As predicted Game 2 of the Finals of the Bank MED League the level of intensity was great. The game was close throughout all its minutes with a slight dominance for the home team . As in game 1 Ali Mahmoud ,C.J. GILES carried their team in the game , Champville started the game focused on trying to win the game , the home players tried all their best to level the series but in the last seconds the big experience of the Champion team prevailed on the score of 77-74.

The last seconds of the game were full of drama, when Tony Madisson missed 2 consecutive free throws when he the chance to take the lead with 1 point 75-74, with 9 seconds remaining in the game. After Madisson's miss C.J. GILES scored 2 free throws which secured the win to Riyadi in the end on the score of 77-74.

Riyadi leads the series now 2-0 and will be heading to game 3 on Thursday at 21:45.

Best Scorers :

Champville : Fadi Khatib ( 23)

Riyadi : C.J. GILES (23)


Al Moutahed Tripoli sign Micah Brand - by Eurobasket
Al Moutahed Tripoli signed 30-year old American center Micah Brand (210-C-80, college: Massachusetts, agency: Liman Sports). Brand played most recently at Seoul Samsung Thunders (Korea). While playing 24 games for Samsung Th. this season he averaged 11.7ppg, 4.5rpg and 1.9apg. Brand is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Argentina, China, Finland, Korea and Mexico.
last season in Korea, Brand helped Egis became the Korean KBL Champion -09, and was awarded: Asia-Basket.com All-Korean KBL 1st Team -09 and Asia-Basket.com Korean KBL All-Imports Team -09
By Eurobasket Data Center

Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut sign Lonnie Cooper - by Eurobasket
Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut agreed terms with 34-year old American guard Lonnie Cooper (193-G-76, college: Louisiana Tech). Cooper played most recently at Keravnos Strovolou (Cyprus). While playing 6 games for Keravnos this season he averaged 7.5ppg, 1.2rpg, 5.3apg and 1.2spg. Cooper is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Cyprus, Finland, France, Italy and Russia.
Cooper was recently awarded Eurobasket.com All-Cyprus League 1st Team for the second time after 2009 as well as Eurobasket.com Cyprus League All-Imports Team for teh second time
By Eurobasket Data Center

Stats Leaders - Men

• PPG
• RPG
• APG
• SPG
• BPG

Points Per Game

Fadi EL KHATIB   Champville   (197-F-79)   Avg: 29.4

1. El Khatib, Champville 29.4   2. Colson, Antranik 25.8   3. Johnson, Al Riyadi 25.3   4. Battles, Kahraba 23.9   5. Byrd, Hoops 21.3   6. Luca, Anibal 20.7   7. Clemons, Hoops 20.1   8. Ford, Moutahed 19.6   9. Christensen, Mouta. 18.8   10. Abed El Nour, Al Ri. 17.9

Rebounds Per Game

Malcolm BATTLES   Kahraba   (205-F/C-79)   Avg: 14.3

1. Battles, Kahraba 14.3   2. Luca, Anibal 11.9   3. Giles, Al Riyadi 11.5   4. Darnell, Champville 11.1   5. Charles, Champville 10.7   6. Danielson, Champville 9.0   7. Samaha, Sagesse 8.8   8. El Khatib, Champville 8.6   9. Christensen, Mouta. 7.8   10. Slaughter, Anibal 7.7

Assists Per Game

Sean COLSON   Toros   (182-G-75)   Avg: 9

1. Colson, Antranik 9.0   2. Mahmoud, Al Riyadi 6.5   3. Clemons, Hoops 6.0   4. Slaughter, Anibal 5.6   5. Madison, Champville 5.5   6. Johnson, Al Riyadi 5.3   7. Ghattas, Sagesse 4.5   8. El Khatib, Champville 3.4   9. Kelley, Sagesse 3.4   10. Akl, Al Riyadi 3.2

Steals Per Game

Enique CLEMONS   Hoops   (180-G-80)   Avg: 4.6

1. Clemons, Hoops 4.6   2. Byrd, Hoops 2.9   3. Slaughter, Anibal 2.4   4. Mahmoud, Al Riyadi 2.4   5. Hakim, Kahraba 2.3   6. Johnson, Al Riyadi 2.2   7. Christensen, Mouta. 2.2   8. Yammine, Hoops 1.9   9. Ibrahim, Moutahed 1.7   10. El Nar, Kahraba 1.7

Blocks Per Game

Christien CHARLES   Champville   (213-F/C-81)   Avg: 3.2

1. Charles, Champville 3.2   2. Giles, Al Riyadi 2.5   3. Darnell, Champville 2.4   4. Byrd, Hoops 2.4   5. Battles, Kahraba 1.9   6. Vogel, Al Riyadi 1.4   7. Daoud, Anibal 1.1   8. Slaughter, Anibal 1.1   9. Hamdar, Hoops 1.1   10. Johnson, Al Riyadi 1.0

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LITHUANIA

LKL Round: 2 (Semi-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Siauliai - Zalgiris 78-86
Zalgiris made it into the LKL Finals after they swept the semifinal series against Siaulia. Tadas Klimavicius (204-F-82, agency: Interperformances) scored 20 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead Zalgiris to the decisive victory. Dainius Salenga (197-F-77) and Mirza Begic (215-C-85) knocked down 15 points each in the win. Deivydas Gailius (200-F-88) responded with 20 points for Siauliai.

Juventus - Lietuvos Rytas 63-84
Lietuvos Rytas claimed the spot in the Finals after they cruised past Juventus in the second game of the semifinal series. Martynas Gecevicius (193-G-88) delivered 20 points to pace the visitors. Donatas Zavackas (203-F-80, college: Pittsburgh) finished with 13 points in the win. Tomas Jasiulionis (205-C-86, college: St.John's) and Jonas Elvikis (195-F-82) replied with 13 points apiece in the loss.


Stats Leaders - LKL

• PPG
• RPG
• APG
• SPG
• BPG

Points Per Game

Andrius ALEKSANDROVAS   Alytus Alita   (197-G-86)   Avg: 20.6

1. Aleksandrova., Alytus A. 20.6   2. Kazevicius, Alytus A. 19.5   3. Sirvydis, Sakalai 18.8   4. Dabkus, Rudupis 18.7   5. Kuzminskas, Siauliai 16.6   6. Janavicius, Aisciai 16.6   7. Kelys, Perlas 16.1   8. Gvezdauskas, Nevez. 16.0   9. Bajramovic, Lietuv. 14.9   10. Ezerskis, Techasas 14.7

Rebounds Per Game

Egidijus DIMSA   Nevezis   (205-C-85)   Avg: 9.7

1. Dimsa, Nevezis 9.7   2. Kieza, Suduva 8.6   3. Valanciunas, Perlas 7.5   4. Tatarunas, Alytus A. 7.4   5. Valukonis, Aisciai 7.3   6. Vilkius, Neptunas 7.2   7. Silinskis, Nevezis 7.2   8. Cepukaitis, Aisciai 7.1   9. Adomaitis, Alytus A. 7.1   10. Janisius, Suduva 6.9

Assists Per Game

Aidas VISKONTAS   Perlas   (185-G-86)   Avg: 6.1

1. Viskontas, Perlas 6.1   2. Gaidamaviciu., Juven. 5.9   3. Low, Siauliai 5.3   4. Broadus, Suduva 5.3   5. Kelys, Perlas 4.5   6. Ezerskis, Techasas 4.5   7. Janavicius, Aisciai 4.5   8. Maceina, Rudupis 4.4   9. Ginevicius, Lietuv. 4.4   10. Ivanauskas, Alytus A. 3.9

Steals Per Game

Andrius ALEKSANDROVAS   Alytus Alita   (197-G-86)   Avg: 2.6

1. Aleksandrova., Alytus A. 2.6   2. Valukonis, Aisciai 2.2   3. Kelys, Perlas 2.2   4. Ginevicius, Lietuv. 2.1   5. Dabkus, Rudupis 2.0   6. Lipkevicius, Aisciai 2.0   7. Jomantas, Lietuv. 1.9   8. Vileita, Rudupis 1.9   9. Dainys, Rudupis 1.9   10. Vilkius, Neptunas 1.8

Blocks Per Game

Darius SILINSKIS   Nevezis   (216-C-84)   Avg: 2.8

1. Silinskis, Nevezis 2.8   2. Kieza, Suduva 2.7   3. Begic, Zalgiris 1.6   4. Valanciunas, Perlas 1.5   5. Valanciunas, Lietuv. 1.4   6. Cepukaitis, Aisciai 1.2   7. Tatarunas, Alytus A. 1.1   8. Zyle, Aisciai 1.1   9. Volkus, Techasas 1.0   10. Baynes, Lietuvos. 0.9

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LUXEMBOURG

Scoring Leaders - DBBL

• PPG
• RPG
• APG
• SPG
• BPG

Points Per Game

Marcus KENNEDY   Residence   (193-F-84)   Avg: 29.7

1. Kennedy, Residence 29.7   2. Crawford, Soleuvre 27.8   3. Largent, Racing 27.7   4. Walters, Musel Pikes 23.0   5. Muller, T71 22.3   6. Schumacher, T71 22.3   7. McDaniel, BBC N. 21.9   8. Delgado, Etzella 21.2   9. Smith, Sparta 21.1   10. Scott, Etzella 21.0

Rebounds Per Game

Brandon GARY   Contern   (202-F-83)   Avg: 14.9

1. Gary, Contern 14.9   2. McDaniel, BBC N. 14.0   3. Scott, Etzella 12.3   4. Kennedy, Residence 11.3   5. Walters, Musel Pikes 11.2   6. DePree, Amicale 10.5   7. Crawford, Soleuvre 10.1   8. Grant, Sparta 9.2   9. Stephens, T71 9.1   10. Smith, Sparta 8.6

Assists Per Game

Christian SCHARTZ   Amicale   (185-G-86)   Avg: 4.2

1. Schartz, Amicale 4.2   2. Schumacher, T71 3.8   3. DePree, Amicale 3.3   4. Largent, Racing 3.2   5. Ruffato, T71 2.9   6. Delgado, Etzella 2.8   7. Schmit, Musel Pikes 2.7   8. Mangen, Residence 2.6   9. Schwartz, Musel P. 2.6   10. Rajniak, T71 2.6

Steals Per Game

Travis DEPREE   Amicale   (199-F/C-83)   Avg: 3.2

1. DePree, Amicale 3.2   2. Scott, Etzella 2.5   3. Jones, Amicale 2.3   4. Delgado, Etzella 2.2   5. Delgado, Etzella 2.2   6. Schartz, Amicale 2.1   7. Gary, Contern 1.8   8. Stephens, T71 1.8   9. Schumacher, T71 1.6   10. Jeitz, Contern 1.6

Blocks Per Game

Nelson DELGADO   Etzella   (188-G/F-80)   Avg: 0.8

1. Delgado, Etzella 0.8   2. Hoffmann, Etzella 0.8   3. Jones, Amicale 0.8   4. Scott, Etzella 0.7   5. Largent, Racing 0.6   6. Bintz, BBC Nitia 0.6   7. Abdiu, Residence 0.5   8. Ribeiro, BBC Nitia 0.5   9. Engel, Sparta 0.5   10. Walters, Musel Pikes 0.5

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MEXICO

Standings - CIBACOPA

CIBACOPA Standings

1. Cananea 18-7   2. Culiacan 17-8   3. Hermosillo 16-9   4. Mazatlan 15-10   5. Guaymas 14-11   6. Guasave 13-12   7. Los Mochis 13-12   8. Nogales 13-12   9. Mexicali 12-13   10. Obregon 8-17   11. Tepic 6-19   12. Tijuana 5-20

CIBACOPA Stats Leaders

• PPG
• RPG
• APG
• SPG
• BPG

Points Per Game

Benny WEST   Los Mochis   (191-G-80)   Avg: 25.8

1. West, Los Mochis 25.8   2. Smith, Mazatlan 24.9   3. Cowan, Obregon 24.5   4. Walker, Nogales 24.4   5. Brown, Tepic 24.0   6. Brown, Mazatlan 24.0   7. Habel, Guaymas 23.9   8. Fisher, Mexicali 23.8   9. Cook, Cananea 23.4   10. Bowie, Guasave 23.1

Rebounds Per Game

Jeremis SMITH   Mazatlan   (203-F-86)   Avg: 12.7

1. Smith, Mazatlan 12.7   2. Angounou, Guasave 12.1   3. Berhoefer, Hermosillo 10.4   4. Shipley, Mexicali 10.3   5. Strobbe, Nogales 9.8   6. Habel, Guaymas 9.3   7. Davis, Tijuana 9.0   8. Hooks, Obregon 9.0   9. Jordan, Mazatlan 8.9   10. Crouse, Nogales 8.1

Assists Per Game

Rommel MARENTES   Guaymas   (179-G-84)   Avg: 5.7

1. Marentes, Guaymas 5.7   2. Lawrence, Los M. 5.3   3. White, Cananea 5.0   4. Brown, Mazatlan 4.4   5. Lee, Guaymas 4.2   6. Jordan, Mazatlan 4.1   7. Zuniga, Guasave 4.0   8. Monreal, Hermosillo 4.0   9. Meza Rogel, Culiacan 3.7   10. Harris, Cananea 3.7

Steals Per Game

Kenneth LAWRENCE   Los Mochis   (183-G-81)   Avg: 2.3

1. Lawrence, Los M. 2.3   2. Lee, Guaymas 2.0   3. Moore, Culiacan 1.9   4. Catala, Tijuana 1.9   5. White, Cananea 1.9   6. Brown, Mazatlan 1.8   7. West, Los Mochis 1.8   8. Little, Hermosillo 1.8   9. Harris, Cananea 1.6   10. Smith, Mazatlan 1.6

Blocks Per Game

Jeral DAVIS   Tijuana   (216-C-84)   Avg: 3.5

1. Davis, Tijuana 3.5   2. Habel, Guaymas 2.1   3. Gutierrez, Cananea 2.1   4. Blair, Tijuana 1.2   5. Crouse, Nogales 1.2   6. Brown, Tepic 1.2   7. Smith, Mazatlan 1.0   8. Sullinger, Nogales 1.0   9. Ibarra, Los Mochis 1.0   10. Hornsby, Culiacan 0.8

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

MONTENEGRO

Standings - 1A

1A Standings

Play-Off  1. Buducnost 9-0   2. Lovcen 8-1   3. Mornar Bar 6-3   4. Ulcijn 4-6   5. Teodo Tivat 1-8   6. Gorstak 1-9  Play-Out  1. Danilovgrad 9-1   2. ABS Primorje 6-4   3. Mogren 4-5   4. Primorje-M. 3-6   5. Jedinstvo 3-6   6. Sutjeska 3-6

