Italy-Bulgaria 83:84

Bulgaria wins Trofeo Mandela Forum as the team won all three games in the tournament. After defeating FYR Macedonia and Poland, Bulgaria edged Italy 84:83 to win the title.
Bulgaria started with 21-18 and surprised the hosts that also won the first two games. Moreover Bulgaria added 27-16 in the second period to enjoy 48:34 at the halftime. Italy was too far to give up and even tied the game after the third quarter as they exploded with 28-14 in the third frame. The last minutes of the game were exciting and kept the spectators in Florence alive until the last seconds. Kaloyan Ivanov (205-F-86) tied the game at 82:82 with a minute to go. Marco Mordente (191-G-79) put the hosts in front with 83:82, while Filip Videnov (196-F/G-80, agency: Interperformances, college: W.Kentucky) made it 84:83 from the free throw line. Italy had 23 seconds time for another attack, and five seconds before the end was an infringement against Belineli. But he missed both of his shooting, then follow the fight in scrimmage, which was to Italy in 3 seconds left . Belineli get the ball and tried a difficult shot, but failed and so won our game by one point.
Filip Videnov paced all the winners with 19 points to the title. Kaloyan Ivanov posted 18, while Earl Calloway (191-G-83, college: Indiana) followed them with 11 points. Marco Belinelli (196-G-86) responded with 26 points and 10 rebounds in the losing effort as Italy finished second with 2-1 record. Marco Mordente netted 16 and Antonio Maestranzi (178-G-84, college: N.Illinois) scored 14.

Italy: Marco Belinelli 26+10 rebs, Marco Mordente 16, Antonio Maestranzi 14
Bulgaria: Filip Videnov 19, Kaloyan Ivanov 18, Earl Calloway 11

1/Hello Brice, can you please introduce yourself and summarize your basketball past.

I am Brice Vounang (202-F/C-82, college: San Diego), member of the Cameroonian national team, evolving in France. I started playing basketball in Cameroon, which I left in 2001 for the United States. I had been recruited by Jimmy Voight to Eastern Oklahoma State Collge, a Junior College where I spent 2 years before transferring in 2003 to the university of San Diego for my last 2 years of University. In 2005, I began my professional career in Belgium with the Club of Pepinster; then I continued in France with Rouen in 2006-2008, then a season with Charleville in 2008-2009; and now in Brest.

2/ How was your season from a personal point of view?

It was a catastrophic season for me, personally and sportively; I injured myself in the beginning of season, and it was the beginning of the wreck. Returned at the end of season for the last 7 games, but it was not enough as the Club was not able to stay at he same level.

3/ To this day, is your situation with the club set concerning next season?

I am not set for the next season.

4 / what will be the objectives of the club?

Obviously to bounce as fast as possible;

5/ Let's change places, What do you think about the training and the general level of play in Cameroon?

I think that Cameroon has more and more good players in the USA and in many championships in spite of the limited means we have . The level is rather good in Cameroon , but with the exit of all the players towards the USA and somewhere else, it is difficult to maintain a good level.

6/Concerning the national team I know the importance which this one has for you, having discussed it with some players, are there any regrets with this 4th place?

Yes I have regrets, we did not achieve what we wanted to do; but afterward, considering everythings that happened with the team in this competition, the 4th Places was honorable for us. I guarantee that we did not even deserve this place.

7/ What was lacking?

The team missed its Head Coach, who was prevented for personal reasons. We were like a Boat navigating without his Captain.

Thank you for your time and well known sincerity Brice. We wish you the best for the upcoming season.


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The Raptors gained a player and lost a coach as the Summer of Change continues.

On the day the Denver Nuggets didn't match an offer sheet extended to restricted free agent forward Linas Kleiza, assistant coach Marc Iavaroni is leaving Jay Triano's staff to join new head coach Vinny Del Negro with the Los Angeles Clippers.

The news on Kleiza, who has a four-year, $18.8 million deal with the Raptors, is hardly surprising; the Nuggets were never expected to match the offer.

But the departure of Iavaroni, hired a year ago as ostensibly Torontos defensive guru, is mildly surprising.

Even after the addition of P.J. Carlesimo to Trianos staff in May, there were no other staff changes planned until the 53-year-old former head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies decided to leave for Los Angeles.

Del Negro, the former head coach in Chicago, was hired to replace the fired Mike Dunleavy and interim head coach Kim Hughes with the Clippers earlier this month. In his time with the Bulls, Del Negro always had an older, more experienced assistant like Del Harris or Bernie Bickerstaff on his staff.

Iavaronis tenure with Toronto hardly worked out as planned. The Raptors were among the worst defensive teams in the NBA last season, allowing teams to average 105.8 points against them, fourth worst in the NBA.

His departure leaves a staff of Carlesimo, Alex English and Micah Nori to work with Triano. Alvin Williams and Eric Hughes remain as assistant coaches for basketball development.

Iavaroni had worked as an assistant in Miami, Cleveland and Phoenix before getting the head coaching job in Memphis in 2007. He lasted 39 games into the 2008-09 season before being fired by the Grizzlies.

In his five seasons with the Suns, he was the lead assistant on a staff that produced one of the most powerful offences in NBA history.

There was no word on whether Iavaroni will be replaced in Toronto.

The Raptors, meanwhile, finished a perfect 5-0 run in the Las Vegas Summer League on Saturday, beating the New Orleans Hornets 101-93 behind 24 points from Ronald Dupree.

Both DeMar DeRozan and Sonny Weems had family obligations and missed the final game of the summer league season.

Courtesy of www.thestar.com

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CHINA

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings

Stage Two A  1. Jiangsu 11-2   2. Sichuan 11-2   3. Changan Group 9-4   4. Guangzhou FM 7-6   5. Hangzhou 6-7   6. Whampoa 6-8   7. W.Liaoning 5-8   8. ShenYang 5-9   9. Heilongjiang 3-10   10. Jiyuan 3-10  Stage One  1. Anhui NS 0-0   2. Guangxi 0-0   3. Hebei 0-0   4. Hill 0-0   5. Hong Kong 0-0   6. Hubei 0-0   7. Liaoning 3C 0-0   8. Ningxia Hanas 0-0

NBL Round: 13 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Hangzhou - W.Liaoning 105-89
Hangzhou overcame W.Liaoning 105:89 as Stallings Nick (190-G-83, college: Centenary) enjoyed the triple-double with 28 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists. Powers Austen also scored 28 and Zhang Zheng-wang added 22. Basden Edward ended up with 23 points and 13 rebounds in defeat.

Changan Group - Heilongjiang 93-77
Changan Group outscored Heilongjiang 93:77 as Mingo Ronell (205-C-80, college: Wyoming) led the way with 23 points and 15 rebounds, while Lei scored 22. Milligan Dante responded with 19 points and 15 rebounds.

Guangzhou FM - ShenYang 101-99
Guangzhou FM edged ShenYang 101:99 as Dawson Marc stepped up with 25 points and 16 rebounds. Dong Junjiang (200-F-80) netted 19 and number 42 brought 16. Rose Daniel delivered 24 points and 20 boards in the losing case.

Jiangsu - Sichuan 81-84
Sichuan rolled over Jiangsu 84:81 in the top game of the Regular Season Round 13 as both teams are tied on top with 11-2 records. Mims Dennis (205-F-80, college: Indiana (PA)) and Bannister led the winners with 21 points each, while Chao Ma netted 14. Davis Quincy replied with 28 points and 10 rebounds in the losing effort.

Jiyuan - Whampoa 93-111
Jiyuan lost to Whampoa 93:111 as the latter got double digits from six players. Taylor Terrell (203-C-81, agency: Liman Sports, college: Virginia Tech) collected 23 points and 14 rebounds, while Lawson Christopher netted 19. Taggart Shawn ended up with 32 points and 12 rebounds in the losng case.


China Defeats Lithuania 81-77 - by Arthur Volbert
The Chinese National Team won its second straight game against a Lithuanian squad 81-77. Ding Jinhui (204-C-90) scored 15 points in 19 minutes.

Liu Wei had 14 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists in 31 minutes. Wang Shipeng scored 13. Su Wei had 9 points and 11 rebounds in 24 minutes. Zhou Peng had 9 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists and 2 steals in 24 minutes. Young point guard Yu Shulong had 7 points, but no assists, in 15 minutes. 7-3 Zhang Xiaoxu had 7 points and 1 rebound in 9 minutes. Li Xiaoxu had 5 rebounds in 24 minutes, but was scoreless and missed all six shots that he took. Wang Zhizhi did not play and Yi Jianlian, Sun Yue and Guo Ailun have not yet joined the team.

Link to Chinese box score:
http://cba.sports.sina.com.cn/look_scores.php?m_id=4695


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CROATIA

Spain U20 stole Bronze from the hosts - by Eurobasket News
Croatia U20-Spain U20 79:86 OT

Spain U20 clinched Bronze as they beat the hosts of the U20 European Championship Men 2010 in Croatia. Spain needed overtime to take 86:79 victory.
Spain easily took the lead in the opening quarter and finished it with 18:9 lead. Josep Franch (198-G-91) made it 26:19 and Joan Sastre Morro (201-F-91) scored for 33:22. Gil sent the teams to the lockers as Spain enjoyed 41:30 at the halftime. Spain managed to get their noses in front and they stayed until the late comeback by Croatia. The latter trailed 56-45 heading into the last ten minutes as Simeon made such a difference. The home team started scoring from everywhere and soon tied up the game before surging ahead. Radosevic tied the game at 71:71 as the teams continued in overtime. Spain looked better in the extra time and took the lead from the very beginning. They won the last 5 minutes 15-8 to take the total success in the game and the third place in the Championship.
Josep Franch top-scored for the winners with 23 points to taste third place. Nikola Mirotic (208-F/C-91) followed him with 20 points and 15 rebounds, while Joan Sastre Morro added 19. Dino Butorac (192-G-90) ended up with 18 points for the hosts and Mario Delas (208-C/F-90) notched 16.

Croatia U20: Dino Butorac 18, Mario Delas 16
Spain U20: Josep Franch 23, Nikola Mirotic 20+15 rebs, Joan Sastre Morro 19


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CZECH REPUBLIC

Turkey U20 remains in Division A, Czech Republic U20 is out - by Eurobasket News
Turkey U20-Czech Republic U20 72:62

Turkey U20 remains in Division A as they sent Czech Republic U20 to Division B after the last victory at the Relegation Round. Tonight Turkey produced 72:62 victory to take 4-2 record in the Relegation Round and will continue in Division A next year.
Turkey trailed 2:8 in the opening tip and lost the first quarter 11:13. Furkan Aldemir (205-F-91) tied the game at 13:13 and later Turkey grabbed 19:13 advantage. Ibrahim Yildirim (188-G-90) brought his side 33:22 as the teams disappeared in the lockers. Ilkan Karaman (205-F-90) increased the lead to 38:22, while Peterka cut it to 45:31 from the perimeter. Ibrahim Yildirim closed another quarter giving his team 49:39. It seemed the game was over as Turkey had 63:48 in the middle of the last stanza. Czech Republic however had nothing to lose and answered with 9-0 run for 63:57 as Satoransky made a jump shot. Ibrahim Yildirim was again the last to score in the frame for the final victory.
Ibrahim Yildirim led the way with 17 points and Furkan Aldemir collected 16 points and 16 rebounds. Ilkan Karaman followed them with 13 points in a win. Ondrej Peterka (192-F-91) finished the night with 23 points and 10 rebounds in the losing case and Tomas Satoransky (196-G/F-91) netted 12. Czech Republic U20 as well as Netherlands have to start in Division B next year.

Turkey U20: Ibrahim Yildirim 17, Furkan Aldemir 16+16 rebs, Ilkan Karaman 13
Czech Republic U20: Ondrej Peterka 23+10 rebs, Tomas Satoransky 12


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DENMARK

Denmark upset the hosts in Austria - by Eurobasket News
Denmark U20 - Austria U20 64:63
Denmark recorded the first win at the U20 European Championship in Division B. They nipped hosting Austria in Group C action. Mathias Seilund (201-F-90) knocked down 17 points to lead the effort. Denmark improved at 1-2 record, while Austria suffered the first loss and slipped at 2-1.
The teams stayed close in the opening quarter. Denmark and Austria were tied at 18 ten minutes into the encounter. The Scandinavian team stepped on the gas in the second term. Denmark cleared off to a 7-point advantage at halftime 38:31. Austria tried to bounce back right after the main break. The home side accounted for 20 points in the third term and narrowed the deficit. The low-scoring fourth quarter turned a tough battle. Neither side was able to dominate but Denmark proved stronger. They hung on to escape with the important win at the end.
Jonas Bergstedt (207-C-91) tallied 16 points and 10 rebounds for Denmark. Jonathan Gilling (203-F-91) and Mikael Nielsen (178-G-90) provided 10 points each for the winners. Anton Maresch (191-G-91) answered with 13 points for Austria. Romed Vieider (196-F-91) knocked down 12 points in the loss.

Denmark U20: Mathias Seilund 17, Jonas Bergstedt 16+10 boards, Jonathan Gilling 10, Mikael Nielsen 10
Austria U20: Anton Maresch 13, Romed Vieider 12


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EUROCUP

Krasnie Krylia signs Artem Kuzyakin - by Eurobasket News
Eurocup newcomer Krasnie Krylia remained busy over the weekend by signing veteran forward Artem Kuzyakin (202-G-80), the clubs fourth transaction of the week. Kuzyakin arrives from Unics Kazan, where he averaged 2.7 points in seven Eurocup games last season two of them as starters. He improved to 5.4 points and 2.6 rebounds per game in the Russian League. Last season was Kuzyakins third in the Eurocup. He grew up at Baltyskaia Zvezda St. Petersburg and has also played for Spartak St. Petersburg, Dynamo Moscow, Ural Great and Lokomotiv Rostov. Among his career highlights are winning the 2006 FIBA EuroCup with Ural Great and the 2009 Russian Cup with Kazan.

Courtesy of EuroCup

Besiktas signs Devin Smith - by Eurobasket News
As expected, Devin Smith (196-G/F-81, college: Virginia) is back to Turkey. The 29-year-old forward signed a deal with Besiktas for the next season. Smith returns to Turkey from Greece, where he played for Panellinios Athens. He appeared 33 times in domestic championship averaging 13.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists. He also played 17 games in EuroCup adding 15.1 ppg and 4.2 rpg
Season 2008/09 Devin Smith spent with Fenerbahce Ulker. He was one of their better players registering 11 ppg and 4.6 rpg for 38 TBL games. In Euroleague, Smith helped with 7.9 ppg and 3.4 rpg in 14 games. Fenerhabce reached the TBL Finals and the National Cup Semis. Smith was named Eurobasket.com All-Turkish League 2nd Team and played at the All-Star Game. Before Fenerbahce, Devin Smith played one season in Italy for Air Avelino. There he exploded with 18.7 ppg and 5.3 rpg for 39 SerieA games. He also has experience from Spain as a member of Bruesa.
Devin Smith is a product of the University of Virginia, where he graduated in 2005.

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EUROLEAGUE

Barcelona, Vazquez renew deal - by Eurobasket News
Regal FC Barcelona will have the anchor of its defense back in the lineup this season after renewing the contract of Fran Vazquez (210-C-83) for an additional season. The athletic big man is the Euroleague's career shot-blocking leader and set a record for most blocks in the Euroleague title game when he rejected 4 Olympiacos shots in the final in Paris in May. Vazquez (209, 27) averaged 7.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and .1 blocks in 17 minutes per game last season, helping Barca win the Euroleague. He overtook former teammate Denis Marconato as the Euroleague's career shot-blocking king during the season and enters the new campaign with 139 and no active player is within 20 of him. Vazquez is also on the verge of overtaking Roberto Duenas as Barcelonas career shot-blocking leader. In four seasons with Barcelona, Vazquez has won the Euroleague once, the Spanish League once and the Spanish Kings Cup twice, including in 2010 when Vazquez was named MVP. He began his career at the CB Xantada juniors and has also played for Galicia, Pais Vasco, Auna Canarias, Unicaja and Girona. Vazquez is a member of the Spanish national team and is expected to take part in the World Championships later this summer in Turkey.

'I am pleased and proud that the club has decided to pick up the option they had to renew for another season,' Vazquez said. 'I've always said I feel good in Barcelona and I have the desire to continue giving joy to our fans, who always support us. Next season will be very exciting in every way. Our aim is to repeat in the Euroleague, but we know it will be complicated. But having the opportunity to do so at home is a major challenge.'

Courtesy of Euroleague

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U20

Div. B Day: 3 (Preliminary Round) - by Eurobasket News

Group A

Israel - Hungary 86-78
Israeli U20 team registered the second win at the European Championship in Division B. They fired past Hungary for 2-1 record in Group A. Jacob Cohen had another solid performance as he tallied 27 points and 6 rebounds. Israel went on a 13:0 run in the opening quarter to build a 22:11 lead. Nesterenko capped the starting frame with a lay-up to establish a 29:19 advantage at the first pause. Ferdinand Morgen (206-F/C-90) dragged Hungary within just three points early in the second term. Mohasci and Norbert Takacs (197-G/F-90) stepped up for Hungary late in the first half as they posted a 43:40 lead at halftime. Janos Eilingsfeld (198-F/C-91, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services), Lakosa and Norbert Takacs gave Hungary a 58:45 lead midway through the third quarter. But Israel erased the deficit trailing by a single point 64:65 heading into the fourth term. Hungary tipped off the final stanza with four points in a row but Israel responded with a 15:0 run of their own to surge ahead for good. Hungary never recovered and had to surrender at the end. Yotam Shiran (198-F-90, agency: Gross Zeev ISA) provided 18 points and 9 rebounds for Israel. Tal Karpelesz (194-F-90) added 15 points and 9 caroms for the winning team. Norbert Takacs replied with 18 points for Hungary. Ferdinand Morgen and Janos Eilingsfeld had 15 points each in defeat.

Georgia - Sweden 79-73
Georgia opened the win count at the U20 European Championship in Division B. They held off Sweden tonight to improve at 1-2 record in Group A. Sweden suffered the first defeat and slipped at 2-1 record. Tornike Shengelia (205-G/F-91) notched 23 points and 13 rebounds to pace the winners. The lead changed hands for several times throughout the starting frame. Georgia went on a 9:0 run late in the quarter and posted a 19:11 advantage into the second term. Sweden pulled closer in the second frame. They trailed by just three points 32:35 at the interval. Person and Lindqvist helped Sweden grab a 42:41 lead early in the third stanza. But Georgia quickly returned into the drivers seat as they entered the final quarter up by 2 points 55:53. Christopher Czerapowicz (197-F-91) drained a three-pointer at the start of the fourth period to put Sweden back in charge. Akaki Lomouri and Beqa Chikviladze (195-G-91) exploded with back-to-back triples midway through the fourth term to give Georgia a 66:60 advantage. The margin grew at 7-point mark after another long bomb from Beqa Chikviladze. Giorgi Sharabidze and Tornike Shengelia added five points from the charity stripe and Georgia did not look back en route to the win in the final moments. Giorgi Sharabidze tallied 19 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Beqa Chikviladze produced 15 points for Georgia. Christopher Czerapowicz answered with 15 points for Sweden. Pierre Hampton (198-F-91) nailed 13 points in the loss.

Group B

Bulgaria - Switzerland 104-59
Aleksandar Georgiev (203-F-90) scored 25 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and issued 5 assists to lead Bulgaria to the third consecutive win at the U20 European Championship in Division B. They outgunned Switzerland to improve at 3-0 record on top of Group B. Switzerland in the meantime suffered the third loss in a row to remain at the bottom of the ladder. The teams traded baskets early in the encounter. But Aleksandar Georgiev and Tihomir Zhelev sparked a 20:4 run from Bulgaria as they grabbed a 23:10 lead at the first pause. Bulgaria tipped off the second stanza on an 11:0 run to boost their lead. They controlled the rhythm and eased to a 50:19 advantage at halftime. Aleksandar Georgiev drained another triple at the start of the third term to set the tone for the second half. Bulgaria stayed dominant and ensured a 72:40 buffer heading into the fourth quarter. Switzerland had little to answer with in the fourth frame and Bulgaria cruised to the win at the end. Emil Binev (198-F-91) produced 19 points for the winners. Vasil Kyosev (195-G-90) added 10 points in the victory. Christophe Varidel (185-G-89) and Roman Albrecht (208-C-90) responded with 11 points each for Switzerland. Gardner Louissaint (196-F-91) had 10 points in the loss.

Finland - Portugal 98-99
Portugal recorded the second win at the U20 European Championship in Division B. They survived double-overtime drama to tame Finland in Gorup B. Finland slipped at 1-2 record after the bitter defeat. Finland earned a 15:9 lead midway through the opening quarter. But Portugal were able to narrow the gap at 3-point mark at the first break. Lindbom scored five quick points for Finland as they took a 21:13 lead early in the second stanza. But Portugal used a 10:2 rally to surge in front midway through the second term. Finland bounced back and established a 44:41 lead at halftime. The lead changed hands for several times throughout the third period. Guerreiro capped the stanza with a three-pointer to give Portugal a 63:60 lead. Barroso opened the fourth term with another trey to boost the lead for Portugal. But Roope Ahonen (186-G-90) and Sasu Salin (190-G-91) teamed up to put Finland back in charge. Roope Ahonen gave Finland an 81:78 lead with 61 seconds remaining. Portugal answered with three points from Pedro Catarino (184-G-90) and Diogo Correia (185-G-90) to draw things level and force overtime. Finland led by four points in the extra period but wasted the advantage. Pedro Catarino and Jose Miguel Barbosa (176-G-90) denied the distance and forced seconds extra period. Diogo Correia and Jose Miguel Barbosa put Portugal in charge in the second overtime. Lindbom narrowed the gap and had the chance to level things up but misses one free throw allowing Portugal to escape with a narrow victory at the end. Diogo Correia and Pedro Catarino provided 17 points each for Portugal. Jose Miguel Barbosa produced 15 points in the victory. Sasu Salin answered with 29 points for Finland. Roope Ahonen had 22 points in the losing effort.

Group C

Belgium - United Kingdom 52-73
Great Britain U20 selection recorded the second win at the European Championship in Division B. They overwhelmed Belgium in Group C for 2-1 record. Belgian team slipped at 1-2. Andrew Lawrence (185-G-90) notched 16 points to lead the British side. Great Britain went on a 9:2 run late in the opening quarter to gain an 18:12 lead. Great Britain opened the second term on a massive 19:3 run to clear off. They enjoyed a comfortable 42:22 lead at the interval. But Belgium answered with an 11:0 rally at the beginning of the third term to pull closer. Maarten Rademakers and Gillet dragged Belgium within 14 points at the final break. Great Britain kept their opponents at bay in the fourth quarter. Belgium never got closer than 12 points and had to surrender at the end. Ovie Soko (203-F-91) tallied 14 points and 10 rebounds for Great Britain. Myles Hesson (195-F-90) nailed 9 points in the winning effort. Thomas De Thaey (197-F-91) provided 15 points and 8 rebounds for Belgium. Jean Salumu (193-F-90) finished with 11 points in the loss.

