Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 1/18/2011

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Men News

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ABA

San Diego Sol defeats the Slam - by Gianni Pascucci
Yesterday night at the Alliance University Arena in San Diego the San Diego Sol ABA team defeated the Los Angeles Slam, 115-86 with Greg Clark (6'7''-F-78, college: Washington) leading the way at 25 points, 5 rebs, 2 assist. Matt Vaughn (6'0''-G-83, college: Colorado Christian) added 22 points and Richard Williams (5'10''-G-87, college: San Diego St.) 21 at the winning side, John Browner (6'6''-F-81, college: Benedictine) was the Sol's best rebounder at 12. JoShey Rockett (6'6''-F-84, college: Alaska-Fairb.) and Marcus Palmer (6'6''-F) were the best performers at the Slam side, with 20 and 24 points, respectively, and veteran Tony Farmer (6'10''-F/C-70, college: Nebraska) was the game top rebounder with 13.

SETX Mavericks and Jacksonville Giants hold first spots in ABA Power Rankings - by Gianni Pascucci
The American Basketball Association today released its Power Rankings for week #10 of the season and the Southeast Texas Mavericks and Jacksonville Giants held onto the top two spots. 'If they're not able to arrange a game during the season, it's very likely that these two teams will be meeting in the ABA Playoffs,' stated Joe Newman , ABA CEO. 'And Seven Cities Knights, East Kentucky Energy, Las Vegas Aces and Colorado Kings, all undefeated, would love to play either or both. We have some tough teams in the ABA.' The rankings:

1. SETX Mavericks (15-1)
2. Jacksonville Giants (12-0)
3. 7-City Knights (9-0)
4. East Kentucky Energy (8-0)
5. Colorado Kings (7-0)
6. Las Vegas Aces (6-0)
7. Seattle Mountaineers (7-1)
8. Savannah Storm (8-2)
9. Oklahoma Stallions (7-2)
10. East Bay Pitbulls (8-3)
11. Chicago Steam (8-3)
12. Bay Area Matrix (7-3)
13. Sacramento Heatwave (7-3)
14. San Diego SOL (5-1)
15. Los Angeles SLAM (5-2)
16. Texas Fuel (10-4)
17. Columbus Riverballers (4-1)
18. Mobile Bay Hurricanes (4-2)
19. San Francisco Rumble (5-3)
20. Gulf Coast Flash (4-2)
21. North Dallas Vandals (7-5)
22. Lake Michigan Admirals (4-2)
23. Columbus Diesel (4-2)
24. Modesto Hawks (6-6)

'For the first time, the Modesto Hawks have jumped into the top 24,' added Newman, 'winning games and playing others very close. And we have several other teams right on the cusp. Every game really counts.'
For more information, visit www.abalive.com

Standings

ABA Standings

1. Colorado Kings		5-0
2. Arlington B.		2-3
3. NY Prime Time		1-4
4. Santa Barbara		0-0
5. Shizuoka Gym.		0-0
6. Texas RR		0-1
Gulf Coast
1. SE Texas M.		15-1
2. Gulf Coast F.		4-2
3. Mobile Bay H.		4-2
4. Louisiana U.		1-4
5. Cypress		0-0
6. Houston Red S.		0-5
Mid-Atlantic
1. Seven Cities		9-0
2. Atlanta V.		0-0
3. Charlotte		0-0
4. College Park		0-0
5. Fayetteville F.		0-0
6. Georgia G.		0-0
7. Georgia K		0-0
NoCal
1. E.Bay Pitbulls		8-3
2. Bay Area M.		7-3
3. Sacramento H.		7-3
4. S.Francisco R.		5-3
5. California SK		0-0
6. Clayton		0-0
North Central
1. Chicago Steam		8-3
2. Lake Michigan		4-2
3. Detroit Hoops		0-0
4. Elkhart E.		0-0
5. Indianapolis		0-0
6. Kansas City S.		0-0
7. NWI M.Stars		0-0
8. Pittsburgh P.		0-0
Northeast
1. Jersey Expr.		3-1
2. NY Red Riders		0-0
3. NY Thunder		0-0
4. S.Jersey		0-0
5. Tri-City Suns		0-0
Northwest
1. Seattle M.		7-1
SoCal
1. Las Vegas A.		6-0
2. San Diego Sol		5-1
3. LA Slam		5-2
4. San Diego S.		5-3
5. Compton C.		0-0
6. Mid-Valley		0-0
7. S.Valley Fever		0-0
8. SoCal Swish		0-0
9. Riverside R.		0-1
South Central
1. E.Kentucky En.		8-0
2. St. Louis		2-1
3. Kentucky B.		0-0
4. Kentucky C.		0-0
5. W.Virginia B.		0-0
6. Indiana Diesel		0-1
Southeast
1. Jacksonville		12-0
2. Savannah Storm		8-2
3. Columbus Life		4-0
4. Bahama PS		0-0
5. Florida Makos		0-0
6. Florida Th.		0-0
7. H.Prowl		0-0
8. Orlando Kings		0-0
9. Team Haiti		0-0
Southwest
1. Texas Fuel		10-4
2. Oklahoma		7-2
3. North Dallas		7-5
4. West Texas W.		4-4
5. Dallas Impact		0-0
6. N.Texas F.		0-0
7. Piedmont		0-0

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Michael LEE
  Radnicki
  (207-F-86)
  Avg: 20.9

1. Lee, Radnicki	20.9
2. Zoric, KK.	19.3
3. Macvan, Hemofarm	19.2
4. Draper, Cedevita	18.9
5. Bogdanovic, Cibona	18.4
6. Edwards, Cedevita	17.9
7. Marsh, Crvena Z.	17.3
8. Car, Zadar	17.3
9. Chase, Igokea	16.3
10. Young, Crvena Z.	15.2

Rebounds Per Game

Luka ZORIC
  KK Zagreb CO
  (211-C/F-84)
  Avg: 8.6

1. Zoric, KK.	8.6
2. Dragicevic, Buduc.	7.1
3. Kasun, KK.	7.0
4. Harvey, Igokea	7.0
5. Macvan, Hemofarm	6.8
6. Necas, CEZ Nymburk	6.6
7. Gist, Partizan	6.3
8. Booker, Krka	6.1
9. Lee, Radnicki	5.9
10. Milosevic, Crvena Z.	5.8

Assists Per Game

Dontaye DRAPER
  Cedevita
  (180-G-84)
  Avg: 5.8

1. Draper, Cedevita	5.8
2. Markovic, Radnicki	4.7
3. Pavkovic, Hemofarm	4.5
4. Morovic, Siroki TT	4.3
5. Lafayette, Partizan	4.2
6. Nissim, CEZ N.	3.9
7. Ilievski, Union O.	3.7
8. Rakic, Radnicki	3.5
9. Bazdaric, Cedevita	3.5
10. Stipcevic, Cibona	3.5

Steals Per Game

Dontaye DRAPER
  Cedevita
  (180-G-84)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Draper, Cedevita	2.8
2. Lafayette, Partizan	2.2
3. Lee, Radnicki	2.2
4. Stemberger, Siroki T.	2.1
5. Pumprla, CEZ N.	2.0
6. Dragic, Krka	1.9
7. Renfroe, KK.	1.9
8. Car, Zadar	1.9
9. Radosevic, Cibona	1.8
10. Ozbolt, Union O.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Luka ZORIC
  KK Zagreb CO
  (211-C/F-84)
  Avg: 1.2

1. Zoric, KK.	1.2
2. Dragicevic, Buduc.	1.1
3. Nikolic, Crvena Z.	0.9
4. Shermadini, Union O.	0.8
5. Chan, CEZ Nymburk	0.8
6. Radosevic, Cibona	0.8
7. Vesely, Partizan	0.8
8. Jawai, Partizan	0.7
9. Macvan, Hemofarm	0.7
10. Booker, Krka	0.7

Adriatic League round 17 best performance: Boris Savovic - by Eurobasket News
Forward Boris Savovic (206-F-87) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for KK Hemofarm Stada Vrsac, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 17.
The 23-year old player was the main contributor (34 points, eight rebounds) to his team's victory, helping them to beat Siroki TT (8-9) 90-84. The game rather meaningless between the teams, which do not have any influence on the top of the standings. Hemofarm is placed at 9th position in Adriatic League. They need more victories to improve their 8-9 record. In the team's last game Savovic had a remarkable 80.0% from 2-point range. It was one of impressive evenings for him as usually he does not deliver so high stats. Boris Savovic averages this season 10.6ppg and 5.1rpg.

The second best player in last round's games was 26-year old Luka Zoric (211-C/F-84) of league's second-best KK Zagreb Croatia Osiguranje. Zoric had a very good evening with 25 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Of course he lead KK Zagreb CO to another comfortable win outscoring the lower-ranked Krka (#5, 10-7) 104-82. This victory allowed KK Zagreb CO to move up to second position in the standings. His team's 10-6 record is not bad at all. Zoric is one of the most experienced players at KK Zagreb CO and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 19.3ppg (#2). He also registered 8.6 boards per game.

Third on the list of top players last round was center Leon Radosevic (208-C-90) of KK Cibona VIP Zagreb (#11). Radosevic scored 24 points and grabbed nine rebounds. He was a key player of Cibona, leading his team to a 84-75 win against the higher-ranked Union Olimpija (#1, 11-6). The chances of Cibona ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 9 games, recording just eight victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Radosevic could help Cibona to bring them higher in the standings. Radosevic has a very solid season. In 16 games in Adriatic League he scored 13.1ppg. He also has 5.5rpg and FGP: 55.8%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Dontaye Draper (180-G-84) of Cedevita - 23 points and 6 assists
5. Pavel Pumprla (196-G-86) of CEZ Nymburk - 21 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Krunoslav Simon (197-G/F-85) of KK Zagreb CO - 20 points and 3 rebounds
7. Ricardo Marsh (201-F-81) of Crvena Zvezda - 20 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Cedomir Vitkovac (201-F-82) of Igokea - 19 points and 8 rebounds
9. Kenny Gregory (197-G/F-78) of Union Olimpija - 19 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Marko Car (188-G/F-85) of Zadar - 16 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

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ARGENTINA

Standings - LigaA

LigaA Standings

1. Atenas		6-2
2. Lanus		5-2
3. Obras		5-3
4. Argentino		5-3
5. La Union		5-3
6. Gimnasia CR		5-3
7. Penarol		4-2
8. Quimsa		4-3
9. Libertad S.		4-4
10. Monte Hermoso		4-4
11. Boca Jrs		4-5
12. Olimpico LB		3-5
13. Club 9		3-5
14. Estudiantes		2-5
15. Regatas C.		2-5
16. Sionista		0-7

Stats Leaders - LigaA

Points Per Game

David JACKSON
  La Union
  (196-G-82)
  Avg: 20.5

1. Jackson, La Union	20.5
2. Bunn, Argentino	18.6
3. Johnson, Monte H.	17.9
4. Lo Grippo, Quimsa	17.0
5. Meyinsse, Club 9	16.8
6. Taylor, Lanus	16.2
7. Galindo, Libertad S.	15.7
8. Gutierrez, Penarol	15.7
9. Gutierrez, Obras	15.5
10. Mikulas, La Union	15.0

Rebounds Per Game

Juan GUTIERREZ
  Obras
  (205-F/C-83)
  Avg: 9.9

1. Gutierrez, Obras	9.9
2. Rollins, Gimnasia.	9.7
3. Kante, Olimpico LB	9.4
4. Williams, Atenas	9.0
5. Kammerichs, Regat.	8.6
6. Martina, Boca Jrs	8.2
7. Battle, Libertad S.	8.1
8. Johnson, Monte H.	7.8
9. Leiva, Penarol	7.7
10. Levy, Lanus	7.6

Assists Per Game

Pepe SANCHEZ
  Estudiantes
  (193-G-77)
  Avg: 6.3

1. Sanchez, Estudian.	6.3
2. Martinez, Regat.	5.6
3. Labaque, Atenas	5.1
4. Cequeira, Obras	5.1
5. Ginobili, Libertad S.	4.8
6. Sartorelli, Argentino	3.9
7. Salles, Monte H.	3.8
8. Victoriano, Lanus	3.1
9. Laws, Olimpico LB	3.1
10. Treise, Quimsa	3.0

Steals Per Game

Pepe SANCHEZ
  Estudiantes
  (193-G-77)
  Avg: 3.6

1. Sanchez, Estudian.	3.6
2. Cequeira, Obras	2.9
3. Funes, Gimnasia CR	2.7
4. Williams, Atenas	2.5
5. De los Santo., Olimpi.	2.4
6. Laws, Olimpico LB	2.4
7. Martinez, Regat.	2.3
8. Sciutto, Monte H.	2.2
9. Ginobili, Libertad S.	2.2
10. Lamonte, Penarol	2.2

Blocks Per Game

Robert BATTLE
  Libertad S.
  (204-C-81)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Battle, Libertad S.	1.8
2. Meyinsse, Club 9	1.5
3. Johnson, Monte H.	1.3
4. Kammerichs, Regat.	1.0
5. Mofunanya, Lanus	1.0
6. Gutierrez, Obras	1.0
7. Williams, Atenas	0.9
8. White, Monte H.	0.8
9. Levy, Lanus	0.8
10. Aguerre, Estudian.	0.8

LigaA Round 8: La Union loses #1 position - by Eurobasket News
Coincidentally all hosts won their games, including even overtime victory of Boca Jrs at home. The round ended with change at the leadership position, extra overtimes and favorites losing the games.

Round 8 in LigaA means a new league leader. The biggest surprise took place in Comodoro R. where host Gimnasia CR (5-3) edged league's leader La Union (5-3) 81-80 on Sunday evening. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But La Union won third quarter 18-15. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The best player for the winners was Nigerian-American power forward Reggie Okosa (206-80, college: La Salle) who scored 13 points and 6 rebounds. American power forward Hakeem Rollins (202-83, college: Washington) chipped in 12 points and 8 rebounds. American forward Damian Cantrell (200-76, college: USF) produced a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds for the guests. Gimnasia CR has a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated La Union. La Union will play next round against strong Argentino trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Gimnasia CR will try to continue on its current victory against seventh ranked Penarol in Mar del Plata.
The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Atenas as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Atenas defeated 10th ranked Monte Hermoso in Cordoba 85-81. American forward Gregory Lewis (198-78, college: Winthrop, agency: Dream Team Management) orchestrated the victory by scoring 18 points and 9 rebounds. Bruno Labaque contributed with 17 points, 6 assists and 4 steals for the winners. Atenas' coach Sebastian Gonzalez allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. American forward Chuck Robinson (201-72, college: E.Carolina, agency: Dream Team Management) replied with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 11 rebounds for Monte Hermoso. As mentioned above they took over a top position. Newly promoted Monte Hermoso dropped to the ninth place with four games lost. They share the position with Libertad S.. Monte Hermoso will play next round against Quimsa trying to get back on the winning streak. Atenas will try to continue on its current victory against eleventh ranked Boca Juniors at Buenos Aires.
A very interesting game took place in Junin. It ended with only two-point defeat on the road of 5th ranked Libertad Sunchales (4-4) to seventh ranked Argentino (5-3) 79-77 on Sunday evening. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Libertad Sunchales. Worth to mention a great performance of Joseph Bunn who helped to win the game recording 25 points and 7 rebounds (was perfect 11-for-11 from the free throw line !!!). Ruben Wolkowyski responded with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Argentino moved-up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams. Libertad Sunchales at the other side dropped to the ninth position with four games lost. They share it with Monte Hermoso. Argentino will meet La Union (#5) in the next round. Libertad Sunchales will play against Olimpico de La Banda (#12) and hope to secure a win.
Boca Juniors (4-5) survived in overtime against Club 9 (3-5) by two points 101-99. The winners were led by Cedric Moodie who scored that evening 22 points (was perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line !!!). Club 9's coach Gustavo Miravet rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Boca Juniors moved-up to eleventh place. Newly promoted Club 9 keeps the twelfth position with five games lost. Boca Juniors' next round opponent will be league's leader Atenas in Cordoba and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Club 9 will play on the road against Sionista (#16) in Parana.
The game with biggest result difference took place in Buenos Aires. Local Obras (5-3) outscored 14th ranked Regatas Corrientes (2-5) 97-71 on Sunday night. The best player for the winners was Alejandro Alloatti who scored 18 points and 8 rebounds. Obras' coach Julio Cesar Lamas felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Obras moved-up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Regatas Corrientes keeps the fourteenth position with five games lost. Obras will face Monte Hermoso (#10) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Regatas Corrientes will play against the league's second-placed Lanus (#2) in Buenos Aires.

In the last game of round 8 Olimpico LB was crushed by Lanus in Buenos Aires 79-57.

Obras - Regatas C. 97-71

The game with biggest result difference took place in Buenos Aires. Local Obras (5-3) outscored 14th ranked Regatas Corrientes (2-5) 97-71 on Sunday night. The game was mostly controlled by Obras. Regatas Corrientes managed to win second period 19-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Obras shot 61.8 percent from the field. It was a great shooting night for Obras especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 60.0 percentage. Regatas Corrientes was plagued by 28 personal fouls down the stretch. The best player for the winners was the former international power forward Alejandro Alloatti (203-84) who scored 18 points and 8 rebounds. International power forward Juan Gutierrez (205-83) chipped in 15 points and 6 rebounds. Five Obras players scored in double figures. Obras' coach Julio Cesar Lamas felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Power forward Nicolas Romano (197-87) produced 20 points and 5 rebounds and the former international power forward Tyler Field (206-78, college: San Diego) added 11 points respectively for the guests. Obras moved-up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Regatas Corrientes keeps the fourteenth position with five games lost. Obras will face Monte Hermoso (#10) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Regatas Corrientes will play against the league's second-placed Lanus (#2) in Buenos Aires.
Top scorers:
Obras: A.Alloatti 18+8reb+1ast, J.Gutierrez 15+6reb+3ast, J.Pittman 15+2reb+2ast, W.McFarlan 12+6reb+2ast, L.Cequeira 10+1reb+6ast, C.Schattmann 8+1reb+3ast
Regatas C.: N.Romano 20+5reb+1ast, E.Villares 13+1reb+2ast, T.Field 11+4reb+2ast, S.Rodgers 7+2reb+1ast, J.Martinez 7+2reb+3ast, O.Legaria 6+3reb+3ast

Argentino - Libertad S. 79-77

A very interesting game took place in Junin. It ended with only two-point defeat on the road of 5th ranked Libertad Sunchales (4-4) to seventh ranked Argentino (5-3) 79-77 on Sunday evening. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Libertad Sunchales. Libertad Sunchales was trailing by 1 point at halftime but managed to get 5-point lead after three quarters before a 21-14 charge of Argentino, which allowed them to win the game. They made 28-of-32 free shots (87.5 percent) during the game, while Libertad Sunchales only scored eleven points from the stripe. Worth to mention a great performance of American power forward Joseph Bunn (198-75, college: Phillips (OK)) who helped to win the game recording 25 points and 7 rebounds (was perfect 11-for-11 from the free throw line !!!) and American-Nigerian forward Ije Nwankwo (201-85, college: Cleveland St., agency: Dream Team Management) who added 21 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. Naturalized Polish center Ruben Wolkowyski (207-73) responded with 16 points and 6 rebounds and Puerto Rican forward Alex Galindo (198-85, college: Florida Intern.) scored 20 points. Four Libertad Sunchales players scored in double figures. Argentino moved-up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams. Libertad Sunchales at the other side dropped to the ninth position with four games lost. They share it with Monte Hermoso. Argentino will meet La Union (#5) in the next round. Libertad Sunchales will play against Olimpico de La Banda (#12) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Argentino: J.Bunn 25+7reb+1ast, I.Nwankwo 21+8reb+1ast, J.Cangelosi 14+3reb+2ast, J.Sartorelli 7+4reb+9ast, S.Scala 7+2reb+1ast, L.Martina 4+1reb
Libertad S.: A.Galindo 20+4reb, R.Wolkowyski 16+6reb+3ast, R.Battle 14+5reb, R.Selleaze 14+3reb+4ast, S.Ginobili 5+1reb+6ast, M.Ibarra 4+2reb+2ast

Lanus - Olimpico LB 79-57

There was no surprise in Buenos Aires where 11th ranked Olimpico de La Banda (3-5) was crushed by fourth ranked Lanus (5-2) 79-57 on Sunday. The game was mostly controlled by Lanus. Olimpico de La Banda managed to win third quarter 17-16. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Lanus dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to Olimpico de La Banda's 26. The best player for the winners was American center Terrell Taylor (203-81, college: Virginia Tech, agency: Dream Team Management) who scored 15 points. Naturalized Italian center Gabriel Fernandez (204-76) chipped in 13 points. Four Lanus players scored in double figures. Guard Lucas Picarelli (184-81) produced 11 points and American center Djibril Kante (201-80, college: Indiana St.) added 9 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the guests. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Lanus moved-up to second place. Loser Olimpico de La Banda dropped to the twelfth position with five games lost. Lanus will face Regatas Corrientes (#15) on the road in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Olimpico de La Banda will play against Libertad Sunchales.
Top scorers:
Lanus: T.Taylor 15+3reb+2ast, G.Fernandez 13+3reb+2ast, M.Byro 13+2reb+2ast, F.Malara 11+4reb, N.Laprovittola 11+2ast, A.Boccia 9+4reb
Olimpico LB: L.Picarelli 11+1reb+3ast, D.Kante 9+6reb, D.Cavaco 8+6reb, A.Laws 7+3ast, C.Romero 7+4reb, D.Guaita 4+9reb

Atenas - Monte Hermoso 85-81

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Atenas as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Atenas defeated 10th ranked Monte Hermoso in Cordoba 85-81. The hosts were ahead by 3 points but lost the second period ending it with a 2-point deficit before their 20-14 run, which allowed them to win the game. Atenas made 21-of-23 charity shots (91.3 percent) during the game. American forward Gregory Lewis (198-78, college: Winthrop, agency: Dream Team Management) orchestrated the victory by scoring 18 points and 9 rebounds. The former international guard Bruno Labaque (183-77, agency: Interperformances) contributed with 17 points, 6 assists and 4 steals for the winners. Atenas' coach Sebastian Gonzalez allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. American forward Chuck Robinson (201-72, college: E.Carolina, agency: Dream Team Management) replied with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 11 rebounds and his fellow American import power forward Byron Johnson (201-80, college: Belm.Abbey, agency: Dream Team Management) added 18 points and 12 rebounds in the effort for Monte Hermoso. Four Monte Hermoso players scored in double figures. As mentioned above they took over a top position. Newly promoted Monte Hermoso dropped to the ninth place with four games lost. They share the position with Libertad S.. Monte Hermoso will play next round against Quimsa trying to get back on the winning streak. Atenas will try to continue on its current victory against eleventh ranked Boca Juniors at Buenos Aires.
Top scorers:
Atenas: G.Lewis 18+9reb+1ast, B.Labaque 17+2reb+6ast, J.Williams 12+11reb, R.Gabini 11+2reb+1ast, D.Gerbaudo 9+3reb+3ast, M.Lescano 8+4reb+3ast
Monte Hermoso: W.Albert 22+3reb+3ast, C.Robinson 21+11reb+2ast, B.Johnson 18+12reb, G.Sciutto 14+3reb+3ast, H.Salles 6+6reb+7ast, A.White 0

Gimnasia CR - La Union 81-80

Round 8 in LigaA means a new league leader. The biggest surprise took place in Comodoro R. where host Gimnasia CR (5-3) edged league's leader La Union (5-3) 81-80 on Sunday evening. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But La Union won third quarter 18-15. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The best player for the winners was Nigerian-American power forward Reggie Okosa (206-80, college: La Salle) who scored 13 points and 6 rebounds. American power forward Hakeem Rollins (202-83, college: Washington) chipped in 12 points and 8 rebounds. Four Gimnasia CR players scored in double figures. American forward Damian Cantrell (200-76, college: USF) produced a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds and his fellow American import guard David Jackson (196-82, college: Penn St.) added 16 points and 5 rebounds respectively for the guests. Gimnasia CR has a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated La Union. La Union will play next round against strong Argentino trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Gimnasia CR will try to continue on its current victory against seventh ranked Penarol in Mar del Plata.
Top scorers:
Gimnasia CR: G.Brown 14+5reb, R.Okosa 13+6reb+3ast, H.Rollins 12+8reb+1ast, D.Romero 11+5reb+1ast, M.Maciel 9+2ast, F.Funes 7+2reb+2ast
La Union: D.Cantrell 20+10reb, A.Pau 19, D.Jackson 16+5reb+1ast, P.Barrios 8+3reb, N.Aguirre 7+4reb+3ast, G.Mikulas 6+3reb+1ast

Boca Jrs - Club 9 101-99 OT

Boca Juniors (4-5) survived in overtime against Club 9 (3-5) by two points 101-99. The hosts started the game with a very strong first quarter 32-23. But Club 9 won third quarter 26-21. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening, at least not yet. The game turned upside-down in the last quarter, where Club 9 used huge pressure winning it 25-21 getting a tie at the end of regular time. They lost eventually overtime period 7-9. 38 personal fouls committed by Club 9 helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The winners were led by American guard Cedric Moodie (187-78, college: Indianapolis) who scored that evening 22 points (was perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line !!!) and power forward Fernando Martina (202-81) supported him with 10 points and 16 rebounds. Even 22 points and 8 rebounds by American forward Travis Gabbidon (201, college: UTSA) did not help to save the game for Club 9. His fellow American import power forward Jerome Meyinsse (206-88, college: Virginia) added 18 points and 5 rebounds for the guests. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Club 9's coach Gustavo Miravet rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Boca Juniors moved-up to eleventh place. Newly promoted Club 9 keeps the twelfth position with five games lost. Boca Juniors' next round opponent will be league's leader Atenas in Cordoba and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Club 9 will play on the road against Sionista (#16) in Parana.
Top scorers:
Boca Jrs: C.Moodie 22+3reb+3ast, J.Brussino 18+3reb+2ast, D.Alston 14+7reb+2ast, M.Fierro 12+6reb+1ast, S.Vega 12+3reb, F.Martina 10+16reb
Club 9: T.Gabbidon 22+8reb+2ast, J.Meyinsse 18+5reb, M.Melo 15+6reb, L.Barlasina 14+2reb+1ast, E.Martina 13+7reb+1ast, B.Zanotti 10+2reb+3ast

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

AUSTRALIA

Russell Hinder claims Australian NBL weekly honour - by Eurobasket News
Experienced former international power forward Russell Hinder (208-F/C-79) had an amazing evening in the last round for Townsville Crocodiles and that's him to receive a Australiabasket.com Player of the Week award for round 14.
The 31-year old power forward had the game-high 26 points adding eight rebounds and three assists for Crocodiles in his team's victory, helping them to crush Tigers (#8, 5-11) with 16-point margin 94-78. Crocodiles is placed at 4th position in Australian NBL. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Crocodiles will need more victories to improve their 10-7 record. Hinder has many years of experience at Crocodiles, through which he has constantly improved. Russell Hinder averages this season 8.9ppg and 5.8rpg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 28-year old center Ian Crosswhite (212-C-82) of Taipans. Crosswhite impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds. Of course he lead Taipans to another comfortable win outscoring the lower-ranked Tigers (#8, 5-11) 95-74. This victory allowed Taipans to move up to 3rd position in the standings. His team's 10-4 record is not bad at all. Crosswhite is well-known by Taipans fans and he already established his position as one of team's most reliable players.

The third best performed player last round was Cameron Tovey (200-F-85) of second-ranked Wildcats. Tovey showcased his all-around game by recording 16 points, eleven rebounds (!!!) and four assists in the last round. He was a key player of Wildcats, leading his team to a 92-58 easy win against the lower-ranked Hawks (#5, 9-7). Wildcats needs these victories very badly if they think about taking over top position in the standings. Their record at this point is 11 victories and 5 lost games. Tovey has a very solid season. In 16 games in Australia he scored 7.7ppg. He also has 5.1rpg and and 3PT: 44.8%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Kirk Penney (196-G-80) of Breakers - 24 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists
5. Ronald Dorsey (197-G/F-83) of Taipans - 20 points and 10 rebounds
6. Gary Wilkinson (206-F-82) of Breakers - 22 points and 3 rebounds
7. Ayinde Ubaka (193-G-85) of Taipans - 14 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists
8. Benny Lewis (203-G/F-87) of Tigers - 14 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Timothy Coenraad (201-G/F-85) of Hawks - 21 points and 7 rebounds
10. Rhys Martin (193-G-86) of Hawks - 14 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game

Gary ERVIN
  Hawks
  (186-G-83)
  Avg: 22.7

1. Ervin, Hawks	22.7
2. Penney, Breakers	19.7
3. Redhage, Wildcats	18.6
4. Worthington, Blaze	18.4
5. Williams, Tigers	17.8
6. Khazzouh, Sydney K.	16.2
7. Ubaka, Taipans	15.4
8. Ballinger, 36ers	15.2
9. Clark, Blaze	15.0
10. Wilkinson, Breakers	14.9

Rebounds Per Game

Julian KHAZZOUH
  Sydney K.
  (211-C-86)
  Avg: 10.4

1. Khazzouh, Sydney K.	10.4
2. Davidson, Hawks	7.9
3. Holmes, 36ers	7.8
4. Nevill, Tigers	7.8
5. Knight, Wildcats	7.1
6. Worthington, Blaze	7.1
7. Williams, Tigers	7.1
8. Crosswhite, Taipa.	7.1
9. Vukona, Breakers	6.9
10. Schenscher, Croco.	6.5

Assists Per Game

Adam GIBSON
  Blaze
  (188-G-86)
  Avg: 5.5

1. Gibson, Blaze	5.5
2. Carter, 36ers	4.9
3. Ervin, Hawks	4.7
4. Shannon, 36ers	4.7
5. Saville, Hawks	4.7
6. Williams, Tigers	4.7
7. Ubaka, Taipans	4.4
8. Braswell, Breakers	4.3
9. DeVries, 36ers	3.4
10. Blalock, Crocodiles	3.1

Steals Per Game

Damian MARTIN
  Wildcats
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Martin, Wildcats	2.1
2. Saville, Hawks	1.7
3. Crawford, Croco.	1.5
4. Penney, Breakers	1.5
5. Khazzouh, Sydney K.	1.4
6. Shannon, 36ers	1.4
7. Braswell, Breakers	1.4
8. Tovey, Wildcats	1.3
9. Williams, Tigers	1.3
10. Gilder, Sydney K.	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Julian KHAZZOUH
  Sydney K.
  (211-C-86)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Khazzouh, Sydney K.	2.2
2. Ballinger, 36ers	1.9
3. Gilder, Sydney K.	1.4
4. Clark, Blaze	1.3
5. Nevill, Tigers	1.1
6. Crosswhite, Taipa.	1.1
7. Schenscher, Croco.	1.0
8. Freeman, Croco.	0.9
9. Sanders, Sydney K.	0.9
10. Abercrombie, Break.	0.8

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

AUSTRIA

Stjepan Stazic's triple-double lands him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
Naturalized Croatian guard Stjepan Stazic (199-G-78, agency: World Sport Agency) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for BC Vienna, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 20.
The 32-year old player recorded a triple-double of 27 points and added16 rebounds and 11 assists, while his team beat Gussing (#9, 8-12) 92-80. The game rather meaningless between the teams, which do not have any influence on the top of the standings. BC Vienna maintains the 10th position in Croatian A Bundesliga. BC Vienna is rather a weak team placed in lower part in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 7-13 record. In the team's last game Stazic had a remarkable 61.5% from 2-point range. He turned to be BC Vienna's top player in his first season with the team. Stjepan Stazic has solid league stats. He is league's best scorer averaging so far 26.0ppg. Stazic is in league's top in assists (8th best: 4.5apg).

The second best player in last round's games was 28-year old Serbian Aleksandar Djuric (210-F/C-82) of UBC okoStadt Gussing Knights. Djuric had a very good evening with a double-double of 21 points and 10 rebounds. Bad luck as Gussing lost that game 80-92 to slightly lower-ranked BC Vienna (#10, 7-13). The game was between two teams which are definitely not main contenders for the title. Gussing keeps 9th position. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 8-12 record. Djuric is a newcomer at Gussing, but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was another BC Vienna's star - Montenegrin Sveto Pekovic (202-C/F-82). Pekovic scored 20 points and grabbed six rebounds. He was another key player of BC Vienna, helping his team with a 92-80 win against slightly higher-ranked Gussing (#9, 8-12). The chances of BC Vienna not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 13 games, recording just seven victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Pekovic could try to bring BC Vienna's a little bit higher in the standings. Pekovic has a very solid season. In 20 games in Austria he scored 7.3ppg. He also has 1.2bpg and FGP: 65.1%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Richard Poiger (201-F-87) of St.Polten - 21 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Benedikt Danek (174-G-86) of Arkadia - 18 points, 4 rebounds and 8 assists
6. Ramiz Suljanovic (206-F/C-79) of Klosterneub. - 17 points and 6 rebounds
7. Shawn Ray (194-F-80) of Furstenfeld - 20 points and 7 rebounds
8. Marcus Heard (201-F-84) of Gussing - 23 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Markus Carr (185-G-79) of BC Vienna - 13 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists
10. Curtis Bobb (198-G/F-78) of Klosterneub. - 25 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Stjepan STAZIC
  BC Vienna
  (199-G-78)
  Avg: 26

1. Stazic, BC Vienna	26.0
2. Vay, Arkadia	21.0
3. Kennedy, Worth.	20.2
4. Houston, Arkadia	19.5
5. Brokenboroug., Wel.	18.8
6. Shavies, Furstenf.	18.4
7. Mayes, Gmunden	18.0
8. Nagler, Klostern.	17.8
9. Heard, Gussing	17.6
10. Miletic, UBSC G.	17.4

Rebounds Per Game

Russell HICKS
  Furstenfeld
  (213-C-85)
  Avg: 9.7

1. Hicks, BC Vienna	9.7
2. Heard, Gussing	8.7
3. Volcic, Oberwart	8.7
4. Johnson, Oberwart	8.5
5. Mayer, Gmunden	8.0
6. Vay, Arkadia	7.9
7. Stegnjaic, UBSC G.	7.6
8. Graham, UBSC G.	7.3
9. Oppland, Gmunden	7.2
10. Klette, Wels	7.1

Assists Per Game

Anthony SHAVIES
  Furstenfeld
  (191-G-83)
  Avg: 7.8

1. Shavies, Furstenf.	7.8
2. Carr, BC Vienna	7.4
3. Danek, Arkadia	6.7
4. Holcomb-Faye, Wels	6.2
5. Schreiner, St.Po.	5.7
6. Boylan, Gmunden	4.6
7. Parker, Oberwart	4.6
8. Stazic, BC Vienna	4.5
9. Miletic, UBSC G.	4.5
10. Lanegger, Kapfe.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Thomas SCHREINER
  St.Polten
  (195-G-87)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Schreiner, St.Po.	2.4
2. Shavies, Furstenf.	2.3
3. Boylan, Gmunden	2.3
4. Ray, Furstenfeld	2.2
5. Parker, Oberwart	2.2
6. Artner, Oberwart	2.0
7. Payton, Arkadia	1.9
8. Stazic, BC Vienna	1.9
9. Danek, Arkadia	1.9
10. Vay, Arkadia	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Russell HICKS
  Furstenfeld
  (213-C-85)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Hicks, BC Vienna	2.3
2. Graham, UBSC G.	1.9
3. Hampton, Furstenf.	1.3
4. Slack, Gmunden	1.2
5. Pekovic, BC Vienna	1.2
6. Vay, Arkadia	1.1
7. Heard, Gussing	0.8
8. Miljkovic, BC Vi.	0.8
9. N''Diaye, BC.	0.7
10. Stazic, BC Vienna	0.7

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

BELARUS

Standings - Premier League

Premier League Standings

1. Minsk-2006		18-0
2. Sozh Gomel		11-5
3. Grodno-93		11-5
4. OZAA Osipov.		11-7
5. Lokomotiv		7-11
6. Borifsen		6-12
7. BGUIR-RCOR		3-15
8. Vitalyur		1-17

Double defeat of Grodno-93 - by Alina Rakhman
The central game of the previous round took place in Osipovichi. The hosts received Grodno-93. Those two games were in interesting and tense struggle. Grodno-93 took double
wins. The first day the outcome of the game was decided only in the last quarter. This evening most points were benefited by Yaroslav Lemik (30 points+ 10 rebounds).
Osipovichi: Charikov (21 points+10 assists), Svirydov (21 points), Matyukevych (13 points), Yafremov (11points).
Grodno-93: Lemik (30 points), Bogdanov (16 points), Vabishchevich (20 points), Gandlin (12 points+10 assists).

The second game was similar to the first one. The chances were equal until the last minutes. On Saturday Valery Gandlin benefited the most points for Grodno-93, 21 points. Besides Paliashchuk (11 points+14 rebounds) and Lemik were at their best. Lemik had a double-double by scouring 11 points.
Osipovichi: Charikov (25points +10 assists), Vornik (20 points), Yafremov (18 points), Matyukevych (16 points).
Grodno-93: Gandlin (21points), Dadukin (16 points+8 rebounds), Paliashchuk (11 points+14 rebounds), Lemik (11points+ 11 rebounds), Bogdanov (11 points), Ivanov (11 points).

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

BELGIUM

Anthony Hilliard claims Belgian D1 weekly honour - by Eurobasket News
American Anthony Hilliard (193-G/F-86) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's leader Generali Okapi Aalstar and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 15.
The 24-year old swingman had the game-high 23 points adding six rebounds and four assists for Aalstar in his team's victory, helping them to beat Leuven (#7, 4-8) 76-69. It allowed Aalstar to consolidate first place in the Belgian D1. Aalstar have a solid 11-2 record. In the team's last game Hilliard had a remarkable 58.3% from 2-point range. He turned to be Aalstar's top player in his first season with the team. Elizabeth City State University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Hilliard is in league's top in rebounds (2nd best: 8.1rpg) and averages solid 53.0% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 26-year old American guard Darrel Mitchell (180-G-84, agency: Beo Basket) of Oostende. Mitchell impressed basketball fans with 26 points, 3 rebounds and 7 assists. It was enough for Oostende to edge the lower-ranked Verviers-Pep. (#8, 3-9) by 4 points 78-74. Oostende's 5th position in the standings has not changed. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 7-7 record is not bad and everything may still change. Mitchell is a newcomer at Oostende and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders.