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

NBA

Stats Leaders

• PPG
• RPG
• APG
• SPG
• BPG

Points Per Game

Kevin DURANT   Oklah.City T.   (206-G/F-88)   Avg: 29.8

1. Durant, Oklah.Ci. 29.8   2. James, Clevelan. 29.8   3. Anthony, Denver N. 28.5   4. Wade, Miami Heat 27.0   5. Bryant, LA Lakers 26.7   6. Ellis, Golde S. 25.5   7. Nowitzki, Dallas M. 25.0   8. Granger, Indiana P. 24.1   9. Bosh, Toronto R. 24.0   10. Stoudemire, Phoeni. 23.0

Rebounds Per Game

Dwight HOWARD   Orlando M.   (207-F-85)   Avg: 13

1. Howard, Orlando M. 13.0   2. Camby, LA Clippers 12.2   3. Randolph, Memph. 11.7   4. Lee, New York K. 11.7   5. Boozer, Utah Jazz 11.3   6. Gasol, LA Lakers 11.2   7. Noah, Chicago B. 11.2   8. Love, Minnesota T. 11.0   9. Bosh, Toronto R. 10.8   10. Haywood, Washingt. 10.3

Assists Per Game

Steve NASH   Phoenix Suns   (190-G-74)   Avg: 11

1. Nash, Phoenix Suns 11.0   2. Paul, N.Orleans H. 10.7   3. Williams, Utah Jazz 10.6   4. Rondo, Boston C. 9.8   5. Kidd, Dallas M. 8.9   6. James, Clevelan. 8.5   7. Davis, LA Clippers 8.0   8. Westbrook, Oklah.. 7.8   9. Harris, New J. 6.6   10. Wade, Miami Heat 6.5

Steals Per Game

Monta ELLIS   Golde State W.   (192-G-85)   Avg: 2.3

1. Ellis, Golde S. 2.3   2. Rondo, Boston C. 2.3   3. Paul, N.Orleans H. 2.1   4. Curry, Golde S. 1.9   5. Curry, Golde S. 1.9   6. Ariza, Houston R. 1.8   7. Kidd, Dallas M. 1.8   8. Wade, Miami Heat 1.8   9. Davis, LA Clippers 1.7   10. Iguodala, Philadel. 1.7

Blocks Per Game

Dwight HOWARD   Orlando M.   (207-F-85)   Avg: 2.9

1. Howard, Orlando M. 2.9   2. Bogut, Milwauke. 2.5   3. Smith, Atlanta H. 2.1   4. Haywood, Washingt. 2.1   5. Camby, LA Clippers 2.0   6. Haywood, Dallas M. 2.0   7. Andersen, Denver N. 1.9   8. Camby, Portland TB 1.9   9. McGee, Washingt. 1.8   10. Dalembert, Philad. 1.8

Celtics 96, Heat 86: Celts advance with team effort - by Eurobasket News
One player can win a game. It takes a team to win a series.

The Celtics rode that mentality to the championship in 2008. They used the same mindset to knock out the Heat in five games in the first round of this year's playoffs last night at the TD Garden.

Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) delivered another huge performance for Miami, but as was the case four out of five times in the series, it wasn't good enough. The Celtics countered with cohesive, unselfish play from the top seven of their rotation for a 96-86 victory that sends them to the conference semifinals against top-seeded Cleveland starting Saturday.

'We had a multitude of guys who stepped up and played well for us,' said Ray Allen (6'6''-G-75, college: Connecticut), who took a lead role in the attack last night with 24 points and five 3-pointers on six attempts. 'On their end, they were counting on Wade the whole time. If he wasn't going, they were looking for a second or third option. But we had guys who were constantly putting their mark on the game.'

Paul Pierce (6'7''-F-77, college: Kansas) had 21 points, seven rebounds and six assists, Kevin Garnett (6'10''-F-76, agency: Pro Management Agency) had 14 points and eight rebounds and Rajon Rondo (6'1''-G-86, college: Kentucky) dictated the aggressive tempo from the outset in finishing with 16 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds while playing 44 minutes with a bad cold.

'He felt awful,' Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. 'Whenever he's like that I'm just going to play him the whole game from now on.'

'People keep calling them the Big 3,' Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. 'I don't know why they don't call them the Big 4. When you see (Rondo) in the regular season, he's quicker than everyone else. But in the playoffs he plays at another gear.'

After Wade's 31 points, Mario Chalmers was the only other Heat player in double figures with 20. A furious Miami comeback from 21 down midway through the third quarter to within three early in the fourth fizzled as Rivers got the starters back on the floor after a quick breather, and rode the energy of Glen Davis (6'9''-F-86, college: LSU) down the stretch.

Miami used a 24-6 run over eight minutes to get within 73-70 with 10:14 left when the Celtics went for the kill. Three-point plays from Allen and Davis put Boston up 79-72 and Allen's fourth 3-pointer of the half had the Celtics ahead 82-74 with 8:20 on the clock.

The Heat scored the next two points before a 9-2 Boston run just about put the game away. Garnett hit two jumpers in the stretch, Pierce raised the roof with a rebound and drive to the net and Davis took his second charge of the half.

'His energy was terrific,' said Rivers, adding he teased Davis before the game about whether his Game 2 breakout was going to be a one-hit wonder performance in the series. 'When we get him playing like that, and (Kendrick Perkins) playing like that, with Kevin underneath, it's really good.'

Miami managed to hold up the celebration a bit longer when Wade's three-point play cut the deficit to 91-83 with 2:29 to go. But Allen answered with his fifth 3-pointer for an 11-point lead at 2:09 and Pierce's jumper with 1:18 on the clock ended the scoring.

'It feels good to close them out early,' Pierce said. 'I wish we had closed them out in four. Maybe that bump in the road woke us up.'

At least the turnover-filled start on Sunday did as the Celtics came out much stronger last night behind Rondo's attacking play. Boston used a 6-0 run to end the first quarter to hit the second quarter up eight. The Celtics carried a 10-point lead into the half after holding the Heat to 34.9 percent shooting and 0-for-8 from beyond the arc.

Boston went for the knockout early in the third during a 14-4 run that put them up 67-46 on a Perkins layup with 6:56 left in the quarter.

'That ball was moving so fast,' Rivers said, 'that guys were turning down good shots for better shots.'

One of the coach's directives was to get more shots for Allen, who had just four points in the first half.

'We made a concerted effort coming out of halftime to do that,' Rivers said. 'We just saw something and we kept going to him over and over again.'

But Wade wasn't done, even with Miami down 21, as he knocked down a pair of 3-pointers during a 19-4 run into the final 12 minutes before the Heat closed to within one possession early in the fourth.

'You had to know Wade was not going to let his team give up,' Pierce said. 'We didn't step on their throat like we wanted there. It's something we'll learn from.'

They'll get another chance to show it starting Saturday in Cleveland.

Courtesy of www.metrowestdailynews.com


LeBron, Cavs eliminate Bulls, face Celtics next - by Eurobasket News
LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) pulled his right arm tightly to his chest, unable to do anything but grimace as the final seconds expired on Clevelands series-clinching win.

The Bulls were finally out of the way.

But for the Cavaliers, moving on in the NBA playoffs wasnt pain free.

James, playing despite an injured right elbow that went numb and forced him to shoot a free throw left-handed in the closing seconds, just missed a triple-double as the Cavs advanced to a playoff date with Boston by beating Chicago 96-94 in Game 5 on Tuesday night in perhaps Vinny Del Negro's final game as Bulls coach.

James scored 19 points16 in the second halfand added 10 rebounds and nine assists as the Cavs finally saddled the stubborn Bulls to win the series 4-1. After making one free throw, James then hoisted and missed the second with his left with 7.8 seconds left and the Cavs only ahead by four.

James doesnt know when he injured the elbow, which he said bothered him the entire second half. He revealed after the game that he underwent an MRI and X-rays two days ago.

It bothers me because I dont know what it is, James said. Hopefully it doesnt continue to bother me. But Im not concerned. Cleveland fans have nothing to worry about. They have no reason to panic. I dont think its that serious.

Antawn Jamison (6'9''-F-76, college: N.Carolina) scored 25 points and Shaquille O'Neal (7'2''-C-72, college: LSU) 14 for Cleveland, which will face Boston, reuniting teams that dont like each other and who played a testy seven-game series in 2008.

Game 1 is Saturday.

A lot of people are saying theyre too old, but we know theyre going to come out and give us their best shot, said Jamison, who was not with the Cavs the last time Cleveland met Boston in the postseason. Its going to be a hard-fought series. It should be fun.

Derrick Rose (6'4''-G-88, college: Memphis) scored 31 points and Luol Deng (6'7''-F-85, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Duke) 26 for Chicago, which had several shots roll in and out in the final minutes.

Given little chance against the leagues top team during the regular season, the Bulls gave the top-seeded Cavaliers all they could handle.

Delonte West (notes) had 16 points and ONeal racked up fouls during the second half against Chicagos big men.

The Cavs were intent on closing out the series at home but they couldnt shake the Bulls, who were trying to send the series back to Chicago for Game 6.

When Jamison buried a 3-pointer with 3:30 left, Cleveland was up 93-84, and for the first time all night Cavaliers fans finally started thinking about a matchup with the Celtics, who eliminated Miami earlier.

The Bulls, though, had other plans.

Deng hit a jumper and two free throws before Rose, who made Cleveland defenders look silly all series, made four straight from the line to pull the Bulls within 93-92 with 1:32 remaining. Two free throws by James then gave Cleveland a three-point lead with 1:11 left.

Rose then tried a short shot in the lane that went halfway down before spinning out.

Clevelands Mo Williams (notes), who shot a dismal 2 for 13, then missed a baseline runner but the ball went out of bounds off Chicagos Joakim Noah (notes). The Bulls did get the ball back on a steal, but Rose forced up an awkward left-handed layup over Anderson Varejao (notes) that was short.

James grabbed the rebound and was fouled. He made his first attempt to make it 96-92, but with his elbow causing him pain, he tried his second shot left-handed and it was way off the mark.

I knew we were up four, James said. I would have shot it right-handed if I had to make it. Ive never had problem with my elbow before.

Down four, the Bulls got a layin by Deng just before the buzzer.

James, who wore a sleeve on his right arm for the second straight game, refused to address his injury before the game.

I dont know what is up with it, but Im ready to play, he said.

So were the Bulls, who fought until the end to prolong their seasonand for Del Negro.

Chicago, which had to win down the stretch to earn the No. 8 seed, entered the playoffs amid controversy surrounding its coach. Del Negro reportedly got into a physical confrontation with vice president of basketball operations John Paxson last month, an incident the team downplayed but could have long-term effects.

I dont even think about that stuff, Del Negro said when asked if he thought he had coached his final game. I enjoy the experience, I enjoy the competitiveness. Its about the players to me. Im proud of the guys, Im proud of the way they stuck together. They played hard and played through adversity.

I cant worry about that. I dont worry about it. I know how hard my staff has worked and what weve done here the last two years. How anyone wants to judge that will judge it and well move on. Ive been too fortunate in my career and my life to worry about those things. Those decisions will be made now moving forward.

Rose said he would hate to see his coach fired.

We both came in as rookies. It would be devastating, Rose said. But its not up to me, its up to the front office. Theyre the ones that drafted me, so I guess Im behind them.

Rose said it would be hard to imagine the Bulls firing their coach after making the playoffs.

It would be unusual, especially since its our second time (in the playoffs), Rose said. But the league changes constantly. I guess thats how it is in the NBA. Its tough to coach up here.

Clevelands plan in the fourth quarter was to force the ball inside to ONeal and let the Big Diesel power his way to the basket.

ONeal drew two fouls in a five-second span on Chicagos Brad Miller (notes), who was doing all he could to keep the 325-pounder out of the lane. Del Negro and the Bulls assistants protested the second foul and Miller had to be grabbed by his teammates before he got called for a technical.

One minute later, ONeal got Noah to reach in and commit his fourth foul. The Cavs immediately went into ONeal again, and this time he spun on Noah and dunked on the Bulls outspoken center, sending the nervous, sellout crowd into a momentary frenzy.

NOTES: ONeal pulled a pro wrestling move in the third quarter, dropping all 325 pounds on top of Noah while scrambling for a loose ball. Rose was guarding James when Clevelands star pulled up and drained his buzzer-beating 40-foot jumper in Game 4. James flicked his wrist like it was a 15-footer. Hes one of the only ones who can do that, Rose said. I cant. I cant even shoot a 3. I still havent hit a shot like that yet. James was excited that Varejao finished third in voting for NBA Sixth Man of the Year. Hes a big key to our team and its great when a guy gets noticed and credit for what he does, James said.

Courtesy of Yahoo (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2010042705)


Lakers rout Thunder to take 3-2 series lead - by Eurobasket News
When the Lakers returned home from Oklahoma City in a position they did not expect to be in, a series that was all even, it turned out they were not the only ones in for an attitude adjustment.

There is nothing like sign of mortality to send Lakers fans into a tizzy, and so it was that questions about must-win games took on grave overtones.

Some of the Lakers played along after Mondays practice, but not Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78), who had not forgotten that the Lakers still have homecourt advantage.

Who said our backs are against the wall? Bryant asked. Its a 2-2 series. What is going on around here?

It did not take long for the Lakers to restore order to the series, and they did so in emphatic fashion with a wire-to-wire 111-87 rout of the upstart Thunder.

Pau Gasol (7'0''-F/C-80) had 25 points and 11 rebounds, and Andrew Bynum (7'0''-C-87) added 21 points and 11 rebounds for Los Angeles, which took a 3-2 lead in the series and can clinch it Friday with a victory in Game 6 at Oklahoma City.

Having an extra day off between games gave the Lakers more rest for their elderly legs, which had looked increasingly weary as the series moved on. It also gave them another 24 hours to absorb Coach Phil Jacksons message to punish smallish Oklahoma City inside.

So, the Lakers built a picket fence around their basket, lining it with its two 7-footers, Bynum and Gasol, and sent Ron Artest (6'7''-G-79, college: St.John's) after Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas), and Kobe Bryant after Russell Westbrook.

The game was barely more than four minutes old before Westbrook, Jeff Green (6'9''-F-86, college: Georgetown) and Thabo Sefalosha had each had shots blocked. It took more than six minutes for Oklahoma City to score its first basket, and it came far from the hoop a 19-foot jumper by Durant.

By that time, the Thunder trailed, 14-1.

The Lakers were just as determined when they had the ball to pound it inside. Their first two possessions were post entries to Bynum and Gasol, who continually fed the ball. When Bynum checked out midway through the first quarter, he had 8 points which included 3 dunks 3 rebounds and 2 blocked shots.

