EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 10/3/2011 1:00:00 AM

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  AUSTRIA   


Standings - 2.Bundesliga
2.Bundesliga Standings
 1. BC Vienna jrs 0-0 
 2. Danube City 0-0 
 3. Dornbirn 0-0 
 4. Falcons 0-0 
 5. Fighters 0-0 
 6. Klagenfurt 0-0 
 7. Mattersb.R. 0-0 
 8. Mistelbach 0-0 
 9. Salzburg 0-0 
 10. Schwaz 0-0 


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  BELGIUM   


Charleroi heads to Euroleague regular season - by Eurobasket News
Charleroi - CEZ Nymburk 79-53

Charleroi advanced to the Euroleague regular season. They cruised past CEZ Nymburk 79-53 in the Qualifying Tournament Finals (B). The Belgian powerhouse is placed to Group C now. Their rivals will be Partizan, Anadolu Efes, Real Madrid, Maccabi Electra and Emporio Armani Milan. CEZ Nymburk failed to reach the regular season and they will continue in EuroCup. Christopher Hill (191-G-83, college: Michigan St.) was a key player for the hosts with 21 points and 12 rebounds (valuation 27). Demond Mallet (185-G-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: McNeese St.) scored 18, Caleb Green (203-F-85, college: ORU) had 12 points (6 rebs) and Christophe Beghin (207-F-80, agency: Court Side) added 11 pts, plus 9 rebs. In defeat, Eugene Lawrence (184-G-86, college: St.John's) was the only one with double digits - 10 points. Lamayne Wilson (204-F-80, college: Troy) and Chester Simmons (198-G-82, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices, college: Washington) (5 rebs) this time stopped to 9 and 8 pts respectively. Quarters: 15-13, 19-8, 20-15, 25-17. Despite they didnt reach the regular season, CEZ Nymburk can be satisfied with their performance in Charleroi. The eliminated powerful Khimky and reached the Finals.

Charleroi: Christopher Hill 21+12 boards, Demond Mallet 18, Caleb Green 12+6 boards, Christophe Beghin 11+9 boards
CEZ Nymburk: Eugene Lawrence 10, Lamayne Wilson 9, Chester Simmons 8+5 boards

Standings - Division II
D2 Standings
 1. Gembo 4-0 
 2. Liege II 3-1 
 3. St-Niklase 3-1 
 4. Waregem 3-1 
 5. Essor Charleroi 3-1 
 6. Fleurus 3-1 
 7. Sint-Jan Ant. 2-2 
 8. Kangar.-Boom 2-2 
 9. Excelsior 2-2 
 10. Gistel 1-3 
 11. Melsele 1-3 
 12. M.Hainaut II 1-3 
 13. De Westhoek 0-4 
 14. Sprimont 0-4 


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  BULGARIA   


Marojevic out, Jovanovic in for Rilski sportist - by Maria Mitzova
Rilski Sportist Samokov made changes in the roster, less than three weeks prior to the start of the Bulgarian championship. Head coach Rosen Barchovski (agency: Interperformances ) had decided to modify his squad after the home friendly tournament, starring Crvena zvezda, Lukoil Academik and Keravnos.
He kept his mind and altered the team with bringing in the center forward from Serbia Gjorgje Jovanovic (209-C-80, agency: Global Sports Plaza). Jovanovic has last been a part of Macedonian Lirija, and has also played in Serbia, Slovenia, Romania and Jordan.
The new addition will fill the place of Dragomir Marojevic (207-C-81, agency: Global Sports Plaza), who has been released from the team. He couldnt fit in Barchovskis system and will now try his luck with Macedonian Feni Industri.

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  COLOMBIA   


FEDERATION CUP 2011 DAY 9 RESULTS - by Victor Garcia
Indervalle still have not found a positive answer on its imports to rise its level, this time releases Ryan Lancaster, Adam Brooke and Kyle Jeffers and face Cucuta Norte just with its young Colombian roster, Gerson Pena played for Indervalle, but still the power in the paint of Graterol and Nolan plus the experience and high level of Edgar Moreno were too hard for Indervalle, Cucuta just find a way to win in the final minute of the game
INDERVALLE 86 G. Pena 26 pts.
CUCUTA NORTE 89

Bucaros defeated Guerreros in Bucaramanga, the yellow team controlled the rebounds and stop the quickness of the Guerreros, Harrison and Guevara leaded Bucaros, while Thomas and Taylor leaded Guerreros, the hardwood in Bucaramanga was very slippery, and the player specially the Guerreros guards had many problems to run, the Governor of Santander atted the game.
BUCAROS 83 D. Harrison 28 pts, D. Guevara 13 pts.
GUERREROS 70- S. Thomas 18 pts + 12 rebs, K. Taylor 13 pts.

Patriotas keep making history, this time the team reached its 6th win in a row, defeating the Orgullo Paisa 75 63, Orgullo Paisa had Alejandro Flores in the game.
PATRIOTAS 75
ORGULLO PAISA 63

FEDERATION CUP 2011 DAY 10 RESULTS - by Victor Garcia
Indervalle reached its second victory of the season, defeating Cucuta Norte in Cali again with the young squad and still awaiting the arrival of the new imports of the team, but Cucuta Norte did not had a good , Guillermo Moreno made the adjustment on defense to match the power in the paint and got a deserved victory
INDERVALLE 75
CUCUTA NORTE 73

Guerreros took revenge and stole the second game in the Bucaros home, the Guerreros impose its dynamic defense and achieve a 12 points lead in the first quarter, that helped to keep the distance through the game , but in the last two minutes Bucaros made a big effort scoring with Herrera and Guevara, Julian Pineda the young point guard of Guerreros made 4 o 4 free throws in the last 90 seconds to keep its team ahead, David Reyes drilled a three with 5 seconds in the clock, thats puts the Bucaros just one game behind but failed to get one more posesion .
BUCAROS 87 J. Herrera 21 pts, J. Hernandez 17 pts.
GUERREROS 88- K. Taylor 28 pts, C. Silva 18 pts.

Heissler Guillent just arrived to the contry and drive Orgullo Paisa to get a big victory over the Patriotas, but was Felipe Barrios buzzer beater shot that sealed the game for the Black and Green team.
PATRIOTAS 91
ORGULLO PAISA 93

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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


Charleroi heads to Euroleague regular season - by Eurobasket News
Charleroi - CEZ Nymburk 79-53

Charleroi advanced to the Euroleague regular season. They cruised past CEZ Nymburk 79-53 in the Qualifying Tournament Finals (B). The Belgian powerhouse is placed to Group C now. Their rivals will be Partizan, Anadolu Efes, Real Madrid, Maccabi Electra and Emporio Armani Milan. CEZ Nymburk failed to reach the regular season and they will continue in EuroCup. Christopher Hill (191-G-83, college: Michigan St.) was a key player for the hosts with 21 points and 12 rebounds (valuation 27). Demond Mallet (185-G-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: McNeese St.) scored 18, Caleb Green (203-F-85, college: ORU) had 12 points (6 rebs) and Christophe Beghin (207-F-80, agency: Court Side) added 11 pts, plus 9 rebs. In defeat, Eugene Lawrence (184-G-86, college: St.John's) was the only one with double digits - 10 points. Lamayne Wilson (204-F-80, college: Troy) and Chester Simmons (198-G-82, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices, college: Washington) (5 rebs) this time stopped to 9 and 8 pts respectively. Quarters: 15-13, 19-8, 20-15, 25-17. Despite they didnt reach the regular season, CEZ Nymburk can be satisfied with their performance in Charleroi. The eliminated powerful Khimky and reached the Finals.

Charleroi: Christopher Hill 21+12 boards, Demond Mallet 18, Caleb Green 12+6 boards, Christophe Beghin 11+9 boards
CEZ Nymburk: Eugene Lawrence 10, Lamayne Wilson 9, Chester Simmons 8+5 boards

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  DENMARK   


Standings - 1st Division
1st Division Standings
 1. Koge BK 2-0 
 2. Lemvig 2-0 
 3. Randers 2-0 
 4. Amager BK 1-0 
 5. Virum 1-1 
 6. Glostrup 1-1 
 7. Haderslev 1-1 
 8. ALBA 0-1 
 9. Solrod 0-1 
 10. Stevnsgade 0-1 
 11. Aarhus BF 0-2 
 12. Jonstrup 0-2 


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  EL SALVADOR   


San Marcos wins Liga de Baloncesto - by Jaime Arevalo
San Marcos defeated 87-81 Leones-Automoto in Game 2 of the Liga de Baloncesto Finals, claiming the Torneo Invitacional de Baloncesto 2011 title.
Despite Game 1, in which San Marcos had dominated, Game 2 was a very hard fight, because the young Leones players showed great improvements and good shooting accuracy. With 29 points, Arturo Escamilla (185-F-77) led the losing team attack, and Nestor Montalvo (G) outstood he too, with good passes and the right leadership.
The San Marcos veterans, however, didn' t lose the occasion to close the Series, and Edwin Lopez (183-G/F-85), Salvador Bandek (181-G-78) and, above all, Miguel Banos (186-F/C-84), who scored the decisive baskets at the end of the game, led their team to the win

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  ESTONIA   


BBL: TU starts the season with convincing victory - by Janar
Tartu Ulikool didn't waste a must-win game against KK Baltai Kaunas and beat the youngest team in BBL 86:78 (41:32). Evergreen Vallo Allingu (206-C-78) led the winners with 21 pts and 7 rbs, Bill Amis (205-F-87, college: Hawaii) added 15+7 and Timo Eichfuss (200-F-88) 12+5. Vytenis Lipkevicius (197-F-89) led Baltai with 14 points. The hosts out-rebounded opponents 44:29 but Baltai outscored Tartu 26:7 from the free throw line!
The lead changed four times during the 1st quarter - TU took the lead 5:0 but three-pointers by Siim-Sander Vene helped Baltai ahead 7:9. Allingu scored amazing 11 points already in 1st quarter what ended 18:18.
In 2nd, baskets by Eichfuss, Sten Sokk and Amis created a huge 13:0 run that took the hosts ahead 33:20. Baltai answered with 7 consecutive points but the guests never reached closer than 6 points until the end.
In 3rd, the gap was 15, already but in 4th, another triple by Vene and baskets by Zigymantas Janavicius made it 73:67. Eichfuss and Rain Veideman (192-G-91) combined next 8 points for TU and with a minute to play, a triple by Marek Doronin (200-F/G-83) secured the victory for the Estonian team.



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  EUROCUP   


Behind Negotiation Scenes Between H. Jerusalem And John Thomas - by David Pick
Intense negotiations between Hapoel Jerusalem and American center John Thomas, reached a concrete wall. Although both parties agreed on terms earlier last week and Thomas was waiting for the team's signed paper, the two-sides have come to a crossroad where as of now, the ink is far from reaching the document. Jerusalem, whose front court is already swamped with Brian Randle, Jarvis Varnado, Elishay Kadir and Uri Kokia, are still looking to add another big body for the team's upcoming EuroChallenge competition and Thomas was their latest possibility.

Yet, the 36-year-old big who recently played for Aris Thessaloniki (Greece), appears to not at all like the back-and-forth yo-yo games Hapoel is playing. At first, J'slm wanted to sign Thomas to a four-month deal where he would only play in Europe. After agreeing to the proposal, the team changed its position to a three-month contract explaining that he might also play in Israeli league, Thomas agreed. Then, J'slm changed its position for a third-time, and the player's salary became an issue. The team asked to cut a 'substantial' $400 from every paycheck, the center responded with an 'OK'.

Now, Hapoel completely altered its plans to the point where according to one source close to situation, 'things are becoming unbearable. It's truly impossible to agree on specifics.' J'slm's latest idea was for Thomas to sign a two-week try-out contract, similar to the one-month try-out deal D.J. Strawberry signed with the team earlier this summer. Another source commented saying, 'It's the exact same situation we had with Yogev Ohayon. The team wanted him badly, but kept changing their position daily and Yogev was fed up.'

The New York Knicks 1997, 25th NBA draft pick began last year training with the Minnesota Timberwolves but was waived after pre-season, moving to Aris where he would record 8.0ppg and 6.1rpg in the domestic league and 5.2ppg, 3.6rpg and 1.0bpg in the EuroChallenge games before leaving in April.

For more Israeli basketball updates follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd


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  EUROLEAGUE   


Galatasaray and Charleroi advance to regular season - by Eurobasket News
Group A
Lietuvos rytas - Galatasaray 63-71
Galatasaray did a great job in Vilnius tonight. The Turkish squad handed 63-71 loss to Lietuvos Rytas, who was the host of the Euroleague Qualifying Tournament (A). Thanks to this victory Galatasaray advanced to the regular season. They are placed to Group D together with Unics, Montepaschi, Asseco Prokom, Union Olimpija and Barcelona. Lietuvos Rytas will continue this season in EuroCup. Preston Shumpert (198-G/F-79, college: Syracuse) top-scored in victory with 14 points, while Joshua Shipp (196-G/F-86, college: UCLA) (6 rebs) and Luksa Andric (210-C-85, agency: Beo Basket) helped with 12 points each. Jaka Lakovic (186-G-78) collected 10 points and 5 assists. The hosts got 15 points from Renaldas Seibutis (196-G-85). Goran Jeretin (192-G-79, agency: Beo Basket) had 12 points and Steponas Babrauskas (197-G/F-84) stopped to 10. Quarters: 21-13, 7-17, 12-22, 23-19.

Group B
Charleroi - CEZ Nymburk 79-53
Charleroi advanced to the Euroleague regular season. They cruised past CEZ Nymburk 79-53 in the Qualifying Tournament Finals (B). The Belgian powerhouse is placed to Group C now. Their rivals will be Partizan, Anadolu Efes, Real Madrid, Maccabi Electra and Emporio Armani Milan. CEZ Nymburk failed to reach the regular season and they will continue in EuroCup. Christopher Hill (191-G-83, college: Michigan St.) was a key player for the hosts with 21 points and 12 rebounds (valuation 27). Demond Mallet (185-G-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: McNeese St.) scored 18, Caleb Green (203-F-85, college: ORU) had 12 points (6 rebs) and Christophe Beghin (207-F-80, agency: Court Side) added 11 pts, plus 9 rebs. In defeat, Eugene Lawrence (184-G-86, college: St.John's) was the only one with double digits - 10 points. Lamayne Wilson (204-F-80, college: Troy) and Chester Simmons (198-G-82, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices, college: Washington) (5 rebs) this time stopped to 9 and 8 pts respectively. Quarters: 15-13, 19-8, 20-15, 25-17. Despite they didnt reach the regular season, CEZ Nymburk can be satisfied with their performance in Charleroi. The eliminated powerful Khimky and reached the Finals.



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  FINLAND   


Korisliiga Round 2: Loimaan Korikonkarit hands first loss to Torpan Pojat - by Eurobasket News
There were only 2 rounds played so far and it's still very beginning of the Regular Season in Korisliiga.

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of undefeated Torpan Pojat (1-1) on the court of top-ranked Loimaan Korikonkarit on Sunday night. Visitors were defeated by Loimaan Korikonkarit 91-79. The hosts trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 52-38 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Loimaan Korikonkarit made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game. Loimaan Korikonkarit outrebounded Torpan Pojat 43-32 including 31 on the defensive glass. American guard Martin Zeno (196-85, college: Texas Tech) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 22 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 blocks. The other American import forward Ryan McDade (201-80, college: N.Arizona) contributed with 18 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. American swingman Jonathan Heard (198-86) replied with 25 points and 6 rebounds for Torpan Pojat. Loimaan Korikonkarit (1-0) left bottom position moving up to third place, which they share with Pyrinto. Torpan Pojat at the other side keeps the fifth position with one game lost. They share it with Namika Lahti and Salon Vilpas. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Namika Lahti (1-1) against tenth ranked Salon Vilpas (1-1) on Sunday night. Visiting Namika Lahti was defeated by Salon Vilpas in a tough game in Salon 67-76. American players dominated the game. Forward John Fields (205-88, college: Tennessee) had a double-double by scoring 25 points and 17 rebounds (on 12-of-14 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and Junior Hairston chipped in 17 points and 15 rebounds during the contest. Forward Keena Young (198-85, college: BYU) responded with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 12 rebounds. Salon Vilpas left bottom position moving up to fifth place, which they share with ToPo and Namika Lahti. Salon Vilpas will play against league's leader Joensuun Kataja on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Namika Lahti will play against UU-Korihait (#10) in Uusikaupunki to get more than just one victory in their record.
The game in Uusikaupunki was also quite interesting. Top-ranked Kauhajoen Karhu (2-0) played at the court of bottom-ranked UU-Korihait (0-2). Kauhajoen Karhu managed to secure a 6-point victory 84-78 on Saturday. American players dominated also this game. Clevin Hannah notched 23 points and 7 rebounds to lead the effort. Even 20 points and 6 rebounds by Cory Johnson did not help to save the game for UU-Korihait. Kauhajoen Karhu keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Kataja. Loser UU-Korihait still closes the standings with two games lost. They share the position with Kouvot. Kauhajoen Karhu will meet at home KTP-Basket (#8) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. UU-Korihait will play against Namika Lahti.
The game in Kouvola was also worth to mention about. Top-ranked Joensuun Kataja (2-0) played at the court of bottom-ranked Kouvot (0-2). Joensuun Kataja defeated Kouvot 80-66. The best player for the winners was Petri Virtanen who scored 21 points (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line). Kouvot's coach Jyri Lehtonen rotated ten players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Joensuun Kataja keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Kauhajoki. Kouvot at the other side still closes the standings with two games lost. Joensuun Kataja's next round opponent will be Salon Vilpas (#5) at home. Kouvot will play against LrNMKY (#9) in Lappeenranta and it may be a tough game between close rivals.