The third best performed player last round was American Rashaun Freeman (203-C/F-84) of VOO Verviers-Pepinster (#8). Freeman scored 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Despite Freeman's great performance VOO Verviers-Pepinster lost 74-78 to the higher-ranked Oostende (#5, 7-7). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. VOO Verviers-Pepinster can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have rather bad season and 3-9 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Freeman he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Freeman has individually a great season in Belgium. After 12 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 14.9ppg (8th best) and rebounds with 7.3rpg (4th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Christopher Young (206-F/C-79) of Aalstar - 10 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Will Thomas (200-F-86) of Oostende - 12 points and 11 rebounds
6. Senne Geukens (190-G-83) of Gent - 19 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Ahmad Nivins (206-F-87) of M.Hainaut - 13 points and 7 rebounds
8. Ben McCauley (206-F/C-86) of M.Hainaut - 15 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists
9. John Tofi (203-F/C-84) of Leuven - 19 points and 6 rebounds
10. Stefon Jackson (196-G-85) of Verviers-Pep. - 16 points and 6 rebounds

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

Ethias League News - by Peter Buyse
Stella Artois Leuven Bears has signed American forward Kevin Melson (199-F-78, college: Wright St.) to replace the injured Chris Devine.
Melson is no stranger to Belgium since he previously played for Optima Gent. His second year at Gent he was the Belgian league's 2n d leading scorer with 16ppg.
This season he played some games in the Italian Lega Due for Ferrara.

Adam Hall missed this weekend's game for Optima Gent due to an injury. Elton Nesbitt the announced new signing will not be joining the roster of Gent after all.

Sebastien Bellin is out with a knee injury and could miss a couple of games.

Standings - Division I

D1 Standings

1. Charleroi		9-1
2. Aalstar		11-2
3. M.Hainaut		9-4
4. Oostende		7-7
5. Antwerp		6-6
6. Liege		5-8
7. Leuven		4-8
8. Verviers-Pep.		3-9
9. Gent		2-10

Stats Leaders - Division I

Points Per Game

Matt LOJESKI
  Oostende
  (198-G-85)
  Avg: 17.3

1. Lojeski, Oostende	17.3
2. Waters, Verviers.	16.6
3. Copeland, Aalstar	16.3
4. Mallet, Charleroi	15.4
5. Miller, Leuven	14.9
6. Lewis, M.Hainaut	14.9
7. Freeman, Verviers.	14.9
8. Taylor, M.Hainaut	14.9
9. Stipanovic, Liege	14.7
10. Freeman, Leuven	14.6

Rebounds Per Game

Monwell RANDLE
  Gent
  (203-F/C-83)
  Avg: 8.5

1. Randle, Gent	8.5
2. Hilliard, Aalstar	8.1
3. Young, Aalstar	7.5
4. Freeman, Verviers.	7.3
5. Stipanovic, Liege	7.0
6. Tofi, Leuven	6.9
7. Gay, Verviers-Pep.	6.7
8. Jackson, Verviers.	6.7
9. Thomas, Oostende	6.2
10. Riddick, Charleroi	6.1

Assists Per Game

Darrel MITCHELL
  Oostende
  (180-G-84)
  Avg: 5.4

1. Mitchell, Oostende	5.4
2. Hatten, M.Hainaut	4.2
3. Waters, Verviers.	3.8
4. Miller, Leuven	3.4
5. Mallet, Charleroi	3.3
6. Hopkins, Antwerp	3.3
7. Steinbach, Aalstar	3.0
8. Dagunduro, Leuven	2.9
9. Hill, Charleroi	2.9
10. Lewis, M.Hainaut	2.9

Steals Per Game

Michael JENKINS
  Liege
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Jenkins, Liege	2.8
2. Hatten, M.Hainaut	2.7
3. Mitchell, Oostende	2.6
4. Hopkins, Antwerp	2.2
5. Dagunduro, Leuven	2.1
6. Mallet, Charleroi	2.0
7. Black, Antwerp	2.0
8. Wilson, Antwerp	2.0
9. McCauley, M.Hai.	1.9
10. Cage, M.Hainaut	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Andre RIDDICK
  Charleroi
  (205-C-73)
  Avg: 2

1. Riddick, Charleroi	2.0
2. Mejri, Antwerp	1.8
3. Johnson, Aalstar	1.4
4. Randle, Gent	0.8
5. Santiago, Charleroi	0.8
6. Tofi, Leuven	0.7
7. Young, Aalstar	0.7
8. Copeland, Aalstar	0.5
9. Faison, Oostende	0.4
10. Wilson, Antwerp	0.4

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

BOSNIA

Standings - BIH League

D1 Standings

1. Bosna		13-2
2. Mladost		10-4
3. Borac Nektar		10-5
4. Capljina		10-5
5. SL IAT Leotar		9-6
6. Sloboda Dita		8-7
7. Hercegovac		7-7
8. Zrinjski HT		7-8
9. Kakanj		6-8
10. Celik		6-9
11. Varda HE		5-10
12. Brotnjo		3-12
13. Slavija		2-13
Play in international cups:
1. Igokea		-
2. Siroki TT		-

Stats Leaders - D1

Points Per Game

Boris LALOVIC
  Hercegovac
  (206-C-81)
  Avg: 19.9

1. Lalovic, Hercegovac	19.9
2. Kahrimanovic, Kak.	19.2
3. Albijanic, Sloboda .	17.3
4. Opacak, Celik	16.6
5. Kahrimanovic, Zrinjs.	16.6
6. Lesko, Brotnjo	16.2
7. Stanic, Slavija	16.2
8. Zdravkovic, Capljina	16.0
9. Savovic, Slavija	15.3
10. Hajric, Zrinjski HT	15.3

Rebounds Per Game

Andrija PEJOVIC
  Hercegovac
  (205-C-83)
  Avg: 8

1. Pejovic, Hercegovac	8.0
2. Sakic, Zrinjski HT	7.3
3. Hajric, Zrinjski HT	7.2
4. Ljuca, Kakanj	6.8
5. Kuzmic, Celik	6.5
6. Lalovic, Hercegovac	6.4
7. Jagodic Kuri., Borac N.	6.3
8. Albijanic, Sloboda .	5.9
9. Vukovic, Slavija	5.8
10. Jocovic, Borac N.	5.6

Assists Per Game

Vladimir RADOVANOVIC
  Hercegovac
  (194-G-81)
  Avg: 6.1

1. Radovanovic, Herce.	6.1
2. Pasalic, Bosna	4.7
3. Jovanovic, Borac N.	4.4
4. Zdravkovic, Capljina	3.6
5. Stanic, Slavija	3.4
6. Boljkovac, Slavija	3.3
7. Mulic, Kakanj	3.3
8. Ahmetbasic, Kakanj	3.2
9. Bijelica, Capljina	3.2
10. Jovanovic, SL IAT L.	3.1

Steals Per Game

Srdjan STANIC
  Slavija
  (186-G-84)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Stanic, Slavija	3.5
2. Radovanovic, Herce.	2.4
3. Savovic, Slavija	2.1
4. Vranjes, Borac N.	2.0
5. Gajovic, Hercegovac	2.0
6. Lalovic, Hercegovac	1.8
7. Bijelica, Capljina	1.7
8. Komatina, Mladost	1.7
9. Lesko, Brotnjo	1.6
10. Halilbegovic, Slobod.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Ognjen KUZMIC
  Celik
  (--)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Kuzmic, Celik	2.2
2. Zimic, Bosna	2.0
3. Ljuca, Kakanj	1.6
4. Duranovic, Mladost	0.9
5. Durasovic, SL IAT L.	0.8
6. Jocovic, Borac N.	0.8
7. Pejovic, Hercegovac	0.7
8. Brkic, Capljina	0.7
9. Albijanic, Sloboda .	0.7
10. Gajovic, Hercegovac	0.6

Draw of FIBA Youth championships 2011 complete - by Nedzad Kladusak
It s a shame and a signal for all young girls in BIH that playing basketball is absolutely futile.
KSBIH has decided not to send female NT to EC which will take place in summer 2011.
Even the U-18 Junior NT will miss the championships and no one can blame the kids if they 'find their slovenian, serb or croatian roots'.
Dissapointed by egocentric and imcapable 'sports workers' they will do better if they focus on their individual careers no matter what it takes to achieve something in their lifes.
KSBIH decided to promote U-16 basketball. Obviously Mahmutovic and friends forgot that kids can change their basketballl citizenship up to their 18th year. A recent example has been Edin Alispahic who plays now for Slovenia despite being one of the best players in the BIH U16 NT. It s really some kind of a luck that most basketball scouts in BIH base their work less on travelling from village to village but on daddies who recommend their kids by writing their 'stats' on cheques in order to get them on the international stage. So international scouts will get more a comprehension of who is who in policy and business than a picture of how much talent our country has. I don t want to say that BIH won t have some big talents like there is Sandro Gacic. But I wouldn t bet that they are aware that there is Adnan Omeragic who has been invited by the spanish NT or Samir Sehic, a US high school star who has been 196cm tall when he turned 13.
Looking back it is not sure that Mirza Delibasic would have ever seen an EC if he would have played basketball these days in BIH.

Men U-20 (BIH, Sarajevo 14th-24th of July)

Group D

1. Israel
2. Belarus
3. Iceland
4. Belgium
5. Bosnia & Herzegovina

Men U-16 (Skopje, FYROM 28th of July - 7th of August)

GROUP D

1. Bosnia & Herzegovina
2. Estonia
3. Israel
4. Belgium
5. Denmark

D1 Round 16: Sloboda Dita beats Zrinjski HT by three after a very close game - by Eurobasket News
The most exciting game of round 16 in the D1 took place in Tuzla. Sixth ranked Sloboda Dita (8-7) saved a 3-point derby victory at home edging 7th ranked Zrinjski HT (7-8) 70-67 on Sunday evening. The hosts trailed by 4 points after three quarters before their 20-16 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Sloboda Dita made 22-of-28 free shots (78.6 percent) during the game. 26 personal fouls committed by Zrinjski HT helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of center Drasko Albijanic (211-C-86) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 20 points and 14 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Forward Mirza Bulic (204-92) contributed with 13 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Sloboda Dita's coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Croatian forward Zeljko Sakic (203-88) replied with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 11 rebounds (made all of his eight free throws) for Zrinjski HT. Sloboda Dita maintains sixth position with 8-7 record. Zrinjski HT at the other side dropped to the eighth place with eight games lost. Sloboda Dita are looking forward to face Brotnjo (#12) in Citluk in the next round where they are favorite. Zrinjski HT will play at home against SL IAT Leotar (#5) in Trebinje and is hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
Very important is a road loss of second ranked Capljina Lasta (10-5) against fifth ranked SL IAT Leotar (9-6) on Saturday night. Visiting Capljina Lasta was defeated by SL IAT Leotar in Trebinje 89-78. Worth to mention a great performance of Petar Jovanovic who helped to win the game recording 21 points and 4 assists (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) and Dusko Markovic who added 17 points during the contest. At the losing side Serbian guard Jovan Zdravkovic (178-78, agency: Interperformances) responded with 21 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. SL IAT Leotar has a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain fifth position with 9-6 record. Capljina Lasta at the other side dropped to the third place with five games lost. They share the position with Borac Nektar. SL IAT Leotar will play against Zrinjski HT (#8) in Mostar in the next round. Capljina Lasta will play at home against the league's second-placed Mladost (#2) in Mrkonjic Grad and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
D1 top team - Bosna ASA BHT (13-2) had no problems winning another game on Saturday. This time they beat tenth ranked Celik (6-9) in Sarajevo 81-65. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Celik. The winners were led by Bozo Durasovic who scored that evening 11 points and 9 rebounds. Even a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds by Ognjen Kuzmic did not help to save the game for Celik. Celik's coach Marko Trbic rotated twelve players seeing no chance for a win. Bosna ASA BHT have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 13-2 record. Loser Celik keeps the tenth place with nine games lost. Bosna ASA BHT will meet Kakanj (#9) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Celik will play against Borac Nektar in Banja Luka and hope to secure a win.
The game between third ranked Mladost (10-4) and 13th ranked Slavija (2-13) in Mrkonjic Grad ended with biggest points difference. Mladost outscored guests from Sarajevo 94-66. Dragan Duranovic fired 17 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Mladost's coach felt very confident that he used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. Mladost moved-up to second place. Slavija lost eighth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom position with 13 games lost. Mladost's next round opponent will be Capljina Lasta (#4) on the road. Slavija will play against Hercegovac (#7) in Bileca.

Other games in round 16 were not that significant. Kakanj was beaten by Varda HE on the road 73-67. Borac Nektar won against Brotnjo on its own court 95-80.
The most impressive performance of 16th round was 28 points and 4 steals by Nemanja Vranjes of Borac Nektar.

Varda HE - Kakanj 73-67

There was a small surprise when eleventh ranked Varda HE (5-10) beat at home 9th ranked Kakanj (6-8) 73-67. Kakanj was ahead by 2 points after three quarters before a 18-10 charge of Varda HE, which allowed them to win the game. Forward Srdan Golubovic (192-87) fired 13 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Serbian forward Miroslav Markovic (201-75, agency: BeoExcell) chipped in 13 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Varda HE players scored in double figures. Guard Abdurahman Kahrimanovic (197-75, agency: Court Side) produced 18 points and 5 assists (made all of his seven free throws) and guard Mirza Ahmetbasic (193-87, college: Abil.Christian, agency: World Sport Agency) added 15 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Newly promoted Varda HE maintains eleventh position with 5-10 record. Kakanj at the other side, also newcomer in the league, keeps the ninth place with eight games lost. Varda HE will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Kakanj: A.Kahrimanovic 18+4reb+5ast, M.Ahmetbasic 15+6reb, E.Suljic 10+1reb, N.Mulic 9+3reb+4ast, E.Delibasic 4+4reb, N.Begovac 4+2reb
Varda HE: M.Markovic 13+5reb+5ast, S.Golubovic 13+9reb+2ast, J.Bajic 11, S.Crnobrnja 10+8reb+1ast, B.Kajevic 8+5reb, M.Mrkovic 8+2reb

Mladost - Slavija 94-66

The game between third ranked Mladost (10-4) and 13th ranked Slavija (2-13) in Mrkonjic Grad ended with biggest points difference. Mladost outscored guests from Sarajevo 94-66. The game without a history. Mladost led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Slavija's 38. They outrebounded Slavija 39-27 including 18 on the offensive glass. Power forward Dragan Duranovic (202-88) fired 17 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Montenegrin guard Ninoslav Milosevic (194-79, agency: Beo Basket) chipped in 11 points and 9 rebounds. Five Mladost players scored in double figures. Mladost's coach felt very confident that he used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. Montenegrin swingman Milos Savovic (200-89) produced 21 points and Serbian forward Miroslav Markovic (201-75, agency: BeoExcell) added 7 points and 10 rebounds respectively for lost side. Mladost moved-up to second place. Slavija lost eighth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom position with 13 games lost. Mladost's next round opponent will be Capljina Lasta (#4) on the road. Slavija will play against Hercegovac (#7) in Bileca.
Top scorers:
Slavija: M.Savovic 21+3reb+2ast, A.Klinac 13+3reb, D.Damjanovic 12+5reb, I.Vukovic 11+1reb+1ast, B.Adnan 7+10reb+1ast, P.Boljkovac 2+4reb+8ast
Mladost: D.Duranovic 17+5reb+2ast, A.Avdibegovic 16+1reb+4ast, P.Ivanic 12+2reb+4ast, N.Stanic 11+6reb, N.Milosevic 11+9reb+2ast, M.Komatina 8+4reb+2ast

SL IAT Leotar - Capljina 89-78

Very important is a road loss of second ranked Capljina Lasta (10-5) against fifth ranked SL IAT Leotar (9-6) on Saturday night. Visiting Capljina Lasta was defeated by SL IAT Leotar in Trebinje 89-78. The game was mostly controlled by SL IAT Leotar. Capljina Lasta managed to win third quarter 26-16. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. SL IAT Leotar shot 65.2 percent from the field. Capljina Lasta was plagued by 31 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of Petar Jovanovic who helped to win the game recording 21 points and 4 assists (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) and power forward Dusko Markovic (204-74) who added 17 points during the contest (made all of his seven free throws). Five SL IAT Leotar players scored in double figures. At the losing side Serbian guard Jovan Zdravkovic (178-78, agency: Interperformances) responded with 21 points and naturalized Croatian guard Krunoslav Rimac (195-84, agency: Interperformances) scored 13 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. SL IAT Leotar has a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain fifth position with 9-6 record. Capljina Lasta at the other side dropped to the third place with five games lost. They share the position with Borac Nektar. SL IAT Leotar will play against Zrinjski HT (#8) in Mostar in the next round. Capljina Lasta will play at home against the league's second-placed Mladost (#2) in Mrkonjic Grad and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Capljina: J.Zdravkovic 21+2reb+2ast, K.Rimac 13+3reb+1ast, M.Galic 11+3reb+2ast, J.Brkic 9+4reb+2ast, K.Bijelica 9+3ast, S.Leric 6+3reb+2ast
SL IAT Leotar: J.Petar 21+2reb+4ast, D.Markovic 17+4reb+1ast, I.Josipovic 14+6reb, B.Pelkic 10+2reb+2ast, N.Durasovic 10+3reb+2ast, V.Aleksic 7+4reb

Sloboda Dita - Zrinjski HT 70-67

The biggest surprise of round 16 in the D1 took place in Tuzla. Sixth ranked Sloboda Dita (8-7) saved a 3-point derby victory at home edging 7th ranked Zrinjski HT (7-8) 70-67 on Sunday evening. The hosts trailed by 4 points after three quarters before their 20-16 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Sloboda Dita made 22-of-28 free shots (78.6 percent) during the game. 26 personal fouls committed by Zrinjski HT helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of center Drasko Albijanic (211-86) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 20 points and 14 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Forward Mirza Bulic (204-92) contributed with 13 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Sloboda Dita's coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Croatian forward Zeljko Sakic (203-88) replied with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 11 rebounds (made all of his eight free throws) and center Mato Peraica (203-81) added 21 points and 10 rebounds (made all of his seven free throws) in the effort for Zrinjski HT. Sloboda Dita maintains sixth position with 8-7 record. Zrinjski HT at the other side dropped to the eighth place with eight games lost. Sloboda Dita are looking forward to face Brotnjo (#12) in Citluk in the next round where they are favorite. Zrinjski HT will play at home against SL IAT Leotar (#5) in Trebinje and is hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
Top scorers:
Zrinjski HT: M.Peraica 21+10reb+2ast, Z.Sakic 21+11reb+1ast, S.Demic 10, A.Hasandic 6+1reb, L.Simonovic 4+8reb+4ast, A.Kahrimanovic 2+4reb+2ast
Sloboda Dita: D.Albijanic 20+14reb+3ast, M.Bulic 13+7reb, Z.Halilbegovic 10+4reb+3ast, M.Hrncic 8+4reb+1ast, D.Kastratovic 8+1reb+2ast, B.Sekicki 8

Borac Nektar - Brotnjo 95-80

Very expected game when 12th ranked Brotnjo (3-12) lost to fourth ranked Borac Nektar (10-5) in Banja Luka 80-95. It was a very close game until the last quarter, when Borac Nektar's pressure prevailed and they won that period 27-16 extending their advantage to 15 points. They dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Brotnjo's 32 and made 31-of-34 charity shots (91.2 percent) during the game, while Brotnjo only scored fifteen points from the stripe. 30 personal fouls committed by Brotnjo helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Montenegrin swingman Nemanja Vranjes (188-88) fired 28 points and 4 steals for the winners. Serbian center Marko Jagodic Kuridza (204-87) chipped in 21 points and 8 rebounds. Forward Nikola Lesko (201-83) produced 29 points and 7 rebounds and Croatian guard Nikola Gaurina (199-83) added 14 points and 8 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players saving starting five for next games. Borac Nektar moved-up to third place, which they share with Capljina. Brotnjo lost fourth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the twelfth position with 12 games lost. Borac Nektar's next round opponent will be Celik (#10) in Zenica and are hoping to win another game. Brotnjo will play at home against Sloboda Dita in Tuzla.
Top scorers:
Brotnjo: N.Lesko 29+7reb, N.Gaurina 14+8reb+2ast, N.Vedran 13+2reb+4ast, M.Brecic 12+2reb, A.Cutura 7, D.Pinjuh 3+3reb
Borac Nektar: N.Vranjes 28+4reb+2ast, M.Jagodic Kuridza 21+8reb+1ast, V.Jocovic 16+7reb+2ast, S.Tosic 11+3reb+1ast, F.Adamovic 7+2reb+2ast, M.Sturanovic 6

Bosna - Celik 81-65

D1 top team - Bosna ASA BHT (13-2) had no problems winning another game on Saturday. This time they beat tenth ranked Celik (6-9) in Sarajevo 81-65. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Celik. The game was mostly controlled by Bosna ASA BHT. Celik managed to win third quarter 21-12. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The winners were led by international forward Bozo Durasovic (200-87) who scored that evening 11 points and 9 rebounds and guard Muhamed Pasalic (192-87) supported him with 13 points and 6 assists. Five Bosna ASA BHT players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds by Ognjen Kuzmic did not help to save the game for Celik. Forward Ramo Rizvic (200-87) added 10 points and 5 rebounds (made all of his seven free throws) for lost side. Celik's coach Marko Trbic rotated twelve players seeing no chance for a win. Bosna ASA BHT have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 13-2 record. Loser Celik keeps the tenth place with nine games lost. Bosna ASA BHT will meet Kakanj (#9) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Celik will play against Borac Nektar in Banja Luka and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Celik: I.Opacak 14+1reb+2ast, O.Kuzmic 13+11reb, R.Rizvic 10+5reb+3ast, I.Milenkovic 9+1reb+1ast, H.Jahic 7+2ast, D.Begagic 5+1ast
Bosna: D.Rahimic 16+2reb, M.Batina 14+2reb+1ast, E.Zimic 13+7reb, M.Pasalic 13+3reb+6ast, B.Durasovic 11+9reb+3ast, E.Camdzic 7+4reb+2ast

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

BRAZIL

Olympico annouces four new faces for Brazil Cup - by Paulo Freire
The Olympico basketball team, which is commanded by American head coach Mike Frink, is almost closing their roster. The team prepares for the Brazil Cup, their debut on the Southeast region, will occurs on January 27 against Sorocaba team, in Belo Horizonte (MG) .

The team has released their offensive power, the shootinguard Feliz Baeta (195-G/F-84), who will sign with the XV de Piracicaba team .

In the other hand, the Olympico hired four new players, the point guard Rafael Malta (179-G-89), former Minas and Ginastico, the swingman Fernando Henrique (F-84), former Santos and Sao Bernardo, the big man Cleiton Sebastiao (212-C-79, agency: Jose Medalha EC, college: Oklahoma Baptist) former Americana, and the shootinguard Carlao, former Dracena, a small club from Sao Paulo State.

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

BULGARIA

Bulgarian NBL round 14 best performance: Priest Lauderdale - by Eurobasket News
Naturalized American center Priest Lauderdale (221-C-73) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for second-ranked Levski, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 14.
The 37-year old player was the main contributor (28 points, eight rebounds and two assists) to his team's victory, helping them to beat Spartak (#8, 3-11) 96-87. Levski maintains the 2nd position in American NBL. They are still close to the very top. Levski would have been even better if they kept winning the games like in the last round. They have a solid 12-2 record. Lauderdale just recently signed at Levski and just after two games he already turned to be a very valuable addition to the team. Former Central State University star has very solid stats this year. Lauderdale. Lauderdale is in league's top in points (2nd best: 23.5ppg) and averages impressive 81.5% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 36-year old former international swingman Hrisimir Dimitrov (197-G/F-74) of Spartak. Dimitrov had a very good evening with a double-double of 25 points and 11 rebounds. Bad luck as Spartak lost that game 87-96 to the higher-ranked Levski (#2, 12-2). Spartak are still at the very bottom. 11 lost games are too many comparing to just three victories Spartak managed to get this year. Dimitrov is a newcomer at Spartak, but is already one of team's top players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 18.4ppg (#4). His other stats are also decent: 7.5rpg and 3.1apg.

Third on the list of top players last round was international swingman Ivan Lilov (196-F/G-88) of Rilski Sportist Samokov (#4). Lilov showcased his all-around game by recording 25 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in the last round. Despite Lilov's great performance Rilski Sportist lost 87-96 to #1 ranked Lukoil Academik. But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates especially in such crucial game. The chances of Rilski Sportist ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 8 games, recording just six victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Lilov could help Rilski Sportist to bring them higher in the standings. Lilov has a great season in Bulgaria. After 14 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 25.6ppg (best scorer).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Simon Finzgar (196-F-80) of Tundja - 26 points and 8 rebounds
5. Simeon Iliev (202-F-89) of Cherno More - 20 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Dimitar Roshmanov (185-G-85) of Chernomorets - 20 points, 3 rebounds and 7 assists
7. Krum Doychinov (206-C-86) of Balkan - 18 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Dominic James (180-G-86) of Lukoil Academik - 19 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists
9. Donald Cole (204-C-81) of Levski - 17 points and 7 rebounds
10. Zlatin Georgiev (195-G-85) of Levski - 9 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

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

CANADA

Barbosa out at least a week with hamstring injury - by Eurobasket News
Toronto Raptors guard Leandrinho Barbosa (6'3''-G-82) is expected to miss one to two weeks with a strained right hamstring.

Coach Jay Triano said Barbosa will not play on the Raptors' five-game road trip, which began Saturday night at Washington.

Barbosa was hurt in the final seconds of the first half of Friday night's loss to Detroit.

Barbosa is Toronto's third leading scorer, averaging 13.4 points per game.

Courtesy of www.sportingnews.com

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

CHINA

Gaines' double-double lands him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
29-year old forward Charles Gaines (201-F-81, agency: Gross Zeev ISA) put on an amazing game in the last round for Qingdao DS and receives a Asia-basket.com Player of the Week award for round 16.
He had a double-double of 41 points and 13 rebounds, while his team beat Zhejiang C. (#12, 6-9) 113-102. The game rather meaningless between the teams, which do not have any influence on the top of the standings. Qingdao DS maintains the 10th position in Chinese league. Qingdao DS is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 7-8 record. Gaines turned to be Qingdao DS's top player in his first season with the team. University of Southern Mississippi graduate has very impressive stats this year. Gaines is league's best scorer averaging so far 32.0ppg. Gaines is in league's top in rebounds (6th best: 13.5rpg) and averages solid 2.7spg and 61.4% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Dwayne Jones (211-C-83) of Fujian. He is American center in his first season at Fujian. In the last game Jones recorded impressive double-double of 28 points and 20 rebounds. Of course Fujian cruised to a 120-113 relatively comfortable win over the higher-ranked DongGuan (#2, 13-2). This victory allowed Fujian to leave bottom place moving a little bit up to 16th position in the standings. 12 lost games are too many comparing to just three victories Fujian managed to get this year. Jones is a newcomer at Fujian and quickly became one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to Jackson Vroman (208-C/F-81) of league's second-best DongGuan. Vroman got into 30-points club by scoring 31 points in the last round. He went also for fifteen rebounds and eight assists. Despite Vroman's great performance DongGuan lost 113-120 to the lower-ranked Fujian (#16, 3-12). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. DongGuan had another 'accident'. It may be a crucial game and cause dropping from the group of top ranked teams. The record is still good, but 2nd lost game is hopefully really an accident. Vroman's teammates are also very good. That's why having such high stats is even more impressive. Vroman has a great season in China. After 15 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 24.8ppg (9th best) and assists with 5.3apg (4th best). He also has 3.1spg, 2.1bpg and FGP: 59.4%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Peter John Ramos (222-C-85) of Zhejiang G.L. - 35 points, 16 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Osama Daghlas (199-G-79) of Shanxi Zh. - 25 points, 8 rebounds and 12 assists
6. Stephon Marbury (187-G-77) of Foshan - 35 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists
7. Lei Wang (203-F-86) of Bayi - 22 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists
8. ZhengDong Tang (213-C-84) of Jiangsu - 25 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Herve Lamizana (207-F/C-81) of TianJin R. - 19 points and 10 rebounds
10. Andre Emmett (196-G/F-82) of Fujian - 24 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists

The Player of the week is chosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

Guangdong Southern Tigers replaces Jones with Lester Hudson - by Alex Yam
3 time defending CBA Champions, the Guandong Southern Tigers decided to release former NBA standout Jones Fred (193-G-79, college: Oregon) after 14 games, as the team has struggled since the injury to big man Harrison David (213-C-82, college: Colorado). The team has lost 4 games this season already, and we are less then halfway through the 2010-11 CBA season. In the previous 2 seasons, the Tigers have lost only 4 games , en route to back to back CBA championships.

Jones ends his brief CBA career with a modest 12.5 ppg, and the brunt of the teams failures this season. The Tigers who are seen as more vulnerable this season then any other, in part to season ending injuries (Harrison) and the decision not to bring back Smush Parker, who led the team to 2 consecutive CBA Championships, finally went a different direction, and signed offensive phenom Lester Hudson (191-G-84, college: Tennessee-Martin) to replace Jones. Hudson came out in his 1st game vs Shanxi and scored 29pts and grabbed 12 rebounds, remarkable statistics for a player who just got off the plane 24 hours before.

Hudson's biggest supporter was former Guangdong standout, and Wizards teammate Yi Jianlian, who informed the team of Hudson's knack for scoring and defending.

Stats Leaders - CBA

Points Per Game

Charles GAINES
  Qingdao DS
  (201-F-81)
  Avg: 32

1. Gaines, Qingdao DS	32.0
2. Morris, Beijing	28.7
3. Douby, Xinjiang	28.6
4. Wright, Jiangsu	28.2
5. Akognon, DongGuan	27.9
6. James, Zhejiang C.	27.9
7. Lamizana, TianJ.	27.9
8. Brown, Qingdao DS	26.7
9. Emmett, Fujian	26.6
10. Vroman, DongGuan	24.8

Rebounds Per Game

Dwayne JONES
  Fujian
  (211-C-83)
  Avg: 17.8

1. Jones, Fujian	17.8
2. Benson, TianJin R.	14.9
3. Ramos, Zhejiang.	13.9
4. Oyedeji, Foshan	13.8
5. Harris, Shanghai	13.7
6. Gaines, Qingdao DS	13.5
7. Watkins, Jilin	13.4
8. Morris, Beijing	12.6
9. Moiso, Jiangsu	12.5
10. Abbaas, Beijing	12.1

Assists Per Game

Osama DAGHLAS
  Shanxi Zh.
  (199-G-79)
  Avg: 8.4

1. Daghlas, Shanxi Zh.	8.4
2. Hu, Jiangsu	6.3
3. Marbury, Foshan	5.7
4. Vroman, DongGuan	5.3
5. Lu, Fujian	5.3
6. Brown, Qingdao DS	5.2
7. Green, Shanghai	4.8
8. Douby, Xinjiang	4.7
9. Jones, Guandong	4.6
10. Crittenton, Zhejia.	4.6

Steals Per Game

Javaris CRITTENTON
  Zhejiang G.L.
  (196-G-87)
  Avg: 3.6

1. Crittenton, Zhejia.	3.6
2. Hu, Jiangsu	3.5
3. Douby, Xinjiang	3.2
4. Vroman, DongGuan	3.1
5. Emmett, Fujian	2.9
6. Akognon, DongGuan	2.8
7. Daghlas, Shanxi Zh.	2.7
8. Smith, Liaoning	2.7
9. Gaines, Qingdao DS	2.7
10. James, Zhejiang C.	2.6

Blocks Per Game

Herve LAMIZANA
  TianJin R.
  (207-F/C-81)
  Avg: 3.9

1. Lamizana, TianJ.	3.9
2. Jones, Fujian	2.5
3. Vroman, DongGuan	2.1
4. Moiso, Jiangsu	2.1
5. Watkins, Jilin	2.1
6. Morris, Beijing	1.7
7. Zhang, Shanghai	1.7
8. Wang, Bayi	1.7
9. Boone, Zhejiang C.	1.7
10. Benson, TianJin R.	1.4

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

COLOMBIA

FREDDY ASPRILLA LEAVES K-STATE, CHOOSE TO BECOME PROFESIONAL - by Victor Garcia
Colombian Center, Freddy Asprilla has left the Kansas State Basketball program the last weekend, Asprilla saw his minutes reduced in the last games of the K-State, the team had a 2 games lossing streak without Asprilla in the starting line up, Coach Frank Martin had a guards style of play that did not help Asprilla to develop his skills.
The Colombian center had prevously leaved FIU in a cotroversial decision that finished now with him leaving iits second first division program in the NCAA.
According several sources the big guy will now become profesional, and will enter the next NBA draft.

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

CROATIA

Svjetlost's lucky win against Trogir - by Ivan Ilakovac

KK Svjetlost won the league game against KK Trogir in front of 1100 spectators in Vijus. Svjetlost was the big favourite but they didn't show that on court. Although the home team began the game very good with two 3-poiners from their forward Igor Maric ( 196-F-85 ) for the lead 14:8 in the 6th minute, guests made 8-1 run to end 1st quarter with the lead 15:16. Trogir's Anto Bilic ( 192-G-70 ) with two 3-pointers contributed for the lead of his team.
2nd quarter continued in the same rythm as first. Guests had better offensive actions. Home team tried to come back in game. They didn't have enough team play and tried with personal offensive acitons which were not succesful. In 15th minute Trogir made a 8-2 run for their biggest lead in the game 18:24. Svjetlost's defense didn't have solutions for the guests forward Luka Zitko ( 201-F-81 ) who maintained the lead of his team. Players went to the locker rooms with the guests lead 25:29.
In the second half Svjetlost struggle to come back in the game. There wasn't any player that could score crucial ponits to decrease the guests lead. Trogir's Milan Karaka ( 190-G-80 ) made three 3-pointers from downtown that upset Svjetlost's coach Zoran Kalpic very much. 3rd quarter finished with 43:48 for the guests.
The last part of this game was the most dramatic one. Home team players started to make their open shots which was not the case in the first three quarters. Igor Maric scored a 3-pointer in the 33rd minute for the lead 55:54. Trogir had a few minimal leads but they haven't won the game at the end. Svjetlost's forward Matej Karlovic ( 200-F-89 ) woke up in the 4th quarter. Karlovic and Maric combined 23 points in the 4th quarter, when Svjetlost put Trogir away by making 7-of-10 3-pointers. At the end the look on board said 68:63 for Svjetlost.
Matej Karlovic was the best scorer for KK Svjetlost with 20 points while Igor Maric added 19. For Trogir Luka Zitko made 19 points helped by Milan Karaka who scored 13.
Next challenge for team from Slavonski Brod in Croatian A-1 league will be game in Dubrovnik next weekend.

by co-correspondent Kreimir Grcevic

Stats Leaders - A1

Points Per Game

Luka ZITKO
  Trogir
  (201-F-81)
  Avg: 18.3

1. Zitko, Trogir	18.3
2. Krapic, Zabok	17.6
3. Sobin, KK Split	17.3
4. Bakovic, Darda	17.3
5. Saric, Dubrava	16.8
6. Ridl, Darda	15.8
7. Helbich, Svjetlost	15.5
8. Ceskovic, Trogir	14.9
9. Kamaldin, Darda	14.8
10. Basljan, Dubrava	14.7

Rebounds Per Game

Dalibor BAGARIC
  Marousi
  (217-C-80)
  Avg: 11.6

1. Bagaric, Dubrava	11.6
2. Radic, Alkar Sinj	9.5
3. Krapic, Zabok	9.4
4. Krolo, Darda	8.6
5. Saric, Dubrava	8.6
6. Sobin, KK Split	7.4
7. Vukicevic, Svjetlost	6.7
8. Zupic, Alkar Sinj	6.4
9. Grgurevic, KK Split	6.3
10. Ridl, Darda	6.0

Assists Per Game

Rudolf JUGO
  Kvarner 2010
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 4.6

1. Jugo, Kvarner 2010	4.6
2. Misic, Svjetlost	4.5
3. Blajic, Trogir	4.3
4. Delas, Alkar Sinj	4.1
5. Tomeljak, Zabok	3.9
6. Sarac, Svjetlost	3.8
7. Primorac, Dubrava	3.3
8. Dosen, Dubrovnik	3.1
9. Katic, KK Split	2.9
10. Peric, Dubrovnik	2.9

Steals Per Game

Ozren MISIC
  Svjetlost
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Misic, Svjetlost	2.5
2. Anzulovic, Alkar Sinj	2.2
3. Skific, Borik	2.1
4. Petani, Borik	2.0
5. Swift, Darda	1.9
6. Tomeljak, Zabok	1.8
7. Blajic, Trogir	1.8
8. Jugo, Kvarner 2010	1.7
9. Kamaldin, Darda	1.7
10. Saric, Dubrava	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Toni VITALI
  Trogir
  (201-F-91)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Vitali, Trogir	1.7
2. Bagaric, Dubrava	1.6
3. Ragsdale, Kvarner .	1.2
4. Sobin, KK Split	1.2
5. Karac, Dubrovnik	1.0
6. Sarlija, Borik	1.0
7. Krolo, Darda	1.0
8. Kraljevic, Zabok	1.0
9. Saric, Dubrava	0.9
10. Zupic, Alkar Sinj	0.7

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

CYPRUS

Important victories for Apollon, Etha and Ael - by Dr. Nasios Orinos
Enad 73 - Apollon 79
With Jones scoring 28 pts, Apollon routted Enad in Agios Dometios and advanced to 8-3. Carr added another 17 and Platt had 13. From Enad, Randounovic had 28 (6) and Kent 23.
With the end of the regular season Apollon targets to finish 1st on the board.

Achilleas 60 - Etha 76
Etha proved once more that indeed is a great team and has potentials. With its victory against Achilleas, Ehta has chances even for the 3rd place on the board. It should be noted that this year Etha has had a successful run in the Eurochallenge, has advanced to the cup semi-finals and so far is having a successful run in the championship.
For the winners, King led his team with 20 pts, and Redding added another 17.
In the loosing squad Diamantopoulos survived with 13 points and Angelov with 12.