The Lakers did not let their energy wane, whether it was Bryants defense frustrating Westbrook or Gasol lunging into the photographers row to save a loose ball. As a result, the Lakers were never threatened, leading by 16 in the first quarter, 21 at the half and as many as 32 in the third quarter.

They finished with 10 blocks, sent Oklahoma City to the free-throw line a series-low 24 times, and even got a pair of 3-pointers from Ron Artest, who had made 3 of 23 in the series.

The Thunders two key players, Durant and Westbrook, were held in check. Durant had 17 points on 5-for-14 field-goal shooting, while Westbrook had 15 points on 4-of-13 field-goal shooting.

It was the type of performance Jackson had hoped for before the game not desperate, but focused.

I hope its not desperation, Jackson said. Desperation, to me, relates to turnovers and bad shots and playing out of your skull. This is a game where we have to be sound, active, no doubt about it. We have to be very active.

Courtesy of www.nytimes.com


Mavericks down Spurs 103-81 behind Caron Butler's 35 points - by Eurobasket News
Caron Butler (6'7''-F-80, college: Connecticut) and Brendan Haywood (7'0''-C-79, college: N.Carolina) gave the Dallas Mavericks the energy, toughness and scoring they needed -- in other words, everything the Mavs expected when they traded for them a few months ago.

Butler scored a career playoff-best 35 points and had 11 rebounds, and Haywood provided a strong inside presence at both ends in his first start of this postseason, keeping the Mavericks alive by leading them to a 103-81 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night in Game 5 of their first-round series.

The Spurs were outplayed most of the first half, but trailed by only seven at halftime. Dallas didn't let them hang around much longer.

Butler had a layup and a pair of free throws during a 10-0 flurry to open the third quarter. After San Antonio finally answered, Butler came back with a 3-pointer with Tim Duncan (6'10''-F-76, college: Wake Forest) charging at him. Soon after, Butler drove right at Duncan; San Antonio's big man got a piece of the ball, but it caromed off the backboard and into the net anyway.

Butler ran away stifling a laugh, while Spurs coach Gregg Popovich began preparing for Game 6 in San Antonio on Thursday night. He pulled Duncan at the next dead ball, figuring their rest was more important than trying to overcome a deficit that soon peaked at 22, and eventually hit 26.

The Spurs still lead the series 3-2, giving the veteran club two more chances to get into the second round. Only eight teams have ever blown a 3-1 lead.

Dallas showed a new life from the start, inspired perhaps by Haywood starting instead of Erick Dampier (6'11''-C-74, college: Mississippi St.), or just by their now-or-never situation.

San Antonio's only lead was 6-4, and the Mavs followed that with a 12-2 spurt that included opportunistic plays like Jason Kidd slapping a rebound right to Shawn Marion for an easy layup. They ran plays through Haywood, something unheard of when Dampier starts, and Butler was scoring inside, outside and in between.

Butler, Haywood and DeShawn Stevenson (6'5''-G-81, agency: Priority Sports) were acquired during the All-Star break in a deal that cost Dallas four players and forced owner Mark Cuban to ante up another $30 million. It looked like a great investment when Dallas won 13 straight in February and March, not so much with the Mavs coming into this game having lost three straight and with Butler shooting 38 percent in the series.

Butler made 12-of-24 shots, including 3-of-8 3-pointers, and hit eight free throws. He had 12 points in the first quarter, seven in the second and 11 in the third. Mavs coach Rick Carlisle wasn't as conservative as Popovich and left his starters in until midway through the fourth, so Butler got eight more points in the final period.

Haywood had eight points and eight rebounds. He took only three shots, making one -- which is one more than Dampier has this series -- but he got to the line plenty. However, he made only 6-of-12 free throws.

Butler's performance turned Dirk Nowitzki (6'11''-F-78) into a sidekick. He had 15 points and nine rebounds. Jason Terry had 12 points, while Marion and Kidd each scored 10. Kidd also had seven assists and seven rebounds.

Tony Parker led San Antonio with 18 points. Half of them came during an 11-2 run at the end of the second quarter that gave the Spurs hope of pulling off another throttling third quarter, like they did to win Game 4.

Duncan scored 11 in 24 minutes and Manu Ginobili scored seven in 19 minutes.

Despite facing elimination, the Mavericks spent the last two days insisting everything was fine, that all they had to do was get to a few more loose balls and keep the Spurs from shooting close to 50 percent, as they have all series.

Sure enough, San Antonio made a series-worst 36 percent of its shots (only 27 percent in the second half), with Dallas grabbing 11 more rebounds and committing six fewer turnovers.

Dampier turned out to be Dallas' only player not to play. The backup center was Eddie Najera, who was ejected after only 47 seconds in Game 4 because of a flagrant-two foul on Ginobili.

He lasted 21 minutes this time, but also notched a flagrant-one for a second-quarter whack on Parker. With three flagrant 'points' this postseason, his next will draw an automatic one-game suspension. His performance already has won over the fans, earning cries of 'Ed-die! Ed-die!' in the second half.

Notes
Ginobili opened the game with a brown, less-noticeable bandage over his broken nose, then went back to a thick white strip of tape in the second half. ... Weird play early in third: On a made free throw by Dallas, San Antonio's Matt Bonner fouled Nowitzki, giving the Mavs one more free throw, which Nowitzki hit. ... Stevenson is nearly clean shaven on his head and face, his off-the-chin beard trimmed to a flat goatee. ... Dallas' Terry wasn't able to repeat as Sixth Man of the Year, but he did finish second to Atlanta's Jamal Crawford.

Courtesy of www.nesn.com


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NCAA1

C.J. Leslie Picks nc state and uconn - by Allen Waters

C.J. Leslie Word of God Academy Sr.
picks N.C. State over Connecticut basketball | Kentucky basketball| N.C. State landed one of its most noteworthy recruits of the Coach Sidney Lowe era on Wednesday afternoon when C.J. Leslie of Raleigh Word of God, one of the top dozen rated senior prospects in the country, committed to the Wolfpack.

'I'm going to N.C. State,' Leslie said. 'It is a great school and we can be good there. And obviously, Coach Lowe is a great coach.'

Leslie, a 6-foot-8 basketball forward, picked State over Kentucky and Connecticut.

Leslie said Wednesday morning that he was undecided with Kentucky and Connecticut still in the the picture, but he decided during the day that he was sure he wanted to run with the Wolfpack.

'It was really up for grabs,' he said. 'It was really close with the other two schools.'

The commitment to State was a return home in a sense. Not only will he stay in his home town, but he also will be signing with the school that he committed to after his freshman season.

Leslie committed after his first year in high school, but later decided that his decision had been too hasty.

'But State was there all the time,' he said. 'State was always in the picture.'

Leslie will be joining a strong recruiting class that includes Marrietta (Ga.) Walton guard Ryan Harrow, a top 25 player who is a close friend of Leslie. The two players wrote a blog last season.

State also has signed guard Lorenzo Brown of Hargrave Military, one of the top prep school players in the country.

The Wolfpack also is in the mix for Rocky Mount's Tashawn Mabry, the most valuable player in the N.C. High School Athletic Association 3-A state championship and the Gryphons all-time leading scorer.

'I talked with Tashawn yesterday,' Leslie said. 'It's his turn next.'

Leslie is ranked No. 12 in the country by scout.com, an on-line recruiting site.


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NEW ZEALAND

Stats Leaders

• PPG
• RPG
• APG
• SPG
• BPG

Points Per Game

Corey WEBSTER   Harbour Heat   (185-G-88)   Avg: 24.8

1. Webster, Harbour . 24.8   2. Devendorf, Waikato 24.3   3. Tisby, Otago 23.5   4. Leasure, Taranaki 23.0   5. Rose, Southland S. 22.6   6. Jeter, Manawatu 22.4   7. Amaya, Otago 21.6   8. Hudson, Wellington 20.3   9. Jones, Nelson 20.0   10. Winitana, Cougars 19.9

Rebounds Per Game

Alex PLEDGER   Waikato   (216-C-87)   Avg: 13.6

1. Pledger, Waikato 13.6   2. Boucher, Harbour . 10.4   3. Tisby, Otago 10.3   4. Rickert, Harbour . 10.1   5. Terrell, Bay Hawks 9.9   6. Vukona, Nelson 8.2   7. Abercrombie, Waika. 8.0   8. Rougeau, Southlan. 8.0   9. Johnson, Taranaki 7.6   10. Maxey, Wellington 7.6

Assists Per Game

Dillon BOUCHER   Harbour Heat   (196-F-75)   Avg: 5.6

1. Boucher, Harbour . 5.6   2. Kench, Cougars 4.7   3. Tait, Wellington 4.4   4. Devendorf, Waikato 4.1   5. Jones, Nelson 4.1   6. Davey, Taranaki 3.6   7. Daly, Cougars 3.3   8. Amaya, Otago 3.1   9. Bartlett, Bay H. 3.0   10. Fitchett, Nelson 3.0

Steals Per Game

Corey WEBSTER   Harbour Heat   (185-G-88)   Avg: 3.7

1. Webster, Harbour . 3.7   2. Rougeau, Southlan. 3.3   3. Te Huna, Manawatu 2.9   4. Devendorf, Waikato 2.7   5. Rose, Southland S. 2.6   6. Boucher, Harbour . 2.6   7. Tait, Wellington 2.6   8. Kench, Cougars 2.4   9. Leasure, Taranaki 2.3   10. Jones, Nelson 2.1

Blocks Per Game

Alex PLEDGER   Waikato   (216-C-87)   Avg: 2.3

1. Pledger, Waikato 2.3   2. Abercrombie, Waika. 2.1   3. Harrison, Nelson 1.9   4. Terrell, Bay Hawks 1.6   5. Rougeau, Southlan. 1.5   6. Vukona, Nelson 1.2   7. Rickert, Harbour . 1.1   8. Trueman, Taranaki 1.0   9. Johnson, Taranaki 1.0   10. Behrendorff, Couga. 1.0

Heat face test of their top two credentials - by Mike Lacey
NZNBL table topping Harbour Heat face a tough road test this week. The outcome of their games against Wellington Saints and Christchurch Cougars will go a long way in determining their play off position come the end of the season. Two wins or even a 1 and 1 split will keep them firmly in the top two but a couple of losses and the chasing pack including Wellington themselves will be eyeing a coveted top two place. The Heat then have to back up with a home fixture against rivals Waikato Pistons. The next seven days will be fun for the Heat

Otago Nuggets sign John Barber - by Eurobasket
Otago Nuggets added to their roster 25-year old American forward John Barber (200-F-85, college: Youngstown St., agency: Interperformances). Barber played most recently at ecogise Nelson Giants (NBL). While playing 15 games for Nelson last season his stats were: 10.7ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.3apg and 1.5spg.
in his first game with Otago Nuggets, Barder played 26 minutes ans scored 4 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks, but the team ended losing 63-80 against Zero Fees Southland Sharks
By Eurobasket Data Center

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PALESTINE

Standings - Men

PBBA Standings

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

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

PBL

Cavalry crowned as new PBL champs - by Eurobasket News
Rochester R. - Lawton Ft.SC 108-126
In a showdown of two back-to-back champs, the Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry captured their first Premier Basketball League title on Tuesday night, defeating the Rochester RazorSharks 126-108 in the decisive third game of the championship series. In Lawton, Okla., the host Cavalry carried a 56-45 edge into halftime and then extended their lead to 16 points after three quarters. Rochester, vying for its third PBL crown in a row, won the series opener 110-106 in overtime on its home court but Lawton-Fort Sill drew even with a 95-84 victory in Game 2 at Great Plains Coliseum. Elvin Mims' (6'5''-G/F-79, college: S.Mississippi) 26 points led six double-figure scorers for the Cavalry, which advanced to the final with a two-game semifinal sweep of the Halifax Rainmen. Eddie Smith (6'2''-G-83, college: Ill.-Springfield) added 23 and Brandon Dean (6'2''-G-79, agency: Union Sports, college: Arkansas) 19. Derik Hollyfield (6'4''-G/F-82, college: Bemidji St.) was the RazorSharks' top scorer with 24 points. The Cavalry, who topped the regular-season standings with an 18-2 mark, swept the Halifax Rainmen in two games in their best-of-three semifinal series. The two-time defending champs of the Continental Basketball Association jumped to the PBL last summer when the Continental league crumbled around them. *Courtesy of www.thechronicleherald.ca


Stats Leaders

• PPG
• RPG
• APG
• SPG
• BPG

Points Per Game

Larry AYUSO   Capitanes   (190-G-77)   Avg: 21.3

1. Ayuso, Capitanes 21.3   2. Sherrill, Maryland. 20.9   3. Anderson, Manchest. 19.8   4. Bennett, Halifax R. 19.2   5. Audet-Sow, Quebec K. 19.1   6. Wise, Quebec K. 19.1   7. Robinson, Buffa. 18.9   8. Bronson, Manchest. 18.4   9. Mouton, Maryland. 18.3   10. Jackson, Vermo. 18.3

Rebounds Per Game

Eric CROOKSHANK   Halifax R.   (201-F-80)   Avg: 13.4

1. Crookshank, Halif. 13.4   2. Reyes, Capitanes 12.9   3. Aubry, Capitanes 12.9   4. Cunningham, Maryland. 10.2   5. Wise, Quebec K. 9.4   6. Demasi, Vermont FH 9.4   7. Ocitti, Manchest. 8.6   8. Bronson, Manchest. 8.3   9. Ross, Buffalo S. 8.2   10. Mims, Lawton Ft.SC 7.9

Assists Per Game

Anthony ANDERSON   Manchester M.   (180-G-81)   Avg: 6.8

1. Anderson, Manchest. 6.8   2. Rodriguez, Capit. 6.7   3. Ervin, Halifax R. 6.1   4. Bowden, Lawton F. 5.9   5. Crouch, Rocheste. 5.8   6. Rice, Vermont FH 5.6   7. Flegler, Maryland. 5.2   8. Daniels, Lawton F. 4.8   9. Mouton, Maryland. 4.6   10. Sherrill, Maryland. 4.6

Steals Per Game

Marlin JOHNSON   Rochester R.   (193-F-75)   Avg: 2.4

1. Johnson, Rocheste. 2.4   2. Robinson, Buffa. 2.2   3. Bowden, Lawton F. 2.0   4. Fortier, Quebec K. 2.0   5. Mims, Lawton Ft.SC 1.9   6. Gilchrese, Manche. 1.8   7. Rice, Vermont FH 1.8   8. Thomas, Maryland. 1.8   9. Dean, Lawton Ft.SC 1.6   10. Crouch, Rocheste. 1.6

Blocks Per Game

Michael ANDERSON   Maryland GH   (213-C-84)   Avg: 3.2

1. Anderson, Maryland. 3.2   2. Davis, Vermont FH 2.3   3. Thomas, Maryland. 1.9   4. Aubry, Capitanes 1.9   5. Ocitti, Manchest. 1.6   6. Crookshank, Halif. 1.5   7. Mims, Lawton Ft.SC 1.4   8. McKeon, Maryland. 1.4   9. Turner, Halifax R. 1.4   10. Marshall, Lawton F. 1.3

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

POLAND

PLK Round: 2 (Quarter-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Assec.Prokom - Energa Czarni 78-60
Prokom cruised past Energa Czarni for the second consecutive win in the series. Qyntel Woods (203-F/G-81, college: N.Mississippi JC) delivered 19 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists to lead Prokom. Lorinza Harrington (193-G-80, agency: David Lee services, college: Wingate) netted 13 points for the winners. Chris Booker (208-F/C-81, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Purdue) replied with 15 points and 10 rebounds for Energa Czarni.