Denmark - Austria 64-63
Denmark recorded the first win at the U20 European Championship in Division B. They nipped hosting Austria in Group C action. Mathias Seilund (201-F-90) knocked down 17 points to lead the effort. Denmark improved at 1-2 record, while Austria suffered the first loss and slipped at 2-1. The teams stayed close in the opening quarter. Denmark and Austria were tied at 18 ten minutes into the encounter. The Scandinavian team stepped on the gas in the second term. Denmark cleared off to a 7-point advantage at halftime 38:31. Austria tried to bounce back right after the main break. The home side accounted for 20 points in the third term and narrowed the deficit. The low-scoring fourth quarter turned a tough battle. Neither side was able to dominate but Denmark proved stronger. They hung on to escape with the important win at the end. Jonas Bergstedt (207-C-91) tallied 16 points and 10 rebounds for Denmark. Jonathan Gilling (203-F-91) and Mikael Nielsen (178-G-90) provided 10 points each for the winners. Anton Maresch (191-G-91) answered with 13 points for Austria. Romed Vieider (196-F-91) knocked down 12 points in the loss.

Group D

Norway - Slovakia 68-58
Norway toppled Slovak Republic at the U20 European Championship in Division B tonight. Anders Stien (195-G-90) knocked down 17 points to pace the Scandinavian team to the third win at the tournament. Norway improved at 3-1 record and climbed on top of preliminary round Group D. Slovak Republic in the meantime slipped at 2-2 record. Norway shocked their opponents in the opening frame. The Scandinavian team held their opponents scoreless in the first ten minutes to enjoy a 15:0 lead at the first break. Anders Stien gave Norway an 18:0 lead at the start of the second term. Michal Kozar (191-F-90) finally broke the scoring draught for Slovak Republic. They gradually found the rhythm and narrowed the gap to 7 points at halftime. Tomas Mrvis (195-F-91) dragged Slovak Republic as close as 3 points midway through the third quarter. But Norway recovered and posted a 48:42 advantage at the final pause. Anders Stien opened a double-digit lead for Norway at the start of the fourth frame. Slovak Republic never got within striking distance and suffered the second loss at the tournament. Aksel Bolinz (206-F-90) produced 13 points and 10 rebounds for Norway. Thomas Mjoes (181-G-90) added 12 points in the winning effort. Tomas Mrvis and Michal Kozar replied with 14 points each for Slovak Republic. Marchyn accounted for 12 points in the loss.

Romania - Poland 73-96
Poland continued their perfect run in Austria. They prevailed against Romania to stay undefeated at the U20 European Championship in Division B. Poland improved at 4-0 record and jumped on top of Group D. Romania on the other hand suffered the fourth straight defeat at the tournament. Poland opened the game with seven points in a row to set the tone. Romania tried to stay close as they narrow the distance to just three points late in the frame. But Poland capped the quarter with four points in a row and took a 25:18 advantage. Sulima opened a double-digit lead for Poland midway through the second frame. Poland rallied to a 47:33 halftime advantage. Poland went on a 7:0 run in the third quarter to boost the margin to 19 points. Poland entered the fourth quarter up by 20 points 67:47. Romania could not challenge the margin and had to digest the fourth loss in a row. Aleksander Czyz (201-F-90) produced 22 points and 9 rebounds for Poland. Piotr Pamula (195-G-90) added 18 points, while Sebastian Szymanski (186-G-91) had 12 points in the victory. Bogdan Tibirna (208-C-91) answered with 21 points for Romania. Cristian Corneanu notched 10 points in the loss.

Slovakia - Belarus 64-53
Slovak Republic posted the second win at the U20 European Championship in Division B. They prevailed against Belarus to improve at 2-1 record on top of Group D ladder. Belarus suffered the third loss and slipped at 1-3 record. Belarus opened the game confidently. They led 8:2 early in the encounter but Slovak Republic gradually took over. They rallied to a 16:12 advantage at the first pause. Slovak Republic tipped off the second term with four points in a row to boost the margin. Matej Marchyn (192-F-90) hit a three-pointer to open a double-digit advantage. Slovak Republic enjoyed a 38:22 buffer at the interval. Belarus went on a 9:0 run midway through the third frame to get within 9 points. Slovak Republic stopped the bleeding and recorded a 47:37 advantage at the final break. Matej Marchyn and Michal Kozar widened the gap to as many as 16 points early in the fourth term and Slovak Republic did not look back en route to the win. Michal Kozar nailed 11 points for Slovak Republic. Peter Mikulik (185-G-90) and Matej Marchyn accounted for 10 points each in the winning effort. Uladzimir Krysevich answered with 12 points for Belarus. Aliaksei Kachan (187-G-91) netted 10 points in the loss.

Poland - Norway 91-70
Poland clinched the third straight win at the U20 European Championship in Division B. They shot down Norway to climb on top of Group D. Norway in the meantime suffered the first defeat and slipped at 2-1 record. Aleksander Czyz paced balanced effort with 17 points. The teams stayed neck and neck in the opening quarter. The scoreboard read 20:20 at the first break. Poland opened the second frame with an 11:1 run to clear off. Poland mounted the pressure and rallied to a 50:27 advantage at halftime. Norway responded with an 11:3 run at the beginning of the third term to narrow the margin. But Poland stayed cool and they ensured a 68:46 buffer before the fourth quarter. Mokros fired back-to-back three-pointers to stretch the gap to as many as 26 points early in the final term. Poland maintained the advantage in the reminder of the contest and celebrated a well-deserved win at the end. Jakub Wojciechowski (211-C-90) nailed 11 points for Poland. Konrad Nowakowski (186-G/F-91) and Jaroslaw Mokros (201-F-90) had 10 points each in the win. Karamo Jawara (198-F-91) answered with 21 points for Norway. Aksel Bolinz had 14 points in the loss.


M-Standings - Division B

Standings Div.B

Group A 1. Israel 2-1 2. Sweden 2-1 3. Georgia 1-2 4. Hungary 1-2 Group B 1. Bulgaria 3-0 2. Portugal 2-1 3. Finland 1-2 4. Switzerlan. 0-3 Group C 1. Austria 2-1 2. U.Kingdom 2-1 3. Belgium 1-2 4. Denmark 1-2 Group D 1. Poland 4-0 2. Norway 3-1 3. Slovakia 2-2 4. Belarus 1-3 5. Romania 0-4

France triumphs at U20 European Championship in Croatia - by Eurobasket News

Final

Greece - France 62-73
France triumphs at U20 European Championship in Croatia as the winners surprised Greece U20 in the Final. Taking an easy 19-6 lead after the opening quarter, France managed to win the game and revenged for the last year loss. Last year Greek U20 National Team triumphed at home European Championship. Seven Greek players scored in double digits to pace the Hellenes to the huge success. The amazing kids from Hellas after the European championship last year won another European championship succeeding something that no other team has actually succeeded the last twenty years with 90:85 win. Tonight the teams were tied at 6:6, while France shocked Greece with 18-0 run to take 24:6 in the beginning of the second period. Greece had no match in the first half for the French side and trailed 22:41 as Mantzaris hit a three-pointer. Sloukas later reduced to minus 13, while Pappas closed the third frame at 39:56. He also reduced with his side to 58:63 with 2 minutes in the game. Kandolo however nailed a three and Andrew Albicy (178-G-90) brought another five points for 70:51. Lacombe made the last two free throws in the game to triumph with France. Andrew Albicy led the way with 20 points for the winners and Lacombe poured in 14. Lang, Leonard and Rousselle delivered 6 points each for the title. Pappas ended up with 22 points for the Greek side and Mantzaris netted 12.

Places 3-4

Croatia - Spain 79-86 OT
Spain U20 clinched Bronze as they beat the hosts of the U20 European Championship Men 2010 in Croatia. Spain needed overtime to take 86:79 victory. Spain easily took the lead in the opening quarter and finished it with 18:9 lead. Franch Josep made it 26:19 and Sastre scored for 33:22. Gil sent the teams to the lockers as Spain enjoyed 41:30 at the halftime. Spain managed to get their noses in front and they stayed until the late comeback by Croatia. The latter trailed 56-45 heading into the last ten minutes as Simeon made such a difference. The home team started scoring from everywhere and soon tied up the game before surging ahead. Radosevic tied the game at 71:71 as the teams continued in overtime. Spain looked better in the extra time and took the lead from the very beginning. They won the last 5 minutes 15-8 to take the total success in the game and the third place in the Championship. Franch Josep top-scored for the winners with 23 points to taste third place. Nikola Mirotic (208-F/C-91) followed him with 20 points and 15 rebounds, while Sastre added 19. Butorac Dino ended up with 18 points for the hosts and Delas Mario notched 16.

Places 5-6

Russia - Montenegro 70-60
Russia U20 grabbed the 5th place at the U20 European Championship in Croatia. The team overcame Montenegro U20 70:60 although trailing at the halftime. Russia scored the first two points in the game and later had 5:2. Mihailovic Vladimir however tied the game at 7:7 and Dubljevic Bojan brought his side 17:12. Morozov made jump shot at the end of the period for 17:14. Montenegro led for the several minutes in the quarter but then Andreev tied the game at 20:20. The teams were tied two more times in the quarter, while Mihailovic Vladimir gave his team 31;27 at the halftime. An 8-0 run helped Russia after the break as they started to dominate the court. Morozov later scored for 44:27 and Valiev posted for 49:42. Dukanovic closed the quarter at 51:47 as he made a jump shot at the end of thirty minutes. Russia held off the opponents in the last frame and reached the necessary victory. Vladimir Ivlev (204-F-90) brought the last points in the game for the final 70:60 win. Vladimir Ivlev paced all the winners with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Polokhin Denis nailed 12, while Valiev Evgeny scored 11. Dubljevic Bojan ended up with 18 points in defeat and Mihailovic Vladimir netted 13.

Places 7-8

Serbia - Ukraine 107-93
Serbia U20 clinched the 7th place at the U20 European Championship in Croatia. In the Classification Game for 7th to 8th Places Serbia beat Ukraine 107:93 in the last game for both teams. Ukraine disappointed their fans with 4 losses in the end of the tournament, however it is great for the team to finish in the top 8. Nedovic Nemanja opened the game for the winners and then he increased to 10:3. Andreja Milutinovic (199-G-90) led his team to 24:10 and Nedovic Nemanja closed the period at 26:15. The second period became the most productive in the game as both teams nailed 59 points in 10 points. Ukraine managed to ti the game at the halftime at 50:50. Serbia meanwhile started the third period with 7-0 run and then Nedovic Nemanja scored for 62:55. Ukraine responded with 9-0 run to take 64:62 as Otverchenko Ruslan nailed a three pointer. Natyazhko Kyryl tied the game at the end of third period for 75:75. Serbia notched 32 points in the last period for 107:93 victory as Andjusic and Kondratyev brought the last points for their teams. Djekic Branislav paced all the winners with 22 points to finish on the 7th place. Andreja Milutinovic notched 20, while Nedovic Nemanja scored 17. Otverchenko Ruslan ended up with 25 points in the losing effort, while Natyazhko Kyryl collected 18 points and 10 rebounds.

Group G

Turkey - Czech Republic 72-62
Turkey U20 remains in Division A as they sent Czech Republic U20 to Division B after the last victory at the Relegation Round. Tonight Turkey produced 72:62 victory to take 4-2 record in the Relegation Round and will continue in Division A next year. Turkey trailed 2:8 in the opening tip and lost the first quarter 11:13. Aldemir Furkan tied the game at 13:13 and later Turkey grabbed 19:13 advantage. Ibrahim Yildirim (188-G-90) brought his side 33:22 as the teams disappeared in the lockers. Karaman Ilkan increased the lead to 38:22, while Peterka cut it to 45:31 from the perimeter. Ibrahim Yildirim closed another quarter giving his team 49:39. It seemed the game was over as Turkey had 63:48 in the middle of the last stanza. Czech Republic however had nothing to lose and answered with 9-0 run for 63:57 as Satoransky made a jump shot. Ibrahim Yildirim was again the last to score in the frame for the final victory. Ibrahim Yildirim led the way with 17 points and Aldemir Furkan collected 16 points and 16 rebounds. Karaman Ilkan followed them with 13 points in a win. Peterka Ondrej finished the night with 23 points and 10 rebounds in the losing case and Satoransky Tomas netted 12. Czech Republic U20 as well as Netherlands have to start in Division B next year.

Germany - Holland 73-57
Germany and Netherlands fought in the last game of the Relegation Round to remain in Division A. Germany just like last year survived once again courtesy of a 75:57 win. Germany started with 5-0 lead and improved to 11:2 in the middle of the quarter. Kherrazi closed the period for the Dutch team that trailed 20:10 after 10 minutes. Wohlfarth-Bottermann Jonas scored for 27:12 and Land made it 32:20. T.J. DiLeo (188-G) made two free throws at the end of the half 33:22. In the beginning of the third period the German side started to increase the lead as T.J. DiLeo scored for 41:23. He also made a shot for 50:30, while Schmitz made it 53:32. Monse Steven made the last shot in the end of the third quarter for 59:36. Holland U20 realized the importance of the game however could only reduce the gap due to the win in the last period. The Dutch team won the last frame 21-14 but lost the game and will be eliminated now to Division B. Czech Republic U20 as well as Netherlands have to start in Division B next year. T.J. DiLeo paced all the winners with 20 points for the winners. Wohlfarth-Bottermann Jonas notched 14, while Monse Steven scored 10. Kloof Charlon ended up with 11 points in the losing effort and Jeroen van Vugt posted 10.


Stats Leaders

• PPG
• RPG
• APG
• SPG
• BPG

Points Per Game

Nikos PAPPAS   (194-G-90)   Avg: 22.1

1. Pappas, GRE 22.1   2. Otverchenko, UKR 18.8   3. Gentile, ITA 17.3   4. Natyazhko, UKR 17.2   5. Mihailovic, MNT 16.9   6. Satoransky, CZE 15.8   7. Mirotic, ESP 15.3   8. Dubljevic, MNT 15.0   9. Ivlev, RUS 14.8   10. Lypovyy, UKR 14.3

Rebounds Per Game

Furkan ALDEMIR   (205-F-91)   Avg: 11.6

1. Aldemir, TUR 11.6   2. Ivlev, RUS 11.4   3. Musli, SRB 8.4   4. Natyazhko, UKR 8.4   5. Dubljevic, MNT 7.8   6. Llovet, ESP 7.8   7. Kherrazi, NED 7.1   8. Papanikolaou, GRE 7.0   9. Delas, CRO 7.0   10. Zirbes, GER 6.8

Assists Per Game

Andrew ALBICY   (178-G-90)   Avg: 5.9

1. Albicy, FRA 5.9   2. Satoransky, CZE 5.4   3. Prostran, CRO 5.3   4. Yildirim, TUR 3.9   5. Krumins, LAT 3.8   6. Franch, ESP 3.7   7. Nedovic, SRB 3.6   8. Peciukeviciu., LTU 3.4   9. Zadnik, SLO 3.0   10. Sapiega, LTU 2.9

Steals Per Game

Andrew ALBICY   (178-G-90)   Avg: 3.1

1. Albicy, FRA 3.1   2. Satoransky, CZE 2.6   3. Papanikolaou, GRE 2.4   4. Pappas, GRE 2.3   5. Stuckey, GER 2.2   6. Sastre Morro, ESP 2.1   7. Yildirim, TUR 2.1   8. Lypovyy, UKR 2.1   9. Kherrazi, NED 2.1   10. Perez, ESP 2.0

Blocks Per Game

Furkan ALDEMIR   (205-F-91)   Avg: 1.7

1. Aldemir, TUR 1.7   2. Musli, SRB 1.4   3. Biligha, ITA 1.1   4. Blaus, LAT 1.1   5. Natyazhko, UKR 1.1   6. Meiers, LAT 1.0   7. Radosevic, CRO 1.0   8. Rozitis, LAT 1.0   9. Papanikolaou, GRE 1.0   10. Dubljevic, MNT 1.0

Eurobasket.com All-European Championships U20 Awards 2010 - by Eurobasket

All-Tournament 1st Team
#s#	Albicy	Pappas	Delas	Papanikolaou	Mirotic	#e#5

MVP: Andrew Albicy (178-G-90)
Co-Best Guard: Andrew Albicy (178-G-90) and Nikos Pappas (194-G-90)
Best Forward: Konstantinos Papanikolaou (204-F/C-91)
Best Center: Nikola Mirotic (208-F/C-91)
Best Defensive Player: Furkan Aldemir (205-F-91)
Best Coach: Jean-Aime Toupane

1st Team
G: Nikos Pappas (194-90)
G: Andrew Albicy (178-90)
C/F: Mario Delas (208-90)
F/C: Konstantinos Papanikolaou (204-91)
F/C: Nikola Mirotic (208-91)

2nd Team
G: Paul Lacombe (194-90)
G: Konstantinos Sloukas (197-90)
F: Vladimir Ivlev (204-90)
F: Furkan Aldemir (205-91)
C: Bojan Dubljevic (205-91)

3rd Team
G: Josep Franch (198-91)
G/F: Alessandro Gentile (198-92)
G/F: Ruslan Otverchenko (192-90)
C: Kyryl Natyazhko (208-90)
C: Dejan Musli (214-91)

Honorable Mention
Nemanja Nedovic (192-G-91)
Vladimir Mihailovic (193-G-90)
Tomas Satoransky (196-G/F-91)
Joan Sastre Morro (201-F-91)
Leon Radosevic (208-C-90)
Ignacio Llovet (202-C-91)
Eimantas Bendzius (203-F-90)
Kristers Zeidaks (202-F-90)
Maik Zirbes (205-C-90)


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FINLAND

Portugal beat Finland in double-overtime thriller - by Eurobasket News
Portugal U20 - Finland U20 99:98 (2OT)
Portugal recorded the second win at the U20 European Championship in Division B. They survived double-overtime drama to tame Finland in Gorup B. Finland slipped at 1-2 record after the bitter defeat.
Finland earned a 15:9 lead midway through the opening quarter. But Portugal were able to narrow the gap at 3-point mark at the first break. Lindbom scored five quick points for Finland as they took a 21:13 lead early in the second stanza. But Portugal used a 10:2 rally to surge in front midway through the second term. Finland bounced back and established a 44:41 lead at halftime. The lead changed hands for several times throughout the third period. Guerreiro capped the stanza with a three-pointer to give Portugal a 63:60 lead. Barroso opened the fourth term with another trey to boost the lead for Portugal. But Roope Ahonen (186-G-90) and Sasu Salin (190-G-91) teamed up to put Finland back in charge. Roope Ahonen gave Finland an 81:78 lead with 61 seconds remaining. Portugal answered with three points from Pedro Catarino (184-G-90) and Diogo Correia (185-G-90) to draw things level and force overtime. Finland led by four points in the extra period but wasted the advantage. Pedro Catarino and Jose Miguel Barbosa (176-G-90) denied the distance and forced seconds extra period. Diogo Correia and Jose Miguel Barbosa put Portugal in charge in the second overtime. Lindbom narrowed the gap and had the chance to level things up but misses one free throw allowing Portugal to escape with a narrow victory at the end.
Diogo Correia and Pedro Catarino provided 17 points each for Portugal. Jose Miguel Barbosa produced 15 points in the victory. Sasu Salin answered with 29 points for Finland. Roope Ahonen had 22 points in the losing effort.

Portugal U20: Diogo Correia 17, Pedro Catarino 17, Jose Miguel Barbosa 15
Finland U20: Sasu Salin 29, Roope Ahonen 22


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FRANCE

France triumphs at U20 European Championship in Croatia - by Eurobasket News
Greece U20-France U20 62:73

France triumphs at U20 European Championship in Croatia as the winners surprised Greece U20 in the Final. Taking an easy 19-6 lead after the opening quarter, France managed to win the game and revenged for the last year loss. Last year Greek U20 National Team triumphed at home European Championship. Seven Greek players scored in double digits to pace the Hellenes to the huge success. The amazing kids from Hellas after the European championship last year won another European championship succeeding something that no other team has actually succeeded the last twenty years with 90:85 win.
Tonight the teams were tied at 6:6, while France shocked Greece with 18-0 run to take 24:6 in the beginning of the second period. Greece had no match in the first half for the French side and trailed 22:41 as Evangelos Mantzaris (190-G-90) hit a three-pointer. Sloukas later reduced to minus 13, while Nikos Pappas (194-G-90, agency: FCM) closed the third frame at 39:56. He also reduced with his side to 58:63 with 2 minutes in the game. Kandolo however nailed a three and Andrew Albicy (178-G-90) brought another five points for 70:51. Paul Lacombe (194-G-90) made the last two free throws in the game to triumph with France.
Andrew Albicy led the way with 20 points for the winners and Paul Lacombe poured in 14. Lang, Leonard and Jonathan Rousselle (188-G-90) delivered 6 points each for the title. Nikos Pappas ended up with 22 points for the Greek side and Evangelos Mantzaris netted 12.

Greece U20: Nikos Pappas 22, Evangelos Mantzaris 12
France U20: Andrew Albicy 20, Paul Lacombe 14, Lang 6, Leonard 6, Jonathan Rousselle 6

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FYR MACEDONIA

Poland National team finished third in Italy, FYR Macedonia is fourth - by Eurobasket News
FYR Macedonia-Poland 53:63

Poland National team finished third at the Trofeo Mandela Forum in Florence, Italy. The team won the last game over FYR Macedonia 63:53 to finish with 1-2 record.
FYR Macedonia won the opening quarter 21-16 and even had 36:34 lead at the halftime. Poland started to play better in defense in the second half and managed to win both quarters. At first they produced 12-11 in the third frame to trail just one before the final stanza. in the last quarter Poland needed 17-6 to win the game and finished third. Poland showed better percentage from the filed as they had 60% versus 30%. They also looked better from the perimeter (42% versus 32%) and free throw line (71% versus 62%).
Maciej Lampe (210-C-85) paced all the winners with 13 points and 9 rebounds. Adam Hrycaniuk (208-C-84, college: Cincinnati), Michal Chylinski (199-G-86) and Krzysztof Szubarga (182-G-84, agency: AB Agency) followed him with 10 points apiece. Pero Antic (210-F-82, agency: Interperformances) answered with 19 points in defeat, whilst Vojdan Stojanovski (194-G-87), Dimitar Mirakovski (180-G-81, agency: Interperformances), Darko Sokolov (190-G-86) and Predrag Samardziski (214-C-86, agency: Interperformances) scored 6 each.
Bulgaria won Trofeo Mandela Forum as the team won all three games in the tournament. After defeating FYR Macedonia and Poland, Bulgaria edged Italy 84:83 to win the title.

FYR Macedonia: Pero Antic 19, Vojdan Stojanovski 6, Dimitar Mirakovski 6, Darko Sokolov 6, Predrag Samardziski 6
Poland: Maciej Lampe 13+9 rebs, Adam Hrycaniuk 10, Michal Chylinski 10, Krzysztof Szubarga 10

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

GEORGIA

Georgia edge Sweden to post first win in Austria - by Eurobasket News
Georgia U20 - Sweden U20 79:73

Georgia opened the win count at the U20 European Championship in Division B. They held off Sweden tonight to improve at 1-2 record in Group A. Sweden suffered the first defeat and slipped at 2-1 record. Tornike Shengelia (205-G/F-91) notched 23 points and 13 rebounds to pace the winners.
The lead changed hands for several times throughout the starting frame. Georgia went on a 9:0 run late in the quarter and posted a 19:11 advantage into the second term. Sweden pulled closer in the second frame. They trailed by just three points 32:35 at the interval. Person and Lindqvist helped Sweden grab a 42:41 lead early in the third stanza. But Georgia quickly returned into the drivers seat as they entered the final quarter up by 2 points 55:53. Christopher Czerapowicz (197-F-91) drained a three-pointer at the start of the fourth period to put Sweden back in charge. Akaki Lomouri (198-F-91) and Beqa Chikviladze (195-G-91) exploded with back-to-back triples midway through the fourth term to give Georgia a 66:60 advantage. The margin grew at 7-point mark after another long bomb from Beqa Chikviladze. Giorgi Sharabidze (208-C-90) and Tornike Shengelia added five points from the charity stripe and Georgia did not look back en route to the win in the final moments.
Giorgi Sharabidze tallied 19 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Beqa Chikviladze produced 15 points for Georgia. Christopher Czerapowicz answered with 15 points for Sweden. Pierre Hampton (198-F-91) nailed 13 points in the loss.

