EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 8/17/2010

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Men News

*****************************************************
  ARGENTINA   


Spain edge Argentina in front of 10000 fans - by Eurobasket News
Spain - Argentina 83:76
Spain knocked down Argentina in front of more than 10000 spectators at the Plaza de Toros de La Ribera in La Rioja. Felipe Reyes (203-F/C-80) knocked down 14 points to lead Spain to the victory. Argentina will next face Brazil at the Torneo de Logrono. Spain will take on Brazil tomorrow.
Spain surged ahead right from the start. They established a 23:17 lead ten minutes into the clash. Argentina challenged the deficit in the second quarter. The South American champions cut the margin to two points at halftime 40:42. Argentina kept it close throughout the third quarter. They drew things level at 48 midway through the third stanza. Spain entered the final frame leading by just a single point 64:63. But the fourth quarter belonged to the hosts. They limited Argentina to only 13 points and snatched a tough win at the end.
Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) finished with 14 points for Spain. Jose Manuel Calderon (190-G-81) added 10 points, while Vazquez delivered 9 in the victory. Luis Scola (206-F/C-80) answered with 26 points for Argentina. Carlos Delfino (198-G-82) netted 16 points in the loss.

Spain: Felipe Reyes 14, Juan Carlos Navarro 14, Jose Manuel Calderon 10
Argentina: Luis Scola 26, Carlos Delfino 16


Luis Cequeira replaces Juan Cantero in National team - by Facundo Iatzky
After it was confirmed that Juan Pablo Cantero will miss the world championship due to injury, Sergio Hernandez decided to call Luis Cequeira (180-G-85) to replace him. 'junior' was the point guard of Argentina in the last southamerican championship in Colombia. He was one of the best point guards of the last Liga A, playing in Sionista Parana. Hernandez preffered the experience of Cequeira than Juan Fernandez, who has a great future but is still young.

Argentina edge Brazil at Logrono tournament - by Eurobasket News
Argentina - Brazil 77:73
Argentina celebrated the first win at the international Logrono tournament in Spain. They held off Brazil on the second day of action. Carlos Delfino (198-G-82) unloaded 23 points to lead the winners.
Argentina and Brazil kept it close throughout the starting quarter. Argentina posted a 16:15 lead at the first break. The South American vice-champions boosted the lead in the second frame. Argentina held their opponents to just 10 points in the second frame to enjoy a 35:25 lead at halftime. Brazil started to recover in the third term. Marcelinho Machado (199-F/G-75, agency: Interperformances) triggered an 8:0 run from Brazil as they narrowed the gap to just a single point 47:48 with ten minutes to go. But Argentina survived the challenge. Carlos Delfino led offense as Argentina unleashed 29 points and celebrated a tough win at the end.
Pablo Prigioni (191-G-77) knocked down 17 points and dished out 7 assists for the winners. Luis Scola (206-F/C-80) had 12 points and 11 rebounds for Argentina. Anderson Varejao (205-C-82) replied with 14 points and 12 rebounds for Brazil. Marcelinho Machado had 13 points in the losing effort.

Argentina: Carlos Delfino 23, Pablo Prigioni 17, Luis Scola 12+11 boards
Brazil: Anderson Varejao 14+12 boards, Marcelinho Machado 13


Michael Robinson joins Monte Hermoso - by Eurobasket News
Monte Hermoso tabbed Michael Robinson (198-F-76, college: Purdue). The 33-year-old forward spent the previous season playing for Estudiantes de Bahia Blanca. He tallied 13.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game in LigaA. Earlier Michael Robinson had stints in Regatas Corrientes, Pico La Pampa, Boca Juniors, Union de Sunchales and Sionista de Parana in Argentina, Pizza Express Apollon in Cyprus and Montegranaro in Italy.


*****************************************************
  AUSTRALIA   


Australian National Team 2010 - by Kasia
Starting five
#s#
David Andersen
Andersen
David Barlow
Barlow
Aron Baynes
Baynes
Adam Gibson
Gibson
Joe Ingles
Ingles
#e#5
David Andersen 212-C-80 Toronto R. USA
David Barlow 205-F-83 CAI Zaragoza Spain
Aron Baynes 208-C-86 EWE Baskets Germany
Adam Gibson 188-G-86 Brisbane S. Australia
Joe Ingles 203-G/F-87 Granada Spain
Steven Markovic 190-G-85 Crvena Zvez. Serbia
Aleks Maric 211-C-84 Panathinaikos Greece
Damian Martin 188-G-84 Wildcats Australia
Patrick Mills 183-G-88 Portland TB USA
Brad Newley 199-G-85 Lietuvos Rytas Lithuania
Matt Nielsen 208-F/C-78 Olympiakos Greece
Mark Worthington 202-F-83 Brose Baskets Germany

Brett Brown Head Coach San Antonio S. USA


Blalock arrives in Townsville - by Eurobasket News
New import Will Blalock (183-G-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Iowa St.) has arrived and is ready to win using his NBA experience to guide the Townsville Crocodiles to victory.

Monday was the first day that he had taken the court as a Townsville Croc and he certainly looked ready to be a part of the team and excite the fans of Townsville
I really want to come here and win,' said Blalock. 'Thats pretty much the only goal I have personally at this stage. It is all about doing my bit to help the team where I can.

Blalock is keen to use what he learnt from his games in the NBA to help his team.

The NBA has taught me a lot about being a point guard. Being in a leadership role it is important that me and the coach have a good relationship and get guys in the right spots and find people to get the open shots Playing at the highest level in the NBA has reinforced the importance of this.

Blalock is not expecting too much difference between the NBA and the NBL and he believed that NBL players were just as skillful as the NBA players.

I actually watched some tape of guys that have played in the NBL and they are pretty skillful so its probably going to be no different to the NBA.

Blalocks final impression of the team was yet to be formed with pre season training just commencing but he definitely had formed an opinion already about Townsvilles weather.
You guys got really lucky as far as winter [goes]. Im from Boston and in the winter its freezing and here you can wear tshirts and go to the beach in the winter. Its amazing.

Courtesy of NBL (www.nbl.com.au)



*****************************************************
  AUSTRIA   


Mathias Gunka inks with UBC St. Polten - by Stefan Prager
The UBC St. Polten announced that the club has signed youngster center Mathias Gunka (205-F/C-91). Gunka is coming from the Basket Clubs Vienna where he averaged 1.8 ppg in 16 contests last season. The 18 year old Gunka was a member of the Austrian U18 national team until 2009. With the signing of Gunka St. Polten seems to have their roster together. Again the UBC will go into the season without a single import player.

Kapfenberg Bulls add three import players - by Stefan Prager
The Kapfenberg Bulls have added three new import players to their roster. LeVonn Jordan (198-G/F-85, college: Elon) a 6'6'' shooting guard from North Carolina had a pretty solid career at Elon before playing in Spains LEB silver and LEB Bronze. In 2008/09 Jordan played for the Hamamatsu Tigers in Japan.
Power Forward Danny Horace (196-F-83, college: Miami (OH)) is coming from Saint Quentin Basketball in France where he played in the ProB. Horace played college ball at Miami University before turning pro with successfull stints in Finnland, Germany and France. Danny Horace was a first team all Conference player in the strong MAC conference. He finished his last season with an rebounding average of 9,5 - and was the eading NCAA Div. I rebounder for weeks .The 6'5'' Cincinnati native is expected to replace last years power forward Mike Schachtner.
The third new import player in Kapfenberg is Demetrius Nelson (203-F/C-86, agency: Court Side, college: Citadel). Nelson can play both 4 and 5 positions and is coming from Upstairs Weert. He started the last season in Poland playing for ZKS Stal Stalowa Wola before moving to the Netherlands. In 24 games for Weert Nelson averaged 8.5 ppg along with 6.8 rpg.

Meanwhile the Bulls have terminated the contract of Kevin Nelson (192-G-84, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Park). Seyni N''Diaye will leave the Bulls as well as his contract is not getting extended. Both players will not return to the Bulls line up for 2010/2011.

*****************************************************
  BENIN   


FIBA Africa Zone-3 Qualifier: Benin lost to Cote dIvoire 46-48 - by Olusegun Ikuesan
The hope of Benin Republic of redeeming its image in the ongoing FIBA Africa Zone-3 Qualifiers was finally dashed Sunday night as the gave away an earlier lead to lose by 48-46 to Cote dIvoire in Day-5 of the elimination series.

Cote dIvoire had raced to a 11-07 points win in the first quarter but allowed the Benin side to fight back in the second quarter with a 13-08 points win to take a slim 20-19 points lead into the break.

Benin continue from where it left off at the resumption of play in the third quarter to post a 19-11 points to take a nine points advantage of 39-30 points going into the last quarter but Cote dIvoire fought back like a wounded Elephant in the fourth quarter with an 18-07 points win to end the game at 48-46 points for a 4-1 record.

Cote dIvoire Alpha Yaya Ouattara led his team with 14 points and 8 rebounds, Stephane Kokoun posted a double double of 10 points and 10 rebounds with Bohui Gbotto adding 10 points and 4 rebounds.

Benin youthful small forward Roland Akpatchi led the floor in scoring with 16 points, Ayouba Aboubakari contributed 10 points while Kader Yarou led other players from the board with 18 rebounds.
Cote dIvoire will the series with a game against Nigeria on Monday at 17H00 while Benin will take on host Togo at 19H00.



*****************************************************
  BRAZIL   


Argentina edge Brazil at Logrono tournament - by Eurobasket News
Argentina - Brazil 77:73
Argentina celebrated the first win at the international Logrono tournament in Spain. They held off Brazil on the second day of action. Carlos Delfino (198-G-82) unloaded 23 points to lead the winners.
Argentina and Brazil kept it close throughout the starting quarter. Argentina posted a 16:15 lead at the first break. The South American vice-champions boosted the lead in the second frame. Argentina held their opponents to just 10 points in the second frame to enjoy a 35:25 lead at halftime. Brazil started to recover in the third term. Marcelinho Machado (199-F/G-75, agency: Interperformances) triggered an 8:0 run from Brazil as they narrowed the gap to just a single point 47:48 with ten minutes to go. But Argentina survived the challenge. Carlos Delfino led offense as Argentina unleashed 29 points and celebrated a tough win at the end.
Pablo Prigioni (191-G-77) knocked down 17 points and dished out 7 assists for the winners. Luis Scola (206-F/C-80) had 12 points and 11 rebounds for Argentina. Anderson Varejao (205-C-82) replied with 14 points and 12 rebounds for Brazil. Marcelinho Machado had 13 points in the losing effort.

Argentina: Carlos Delfino 23, Pablo Prigioni 17, Luis Scola 12+11 boards
Brazil: Anderson Varejao 14+12 boards, Marcelinho Machado 13


Paulistano add swingman - by Paulo Freire
Aiming to strengthen the squad for next season, the Paulistano / Amil agreed to sign a foreign player. The club of Sao Paulo will have the strengthen of swingman Jaycen Herring to dispute the State Championship and the NBB.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Herring is a graduate of Southeast Missouri and at the last championship college (NCAA) that he played in 2008/2009, he had averaged 16.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. He also had experience in other schools Chattanooga and Palm Beach CC.
Had his first experience outside the United States As he began his professional career in Asia. For this season, the player would have his first experience in Latin America, after he was announced in the end of July as the new enhanced of El Nacional Monte Hermoso a club from Argentina. But the deal was canceled in early August. According to local newspapers, a problem between his agents call the deal off.

Jaycen Herring (196-G/F-86, college: SE Missouri St.) is already with the team working out.



*****************************************************
  BULGARIA   


Young revolution in Evroins Cherno more - by Vladi Lazarova
Young revolution - this is the motto of 2010/2011 season in Evroins Cherno more. The team started with preparations for Bulgarian National league today in Varna. In the squad are 14 players - all of them young and prospective Bulgarians. This basketball year The Sailors will give a chance all of youth team talents. Now, or never - to prove their athletic skills and defend their ambitions to play for the first team. For the first time of many years Cherno more won't sign foreign players.

The main task in front of the new head coach of The Sailors - Lubomir Minchev is to develop the youngest Men's team in club history. The oldest player in the squad for this season was born in 1989. After the last season Cherno more decided to part ways with his long time captain - Simeon Tsenov (196-F-82), former Bulgarian National team player and ex-leader of Spartak Pleven - Hrisimir Dimitrov (197-G/F-74), Macedonian playmaker Dimitar Mirakovski (180-G-81, agency: Interperformances) and American center Gary Ware (206-F/C-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Purdue).

Here are the names of 14 players, who will play in Cherno more in 2010/2011: Tihomir Jelev (190-G-90), Vasil Kyosev (195-G-90), Aleksandar Georgiev (203-F-90, agency: Interperformances), Nikolay Kolev (204-F/C-88), Simeon Mihaylov (205-F/C-89), Simeon Iliev (202-F-89), Konstantin Kolev (196-G-89), Milcho Borisov (196-G-90), Stanislav Tsonkov (191-G-91), Lachezar Radev (205-C-91), Stanislav Stoev (199-F-92), Ilhan Arabadjiev (194-F-91), Haakan Serbezov (91), Andrean Mavrov (91).
Aleksandar Georgiev will join the etam later, after Eurobasket 2011 qualifications.





Levski is back in the gym, Frasor is out - by Vladi Lazarova
Bulgarian National Cup holder Levski is back in the gym. The Blues made their first practice before the new season today in Sofia. Some of the players will join the team later, because of Eurobasket 2011 qualifications. The squad will remain with the same coaching staff: Konstantin Papazov will lead Levski as a head coach and Toni Dechev as his assistant. The captain of the team - Stefan Georgiev (206-C/F-78) is busy now with Bulgarian National team games. Same engagements have another two players - Zlatin Georgiev (195-G-85) and Asen Velikov (188-G-86).
Bobby Frasor (191-G-86, agency: Interperformances, college: N.Carolina) is the only one player, who is leaving Levski for the moment. 24-years old American spent the last season in Sofia, but now has different plans for his professional career. Probably 191 cm tall guard will sign in Sweden. But his fellow-countrymen Aaron Harper (199-G/F-81, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Mississippi) and Donald Cole (204-C-81, agency: Edge Sports, college: Sam Houston St.) will start their second year with the blue jersey. Macedonians Gjorgij Chekovski (202-F/C-79, agency: Arik Krayn Services) and Nikola Gaidadjiev (193-G-92) will stay in Levski as well. The club is searching hard for a new US playmaker, who can replace Bobby Frasor.
Stanislav Slaveykov (198-F-86), Pavel Ivanov (200-F-88), Boyko Mladenov (212-C/F-81, agency: Interperformances) and Vasil Aleksandrov (188-G-90) attended at the first practice today. National team players will join The Blues after the first week of September. In 2009/2010 Levski won Balkan league and Bulgarian Cup and finished with silver in Bulgarian National league.



*****************************************************
  CHINA   


7th Annual LU'AN Cup International Invitational Tournament - by Alex Yam
The 7th Annual Lu'uan Cup tournament just ended in the city of Changzhi, Shanxi province of China. This seasons format was not like previous years, in that there were 6 International teams in a double elimination tournament style competition. The 6 teams in attendance were : Shanghai Sharks (CBA), Liaoning Pan Pan Hunters (CBA), Melbourne Tigers (NBL), New Zealand Breakers (NBL), USA Select team, Unicaja-Spain (LEB). 5 American Import players were spread on the non-USA teams with the exception of the Tigers.
The USA select team was the team that was essentially the 'home' team as they fully represented the Sponsors in this event, the LU'UAN Group. Expected to win this event and its monetary prizes, the USA select team started off the tournament by romping through the 5th best team in the CBA this past season the Liaoning Pan Pan Hunters, who did not have there top local players, as they were either injured or on the Chinese National team, but were assisted by 3 import players, who played the majority of the minutes, the 2nd game featured the most lopsided game of the tournament, as the Melbourne Tigers defeated the Shanghai Sharks by a margin of 40 plus,Shanghai as well had most of their older players unavailable.
The 2nd day of action pitted Liaoning with a 4th added import versus the New Zealand Breakers, who were playing short handed with only 8 players, New Zealand won and eliminated the Hunters from the tournament, Spain was up next and battled Shanghai to a 1 pt victory 71-72 thus eliminating the last CBA team from the tournament, in one of the best game thus far.
The USA select team seen as the toughest team next faced New Zealand in what was suppose to be a walk through, but in stunning fashion led by team play, and hard work and dedication, the Breakers beat the USA select team in the first outdoor match of the tournament, putting pressure on the USA team to beat a tough Melbourne team, to advance to a finals match.
The USA select team came out and put pressure on Melbourne and battled to a small margin victory moving on to the finals, while Australia will battle for 3rd place with Spain, who earlier lost to the only undefeated team, New Zealand. This set up a rematch between New Zealand (3-0) and the USA select team (2-1) winner to claim bragging rights.
In the last night of the tournament, the outdoor arena was jam packed and the air was cool, in anticipation for this rematch of heavyweights. The 3rd place game was up first and Melbourne dominated Spain to claim 3rd place in the tournament, many felt that Melbourne was the strongest team despite their loss to the USA team.
New Zealand came out as a heavy underdog having just lost one of their best players, and played excellent team basketball, and defense while MVP of the tournament Leon Henry hit one clutch jumper after another to not only claim the championship and beat the same team twice but also win the Championship and the admiration of all the Chinese fans. This was one of the best LU'AN cups in recent memory.


Puerto Rico tame China in New York - by Eurobasket News
Puerto Rico - China 92:76
Puerto Rico overcame China in the exhibition clash at the Madison Square Garden in New York. Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, college: Florida Intern.) scored 16 points to lead well-balanced effort from the winners.
Puerto Rico got to a brisk start to the game. They knocked down 24 points to ensure a 7-point buffer at the first break. Puerto Rico maintained the advantage throughout the second stanza. The Latin American team posted a 46:32 cushion at halftime. China recovered in the third term. They finally adjusted the offense and fired 25 points. The Asian powerhouse got within 7 points with one quarter remaining. But Puerto Rico were ready for the challenge. They shifted the gear in the fourth term and unloaded 28 points. China could not match the outburst and surrendered at the end.
Larry Ayuso (190-G-77, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: USC) and Peter John Ramos (222-C-85) produced 12 points each for Puerto Rico. Jose Juan Barea (181-G-84, college: Northeastern) finished with 11 points and 10 assists for the winning side. Wang ShiPeng (197-F/G-83) replied with 20 points for China. Yue Sun (206-G/F-85) delivered 17 points in the defeat.

Puerto Rico: Carlos Arroyo 16, Larry Ayuso 12, Peter John Ramos 12
China: Wang ShiPeng 20, Yue Sun 17


China Loses Badly to USA and Puerto Rico - by Arthur Volbert
Playing in New York, China lost exhibition games to the United States, 98-51, and to Puerto Rico, 92-76, and does not look like a team that will do very well in the World Championship.
Yi Jianlian led China against the United States with 13 points and 7 rebounds in 26 minutes. Sun Yue had 8 points and 3 rebounds in 26 minutes. Liu Wei scored 7 and Wang Shipeng had 6. Wang Zhizhi played only 8 minutes.
In the game against Puerto Rico, Sun Yue had 17 points and 2 assists and his first good game of the season. Wang Shipeng had 20 points and 5 rebounds and, in the absence of Zhu Fangyu, is the team's main perimeter threat. Yi Jianlian, playing against Peter John Ramos who stars for the Shanghai Sharks, had only 11 points on 3 of 15 shooting. Liu Wei scored 11 points and Zhou Peng had 8. Wang Zhizhi had 3 points on 1 for 6 shooting in less than 8 minutes.
All in all these were disheartening performances and, if this type of play continues, China could finish last in the World Championship.



*****************************************************
  CROATIA   


Lithuania triumphs in BEKO-Supercup - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania -Croatia 93:82

Lithuania triumphs in BEKO-Supercup as the team won all three games of the tournament. In the last game versus another undefeated team before the game with each other, the Baltic side edged Croatia 93:82.
Croatia started better and enjoyed 11:8 in the opening tip of the game. Moreover the team reached double-digit lead at the end of the period at 24:14. Lithuania closed the frame at 24:17 and started to reduce the gap in the second period. The Baltic state closed to 35:28 after 16 minutes of the game and cut it to 37:34 midway through the quarter. Mantas Kalnietis and Linas Kleiza (203-F-85, college: Missouri) tied it all at 39:39, but Croatia had 2-point advantage at the halftime. No matter how hard Lithuania tried to take the lead, Croatia produced another 24-23 in the third period for a bigger lead. Paulius Jankunas (203-F-84, agency: Interperformances) tied the game at 71:71 after 33 minutes in the court. Tomas Delininkaitis (192-G-82, agency: Interperformances) and Martinas Pocius pulled their side to 77:71 as Lithuania managed to keep the score for good.
Linas Kleiza and Tomas Delininkaitis top-scored for the winners with 14 points each. Martiynas Andriuskevicius nailed 11, while Mantas Kalnietis and Paulius Jankunas added 10 each. Kresimir Loncar (210-F-83) responded with 18 points in the losing effort as Croatia finished second in the tournament. Roko-Leni Ukic (195-G-84) and Ante Tomic (217-C-87) posted 11 apiece, while Marko Banic (204-F-84) and Marko Popovic scored 10 each.

Lithuania: Renaldas Seibutis 4, Mantas Kalnietis 10, Jonas Maciulis 5, Martinas Pocius 6, Mindaugas Lukauskis, Tomas Delininkaitis 14, Simas Jasaitis 7, Linas Kleiza 14, Tadas Klimavicius 6, Paulius Jankunas 10, Martynas Gecevicius 6, Martiynas Andriuskevicius 11.
Croatia: Roko-Leni Ukic 11, Davor Kus 3, Marko Popovic 10, Bojan Bogdanovic 3, Drago Pasalic, Marko Thomas 4, Rok Stipcevis, Ante Tomic 11, Kresimir Loncar 18, Marko Banic 10, Luka Zoric 6, Lukas Andric 6.



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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


Pavel Harcar moves to Pezinok - by Eurobasket News
Pavel Harcar (202-F-89) moves to Pezinok and will appear in the team in this upcoming season. In 2005-2006 he joined BC Sparta Praha (NBL) and in 2006-2007 appeared for BK Pardubice. He spent their the majority of his career and then moved to Karma Basket Podebrady (NBL). Last year he played in 37 games and averaged 4.1ppg, 1.2rpg.
Pavel Harcar recorded 15 points as Podebrady lost to BK Decin 61:80 as the latter grabbed 26-16 record. Soukup Miroslav led the way with 20 points and 7 boards, while Hatcher Wiliam posted 17. Castleberry Stephen ended up with 26 points and 11 rebounds in defeat.
For his Awards/Achievements it is a must to mention that he was a member of Czech Rep. U16 National Team -05, Czech Rep. U18 National Team -06-07. He aslo participated at European Championships U18 Division B in Sibiu (Romania) -06 where he averaged 1.0ppg, 1.5rpg abd in European Championships U18 Division B in Sofia (Bulgaria) -07 1.3ppg, 1.0rpg. Later Pavel Harcar was the member of the Czech Republic U20 National Team -08-10 and participated at the European Championships U20 Division B in Targu Mures (Romania) -08 averaging 7.8ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 69.6%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 75.0%. In European Championships U20 Division B in Skopje (FYR Macedonia) last year he tasted Silver as in 7 games he improved to 13.9ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.6apg, FGP-2 (77.8%), 3PT: 48.8%, FT: 75.0%.



