Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 5/23/2010

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Men News

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ASIAN CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS

Preliminary Round. Day 1 - by Eurobasket News
Group A
Mahram - Astana Tigers 77:49
The Asian Club Championship tipped off in Doha today. The defending champions Iranian Mahram got to the flying start as they cruised past Astana Tigers of Kazakhstan. Loren Woods (218-C-78, college: Arizona) and Jackson Vroman (208-C/F-81, college: Iowa St.) scored 19 points each to secure the victory.
Mahram quickly surged ahead at the beginning of the encounter. While the Tigers were adjusting their offence Mahram ran away to a 19:8 lead. The Kazakhstan champions stopped the bleeding in the second frame. They traded baskets with the favourites and trailed by the same 11 points at halftime. But the third frame doomed Astana. Mahram pushed the throttle and cleared off. The Iranian powerhouse built a massive 30-point advantage before the final stanza. The Tigers had little to answer with in the final frame and surrendered at the end. Mahdi Kamrani (181-G-82) delivered 10 points in the victory. Anton Ponomarev (209-C/F-88, agency: Court Side) answered with 14 points and 16 rebounds for the Tigers. Rustam Yargaliyew (195-F/G-86) finished with 9 points in the loss.

Mahram: Loren Woods 19, Jackson Vroman 19, Mahdi Kamrani 10
Astana Tigers: Anton Ponomarev 14+16 boards, Rustam Yargaliyew 9

Al Rayyan - Duhok 88:66
Al Rayyan opened the Asia Champions Cup with victory. The Qatar team held off their Iraqi counterparts Duhok in Group A. Michael Fey (213-F/C-83, college: UCLA) scored 20 points to lead Al Rayyan.
Duhok looked solid in the first frame. They outrebounded their opponents but it could not allow them to step in front. Al Rayyan grabbed a 21:16 lead ten minutes into the encounter. Al Rayyan continued to mount the lead in the second period. They established a 40:31 advantage at the interval. Duhok could not change the complexion of the encounter in the second half. Al Rayyan stayed dominant and posted a 13-point advantage heading into the fourth term. The Qatar team coasted to the victory in the final stanza. Erfan Ali Saeed (200-F-83) and Yasseen Musa (204-F-80) ensured 15 points each for the winners. Priest Lauderdale (221-C-73, college: Central State) answered with 24 points and 9 rebounds for Duhok. Calvin Cage (183-G-84, college: Buffalo) netted 22 points in the losing effort.

Al Rayyan: Michael Fey 20, Erfan Ali Saeed 15+13 assists, Yasseen Musa 15+12 boards
Duhok: Priest Lauderdale 24, Calvin Cage 22

Group B
Al Riyadi - Al Jalaa 87:77
Al Riyadi fired down Al Jalaa at the start of the 21st Edition of Asia Champions Cup. The Lebanon team overcame a slow start to finish off their opponents after the main break. Nate Johnson (199-F-77, college: Louisville) and Fadi El Khatib (199-F-79, agency: Pro Management Agency) knocked down 27 points apiece to pace Al Riyadi.
The teams looked well matched early in the game. The lead changed hands for several times before Michel Maadanli (196-G-81) and Gray gave the Syrian team a 19:17 advantage at the end of the first quarter. Al Riyadi used a 7:0 run midway through the second period to surge ahead. They maintained the lead but a three-pointer from Haddad helped Al Jalaa retain the advantage 38:36 at the interval. Fadi El Khatib and Ali Fakhreddine allowed Al Riyadi to step in front early in the third term. The Lebanese team mounted the pressure and managed to clear off to a 10-point distance. Al Riyadi arrived at the final break ahead by ten points 62:52. Al Riyadi quickly boosted the margin at 18-point mark in the final stanza and never looked back en route to the win.
Chester Jarell Giles

(211-F/C-85, college: Oregon St.) accounted for 15 points and 15 rebounds in the victory. Garnett Thompson (207-F/C-80, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Providence) responded with 21 points and 12 boards for Al Jalaa. Michel Maadanli netted 17 points in the loss.

Al Riyadi: Nate Johnson 27, Fadi El Khatib 27, Chester Jarell Giles 15+15 boards
Al Jalaa: Garnett Thompson 21+12 boards, Michel Maadanli 17

Al Hilal - Al Nasr 77:69
Al Hilal recorded the initial win at the Asia Champions Cup held in Doha. They held off Al Nasr in Group B action. Brandon Crump (208-C-82, college: Tennessee) fired 29 points to lead the winners.
It was a close battle from start to finish. Al Hilal led by just two points midway through the fourth stanza 67:65. However the Saudi Arabia outfit went on a decisive 10:4 run in the closing minutes to clear off for good in this one. DerMarr Johnson (206-G-80, college: Cincinnati) notched 18 points for Al Hilal. Mohammad Al Saqr (178-G-85) added 11 points for the winners. Khalid AlSari responded with 21 points for Al Nasr. Alsuwaidi finished with 12 points in the loss.

Al Hilal: Brandon Crump 29, DerMarr Johnson 18, Mohammad Al Saqr 11
Al Nasr: Khalid AlSari 21, Majid Alsuwaidi 12

Standings

Asian Club Championships Standings

Group A
1. Al Rayyan			1-0
2. Mahram			1-0
3. Smart Gilas			0-0
4. Astana Tigers			0-1
5. Duhok			0-1
Group B
1. Al Hilal			1-0
2. Al Riyadi			1-0
3. ASU			0-0
4. An Nasr			0-1
5. Jalaa			0-1

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AUSTRIA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Deteri MAYES
  Gmunden
  (189-G-74)
  Avg: 20.9

1. Mayes, Gmunden	20.9
2. Houston, Arkadia	20.2
3. Penigar, Furstenf.	19.5
4. Francois, Gussing	19.4
5. Parker, Oberwart	18.9
6. Roderick, Arkadia	18.5
7. Mahalbasic, Worth.	18.4
8. Paez, Oberwart	18.1
9. Nelson, Kapfenberg	16.6
10. Nagler, Klostern.	16.2

Rebounds Per Game

Jason JOHNSON
  Oberwart
  (202-F/C-77)
  Avg: 8.7

1. Johnson, Oberwart	8.7
2. Mahalbasic, Worth.	8.6
3. McCandies, Worth.	7.8
4. Conley, Wels	7.8
5. Houston, Arkadia	7.8
6. Penigar, Furstenf.	7.6
7. Forrestal, UBSC G.	7.6
8. Heard, Gussing	7.5
9. Moric, Klostern.	6.7
10. Oppland, Gmunden	6.6

Assists Per Game

Kelvin PARKER
  Oberwart
  (183-G-82)
  Avg: 6.4

1. Parker, Oberwart	6.4
2. Shavies, Furstenf.	6.0
3. Boylan, Gmunden	5.4
4. Schreiner, St.Po.	5.0
5. Danek, Arkadia	5.0
6. Lanegger, UBSC G.	4.8
7. Woschank, Kapfe.	4.4
8. Zeleznik, UBSC G.	4.1
9. O''Neal, Vienna	3.7
10. Creddle, Klostern.	3.6

Steals Per Game

Kevin PAYTON
  Vienna
  (196-G-86)
  Avg: 2

1. Payton, Vienna	2.0
2. Boylan, Gmunden	2.0
3. O''Neal, Vienna	1.9
4. Schreiner, St.Po.	1.9
5. Zeleznik, UBSC G.	1.8
6. Roderick, Arkadia	1.8
7. Shavies, Furstenf.	1.8
8. Richards, Gussing	1.7
9. Jandl, St.Polten	1.6
10. Moore, Wels	1.5

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Colwell, Furstenfeld	1.4
2. Heard, Gussing	1.1
3. Anderson, Vienna	1.0
4. Kohlmaier, St.Polten	0.7
5. Bralovic, Arkadia	0.7
6. Mahalbasic, Worth.	0.7
7. Levy, Oberwart	0.7
8. Roderick, Arkadia	0.6
9. Francois, Gussing	0.6
10. Youngblood, Furstenf.	0.5

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BARBADOS

Standings

Premier L. Standings

1. Lakers		8-0
2. Cavaliers		8-2
3. Pinelands		8-2
4. Warriors		7-2
5. Jackson		6-3
6. Bulls		4-5
7. Sonics		3-6
8. Patriots		3-6
9. Senators		3-7
10. Tridents		2-7
11. Cougars		2-8
12. Deacons		2-8

Pinelands hold off DC in OT - by Justin Marville
COACHING CHANGES. Chemistry woes.

Now Charles Vanderpool.

Pinelands' national forward became the latest of DC United's escalating Premier League basketball issues on Thursday, scoring 13 of his game-high 26 points in a late-game rally, including a last-second three that forced overtime in the Pine's stunning 85-82 comeback victory at the Wildey Gymnasium.

It was the second straight game that DC have squandered a double-digit fourth quarter lead and the eighth successive loss for the disjointed Deacons side, who dressed just seven players without a recognisable coach.

And even in light of all that dysfunction DC still managed to open up a 13-point advantage (63-50).

Holding on to it was another matter altogether.

As dramatic as Deacons' collapse has been this season, it paled in comparison to Pinelands' furious fourth quarter rally, which started with 7:02 remaining on Vanderpool's tough 'and-one' basket in the paint.

He soon followed that up with a timely put-back before team-mate Ramon Simmons capped that run of seven unanswered points by breaking away for a two-handed dunk in the open floor.

Vanderpool added a short hook in the lane after a Sydney Bouncer Rowe free throw ended DC's near four-minute drought, only for the Pine bench to pick up a silly technical for disputing an out of bounds call.

But the whistle, and DC's subsequent four points, weren't enough to end this comeback.

Quiet for most of the contest, Kirk Patrick had a quick five-point flurry and Chris Holder added a huge block on a driving Shawn 'Midnight' Henry that led to Simmons cutting the deficit to just one (67-66) on a pair of free throws.

However, Holder and Patrick nearly let the slumping DC off the hook, as the former sent Rowe to the line with the shot-clock winding down, while the latter turned over the ball on the ensuing possession with Pinelands still trailing by two (68-66) with 20 seconds to play.

And when Henry added two further free throws a couple seconds later the game seemed to be a foregone conclusion.

But the only thing conclusive about DC is that no victory is foregone these days.

Simmons calmly hit a contested triple before Vanderpool followed up Tito Alexander's free throws by sending the game into overtime (72 all) with a three-pointer of his own just ahead of the buzzer.

Even in the extra period, Henry gave Deacons what should have been a comfortable four-point cushion (76-72) while Rowe had a chance to put them ahead for good at the line with DC trailing 83-82 in the dying seconds.

However, he missed both ensuing foul shots and Deacons turned over the ball after Patrick also went empty at the line, allowing Simmons to hit a free throw to extend Pinelands lead to two.

DC still had one last chance but Henry's last-second three harmlessly bounced off the side of the ring before Vanderpool scored a free throw to provide the final margin.

Simmons finished with 17 points, Patrick added ten while Rowe top-scored for Deacons with 25 points and 12 boards.

In the night's first game, Colombian Emeralds International Senators opened the second half on a 15-2 run to overcome an early double-digit deficit in their 74-69 victory over Nicholls Baking Cougars.

Cougars, who slumped to a league-worst eighth defeat, led by as many as 12 points (35-23) before only managing nine points in the third quarter.

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BULGARIA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Aaron HARPER
  Levski
  (199-G/F-81)
  Avg: 22.8

1. Harper, Levski	22.8
2. Cole, Levski	18.5
3. Durchev, Chernomo.	18.4
4. Gruev, Rilski Sport	18.1
5. Bozov, Balkan	17.8
6. Antic, Lukoil A.	17.0
7. Brown, Chernomo.	16.6
8. Deane, Lukoil A.	16.2
9. Dimitrov, Spart.	16.2
10. Webb, Cherno More	15.6

Rebounds Per Game

Pero ANTIC
  Lukoil A.
  (210-F-82)
  Avg: 10

1. Antic, Lukoil A.	10.0
2. Brown, Chernomo.	8.7
3. Brown, Lukoil A.	8.0
4. Peterson, Rilski S.	7.9
5. Burgess, Rilski Sport	7.4
6. Radev, Balkan	7.3
7. Kennerly, Spart.	7.3
8. Ware, Cherno More	6.9
9. Tmusic, Yambol	6.7
10. Morton, Chernomo.	6.7

Assists Per Game

Aleksandar GRUEV
  Rilski Sport
  (187-G-83)
  Avg: 5.5

1. Gruev, Rilski Sport	5.5
2. Aleksiev, Chernomo.	4.8
3. Mirakovski, Cherno M.	4.4
4. Webb, Cherno More	4.1
5. Radionov, Yambol	3.9
6. Deane, Lukoil A.	3.7
7. Lilov, Balkan	3.4
8. Dimitrov, Spart.	3.3
9. Harper, Levski	3.3
10. Bozov, Balkan	3.2

Steals Per Game

Julian RADIONOV
  Yambol
  (188-G-79)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Radionov, Yambol	2.5
2. Deane, Lukoil A.	2.2
3. Lilov, Balkan	2.2
4. Harper, Levski	2.0
5. Zahariev, Chernomo.	1.9
6. Zhelev, Cherno M.	1.7
7. Dimitrov, Spart.	1.7
8. Velikov, Levski	1.5
9. Bozov, Balkan	1.5
10. Angelov, Yambol	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Ernest BROWN
  Toros
  (213-C-79)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Brown, Lukoil A.	1.5
2. Brown, Chernomo.	1.4
3. Earl, Yambol	0.9
4. Peterson, Rilski S.	0.9
5. Gocevski, Yambol	0.9
6. Ware, Cherno More	0.8
7. Morton, Chernomo.	0.7
8. Cole, Levski	0.7
9. Radev, Balkan	0.6
10. Preston, Rilski Sport	0.6

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CROATIA

Stats Leaders - A1

Points Per Game

Toni BIZACA
  Trogir
  (202-F-82)
  Avg: 21

1. Bizaca, Trogir	21.0
2. Vragovic, Dubrava	20.7
3. Zoric, KK.	20.3
4. Gordon, Cibona	19.3
5. Peric, Zadar	19.1
6. Bogdanovic, Cibona	18.6
7. Spahija, Svjetlost	17.7
8. Filipovic, Sibenik	16.8
9. Stipcevic, Zadar	16.6
10. Drezga, Trogir	16.1

Rebounds Per Game

Jurica SPAHIJA
  Svjetlost
  (203-F/C-83)
  Avg: 10.2

1. Spahija, Svjetlost	10.2
2. Ruzic, Zadar	8.8
3. Zoric, KK.	8.8
4. Sakic, Dubrava	7.2
5. Peric, Zadar	7.1
6. Macura, KK Split	7.0
7. Krapic, Zabok	7.0
8. Krolo, Darda	7.0
9. Vukicevic, Svjetlost	7.0
10. Maric, Dubrava	6.5

Assists Per Game

Jamont GORDON
  Cibona
  (193-G/F-87)
  Avg: 4.5

1. Gordon, Cibona	4.5
2. Bazdaric, Cedevita	4.1
3. Mulaomerovic, KK Za.	4.1
4. Tomeljak, Zabok	4.1
5. Stipcevic, Zadar	3.7
6. Blajic, Trogir	3.7
7. Cosic, Svjetlost	3.7
8. Norac, Svjetlost	3.6
9. Camagajevac, Darda	3.6
10. Sumic, KK Split	3.4

Steals Per Game

Vinko BOSNJAK
  Dubrava
  (186-G-80)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Bosnjak, Dubrava	2.4
2. Norac, Svjetlost	2.4
3. Stipcevic, Zadar	2.1
4. Sumic, KK Split	2.0
5. Katic, KK Split	1.9
6. Kruslin, Dubrovnik	1.8
7. Gordon, Cibona	1.7
8. Bizaca, Trogir	1.6
9. Cosic, Svjetlost	1.6
10. Car, Zadar	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Luka ZORIC
  KK Zagreb CO
  (211-C/F-84)
  Avg: 1.6

1. Zoric, KK.	1.6
2. Macura, KK Split	1.6
3. Vladovic, Sibenik	1.2
4. Sobin, KK Split	1.1
5. Gordon, Cibona	0.9
6. Petrovic, Cedevita	0.8
7. Bizaca, Trogir	0.7
8. Krolo, Darda	0.7
9. Andric, Cibona	0.7
10. Kamaldin, Darda	0.7

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FRANCE

ProA Round: 2 (Quarter-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Orleans - Roanne 65-55
Orleans outplayed Roanne tying the score to 1-1 in the series. Austin Nichols (198-G/F-82, college: Humboldt St.) shined for the hosts with 21 points. Ludovic Vaty

(206-C-88, college: Moraine Valley CC) was the last one with double-digits in scoring with 10 pts. In Roanne, Etienne Brower (200-F-85, college: Massachusetts) delivered 14.

