9
7. Humphrey, Leon	7.8
8. Phillip, CAI Z.	7.5
9. Seawright, CB Tarra.	7.5
10. Coleman, Breogan	7.4

Assists Per Game

Diego CIORCIARI
  Vive Menorca
  (185-G-80)
  Avg: 5.1

1. Ciorciari, Vive M.	5.1
2. Cherry, Caceres	4.6
3. Mendiburu, CB Tarra.	4.4
4. Mena, La Palma	4.0
5. Jimenez, Melilla	3.8
6. Perez, Cornella	3.7
7. Rodriguez, CB Tarra.	3.2
8. Bernabe, Leon	3.1
9. Garrido, La Laguna	3.1
10. Riera, Mallorca	3.0

Steals Per Game

Matias LESCANO
  CAI Zaragoza
  (196-G/F-79)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Lescano, CAI Z.	2.7
2. Rabaseda, Cornella	2.5
3. Blanch, Mallorca	2.2
4. Fuentes, Clin.Rincon	2.1
5. Boccia, Tenerife	2.0
6. Quinteros, CAI Z.	2.0
7. Garcia, La Palma	1.8
8. Ayon, Tenerife	1.8
9. Perez, Cornella	1.7
10. Victor, Vive M.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Nedzad SINANOVIC
  Clin.Rincon
  (221-C-83)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Sinanovic, Clin.Rin.	1.9
2. Naymick, Caceres	1.8
3. Diouf, CB Tarragona	1.5
4. Donaldson, La La.	1.5
5. Elonu, CAI Zaragoza	1.5
6. Joseph, Cornella	1.4
7. Ayon, Tenerife	1.4
8. Samb, Cornella	1.3
9. Roe, Tenerife	1.1
10. Green, Mallorca	1.0

Stats Leaders-LEB Silver

Points Per Game

Courtney PIGRAM
  Andorra
  (185-G-85)
  Avg: 16.8

1. Pigram, Andorra	16.8
2. Vereen, Rosalia	16.5
3. Ferrer, Cajasur .	15.8
4. Uriz, Santurtzi	15.5
5. Zengotitaben., Hue.	15.2
6. Higgs, L''Hospitalet	15.1
7. Wolfram, Andorra	15.0
8. Barcelo, Plasencia	14.8
9. Miller, Coruna	14.8
10. Howard, Guadalaj.	14.8

Rebounds Per Game

Shalawn MILLER
  Huelva
  (204-C/F-74)
  Avg: 9.2

1. Miller, Huelva	9.2
2. Thompson, ADT T.	8.9
3. Howard, Guadalaj.	8.7
4. Santana, Caja Rioja	8.4
5. Williams, Matchmind	7.8
6. Adams, Navarra	7.3
7. Johnson, Huesca	7.2
8. Andrews, Huesca	7.2
9. Ward, Alcazar	7.2
10. Griffin, Cajasur .	7.0

Assists Per Game

Ricardo BUSCIGLIO
  Caja Rioja
  (185-G-86)
  Avg: 6

1. Busciglio, Caja Rioja	6.0
2. Castello, ADT T.	4.8
3. Rufian, Huelva	4.4
4. Lopez, Coruna	4.0
5. Rodriguez, Rosalia	4.0
6. Gonzalez, Navarra	3.9
7. Alonso, Matchmind	3.7
8. Marcos, Alcazar	3.7
9. Santamaria, ADT T.	3.7
10. Cardenas, Qalat C.	3.6

Steals Per Game

Jonathan BARCELO
  Plasencia
  (192-G-79)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Barcelo, Plasencia	2.4
2. Gomez, Huelva	2.3
3. Miller, Coruna	2.3
4. Johnson, Huesca	2.2
5. Pigram, Andorra	2.0
6. Ott, Caja Rioja	2.0
7. Suka-Umu, Cajasur .	2.0
8. Martinez, Huelva	1.9
9. Pino, L''Hospitalet	1.9
10. Bavosi, Promobys	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Kim ADAMS
  Navarra
  (203-F/C-82)
  Avg: 1.4

1. Adams, Navarra	1.4
2. Byombo, Illescas	1.4
3. Matali, Andorra	1.1
4. Thompson, ADT T.	1.1
5. Sekulic, Plasencia	1.0
6. Ward, Alcazar	1.0
7. Andrews, Huesca	1.0
8. Williams, Matchmind	1.0
9. Bain, ADT Tarragona	1.0
10. De Santana, Caja R.	0.9

CSKA celebrates in Malaga, clinches first place in Group G - by Eurobasket News
Top 16, Round 5: Unicaja - CSKA 70-76

CSKA secured first place in Group G after 70-76 victory in Malaga. Even if the Russian powerhouse losses against Zalgiris in Moscow, and Asseco Prokom beats Unicaja next week, CSKA will be No.1 due to plus four in two games against Prokom. Unicaja dropped to 1-4 and next week will say goodbye to 2009/10 Euroleague edition. Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78) stepped up for CSKA with 16 points and 5 rebounds. Sasha Kaun (211-C-85) also was good netting 14 pts and pulling down 8 rebounds. Andrey Vorontsevich (204-C-87) delivered 13 points for 16 minutes on the court. For the hosts, Omar Cook

LEB Gold Standings

1. Melilla	20-6
2. CAI Zaragoza	20-6
3. Burgos	17-9
4. La Laguna	16-10
5. Vive Menorca	16-10
6. Leon	15-11
7. Breogan	14-12
8. Girona	13-13
9. Caceres	13-13
10. La Palma	12-13
11. Ourense	12-14
12. Tenerife	12-14
13. Mallorca	11-15
14. Palencia	10-15
15. Clin.Rincon	10-16
16. Cornella	9-17
17. CB Tarragona	8-18
18. Vigo	5-21

Standings - LEB Silver

LEB Standings

Group A
1. Caja Rioja	17-6
2. Andorra	15-8
3. Huesca	15-8
4. Prat Juventud	13-11
5. Coruna	12-11
6. Navarra	12-11
7. Santurtzi	10-12
8. Rosalia	9-13
9. Alaior	8-13
10. L'Hospitalet	7-14
11. ADT Tarragona	7-15
Group B
1. Promobys	15-5
2. Alcazar	14-7
3. Huelva	13-8
4. Guadalajara	10-11
5. Plasencia	10-11
6. Real M. II	9-11
7. Illescas	9-12
8. Matchmind	8-12
9. Qalat CajaSol	7-13
10. CajasurCord.	6-14

