Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 1/20/2011

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Men News

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ABA

Energy is Building !! - by Gianni Pascucci
The East Kentucky Energy have been living up to it's name. The Energy is 8-0 on the season and ranked #4 in the ABA Power Rankings. They are being lead by veteran Daniel Price (6'3''-G-82, college: Pikeville) averaging 24.2 ppg, 9.4 apg, 4.3 spg. Price, who is also the ABA reigning Defensive Player of Year, is getting major help from former teammates and new teammates as well. Jarell Jones (6'0''-G-82, college: Pikeville), Sandrell Spann (6'8''-F/C-80, college: Delta St.), and Roderick Smith (6'8''-C-83, college: Jackson St.) all played for the Mississippi Blues and now play for the Energy. Jones a veteran point guard is having a wonderful year averaging 10.5 ppg and 11.3 apg. The big man Sandrell Spann is contributing with 15.4 ppg and 16.4 rpg. Roderick Smith a former all-star his rookie season in 2008-2009 is averaging 12.7 ppg and 8.5 rpg. 'We are very familiar with each other, stated Jones. We have grew playing ball together and I know where each of them like to score. It's my job as the floor general to make sure I get the ball to them were they like to score.' the East KY Energy also has help from J.R. Vanhoose (6'10''-F/C-79, college: Marshall) a Marshall University Hall of Famer. Vanhoose is a 6'11' veteran basketball player having a stellar season averaging 23.2 ppg and 18 rpg. The Energy have held there last 4 opponents under 100 points. 'We have set a goal to not let teams get 100 so we really have to play really good team defense. We know defense wins championships and that's our goal,' Price said. The Energy also have a player-coach in Galen Young (6'7''-F/G-75, college: Charlotte) that has NBA experience. His knowledge of the game is helping in so many ways to get the rookies on the team ready and developing the teams bench. Young was drafted to the NBA because of his defense. 'Adding Galen who playing in the NBA because of defense along with the reigning ABA Defensive Player of the year in Price and that makes for a good defensive minded team,' stated team owner Tom Hamilton . Rookie guard Scottie Samarco (6'0''-G, college: Pikeville) is looking to take home the Rookie of the Year award averaging 18.4 off the bench. The sharp shooter is shooting .48% from beyond the arch.

Aces ink Lawrence - by Gianni Pascucci
According with an official release from the team, after having released starting five member Michael Brice (6'7''-F/C) (conduct detrimental to the team and team violations) and Matt Thomas (6'1''-G-83, college: NW Oklahoma St.), the Las Vegas Aces have signed experienced big man Trevor Lawrence (7'0''-C-82, college: N.Mexico St.)

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		6-1
3. LA Slam		5-3
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

Another win for the Sol - by Gianni Pascucci
The San Diego Sol defeated a second, consecutive time Los Angeles Slam, 95-89, the night after their first meeting. Matt Vaughn (6'0''-G-83, college: Colorado Christian) was this time the game top scorer at 22 points, with Greg Clark (6'7''-F-78, college: Washington) adding 20 points, 5 rebs, 4 assist. and Richard Williams (5'10''-G-87, college: San Diego St.) 17 at the winning side. Veteran Cameron Koford (7'2''-C-77, college: Utah) grabbed 4 rebs and scored 12 at the San Diego side. JoShey Rockett (6'6''-F-84, college: Alaska-Fairb.) was the top performer in the SLAM, with 18 pts, 12 rebs and 2 assists. Justin Johnson (6'0''-G-83, college: Mississippi) added 15 pts in losing effort

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ANGOLA

Standings - D1 Men

D1 Standings

1. Libolo		2-0
2. Petroleos Luanda		1-1
3. ASA		0-0
4. CDUAN		0-0
5. Estoril		0-0
6. Lusiada		0-0
7. PROMADE		0-0
8. Santos		0-0
9. Sporting L.		0-0
10. Vila Clotilde		0-0
11. 1 De Agosto		0-1
12. Interclube		0-1

BAI games - by Antonio Santos
After a 3 weeks Christmas break, BAI championchip already start.
Here some of the results. Petro x Libolo; 87 x 82;
Libolo x 1 de Agosto: 86 x 75;
Petro x Inter: 83 x 72 (20-19; 18-10; 24-17; 21-26) from Petro Carlos Morais 15 Pts+4 reb; Miguel Kiala 13 pts+15 reb; Hermenegildo Bunga 14 pts+8 reb; Credric Isom 12 pts+7 res, for Inter Eduardo Mingas 17 pts+12 reb, Euclides Camacho 19 pts +3 reb

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ARGENTINA

Halcones Rojos clinch opening win in Liga Americas Group D - by Eurobasket News
Halcones Rojos - Sionista 92:88 (OT)

Halcones Rojos got to the winning start of their Liga Americas campaign. They toppled Sionista de Parana in overtime in Group D. Lawrence Hill (203-F-87, college: Stanford) knocked down 21 points to pace the winners.
Sionista and Rojos opened the game on a full speed. They teamed up for 51 points in the first stanza as Sionista grabbed a one-point lead. Halcones Rojos reacted stiffing their defense in the second term. They limited Sionista to 11 points taking an 8-point lead at halftime. Sionista however rebounded after the big break and leveled things up at 80 after a three-pointer from Juan Manuel Locatelli (198-F-75). Halcones Rojos proved the difference in the extra frame claiming a tough victory. Carlos Rivera (187-G-83, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Hofstra) and Jaime Lloreda (201-F/C-80, college: LSU) scored 15 points each for Halcones Rojos. Juan Manuel Locatelli answered with 28 points for Sionista. Alejandro Zilli (200-F-82) provided 17 points and 13 boards in defeat.

Halcones Rojos: Lawrence Hill 21, Carlos Rivera 15, Jaime Lloreda 15
Sionista: Juan Manuel Locatelli 28, Alejandro Zilli 17+13 boards

Estudiantes de Bahia land Devin Davis - by Eurobasket News
Estudiantes de Bahia made some changes in the roster. They have agreed on terms of contract with Devin Davis (202-F-74, college: Miami (OH)). He will replace Jamelle Cornley (196-F-87, college: Penn St.) on the squad. Jamelle Cornley joined the team on loan from Uruguayan Cader and appeared in three games averaging 7.7 points and 2.3 boards. Devin Davis was last seen in Soles de Mexicali. He signed for the Mexican team in November. Devin Davis averaged 10.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. Devin Davis played in Spain for a long time. The power forward also had stints in Russia, Philippines and CBA. Devin Davis played at the ACB All-Star Game in 2002 and 2003 seasons.

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ASEAN LEAGUE

COACH RAMOS TO AIR 21 IN THE PBA - by Ozell Wells
Geraldo Ramos will get his second tour of duty as a Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) coach when he was named as the new mentor of the Air21 Express.

Air21 board governor Johann Ramos confirmed the news to GMANews.TV on Wednesday, saying the returning coach has just agreed in principle of handling the team anew.

Ramos was the coach of the last FedEx Express squad before the franchise changed its name to Air21 in the 2004-2005 season. He will succeed veteran mentor Yeng Guiao, who has moved to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters as its new coach.

'I've met him today (Wednesday) and we have agreed in principle. He is going to sign the contract tomorrow (Thursday),' said Ramos on the former Brunei Barracudas coach, who just returned home Monday after a stint in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL).

Ramos, who also served as an assistant coach in Barangay Ginebra and Talk 'N Text, was chosen among a list of candidates that include Junel Baculi, Leo Austria, Boyet Fernandez and team manager Allan Gregorio.

Source: Rey Joble, JVP, GMANews

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AUSTRALIA

NBL Round 15 Preview - by Duncan Matheson

Gold Coast Blaze v Skytrans Cairns Taipans

Key Matchup: Alexander Loughton (205-F/C-83, college: ODU) is still a key target for the Taipans, and playing mostly in the four spot the red hot Mark Worthington (202-F-83, college: Metro St.) will surely take the responsibility on himself to contain the dangerous Loughton. This battle between two elite forwards will go a long way to determining the outcome.

X-Factors: The Blazes electrifying guard Chris Goulding (190-G-88) [currently pronounced by commentators as Gold-ing] will look to spark the Blaze, while big man Ian Crosswhite (212-C-82, college: Oregon) is as unpredictable as the weather and when he performs generally so do the Taipans.

Outcome: Blaze by 4 on their home floor

New Zealand Breakers v Adelaide 36ers

Key Matchup: Adam Ballinger (205-F-79, college: Michigan St.) up against Gary Wilkinson (206-F-82, college: Utah St.). All ginger jokes aside, these two highly versatile bigs that can both step out and shoot the ball went toe-to-toe last time these teams met both going for 27, and in what should be a free flowing game both will look for big performances again.

X-Factors: Thomas Abercrombie's (198-G/F-87, college: Washington St.) responsibilities have decreased as the season has gone on, but with his outstanding athleticism and ability to score quickly, rebound and block shots, he can have an instant effect on any game. For the 36ers, import Ron Howard (196-G/F-82, college: Valparaiso) is long overdue for a big offensive output, and Adelaide will need it to be a chance.

Outcome: NZ far too strong by 12

Perth Wildcats v Townsville Crocodiles

Key Matchup: Hard to find a key matchup in this one, but with pure shooters at the two spot Michael Cedar (195-G-86) and Kevin Lisch (188-G, agency: Warren Sports International, college: St.Louis) will be a crucial battle. The Crocs have been in good from of late while the Wildcats are always tough, especially at home, and if either Cedar or Lisch catch fire which they can on any given night it may tip the balance in their teams favour.

X-Factors: Ex-Croc Cameron Tovey (200-F-85, college: Augusta St.) has had an outstanding season for the Wildcats, especially shooting the 3, while after a poor start to the season Bradley Williamson (197-F/G-81) has been on fire for the Crocs in recent weeks. Both players will be called upon to be solid defensively and knock down the open shot, and whoever does a better job of this will give their team the advantage.

Outcome: Perth by 11

Sydney Kings v Wollongong Hawks

Key Matchup: Still no certainty of who will line up for the injury-hit Hawks, but given they are close to full strength the key matchup is at the five with the Kings go-to-guy Julian Khazzouh (211-C-86), and either Larry Davidson (207-C-83, college: Boise St.) or David Gruber (198-F-81, college: N.Iowa). The Hawks will know that slowing down Khazzouh will go a very long way to securing the win.

X-Factors: For the Hawks, no question captain Mat Campbell (196-F/G-76, college: Towson) (193-G) is overdue to step up and have a hot night and break the Hawks out of their five-game funk. For the Kings, Patrick Sanders (198-F-85, college: Cal-Irvine) quite simply needs to put up big numbers to compliment Khazzouh and give the Kings any chance.

Outcome: Hawks, perhaps not so impressively, by 5 on the road

Melbourne Tigers v Skytrans Cairns Taipans

Key Matchup: The battle between import point guards Ayinde Ubaka (193-G-85, college: California) and Corey Williams (191-G-77, college: Alabama St.) will be pivotal. Ubaka will need to keep Williams honest with his dribble penetration, while Williams will need to be prepared for Ubakas high calibre scoring ability both from long range and off the dribble.

X-Factors: Cameron Tragardh (209-C/F-83, college: ORU) and Dusty Rychart (201-F-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: Minnesota), two former teammates. If Tragardh can get under the guard of the Taipans and have one of his big offensive nights its advantage Tigers, while Rychart will bring constant energy and look to give the Taipans the edge in the paint.

Outcome: Tigers by 6

Adelaide 36ers v Perth Wildcats

Key Matchup: Shawn Redhage (203-F-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Arizona St.) and Jacob Holmes (201-F-83). This may seem like a lopsided matchup, but Holmes will be given the incredibly tough job on Redhage and if he can slow him down even slightly he will be having a big impact for his team. While not a renowned offensive player, Holmes can go a long way to winning games for his team on the offensive boards getting his team second chances.

X-Factors: Two young players, Brad Hill (198-G/F-86) and Stephen Weigh (198-G/F-87). Both long, athletic players looking to slash but can also shoot from outside, if one of these two has a big night they could push their team over the line.

Outcome: Adelaide to repeat their round 1 upset, by 2

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AUSTRIA

Standings - 2.Bundesliga

2.Bundesliga Standings

East
1. Mattersb.R.		10-0
2. Mistelbach		7-3
3. Harreither		7-4
4. BC Vienna jrs		6-3
5. Fighters		5-6
6. Modling		5-6
7. Danube City		3-6
8. UBBC Enns		3-7
9. ATSE Graz		0-11
West
1. Dornbirn		11-1
2. Schwaz		8-4
3. Klagenfurt		6-5
4. Salzburg		6-6
5. Feldkirch		4-8
6. SVO/BRG		0-11

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BAHRAIN

Smart Gilas post double victory - by Yousef Ahmed
THE Philippines national basketball team Smart Gilas clinched double victory against Bahrain's top two clubs Al Ahli and Muharraq in friendly matches at Zain Basketball Arena in Umm Al Hassam. Smart Gilas defeated Bahrain's cup holders Muharraq 77-69 last Monday, then extended authority with a 92-80 win over league champions Al Ahli last night. These tune-up games were part of the visiting team's preparations for the 2012 London Olympics' qualifier, set to take place in Wuhan, China, from September 15 to 25. The Filipino team left Bahrain last night for the UAE where they will compete in the Dubai International Championship. The 10-day Dubai event, starting tomorrow, features some of the best club teams in the Middle East. Smart Gilas comprises team captain and TV host Chris Tiu, vice-captain Andy Barroca, JV Casio, Dylan Ababou, Marnel Baracael, Marcus Douthit, Jason Ballesteros, Marcio Lassiter, Chris Lutz, Aldrech Ramos and popular Philippine professional basketball player Asi 'The Rock' Taulava.

The team is being coached by Serbian tactician Rajko Toroman. Gilas started the games against the Bahraini clubs with Andy Barroca, Aldrech Ramos, Marcio Lassiter, Chris Tiu and Marcus Douthit, who stands over two metres tall. Playing against Muharraq, the Filipinos took a 23-22 lead at the end of the first quarter. Muharraq, coached by Argentinean Guillermo Vecchio, were led by Ahmed Al Doy. Muharraq also consisted of Ali Abbas, Isa Ebrahim, Jassim Mohammed and American Lamond Murray (201-F-73, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: California). The hosts got even in the second quarter 40-40 and then Mohammed hit a three-pointer to give Muharraq a 50-46 lead. The sixth deadlock was at 55-all. Ending the third quarter, team Philippines started with trapping defence and fastbreaks to extend their lead, 77-69. Top-scoring for the visiting national team was Casio (15 points) with Douthit and Asi 'The Rock' Taulava finishing with 11 and 10 points, respectively. For Muharraq, Murray (17) was the top scorer. He scored four three-pointers while Mohammed (16) hit four three-pointers. In an earlier match, DHL Filipino Club Basketball Group (FCBG) defeated Saudi Filipino Selection side 75-62. The Smart Gilas team arrived last Sunday and were received at the new Philippine Embassy in Zinj by consul-general Sahid Glang. 'We are very happy to bring them here and the proceed of this event will be put into good use,' said FCBG chairman Emil Durano and FCBG Smart Gilas team head Dong Silastre. FCBG will allocate funds for charity that may help distressed Filipino workers to return to our country. Sponsoring this event were Banagas, MoneyGram, Cathay Pacific, Nonoo Exchange, Sharam Sports, Pars International Hotel, Union Press, Chilies and Sports Avenue. FCBG Media partners are The Orbit Showtime GMA Pinoy TV, ABS-CBN, Abante Middle East Edition, Gulf Daily News, Daily Tribune, Bahrain Confidential, Bahrain This Month and 96.5 Radio Bahrain.

Source GDN Posted on Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Interview with Coach Jason Rabedeaux - by Yousef Ahmed
Coach Jason Rabedeaux (agency: Edge Sports ) is already making an impact in Bahrain Basketball, he's experience has been a great factor for Manama allstar team. Here are some questions he answered for Asia-basket.com, and we wish him the best of luck this season.

What do you think about Bahrain basketball?

A. In the short time I have been in Bahrain, I have been very impressed with the overall professionalism and quality of Bahrainian basketball. The local players are very passionate about their work and play extremely hard. The league also features excellent coaches that are very knowledgeable and get their teams to play with great energy and emotion. The administration of the league is very strong and progressive. Basketball in the Gulf is growing in popularity each and every day, Bahrain has all the ingredients to make the Bahrainian Basketball Association the premiere professional basketball league in the entire Gulf region.

What does Bahrain need the most to improve to compete at an international level?

A. It really starts at the grassroots level. Increased development of the youth leagues, through various camps and clinics will have a long and lasting impact on Bahrainian basketball for years to come. Our club, Al Manama, is doing an excellent job in this area with children, as young as 7 years old, being instructed in the fundamentals of basketball on a daily basis. This strong foundation will prove to be very beneficial as Bahrainian basketball moves forward. In the immediate future, Bahrain must continue to draw upon the very best foreign players and coaches to 1. Improve the overall quality of play and competition in the Bahrainian Basketball Association and 2. Allow these players and coaches to share their vast knowledge with local Bahrainians in regard to specific basketball training, coaching and teaching methods.

What's the best thing you have experienced since you landed in Bahrain?

A. The kingdom of Bahrain is a hidden gem. It is a beautiful country with very kind, intelligent and generous people. The weather is outstanding, the food is fantastic and Bahrainian basketball fans have a great love for the game. Without question, the most impressive thing I have experienced and observed, as Al Manama's head coach, is the tremendous fan support our team is afforded from the fans of Al Manama. Having coached in the United States, China and Japan, I can say, without hesitation, that the energy, emotion and enthusiasm of the Al Manama fan base ranks among the best in the world.

Is Manama going to win it all this year?

A. Our goal is to improve every day...to play hard, smart and together on each and every possession...stay in the present and make the most of each and every day we are together as a team. Al Manama has very strong individual talent, but our focus is to maximize our ability to play as a team. We must maintain consistent and incomparable work ethic and leadership as we approach each day.

The teams with the best talent do not always win, but the teams that play together as a unit, play unselfishly and play extremely hard on each and every possession will find themselves in a position to compete for a championship. The Bahrainian Basketball Association has a number of talented teams, players and coaches. It will be a great challenge to put ourselves in a position to win a championship, but it is certainly a challenge our players, coaches and management embrace and look forward to working towards on a daily basis.

What is the biggest challenge of coaching a team like Manama?

A. The tradition and success of the Al Manama Basketball Club is second to none. The result of years and years of hard work and sacrifice from players, coaches and front office management.

The greatest challenge in coaching a team with high expectations for success, such as the Al Manama Club, is to make sure that we focus on the task at hand and don't get ahead of ourselves. I was taught a long time ago that a basketball season is NOT about the the destination, but rather about the journey that takes us there. A basketball is season is filled with 'ups and downs', adversity, injuries, wins and losses. This fact cannot be debated.The best teams around the world focus on the present moment and absolutely maximize each and every day from an improvement stand point.

High expectations are a good thing, as is the goal of winning a championship. However these expectations and goals cannot be achieved unless each and every member of our team commits themselves to the TEAM and does their very best each and every day, as individuals, to improve our club as a whole. Championships are the result of hard work, tremendous personal sacrifice, dedication and uncommonly strong teamwork. As our team's leader and head coach, it is my job to ensure that we are focused on these concepts and reinforced on a daily basis.

At Al Manama we believe in 'The 2 C's, 3 D's and 4 E's'...

Consistency and Communication

Dedication, Desire and Defense

Enthusiasm, Energy, Emotion and Execution

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BALTIC LEAGUE

Standings - Men

Baltic League Standings

Elite Division
1. VEF Riga			11-2
2. Rudupis			10-4
3. TU/Rock			10-5
4. Nevezis			9-4
5. Ventspils			9-4
6. Kalev/Cramo			8-5
7. Siauliai			7-7
8. Norrkoping			6-7
9. Perlas			5-10
10. Liepaja			5-10
11. TTU/Kalev			3-11
12. Valmiera			1-15
Challenge Cup
Group A
1. Neptunas			7-3
2. Zemgale			6-3
3. Alytus Alita			4-6
4. Barsy Atyrau			2-6
5. Naglis-Adakris			2-6
Group B
1. Juventus			8-2
2. Aiscai Kaunas			6-4
3. Techasas			5-4
4. Sakalai			3-5
5. Rakvere			2-6

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Mareks JUREVICUS
  Tezenis Verona
  (198-G/F-85)
  Avg: 19

1. Jurevicus, Liepaja	19.0
2. Osby, TT.	18.9
3. Bergmanis, Zemgale	18.7
4. Kjellbom, Norrkoping	17.9
5. Ilin, Barsy Atyrau	16.5
6. Mitchell, Liepaja	16.3
7. Sirvydis, Sakalai	15.5
8. Vasylius, Neptunas	15.5
9. Talts, TU/Rock	15.5
10. Juskevicius, Rudupis	15.2

Rebounds Per Game

Bambale OSBY
  TTU/Kalev
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 11.8

1. Osby, TT.	11.8
2. Kieza, Juventus	10.1
3. Eziukwu, TU/Rock	8.7
4. Cukinas, Aiscai K.	8.3
5. Cipruss, Valmiera	8.3
6. Dumbliauskas, Alytus A.	8.2
7. Sarakauskas, Siauliai	8.1
8. Matulis, Sakalai	8.0
9. Stimac, Ventspils	7.6
10. Veselovs, Valmiera	7.3

Assists Per Game

Evaldas DAINYS
  Rudupis
  (180-G-82)
  Avg: 6.6

1. Dainys, Rudupis	6.6
2. Kriisa, TT.	5.5
3. Ezerskis, Techasas	5.2
4. Jasikevicius, Aiscai K.	5.0
5. Rinkevicius, Techasas	5.0
6. Varanauskas, Sakal.	4.9
7. Viskontas, Perlas	4.8
8. Alijevas, Nevezis	4.8
9. Mitchell, Norrkoping	4.8
10. Vasiliauskas, Aiscai K.	4.6

Steals Per Game

Martin DORBEK
  Rakvere
  (192-G-91)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Dorbek, Rakvere	2.2
2. Leppik, TU/Rock	2.1
3. Dainys, Rudupis	2.0
4. Kjellbom, Norrkoping	2.0
5. Chunda, Barsy A.	1.9
6. Rinkevicius, Techasas	1.9
7. Pilk, TT.	1.9
8. Saage, Rakvere	1.9
9. Dorbek, Kalev/Cr.	1.9
10. Andzejevskis, Valmi.	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Callistus EZIUKWU
  TU/Rock
  (208-F/C-85)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Eziukwu, TU/Rock	2.2
2. Dunigan, Kalev/Cr.	2.1
3. Rozitis, Zemgale	1.9
4. Kjellbom, Norrkoping	1.8
5. Silinskis, Techasas	1.3
6. Parakhouski, VEF R.	1.3
7. Cresnar, Nevezis	1.2
8. Toome, Kalev/Cramo	1.1
9. Cukinas, Aiscai K.	1.1
10. Kieza, Juventus	1.0

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BELARUS

Premier League Round 20: Minsk-2006 beats Vitalyur-RGUOR in a derby game - by Eurobasket News
The most interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Minsk: Minsk-2006 (#1) and Vitalyur-RGUOR (#8). Minsk-2006 (20-0) smashed visiting Vitalyur-RGUOR (1-19) by 80 points 128-48. Undefeated Minsk-2006 have an impressive 20-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 20-0 record. Vitalyur-RGUOR at the other side stay dead last with 19 lost games. Minsk-2006 are looking forward to face Sozh Gomel (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Vitalyur-RGUOR will play against Lokomotiv (#5) in Vitebsk and is hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Osipovichi. Third ranked Grodno-93 faced 4th ranked OZAA Osipovichi. Guests from Grodno (14-6) defeated host OZAA Osipovichi (11-9) 93-88. Grodno-93 has a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Sozh Gomel. OZAA Osipovichi at the other side keeps the fourth position with nine games lost. Grodno-93 will play against Borifsen (#6) in Mogilev in the next round. OZAA Osipovichi will play on the road against BGUIR-RCOR in Minsk and hopes to get back on the winning track.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Grodno. Third ranked Grodno-93 faced second-ranked Sozh Gomel. Host Grodno-93 (14-6) smashed guests from Gomel (14-6) 104-70. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Sozh Gomel. Grodno-93 has a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place, which they share with defeated Sozh Gomel. Grodno-93 will meet at home Borifsen (#6) in the next round. Sozh Gomel will play against the league's leader Minsk-2006 (#1) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Grodno. Second ranked Sozh Gomel faced one of their biggest challengers Grodno-93. Guests from Gomel (14-6) defeated host Grodno-93 (14-6) 99-84. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Grodno-93. Sozh Gomel has a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 14-6 record having six points less than leader Minsk-2006, which they share with defeated Grodno-93. Sozh Gomel's next round opponent will be league's leader Minsk-2006 at home and it will be for sure the game of the week. Grodno-93 will play against Borifsen in Mogilev.

In the last two games of round 20 BGUIR-RCOR was crushed by Sozh Gomel in a road game 96-75. Lokomotiv beat Borifsen at home 88-83.

Minsk-2006 - Vitalyur 128-48

The most interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Minsk: Minsk-2006 (#1) and Vitalyur-RGUOR (#8). Minsk-2006 (20-0) smashed visiting Vitalyur-RGUOR (1-19) by 80 points 128-48. Minsk-2006 have an impressive 20-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 20-0 record. Vitalyur-RGUOR at the other side stay dead last with 19 lost games. Minsk-2006 are looking forward to face Sozh Gomel (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Vitalyur-RGUOR will play against Lokomotiv (#5) in Vitebsk and is hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.

Sozh Gomel - BGUIR-RCOR 96-75

There was no surprise when 7th ranked BGUIR-RCOR (3-17) was crushed on the road by second ranked Sozh Gomel (14-6) 96-75. Sozh Gomel has a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 14-6 record having six points less than leader Minsk-2006, which they share with Grodno-93. BGUIR-RCOR lost eighth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the seventh place with 17 games lost. Sozh Gomel's next round opponent will be league's leader Minsk-2006 at home and it will be for sure the game of the week. BGUIR-RCOR will play against OZAA Osipovichi (#4).

Lokomotiv - Borifsen 88-83

The game between closely ranked teams ended with fifth ranked Lokomotiv's (9-11) home victory over 6th ranked Borifsen (6-14) 88-83. Lokomotiv maintains fifth position with 9-11 record. Borifsen lost third consecutive game. They keep the sixth place with 14 games lost. Lokomotiv's next round opponent will be bottom-ranked Vitalyur-RGUOR (#8) in Minsk. Borifsen will play on the road against the league's second-placed Grodno-93.

OZAA Osipov. - Grodno-93 88-93

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Osipovichi. Third ranked Grodno-93 faced 4th ranked OZAA Osipovichi. Guests from Grodno (14-6) defeated host OZAA Osipovichi (11-9) 93-88. Grodno-93 has a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Sozh Gomel. OZAA Osipovichi at the other side keeps the fourth position with nine games lost. Grodno-93 will play against Borifsen (#6) in Mogilev in the next round. OZAA Osipovichi will play on the road against BGUIR-RCOR in Minsk and hopes to get back on the winning track.

Round 9

Grodno-93 - Sozh Gomel 104-70

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Grodno. Third ranked Grodno-93 faced second-ranked Sozh Gomel. Host Grodno-93 (14-6) smashed guests from Gomel (14-6) 104-70. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Sozh Gomel. Grodno-93 has a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place, which they share with defeated Sozh Gomel. Grodno-93 will meet at home Borifsen (#6) in the next round. Sozh Gomel will play against the league's leader Minsk-2006 (#1) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Grodno-93 - Sozh Gomel 84-99

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Grodno. Second ranked Sozh Gomel faced one of their biggest challengers Grodno-93. Guests from Gomel (14-6) defeated host Grodno-93 (14-6) 99-84. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Grodno-93. Sozh Gomel has a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 14-6 record having six points less than leader Minsk-2006, which they share with defeated Grodno-93. Sozh Gomel's next round opponent will be league's leader Minsk-2006 at home and it will be for sure the game of the week. Grodno-93 will play against Borifsen in Mogilev.

Standings - Premier League

Premier League Standings

1. Minsk-2006		20-0
2. Grodno-93		14-6
3. Sozh Gomel		14-6
4. OZAA Osipov.		11-9
5. Lokomotiv		9-11
6. Borifsen		6-14
7. BGUIR-RCOR		3-17
8. Vitalyur		1-19

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BELGIUM

Standings - Division II

D2 Standings

1. Kangar.-Boom		12-2
2. Sint-Jan Ant.		10-4
3. De Westhoek		9-5
4. Pitzemburg		9-5
5. Excelsior		8-6
6. Waregem		8-6
7. Essor Charleroi		7-7
8. Oostkamp		7-7
9. Gembo		6-8
10. Zolder		5-10
11. Fleurus		4-9
12. M.Hainaut II		4-9
13. Carnieres		4-9
14. Liege II		4-10

D2 Round 17: Sint-Jans Antwerpen loses to BBC De Westhoek - by Eurobasket News
The game between second ranked Sint-Jans Antwerpen (10-4) and fourth ranked BBC De Westhoek (9-5) was the most important one in the last round on Saturday night. Sint-Jans Antwerpen was defeated by BBC De Westhoek in a tough game in Zwevezele 54-61. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Sint-Jans Antwerpen. BBC De Westhoek moved-up to third place, which they share with Pitzemburg. Sint-Jans Antwerpen at the other side keeps the second position with four games lost. BBC De Westhoek is looking forward to face league's leader BBC Kangaroes-Boom on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Sint-Jans Antwerpen will play against Dexia Mons Hainaut II in Quaregnon and is hoping to win this game.
An interesting game for BBC Kangaroes-Boom (12-2) which played road game in Mechelen against 3rd placed Jako Pitzemburg (9-5). First ranked BBC Kangaroes-Boom managed to get a 4-point victory 76-72. BBC Kangaroes-Boom has a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain first place with 12-2 record. Jako Pitzemburg lost third consecutive game. They keep the third position with five games lost. They share it with De Westhoek. BBC Kangaroes-Boom will play against BBC De Westhoek (#3) in Zwevezele in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Jako Pitzemburg will play on the road against BC Carnieres and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Bottom-ranked BC Carnieres managed to get a fourth victory on Sunday night. This time they edged fifth-ranked Royal Aera Excelsior in Brussels 77-74. BC Carnieres (4-9) moved-up to eleventh place, which they share with Fleurus and M.Hainaut II. Royal Aera Excelsior lost third consecutive game. They keep the fifth position with six games lost. They share it with Waregem. BC Carnieres will meet at home higher ranked Jako Pitzemburg (#4) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Royal Aera Excelsior will play against Belgacom Liege II and hope to secure a win.
The game between ninth ranked Gembo BBC (6-8) and 8th ranked KBBC Oostkamp (7-7) in Borgerhout ended with biggest points difference. Gembo BBC outscored guests from Oostkamp 95-74. Newly promoted Gembo BBC maintains ninth place with 6-8 record. KBBC Oostkamp at the other side, also newcomer in the league, dropped to the seventh position with seven games lost. Gembo BBC's next round opponent will be higher ranked Essor Charleroi (#7) at home and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.

In the last two games of round 17 Liege II was beaten by Essor Charleroi on the road 80-73. Waregem won against Zolder on its own court 92-80.

Pitzemburg - Kangar.-Boom 72-76

An interesting game for BBC Kangaroes-Boom (12-2) which played road game in Mechelen against 3rd placed Jako Pitzemburg (9-5). First ranked BBC Kangaroes-Boom managed to get a 4-point victory 76-72. BBC Kangaroes-Boom has a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain first place with 12-2 record. Jako Pitzemburg lost third consecutive game. They keep the third position with five games lost. They share it with De Westhoek. BBC Kangaroes-Boom will play against BBC De Westhoek (#3) in Zwevezele in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Jako Pitzemburg will play on the road against BC Carnieres and hopes to get back on the winning track.

Excelsior - Carnieres 74-77

Bottom-ranked BC Carnieres managed to get a fourth victory on Sunday night. This time they edged fifth-ranked Royal Aera Excelsior in Brussels 77-74. BC Carnieres (4-9) moved-up to eleventh place, which they share with Fleurus and M.Hainaut II. Royal Aera Excelsior lost third consecutive game. They keep the fifth position with six games lost. They share it with Waregem. BC Carnieres will meet at home higher ranked Jako Pitzemburg (#4) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Royal Aera Excelsior will play against Belgacom Liege II and hope to secure a win.

Essor Charleroi - Liege II 80-73

No shocking result in a game when seventh ranked Essor Charleroi (7-7) beat at home bottom-ranked Belgacom Liege II (4-10) 80-73. Essor Charleroi maintains seventh place with 7-7 record, which they share with Oostkamp. Newly promoted Belgacom Liege II dropped to the bottom position with ten games lost. Essor Charleroi's next round opponent will be Gembo BBC (#9) in Borgerhout. Belgacom Liege II will play at home against Royal Aera Excelsior (#5) in Brussels.

Waregem - Zolder 92-80

Very expected game when 10th ranked Zolder (5-10) lost on the road to sixth ranked Waregem (8-6) 92-80. Waregem moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Excelsior. Zolder at the other side keeps the tenth position with ten games lost. Waregem's next round opponent will be KBBC Oostkamp (#8) on the road. Zolder will play against CEP Fleurus and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Gembo - Oostkamp 95-74

The game between ninth ranked Gembo BBC (6-8) and 8th ranked KBBC Oostkamp (7-7) in Borgerhout ended with biggest points difference. Gembo BBC outscored guests from Oostkamp 95-74. Newly promoted Gembo BBC maintains ninth place with 6-8 record. KBBC Oostkamp at the other side, also newcomer in the league, dropped to the seventh position with seven games lost. Gembo BBC's next round opponent will be higher ranked Essor Charleroi (#7) at home and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.

De Westhoek - Sint-Jan Ant. 61-54

The game between second ranked Sint-Jans Antwerpen (10-4) and fourth ranked BBC De Westhoek (9-5) was the most important one in the last round on Saturday night. Sint-Jans Antwerpen was defeated by BBC De Westhoek in a tough game in Zwevezele 54-61. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Sint-Jans Antwerpen. BBC De Westhoek moved-up to third place, which they share with Pitzemburg. Sint-Jans Antwerpen at the other side keeps the second position with four games lost. BBC De Westhoek is looking forward to face league's leader BBC Kangaroes-Boom on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Sint-Jans Antwerpen will play against Dexia Mons Hainaut II in Quaregnon and is hoping to win this game.

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BRUNEI

COACH RAMOS TO THE PBA... - by Ozell Wells
Geraldo Ramos will get his second tour of duty as a Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) coach when he was named as the new mentor of the Air21 Express.

Air21 board governor Johann Ramos confirmed the news to GMANews.TV on Wednesday, saying the returning coach has just agreed in principle of handling the team anew.

Ramos was the coach of the last FedEx Express squad before the franchise changed its name to Air21 in the 2004-2005 season. He will succeed veteran mentor Yeng Guiao, who has moved to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters as its new coach.

'I've met him today (Wednesday) and we have agreed in principle. He is going to sign the contract tomorrow (Thursday),' said Ramos on the former Brunei Barracudas coach, who just returned home Monday after a stint in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL).

Ramos, who also served as an assistant coach in Barangay Ginebra and Talk 'N Text, was chosen among a list of candidates that include Junel Baculi, Leo Austria, Boyet Fernandez and team manager Allan Gregorio.

Source: Rey Joble, JVP, GMANews

CHRIS GARNETT- PLAYER OF THE WEEK - by Ozell Wells
30-year old center Christopher Garnett (211-C-80) put on an amazing game in the last round for Brunei Barracudas and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 15.
He had a double-double of 34 points and 11 rebounds, while his team beat KL Dragons (#3, 8-7) 87-73. Barracudas maintains the 6th position in ASEAN League . Too late to improve their position as they are currently ranked at the very bottom. They already lost 11 games and recorded just four victories. Garnett turned to be Barracudas' top player in his first season with the team. Indiana University Southeast graduate has very impressive stats this year. Garnett is in league's top in points (6th best: 18.6ppg) and rebounds (7th best: 12.7rpg).

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BULGARIA

Boyko Pangarov signs with Vidabasket - by Eurobasket News
Vidabasket is set to return one of its former players. The club has reached an agreement with Boyko Pangarov (183-G-88) who has played for the club in the previous two seasons. At the start of this one, Pangarov moved to Spartak Pleven but has so far failed to settle in and establish himself. Pangarov is seen as great reinforcement for A1 outfit who is currently in 7th place with 4 wins and 5 losses. He is expected to make his debut in the next round of the competition.
Boyko Pangarov made his professional debut during 2006-2007 season as member of Spartak MVR. In 18 A1 games he has averaged 5.9 points while shooting 43.8% for two. Following season, he moved to BC Slavia Sophia. In his debut season, Pangarov averaged 10.8 points and 2.3 assists per game in 11 games played. In 2008, he signed with Vidabasket where he played for two seasons. At the start of this season, he was signed by Saprtak Pleven. Still he failed to settle in and has made a single appearance for Spartak this season. Pangarov has so far represented Bulgaria at youth levels. In 2005 he was a member of U18 Bulgaria National Team. In 2007, he represented Bulgaria at the U20 European Championships in Slovenia. He averaged 2.0 points and 1.0 assists per game in 4 games played.

Kiril Raykov and Balkan part ways - by Eurobasket News
According to the reports from Bulgarian media, Balkan has decided to let one of its long serving players look for a new club. Reportedly the club has reached agreement with Kiril Raykov (196-F-87) for mutual contract termination. Raykov has been with the club for his whole career, but has decided to look for better opportunity and more playing time. It remains to be seen whether Balkan will be looking to bring in a replacement. Also, next few weeks should give answer to where the 23-year old Raykov will continue his career.
Kiril Raykov is a product of Balkan youth system. He made his professional debut during 2003-2004 season helping Balkan gain promotion from A-2 to A league. Following season, he averaged 2.3 points in 12 games and has once again helped Balkan gain promotion. Raykov continued to feature for Balkan on regular basis as a rotation player. During 2008-2009 season he helped Balkan reach NBL League. Last season, he played in 26 games and has averaged 1.6 points per contest. He helped Balkan reach play-off semifinals which was the best result for Balkan. This year, Raykov averaged 3.6 points and 2.0 rebounds in 12 NBL games. In BIBL, he averaged 3.6 points in 5 games played.

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CHINA

Standings - CBA

CBA Standings

1. Xinjiang		16-0
2. DongGuan		14-2
3. Jiangsu		11-5
4. Guandong		11-5
5. Zhejiang G.L.		10-6
6. Beijing		10-6
7. Bayi		9-7
8. Liaoning		8-8
9. Qingdao DS		7-9
10. Shandong		7-9
11. Zhejiang C.		7-9
12. Shanghai		6-10
13. Foshan		5-11
14. Shanxi Zh.		5-11
15. Jilin		4-12
16. Fujian		3-13
17. TianJin R.		3-13

Stats Leaders - CBA

Points Per Game

Charles GAINES
  Qingdao DS
  (201-F-81)
  Avg: 32.1

1. Gaines, Qingdao DS	32.1
2. Douby, Xinjiang	29.0
3. Morris, Beijing	28.7
4. James, Zhejiang C.	27.9
5. Wright, Jiangsu	27.8
6. Lamizana, TianJ.	27.4
7. Akognon, DongGuan	27.1
8. Brown, Qingdao DS	26.2
9. Emmett, Fujian	26.2
10. Rodgers, Shanxi Zh.	25.5

Rebounds Per Game

Dwayne JONES
  Fujian
  (211-C-83)
  Avg: 17.6

1. Jones, Fujian	17.6
2. Benson, TianJin R.	14.8
3. Harris, Shanghai	14.1
4. Ramos, Zhejiang.	13.9
5. Oyedeji, Foshan	13.8
6. Watkins, Jilin	13.7
7. Gaines, Qingdao DS	13.6
8. Morris, Beijing	12.6
9. Moiso, Jiangsu	12.3
10. Taggart, Shanxi Zh.	12.2

Assists Per Game

Osama DAGHLAS
  Shanxi Zh.
  (199-G-79)
  Avg: 8.6

1. Daghlas, Shanxi Zh.	8.6
2. Hu, Jiangsu	6.1
3. Marbury, Foshan	6.1
4. Vroman, DongGuan	5.2
5. Brown, Qingdao DS	5.1
6. Green, Shanghai	4.9
7. Lu, Fujian	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. Douby, Xinjiang	3.6
3. Hu, Jiangsu	3.4
4. Vroman, DongGuan	3.2
5. Emmett, Fujian	2.8
6. Gaines, Qingdao DS	2.7
7. Akognon, DongGuan	2.7
8. Daghlas, Shanxi Zh.	2.6
9. James, Zhejiang C.	2.6
10. Smith, Liaoning	2.5

Blocks Per Game

Herve LAMIZANA
  TianJin R.
  (207-F/C-81)
  Avg: 4.1

1. Lamizana, TianJ.	4.1
2. Jones, Fujian	2.4
3. Moiso, Jiangsu	2.1
4. Vroman, DongGuan	2.0
5. Watkins, Jilin	2.0
6. Zhang, Shanghai	1.7
7. Boone, Zhejiang C.	1.7
8. Morris, Beijing	1.7
9. Benson, TianJin R.	1.6
10. Wang, Bayi	1.6

Game 17th - by Robert Wang
CBA game 17th just finished tonight. John Lucas played his first game for Shang Hai team. He received 39 points, 3 rebiunds and 6 assists. While his teammate Mike Harris got 28 points and 20 rebounds. But Shang Hai team lost to Shan Xi team at 124:126. Leon Rogers from Shan Xi team got 43 points and helped his team beat Shang Hai. Tim Pickett from Ji Lin team played his first game and got 23 pints and 9 rebounds. This is his also his first game in China this season and he replaced David Young. Jamal Watkins received 27 points and 18 rebounds. Ji Lin team beat Qing Dao team at home at 121: 86. Charles Gains got 33 points and 15 rebounds. Dean Brown got 18 points. Xin Jiang beat Laio Ning at 103:85. Chris Ricahrdson got 10 points and Danta Smith got 6 points for Liao Ning. Tian Jin lost Jiang su at 91:98. Lee Benson got 11 points and 12 rebounds for Tian Jin team. Dong Guan beat Ba Yi at 106:81. Wang Zhi Zhi only got 7 points and 4 rebounds. Shan Dong lost Zhe Jiang at 89:94. Josh Boone got 18 points and 15 rebounds Fo Shan beat Fu Jiang SBS at 93:78. Stephon Marbury got 16 points, 6 rebounds and 12 assists. Guang Sha beat Guang Dng at 99:96. Peter Ramos got 23 points and 13 rebounds.