Ael 79 - Keravnos 75
In a thrilling game Ael advanced to 4-6 after beating Keravnos 79-75. This is an important victory mainly on the psychological aspect for Linos Gabriel.
Papic scored 16 points with Buford and Ewing adding another 15. Kounounis who is having a very good season so far added 13.
In the loosing squad Stefanovic had 27 and Fels 15.

Note: Eurobasket.com is unable for the time being to receive statistics from the Cyprus Basketball Federation. It hopes to do this in the following rounds. In such a case it will keep providing statistical data just like the 1st half of the season.

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

CZECH REPUBLIC

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings

1. BK Prostejov		13-2
2. BK Pardubice		12-3
3. BK Decin		12-4
4. Novy Jicin		12-4
5. NH Ostrava		10-6
6. B&W Opava		7-8
7. BC Kolin		7-9
8. Basketbol Brno		6-10
9. USK Praha		4-11
10. Plzen		1-14
11. Svitavy		1-14
Play in international cups:
1. CEZ Nymburk		-

Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game

Terry SMITH
  BC Kolin
  (185-G-86)
  Avg: 18.1

1. Smith, BC Kolin	18.1
2. Landry, BK Prost.	16.4
3. Burke, NH Ostrava	15.8
4. Hatcher, BK Decin	15.5
5. Houska, BK Decin	15.1
6. Horak, Svitavy	14.9
7. Muirhead, Novy Jicin	14.5
8. Blazek, B&W Opava	14.3
9. Arnold, BK Pardu.	14.2
10. Hampton, BK Pardu.	14.1

Rebounds Per Game

Boris MENO
  Basketbol Brno
  (203-F-83)
  Avg: 10.7

1. Meno, Basketbo.	10.7
2. Burke, NH Ostrava	9.6
3. Houska, BK Decin	9.1
4. Landry, BK Prost.	8.9
5. Arnold, BK Pardu.	8.9
6. Kramny, Svitavy	8.1
7. Spagrud, NH Ostrava	7.2
8. Gadri, BK Prostejov	7.0
9. Blazek, B&W Opava	6.9
10. Frana, Plzen	6.7

Assists Per Game

Eugene LAWRENCE
  BK Prostejov
  (184-G-86)
  Avg: 4.6

1. Lawrence, BK Prost.	4.6
2. Carnecky, B&W O.	4.3
3. Hatcher, BK Decin	3.7
4. Kotas, USK Praha	3.5
5. Jones, BC Kolin	3.4
6. Channels, Novy Jicin	3.4
7. Maio, Basketbo.	3.4
8. Sanders, BK Decin	3.3
9. Vrubl, Plzen	3.3
10. Sirina, B&W Opava	3.3

Steals Per Game

Derek WRIGHT
  BK Pardubice
  (175-G-86)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Wright, BK Pardu.	2.5
2. Kotas, USK Praha	2.1
3. Hampton, BK Pardu.	2.0
4. Vrubl, Plzen	2.0
5. Gibson-B., NH Os.	2.0
6. Smith, BC Kolin	1.9
7. Holloway, Basket.	1.9
8. Muirhead, Novy Jicin	1.6
9. Lawrence, BK Prost.	1.6
10. Sirina, B&W Opava	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Cezary TRYBANSKI
  NH Ostrava
  (218-C-79)
  Avg: 1.4

1. Trybanski, NH Os.	1.4
2. Hanke, USK Praha	1.1
3. Houska, BK Decin	1.1
4. Kramny, Svitavy	1.1
5. Meno, Basketbo.	0.9
6. Miklosik, B&W O.	0.9
7. Gadri, BK Prostejov	0.9
8. Frana, Plzen	0.8
9. Spagrud, NH Ostrava	0.8
10. Pelikan, Novy Jicin	0.8

NBL Round 17: Top-ranked BK Prostejov wins another game - by Eurobasket News
NBL top team - BK Prostejov (13-2) had no problems winning another game on Saturday. This time they crushed tenth ranked Lokomotiva Plzen (1-14) 98-73. The game without a history. BK Prostejov led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 18-of-22 free shots (81.8 percent) during the game. American center Bertengeh Cadri-Nicholson (208-83, college: Denver) orchestrated the victory by scoring 14 points and 8 rebounds. Lithuanian guard Benas Veikalas (192-83, college: Metro St.) contributed with 16 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Power forward Jaroslav Kovanda (204-82) answered with 18 points for Lokomotiva Plzen. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. BK Prostejov have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain first place with 13-2 record. Lokomotiva Plzen lost fifth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the tenth position with 14 games lost. They share it with Svitavy. BK Prostejov are looking forward to face USK Praha (#9) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Lokomotiva Plzen will play against BK Decin and is hoping to prove to their supporters that they can break losing series.
The game in Brno was quite interesting. 7th ranked BC Kolin (7-9) played at the court of eighth ranked Basketbol Brno (6-10). Basketbol Brno did not have too big problems and got a relatively easy victory 90-72. Forward Stepan Reinberger (201-81) stepped up and scored 24 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners and Peter Sedmak chipped in 14 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Forward David Machac (204-80) responded with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Basketbol Brno maintains eighth place with 6-10 record. BC Kolin at the other side keeps the seventh position with nine games lost. Basketbol Brno will play against higher ranked NH Ostrava (#5) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. BC Kolin will play against Basketbal Svitavy and hopes to get back on the winning track.
The game between 11th ranked Basketbal Svitavy (1-14) and fourth ranked Novy Jicin (12-4) in Svitavy on Saturday ended with biggest points difference. Guests from Novy Jicin outscored Basketbal Svitavy 84-41. Emanuel Ubilla nailed 8 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the winning side. Jakub Sedlak came up with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 rebounds for Basketbal Svitavy in the defeat. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Novy Jicin moved-up to third place, which they share with BK Decin. Basketbal Svitavy lost their tenth game in a row. Newly promoted team stay at the bottom position with 14 games lost. They share it with Plzen. Novy Jicin will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Basketbal Svitavy will play against BC Kolin (#7).

In the last two games of round 17 NH Ostrava was smashed by BK Decin on the road 92-60. BK Pardubice destroyed USK Praha on its own court 87-60.

BK Decin - NH Ostrava 92-60

No shocking result in a game when third ranked BK Decin (12-4) crushed at home 5th ranked NH Ostrava (10-6) 92-60 on Saturday. The game without a history. BK Decin led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. International forward Pavel Houska (201-84) nailed 16 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists for the winning side and the former international center Jakub Houska (206-82) accounted for 12 points and 6 rebounds. American forward Dwight Burke (203-86, college: Marquette) came up with 21 points and 9 rebounds and Polish center Cezary Trybanski (218-79) added 9 points and 6 rebounds respectively for NH Ostrava in the defeat. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. BK Decin maintains third place with 12-4 record behind leader BK Prostejov, which they share with Novy Jicin. Loser NH Ostrava keeps the fifth position with six games lost. BK Decin will meet Lokomotiva Plzen (#10) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. NH Ostrava will play against Basketbol Brno (#8) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
BK Decin: P.Houska 16+8reb+5ast, L.Sanders 12+1reb+3ast, J.Houska 12+6reb+3ast, T.Pomikalek 9+2reb+1ast, A.Alic 9+4reb+4ast, W.Hatcher 9+4reb+3ast
NH Ostrava: D.Burke 21+9reb, C.Trybanski 9+6reb, A.Spagrud 8+5reb, J.Stehlik 8+3reb+2ast, M.Stuchly 6+4reb, A.Ciz 4+3ast

Svitavy - Novy Jicin 41-84

The game between 11th ranked Basketbal Svitavy (1-14) and fourth ranked Novy Jicin (12-4) in Svitavy on Saturday ended with biggest points difference. Guests from Novy Jicin outscored Basketbal Svitavy 84-41. The game without a history. Novy Jicin led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Basketbal Svitavy to just 6 points in second quarter. Novy Jicin held Basketbal Svitavy to an opponent 24.6 percent shooting from the field compared to 52.2 percent accuracy of the winners. American-Puerto Rican guard Emanuel Ubilla (188-86, college: Fairleigh Dickinson) nailed 8 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the winning side and Canadian-Jamaican forward Corey Muirhead (198-83, college: W.Carolina) accounted for 14 points. Center Jakub Sedlak (210-89) came up with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 rebounds and power forward Ladislav Horak (205-86) added 9 points and 7 rebounds respectively for Basketbal Svitavy in the defeat. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Novy Jicin moved-up to third place, which they share with BK Decin. Basketbal Svitavy lost their tenth game in a row. Newly promoted team stay at the bottom position with 14 games lost. They share it with Plzen. Novy Jicin will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Basketbal Svitavy will play against BC Kolin (#7).
Top scorers:
Novy Jicin: C.Muirhead 14+4reb+1ast, V.Peciukas 11+2reb+1ast, R.Pelikan 11+4reb, D.Pandula 10+2reb+1ast, T.Voslajer 8+6reb+1ast, E.Ubilla 8+6reb+5ast
Svitavy: J.Sedlak 14+10reb+1ast, L.Horak 9+7reb, M.Leopold 5+1reb, T.Macela 5+3reb+1ast, L.Sindelar 4+3reb+2ast, J.Spacek 3+3reb+1ast

Basketbol Brno - BC Kolin 90-72

The game in Brno was quite interesting. 7th ranked BC Kolin (7-9) played at the court of eighth ranked Basketbol Brno (6-10). Basketbol Brno did not have too big problems and got a relatively easy victory 90-72. It looked good early as BC Kolin took an 1-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Basketbol Brno had a 25-13 second period charge getting the lead and BC Kolin was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 72-90. Basketbol Brno made 18-of-21 charity shots (85.7 percent) during the game. Basketbol Brno outrebounded BC Kolin 41-27 including a 32-16 advantage in offensive rebounds. Forward Stepan Reinberger (201-81) stepped up and scored 24 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners and Slovakian center Peter Sedmak (203-85) chipped in 14 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Forward David Machac (204-80) responded with 19 points and 7 rebounds and American guard Terry Smith (185-86, college: Mercyhurst) scored 19 points and 6 rebounds. Five Basketbol Brno and four BC Kolin players scored in double figures. Basketbol Brno maintains eighth place with 6-10 record. BC Kolin at the other side keeps the seventh position with nine games lost. Basketbol Brno will play against higher ranked NH Ostrava (#5) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. BC Kolin will play against Basketbal Svitavy and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Basketbol Brno: S.Reinberger 24+8reb+5ast, P.Sedmak 14+5reb+5ast, S.Maio 13+1reb+2ast, E.Holloway 11+7reb, S.Castleberry 10+5reb+1ast, D.Gajdosik 8+4reb+3ast
BC Kolin: T.Smith 19+6reb+3ast, D.Machac 19+7reb+3ast, B.Jones 11+8reb+7ast, S.Zuzak 10+3reb, M.Hubalek 6, P.Hemmy 3+1ast

BK Prostejov - Plzen 98-73

NBL top team - BK Prostejov (13-2) had no problems winning another game on Saturday. This time they crushed tenth ranked Lokomotiva Plzen (1-14) 98-73. The game without a history. BK Prostejov led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 18-of-22 free shots (81.8 percent) during the game. American center Bertengeh Cadri-Nicholson (208-83, college: Denver) orchestrated the victory by scoring 14 points and 8 rebounds. Lithuanian guard Benas Veikalas (192-83, college: Metro St.) contributed with 16 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Five BK Prostejov players scored in double figures. Power forward Jaroslav Kovanda (204-82) answered with 18 points and forward Pavel Novak (199-83) added 12 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Lokomotiva Plzen. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. BK Prostejov have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain first place with 13-2 record. Lokomotiva Plzen lost fifth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the tenth position with 14 games lost. They share it with Svitavy. BK Prostejov are looking forward to face USK Praha (#9) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Lokomotiva Plzen will play against BK Decin and is hoping to prove to their supporters that they can break losing series.
Top scorers:
BK Prostejov: B.Veikalas 16+5reb+2ast, K.Landry 14+6reb, B.Cadri-Nicholson 14+8reb+2ast, R.Hyzy 13+3reb+2ast, A.Slezas 12+2reb, J.Bohacik 11+1ast
Plzen: J.Kovanda 18+4reb, M.Soukup 13+5reb, P.Novak 12+7reb+1ast, S.Vrubl 9+5reb+3ast, L.Pecka 8+2reb, J.Suchy 6+3reb

BK Pardubice - USK Praha 87-60

Very expected game when 9th ranked USK Praha (4-11) was smashed on the road by second ranked BK Pardubice (12-3) 87-60 on Saturday. The game without a history. BK Pardubice led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to USK Praha's 32. They outrebounded USK Praha 37-21 including 25 on the offensive glass. American guard Derek Wright (175-86, college: Austin Peay St.) nailed 17 points (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) for the winning side and his fellow American import power forward Marcus Arnold (207-84, college: Illinois, agency: Stanley International) accounted for 9 points and 9 rebounds. Arnold is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. BK Pardubice's coach Jan Slowiak felt very confident that he used 11 players and allowed the starting five to rest. International forward Lukas Kotas (194-84) came up with 12 points and 7 rebounds and Bosnian-Slovenian center Milan Bjegovic (211-81, agency: Promotex) added 13 points respectively for USK Praha in the defeat. BK Pardubice maintains second place with 12-3 record behind leader BK Prostejov. Loser USK Praha keeps the ninth position with 11 games lost. BK Pardubice will meet B&W Opava (#6) on the road in the next round. USK Praha will play against the league's leader BK Prostejov and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
BK Pardubice: D.Wright 17+4reb+3ast, P.Bohacik 13+3reb+2ast, M.Marek 11+2reb, M.Hampton 10+1reb+1ast, Z.Pospisil 9+2reb+2ast, M.Arnold 9+9reb
USK Praha: M.Bjegovic 13+2reb, L.Kotas 12+7reb, T.Vyoral 11+2reb+1ast, J.Slavik 7+2reb+1ast, M.Klimes 7+3reb+1ast, L.Moravec 5+2ast

BK JIP Pardubic 87-60 USK Praha - by Spencer McIntosh
BK JIP Pardubice provides a great home court venue for its sponsors and fans. The environment was a vibrant and electric one tonight, and the American guards for BK JIP Pardubice gave the guests a lot to awe about.

BK JIP Pardubice handled the visiting USK Praha squad with relative ease in a 87-60 victory on Saturday evening. Derek Wright (175-G-86, college: Austin Peay St.) lead BK JIP Pardubice with a game high 17 points, while Petr Bohaoik finished with 13 points and big man Marcus Arnold dominated the boards with 9 points and 9 rebounds.
Milan Bjegovic lead the Praha in the losing effort, finishing with a team high 13 points, and captain Lukas Kotas had a solid all around game with 12 points and 7 rebounds.

BK JIP Pardubice began the game strong in front of their home fans, and forced USK Praha into early turnovers. Praha did not score until the 6:37 mark in the 1st Qtr on Bjegovic's two Free Throws. A short jump hook by Bjegovic on the next possession made the score 6-4 BK JIP Pardubice, and that was the closest Praha would get all game long. Bjegovic kept the score close the best he could, scoring the team's first six points but it was not enough at the lead soon swelled to double digits for BK JIP Pardubice.

'Their playmakers really gave us trouble' Bjegovic said after the game. 'Their guards got into the paint with ease and made it difficult on our defense.'

Maurice Hampton (188-G-84, college: Austin Peay St.) and Derek Wright helped expand the lead with their uncanny ability to penetrate into the lane and create easy looks for their teammates. They demonstrated great skill in moving the ball and establishing a rhythm that the team would ride out for the victory.

In the 2nd quarter USK Praha kept it close and started to gain some momentum. Lukas Kotas converted on two driving layups and a corner 3 PT FG by Lubos Moravec cut the lead to 26-20 midway through the 2nd quarter. BK JIP Pardubice soon responded, and would take a 41-30 lead into halftime on Hampton's buzzer beating layup. The game would remain steady at a double digit contest throughout the remainder of the contest.

To open the 3rd Quarter, BK JIP Pardubice stormed out of the gates on an 11-2 run swelling the lead to 51-32 and took control of the game.

'Their interior passing gave us trouble in the 3rd quarter' remarked Bjegovic. BK JIP Pardubice demonstrated great skill in executing their offense and getting high percentage shots around the basket. A beautiful possession of ball movement and floor spacing midway through the 3rd quarter gave BK JIP Pardubicee a 53-33 lead on a lay-up by Bohaoik. Then, another buzzer beating layup at the end of thew quarter by Tomas Toth gave the hosts a 68-48 advantage at the end of the 3rd quarter.

The 4th quarter proved more of the same, as BK JIP Pardubice continued its steady play. Arnold's 2 FT's gave BK JIP Pardubice its biggest lead of the game at 75-50 at the 7:50 mark. The teams would exchange baskets for the rest of the contest, with Praha being unable to put a dent in the lead.

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

DENMARK

Bears Jahmar Thorpe breaks hand - by Thomas Soltau
In last weeks game against Svendborg the new US player broke his hand. A hard foul on the fast break sent Jahmar Thorpe (198-F-84, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Houston) to the free throw line. The player made one of the two free throws and was then forced to leave the game in pain. For Thorpe this was only his second game in the Bears uniform. The player will wear a cast, and will likely be out of the action for a good 4-6 weeks.

With some luck the Thorpe could be ready again for the start of the Play Offs.

Bakken Bears defend National Cup trophy once again - by Eurobasket News
Svendborg Rabbits - Bakken Bears 75-78

Bakken Bears won third consecutive National Cup trophy in Denmark. The Bears outsmarted Svendborg Rabbits 78-75 in the Big Final repeating the success from the last two yeas (also from 1999, 2000 and 2005). Charles Burgess (186-G-84, college: Texas Tech) and Chris Nielsen (192-G/F-85) were the leading players in victory scoring 15 points each. Charles Burgess collected 8 rebounds and 5 assists beside that. Andreas Jakobsen (187-G-83, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Columbia (MO)) and Chris Christoffersen (218-C-79, college: Oregon) helped the Bears with 11 points each. On the other side, Nicolai Iversen (205-F-80, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: San Jose City JC) shined with 20 points and 8 rebounds, while Christian Cavanaugh (207-F/C-86, college: Oregon Tech) had double-double of 18 points and 10 boards. However, they were the only players with double-digits in scoring for Svendborg and it was not enough in this Final.
Bakken Bears won the first period 12-16 and Svendborg Rabbits replied with 22-18 for the next ten minutes. Third quarter was the crucial one in this meeting. The Bears took control on their rivals (12-20) jumping to plus 8 before the last quarter. Svendborg was better in Q4, but were not able to make more than 29-24. Bakken Bears were impressive from behind the arc in this game as they made 10 of 21 attempts (47.6 %).

Svendborg Rabbits: Nicolai Iversen 20+8 boards, Christian Cavanaugh 18+10 boards
Bakken Bears: Charles Burgess 15+8 boards+5 as, Chris Nielsen 15, Andreas Jakobsen 11+5 boards, Chris Christoffersen 11

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

D-LEAGUE

Rockets to send Ish Smith to D-League - by Eurobasket News
NBA sources confirm for FOX 26 Sports the Houston Rockets will send rookie guard Ishmael Smith (6'0''-G-88, college: Wake Forest) on Monday to their NBA Development League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

Smith averaged 3.1 points and 2.4 assists in 24 games with the Rockets.

He started three games.

With Aaron Brooks now healthy, he and Kyle Lowry will get the bulk of the minutes at the guard position, leaving little time for Smith to continue his development.

The Rockets sent rookie forward Patrick Patterson to the D-League earlier this season.

After his return to Houston Patterson took advantage of injuries to create a niche for himself in the Rockets' rotation.

Courtesy of www.myfoxhouston.com

Standings

D-League Standings

Central Division
1. Iowa E.		17-7
2. Erie Bay H.		15-8
3. Ft.Wayne MA		12-11
4. Dakota W.		7-17
5. Sioux Falls S.		2-18
Southwest Division
1. Tulsa 66ers		18-6
2. Rio Grande		13-7
3. New Mexico		11-12
4. Texas L.		10-11
5. Maine RC		10-13
6. Austin T.		9-11
West Division
1. Reno Bighorns		15-8
2. Bakersfield J.		14-9
3. Utah F.		10-9
4. Idaho S.		7-15
5. Springfield A.		7-15

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Trey JOHNSON
  Bakersfield J.
  (196-G-84)
  Avg: 25.5

1. Johnson, Bakersfi.	25.5
2. Anderson, New M.	21.1
3. Jeffers, Iowa E.	21.0
4. Alexander, Texas L.	20.5
5. Greene, Utah F.	19.9
6. Dentmon, Texas L.	19.9
7. Johnson, Erie B.	19.3
8. Edwards, New M.	19.3
9. Tucker, New Mexico	17.8
10. Sims, Maine RC	17.5

Rebounds Per Game

Joe ALEXANDER
  Texas L.
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 10.3

1. Alexander, Texas L.	10.3
2. Patterson, Rio G.	10.3
3. Sims, Iowa E.	10.0
4. Williams, Texas L.	10.0
5. Phillips, Ft.Wayne.	9.8
6. Johnson, Dakota W.	9.6
7. Jeffers, Iowa E.	9.5
8. Wheeler, Idaho S.	8.9
9. Cousin, Austin T.	8.6
10. Williams, Tulsa 66ers	8.6

Assists Per Game

Aaron MILES
  Reno Bighorns
  (186-G-83)
  Avg: 8.7

1. Miles, Reno Bighorns	8.7
2. Stinson, Iowa E.	8.5
3. Daniels, Texas L.	7.9
4. Jackson, Idaho S.	7.9
5. Russell, Ft.Wayne.	7.7
6. Jackson, Erie B.	6.6
7. Johnson, Austin T.	6.1
8. Cooper, Dakota W.	5.7
9. Wise, Bakersfield J.	5.4
10. Bailey, Sioux F.	5.1

Steals Per Game

Zabian DOWDELL
  Phoenix Suns
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Dowdell, Tulsa 66ers	2.5
2. Miles, Reno Bighorns	2.5
3. Jackson, Idaho S.	2.4
4. Hubbard, New M.	2.3
5. Jeffers, Iowa E.	2.2
6. Russell, Ft.Wayne.	2.1
7. Lofton, Iowa E.	2.1
8. Linhart, Erie B.	2.1
9. Jackson, Erie B.	2.1
10. Blakely, Bakersfi.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Sean WILLIAMS
  Texas L.
  (208-F-86)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Williams, Texas L.	3.2
2. Johnson, Dakota W.	3.1
3. Aldrich, Tulsa 66ers	2.5
4. Alabi, Erie Bay H.	2.5
5. Sykes, Sioux F.	2.3
6. Whiteside, Reno B.	2.2
7. Naymick, Bakersfi.	2.2
8. Wallace, Bakersfi.	1.7
9. Patterson, Rio G.	1.6
10. Alexander, Texas L.	1.6

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

ESTONIA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Andrais THORNTON
  Voru KK
  (203-C-85)
  Avg: 18.5

1. Thornton, Voru KK	18.5
2. Saage, Rakvere	18.1
3. Erm, Rapla	16.8
4. Raap, Parnu	16.8
5. Brown, Va.	16.2
6. Kuuba, Voru KK	14.9
7. Vares, Va.	14.9
8. Arnold, TT.	14.8
9. Tagamets, Va.	14.4
10. Osby, TT.	14.3

Rebounds Per Game

Andrais THORNTON
  Voru KK
  (203-C-85)
  Avg: 12.3

1. Thornton, Voru KK	12.3
2. Brown, Va.	12.2
3. Arnold, TT.	11.1
4. Ringmets, Rapla	9.5
5. Osby, TT.	8.9
6. Eziukwu, TU/Rock	8.8
7. Dunigan, Kalev/Cr.	8.8
8. Kuuba, Voru KK	8.7
9. Pokla, Rakvere	7.6
10. Raadik, Parnu	6.8

Assists Per Game

Tanel SOKK
  Kalev/Cramo
  (184-G-85)
  Avg: 3.9

1. Sokk, Kalev/Cramo	3.9
2. Sokk, TU/Rock	3.6
3. Kriisa, TT.	3.4
4. Tsintsadze, TU/Rock	3.2
5. Oja, Va.	3.2
6. Tamm, Kalev/Cramo	3.0
7. Karner, Parnu	3.0
8. Laane, Rapla	2.7
9. Winston, Va.	2.7
10. Ringmets, Rapla	2.6

Steals Per Game

Silver LEPPIK
  TU/Rock
  (185-G-83)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Leppik, TU/Rock	2.4
2. Doronin, TU/Rock	2.3
3. Saage, Rakvere	2.2
4. Laane, Rapla	2.2
5. Veideman, TU/Rock	2.1
6. Pilk, TT.	1.8
7. Pokla, Rakvere	1.8
8. Erm, Rapla	1.8
9. Karner, Parnu	1.8
10. Dorbek, Rakvere	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Callistus EZIUKWU
  TU/Rock
  (208-F/C-85)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Eziukwu, TU/Rock	2.3
2. Osby, TT.	1.5
3. Dunigan, Kalev/Cr.	1.4
4. Raadik, Parnu	1.1
5. Brown, Va.	0.9
6. Arnold, TT.	0.8
7. Talts, TU/Rock	0.8
8. Saarmets, TTU/K.	0.7
9. Raadik, TU/Rock	0.7
10. Montgomery, Rapla	0.6

Estonian EMKL round 18 best performance: Michael Dunigan - by Eurobasket News
American center Michael Dunigan (208-C-89, agency: N.E.T.) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for second-ranked Kalev/Cramo, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 18.
The 21-year old player had a double-double of 21 points and 11 rebounds, while his team crushed Rapla (#5, 7-11) with 17-point margin 96-79. Kalev/Cramo maintains the 2nd position in Estonian EMKL. They are still close to the very top. Kalev/Cramo would have been even better if they kept winning the games like in the last round. They have a solid 17-2 record. Dunigan turned to be Kalev/Cramo's top player in his first season with the team. Former University of Oregon star has very solid stats this year. Dunigan is in league's top in rebounds (7th best: 8.8rpg) and averages impressive 1.4bpg and 53.9% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 25-year old American Curtis Allen (193-G-85) of Voru KK. Allen had a very good evening with a double-double of 24 points and 14 rebounds. Bad luck as Voru KK lost that game 83-98 to the higher-ranked TTU/Kalev (#3, 13-5). Voru KK are still at the very bottom. 18 lost games are too many comparing to just one victory Voru KK managed to get this year. Allen is one of the most experienced players at Voru KK and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third on the list of top players last round was forward Toomas Raadik (198-F-90) of Parnu (#8). Raadik scored 15 points and grabbed ten rebounds. Despite Raadik's great performance Parnu lost 74-77 to slightly higher-ranked Valga/CKE (#7, 7-12). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. Parnu can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have rather bad season and 4-14 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Raadik he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Raadik has a very solid season. In 18 games in Estonia he scored 14.3ppg. He also has 6.8rpg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 54.0% and 3PT: 43.4%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Raido Ringmets (204-C/F-83) of Rapla - 17 points, 13 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Anthony Brown (203-F-86) of Valga/CKE - 22 points and 9 rebounds
6. Bambale Osby (203-F-86) of TTU/Kalev - 18 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists
7. Timo Oja (182-G-87) of Valga/CKE - 24 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists
8. Illimar Pilk (195-F-88) of TTU/Kalev - 25 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Matthew Hall (191-G-86) of Rakvere - 26 points and 10 rebounds
10. Margus Klementsov (169-G-89) of TTU/Kalev - 16 points and 2 assists

The Player of the week is chosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

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

EUROCUP

Aris adds veteran John Thomas - by Eurobasket News
Aris came up with the new signing. The Greek outfit inked a deal with John Thomas (206-F/C-75, college: Minnesota) for rest of the season. He spent the last one in Israel as a member of Hapoel Holon. Thomas appeared 22 times for the club in Premier league averaging 12.8 points, 8.6 rebounds (No.1), 2.1 assists and 1 steals. Eurobasket named Thomas All-Israeli League 2nd Team -10. The player was trying to get NBA deal with Minnesota Timberwolves last summer, but didnt make it.
John Thomas helped Khimik-OPZ Yuzny to reach the Ukrainian Semifinals two years ago. At the same season he spent some time with Al Jalaa Aleppo in Syria and was named Asia-Basket.com All-Syrian League 2nd Team -09. Before that, Thomas was a member of Colorado 14ers, Sioux Falls Skyforce and Chinese Xinjiang Flying Tigers. On season 2004/05, he appeared 44 times in NBA with the Wolves registering 2.5 ppg and 2.2 rpg.
Aris is placed in Group J of the EurpCup Top 16.

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

EUROLEAGUE

Romain Sato not ready for Vilnius - by Giorgos Diploidis
Romain Sato (194-G/F-81, college: Xavier) did not travel for the away game of Panathinaikos Athens in the 'top 16' of Euroleague against Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius The Central African player is suffering from calf strain and has not followed the rest of the team in Lithuania.

In contrast Milenko Tepic (198-G-87, agency: Beo Basket) who had a familiar problem he got over it while Stratos Perperoglou got over the disease that he was suffering from and he is ready to play in the match.

Coach Reneses and Unicaja part ways - by Jonas Baranauskas
Shortly before the start of the Top 16, Unicaja has made a shakeup at the top by firing head coach Aito Garcia Reneses and assistant coach Joaquin Costa effective immediately. A press conference has been called for Tuesday afternoon in which a replacement is expected to be named. Coach Garcia Reneses, widely known as Aito, had led Unicaja for the last three seasons. He helped Unicaja reach the Spanish League semifinals in 2009 and 2010 as well as the Spanish King's Cup final in 2009. Unicaja was Aitos fourth team in a 35-year coaching career in Spain. He made his coaching debut in 1974 with Circulo Catolico of Badalona, later known as Cotonificio Badalona. Aito coached Joventut from 1983 to 1985, finishing as runner-up in the Spanish League in his last season there. Then began a 17-year stay at FC Barcelona during which the club joined Europe's elite echelon. As head coach during three different stints, Aito led Barcelona to nine Spanish League titles. He also took Barcelona to four European title games and six Final Fours, while winning the Korac Cup twice, in 1987 and 1999, and the Saporta Cup in 1986. Garcia Reneses returned to Joventut in 2003 and won the 2006 FIBA EuroCup and the 2007 ULEB Cup trophies. Before joining Unicaja, Garcia Reneses was named head coach of the Spanish national team at the 2008 Olympics, challenging the favored United States before losing a gold-medal game that is already considered a classic in world basketball history. Unicaja opens the Top 16 at home on Thursday against Caja Laboral.

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

FRANCE

Stats Leaders - ProA

Points Per Game

Ben WOODSIDE
  Gravelines
  (180-G-85)
  Avg: 18.1

1. Woodside, Gravelines	18.1
2. Massie, Limoges	17.7
3. Mejia, Cholet	17.6
4. Darden, Nancy	17.4
5. Nichols, Vichy	17.0
6. Jefferson, AS.	16.8
7. King, Le Havre	15.8
8. Walsh, AS.	15.5
9. Bennett, Pau-La.	15.1
10. Haynes, Chalon	15.0

Rebounds Per Game

Rob LEWIN
  Art.Dragons
  (201-F-80)
  Avg: 9.8

1. Lewin, Vichy	9.8
2. Massie, Limoges	9.1
3. Krupalija, Hyeres.	9.0
4. Jones, Le Havre	8.9
5. Issa, Gravelines	8.9
6. Jefferson, AS.	8.1
7. Koffi, Le Mans	7.6
8. Akingbala, Nancy	7.5
9. Sommerville, Paris-.	7.4
10. Nsonwu-Amadi, Roa.	7.4

Assists Per Game

John LINEHAN
  Nancy
  (175-G-78)
  Avg: 6.5

1. Linehan, Nancy	6.5
2. Wright, Limoges	6.4
3. Reid, Vichy	6.3
4. Woodside, Gravelines	6.2
5. King, Le Havre	6.2
6. Sciarra, Pau-La.	5.0
7. Diabate, Roanne	4.8
8. Schilb, Chalon	4.5
9. Houston, Hyeres-T.	4.4
10. Tchicamboud, Cha.	4.4

Steals Per Game

John LINEHAN
  Nancy
  (175-G-78)
  Avg: 3.4

1. Linehan, Nancy	3.4
2. Diot, Le Mans	2.2
3. Darden, Nancy	2.1
4. Dobbins, Hyeres-T.	2.1
5. Walsh, AS.	2.1
6. Causeur, Cholet	2.0
7. Diabate, Roanne	1.9
8. Bennett, Pau-La.	1.9
9. Dewar, Le Mans	1.8
10. Schilb, Chalon	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Cyril AKPOMEDAH
  Gravelines
  (203-F-79)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Akpomedah, Grave.	1.7
2. Issa, Gravelines	1.4
3. Jefferson, AS.	1.4
4. Elegar, Vichy	1.3
5. Koffi, Le Mans	1.2
6. Wilkinson, Le Havre	1.2
7. Badiane, Poitiera.	1.1
8. Pasco, Strasbourg	1.1
9. Fofana, AS.	1.1
10. Sene, Gravelines	1.0

Stats Leaders - ProB

Points Per Game

Moses SONKO
  Maurienne
  (196-F-83)
  Avg: 18.6

1. Sonko, Maurienne	18.6
2. Harris, Lille	17.9
3. Siggers, Rouen	17.8
4. Gay, Fos Ouest	17.8
5. Carter, Nanterre	17.6
6. Ingram, Antibes	16.6
7. Dunn, Maurienne	16.1
8. Labeyrie, Le Portel	15.8
9. Bouldin, Clermont	15.5
10. Davis, Le Portel	15.4

Rebounds Per Game

James MATHIS
  Maurienne
  (199-F/C-84)
  Avg: 10.7

1. Mathis, Maurienne	10.7
2. Barber, Nantes	10.5
3. Daniels, Chalons-.	9.9
4. Bing, Dijon	9.2
5. Monroe, Boulogne	9.1
6. Giles, Rouen	8.3
7. Monds, Bourg	8.2
8. Rouse, Charleville	7.8
9. Sonko, Maurienne	7.7
10. McClark, Charleville	7.6

Assists Per Game

Philippe DA SILVA
  Evreux
  (192-G-79)
  Avg: 8.6

1. Da Silva, Evreux	8.6
2. Rowland, Le Portel	6.4
3. Downey, Nantes	5.9
4. Williams, Le Portel	5.0
5. Denave, St Vallier	5.0
6. Patiejunas, Boulo.	5.0
7. Akono, Nanterre	5.0
8. Taylor, Rouen	5.0
9. Craven, Dijon	4.7
10. Darnauzan, Mauri.	4.5

Steals Per Game

Chris DANIELS
  Chalons-Reims
  (200-F-82)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Daniels, Chalons-.	2.8
2. Shiloh, St Vallier	2.7
3. Doyne, Charleville	2.6
4. Riley, Nanterre	2.6
5. Sonko, Maurienne	2.5
6. Hachad, Fos Ouest	2.4
7. Darnauzan, Mauri.	2.3
8. Stanley, Boulogne	2.2
9. Melody, Dijon	2.1
10. Craven, Dijon	2.1

Blocks Per Game

Sherman GAY
  Fos Ouest
  (201-F-82)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Gay, Fos Ouest	2.1
2. Jefferson, Quimper	1.5
3. Barber, Nantes	1.2
4. Monds, Bourg	1.1
5. N''Diaye, Clermont	1.0
6. Adjiwanou, Boula.	0.9
7. James, Bourg	0.8
8. Davis, Evreux	0.8
9. Taccoen, Lille	0.8
10. Diakite, Chalons-.	0.8

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

GERMANY

Stats Leaders - 2.Bundesliga

Points Per Game

Jevohn SHEPHERD
  Osnabrueck
  (196-F-86)
  Avg: 20.6

1. Shepherd, Osnab.	20.6
2. Brooks, Kirchheim	20.6
3. Johnson, Webmoebel	20.5
4. Roessler, Karlsruhe	19.5
5. Gause, Freiburg	18.9
6. Lewis, ETB Wohnbau	18.7
7. Burnette, Osnab.	18.4
8. Gray, Crailsheim	18.3
9. Watts, Dragons	17.8
10. Wallace, B.Mue.	17.6

Rebounds Per Game

Marcus SMALLWOOD
  Kirchheim
  (198-F-82)
  Avg: 10.9

1. Smallwood, Cuxha.	10.9
2. Black, Karlsruhe	9.5
3. Yearby, Cuxhaven	8.8
4. Smallwood, Kirchheim	8.7
5. Lewis, ETB Wohnbau	8.5
6. Watts, Dragons	8.4
7. De Michael, Kirchheim	8.1
8. Fuller, Crailsheim	7.7
9. Schoo, Heidelberg	7.6
10. Wohlfarth-B., Drago.	7.6

Assists Per Game

Kameron GRAY
  Crailsheim
  (186-G-82)
  Avg: 5.8

1. Gray, Crailsheim	5.8
2. Brooks, Kirchheim	5.8
3. Jeka, Wuerzburg	5.4
4. Zazai, Chemnitz	5.3
5. Barth, Heidelberg	5.2
6. Johnson, Webmoebel	5.0
7. Larsen, Dragons	4.3
8. Wallace, B.Mue.	4.3
9. Burnette, Osnab.	4.2
10. Lowery, Braves	4.2

Steals Per Game

Kejuan JOHNSON
  Webmoebel
  (193-G-85)
  Avg: 3.4

1. Johnson, Webmoebel	3.4
2. Gause, Freiburg	2.9
3. Johnson, Chemnitz	2.6
4. Lewis, ETB Wohnbau	2.4
5. Brooks, Kirchheim	2.3
6. Gray, Crailsheim	2.0
7. Mendez, Heidelberg	1.9
8. Zazai, Chemnitz	1.9
9. Burns, Webmoebel	1.8
10. Scott, Kirchheim	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Tarvis WILLIAMS
  Karlsruhe
  (205-F/C-78)
  Avg: 2

1. Williams, Karlsruhe	2.0
2. Wohlfarth-B., Drago.	2.0
3. Shaw, Cuxhaven	1.8
4. Smallwood, Kirchheim	1.8
5. Schoo, Heidelberg	1.8
6. Yearby, Cuxhaven	1.8
7. Hill, Jena	1.3
8. Henry, Hannover	1.2
9. Hansbro, Freiburg	1.2
10. De Michael, Kirchheim	1.2

Kevin Hamilton (New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig) Postgame Thoughts To 78-70 Win Against The EWE Baskets Oldenburg - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Kevin Hamilton (193-G-84, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Holy Cross) is a 26 year old 193cm guard from Queens Village, New York. This season, he is playing for The New York Phantoms Braunschweig. He played at Holy Cross from 2002-2006 and played together with ex Skyliner Keith Simmons. In his senior year, he played 31 games averaging 17.6ppg, 6.3rpg, 3.5apg, 3.3spg, FG: 38.1%, 3PT: 33.2%, FT: 77.7%. In his rookie season 2006-2007, he came to Europe and played in Poland for Polpak Swiecie playing 19 games and averaging 13.0ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.8apg, Steals-2 (2.3spg), 2FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 64.2%. In 2007-2008, he played in France for Besancon Basket Comte Doubs (France-ProB) playing 2 games and averaging 6.0ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.5apg. He also had a short tenure in Mexico with Pioneros de Quintana Roo-Cancun. In 2008-2009, he returned back to Poland to play for SKK Kotwica Kolobrzeg playing 32 games averaging 11.0ppg, 5.1rpg, Assists-1 (6.4apg), Steals-1 (2.8spg), FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 66.5%. He was not lazy in the last three summers staying in game shape and playing in Puerto Rico playing 90 games. In tue summer of 2009, he played for Indios de Mayaguez playing 35 games and averaging 10.5ppg, 4.7rpg, Assists-3 (6.3apg), Steals-2 (1.7spg), FGP: 45.4%, 3PT: 28.1%, FT: 70.6%. His father was a draft pick of The Boston Celtics in 1980. Last season, he played his first season in Braunschweig playing 39 games: 10.1ppg, 3.8rpg, Assists-3 (5.4apg), Steals-2 (1.9spg), FGP: 63.7%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 77.6%. He spoke to eurobasket following the 78-70 win against The EWE Baskets Oldenburg

Congrats on the 78-70 win against The EWE Baskets Oldenburg. Is Oldenburg better than last season when you beat them in the playoffs?