Nancy - Gravelines 58-74
Gravelines cruised past Nancy on the road winning the series with perfect 2-0. It means that Gravelines advanced to Playoff Semifinals, where they will take on Cholet. Cyril Akpomedah

(203-F-79) top-scored in victory with 12 points, while four players were behind him with 10 pts each. In Nancy, Ricardo Greer

(197-F/G-78, college: Pittsburgh) collected 17 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists.

Poitiers - Cholet 82-89
Cholet won the series with 2-0 and advanced to Semifinals. Samuel Mejia

(198-G-83, college: De Paul) stepped up for the guests with 22 points and 8 assists. John Linehan (175-G-78, college: Providence) (7 as) and Antywane Robinson (203-F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Temple) (5 rebs) added 15 points each. For the hosts, Rasheed Wright

(196-F-80, college: ODU) collected 24 pts.

Paris-Levallois - Le Mans 70-80
Charles Kahudi (197-F-86) was the leading player in victory with 22 points and 8 rebounds. Dewarick Spencer (193-G-82, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Arkansas St.) scored 20 and Zach Wright (188-G-85, college: Cent.Missouri) helped with 16 points, 10 boards and 6 assists. In Paris-Levallois, Angel Daniel Vassallo (198-G/F-86, college: Virginia Tech) scored 19 pts. Le Mans won the series with 2-0 and advanced to the next stage.

Stats Leaders - ProA

Points Per Game

Derrick OBASOHAN
  Hyeres-Toulon
  (199-F-81)
  Avg: 19.8

1. Obasohan, Hyeres-T.	19.8
2. Roberson, Stras.	18.5
3. Spencer, Le Mans	18.4
4. Vassallo, Paris-.	17.8
5. Chatfield, Rouen	17.0
6. Banks, Orleans	16.1
7. Greer, Nancy	15.8
8. Gray, Chalon	15.8
9. Traore, AS.	15.6
10. Schilb, Chalon	15.6

Rebounds Per Game

Mouhamed SENE
  Hyeres-Toulon
  (213-C-86)
  Avg: 11.4

1. Sene, Hyeres-Toulon	11.4
2. Issa, Vichy	10.8
3. Nsonwu, Roanne	8.8
4. Greer, Nancy	8.7
5. Terrell, Hyeres-T.	7.6
6. Edwards, Grave.	7.6
7. Falker, Cholet	7.5
8. Gray, Chalon	7.3
9. Slaughter, Nancy	7.0
10. Jones, Le Havre	6.9

Assists Per Game

Kareem REID
  Vichy
  (178-G-75)
  Avg: 7.8

1. Reid, Vichy	7.8
2. Rogers, Rouen	6.8
3. Everett, Chalon	6.4
4. Greer, Nancy	6.1
5. Neitzel, Chalon	5.3
6. Pierce, Hyeres-T.	5.1
7. Sciarra, Orleans	5.0
8. Heurtel, Strasbourg	4.8
9. Woodside, Gravelines	4.8
10. Linehan, Cholet	4.7

Steals Per Game

John LINEHAN
  Cholet
  (175-G-78)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Linehan, Cholet	2.9
2. Everett, Chalon	2.0
3. Flowers, Vichy	2.0
4. Issa, Vichy	1.9
5. Wright, Le Mans	1.8
6. Greer, Nancy	1.8
7. Mims, Roanne	1.8
8. Rogers, Rouen	1.7
9. Melody, Vichy	1.7
10. Spencer, Le Mans	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Mouhamed SENE
  Hyeres-Toulon
  (213-C-86)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Sene, Hyeres-Toulon	2.4
2. Issa, Vichy	2.3
3. Akpomedah, Grave.	1.6
4. Badiane, Poitiers	1.6
5. Slaughter, Nancy	1.4
6. Akingbala, Nancy	1.3
7. Falker, Cholet	1.2
8. Simon, Strasbourg	1.2
9. Soliman, Rouen	1.1
10. Darden, Strasbourg	1.1

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GERMANY

Eurobasket.com All-Regionalliga South-West Awards 2009-2010 - by Moritz Korff

Young

Easterling

Rotaru

Ickert

Hornig

Eurobasket.com All-German Regionalliga South-West Player of the Year
Blake Young (188-G-85, agency: 22ft, college: Kansas St.) - Schwenningen

Eurobasket.com All-German Regionalliga South-West First Team
Blake Young - Schwenningen
Ricky Easterling (188-G-83, college: Bridgewater) - Saarlouis
Felix Rotaru (200-F-79) - Giessen
Ilja Ickert

(201-C-81) - Mainz
Andreas Hornig (212-C-80, college: Murray St.) - Mainz

Eurobasket.com All-German Regionalliga South-West Second Team
Michael Lay (175-G-83, college: Concordia (OR)) - Konstanz
Matthew Reid (185-G-84, college: Cameron) - Saarlouis
Mensah Sadikki Taylor (198-F-80, agency: Weller Sports - Entertainment, college: Gardner-Webb) - Stuttgart
Zeljko Pavlovic (194-F-80) - Giessen
Tomislav Topic (204-C/F-78) - Schwenningen

Eurobasket.com All-German Regionalliga South-West Honorable Mention
Michael Comick (191-G-84, college: Staten Island) - Ober-Ramstadt/Kronberg
Patrick Heckmann (196-G/F-92) - Mainz
Matthias Hurst (204-C-89) - Karlsruhe
Thomas Klemm

(200-F-81) - Tuebingen
Juergen Maassmann (204-C-76) - Oberelchingen
Terrell Towns (194-G-79, college: SE Oklahoma) - Karlsruhe

Eurobasket.com All-German Regionalliga South-West Domestic Player of the Year
Ilja Ickert - Mainz

Eurobasket.com All-German Regionalliga South-West Domestic Players Team
Patrick Heckmann - Mainz
Zeljko Pavlovic - Giessen
Felix Rotaru - Giessen
Ilja Ickert - Mainz
Andreas Hornig - Mainz

Eurobasket.com All-German Regionalliga South-West Defensive Player of the Year
Mensah Sadikki Taylor - Stuttgart

Eurobasket.com All-German Regionalliga South-West Most Improved Player of the Year
Matthias Hurst - Karlsruhe

Eurobasket.com All-German Regionalliga South-West Newcomer of the Year
Patrick Heckmann - Mainz

Eurobasket.com All-German Regionalliga South-West Coach of the Year
Kresimir Miksa - Stuttgart

The votes have been made by coaches and team official of the RLSW teams plus one vote made by Eurobasket.com

Brose Baskets Bamberg-New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig Semi Final Playoff Series Preview 3-2 - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

The 2010 BEKO BBL playoffs have been somewhat of an enigma as there were two upsets, a five game series and a comfortable 3-0 win. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners surprised basketball Germany by totally out playing 8 time BEKO BBL champion Alba Berlin and wining the series 3-1.This series clearly showed that a team doesnt necessarily need to have the best players but a bunch of guys that play together best. The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig had the biggest upset of the playoffs coming back from a 0-1 series lead and totally shocking 2009 BEKO BBL champion EWE Baskets Oldenburg and winning the last three games. Braunschweig has really stepped up their game as a team in the last months and seem to be peaking now. Braunschweig won with defense and heart while Oldenburg might of underestimated their opponent and not been starving for the win like they should of. The most anticipated series and possibly most exciting should have been the Bamberg-Bonn series, but Bamberg had absolutely no mercy giving Bonn an early summer vacation knocking them out 3-0. Bonn had injuries and never found their rhythm despite close games while Bamberg had the experience and possibly a tad more lady luck in crunch time.

The Brose Baskets Bamberg last won the BBL title in 2007 and in the second year under coach Chris Fleming (201-F), the club had some problems finding their rhythm in the first few months, but have steadily lifted their game in the last few months. The team started off cold losing six of their first eight games including an embarrassing 62-44 loss at home against 8 time BEKO BBL champion Alba Berlin and losing to new BBL club MBC. However since then the club has been extremely solid posting a 19-6 record since November 18th They finished the regular season with a record of 22-12. ' Bamberg have good shooters and I think that they are one of the deepest teams in the league with no weaknesses with the first 10 players. I think that they can be a title team. In a five game series, they will be very tough to beat', stressed Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Morehead St.). One problem might be that they have had problems beating top teams posting only a 5-8 record against teams like Alba Berlin, Bonn, Frankfurt, BG Goettingen, Artland Dragons, Bremerhaven and EWE Baskets Oldenburg. 'I honestly have no idea why Bamberg had problems beating the top teams. They have a very good team and good players. Regardless of what their record states, they can beat any team on any given night', warned BG Goettingen forward Chris Oliver

(198-F-85, agency: Court Side, college: Radford) 'I think that it just has to do with the little things. Teams have been able to hurt us in different ways. I dont think that it is a lack of talent, but it is more like missing a key rebound or a hustle play. We just havent been doing the little things to win against the top teams', added Brian Roberts (188-G-85, agency: Arik Krayn Services). However Bamberg can be totally unpredictable as well. 'They can beat any team on any night, but also lose to any team on any given night', stressed Ehingen center Ruben Spoden (202-F-89).

The Brose Baskets Bamberg were always known as a hard nosed defensive team under German National coach Dirk Bauermann, but since the arrival of Chris Fleming (201-F) the team has found happiness and liking with scoring. This season, the club has scored 80 points or more 13 times including reaching the 100 point mark three times and have not forgotten how to play defense keeping teams at 70 points or less 13 times. 'Bamberg have a lot of weapons and depth. They share the ball well and play well together. Guys like Suput, Jacobson, Roberts and Gavel are all dangerous', stressed Telekom Baskets Bonn American Bryce Taylor

(196-G-86, agency: Priority Sports). 'On offense, they live from being very balanced. Every player can get hot at anytime. Suput carries the team, can score, is always there at the right moment and is not afraid to take responsibility. Gavel can have a good day any day', stressed ex TV Langen player Ruben Spoden (202-F-89). The Telekom Baskets Bonn won the season series against The Brose Baskets Bamberg, but had to be ready for their aggressive defense. 'Bamberg defend the pick and role very well and force you to beat you from outside in and force you to the baseline. They are very disciplined on defense', stated American Bryce Taylor

(196-G-86, agency: Priority Sports). 'The Bamberg guards pressure the ball very well and Tibor Pleiss (214-F/C-89) gives them a lot of size under the basket', commented Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Morehead St.). Bamberg has a solid attack that was the fifth highest scoring team in the BEKO BBL averaging 78 points per game and is another team where each player has his role understood as perfect as actor George Clooney looks.

The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig already were thinking about when to book their flights back to the States as the buzzer sounded in the Ballsporthalle some weeks ago as they had just lost to The Deutsche Bank Skyliners, but the team received some assistance from Mr incredible Jeff Gibbs and Bremerhaven as they knocked off the Artland Dragons thus paving the sweet road to the promised land for Braunschweig. On paper, The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig were a playoff team all season long. They have a great point guard tandem, athletic wing players and a good inside game. Even though top players from last season Kyle Visser and Andrew Drevo left, the team is stronger than last season. They had all the tools to reach the playoffs and showed quickly what potential they have as they started the season with a five game winning streak as they were able to defeat teams like The Artland Dragons, Eisbaeren Bremerhaven, and TBB Trier.

However since this lightening start, the team struggled winning only three of of 14 games losing to weaker teams like The Giessen 46ers, Phoenix Hagen and Duesseldorf. 'We were missing many shots that we usually would of made and not executing at the end of games. We cant dwell on that now and just continue to work hard and correct the mistakes', stressed ex Holy Cross guarKevin Hamilton (193-G-84, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Holy Cross) back in July. However since January 16th, Braunschweig had a 11-4 record and have been playing super basketball after first getting Michael Hicks back and then Nate Fox.' Braunschweig is a great team. They had a great start and then had some injuries and lost momentum and then started playing well again. I am glad they made it. I played in Braunschweig my rookie year and it was a great experience. Getting Marcus Goree (201-F-77, college: W.Virginia) helped them step up their game, ' stressed Tuebingen guard Steven Wright. 'When a team comes together and decides to play like a team, they continue to get better and win and that is exactly what happened', stressed Detroit native Giordan Watson

(178-G-85, college: Cent.Michigan). Braunschweig is simply a great team that has a deep roster and lives form their strong guard duo tandem of Heiko Schaffartzik

(182-G-84) who can give a shooting clinic where ex Celtic great Larry Bird would even chuckle anKevin Hamilton who has great court vision and can decide a game with his scoring or passing efficiency.. The team has many guys that can step up, but will need production from John Allen and Jason Cain (208-F-85, college: Virginia) to be successful.