Xinjiang Defeats Liaoning as Its Imports Prevail Over Liaoning's Young Domestic Stars - by Arthur Volbert
Undefeated Xinjiang won its 16th straight game by overwhelming Liaoning 103-85. Douby Quincy (191-G-84, college: Rutgers) had 34 points, 4 assists and 9 steals. James Singleton had 26 points and 5 rebounds, hitting 9 of 10 shots. Mengke Bateer had 11 points in 20 minutes. Yang Bu, the young 206 cm big man who is now starting ahead of Bateer, had 6 points and 6 rebounds in 28 minutes. He Tianju, a 203 cm forward listed as born in 1990, led Liaoning with 28 points and 5 rebounds. Yang Ming had 22 points and 4 assists. Guo Ailun had 10 points and 5 assists in 40 minutes. Li Xiaoxu had 4 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 7 turnovers. But Chris Richard only had 10 points and 7 rebounds before fouling out in 39 minutes. Donta Smith had 6 points and 7 turnovers in 13 minutes. Xinjiang's imports soundly defeated Liaoning's domestic young stars and its less-capable imports.

Second-place Dongguan attained a 14-2 recored by dominating Bayi 106-80. Qiu Biao led Dongguan with 22 points. Jackson Vroman had 16 points and 13 rebounds but only hit 5 of 15 shots. Young 7-3 Sun Zhe had his best game of the season with 16 points and 11 rebounds in 30 minutes. Josh Akognon had 15 points in 19 minutes. Zhang Kai had 11 points and 4 rebounds in 18 minutes. Feng Qi and Meng Duo each scored 9. Sun Tonglin, a star on last year's U-18 team, had 6 points and 8 rebounds in 14 minutes in his first significant action this year. Han Shuo led Bayi with 17 points. Zhang Bo scored 11 and Mo Ke had 10. Wang Lei scored 9, all on free throws missing his 4 shots. Wang Zhizhi had 7 points in 14 minutes. Bayi was outrebounded 50-30.

The Zhejiang Lions edged Guangdong 99-96. 7-3 import Peter John Ramos had 23 points and 13 rebounds. Zhang Wei also scored 23. Tre Kelley had 18 points and 6 assists. Lin Chih-Chieh scored 11. Wang Bo had 10 points and 7 rebounds. New import Lester Hudson had 26 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 steals and 3 blocks for Guangdong. Wang Shipeng had 17 points and 5 rebounds. New 208 cm import Marcus Haislip scored 15 but had only 3 rebounds. Du Feng scored 12 and Wang Zheng had 9.

Jiangsu defeated Tianjin 98-91. Antoine Wright had 26 points and 6 rebounds. Tang Zhengdong had 24 points and 9 rebounds. Meng Da scored 17. Jerome Moiso had 12 points and 8 rebounds. Zhang Nan scored 28 for Tianjin. Herve Lamizana had 19 points, 14 rebounds and 7 blocks. Li Gangfeng and Xu Guijun each had 12. Lee Benson had 11 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocks.

Zhejiang outscored Shandong 94-89. Marcus Williams had 27 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Ding Jinhui had 24 points and 6 rebounds in 48 minutes. Josh Boone had 18 points and 15 rebounds. Zhang Dayu had 8 points and 7 rebounds. Wang Dayong also scored 8. Myron Allen scored 20 for Shandong. Rodney White had 19 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. Sun Jie had 17 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. Cao Zhenhua and Wang Gang scored 9. Tao Hanlin had 7 points and 8 rebounds.

Shanxi Zhongyu edged Shanghai 126-124. Leon Rogers had 43 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Shawn Taggart had 29 points and 11 rebounds. Osama Daghlas had 28 points and 11 assists. Zhang Xuewen had 10 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists. Wei Mingliang also scored 10. John Lucas III, last year's star, returned to Shanghai with 39 points and 6 rebounds. Michael Harris had 28 points and 20 rebounds. Meng Lingyuan scored 15 and Liu Wei had 13. Wang Ligang scored 12. Once again we had a game that was dominated by imports. Shanghai, which had the extra Asian import last year, lost to Shanxi which has the extra import this year.

Jilin blasted Qingdao 121-86. Jameel Watkins had 27 points and 18 rebounds. New import Tim Pickett had 23 points and 9 rebounds. Li Tao had 21 points and 5 rebounds. Lu Wei scored 18. Zhong Cheng had 10 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks. Yu Shulong had 9 points and 6 assists. Charles Gaines had 33 points and 15 rebounds for Qingdao. Dee Brown had 18 points and 4 assists. No one else was in double figures nor had more than 4 rebounds.

Foshan defeaed Fujian 93-78. Olumide Oyedeji had 25 points and 14 rebounds. Zhao Yonggang had 17 points and 4 rebounds. Stephon Marbury had 16 points, 6 rebounds and 12 assists. Zheng Zhun had 12 points and 6 rebounds. Andre Emmett had 21 points and 5 rebounds for Fujian. Dwayne Jones had 20 points and 14 rebounds. Zhao Tailong scored 9 and Guo Lei scored 8.

Stats Top 3 By Game 17th - by Robert Wang
CBA has played 17th games today and here is the top 3 players on the stats list by far. Scorer: Charles Gaines (499 pts),Lamizana Herve (438pts), Quincy Duby (435 pts). Rebound: Jones Dwayne (281 rebounds), Lee Benson (236 rebounds), Mike Harris (225 rebounds). Assist: Daghlas Osama (137), Stephone Marbury (98), Hu Xue Feng (97). Steal: Hu Xue Feng (55), Quincy Duby (54), Veroman Jackson (51).Block: Herve Lamizana (65), Dwayne Jones (38), Jerome Moiso (33). 3 points: Josh Akognon (62), Leon Rogers (52), Dean Brown (45). Shooting Times: Charles Gains (188), Raldoph Morris (166), Quincy Duby (162). Free Throw: Herve Lamizana (134), Charles Gains (119), Dwayne Jones (98). Turnover: Hu Xue Feng (64), Herve Lamizana (63),Peter Ramos (63), Veroman Jackson (62).

CBA Round 17: Zhejiang Guangsha Lions defeat Guandong Tigers in the closest game of the week - by Eurobasket News
CBA is at the halfway of the Regular Season and there are still another 17 rounds left.

The most exciting game of round 17 in the CBA took place in Hangzhou. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of 3rd placed Guandong Tigers (11-5) to sixth ranked Zhejiang Guangsha Lions (10-6) 99-96 on Wednesday evening. The hosts were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Zhejiang Guangsha Lions looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists comparing to just 7 passes made by Guandong Tigers' players. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Zhejiang Guangsha Lions made 7 blocks. 28 personal fouls committed by Guandong Tigers helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American-Puerto Rican center Peter John Ramos (222-85) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 13 rebounds for the winners and center Wei Zhang (203-84) chipped in 23 points. American guard Lester Hudson (191-84, college: Tennessee-Martin) responded with a double-double by scoring 26 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Zhejiang Guangsha Lions moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Beijing. Guandong Tigers at the other side keep the third position with five games lost. They share it with Jiangsu. Zhejiang Guangsha Lions is looking forward to face Fujian SBS XunXin (#16) in Jinjiang in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Guandong Tigers will play at home against Zhejiang Cyclones (#11) in Hangzhou and are hoping to win this game.
CBA top team - Xinjiang Flying Tige (16-0) had no problems winning another game. This time they beat eighth ranked Liaoning Hunters (8-8) in Yingkou 103-85. American guard Quincy Douby (191-84, college: Rutgers) nailed 34 points (!!!) and 4 assists for the winning side and James Singleton accounted for 26 points and 5 rebounds (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field). Xinjiang Flying Tige's coach XingQuan Jiang allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Forward Tian-ju He (203-90) came up with 28 points and 5 rebounds (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) for Liaoning Hunters in the defeat. Undefeated Xinjiang Flying Tige have an impressive series of sixteen victories in a row. They maintain first place with 16-0 record. Liaoning Hunters at the other side keep the eighth position with eight games lost. Xinjiang Flying Tige will play against Beijing Ducks (#6) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Liaoning Hunters will play against Qingdao Double Star and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
A very close game took place in Taiyuan between Shanxi Zhongyu and Shanghai Sharks. Fourteenth ranked Shanxi Zhongyu (5-11) got a very close home victory over 11th ranked Shanghai Sharks (6-10). Shanxi Zhongyu managed to escape with a 2-point win 126-124 on Wednesday evening. The best player for the winners was Leon Rodgers who scored 43 points (!!!), 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Shanxi Zhongyu's coach ShuMin Gao used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. Devin Green produced 39 points (!!!) and 6 assists for the guests. Shanxi Zhongyu moved-up to thirteenth place, which they share with Foshan. Loser Shanghai Sharks dropped to the tenth position with ten games lost. Shanxi Zhongyu will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Shanghai Sharks will play against TianJin Rongcheng (#17) in Tianjin and hope to secure a win.
An interesting game took place in Changchun where higher ranked Qingdao Double Star (7-9) was upset on the court of fifteenth ranked Jilin Tigers (4-12) 121-86. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Qingdao Double Star. Jameel Watkins orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 27 points and 18 rebounds (on 12-of-15 shooting from the field). The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Jilin Tigers maintains fifteenth place with 4-12 record. Qingdao Double Star at the other side dropped to the ninth position with nine games lost. Jilin Tigers' next round opponent will be higher ranked Shandong Bulls (#12) in Jinan and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 17: Fujian lost to Foshan on the opponent's court 78-93. Zhejiang C. managed to outperform Shandong in a home game 94-89. Jiangsu managed to beat TianJin R. on the road 98-91. DongGuan crushed Bayi on its own court 106-80.

Foshan - Fujian 93-78

Rather expected game when 16th ranked Fujian SBS XunXin (3-13) was defeated on the road by thirteenth ranked Foshan (5-11) 93-78. The game without a history. Foshan led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists comparing to just 6 passes made by Fujian SBS XunXin's players. Nigerian-British power forward Olumide Oyedeji (208-81) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 14 rebounds. American guard Stephon Marbury (187-77, college: Georgia Tech) contributed with a double-double by scoring 16 points, 6 rebounds and 12 assists for the winners. Four Foshan players scored in double figures. American center Dwayne Jones (211-83, college: St.Joseph's) answered with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 14 rebounds and the other American import swingman Andre Emmett (196-82, college: Texas Tech) added 23 points and 5 rebounds (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field) in the effort for Fujian SBS XunXin. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Foshan maintains thirteenth place with 5-11 record, which they share with Shanxi Zh. Fujian SBS XunXin at the other side keeps the sixteenth position with 13 games lost. Foshan's next round opponent will be higher ranked Bayi Fubang (#7) in Ningbo and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Fujian SBS XunXin will play at home against Zhejiang Guangsha Lions (#5) in Hangzhou.
Top scorers:
Foshan: O.Olumide 25+14reb, Z.Yong-gang 17+4reb+3ast, M.Stephon 16+6reb+12ast, Z.Zhun 12+6reb+1ast, L.Ke 5+2reb, Y.Shong Tao 4+1reb
Fujian: E.Andre 23+5reb+1ast, J.Dwayne 20+14reb+1ast, Z.TaiLong 9+2reb+1ast, G.Lei 8+1reb+1ast, G.SongLin 6+2reb+2ast, L.XiaoMing 5+3reb

Zhejiang G.L. - Guandong 99-96

The most exciting game of round 17 in the CBA took place in Hangzhou. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of 3rd placed Guandong Tigers (11-5) to sixth ranked Zhejiang Guangsha Lions (10-6) 99-96 on Wednesday evening. The hosts were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Zhejiang Guangsha Lions looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists comparing to just 7 passes made by Guandong Tigers' players. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Zhejiang Guangsha Lions made 7 blocks. 28 personal fouls committed by Guandong Tigers helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American-Puerto Rican center Peter John Ramos (222-85) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 13 rebounds for the winners and center Wei Zhang (203-84) chipped in 23 points. American guard Lester Hudson (191-84, college: Tennessee-Martin) responded with a double-double by scoring 26 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals and international swingman ShiPeng Wang (197-83) scored 17 points and 5 rebounds. Five Zhejiang Guangsha Lions and four Guandong Tigers players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Zhejiang Guangsha Lions moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Beijing. Guandong Tigers at the other side keep the third position with five games lost. They share it with Jiangsu. Zhejiang Guangsha Lions is looking forward to face Fujian SBS XunXin (#16) in Jinjiang in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Guandong Tigers will play at home against Zhejiang Cyclones (#11) in Hangzhou and are hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Zhejiang G.L.: R.Peter John 23+13reb+2ast, Z.Wei 23+4reb+2ast, K.Tre 18+3reb+6ast, L.Chih-Chieh 11+4reb+6ast, W.Bo 10+7reb+3ast, D.Li 7+2reb
Guandong: H.Lester 26+13reb+4ast, W.ShiPeng 17+5reb+1ast, H.Marcus 15+3reb, D.Feng 12+4reb+1ast, W.Zheng 9+3reb, Z.Peng 6+3reb

Jilin - Qingdao DS 121-86

An interesting game took place in Changchun where higher ranked Qingdao Double Star (7-9) was upset on the court of fifteenth ranked Jilin Tigers (4-12) 121-86. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Qingdao Double Star. The game without a history. Jilin Tigers led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 74 of its points in the paint compared to Qingdao Double Star's 48 and made 29-of-33 charity shots (87.9 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Qingdao Double Star 55-34 including a 41-24 advantage in defensive rebounds. Jilin Tigers players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by Qingdao Double Star's players. 24 personal fouls committed by Qingdao Double Star helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American power forward Jameel Watkins (211-77, college: Georgetown) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 27 points and 18 rebounds (on 12-of-15 shooting from the field). contributed with 23 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Five Jilin Tigers players scored in double figures. American forward Charles Gaines (201-81, college: S.Mississippi, agency: Gross Zeev ISA) answered with a double-double by scoring 33 points (!!!) and 15 rebounds and the other American import guard Dee Brown (185-84, college: Illinois) added 18 points and 4 assists in the effort for Qingdao Double Star. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Jilin Tigers maintains fifteenth place with 4-12 record. Qingdao Double Star at the other side dropped to the ninth position with nine games lost. Jilin Tigers' next round opponent will be higher ranked Shandong Bulls (#12) in Jinan and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
Top scorers:
Jilin: W.Jameel 27+18reb+2ast, 23+9reb+1ast, L.Tao 21+5reb+1ast, L.Wei 18+3reb+4ast, Z.Cheng 10+10reb+6ast, Y.Shulong 9+4reb+6ast
Qingdao DS: G.Charles 33+15reb+1ast, B.Dee 18+1reb+4ast, C.Liang 7+2reb, S.Shengyue 6+1reb+1ast, L.Yan 6+2reb+1ast, L.XiangTao 5+1reb

Zhejiang C. - Shandong 94-89

There was a small surprise in Hangzhou where twelfth ranked Zhejiang Cyclones (7-9) defeated 9th ranked Shandong Bulls (7-9) 94-89. Shandong Bulls were ahead by 7 points after three quarters before a 32-20 charge of Zhejiang Cyclones, which allowed them to win the game. They made 25-of-31 charity shots (80.6 percent) during the game. 25 personal fouls committed by Shandong Bulls helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American forward Marcus Williams (201-86, college: Arizona, agency: ZAG Advocates) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 27 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists (was perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line !!!). His fellow American import power forward Josh Boone (208-84, college: Connecticut) contributed with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 15 rebounds for the winners. American forward Rodney White (206-80, college: Charlotte) answered with a double-double by scoring 19 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists and the former international guard Jie Sun (190-86) added 17 points, 5 assists and 4 steals in the effort for Shandong Bulls. Zhejiang Cyclones moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Shandong and Qingdao DS. Zhejiang Cyclones' next round opponent will be higher ranked Guandong Tigers (#4) in Dongguan and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
Top scorers:
Zhejiang C.: W.Marcus 27+10reb+4ast, D.Jinhui 24+6reb+2ast, B.Josh 18+15reb, W.DaYong 8, Z.Dayu 8+7reb, Z.Chunjun 4+3reb+1ast
Shandong: A.Myron 20+2reb+3ast, W.Rodney 19+12reb+4ast, S.Jie 17+4reb+5ast, C.ZhenHua 9+1reb, W.Gang 9+3reb, T.HanLin 7+8reb

Liaoning - Xinjiang 85-103

CBA top team - Xinjiang Flying Tige (16-0) had no problems winning another game. This time they beat eighth ranked Liaoning Hunters (8-8) in Yingkou 103-85. It looked good early as Liaoning Hunters took an 3-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Xinjiang Flying Tige had a 20-13 second period charge getting the lead and Liaoning Hunters were not able to take back game control losing it eventually 85-103. Xinjiang Flying Tige made 25-of-28 charity shots (89.3 percent) during the game. They also forced 29 Liaoning Hunters turnovers. Liaoning Hunters were plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. American guard Quincy Douby (191-84, college: Rutgers) nailed 34 points (!!!) and 4 assists for the winning side and his fellow American import forward James Singleton (203-81, college: Murray St.) accounted for 26 points and 5 rebounds (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field). Xinjiang Flying Tige's coach XingQuan Jiang allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Forward Tian-ju He (203-90) came up with 28 points and 5 rebounds (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) and guard Ming Yang (193-85) added 22 points and 4 assists respectively for Liaoning Hunters in the defeat. Four Liaoning Hunters players scored in double figures. Xinjiang Flying Tige have an impressive series of sixteen victories in a row. They maintain first place with 16-0 record. Liaoning Hunters at the other side keep the eighth position with eight games lost. Xinjiang Flying Tige will play against Beijing Ducks (#6) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Liaoning Hunters will play against Qingdao Double Star and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Xinjiang: D.Quincy 34+3reb+4ast, S.James 26+5reb, M.Bateer 11+2reb+2ast, M.WuLan 8+2reb, X.GuoChong 7+2reb+3ast, Z.QingPeng 6+1reb+2ast
Liaoning: H.Tian-ju 28+5reb+1ast, Y.Ming 22+2reb+4ast, G.Ailun 10+2reb+5ast, R.Chris 10+7reb+2ast, S.Donta 6+2reb+2ast, 5

TianJin R. - Jiangsu 91-98

Not a big story in a game in Tianjin where 17th ranked TianJin Rongcheng (3-13) was defeated by fourth ranked Jiangsu Dragons (11-5) 98-91. TianJin Rongcheng was ahead by 3 points after three quarters before a 30-20 charge of Jiangsu Dragons, which allowed them to win the game. They made 23-of-29 charity shots (79.3 percent) during the game. Jiangsu Dragons forced 20 TianJin Rongcheng turnovers. American swingman Antoine Wright (201-84, college: Texas A&M) orchestrated the victory by scoring 26 points and 6 rebounds (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line). The former international center ZhengDong Tang (213-84) contributed with 24 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Ivorian-French power forward Herve Lamizana (207-81, college: Rutgers) answered with a double-double by scoring 19 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists and 7 blocks and forward Nan Zhang (197-81) added 28 points and 4 assists in the effort for TianJin Rongcheng. Four Jiangsu Dragons and five TianJin Rongcheng players scored in double figures. Jiangsu Dragons moved-up to third place, which they share with Guandong. TianJin Rongcheng at the other side stay at the bottom position with 13 games lost. Jiangsu Dragons' next round opponent will be league's second-placed DongGuan Leopards on the road and it will be for sure the game of the week. TianJin Rongcheng will play against Shanghai Sharks (#10).
Top scorers:
Jiangsu: W.Antoine 26+6reb+3ast, T.ZhengDong 24+9reb, M.Da 17+4reb+1ast, M.Jerome 12+8reb+1ast, Y.Li 6+2reb, H.XueFeng 6+11reb+3ast
TianJin R.: Z.Nan 28+4reb+4ast, L.Herve 19+14reb+4ast, L.GangFeng 12+3reb, X.GuiJun 12+3reb+3ast, B.Lee 11+12reb+1ast, Z.Ji 5

DongGuan - Bayi 106-80

Everything went according to plan when second ranked DongGuan Leopards (14-2) outscored at home 7th ranked Bayi Fubang (9-7) 106-80. It looked good early as Bayi Fubang took an 1-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then DongGuan Leopards had a 22-14 second period charge getting the lead and Bayi Fubang was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 80-106. DongGuan Leopards made 19-of-22 charity shots (86.4 percent) during the game. DongGuan Leopards outrebounded Bayi Fubang 50-29 including a 34-22 advantage in defensive rebounds. American-Lebanese power forward Jackson Vroman (208-81, college: Iowa St.) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds. Center Zhe Sun (220-90) contributed with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Five DongGuan Leopards players scored in double figures. Guard Shuo Han (196-86) answered with 17 points and the former international center Ke Mo (210-82) added 10 points in the effort for Bayi Fubang. 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. DongGuan Leopards maintains second place with 14-2 record having just two points less than leader Xinjiang. Bayi Fubang at the other side keeps the seventh position with seven games lost. DongGuan Leopards' next round opponent will be Jiangsu Dragons (#3) in Nanjing, which may be the game of the day. Bayi Fubang will play on the road against Foshan (#13).
Top scorers:
DongGuan: Q.Biao 22+3reb+1ast, S.Zhe 16+11reb, V.Jackson 16+11reb+3ast, A.Josh-Emmanuel 15+4reb+2ast, Z.Kai 11+4reb+2ast, P.Duo 9+2reb+2ast
Bayi: H.Shuo 17+3reb+1ast, Z.Bo 11+1ast, M.Ke 10+4reb, W.Lei 9+4reb+1ast, W.ZhiZhi 7+4reb, Z.Chengyu 6+1reb+4ast

Shanxi Zh. - Shanghai 126-124

A very close game took place in Taiyuan between Shanxi Zhongyu and Shanghai Sharks. Fourteenth ranked Shanxi Zhongyu (5-11) got a very close home victory over 11th ranked Shanghai Sharks (6-10). Shanxi Zhongyu managed to escape with a 2-point win 126-124 on Wednesday evening. The hosts were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Shanxi Zhongyu shot 30 for 40 from the free-throw line, while Shanghai Sharks only scored fourteen points from the stripe. Shanxi Zhongyu looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The best player for the winners was American forward Leon Rodgers (199-80, college: N.Illinois) who scored 43 points (!!!), 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Jordanian guard Osama Daghlas (199-79, college: Midwestern St.) chipped in a double-double by scoring 28 points and 11 assists (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field). Shanxi Zhongyu's coach ShuMin Gao used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. American swingman Devin Green (201-82, college: Hampton) produced 39 points (!!!) and 6 assists and the other American import forward Mike Harris (198-83, college: Rice) added 28 points and 20 rebounds respectively for the guests. Four Shanxi Zhongyu and five Shanghai Sharks players scored in double figures. Shanxi Zhongyu moved-up to thirteenth place, which they share with Foshan. Loser Shanghai Sharks dropped to the tenth position with ten games lost. Shanxi Zhongyu will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Shanghai Sharks will play against TianJin Rongcheng (#17) in Tianjin and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Shanxi Zh.: R.Leon 43+7reb+5ast, T.Shawn 29+11reb, D.Osama 28+2reb+11ast, Z.XueWen 10+8reb+3ast, W.MingLiang 10, H.Bing 4+1reb+1ast
Shanghai: G.Devin 39+3reb+6ast, H.Mike 28+20reb, M.Lingyuan 15+2reb+3ast, P.Fei 13+2reb+2ast, W.Ligang 12+4reb, W.Yong-Liang 7+1reb+5ast

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CROATIA

Hemofarm cruise past Cedevita - by Eurobasket News
Hemofarm - Cedevita 86:73

Hemofarm registered the first win at EuroCup Last 16 round. They trounced visiting Cedevita tonight. Jerome Jordan (213-C-86, college: Tulsa) knocked down 19 points and grabbed 7 rebounds to pace the hosts to the debut win in Group I.
Hemofarm was dominant in the first half. The Serbian team unloaded 32 points in the opening quarter taking a 17-point lead. Cedevita struggled to pick up the slack as they continued to lose the battle at both ends of the floor. Hemofarm stretched the lead to as many as 21 points at halftime. Hemofarm did not slow down in the third quarter. They boosted the gap to unsurpassable 26 points. Cedevita erupted for 30 points in the final quarter but could not avoid the loss at the end.
Milos Borisov (201-F-85) had 12 points and 8 rebounds for Hemofarm. Mustafa Abdul-Hamid (188-G-88, college: UCLA), Boris Savovic (206-F-87) and Mladen Jeremic (196-G-88, agency: Interperformances) produced 8 points each in the win. Bracey Wright (191-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Indiana) answered with 25 points for Cedevita. Trent Plaisted (211-F/C-86, agency: Priority Sports, college: BYU) chipped in 11 points in the loss.

Hemofarm: Jerome Jordan 19, Milos Borisov 12, Mustafa Abdul-Hamid 8
Cedevita: Bracey Wright 25, Trent Plaisted 11

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CYPRUS

ROUND 13- ANALYTICAL STATISTICS! - by Dr. Nasios Orinos
Eurobasket.com gives you statistics of the most important categories of round 13.

A)Categories

Round 13
1)Top scorer=Jones - Apollon = 28 points
2)Top rebounder=Kounounis - Ael=12 rebounds
3)Top assist man=Redding - Etha = 8 assists
4)Top stealer=Redding - Etha + Akida + Bostick - Omonoia = 3 steals
5)Top blocker= Whyatt - Ael = 3 blocks
6)Most turnovers=Stylianou - Aek = 6 turnovers

League's Total

7) League's top scorer =Radunovic - Enad
8) League's top rebounder= Dikanovic - Achilleas
9) League's top assist man= Stiggers - Apollon
10) League's top stealer=Kent - Enad
11) League's top blocker=Collins-Enad
12) League's most turnovers=Price - Enad

B) Weekly award round 13

The weekly award goes to Joel Camacho of Apollon (9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 1 steal and 28 points)

C) Situationals

Shooting

Best shooting team in round 13= FT= Aek (85%)
Best shooting team in round 13= 2-pointers=Etha (61%)
Best shooting team in round 13= 3-pointers=Apollon (44%)

Scoring >70 in round 13

Etha (scored 76)
Ael (scored 79)
Keravnos (scored 75)
Enad (scored 73)
Apollon (scored 79)
Aek (scored 72)

The statistical analysis of the league so far infers that the cut off points scored is at 70 points.

A1 Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Milutin ALEKSIC
  AEK
  (203-F-82)
  Avg: 17.8

1. Aleksic, AEK	17.8
2. Camacho, Apollon	17.2
3. Diamantopoul., Achill.	16.7
4. Davis, AP.	16.6
5. Dunovic, Omonia	16.6
6. Radunovic, ENAD	16.4
7. Buford, AEL	16.3
8. Hanavan, AP.	15.6
9. King, Etha	15.2
10. Kent, ENAD	14.5

Rebounds Per Game

Anthony KING
  Etha
  (206-F/C-85)
  Avg: 10.9

1. King, Etha	10.9
2. Djikanovic, Achilleas	10.1
3. Radunovic, ENAD	8.8
4. Aleksic, AEK	8.0
5. Johnson, Keravnos	6.9
6. Bobbitt, AEK	6.7
7. Buljan, AP.	6.6
8. McLain, Omonia	6.5
9. Camacho, Apollon	6.3
10. Radojevic, Omonia	5.9

Assists Per Game

Dante STIGGERS
  Apollon
  (187-G-82)
  Avg: 4.6

1. Stiggers, Apollon	4.6
2. Berdiel, AEK	3.8
3. Razis, ENAD	3.8
4. Kounounis, AEL	3.7
5. Cummings, Keravnos	3.6
6. Stallings, Apollon	3.5
7. Dunovic, Omonia	3.2
8. Diamantopoul., Achill.	3.0
9. Palalas, AEL	3.0
10. Price, ENAD	2.9

Steals Per Game

Tony BOBBITT
  Huracanes
  (193-G-79)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Bobbitt, AEK	2.7
2. Palalas, AEL	2.5
3. Berdiel, AEK	2.2
4. Johnson, Etha	2.0
5. Kent, ENAD	1.9
6. Hanavan, AP.	1.9
7. Price, ENAD	1.7
8. Tzakopoulos, Achil.	1.7
9. Stiggers, Apollon	1.6
10. Davis, AP.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Avis WYATT
  AEL
  (211-F/C-84)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Wyatt, AEL	2.1
2. King, Etha	1.5
3. Collins, ENAD	1.5
4. Radojevic, Omonia	1.4
5. Johnson, Keravnos	1.2
6. Fells, Keravnos	1.0
7. Collins, AEK	0.9
8. Dials, Apollon	0.8
9. Clark, AEL	0.7
10. Englicky, Apollon	0.7

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DENMARK

Standings - 1st Division

1st Division Round 5 Standings

1. Falcon		12-1
2. Stevnsgade		10-3
3. Haderslev		10-5
4. Virum		9-4
5. Lemvig		9-4
6. Solrod		8-6
7. Glostrup		5-6
8. Aarhus BF		4-8
9. Hobas		3-9
10. ALBA		3-10
11. Skt. Klemens		3-10
12. Herlev		2-12

Round 4 Standings

1st Division Round 13 of Regular Season - by Eurobasket News
The round was rather attractive and full of interesting results. The round ended with favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin.

The biggest surprise of round 13 in 1st Division was guest Stevnsgade's (10-3) road victory over their biggest opponent Virum (9-4) 74-66 on Saturday evening. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Virum. It was a key game for the second position in the league. Stevnsgade moved-up to second place. Virum at the other side dropped to the fourth position with four games lost. They share it with Lemvig. Stevnsgade are looking forward to face Glostrup (#7) at home in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Virum will play against Aarhus BF and is hoping to win this game.
Bottom-ranked Herlev managed to get a second victory, breaking the series of six consecutive loses. This time they won against tenth-ranked Skt. Klemens 83-72. Herlev maintains twelfth place with 2-12 record. Skt. Klemens lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the tenth position with ten games lost. They share it with ALBA. Herlev will play against higher ranked Hobas (#9) in Horsholm in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Skt. Klemens will play at home against Solrod and hope to get back on the winning track.
Leader Falcon delivered the twelfth victory on Saturday night. This time they crushed 7th ranked Glostrup (5-6) 96-42. Falcon (12-1) have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They maintain first place. Glostrup lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the seventh position with six games lost. Falcon will meet Haderslev (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Glostrup will play against the league's second-placed Stevnsgade (#2) and hope to secure a win.
A very interesting game took place in Solrod. It ended with only three-point home defeat of higher ranked Solrod (8-6) to eleventh ranked Hobas (3-9) 72-69 on Sunday evening. It was quite big embarassment for the home team. Hobas moved-up to ninth place. Solrod at the other side keeps the sixth position with six games lost. Hobas' next round opponent will be bottom-ranked Herlev (#12) at home.
We should mention about the upset which took place in Horsholm, where 8th ranked Aarhus BF (4-8) lost to eleventh ranked Hobas (3-9) in a road game 69-83 on Saturday. Hobas moved-up to ninth place. Loser Aarhus BF keeps the eighth position with eight games lost. Hobas will face bottom-ranked Herlev (#12) at home in the next round.

Other games of round 13 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
ALBA was crushed by Haderslev in a road game 82-61. Lemvig was beaten by Solrod at home 75-80. Solrod lost to Haderslev on the opponent's court 78-87.

Haderslev - ALBA 82-61

There was no surprise when 9th ranked ALBA (3-10) was crushed on the road by fifth ranked Haderslev (10-5) 82-61 on Saturday. Haderslev moved-up to third place. Loser ALBA dropped to the tenth position with ten games lost. Haderslev will face league's leader Falcon at home in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. ALBA will play against Lemvig (#5).

Falcon - Glostrup 96-42

Leader Falcon delivered the twelfth victory on Saturday night. This time they crushed 7th ranked Glostrup (5-6) 96-42. Falcon (12-1) have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They maintain first place. Glostrup lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the seventh position with six games lost. Falcon will meet Haderslev (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Glostrup will play against the league's second-placed Stevnsgade (#2) and hope to secure a win.

Hobas - Aarhus BF 83-69

We should mention about the upset which took place in Horsholm, where 8th ranked Aarhus BF (4-8) lost to eleventh ranked Hobas (3-9) in a road game 69-83 on Saturday. Hobas moved-up to ninth place. Loser Aarhus BF keeps the eighth position with eight games lost. Hobas will face bottom-ranked Herlev (#12) at home in the next round.

Lemvig - Solrod 75-80

There was a small surprise when sixth ranked Solrod (8-6) defeated on the road 4th placed Lemvig (9-4) 80-75 on Saturday. Solrod maintains sixth place with 8-6 record. Loser Lemvig keeps the fourth position with four games lost. Solrod will face Skt. Klemens (#11) in Odense in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Lemvig will play on the road against ALBA (#10) in Alleroed.

Solrod - Hobas 69-72

A very interesting game took place in Solrod. It ended with only three-point home defeat of higher ranked Solrod (8-6) to eleventh ranked Hobas (3-9) 72-69 on Sunday evening. It was quite big embarassment for the home team. Hobas moved-up to ninth place. Solrod at the other side keeps the sixth position with six games lost. Hobas' next round opponent will be bottom-ranked Herlev (#12) at home.

Haderslev - Solrod 87-78

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 6th ranked Solrod's (8-6) road loss to fifth ranked Haderslev (10-5) 78-87 on Friday. Haderslev moved-up to third place. Loser Solrod keeps the sixth position with six games lost. Haderslev will face league's leader Falcon at home in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Solrod will play against Skt. Klemens (#11) in Odense.

Herlev - Skt. Klemens 83-72

Bottom-ranked Herlev managed to get a second victory, breaking the series of six consecutive loses. This time they won against tenth-ranked Skt. Klemens 83-72. Herlev maintains twelfth place with 2-12 record. Skt. Klemens lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the tenth position with ten games lost. They share it with ALBA. Herlev will play against higher ranked Hobas (#9) in Horsholm in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Skt. Klemens will play at home against Solrod and hope to get back on the winning track.

Virum - Stevnsgade 66-74

The biggest surprise of round 13 in 1st Division was guest Stevnsgade's (10-3) road victory over their biggest opponent Virum (9-4) 74-66 on Saturday evening. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Virum. It was a key game for the second position in the league. Stevnsgade moved-up to second place. Virum at the other side dropped to the fourth position with four games lost. They share it with Lemvig. Stevnsgade are looking forward to face Glostrup (#7) at home in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Virum will play against Aarhus BF and is hoping to win this game.

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

D-LEAGUE

Standings

D-League Standings

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

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Trey JOHNSON
  Bakersfield J.
  (196-G-84)
  Avg: 25.6

1. Johnson, Bakersfi.	25.6
2. Jeffers, Iowa E.	21.0
3. Alexander, Texas L.	20.5
4. Dentmon, Texas L.	19.9
5. Greene, Utah F.	19.4
6. Edwards, New M.	19.3
7. Johnson, Erie B.	19.1
8. Tucker, New Mexico	17.8
9. Sims, Maine RC	17.8
10. Stinson, Iowa E.	17.4

Rebounds Per Game

Patrick PATTERSON
  Houston R.
  (206-F-89)
  Avg: 10.3

1. Patterson, Rio G.	10.3
2. Alexander, Texas L.	10.3
3. Sims, Iowa E.	10.0
4. Williams, Texas L.	10.0
5. Phillips, Ft.Wayne.	9.9
6. Davidson, Idaho S.	9.7
7. Johnson, Dakota W.	9.6
8. Jeffers, Iowa E.	9.5
9. Wheeler, Idaho S.	8.9
10. Cousin, Austin T.	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. Jackson, Idaho S.	8.0
4. Daniels, Texas L.	7.9
5. Russell, Ft.Wayne.	7.8
6. Ahearn, Erie Bay H.	6.8
7. Jackson, Erie B.	6.6
8. Johnson, Austin T.	6.1
9. Cooper, Dakota W.	5.8
10. Wise, Bakersfield J.	5.5

Steals Per Game

Aaron MILES
  Reno Bighorns
  (186-G-83)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Miles, Reno Bighorns	2.5
2. Dowdell, Tulsa 66ers	2.5
3. Hubbard, New M.	2.3
4. Jeffers, Iowa E.	2.2
5. Jackson, Idaho S.	2.2
6. Lofton, Iowa E.	2.1
7. Linhart, Erie B.	2.1
8. Russell, Ft.Wayne.	2.1
9. Jackson, Erie B.	2.1
10. Shakur, Rio Grande	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.	3.0
3. Alabi, Erie Bay H.	2.5
4. Aldrich, Tulsa 66ers	2.5
5. Naymick, Bakersfi.	2.3
6. Sykes, Sioux F.	2.3
7. Whiteside, Reno B.	2.2
8. Wallace, Bakersfi.	1.8
9. Alexander, Texas L.	1.6
10. Goodridge, Spring.	1.6

Tuesday's games - by Eurobasket News
Rio Grande - Maine RC 119-110
The defending NBA Development League champion Rio Grande Valley Vipers won their franchise-record seventh-straight game by beating the Maine Red Claws 119-110 Tuesday at State Farm Arena in front of a crowd of 4,141. Up 18-15 midway through the first quarter, the Vipers (14-7) scored five-straight points on a Jeff Adrien lay-up, a three-pointer by Jerel McNeal and a dunk by Patrick Sullivan (6'9''-C-88, college: SE Louisiana). The Red Claws (10-14) responded with an 8-0 run to pull within 25-23, capped by a DeShawn Sims (6'8''-F-88, college: Michigan) lay-up. Terrel Harris ended the run by hitting a pair of free throws to give the Vipers a 27-23 lead with 2:56 remaining, sparking a 13-4 run to close the first quarter as, with time winding down, Houston Rockets-assignee Ish Smith shot a three-pointer over the out-stretched arm of Boston Celtics-assignee Avery Bradley 10 months to the day after doing so for Wake Forest against Bradley's Texas Longhorns to win in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Up 45-34 in the opening minutes of the second quarter, the Vipers went on a 14-0 run, on the power of three three-pointers, two by Harris and one by Mustafa Shakur (6'3''-G-84, college: Arizona), to take a 59-34 lead at the 5:32 mark after an Adrien lay-up. The Red Claws opened the third quarter on a 17-6 run to pull within 75-63 at the 6:22 mark of the third quarter, but a put-back lay-up by Mouhammad Faye and a three-point play by McNeal gave the Vipers a 17-point lead. Matt Janning hit a three-pointer with seconds remaining in the third to bring the Red Claws back within 12 at 90-78. The Red Claws opened the fourth quarter on an 8-0 run to pull within 91-86. Harris gave the Vipers their first points of the quarter with his fourth three-pointer of the game. Bradley brought the Red Claws to within 98-96 after hitting a three-pointer, and after Shakur hit a lay-up, Jamar Smith drained a three-pointer to make it a one-point game at 100-99. Shakur responded on the other end with a basket that was followed by a three-point play plus a technical free throw by McNeal, a three-pointer by Faye, a three-pointer by Shakur an alley-oop from Smith to Sullivan, and another technical free throw by McNeal to make it 115-99 Vipers. This game marks the first time this season that Shakur hit more than two three-pointers in a game this season (3-for-6). He finished with 20 points, six rebounds, seven assists and four steals. Smith finished with six points, two rebounds, six assists and one steal in his Vipers debut. The Red Claws were led by Sims, who scored 21 points with 12 rebounds (four offensive). Bradley finished with 13 points, two rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. *Courtesy of www.cmsbmedia.com

Utah F. - Austin T. 103-113
The Utah Flash (10-10) fell short to the Austin Toros (10-11) at home. The final score was 113-103. Austin's Aubrey Coleman (6'4''-G-87, college: Houston) was the game's scoring leader with 23 points. The Flash retained the lead for most of the first quarter; the quarter ended with the Flash up by two points (20-18). Atlanta Hawk assignee, Pape Sy, led the Flash with six points and three rebounds. Marcus Cousin (6'11''-C-86, college: Houston) led the Toros with six points; Lewis Clinch and Jermaine Beal, both had three rebounds. The Toros led 46-44 at halftime outscoring the Flash 28-24 during the second quarter. Again Sy led with 13 points, while three Utah players had four rebounds apiece. Cousin also led the Toros again in scoring during the second quarter with 12 points, as well four rebounds. Austin and Utah battled during the fourth quarter but the Toros outscored the Flash 44-36 for a final score of 113-103. Leading scorers for the Flash were Ingram with 20, Dupree with 16 and Sy with 15. The Toros were led by Colman's 23 followed by Cousins with 21 and Palmer with 20. *Courtesy of D-League

Ft.Wayne MA - Bakersfield J. 110-118
The Bakersfield Jam defeated the Fort Wayne Mad Ants 118-110. Derrick Byars (6'8''-G/F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Vanderbilt) and Trey Johnson (6'5''-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Jackson St.) combined for 59 points to give the Jam the advantage. The Jam controlled the first period of play outscoring the Mad Ants 42-37, Byars started the game hot and had 16 by the end of the first. The second period was more of the same as the Jam led 74-65 at the end of the half. The Mad Ants picked up the intensity in the third period and found themselves down only 3, 95-92 going into the final period. They would cut the lead to just 1 with 10 minutes left in the game but that would be as close as they would get as the Jam's offense proved to be too hot. Fort Wayne dominated the paint with 52 points in the paint compared to Bakersfield's 28, but the Jam connected on 14 three-pointers tonight compared to the Mad Ants' 5 to come out victorious. Byars led all scorers with a season-high 31 points on 12-for-19 shooting, including 6-for-6 three pointers. Johnson finished with 28. Jeremy Wise contributed 13 points and dished out 8 assists for the Jam. Brandon Wallace had 8 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 blocked shots on the night. The Mad Ants were led by Walker Russell Jr. who finished with 26 points and 9 assists. Oliver Lafayette finished with 17 and Darnell Lazare with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Bakersfield continues their road trip and will next travel to Springfield to face the Armor this Friday and Saturday. *Courtesy of www.onebakersfield.com

Springfield A. - Erie Bay H. 109-94
Not all good things begin perfectly. The Springfield Armor suffered through a stagnant start and quickly fell behind despite Jameson Curry (6'4''-G-86, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Oklahoma St.) 's hot shooting. But everything fell into place in the second quarter, when Springfield's offense and defense clicked simultaneously. The result was a 36-17 advantage in the quarter, which spurred the Armor's 109-94 win against the Erie BayHawks Tuesday night at the MassMutual Center. 'We had good energy, and that's why our defense looked good,' said Armor coach Dee Brown. 'The second quarter I thought we played really good defense, got Ahearn in foul trouble, and we just started attacking. We went into attack mode, but it started with getting stops. 'Our defense dictates our offense,' Brown added. Curry led the way with 27 points, and Philadelphia 76ers assignee Craig Brackins (6'10''-F-87, college: Iowa St.) pitched in with 23 points off the bench. Scottie Reynolds added 10 points and eight assists, and his unselfish passing set the tone for the Armor's impressive ball movement. Both squads lacked energy to begin the game, playing in front of a sparse crowd clearly thinned by the inclement weather. Curry drilled a number of tough shots to keep the Armor in the game, but a string of turnovers (eight in the quarter) kept them from pulling ahead. Ivan Johnson, Erie's leading scorer, notched two quick fouls, but Tasmin Mitchell picked up Johnson's slack. Behind Mitchell's 11 points, Erie edged out to a 28-23 lead. The lackadaisical play continued into the second quarter, and Springfield still trailed 34-29 almost two minutes into the stanza. But that was when Springfield's defense began to dictate play, forcing nine turnovers in the quarter. The aggressive defense led to easy offense, and Springfield was off and running. Brackins led Springfield with nine points in the quarter. Curry's right hand remained blistering hot, and he finished the half with 20 points. 'I think (Curry) set the tone early,' Brown said. 'With his defense, his verbal communication on both ends of the court, and knocking down shots. Sometimes it looks like he's out of control, but that's just the good, bad and ugly with him. We understand that. But he had a good energy and feel tonight, and that's what we wanted to do.' After Armor guard Tre Whitted sparked a 7-0 run early in the third, Erie trailed 66-48 and was reeling. Yet the BayHawks weren't on the canvas for the full ten-count; they still had some fight left. By the end of the period, the BayHawks had clawed their way back into an 80-72 game behind the hot shooting of Mitchell and Blake Ahearn. But the Armor reapplied the defensive clamps, and Erie struggled to score the rest of the game. Springfield quickly built its lead back, and walked away with the comfortable win. Mitchell finished with 28 points in a losing cause, and Ahearn shot his way to 18. Johnson finished with 14 points, five below his season average. 'It's a maturation process we're having,' Brown said. 'Before, teams would make a run and we would fold. We've lost a lot of games where we've been up, even at home. But these guys are figuring out what we need to get done.' *Courtesy of www.masslive.com

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

EUROCHALLENGE

Bankevics' 26 points give him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
25-year old swingman Ingus Bankevics (195-G/F-85, agency: Alti Sport) put on an amazing game in the last round for Ventspils and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 1 (Top 16).
He had the game-high 26 points adding two rebounds for Ventspils in his team's victory, helping them to outclass Benfica (#4, 0-1) with 35-point margin 100-65. It's too early to say anything as the standings can be changed completely after next round. In the team's last game Bankevics had a remarkable 75.0% from 2-point range and got four three-pointers out of 6 attempts. It was one of impressive evenings for him as usually he does not deliver so high stats.