They are a real good team , The team last year was strong as well. It is hard to tell which team is better.

It seems like Gill and Bogojevic havent been integrated yet. When they are, is this a team that could win it all?

They will be talented enough, and they are well coached so they will be competitive.

Oldenburg led 34-32 at halftime. How would you describe the first half. What was giving Braunschweig the biggest problems?

We had a little trouble scoring, but I think we did a good job defensively.

Braunschweig scored 28 points in the third quarter. What adjustments did the team make?

We shared the ball well and made some good defensive plays.

Oldenburg fought back in the fourth quarter, but Braunschweig pulled out the win in the end. What was key for getting win in 4th quarter?

Just keeping our composure and keeping control of the game throughout their run.

Brandon Thomas has had strong games since coming back from his injury. Is he 100% the old Brandon Thomas?

I think he is, he is playing unbelievable for us right now.

You had a great game with 11 points, 10 assists and four steals. Did you take an extra energy drink before the game? lol

Nope no energy drink. I just tried to focus on being aggressive, hopefully it continues to work out for me.

Were you able to watch your Sea Hawks play?

Yeah it was ugly. But it was nice to be playing at this time of year. A lot of teams were home watching us.

Will Derrick Rose be the top NBA point guard in 5 years?

I think so, he is having a great season.

Thanks Kev for the chat.

John Bynum (TBB Trier) Postgame Thoughts To The 86-75 Win Against The Walter Tigers Tuebingen - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.) is a 32 year old 191 cm guard from Visalia California that is playing his first season with TBB Trier. He is a good fighter, fast and good in offensive playing. He is great athlete who can shoot the ball with consistency from 3 and finish with authority on the break. He is a tremendous defender on the ball. He played college basketball at College of the Sequoias Junior College:from 1996-1998 and then transferred to Metropolitan St. (NCAA2): and played there from 1998-2000. He started his professional basketball career in 2001 in the Uk for the Solent Stars (United Kingdom-NBLConf): 31 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assist. In 2002-2003, came his first tour of duty in Germany for BSG Grevenbroich (Germany-Regionalliga): 24.7ppg, 9.2rpg, 6.7apg, 3.5spg. In 2003-2004, he played for the Ulriken Eagles (Norway-BNLO): Regular Season: 14 games: 20,1ppg, 8,1rpg, 2,5apg, 2,9spg, 0,4bpg.In 2004-2005, he was back in Germany playing for BSG Grevenbroich (Germany-2.Bundesliga): 30 games: Score-5 (26.0ppg), 7.7rpg, Ast-4 (5.4apg), 1.7spg, 2FGP: 55.5%, 3FGP: 33.3%, FT: 63.6%. In 2005-2006, he played for InterCollege Etha Engomis (Cyprus-A1): only pre-season, then joined COOCOON Baskets Weiden (Germany-2.Bundesliga, starting five): 8 games: 15.6ppg, 5.9rpg, 2.0apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 51%, left in Jan.'06 and later that month signed at Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 21 games: 7.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.8apg, 2FGP: 56.5%. In 2006-2007, he played for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 31 games: 5.7ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.2apg, 2FGP: 43.1%, 3FGP: 25.0%, FT: 55.9%. In 2007-2008, he played for USC Heidelberg (Germany-ProA, starting five): 14 games: 14.4ppg, 4.4rpg, Assists-5 (4.6apg), 2.3spg, 2FGP: 54%, 3FGP: 27.3%, FT: 58.5%, left in Jan.'08 due to shoulder injury, in Feb.'08 moved to Digibu Baskets Paderborn (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 13 games: 6.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.4apg, 2FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 70.0%. Last season, he played in the PRO A for Proveo Merlins Crailsheim (Germany-ProA, starting five): 27 games: 16.9ppg, 7.1rpg, Assists-3 (5.4apg), 1.1spg, FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 62.8%. He spoke with eurobasket after the 86-75 win against TBB Trier.

Tuebingen has very passionate fans. How was the atmoshere and can one get a bit distracted at times by the color of the arena?

Tubingen has some great fans and the atmosphere of the arena is one of the best in the BBL. The pink seats do throw you off when you walk into the arena but once they are filled up, all you see is black and yellow.

TBB Trier had the slim 35-32 lead at halftime. Was coach Roedl happy with how the team game plan was working after 20 minutes?

We played hard in the 1st half which was the key and we still had to make adjustments at the half but overall he was happy with the effort and it was important to come out early in the 2nd half and play well.

The first few minutes of the third quarter was tight, but in the second half of the third quarter TBB trier was able to pull a way a bit and still lead 56-50. What was giivng TBB Trier the biggest problems not being able to pull away more in the third quarter?

I think it was just two teams going at each other and neither was going to budge. Basketball is a game of runs and we just happened to find our rhthym and pull away as the game went along.

TBB Trier did a great job winning the rebound duel 37-29. What was key containing the Tuebingen big men like that?

I think it was a team effort and we got a great effort from our big guys for sure. We had an advantage on the rebounding and that is a key stat each time out for us every game.

What has been your overall impression of Anatoly Kashirov. Does the big Russian have a Euroleague type career in front of him?

He played very solid and has good touch around the basket. He will have a great career in front of him and can play at a high level if he continues to improve.

What was the biggest strength of TBB Trier on this day?

I think we played hard at both ends of the court and we made plays when we needed to tonight. Dru, Phillip, Dragin, George stepped up with big games scoring for us and defensively we were able to control the aspects where we wanted to coming into the game.

Whats your opinion about Andrei Kirilenko of the Utah Jazz becoming a US citzen?

Good for him. I am happy for him and I welcome him to America with open arms.

How good a feeling is it to wake up in your own bed and going to the Allstar game and not having to travel?

It will be good for the fans and the city of Trier to hold this event. It is a good thing especially with the direction that Trier has taken with the German players as well. It was perfect timing and it will be good to be apart of it as well.

What wa sthe last DVD movie that you saw?

Last DVD was Norbit

Thanks John for the chat

Travis Walton (Ratiopharm Ulm) Postgame Thoughts To 74-67 Loss Against The Deutsche Bank Skyliners - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Travis Walton (188-G-87, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Michigan St.) is a 23 year old 187cm point guard from Lima, Ohio. He is playing his first season with Ratiopharm Ulm. He played at Michigan State from 2005-2009 where he served as team captain for three consecutive years, being the 3rd in history of Michigan State school to do that. Led the Big 10 in assist to turnover ratio 2.4 to 1 and broke Magic Johnson's career assist record at Michigan State. Walton possesses great toughness, strength and leadership skills and is an exceptional defender. Last season he played shortly for Lugano Tigers (Switzerland-LNA, starting five), left in Dec.'09: 13 games: 8.9ppg, 1.2rpg, Assists-5 (4.9apg), 1.5spg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 85.7% before returning back to Michigan State to help the coaching staff. Some achievements that he has received were Big Ten Tournament Semifinals -06, 08, 09, Big Ten All-Defensive Team -07, 09, NCAA Sweet 16 -08, Big Ten Regular Season Champion -09, and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year -09. He spoke to eurobasket after the 74-67 loss against The Deutsche Bank Skyliners

A tough 74-67 loss in Frankfurt. What was the biggest distinct difference in the game of Frankfurt compared to the game last week in Ulm?

They made plays at the end and we didnt.

Ratiopharm Ulm led 43-38 at halftime. How difficult was it making adjustments on offense due to the fact that Bryant was being controlled pretty well?

It wasnt difficult. We still had a good chance to win the game even with john not having his best game.

Ratiopharm Ulm had the slim 63-62 lead in the third quarter. What adjustments did the team make making life more easy for Bryant in the third?

I think we just made some plays.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners finished the game with a 7-0 run to win? Ratiopharm Ulm couldnt execute on offense, but was the team missing some expereince also to make key plays in crunch time?

No, we had a lot of chances to take the lead or tie the game. When you have turnovers at the end that can lead to points that tough.

What was your impression of Chris Moss? Is he going to be that needed force under the hoop in the future?

He is a good player. He had a double double so he had a good game.

What will you be doing during the BEKO BBL Allstar break?

Take a vacation

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

FRIDAY

Thanks Travis for the chat.

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

GREECE

Greek A1 round 13 best performance: Deon Thompson - by Eurobasket News
American forward Deon Thompson (203-F-88) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Ikaros Kallitheas, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 13.
The 22-year old player had a double-double of 21 points and 15 rebounds, while his team edged out Aris (#6, 7-6) 64-62. Ikaros maintains the 9th position in Greek A1. Ikaros is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 6-7 record. Thompson turned to be Ikaros' top player in his first season with the team. Former University of North Carolina star has very solid stats this year. Thompson is in league's top in rebounds (2nd best: 9.6rpg), assists (3rd best: 0.6apg) and averages impressive 1.5bpg.

The second best player in last round's games was 27-year old American Steven Smith (203-F-83) of Panellinios. Smith had a very good evening with a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds. Bad luck as Panellinios lost that game 73-80 to the higher-ranked Panathinaikos (#2, 12-1). Panellinios is still in a red zone at 13th spot in the standings. 10 lost games are too many comparing to just three victories Panellinios managed to get this year. Smith is a newcomer at Panellinios, but is already one of team's top players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 16.8ppg (#3). He also registered 11.2 boards per game.

Third on the list of top players last round was American guard Terell Castle (182-G-72, agency: Court Side) of AEK Athens (#11). Castle scored 23 points and passed eight assists. Despite Castle's great performance AEK lost 75-78 to slightly higher-ranked Panionios (#10, 6-7). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of AEK not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 8 games, recording just four victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Castle could try to bring AEK's a little bit higher in the standings. Castle has a very solid season. In 12 games in Greece he scored 9.3ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. David Huertas (196-G-87) of Marousi - 22 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists
5. Jimmy Baxter (198-G-80) of Ilysiakos - 19 points and 6 rebounds
6. Yotam Halperin (196-G-84) of Olympiakos - 17 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists
7. Vasilis Xanthopoulos (187-G-84) of Panellinios - 17 points, 2 rebounds and 10 assists
8. Athanasios Karydas (182-G-78) of Ilysiakos - 13 points and 7 assists
9. Alexis Kiritsis (198-G-82) of Ilysiakos - 21 points and 2 rebounds
10. Todor Gechevski (209-C-77) of PAOK - 18 points and 6 rebounds

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

Romain Sato not ready for Vilnius - by Giorgos Diploidis
Romain Sato (194-G/F-81, college: Xavier) did not travel for the away game of Panathinaikos Athens in the 'top 16' of Euroleague against Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius The Central African player is suffering from calf strain and has not followed the rest of the team in Lithuania.

In contrast Milenko Tepic (198-G-87, agency: Beo Basket) who had a familiar problem he got over it while Stratos Perperoglou got over the disease that he was suffering from and he is ready to play in the match.

Apost Koutroulias claims Greek A2 weekly honour - by Eurobasket News
Experienced Apost Koutroulias (206-C-76) had an amazing evening in the last round for Olimpiada and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com A2 Player of the Week award for round 10.
The 34-year old center had a double-double of 20 points and thirteen rebounds, while his team beat Koroivos (#14, 3-7) 79-73. Olimpiada is placed at 7th position in Greek A2. Olimpiada is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 5-5 record. Koutroulias turned to be Olimpiada's top player in his first season with the team. Koutroulias has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in rebounds (2nd best: 8.4rpg) and averages solid 51.3% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 23-year old Montenegrin center Ljubo Jovanovic (206-C-87) of league's best team KAOD. Jovanovic impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds. Of course he lead KAOD to another comfortable win outscoring the lower-ranked Ermis Lagkada (#10, 4-6) 93-57. Of course KAOD still keep the league's top spot. His team belongs to top of the standings with 9-1 record and is considered one of the main candidates for the league title. Jovanovic is a newcomer at KAOD and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders.

The third best performed player last round was American Darrel Lewis (192-G-76) of AEK/Argous (#8). Lewis scored 22 points and grabbed eight rebounds. He was a key player of AEK/Argous, leading his team to a 75-73 win against the lower-ranked Pagrati (#11, 4-6). AEK/Argous needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 5 victories and 5 lost games. Lewis has a very solid season. In 10 games in Greece he scored 13.9ppg. He also has 6.1rpg and FGP: 50.5%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Sa Giannakopoulos (195-G/F-82) of Lavrio - 18 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists
5. Nikos Psileas (200-F-80) of Lavrio - 19 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Sokratis Manavopoulos (205-F-81) of Panelefsiniakos - 17 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Thanasis Straganiotis (180-G-83) of Panerythraikos - 14 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists
8. Nikos Michalos (192-G-77) of Pagrati - 22 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Giannis Kakiouzis (205-F-78) of Lavrio - 18 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Filipp Simeonidis (204-F-80) of Ikaroi Serron - 14 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

Serious injury for Milos Vujanic - by Eurobasket News
This season is most probably over for Milos Vujanic (192-G-80), who broke his leg last night in Greek league game. Panionios Athens met AEK in the local derby, but Vujanic spent just five minutes on the court before the injury. The Serbian guard supposed to join Partizan Belgrade after this game and to help them in Euroleague Top 16, but it will not happen. It seems that Partizan will have to find a new player quickly.
Milos Vujanic joined Panionios three months ago. He averaged 11.7 points and 2.2 assists for them in 11 Greek league games. Last season he spent in Spain as a member of Murcia. He was the ACB third scorer with 17.7 ppg for 34 games. In 2009, Vujanic won the Turkish title with Efes Pilsen. He also has experience from Panathinaikos, Dynamo Moscow, Barcelona, Climamio Bologna, Partizan Belgrade and Crvena Zvezda. Vujanic won several trophies in his career, which includes a Euroleague title. With the Yugoslavian National Team, Vujanic won the FIBA World Championship 2002 in Indianapolis.

Stats Leaders - A1

Points Per Game

Milton PALACIO
  Kavala
  (190-G-78)
  Avg: 17.3

1. Palacio, Kavala	17.3
2. Baxter, Ilysiakos	17.2
3. Smith, Panellinios	16.8
4. Marshall, PAOK	16.2
5. Kiritsis, Ilysiakos	15.2
6. Dikoudis, AEK	14.9
7. Grundy, AEK	14.5
8. Tapoutos, Aris	14.3
9. Kalathis, VAP K.	14.2
10. Tucker, Aris	14.1

Rebounds Per Game

Steven SMITH
  Panellinios
  (203-F-83)
  Avg: 11.2

1. Smith, Panellinios	11.2
2. Thompson, Ikaros	9.6
3. Simmons, Kavala	9.3
4. Tucker, Aris	8.3
5. Looby, Peristeri GS	8.2
6. Kalathis, VAP K.	8.0
7. Papadopoulos, PAOK	7.3
8. Bagaric, Marousi	7.2
9. Jazvin, Iraklis	6.7
10. Elonu, Panionios	6.6

Assists Per Game

Vassilis SPANOULIS
  Olympiakos
  (193-G-82)
  Avg: 5.8

1. Spanoulis, Olympiakos	5.8
2. Jordan, VAP K.	5.1
3. Thompson, Ilysi.	5.0
4. Everett, Iraklis	4.4
5. Teodosic, Olympiakos	4.3
6. Palacio, Kavala	3.9
7. Papamakarios, Panell.	3.8
8. Diamantidis, Panath.	3.8
9. Xanthopoulos, Panell.	3.6
10. Kojadinovic, Marousi	3.5

Steals Per Game

Terrell EVERETT
  Cibona
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Everett, Iraklis	2.4
2. Marshall, PAOK	2.3
3. Papaloukas, Olymp.	2.0
4. Xanthopoulos, Panell.	2.0
5. Baxter, Ilysiakos	2.0
6. Grundy, AEK	1.9
7. Kojadinovic, Marousi	1.9
8. Pelekanos, Olympiakos	1.7
9. Jamon Lukas, Olymp.	1.6
10. Petrovic-S., Iraklis	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Dalibor BAGARIC
  Marousi
  (217-C-80)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Bagaric, Marousi	2.2
2. Simmons, Kavala	2.1
3. Elonu, Panionios	1.7
4. Thompson, Ikaros	1.5
5. Dunston, Aris	0.9
6. Vougioukas, Panath.	0.8
7. Looby, Peristeri GS	0.8
8. Nesterovic, Olymp.	0.7
9. Harissis, VAP K.	0.7
10. Papadopoulos, PAOK	0.7

Stats Leaders - A2

Points Per Game

Nikos KAKLAMANOS
  Panelefsiniakos
  (189-G-81)
  Avg: 17.9

1. Kaklamanos, Panele.	17.9
2. Argyropoylos, Apollo.	17.4
3. Kakiouzis, Lavrio	17.3
4. Gizogiannis, AEK/A.	17.0
5. Michalos, Pagrati	16.8
6. Vardavas, Amynta.	16.3
7. Vasilopoulos, Pagrati	16.1
8. Rallis, Ermis Lagkada	16.0
9. Koupidis, Near East	15.8
10. Totsios, Ikaroi S.	15.7

Rebounds Per Game

Ivan KARTELO
  AEK/Argous
  (208-C-79)
  Avg: 9

1. Kartelo, AE.	9.0
2. Koutroulias, Olimp.	8.4
3. Macheras, Pagrati	8.3
4. Amato, Near East	8.2
5. Pantelic, Apollo.	7.9
6. Jovanovic, KAOD	7.8
7. Latovic, AGOR	7.4
8. Kosanovic, Koroivos	7.4
9. Karavanas, Panery.	7.3
10. Anagnostopou., Ermis L.	6.9

Assists Per Game

Thomas NIKOU
  Panelefsiniakos
  (185-G-79)
  Avg: 5

1. Nikou, Panelefs.	5.0
2. Kaberidis, Ikaroi S.	4.8
3. Katsares, KAOD	4.5
4. Rallis, Ermis Lagkada	4.3
5. Kiriakopoulo., AGOR	4.2
6. Zoupas, Amyntas .	4.2
7. Argyropoylos, Apollo.	4.1
8. Makris, Olimpiada	3.9
9. Karvounis, Lavrio	3.8
10. Sourlis, KAOD	3.7

Steals Per Game

Nikos MAKRIS
  Olimpiada
  (188-G-79)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Makris, Olimpiada	1.9
2. Giannakopoul., Lavrio	1.7
3. Michalos, Pagrati	1.7
4. Zoupas, Amyntas .	1.6
5. Sourlis, KAOD	1.5
6. Vukantinov, KAOD	1.5
7. Nikou, Panelefs.	1.4
8. Psathas, Apollon .	1.4
9. Koumoulos, AGOR	1.4
10. Pettas, Koroivos	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Djordje PANTELIC
  Apollon Patras
  (204-F-84)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Pantelic, Apollo.	2.3
2. Kartelo, AE.	2.2
3. Jovanovic, KAOD	1.7
4. Kasabalis, AE.	1.2
5. Psathas, Apollon .	1.2
6. Katiakos, Arkadikos	0.8
7. Karavanas, Panery.	0.8
8. Latovic, AGOR	0.8
9. Mprozos, Arkadikos	0.7
10. Manavopoulos, Panele.	0.7

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

HOLLAND

Eiffel Towers Blow Out Landstede Basketball - by Sanders Jackson
It is not Valentine's Day yet, but it sure was a massacre: on Thursday night Eiffel Towers Den Bosch took no prisoners from struggling Landstede Basketball, with a 16-0 1st quarter run catapulting Eiffel to a blowout 98-50 win. It was a game reminiscent of the Lakers-Cavs game on Tuesday night (and no, there will be no Lebron James karma quotes here), with two teams going in opposite directions, Eiffel in good form and Landstede, mired in a seven-game losing streak and losses of 11 of last 12. Eiffel had seven players in double figures, ed by Julian 'Skip' Mills with 18 pts. Rein van der Kamp was the only Landstede player in double figures with 13 pts. The win improves Eiffel's record to 15-5 prior to their showdown vs. red-hot ZZ Leiden, while Landstede falls to 5-15.

ABC Amsterdam Win Once Again Over Landstede Basketball - by Sanders Jackson
In the Sportcentrum on Sunday night, in a tight game from start to finish, ABC Amsterdam had once again the last word, with the guests taking the points back home in a 69-67 win. Sergio de Randamie and Hicham Kherrazi both scored 15 pts. each to lead ABC Amsterdam. Harry Marshall (183-G-88, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Indiana St.) led Landstede with 14 pts. With the win, the team of Hakim Salem put themselves further in the playoff position, improving to 9-12.

One of them had to win, and one had to lose - by Sanders Jackson
This weekend in Dutch basketball action, in the Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden-Eiffel Towers Den Bosch showdown, the guests got the upper hand in the end thanks to Frank Turner's stunner in the last seconds to snap Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden's 12-game winning streak. Meanwhile De Friesland Aris won in an incredible comeback over BS Weert at home, the defending Dutch champions GasTerra Flames Groningen took care of business at home by winning convincingly over Magixx KidsRights Nijmegen.

In the Vijfmeihal in the anticipated matchup between two red-hot teams Eiffel Towers Den Bosch, the guests took control of the tempo the first three quarters, enjoying a 49-36 lead at the end of the 3rd quarter. But Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden made a comeback, taking the lead in the last 30 seconds thanks to a Thomas Jackson jumper. But in the end Turner would have the last word, leading Eiffel to a signature 67-66 win. Rogier Jansen (188-G-84, agency: Court Side) had a strong game, scoring 18 pts. including 4 three-pointers to lead Eiffel. Turner had 15 pts. and 6 assists, with Julian Mills also adding 15. Jackson led ZZ with 18 pts., Monta McGhee (198-F-79, college: Lewis) had 17 pts. and 14 boards, and Ross Bekkering added 17. With the win, Eiffel Towers Den Bosch have now won 9 in a row and improves to 16-5 while ZZ falls to 16-4.

In the Martiniplaza, the defending Dutch campion celebrated the club's 60th year anniversary in good fashion, with strong defense, rebounding, and potent inside play the keys in the easy 73-50 over Magixx KidsRights Nijmegen. The Flames did not allow the guests to get into any offensive rhythm, forcing Magixx to not allow much vision to the basket. The Flames contested every shot, Magixx missed a lot of shots from point blank range when it did have a good look. The Flames did a good job of getting to loose balls, getting deflections, turning their defense into offense. The Flames inside tandem of Matt Haraysz, John Turek and Jason Ellis controlled the glass and were active on the secondary breaks. The trio of Robby Bostain, Matt Bauscher and Jason Dourisseau (196-G-83, college: Nebraska) did an excellent job of finding the inside players on the trailers. Magixx stunk it up offensively, did not at all in the game attack the defense of the Flames strong, also with poor shot clock management and little energy. Leading scorer Brian Laing was a nonfactor, scoring only 2 pts. total. Haraysz led all scorers with 17 pts. and had 9 rebounds, including two vicious dunks. Turek added 16 pts. and Ellis cleaned up the glass with 11 rebounds. The Flames controlled both backboards with a 42-30 advantage. Nick Oudendag was the only Magixx player in double figures with 11 pts. Gas Terra Flames improve to 18-2.

In the Kalverdijkhal, the Limburgers were cruising to a 37-26 at the half and 55-39 at the end of the 3rd quarter. But like that old saying, it ain't over till the fat lady sings. The fat lady was nowhere to be found until the end, as DeFriesland Aris Leeuwarden sent BS Weert on a long bus trip back home, keeping the points in Leeuwarden with a 70-67 stunner. The trio of Manny Adako, Mark Sanchez and Todd Brown saved the day for Aris, with a key score from Bas Rozendaal (212-F/C-86, agency: R.H.Consultancy) making a difference in the comeback. Brown's free throw in the closing seconds was the icing on the cake. Sanchez had a strong game, with a double-double of 19 pts. and 14 rebounds, Adako adding 18 and Brown with 13. Trey McDowell led the Limburgers with 14 pts. De Friesland Aris improve to 10-11 and are in 5th place.

Best players of Dutch DBL round 21 - by Eurobasket News
International power forward Patrick Hilliman (206-F/C-82, agency: R.H.Consultancy) had an amazing evening in the last round for Rotterdam Challengers and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 21.
The 28-year old power forward had a double-double of 25 points and fourteen rebounds, while his team lost the game against Giants (#8, 7-14) 61-88. Rotterdam maintains the 10th position in Dutch DBL. The season is in a full swing, so it's only a dream for the team to make it into top half of the standings. For contrary they may face relegation if the situation turns from bad to worse. Rotterdam have already lost 20 games and recorded just one victory. It's Hilliman's second year at Rotterdam and it's hard to imagine this team without him. High Point University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Hilliman is in league's top in points (9th best: 14.3ppg), rebounds (2nd best: 9.9rpg) and averages solid 55.1% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 23-year old American forward Mark Sanchez (201-F-87) of DeFriesland Aris Leeuwarden. Sanchez impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 19 points and 14 rebounds. It was enough for DeFriesland to edge slightly higher-ranked BS Weert (10-11) by 3 points 70-67. DeFriesland's 6th position in the standings has not changed. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 10-11 record. Sanchez is a newcomer at DeFriesland and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders.

The third best performed player last round was American Monta McGhee (198-F-79) of second-ranked ZZ Leiden. McGhee scored 17 points and grabbed fourteen rebounds (!!!). Despite McGhee's great performance ZZ Leiden lost 66-67 to #3 ranked Eiffel Towers. But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates especially in such crucial game. ZZ Leiden had another "accident". It may be a crucial game and cause dropping from the group of top ranked teams. The record is still good, but 4th lost game is hopefully really an accident. McGhee's teammates are also very good. That's why having such high stats is even more impressive. McGhee has a great season in Holland. After 20 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 15.0ppg (7th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Lawrence Hamm (198-F-84) of BS Weert - 11 points and 12 rebounds
5. Quincy Treffers (202-F-91) of Giants - 13 points and 11 rebounds
6. Tim Blue (205-F-84) of Giants - 17 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists
7. Trey McDowell (188-G-85) of BS Weert - 14 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists
8. Thomas Jackson (175-G-80) of ZZ Leiden - 18 points and 5 rebounds
9. Matt Haryasz (210-C-84) of GasTerra - 17 points and 9 rebounds
10. Julien Mills (193-G/F-85) of Eiffel Towers - 15 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists

The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

Stats Leaders - Eredivisie

Points Per Game

Glenn STOKES
  BS Weert
  (170-G-76)
  Avg: 18.7

1. Stokes, BS Weert	18.7
2. Kimbrough, Giants	16.5
3. Boxley, ZZ Leiden	16.4
4. Laing, Magixx	16.1
5. Borha, Landstede	15.8
6. Brown, DeFriesland	15.4
7. McGhee, ZZ Leiden	15.0
8. Blue, Giants	14.5
9. Hilliman, Rotterdam	14.3
10. Mills, Eiffel Towers	14.3

Rebounds Per Game

Matt HARYASZ
  GasTerra
  (210-C-84)
  Avg: 10

1. Haryasz, GasTerra	10.0
2. Hilliman, Rotterdam	9.9
3. Sihota, Rotterdam	9.4
4. McDermott, Magixx	9.1
5. de Randamie, ABC	9.0
6. Ellis, GasTerra	8.8
7. Griffin, Giants	8.7
8. Hamm, BS Weert	8.7
9. Sanchez, DeFriesl.	8.5
10. Koenis, Giants	8.3

Assists Per Game

Frank TURNER
  Eiffel Towers
  (178-G-88)
  Avg: 5

1. Turner, Eiffel T.	5.0
2. Bauscher, GasTerra	4.9
3. Bostain, GasTerra	4.1
4. Stokes, BS Weert	3.9
5. Kimbrough, Giants	3.7
6. Williams, DeFriesland	3.7
7. Marshall, Lands.	3.6
8. Slagter, ZZ Leiden	3.3
9. Jansen, Eiffel T.	3.2
10. Mladenovic, Rotte.	3.2

Steals Per Game

Frank TURNER
  Eiffel Towers
  (178-G-88)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Turner, Eiffel T.	2.8
2. Dourisseau, GasTe.	2.4
3. Taylor, Magixx	2.4
4. McDermott, Magixx	2.3
5. Jackson, ZZ Leiden	2.3
6. Bostain, GasTerra	2.2
7. Kimbrough, Giants	2.2
8. McGhee, ZZ Leiden	2.1
9. McDowell, BS Weert	2.0
10. Williams, DeFriesland	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Marcel AARTS
  Eiffel Towers
  (213-C-83)
  Avg: 1.6

1. Aarts, Eiffel T.	1.6
2. Hairston, BS Weert	1.5
3. Blue, Giants	1.2
4. Bekkering, ZZ Le.	1.1
5. Hilliman, Rotterdam	0.9
6. Smith, Eiffel Towers	0.8
7. Strong, Landstede	0.8
8. Haryasz, GasTerra	0.8
9. Hulzebos, Landstede	0.8
10. McDermott, Magixx	0.8

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

HUNGARY

A Division Round 17: Szolnok loses the game and top position - by Eurobasket News
There was a change at the A Division leadership position after last games. Round 17 most important game was a defeat of league's leader Szolnok (13-3). They were defeated by second ranked Albacomp (14-3) 76-72 on Saturday night. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Szolnok. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Szolnok won third quarter 21-17. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Albacomp forced 19 Szolnok turnovers. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Albacomp made 7 blocks. International guard Adam Hanga (201-89, agency: FCM) stepped up and scored 25 points and 4 steals for the winners and American forward Damian Hollis (203-88, college: George Washington) chipped in 16 points and 5 steals. American guard Obie Trotter (186-84, college: Alabama A&M, agency: Court Side) responded with 22 points and 6 rebounds. Albacomp has a solid series of three victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader. Szolnok at the other side dropped to the second place with three games lost. They were replaced at the leadership position by Albacomp. Szolnok will play next round against PVSK Pannon trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Albacomp will try to continue on its current victory against third ranked Atomeromu in Paks.
Bottom-ranked Salgotarjani (0-15) is still winless. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their 15th consecutive match to eighth ranked Marso-Vagep (8-9) 102-90. Slovenian guard Brane Savic (181-79, agency: Interperformances) nailed 29 points, 8 assists and 7 steals for the winning side and Curtis Marshall accounted for 23 points and 7 rebounds. Guard Tamas Sebok (191-77) came up with 21 points, 6 assists and 6 steals for Salgotarjani in the defeat. Marso-Vagep moved-up to seventh place. Salgotarjani at the other side still closes the standings with 15 games lost. Marso-Vagep will play against higher ranked ZTE KK (#5) in Zalaegerszeg in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Salgotarjani will play on the road against Soproni (#9) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Ninth-ranked Falco-Szova (6-10) gave a tough game to fourth ranked Kormend (12-3) on Saturday. Kormend managed to secure only three-point victory 75-72. However their fans expected much easier game. The best player for the winners was Rashad Bell who scored 22 points and 9 rebounds. Laszlo Kalman produced 26 points and 6 assists for the guests. Falco-Szova's coach Nikola Lazic rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Kormend has a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain fourth place with 12-3 record. Falco-Szova lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the tenth position with ten games lost. They share it with Kaposvari. Kormend will meet Soproni (#9) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Falco-Szova will play against Kaposvari and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
13th ranked FS Debrecen (1-15) was outscored at home by tenth ranked Soproni (7-9) with the biggest margin this round 100-81. Thomas Kelley orchestrated the victory by scoring 29 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. FS Debrecen's coach Tamas Rathonyi tested eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Soproni moved-up to eighth place, which they share with PVSK Pannon. FS Debrecen lost twelfth consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth position with 15 games lost. Soproni's next round opponent will be higher ranked Kormend (#4) at home and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. FS Debrecen will play against Falco-Szova (#10) in Szombathely.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 17: PVSK Pannon lost to ZTE KK on the opponent's court 74-91. Szedeak unfortunately lost to Kaposvari in a home game 86-94. Kecskemeti recorded a loss to Atomeromu on the road 68-77.