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

SWEDEN

Stats Leaders - Basketligan

Points Per Game

Drazen KLARIC
  Eco Orebro
  (205-F-80)
  Avg: 19.9

1. Klaric, Eco Orebro	19.9
2. Watt, Uppsala	19.8
3. McKnight, Plannja	19.7
4. Rush, Gothia Basket	19.0
5. Palm, Boras	18.8
6. Sigurdarson, Sunds.	18.3
7. Spagrud, Sundsvall	16.0
8. Akingbade, Jamtl.	15.7
9. Nystrom, Boras	15.7
10. Carter, Gothia B.	15.6

Rebounds Per Game

Michael PALM
  Boras
  (208-C-79)
  Avg: 10.8

1. Palm, Boras	10.8
2. Konare, Jamtland	10.4
3. Watt, Uppsala	9.1
4. Spagrud, Sundsvall	8.8
5. Akingbade, Jamtl.	8.7
6. Rush, Gothia Basket	8.4
7. Akesson, Plannja	7.5
8. Mottram, Gothia B.	7.5
9. Djordjic, Soder.	7.3
10. Jonzen, Uppsala	6.9

Assists Per Game

Andrew PLEICK
  Eco Orebro
  (196-G-80)
  Avg: 6.3

1. Pleick, Eco Orebro	6.3
2. Levin, Sundsvall	5.8
3. Grant, Norrkoping	5.8
4. Chuk, Sodertalje	5.3
5. Mbemba, Solna	5.2
6. Carter, Gothia B.	4.6
7. Mitchell, Solna	4.5
8. Gervin, Norrkoping	4.3
9. Larsson, Plannja	4.1
10. McKnight, Plannja	3.9

Steals Per Game

Rhys CARTER
  Gothia Basket
  (190-G-84)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Carter, Gothia B.	2.8
2. Chuk, Sodertalje	2.2
3. Grant, Norrkoping	2.1
4. Hellgren, Jamtland	2.0
5. Crone, Sodertalje	2.0
6. McKnight, Plannja	2.0
7. Mbemba, Solna	2.0
8. Mitchell, Solna	1.9
9. Gervin, Norrkoping	1.8
10. Pleick, Eco Orebro	1.8

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Kjellbom, Norrkoping	1.9
2. Rosendahl, Plannja	1.8
3. Konare, Jamtland	1.5
4. Palm, Boras	1.5
5. Rush, Gothia Basket	1.2
6. Ayuba, Norrkoping	1.1
7. Walker, Sodertalje	0.8
8. Drains, Norrkoping	0.8
9. Akesson, Plannja	0.8
10. Spagrud, Sundsvall	0.8

Basketligan: Round 39 review - by Eurobasket News
Boras - Sundsvall 81-88
Sundsvall cruised past Boras on the road improving its score to 26-9. Miroslav Todic (208-F-85) stepped up for the Dragons with 28 points and 10 rebounds. Jakob Sigurdarson

(192-G-82, college: Birmingham Souther) also had important role adding 22 pts. In Boras (13-23), Henrik Carlsson delivered 20 pts.

Eco Orebro - Gothia Basket 68-74
Kim Palmqvist (203-F-88) scored 18 points leading Gothia to 15th victory of the season. Rhys Carter

(190-G-84) and Robert Isaksson followed him with 15 and 13 points respectively. In the loosing squad (12-24), Drazen Klaric delivered 24 points.

Plannja - Norrkoping 103-95
It was a derby game of Round 39. John Williamson (198-C-86, college: Cincinnati) was a key player in Plannja collecting 25 points and 7 rebounds, while John Rosendahl (203-F/C-77, college: Wyoming) added 20 pts and 6 boars. For the guests, Joakim Kjellbom had 21 pts and 10 boards. Despite this loss, Norrkoping remains No.1 with 31-5 record. Plannja improved to 28-8 score and they stay on the second place.

Solna - Sodertalje 68-72
15th victory for the Kings, who got 20 points from Rickard Eriksson (189-G-82, agency: Promotex). William Walker (201-F, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Bethel (IN)) added 18 pts and 7 rebounds in this victory. For Solna (23-14), Saulius Dumbliauskas came up with 13 points and 12 rebounds.

Uppsala - Jamtland 97-68
The box-score will be available soon.

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SWITZERLAND

Standings - LNB

LNB Standings

1. Bernex	20-2
2. Zurich W.	15-6
3. Swiss Central	15-7
4. Villars	13-9
5. Martigny	13-9
6. Vevey	13-10
7. Chene	11-11
8. Pully	10-11
9. Vernier	9-13
10. DDV Lugano	8-14
11. Acad.Fribourg	7-14
12. Zurich K.	6-16
13. Neuchatel	2-20

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SYRIA

TANZANIA

Complacent JKT lose Dar`s basketball title - by Carlos Pereira
JKT might have finished their campaign of the Dar es Salaam regional basketball league on a high by beating Vijana 68-49 over the weekend, but complacency remained the main reason behind their failure to retain the title.

JKT, who were among the leagues favourites right from the early stages, looked to have been carried away by overconfidence. They lost two crucial matches against unheralded sides of Oilers and Pazi that had seriously devastated their title retention dream.

Having already conceded the two defeats midway through the league, JKT staged a resurgence campaign eyeing the semifinal berth having won all of their matches thereafter but inferior goal aggregates pushed them on the sidelines.

JKT finished level with Oilers and Pazi on 21 points, the teams that came third and fourth, respectively, in the league but the defending champions were rocked by the two defeats.

JKT rue their decision to leave it too late to seriously attempt the title defence.

With a host of talented players than the rest in the league, JKT were a team that could easily force opponents into submission with tight marking and plenty of attacking options. Surprisingly JKT underestimated Oilers and Pazis prowess to leave them off the hook with title retention bid slipping through their hands easily.

Gifted point guard Frank Kusiga, three-pointer exponents Charles Makene, Mkumbo Mgendi, Francis Mlewa, Frank Simkoko and other lethal weapons Juma Kisoky and Tumsifu Apollo made JKT a force to reckon with for the past three years, but failed to inspire the side towards the podium finish.

JKT could obviously be breathing heavily before the neck of pace setters Savio had the holders deployed the fighting spirit akin to the one they displayed in matches against rivals ABC and Vijana, winning convincingly.