Second best performed player last round was Kyle Landry (206-F-86) of BK Prostejov. He is Canadian forward in his second season at BK Prostejov. In the last game Landry recorded impressive double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds. Bad luck as BK Prostejov lost that game 66-74 to Oostende (1-0). The Top 16 is still at the very beginning and this lost game may not be such crucial, of course if they start win the games. Let's wait for the next round. Landry is well-known at BK Prostejov and he already established his position as one of the team's leaders.

Third place about best performers goes to another Ventspils' star - guard Janis Strelnieks (191-G-89). Strelnieks scored 14 points and passed ten assists (!!!). He was another key player of Ventspils, helping his team with a 100-65 easy win against ranked Benfica in a game of the week. Ventspils has a very good start of the Top 16. But there was just one game played, so it's too early to judge them at this stage. Strelnieks also has a very good start of the Top 16 with very strong stats. Strelnieks has a great season in EuroChallenge. After only 7 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in assists with 5.1apg (7th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Ben Woodside (180-G-85) of Gravelines - 23 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists
5. Cyril Akpomedah (203-F-79) of Gravelines - 15 points and 12 rebounds
6. Benas Veikalas (192-G-83) of BK Prostejov - 18 points and 10 rebounds
7. Will Thomas (200-F-86) of Oostende - 11 points and 11 rebounds
8. Jovo Stanojevic (208-C-77) of Karsiyaka - 20 points and 10 rebounds
9. Dusan Djordjevic (195-G-83) of Krka - 18 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists
10. Marco Killingsworth (203-F-82) of Maccabi Haifa - 24 points, 6 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)

Henrique Vieira reaction to Benfica defeat - by Luis Filipe Cristovao
Sport Lisboa Benfica had a terrible defeat in Latvia, facing BK Ventspils in the Eurochallenge Top 16.

Henrique Vieira , Sport Lisboa Benfica's coach, said after the game:
'We defend poorly and could not score points. We played only 10 or 15 minutes and that's not enough to overcome a tough opponent as BK Ventspils. The trip to Latvia was tiring ... The next game in Lisbon will be completely different.'

Sport Lisboa Benfica started very well but was beaten in after a very strong second half by the Latvians, who had more quality players to rotate.

Next week, Sport Lisboa Benfica will host Gravelines, for the second day of Eurochallenge Top 16.

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

EUROCUP

Standings

Eurocup Standings

Group I
1. Hemofarm			1-0
2. Unics			1-0
3. Cedevita			0-1
4. Gran Canaria			0-1
Group J
1. Aris			1-0
2. Goettingen			1-0
3. Le Mans			0-1
4. Budivelnyk			0-1
Group K
1. Pepsi Caserta			1-0
2. Estudiantes			1-0
3. Galatasaray			0-1
4. CEZ Nymburk			0-1
Group L
1. Cajasol			1-0
2. Benetton TV			1-0
3. ALBA			0-1
4. Panellinios			0-1

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Primoz BREZEC
  Krasnie Krilya
  (216-F/C-79)
  Avg: 20.8

1. Brezec, Krasnie .	20.8
2. Janicenoks, VEF R.	20.3
3. Dragicevic, Buduc.	19.0
4. Solomon, Hapoel J.	18.0
5. Walsh, AS.	17.7
6. Tucker, Aris	17.6
7. Macvan, Hemofarm	17.0
8. Chatman, Besiktas	16.8
9. Carroll, Gran Canaria	16.4
10. Papadopoulos, PAOK	16.0

Rebounds Per Game

Lazaros PAPADOPOULOS
  PAOK
  (210-C-80)
  Avg: 12.2

1. Papadopoulos, PAOK	12.2
2. Brezec, Krasnie .	9.7
3. Walsh, AS.	8.3
4. Tucker, Aris	8.2
5. Macvan, Hemofarm	8.0
6. Ellis, GasTerra	7.7
7. Lampe, Unics	7.6
8. Nsonwu-Amadi, Roa.	7.5
9. Owens, Azovmash	7.5
10. Brunner, Benetton.	7.3

Assists Per Game

Ernest BREMER
  Krasnie Krilya
  (196-G-80)
  Avg: 8.3

1. Bremer, Krasnie .	8.3
2. Popovic, Unics	7.0
3. Meacham, Goett.	6.7
4. Mekel, Galil Gilboa	6.3
5. Draper, Cedevita	6.3
6. Walsh, AS.	6.0
7. Thomas, Anwil	5.3
8. Granger, Estudian.	5.1
9. Markovic, Benetton.	5.1
10. Lukauskis, EWE B.	4.7

Steals Per Game

Mindaugas LUKAUSKIS
  EWE Baskets
  (198-G-79)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Lukauskis, EWE B.	2.5
2. Popovic, Unics	2.5
3. House, Azovmash	2.5
4. Janicenoks, VEF R.	2.5
5. Pumprla, CEZ N.	2.4
6. Bostain, GasTerra	2.3
7. Diabate, Roanne	2.3
8. Dourisseau, GasTe.	2.3
9. Draper, Cedevita	2.3
10. Di Bella, Pepsi C.	2.3

Blocks Per Game

Brian RANDLE
  Hapoel J-M
  (203-F-85)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Randle, Hapoel J-M	2.1
2. Dunston, Aris	1.9
3. Berzins, VEF Riga	1.8
4. Rupert, Le Mans	1.3
5. Chan, CEZ Nymburk	1.1
6. Edwards, Cedevita	1.1
7. Fofana, AS.	1.0
8. Carter, Galil Gilboa	1.0
9. Stimac, CEZ N.	1.0
10. Ortner, Bennet C.	1.0

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

EUROLEAGUE

Standings

Euroleague Standings

Group E
1. Panathinaikos			1-0
2. Caja Laboral			0-0
3. Unicaja			0-0
4. Lietuvos Rytas			0-1
Group F
1. Union Olimpija			0-0
2. Maccabi T-A			0-0
3. Regal Barca			0-0
4. Lottomatica			0-0
Group G
1. Real Madrid			1-0
2. Efes Pilsen			1-0
3. Partizan			0-1
4. Montepaschi			0-1
Group H
1. Valencia			1-0
2. Olympiakos			0-0
3. Fener.Ulker			0-0
4. Zalgiris			0-1

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Bojan BOGDANOVIC
  Cibona
  (202-G/F-89)
  Avg: 18

1. Bogdanovic, Cibona	18.0
2. Langford, Khimky	17.8
3. Teletovic, Caja L.	16.8
4. Jenkins, ALBA	16.8
5. Rakocevic, Efes P.	15.9
6. McCalebb, Montepas.	15.5
7. Spanoulis, Olympiakos	15.4
8. Mejia, Cholet	15.1
9. Pinkney, Union O.	14.4
10. Washington, Lottomat.	14.1

Rebounds Per Game

James GIST
  Partizan
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 7.4

1. Gist, Partizan	7.4
2. Jankunas, Zalgiris	7.4
3. Bourousis, Olympiakos	7.1
4. Fischer, Real Madrid	6.9
5. Barac, Caja Laboral	6.7
6. Turkcan, Fener.Ul.	6.7
7. Freeland, Unicaja	6.6
8. Pleiss, Brose B.	6.3
9. Radosevic, Cibona	6.3
10. Falker, Cholet	5.9

Assists Per Game

Marcelinho HUERTAS
  Caja Laboral
  (191-G-83)
  Avg: 5.8

1. Huertas, Caja L.	5.8
2. Diamantidis, Panath.	5.6
3. Spanoulis, Olympiakos	4.9
4. Eidson, Maccabi .	4.6
5. Teodosic, Olympiakos	4.6
6. Jasikevicius, Lietuv.	4.3
7. Blakney, Unicaja	4.3
8. Rodriguez, Unicaja	4.2
9. Pellin, Le Mans	4.2
10. Cook, Valencia	4.2

Steals Per Game

Chuck EIDSON
  Maccabi T-A
  (201-F/G-80)
  Avg: 3.1

1. Eidson, Maccabi .	3.1
2. McCalebb, Montepas.	2.4
3. Perkins, Maccabi .	2.3
4. Diot, Le Mans	2.2
5. Diamantidis, Panath.	2.0
6. Ilievski, Union O.	2.0
7. Goldsberry, Brose B.	1.9
8. Rubio, Regal Barca	1.9
9. Jenkins, ALBA	1.7
10. Bogdanovic, Cibona	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Mirza BEGIC
  Zalgiris
  (216-C-85)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Begic, Zalgiris	2.3
2. Fischer, Real Madrid	2.0
3. Riddick, Charleroi	1.7
4. Pleiss, Brose B.	1.5
5. Barac, Caja Laboral	1.3
6. Falker, Cholet	1.3
7. Eze, Khimky	1.3
8. Bourousis, Olympiakos	1.3
9. Hines, Brose B.	1.1
10. Lishchuk, Valencia	1.1

Valencia extends Florent Pietrus - by Eurobasket News
Power Electronics Valencia announced signing of contract extension with Florent Pietrus (202-F-81). The French forward will stay with the club until April 6.
Florent Pietrus started this season with Caja Laboral. He got a one-month deal with the Spanish champion averaging 5 points and 7.5 rebounds for two games in ACB. In October he joined Valencia for a two-month deal and in December he was extended to another one. Pietrus appeared 10 times for Valencia in Euroleague helping them to reach the Top16. He posted averages of 3.9 points and 3.1 rebounds. In Spain, Pietrus had 2.4 ppg and 2.9 rpg in 14 games.
Florent Pietrus already played for Valencia from 2008 until the last summer, when he left the club for Caja Laboral. He also has experience from Estudiantes, Unicaja and Pau-Orthez.

Top 16, Round 1: Wednesday's games - by Eurobasket News

Group E

Lietuvos Rytas - Panathinaikos 59-80
Panathinaikos demonstrated great performance in the first game of the Euroleague Top 16. The reigning Greek champion cruised past Lietuvos Rytas on the road for 1-0 record in Group E. Mike Batiste (203-F-77, college: Arizona St.) shined for the Greens with 26 points. Kostas Kaimakoglou (206-C/F-83) had 16 points and 9 boards, while Kostas Tsartsaris (210-F-79) added 12 points. On the other side, Rytas got 11 points and 8 boards from Milko Bjelica (207-C-84, agency: Beo Basket). Khalid El-Amin (178-G-79, agency: Beo Basket, college: Connecticut) and Kenan Bajramovic (206-F-81, agency: Beo Basket) netted 10 points each. Lietuvos Rytas started the game better making 21-18 lead after first ten minutes. They jumped to plus 7 at the beginning of the second quarter, but PAO players improved after that cutting the margin to 3 pts. Rytas was better in the finish of this period and went to the HT with 33-29. Third period was the crucial one tonight as Mike Batiste and his teammates smashed the home squad with 8-24. They were extending their lead in the last quarter for the final 59-80 victory and 1-0 in Group E. PAO will host Unicaja in the next round, while Rytas will meet Caja Laboral in Vitoria.

Group G

Efes Pilsen - Montepaschi 60-58
Very exciting game was played in Istanbul tonight. Efes Pilsen escaped with tiny 60-58 victory against Montepaschi for 1-0 record in Group G (same as Real Madrid). Marvis Thornton (194-G-77, college: St.John's) was a key player for the hosts as he collected 12 points and 9 rebounds. Thornton reached valuation 28 (MVP). Igor Rakocevic (191-G-78) was the leading scorer in Efes Pilsen with 17 pts (valuation 7), while Lawrence Roberts (205-F/C-82, college: Mississippi St.) helped with 8 pts and 6 rebs. Milovan Rakovic (208-C-85) replied with 16 points and 8 boards for the guests, and Rimantas Kaukenas (193-G-77, college: Seton Hall) posted 12 pts. Efes Pilsen made 18-17 in the first and 11-10 in the second period for plus two at the halftime. They jumped to 47-40 for the next ten minutes and were looking good. Efes Pilsen reached 52-43 at the beginning of the last period, but than Milovan Rakovic and Rimantas Kaukenas stepped up for the guests cutting the difference to 52-47. Moss joined them with a basket and Lavrinovic joined the fun then closing the 0-8 run. It was 52-51 for the hosts and there was five minutes left. Thanks to Vujcic, Efes Pilsen stopped Siena and after that Lawrence Roberts and Marvis Thornton lifted the home squad to 57-51. Efes Pilsen went to the last 30 seconds with 59-55, after what Wisniewski made one FT. Zisis raise up from the corner for a triple to suddenly make it 60-58. When Efes missed two chances on its last possession, Zisis came up with the ball and a chance to finish what he started, but his running triple hit the front of the rim and fell out, keeping the first Top 16 victory of Group G in Istanbul. In the next round, Efes Pilsen will meet Partizan in Belgrade. Montepaschi waits Real Madrid.

Real Madrid - Partizan 78-58
Real Madrid had no troubles to beat Partizan in the first game of the Top 16, Group G. Second quarter was the crucial one in this game as the home squad smashed Partizan 26-9. Sergio Llull (190-G-87) was in a game mood tonight scoring 21 points. He made 9 of 10 attempts from the line. Clay Tucker (195-G-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) had 18, while Carlos Suarez (202-F-86, agency: Court Side) and Pablo Prigioni added 9 points. For the Serbian powerhouse, Jan Vesely (211-F-90) was the leading scorer with 13 points. Nathan Jawai (207-C-86, college: Midland CC) (5 rebs) and Curtis Jerrells (185-G-87, college: Baylor) delivered 12 points each. As mentioned above, the Whites destroyed Partizan in the second quarter 26-9 keeping the comfortable lead for rest of the game. Partizan was slightly better team at the beginning (17-18), but they were not able to resist any longer. Real was 43-27 up at the HT and they jumped to 58-40 after 30 minutes of play. Last quarter was just the formality and the Whites celebrated first victory at this stage. In Round Two, Real Madrid goes to Siena. Partizan will host Efes Pilsen.

Group H

Valencia - Zalgiris 73-59
Valencia opened the Top 16 phase with excellent 73-59 home win against Zalgiris. The last season's EuroCup winner got 20 points from Dusko Savanovic (204-F/C-83, agency: Beo Basket), who was the MVP of this meeting with valuation 25. Victor Claver (207-F/C-88) scored 14 points, while Ukrainian big guy Serhiy Lishchuk (210-C/F-82, agency: Beo Basket) helped with 9 points and 12 rebounds. Zalgiris did not have anyone with double-digits in scoring. Their best player was DeJuan Collins (188-G-76, college: Tuskegee) with 7 points and 7 boards. Martynas Pocius (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) stopped to 9 pts with poor shot percentage. Both teams are Group H participants. Zalgiris was slightly better in the first quarter as they grabbed 20-21 lead. However, Valencia players drastically improved after that stopping their rivals to just 10 pts for the next 10 minutes. They made 19 on the other side for 39-31 lead at the HT. Zalgiris came to 39-35 after the breather, but Martinez responded with a triple and later Valencia jumped to plus 9. Jankunas nailed a catch-and-shoot jumper and Brown beat the buzzer with a nine-meter bomb to get Zalgiris as close as 54-50 after 30 minutes. However, Dusko Savanovic and his teammates exploded in the last period making nice 12-2 run, which allowed them later to celebrate the first win in Top 16 (Q4, 19-9). In the next round, Valencia will meet Fenerbahce Ulker in Istanbul. Zalgiris will host Olympiakos.

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

FINLAND

KORISLIIGA: Ryan Ayers netted 32 pts - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Korisliiga, Round 29: Five contests tonight. YMCA Lahti took an important victory when beating Korihait (Uusikaupunki) 103-94. American F Ryan Ayers (201-G-86, college: Notre Dame) was hot scoring game high 32 pts and missing only two shots in the game (1 - 5/5, 2 - 6/8, 3 - 5/5). Finnish G Roope Suonio (176-G-82) scored his career best and added 31 pts (1 - 3/4, 2 - 5/7, 3 - 6/9). Team starters made 102 pts and bench players one tiny point. Lawrence Wright (195-F-84, college: Bradley) led Korihait with 26pts and 10rbs. In Kouvola B.A. Walker (188-G-84, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Va Commonwealth) saved Kouvot by knocking down 31 pts (treys 7/12). Kouvot was in difficulties vs Tarmo (Porvoo), but won after all 78-72. Jonathan Heard (198-G/F-86) led Tarmo with 24 pts. Pyrinto (Tampere) defeated Honka (Espoo) 84-75, but Jamar Wilson (185-G-84, college: Albany) (Honka), the leading scorer of the top league DNP. Damon Williams (201-F-73, college: Colorado St.-Pueblo) had thios time 21 pts and seven assists. Finnish Cup Finalists Torpan Pojat (Helsinki) and Kataja (Joensuu) won both easily. ToPo defeated YMCA Lappeenranta 106-81 and Kataja won over Vilpas (Salo) 98-71. Mikko Koivisto (194-G-87, college: NC-Greensboro) led ToPo with 24 pts and five assists. Newcomer Jason Conley (196-G-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Missouri) led Kataja with 20 pts. Vilpas played without Ronald Thompson (208-F/C-81, college: Morehouse), who is no more on team roster because of injuries. Ronald Douglas (201-C-87, college: S.Alabama) will arrive to Finland on Friday and will replace Thompson.
YMCA Lahti - Korihait 103-94 (47-46). (Ryan Ayers 32, Roope Suonio 31, Cedric Latimer 14 - Lawrence Wright 26/10, Nigel Moore 24/10, James Reaves 17).
Kouvot - Tarmo 78-72 (33-43). (B.A.Walker 31, Durell Vinson 14, Ville Kaunisto 13/15 - Jonathan Heard 24, Aubrey Conerly 14, Jarkko Kyllonen 11).
Pyrinto - Honka 84-75 (35-43). (Damon Williams 21/7a, Antwine Williams 17, Kenneth Lowe 14 - Tuomas Iisalo 16, Corey Belser 14/15, John Williamson 14).
Kataja - SalVi 98-71 (49-30). (Jason Conley 20, Jared Newson 17, Petri Virtanen 17 - Nicchaeus Doaks 18, Nick Okorie 11, Matti Nuutinen 10).
Torpan Pojat - YMCA Lappeenranta 106-81 (50-53). (Mikko Koivisto 24/5a, Frank Richards 22, Hanno Mottola 20 - Viljami Vanjoki 19, HL Coleman 18/13, Malik Moore 17).

Finnish Cup Final coming Saturday Jan 22 in Helsinki: Torpan Pojat vs Kataja.

Standings - Korisliiga

Korisliiga Standings

1. Pyrinto		22-6
2. KTP		22-6
3. Kataja		18-10
4. Korihait		18-10
5. Honka		17-10
6. Kouvot		14-14
7. ToPo		13-15
8. Namika Lahti		11-16
9. Karhu		11-17
10. Salon Vilpas		10-18
11. LrNMKY		7-21
12. Tarmo		4-24

Standings - Division I

1st Division Standings

1. Jyvaskyla		11-3
2. FoKoPo		11-3
3. Lapua		9-5
4. Honka		8-6
5. BC Nokia		8-6
6. LoKoKo		7-6
7. Huima		7-7
8. TomPo II		6-8
9. Ura Basket		6-8
10. SayRi		5-8
11. Kerava ET		5-9
12. Namika II		0-14

Stats Leaders - Division I

Points Per Game

Derick NELSON
  Lapua
  (196-F-86)
  Avg: 23.6

1. Nelson, Lapua	23.6
2. Graham, TomPo II	22.5
3. Hall, SayRi	22.2
4. Manning, Huima	21.8
5. Stamper, LoKoKo	21.6
6. Bojang, BC Nokia	21.3
7. Towa, Kerava ET	20.4
8. Robinson, Jyvaskyla	20.3
9. Thomas, SayRi	18.9
10. Valentine, Lapua	18.0

Rebounds Per Game

Baboucarr BOJANG
  BC Nokia
  (204-F-80)
  Avg: 15.6

1. Bojang, BC Nokia	15.6
2. Brown, Namika II	14.8
3. Douglas, Huima	14.6
4. Towa, Kerava ET	13.9
5. Dantzler, LoKoKo	13.5
6. Nelson, Lapua	12.6
7. Hall, SayRi	11.9
8. Wilson, Huima	10.6
9. Banks, SayRi	10.6
10. Stamper, LoKoKo	10.5

Assists Per Game

Treylon MANNING
  Huima
  (178-G-)
  Avg: 6.1

1. Manning, Huima	6.1
2. Riihela, BC Nokia	5.3
3. Ramey, Ura Basket	4.6
4. Horton, LoKoKo	4.5
5. Ikavalko, FoKoPo	4.0
6. Ahila, Jyvaskyla	3.5
7. Valentine, Lapua	2.9
8. Ojanen, Jyvaskyla	2.5
9. Kivinen, LoKoKo	2.5
10. Pehkonen, TomPo II	2.5

Steals Per Game

Benny VALENTINE
  Lapua
  (170-G-87)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Valentine, Lapua	2.9
2. Horton, LoKoKo	2.6
3. Hall, SayRi	2.4
4. Bojang, BC Nokia	2.3
5. Ramey, Ura Basket	2.0
6. Still, Lapua	1.9
7. Towa, Kerava ET	1.9
8. Foreman, FoKoPo	1.8
9. Stamper, LoKoKo	1.8
10. Vertio, Honka	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Reijo OJANEN
  Jyvaskyla
  (192-G/F-86)
  Avg: 1

1. Ojanen, Jyvaskyla	1.0
2. Kopio, Honka	0.9
3. Alanko, Ura Basket	0.8
4. Graham, TomPo II	0.8
5. Mantymaa, Huima	0.7
6. Alanen, Namika II	0.7
7. Setala, BC Nokia	0.7
8. Valentine, Lapua	0.6
9. Rainamaa, TomPo II	0.6
10. Nelson, Lapua	0.6

Stats Leaders - Korisliiga

Points Per Game

Jamar WILSON
  Honka
  (185-G-84)
  Avg: 22.4

1. Wilson, Honka	22.4
2. Heard, Tarmo	21.5
3. Lewis, LrNM.	21.0
4. Blanchard, ToPo	20.0
5. Wood, Karhu	19.8
6. Walker, Kouvot	19.8
7. Bailey, LrNM.	19.6
8. Williamson, Honka	19.3
9. Harris, Salon Vilpas	19.0
10. Moore, LrNM.	18.9

Rebounds Per Game

Jeremiah WOOD
  Karhu
  (200-F-85)
  Avg: 14

1. Wood, Karhu	14.0
2. Kaunisto, Kouvot	10.5
3. Doaks, Salon Vilpas	10.3
4. Young, Tarmo	10.0
5. Mathis, Namika Lahti	9.9
6. Blanchard, ToPo	9.9
7. Vinson, Kouvot	9.9
8. Williams, Pyrinto	9.2
9. Coleman, LrNM.	8.5
10. Williamson, Honka	8.4

Assists Per Game

Malik MOORE
  LrNMKY
  (192-G-77)
  Avg: 4.5

1. Moore, LrNM.	4.5
2. Harris, Salon Vilpas	4.4
3. Williams, Pyrinto	4.4
4. Okorie, Salon Vilpas	4.2
5. Suonio, Namika Lahti	3.8
6. Wood, Karhu	3.8
7. Sarcevic, Korihait	3.7
8. Virtanen, Kataja	3.7
9. Ivey, KTP	3.4
10. Fields, KTP	3.3

Steals Per Game

Jeremiah WOOD
  Karhu
  (200-F-85)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Wood, Karhu	2.1
2. Newson, Kataja	2.0
3. Sarcevic, Korihait	1.9
4. Fields, KTP	1.9
5. Heard, Tarmo	1.8
6. Fells, Kataja	1.8
7. Williams, Pyrinto	1.7
8. Conerly, Tarmo	1.7
9. Wilson, Salon Vilpas	1.6
10. Moore, Korihait	1.6

Blocks Per Game

James REAVES
  Korihait
  (203-F-82)
  Avg: 1

1. Reaves, Korihait	1.0
2. Hendley, Namika Lahti	0.8
3. Heard, Tarmo	0.8
4. Suonio, Namika Lahti	0.7
5. Lewis, LrNM.	0.7
6. Moore, LrNM.	0.7
7. Wood, Karhu	0.7
8. Bailey, LrNM.	0.7
9. Blanchard, ToPo	0.6
10. Young, Tarmo	0.6

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

FRANCE

NM1 Round 18: Denain Voltaire loses #1 position - by Eurobasket News
There were many interesting games last round. The round ended with change at the leadership position and favorites losing the games.

Round 18 in NM1 means a new league leader. The biggest surprise took place in Lievin where host Lievin Basket (7-11) beat league's leader Denain Voltaire (14-4) 76-70 on Friday evening. 25 personal fouls committed by Denain Voltaire helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was forward Aude Pierre-Joseph (194-79) who scored 19 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Naturalized American forward Antwon Hoard (199-72, college: Murray St., agency: ACMT) chipped in 18 points and 7 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was American-Liberian power forward Boakai Lalugba (200-81, college: Bucknell, agency: Court Side) who recorded a double-double by scoring 19 points and 12 rebounds. Lievin Basket maintains fourteenth position with 7-11 record, which they share with Get Vosges and Le Puy. Denain Voltaire at the other side dropped to the second place with four games lost. They were replaced at the leadership position by Bordeaux. Denain Voltaire will play next round against Roche trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Lievin Basket will try to continue on its current victory against first ranked Bordeaux on the road.
Important game to mention about took place in Sorgues. Second ranked Bordeaux (15-3) saved a 2-point victory on the road edging 3rd ranked Sorgues (11-7) 76-74 on Saturday evening. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Sorgues. It was a good game for guard Gauthier Darrigand (184-82) who led his team to a victory with 18 points and 6 assists. John Ford contributed with 14 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Bordeaux's coach allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Serbian forward Slobodan Ocokoljic (204-80, college: Weber St.) replied with a double-double by scoring 20 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists for Sorgues. Bordeaux has a solid four-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader. Newly promoted Sorgues dropped to the fourth place with seven games lost. They share the position with St Quentin. Bordeaux will play against Lievin Basket (#14) at home in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Sorgues will play against Saint-Quentin (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
A very close game took place in Saint-Etienne between Saint-Etienne and Blois. Eighth ranked Saint-Etienne (10-8) got a very close home victory over 7th ranked Blois (9-9). Saint-Etienne managed to escape with a 3-point win 72-69 on Saturday evening. Benjamin Thomas scored 19 points and 6 assists to lead the charge for the winners. The best for the losing side was Olivier Kolb with 15 points and 6 rebounds. Saint-Etienne has a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Brest. Blois lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the eighth position with nine games lost. They share it with Denek and Souffel. Saint-Etienne will meet Le Puy ASMB (#15) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Blois will play against Etendard de Brest (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
A very interesting game took place in Challans. It ended with only one-point home defeat of 11th ranked Vendee Challans (8-10) to tenth ranked Souffelweyersheim (9-9) 81-80 on Saturday evening. Alexandre N'Kembe notched 22 points and 5 rebounds to lead the effort. Vendee Challans' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Souffelweyersheim has a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Blois and Denek. Vendee Challans lost third consecutive game. They keep the eleventh position with ten games lost. Souffelweyersheim's next round opponent will be higher ranked Angers BC 49 (#3) at home and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Vendee Challans will play against Get Vosges (#16) in Golbey.
We should mention about the upset which took place in Bidart, where higher ranked Etendard de Brest (10-8) lost to twelfth ranked Denek (9-9) in a road game 89-93 on Saturday. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Etendard de Brest. The best player for the winners was Larry Blair who scored 26 points and 6 rebounds. Denek moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Blois and Souffel. Loser Etendard de Brest keeps the sixth position with eight games lost. Denek will face bottom-ranked CFBB (#18) in Paris in the next round and are hoping to win another game.

Rest of the games of round 18 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Get Vosges defeated Roche in Golbey 68-63. Orchy beat CFBB at home 74-64. St Chamond lost to Angers BC 49 on the opponent's court 69-73. Le Puy managed to outperform St Quentin in a home game 81-68.

St Etienne - Blois 72-69

A very close game took place in Saint-Etienne between Saint-Etienne and Blois. Eighth ranked Saint-Etienne (10-8) got a very close home victory over 7th ranked Blois (9-9). Saint-Etienne managed to escape with a 3-point win 72-69 on Saturday evening. Blois was tied after three quarters but could not keep up in the last quarter eventually losing the game. Guard Benjamin Thomas (181-82) scored 19 points and 6 assists to lead the charge for the winners and guard Rida El Amrani (180-86) chipped in 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists during the contest. The best for the losing side was center Olivier Kolb (205-87) with 15 points and 6 rebounds and Canadian-British forward Kai Williams (198-89, college: S.Dakota St., agency: Interperformances) scored 13 points and 7 rebounds. Saint-Etienne has a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Brest. Blois lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the eighth position with nine games lost. They share it with Denek and Souffel. Saint-Etienne will meet Le Puy ASMB (#15) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Blois will play against Etendard de Brest (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
St Etienne: B.Thomas 19+4reb+6ast, D.Petrovic 17+6reb+2ast, R.El Amrani 14+6reb+5ast, R.Pegon 8+5reb+2ast, L.Simmons 8+11reb+2ast, S.Hermenier 4+3reb
Blois: O.Kolb 15+6reb+1ast, Z.Alao 13+5reb+3ast, K.Williams 13+7reb+1ast, B.Recoura 9+4reb+1ast, C.Grimm 8+3reb+1ast, J.Blot 8+1reb+2ast

Sorgues - Bordeaux 74-76

Important game to mention about took place in Sorgues. Second ranked Bordeaux (15-3) saved a 2-point victory on the road edging 3rd ranked Sorgues (11-7) 76-74 on Saturday evening. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Sorgues. Sorgues was tied at the half but could not keep up in last two quarters eventually losing the game. It was a good game for guard Gauthier Darrigand (184-82) who led his team to a victory with 18 points and 6 assists. American center John Ford (207-78, college: Colorado St.) contributed with 14 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Four Bordeaux players scored in double figures. Bordeaux's coach allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Serbian forward Slobodan Ocokoljic (204-80, college: Weber St.) replied with a double-double by scoring 20 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists and guard Arnaud Thinon (178-87) added 16 points and 5 assists in the effort for Sorgues. Bordeaux has a solid four-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader. Newly promoted Sorgues dropped to the fourth place with seven games lost. They share the position with St Quentin. Bordeaux will play against Lievin Basket (#14) at home in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Sorgues will play against Saint-Quentin (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Bordeaux: M.Doubal 19+2reb+1ast, G.Darrigand 18+3reb+6ast, S.Driss 14+7reb+2ast, J.Ford 14+9reb+1ast, R.Dardaine 5+9reb, A.Caille 2+4reb
Sorgues: S.Ocokoljic 20+11reb+5ast, A.Thinon 16+3reb+5ast, X.Pasut 13+5reb+1ast, S.Mekad 9+4reb+1ast, Y.Bassine 8+1ast, C.Dos Santos 5+2reb

Roche - Get Vosges 63-68

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 17th ranked Roche's (4-14) home loss to sixteenth ranked Get Vosges (7-11) 63-68 on Saturday. Get Vosges moved-up to fourteenth place, which they share with Lievin and Le Puy. Roche lost seventh consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the seventeenth position with 14 games lost. Get Vosges will face higher ranked Vendee Challans (#13) at home in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Roche will play against the league's second-placed Denain Voltaire (#2) where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.