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  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC   


Standings - LIDOBA
LNB Standings
North Division
 1. Indios SF 0-0 
 2. Metros 0-0 
 3. Reales 0-0 
 4. Tiburones 0-0 
South Division
 1. Caneros 0-0 
 2. Cocolos 0-0 
 3. Leones DN 0-0 
 4. Titanes 0-0 


*****************************************************
  EUROCUP   


VEF Riga land Tyler Cain for try-outs, in talks with Jeff Foote and Jerome Dyson - by Eurobasket News
VEF Riga are trying to shape up their roster prior to the start of the busy season. They are expected to take part in EuroCup, Baltic League, VTB United League and LBL.
VEF Riga invited Tyler Cain (203-F-88) for try-outs. The 22-year-old forward just graduated from the University of South Dakota. He tallied 14.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 3.0 blocks and 1.5 steals per game in the senior season for the Coyotes.
The Latvian powerhouse is also in talks with Jeff Foote (213-C, college: Cornell) and Jerome Dyson (191-G-87). Jeff Foote recently signed a three-year deal with Maccabi Tel-Aviv. VEF Riga aims to take the centre on loan. Jeff Foote graduated from the Cornell University in 2010. The centre averaged 12.3 points, 8.1 boards, 2.3 assists and 1.9 blocks per game in his senior college season. Jerome Dyson has also never played at pro level before. The 23-year-old guard just graduated from the University of Connecticut. Jerome Dyson tallied 17.2 points, 4.3 boards and 4.2 assists per appearance in his senior season. The guard made it into the All-Big East 3rd Team at the end of the NCAA season.


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  EUROLEAGUE   


Euroleague Basketball American Tour 2010 - by Eurobasket News
CSKA Moscow and Caja Laboral Vitoria will head to the United States of America to play some friendly games versus Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder, Memphis Grizzlies, San Antonio Spurs and Cleveland Cavaliers.
CSKA Moscow will open the Euroleague Basketball American Tour 2010 in the game versus Miami on October 12th. On October 14th Memphis Grizzlies will host Caja Laboral Vitoria, while Oklahoma City Thunder will take on CSKA Moscow. On October 16th San Antonio Spurs will meet Caja Laboral Vitoria and Cleveland Cavaliers will play versus CSKA Moscow.

12.10 Miami Heat vs CSKA Moscow
14.10 Memphis Grizzlies vs Caja Laboral Vitoria
14.10 Oklahoma City Thunder vs CSKA Moscow
16.10 San Antonio Spurs vs Caja Laboral Vitoria
16.10 Cleveland Cavaliers vs CSKA Moscow





NBA Europe Live Tour 2010 - by Eurobasket News
NY Knicks, LA Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves will head to Europe for NBA Europe Live Tour 2010. In the first game NY Knicks will face AJ Milano on the October 3rd at the Mediolanum Forumin in Italy. The next two games Minnesota Timberwolves will face LA Lakers in London on October 4th and NY Knicks in Paris. On October 7th LA Lakers will play versus FC Barcelona in Spain.

03.10 NY Knicks vs AJ Milano
04.10 LA Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves
06.10 NY Knicks vs Minnesota Timberwolves
07.10 LA Lakers vs FC Barcelona



Armani Jeans bring in Oleksiy Pecherov - by Eurobasket News
Oleksiy Pecherov (212-C-85) has agreed on terms of contract with Armani Jeans. The 24-year-old centre is coming back to Europe after a three-year stint in the NBA. Last season Oleksiy Pecherov played for the Minnesota Timberwolves. He tallied 4.5 points and 2.8 rebounds per game. Oleksiy Pecherov is currently playing for the Ukrainian National Team at the EuroBasket Qualifying Round. He is averaging 14.8 points and 6.5 boards in four games so far.



Hrvoje Peric to join Unicaja - by Eurobasket News
Unicaja is going to sign a two-year deal with Hrvoje Peric (203-F-85). The 24-year-old forward spent the previous season in KK Zadar. Hrvoje Peric tallied 17.5 points, 7.4 boards and 2.5 assists per game in the Croatian League. In Adriatic League his stats read 11.5 points, 5.0 boards and 1.5 assists per appearance. In EuroCup the forward delivered 8.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists. Eurobasket.com named Hrvoje Peric All-Croatian A1 League Most Improved Player of the Year in 2010.


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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Luol DENG
  SUD
  (201-F-85)
  Avg: 24.8
 1. Deng, ENG24.8 
 2. McCalebb, MKD24.5 
 3. Videnov, BUL22.5 
 4. Pekovic, MNT20.8 
 5. Bargnani, ITA19.8 
 6. Casspi, ISR19.3 
 7. Lampe, POL19.3 
 8. Pachulia, GEO18.8 
 9. Hanga, HUN18.3 
 10. Mensah-Bonsu, ENG18.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Pops MENSAH-BONSU
  ENG
  (206-F-83)
  Avg: 11.8
 1. Mensah-Bonsu, ENG11.8 
 2. Sanikidze, GEO9.8 
 3. Deng, ENG8.5 
 4. Gortat, POL8.3 
 5. Lampe, POL8.0 
 6. Evans, POR7.8 
 7. Kotti, FIN7.3 
 8. Pecherov, UKR6.5 
 9. Lishchuk, UKR6.5 
 10. Pachulia, GEO6.3 
Assists Per Game
 Marques GRIN
  USA
  (170-G-82)
  Avg: 6.5
 1. Grin, MKD6.5 
 2. Cook, MNT6.0 
 3. Koszarek, POL5.5 
 4. Kojadinovic, BIH5.0 
 5. Strelnieks, LAT5.0 
 6. Deng, ENG4.3 
 7. Szubarga, POL4.0 
 8. Jeretin, MNT4.0 
 9. Burstein, ISR4.0 
 10. Calloway, BUL4.0 
Steals Per Game
 Marques GRIN
  USA
  (170-G-82)
  Avg: 3.5
 1. Grin, MKD3.5 
 2. Calloway, BUL2.8 
 3. Salin, FIN2.5 
 4. Dedovic, BIH2.5 
 5. Hanga, HUN2.5 
 6. Szabo, HUN2.0 
 7. Belinelli, ITA2.0 
 8. Kotti, FIN2.0 
 9. Domercant, BIH2.0 
 10. Deng, ENG2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Marcin GORTAT
  POL
  (213-C-84)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Gortat, POL1.8 
 2. Bargnani, ITA1.8 
 3. Lishchuk, UKR1.5 
 4. Clark, ENG1.5 
 5. Mensah-Bonsu, ENG1.5 
 6. Hanga, HUN1.3 
 7. Samardziski, MKD1.3 
 8. Fesenko, UKR1.0 
 9. Casspi, ISR1.0 
 10. Sanikidze, GEO1.0 


*****************************************************
  FRANCE   


USA knock down France at Madison Square Garden - by Eurobasket News
USA - France 86:55
The United States team accounted for the second straight win at the Madison Square Garden. They held off France after beating China a day ago. Rudy Gay (6'9''-F/G-86, college: Connecticut) stepped off the bench to knock down 19 points for the hosts.
The teams stayed close throughout the opening quarter. The scoreboard read 16:16 at the first intermission. The USA surged in front in the second term. They quickly cleared off to a 10-point distance 29:19. The hosts maintained the lead and posted a 39:30 advantage at the interval. Chauncey Billups (6'3''-G-76, college: Colorado) dominated on the perimeter in the third quarter. He tossed in a bunch of trebles to help the USA earn a 64:46 advantage at the final break. The home team stunned France with a 22:9 run in the fourth quarter and celebrated a well-deserved win at the end.
Chauncey Billups finished with 17 points for the winners. Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) produced 14 points and 8 rebounds for the USA. Boris Diaw (6'8''-F/C-82) replied with 15 points and 6 boards for France. Nicolas Batum (6'7''-F-88) had 11 points in the losing effort.

USA: Rudy Gay 19, Chauncey Billups 17, Kevin Durant 14
France: Boris Diaw 15, Nicolas Batum 11


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  GERMANY   


Germany won over Turkey in the last game of BEKO-Supercup 2010 - by Eurobasket News
Germany-Turkey 68:54

Germany won over Turkey in the last game of BEKO-Supercup 2010. The home side rolled over Turkey 68:54 to finish third in Bamberg.
Germany took 5:0 lead in the opening tip, but Turkey responded for 8:7. Christopher McNaughton (211-C-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Bucknell) tied the game at 12:12 and Turkey grabbed 17:14 after the first 10 minutes. Heiko Schaffartzik and Elias Harris brought the hosts 19:17, while the latter also scored for 29:23. Germany continued to dominate the court and enjoyed 34:23 at the halftime. In the third frame Germany also looked better and reached 49:30 after 25 minutes of the game. Turkey bounced back with 5-0 run, while Germany responded with the same one at the end of the quarter. In the last quarter Turkey produced 19-12 to reduce the gap in the game. They however could score in the last three minutes as Germany won their initial game.
Jan-Hendrick Jagla (213-F-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: Penn St.) stepped up with 14 points, 9 assists and 6 rebounds. Tibor Pleiss (214-F/C-89) notched 11, while Robin Benzing (208-F-89) netted 10. Elias Harris scored 7, Steffen Hamann added 6 and Hieko Schaffartzik delivered 5. Omer Asik (211-C-86) answered with 13 points in the losing effort. Kerem Tunceri (190-G-79) nailed 10, while Semih Erden (211-C-87) notched 6.

Germany: Lucca Staiger, Hieko Schaffartzik 5, Yassin Idbihi , Tim Ohlbrecht 4, Konrad Wysocki, Steffen Hamann 6, Demond Greene 4, Tibor Pleiss 11, Elias Harris 7, Philipp Schwethelm 4, Robin Benzing 10, Jan-Hendrick Jagla 14, Christopher McNaughton 3
Turkey: Cenk Akyol 2, Sinan Guler 2, Omer Onan 4, Ersan Ilyasova 3, Semih Erden 6, Kerem Tunceri 10, Oguz Savas 4, Kerem Gonlum, Omer Asik 13, Hidayet Turkoglu 5, Cevher Ozer 5



FC Bayern Munich Make It Official Signing Steffen Hamann - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

The waiting and excitement about when the announcement would be made with Steffen Hamann (194-G-81) coming to FC Bayern Munchen seemed longer than the summer waiting for Lebron James to make his decision about going to the Miami Heat, but the waiting is finally over as the German National player signed a three year deal to play in the Bavarian capital. Hamann has had a stellar basketball career and his coming to Munich just another sign how serious the club is about reaching the BEKO BBL next season. Hamann is a 29 year old 194cm guard. The last two years, Hamann played in the German capital for Alba Berlin winning the German cup in 2009. Last season, he played EuroCup: 15 games: 3.5ppg, 1.1rpg, 1.7apg; German League: 38 games: 4.5ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.8apg. Hamann is happy about the deal finally getting done. 'I am happy about coming home to Bavaria. I have many friends in Munich and the region. I want to help the club with the mission of moving up and am looking forward to this interesting project', stressed Steffen Hamann (194-G-81). It was no secret that FC Munich headcoach would get his favorite basketball son Hamann. 'Hamann is like an identity figure or the young basketball fans like a 6 in Lotto. His experience will help us much', added FC Bayern Munich coach Dirk Bauermann
Hamann started his professional basketball career in Bamberg in 1997 and stayed there until 2008. He was able to win two BEKO BBL titles with Dirk Bauermann in 2005 and 2007. He was able to play 40 international games with Bamberg from 2003 until 2008. His best statistical season in Bamberg was 2005-2006 playing 35 games averaging 10.2ppg, 2.4rpg, 3.1apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 58.6%, 3FGP: 34.9%, FT: 68.4%. In the German National team, he has played more than 100 games and won a silver at the 2005 European Championships. Last season at the European Championships in Poland played 6 games averaging 4.8ppg, 2.8rpg, 3.8apg, 1.2spg. The club also announced that Sebastian Greene who will play in Spain this season and Kenny Barker will not return this season.
Source: www.basketball.fcbayern.de

Sajmen Hauer Signs With The Telekom Baskets Bonn - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Scoring 11 garbage points in 11 minutes against The Deutsche Bank Skyliners in 2007 in a Bamberg blowout and being touted as one of the biggest German talents from the year 1988, it seemed like Sajmen Hauer (190-G-88) would be playing with Tim Ohlbrecht, Tibor Pleiss and Robin Benzing in the German National team in Turkey at the upcoming World Championships, but his development stalled as he suddenly landed in the PRO B two years ago and seemed forgotten, but coach Michael Koch has a heart and seems to still believe in the German giving him a contract. Hauer is a 22 year old 193cm guard from Nurnburg Germany. Last season, he played in the PRO B for RSV Eintracht Stahnsdorf (ProB, starting five): 26 games: 13.8ppg, 2.0rpg, 4.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 29.0%, FT: 75.8%. 'Sajman isn't done with his development yet and last season showed how serious basketball is for him. He is still a talent', stressed Bonn coach Michael Koch

Hauer started his basketball career in 2003-2004 with the Franken Hexer junior team - TS Herzogenaurach (Regionalliga): 6 games: 10.2 ppg. In 2004, he moved to GHP Bamberg (1.Bundesliga), also a license for TSV Breitengußbach (2.Bundesliga): 21 games: 6.5ppg, 1.1rpg, 2.2apg, 2FGP: 39.4%, 3FGP: 31.3%, FT: 74.4%. He became German Bundesliga champion. He would continue to play for Bamberg until 2008 and also for TSV Troester Breitenguessbach. In his four years with Bamberg, he was able to play 22 games in the BEKO BBL, five ULEB cup games and two Euroleague games. In the 2007-2008 season, he also played for Dimplex Falke Nuernberg (ProA): 11 games: 16.5ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 29.8%, FT: 70.6%. In 2008-2009, he played for Franken Hexer (ProB): 14 games: 10.6ppg, 1.2rpg, 2.3apg, 2FG: 42.7%, 3FG: 32.8%, FT: 67.7%, left team in Jan.'09. He also has much experience playing for the German U-16, U-18 and U-20 German National teams. He played at the European Championships U16 in Amalaida (Greece) -04: 8 games: 12.4 ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.1 apg, 1.9spg, FG: 43.0% 3FG: 36.8%, FT: 60.0%. He played at the European Championships U18 in Belgrade -05: 8 games: 8.0ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.5apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 36.8%, 3FGP: 8.7%, FT: 59.3% and the International Tournament in Mannheim (Unofficial World Championships U18) -06: 6 games: 11.0ppg, 1.0rpg, 2.0apg, 2FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 44.4%, FT: 82.4%. He played at the European Championships U18 in Amaliada (Greece) -06: 7 games: 4.6ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.1apg, FG: 33.3%, 3FGP: 12.5%, FT: 77.8%. He played at the European Championships U20 Division B in Warsaw (Poland) -07 (Semifinals): 8 games: 9.1ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.3apg, 2FGP: 52.6%, 3FGP: 26.1%, FT: 46.9%.
Source: www.telekom-baskets-bonn.de

Jamar Butler New Point Guard With The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven took a while to find their new playmaker to replace Lou Campbell and signed Jamar Butler (185-G-85, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Ohio St.) to a one year contract. Butler had a strong senior year at Ohio State, but is still looking to prove himself at the pro ranks as he played only 29 games in the last two years in Italy, Turkey and Greece, but also had some misfortune with his Greece team as their was a financial dispute. Butler is a 24 year old 185cm guard from Ohio that is an explosive point guard that can really beat you with his footwork and his playmaking ability. You are almost guaranteed a shot on basket with him in the game. He is always under control and cool under pressure. His impeccable ballhandling skills makes it difficult for a defender to rattle him. In contrast, he accepts every defensive challenge and will compete on every play. On the dribble drive, Butler shows shiftiness and craftiness that allows him to get into the lanes especially when the defender is off balance or not set. In the lane, he converts with lay-ups, finger rolls, and floaters. Butlers outside shot is one of his greatest assets. He can beat you from behind the arc, on spot-up and pull-up shots alike, mostly coming around screens. Last season, he played for Gymnastikos Olympia Larissas playing 18 games averaging 11.5ppg, 1.6rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 39.7%, 3PT: 40.9%, FT: 83.9%, left in March 2010 and moved to BC Igokea Aleksandrovac (Bosnia-D1). Coach Douglas Spradley (agency: Limelight Hoops ) seems to have made another good find with Butler. 'I am still a bit surprised that a player like Butler was still free at this time. Jamar is not only a versatile point guard, but also has a good eye for his teammates, good defender and shooter. With Butler and Thomas, we have two strong and experienced players at the position one. This can be very important since the season is very long in the BEKO BBL and the point guards are tradionally very strong', stressed Eisbaeren coach Douglas Spradley (agency: Limelight Hoops ).
Butler played at the well known Ohio State from 2004 to 2008 and in his senior year played 37 games averaging15.0ppg, 2.9rpg, 5.9apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 43.0%, 3Pts: 38.4%, FT: 94.3%. Butler, a first-team All-Big Ten choice by the media, is Ohio State's career leader in 3-pointers made (235) and attempted (632). He hit at least one try in all but two games during the 2007-2008 season and had 17 games with three or more. Finished his senior season with 104 made 3 pointers, also a school record. Butler also holds Ohio State records for career assists (569) and games played (137). He had 19 points and eight assists in his final college game, leading the Buckeyes to a 92-85 win over UMass in the 2008 NIT Championship Game. He also reached the NCAA final in 2007. He also won numerous other honors at Ohio State like Big Ten Regular Season Champion 2006, Big Ten Tournament Finalist 2006, Big Ten All-Tournament Team 2006, All-Big Ten Honorable Mention 2006 and 2007, Big Ten Regular Season Winner 2007 and Big Ten Tournament Winner 2007. Before turning professional, he took part at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft): 3 games: 14.0ppg, 3.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 44.4%He turned professional in 2008 and was always very close at making the NBA. and played in Italy for Pepsi Caserta (Italy-SerieA, starting five): 3 games: 7.3ppg, 1.0rpg, 2.0apg, 1.3spg, left in Nov.'08, in Jan.'09 moved to Mutlu Aku Selcuk Universitesi Konya (Turkey-TBL): 8 games: 8.3ppg, 1.9rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 33.3%, 3PT: 37.8%, FT: 70.0%, left in March'09
Source: www.eisbaeren-bremerhaven.de

Hodges and Vierneisel from Heidelberg to Duesseldorf - by Moritz Korff
The Giants Duesseldorf (1. Bundesliga) have added two former USC Heidelberg players to their 2010-2011 roster, according to the official BBL website. Jibril Hodges (188-G-84, college: Long Beach St.) played for the 2. Bundesliga Pro A outfit since 2008 and received Eurobasket.com All-Pro A Honorable Mention honors following this past season, in which he had appeared in 30 games for USC, averaging 19.4 points, 3.9 assists and 3.7 rebounds per contest.
Eric Vierneisel (201-F-85, college: California) came to Heidelberg in the summer of 2009. He played 29 games for the team during the 2009-10 campaign and tallied averages of 11.1 points as well as 3.6 boards a game. He led USC in 3Pts-FG percentage (43.0%) and nailed 49 shots from beyond the arc throughout the season. Vierneisel, who was born in Chicago, IL, obtained German citizenship earlier this year.

*****************************************************
  GUINEA BISSAU   


Guinea-Bissau National Team 2010 - by Eurobasket
4 Tanunde Keita 93
5 Ramos Jose Magide
6 Nhaga Bate Ronizio
7 Mendez Antonio
8 Bruno Medina 192-F-84 Aguiar Portugal
9 Viera Marques
10 Franklim Furtado 198-F-87 Queluz Portugal
11 Sambu Braima
12 Injai Alfa
13 Josimar Cardoso 201-F-87 Lusitania Portugal
14 Almeida Fortunato
15 Sisto Martinho 93

Rodrigues Florentino Head Coach


Guinea Bissau lost the third game in Dakar - by Eurobasket News
Cape Verde-Guinea Bissau 87:66

Guinea Bissau lost the third game in Dakar to drop at 0-3 at the FIBA Africa Zone-II Qualifiers. Cape Verde rolled over the opponents 87:66 for 1-2 record.
Although Cape Verde started better and took 14:8 lead, Guinea Bissau reduced to 18:17 after the first 10 minutes. The difference remained the same as the teams finished15 minutes of the game, while Guinea Bissau tied the game at 32:32 at the halftime.
Ivan Almeida (198-G-89, college: Stonehill) erupted with 35 points, 11 assists and 8 rebounds. Joel Almeida (195-F-85, college: Brockport St.) notched 17, while Mendonca nailed 9. Faty posted 8, while Da Cruz added 7. Cardoso ended up with 18 points and 12 rebounds in defeat. Almeida Fortunato netted 13, while Tanunde Keita (93), Franklim Furtado (198-F-87), Mendez Antonio and Sisto Martinho (93) added 6 each. The third quarter however became decisive in the game as Cape Verde opened it with 17-2 run. The reached 49:34 after 25 minutes and had 65:49 lead after three quarters. Cape Verde enjoyed 73:56 with 5 minutes in the game and benefit from the game.
In another game of the group Senegal improved to 3-0 record at the FIBA Africa Zone-II Qualifiers. The team handed Mali their first loss beating them 66:44.

Cape Verde: Ivan Almeida 35+11 asts+8rebs, Joel Almeida 17, Mendonca 9, Faty 8, Da Cruz 7
Guinea Bissau: Josimar Cardoso (201-F-87) 18+12 rebs, Almeida Fortunato 13, Tanunde Keita 6, Franklim Furtado 6, Mendez Antonio 6, Sisto Martinho 6



*****************************************************
  HOLLAND   


Rotterdam lands two new players - by Fred Roggen
Rotterdam lands two new players, American E.J. Kusnyer (196-G-86, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) and Canadian Robbie Sihota (198-F-87) for the upcoming season. Shooting guard E.J. Kusnyer from Mercer University and power forward Robbie Sihota from the university of Calgary are teaming up at Rotterdam Basketball. Kusnyer averaged 11.2ppg for Mercer while Sihota had 18.7 points and 6.6 rebounds for Calgary last season. Both player signed a contract for the 2010/2011 season. Previously Joel Zwiers (198-F-90) and Daniel Jones (200-F-79, agency: R.H.Consultancy) signed a contract with Rotterdam for the upcoming season.