JKTs female counterparts, JKT Stars, who also endured an equally embarrassing campaign after losing to Don Bosco and subsequently miss on the finals of the women category, need to offload their aging players should they wish to rediscover their winning heroics next season.

A third place play-off is all JKT Stars have to fight for on Saturday and the team ought to raise their game if they harbour hopes of defeating Police Dar es Salaam in the match.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

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TOURNAMENT OF THE AMERICAS U16

FIBA Americas U18 Championship Draw to be held on Friday - by Richard
FIBA Americas with the collaboration from USA Basketball and San Antonio Sports will make the FIBA Americas U18 Championship Draw to be held on Friday, March 5 at 1:42 pm local time CT) at Bill Greehey Arena in San Antonio, Texas.

Also on Friday a press conference will be done where all the details of the tournament will be given to the media.

The top eight U18 national teams from the region are going to be in the event and they are: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, United States of America, Uruguay and U.S. Virgin Islands.

In the draw the teams will be drawn into couples where the first selection goes to Group A and the second to Group B to form two groups of four teams each.

The couples are: USA-Canada, Argentina-Puerto Rico, Mexico-Uruguay, Brazil- U.S. Virgin Islands.

Preliminary round play will be held June 26-28; each team plays the other three teams in its preliminary group. The top two finishing teams in each preliminary round group will then advance to the June 29, medal round semifinals and play for 1st-4th places. Teams placed third and fourth in each preliminary round group will advance to the consolation semifinals and play for 5th-8th places. The FIBA Americas U18 Championship for Men gold and bronze medal games, and the 5th/6th place and 7th/8th place games will be conducted on June 30.

The draw can be seen live on www.fibaamericas.com.
source: FIBAamericas

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U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

FIBA Americas U18 Draw this Friday - by David Edole
SAN ANTONIO (FIBA Americas U18 Championship for Men) FIBA Americas with the collaboration from USA Basketball and San Antonio Sports will make the FIBA Americas U18 Championship Draw to be held on Friday, March 5 at 1:42 pm local time CT) at Bill Greehey Arena in San Antonio, Texas.

Also on Friday a press conference will be done where all the details of the tournament will be given to the media.

The top eight U18 national teams from the region are going to be in the event and they are: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, United States of America, Uruguay and U.S. Virgin Islands.

In the draw the teams will be drawn into couples where the first selection goes to Group A and the second to Group B to form two groups of four teams each.

The couples are: USA-Canada, Argentina-Puerto Rico, Mexico-Uruguay, Brazil- U.S. Virgin Islands.

Preliminary round play will be held June 26-28; each team plays the other three teams in its preliminary group. The top two finishing teams in each preliminary round group will then advance to the June 29, medal round semifinals and play for 1st-4th places. Teams placed third and fourth in each preliminary round group will advance to the consolation semifinals and play for 5th-8th places. The FIBA Americas U18 Championship for Men gold and bronze medal games, and the 5th/6th place and 7th/8th place games will be conducted on June 30.

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UNITED KINGDOM

Flournoy Raises Level as Garbelotto Prepares For Scary Eagles - by Andy Webb
With Everton Tigers and Newcastle Eagles going head-to-head and Marshall MK Lions hosting Cheshire Jets in a repeat of the BBL Cup Semi Final, one of the BBL Trophy Semi-Finalists will be decided by Friday, whilst the outcome of the Lions-Jets game could go a long way to deciding the other finalist.

The first leg of the Semi Final between the Eagles and Tigers went down to the wire, as Fabulous Flournoys men came out of their Arena 89-85 winners, thanks to a late three pointer from Charles Smith. It was an emotional game for players and coaches on both sides, as the Tigers team contains former Eagles Trey Moore, who won the Championship and Playoff titles, as well as the MVP award with the Tyneside club, and British forward Olu Babalola. Tigers chief Tony Garbelotto is a former Eagles play caller, and last season saw a fierce title rivalry between the clubs, adding to the drama and atmosphere last Friday. Flournoy however, expects the level of play to be raised once again tomorrow evening.

He commented: In the second leg, I would expect both team to raise the bar. In a two legged game the first game is considered the first half. Both teams will make adjustments to improve, and it has a bit of a playoff feel to it. He added: For the fans it was a great game. You have two teams with so much history, even with Everton being in its third season. Two ex-players, an ex- coach, three league MVP players, both teams have yet to hit the heights or the form from a season ago, so the game came down to the final shot. It was great to watch and the fans for both teams were fantastic!

Garbelotto, who is assistant to Chris Finch in the Team GB set up, faced Andrew Sullivan for the first time as an opposing coach last Friday, as the GB skipper recently returned to the Eagles, where he began his career back in 2004, for his third stint with the club. The Londoner said that the addition of such a high quality player and former league MVP, could well be the x-factor for the Eagles this season: We need to do a better job of stopping Charles Smith this week, but if you stop him, there are seven other guys who can step up - they are really deep with the addition of Drew Sullivan and almost scary at times.

With the Jets having lost out to Sheffield Sharks 89-86 in Januarys Cup Final, and the Lions being knocked out by them at the Semi Final stage, both clubs will be hungry for another final, when they meet tomorrow night in Milton Keynes. Lions coach, Vince Macaulay said: The Jets are a veteran team that can mount a challenge if they put their mind to it; they are very talented with great outside shooters. The Jets were victorious last time and will be looking for the same, from our standpoint we just want to get to winning ways and we'll play the girl guides if it means we can win. He added: It would be huge for us (to reach another final) especially with all the injuries we've got and the way we have been playing of late but apart from that, the boost basketball has received with our move to thecentre:mk would be even greater with a Final.

Jets play caller, Paul Smith, remembers fondly the 'buzz' that reaching the BBL Cup Final created around the club, and said that everyone within the Jets organisation would love to experience this again. He added: 'It would be a boost for everyone

TIGERS LAND JONES - by George Manousidis
Everton Tigers have today announced the signing of highly-rated forward Marcel Jones (203-F-85, college: Oregon St.).
The 24-year-old arrives on Merseyside having spent last summer training with the Chicago Bulls in New Zealand having previously enjoyed successful spells in Finland and Hungary.
The 6ft 8in forward grew up in Los Angeles, California, before playing college basketball for Oregon State University.
Tony Garbelotto, Everton Tigers head coach, said Jones will help the Tigers push for honours on all fronts and will bring them an extra dimension.
He said: We have been searching for a while now to replace Flo Larkai and I feel we have signed the best player available in the short time that we had.
Marcel is not a like-for-like replacement for Flo but he will bring qualities to the squad that we have been missing in recent weeks.
He has all the attributes you need to be a success in the BBL, and his ability to operate at both ends of the court will be a huge benefit to the team as a whole.
Jones is in line to make his Tigers debut on Friday evening as the Newcastle Eagles arrive at the Greenbank Academy for the crunch BBL Trophy semi final second leg.