Challans - Souffel 80-81

A very interesting game took place in Challans. It ended with only one-point home defeat of 11th ranked Vendee Challans (8-10) to tenth ranked Souffelweyersheim (9-9) 81-80 on Saturday evening. It looked good early as Vendee Challans took an 20-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Souffelweyersheim took control and eventually winning the game that evening by 1 point. It was a great shooting night for Souffelweyersheim especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.9 percentage. Naturalized Cameroonian forward Alexandre N'Kembe (193-79) notched 22 points and 5 rebounds to lead the effort and guard Frederic Broliron (193-79) supported him with 12 points and 7 rebounds. Even 16 points and 4 assists by American-Italian guard Eric Schmieder (190-79, college: Drexel, agency: R.H.Consultancy) did not help to save the game for Vendee Challans. Guard Regis Boissie (180-78) added 13 points and 5 assists. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Vendee Challans' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Souffelweyersheim has a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Blois and Denek. Vendee Challans lost third consecutive game. They keep the eleventh position with ten games lost. Souffelweyersheim's next round opponent will be higher ranked Angers BC 49 (#3) at home and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Vendee Challans will play against Get Vosges (#16) in Golbey.
Top scorers:
Souffel: A.N'Kembe 22+5reb+1ast, S.Kancel 15+6reb, F.Broliron 12+7reb+3ast, J.Stefanov 11+6reb, J.Alingue 11+6reb, J.Tschamber 5+3ast
Challans: E.Schmieder 16+3reb+4ast, J.James 14+2reb+2ast, R.Boissie 13+1reb+5ast, M.Boutry 12+4reb+1ast, B.Boutry 11+5reb, F.Herard 6+4reb+3ast

Orchy - CFBB 74-64

No shocking result in a game in Orchies where thirteenth ranked Orchesien BC (8-10) defeated bottom-ranked CFBB (3-15) 74-64 on Saturday. The game was mostly controlled by Orchesien BC. CFBB managed to win second period 20-14. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The best player for the winners was swingman David Cilly (196-81) who had a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds. Guard Emilien Barbry (188-83) chipped in 6 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists. Four Orchesien BC players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was swingman Hugo Invernizzi (196-93) who recorded 17 points and 4 steals and guard Ulysse Adjagba (184-93) added 12 points respectively. CFBB's coach Jacques Commeres tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Orchesien BC moved-up to eleventh place, which they share with St Chamond and Challans. Loser CFBB stay at the bottom position with 15 games lost. Orchesien BC will face Saint Chamond (#12) on the road in the next round. CFBB will play against Denek (#8) in Bidart.
Top scorers:
Orchy: D.Cilly 16+11reb+2ast, J.Verbeke 16+1reb+2ast, M.Niakate 11+4reb+3ast, R.Ry an 10+6reb+1ast, O.Vivies 8+7reb+1ast, G.Plateau 7+1reb
CFBB: H.Invernizzi 17+2ast, U.Adjagba 12+4reb+2ast, Y.Morin 10+5reb, V.Pourchot 9+3reb, J.Livio 8+4reb+1ast, B.Dallo 4+4reb

Angers BC 49 - St Chamond 73-69

Very expected game when 9th ranked Saint Chamond (8-10) was defeated on the road by fourth ranked Angers BC 49 (12-6) 73-69 on Friday. However just four-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. The hosts trailed by 2 points after three quarters before their 23-17 charge, which allowed them to win the game. The best player for the winners was American power forward Damien Griffin (203-80, college: Mountain St., agency: Hart Sports Mngm) who had a double-double by scoring 23 points and 10 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field). Guard Tony Ramphort (176-82) chipped in 18 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was forward Jean-Stephane Rinna (205-83) who recorded a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds and American forward Alain Laroche (198-83, college: N.Florida) added 13 points and 8 rebounds respectively. Angers BC 49 moved-up to third place. Loser Saint Chamond dropped to the eleventh position with ten games lost. Angers BC 49 will face Souffelweyersheim (#10) in Souffel. in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Saint Chamond will play at home against Orchesien BC in Orchies and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Angers BC 49: D.Griffin 23+10reb+1ast, T.Ramphort 18+7reb+5ast, O.Sulpice 8+2reb+8ast, V.Mendy 7+4reb, D.Hayes 7+3reb+1ast, S.Cherasse 5+2reb+2ast
St Chamond: J.Rinna 16+11reb, A.Laroche 13+8reb+1ast, J.LanduBongo 13+2reb+3ast, J.Beugnot 9+6reb+2ast, R.Aubry 8+9reb+3ast, M.Bole 7+1reb+1ast

Lievin - Denain 76-70

Round 18 in NM1 means a new league leader. The biggest surprise took place in Lievin where host Lievin Basket (7-11) beat league's leader Denain Voltaire (14-4) 76-70 on Friday evening. 25 personal fouls committed by Denain Voltaire helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was forward Aude Pierre-Joseph (194-79) who scored 19 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Naturalized American forward Antwon Hoard (199-72, college: Murray St., agency: ACMT) chipped in 18 points and 7 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was American-Liberian power forward Boakai Lalugba (200-81, college: Bucknell, agency: Court Side) who recorded a double-double by scoring 19 points and 12 rebounds and center Renaud Brocheray (203-80) added 12 points and 7 rebounds respectively. Lievin Basket maintains fourteenth position with 7-11 record, which they share with Get Vosges and Le Puy. Denain Voltaire at the other side dropped to the second place with four games lost. They were replaced at the leadership position by Bordeaux. Denain Voltaire will play next round against Roche trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Lievin Basket will try to continue on its current victory against first ranked Bordeaux on the road.
Top scorers:
Lievin: A.Pierre-Joseph 19+5reb+4ast, A.Hoard 18+7reb+1ast, S.Cretaux 14+1ast, P.Balocka 8+13reb+2ast, D.Russell 8+2reb+2ast, V.Lehut 7+1ast
Denain: B.Lalugba 19+12reb, R.Brocheray 12+7reb, A.Belkessa 11+1reb+3ast, F.Minet 10+2reb+2ast, A.Gacko 8+7reb+1ast, J.Sauret 8+3reb+5ast

Denek - Brest 93-89

We should mention about the upset which took place in Bidart, where higher ranked Etendard de Brest (10-8) lost to twelfth ranked Denek (9-9) in a road game 89-93 on Saturday. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Etendard de Brest. Etendard de Brest was trailing by 2 points at halftime but managed to get 1-point lead after three quarters before a 27-22 charge of Denek, which allowed them to win the game. They shot 62.3 percent from the field and made 22-of-26 free shots (84.6 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was American guard Larry Blair (183-84, college: Liberty, agency: JEMsports) who scored 26 points and 6 rebounds. Forward Boris Elisabeth-Mesnager (201-83, college: California (PA)) chipped in 24 points and 6 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). At the other side the best for losing team was Lithuanian forward Vaidotas Pridotkas (200-84) who recorded a double-double by scoring 23 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists and American power forward Rolan Roberts (201-78, college: S.Illinois, agency: Warren Sports International) added 14 points and 7 rebounds respectively. Five Etendard de Brest players scored in double figures. Denek moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Blois and Souffel. Loser Etendard de Brest keeps the sixth position with eight games lost. Denek will face bottom-ranked CFBB (#18) in Paris in the next round and are hoping to win another game.
Top scorers:
Denek: L.Blair 26+6reb+2ast, B.Elisabeth-Mesnager 24+6reb+1ast, F.Calvez 12+1reb+2ast, L.Konate 8+2reb+3ast, W.Berquier 7+3ast, C.Clemmons 6+4reb
Brest: V.Pridotkas 23+10reb+5ast, R.Roberts 14+7reb+1ast, G.Staelens 13+3reb+2ast, R.Lopez 12+3reb, J.Doreau 11+5reb, J.Blanchot 9+1reb

Le Puy - St Quentin 81-68

There was a surprise result in Le Puy en Velay where fifteenth ranked Le Puy ASMB (7-11) beat higher ranked Saint-Quentin (11-7) 81-68 on Saturday. The game without a history. Le Puy ASMB led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 28-of-35 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Le Puy ASMB forced 22 Saint-Quentin turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by Saint-Quentin's players. Saint-Quentin was plagued by 30 personal fouls down the stretch. The best player for the winners was guard Damien Pistre (190-83) who scored 15 points and 5 rebounds. Naturalized Cameroonian forward Michel Ipouck (199-86) chipped in 17 points. Five Le Puy ASMB players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was forward Julien Lesieu (199-83) who recorded 17 points and 9 rebounds and American guard Keonta Howell (193-85, college: Toledo) added 10 points and 6 rebounds respectively. Le Puy ASMB moved-up to fourteenth place, which they share with Get Vosges and Lievin. Saint-Quentin lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the fourth position with seven games lost. Le Puy ASMB will face higher ranked Saint-Etienne (#6) at home in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Saint-Quentin will play against Sorgues where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Le Puy: M.Ipouck 17+4reb+2ast, D.Pistre 15+5reb+3ast, G.Sene 14+3reb+5ast, C.Guillarme 12+2reb+2ast, J.Cortey 12+2reb+8ast, S.Cabarkapa 11+9reb+1ast
St Quentin: J.Lesieu 17+9reb+1ast, M.Diallo 12+1reb+4ast, K.Howell 10+6reb+1ast, J.Jones 9+1reb, O.Romain 8+4reb+1ast, J.Bach 5

Paris-Levallois keeps Michel Morandais for rest of the season - by Eurobasket News
Paris-Levallois decided to keep Michel Morandais (197-G/F-79, college: Colorado). They extended deal for rest of the season. Morandais joined the club in November as a replacement for injured David Noel. He signed a two-month deal at that time. Morandais played 8 games in ProA registering 6.6 ppg and 5.1 rpg.
Michel Morandais played last season in Italy as a member of Cimberio Varese. He appeared 30 times in SerieA averaging 10.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists. In 2009, he helped Nancy reach the ProA Semifinals and also the Cup Finals. For 35 games in France he had 7.1 ppg and 2.4 rpg. Nancy also competed in Euroleague, where Morandais added 5.9 ppg and 2.4 rpg for 10 games. In the past, he was a member of Estudiantes, Napoli and Cantu. He graduated at the University of Colorado in 2004.

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GERMANY

Kevin Wysocki Heads To s.Oliver Baskets - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Second placed s. Oliver Baskets Wurzburg have had injury woes lately and dont want to be caught by teams behind them and added Kevin Wysocki (198-F-87) to help give the team stability. Wysocki is a 23 year old 198cm forward that is the brother of German national player Konrad Wysocki and played for Science City Jena this season playing 10 games averaging 11,0ppg and 4,5rpg in 23 minutes per game. With injuries to Dimitry Mcduffie, Frieder Diestelhorst, and Michael Fleischmann it was only obvious that the club was looking on the market for a player. Wysocki gets a contract until the end of the season. Wysocki started his basketball career for SOBA Dragons Rhoendorf (2.Bundesliga) in 2006-2007, playing 9 games: 2.4ppg, 1.2rpg. In 2007-2008, he played for EnBW Ludwigsburg (1.Bundesliga), had also a license to play at VfL Kirchheim Knights (ProB): 27 games: 5.4ppg, 2.6rpg, 2FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 56.5%. In 2008-2009, he moved to Spot Up Medien Baskets Braunschweig (ProB): 22 games: 16.5ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.4apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 25.8%, FT: 63.1%, had also a license to play at New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig (1.Bundesliga): 9 games: 1.2ppg. Last season, he played for New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig (1.Bundesliga, starting five), German League: 4 games: 0.8ppg; in Dec.'09 moved to Science City Jena (ProA, starting five): 16 games: 12.7ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 57.3%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 51.9%. Some achievements in his young career so far have been German Bundesliga U-20 All-Star Game -07, German U20 National Team -07, German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Regular Season Runner-Up -08, and Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Most Improved Player of the Year -09.

Source: s. Oliver Baskets.

Dru Joyce (TBB Trier) I Go Out And Try To Be A Good Leader - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Dru Joyce (183-G-85, college: Akron) is a 25 year old 183cm point guard from Akron, Ohio that is playing his first season for TBB Trier. He played at St Marys high school with Lebron James and Romeo Travis winning three state championships and compiling a 103-5 record. He played at Akron (NCAA) from 2003-2007. In his senior year, he played 33 games averaging 10.0ppg, 2.4rpg, 4.3apg, FGP: 41.3%, 3Pts: 39.6%, FT: 65.6%. In 2007-2008, he played for Ratiopharm Ulm playing 34 games averaging 9.5ppg, 2.0rpg, Assists-2 (4.4apg), 2FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 72.8%. In 2008-2009, he played his second season in Ulm and played 34 games averaging 10.1ppg, 1.8rpg, Assists-2 (4.5apg), FGP: 42.8%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 73.0%. Last season, he played for Energa Czarni Slupsk (Poland-PLK, starting five), Polish League: 6 games: 4.5ppg, 1.5rpg, 3.0apg; in Nov.'09 moved to Anwil Wloclawek (Poland-PLK): 27 games: 7.5ppg, 1.6rpg, 3.4apg, FGP: 41.0%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 75.9%. He spoke to eurobasket about basketball.

What is it like playing against John Goldsberry? He doesnt score much, but does everything as a point guard. Where would you rate him in the BEKO BBL?

He is one of the top point guards in the league. He is one of the best because he is leading the team to wins. Bamberg doesnt need him to score. He sets the table for the team.

You are back in the BEKO BBL after playing a season in Poland. How exciting is it playing in the league and is it even tighter than when you were in Ulm?

I am excited to be back in the BEKO BBL. I feel very comfortable playing in this league. The teams from 4-14 have pretty much the same record. Each team is competiting very hard and you cant ever take a night off. Even when you play against bad teams, it is never an automatic win.

What was the main reason for coming to TBB Trier?

Trier showed the most interest in me. Trier struggled last season and they want to be competitive again this year. Coach Rodl wants me to blossom and lead Trier into the playoffs.

How much American blood is in coach Henrik Rodl who won the 1993 NCAA title with North Carolina?

I dont know how much American blood he has, but coach Rodl knows much about basketball and world affairs. He bleeds Tar Heels until the end. He played for legendary coach Dean Smith and worked with coaches from the east block. He brings pieces from all these experiences that he has had playing and coaching.

Can TBB Trier be a playoff team?

We can be a playoff team. We believe in our abilities, work hard and never give up. If we can continue to play well, we hope to be around the playoff places and if possible separate us a bit from the non playoff places.

Many talk about young Germans Robin Benzing, Per Gunther, Tibor Pleiss and Elias Harris, but Phillip Zwiener often gets forgotten. Can he get better and will he return to the German national team?

Phil never had a real chance in Berlin, because there were so many talented players there. He is a good player and is proving it now with TBB Trier. If he keeps working then he will improve. I am sure his goal is to return back to the German national team.

How is it different leading TBB Trier than it was Ratiopharm Ulm?

It is not that much different now. My first two years in Ulm, I was at the start of my career. Now I am older, more improved and feel more comfortable on the court. We have a young team in Trier and we want to find a chemistry and just keep improving and listen to each other.

What is a strength in your game that doesnt always get noticed right away?

I am not really sure. My game is pretty basic. I go out and try to be a good leader. I know that I am a pretty good play maker that likes to create and finish. Key for my game also to play good defense.

What do you still need to improve in your game?

I would like to improve everywhere in my game. I need to improve my on ball defense and I could be more efficient on the court. I want to be a player that doesnt just miss shots, but is able to hit consistently from outside, the free throw line and in the paint.

Recently you beat Ratiopharm Ulm. What did coach Mike Taylor tell you that stayed in your memory?

We spoke before the game and didnt really talk about basketball. We were more concerned what was happening off the court and about family life. He told me that he was proud of my success and I told him he was doing a good job. There are so many players always coming and going from Ulm, but he always finds a way to win. He just loves the game of basketball.

You played last season for Energa Czarni Slupsk and Anwil Wloclawek. What was the most important thing that you learned in Poland?

I played for two very good coaches. One was from Latvia and the other was from Belarius. It was a new situation for me since I had always played for American coaches. They both had different styles. I had some ups and downs in Poland, but I learned to always keep fighting when I was going through a rough time. You always have to be ready when called upon.

Who won a one on one in practice in Poland? You or American Alex Harris?

We didnt really play so much one on one games. We did a lot of shooting drills. I won about 60% of our games.

Harris is a pretty good shooter.

Yes he is, but so am I.

Of course you are, but I think for you your playmaking is most important. Harris is a shooting guard.

Yes he is a shooting guard. I do like to make plays instead of hanging out on the wing and running around screens and shooting.

Lebron James, Romeo Travis and you won three Ohio state titles with St Marys. If all three of you would play together again today, would anything change in your playing style?

All three of us are improved now. We always play together in the summer. Our chemistry is unmatched. We still work together very well despite not having played on the same team since years. If you put Lebron on the court with four other players, he will make them good anyway.

How often have you see the DVD More than a game?

I have not seen it as much as people might think. I have seen it 5 times. My memory of the DVD is very good. I remember all the events and am able to bring it up in m yown mind. Whenever I watch the DVD, it brings emotions and I like to make some popcorn and watch it.

When you watch More than a game what do you miss the most from this time?

I miss just being on the same team with those guys. It was the time of my life. I dont really want to go back to this time, but I am always thinking about it. I feel very blessed to have had this experience.

What are your nicest memories from your time with Ratiopharm Ulm?

Both seasons were great, but I really have nice memories of the second season. We had great guys. Per Gunther was a great friend and still is today. We were not expected to win, but we reached the playoffs. The fans were great also.

Who wins a one on one, you or John Bynum?

We dont do one on one after practice. We compete against each other in practice each day. We really make each other work hard each day. John has a few inches on me so I try not to let him get inside and try to keep him on the perimeter. I try to use my quickness to beat him.

Will the Miami Heat and Lebron James win the 2011 NBA title?

I would love to see it happen, but they still need to improve. I think that they will get better and will be in the hunt.

What is your fondest basketball memory of Lebron James?

There is footage of Lebron scoring 50 points for ST Marys. It made the rough copy of the DVD More than a game, but not the final copy. We were playing in New Jersey and Lebron scored 50 + points including a 10-0 run where he scored with 3 consecutive dunks including a tip and lob dunk. I fed him for one of his dunks.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

I watched the movie The Town with Ben Affleck. The movie I think is about where you come from?

Yes it is set in Boston.

It was a good movie about bank heists.

Thanks Dru for the chat.

Quentin Pryor (Phoenix Hagen) We HaveTo Get Back To Defending Like We Did In The Beginning Of The Season - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Morehead St.) is a 27 year old 193cm shooting guard/small forward from Eupora, Mississippi and is playing his second season with Phoenix Hagen. He started his college basketball career at Jackson State, before finishing at Morehead State from 2005-2007. In his senior year, he played 30 games averaging11.4ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 46.3%, 3Pts: 36.8%, FT: 71.7%. In 2007, he started his professional basketball career in Germany with FC Schalke 04 playing 29 games and averaging 15.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.2apg, Steals-1 (2.5spg), FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 37.4%, FT: 75.2%. In 2008-2009 for Phoenix Hagen, he played 30 games averaging 14.7ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.0apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 60.5%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 75.2. He spoke to eurobasket after the loss in Goettingen. Last season, he played 33 games: 8.8ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 40.9%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 72.9%. He spoke to eurobasket before the 2011BEKO BBL Allstar game.

Is one of the season highlights for you being able to play in the O2 World arena?

It is a nice arena but I dont get caught up in where the game is played at.

Alba Berlin had the 50-40 lead at halftime. What was giving phoenix Hagen the most difficulty in the first half?

We had too many turnovers and Berlin took advantage of them.

In the second half, Alba Berlin kept pouring it especially in the fourth quarter getting 34 points. What made Alba Berlin so strong on offense on this day?

They knocked down the shoots that missed in Hagen and got in a groove.

What is the most important thing the team will from this loss?

There is nothing positive to take out of this game. It was just an allround bad game from us.

How happy are you with the first half of the season for Phoenix Hagen? What will the team need to do better in the second half?

Can't be too happy because we lost a lot of games in the final minutes which could have us in a better position. We have to get back to defending like we did in the beginning of the season.

How will you be spending the BEKO BBL Allstar break?

I will in Trier to support my teammates Mark and Jake.

Where will Derrick Rose be in 5 years in terms of top point guards in the NBA?

In my opinion he is the best point guard in the game right now but in 5 years he will be the top choice in everyone's mind.

Thanks Q for the chat.

Kimmo Muurinen (Deutsche Bank Skyliners) I Think Its My Dirty Work Diving For Loose Balls That Doesnt Get Noticed As Much - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Kimmo Muurinen (202-F-81, college: UALR) is a 29 year old 202cm forward swingman with great athletic ability, agility and versatility that comes from Finland. He played in the NCAA from 2002-2004 for the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. In his senior year, he played 28 games: 6.1ppg, 3.7rpg, 22ast. He turned professional in 2004 and played for Honka Espoo Playboys (Korisliiga) until 2009. In his five years in Finland, he played 164 games. His best season was 2005-2006, where he played 40 games: 14.1ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 54%, 3PT: 41.9%, FT: 77.6%. Last season he played for Martos Napoli (Italy-SerieA, starting five): 12 games: 7.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 51.7%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 56.3%, in Jan.'10 moved to Scafati Basket (Italy-Lega2): 18 games: 4.4ppg, 3.3rpg. Some awards and achievements in his basketball career have been Finnish National Team -00-10, Polar Cup Finalist -00, Finnish League Rookie of the Year -01, Finnish League Quarterfinals -05, Finnisn University National Team -05, World University Games -05, Finnish League Regular Season Runner-Up -06, 07
Finnish League Semifinals -06, 09, Eurobasket.com Finnish League All-Domestic Players Team -06, Finnish League Champion -07, 08, Qualifications to European Championships 2009 -08: 8 games: 11.8ppg, 4.8rpg, FGP: 54.3%, 3PT: 43.8%, FT: 82.1%, Finnish Cup Semifinals -09, and Qualifications to European Championships 2011 -10: 8 games: 2.8ppg, 3.9rpg. He spoke with eurobasket about basketball.

What did The Deutsche Bank Skyliners learn from the consecutive loses in Bonn and Ulm?

We learned that we have to come prepared to the games. We always have to be prepared to play. There will always be up and downs in games and if we are going through a difficult period then we have to be mentally ready to play well in those situations.

Was the 24-0 run against The EWE Baskets Oldenburg the biggest offense explosion that you were a part of in your basketball career?

Yes it was and it was fun to watch.

Will Chris Moss help the team?

I hope that he will help the team a lot. We have a good rotation now at the big end. Every time we sub, there will be a fresh body coming in. We have a lot of power from the bench now.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners have lost to the top teams. Is Frankfurt missing some toughness?

One cant forget that the games have all been close. There wasnt missing too much. In tight games, it is usually the team that has the least mistakes that wins.

You are playing your first season in the BEKO BBL. How do you like the BEKO BBL and Germany?

Germany has been a great experience for me. Germany is like Finland and it has been easy to adapt to Germany. I really like the BEKO BBL, because I like the style a sit is team orientated. Germany has been a great fit.

You have played with many players in your career. How would you describe your relationship to AJ Moye?

Well we were roommates in per season. AJ is a great person that likes to talk a lot. It is amazing how much he knows about teams and players. He is a walking basketball dictionary. He is a hustle player that gets the team going wheather it be getting rebounds or loose balls.

You have played most of your career in Finland and one season in Italy. Is it difficult adapting to the BEKO BBL?

I feel like at home in the BEKO BBL. The league is more professional here as well as tougher than in Finland. The basketball isnt that much different, but just the level is higher in Germany.

What is a strength in your game that doesnt get noticed right away?

I think it is my dirty work like diving for loose balls that doesnt get noticed as much. My strength is my defense.

Do you like my nickname for you the iceman?

Yes I do.

You told me after the win against Bayreuth that you are the invisible player that does the dirty work. Has that always been the case in your career?

Well in Finland I had more of a scoring role, but with Frankfurt I am concentrating more on defense getting stops and getting rebounds so I guess that name fits my role here.

Who were your basketball idols as a kid?

I never really had any basketball idols. My friends liked Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson.

You played at the University of Arkansas for two years. I guess the college life was a bit different to what you were used to in Finland?

The college life in the NCAA was wild. Young kids out of the house for the first time. It was a great opportunity to be able to play basketball, but at the same time get an education.

You played in Italy at Napoli with ex NBA player Robert Trailor. Who won a one on one in practice?

He is a big body. Face to face I would win and with the back to the basket he would win.

What were the most free throws that you made in a row in a practice?

50

What was the most crazy shot that you ever made in a game or practice?

I once made four half court shots in a row. You never know when a shot like that might come in handy so practicing them is always good to do.

Who wins a one on one you or Roger Powell?

He is tough. It would be pretty even I hope.

How long can you stay in the sauna?

I am not a big fan of the sauna. I like the mild warm saunas the most. If I am in a hot one then only for a short time.

What do you want to do after your basketball career?

I am almost finished with my information science degree. I might want to go into the computer game industry or do something with graphic design.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

I like watching science fiction series like Battlestar Galactica or Star Trek.

Thanks Kimmo for the chat.

Christian Standhardinger Will Not Play For La Salle - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Sometimes things change very quicly in basketball similar to the fortunes of The New England Patriots who threw away their possibile 4th Superbowl winning season with a 28-21 playoff loss to The New York Jets last Sunday in only 60 minutes time while the new career of German Christian Standhardinger (203-F-89) lasted less than 24 hours at his new NCAA school La Salle as he will not play for the team. Standhardinger is a 21 year old 203cm power forward from Munich who played at DJK SB Muenchen II (Oberliga) and Erdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule (2.Bundesliga) and SG Urspringschule/Schelklingen (Oberliga) before entering the NCAA in 2009 for Nebraska. He had a very respectable freshman season playing 16 games: 8.1ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 40.9%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 78.3%. He scored 25 points and grabbed 8 rebounds against Iowa State. He started the 2010-2011 season off very well as he was the teams third best scorer and prior to this season, Sports Illustrated's Luke Winn cited Standhardinger as one of five sophomores nationally primed with breakout potential. However he suddenly left Nebraska and yesterday it was announced that he would join La Salle. He would be able to play for the La SalleExplorers following the conclusion of the fall 2011 semester after sitting out a year due to NCAA transfer regulations. However this new dream was dashed late Tuesday night as La Salle coach John Giannini announced that Standhardinger would not be playing for the Explorers after all. 'Christian has recently been made aware of a personal situation that demands his full attention. We believe it is in the best interest of all parties that Christian Standhardinger (203-F-89) does not attend La Salle University', stressed La Salle coach John Giannini . A reason why the Catholic school La Salle came to this sudden decision may have been that Standhardinger was cited Sunday on suspicion of public indecency in a Lincoln park. http://www.omaha.com/article/20110118/SPORTS/701189850
The question now is will Standhardinger return back to Germany to play professional ball?

Source: http://www.goexplorers.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/011811aaa.html

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GREECE

Berrocal:"Aris are able to change a result in just one period" - by George Fragkos
After the game of Budivelnyk Kyiv against Aris Thessaloniki, the head coach of the Ukrainian team, Josep Berrocal , took some of his time to answer us a couple of questions. We asked him his thoughts about Aris, the team he had just faced and he responded talking about the Greek team with very good words:
'Aris is a good team. At this game they proved once again that they are able to perform better than they did at some games of the season. They are a team which can change the result even in just one period, just like they did against us, taking advantage of our mistakes at defense and playing well offensively'.

As for his first experience as a head coach and the new team he has taken over, having some great early results, he pointed out:
'It is a lot different being the head coach from being just an assistant. The duties are much more, considering that you have to build your own team consisted of 12 players. But this is not the only difference, as the whole situation is something new to me. Ukraine is a country with a different culture and their philosophy in basketball is completely unlike to the Spanish'.

Finally, speaking about the challenge he and his players face, being at this stage of the Eurocup, he seemed certain that this achievement is is going to be of great benefit to the club:
'For us having reached the Top16 in Eurocup is something very important. Its the first time the club achieves such thing and faces opponents of such a high level. We do not face every day powerful teams of European basketball and we can gain a lot by this experience'.

Batiste, Panathinaikos too much for Lietuvos Rytas in Vilnius - by Eurobasket News
Lietuvos Rytas - Panathinaikos 59-80

Panathinaikos demonstrated great performance in the first game of the Euroleague Top 16. The reigning Greek champion cruised past Lietuvos Rytas on the road for 1-0 record in Group E. Mike Batiste (203-F-77, college: Arizona St.) shined for the Greens with 26 points. Kostas Kaimakoglou (206-C/F-83) had 16 points and 9 boards, while Kostas Tsartsaris (210-F-79) added 12 points. On the other side, Rytas got 11 points and 8 boards from Milko Bjelica (207-C-84, agency: Beo Basket). Khalid El-Amin (178-G-79, agency: Beo Basket, college: Connecticut) and Kenan Bajramovic (206-F-81, agency: Beo Basket) netted 10 points each.
Lietuvos Rytas started the game better making 21-18 lead after first ten minutes. They jumped to plus 7 at the beginning of the second quarter, but PAO players improved after that cutting the margin to 3 pts. Rytas was better in the finish of this period and went to the HT with 33-29. Third period was the crucial one tonight as Mike Batiste and his teammates smashed the home squad with 8-24. They were extending their lead in the last quarter for the final 59-80 victory and 1-0 in Group E.
PAO will host Unicaja in the next round, while Rytas will meet Caja Laboral in Vitoria.

Lietuvos Rytas: Milko Bjelica 11+8 boards, Khalid El-Amin 10, Kenan Bajramovic 10
Panathinaikos: Mike Batiste 26, Kostas Kaimakoglou 16+9 boards, Kostas Tsartsaris 12

Coleman arrives for Iraklis - by Giorgos Diploidis
A lot of names were heard as possible replacements of Terrell Everett (193-G-84, agency: ZAG Advocates, college: Oklahoma). Marcus Norris and William Every the previous week, Mardy Collins and Smush Parker the last days. Finally today (19/01) is expected to arrive in Thessaloniki at 13:30 Jerome Coleman (185-G-81, college: Rutgers) Coleman last year has played in Ukraine for BC Odessa while he started this season in BC Steaua Turabo Bucuresti (Romania), where in three games had 11.3 ppg and 1.3 rpg.

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ICELAND

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. Biedler, IR	22.3
4. Robinson, Haukar	22.0
5. Dabney, Hamar	21.9
6. Smith, Grindavik	21.6
7. Smith, Njardvik	21.0
8. Amoroso, Snaefell	20.7
9. Fain, Tindastoll	20.5
10. Shouse, Stjarnan	20.4

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Robinson, Haukar	14.4
2. Ermolinskij, KR	12.7
3. Biedler, IR	12.4
4. Trifunovic, Keflavik	11.1
5. Pettinella, Grindavik	10.7
6. Fain, Tindastoll	10.6
7. Amoroso, Snaefell	10.3
8. Stywall, Fjolnir	9.8
9. Suljic, KFI	9.5
10. Jonsson, Snaefell	9.1

Assists Per Game

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

1. Steinarsson, Fjolnir	9.2
2. Ermolinskij, KR	8.8
3. Vilhjalmsson, Kefla.	8.0
4. Smith, Grindavik	7.0
5. Burton, Snaefell	6.3
6. Haraldsson, Haukar	6.1
7. Cunningham, Tinda.	5.9
8. Inge, Haukar	5.3
9. Schoen, KFI	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	3.2
3. Inge, Haukar	3.0
4. Dabney, Hamar	2.9
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.	2.2

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Smith, Njardvik	3.2
2. Nathanaelsso., Ham.	2.5
3. Biedler, IR	1.8
4. Fain, Tindastoll	1.8
5. Pettinella, Grindavik	1.7
6. Savarsson, Grind.	1.6
7. Hafsteinsson, Fjolnir	1.4
8. Aorsteinsson, Kefla.	1.2
9. Helgason, Stjarnan	1.2
10. Inge, Haukar	1.1

Pavel Ermolinskij's triple-double lands him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
23-year old swingman Pavel Ermolinskij (202-G/F-87) put on an amazing game in the last round for KR Reykjavik and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 13.
He recorded a triple-double of 17 points and added17 rebounds and 16 assists, while his team beat Hamar (#8, 5-8) 97-87. KR maintains the 4th position in Icelandic league. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. KR will need more victories to improve their 9-4 record. In the team's last game Ermolinskij had a remarkable 71.4% from 2-point range. He turned to be KR's top player in his first season with the team. Ermolinskij has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in rebounds (2nd best: 12.7rpg), assists (2nd best: 8.8apg) and averages solid 58.0% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Jon Olafur Jonsson (199-F-81) of top-ranked Ungmennafelagio Snaefell. He is a forward in his 8th season at Snaefell. In the last game Jonsson recorded impressive double-double of 28 points and 13 rebounds. Bad luck as Snaefell lost that game 89-112 to slightly lower-ranked Keflavik (#3, 9-4). It was definitely game of the week between two contenders to the title. Snaefell still maintains its place as the top team in the standings, even despite this loss. It was just his team's 2nd loss this season, while they won 11 other games. Jonsson is one of the most experienced players at Snaefell and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to guard James Bartolotta (193-G-86) of IR (#10). Bartolotta got into 30-points club by scoring 32 points in the last round. He went also for six rebounds and four assists. He was a key player of IR, leading his team to a 97-89 win against Njardvik (4-9). The chances of IR not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 9 games, recording just four victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Bartolotta could try to bring IR's a little bit higher in the standings. Bartolotta has a very solid season. In 2 games in Iceland he scored 29.0ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Thomas Sanders (191-G-85) of Keflavik - 30 points and 3 rebounds
5. Hayward Fain (196-F) of Tindastoll - 28 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Aegir Steinarsson (182-G-91) of Fjolnir - 13 points, 8 rebounds and 14 assists
7. Axel Vilhjalmsson (188-G-88) of Keflavik - 17 points, 5 rebounds and 11 assists
8. Nemanja Sovic (198-F-77) of IR - 32 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists
9. Christopher Smith (198-F-82) of Njardvik - 21 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Palmi Sigurgeirsson (190-G-78) of Snaefell - 20 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)

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ISRAEL

Beeri Hope To Get Stronger. Sign Raymond Canady - by David Pick
Hapoel Beeri signed today (Wednesday), Atlanta native 6'7 explosive guard, Raymond Canady.

Canady will group up with forward Stacey Moragne, who only arrived at the Israeli southern team last week, as the two talents will try and help their new team overcome what you call 'rock bottom' 13th place (3-11), as week 14 past bye in the Israeli National league.

'I'm glad to have the opportunity of coming to play in Israel', Canady told Eurobasket.com today, moments after signing the contract.

'I'm not going to take this for granted. My job is to come in and try to help the team progress throughout the season. This is my first time to Israel and I know that it is probably the closest place in Europe to America, and that a lot of people there speak English so that will definitely make things easier for me'.

I heard you spoke to some players who played in Israel and are now in the NBA.

'Yea, I spoke with Anthony Parker and he told me it is a great place. I know Derrick Sharp and he also told me that it's a very nice place with warm people. Basically they both had only good things to say about the country so when it comes from people like them it only made my decision easier'.

Beeri who's last W came late November, will try to battle their way back into the league with Canady, former American Top 100 players in High School (Lithonia), and a 53.5% shooter from the field his sophomore year in college (Valdosta St.)

Canady who played only two games this season with the Tennessee Dragons (UBA), averaging 14 points, 7 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 block shots in 30 minutes, is a very explosive versatile guard who is known for his athletic ability. Canady likes to penetrate and finish strong at the rim, but can also shoot the mid-range jumper and has a hot hand from beyond the arc.

National League Round 15: Hapoel T-A beats Elitzur Yavne in the most crucial game of the week - by Eurobasket News
The round was rather attractive and full of interesting results. The round ended with favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin.

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Yavne. Leader Hapoel T-A faced second-best Elitzur Yavne. Guests from Tel-Aviv (15-0) defeated host Elitzur Yavne (10-5) 97-90. The guests trailed by 7 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 8-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 97-90. Hapoel T-A made 35-of-45 free shots (77.8 percent) during the game. 33 personal fouls committed by Elitzur Yavne helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was Jamaican-American power forward Adrian Uter (201-84, college: Hofstra, agency: Gross Zeev ISA) who had a double-double by scoring 25 points and 12 rebounds. American forward Brian Asbury (200-85, college: Miami (FL)) chipped in 28 points. At the other side the best for losing team was naturalized Polish guard Oded Brandwein (188-88) who recorded 20 points (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line). Undefeated Hapoel T-A have an impressive series of fifteen victories in a row. Newly promoted Hapoel T-A maintains first place with 15-0 record. Elitzur Yavne at the other side dropped to the third position with five games lost. Hapoel T-A are looking forward to face Kohav Yair (#7) in Kohav Yair in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Elitzur Yavne will play on the road against the league's second-placed Maccabi HBK (#2) in Habikaa and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Another exciting game was between eighth ranked Ironi Ramat Gan and 5th ranked Beer Yaakov where host Ironi Ramat Gan (7-8) won against Beer Yaakov (9-6) 103-99. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Beer Yaakov. It was a good game for American guard Albert Fisher (184-86, college: Kent St.) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 25 points, 11 assists and 4 steals. S. Colwell contributed with 21 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. American forward Jermaine Hall (196-80, college: Wagner) answered with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 10 rebounds (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field) for Beer Yaakov. Ironi Ramat Gan moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Kohav Yair and Hapoel Afula. Beer Yaakov at the other side dropped to the fourth position with six games lost. They share it with Megido/Yokneam and Hapoel Tivon. Ironi Ramat Gan will play against higher ranked Hapoel Tivon (#4) in Kiryat Tivon in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Beer Yaakov will play at home against Megido/Yokneam and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
A very close game took place in Kohav Yair between Kohav Yair and Hapoel Tivon. Ninth ranked Kohav Yair (7-8) got a very close home victory over 4th placed Hapoel Tivon (9-6). Kohav Yair managed to escape with a 2-point win 71-69 on Tuesday evening. It was a great evening for Sani Ibrahim who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds. The best for the losing side was Kobi Izik with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds. Kohav Yair moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Ironi Ramat Gan and Hapoel Afula. Loser Hapoel Tivon keeps the fourth position with six games lost. They share it with Megido/Yokneam and Beer Yaakov. Kohav Yair will meet league's leader Hapoel T-A in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Hapoel Tivon will play against Ironi Ramat Gan and hope to secure a win.
Fourteenth-ranked Ironi Nahariya (2-12) made lots of trouble for third ranked Maccabi HBK (11-4). The visitors from Habikaa managed to secure only three-point victory 79-76. However their fans expected much easier game. It was an exceptional evening for Paul Delaney who led the winners and scored 32 points and 5 rebounds. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for Maccabi HBK. They moved-up to second place. Ironi Nahariya lost their eighth game in a row. They stay at the bottom position with 12 games lost. Maccabi HBK's next round opponent will be Elitzur Yavne (#3) at home, which may be the game of the day. Ironi Nahariya will play against Hapoel Afula (#9) and be promoted back to the Premier League just one year after relegation.
We should mention about the upset which took place in Lev Hasharon, where 7th ranked Hapoel Afula (7-8) lost to tenth ranked Lev Hasharon (6-9) in a road game 63-73 on Tuesday. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Hapoel Afula. The best player for the winners was Raviv Pitshon who scored 17 points and 8 rebounds. Lev Hasharon maintains tenth place with 6-9 record. Loser Hapoel Afula keeps the seventh position with eight games lost. Lev Hasharon will face Elitzur Ramla (#11) on the road in the next round.

In the last two games of round 15 Elitzur Ramla defeated Hod Hasharon in a road game 94-80. Megido/Yokneam beat Hapoel Beeri at home 83-75.

Ironi Nahariya - Maccabi HBK 76-79

Fourteenth-ranked Ironi Nahariya (2-12) made lots of trouble for third ranked Maccabi HBK (11-4). The visitors from Habikaa managed to secure only three-point victory 79-76. However their fans expected much easier game. Ironi Nahariya was ahead by 1 point at the halftime before a 38-34 second half run of Maccabi HBK. 27 personal fouls committed by Ironi Nahariya helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was an exceptional evening for American guard Paul Delaney (188-86, college: UAB, agency: Lanshire Group) who led the winners and scored 32 points and 5 rebounds. The former international forward Itay Lev (202-80) accounted for 13 points and 5 rebounds for the winning side. American forward Jason Johnson (203-86, college: S.Carolina St.) came up with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 11 rebounds and the other American import forward E.J. Drayton (204-82, college: Charlotte, agency: Strategic Sports) added 13 points and 9 rebounds respectively for Ironi Nahariya in the defeat. Four Ironi Nahariya players scored in double figures. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for Maccabi HBK. They moved-up to second place. Ironi Nahariya lost their eighth game in a row. They stay at the bottom position with 12 games lost. Maccabi HBK's next round opponent will be Elitzur Yavne (#3) at home, which may be the game of the day. Ironi Nahariya will play against Hapoel Afula (#9) and be promoted back to the Premier League just one year after relegation.
Top scorers:
Maccabi HBK: P.Delaney 32+5reb+1ast, S.Bradford 14+2reb+1ast, I.Lev 13+5reb+1ast, M.Moscovitz 7+9reb+1ast, G.Kantor 5+4reb+4ast, N.Matalon 5+1reb
Ironi Nahariya: J.Johnson 18+11reb+1ast, J.Roberts 14+6reb+2ast, E.Drayton 13+9reb+3ast, A.Pereg 10+1reb+8ast, O.Ben Hemo 9+4reb+2ast, A.Ohana 7+2reb+3ast

Lev Hasharon - Hapoel Afula 73-63

We should mention about the upset which took place in Lev Hasharon, where 7th ranked Hapoel Afula (7-8) lost to tenth ranked Lev Hasharon (6-9) in a road game 63-73 on Tuesday. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Hapoel Afula. They outrebounded Hapoel Afula 47-32 including 16 on the offensive glass. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Lev Hasharon made 7 blocks. Hapoel Afula was plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. The best player for the winners was power forward Raviv Pitshon (202-89) who scored 17 points and 8 rebounds. American forward Lorrenzo Wade (198-85, college: San Diego St., agency: Interperformances) chipped in 9 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Bryant Markson (198-83, college: Utah) who recorded 15 points and 8 rebounds and the other American import forward Darnell Hugee (201-85, college: Prairie View A&M) added 17 points (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) respectively. Lev Hasharon maintains tenth place with 6-9 record. Loser Hapoel Afula keeps the seventh position with eight games lost. Lev Hasharon will face Elitzur Ramla (#11) on the road in the next round.
Top scorers:
Lev Hasharon: R.Pitshon 17+8reb+1ast, I.Eiram 15+4reb+2ast, O.Winter 11+5reb+2ast, L.Wade 9+13reb+2ast, A.Henry Dobie 8+8reb+4ast, Y.Moshe 8+3reb+1ast
Hapoel Afula: D.Hugee 17+4reb, B.Markson 15+8reb+2ast, O.Shmidt 9+3ast, E.Solomoviz 7, T.Michael Dunne 6+5reb+1ast, A.Eliyahu 5+8reb+4ast

Hod Hasharon - Elitzur Ramla 80-94

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams when 11th ranked Hod Hasharon (4-10) was defeated at home by twelfth ranked Elitzur Ramla (5-10) 94-80 on Tuesday. The game was mostly controlled by Elitzur Ramla. Hod Hasharon managed to win fourth quarter 25-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Hod Hasharon was plagued by 31 personal fouls down the stretch. The best player for the winners was American forward Keena Young (198-85, college: BYU) who had a double-double by scoring 24 points and 13 rebounds. The former international guard Avi Sukar (187-76) chipped in 15 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Five Elitzur Ramla players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Or Ron (181-88) who recorded 28 points and 4 assists and American guard Jitim Young (188-81, college: Northwestern, agency: Edge Sports) added 15 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists respectively. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Elitzur Ramla moved-up to eleventh place. Hod Hasharon lost their fifth game in a row. They dropped to the twelfth position with ten games lost. Elitzur Ramla will face higher ranked Lev Hasharon (#10) at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Hod Hasharon will play against Hapoel Beeri in Beer-Shev and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Elitzur Ramla: K.Young 24+13reb+2ast, A.Sukar 15+8reb+4ast, I.Berkowitz 14+1reb+3ast, D.Paris 14+9reb+1ast, L.Levi 13+1reb+2ast, D.Davidi 12+1reb+3ast
Hod Hasharon: O.Ron 28+3reb+4ast, K.Sharvit 17+5reb+1ast, J.Young 15+9reb+6ast, G.Gendel 7+3reb+2ast, S.Brandy 5+12reb+2ast, S.Shaibi 4+2ast

Megido/Yokneam - Hapoel Beeri 83-75

No shocking result in a game when sixth ranked Megido/Yokneam (9-6) defeated at home 13th ranked Hapoel Beeri (3-12) 83-75 on Tuesday. The hosts trailed by 4 points at the halftime before their 49-37 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Megido/Yokneam made 16-of-18 free shots (88.9 percent) during the game. They also forced 20 Hapoel Beeri turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Megido/Yokneam made 8 blocks. The best player for the winners was American-Puerto Rican forward Ramon Clemente (200-85, college: Wichita St., agency: Global Sports Plaza) who had a double-double by scoring 18 points, 11 rebounds and 6 blocks. Swingman Tomer Bar Even (196-92) chipped in 15 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Megido/Yokneam's coach used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Stacey Moragne (195-83, college: Mass.-Lowell) who recorded 27 points and 7 rebounds and forward Haiim Barbi (197-89) added 12 points and 6 rebounds respectively. Four Hapoel Beeri players scored in double figures. Megido/Yokneam moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Hapoel Tivon and Beer Yaakov. Hapoel Beeri lost their sixth game in a row. They keep the thirteenth position with 12 games lost. Megido/Yokneam will face Beer Yaakov (#5) on the road in the next round. Hapoel Beeri will play against Hod Hasharon (#12) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Megido/Yokneam: R.Clemente 18+11reb+2ast, T.Bar Even 15+5reb+4ast, N.Miller 12+4reb+3ast, L.Shvarzvald 10+1reb+1ast, M.Badalov 9+2reb+1ast, J.Shtarkman 6+1reb+6ast
Hapoel Beeri: S.Moragne 27+7reb+2ast, H.Barbi 12+6reb+1ast, D.Aidan 11+5reb+1ast, T.Havkin 11+2reb, G.Dotan 9+1reb+1ast, H.Shifman 5+2reb+8ast