Magixx Rights for Kids signs Tommie Liddell - by Fred Roggen
The Magixx Rights for Kids have completed the signing of American, Tommie Liddell (193-G-85, agency: 540 Sports, college: St.Louis) . The athletic small forward, graduate of Saint Louis, will bring added depth to coach Michael Schuurs' side as he looks to build some winning momentum going into the new season. Last season Liddell played in Uruguay for Bohemios. There he scored 27 points per game.
Coach Michael Schuurs: 'Tommy has proven to be an easy scoring player, and fits well with his attractive and effective style of playing at Magixx Rights for Kids. '

*****************************************************
  INDIA   


India U-18 qualifies from Mid Asia Zone - by Anil Kumar
India swamped Sri Lanka 84-44 to win the four-team Middle Asia Zone qualifying round for the 21st FIBA Asia Cup basketball championship to be held at Sana'a (Yemen).
At the Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium here at Bangalore on Saturday, the Indian boys went all out from the very beginning to rattle and subdue the Lankans to win by a comfortable margin.
Sri Lanka, too, earned a berth in the Asia Cup championship as the second team from the zone. Kazakhstan with a podium finish in the last edition at Tehran (2008) is an automatic qualifier.
If speed was Lanka's strength, India matched and, at times, even outdid the island nation. Importantly, the Indians were more precise in their conversions with Arjun Singh and Dishant Shah leading the act.
In defence, the relatively taller Indians dominated the boards. If there was one sore point, it was the conversion of free-throws in which the hosts floundered.
India raced away to a 10-2 lead within the first few minutes and jolted Lanka's plans. And with India coach Ramkumar employing the full court press, the rivals fumbled time and again.
Arjun Singh and Berdinent Carmel Joseph effected steals and interceptions with regularity. The tall Amjyot Singh and Shadab Khan scored points at will. And with Arjun and even Ajay Pratap shooting well from outside, India raced to a 28-11 (first quarter) and 56-20 lead by the halfway stage.
With the match and title virtually sealed, coach Ramkumar eased up a bit by bringing on Bobby Singh and Sunny Raut. The duo joined the scoring act without much delay.
Lanka errs
Sri Lanka was expected to provide stiffer opposition but that never came about. Kanishka Perera was effectively bottled up, while Clinton Stallone erred with his shooting and the Lankans never looked like catching up.
Earlier, Bangladesh lifted its game a few notches and finished third with a 62-33 verdict against Nepal after being 30-15 up at half-time.
The results:
India 84 (Arjun Singh 19, Dishant Shah 17) bt Sri Lanka 44 (Madushanka Rathnayake 11).

Bangladesh 62 (Md. Tareq Aziz 18, Md. Shamsuzzaman Khan Soyeb 17, Md. Insun Mamun Khan 12, Md. Mahmudul Hasan Shawn 10) bt Nepal 33


The Business of Basketball catching up ... - by Anil Kumar
If all goes well, the Elephant may soon catch up with the Dragon in a game that has kept the people in the world's fastest growing economy in good shape.
Taking a leaf out of Chinas efforts in developing basketball at the grassroots level, the National Basketball Association (NBA) wants to replicate the model in India.
It is not surprising that companies are looking at the business opportunity of the sport as well.
We want to make basketball the number two sport in India and we have been taking various initiatives. In the last one-and-a-half years, we have built five courts in the country and over the next three to five years we plan to build 100 courts across the cities. We are in discussions with real estate developers for developing courts in schools, colleges and at locations of YMCA, said Akash Jain, director, international development India, NBA.
In the near term, NBA intends to focus on key metros like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai to promote the sport. It plans to open an office with local staff in the next few months in India. The Mahindra Group has tied up with NBA and the Mahindra NBA Challenge.
To monetise the investment, NBA is working on a two-pronged strategy. We are looking at media content partnerships with broadcasters. For the last six months, we have had a show called Real NBA, a weekly 30-minute behind-the-scene lifestyle program on both Ten Sports and Zee Sports. We are also in talks with one of the largest broadcasters for a content deal, said Jain.
NBA is also exploiting the potential of merchandising and is looking at new licensing deals with companies for NBA branded products. Presently the sports body has three active licensing partners distributing NBA merchandise in India: Adidas, EA Sports and Spalding. Adidas currently sells NBA jerseys, T-shirts, sweatshirts and shorts in 120 stores across India.
For the Mahindra Group, the partnership with NBA in its present state is not a business venture. Said Sriram Ramachandran, senior general manager, corporate strategy, M&M, The partnership with NBA to launch a multi-city, community-based, basketball league is focused on growing basketball participation and promoting healthy, active lifestyles in Indian communities. Basketball as a game does not need huge investments and can be easily played at the community level.
Since Mahindra disbanded its national-level football club Mahindra United just before the FIFA World Cup, what is the rationale for investing in a sport which is not as popular as football in the country? Is basketball going to be a profitable sport for Mahindra Group? Ramchandran said the company is not looking at making a profit. We have not moved out of football either, as in the next few months we will again start our initiatives to promote football at the grassroots level.
After cricket, football is the second most popular sport in the country. However, with corporate sponsorships, basketball might be able to gain popularity in the coming few years. According to the Basketball Federation of India (BFI), basketball is the second fastest growing sport in India, with four million participants.
The prospect of basketball is also underscored by the fact that sports and entertainment agencies IMG and Reliance Industries signed a 30-year deal with BFI in June. The deal has granted the IMG-Reliance joint venture commercial rights to basketball in India, including sponsorship, advertising, broadcasting, merchandising, data and franchising rights.
Jain said NBA had been active in China for the last 25 years and over 300 million people play the sport in the country. NBA has four offices there and a Chinese basketball player, Yao Ming, has been a star in the North American NBA.

Courtesy - Business Standard


KSEB outplayed in PSG Trophy - by Anil Kumar
Indian Overseas Bank (Chennai) hammered a hapless Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) 85-56 and entered the final of the 46th all India basketball tournament for men for the PSG Trophy at the PSG Tech courts here on Saturday.
The IOB men, the winners here in 2008, did not stretch much at the start, but when they opened up midway through KSEB had no answer.
Ravikumar (25), Satheesh (14) and Mihir Pandey (11) were the men who did the maximum damage for the Kerala side. They attacked from both the flanks and reached the ring with ease much to the delight of the home crowd.
Captain S. Aravindh, the ball handler from Coimbatore, was the smoothest of the operators. He left the KSEB men baffled with his lightning quick moves and speedy passes. At the halfway mark, IOB enjoyed a 42-19 lead.
Having steadied the scoreboard, IOB preferred to experiment its bench strength. Every other player, barring international S. Robinson, was given a chance to prove their strength ahead of the big clash. And, each one of them made the best use of the opportunity to make merry.
Ajith played his part for KSEB but did not get the much-needed support from his mates.
SECR women in final
In another lop-sided contest, South Eastern Central Railway, riding on the brilliance of Anju (23) and Seema (15), scored a thumping 75-52 win over KSEB and stormed into the final of the ninth all India tournament for women for the CRI Pumps Trophy.
The results (semifinals)
Men: IOB (Chennai) 85 (Ravikumar 25, Satheesh 14, Mihir Pandey 11) bt KSEB 56 (Nikhil 12, Ajith 13).
Women: SECR 75 (Anju 23, Seema 15) bt KSEB 52 (Litty Mathew 14, Anjana 12)

Courtesy -The Hindu

*****************************************************
  ISRAEL   


NBA players face off in Israel - by David Pick
Israeli Bnei Eshet Tours Hasharon basketball team will host an opening season festival. On December 2nd the local team will face up against former NBA stars including Allan Houston (198-G-71, college: Tennessee) who played for Detroit and the New York Knicks, returns for a second visit to Israel, and Anthony Bonner (203-F-68, college: St.Louis) who played six seasons in the NBA including Sacramento, New York, and Orlando.
Before the game, Orlando Magic center, Dwight Howard (207-F-85), will have a training session with the youth players and coaches of Bnei Eshet Tours Hasharon. 'Superman' will not take part in the game.
Among the players who will play in Bnei Eshet Tours Hasharon next season you can find former NBA player, Lee Nailon (204-F-75, agency: NM Services, college: TCU), along with Americans, Shawn James (208-F/C-83, agency: ZAG Advocates, college: Northeastern) and Ronald Steele (188-G-86, agency: SportsTalent, college: Alabama) and Dan Grunfeld (198-G/F-84, college: Stanford) who will join team Captain, Erez Katz (191-G-80, agency: Interperformances), Sharon Shason (206-F-79, agency: Arik Krayn Services), Ben Rice and Dori Assaf (179-G-87).



*****************************************************
  ITALY   


Armani Jeans bring in Oleksiy Pecherov - by Eurobasket News
Oleksiy Pecherov (212-C-85) has agreed on terms of contract with Armani Jeans. The 24-year-old centre is coming back to Europe after a three-year stint in the NBA. Last season Oleksiy Pecherov played for the Minnesota Timberwolves. He tallied 4.5 points and 2.8 rebounds per game. Oleksiy Pecherov is currently playing for the Ukrainian National Team at the EuroBasket Qualifying Round. He is averaging 14.8 points and 6.5 boards in four games so far.



*****************************************************
  IVORY COAST   


FIBA Africa Zone-3 Qualifier: Benin lost to Cote dIvoire 46-48 - by Olusegun Ikuesan
The hope of Benin Republic of redeeming its image in the ongoing FIBA Africa Zone-3 Qualifiers was finally dashed Sunday night as the gave away an earlier lead to lose by 48-46 to Cote dIvoire in Day-5 of the elimination series.

Cote dIvoire had raced to a 11-07 points win in the first quarter but allowed the Benin side to fight back in the second quarter with a 13-08 points win to take a slim 20-19 points lead into the break.

Benin continue from where it left off at the resumption of play in the third quarter to post a 19-11 points to take a nine points advantage of 39-30 points going into the last quarter but Cote dIvoire fought back like a wounded Elephant in the fourth quarter with an 18-07 points win to end the game at 48-46 points for a 4-1 record.

Cote dIvoire Alpha Yaya Ouattara led his team with 14 points and 8 rebounds, Stephane Kokoun posted a double double of 10 points and 10 rebounds with Bohui Gbotto adding 10 points and 4 rebounds.

Benin youthful small forward Roland Akpatchi led the floor in scoring with 16 points, Ayouba Aboubakari contributed 10 points while Kader Yarou led other players from the board with 18 rebounds.
Cote dIvoire will the series with a game against Nigeria on Monday at 17H00 while Benin will take on host Togo at 19H00.



*****************************************************
  JAPAN   


BJ League: Apache inks former NBA Player Swift - by John Scribe
The BJ League today announced that former NBA Player Robert Swift (213-F/C-85) has agreed to terms to play for the Tokyo Apache this upcoming season.
Swift, a 216cm center, had previously played for the Seattle Super Sonics and Oklahoma City Thunder after jumping to the NBA straight out of Bakersfield High School.
As a player, Swift is not only talented around the basket, but provides a large interior presence that can run the floor.
According to his new teammate Darin Satoshi Maki's twitter feed, he also has Japanese heritage, being quarter Japanese. This should allow fans to become closer and help Swift get into touch with his Japanese side.
The transaction wire didn't just stop there.
The Apache also made another splash by signing point guard Byron Eaton (180-G-86, college: Oklahoma St.) from Oklahoma State. Eaton, a near-NBA talent played for the Tulsa 66ers of the NBDL this past season and should provide some perimeter punch for the Purple and Gold.
This summer's signings by the Apache have shown the team's commitment to win and do so right a way. They seem to be one of the favorites to return to Ariake Coliseum next spring and contend for the title, along with Defending Champion Hamamatsu-Higashimikawa Phoenix.
In other transactions around the league, Shiga announced that they have re-signed forward Gary Hamilton (208-F/C-84, college: Miami (FL)), brother of Texas Longhorn Jordan Hamilton; and Mikey Marshall (196-G-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Texas Tech), a former guard/forward with three-time BJ Champion Osaka Evessa.

Expansion team Shimane signed two of its Japanese players Shohei Nakama and Kouki Yabuuchi.


*****************************************************
  LATVIA   


VEF Riga land Tyler Cain for try-outs, in talks with Jeff Foote and Jerome Dyson - by Eurobasket News
VEF Riga are trying to shape up their roster prior to the start of the busy season. They are expected to take part in EuroCup, Baltic League, VTB United League and LBL.
VEF Riga invited Tyler Cain (203-F-88) for try-outs. The 22-year-old forward just graduated from the University of South Dakota. He tallied 14.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 3.0 blocks and 1.5 steals per game in the senior season for the Coyotes.
The Latvian powerhouse is also in talks with Jeff Foote (213-C, college: Cornell) and Jerome Dyson (191-G-87). Jeff Foote recently signed a three-year deal with Maccabi Tel-Aviv. VEF Riga aims to take the centre on loan. Jeff Foote graduated from the Cornell University in 2010. The centre averaged 12.3 points, 8.1 boards, 2.3 assists and 1.9 blocks per game in his senior college season. Jerome Dyson has also never played at pro level before. The 23-year-old guard just graduated from the University of Connecticut. Jerome Dyson tallied 17.2 points, 4.3 boards and 4.2 assists per appearance in his senior season. The guard made it into the All-Big East 3rd Team at the end of the NCAA season.


*****************************************************
  LEBANON   


Stankovic is done...Rumors Time - by Maarouf Mawloud
We have little time to talk about some rumors for next season.
Lets start by the champions Riyadi who are trying to sign ali kanaan and ghaleb rida.They renewed the contract of ali Mahmoud land they have just made try out for Maurice Bou Kanaan.
The runner up Champville are trying to make a big team to be competitive not only in the domestic leaugue but also in Asia.They are negotiating with Ali Fakhreddine-Hussein Tawbeh and Joe Voguel.They have already signed one foreigner Derick Tarver and we should not forget that they signed Yahia Sabra in addition to their new youth Karam Meshrif for good amount of money.
As for sagesse they signed officialy Sabah khoury and they agreed with rony fahed and signed Alen Abaz to be their head coach.
Coach Roro Zaloum signed with jalaa syria as the new technical manager
Finaly as for Fadi El Khatib (199-F-79, agency: Pro Management Agency) source inside champville said that he renewed his contract but according to eurobasket he asked from Riyadi even from other team outside Beirut good amount of money to sign with them


*****************************************************
  LITHUANIA   


Lithuania triumphs in BEKO-Supercup - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania -Croatia 93:82

Lithuania triumphs in BEKO-Supercup as the team won all three games of the tournament. In the last game versus another undefeated team before the game with each other, the Baltic side edged Croatia 93:82.
Croatia started better and enjoyed 11:8 in the opening tip of the game. Moreover the team reached double-digit lead at the end of the period at 24:14. Lithuania closed the frame at 24:17 and started to reduce the gap in the second period. The Baltic state closed to 35:28 after 16 minutes of the game and cut it to 37:34 midway through the quarter. Mantas Kalnietis and Linas Kleiza (203-F-85, college: Missouri) tied it all at 39:39, but Croatia had 2-point advantage at the halftime. No matter how hard Lithuania tried to take the lead, Croatia produced another 24-23 in the third period for a bigger lead. Paulius Jankunas (203-F-84, agency: Interperformances) tied the game at 71:71 after 33 minutes in the court. Tomas Delininkaitis (192-G-82, agency: Interperformances) and Martinas Pocius pulled their side to 77:71 as Lithuania managed to keep the score for good.
Linas Kleiza and Tomas Delininkaitis top-scored for the winners with 14 points each. Martiynas Andriuskevicius nailed 11, while Mantas Kalnietis and Paulius Jankunas added 10 each. Kresimir Loncar (210-F-83) responded with 18 points in the losing effort as Croatia finished second in the tournament. Roko-Leni Ukic (195-G-84) and Ante Tomic (217-C-87) posted 11 apiece, while Marko Banic (204-F-84) and Marko Popovic scored 10 each.

Lithuania: Renaldas Seibutis 4, Mantas Kalnietis 10, Jonas Maciulis 5, Martinas Pocius 6, Mindaugas Lukauskis, Tomas Delininkaitis 14, Simas Jasaitis 7, Linas Kleiza 14, Tadas Klimavicius 6, Paulius Jankunas 10, Martynas Gecevicius 6, Martiynas Andriuskevicius 11.
Croatia: Roko-Leni Ukic 11, Davor Kus 3, Marko Popovic 10, Bojan Bogdanovic 3, Drago Pasalic, Marko Thomas 4, Rok Stipcevis, Ante Tomic 11, Kresimir Loncar 18, Marko Banic 10, Luka Zoric 6, Lukas Andric 6.



*****************************************************
  MALI   


Senegal edged Mali in Dakar - by Eurobasket News
Senegal-Mali 66:44

Senegal improved to 3-0 record at the FIBA Africa Zone-II Qualifiers. The team handed Mali their first loss beating them 66:44.
Senegal opened the game with 12:4 ion the opening tip and reached 19:9. The team never looked behind after and only increased the advantage. The board showed 31:17 after 15 minutes of the game, while the teams left the court for the break at 35:22. The lead continued to grow and Senegal reached 45:26 after the 25 minutes in the court. They held the same difference at 50:31 after three quarters. Moreover the result was plus 19 at 59:40 and Senegal added some more baskets for 66:44. It was the biggest lead in the game with 22 points difference.
Moustapha Niang (206-F-83) and Mouhammad Faye (206-F-85) paced all the winners with 12 points each for the perfect record. Pape Badji and Gorgui Dieng (208-C) netted 9 points apiece to remain undefeated. Tankgara responded with 11 points and 7 rebounds in the losing effort as Mali dropped to 2-1 record. Amara Sy (202-F-81) notched 8, whilst Souleymane Maiga (176-G-87) added 6.
In another game Cape Verde won their first game in the Zone II Tournament by defeating Guinea-Bissau national team, 87 to 66 in the third game of the final day of the first round of the competition.

Senegal: Moustapha Niang 12, Mouhammad Faye 12, Pape Badji 9, Gorgui Dieng 9
Mali: Tankgara 11+7 rebs, Amara Sy 8, Souleymane Maiga 6



*****************************************************
  MEXICO   


NEWS FOR THE LNBP - by Harold Valenzuela
NEWS FOR THE LNBP

Fuerza Regia played this past Saturday his first preseason match versus the college national champions Gallos CEU of Monterrey.
The team looks good, the starting lineup was Alvin Cruz, Gabriel Giron, Alejandro Carmona, Fred Hooks and Jon Smith. It looks that Fuerza Regia found in Alvin the point guard they are looking at for several years, the team needs a big man in the middle a natural center, and they need 2 more guards with those adds they will have a very good chance to win it all. They will play next Wednesday versus Laredo in Monterrey.

Huracanes de Tampico just signs Eliceo Albor and Arturo Chiapas Farrera to complete their roster. They will have their first preseason game next Thursday versus Shoting stars USA in Tampico. Arturo Farrera is in very good shape because he was member of Leones Regios de Monterrey in the new league CIBANE and he was the best center of the tournament.


NEWS FOR THE LNBP - by Harold Valenzuela
NEWS FOR THE LNBP
Fuerza Regia Monterrey played this past Saturday his first preseason match versus the college national champions Gallos CEU of Monterrey.
The team looks good, the starting lineup was Alvin Cruz (186-G-82, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Niagara), Gabriel Giron (192-F-88), Alejandro Carmona (194-G/F-83), Fred Hooks (198-F-82, college: Humboldt St.) and Jon Smith (206-F-82, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Bowie St.). It looks that Fuerza Regia Monterrey found in Alvin the point guard they are looking at for several years, the team needs a big man in the middle a natural center, and they need 2 more guards with those adds they will have a very good chance to win it all. They will play next Wednesday versus Toros Nuevo Laredo in Monterrey.

Huracanes de Tampico just signs Eliceo Albor and Arturo Farrera (205-C/F-85) to complete their roster. They will have their first preseason game next Thursday versus Shoting stars USA in Tampico. Arturo Farrera is in very good shape because he was member of Leones Regios de Monterrey in the new league CIBANE and he was the best center of the tournament.


*****************************************************
  NBA   


Udonis Haslem charged with drug possession - by Eurobasket News
Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem (6'8''-C-80, college: Florida) was charged Sunday with marijuana possession, speeding -- and, for good measure, having illegal window tinting, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

The incident began as a traffic stop shortly after 3 p.m. on the Gratigny Parkway between Northwest 42nd and 57th avenues in Miami-Dade, said FHP spokesman Sgt. Mark Wysocky.

An FHP trooper pulled over Haslem, 30, who had been driving east in his 2008 Mercedes-Benz, after he was clocked going 78 mph in a 60 mph zone, Wysocky said.

The trooper smelled marijuana in the vehicle, FHP said. After a search, Haslem and his passenger, Antwain Fleming, were arrested and charged with marijuana possession, Wysocky said.

Haslem was also charged with having an illegal window tint.

Both men were expected to be taken to a Miami-Dade County jail Sunday night.

Miami Heat officials could not be reached for comment.

As for Haslem's playing time with the Heat, any possible punishment by the NBA would be handed down by the office of Stu Jackson, executive vice president of basketball operations.

Marijuana is prohibited by the NBA's anti-drug program. If a player pleads guilty, no contest or is convicted of using or possessing marijuana, he is required to enter the league's marijuana program.

Haslem won a state championship with Miami Senior High School before playing basketball at the University of Florida with current Heat teammate Mike Miller. They took UF to the 2000 NCAA title game.

After college, Haslem played for a year in France before finding his way to the Heat in 2003.

Haslem and guard Dwyane Wade are the only players on the Heat roster who have been with the team since their rookie seasons in 2003.

They also are the lone remaining members from Miami's 2006 championship team.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com



Nuggets waive Brian Butch, Coby Karl - by Eurobasket News
The Nuggets have requested waivers on guard Coby Karl (6'5''-G-83, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Boise St.) and center Brian Butch (6'11''-F/C-84, agency: Edge Sports, college: Wisconsin), a source said Saturday.

Both had contracts due to become fully guaranteed for next season had they remained with the team following Aug. 15. The source said the moves were made Friday, the last business day before Sundays deadline, although the Nuggets made no announcement. Calls to Nuggets officials were not immediately returned.

Coby Karl is the son of Nuggets coach George Karl. Sources had told FanHouse earlier in the week the coach expected his son to be waived and was sending out feelers to see what other teams might be interested in him.

The Butch move appears controversial since he suffered a serious knee injury last month in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Its expected the Nuggets must continue to pay Butch, who is out until January or February, until hes medically fit to play. Butchs agent, Keith Kreiter, declined comment.

Courtesy of www.hoopsnotes.com



USA knock down France at Madison Square Garden - by Eurobasket News
USA - France 86:55
The United States team accounted for the second straight win at the Madison Square Garden. They held off France after beating China a day ago. Rudy Gay (6'9''-F/G-86, college: Connecticut) stepped off the bench to knock down 19 points for the hosts.
The teams stayed close throughout the opening quarter. The scoreboard read 16:16 at the first intermission. The USA surged in front in the second term. They quickly cleared off to a 10-point distance 29:19. The hosts maintained the lead and posted a 39:30 advantage at the interval. Chauncey Billups (6'3''-G-76, college: Colorado) dominated on the perimeter in the third quarter. He tossed in a bunch of trebles to help the USA earn a 64:46 advantage at the final break. The home team stunned France with a 22:9 run in the fourth quarter and celebrated a well-deserved win at the end.
Chauncey Billups finished with 17 points for the winners. Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) produced 14 points and 8 rebounds for the USA. Boris Diaw (6'8''-F/C-82) replied with 15 points and 6 boards for France. Nicolas Batum (6'7''-F-88) had 11 points in the losing effort.