Wiggins calls for tighter defence, as Trailblazers return to London Mets - by George Manousidis
After back to back victories against Manchester and Sheffield, Derby Trailblazers return to the scene of one of their few defeats this season, as they face London Mets. The division one title race took an important twist last weekend, as Leeds Carnegie were defeated by Leicester Warriors.

That means there are now four clubs sitting just behind Derby in the league table. Leeds, Leicester, Manchester and Bristol all have five defeats, while the Trailblazers remain top with just three league losses.

However, it was in the EBL Mens Trophy that the Trailblazers suffered their most painful defeat of the season so far, as London Mets came from behind to book a place in the final in a match that needed double overtime to separate the two clubs.

Shooting guard Arturo Noha-Pascual (190-G-80) produced a stellar performance on the day, to finish with 38 points and was again in top form on Sunday as Mets went on to beat Manchester Magic in the Trophy final. Noha was named Most Valuable player in the match, finishing with 21 points and 11 rebounds.

Not surprising, Coach Clarence Wiggins has identified Noha as being the primary threat his team need to contain in the capital this weekend:

Last time we played Mets, our defence wasnt good enough. Were obviously going to focus on [Arturo] Noha and make sure we mark him a whole lot better. Last time, he beat us almost single handily and we dont intend to give him the chance of doing that again.

Were not going to beat ourselves with poor defence either. Theres no doubt we should have got the job done without going to overtime when we played them last time and we certainly intend to do a better job this time around.

We came away from there feeling aggrieved, but guess what? Were going to try and make sure that were in a better position throughout the game to make sure we can win. That way, those little things that happened before cant frustrate us, he said.

Derby should be at full strength for the match, providing David Attewell (203-F/C-74, college: Siena) suffers no setbacks following his return from injury. The Trailblazers centre netted six points and gathered 15 rebounds against Sheffield last weekend and Wiggins says its important to keep him involved:
It was good to have Dave back, but this weekend will be more important for us. Hopefully hell be okay for the game against Mets because we know how hard thats going to be. If he does, its a huge bonus, because he gives us defence, he gives us rebounding power, he gives us leadership and he gives us all the intangibles that coaches want, he said.

The match away to London Mets tips off at four oclock on Saturday, at the Science Centre, London Metropolitan University.

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URUGUAY

Atenas was suspended from the Uruguayan League - by Hector Lopez
The Disciplinary Committee suspended Atenas for one year and therefore they will not continue playing the Uruguayan League 2009-10. The suspension was applied after five fans from Atenas badly hurt a 29 years old fan from Trouville. Both teams were playing the quarter finals best of five series and were tied 2-2. The Disciplinary Committee said Atenas had a number of other incidents during these tournament. It is not clear if Trouville will accept to continue playing the tournament, afcinbg Defensor Sporting. The other semifinal serie, Malvin-UnioN Atletica will begin tonigth.

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USBA

USBA cancels National Combine on March 6, 2010 - by USBA Media

Atlanta, Ga. (March 4, 2010) ---The United States Basketball Association (USBA) canceled its national basketball player combine. 'The combine was scheduled to be held at the Woodruff Physical Activity Building on the campus of Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia on Saturday, March 6, 2010,' said USBA Vice President of Basketball Operation Kenneth Green. The combine will not be held as previously advertised. 'We have been inundated with request for a tryout with one of our teams; however 90% of the applicants requested to be allowed to go to a specific city, to try out for one of our team. To be fair to everyone, registration procedures will be changed to adhere to meet the players request,' said Green. 'It appears the economy is still a factor in a lot of peoples lives, the cost of airfare, the hotel and meal expense seems to have been a significant factor and we certainly understand, after all this is Single A basketball.'

The league reported 419 players contacted the USBA to inquire about positions on league teams. 'Almost all confirmed registrants, 46 players in all, came from the Atlanta area,' said Green. Basketball players will now be able to email and telephone the Head Coach directly to receive additional information and instructions. The league will conduct open tryouts in each team city. Try outs will be open to all qualified basketball players. Basketball players can attend a tryout on Saturday, March 13 and March 20, 2010. All eligible players will be accepted at the local team tryout.

Registration will be conducted on the mornings the tryouts are to be held.

The sign up period for the combine was originally set to begin on March 1, 2010, however, according to league sources the change was made to better serve the request of the participants. 'Agnes Scott College is a fine gymnasium and they have great facilities, however we have heard from basketball players that they would rather sign up in the town of their choice. We are a new league and we are responsible to our prospective players, we want our players to feel comfortable with our procedures and to hold a national combine just to collect money is something we will not do'

'We are working tirelessly in our pursuit to find the best players available for all USBA teams; this will enable us to provide our fans the very best minor league professional basketball players from day one,' said USBA President and C.E.O., Duane Allen Jenkins . 'Allowing players to go to the city of their choice is a truly special and unique opportunity for all of our coaches to evaluate basketball players that are probably from that city,' continued Jenkins.

Basketball players will participate in scrimmage games, agility drills and conditioning exercises. All players will be evaluated by the leagues coaching staff. USBA coaching staff will then select the players represent their local team.

USBA individual team tryouts are scheduled for March 13, 2010 and March 20, 2010. Players will be charged a fee of $75.00 to participate in the tryouts. The league will provide the required documents to the players who participate in the tryout. Registrations will begin at 8:00 am. Drills will start at 10:00 am Basketball players are required to have a minimum of two years experience on the collegiate level in order to participate individual team tryouts.

Players participating in the individual team tryouts will receive lunch from Subway. Deer Park will provide bottled water to the players and coaches. Trainers and paramedics will be on hand to assist participants.

The USBA has sixteen teams in three divisions. The teams are spread out over nine southern states. Please refer to the league website at www.usbaball.com . Individual team tryout signup will begin March 13 and March 20, 2010 at 8:30 and will continue until all participants are registered. Complete instruction on player registrations and information will be made available the leagues website. According to the league, the registration period was changed to allow more time for college players whose teams may not be invited to the NCAA tournament. The USBA utilizes medium to small college and university gymnasiums for the home location of their teams. All USBA coaches will select players from this tryout to field their team for the upcoming season.