Trefl Sopot - PGE Turow 89-82
Trefl Sopot are now two games ahead of PGE Turow. Gintaras Kadziulis (193-G-80) scored 20 points to lead the hosts to the second win in a row. Lawrence Kinnard (202-F-86, college: UAB) and Cliff Hawkins (186-G-81, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Kentucky) netted 14 points apiece in the win. Michael Wright (203-F-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Arizona) answered with game-high 29 points for PGE Turow.

Anwil - Polonia Azbud 84-83
Anwil nipped Polonia Azbud at home to enjoy 2-0 lead in the quarterfinal series. Andrzej Pluta (182-G-74, agency: Court Side) scored 16 points to pace the hosts. Mujo Tuljkovic (203-F-79, agency: Beo Basket) netted 14 points in the victory. Harding NaNa (203-F-81, college: Delaware) answered with 25 points, 9 rebounds and 6 steals for Polonia Azbud.

Polpharma - AZS Koszalin 74-84
AZS Koszalin surprised Polpharma on the road to draw things level in the series. Igor Milicic (194-G-76) accounted for 18 points to lead balanced offensive effort from the visitors. Grzegorz Arabas (190-F/G-78) netted 16 points in the victory. Patrick Okafor (203-F-79, college: Houston) answered with 21 points for Polpharma.


DBE Stats Leaders

• PPG
• RPG
• APG
• SPG
• BPG

Points Per Game

Michael WRIGHT   PGE Turow   (203-F-80)   Avg: 21

1. Wright, PGE Turow 21.0   2. Scott, ISS Sportino 20.0   3. Mays, Znicz 19.3   4. Day, ISS Sportino 19.2   5. Chappell, Znicz 18.3   6. Williamson, Znicz 17.9   7. Miller, Polonia Azbud 17.8   8. Okafor, Polpharma 17.5   9. Swanson, AZS K. 17.4   10. Logan, Assec.Pr. 16.9

Rebounds Per Game

Darrell HARRIS   SKK Kotwica   (208-C-84)   Avg: 11.3

1. Harris, SKK K. 11.3   2. Kuzminskas, Trefl S. 8.4   3. Chappell, Znicz 8.2   4. Daniels, Energa C. 8.0   5. Ibrahim, ISS S. 7.9   6. Kesicki, ISS S. 7.8   7. NaNa, Polonia Azbud 7.6   8. Wallace, PGE Turow 7.6   9. Okafor, Polpharma 7.3   10. Bigus, Polonia 2011 7.1

Assists Per Game

Krzysztof SZUBARGA   Anwil   (182-G-84)   Avg: 6.7

1. Szubarga, Anwil 6.7   2. Loyd, Stal SW 5.9   3. Swanson, AZS K. 5.5   4. Smith, SKK Kotwica 5.1   5. Brazelton, Energa C. 4.8   6. Logan, Assec.Pr. 4.5   7. Snieg, Polonia 2011 4.4   8. Ewing, Assec.Pr. 4.3   9. Hughes, Polonia . 4.1   10. Milicic, AZS K. 4.0

Steals Per Game

Jeremy CHAPPELL   Znicz   (191-G-87)   Avg: 2.9

1. Chappell, Znicz 2.9   2. Day, ISS Sportino 2.4   3. Logan, Assec.Pr. 2.2   4. Majewski, Polph. 2.2   5. Godbold, Stal SW 2.1   6. Mays, Znicz 2.0   7. Swanson, AZS K. 2.0   8. Angley, Polpharma 1.9   9. Hawkins, Trefl S. 1.8   10. Smith, SKK Kotwica 1.7

Blocks Per Game

Leszek KARWOWSKI   Polonia 2011   (209-F-75)   Avg: 1.6

1. Karwowski, Polonia . 1.6   2. Wallace, PGE Turow 1.4   3. Harris, SKK K. 1.4   4. Kesicki, ISS S. 1.3   5. Lapeta, Assec.Pr. 1.2   6. Misiewicz, Znicz 1.1   7. Booker, Energa C. 1.0   8. Kuzminskas, Trefl S. 1.0   9. Wyka, Znicz 1.0   10. Johnson, PGE Turow 0.8

Stats Leaders - 1Liga

• PPG
• RPG
• APG
• SPG
• BPG

Points Per Game

Tomasz CELEJ   Start Lublin   (198-F/G-78)   Avg: 20.7

1. Celej, Start Lublin 20.7   2. Sterenga, Gornik W. 20.1   3. Pacocha, Big Star 18.5   4. Mazur, Spojnia S. 17.5   5. Pluta, MOSiR K. 17.4   6. Flieger, Zastal ZG 17.1   7. Kulikowski, Zubry 15.8   8. Barycz, Siarka T. 14.9   9. Weatherspoon, Znicz B. 14.7   10. Wall, LKS Lodz 14.6

Rebounds Per Game

Marcin STERENGA   Gornik Walb.   (201-F-78)   Avg: 10.3

1. Sterenga, Gornik W. 10.3   2. Storozynski, Asec.P. 9.8   3. Lopatka, Asec.Pro. 9.6   4. Grudzinski, Spojn. 9.5   5. Kulikowski, Zubry 9.1   6. Lisewski, MMKS D. 8.9   7. Mis, Siarka T. 8.8   8. Kwiatkowski, Start L. 8.5   9. Dluski, LKS Lodz 8.3   10. Barycz, Siarka T. 8.1

Assists Per Game

Marcin STOKLOSA   Spojnia S.   (188-G-77)   Avg: 7.9

1. Stoklosa, Spojn. 7.9   2. Sikora, Start Lublin 6.2   3. Basinski, MMKS D. 4.9   4. Rapucha, Zubry 4.6   5. Trepka, LKS Lodz 4.5   6. Glapinski, Sokol L. 4.5   7. Baran, Siarka T. 4.4   8. Pacocha, Big Star 4.0   9. Mordzak, Asec.Pro. 4.0   10. Flieger, Zastal ZG 3.8

Steals Per Game

Marcin FLIEGER   Zastal ZG   (182-G-84)   Avg: 3

1. Flieger, Zastal ZG 3.0   2. Szpyrka, Siarka T. 2.9   3. Sikora, Asec.Pro. 2.7   4. Stoklosa, Spojn. 2.3   5. Koszuta, Spojnia S. 2.2   6. Basinski, MMKS D. 2.2   7. Chodkiewicz, Zastal Z. 2.2   8. Krupa, Siarka T. 2.2   9. Raczynski, Zastal Z. 2.1   10. Aleksandrowi., Znicz B. 2.1

Blocks Per Game

Rafal KULIKOWSKI   Zubry   (204-C-85)   Avg: 2.2

1. Kulikowski, Zubry 2.2   2. Lisewski, MMKS D. 2.1   3. Milewski, AZS A. 1.8   4. Jarmakowicz, Zastal Z. 1.3   5. Barycz, Siarka T. 1.2   6. Mis, Siarka T. 1.2   7. Wrobel, Gornik Walb. 1.2   8. Rajewicz, Zastal Z. 1.0   9. Salamonik, Big Star 1.0   10. Marculewicz, Zubry 1.0

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PORTUGAL

Stats Leaders - UZO Liga

• PPG
• RPG
• APG
• SPG
• BPG

Points Per Game

Brandon DAGANS   Ginasio   (185-G-)   Avg: 22.2

1. Dagans, Ginasio 22.2   2. Crutchfield, Sampa. 21.8   3. Madison, Sampaense 20.5   4. Waller, Ovarense 19.5   5. Ramos, Benfica 18.5   6. Powers, Fisica 18.4   7. Smith, AD Vagos 18.3   8. Webster, CAB 18.2   9. Voorhees, AD Vagos 17.6   10. Nealy, VSC Guimar. 17.6

Rebounds Per Game

Rod NEALY   VSC Guimar.   (198-F-80)   Avg: 10.5

1. Nealy, VSC Guimar. 10.5   2. Lee, Ovarense 10.0   3. Smith, AD Vagos 9.9   4. Johnson, Academica 9.8   5. Johnson, Fisica 9.5   6. Wilson, Sampaense 9.2   7. St.Robert, Illiabum 9.2   8. Terrell, Porto F. 8.6   9. Evans, Benfica 8.2   10. Shaw, Illiabum 8.2

Assists Per Game

Daniel FELIX   Illiabum   (183-G-82)   Avg: 2.7

1. Felix, Illiabum 2.7   2. Silva, VSC Guimar. 2.6   3. Pedroso, CAB 2.3   4. Costa, Ginasio 2.3   5. Dagans, Ginasio 2.2   6. Schneider, CAB 2.2   7. Balseiro, Sampa. 2.2   8. Simoes, Academica 2.1   9. Sousa, Academica 2.0   10. Reed, Benfica 1.9

Steals Per Game

Jose COSTA   Ginasio   (187-G-73)   Avg: 6.4

1. Costa, Ginasio 6.4   2. Manarte, Ovarense 6.2   3. Felix, Illiabum 6.1   4. Reveles, AD Vagos 5.3   5. Sing, Sampaense 5.0   6. Fernandes, CAB 4.6   7. Perdigao, AD Vagos 4.6   8. Miranda, Ovarense 4.3   9. Mims, VSC Guimar. 4.2   10. Simoes, Academica 4.2

Blocks Per Game

John SMITH   AD Vagos   (203-F-84)   Avg: 1.9

1. Smith, AD Vagos 1.9   2. DeWitz, Benfica 1.3   3. Grimes, Academica 1.2   4. Stempin, Porto F. 1.2   5. Lee, Ovarense 1.2   6. Wilson, Sampaense 1.2   7. Soderberg, CAB 1.2   8. Terrell, Porto F. 1.2   9. Voorhees, AD Vagos 1.1   10. Frisby, Benfica 1.0

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PUERTO RICO

Priutt's a double-double lands him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket
25-year old center Shawn Priutt (208-C-85, agency: Edge Sports) put on an amazing game in the last week for Gallitos de Isabela and receives a Latinbasket.com Player of the Week award for week 8.
He had a double-double of 32 points and 16 rebounds, while his team beat Ponce (#4, 9-8) 98-92. Despite this victory Isabela dropped to the 8th position in Puerto Rican league. Isabela is rather weak team placed in lower part in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 7-11 record. Priutt just recently signed at Isabela, being already a very valuable addition to the team. University of Illinois graduate has very impressive stats this year. Priutt. Priutt is in league's top in points (6th best: 19.2ppg) and averages solid 1.3bpg and 54.8% FGP.

Second best performed player last week was Peter John Ramos (222-C-85) of Quebradillas Pirates. He is naturalized American center in his first season at Quebradillas. In the last game Ramos recorded impressive double-double of 32 points and 15 rebounds. Of course he lead Quebradillas to another comfortable win 105-89 over slightly higher-ranked Humacao ( (#7, 8-10) being unquestionably team leader. Despite this victory Quebradillas slide down in the standings to 9th position. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 7-11 record. Ramos is one of the most experienced players at Quebradillas and has a reputation of the team's most reliable player.

Third place about best performers goes to guard Ali Berdiel (198-G-83) of Caciques de Humacao (#7). Berdiel scored 27 points and passed seven assists. He was a key player of Humacao, leading his team to a 94-89 win against the lower-ranked Mayaguez (#10, 3-15). The chances of Humacao ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 10 games, recording just eight victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Berdiel could help Humacao to bring them higher in the standings. Berdiel has a very solid season. In 16 games in Puerto Rico he scored 16.3ppg. He also has 4.3rpg, 4.1apg, 2.2spg and and 3PT: 40.7%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Christian Dalmau (194-G-77) of Bayamon - 27 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists
5. Rafael Perez (193-G/F-82) of Isabela - 24 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
6. LeRoy Hickerson (196-G-82) of San German - 30 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Christian Dalmau (194-G-77) of Bayamon - 28 points, 3 rebounds and 1 assist
8. James Mays (206-F-86) of Humacao - 20 points, 12 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Alejandro Carmona (194-G/F-83) of Mayaguez - 27 points, 9 rebounds and 1 assist
10. Mario Austin (206-F/C-82) of San German - 27 points and 8 rebounds

Standings - BSN

BSN Standings

1. Capitanes 15-3   2. Bayamon 14-5   3. Ponce 9-8   4. Guaynabo 9-9   5. San German 9-9   6. Santurce 9-9   7. Humacao 8-10   8. Isabela 7-11   9. Quebradillas 7-11   10. Mayaguez 3-15

Stats Leaders - BSN

• PPG
• RPG
• APG
• SPG
• BPG

Points Per Game

Alejandro CARMONA   Mayaguez   (194-G/F-83)   Avg: 22.8

1. Carmona, Mayaguez 22.8   2. Dalmau, Bayamon 21.5   3. Nailon, Quebradillas 21.0   4. Maye, Mayaguez 20.1   5. Hickerson, San G. 19.6   6. Priutt, Isabela 19.2   7. Nailon, Ponce 18.6   8. Ayuso, Capitanes 18.5   9. McGowan, Guaynabo 18.2   10. Jones, Quebradillas 17.8

Rebounds Per Game

Shawn PRIUTT   Isabela   (208-C-85)   Avg: 14.2

1. Priutt, Isabela 14.2   2. Sweetney, Santurce 11.8   3. Dyer, San German 10.2   4. Narvaez, Ponce 9.9   5. Traylor, Bayamon 9.9   6. Aubry, Capitanes 9.8   7. Reyes, Capitanes 9.4   8. Collins, Ponce 9.0   9. Mays, Humacao 8.8   10. Walker, Guaynabo 8.6