Nilan Bisons - ToPo 91-79

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of undefeated Torpan Pojat (1-1) on the court of top-ranked Loimaan Korikonkarit on Sunday night. Visitors were defeated by Loimaan Korikonkarit 91-79. The hosts trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 52-38 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Loimaan Korikonkarit made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game. Loimaan Korikonkarit outrebounded Torpan Pojat 43-32 including 31 on the defensive glass. American guard Martin Zeno (196-85, college: Texas Tech) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 22 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 blocks. The other American import forward Ryan McDade (201-80, college: N.Arizona) contributed with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. Four Loimaan Korikonkarit players scored in double figures. American swingman Jonathan Heard (198-86) replied with 25 points and 6 rebounds and forward Timo Heinonen (198-81) added 17 points in the effort for Torpan Pojat. Loimaan Korikonkarit (1-0) left bottom position moving up to third place, which they share with Pyrinto. Torpan Pojat at the other side keeps the fifth position with one game lost. They share it with Namika Lahti and Salon Vilpas. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
ToPo: J.Heard 25+6reb+1ast, C.Griffin 18+1reb+2ast, T.Heinonen 17+3reb+2ast, E.Lehtinen 7+5reb+2ast, C.Lindbom 6+8reb, T.Iisalo 6+5reb+3ast
Nilan Bisons: M.Zeno 22+11reb+6ast, M.Koivisto 20+2reb, J.Ivey 20+4reb+4ast, R.McDade 18+13reb+1ast, M.Nuutinen 6+9reb+1ast, C.Jones 3+1reb
gschID: 141633


Korihait - Kauhajoki 78-84

The game in Uusikaupunki was also quite interesting. Top-ranked Kauhajoen Karhu (2-0) played at the court of bottom-ranked UU-Korihait (0-2). Kauhajoen Karhu managed to secure a 6-point victory 84-78 on Saturday. The guests trailed by 5 points after three quarters before their 21-10 charge, which allowed them to win the game. American players dominated also this game. point guard Clevin Hannah (180-87, college: Wichita St., agency: Court Side) notched 23 points and 7 rebounds to lead the effort and forward Kelly Beidler (199-88, college: Mt.St.Mary's, agency: R.H.Consultancy) supported him with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Even 20 points and 6 rebounds by forward Cory Johnson (200-88, college: Valparaiso, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) did not help to save the game for UU-Korihait. Swingman Nigel Moore (195-81, college: Alabama A&M) added 12 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 6 steals for the hosts. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Kauhajoen Karhu keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Kataja. Loser UU-Korihait still closes the standings with two games lost. They share the position with Kouvot. Kauhajoen Karhu will meet at home KTP-Basket (#8) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. UU-Korihait will play against Namika Lahti.
Top scorers:
Korihait: C.Johnson 20+6reb+2ast, N.Moore 12+8reb+5ast, M.Jalonen 12+2reb+5ast, C.Latimer 11+4reb, J.Crouch 9+3reb+1ast, P.Heinonen 7+2reb+1ast
Kauhajoki: C.Hannah 23+7reb+2ast, K.Beidler 16+6reb+2ast, E.Skamo 11+7reb+3ast, T.Hendley 11+5reb+1ast, A.Huuskonen 9+2reb, I.Vuori 9+2reb+3ast
gschID: 150372


Kouvot - Kataja 66-80

The game in Kouvola was also worth to mention about. Top-ranked Joensuun Kataja (2-0) played at the court of bottom-ranked Kouvot (0-2). Joensuun Kataja defeated Kouvot 80-66. Joensuun Kataja made 20-of-22 charity shots (90.9 percent) during the game. Joensuun Kataja forced 20 Kouvot turnovers. The best player for the winners was international guard Petri Virtanen (183-80) who scored 21 points (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line). International swingman Antti Kanervo (193-89) chipped in 15 points. Four Joensuun Kataja players scored in double figures. American forward Anthony Brown (203-86, college: Oklahoma St., agency: KMG Sports Management) produced 15 points and 7 rebounds and point guard Antto Nikkarinen (185-91) added 6 points and 6 assists respectively for the hosts. Kouvot's coach Jyri Lehtonen rotated ten players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Joensuun Kataja keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Kauhajoki. Kouvot at the other side still closes the standings with two games lost. Joensuun Kataja's next round opponent will be Salon Vilpas (#5) at home. Kouvot will play against LrNMKY (#9) in Lappeenranta and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kouvot: A.Brown 15+7reb+3ast, A.Jordan 11+4reb, J.Gonner 11+3reb, S.Vanttaja 8+4reb, A.Perttu 7+3reb, A.Nikkarinen 6+3reb+6ast
Kataja: P.Virtanen 21+2reb+3ast, A.Kanervo 15+2reb+2ast, M.Terwilliger 12+6reb, B.Walker 10+1reb+3ast, S.Lehtoranta 9+3reb+2ast, J.Newson 7+6reb
gschID: 141630


Salon Vilpas - Namika Lahti 76-67

Very important is a road loss of third ranked Namika Lahti (1-1) against tenth ranked Salon Vilpas (1-1) on Sunday night. Visiting Namika Lahti was defeated by Salon Vilpas in a tough game in Salon 67-76. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Namika Lahti won third quarter 20-19. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Namika Lahti 44-23 including a 32-14 advantage in defensive rebounds. American players dominated the game. Forward John Fields (205-88, college: Tennessee) had a double-double by scoring 25 points and 17 rebounds (on 12-of-14 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and forward Junior Hairston (203-84, college: Towson, agency: Court Side) chipped in 17 points and 15 rebounds during the contest. Forward Keena Young (198-85, college: BYU) responded with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 12 rebounds and guard Steven Wright (191-83, college: N.Kentucky, agency: Court Side) scored 12 points and 5 rebounds. Four Namika Lahti players scored in double figures. Salon Vilpas left bottom position moving up to fifth place, which they share with ToPo and Namika Lahti. Salon Vilpas will play against league's leader Joensuun Kataja on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Namika Lahti will play against UU-Korihait (#10) in Uusikaupunki to get more than just one victory in their record.
Top scorers:
Namika Lahti: K.Young 22+12reb+1ast, R.Brooks 15+2reb+1ast, S.Wright 12+5reb+2ast, V.Makalainen 10+2ast, A.Alanen 3+1reb+1ast, S.Pekkola 3+1reb
Salon Vilpas: J.Fields 25+17reb+1ast, J.Hairston 17+15reb+3ast, A.Vaenerberg 14+1reb+8ast, S.Kaaresvirta 7+7reb+1ast, J.Savolainen 6+1reb, I.Kallio 4
gschID: 141631




KORISLIIGA: Bisons get a good start - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Korisliiga, Round 2: Three contests tonight, no big upsets. Newcomer Bisons get a good start at home at Loimaa, when visitor Torpan Pojat from Helsinki was defeated by 12 points 91-79 (39-41). Quarters: 20-25, 19-16, 25-17, 27-21. Attendance: 683. It was the first basketball game on top level ever for Korikonkarit (Loimaa) = Bisons. Rebounds (47-37) and more FTs (fouls 10-22) were some reasons, why the hosts won this interesting game. Bisons had four players in double digits. Martin Zeno (196-G-85, college: Texas Tech) led the hosts with 22 pts. Zeno gave also six assists. Guards Jeb Ivey (190-G-80, college: Portland St.) and Mikko Koivisto (194-G-87, college: NC-Greensboro) scored 20 pts both. Jonathan Heard (198-G/F-86) led ToPo with 25 pts.
Bisons - ToPo 91-79 (39-41). B: Martin Zeno 22/6a, Jeb Ivey 20, Mikko Koivisto 20, Ryan McDade 18/13 - T: Jonathan Heard 25, Chase Griffin 18, Timo Heinonen 17.
Vilpas - YMCA Lahti 76-67 (40-31). V: John Fields 25717, Junior Hairston 17/15, Alex Vaenerberg 14/8a - L: Keena Younbg 22/12, Ryan Brooks 15, Stewen Wright 14.
Kouvot - Kataja 66-80 (29-41). KK: Anthony Brown 22/12, Josh Gonner 11, Antoiine Jordan 11 - JK: Petri Virtanen 21, Antti Kanervo 15, Matt Terwilliger 12.



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  FRANCE   


Batum leads Nancy to first trophy this season - by Eurobasket News
Nancy - Chalon 89-83

Nancy is the winner of 'Match des Champions 2011' (Supercup). The reigning ProA champion outplayed French Cup winners Chalon 89-83 to take the first trophy this season. NBAer Nicolas Batum (201-F-88) shined for Nancy with 22 points and 9 rebounds. Akinlolu Akingbala (208-F-83, college: Clemson) (9 rebs) and Jamal Shuler (191-G-86) helped with 18 points each. In Chalon, Malcolm Delaney (191-G-89, college: Virginia Tech) (5 rebs) and Blake Schilb (200-F/G-83, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices, college: Loyola, IL) responded with 19 points apiece. Bryant Smith (196-G/F-77, agency: SportsTalent, college: Auburn) stopped to 10 pts. Nancy had impressive beginning as they won the first period with nice 30-14. Chalon improved after that and managed to cut the margin to 11 points until the halftime. Nancy jumped to plus 15 after the breather, but Chalon didnt give up. They threatened in the last ten minutes, but were no able to make a turn. At the end Nancy celebrated 89-83 win for the first trophy this season.

Nancy: Nicolas Batum 22+9 boards, Akinlolu Akingbala 18+9 boards, Jamal Shuler 18
Chalon: Malcolm Delaney 19+5 boards, Blake Schilb 19, Bryant Smith 10

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  GERMANY   


Brose Baskets clinch BBL Champions Cup title - by Eurobasket News
Brose Baskets - Braunschweig 86:66

Brose Baskets claimed the BBL Champions Cup. They cruised past Braunschweig for the first title of the season. Six players scored in double figures for Bamberg in the victory. Brian Roberts (188-G-85, agency: Interperformances) top-scored with 17 points.
Brose Baskets dominated in this one. They posted a 20:16 lead after ten minutes of action. They controlled the tempo in the second term. Brose Baskets established a 42:31 halftime lead. Brose Baskets stepped on the gas in the third term. They cleared off to a 19-point distance with ten minutes to go. Brose Baskets never slowed down in the fourth quarter and rallied to a comprehensive win at the end. Karsten Tadda (189-G-88, agency: Pro One Sports) and Julius Jenkins (187-PG-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Georgia Southern) provided 12 points each for the winners. Stephen Dennis (198-G-87, college: Kutztown) responded with 16 points for Braunschweig. Rich Melzer (203-F/C-79, agency: Court Side, college: Wisc.-RiverFal.) had 15 points and 6 rebounds in the loss.

Brose Baskets: Brian Roberts 17, Karsten Tadda 12, Julius Jenkins 12
Braunschweig: Stephen Dennis 16, Rich Melzer 15


Lopeta new at TV Werne - by Daniel Poerschke
Lithuanian Point Guard Giedrius Lopeta (186-G-87) is new at TV Werne of the 1. Regionalliga West. Lopeta will strengthen the backcourt of head coach Ivan Rosic . In his first game yesterday - a 91:86 win over SG Sechtem - he collected 12 points, 4 assists and 3 rebounds. Lopeta played with Aalborg in Denmark last season.

Jerome Jack (193-F, college: Davis & Elkins) is new at BBG Herford of the 2. Regionalliga West and will play as a bosman player for the squad.

ProA Round 2 results and stats - by Eurobasket News
There were only 2 rounds played so far and it's still very beginning of the Regular Season in ProA.

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Crailsheim Merlins as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Crailsheim Merlins defeated bottom-ranked ETB Wohnbau at home 79-67. The game was mostly controlled by Crailsheim Merlins. ETB Wohnbau managed to win third quarter 23-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Crailsheim Merlins forced 21 ETB Wohnbau turnovers. 27 personal fouls committed by ETB Wohnbau helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American forward Darryl Webb (198-88, college: Indiana, PA, agency: Pro One Sports) who had a double-double by scoring 16 points and 13 rebounds. Naturalized American forward Joseph Buck (201-81, college: USC) chipped in 21 points and 6 rebounds. American guard Chris Alexander (186-83, college: Southern) produced 18 points and 7 rebounds for the guests. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with 3 other teams. ETB Wohnbau at the other side still closes the standings with two games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. ETB Wohnbau will play next round against Ehingen/Urspringschule trying to get back on the winning streak. Crailsheim Merlins will try to continue on its current victory against second ranked Cuxhaven BasCats on the road.
Undefeated Science City Jena (0-1) recorded its first loss on the court of thirteenth ranked Kirchheim Knights. Visitors were defeated by Kirchheim Knights 91-80. American center Devin Uskoski (198-85, college: Rocky Mountain) orchestrated the victory by scoring 20 points and 9 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field). Cedric Brooks contributed with 22 points for the winners. American forward Jeremy Black (203-85, college: Tampa) replied with 12 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for Science City Jena. Kirchheim Knights (1-1) left bottom position moving up to seventh place, which they share with Braves and Ehingen. Science City Jena at the other side still closes the standings with one game lost. They share the position with Heidelberg. Kirchheim Knights will play against BG Karlsruhe (#13) at home in the next round where they are favorite. Science City Jena will play against USC Heidelberg and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An interesting game was played in Homburg where Cuxhaven BasCats (#3) beat host Saar-Pfalz Braves (#1) 93-84 on Saturday evening. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Jackson Capel scored 21 points and 7 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners. Robert McKiver responded with 23 points. Saar-Pfalz Braves' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Cuxhaven BasCats (2-0) keep a position of league leader, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Saar-Pfalz Braves dropped to the seventh place with one game lost. They share the position with Kirchheim and Ehingen. Cuxhaven BasCats will meet at home league's leader Crailsheim Merlins in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Saar-Pfalz Braves will play against Webmoebel Baskets (#4) in Paderborn.
A very interesting game took place in Nurnberg. It ended with only two-point home defeat of bottom-ranked NBC (0-2) to top-ranked Webmoebel Baskets (2-0) 91-89 on Saturday evening. Guest team only slightly avoided a big embarassment. Jefferson Mason notched 22 points and 9 rebounds to lead the effort. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Webmoebel Baskets keep a position of league leader, which they share with 3 other teams. Newly promoted NBC still closes the standings with two games lost. Webmoebel Baskets' next round opponent will be Saar-Pfalz Braves (#7) in Homburg where they are favorite. NBC will play on the road against Gloria Giants (#3) in Duesseldorf.
The game with biggest result difference took place in Allmendingen. Local Ehingen/Urspringschule (1-1) outscored bottom-ranked Leitershofen (0-2) 92-67 on Saturday night. The best player for the winners was Virgil Matthews who had a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 assists (on 7-of-9 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. Ehingen/Urspringschule left bottom position moving up to seventh place, which they share with Kirchheim and Braves. Leitershofen at the other side, also newcomer in the league, still closes the standings with two games lost. Ehingen/Urspringschule will face ETB Wohnbau (#12) in Essen in the next round where they are favorite.

In the last two games of round 2 Duesseldorf defeated Karlsruhe in a road game 74-59. Chemnitz beat Heidelberg at home 88-79.
The best stats of 2nd round was 28 points and 8 rebounds by Logan Stutz of Leitershofen.

Kirchheim - Jena 91-80

Undefeated Science City Jena (0-1) recorded its first loss on the court of thirteenth ranked Kirchheim Knights. Visitors were defeated by Kirchheim Knights 91-80. The hosts were ahead by 2 points but lost the second period ending it with a 1-point deficit before their 25-13 run, which allowed them to win the game. Kirchheim Knights outrebounded Science City Jena 32-21 including 25 on the defensive glass. Science City Jena was plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. American center Devin Uskoski (198-85, college: Rocky Mountain) orchestrated the victory by scoring 20 points and 9 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field). The other American import guard Cedric Brooks (185-80, college: Pittsburg St.) contributed with 22 points for the winners. American forward Jeremy Black (203-85, college: Tampa) replied with 12 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists and forward Tim Schwartz (199-87) added 18 points in the effort for Science City Jena. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Kirchheim Knights (1-1) left bottom position moving up to seventh place, which they share with Braves and Ehingen. Science City Jena at the other side still closes the standings with one game lost. They share the position with Heidelberg. Kirchheim Knights will play against BG Karlsruhe (#13) at home in the next round where they are favorite. Science City Jena will play against USC Heidelberg and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kirchheim: C.Brooks 22+3reb+3ast, D.Uskoski 20+9reb+2ast, S.Adeberg 15+8reb, R.Tomasevic 12+3ast, B.Bekteshi 8+1reb+1ast, A.Smith 6+7reb+6ast
Jena: T.Schwartz 18+3reb+1ast, C.Roquette 16+4reb+1ast, T.Kepkay 13+3ast, J.Black 12+6reb+5ast, E.Vierneisel 9+3reb, K.Koch 5+3reb+5ast
gschID: 141245


Crailsheim - ETB Wohnbau 79-67

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Crailsheim Merlins as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Crailsheim Merlins defeated bottom-ranked ETB Wohnbau at home 79-67. The game was mostly controlled by Crailsheim Merlins. ETB Wohnbau managed to win third quarter 23-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Crailsheim Merlins forced 21 ETB Wohnbau turnovers. 27 personal fouls committed by ETB Wohnbau helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American forward Darryl Webb (198-88, college: Indiana, PA, agency: Pro One Sports) who had a double-double by scoring 16 points and 13 rebounds. Naturalized American forward Joseph Buck (201-81, college: USC) chipped in 21 points and 6 rebounds. Four Crailsheim Merlins players scored in double figures. American guard Chris Alexander (186-83, college: Southern) produced 18 points and 7 rebounds and naturalized Croatian guard Marco Buljevic (197-87, agency: Court Side) added 18 points respectively for the guests. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with 3 other teams. ETB Wohnbau at the other side still closes the standings with two games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. ETB Wohnbau will play next round against Ehingen/Urspringschule trying to get back on the winning streak. Crailsheim Merlins will try to continue on its current victory against second ranked Cuxhaven BasCats on the road.
Top scorers:
Crailsheim: J.Buck 21+6reb, D.Webb 16+13reb+1ast, J.Stohl 14+2reb+1ast, M.Hill 10+4reb+5ast, B.Baptist 7+3reb+1ast, C.Tetzner 6+1reb+1ast
ETB Wohnbau: C.Alexander 18+7reb+1ast, M.Buljevic 18+4reb+1ast, S.Schroter 12+4reb+1ast, P.Carney 5+1reb, J.Henley 4+2reb+2ast, C.Bartels 3
gschID: 141246