Ironi Ramat Gan - Beer Yaakov 103-99

Another exciting game was between eighth ranked Ironi Ramat Gan and 5th ranked Beer Yaakov where host Ironi Ramat Gan (7-8) won against Beer Yaakov (9-6) 103-99. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Beer Yaakov. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Beer Yaakov won fourth quarter 31-27. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Ironi Ramat Gan players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists. Beer Yaakov was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a good game for American guard Albert Fisher (184-86, college: Kent St.) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 25 points, 11 assists and 4 steals. contributed with 21 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. American forward Jermaine Hall (196-80, college: Wagner) answered with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 10 rebounds (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field) and American-Cape Verdean guard Joshua Gomes (190-83, college: E.Illinois) added 26 points in the effort for Beer Yaakov. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Ironi Ramat Gan moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Kohav Yair and Hapoel Afula. Beer Yaakov at the other side dropped to the fourth position with six games lost. They share it with Megido/Yokneam and Hapoel Tivon. Ironi Ramat Gan will play against higher ranked Hapoel Tivon (#4) in Kiryat Tivon in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Beer Yaakov will play at home against Megido/Yokneam and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ironi Ramat Gan: A.Fisher 25+3reb+11ast, S.Colwell 21+7reb+2ast, Y.Yatzkan 20+4reb+6ast, I.Rosefelt 16+6reb+3ast, I.Ohanon 9+2reb+1ast, J.Thomas 6+3reb
Beer Yaakov: J.Gomes 26, J.Hall 25+10reb+2ast, G.Karni 13+3reb+3ast, Y.Bet-Yosef 11+2reb+4ast, I.Bochman 8+2reb+3ast, Y.Liutrin 7+3reb

Kohav Yair - Hapoel Tivon 71-69

A very close game took place in Kohav Yair between Kohav Yair and Hapoel Tivon. Ninth ranked Kohav Yair (7-8) got a very close home victory over 4th placed Hapoel Tivon (9-6). Kohav Yair managed to escape with a 2-point win 71-69 on Tuesday evening. Hapoel Tivon trailed by 14 points after 3 quarters before a 27-15 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 69-71 at the end of the game. It was a great evening for Nigerian center Sani Ibrahim (207-82, college: Gulf Coast CC, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds. American forward Eric Traimel (201-88, college: N.Texas) helped adding 19 points and 8 rebounds. The best for the losing side was power forward Kobi Izik (204-83, agency: Avi Zilberman) with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds and naturalized American forward Zach Evans (196-88, college: Bucknell) scored 14 points and 5 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Kohav Yair moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Ironi Ramat Gan and Hapoel Afula. Loser Hapoel Tivon keeps the fourth position with six games lost. They share it with Megido/Yokneam and Beer Yaakov. Kohav Yair will meet league's leader Hapoel T-A in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Hapoel Tivon will play against Ironi Ramat Gan and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Kohav Yair: E.Traimel 19+8reb+3ast, S.Ibrahim 17+12reb+1ast, S.Harush 11+5reb+2ast, A.Zelkovits 10+4reb+1ast, T.Atlas 5+7reb, O.Rub 4+1reb+5ast
Hapoel Tivon: K.Izik 16+10reb, Z.Evans 14+5reb+2ast, T.Stevens 14+4reb+1ast, O.Shaashoua 13+5reb+3ast, B.Timor 8+1reb+2ast, G.Chalamish 4+3reb+2ast

Elitzur Yavne - Hapoel T-A 90-97

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Yavne. Leader Hapoel T-A faced second-best Elitzur Yavne. Guests from Tel-Aviv (15-0) defeated host Elitzur Yavne (10-5) 97-90. The guests trailed by 7 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 8-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 97-90. Hapoel T-A made 35-of-45 free shots (77.8 percent) during the game. 33 personal fouls committed by Elitzur Yavne helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was Jamaican-American power forward Adrian Uter (201-84, college: Hofstra, agency: Gross Zeev ISA) who had a double-double by scoring 25 points and 12 rebounds. American forward Brian Asbury (200-85, college: Miami (FL)) chipped in 28 points. At the other side the best for losing team was naturalized Polish guard Oded Brandwein (188-88) who recorded 20 points (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line) and swingman Elad Hofman (192-85) added 10 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists respectively. Five Elitzur Yavne players scored in double figures. Hapoel T-A have an impressive series of fifteen victories in a row. Newly promoted Hapoel T-A maintains first place with 15-0 record. Elitzur Yavne at the other side dropped to the third position with five games lost. Hapoel T-A are looking forward to face Kohav Yair (#7) in Kohav Yair in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Elitzur Yavne will play on the road against the league's second-placed Maccabi HBK (#2) in Habikaa and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Hapoel T-A: B.Asbury 28+3reb, A.Uter 25+12reb, Y.Lahat 12+3reb+7ast, G.Eytan 11, Y.Rokni 9+7reb+1ast, M.Naor 7+7reb+5ast
Elitzur Yavne: O.Brandwein 20+1reb+2ast, C.Timberlake 15+3reb+1ast, D.Hardin 14+5reb+2ast, N.Golan 11+2reb+1ast, E.Hofman 10+5reb+6ast, Z.Volfer 9+3reb

Hapoel Migdal inks Justin Williams - by Eurobasket News
Justin Williams (206-F/C-84, agency: N.E.T., college: Wyoming) is a new player of Hapoel Migdal Jerusalem. The American PF/C will join his new teammates in the coming days.
Justin Williams is a former NBA player. He played 22 games for the Sacramento Kings on season 2007/08. Williams averaged 1.4 points and 2.2 rebounds. A year before that he registered 5 ppg and 4.4 rpg for the Kings in 26 games. Williams also played shortly for the Houston Rockets. With D-League team Dakota Wizards in 2006/07 he had 12.6 ppg, 12.8 ppg and 3.3 bpg before he joined the Kings.
Justin Williams is a product of the Wyoming University, where he graduated in 2006. He had 11.1 ppg, 11 rpg and 5.4 bpg as a senior.

Standings - BSL

Premier League Standings

1. Maccabi T-A		13-1
2. Hapoel J-M		9-5
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		4-10
10. Maccabi Haifa		3-9

Standings - National League

National League Standings

1. Hapoel T-A		15-0
2. Maccabi HBK		11-4
3. Elitzur Yavne		10-5
4. Hapoel Tivon		9-6
5. Beer Yaakov		9-6
6. Megido/Yokneam		9-6
7. Kohav Yair		7-8
8. Ironi Ramat Gan		7-8
9. Hapoel Afula		7-8
10. Lev Hasharon		6-9
11. Elitzur Ramla		5-10
12. Hod Hasharon		4-10
13. Hapoel Beeri		3-12
14. Ironi Nahariya		2-12

Stats Leaders - National League

Points Per Game

Brian ASBURY
  Hapoel T-A
  (200-F-85)
  Avg: 27.5

1. Asbury, Hapoel T-A	27.5
2. Hall, Beer Yaakov	25.2
3. Miller, Megido/Y.	23.4
4. Gomez, Beer Yaakov	22.8
5. Webb, Hapoel Tivon	22.7
6. Clemente, Megido.	22.6
7. Tramiel, Kohav Yair	22.0
8. Delaney, Maccabi .	21.3
9. Young, Hod Hasharon	20.7
10. Timberlake, Elitzu.	20.3

Rebounds Per Game

Jason JOHNSON
  Ironi Nahariya
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 12.5

1. Johnson, Ironi N.	12.5
2. Rosefelt, Ironi R.	11.2
3. Brandy, Hod H.	10.8
4. Clemente, Megido.	10.2
5. Ibrahim, Kohav Y.	9.7
6. Hardin, Elitzur Yavne	9.5
7. McFarlin, Lev H.	9.0
8. Webb, Hapoel Tivon	9.0
9. Tramiel, Kohav Yair	9.0
10. Paris, Hapoel Beeri	8.5

Assists Per Game

Yaron LAHAT
  Hapoel T-A
  (186-G-76)
  Avg: 7.5

1. Lahat, Hapoel T-A	7.5
2. Bet-Yosef, Beer Y.	7.0
3. Farhi, Beer Yaakov	6.4
4. Eliyahu, Hapoel Afula	6.3
5. Dobie, Lev Hasharon	5.5
6. Housman, Hapoel T.	5.2
7. Harush, Kohav Yair	5.1
8. Timor, Hapoel Tivon	4.8
9. Berkowitz, Elitzu.	4.7
10. Skverer, Maccabi .	4.5

Steals Per Game

Nate MILLER
  Megido/Yokneam
  (193-F-87)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Miller, Megido/Y.	3.2
2. Eliyahu, Hapoel Afula	2.9
3. Naor, Hapoel T-A	2.4
4. Stevens, Hapoel T.	2.3
5. Bet-Yosef, Beer Y.	2.3
6. Delaney, Maccabi .	2.2
7. Harush, Kohav Yair	2.2
8. Webb, Hapoel Tivon	2.2
9. Young, Hod Hasharon	2.1
10. Shtarkman, Megido.	2.1

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Webb, Hapoel Tivon	2.2
2. Aidan, Hapoel Beeri	1.9
3. Rosefelt, Ironi R.	1.9
4. Hugee, Hapoel Afula	1.7
5. Utter, Hapoel T-A	1.7
6. Brandy, Hod H.	1.5
7. Markson, Hapoel A.	1.5
8. Hardin, Elitzur Yavne	1.5
9. Johnson, Ironi N.	1.4
10. Asbury, Hapoel T-A	1.2

Premier League Round 14: Maccabi Ashdod loses to Elitzur Netanya - by Eurobasket News
The fans could enjoy quite many interesting games in the last round. The round ended with extra overtimes and favorites losing the games.

The most important game in the last round took place in Netanya between second ranked Maccabi Ashdod (8-6) and eighth ranked Elitzur Netanya (5-9) on Saturday night. Maccabi Ashdod was crushed by Elitzur Netanya on the road 59-85. Elitzur Netanya forced 20 Maccabi Ashdod turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by Maccabi Ashdod's players. American guard Adrian Banks (191-86, college: NW Mississippi CC) orchestrated the victory by scoring 21 points and 5 rebounds. The former international forward Chris Watson (200-75, college: Niagara) contributed with 12 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. American guard Ramel Bradley (188-85) replied with 18 points and 6 rebounds for Maccabi Ashdod. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Elitzur Netanya maintains eighth position with 5-9 record. Newly promoted Maccabi Ashdod dropped to the third place with six games lost. They share the position with Bnei Hasharon. Elitzur Netanya are looking forward to face league's leader Maccabi T-A in Tel-Aviv in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Maccabi Ashdod will play at home against Bnei Hasharon in Hod Hasharon and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Another interesting game for Maccabi Rishon (6-7) which hosted in Rishon Le-Zion against one of their biggest challengers Galil Gilboa (7-7). Seventh ranked Maccabi Rishon had an easy win 78-68. American forward Aaron McGhee (202-79, college: Oklahoma) had a double-double by scoring 20 points and 12 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Raymar Morgan chipped in 16 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. International guard Gal Mekel (195-88, college: Wichita St.) responded with 17 points and 6 rebounds. Galil Gilboa's coach Lior Lubin rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Maccabi Rishon moved-up to sixth place. Defending champion Galil Gilboa dropped to the fifth position with seven games lost. Maccabi Rishon will play against Ironi Ashkelon (#9) on the road in the next round. Galil Gilboa will play against Hapoel Holon (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Premier League top team - Maccabi T-A (13-1) managed to deliver another win on Sunday. This time they beat sixth ranked Hapoel Holon (5-8) 88-74. Jeremy Pargo notched 17 points and 6 assists to lead the effort. Even 17 points and 7 rebounds by Rich Melzer did not help to save the game for Hapoel Holon. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Maccabi T-A have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 13-1 record. Hapoel Holon at the other side dropped to the seventh place with eight games lost. Maccabi T-A will meet Elitzur Netanya (#8) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Hapoel Holon will play against Galil Gilboa and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Tenth-ranked Maccabi Haifa (3-9) used its home court advantage to challenge fifth ranked Bnei Hasharon (8-6). The visitors from Hod Hasharon managed to secure only three-point victory 100-97. However their fans expected much easier game. The best player for the winners was Lee Nailon who scored 32 points and 6 rebounds. Bnei Hasharon moved-up to third place, which they share with Maccabi Ashdod. Maccabi Haifa at the other side stay at the bottom position with nine games lost. Bnei Hasharon's next round opponent will be Maccabi Ashdod (#3) on the road, which may be the game of the day. Maccabi Haifa will play against the league's second-placed Hapoel J-M (#2) in Jerusalem.
The game between second ranked Hapoel J-M (9-5) and 9th ranked Ironi Ashkelon (4-10) in Jerusalem on Sunday ended with biggest points difference. Hapoel J-M outscored guests from Ashkelon 105-75. American players dominated the game. Dion Dowell orchestrated the victory by scoring 20 points and 6 rebounds. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Hapoel J-M maintains second position with 9-5 record having four points less than leader Maccabi T-A. Loser Ironi Ashkelon keeps the ninth place with ten games lost. Hapoel J-M will face bottom-ranked Maccabi Haifa (#10) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Ironi Ashkelon will play against Maccabi Rishon in Rishon Le-Zion.

Hapoel J-M - Ironi Ashkelon 105-75

The game between second ranked Hapoel J-M (9-5) and 9th ranked Ironi Ashkelon (4-10) in Jerusalem on Sunday ended with biggest points difference. Hapoel J-M outscored guests from Ashkelon 105-75. The game without a history. Hapoel J-M led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They shot the lights out from three sinking 18 long-distance shots on high 66.7 percentage. Hapoel J-M looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists. American players dominated the game. Guard Dion Dowell (198-85, college: Houston) orchestrated the victory by scoring 20 points and 6 rebounds. Guard Jason Rich (191-86) contributed with 11 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists for the winners. Five Hapoel J-M players scored in double figures. Power forward Thomas Terrell (201-79, college: Georgia St.) replied with 18 points and 9 rebounds and forward Rahshon Turner (201-75, college: Fairleigh Dickinson, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) added 18 points (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) in the effort for Ironi Ashkelon. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Hapoel J-M maintains second position with 9-5 record having four points less than leader Maccabi T-A. Loser Ironi Ashkelon keeps the ninth place with ten games lost. Hapoel J-M will face bottom-ranked Maccabi Haifa (#10) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Ironi Ashkelon will play against Maccabi Rishon in Rishon Le-Zion.
Top scorers:
Hapoel J-M: W.Solomon 21+2reb+4ast, D.Dowell 20+6reb+3ast, Y.Naimy 16+2ast, J.Rich 11+7reb+9ast, L.Hakmon 11+3reb+1ast, S.Clancy 11+5reb+3ast
Ironi Ashkelon: T.Terrell 18+9reb+1ast, R.Turner 18+4reb, D.Farmer 11+3reb+5ast, L.Lifshitz 6+3ast, D.Shamriz 5+3reb, E.Ibekwe 5+5reb

Elitzur Netanya - Maccabi Ashdod 85-59

The most important game in the last round took place in Netanya between second ranked Maccabi Ashdod (8-6) and eighth ranked Elitzur Netanya (5-9) on Saturday night. Maccabi Ashdod was crushed by Elitzur Netanya on the road 59-85. Elitzur Netanya forced 20 Maccabi Ashdod turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by Maccabi Ashdod's players. American guard Adrian Banks (191-86, college: NW Mississippi CC) orchestrated the victory by scoring 21 points and 5 rebounds. The former international forward Chris Watson (200-75, college: Niagara) contributed with 12 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Four Elitzur Netanya players scored in double figures. American guard Ramel Bradley (188-85) replied with 18 points and 6 rebounds and Spanish power forward Jan Martin (203-84, agency: Court Side) added 10 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Maccabi Ashdod. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Elitzur Netanya maintains eighth position with 5-9 record. Newly promoted Maccabi Ashdod dropped to the third place with six games lost. They share the position with Bnei Hasharon. Elitzur Netanya are looking forward to face league's leader Maccabi T-A in Tel-Aviv in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Maccabi Ashdod will play at home against Bnei Hasharon in Hod Hasharon and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Elitzur Netanya: A.Banks 21+5reb+1ast, T.Washam 17+5reb+1ast, C.Watson 12+7reb+4ast, T.Younger 10+3reb+2ast, S.Brener 9+3reb+8ast, E.Brown 6+4reb
Maccabi Ashdod: R.Bradley 18+6reb+3ast, N.Berkowitz 10+4reb+1ast, J.Martin 10+7reb+1ast, J.Carter 8+7reb, M.Tapiro 5+2reb+3ast, D.Gor Arie 4+7reb+1ast

Maccabi Rishon - Galil Gilboa 78-68

Another interesting game for Maccabi Rishon (6-7) which hosted in Rishon Le-Zion against one of their biggest challengers Galil Gilboa (7-7). Seventh ranked Maccabi Rishon had an easy win 78-68. The game was mostly controlled by Maccabi Rishon. Galil Gilboa managed to win third quarter 18-10. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Galil Gilboa was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. American forward Aaron McGhee (202-79, college: Oklahoma) had a double-double by scoring 20 points and 12 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import forward Raymar Morgan (203-88, college: Michigan St.) chipped in 16 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. Four Maccabi Rishon players scored in double figures. International guard Gal Mekel (195-88, college: Wichita St.) responded with 17 points and 6 rebounds and American guard Rodney Green (196-88, college: La Salle) scored 16 points. Galil Gilboa's coach Lior Lubin rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Maccabi Rishon moved-up to sixth place. Defending champion Galil Gilboa dropped to the fifth position with seven games lost. Maccabi Rishon will play against Ironi Ashkelon (#9) on the road in the next round. Galil Gilboa will play against Hapoel Holon (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Maccabi Rishon: A.McGhee 20+12reb+3ast, Y.Orland 19, R.Morgan 16+7reb+3ast, D.Mitchell 10+6reb+2ast, E.Shulman 7, I.Swann 5+6reb+6ast
Galil Gilboa: G.Mekel 17+6reb+1ast, R.Green 16+2reb+3ast, J.McClinton 10+2reb+1ast, T.Wilkerson 7+8reb+2ast, W.Carter 6+5reb+1ast, G.Israeli 6+2reb

Hapoel Holon - Maccabi T-A 74-88

Premier League top team - Maccabi T-A (13-1) managed to deliver another win on Sunday. This time they beat sixth ranked Hapoel Holon (5-8) 88-74. The guests trailed by 4 points at the halftime before their 47-29 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Maccabi T-A made 20-of-25 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. American guard Jeremy Pargo (188-86, college: Gonzaga, agency: Priority Sports) notched 17 points and 6 assists to lead the effort and the other American import guard Doron Perkins (188-83, college: Santa Clara) supported him with 18 points and 6 assists. Five Maccabi T-A players scored in double figures. Even 17 points and 7 rebounds by American forward Rich Melzer (203-79, college: Wisc.-RiverFal., agency: Court Side) did not help to save the game for Hapoel Holon. Power forward Nir Cohen (202-81, college: San Diego, agency: Gross Zeev ISA) added 10 points and 7 rebounds for the hosts. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Maccabi T-A have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 13-1 record. Hapoel Holon at the other side dropped to the seventh place with eight games lost. Maccabi T-A will meet Elitzur Netanya (#8) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Hapoel Holon will play against Galil Gilboa and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Maccabi T-A: D.Perkins 18+2reb+6ast, J.Pargo 17+4reb+6ast, S.Schortsanitis 13+8reb+2ast, L.Eliyahu 12+3reb+4ast, D.Blu 10+4reb, G.Pnini 8
Hapoel Holon: R.Melzer 17+7reb, R.Hite 11+3reb+1ast, N.Cohen 10+7reb+1ast, S.Daniel 9+5reb+3ast, A.Ben David 8+1reb+6ast, K.Powell 7+6reb+2ast

Maccabi Haifa - Bnei Hasharon 97-100 OT

Tenth-ranked Maccabi Haifa (3-9) used its home court advantage to challenge fifth ranked Bnei Hasharon (8-6). The visitors from Hod Hasharon managed to secure only three-point victory 100-97. However their fans expected much easier game. Maccabi Haifa was tied at the half and again at the end of regular time. But they could not keep up in overtime eventually losing that period 14-17. Bnei Hasharon made 21-of-26 charity shots (80.8 percent) during the game. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 25 assists. The best player for the winners was American forward Lee Nailon (204-75, college: TCU) who scored 32 points and 6 rebounds. American-Romanian swingman Dan Grunfeld (198-84, college: Stanford) chipped in 28 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. American forward Marco Killingsworth (203-82, college: Indiana) produced a double-double by scoring 22 points and 14 rebounds and his fellow American import guard Frank Robinson (193-84, college: Cal.St. Fullerton, agency: Priority Sports) added 27 points and 5 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Four Bnei Hasharon and five Maccabi Haifa players scored in double figures. Bnei Hasharon moved-up to third place, which they share with Maccabi Ashdod. Maccabi Haifa at the other side stay at the bottom position with nine games lost. Bnei Hasharon's next round opponent will be Maccabi Ashdod (#3) on the road, which may be the game of the day. Maccabi Haifa will play against the league's second-placed Hapoel J-M (#2) in Jerusalem.
Top scorers:
Bnei Hasharon: L.Nailon 32+6reb+3ast, D.Grunfeld 28+7reb+4ast, S.James 16+10reb+3ast, S.Shason 10+5reb+3ast, F.Rivera 8+3reb+7ast, E.Katz 4+3reb+4ast
Maccabi Haifa: F.Robinson 27+5reb+2ast, M.Killingsworth 22+14reb+3ast, D.Low 17+2reb+5ast, E.Kadir 14+7reb+2ast, S.Landesberg 10+6reb+2ast, B.Rothbart 4+1reb

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

ITALY

Varese signs Damien Ryan - by Giumat
Cimberio Varese, actually 10th in the Italian LegaA, has announced today his deal with the veteran shooter Damien Ryan (193-G-79). The Australian guard, who has also the Irish passport, has signed till february 28th, and he will play in replacement of the injuried Jobey Thomas. Ryan has already played in LegaA: two seasons in Avellino (from 03/04 to 04/05), one in Teramo (05/06) and the late of 06/07 in Udine. He had also a big experience in Lega2 (Ferrara, Cremona and Jesi). Known for his great shooting ability, Ryan will help Recalcati's team while waiting for Thomas, who will have specific knee tests in order to evaluate his rehabilitation.

Efes Pilsen grabs thriller win against Montepaschi - by Eurobasket News
Efes Pilsen - Montepaschi 60-58

Very exciting game was played in Istanbul tonight. Efes Pilsen escaped with tiny 60-58 victory against Montepaschi for 1-0 record in Group G (same as Real Madrid). Marvis Thornton (194-G-77, college: St.John's) was a key player for the hosts as he collected 12 points and 9 rebounds. Thornton reached valuation 28 and was the MVP of this meeting. Igor Rakocevic (191-G-78) was the leading scorer in Efes Pilsen with 17 pts (valuation 7), while Lawrence Roberts (205-F/C-82, college: Mississippi St.) helped with 8 pts and 6 rebs. Milovan Rakovic (208-C-85) replied with 16 points and 8 boards for the guests, and Rimantas Kaukenas (193-G-77, college: Seton Hall) posted 12 pts.
Efes Pilsen made 18-17 in the first and 11-10 in the second period for plus two at the halftime. They jumped to 47-40 for the next ten minutes and were looking good. Efes Pilsen reached 52-43 at the beginning of the last period, but than Milovan Rakovic and Rimantas Kaukenas stepped up for the guests cutting the difference to 52-47. Moss joined them with a basket and Lavrinovic joined the fun then closing the 0-8 run. It was 52-51 for the hosts and there was five minutes left. Thanks to Vujcic, Efes Pilsen stopped Siena and after that Lawrence Roberts and Marvis Thornton lifted the home squad to 57-51. Efes Pilsen went to the last 30 seconds with 59-55, after what Wisniewski made one FT. Zisis raise up from the corner for a triple to suddenly make it 60-58. When Efes missed two chances on its last possession, Zisis came up with the ball and a chance to finish what he started, but his running triple hit the front of the rim and fell out, keeping the first Top 16 victory of Group G in Istanbul.
In the next round, Efes Pilsen will meet Partizan in Belgrade. Montepaschi waits Real Madrid.

Efes Pilsen: Igor Rakocevic 17, Marvis Thornton 12+9 boards, Lawrence Roberts 8+6 boards
Montepaschi: Milovan Rakovic 16+8 boards, Rimantas Kaukenas 12

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JAPAN

Newton to Replace Holcomb at Tochigi - by John Scribe
The JBL Defending Champion Link Tochigi Brex announced that it released import forward Randy Holcomb (204-F/C-79, college: San Diego St.) this past week.
As a result, the Brex will bring in Forward/Center Tyler Tyler Newton (208-F/C-82, college: Pacific) as a replacement to finish out the season.

The Brex released its press release last week and made notice that Holcomb was released after being injured during the All-Japan Tournament and coming to an agreement to focus on his rehabilitation. Holcomb is now back in the U.S. to receive treatment.

Tyler Newton, a four-year JBL veteran whom had played in both Rera Kamuy Hokkaido and the Toshiba Brave Thunders will be returning to the JBL after sustaining a knee injury this past season and finishing his rehab.

The Brex were recently eliminated in the round of eight in the All-Japan Tournament by being routed by the Panasonic Trians, 96-86.
In JBL league play the Brex are currently 8-14 and rests at sixth place in the eight team league.

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

LATVIA

LBL D2 Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1 Ate, Lauvas 2 22.5
2 Aizpurs, Gulbene 20.8
3 Mejeris, Lauvas 2 20.1
4 Senkans, Zemgale 20.0
5 Laksa, VEF K. 20.0

Rebounds Per Game

1 Butjankovs, Riga 14.0
2 Duselis, Zemgale 13.0
3 Laksa, VEF K. 11.0
4 Aizpurs, Gulbene 10.7
5 Maskalans, Livani 10.6

Assists Per Game

1 Krumins, Zemgale 8.0
2 Sokolovs, Gulbene 5.6
3 Berzins, Livani 5.6
4 Stalbergs, Lauvas 2 5.0
5 Duselis, Zemgale 5.0

Steals Per Game

1 Berzins, Livani 3.4
2 Aizpurs, Gulbene 3.2
3 Svede, Ogres 3.2

Blocks Per Game

1 Meiers, August. 2.1
2 Mejeris, Lauvas 2 2.0
3 Dargis, Ridzene 1.5

2FGP

1 Miglans, Jurmala 85.7
2 Graveris, Livani 83.3
3 Zens, Ogres 71.4

3FGP

1 Ate, Lauvas 2 63.6
2 Jaundalders, Ogres 63.6
3 Japins, Jurmala 62.5

Free Throws

1 Miglans, Jurmala 85.7
2 Mantins, Ridzene 80.0
3 Meiers, August. 62.7

Standings - LBAL

LBL D2 Standings

1. Ogre		10-2
2. Jurmala		10-2
3. Ventspils Aug.		10-3
4. Saldus		8-4
5. Gulbene		8-5
6. Zemgale/Jun.		7-5
7. Daugava		6-6
8. BAA Riga		6-6
9. Liepaja-2		4-8
10. Ridzene		2-10
11. Livani		1-11
12. VEF Kadeti		1-11

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

LEBANON

Dubai 22nd Tournament Schedule: - by Rabih Khoury
Total Game Schedule
January 20 - 24, 2011

Timing is Dubai Time... i.e Lebanon +2...
Thursday 20-01-2010
16:00Al Etihad Al Skandari Egypt (First Security Group) vs Sharjah Club (SKM)
19:00Sagesse Club Lebanon (Western Union) vs Al Etihad Syria (Orient TV)
21:00Smart Gilas Philippines (Dubai Duty Free) vs Annibal Zahle Lebanon (Emirates)

Friday 21-01-2010
17:00Sharjah Club (SKM) vs Al Wahda Club Syria (SyriaTel)
19:00Hoops CLub Lebanon vs UAE National Team (Sultan Group)
21:00Smart Gilas Philippines (Dubai Duty Free) vs Al Etihad Al Skandari Egypt (First Security Group)

Saturday 22-01-2010
15:00Al Etihad Syria (Orient TV) vs Hoops CLub Lebanon
17:00UAE National Team (Sultan Group) vs Sagesse Club Lebanon (Western Union)
19:00Al Wahda Club Syria (SyriaTel) vs Annibal Zahle Lebanon (Emirates)
21:00Sharjah Club (SKM) vs Smart Gilas Philippines (Dubai Duty Free)

Sunday 23-01-2010
17:00Annibal Zahle Lebanon (Emirates) vs Sharjah Club (SKM)
19:00Al Etihad Al Skandari Egypt (First Security Group) vs Al Wahda Club Syria (SyriaTel)
21:00 Sagesse Club Lebanon (Western Union) vs Hoops CLub Lebanon

Monday 24-01-2010
17:00Al Etihad Syria (Orient TV) vs UAE National Team (Sultan Group)
19:00Al Etihad Al Skandari Egypt (First Security Group) vs Annibal Zahle Lebanon (Emirates)
21:00Al Wahda Club Syria (SyriaTel) vs Smart Gilas Philippines (Dubai Duty Free)

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

LIGA AMERICAS

Liga-Americas Round: 10 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News

Group D

Sionista - Halc.Rojos 88-92 OT
Halcones Rojos got to the winning start of their Liga Americas campaign. They toppled Sionista de Parana in overtime in Group D. Lawrence Hill (203-F-87, college: Stanford) knocked down 21 points to pace the winners. Sionista and Rojos opened the game on a full speed. They teamed up for 51 points in the first stanza as Sionista grabbed a one-point lead. Halcones Rojos reacted stiffing their defense in the second term. They limited Sionista to 11 points taking an 8-point lead at halftime. Sionista however rebounded after the big break and leveled things up at 80 after a three-pointer from Juan Manuel Locatelli (198-F-75). Halcones Rojos proved the difference in the extra frame claiming a tough victory. Carlos Rivera (187-G-83, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Hofstra) and Jaime Lloreda (201-F/C-80, college: LSU) scored 15 points each for Halcones Rojos. Juan Manuel Locatelli answered with 28 points for Sionista. Alejandro Zilli (200-F-82) provided 17 points and 13 boards in defeat.

Capitanes - Cocodrilos 84-79
Capitanes de Arecibo registered their first win at Liga Americas Group D. They held off Cocodrilos de Caracas in the opener. Larry Ayuso (190-G-77, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: USC) came up with 22 points to lead the effort. The Venezuelan team looked the better side in the starting period. They outscored the hosts 20:14. The second frame did not bring any recovery for Capitanes. The visitors maintained the lead and recorded a 46:36 halftime advantage. But Capitanes changed the complexion of the encounter after the main break. The home team finally tuned up defensively and cut the distance to 6 points at the final break. Capitanes erupted for 30 points in the final stanza to rally to a narrow victory at the end. Danilo Pinnock (196-G-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington) notched 21 points and 8 rebounds for Capitanes. Rafael Cruz (187-G-79, college: Youngstown St.) contributed 11 points, 6 boards and 3 assists for the winners. Tayron Thomas (191-G-84, college: Philadelphia) replied with 20 points for Cocodrilos. Luis Bethelmy (200-C-86) produced 17 points in defeat.

Standings

Liga Americas Standings

Group A
1. Regatas C.			3-0
2. Penarol			2-1
3. Espartanos			1-2
4. Toros			0-3
Group B
1. Halc.Xalapa			3-0
2. BRB/Brasilia			2-1
3. Defensor			1-2
4. Caneros			0-3
Group C
1. Flamengo			3-0
2. Quimsa			2-1
3. Dep.Espanol			1-2
4. Mavort			0-3
Group D
1. Capitanes			1-0
2. Halc.Rojos			1-0
3. Cocodrilos			0-1
4. Sionista			0-1

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Juan Manuel LOCATELLI
  Sionista
  (198-F-75)
  Avg: 28

1. Locatelli, Sionista	28.0
2. Walker, Mavort	27.0
3. Machado, Flamengo	24.7
4. Giovannoni, BRB/B.	23.7
5. Ayuso, Capitanes	22.0
6. Matthews, Defensor	21.0
7. Hill, Halc.Rojos	21.0
8. Pinnock, Capitanes	21.0
9. Carter, Caneros	20.7
10. Lo Grippo, Quimsa	20.3

Rebounds Per Game

Peter KVIETEK
  Dep.Espanol
  (205-C-77)
  Avg: 13

1. Kvietek, Dep.Espa.	13.0
2. Zilli, Sionista	13.0
3. Martinez, Cocodrilos	13.0
4. Teichmann, Flame.	11.7
5. Matthews, Defensor	10.7
6. Jackson, Mavort	10.3
7. Henning, Toros	9.3
8. Hill, Halc.Rojos	9.0
9. Araujo, Dep.Espanol	9.0
10. Giovannoni, BRB/B.	8.7

Assists Per Game

Pedro FRANCO
  Sionista
  (187-G-81)
  Avg: 7

1. Franco, Sionista	7.0
2. dos Santos, BRB/B.	7.0
3. Garcia, BR.	6.7
4. Gonzalez, Defensor	6.0
5. Elliott, Cocodrilos	5.0
6. Mazzaro, Quimsa	5.0
7. Pagan, Toros	5.0
8. Rivera, Halc.Rojos	5.0
9. Mendez-V., Halc.Xal.	5.0
10. Machado, Flamengo	4.7

Steals Per Game

Jaime LLOREDA
  Halc.Rojos
  (201-F/C-80)
  Avg: 4

1. Lloreda, Halc.Rojos	4.0
2. Ayala, Halc.Rojos	3.0
3. Pagan, Toros	3.0
4. Garcia, Mavort	3.0
5. Campazzo, Penarol	3.0
6. Elliott, Cocodrilos	3.0
7. Woodward, Defensor	2.7
8. Montas, Caneros	2.7
9. Machado, Flamengo	2.3
10. Garcia, BR.	2.3

Blocks Per Game

Lawrence HILL
  Halc.Rojos
  (203-F-87)
  Avg: 3

1. Hill, Halc.Rojos	3.0
2. Henning, Toros	3.0
3. Jackson, Mavort	2.3
4. Kammerichs, Regat.	2.0
5. Teichmann, Flame.	2.0
6. Santos, Flamengo	2.0
7. Mata, Halc.Xalapa	1.7
8. Traylor, Halc.Xalapa	1.7
9. Araujo, Dep.Espanol	1.3
10. Roe, Halc.Xalapa	1.3

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

LITHUANIA

Dusko Savanovic leads Valencia to 73-59 win against Zalgiris - by Eurobasket News
Valencia - Zalgiris 73-59

Valencia opened the Top 16 phase with excellent 73-59 home win against Zalgiris. The last season's EuroCup winner got 20 points from Dusko Savanovic (204-F/C-83, agency: Beo Basket), who was the MVP of this meeting with valuation 25. Victor Claver (207-F/C-88) scored 14 points, while Ukrainian big guy Serhiy Lishchuk (210-C/F-82, agency: Beo Basket) helped with 9 points and 12 rebounds. Zalgiris did not have anyone with double-digits in scoring. Their best player was DeJuan Collins (188-G-76, college: Tuskegee) with 7 points and 7 boards. Martynas Pocius (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) stopped to 9 pts with poor shot percentage. Both teams are Group H participants.
Zalgiris was slightly better in the first quarter as they grabbed 20-21 lead. However, Valencia players drastically improved after that stopping their rivals to just 10 pts for the next 10 minutes. They made 19 on the other side for 39-31 lead at the HT. Zalgiris came to 39-35 after the breather, but Martinez responded with a triple and later Valencia jumped to plus 9. Jankunas nailed a catch-and-shoot jumper and Brown beat the buzzer with a nine-meter bomb to get Zalgiris as close as 54-50 after 30 minutes. However, Dusko Savanovic and his teammates exploded in the last period making nice 12-2 run, which allowed them later to celebrate the first win in Top 16 (Q4, 19-9).
In the next round, Valencia will meet Fenerbahce Ulker in Istanbul. Zalgiris will host Olympiakos.

Valencia: Dusko Savanovic 20, Victor Claver 14, Serhiy Lishchuk 9+12 boards
Zalgiris: Martynas Pocius 9, DeJuan Collins 7+7 boards

Batiste, Panathinaikos too much for Lietuvos Rytas in Vilnius - by Eurobasket News
Lietuvos Rytas - Panathinaikos 59-80

Panathinaikos demonstrated great performance in the first game of the Euroleague Top 16. The reigning Greek champion cruised past Lietuvos Rytas on the road for 1-0 record in Group E. Mike Batiste (203-F-77, college: Arizona St.) shined for the Greens with 26 points. Kostas Kaimakoglou (206-C/F-83) had 16 points and 9 boards, while Kostas Tsartsaris (210-F-79) added 12 points. On the other side, Rytas got 11 points and 8 boards from Milko Bjelica (207-C-84, agency: Beo Basket). Khalid El-Amin (178-G-79, agency: Beo Basket, college: Connecticut) and Kenan Bajramovic (206-F-81, agency: Beo Basket) netted 10 points each.
Lietuvos Rytas started the game better making 21-18 lead after first ten minutes. They jumped to plus 7 at the beginning of the second quarter, but PAO players improved after that cutting the margin to 3 pts. Rytas was better in the finish of this period and went to the HT with 33-29. Third period was the crucial one tonight as Mike Batiste and his teammates smashed the home squad with 8-24. They were extending their lead in the last quarter for the final 59-80 victory and 1-0 in Group E.
PAO will host Unicaja in the next round, while Rytas will meet Caja Laboral in Vitoria.

Lietuvos Rytas: Milko Bjelica 11+8 boards, Khalid El-Amin 10, Kenan Bajramovic 10
Panathinaikos: Mike Batiste 26, Kostas Kaimakoglou 16+9 boards, Kostas Tsartsaris 12

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

MEXICO

2011 CIBACOPA season fast approaching - by Chris Terrell
The 2011 Season for CIBACOPA is fast approaching and there are several changes to the format for the coming year. Expected to be one of the announced changes at the league owners meeting later this month is a change of format that will allow teams to chose from one of two roster structures that could include the possibility of adding a 3rd Import. The league is expected to feature 10 teams in 2 divisions with Caballeros de Culiacan, Coras de Tepic, Pioneros Los Mochis, Frayles de Guasave, and Ostioneros de Guaymas in the South and Mineros de Cananea, Fuerza Guinda Nogales, Rayos de Hermosillo, Tijuana Zonkeys and Bomberos de Mexicali in the North. Opening night will be set for March 11th, while most clubs will open their respective training camps next month and the playoffs and finals heading into June. A preseason tournament is also expected to be held in Sonora that would feature CIBACOPA teams along with American All-Star teams and the possibility for free agents. Complete details of the propsed will be made available at the conclusion of the league's owners meeting and player draft later this month. More information is available by email at info@beseenhoop.com

Halcones Rojos clinch opening win in Liga Americas Group D - by Eurobasket News
Halcones Rojos - Sionista 92:88 (OT)

Halcones Rojos got to the winning start of their Liga Americas campaign. They toppled Sionista de Parana in overtime in Group D. Lawrence Hill (203-F-87, college: Stanford) knocked down 21 points to pace the winners.
Sionista and Rojos opened the game on a full speed. They teamed up for 51 points in the first stanza as Sionista grabbed a one-point lead. Halcones Rojos reacted stiffing their defense in the second term. They limited Sionista to 11 points taking an 8-point lead at halftime. Sionista however rebounded after the big break and leveled things up at 80 after a three-pointer from Juan Manuel Locatelli (198-F-75). Halcones Rojos proved the difference in the extra frame claiming a tough victory. Carlos Rivera (187-G-83, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Hofstra) and Jaime Lloreda (201-F/C-80, college: LSU) scored 15 points each for Halcones Rojos. Juan Manuel Locatelli answered with 28 points for Sionista. Alejandro Zilli (200-F-82) provided 17 points and 13 boards in defeat.