Georgia U20: Tornike Shengelia 23+13 boards, Giorgi Sharabidze 19+10 boards, Beqa Chikviladze 15
Sweden U20: Christopher Czerapowicz 15, Pierre Hampton 13


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GERMANY

Germany U20 sent Holland U20 to Division B - by Eurobasket News
Germany U20-Holland U20 73:57

Germany and Netherlands fought in the last game of the Relegation Round to remain in Division A. Germany just like last year survived once again courtesy of a 75:57 win.
Germany started with 5-0 lead and improved to 11:2 in the middle of the quarter. Kherrazi closed the period for the Dutch team that trailed 20:10 after 10 minutes. Jonas Wohlfarth-Bottermann (207-C-90) scored for 27:12 and Land made it 32:20. T.J. DiLeo (188-G) made two free throws at the end of the half 33:22. In the beginning of the third period the German side started to increase the lead as T.J. DiLeo scored for 41:23. He also made a shot for 50:30, while Schmitz made it 53:32. Steven Monse (200-F-90) made the last shot in the end of the third quarter for 59:36. Holland U20 realized the importance of the game however could only reduce the gap due to the win in the last period. The Dutch team won the last frame 21-14 but lost the game and will be eliminated now to Division B. Czech Republic U20 as well as Netherlands have to start in Division B next year.
T.J. DiLeo paced all the winners with 20 points for the winners. Jonas Wohlfarth-Bottermann notched 14, while Steven Monse scored 10. Charlon Kloof (188-G-90) ended up with 11 points in the losing effort and Jeroen van Vugt (192-G-91) posted 10.

Germany U20: T.J. DiLeo 20, Jonas Wohlfarth-Bottermann 14, Steven Monse 10
Holland U20: Charlon Kloof 11, Jeroen van Vugt 10

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GREECE

Pappas close to stay with Kolossos, Aris talks with Kalambokis, PAO denies signing of Sato - by Eurobasket News
Nikos Pappas (194-G-90, agency: FCM) is close to stay with Kolossos Rhodes one more year. Bizkaia Bilbao Basket and the Greek club are in talks to extend the loan of the 20-year old prospect. Last season, Pappas averaged 7.5 points and 1.4 rebounds for 27 games in A1. He was named 'Eurobasket.com All-Greek A1 League Newcomer of the Year' and got a call to join the Greek National Team. Kolossos already signed Pat Kalathis (208-G/F-85, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: St.Joseph's) few days ago and they could release Lance Harris (188-G).
Aris Thessaloniki negotiates with Giannis Kalambokis (195-G-78, agency: FCM). The experienced guard played for Panionios over the past three years. Last season, he had 11.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 2.2 apg for 20 games in Greece. Before Panionios, Kalambokis played for PAOK. On season 2008/09 he spent few months with Benetton Treviso.
The Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos Athens denied signing of Romain Sato (194-G/F-81, college: Xavier). Despite some of the Italian media reported that the deal is done, PAO denied it. However, PAO did not deny they offered a contract to the Central African player. Sato, a free agent after his contract with Montepaschi Siena expired, was reported to have agreed to a three-year, $7.5 million deal with Panathianikos. The next couple of days will give an answer about this story.

France triumphs at U20 European Championship in Croatia - by Eurobasket News
Greece U20-France U20 62:73

France triumphs at U20 European Championship in Croatia as the winners surprised Greece U20 in the Final. Taking an easy 19-6 lead after the opening quarter, France managed to win the game and revenged for the last year loss. Last year Greek U20 National Team triumphed at home European Championship. Seven Greek players scored in double digits to pace the Hellenes to the huge success. The amazing kids from Hellas after the European championship last year won another European championship succeeding something that no other team has actually succeeded the last twenty years with 90:85 win.
Tonight the teams were tied at 6:6, while France shocked Greece with 18-0 run to take 24:6 in the beginning of the second period. Greece had no match in the first half for the French side and trailed 22:41 as Evangelos Mantzaris (190-G-90) hit a three-pointer. Sloukas later reduced to minus 13, while Nikos Pappas (194-G-90, agency: FCM) closed the third frame at 39:56. He also reduced with his side to 58:63 with 2 minutes in the game. Kandolo however nailed a three and Andrew Albicy (178-G-90) brought another five points for 70:51. Paul Lacombe (194-G-90) made the last two free throws in the game to triumph with France.
Andrew Albicy led the way with 20 points for the winners and Paul Lacombe poured in 14. Lang, Leonard and Jonathan Rousselle (188-G-90) delivered 6 points each for the title. Nikos Pappas ended up with 22 points for the Greek side and Evangelos Mantzaris netted 12.

Greece U20: Nikos Pappas 22, Evangelos Mantzaris 12
France U20: Andrew Albicy 20, Paul Lacombe 14, Lang 6, Leonard 6, Jonathan Rousselle 6

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HOLLAND

Germany U20 sent Holland U20 to Division B - by Eurobasket News
Germany U20-Holland U20 73:57

Germany and Netherlands fought in the last game of the Relegation Round to remain in Division A. Germany just like last year survived once again courtesy of a 75:57 win.
Germany started with 5-0 lead and improved to 11:2 in the middle of the quarter. Kherrazi closed the period for the Dutch team that trailed 20:10 after 10 minutes. Jonas Wohlfarth-Bottermann (207-C-90) scored for 27:12 and Land made it 32:20. T.J. DiLeo (188-G) made two free throws at the end of the half 33:22. In the beginning of the third period the German side started to increase the lead as T.J. DiLeo scored for 41:23. He also made a shot for 50:30, while Schmitz made it 53:32. Steven Monse (200-F-90) made the last shot in the end of the third quarter for 59:36. Holland U20 realized the importance of the game however could only reduce the gap due to the win in the last period. The Dutch team won the last frame 21-14 but lost the game and will be eliminated now to Division B. Czech Republic U20 as well as Netherlands have to start in Division B next year.
T.J. DiLeo paced all the winners with 20 points for the winners. Jonas Wohlfarth-Bottermann notched 14, while Steven Monse scored 10. Charlon Kloof (188-G-90) ended up with 11 points in the losing effort and Jeroen van Vugt (192-G-91) posted 10.

Germany U20: T.J. DiLeo 20, Jonas Wohlfarth-Bottermann 14, Steven Monse 10
Holland U20: Charlon Kloof 11, Jeroen van Vugt 10

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HUNGARY

Our senior NT edged Pachulia's Georgia in Szombathely - by Tamas Deri
The NT of Georgia spent 10 days in Austria, so there was an easy way to invite them to Hungary to play against our NT. It might be a surprise for the fans of basketball, but the young team of Hungary lead by coaches Dzunic and Sabali could win by 12 points. Peter Lorant (207-F/C-85) had a great game with 20 points and very good defensive job on NBA player Pachulia. Krisztian Wittmann - coming from the bench - scored also 20 points including three 3pointers.

Hungary - Georgia 90-82
(19-28, 21-13, 17-19, 33-22)
Arena Savaria, Att: 500, Referees: Forrai, Toth, Sabali
Hungary: Hanga 5, Molnar 7, Vojvoda 7, Hendlein 5/3, Peter Lorant 20/6, Krisztian Wittmann (185-G-85, agency: FCM) 20/9, Szabo Zs. 2, Toth A. 4, Soos 6/3, Toth G. 2, Keller 2, Akos Horvath (194-G/F-81) 10, Head coach: Dzunic Branislav, Assistant coach: Balazs Sabali
Georgia: Green 7/3, Metreveli 4, Tsintsadze 5, Zaza Pachulia (212-C-84) 14, Manuchar Markoishvili (195-G-86) 22/15, Gamqrelidze 2, Shermadini 2, Hosley 3, TSIKITSHVILI 17/6


Israel hold off Hungary - by Eurobasket News
Israel U20 - Hungary U20 86:78
Israeli U20 team registered the second win at the European Championship in Division B. They fired past Hungary for 2-1 record in Group A. Jacob Cohen (210-C-90) had another solid performance as he tallied 27 points and 6 rebounds.
Israel went on a 13:0 run in the opening quarter to build a 22:11 lead. Nesterenko capped the starting frame with a lay-up to establish a 29:19 advantage at the first pause. Ferdinand Morgen (206-F/C-90) dragged Hungary within just three points early in the second term. Mohasci and Norbert Takacs (197-G/F-90) stepped up for Hungary late in the first half as they posted a 43:40 lead at halftime. Janos Eilingsfeld (198-F/C-91, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services), Lakosa and Norbert Takacs gave Hungary a 58:45 lead midway through the third quarter. But Israel erased the deficit trailing by a single point 64:65 heading into the fourth term. Hungary tipped off the final stanza with four points in a row but Israel responded with a 15:0 run of their own to surge ahead for good. Hungary never recovered and had to surrender at the end.
Yotam Shiran (198-F-90, agency: Gross Zeev ISA) provided 18 points and 9 rebounds for Israel. Tal Karpelesz (194-F-90) added 15 points and 9 caroms for the winning team. Norbert Takacs replied with 18 points for Hungary. Ferdinand Morgen and Janos Eilingsfeld had 15 points each in defeat.

Israel U20: Jacob Cohen 27, Yotam Shiran 18, Tal Karpelesz 15
Hungary U20: Norbert Takacs 18, Ferdinand Morgen 15, Janos Eilingsfeld 15


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IRAN

Iran remain the only undefeated team in William Jones Cup - by Eurobasket News
Iran remain the only undefeated team in William Jones Cup as the team improved already to 4-0 record. Tonight they rolled over Australian Crocs 84:54. The favorites easily won another game to prove the ambitions for Gold. Darvarpanah Fard Karekani was unstoppable with 28 points to lead his team. Rouzbeh Arghavan (212-F/C-88) notched 17, whilst Zani Mashhady had 16. Stanely ended up with 11 points in the losing effort.
Before that Iran produced a 79:71 victory over Lebanon to remain undefeated. Lebanon led 44:42 after the halftime, but Iran won the second half. Nikkhah Bahrami paced all the winners with 30 points , while Kardoust Poustinsaraei collected 20 points and 14 rebounds. Jackson Vroman (208-C/F-81, college: Iowa St.) finished the game with 14 points and 7 rebounds in defeat, whilst Fahed scored 10.


Kardoust Did A Big Job and Iran Outdueled Lebanon To Go 3-0 ... - by Mohammad Ahmadi
Iran came from behind to beat Lebanon 79-71 Saturday in the battle of two undfeated teams in the 2010 R. William Jones Cup basketball tournament while host Taiwan was handed its first defeat after a 94-85 loss to Japan.

Defending champion Iran is now 3-0 after the win as Lebanon and the Philippines are one step behind at 2-1 respectively in the seven-team single round-robin men's competition. Taiwan tied with Japan at 2-2.

Iranian forward Samad Nikkhah (198-G/F-83) scored 30 points, including 17 in the first half, in the much-anticipated game between the defending Asian champion and its West Asian opponent Lebanon, which finished 4th in the last Asian Championship. 2.10-meter center Asghar Kardoust (210-C-86) added 20 points and 14 boards.

After see-sawing first three quarters, Iran finally took advantage of the absence of Lebanese big man Jackson Vroman, who fouled out of the game with four minutes to go, in the last period during which it outscored Lebanon 26-7 to go from behind.

'It's always tough to beat Lebanon, ' Iran head coach Veselin Matic said.

Vroman led Lebanon with 14 points and 7 rebounds. Rony Fahed had 10.

Japan did not panick when Taiwan opened the game aggressively and led by double-digit after five minutes. Led by point guard Yuta Tabuse and Takuya Kawamura, who had a team-high 25 points, Japan toughened up its defense and answered with fastbreaks of its own to lead by three, 48-45, at the half and never looked back.

Tabuse showed his all-around game, finishing with 15 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals.

Taiwan University All-Stars beat Australia Crocodiles 88-77 for its first win. The Crocs suffered its fourth straight setback. The younger Taiwan University, which trailed by as many as 16 points early, took advantage of the slower and older Aussie with runs of 17-3 and 14-2 in the third and final period.

In the women's competition, South Korea edged Taiwan national team 80-78 to go 3-0 in the preliminary round. Taiwan University All-Stars routed Kazakhstan 149-55.

South Korea will meet Kazakhstan and Taiwan will meet Taiwan University All-Stars in the semifinals.

Results:
Iran 79-71 Lebanon (42-44)
Iran: M.S. Nikkhah Bahrami 30p, A. Kardoust Poustinsaraei 20p+14rb
Lebanon: J. Vroman 14p+7rb, R. Fahed 10p

Taiwan University All-Stars 88-77 Crocs
Taiwan University: Chou Po-chen 23p+8rb+3blk, Liu Cheng 19p+11rb+4s, Sung Yu-hsuan 16p
Crocs: D. Matacz 28p+18rb

Japan 94-85 Taiwan
Japan: T. Kawamura 25p, Y. Tabuse 15p+9rb+6a+4s
Taiwan:

Men's Standings:
Iran NT 3-0
Lebanon 2-1
Taiwan NT 2-1
Philippines NT 2-1
Japan NT 1-2
Taiwan University 1-2
Townsville Crocs 0-4


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ISRAEL

Israel hold off Hungary - by Eurobasket News
Israel U20 - Hungary U20 86:78
Israeli U20 team registered the second win at the European Championship in Division B. They fired past Hungary for 2-1 record in Group A. Jacob Cohen (210-C-90) had another solid performance as he tallied 27 points and 6 rebounds.
Israel went on a 13:0 run in the opening quarter to build a 22:11 lead. Nesterenko capped the starting frame with a lay-up to establish a 29:19 advantage at the first pause. Ferdinand Morgen (206-F/C-90) dragged Hungary within just three points early in the second term. Mohasci and Norbert Takacs (197-G/F-90) stepped up for Hungary late in the first half as they posted a 43:40 lead at halftime. Janos Eilingsfeld (198-F/C-91, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services), Lakosa and Norbert Takacs gave Hungary a 58:45 lead midway through the third quarter. But Israel erased the deficit trailing by a single point 64:65 heading into the fourth term. Hungary tipped off the final stanza with four points in a row but Israel responded with a 15:0 run of their own to surge ahead for good. Hungary never recovered and had to surrender at the end.
Yotam Shiran (198-F-90, agency: Gross Zeev ISA) provided 18 points and 9 rebounds for Israel. Tal Karpelesz (194-F-90) added 15 points and 9 caroms for the winning team. Norbert Takacs replied with 18 points for Hungary. Ferdinand Morgen and Janos Eilingsfeld had 15 points each in defeat.

Israel U20: Jacob Cohen 27, Yotam Shiran 18, Tal Karpelesz 15
Hungary U20: Norbert Takacs 18, Ferdinand Morgen 15, Janos Eilingsfeld 15


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ITALY

Scafati brings in Mats Levin - by Eurobasket News
Scafati Basket announced signing of a one-year deal with Mats Levin (188-G-77). The experienced Swedish guard is coming to Scafati from Fastweb Junior Casale Monferrato, where he had 7.1 ppg, 2.2 rpg and 4.6 apg for 26 games in LegaDue last season. Levin joined Casale in January this year from the Swedish team Sundsvall Dragons. There he had 11.2 ppg, 2.7 rpg and 5.8 apg for 17 games.
Season 2008/09 Mats Levin started with Nuova Pallacanestro Pavia and than moved to Solna Vikings. Season 2008/08 he split between CImberio Aironi Novara and Edimes Pavia. Both teams competed in LegaDue, while Levin had better numbers with Novara. For 19 games with them he averaged 12.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 4.2 assists. In the past, Levin also was a member of Ticino, Capo dOrlando, Cantu and Castelmaggiore. He has experience from France as a player of Nanterre on season 2004/05. At that time Levin had 11.1 ppg, 3.7 rpg, and 4.6 apg for 28 games in ProB. He was named Eurobasket.com French ProB All-Bosmans Team. In 2008 with Pavia he was awarded with Eurobasket.com Italian Lega2 All-Bosmans Team.
Mat Levin is an active member of the Swedish National Team since 2001. Last summer at EuroBasket Division B he had 10.8 ppg, 2.3 rpg and 2.5 apg for 9 games.

Bulgaria wins Trofeo Mandela Forum - by Eurobasket News
Italy-Bulgaria 83:84

Bulgaria wins Trofeo Mandela Forum as the team won all three games in the tournament. After defeating FYR Macedonia and Poland, Bulgaria edged Italy 84:83 to win the title.
Bulgaria started with 21-18 and surprised the hosts that also won the first two games. Moreover Bulgaria added 27-16 in the second period to enjoy 48:34 at the halftime. Italy was too far to give up and even tied the game after the third quarter as they exploded with 28-14 in the third frame. The last minutes of the game were exciting and kept the spectators in Florence alive until the last seconds. Kaloyan Ivanov (205-F-86) tied the game at 82:82 with a minute to go. Marco Mordente (191-G-79) put the hosts in front with 83:82, while Filip Videnov (196-F/G-80, agency: Interperformances, college: W.Kentucky) made it 84:83 from the free throw line. Italy had 23 seconds time for another attack, and five seconds before the end was an infringement against Belineli. But he missed both of his shooting, then follow the fight in scrimmage, which was to Italy in 3 seconds left . Belineli get the ball and tried a difficult shot, but failed and so won our game by one point.
Filip Videnov paced all the winners with 19 points to the title. Kaloyan Ivanov posted 18, while Earl Calloway (191-G-83, college: Indiana) followed them with 11 points. Marco Belinelli (196-G-86) responded with 26 points and 10 rebounds in the losing effort as Italy finished second with 2-1 record. Marco Mordente netted 16 and Antonio Maestranzi (178-G-84, college: N.Illinois) scored 14.

Italy: Marco Belinelli 26+10 rebs, Marco Mordente 16, Antonio Maestranzi 14
Bulgaria: Filip Videnov 19, Kaloyan Ivanov 18, Earl Calloway 11


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LATVIA

Ukraine won over Latvia in the second game between two teams in Kiev - by Eurobasket News
Ukraine-Latvia 83:72

Ukraine won over Latvia in the second game between two teams in Kiev. The hosts registered 83:72 victory as Vitaliy Cherniy celebrated his first win as the head Coach of the National team.
The first quarter became the most productive as the teams nailed 57 points. Latvia, that won the opener last night took 30:27 after the first 10 minutes. Ukraine started to play better in the rest of the game and won three other frames. They rolled over the opponents in the second frame 21-10 to take 48:40 halftime advantage. Moreover the hosts produced 17-16 in the third quarter to take 9-point deficit before the last stanza. In the final period Ukraine added 18-16 to win the game. Dmytro Zabirchenko (192-G-84) top-scored for the Ukrainian side with 19 points. Kyrylo Fesenko (213-C-86, agency: Arik Krayn Services) followed him with 15 points and 14 rebounds.Berzins ended up with 16 points in the losing case and Mareks Jurevicus (198-G/F-85) scored 15. Freimanis collected 10 points and 8 rebounds, while Ingus Bankevics (195-G/F-85, agency: FCM) and Rinalds Sirsnins (186-G-85, agency: Promotex) posted 9 each. Jeromanovs and Stalbergs brought the guests 4 points apiece.

Ukraine: Dmytro Zabirchenko 19 points. Kyrylo Fesenko 15+14 rebs
Latvia: Berzins 16 points, Mareks Jurevicus 15


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LEBANON

Lebanon has 3-1 record at William Jones Cup - by Eurobasket News
Lebanon has 3-1 record at William Jones Cup after the team rolled over Taiwan University All-Stars 96:66 tonight. Lebanon looked better in the game and reached the third victory. Estaphan top-scored for the winners with 14 points. Chou Po-chen and Liu Cheng ended up with 11 points each in defeat.
Before that Iran produced a 79:71 victory over Lebanon to remain undefeated. Lebanon led 44:42 after the halftime, but Iran won the second half. Nikkhah Bahrami paced all the winners with 30 points , while Kardoust Poustinsaraei collected 20 points and 14 rebounds. Jackson Vroman (208-C/F-81, college: Iowa St.) finished the game with 14 points and 7 rebounds in defeat, whilst Fahed scored 10.


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LITHUANIA

Zydrunas Ilgauskas officially signs with Miami Heat - by Eurobasket News
Three weeks ago, the Miami Heat had exactly one player under contract, second-year reserve point guard Mario Chalmers.

Soon, the 'No Vacancy' sign is about to start flashing at AmericanAirlines Arena.

The land grab to become part of the ritzy new neighborhood of Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh continued Saturday.

The latest to formally put pen to paper was Cleveland Cavaliers free-agent center Zydrunas Ilgauskas (7'2''-C-75, agency: Interperformances), who signed off on a two-year, $2.8 million deal Saturday, with a player option on that second season.

By the end of Saturday, there is hope to also have Heat free-agent center Jamaal Magloire under contract.

Expected to follow in short order are Portland Trail Blazers free-agent forward Juwan Howard and Heat free-agent point guard Carlos Arroyo.

Once Howard, Magloire and Arroyo are done, the Heat will have 12 players under contract for 2010-11, when counting Wade, James, Bosh, returning power forward Udonis Haslem, Chalmers and Ilgauskas, as well as the three players the team signed Friday: Washington Wizards free-agent swingman Mike Miller, Heat free-agent center Joel Anthony and Heat second-round pick Dexter Pittman, the burly center out of the University of Texas.

NBA rosters are capped at a regular-season limit of 15, with active rosters during the season limited to 12 players on game nights. Team can carry are many as 20 players in the offseason, allowed to fill out such rosters with use of the league's minimum-salary scale. The Heat is otherwise out of salary-cap flexibility, now operating well beyond the 2010-11 $58 million soft salary cap.

The current composition of the roster likely means the addition of at least one more wing scorer, one more point guard, and perhaps a developmental player, with the team's two other 2010 second-round picks, West Virginia forward Da'Sean Butler and Mississippi State forward Jarvis Varnado, still unsigned.

Guard Kenny Hasbrouck, who finished last season on the Heat roster but never got into a game, had a solid showing in the Heat's summer-league in Las Vegas and also could be considered for such a developmental role. It now appears, however, that Heat 2009 second-round picks Patrick Beverley and Robert Dozier will have to spend at least another season overseas, although each could potentially still receive a training-camp invitation.

The available wing slot could potentially go to Orlando Magic free-agent forward Matt Barnes or Heat free-agent forward James Jones, or to the likes of a Rasual Butler, Flip Murray, Jawad Williams, Tracy McGrady or Jerry Stackhouse, with former All-Star and one-time Heat player Penny Hardaway also trying to get his name on that list.

Among available point guards are free-agent options such as former Heat players Eddie House, Keyon Dooling and Jason Williams, as well as Indiana Pacers free agent Earl Watson, a longtime Heat target.

Still unclear is who will start at center, with Anthony a frontrunner, based on his ability to provide deterrence at the rim.

'As we continue to shape our roster, we have filled a key position with the addition of Zydrunas,' Heat President Pat Riley said. 'He is a two-time All-Star, a proven rebounder, and a great shot blocker.'

Ilgauskas was personally recruited by James, his Cleveland Cavaliers teammate the past seven seasons.

'His place in NBA history is already clear,' Riley said of Ilgauskas, 'and we are pleased to be able to add a seasoned veteran of his caliber to our roster.'