Braves - Cuxhaven 84-93

An interesting game was played in Homburg where Cuxhaven BasCats (#3) beat host Saar-Pfalz Braves (#1) 93-84 on Saturday evening. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The guests trailed by 2 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 7-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 93-84. Cuxhaven BasCats outrebounded Saar-Pfalz Braves 42-22 including a 20-5 advantage in offensive rebounds. American guard Jackson Capel (191-87, college: Evangel) scored 21 points and 7 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import swingman Quinnel Brown (198-83, college: Auburn) chipped in 14 points and 10 rebounds during the contest. American guard Robert McKiver (191-84, college: Houston) responded with 23 points and British-Australian guard Lee Jeka (187-83, agency: Limelight Hoops) scored 16 points and 8 assists. Saar-Pfalz Braves' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Cuxhaven BasCats (2-0) keep a position of league leader, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Saar-Pfalz Braves dropped to the seventh place with one game lost. They share the position with Kirchheim and Ehingen. Cuxhaven BasCats will meet at home league's leader Crailsheim Merlins in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Saar-Pfalz Braves will play against Webmoebel Baskets (#4) in Paderborn.
Top scorers:
Cuxhaven: J.Capel 21+7reb+2ast, D.McDaniel 15+6reb, Q.Brown 14+10reb+2ast, E.Harris 9+7reb, D.Rice 9+3ast, J.El Domiaty 9
Braves: R.McKiver 23+3reb+3ast, M.Damjanovic 20+5reb, L.Jeka 16+2reb+8ast, J.Catovic 7+1ast, K.Karamatskos 6+2reb+3ast, E.Land 4+1reb
gschID: 141240


Karlsruhe - Duesseldorf 59-74

There was no surprise when bottom-ranked BG Karlsruhe (0-2) was defeated at home by top-ranked Gloria Giants (2-0) 74-59 on Saturday. Gloria Giants keep a position of league leader, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser BG Karlsruhe still closes the standings with two games lost. Gloria Giants will face bottom-ranked NBC (#15) in Nurnberg in the next round which should be an easy win for them. BG Karlsruhe will play on the road against Kirchheim Knights.
gschID: 141241


Chemnitz - Heidelberg 88-79

Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both top-ranked BV Chemnitz 99 and bottom-ranked USC Heidelberg had identical 0-0 record. This time BV Chemnitz 99 used a home court advantage and defeated the opponent from Heidelberg 88-79 on Saturday night. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But USC Heidelberg won third quarter 20-14. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. USC Heidelberg was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. The best player for the winners was American point guard Gary Johnson (188-82, college: Cent.Florida) who scored 20 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line). The other American import center Donald Lawson (208-88, college: W.Michigan) chipped in 17 points and 8 rebounds. Swingman Janis Heindel (199-83) produced 14 points and 9 rebounds and American-Belizean guard Charles Burgess (186-84, college: Texas Tech) added 17 points and 5 assists respectively for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. BV Chemnitz 99 (1-0) left bottom position moving up to fifth place, which they share with MBC. Loser USC Heidelberg still closes the standings with one game lost. BV Chemnitz 99 will face Mitteldeutscher BC (#6) in Weissenfels in the next round. USC Heidelberg will play on the road against Science City Jena (#11) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Chemnitz: G.Johnson 20+5reb+7ast, T.Ishizaki 19+4reb+2ast, D.Lawson 17+8reb+1ast, J.Schaffrath 11+6reb, P.Stachula 6+3ast, A.Rosenthal 6+1reb+1ast
Heidelberg: C.Burgess 17+3reb+5ast, S.Watts 16+7reb+1ast, J.Heindel 14+9reb+2ast, O.Komarek 12+5reb+1ast, C.Sargent 10+2reb, B.Schoo 8+5reb+1ast
gschID: 141242


Ehingen - Leitershofen 92-67

The game with biggest result difference took place in Allmendingen. Local Ehingen/Urspringschule (1-1) outscored bottom-ranked Leitershofen (0-2) 92-67 on Saturday night. The game without a history. Ehingen/Urspringschule led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Ehingen/Urspringschule forced 20 Leitershofen turnovers. Leitershofen was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. The best player for the winners was American guard Virgil Matthews (188-83, college: Montana) who had a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). The other American import forward Andre Calvin (196-85, college: Drake, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices) chipped in 14 points and 8 rebounds. Five Ehingen/Urspringschule players scored in double figures. American forward Logan Stutz (205-88, college: Washburn, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) produced 28 points and 8 rebounds and center Andreas Kronhardt (204-89) added 11 points and 8 rebounds respectively for the guests. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Ehingen/Urspringschule left bottom position moving up to seventh place, which they share with Kirchheim and Braves. Leitershofen at the other side, also newcomer in the league, still closes the standings with two games lost. Ehingen/Urspringschule will face ETB Wohnbau (#12) in Essen in the next round where they are favorite.
Top scorers:
Ehingen: V.Matthews 16+2reb+10ast, K.Bright 15+2reb+3ast, A.Calvin 14+8reb+1ast, A.Vargas 12+4reb+3ast, A.Buechert 12+4reb, W.Creekmore 8+5reb
Leitershofen: L.Stutz 28+8reb, A.Kronhardt 11+8reb, S.Bowlin 10+2reb+4ast, J.Genck 6+1reb+5ast, D.Veney 4+2reb, V.Zenk 2+1reb
gschID: 141243


NBC - Webmoebel 89-91

A very interesting game took place in Nurnberg. It ended with only two-point home defeat of bottom-ranked NBC (0-2) to top-ranked Webmoebel Baskets (2-0) 91-89 on Saturday evening. Guest team only slightly avoided a big embarassment. NBC was ahead by 2 points after three quarters before a 23-19 charge of Webmoebel Baskets, which allowed them to win the game. 25 personal fouls committed by NBC helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American guard Jefferson Mason (198-88, college: Minn.St.-Mankato, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) notched 22 points and 9 rebounds to lead the effort and the other American import swingman Justin Stommes (200-88, college: E.Kentucky, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) supported him with 25 points. Even a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds by naturalized American power forward Ryan De Michael (205-77, college: Tennessee-Martin) did not help to save the game for NBC. Swingman Cornelius Adler (195-89) added 13 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists for the hosts. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Webmoebel Baskets keep a position of league leader, which they share with 3 other teams. Newly promoted NBC still closes the standings with two games lost. Webmoebel Baskets' next round opponent will be Saar-Pfalz Braves (#7) in Homburg where they are favorite. NBC will play on the road against Gloria Giants (#3) in Duesseldorf.
Top scorers:
Webmoebel: J.Stommes 25+4reb+1ast, J.Mason 22+9reb+1ast, J.Diggs 15+4reb+6ast, B.Spoeler 9+1reb+1ast, M.Fleischmann 8+1reb, O.Wendt 6+3reb
NBC: R.De Michael 17+12reb+1ast, J.Harris 15+4reb+3ast, C.Adler 13+7reb+4ast, C.Abercrombie 8+5reb+1ast, I.Okoye 8+4reb, M.Ides 7+1ast
gschID: 141244




ProB Round 2 results and stats - by Eurobasket News
There were only 2 rounds played so far and it's still very beginning of the Regular Season in ProB. There was no lack of excitement in the last round games. The round ended with loss of the undefeated team, extra overtimes, favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin.

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of undefeated Hertener Loewen (0-1) at the home court on Saturday night. Hosts were defeated by top-ranked Hannover Tigers (1-0) 103-92. The guests trailed by 6 points after three quarters before their 36-19 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Hannover Tigers made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game. They also forced 23 Hertener Loewen turnovers. 28 personal fouls committed by Hertener Loewen helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American guard Maurice Williams (192-83, college: Los Medanos JC) scored 20 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import guard Richie Williams (178-87, college: San Diego St.) chipped in 12 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists and 6 steals during the contest. Forward Vincent Kittmann (199-88) responded with a double-double by scoring 33 points (!!!) and 17 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Hannover Tigers left bottom position moving up to fourth place in Group North. Hertener Loewen at the other side still closes the standings with one game lost. They share the position with ALBA Berlin II. Hannover Tigers are looking forward to face ALBA Berlin II (#9) at home in the next round where they are favorite. Hertener Loewen will play against Herzoege Wolfenbuettel and is hoping to prove to their fans that the loss was just an accident.
Important game to mention about took place in Lich. Top-ranked Licher Baeren (2-0) saved a 3-point victory at home edging one of their biggest challengers TV 1862 Langen (1-1) 76-73 on Saturday evening. It was a key game for the top position in Group South. American guard Brandon Chappell (183-83, college: Lamar) notched 25 points and 4 assists to lead the effort and Daniel Dorr supported him with 14 points and 6 rebounds. Even 24 points, 6 assists and 5 steals by American guard Nathan Drury (188-85, college: Carroll) did not help to save the game for TV 1862 Langen. Licher Baeren keeps a position of Group South leader, which they share with 3 other teams. TV 1862 Langen at the other side dropped to the fifth place with one game lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Licher Baeren will play against Hanau (#8) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. TV 1862 Langen will play against Giessen Pointers and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked RSV Eintracht (1-1) against thirteenth ranked Herzoege Wolfenbuettel (1-1) on Friday night. Visiting RSV Eintracht was defeated by Herzoege Wolfenbuettel in a tough game in Wolfenbuettel in overtime94-98. The best player for the winners was Henje Knopke who had a double-double by scoring 19 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists and 4 steals. Kellen Williams produced a double-double by scoring 28 points and 12 rebounds for the guests. Herzoege Wolfenbuettel left bottom position moving up to fifth place in Group North, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated RSV Eintracht. Herzoege Wolfenbuettel will meet at home Hertener Loewen (#10) in the next round where they are favorite. RSV Eintracht will play against Spot Up Medien Baskets (#13) in Braunschweig.
Very important is a road loss of second ranked Hanau (1-1) against eighth ranked BSW Sixers (1-1) on Saturday night. Visiting Hanau was defeated by BSW Sixers in a tough game in Sandersdorf 63-70. Frieder Diestelhorst orchestrated the victory by scoring 15 points and 6 rebounds. BSW Sixers' coach Stephen Arigbabu allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. BSW Sixers left bottom position moving up to fifth place in Group South, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Hanau. BSW Sixers' next round opponent will be higher ranked Noerdlingen (#4) on the road and it may be quite challenging game. Hanau will play against Licher Baeren and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Vechta. Top-ranked host SC Rasta Vechta (2-0) defeated second-ranked SC Rist Wedel (1-1) 82-71. It was a key game for the top position in Group North. Daniel Krause scored 20 points to lead the charge for the winners. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. SC Rasta Vechta keeps a position of Group North leader, which they share with Dorsten and Wulfen. Loser SC Rist Wedel dropped to the fifth place with one game lost. SC Rasta Vechta will face BSV Wulfen (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. SC Rist Wedel will play against the league's leader Dorsten.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 2:
In Group North winless SU Medien lost to Schwelm on the opponent's court 76-85. Dorsten outscored Bernau in a home game 91-72. Wulfen rolled over Bayer Giants on the road 87-67.
In Group South winless TSV Troester lost to undefeated Noerdlingen on its own court 69-94. Giessen beat Fraport SKY II in a road game 80-68. Winless BG Illertal lost to undefeated Leipzig at home 71-81. Gotha outscored Dragons on the opponent's court 84-64.

Group North
Herten - Hannover 92-103

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of undefeated Hertener Loewen (0-1) at the home court on Saturday night. Hosts were defeated by top-ranked Hannover Tigers (1-0) 103-92. The guests trailed by 6 points after three quarters before their 36-19 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Hannover Tigers made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game. They also forced 23 Hertener Loewen turnovers. 28 personal fouls committed by Hertener Loewen helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American guard Maurice Williams (192-83, college: Los Medanos JC) scored 20 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import guard Richie Williams (178-87, college: San Diego St.) chipped in 12 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists and 6 steals during the contest. Forward Vincent Kittmann (199-88) responded with a double-double by scoring 33 points (!!!) and 17 rebounds and power forward Christoph Hackenesch (204-86) scored 12 points and 7 rebounds. Five Hannover Tigers and four Hertener Loewen players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Hannover Tigers left bottom position moving up to fourth place in Group North. Hertener Loewen at the other side still closes the standings with one game lost. They share the position with ALBA Berlin II. Hannover Tigers are looking forward to face ALBA Berlin II (#9) at home in the next round where they are favorite. Hertener Loewen will play against Herzoege Wolfenbuettel and is hoping to prove to their fans that the loss was just an accident.
Top scorers:
Herten: V.Kittmann 33+17reb+3ast, C.Hackenesch 12+7reb+1ast, R.Daugherty 12+5reb+2ast, J.Taylor 11+4reb+2ast, R.Wright 10+1reb, M.Berger 9+4reb+5ast
Hannover: M.Williams 20+7reb+4ast, J.Prasuhn 19+4reb, J.Doerksen 18+3reb, S.Janzen 14+2reb+2ast, R.Williams 12+5reb+7ast, S.allen ray 8+2reb+2ast
gschID: 143570


Schwelm - SU Medien 85-76

Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both twelfth ranked SG Schwelmer Baskets and bottom-ranked Spot Up Medien Baskets had identical 0-1 record. This time SG Schwelmer Baskets used a home court advantage and beat the opponent from Braunschweig 85-76 on Saturday night. The hosts started the game with a very strong first quarter 20-11. But Spot Up Medien Baskets won second period 26-22. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. SG Schwelmer Baskets made 29-of-36 free shots (80.6 percent) during the game. SG Schwelmer Baskets outrebounded Spot Up Medien Baskets 46-29 including 16 on the offensive glass. Spot Up Medien Baskets were plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. American guard Jason Holmes (191-86, college: Le Moyne) scored 25 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and center Julius Ducker (205-84) chipped in 13 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. Four SG Schwelmer Baskets players scored in double figures. Cuban swingman Howard Sant-Roos (198-91) responded with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 11 rebounds and guard Dennis Schroeder (186-93) scored 16 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. SG Schwelmer Baskets (1-1) left bottom position moving up to fifth place in Group North, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Spot Up Medien Baskets still closes the standings with two games lost. SG Schwelmer Baskets will face SSV Lok Bernau (#12) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Spot Up Medien Baskets will play against RSV Eintracht in Stahnsdorf.
Top scorers:
SU Medien: H.Sant-Roos 26+11reb+2ast, D.Schroeder 16+5reb+7ast, W.Buchmiller 10+4reb, L.Gertz 9+1reb, F.Theis 7+5reb+2ast, T.Tessmann 6+1reb
Schwelm: J.Holmes 25+8reb+4ast, J.Ducker 13+9reb, K.Speier 11+9reb, D.Bunts 11+6reb+2ast, M.Dohmen 10+2reb, D.Malinowski 8+9reb+3ast
gschID: 143571


Vechta - Rist Wedel 82-71

The game between Top Four teams took place in Vechta. Top-ranked host SC Rasta Vechta (2-0) defeated second-ranked SC Rist Wedel (1-1) 82-71. It was a key game for the top position in Group North. The game was mostly controlled by SC Rasta Vechta. SC Rist Wedel was better in fourth quarter 28-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. SC Rist Wedel was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. Guard Daniel Krause (196-88) scored 20 points to lead the charge for the winners and American center Joe Wolfinger (213-85, college: Citadel) chipped in 13 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. Four SC Rasta Vechta players scored in double figures. American guard Augie Johnston (185-86, college: Cal.St.-Monterey) responded with 21 points and 5 rebounds and his fellow American import center Anthony Pettaway (203-87, college: Defiance) scored 14 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. SC Rasta Vechta keeps a position of Group North leader, which they share with Dorsten and Wulfen. Loser SC Rist Wedel dropped to the fifth place with one game lost. SC Rasta Vechta will face BSV Wulfen (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. SC Rist Wedel will play against the league's leader Dorsten.
Top scorers:
Rist Wedel: A.Johnston 21+5reb+2ast, J.Laatzen 15+1ast, A.Pettaway 14+6reb+1ast, F.Boeke 8+5reb+1ast, K.Gausa 4+8reb+1ast, F.Luhring 4+2reb
Vechta: D.Krause 20+3reb+1ast, A.Rudowitz 16+4reb+2ast, J.Wolfinger 13+8reb+1ast, M.Reid 12+4reb+4ast, A.Jarchow 8+3reb+1ast, B.Fumey 5+5reb
gschID: 143572


Wolfenbuettel - Stahnsdorf 98-94 OT

Very important is a road loss of third ranked RSV Eintracht (1-1) against thirteenth ranked Herzoege Wolfenbuettel (1-1) on Friday night. Visiting RSV Eintracht was defeated by Herzoege Wolfenbuettel in a tough game in Wolfenbuettel in overtime94-98. RSV Eintracht was trailing by 10 points at halftime but managed to get 3-point lead after three quarters before a 22-19 charge of Herzoege Wolfenbuettel, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time. They were better in overtime eventually winning that period 12-8. Herzoege Wolfenbuettel forced 21 RSV Eintracht turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. The best player for the winners was swingman Henje Knopke (193-85) who had a double-double by scoring 19 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists and 4 steals. American guard Derrick Stevens (180-80, college: Colorado St.) chipped in 26 points and 4 assists. Stevens is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. American forward Kellen Williams (194-84, college: E.Washington, agency: Dynamics Global Management) produced a double-double by scoring 28 points and 12 rebounds and guard Thomas Schoeps (188-89, college: Odessa JC) added 17 points and 6 assists respectively for the guests. Five RSV Eintracht players scored in double figures. Herzoege Wolfenbuettel left bottom position moving up to fifth place in Group North, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated RSV Eintracht. Herzoege Wolfenbuettel will meet at home Hertener Loewen (#10) in the next round where they are favorite. RSV Eintracht will play against Spot Up Medien Baskets (#13) in Braunschweig.
Top scorers:
Stahnsdorf: K.Williams 28+12reb+2ast, T.Schoeps 17+3reb+6ast, O.Mackeldanz 15+10reb, Y.Evans 12+6reb+3ast, B.Butler 11+3reb+3ast, T.Modersitzki 9+4reb+3ast
Wolfenbuettel: D.Stevens 26+4ast, H.Knopke 19+10reb+9ast, M.Hart 18+8reb, S.Schubert 10+1ast, R.Owens 8+3reb+1ast, D.Nawrocki 8+4reb+2ast
gschID: 143567