Halcones Rojos: Lawrence Hill 21, Carlos Rivera 15, Jaime Lloreda 15
Sionista: Juan Manuel Locatelli 28, Alejandro Zilli 17+13 boards

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

MONTENEGRO

Standings - 1A

1A Standings

1. Ulcijn		9-1
2. Mornar Bar		8-3
3. Lovcen		8-3
4. Jedinstvo		7-4
5. Teodo Tivat		6-4
6. Mogren		4-7
7. ABS Primorje		4-7
8. Gorstak		3-8
9. Ljubovic		3-8
10. Danilovgrad		2-9
Play in international cups:
1. Buducnost		-

Montenegro NT appoints Dejan Radonjic as Head Coach - by Eurobasket News
Montenegro has finally appointed a new Head Coach. Dusko Vujosevic (agency: Beo Basket ) recently left the National Team, after helping them qualify for 2011 EuroBasket in Lithuania, and since that time the search for his replacement started. Numerous names have been thrown out there as possible replacements, even Panathanaikos Coach Zeljko Obradovic . But after weeks of guessing, the new Head Coach of Montenegro will be Dejan Radonjic. 40-year-old Radonjic served as Assistant to Dusko Vujosevic at the National Team. He has also been experiencing success with Buducnost Podgorica where he took over in 2005. Montenegro is expected to be one of the teams to surprise at the upcoming EuroBasket in Lithuania.
Dejan Radonjic had a successful playing career playing for lot of clubs including Lovcen, Profikolor, FMP, Buducnost and Vojvodina with whom he won several titles. He got his first coaching job as Assistant Coach at Buducnost in 2005. Following season he was promoted to Head Coaching position and has been very successful. Along with 3 consecutive titles and cups, Radonjic also won individual award, being voted Coach of the Year in 2007 and 2008. He continued domestic domination for another two seasons. In Adriatic League, Radonjic helped Buducnost retain respectable position even with constant roster overhauls. Radonjic also worked as Head Coach of Montenegrin U20 National Team, and until his new appointment he worked as Assistant Coach at Montenegrin Senior National Team.

1A Round 11: Jedinstvo defeats ABS Primorje in the closest game of the week - by Eurobasket News
What a coincidence that all visitors won their games.

The most exciting game of round 11 in the 1A took place in Herceg Novi. This derby game ended with only three-point home defeat of 6th ranked ABS Primorje (4-7) to fifth ranked Jedinstvo (7-4) 69-66 on Sunday evening. Jedinstvo have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They moved-up to fourth place. ABS Primorje at the other side keeps the sixth position with seven games lost. They share it with Mogren. Jedinstvo are looking forward to face league's leader Ulcijn at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. ABS Primorje will play against Gorstak (#7) in Kolasin and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Cetinje. Second-ranked host Lovcen (8-3) lost to third ranked Mornar Bar (8-3) 88-82. It ended at the same time the nine-game winning streak of Lovcen. Mornar Bar moved-up to second place, which they share with defeated Lovcen. Mornar Bar will play against bottom-ranked Danilovgrad (#10) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Lovcen will play against Teodo Tivat (#5) and hopes to get back on the winning track.

In the last game of round 11 Mogren won against Danilovgrad on the opponent's court 69-51.

Danilovgrad - Mogren 51-69

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 10th ranked Danilovgrad's (2-9) home loss to ninth ranked Mogren (4-7) 51-69 on Saturday. Mogren moved-up to sixth place, which they share with ABS Primorje. Danilovgrad lost their eighth game in a row. They stay at the bottom position with nine games lost. Mogren will meet at home Ljubovic (#8) in the next round. Danilovgrad will play against the league's second-placed Mornar Bar and hope to secure a win.

Lovcen - Mornar Bar 82-88

The game between Top Four teams took place in Cetinje. Second-ranked host Lovcen (8-3) lost to third ranked Mornar Bar (8-3) 88-82. It ended at the same time the nine-game winning streak of Lovcen. Mornar Bar moved-up to second place, which they share with defeated Lovcen. Mornar Bar will play against bottom-ranked Danilovgrad (#10) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Lovcen will play against Teodo Tivat (#5) and hopes to get back on the winning track.

ABS Primorje - Jedinstvo 66-69

The most exciting game of round 11 in the 1A took place in Herceg Novi. This derby game ended with only three-point home defeat of 6th ranked ABS Primorje (4-7) to fifth ranked Jedinstvo (7-4) 69-66 on Sunday evening. Jedinstvo have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They moved-up to fourth place. ABS Primorje at the other side keeps the sixth position with seven games lost. They share it with Mogren. Jedinstvo are looking forward to face league's leader Ulcijn at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. ABS Primorje will play against Gorstak (#7) in Kolasin and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Ljubovic - Gorstak 0-20

Ljubovic did not appear in the gym.

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

MOROCCO

D1 Round 7: CRA Hoceima keeps a leadership position - by Eurobasket News
The game had a very big importance for fourth-ranked CRA Hoceima as it allowed them to take a leadership position. CRA Hoceima defeated much higher ranked RCA Casabl. in Al Hoceima 82-76. It was a key game for the top position in the league. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. RCA Casabl. at the other side dropped to the fourth place with three games lost. They share the position with WAC Casabl. and FUS Rabat.

Top ranked PCS Plazza C. (4-2) recorded its second loss in Casablanca. Hosts were defeated by tenth ranked IRT Tanger (1-6) 67-62. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of PCS Plazza C.. It was the only win of guest team this round and in all other games host teams recorded victories. IRT Tanger left bottom position moving up to ninth place. PCS Plazza C. at the other side dropped to the third position with two games lost.

Very important is a road loss of third ranked FUS Rabat (4-3) against eighth ranked MAF Fez (3-3) on Friday night. Visiting FUS Rabat was defeated by MAF Fez in Fes 88-77. MAF Fez moved-up to seventh place. Loser FUS Rabat dropped to the fourth position with three games lost. They share it with WAC Casabl. and RCA Casabl.

Bottom-ranked ASE Essaou. (0-6) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 92-56 loss to seventh ranked WAC Casabl. (4-3) in Casablanca. WAC Casabl. has a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with RCA Casabl. and FUS Rabat. ASE Essaou. at the other side still closes the standings with six games lost.
In the last game of round 7 RSB Berkane lost to undefeated ASS Sale in a road game 76-95.

ASS Sale - RSB Berkane 95-76

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 6th ranked RSB Berkane's (3-4) road loss to leader ASS Sale (4-0) 76-95. ASS Sale has a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to second place. RSB Berkane at the other side dropped to the eighth position with four games lost.
PCS Plazza C. - IRT Tanger 62-67

Top ranked PCS Plazza C. (4-2) recorded its second loss in Casablanca. Hosts were defeated by tenth ranked IRT Tanger (1-6) 67-62. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of PCS Plazza C.. It was the only win of guest team this round and in all other games host teams recorded victories. IRT Tanger left bottom position moving up to ninth place. PCS Plazza C. at the other side dropped to the third position with two games lost.

CRA Hoceima - RCA Casabl. 82-76

The game had a very big importance for fourth-ranked CRA Hoceima as it allowed them to take a leadership position. CRA Hoceima defeated much higher ranked RCA Casabl. in Al Hoceima 82-76. It was a key game for the top position in the league. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. RCA Casabl. at the other side dropped to the fourth place with three games lost. They share the position with WAC Casabl. and FUS Rabat.

WAC Casabl. - ASE Essaou. 92-56

Bottom-ranked ASE Essaou. (0-6) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 92-56 loss to seventh ranked WAC Casabl. (4-3) in Casablanca. WAC Casabl. has a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with RCA Casabl. and FUS Rabat. ASE Essaou. at the other side still closes the standings with six games lost.

MAF Fez - FUS Rabat 88-77

Very important is a road loss of third ranked FUS Rabat (4-3) against eighth ranked MAF Fez (3-3) on Friday night. Visiting FUS Rabat was defeated by MAF Fez in Fes 88-77. MAF Fez moved-up to seventh place. Loser FUS Rabat dropped to the fourth position with three games lost. They share it with WAC Casabl. and RCA Casabl.

Standings - Men

D1 Standings

1. CRA Hoceima		5-2
2. ASS Sale		4-0
3. PCS Plazza C.		4-2
4. WAC Casabl.		4-3
5. RCA Casabl.		4-3
6. FUS Rabat		4-3
7. MAF Fez		3-3
8. RSB Berkane		3-4
9. IRT Tanger		1-6
10. ASE Essaou.		0-6

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

NBA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Kevin DURANT
  Oklah.City T.
  (206-G/F-88)
  Avg: 28.4

1. Durant, Oklah.Ci.	28.4
2. Stoudemire, New Y.	26.4
3. Ellis, Golde S.	25.7
4. James, Miami Heat	25.6
5. Bryant, LA Lakers	25.2
6. Wade, Miami Heat	25.1
7. Rose, Chicago B.	24.7
8. Gordon, LA Clippers	23.9
9. Nowitzki, Dallas M.	23.8
10. Martin, Houston R.	23.3

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.	12.8
5. Bogut, Milwauke.	11.7
6. Noah, Chicago B.	11.7
7. Camby, Portland TB	11.3
8. Gasol, LA Lakers	10.7
9. Okafor, N.Orlean.	10.3
10. Boozer, Chicago B.	10.1

Assists Per Game

Rajon RONDO
  Boston C.
  (186-G-86)
  Avg: 13.3

1. Rondo, Boston C.	13.3
2. Nash, Phoenix Suns	10.8
3. Paul, N.Orleans H.	9.6
4. Williams, Utah Jazz	9.4
5. Wall, Washington W.	9.1
6. Felton, New Y.	8.9
7. Kidd, Dallas M.	8.5
8. Calderon, Toron.	8.4
9. Westbrook, Oklah..	8.4
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. Gay, Memphis G.	1.8
8. Lowry, Houston R.	1.8
9. Conley, Memphis G.	1.8
10. Wall, Washington W.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Andrew BOGUT
  Milwaukee B.
  (212-F/C-84)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Bogut, Milwauke.	2.8
2. McGee, Washingt.	2.6
3. Milicic, Minnesota T.	2.4
4. Stoudemire, New Y.	2.3
5. Howard, Orlando M.	2.2
6. Ibaka, Oklah.Ci.	2.1
7. Gasol, LA Lakers	2.0
8. Duncan, San A.	2.0
9. Camby, Portland TB	1.9
10. Jefferson, Utah J.	1.9

Standings

NBA Standings

Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
1. Boston C.		31-9
2. New York K.		22-18
3. Philadelph.76		17-23
4. Toronto R.		13-28
5. New Jersey N.		10-31
Central Div.
1. Chicago B.		28-14
2. Indiana P.		16-22
3. Detroit P.		15-26
4. Milwaukee B.		14-24
5. Cleveland C.		8-32
Southeast Div.
1. Miami Heat		30-13
2. Atlanta H.		28-15
3. Orlando M.		26-15
4. Charlotte B.		16-24
5. Washington W.		12-27
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
1. Utah Jazz		27-14
2. Oklah.City T.		27-14
3. Denver N.		23-17
4. Portland TB		22-20
5. Minnesota T.		10-32
Pacific Div.
1. LA Lakers		31-12
2. Phoenix Suns		18-21
3. Golde State W.		17-23
4. LA Clippers		15-25
5. Sacramento K.		9-30
Southwest Div.
1. San Antonio S.		35-6
2. Dallas M.		26-14
3. N.Orleans H.		26-16
4. Memphis G.		19-22
5. Houston R.		19-23

Tuesday: Wins for Bobcats and Hawks - by Eurobasket News
Chicago B. - Charlotte B. 82-83
Charlotte can't seem to beat anyone other than Chicago lately, and the Bulls have only had trouble with the Bobcats. D.J. Augustin (5'11''-G-87, college: Texas) scored 15 points, Gerald Wallace (6'7''-F-82, college: Alabama) had 13 points and 16 rebounds and Charlotte held off Chicago 83-82 on Tuesday night. Boris Diaw (6'8''-F/C-82) and Stephen Jackson added 12 points apiece to help the Bobcats snap a three-game losing streak, with their last win coming at home against the Bulls last Wednesday. ''I'm not going to say we've got their number, but we're playing them well and that's what counts,'' Charlotte coach Paul Silas said. Jackson scored Charlotte's last four points on a jumper and a pair of free throws in the final minute. ''Everybody contributed tonight,'' Jackson said. ''D.J. played well. Gerald (Wallace) made some big rebounds and a big dunk at the end of the game. Tyrus (Thomas) with a big block. We had contributions from everybody.'' Derrick Rose (6'4''-G-88, college: Memphis) scored 33 points to lead Chicago, but missed a shot at the buzzer. The Bulls lost for just the second time in their last seven games. ''I think we match up with them very well,'' Wallace said. ''We're just as athletic as they are.'' Ronnie Brewer had 12 points and Luol Deng added 10 for Chicago, which was playing without injured forward Carlos Boozer - second on the team in scoring (20.1 points per game) and rebounds (10.1) - and Joakim Noah. *Courtesy of www.msn.foxsports.com

Miami Heat - Atlanta H. 89-93 OT
Close games have been a strength for Atlanta, a weakness for Miami. The Hawks couldn't have been happier to see those trends continue. And suddenly, the Southeast Division looks very much like a three-team race. Josh Smith (6'9''-F-85) made a go-ahead layup with 34.7 seconds left in overtime, Joe Johnson (6'8''-F-81, college: Arkansas) and Jamal Crawford (6'5''-G-80, college: Michigan) each scored 19 points and the Hawks beat the Heat 93-89 on Tuesday night, sending Miami to a fourth straight loss and clawing within two games of the division lead. 'Everything we got tonight,' Hawks coach Larry Drew said, 'we really had to earn.' In games decided by five points or fewer, Atlanta is now 8-4. Miami is only 1-7, the lone victory coming when the Heat simply stole one from Washington in the final seconds. And for a team that was riding a streak of 21 wins in 22 games a week ago, the Heat - who played without Chris Bosh and tried a number of unusual lineups - are sliding. 'This was a tough one,' Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. 'No other way to say it. ... It was tough to get a real handle and grip on both sides of the floor.' Johnson had a game-tying layup with 25.4 seconds left in regulation and two game-sealing free throws with 5.2 seconds remaining in overtime. LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) scored 34 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for Miami, but missed a long 3-pointer at the end of regulation and another 28-foot try as the shot clock was expiring late in overtime and the Heat down by two. Dwyane Wade finished with 27 points for the Heat, who got a truly unusual game - 16 rebounds, with no field-goal or free-throw attempts - from Joel Anthony. *Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

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

NCAA2

Leading Scorer and Rebounder from GNAC - by Sanjey Noriega
From: gnacsports.com

The leading scorer and the leading rebounder in the nation among Division II players are both from the GNAC.
Parrish West (6'5''-F) of Alaska Anchorage reclaimed the national scoring lead tallying 72 points in two games last weekend - 32 against Western Washington and 40 against Simon Fraser - to raise his average to 26.7.

Blake Poole (6'5''-C), meanwhile used a GNAC-record 24 rebound performance on Tuesday in a 85-54 home win over Western Oregon to jump from fourth place to first in the national rankings. He's averaging 11.9 per game.

Poole also had 26 points in the contest becoming just the fourth player in GNAC history to record a 20-20 game. West's two 30-point games were his fifth and sixth 30-point games of the season, tying a GNAC single-season record.

Two other GNAC players are ranked 12th this week - John Allen of Western Washington in free throw percentage (90.5) and Boe Edwards of Alaska Fairbanks in steals (2.8).

In team categories, Seattle Pacific is fourth in three-point percentage (42.5) and Central Washington is fifth in blocked shots (5.4). Western Washington ranks 10th in scoring averaging 87 points per game. SPU is 10th in assist/turnover ratio at 1.37.

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

PALESTINE

Superleague with Changed Ingredients - by Tamara Awartani
The Palestinian Basketball Federation decided to launch 2011 new superleague season mid February but with No imports this time. 14 Teams will take part and local players had the chance to change teams if they wished till January 20th, 2011.

Birzeit and AlFaraa team are the two new comers to Superleague winning last year 1st Division, however, AlFaraa team are not doing well financially and will be withdrawing.
The rest of the teams competing are Ibdaa, De La Salle, Sarriyet Ramallah, Orthodox Ramallah, Orthodox Bethlehem, Orthodox Beit Sahour, Catholic Action, Ebal, Hiteen, Qalandia, Islami and Terrasanta with major changes in players roasters in some of the clubs.

Some of the players who moved are Musa Bashir (206-C-78), played last season in Jordanian League and now playing for De La Salle Jerusalem, who have the same roaster coached by Derrick Crayton who just recently got back.
Raed Abu Rumman (188-F-81) was one of the main players from Orthodox Beit Jala who recently went to Division I will be playing for Orthodox Bethlehem or Ibdaa. While Rimon Zreineh from the same team went to Orthodox Bethlehem.
Shadi Bahnan (180-G-87), the main player from Catholic Action moved to Ibdaa while Ibrahim Habash from the same team went to Islami Bethlehem.
Hanna Sahwani, Fares Swaiti, Awad Hreimi moved from Islami to Orthodox Bethlehem.
Saleem Sakakinin Sarriyet Ramalalh main player will be relocating either to Qalandia, De la Salle or Orthodox Bethlehem.

On another end, the tournament in Gaza is still ongoing with 8 teams taking part and Khadamat AlBreij leading.
More details will be announced soon on the upcoming League

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

PBL

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Mike WILLIAMS
  Vermont FH
  (201-F-85)
  Avg: 22

1. Williams, Vermo.	22.0
2. Egerson, Saint J.	21.0
3. Mitchell, Halifax R.	19.0
4. Crouch, Rocheste.	19.0
5. Jones, Kentucky S.	18.3
6. Brown, Quebec K.	17.8
7. Martin, Saint J.	17.7
8. Rice, Vermont FH	17.3
9. Parran, Quebec K.	16.8
10. Mercer, Halifax R.	16.7

Rebounds Per Game

Eric CROOKSHANK
  Halifax R.
  (201-F-80)
  Avg: 12.7

1. Crookshank, Halif.	12.7
2. DeMasi, Vermont FH	10.3
3. Williams, Vermo.	8.5
4. Mims, Lawton Ft.SC	8.3
5. Jones, Kentucky S.	7.8
6. Jones, Halifax R.	7.7
7. Ocitti, Saint J.	7.5
8. Brown, Quebec K.	7.3
9. Dollard, Halifax R.	7.0
10. Walton, Rocheste.	7.0

Assists Per Game

Dwuan RICE
  Vermont FH
  (180-G-)
  Avg: 8.8

1. Rice, Vermont FH	8.8
2. Egerson, Saint J.	7.0
3. Acker, Quebec K.	5.8
4. Parran, Quebec K.	5.5
5. Brown, Quebec K.	4.5
6. Brown, Halifax R.	4.3
7. Fountain, Lawton F.	4.3
8. Anderson, Saint J.	4.3
9. Bowden, Lawton F.	4.3
10. Daniels, Lawton F.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Quinnel BROWN
  Quebec K.
  (198-G/F-83)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Brown, Quebec K.	3.3
2. Rice, Vermont FH	2.8
3. Mims, Lawton Ft.SC	2.7
4. Parran, Quebec K.	2.3
5. Anderson, Saint J.	2.3
6. Egerson, Saint J.	2.0
7. Voskuil, Halifax R.	2.0
8. Gilchrese, Saint J.	2.0
9. Austin, Vermont FH	1.8
10. Taylor, Dayton A.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Joshua DOLLARD
  Halifax R.
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Dollard, Halifax R.	1.7
2. Carter, Rocheste.	1.3
3. DeMasi, Vermont FH	1.3
4. Farley, Rocheste.	1.0
5. Daniels, Lawton F.	1.0
6. DeLuca, Saint J.	1.0
7. Austin, Vermont FH	1.0
8. Callier, Quebec K.	1.0
9. Stevenson, Rocheste.	1.0
10. Crookshank, Halif.	1.0

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

PORTUGAL

Henrique Vieira reaction to Benfica defeat - by Luis Filipe Cristovao
Sport Lisboa Benfica had a terrible defeat in Latvia, facing BK Ventspils in the Eurochallenge Top 16.

Henrique Vieira , Sport Lisboa Benfica's coach, said after the game:
'We defend poorly and could not score points. We played only 10 or 15 minutes and that's not enough to overcome a tough opponent as BK Ventspils. The trip to Latvia was tiring ... The next game in Lisbon will be completely different.'

Sport Lisboa Benfica started very well but was beaten in after a very strong second half by the Latvians, who had more quality players to rotate.

Next week, Sport Lisboa Benfica will host Gravelines, for the second day of Eurochallenge Top 16.

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

PUERTO RICO

Capitanes prevail against Cocodrilos in Arecibo - by Eurobasket News
Capitanes - Cocodrilos 84:79

Capitanes de Arecibo registered their first win at Liga Americas Group D. They held off Cocodrilos de Caracas in the opener. Larry Ayuso (190-G-77, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: USC) came up with 22 points to lead the effort.
The Venezuelan team looked the better side in the starting period. They outscored the hosts 20:14. The second frame did not bring any recovery for Capitanes. The visitors maintained the lead and recorded a 46:36 halftime advantage. But Capitanes changed the complexion of the encounter after the main break. The home team finally tuned up defensively and cut the distance to 6 points at the final break. Capitanes erupted for 30 points in the final stanza to rally to a narrow victory at the end. Danilo Pinnock (196-G-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington) notched 21 points and 8 rebounds for Capitanes. Rafael Cruz (187-G-79, college: Youngstown St.) contributed 11 points, 6 boards and 3 assists for the winners. Tayron Thomas (191-G-84, college: Philadelphia) replied with 20 points for Cocodrilos. Luis Bethelmy (200-C-86) produced 17 points in defeat.

Capitanes: Larry Ayuso 22, Danilo Pinnock 21, Rafael Cruz 11
Cocodrilos: Tayron Thomas 20, Luis Bethelmy 17

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

QATAR

Rayyan open season with two victories - by Eurobasket News
The QBF League defending champions Rayyan opened new season on a high note. They recorded two straight victories. Rayyan first defeated Qatar Club and lately they dealt with Wakrah. Targuy Ngombo (196-F-89, agency: Court Side) scored 32 points to lead Rayyan to an 86:64 success in the latest game. Yasseen Musa (204-F-80) contributed 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Tierre Brown (188-G-79, college: McNeese St.) provided 13 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds for the winners. Jayson Omokaro replied with 20 points for Wakrah as they slipped at 0-2 record.
Qatar Club posted the first win in the season. They outgunned Arabi 86:66 to improve at 1-1 record. Abdel Khalifa (170-G-80) knocked down 24 points to pace Qatar Club. Mike Cook (193-G/F-84, college: Pittsburgh) tallied 23 points, 9 assists and 5 boards in the win. Michael Cuffee (193-F-83, college: Middle Tenn.St.) responded with game-high 31 points for Arabi. Elhagi Doudou netted 15 points as Arabi fell at 0-2 record.

Standings

D1 Standings

1. Al Rayyan		2-0
2. Al Gharrafah		1-0
3. As Sadd		1-0
4. Al Jaysh		1-0
5. Qatar		1-1
6. Al Ahli		0-1
7. Al Arabi		0-2
8. Al Wakrah		0-2

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

RUSSIA

Superleague Standings

1. Spartak-Primorie		16-4
2. Saransk		16-4
3. Univ.Surgut		15-5
4. Severstal		14-6
5. Ural Ekaterinb.		9-8
6. Rjazan		8-10
7. Metallurg-Univ.		8-12
8. Revda		7-11
9. Irkutsk		6-14
10. Lokomotiv		3-14
11. Zaretchny		3-17

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

SERBIA

Enisey Krasnoyarsk and Miroslav Raicevic part ways - by Eurobasket News
Enisey Krasnoyarsk parted ways with Miroslav Raicevic (208-C-81, agency: Alti Sport). The 29-year-old power forward struggles with injury this season appearing just three times for the club in Russian league and twice in EuroChallenge. In Russia, he registered 6 ppg and 3 rpg.
Miroslav Raicevic joined Enisey Krasnoyarsk last summer from Kavala. He played 22 games for Kavala in Greek league collecting 9.5 ppg and 4.1 rpg. In 2008/09, Raicevic was a member of Panionios Athens helping them to reach the Greek Cup Semifinals. In the league Raicevic had 4.9 ppg and 2.1 rpg. Panionios competed in Eurolegue that season, where Raicevic added 5.8 ppg and 1.9 rpg for 10 games. In the past, Miroslav Raicevic was a member of Eldo Napoli, Dynamo Moscow, Crvena Zvezda and Aris Thessaloniki. It remains to be seen will Enisey Krasnoyarsk bring in a replacement for Raicevic.

Ivan Paunic shines in Russia - by Eurobasket News
Serbian International Ivan Paunic (194-G-87, agency: Beo Basket) demonstrated great performance in the latest round of Russian league. He helped Nizhny Novgorod beat Dynamo Moscow 72-63 in very important game. Paunic spent 27 minutes on the court collecting 17 points and 5 rebounds. With this victory, Nizhny Novgorod jumped to seventh place with 3-6 record.
Ivan Paunic joined Nizhny Novgorod last summer from Aris Thessaloniki. He played 9 games in Russian so far league averaging 14.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists. The team competed in EuroChallenge as well, where Paunic registered even better numbers: 15.6 ppg, 6.1 rpg and 2.9 apg for 8 games. Before Nizhny Novgorod and Aris, Paunic was a member of Base Oostende, Vojvodina Srbija Gas, Mornar Bar, Avala Ada and Partizan Belgrade. He helped Serbian National Team to win the Silver at the EuroBasket 2009 in Poland and also to reach the Semfinals at the latest FIBA World Championship in Turkey.
In the next round, Nizhny Novgorod will meet CSKA Moscow on the road.

Hemofarm cruise past Cedevita - by Eurobasket News
Hemofarm - Cedevita 86:73

Hemofarm registered the first win at EuroCup Last 16 round. They trounced visiting Cedevita tonight. Jerome Jordan (213-C-86, college: Tulsa) knocked down 19 points and grabbed 7 rebounds to pace the hosts to the debut win in Group I.
Hemofarm was dominant in the first half. The Serbian team unloaded 32 points in the opening quarter taking a 17-point lead. Cedevita struggled to pick up the slack as they continued to lose the battle at both ends of the floor. Hemofarm stretched the lead to as many as 21 points at halftime. Hemofarm did not slow down in the third quarter. They boosted the gap to unsurpassable 26 points. Cedevita erupted for 30 points in the final quarter but could not avoid the loss at the end.
Milos Borisov (201-F-85) had 12 points and 8 rebounds for Hemofarm. Mustafa Abdul-Hamid (188-G-88, college: UCLA), Boris Savovic (206-F-87) and Mladen Jeremic (196-G-88, agency: Interperformances) produced 8 points each in the win. Bracey Wright (191-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Indiana) answered with 25 points for Cedevita. Trent Plaisted (211-F/C-86, agency: Priority Sports, college: BYU) chipped in 11 points in the loss.

Hemofarm: Jerome Jordan 19, Milos Borisov 12, Mustafa Abdul-Hamid 8
Cedevita: Bracey Wright 25, Trent Plaisted 11

Real Madrid hands 78-58 loss to Partizan - by Eurobasket News
Real Madrid - Partizan 78-58

Real Madrid had no troubles to beat Partizan in the first game of the Top 16, Group G. Second quarter was the crucial one in this game as the home squad smashed Partizan 26-9. Sergio Llull (190-G-87) was in a game mood tonight scoring 21 points. He made 9 of 10 attempts from the line. Clay Tucker (195-G-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) had 18, while Carlos Suarez (202-F-86, agency: Court Side) and Pablo Prigioni (191-G-77) added 9 points. For the Serbian powerhouse, Jan Vesely (211-F-90) was the leading scorer with 13 points. Nathan Jawai (207-C-86, college: Midland CC) (5 rebs) and Curtis Jerrells (185-G-87, college: Baylor) delivered 12 points each.
As mentioned above, the Whites destroyed Partizan in the second quarter 26-9 keeping the comfortable lead for rest of the game. Partizan was slightly better team at the beginning (17-18), but they were not able to resist any longer. Real was 43-27 up at the HT and they jumped to 58-40 after 30 minutes of play. Last quarter was just the formality and the Whites celebrated first victory at this stage.
In Round Two, Real Madrid goes to Siena. Partizan will host Efes Pilsen.

Real Madrid: Sergio Llull 21, Clay Tucker 18, Carlos Suarez 9, Pablo Prigioni 9
Partizan: Jan Vesely 13, Nathan Jawai 12+5 boards, Curtis Jerrells 12

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

SPAIN

Real Madrid hands 78-58 loss to Partizan - by Eurobasket News
Real Madrid - Partizan 78-58

Real Madrid had no troubles to beat Partizan in the first game of the Top 16, Group G. Second quarter was the crucial one in this game as the home squad smashed Partizan 26-9. Sergio Llull (190-G-87) was in a game mood tonight scoring 21 points. He made 9 of 10 attempts from the line. Clay Tucker (195-G-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) had 18, while Carlos Suarez (202-F-86, agency: Court Side) and Pablo Prigioni (191-G-77) added 9 points. For the Serbian powerhouse, Jan Vesely (211-F-90) was the leading scorer with 13 points. Nathan Jawai (207-C-86, college: Midland CC) (5 rebs) and Curtis Jerrells (185-G-87, college: Baylor) delivered 12 points each.
As mentioned above, the Whites destroyed Partizan in the second quarter 26-9 keeping the comfortable lead for rest of the game. Partizan was slightly better team at the beginning (17-18), but they were not able to resist any longer. Real was 43-27 up at the HT and they jumped to 58-40 after 30 minutes of play. Last quarter was just the formality and the Whites celebrated first victory at this stage.
In Round Two, Real Madrid goes to Siena. Partizan will host Efes Pilsen.

Real Madrid: Sergio Llull 21, Clay Tucker 18, Carlos Suarez 9, Pablo Prigioni 9
Partizan: Jan Vesely 13, Nathan Jawai 12+5 boards, Curtis Jerrells 12

Dusko Savanovic leads Valencia to 73-59 win against Zalgiris - by Eurobasket News
Valencia - Zalgiris 73-59

Valencia opened the Top 16 phase with excellent 73-59 home win against Zalgiris. The last season's EuroCup winner got 20 points from Dusko Savanovic (204-F/C-83, agency: Beo Basket), who was the MVP of this meeting with valuation 25. Victor Claver (207-F/C-88) scored 14 points, while Ukrainian big guy Serhiy Lishchuk (210-C/F-82, agency: Beo Basket) helped with 9 points and 12 rebounds. Zalgiris did not have anyone with double-digits in scoring. Their best player was DeJuan Collins (188-G-76, college: Tuskegee) with 7 points and 7 boards. Martynas Pocius (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) stopped to 9 pts with poor shot percentage. Both teams are Group H participants.
Zalgiris was slightly better in the first quarter as they grabbed 20-21 lead. However, Valencia players drastically improved after that stopping their rivals to just 10 pts for the next 10 minutes. They made 19 on the other side for 39-31 lead at the HT. Zalgiris came to 39-35 after the breather, but Martinez responded with a triple and later Valencia jumped to plus 9. Jankunas nailed a catch-and-shoot jumper and Brown beat the buzzer with a nine-meter bomb to get Zalgiris as close as 54-50 after 30 minutes. However, Dusko Savanovic and his teammates exploded in the last period making nice 12-2 run, which allowed them later to celebrate the first win in Top 16 (Q4, 19-9).
In the next round, Valencia will meet Fenerbahce Ulker in Istanbul. Zalgiris will host Olympiakos.

Valencia: Dusko Savanovic 20, Victor Claver 14, Serhiy Lishchuk 9+12 boards
Zalgiris: Martynas Pocius 9, DeJuan Collins 7+7 boards

Lagun Aro GBC keeps Jimmy Baron until 2013 - by Eurobasket News
Lagun Aro GBC came up with important news. The Spanish outfit signed a two-year contract extension with Jimmy Baron (191-G-86, college: Rhode Island). It means that the player with stay with Lagun Aro GBC until the end of 2012/13 season.
Jimmy Baron joined the squad last summer from Turkish Mersin. He appeared 17 times in ACB so far averaging 15.2 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists. Lagun Aro GBC currently has 7-10 record in the league. Last season with Mersin, Baron had 16.4 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 1.2 apg for 29 games. It was his first year as a pro. Eurobasket awarded Baron for his performance with All-Turkish League Honorable Mention -10.
Jimmy Baron is a product of the Rhode Island University, where he graduated in 2009. He had 17.4 ppg, 2.7 rpg and 1.9 apg as a senior.

Valencia extends Florent Pietrus - by Eurobasket News
Power Electronics Valencia announced signing of contract extension with Florent Pietrus (202-F-81). The French forward will stay with the club until April 6.
Florent Pietrus started this season with Caja Laboral. He got a one-month deal with the Spanish champion averaging 5 points and 7.5 rebounds for two games in ACB. In October he joined Valencia for a two-month deal and in December he was extended to another one. Pietrus appeared 10 times for Valencia in Euroleague helping them to reach the Top16. He posted averages of 3.9 points and 3.1 rebounds. In Spain, Pietrus had 2.4 ppg and 2.9 rpg in 14 games.
Florent Pietrus already played for Valencia from 2008 until the last summer, when he left the club for Caja Laboral. He also has experience from Estudiantes, Unicaja and Pau-Orthez.

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

SWEDEN

Standings - Basketligan

Basketligan Standings

1. Sundsvall		17-5
2. LF Basket		16-6
3. Sodertalje		15-7
4. Norrkoping		13-6
5. Uppsala		12-9
6. Solna		10-11
7. Boras		8-15
8. Jamtland		7-15
9. 08		6-16
10. Eco Orebro		4-18

Stats Leaders - Basketligan

Points Per Game

Johnell SMITH
  Sodertalje
  (186-G-80)
  Avg: 21.1

1. Smith, Sodertalje	21.1
2. Rush, Sundsvall	21.0
3. Hargrove, Jamtland	20.0
4. Smith, Uppsala	19.5
5. Gunnarsson, Solna	19.5
6. McCoy, Boras	18.8
7. Klaric, Jamtland	17.8
8. Wesby, Sundsvall	17.7
9. Kjellbom, Norrkoping	17.1
10. Palm, Boras	17.0

Rebounds Per Game

Hlynur BAERINGSSON
  Sundsvall
  (200-F/C-82)
  Avg: 11.2

1. Baeringsson, Sunds.	11.2
2. McKnight, Boras	9.3
3. Palm, Boras	9.1
4. Kosmalski, Solna	8.6
5. Kjellbom, Norrkoping	7.8
6. Kohlmaier, Uppsala	7.8
7. Walker, Solna	7.5
8. Cipriano, Eco O.	7.3
9. Jonzen, Uppsala	7.0
10. Akesson, LF Basket	6.9

Assists Per Game

Rudy MBEMBA
  LF Basket
  (181-G-87)
  Avg: 6.3

1. Mbemba, LF Basket	6.3
2. Pleick, Eco Orebro	5.5
3. Beck, 08	5.0
4. Frier, Uppsala	4.5
5. Chuk, Sodertalje	4.4
6. Hargrove, Jamtland	4.3
7. Smith, Sodertalje	4.3
8. Mitchell, Norrkoping	4.3
9. McCoy, Boras	4.2
10. Smith, Uppsala	4.2

Steals Per Game

Johnell SMITH
  Sodertalje
  (186-G-80)
  Avg: 3.9

1. Smith, Sodertalje	3.9
2. Mbemba, LF Basket	3.5
3. Smith, Uppsala	2.2
4. Rush, Sundsvall	2.2
5. Baeringsson, Sunds.	2.1
6. Hellgren, Jamtland	2.1
7. McCoy, Boras	1.9
8. Frier, Uppsala	1.9
9. Mosley, Eco Orebro	1.8
10. Pleick, Eco Orebro	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Bilal SALAAM
  Jamtland
  (201-F-81)
  Avg: 2

1. Salaam, Jamtland	2.0
2. Kjellbom, Norrkoping	1.7
3. Palm, Boras	1.7
4. Rosendahl, LF Ba.	1.5
5. Kohlmaier, Uppsala	1.3
6. Ayuba, Norrkoping	1.2
7. Cipriano, Eco O.	1.1
8. Walker, Solna	1.0
9. Galick, Sodertalje	1.0
10. Levett, LF Basket	0.8

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

SWITZERLAND

Stats Leaders LNA

Points Per Game

Shorown GLOVER
  Boncourt
  (180-G-87)
  Avg: 22.3

1. Glover, Boncourt	22.3
2. Farokhmanesh, SAM M.	21.5
3. Abukar, Lugano T.	20.4
4. Reid, Monthey	20.4
5. Polyblank, Geneve L.	20.1
6. Popovich, SAV V.	19.9
7. Brown, Starwings	19.9
8. Byron, BBC Nyon	18.7
9. Martin, BBC Nyon	18.6
10. Yates, Starwings	18.6

Rebounds Per Game

Cruz DANIELS
  BBC Nyon
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 13.6

1. Daniels, BBC Nyon	13.6
2. Yates, Starwings	10.0
3. Ofoegbu, SAM M.	9.9
4. Reid, Monthey	9.6
5. Thompson, Starw.	9.5
6. Gugino, Boncourt	9.1
7. Yates, Monthey	8.6
8. Sloan, Geneve Lions	8.5
9. Dos Santos, Bonco.	8.3
10. Smith, Fribourg	7.9

Assists Per Game

Rickey GIBSON
  SAV Vacallo
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 6.8

1. Gibson, SAV Vacallo	6.8
2. Glover, Boncourt	5.9
3. Brown, Starwings	4.6
4. Draughan, Lugano T.	4.5
5. Angley, Lugano T.	4.5
6. Hollins, Starwings	4.3
7. Buscaglia, Fribourg	4.2
8. Ross, Geneve Lions	4.1
9. Petkovic, Fribourg	4.1
10. Sharper, Monthey	4.1

Steals Per Game

Shorown GLOVER
  Boncourt
  (180-G-87)
  Avg: 4.4

1. Glover, Boncourt	4.4
2. Gibson, SAV Vacallo	3.4
3. Angley, Lugano T.	2.9
4. Draughan, Lugano T.	2.8
5. Farokhmanesh, SAM M.	2.7
6. Gugino, Boncourt	2.6
7. Reid, Monthey	2.4
8. Sharper, Monthey	2.4
9. Hawkins, SAM M.	2.1
10. Efevberha, Lugano T.	2.1

Blocks Per Game

Cruz DANIELS
  BBC Nyon
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Daniels, BBC Nyon	3.5
2. Toure, Geneve Lions	2.4
3. Lukic, Zurich W.	1.7
4. Gugino, Boncourt	1.6
5. Thompson, Starw.	1.6
6. Sloan, Geneve Lions	1.3
7. Moris, Monthey	1.2
8. Sanders, Lugano T.	1.2
9. Hawkins, SAM M.	0.9
10. Ferguson, Zurich W.	0.9

Swiss Market News: Lions de Geneve sign Josko Srzic and release Ronnie Ross, Fribourg land Terry Williams - by Luca Maffioli
Ronnie Ross (187-G-79, college: Utah St.) and Lions de Geneve part ways. The American guard played 15 games in Swiss LNA averaging 11.4 points, 2.5 rebounds and 4.1 assists. Ross will be replaced by Josko Srzic (193-G-82) who started this season with Starwings Basket Regio Basel but in november came back in Poly-Rapid Zurich Wildcats. He averaged 10.2 points, 2.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 5 games.
Terry Williams (192-G-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Georgia Southern) sign a one-month deal with Benetton Fribourg Olympic to replace the injured playmaker Stefan Petkovic (186-G-92). The American guard started this season in France with ESSM Le Portel Cote d'Opale averaging 7.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists.
Blonay Basket sign Marco Cheren (172-G-87). The Swiss-Italian playmaker played in LNB with Vevey Riviera Basket. He averaged 3.5 points, 1.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists.
Anthony Clavel (191-G-90) stop his season with Etoile Sportive Vernier Meyrin due job reasons after 10 games. Jules Fouda (185-G-89) leaves Ovronnaz-Martigny Basket, Hugo Pythoud (183-G-92) and Bulle Basket part ways.

Toure number one in Switzerland for round 16 - by Eurobasket News
Senegalese power forward Babacar Toure (205-F/C-85) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Lions de Geneve, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 16.
The 25-year old player had a double-double of 23 points and 13 rebounds, while his team beat Boncourt (#6, 7-9) 73-65. Geneve Lions is placed at 3rd position in Swiss LNA. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Geneve Lions will need more victories to improve their 11-5 record. It was one of impressive evenings for Toure as usually he does not deliver so high stats. Babacar Toure averages this season 10.5ppg and 7.7rpg.

The second best player in last round's games was 23-year old American Chad Byron (188-G-87) of Sdent BBC Nyon. Byron had a very good evening with 31 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists. Bad luck as BBC Nyon lost that game 66-76 to slightly higher-ranked Starwings (#7, 7-9). BBC Nyon managed to keep the same 9th spot in the standings. 14 lost games are too many comparing to just two victories BBC Nyon managed to get this year. Byron is a newcomer at BBC Nyon, but is already one of team's top players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 18.7ppg (#8).

Third on the list of top players last round was American forward Arizona Reid (196-F-86) of Monthey (#5). Reid scored 19 points and grabbed twelve rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of Monthey, leading his team to a 76-66 win against SAV Vacallo (10-6). Monthey needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 10 victories and 6 lost games. Reid has a great season in Switzerland. After only 5 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 20.4ppg (4th best) and rebounds with 9.6rpg (4th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. John Sharper (186-G-84) of Monthey - 22 points, 2 rebounds and 8 assists
5. Cruz Daniels (211-C-85) of BBC Nyon - 9 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Alex Thompson (208-F-85) of Starwings - 16 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Nicolas Dos Santos (200-C-87) of Boncourt - 18 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Yuanta Holland (202-F/C-78) of Fribourg - 11 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists
9. Dave Esterkamp (200-F-78) of Fribourg - 15 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists
10. Max Kouguere (198-F-87) of Geneve Lions - 13 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)

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

TPBL

San Antonio Airmen split games with Houston A-Z and Abilene Heat - by Chris Cardenas

San Antonio Airmen's Comeback Falls Short in Opener

January 15th, Pasadena -
Luis Guerra led a furious Airmen rally in the 4th quarter that fell just short against the Houston A-Z's, 131-121. Guerra shared scoring honors with fellow guard Miguel Romo with 23 points each.