USA: Rudy Gay 19, Chauncey Billups 17, Kevin Durant 14
France: Boris Diaw 15, Nicolas Batum 11


NBA Europe Live Tour 2010 - by Eurobasket News
NY Knicks, LA Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves will head to Europe for NBA Europe Live Tour 2010. In the first game NY Knicks will face AJ Milano on the October 3rd at the Mediolanum Forumin in Italy. The next two games Minnesota Timberwolves will face LA Lakers in London on October 4th and NY Knicks in Paris. On October 7th LA Lakers will play versus FC Barcelona in Spain.

03.10 NY Knicks vs AJ Milano
04.10 LA Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves
06.10 NY Knicks vs Minnesota Timberwolves
07.10 LA Lakers vs FC Barcelona



*****************************************************
  NCAA3   


Camontae Griffin in the top 25 in 2010 Baltimore Showcase - by Arnault Desira
Camontae Griffin (5'9''-G-86) was selected in the top 25 performers in the 2010 Baltimore Showcase held on July 25th.
The 5'9 Guard from St Mary's College of Maryland was selcted in a list of 25 among 96 players by Talent Scout from NBAdraft.com expert Adam Ganeles.
According to Ganeles report: 'Griffin is built like a defensive back, posses simple shooting mechanics with terrific balance on his shot. He is a natural leader and project an aura of quiet confidence on the floor'
To Ganeless, Camontae Griffin reminds Earl Boykins.
Complete report on Griffin is avalaible on this link: http://performancesportsmanagement.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/camontae-griffin1.pdf



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  NEW ZEALAND   


Russia defeat New Zealand in Slovenia - by Eurobasket News
Russia - New Zealand 89:76
Russia finished the Adecco Cup international tournament on a high note. They held off New Zealand for the first and only win in Slovenia. Andrey Vorontsevich (204-C-87) scored 19 points to lead the winners.
The Tall Blacks got to the slightly better start. Led by amazing Kirk Penney (196-G-80, college: Wisconsin) the Kiwis posted a 24:23 lead ten minutes into the game. Russia denied the deficit in the second frame. They surged ahead and ensured a 48:46 advantage at the interval. Anton Ponkrashov (200-G-86) opened the second half with seven points of his own to boost the advantage. Monya and Kaun soon opened a double-digit lead for Russia. Fitchett and Craig Bradshaw (207-F/C-83, college: Winthrop) dragged the Tall Blacks within five at final intermission. Andrey Vorontsevich stepped up for Russia in the final term. He notched 13 points helping David Blatts team ran away with a comfortable win at the end.
Anton Ponkrashov added 18 points for Russia. Sergey Bykov (190-G-83) produced 11 points in the winning case. Kirk Penney replied with 29 points for New Zealand. Craig Bradshaw accounted for 13 points in the loss.

Russia: Andrey Vorontsevich 19, Anton Ponkrashov 18, Sergey Bykov 11
New Zealand: Kirk Penney 29, Craig Bradshaw 13


*****************************************************
  NIGERIA   


FIBA Africa Zone-3 Qualifier: Togo lost to Nigeria 53-67 - by Olusegun Ikuesan
The reverse fixture between Togo and Nigeria was a game to behold as the togolaise side took the first quarter witn a 18-16 points lead but gave up the secon quarter as the Nigerian side fought back beating the Togo side to their game winning the quarter by 14-09 points for a three points advantage of 30-27 points at half-time.

Efforts by Togo to get back into the game was frustrated by the determined Nigerian side who were not prepare to drop a second game against the Togolaise wining the third quarter by 24-16 points to gain an 11 points advantage going into the last quarter of 54-43 points.

Nigeria again dominated the fourth quarter winning by 13-10 points for a final score-line of 67-53 to remain top of the series and a last game against Cote dIvoire at 17H00 Monday while Togo will end the elimination series against Benin Republic at 19H00.
Nigeria guard, Abubakar Usman scored a series high of 31 points, Mattew Omonye recorded double double effort of 12 rebounds and 11 points while Stanley Gumut added 13 points for Nigeria victory.



*****************************************************
  PARAGUAY   


COPA FEDERACIONES 3rd and 4th ROUNDS results - by Santiago Maciel
With a lot of fans supporting the local team and local organization the COPA FEDERACIONES has been developing during its 3th an 4th rounds. Local team has obtained tremendous victories over traditional opponent Concepcin and also over new grown team GUAIRA.
For GUAIRA, Adolfo Lopez (199-F) and Mario Gonzalez (198-F) have had a great tournament. Adolfo had just finished champion with Cerro Porteno Asuncion in the 'Metro Comuneros' and also finished 3rd with the National team in SUPER 4 tournament at Mendoza, Argentina
THURSDAY, AUGUST 12TH
AMAMBAY 68 - COLONIAS UNIDAS 67
PILAR 103 - CONCEPCION 64
GUAIRA 54 - PARANAENSE 63

FRIDAY, AUGUST 13TH
POR 5 Y 6 LUGAR
ENCARNACIN 84 - COL. UNIDAS 58
SEMIFINALES
PILAR 95 - GUAIRA 48
PARANAENSE 82 - CONCEPCION 71

*****************************************************
  PHILIPPINES   


PBA Fiesta Cup Finals: Beermen are still alive - by Eurobasket News
With another coaching change, San Miguel Beer hacked out a 96-94 decision over Alaska in Game 5 Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum to extend their best-of-seven championship series for the PBA Fiesta Conference to a sixth game.

Gee Abanilla, the second man in this tournament to give head coach Siot Tanquingcen a spell, gave Alaska coach Tim Cone a new problem right in the first half and then watched his wards furiously hold off the Aces' in the stretch to lead the Beermen to within 3-2 in the series.

Alaska can still finish off San Miguel in Game 6 Wednesday.

Gabriel Freeman (198-F-85, agency: Union Sports, college: Costa Mesa JC) scattered 18 points and had 14 rebounds and Denok Miranda finished with 12 points and five assists in a rare start at the point to give the Beermen a lift.

Miranda, the former Far Eastern U ace guard, went on to drain a jumper that gave SMB the lead for good at 96-90 with 2:14 left.

'I just did my job,' Miranda said in Filipino. 'Even when I wasn't used that much in the eliminations and semifinals, I continued to work hardand improve on what I needed to improve.'
Alaska had a chance to clinch the series and its first championship since 2006, but Cyrus Baguio's three-pointer at the buzzer fell just short.

It was the second of two consecutive stops by the Beermen to preserve the win when their offense failed them after Mrinada's jumper.

In a previous defensive play, Jay Washington (206-C-81, college: Eckerd) drew an offensive foul off Baguio to allow San Miguel to hold on to a two-point edge.

'Alaska will make the adjustments,' Abanilla told reporters after notching his first win in a title series. He also had spells calling the shots for Red Bull under Yeng Guiao, but never in a game this big.

' (Alaska coach) Tim (Cone) is a very brilliant coach and will use technical and motivational adjustments,' Abanilla, who said he expects to again be at the San Miguel helm on Wednesday, added. 'I think a coach who can motivate and bring out the best in his players will be successful in the next game.'

Diamon Simpson (201-F-87, college: St.Mary's, CA) scored 29 points and cleared 18 boards for the Aces, who, as Cone said, did not play their 'AAA game to beat San Miguel.'
'We just didn't play well enough to win tonight,' Cone said. 'We had the last shot but came up short. Generally throughout the game they outplayed us. But our guys didn't quit and that's good. We'll see if we can close it out on Wednesday.'

This marked the second time that the Beermen went on a 'coaching change' to try change their fortunes.

Management also pulled off a similar move after San Miguel lost two straight games in the eliminations with Ato Agustin taking over for at least two games, only to give Tanquingcen back the reins when the NCAA season opened.

Agustin is the head coach of San Sebastian, the defending champion, and league rules specifically prohibit PBA head coaches from calling the shots with any other team in any league.

Alaska, whose last title came in this tournament four seasons ago with Rosell Ellis, trailed by as many as nine points early as Dondon Hontiveros, 'missing' in the first four games of the series, knocked in eight points in the first period.

Hontiveros came into last night's game averaging just 3.5 points in the first four games.

After Alaska had erased a 21-30 deficit early in the second quarter with Simpson and Tenorio on the bench, the Beermen came back and opened up the same margin, 46-37, after two Freeman free throws with under three minutes left.

The half ended with the Beermen sitting on an 11-point lead, a luxury considering how tight this series has been played. San Miguel's Game 3 win, 96-80, was the most lopsided as the others-all of them Alaska victories-have all gone down the wire.

The scores:

SAN MIGUEL 96 - Washington 19, Freeman 18, Santos 13, Miranda 12, Hontiveros 11, Ildefonso 10, Pennisi 9, Cabagnot 2, Yeo 2, Villanueva 0, Pena 0.
ALASKA 94 - Simpson 29, De Vance 15, Baguio 14, Tenorio 10, Hugnatan 10, Borboran 7, Dela Cruz 6, Fonacier 0, Thoss 0, Cariaso 0.
Quarters: 26-21, 50-39, 75-69, 96-94

Courtesy of www.inquirer.net



*****************************************************
  PUERTO RICO   


Puerto Rico tame China in New York - by Eurobasket News
Puerto Rico - China 92:76
Puerto Rico overcame China in the exhibition clash at the Madison Square Garden in New York. Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, college: Florida Intern.) scored 16 points to lead well-balanced effort from the winners.
Puerto Rico got to a brisk start to the game. They knocked down 24 points to ensure a 7-point buffer at the first break. Puerto Rico maintained the advantage throughout the second stanza. The Latin American team posted a 46:32 cushion at halftime. China recovered in the third term. They finally adjusted the offense and fired 25 points. The Asian powerhouse got within 7 points with one quarter remaining. But Puerto Rico were ready for the challenge. They shifted the gear in the fourth term and unloaded 28 points. China could not match the outburst and surrendered at the end.
Larry Ayuso (190-G-77, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: USC) and Peter John Ramos (222-C-85) produced 12 points each for Puerto Rico. Jose Juan Barea (181-G-84, college: Northeastern) finished with 11 points and 10 assists for the winning side. Wang ShiPeng (197-F/G-83) replied with 20 points for China. Yue Sun (206-G/F-85) delivered 17 points in the defeat.

Puerto Rico: Carlos Arroyo 16, Larry Ayuso 12, Peter John Ramos 12
China: Wang ShiPeng 20, Yue Sun 17


*****************************************************
  ROMANIA   


Romania gains 2nd straight win! - by Sebastian Umbrich
The Romanian national basketball team managed to win their 2nd straight match in the EuroBasket 2011 qualifiers - Division B. The players led by coach John Neumann (agency: KO Sports Management LLC ) managed to beat Albania on the road, 93-74, on Sunday evening. Although the Romanian team started better the match, after two periods, at half-time, the scoring table showed 44-38 for the home team, especially after Ermal Kuqo (208-C-80, agency: Beo Basket) and Argent Karaj (186-G-85) scored many 3-pointers. In the early 2nd half, the Albanian team managed to stay on top, but after a sensational comeback of the Romanians, who outscored Albania 12-2, the scoring table showed 59-62 after 30 minutes of play.
In the last 10 minutes, benefiting from the fatigue and the fouls of the Albanians, Romania got away to secure its win. Tudor Dumitrescu (195-G-79) and Mihai Silvasan (200-F-85, agency: Court Side) scored twice from behind the line, while Vlad Moldoveanu (206-F-88) scored twice for 2 points, and many more free throws. In conclusion, Romania hadn't had any emotion in finishing the game, eventually managing to win 93-74.
Some performances of the Romanian team: Titus Nicoara (200-F-88, agency: Interperformances) (16 points, 11 boards); Mihai Silvasan (17 points, 4 boards); Ionut Dragusin (221-C-85) (13 points, 6 boards); Vlad Moldoveanu (12 points).
The next match for the Romanian team is scheduled for Tuesday, August 17th, and they will face Azerbaijan in Timisoara. The match will be broadcasted by TVR 3, starting 18:00, local time (GMT +3).

*****************************************************
  RUSSIA   


Russia defeat New Zealand in Slovenia - by Eurobasket News
Russia - New Zealand 89:76
Russia finished the Adecco Cup international tournament on a high note. They held off New Zealand for the first and only win in Slovenia. Andrey Vorontsevich (204-C-87) scored 19 points to lead the winners.
The Tall Blacks got to the slightly better start. Led by amazing Kirk Penney (196-G-80, college: Wisconsin) the Kiwis posted a 24:23 lead ten minutes into the game. Russia denied the deficit in the second frame. They surged ahead and ensured a 48:46 advantage at the interval. Anton Ponkrashov (200-G-86) opened the second half with seven points of his own to boost the advantage. Monya and Kaun soon opened a double-digit lead for Russia. Fitchett and Craig Bradshaw (207-F/C-83, college: Winthrop) dragged the Tall Blacks within five at final intermission. Andrey Vorontsevich stepped up for Russia in the final term. He notched 13 points helping David Blatts team ran away with a comfortable win at the end.
Anton Ponkrashov added 18 points for Russia. Sergey Bykov (190-G-83) produced 11 points in the winning case. Kirk Penney replied with 29 points for New Zealand. Craig Bradshaw accounted for 13 points in the loss.

Russia: Andrey Vorontsevich 19, Anton Ponkrashov 18, Sergey Bykov 11
New Zealand: Kirk Penney 29, Craig Bradshaw 13


*****************************************************
  SEBL   


SEBL endorses the King Of Hoops Charity Golf Tournament - by SEBL
Cartersville, GA - Alicia & Mike Reckord are doing some amazing things for the communities they are reaching with their various efforts. The King of Hoops Charity Golf Classic, which will be held on this Thursday in Marietta (GA), is a segway into their now famous King of Hoops Basketball Tournaments (formerly known as Southern Roundball Classic). The SEBL will be in attendance for the Golf Event, as well as, will have an All Star team compete in the Basketball Tournament this weekend at All Tournament Player's Park in Marietta, GA. This will be the fourth year the SEBL has participated and it has been well worth it every year!
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See below for information about the King of Hoops Events...
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KING OF HOOPS Charity Golf Tournament at City Club of Marietta Golf Course
Please be our guest at the first King of Hoops Charity Golf Tournament.
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The King of Hoops Charity Golf Classic hosted by NBA Legend Dale Ellis (6'7''-G/F-60, college: Tennessee) will tee off on Thursday, August 19th, at the City Club Marietta Golf Course. This event will open an exciting weekend of activities to celebrate the 8th Annual King of Hoops Tournament, including a celebrity party, silent auction, youth skills clinic and one of the world's premier Pro Am ...basketball events. The event is hosted by NBA Legend Dale Ellis, with support from some of Atlanta's top NBA legends and music producers.
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Proceeds will benefit the National Exchange for Urban LeadershipTM (NEUL) in reaching its 2010/11 youth mentoring goals in the Atlanta market and the Dale Ellis Foundation.
We are inviting golfers to play in honor of Atlanta's youth and the important role mentoring plays in combating urban crime and in developing community servants. Several Youth Scholars will be recognized at the 3:00pm Awards Banquet.
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Sincerely,
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Michael & Alicia Reckord
King of Hoops
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Event Itinerary and Sponsorship
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KoH has partnered with the Dale Ellis Foundation and NEUL to support child development and literacy throughout Atlanta and across America. King of Hoops, The Dale Ellis Foundation, and NEUL have similar views on integrity - expressed through basketball, child development, and education.
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Tournament Schedule:
9:00 AM Check-in/Registration
Driving Range Opens
Continental Breakfast
10:00 AM Shotgun Start
3:00 PM Golfing Ends
Awards Ceremony & Silent Auction
.
Sponsorship Opportunities:
Ace Sponsor $15,000
Eagle Sponsor $10,000
Birdie Sponsor $5,000
Cart Marquis & Hole Signs $1,000
Team Sponsor (Foursome) $450
Scratch Sponsor (Individual) $125
One mulligan (per player) $20
.
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.
2010 King of Hoops Weekend of Events:
Thursday, August 19th:
Charity Golf Tournament
City Club of Marietta
Hosted by NBA Legend Dale Ellis
.
Charity Jazz Night
Featuring: Mike Phillips
Taboo 2 (8pm - 2am)
6075 Roswell Road NE, Sandy Springs
.
Friday, August 20th - Sunday, August 22nd:
King of Hoops ProAm Basketball Tournament
Early Rounds - Championship
.
The Summit
3910 Canton Road
Marietta, GA 30066
.
http://www.kingofhoops.com



*****************************************************
  SENEGAL   


Senegal edged Mali in Dakar - by Eurobasket News
Senegal-Mali 66:44

Senegal improved to 3-0 record at the FIBA Africa Zone-II Qualifiers. The team handed Mali their first loss beating them 66:44.
Senegal opened the game with 12:4 ion the opening tip and reached 19:9. The team never looked behind after and only increased the advantage. The board showed 31:17 after 15 minutes of the game, while the teams left the court for the break at 35:22. The lead continued to grow and Senegal reached 45:26 after the 25 minutes in the court. They held the same difference at 50:31 after three quarters. Moreover the result was plus 19 at 59:40 and Senegal added some more baskets for 66:44. It was the biggest lead in the game with 22 points difference.
Moustapha Niang (206-F-83) and Mouhammad Faye (206-F-85) paced all the winners with 12 points each for the perfect record. Pape Badji and Gorgui Dieng (208-C) netted 9 points apiece to remain undefeated. Tankgara responded with 11 points and 7 rebounds in the losing effort as Mali dropped to 2-1 record. Amara Sy (202-F-81) notched 8, whilst Souleymane Maiga (176-G-87) added 6.
In another game Cape Verde won their first game in the Zone II Tournament by defeating Guinea-Bissau national team, 87 to 66 in the third game of the final day of the first round of the competition.

Senegal: Moustapha Niang 12, Mouhammad Faye 12, Pape Badji 9, Gorgui Dieng 9
Mali: Tankgara 11+7 rebs, Amara Sy 8, Souleymane Maiga 6



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  SERBIA   


Serbia win Adecco Cup tournament - by Eurobasket News
Serbia - Slovenia 82:73
Serbia finished the Adecco Cup tournament undefeated. They knocked down Slovenia on the final day of the tourney. Milan Macvan (205-F-89) scored 15 points as Serbia clinched the title.
The teams stayed close throughout the opening frame. Serbia led by just one point at the first break 15;14. The visitors stepped on the gas in the second term. Serbia unleashed 22 points to take a 7-point lead at the interval. Serbia maintained the lead throughout the third stanza. Slovenia conceded 28 points in the quarter to face a massive 18-point deficit heading into the fourth term. The hosts opened the final stanza on a 9:3 rally to cut the margin. Slokar dragged Slovenia within 10 points with under four minutes to go. But Dusko Savanovic (204-F/C-83, agency: Beo Basket) drained back-to-back triples and Serbia did not look back en route to the victory.
Dusko Savanovic, Aleksandar Rasic (195-G-84, agency: Beo Basket) and Nenad Krstic (214-C-83) provided 12 points each for the winners. Kosta Perovic (217-C-85) added 10 points for Serbia. Bostjan Nachbar (207-G/F-80, agency: Interperformances) replied with 17 points for Slovenia. Primoz Brezec (216-F/C-79) delivered 15 points in the loss.

Serbia: Milan Macvan 15, Dusko Savanovic 12, Aleksandar Rasic 12, Nenad Krstic 12
Slovenia: Bostjan Nachbar 17, Primoz Brezec 15


*****************************************************
  SLOVAKIA   


Pavel Harcar moves to Pezinok - by Eurobasket News
Pavel Harcar (202-F-89) moves to Pezinok and will appear in the team in this upcoming season. In 2005-2006 he joined BC Sparta Praha (NBL) and in 2006-2007 appeared for BK Pardubice. He spent their the majority of his career and then moved to Karma Basket Podebrady (NBL). Last year he played in 37 games and averaged 4.1ppg, 1.2rpg.
Pavel Harcar recorded 15 points as Podebrady lost to BK Decin 61:80 as the latter grabbed 26-16 record. Soukup Miroslav led the way with 20 points and 7 boards, while Hatcher Wiliam posted 17. Castleberry Stephen ended up with 26 points and 11 rebounds in defeat.
For his Awards/Achievements it is a must to mention that he was a member of Czech Rep. U16 National Team -05, Czech Rep. U18 National Team -06-07. He aslo participated at European Championships U18 Division B in Sibiu (Romania) -06 where he averaged 1.0ppg, 1.5rpg abd in European Championships U18 Division B in Sofia (Bulgaria) -07 1.3ppg, 1.0rpg. Later Pavel Harcar was the member of the Czech Republic U20 National Team -08-10 and participated at the European Championships U20 Division B in Targu Mures (Romania) -08 averaging 7.8ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 69.6%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 75.0%. In European Championships U20 Division B in Skopje (FYR Macedonia) last year he tasted Silver as in 7 games he improved to 13.9ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.6apg, FGP-2 (77.8%), 3PT: 48.8%, FT: 75.0%.



Svit invites Adam McCoy and David Grbesic - by Eurobasket News
Svit invites Adam McCoy (193-G-86, college: UTSA) and David Grbesic (194-G-79) for the next 2010/2011 season. Adam McCoy started his career in 2004-2005 for UTSA (NCAA) and in 9 games averaged 3.2ppg, 5reb, 4ast. In 2007-2008 for N.Texas (NCAA) the American player appeared in 27 games and had 5.0ppg, 1.7rpg. In 2008-2009 for N.Texas (NCAA) he played in 31 games and showed 8.7ppg, 1.7rpg, FGP: 45.3%, 3Pts: 43.1%, FT: 82.7%.
David Grbesic appeared first in Kantrida Rijeka (Croatia-A2). In 2000-2001 he moved to Geoplin Slovan Ljubljana (Slovenia-A1) and in 2001-2002 played for Focus Varazdin (Croatia-A2). After another seasons in Dona Dubrava Zagreb, Nantes BC, Sibenka Sibenik and KK Zrinjevac Zagreb in 2005-2006 he signed with KK Cibona VIP Zagreb. In 2006-2007 for Kvarner Resort Novi Rijeka (A2, starting five) after 30 games he averaged 13.9ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.2apg, 1.9spg, 2FGP: 53%, 3FGP: 24%, FT: 69%. In 2007-2008 the Croatian player played for Svjetlost Slavonski Brod (A1, starting five) and after 31 games had 12.7ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.4apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 39.0%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 70.0%. In 2008-2009 for Kvarner Resort Novi Rijeka (A1, starting five) after 27 games he averaged 10.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 26.9%, FT: 67.9%. Last year the Croatian player started for KK Puris Pazin but in February 2010 moved to Oberwart Gunners (Austria-A Bundesliga) and in 4 games had 10.3ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.3apg.