Dorsten - Bernau 91-72

Very predictable result when top-ranked Dorsten (2-0) smashed at home bottom-ranked SSV Lok Bernau (0-2) 91-72 on Saturday. Newly promoted Dorsten maintains first position in Group North with 2-0 record, which they share with Vechta and Wulfen. Loser SSV Lok Bernau still closes the standings with two games lost. Dorsten will face SC Rist Wedel (#6) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. SSV Lok Bernau will play against SG Schwelmer Baskets (#8).
gschID: 143568


Bayer Giants - Wulfen 67-87

Not a big story in a game in Leverkusen where bottom-ranked Bayer Giants (0-2) were rolled over by top-ranked BSV Wulfen (2-0) 87-67 on Saturday. The game was mostly controlled by BSV Wulfen. Bayer Giants was better in fourth quarter 20-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Bayer Giants 43-28 including 29 on the defensive glass. Bayer Giants were plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. American forward Dijon Smith (203-89, college: Ft.Hays State) had a double-double by scoring 17 points and 13 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and guard Thomas Reuter (198-92) chipped in 21 points and 8 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) during the contest. American forward Jack Eggleston (203-88, college: Pennsylvania, agency: Pro One Sports) responded with 10 points and 8 rebounds and guard Farid Sadek (188-83) scored 15 points. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. BSV Wulfen keeps a position of Group North leader, which they share with Dorsten and Vechta. Loser Bayer Giants still closes the standings with two games lost. BSV Wulfen will face league's second-placed SC Rasta Vechta at home in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week.
Top scorers:
Bayer Giants: F.Sadek 15+3ast, C.Robinson 11+3reb+2ast, J.Eggleston 10+8reb+1ast, M.Rass 7+2reb, L.Joerdell 6+4reb+2ast, N.Welling 5
Wulfen: T.Reuter 21+8reb+1ast, D.Smith 17+13reb+2ast, S.Briggs 16+4reb+6ast, N.Janoschek 7+4reb+1ast, H.Bellscheidt 7+2reb+2ast, R.Haenig 6+6reb+2ast
gschID: 143569


Group South
TSV Troester - Noerdlingen 69-94

Everything went according to plan in Breitenguessbach where top-ranked Noerdlingen (2-0) outscored bottom-ranked TSV Troester (0-2) 94-69 on Saturday. The guests trailed by 5 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 3-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 94-69. Noerdlingen made 27-of-34 free shots (79.4 percent) during the game, while TSV Troester only scored eleven points from the stripe. Noerdlingen shot the lights out from three sinking 15 long-distance shots on high 53.6 percentage. TSV Troester was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. American guard Jason Jamerson (188-86, college: Grand Valley St.) scored 31 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) to lead the charge for the winners and guard Fabian Brutting (189-88) chipped in 18 points during the contest. Five Noerdlingen players scored in double figures. Guard Joerg Dippold (190-92) responded with 19 points and 5 rebounds and naturalized Croatian forward Ivan Pavic (201-81) scored 16 points. TSV Troester's coach Jamie Duncan gave up on the game allowing to play eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Noerdlingen keeps a position of Group South leader, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser TSV Troester still closes the standings with two games lost. Noerdlingen will face BSW Sixers (#7) in Sandersdorf in the next round where they are favorite. TSV Troester will play on the road against the league's leader Oettinger Rockets Gotha.
Top scorers:
TSV Troester: J.Dippold 19+5reb+1ast, I.Pavic 16+2reb+1ast, D.Schmidt 10+3reb+4ast, S.Dinkel 6, T.Korndoerfer 6+3reb+1ast, S.Walde 4+2reb
Noerdlingen: J.Jamerson 31+8reb+6ast, F.Brutting 18+4reb+3ast, K.Johnson 15+8reb+2ast, J.Eichler 12+6reb+1ast, D.Rotim 12+6reb+4ast, D.Rastatter 6+4reb
gschID: 143574


BSW Sixers - Hanau 70-63

Very important is a road loss of second ranked Hanau (1-1) against eighth ranked BSW Sixers (1-1) on Saturday night. Visiting Hanau was defeated by BSW Sixers in a tough game in Sandersdorf 63-70. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 17-12. But Hanau won second period 18-16. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Hanau 42-31 including a 17-6 advantage in offensive rebounds. 28 personal fouls committed by Hanau helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Forward Frieder Diestelhorst (201-87, agency: Limelight Hoops) orchestrated the victory by scoring 15 points and 6 rebounds. Guard Sascha Ahnsehl (186-86) contributed with 11 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. BSW Sixers' coach Stephen Arigbabu allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Indian-American guard Anish Sharda (191-82, college: St.Mary's (KS)) replied with 15 points and 6 assists and center Ilja Ickert (201-81) added 17 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Hanau. Four Hanau players scored in double figures. BSW Sixers left bottom position moving up to fifth place in Group South, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Hanau. BSW Sixers' next round opponent will be higher ranked Noerdlingen (#4) on the road and it may be quite challenging game. Hanau will play against Licher Baeren and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Hanau: I.Ickert 17+7reb, A.Sharda 15+4reb+6ast, M.Schick 14+6reb, C.Miles 11+7reb+2ast, S.Koehnert 3, J.Hirschberg 2+6reb
BSW Sixers: F.Diestelhorst 15+6reb+1ast, S.Ahnsehl 11+5reb+2ast, M.Haut 11+1reb, O.Johnson 9+3reb+1ast, A.Fleetwood 8+6reb, R.McLemore 7+9reb
gschID: 143575


Fraport SKY II - Giessen 68-80

Everything could happen in Frankfurt at the game between two tied teams. Both eleventh ranked Giessen Pointers and bottom-ranked Fraport Skyliners II had identical 0-1 record. But Fraport Skyliners II was not able to use a home court advantage and was defeated by the opponent from Giessen 80-68 on Saturday night. The guests trailed by 1 point at the halftime before their 42-29 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Giessen Pointers forced 19 Fraport Skyliners II turnovers. Forward Felix Rotaru (200-79) had a double-double by scoring 14 points and 11 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and swingman Zeljko Pavlovic (194-80) chipped in 18 points during the contest. International power forward Tim Ohlbrecht (211-88) responded with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 14 rebounds and American forward Demetrius Jemison (203, college: Manhattan) scored 16 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Giessen Pointers (1-1) left bottom position moving up to fifth place in Group South, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Fraport Skyliners II still closes the standings with two games lost. Giessen Pointers will face TV 1862 Langen (#5) at home in the next round. Fraport Skyliners II will play against BG Illertal/Weissenhorn (#10) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Fraport SKY II: D.Jemison 16+5reb, T.Oldenburg 12+5reb, T.Ohlbrecht 11+14reb+1ast, M.Merz 10+2reb+4ast, F.Theilig 8+4reb+5ast, F.Franke 7+7reb+3ast
Giessen: Z.Pavlovic 18+3reb+2ast, D.Sumner 15+6reb, F.Rotaru 14+11reb+3ast, B.Moten 9+4reb, V.Zabel 8, D.Lockhart 8+3reb+2ast
gschID: 143576


BG Illertal - Leipzig 71-81

No shocking result in a game when top-ranked USC Leipzig (2-0) won against on the road bottom-ranked BG Illertal/Weissenhorn (0-2) 81-71 on Saturday. The game was mostly controlled by USC Leipzig. BG Illertal/Weissenhorn was better in third quarter 24-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. USC Leipzig forced 19 BG Illertal/Weissenhorn turnovers. American forward Monyea Pratt (196-85, college: Stillman) had a double-double by scoring 18 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the charge for the winners and power forward Ralph Schirmer (203-86) chipped in 15 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Four USC Leipzig players scored in double figures. Guard Philipp Vojkovic (185-90) responded with 13 points and 5 rebounds and forward Femi Oladipo (201-90, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) scored 11 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. USC Leipzig keeps a position of Group South leader, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser BG Illertal/Weissenhorn still closes the standings with two games lost. USC Leipzig will face Dragons Rhoendorf (#9) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. BG Illertal/Weissenhorn will play against Fraport Skyliners II in Frankfurt and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
BG Illertal: P.Vojkovic 13+5reb+3ast, H.Fuller 12+3reb+2ast, F.Oladipo 11+6reb+1ast, M.Soyer 9+3reb, M.Simic 9+7reb+1ast, G.Hagner 6+2reb+2ast
Leipzig: M.Pratt 18+10reb+5ast, R.Schirmer 15+6reb, L.Morinia 10+3reb+7ast, W.Simon 10+7reb, K.Kranz 9+1reb, R.Frohlich 7+6reb+2ast
gschID: 143577


Licher Baeren - Langen 76-73

Important game to mention about took place in Lich. Top-ranked Licher Baeren (2-0) saved a 3-point victory at home edging one of their biggest challengers TV 1862 Langen (1-1) 76-73 on Saturday evening. It was a key game for the top position in Group South. It looked good early as TV 1862 Langen took an 5-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Licher Baeren had a 26-20 second period charge getting the lead and TV 1862 Langen was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 73-76. American guard Brandon Chappell (183-83, college: Lamar) notched 25 points and 4 assists to lead the effort and power forward Daniel Dorr (202-83) supported him with 14 points and 6 rebounds. Even 24 points, 6 assists and 5 steals by American guard Nathan Drury (188-85, college: Carroll) did not help to save the game for TV 1862 Langen. His fellow American import power forward Luke Fitzgerald (202-87, college: Cumberlands, agency: Duran International) added 14 points and 12 rebounds for the guests. Licher Baeren keeps a position of Group South leader, which they share with 3 other teams. TV 1862 Langen at the other side dropped to the fifth place with one game lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Licher Baeren will play against Hanau (#8) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. TV 1862 Langen will play against Giessen Pointers and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Langen: N.Drury 24+3reb+6ast, M.Voeller 15+5reb+2ast, L.Fitzgerald 14+12reb+1ast, J.Domdey 5+1reb+3ast, N.Butz 5+3reb+1ast, M.Schneider 5+1reb
Licher Baeren: B.Chappell 25+2reb+4ast, T.Bradshaw 15+2reb+1ast, D.Dorr 14+6reb+1ast, J.Baumann 9+9reb, G.Aud 9+3reb+3ast, R.Christen 3+5reb+2ast
gschID: 143578


Dragons - Gotha 64-84

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams when bottom-ranked Dragons Rhoendorf (0-1) was crushed at home by top-ranked Oettinger Rockets Gotha (2-0) 84-64 on Thursday. The game without a history. Oettinger Rockets Gotha led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Dragons Rhoendorf was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. Forward Leo Niebuhr (208-86) scored 19 points and 7 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and American forward Torvoris Baker (203-83, college: Detroit Mercy) chipped in 11 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists during the contest. Four Oettinger Rockets Gotha players scored in double figures. Forward Tim Kasper (198-92) responded with 17 points and 9 rebounds and guard Nick Larsen (187-83) scored 21 points. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Oettinger Rockets Gotha maintains first position in Group South with 2-0 record, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Dragons Rhoendorf still closes the standings with one game lost. Oettinger Rockets Gotha will face TSV Troester (#12) in Breitenguessbach in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Dragons Rhoendorf will play on the road against the league's second-placed USC Leipzig.
Top scorers:
Dragons: N.Larsen 21+3reb+1ast, T.Kasper 17+9reb+1ast, S.Turnbull 9+5reb, K.Reksna 7+1reb+3ast, A.Tolaj 6+2reb, N.Osaby 4+8reb
Gotha: L.Niebuhr 19+7reb+2ast, M.Monk 15+8reb, D.Watson 15+2reb, T.Baker 11+7reb+6ast, A.Kuppe 8+1ast, T.Jarmusz 8+2reb+1ast
gschID: 143573




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  GREECE   


A2 Premiere Day - Round up of the day. - by Chris Mammides
The A2 league started last night with many discrepancies in a number of rosters. From the very first day we realized that some teams belong to another sphere while some others belong somewhere else. Another characteristic of this first day is the fact that there are only ten non Greek players (Bosman) the smaller number since many years and this is due to the financial crisis which Greece is facing currently. Only four teams have two foreigners while another two have just one. AEK Athens, AEK Argous and probably Amyntas will add some more players in the next few weeks. Further to all these we were able to pick from this very first moment some hints about the protagonists for promotion to A1 simply with this first taste of the league as we predict that teams such as Apollon Patras, Ikaroi Serron, OFI and Nea Kifisia will be among the favorite teams of the league, not only because they won their games but because they have solid teams and they trained a lot during summer.
Now about the analysis of the games of this first day we whiteness many changes in the rosters and with the exception of teams like Apollon Patras, Lavrio, Nea Kifisia, and Ikaroi Serron most of the other teams have changed totally their rosters. The games in more analysis were as follows:

OFI - Panelefsiniakos 78-62
The home team of Coach Vlahos needed just a quarter to get warm after the first quarter the islanders changed speed and the Elefsina of Coach Skarafingas couldnt reach them, the result is logical as there is an obvious difference in qualities while the American veteran guard Darrel Darrel Lewis (192-G-76, college: Lincoln, MO) proves once more that the talent is needed in basketball but the experience is gold, he scored 19 points , 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals and he is already among the nominees for the MNP award of this week. Other than that the Cyprus international Andreas Sizopoulos (189-G-83) was also very good with his 15 points, while Panagakis 7 assists put hin in charge in the specific group of leading players. From Panelefsiniakos, the newcomer Kiriakopoulos was the top scorer and was followed by Deligiannis who also tried his best. Its abvious though that the team needs more time to be trained all together, the team will get better in the games followed.
Quarters: 10-10, 33-27, 55-41, 78-62
OFI: Bardas 14, Darrel Lewis 19, Andreas Sizopoulos 15, Panagakis 10, Katiakos 12.
Panelefsiniakos: Kiriakopoulos 17, Deligiannis 12.

AEK Argous - Nea Kifisia 59-87
No need to say a lot about this game, it was a game with one protagonist as AEK Argous needs a total reform in order to be able to survive and if they will not add players in their roster, Coach Chrysanthopouloss team is the number one candidate for the Second division. There was not a beginning and not an end in the team and if we deduct Stevovic who arrived in the team just three days ago and Basdekiss shooting skills the team is lucking from the basics of the sport. Kolokas who joined the team just a week ago was the MVP of the game with his 20 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists and showed that he will have the opportunity to lead his team and prove that he is not finished yet.
Quarters: 6-26, 18-46, 32-58, 59-87
AEK Argous: Tsambis 12, Basdekis 17 (5), Stevovic 16.
Neas Kifisia: Savas Nikitakis (184-G-76) 16, Diamantopoulos 12, Kolokas 20, Sioutis 14

Pierikos Archelaos -Apollon Patras 77-96
The quart in Katerini the last couple of seasons was a difficult home court for any team but it seems the new era of the team of Pierikos Arhelaos with the total reshape of the roster and with the many youngsters in will create some discrepancies for the team, of course last night had to face one of the strongest teams this season even if thats the case the team of Head Coach Kiriakou showed too little things in the court and was able to play against the players of Coach Vetoulas only for 11 minutes, that was the time that the Antonis Argiropoulos (190-G-82) and his team-mates needed to change gear and leave behind their opponents. The team from Katerini needs to realize that Cuk is no longer in the team and even though Marmarinos is a strong player the Battle in the paint will be a big trouble for them and after this very first game and the 8 rebounds of Stavros Daniil (201-F-76) together with the 7 reboudns from Thanopoulos and the 5 rebounds of the duet Krolo and Virijevic showed this weakness.
Quarters: 22-21, 36-50, 56-74, 77-96.
Pierikos Arhelaos: Bohoridis 14, Behlivanis 14, Maltesios 13, Marmarinos 13, and Ioakeimidis 10
Apollon Patras: Antonis Argiropoulos 25, Virijevic 21, Krolo 11, Stavros Daniil 24

Doxa Lefkadas - Ermis Lagkada 84-72
We expected a derby in this game which never showed up as the home team was much better than the visiting site of Coach Baxevanis and with a thrilling Nikos Pettas (195-G-81) and a solid Pekovic beat easily the very strong team of Ermis Lagkada. The game was a continuous monologue for Coach Vournas team and only after the 32nd minute when his players relaxed on the difference they build, Ermis cut the deficit to as little as nine points.
Quarters: 27-10, 47-31, 66-53, 84-72.
Doxa: Vagenas 12, Nikos Pettas 25, Pekovic 20, Tsotsos and Limparis 11 a peace.
Ermis: Iliadis 20, Nisiotis 16, Anagnostopoulos 13, Gamouras 11.