Assists Per Game

Christian DALMAU   Bayamon   (194-G-77)   Avg: 6

1. Dalmau, Bayamon 6.0   2. Russell, Quebradillas 5.4   3. Cruz, Ponce 5.0   4. Hatton, Ponce 4.9   5. Copeland, San G. 4.9   6. Graham, Mayaguez 4.9   7. Guzman, Guaynabo 4.6   8. Rivera, Isabela 4.3   9. Rodriguez, Capit. 4.3   10. Berdiel, Humacao 4.1

Steals Per Game

Ali BERDIEL   Humacao   (198-G-83)   Avg: 2.2

1. Berdiel, Humacao 2.2   2. Carmona, Mayaguez 2.2   3. Pickett, Capitanes 1.7   4. Perez, Isabela 1.7   5. Dalmau, Bayamon 1.7   6. Rivera, Isabela 1.7   7. Mays, Humacao 1.6   8. Copeland, San G. 1.4   9. Mojica, Bayamon 1.4   10. Hodge, Santurce 1.3

Blocks Per Game

Glen MCGOWAN   Guaynabo   (206-F-81)   Avg: 1.5

1. McGowan, Guaynabo 1.5   2. Priutt, Isabela 1.3   3. Gainous, Santurce 1.3   4. Reyes, Capitanes 1.3   5. Russell, Quebradillas 1.3   6. Perez, Isabela 1.2   7. Nieves, Santurce 1.1   8. Mays, Humacao 1.0   9. Shannon, Bayamon 1.0   10. Nailon, Quebradillas 1.0

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ROMANIA

Gaz Metan Medias vs. CSU Asesoft Ploiesti semifinal series preview - by Sebastian Umbrich
CS Gaz Metan Medias and CSU Asesoft Ploiesti will meet in the Romanian championships basketball semifinals in the 2009-2010 season. These teams ranked 2nd and 3rd at the end of the regular season and are now meeting in a series best of five matches. The team led by Coach Bruno Soce has the home ground advantage, a fact that will probably be an advantage.
The two protagonists of this series met three times during the 2009/10 regular season. Along the regular season each team won the matches on their home ground: CSU Asesoft Ploiesti won 87-81 while CS Gaz Metan Medias won 77-69, a win thanks to which Medias ended the season 2nd, because both teams had the same record: 24-6.
The most important direct confrontation, through the stake but also that it was the last direct meeting, was held at the Transilvania sports palace in Sibiu, in the semifinals of the Romanian Cup. Medias won the meeting 65-59, in a match where Milos Pavlovic (210-F/C-84, agency: BeoExcell) and Tudor Dumitrescu (195-G-79) scored 15 points each, Jarrett Howell (188-G-84, agency: Beo Basket, college: Texas Arlington) had 12 points and five assists and Titus Nicoara (200-F-88, agency: Interperformances) managed 10 points and five boards. On the other hand, Rashard Griffith (212-C-74, agency: Edge Sports, college: Wisconsin) has scored 14 points while Arvydas Cepulis (195-G-79) scored 12 points (4x3) in the losing effort. So, before the semifinals of the championship the overall score of the direct confrontations is favorable to Medias 2-1.
In the quarter-finals, Medias got past Steaua Turabo Bucharest, 3-1 overall score, but there were 4 matches in whom the spectators had plenty of basketball to see. Moreover, the fourth match of the series (and the last one) needed to overtime periods to separate the teams. An interesting fact was that Dragoslav Papic (205-C/F-87, agency: Global Sports Plaza) (Steaua Turabo Bucharest) had 2 free throws awarded with 2.4 seconds before the end of the 1st overtime period, but, unexplainable missed the both. Medias won the second overtime period 9-7 and qualified for the semis. Ploiesti got past BC Arges Pitesti in the quarter-finals, overall scores 3-0, and dominated clearly all of the three matches, winning every match with at least 15 points advantage. This series will be very interesting, because the teams with the most points scored during the regular season will be meeting.
Given the fact that both teams are the most complete teams in the league, both the reserve holders, we can say that it is the confrontation in which we should be witnessing the most intense games of the current edition of the championship. Actual problems, however, appear to affect the Transylvanian team, which could not count on Derrick Phelps (192-G-72, college: N.Carolina), injured in the series match against Steaua Bucharest. In these circumstances Jarrett Howell will check every 40 minutes of play in each match, if you have to turn to health problems or misconduct. Also Deven Mitchell (196-F-84, agency: Interperformances)'s situation is unclear at this time. He resumed his preparations with the team but no one knows exactly when and where one will come to be its efficiency.
Statistics during the playoffs
- Gaz Metan is averaging 96.0 points / game in playoffs, CSU Ploiesti is 88.0.
- CS Gaz Metan Medias scored 41 three-point shoots (43%), 90 successful 2 point shoots (47%) and scored 81 free throws (81%) in four playoff games.
- CSU Ploiesti has 15 three-point shoots (28%), 73 successful 2 point shoots (54%) and 73 free throws (84%) in three playoff games.
- CSU Ploiesti has an average 40.6 rebounds/game while Gaz Metan has 40.2 in the playoffs. CSU Ploiesti has an average 13.6 while Medias has an average 17.0 offensive rebounds/game
- CSU Ploiesti has an average 17.0 assists 9.6 steals and 14.6 turnovers/game in playoffs
- CS Gaz Metan Medias has an average 15.5 assists, 8.0 steals and 12.5 turnovers/game in playoffs.
- CSU Ploiesti fouled 26 times per game in the playoffs, while Medias fouled 21.5 times per game.
Players that played well in the direct matches this season
Jarrett Howell has 52 points, 16 rebounds, 15 assists, 16 turnovers in the 111 minutes of play during the three matches against CSU Asesoft. Titus Nicoara has 34 points (five field goals in each game), 35 rebounds but has made 14 fouls, being twice fouled out. Whats more, he managed 2 double-doubles in the three matches. Tudor Jucan managed 20 points and 17 boards this season against the champion of Romania.
On the other hand, Kevin Burleson scored 42 points, 13 boards in 87 minutes of play against CS Gaz Metan Medias during the three clashes this season. Rashard Griffith was twice among the best of his bullets in clashes against CS Gaz Metan Medias, but scored only a single point in the match played in Medias. Catalin Burlacu (210-C-77, agency: Court Side) has scored 36 points against the Transylvanian team and despite a season under the previous, Arvydas Cepulis remains the main threat from behind the 6.25 line. He has eight successful 3-point shots against Medias.
Dilemmas and weaknesses
CS Gaz Metan Medias fans and staff hope that Deven Mitchell will be able to play in the series, after he hadnt played for the last 2 months. He modestly played the game at Ploiesti - six points in 22 minutes and has been fouled out, but he revenged in the match at Medias, when he scored 17 points, four boards and two blocks. His health is not very clear at the moment but if he fully recovers, it remains to be seen how he can move against an opponent of value after two months of absence.
Darius Hargrove (193-G-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Virginia Union) is one of the best players of the championship, but fails to be constantly in progress against the leading teams in the league. He had 16 points, four boards and two steals in the first match of the season against Gaz Metan, but in the return match he has scored only five points in 22 minutes, a game he got an efficiency index of -1. Then, in the semifinals of the Cup, he has again played modest, scoring only eight points (3/11 on field goals) in 29 minutes with an index to efficiency of 1.
Conclusions
Gaz Metan has two wins against CSU Asesoft this season including a victory in the Cup, which stopped Ploiestis hegemony in this competition. The problems regarding the team (some players are injured) and the experience the team led by Vladimir Arnautovic (CSU Ploiesti) are clear advantages for the latter. The home ground advantage means additional pressure on the shoulders of the team from Sibiu County. It is the first time that CSU Ploiesti plays the first game of a semifinal series of the championship on the road. The shape of Catalin Burlacu who played better in the quarter-finals than in any other match in the regular season may be a further advantage for CSU Ploiesti. In order to qualify, Ploiesti has to win a match on the road, but only U Cluj (the winners of the regular season) won in Medias.
Prognostic
Most specialists from Romania think that this will be a 5-match series, and in the fifth match everything is likely to happen. Thus, some specialists think that Ploiesti will qualify in 4, maximum 5 matches.


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SAINT KITTS

GHETTO ROOTS GETS OFF TO GOOD START WHILE HITTERS OPEN SEASON WITH LOSS - by StKitts Basketball
The Horsfords Ghetto Roots Basketball Club is off to a good start for the LIME SKABA 2010 season as both of their teams, the SKABA Champions Ghetto Roots and the A division contenders Rootsie, recorded opening game victories.

The Rootsie came up against the formidable Monkey Hill Rockers XI in a keenly contested encounter. Both teams traded baskets for most of the game and ended the first half at an even 39-39. Things remained the same for the 2nd half as Jason Shaggy Norford for Rootsie and Calvin Butters Wallace for Rockers led their teams in a very exciting uptempo game. At the end of regulation the game was tied forcing an overtime period.
The overtime period was all Rootsie as they outscored the Rockers to win the game 83-77.
Jason Shaggy Norford led Rootsie with 24 pts while Calvin Wallace had 27 Points for Rockers.
Defending SKABA Champions Ghetto Roots had similar fortunes as they easily disposed of the Shawn K. Richards Sandy Point Chappurtin. The Chappurtin brother duo of Taslyn Belboda and Javal Hodge played exceptionally as they were able to match the Ghetto Roots dynamic backcourt of Rymal Bally Browne and Levi By-By Fyfeild. Belboda and Hodge gave the Ghetto Roots all they could handle however the Ghetto Roots simply had to much weapons and too much talent for the Chappurtin to be of any real threat. Despite losing SKABA MVP Browne early in the game and a lack-lustre night from the exciting Fyfeild Ghetto Roots still managed to make relatively easy work of Chappurtin with a 97-92 victory.
Taslyn Tazzy Belboda led all scorers with 27 points and 5 assists for Chappurtin while Carlos Mucho Caliente Monzac led Ghetto Roots with 21 points and 9 rebounds.
Ghetto Roots next game will be on Sunday versus Fig Tree while Chappurtin will take on Cayon on Saturday.
Exodus defeated the Conaree Fireball 66-55 in the LIME A Division.
For Exodus, Jason Jarvis had 23 points and 12 rebounds, while Michael Rawlins had 19 points and five rebounds.
E.O. Loughlinn had 14 points for Conaree.
Blue Devils remained undefeated in the A Division with a 63-52 victory against the Polstars. Tavo Sargeant was the top scorer for the Blue Devils with 21 points, and Kareem Gerald had 11 points and seven rebounds.
For the Polstars, Shane Christmas had 14 points, Kevin Fahie had 13 points and Gareth Phillips had 12 points.
Staying in the A Division the Quakers defeated the Bird Rock Uprisers 71-69, with David Debeson scoring 21 points and Tyrone Southwell scoring 14 points for the Quakers.
Justin Williams had 17 points and Ian Carr had 14 points and 12 rebounds for Bird Rock.
In the Premier Division the Cotton Ground Devils defeated the Rams Hitters 80-79.
Royden Browne and Jennerson France both had 20 points for Cotton Ground, with France also pulling down 10 rebounds. Kurt Herbert also had a good night for the Rebels with 16 points.
The reeling Hitters were led by vetran Trevor Huggins who had 22 points, and Ansel Revan who had 13 points. This is the first time in the history of the Premier Division that Cotton Ground has ever defeated the Hitters.
In the Junior Division the Blue Devils defeated the four-time defending champions 74-59.
For the Blue Devils, Scilachi Robinsion had 23 points, and Renaldo George had 19 points.
For Sandy Point, Travis Rogers had 16 points and Rameece Belboda had 10 points.


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SERBIA

Standings - A Liga

A Standings

Super Liga  1. Hemofarm 4-1   2. Partizan 4-1   3. Crvena Zvez. 3-2   4. FMP 3-2   5. Radnicki K. 3-2   6. Borac 1-4   7. Metalac 1-4   8. Tamis 1-4  Only 1st Stage  1. Beograd 0-0   2. Ergonom 0-0   3. KG 06 0-0   4. Masinac 0-0   5. Mega Vizura 0-0   6. Napredak 0-0   7. Novi Sad 0-0   8. Proleter Naft. 0-0   9. Radnicki Basket 0-0   10. Sloga 0-0   11. Vojvodina 0-0

Stats Leaders - 1A

• PPG
• RPG
• APG
• SPG
• BPG

Points Per Game

Vladimir PANIC   Metalac   (194-F-82)   Avg: 18.8

1. Panic, Metalac 18.8   2. Beader, KG 06 18.3   3. Mladenovic, Ergon. 17.8   4. Mihajlovic, Ergonom 17.5   5. Markovic, Tamis 17.2   6. Micic, Napredak 16.5   7. Markovic, Napredak 16.5   8. Vukosavljevi., Prolet. 16.4   9. Jorovic, Borac 15.5   10. Martinic, Vojvodina 15.4

Rebounds Per Game

Aleksandar MLADENOVIC   Ergonom   (207-F/C-84)   Avg: 7.4

1. Mladenovic, Ergon. 7.4   2. Mikic, KG 06 6.9   3. Buric, Tamis 6.5   4. Ljubojevic, Novi S. 6.2   5. Bosnjak, Vojvodina 6.2   6. Jelovac, Mega V. 6.1   7. Borovcanin, Sloga 6.0   8. Jorovic, Borac 5.8   9. Pobric, Novi Sad 5.8   10. Lukovic, Radnic. 5.8

Assists Per Game

Vid ZARKOVIC   Proleter Naft.   (189-G-75)   Avg: 7.2

1. Zarkovic, Prolet. 7.2   2. Kocergin, Masinac 4.9   3. Stefanovic, Metal. 4.3   4. Rakic, Novi Sad 4.2   5. Korac, Beograd 4.1   6. Djordjevic, Sloga 4.0   7. Prolovic, Borac 3.7   8. Martinic, Vojvodina 3.7   9. Dimitrijevic, Sloga 3.6   10. Radulovic, Masinac 3.5

Steals Per Game

Marko VULIN   Proleter Naft.   (196-G-83)   Avg: 2.2

1. Vulin, Proleter Naft. 2.2   2. Jereminov, Tamis 2.0   3. Martinic, Vojvodina 2.0   4. Zarkovic, Prolet. 1.9   5. Dundjerski, Beograd 1.7   6. Rakic, Novi Sad 1.7   7. Borovcanin, Sloga 1.7   8. Kovacevic, Novi Sad 1.7   9. Djordjevic, Sloga 1.6   10. Ljubojevic, Metal. 1.5

Blocks Per Game

Nikola MARAVIC   Mega Vizura   (212-C-89)   Avg: 1.2

1. Maravic, Mega V. 1.2   2. Mladenovic, Ergon. 1.2   3. Buric, Tamis 1.1   4. Lukovic, Radnic. 1.0   5. Ljubojevic, Novi S. 0.8   6. Dramicanin, Borac 0.8   7. Arsic, Masinac 0.8   8. Bircevic, Metalac 0.8   9. Marjanovic, Vojvo. 0.6   10. Cvetkovic, Mega V. 0.6

Jovo Stanojevic moves from Turkey to Kuwait - by Eurobasket News
Jovo Stanojevic (208-C-77, agency: Beo Basket) moved from Kepez to Al Kuwait SC. The experienced big guy signed contract for rest of the season.
Jovo Stanojevic appeared 29 times for Kepez in TBL averaging 17.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists. His season-high was 27 points against Darussafaka and Antalya.
Before Kepez, Stanojevic was a member of Vojvodina Srbija Gas Novi Sad, BC Kyiv, Besiktas Cola Turka, Prokom Trefl Sopot, ALBA Berlin, Partizan Belgrade, Maccabi Ranana and Crvena Zvezda.