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  SPAIN   


Latest market movements in LEB - by Llorenc Morro
Breogan reinforced with Jose Amador (210-F/C-83, agency: Duran International) and Clif Brown (200-F-84, agency: ZAG Advocates, college: Niagara).
Miguel Montanana (206-F/C-80) signed in Melilla.
La Palma adds Roman Martinez (201-F-88) and Dinma Odiakosa (203-F-85, agency: N.E.T.).
Bernardo Alvarez (194-G/F-71) to the bench, new head coach in Tarragona.
Josep Marcos (187-G-78) one veteran for Barcelona's youg team in LEB Silver. Bara's head coach Borja Comenge can count also with Papa Abdoulaye (209-C-90).
Darryl Middleton (203-F/C-66, college: Baylor) 44 y.o. stand and still in Girona. Levi Rost (201-F-83, agency: High Post Agency, college: W.Michigan) inked in Sant Josep Girona.
Jose Maria Raventos head coach in Lleida.
Bradd Wierzbicki (191-G-85, college: Queens (NY)) moved to Leyma Coruna.

Kristaps Valters is back to Fuenlabrada - by Eurobasket News
Kristaps Valters (188-G-81) is coming back to Fuenlabrada. The 28-year-old guard agreed on terms of contract termination with Joventut. Kristaps Valters played for Fuenlabrada back in 2008/09 season. He tallied 11.1 points, 4.8 assists and 3.2 boards per game for the Madrid outfit. Last season his stats read 7.5 points, 4.3 assists and 1.6 boards per game in ACB. In EuroCup Kristaps Valters notched 6.8 points, 4.7 assists and 1.5 rebounds for Joventut.


Hrvoje Peric to join Unicaja - by Eurobasket News
Unicaja is going to sign a two-year deal with Hrvoje Peric (203-F-85). The 24-year-old forward spent the previous season in KK Zadar. Hrvoje Peric tallied 17.5 points, 7.4 boards and 2.5 assists per game in the Croatian League. In Adriatic League his stats read 11.5 points, 5.0 boards and 1.5 assists per appearance. In EuroCup the forward delivered 8.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists. Eurobasket.com named Hrvoje Peric All-Croatian A1 League Most Improved Player of the Year in 2010.


Obradoiro adds Alberto Corbacho - by JC Ruiz
Xacobeo BluSens Obradoiro landed Alberto Corbacho (201-F-84) on a one-year contract. The 25-years old forward played for Leche Rio Breogan Lugo in the previous season. Alberto Corbacho averaged 5.8 points, 1.7 rebounds and 0.6 assists per game in Adecco Leb Oro. Corbacho has played in all competitions FEB before joining the Lugo out fit back in 2008.
Corbacho stands out for its launch from 6.75. When Corbacho played in Torrons Vicens - C.B. L'Hospitalet, he scored 76 in a season.
Corbacho completed her training at Unicaja Malaga.

Spain edge Argentina in front of 10000 fans - by Eurobasket News
Spain - Argentina 83:76
Spain knocked down Argentina in front of more than 10000 spectators at the Plaza de Toros de La Ribera in La Rioja. Felipe Reyes (203-F/C-80) knocked down 14 points to lead Spain to the victory. Argentina will next face Brazil at the Torneo de Logrono. Spain will take on Brazil tomorrow.
Spain surged ahead right from the start. They established a 23:17 lead ten minutes into the clash. Argentina challenged the deficit in the second quarter. The South American champions cut the margin to two points at halftime 40:42. Argentina kept it close throughout the third quarter. They drew things level at 48 midway through the third stanza. Spain entered the final frame leading by just a single point 64:63. But the fourth quarter belonged to the hosts. They limited Argentina to only 13 points and snatched a tough win at the end.
Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) finished with 14 points for Spain. Jose Manuel Calderon (190-G-81) added 10 points, while Vazquez delivered 9 in the victory. Luis Scola (206-F/C-80) answered with 26 points for Argentina. Carlos Delfino (198-G-82) netted 16 points in the loss.

Spain: Felipe Reyes 14, Juan Carlos Navarro 14, Jose Manuel Calderon 10
Argentina: Luis Scola 26, Carlos Delfino 16


*****************************************************
  TOGO   


FIBA Africa Zone-3 Qualifier: Togo lost to Nigeria 53-67 - by Olusegun Ikuesan
The reverse fixture between Togo and Nigeria was a game to behold as the togolaise side took the first quarter witn a 18-16 points lead but gave up the secon quarter as the Nigerian side fought back beating the Togo side to their game winning the quarter by 14-09 points for a three points advantage of 30-27 points at half-time.

Efforts by Togo to get back into the game was frustrated by the determined Nigerian side who were not prepare to drop a second game against the Togolaise wining the third quarter by 24-16 points to gain an 11 points advantage going into the last quarter of 54-43 points.

Nigeria again dominated the fourth quarter winning by 13-10 points for a final score-line of 67-53 to remain top of the series and a last game against Cote dIvoire at 17H00 Monday while Togo will end the elimination series against Benin Republic at 19H00.
Nigeria guard, Abubakar Usman scored a series high of 31 points, Mattew Omonye recorded double double effort of 12 rebounds and 11 points while Stanley Gumut added 13 points for Nigeria victory.



*****************************************************
  TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO   


Flour Mills trounce Pistons in North Zone Hoops - by Don Farrell
POWER forward Kerry McMillian and point-guard Kerry Westfield teamed up for 34 points to guide National Flour Mills (NFM) to an impressive 92-66 win over Unit Trust Pistons as action continued in the North Zone Basketball Commission League at the Jean Pierre Complex.
On Saturday night the Pistons took the early advantage 21-20 at the conclusion of the opening quarter behind the outside shooting of point guard Kevin Sunich.
The sport s journalist scored 11 points and had support from Sedley Montrichard, who scored nine points in the First Division encounter.
However the NFM men rallied strongly in the second session to outscore their opponents 20-14 to lead 40-35 at the half time interval. NFM, former North Zone and national champions extended their advantage in the third session with a 19-11 run which made the last quarter a formality, as they dominated the fourth session 33-22.
McMillians led Flour Mills with 18 points while Westfield contributed 16.
In Second Division action Cosmic Raptors whipped Diego Martin All Stars 68-46 and Defence Force destroyed TSTT 75-52.
Julius Sprott scored 13 points and Rodney Greaves added 12 for Cosmic Raptors. Dimitri King-Knights had 11 points and Sterling Salandy 10 for Diego.
Devon Waddell led Defence Force with 14 points and Reyon Wilson had 11 while Philbert Nicholl led all scorers with 16 points for TSTT.
First Division: NATIONAL FLOUR MILLS (92) Kensley Sandy 18, Kerry McMillian 16, Kerry Westfield 8) vs UTC PISTONS (62) Sedley Montrichad 20, Anthony Turner 11, Kevin Sunich 11.
Second Division: COSMIC RAPTORS (68) Julius Sprott 13, Rodney Greaves 12 vs DIEGO MARTIN ALL STARS (46) Dmitri King-Knights 11, Sterling Salandy 10.
DEFENCE FORCE (75) Devon Waddell 14, Reyon Wilson 11, Kevin Williams 10 vs TSTT (52) Philbert Nicholls 16.
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newsday

*****************************************************
  TURKEY   


Germany won over Turkey in the last game of BEKO-Supercup 2010 - by Eurobasket News
Germany-Turkey 68:54

Germany won over Turkey in the last game of BEKO-Supercup 2010. The home side rolled over Turkey 68:54 to finish third in Bamberg.
Germany took 5:0 lead in the opening tip, but Turkey responded for 8:7. Christopher McNaughton (211-C-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Bucknell) tied the game at 12:12 and Turkey grabbed 17:14 after the first 10 minutes. Heiko Schaffartzik and Elias Harris brought the hosts 19:17, while the latter also scored for 29:23. Germany continued to dominate the court and enjoyed 34:23 at the halftime. In the third frame Germany also looked better and reached 49:30 after 25 minutes of the game. Turkey bounced back with 5-0 run, while Germany responded with the same one at the end of the quarter. In the last quarter Turkey produced 19-12 to reduce the gap in the game. They however could score in the last three minutes as Germany won their initial game.
Jan-Hendrick Jagla (213-F-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: Penn St.) stepped up with 14 points, 9 assists and 6 rebounds. Tibor Pleiss (214-F/C-89) notched 11, while Robin Benzing (208-F-89) netted 10. Elias Harris scored 7, Steffen Hamann added 6 and Hieko Schaffartzik delivered 5. Omer Asik (211-C-86) answered with 13 points in the losing effort. Kerem Tunceri (190-G-79) nailed 10, while Semih Erden (211-C-87) notched 6.

Germany: Lucca Staiger, Hieko Schaffartzik 5, Yassin Idbihi , Tim Ohlbrecht 4, Konrad Wysocki, Steffen Hamann 6, Demond Greene 4, Tibor Pleiss 11, Elias Harris 7, Philipp Schwethelm 4, Robin Benzing 10, Jan-Hendrick Jagla 14, Christopher McNaughton 3
Turkey: Cenk Akyol 2, Sinan Guler 2, Omer Onan 4, Ersan Ilyasova 3, Semih Erden 6, Kerem Tunceri 10, Oguz Savas 4, Kerem Gonlum, Omer Asik 13, Hidayet Turkoglu 5, Cevher Ozer 5



*****************************************************
  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS   


Virgin Islands thwarts RP trio - by David Edole
By Dante Navarro (The Philippine Star) Updated August 17, 2010 12:00 AM
SINGAPORE Virgin Islands gave the Philippines some sort of a clinic from the long range, hitting six triples, the last two defusing the RP cagers rally for a 34-28 victory in the 3-on-3 basketball competitions of the first Youth Olympic Games here yesterday.
Jeron Teng made a split with still 1:20 remaining in the two five-minute periods, pulling RP back into the game at 26-28 after trailing by as many as 12 points, the last at 12-21 at the end of the first.
But Rasheed Swanston (95) broke free from a tight RP defense and launched two crippling triples, the first in the last 1:14 that gave Virgin Islands a five-point cushion, 31-26, and the other just seconds later, thus abruptly ending the contest.
Under 3-on-3 rules, the first team to score 33 points wins the match.
They shot very well from the three-point area six. So thats 18 points a lot for a 3-on-3 game, said Team RP coach Mon Jose.
The Filipinos got clobbered off the board, 7-16, but shot better from the close range (10-of-21-48 percent against 8-of-18-44 percent). But they failed to translate Virgin Islands eight errors into points, missing a pair of crucial shots, including a Parks drive and a Teng turnover.
But it was the small, long haired Kadeem Jones (94) who made things difficult for the Filipinos as the 5-8 shooter eluded his defenders to unload four triples, frustrating the RP bets no end.
The Pinoy cagers made three attempts from the long range, missing all of them and needed to lean on the steady hands of Teng from the line and the power of Bobby Ray Parks to get back into the contest.
Teng made all but one of his seven charities and finished with 12 points while the 6-5 Parks, son of the former many-time PBA best import awardee Bobby Parks, showed a lot of moves and wound up with eight points.
Cris Tolomia also failed to get going and added six points while Michael Pate had just one attempt which he made in a six-minute stint on the floor.
Jones topscored with 16 points while Swanston added eight for Virgin Islands, whose two 6-5s in Amadius Der-Weer (94) and Javier Martinez (93) combined for 10 points.
The loss put RP into a must-win situation against a tall Spain side today with another setback virtually booting out the Filipinos from the quarterfinal race.
Spain has a good shooter and they are taller. We have to defend and rebound better against them, said Jose.
The top two in the five-team four groups will advance after a single round robin elims with Spain bouncing back with a 33-5 rout of South Africa after absorbing a stinging 27-29 setback to Croatia Sunday.
Virgin Islands also blasted South Africa, 28-12, to show the way in Group D with two wins.



*****************************************************
  UKRAINE   


Loud market news - by Eurobasket News
Desmon Farmer (195-G-81, college: USC) became another new player for Dnipro. In 2008 American guard agreed for $83,708 with San Antonio Spurs (NBA) and in 3 games averaged 4.3ppg, 2.0rpg; left in Nov.'08. In December moved to Spartak Primorie Vladivostok (Russia-A Superleague) and after 6 games had 13.2ppg, 1.7rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 41.5%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 71.4%. In February 2009 signed at KK Zadar (Croatia-A1, starting five) and in Croatian League after 4 games his stats read 19.0ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.8apg. In Adriatic League after 4 games he averaged 11.8ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.3apg. In 2009-2010 played for Reno Bighorns (D-League, starting five) and in 52 games became the fifth top-scorer with 23.3 ppg, 4.0rpg, 4.6apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 37.9%, FT: 86.5%.
Artur Drozdov (199-G-80) officially announced that he will continue his career in Italy. The 29-year-old forward is expected to sign the contract with Vanoli Cremona shortly. Artur Drozdov started the previous season in BC Donetsk. He tallied 9.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.0 block per EuroChallenge appearances. In VTB League his stats read 15.0 points, 3.0 boards and 1.3 steals per game. In April Artur Drozdov moved to Budivelnyk. The forward tallied 12.0 points, 6.1 boards and 1.7 steals per game in the Superleague.
Oleksiy Pecherov (212-C-85) has agreed on terms of contract with Armani Jeans. The 24-year-old centre is coming back to Europe after a three-year stint in the NBA. Last season Oleksiy Pecherov played for the Minnesota Timberwolves. He tallied 4.5 points and 2.8 rebounds per game. Oleksiy Pecherov is currently playing for the Ukrainian National Team at the EuroBasket Qualifying Round. He is averaging 14.8 points and 6.5 boards in four games so far.



*****************************************************
  UNITED KINGDOM   


Riders Add High-Scoring Blount - by Andy Webb
Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders have signed guard J.R. Blount (185-G, agency: ZAG Advocates) for the 2010/11 season. The American guard finished his collegiate career at Loyola University as one of their most prolific and consistent scorers.
Blount was only the third player in Ramblers history to average double figures in each of his four years at Loyola and was ranked in their all-time top 10 for scoring and assist.
J.R. is an easy player to like because he plays the game with a toughness and confidence that is very contagious to his teammates, said Coach Rob Paternostro. He had a great career at Loyola which plays in a very good Division 1 conference.
To average double figures for four years in that conference is a fantastic achievement and when you add that to all the other intangibles that J.R. brings it is very exciting that he is joining our club.
The 61 guard led the Ramblers in scoring and assists in both his junior and senior years, helping him to become only the fifth player in Loyola history to top 1,500 points and 300 assists.
Everyone I spoke with, including an NBA team that he worked out with, had nothing but great things to say about JR. On and off the court, he fits in to what we are trying to do here.
Whilst earning his masters degree last year, Blount was on the coaching staff at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Points who won the NCAA Division 3 National Championship.

Paternostro added, His coaching experience last season I see as a real plus. Its great when you have players that a have a good understanding of the game and by talking with him this summer I can see where his knowledge can benefit our club.


Speedy Clark To Be Lions Point - by Andy Webb
Kris Clark (188-G-85, college: Utah St.) has become Mike News second addition to his Milton Keynes Lions roster ahead of the 2010/11 season.
The 62 American comes highly recommended having been 4th in the Nation in assists just two years ago
Clark, 24, is a graduate of Utah State University where he was the starting point guard for two years. An explosive point guard with great quickness and acceleration whilst a solid shooter his strength is in ball-handling, ball distribution and defensive quickness.
Lions Head Coach Mike New commented, Kris is just what we need and he is everything I have been looking for, a very capable young man who can deliver the ball where we want it when we want it whilst having the ability to score as and when required.
At college at Utah State, Clark averaged 6 points and 6 assists per game whilst delivering the ball to high scorers on the college roster, Lions owner, Vince Macaulay welcomed Clark to Milton Keynes, I am glad to have Kris here, this young man is so fundamentally sound and is a joy to watch on the court, he comes with a tough work ethic which will work well with this years team, he has played professionally after college averaging over 15 points a game in the IBL and has excellent court vision,
Clark joins Stefan Gill on this years team which looks to be very different from last term. The Lions will name more players this week.
The Lions first game of the new season is due to be on Sunday 26th September (tip-off 5.00pm), but a search for a venue goes on. The club aim to put some emergency measures in place in the next two weeks
Ticket information is available by calling 01908 512217, or logging on to mklions.com to purchase online.





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Women News

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  ALBANIA - Women  


Switzerland cruises past Albania to stay perfect in Group B - by Eurobasket News
EuroBasket, Division B: ALBANIA - SWITZERLAND 55-66

Switzerland stays the top-ranked team of Group B with perfect 4-0 record. This time Switzerland met Albania on the road and managed to beat them 55-66. The hosts stay the only winless team after four games in this pool. Karen Twehues (182-G-83, college: Cincinnati) top-scored for the hosts with 19 points. Alexia Rol (170-G-82) had 12, while Marielle Giroud (180-F-87) (8 rebs) and Caroline Turin (173-F-87) added 10 points each. Adelajda Aliaj (188-C-87) replied with 14 points and 6 rebounds in defeat. Brikena Cakici (176-G-80) had 13 pts and 5 rebs in loss.
Except of the last quarter, Switzerland dominated in this game. They started with 10-14 in the first ten minutes and later jumped to 24-33 (HT). Third frame was the crucial one in this meeting. Karen Twehues and her teammates nailed 22 points, while they managed to stop the hosts to just 10. Albania faced with 34-55 deficit, but they didnt give up. They made 21-11 in the last quarter, but that still wasnt enough for serious treat.
Switzerland will meet Luxembourg in the next round. Albania will host Estonia.

Albania: Adelajda Aliaj 14+6 boards, Brikena Cakici 13+5 boards
Switzerland: Karen Twehues 19, Alexia Rol 12, Marielle Giroud 10+8 boards, Caroline Turin 10



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  BELGIUM - Women  


Croatia outplays Belgium 85-70 - by Eurobasket News
EuroBasket 2011 Qualifications: CROATIA - BELGIUM 85-70

Croatia was too strong for Belgium registering the second win in 2011 EuroBasket Qualifications. Both teams have 2-2 record now and Italy has same digits as well. All participants of Group A are still in the race for the first two spots, with Lithuania as No.1 at this moment. Iva Sliskovic (196-F-84, college: S.Carolina) paced the home side to victory with 18 points and 7 rebounds. Sandra Mandir (177-G-77) had 17 pts and 6 boards, while Ana Lelas (183-G/F-83) added 14 pts, 8 rebs and 5 assists. In Belgium, Ann Wauters (194-C-80) collected 21 pts and 9 boards. Sara Leemans (178-G/F-88) scored 18 points and grabbed 7 boards.
Croatia won every single quarter of this game. They started with 23-21 and continued with 17-11 in the second frame. Both teams shined offensively after the breather, but still it was Croatia who registered 27-24. It means that the hosts were 67-56 up with 10:00 to go. Belgium desperately needed a run, but they were not able to make it. Croatia made 18-14 in the last quarter for comfortable 85-70 win at the end.
In the next round, Croatia will play against Italy. Belgium will re-join in Round Seven.

Croatia: Iva Sliskovic 18+7 boards, Sandra Mandir 17+6 boards, Ana Lelas 14+8 boards+5 as
Belgium: Ann Wauters 21+9 boards, Sara Leemans 18+7 boards



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  BOSNIA - Women  


Bosnia beats Luxembourg as a guest - by Eurobasket News
EuroBasket, Division B: LUXEMBOURG - BOSNIA 63-75

Bosnia registered the second victory in Division B. They celebrated nice 63-75 win in Luxembourg jumping to third place in Group B with 2-2 record. The hosts dropped to 1-3 and they are currently No.4 in this pool. Emina Demirovic (186-C-85) came up with double-double of 19 points and 11 rebounds for Bosnia. Milica Deura (178-G-90) had 15 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists, while Matea Tavic (178-G-92) added 13 points and 6 rebs. For the hosts, Nadia Mossong (183-F-86) collected 15 pts and 9 rebs. Jill Bausch (176-G-87) scored 14 points.
Last quarter was the crucial one in this meeting. Before that, Luxembourg made 21-16 in the first and Bosnia had 12-13 in the second frame. Visitors were better in Q3 as well (16-18) closing the gap to 49-47 before the last ten minutes. Than in the last quarter there was only one team playing on the court and it was Bosnia. The hosts somehow stopped and their defense looked bad. Emina Demirovic and her teammates exploded offensively and they drained impressive 28 points in the last quarter, while the hosts stopped to 14 on the other side facing with third loss in this phase.
Bosnia will skip Round Six and will re-join in Round Seven. Luxembourg will host Switzerland on Thursday.

Luxembourg: Nadia Mossong 15+9 boards, Jill Bausch 14
Bosnia: Emina Demirovic 19+11 boards, Milica Deura 15+6 boards+6 as, Matea Tavic 13+6 boards



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  BULGARIA - Women  


Bulgaria better than Finland in Rouse - by Eurobasket News
EuroBasket 2011 Qualifications: BULGARIA - FINLAND 88-65

Bulgaria grabbed the second win in 2011 EuroBasket Qualifications. They outgunned Finland 88-65 jumping to third place in Group C with 2-2 record. Visitors stay winless after four appearances and they will most probably fight for the survival in Division A. Doneeka Hodges (175-G-82, college: LSU) shined for the hosts with 20 points. Daniela Peteva (179-F-89) scored 12 and Zoia Stanoeva (182-F-76, agency: Global Sports Plaza) added two points less. In Finland, Taru Tuukkanen (190-C-77, college: Xavier) delivered 12 points and grabbed 8 rebs. Tiina Sten (185-G/F-85, college: St.John's) scored 11 pts.
Bulgaria won every single quarter of this game. Finland was not able to resists and their minus was getting bigger after each minute. Bulgaria made 26-20 and the beginning and continued with 21-13 in the second quarter. Third frame also belonged to the hosts, who were 69-52 up after 30 minutes of play. Last ten minutes were just the formality and Bulgaria increased its lead even more.
In the next round, Bulgaria will host Turkey. Finland will re-join in Round Seven.

Bulgaria: Doneeka Hodges 20, Daniela Peteva 12, Zoia Stanoeva 10
Finland: Taru Tuukkanen 12+8 boards, Tiina Sten 11



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  CHILE - Women  


Chile takes the fifth place in Santiago - by Eurobasket News
South American Championship 2010, Fifth place: CHILE - VENEZUELA 86-71

Chile finished as the fifth ranked team in Santiago. The host of 2010 South American Championship outplayed Venezuela in the last day of the competition to win this place. Their leading player was Ziomara Morrison (193-C-89) with double-double of 20 points and 16 rebounds. Valentina Aragonese (173-F-79) scored 17 and Javiera Novion (168-G-87, college: Eckerd) added one point less. In the loosing squad, Ofelia Villarroel (174-G-78, college: Oklahoma) collected 25 points and 5 rebs. Cleyder Blanco (C-90) had 14 pts and 11 boards. Their Venezuela finished as No.6 in Santiago.
Chile took control on their rivals from the early beginning. They exploded offensively in the first ten minutes scoring 30 points. On the other side, Venezuela was limited to 18. Venezuela improved after that, but was not able to come closer until the halftime (42-30). Chile was better in Q3 jumping to 15-point lead with 10:00 remaining. At that time it was already clear who the winner of this meeting will be. The hosts had no troubles to keep the safe distance in Q4 and to win the fifth place in Santiago. Both teams failed to qualify directly to the 2011 FIBA-Americas Championship (Pre-Olympic) and the Pan-American Games.