Pagrati - Ikaroi Serron 62-66 in OT (58-58)
The first derby of the week took place in Pagrati where the home team which believed that was among the top favorite teams for the promotion showed that Fotis Vasilopoulos (187-G-86)s departure to AEK cost them much more than they thought and Bracey brothers will assist the team but they need much more than that especially against one of the most solid and stronger teams in the league. Pagrati had its ups and downs from the beginning and that was the perfect timing and targeting for Coach Kamarakis team, in a bad shooting night for both teams and in a very slow tempo, Serres brought the game in their measures and finally with the help of the overtime reached the very important road win. It is worth mentioned that Christopher Bracey didnt play due to an injury so all the responsibility in the scoring was taken over by his older brother, Bryan.
Quarters: 17-15, 23-29, 42-40, 58-58, 62-66.
Pagrati: B. Bracey 18, Makris 11, Dimakos 11.
Ikaroi Serron: Kostas Totsios (191-G-78) 24, Kamberidis 17.

Lavrio - Amyntas 60-72
The home court which was unbeaten last season with only some minor exceptions at the end of the league when half of the team o f Coach Serelis was injured and knocked out fell last night quite easily from the team of Coach Zavos. There are many excuses for the home team like the absent players as Kounas, Psileas, Anastasakis and Likogiannis the first two are meant to be starters. But still, the last seasons passion, thirst for the win and the strength which was obvious that is stronger in the newcomers in the division was lacking in compare to last season. Giannakopouloss percentages from the arc were awful with 1 out of 7 and just 14% and the 0/8 from Karvounis, MArkomichalis, Perrakis and Sinnis couldnt help the home team of Coach Serellis, on the other hand Amyntas took some unexpected points from Dimitris Lolas (203-F-86) while he dominated in the rebounding area as his 15 rebounds and his double-double are bringing them in the top seat on the specific group.
Quarters: 16-13, 35-35, 44-54, 60-72.
Lavrio: Giannakopoulos 20, Kakiouzis 10
Amyntas: Pagonis 14, Dimitris Lolas 10, Sourlis 11, Vardavas 14.

Panerythraikos - Ermis Perama 72-70
The second derby of the week took place in Erythrea where the newly established team of Coach Kalambakos lost the game from their hands as twice at the end lost the chance to either win the game (Koronodis at the end) or equalizing it (Milicevic 8 seconds before the end of the game). The game was a derby from two teams which had great percentages from the arc and we witness a total peripheral game as the ball rarely was going in the paint and with the visit site begging the gem in a more positive tempo mainly due to the starters of the team as the starting five Koronidis, Skoutaris, Michalos, Tsarouchas and Pashalis can be characterized as among the best starters in the whole league. Of course as some of them are not quite young they got tired quite early and the newcomer Milicevic with the talented Kapiniaris are not quite of the same caliber, in any case the game was a derby and the home team of Coach Houhoulis won simply due to the performance of Stelios Stelios Kontoudis (185-G-73) who was the MVP and the key for the victory of his team. Stelios who is nearly 39 years old played an amazing defense over one of the top players of the opponents (Koronidis) and basically changed the mode of the game as his own very drastic defense over the Cyprus international guard, plus his 15 points and his 3 assists were the stepping stone for his teams win. He is most definitely the MVP of the week not only for his productivity but for elements that cant be shown on a paper as his passion, his leadership skills and his great defense (Koronidis had only 3 points against him and a total of 11 with 3/8 three pointers). The team of Kalabakos no matter of this negative result will be among the favorites for this season if the players of the roster gain some more time together (Koronidis and Milicevic join in the team just 3 days before the official beginning of the league) while the team needs to be more focused on specific areas such as defense in the parameter as 11 three pointers and 33 points equals to nearly 45% of the total points of their opponent.
Quarters: 15-18, 39-44, 58-59, 72-70.
Panerythraikos: Stelios Kontoudis 15, Kallaniotis 13, Rodostoglou 13, Macheras 12
Ermis: Michalos 13, Tsarouchas 12, Koronidis 11, Skoutaris 18 (3).

AEK Athens - Arkadikos 66-64
In the greatest derby of the week the newcomer team of AEK Athens started positively its dbut in A2 after winning the game against Arkadikos but nearly losing their top performer 1.30 before the end of the game, as Fotis Vasilopoulos lost his senses and dropped down after he felled weird and a small pain in the chest. Finally and thank God the talented guard came round by regaining his senses. The game was interrupted for more than 10 minutes at the end so the visiting site with the element of surprise and the shock that the players of AEK suffered cut the deficit and nearly gain the game at the end.
Quarters: 18-8, 38-26, 53-41, 66-64.
AEK: Fotis Vasilopoulos 21, Mantzaris 15, Skalvos 13.
Arkadikos: Papadakis 11, Tsiotras 10



Olympiakos prevail against Fenerbahce at Two Nations Cup - by Eurobasket News
Olympiakos - Fenerbahce 88:78

Olympiakos earned the first win at the Two Nations Cup in Istanbul. They outgunned Fenerbahce in the opener. Kyle Hines (198-F/C-86) stepped up with 24 points for the winners.
The Hellenes jumped to an early lead. They registered a 23:18 lead after ten minutes. Olympiakos maintained the advantage throughout the second quarter. The visitors secured a 44:38 halftime advantage. Olympiakos unleashed 29 points in the third term to clear off to a 13-point buffer with ten minutes to go. Fenerbahce outscored their opponents in the final period but had little chance to save the encounter. Kalin Lucas (185-PG-89, college: Michigan St.) notched 15 points, while Lazaros Papadopoulos (210-C-80) provided 13 points in the victory. Emir Preldzic (205-F-87, agency: Beo Basket) responded with 18 points for Fenerbahce. Bojan Bogdanovic (203-G/F-89) chipped in 17 points in defeat.

Olympiakos: Kyle Hines 24, Kalin Lucas 15, Lazaros Papadopoulos 13
Fenerbahce: Emir Preldzic 18, Bojan Bogdanovic 17


B' Division - 1st Day's Results - by Chris Mammides
The premiere day in the second division league begun and allready some teams showed their gatts and their willingness for the promotion, those teams are Filathlitikos who succeeded a great road win in the home court of Agia Paraskevi quite easy, Irakelio which succeeded the road win with the veteran charisis scoring the most crucial basket at the end ina very difficult home court, while Near East with Alkis Pappas (185-G-88) from an outer space showed that it will be among the teams which will fight until the end. The results this very first day of the league were as follows:

Doukas - Egaleo 74-62
Quarters: 19-15, 35-28, 52-41, 74-62
Top scorers:
Doukas: Ioannis Otountzidis (205-F-87) 21, Rozolis 15, Zakinthinos and Achis 14 per head
Egaleo: Benos 19, Karavolas 13, Simeopoulos 11.

Near East - Halkidona 84-74
Quarters: 24-17, 45-39, 58-58, 84-74
Top Scorers:
Near East: Alkis Pappas 30, Koupidis 15, Karabas 10.
Halkidona: Nikos Moisiadis (180-G-80) 19, Papakonstantinou 18, Darakis 14

Stratoni - MENT 79-59
Quarters: 11-23, 35-33, 57-47, 79-59
Top scorers:
Stratoni: Simos Kountouratzoglou (197-F-87) 22, Daskalopoulos 15
MENT: Kostas Dalpas (200-F-84) 18, Triantafillidis 14

Diagoras - Anagennisi Fl. 104-101 (after two overtimes)
Quarters: 25-13, 35-32, 54-55, 78-78 Regular time, 91-91 (1st over time), 104-101 (2nd over time)
Top scorers:
Diagoras Rodou: Christos Gogidis (196-G/F-77) 25, Dimitriou 23, Chrysis 19, Pardakas 20
Anagennisis Floga: Giannis Mitsakis (181-PG-81) 33, Aristo Nikoloudis (202-F-82) 27, Zotos 19, Mouratidis 13.

AIAS Evosmou - Irakleio 72-74
Quarters: 18-17, 37-38, 50-62, 72-74
Top scorers:
AIAS: Gymnopoulos 21, Thanos Tsimpis (190-G-89) 23
Irakleio: Stefanakis 18, Charisis 16, Papadopoulos 13, Karalis 11.

Iraklis - Niki Volou 26-106
Quarters: 7-38, 12-61, 18-75, 26-106
Top scorers:
Iraklis: Athanasiadis 6
Niki Volou: Panagiotis Tsolis (194-F-81) 16, Frousklias 15, Politis 14.

Aiolos Trik. - Koroivos 79-68
Quarters: 26-12, 41-28, 65-46, 79-68
Top scorers:
Aiolos: Tasos Charismidis (203-F-81) 16, Fountas 15, Triantafillou 16, Giannis Papachristos (194-F-80) 13
Koroivos: Antonis Godopoulos (185-G-81) 21

KAP - Filathlitikos 60-73
Quarters: 22-18, 32-33, 45-51, 60-73
Top scorers:
Agia Paraskevi: Tsiakas 11, Matos 10
Filathlitikos: Thanasis Adekoubo (200-F-93) 20, Gikas 13, Georgiadis 14



Anadolu Efes fire past Panathinaikos in Istanbul - by Eurobasket News
Anadolu Efes - Panathinaikos 84:76

Anadolu Efes celebrated the victory on the first day of Two Nations Cup in Istanbul. They overcame Panathinaikos behind 16 points from Sasha Vujacic (200-G-84). Anadolu Efes were up by two points after the opening quarter 17:15. But Panathinaikos erased the deficit and pulled in front for a 35:33 halftime lead. The hosts shifted the gear in the third term. They unloaded 29 points in the quarter to ensure a 6-point lead before the fourth quarter. Anadolu Efes maintained the lead throughout the final stanza and recorded a well-deserved win at the end. Esteban Batista (208-F/C-83) and Stanko Barac (217-C-86) posted 15 points each, while Ersan Ilyasova (207-F-87) added 14 points for the winning side. Pat Kalathis (208-G/F-85, college: St.Joseph's) answered with 15 points for Panathinaikos. Steven Smith (203-F-83, college: La Salle) and Romain Sato (194-G/F-81, college: Xavier) had 10 points each in the loss.

Anadolu Efes: Sasha Vujacic 16, Stanko Barac 15, Esteban Batista 15
Panathinaikos: Pat Kalathis 15, Steven Smith 10, Romain Sato 10


Standings - A1
A1 Standings
 1. AGOR 0-0 
 2. Aris 0-0 
 3. Ikaros 0-0 
 4. Ilysiakos 0-0 
 5. KAOD 0-0 
 6. Kavala 0-0 
 7. Marousi 0-0 
 8. Olympiakos 0-0 
 9. Panathinaikos 0-0 
 10. Panellinios 0-0 
 11. Panionios 0-0 
 12. PAOK 0-0 
 13. Peristeri GS 0-0 
 14. VAP Kolossos 0-0 


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


Standings - Eredivisie
Eredivisie Standings
 1. Den Bosch 1-0 
 2. Groningen 1-0 
 3. Leeuwarden 1-0 
 4. Nijmegen 0-0 
 5. Zwolle 0-0 
 6. Leiden 0-1 
 7. Rotterdam 0-1 
 8. Weert 0-1 


*****************************************************
  HUNGARY   


Hungary once again! - by Chad Timberlake
What's up Hungary! I'm back again.. Hoping to bring the same results from my first season in Hungary. The goal every year is the same, to win your last game! Win the championship. This year I'm playing in Falco-Szova KC-Szombathely and I am ready for this season to start. We had a very good preseason filled with lots of practice games. We played in total 11 games. Still with all those practice games we are a team with a lot to learn and a lot of space to grow. This year I have a lot of confidence in our coach. He is very good at getting the players on the same page and very good at building and balancing our teams chemistry. This all came to a point when we played in the tournament at Zalakeramia-ZTE KK. We won every game easily and in the final we were matched up against Kormend. This would be our biggest test of the preseason. We went into that game focused and ready for the challenge. We executed the coaches game plan and won by 33. Very surprising results for the fans. We won this tournament and I was named MVP. I appreciated this a lot and received a NesCafe Coffee machine. Hahaha My teammates always joke now that they are coming over for coffee. We have a great bunch of guys on this team. This should be a good year. It all starts October 8th. We have a home game against Pecs. It's very important to start off with a win. So far as a team we have no predictions. We are just trying to play the best basketball we can, practice hard every practice and get better. If each player practices hard and gives his best then in the end will have no regrets.

Since being back in Hungary I have seen a bunch of my old friends and fans from Zalakeramia-ZTE KK. Shout out to Adam, Benny, Papa, Sara and everyone in Zalagerszeg. I'm sure I will see everyone a lot this year.

One of the best things about being back in Hungary is being back in the home of Gundel. I still haven't had it since I've been here. Before I left hungary the last time I Was invited to the Gundel restaurant in Budapest and I was able to enjoy their food and taste the original gundel. I have to find a good place in Szombathely. If anyone knows a place leave a comment. Thanks for reading and I hope you come check out a game in Szombathely.

Your Favorite Blogger

Chad Timberlake (194-G-84, college: Fairleigh Dickinson)

*****************************************************
  INDONESIA   


CLS Knights won NBL Finals Preseason Tournament - by Eurobasket News
FINAL
Aspac - CLS Knights 50-59

CLS Knights won NBL Finals Preseason Tournament. The guests trailed by 3 points at the halftime before their 32-20 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. CLS Knights dominated on the defensive end, holding Aspac to just 3 points in third quarter. Sandy Febiansyakh (190-86) stepped up and scored 15 points and 5 rebounds for the winners and Rachmad Utomo (180-85) chipped in 13 points and 5 rebounds. At the losing side guard Oki Wira Sanjaya (190-89) responded with 9 points and 5 rebounds and Rizky Effendi (187-88) scored 10 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Aspac: R.Effendi 10+4reb+1ast, A.Prastawa 9+2reb, O.Wira Sanjaya 9+5reb+2ast, P.Regowo 8+4reb+1ast, F.Andika Ramadhani 7+5reb+1ast, I.Thoyib 3+6reb+2ast
CLS Knights: S.Febiansyakh 15+5reb+1ast, R.Utomo 13+5reb+2ast, D.Muharri 8+6reb+4ast, A.Indrajaya 8+7reb, H.Sudjana 6, E.Bukit 2+1reb
gschID: 150382




3rd place
Pelita Jaya - Garuda 41-49

The guests were already 11 points ahead at halftime and as many as 14 after three quarters before a 11-5 last quarter charge of Pelita Jaya cut the lead to 49-41 at the end of the game. Garuda dominated on the defensive end, holding Pelita Jaya to just 4 points in first quarter. They held Pelita Jaya to an opponent 22.0 percent shooting from the field compared to 39.2 percent accuracy of the winners. Vinton Nolland (194-82) nailed a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds for the winning side and guard Hendru Ramli (188-88) accounted for 10 points. The former international point guard Kelly Purwanto (177-83) came up with 8 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and the former international swingman Haris Sogirin (182-79) added 10 points and 5 rebounds respectively for Pelita Jaya in the defeat. Pelita Jaya's coach Rastafari Horongbala rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Pelita Jaya: H.Sogirin 10+5reb+1ast, K.Purwanto 8+5reb+4ast, V.Palopo 7+1reb, Y.Amiraz 3+4reb, N.Ramandaru 3, G.Gumilar 3+2reb+1ast
Garuda: V.Nolland 17+12reb+2ast, H.Ramli 10+4reb+1ast, I.Kusuma 9+3reb+2ast, I.Budianto 6+4reb, N.Fritzgerald 5+5reb+4ast, O.Sura 2+2reb

gschID: 150381




Standings - IBL
NBL Standings
 1. CLS Knights 6-0 
 2. Aspac 5-1 
 3. Garuda 5-1 
 4. Pelita Jaya 4-2 
 5. Satria Muda 3-2 
 6. Stadium Jak. 2-3 
 7. Bima Sakti 2-3 
 8. Muba Hangtuah 2-3 
 9. Satya Wacana 1-4 
 10. Comfort Mobile 1-4 
 11. Pacific Caesar 1-4 
 12. NSH GMC Riau 0-5 


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


Behind Negotiation Scenes Between H. Jerusalem And John Thomas - by David Pick
Intense negotiations between Hapoel Jerusalem and American center John Thomas, reached a concrete wall. Although both parties agreed on terms earlier last week and Thomas was waiting for the team's signed paper, the two-sides have come to a crossroad where as of now, the ink is far from reaching the document. Jerusalem, whose front court is already swamped with Brian Randle, Jarvis Varnado, Elishay Kadir and Uri Kokia, are still looking to add another big body for the team's upcoming EuroChallenge competition and Thomas was their latest possibility.

Yet, the 36-year-old big who recently played for Aris Thessaloniki (Greece), appears to not at all like the back-and-forth yo-yo games Hapoel is playing. At first, J'slm wanted to sign Thomas to a four-month deal where he would only play in Europe. After agreeing to the proposal, the team changed its position to a three-month contract explaining that he might also play in Israeli league, Thomas agreed. Then, J'slm changed its position for a third-time, and the player's salary became an issue. The team asked to cut a 'substantial' $400 from every paycheck, the center responded with an 'OK'.

Now, Hapoel completely altered its plans to the point where according to one source close to situation, 'things are becoming unbearable. It's truly impossible to agree on specifics.' J'slm's latest idea was for Thomas to sign a two-week try-out contract, similar to the one-month try-out deal D.J. Strawberry signed with the team earlier this summer. Another source commented saying, 'It's the exact same situation we had with Yogev Ohayon. The team wanted him badly, but kept changing their position daily and Yogev was fed up.'

The New York Knicks 1997, 25th NBA draft pick began last year training with the Minnesota Timberwolves but was waived after pre-season, moving to Aris where he would record 8.0ppg and 6.1rpg in the domestic league and 5.2ppg, 3.6rpg and 1.0bpg in the EuroChallenge games before leaving in April.

For more Israeli basketball updates follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd


Bnei Drops Second Polish Tourney Game to Poznan 100:89 in OT - by David Pick
I guess Bnei Hasharon-Herzeliya with Trevor Booker and without him, are two completely different teams, both in depth and in the ability to score the rock, in addition to making defensive stops. After dropping yesterday's game, 90:69, to WKS Slask Wroclaw, Bnei came up short once again without their NBA big man (sidelined due to a pulled muscle), losing 100:89 (85:85) in OT to Basket Poznan, in the annual Polish Sopot tournament.