Some of his awards/achievements include:
World University Games in Benjin (China) -01 (Champion)
Yugoslavian Cup Winner -02
Yugoslavian YUBA MVP -02
German Bundesliga All-Star Game -03, 04, 05
German Bundesliga Cup Winner -03, 06
Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Bosman Player of the Year -03, 06
Eurobasket.com German Bundesliga All-Bosmans Team -03, 04, 05, 06
Eurobasket.com German Bundesliga All-Newcomers Team -03
Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga 1st Team -03
German 1.Bundesliga Champion -03
German Bundesliga Regular Season Champion -04, 05
German Bundesliga Semifinals -04, 05
Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Center of the Year -04, 06
Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga 1st Team -04, 05, 06
Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Player of the Year -06
Polish Cup Winner -08
Polish League Champion -08
Polish League Regular Season Runner-Up -08
Ukrainian Cup Finalist -09

Partizan getting the training center - by Milan Jovanovic
Aftet the historical placement on Euroleague Final 4 tournament, Serbian Ministry of Sports decided to present Partizan Basketball Club with a brand new training center.
The arena will be 1600m2 big, just 350 seats because the purpose is mainly practicing.
Besides basketball, it will also be able to be used by handball and volleyball teams, and city of Belgrade is to help with finding the proper location.
Plans are already ready, and Minister Samardzic-Markovic and Partizan president Danilovic already agreed it suits Partizan completelly.


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SLOVENIA

Standings - 1A

Telemach Standings

Places 1-8  1. U.Olimpija 8-1   2. Helios 7-2   3. Krka 7-2   4. Parklji 5-4   5. Sentjur 5-4   6. Rudar 3-6   7. Zlatorog 1-9   8. Geoplin Slovan 0-9  Play-out  1. Polzela 20-11   2. Elektra Esotech 15-15   3. TCG Mercator 12-19   4. Luka Koper 9-22   5. Sencur CP 0-31

Stats Leaders - 1A

• PPG
• RPG
• APG
• SPG
• BPG

Points Per Game

Sandi CEBULAR   Sentjur   (196-G-86)   Avg: 21.6

1. Cebular, Sentjur 21.6   2. King, Polzela 20.6   3. Crenshaw, Sentjur 16.9   4. Mucic, Rudar 16.7   5. Cup, Elektra . 16.2   6. Feeley, Elektra . 16.0   7. Snow, Helios 15.9   8. Dragic, Geoplin . 15.6   9. Drzic, Luka Koper 15.6   10. Djapa, Parklji 15.2

Rebounds Per Game

Shawn KING   Polzela   (208-C-82)   Avg: 11.3

1. King, Polzela 11.3   2. Feeley, Elektra . 8.5   3. Thondique, Polzela 8.1   4. Virijevic, Sencur C. 6.9   5. Nuhanovic, Elektr. 6.8   6. Miljkovic, Elektr. 6.7   7. Pavic, Krka 6.5   8. Djapa, Parklji 6.5   9. Nikolic, Krka 6.2   10. Markic, Luka Koper 6.2

Assists Per Game

Tadej KOSTOMAJ   Elektra Esotech   (186-G-87)   Avg: 5.4

1. Kostomaj, Elektr. 5.4   2. Crenshaw, Sentjur 5.2   3. Anzulovic, Rudar 4.0   4. Mocnik, Helios 3.7   5. Cmer, Zlatorog 3.7   6. Nachbar, Luka Koper 3.5   7. Venta, Polzela 3.3   8. Jersin, Parklji 3.2   9. Perko, Luka Koper 3.1   10. Udrih, Polzela 3.1

Steals Per Game

Alvin SNOW   Helios   (188-G-81)   Avg: 2

1. Snow, Helios 2.0   2. Nuhanovic, Elektr. 1.8   3. Dragic, Geoplin . 1.8   4. Udrih, Polzela 1.7   5. Ristic, Sencur CP 1.7   6. Mocnik, Helios 1.6   7. Markic, Luka Koper 1.6   8. Jovanovic, Sencur C. 1.6   9. Cebular, Sentjur 1.5   10. Lapornik, Sentjur 1.5

Blocks Per Game

Shawn KING   Polzela   (208-C-82)   Avg: 2.4

1. King, Polzela 2.4   2. Nuhanovic, Elektr. 1.4   3. Nikolic, Krka 1.2   4. Cup, Elektra . 0.8   5. Mucic, Rudar 0.7   6. Sjekloca, Elektr. 0.7   7. Cigoja, Geoplin . 0.7   8. Djapa, Parklji 0.7   9. Lucic, Krka 0.7   10. Simovic, Sentjur 0.7

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SOUTH KOREA

Yoo Named National Basketball Coach - by Rick Ross
Yoo Jae Hak of the Ulsan Mobis, the current champions of the
Korean Basketball League (KBL), began managing the national team Wednesday
with a modest goal for the upcoming Guangzhou Asian Games.
Grabbing a medal is our goal, Yoo said.
On the previous day, the Korea Basketball Association (KBA)
formed a special committee and it unanimously designated
Yoo as the team boss for the Asian Games in November.

I feel some pressure, Yoo said. Everyone knows that
Korean basketball has to get through its present crisis.
His responsibility is unprecedentedly hefty as the country is suffering a
recent blip from its traditional status as one of
Asia's traditional basketball powerhouses.

South Korea has grabbed 22 medals up to date at the biennial FIBA Asian Championship.
Since finishing fourth in the inaugural event in 1960,
the country continued to claim a top three spot until 2005.
However, it is now facing strong challenges from Middle Eastern countries.
South Korea finished fourth in 2005, and even missed out on a
berth at the World Championship last year by collapsing to seventh,
with a stunning 68-65 quarterfinal loss to Lebanon.

Such a downfall has become apparent at the Asian Games,
where South Korea has claimed 11 medals, including three golds.
After winning a gold medal in 2002, the squad fell off the podium four years later,
losing to China in the quarterfinals.
The former star guard was optimistic about the national team's chances in Guangzhou.
Compared to my predecessors, I'm in better condition because
I have more time to get my players prepared, Yoo said.
It is important how I and other coaching staff help
elevate the concentration and spirit of the squad.

The KBA and KBL also put some new regulations in place to make the national team stronger.
Under the new rule, players who refuse the national team's
call without giving a reasonable reason are subject to a 15-game league suspension.
Last year, then-head coach Hur Jae of the KCC Egis had trouble rounding up the
players he wanted because many of them refused to play at the Asian Championship due to injuries.

With all the top-notch players called up, South Korea is expected to have a better
chance this year with additions to the roster such as the
2.21-meter center Ha Seung-jin and ethnic Korean guard Jun Tae-poong.
Over the last five seasons, Yoo led his superstar-free Mobis squad to the regular
season title four times and won the championship title twice. He has 335 league wins so far,
the second most among KBL coaches following Shin Sun-woo of the SK Knights.

Yoo Jae Hak
By Yoon Chul
Staff Reporter

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

SWEDEN

Plannja Basket - Norrkoping Dolphins 1 - 2 (81 - 86 ) - by Johan Anderson
Norrkoping Dolphins was better team last night 86-81 (26 - 22, 18 - 21, 14 - 23, 23 - 20) . After 20 minutes of play it was Plannja Basket Lulea who held 44-43 lead, but the Norrkoping replied in third period with 23-14. Oladapo Oladapo Ayuba (198-F-86, college: UMKC) led Norrkoping Dolphins with 17 points.Plannja Basket Lulea John Williamson (198-C-86, college: Cincinnati) replied with 20 points in defeat.It will be very interesting how will Plannja Basket Lulea answer tomorow.
Fourth games are scheduled for April 29 in Norrkoping.


Dolphins take 2-1 lead in the Finals - by Eurobasket News
Playoff Finals, Game 3: Plannja Basket - Norrkoping Dolphins 81-86

Norrkoping Dolphins did a great job last night. They managed to beat Plannja Basket on the road 81-86 and to grab 2-1 lead in the Playoff Finals. Oladapo Ayuba (198-F-86, college: UMKC) was the top scorer in victory with 17 points. George Gervin (189-G-76, college: Houston) and Joakim Kjelbom secured a nice help adding 15 points each. The winners had three more players with double-digits in scoring last night (Lindquist, Grant and Drains). On the other side, Plannja Basket got 20 points from John Williamson (198-C-86, college: Cincinnati). Brandon McKnight (188-G-83, agency: Promotex, college: Purdue) followed him with 12.
Both teams displayed nice performance in offense at the very beginning. The hosts were slightly better and they were up by four after ten minutes of play, 26-22. In the second quarter visitors replied with 18-21 for minus one at the half time. Oladapo Ayuba and his teammates took control on Plannja Basket after the breather as they managed to limit them to 14 pts in Q3. On the other side, they drained 23 for nice 8-point lead. Plannja threatened in the final period, but was unable to make a comeback.
Game 4 is scheduled for April 29.

Plannja: John Williamson 20, Brandon McKnight 12, John Rosendahl 10, Hakan Larsson 10, Jim Enbom 8, Vesa Makalainen 8, Johan Akesson 6, Gustav Nystrom 5, Christoffer Ryan 2.
Norrkoping: Oladapo Ayuba 17, George Gervin 15, Joakim Kjellbom (213-C/F-79, college: N.Arizona) 15, Mikael Lindquist 11, Kenneth Grant 10, Fred Drains 10, Joseph McNaull 6, Bojan Atanasoski 2.

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

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

NCC an undeniable success - by Albert-Lee Young

Source:
Brian Manning
TT Express Newspaper
Wednesday, April 28th 2010

Congratulations to all the teams that qualified and participated in the National Basketball Federation of Trinidad and Tobagos (NBFTT) 2009-2010 National Basketball Championships.

The tournament was an undeniable success and capped the beginning of a revolution in local basketball. The National Basketball Championships is the marquee event on the NBFTTs calendar; it is a showcase for the best basketball talent that Trinidad and Tobago has to offer and is designed to attract fans, sponsors, and young people to the sport.

The NBFTT has explored almost every avenue in terms of marketing this event-radio, television, print media, Facebook and a revamped website www.nbftt.org.

A stylish and youthful spin to our marketing effort has played a huge role in the success of the 2009-2010 Championships and it all began with the introduction of the NBFTTs new logo late last year.

The new logo was used to signal that there was a change in the organization and it wasnt going to be business as usual. The thinking behind the new logo is that it should reflect the national colours of Trinidad and Tobago and should also prominently display the name (acronym) of the organization.

The casual fan, and even some who comprise the rank and file of the sport, seemed challenged to remember the National Basketball Federation of Trinidad and Tobago. Hopefully, over time, the new logo will solve that problem.

The NBFTT could not have asked for a more exciting and hard-fought finals, a seven-game series that I am sure will be talked about for some time to come.

The T&T Defence Force basketball team and Detour Shak Attack, from the Laventille area, have been by far the two best teams in the country for the last few years and have developed a heated rivalry.

Not only are they the best two teams in the country but they also play in the most competitive basketball zone in T&T, the North Zone. The result of every game they play against each other is taken personally by everyone on both teams.

In the 1979 NCAA college basketball finals in the USA a small school from Indiana (Indiana State University) faced a college basketball giant in the form of the Michigan State Spartans and the rivalry between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird was born.

That game generated unprecedented interest in American college basketball and transformed the NCAA basketball tournament into the marketing behemoth that exists today. It also spawned a decade-long rivalry between two of the best players to ever play the game.

The fantastic Defence Force/Shak Attack finals could affect the local game in similar manner and introduce unparalleled growth, financial opportunities for teams, and fuel the NBFTTs youth development programmes.

I live for the day when basketball players will become household names in Trinidad and Tobago and are rewarded handsomely for endorsing the goods and services of major companies.

Corporate T&T has to realize the huge fan base that local basketball possesses and the high regard basketball players are held in their respective communities.

Kurt Koto Christian and Steven Lighter Lewis are heroes to a legion of young players across the length and breadth of this country and would make worthy advocates of any cause. Corporate T&T should take note.

There was also a credible performance by the four teams from the North Zone basketball league. The NBFTT is comprised of nine regional zones and the North Zone was the only zone that qualified, through a playoff system, more than two teams in the tournament.

Those four teams (Defence Force, Detour Shak Attack, Sportworld Straker Nets, and National Flour Mills) finished first, second, third and sixth, respectively, out of a field of 13 teams.

It is important in any national tournament organized by the NBFTT that the best teams in the country be given an opportunity to play...without them the tournament would lose much of its lustre and meaning. Participation by the best teams can only lift the standard of basketball throughout the tournament and throughout the country.

Several aspects of this tournament were a first for local basketball, but the one that stands out is the decision to play games in the sister isle of Tobago. The players and coaches absolutely loved it. Many wanted to stay longer.

Ruthven Daniel, chairman of the Tobago Zone, convinced the board that it was feasible for Trinidad teams to play games in Tobago, albeit on a limited basis. Players were treated to that trademark Tobago hospitality and all complimented the culinary delights that were made available.

Also, Tobago fielded two of the more competitive basketball teams I have seen from our sister isle in a long time. Tobago basketball is back in a big way.

In the interest of time and space, it would be impractical for me to thank all those who contributed to the success of the NBFTTs National Championships in this short column.

Thank you all for your commitment and remarkable contributions to the success of the NBFTTs National Championships 2009-2010. It was arguably the greatest basketball tournament held in the history of T&T and has succeeded in solidifying the positive position of Trinidad and Tobago basketball in the national consciousness.

Finally, thank you to all the coaches, players and fans for your unwavering support throughout the championships. The success of this sport depends on you and the NBFTT is doing its utmost to support and assist you in making your dreams a reality.

The NBFTT has a lot scheduled for 2010, so keep watching.