ZTE KK - PVSK Pannon 91-74

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 7th ranked PVSK Pannon's (7-9) road loss to sixth ranked ZTE KK (11-6) 74-91. The game was mostly controlled by ZTE KK. PVSK Pannon managed to win fourth quarter 20-13. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The former international swingman Tamas Kaman (200-79, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) orchestrated the victory by scoring 19 points and 6 rebounds. American forward Kyle Wilson (206-83, college: Wichita St.) contributed with 17 points and 7 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) for the winners. Five ZTE KK players scored in double figures. American swingman Muhammad El-Amin (196-87, college: Stony Brook) answered with 24 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals and Nigerian center Benson Egemonye (208-83, college: Niagara) added 18 points in the effort for PVSK Pannon. PVSK Pannon's coach Srecko Sekulovic tested eleven players seeing no chance for a win. ZTE KK has a solid series of four victories in a row. Defending champion moved-up to fifth place. PVSK Pannon at the other side dropped to the eighth position with nine games lost. ZTE KK's next round opponent will be Marso-Vagep (#7) in Nyiregyhaza. PVSK Pannon will play at home against the league's second-placed Szolnok in Szolnok.
Top scorers:
ZTE KK: T.Kaman 19+6reb+2ast, K.Wilson 17+7reb+3ast, G.Toth 15+1ast, D.Vojvoda 15+3reb+4ast, L.Williams 14+3reb+8ast, A.Vertetics 4+1reb
PVSK Pannon: M.El-Amin 24+5reb+4ast, B.Egemonye 18+4reb+1ast, A.Lepsenyi 10+4reb, K.Kiss 8+1ast, N.Toth 8+2reb+1ast, J.Eilingsfeld 2

Szedeak - Kaposvari 86-94

There was a small surprise in Szeged where twelfth ranked Kaposvari (6-10) defeated 10th ranked Szedeak (6-11) 94-86. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Szedeak won third quarter 24-19. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Kaposvari made 29-of-38 charity shots (76.3 percent) during the game, while Szedeak only scored eleven points from the stripe. 31 personal fouls committed by Szedeak helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American forward Daniel Werner (203-87, college: Florida) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 15 rebounds. International swingman Gabor Soos (200-85) contributed with 29 points for the winners. Four Kaposvari players scored in double figures. American center Bryson McKenzie (211-83, college: N.Illinois) answered with 9 points and 14 rebounds and the other American import guard Janou Rubin (193-82, college: UCLA) added 15 points and 5 assists in the effort for Szedeak. Kaposvari moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Falco-Szova. Szedeak lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team dropped to the twelfth position with 11 games lost. Kaposvari's next round opponent will be Falco-Szova (#10) in Szombathely. Szedeak will play on the road against Kecskemeti.
Top scorers:
Kaposvari: G.Soos 29+3reb+1ast, D.Werner 23+15reb+1ast, J.Wilson 19+4reb+9ast, K.Cunningham 13+5reb, M.Medve 4+1reb+3ast, G.Kutasi 4+1reb+1ast
Szedeak: A.Tanacs 17+6reb, J.Rubin 15+4reb+5ast, I.Nyilas 13+5reb+4ast, N.Dukic 11+2reb, M.Molnar 10+1reb+1ast, G.Drahos 9+5reb+8ast

FS Debrecen - Soproni 81-100

13th ranked FS Debrecen (1-15) was outscored at home by tenth ranked Soproni (7-9) with the biggest margin this round 100-81. It looked good early as FS Debrecen took an 3-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Soproni had a 26-19 second period charge getting the lead and FS Debrecen was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 81-100. Soproni dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to FS Debrecen's 30. They outrebounded FS Debrecen 38-22 including a 31-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. American guard Thomas Kelley (188-77, college: Michigan St., agency: Avi Zilberman) orchestrated the victory by scoring 29 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. His fellow American import power forward Darian Townes (208-84) contributed with a double-double by scoring 27 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. Four Soproni players scored in double figures. American power forward Kevin Langford (204-85, college: TCU) answered with 29 points and 5 rebounds and Cameroonian forward Yves Mekongo (201-87, college: La Salle) added 18 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists in the effort for FS Debrecen. FS Debrecen's coach Tamas Rathonyi tested eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Soproni moved-up to eighth place, which they share with PVSK Pannon. FS Debrecen lost twelfth consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth position with 15 games lost. Soproni's next round opponent will be higher ranked Kormend (#4) at home and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. FS Debrecen will play against Falco-Szova (#10) in Szombathely.
Top scorers:
Soproni: T.Kelley 29+7reb+6ast, D.Townes 27+13reb, A.Molnar 19+1reb+4ast, R.Jarvis 12+3ast, A.Helmeczi 7+1reb+2ast, Z.Szabo 6+11reb
FS Debrecen: K.Langford 29+5reb+1ast, Y.Mekongo 18+5reb+4ast, G.Toth 9, C.Singletary 8+6reb+7ast, V.Vas 7+1reb, I.Kovacs 3+2reb+2ast

Atomeromu - Kecskemeti 77-68

Not a big story in a game in Paks where 5th ranked Kecskemeti (10-7) was defeated by third ranked Atomeromu (13-4) 77-68. The game without a history. Atomeromu led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. 24 personal fouls committed by Kecskemeti helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The former international center Gergely Koertelyesi (203-83, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) orchestrated the victory by scoring 16 points and 8 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). American power forward Brooks Sales (208-80, college: Villanova) contributed with 12 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Five Atomeromu players scored in double figures. American guard Jerome LaGrange (192-78, college: Livingstone) answered with 23 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists and Croatian swingman Ivan Siriscevic (198-87) added 19 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Kecskemeti. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Atomeromu maintains third place with 13-4 record behind leader Albacomp. Kecskemeti at the other side dropped to the sixth position with seven games lost. Atomeromu's next round opponent will be league's leader Albacomp in Szekesfehervar and it will be for sure the game of the week. Kecskemeti will play at home against Szedeak (#12) in Szeged.
Top scorers:
Atomeromu: G.Koertelyesi 16+8reb, B.Winters 16+3reb+1ast, F.Morgen 13+8reb+1ast, J.Hodges 13+3reb+7ast, B.Sales 12+9reb+2ast, A.Kovacs 5+4reb+1ast
Kecskemeti: J.LaGrange 23+7reb+6ast, I.Siriscevic 19+8reb+1ast, K.Wittmann 9+4reb+2ast, M.Csorvasi 7+5reb, Z.Bencze 5+4reb+1ast, G.Cseh 2+3reb

Kormend - Falco-Szova 75-72

Ninth-ranked Falco-Szova (6-10) gave a tough game to fourth ranked Kormend (12-3) on Saturday. Kormend managed to secure only three-point victory 75-72. However their fans expected much easier game. The hosts trailed by 3 points after three quarters before their 23-17 charge, which allowed them to win the game. The best player for the winners was American forward Rashad Bell (201-82, college: Boston U.) who scored 22 points and 9 rebounds. His fellow American import guard Marcus Moore (198-80, college: Washington St.) chipped in 16 points. The former international guard Laszlo Kalman (186-72, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) produced 26 points and 6 assists and American forward Charles Gosa (202-77, college: N.Mexico St.) added 8 points and 14 rebounds respectively for the guests. Falco-Szova's coach Nikola Lazic rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Kormend has a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain fourth place with 12-3 record. Falco-Szova lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the tenth position with ten games lost. They share it with Kaposvari. Kormend will meet Soproni (#9) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Falco-Szova will play against Kaposvari and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kormend: R.Bell 22+9reb+1ast, E.Dies 17+2reb+1ast, M.Moore 16+2reb+2ast, I.Nemeth 8+2reb+1ast, A.Rujak 8+3reb, C.Ferencz 2+2reb+1ast
Falco-Szova: L.Kalman 26+3reb+6ast, M.Aliakseyeu 15+6reb, J.Doyne 13+7reb+1ast, C.Gosa 8+14reb+1ast, T.Harazin 4+2reb, M.Szanati 4+1reb+1ast

Albacomp - Szolnok 76-72

There was a change at the A Division leadership position after last games. Round 17 most important game was a defeat of league's leader Szolnok (13-3). They were defeated by second ranked Albacomp (14-3) 76-72 on Saturday night. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Szolnok. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Szolnok won third quarter 21-17. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Albacomp forced 19 Szolnok turnovers. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Albacomp made 7 blocks. International guard Adam Hanga (201-89, agency: FCM) stepped up and scored 25 points and 4 steals for the winners and American forward Damian Hollis (203-88, college: George Washington) chipped in 16 points and 5 steals. American guard Obie Trotter (186-84, college: Alabama A&M, agency: Court Side) responded with 22 points and 6 rebounds and the former international center Marton Bader (212-80, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) produced a double-double by scoring 10 points and 11 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Albacomp has a solid series of three victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader. Szolnok at the other side dropped to the second place with three games lost. They were replaced at the leadership position by Albacomp. Szolnok will play next round against PVSK Pannon trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Albacomp will try to continue on its current victory against third ranked Atomeromu in Paks.
Top scorers:
Albacomp: A.Hanga 25+2reb+3ast, D.Hollis 16+4reb+3ast, T.Crocker 14+4reb, B.Simon 10+2reb+3ast, J.Jones 7+4reb+1ast, A.Keller 4+6reb
Szolnok: O.Trotter 22+6reb+3ast, I.Clark 15+6reb+2ast, V.Budimir 11+2reb+1ast, M.Bader 10+11reb+2ast, A.Horvath 6+1reb+3ast, Z.Trepak 6+2reb

Salgotarjani - Marso-Vagep 90-102

Bottom-ranked Salgotarjani (0-15) is still winless. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their 15th consecutive match to eighth ranked Marso-Vagep (8-9) 102-90. It looked good early as Salgotarjani took an 1-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Marso-Vagep had a 23-20 second period charge getting the lead and Salgotarjani was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 90-102. Marso-Vagep made 19-of-21 charity shots (90.5 percent) during the game. They also forced 26 Salgotarjani turnovers. Slovenian guard Brane Savic (181-79, agency: Interperformances) nailed 29 points, 8 assists and 7 steals for the winning side and American swingman Curtis Marshall (196-83, college: Texas Tech, agency: R.H.Consultancy) accounted for 23 points and 7 rebounds. Guard Tamas Sebok (191-77) came up with 21 points, 6 assists and 6 steals and American forward Damian Hollis (203-88, college: George Washington) added 13 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists and 5 steals respectively for Salgotarjani in the defeat. Four Marso-Vagep and five Salgotarjani players scored in double figures. Marso-Vagep moved-up to seventh place. Salgotarjani at the other side still closes the standings with 15 games lost. Marso-Vagep will play against higher ranked ZTE KK (#5) in Zalaegerszeg in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Salgotarjani will play on the road against Soproni (#9) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Marso-Vagep: B.Savic 29+2reb+8ast, E.Sitku 24+4reb+1ast, C.Marshall 23+7reb+1ast, B.Stojakovic 13+2reb+5ast, K.Nagy 5+5reb+1ast, M.Mohacsi 5+2reb
Salgotarjani: T.Sebok 21+3reb+6ast, D.Koma 15+6reb+1ast, T.Kocsis 14+4reb+3ast, T.Hartvich 14+5reb+1ast, R.C. 13+6reb+7ast, A.Vavra 10+9reb+1ast

A Division Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Robert JARVIS
  Soproni
  (180-G-87)
  Avg: 25

1. Jarvis, Salgotarjani	25.0
2. Bell, Kormend	21.3
3. Marshall, Marso-Va.	21.0
4. El-Amin, PVSK P.	20.4
5. Wilson, Kaposvari	19.9
6. Townes, Soproni	19.6
7. Doyne, Falco-Szova	19.1
8. Sales, Atomeromu	18.9
9. Brooks, Soproni	18.9
10. Werner, Kaposvari	18.7

Rebounds Per Game

Brooks SALES
  Atomeromu
  (208-C/F-80)
  Avg: 11.9

1. Sales, Atomeromu	11.9
2. Werner, Kaposvari	11.2
3. Townes, Soproni	11.1
4. Egemonye, PVSK P.	9.7
5. Gosa, Falco-Szova	9.4
6. Bell, Kormend	9.3
7. Jones, Albacomp	9.2
8. Cunningham, Kapos.	8.6
9. Bader, Szolnok	8.6
10. Mekongo, FS Debre.	8.3

Assists Per Game

Lorenzo WILLIAMS
  ZTE KK
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 6.9

1. Williams, ZTE K.	6.9
2. Savic, Marso-Vagep	6.5
3. Kelley, Soproni	6.3
4. Trotter, Szolnok	6.1
5. Kalman, Falco-Sz.	6.1
6. Simon, Albacomp	6.0
7. Moore, Kormend	5.4
8. Glavinic, PVSK P.	5.3
9. LaGrange, Kecsk.	4.4
10. Horvath, Szolnok	4.3

Steals Per Game

Brane SAVIC
  Marso-Vagep
  (181-G-79)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Savic, Marso-Vagep	3.5
2. Hanga, Albacomp	3.1
3. Trotter, Szolnok	2.8
4. Marshall, Marso-Va.	2.8
5. Werner, Kaposvari	2.6
6. Kaman, ZTE K.	2.5
7. Clark, Szolnok	2.5
8. Czigler, Marso-Va.	2.5
9. Sales, Atomeromu	2.4
10. Williams, ZTE K.	2.4

Blocks Per Game

Ivory CLARK
  Szolnok
  (198-F-85)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Clark, Szolnok	2.7
2. Townes, Soproni	2.0
3. McKenzie, Szedeak	1.6
4. Czigler, Marso-Va.	1.4
5. Egemonye, PVSK P.	1.2
6. Keller, Albacomp	1.1
7. Langford, FS Debre.	1.0
8. Sales, Atomeromu	0.9
9. Orsulic, Kecskemeti	0.9
10. Bell, Kormend	0.8

Standings - A Division

A Division Standings

1. Albacomp		14-3
2. Szolnok		13-3
3. Atomeromu		13-4
4. Kormend		12-3
5. ZTE KK		11-6
6. Kecskemeti		10-7
7. Marso-Vagep		8-9
8. PVSK Pannon		7-9
9. Soproni		7-9
10. Falco-Szova		6-10
11. Kaposvari		6-10
12. Szedeak		6-11
13. FS Debrecen		1-15
14. Salgotarjani		0-15

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

ICELAND

Standings - Iceland Express League

Express L. Standings

1. Snaefell		11-1
2. Grindavik		10-2
3. Keflavik		8-4
4. KR		8-4
5. Stjarnan		7-6
6. Haukar		6-7
7. Tindastoll		6-7
8. Hamar		5-7
9. Fjolnir		4-9
10. IR		4-9
11. Njardvik		4-9
12. KFI		2-10

Stats Leaders (Men)

Points Per Game

Lazar TRIFUNOVIC
  Keflavik
  (203-F-87)
  Avg: 25

1. Trifunovic, Keflavik	25.0
2. Inge, Haukar	22.8
3. Dabney, Hamar	22.7
4. Amoroso, Snaefell	22.4
5. Biedler, IR	22.3
6. Robinson, Haukar	22.0
7. Smith, Grindavik	21.6
8. Smith, Njardvik	21.0
9. Burton, Snaefell	20.6
10. Fain, Tindastoll	20.5

Rebounds Per Game

Gerald ROBINSON
  Haukar
  (204-F-84)
  Avg: 14.4

1. Robinson, Haukar	14.4
2. Biedler, IR	12.4
3. Ermolinskij, KR	12.3
4. Pettinella, Grindavik	11.3
5. Amoroso, Snaefell	11.2
6. Trifunovic, Keflavik	11.1
7. Fain, Tindastoll	10.6
8. Stywall, Fjolnir	9.8
9. Suljic, KFI	9.5
10. Smith, Njardvik	8.9

Assists Per Game

Aegir STEINARSSON
  Fjolnir
  (182-G-91)
  Avg: 9.2

1. Steinarsson, Fjolnir	9.2
2. Ermolinskij, KR	8.2
3. Vilhjalmsson, Kefla.	7.8
4. Smith, Grindavik	7.0
5. Burton, Snaefell	6.3
6. Haraldsson, Haukar	6.1
7. Cunningham, Tinda.	5.9
8. Schoen, KFI	5.5
9. Inge, Haukar	5.3
10. Arnarson, Hamar	5.1

Steals Per Game

Hayward FAIN
  Tindastoll
  (196-F-)
  Avg: 3.4

1. Fain, Tindastoll	3.4
2. Schoen, KFI	3.3
3. Dabney, Hamar	3.2
4. Inge, Haukar	3.0
5. Biedler, IR	2.8
6. Rivers, Tindastoll	2.6
7. Kitanovic, Tindastoll	2.5
8. Sigurgeirsso., Snaef.	2.3
9. Shouse, Stjarnan	2.2
10. Vilhjalmsson, Kefla.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Christopher SMITH
  Njardvik
  (198-F-82)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Smith, Njardvik	3.2
2. Nathanaelsso., Ham.	2.7
3. Savarsson, Grind.	1.8
4. Biedler, IR	1.8
5. Fain, Tindastoll	1.8
6. Pettinella, Grindavik	1.5
7. Hafsteinsson, Fjolnir	1.4
8. Helgason, Stjarnan	1.2
9. Inge, Haukar	1.1
10. Maxwell, Keflavik	1.0

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

INDONESIA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1 Merio Ferdiansyah STD 13.1
2 Xaverius Prawiro ASP 13.0
3 Buggi Setyawan MHT 12.4
4 I Made Sudiadnyana GFB 12.3
5 Ary Chandra PJE 12.3

Rebounds Per Game

1 Dian Heryadi MHT 10.0
2 Galank Gunawan SMB 7.9
3 Muhammad Isman Thoyib ASP 7.4
4 Valentino Wuwungan SWA 7.2
5 Rony Gunawan SMB 7.1

Assists Per Game

1 Faisal Julius Achmad SMB 4.0
2 Denny Sartika BSM 3.6
2 Robert Santo Yunarto MHT 3.6
4 Evin Istianto Hadi CSJ 3.5
5 Dimaz Muharri CLS 3.0

Steals Per Game

1 Dimaz Muharri CLS 3.1
2 Denny Sartika BSM 2.3
3 Andy Poedjakesuma PJE 2.2
3 Kelly Purwanto PJE 2.2
5 Dirk Mathew Mario Gerungan ASP 2.0

Blocks Per Game

1 I G Ngurah Teguh Putra Negara CSJ 2.2
2 Muhammad Isman Thoyib ASP 2.1
2 Ruslan STD 2.1
4 Valentino Wuwungan SWA 1.2
5 Anggi Arizki ASP 1.1

NBL Series IV Recap - by Andrew Lowman
Series IV of the NBL season wrapped up yesterday in Denpasar, Bali. The series started out with a last minute change of venue due to an unsafe playing surface at the original site, but in the end the games went off without a hitch. There were plenty of close games and lots of action, but in the end the overall standings changed very little. Pelita Jaya Jakarta sits on top of the leader board, followed by Satria Muda Britama Jakarta, XL Aspac Jakarta, and Nuvo Cahaya Lestari Surabaya Knights. Despite beating both XL Aspac Jakarta and Nuvo Cahaya Lestari Surabaya Knights, Garuda Flexi Bandung stills finds themselves in fifth place, unable to break into the top tier of teams.

Pelita Jaya Jakarta is the clear team to beat now. While Satria Muda Britama Jakarta has been strong ever since Series I, with PJE coming out victorious in the head-to-head matchup they are the clear cut #1. With the fantastic duo of Kelly Purwanto (177-G-83) and Ary Chandra (180-F-84) leading the way, and the strong supporting cast, PJE are one of the few teams in the league that can beat you with more than one guy.

Series V will decide the final season standings. The action begins on February 5th in Jakarta.

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

IRAN

Mahram edge Jeish, win Group B in Amman - by Eurobasket News
Mahram - Jeish 70:58

Mahram turned things around in WABA League Group B. The defending champions handed Syrian Jeish the first loss at the tournament and leapfrogged those to the top of the standings. Jesih in the meantime slipped at the third position behind Mahram and Champville. Mahram will now take on Aramex in the quarterfinal series. Jeish will face Al Riyadi Beirut in the playoffs.
Mahram looked better right from the start. Jeish, who were exhausted after a four-overtime thriller against Champville could not match the rhythm. Mahram gained a 21:15 lead after ten minutes. The Iranian team continued to pile up the advantage in the second term. They posted a 42:27 lead at the interval. Jeish managed to slow Mahram down in the third term. The Syrian champions limited their opponents to 9 points and cut the deficit at 11-point mark. But Mahram did not allow Jeish get any closer. The Iranian team rallied to the victory in the fourth period. Marlon Garnett (188-G-75, college: Santa Clara) dropped 28 points for Mahram. Cheikh Samb (215-C-84) had 18 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists, while Mahdi Kamrani (181-G-82) provided 18 points in the victory. Anthony Jones (196-G-77, college: Ohio) produced 14 points and 7 rebounds for Jeish. Al Hakam Abdallah (197-F-82) finished with 11 points in defeat.

Mahram: Marlon Garnett 28, Mahdi Kamrani 18, Cheikh Samb 18
Jeish: Anthony Jones 14, Al Hakam Abdallah 11

Towzin Crashed Gorgan; Qom Passed Qazvin In a Tough Game ... - by Mohammad Ahmadi
By 5 games in 5 Cities, Iran Superleague Basketball started 6th Week of Season 2010-2011.

Everybody believed that the most important game of 6th Week will be in Kashan between Towzin Electric Kashan and Gorgan Municipality but it was not like that when Towzin Electric won the easy game by 26pts !! on 71-45. In this game, Saeid Davarpanah (189-G-87) , Nenad Misanovic (217-C-84) and Zlatko Jovanovic (181-G-84) were the stars of the Game and did everything they wanted to do.
Saeid Davarpanah with 10pts, 5assists, 4 steals and 10 rebounds and Nenad Misanovic with his 14pts and 15 rebounds had double-double and helped Zlatko Jovanovic with 24pts to win the game.

In other games, Tarabari Qom could win Caspian Qazvin in a road and tough game in Qazvin on 81-84. ZobAhan beated Melli haffari with 31pts on 90-59 and Petrochimi Mahshahr won their game against Pouya Tehran on 89-64.

The game between Mahram and B.A of Shiraz was suspended because of Mahram's matches in WABA Tournament.

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

IRELAND

Killester and UCD Marian reach Superleague Cup Final - by Eurobasket News
Killester will play against UCD Marian in the Superleague Cup Final. The defending champions overcame UL Eagles in the semifinal clash at the weekend. Jermaine Turner (195-F-74, college: Dowling) knocked down 28 points to lead Killester to a 67:56 win. Killester earned a 34:25 lead at the interval. UL Eagles fought bravely in the second half but could not recover. Patrick Kelly (191-G-80) provided 15 points in the winning effort. Scott Kinevane (175-G-87) answered with 18 points for UCD Marian. Ciaran White (193-F-87) produced 15 points in the loss.
UCD Marian held off Ulster Elks 80:72 in another semifinal battle. Conor Meany (185-G-86) stepped up with 28 points to pace the winners. Daniel James (189-F/G-90) had 25 points for UCD Marian as they overcame a 10-point halftime deficit to celebrate a hard-fought win at the end. Benjamin De La Cruz responded with 23 points for Ulster Elks. Kevin Foley (193-G/F-83) notched 19 points in the loss.

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

ISRAEL

Standings - BSL

Premier League Standings

1. Maccabi T-A		13-1
2. Hapoel J-M		8-5
3. Maccabi Ashdod		8-6
4. Bnei Hasharon		8-6
5. Galil Gilboa		7-7
6. Maccabi Rishon		6-7
7. Hapoel Holon		5-8
8. Elitzur Netanya		5-9
9. Ironi Ashkelon		4-9
10. Maccabi Haifa		3-9

Stats Leaders - National League

Points Per Game

Brian ASBURY
  Hapoel T-A
  (200-F-85)
  Avg: 27.4

1. Asbury, Hapoel T-A	27.4
2. Hall, Beer Yaakov	25.2
3. Miller, Megido/Y.	24.3
4. Clemente, Megido.	22.9
5. Webb, Hapoel Tivon	22.7
6. Gomez, Beer Yaakov	22.4
7. Tramiel, Kohav Yair	22.2
8. Young, Hod Hasharon	21.2
9. Dobie, Lev Hasharon	20.8
10. Timberlake, Elitzu.	20.7

Rebounds Per Game

Jason JOHNSON
  Ironi Nahariya
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 12.7

1. Johnson, Ironi N.	12.7
2. Rosefelt, Ironi R.	11.6
3. Brandy, Hod H.	10.8
4. Clemente, Megido.	10.1
5. Hardin, Elitzur Yavne	9.9
6. Ibrahim, Kohav Y.	9.4
7. Tramiel, Kohav Yair	9.1
8. McFarlin, Lev H.	9.0
9. Webb, Hapoel Tivon	9.0
10. Paris, Hapoel Beeri	8.5

Assists Per Game

Yoad BET-YOSEF
  Beer Yaakov
  (182-G-87)
  Avg: 7.6

1. Bet-Yosef, Beer Y.	7.6
2. Lahat, Hapoel T-A	7.5
3. Eliyahu, Hapoel Afula	6.5
4. Farhi, Beer Yaakov	6.0
5. Dobie, Lev Hasharon	5.6
6. Harush, Kohav Yair	5.4
7. Housman, Hapoel T.	5.2
8. Timor, Hapoel Tivon	5.0
9. Berkowitz, Elitzu.	4.8
10. Skverer, Maccabi .	4.5

Steals Per Game

Nate MILLER
  Megido/Yokneam
  (193-F-87)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Miller, Megido/Y.	3.5
2. Eliyahu, Hapoel Afula	3.1
3. Bet-Yosef, Beer Y.	2.6
4. Bassett, Ironi R.	2.5
5. Naor, Hapoel T-A	2.4
6. Harush, Kohav Yair	2.3
7. Webb, Hapoel Tivon	2.2
8. Delaney, Maccabi .	2.2
9. Stevens, Hapoel T.	2.2
10. Shtarkman, Megido.	2.2

Blocks Per Game

Rodney WEBB
  Maccabi Haifa
  (200-F-83)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Webb, Hapoel Tivon	2.2
2. Aidan, Hapoel Beeri	2.1
3. Rosefelt, Ironi R.	2.0
4. Utter, Hapoel T-A	1.8
5. Hugee, Hapoel Afula	1.6
6. Johnson, Ironi N.	1.6
7. Hardin, Elitzur Yavne	1.5
8. Markson, Hapoel A.	1.4
9. Brandy, Hod H.	1.4
10. Lewis, Ironi R.	1.3

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

ITALY

Standings - B1

A Standings

Group A
1. Trento		13-4
2. Perugia		12-5
3. Brescia		12-5
4. Piacenza		12-5
5. Omegna		11-6
6. Trieste		10-7
7. Treviglio		10-7
8. Moncalieri		9-8
9. Castelletto		9-8
10. Comsum.it SI		8-9
11. Senigallia		8-9
12. ASD Pavia		7-10
13. Recanati		6-11
14. Ozzano		4-13
15. Riva del Garda		3-14
16. Osimo		2-15
Group B
1. Ruvo		14-3
2. Trapani		12-5
3. Ostuni		11-6
4. S.Antimo		10-7
5. Latina Basket		10-7
6. Matera		10-7
7. Anagni		9-8
8. Rieti		8-8
9. Bisceglie		8-9
10. Massafra		8-9
11. Ferentino		8-9
12. Patti		7-10
13. Molfetta		7-10
14. Potenza		6-11
15. Palestrina		4-12
16. Agrigento		3-14

Stats Leaders - SerieA

Points Per Game

James WHITE
  Dinamo Sassari
  (198-G-84)
  Avg: 20

1. White, Dinamo Sassari	20.0
2. Winston, CS Bo.	17.0
3. Ford, Fabi Shoes	16.7
4. Zoroski, Banca T.	16.1
5. Goss, Cimberio VA	16.1
6. Rowland, Vanoli CR	15.9
7. Milic, Vanoli CR	15.8
8. Dean, Air AV	15.5
9. Ivanov, Fabi Shoes	15.4
10. Thomas, Air AV	15.3

Rebounds Per Game

Sharrod FORD
  Fabi Shoes
  (206-F/C-82)
  Avg: 10.9

1. Ford, Fabi Shoes	10.9
2. Homan, CS Bologna	9.0
3. Davis, Banca Tercas	8.7
4. Jones, Pepsi C.	8.7
5. Ivanov, Fabi Shoes	8.3
6. Troutman, Air AV	8.3
7. Suton, Angelico BI	7.7
8. Lang, Enel Brindisi	7.5
9. Toure, Enel Brindisi	7.3
10. Hunter, Dinamo S.	7.2

Assists Per Game

Marques GREEN
  Air AV
  (170-G-82)
  Avg: 6.5

1. Green, Air AV	6.5
2. Collins, Scavolin.	4.5
3. Goss, Cimberio VA	4.3
4. Sosa, Angelico BI	4.2
5. Zoroski, Banca T.	4.1
6. Diener, Dinamo S.	4.0
7. Rowland, Vanoli CR	3.8
8. Green, Bennet Cantu	3.6
9. Dixon, Enel Brindisi	3.5
10. Markovic, Benetton.	3.5

Steals Per Game

Fabio DI BELLA
  Pepsi Caserta
  (187-G-78)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Di Bella, Pepsi C.	2.9
2. Goss, Cimberio VA	2.8
3. Hackett, Scavolin.	2.8
4. White, Dinamo Sassari	2.8
5. Rowland, Vanoli CR	2.7
6. Troutman, Air AV	2.7
7. Green, Bennet Cantu	2.6
8. Milic, Vanoli CR	2.6
9. Collins, Scavolin.	2.6
10. Dedovic, Lottomat.	2.6

Blocks Per Game

Sharrod FORD
  Fabi Shoes
  (206-F/C-82)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Ford, Fabi Shoes	2.5
2. Toure, Enel Brindisi	1.4
3. Smith, Benetton TV	1.3
4. Crosariol, Lottomat.	1.3
5. Polonara, Banca T.	1.1
6. Hunter, Dinamo S.	1.1
7. Homan, CS Bologna	1.1
8. Lang, Enel Brindisi	1.0
9. Szewczyk, Air AV	0.9
10. Drozdov, Vanoli CR	0.9

Stats Leaders - Lega2

Points Per Game

Trent WHITING
  Aget Imola
  (185-G-76)
  Avg: 23

1. Whiting, Aget Imola	23.0
2. Crispin, Barcellona	22.8
3. Jackson, Prima Veroli	21.7
4. Ebi, Aget Imola	21.1
5. Clark, Umana Reyer	20.7
6. Gordon, Forli	18.4
7. Marigney, Assigeco	18.3
8. Roderick, Immobi.	17.6
9. Hickman, Fastw.	16.9
10. Beck, Trenkwalder	16.6

Rebounds Per Game

Ndudi EBI
  Aget Imola
  (206-F-84)
  Avg: 9.3

1. Ebi, Aget Imola	9.3
2. Varnado, Tuscany PT	9.0
3. Lollis, Immobili.	8.9
4. Boykin, Assigeco	8.4
5. Waleskowski, Tezeni.	8.3
6. Filloy, Immobili.	8.3
7. Dordei, Snaidero UD	8.2
8. Johnson, San Severo	8.1
9. Gordon, Forli	7.3
10. Chiacig, Sunris.	7.3

Assists Per Game

Antonio PORTA
  Tezenis Verona
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 5.2

1. Porta, Tezenis .	5.2
2. Crispin, Barcellona	4.9
3. Farabello, N.Fer.	3.9
4. Whiting, Aget Imola	3.7
5. Clark, Umana Reyer	3.7
6. Hoover, N.Ferrara	3.6
7. Levin, Sunrise .	3.6
8. Childress, San S.	3.4
9. Hickman, Fastw.	3.4
10. Williams, Snaidero.	3.3

Steals Per Game

Terrence RODERICK
  Immobiliare SR
  (195-G/F-88)
  Avg: 3.4

1. Roderick, Immobi.	3.4
2. Achara, Barcellona	2.9
3. Ebi, Aget Imola	2.8
4. Davis, Sunrise .	2.7
5. Farabello, N.Fer.	2.7
6. Williams, Snaidero.	2.6
7. Stefanov, San S.	2.6
8. Hunter, Sunrise .	2.5
9. Scarone, Immobili.	2.4
10. Ndoja, N.Ferrara	2.4

Blocks Per Game

Jarvis VARNADO
  Tuscany PT
  (206-F-88)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Varnado, Tuscany PT	2.8
2. Ebi, Aget Imola	1.3
3. Maggioli, Fileni B.	1.1
4. Achara, Barcellona	0.9
5. Trepagnier, Tezeni.	0.8
6. Cutolo, San Severo	0.8
7. Boykin, Assigeco	0.8
8. Di Giuliomar., Umana R.	0.7
9. Kotti, N.Ferrara	0.7
10. Frosini, Trenkwalder	0.7

stats leader

Points Per Game

Davide REATI
  Treviglio
  (193-G-88)
  Avg: 18.9

1. Reati, Treviglio	18.9
2. Evangelisti, Trapani	17.7
3. Vico, Matera	17.6
4. Ricciardi, Palestrina	17.1
5. Rugolo, Molfetta	16.5
6. Marino, Treviglio	16.4
7. Tassinari, Moncalieri	16.4
8. Casadei, Comsum.i.	16.2
9. Musso, Perugia	16.1
10. Becerra, Rieti	15.8

Rebounds Per Game

Simone BAGNOLI
  Potenza
  (206-F/C-81)
  Avg: 10.5

1. Bagnoli, Potenza	10.5
2. Corral, Molfetta	10.1
3. Zambon, Rieti	9.6
4. Basei, Ostuni	9.4
5. Rosignoli, Bisceglie	9.2
6. Zerini, Ruvo	9.1
7. Capitanelli, Pales.	8.9
8. Chiaramello, Recanati	8.4
9. De Min, Treviglio	8.4
10. Gigena, Massafra	8.1

Assists Per Game

Simone FERRARESE
  Trento
  (182-G-87)
  Avg: 4.8

1. Ferrarese, Trento	4.8
2. Marino, Treviglio	4.5
3. Virgilio, Rieti	4.1
4. Marcante, ASD P.	3.7
5. Tomasiello, Comsum.	3.6
6. Gnaccarini, Senig.	3.3
7. Lenardon, Massafra	3.2
8. Parente, Moncalieri	3.1
9. Bolzonella, Piacenza	3.1
10. Basanisi, Massafra	3.1

Steals Per Game

Francesco GUARINO
  Trapani
  (182-G-79)
  Avg: 3.6

1. Guarino, Trapani	3.6
2. Marcante, ASD P.	3.2
3. Gullo, Patti	3.1
4. Bonamente, Perugia	3.1
5. Bushati, Brescia	3.1
6. Malamov, Ruvo	2.9
7. Palombita, Castelle.	2.9
8. Pozzi, Molfetta	2.8
9. Casadei, Comsum.i.	2.8
10. Valentini, S.Antimo	2.8

Blocks Per Game

Andrea ZERINI
  Ruvo
  (201-F-88)
  Avg: 2

1. Zerini, Ruvo	2.0
2. Ancellotti, Patti	1.5
3. Capitanelli, Pales.	1.3
4. Corral, Molfetta	1.3
5. Raminelli, Castelle.	1.1
6. Biligha, ASD Pavia	1.1
7. Pozzi, Molfetta	1.1
8. Candido, Ferentino	0.9
9. Basei, Ostuni	0.9
10. Spippoli, Palestrina	0.8

A Dilettanti, Round 17 - by Armando Caporaso
Group A

The leaders of the group A win again and confirm the first position. Trento exceeds Senigallia for 63-51 and gets the thirteenth victory of the season. Luca Conte (193-G-80, agency: Interperformances) is the top scorer with 16 points and 4/9 by 3, 13 points (4/5 by 3) for Luca Giroli (186-G-79, agency: Interperformances) in 20 minutes (starting by bench), 8 points and 5 rebounds for Andrea Benevelli (202-F-85), 7 points and 4 assist with 3 steals for Simone Ferrarese (182-G-87) and 6 points with 11 rebounds for Luca Gandini (205-F-85, agency: Interperformances). For the Goldengas only one player in double digit, Fabrizio Facenda (200-F/C-75) closes with 10 points and 10 rebounds adding 4 steals, 8 points for Sergio Maddaloni (190-G-82), 7 points for Elia Monticelli (193-G-81) and Marco Gnaccarini (185-G-81) and 6 points of Davide Perini (202-F/C-83) with 8 rebounds and 3 steals. Perugia wins easily against Treviglio for 96-70 (with a great 35/55 at shoot) and remains in second place. For the visitors 15 points of Tommaso Marino (190-G-86, agency: Interperformances), 14 points and 8 rebounds for Thomas De Min (203-F-86) and 10 points of Tommaso Milani (190-G-88) while for the winners Mattia Caroldi (185-G-82) is the MVP with 20 points (9/11 at shoot) and 3 assist. For the others 15 points and 4 rebounds of Marco Pazzi (203-C-79), 12 points of Costantino Cutolo (190-G/F-89, agency: Players Group), Giovanni Carenza (202-F-88, college: St.Anselm) and Simone Bonamente (202-C-79) and 10 points for Bernardo Musso (193-G-86) (that adds 5 rebounds and 3 assist) and Filippo Baldi Rossi (207-F/C-91) (in only 16 minutes). Piacenza wins at Ozzano (69-78 the final) thanks a great third quarter (8-23 the partial) and confirms the second place with Brescia and Perugia. For the PentaGruppo this is the thirteenth seasonal defeat and the team has only four points ahead of last place. Not enough for the hosts the 16 points of Luca Fontecchio (202-F-91) with 8/15 by 2, 15 points for Giulio Gazzotti (202-F-91) with 7 rebounds, 11 points and 4 assist of Giacomo Sanguinetti (180-G-90), 9 points and 6 rebounds for Matteo Negri (194-G-91) and 7 points of Michele Vitali (195-G-91) that catches 6 rebounds. For the Copra Morpho Bakery Marco Passera (180-G-82) scores 18 points with 6 assist and a perfect 8/8 in the free throws, 16 points and 5 rebounds of Federico Loschi (195-G-90), 15 points for German Scarone (190-G-75) and 11 points with 7 rebounds for Nelson Rizzitiello (198-G/F-84). Brescia wins on the court of Riva (penultimate in the standings with just three victories) for 68-89 leading by the excellent performance of Nicholas Crow (199-F-89) that closes with the double-double of 15 points + 12 rebounds with 7/10 at shoot, 4 assist and 31 of ranking. For the other players of the Centrale del Latte there are 16 points of Mario Jose Ghersetti (200-F-81), 12 points for Lorenzo Gergati (188-G-84) and Franko Bushati (188-G-85), 10 points for Mauro Quaroni (193-G-79) and Massimo Rezzano (204-F/C-82) and only 5 points for Massimo Farioli (202-F/C-77, agency: Interperformances) that catches 8 rebounds. For Riva good job of the bench, 14 points in 21 minutes for Lorenzo Torboli (193-G-84, agency: Interperformances) with 4/7 by 3, 13 points and 3 steals for Alessandro Garofalo (197-F-85, agency: JEMsports), 11 points and 6 rebounds of Andrea Scanzi (198-G-88), 10 points and 6 assist for Matteo Bastoni (195-F-79) and 7 rebounds + 4 steals for Mattia Savoldelli (196-F-89) with 0 points and 0 shoots. In the other matches:

Paffoni Omegna - P.Mitchell Pavia 76-63 (A.Saccaggi 23 pts, D.Scodavolpe 20 pts, I.Ferraro 13 reb, L.Zaccariello 4 ass, I.Cisse 5 stl)
Consum.it Siena - Edilcost Osimo 81-77 (V.DiCapua 25 pts & 6 stl, G.Ghedini 24 pts, M.Portannese 23 pts & 5 stl, D.Casadei 23 pts & 6 reb & 5 ass)
SBS Castelletto - Aps Trieste 79-72 (L.Masieri 17 pts & 4 stl, M.Raminelli 8 reb & 4 stl, D.Sandri 4 ass, M.Benfatto 4 stl)
Fortezza Recanati - Zerouno Moncalieri 76-72 (C.Masper 28 pts & 11 reb, S.Cotani 7 reb, D.Parente-R.Fossati 5 ass, R.Pederzini 17 pts & 4 stl)

Group B

Ruvo back to win after the defeat in the last round, 68-50 against Palestrina (twelfth seasonal defeat) and preserves the 4 points lead on the second. The Adriatica Industriale starts good in the first half and closes the third quarter with the result of 60-31. 15 points and 9 rebounds for Andrea Zerini (201-F-88, agency: Interperformances), 12 points for Simone Bonfiglio (181-G-88) with 6 steals, 11 points of Andrea Pilotti (196-F/G-80, agency: Players Group) with 3 assist, 7 points and 4 steals for Davide Bonacini (190-G-90, agency: Interperformances) and only 6 points for Francesco Ihedioha (196-F-86, agency: Interperformances) with a bad 2/10 at shoot but with 12 rebounds and 2 blocks. For the Itop critical situation with the second lowest in the standing, there are 12 points of Gianmarco Rossi (178-G-90), 10 points of Daniele Ricciardi (185-G-81) (inaccurate with 4/13 at shoot), 8 points and 6 rebounds for Precious Omoregie (195-F/C-91) in 16 minutes (starting by bench) and 6 points for Andrea Capitanelli (203-C-86) with 8 rebounds (but also 8 turnovers). Trapani wins on the court of Anagni (81-74) getting the victory number 12 thanks a good last quarter (20-13 for the winners) and keeps the -4 from the first place. Great offensive performance for the top scorer of the group Marco Evangelisti (198-G-84) with 29 points, 8/11 at shoot and 100% in the free throws (12/12) in 40 minutes, good job for Walter Santarossa (200-F-78) with 14 points and 7 rebounds, 13 points of Francesco Guarino (182-G-79) with 9/10 in the free throws and 11 points for Gianni Cantagalli (192-G-88, agency: Players Group). For the Romana Chimici 17 points and 3 steals of Giovanni Bruni (180-G-82) with 5/7 by 3 in 25 minutes, 14 points for Riccardo Romano (192-G-84, agency: Interperformances), 13 points and 5 rebounds of Andrea Gennari (208-F/C-84), 9 points and 5 rebounds for Mirko Romani (200-C-88) and only 5 points for Manuel Caceres (195-G/F-84, agency: Interperformances) but with 8 rebounds and 3 assist. In a very balanced game Massafra wins at Ostuni for 82-81 (conquering eighth victory) thansk at the points in the last seconds of Cigliani. After the basket of Gigena for the 81-79 Cigliani tie with a 2 points shoot and, with 1/2 in the free throws allows his team to win its eighth victory. For the Assi Basket sixth defeat and 2 points lost in the race for second place. For the Cisa Ivan Scarponi (196-G-86) scores 28 points with 10/17 at shoot (7/12 by 3), 8 rebounds and 7 steals (30 of ranking), 13 points for Maurizio Cucinelli (196-F-79), Simone Lenardon (189-G-85) (with 6 assist and 7/8 in the free throws) and for Francesco Quaglia (207-F/C-88) (with 8 rebounds in only 24 minutes) while for the match winner Andrea Cigliani (192-G-88) only 8 points (but the last 3 decisive for the final victory). At the hosts not enough the double-double of Francesco Basei (207-C-83) with 14 points and 13 rebounds, 16 points for Domenico Morena (210-F/C-70), 11 points of Claudio Tommasini (190-G-91) and Valerio Circosta (188-G-87) (respectively with 4 and 6 assist) and 10 points for Mario Gigena (198-F-77) and Antonio Ruggiero (190-G-81). S.Antimo exceeds Molfetta for 89-64 (already 29-16 after the first 10 minutes) and reaches the fourth place with 10-7 shared with Latina and Matera. The MVP is Jacopo Valentini (193-G-86) with 21 points, 8/14 at shoot and 8 steals. For the others there are 17 points of Filippo Gagliardo (204-F-78) with 12 rebounds (7 offensive), 16 points and 7 rebounds for Dante Calabria (194-G-73, college: N.Carolina) and 14 points with 7 rebounds for Simone Gatti (201-F-82). For the Centro Auto Ford this is the tenth defeat, Diego Corral (205-C-86, agency: Players Group) is the top scorer with 18 points + 11 rebounds (also 3 steals and 8/13 at shoot), 13 points for Roberto Maggio (183-G-90) and 9 points for Jacopo Pozzi (200-F-87) and Giovanni Rugolo (196-G/F-81) (with 7 turnovers). The other results:

Bawer Matera - Moncada Agrigento 62-57 (P.Mossi 13 pts, D.Pennisi 12 pts & 9 reb, F.Gilardi 3 ass, F.Lovatti 3 stl)
Ambrosia Bisceglie - Benacquista Latina 57-59 (F.Ruini 21 pts & 3 stl, D.Rosignoli 14 reb & 5 ass, L.Panzini 18 pts)
FMC Ferentino - Publisys Potenza 70-76 (I.Ochoa 23 pts, S.Bagnoli 18 pts & 19 reb & 5 ass & 3 stl, A.Chiarastella-F.Candido 10 reb)
Ascom Patti - Ircop Rieti 74-73 (A.Fabi 24 pts, A.Ancellotti 9 reb & 2 blk, T.Gullo 5 stl & 2 ass, D.Zambon 17 pts & 7 reb)

Anthony Grundy close to sign contract with Tezenis Verona - by Eurobasket News
Anthony Grundy (189-G-79, agency: Strategic Sports, college: N.Carolina St.) can soon be employed in Italy. The 31-year-old guard has reportedly arrived in Italy to finalize his agreement with Tezenis Verona. Anthony Grundy will sign a deal after successful completion of all medical tests. The guard started the season in Greece. Anthony Grundy tallied 14.5 points, 3.1 assists and 2.0 rebounds per game for AEK. Last season Anthony Grundy played in Italy for Carife Ferrara. He averaged 17.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 2.1 assists before leaving for Venezuela. Anthony Grundy also played in CBA, WBA, Germany, Sweden, Israel, Dominican Republic, D-League and NBA in his career.