LaceDarius Dunn had a game high 34-points, and is proving to be the team's primary go to guy, showcasing immense shooting ability since landing in Israeli last month. Jared Mintz 16, Demon Tweety Carter 13, Delroy James and young Israeli rookie Guy Lavie each had 12 points in a losing effort. Zarko Comagic 32, Djordje Micic 28 and Damian Kulig's 20 points led Poznan to victory.

After trailing in the first-quarter, Bnei took a 45:41 half time advantage and managed to increase its lead to 61:55 after three. However, despite a 13-point fourth period lead, Bnei's short rotation played a decisive roll, as Kulig's bucket with 1.2 seconds left, forced the game to overtime, 85:85. In OT, Dunn and James fouled out leaving their team no chance as the hosts sealed a, 100:89, victory.

For more Israeli basketball updates follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd


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


Venezia inks Szymon Szewczyk - by Giovanni Bargna
Reyer Umana Venezia has officially announced Szymon Szewczyk (209-C-82).
The polish forward/center spent last two seasons at Sidigas Avellino in the italian league and is considered one of the top players of the league.
Last season he averaged 14.1 points per game and 6.7 rebounds. He had an outstanding performance against Canadian Solar Bologna with 36 points and 17 rebounds.
As a player he grew up at Szeczin in his home country before moving to Germany where he played for Braunschweig and for Alba Berlin where he had is debut in Euroleague and Eurocup.
In 2005-2006 Szewczyk moved to Slovenia joining Union Olimpija Ljubljana. Fourteen appearences in euroleague posting 7.4 points per game and helping the team winning the slovenian league title, the slovenian cup and supercup.
First trip to Italy in 2006 when he played for Scafati for one season before spending two seasons in the russian league with Rostov.
Two years ago he joined Air Sidigas Avellino and in his first season avareged 11 points per game.


CSKA open Citta di Caserta tournament with win over Lottomatica - by Eurobasket News
CSKA - Lottomatica 77:65

CSKA advanced into the final game at Citta di Caserta tournament. They held off Lottomatica. Alexey Shved scored 18 points to pace the winners.
Lottomatica earned a narrow 18:17 lead after ten minutes of action. But CSKA turned things around in the second frame. They limited the Italian side to just 10 points in the quarter and earned a 32:28 halftime lead. The third term became decisive in this one. The Russian powerhouse went on a 23:13 run to clear off for good. Nenad Krstic (214-C-83, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) provided 13 points, while Darjus Lavrinovic (212-C-79) added 10 points in the victory. Luigi Datome (202-G/F-87) responded with 19 points for Lottomatica. Clay Tucker (195-G-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) delivered 12 points in the loss.
CSKA will take on Avellino tonight. Lottomatica will play against Caserta.

CSKA: Alexey Shved 18, Nenad Krstic 13, Darjus Lavrinovic 10
Lottomatica: Luigi Datome 19, Clay Tucker 12


Siena wins Italy Super Cup: the dynasty goes on - by Gianni Pascucci
Montepaschi Siena defeated 73-70 Bennet Cantu yesterday night in Forl claiminig the Italian Super Cup 2011 and opening the new basketball season exactly as it had ended: winning. But the game was led in the score by Bennet Cantu for 38 minutes, and Siena took the game thanks to a tough defense and the typical winning mentality and experience of its veteran players. With 25 ponts and 8 rebounds, Ksistof Lavrinovic (210-C-79) outstood as the game MVP, Bo McCalebb (183-PG-85, college: New Orleans) added 13 pts and 5 assists and Rimantas Kaukenas (193-G-77, college: Seton Hall) 10 pts and 2 assists at the winning side. Vladimir Micov (203-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) led Cantu with 13 pts and 2 assists, Marko Scekic (207-F/C-81, agency: Beo Basket) scored he too 13 pts, addind 7 rebs at the losing side.
For sure, the losers had their 'moral win' and the congratulations of most of the observers. But 'at this point, insn' a technical problem' as stated Cantu coach Andrea Trinchieri at the press conference after the game. The Bennet Cantu players probably remembered during the last minutes that 'last season we won 7 of the 8 games we played' as declared Montepaschi coach Simone Pianigiani after the game. And some decisive mistakes made by Cantu players in the last quarter show that the Siena dynasty can go on for anothers season.

Avellino nip Caserta at Citta di Caserta tournament - by Eurobasket News
Caserta - Avellino 80:81

Avellino will play in the title game at Citta di Caserta tournament. They overcame Caserta in the semifinal battle yesterday. Marques Green (169-PG-82, college: St.Bonaventure) stepped up with 23 points to pace the winners. Avellino will now take on CSKA Moscow for the trophy.
Avellino started the game aggressively. They erupted for 25 points in the opening quarter to pile up a 9-point lead after ten minutes. Avellino maintained the lead throughout the second term. They registered a 44:35 halftime lead. Caserta tried to change the complexion of the encounter in the third term. They narrowed the deficit to just 6 points with ten minutes to go. Caserta got even closer in the fourth frame but Avellino hung on to escape with a narrow win at the end. Chevon Troutman (202-F-81, agency: ACMT, college: Pittsburgh) posted 19 points, while Taquan Dean (193-G-83, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Louisville) had 17 in the victory. Kevin Fletcher (207-C-80, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Colorado Springs) knocked down 15 points for Caserta. Andre Smith (203-F-85, college: N.Dakota St.) had 14 points in defeat.

Caserta: Kevin Fletcher 15, Andre Smith 14
Avellino: Marques Green 23, Chevon Troutman 19, Taquan Dean 17


*****************************************************
  KAZAKHSTAN   


Unics edged Astana in their opener of the VTB Regular Season 2011/2012 - by Eurobasket News
Unics-BC Astana 77:63

Unics won their opener of the VTB Regular Season 2011/2012. They rolled over BC Astana 77:63 as the latter debuted in the tournament.
Eric Williams (206-C-84, college: Wake Forest) gave the guests 8:7 and he later tied the score at 17:17. Kelly McCarty (201-F-75, agency: Avi Zilberman, college: S.Mississippi) closed the first period at 23:19, while Branco Cvetcovic opened the second frame with a 6-0 run to give his side 25:23. Henry Domercant sent the teams to the lockers at 49:42. Michael Wilkinson (204-F-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Wisconsin) made the double digits in the game at 56:46 and Nathan Jawai (207-C-86, college: Midland CC) brought 65:48. Astana won the last frame 15-12 but lost the opener by 14.
Kelly McCarty stepped up with 21 points for the winners and Michael Wilkinson notched 15. Nathan Jawai scored 14, while Terrell Lyday (190-G-79, college: BYU) added 13. Eric Williams and Jerry Johnson (183-G-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: Rider) posted 18 points each in the losing effort, whilst Rawle Marshall (201-G-82, college: Oakland) added 11.

Unics: Kelly McCarty 21, Michael Wilkinson 15, Nathan Jawai 14, Terrell Lyday 13
BC Astana: Eric Williams 18, Jerry Johnson 18, Rawle Marshall 11

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


Galatasaray advances to Euroleague regular season - by Eurobasket News
Lietuvos Rytas - Galatasaray 63-71

Galatasaray did a great job in Vilnius tonight. The Turkish squad handed 63-71 loss to Lietuvos Rytas, who was the host of the Euroleague Qualifying Tournament (A). Thanks to this victory Galatasaray advanced to the regular season. They are placed to Group D together with Unics, Montepaschi, Asseco Prokom, Union Olimpija and Barcelona. Lietuvos Rytas will continue this season in EuroCup. Preston Shumpert (198-G/F-79, college: Syracuse) top-scored in victory with 14 points, while Joshua Shipp (196-G/F-86, college: UCLA) (6 rebs) and Luksa Andric (210-C-85, agency: Beo Basket) helped with 12 points each. Jaka Lakovic (186-G-78) collected 10 points and 5 assists. The hosts got 15 points from Renaldas Seibutis (196-G-85). Goran Jeretin (192-G-79, agency: Beo Basket) had 12 points and Steponas Babrauskas (197-G/F-84) stopped to 10. Quarters: 21-13, 7-17, 12-22, 23-19.

Lietuvos Rytas: Renaldas Seibutis 15, Goran Jeretin 12, Steponas Babrauskas 10
Galatasaray: Preston Shumpert 14, Joshua Shipp 12+6 boards, Luksa Andric 12, Jaka Lakovic 10+5 as

*****************************************************
  MONTENEGRO   


KK Ulcinj signed two Americans - by Darko Pekic
The management of KK Ulcinj, the ambitious club from southern Montenegro, announced today that they have signed contracts with two American players for the upcoming season. Paul Kirkpatrick (206-C, agency: Promotex, college: Howard) and Ricky Young (201-F) will wear the Ulcinj's blue jerseys for the next two years. Kirkpatrick is a talented big man from Baltimore who played 4 years for Howard University ( NCAA) and averaged 5.4 ppg and 4.0 rpg in 125 games. Last season he played in Marocco. Ricky Young is a small forward who can also play inside. This will be his first experience in Europe.

KK Ulcinj signed before Marko Kuveljic (197-G/F-88), Marko Milatovic (194-G-88) and Boban Medenica (204-F-87, agency: Beo Basket). The coach Nikola Milatovic told to the journalists:

'We started with work outs almost two months ago. Our goal is to be competitive and achive good results in Balkan league and in the Superleague. This is a young team, we have only four players from the last year, so we need a lot of work and team effort so that we can make progress'

KK Ulcinj will start the season with a game against KK Feni Industries (11 October )

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


No NBA deal after 7-hour talks about salary cap system; sides to meet again - by Eurobasket News
With a month until the NBA season, players and owners don't sound much closer to a labour deal than they did when the lockout began.

They're so far apart on money they decided to leave it alone Saturday and focused mainly on the salary cap.

They couldn't solve that one, either.

'I wouldn't say there was any progress. What happened was, they put some concepts up, we put some concepts up, and we're still miles apart,' union executive director Billy Hunter said. 'There's a huge bridge, gap, that I don't know if we're going to be able to close it or not.'

The sides will meet again Monday the day training camps were to have begun though time is getting short to save the start of the regular season, scheduled for Nov. 1. Neither side sounds optimistic.

In a seven-hour bargaining session, their longest since the lockout began July 1, the sides talked about one of the two major issues that divides them. Owners want a hard cap, or at least want a number of changes to the current soft cap system, which the players prefer to keep largely intact.

The sides didn't even attempt to deal with the division of revenues, the other big obstacle to a labour agreement that would end the lockout.

Commissioner David Stern said he had nothing to announce in terms of cancellations. But the remainder of the pre-season schedule is in jeopardy some games already have been cancelled. Regular-season games could now be threatened, too.

'Our desire would be to not cancel, and we had been hopeful that this weekend would be a broader marker, but for reasons which we understand, the players suggested that we resume on Monday, and we said 'fine,'' Stern said.

Stern did indicate some level of progress, saying: 'We're not near anything, but wherever that is, we're closer than we were before.'

The sides will meet in small groups, then bring large groups back for another meeting Tuesday.

Hunter again said owners haven't moved off their proposal to trim the players' guarantee of basketball-related income to 46 per cent, down from the 57 per cent they were guaranteed in the previous collective bargaining agreement.

With the gulf so wide on money, Hunter suggested they separate the issues and attack one at a time. They started with the cap, where the league has transitioned from a desire for a hard cap to a proposal that would make the luxury tax more severe for the highest-spending teams. Union officials fear that would act like a hard cap by scaring teams into spending less to avoid a harsh penalty.

Stern, Hunter and Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver all said they felt some good came of going at the cap issue first. But they couldn't resolve it, and it leaves another problem on the horizon largely untouched.

'I can't necessarily characterize things as we made progress and that I'm somehow more optimistic than I was yesterday,' union president Derek Fisher (6'1''-PG-74, agency: Priority Sports, college: UALR) of the Lakers said. 'The reality is we still have an extremely long way to go. Even with the exchanges that we made today, there's still huge gaps in what we've proposed compared to what they've proposed, and then obviously we still have the economics that are just kind of sitting out there waiting for us to tackle. So there's a lot of work left to be done, but we'll keep at this.'

Fisher said the players basically gave the owners a list of things they wanted kept in the next cap, likely things such as the midlevel and Larry Bird exceptions that allow teams to exceed the cap. However, the league is looking for ways to keep costs down for owners, and those items are easy targets.

Stern also confirmed he and Miami All-Star Dwyane Wade had a 'heated exchange of some kind' during Friday's meeting. Most of the star players had left by Saturday, but Stern and Silver said they were pleased by the number of players who did show up, singling out Boston's Paul Pierce as one who said some meaningful things.

Hunter said he assumed it would be possible to save the entire season if the sides agreed to a deal by the middle of next week. But that will be difficult, given it could take as much as month between an agreement being reached and the time games could be played, so that free agency and exhibition games can first take place.

Hunter added the union hadn't even signed off on the league's plan for enhanced revenue sharing among teams, after Stern indicated Friday that players would be OK with it.

Even though Stern had warned of 'enormous consequences' of not making significant progress toward a deal this weekend, he is remaining hopeful.

'If we didn't think that there was any hope, we wouldn't be scheduling the meetings,' he said. 'But that's the best I would say right now.'

Courtesy of www.570news.com

*****************************************************
  NORWAY   


The Regular Season in 1Div. just started - by Eurobasket News
The Regular Season in 1Div. just started.

Fyllingen BBK - Kristiansand 65-82

The game was mostly controlled by Kristiansand. Fyllingen BBK managed to win second period 20-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Kristiansand maintains first place with 2-0 record. Newly promoted Fyllingen BBK still closes the standings with one game lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Kristiansand are looking forward to face Hop BBK (#7) in Bergen in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Fyllingen BBK will have a break next round.
gschID: 146054


Hop - Kristiansand 45-56

The guests trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 8-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 56-45. Kristiansand dominated on the defensive end, holding Hop BBK to just 5 points in second quarter. Kristiansand maintains first place with 2-0 record. Loser Hop BBK still closes the standings with one game lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Kristiansand will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Hop BBK will play again against the league's leader Kristiansand (#1).
gschID: 146055


OSI - STIF Whalers 60-83

The game was mostly controlled by STIF Whalers. OSI was better in third quarter 17-16. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. STIF Whalers left bottom position moving up to fourth place. OSI at the other side still closes the standings with one game lost. STIF Whalers' next round opponent will be Varden (#5) in Tromso. OSI's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Oslo Persbraaten.
gschID: 146056


NTNUI - Miners 67-104

. The game without a history. Miners led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Despite that victory Miners went down to second position due to points difference, which they share with Persbraaten. NTNUI at the other side still closes the standings with one game lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Miners will play against Varden (#5) in Tromso in the next round. NTNUI will have a break next round.
gschID: 146052


Persbraaten - STIF Whalers 78-73

However just five-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. STIF Whalers were ahead by 3 points after three quarters before a 22-14 charge of Persbraaten, which allowed them to win the game. It was the only win of host team this round and in all other games visitors recorded victories. Despite that victory Persbraaten went down to second position due to points difference, which they share with Miners. STIF Whalers at the other side dropped to the fourth place with one game lost. Persbraaten's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Oslo to the arena OSI.
gschID: 146053




Standings - 1Div.
1Div. Standings
 1. Kristiansand 2-0 
 2. Miners 1-0 
 3. Persbraaten 1-0 
 4. STIF Whalers 1-1 
 5. Varden 0-0 
 6. Fyllingen BBK 0-1 
 7. Hop 0-1 
 8. NTNUI 0-1 
 9. OSI 0-1 


*****************************************************
  POLAND   


Energa Czarni win home pre-season tournament - by Eurobasket News
Energa Czarni triumphed at home pre-season tournament. The hosts held off Polpharma 88:60 in the title game. Stanley Burrell (190-PG-84) stepped up with 24 points to pace the winners. Energa Czarni registered a 49:33 halftime lead. They maintained the advantage throughout the third term. The home team posted a 21-point lead before the fourth frame and never slowed down en route to the victory. David Weaver (209-C-87, college: Wake Forest) posted 15 points, while Pawel Leonczyk (202-F-86, agency: Promotex) added 11 points in the win. Tony Weeden (186-G-83, college: Chicago St.) and Michael Hicks (193-G-83, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Cent.Missouri) answered with 14 points apiece for Polpharma.
AZS Koszalin earned the third position. They toppled Kotwica Kolobrzeg 89:82. Marshall Strickland (188-G-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: Indiana) and Marko Lekic (211-C-85) delivered 19 points apiece to pace the winners. Igor Milicic (194-G-76, agency: Alti Sport) contributed 11 points for AZS Koszalin. Reginald Holmes (193-G-87, college: Morgan St.) responded with 17 points for Kotwica as they suffered the second loss in a row.


2 Liga Day 2 Group A - by Maciej Paszyn
GKK 1 LO Gorzow Wlkp - Trefl II Sopot 93:84 (16:25, 21:12, 29:17, 27:30)

Key facts: GKK 8/21 3PM-A (38,1%) 41 RB - Trefl II 2/12 3PM-A (16,7%), 27 RB
Top scorers : Jakub Schenk (172-PG-94) ( Trefl II ) 29, Tomasz Ejsmont (190-G-90) ( GKK ) 22
MVP : Wojciech Rogacewicz (203-F-86, college: Mount Olive) ( GKK ) 19 pts., 8/11 FG (72,7%), 2/3 3PM-A (66,7%), 1/1 FT, 12 rb. ( 2 off., 10 def. ), 2 as., 4 to., 3 stl., 1 bl., 33 min.