Brian Manning
President
National Basketball Federation of Trinidad & Tobago
bmanning@nbftt.org


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TURKEY

Stats Leaders - D1

• PPG
• RPG
• APG
• SPG
• BPG

Points Per Game

Quincy DOUBY   Darussafaka   (191-G-84)   Avg: 23.6

1. Douby, Darussafaka 23.6   2. Shipp, Bornova 18.9   3. Chatman, Besiktas 18.4   4. Brown, Bornova 18.1   5. Hosley, Aliaga 18.1   6. Baxter, Besiktas 17.4   7. Heytvelt, Oyak R. 17.3   8. Stanojevic, Kepez B. 17.2   9. Toolson, Karsiyaka 17.0   10. Rancik, Galatasaray 16.9

Rebounds Per Game

Jermareo DAVIDSON   Darussafaka   (208-F-84)   Avg: 10.7

1. Davidson, Darussaf. 10.7   2. Heytvelt, Oyak R. 10.0   3. Williams, Erdemir 9.3   4. Hosley, Aliaga 8.0   5. Aldemir, Karsiyaka 7.9   6. Bowman, Tofas 7.3   7. Smith, Karsiyaka 7.1   8. Greene, Antalya 6.9   9. Wesson, Karsiyaka 6.9   10. Wilkinson, Galatasa. 6.8

Assists Per Game

Hakan KOSEOGLU   Erdemir   (188-G-81)   Avg: 8.7

1. Koseoglu, Erdemir 8.7   2. Chatman, Besiktas 6.1   3. Ermis, Banvit 4.9   4. Douby, Darussafaka 4.9   5. Atsur, Besiktas 4.4   6. Acik, T.Telekom 4.4   7. Smith, Bornova 4.4   8. Ukic, Fener.Ulker 4.2   9. Erdogan, Oyak R. 4.2   10. James, Mersin 4.2

Steals Per Game

Ricky DAVIS   T.Telekom   (199-G-79)   Avg: 2.7

1. Davis, T.Telekom 2.7   2. Hosley, Aliaga 2.6   3. Chatman, Besiktas 2.4   4. Douby, Darussafaka 2.3   5. Smith, Efes Pilsen 2.1   6. James, Mersin 2.0   7. Shipp, Bornova 1.9   8. Famutimi, Oyak R. 1.9   9. Holston, Karsiyaka 1.8   10. Adams, Oyak R. 1.8

Blocks Per Game

Furkan ALDEMIR   Karsiyaka   (205-F-91)   Avg: 1.5

1. Aldemir, Karsiyaka 1.5   2. Davidson, Darussaf. 1.3   3. Denison, Tofas 1.2   4. Solak, Galatasaray 1.2   5. Elegar, Bornova 1.2   6. Heytvelt, Oyak R. 1.2   7. Bowman, Tofas 1.1   8. Davis, Banvit 1.0   9. Kone, Erdemir 0.9   10. Buckman, Kepez Bld 0.9

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U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Milton Newton could follow Larry Brown to Sixers - by David Edole
Could Brown's possible exit lead to Wizards front-office shake-up?
Yahoo! Sports NBA writer Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting today that Charlotte's vagabond Coach Larry Brown could again be on the move after leading the Bobcats to their first-ever playoff appearance. Wojnarowski writes, 'Brown is angling to take the Philadelphia 76ers' presidency, and has targeted Washington Wizards front office executive Milt Newton as his general manager and the Atlanta Hawks' Mike Woodson as coach, sources said.'

The speculation involving Newton, the Wizards' vice president of player personnel, is not far fetched. Newton, 44, was a member of the 1988 Kansas national championship team under Brown and remains close with his former coach.

His name also surfaced as a possible general manager candidate five years ago when Brown nearly took over as head of basketball operations in Cleveland. Brown engaged in talks with the Cavaliers while the Detroit Pistons were seeking to repeat as NBA champions against the San Antonio Spurs. Newton interviewed with the Cavaliers and was considered a leading candidate for the job, which eventually went to Danny Ferry.

Ed Stefanski currently serves as president and general manager for the 76ers, but has drawn criticism for overpaying both Elton Brand and Andre Iguodala, letting Andre Miller leave for Portland, and hiring Eddie Jordan, whose only season as coach in Philadelphia was a disaster.

Brown coached the 76ers from 1997 to 2003, leading the franchise to the NBA Finals in 2001, but his wife, Shelly, and children, A.J. and Madison, never left Philadelphia even after he made stops in Detroit, New York and Charlotte. According to a league source, Brown has grown weary of the arrangement and would like to return home. New Bobcats owner Michael Jordan reportedly gave Brown permission to leave for a position that involves having authority over basketball decisions. Charlotte trails Orlando three games to none in its best-of-seven first-round series.

Brown has been linked to Philadelphia for some time, and the Philadelphia Inquirer reported on Monday that the team plans to speak with Brown about a job once the Bobcats are eliminated from the playoffs. Brown reportedly advised Comcast Spectacor Chairman Ed Snider, with whom he remains close, not to fire Eddie Jordan during the season. Jordan, the former Wizards coach, was let go two weeks ago.

A native of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, and raised in the District, Newton has been with the Wizards for the past seven seasons, and directs the overall scouting efforts for the franchise. He leads the Wizards' pre-draft efforts in scouting and conducts the workouts for draft candidates. He also oversaw the creation of team's scouting database and assists with salary cap and player management. Newton, with his straight-forward approach, has been considered a rising executive for some time. He was instrumental in the Wizards selecting JaVale McGee and Nick Young late in the first round, and finding Andray Blatche and Dominic McGuire in the second round.


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

UKRAINE

Relegation tournament: round 2 - by Platon Khegai
Mykolaiv - Pulsar 86:75 (29:24, 8:21, 28:13, 21:17)
MBC Mykolaiv seems to be 'the best among the worst' team.
M: Butskyi 24 pt, 6 as, 4 rb, 4 st; Onufriyev 21 pt, 4 rb; McClintock 10 pt, 10 rb, 5 bl; Love 9 pt, 4 rb, 4 as; Silkovskyi 9; Yailo 5 pt, 9 rb.
P: Poltoratskyi 20 pt, 3 rb; Shemosiuk 16 pt, 5 as; Reka 14 pt, 4 as, 3 rb; Kovalevskyi 7 pt, 5 rb.

Khimik - Dnipro-Azot 64:70 (18:20, 13:12, 11:20, 22:18)
Khimik lost to Azot again, for the second time in a week.
K: Harrison 13 pt, 6 rb; Kolchenko 13 pt, 5 rb; Popov 11 pt, 6 rb, 5 as; Agafonov 8 pt, 6 rb.
D: Karim 20 pt, 6 as, 3 rb; Lokhmanchuk 11 pt, 7 rb; Berkhin 11; Sokur 10 pt, 3 rb, 3 as; Rykhliuk 5 pt, 7 rb.

Hryfony - Halychyna 75:85 (19:19, 23:22, 16:19, 17:25)
First victory for Vladimir Poliakh after he became the head coach of Halychyna.
Hr: Miletic 26 pt, 4 rb, 4 st; Yevseyevichev 15 pt, 4 rb, 4 as; Petrenko 13 pt, 9 rb; Sabutskyi 13 pt, 3 rb.
Ha: Finn 27 pt, 13 rb; Lepojevic 23 pt, 4 rb; McIntosh 11; Zubrytkyi 8 pt, 13 rb.

Standings:
9. Mykolaiv 15/28
10. Khimik 11/28
11. Halychyna 11/28
12. Dnipro-Azot 6/28
13. Pulsar 5/28
14. Hryfony 0/28

Superleague Round: 3 (Quarter-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Hoverla - Budivelnyk 84-89
Budivelnyk became the first semifinalists as they swept the series against Hoverla. Maxim Balashov (189-G-80) scored 18 points to lead the Kyiv team to the decisive third win in Ivano-Frankivsk. Derrick Zimmerman (189-G-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi St.) added 15 points for the winners. Michael Fraser (203-C/F-84, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Oklahoma Baptist) responded with game-high 30 points and 8 rebounds for Hoverla.

BC Odessa - BC Kyiv 101-76
BC Odessa survived the challenge and remained in the title race after a comfortable win over visiting BC Kyiv. Jerome Coleman (185-G-81, agency: Liman Sports, college: Rutgers) scored 25 points to lead the hosts. Stanislav Balashov (210-C-79) netted 14 points and 13 rebounds for Odessa. Denys Lukashov (190-G-89) answered with 13 points for BC Kyiv.

Azovmash - Kryvbasbasket 76-58
Azovmash eased past Kryvbasbasket in Mariupol to ensure 2-1 lead in the series. Ramel Curry (191-G-80, college: CSU Bakersfield) notched 19 points to lead the home side. Yevgeniy Podorvannyy (194-F/G-78) added 13 points and 6 rebounds for the defending champions. Jurica Zuza (207-C-78) answered with 16 points for Kryvbasbasket.


Stats Leaders - Men

• PPG
• RPG
• APG
• SPG
• BPG

Points Per Game

Steve BURTT   Ferro-ZNTU   (185-G-84)   Avg: 21.6

1. Burtt, Fe. 21.6   2. Karim, DniproAzot 21.2   3. El-Amin, Budivelnyk 21.2   4. Thomas, Fe. 20.7   5. McClintock, Mykolaiv 18.6   6. Curry, Azovmash 18.3   7. Mitchell, Khimik 18.3   8. Williams, Halychyna 18.0   9. Atanackovic, Gryfo. 17.5   10. Daniels, Azovmash 17.0

Rebounds Per Game

Michael FRASER   Hoverla   (203-C/F-84)   Avg: 11.4

1. Fraser, Hoverla 11.4   2. Thomas, Fe. 10.9   3. Finn, Halychyna 7.9   4. McClintock, Mykolaiv 7.8   5. Pettway, Dnipro 7.7   6. Morton, DniproAzot 7.3   7. Hunter, Fe. 7.1   8. Rizvic, Azovmash 7.1   9. Shkurupiy, Gryfony 7.1   10. Agafonov, Khimik 6.9

Assists Per Game

Jason CROWE   Dnipro   (193-G-76)   Avg: 7.7

1. Crowe, Dnipro 7.7   2. Blassingame, BC Od. 6.6   3. Sparks, Hoverla 5.7   4. El-Amin, Budivelnyk 5.5   5. Karim, DniproAzot 5.4   6. Mitchell, Khimik 5.4   7. Burtt, Fe. 5.3   8. Lukashov, BC Kyiv 4.9   9. Love, Mykolaiv 4.5   10. Perry, BC Donetsk 3.9

Steals Per Game

Fred HOUSE   Azovmash   (195-F-78)   Avg: 2.7

1. House, Azovmash 2.7   2. El-Amin, Budivelnyk 2.3   3. Crowe, Dnipro 2.2   4. Perry, BC Donetsk 1.9   5. Tiggs, Fe. 1.8   6. Sparks, Hoverla 1.8   7. Curry, Azovmash 1.7   8. Karim, DniproAzot 1.7   9. Shemosyuk, Pulsar 1.7   10. Kolchenko, Khimik 1.6

Blocks Per Game

Viacheslav KRAVTSOV   BC Kyiv   (212-C-87)   Avg: 2.7

1. Kravtsov, BC Kyiv 2.7   2. McClintock, Mykolaiv 1.9   3. Rizvic, Azovmash 1.9   4. Balashov, BC Odessa 1.9   5. Agafonov, Khimik 1.7   6. Morton, DniproAzot 1.6   7. Pettway, Dnipro 1.5   8. Garrison, Khimik 1.3   9. Ulyanko, Hoverla 1.1   10. Ulyanko, Pulsar 1.0

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UNITED KINGDOM

Stats Leaders - BBL

• PPG
• RPG
• APG
• SPG
• BPG

Points Per Game

Mike COOK   Sheffield S.   (193-G/F-84)   Avg: 26.9

1. Cook, Sheffield S. 26.9   2. Bratton, Worthing. 24.7   3. Patton, Sheffiel. 20.4   4. Moore, Everton T. 20.3   5. Yanders, Scottish. 20.1   6. Valencia, Plymouth R. 20.1   7. Wierzbicki, Leices. 20.0   8. Middleton, Worceste. 19.6   9. Johnson, Leiceste. 19.4   10. Harrison, MK Lions 19.3

Rebounds Per Game

Jason JOHNSON   Leicester R.   (201-F-86)   Avg: 10.9

1. Johnson, Leiceste. 10.9   2. Toney, Sheffield S. 9.8   3. Janusauskas, London C. 9.8   4. Rodrigo, Essex P. 9.2   5. Rowe, Plymouth R. 8.6   6. Richard, Worthing. 8.5   7. Gariba, London C. 8.0   8. Young, Cheshire J. 8.0   9. Disy, Worcester W. 7.7   10. Valencia, Plymouth R. 7.4

Assists Per Game

Anthony MARTIN   Plymouth R.   (186-G-80)   Avg: 7.3

1. Martin, Plymouth. 7.3   2. Sapp, Scottish R. 7.1   3. Moore, Everton T. 5.8   4. Patton, Sheffiel. 5.1   5. Drakeford, Guildfor. 5.1   6. Yanders, Scottish. 4.8   7. Peterson, Cheshire. 4.6   8. Jackson, Newcastl. 4.6   9. Jivens, London C. 4.6   10. Middleton, Worceste. 4.5

Steals Per Game

Roderick MIDDLETON   Worcester W.   (186-G/F-82)   Avg: 2.7

1. Middleton, Worceste. 2.7   2. Moore, Everton T. 2.5   3. Normantas, Worceste. 2.3   4. Sapp, Scottish R. 2.2   5. Babalola, Evert. 2.2   6. Gariba, London C. 2.2   7. Peterson, Cheshire. 2.2   8. O''Reilly, Cheshire. 2.0   9. Bratton, Worthing. 2.0   10. Lasker, Plymouth. 2.0

Blocks Per Game

Kadiri RICHARD   Worthing T.   (203-F-80)   Avg: 2.3

1. Richard, Worthing. 2.3   2. Johnson, Leiceste. 1.8   3. Toney, Sheffield S. 1.2   4. Gorman, Sheffiel. 1.0   5. Young, Cheshire J. 0.9   6. Copeland, Scottish. 0.9   7. Janusauskas, London C. 0.8   8. Konarg, London C. 0.8   9. Rodrigo, Essex P. 0.8   10. Flournoy, Newcastl. 0.8