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

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

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

VENEZUELA

Santa Isabel's Basketball Tournament - by Wolfgang Lucena
Shokoku remain unstoppable. Nelson Pereira had another productive day with 29 points to help Shokoku defeated Andres Eloy Blanco 72-66 in Santa Isabel's basketball tournament held it on those basketball courts of this neighborhood.
Other results of this Santa Isabel's basketball tournament; Edgar Colmenarez made 28 points to help his team Bravos defeat Eligio Macias Mujica 58-47 and Brewers beat Elacantidos 70-51.

source http://www.laprensalara.com.ve

Standings - LPB

LPB Standings

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

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WABA

WBA

Standings

WBA Standings

1. Buford M.	0-0
2. Decatur CK	0-0
3. Tupelo	0-0
4. Cartersville W.	0-0
5. Florida Flight	0-0
6. Franklin Knigts	0-0
7. Jacksonville B.	0-0

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Women News

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BELGIUM - Women

D1, second stage: Round 3 review - by Eurobasket News
Group A: Round 3 review
Ieper hosted Novia Namur and managed to overcome them, winning the game 81-74. Emma Meesseman (188-C/F-93) was excellent for the winners as she scored 20 points. Valerie Boydens (175-F-84) and Versavel Marlies were also good with 18 and 11 points respectively. For Novia Namur, Elodie Remy and Sarah Deneil had 21 and 20 pts respectively.
Waregem also won at home after they were better than Jeugd Gentson 72-59. Hosts got 19 points from Julie Vanloo (174-G-93), who was the best player on the court. Tamara Van Respaille (186-C-77) was also good finishing the game with 16 points. For visitors, Mieselot Malfait was great, as she poured in 21 points.

Group B: Round 3 review
Dexia hosted Point Chaud and managed to come on top 71-68 after a closely contested mathcup. Oksana Agabalova (186-F-73) led the winning side with 22 points on the night. The duo of Marjorie Carpreaux (165-G-87, agency: LBM Management) and Laura Sario were also great as they chipped in 19 and 17 points respectively. On the other side, Daphne Theunissen had 21 points and 15 rebounds, while Rachel Wojdowski also recorded double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds.
BBC Boom rolled over DBC Houthalen with ease, winning the game 90-68. Eveline Decroos (184-F-84) and Corina Arts (184-C-76) led the rout with 16 points apiece. Ilse Van Den Vonder and Virginie Michelis were also decent, finishing the game with 12 points each. For visiting side, Karen Bartholomeeus and Carrie Myers were the only players in double digits with 21 and 20 points respectively.

Standings

Group A
1. Waregem 2-0
2. Ieper 2-1
3. Jeugd Gentson 1-1
4. R.Spirou M. 1-1
5. N.Namur 0-3

Group B
1. Sint Kateline 2-0
2. Dexia 2-0
3. Point Chaud 1-1
4. Houthalen 1-2
5. BBC Boom 1-2

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CANADA - Women

Playoff action heats up in CIS - by Eurobasket News
Laval and McGill will play in the QUBL championship game. They defeated Bishop and UQAM respectively for the spot in the title decider. The 8th-ranked Laval had to sweat for a 68:56 win over Bishop. The things were knotted up at 52 with five minutes to go in regulation. However Marie-Michelle Genois (188-F-86) and Jobin came up with important points at this point to put the Rouge et Or up for good in this one. Marie-Michelle Genois scored 15 points to lead the charge. Myriam Lamarre (183-F-85) added 14 points for Laval. Katy Germain (173-G) responded with 17 points for the Gaiters. Marie-Eve Lemoine (163-G) finished with 11 points in the loss.
McGill prevailed against UQAM 77:59 for another spot in the Final. Marie-Eve Martin (173-G) knocked down 19 points and grabbed 7 rebounds to pace McGill. Stephanie Bergeron (168-G, college: Franklin Pierce) added 15 points for the winners. Karine Boudrias (175-F-86) responded with 18 points and 8 rebounds for UQAM in their seasons finale.
Windsor won the OUA West Championship as they prevailed against Western 66:61. The Lancers will next face the Ottawa Gee Gees for the OUA trophy. The Mustangs looked better in the starting half. They ensured a 35:29 halftime advantage. The Lancers denied the distance and eked out a narrow one point lead into the fourth stanza. The Lancers maintained it and snatched a tough victory at the end. Laura Mullins (178-G-89) notched 17 points, while Shavaun Reaney (168-G-87) had 15 points in the win. The Mustangs answered with 18 points from Amanda Anderson (173-G).

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CROATIA - Women

Three teams unbeaten - by Zeljko Zule
Gospic CO, Sibenik JollyJBS and Studenac Omis are unbeaten after 2nd Round of League Play-Off. Petra Stankovic (180-F-91) of Ragusa has17 points, 11 rebounds and 19 (!) turnovers.
Round 2: Gospic CO - PGM Ragusa 119-47 (38-9, 21-12, 37-14, 23-12; Ivezic 13, Matic 18, Marin 7, Gambiraza 9, Jelavic 19, Vrsaljko 13, Salopek 12, Augustine 15, Thomas 13 - Stojanovic 12, K.Zarac 7, Stankovic 17, Matisic 4, M.Zarac 7).
Croatia 2006-Sibenik Jolly JBS 64-75 (24-20, 5-20, 15-21, 20-14; Valentic 13, Dikic 7, Brkljacic 2, Ilijanic 9, Erak 21, Bosnjak 2, Bedalov 10 - Cakic 12, Lokas 13, Veselovski 5, Aleksic 2, Misura 11, Semren 12, Bura 6, Ivankovic 7, Popovic 7).
Studenac Omis-Medvescak 80-75 (16-21, 21-22, 22-17, 21-15).