KS Zyrardowianka Zyrardow - KS Open Florentyna Pleszew 64:101 (15:24, 12:26, 17:26, 20:25)

Key facts : Zyrardowianka 25/70 FG (35,7%), 2/20 3PM-A (10%) Open Pleszew 39/62 FG (62,9%), 12/24 3 PM-A (50%) ; Open basket won backboard 35 25 ; Slawomir Slawomir Buczyniak (180-PG-84) ( Open Pleszew ) made 6/8 3 pt. shoots
Top scorers : Mariusz Lapinski (194-G/F-82) ( Zyrardowianka ) 22, Slawomir Slawomir Buczyniak ( Open Pleszew ) 18, Karol Debski (198-G/F-84, agency: Promotex) ( Open Pleszew ) 18, Rafal Bochenek (202-F/C-80) ( Zyrardowianka ) 18
MVP: Karol Debski ( Open Pleszew ) 18 pts., 6/7 FG (85,7%), 2/2 3PM-A, 4/4 FT, 5 rb. ( 1 off., 4 def. ), 3 as., 1 to., 2 stl., 24 min.

TS uraw Gniewino - King Wilki Morskie Szczecin 75:53 (27:9, 20:19, 20:9, 8:16)

Key facts: Zuraw Gniewino won backboard 39-22 and made more asists 21-10
Top scorers: Pawel Pawlowski (198-F-82) ( Zuraw ) 27, Marcin Wilk (202-F/C-77) ( Zuraw ) 16
MVP: Pawel Pawlowski ( Zuraw ) 27 pts., 8/11 FG (72,7%), 3/6 3 PM-A (50%), 2/2 FT, 8 rb. ( 3 off., 5 def. ), 4 as., 0 to., stl., bl., 31 min.

AZS PP Poznan - SMS PZKosz Wadysawowo 78:66 (15:21, 19:7, 20:16, 24:22)

Status failure

Inter Parts AZS UWM Olsztyn - KS Ksiezak Lowicz 77:92 (19:31, 21:22, 21:22, 16:17)

Key facts: AZS UWM 29/68 FG (42,6%), 28 RB., 14 TO. Ksiezak 38/68 FG (55,9%), 36 RB.,8 TO. ; only 6 Ksiezak players scored points
To scorers : Marcin Kowalewski (200-PF-86) ( AZS UWM ) 24, Adam Rajkowski (206-C-79, agency: Promotex) ( Ksiezak ) 23
MVP : Adam Rajkowski ( Ksiak ) 23 pts., 11/16 FG (68,8%), 1/2 FT (50%), 10 rb. ( 6 off., 4 def. ), 2 to., 2 stl., 2 bl., 32 min.

KPSW Astoria Bydgoszcz - Korsarz Gdansk ( 21:10, 12:21, 19-23, 17-14 )

Key facts: Both teams got similar numbers in all key stats exept turnovers : Astoria 14 Korsarz 21
Top scorers: Dorian Szyttenholm (194-F-83) ( Astoria ) 20, Mateusz Bierwagen (194-G-88) ( Astoria ) 15
MVP: Dorian Szyttenholm ( Astoria ) 20 pts., 9/15 FG (60%), 2/3 FT (66,7%), 11 rb. ( 4 off., 7 def. ), 1as., 4 to., 2 stl., 1 bl., 33,5 min


*****************************************************
  PORTUGAL   


Porto enter Antonio Pratas Trophy with victory - by Eurobasket News
Porto enjoyed the victorious start of their Antonio Pratas Trophy campaign. The Dragons held off Barcelos 77:70 for the first win in Group North. Carlos Andrade (197-F-78, college: Queens, NC) stepped up with 14 points to pace Porto. David Gomes (200-F-86) contributed 13 points in the winning effort. Nuno Oliveira (186-G-89) answered with 23 points for Barcelos. Sergi Coll (204-F/C-82) notched 22 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.
Ginasio celebrated the first win as they narrowly overcame Lusitania 58:56. George Ehiagwina (206-F-89) chipped in 18 points to lead the charge. Ginasio used an 18:13 run in the fourth frame to snatch a narrow victory at the end. Pedro Rocha (190-G/F-87) posted 17 points in the winning case. Ricky Franklin (185-PG-87, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) and Brian Mills (203-F-88, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mercer) reacted with 17 points each for Lusitania.
Barreirense tipped off their campaign with a high-flying 95:92 victory over Terceira. Jose Silva (194-F-89) tallied 25 points to lead the effort. Antonio Tavares (183-G-75) notched 24 points for the winning side. Nate Bowie (183-G-86, college: Cent.Arkansas) responded with game-high 42 points for Terceira Basket. Tony Murphy (193-G-86, college: Norfolk St.) banked 18 points in defeat.



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


Unics edged Astana in their opener of the VTB Regular Season 2011/2012 - by Eurobasket News
Unics-BC Astana 77:63

Unics won their opener of the VTB Regular Season 2011/2012. They rolled over BC Astana 77:63 as the latter debuted in the tournament.
Eric Williams (206-C-84, college: Wake Forest) gave the guests 8:7 and he later tied the score at 17:17. Kelly McCarty (201-F-75, agency: Avi Zilberman, college: S.Mississippi) closed the first period at 23:19, while Branco Cvetcovic opened the second frame with a 6-0 run to give his side 25:23. Henry Domercant sent the teams to the lockers at 49:42. Michael Wilkinson (204-F-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Wisconsin) made the double digits in the game at 56:46 and Nathan Jawai (207-C-86, college: Midland CC) brought 65:48. Astana won the last frame 15-12 but lost the opener by 14.
Kelly McCarty stepped up with 21 points for the winners and Michael Wilkinson notched 15. Nathan Jawai scored 14, while Terrell Lyday (190-G-79, college: BYU) added 13. Eric Williams and Jerry Johnson (183-G-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: Rider) posted 18 points each in the losing effort, whilst Rawle Marshall (201-G-82, college: Oakland) added 11.

Unics: Kelly McCarty 21, Michael Wilkinson 15, Nathan Jawai 14, Terrell Lyday 13
BC Astana: Eric Williams 18, Jerry Johnson 18, Rawle Marshall 11

CSKA open Citta di Caserta tournament with win over Lottomatica - by Eurobasket News
CSKA - Lottomatica 77:65

CSKA advanced into the final game at Citta di Caserta tournament. They held off Lottomatica. Alexey Shved scored 18 points to pace the winners.
Lottomatica earned a narrow 18:17 lead after ten minutes of action. But CSKA turned things around in the second frame. They limited the Italian side to just 10 points in the quarter and earned a 32:28 halftime lead. The third term became decisive in this one. The Russian powerhouse went on a 23:13 run to clear off for good. Nenad Krstic (214-C-83, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) provided 13 points, while Darjus Lavrinovic (212-C-79) added 10 points in the victory. Luigi Datome (202-G/F-87) responded with 19 points for Lottomatica. Clay Tucker (195-G-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) delivered 12 points in the loss.
CSKA will take on Avellino tonight. Lottomatica will play against Caserta.

CSKA: Alexey Shved 18, Nenad Krstic 13, Darjus Lavrinovic 10
Lottomatica: Luigi Datome 19, Clay Tucker 12


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


The Regular Season Round 1 in Extraliga - by Eurobasket News
The Regular Season in Extraliga just started.



Levice - Svit 68-75

The guests trailed by 5 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 4-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 75-68. American forward Lamar Roberson (203-86, college: La-Lafayette) nailed a double-double by scoring 14 points and 15 rebounds for the winning side and Croatian guard Petar Cosic (186-85, agency: Interperformances) accounted for 20 points. Four Svit players scored in double figures. American forward Dominique Keller (203-88, college: Illinois) came up with 25 points and 9 rebounds and the former international guard Marek Stec (193-80, college: Jacksonville JC) added 16 points and 8 rebounds respectively for Levice in the defeat. Svit keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 3 other teams. Newly promoted Levice still closes the standings with one game lost.
Top scorers:
Levice: D.Keller 25+9reb+3ast, M.Stec 16+8reb+1ast, L.Lutovsky 10+3reb, M.Ravasz 5+2reb+1ast, D.Ilavsky 4+4reb+1ast, A.Slavik 4
Svit: P.Cosic 20+2reb+3ast, M.Berkis 16+3reb+2ast, L.Roberson 14+15reb+2ast, M.Micka 13+4reb+3ast, V.Polakovic 7+3reb+1ast, I.Cvitanovic 3+5reb+1ast
gschID: 130404


Nova Ves - B.Bystrica 84-50

The game was mostly controlled by Nova Ves. SKP Banska Bystrica managed to win third quarter 14-12. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Nova Ves keep a position of league leader, which they share with 3 other teams. SKP Banska Bystrica at the other side still closes the standings with one game lost. They share the position with 3 other teams.

Nitra - Vahostav-Zilina 84-73

The game had a very big importance for fifth-ranked Nitra as it allowed them to take a leadership position after previous leader's (SKP Banska Bystrica) loss. Nitra defeated bottom-ranked Vahostav-Zilina at home 84-73. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The game was mostly controlled by Nitra. Vahostav-Zilina was better in third quarter 26-10. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Nitra won last quarter 20-10. They also forced 19 Vahostav-Zilina turnovers. Vahostav-Zilina was plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. Puerto Rican point guard Denis Clemente (185-86, college: Kansas St., agency: KMG Sports Management) stepped up and scored 18 points and 5 assists for the winners and Australian forward Ater Majok (208-87, college: Connecticut) chipped in 17 points. Four Nitra players scored in double figures. Nitra's coach Lubomir Urban allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. At the losing side American guard Perry Petty (185, college: UTPA) responded with 22 points and 8 rebounds and the former international center Ondrej Soska (208-78) scored 20 points. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with 3 other teams. Vahostav-Zilina at the other side still closes the standings with one game lost.
Top scorers:
Vahostav-Zilina: P.Petty 22+8reb+2ast, O.Soska 20+4reb+1ast, S.Perrin 12+10reb+1ast, J.Zavodny 7+2reb+1ast, M.Podhorsky 5+1reb, L.Hoferica 5+7reb
Nitra: D.Clemente 18+2reb+5ast, A.Majok 17+4reb, M.Ziak 12+2ast, R.Vaden 12+5reb+2ast, R.Vido 7+5reb+1ast, B.Tomek 7+13reb
gschID: 130402


Handlova - Prievidza 68-71

It looked good early as Handlova took an 2-point lead at the end of first quarter. Then Prievidza had a 19-16 second period charge getting the lead and Handlova was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 68-71. Bermudas-British swingman Sullivan Phillips (198-79, college: Wash.Adventist, agency: Interperformances) fired 21 points and 9 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) for the winners. British swingman Paul Guede (195-87, college: Portland St.) chipped in 10 points and 6 rebounds. American swingman Anthony Jones (194-84, college: Indiana Tech) produced a double-double by scoring 26 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists and Croatian power forward Ivan Barisic (201-84) added 15 points and 7 rebounds respectively for lost side.
Top scorers:
Handlova: A.Jones 26+12reb+6ast, I.Barisic 15+7reb+1ast, M.Madaj 12+5reb+1ast, T.Mrvis 7+1reb+2ast, P.Terlanda 5+9reb+1ast, R.Jany 2
Prievidza: S.Phillips 21+9reb+3ast, P.Guede 10+6reb+3ast, B.Davis 9+6reb+1ast, C.Pelle 8+2reb+3ast, P.Pipiska 6+1reb+3ast, K.Averink 5
gschID: 130403




*****************************************************
  SPAIN   


FC Barcelona Regal triumphs at Spanish SuperCup - by Eurobasket News
FC Barcelona Regal-Caja Laboral 82:73

FC Barcelona Regal triumphs at Spanish SuperCup as they beat Caja Laboralin the Final Game. Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) was named MVP leading his team to 82:73 victory.
Almost 8000 spectators came to enjoy the show at Bilbao Arena. The teams were tied at 6:6 in the opening tip and then Wallace gave his side 20:18. Reggie Williams scored for 28:27 and Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) gave Barsa 38:36. The latter however lost the second period 13-22 and trailed 4 points at the halftime. Moreover Caja Laboral remained in front after thirty minutes holding 59:58 advantage. Only due to the last quarter Juan Carlos Navarro and Co managed to grab the victory.
Juan Carlos Navarro nailed 24 points, while Erazem Lorbek and N'Dong added 12 each. Mirza Teletovic (206-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) replied with 15 points in the losing effort and Pablo Prigioni (191-G-77) scored 14. Kadiate Seraphine (87) netted 9, while Ribas and Heurtel posted 8 apiece.

CAJA LABORAL: Heurtel (8), Oleson (5), San Emeterio (4), Mirza Teletovic (15), Kadiate Seraphine (9) Ribas (8), Pablo Prigioni (14), Milko Bjelica (2), Reggie Williams (6), Dorsey (-), Nemanja Bjelica (2).
FC BARCELONA REGAL: Huertas (11), Juan Carlos Navarro (24), Pete Mickeal (199-F-78, college: Cincinnati) (-), Erazem Lorbek (12), N'Dong (12) Fran Vzquez (2) Victor Sada (192-G-84) (5), Wallace (5), Ingles (2), Eidson (9)



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


Globetrotting T&T pros - by Albert-Lee Young
With the 2011-2012 season almost in full swing globally, several Trinidad & Tobago professional basketball players have secured interntaional contracts.

Heading the list is 6-4 guard Ian Young in Latin America. Young debuted on 28 September with 11pts & 2assists for La Union in an 82-68 win over Sam Martin.C. in Argentina premier league, Lira A.

Meanwhile, 6-7 power forward Wilfred Spongy Benjamin will see action on October 2 with San Martin. MJ. against Huracan in the Argentina TNA league.

And in Mexico, Devaughn Lamont will line up Correcaminos UAT Victoria in the Mexican LNBP league. Lamont last played with San Francisco Rumble in the ABA.

Whilst 6-7 forward Adrian Joseph will see action with HALCONES UV XALAPA. Joseph formerly played two seasons in Spain for Gestiberica Ciudad de Vigo (08-09) & Beirasar Rosalia (09-10).

In Asia,
Kibwe Trim will line up with Al Moutahed Tripoli in the Lebanon Division A league. Last season Trim played Kyoto Hannaryz in Japan.

However, 6-9 Julius Ashby will continue in Japan BJ League but with Shiga L-Stars. Last season he played with Niigata Albirex.

Over in Euro,
6-6 guard Leo Westermann continues his plight with ASVEL in the French Pro A league. Westermann won a bronze medal with France U20 team at the European Championships U20 in Bilbao, Spain during the summer. He averaged 10.0ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.3apg in nine games and had a game high of 19pts against Germany.

Whilst 6-7 forward Eze Andrews (Savannah State University) will debut for Kaarinan Ura Basket in Finland 1st Division league.

In the United Kingdom, 6-6 veteran Shawn Mayers is back with Cheshire Jets for the 2011-2012 season.

And down under, 6-4 guard Daniel Dillon switched to Melbourne Tigers in Australia NBL. Dillon was a member of Skytrans Cairns Taipans in the previous season.

Also 6-1 point guard Joey Haywood aka King Handles has been invited for tryouts in NBDL. Haywood recently completed an illustrious playing career with St Marys University, Canada and will be seeking to extend his talent amongst the pros.


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


Fenerbahce Ulker knocks out Panathinaikos with 71-61 - by Pervin Elgin
After losing the first game to Olympiacos, Fenerbahce Ulker finished second in the Two Nations cup by defeating Panathinaikos 71-61.

Fenerbahce Ulker started the first period well by using the painted area effectively, with Gasper Vidmar and James Gist ​​increasing the score to 6-2 within 4 minutes. Bojan Bogdanovic scores raised the difference to 10 points (16-6) and Ulker completed the first period with a 18-13 lead.

In the second period, the Greek team quickly caught up again with a three-point basket by Sarunas Jasikevicius and contributions by Steven Smith: 21-20 with 13 minutes on the clock. After mutal baskets Hakan Demirel and Rashid Mahalbasic ensured Ulker went to the locker room ahead with 37-33.

At the beginning of the second half both teams could not find scores in the first 1.5 minutes. Oguz Savas broke the silence for Ulker, and baskets by Rashid Mahalbasic and Bojan Bogdanovic increased the gap to 9 points, 44-35. Fenerbahce Ulker held on to the lead and completed the third period with a 48-39 advantage.

In the final period Fener started quickly with a smash by Bojan Bogdanovic's and Emir Preldzic's score. Panathinaikos hopes of closing the gap were stopped by Hakan Demirels three-point score, giving the Ulker team a 57-44 lead with 35 minutes played. After that, Fenerbahce cruised along to a 71-61 victory, ensuring a second place in the Two Nations Cup Tournament.



Galatasaray advances to Euroleague regular season - by Eurobasket News
Lietuvos Rytas - Galatasaray 63-71

Galatasaray did a great job in Vilnius tonight. The Turkish squad handed 63-71 loss to Lietuvos Rytas, who was the host of the Euroleague Qualifying Tournament (A). Thanks to this victory Galatasaray advanced to the regular season. They are placed to Group D together with Unics, Montepaschi, Asseco Prokom, Union Olimpija and Barcelona. Lietuvos Rytas will continue this season in EuroCup. Preston Shumpert (198-G/F-79, college: Syracuse) top-scored in victory with 14 points, while Joshua Shipp (196-G/F-86, college: UCLA) (6 rebs) and Luksa Andric (210-C-85, agency: Beo Basket) helped with 12 points each. Jaka Lakovic (186-G-78) collected 10 points and 5 assists. The hosts got 15 points from Renaldas Seibutis (196-G-85). Goran Jeretin (192-G-79, agency: Beo Basket) had 12 points and Steponas Babrauskas (197-G/F-84) stopped to 10. Quarters: 21-13, 7-17, 12-22, 23-19.