Chile: Ziomara Morrison 20+16 boards, Valentina Aragonese 17, Javiera Novion 16
Venezuela: Ofelia Villarroel 25+5 boards, Cleyder Blanco 14+11 boards



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  CROATIA - Women  


Croatia outplays Belgium 85-70 - by Eurobasket News
EuroBasket 2011 Qualifications: CROATIA - BELGIUM 85-70

Croatia was too strong for Belgium registering the second win in 2011 EuroBasket Qualifications. Both teams have 2-2 record now and Italy has same digits as well. All participants of Group A are still in the race for the first two spots, with Lithuania as No.1 at this moment. Iva Sliskovic (196-F-84, college: S.Carolina) paced the home side to victory with 18 points and 7 rebounds. Sandra Mandir (177-G-77) had 17 pts and 6 boards, while Ana Lelas (183-G/F-83) added 14 pts, 8 rebs and 5 assists. In Belgium, Ann Wauters (194-C-80) collected 21 pts and 9 boards. Sara Leemans (178-G/F-88) scored 18 points and grabbed 7 boards.
Croatia won every single quarter of this game. They started with 23-21 and continued with 17-11 in the second frame. Both teams shined offensively after the breather, but still it was Croatia who registered 27-24. It means that the hosts were 67-56 up with 10:00 to go. Belgium desperately needed a run, but they were not able to make it. Croatia made 18-14 in the last quarter for comfortable 85-70 win at the end.
In the next round, Croatia will play against Italy. Belgium will re-join in Round Seven.

Croatia: Iva Sliskovic 18+7 boards, Sandra Mandir 17+6 boards, Ana Lelas 14+8 boards+5 as
Belgium: Ann Wauters 21+9 boards, Sara Leemans 18+7 boards



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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS - Women  


Division B: Round Four review - by Eurobasket News
Group A
Sweden - Portugal 68-54
Sweden demonstrated another nice performance in Division B. This time they were better than Portugal to keep the perfect score after three games in Group A. Their key player in this game was Louice Halvarsson (189-C-89) with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Ann Andersson (183-F-80, agency: Promotex, college: Minnesota) had 16 pts and 5 rebs, while Elisabeth Egnell (185-F-87, college: Boston Coll.) added 15 pts and 7 boards. Frida Eldebrink (174-G-88) this time helped the hosts with 13 points and 7 rebs. On the other side, Portugal (1-2) got 20 points and 6 boards from Sonia Reis (189-C-84). Their second scorer was Paula Muxiri (184-F/C-81, college: ODU) with 10 pts. Sweden exploded in the second and last quarter of this game. They started with 17-13 in the first ten minutes and outgunned Portugal in Q2 with 25-17. Visitors came out strongly after the breather and they threatened seriously coming to 51-48 with 10:00 to go. Everything was open again and Portugal was in, but the hosts shined when it was the most important and stopped visitors to just 6 points for the entire last quarter. The nailed 17 on the other side, what was more than enough for third straight victory in Group A. In the next round, Sweden will meet Slovenia on the road. Portugal will go to Norway.

Norway - Slovenia 61-81
Slovenia grabbed the second victory in Division B. They cruised past Norway on the road for 2-1 record in Group A, what is currently enough for the second place. On the other side, the hosts dropped to 0-3 staying the last ranked team in this pool. Maja Erkic (183-G/F-85) top-scored in victory with 20 points. Sandra Pirsic (195-C-84) had 19 points, 7 boards and 5 assists, while Teja Oblak (172-G-90) added 16 pts and 6 rebs. In Norway, Mia Spasowska (185-C-84, college: Humboldt St.) was better than the others with 16 pts and 5 boards. Tina Moen (183-G-86, college: IPFW) scored 10 points. Slovenia was way better team from the start. Maja Erkic and her teammates opened this meeting with excellent 11-23, what was a clear signal that the hosts will not have a chance. Actually, they improved in Q2 but it was not enough for any better than minus 8 at the halftime. Slovenia destroyed their rival in third frame (8-25) resolving the question about the winner. Last ten minutes were just the formality and they belonged to Norway 22-17. In the next round, Slovenia will host Sweden. Norway will play once again at home and their rival will be Portugal.
Group B
Albania - Switzerland 55-66
Switzerland stays the top-ranked team of Group B with perfect 4-0 record. This time Switzerland met Albania on the road and managed to beat them 55-66. The hosts stay the only winless team after four games in this pool. Karen Twehues (182-G-83, college: Cincinnati) top-scored for the hosts with 19 points. Alexia Rol (170-G-82) had 12, while Marielle Giroud (180-F-87) (8 rebs) and Caroline Turin (173-F-87) added 10 points each. Adelajda Aliaj (188-C-87) replied with 14 points and 6 rebounds in defeat. Brikena Cakici (176-G-80) had 13 pts and 5 rebs in loss. Except of the last quarter, Switzerland dominated in this game. They started with 10-14 in the first ten minutes and later jumped to 24-33 (HT). Third frame was the crucial one in this meeting. Karen Twehues and her teammates nailed 22 points, while they managed to stop the hosts to just 10. Albania faced with 34-55 deficit, but they didn't give up. They made 21-11 in the last quarter, but that still wasn't enough for serious treat. Switzerland will meet Luxembourg in the next round. Albania will host Estonia.

Luxembourg - Bosnia 63-75
Bosnia registered the second victory in Division B. They celebrated nice 63-75 win in Luxembourg jumping to third place in Group B with 2-2 record. The hosts dropped to 1-3 and they are currently No.4 in this pool. Emina Demirovic (186-C-85) came up with double-double of 19 points and 11 rebounds for Bosnia. Milica Deura (178-G-90) had 15 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists, while Matea Tavic (178-G-92) added 13 points and 6 rebs. For the hosts, Nadia Mossong (183-F-86) collected 15 pts and 9 rebs. Jill Bausch (176-G-87) scored 14 points. Last quarter was the crucial one in this meeting. Before that, Luxembourg made 21-16 in the first and Bosnia had 12-13 in the second frame. Visitors were better in Q3 as well (16-18) closing the gap to 49-47 before the last ten minutes. Than in the last quarter there was only one team playing on the court and it was Bosnia. The hosts somehow stopped and their defense looked bad. Emina Demirovic and her teammates exploded offensively and they drained impressive 28 points in the last quarter, while the hosts stopped to 14 on the other side facing with third loss in this phase. Bosnia will skip Round Six and will re-join in Round Seven. Luxembourg will host Switzerland on Thursday.



Stats Leaders Div.A (Women)
Points Per Game
 Liron COHEN
  ISR
  (173-G-82)
  Avg: 26
 1. Cohen, ISR26.0 
 2. Hodges, BUL21.3 
 3. Doron, ISR20.0 
 4. Perovanovic, MNT19.3 
 5. Michulkova, SVK19.0 
 6. Dubljevic, MNT18.0 
 7. Matic, SRB17.0 
 8. Leedham, ENG17.0 
 9. Leemans, BEL16.8 
 10. Nadalin, ITA16.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Olena OGORODNIKOVA
  UKR
  (186-F-81)
  Avg: 10
 1. Ogorodnikova, UKR10.0 
 2. Horti, HUN10.0 
 3. Kooij, NED9.5 
 4. Matic, SRB9.0 
 5. Paugaite, LTU9.0 
 6. Tamane, LAT9.0 
 7. Selwyn, ISR9.0 
 8. Perovanovic, MNT8.8 
 9. Tuukkanen, FIN8.5 
 10. Lelas, CRO8.3 
Assists Per Game
 Liron COHEN
  ISR
  (173-G-82)
  Avg: 7
 1. Cohen, ISR7.0 
 2. Wambe, BEL6.3 
 3. Selwyn, ISR6.0 
 4. Milovanovic, SRB6.0 
 5. Jalcova, SVK5.0 
 6. Leedham, ENG5.0 
 7. Vardarli, TUR4.3 
 8. Barnert, GER4.0 
 9. Bar, GER4.0 
 10. Hrickova, SVK4.0 
Steals Per Game
 Kimberly BUTLER
  USA
  (186-F-82)
  Avg: 5
 1. Butler, ENG5.0 
 2. Doron, ISR5.0 
 3. Michulkova, SVK5.0 
 4. Bar, GER4.0 
 5. Skerovic, MNT3.5 
 6. Abramzon, ISR3.0 
 7. Mandache, ROM3.0 
 8. Ciocan, ROM3.0 
 9. Leedham, ENG3.0 
 10. Karklina, LAT3.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Azania STEWART
  ENG
  (193-C-90)
  Avg: 3
 1. Stewart, ENG3.0 
 2. Wauters, BEL2.0 
 3. Jovanovic, MNT2.0 
 4. Tuukkanen, FIN1.5 
 5. Petronyte, LTU1.3 
 6. Skoric, SRB1.0 
 7. Bar, GER1.0 
 8. Jurcenkova, SVK1.0 
 9. Paugaite, LTU1.0 
 10. Hrickova, SVK1.0 


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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U16 - Women  


Division B: Day Four in Skopje (Qualifying Round) - by Eurobasket News
Group E
Denmark - Hungary 48-66
Hungary stays the only unbeaten team in Group E with 3-0 record. They got the most from Amadea Szamosi (189-C-94) today: 23 pts and 14 rebounds. Maria Jespersen (179-F/G-94) collected 14 pts and 7 rebounds for Denmark (1-2).

Bulgaria - Latvia 49-43
Bulgaria opened the Qualifying Round with victory so they have 1-2 now in Group E. Iva Kostova (178-F-94) scored 14 pts for Bulgaria. Latvia (1-2) got 10 pts from Renate Reine (176-G-94).

Slovenia - Portugal 55-52
Both teams had 1-1 record before this meeting. Slovenia jumped to 2-1 in Group E mostly owing to Alina Gjerkes (177-F-94), who drained 18 points. In the loosing squad, Mafalda Barros (166-G-94) delivered 14 pts.
Group F
Ireland - Slovakia 33-78
Perfect 3-0 for Slovakia, who currently shares the first place in Group F with Germany. Barbora Balintova (173-G-94) top-scored for Slovakia today with 14 points. Ireland (0-3) got 8 pts from Sorcha McNulty (172-F-94).

Romania - Germany 70-79
Germany jumped to 3-0 after they beat Romania in Day One of the Qualifying Round. Marie Gulich (192-C-94) was a key player in Germany with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Alexandra Dumitrache (170-G-94) netted 18 points for Romania (0-3).

Israel - United Kingdom 49-47
2-1 for Israel and 1-2 for the UK after this thriller. Hadar Levi (170-G-94) paced Israel to victory scoring 17 points. In defeat, Janice Monakana (183-F-95) had 11 pts and 10 boards.
Group G
Switzerland - Ukraine 46-68
Miriam Uro-Nile (190-C-94) was the leading player in this victory. She spent 25 minutes on the court collecting 22 points and 9 rebounds. On the other side, Switzerland got 8 points from Alexandra Koch (173-G-94).

Luxembourg - FYR Macedonia 49-59
The host of this event finally grabbed the first win. Their best player today was Aleksandra Stojanovska (178-F-94) with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Lou Mathieu (165-G-94) delivered 9 points for Luxembourg, who still stays winless in Skopje.

W-Standings - Div.A
Standings
Group E
1. France3-0
2. Russia3-0
3. Croatia2-1
4. Sweden1-2
5. Finland0-3
6. Serbia0-3
Group F
1. Turkey3-0
2. Holland2-1
3. Belgium2-1
4. Spain1-2
5. Greece1-2
6. Czech Repu.0-3
Group G
1. Belarus1-0
2. Italy1-0
3. Lithuania0-1
4. Poland0-1


Stats Leaders W - Group A
Points Per Game
 Olivia EPOUPA
  (163-G-94)
  Avg: 22
 1. Epoupa, FRA22.0 
 2. Treffers, NED19.5 
 3. Dzankic, CRO17.5 
 4. Kovacevic, SRB16.3 
 5. Vyoralova, CZE14.8 
 6. Jaworska, POL14.8 
 7. Hersler, SWE14.3 
 8. Delaere, BEL13.8 
 9. Kalenta, BLR13.3 
 10. Reggiani, ITA13.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Nada SALACOVA
  (190-C-94)
  Avg: 12.5
 1. Salacova, CZE12.5 
 2. Fouraki, GRE11.3 
 3. Balart, ESP10.8 
 4. Minali, ITA10.8 
 5. Treffers, NED10.5 
 6. Papova, BLR10.3 
 7. Shchetina, RUS10.0 
 8. Tarla, GRE10.0 
 9. Badiane, FRA9.8 
 10. Epoupa, FRA9.7 
Assists Per Game
 Lana PACKOVSKI
  (170-G-94)
  Avg: 5.3
 1. Packovski, CRO5.3 
 2. Owczarzak, POL4.8 
 3. Papova, BLR3.5 
 4. Sych, RUS3.0 
 5. Stromberg, SWE3.0 
 6. Balart, ESP3.0 
 7. Kyratzi, GRE3.0 
 8. Aydin, TUR2.8 
 9. De Alfredo, ESP2.8 
 10. Andersson, SWE2.5 
Steals Per Game
 Natasa KOVACEVIC
  (187-F-94)
  Avg: 4.5
 1. Kovacevic, SRB4.5 
 2. Aydin, TUR4.0 
 3. Epoupa, FRA3.7 
 4. Sorokina, RUS3.5 
 5. Papova, BLR3.0 
 6. Slim, NED3.0 
 7. Marchenkova, RUS3.0 
 8. Vidakovic, SRB2.8 
 9. Wozniak, POL2.8 
 10. Tikvic, CRO2.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Hanna KALENTA
  (187-C/F-94)
  Avg: 3.8
 1. Kalenta, BLR3.8 
 2. Tikvic, CRO2.8 
 3. Zelnyte, LTU2.3 
 4. Shchetina, RUS2.0 
 5. Badiane, FRA2.0 
 6. Fouraki, GRE1.5 
 7. Papova, BLR1.5 
 8. Gaye, FRA1.3 
 9. Balart, ESP1.3 
 10. Jaworska, POL1.3 


Standings - Div.B - by Eurobasket News
Standings Div.B
Group E
1. Hungary3-0
2. Slovenia2-1
3. Latvia1-2
4. Portugal1-2
5. Bulgaria1-2
6. Denmark1-2
Group F
1. Germany3-0
2. Slovakia3-0
3. Israel2-1
4. U.Kingdom1-2
5. Ireland0-3
6. Romania0-3
Group G
1. FYR Macedo.1-0
2. Ukraine1-0
3. Switzerlan.0-1
4. Luxembourg.0-1


Div B. - by Eurobasket
Points Per Game
 Maria JESPERSEN
  (179-F/G-94)
  Avg: 16
 1. Jespersen, DEN16.0 
 2. Uro-Nile, UKR15.5 
 3. Szabo, HUN15.5 
 4. Szamosi, HUN15.5 
 5. Kostova, BUL15.0 
 6. Raileanu, ROM14.8 
 7. Rakova, SVK14.5 
 8. Balintova, SVK14.0 
 9. Dumitrache, ROM13.5 
 10. Joseph, ENG13.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Noemie ROUAULT
  (179-F-95)
  Avg: 14
 1. Rouault, GER14.0 
 2. Szamosi, HUN12.5 
 3. Perrenoud, SUI11.0 
 4. Gulich, GER10.0 
 5. Raileanu, ROM9.8 
 6. Zarevuckaa, SVK9.5 
 7. Veidere, LAT9.5 
 8. Macura, SLO9.5 
 9. Jespersen, DEN9.3 
 10. Stojanovska, MKD8.0 
Assists Per Game
 Ines VIANA
  (162-G-94)
  Avg: 7
 1. Viana, POR7.0 
 2. Bellscheidt, GER6.3 
 3. Szabo, HUN5.0 
 4. Charles, ENG4.5 
 5. Krayevska, UKR4.0 
 6. Dumitrache, ROM3.8 
 7. Meinhart, GER3.8 
 8. Dudasova, SVK3.5 
 9. Szittya, GER3.0 
 10. Mairtin, IRL3.0 
Steals Per Game
 Krista BRIDINA
  (173-G-94)
  Avg: 6.5
 1. Bridina, LAT6.5 
 2. Viana, POR6.0 
 3. Szabo, HUN6.0 
 4. Dudasova, SVK4.5 
 5. Dimitrova, BUL4.5 
 6. Georgieva, BUL4.0 
 7. Sohm, SUI4.0 
 8. Jolovik, MKD4.0 
 9. Grigore, ROM3.8 
 10. Balintova, SVK3.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Ruta VEIDERE
  (188-C-94)
  Avg: 5.3
 1. Veidere, LAT5.3 
 2. Gulich, GER3.3 
 3. Omoboogunje, UKR3.0 
 4. Kezmanova, SVK2.5 
 5. Dimitrova, BUL2.5 
 6. Blanaru, ROM2.3 
 7. Ruban, UKR2.0 
 8. Zarevuckaa, SVK2.0 
 9. Tomsone, LAT2.0 
 10. Honig, ISR1.5 


Division A: Day Four in Ptolemaida and Kozani (Qualifying Round) - by Eurobasket News
Group E
Finland - France 44-78
France outplayed Finland to stay perfect in Group E with 3-0 record. Clementine Morateur (170-G-95) came up with 15 points for the winners, while Mousdandy Djaldi-Tabdi (184-F-95) added 13 points and 9 rebounds. Finland (0-3) got 10 points from Ella Rantanen (186-F/C-94).

Serbia - Russia 60-65
3-0 for Russia and 0-3 for Serbia after this meeting. Polina Sych (180-G-94) stepped up for the winners with 19 points and 5 rebounds. Natasa Kovacevic (187-F-94) responded with 14 points and 8 rebounds in loss.

Croatia - Sweden 68-49
Valuable win for Croatia, who jumped to third place with 2-1 record. At the same time, Sweden slipped to 1-2. Ana-Marija Begic (190-C-94) paced the winners with 20 points and 7 rebounds. Erica Iderstal (173-G-94) had 19 pts and 5 boards in defeat.
Group F
Spain - Belgium 61-48
Maria Arrojo (186-F-85) was a key player for the winners with 12 points and 8 rebounds. Heleen Adams (173-G-94) delivered 16 points in defeat. Spain 1-2, Belgium 2-1.

Czech Republic - Turkey 55-67
Turkey became the only unbeaten team in Group F with 3-0 record. Their leading player today was Doga Comba (185-F-94) with 14 points and 6 rebounds. Nada Salacova (190-C-94) shined in loss with 12 points and 15 rebs.

Greece - Holland 50-60
Both teams entered to this game with 1-1 record. Holland grabbed 50-60 victory mostly owing to Kourtney Treffers (184-F-94) with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Vasiliki Tarla (181-F-94) collected 15 points and 11 boards for Greece.
Group G
Italy - Poland 79-70
Italy made a first step forward to survival in Division A. Antonia Peresson (170-G-95) was their key player today with 20 points and 5 rebounds. Kinga Wozniak (166-G-94) netted 22 points for Poland.

Lithuania - Belarus 37-51
Belarus stopped Lithuania to just 37 points for the game and of course celebrated an easy win. Maryia Papova (186-F-94) registered monster double-double for Belarus: 20 points and 16 rebounds. Lithuania got 11 pts from Gerda Kruckauskaite (172-G-94).



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  FINLAND - Women  


Bulgaria better than Finland in Rouse - by Eurobasket News
EuroBasket 2011 Qualifications: BULGARIA - FINLAND 88-65

Bulgaria grabbed the second win in 2011 EuroBasket Qualifications. They outgunned Finland 88-65 jumping to third place in Group C with 2-2 record. Visitors stay winless after four appearances and they will most probably fight for the survival in Division A. Doneeka Hodges (175-G-82, college: LSU) shined for the hosts with 20 points. Daniela Peteva (179-F-89) scored 12 and Zoia Stanoeva (182-F-76, agency: Global Sports Plaza) added two points less. In Finland, Taru Tuukkanen (190-C-77, college: Xavier) delivered 12 points and grabbed 8 rebs. Tiina Sten (185-G/F-85, college: St.John's) scored 11 pts.
Bulgaria won every single quarter of this game. Finland was not able to resists and their minus was getting bigger after each minute. Bulgaria made 26-20 and the beginning and continued with 21-13 in the second quarter. Third frame also belonged to the hosts, who were 69-52 up after 30 minutes of play. Last ten minutes were just the formality and Bulgaria increased its lead even more.
In the next round, Bulgaria will host Turkey. Finland will re-join in Round Seven.

Bulgaria: Doneeka Hodges 20, Daniela Peteva 12, Zoia Stanoeva 10
Finland: Taru Tuukkanen 12+8 boards, Tiina Sten 11



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  GERMANY - Women  


Germany outsmarts Ukraine in Kiev - by Eurobasket News
EuroBasket 2011 Qualifications: UKRAINE - GERMANY 56-60

It was the first game of Group D in this phase and Germany celebrated valuable 56-60 road win against Ukraine. These two teams are together with Slovakia and UK placed to this pool. Two best ranked countries will directly qualify for the 2011 EuroBasket in Poland. Linda Frohlich (188-F/C-79, agency: LBM Management, college: UNLV) top-scored in Germany with 15 points and she grabbed 6 rebounds beside that. Romy Bar (189-F-87, agency: LBM Management) helped the winners with 14, while Margret Skuballa (186-F-87) added 9 points. For the hosts, Maryna Sazonenko (172-G-86, college: Oregon St.) delivered 16 points. Olena Ogorodnikova (186-F-81) had double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Germany did a great job in the first quarter making 16-22 lead. The hosts woke up after that and they intensified defense, what resulted with just 9 pts scored by Germany in Q2. On the other side, Ukraine had 15 for 31-31 tie at the halftime. Ukraine was slightly better in third quarter (13-11) and everything was still open with 10:00 to go. At the halfway of the last quarter Germany made 49-54 turn and the hosts were in trouble. They came to minus 3 in the finish, but Germany didnt let them any closer.
In the next round, Germany will host UK. Ukraine will go Slovakia.

Ukraine: Maryna Sazonenko 16, Olena Ogorodnikova 14+10 boards
Germany: Linda Frohlich 15+6 boards, Romy Bar 14, Margret Skuballa 9



*****************************************************
  HOLLAND - Women  


Jenifer Nadalin paces Italy to road win against Holland - by Eurobasket News
EuroBasket 2011 Qualifications: HOLLAND - ITALY 60-70

Italy grabbed valuable road win against Holland for 2-2 record in Qualifying Group A. The same numbers have Belgium and Croatia now and all teams are still in the race for 2011 EuroBasket in Poland. Holland slipped to 1-3 and its chances decreased after this meeting. Jenifer Nadalin (187-F/C-83, college: Furman) stepped up for Italy with 20 points and 6 rebounds. Giorgia Sottana (177-G-88) had 12 pts, while Kathrin Ress (196-C-85, college: Boston Coll.) added 11 points and 7 boards. In the loosing squad, Leonie Kooij (187-F-86) shined with 20 points and 12 boards. She was their only player with double-digits in scoring.
Italy was slightly better team at the beginning as they made 16-18 lead in Q1. The next ten minutes belonged to Holland 17-15, meaning that teams were tied to 33-33 at the halftime. Visitors came out strong after the breather and they were very productive in offense. Jenifer Nadalin and her teammates drained 26 pts in Q3, while limiting Holland to 17 on the other side. Holland didnt give up and they came to 60-62 in the finish, actually with 2:49 to go in the game. Jenifer Nadalin than stepped up for Italy once again and with 0-6 run on her own brought the visitors valuable victory.
In the next round, Italy will meet Croatia. Holland will play against Lithuania.