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FRANCE - Women

NF2 Standings - by Juliane Hoehne

NF2 Standings

Group A
1. La Tronche	16-4
2. St Etienne	16-4
3. Villeurbanne	16-5
4. Marseillais	15-5
5. Lyon	14-7
6. Venelles	13-8
7. Istres	9-12
8. Albervilles	9-12
9. St Chamond	8-12
10. Challes II	8-12
11. St Jean	8-13
12. Roquebrune	6-15
13. Montbrison	5-15
14. Le Coteau	1-20
Group B
1. Perpignan	17-3
2. Mourenx	16-5
3. Colomiers	15-6
4. Feytiat	12-8
5. Montpellier	12-8
6. La Couronne	11-8
7. Thouars	11-8
8. Le Poir�-sur-Vie	11-9
9. Garnache	10-10
10. Brive Correze	10-11
11. Gimontoise	8-12
12. Bordeaux	4-17
13. Talence	3-18
14. Tournefeuille	2-19
Group C
1. Le Havre	19-2
2. Angers	16-4
3. Sceaux	14-7
4. Evreux	13-8
5. Poitiers	13-8
6. Avenir	12-9
7. Versailles	12-9
8. Ifs	11-10
9. Gravenchonnais	10-11
10. Rennes II	8-12
11. Brest	7-13
12. Ouistreham	6-14
13. Saint-Brieuc	4-17
14. Nantes Moulin	0-21
Group D
1. Wasquehal	19-2
2. Chenove	15-6
3. Villeneuve II	14-7
4. Bourges II	13-8
5. Aubervilliers	12-8
6. Geispolsheim	12-9
7. Franconville	12-9
8. Saint Gratien	10-11
9. Aulnoye	9-12
10. CFBB II	9-12
11. Furdenheim	7-13
12. Sainte-Savine	7-14
13. Union Hainaut	4-17
14. Metz	3-18

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GREECE - Women

A1, Round 19 review: Athinaikos stays unbeaten - by Eurobasket News
Olympiacos recorded 71-61 win over FEA Neas as part of Round 19 of the Greek A-1 League. Hosts were led by Afentoula Magaliou (168-G-79) who poured in 25 points, while Niki Zerva (183-F-79) chipped in 15. For visitors, Sof Kyrakopolou and Kathrin Geralds stood out with 18 and 17 points respectively.
Panionios hosted Apollon K And recorded 67-61 win after a close matchup. Meg Tierney (190-F/C-81) scored 18, while Kari Koch (173-G-83, college: Missouri St.) and Froso Vlahou added 15 and 14 points for the winning side. For Apollon, Dimi Giannopolou had 18 points in loss.
Athinaikos continued to dominate the league as they have beaten Aris 77-53. Gintare Petronyte (196-C-89) led the rout with 23 points and 13 rebounds. She got help from Dimitra Kalentzou (174-G-78) and Poli Saregou who followed with 13 and 10 points respectively. For Aris, only Prouk Queenan came to play after scoring 17 points on the night.
Ano Liosa had not troubles handling Esperides, winning the game 83-69. Hosts got 20 points from Shamela Hampton (191-C-87, college: UNLV), while Laura Kurz (185-F-86, college: Villanova) chipped in 14 points. For Esperides, Sheryl Swoopes was unstoppable as she poured in 27 points.
Panathanaikos also recorded home win, as they hosted Apollon Ptolemidas and came up with 65-51 victory. Jasmina Ilic (185-G/F-85, college: Colorado) and Lindsey Wilson (176-G-81, college: Iowa St.) led the winning side with 16 points apiece. On the other side, Sequoia Holmes scored 14 while Ele Papadimitrou and Jela Vidacic added 11 points each.

A1 standings
1. Athinaikos 19-0
2. Panathinaikos 12-5
3. Esperides 12-6
4. DAS Ano Liosa 12-7
5. Aris Thessal. 11-7
6. Apollon Ptol. 10-8
7. Panionios 9-9
8. P.Faliro 8-10
9. FEA Neas 8-11
10. Apollon Kal. 7-12
11. Olympiakos V. 6-12
12. Olympiada L. 2-16
13. Hania 0-13

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ISRAEL - Women

Ramla to face Electra Ramat Hasharon in the Cup Final - by Eurobasket News
Ramla will face Electra Ramat Hasharon in the Cup Final of the country. Both teams won their Semifinal games and deserbved a spot in the top game of the Cup.
Ramla stun Natanya 76:75 trailing for the majority of the game. The latter enjoyed 17 points advantage however could not keep the score for good. Plenette Pierson (188-F/C-81, college: Texas Tech) exploded with 27 points and 16 rebounds, while Deanna Jackson (188-F-79, college: UAB) added 26 points and 11 boards. Edwige Lawson Wade produced 14 points and 7 assists, while Noelle Quinn scored 7 points. For Elizur Maccabi Natanya Liad Suez Karni and Howard scored 17 points each. Monique Coker (188-F-82, college: ODU) posted 15 points and Marshae Dotson netted 12.
Electra Ramat Hasharon outscored Ramat Hen 79:61. The favorites made the finals for the 6th time in a row. Ambrosia Anderson (186-F-84, college: BYU) top-scored for the winners with 18 points, while Laine Selwyn (170-G-81, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Pittsburgh) and Dori posted 13 each. Kia Vaughn scored 11 and Sheri Sam ended up with 10 points. For Maccabi Ramat Hen Tiffany Jackson (191-F-85, college: Texas) nailed 18 points and Camille Little posted 14. Dominique Canty (175-G/F-77, agency: Merit Sports, college: Alabama) finished the night with 12 points and Michal Epstein chipped in 7.

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LITHUANIA - Women

Standings - LMKL

LMKL Standings

1. Cesis	22-2
2. TEO Vilnius	21-3
3. Laisve	15-10
4. Lemminkain.	14-9
5. Aistes-Atletas	14-10
6. MRU	5-18
7. Ruta Siauliai	5-19
8. LAMMKK	0-25

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NCAA1 - Women

Seniors, Hawks Dominate Postseason Awards and All-Conference Teams - by George Manousidis
West Hartford, Conn.-- Two Hawks, two Catamounts and a Terrier, representing the top three seeds for the upcoming America East Basketball Championship, were named to the America East Womens Basketball All-Conference First Team as announced at the leagues annual awards reception on the University of Hartford campus on Thursday. The team was highlighted by the 2010 Rookie of the Year in Boston Universitys Chantell Alford (5'8''-G-91) (West Haven, Conn./Wilbur Cross), the Defensive Player of the Year in senior forward Erica Beverly (Bridgeport, Conn./Kolbe Cathedral) of Hartford, and Hawks senior center Diana Delva (Stamford, Conn./Westhill), the Player of the Year. Hartford Head Coach Jennifer Rizzotti took home the Coach of the Year Award after leading the top-seeded Hawks to a perfect 16-0 conference record.

Joining that trio of players on the first team were a pair of senior guards from Vermont, May Kotsopoulos (Waterloo, Ontario/Waterloo Collegiate) and Courtnay Pilypaitis (Ottawa, Ontario/St. Peter), both preseason all-conference picks. Delva, Kotsopoulos and Pilypaitis were all unanimous choices. Head coaches were not permitted to vote for their own players.