Danny Sommers had a monster game on the boards, tallying 14 rebounds to go with 14 points.

Airmen Defeat Shorthanded Heat- San Antonio, Tx

January 16th, San Antonio Despite a sensational a 40 point performance from Texas Brett Holmes, the San Antonio Airmen defeated the Texas Heat, 123-117.

Airmen guard Vince Castenada tallied 31 points in his season debut and had plenty of support from backcourt partner Miguel Romo (25 Pts.) and Joe Tittle (15 Pts., 10 Rebounds) supported Castenadas effort with solid performances of their own.

The heat were height challenged due to the absence of their big men, but put up a galliant fight in the final stanza, taking a 20 point deficit down to six before the buzzer sounded.

The Airmen are scheduled to play in Cypress Saturday, and back home for a rematch with Houston A-Zs Sunday.

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TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Shak Attack stop Army - by Albert-Lee Young
Detour Shak Attack scored a convincing 88-72 win over Defence Force on Sunday evening at the Jean Pierre Complex, Port of Spain.

With the victory Shak Attack advanced to the final of the National Basketball Club Championship.

Shak Attack led for the entire match behind Reynold Hospedales who top scored with 12 points. Derrick Boxhill had a game high 22 points for the Army while Steven Lighter Lewis added 16 points in a losing effort.

The win was sweet revenge for Shak Attack as they beaten by Defense Force in the 2009/10 Finals.

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TURKEY

Efes Pilsen grabs thriller win against Montepaschi - by Eurobasket News
Efes Pilsen - Montepaschi 60-58

Very exciting game was played in Istanbul tonight. Efes Pilsen escaped with tiny 60-58 victory against Montepaschi for 1-0 record in Group G (same as Real Madrid). Marvis Thornton (194-G-77, college: St.John's) was a key player for the hosts as he collected 12 points and 9 rebounds. Thornton reached valuation 28 and was the MVP of this meeting. Igor Rakocevic (191-G-78) was the leading scorer in Efes Pilsen with 17 pts (valuation 7), while Lawrence Roberts (205-F/C-82, college: Mississippi St.) helped with 8 pts and 6 rebs. Milovan Rakovic (208-C-85) replied with 16 points and 8 boards for the guests, and Rimantas Kaukenas (193-G-77, college: Seton Hall) posted 12 pts.
Efes Pilsen made 18-17 in the first and 11-10 in the second period for plus two at the halftime. They jumped to 47-40 for the next ten minutes and were looking good. Efes Pilsen reached 52-43 at the beginning of the last period, but than Milovan Rakovic and Rimantas Kaukenas stepped up for the guests cutting the difference to 52-47. Moss joined them with a basket and Lavrinovic joined the fun then closing the 0-8 run. It was 52-51 for the hosts and there was five minutes left. Thanks to Vujcic, Efes Pilsen stopped Siena and after that Lawrence Roberts and Marvis Thornton lifted the home squad to 57-51. Efes Pilsen went to the last 30 seconds with 59-55, after what Wisniewski made one FT. Zisis raise up from the corner for a triple to suddenly make it 60-58. When Efes missed two chances on its last possession, Zisis came up with the ball and a chance to finish what he started, but his running triple hit the front of the rim and fell out, keeping the first Top 16 victory of Group G in Istanbul.
In the next round, Efes Pilsen will meet Partizan in Belgrade. Montepaschi waits Real Madrid.

Efes Pilsen: Igor Rakocevic 17, Marvis Thornton 12+9 boards, Lawrence Roberts 8+6 boards
Montepaschi: Milovan Rakovic 16+8 boards, Rimantas Kaukenas 12

Oguz Savas gets MVP of the Week award for Turkish TBL - by Eurobasket News
Former international center Oguz Savas (208-C-87) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's leader Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 15.
The 23-year old center had a double-double of 26 points and ten rebounds, while his team beat Turk Telekom (#9, 7-8) 83-68. It allowed Fener.Ulker to consolidate first place in the Turkish TBL. Fener.Ulker have a solid 13-2 record. Savas has many years of experience at Fener.Ulker, through which he has constantly improved. Oguz Savas averages this season 9.7ppg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 30-year old American forward Brandon Hunter (201-F-80) of Aliaga Petkim. Hunter impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 28 points and 13 rebounds. It was enough for Aliaga to edge slightly higher-ranked Bornova (5-10) by 6 points 70-64. The game was between two teams which are definitely not main contenders for the top position in . Aliaga keeps 13th position. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 5-10 record. Hunter is a newcomer at Aliaga 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 Umit Sonkol (206-F-82) of Bornova Bld (#12). Sonkol scored 29 points and grabbed twelve rebounds (!!!). Despite Sonkol's great performance Bornova lost 64-70 to Aliaga (5-10). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Bornova not to end season at such low position in , however are less than slim as they have already lost 10 games, recording just five victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Sonkol could try to bring Bornova's a little bit higher in the standings. Sonkol has a very solid season. In 14 games in Turkey he scored 14.1ppg. He also has 7.7rpg and FGP: 53.6%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. James Mays (206-F-86) of Oyak Renault - 13 points, 13 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Predrag Samardjiski (214-C-86) of Olin Edirne - 17 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Mire Chatman (187-G-78) of Besiktas - 13 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists
7. Taylor Rocheste (185-G-85) of Galatasaray - 16 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists
8. Michal Ignerski (207-F-80) of Besiktas - 28 points and 2 rebounds
9. Mire Chatman (187-G-78) of Besiktas - 18 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists
10. David Holston (170-G-86) of Karsiyaka - 23 points 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)

Lofton back to Turkey for Besiktas - by Sinan Can
BESIKTAS Cola Turka agreed all terms with American shooting guard Chris Lofton (188-G-86, college: Tennessee). Due to the sources from Istanbul club, Lofton who has been playing for D League franchise Iowa Energy is expected to be in Istanbul. Lofton, a graduate from Tennessee played for Mersin Buyuksehir Belediyespor two years ago and impressed Turkish basketball fans with his shooting and scoring ability. Lofton left his mark at Beko Basketball League where he scored 47 points against Fenerbahce Ulker and 61 against CASA Ted Kolejliler. After a year in Spain with Caja Laboral and Estudiantes, Lofton decided to stay in USA this season. Shooting specialist averaged 16.0 points with 44 % beyond the arc, 3.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 2.1 stesals at 24 games with Energy so far. It's been reported that Besiktas also intrested in Serkan Erdogan before Lofton, but experienced player's military service blocked this transaction.

Standings - TB2L

TB2L Standings

Group A
1. Orman Genc		10-3
2. Genc Banvit		10-3
3. Vestel		10-3
4. Usak		9-4
5. Genc Telekom		8-5
6. Final Genclik		7-6
7. Istanbul B.B.		7-6
8. Darussafaka		6-7
9. Pertevniyal		5-8
10. FMV Isikspor		3-10
11. Adanaspor		3-10
12. Izmir B.B.		0-13
Group B
1. Optimum TED		12-1
2. Kepez Bld		10-3
3. Hacettepe Univ.		10-3
4. Gaziantep		8-5
5. Selcuk Univ.		7-6
6. Gelisim		7-6
7. Istanbulspor		7-6
8. Akhisar Bld		5-8
9. Beykoz		4-9
10. Basaksehir		4-9
11. ITU		2-11
12. TED Istanbul		2-11

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

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

CAHS dominates King Day tourney - by David Edole
Jan. 18--ST. THOMAS -- Merwin Potter (93) said his team is still not in top physical shape, but the Charlotte Amalie High School boys basketball team ran the court like seasoned veterans from the opening whistle and never looked back.

Potter finished with 13 points while Cursim Hansen added a game-high 15 points to lead the Chickenhawks to a 56-36 victory over defending champion Educational Complex on Monday in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Invitational Basketball Tournament finals.

CAHS went 4-0 in the double-elimination tourney, which started Friday and attracted six teams from St. Croix and St. Thomas.

'We dedicated this championship victory to Shanoui Miller, our starting guard who was injured in the game against Central on Saturday,' said CAHS coach Pedrito Estrill, whose team started with a 19-5 scoring run. 'He will be sorely missed and the guys thought it would be a good way to show their appreciation for the hard work Shanoui has already put in this year.'

Miller suffered a hairline fracture in his right wrist and watched the game from the CAHS bench Sunday. He is expected to miss the next few games, Estrill said.

Deshawn Creque chipped in 10 points and seven rebounds for the Chickenhawks, while Hansen and Potter combined for 13 rebounds.

'We knew they played two games the day before, so we wanted to come out strong and run the court on them,' said Potter, who was named the tournament's MVP. 'We have a lot of different people who can score and I think we showed that in this game.'

After falling to CAHS by 26 points on Saturday, Complex started the game in a man-to-man defense, but they could not contain the Chickenhawks' early firepower.

'In the first game, we played them in a zone and they really chewed us up,' said Barracudas coach Dean Heywood, whose team fell behind at halftime, 32-13, and trailed by as many as 29 points in the second half. 'We came back and played them in a man-to-man, which is our better defense, but the game was almost decided in the first quarter.'

Nine different players scored for Complex, but each were held to single-digit scoring. Ryan Perple led the way with eight points while Raydel Denis, who won the tournament's Sportsmanship Award, tallied a team-high six rebounds.

Potter is a four-year varsity player and Estrill said he can fill any role on the team. Last season, he was used as a scoring threat on the wing and was known for pushing the ball in transition. He is one of the taller players on this year's roster and has made a smooth transition.

'I almost feel like a coach on the court,' said Potter, who pulled down all seven of his rebounds on the defensive glass and went to the free-throw line 12 times. 'I'm a little bit older. A little bigger. But my main goal is to get other guys involved. Once we do that, then we'll be very hard to beat.'

One player Potter will be sure to look for is Hansen, who did not play last year but was with the varsity squad in 2009. He was a menace on defense Sunday with seven steals while shooting 5-for-5 from the field.

Chickenhawks 56, Barracudas 36

Educational Complex13 23 -- 36

Charlotte Amalie32 24 -- 56

EDC: George 5, Krigger 6, Garvey 6, Denis 2, Perple 8, Edwards 1, Sealey 2, Francis 5, McNeal 1. Totals: 14 (3) 11-21 36.

CAHS: Peterson 2, Smith 6, Rivera 4, Hansen 15, Creque 10, Norford 2, Matthew 4, Potter 13. Totals: 20 (1) 15-25 56.

By Aaron Gray, The Virgin Islands Daily News, St. Thomas

Raja Bell gives Jazz a 'solid B' on first half of season - by David Edole
SALT LAKE CITY -- Before heading out on a seven-day road trip through select parts of the Eastern Conference, guard Raja Bell (196-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida Intern.) took a moment to assess the first half of the Utah Jazz season.

'I think we're a solid B,' Bell said. 'I'm reluctant to give us an A just because I think we can do better.'

The Jazz will get that chance today when they visit the Washington Wizards in a rare NBA day game - game No. 41 out of 82 regular-season contests.

At the halfway point of the season, Bell, his coach and teammates seem to be in agreement the Jazz are among the league's best teams.

Of course there is still room for improvement. Hence, the 'solid B.'

'I think we have played well,' Bell said. 'We've had some trouble at home and some slow starts but ultimately we have found ways to win games.'

Utah (27-13) will face the Wizards today, then travel to New Jersey for a game with the Nets on Wednesday. After that, the Jazz will face a back-to-back set Friday at Boston and Saturday at Philadelphia.

The team will return home briefly early next week, then head out for a Jan. 25 game with the Lakers in L.A.

Being careful not to look too far ahead, Bell said he thinks the Jazz have put themselves in position to earn a good seed in the playoffs, but ...

'Obviously we need to finish strong and continue to get better,' he said. 'But I give us a strong B.'

The Jazz will go into today's game with burgeoning confidence. Before leaving, they scored a combined 252 points in back-to-back home wins over New York and Cleveland.

Against the Cavaliers, they put up 39 points in the second quarter alone, hitting 59 percent from the field, 80 from behind the 3-point line and assisting on 11 of 16 field goals.

If it wasn't their best quarter of basketball all season, it certainly qualified among the top 3.

Coach Jerry Sloan isn't prone to dolling out undue praise. But even he marveled at how well his team played during that stretch, which was ignited by reserves C.J. Miles, Ronnie Price and Earl Watson.

'That second group seemed to have tremendous energy,' Sloan said.

Miles said the second unit was just following instructions.

'That's our job,' he said. 'We take it upon ourselves to come in and pick it up.'

As for his assessment of the team at the halfway point, Miles said it's a difficult call to make, partly because the Jazz struggled early on in the season and continue to battle with lapses in concentration.

'We've had our struggles, but everybody is figuring out their roles, everybody knows what we need to do,' he said. 'We're tough. The last couple of games shows if we execute, we play and we pass the ball, we're as good as anybody. We just have to keep doing that.'

As they approach the halfway point of the regular season, the Jazz sit tied atop the Northwest Division standings with Oklahoma City. They own a record of 15-7 at home, 12-6 in the road.

The Jazz are capable of winning all four games on the current trip. With the exception of Friday's game in Boston, Utah should be favored to win the other three.

By Jim Burton
Standard-Examiner staff

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UBA

Yulon Luxgen (Taiwan) signs Jermaine Dailey - by UBA media

Yulon Luxgen added to their roster 24-year old American forward Jermaine Dailey (6'8''-F-86, agency: SportsList Inc., college: Ill.-Chicago). Dailey was selected by the GIE Morrow Disciples in the 2010 UBA Draft (1st round, 1st pick) and is currently leading all forwards in the all-star voting. Dailey is averaging an impressive 16.8ppg, 12.5rpg (1-UBA) and 2.5 (4-UBA) blocks in 18 games. Jermaine Dailey is by far one of the most exciting players in the UBA and will be missed by the Disciples. 'To lose a guy like Dailey hurts', said coach Mike Davis. But we have to be honest with ourselves, we are very happy for him. He will be missed but he wont be the last Disciples leaving.

Dailey's best performance came Sunday night verus the Southern Generals. He tailed 18 points, 20 rebounds (UBA record) and 3 blocks. Dailey was also named UBA Player of the Month for November. 'Playing in the UBA is a blessing', said Dailey. It was an honor to be selected first in the UBA draft. My stay in the UBA has opened up a lot of doors for me. So I'm not leaving the league, I will always be apart of the family. I feel that the league has made me more mature as a player and a person.

Dailey is a very experienced player for his age. He played also pro basketball in Germany, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. In Saudi Arabia with Al Fateh he averaged 17.3ppg, 14.0rpg, 3.2bpg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 39.2%, FT: 70.0% in 10 games.

Beeri Hope To Get Stronger. Sign Raymond Canady - by UBA media
Hapoel Beeri signed today (Wednesday), Atlanta native 6'7 explosive guard, Raymond Canady Jr. (6'7''-F-84, agency: GOTathletes, college: Valdosta St.).

Canady will group up with forward Stacey Moragne, who only arrived at the Israeli southern team last week, as the two talents will try and help their new team overcome what you call 'rock bottom' 13th place (3-11), as week 14 past bye in the Israeli National league.

'I'm glad to have the opportunity of coming to play in Israel', Canady told Eurobasket.com today, moments after signing the contract.

'I'm not going to take this for granted. My job is to come in and try to help the team progress throughout the season. This is my first time to Israel and I know that it is probably the closest place in Europe to America, and that a lot of people there speak English so that will definitely make things easier for me'.

I heard you spoke to some players who played in Israel and are now in the NBA.

'Yea, I spoke with Anthony Parker and he told me it is a great place. I know Derrick Sharp and he also told me that it's a very nice place with warm people. Basically they both had only good things to say about the country so when it comes from people like them it only made my decision easier'.

Beeri who's last W came late November, will try to battle their way back into the league with Canady, former American Top 100 players in High School (Lithonia), and a 53.5% shooter from the field his sophomore year in college (Valdosta St.)

Canady who played only two games this season with the Tennessee Dragons (UBA), averaging 14 points, 7 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 block shots in 30 minutes, is a very explosive versatile guard who is known for his athletic ability. Canady likes to penetrate and finish strong at the rim, but can also shoot the mid-range jumper and has a hot hand from beyond the arc.

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

UGANDA

FUBA honors players - by Kristian Santiago
Here is an overview of individual awards handed out by the FUBA lately:

MVP - Play-offs:
Ben Komakech (Dmark Power)

MVP - Regular Season:
Norman Blick (201-F-83) (Dmark Power)

Top Scorer:
Joseph Ikong (193) (Dmark Power)

Rookie of the Year:
Emmanuel Enabu (Dmark Power)

Coach of the Year :
John Omondi (Charging Rhinos Kampala)

Most Promising Coach :
N. Natuhereza (UCU Canons)

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

UNITED KINGDOM

EBL Round 11: Durham Wildcats are defeated by Reading Rockets - by Eurobasket News
Coincidentally all hosts won their games.

The game between second ranked Durham Wildcats (5-4) and fifth ranked Reading Rockets (5-3) was the most important one in the last round on Saturday night. Durham Wildcats were defeated by Reading Rockets in Reading 75-61. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Durham Wildcats. It was a key game for the second position in the league. Reading Rockets has a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to second place. Newly promoted Durham Wildcats dropped to the third position with four games lost. They share it with London Capitals. Reading Rockets will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Durham Wildcats will play on the road against Derby Trailblazers and are hoping to win this game.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Brixton Topcats (5-5) against ninth ranked Manchester Magic (3-5) on Saturday night. Visiting Brixton Topcats were crushed by Manchester Magic in Manchester 89-63. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Brixton Topcats. Manchester Magic moved-up to eighth place. Newly promoted Brixton Topcats dropped to the fifth position with five games lost. They share it with Leeds. Manchester Magic will play against league's leader Bristol Acadamy Flyers on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Brixton Topcats will have a break next round.

In the last two games of round 11 bottom-ranked Coventry lost to London Capitals on the opponent's court 62-67. Leeds managed to outperform Leicester in a home game 96-80.

Reading - Durham 75-61

The game between second ranked Durham Wildcats (5-4) and fifth ranked Reading Rockets (5-3) was the most important one in the last round on Saturday night. Durham Wildcats were defeated by Reading Rockets in Reading 75-61. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Durham Wildcats. It was a key game for the second position in the league. Reading Rockets has a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to second place. Newly promoted Durham Wildcats dropped to the third position with four games lost. They share it with London Capitals. Reading Rockets will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Durham Wildcats will play on the road against Derby Trailblazers and are hoping to win this game.

London Capitals - Coventry 67-62

Very expected game when 11th ranked Coventry Crusaders (1-6) were defeated on the road by sixth ranked Paws London Capitals (5-4) 67-62. However just five-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Paws London Capitals moved-up to third place, which they share with Durham. Coventry Crusaders lost fifth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom position with six games lost. Paws London Capitals will play against Leicester Warriors (#9) at home in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Coventry Crusaders will play against London Leopards to get more than just one victory in their record.

Manchester - Brixton 89-63

Very important is a road loss of third ranked Brixton Topcats (5-5) against ninth ranked Manchester Magic (3-5) on Saturday night. Visiting Brixton Topcats were crushed by Manchester Magic in Manchester 89-63. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Brixton Topcats. Manchester Magic moved-up to eighth place. Newly promoted Brixton Topcats dropped to the fifth position with five games lost. They share it with Leeds. Manchester Magic will play against league's leader Bristol Acadamy Flyers on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Brixton Topcats will have a break next round.

Leeds - Leicester 96-80

The game between closely ranked teams ended with seventh ranked Leeds Carnegie's (5-5) home victory over 8th ranked Leicester Warriors (3-6) 96-80. Leeds Carnegie moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Brixton. Leicester Warriors at the other side dropped to the ninth position with six games lost. Leeds Carnegie will again play against Leicester Warriors (#9) on the road in the next round. Leicester Warriors will play against Paws London Capitals and hope to get back on the winning track.

BBL Team Of The Week - Week 17 - by Paul Nilsen
To the surprise of absolutely nobody, a certain MVP from the NIA in Birmingham takes one of our spots for Week 17 after his dazzling double record breaking display in the BBL Cup Final. However you might be a little more surprised to learn another member of our line-up put in an equally impressive individual performance 48 hours earlier!

Steve Dagostino (180-G-85, agency: SportsTalent, college: St.Rose (NY)) (One Health Sharks Sheffield)

In terms of our efficiency and performance valuation, its incredible to think that even eight of ten triples and 35 points, both of which established new BBL Cup Final records are not enough to grab the mantle of last weeks top performer. However taking into account the importance of the occasion, you have to hand it to Dagostino. His timing is impeccable as he pitched up in Birmingham to produce his best performance in a Sharks uniform and help blowout the Tigers and ensure Sharks hang on to their most treasured possession for another season. Dagostino smashed the highest points tally which was held by Newcastle Eagles legend TJ Walker and also bettered the seven triples landed by Quincy Wadley for Towers on the same floor. He also grabbed 3 steals and dished up 3 assists to finish with a valuation of 35 and seal a day that he wont forget for a very long time.

Daniel Gilbert (Worcester Wolves)

The last time Wolves players exited the John Sandford Sports Centre they were shaking their heads in disbelief after being on the wrong end of a gut-wrenching double overtime loss to the Riders. This time, thanks mainly to Gilbert and team-mate Justin Dobbins, they managed to hang on and take an important victory. Gilbert rained in five triples during his 33 point haul while also pulling down 5 defensive rebounds. The guard last featured in the BBL Team Of The Week back during Week 8.

Charles Smith (Newcastle Eagles)

The man nicknamed The Prince (pictured) makes his third appearance in four weeks as his hot streak continues. The veteran star matched the accomplishments of Dagostino from outside with eight triples in the match-up with Riders and even managed to top the scoring charts with 36 points which helped him match the efficiency valuation of Dagostino to share the performer of the week accolade. It was certainly entertaining for the Eagles faithful at Sport Central who love Smith and the player was really feeling it! He received a deserved standing ovation as he subbed out during the final quarter. He also helped the team on the glass too with 6 rebounds.

Marcus Stout (One Health Sharks Sheffield)

It seems to have almost been forgotten that the Sharks havent just lifted the BBL Cup during the last week but they also picked up an important BBL Championship win against the in-form UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders to keep themselves in the title race. Leading the way last Wednesday night was Marcus Stout who conjured up an energetic 25 points, 6 rebound, 4 assists and 2 steals. While he was quieter at the NIA against Tigers, he only underlines the notion that Sharks are the type of team where any player can step up on any given night.

Justin Dobbins (Worcester Wolves)

The big man was in fine form against Riders and it wouldnt be a true BBL Team Of The Week line-up without someone registering a double-double. Dobbins certainly did that much to the relief of Wolves fans desperate for a win to get them moving back up the standings after contributing 23 points and 12 rebounds. As with fellow Wolves player Daniel Gilbert, this is the second time Justin has made our team this season.

BBL Team Of The Week

Steve Dagostino (180-G-85, agency: SportsTalent, college: St.Rose (NY)) (One Health Sharks Sheffield)

Daniel Gilbert (Worcester Wolves)

Charles Smith (Newcastle Eagles)

Marcus Stout (One Health Sharks Sheffield)

Justin Dobbins (Worcester Wolves)

Off The Bench

Callum Jones (Worcester Wolves), Moses Mubarak (Glasgow Rocks), Kadiri Richard (Newcastle Eagles), Demarius Bolds (Prestige Homes MK Lions), Travis Nelson (Prestige Homes MK Lions)

Standings - EBL Conf.

EBL Standings

1. Bristol		9-0
2. Reading		5-3
3. Durham		5-4
4. London Capitals		5-4
5. Leeds		5-5
6. Brixton		5-5
7. Leopards		4-3
8. Manchester		3-5
9. Leicester		3-6
10. Derby		2-6
11. Coventry		1-6

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URUGUAY

Villegas leads Olimpia to play the LUB quarter finals - by Hector Lopez
Johwen Villegas (193-G-85, college: Florida Intern.) netted two free throws with the regulation time finished and the score tied leading Olimpia to beat Welcome 75-73 and therefore qualifying to the Uruguayan League playoff. Villegas finished with 14 points 5 rebounds 1 block and 2 assists, and Greg Dilligard (203-F-85, agency: Warren Sports International) scored 12 points, grabbed 11 rebounds with 6 blocks. For Welcome Kevin Nelson (192-G-84, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Park) scored 26 points with 6 rebounds and 5 assists, while Scott Cutley (196-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) netted 19 points with 13 rebounds. With two rounds still to be played, Welcome need to win one game to play the best-of-five quarter finals.
Andrew Feeley (206-F/C-83, agency: Promotex, college: UMBC) scored 11 points in the last quarter when Trouville beat Cordon 75-72. Feeley finished with 21 points 10 rebounds and 3 blocksm while Brad Kanis (218-C-84, college: Grand Canyon) netted 6 and grabbed 5 rebounds. For Cordon: Christopher Hayes (206-F-87, college: Detroit Mercy) 18 points 3 rebounds, Austen Powers (203-F-87, agency: Tank Sports, college: Seattle) 9 points 10 rebouns 1 block 4 assists.
Bigua beat Bohemios 105-85. For Bigua Emilio Taboada (191-F-82) 26 points, Michael Sweetney (203-F-82, college: Georgetown) 10 points 5 rebounds 2 blocks and Elgrace Wilborn (203-F-83, college: W.Kentucky) 9 points 6 rebounds 1 block. For Bohemios, De Andre Coleman (201-F-86, college: S.Alabama) 32 points and 13 rebounds.
STANDINGS: Malvin 36.0 Defensor Sporting 35.5, Bigua 35.0, Trouville 33,5, Hebraica 33.0, Aguada 33.0, Olimpia 31.5, Welcome 30.5, Cordon 29.0 Bohemios 27.0

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VENEZUELA

Women News

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BRAZIL - Women

Standings - CNBF

LBF Standings

1. Americana		10-1
2. Acucar		9-2
3. Santo Andre		9-2
4. Ourinhos		5-6
5. Joinville		4-7
6. M.Petrobras		3-7
7. Basquete Clube		2-8
8. Sao Caetano		1-10

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CROATIA - Women

Gospic finish Euroleague regular season on a high note - by Eurobasket News
Gospic - MKB Euroleasing 81:78

Gopsic posted the second win at the Euroleague season. They knocked down MKB Euroleasing to entertain the home fans tonight. The victory however did not help Gospic reach Last 16 stage. MKB Euroleasing in the meantime finished in the fourth position in Group B.
Marija Vrsaljko (195-C-89) put Gospic in front early in the encounter. The hosts maintained the lead throughout the first quarter. The Croatian team enjoyed a narrow 23:19 lead ten minutes into the game. Tamane and Kata Honti (175-G-87) finally put MKB Euroleasing ahead 30:27 midway through the second term. But Maurita Reid (173-G-85, college: Miami (FL)) immediately answered from downtown to keep Gospic in control. Marija Vrsaljko capped the first half with a jumper and Gospic secured a 44:40 lead. The teams stayed close in the third quarter. Gospic led by just a single point entering the final stanza 58:57. Kata Honti and Coleman made it 74:70 for MKB Euroleasing with just over three minutes remaining. However Mandir and Jelena Ivezic (184-G-84) knocked down back-to-back triples as Gospic retained the lead. Tijana Krivacevic (194-F-90) leveled things up again but Marija Vrsaljko converted a three-point play to put Gospic up for good.
Marija Vrsaljko nailed 20 points and collected 7 rebounds for Gospic. Jelena Ivezic added 16 points and 13 boards in the victory. Tijana Krivacevic responded with 25 points for MKB Euroleasing. Kata Honti netted 19 points in the loss.

Gospic: Marija Vrsaljko 20, Jelena Ivezic 16+13 boards, Maurita Reid 15+12 assists
MKB Euroleasing: Tijana Krivacevic 25, Kata Honti 19

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CYPRUS - Women

Standings - women

A1 Standings

1. Keravnos		9-0
2. AEK Larnaca		9-1
3. AEL Limassol		7-3
4. Achilleas		7-3
5. Olympos		5-5
6. Akademia		3-7
7. APOP Paphou		3-7
8. Anagennises		1-8
9. InterColl. Etha		0-10

A1: Round 11 review - by Eurobasket News
The game in Nicosia was maybe the most important in Round 11 of the Cypriot top division. 6th ranked APOP Paphou (3-7) played at the court of seventh ranked Akademia (3-7). Akademia defeated APOP Paphou 48-33. Akademia moved-up to sixth place, which they share with defeated APOP Paphou. Akademia will play against Anagennises (#8) in Limassol in the next round. APOP Paphou will play at home against Olympos in Ayios and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game in Ayios also supposed to be quite interesting. Second ranked AEK Larnaca (9-1) played at the court of 5th ranked Olympos (5-5). However, AEK Larnaca smashed Olympos 71-44 on Sunday. AEK Larnaca have an impressive series of five victories in a row. Defending champion maintains second place with 9-1 record having just -1 point less than leader Keravnos. Newly promoted Olympos keeps the fifth position with five games lost. AEK Larnaca will meet at home AEL Limassol (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Olympos will play against APOP Paphou and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game between fourth ranked Achilleas (7-3) and 8th ranked Anagennises (1-8) in Nicosia ended with biggest points difference. Achilleas outscored guests from Limassol 103-25. The victory was the third consecutive win for Achilleas. They moved-up to third place, which they share with AEL Limassol. Anagennises at the other side keeps the eighth position with eight games lost. Achilleas will have a break next round. Anagennises will play at home against Akademia (#6) in Nicosia and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Akademia - APOP Paphou 48-33

The game in Nicosia was maybe the most interesting in Round 11 of the Cypriot top division. 6th ranked APOP Paphou (3-7) played at the court of seventh ranked Akademia (3-7). Akademia defeated APOP Paphou 48-33. Akademia moved-up to sixth place, which they share with defeated APOP Paphou. Akademia will play against Anagennises (#8) in Limassol in the next round. APOP Paphou will play at home against Olympos in Ayios and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Olympos - AEK Larnaca 44-71

The game in Ayios also supposed to be quite interesting. Second ranked AEK Larnaca (9-1) played at the court of 5th ranked Olympos (5-5). AEK Larnaca smashed Olympos 71-44 on Sunday. AEK Larnaca have an impressive series of five victories in a row. Defending champion maintains second place with 9-1 record having just -1 point less than leader Keravnos. Newly promoted Olympos keeps the fifth position with five games lost. AEK Larnaca will meet at home AEL Limassol (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Olympos will play against APOP Paphou and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

AEL Limassol - InterColl. Etha 20-0

AEL Limassol maintains third place with 7-3 record having just one points less than leader Keravnos, which they share with Achilleas. InterCollege Etha at the other side still closes the standings with 0-10. AEL Limassol is looking forward to face league's second-placed AEK Larnaca on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week.

Achilleas - Anagennises 103-25

The game between fourth ranked Achilleas (7-3) and 8th ranked Anagennises (1-8) in Nicosia ended with biggest points difference. Achilleas outscored guests from Limassol 103-25. The victory was the third consecutive win for Achilleas. They moved-up to third place, which they share with AEL Limassol. Anagennises at the other side keeps the eighth position with eight games lost. Achilleas will have a break next round. Anagennises will play at home against Akademia (#6) in Nicosia and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

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CZECH REPUBLIC - Women

Galatasaray advanced to Sweet 16 - by Eurobasket News
Galatasaray MP-ZVVZ USK Prague 81:69

Galatasaray advanced to Sweet 16 of EuroLeague as they rolled over ZVVZ USK Prague in the do-or-die game. The Turkish side grabbed 81:69 win and due to the same number of points with VICI, had a better difference. VICI Aistes' earlier victory over Tarbes made this a must-win for Gala, who take fourth place in Group C courtesy of a superior goal differential against Aistes.
The teams exchanged the baskets early in the game and the hosts realized that they needed the victory more. Gintare Petronyte (196-C-89) closed the first period at 23:19 and Sylvia Fowles (198-C-85, college: LSU) scored for 35:29. Moreover she sent the teams to the lockers for 48:35. Galatasaray also won the third frame and increased the lead to 64:48 after 30 minutes. Although Prague team won the end of the game, both teams happily left the court of Istanbul.
Sylvia Fowles top-scored for the winners with 26 points for necessary 4-6 record. Seimone Augustus (185-G-84, college: LSU) posted 14, while Gintare Petronyte delivered 8. Eva Viteckova (189-F-82) ended up with 20 points for the team from Czech Republic that advanced with 5-5 record. Edita Sujanova (190-C-85) poured in 12, whilst Katerina Elhotova (176-G-89) added 11 points.

Galatasaray MP: Sylvia Fowles 26, Seimone Augustus 14, Gintare Petronyte 8
ZVVZ USK Prague: Eva Viteckova 20, Edita Sujanova 12, Katerina Elhotova 11

Ros Casares wins Group D - by Eurobasket News
Frisco Sika Brno-Ros Casares 49:98

Ros Casares wins Group D of EuroLeague after an easy road win over Frisco Sika Brno. The Spanish Powerhouse needed 98:49 to finish on top with 8-2 record.
The favorites opened the game with 10 consecutive points and never looked behind after. Kathryn Douglas (185-G/F-79, college: Purdue) scored for 16:5 and Lawson added three for 27:10. Martinez closed the first period at 29:12 and Brunson gave later 31:15 deficit for her side. Ros Casares won the second period 21-8 that gave them 50:20 at the halftime after Kathryn Douglas' another successful shot. Another 23-8 in the third period allowed the Spanish team to taste 73:28 after three quarters. In order to escape the nightmare Frisco Sika Brno scored 21 points in the last period and finished with 49 at the end. On the other side Martinez was the last to score for her team to bring the 8th victory in the Qualifying Round.
Kathryn Douglas erupted with 35 points for the winners, while Marta Fernandez (178-F-81) added 20. Laia Palau (178-G/F-79) and Jana Vesela (190-F-83) delivered 10 points apiece. Frida Eldebrink (174-G-88) ended up with 20 points in the losing effort as Brno team finished the campaign with 2-8 record on the last spot. Romana Stehlikova (190-C-85) 10, Louice Halvarsson (189-C-89) 8

Frisco Sika Brno: Frida Eldebrink 20, Romana Stehlikova 10, Louice Halvarsson 8
Ros Casares: Kathryn Douglas 35, Marta Fernandez 20, Laia Palau 10, Jana Vesela 10

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EUROCUP - Women

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Ana DABOVIC
  Dynamo-GUVD
  (183-G/F-89)
  Avg: 23.3

1. Dabovic, Dy.	23.3
2. Mosch, Dy.	21.1
3. Willingham, Elitzu.	19.3
4. Carson, SEAT L.	19.1
5. Sanni, Villeneuve	19.0
6. Podesvova, MBK R.	18.0
7. Petrakova, Cheva.	18.0
8. Likhtarovich, Goriz.	17.7
9. Gaither, Dexia N.	17.5
10. Williams, Olivais	17.4

Rebounds Per Game

Simona PODESVOVA
  MBK Ruzomb.
  (186-F-83)
  Avg: 11.9

1. Podesvova, MBK R.	11.9
2. Stone, Partizan	11.0
3. Thomas, Villeneuve	10.8
4. Whitehead, Craiova	10.0
5. Zarytska, Hatis Y.	9.8
6. Sanni, Villeneuve	9.4
7. Willingham, Elitzu.	9.4
8. Henry, Mann Filter	9.4
9. Dennett, Sint K.	9.3
10. Myasoedova, Dynam.	9.2

Assists Per Game

Michelle BRANDAO
  Olivais
  (171-G-91)
  Avg: 6

1. Brandao, Olivais	6.0
2. Dabovic, Dy.	5.5
3. Cherepanova, Cheva.	5.4
4. Comtesse, Saarl.	5.3
5. Bajic, Zeljeznicar	5.2
6. Marchanka, Dynamo M.	5.0
7. Aubert, Nantes	5.0
8. Kalentzou, Athinaikos	4.8
9. Milanovich, Spart.	4.5
10. Hatzinikolao., Athina.	4.3

Steals Per Game

Sandra LINKEVICIENE
  Dynamo K.
  (176-G-82)
  Avg: 3.7

1. Linkeviciene, Dynamo K.	3.7
2. Chaney, Hatis Y.	3.6
3. Hatzinikolao., Athina.	3.5
4. Moore, Chevakata	3.4
5. Gomis, Arras	3.4
6. Wright, Elitzur Ramla	3.3
7. Gaither, Dexia N.	3.2
8. Cherepanova, Cheva.	2.9
9. Dabovic, Dy.	2.8
10. Carpreaux, Villeneuve	2.7

Blocks Per Game

Natalya MYASOEDOVA
  Dynamo-GUVD
  (192-C-87)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Myasoedova, Dynam.	2.2
2. Kuzina, Dynamo M.	2.0
3. Ivankovic, Jolly	2.0
4. Meesseman, Young C.	1.9
5. Riley, Athinaikos	1.6
6. Dennett, Sint K.	1.5
7. Mills, Alges	1.3
8. Logunova, Dynamo M.	1.3
9. Zlatanova, Mann F.	1.3
10. Hasper, Gorizont	1.3

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EUROLEAGUE - Women

Standings (Women)

Euroleague Standings

Group A
1. Taranto			8-2
2. Wisla Can-Pak			7-3
3. Dobri Anjeli			5-5
4. Pecs 2010			5-5
5. Mondeville			4-6
6. TTT Riga			1-9
Group B
1. Fenerbahce			10-0
2. UMMC			8-2
3. Rivas Ecopolis			5-5
4. MKB Eurol.			4-6
5. Gospic			2-8
6. Lotos Gdynia			1-9
Group C
1. Perfumerias			8-2
2. Spartak V MR			6-4
3. USK Praha			5-5
4. Galatasaray			4-6
5. VICI Kaunas			4-6
6. Tarbes			3-7
Group D
1. Ros Casares			8-2
2. Bourges			7-3
3. Familia Schio			6-4
4. Nadezhda O.			5-5
5. Frisco Sika			2-8
6. Gorzow			2-8

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Diana TAURASI
  Fenerbahce
  (182-F/G-82)
  Avg: 24.6

1. Taurasi, Fenerbahce	24.6
2. McCoughtry, MKB E.	22.0
3. Taylor, Fenerbahce	19.2
4. Charles, Nadezhda.	18.5
5. Bonner, Rivas E.	18.4
6. Torrens, Perfumer.	17.4
7. Wright, Lotos G.	17.4
8. Fowles, Galatasa.	17.4
9. Jackson, Spartak .	17.3
10. Douglas, Ros C.	17.2

Rebounds Per Game

Cheryl FORD
  Frisco Sika
  (191-F/C-81)
  Avg: 14.2

1. Ford, Frisco Sika	14.2
2. Charles, Nadezhda.	12.8
3. Hollingswort., TTT R.	10.5
4. Lyttle, Perfumer.	10.0
5. Dupree, Dobri Anjeli	9.9
6. Brunson, Ros C.	9.7
7. Fowles, Galatasa.	9.5
8. Leuchanka, Gorzow	9.2
9. Veremeenko, Nadezhda.	9.0
10. Bonner, Rivas E.	8.8

Assists Per Game

Dalma IVANYI
  Pecs 2010
  (178-G-76)
  Avg: 5.4

1. Ivanyi, Pecs 2010	5.4
2. Reid, Gospic	5.3
3. Taurasi, Fenerbahce	4.7
4. Skerovic, Frisco Sika	4.7
5. Hammon, Nadezhda.	4.6
6. Whalen, USK Praha	4.5
7. Zirkova, Dobri Anjeli	4.2
8. Dominguez, Perfumer.	4.2
9. Sharp, Mondeville	4.1
10. Babkina, Lotos G.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Maurita REID
  Gospic
  (173-G-85)
  Avg: 3.8

1. Reid, Gospic	3.8
2. Phillips, Wisla C.	2.4
3. Bimbaite, VICI K.	2.3
4. McCoughtry, MKB E.	2.3
5. Prince, Spartak .	2.2
6. Lyttle, Perfumer.	2.2
7. Leedham, Gorzow	2.1
8. Wright, Lotos G.	2.1
9. Hammon, Nadezhda.	2.1
10. Brunson, Ros C.	2.1

Blocks Per Game

Anastasiya VEREMEENKO
  Nadezhda O.
  (192-C-87)
  Avg: 3.8

1. Veremeenko, Nadezhda.	3.8
2. Jackson, Spartak .	1.6
3. Stepanova, UMMC	1.6
4. Ndongue, Bourges	1.5
5. Fowles, Galatasa.	1.5
6. Kulichova, USK P.	1.1
7. Hollingswort., TTT R.	1.1
8. Tamane, MKB Eurol.	1.1
9. Burse, Wisla C.	1.1
10. Wauters, UMMC	1.0

Euroleague Round: 10 (Qualifying Round) - by Eurobasket News

Group A

Mondeville - TTT Riga 84-63
USO Mondeville registered the fourth win in Euroleague regular season. They outscored TTT Riga at home court to improve at 4-6 record. It was not enough however to reach Last 16 stage of the tournament. USO Mondeville finished fifth, while TTT Riga claimed the sixth position at 1-9 record. USO Mondeville did not give a single chance for TTT. The French team outscored their opponents 27:12 in the opening ten minutes. They margin grew at 17 points in the second period. TTT Riga managed to trim the distance at 11 points at halftime. But USO Mondeville continued to dominate after the long break. They were up by 13 points heading into the fourth quarter and never looked back en route to the victory. Kristen Sharp tallied 15 points and 8 assists for USO Mondeville. Aija Brumermane (191-C-86) and Lenae Williams provided 13 points each in the win. Shavonte Zellous (178-G-86, college: Pittsburgh) answered with 16 points, 6 assists and 5 boards for TTT Riga. Kimberly Butler accounted for 15 points and 8 rebounds in the loss.