Holland: Leonie Kooij 20+12 boards
Italy: Jenifer Nadalin 20+6 boards, Giorgia Sottana 12, Kathrin Ress 11+7 boards



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  HUNGARY - Women  


National Team: 1-3 on half time on Group C - by Adam Patonay
The Hungarian Women National Team started with good game against Montenegro (65:76) but lost on home court. Unfortunately the young team can't make surprise in Turkey (54:62) and Bulgaria (57:68), but beat Finnland (72:55) at Szolnok. The best scorer of the team is Dora Horti (195-C-87, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) with 13.8 points per game and she averages 10 rebounds per game also. The center of Lotos Gdynia and her team will play at Montenegro tommorrow and needs the imporant voctory on road.

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  ISRAEL - Women  


TWO MORE PLAYERS FOR ELIZUR RAMLA - by Gil Goshen

Elitzur Ramla signed two Israeli players:
LAINE SELWYN:
1999-2000: Pittsburgh (NCAA): 29 games: 6.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.8apg
2000-2001: Pittsburgh (NCAA): 27 games: 11.4ppg, 3.4rpg, 4.7apg
2001-2002: Pittsburgh (NCAA): 27 games: 14.6ppg, 6.0rpg, 6.0apg
2002-2003: Pittsburgh (NCAA): 28 games: 16.4ppg, 6.8rpg, 6.4apg
2004-2005: Anda Ramat Hasharon (Israel-D1, starting five): 22 games: 10.2ppg, 4.9rpg, 4.9apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 46.6%, 3FGP: 38.1%; Europe Cup: 11 games: 7.8ppg, 5.0rpg, 3.7apg, 1.2spg, 0.2bpg, 2FGP: 52.0%, 3FGP: 53.8%, 3FGP: 56.5%
2005-2006: Besiktas Istanbul (Turkey-D1, starting five): EuroCup: 12 games: 6.9ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.8apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 30%, 3FGP: 34.6%; Turkish League: 31 games: 6.9ppg, 3.6rpg, 2.1apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 35.0%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 73.0%
2006-2007: Elizur Ramla (Israel-D1): EuroCup: 8 games: 8.0ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.8apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 39%, 3FGP: 28.6%, FT: 82.4%; Israeli League: 23 games: 9.2ppg, 3.8rpg, Assists-3 (4.7apg), 1.3spg, 2FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 69.2%
2007-2008: Elizur Ramla (Israel-D1, starting five): EuroCup: 14 games: 10.0ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.9apg, 2.2spg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 28.9%, FT: 74.4%; Israeli League: 20 games: 10.8ppg, 4.9rpg, Assists-3 (4.4apg), 2.0spg, 2FGP: 47.7%, 3PT: 30.1%, FT: 80.3%
2008: Indiana Fever (WNBA): waived in May
2008-2009: Dynamo Moscow (Russia-A Superleague): Russian League: 9 games: 4.2ppg, 2.0apg; EuroCup: 8 games: 6.3ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.9apg, 2.1spg, left in Dec.'08, next month signed at A.S. Ramat Hasharon Electra (Israel-D1, starting five): 18 games: 10.2ppg, 3.8rpg, 4.1apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 41.1%, FT: 78.7%
2009-2010: A.S. Ramat Hasharon Electra (Israel-D1, starting five): 29 games: 11.4ppg, 4.9rpg, Assists-4 (5.2apg), 1.8spg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 77.2%.
DORON SHAY:

2005-2006: Maryland (NCAA): 38 games: 13.4ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.9apg, 1.8spg, FG: 39.9%, 3PT: 38.4%, FT: 82.8%
2006-2007: Maryland (NCAA, starting five): 34 games: 11.8ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.7apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 44.6%, 3Pts: 34.1%, FT: 82.6%
2007: Drafted by New York Liberty (WNBA,2rd (16))
2007: New York Liberty (WNBA): Regular Season: 7 games: 1.4ppg; Play-Offs: 1 game: 0pts
2007-2008: Elizur Ramla (D1, starting five): Israeli League: 20 games: 16.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.8apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 42.3%, FT-2 (88.8%); EuroCup: 14 games: 18.6ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.0apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT-2 (92.1%)
2008-2009: Besiktas Istanbul (Turkey-TBBL, starting five): Turkish League: 10 games: 18.7ppg, 6.3rpg, 3.4apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 75.8%; Euroleague: 9 games: 15.4ppg, 4.9rpg, 2.9apg, 2.4spg, in Jan.'09 moved to Maccabi Ramat Hen (D1, starting five): 9 games: 14.9ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.7apg, 1.1spg
2009-2010: MCM Targoviste (Romania-D1, starting five): EuroCup: 12 games: Score-5 (18.2ppg), 2.9rpg, 2.3apg, Steals-1 (3.4spg), FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 86.9%


Israel blasts Serbia in Ramat Gan - by Eurobasket News
EuroBasket 2011 Qualifications: ISRAEL - SERBIA 93-65

It was the first game of Group B in 2011 EuroBasket Qualifications. Israel celebrated an easy win for 1-0 record. Their best player was Liron Cohen (173-G-82) with 26 points and 7 rebounds. Actually, Cohen was the best player of this meeting with valuation 26. Shay Doron (175-F-85, college: Maryland) followed her with 20 points and valuation 21. Meirav Dori (178-F-86, agency: Data Plus Group) and Katia Levitsky (190-C-85, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Villanova) helped with 14 and 13 points each. In Serbia, Ivanka Matic (195-F/C-79) shined with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Jelena Milovanovic (190-F-89) (5 rebs, 6 as) and Ana Dabovic (183-G/F-89) netted 10 pts apiece.
Israel dominated in all segments of this game. They simply were too strong for Serbia, who was not able to resist in any of the quarters. Israel started with 26-13 in the first ten minutes and continued with 15-12 in Q2. The hosts were better in Q3 (25-20) for 66-45 with one period to go. Nothing has changed in the last quarter as Israel finished it with 27-20. At the end it was totally deserved 93-65 for the home side.
In the next round, Israel will meet Latvia on the road. Serbia will host Romania.

Israel: Liron Cohen 26+7 boards, Shay Doron 20, Meirav Dori 14, Katia Levitsky 13
Serbia: Ivanka Matic 17+9 boards, Jelena Milovanovic 10+5 boards+6 as, Ana Dabovic 10



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  ITALY - Women  


Jenifer Nadalin paces Italy to road win against Holland - by Eurobasket News
EuroBasket 2011 Qualifications: HOLLAND - ITALY 60-70

Italy grabbed valuable road win against Holland for 2-2 record in Qualifying Group A. The same numbers have Belgium and Croatia now and all teams are still in the race for 2011 EuroBasket in Poland. Holland slipped to 1-3 and its chances decreased after this meeting. Jenifer Nadalin (187-F/C-83, college: Furman) stepped up for Italy with 20 points and 6 rebounds. Giorgia Sottana (177-G-88) had 12 pts, while Kathrin Ress (196-C-85, college: Boston Coll.) added 11 points and 7 boards. In the loosing squad, Leonie Kooij (187-F-86) shined with 20 points and 12 boards. She was their only player with double-digits in scoring.
Italy was slightly better team at the beginning as they made 16-18 lead in Q1. The next ten minutes belonged to Holland 17-15, meaning that teams were tied to 33-33 at the halftime. Visitors came out strong after the breather and they were very productive in offense. Jenifer Nadalin and her teammates drained 26 pts in Q3, while limiting Holland to 17 on the other side. Holland didnt give up and they came to 60-62 in the finish, actually with 2:49 to go in the game. Jenifer Nadalin than stepped up for Italy once again and with 0-6 run on her own brought the visitors valuable victory.
In the next round, Italy will meet Croatia. Holland will play against Lithuania.

Holland: Leonie Kooij 20+12 boards
Italy: Jenifer Nadalin 20+6 boards, Giorgia Sottana 12, Kathrin Ress 11+7 boards



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  LATVIA - Women  


Latvia too much for Romania - by Eurobasket News
EuroBasket 2011 Qualifications: ROMANIA - LATVIA 47-76

Participants of Group B started their EuroBasket 2011 Qualifications on Saturday. Latvia demonstrated wonderful performance in their first game beating Romania on the road 47-76. Gunta Basko (181-F-80, college: Siena) top-scored in victory with 11 points and she grabbed 6 rebounds beside that. Kristine Karklina (175-G-83) had 10 pts and also pulled down 6 rebs. She reached valuation 17 and was the MVP of this meeting. Latvia had four players with 9 points each. On the other side, Romania got 12 points from Maria Pascalau (194-C-82). Gabriela Marginean (185-F-87, college: Drexel) stopped on 10.
Everything started good for the hosts, who made 17-13 lead in the first ten minutes. However, that was all from them in this meeting and Latvia totally dominated for rest of the time. Gunta Basko and her teammates blasted Romania with 7-20 in Q2 and they continued with 9-20 after the breather. At that time it was already clear that Romania will not be able to take this one. They gave up in the last ten minutes and Latvia closed this meeting with 14-23 for 47-76 blowout.
In the next round, Latvia will host Israel. Romania will play against Serbia on the road.

Romania: Maria Pascalau 12, Gabriela Marginean 10
Latvia: Gunta Basko 11+6 boards, Kristine Karklina 10+6 boards



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  LUXEMBOURG - Women  


Bosnia beats Luxembourg as a guest - by Eurobasket News
EuroBasket, Division B: LUXEMBOURG - BOSNIA 63-75

Bosnia registered the second victory in Division B. They celebrated nice 63-75 win in Luxembourg jumping to third place in Group B with 2-2 record. The hosts dropped to 1-3 and they are currently No.4 in this pool. Emina Demirovic (186-C-85) came up with double-double of 19 points and 11 rebounds for Bosnia. Milica Deura (178-G-90) had 15 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists, while Matea Tavic (178-G-92) added 13 points and 6 rebs. For the hosts, Nadia Mossong (183-F-86) collected 15 pts and 9 rebs. Jill Bausch (176-G-87) scored 14 points.
Last quarter was the crucial one in this meeting. Before that, Luxembourg made 21-16 in the first and Bosnia had 12-13 in the second frame. Visitors were better in Q3 as well (16-18) closing the gap to 49-47 before the last ten minutes. Than in the last quarter there was only one team playing on the court and it was Bosnia. The hosts somehow stopped and their defense looked bad. Emina Demirovic and her teammates exploded offensively and they drained impressive 28 points in the last quarter, while the hosts stopped to 14 on the other side facing with third loss in this phase.
Bosnia will skip Round Six and will re-join in Round Seven. Luxembourg will host Switzerland on Thursday.

Luxembourg: Nadia Mossong 15+9 boards, Jill Bausch 14
Bosnia: Emina Demirovic 19+11 boards, Milica Deura 15+6 boards+6 as, Matea Tavic 13+6 boards



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  MONTENEGRO - Women  


Montenegro jumps to 4-0 in Group C - by Eurobasket News
EuroBasket 2011 Qualifications: MONTENEGRO - TURKEY 70-52

Montenegro stays perfect after four games in Group C and they are on the right way to reach EuroBasket 2011 in Poland. There is four more games to be played in this pool and Montenegro will most probably take one of the first two spots. They jumped to 4-0 now, while Turkey faced with the first loss slipping to 3-1. Iva Perovanovic (191-C/F-83) came up with 19 points and 7 rebounds for the hosts. Jelena Dubljevic (192-C-87) had 18 pts, 6 boards and 6 assists, while Ana Baletic (185-G/F-85) added 15 pts and 5 boards. In Turkey, Nevriye Yilmaz (195-C-80) was better than the others with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Esmeral Tuncluer (175-G-80) scored 9 pts.
Second and last quarter were the crucial ones in this game. Before that, Montenegro was slightly better in Q1 making 17-16 lead. They took control on Turkey for the next ten minutes making 21-12 for plus 10 at the halftime. Turkey needed a comeback, but they were not able to make it. Third frame finished with 12-12 tie and Montenegro sealed the victory in the last ten minutes. They ended this frame with 20-12 for the final 70-52 win.
Montenegro will host Hungary in the next round. Turkey will go to Bulgaria.

Montenegro: Iva Perovanovic 19+7 boards, Jelena Dubljevic 18+6 boards+6 as, Ana Baletic 15+5 boards
Turkey: Nevriye Yilmaz 16+6 boards, Esmeral Tuncluer 9



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  NEW ZEALAND - Women  


Wharemate ready for season finale - by Mike Lacey

Noni Wharemate (171-G-82, college: UTEP), star guard of the Harbour Breeze is looking forward to the upcoming third and deciding Womens National Basketball Competition being played in Dunedin, Thursday Saturday this week.. Pressed to comment on who their greatest threat might be as the Breeze attempt to defend their title Noni says It is a good competitive competition. In addition to Otago, Taranaki will be a threat and the Academy team have got better with every game.
The eurobasket.com website describes Wharemate as a point guard with great leadership and team mentality, with great passing skills and court vision. The typical coach on the court who cares about her team-mates A glowing but accurate tribute to.the best female player currently gracing the basketball courts of New Zealand.
She learnt her skills at Church College and was offered a scholarship to a college in the States whilst still in her final year at school. She declined the offer and wondered whether another opportunity might come her way. She didnt have to wait long and accepted an offer from the University of Texas El Paso in 2002. Her fondest memory of College basketball was her final game I almost had a triple double and we beat Louisiana Tech who were off to the NCAA finals, I think it was the first time we had ever beaten them.
First selected for the NZ Tall Ferns in 2005, she has been a regular ever since winning a silver medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne and appearing at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Noni has made herself available for the Ferns tour of Japan later this month but is unsure if she will be selected as work commitments preclude her from attending the pre tour training camp. Playing some of the best basketball of her career she is not ruling out continuing her international career should an opportunity to play at the 2012 Olympics arise. but I have to be fair to my boss (at ANZ Bank Corporate Finance) though, he has supported me through my Commonwealth Games and Olympic campaigns. Also, having a busy job means I find it difficult to undertake the necessary maintenance on my lower back complaint.

Watching her play you wouldnt know that Wharemate has been playing with a persistent back injury for some months now. She is blessed with great speed and athleticism and also has that unusual commodity called hang time, not common in the mens game and rare in the womens.
She is really enjoying this season, the team atmosphere is fun and I think you play better in a more relaxed atmosphere. Im one of the old coots now, us oldies have mouths that still go all day but not the legs. Its good to let the youngsters do the running
Hardly an old coot aged just 28 years old, Noni and fellow seniors Larna Kershaw, Julie Kelman-Poto and Jody Cameron will be hoping the legs and the mouths can carry them through the demands of six games in three days this week. Keep up to date with the Breeze results on the Harbour website.


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  NORWAY - Women  


Slovenia celebrates in Rykkinn - by Eurobasket News
EuroBasket, Division B: NORWAY - SLOVENIA 61-81

Slovenia grabbed the second victory in Division B. They cruised past Norway on the road for 2-1 record in Group A, what is currently enough for the second place. On the other side, the hosts dropped to 0-3 staying the last ranked team in this pool. Maja Erkic (183-G/F-85) top-scored in victory with 20 points. Sandra Pirsic (195-C-84) had 19 points, 7 boards and 5 assists, while Teja Oblak (172-G-90) added 16 pts and 6 rebs. In Norway, Mia Spasowska (185-C-84, college: Humboldt St.) was better than the others with 16 pts and 5 boards. Tina Moen (183-G-86, college: IPFW) scored 10 points.
Slovenia was way better team from the start. Maja Erkic and her teammates opened this meeting with excellent 11-23, what was a clear signal that the hosts will not have a chance. Actually, they improved in Q2 but it was not enough for any better than minus 8 at the halftime. Slovenia destroyed their rival in third frame (8-25) resolving the question about the winner. Last ten minutes were just the formality and they belonged to Norway 22-17.
In the next round, Slovenia will host Sweden. Norway will play once again at home and their rival will be Portugal.

Norway: Mia Spasowska 16+5 boards, Tina Moen 10
Slovenia: Maja Erkic 20, Sandra Pirsic 19+7 boards+5 as, Teja Oblak 16+6 boards



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  PARAGUAY - Women  


Paola Ferrari among the best South American female players - by Santiago Maciel
Paola Ferrari (178-G/F-85) has definitely gotten into the history among the best performers of women basket ball in our Region and specially in South American Female Championships.
On very rare ocassions any female player has reached her numbers from any Nation that ever played the tournament, Brasil, Argentina or either Colombia who have been the dominant nations in last 30 years of this competition with the best production of female players.
No one can forget the great Brazilian female players of las 3 decades,who could forget Hortensia Silva or Ana Paula, neither Argentinians, but it would also be unfair to forget what Paola Ferrari (178-G/F-85) is doing for Paraguayan and South American basketball, representing us through our National Team and of course at the top of Spanish Professional League.
Paola Has definitely reached the glory among the best ever performers of this game in this part of the continent.
Paola Ferrari (178-G/F-85) is still very young, we know she is looking a spot at WNBA teams. Before South American championship she was camping with some WNBA teams. Hopefully she will make her and our dream come true of having a first athlete at NBA professional level.

Paola`s statistics
vs Argentina 33 pts,1 assist, 8 rebs.
vs. Chile 48 pts, 4 steals, 9 assists, 3 rebs.
vs. Brazil 23pts, 3steal, 1assit, 4rebounds.
vs. Colombia 30 pts, 2 steals, 7 assists, 5 rebs.

Yaneth Arias leads Colombia to Bronze in Santiago - by Eurobasket News
South American Championship 2010, Third place: COLOMBIA - PARAGUAY 85-70

Colombia is the Bronze medal winner in Santiago. They handed 85-70 loss to Paraguay to take this spot. It is important to mention that with this victory Colombia booked a ticket for the 2011 FIBA-Americas Championship (Pre-Olympic) and the Pan-American Games. Yaneth Arias (188-F-82) exploded in Colombia with 34 points and 14 rebounds. She reached valuation 33 and was named the MVP of this meeting. Leidy Sanchez had 15 points and 6 rebs, while Erika Valek (168-G-82, college: Purdue) helped with 12 points, 7 boards and 7 assists. In the loosing squad, Paola Ferrari (178-G/F-85) shined with 30 points, 5 boards and 7 assists. Claudia Aponte (170-G-91) scored 18 pts and pulled down 5 rebs.
Everything started good for Paraguay, who made 17-20 lead at the beginning. However, Yaneth Arias and her teammates exploded for the next ten minutes scoring 29 points, while they limited Paraguay to 17. It was enough for 9-point lead at the half time and Colombia continued in the same rhythm after that. Q3 was another high-productive for them as they drained 25 pts. Paraguay was stopped to 11 and this game was already over for them. Last ten minutes were just the formality, despite Paraguay cut the margin for 8 points, 14-22. At the end it was totally deserved 85-70 win by Colombia for third place in Santiago.

Colombia: Yaneth Arias 34+14 boards, Leidy Sanchez 15+6 boards, Erika Valek 12+7 boards+7 as
Paraguay: Paola Ferrari 30+5 boards+7 as, Claudia Aponte 18+5 boards



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  PORTUGAL - Women  


Sweden stays perfect in Group A - by Eurobasket News
EuroBasket, Division B: SWEDEN - PORTUGAL 68-54

Sweden demonstrated another nice performance in Division B. This time they were better than Portugal to keep the perfect score after three games in Group A. Their key player in this game was Louice Halvarsson (189-C-89) with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Ann Andersson (183-F-80, agency: Promotex, college: Minnesota) had 16 pts and 5 rebs, while Elisabeth Egnell (185-F-87, college: Boston Coll.) added 15 pts and 7 boards. Frida Eldebrink (174-G-88) this time helped the hosts with 13 points and 7 rebs. On the other side, Portugal (1-2) got 20 points and 6 boards from Sonia Reis (189-C-84). Their second scorer was Paula Muxiri (184-F/C-81, college: ODU) with 10 pts.
Sweden exploded in the second and last quarter of this game. They started with 17-13 in the first ten minutes and outgunned Portugal in Q2 with 25-17. Visitors came out strongly after the breather and they threatened seriously coming to 51-48 with 10:00 to go. Everything was open again and Portugal was in, but the hosts shined when it was the most important and stopped visitors to just 6 points for the entire last quarter. The nailed 17 on the other side, what was more than enough for third straight victory in Group A.
In the next round, Sweden will meet Slovenia on the road. Portugal will go to Norway.

Sweden: Louice Halvarsson 19+7 boards, Ann Andersson 16+5 boards, Elisabeth Egnell 15+7 boards, Frida Eldebrink 13+7 boards
Portugal: Sonia Reis 20+6 boards, Paula Muxiri 10



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  ROMANIA - Women  


Latvia too much for Romania - by Eurobasket News
EuroBasket 2011 Qualifications: ROMANIA - LATVIA 47-76

Participants of Group B started their EuroBasket 2011 Qualifications on Saturday. Latvia demonstrated wonderful performance in their first game beating Romania on the road 47-76. Gunta Basko (181-F-80, college: Siena) top-scored in victory with 11 points and she grabbed 6 rebounds beside that. Kristine Karklina (175-G-83) had 10 pts and also pulled down 6 rebs. She reached valuation 17 and was the MVP of this meeting. Latvia had four players with 9 points each. On the other side, Romania got 12 points from Maria Pascalau (194-C-82). Gabriela Marginean (185-F-87, college: Drexel) stopped on 10.
Everything started good for the hosts, who made 17-13 lead in the first ten minutes. However, that was all from them in this meeting and Latvia totally dominated for rest of the time. Gunta Basko and her teammates blasted Romania with 7-20 in Q2 and they continued with 9-20 after the breather. At that time it was already clear that Romania will not be able to take this one. They gave up in the last ten minutes and Latvia closed this meeting with 14-23 for 47-76 blowout.
In the next round, Latvia will host Israel. Romania will play against Serbia on the road.