Playing mostly off the bench this past season in Cleveland behind Shaquille O'Neal, Ilgauskas averaged 7.4 points and 5.4 rebounds in 20.9 minutes, shooting .443 from the field.

The 35-year-old native of Lithuania was an All-Star in 2003 and '05, leaving the Cavaliers as the franchise's all-time leader in offensive rebounds and blocked shots. He ranks 42nd and 44th, respectively, in NBA history in those two categories. He will wear No. 11 with the Heat.

With the pending arrival of Magloire, it all but rules out any possibility of a free-agent return by O'Neal, who remains on the market. With Anthony, Ilgauskas, Magloire and Pittman, the Heat would have four centers under contract.

Courtesy of www.palmbeachpost.com

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LUXEMBOURG

All foreign players announed in DBBL - by Chris Longoria
Every team in the Diekirch League has their foreigner spot filled already,besides the Pikes who have not made a decision yet, here is an overlook:
T71: Denell Stephens (192-G-86, agency: ZAG Advocates, college: Slippery Rock)
Sparta: Cory Abercrombie (201-F/C-85, college: Independence CC)
Steinsel: Louis Birdsong (198-F-88, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) (Tryout)
Etzella: Dustin Scott (203-F/C-85, college: Charleston)
Contern: Brandon Gary (202-F-83, college: Hutchinson CC)
Residence: Marcus Kennedy (193-F-84, agency: Interperformances, college: Montevallo)
Mersch:Billy McDaniel (201-F/C-84, agency: JEMsports, college: Ark.-Monticello)
Esch: John Reimold (198-F-81, college: Bowling Green)
Zolver: Domonique Crawford (193-G-84, college: Youngstown St.)
Musel Pikes: Fletcher Walters (201-F-86, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Amherst) ??


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MONTENEGRO

Trailing at the halftime, Russia U20 grabs 5th - by Eurobasket News
Russia U20-Montenegro U20 70:60

Russia U20 grabbed the 5th place at the U20 European Championship in Croatia. The team overcame Montenegro U20 70:60 although trailing at the halftime.
Russia scored the first two points in the game and later had 5:2. Vladimir Mihailovic (193-G-90) however tied the game at 7:7 and Bojan Dubljevic (205-C-91, agency: Beo Basket) brought his side 17:12. Morozov made jump shot at the end of the period for 17:14. Montenegro led for the several minutes in the quarter but then Andreev tied the game at 20:20. The teams were tied two more times in the quarter, while Vladimir Mihailovic gave his team 31;27 at the halftime. An 8-0 run helped Russia after the break as they started to dominate the court. Morozov later scored for 44:27 and Valiev posted for 49:42. Dukanovic closed the quarter at 51:47 as he made a jump shot at the end of thirty minutes. Russia held off the opponents in the last frame and reached the necessary victory. Vladimir Ivlev (204-F-90) brought the last points in the game for the final 70:60 win.
Vladimir Ivlev paced all the winners with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Denis Polokhin (196-G-90) nailed 12, while Evgeny Valiev (204-F-90) scored 11. Bojan Dubljevic ended up with 18 points in defeat and Vladimir Mihailovic netted 13.

Russia U20: Vladimir Ivlev 17+12 rebs, Denis Polokhin 12, Evgeny Valiev 11
Montenegro U20: Bojan Dubljevic 18, Vladimir Mihailovic 13

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NBA

Hornets interview Griffin, Sheppard for GM job - by Eurobasket News
In a fast-moving search for a general manager to replace the fired Jeff Bower, Hornets officials have interviewed former Suns executive David Griffin and Wizards executive Tommy Sheppard during Summer League, with the intention of further escalating their search early next week, sources with knowledge of the situation told CBSSports.com.

Griffin, who left the Suns' front office in the wake of team president Steve Kerr's departure, joins Sheppard and Spurs executive Dell Demps on the list of candidates Hornets president Hugh Weber has spoken with about the job. Demps has met twice with Hornets officials, including having dinner with coach Monty Williams Friday night. Demps and Williams were teammates in San Antonio and have been friends ever since. Sheppard, the top assistant under GM Ernie Grunfeld, is a rising star among NBA execs and was instrumental in quickly and responsibly slashing the Wizards' payroll after the Gilbert Arenas situation last season.

Due to their relationship, Demps is believed to be a prohibitive favorite for the job -- but also is a strong candidate to be installed as the personnel man under incoming Suns president Lob Babby, a former player agent who is scheduled to arrive in Phoenix Monday to be fornally introduced as the team's new head of basketball operations.

The Hornets also have expressed interest in former Trail Blazers execs Kevin Pritchard and Tom Penn and former Kings assistant GM Jason Levien. Also, Bucks assistant GM Jeff Weltman is expected to be on the Hornets' radar. Weber flew back to New Orleans Sunday, and the Hornets are hoping to have a GM in place by midweek or the end of the week, sources say.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Marc Iavaroni out as Raptors assistant, goes to Clippers - by Eurobasket News
The Raptors gained a player and lost a coach as the Summer of Change continues.

On the day the Denver Nuggets didn't match an offer sheet extended to restricted free agent forward Linas Kleiza, assistant coach Marc Iavaroni is leaving Jay Triano's staff to join new head coach Vinny Del Negro with the Los Angeles Clippers.

The news on Kleiza, who has a four-year, $18.8 million deal with the Raptors, is hardly surprising; the Nuggets were never expected to match the offer.

But the departure of Iavaroni, hired a year ago as ostensibly Torontos defensive guru, is mildly surprising.

Even after the addition of P.J. Carlesimo to Trianos staff in May, there were no other staff changes planned until the 53-year-old former head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies decided to leave for Los Angeles.

Del Negro, the former head coach in Chicago, was hired to replace the fired Mike Dunleavy and interim head coach Kim Hughes with the Clippers earlier this month. In his time with the Bulls, Del Negro always had an older, more experienced assistant like Del Harris or Bernie Bickerstaff on his staff.

Iavaronis tenure with Toronto hardly worked out as planned. The Raptors were among the worst defensive teams in the NBA last season, allowing teams to average 105.8 points against them, fourth worst in the NBA.

His departure leaves a staff of Carlesimo, Alex English and Micah Nori to work with Triano. Alvin Williams and Eric Hughes remain as assistant coaches for basketball development.

Iavaroni had worked as an assistant in Miami, Cleveland and Phoenix before getting the head coaching job in Memphis in 2007. He lasted 39 games into the 2008-09 season before being fired by the Grizzlies.

In his five seasons with the Suns, he was the lead assistant on a staff that produced one of the most powerful offences in NBA history.

There was no word on whether Iavaroni will be replaced in Toronto.

The Raptors, meanwhile, finished a perfect 5-0 run in the Las Vegas Summer League on Saturday, beating the New Orleans Hornets 101-93 behind 24 points from Ronald Dupree.

Both DeMar DeRozan and Sonny Weems had family obligations and missed the final game of the summer league season.

Courtesy of www.thestar.com

Zydrunas Ilgauskas officially signs with Miami Heat - by Eurobasket News
Three weeks ago, the Miami Heat had exactly one player under contract, second-year reserve point guard Mario Chalmers.

Soon, the 'No Vacancy' sign is about to start flashing at AmericanAirlines Arena.

The land grab to become part of the ritzy new neighborhood of Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh continued Saturday.

The latest to formally put pen to paper was Cleveland Cavaliers free-agent center Zydrunas Ilgauskas (7'2''-C-75, agency: Interperformances), who signed off on a two-year, $2.8 million deal Saturday, with a player option on that second season.

By the end of Saturday, there is hope to also have Heat free-agent center Jamaal Magloire under contract.

Expected to follow in short order are Portland Trail Blazers free-agent forward Juwan Howard and Heat free-agent point guard Carlos Arroyo.

Once Howard, Magloire and Arroyo are done, the Heat will have 12 players under contract for 2010-11, when counting Wade, James, Bosh, returning power forward Udonis Haslem, Chalmers and Ilgauskas, as well as the three players the team signed Friday: Washington Wizards free-agent swingman Mike Miller, Heat free-agent center Joel Anthony and Heat second-round pick Dexter Pittman, the burly center out of the University of Texas.

NBA rosters are capped at a regular-season limit of 15, with active rosters during the season limited to 12 players on game nights. Team can carry are many as 20 players in the offseason, allowed to fill out such rosters with use of the league's minimum-salary scale. The Heat is otherwise out of salary-cap flexibility, now operating well beyond the 2010-11 $58 million soft salary cap.

The current composition of the roster likely means the addition of at least one more wing scorer, one more point guard, and perhaps a developmental player, with the team's two other 2010 second-round picks, West Virginia forward Da'Sean Butler and Mississippi State forward Jarvis Varnado, still unsigned.

Guard Kenny Hasbrouck, who finished last season on the Heat roster but never got into a game, had a solid showing in the Heat's summer-league in Las Vegas and also could be considered for such a developmental role. It now appears, however, that Heat 2009 second-round picks Patrick Beverley and Robert Dozier will have to spend at least another season overseas, although each could potentially still receive a training-camp invitation.

The available wing slot could potentially go to Orlando Magic free-agent forward Matt Barnes or Heat free-agent forward James Jones, or to the likes of a Rasual Butler, Flip Murray, Jawad Williams, Tracy McGrady or Jerry Stackhouse, with former All-Star and one-time Heat player Penny Hardaway also trying to get his name on that list.

Among available point guards are free-agent options such as former Heat players Eddie House, Keyon Dooling and Jason Williams, as well as Indiana Pacers free agent Earl Watson, a longtime Heat target.

Still unclear is who will start at center, with Anthony a frontrunner, based on his ability to provide deterrence at the rim.

'As we continue to shape our roster, we have filled a key position with the addition of Zydrunas,' Heat President Pat Riley said. 'He is a two-time All-Star, a proven rebounder, and a great shot blocker.'

Ilgauskas was personally recruited by James, his Cleveland Cavaliers teammate the past seven seasons.

'His place in NBA history is already clear,' Riley said of Ilgauskas, 'and we are pleased to be able to add a seasoned veteran of his caliber to our roster.'

Playing mostly off the bench this past season in Cleveland behind Shaquille O'Neal, Ilgauskas averaged 7.4 points and 5.4 rebounds in 20.9 minutes, shooting .443 from the field.

The 35-year-old native of Lithuania was an All-Star in 2003 and '05, leaving the Cavaliers as the franchise's all-time leader in offensive rebounds and blocked shots. He ranks 42nd and 44th, respectively, in NBA history in those two categories. He will wear No. 11 with the Heat.

With the pending arrival of Magloire, it all but rules out any possibility of a free-agent return by O'Neal, who remains on the market. With Anthony, Ilgauskas, Magloire and Pittman, the Heat would have four centers under contract.

Courtesy of www.palmbeachpost.com

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NEW ZEALAND

Breakers still hopeful on Sean Marks - by Eurobasket News
Breakers general manager Richard Clarke says the club is doing everything in its power to lure New Zealand's 'greatest ever' basketball player home this year.

The Auckland-based ANBL franchise has two spots remaining on its roster for a guard and a big man and Clarke would love to see Sean Marks (208-F-75, college: California) fill that void.

'He's New Zealand's best ever,' Clarke said. 'He's local. He's got the longest NBA career [of a New Zealander]. It'd be great for New Zealand fans to see him playing here. It's a chance for him to play with a lot of his good friends in his home town.'

Marks, a 12-year professional, visited Auckland in June. Clarke took the opportunity to show him around the club facilities and the 34-year-old, who played the last two seasons for the New Orleans Hornets, liked what he saw.

'He'd love to come back for a year or two in New Zealand after his NBA career,' Clarke said. 'He's got a young family. He wants his two boys to experience a Kiwi summer and childhood, so he's definitely keen to make it happen.'

'A lot of New Zealanders would be keen to see Sean in the flesh.'

Marks is awaiting the finalisation of NBA rosters before making a decision on his future.

'We'd be prepared to wait as long as possible for him,' Clarke said.

The Breakers would even consider signing a short-term forward, which would allow Marks to join later in the season.

Should Marks fail to gain an NBA contract there would be offers from Europe, but with the Marks' family expected a third child near the end of this year a move home would be preferable, Clarke said.

'We'd have a good shot at getting him if he didn't get and NBA job and we'd work pretty hard to do it,' Clarke added.

Kirk Penney - the only other New Zealander to play in the NBA is a close friend of Marks, which was a big draw card.

'Kirk and him are very close and they'd love the chance to play together. We'll be utilising Kirk to keep the idea in Sean's head,' Clarke added.

The Breakers assemble in mid-September and Clarke said Marks would have 'a fair idea' of his future by that stage.

Tall Blacks assistant coach Dillon Boucher also confirmed on Friday that he was still hopeful Marks would recover from shoulder surgery to compete in the World Championships in August.

Courtesy of www.skysport.co.nz

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NORWAY

Norway climb on top of Group D in Austria - by Eurobasket News
Norway U20 - Slovak Republic U20 68:58
Norway toppled Slovak Republic at the U20 European Championship in Division B tonight. Anders Stien (195-G-90) knocked down 17 points to pace the Scandinavian team to the third win at the tournament. Norway improved at 3-1 record and climbed on top of preliminary round Group D. Slovak Republic in the meantime slipped at 2-2 record.
Norway shocked their opponents in the opening frame. The Scandinavian team held their opponents scoreless in the first ten minutes to enjoy a 15:0 lead at the first break. Anders Stien gave Norway an 18:0 lead at the start of the second term. Michal Kozar (191-F-90) finally broke the scoring draught for Slovak Republic. They gradually found the rhythm and narrowed the gap to 7 points at halftime. Tomas Mrvis (195-F-91) dragged Slovak Republic as close as 3 points midway through the third quarter. But Norway recovered and posted a 48:42 advantage at the final pause. Anders Stien opened a double-digit lead for Norway at the start of the fourth frame. Slovak Republic never got within striking distance and suffered the second loss at the tournament.
Aksel Bolinz (206-F-90) produced 13 points and 10 rebounds for Norway. Thomas Mjoes (181-G-90) added 12 points in the winning effort. Tomas Mrvis and Michal Kozar replied with 14 points each for Slovak Republic. Marchyn accounted for 12 points in the loss.

Norway U20: Anders Stien 17, Aksel Bolinz 13+10 boards, Thomas Mjoes 12
Slovak Republic U20: Tomas Mrvis 14, Michal Kozar 14


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PHILIPPINES

PBA Stats Leaders

• PPG
• RPG
• APG
• SPG
• BPG

Points Per Game

Anthony JOHNSON   Santa Lucia   (197-G/F-79)   Avg: 29.2

1. Johnson, Santa L. 29.2   2. Penny, Coca-Cola 26.2   3. Simpson, Alaska 26.2   4. Monroe, Barako 26.0   5. Nealy, Rain or Shine 23.5   6. David, Coca-Cola 21.5   7. Freeman, San M. 20.8   8. Brown, Derby A. 20.1   9. Ambres, Ginebra 20.0   10. Yap, Derby Ace L. 19.5

Rebounds Per Game

Gabriel FREEMAN   San Miguel   (198-F-85)   Avg: 16.3

1. Freeman, San M. 16.3   2. Simpson, Alaska 16.2   3. Ambres, Ginebra 15.3   4. Brown, Derby A. 14.8   5. Daniels, Talk N. 13.9   6. Penny, Coca-Cola 13.8   7. Johnson, Santa L. 13.4   8. Lewis, Rain or Shine 12.3   9. Nealy, Rain or Shine 11.1   10. Taulava, Coca-Cola 10.9

Assists Per Game

Jimmy ALAPAG   Talk N Text   (178-G-77)   Avg: 7.3

1. Alapag, Talk N Text 7.3   2. Cabagnot, San M. 6.5   3. Reyes, Santa Lucia 4.6   4. Mercado, Rain o. 4.6   5. Tenorio, Alaska 4.6   6. Helterbrand, Gineb. 4.3   7. Yap, Derby Ace L. 4.3   8. Monroe, Barako 4.1   9. Nealy, Rain or Shine 4.1   10. Cortez, Air21 4.1

Steals Per Game

Shawn DANIELS   Talk N Text   (200-C-79)   Avg: 2.2

1. Daniels, Talk N. 2.2   2. Baguio, Alaska 1.8   3. Williams, Santa Lucia 1.7   4. Simpson, Alaska 1.6   5. Reyes, Santa Lucia 1.4   6. Norwood, Rain o. 1.4   7. Monroe, Barako 1.3   8. Yap, Derby Ace L. 1.3   9. Penny, Coca-Cola 1.2   10. Tenorio, Alaska 1.2

Blocks Per Game

James PENNY   Coca-Cola   (198-F-76)   Avg: 2.3

1. Penny, Coca-Cola 2.3   2. Daniels, Talk N. 2.3   3. Simpson, Alaska 1.9   4. Monroe, Barako 1.5   5. Freeman, San M. 1.4   6. Johnson, Santa L. 1.4   7. Nealy, Rain or Shine 1.0   8. Reyes, Barako 1.0   9. Williams, Talk N. 1.0   10. Hrabak, Rain o. 0.9

Philippines needed overtime to beat Taiwan - by Eurobasket News
Philippines needed overtime to beat Taiwan at the William Jones Cup. They improved to 3-1 record to tie the second and third places with Lebanon. Marcus Douthit (211-F/C-80, college: Providence) exploded with 33 points and 22 rebounds to lead all the winners. Mac Baracael (193-F/G-85) notched 14, while Aguilar scored 11. Chen Shun-hsiang erupted with 32 points in the losing effort as Taiwan lost the tough game. Chen Tzu-wei nailed 16 and Lee Hsueh-lin posted 13.

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POLAND

Poland National team finished third in Italy, FYR Macedonia is fourth - by Eurobasket News
FYR Macedonia-Poland 53:63

Poland National team finished third at the Trofeo Mandela Forum in Florence, Italy. The team won the last game over FYR Macedonia 63:53 to finish with 1-2 record.
FYR Macedonia won the opening quarter 21-16 and even had 36:34 lead at the halftime. Poland started to play better in defense in the second half and managed to win both quarters. At first they produced 12-11 in the third frame to trail just one before the final stanza. in the last quarter Poland needed 17-6 to win the game and finished third. Poland showed better percentage from the filed as they had 60% versus 30%. They also looked better from the perimeter (42% versus 32%) and free throw line (71% versus 62%).
Maciej Lampe (210-C-85) paced all the winners with 13 points and 9 rebounds. Adam Hrycaniuk (208-C-84, college: Cincinnati), Michal Chylinski (199-G-86) and Krzysztof Szubarga (182-G-84, agency: AB Agency) followed him with 10 points apiece. Pero Antic (210-F-82, agency: Interperformances) answered with 19 points in defeat, whilst Vojdan Stojanovski (194-G-87), Dimitar Mirakovski (180-G-81, agency: Interperformances), Darko Sokolov (190-G-86) and Predrag Samardziski (214-C-86, agency: Interperformances) scored 6 each.
Bulgaria won Trofeo Mandela Forum as the team won all three games in the tournament. After defeating FYR Macedonia and Poland, Bulgaria edged Italy 84:83 to win the title.

FYR Macedonia: Pero Antic 19, Vojdan Stojanovski 6, Dimitar Mirakovski 6, Darko Sokolov 6, Predrag Samardziski 6
Poland: Maciej Lampe 13+9 rebs, Adam Hrycaniuk 10, Michal Chylinski 10, Krzysztof Szubarga 10

Poland register fourth straight win in Austria - by Eurobasket News
Poland U20 - Romania U20 96:73
Poland continued their perfect run in Austria. They prevailed against Romania to stay undefeated at the U20 European Championship in Division B. Poland improved at 4-0 record and jumped on top of Group D. Romania on the other hand suffered the fourth straight defeat at the tournament.
Poland opened the game with seven points in a row to set the tone. Romania tried to stay close as they narrow the distance to just three points late in the frame. But Poland capped the quarter with four points in a row and took a 25:18 advantage. Sulima opened a double-digit lead for Poland midway through the second frame. Poland rallied to a 47:33 halftime advantage. Poland went on a 7:0 run in the third quarter to boost the margin to 19 points. Poland entered the fourth quarter up by 20 points 67:47. Romania could not challenge the margin and had to digest the fourth loss in a row.
Aleksander Czyz (201-F-90) produced 22 points and 9 rebounds for Poland. Piotr Pamula (195-G-90) added 18 points, while Sebastian Szymanski (186-G-91) had 12 points in the victory. Bogdan Tibirna (208-C-91) answered with 21 points for Romania. Cristian Corneanu (200-C-91) notched 10 points in the loss.

Poland U20: Aleksander Czyz 22, Piotr Pamula 18, Sebastian Szymanski 12
Romania U20: Bogdan Tibirna 21, Cristian Corneanu 10


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PORTUGAL

Portugal beat Finland in double-overtime thriller - by Eurobasket News
Portugal U20 - Finland U20 99:98 (2OT)
Portugal recorded the second win at the U20 European Championship in Division B. They survived double-overtime drama to tame Finland in Gorup B. Finland slipped at 1-2 record after the bitter defeat.
Finland earned a 15:9 lead midway through the opening quarter. But Portugal were able to narrow the gap at 3-point mark at the first break. Lindbom scored five quick points for Finland as they took a 21:13 lead early in the second stanza. But Portugal used a 10:2 rally to surge in front midway through the second term. Finland bounced back and established a 44:41 lead at halftime. The lead changed hands for several times throughout the third period. Guerreiro capped the stanza with a three-pointer to give Portugal a 63:60 lead. Barroso opened the fourth term with another trey to boost the lead for Portugal. But Roope Ahonen (186-G-90) and Sasu Salin (190-G-91) teamed up to put Finland back in charge. Roope Ahonen gave Finland an 81:78 lead with 61 seconds remaining. Portugal answered with three points from Pedro Catarino (184-G-90) and Diogo Correia (185-G-90) to draw things level and force overtime. Finland led by four points in the extra period but wasted the advantage. Pedro Catarino and Jose Miguel Barbosa (176-G-90) denied the distance and forced seconds extra period. Diogo Correia and Jose Miguel Barbosa put Portugal in charge in the second overtime. Lindbom narrowed the gap and had the chance to level things up but misses one free throw allowing Portugal to escape with a narrow victory at the end.
Diogo Correia and Pedro Catarino provided 17 points each for Portugal. Jose Miguel Barbosa produced 15 points in the victory. Sasu Salin answered with 29 points for Finland. Roope Ahonen had 22 points in the losing effort.

Portugal U20: Diogo Correia 17, Pedro Catarino 17, Jose Miguel Barbosa 15
Finland U20: Sasu Salin 29, Roope Ahonen 22


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

ROMANIA

Poland register fourth straight win in Austria - by Eurobasket News
Poland U20 - Romania U20 96:73
Poland continued their perfect run in Austria. They prevailed against Romania to stay undefeated at the U20 European Championship in Division B. Poland improved at 4-0 record and jumped on top of Group D. Romania on the other hand suffered the fourth straight defeat at the tournament.
Poland opened the game with seven points in a row to set the tone. Romania tried to stay close as they narrow the distance to just three points late in the frame. But Poland capped the quarter with four points in a row and took a 25:18 advantage. Sulima opened a double-digit lead for Poland midway through the second frame. Poland rallied to a 47:33 halftime advantage. Poland went on a 7:0 run in the third quarter to boost the margin to 19 points. Poland entered the fourth quarter up by 20 points 67:47. Romania could not challenge the margin and had to digest the fourth loss in a row.
Aleksander Czyz (201-F-90) produced 22 points and 9 rebounds for Poland. Piotr Pamula (195-G-90) added 18 points, while Sebastian Szymanski (186-G-91) had 12 points in the victory. Bogdan Tibirna (208-C-91) answered with 21 points for Romania. Cristian Corneanu (200-C-91) notched 10 points in the loss.