The Brose Baskets Bamberg won the three game playoff series by only a combined 16 points more. Both games in Bonn were decided by two points, while Bamberg easily won at home 83-71. Bamberg did a solid job in the three game series shooting well from the field while Bonn was strong under the boards. A big key for Bamberg was keeping their turnovers down in all three games including seven in game three. The low turnover rate speaks for the fine Bamberg guard tandem of John Goldsberry

(191-G-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: NC-Wilmington) and Anton Gavel

(189-G-84, agency: Pro One Sports) who often are overshadowed by Predrag Suput

(200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) and Casey Jacobsen

(198-G/F-81, college: Stanford) at the forward position. It hurt Bonn very much that athletic forward Parick Flomo was out with a jury and American Bryce Taylor

(196-G-86, agency: Priority Sports) was not 100% either. Bonn easily could have had the 2-1 series lead, but were unable to get he job done in crunch time. It also didnt help the Bonn cause that Bamberg has been playing on a high level since months and since the Cup win been very hot. Bamberg was the more physical team when they needed to be and had more depth. The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig may secretly have had a WE BELIEVE shirt on under their jerseys as they never doubted not getting the job done against the 2009 BEKO BBL champion EWE Baskets Oldenburg. After the convincing 83-67 Oldenburg win in game one, it looked like the favourite was on their way to winning the series. However Braunschweig pulled out a special gold ace out of their sleeves wining he last three games in style. Braunschweig played superb defense as the strong Oldenburg offense averaged only 69 points in the last three games. It is no secret that Braunschweig had a strong team this season, but they have be gelling in the last months and the team has been playing at a very high level. The key for Braunschweig was being able to contain key Oldenburg players on offense. They kept Jason Gardner under average and controlled Rickey Paulding

(196-G-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Missouri) for most of the series. Paulding didnt explode and put a stamp on this series, because of their great defense. This series clearly showed that sometimes the team that is more hungry wins.

The Brose Baskets Bamberg won the season series 2-0 winning in Branschweig 80-73 and winning at home 100-77. In the 80-73 loss, Braunschweig didnt play bad at all shooting 47% from the field,winning the assist battle 21-12, rebound duel 33-21 and only losing the turnover race 14-10. Despite the 100-77 loss in Bamberg the stats were pretty even as Bamberg shot only a bit better,but the rebunding and assists were even. A big cause for the loss were the 19 turnovers by Braunschweig. A quick check of the three positions guards, forwards and centers clearly gives Bamberg the edge. The guard position will be a big battle. Kevin Hamilton and Heiko Schaffartzik

(182-G-84) against John Goldsberry

(191-G-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: NC-Wilmington) and Anton Gavel

(189-G-84, agency: Pro One Sports). There will be a reunion of Gavel and Schafartzik who played together with the Giesen 46ers in 2005-2006. Bamberg has the edge simply because they have a stronger supporting cast. The forwards edge also goes to Bamberg, because they are more experienced especially with Predrag Suput. However Bamberg cant allow to fall asleep on the Braunshweig forwards who can put the ball in the hole. The center position is even. Both teams have a solid center rotaton. Yassin Idbihi

(208-F-83, college: Buffalo) can really get going when he finds his groove while Jason Cain (208-F-85, college: Virginia) can do serous damage under the boards. Tibor Pleiss (214-F/C-89) can change a game with is presence o offense and defense while Elton Brown can be dominating as well. The Bamberg X-factor will be Brian Roberts (188-G-85, agency: Arik Krayn Services) who can break through at any moment and hit big shots and pen up a game. The X-factor for Braunschweig is John Allen who plays a solid role and when he can give his team extra then they normally benefit from it.

Even though Bamberg is the heavy favourite this will still be an interesting series. Bamberg is playing great basketball at the moment and have only one course in their minds which reads BEKO BBL final while Branschweig is riding a Cinderella season and have some of their own momentum going into this series after heir fantastic win against Oldenburg. Bamberg has many options and if the team continues to be able to click and every guy can play their role then they will have good chances to win. Bamberg will have to control the Braunschweig guards as well to be successful. Bamberg is a sleeping giant, because whenever you think that they are out of the game, they suddenly wake up and get the job done. The New Yorker Phantoms Braunshweig will have to stay confident. They are a good team who can really play offense. A big plus for them is that their strong defense profits when hey are knocking down shots. Braunschweig also will have to push the tempo. If they can get some easy baskets in transition, then it will make their life easier, because Bamberg has a strong half court defense. Braunschweig will play their hearts out but in the end, the Bamberg experience and Predrag Suput will be too much for Branschweig not to mention Anton Gavel

(189-G-84, agency: Pro One Sports) who will be a pest in so many ways.

Jan Lipke (Eisbaeren Bremerhaven) Postgame Thoughts To 79-78 Win Against BG Goettingen In Game 5 - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Jan Lipke

(193-G-83, agency: Court Side) is a 26 year old 193cm combo guard that is playing his third season for The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. He played for Braunschweig from 2001-2006. He got his first BEKO BBL experience as an 18 year old playing 10 games in the highest playing class in Germany. In his five years in Braunschweig, he played 105 BBBL games, six ULEB Cup games and 12 Fiba Europe Cup games. In 2006-2007, he played in Belgium for Leuven playing 33 games and averaging 5.2ppg, 1.2rpg, 1.0apg, 2FGP: 45.0%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 45.0%. He moved to The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven in 2007 and last season played 30 games averaging 8.3ppg, 1.2rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 71.6%. This season, his minutes have shrunk form 16 to eight minutes, but at least the team is wining an dnot losing like last season. He took some time to talk to eurobasket after the sensational 79-78 win against BG Goettingen in game 5.

Congrats on an amazing 79-78 win on a buzzer beater by Andrew Drevo. Have you ever experienced a g win like this in your career?

I have experienced a lot of big wins in my career, but this is a very nice on though.

How strong was the WE BELIEVE in the team when you were down 2-1 in games?

We always believed in our team! The understanding is very well and everybody gets along with each other! That makes it easy to trust each other on the court

How much energy did his series take out of he team?

it was tough but we knew that is not going to be an easy series. BG Gttingen is a very good team and just won a European title! Plus it is very hard to win in Gttingen because the fans and the gets very loud.

BG Goettingen led 41-40 at halftime. What was the major difference in the game at halftime?

Gttingen played very aggressive and we had some turnovers, which Gttingen could profit off.

BG Goettingen was able to keep the 6-7 point lead in the third quarter. What were the biggest problems that Bremerhaven were having?

Our defense wasnt the greatest at that time and Goettingen got too many easy offense rebounds, but I m happy that we picked both parts up and turned it around.

In the fourth quarter, Bremerhaven was down by 10 points. What was key in the comeback in the last three minutes?

Our heart and the willing not to loose! plus we saw that Gttingen had the signs already up when they are going to play against the Skyliners and we couldnt let that happen to easy.

BG Goettingen seemed a bit wild in offense in the last minutes. Did Bremerhaven make any adjustments on defense?

yes we had to play smaller because two of our big guys were fouled out so maybe that made a little difference

Andrew Drevo won he game with a mid distance fall away shot Was this a designed play?

The play yes the shot not

Did you now the ball was going in as he released it?

of course Andrew already made a buzzer beater against TBB Trier!

What was the main difference in this five game series?

It was a tough series and both teams played good basketball in the end the team that wanted it more won.

What will be key in beating The Deutsche Bank Skyliners?

That we keep on playing hard and on the intensity level that we played our last two games

What does Phoenix Have to do to come back and beat he Lakers?

Not give up and fight.

What does Orlando have to do to come back and beat Boston?

I think the same but I dont follow the NBA that much I m watching more the European games that I can watch.
Thanks Jan for the chat.

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

GREECE

Giannakopoulos claims Greek B' weekly honour - by Chris Mammides
Shooting guard/small forward Dionysios Giannakopoulos (195-G/F-82) was simply unbeatable and was the stepping stone for Lavrios most historic victory ever. The player from Kalamata did a bit of everything as he scored 29 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, gave 3 assists and stole the ball three times and ll these in one of the most difficult home courts in the division in Elefsina, the team which was unbeatable for nearly 17 months in its home court. The amazing road win for Lavrio actually brought Serellis troops to the champion quite much closer as they overcome the five points home loss during the first round and now they only need to win the not so steady team of Apollon Patras in their home court which it is believed that it will be packed from Lavrio croud. Giannakopoulos with his overall appearance received a Eurobasket.com B Division, Player of the Week award for round 28.
The 28-year old forward guard had the game-high 29 points for Lavrio's victory, just his third best scoring this season (he scored 30 and 28 points in two games of the first round)
The second most extraordinary performance in last round's games came from the old time classic scorer Panagiotis Nanis (195-F/G-80) with his 27 points which unfortunately were not enough for his team Apollon Kalamatias to beat Megas Alexandros team. The home team beat Naniss team with 83-82 in the very last second. Nanis scored 27 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and stole the ball twice. Nanis is currently the fourth scorer in the division with just a week to finish the league. Nanis is averaging now 16.8 points per game. During the last round, Panagiotis Nanis was the third best performed player, upon scoring another 25 points against MENT in his teams home win.

The third best performer in the second division this week was the Greek American veteran Phillip Hopson (195-G/F-74, college: Barton County CC) who scored 26 points had 8 rebounds, 2 block shots and 2 steals in his teams (Panerythraikos) home win over AEK Argous with 62-58. Philip is a very good scorer and among the steadiest players in the division all these years. Hopson is scoring this season more than 14.1 points per game.

Other top performing players last week:
Greg Ktistou of Agia Paraskevi who scored 24
Christos Zarogiannis (203-F-77) of Anagennisi Floga who scored who scored 24
Alexis Raptis of Pierikos Arhelaos who scored 24
Dimitris Makris of MENT who scord 22 points with 7/10 three pointers
Efthimis Kothras (193-G-81) of Anagennisi Floga who scored 22 points
Christos Samourelis (204-F-84) of Keravnos Aigiou who scored 20 points
Sakis Veskoukis (195-G-80) of Apollon Patras who scored 18 points

Olympiakos eliminates Marousi, goes to Playoff Finals - by Eurobasket News
Olympiakos - Marousi BC 89-77
Olympiakos registered third straight win against Marousi. This time the Reds celebrated 89-77 victory finishing the series with perfect 3-0. Patrick Beverley (185-G-88, college: Arkansas) was the leading scorer in Olympiakos with 15 points. Josh Childress (203-G/F-83, college: Stanford) followed with 14 pts and he grabbed 7 rebounds beside that. Loukas Mavrokefalides (207-C-84) and Linas Kleiza (203-F-85, college: Missouri) helped with 13 and 12 points respectively. In Marousi, Gordon Jamon Lukas

(191-G-84, agency: Edge Sports, college: Virginia Tech) had 16 points. Dimitrios Mavroidis (208-C-85) scored 14 pts and pulled down 7 rebs.

Stats Leaders - A1

Points Per Game

David YOUNG
  Trikalla
  (196-G/F-81)
  Avg: 20.5

1. Young, Trikalla	20.5
2. Childress, Olympiakos	16.4
3. Green, AEK	15.1
4. Arnold, Perister.	14.7
5. Erceg, Panionios	14.7
6. Massie, Olimpia L.	14.4
7. Monroe, PAOK	14.3
8. Harris, VAP K.	14.2
9. Gregory, PAOK	14.1
10. Kleiza, Olympiakos	14.1

Rebounds Per Game

Christophe MASSIE
  Igokea
  (206-F-77)
  Avg: 10.7

1. Massie, Olimpia L.	10.7
2. Papadopoulos, PAOK	7.9
3. Walsh, Aris	7.8
4. Francis, AEK	7.6
5. Carter, Ilysiakos	7.0
6. Bryant, Panionios	6.9
7. Dozier, VAP K.	6.4
8. Arnold, Perister.	6.2
9. Homan, Marousi BC	6.1
10. Mavroidis, Marou.	5.8

Assists Per Game

Dimitris DIAMANTIDIS
  Panathinaikos
  (196-G-80)
  Avg: 5

1. Diamantidis, Panath.	5.0
2. Lukas, Marousi BC	4.2
3. Teodosic, Olympiakos	4.1
4. Karidas, Ilysiakos	4.1
5. Dickel, Trikalla	4.0
6. Papaloukas, Olymp.	4.0
7. Hammonds, Perister.	3.7
8. Vasiljevic, VAP K.	3.6
9. Green, AEK	3.6
10. Spanoulis, Panath.	3.5

Steals Per Game

Vonteego CUMMINGS
  Ilysiakos
  (192-G-76)
  Avg: 2

1. Cummings, Ilysiakos	2.0
2. Lukas, Marousi BC	1.9
3. Collins, Kavala/P.	1.8
4. Katsares, Trikalla	1.6
5. Karidas, Ilysiakos	1.5
6. Nikolaidis, AEK	1.5
7. Hammonds, Perister.	1.5
8. Diamantidis, Panath.	1.5
9. Dickel, Trikalla	1.4
10. Green, AEK	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Ian VOUGIOUKAS
  Panellinios
  (212-C/F-85)
  Avg: 1.4

1. Vougioukas, Panellin.	1.4
2. Mavroidis, Marou.	1.0
3. Harissis, VAP K.	1.0
4. Fotsis, Panathinaikos	0.8
5. Papadopoulos, PAOK	0.8
6. Homan, Marousi BC	0.8
7. Carter, Ilysiakos	0.8
8. Monds, VAP K.	0.7
9. Smith, Panellinios	0.7
10. Bramos, Perister.	0.7

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

HOLLAND

Eredivisie Finals, Game Four: Giants grab the first win - by Eurobasket News
Giants - GasTerra F. 62-60
The WCAA Giants survived last night and extended this series for at least one more game (1-3). Jesse Kimbrough (183-G-82, college: Jacksonville) stepped up for the hosts with 13 points and 5 rebounds. Tyrone Sally (201-F-82, agency: 540 Sports, college: W.Virginia) had 12 points and 6 boards, and Brandon Griffin (202-F-82, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: SE Missouri St.) also scored 12 pts in this game. In the loosing squad, Matt Bauscher (188-G-85, agency: 540 Sports, college: Boise St.) collected 19 points. Game Five is scheduled for Tuesday.

Stats Leaders - Eredivisie

Points Per Game

Danny GIBSON
  ZZ Leiden
  (180-G-84)
  Avg: 18.3

1. Gibson, ZZ Leiden	18.3
2. Palmer, Upstairs.	17.6
3. Monroe, DeFriesl.	16.9
4. Boxley, ZZ Leiden	16.6
5. Thomas, M.Magix	16.5
6. Haryasz, GasTerra.	16.3
7. Hendley, Landstede	16.2
8. Calhoun, EclipseJet	15.9
9. Sanders, EclipseJet	14.8
10. LeMelle, ZZ Leiden	14.2

Rebounds Per Game

Patrick HILLIMAN
  Rotterdam
  (206-F/C-82)
  Avg: 10.2

1. Hilliman, Rotterdam	10.2
2. Palmer, Upstairs.	9.2
3. Haryasz, GasTerra.	9.0
4. Ellis, GasTerra F.	8.7
5. McGhee, ZZ Leiden	8.4
6. Gordon, Landstede	8.1
7. Monroe, DeFriesl.	7.6
8. Beasley, Eiff.Tow.	7.4
9. Griffin, Giants	7.1
10. de Randamie, Eclip.	7.0

Assists Per Game

Torey THOMAS
  Guaros
  (180-G-85)
  Avg: 6.8

1. Thomas, M.Magix	6.8
2. Jones, DeFriesland	5.5
3. Oliver, Eiff.Towers	5.4
4. Porter, Upstairs.	5.0
5. Gibson, ZZ Leiden	4.3
6. Bauscher, GasTerra.	4.2
7. Bostain, GasTerra.	4.1
8. Blackwood, DeFriesl.	4.0
9. Moore, DeFriesland	3.9
10. Defares, Giants	3.8

Steals Per Game

Torey THOMAS
  Guaros
  (180-G-85)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Thomas, M.Magix	2.9
2. Jones, DeFriesland	2.8
3. Bauscher, GasTerra.	2.7
4. Rodgers, EclipseJet	2.6
5. Dourisseau, GasTerra.	2.5
6. Mason, EclipseJet	2.4
7. Kimbrough, Giants	2.3
8. Flowers, M.Magix	2.3
9. de Randamie, Eclip.	2.2
10. Ellis, GasTerra F.	2.2

Blocks Per Game

James HUGHES
  M.Magix
  (211-C-83)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Hughes, M.Magix	1.8
2. Hilliman, Rotterdam	1.5
3. Haryasz, GasTerra.	1.4
4. Sanders, EclipseJet	1.1
5. Boxley, ZZ Leiden	1.1
6. Kuijper, ZZ Leiden	1.0
7. Slor, ZZ Leiden	1.0
8. Porter, Upstairs.	0.9
9. Richardson, Eiff.Tow.	0.9
10. Williams, Landstede	0.7

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

HUNGARY

Playoff Finals: Atomeromu - ZTE 1-1 - by Eurobasket News
Atomeromu - ZTE KK 81-79
Atomeromu grabbed tiny home win against ZTE tying the score to 1-1 in the Playoff Finals. Ivory Clark

(198-F-85, agency: Global Sports Plaza) shined for the hosts with 19 points and 6 rebounds. Anthony Dill

(200-F-81, college: Texas St.-San Marcos) and Akos Horvath (194-G/F-81, agency: FCM) helped with 17 and 16 points respectively. Horvath handed out 6 assists beside that. Tamas Kaman (200-F/G-79, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) replied with 19 points in loss. Game Three is scheduled for Tuesday.