Dobri Anjeli - Wisla Can-Pak 68-73
Wisla registered the seventh win at the Euroleague regular season. They knocked down Dobri Anjeli in Kosice to improve at 7-3 record just behind Taranto. Dobri Anjeli slipped at 5-5 record but managed to earn the third position in the ladder. Erin Phillips knocked down 16 points to lead Wisla. The visitors got to a storming start. They posted a 12:2 lead midway through the opening term. Dobri Anjeli recovered and cut the deficit at two points 17:19 at the first break. Candice Dupree (188-F/C-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Temple) and Lawless put the hosts in front early in the second term. The teams traded baskets throughout the rest of the half and Wisla managed to eke out a 39:38 lead at halftime. Zuzana Zirkova fired 9 points in the third quarter to propel Dobri Anjeli to a 56:51 lead at the final break. Dobri Anjeli were up by eight points with under seven minutes to go however Wisla went on a 17:3 run to pull in front for good. Magdalena Leciejewska produced 14 points for Wisla. Ewelina Kobryn (193-C-82, agency: Data Plus Group) added 13 points for the winners. Candice Dupree replied with 20 points and 15 boards for Dobri Anjeli. Zuzana Zirkova had 16 points in the loss.

Pecs 2010 - Taranto 72-58
Pecs 2010 secured Euroleague Last 16 birth. They overcame Group A leaders Taranto in the final round of the regular season to clinch the fourth spot in the pool. Zsofia Fegyverneky (178-G-84) knocked down 16 points to lead the charge. Taranto suffered just the second loss at the tournament and claimed the top place in the standings. Pecs 2010 started the game bravely but could pile up a comfortable margin. Taranto stayed close and trailed by just three points at the first break 13:16. Zsofia Fegyverneky helped the hosts to a 7:0 start of the second quarter. She ensured a 30:17 lead for the Hungarian team midway through the second term. Zsofia Fegyverneky enlarged the margin to 14 points before Sophia Young (186-F-83, college: Baylor) narrowed the gap to 12 points at halftime 29:41. Pecs 2010 maintained the lead throughout the third quarter. They registered a 56:43 advantage with ten minutes remaining. Taranto failed to recover in the fourth quarter and Pecs 2010 rolled to the win at the end. Dalma Ivanyi produced 14 points, 10 assists and 5 boards for Pecs 2010. Kelsey Griffin (188-F-87, college: Nebraska) had 13 points and 11 boards in the victory. Sophia Young answered with 17 points for Taranto. Elodie Godin added 14 points in the loss.

Group B

Fenerbahce - UMMC 82-75
Fenerbahce remained the only undefeated team in the Euroleague this season. They outgunned UMMC in Istanbul to finish the regular season at 10-0 record on top of Group B. Angel McCoughtry (185-F-86, college: Louisville) nailed 26 points to lead the hosts to the victory. Fenerbahce set the tone early. They ensured a 9:2 lead and stayed in charge throughout the opening frame. Fenerbahce posted a 21:13 lead after ten minutes. Cappie Pondexter and Dumerc pulled UMMC as close as 4 points early in the second frame. However Horakova and Ivana Matovic kept the hosts in front. Angel McCoughtry capped the half with two free throws as Fenerbahce led 40:37. A pair of three-pointers from Bibrzycka cut the deficit and then Candace Parker (193-F/C-86, college: Tennessee) put UMMC in charge 47:46 midway through the third frame. Not for long though as Fenerbahce recovered and rallied to a 65:53 lead at the final intermission. Candace Parker dragged UMMC as close as 7 points with under five minutes to go but Fenerbahce stayed calm and drove to the victory at the end. Ivana Matovic had 24 points for Fenerbahce. Nevriye Yilmaz added 14 points for the winners. Candace Parker and Cappie Pondexter replied with 18 points apiece for UMMC.

Lotos Gdynia - Rivas Ecopolis 69-73
Rivas Ecopolis won on the final day of Euroleague regular season. They knocked down Lotos in Gdynia to improve at 5-5 record. Rivas Ecopolis will finish third in Group B if Gospic defeat MKB Euroleasing. Amaya Valdemoro (184-F-76) banked 25 points to lead the Spanish team. Lotos stunned their opponents in the first period. The Gdynia outfit grabbed a 20:3 lead late in the stanza. The hosts accumulated a 26:7 cushion after ten minutes. Amaya Valdemoro and Gimeno combined their efforts to keep Rivas Ecopolis in the game in the second term. The visitors however still trailed by 13 points at halftime 27:40. Rivas Ecopolis went on a 15:0 run midway through the third frame to narrow the gap. Swanier and Jujka did not allow Rivas Ecopolis get any closer as Lotos headed into the fourth quarter up by 8 points 62:54. Elina Babkina gave the home team an 8-point buffer with under seven minutes to go but Rivas Ecopolis then triggered a 16:4 run to cap the game stealing a tough win at the end. Elisa Aguilar contributed 14 points for Rivas Ecopolis. Anna Cruz (172-G-86) finished with 9 points in the win. Monica Wright top-scored with 18 points for Lotos. Milka Bjelica (193-F-81) produced 15 points and 8 caroms in the loss.

Gospic - MKB Eurol. 81-78
Gopsic posted the second win at the Euroleague season. They knocked down MKB Euroleasing to entertain the home fans tonight. The victory however did not help Gospic reach Last 16 stage. MKB Euroleasing in the meantime finished in the fourth position in Group B. Marija Vrsaljko put Gospic in front early in the encounter. The hosts maintained the lead throughout the first quarter. The Croatian team enjoyed a narrow 23:19 lead ten minutes into the game. Tamane and Kata Honti finally put MKB Euroleasing ahead 30:27 midway through the second term. But Maurita Reid immediately answered from downtown to keep Gospic in control. Marija Vrsaljko capped the first half with a jumper and Gospic secured a 44:40 lead. The teams stayed close in the third quarter. Gospic led by just a single point entering the final stanza 58:57. Kata Honti and Coleman made it 74:70 for MKB Euroleasing with just over three minutes remaining. However Mandir and Jelena Ivezic (184-G-84) knocked down back-to-back triples as Gospic retained the lead. Tijana Krivacevic (194-F-90) leveled things up again but Marija Vrsaljko converted a three-point play to put Gospic up for good. Marija Vrsaljko nailed 20 points and collected 7 rebounds for Gospic. Jelena Ivezic added 16 points and 13 boards in the victory. Tijana Krivacevic responded with 25 points for MKB Euroleasing. Kata Honti netted 19 points in the loss.

Group C

Perfumerias - Spartak V MR 75-64
Halcon Avenida outscore the defending champions to win Group C of Qualifying Round in EuroLeague. The Spanish outfit proved their ambitions this season for the high positions and beat Spartak Moscow Region 75:64. Halcon Avenida finished on top with 8-2 record, while the Russian Powerhouse is second with 6-4 record. Spartak Moscow Region did not spend the best group round this year and the last game proved it once more time. Although the defending champions started with 7-0 run, Halcon reduced to 14:20. Osipova gave her side 25:16 and Bird brought double digit lead. Erika De Souza made the final push with her team in the half to cut it to 31:32 at the halftime. The third quarter was decisive in the game and completely belonged to the Spanish squad. Due to 25-13 in it Anna Montanana (186-F-80, college: George Washington) nailed three to close the period at 56:45. Spartak never came back after and lost the fourth game in 10 games. Milovanovic made the final result on the board. Torrens stepped up with 19 points for the winners and Sancho Lyttle (193-C-83, college: Houston) followed her with 15. Anna Montanana delivered 14 points, while Erika De Souza collected 12 points and 16 rebounds.

Galatasaray - USK Praha 81-69
Galatasaray advanced to Sweet 16 of EuroLeague as they rolled over ZVVZ USK Prague in the do-or-die game. The Turkish side grabbed 81:69 win and due to the same number of points with VICI, had a better difference. VICI Aistes' earlier victory over Tarbes made this a must-win for Gala, who take fourth place in Group C courtesy of a superior goal differential against Aistes. The teams exchanged the baskets early in the game and the hosts realized that they needed the victory more. Gintare Petronyte (196-C-89) closed the first period at 23:19 and Sylvia Fowles (198-C-85, college: LSU) scored for 35:29. Moreover she sent the teams to the lockers for 48:35. Galatasaray also won the third frame and increased the lead to 64:48 after 30 minutes. Although Prague team won the end of the game, both teams happily left the court of Istanbul. Sylvia Fowles top-scored for the winners with 26 points for necessary 4-6 record. Augustus posted 14, while Gintare Petronyte delivered 8. Viteckova ended up with 20 points for the team from Czech Republic that advanced with 5-5 record. Sujanova poured in 12, whilst Elhotova added 11 points.

VICI Kaunas - Tarbes 72-71
VICI Aistes grabbed valuable victory over Tarbes GB in the last day of the Qualifying Round. The Baltic Side won the thriller 72:71 but will have to wait Galatasaray's in order to find out where they advanced or not. Matic and Paugaite exchanged the early baskets and then the guests went on a lead. Erin Thorn (178-G-81, college: BYU) made it 21:11, while Matic closed the period at 22:19. Jelena Dubljevic (192-C-87) and Matic increased the advantage to 26:19 and Gargati scored for 30:25. Lepron meanwhile sent the teams to the lockers at 36:36. The third quarter belonged o the hosts that after 20-15 grabbed 56:51 lead. VICI had a comfortable win midway through the period and enjoyed 62:54 with 7 minutes to go. Tarbes however caught up and reduced to the minimum. Erin Thorn tied the game at 64:64 and Jelena Dubljevic gave her side 70:67 lead. Pilypaitis's three-pointer however brought the win for the Lithuanian team. Solopova stepped up with 28 points and Pilypaitis added 13. Kemezys netted 12, whilst Kuktiene added 8. Erin Thorn responded with 20 points for the French side that finished the group with 3-7 record. Matic notched 14, whilst Jelena Dubljevic posted 10.

Group D

Bourges - Familia Schio 70-50
Bourges Basket overcame Beretta-Famila for the second place in Group D and finished with 7-3 record. The French side needed 70:50 win to send the Italian representatives to 6-4 on the third position. The hosts erupted with 9-0 run at the very beginning and Anael Lardy (170-G-87) scored fro 16:2. Right after that Bourges never looked behind and controlled the entire game. Salagnac closed the first period at 23:8, while Catherine Joens (180-G-82) brought 30:8. Miyem later made two free throws for 34:13 and Maja Erkic (183-G/F-85) sent the teams to the lockers for 38:19 at the halftime. Beretta-Famila actually managed to win the third period 20-17 and reduced to 55:39 after 30 minutes. Due to 15-11 in the last stanza the hosts celebrated the 7th victory in the Qualifying round. Catherine Joens chipped in 18 points to lead all the winners and Miyem scored 16. Anael Lardy posted 10, whilst Salagnac added 8. Maja Erkic finished the game with 16 points in the losing effort and Cohen notched 15.

Nadezhda O. - Gorzow 89-37
Nadezhda destroyed Gorzow in the first game of the Last Round of EuroLeague Qualifying Round. The Russian team advanced to the next stage after 89:37 win. Becky Hammon (168-G-77, college: Colorado St.) nailed two three-pointers early in the game and Charles made ti 10:5. Berseneva scored from the arc for 17:7 and Zurowska closed the period at 25:10. Nadezhda added another 21-10 in the second period to take 46:20 advantage at the halftime. The Russian team did not even think of slowing down and won the third period 22-10. Becky Hammon drove a lay-up for 68:30 after 30 minutes and it was clear at that time about the winner. Another defensive 21-7 in the last quarter saw the board showing 89:37 at the end. Skobel was the last player to score for the guests and Elena Baranova (194-F-72) made the final result in the game. Becky Hammon poured in 23 points for the winners and Berseneva netted 14. Charles collected 14 points and 15 rebounds, while Elena Baranova netted 9.

Frisco Sika - Ros Casares 49-98
Ros Casares wins Group D of EuroLeague after an easy road win over Frisco Sika Brno. The Spanish Powerhouse needed 98:49 to finish on top with 8-2 record. The favorites opened the game with 10 consecutive points and never looked behind after. Kathryn Douglas (185-G/F-79, college: Purdue) scored for 16:5 and Lawson added three for 27:10. Martinez closed the first period at 29:12 and Brunson gave later 31:15 deficit for her side. Ros Casares won the second period 21-8 that gave them 50:20 at the halftime after Kathryn Douglas' another successful shot. Another 23-8 in the third period allowed the Spanish team to taste 73:28 after three quarters. In order to escape the nightmare Frisco Sika Brno scored 21 points in the last period and finished with 49 at the end. On the other side Martinez was the last to score for her team to bring the 8th victory in the Qualifying Round. Kathryn Douglas erupted with 35 points for the winners, while Fernandez added 20. Palau and Vesela delivered 10 points apiece. Frida Eldebrink (174-G-88) ended up with 20 points in the losing effort as Brno team finished the campaign with 2-8 record on the last spot. Stehlikova netted 10, while Halvarsson had 8.

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FRANCE - Women

Nantes advances to EuroCup Quarterfinals - by Eurobasket News
Nantes - SEAT Lami 74-58

Nantes Reze outplayed SEAT Lami in the second meeting of the EuroCup 1/8 Finals aggregating 144-126. Of course, the French outfit booked a spot for the next stage, while on the other side Seat Lami said goodbye to this season's EuroCup edition. Nantes demonstrated much better performance tonight. They trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 2-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 74-58. Nantes Reze dominated on the defensive end, holding SEAT Lami to just 7 points in third quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to SEAT Lami's 30. Nantes Reze forced 20 SEAT Lami turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Senegalese-French forward Mame-Marie Sy-Diop (185-F-85) orchestrated the victory by scoring 14 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists. Guard Joyce Cousseins-Smith (165-G-88) contributed with 13 points and 4 assists for the winners. Four Nantes Reze players scored in double figures. Nantes Reze's coach Laurent Buffard used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Latvian center Ieva Kublina (193-C-82, college: Virginia Tech) replied with 16 points and American center Quanitra Hollingsworth (196-C-88, college: Va Commonwealth) added 8 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for SEAT Lami. Nantes will meet the winner of Dynamo Kursk - Mann Filter series in the Quarterfinals.

SEAT Lami: I.Kublina 16+2reb+2ast, Z.Simon 10+5reb+3ast, B.Semsei 9+3reb+1ast, Q.Hollingsworth 8+10reb, O.Englert 5+4reb+3ast, K.Kovacs 5+5reb+3ast
Nantes: M.Sy-Diop 14+9reb+8ast, J.Cousseins-Smith 13+4reb+4ast, M.Plust 11+2reb+4ast, Y.Andreyeva 10+2reb+1ast, S.Kireta 10+3reb+3ast, S.Niedola 6+6reb+1ast

USO Mondeville sweeten the pill with win over TTT Riga - by Eurobasket News
USO Mondeville - TTT Riga 84:63

USO Mondeville registered the fourth win in Euroleague regular season. They outscored TTT Riga at home court to improve at 4-6 record. It was not enough however to reach Last 16 stage of the tournament. USO Mondeville finished fifth, while TTT Riga claimed the sixth position at 1-9 record.
USO Mondeville did not give a single chance for TTT. The French team outscored their opponents 27:12 in the opening ten minutes. They margin grew at 17 points in the second period. TTT Riga managed to trim the distance at 11 points at halftime. But USO Mondeville continued to dominate after the long break. They were up by 13 points heading into the fourth quarter and never looked back en route to the victory. Kristen Sharp (175-G-81, college: Cincinnati) tallied 15 points and 8 assists for USO Mondeville. Aija Brumermane (191-C-86) and Lenae Williams (186-F-79, college: DePaul) provided 13 points each in the win. Shavonte Zellous (178-G-86, college: Pittsburgh) answered with 16 points, 6 assists and 5 boards for TTT Riga. Kimberly Butler (186-F-82, college: Oregon St.) accounted for 15 points and 8 rebounds in the loss.

USO Mondeville: Kristen Sharp 15, Aija Brumermane 13, Lenae Williams 13
TTT Riga: Shavonte Zellous 16, Kimberly Butler 15

Bourges Basket overcame Beretta-Famila for the second place in Group D - by Eurobasket News
Bourges Basket-Beretta-Famila 70:50

Bourges Basket overcame Beretta-Famila for the second place in Group D and finished with 7-3 record. The French side needed 70:50 win to send the Italian representatives to 6-4 on the third position.
The hosts erupted with 9-0 run at the very beginning and Anael Lardy (170-G-87) scored fro 16:2. Right after that Bourges never looked behind and controlled the entire game. Paoline Salagnac (176-G-84) closed the first period at 23:8, while Catherine Joens (180-G-82) brought 30:8. Endene Miyem (188-F-88) later made two free throws for 34:13 and Maja Erkic (183-G/F-85) sent the teams to the lockers for 38:19 at the halftime. Beretta-Famila actually managed to win the third period 20-17 and reduced to 55;39 after 30 minutes. Due to 15-11 in the last stanza the hosts celebrated the 7th victory in the Qualifying round.
Catherine Joens chipped in 18 points to lead all the winners and Endene Miyem scored 16. Anael Lardy posted 10, whilst Paoline Salagnac added 8. Maja Erkic finished the game with 16 points in the losing effort and Liron Cohen (173-G-82) notched 15.

Bourges Basket: Catherine Joens 18, Endene Miyem 16, Anael Lardy 10, Paoline Salagnac 8
Beretta-Famila: Maja Erkic 16, Liron Cohen 15

Standings - NF1 (Women) - by Eurobasket News

LF2 Standings

1. Lyon		16-1
2. Roche		14-3
3. Reims		13-4
4. Nice		11-6
5. Limoges		10-7
6. Perpignan		9-8
7. Pleyber Christ		9-8
8. Voiron		9-8
9. Dunkerque		7-9
10. SI Graffenstaden		7-10
11. Rennes		7-10
12. Le Havre		6-10
13. Armentieres		6-10
14. Angers		5-12
15. Pau Orthez		3-13
16. CFBB		2-15

LF2 Round 17: Roche beats Armentieres in overtime - by Eurobasket News
Thirteenth-ranked Armentieres (6-10) made lots of trouble for second ranked Roche (14-3) in La Roche on Saturday. Roche managed to secure only two-point victory 77-75. However their fans expected much easier game. Roche maintains second place with 14-3 record having just two points less than leader Lyon. Armentieres at the other side dropped to the twelfth position with ten games lost. They share it with Le Havre. Roche are looking forward to face Etoile de Voiron (#8) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Armentieres will play against Limoges (#5) and is hoping to prove to their supporters that this time they can win.
Important game to mention about took place in Limoges. Sixth ranked Limoges (10-7) saved a 2-point victory at home edging 5th ranked Pleyber Christ (9-8) 65-63 in the game for the fifth place. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Pleyber Christ. Limoges moved-up to fifth place. Pleyber Christ at the other side dropped to the sixth position with eight games lost. They share it with Voiron and Perpignan. Limoges will play against Armentieres (#13) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Pleyber Christ will play against Rennes (#11) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Leader Lyon delivered the sixteenth victory on Saturday night. This time they crushed 9th ranked SI Graffenstaden (7-10) 105-65. Lyon (16-1) have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They maintain first place. Loser SI Graffenstaden dropped to the tenth position with ten games lost. They share it with Rennes. Lyon will meet Le Havre (#12) on the road in the next round which should be another easy win for them. SI Graffenstaden will play against Angers and hope to secure a win.

Other games of round 17 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Dunkerque defeated CFBB in a road game 67-63. Nice smashed Pau Orthez at home 91-65. Voiron won against Angers on the opponent's court 72-58. Reims managed to outperform Le Havre in a home game 73-61. Perpignan managed to beat Rennes on the road 67-55.

CFBB - Dunkerque 63-67

There was no surprise in Paris where 16th ranked CFBB (2-15) was defeated by eleventh ranked Dunkerque (7-9) 67-63 on Saturday. Dunkerque moved-up to ninth place. CFBB lost tenth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom position with 15 games lost. Dunkerque will meet at home higher ranked Reims (#3) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. CFBB will play against Pau Lacq Orthez (#15) in Pau and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Nice - Pau Orthez 91-65

No shocking result in a game when fourth ranked Nice (11-6) smashed at home 15th ranked Pau Lacq Orthez (3-13) 91-65 on Saturday. Nice has a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain fourth place with 11-6 record. Newly promoted Pau Lacq Orthez keeps the fifteenth position with 13 games lost. Nice will meet Perpignan (#6) on the road in the next round. Pau Lacq Orthez will play against CFBB (#16) in Paris and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Roche - Armentieres 77-75 OT

Thirteenth-ranked Armentieres (6-10) made lots of trouble for second ranked Roche (14-3) in La Roche on Saturday. Roche managed to secure only two-point victory 77-75. However their fans expected much easier game. Roche maintains second place with 14-3 record having just two points less than leader Lyon. Armentieres at the other side dropped to the twelfth position with ten games lost. They share it with Le Havre. Roche are looking forward to face Etoile de Voiron (#8) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Armentieres will play against Limoges (#5) and is hoping to prove to their supporters that this time they can win.

Angers - Voiron 58-72

Very expected game when 14th ranked Angers (5-12) was defeated at home by eighth ranked Etoile de Voiron (9-8) 72-58 on Saturday. Etoile de Voiron moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Perpignan and Pleyber Christ. Angers lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the fourteenth position with 12 games lost. Etoile de Voiron will meet at home league's second-placed Roche in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Angers will play against SI Graffenstaden (#10) in llkirch-Graff. and hope to secure a win.

Lyon - SI Graffenstaden 105-65

Leader Lyon delivered the sixteenth victory on Saturday night. This time they crushed 9th ranked SI Graffenstaden (7-10) 105-65. Lyon (16-1) have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They maintain first place. Loser SI Graffenstaden dropped to the tenth position with ten games lost. They share it with Rennes. Lyon will meet Le Havre (#12) on the road in the next round which should be another easy win for them. SI Graffenstaden will play against Angers and hope to secure a win.

Reims - Le Havre 73-61

Very predictable result when third ranked Reims (13-4) beat at home 12th ranked Le Havre (6-10) 73-61 on Saturday. Reims maintains third place with 13-4 record having just three points less than leader Lyon. Newly promoted Le Havre keeps the twelfth position with ten games lost. They share it with Armentieres. Reims will meet Dunkerque (#9) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Le Havre will play against the league's leader Lyon and hope to secure a win.

Rennes - Perpignan 55-67

Not a big story in a game when 10th ranked Rennes (7-10) was defeated at home by seventh ranked Perpignan (9-8) 67-55 on Saturday. The victory was the third consecutive win for Perpignan. They moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Voiron and Pleyber Christ. Loser Rennes keeps the tenth position with ten games lost. They share it with SI Graffenstaden. Perpignan will meet at home higher ranked Nice (#4) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Rennes will play against Pleyber Christ (#7) in Pleyber-Christ and hope to secure a win.

Limoges - Pleyber Christ 65-63

Important game to mention about took place in Limoges. Sixth ranked Limoges (10-7) saved a 2-point victory at home edging 5th ranked Pleyber Christ (9-8) 65-63 in the game for the fifth place. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Pleyber Christ. Limoges moved-up to fifth place. Pleyber Christ at the other side dropped to the sixth position with eight games lost. They share it with Voiron and Perpignan. Limoges will play against Armentieres (#13) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Pleyber Christ will play against Rennes (#11) and hopes to get back on the winning track.

VICI Aistes won the thriller over Tarbes GB 72:71 - by Eurobasket News
VICI Aistes-Tarbes GB 72:71

VICI Aistes grabbed valuable victory over Tarbes GB in the last day of the Qualifying Round. The Baltic Side won the thriller 72:71 but will have to wait Galatasaray's in order to find out where they advanced or not.
Ivanka Matic (195-F/C-79) and Paugaite exchanged the early baskets and then the guests went on a lead. Erin Thorn (178-G-81, college: BYU) made it 21:11, while Ivanka Matic closed the period at 22:19. Jelena Dubljevic (192-C-87) and Ivanka Matic increased the advantage to 26:19 and Gargati scored for 30:25. Lepron meanwhile sent the teams to the lockers at 36:36. The third quarter belonged o the hosts that after 20-15 grabbed 56:51 lead. VICI had a comfortable win midway through the period and enjoyed 62:54 with 7 minutes to go. Tarbes however caught up and reduced to the minimum. Erin Thorn tied the game at 64:64 and Jelena Dubljevic gave her side 70:67 lead. Courtnay Pilypaitis (185-G-88, college: Vermont)'s three-pointer however brought the win for the Lithuanian team.
Marina Solopova (180-G/F-90) stepped up with 28 points and Courtnay Pilypaitis added 13. Amanda Kemezys (192-C-87, college: Saint Louis) netted 12, whilst Vita Kuktiene (186-F-80) added 8. Erin Thorn responded with 20 points for the French side that finished the group with 3-7 record. Ivanka Matic notched 14, whilst Jelena Dubljevic posted 10.

VICI Aistes: Marina Solopova 28, Courtnay Pilypaitis 13, Amanda Kemezys 12, Vita Kuktiene 8
Tarbes GB: Erin Thorn 20, Ivanka Matic 14, Jelena Dubljevic 10

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HUNGARY - Women

Pecs 2010 edge Taranto, advance into Euroleague Last 16 - by Eurobasket News
Pecs 2010 - Taranto 72:58

Pecs 2010 secured Euroleague Last 16 birth. They overcame Group A leaders Taranto in the final round of the regular season to clinch the fourth spot in the pool. Zsofia Fegyverneky (178-G-84) knocked down 16 points to lead the charge. Taranto suffered just the second loss at the tournament and claimed the top place in the standings.
Pecs 2010 started the game bravely but could pile up a comfortable margin. Taranto stayed close and trailed by just three points at the first break 13:16. Zsofia Fegyverneky helped the hosts to a 7:0 start of the second quarter. She ensured a 30:17 lead for the Hungarian team midway through the second term. Zsofia Fegyverneky enlarged the margin to 14 points before Sophia Young (186-F-83, college: Baylor) narrowed the gap to 12 points at halftime 29:41. Pecs 2010 maintained the lead throughout the third quarter. They registered a 56:43 advantage with ten minutes remaining. Taranto failed to recover in the fourth quarter and Pecs 2010 rolled to the win at the end.
Dalma Ivanyi (178-G-76, college: Florida Intern.) produced 14 points, 10 assists and 5 boards for Pecs 2010. Kelsey Griffin (188-F-87, college: Nebraska) had 13 points and 11 boards in the victory. Sophia Young answered with 17 points for Taranto. Elodie Godin (190-C-85) added 14 points in the loss.

Pecs 2010: Zsofia Fegyverneky 16, Dalma Ivanyi 14+10 assists, Kelsey Griffin 13+11 boards
Taranto: Sophia Young 17, Elodie Godin 14

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ISRAEL - Women

Jackson's double-double lands her Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
25-year old forward Tiffany Jackson (191-F-85, agency: 540 Sports) put on an amazing game in the last round for Ramat Hen and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 14.
She had a double-double of 20 points and 12 rebounds, while her team crushed Elitzur R.Le-Zion (#9, 3-11) with 20-point margin 88-68. Ramat Hen maintains the 3rd position in Israeli D1. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Ramat Hen will need more victories to improve their 10-4 record. Jackson turned to be Ramat Hen's top player in her first season with the team. The University of Texas graduate has very impressive stats this year. Jackson is in league's top in rebounds (3rd best: 12.6rpg).

Second best performed player last round was Jillian Robbins (185-F-84, agency: LBM Management) of Elitzur Rishon Le-Zion. She is American forward in her first season at Elitzur R.Le-Zion. In the last game Robbins recorded impressive double-double of 18 points and 18 rebounds. Bad luck as Elitzur R.Le-Zion lost that game 68-88 to the higher-ranked Ramat Hen (#3, 10-4). Elitzur R.Le-Zion managed to keep the same 9th spot in the standings. 11 lost games are too many comparing to just three victories Elitzur R.Le-Zion managed to get this year. Robbins is a newcomer at Elitzur R.Le-Zion and quickly became one of team's most reliable players. She belongs to the best scorers in the league with 19.1ppg (#4). Her other stats are also decent: 10.7rpg and 3.2apg.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Kerri Gardin (186-F-84) of Elitzur Maclaren Holon (#8). Gardin scored 19 points and grabbed nineteen rebounds (!!!). Despite Gardin's great performance Elitzur Holon lost 72-86 to the higher-ranked Raanana Her. (#5, 8-6). But her team cannot count on just a single player as she also needs help of the other teammates. Elitzur Holon can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have rather bad season and 3-11 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Gardin she does not play for a better team. But maybe if she did, her season stats would not be that high. Gardin has individually a great season in Israel. After 14 games, she made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 12.9rpg (#1 in league).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Briann January (173-G-87) of Raanana Her. - 14 points, 5 rebounds and 10 assists
5. Ivory Latta (168-G-84) of Ramat Hen - 22 points, 3 rebounds and 6 assists
6. Rachel Jones (170-G-87) of Hapoel T-A - 34 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Christi Thomas (191-F-82) of Raanana Her. - 22 points and 9 rebounds
8. Chante Black (196-C-85) of Electra Ramat - 17 points and 9 rebounds
9. Danielle McCray (180-G/F-87) of H.R. Le-Zion - 19 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Bar Galinski (181-F-92) of Elitzur Holon - 16 points and 10 rebounds

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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ITALY - Women

Standings A2 Women - by Eurobasket News

A2 Standings

North
1. Bolzano		12-4
2. Bologna		12-4
3. Udine		11-5
4. San Martino		10-6
5. Cagliari CUS		10-6
6. Cagliari V.		10-6
7. Marghera		9-7
8. Vigarano		8-8
9. Alghero		7-9
10. Borgotaro		7-9
11. Crema		6-10
12. Biassono		5-11
13. Milano		4-12
14. Cervia		1-15
South
1. Chieti		13-3
2. T. Spezia		13-3
3. Alcamo		13-4
4. Ragusa		12-5
5. Orvieto		11-5
6. Siena		10-6
7. Battipaglia		10-7
8. R. La Spezia		9-6
9. Viterbo		8-8
10. Napoli		6-10
11. Ancona		5-12
12. Firenze		4-12
13. Pomezia		4-12
14. Rende		3-14
15. College Italia		1-16

A2 Round 17: Change at the top of the standings - by Eurobasket News
The fans could enjoy quite many interesting games in the last round. The round ended with change at the leadership position, favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin.

A2 round 17 caused change at the leadership position. Fourth defeat of league's leader Meccanica Bologna (12-4) against third ranked Desler Udine (11-5) 69-62 was the most important game of the last round. It ended at the same time the seven-game winning streak of Meccanica Bologna. Desler Udine maintains third place in North with 11-5 record having just two points less than leader Chieti. Meccanica Bologna at the other side dropped to the second position with four games lost. They share it with Bolzano. They were replaced at the leadership position by Chieti. Meccanica Bologna will play next round against Vis Basket Cervia trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Desler Udine will try to continue on its current victory against fourth ranked Fila San Martino in San Martino di L.
The game had a very big importance for second-ranked C.U.S. Chieti as it allowed them to take a leadership position in South. C.U.S. Chieti smashed 11th ranked Sma Ancona at home 67-37. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with T. Spezia. Sma Ancona lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the eleventh place with 12 games lost. Sma Ancona will play next round against College Italia trying to get back on the winning streak. C.U.S. Chieti will try to continue on its current victory against fourteenth ranked Calabra Rende on the road.
Leading Termocarispe La Spezia (13-3) recorded its third loss at the home court on Saturday night. Hosts were edged by seventh ranked Carpedil Battipaglia (10-7) 48-46. It ended at the same time the seven-game winning streak of Termocarispe La Spezia. Newly promoted Carpedil Battipaglia maintains seventh place in South with 10-7 record. Termocarispe La Spezia at the other side, also newcomer in the league, still keeps top position with three games lost. They share it with Chieti. Carpedil Battipaglia will meet at home ANTS Viterbo (#9) in the next round. Termocarispe La Spezia will play against Passalacqua Ragusa (#4) and hope to secure a win.
A very interesting game took place in Vigarano. It ended with only one-point defeat on the road of 4th placed Fila San Martino (10-6) to eighth ranked Vassalli Vigarano (8-8) 60-59 on Saturday evening. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Fila San Martino. Newly promoted Vassalli Vigarano maintains eighth place in North with 8-8 record. Fila San Martino at the other side keeps the fourth position with six games lost. Vassalli Vigarano's next round opponent will be TEC-MAR Crema (#11) on the road. Fila San Martino will play against Desler Udine (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
And finally the game worth to mention about is Risorseimmobiliari.it Spezia's win against 4th placed Passalacqua Ragusa 72-67. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Passalacqua Ragusa. Risorseimmobiliari.it Spezia has a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain eighth place in South with 9-6 record. Loser Passalacqua Ragusa keeps the fourth position with five games lost. Risorseimmobiliari.it Spezia will face Il Fotoamatore Firenze (#12) on the road in the next round. Passalacqua Ragusa will play against the league's second-placed Termocarispe La Spezia (#2) and will have a slim chance for a victory.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 17:
In North Bolzano smashed Biassono on the road 89-65. Cervia won against Cagliari V. on its own court 66-51. Crema unfortunately lost to Cagliari CUS in a road game 55-59. Alghero managed to beat Borgotaro at home 68-59. Marghera defeated Milano on the opponent's court 58-55.
In South College Italia was beaten by Orvieto in a home game 48-62. Rende lost to Alcamo on the road 56-60. Siena unfortunately lost to Pomezia on its own court 40-53. Firenze was rolled over Viterbo in a road game 45-64.

Group North

Biassono - Bolzano 65-89

No shocking result in a game when second ranked Iveco Lenzi Bolzano (12-4) crushed on the road 12th ranked Pilot Italia Biassono (5-11) 89-65 on Saturday. Iveco Lenzi Bolzano has a solid series of three victories in a row. They keep a position of North leader, which they share with Bologna. Loser Pilot Italia Biassono keeps the twelfth place with 11 games lost. Iveco Lenzi Bolzano will face Sernavimar Marghera (#7) in Venezia in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Pilot Italia Biassono will play on the road against Virtus Cagliari (#6).

Cervia - Cagliari V. 66-51

There was an upset when higher ranked Virtus Cagliari (10-6) lost on the road to fourteenth ranked Vis Basket Cervia (1-15) 66-51 on Saturday. Vis Basket Cervia maintains fourteenth place in North with 1-15 record. Loser Virtus Cagliari dropped to the fourth position with six games lost. Vis Basket Cervia will face league's second-placed Meccanica Bologna on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Virtus Cagliari will play against Pilot Italia Biassono.

Vigarano - San Martino 60-59

A very interesting game took place in Vigarano. It ended with only one-point defeat on the road of 4th placed Fila San Martino (10-6) to eighth ranked Vassalli Vigarano (8-8) 60-59 on Saturday evening. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Fila San Martino. Newly promoted Vassalli Vigarano maintains eighth place in North with 8-8 record. Fila San Martino at the other side keeps the fourth position with six games lost. Vassalli Vigarano's next round opponent will be TEC-MAR Crema (#11) on the road. Fila San Martino will play against Desler Udine (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Cagliari CUS - Crema 59-55

Very predictable result when sixth ranked C.U.S. Cagliari (10-6) won against at home 11th ranked TEC-MAR Crema (6-10) 59-55 on Saturday. However just four-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. C.U.S. Cagliari moved-up to fourth place in North, which they share with Cagliari V. and San Martino. TEC-MAR Crema lost eighth consecutive game. They keep the eleventh position with ten games lost. C.U.S. Cagliari will face Mercede Alghero (#9) at home in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. TEC-MAR Crema will play against Vassalli Vigarano.

Udine - Bologna 69-62

A2 round 17 caused change at the leadership position. Fourth defeat of league's leader Meccanica Bologna (12-4) against third ranked Desler Udine (11-5) 69-62 was the most important game of the last round. It ended at the same time the seven-game winning streak of Meccanica Bologna. Desler Udine maintains third place in North with 11-5 record having just two points less than leader Chieti. Meccanica Bologna at the other side dropped to the second position with four games lost. They share it with Bolzano. They were replaced at the leadership position by Chieti. Meccanica Bologna will play next round against Vis Basket Cervia trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Desler Udine will try to continue on its current victory against fourth ranked Fila San Martino in San Martino di L.

Alghero - Borgotaro 68-59

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams when 9th ranked Roby Profumi Borgotaro (7-9) lost on the road to tenth ranked Mercede Alghero (7-9) 68-59 on Saturday. Mercede Alghero moved-up to ninth place in North, which they share with Borgotaro. Mercede Alghero will face higher ranked C.U.S. Cagliari (#5) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.

Milano - Marghera 55-58

Everything went according to plan when seventh ranked Sernavimar Marghera (9-7) edged on the road 13th ranked Cellularmania Milano (4-12) 58-55 on Saturday. Sernavimar Marghera has a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain seventh place in North with 9-7 record. Cellularmania Milano lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth position with 12 games lost. Sernavimar Marghera will face league's leader Iveco Lenzi Bolzano on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Cellularmania Milano will play against Roby Profumi Borgotaro (#10).

Group South

College Italia - Orvieto 48-62

There was no surprise when 15th ranked College Italia (1-16) lost to fifth ranked Ceprini Costruzioni Orvieto (11-5) in Roma 48-62 on Saturday. Ceprini Costruzioni Orvieto maintains fifth place in South with 11-5 record. College Italia lost thirteenth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the fifteenth position with 16 games lost. Ceprini Costruzioni Orvieto will face Consum.it Siena (#6) at home in the next round. College Italia will play against Sma Ancona (#11).

Chieti - Ancona 67-37

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked C.U.S. Chieti as it allowed them to take a leadership position in South. C.U.S. Chieti smashed 11th ranked Sma Ancona at home 67-37. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with T. Spezia. Sma Ancona lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the eleventh place with 12 games lost. Sma Ancona will play next round against College Italia trying to get back on the winning streak. C.U.S. Chieti will try to continue on its current victory against fourteenth ranked Calabra Rende on the road.

Alcamo - Rende 60-56

No shocking result in a game when third ranked Gea Magazzini Alcamo (13-4) beat at home 14th ranked Calabra Rende (3-14) 60-56 on Saturday. However just four-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Gea Magazzini Alcamo have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. They maintain third place in South with 13-4 record having just -1 point less than leader Chieti. Loser Calabra Rende keeps the fourteenth position with 14 games lost. Gea Magazzini Alcamo will face Ceprini Costruzioni Orvieto (#5) on the road in the next round. Calabra Rende will play against the league's leader C.U.S. Chieti (#1).

Siena - Pomezia 40-53

There was an upset when higher ranked Consum.it Siena (10-6) lost at home to thirteenth ranked So.Se.Pharm Pomezia (4-12) 53-40 on Saturday. So.Se.Pharm Pomezia moved-up to twelfth place in South, which they share with Firenze. Consum.it Siena lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the sixth position with six games lost. So.Se.Pharm Pomezia will face Il Fotoamatore Firenze (#12) at home in the next round.

T. Spezia - Battipaglia 46-48

Leading Termocarispe La Spezia (13-3) recorded its third loss at the home court on Saturday night. Hosts were edged by seventh ranked Carpedil Battipaglia (10-7) 48-46. It ended at the same time the seven-game winning streak of Termocarispe La Spezia. Newly promoted Carpedil Battipaglia maintains seventh place in South with 10-7 record. Termocarispe La Spezia at the other side, also newcomer in the league, still keeps top position with three games lost. They share it with Chieti. Carpedil Battipaglia will meet at home ANTS Viterbo (#9) in the next round. Termocarispe La Spezia will play against Passalacqua Ragusa (#4) and hope to secure a win.

R. La Spezia - Ragusa 72-67

And finally the game worth to mention about is Risorseimmobiliari.it Spezia's win against 4th placed Passalacqua Ragusa 72-67. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Passalacqua Ragusa. Risorseimmobiliari.it Spezia has a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain eighth place in South with 9-6 record. Loser Passalacqua Ragusa keeps the fourth position with five games lost. Risorseimmobiliari.it Spezia will face Il Fotoamatore Firenze (#12) on the road in the next round. Passalacqua Ragusa will play against the league's second-placed Termocarispe La Spezia (#2) and will have a slim chance for a victory.

Viterbo - Firenze 64-45

Rather predictable result when ninth ranked ANTS Viterbo (8-8) rolled over at home 12th ranked Il Fotoamatore Firenze (4-12) 64-45 on Saturday. ANTS Viterbo maintains ninth place in South with 8-8 record. Loser Il Fotoamatore Firenze keeps the twelfth position with 12 games lost. ANTS Viterbo will face higher ranked Carpedil Battipaglia (#7) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Il Fotoamatore Firenze will play against So.Se.Pharm Pomezia (#13) in Roma and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

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