Delva has evolved into one of the most consistent players in the conference en route to earning America Easts top honor. Having been named to the all-conference third team as a freshman and the second team as a sophomore and junior, Delva had a breakout year in 2009-10 with 14.5 ppg, 8.3 rpg and a league-leading 65.5 percent field-goal mark that currently ranks second in the nation. She recorded nine double-doubles on the season and averaged 1.9 blocks per game, third in the league. Arguably her best efforts of the season both came in the final week against Albany and Vermont where she notched a season-high 22 points in each game, while also averaging 8.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in both games to lead Hartford to its first-ever 16-0 conference mark.

Beverly, who sits just nine boards shy of becoming the first Hartford player to accumulate at least 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds, led the league in blocks this season, averaging 2.2 rejections per game. Beverly has crept into the leagues all-time career blocks record book in fifth-place with 193 since the 2005-06 season. She was also a key component of a Hartford defense that ranks third in the country with a 50.8 scoring defense. Beverly, also the 2006 Rookie of the Year, also averaged 9.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.2 blocks and 1.3 steals per game. The 6-0 forward is the first Hawk to win the Defensive Player of the Year award since its inception for the 2002-03 season.

Alford claimed the top honor for a rookie after finishing second in the league with 15.3 points per game. She also ranked in the America East top 10 in seven other statistical categories, including assists, steals, blocks and three-point field-goal percentage. Alford is the first Terrier freshman to win the award since Katie Meinhardt in 2003. The guard was also voted to the all-conference first team joining former Maine standout Cindy Blodgett as the only two rookies to ever be named to the first team. Alford was a six-time rookie of the week winner this season and led a young Terrier squad to the three seed at this years championship

This was the third time in Rizzottis career which she received the top coaching award, also winning it in 2006 and 2007. Rizzotti led the Hawks to its fifth straight season of 25 or more wins, sixth straight season of 20 or more wins, and a fifth win over a ranked opponent in as many years. She also led Hartford to the programs first-ever national ranking in both the AP and USA Today polls where the team enters the tournament ranked #23 and #21, respectively. The former UConn point guard stands with a career record of 216-119 (.645) over 10 years, all in West Hartford. Her winning ways in America East play, a 127-56 (.654) mark, make her the winningest coach in league history.

Making up the second team was Binghamton Universitys senior guard Erica Carter (Naperville, Ill./Naperville Central) and sophomore guard Andrea Holmes (Memphis, Tenn./Mitchell), UMBCs senior guard Carlee Cassidy (Syracuse, N.Y./Westhill), University of New Hampshires senior forward Candace Williams (Norfolk, Mass./St. Raphael Academy (R.I.)) and Stony Brook Universitys junior forward Kirsten Jeter (Elmont, N.Y./Elmont).

The all-conference third team consisted of University at Albanys senior guard Charity Iromuanya (Lincoln, Neb./Lincoln Northeast), Boston U.s freshman guard Caitlynn Moran (Hopewell Junction, N.Y./John Jay) and sophomore guard Alex Young (Hickory, N.C./St. Stephens), Hartfords junior guard Jackie Smith (Westfield, Mass./Holyoke), and University of Maines sophomore forward Samantha Wheeler (Derry, N.H./Timberlane Regional).

Beverly, Delva, Iromuanya, Kotsopoulos and Pilypaitis were all also voted to the All-Defensive Team, with Delva receiving all eight possible votes.

Alford and Moran highlighted the All-Rookie Team and were joined by Hartford forward Ruthanne Doherty (Richmond, Va./L.C. Bird), University at Albany forward Julie Forster (Huntington, N.Y./Huntington) and forward/guard Ebone Henry (San Diego, Calif./Mater Dei Catholic).

All of the award winners will compete at the 2010 America East Mens and Womens Basketball Championship presented by Newmans Own beginning with tonights first-round game. All first, quarterfinal and semifinal games will be held at University of Hartfords Chase Family Arena in West Hartford, with the championship game being held on Saturday, March 13 at 8 p.m. and hosted by the highest remaining seed.
Courtesy: America East Communications

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SERBIA - Women

A League, Round 19 review: Partizan keeps the perfect score - by Eurobasket News
In Round 19 of the Serbian A league for Women, Radivoj Korac hosted Proleter and managed to secure 87-78 win. Hosts used good play in 2nd and 4th quarter to build the lead, which they managed to keep until the final buzzer.
Elsewhere, Vojvodina Nis had to work very hard in order to overcome their hosts Loznica. For the most part it was a closely contested mathcup, until the visiting team took over in third period and managed to build plus 9, which they kept for the final score of 50-53.
Hemofarm Stada also recorded win away from home after they were better than Spartak. Visitors came out strong from the start and dominated the match for the final win of 62-84.
Partizan continued its run of excellent form with 66-74 win over their hosts Celarevo. Mirjana Beronja (170-G-86) had 15 points for visitors, while Dajana Butulija (175-G-86) added 12 points. For Celarevo, Maja Skoric and Jelica Domazet stood out with 19 and 15 points respectively.
Vozdovac hosted Radnicki and in the end they celebrated 78-66 home win. Ana Radovic (190-C-90) and Marija Prlja (162-G-87) scored 18 and 17 points each, while Ana Krstovic was also good with 15. For visiting side, Aleksandra Katic had 15 points and Marija Saravan chipped in 14 of her own.
Kovin managed to defend home court, hosting Crvena Zvezda and winning the game 95-86. Nevena Jovanovic (179-G-90) was great as she scored 26 points, while Ivana Terzic (187-C-86) and Marina Caran contributed with 14 and 13 points each. For Crvena Zvezda, not even 33 points by Jelena Velinovc could prevent the loss for visitors.