Best players of Italian A dilettanti round 17 - by Eurobasket News
Talented Nicholas Crow (199-F-89) had an amazing evening in the last round for Brescia Leonessa and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com A dilettanti Player of the Week award for round 17.
The 21-year old forward had a double-double of 15 points and twelve rebounds, while his team crushed Riva del Garda (#15, 3-14) with 21-point margin 89-68. Brescia maintains the 3rd position in Italian A dilettanti. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Brescia will need more victories to improve their 12-5 record. It's Crow's second year at Brescia and it's hard to imagine this team without him. Nicholas Crow averages this season 10.1ppg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 37-year old former international forward Cristiano Masper (208-F-73) of Zerouno Moncalieri S. Mauro Torino. Masper impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 28 points and 11 rebounds. Bad luck as Moncalieri was edged by the lower-ranked Recanati (#13, 6-11) 76-72. Moncalieri managed to keep the same 8th spot in group A. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 9-8 record is not bad and everything may still change. Masper is a newcomer at Moncalieri and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders.

The third best performed player last round was former international forward Simone Bagnoli (206-F/C-81) of Publisys Potenza (#14). Bagnoli showcased his all-around game by recording 18 points, nineteen rebounds (!!!) and five assists in the last round. He was a key player of Potenza, leading his team to a 76-70 win against the higher-ranked Ferentino (#11, 8-9). The chances of Potenza not to end season at such low position in group B, however are less than slim as they have already lost 11 games, recording just six victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Bagnoli could try to bring Potenza's a little bit higher in the standings. Bagnoli has individually a great season in Italy. After 16 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 10.5rpg (#1 in league).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Marco Evangelisti (198-G-84) of Trapani - 29 points and 4 rebounds
5. Diego Corral (205-C-86) of Molfetta - 18 points and 11 rebounds
6. Daniele Casadei (199-F/G-81) of Comsum.it SI - 23 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists
7. Ivan Scarponi (196-G-86) of Massafra - 28 points and 8 rebounds
8. Filippo Gagliardo (204-F-78) of S.Antimo - 17 points and 12 rebounds
9. Riccardo Pederzini (198-F-89) of Recanati - 17 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Vincenzo Di Capua (186-G/F-87) of Osimo - 25 points

The Player of the week is chosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

Waleskowski's double-double lands him Lega2 Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
30-year old Keith Waleskowski (204-C/F-80) put on an amazing game in the last round for Tezenis Verona and receives a Eurobasket.com Lega2 Player of the Week award for round 16.
He had a double-double of 24 points and 13 rebounds, while his team crushed Forli (#15, 4-12) with 23-point margin 92-69. The game rather meaningless between the teams, which do not have any influence on the top of the standings. Tezenis Verona is placed at 14th position in Italian Lega2. Tezenis Verona is rather a weak team placed in lower part in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 5-11 record. In the team's last game Waleskowski had a remarkable 75.0% from 2-point range. He turned to be Tezenis Verona's top player in his first season with the team. University of Dayton graduate has very impressive stats this year. Waleskowski is in league's top in rebounds (6th best: 8.3rpg) and averages solid 2.1spg and 63.8% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Ndudi Ebi (206-F-84, agency: Priority Sports) of Aget Imola. He is Nigerian forward in his first season at Aget Imola. In the last game Ebi recorded impressive double-double of 27 points and 13 rebounds. Bad luck as Aget Imola lost that game 77-86 to slightly lower-ranked N.Ferrara (#10, 7-9). This loss caused Aget Imola to drop to 8th position in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 8-8 record is not bad and everything may still change. Ebi is a newcomer at Aget Imola and quickly became one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 21.1ppg (#4). He also registered 9.3 boards per game.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Kaniel Dickens (203-F-78) of San Severo (#16). Dickens scored 25 points and grabbed six rebounds. He was a key player of San Severo, leading his team to a 90-87 win against the higher-ranked Sunrise Scafati (#6, 9-7). San Severo can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have extremely bad season and 3-13 record places them at the very bottom of the standings. Too bad for Dickens he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Dickens has a very solid season. In 6 games in Italy he scored 18.3ppg. He also has 7.7rpg, FGP: 57.6% and 3PT: 47.6%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Trent Whiting (185-G-76) of Aget Imola - 20 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Jarrius Jackson (188-G-85) of Prima Veroli - 35 points
6. Andrea Renzi (208-F/C-89) of Tezenis Verona - 16 points and 11 rebounds
7. Demian Filloy (198-F-82) of Immobiliare SR - 15 points and 11 rebounds
8. Randolph Childress (190-G-72) of San Severo - 21 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists
9. Marko Tusek (203-F-75) of Fileni BPA - 20 points and 10 rebounds
10. Tamar Slay (204-F-80) of Umana Reyer - 20 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists

The Player of the week is chosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

Troutman's double-double lands him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
29-year old forward Chevon Troutman (202-F-81, agency: ACMT) put on an amazing game in the last round for Air Avellino and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 15.
He had a double-double of 22 points and 16 rebounds, while his team was edged out by Enel Brindisi (#15, 5-10) 80-79. Air AV moved-up to the 6th position in the Italian league. Air AV is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. But it was their 8th lost game this season out of 15 games. It's Troutman's second year at Air AV and it's hard to imagine this team without him. University of Pittsburgh graduate has very impressive stats this year. Troutman is in league's top in rebounds (6th best: 8.3rpg) and averages solid 2.7spg and 62.0% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Marko Milic (202-F-77) of Vanoli Cremona. He is Slovenian forward in his first season at Vanoli CR. In the last game Milic recorded impressive double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds. Bad luck as Vanoli CR lost that game 71-83 to Dinamo Sassari (6-9). The game was between two teams which are definitely not main contenders for the title. Vanoli CR dropped in the standings to 11th position. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 6-9 record. Milic is a newcomer at Vanoli CR and quickly became one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 15.8ppg (#7). He also registered 6.1 boards per game.

Third place about best performers goes to guard Daniel Hackett (196-G-87) of Scavolini Spar Pesaro (#7). Hackett scored 23 points. Despite Hackett's great performance Scavolini PS lost 84-94 to the higher-ranked Armani MI (#2, 12-3). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Scavolini PS ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 8 games, recording just seven victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Hackett could help Scavolini PS to bring them higher in the standings. Hackett has a very solid season. In 15 games in Italy he scored 14.1ppg. He also has 2.8spg and FGP: 53.8%. Daniel Hackett has also Italian passport and can play in the league with a status of domestic player.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Eric Williams (206-C-84) of Pepsi Caserta - 20 points and 8 rebounds
5. Anthony Roberson (188-G-83) of Enel Brindisi - 27 points and 6 rebounds
6. Phil Goss (186-G-83) of Cimberio VA - 26 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists
7. Ibrahim Jaaber (187-G-84) of Armani MI - 19 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists
8. David Hawkins (194-G-82) of Armani MI - 23 points, 2 rebounds and 6 assists
9. Travis Diener (183-G-82) of Dinamo Sassari - 15 points, 3 rebounds and 8 assists
10. Bobby Dixon (178-G-83) of Enel Brindisi - 14 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists

The Player of the week is chosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

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JAPAN

Japanese BJ League round 26 best performance: Zachary Andrews - by Eurobasket News
American power forward Zachary Andrews (203-F/C-85) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Niigata Albirex, receiving a Asia-basket.com BJ League Player of the Week award for round 26.
The 25-year old player had a double-double of 15 points and 19 rebounds, while his team crushed Oita H.Devils (#6, 12-15) with 21-point margin 79-58. Niigata Albirex maintains the 3rd position in Japanese BJ League. Niigata Albirex is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 12-11 record. Andrews turned to be Niigata Albirex's top player in his first season with the team. Former Bradley University star has very solid stats this year. Andrews is in league's top in rebounds (3rd best: 12.1rpg) and averages impressive 66.3% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 26-year old Trinidad and Tobago Kibwe Trim (208-F/C-84) of Kyoto Hannaryz. Trim had a very good evening with a double-double of 16 points and 18 rebounds. Bad luck as Kyoto Hannaryz was edged by the higher-ranked Shiga Lakestars (#2, 16-9) 90-88. Kyoto Hannaryz managed to keep the same 5th spot in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 12-13 record. Trim is a newcomer at Kyoto Hannaryz, but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was American forward Gary Hamilton (208-F/C-84) of league's second-best Shiga Lakestars. Hamilton showcased his all-around game by recording 9 points, nineteen rebounds (!!!) and seven assists in the last round. He was a key player of Shiga Lakestars, leading his team to a 90-88 win against the lower-ranked Kyoto Hannaryz (#5, 12-13). Shiga Lakestars needs these victories very badly if they think about taking over top position in the standings. Their record at this point is 16 victories and 9 lost games. Hamilton has a great season in Japan. After 25 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 15.1rpg (#1 in league).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Jeffrey Parmer (203-F-85) of Hamamatsu-Higashi Mikawa Phoenix - 23 points and 7 rebounds
5. Chris Holm (212-C/F-84) of Sendai 89ers - 16 points and 16 rebounds
6. Jermaine Dixon (191-G-87) of Hamamatsu P. - 15 points and 10 assists
7. Michael Parker (200-G/F-81) of Fukuoka Rizing - 28 points and 8 rebounds
8. Paul Butorac (208-F-83) of Akita - 18 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists
9. Anthony McHenry (201-G/F-83) of Okinawa GK - 13 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists
10. Robert Swift (213-F/C-85) of Tokyo Apache - 10 points, 16 rebounds and 2 assists

The Player of the week is chosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

Standings - BJ League

BJ Standings

Eastern
1. Hamamatsu P.		24-2
2. Sendai 89ers		15-9
3. Niigata Albirex		13-11
4. Saitama Bron.		11-15
5. Tokyo Apache		10-8
6. Akita		9-17
7. Toyama Grouses		7-17
Western
1. Osaka Evessa		17-9
2. Shiga Lakestars		16-10
3. Fukuoka Rizing		16-12
4. Okinawa GK		15-11
5. Kyoto Hannaryz		13-13
6. Oita H.Devils		12-16
7. Shimane		11-15
8. Miyazaki		7-19
9. Takamatsu FA		6-18

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JORDAN

Champville rout ASU, earn second spon in WABA League Group B - by Eurobasket News
Champville - ASU 80:67

Champville finished their WABA League Group B campaign on a high note. The Lebanese powerhouse held off ASU of Jordan to improve at 3-1 record. The victory meant Champville grabbed the second overall position in the group. They will now take on Zob Ahan of Iran in the quarterfinal series. ASU remained in the fourth place and would now play against Al Jalaa of Syria in the playoffs.
Champville set the tone early. They outscored the hosts 20:9 in the opening frame and never looked back en route to the victory. Patrick Bou Abboud (199-F-87) stepped up with 20 points for Champville. Fadi El Khatib (199-F-79, agency: Pro Management Agency) and Jasmon Youngblood (195-G-84, college: Kent St.) topscored with 21 points each for the winners. Terrence Roberts (206-F-84, college: Syracuse) responded with 14 points and 10 rebounds for ASU. Mousa Alawadi (192-G/F-85) knocked down 12 points in defeat.

Champville: Fadi El Khatib 21, Jasmon Youngblood 21, Patrick Bou Abboud 20
ASU: Terrence Roberts 14+10 boards, Mousa Alawadi 12

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KUWAIT

Standings

D1 Stage Two Standings

1. Al Kuwait		3-0
2. Al Qadsia		3-0
3. Al Sahel		2-1
4. Al Jahraa		1-2
5. Al Arabi		0-3
6. Kazma		0-3

Stage One Standings

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LATVIA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Mareks JUREVICUS
  Tezenis Verona
  (198-G/F-85)
  Avg: 22.1

1. Jurevicus, Liepaja	22.1
2. Laksa, VEF Riga jrs	16.9
3. Wilson, Zemgale	16.1
4. Bergmanis, Zemgale	16.1
5. Lowe, Barons	16.0
6. Cipruss, Valmiera	15.6
7. Bertans, VEF R.	15.5
8. Nelyubov, VEF R.	15.3
9. Mitchell, Liepaja	15.2
10. Stimac, Ventspils	15.0

Rebounds Per Game

Kaspars CIPRUSS
  Avila
  (210-C-82)
  Avg: 10.4

1. Cipruss, Valmiera	10.4
2. Mednis, Turiba	8.1
3. Stimac, Ventspils	7.7
4. Aleksejevs, Liepaja	7.6
5. Berzins, VEF R.	7.5
6. Grafs, VEF Riga jrs	7.3
7. Wilson, Zemgale	7.2
8. Selakovs, VEF R.	6.7
9. Nelyubov, VEF R.	6.5
10. Rozitis, Zemgale	6.5

Assists Per Game

Sandis BUSKEVICS
  Ventspils
  (190-G-77)
  Avg: 7.8

1. Buskevics, Ventspils	7.8
2. Bertans, VEF R.	5.0
3. Jurevicus, Liepaja	4.9
4. Strelnieks, Ventspils	4.7
5. Mason, Ventspils	4.0
6. Gabrans, Valmiera	4.0
7. Sirsnins, Barons	3.8
8. Gailitis, VEF R.	3.8
9. Vaikulis, Liepaja	3.7
10. Bergmanis, Zemgale	3.7

Steals Per Game

Sandis BUSKEVICS
  Ventspils
  (190-G-77)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Buskevics, Ventspils	2.6
2. Jurevicus, Liepaja	2.6
3. Lowe, Barons	2.4
4. Mitchell, Liepaja	2.2
5. Gailitis, VEF R.	2.2
6. Strelnieks, Ventspils	2.0
7. Cavars, Barons	2.0
8. Slisans, LU	2.0
9. Bertans, VEF R.	1.9
10. Berzins, VEF R.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Kaspars BERZINS
  VEF Riga
  (213-F/C-85)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Berzins, VEF R.	3.3
2. Rozitis, Zemgale	2.3
3. Cipruss, Valmiera	1.6
4. Beard, Liepaja	1.2
5. Brunins, Zemgale	1.2
6. Skirmants, Barons	1.1
7. Bertans, Barons	1.0
8. Blaus, Ventspils	0.8
9. Aleksejevs, Liepaja	0.8
10. Selakovs, VEF R.	0.7

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

LEBANON

LITHUANIA

"Perlas" lends Petrukonis to "Lietuvos Rytas" - by Aurimas Rimselis
Karolis Petrukonis (212-C-87, college: Clemson) joins 'Lietuvos Rytas' till the end of season. This season Petrukonis scored 4,4 pts, collected 2.8 rbs to 'Perlas' in LKL games. The last season Karolis Petrukonis played for 'Techasas' Panevezys. 2006-2009 big man played 33games for 'Clemson Tigers' in NCAA, where played 3.8 min, scored 0.6 pts, collected 0.9 rbs average. He can debut on Wednesday Euroleague match against 'Panathinaikos' Athens.

Stats Leaders - LKL

Points Per Game

Aurimas KIEZA
  Juventus
  (202-F-82)
  Avg: 18.7

1. Kieza, Juventus	18.7
2. Ruikis, Neptunas	18.2
3. Alijevas, Nevezis	17.2
4. Dilys, Naglis-Adakris	16.4
5. Dimsa, Nevezis	16.3
6. Viskontas, Perlas	16.1
7. Juskevicius, Rudupis	15.7
8. Volkus, Techasas	14.9
9. Mikalauskas, Naglis.	14.9
10. Kazevicius, Alytus A.	14.7

Rebounds Per Game

Aurimas KIEZA
  Juventus
  (202-F-82)
  Avg: 11.6

1. Kieza, Juventus	11.6
2. Sarakauskas, Siauliai	10.1
3. Valanciunas, Lietuv.	8.1
4. Dimsa, Nevezis	7.7
5. Zelionis, Rudupis	7.5
6. Matulis, Sakalai	7.3
7. Jankunas, Zalgiris	7.3
8. Klimavicius, Zalgiris	7.2
9. Mikalauskas, Naglis.	7.1
10. Vasylius, Neptunas	6.8

Assists Per Game

Rolandas ALIJEVAS
  Nevezis
  (192-G-85)
  Avg: 6.6

1. Alijevas, Nevezis	6.6
2. Rinkevicius, Techasas	5.9
3. Juskevicius, Rudupis	5.6
4. Broadus, Siauliai	5.3
5. Collins, Zalgiris	5.0
6. Janavicius, Siauliai	4.4
7. El-Amin, Lietuvos.	4.3
8. Viskontas, Perlas	4.2
9. Dainys, Rudupis	4.0
10. Lowe, Naglis-Adakris	4.0

Steals Per Game

Valdas VASYLIUS
  Neptunas
  (203-F-83)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Vasylius, Neptunas	2.3
2. Rinkevicius, Techasas	2.2
3. Razutis, Naglis-A.	2.1
4. Ruikis, Neptunas	2.0
5. Viskontas, Perlas	1.9
6. Alijevas, Nevezis	1.8
7. Juskevicius, Rudupis	1.8
8. Valukonis, Techasas	1.8
9. Lowe, Naglis-Adakris	1.6
10. Vene, Aiscai Kaunas	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Darius SILINSKIS
  Techasas
  (216-C-84)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Silinskis, Techasas	2.5
2. Begic, Zalgiris	2.4
3. Valanciunas, Lietuv.	1.9
4. Cresnar, Nevezis	1.7
5. Cepukaitis, Juven.	1.2
6. Volkus, Techasas	1.2
7. Klimavicius, Zalgiris	1.1
8. Zelionis, Rudupis	1.0
9. Galdikas, Neptunas	1.0
10. Gumenyuk, Siauliai	0.8

Stats Leaders - NKL

Points Per Game

Vidmantas SRAGAUSKIS
  LKKA-Atletas
  (200-F-86)
  Avg: 24.5

1. Sragauskis, LKKA-.	24.5
2. Petraitis, Delikate.	21.8
3. Vingelis, LKKA-.	19.5
4. Jurkus, Silute	19.0
5. Tarvydas, Puntukas	18.3
6. Sebeziovas, Triobe.	17.1
7. Vileita, Pieno Z.	16.8
8. Mineikis, Radviliskis	16.7
9. Cizauskas, Zalgir.	16.4
10. Jacevicius, Perla.	15.6

Rebounds Per Game

Vaidas CEPUKAITIS
  Juventus
  (207-C-89)
  Avg: 10.5

1. Cepukaitis, Zalgir.	10.5
2. Mockevicius, Akade.	10.0
3. Oladimeji, Radvilis.	9.7
4. Galdikas, Puntukas	9.3
5. Mineikis, Radviliskis	7.6
6. Nedzinskas, Silute	7.5
7. Pupinis, Erelita	7.5
8. Keras, Delikatesas	7.2
9. Kazakauskas, Nafta U.	7.1
10. Kupsas, Zalgir.	6.9

Assists Per Game

Bryan HARRISON
  Mazeikiai
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 6.8

1. Harrison, Mazeikiai	6.8
2. Vingelis, LKKA-.	5.5
3. Kuklierius, Radvilis.	5.0
4. Cizauskas, Zalgir.	4.6
5. Leonard, Pieno Z.	4.6
6. Sapiega, Erelita	4.6
7. Zymantas, Nafta U.	4.1
8. Virsilas, Silute	4.1
9. Vileita, Pieno Z.	3.7
10. Kutra, Delikatesas	3.7

Steals Per Game

Bryan HARRISON
  Mazeikiai
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 3

1. Harrison, Mazeikiai	3.0
2. Vileita, Pieno Z.	2.6
3. Zymantas, Nafta U.	2.6
4. Metelica, Erelita	2.5
5. Petraitis, Delikate.	2.5
6. Leonard, Pieno Z.	2.3
7. Pauliukenas, Akade.	2.2
8. Jurkus, Silute	2.2
9. Kutra, Delikatesas	2.2
10. Radavicius, Meres.	2.2

Blocks Per Game

Ovidijus GALDIKAS
  Puntukas
  (217-C-88)
  Avg: 3

1. Galdikas, Puntukas	3.0
2. Mockevicius, Akade.	2.7
3. Kupsas, Zalgir.	2.0
4. Jucikas, Delikatesas	1.8
5. Urbonas, LK.	1.7
6. Cepukaitis, Zalgir.	1.4
7. Pupinis, Erelita	1.4
8. Ramanauskas, Sil.	1.2
9. Oladimeji, Radvilis.	1.2
10. Zyle, Zalgiris.	1.0

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

LUXEMBOURG

Standings

Diekirch League Standings

1. T71		12-4
2. Basket Esch		11-4
3. Etzella		11-5
4. Amicale		10-5
5. Sparta		8-7
6. Musel Pikes		8-8
7. Residence		6-10
8. Contern		6-10
9. Soleuvre		4-11
10. Black Star		2-14

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

NAIA

Xavier beats Loyola on Andrew's basket with 2 seconds left - by Emiliano
Devin Andrew (6'4''-G)'s basket with two seconds remaining lifted NAIA No. 13 Xavier (LA) to a 66-64 men's basketball victory over city rival Loyola (LA).
The Gold Rush (16-2) won for the 14th straight time at The Barn and improved to 33-1 in non-conference home games during the last four years.
The Wolfpack (7-8) erased an 11-point lead in the final 10 minutes and tied the score at 64 on Robert Lovaglio's two free throws with 1:14 remaining. But Andrew, who scored all 11 of his points in the final 12:07, bailed out Xavier when he drove the lane and scored from 10 feet.
After a Loyola (LA) timeout, Xavier's Kevin Miller, near midcourt, stole Richard Kohnke's inbounds pass to end the game. It was the second time this season that Miller preserved a Xavier victory with a game-ending steal. He did it Nov. 29 in a three-point victory at St. Thomas (Texas).
Anthony Simmons and Jamaan Kenner added 10 points apiece for Xavier, and Simmons led the Gold Rush with seven rebounds.
Lovaglio, a freshman, scored a career-high 29 points for Loyola (LA) and grabbed seven rebounds. Corey Gray scored 17 points, including five 3-pointers in seven attempts.
Gray's 3-pointer during the eighth minute gave Loyola (LA) its largest lead at 19-12, then Michael Harvey and Jeremy Lee scored six points apiece to rally Xavier to a 34-26 advantage at halftime. But Lovaglio scored 18 second-half points and finished the game 11-of-13 from the floor and 5-of-5 from the line. His 3-pointer with 2:02 remaining tied the score at 62.
Xavier shot 52.4 percent from the floor, and Loyola (LA) shot 50 percent.
Xavier, a 19-point winner at Loyola (LA) on Dec. 6, swept the season series for the first time since 2007-08. The next Gold Rush game will start at 7 p.m. Monday against Spring Hill at The Barn.

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

NBA

Garnett practices for first time since injury - by Eurobasket News
Kevin Garnett (6'10''-F-76, agency: Pro Management Agency) took part in full contact practice with the Boston Celtics on Thursday, his first team workout since straining his right calf on Dec. 29.

Doc Rivers said Garnett participated in a little more than half the practice, going through plays and running up and down the court, but the coach ruled his star forward out for Fridays home game against Charlotte.

He went through half the practice or more than that, actually, Rivers said. He looked pretty good. Hes not playing (Friday) but he looked pretty good. Besides just his wind, I thought his movement was very good. I want to see him another practice but hes getting close.

Rivers said trainer Ed Lacerte and team doctor Brian McKeon checked out Garnett and cleared him to participate in all the contact drills and plays in practice.

There were a couple of times I wanted him off the floor and he stayed on the floor and did all the pick-and-roll defense live, said Rivers. We went up and down and he did all that live.

Boston is 5-3 without Garnett in the lineup.

The Celtics received more discouraging news as two more frontcourt players are dealing with injuries that could keep them sidelined indefinitely. Jermaine ONeal (notes) had an MRI Thursday on his sore left knee that acted up in the second half of Mondays game against Houston, and backup center Semih Erden (notes) missed practice because of a groin pull.

Rivers is concerned that ONeal will likely need surgery.

Dont know yet, Rivers said. Honestly, my guess is theyre going to have to do something. So, I dont know that. Im just using my doctorate right now. My guess is theyll probably have to do something.

Bostons depth in the frontcourt was already slim with Kendrick Perkins (notes) (right knee) not yet cleared to practice and Shaquille ONeal (notes) getting limited minutes to maintain his stamina for later in the season.

It puts more pressure on them, Rivers said of his healthy big men. This is who we are right now. Its part of it.

Courtesy of Yahoo

Barbosa out at least a week with hamstring injury - by Eurobasket News
Toronto Raptors guard Leandrinho Barbosa (6'3''-G-82) is expected to miss one to two weeks with a strained right hamstring.

Coach Jay Triano said Barbosa will not play on the Raptors' five-game road trip, which began Saturday night at Washington.

Barbosa was hurt in the final seconds of the first half of Friday night's loss to Detroit.

Barbosa is Toronto's third leading scorer, averaging 13.4 points per game.

Courtesy of www.sportingnews.com

Surgery set for Blazers' Brandon Roy - by Eurobasket News
Portland Trail Blazers star Brandon Roy (6'6''-G-84, college: Washington) will have arthroscopic surgery on both of his knees next week.

The team says there is no timetable for the All-Star guard's return.

Roy has missed 16 games this season because of soreness in his knees, which he has said is caused by a lack of cartilage.

Roy is averaging 16.6 points in 23 games this season. For his career, the three-time All-Star and 2007 NBA Rookie of the Year is averaging 19.9 points and 4.9 assists.

Roy's decision to have surgery was first reported by the Portland Tribune newspaper on its website. It will be performed next week by Dr. Don Roberts.

'I'm trying to do the best thing I can to get back on the floor,' Roy said in a statement Thursday. 'We've been able to get a number of different opinions and it's something we've decided.'

Last season, Roy had arthroscopic surgery to repair the meniscus in his right knee two days before the Blazers opened their first-round playoff series against Phoenix. He made a remarkable comeback and played in the fourth game of the series, which the Suns eventually won.

In an interview Thursday posted on the team's website, Blazers.com, Roy said he may have been putting strain on his left knee after having the procedure on his right knee.

'The biggest thing, I said in the beginning of this process, I'm going to be patient with it and I'm going to try to think long-term,' Roy said. 'The team has really backed me with that and hasn't tried to rush me. Just try to be patient with it and try to get me back as close to feeling good as possible.'

The team announced on Dec. 30 that Roy would sit out indefinitely this season.

The Blazers have been stung by key injuries. Often-injured center Greg Oden is out for the season after having microfracture knee surgery.

Second-yard forward Jeff Pendergraph also injured his knee and required season-ending surgery. And rookie guard Elliot Williams has undergone surgery this season on both knees.

Courtesy of www.sportingnews.com

Rockets to send Ish Smith to D-League - by Eurobasket News
NBA sources confirm for FOX 26 Sports the Houston Rockets will send rookie guard Ishmael Smith (6'0''-G-88, college: Wake Forest) on Monday to their NBA Development League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

Smith averaged 3.1 points and 2.4 assists in 24 games with the Rockets.

He started three games.

With Aaron Brooks now healthy, he and Kyle Lowry will get the bulk of the minutes at the guard position, leaving little time for Smith to continue his development.

The Rockets sent rookie forward Patrick Patterson to the D-League earlier this season.

After his return to Houston Patterson took advantage of injuries to create a niche for himself in the Rockets' rotation.

Courtesy of www.myfoxhouston.com

Patrick Patterson of Houston Rockets sent to hospital with chest pain - by Eurobasket News
Houston rookie Patrick Patterson (6'9''-F-89, college: Kentucky) returned home on the Rockets' charter flight Saturday night, a few hours after chest pains and congestion forced him to leave Philips Arena in an ambulance.

Team spokesman Bob Schranz said preliminary tests on Patterson, the NBA's No. 14 overall draft pick, were precautionary and revealed no problems other than flulike symptoms.

Patterson was taken to Piedmont Hospital, but was not admitted. The Rockets, who host Milwaukee on Monday, are listing Patterson as day-to-day.

The former Kentucky standout played 3 minutes, 54 seconds of the second quarter, scoring six points as a reserve in Houston's 112-106 win over the Atlanta Hawks. He did not return for the third quarter, leaving downtown in an ambulance after the medical staff at Philips Arena decided he should undergo further tests.

Schranz said Patterson and the Rockets' staff discussed his flulike symptoms before the game.

Patterson has been with Houston since getting recalled from Rio Grande Valley of the NBA Development League on Dec. 13.

Courtesy of ESPN

Carmelo Anthony carefully weighing his options - by Eurobasket News
Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-F-84, college: Syracuse) insists he cares more about chasing a crown than cash.

That's why the Denver Nuggets' All-Star has held off on signing the three-year, $65 million contract extension that's been on the table since last summer.

He's still weighing his options, even as trade talks intensify with the New Jersey Nets, a deal that could very well go down sometime next week - provided, of course, he signs the extension.

Anthony said Saturday before a game against Cleveland - one that could very well be his last at the Pepsi Center in a Nuggets jersey - that his motivation isn't so much about moving to a big market or making big money, but capturing a title.

He said he will only put his name to a contract extension with a team that gives him the best shot at a championship.

'I'm going into my ninth season. I have no time to waste right now,' Anthony said. 'I want to see the light at the end of the tunnel in my future. That light is a championship.'

The most recent trade talks have Chauncey Billups and former Detroit teammate Richard Hamilton reuniting in New Jersey along with Anthony in a mega deal that includes three teams and more than a dozen players.

In exchange, the Nuggets would get rookie Derrick Favors and point guard Devin Harris, along with possibly two first-round picks.

Anthony has long maintained his dream is to play in New York. He and his wife, TV personality LaLa Vazquez, have numerous Brooklyn ties and the Nets are scheduled to move there in 2012, making that potential trade an attractive possibility.

But he thinks everyone is reading too much into his infatuation with the Big Apple. He's drawn boos from the home crowd in recent games, fans frustrated with the situation dragging on for more than five months.

'I think the boos come from just conversations, maybe barbershop talk or at work or at the sub shop getting a sandwich,' Anthony said. 'They see something like was on ESPN my ultimate dream is to go back to New York they see that and say, 'Melo wants to leave. He wants to get out of here. Melo don't like Denver. Melo hates us.' That's never the fact.

'Going to a bigger market and all that stuff is cool, but if I feel like I have a chance of winning a championship in Denver in the next five years, then I'll sign the extension. It really doesn't matter. I just want to win. At the end of the day, that's all I care about.'

Anthony has said he feels remorseful that Billups has come up in the talks, knowing the Denver native wants to retire with the Nuggets. He chats with Billups all the time about bringing a title to Denver.

The Nuggets reached the Western Conference finals in 2009, only to be beaten by the Los Angeles Lakers.

Last season, Denver was knocked out in the first round by Utah, a frustrating end to a tumultuous year in which coach George Karl battled throat and neck cancer.

'That's something we always talk about, bring a championship back here. I don't just go out and play basketball just to do it. That's on my mind,' said Anthony, who has led Denver to the postseason in each of his seven seasons. 'That was my dream.'

Was his dream?

'If I feel I can't do it here, I don't think this is the right thing to do,' Anthony said. 'It's just the uncertainty in the future of the organization. It's a lot of things that come into play, contracts, not knowing what's going to happen in the future.'

These days, Anthony carefully selects his words, knowing that anything he says could be misinterpreted, like when he acknowledged his dream is to play in New York.

'To the average person, that's all that people see. That's all that people here,' Anthony said. 'If anybody told you that they didn't want to do that, they'd be lying to you. ... Chauncey's ultimate dream was to come back here and play in Denver. At the end of the day, that's anybody's (ultimate dream) who has a chance to go back home.

'This whole situation is like a puzzle.'

And Anthony holds a majority of the pieces.

The discussions with the Nets are still ongoing but those involved remain hopeful a deal could be in place possibly even before the Nuggets return home Wednesday to host Oklahoma City.

But the deal may be contingent on whether Anthony signs the extension, so he doesn't leave next summer and become the headliner of the 2011 free agent class.

Anthony has yet to give any indication if he would agree to sign it and go to the Nets should a deal be completed. Yahoo! Sports recently reported that Anthony wants to be sold on the Nets before agreeing to anything.

He danced around the topic of the extension Saturday.

'At first, a lot of people were saying it's a money situation. It has nothing to do with no type of money,' Anthony said. 'I don't care about the money. My ultimate at the end of the day is to win and win a championship. Whether I feel like I can do that here, whether I feel like I need to go somewhere else and do it, that's my own ultimate decision.

'You have to have a decision what's best for you and best for your career. Right now, whatever decision I make is going to be the best decision for me.'