A Division Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Winsome FRAZIER
  Falco
  (193-G/F-82)
  Avg: 23.4

1. Frazier, Falco	23.4
2. Doyne, Marso-Vagep	21.4
3. Horvath, Falco	21.3
4. Walker, Dombovar	18.4
5. Brooks, Soproni	18.2
6. Watson, ZTE K.	18.1
7. Sitku, Marso-Vagep	17.9
8. Sirutaviaciu., Salgot.	17.8
9. Rice, Szolnok	17.4
10. LaGrange, Dombovar	17.3

Rebounds Per Game

Zoltan HORVATH
  Falco
  (207-F/C-79)
  Avg: 10.4

1. Horvath, Falco	10.4
2. Barro, Szolnok	10.1
3. Scott, Kormend	8.8
4. Knight, Soproni	7.9
5. David Vay, PVSK P.	7.3
6. Lee, Albacomp	7.1
7. Wilson, ZTE K.	6.9
8. Bader, Szolnok	6.8
9. Nuhanovic, Debre.	6.7
10. Clark, Atomeromu	6.6

Assists Per Game

Laszlo KALMAN
  Falco
  (186-G-72)
  Avg: 8

1. Kalman, Falco	8.0
2. Simon, Albacomp	7.4
3. Kelley, Szolnok	6.3
4. Hinnant, ZTE K.	6.1
5. English, Atomeromu	4.9
6. Fodor, Szolnok	4.9
7. LaGrange, Dombovar	4.7
8. Dejon, Kaposvari	4.7
9. Thomas, Kormend	4.4
10. Aleksic, Szolnok	3.9

Steals Per Game

Gytis SIRUTAVIACIUS
  Salgotarjani
  (195-F-83)
  Avg: 3.7

1. Sirutaviaciu., Salgot.	3.7
2. Frazier, Falco	3.6
3. Dejon, Kaposvari	2.9
4. Lee, Albacomp	2.8
5. English, Atomeromu	2.6
6. Wittmann, Kecsk.	2.5
7. Ames, PVSK P.	2.4
8. Simon, Albacomp	2.3
9. Watson, ZTE K.	2.3
10. LaGrange, Dombovar	2.3

Blocks Per Game

DuJuan WILEY
  Marso-Vagep
  (206-C-75)
  Avg: 1.6

1. Wiley, Marso-Vagep	1.6
2. Hendlein, Kaposvari	1.4
3. Clark, Atomeromu	1.4
4. Barro, Szolnok	1.2
5. Nuhanovic, Debre.	1.1
6. David Vay, PVSK P.	1.1
7. Walker, Dombovar	1.1
8. Scott, Kormend	1.0
9. Horvath, Falco	1.0
10. Sitku, Marso-Vagep	1.0

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

IRAN

Mahram open title defence with victory - by Eurobasket News
Mahram - Astana Tigers 77:49
The Asian Club Championship tipped off in Doha today. The defending champions Iranian Mahram got to the flying start as they cruised past Astana Tigers of Kazakhstan. Loren Woods (218-C-78, college: Arizona) and Jackson Vroman (208-C/F-81, college: Iowa St.) scored 19 points each to secure the victory.
Mahram quickly surged ahead at the beginning of the encounter. While the Tigers were adjusting their offence Mahram ran away to a 19:8 lead. The Kazakhstan champions stopped the bleeding in the second frame. They traded baskets with the favourites and trailed by the same 11 points at halftime. But the third frame doomed Astana. Mahram pushed the throttle and cleared off. The Iranian powerhouse built a massive 30-point advantage before the final stanza. The Tigers had little to answer with in the final frame and surrendered at the end. Mahdi Kamrani (181-G-82) delivered 10 points in the victory. Anton Ponomarev (209-C/F-88, agency: Court Side) answered with 14 points and 16 rebounds for the Tigers. Rustam Yargaliyew (195-F/G-86) finished with 9 points in the loss.

Mahram: Loren Woods 19, Jackson Vroman 19, Mahdi Kamrani 10
Astana Tigers: Anton Ponomarev 14+16 boards, Rustam Yargaliyew 9

Mahram crush Tigers in their Asian Club Champinships Openner - by Aydin Dianat
Mahram basketball club crush Tigers with 28 pts in their Asian Club Championship openner. They will rest tomorrow and on Monday they play against Duhok from Iraq which has the former Mahram position 5 Priest Lauderdale (221-C-73, college: Central State) the American/ Bulgarian player. After the game Saman Veisi (192-G-82) told the reporters that , since it was their first game, the coachiing staff insisted more on defensive plays rather than offensive ones and he thinks that their main challenge will be against Al Ryazi from Lebonan and Al Ryan from Qatar.

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

IRAQ

Al Rayyan take winning start in Doha - by Eurobasket News
Al Rayyan - Duhok 88:66
Al Rayyan opened the Asia Champions Cup with victory. The Qatar team held off their Iraqi counterparts Duhok in Group A. Michael Fey (213-F/C-83, college: UCLA) scored 20 points to lead Al Rayyan.
Duhok looked solid in the first frame. They outrebounded their opponents but it could not allow them to step in front. Al Rayyan grabbed a 21:16 lead ten minutes into the encounter. Al Rayyan continued to mount the lead in the second period. They established a 40:31 advantage at the interval. Duhok could not change the complexion of the encounter in the second half. Al Rayyan stayed dominant and posted a 13-point advantage heading into the fourth term. The Qatar team coasted to the victory in the final stanza. Erfan Ali Saeed (200-F-83) and Yasseen Musa (204-F-80) ensured 15 points each for the winners. Priest Lauderdale (221-C-73, college: Central State) answered with 24 points and 9 rebounds for Duhok. Calvin Cage (183-G-84, college: Buffalo) netted 22 points in the losing effort.

Al Rayyan: Michael Fey 20, Erfan Ali Saeed 15+13 assists, Yasseen Musa 15+12 boards
Duhok: Priest Lauderdale 24, Calvin Cage 22

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

ISRAEL

Stats Leaders - National League

Points Per Game

Robert BROWN
  Hap.Haifa
  (195-F-80)
  Avg: 28.8

1. Brown, Hap.Haifa	28.8
2. Asbury, Hap.Tivon	28.3
3. Markson, Elitzur .	22.7
4. Byerson, Natzrath.	21.5
5. Jackson, Kiryat Ata	21.4
6. Drayton, Beer Y.	21.4
7. Paris, Hapoel Beeri	20.8
8. Clemente, Macc.Ash.	20.7
9. Brandy, Hod H.	20.4
10. Hicks, Kohav Yair	19.9

Rebounds Per Game

Stanley BRANDY
  Hod Hasharon
  (200-F-67)
  Avg: 12.3

1. Brandy, Hod H.	12.3
2. Paris, Hapoel Beeri	12.2
3. Byerson, Natzrath.	11.8
4. Clemente, Macc.Ash.	11.6
5. Peterson, Elitzur .	10.9
6. Uter, Macc.Habikaa	9.3
7. Drayton, Beer Y.	9.2
8. Lee, Kiryat Ata	9.2
9. Tzubrevitch, Elitzu.	9.0
10. Jackson, Kiryat Ata	8.5

Assists Per Game

Ilan NANIKASHVILI
  Megido/Yok.
  (187-G-79)
  Avg: 7

1. Nenikashvili, Megido.	7.0
2. Berkovich, Hap.H.	6.8
3. Huli, Lev Hasharon	6.0
4. Arieli, Hap.Tivon	5.5
5. Golan, Lev Hasharon	5.4
6. Shifman, Hapoel Beeri	5.2
7. Brandwein, Elitzu.	5.1
8. OFIR FARHI Macc..	4.9
9. Cohen, Natzrath.	4.8
10. Skverer, Macc.Hab.	4.3

Steals Per Game

Bryant MARKSON
  Elitzur Yavne
  (198-F-83)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Markson, Elitzur .	2.6
2. OFIR FARHI Macc..	2.4
3. Asbury, Hap.Tivon	2.3
4. Berkovich, Hap.H.	2.2
5. Harush, Kohav Yair	2.2
6. Young, Elitzur Ramla	1.9
7. Matalon, Megido/Y.	1.8
8. Brandy, Hod H.	1.8
9. Bank, Elitzur Ramla	1.7
10. Cohen, Hapoel Beeri	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Adrian UTER
  Macc.Habikaa
  (201-F/C-84)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Uter, Macc.Habikaa	1.9
2. Byerson, Natzrath.	1.7
3. Paris, Hapoel Beeri	1.4
4. Tzubrevitch, Elitzu.	1.3
5. Dunne, Macc.Ashdod	1.3
6. Aiden, Hapoel Beeri	1.2
7. Peterson, Elitzur .	1.1
8. Markson, Elitzur .	1.0
9. Carr, Megido/Yok.	0.9
10. Yakusi, Hap.Haifa	0.9

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

ITALY

Stats Leaders - SerieA

Points Per Game

Gary NEAL
  Unicaja
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 19.4

1. Neal, Benetton TV	19.4
2. Grundy, Carife FE	17.9
3. Aradori, Angelico.	16.7
4. Ford, Carife FE	16.6
5. Lavrinovic, Montepas.	15.7
6. Hicks, Scavolini PS	15.4
7. Jackson, Carife FE	15.1
8. Ere, Pepsi Caserta	15.1
9. Bell, Vanoli CR	14.8
10. Brown, Air AV	14.8

Rebounds Per Game

Sharrod FORD
  Carife FE
  (206-F-82)
  Avg: 9.8

1. Ford, Carife FE	9.8
2. Brunner, Sigma C.	8.5
3. Slay, Cimberio VA	8.2
4. Jones, Pepsi C.	8.2
5. Williams, Scavolin.	7.9
6. Troutman, Air AV	7.9
7. Pasco, Angelico BI	7.5
8. Milic, Vanoli CR	7.3
9. Wallace, Benetton.	7.3
10. Rocca, Armani MI	6.9

Assists Per Game

Dee BROWN
  Air AV
  (185-G-84)
  Avg: 5.2

1. Brown, Air AV	5.2
2. Green, Scavolini PS	5.0
3. Poeta, Banca Tercas	4.4
4. Childress, Cimberio.	4.3
5. Smith, Angelico BI	4.1
6. McIntyre, Montepas.	4.1
7. Rowland, Vanoli CR	3.6
8. Finley, Armani MI	3.3
9. Becirovic, Armani M.	3.2
10. Bowers, Pepsi C.	3.0

Steals Per Game

Marques GREEN
  Scavolini PS
  (170-G-82)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Green, Scavolini PS	3.3
2. Jaaber, Lottomat.	3.1
3. Rowland, Vanoli CR	2.9
4. Troutman, Air AV	2.6
5. Hawkins, Montepas.	2.4
6. Minard, Lottomat.	2.4
7. Farabello, Carife F.	2.3
8. Jones, Pepsi C.	2.3
9. Grundy, Carife FE	2.3
10. Aradori, Angelico.	2.2

Blocks Per Game

Sharrod FORD
  Carife FE
  (206-F-82)
  Avg: 3.1

1. Ford, Carife FE	3.1
2. Eze, Montepaschi	1.4
3. Szewczyk, Air AV	1.1
4. Crosariol, Lottomat.	1.1
5. Pasco, Angelico BI	1.0
6. Jones, Pepsi C.	0.8
7. Gigli, Lottomatica	0.8
8. Ortner, NGC Cantu	0.8
9. Maggioli, CS Bo.	0.8
10. Lavrinovic, Montepas.	0.7

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

KAZAKHSTAN

LEBANON

Al Riyadi topple Al Jalaa in Doha - by Eurobasket News
Al Riyadi - Al Jalaa 87:77

Al Riyadi fired down Al Jalaa at the start of the 21st Edition of Asia Champions Cup. The Lebanon team overcame a slow start to finish off their opponents after the main break. Nate Johnson (199-F-77, college: Louisville) and Fadi El Khatib (199-F-79, agency: Pro Management Agency) knocked down 27 points apiece to pace Al Riyadi.
The teams looked well matched early in the game. The lead changed hands for several times before Michel Maadanli (196-G-81) and Gray gave the Syrian team a 19:17 advantage at the end of the first quarter. Al Riyadi used a 7:0 run midway through the second period to surge ahead. They maintained the lead but a three-pointer from Haddad helped Al Jalaa retain the advantage 38:36 at the interval. Fadi El Khatib and Ali Fakhreddine (202-C-83) allowed Al Riyadi to step in front early in the third term. The Lebanese team mounted the pressure and managed to clear off to a 10-point distance. Al Riyadi arrived at the final break ahead by ten points 62:52. Al Riyadi quickly boosted the margin at 18-point mark in the final stanza and never looked back en route to the win.
Chester Jarell Giles

MEXICO

CIBACOPA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Jeremy BELL
  Obregon
  (183-G-83)
  Avg: 25.1

1. Bell, Obregon	25.1
2. Brown, Tepic	25.0
3. Fisher, Mexicali	24.7
4. Cowan, Obregon	24.5
5. Cook, Cananea	24.1
6. West, Los Mochis	24.1
7. Smith, Mazatlan	24.0
8. Brown, Mazatlan	24.0
9. McCullough, Guasa.	23.9
10. Habel, Guaymas	23.6

Rebounds Per Game

Jeremis SMITH
  Mazatlan
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 12

1. Smith, Mazatlan	12.0
2. Angounou, Guasave	11.6
3. Berhoefer, Hermosillo	10.4
4. Eziukwu, Hermosillo	9.9
5. Shipley, Mexicali	9.7
6. Davis, Tijuana	9.6
7. Selleaze, Mazatlan	8.9
8. Strobbe, Nogales	8.8
9. Habel, Guaymas	8.2
10. Brown, Tepic	8.2