Poland U20: Aleksander Czyz 22, Piotr Pamula 18, Sebastian Szymanski 12
Romania U20: Bogdan Tibirna 21, Cristian Corneanu 10


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RUSSIA

Krasnie Krylia signs Artem Kuzyakin - by Eurobasket News
Eurocup newcomer Krasnie Krylia remained busy over the weekend by signing veteran forward Artem Kuzyakin (202-G-80), the clubs fourth transaction of the week. Kuzyakin arrives from Unics Kazan, where he averaged 2.7 points in seven Eurocup games last season two of them as starters. He improved to 5.4 points and 2.6 rebounds per game in the Russian League. Last season was Kuzyakins third in the Eurocup. He grew up at Baltyskaia Zvezda St. Petersburg and has also played for Spartak St. Petersburg, Dynamo Moscow, Ural Great and Lokomotiv Rostov. Among his career highlights are winning the 2006 FIBA EuroCup with Ural Great and the 2009 Russian Cup with Kazan.

Courtesy of EuroCup

Trailing at the halftime, Russia U20 grabs 5th - by Eurobasket News
Russia U20-Montenegro U20 70:60

Russia U20 grabbed the 5th place at the U20 European Championship in Croatia. The team overcame Montenegro U20 70:60 although trailing at the halftime.
Russia scored the first two points in the game and later had 5:2. Vladimir Mihailovic (193-G-90) however tied the game at 7:7 and Bojan Dubljevic (205-C-91, agency: Beo Basket) brought his side 17:12. Morozov made jump shot at the end of the period for 17:14. Montenegro led for the several minutes in the quarter but then Andreev tied the game at 20:20. The teams were tied two more times in the quarter, while Vladimir Mihailovic gave his team 31;27 at the halftime. An 8-0 run helped Russia after the break as they started to dominate the court. Morozov later scored for 44:27 and Valiev posted for 49:42. Dukanovic closed the quarter at 51:47 as he made a jump shot at the end of thirty minutes. Russia held off the opponents in the last frame and reached the necessary victory. Vladimir Ivlev (204-F-90) brought the last points in the game for the final 70:60 win.
Vladimir Ivlev paced all the winners with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Denis Polokhin (196-G-90) nailed 12, while Evgeny Valiev (204-F-90) scored 11. Bojan Dubljevic ended up with 18 points in defeat and Vladimir Mihailovic netted 13.

Russia U20: Vladimir Ivlev 17+12 rebs, Denis Polokhin 12, Evgeny Valiev 11
Montenegro U20: Bojan Dubljevic 18, Vladimir Mihailovic 13

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

SEBL

Standings

SEBL Standings

North Div.  1. Marietta O. 3-0   2. RGS 2-1   3. Cartersville W. 1-2   4. BC Howren-1 0-3  South Div.  1. Tri-County 4-0   2. Norcross Angels 3-0   3. BC Lakers 2-1   4. Black Monop. 2-2   5. D.O.T.S. 1-2   6. Metro Stars 1-2   7. Reep 3 1-3   8. Crusaders 0-4

Marietta, Rome claim SEBL North victories... - by SEBL

#s#	Dean	Jones	Wilkins	Harper	Hundley	#e#5

Cartersville, GA - July 17, 2010 - SEBL Metro Conference A-League results at JH Morgan Gym...

Rome Go Service 70 Cartersville Baseline Warriors 61... Rome bounced back after an opening day loss, with a solid win over Baseline. Rome, who performed sluggishly against Marietta last week, got a better performance on the perimeter, keeping a cold shooting Baseline squad off-balanced all night. Baseline made several runs in the second half, only to see Mike Dean (6'2''-G-82) of Rome Go Service nail a clutch jumper or Darnell Cox (6'11''-F/C) clean up the offensive glass for a put back. Robert Broderick and Chris Jones (6'6''-F-82) fought valiantly for Baseline, with 23 and 17 points, respectively. Richard Davis (6'2''-G-87) contributed 13 points for the Warriors. Dean downed 22 for Rome, while Cox had 18 points. Jamalcom Griffin (6'2''-G-90) also chipped in with nine for Rome.

Marietta Outlaw 86 BC Howren 78... Marietta got out to a strong start early, but BC Howren's Dexter Shaw (6'3''-G-89) got hot and helped his team take control. Marietta trailed by as many as 14 in the game, as BC Howren continued to get balanced scoring from Mike Howren (6'5''-G, college: Berry) and Darrell Wilkins (6'1''-G-84) well into the second half. Down 64-54 with eight minutes remaining, Marietta got several quick buckets from Courtney George (6'0''-G-86) and Paul Harper (6'7''-F-83), which triggered a 20-2 run that saw the Outlaw race back to take a 74-66 lead. BC Howren finally answered to close the gap with buckets from Wilkins and Jonathan Johnson (6'6''-F-85), but SEBL veteran Gene Moss (6'4''-G) drilled two daggers from beyond the three-point line to seal Marietta's victory. Howren led the way for BC Howren with 21 points, while Shaw had 17, Wilkins 16, Adrian Rogers 14 and Johnson 11. For Marietta, George, the 2009 SEBL Metro Conference MVP, poured in 32 points, with Terrence Hundley (6'3''-G-85) providing 15, Tim Moss 14, Gene Moss 11 and Harper 10.

WEBL Women's Action:

Canton OBG 68 Dynasty... OBG - Mandy Anderson 19, Kayla Aiken 16, Lexi Katt 14, Mattatha Brunson 11; Dyn - Chantel Bradley eight, Shagera Irwin eight, Timalyn Dudley six.

SH-Baseline 48 Lady Sparks 46... SHB - Shannon Williams 16, Tamara Watkins 14, Carla Clemmons 12; LS - Christaundra Banks 20, Yvonne Alexander nine, Natasha Morris five.


Rome and BC Howren battle in 2OT Thriller, while Marietta shames Baseline... - by SEBL

#s#	A.J. Mastin'	Hundley	Wilkins	Spivey	Dean	#e#5

Cartersville, GA - Sunday, July 18, 2010 - SEBL Metro A-League North Division scores from JH Morgan Gym.

Rome Go Service 125 BC Howren-1 123 (2OT)...



Dean and Cox combine for 70 in Thrilling Win...



Wow! In one of most memorable games in SEBL history, Rome fought back to tie in regulation on a Mike Dean (6'2''-G-82) of Rome Go Service 21 foot jumper at the buzzer, then had to come up with another bucket at the end of the first overtime, before finally hanging on to win a double-overtime high-scoring old fashioned barn burner. Rome led much of the first half, including a 54-48 lead at the break. But, BC Howren, for the second straight day, generated great offensive fire power from the perimeter and built as much as a 10 spread at one stage in the second half, forcing Rome to battle from behind. Rome did just that, showing resolve, as Mike Dean and Quinton Wood (5'11''-G-90) received gifts from Jermaine Spivey (6'3''-G-72) on the wings to repeatedly nail tri-fectas. When they weren't hitting, Darnell Cox (6'11''-F/C) was mopping up the misses and slamming the ball home. With only a few seconds remaining in regulation, Darrell Wilkins (6'1''-G-66) drew a foul and went to the line and calmly sank two freethrows to put BC Howren up 99-97. But, Mike Dean came right back and nailed a long two-pointer at the buzzer to knot the score and send the game to the first OT period. The teams battled to another tie, sending it to a second OT, at 112-all. In the third overtime. Rome opened a five-point spread on a three by Wood and bucket by Spivey. BC Howren battled back to re-knot the score, after buckets by Adrian Rogers and Chris Brown (5'9''-G-86). Dean went to the line with 1.8 seconds, but missed. Cox pulled the offensive rebound and was able to convert the put back putting up Rome up by two. BC Howren quickly called timeout to advance the ball to half-court, but could not down a desperation heave at the buzzer. Rogers led BC Howren with 29 points, while Brown had 27. Dexter Shaw (6'3''-G-89) and Jonathan Johnson (6'6''-F-85) each had 23, as Wilkins collected 16. For Rome, Cox and Dean both had 35, while Wood had an SEBL career high 26. Spivey and Richard Sullivan rounded out the scoring for Rome with 15 and 14, respectively.

Marietta Outlaw 89 Cartersville Baseline Warriors 70...



Hundley's 30 Points Down Baseline...



Marietta's ultra-active and athletic play, along with the shooting of Terrence Hundley (6'3''-G-85) broke an embattled Baseline Warriors squad down. The game was a contest through a good portion of the first half, before Hundley went on an unstoppable string of offensive moves, both hitting threes and getting free for penetration buckets and several acrobatic slams. Rendered to a ridiculous level of inner-bickering, the Warriors selfish style of offensive play and unwillingness to exert defensive efforts in the second half allowed Marietta a cake walk down the stretch to remain undefeated and atop the SEBL Metro A-League North Division standings. Robert Broderick had 17 for Baseline, while Joe Hamilton and A.J. Mastin each had 12 and Richard Davis (6'2''-G-87) seven. For Marietta, Hundley finished with a game-high 30 points, as Antonio Shaw (6'6''-F-83) of Marietta Outlaw had 22, Tim Williams 11 and Paul Harper 10.


SEBL Metro A-League South Division Results... - by SEBL

#s#	Humphrey	Rogers	Scott	Humphrey	Robinson	#e#5

Morrow, GA - SEBL South Division results from the Athletics & Fitness Center on the campus of Clayton State University...

South Division Scores on July 12, 2010:

Metro Stars 86 Crusaders 82...
J. Quinn 18 led the Crusaders, while D. Philpett also had 16. For the Metro Stars Brannon Hopkins downed 22 points and Cliff Cormier had 16

Black Monopoly 81 Reep 3 75...
For Reep 3, S. Ferguson chalked up 22 points and C. Shedrick 15. For Black Monopoly, Quin Humphrey (6'4''-G-84) 23 and C. Goss got 15 points.

Tri County 90 D.O.T.S 78...
B. Thomas had a game high 27 points for DOTS, while J. Serles contributed 19. For the undefeated Tri County squad Jon Rogers (6'9''-F/C-84) pumped in 24 points and Ernest Scott (6'7''-F-82) supported with 18 points.

Lakers 0 NC Angels 0... The Lakers and NC Angels game had to be cancelled, but will be made up on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at 8pm.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

South Division Scores on July 15, 2010:

Tri County 82 Reep 3 77...
S. Ferguson led Reep's balanced attack with 18, as J. Montgomery contributed 17 points. Tri County's Mike Crain guided his squad with 16 and Derrick Allen (6'5''-G-85) netted 15 points.

BC Lakers 76 Metro Stars 34...
Brian Collier and Leon Coleman were the lone bright spots for Metro Stars, as they collected, 14 points and 12 points respectively in the loss. Brandon Robinson (6'6''-F-89) of BC Lakers 19 helped the BC Lakers coast, while L. Rhimes also gave 14 points.

D.O.T.S 88 Black Monopoly 71...
Markel Humphrey (6'6''-F-87) scored 16 points and C. Patterson 14, as Black Monopoly ran into a strengthened DOTS roster. Torraye Braggs (6'8''-F/C-76, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Xavier) pounded his way to 21 points and G. Whooten downed 16 to fuel the DOTS offense.

Norcross Angels 91 Crusaders 72...
D. Philpett had 24 points and J. Gunn 16, but the Crusanders had no answer for B. Green's SEBL season high 49 points for the Angels.. J Quinn also had 14 for NC.


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

SERBIA

Serbia U20 clinched the 7th place, Ukraine is 8th in Croatia - by Eurobasket News
Serbia U20-Ukraine U20 107:93

Serbia U20 clinched the 7th place at the U20 European Championship in Croatia. In the Classification Game for 7th to 8th Places Serbia beat Ukraine 107:93 in the last game for both teams.
Ukraine disappointed their fans with 4 losses in the end of the tournament, however it is great for the team to finish in the top 8.
Nemanja Nedovic (192-G-91, agency: Beo Basket) opened the game for the winners and then he increased to 10:3. Andreja Milutinovic (199-G-90) led his team to 24:10 and Nemanja Nedovic closed the period at 26:15. The second period became the most productive in the game as both teams nailed 59 points in 10 points. Ukraine managed to ti the game at the halftime at 50:50. Serbia meanwhile started the third period with 7-0 run and then Nemanja Nedovic scored for 62:55. Ukraine responded with 9-0 run to take 64:62 as Ruslan Otverchenko (192-G/F-90) nailed a three pointer. Kyryl Natyazhko (208-C-90) tied the game at the end of third period for 75:75. Serbia notched 32 points in the last period for 107:93 victory as Andjusic and Kondratyev brought the last points for their teams.
Branislav Djekic (206-F/C-91, agency: Beo Basket) paced all the winners with 22 points to finish on the 7th place. Andreja Milutinovic notched 20, while Nemanja Nedovic scored 17. Ruslan Otverchenko ended up with 25 points in the losing effort, while Kyryl Natyazhko collected 18 points and 10 rebounds.

Serbia U20: Branislav Djekic 22, Andreja Milutinovic 20, Nemanja Nedovic 17
Ukraine U20: Ruslan Otverchenko 25, Kyryl Natyazhko 18+10 rebs

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

SLOVAKIA

Norway climb on top of Group D in Austria - by Eurobasket News
Norway U20 - Slovak Republic U20 68:58
Norway toppled Slovak Republic at the U20 European Championship in Division B tonight. Anders Stien (195-G-90) knocked down 17 points to pace the Scandinavian team to the third win at the tournament. Norway improved at 3-1 record and climbed on top of preliminary round Group D. Slovak Republic in the meantime slipped at 2-2 record.
Norway shocked their opponents in the opening frame. The Scandinavian team held their opponents scoreless in the first ten minutes to enjoy a 15:0 lead at the first break. Anders Stien gave Norway an 18:0 lead at the start of the second term. Michal Kozar (191-F-90) finally broke the scoring draught for Slovak Republic. They gradually found the rhythm and narrowed the gap to 7 points at halftime. Tomas Mrvis (195-F-91) dragged Slovak Republic as close as 3 points midway through the third quarter. But Norway recovered and posted a 48:42 advantage at the final pause. Anders Stien opened a double-digit lead for Norway at the start of the fourth frame. Slovak Republic never got within striking distance and suffered the second loss at the tournament.
Aksel Bolinz (206-F-90) produced 13 points and 10 rebounds for Norway. Thomas Mjoes (181-G-90) added 12 points in the winning effort. Tomas Mrvis and Michal Kozar replied with 14 points each for Slovak Republic. Marchyn accounted for 12 points in the loss.

Norway U20: Anders Stien 17, Aksel Bolinz 13+10 boards, Thomas Mjoes 12
Slovak Republic U20: Tomas Mrvis 14, Michal Kozar 14


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

SPAIN

Spain U20 stole Bronze from the hosts - by Eurobasket News
Croatia U20-Spain U20 79:86 OT

Spain U20 clinched Bronze as they beat the hosts of the U20 European Championship Men 2010 in Croatia. Spain needed overtime to take 86:79 victory.
Spain easily took the lead in the opening quarter and finished it with 18:9 lead. Josep Franch (198-G-91) made it 26:19 and Joan Sastre Morro (201-F-91) scored for 33:22. Gil sent the teams to the lockers as Spain enjoyed 41:30 at the halftime. Spain managed to get their noses in front and they stayed until the late comeback by Croatia. The latter trailed 56-45 heading into the last ten minutes as Simeon made such a difference. The home team started scoring from everywhere and soon tied up the game before surging ahead. Radosevic tied the game at 71:71 as the teams continued in overtime. Spain looked better in the extra time and took the lead from the very beginning. They won the last 5 minutes 15-8 to take the total success in the game and the third place in the Championship.
Josep Franch top-scored for the winners with 23 points to taste third place. Nikola Mirotic (208-F/C-91) followed him with 20 points and 15 rebounds, while Joan Sastre Morro added 19. Dino Butorac (192-G-90) ended up with 18 points for the hosts and Mario Delas (208-C/F-90) notched 16.

Croatia U20: Dino Butorac 18, Mario Delas 16
Spain U20: Josep Franch 23, Nikola Mirotic 20+15 rebs, Joan Sastre Morro 19


Barcelona, Vazquez renew deal - by Eurobasket News
Regal FC Barcelona will have the anchor of its defense back in the lineup this season after renewing the contract of Fran Vazquez (210-C-83) for an additional season. The athletic big man is the Euroleague's career shot-blocking leader and set a record for most blocks in the Euroleague title game when he rejected 4 Olympiacos shots in the final in Paris in May. Vazquez (209, 27) averaged 7.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and .1 blocks in 17 minutes per game last season, helping Barca win the Euroleague. He overtook former teammate Denis Marconato as the Euroleague's career shot-blocking king during the season and enters the new campaign with 139 and no active player is within 20 of him. Vazquez is also on the verge of overtaking Roberto Duenas as Barcelonas career shot-blocking leader. In four seasons with Barcelona, Vazquez has won the Euroleague once, the Spanish League once and the Spanish Kings Cup twice, including in 2010 when Vazquez was named MVP. He began his career at the CB Xantada juniors and has also played for Galicia, Pais Vasco, Auna Canarias, Unicaja and Girona. Vazquez is a member of the Spanish national team and is expected to take part in the World Championships later this summer in Turkey.

'I am pleased and proud that the club has decided to pick up the option they had to renew for another season,' Vazquez said. 'I've always said I feel good in Barcelona and I have the desire to continue giving joy to our fans, who always support us. Next season will be very exciting in every way. Our aim is to repeat in the Euroleague, but we know it will be complicated. But having the opportunity to do so at home is a major challenge.'

Courtesy of Euroleague

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

SWEDEN

Georgia edge Sweden to post first win in Austria - by Eurobasket News
Georgia U20 - Sweden U20 79:73

Georgia opened the win count at the U20 European Championship in Division B. They held off Sweden tonight to improve at 1-2 record in Group A. Sweden suffered the first defeat and slipped at 2-1 record. Tornike Shengelia (205-G/F-91) notched 23 points and 13 rebounds to pace the winners.
The lead changed hands for several times throughout the starting frame. Georgia went on a 9:0 run late in the quarter and posted a 19:11 advantage into the second term. Sweden pulled closer in the second frame. They trailed by just three points 32:35 at the interval. Person and Lindqvist helped Sweden grab a 42:41 lead early in the third stanza. But Georgia quickly returned into the drivers seat as they entered the final quarter up by 2 points 55:53. Christopher Czerapowicz (197-F-91) drained a three-pointer at the start of the fourth period to put Sweden back in charge. Akaki Lomouri (198-F-91) and Beqa Chikviladze (195-G-91) exploded with back-to-back triples midway through the fourth term to give Georgia a 66:60 advantage. The margin grew at 7-point mark after another long bomb from Beqa Chikviladze. Giorgi Sharabidze (208-C-90) and Tornike Shengelia added five points from the charity stripe and Georgia did not look back en route to the win in the final moments.
Giorgi Sharabidze tallied 19 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Beqa Chikviladze produced 15 points for Georgia. Christopher Czerapowicz answered with 15 points for Sweden. Pierre Hampton (198-F-91) nailed 13 points in the loss.

Georgia U20: Tornike Shengelia 23+13 boards, Giorgi Sharabidze 19+10 boards, Beqa Chikviladze 15
Sweden U20: Christopher Czerapowicz 15, Pierre Hampton 13


Scafati brings in Mats Levin - by Eurobasket News
Scafati Basket announced signing of a one-year deal with Mats Levin (188-G-77). The experienced Swedish guard is coming to Scafati from Fastweb Junior Casale Monferrato, where he had 7.1 ppg, 2.2 rpg and 4.6 apg for 26 games in LegaDue last season. Levin joined Casale in January this year from the Swedish team Sundsvall Dragons. There he had 11.2 ppg, 2.7 rpg and 5.8 apg for 17 games.
Season 2008/09 Mats Levin started with Nuova Pallacanestro Pavia and than moved to Solna Vikings. Season 2008/08 he split between CImberio Aironi Novara and Edimes Pavia. Both teams competed in LegaDue, while Levin had better numbers with Novara. For 19 games with them he averaged 12.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 4.2 assists. In the past, Levin also was a member of Ticino, Capo dOrlando, Cantu and Castelmaggiore. He has experience from France as a player of Nanterre on season 2004/05. At that time Levin had 11.1 ppg, 3.7 rpg, and 4.6 apg for 28 games in ProB. He was named Eurobasket.com French ProB All-Bosmans Team. In 2008 with Pavia he was awarded with Eurobasket.com Italian Lega2 All-Bosmans Team.
Mat Levin is an active member of the Swedish National Team since 2001. Last summer at EuroBasket Division B he had 10.8 ppg, 2.3 rpg and 2.5 apg for 9 games.

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SWITZERLAND

Aleksandar Georgiev leads Bulgaria to third straight win in Austria - by Eurobasket News
Bulgaria U20 - Switzerland U20 104:59

Aleksandar Georgiev (203-F-90) scored 25 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and issued 5 assists to lead Bulgaria to the third consecutive win at the U20 European Championship in Division B. They outgunned Switzerland to improve at 3-0 record on top of Group B. Switzerland in the meantime suffered the third loss in a row to remain at the bottom of the ladder.
The teams traded baskets early in the encounter. But Aleksandar Georgiev and Tihomir Zhelev (192-G-90) sparked a 20:4 run from Bulgaria as they grabbed a 23:10 lead at the first pause. Bulgaria tipped off the second stanza on an 11:0 run to boost their lead. They controlled the rhythm and eased to a 50:19 advantage at halftime. Aleksandar Georgiev drained another triple at the start of the third term to set the tone for the second half. Bulgaria stayed dominant and ensured a 72:40 buffer heading into the fourth quarter. Switzerland had little to answer with in the fourth frame and Bulgaria cruised to the win at the end.
Emil Binev (198-F-91) produced 19 points for the winners. Vasil Kyosev (195-G-90) added 10 points in the victory. Christophe Varidel (185-G-89) and Roman Albrecht (208-C-90) responded with 11 points each for Switzerland. Gardner Louissaint (196-F-91) had 10 points in the loss.

Bulgaria U20: Aleksandar Georgiev 25+10 boards, Emil Binev 19, Vasil Kyosev 10
Switzerland U20: Christophe Varidel 11, Roman Albrecht 11


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TAIWAN

2010 Jones Cup Day 5 results - by Chris Wang
Lebanon 96-66 Taiwan University All-Stars
Lebanon: E. Estaphan 14p
Taiwan University: Chou Po-chen 11p, Liu Cheng 11p

Iran 84-54 Crocs
Iran: S. Darvarpanah Fard Karekani 28p, R. Arghavan 17p, I. Zani Mashhady 16p
Crocs: B. Stanely 11

Philippines 96-93 (OT) Taiwan
Philippines: M. Douthit 33p+22rb+5a+5s+4blk, M. Baracael 14p, J. P. Aguilar 11p
Taiwan: Chen Shun-hsiang 32p, Chen Tzu-wei 16p, Lee Hsueh-lin 13p

Standings:
Iran 4-0
Lebanon 3-1
Philippines 3-1
Japan 2-2
Taiwan 2-3
Taiwan University All-Stars 1-3
Crocs 0-5

2010 Jones Cup Day 5: Philippines edges Taiwan in overtime - by Chris Wang
Lets just say Marcus Douthit almost single-handedly took the Philippines to a 96-93 overtime victory over host Taiwan NT Sunday before Joseph Casio stripped the potential game-tying shot away from Lee Hsueh-lin. But both sides agreed that refs suck in this game.