Romania: Maria Pascalau 12, Gabriela Marginean 10
Latvia: Gunta Basko 11+6 boards, Kristine Karklina 10+6 boards



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  SERBIA - Women  


Israel blasts Serbia in Ramat Gan - by Eurobasket News
EuroBasket 2011 Qualifications: ISRAEL - SERBIA 93-65

It was the first game of Group B in 2011 EuroBasket Qualifications. Israel celebrated an easy win for 1-0 record. Their best player was Liron Cohen (173-G-82) with 26 points and 7 rebounds. Actually, Cohen was the best player of this meeting with valuation 26. Shay Doron (175-F-85, college: Maryland) followed her with 20 points and valuation 21. Meirav Dori (178-F-86, agency: Data Plus Group) and Katia Levitsky (190-C-85, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Villanova) helped with 14 and 13 points each. In Serbia, Ivanka Matic (195-F/C-79) shined with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Jelena Milovanovic (190-F-89) (5 rebs, 6 as) and Ana Dabovic (183-G/F-89) netted 10 pts apiece.
Israel dominated in all segments of this game. They simply were too strong for Serbia, who was not able to resist in any of the quarters. Israel started with 26-13 in the first ten minutes and continued with 15-12 in Q2. The hosts were better in Q3 (25-20) for 66-45 with one period to go. Nothing has changed in the last quarter as Israel finished it with 27-20. At the end it was totally deserved 93-65 for the home side.
In the next round, Israel will meet Latvia on the road. Serbia will host Romania.

Israel: Liron Cohen 26+7 boards, Shay Doron 20, Meirav Dori 14, Katia Levitsky 13
Serbia: Ivanka Matic 17+9 boards, Jelena Milovanovic 10+5 boards+6 as, Ana Dabovic 10



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  SLOVAKIA - Women  


Slovakia grabs 76-67 win on the island - by Eurobasket News
EuroBasket 2011 Qualifications: UNITED KINGDOM - SLOVAKIA 67-76

Slovakia opened the EuroBasket 2011 Qualifications with excellent 67-76 against the UK on the island. Beside these two teams, participants of Group D are also Germany and Ukraine. Two best ranked squads will qualify directly for Poland. Luisa Michulkova (179-F-84) top-scored for the winners with 19 points. Ivana Jalcova (182-G-83) had 12 points and 5 assists, while Lucia Laskova (187-F-80, agency: LBM Management) added 11 pts and 7 boards. In the UK, Johannah Leedham (180-G/F-87) collected 17 points and 5 assists. Kimberly Butler (186-F-82, college: Oregon St.) had 10 points and 7 rebs.
Third quarter was the crucial one in this game. Before that, Slovakia made 16-17 in the first ten minutes and the hosts replied with 20-17 in Q2. Than after the breather Slovakia totally took control on their rival. Luisa Michulkova and her teammates were very productive in offense scoring 22 points, while they limited UK to 12 on the other side. It was 48-56 for the guests with 10:00 to go and the hosts were in trouble. At the beginning of Q4, Slovakia jumped to plus 11 and the game was over for UK.
In the next round, Slovakia will host Ukraine. The UK will go to Germany.

United Kingdom: Johannah Leedham 17+5 as, Kimberly Butler 10+7 boards
Slovakia: Luisa Michulkova 19, Ivana Jalcova 12+5 as, Lucia Laskova 11+7 boards



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  SLOVENIA - Women  


Slovenia celebrates in Rykkinn - by Eurobasket News
EuroBasket, Division B: NORWAY - SLOVENIA 61-81

Slovenia grabbed the second victory in Division B. They cruised past Norway on the road for 2-1 record in Group A, what is currently enough for the second place. On the other side, the hosts dropped to 0-3 staying the last ranked team in this pool. Maja Erkic (183-G/F-85) top-scored in victory with 20 points. Sandra Pirsic (195-C-84) had 19 points, 7 boards and 5 assists, while Teja Oblak (172-G-90) added 16 pts and 6 rebs. In Norway, Mia Spasowska (185-C-84, college: Humboldt St.) was better than the others with 16 pts and 5 boards. Tina Moen (183-G-86, college: IPFW) scored 10 points.
Slovenia was way better team from the start. Maja Erkic and her teammates opened this meeting with excellent 11-23, what was a clear signal that the hosts will not have a chance. Actually, they improved in Q2 but it was not enough for any better than minus 8 at the halftime. Slovenia destroyed their rival in third frame (8-25) resolving the question about the winner. Last ten minutes were just the formality and they belonged to Norway 22-17.
In the next round, Slovenia will host Sweden. Norway will play once again at home and their rival will be Portugal.

Norway: Mia Spasowska 16+5 boards, Tina Moen 10
Slovenia: Maja Erkic 20, Sandra Pirsic 19+7 boards+5 as, Teja Oblak 16+6 boards



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  SPAIN - Women  


Paula Segui heads to Ibiza, Itziar German signs with Conquero - by Eurobasket News
Paula Segui (191-C-83) heads to Ibiza, Itziar German (185-F/C-86) signs with Conquero. Paula started first for Universitat de Barcelona - FC Barcelona (LFB) and in 30 games averaged 3.0ppg, 2.8rpg. In 2005-2006 moved to Real Club Celta Vigo Urban (LFB) and in 24 games averaged 5.6ppg, 3.8rpg, 2FGP: 47.7%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 50.0%. In 2006-2007 for Real Club Celta Vigo Urban (LFB) her stats read 4.5ppg, 3.3rpg. In 2007-2008 moved to Baloncesto San Jose Leon (LFB) and in EuroCup after 8 games she had 3.9ppg, 1.4rpg, while in Spanish League after 31 games she showed 4.2ppg, 2.4rpg. In
2008-2009 for Baloncesto Feve San Jose Leon (LFB) in EuroCup after 12 games her stats read 2.4ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.0spg and in Spanish League after 28 games she averaged 4.2ppg, 2.4rpg. Last season the player spent in Soller Joventud Mariana (LFB).
El Club Baloncesto Conquero meanwhile signed Itziar German. Her first years she played for ROS CASARES VALENCIA (LFB), while in 2004-2005 moved to Yaya Maria Breogan Lugo (LFB, starting five) and in 23 games averaged 7.8ppg, 1.9rpg, 2FGP: 45.8%, 3FGP: 33.3%. In another season there she had 5.8ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 37.6%, 3PT: 20.3%, FT: 60.0%. In 2006-2007 played for Arranz-Jopisa Burgos (LFB) and in 25 games showed 3.0ppg, 1.6rpg. In 2007-2008 headed to Duran Maquinaria Ensino Lugo (LF2, starting five) and in 26 games her stats read 13.5ppg, 6.7rpg, 2.0apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 69.0%. In
2008-2009 moved to Proffasa Badajoz Extremadura (LF2, starting five) and in 30 games had 9.0ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 73.0%, Last season the player spent for CB Pio XII Santiago de Compostela (LF2, starting five).



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  SWEDEN - Women  


Sweden stays perfect in Group A - by Eurobasket News
EuroBasket, Division B: SWEDEN - PORTUGAL 68-54

Sweden demonstrated another nice performance in Division B. This time they were better than Portugal to keep the perfect score after three games in Group A. Their key player in this game was Louice Halvarsson (189-C-89) with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Ann Andersson (183-F-80, agency: Promotex, college: Minnesota) had 16 pts and 5 rebs, while Elisabeth Egnell (185-F-87, college: Boston Coll.) added 15 pts and 7 boards. Frida Eldebrink (174-G-88) this time helped the hosts with 13 points and 7 rebs. On the other side, Portugal (1-2) got 20 points and 6 boards from Sonia Reis (189-C-84). Their second scorer was Paula Muxiri (184-F/C-81, college: ODU) with 10 pts.
Sweden exploded in the second and last quarter of this game. They started with 17-13 in the first ten minutes and outgunned Portugal in Q2 with 25-17. Visitors came out strongly after the breather and they threatened seriously coming to 51-48 with 10:00 to go. Everything was open again and Portugal was in, but the hosts shined when it was the most important and stopped visitors to just 6 points for the entire last quarter. The nailed 17 on the other side, what was more than enough for third straight victory in Group A.
In the next round, Sweden will meet Slovenia on the road. Portugal will go to Norway.

Sweden: Louice Halvarsson 19+7 boards, Ann Andersson 16+5 boards, Elisabeth Egnell 15+7 boards, Frida Eldebrink 13+7 boards
Portugal: Sonia Reis 20+6 boards, Paula Muxiri 10



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  SWITZERLAND - Women  


Switzerland cruises past Albania to stay perfect in Group B - by Eurobasket News
EuroBasket, Division B: ALBANIA - SWITZERLAND 55-66

Switzerland stays the top-ranked team of Group B with perfect 4-0 record. This time Switzerland met Albania on the road and managed to beat them 55-66. The hosts stay the only winless team after four games in this pool. Karen Twehues (182-G-83, college: Cincinnati) top-scored for the hosts with 19 points. Alexia Rol (170-G-82) had 12, while Marielle Giroud (180-F-87) (8 rebs) and Caroline Turin (173-F-87) added 10 points each. Adelajda Aliaj (188-C-87) replied with 14 points and 6 rebounds in defeat. Brikena Cakici (176-G-80) had 13 pts and 5 rebs in loss.
Except of the last quarter, Switzerland dominated in this game. They started with 10-14 in the first ten minutes and later jumped to 24-33 (HT). Third frame was the crucial one in this meeting. Karen Twehues and her teammates nailed 22 points, while they managed to stop the hosts to just 10. Albania faced with 34-55 deficit, but they didnt give up. They made 21-11 in the last quarter, but that still wasnt enough for serious treat.
Switzerland will meet Luxembourg in the next round. Albania will host Estonia.

Albania: Adelajda Aliaj 14+6 boards, Brikena Cakici 13+5 boards
Switzerland: Karen Twehues 19, Alexia Rol 12, Marielle Giroud 10+8 boards, Caroline Turin 10



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  TURKEY - Women  


Montenegro jumps to 4-0 in Group C - by Eurobasket News
EuroBasket 2011 Qualifications: MONTENEGRO - TURKEY 70-52

Montenegro stays perfect after four games in Group C and they are on the right way to reach EuroBasket 2011 in Poland. There is four more games to be played in this pool and Montenegro will most probably take one of the first two spots. They jumped to 4-0 now, while Turkey faced with the first loss slipping to 3-1. Iva Perovanovic (191-C/F-83) came up with 19 points and 7 rebounds for the hosts. Jelena Dubljevic (192-C-87) had 18 pts, 6 boards and 6 assists, while Ana Baletic (185-G/F-85) added 15 pts and 5 boards. In Turkey, Nevriye Yilmaz (195-C-80) was better than the others with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Esmeral Tuncluer (175-G-80) scored 9 pts.
Second and last quarter were the crucial ones in this game. Before that, Montenegro was slightly better in Q1 making 17-16 lead. They took control on Turkey for the next ten minutes making 21-12 for plus 10 at the halftime. Turkey needed a comeback, but they were not able to make it. Third frame finished with 12-12 tie and Montenegro sealed the victory in the last ten minutes. They ended this frame with 20-12 for the final 70-52 win.
Montenegro will host Hungary in the next round. Turkey will go to Bulgaria.

Montenegro: Iva Perovanovic 19+7 boards, Jelena Dubljevic 18+6 boards+6 as, Ana Baletic 15+5 boards
Turkey: Nevriye Yilmaz 16+6 boards, Esmeral Tuncluer 9



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  UKRAINE - Women  


Germany outsmarts Ukraine in Kiev - by Eurobasket News
EuroBasket 2011 Qualifications: UKRAINE - GERMANY 56-60

It was the first game of Group D in this phase and Germany celebrated valuable 56-60 road win against Ukraine. These two teams are together with Slovakia and UK placed to this pool. Two best ranked countries will directly qualify for the 2011 EuroBasket in Poland. Linda Frohlich (188-F/C-79, agency: LBM Management, college: UNLV) top-scored in Germany with 15 points and she grabbed 6 rebounds beside that. Romy Bar (189-F-87, agency: LBM Management) helped the winners with 14, while Margret Skuballa (186-F-87) added 9 points. For the hosts, Maryna Sazonenko (172-G-86, college: Oregon St.) delivered 16 points. Olena Ogorodnikova (186-F-81) had double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Germany did a great job in the first quarter making 16-22 lead. The hosts woke up after that and they intensified defense, what resulted with just 9 pts scored by Germany in Q2. On the other side, Ukraine had 15 for 31-31 tie at the halftime. Ukraine was slightly better in third quarter (13-11) and everything was still open with 10:00 to go. At the halfway of the last quarter Germany made 49-54 turn and the hosts were in trouble. They came to minus 3 in the finish, but Germany didnt let them any closer.
In the next round, Germany will host UK. Ukraine will go Slovakia.

Ukraine: Maryna Sazonenko 16, Olena Ogorodnikova 14+10 boards
Germany: Linda Frohlich 15+6 boards, Romy Bar 14, Margret Skuballa 9



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  UNITED KINGDOM - Women  


Slovakia grabs 76-67 win on the island - by Eurobasket News
EuroBasket 2011 Qualifications: UNITED KINGDOM - SLOVAKIA 67-76

Slovakia opened the EuroBasket 2011 Qualifications with excellent 67-76 against the UK on the island. Beside these two teams, participants of Group D are also Germany and Ukraine. Two best ranked squads will qualify directly for Poland. Luisa Michulkova (179-F-84) top-scored for the winners with 19 points. Ivana Jalcova (182-G-83) had 12 points and 5 assists, while Lucia Laskova (187-F-80, agency: LBM Management) added 11 pts and 7 boards. In the UK, Johannah Leedham (180-G/F-87) collected 17 points and 5 assists. Kimberly Butler (186-F-82, college: Oregon St.) had 10 points and 7 rebs.
Third quarter was the crucial one in this game. Before that, Slovakia made 16-17 in the first ten minutes and the hosts replied with 20-17 in Q2. Than after the breather Slovakia totally took control on their rival. Luisa Michulkova and her teammates were very productive in offense scoring 22 points, while they limited UK to 12 on the other side. It was 48-56 for the guests with 10:00 to go and the hosts were in trouble. At the beginning of Q4, Slovakia jumped to plus 11 and the game was over for UK.
In the next round, Slovakia will host Ukraine. The UK will go to Germany.

United Kingdom: Johannah Leedham 17+5 as, Kimberly Butler 10+7 boards
Slovakia: Luisa Michulkova 19, Ivana Jalcova 12+5 as, Lucia Laskova 11+7 boards



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  VENEZUELA - Women  


Chile takes the fifth place in Santiago - by Eurobasket News
South American Championship 2010, Fifth place: CHILE - VENEZUELA 86-71

Chile finished as the fifth ranked team in Santiago. The host of 2010 South American Championship outplayed Venezuela in the last day of the competition to win this place. Their leading player was Ziomara Morrison (193-C-89) with double-double of 20 points and 16 rebounds. Valentina Aragonese (173-F-79) scored 17 and Javiera Novion (168-G-87, college: Eckerd) added one point less. In the loosing squad, Ofelia Villarroel (174-G-78, college: Oklahoma) collected 25 points and 5 rebs. Cleyder Blanco (C-90) had 14 pts and 11 boards. Their Venezuela finished as No.6 in Santiago.
Chile took control on their rivals from the early beginning. They exploded offensively in the first ten minutes scoring 30 points. On the other side, Venezuela was limited to 18. Venezuela improved after that, but was not able to come closer until the halftime (42-30). Chile was better in Q3 jumping to 15-point lead with 10:00 remaining. At that time it was already clear who the winner of this meeting will be. The hosts had no troubles to keep the safe distance in Q4 and to win the fifth place in Santiago. Both teams failed to qualify directly to the 2011 FIBA-Americas Championship (Pre-Olympic) and the Pan-American Games.

Chile: Ziomara Morrison 20+16 boards, Valentina Aragonese 17, Javiera Novion 16
Venezuela: Ofelia Villarroel 25+5 boards, Cleyder Blanco 14+11 boards



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  WNBA - Women  


Sales returns to the Sun - by Eurobasket News
Nykesha Sales (6'0''-F/G-76, agency: Merit Sports, college: Connecticut) was happy to be honored by the Connecticut Sun on one condition - that no one used the 'r' word.

'I just wanted to make sure when they asked me to do it that it wasn't retirement and that they made it clear that it was just honoring the stuff I did here,' Sales, the former Sun and UConn great, said. 'I'm very grateful that they invented this thing.'

A reporter began to ask Sales about her WNBA status, given she's playing overseas, when she laughed, 'So what I am doing, right?'

'I have plans to (return), I just don't know when. When I decide I'm ready to play both leagues again, then I'll do it. I never stopped playing, obviously. I've just been abroad. It's kind of hard to do two leagues. I was banged up when I left.'

Sales returned to Mohegan Sun Arena Sunday for the first time since the 2007 season and was honored at halftime for her contributions to the franchise. She hasn't played in the WNBA in three years and has instead played overseas where the schedule is less taxing.

Sales holds numerous franchise records, including games played (278) and points (3,955). The franchise never finished above .500 in its four seasons as the Orlando Miracle, and Sales helped it become a winning organization once it relocated to Mohegan. She was a key reason why Connecticut won the 2004 and 2005 Eastern Conference championships.

'I was thrilled to see her today,' Sun coach Mike Thibault said. 'She meant so much to what we did and how we got this franchise going.

'I think she was, in many ways, the first face of our franchise. Coming from Orlando with that team, being from UConn, being our leading scorer early on - we had a lot of great games around her.'

Sales played a franchise-record 248 straight games before missing 12 games in 2006 due to a nagging Achilles' tendon injury. She missed eight more games in 2007 due to both a concussion and a sore ankle.

'You kind of get run down and you can't rest,' Sales said of playing year-round. 'It's no major injuries. It's just nagging injuries and you can't rest. You at last need a couple of weeks or a couple of months here or there to get healthy. I feel a lot better.

'Every year, I say I'm going to come back the next year and it just doesn't happen. I guess I have to decide when it's time. I actually began making a few calls to come back now, but I don't think I could do it. I wouldn't necessarily say any team was out of the question or out of the loop.'

Courtesy of www.theday.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 


Latest games - by Eurobasket News
Sunday

S.Antonio SS - Minnesota L. 78-84
In an almost must-win game, the Minnesota Lynx didn't wilt down the stretch. Lindsay Whalen (5'8''-G-82, college: Minnesota) scored 21 points, including six free throws in the final minute, and the Lynx tightened the Western Conference playoff race with a 84-78 win over the San Antonio Silver Stars Sunday night. The Lynx, Silver Stars and idle Los Angeles are tied for third place at 12-19 with three games to play. Only two will make the postseason. Monica Wright (5'11''-F-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Virginia) had 20 and Seimone Augustus (6'1''-G-84, college: LSU) 17 for Minnesota, which won three of five against the Silver Stars this year. Head-to-head records is the first tiebreaker in playoff determination. Los Angeles holds the head-to-head tiebreaker with Minnesota, and the Silver Stars hold the tiebreaker with the Sparks. *Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

Seattle S. - Washington M. 71-80
Monique Currie (6'0''-G/F-83, college: Duke) made five three-pointers and scored 25 points, and the Washington Mystics clinched a playoff spot when they beat Seattle 80-71 Sunday and Connecticut lost later in the day. Two-time league MVP Lauren Jackson (6'5''-F/C-81), who missed the Storm's game on Friday with back spasms, scored 14 points in 25 minutes. Swin Cash (6'2''-F-79, college: Connecticut) led the Storm (25-6) with 15 points. The loss was the Storm's second straight, matching a season high, but they have clinched home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. Sue Bird was 4 of 4 from beyond the arc and finished with 12 points. With the win, the Mystics (19-12) moved out of a virtual third-place tie with Atlanta and within a half-game of second place New York. The Mystics earned consecutive playoff berths for the first time in team history and set a franchise record for wins. *Courtesy of www.cbsnews.com

Indiana F. - Connecticut S. 79-66
Tamika Catchings (6'1''-F-79, college: Tennessee) scored 26 points to help the Indiana Fever beat Connecticut 79-66 on Sunday, eliminating the Sun from playoff contention for the second straight season. Indiana (21-10) increased its lead in the Eastern Conference to 1.5 game sover idle New York. The Fever closed the game on an 18-3 run over the final 5 1/2 minutes. Tina Charles (6'4''-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) led Connecticut with 18 points and 13 rebounds. Charles, who has 368 rebounds this season, set WNBA single season records for most rebounds in the season, surpassing Cheryl Ford's previous mark of 363. Charles also set a single season record with her 20th double-double. Renee Montgomery added 12 points and Asjha Jones scored 11 for Connecticut (15-16). *Courtesy of www.14wfie.com

Saturday

Phoenix M. - New York L. 69-107
Cappie Pondexter (5'9''-G-83, college: Rutgers) had 28 points, 5 assists and 2 steals Saturday night as the Liberty clinched a W.N.B.A. playoff spot with its eighth consecutive win, a 107-69 victory against the Phoenix Mercury at Madison Square Garden. Nicole Powell (6'2''-G/F-82, college: Stanford) had a career-high seven 3-pointers and 23 points for the Liberty (19-11), which set a franchise high for points in a game. With four games left, the Liberty is one game behind the Indiana Fever in the Eastern Conference standings, and the teams play Tuesday at the Garden. The Liberty has not lost since July 25 against Atlanta. The Mercury (14-17) lost its fourth in a row. Penelope Taylor (6'1''-F-81) did not play for Phoenix because of a sprained right ankle. DeWanna Bonner started in her place and led the team with 18 points. Diana Taurasi had a season-low 5 points. The Mercury scored only 8 points in the fourth quarter and shot 32.8 percent for the game. *Courtesy of www.nytimes.com

L.Angeles S. - Tulsa S. 92-87
Tina Thompson (6'2''-F-75, agency: Merit Sports, college: USC) had 24 points and 10 rebounds and the Los Angeles Sparks held off the Tulsa Shock for a 92-87 victory Saturday night. Tulsa drew within 85-82 on a three-point play by Ivory Latta with 1:09 left. Thompson made two free throws after getting fouled while grabbing an offensive rebound with 51.3 seconds remaining. Los Angeles (12-19) sealed the win when Delisha Milton-Jones (6'1''-F-74, college: Florida) made a layup with 6.6 seconds left. Milton-Jones scored 20 points for the Sparks, while Noelle Quinn (6'0''-G-85, college: UCLA) had 19 and Marie Ferdinand-Harris (5'9''-G-78, college: LSU) 10. Latta had 26 points for the Shock (5-26), while Tiffany Jackson had 11 points and 13 rebounds. Nicole Ohlde added 16 points and Shanna Crossley had 13. *Courtesy of www.nbcsports.msnbc.com

Atlanta D. - Chicago S. 98-74
Erika DeSouza (6'6''-C-82) scored 17 points and the Atlanta Dream beat the Chicago Sky 98-74 on Saturday night to clinch a WNBA playoff berth. Iziane Castro Marques (6'0''-G/F-82) had 15 points for the Dream (19-13), who also snapped a four-game losing streak. Atlanta outscored the Sky 31-11 in the second quarter to open a commanding 57-32 halftime lead. It led by as many as 35 points in the second half. Epiphanny Prince (5'9''-G-88, college: Rutgers) scored 18 points for Chicago (13-18). Sylvia Fowles added 14, passing 1,000 points for her career. Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-F-86, college: Louisville) scored 13 for Atlanta. Alison Bales and Armintie Price each had 10. *Courtesy of www.cbsnews.com