Assists Per Game

Rommel MARENTES
  Guaymas
  (179-G-84)
  Avg: 6.4

1. Marentes, Guaymas	6.4
2. Logan, Culiacan	5.7
3. Johnson, Tijuana	5.5
4. Lawrence, Los M.	5.4
5. Brown, Mazatlan	4.4
6. Monreal, Hermosillo	4.2
7. Lee, Guaymas	4.2
8. Bell, Obregon	4.1
9. Fisher, Mexicali	4.1
10. Harris, Cananea	3.9

Steals Per Game

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

1. Lawrence, Los M.	2.3
2. Lee, Guaymas	2.1
3. Bell, Obregon	2.0
4. Moore, Culiacan	2.0
5. West, Los Mochis	1.9
6. Selleaze, Mazatlan	1.9
7. Brown, Mazatlan	1.8
8. Smith, Mazatlan	1.5
9. Monreal, Hermosillo	1.4
10. Thomas, Cananea	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Jeral DAVIS
  Tijuana
  (216-C-84)
  Avg: 3.6

1. Davis, Tijuana	3.6
2. Gutierrez, Cananea	2.3
3. Habel, Guaymas	1.9
4. Brown, Tepic	1.4
5. Eziukwu, Hermosillo	1.3
6. Blair, Tijuana	1.2
7. Smith, Mazatlan	1.2
8. Crouse, Nogales	1.2
9. Sullinger, Nogales	1.0
10. Mata, Culiacan	1.0

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

MONTENEGRO

Buducnost from Podgorica champion - by Dragan Scepanovic
BC BUDUCNOST Podgorica 84 - 64 BC LOVCEN Cetinje
Final of MNT Play 0ff / 2009-2010 / 3-0
PODGORICA - SC Moraca.Spect 500. Reff : Z.Sutulovic (Podgorica), R.Vojinovic and Z.Rutesic (Niksic).
for 1 point : Buducnost 88% (14-16), Lovcen 86% (12-14).
for 2 points : Buducnost 77% (20-26), Lovcen 55% (17-31).
for 3 points : Buducnost 32% (10-31), Lovcen 29% (6-21).
Rebounds : Buducnost 30 (21+9), Lovcen 20 (15+5).
Asist: Buducnost 15, Lovcen 10.
PF: Buducnost 20, Lovcen 18.
Bloks : Buducnost 3, Lovcen 2.
By Q. : 23:16, 20:15, 19:20, 22:13.
BUDUCNOST: Sead Sehovic

(201-C/F-89) 5, Arnautovic, Popovic 2 (2-2), Ljubicic 6, Gordic 14, Filip Barovic

(206-F-90), Otasevic 5 (1-1), Dragicevic 18 (1-1), Simonovic 2, Cedomir Vitkovac

(201-F-82, agency: Beo Basket) 20 (9-10), Savovic 12 , coach Dejan Radonjic (188-G-70, agency: Beo Basket)
(1-2), Mugosa
LOVCEN: Stojanovic 1 (1-2), Lalic 4 (2-2), Marko Kuveljic (197-G/F-88) 3, Marko Milosevic (202-F-84) 2, Ivanovic 13 (1-2), Pelkic 4, Boricic 6 (2-2), Kandic 5, Lopicic 6, Nikola Pavlicevic (192-G-88) 7, Dubljevic 8 (4-4), Aleksa Popovic (201-G/F-87) 5 (2-2), coach Miodrag Kadija

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

NBA

Celtics cruise past Magic 94-71 to open 3-0 lead in series and turn their thoughts to sweep - by Eurobasket News
There were still 20 seconds left in the game when Paul Pierce (6'7''-F-77, college: Kansas) decided he didn't need to see any more and headed to the locker room.

In the hallway, he repeated aloud: 'One more. One more.'

Paul Pierce helped the Celtics open a 16-point, first-quarter lead, then watched as Rajon Rondo (6'1''-G-86, college: Kentucky) and Glen Davis (6'9''-F-86, college: LSU) helped Boston coast to a 94-71 victory over the Orlando Magic and take a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference finals.

The most-decorated team in NBA history, the Celtics are one win away from their second trip to the finals in three years - and their 21st in all. No NBA team has ever lost a playoff series after winning the first three games.

'We're motivated for what's at stake. We see the big picture,' said Paul Pierce, who was the finals MVP when Boston won its record 17th NBA title in 2008. 'We were coming home for two games on our home court. We're motivated. We can feel it. Guys know what its like to win a championship and play for a championship.'

The Magic have to win Game 4 on Monday night to avoid a sweep and force the series back to Orlando. They'll need a better effort than in Game 3, when they fell behind early for the third straight game. This time, they didn't even mount a late charge to make it close.

'The most disappointing to me was that I didn't have our team better ready to play,' said Magic coach Stan Van Gundy, who was himself knocked over late in the game when Kevin Garnett (6'10''-F-76, agency: Pro Management Agency) was pushed into the Orlando bench going after a loose ball. 'It starts with me. It's my job. I'm the coach of this team. It starts with me and I'm not happy with where we had our team tonight or anything I did.'

Paul Pierce had 15 points and nine rebounds, Ray Allen (6'6''-G-75, college: Connecticut) scored 14 and Garnett added 10 points in just 24 minutes. But this time it wasn't the Celtics' aging all-stars that did the damage it was the two youngest players on the roster, Davis and Rondo, who were born in 1986, the year that Larry Bird and the original Big Three won the last of their three NBA titles.

Davis scored 17 points, and Rondo added 11 points and 12 assists, and they also gave the team energy and defense that the Magic couldn't match, diving to the floor for loose balls and getting the crowd going with spectacular plays.

Davis celebrated one play underneath the basket with an ecstatic but odd session of running in place; the crowd went wild. Rondo outhustled Jason Williams down the court for a loose ball in the second quarter, diving to take it away and then getting up to beat him again for the layup.

'What he's doing is, he's leading the team,' Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. 'He's playing with great focus. He has a great sense of what to call offensively. And now he's giving an amazing effort, never giving up on any possession. When you have that speed and then you have that heart, you become a pretty good player.'

One game after scoring 30 points, Dwight Howard (6'10''-F-85) had just seven and seven rebounds. Rashard Lewis (6'10''-F-79) was also disappointing, scoring four points on 2-for-8 shooting, missing all four 3-point attempts. Vince Carter (6'5''-G-77, college: N.Carolina) and Jameer Nelson (6'0''-G-82, college: St.Joseph's) had 15 points apiece.

'This is a tough one to swallow,' Carter said. 'To come out with a sense of urgency I don't feel like we really did that. They did a great job of really playing like they were down and they needed to win more than we did. And after about midway in that first, they started pulling away from us and we never recovered.'

Ten times the Celtics have opened a 3-0 lead in a playoff series. Four times they've swept, and six times they won in five games.

But the Celtics only need to look down the hall for a reminder that they're not done yet: Just eight days ago in the same building, the Philadelphia Flyers completed their comeback after trailing the Boston Bruins 3-0 in the NHL's Eastern Conference semifinals.

Celtics fans either don't remember or don't care: They started chanting 'Beat L.A!' at the start of the third quarter, when Boston led 75-47. The Lakers lead the Phoenix Suns 2-0 heading into Game 3 of the Western Conference finals on Sunday, and there's nothing the Celtics would like better than another go-'round with the archrivals they beat in '08.

'We've got to resist the temptation of looking forward. We've got to win a game,' Rivers said. 'They're going to come back in the next game, and they're going to give us their best shot. They're a competitive group, and we know that. Quite honestly, we're not good enough to let up. I can tell you that.'

Paul Pierce had eight points and five rebounds in the first quarter, when the Celtics scored the first seven points and then added a 14-0 run to open a 21-6 lead. Howard missed his first four shots, along with a pair of free throws, before he made one of two foul shots in the final seconds of the first quarter to cut the deficit to 27-12.

It was the third straight time in the series the Celtics opened a big lead, but in each of the first two games Orlando eliminated most of the deficit to get within a single basket in the final minutes.

This one only got worse.

'We can't hold our heads,' Howard said. 'This is a very tough situation, but if we already think about being defeated then we shouldn't even come for Game 4. We've got to just keep fighting and stay together.'

In the second quarter, the Celtics scored seven straight points to extend the lead to 24. It was a 28-point game at the end of three, and Boston led by as many as 32 in the fourth before Rivers emptied his bench.

NOTES: Howard and Kendrick Perkins were called for double-technicals late in the first quarter. ... Carter made a second-quarter layup after a botched alley-oop that went off Perkins' head.

Courtesy of www.startribune.com

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

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

1. Durant, Oklah.Ci.	29.8
2. James, Clevelan.	29.6
3. Anthony, Denver N.	28.4
4. Bryant, LA Lakers	27.1
5. Wade, Miami Heat	27.0
6. Ellis, Golde S.	25.5
7. Nowitzki, Dallas M.	25.1
8. Granger, Indiana P.	24.1
9. Bosh, Toronto R.	24.0
10. Stoudemire, Phoeni.	22.8

Rebounds Per Game

Dwight HOWARD
  Orlando M.
  (207-F-85)
  Avg: 12.9

1. Howard, Orlando M.	12.9
2. Camby, LA Clippers	12.2
3. Lee, New York K.	11.7
4. Randolph, Memph.	11.7
5. Gasol, LA Lakers	11.4
6. Boozer, Utah Jazz	11.4
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: 10.9

1. Nash, Phoenix Suns	10.9
2. Paul, N.Orleans H.	10.7
3. Williams, Utah Jazz	10.5
4. Rondo, Boston C.	9.9
5. Kidd, Dallas M.	8.9
6. James, Clevelan.	8.4
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

Rajon RONDO
  Boston C.
  (186-G-86)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Rondo, Boston C.	2.3
2. Ellis, Golde S.	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. Wade, Miami Heat	1.8
8. Kidd, Dallas M.	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. Haywood, Washingt.	2.1
4. Camby, LA Clippers	2.0
5. Haywood, Dallas M.	2.0
6. Smith, Atlanta H.	2.0
7. Perkins, Boston C.	1.8
8. Andersen, Denver N.	1.8
9. Dalembert, Philad.	1.8
10. McGee, Washingt.	1.8

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

NEW ZEALAND

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Eric DEVENDORF
  Wellington
  (193-G-87)
  Avg: 26.4

1. Devendorf, Wellington	26.4
2. Hudson, Manawatu	26.3
3. Devendorf, Waikato	24.3
4. Webster, Harbour .	24.2
5. Pace, Bay Hawks	24.1
6. Tisby, Otago	23.5
7. Rose, Southland S.	22.6
8. Leasure, Taranaki	21.1
9. Jones, Nelson	20.9
10. Abercrombie, Waika.	20.6

Rebounds Per Game

Alex PLEDGER
  Waikato
  (216-C-87)
  Avg: 12.7

1. Pledger, Waikato	12.7
2. Vukona, Nelson	10.3
3. Tisby, Otago	10.3
4. Terrell, Bay Hawks	9.9
5. Rickert, Harbour .	9.5
6. Boucher, Harbour .	9.3
7. Abercrombie, Waika.	8.7
8. Frank, Wellington	7.8
9. Rougeau, Southlan.	7.8
10. Nowell, Taranaki	7.6

Assists Per Game

Lindsay TAIT
  Wellington
  (194-G-82)
  Avg: 6.4

1. Tait, Wellington	6.4
2. Boucher, Harbour .	5.5
3. Kench, Cougars	4.3
4. Hudson, Manawatu	4.2
5. Devendorf, Waikato	4.1
6. Jones, Nelson	4.0
7. Pace, Bay Hawks	3.9
8. Amaya, Otago	3.4
9. Daly, Cougars	3.3
10. Krauser, Waikato	3.2

Steals Per Game

Rene ROUGEAU
  Southland S.
  (198-G-86)
  Avg: 3.8

1. Rougeau, Southlan.	3.8
2. Webster, Harbour .	3.2
3. Helms, Southlan.	2.8
4. Devendorf, Waikato	2.7
5. Rose, Southland S.	2.6
6. Te Huna, Manawatu	2.3
7. Kench, Cougars	2.3
8. Boucher, Harbour .	2.2
9. Krauser, Waikato	2.2
10. Hudson, Manawatu	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Alex PLEDGER
  Waikato
  (216-C-87)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Pledger, Waikato	2.2
2. Abercrombie, Waika.	1.9
3. Harrison, Nelson	1.7
4. Terrell, Bay Hawks	1.6
5. Vukona, Nelson	1.2
6. Rickert, Harbour .	1.2
7. Rougeau, Southlan.	1.2
8. Johnson, Taranaki	1.1
9. Behrendorff, Couga.	1.0
10. Wurtz, Cougars	0.9

Standings Men

NBL Standings

1. Waikato		12-2
2. Nelson		10-4
3. Wellington		9-4
4. Harbour Heat		8-5
5. Bay Hawks		8-6
6. Cougars		7-9
7. Southland Sharks		6-7
8. Taranaki		5-7
9. Manawatu		1-10
10. Otago		0-12

NBL Round: 12 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Cougars - Nelson 74-63
Christchurch held off Nelson at home court to earn the 7th win in the season. Jeremy Kench (187-G-84) stepped up with 22 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists for the Cougars. Tim Behrendorff (212-C-81, college: Gardner-Webb) finished with 15 points and 7 rebounds in the win. Phill Jones (196-G-74) responded with 17 points for the Giants.

Otago - Manawatu 68-89
Manawatu finally snapped their losing skid as they coasted past Otago away from home. Richard Jeter (198-G/F-80, college: Atlanta Metro JC) fired 34 points to lead the Jets. Darryl Hudson (196-G-85, college: Howard) netted 20 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and issued 7 assists for the winners. James Ross (188-G-89) answered with 18 points, 5 boards and 5 assists for the Nuggets as they lost the 12th straight game.

Taranaki - Waikato 85-79
Taranaki prevailed against the league leading Waikato before the home fans. Jack Leasure (191-G-86, college: Co.Carolina) notched 23 points to lead the Mountain Airs to the fifth win. Jeremiah Trueman (206-F-87, college: Alaska-Anch.) and Demarshay Johnson (206-F/C-82, agency: Duran International, college: Nevada) netted 18 points and grabbed 8 rebounds each in the victory. Hayden Allen (187-G-79) answered with 19 points for the Pistons.

Harbour Heat - Bay Hawks 97-102
The Bay Hawks surprised the Heat on the road. Josh Pace (198-G-83, agency: Dynasty Sports, college: Syracuse) exploded with 38 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the visitors. Christopher Daniel (197-G/F-85) contributed 22 points, 7 caroms and 4 assists in the eighth win for the Bay Hawks. Corey Webster (185-G-88, college: Lambuth) unloaded 40 points for the Heat.

Wellington - Nelson 65-80
Nelson nipped Wellington in a low-scoring defensively-minded affair. Phill Jones knocked down 24 points and dished out 7 assists for the Giants. Darryl Jones (193-G/F-85) canned 13 points in the victory. Casey Frank (203-F-77, college: N.Arizona) netted 14 points and pulled down 10 boards for Wellington.