Douthit was a man among boys, tallying 33 points, 22 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals and 4 blocks. However, the Philippines almost let the win slip away. Led by 12 points with four minutes to go in regulation, Philippines failed to hold the lead as the game went into overtime.

It showed mental lapses again in the extra session. Taiwan again made it a two-point game with 3.9 seconds to go in overtime. After a timeout, Lee Hsueh-lin dribbled to the right corner and was ready to launch a game-winning three. Casio stripped the ball away with no call from the referees.

Casio, thinking that the game was over, grabbed the ball and walked away with the clock still running. It was supposed to be a walking violation. Taiwan protested to no avail.

Give Taiwan sharp shooter Chen Shun-hsiang credit for taking his team on his shoulder when needed. Chen made crucial shots again and again in the final quarter and overtime. He made the last of his game-high sex three-pointers with 17 seconds to go in regulation to tie the score at 80 and scored four points to cut the deficit to 89-88 in overtime.

Chen finished with 32 points, making 6 of 8 three-pointers.

The Philippines led 73-62 with four minutes to go in regulation before Taiwan made four threes in the final rally.


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TURKEY

Turkey U20 remains in Division A, Czech Republic U20 is out - by Eurobasket News
Turkey U20-Czech Republic U20 72:62

Turkey U20 remains in Division A as they sent Czech Republic U20 to Division B after the last victory at the Relegation Round. Tonight Turkey produced 72:62 victory to take 4-2 record in the Relegation Round and will continue in Division A next year.
Turkey trailed 2:8 in the opening tip and lost the first quarter 11:13. Furkan Aldemir (205-F-91) tied the game at 13:13 and later Turkey grabbed 19:13 advantage. Ibrahim Yildirim (188-G-90) brought his side 33:22 as the teams disappeared in the lockers. Ilkan Karaman (205-F-90) increased the lead to 38:22, while Peterka cut it to 45:31 from the perimeter. Ibrahim Yildirim closed another quarter giving his team 49:39. It seemed the game was over as Turkey had 63:48 in the middle of the last stanza. Czech Republic however had nothing to lose and answered with 9-0 run for 63:57 as Satoransky made a jump shot. Ibrahim Yildirim was again the last to score in the frame for the final victory.
Ibrahim Yildirim led the way with 17 points and Furkan Aldemir collected 16 points and 16 rebounds. Ilkan Karaman followed them with 13 points in a win. Ondrej Peterka (192-F-91) finished the night with 23 points and 10 rebounds in the losing case and Tomas Satoransky (196-G/F-91) netted 12. Czech Republic U20 as well as Netherlands have to start in Division B next year.

Turkey U20: Ibrahim Yildirim 17, Furkan Aldemir 16+16 rebs, Ilkan Karaman 13
Czech Republic U20: Ondrej Peterka 23+10 rebs, Tomas Satoransky 12


Besiktas signs Devin Smith - by Eurobasket News
As expected, Devin Smith (196-G/F-81, college: Virginia) is back to Turkey. The 29-year-old forward signed a deal with Besiktas for the next season. Smith returns to Turkey from Greece, where he played for Panellinios Athens. He appeared 33 times in domestic championship averaging 13.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists. He also played 17 games in EuroCup adding 15.1 ppg and 4.2 rpg
Season 2008/09 Devin Smith spent with Fenerbahce Ulker. He was one of their better players registering 11 ppg and 4.6 rpg for 38 TBL games. In Euroleague, Smith helped with 7.9 ppg and 3.4 rpg in 14 games. Fenerhabce reached the TBL Finals and the National Cup Semis. Smith was named Eurobasket.com All-Turkish League 2nd Team and played at the All-Star Game. Before Fenerbahce, Devin Smith played one season in Italy for Air Avelino. There he exploded with 18.7 ppg and 5.3 rpg for 39 SerieA games. He also has experience from Spain as a member of Bruesa.
Devin Smith is a product of the University of Virginia, where he graduated in 2005.

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UKRAINE

Ukraine won over Latvia in the second game between two teams in Kiev - by Eurobasket News
Ukraine-Latvia 83:72

Ukraine won over Latvia in the second game between two teams in Kiev. The hosts registered 83:72 victory as Vitaliy Cherniy celebrated his first win as the head Coach of the National team.
The first quarter became the most productive as the teams nailed 57 points. Latvia, that won the opener last night took 30:27 after the first 10 minutes. Ukraine started to play better in the rest of the game and won three other frames. They rolled over the opponents in the second frame 21-10 to take 48:40 halftime advantage. Moreover the hosts produced 17-16 in the third quarter to take 9-point deficit before the last stanza. In the final period Ukraine added 18-16 to win the game. Dmytro Zabirchenko (192-G-84) top-scored for the Ukrainian side with 19 points. Kyrylo Fesenko (213-C-86, agency: Arik Krayn Services) followed him with 15 points and 14 rebounds.Berzins ended up with 16 points in the losing case and Mareks Jurevicus (198-G/F-85) scored 15. Freimanis collected 10 points and 8 rebounds, while Ingus Bankevics (195-G/F-85, agency: FCM) and Rinalds Sirsnins (186-G-85, agency: Promotex) posted 9 each. Jeromanovs and Stalbergs brought the guests 4 points apiece.

Ukraine: Dmytro Zabirchenko 19 points. Kyrylo Fesenko 15+14 rebs
Latvia: Berzins 16 points, Mareks Jurevicus 15


Serbia U20 clinched the 7th place, Ukraine is 8th in Croatia - by Eurobasket News
Serbia U20-Ukraine U20 107:93

Serbia U20 clinched the 7th place at the U20 European Championship in Croatia. In the Classification Game for 7th to 8th Places Serbia beat Ukraine 107:93 in the last game for both teams.
Ukraine disappointed their fans with 4 losses in the end of the tournament, however it is great for the team to finish in the top 8.
Nemanja Nedovic (192-G-91, agency: Beo Basket) opened the game for the winners and then he increased to 10:3. Andreja Milutinovic (199-G-90) led his team to 24:10 and Nemanja Nedovic closed the period at 26:15. The second period became the most productive in the game as both teams nailed 59 points in 10 points. Ukraine managed to ti the game at the halftime at 50:50. Serbia meanwhile started the third period with 7-0 run and then Nemanja Nedovic scored for 62:55. Ukraine responded with 9-0 run to take 64:62 as Ruslan Otverchenko (192-G/F-90) nailed a three pointer. Kyryl Natyazhko (208-C-90) tied the game at the end of third period for 75:75. Serbia notched 32 points in the last period for 107:93 victory as Andjusic and Kondratyev brought the last points for their teams.
Branislav Djekic (206-F/C-91, agency: Beo Basket) paced all the winners with 22 points to finish on the 7th place. Andreja Milutinovic notched 20, while Nemanja Nedovic scored 17. Ruslan Otverchenko ended up with 25 points in the losing effort, while Kyryl Natyazhko collected 18 points and 10 rebounds.

Serbia U20: Branislav Djekic 22, Andreja Milutinovic 20, Nemanja Nedovic 17
Ukraine U20: Ruslan Otverchenko 25, Kyryl Natyazhko 18+10 rebs

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UNITED KINGDOM

Great Britain prove too good for Belgium - by Eurobasket News
Great Britain U20 - Belgium U20 73:52

Great Britain U20 selection recorded the second win at the European Championship in Division B. They overwhelmed Belgium in Group C for 2-1 record. Belgian team slipped at 1-2. Andrew Lawrence (185-G-90) notched 16 points to lead the British side.
Great Britain went on a 9:2 run late in the opening quarter to gain an 18:12 lead. Great Britain opened the second term on a massive 19:3 run to clear off. They enjoyed a comfortable 42:22 lead at the interval. But Belgium answered with an 11:0 rally at the beginning of the third term to pull closer. Maarten Rademakers (205-C-91) and Gillet dragged Belgium within 14 points at the final break. Great Britain kept their opponents at bay in the fourth quarter. Belgium never got closer than 12 points and had to surrender at the end.
Ovie Soko (203-F-91) tallied 14 points and 10 rebounds for Great Britain. Myles Hesson (195-F-90) nailed 9 points in the winning effort. Thomas De Thaey (197-F-91) provided 15 points and 8 rebounds for Belgium. Jean Salumu (193-F-90) finished with 11 points in the loss.

Great Britain U20: Andrew Lawrence 16, Ovie Soko 14+10 boards, Myles Hesson 9
Belgium U20: Thomas De Thaey 15, Jean Salumu 11


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WBA

Franklin Knights Post 133-118 Road Win Over Marietta Storm - by Joe Myers
The Franklin (Tenn.) Knights used a strong second half Saturday night to pull away and earn a 133-118 win over the Marietta Storm in a World Basketball Association Exposure League (WBA) game in Smyrna, Ga.

Marietta, which had played Franklin close in their two previous meetings this season, opened up a 16-point lead in the first half before Franklin - behind some hot shooting from Myles Thrash (6'0''-G-77, college: Stillman) - rallied and closed to within four points at halftime. In the second half, Franklin took control and went on to post its third win over the Storm in as many tries. Thrash led the way for Franklin, nailing nine 3-pointers en route to scoring a game-high 44 points.

Franklin will host Marietta Monday night in the WBA's final regular-season game. Marietta will host the Decatur Court Kings in the WBA's playoff play-in game July 22, while Franklin can clinch home-court advantage in the semifinals with another win over the Storm. If Franklin wins, its semifinal game will be July 25 at the A-Game Sportsplex in Franklin, Tenn.

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!

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WILLIAM JONES CUP

2010 Jones Cup Day 5 results - by Chris Wang
Lebanon 96-66 Taiwan University All-Stars
Lebanon: E. Estaphan 14p
Taiwan University: Chou Po-chen 11p, Liu Cheng 11p

Iran 84-54 Crocs
Iran: S. Darvarpanah Fard Karekani 28p, R. Arghavan 17p, I. Zani Mashhady 16p
Crocs: B. Stanely 11

Philippines 96-93 (OT) Taiwan
Philippines: M. Douthit 33p+22rb+5a+5s+4blk, M. Baracael 14p, J. P. Aguilar 11p
Taiwan: Chen Shun-hsiang 32p, Chen Tzu-wei 16p, Lee Hsueh-lin 13p

Standings:
Iran 4-0
Lebanon 3-1
Philippines 3-1
Japan 2-2
Taiwan 2-3
Taiwan University All-Stars 1-3
Crocs 0-5

Standings

Standings

1. Iran 4-0 2. Lebanon 3-1 3. Philippines 3-1 4. Japan 2-2 5. Taiwan 2-2 6. Taiwan B 1-3 7. Australia 0-5

2010 Jones Cup Day 5: Philippines edges Taiwan in overtime - by Chris Wang
Lets just say Marcus Douthit almost single-handedly took the Philippines to a 96-93 overtime victory over host Taiwan NT Sunday before Joseph Casio stripped the potential game-tying shot away from Lee Hsueh-lin. But both sides agreed that refs suck in this game.

Douthit was a man among boys, tallying 33 points, 22 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals and 4 blocks. However, the Philippines almost let the win slip away. Led by 12 points with four minutes to go in regulation, Philippines failed to hold the lead as the game went into overtime.

It showed mental lapses again in the extra session. Taiwan again made it a two-point game with 3.9 seconds to go in overtime. After a timeout, Lee Hsueh-lin dribbled to the right corner and was ready to launch a game-winning three. Casio stripped the ball away with no call from the referees.

Casio, thinking that the game was over, grabbed the ball and walked away with the clock still running. It was supposed to be a walking violation. Taiwan protested to no avail.

Give Taiwan sharp shooter Chen Shun-hsiang credit for taking his team on his shoulder when needed. Chen made crucial shots again and again in the final quarter and overtime. He made the last of his game-high sex three-pointers with 17 seconds to go in regulation to tie the score at 80 and scored four points to cut the deficit to 89-88 in overtime.

Chen finished with 32 points, making 6 of 8 three-pointers.

The Philippines led 73-62 with four minutes to go in regulation before Taiwan made four threes in the final rally.




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Women News

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AUSTRALIA - Women

Australia finish Hungary tournament undefeated - by Eurobasket News
Australia - Romania 126:23

Australia wrapped up their Hungary campaign in a convincing manner. The Opals destroyed Romania for the third straight win. Elizabeth Cambage (203-C-91) knocked down 24 points and grabbed 9 rebounds to lead the Opals.
Australia easily escaped from their opponents in the opening frame. They posted a 29:9 lead at the first intermission. The avalanche continued in the second stanza. The Opals exploded with 31 points and piled up a massive 46-point halftime advantage. Romania had to little to answer with in the second half. They accounted for just 9 points after the main break and Australia flew to a clinical victory at the end.
Laura Summerton (191-C-83), Hollie Grima (190-C/F-83) and Erin Phillips (173-G-85) notched 20 points each for the Opals. Alexandra Uiuiu (180-F-89) answered with 11 points for Romania. Anita Meszaros (190-C-88) had 4 points in defeat.
Hollie Grima was named the MVP of the tournament. Jenna O'Hea (185-G/F-87) got the top-scorer prize.

Australia: Elizabeth Cambage 24, Laura Summerton 20, Hollie Grima 20, Erin Phillips 20
Romania: Alexandra Uiuiu 11, Anita Meszaros 4

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AUSTRIA - Women

U20 Slovakia wins the first in Kavadarci - by Eurobasket News
U20 EuroBasket Division B, Preliminary Round (Day Two): AUSTRIA - SLOVAKIA 44-65

Slovakia outplayed Austria for the first win in Kavadarci and 1-1 record in Preliminary Group A. Klaudia Lukacovicova (193-C-90) shined for the winning squad with 24 points and 9 rebounds. She was the MVP of this meeting with valuation 26. Barbora Novocka (165-G-90) also was good in victory adding 9 points and 5 boards. Dominika Baburova (183-F-91) helped with 8 pts. On the other side, Georgia De Leeuw (175-G-90) and Lisa Zderadicka (166-G-94) had 9 points each. Their Austria appeared for the first time in Kavadarci and faced with defeat.
Except of the last quarter, all other belonged to Slovakia in this game. Klaudia Lukacovicova and her teammates made 10-15 lead in the first ten minutes. They scored the same number of points in Q2 as well, while limiting Austria to 12 on the other side. It means that Slovakia was decent 8 points up at the half time. Third frame was the crucial one in this meeting. Slovakia dominated at the both sides of the court making huge 5-20 for ten minutes. It was 27-50 for them and the game winner was resolved.
Slovakia will have a day-off on Sunday. Austria will meet Israel.

Austria: Georgia De Leeuw 9, Lisa Zderadicka 9
Slovakia: Klaudia Lukacovicova 24+9 boards, Barbora Novocka 9+5 boards, Dominika Baburova 8

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BELARUS - Women

U20 Belarus destroys U20 Romania in do-or-die game - by Eurobasket News
U20 EuroBasket, Preliminary Round (Day Three): BELARUS - ROMANIA 89-63

Belarus blasted Romania for the first win in Liepaja and booked a spot for the next stage. It was a do-or-die for both teams, but Belarus handled the pressure better and celebrated comfortable win. They will move to Qualifying Group F now. On the other side, Romania (0-3) will continue in Classification Round for 13th to 16th place. Aliaksandra Musatava (174-G-92) exploded with 20 points for just 15 minutes on the court. She had just one miss in this game (6/7 FG2, 2/2 3-pts, 2/2 Fts). Maryia Papova (186-F-94) had 15 points and 6 boards, while Katsiaryna Kashlei (166-G-90) added 13 pts and 6 rebs. In Romania, Elisabeth Pavel (192-C-90) collected 22 points and 10 boards. Cristina Bigica (182-F-92) netted 18 pts in this defeat.
Belarus won every single quarter in this game. They started with 23-20 in Q1 and for the next ten minutes made 27-19. It means that Belarus held comfortable 50-39 HT lead. Romania was not able to reply and faced with 68-51 with ten minutes to go. Question about the winner was already resolved and last quarter was just the formality. Belarus ended it with 21-12 for the final 89-63 blowout.
On Monday, Belarus will play against Spain. Romania will meet Bulgaria in Group G.

Belarus: Aliaksandra Musatava 20, Maryia Papova 15+6 boards, Katsiaryna Kashlei 13+6 boards
Romania: Elisabeth Pavel 22+10 boards, Cristina Bigica 18

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CANADA - Women

Canada edge Chile in exhibition clash - by Eurobasket News
Canada overcame Chile in the exhibition encounter at the University of Fraser Valley. Teresa Gabriele (165-G-79) knocked down 17 points to lead the hosts to an 86:38 success.
The teams got to a slow start. They combined for 17 points in the first ten minutes as Canada took a 10:7 lead. Canada shifted the gear in the second term. They went on a 16:0 run to boost the lead. The hosts enjoyed a 32:12 advantage at halftime. Canada kept Chile scoreless for three minutes at the start of the third term to run away to unassailable lead. Chile could not bounce back in the reminder of the contest. Canada cruised to the comprehensive victory at the end. Chelsea Aubry (189-F/C-84, college: Nebraska) provided 16 points for the winners. Kadie Riverin (178-G-86, college: Rice) notched 12 points, while Natalie Achonwa (189-F-92) delivered 10 points for Canada. Paula Franco answered with 10 points for Chile. Canada and Chile will meet again on Monday.

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CHILE - Women

Canada edge Chile in exhibition clash - by Eurobasket News
Canada overcame Chile in the exhibition encounter at the University of Fraser Valley. Teresa Gabriele (165-G-79) knocked down 17 points to lead the hosts to an 86:38 success.
The teams got to a slow start. They combined for 17 points in the first ten minutes as Canada took a 10:7 lead. Canada shifted the gear in the second term. They went on a 16:0 run to boost the lead. The hosts enjoyed a 32:12 advantage at halftime. Canada kept Chile scoreless for three minutes at the start of the third term to run away to unassailable lead. Chile could not bounce back in the reminder of the contest. Canada cruised to the comprehensive victory at the end. Chelsea Aubry (189-F/C-84, college: Nebraska) provided 16 points for the winners. Kadie Riverin (178-G-86, college: Rice) notched 12 points, while Natalie Achonwa (189-F-92) delivered 10 points for Canada. Paula Franco answered with 10 points for Chile. Canada and Chile will meet again on Monday.

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CZECH REPUBLIC - Women

U20 EC, Division B: Czech Republic stays unbeaten - by Eurobasket News
U20 EuroBasket Division B, Preliminary Round (Day Two): FYR MACEDONIA - CZECH REPUBLIC 61-72

Czech Republic outplayed the hosts of this event for perfect 2-0 record in Preliminary Group B. With this one the Czech Republic already booked a spot for the next stage. FYROM on the other side appeared for the first time at this event. As a reminder, they are the hosts of U20 EC, Division B. Alena Hanusova (187-C-91) shined for the winners with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Renata Brezinova (189-C-90) also was good adding 12 pts and 6 boards, while Petra Zaplatova (175-F-91) netted 9 pts. In FYROM, Jelena Antik (187-F-91) shined with 26 points and 13 boards. Andzelika Mitrasinovik (172-G-93) had 15 pts in this defeat.
Teams opened the game pretty leveled with neither of them making a bigger lead. Thanks to free throws by Jelena Antik, FYROM had 17-16 after the first ten minutes. Than in the second frame Czech Republic took control on the home squad and finished it 13-19 for five point HT lead. Another nice quarter was coming by Alena Hanusova and her teammates. They shined after the breather making 3-12 run. Later they finished Q3 with 46-57 lead. That turned our as too much for FYROM, who had unsuccessful debut in Kavadarci.
Czech Republic will have a day-off after this game. FYROM will meet United Kingdom on Sunday.

FYROM: Jelena Antik 26+13 boards, Andzelika Mitrasinovik 15
Czech Republic: Alena Hanusova 13+11 boards, Renata Brezinova 12+6 boards, Petra Zaplatova 9

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U20 - Women

Division B: Day Three in Kavadarci - by Eurobasket News

Group A

Greece - Portugal 32-82
Portugal blasted Greece to stay undefeated after three days in Kavadarci. Maria Correia (174-G/F-91) this time was the leading player in victory with 19 points. Angeliki Nikolopoulou (179-G-91) and Ioanna Diela (175-F-90) scored 9 points each for Greece, who dropped to 0-2.

Israel - Austria 61-58
2-1 for Israel and 0-2 for Austria in Group A. Keren Nechama (175-F-90) stepped up for the winners with 18 points and 8 rebounds. She was their only player with double-digits in scoring. Kata Takacs (183-F-91) replied with 15 points and 6 boards in defeat.

Group B

Belgium - Hungary 65-77
Hungary finally grabbed the first win in Kavadarci (1-2), while Belgium faced with the second straight loss (0-2). Szecsi exploded in this game with 21 points and 19 rebounds. She reached impressive valuation 34. Belgium got 17 points from Emmanuella Mayombo (170-G-92).

United Kingdom - FYR Macedonia 70-69
Thriller win for the UK, who jumped to 3-0 in Group B. Their best player was Mairi Buchan (188-F/C-90) with 17 points and 12 rebounds. FYROM (0-2) almost got triple-double from Jelena Antik (187-F-91): 25 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists.

Standings Div.B (Women) - by Eurobasket News

Standings Div.B

Group A 1. Portugal 3-0 2. Israel 2-1 3. Slovakia 1-1 4. Austria 0-2 5. Greece 0-2 Group B 1. U.Kingdom 3-0 2. Czech Repu. 2-0 3. Hungary 1-2 4. FYR Macedo. 0-2 5. Belgium 0-2

Stats Leaders (Women)

• PPG
• RPG
• APG
• SPG
• BPG

Points Per Game

Marina SOLOPOVA   (180-G/F-90)   Avg: 27.3

1. Solopova, LTU 27.3   2. Niedola, LAT 19.7   3. Canitez, TUR 18.7   4. Gultekin, SWE 18.3   5. Shilova, RUS 15.7   6. Filonchyk, BLR 14.3   7. Krnjic, SRB 14.3   8. Malashenko, UKR 14.0   9. Siksniute, LTU 14.0   10. Bestagno, ITA 13.7

Rebounds Per Game

Tugce CANITEZ   TUR   (188-F-90)   Avg: 14

1. Canitez, TUR 14.0   2. Paugaite, LTU 12.3   3. Siksniute, LTU 10.3   4. Manta, ROM 9.3   5. Malashenko, UKR 9.0   6. Niedola, LAT 8.7   7. Misiuk, POL 8.7   8. Iagupova, UKR 8.0   9. Pavel, ROM 7.7   10. Krnjic, SRB 7.7

Assists Per Game

Jovana POPOVIC   (173-G-90)   Avg: 6

1. Popovic, SRB 6.0   2. Klintsone, LAT 5.0   3. Solopova, LTU 4.7   4. Iagupova, UKR 4.3   5. Visgaudaite, LTU 4.0   6. Bestagno, ITA 4.0   7. Zubrytskaya, BLR 3.7   8. Saylar, TUR 3.3   9. Priede, LAT 3.3   10. Tomialowicz, POL 3.3

Steals Per Game

Sabine NIEDOLA   LAT   (184-F-91)   Avg: 3

1. Niedola, LAT 3.0   2. Gultekin, SWE 3.0   3. Chivu, ROM 2.7   4. Zubrytskaya, BLR 2.7   5. Tchatchouang, FRA 2.7   6. Rexroth, GER 2.3   7. Solopova, LTU 2.3   8. de Colo, FRA 2.3   9. Xargay Casad., ESP 2.3   10. Ouvina, ESP 2.3

Blocks Per Game

Giedre PAUGAITE   (192-C-90)   Avg: 2.3

1. Paugaite, LTU 2.3   2. Malashenko, UKR 2.3   3. Alminaite, LTU 2.0   4. Petrushina, RUS 1.7   5. Van den Nieu., NED 1.5   6. Gastaminza G., ESP 1.3   7. Ivashchanka, BLR 1.3   8. Pavel, ROM 1.3   9. Rubene, LAT 1.3   10. Misiuk, POL 1.3

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FRANCE - Women

U20 EuroBasket in Liepaja: France ends Preliminary Round perfect - by Eurobasket News
U20 EuroBasket, Preliminary Round (Day Three): POLAND - FRANCE 31-80

France destroyed Poland finishing the Preliminary Round with perfect 3-0 record. It means that the defending champion advances to Qualifying Round as the top-ranked team of Group A. Poland also goes to the next stage, but as No.2 (2-1). Both teams will be transferred to Group E. Jessie de Colo (180-G-90) stepped up for France scoring 12 points for 13 minutes. Margaux Okou Zouzouo (183-F-91) had 11 and Medelome Medenou (188-F-90) helped with one point less. Poland did not have anyone with double-digits. Their best scorer was Malgorzata Misiuk (184-F-91) with just 6 points (13 rebs).
France dominated during the entire time. Jessie de Colo and her teammates were simply better in all basketball elements. They finished first quarter with 9-19 and it was a clear sign what Poland could expect for rest of the game. However, Poland improved in the second frame (16-15), but that was all from them in this meeting. France limited Poland to just 6 points for the entire second half. That was really unusual picture on the court, but French defense really looked great. On the other side, they drained 46 points in 20 minutes for the final 31-80 victory.
On Monday, France will meet Ukraine. Poland will take on Latvia.