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URUGUAY

Standings - Metropolitan League

Metropolitan Standings

1. Capurro 3-1   2. Larre Borges 3-1   3. Capitol 3-1   4. Verdirrojo 3-1   5. Waston 3-1   6. Larranaga 2-2   7. Nacional 2-2   8. Tabare 2-2   9. 25 de Agosto 1-3   10. Yale 1-3   11. Olivol Mundial 1-3   12. Marne 0-4

Five leaders for the Metro league - by Hector Lopez
Five teams are now sharing the leadership for the Metro League, after the 4th round, Capitol, Verdirrojo, Waston, Capurro and Larre Borges. The results and main players (including all imports) were:
Capitol 77 - Brad Kanis (218-C-84, college: Grand Canyon) 13 points, 15 rebounds, 10 blocks
25 de Agosto 70 - Bruno Fitipaldo (183-G-91) 25 points 6 rebounds, Marcus King-Stockton (206-F-85, college: Colorado) 14 points 13 rebounds 4 blocks
- - -
Verdirrojo 89 - Jorge Trindade (205-F/C-89) 22 points 17 rebounds
Larranaga 71 - Federico Martinez (203-F/C-74) 29 points 4 rebounds, Elgrace Wilborn (203-F-83, agency: Liman Sports, college: W.Kentucky) 11 points 15 rebounds 5 blocks
- - -
Waston 117 - Juan Cambon (180-G-88) 32 points 5 assists, Brian Craig (206-C-79, college: Miles) 22 points 8 rebounds 1 block
Marne 113 - Cedric McGowan (198-F-85, agency: Court Side, college: Cincinnati) 20 points 12 rebounds 1 block
- - -
Tabare 93 - Ryan Blankson (201-F-80, college: Loyola (IL)) 16 points 10 rebounds 3 assists
Larre Borges 87 - Marcos Cabot (178-G-89) 25 points, Claudio Charquero (207-C-77) 18 points 11 rebounds
- - -
Olivol Mundial 76 - Kevin Mickens (206-F-83, college: George Mason) 9 points 12 rebounds 1 block
Yale 71 - Leandro Taboada (180-G-86) 23 points 8 assists, Tarrie Monroe (202-F-77, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Lewis) 13 points 14 rebounds 3 assists
- - -
Nacional 92 - Keith Gayden (202-F-83, agency: EM-PA, college: Duquesne) 12 points 11 rebounds 1 block
Capurro 87 - Lorenzo Coleman (216-C-75, college: Tennessee Tech) 15 points 5 rebounds 6 blocks

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VENEZUELA

Standings - LPB

LPB Standings

1. Cocodrilos 27-5 2. Marinos 23-9 3. Gaiteros 17-12 4. Guaiqueries 17-13 5. Panteras 17-16 6. Guaros 15-16 7. Trotamundos 15-17 8. Toros 10-21 9. Bucaneros 8-22 10. Gigantes 7-25

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Women News

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ITALY - Women

Stats Leaders - Women

• PPG
• RPG
• APG
• SPG
• BPG

Points Per Game

Brooke SMITH   Comense   (191-F/C-84)   Avg: 17

1. Smith, Comense 17.0   2. Robert, Faenza 16.8   3. Dixon, GMA Napoli 16.0   4. Macchi, Familia Schio 15.8   5. Walker, GMA Napoli 15.5   6. Machanguana, Bracco G. 15.3   7. Brunson, Taranto 15.1   8. Bjelica, Vomero NA 13.8   9. Pascalau, Priolo 13.7   10. Cirov, Priolo 13.6

Rebounds Per Game

Marcedes WALKER   GMA Napoli   (191-C-86)   Avg: 10.2

1. Walker, GMA Napoli 10.2   2. Tillis, Familia Schio 9.6   3. Bjelica, Vomero NA 9.6   4. Robert, Faenza 8.6   5. Willis, Livorno 8.0   6. Brunson, Taranto 7.7   7. Smith, Comense 7.6   8. Harper, Umana R. 7.6   9. Machanguana, Bracco G. 6.9   10. Screen, Basket P. 6.4

Assists Per Game

Adriana PINTO   Faenza   (169-G-78)   Avg: 3.5

1. Pinto, Faenza 3.5   2. Eric, Vomero NA 2.5   3. Macchi, Familia Schio 2.5   4. Dixon, GMA Napoli 2.2   5. Ballardini, Umana R. 2.1   6. Penicheiro, Umbertide 2.0   7. Carpreaux, Livorno 2.0   8. Martinez Pra., Bracco G. 2.0   9. Moro, Familia Schio 2.0   10. Goryanova, GMA N. 1.9

Steals Per Game

Angela ZAMPELLA   Comense   (170-G-78)   Avg: 5.3

1. Zampella, Comense 5.3   2. Carpreaux, Livorno 4.8   3. Dixon, GMA Napoli 4.7   4. Martinez Pra., Bracco G. 4.3   5. Pinto, Faenza 4.3   6. Macchi, Familia Schio 3.9   7. Zara, Basket Parma 3.9   8. Smith, Comense 3.8   9. Eric, Vomero NA 3.8   10. Cirov, Priolo 3.7

Blocks Per Game

Iciss TILLIS   Familia Schio   (194-F-81)   Avg: 1.1

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

Semifinals: Taranto eliminates Umana Reyer with 3-0, Schio takes 2-1 lead against Faenza - by Eurobasket News
Taranto - Umana Reyer 70-57
Taranto outplayed Umana Reyer in Game 3 of the Playoff Semifinals winning the series with perfect 3-0. Rebekkah Brunson (191-F/C-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Georgetown) shined for the hosts in this meeting with 17 points and 7 rebounds. Jami Montagnino (173-G-85, college: Tulane) scored 14 points, while Megan Mahoney (183-F-83, agency: LBM Management, college: Kansas St.) added 11 pts and 8 boards. In Umana Reyer, Gunta Basko (181-F-80, college: Siena) collected 11 points and 5 rebs.

Faenza - Familia Schio 60-66
Familia Schio is 2-1 up after excellent road win against Faenza last night. Now, Schio needs one more victory to join Taranto in the Playoff Finals. Raffaella Masciadri (185-F-80) stepped up for the winners with 17 points and 5 rebounds. Chiara Pastore (171-G-86) followed her with 15 pts. For the home side, Geraldine Robert (184-F-80) collected 15 points and 6 boards.

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LEBANON - Women

Exclusive Interview with Shada Nasr on Lebanese Basketball group this FRIDAY - by Maarouf Mawloud
For the first time a woman guest interview!!! After being for the 15th consecutive time in the final...Antranik shine star and captain Chada Nasr (173-G-83) (Boo #13) will be our guest interview this friday 30/4/10 at 10 pm...
be there and prepare ur questions...
to follow the interview here is the link of the group on facebook : http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5185668278&ref=ss
(in order you are not a member you need to request to join this group)

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RUSSIA - Women

UMMC take Superleague crown - by Eurobasket News
UMMC - Spartak Moscow Region 73:67
UMMC repeated as the Russian Superleague champions. They overcame Spartak Moscow Region in the third game of the championship series to clinch the title. It became the fourth success for UMMC in the Superleague history. Candace Parker (193-F/C-86, college: Tennessee) was once again unstoppable as she accounted for 25 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners.
UMMC dominated right from the tip. They unleashed 28 points in the starting frame taking an 11-point lead at the first break. The hosts stayed ahead throughout the second term. They notched a 15-point advantage at the interval. But Spartak were not about to let their opponents coast to the win. Diana Taurasi (182-F/G-82, college: Connecticut) and Co. triggered a comeback effort in the third period. They outgunned the home team cutting the distance at just 5 points heading into the final frame. But UMMC played cautiously in defense in the fourth period and did not allow Spartak to rescue the series.
Cappie Pondexter (175-G-83, college: Rutgers) knocked down 12 points for UMMC. Deanna Nolan (180-G/F-79, college: Georgia) netted 11 points in the win. Diana Taurasi responded with 17 points and 6 rebounds for Spartak. Sylvia Fowles (198-C-85, college: LSU) finished with 15 points and 13 rebounds in defeat.

UMMC: Candace Parker 25+14 boards, Cappie Pondexter 12, Deanna Nolan 11
Spartak MR: Diana Taurasi 17, Sylvia Fowles 15+13 boards

Stats Leaders

• PPG
• RPG
• APG
• SPG
• BPG

Points Per Game

Marina KUZINA   Dynamo M.   (195-C-85)   Avg: 22.6

1. Kuzina, Dynamo M. 22.6   2. Parker, UMMC 18.8   3. Mosch, Nadezhda O. 16.0   4. Taurasi, Spartak . 15.8   5. Snow, Dynamo K. 15.7   6. Snytsina, Nadezhda. 15.6   7. Firsova, Spartak SP 13.8   8. Pimenova, Cheva. 13.6   9. Korstine, Spartak . 13.2   10. Gruda, UMMC 12.7

Rebounds Per Game

Yuliya KISELEVA   Dynamo NSU   (200-C-85)   Avg: 10.1

1. Kiseleva, Dynamo N. 10.1   2. Baranova, Nadezhda. 8.9   3. Veremeenko, Nadezhda. 8.8   4. Snow, Dynamo K. 8.2   5. Zakalyuzhnay., Nadezh. 7.9   6. Stepanova, UMMC 7.7   7. Parker, UMMC 7.6   8. Petrakova, Spart. 6.8   9. Kuzina, Dynamo M. 6.6   10. Grishaeva, Cheva. 6.5

Assists Per Game

Sue BIRD   Spartak V MR   (175-G-80)   Avg: 4.9

1. Bird, Spartak V MR 4.9   2. Pondexter, UMMC 4.3   3. Poto, Dynamo NSU 4.1   4. Berseneva, Nadezhda. 4.0   5. Dumerc, UMMC 3.9   6. Keyru, Dynamo M. 3.6   7. Firsova, Spartak SP 3.5   8. Popova, Dynamo M. 3.3   9. Mosch, Nadezhda O. 3.1   10. Linkeviciene, Dynamo K. 3.1

Steals Per Game

Ksenia BOLSUNOVSKAYA   Dynamo NSU   (180-G-82)   Avg: 2.9

1. Bolsunovskay., Dynamo N. 2.9   2. Beglova, Spart. 2.4   3. Popova, Dynamo M. 2.4   4. Poto, Dynamo NSU 2.2   5. Keyru, Dynamo M. 2.2   6. Linkeviciene, Dynamo K. 2.1   7. Chrustaljeva, Cheva. 1.9   8. Snytsina, Nadezhda. 1.9   9. Abrosimova, UMMC 1.9   10. Belyakova, Spart. 1.9

Blocks Per Game

Anastasiya VEREMEENKO   Nadezhda O.   (192-C-87)   Avg: 2.3

1. Veremeenko, Nadezhda. 2.3   2. Kiseleva, Dynamo N. 1.8   3. Osipova, Spartak . 1.7   4. Stepanova, UMMC 1.2   5. Kuzina, Dynamo M. 1.1   6. Parker, UMMC 1.0   7. Loginova, Spart. 1.0   8. Snow, Dynamo K. 0.9   9. Vodopyanova, Dynamo M. 0.8   10. Petrakova, Spart. 0.8

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TURKEY - Women

Stats Leaders - Women

• PPG
• RPG
• APG
• SPG
• BPG

Points Per Game

Michelle CAMPBELL   Ceyhan Bld   (188-F-84)   Avg: 21.4

1. Campbell, Ceyhan Bld 21.4   2. Prince, Botas 20.0   3. Frazee, Cankaya 19.2   4. Pringle, TED K. 18.7   5. Paris, Botas 18.1   6. Sales, Besiktas 17.9   7. Santos, Besiktas 17.4   8. Taylor, Fenerbahce 17.1   9. Hodges, Istanbul. 16.8   10. Ervin, Ceyhan Bld 16.7

Rebounds Per Game

Courtney PARIS   Botas   (193-C-87)   Avg: 12.8

1. Paris, Botas 12.8   2. Ervin, Ceyhan Bld 12.4   3. Pringle, TED K. 11.8   4. Frazee, Cankaya 11.7   5. Black, Tarsus Bld 10.3   6. Sevinc, Kocaeli 10.1   7. Dacic, Besiktas 9.7   8. Larkins, Mersin 9.3   9. Campbell, Ceyhan Bld 8.9   10. Penn, Istanbul. 8.0

Assists Per Game

Sharnee ZOLL   Botas   (170-G-86)   Avg: 6.1

1. Zoll, Botas 6.1   2. Johnson, TED K. 4.3   3. January, Tarsus Bld 4.1   4. Vardarli, Fener. 4.0   5. Brooks, Cankaya 3.9   6. Hodges, Istanbul. 3.9   7. McBride, TED K. 3.9   8. Unuvar, Cankaya 3.9   9. Catchings, Galatasa. 3.8   10. Zellous, Besiktas 3.6

Steals Per Game

Epiphanny PRINCE   Botas   (175-G-)   Avg: 2.8

1. Prince, Botas 2.8   2. Catchings, Galatasa. 2.7   3. Chaney, Samsun 2.6   4. January, Tarsus Bld 2.4   5. Penn, Istanbul. 2.3   6. Gant, Istanbul. 2.3   7. Smith, Ceyhan Bld 2.2   8. Pringle, TED K. 2.2   9. Zoll, Botas 2.1   10. Brooks, Cankaya 2.0

Blocks Per Game

LaToya PRINGLE   TED Kayseri   (191-F/C-86)   Avg: 2.4

1. Pringle, TED K. 2.4   2. Dacic, Besiktas 1.4   3. Black, Tarsus Bld 1.2   4. Sutton-Brown, Fenerb. 1.0   5. Alyoshkina, Samsun 1.0   6. Ervin, Ceyhan Bld 0.9   7. Engin, Mersin 0.8   8. Paris, Botas 0.8   9. Smith, TED Kayseri 0.8   10. Gaither, Samsun 0.7

TBB2L Standings - by Eurobasket News

TBB2L Standings

1. Alanya BLD 9-1   2. TED Ankara 7-3   3. Izmir BSB 4-6   4. Burhaniye Bld 4-6   5. Gure Belediye 3-7   6. Antalya Koleji 3-7

Botas becomes the last semifinalist - by Eurobasket News
Botas advanced to Playoff Semifinals after they blasted TED Kayseri in Game Four 65-90. It means that Botas won the series 3-1 and will meet Fenerbahce in the Semis. Didem Suer (188-F-77) led the guests in this game with 17 points. Chasity Melvin (191-C/F-76, college: N.Carolina St.) and Epiphanny Prince (175-G, college: Rutgers) delivered 16 points each, and they also had 17 rebounds together. Courtney Paris (193-C-87, college: Oklahoma) collected 13 points and 19 boards. In the loosing squad, Tangela Smith (193-F/C-77, college: Iowa) shined with 26 pts and 8 rebs.