Courtesy of http://sports.earthlink.net

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Kevin DURANT
  Oklah.City T.
  (206-G/F-88)
  Avg: 28.5

1. Durant, Oklah.Ci.	28.5
2. Stoudemire, New Y.	26.0
3. Ellis, Golde S.	25.7
4. James, Miami Heat	25.4
5. Bryant, LA Lakers	25.3
6. Wade, Miami Heat	25.1
7. Rose, Chicago B.	24.5
8. Gordon, LA Clippers	23.9
9. Nowitzki, Dallas M.	23.6
10. Anthony, Denver N.	23.1

Rebounds Per Game

Kevin LOVE
  Minnesota T.
  (208-C-88)
  Avg: 15.7

1. Love, Minnesota T.	15.7
2. Howard, Orlando M.	13.3
3. Randolph, Memph.	13.1
4. Griffin, LA Clipp.	12.7
5. Bogut, Milwauke.	11.8
6. Noah, Chicago B.	11.7
7. Camby, Portland TB	11.6
8. Gasol, LA Lakers	10.8
9. Okafor, N.Orlean.	10.2
10. Boozer, Chicago B.	10.1

Assists Per Game

Rajon RONDO
  Boston C.
  (186-G-86)
  Avg: 13.4

1. Rondo, Boston C.	13.4
2. Nash, Phoenix Suns	10.8
3. Paul, N.Orleans H.	9.6
4. Williams, Utah Jazz	9.4
5. Wall, Washington W.	8.9
6. Felton, New Y.	8.8
7. Kidd, Dallas M.	8.4
8. Calderon, Toron.	8.3
9. Westbrook, Oklah..	8.3
10. Rose, Chicago B.	8.0

Steals Per Game

Chris PAUL
  N.Orleans H.
  (183-G-85)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Paul, N.Orleans H.	2.7
2. Rondo, Boston C.	2.4
3. Ellis, Golde S.	2.3
4. Curry, Golde S.	1.9
5. Westbrook, Oklah..	1.9
6. Felton, New Y.	1.9
7. Evans, Sacramen.	1.8
8. Ginobili, San A.	1.8
9. Kidd, Dallas M.	1.8
10. Garnett, Boston C.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Andrew BOGUT
  Milwaukee B.
  (212-F/C-84)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Bogut, Milwauke.	2.9
2. McGee, Washingt.	2.6
3. Stoudemire, New Y.	2.4
4. Howard, Orlando M.	2.3
5. Milicic, Minnesota T.	2.3
6. Ibaka, Oklah.Ci.	2.2
7. Jefferson, Utah J.	2.0
8. Duncan, San A.	2.0
9. Smith, Atlanta H.	1.9
10. Bynum, LA Lakers	1.9

Standings

NBA Standings

Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
1. Boston C.		30-9
2. New York K.		22-17
3. Philadelph.76		16-23
4. Toronto R.		13-27
5. New Jersey N.		10-30
Central Div.
1. Chicago B.		27-13
2. Indiana P.		16-21
3. Milwaukee B.		14-23
4. Detroit P.		14-26
5. Cleveland C.		8-32
Southeast Div.
1. Miami Heat		30-12
2. Orlando M.		26-14
3. Atlanta H.		26-15
4. Charlotte B.		15-23
5. Washington W.		11-27
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
1. Utah Jazz		27-13
2. Oklah.City T.		27-13
3. Denver N.		23-17
4. Portland TB		21-20
5. Minnesota T.		10-31
Pacific Div.
1. LA Lakers		30-12
2. Phoenix Suns		17-21
3. Golde State W.		16-23
4. LA Clippers		14-25
5. Sacramento K.		9-29
Southwest Div.
1. San Antonio S.		35-6
2. Dallas M.		26-13
3. N.Orleans H.		25-16
4. Memphis G.		19-21
5. Houston R.		18-23

Sunday: Clippers beat Lakers, Spurs too much for Nuggets - by Eurobasket News
LA Clippers - LA Lakers 99-92
Eric Gordon (6'4''-G-88, college: Indiana) struck for 30 points Sunday, going 13-of-20 from field in the Los Angeles Clippers' 99-92 defeat of the Los Angeles Lakers. Blake Griffin (6'10''-F-89, college: Oklahoma) added 18 points and 15 rebounds and DeAndre Jordan (7'0''-C-88, college: Texas A&M) also hauled down 15 boards to go with eight points for the Clippers, who snapped the Lakers' seven-game winning streak. The Clippers took the lead for good with 4 minutes remaining when Griffin made two consecutive baskets to put them ahead 85-82. Randy Foye's 3-pointer a minute later gave the Clippers some breathing room at 88-83 and they held on to post their third win in five tries against their Los Angeles rivals. Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) scored 27 points, grabbed nine rebounds and had five assists, and Andrew Bynum contributed 18 points and 13 boards for the Lakers. *Courtesy of www.upi.com

San Antonio S. - Denver N. 110-97
Tony Parker (6'0''-G-80) is just glad it's not him who is being chased by New York trade rumors anymore, now that Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-F-84, college: Syracuse) is getting all the attention. Parker scored 30 points and the San Antonio Spurs reached the season's midway point with the third-best first half in NBA history, beating Denver 110-97 on Sunday night in what Anthony said wasn't his last game in a Nuggets uniform. 'No, not at all,' Anthony said. 'I'm going to play Wednesday against Oklahoma City and then against the Lakers. Then Indiana.' Is he sure of that? 'Yep.' Anthony added he hadn't heard reports of the Nuggets giving the New Jersey Nets permission to speak with him, thereby avoiding league tampering rules. 'If that was the case, I'm sure I would have gotten a phone call,' said Anthony, who scored 12 points on 5 of 17 shooting in the loss. The NBA-best Spurs (35-6) won their sixth in a row. Manu Ginobili (6'6''-G-77, agency: Interperformances) added 18 points for San Antonio, which beat Denver for a third time while continuing its best start in franchise history. The last team this dominant through 41 games was Detroit in 2005-06, when the Pistons started 36-5 and wound up losing in the Eastern Conference finals. The Spurs have a better finish in mind. They extended their lead in the Southwest Division to eight games over the reeling Dallas Mavericks - their biggest division cushion in nearly 30 years. 'We have to keep it going, can't be satisfied,' Parker said. 'We just have to keep pushing.' Parker was 11 of 15 from the floor, had seven assists - and relished that he was no longer in Anthony's shoes. *Courtesy of www.startribune.com

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

NCAA1

Welcome to the Kemba Show - by Allen Waters
Kemba Walker On last shot 'That's what it came down to. Of course the ball was going to be in my hands. Being the leader of this team, I wanted it to be in my hands. I was able to get a nice little shot off.'

'I knew the other guy was going to come. I just tried to go before he came. I was able to go by my man and get a shot off.'

On shaking-off missing the two late free throws 'You've got to. We take it anyway we can. I think we missed a lot of opportunities there in the game but a win is a win.'

On Jeremy Lamb 'I always knew what he was capable of . It's about time he did it. I mean, he did it at the right time.'

Jeremy Lamb 'It was a great environment. The crowd was great. I had energy. I just took what they gave me and was able to knock down some shots.'

'They were over-playing Kemba and [Shabazz Napier] was able to get the ball to me.'

'I'm getting comfortable, more and more comfortable. My teammates were looking for me and I was able to knock down some shots.'

Alex Oriakhi On second half run 'We started to move the ball and play full speed. Our offense opened up and it made it a lot easier.'

On last shot 'Everybody in the gym knew the ball was going to Kemba. My role was, if he misses, be in a position for an offensive rebound.'

Shabazz Napier 'It was a tough game and we gutted it out. It's a good thing we got the win.'

'It was real tough because Corey Fisher had an excellent game. He's a terrific player.'

'We took some tough shots and we made some great shots. The whole game we kind of played conservative.'

January 17, 2011
Connecticut vs. Villanova
Connecticut Head Coach Jim Calhoun
'We were very fortunate to win the basketball game. We also had Kemba Walker again to win the game for us.'

'After we got our 10 points, it just seemed like every basket became like lifting a hundred pound boulder. We scored twice as many points in the second half with, probably, just as good defense. We just could not buy a basket.'

'Down the stretch of the game, it was just an incredible crowd....I'm sure there has been a couple of occasions in the last couple of years where we've had that electricity in the crowd....I don't know if we could have won that kind of game on the road with the kind of electricity the kids felt once we started to climb back into it and had a good chance to win it.'

'When you go through a season, like last year, losing eight out of nine very tough, tough games, and you're starting to win really tough, tough games with a very young team, then you have to be happy.'

'That will not be a tape that we show an awful lot, from an instructional stand point. But the tick tock was there, the crowd was incredible.'

'We did a great job on Stokes. Fisher is as good a player as there is in our league, in my opinion, and probably - I'm biased now - after Kemba Walker. He can go by anybody. He's a terrific, terrific basketball player.'

'It was a hard-fought, almost a little more old-fashioned, Big East game, where both teams really went after each other. We were fortunate enough that Kemba made a great play at the end, and we win the game.'

'It was one of those games somebody was going to win and, as I said to the kids, 'It might as well be us.' Kemba made sure that we did win the game.'

On the last play 'They ran two guys at him, so Kemba did what Kemba does: He split the two, and got to where he wanted to be. And that's an amazing play.'

On Jeremy Lamb 'I know he scored points at DePaul in an open game, but this was a little different. This was a Big East game with a lot of screens being set, and he fought his way through the screens. And I thought he played terrific defense....His stature in the DePaul game was good, but his stature in this game, his body language, was just absolutely outstanding. He played like a guy who you see kind of growing up.'

On Roscoe Smith 'Roscoe played terrific defense on Stokes almost the entire game. He did a nice job at the four spot.'

January 17, 2011
Connecticut vs. Villanova
Villanova Head Coach Jay Wright
'Great game to be a part of. Great atmosphere. It was a great Big East basketball game. We just came up on the short side of it...They're good. They're real good. Kemba's great and they use him great. He doesn't just score. He makes people around him better. He draws fouls. He's just so difficult to guard. He made a huge play. I was proud of our guys. Fisher made great plays.'

On Corey Fisher 'They are a very good defensive team. They did a great job on Stokes...So, we had to spread them out and get Corey Fisher to make some plays and he did a great job. Thank God for him.'

On Kemba Walker's last shot 'We wanted to double him but he's just so fast we couldn't catch him. They dribble handed-off and Corey Fisher was right there and he (Walker) just ran away from him...He's fast but really fast with the ball. And he stops on a dime and that's what creates the spacing off the shots.'

On Kemba Walker's play overall 'I think they're doing a great job playing him on the ball and off the ball. Kemba's doing a great job reading screens. And when they get in transition, they get him the ball...I think they do a great job using him and that's not easy. When you have one guy that good, and everyone knows he's that good, and to incorporate everybody else, I think they do a great job of that.'

On the first half 'We couldn't score on each other. It was a typical old school bloodbath. The first half was horrible. We were just banging each other and getting into foul trouble.'

On being up 6 with 9 minutes left 'It was just the tide of the game. We made some poor decisions offensively. We missed some shots...They played good defense and we made some bad decisions.'

On the play inside 'You have to give their defense credit. Their big guys are good. They're long and they stay behind, so you have to go over them...They definitely picked up the defensive intensity when the crowd got going in the second half.'

Kemba Walker (6'1''-G-90)

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NIGERIA

NBBF in London for talk with prospective sponsor - by Olusegun Ikuesan
In its bid to better Nigeria basketball the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF will Monday hold an important talk with a would-be sponsor in London.

The NBBF was invited to the One-Day exploratory meeting with the potential investors in Nigerian Basketball. The meeting which is being organized by MD Sports Management is sceduled to hold between 11.00am and 3.00pm at the Air France Conference Centre, World Cargo Centre, Bidg 558, Shoreham Road, Heathrow Airport, TW6 3RN.

The Federation will be represented by its president, Tijjani Umar and a board member Yusuf Tagwai at the all important meeting.

The duo of President Umar and Tagwai who left the country on Sunday morning for the meeting are expected back on Tuesday so as to be on ground for the January 21-23 Stakeholders meeting slated for the auditorium of the National Institute for Sports in Abuja.

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NORWAY

Standings - BLNO

BLNO Standings

1. Asker		11-3
2. Tromso		10-3
3. Ulriken		10-3
4. Baerum		7-7
5. Froya		5-9
6. Gimle		4-8
7. Kristiansand		4-9
8. Ammerud		2-11

BLNO Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Antonio RUSSELL
  Kristiansand
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 26.7

1. Russell, Kristiansand	26.7
2. Timus, Tromso	25.8
3. Ross, Kristiansand	23.0
4. Kombat, Froya	22.8
5. Karlsen, Asker	22.1
6. Bullock, Gimle	21.9
7. Diomande, Ammerud	21.5
8. January, Tromso	20.8
9. Gabrans, Froya	19.1
10. Eskeland, Ulriken	19.1

Rebounds Per Game

Peter BULLOCK
  Gimle
  (198-F/C-82)
  Avg: 12.5

1. Bullock, Gimle	12.5
2. Mullenax, Ulriken	11.9
3. Oatis, Baerum	11.9
4. Karlsen, Asker	10.4
5. Kombat, Froya	9.7
6. Fivelstad, Ulriken	8.9
7. Christensen, Tro.	8.1
8. Djerman, Gimle	7.9
9. January, Tromso	7.7
10. Elsafadi, Froya	7.2

Assists Per Game

Peter BULLOCK
  Gimle
  (198-F/C-82)
  Avg: 5

1. Bullock, Gimle	5.0
2. Gabrans, Froya	4.9
3. Eskeland, Ulriken	4.5
4. Mahnin, Asker	4.2
5. Ouakkaha, Ulriken	4.0
6. Elgmork, Baerum	4.0
7. Issalhi, Tromso	3.9
8. Russell, Kristiansand	3.8
9. Timus, Tromso	3.5
10. Mihaylov, Tromso	3.4

Steals Per Game

Samuel DIOMANDE
  Ammerud
  (191-G-88)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Diomande, Ammerud	2.8
2. Bullock, Gimle	2.4
3. Eskeland, Ulriken	2.2
4. Hinsch, Asker	2.2
5. Ouakkaha, Ulriken	2.2
6. Russell, Kristiansand	1.8
7. Mahnin, Asker	1.8
8. Mullenax, Ulriken	1.8
9. Elgmork, Baerum	1.6
10. Timus, Tromso	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Donald OATIS
  Baerum
  (206-F/C-79)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Oatis, Baerum	3.3
2. Beqiri, Kristiansand	1.6
3. January, Tromso	1.1
4. Mullenax, Ulriken	1.1
5. Bullock, Gimle	1.0
6. Christensen, Tro.	0.9
7. Nevjen, Baerum	0.8
8. Karlsen, Asker	0.8
9. Ndiaye, Gimle	0.6
10. Sorensen, Ammerud	0.5

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PBL

Standings

PBL Standings

1. Lawton Ft.SC		4-0
2. Halifax R.		3-1
3. Quebec K.		3-2
4. Rochester R.		2-2
5. Kentucky S.		2-3
6. Vermont FH		2-3
7. Saint John M.R.		1-3
8. Dayton A.		1-4

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PHILIPPINES

PBA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Gary DAVID
  Powerade T.
  (187-G/F-78)
  Avg: 21.5

1. David, Powerade T.	21.5
2. Cardona, Meral.	21.4
3. Devance, Alaska	19.2
4. Simon, Derby A.	18.0
5. Al-Hussaini, Air21	17.5
6. Yap, Derby Ace L.	17.3
7. Buenafe, Air21	17.1
8. Mercado, Rain o.	16.9
9. Isip, Barako	16.3
10. Washington, San M.	15.6

Rebounds Per Game

Rudy HATFIELD
  Ginebra
  (191-F-77)
  Avg: 12.4

1. Hatfield, Ginebra	12.4
2. Carey, Talk N Text	11.0
3. Washington, San M.	10.2
4. Thoss, Alaska	9.7
5. Maierhofer, Derby A.	9.6
6. Peek, Talk N Text	9.4
7. Santos, San Miguel	9.0
8. Al-Hussaini, Air21	8.9
9. Devance, Alaska	8.8
10. Baclao, Air21	8.6

Assists Per Game

Chris ROSS
  Meralco B.
  (185-G-85)
  Avg: 6.3

1. Ross, Meralco B.	6.3
2. Alapag, Talk N Text	5.8
3. Cabagnot, San M.	5.3
4. Yap, Derby Ace L.	4.5
5. Tenorio, Alaska	4.3
6. Mercado, Rain o.	4.3
7. Miller, Ginebra	4.0
8. Hubalde, Barako	4.0
9. Norwood, Rain o.	3.8
10. Lanete, Powerade.	3.8

Steals Per Game

Chris ROSS
  Meralco B.
  (185-G-85)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Ross, Meralco B.	2.4
2. Norwood, Rain o.	2.1
3. Mercado, Rain o.	2.0
4. Reyes, Talk N Text	1.4
5. Arboleda, Air21	1.3
6. Yap, Derby Ace L.	1.2
7. Tenorio, Alaska	1.2
8. Baguio, Alaska	1.2
9. Helterbrand, Gineb.	1.1
10. Dela Cruz, Alaska	1.1

Blocks Per Game

Siverino BACLAO
  Air21
  (198-F/C-87)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Baclao, Air21	2.5
2. Andaya, Barako	1.6
3. Washington, San M.	1.5
4. Eman, Alaska	1.2
5. Peek, Talk N Text	1.2
6. Maierhofer, Derby A.	1.2
7. Reyes, Powerade T.	1.1
8. Devance, Alaska	1.1
9. Thoss, Alaska	1.1
10. Al-Hussaini, Air21	0.9

Beermen oust Gin Kings, face Texters in PBA finals - by Eurobasket News
San Miguel outlasted stubborn sister team Barangay Ginebra, 89-86, in the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup Sunday night at the Araneta Coliseum, and arranged a long-awaited dream title match with Talk 'N Text.

The Beermen ended the semifinals series in six games, 4-2.

Arwind Santos (193-F-81) delivered for the Beermen when it mattered most, scoring 12 points in the pivotal fourth period, including two crucial free throws and a big defensive rebound in the dying seconds. The 6-foot-4, former Far Eastern University Tamaraw's big plays down the stretch enabled the No. 2 seeded team to survive a gritty Kings team that refused to go down quietly.

Held to just three points the last time, Santos came through with a game-high 25 points in the series-clinching win.

After enduring the legendary never-say-die ball club, San Miguel now faces no less than the top-seeded team of the tournament in a potentially explosive championship encounter pitting arguably the two best squads in the league.

The Tropang Texters claimed the first finals berth in the best-of-seven title series as early as Friday when they eliminated the former conference champion Derby Ace Llamados, 89-72, for a similar 4-2 win in their own best-of-seven semifinals series.

Although currently acknowledged as two of the powerhouse teams in the league, the championship match-up will only be the second time for both squads since 2005 when the Beermen won the Fiesta Conference.

The Finals stint will be the 32nd for San Miguel, the only remaining pioneer ball club in the PBA. The Beermen are eyeing their 19th league championship, but only the first All-Filipino title since 2001.

Game 1 of the Finals will be held on Saturday in Victorias City, Negros Occidental, marking the second time in PBA history that a championship game will be played outside of the Big City since Game Two of the Commissioners Cup between San Miguel and Sta. Lucia in Urdaneta City in 2001.

The six-day lull certainly gives the Beermen enough time to rest after being stretched to 16 lead changes and 14 deadlocks by the hard-fighting Ginebra five.

'Hindi kami dapat mag-relax against TNT. We have to be ready for the Finals,' said Jay Washington (206-C-81, college: Eckerd), who grabbed 15 rebounds and made 12 points, including a crucial reverse lay-up in the final 15.9 seconds that put the Beermen in front for good, 87-85

Santos took over from there.

He picked up a loose ball after Erik Menk lost possession on a tap by Paul Artadi, resulting in a split free throw with 9.5 seconds left to play that stretched the lead to 88-85.

The lanky San Miguel forward added one more from the foul line when he grabbed the rebound after Mark Caguioa (188-G-79, college: Glendale CC (AZ)) intentionally missed the second of his two free throws with 3.7 seconds to go.

Ginebras bid to send the game into overtime went for naught as JC Intals off-balanced three-point shot at the buzzer failed to hit the mark.

'Medyo kumpyansa ako kanina kasi close game,' said rookie coach Ato Agustin. 'In our previous games, nananalo kami kapag dikit ang laban.'

Caguioa led the Kings with 21 points and engaged Cabagnot in an animated verbal tussle when the two of them went jaw-to-jaw in the second period. Both players, products of Glendale Community College in California, were slapped with technical fouls.

Ronald Tubid (186-G-81) added 19 points, including 12 in the third period, while Rudy Hatfield had 12 points and nine rebounds.

The Kings played without Jay-Jay Helterbrand (injury) and got minimal contribution from two-time MVP Willie Miller, who only had two points on 1-of-8 shooting in 25 minutes of action.

Courtesy of KY, RCJ, GMANews.TV (taken from http://www.pba-online.net)

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POLAND

1Liga Round 17: Sokol Lancut defeats MMKS Dabrowa Gornicza in the closest game of the week - by Eurobasket News
There was no lack of interesting games this round. The round ended with favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin.

1Liga round 17 most interesting game took place in Lancut between Sokol Lancut and MMKS Dabrowa Gornicza. Second ranked Sokol Lancut (12-4) got a very close home victory over 5th ranked MMKS Dabrowa Gornicza (10-6). Sokol Lancut managed to escape with a 3-point win 75-72 on Saturday evening. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of MMKS Dabrowa Gornicza. MMKS Dabrowa Gornicza trailed by 13 points at halftime and as many as 17 after three quarters before a 13-19 last quarter charge cut the deficit to 72-75 at the end of the game. Sokol Lancut outrebounded MMKS Dabrowa Gornicza 42-26 including 27 on the defensive glass. 25 personal fouls committed by MMKS Dabrowa Gornicza helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Forward Wojciech Pisarczyk (201-88) stepped up and scored 15 points and 9 rebounds for the winners and guard Marcel Wilczek (200-86) chipped in 12 points and 11 rebounds. Forward Mariusz Piotrkowski (197-84) responded with 11 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Sokol Lancut maintains second place with 12-4 record behind leader Tempcold AZS, which they share with Rosasport. MMKS Dabrowa Gornicza at the other side keeps the fifth position with six games lost. They share it with LKS Lodz. Sokol Lancut is looking forward to face GKS Tychy (#12) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. MMKS Dabrowa Gornicza will play against Spojnia (#8) in Stargard and is hoping to prove to their supporters that this time they can win.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked ISS Sportino (11-5) against ninth ranked Spojnia (8-8) on Saturday night. Visiting ISS Sportino was defeated by Spojnia in a tough game in Stargard 76-80. Forward Jerzy Koszuta (191-82) nailed 21 points and 4 steals for the winning side and Slawomir Buczyniak accounted for 14 points and 4 assists. Spojnia's coach Tadeusz Aleksandrowicz allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Center Aleksander Lichodzijewski (202-84) came up with 22 points and 9 rebounds for ISS Sportino in the defeat. Spojnia moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Znicz Basket. ISS Sportino lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the fourth position with five games lost. Spojnia will play against higher ranked MMKS Dabrowa Gornicza (#5) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. ISS Sportino will play against Polonia 2011 in Warszawa and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Bottom-ranked Polonia 2011 managed to get a fourth victory, breaking the series of five consecutive loses on Saturday night. This time they won against eleventh-ranked AZS Szczecin in Warszawa 84-76. The best player for the winners was Michal Jankowski who scored 24 points and 5 rebounds. Lukasz Pacocha produced 18 points for the guests. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Polonia 2011 (4-12) moved-up to fourteenth place, which they share with Astoria and Start Lublin. Newly promoted AZS Szczecin keeps the eleventh position with ten games lost. Polonia 2011 will meet higher ranked ISS Sportino (#4) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. AZS Szczecin will play against LKS Sphinx (#6) in Lodz and hope to secure a win.
1Liga top team - AZS Politechnika Warszawska (13-2) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed thirteenth ranked Olimp MKS Start Lublin (4-12) 92-63. Mateusz Ponitka orchestrated the victory by scoring 14 points. AZS Politechnika Warszawska's coach Mladen Starcevic felt very confident that he used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. AZS Politechnika Warszawska maintains first place with 13-2 record. Olimp MKS Start Lublin lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the bottom position with 12 games lost. AZS Politechnika Warszawska's next round opponent will be SKK Siedlce (#10) at home and are hoping to win another game. Olimp MKS Start Lublin will play against Rosasport (#3) in Radom.
A very close game took place in Siedlce between Gornik and SKK Siedlce. Fifteenth ranked Gornik (4-11) got a very close victory on the road over higher ranked SKK Siedlce (6-10). Gornik managed to escape with a 1-point win 59-58 on Saturday evening. Bartlomiej Jozefowicz stepped up and scored 15 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Gornik moved-up to thirteenth place. Newly promoted SKK Siedlce keeps the tenth position with ten games lost. Gornik will face higher ranked Asecco Prokom 2 (#7) in Gdynia in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.

In the last two games of round 17 Rosasport won against Astoria on the opponent's court 81-69. LKS Lodz outscored Znicz Basket in a home game 84-65.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 19 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists by Marek Szumelda-Krzycki of Znicz Basket.

Start Lublin - Tempcold AZS 63-92

1Liga top team - AZS Politechnika Warszawska (13-2) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed thirteenth ranked Olimp MKS Start Lublin (4-12) 92-63. The game was mostly controlled by AZS Politechnika Warszawska. Olimp MKS Start Lublin managed to win fourth quarter 19-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Olimp MKS Start Lublin 33-20 including a 27-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. AZS Politechnika Warszawska players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. Guard Mateusz Ponitka (196-93) orchestrated the victory by scoring 14 points. Guard Marek Popiolek (193-89) contributed with 13 points and 4 assists for the winners. Four AZS Politechnika Warszawska players scored in double figures. AZS Politechnika Warszawska's coach Mladen Starcevic felt very confident that he used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. Forward Przemyslaw Luszczewski (195-80, agency: Promotex) answered with 16 points and 8 rebounds and guard Michal Sikora (182-80) added 16 points and 5 assists in the effort for Olimp MKS Start Lublin. AZS Politechnika Warszawska maintains first place with 13-2 record. Olimp MKS Start Lublin lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the bottom position with 12 games lost. AZS Politechnika Warszawska's next round opponent will be SKK Siedlce (#10) at home and are hoping to win another game. Olimp MKS Start Lublin will play against Rosasport (#3) in Radom.
Top scorers:
Tempcold AZS: M.Ponitka 14+4reb+1ast, M.Popiolek 13+1reb+4ast, P.Pamula 13+1reb+2ast, M.Nowakowski 12+2reb+2ast, J.Mokros 10+3reb+3ast, P.Pelka 7+8reb+1ast
Start Lublin: P.Luszczewski 16+8reb+2ast, M.Sikora 16+1reb+5ast, M.Aleksandrowicz 13, S.Prazmo 8+6reb, S.Szymanski 7+1reb+4ast, M.Zalewski 2+4reb+1ast

Astoria - Rosasport 69-81

Very expected game in Bydgoszcz where 14th ranked Astoria (4-12) was defeated by fourth ranked Rosasport (12-4) 81-69 on Saturday. The guests trailed by 7 points after three quarters before their 29-10 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Guard Artur Donigiewicz (185-84) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 11 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals for the winners and the former international forward Pawel Wiekiera (206-78) chipped in 14 points and 6 rebounds. Five Rosasport players scored in double figures. Center Lukasz Paul (206-89) responded with 11 points and 9 rebounds and forward Dorian Szyttenholm (194-83) scored 14 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Rosasport moved-up to second place, which they share with Sokol Lancut. Astoria at the other side, also newcomer in the league, keeps the fourteenth position with 12 games lost. Rosasport will face bottom-ranked Olimp MKS Start Lublin (#16) at home in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Astoria will play against MKS Znicz Basket in Pruszkow.
Top scorers:
Rosasport: P.Kardas 14+1reb+5ast, P.Wiekiera 14+6reb+2ast, A.Donigiewicz 11+10reb+4ast, J.Zalewski 11+2reb+2ast, M.Nikiel 11+5reb+1ast, H.Radke 8+1reb
Astoria: D.Szyttenholm 14+6reb, L.Paul 11+9reb+2ast, S.Grzesinski 8+3ast, R.Plebanek 8+4reb+1ast, A.Gliszczynski 8+2reb+4ast, S.Laydych 8+4reb

Sokol Lancut - MMKS DG 75-72

1Liga round 17 most interesting game took place in Lancut between Sokol Lancut and MMKS Dabrowa Gornicza. Second ranked Sokol Lancut (12-4) got a very close home victory over 5th ranked MMKS Dabrowa Gornicza (10-6). Sokol Lancut managed to escape with a 3-point win 75-72 on Saturday evening. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of MMKS Dabrowa Gornicza. MMKS Dabrowa Gornicza trailed by 13 points at halftime and as many as 17 after three quarters before a 13-19 last quarter charge cut the deficit to 72-75 at the end of the game. Sokol Lancut outrebounded MMKS Dabrowa Gornicza 42-26 including 27 on the defensive glass. 25 personal fouls committed by MMKS Dabrowa Gornicza helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Forward Wojciech Pisarczyk (201-88) stepped up and scored 15 points and 9 rebounds for the winners and guard Marcel Wilczek (200-86) chipped in 12 points and 11 rebounds. Five Sokol Lancut players scored in double figures. Forward Mariusz Piotrkowski (197-84) responded with 11 points and 5 rebounds and forward Pawel Zmarlak (195-82) scored 8 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Sokol Lancut maintains second place with 12-4 record behind leader Tempcold AZS, which they share with Rosasport. MMKS Dabrowa Gornicza at the other side keeps the fifth position with six games lost. They share it with LKS Lodz. Sokol Lancut is looking forward to face GKS Tychy (#12) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. MMKS Dabrowa Gornicza will play against Spojnia (#8) in Stargard and is hoping to prove to their supporters that this time they can win.
Top scorers:
Sokol Lancut: W.Pisarczyk 15+9reb+1ast, M.Klima 14+5reb, M.Wilczek 12+11reb+2ast, J.Szurlej 10+6reb+3ast, P.Ucinek 10+3reb+1ast, R.Glapinski 6+2reb+2ast
MMKS DG: M.Piotrkowski 11+5reb+1ast, A.Lisewski 10+3reb, P.Zmarlak 8+8reb, L.Szczypka 8+2reb, M.Piechowicz 7+3reb+1ast, T.Wrobel 4+1reb+1ast

SKK Siedlce - Gornik 58-59

A very close game took place in Siedlce between Gornik and SKK Siedlce. Fifteenth ranked Gornik (4-11) got a very close victory on the road over higher ranked SKK Siedlce (6-10). Gornik managed to escape with a 1-point win 59-58 on Saturday evening. The guests trailed by 3 points at the halftime before their 33-29 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Gornik forced 20 SKK Siedlce turnovers. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Gornik made 7 blocks. SKK Siedlce was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. Guard Bartlomiej Jozefowicz (192-80) stepped up and scored 15 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners and guard Mateusz Nitsche (190-86) chipped in 17 points and 5 rebounds. Guard Dawid Brek (185-89, agency: Promotex) responded with 13 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists and guard Rafal Wojcicki (193-82) scored 6 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 steals. Gornik moved-up to thirteenth place. Newly promoted SKK Siedlce keeps the tenth position with ten games lost. Gornik will face higher ranked Asecco Prokom 2 (#7) in Gdynia in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
Top scorers:
Gornik: M.Nitsche 17+5reb, B.Jozefowicz 15+7reb+4ast, J.Kietlinski 8+7reb+5ast, L.Muszynski 5+3reb, L.Grzywa 4+9reb, M.Kowalski 4+3reb+2ast
SKK Siedlce: M.Nedzi 14+6reb+1ast, D.Brek 13+9reb+4ast, J.Czyz 11+7reb, K.Debski 7+5reb+1ast, R.Wojcicki 6+8reb+8ast, M.Ustarbowski 4+7reb

LKS Lodz - Znicz Basket 84-65

The game between closely ranked teams ended with seventh ranked LKS Sphinx's (10-6) home victory over 8th ranked MKS Znicz Basket (8-8) 84-65 on Saturday. The hosts trailed by 1 point at the halftime before their 47-27 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. LKS Sphinx forced 19 MKS Znicz Basket turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Forward Jakub Dluski (200-87) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 13 rebounds for the winners and guard Bartlomiej Szczepaniak (187-81) chipped in 19 points. Four LKS Sphinx players scored in double figures. Guard Marek Szumelda-Krzycki (191-91, agency: Promotex) responded with 19 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists and forward Przemyslaw Szymanski (198-84) scored 8 points. MKS Znicz Basket's coach rotated ten players seeing no chance for a win. LKS Sphinx have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They moved-up to fifth place, which they share with MMKS DG. Loser MKS Znicz Basket keeps the eighth position with eight games lost. LKS Sphinx will face AZS Szczecin (#11) at home in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. MKS Znicz Basket will play against Astoria in Bydgoszcz.
Top scorers:
LKS Lodz: B.Szczepaniak 19+3reb+3ast, J.Dluski 15+13reb+2ast, D.Kalinowski 13+6ast, K.Sulima 12+5reb, M.Salamonik 9+9reb+3ast, M.Krajewski 7+3reb+2ast
Znicz Basket: M.Szumelda-Krzycki 19+5reb+9ast, M.Makander 8+2reb, A.Misiewicz 8+4reb, P.Szymanski 8+4reb+2ast, W.Fras 7+2reb, J.Weatherspoon 5+3reb

Polonia 2011 - AZS Szczecin 84-76

Bottom-ranked Polonia 2011 managed to get a fourth victory, breaking the series of five consecutive loses on Saturday night. This time they won against eleventh-ranked AZS Szczecin in Warszawa 84-76. AZS Szczecin was trailing by 4 points at halftime but managed to get 1-point lead after three quarters before a 24-15 charge of Polonia 2011, which allowed them to win the game. They made 23-of-30 free shots (76.7 percent) during the game. Polonia 2011 forced 24 AZS Szczecin turnovers. The best player for the winners was guard Michal Jankowski (192-87) who scored 24 points and 5 rebounds. Guard Michal Michalak (194-93) chipped in 21 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 8 steals. Guard Lukasz Pacocha (182-82, agency: Promotex) produced 18 points and the former international forward Stanislaw Prus (199-82) added 12 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the guests. Five AZS Szczecin players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Polonia 2011 (4-12) moved-up to fourteenth place, which they share with Astoria and Start Lublin. Newly promoted AZS Szczecin keeps the eleventh position with ten games lost. Polonia 2011 will meet higher ranked ISS Sportino (#4) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. AZS Szczecin will play against LKS Sphinx (#6) in Lodz and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Polonia 2011: M.Jankowski 24+5reb+1ast, M.Michalak 21+5reb+4ast, W.Glabas 15+7reb+1ast, A.Linowski 7+5reb+3ast, S.Kowalczyk 6+1reb+1ast, R.Holnicki-Szulc 5+1reb+2ast
AZS Szczecin: L.Pacocha 18+3reb+3ast, S.Prus 12+6reb+3ast, M.Zarzeczny 11+6reb+2ast, K.Mielczarek 10+9reb+1ast, K.Pytys 10+4reb, M.Majcherek 7+4reb

Spojnia - ISS Sportino 80-76

Very important is a road loss of third ranked ISS Sportino (11-5) against ninth ranked Spojnia (8-8) on Saturday night. Visiting ISS Sportino was defeated by Spojnia in a tough game in Stargard 76-80. Spojnia forced 19 ISS Sportino turnovers. ISS Sportino was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. Forward Jerzy Koszuta (191-82) nailed 21 points and 4 steals for the winning side and guard Slawomir Buczyniak (180-84) accounted for 14 points and 4 assists. Spojnia's coach Tadeusz Aleksandrowicz allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Center Aleksander Lichodzijewski (202-84) came up with 22 points and 9 rebounds and the former international guard Lukasz Zytko (181-81) added 16 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals respectively for ISS Sportino in the defeat. Four ISS Sportino players scored in double figures. Spojnia moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Znicz Basket. ISS Sportino lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the fourth position with five games lost. Spojnia will play against higher ranked MMKS Dabrowa Gornicza (#5) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. ISS Sportino will play against Polonia 2011 in Warszawa and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Spojnia: J.Koszuta 21+4reb+2ast, S.Buczyniak 14+4reb+4ast, M.Stoklosa 13+1reb, A.Parzych 9+2reb+4ast, T.Stepien 8+6reb+1ast, W.Grudzinski 6+6reb+1ast
ISS Sportino: A.Lichodzijewski 22+9reb+1ast, J.Sulowski 21+1reb+2ast, L.Zytko 16+7reb+6ast, W.Zurawski 10+5reb, K.Jakobczyk 7+2reb, H.Wierzbicki 0

Standings - 1 Liga

1Liga Standings

1. Tempcold AZS		13-2
2. Sokol Lancut		12-4
3. Rosasport		12-4
4. ISS Sportino		11-5
5. MMKS DG		10-6
6. LKS Lodz		10-6
7. Asec.Prokom-2		9-5
8. Spojnia		8-8
9. Znicz Basket		8-8
10. SKK Siedlce		6-10
11. AZS Szczecin		5-10
12. GKS Tychy		4-9
13. Gornik		4-11
14. Astoria		4-12
15. Polonia 2011		4-12
16. Start Lublin		4-12

Standings - 2 Liga

2Liga Standings

Group A
1. MMKS SIDEn		13-2
2. AZS Kutno		13-2
3. SMS PZKosz		11-3
4. Norgips		11-4
5. Zuraw		10-5
6. Tur		8-7
7. Korsarz		6-8
8. KK Swiecie		6-9
9. OSSM PZKosz		5-9
10. AZS Olsztyn		5-10
11. Zyrardowianka		5-10
12. Basket Pila		4-11
13. Trefl II		4-11
14. MON-POL		2-12
Group B
1. Open Florentyna		15-2
2. Sudety		14-3
3. Stal Ostrow		13-4
4. GTK Gliwice		11-6
5. Nysa Klodzko		10-7
6. MKS Osemka		10-7
7. Obiekty		10-7
8. Alba		8-9
9. Ksiezak		7-10
10. AZS PP Poznan		7-10
11. AZS PO Opole		7-10
12. A-Bild Bytom		6-11
13. Slask Wroclaw		5-12
14. Pogon Prudnik		5-12
15. Pogon RS		4-13
16. AZS Pol.Cz-wa		4-13
Group C
1. MOSiR Krosno		17-0
2. Znicz Jaroslaw		15-2
3. Unia Tarnow		11-6
4. Polonia		10-7
5. AZS AWF K-ce		10-7
6. HK Zory		10-7
7. MKS Limanowa		9-8
8. AZS PR Radom		8-8
9. UMKS		8-9
10. Staco		8-9
11. Wisla Krakow		7-9
12. Novum Lublin		6-11
13. AZS Rzeszow		6-11
14. Mickiewicz		6-11
15. MCKiS		3-14
16. Cracovia		1-16

Stats Leaders - 1Liga

Points Per Game

Lukasz PACOCHA
  AZS Szczecin
  (182-G-82)
  Avg: 18.8

1. Pacocha, AZS S.	18.8
2. Wojdyla, Asec.Pro.	17.0
3. Michalak, Polonia .	16.9
4. Jankowski, Polonia .	16.5
5. Mis, SKK Siedlce	16.4
6. Jakobczyk, Gornik	16.3
7. Witos, GKS Tychy	16.2
8. Ustarbowski, Gor.	15.7
9. Klima, Sokol Lancut	15.4
10. Pamula, Tempcold.	15.3

Rebounds Per Game

Piotr MIS
  SKK Siedlce
  (204-F/C-77)
  Avg: 8.8

1. Mis, SKK Siedlce	8.8
2. Zurawski, ISS S.	8.6
3. Andrzejewski, Asec.P.	8.4
4. Klima, Sokol Lancut	8.4
5. Mielczarek, GKS T.	8.1
6. Wojdyla, Asec.Pro.	7.9
7. Sterenga, Gornik	7.8
8. Lichodzijews., ISS S.	7.8
9. Pytys, AZS Szczecin	7.7
10. Grudzinski, Spojnia	7.5

Assists Per Game

Rafal WOJCICKI
  SKK Siedlce
  (193-G-82)
  Avg: 6.5

1. Wojcicki, SKK S.	6.5
2. Stoklosa, Spojnia	5.5
3. Wilczek, Tempcold.	5.1
4. Zytko, ISS Sportino	4.9
5. Jakobczyk, Gornik	4.9
6. Sikora, Start Lublin	4.6
7. Basinski, MMKS D.	4.6
8. Mordzak, Asec.Pro.	4.2
9. Pacocha, AZS S.	4.1
10. Kardas, Rosasport	3.9

Steals Per Game

Michal MICHALAK
  Polonia 2011
  (194-G-93)
  Avg: 3.4

1. Michalak, Polonia .	3.4
2. Wojcicki, SKK S.	3.2
3. Szymanski, Znicz B.	3.1
4. Ustarbowski, Gor.	3.1
5. Klima, Sokol Lancut	3.0
6. Zytko, ISS Sportino	2.9
7. Malczyk, Asec.Pro.	2.4
8. Koszuta, Spojnia	2.3
9. Wilczek, Tempcold.	2.3
10. Sterenga, Gornik	2.2

Blocks Per Game

Adam LISEWSKI
  MMKS DG
  (206-F/C-80)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Lisewski, MMKS D.	2.3
2. Szymanski, Znicz B.	1.9
3. Klima, Sokol Lancut	1.6
4. Lichodzijews., ISS S.	1.5
5. Mis, SKK Siedlce	1.4
6. Kulikowski, Spojnia	1.3
7. Sudowski, AZS S.	1.2
8. Salamonik, LKS L.	1.1
9. Pietras, Polonia 2011	0.9
10. Karwowski, Tempcold.	0.9

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

PORTUGAL

Standings - Proliga

Proliga Standings

1. Sangalhos		9-2
2. Galitos FC		9-2
3. Barcelos		9-2
4. Angra		8-3
5. Fisica		8-3
6. Povoa		5-6
7. Terceira Basket		5-6
8. Guifoes		4-7
9. Electrico FC		4-7
10. Maia Basket		3-8
11. Alges		2-9
12. Seixal		0-11

Proliga Round 11: Barcelos lose the game and top position - by Eurobasket News
Proliga is at the halfway of the Regular Season and there are still another 11 rounds left. There was no lack of interesting games this round. The round ended with change at the leadership position, extra overtimes and favorites losing the games.