Poland: Malgorzata Misiuk 6+13 boards
France: Jessie de Colo 12, Margaux Okou Zouzouo 11, Medelome Medenou 10

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FYR MACEDONIA - Women

U20 EC, Division B: Czech Republic stays unbeaten - by Eurobasket News
U20 EuroBasket Division B, Preliminary Round (Day Two): FYR MACEDONIA - CZECH REPUBLIC 61-72

Czech Republic outplayed the hosts of this event for perfect 2-0 record in Preliminary Group B. With this one the Czech Republic already booked a spot for the next stage. FYROM on the other side appeared for the first time at this event. As a reminder, they are the hosts of U20 EC, Division B. Alena Hanusova (187-C-91) shined for the winners with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Renata Brezinova (189-C-90) also was good adding 12 pts and 6 boards, while Petra Zaplatova (175-F-91) netted 9 pts. In FYROM, Jelena Antik (187-F-91) shined with 26 points and 13 boards. Andzelika Mitrasinovik (172-G-93) had 15 pts in this defeat.
Teams opened the game pretty leveled with neither of them making a bigger lead. Thanks to free throws by Jelena Antik, FYROM had 17-16 after the first ten minutes. Than in the second frame Czech Republic took control on the home squad and finished it 13-19 for five point HT lead. Another nice quarter was coming by Alena Hanusova and her teammates. They shined after the breather making 3-12 run. Later they finished Q3 with 46-57 lead. That turned our as too much for FYROM, who had unsuccessful debut in Kavadarci.
Czech Republic will have a day-off after this game. FYROM will meet United Kingdom on Sunday.

FYROM: Jelena Antik 26+13 boards, Andzelika Mitrasinovik 15
Czech Republic: Alena Hanusova 13+11 boards, Renata Brezinova 12+6 boards, Petra Zaplatova 9

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GERMANY - Women

U20 Italy grabs the crucial win against U20 Germany, keeps them scoreless for the last seven minutes - by Eurobasket News
U20 EuroBasket, Preliminary Round (Day Three): ITALY - GERMANY 49-35

Italy celebrated in do-or-die game against Germany and advanced to Qualifying Round. Thanks to this one Italy finished as No.3 in Preliminary Group C and will be transferred to Group E now. Germany on the other hand will go to Classification Round for 13th to 16th place as they ended this stage winless. Laura Spreafico (178-G-91) was the leading player in vicotry with double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds. She won the MVP title for this match (valuation 22). Federica Tognalini (183-F-91) also was good in Italy with 14 points and 10 boards. Martina Bestagno (189-F/C-90) scored 6 pts. In Germany, Stephanie Wagner (181-F-90) delivered 10 points. Pia Mankertz (170-G-90) stopped on 8 pts and 6 boards.
Both teams entered to this game very nervously. Pressure was high as it was do-or-die game for both squads. They scored 15 points together in the first ten minutes, but it was Italy who had one point lead. Second quarter also was the low-scoring one and totally tied (12-12). Everything was still open after third period as well, despite it belonged to Italy 12-11. Germany came to 36-35 with 7:21 to go and was looking good. However, Italy intensified defense after that keeping Germany scoreless for rest of the game, while they had 17 pts on the other side for comfortable 49-35 win.
On Monday, Italy will meet Turkey. Germany will play against Sweden.

Italy: Laura Spreafico 19+10 boards, Federica Tognalini 14+10 boards, Martina Bestagno 6
Germany: Stephanie Wagner 10, Pia Mankertz 8+6 boards

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HOLLAND - Women

U20 Holland blasts U20 Bulgaria in crucial game - by Eurobasket News
U20 EuroBasket, Preliminary Round (Day Three): BULGARIA - HOLLAND 32-63

Holland outplayed Bulgaria in crucial game and advanced to Qualifying Round in Liepaja. Thanks for this victory Holland finished as No.3 in Group A and will move to Group E. On the other side, Bulgaria stays winless and will continue in Classification Games for 13th to 16th place. Maaike Klein (177-G-90) top-scored for Holland with 13 points. Clara Van der Hoek (187-F-90) followed her with 12 points and she grabbed 5 rebounds beside that. They were the only two players with double-digits in this game. In Bulgaria, Aleksandra Kancheva (182-F-90) was the leading scorer with just 7 points.
Holland was a way better team in this match. Maaike Klein and her teammates blasted Bulgaria in Q1 5-23 sending a clear signal they are going to take this one. Second quarter ended with 9-9 tie, so Holland still was 18 points up (HT). Bulgaria was not able to mount a comeback and faced with 12-15 in third period for huge 21 points deficit before the last frame. Holland made 6-16 in the last ten minutes for the final 32-63 blowout.
The championship continues on Monday. Holland will meet Russia, while Bulgaria will play against Romania in Group G.

Bulgaria: Aleksandra Kancheva 7
Holland: Maaike Klein 13, Clara Van der Hoek 12+5 boards

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HUNGARY - Women

U20 United Kingdom jump to 2-0 in Kavadarci - by Eurobasket News
U20 EuroBasket Division B, Preliminary Round (Day Two): HUNGARY - UNITED KINGDOM 50-54

2-0 for the United Kingdom and 0-2 for Hungary after this game. With this win, the UK already secured the Quarterfinals in Kavadarci. At the same time, Hungary dropped to 0-2 but still with a chance to reach the next stage. Katrin Chiemeka (170-G-91) led the winners with 11 points. Kristie Sheils (170-G-91) scored 10. In Hungary, Nikolett Sarok (180-G/F-90) had 10 pts.
Both teams shined offensively in the first quarter. They also changed in lead few times with neither team holding more than plus three. Still, the opening ten minutes finished with 20-20 tie as Stoddart made a buzzer triple for the UK. Teams were tied until the last minute in the second quarter, when the UK made mini 0-4 run for 29-33 HT lead. They made 0-8 run at the beginning of Q3 for the first double-digit advantage. However, Hungary replied with 6-0 and later closed the gap to 43-48. Last quarter was the low scoring one and it belonged to Hungary, 7-6. That of course was not enough and Hungary faced with the second straight loss.
On Sunday, the UK will meet FYROM. Hungary will look for the first win against Belgium.

Hungary: Nikolett Sarok 10
United Kingdom: Katrin Chiemeka 11, Kristie Sheils 10

Slovak Republic edge Hungary in Szombathely - by Eurobasket News
Hungary - Slovak Republic 62:65 (OT)

Slovak Republic posted the second win at the Szombathely international tournament. They wrapped up their campaign with a tough narrow success against the hosts. Romana Vynuchalova (193-F/C-86, college: Penn St.) unloaded 22 points to pace the visitors.
Hungary stayed in charge in the first half. They recorded a 16:15 lead at the first break. Hungary maintained the lead throughout the second term. They boosted the margin to 3 points at the interval 34:31. The teams traded baskets in the third quarter. Hungary did not surrender a point of their advantage and enjoyed a three-point buffer heading into the fourth stanza. But Slovak Republic limited their opponents to just 8 points in the final quarter. The visitors drew things level and forced overtime. Slovak Republic pulled ahead in the extra period and eked out a narrow win at the end.
Lucia Kupcikova (184-F-84) produced 16 points for Slovak Republic. Ivana Jalcova (182-G-83) added 10 points in the win. Diana Furesz (174-G-84, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) answered with 17 points and 9 rebounds for Hungary. Tijana Krivacevic (194-F-90) finished with 12 points in the loss.

Hungary: Romana Vynuchalova 22, Lucia Kupcikova 16, Ivana Jalcova 10
Slovak Republic: Diana Furesz 17, Tijana Krivacevic 12

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ISRAEL - Women

U20 Portugal stays perfect in Kavadarci - by Eurobasket News
U20 EuroBasket Division B, Preliminary Round (Day Two): PORTUGAL - ISRAEL 60-46

Portugal became the only perfect team after two days in Group A. It means that Portugal already booked a spot for the next stage at this event. On the other side, Israel faced with the first loss and dropped to 1-1. Marcy Goncalves (177-G/F-90) and Francisca Braga (179-F-90) netted 10 points each for the winners. Luiana Livulo (187-C-91) and Maria Correia (174-G/F-91) helped with 9 points apiece. They had 8 and 5 rebounds respectively. In Israel, Shira Shecht (183-F-91) had 13 points and Idit Oryon (182-F-90) scored three less. Oryon also grabbed 11 rebounds beside that.
Portugal was a better team at the beginning making 19-15 lead after ten minutes of play. Both teams stopped on 15 pts each in the next frame, so Portugal kept plus four until the half time. Than after the breather, Portugal players intensified defense limiting Israel to just 16 points for the entire second half. Israel scored 11 in third and just 5 points in the last period. On the other side, Portugal had 26 in total for comfortable 60-46 victory at the end.
On Sunday, Portugal will play against Greece and will try to stay perfect. Israel will meet Austria.

Portugal: Marcy Goncalves 10, Francisca Braga 10, Luiana Livulo 9+8 boards, Maria Correia 9+5 biards
Israel: Shira Shecht 13, Idit Oryon 13

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ITALY - Women

Turkey triumph in Torneo di Cavalese - by Eurobasket News
The National team of Turkey became the winner of the International tournament with four National teams participated. Turkey won all three games and became the only undefeated team.
In Day 3 Turkey overcame Italy 69:62. Turkey started strong and with the help of Birsel Vardarli (175-G-80) and Kubra Siyahdemir (181-F-86) took 25:14 lead. The guests continued to dominate the court and managed to take 5-point lead at the halftime. Italy started strong in the third period and reduced to 35:36 , but Birsel Vardarli led her team to 10-point deficit. Raffaella Masciadri (185-F-80), Ress and Alexander pushed the tempo with the hosts and cut it to 54:58, while Turkey went on 64:54 lead with 5 minutes to play. Turkey managed to keep the score for good and won the game as well as the tournament. Birsel Vardarli erupted with 23 points for the winners and Esmeral Tuncluer (175-G-80) as well as Kubra Siyahdemir posted 13 each. Gezer nailed 6 points, while Kozluca netted 5. Chiara Consolini (182-F-88) and Alexander ended up with 12 points each in the losing effort. Raffaella Masciadri followed them with 11 and Ress scored 7. Cinili made 3/4 to finish with 6 points, while Donvito notched 5.
Italy won one game and lost two to finish with 1-2 record.

U20 Italy grabs the crucial win against U20 Germany, keeps them scoreless for the last seven minutes - by Eurobasket News
U20 EuroBasket, Preliminary Round (Day Three): ITALY - GERMANY 49-35

Italy celebrated in do-or-die game against Germany and advanced to Qualifying Round. Thanks to this one Italy finished as No.3 in Preliminary Group C and will be transferred to Group E now. Germany on the other hand will go to Classification Round for 13th to 16th place as they ended this stage winless. Laura Spreafico (178-G-91) was the leading player in vicotry with double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds. She won the MVP title for this match (valuation 22). Federica Tognalini (183-F-91) also was good in Italy with 14 points and 10 boards. Martina Bestagno (189-F/C-90) scored 6 pts. In Germany, Stephanie Wagner (181-F-90) delivered 10 points. Pia Mankertz (170-G-90) stopped on 8 pts and 6 boards.
Both teams entered to this game very nervously. Pressure was high as it was do-or-die game for both squads. They scored 15 points together in the first ten minutes, but it was Italy who had one point lead. Second quarter also was the low-scoring one and totally tied (12-12). Everything was still open after third period as well, despite it belonged to Italy 12-11. Germany came to 36-35 with 7:21 to go and was looking good. However, Italy intensified defense after that keeping Germany scoreless for rest of the game, while they had 17 pts on the other side for comfortable 49-35 win.
On Monday, Italy will meet Turkey. Germany will play against Sweden.

Italy: Laura Spreafico 19+10 boards, Federica Tognalini 14+10 boards, Martina Bestagno 6
Germany: Stephanie Wagner 10, Pia Mankertz 8+6 boards

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LATVIA - Women

U20 Latvia too strong for U20 Ukraine, both advance to Qualifying Round - by Eurobasket News
U20 EuroBasket, Preliminary Round (Day Three): UKRAINE - LATVIA 61-90

Latvia registered an easy 61-90 win against Ukraine advancing to the Qualifying Round as No.2 in Group B. The hosts of this event registered two wins and one defeat at the first stage. On the other side, Ukraine finished as No.3 (1-2) and also advanced to Qualifying Round. Their win against Sweden was the crucial one so far. Sabine Niedola (184-F-91) (5 rebs) and Ieva Krastina (176-G/F-90) shined for the hosts with 15 points each. Laura Purina (171-G-90) secured a great helped adding 14 points and 5 boards. In Ukraine, Olesia Malashenko (188-F-91, agency: LBM Management) shined with 17 points and 9 boards. Olga Maznichenko (187-F-91) netted 11 pts (5 rebs).
Latvia took control on its rival from the very beginning. After few minutes of play, the hosts were already 7-15 up. They jumped to 12-13 for rest of the first quarter and were looking good. Nothing has changed after that as Latvia still dominated and later went to the halftime with comfortable 28-46 advantage. Ukraine was not able to respond and Latvia just continued with increasing the lead. They finished third period 18-26 and the last one 15-18 for the final 61-90 vicotry.
Sunday will be a day-off in Liepaja and after that Latvia will meet Poland. Ukraine will take on France.

Ukraine: Olesia Malashenko 17+9 boards, Olga Maznichenko 11+5 boards
Latvia: Sabine Niedola 15+5 boards, Ieva Krastina 15, Laura Purina 14+5 boards

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LITHUANIA - Women

U20 EC: Turkey smashes Lithuania the last quarter for 64-62 thriller win - by Eurobasket News
U20 EuroBasket, Preliminary Round (Day Three): TURKEY - LITHUANIA 64-62

Turkey grabbed thriller win against Lithuania to finish Preliminary Round with the perfect 3-0 record. It means that Turkey advanced to Qualifying Round as the top-ranked team of Group D. Lithuania also goes on, but as No.2 (1-2). Tugce Canitez (188-F-90) was totally the best player of this game. She scored 29 points and pulled down 10 rebounds for valuation 24. Yasemen Saylar (173-G-90) secured a good help adding 13 points. Marina Solopova (180-G/F-90) was great on the other side with 31 points. She made seven triples in this game. Egle Siksniute (196-F/C-91) stopped on 12 pts and 6 rebs.
Last quarter was the crucial one in this match. Before that, Turkey made 14-8 in the first frame, while Lithuania blasted them 11-25 in the next one. Third period ended 16-15 for Turkey, who was trailing 41-48 before the last ten minutes. Than Tugce Canitez and her teammates exploded with 11-0 run for 52-48 with less than six minutes to go. Lithuania made a turn and grabbed plus 4 in the finish, but triple by Tugce Canitez and basket plus free throw by the same player brought Turkey the third straight win in Liepaja.
On Monday, Turkey will meet Italy. Lithuania will play against Serbia.

Turkey: Tugce Canitez 29+10 boards, Yasemen Saylar 13
Lithuania: Marina Solopova 31, Egle Siksniute 12+6 boards

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NORWAY - Women

Norway knock down Luxembourg in Oslo - by Eurobasket News
Norway posted their third win in as many friendly games played. Yesterday Norway held off Luxembourg in Olso. Mia Spasowska (185-C-84, college: Humboldt St.) produced 22 points to lead the hosts to a 62:54 success.
Norway and Luxembourg kept it close throughout the opening frame. Norway led by just two points at the first intermission 17:15. The hosts outscored Luxembourg in the second term to enlarge the lead to 6 points at halftime 33:27. Luxembourg tried to reignited the intrigue in the third stanza. The visitors outgunned Norway to draw things level. The teams entered the fourth quarter tied at 40. But the hosts quickly gained control. They fired 22 points in the fourth stanza and sealed the winning outcome at the end. Nanna Sand (181-F-77, college: Arizona St.) knocked down 12 points for the winners. Tori Halvorsen (88) added 10 points for Norway.
The teams are scheduled to meet again on Sunday.

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POLAND - Women

U20 EuroBasket in Liepaja: France ends Preliminary Round perfect - by Eurobasket News
U20 EuroBasket, Preliminary Round (Day Three): POLAND - FRANCE 31-80

France destroyed Poland finishing the Preliminary Round with perfect 3-0 record. It means that the defending champion advances to Qualifying Round as the top-ranked team of Group A. Poland also goes to the next stage, but as No.2 (2-1). Both teams will be transferred to Group E. Jessie de Colo (180-G-90) stepped up for France scoring 12 points for 13 minutes. Margaux Okou Zouzouo (183-F-91) had 11 and Medelome Medenou (188-F-90) helped with one point less. Poland did not have anyone with double-digits. Their best scorer was Malgorzata Misiuk (184-F-91) with just 6 points (13 rebs).
France dominated during the entire time. Jessie de Colo and her teammates were simply better in all basketball elements. They finished first quarter with 9-19 and it was a clear sign what Poland could expect for rest of the game. However, Poland improved in the second frame (16-15), but that was all from them in this meeting. France limited Poland to just 6 points for the entire second half. That was really unusual picture on the court, but French defense really looked great. On the other side, they drained 46 points in 20 minutes for the final 31-80 victory.
On Monday, France will meet Ukraine. Poland will take on Latvia.

Poland: Malgorzata Misiuk 6+13 boards
France: Jessie de Colo 12, Margaux Okou Zouzouo 11, Medelome Medenou 10

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PORTUGAL - Women

U20 Portugal stays perfect in Kavadarci - by Eurobasket News
U20 EuroBasket Division B, Preliminary Round (Day Two): PORTUGAL - ISRAEL 60-46

Portugal became the only perfect team after two days in Group A. It means that Portugal already booked a spot for the next stage at this event. On the other side, Israel faced with the first loss and dropped to 1-1. Marcy Goncalves (177-G/F-90) and Francisca Braga (179-F-90) netted 10 points each for the winners. Luiana Livulo (187-C-91) and Maria Correia (174-G/F-91) helped with 9 points apiece. They had 8 and 5 rebounds respectively. In Israel, Shira Shecht (183-F-91) had 13 points and Idit Oryon (182-F-90) scored three less. Oryon also grabbed 11 rebounds beside that.
Portugal was a better team at the beginning making 19-15 lead after ten minutes of play. Both teams stopped on 15 pts each in the next frame, so Portugal kept plus four until the half time. Than after the breather, Portugal players intensified defense limiting Israel to just 16 points for the entire second half. Israel scored 11 in third and just 5 points in the last period. On the other side, Portugal had 26 in total for comfortable 60-46 victory at the end.
On Sunday, Portugal will play against Greece and will try to stay perfect. Israel will meet Austria.

Portugal: Marcy Goncalves 10, Francisca Braga 10, Luiana Livulo 9+8 boards, Maria Correia 9+5 biards
Israel: Shira Shecht 13, Idit Oryon 13

Great Britain edge Portugal in exhibition clash - by Eurobasket News
Great Britain - Portugal 72:50

Great Britain earned a comfortable win over Portugal in the exhibition encounter. The hosts came from behind to celebrate a 22-point success at the end. JulieAnne Page (188-F/C-83, agency: LBM Management, college: E.Washington) stepped up with 18 points for Great Britain.
Portugal and Great Britain stayed close throughout the opening frame. Sofia Ramalho (166-G-80) capped the period with a three-pointer to give the visitors a narrow lead. Portugal cleared off to a 7-point margin in the second term but could not capitalize. Great Britain gradually denied the deficit and recorded a narrow one point lead at halftime. Great Britain gained control in the third quarter. They fired past Portugal to accumulate a 10-point advantage at the final break. Portugal could not rebound in the final frame. Great Britain marched to a comprehensive 22-point win at the end. Natalie Stafford (173-G) finished with 13 points. Azania Stewart (193-C-90) added 11 points for the winners. Sofia Ramalho responded with 11 points for Portugal. Sonia Borges (189-C-84) delivered 9 points in the loss.

Great Britain: JulieAnne Page 18, Natalie Stafford 13, Azania Stewart 11
Portugal: Sofia Ramalho 11, Sonia Borges 9

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ROMANIA - Women

U20 Belarus destroys U20 Romania in do-or-die game - by Eurobasket News
U20 EuroBasket, Preliminary Round (Day Three): BELARUS - ROMANIA 89-63

Belarus blasted Romania for the first win in Liepaja and booked a spot for the next stage. It was a do-or-die for both teams, but Belarus handled the pressure better and celebrated comfortable win. They will move to Qualifying Group F now. On the other side, Romania (0-3) will continue in Classification Round for 13th to 16th place. Aliaksandra Musatava (174-G-92) exploded with 20 points for just 15 minutes on the court. She had just one miss in this game (6/7 FG2, 2/2 3-pts, 2/2 Fts). Maryia Papova (186-F-94) had 15 points and 6 boards, while Katsiaryna Kashlei (166-G-90) added 13 pts and 6 rebs. In Romania, Elisabeth Pavel (192-C-90) collected 22 points and 10 boards. Cristina Bigica (182-F-92) netted 18 pts in this defeat.
Belarus won every single quarter in this game. They started with 23-20 in Q1 and for the next ten minutes made 27-19. It means that Belarus held comfortable 50-39 HT lead. Romania was not able to reply and faced with 68-51 with ten minutes to go. Question about the winner was already resolved and last quarter was just the formality. Belarus ended it with 21-12 for the final 89-63 blowout.
On Monday, Belarus will play against Spain. Romania will meet Bulgaria in Group G.