Southland S. - Manawatu 89-59
Southland fired past Manawatu as Rene Rougeau (198-G-86, agency: Liman Sports, college: UNLV) tallied 25 points, 10 rebounds and 7 steals. Mike Helms

(184-G-82, college: Oakland) delivered 18 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists as the Sharks improved at 6-7 record. The Jets answered with 10 points and 11 rebounds from Chris Reay (206-C-84, college: Midwestern St.).

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

PARAGUAY

3ERD METRO "ESTADIO COMUNEROS" - by Santiago Maciel
THE 3RD METRO 'ESTADIO COMUNEROS' IS DEVELOPING SUCCESFULLY AS THE SECOND MORE IMPORTANT METRO LEAGUE IN ASUNCION PARAGUAY.
WITH THE ALLOWING OF ONE FOREIGNER BY TEAM, THE COMPETTION LEVEL HAS AROSEN AND THE GAMES HAVE BECOME VERY INTERESTING FOR PARAGUAYAN BASKETBALL FANS. THE PRESENCE OF CERRO PORTEO, THE MOST POPULAR SPORTS SOCCER CLUB IN THE LEAGUE AFTER 21 YEARS OF ABSENCE HAS BROUGHT NEW ENERGY TO THE WHOLE BASKETBALL ORGANIZATION THAT NEEDED OF MORE COMPETITIVE TEAMS.

STANDINGS UNTIL THE 8TH GAME

1 CERRO 7 WINS-1 LOST
2 U.C.A 6 WINS- 1LOST
3 SAJONIA 5 WINS-3 LOST
4 C.NUEVA 3 WINS- 5 LOST
5 U.A.A 2 WINS- 6 LOST
6 S. LORENZO 1 WIN-7 LOST
santiago maciel

DVO. SAJONIA, BECOMING A GREAT CONTENDER - by Santiago Maciel
Dvo. Sajonia, quietly but firmly has become a great conteder at the 3rd ESTADIO COMUNEROS cup.
Their foreigner Diego Cornevale and acquisition of William Schaffer from U.A.A put them in the map of contenders for the title.
The four teams that already qualified for semi finals are CERRO, U.C.A, SAJONIA and C. NUEVA.
CERRO and U.C.A are fighting for extra point for next round.

Santiago Maciel

FPC leads additional series - by Gianni Pascucci
Tonight will be played the Game 2 of the additional series between Felix Perez Cardozo and Olimpia to name the opponent of Libertad in Top 5 Pro Final Series. After a very good first part of the tournment, Olimpia is now struggling because felt to FPC, 80-83 in game 1 (Sergio Aceval (180-G-78) 26, Sergio Lopez (189-G/F-86) 19 in FPC, Carlos Jorge Riveros (190-G-85) 24 in Olimpia). The game tipoff is scheduled for 20:25, at the Secretaria Nacional de Deportes Gym. The series is best of three games, so Olimpia needs of a win to stay in the race, othwerise will be eliminated.

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

POLAND

PLK Round: 1 (Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Assec.Prokom - Anwil 93-86
Asseco Prokom left no chance for Anwil in the PLK Final series opener. Qyntel Woods (203-F/G-81, college: N.Mississippi JC) tallied 19 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists, while David Logan

(184-G-82, college: Indianapolis) added 19 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds to lead the Gdynia outfit. Jan-Hendrick Jagla (213-F-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: Penn St.) netted 12 points for the winners. Krzysztof Szubarga

(182-G-84, agency: AB Agency) responded with 17 points and 11 assists for Anwil in the loss.

DBE Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

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

1. Wright, PGE Turow	21.0
2. Mays, Znicz	19.3
3. Day, ISS Sportino	19.2
4. Chappell, Znicz	18.3
5. Williamson, Znicz	17.9
6. Miller, Polonia Azbud	17.6
7. Okafor, Polpharma	17.6
8. Logan, Assec.Pr.	17.3
9. Swanson, AZS K.	17.1
10. Berisha, Polonia 2011	16.0

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Harris, SKK K.	11.3
2. Chappell, Znicz	8.2
3. Kuzminskas, Trefl S.	8.2
4. Daniels, Energa C.	8.1
5. Kesicki, ISS S.	7.8
6. NaNa, Polonia Azbud	7.6
7. Kinnard, Trefl S.	7.5
8. Wallace, PGE Turow	7.2
9. Okafor, Polpharma	7.2
10. Bigus, Polonia 2011	7.1

Assists Per Game

Krzysztof SZUBARGA
  Anwil
  (182-G-84)
  Avg: 6.8

1. Szubarga, Anwil	6.8
2. Loyd, Stal SW	5.9
3. Swanson, AZS K.	5.1
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. Milicic, AZS K.	4.1
9. Ewing, Assec.Pr.	4.0
10. Hughes, Polonia .	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. Godbold, Stal SW	2.1
5. Mays, Znicz	2.0
6. Majewski, Polph.	2.0
7. Swanson, AZS K.	1.9
8. Angley, Polpharma	1.9
9. Hawkins, Trefl S.	1.8
10. Daniels, Energa C.	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. Misiewicz, Znicz	1.1
6. Booker, Energa C.	1.1
7. Lapeta, Assec.Pr.	1.1
8. Wyka, Znicz	1.0
9. Kuzminskas, Trefl S.	1.0
10. Johnson, PGE Turow	0.8

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

PORTUGAL

Stats Leaders - UZO Liga

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. Nealy, VSC Guimar.	18.7
5. Powers, Fisica	18.4
6. Ramos, Benfica	18.3
7. Waller, Ovarense	18.1
8. Smith, AD Vagos	17.9
9. Clark, Barreirense	17.6
10. Webster, CAB	17.3

Rebounds Per Game

Roderick NEALY
  VSC Guimar.
  (198-F-80)
  Avg: 10.2

1. Nealy, VSC Guimar.	10.2
2. Smith, AD Vagos	9.6
3. Lee, Ovarense	9.5
4. Johnson, Fisica	9.5
5. Johnson, Academica	9.3
6. Wilson, Sampaense	9.2
7. St.Robert, Illiabum	9.0
8. Terrell, Porto F.	8.5
9. Shaw, Illiabum	8.1
10. Stempin, Porto F.	7.7

Assists Per Game

Nuno MANARTE
  Ovarense
  (184-G-75)
  Avg: 6.2

1. Manarte, Ovarense	6.2
2. Felix, Illiabum	6.0
3. Reveles, AD Vagos	5.1
4. Perdigao, AD Vagos	4.6
5. Fernandes, CAB	4.4
6. Miranda, Ovarense	4.3
7. Simoes, Academica	4.2
8. Mims, VSC Guimar.	4.1
9. Reed, Benfica	3.6
10. Nealy, VSC Guimar.	3.5

Steals Per Game

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

1. Costa, Ginasio	6.4
2. Sing, Sampaense	5.0
3. Pinto, Barreirense	3.9
4. Crutchfield, Sampa.	3.3
5. Madison, Sampaense	3.2
6. Salvador, Fisica	3.0
7. Dagans, Ginasio	2.8
8. Felix, Illiabum	2.6
9. Silva, VSC Guimar.	2.5
10. Pedroso, CAB	2.3

Blocks Per Game

John SMITH
  AD Vagos
  (203-F-84)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Smith, AD Vagos	1.8
2. DeWitz, Benfica	1.3
3. Wilson, Sampaense	1.2
4. Terrell, Porto F.	1.2
5. Lee, Ovarense	1.2
6. Soderberg, CAB	1.2
7. Grimes, Academica	1.1
8. Voorhees, AD Vagos	1.0
9. Stempin, Porto F.	1.0
10. Austin, Ginasio	1.0

LPB Round: 3 (Semi-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
VSC Guimar. - Benfica 69-79
Benfica held off Guimaraes to complete the sweep of the semifinal series. Heshimu Evans (198-F-75, college: Kentucky) and Miguel Minhava (197-G-83) scored 18 points apiece to lead the visitors. Will Frisby

(203-F/C-81, college: Miami (FL)) finished with 13 points for the defending champions. Jaime Silva

(187-G-80) responded with 18 points and 6 rebounds for Guimaraes. Karlton Mims (189-G-80, college: Washburn) netted 16 points in defeat.

Porto Ferpinta - Ovarense 86-72
Gregory Stempin

(203-F-79, agency: Duran International, college: Toledo) scored 16 points and pulled down 12 rebounds to lead Porto to the decisive third win against Ovarense. Nuno Marcal

(205-F-75) added 19 points and 6 rebounds as the Dragons joined Benfica in the Final. John Waller

(193-F-82, college: ODU) answered with 21 points and 6 rebounds for Ovarense. Miguel Miranda

(205-F-78) tallied 14 points, 8 caroms and 5 assists in the loss.

Proliga Round: 5 (Semi-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Penafiel - Electrico FC 80-53
Penafiel cruised past Electrico to book the spot in the Final. Marco Pinto (180-G-87) knocked down 18 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and issued 5 assists to ensure the victory. James Grabowski (201-F-86, college: SW Baptist) added 15 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists for the winning side. Aylton Medeiros (88) answered with 14 points and 6 boards for Electrico.

Lusitania - Barcelos 80-66
Lusitania held off Barcelos in the fifth and decisive game of the semifinal series. Mohamed Camara (196-F-83) notched 24 points and 6 rebounds to lead the effort. Marcel Momplasir (205-C-81, college: Rhode Island) added 18 points and 12 rebounds for the home team. John Winchester (193-G/F-83, college: Robert Morris) answered with 22 points for Barcelos in defeat.

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

PUERTO RICO

Mets assure at least a tie for postseason play - by Luis Ramirez
The Guaynabo Mets defeated the Isabela Gallitos to assure themselves of at least a tie in the regular season which would assure them of at least a sudden death game as the regular season comes to an end. The Mets won 88-80 and they put the Gallitos into a possible elimination from post season play.

The Mets took the 1st quarter 23-13, but the Gallitos battled back in the 2nd quarter to cut into the Mets lead as the 1st half came to an end 40-33.

In the 3rd quarter the Mets were able to extend their lead to 9 points, 67-58. The Gallitos would not be able to make up the difference in the 4th quarter and thus face a possible elimination from post season play.

For Guaynabo, Matt Freije (206-F-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: Vanderbilt) scored 24 points while Luis Morales scored 18 points.

For Isabela, Filiberto Rivera and Rafael Perez both scored 20 points; Rivera also had 8 assists in the game.

In other BSN action last night, the Quebradillas Pirates consolidated their 3rd place position as they beat the Humacao Caciques 89-85.

The Pirates took the 1st quarter by the minimum 30-29 but the Caciques got a big offense quarter in the 2nd quarter to end on top as the 1st half ended, 49-39.

In the 3rd quarter it was the Pirates who had an explosive scoring run and the quarter ended with the Pirates taking the lead, 68-60.
In the 4th quarter the Caciques made an effort put came up short in their efforts.

For Quebradillas, Shawn Redhage scored 24 points while Peter John Ramos followed up with 20 points and 7 rebounds.

For Humacao, James Mays scored 24 points followed by Corsley Edwards with 23 points.

In the final game of the night, the San German Athletics beat the leading Bayamon Cowboys with a last second bomb from Jesse Pellot who made the 3 pointer with just 1 second left in the game.
The game was hard fought from the opening whistle as the 1st quarter ended tied at 23 points. The Athletics took a 1 point lead as the 1st half ended 38-37.

The Cowboys came back in the 3rd quarter to tie the game once again at 56-56. In the 4th quarter once again the game was up for grabs and it seemed that it would go into overtime, but it was Pellots bomb that put the game away with a dramatic win for the local team.

Standings - BSN

BSN Standings

1. Bayamon		22-6
2. Capitanes		21-7
3. Quebradillas		16-12
4. Santurce		15-12
5. Ponce		14-13
6. San German		13-15
7. Guaynabo		11-17
8. Humacao		10-18
9. Isabela		10-18
10. Mayaguez		7-21

Stats Leaders - BSN

Points Per Game

Christian DALMAU
  Bayamon
  (194-G-77)
  Avg: 21.4

1. Dalmau, Bayamon	21.4
2. Carmona, Mayaguez	20.2
3. Hickerson, San G.	20.1
4. Galindo, Mayaguez	20.0
5. Priutt, Isabela	19.1
6. Ramos, Quebradillas	19.0
7. Maye, Mayaguez	19.0
8. Redhage, Quebradillas	18.6
9. Ayuso, Capitanes	18.3
10. Sweetney, Santurce	17.9

Rebounds Per Game

Shawn PRIUTT
  Isabela
  (208-C-85)
  Avg: 13.5

1. Priutt, Isabela	13.5
2. Sweetney, Santurce	11.4
3. Ramos, Quebradillas	11.2
4. Traylor, Bayamon	10.1
5. Narvaez, Ponce	10.1
6. Dyer, San German	9.4
7. Reyes, Capitanes	8.9
8. Mays, Humacao	8.8
9. Aubry, Capitanes	8.8
10. Austin, San German	8.4

Assists Per Game

C.J. BRUTON
  Quebradillas
  (188-G-75)
  Avg: 7.8

1. Bruton, Quebradillas	7.8
2. Baker, Mayaguez	6.6
3. Dalmau, Bayamon	6.0
4. Rodriguez, Capit.	5.3
5. Rivera, Isabela	5.0
6. Cruz, Ponce	4.8
7. Guzman, Guaynabo	4.8
8. Hatton, Ponce	4.8
9. Copeland, San G.	4.7
10. Berdiel, Humacao	4.6

Steals Per Game

Ali BERDIEL
  Humacao
  (198-G-83)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Berdiel, Humacao	2.1
2. Baker, Mayaguez	2.0
3. Carmona, Mayaguez	1.8
4. Rivera, Isabela	1.6
5. Perez, Isabela	1.5
6. Dalmau, Bayamon	1.5
7. Mojica, Bayamon	1.4
8. Mays, Humacao	1.4
9. Pickett, Capitanes	1.4
10. Galindo, Mayaguez	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Michael SWEETNEY
  Santurce
  (203-F-82)
  Avg: 1.3

1. Sweetney, Santurce	1.3
2. Priutt, Isabela	1.2
3. Mays, Humacao	1.2
4. Perez, Isabela	1.2
5. Reyes, Capitanes	1.1
6. Traylor, Bayamon	1.1
7. Nieves, Santurce	1.0
8. Guzman, Guaynabo	0.9
9. Berdiel, Humacao	0.9
10. Nailon, Ponce	0.9

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

QATAR

RUSSIA

Standings - Superleague B

B Superleague Standings

1. N.Novgorod		35-8
2. Saransk		30-17
3. Lok.Novos.		29-16
4. Severstal		28-16
5. Revda		27-20
6. Spartak-P.		26-20
7. Irkutsk		23-24
8. Rjazan		20-26
9. Ural Ekater.		19-28
10. Naltchik		18-29
11. Chelabinsk		17-27
12. Magnitogorsk		14-32
13. Tambov		9-32

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SAUDI ARABIA

Al Hilal better Al Nasr at Asia Champions Cup - by Eurobasket News
Al Hilal - Al Nasr 77:69

Al Hilal recorded the initial win at the Asia Champions Cup held in Doha. They held off Al Nasr in Group B action. Brandon Crump (208-C-82, college: Tennessee) fired 29 points to lead the winners.
It was a close battle from start to finish. Al Hilal led by just two points midway through the fourth stanza 67:65. However the Saudi Arabia outfit went on a decisive 10:4 run in the closing minutes to clear off for good in this one. DerMarr Johnson (206-G-80, college: Cincinnati) notched 18 points for Al Hilal. Mohammad Al Saqr (178-G-85) added 11 points for the winners. Khalid AlSari responded with 21 points for Al Nasr. Alsuwaidi finished with 12 points in the loss.