There was a change at the Proliga leadership position after last games. Round 11 most important game was a defeat of league's leader Barcelos (9-2). They were defeated by third ranked Sangalhos (9-2) 63-54 on Sunday night. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Barcelos. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The hosts trailed by 10 points after three quarters before their 34-15 charge, which allowed them to win the game. It was a great evening for swingman Emanuel Silva (188-79) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 rebounds. Swingman Mauro Santos (186-84) helped adding 12 points. The former international forward Pedro Silva (198-79) responded with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 14 rebounds. Sangalhos has a solid series of three victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Barcelos and Galitos FC. Barcelos will play next round against Seixal trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Sangalhos will try to continue on its current victory against fourth ranked Angrabasket on the road.
Terceira Basket (5-6) outlasted Angrabasket (8-3) in overtime by four points 115-111. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Angrabasket. Americans were the main players on the court. It was an exceptional evening for guard Nate Bowie (183-86, college: Cent.Arkansas) who led the winners and scored 44 points (!!!), 6 rebounds, 7 assists and 5 steals. Durrell Nevels accounted for 21 points, 14 rebounds and 4 blocks. Power forward Terrence Mack (198-84, college: Rhode Island) came up with a double-double by scoring 26 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals for Angrabasket in the defeat. Terceira Basket moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Povoa. Angrabasket at the other side keeps the fourth position with three games lost. They share it with Fisica. Terceira Basket will play against Electrico FC (#9) in Ponte de Sor in the next round. Angrabasket will play at home against the league's leader Sangalhos (#1) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Bottom-ranked Seixal (0-11) is still winless. This time they lost on the road their 11th consecutive match to ninth ranked Guifoes (4-7) 62-57 on Saturday evening. The best player for the winners was Pedro Silva who scored 12 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. Guifoes' coach Rui Gomes used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. Tiago Magalhaes produced 9 points and 17 rebounds for the guests. Guifoes moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Electrico FC. Loser Seixal still closes the standings with 11 games lost. Guifoes will meet higher ranked Fisica (#5) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Seixal will play against Barcelos (#3) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Bottom-ranked Seixal (0-11) is still winless. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their 11th consecutive match to third ranked Galitos FC (9-2) 69-61. Antonio Pires orchestrated the victory by scoring 25 points and 6 assists. Galitos FC have an impressive series of eight victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Sangalhos and Barcelos. Seixal at the other side still closes the standings with 11 games lost. Galitos FC's next round opponent will be Maia Basket (#10) on the road and are hoping to win another game. Seixal will play against Barcelos and looks forward to get finally their first victory.
The game in Povoa was quite interesting. Third ranked Galitos FC (9-2) played at the court of 6th ranked Povoa (5-6). Galitos FC managed to secure a 5-point victory 68-63 on Sunday. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Povoa. It was a great evening for Antonio Pires who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 22 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals. The victory was the eighth consecutive win for Galitos FC. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Sangalhos and Barcelos. Loser Povoa keeps the sixth place with six games lost. Galitos FC will face Maia Basket (#10) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Povoa will play against Alges (#11).

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 11: Alges lost to Angra on the opponent's court 69-73. Electrico FC unfortunately lost to Maia Basket in a home game 75-80. Fisica managed to beat Terceira Basket on the road 69-64.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 32 points and 16 rebounds by Joao Diamantino of Maia Basket.

Povoa - Galitos FC 63-68

The game in Povoa was quite interesting. Third ranked Galitos FC (9-2) played at the court of 6th ranked Povoa (5-6). Galitos FC managed to secure a 5-point victory 68-63 on Sunday. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Povoa. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Povoa won third quarter 17-10. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Galitos FC won last quarter 23-19. It was a great evening for guard Antonio Pires (185-86) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 22 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals. American forward Michael Pilgrim (203-84, college: LSU-Shreveport, agency: KMG Sports Management) helped adding 16 points and 5 rebounds (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field). Pilgrim is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. American forward Anthony jr. Oha (198-83, college: Prairie View A&M) responded with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds and guard Nuno Oliveira (186-89) scored 15 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. The victory was the eighth consecutive win for Galitos FC. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Sangalhos and Barcelos. Loser Povoa keeps the sixth place with six games lost. Galitos FC will face Maia Basket (#10) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Povoa will play against Alges (#11).
Top scorers:
Povoa: A.jr. Oha 19+11reb+2ast, N.Oliveira 15+7reb+6ast, G.Ehiagwina 9+10reb, R.Coelho 7+4reb+1ast, J.Correia 6+1reb+1ast, A.Silva 5+1reb+2ast
Galitos FC: A.Pires 22+10reb+6ast, M.Pilgrim 16+5reb+1ast, M.Thomas 13+3reb+2ast, A.Brito 6+5reb, D.Leiria 5+1reb, J.Ferreira 4+6reb+1ast

Angra - Alges 73-69

Very expected game when 10th ranked Alges (2-9) were defeated on the road by fourth ranked Angrabasket (8-3) 73-69 on Sunday. However just four-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Alges won third quarter 20-12. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Angrabasket won last quarter 17-15. They also forced 26 Alges turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. It was a great evening for American power forward Terrence Mack (198-84, college: Rhode Island) who led his team to a victory scoring 20 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 9 steals. His fellow American import forward Kevin Jolley (197-82, college: Quinnipiac, agency: Prossin Sports Management) helped adding 14 points and 4 assists. Angolan forward Sergio Correia (197-85) responded with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds and guard Nuno Monteiro (180-86) scored 16 points and 7 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for Angrabasket. They maintain fourth place with 8-3 record, which they share with Fisica. Alges lost their fifth game in a row. Newly promoted team dropped to the eleventh position with nine games lost. Angrabasket will face league's leader Sangalhos at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Alges will play against Povoa (#6).
Top scorers:
Alges: S.Correia 19+10reb+2ast, N.Monteiro 16+7reb+3ast, R.Ferreira 13+7reb+3ast, A.Joaquim 12+3reb+2ast, F.Pinheiro 7+7reb+3ast, J.Pedro 2
Angra: T.Mack 20+5reb+6ast, K.Jolley 14+4reb+4ast, A.Kravtsov 11+3reb+2ast, P.Magalhaes 10+2reb+2ast, O.Viera 5+3reb+3ast, F.Gomes 5+8reb+4ast

Electrico FC - Maia Basket 75-80

There was a small surprise in Ponte de Sor where tenth ranked Maia Basket (3-8) defeated 7th ranked Electrico FC (4-7) 80-75 on Saturday. Electrico FC was trailing by 5 points at halftime but managed to get 3-point lead after three quarters before a 18-15 charge of Maia Basket, which allowed them to win the game. Electrico FC was plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a great evening for forward Joao Diamantino (201-85) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 32 points and 16 rebounds. Guard Andre Dara (180-83) helped adding 14 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists. Four Maia Basket players scored in double figures. Guard Tiago Brito (180-85) responded with 22 points and 4 assists and swingman Jorge Afonso (192-79) scored 13 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Electrico FC's coach Andriy Melnychuk tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Maia Basket maintains tenth place with 3-8 record. Electrico FC lost their third game in a row. They dropped to the eighth position with seven games lost. Maia Basket will face league's second-placed Galitos FC in Barreiro in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
Top scorers:
Electrico FC: T.Brito 22+1reb+4ast, J.Afonso 13+6reb+6ast, A.Medeiros 12+9reb+2ast, B.Suca 8+9reb, J.Pinto 6, E.Ferreira 5+3reb+1ast
Maia Basket: J.Diamantino 32+16reb+2ast, D.Correia 18+4reb+4ast, A.Dara 14+6reb+7ast, L.Ferreira 10+4reb+3ast, J.Oliveira 6+5reb, A.Moutinho 0

Guifoes - Seixal 62-57

Bottom-ranked Seixal (0-11) is still winless. This time they lost on the road their 11th consecutive match to ninth ranked Guifoes (4-7) 62-57 on Saturday evening. Guifoes outrebounded Seixal 50-39 including 37 on the defensive glass. The best player for the winners was guard Pedro Silva (178-82) who scored 12 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. Naturalized Cape Verdean forward Odair Conceicao (197-84) chipped in a double-double by scoring 11 points and 11 rebounds. Guifoes' coach Rui Gomes used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. Forward Tiago Magalhaes (192-76) produced 9 points and 17 rebounds and power forward Durrell Nevels (198-86, college: Cent.Arkansas) added 21 points and 7 rebounds respectively for the guests. Guifoes moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Electrico FC. Loser Seixal still closes the standings with 11 games lost. Guifoes will meet higher ranked Fisica (#5) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Seixal will play against Barcelos (#3) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Seixal: T.RODRIGUEZ 21+7reb+1ast, T.Magalhaes 9+17reb+3ast, T.Severino 7+4ast, R.Sa 6+1reb+3ast, E.Ferreira 6+10reb, M.Gomes 6+3reb
Guifoes: P.Silva 12+6reb+5ast, O.Conceicao 11+11reb, M.Faria 10+4reb+4ast, J.Gaspar 9+7reb, L.Bento 8+6reb, A.Libanio 4+5reb

Sangalhos - Barcelos 63-54

There was a change at the Proliga leadership position after last games. Round 11 most important game was a defeat of league's leader Barcelos (9-2). They were defeated by third ranked Sangalhos (9-2) 63-54 on Sunday night. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Barcelos. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The hosts trailed by 10 points after three quarters before their 34-15 charge, which allowed them to win the game. It was a great evening for swingman Emanuel Silva (188-79) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 rebounds. Swingman Mauro Santos (186-84) helped adding 12 points. The former international forward Pedro Silva (198-79) responded with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 14 rebounds and guard Nuno Pedroso (187-79) scored 14 points and 7 rebounds. Four Barcelos players scored in double figures. Sangalhos has a solid series of three victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Barcelos and Galitos FC. Barcelos will play next round against Seixal trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Sangalhos will try to continue on its current victory against fourth ranked Angrabasket on the road.
Top scorers:
Barcelos: P.Silva 15+14reb, N.Pedroso 14+7reb+2ast, J.Moreira 10+5reb, C.Fechas 10+5reb+2ast, I.Goncalves 5+1reb+2ast, T.Barreiro 0+3reb+2ast
Sangalhos: E.Silva 14+10reb+1ast, M.Santos 12+1reb+3ast, F.Mota 9+6reb+1ast, F.Martins 8+6reb, N.Bizarro 8+5reb+2ast, A.Duarte 5+5reb+4ast

Terceira Basket - Fisica 64-69

Not a big story in a game in Angra Heroismo where 8th ranked Terceira Basket (5-6) was defeated by fifth ranked Fisica (8-3) 69-64 on Sunday. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 24-17. But Terceira Basket won second period 17-14. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Fisica won last quarter 17-13. They made 16-of-19 free shots (84.2 percent) during the game. They also forced 20 Terceira Basket turnovers. It was a great evening for Guinea-Bissau center Anastacio Sami (207-76) who led his team to a victory scoring 14 points and 9 rebounds. Forward Carlos Dias (197-79) helped adding 7 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. American guard Nate Bowie (183-86, college: Cent.Arkansas) responded with 21 points and 5 rebounds and forward Alvaro Pontes (190-85) scored 9 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Fisica moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Angra. Loser Terceira Basket dropped to the sixth position with six games lost. Fisica will face Guifoes (#8) at home in the next round. Terceira Basket will play against Electrico FC in Ponte de Sor.
Top scorers:
Terceira Basket: N.Bowie 21+5reb+1ast, F.Tavares 16+4reb+1ast, D.Nevels 12+10reb+2ast, A.Pontes 9+9reb+6ast, P.Matos 3+1reb+1ast, D.Enes 3+2reb
Fisica: A.Catarino 15, A.Sami 14+9reb+2ast, B.Freire 9+1ast, C.Dias 7+6reb+5ast, R.Junior 7+1reb, R.Rodrigues 6+5reb+2ast

Round 9

Seixal - Galitos FC 61-69

Bottom-ranked Seixal (0-11) is still winless. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their 11th consecutive match to third ranked Galitos FC (9-2) 69-61. The guests started the game with a very strong first quarter 18-9. But Seixal won second period 17-14. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Guard Antonio Pires (185-86) orchestrated the victory by scoring 25 points and 6 assists. American swingman Malcolm Thomas (196-85, college: Widener) contributed with 15 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Four Galitos FC players scored in double figures. Forward Tiago Magalhaes (192-76) answered with a double-double by scoring 15 points, 17 rebounds and 6 assists and power forward Eneyde Ferreira (196-90) added 21 points and 13 rebounds in the effort for Seixal. Galitos FC have an impressive series of eight victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Sangalhos and Barcelos. Seixal at the other side still closes the standings with 11 games lost. Galitos FC's next round opponent will be Maia Basket (#10) on the road and are hoping to win another game. Seixal will play against Barcelos and looks forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Seixal: E.Ferreira 21+13reb+2ast, T.Magalhaes 15+17reb+6ast, T.Severino 11+2reb+1ast, A.Clerigo 7+5reb+3ast, D.Machado 4+4reb+2ast, A.Lebre 3+2reb+3ast
Galitos FC: A.Pires 25+4reb+6ast, M.Thomas 15+8reb+1ast, R.Quintino 12+8reb+4ast, A.Brito 11+11reb+1ast, A.Almeida 6+1reb, J.Ferreira 0+1reb+1ast

Terceira Basket - Angra 115-111 OT

Terceira Basket (5-6) outlasted Angrabasket (8-3) in overtime by four points 115-111. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Angrabasket. Angrabasket was ahead by 10 points after three quarters before a 35-25 charge of Terceira Basket, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time. They were better in overtime eventually winning that period 19-15. Angrabasket was plagued by 31 personal fouls down the stretch. Americans were the main players on the court. It was an exceptional evening for guard Nate Bowie (183-86, college: Cent.Arkansas) who led the winners and scored 44 points (!!!), 6 rebounds, 7 assists and 5 steals. Power forward Durrell Nevels (198-86, college: Cent.Arkansas) accounted for 21 points, 14 rebounds and 4 blocks for the winning side. Power forward Terrence Mack (198-84, college: Rhode Island) came up with a double-double by scoring 26 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals and forward Kevin Jolley (197-82, college: Quinnipiac, agency: Prossin Sports Management) added 24 points and 8 rebounds respectively for Angrabasket in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Terceira Basket moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Povoa. Angrabasket at the other side keeps the fourth position with three games lost. They share it with Fisica. Terceira Basket will play against Electrico FC (#9) in Ponte de Sor in the next round. Angrabasket will play at home against the league's leader Sangalhos (#1) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Angra: T.Mack 26+16reb+4ast, K.Jolley 24+8reb+2ast, J.Pereira 22+6reb+5ast, O.Viera 17+1reb+1ast, A.Kravtsov 13+3reb, P.Loth 7+3reb+8ast
Terceira Basket: N.Bowie 44+6reb+7ast, A.Pontes 27+8reb+2ast, D.Nevels 21+14reb+2ast, F.Tavares 10+11reb+2ast, J.Avila 5+2reb+1ast, D.Goncalves 5+4reb+2ast

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

ROMANIA

Div.B Round 16: Ploiesti beats CSU Sibiu by three after a very close game - by Eurobasket News
Tenth-ranked CSU Sibiu (7-8) was very close to win a game against second ranked Ploiesti (13-3) on Saturday. Ploiesti managed to secure only three-point victory 71-68. However their fans expected much easier game. The hosts trailed by 1 point after three quarters before their 22-18 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Ploiesti forced 19 CSU Sibiu turnovers. 25 personal fouls committed by CSU Sibiu helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international center Catalin Burlacu (210-77, agency: Court Side) who helped to win the game recording 29 points and 7 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field). The former international guard Adrian Blidaru (182-85) contributed with 10 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists and 5 steals for the winners. Serbian swingman Milos Markovic (201-84, agency: BeoExcell) replied with 17 points and 5 rebounds for CSU Sibiu. Defending champion keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Gaz Metan. CSU Sibiu at the other side keeps the tenth place with eight games lost. Ploiesti is looking forward to face Brasov (#15) on the road in the next round which should be an easy win for them. CSU Sibiu will play against U-Mobitelco (#3) in Cluj Napoca and is hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
Div.A top team - Gaz Metan (13-3) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed fifteenth ranked Brasov (1-15) 99-45. Worth to mention a quality performance of the former international center Ionut Dragusin (221-85) who helped to win the game recording 18 points and 6 rebounds and Deven Mitchell who added 11 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 6 steals during the contest. At the losing side swingman Radu Paliciuc (198-88) responded with 10 points and 6 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Gaz Metan have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 13-3 record, which they share with Ploiesti. Brasov lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the fifteenth place with 15 games lost. They share the position with Miercurea. Gaz Metan will play against Timisoara (#11) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Brasov will play against the league's second-placed Ploiesti (#2) to get more than just one victory in their record.
The game in Bucuresti was quite interesting. 6th ranked Oradea (10-6) played at the court of seventh ranked CSM Bucuresti (9-7). CSM Bucuresti defeated Oradea 90-74 on Saturday. The winners were led by Branislav Tomic who scored that evening 26 points and 8 rebounds. Even a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds by Nemanja Maric did not help to save the game for Oradea. CSM Bucuresti has a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain seventh position with 9-7 record, which they share with Otopeni. Loser Oradea keeps the sixth place with six games lost. CSM Bucuresti will meet Rovinari (#12) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Oradea will play against Politehnica Iasi (#14) and hope to secure a win.
Important game to mention about took place in Otopeni. Eighth ranked Otopeni (9-7) saved a 2-point victory at home edging 11th ranked Rovinari (7-9) 85-83 on Sunday evening. Slobodan Popovic fired 21 points for the winners. Otopeni has a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to seventh place, which they share with CSM Bucuresti. Rovinari at the other side keeps the eleventh position with nine games lost. Otopeni's next round opponent will be higher ranked Mures (#5) on the road and it may be quite challenging game. Rovinari will play against CSM Bucuresti (#8).
Worth to mention about the upset in a game between Mures (11-5) and Timisoara (7-9), which took place in Timisoara. Higher ranked Mures lost to twelfth ranked Timisoara in a road game 60-75 on Sunday. It was a very good performance for Darko Habus who helped to win the game recording 23 points (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Timisoara moved-up to eleventh place, which they share with Rovinari. Loser Mures dropped to the fifth position with five games lost. Timisoara will face league's leader Gaz Metan in Medias in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Mures will play at home against Otopeni (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Other games in round 16 were not that significant. Craiova was beaten by Politehnica Iasi on the road 94-90. Pitesti lost to U.Mobitel.CN on its own court 85-92. Bottom-ranked Miercurea was outscored by Steaua Turabo in Bucuresti 69-90.
The most impressive performance of 16th round was 33 points (!!!) and 11 rebounds by LeRoy Dawson of Politehnica Iasi.

Politehnica Iasi - Craiova 94-90

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams when fourteenth ranked Politehnica Iasi (3-13) beat at home 13th ranked Craiova (5-11) 94-90 on Saturday. The hosts trailed by 11 points at the halftime before their 34-14 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Politehnica Iasi made 20-of-25 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Craiova was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. American players dominated the game. It was a very good performance for guard LeRoy Dawson (188-81, college: S.Nazarene, agency: Global Sports Plaza) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 33 points (!!!) and 11 rebounds. Swingman Bryan McCullough (198-83, college: NC-Asheville) contributed with 20 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists for the winners. Center Kenneth Simms (203, college: Cumberland) replied with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 17 rebounds and guard Casey Wohlleb (201-86, college: Florida Gulf Coast) added 25 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists in the effort for Craiova. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Craiova's coach Adrian Budurean tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Newly promoted Politehnica Iasi maintains fourteenth position with 3-13 record. Craiova lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth place with 11 games lost. Politehnica Iasi will face higher ranked Oradea (#6) on the road in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game.
Top scorers:
Politehnica Iasi: L.Dawson 33+11reb+3ast, B.McCullough 20+5reb+9ast, M.Nicolae 18+8reb+1ast, D.Anghel 11+9reb+1ast, F.Moscalu 5+1reb+1ast, C.Amarghioalei 3+2reb
Craiova: C.Wohlleb 25+8reb+4ast, K.Simms 22+17reb+2ast, B.Gillespie 17+5reb+5ast, J.Horton 17+2reb, I.Dodoc 3+2reb+1ast, T.Liddell 2

CSM Bucuresti - Oradea 90-74

The game in Bucuresti was quite interesting. 6th ranked Oradea (10-6) played at the court of seventh ranked CSM Bucuresti (9-7). CSM Bucuresti defeated Oradea 90-74 on Saturday. Oradea was trailing by 3 points at halftime but managed to get 3-point lead after three quarters before a 33-14 charge of CSM Bucuresti, which allowed them to win the game. They shot the lights out from three sinking 12 long-distance shots on high 54.5 percentage. The winners were led by Serbian power forward Branislav Tomic (205-80) who scored that evening 26 points and 8 rebounds and the former international guard Mihail-Octavian Paul (192-82) supported him with 17 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Even a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds by Serbian guard Nemanja Maric (196-83) did not help to save the game for Oradea. American forward Michael Schachtner (206-86, college: Wisc.-Green Bay, agency: Court Side) added 14 points and 6 rebounds for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. CSM Bucuresti has a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain seventh position with 9-7 record, which they share with Otopeni. Loser Oradea keeps the sixth place with six games lost. CSM Bucuresti will meet Rovinari (#12) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Oradea will play against Politehnica Iasi (#14) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
CSM Bucuresti: B.Tomic 26+8reb+3ast, A.Santana 18+1reb, M.Paul 17+7reb+4ast, F.Kraemer 11+1reb, J.Smith 10+2reb+6ast, M.Bennett 4+11reb+1ast
Oradea: A.Mandic 16+2reb+1ast, M.Schachtner 14+6reb, N.Maric 12+10reb+2ast, T.Mitchell 10+6reb+1ast, L.Lazar 8+3reb, V.Stefan 7+1reb+1ast

Otopeni - Rovinari 85-83

Important game to mention about took place in Otopeni. Eighth ranked Otopeni (9-7) saved a 2-point victory at home edging 11th ranked Rovinari (7-9) 85-83 on Sunday evening. Rovinari cut a 17-point halftime deficit to two at the end of the game. Otopeni players were unselfish on offense dishing 25 assists. Serbian guard Slobodan Popovic (198-80, agency: BeoExcell) fired 21 points for the winners. Serbian guard Milan Medvedj (183-79) chipped in 6 points, 7 rebounds and 11 assists. American guard Louis Darby (196-84, college: Long Beach St.) produced 16 points and 7 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) and guard Silviu Lupusavei (184-81) added 18 points respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Otopeni has a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to seventh place, which they share with CSM Bucuresti. Rovinari at the other side keeps the eleventh position with nine games lost. Otopeni's next round opponent will be higher ranked Mures (#5) on the road and it may be quite challenging game. Rovinari will play against CSM Bucuresti (#8).
Top scorers:
Otopeni: S.Popovic 21+2reb+3ast, C.Scott 18+4reb+2ast, B.Burell 14+5reb+2ast, A.Belanovic 13+3reb+3ast, M.Minea 8+3reb+2ast, M.Medvedj 6+7reb+11ast
Rovinari: S.Lupusavei 18+4reb, L.Darby 16+7reb+3ast, P.Troupe 14+4reb+4ast, S.Nikolic 11+4reb+6ast, V.Mocanu 9+4reb, A.Kalanj 7+4reb

Timisoara - Mures 75-60

Worth to mention about the upset in a game between Mures (11-5) and Timisoara (7-9), which took place in Timisoara. Higher ranked Mures lost to twelfth ranked Timisoara in a road game 60-75 on Sunday. The hosts trailed by 6 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 3-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 75-60. It was a very good performance for Serbian guard Darko Habus (186-82) who helped to win the game recording 23 points (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Serbian power forward Ivan Miskovic (203-84, college: Alaska-Fairb.) contributed with 13 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Four Timisoara players scored in double figures. Serbian power forward Aleksandar Mladenovic (207-84, agency: BeoExcell) replied with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds and American guard Dwight Lewis (196-87, college: USC, agency: Impact Basketball) added 14 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Mures. Timisoara moved-up to eleventh place, which they share with Rovinari. Loser Mures dropped to the fifth position with five games lost. Timisoara will face league's leader Gaz Metan in Medias in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Mures will play at home against Otopeni (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Timisoara: D.Habus 23+2reb, N.Markovic 17+4reb, I.Miskovic 13+9reb+1ast, M.Pesic 12+8reb+3ast, D.Paltinisanu 7+10reb+1ast, R.Dzambic 3+1reb+3ast
Mures: A.Mladenovic 17+10reb, D.Lewis 14+8reb+1ast, F.Lapuste 12+1reb+2ast, J.Cooley 6+2reb+5ast, J.Forte 5+7reb+1ast, A.Capusan 4+3reb+1ast

Brasov - Gaz Metan 45-99

Div.A top team - Gaz Metan (13-3) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed fifteenth ranked Brasov (1-15) 99-45. Gaz Metan dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Brasov's 34. Gaz Metan forced 28 Brasov turnovers. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. Brasov was plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a quality performance of the former international center Ionut Dragusin (221-85) who helped to win the game recording 18 points and 6 rebounds and American forward Deven Mitchell (196-84, agency: Interperformances) who added 11 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 6 steals during the contest. Five Gaz Metan players scored in double figures. At the losing side swingman Radu Paliciuc (198-88) responded with 10 points and 6 rebounds and Montenegrin center Zeljko Bubanja (210-73) scored 4 points and 9 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Gaz Metan have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 13-3 record, which they share with Ploiesti. Brasov lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the fifteenth place with 15 games lost. They share the position with Miercurea. Gaz Metan will play against Timisoara (#11) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Brasov will play against the league's second-placed Ploiesti (#2) to get more than just one victory in their record.
Top scorers:
Gaz Metan: I.Dragusin 18+6reb, T.Jucan 15+6reb+2ast, T.Nicoara 14+3reb+2ast, I.Ivanovic 13+4reb, J.Howell 11+1reb+2ast, D.Mitchell 11+7reb+5ast
Brasov: R.Paliciuc 10+6reb+2ast, O.Boian 6+3ast, B.Dragus 5+2reb+2ast, M.Popa 5+2reb+2ast, A.Andries 4+4reb, S.Buruiana 4+1reb

Ploiesti - CSU Sibiu 71-68

Tenth-ranked CSU Sibiu (7-8) was very close to win a game against second ranked Ploiesti (13-3) on Saturday. Ploiesti managed to secure only three-point victory 71-68. However their fans expected much easier game. The hosts trailed by 1 point after three quarters before their 22-18 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Ploiesti forced 19 CSU Sibiu turnovers. 25 personal fouls committed by CSU Sibiu helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international center Catalin Burlacu (210-77, agency: Court Side) who helped to win the game recording 29 points and 7 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field). The former international guard Adrian Blidaru (182-85) contributed with 10 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists and 5 steals for the winners. Serbian swingman Milos Markovic (201-84, agency: BeoExcell) replied with 17 points and 5 rebounds and American center Justin Herndon (208-83) added 11 points and 11 rebounds in the effort for CSU Sibiu. Four CSU Sibiu players scored in double figures. Defending champion keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Gaz Metan. CSU Sibiu at the other side keeps the tenth place with eight games lost. Ploiesti is looking forward to face Brasov (#15) on the road in the next round which should be an easy win for them. CSU Sibiu will play against U-Mobitelco (#3) in Cluj Napoca and is hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
Top scorers:
Ploiesti: C.Burlacu 29+7reb+1ast, A.Blidaru 10+6reb+7ast, L.Szijarto 8+2reb, Q.Calhoun 8+6reb, J.Westrol 6+1reb+2ast, G.Bajic 4+1reb+1ast
CSU Sibiu: M.Markovic 17+5reb+1ast, S.Atanackovic 12+6reb+3ast, J.Herndon 11+11reb, E.Brown 11+2reb+2ast, O.Calota 9+2reb+3ast, M.Harrison 8+5reb+1ast

Pitesti - U.Mobitel.CN 85-92

Very expected game when 9th ranked Pitesti (8-8) lost at home to third ranked U-Mobitelco (12-4) 92-85 on Saturday. U-Mobitelco made 36-of-46 free shots (78.3 percent) during the game, while Pitesti only scored sixteen points from the stripe. Pitesti was plagued by 32 personal fouls down the stretch. Quite impressive performance for Serbian center Zoran Krstanovic (205-82) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 28 points and 17 rebounds (made all of his ten free throws !!!). American forward Kyndall Dykes (191-87, college: New Orleans, agency: Strategic Sports) contributed with 29 points for the winners. Dykes is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Four U-Mobitelco players scored in double figures. American forward Chad Eichelberger (206-82, college: St.Andrews) replied with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds and Montenegrin guard Darko Vujacic (201-79) added 20 points and 7 assists in the effort for Pitesti. U-Mobitelco have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 12-4 record behind leader Gaz Metan. Loser Pitesti keeps the ninth place with eight games lost. U-Mobitelco will face CSU Sibiu (#10) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Pitesti will play against Miercurea.
Top scorers:
U.Mobitel.CN: K.Dykes 29+2reb, Z.Krstanovic 28+17reb+1ast, B.Cuic 13+10reb+3ast, M.Silvasan 13+7reb+1ast, S.Thomson 7+4reb, D.Lawrence 2+3reb+1ast
Pitesti: D.Vujacic 20+2reb+7ast, C.Eichelberger 17+12reb+1ast, B.Grubisic 14+7reb, A.Voinescu 11+1reb, D.Gennie 9+8reb+5ast, I.Stefanovic 8+6reb+2ast

Steaua Turabo - Miercurea 90-69

Very predictable result when fifth ranked Steaua Turabo (11-4) rolled over bottom-ranked Miercurea (1-15) in Bucuresti 90-69 on Saturday. The game was mostly controlled by Steaua Turabo. Miercurea managed to win second period 24-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Steaua Turabo dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to Miercurea's 38. Steaua Turabo forced 22 Miercurea turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists comparing to just 7 passes made by Miercurea's players. Quite impressive performance for American forward Theron Smith (203-80, college: Ball St., agency: Interperformances) who helped to win the game recording 16 points and 6 rebounds. The former international power forward Virgil Stanescu (207-77, college: S.Alabama, agency: Interperformances) contributed with 12 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Steaua Turabo's coach felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American center Yamene Coleman (206-86, college: Troy) replied with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 12 rebounds and his fellow American import guard Clevin Hannah (180-87, college: Wichita St., agency: Court Side) added 16 points in the effort for Miercurea. Five Miercurea players scored in double figures. Steaua Turabo moved-up to fourth place. Miercurea lost eleventh consecutive game. Newly promoted team stay at the bottom position with 15 games lost. Steaua Turabo will face Craiova (#13) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Miercurea will play against Pitesti.
Top scorers:
Steaua Turabo: T.Smith 16+6reb+1ast, A.Mandache 12+1reb+4ast, V.Stanescu 12+6reb+2ast, I.Tomeljak 11+1reb+2ast, G.Hafnar 9+3reb+3ast, B.Popescu 9+2reb+3ast
Miercurea: C.Hannah 16+2reb+1ast, E.Tucker 13+1ast, Z.Samuila 13+1ast, Y.Coleman 12+12reb, L.Levine 10+2reb+2ast, J.Huffman 4+4reb+1ast

Standings

Div.A Standings

1. Gaz Metan		13-3
2. Ploiesti		13-3
3. U.Mobitel.CN		12-4
4. Steaua Turabo		11-4
5. Mures		11-5
6. Oradea		10-6
7. Otopeni		9-7
8. CSM Bucuresti		9-7
9. Pitesti		8-8
10. CSU Sibiu		7-8
11. Timisoara		7-9
12. Rovinari		7-9
13. Craiova		5-11
14. Politehnica Iasi		3-13
15. Brasov		1-15
16. Miercurea		1-15

Stats Leaders - Men

Points Per Game

LeRoy DAWSON
  Politehnica Iasi
  (188-G-81)
  Avg: 22.6

1. Dawson, Polite.	22.6
2. Dykes, U.Mobite.	19.8
3. Krstanovic, U.Mobi.	19.6
4. Wohlleb, Craiova	18.8
5. Scott, Otopeni	18.8
6. Vujacic, Pitesti	18.3
7. Darby, Rovinari	18.2
8. Tomic, CSM B.	17.6
9. Seals, CSU Sibiu	16.9
10. Nicoara, Gaz Metan	16.8

Rebounds Per Game

Kenneth SIMMS
  Craiova
  (203-C-)
  Avg: 11.6

1. Simms, Craiova	11.6
2. Nicoara, Gaz Metan	11.1
3. Krstanovic, U.Mobi.	9.8
4. Burlacu, Ploiesti	9.5
5. Forte, Mures	9.2
6. Coleman, Miercurea	8.9
7. Paltinisanu, Timis.	8.1
8. Mladenovic, Mures	8.1
9. Scott, Otopeni	7.9
10. Tomic, CSM B.	7.8

Assists Per Game

Rade DZAMBIC
  Timisoara
  (188-G-80)
  Avg: 7.9

1. Dzambic, CSM B.	7.9
2. Cooley, Mures	6.9
3. Blidaru, Ploiesti	5.7
4. Howell, Gaz Metan	5.3
5. Stojakovic, Craiova	5.2
6. Medvedj, Otopeni	4.9
7. Gennie, Pitesti	4.6
8. Maric, Oradea	4.4
9. Cuic, U.Mobitel.CN	4.3
10. Tucker, Miercurea	3.9

Steals Per Game

Deven MITCHELL
  Gaz Metan
  (196-F-84)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Mitchell, Gaz Metan	2.6
2. Gennie, Pitesti	2.6
3. Blidaru, Ploiesti	2.6
4. Paliciuc, Brasov	2.6
5. Stojakovic, Craiova	2.5
6. Dawson, Polite.	2.5
7. Cuic, U.Mobitel.CN	2.4
8. Cooley, Mures	2.4
9. Harrison, CSU Sibiu	2.4
10. Howell, Gaz Metan	2.3

Blocks Per Game

Michael HARRISON
  CSU Sibiu
  (206-F/C-84)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Harrison, CSU Sibiu	2.2
2. Eichelberger, Pitesti	1.9
3. Capusan, Rovinari	1.6
4. Mladenovic, Mures	1.5
5. Masiulis, CSU S.	1.5
6. Lazar, Oradea	1.4
7. Simms, Craiova	1.2
8. Dumitru, Mures	1.1
9. Anghel, Polite.	1.1
10. Miskovic, Timisoara	1.0

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SERBIA

Stats Leaders - 1A

Points Per Game

Nikola KOPRIVICA
  Iraklis
  (200-F-88)
  Avg: 22.4

1. Koprivica, Super.	22.4
2. Milisavljevi., Mega V.	19.9
3. Janjusevic, Crnok.	18.2
4. Bunic, Novi Sad	18.1
5. Sulovic, Napredak	17.0
6. Bozovic, Sloga	16.6
7. Micevic, Sloboda .	16.4
8. Vasojevic, Borac	16.3
9. Tresac, Borac	16.1
10. Majkic, Prolet.	16.0

Rebounds Per Game

Nikola MARKOVIC
  FMP
  (208-F/C-89)
  Avg: 8.2

1. Markovic, FMP	8.2
2. Jelovac, Mega V.	7.2
3. Misanovic, Beograd	6.9
4. Ljubicic, Metalac	6.9
5. Borovcanin, Sloga	6.6
6. Spica, Superfund	6.6
7. Dedijer, Borac	6.5
8. Sulovic, Napredak	6.4
9. Cubrilo, Sloga	6.4
10. Djurovic, Crnokosa	6.2

Assists Per Game

Vid ZARKOVIC
  Proleter Naftagas
  (189-G-75)
  Avg: 6

1. Zarkovic, Prolet.	6.0
2. Radivojevic, FMP	5.4
3. Vlahovic, Sloga	5.3
4. Ljubicic, Metalac	5.1