Belarus: Aliaksandra Musatava 20, Maryia Papova 15+6 boards, Katsiaryna Kashlei 13+6 boards
Romania: Elisabeth Pavel 22+10 boards, Cristina Bigica 18

Australia finish Hungary tournament undefeated - by Eurobasket News
Australia - Romania 126:23

Australia wrapped up their Hungary campaign in a convincing manner. The Opals destroyed Romania for the third straight win. Elizabeth Cambage (203-C-91) knocked down 24 points and grabbed 9 rebounds to lead the Opals.
Australia easily escaped from their opponents in the opening frame. They posted a 29:9 lead at the first intermission. The avalanche continued in the second stanza. The Opals exploded with 31 points and piled up a massive 46-point halftime advantage. Romania had to little to answer with in the second half. They accounted for just 9 points after the main break and Australia flew to a clinical victory at the end.
Laura Summerton (191-C-83), Hollie Grima (190-C/F-83) and Erin Phillips (173-G-85) notched 20 points each for the Opals. Alexandra Uiuiu (180-F-89) answered with 11 points for Romania. Anita Meszaros (190-C-88) had 4 points in defeat.
Hollie Grima was named the MVP of the tournament. Jenna O'Hea (185-G/F-87) got the top-scorer prize.

Australia: Elizabeth Cambage 24, Laura Summerton 20, Hollie Grima 20, Erin Phillips 20
Romania: Alexandra Uiuiu 11, Anita Meszaros 4

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RUSSIA - Women

U20 Sweden surprises U20 Russia, but fails to reach the next stage in Liepaja - by Eurobasket News
U20 EuroBasket, Preliminary Round (Day Three): SWEDEN - RUSSIA 71-61

Sweden surprised powerful Russia, but they lost against Ukraine earlier at this event and due to that defeat failed to reach the next stage. Russia on the other hand advanced as No.1 of Group B. They have the same 2-1 record as Latvia, but outplayed them in Day Two. Maryam Gultekin (165-G-90) exploded in this match with 24 points and 5 assists. She reached valuation 22 and was the MVP. Sweden also got 15 points and 7 rebounds from Danielle Hamilton Carter (187-F-90, college: Fayetteville). Russia had only one player with double-digits in scoring and it was Anastasiya Shilova (185-F-91) with 11 pts (5 rebs). Yulia Klimenko (185-C-90) finished with 9 pts.
Sweden was great at the beginning and finished the opening quarter with 17-9 lead. Russia improved after that closing the gap to 31-29 until the half time. Russia was slightly better team in third quarter as well. Anastasiya Shilova and her teammates ended this period with 15-17 and teams started from zero once again. After 30 minutes of play the score stood at 46-46. Than Maryam Gultekin stepped up for her team and helped it to make 12-4 run. Sweden jumped to 65-55 with less than three minutes to go and this game was already over for Russia.
On Monday, Sweden will play against Germany as a part of Group G (Classification Round for 13th to 16th place). Russia will meet Holland.

Sweden: Maryam Gultekin 24+5 as, Danielle Hamilton Carter 15+7 boards
Russia: Anastasiya Shilova 11+5 boards, Yulia Klimenko 9

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SERBIA - Women

U20 Spain outplays U20 Serbia thanks to 2-12 run late in Q4 - by Eurobasket News
U20 EuroBasket, Preliminary Round (Day Three): SERBIA - SPAIN 67-75

Spain was too strong for Serbia in the battle for the first place in Preliminary Group C. Both teams were perfect in the first two days, but now Spain is No.1 in this pool, while Serbia is No.2. Both advanced to Qualifying Round (Group F). Cristina Ouvina (173-G-90) top-scored in Spain with 19 points. Vega Gimeno Martinez (183-F-91) had 12 points, while Amaya Gastaminza Ganuza (188-F-91) helped with one less. In Serbia, Nevena Jovanovic (179-G-90) shined with 15 points. Tijana Ajdukovic (197-C-91) scored 11 pts and grabbed 6 boards.
First quarter was pretty leveled. Actually, Serbia held 22-18 lead in the finish, but thanks to triple by Vila, Spain cut the margin to one point. Spain took control on Serbia in the second frame finishing it 14-19 for 36-40 turn at the half time. Serbia didnt give up and continued to fight. Nevena Jovanovic and her teammates made 17-14 in third quarter coming to 53-54 before the last ten minutes. At the halfway of the last period Serbia grabbed 59-58 lead, after basket by Jovanovic. However, Spain immediately responded and made crucial 2-12 run for plus 9 with 2:26 to go. That was too much for Serbia, who few moments later faced with 67-75 loss.
Teams will have a day-off tomorrow. On Monday, Spain will meet Belarus, while Serbia will take on Lithuania.

Serbia: Nevena Jovanovic 15, Tijana Ajdukovic 11+6 boards
Spain: Cristina Ouvina 19, Vega Gimeno Martinez 12, Amaya Gastaminza Ganuza 11

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SLOVAKIA - Women

Slovak Republic edge Hungary in Szombathely - by Eurobasket News
Hungary - Slovak Republic 62:65 (OT)

Slovak Republic posted the second win at the Szombathely international tournament. They wrapped up their campaign with a tough narrow success against the hosts. Romana Vynuchalova (193-F/C-86, college: Penn St.) unloaded 22 points to pace the visitors.
Hungary stayed in charge in the first half. They recorded a 16:15 lead at the first break. Hungary maintained the lead throughout the second term. They boosted the margin to 3 points at the interval 34:31. The teams traded baskets in the third quarter. Hungary did not surrender a point of their advantage and enjoyed a three-point buffer heading into the fourth stanza. But Slovak Republic limited their opponents to just 8 points in the final quarter. The visitors drew things level and forced overtime. Slovak Republic pulled ahead in the extra period and eked out a narrow win at the end.
Lucia Kupcikova (184-F-84) produced 16 points for Slovak Republic. Ivana Jalcova (182-G-83) added 10 points in the win. Diana Furesz (174-G-84, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) answered with 17 points and 9 rebounds for Hungary. Tijana Krivacevic (194-F-90) finished with 12 points in the loss.

Hungary: Romana Vynuchalova 22, Lucia Kupcikova 16, Ivana Jalcova 10
Slovak Republic: Diana Furesz 17, Tijana Krivacevic 12

U20 Slovakia wins the first in Kavadarci - by Eurobasket News
U20 EuroBasket Division B, Preliminary Round (Day Two): AUSTRIA - SLOVAKIA 44-65

Slovakia outplayed Austria for the first win in Kavadarci and 1-1 record in Preliminary Group A. Klaudia Lukacovicova (193-C-90) shined for the winning squad with 24 points and 9 rebounds. She was the MVP of this meeting with valuation 26. Barbora Novocka (165-G-90) also was good in victory adding 9 points and 5 boards. Dominika Baburova (183-F-91) helped with 8 pts. On the other side, Georgia De Leeuw (175-G-90) and Lisa Zderadicka (166-G-94) had 9 points each. Their Austria appeared for the first time in Kavadarci and faced with defeat.
Except of the last quarter, all other belonged to Slovakia in this game. Klaudia Lukacovicova and her teammates made 10-15 lead in the first ten minutes. They scored the same number of points in Q2 as well, while limiting Austria to 12 on the other side. It means that Slovakia was decent 8 points up at the half time. Third frame was the crucial one in this meeting. Slovakia dominated at the both sides of the court making huge 5-20 for ten minutes. It was 27-50 for them and the game winner was resolved.
Slovakia will have a day-off on Sunday. Austria will meet Israel.

Austria: Georgia De Leeuw 9, Lisa Zderadicka 9
Slovakia: Klaudia Lukacovicova 24+9 boards, Barbora Novocka 9+5 boards, Dominika Baburova 8

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SPAIN - Women

U20 Spain outplays U20 Serbia thanks to 2-12 run late in Q4 - by Eurobasket News
U20 EuroBasket, Preliminary Round (Day Three): SERBIA - SPAIN 67-75

Spain was too strong for Serbia in the battle for the first place in Preliminary Group C. Both teams were perfect in the first two days, but now Spain is No.1 in this pool, while Serbia is No.2. Both advanced to Qualifying Round (Group F). Cristina Ouvina (173-G-90) top-scored in Spain with 19 points. Vega Gimeno Martinez (183-F-91) had 12 points, while Amaya Gastaminza Ganuza (188-F-91) helped with one less. In Serbia, Nevena Jovanovic (179-G-90) shined with 15 points. Tijana Ajdukovic (197-C-91) scored 11 pts and grabbed 6 boards.
First quarter was pretty leveled. Actually, Serbia held 22-18 lead in the finish, but thanks to triple by Vila, Spain cut the margin to one point. Spain took control on Serbia in the second frame finishing it 14-19 for 36-40 turn at the half time. Serbia didnt give up and continued to fight. Nevena Jovanovic and her teammates made 17-14 in third quarter coming to 53-54 before the last ten minutes. At the halfway of the last period Serbia grabbed 59-58 lead, after basket by Jovanovic. However, Spain immediately responded and made crucial 2-12 run for plus 9 with 2:26 to go. That was too much for Serbia, who few moments later faced with 67-75 loss.
Teams will have a day-off tomorrow. On Monday, Spain will meet Belarus, while Serbia will take on Lithuania.

Serbia: Nevena Jovanovic 15, Tijana Ajdukovic 11+6 boards
Spain: Cristina Ouvina 19, Vega Gimeno Martinez 12, Amaya Gastaminza Ganuza 11

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SWEDEN - Women

U20 Sweden surprises U20 Russia, but fails to reach the next stage in Liepaja - by Eurobasket News
U20 EuroBasket, Preliminary Round (Day Three): SWEDEN - RUSSIA 71-61

Sweden surprised powerful Russia, but they lost against Ukraine earlier at this event and due to that defeat failed to reach the next stage. Russia on the other hand advanced as No.1 of Group B. They have the same 2-1 record as Latvia, but outplayed them in Day Two. Maryam Gultekin (165-G-90) exploded in this match with 24 points and 5 assists. She reached valuation 22 and was the MVP. Sweden also got 15 points and 7 rebounds from Danielle Hamilton Carter (187-F-90, college: Fayetteville). Russia had only one player with double-digits in scoring and it was Anastasiya Shilova (185-F-91) with 11 pts (5 rebs). Yulia Klimenko (185-C-90) finished with 9 pts.
Sweden was great at the beginning and finished the opening quarter with 17-9 lead. Russia improved after that closing the gap to 31-29 until the half time. Russia was slightly better team in third quarter as well. Anastasiya Shilova and her teammates ended this period with 15-17 and teams started from zero once again. After 30 minutes of play the score stood at 46-46. Than Maryam Gultekin stepped up for her team and helped it to make 12-4 run. Sweden jumped to 65-55 with less than three minutes to go and this game was already over for Russia.
On Monday, Sweden will play against Germany as a part of Group G (Classification Round for 13th to 16th place). Russia will meet Holland.

Sweden: Maryam Gultekin 24+5 as, Danielle Hamilton Carter 15+7 boards
Russia: Anastasiya Shilova 11+5 boards, Yulia Klimenko 9

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TAIWAN - Women

2010 Jones Cup: Taiwan, South Korea to meet in womens final - by Chris Wang
This result is expected but its now official: Taiwan NT will meet South Koreas Sinsegae Coolcat in the womens final of the 2010 William Jones Cup tournament.

In the Sunday cross-over semifinals, Korea thumped Kazakhstan 106-33 and Taiwan also showed no mercy against Taiwan University All-Stars with a 103-38 rout.

Koreas Youn Yun-ah tallied 40 points and 16 rebounds and Kim Ji-hyun was even better with a triple-double -- 28 points, 10 boards and 10 assists. Park Ha-na added 23 points and 9 rebounds.

Ma Yi-hung led Taiwan NT with 16 points while Liu Chun-yi, who only had two points against Korea in the Saturday loss, had 15. Liu Chia-wei was the only player on Taiwan University All-Stars to score in double-digit, finishing the game with 19 points.

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TURKEY - Women

U20 EC: Turkey smashes Lithuania the last quarter for 64-62 thriller win - by Eurobasket News
U20 EuroBasket, Preliminary Round (Day Three): TURKEY - LITHUANIA 64-62

Turkey grabbed thriller win against Lithuania to finish Preliminary Round with the perfect 3-0 record. It means that Turkey advanced to Qualifying Round as the top-ranked team of Group D. Lithuania also goes on, but as No.2 (1-2). Tugce Canitez (188-F-90) was totally the best player of this game. She scored 29 points and pulled down 10 rebounds for valuation 24. Yasemen Saylar (173-G-90) secured a good help adding 13 points. Marina Solopova (180-G/F-90) was great on the other side with 31 points. She made seven triples in this game. Egle Siksniute (196-F/C-91) stopped on 12 pts and 6 rebs.
Last quarter was the crucial one in this match. Before that, Turkey made 14-8 in the first frame, while Lithuania blasted them 11-25 in the next one. Third period ended 16-15 for Turkey, who was trailing 41-48 before the last ten minutes. Than Tugce Canitez and her teammates exploded with 11-0 run for 52-48 with less than six minutes to go. Lithuania made a turn and grabbed plus 4 in the finish, but triple by Tugce Canitez and basket plus free throw by the same player brought Turkey the third straight win in Liepaja.
On Monday, Turkey will meet Italy. Lithuania will play against Serbia.

Turkey: Tugce Canitez 29+10 boards, Yasemen Saylar 13
Lithuania: Marina Solopova 31, Egle Siksniute 12+6 boards

Turkey triumph in Torneo di Cavalese - by Eurobasket News
The National team of Turkey became the winner of the International tournament with four National teams participated. Turkey won all three games and became the only undefeated team.
In Day 3 Turkey overcame Italy 69:62. Turkey started strong and with the help of Birsel Vardarli (175-G-80) and Kubra Siyahdemir (181-F-86) took 25:14 lead. The guests continued to dominate the court and managed to take 5-point lead at the halftime. Italy started strong in the third period and reduced to 35:36 , but Birsel Vardarli led her team to 10-point deficit. Raffaella Masciadri (185-F-80), Ress and Alexander pushed the tempo with the hosts and cut it to 54:58, while Turkey went on 64:54 lead with 5 minutes to play. Turkey managed to keep the score for good and won the game as well as the tournament. Birsel Vardarli erupted with 23 points for the winners and Esmeral Tuncluer (175-G-80) as well as Kubra Siyahdemir posted 13 each. Gezer nailed 6 points, while Kozluca netted 5. Chiara Consolini (182-F-88) and Alexander ended up with 12 points each in the losing effort. Raffaella Masciadri followed them with 11 and Ress scored 7. Cinili made 3/4 to finish with 6 points, while Donvito notched 5.
Italy won one game and lost two to finish with 1-2 record.

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UKRAINE - Women

U20 Latvia too strong for U20 Ukraine, both advance to Qualifying Round - by Eurobasket News
U20 EuroBasket, Preliminary Round (Day Three): UKRAINE - LATVIA 61-90

Latvia registered an easy 61-90 win against Ukraine advancing to the Qualifying Round as No.2 in Group B. The hosts of this event registered two wins and one defeat at the first stage. On the other side, Ukraine finished as No.3 (1-2) and also advanced to Qualifying Round. Their win against Sweden was the crucial one so far. Sabine Niedola (184-F-91) (5 rebs) and Ieva Krastina (176-G/F-90) shined for the hosts with 15 points each. Laura Purina (171-G-90) secured a great helped adding 14 points and 5 boards. In Ukraine, Olesia Malashenko (188-F-91, agency: LBM Management) shined with 17 points and 9 boards. Olga Maznichenko (187-F-91) netted 11 pts (5 rebs).
Latvia took control on its rival from the very beginning. After few minutes of play, the hosts were already 7-15 up. They jumped to 12-13 for rest of the first quarter and were looking good. Nothing has changed after that as Latvia still dominated and later went to the halftime with comfortable 28-46 advantage. Ukraine was not able to respond and Latvia just continued with increasing the lead. They finished third period 18-26 and the last one 15-18 for the final 61-90 vicotry.
Sunday will be a day-off in Liepaja and after that Latvia will meet Poland. Ukraine will take on France.

Ukraine: Olesia Malashenko 17+9 boards, Olga Maznichenko 11+5 boards
Latvia: Sabine Niedola 15+5 boards, Ieva Krastina 15, Laura Purina 14+5 boards

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UNITED KINGDOM - Women

U20 United Kingdom jump to 2-0 in Kavadarci - by Eurobasket News
U20 EuroBasket Division B, Preliminary Round (Day Two): HUNGARY - UNITED KINGDOM 50-54

2-0 for the United Kingdom and 0-2 for Hungary after this game. With this win, the UK already secured the Quarterfinals in Kavadarci. At the same time, Hungary dropped to 0-2 but still with a chance to reach the next stage. Katrin Chiemeka (170-G-91) led the winners with 11 points. Kristie Sheils (170-G-91) scored 10. In Hungary, Nikolett Sarok (180-G/F-90) had 10 pts.
Both teams shined offensively in the first quarter. They also changed in lead few times with neither team holding more than plus three. Still, the opening ten minutes finished with 20-20 tie as Stoddart made a buzzer triple for the UK. Teams were tied until the last minute in the second quarter, when the UK made mini 0-4 run for 29-33 HT lead. They made 0-8 run at the beginning of Q3 for the first double-digit advantage. However, Hungary replied with 6-0 and later closed the gap to 43-48. Last quarter was the low scoring one and it belonged to Hungary, 7-6. That of course was not enough and Hungary faced with the second straight loss.
On Sunday, the UK will meet FYROM. Hungary will look for the first win against Belgium.

Hungary: Nikolett Sarok 10
United Kingdom: Katrin Chiemeka 11, Kristie Sheils 10

Great Britain edge Portugal in exhibition clash - by Eurobasket News
Great Britain - Portugal 72:50

Great Britain earned a comfortable win over Portugal in the exhibition encounter. The hosts came from behind to celebrate a 22-point success at the end. JulieAnne Page (188-F/C-83, agency: LBM Management, college: E.Washington) stepped up with 18 points for Great Britain.
Portugal and Great Britain stayed close throughout the opening frame. Sofia Ramalho (166-G-80) capped the period with a three-pointer to give the visitors a narrow lead. Portugal cleared off to a 7-point margin in the second term but could not capitalize. Great Britain gradually denied the deficit and recorded a narrow one point lead at halftime. Great Britain gained control in the third quarter. They fired past Portugal to accumulate a 10-point advantage at the final break. Portugal could not rebound in the final frame. Great Britain marched to a comprehensive 22-point win at the end. Natalie Stafford (173-G) finished with 13 points. Azania Stewart (193-C-90) added 11 points for the winners. Sofia Ramalho responded with 11 points for Portugal. Sonia Borges (189-C-84) delivered 9 points in the loss.

Great Britain: JulieAnne Page 18, Natalie Stafford 13, Azania Stewart 11
Portugal: Sofia Ramalho 11, Sonia Borges 9

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WILLIAM JONES CUP - Women

2010 Jones Cup: Taiwan, South Korea to meet in womens final - by Chris Wang
This result is expected but its now official: Taiwan NT will meet South Koreas Sinsegae Coolcat in the womens final of the 2010 William Jones Cup tournament.

In the Sunday cross-over semifinals, Korea thumped Kazakhstan 106-33 and Taiwan also showed no mercy against Taiwan University All-Stars with a 103-38 rout.

Koreas Youn Yun-ah tallied 40 points and 16 rebounds and Kim Ji-hyun was even better with a triple-double -- 28 points, 10 boards and 10 assists. Park Ha-na added 23 points and 9 rebounds.

Ma Yi-hung led Taiwan NT with 16 points while Liu Chun-yi, who only had two points against Korea in the Saturday loss, had 15. Liu Chia-wei was the only player on Taiwan University All-Stars to score in double-digit, finishing the game with 19 points.

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WNBA - Women

Saturday: Strom, Sun and Mercury celebrate - by Eurobasket News
Seattle S. - Minnesota L. 73-71
Tanisha Wright's (5'11''-G-83, agency: LBM Management, college: Penn St.) 3-pointer with 52.6 seconds remaining lifted the Seattle Storm to a 73-71 victory over the Minnesota Lynx on Saturday. Lauren Jackson (6'5''-F/C-81) scored 14 of her 26 points in the fourth quarter to help Seattle (18-2) rally from a seven-point deficit and overcome a season-high 23 turnovers to win their ninth straight. Swin Cash (6'2''-F-79, college: Connecticut) had 12 points and 11 rebounds and Sue Bird added 10 points. Rebekkah Brunson (6'3''-F/C-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Georgetown) scored 19 points, and Seimone Augustus (6'1''-G-84, college: LSU) and Lindsay Whalen (5'8''-G-82, college: Minnesota) added 13 each for the Lynx (7-12), who dropped into a tie for second place in the Western Conference - 10 1/2 games behind the Storm. Minnesota had a chance to tie in the final seconds, but Augustus missed a hook shot on the final possession and Bird held on to the rebound. Augustus finished 4 for 17 from the field. The Storm finished 8 for 23 on 3s and 15 for 15 from the free-throw line. The Lynx were just 3 for 9 from beyond the arc and 20 of 30 from the line. *Courtesy of http://nbcsports.msnbc.com

Atlanta D. - Connecticut S. 80-96
The Connecticut Sun finally beat the Atlanta Dream this season, and they can thank their reserves for the lift. Tina Charles (6'4''-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) had 22 points and 14 rebounds to help the Sun beat the Dream 96-80 on Saturday night. Kara Lawson (5'8''-G-81, college: Tennessee) scored 18 points, Asjha Jones (6'2''-F-80, college: Connecticut) added 15 and Sandrine Gruda (6'4''-C-87) 14 as the Sun (12-8) improved to 8-1 at home and beat the Dream for the first time in three meetings this season. With the score tied at 49-all with 6:06 left in the third quarter, the Sun used a 34-17 run to pull away. Connecticut's reserves scored 19 points in the spurt, including nine by Gruda. 'The bench gained the lead,' fellow reserve Renee Montgomery said. 'That's not a surprise. There's very talented players coming off the bench.' Connecticut moved one game behind first-place Washington and Atlanta in the Eastern Conference, and a half-game behind third-place Indiana. Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-F-86, college: Louisville) scored 27 points to lead Atlanta (14-8), which lost its third straight and dropped percentage points behind the Mystics. Sancho Lyttle (6'4''-C-83, college: Houston) added 12 points and 11 rebounds. Tan White (5'7''-G-82, college: Mississippi St.), another Connecticut starter, had 10 points and seven assists. *Courtesy of www.cbsnews.com

Tulsa S. - Phoenix M. 88-97
Penelope Taylor (6'1''-F-81) scored 29 points with seven assists and six rebounds, and the Phoenix Mercury beat the Tulsa Shock 97-88 on Saturday night. Candice Dupree (6'2''-F/C-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Temple) added 26 points and six rebounds for the Mercury (8-12), who have won three of their last four and seem to have the Shock figured out. Phoenix had defeated Tulsa by an average of 23 points in their previous two meetings, scoring more than 110 points both times. Scholanda Robinson (5'10''-G-83, college: LSU) had 15 points and five rebounds for the Shock (4-16), who snapped a season-worst 12-game skid Friday at San Antonio. Still, Tulsa is winless in four tries when it plays the second of back-to-back games. *Courtesy of www.ctpost.com

Standings

WNBA Standings

Eastern  1. Atlanta D. 9-4   2. Connecticut S. 8-4   3. Indiana F. 8-4   4. Washington M. 7-4   5. Chicago S. 5-8   6. New York L. 4-7  Western  1. Seattle S. 11-2   2. Phoenix M. 5-7   3. Minnesota L. 5-9   4. S.Antonio SS 4-7   5. Tulsa S. 3-8   6. L.Angeles S. 3-8

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WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS U17 - Women

Div.A Standings

Standings

Group A 1. USA 3-0 2. Japan 2-1 3. Russia 1-2 4. Turkey 1-2 5. Canada 1-2 6. France 1-2 Group B 1. China 3-0 2. Australia 2-1 3. Belgium 2-1 4. Argentina 1-2 5. Spain 1-2 6. Mali 0-3