Al Hilal: Brandon Crump 29, DerMarr Johnson 18, Mohammad Al Saqr 11
Al Nasr: Khalid AlSari 21, Majid Alsuwaidi 12

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

SEBL

Warriors arrive in China... - by David Archer

Gibson

Sloan

Darger

Humphrey

Billingslea

Young Leads talented US Delegation on Tour...

Cartersville, GA - May 20 - The Cartersville-BaselineUSA Warriors touched down in Shanghai on Wednesday and are preparing for their first of 15 games against Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) teams. This markes the Warriors' fourth trip to the Orient, through the assistant and guidance of Robert Wang. Last Spring the Warriors posted a 12-4 overall record, while claiming two of the China Mobil Asian Cups in which they competed.

NBA D-League Assistant Coach Kevin Young , of the Utah Flash, is no stranger to coaching overseas. He has also coached in the Irish SupraLeague and has visited Estonia to tour and work camps and clinics. The roster for the China tour is listed below...

BaselineUSA Warriors Roster
Drew Gibson (6'2''-G-85 college: Wofford)
Andres Sandoval (6'4''-G-83)
Quin Humphrey (6'4''-G-84 college: Youngstown St.)
Michael Sloan (6'5''-G/F-84 college: Clayton St.)
Terry Martin (6'6''-G-87, college: LSU)
Joe Darger (6'7''-F-86 college: UNLV)
Jamal Johnson (6'7''-F-81 college: Clayton St.)
Michael McCowan (6'9''-F-83, college: W.Georgia)
Justin Billingslea (6'9''-F-85 college: Georgia St.)
Robert Kennedy (6'10''-C-85, college: Arkansas Tech)

Head Coach: Kevin Young

Humphrey, Sloan, Johnson, McCowan, Billingslea and Young are all SEBL Alumni. Sloan and Johnson are former SEBL MVP's.

The Cartersville-BaselineUSA Warriors are a division of The Human Race, Inc., a Georgia 501c3 Non-profit Corporation, which provides athletic, community and social intervention services. Since the Spring of 2008, the program has assisted 40 people in being able to experience the country of China. The Warriors, who have played in both the SEBL and the World Basketball Association (WBA), is representing both leagues on the tour.

For more information about the BaselineUSA Warriors and the SEBL, please contact Bobby Rouse at prohoopsatl@yahoo.com or call 678-522-1017.

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

SERBIA

Superleague: Round 10 review - by Eurobasket News
Partizan - Hemofarm 74-69
Valuable win for Partizan, who stays on top of the Superleague standings alone with 9-1 record. At the same time, Hemofarm slipped to second place with 8-2. Aleks Maric

(211-C-84) nailed 19 points and pulled down 6 rebounds for Partizan. Lester McCalebb (183-G-85, college: New Orleans) scored 14 pts (5 as), while Lawrence Roberts

(205-F/C-82, college: Mississippi St.) had double-double of 13 points and 15 boards. Milos Borisov

(201-F-85) collected 21 pts and 5 boards in defeat.

Metalac - FMP 65-71
6-4 for FMP and 1-9 for Metalac after this game. Miroslav Raduljica

(213-C-88, agency: Buck Andre) stepped up with 23 points and 6 rebounds. Filip Videnov

(196-F/G-80, agency: Interperformances, college: W.Kentucky) (5 rebs) and Filip Covic

(180-G-89) added 14 points each. For the home side, Bojan Bakic

(197-G-83, agency: Beo Basket) netted 18 points.

Borac - Crvena Zvez. 61-84
Crvena Zvezda blasted Borac on the road getting 15 points from Marko Keselj

(205-F-88, agency: Beo Basket). Oliver Stevic (204-F/C-84) (5 rebs) and Nemanja Bjelica

(209-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances) (9 rebs) added 12 and 11 points respectively. Elmedin Kikanovic

(210-C-88, agency: Beo Basket) also had 11 pts in this game. In Borac, Nikola Vasojevic (192-F-86) posted 18 pts. Crvena Zvezda 6-4, Borac 1-9.

Tamis - Radnicki K. 65-86
Radnicki had an easy job against Tamis improving to 7-3 record. Marko Cakarevic (200-F/G-88, agency: Interperformances) shined for the winners with 18 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Rajko Kljajevic

(204-F-85, agency: BeoExcell) added 15 points. In Tamis (2-8), Radovan Markovic (194-G-82) delivered 18 points.

Standings - A Liga

A Standings

Super Liga
1. Partizan		9-1
2. Hemofarm		8-2
3. Radnicki K.		7-3
4. Crvena Zvez.		6-4
5. FMP		6-4
6. Tamis		2-8
7. Borac		1-9
8. Metalac		1-9
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

Points Per Game

Aleksandar MLADENOVIC
  Ergonom
  (207-F/C-84)
  Avg: 17.8

1. Mladenovic, Ergon.	17.8
2. Panic, Metalac	17.6
3. Markovic, Napredak	16.5
4. Micic, Napredak	16.5
5. Vukosavljevi., Prolet.	16.4
6. Markovic, Tamis	16.1
7. Jorovic, Borac	15.6
8. Martinic, Vojvodina	15.4
9. Rakic, Novi Sad	15.3
10. Kruscic, Beograd	14.6

Rebounds Per Game

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

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

Assists Per Game

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

1. Zarkovic, Prolet.	7.2
2. Teodosic, Metalac	4.6
3. Stefanovic, Metal.	4.3
4. Rakic, Novi Sad	4.2
5. Korac, Beograd	4.1
6. Djordjevic, Sloga	4.0
7. Prolovic, Borac	3.8
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. Martinic, Vojvodina	2.0
3. Zarkovic, Prolet.	1.9
4. Jereminov, Tamis	1.8
5. Teodosic, Metalac	1.8
6. Kovacevic, Novi Sad	1.7
7. Rakic, Novi Sad	1.7
8. Borovcanin, Sloga	1.7
9. Dundjerski, Beograd	1.7
10. Djordjevic, Sloga	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Aleksandar MLADENOVIC
  Ergonom
  (207-F/C-84)
  Avg: 1.2

1. Mladenovic, Ergon.	1.2
2. Maravic, Mega V.	1.2
3. Ilic, Metalac	1.1
4. Lukovic, Radnic.	1.0
5. Buric, Tamis	0.9
6. Ljubojevic, Novi S.	0.8
7. Bircevic, Metalac	0.8
8. Arsic, Masinac	0.8
9. Dramicanin, Borac	0.7
10. Cvetkovic, Mega V.	0.6

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

SLOVENIA

Stats Leaders - 1A

Points Per Game

Sandi CEBULAR
  Sentjur
  (196-G-86)
  Avg: 20.7

1. Cebular, Sentjur	20.7
2. King, Polzela	20.6
3. Crenshaw, Sentjur	16.5
4. Ilievski, U.Olimpija	16.4
5. Cup, Elektra .	16.2
6. Mucic, Rudar	16.1
7. Dragic, Geoplin .	15.8
8. Snow, Helios	15.7
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. Thondique, Polzela	8.1
3. Virijevic, Sencur C.	6.9
4. Miljkovic, Elektr.	6.7
5. Djapa, Parklji	6.4
6. Pavic, Krka	6.3
7. Markic, Luka Koper	6.2
8. Cup, Elektra .	6.2
9. Simovic, Sentjur	6.1
10. Ugrekhelidze, Luka K.	5.9

Assists Per Game

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

1. Kostomaj, Elektr.	5.4
2. Crenshaw, Sentjur	5.1
3. Anzulovic, Rudar	4.1
4. Mocnik, Helios	3.8
5. Ilievski, U.Olimpija	3.8
6. Cmer, Zlatorog	3.6
7. Nachbar, Luka Koper	3.5
8. Jersin, Parklji	3.2
9. Cebular, Sentjur	3.2
10. Perko, Luka Koper	3.1

Steals Per Game

Jaka KLOBUCAR
  U.Olimpija
  (198-G-87)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Klobucar, U.Olimpija	2.3
2. Ilievski, U.Olimpija	1.8
3. Dragic, Geoplin .	1.8
4. Snow, Helios	1.8
5. Cebular, Sentjur	1.7
6. Ristic, Sencur CP	1.7
7. Markic, Luka Koper	1.6
8. Mocnik, Helios	1.6
9. Lapornik, Sentjur	1.6
10. Petrovic, Helios	1.5

Blocks Per Game

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

1. King, Polzela	2.4
2. Nikolic, Krka	1.1
3. Cup, Elektra .	0.8
4. Sebic, Polzela	0.7
5. Lucic, Krka	0.7
6. Sjekloca, Elektr.	0.7
7. Simovic, Sentjur	0.7
8. Cigoja, Geoplin .	0.7
9. Mucic, Rudar	0.7
10. Sviridov, Polzela	0.6

Olimpija into finals, Helios tie series - by Zeljko Zule
Helios beat Krka 72-67 to tie their semi-finals series at 1-1, with decisive Game 3 to be played Tuesday in Novo mesto. Meanwhile, Olimpija already advanced into finals with a 85-81 road win over Sentjur.
Sentjur-Union Olimpija 81-85 (0-2): Trailing 60-71 late in the third quarter, Olimpija made a 16-2 run to take a lead 76-73 and never looked back from there. With the game tied at 81, Vlado Ilievski

(190-G-80, agency: World Sport Agency) hit two free throws with 36 left to give Olimpija the lead, then Teo Simovic lost the ball. Olimpija shot 72 percent (18-of-25) for 2-point. Vlado Ilievski scored 25 points, Saso Ozbolt 19, Jaka Klobucar 13 and Edin Bavcic 10. For Sentjur, Sandi Cebular netted 22 points, Blaz Rucigaj had 14 points and 10 rebounds and Teo Simovic collected 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Helios-Krka 72-67 (1-1): Trailing 24-25 in the second quarter, Helios went on a 14-2 run to take a lead 38-27 and never looked back from there. Krka tied at 67 with 0:43 into the game, then Helios' Klemen Lorbek hit the go-head 3-pointer with 24 seconds left and Krka missed lay-up with 5 seconds remaining. Alvin Snow scored 20 points and Alexei Lashkevich added 14 while Davor Marcelic led the guests with 14 points and Smiljan Pavic contributed 11 points.

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

SPAIN

Stats Leaders - LEB Gold

Points Per Game

Darren PHILLIP
  CAI Zaragoza
  (201-F-78)
  Avg: 18.1

1. Phillip, CAI Z.	18.1
2. Donaldson, La La.	17.5
3. Riera, Mallorca	17.3
4. Guillen, La Laguna	16.7
5. Humphrey, Leon	15.5
6. Roe, Tenerife	15.5
7. Morley, Burgos	15.5
8. Hess, CB Tarragona	14.8
9. Quinteros, CAI Z.	14.8
10. Rabaseda, Cornella	14.4

Rebounds Per Game

Jakim DONALDSON
  La Laguna
  (203-C/F-83)
  Avg: 10.9

1. Donaldson, La La.	10.9
2. Sinanovic, Clin.Rin.	9.1
3. Starosta, Melilla	8.8
4. Lima, Clin.Rincon	8.3
5. Arteaga, Palencia	8.2
6. Adrien, Breogan	7.7
7. Coleman, Breogan	7.7
8. Phillip, CAI Z.	7.5
9. Padgett, La Palma	7.4
10. Humphrey, Leon	7.3

Assists Per Game

Diego CIORCIARI
  Vive Menorca
  (185-G-80)
  Avg: 4.6

1. Ciorciari, Vive M.	4.6
2. Mendiburu, CB Tarra.	4.4
3. Cherry, Caceres	4.4
4. Mena, La Palma	4.1
5. Jimenez, Melilla	3.6
6. Bernabe, Leon	3.4
7. Perez, Cornella	3.4
8. Sabat, Girona	3.3
9. Hernandez, Burgos	3.3
10. Urtasun, Leon	3.0

Steals Per Game

Xavier RABASEDA
  Regal Barca
  (199-G/F-89)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Rabaseda, Cornella	2.4
2. Lescano, CAI Z.	2.3
3. Blanch, Mallorca	2.2
4. Fuentes, Clin.Rincon	2.1
5. Quinteros, CAI Z.	1.9
6. Boccia, Tenerife	1.9
7. Ayon, Tenerife	1.9
8. Howell, Ourense	1.8
9. Xavier, Breogan	1.7
10. Perez, Cornella	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Andrew NAYMICK
  Caceres
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Naymick, Caceres	1.9
2. Donaldson, La La.	1.6
3. Sinanovic, Clin.Rin.	1.6
4. Elonu, CAI Zaragoza	1.5
5. Diouf, CB Tarragona	1.5
6. Ayon, Tenerife	1.4
7. Joseph, Cornella	1.2
8. Samb, Cornella	1.2
9. Roe, Tenerife	1.0
10. Morley, Burgos	0.9

Stats Leaders - ACB

Points Per Game

Jaycee CARROLL
  Gran Canaria
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 19

1. Carroll, Gran Canaria	19.0
2. Fitch, Fuenlabrada	17.9
3. Vujanic, CB Murcia	17.7
4. Tucker, DKV J.	16.2
5. Vasiliadis, Xacob.	16.0
6. Splitter, Caja L.	15.8
7. Navarro, Regal B.	14.8
8. Savanovic, Cajasol	14.7
9. Teletovic, Caja L.	14.3
10. Batista, Fuenlabr.	14.1

Rebounds Per Game

Esteban BATISTA
  Fuenlabrada
  (208-F/C-83)
  Avg: 8.4

1. Batista, Fuenlabr.	8.4
2. Prestes, CB Murcia	7.3
3. Kirksay, Cajasol	7.2
4. Augustine, Gran C.	7.1
5. Panko, Lagun A.	6.9
6. Hendrix, Granada	6.9
7. Splitter, Caja L.	6.9
8. Moss, CB Murcia	6.7
9. Jackson, Xacobeo BS	6.5
10. Caner-Medley, Estudi.	6.5

Assists Per Game

Omar COOK
  Unicaja
  (186-G-82)
  Avg: 6

1. Cook, Unicaja	6.0
2. Stanic, Xacobeo BS	5.2
3. Huertas, Caja L.	5.1
4. Rubio, Regal Barca	4.4
5. Valters, DKV J.	4.3
6. Calloway, Cajasol	4.1
7. Dumas, Valladolid	4.1
8. Oliver, Estudiantes	3.8
9. Prigioni, MMC R.	3.7
10. Norris, Gran C.	3.7

Steals Per Game

Tariq KIRKSAY
  Cajasol
  (199-F-79)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Kirksay, Cajasol	2.4
2. Prigioni, MMC R.	2.1
3. Rubio, Regal Barca	2.0
4. Van Lacke, Valladolid	1.8
5. Rodriguez, Bizkai.	1.6
6. Vasiliadis, Xacob.	1.5
7. Tucker, DKV J.	1.4
8. Calloway, Cajasol	1.4
9. Fisher, Gran C.	1.4
10. Hervelle, Bizkai.	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Robert BATTLE
  Valladolid
  (204-C-81)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Battle, Valladolid	1.5
2. Hendrix, Granada	1.3
3. Vazquez, Regal B.	1.3
4. Aguilar, Granada	1.2
5. Lavrinovic, MMC R.	1.2
6. Batista, Fuenlabr.	1.1
7. Freeland, Unicaja	1.0
8. Perovic, Valencia.	0.9
9. Hervelle, Bizkai.	0.9
10. Triguero, Cajasol	0.9

ACB Semifinals: Real Madrid ties the score against Cajasol - by Eurobasket News
Cajasol - MMC Real M. 71-76
Real Madrid grabbed 71-76 road win against Cajasol tying the score to 1-1. Louis Bullock

(186-G-76, college: Michigan) shined for the Whites with 17 points. Jorge Garbajosa (205-C/F-77, agency: Interperformances) followed him with 2 points less. For the home side, Dusko Savanovic

(204-F/C-83, agency: Beo Basket) delivered 23.