A League standings
1. Partizan 19-0
2. Hemofarm 15-4
3. Radivoj Korac 14-5
4. Vojvodina 12-7
5. Vodovac 11-7
6. Crvena Zv. 11-8
7. Celarevo 8-11
8. Proleter 7-12
9. Kovin 5-14
10. Spartak 4-14
11. Loznica 4-15
12. Radnicki KG 3-16

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SOUTH KOREA - Women

Standings - WKBL

WKBL Standings

1. S-Birds	28-9
2. Bichumi	22-15
3. KB Savers	19-18
4. Redwings	18-19
5. Cool Cats	16-21
6. Woori Hansae	8-29

S-Birds continue to lose, still remain on top - by Eurobasket News
The favorites of the League lose another two games in a row to drop at 28-9 record. After thee losses the team however beat Woori Hansae 81:72 and Cool Cats 73:50. Later on February 26th Cool Cats beat S-Birds 77:67 and then on the last day of February Woori Hansae overcame them 88:85. Kim Kwe Ryong (193-C-79) was named MVP of the game as she nailed 37 points for the winners. Jung Sun-Min (185-F-74) responded with 16 points and 5 assists in the losing case.
Bichumi is on the second position with 22-15 record, while KB Savers are third with 19-18.

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U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - Women

Edwards plays in 112th career game - the most in NSU program history - by David Edole
Tampa, Fla. (Mar. 3, 2010) - No. 8 seed Nova Southeastern University women's basketball team's season came to a close on Wednesday evening with an 84-46 loss to top-seeded Tampa, who is ranked No. 16 nationally, in the quarterfinals of the 2010 BlueCross BlueShield Sunshine State Conference Tournament.
Tampa (25-3) will now advance to the tournament semifinals on Saturday at NSU Arena at the Don Taft University Center on the campus of Nova Southeastern. The Spartans will face fifth-seed Lynn in the 7:30 p.m. game on Saturday. Lynn defeated fourth-seeded Florida Southern 65-63 earlier on Wednesday in Lakeland, Fla.

NSU (11-17) scored the game's first basket with a LaShawnna Edwards (Sr., Miami, Fla.) jumper just 18 seconds into the game, but Tampa tallied the next eight points to go up 8-2 with 16:08 to go. The Sharks pulled to within two on three occasions, including at 12:59 with Lindsey Newpher (Sr., Depew, Okla.) hitting a three-pointer to make it 14-12. However, the Spartans began to pull away. Tampa had a 15-3 run that began at 11:13 with a Gianna Messina trey. Gianna Messina was responsible for 13 of the Spartans' points during that run, making four three-pointers and one foul shot.

The Sharks fought back and came to within nine with 4:07 left in the half. Abbie Tepe (Jr., Cincinnati, Ohio) made a layup and drew a foul on Catriana Messina. Tepe then made her free throw as the Spartans led 31-22. Tampa built a 15-point lead before the end of the half, but NSU cut the deficit down to 13 as Tepe calmly sank a pair of foul shots with 22 seconds left in the half as the two teams entered halftime with Tampa up 40-27.

A quick start to the second half saw the Sharks cut Tampa's lead down to nine on two occasions. Stevie Kamp (So., Mesa, Ariz.) had the half's first four points as the Spartans led 40-31 at 19:19. After a Tiara Cook layup gave Tampa an 11-point lead, Edwards made both foul shots to make it 42-33 with 18:23 to go.

However, several Tampa runs throughout the second half allowed the Spartans to distance themselves from NSU. Behind a 16-0 run, the Spartans went up 58-44 with 13:09 to go. A Kamp layup at 12:58 cut the Sharks' deficit to 23 points, but a 9-2 Tampa run pushed the Spartans' lead to 31 as the score was 68-37 with 8:25 to go. Two foul shots from Kamp and a three-pointer from Tara Haddock (Sr., Citrus Springs, Fla.) cut the Spartans' advantage down to 26, but that would be as close as the Sharks could get as Tampa outscored the Sharks 16-4 in the final six minutes.

NSU shot 25.4 percent from the floor, making 15-of-59 shots. Tampa was 31-for-61 and shot 50.8 percent, including 64.3 percent in the second half and 61.9 percent (13-for-21) from three-point range for the game. The Spartans also had 45 rebounds, while the Sharks grabbed 32 boards.

Kamp led the Sharks with 11 points and seven rebounds. Tepe also tallied 11 points and six rebounds, while Edwards chipped in with 10 points and six rebounds. Edwards also played in her 112nd career game, becoming NSU's career leader for games played. She had entered the season with 84 games played and appeared in all 28 of the Sharks' games during the 2009-10 season.

Gianna Messina had a game-high 24 points, going 7-for-8 from three-point range and 3-for-3 from the foul line. Cook added in 18 points and a game-high nine rebounds. Taja Green and Sarah Wickham tallied 14 and 11 points, respectively.

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UKRAINE - Women

Orlan bring in Kendra Appling - by Eurobasket News
Orlan strengthened their roster with addition of Kendra Appling (170-G-87). The 22-year-old guard signed her first pro contract. She graduated from the Tennessee State University last year. Kendra Appling tallied 17.5 points, 4.3 boards, 2.7 assists and 2.3 steals per game in her senior season. She was named the OVC Defensive Player of the Year. Appling is expected to debut for Orlan against Luganski Lastivky.

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WBCBL - Women

Reebok Columbus Hidden Gems add Cain and Slack - by Willie McCray
The Reebok Columbus Hidden Gems are proud to announce that we have come to an agreement with Catherine Cain of South Carolina Aiken and formerly of Ohio University. The 3yr D1 player decided to transfer for career security due to the repeated switching of her staffs at Ohio University.

At South Carolina Aiken this season, Cain averaged 12.4ppg, 43%FG, 28%3pt, 80%FT, 5.9rpg, 1apg, 1spg, 1bpg. Catherine Cain is expected to be a big piece in the winning ways of the Gems. Yet another versatile piece to the puzzle in Columbus that should create matchup problems throughout the league. A certain Professional Prospect who will have a solid career overseas.

The Gems have also signed an extremely talented player in Jessica Slack. Jessica Slack began her career at Eastern Carolina where she was on the Division 1 Conferences' All Freshman team. Sophomore season she won a Conference USA Titleand broke the school record for Free Throw percentage with 84% on the year. After transferring to Northern Kentucky she was the leading scorer on the NCAA D2 National Title team. Her senior season she averaged 17.3ppg 5.3rpg, 3apg, 2spg, 49%FG, 44%3pt, 93%FT. Jessica Slack was also a 2-time NCAAD2 All American selection.

We feel Slack will be a very important part to our success this season as a defensive stopper and all around player. Her range is unlimited. Slack will compete with 2 other sharp shooters in Michele DeVault and Tapre Young on the Reebok Columbus Hidden Gems for outside shooting supremacy. Jessica will almost surely have one of the best 3point shots and free throw percentages in the entire WBCBL in 2010.

- Lucius Jones/Hidden Gems Basketball