LEB Gold: Burgos eliminates Melilla in the Semis - by Eurobasket News
Burgos - Melilla 82-78
Burgos is the first semifinalist of LEB Gold. They managed to beat Melilla in Game Four 82-78 and to win the series with 3-1. Now, Burgos will have to wait for the winner of La Laguna - Vive Menorca series. Zach Morley shined for the hosts with double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds. Alberto Miguel (188-G-77) scored 13 and Jason Blair (201-F/C-79, agency: BrezoPro, college: San Diego) added one point less. In the loosing squad, Rafael Huertas (189-G-84, agency: Court Side) delivered 21 points. Jason Robinson (196-F-80, college: Pikeville) had 16 pts and 6 boards.

La Laguna - Vive Menorca 81-76
La Laguna made it once again. This is the second win for them meaning that the score is tied to 2-2. Fifth game will decide which of these two teams will join Burgos in the Finals. Ricardo Guillen (205-F/C-76) exploded in this victory with 28 points and 5 rebounds. Jakim Donaldson (203-C/F-83, college: Edinboro) also was great as he added 17 points and 11 rebs. In Menorca, Diego Ciorciari (185-G-80, agency: Interperformances) had 18 pts. Marc Fernandez (199-G-87) had 12 points and 6 boards.

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SYRIA

TURKEY

TBL Finals: Efes Pilsen takes Game Two (1-1) - by Eurobasket News
Efes Pilsen - Fener.Ulker 73-64
Efes Pilsen outplayed Fenerbahce Ulker tying the score to 1-1 in TBL Finals. Kaya Peker (207-C/F-80, agency: Court Side) paced the defending champion to victory with 16 points and 5 rebounds. Marvis Thornton

(194-G-77, college: St.John's) had 11 points and 5 assists, while Bostjan Nachbar

(207-G/F-80, agency: Interperformances) added 10 points and also 5 boards. In Fener, Tarence Kinsey (200-G-84, college: S.Carolina) collected 14 points and 7 rebounds. Game Three is scheduled for Tuesday.

Stats Leaders - D1

Points Per Game

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

1. Douby, Darussafaka	23.6
2. Shipp, Bornova	18.8
3. Chatman, Besiktas	18.4
4. Hosley, Aliaga	18.1
5. Brown, Bornova	18.1
6. Newley, Besiktas	17.6
7. Baxter, Besiktas	17.4
8. Heytvelt, Oyak R.	17.3
9. Stanojevic, Kepez B.	17.2
10. Famutimi, Oyak R.	16.9

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Davidson, Darussaf.	10.7
2. Heytvelt, Oyak R.	10.0
3. Williams, Erdemir	9.2
4. Hosley, Aliaga	8.0
5. Aldemir, Karsiyaka	7.9
6. Bowman, Tofas	7.3
7. Wesson, Karsiyaka	7.3
8. Greene, Antalya	6.9
9. Smith, Karsiyaka	6.8
10. Elegar, Bornova	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. Douby, Darussafaka	4.9
4. Ermis, Banvit	4.7
5. Acik, T.Telekom	4.4
6. Atsur, Besiktas	4.4
7. Ukic, Fener.Ulker	4.3
8. Erdogan, Oyak R.	4.2
9. James, Mersin	4.2
10. Smith, Bornova	4.1

Steals Per Game

Quinton HOSLEY
  Aliaga
  (198-G/F-84)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Hosley, Aliaga	2.6
2. Chatman, Besiktas	2.4
3. Davis, T.Telekom	2.4
4. Douby, Darussafaka	2.3
5. Smith, Efes Pilsen	2.3
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: 1.4

1. Aldemir, Karsiyaka	1.4
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. Likholitov, Besiktas	0.9
10. Buckman, Kepez Bld	0.9

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

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

WBA

Franklin Knights Edge Marietta Storm, 138-134, In Overtime - by Joe Myers
The Franklin (Tenn.) Knights earned their first win in franchise history Friday night, outlasting the Marietta (Ga.) Storm, 138-134, in overtime in a game at the Smyrna Recreational Complex in Smyrna, Ga.

The Knights (1-2) were led by Eddie Ard

(6'5''-G/F-85, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Lipscomb)'s 31 points. Marietta (0-2) was paced by Lance Perique (6'7''-F-83, college: Georgia St.), who finished with a game-high 32 points. Stefhon Hannah (6'1''-G-85, college: Missouri) had 27 with 10 assists and Tay Barber (6'0''-G-86, college: Life) added 19 with 10 assists of his own.

Both teams are back in action tonight, with Marietta going to Decatur to take on the Decatur (Ga.) Court Kings at Agnes Scott College at 7 p.m. Franklin hosts the Tupelo (Miss.) Rock & Rollers at the A-Game Sportsplex in Franklin at 7 p.m. as well.

The WBA Exposure League serves as a training ground to develop players on and off the court. Emphasis is placed on exposure, development, community involvement, and most importantly providing an exciting brand of basketball and entertainment. Hundreds of former WBA Players have gone on to play professional basketball all over the world including the D-League and NBA.
The Next Best Thing To The NBA!

Florida Flight Knock Off Gwinnett Majic, 131-117 - by Joe Myers
The Florida Flight (2-1) rallied in the second half and pulled away in the fourth quarter to earn a 131-117 win over the Gwinnett Majic in World Basketball Association Exposure League (WBA) action Thursday night in Kissimmee, Fla.

Gwinnett (2-1), the defending WBA champions, led 24-22 after the opening period and 55-51 at halftime. However, Florida outscored Gwinnett 36-29 in the third quarter to take an 87-84 lead into the fourth quarter. The Flight took control in the final 12 minutes, outscoring the Majic, 44-33, to extend their lead and earn their second straight win.

Trevor Bing led the Flight with 29 points on 10-of-16 shooting. He also added three assists and three rebounds as well. Dwayne Foreman had 21 points and 10 assists, Willie Irick scored 18 and had six rebounds, Lamont Houston tossed in 17, Alex Hill had 12 with five rebounds and two steals and Yusuf Baker finished with 10 and nine rebounds in the victory.

For Gwinnett, which had its two-game winning streak snapped, Javon Randolph led the way with a game-high 33 points and eight rebounds. B.J. Puckett had 26 points, eight rebounds and three blocked shots, Adrien Borders had 19 and Darren Williams 16 for the Majic.

Florida is back in action tonight, traveling to Jacksonville, Fla., to take on the Jacksonville BlueWaves in a 7 p.m. game, while Gwinnett is off until Saturday, when the Majic hosts Jacksonville at Parkview High School in Lilburn, Ga. Tipoff for the Gwinnett-Jacksonville game is scheduled for 6 p.m.

The WBA Exposure League serves as a training ground to develop players on and off the court. Emphasis is placed on exposure, development, community involvement, and most importantly providing an exciting brand of basketball and entertainment. Hundreds of former WBA Players have gone on to play professional basketball all over the world including the D-League and NBA.
The Next Best Thing To The NBA!

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

Women News

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

WNBA - Women

Latest WNBA games - by Eurobasket News
New York L. - Washington M. 61-77
Lindsey Harding (5'8''-G-84, college: Duke) scored 21 points and the undefeated Washington Mystics scored the final 16 points in a 77-61 win over the New York Liberty on Friday night. Monique Currie (6'0''-G/F-83, college: Duke) scored 16 of her 18 points in the second half and Crystal Langhorne finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds for the Mystics (3-0), who overcame a sloppy start and an 11-point first half deficit in their home opener. After the Liberty tied the game at 61 with 6:21 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Mystics took the lead for good on a pair of free throws by Harding with 5:57 left. Washington held the Liberty scoreless the rest of the way. Cappie Pondexter (5'9''-G-83, college: Rutgers) led the Liberty (1-1) with 14 points, and Janel McCarville (6'2''-C-82, college: Minnesota) and Nicole Powell (6'2''-G/F-82, college: Stanford) each added 10. New York turned a three-point halftime hole into a 45-39 lead with 3:10 remaining in the third quarter, but the Liberty made only 2 of 15 field goals in the fourth. Currie, who entered that game as the WNBA's leading scorer at 24 points per game, scored nine in the fourth quarter. Nakia Sanford added 10 points for the Mystics. The Mystics closed the second quarter on a 15-2 run, including the final 12 points despite Currie being saddled with three fouls. Harding started the stretch with a 3-pointer to beat the shot clock, scored the next two Mystics baskets on nifty drives to the hoop and then ended the half with a jumper with 3.3 seconds remaining for a 31-28 halftime lead. *Courtesy of www.cbsnews.com

Connecticut S. - Atlanta D. 82-97
Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-F-86, college: Louisville) scored 32 points and Sancho Lyttle (6'4''-C-83, college: Houston) added 27 to lead the unbeaten Atlanta Dream to a 97-82 win over the Connecticut Sun on Friday night. Lyttle grabbed 16 rebounds and McCoughtry had 10. Iziane Castro Marques (6'0''-G/F-82) scored 18 points and Shalee Lehning (5'9''-G-86, agency: AB Agency, college: Kansas St.) handed out 10 assists for the Dream (3-0). Former University of Connecticut standout Tina Charles (6'4''-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut), the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft, led the Sun (1-1) with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Atlanta led by as many as 27 points in the third quarter and shot 53.4 percent for the game. Castro Marques scored 11 points in the second quarter after McCoughtry had 11 in the opening period, helping the Dream shoot 61.8 percent for a 51-32 halftime lead. Atlanta outscored Connecticut 25-9 in the second quarter. Castro Marques had nine consecutive points in one stretch and made all seven of her first-half shots, including a 3-pointer. The Dream outrebounded Connecticut 27-12 over the first 20 minutes, held the Sun to 30 percent shooting and had 18 fastbreak points. Charles, who had 17 points and 10 rebounds as the Sun defeated Chicago 74-61 in the team's opener, scored 10 points in the first half against Atlanta. The Dream's next four games are on the road, beginning Sunday at New York. The Sun is at home Sunday against Washington. *Courtesy of www.phillyburbs.com

Minnesota L. - Seattle S. 76-79
Swin Cash (6'2''-F-79, college: Connecticut) scored 24 points and led a fourth-quarter rally as the Seattle Storm defeated the Minnesota Lynx 79-76 on Wednesday night. Lauren Jackson (6'5''-F/C-81) and Camille Little (6'2''-F/G-85, college: N.Carolina) had 18 points apiece for Seattle (2-0), which beat the Lynx at home for the seventh straight game. Monica Wright scored 19 and Lindsay Whalen (5'8''-G-82, college: Minnesota) 17 to lead Minnesota (1-2). The Lynx led by as many as 11 in the first half and by nine in the second half. 'I'm always confident we're going to win,' Cash said. 'I feel our core group, when we're out there on the floor, we have the best opportunity to come back and take a lead or execute down the stretch.' Little hit a 3-pointer to give the Storm a 73-70 lead with 2:10 remaining. Whalen made two free throws to make it 73-72 before Cash responded with two free throws and an inside basket. Nicky Anosike scored two baskets for the Lynx to cut the lead to 77-76 before Jackson made a putback to make it 79-76 with 8.1 seconds left. Charde Houston (6'1''-F-86, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) missed a 3-pointer from the left corner just before the buzzer that could have tied the game. *Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

S.Antonio SS - Tulsa S. 83-74
Sophia Young (6'1''-F-83, college: Baylor) scored 23 points to lead four players in double figures, and the San Antonio Silver Stars beat the Tulsa Shock 83-74 on Thursday. Edwige Lawson-Wade added 16 points, Michelle Snow (6'5''-C-80, agency: LBM Management, college: Tennessee) scored 13 and Becky Hammon (5'6''-G-77, college: Colorado St.) had 12 for San Antonio (1-1), which shot 52% from the field and outrebounded Tulsa 41-31. Kara Braxton (6'6''-C-83, college: Georgia) led Tulsa (0-2) with 15 points, while Amber Holt (6'0''-G/F-85, college: Middle Tenn.St.) scored 11 and Scholanda Robinson added 10. Marion Jones entered the game with 3:20 left in the first quarter and immediately showed her athletic ability by scoring the first time she touched the ball. Those were the only points scored by the former Olympian, who played 8 minutes. Tulsa shot 41.3% but couldn't overcome miscues on offense and the inability to grab rebounds. 'We're both up-tempo teams, so I expected an open battle for the most part,' San Antonio coach Sandy Brondello said. 'I think the difference in the fourth quarter was that we got a couple more stops and were able to stay in play, contest shots and got a couple of rebounds.' The rare afternoon game meant there were plenty of empty seats in the BOK Center, unlike the sellout Saturday for the opener against Minnesota. Most of the crowd for Thursday's game consisted of several groups of children from local schools. The Shock fell behind 19-9, but worked their way back when they got into the flow of Nolan Richardson's up-tempo offense. Their pressure defense helped tie the game 41-41 at halftime. 'Good executions of offense today, proud of that fact,' Richardson said. 'We can't afford to be out-rebounded and have turnovers.' Tulsa scored the first basket of the second half and mostly kept ahead until the Silver Stars went on a 12-4 run to lead 61-54 at the end of the third quarter. The Shock tried to rally in the fourth, getting several steals but blowing layups. A three-point play and layup by Braxton brought the Shock to 63-59, but San Antonio went on an 11-2 run to seal it. *Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

Standings

WNBA Standings

Eastern
1. Washington M.		2-0
2. Atlanta D.		2-0
3. Connecticut S.		1-0
4. New York L.		1-0
5. Chicago S.		0-2
6. Indiana F.		0-2
Western
1. Phoenix M.		1-0
2. Seattle S.		1-0
3. Minnesota L.		1-0
4. Tulsa S.		0-1
5. S.Antonio SS		0-1
6. L.Angeles S.		0-2