Lietuvos Rytas: Renaldas Seibutis 15, Goran Jeretin 12, Steponas Babrauskas 10
Galatasaray: Preston Shumpert 14, Joshua Shipp 12+6 boards, Luksa Andric 12, Jaka Lakovic 10+5 as

Olympiakos prevail against Fenerbahce at Two Nations Cup - by Eurobasket News
Olympiakos - Fenerbahce 88:78

Olympiakos earned the first win at the Two Nations Cup in Istanbul. They outgunned Fenerbahce in the opener. Kyle Hines (198-F/C-86) stepped up with 24 points for the winners.
The Hellenes jumped to an early lead. They registered a 23:18 lead after ten minutes. Olympiakos maintained the advantage throughout the second quarter. The visitors secured a 44:38 halftime advantage. Olympiakos unleashed 29 points in the third term to clear off to a 13-point buffer with ten minutes to go. Fenerbahce outscored their opponents in the final period but had little chance to save the encounter. Kalin Lucas (185-PG-89, college: Michigan St.) notched 15 points, while Lazaros Papadopoulos (210-C-80) provided 13 points in the victory. Emir Preldzic (205-F-87, agency: Beo Basket) responded with 18 points for Fenerbahce. Bojan Bogdanovic (203-G/F-89) chipped in 17 points in defeat.

Olympiakos: Kyle Hines 24, Kalin Lucas 15, Lazaros Papadopoulos 13
Fenerbahce: Emir Preldzic 18, Bojan Bogdanovic 17


Fenerbahce Ulker unable to beat Olympiakos: 78-88 - by Pervin Elgin
Fenerbahce Ulkers first match in the Two Nations Cup Basketball Tournament resulted in a defeat against Olympiakos: 78-88. In the second and final game, the Istanbul team will face the Greek team Panathinaikos, which lost to Anadolu Efes 84-76.

The first period started with ongoing scores mutual of Kalin Lucas and Gasper Vidmar. Olympiacos made the first minutes of full-court pressure. Omer Onan and Emir Preldzic managed to score five points to increase the score to a 13-13 tie. With mutual sustained scores, Ulker team finished the period behind with 18-23.

In the second period Emir Preldzic produced scores for Ulker, followed by scores from the free throw line by Curtis Jerrels, but Olympiakos increased the gap to 27-33. The Greeks effective use in the painted area of Papadopoulos and Georgios Printezis's increased the difference to eight points: 36-44. Ulker scores the last basket of the first half, and went into the locker room trailing 38-44.

In the third period, Feners defence stepped up, not giving the opponents the chance to produce an easy score. James Gist, Gasper Vidmar and Emir Preldzic lowered the difference to 46-47 with 22 minutes on the clock. The Istanbul hopes were shortlived, Olympiakos took control again finisted the third with margin of 13 points in front: 60-73.

Fenerbahce started the final period furiously, with Bojan Bogdanovic and Emir Preldzic downing the numbers in difference to five (68-73). Kyle Hines's basket ended the scoring silence of the Greek, and Spanoulis came off the bench bringing the gap to a more comfortable 10 points again: 68-78. With ongoing mutal baskets Olympiakos cruised to the end of the game, leaving Ulker with a 78-88 defeat.



Anadolu Efes fire past Panathinaikos in Istanbul - by Eurobasket News
Anadolu Efes - Panathinaikos 84:76

Anadolu Efes celebrated the victory on the first day of Two Nations Cup in Istanbul. They overcame Panathinaikos behind 16 points from Sasha Vujacic (200-G-84). Anadolu Efes were up by two points after the opening quarter 17:15. But Panathinaikos erased the deficit and pulled in front for a 35:33 halftime lead. The hosts shifted the gear in the third term. They unloaded 29 points in the quarter to ensure a 6-point lead before the fourth quarter. Anadolu Efes maintained the lead throughout the final stanza and recorded a well-deserved win at the end. Esteban Batista (208-F/C-83) and Stanko Barac (217-C-86) posted 15 points each, while Ersan Ilyasova (207-F-87) added 14 points for the winning side. Pat Kalathis (208-G/F-85, college: St.Joseph's) answered with 15 points for Panathinaikos. Steven Smith (203-F-83, college: La Salle) and Romain Sato (194-G/F-81, college: Xavier) had 10 points each in the loss.

Anadolu Efes: Sasha Vujacic 16, Stanko Barac 15, Esteban Batista 15
Panathinaikos: Pat Kalathis 15, Steven Smith 10, Romain Sato 10


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


Top 50: Tim Duncan, no. 30 - by David Edole
by Lang Whitaker

At some point over the last few years, I got old. Growing up, I was the guy who had all the NBA Entertainment compilation dunk videotapes, and I watched Inside Stuff every week just for the opportunity to see any dunks I might have missed. Because I lived in Atlanta, I got a steady diet of Dominique Wilkins and his windmills and double-pumps. Even though it was only an exhibition, I was furious when Michael Jordan was awarded the 1987 Dunk Contest ahead of a clearly superior Dominique. So perhaps, even just subconsciously, I correlated dunking ability with greatness, or at least believed that the better a dunker someone was, the more likely they were to be great.

I fully understand that Tim Duncan (208-C/F-76, college: Wake Forest) s game isnt for everyone. When I was a kid, I probably wouldnt have got it. But as I aged and my life and dreams started being lived closer and closer to the ground, I grew to have more of an affinity and appreciation for those who played basketball a bit closer to the ground. Like Tim Duncan.

There will be those who say Duncan was mostly the product of the system he played in, surrounded with talented teammates, coached by a brilliant coach, with a terrific GM pulling the strings. And sure, all of those things are true. But then, Duncan made all those things work for him. He fit in, but he also stood out, and all of that together turned one of the NBAs smallest markets into one of its most powerful dynasties.

Last season was probably Duncans worst NBA season, at least statistically. He finished the year averaging 13.4 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, both career lows. He averaged just under 29 minutes per game, and only about 11 shot attempts per game, also career lows. If you werent sure, the numbers should confirm that Duncan is no longer the player he was a decade ago.

But hes still dope. He still kisses the ball off the glass. He still pump fakes guys into the first row. He understands the angles, as if he sees the game as a series of binary numbers. He still can get up and block a shot, still put down a peaceful little one-handed dunk. I dont know if the general basketball watcher gets all that when they see Tim Duncan play these days. I hope they do, and I hope you do. And if recognizing the value of Tim Duncan makes me old, well call me Methuselah.

I used to have a running gag in The Links about Tim Duncan actually being a robot that was designed to be dominant at basketball. It was based mostly on Duncans public persona, which was really more of a lack of a persona. We didnt know very much about him, and whenever he spoke, which wasnt often, it was mostly rote and unrevealing. He was like Watson the supercomputer with legs and arms.

But really, Duncans robotic personality spoke to his greatness, and his ability to tune out all the noise and, night after night, crush his opponents. Just like a robot. Hmm.

In 2009, when we did our list of the greatest players of all time, I wanted to write about Duncan. I know he doesnt sell magazines, and he wont have a signature shoe dropping anytime soon, and he wont be on the front of any video games. But hes the greatest power forward in NBA history. Like him or hate him, hes earned our respect. Heres what I wrote about Duncan two years ago, and I think it still holds true today:

Tim Duncan is the best power forward to ever play basketball. Over 12 seasons, hes accumulated one Rookie of the Year award, two MVPs, three Finals MVPs, four championships, nine First Team All-NBA appearances and 11 All-Star Game invites. And all for the same franchise. His career numbers are dizzying, but Duncan has never been about the stats. With his quick wit, quiet grace, no-nonsense approach to the game and always, always perfect positioning, Tim Duncan playing basketball is poetry personified. At 33 years old, his career is probably winding down. Enjoy himand appreciate himwhile you still can.

SLAMonline Top 50 Players 2011
Rank Player Team Position Pos. Rank
50 Luol Deng Bulls SF 8
49 Andrew Bogut Bucks C 7
48 Ray Allen Celtics SG 9
47 Marc Gasol Grizzlies C 6
46 David West Hornets PF 15
45 Kevin Martin Rockets SG 8
44 Andrew Bynum Lakers C 5
43 Brandon Jennings Bucks PG 11
42 Lamar Odom Lakers PF 14
41 Gerald Wallace Blazers SF 7
40 Brook Lopez Nets C 4
39 Joakim Noah Bulls C 3
38 Carlos Boozer Bulls PF 13
37 Kevin Garnett Celtics PF 12
36 Eric Gordon Clippers SG 7
35 Tony Parker Spurs PG 10
34 Andre Iguodala 76ers SG 6
33 Al Jefferson Jazz PF 11
32 Al Horford Hawks C 2
31 Stephen Curry Warriors PG 9
30 Tim Duncan Spurs PF 10


Florida Dodge Shootout Recap - by David Edole
Published on September 29, 2011
The 16th Annual Dodge Florida Shootout took place in Daytona Beach, Florida on the campus of Embry Riddle University on Saturday. The Florida Shootout didnt have the usual large amount of players in the past but we loved the format and having fewer players in the arena. Here is a look at a few of the players that caught our attention.

SWAG CHECK
LaRon Smith
2012, PF, 6-7, 215lbs
Heritage HS, Palm Bay (FL)
He was dominating at times with his length and athletic ability. Smith has a developing skill set and can start the break off of a defensive rebound. He displayed a soft turnaround jumper and can knock down a 15ft shot with consistency. We also like the way he runs the floor. Defensively he rebounds well, challenges shots in the paint and plays with a decent amount of energy.

LeRon Smith
2013, wing, 6-4, 185lbs
Heritage, Palm Bay FL
Smith is a super athletic wing. If he improves his skill set Smiths stock will skyrocket with college coaches. Right now he is better in space offensively and prefers driving to the rim. He didnt connect on the shot attempts we saw him take. His athleticism allows him to be a very good rebounder from the guard position. He also does a good job of getting in passing lanes defensively.


Hall of Fame Inductees Credit SSU - by David Edole
They credited Savannah State University with helping them to become champions in life.
Richard Basil (football), Carl Crump (mens basketball), Phyllis Oliver Mattox (womens tennis) and Kim Jones Walton (womens basketball) shared inspirational stories Friday night about the impact SSU made on their lives. They were among six new members inducted into the SSU Athletic Hall of Fame during a banquet at Tiger Arena.

Crump, a Virgin Islands native, played mens basketball at Savannah State from 1965-69. He averaged 25.6 points per game and is among the schools all-time leading scorers. Crump led the Tigers in scoring, assists and free-throw shooting for four consecutive seasons.

Crump helped Savannah State win Southeastern Athletic Conference championships in 1965 and 1966, and he was selected All-SEAC in 1965 and 1966.

I was not just a number here at Savannah State University, Crump said. My professors took that personal touch and gave me the advice that I needed and gave me the kindness that I needed.

Crump, a retired educator and basketball coach who lives in the Bronx, N.Y., also credited Savannah State for influencing more than his career.

Savannah State gave me a lot more than just an education, Crump said. Savannah State gave me my wife, Denise. I met her right here at Savannah State University. Shes been my rock. Shes been with me for over 42 years. She doesnt like me to say this, but she was a campus queen. And shes still my queen.


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  UNITED KINGDOM   


BBLTrophy Sunday 02 Oct Round Up - by Paul Nilsen
A phenomenal double-double by Justin Dobbins propelled One Health Sharks Sheffield to a BBL Trophy win double over Cheshire Jets.

The Sharks followed up their home victory on Friday by completing a dramatic 86-84 success at Northgate Arena with Dobbins recording a magnificent 21 points and 21 rebounds to make it a super opening weekend.

The Sharks controlled much of the game but a third quarter renaissance by the hosts looked to have turned the contest in their favour. They posted a 15-0 run to take control but failed to execute in the closing minutes as Sharks scented blood.

With the game tied up in the dying seconds, Sharks found the composure they needed as Jets missed a last gasp triple which would have snatched a win had it dropped.

Earlier in the day, UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders tipped off their season with a win after overturning a 16 point deficit at Guildford Heat who crashed to their second loss of the opening weekend having went down at Worcester Wolves 24 hours earlier.

Gavin Love had Anthony Rowe (203-F-85, college: N.Georgia) and debutantes Paul Williams and Ben Smith to thank. Rowe finished with a game high 29 points while Williams and Smith both claimed double-doubles in their first games in a Raiders vest.

Former Sharks centre Williams claimed a monstrous 18 points and 16 rebounds while Smith dished up 11 assists to go with his 11 points.


BBLTrophy Friday Sep 30 Round Up - by Paul Nilsen
Three former BBL Trophy winners were in action on the opening night of the competition - and the curtain-raiser to the 2011/12 BBL season - as 2010 winners Newcastle Eagles beat the Glasgow Rocks and 1998 winners Sheffield Sharks overcame four-time winners Cheshire Jets.

In the North-East, the Eagles had a dominant final fifteen minutes in beating the Rocks 85-63. They were led by Joe Chapman's 23 points, on his welcome return from a season-ending injury last term, while Charles Smith added 20 and Andrew Thomson (205-F-84, college: Catawba) 19.


The Eagles held an early lead and led for all of the first half, with Smith and Chapman recording early successes from three-point range. But a good start to the third quarter saw the Rocks back on level terms for the first time since the first minute, as Gareth Murray's three-pointer made the score 41-41. From there the Eagles cranked up the defence and didn't allow their hosts to score for five minutes, while scoring 9 points of their own including another triple for Chapman.


Newcastle led by double-digits in the fourth after consecutive Chapman scores made it 56-44, before EJ Harrison trimmed the deficit with a three-pointer. But it was short-lived as the Eagles ran away with the game inside the final minute with 9 points, including a Thomson triple.


Elsewhere, the Sharks recovered from a slow start to edge out the Jets in the final minute of the game in Sheffield. The new backcourt pair of Jimmy Langhurst and Nate Reinking led their scoring with 14 and 13 respectively, while Mike Tuck came up with some big late scores on his way to 11 points.


The Sharks trailed for much of the game as the Jets raced out of the blocks and led 6-20 early on after a trio of three-pointers from Bill Cole. They still led 30-35 at the half and, after the Sharks briefly held the lead in the third quarter, the Jets were still edging it at 45-47 heading into the final ten minutes.


Crucially the Sharks took command early in the fourth as Tuck's three-pointer helped them regain the lead and push on to 56-51. Tuck scored four more points to keep his team in front, but an Adam Brown three-pointer and a Matt Schneck score tied the game at 62 and forced a Sharks' time-out with 1.30 to play. However, the Jets would not score again as Olu Babalola and Justin Dobbins settled the game inside the final minute.

Saturday 01 Oct Round up - by Paul Nilsen
The BBL Trophy continued to take centre stage on Saturday night as the Newcastle Eagles picked up their second victory in as many days, while the Worcester Wolves and Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders picked up their inaugral wins of the 2011-12 season.

The Newcastle Eagles were made to work hard by BBL newcomers Durham Wildcats in their first ever BBL game but eventually secured an 88-66 victory at the Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre on Saturday night. The Eagles enjoyed a comfortable start to the game, but the home side tried valiantly to keep themselves in touch with their illustrious opponents as Fred Hinnenkamp and Ralph Bucci got a hot shooting hand and kept the Wildcats in the game as they only trailed by seven points at 28-35 at the half.

In the second half however, the Eagles began to regain their stranglehold on the game through Darius Defoe and a strong game inside the key that the Wildcats had no answer to, allowing the Eagles to run out comfortable winners.

The Riders opened their campaign with a 81-73 victory over the Prestige Homes MK Lions at the John Sandford Centre on Saturday night. An impressive 19 points from debutant Cameron Rundles (185-PG-88, college: Wofford) helped Leicester secure the victory in a game where they led from tip to buzzer.

In other action, the Worcester Wolves not only had to come from behind but needed an extra period of play to eventually secure a 93-87 victory over the Guildford Heat at the University of Worcester. The Heat tied the game up at 82-82 with 33 seconds remaining in regulation, but neither side could secure the victory so the game headed into overtime. In the extra period, both teams traded baskets, but the home side secured the victory off the back of a 7-0 run to close the game out handing the home side the victory and start their BBL Trophy campaign on the right foot.

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  URUGUAY   


Aguada 3-0 after two overtimes - by Hector Lopez
Steffphon Pettigrew (195-F, college: W.Kentucky) netted 32 points, grabbed 13 rebounds and added 3 blocks leading Aguada to win its third straigth game to beat Bohemios 100-94, after two overtimes (71-71 amd 86-86. Aguada is sharing the LUB leadership with Defensor Sporting. Also for Aguada Philip Jones grabbed 11 rebounds without points and Brian Craig (206-C-79, college: Miles) scored 7 with 8 rebounds. For Bohemios, Jaycen Herring (196-G/F-86, college: SE Missouri St.) scored 32 with 6 rebounds and Jamaal Douglas (201-F-85, agency: Dynamics Global Management, college: E.Kentucky) netted 17 with 15 rebounds. Other results:
Cordon 62 - Keving Palacios (203-F/C-84, college: S.Carolina) 13 points 5 rebounds, Anthony Simpson (203-F-87, college: Kent St.) 12 points 8 rebounds
Cader 56 - Williard Crews 17 points 12 rebounds, Jason Hartford (206-F-85) 10 points 5 rebounds
- - -
Hebraica Macabi 88 - Kodi Augustus (203-F-87, college: Mississippi St.) 18 points 6 rebounds 4 blocks, Hatila Passos (211-C-86, college: N.Mexico St.) 14 points 9 rebounds
Larre Borges 69 - Tarrie Monroe (202-F-77, college: Lewis) 18 points 10 rebounds, Justin Keenan (201-F/C-88, college: Ferris St.) 3 points 5 rebounds



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Women News

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  AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS - Women  


Curtain fall on Mali 2011 Afrobasket as Senegal, Angola battle for supremacy - by Olusegun Ikuesan
The 22nd edition of Africa biggest women basketball championship FIBA Africa Championship for Women tagged, Mali 2011 Afrobasket for Women comes to an end today (Sunday) at the Stade du 26 Mars, Bamako, Mali with the grand finale jump-starting at 18H00 between defending champion and record chasing Senegal and Angola.

Both side from pool-B of the championship made it to the today final when they decision their semi-finals opponents with Senegal stopping a third title ambition of Nigeria by 89-63 points in the second semi-final while Angola prove book-makers wrong that indeed home support does not translate to home advantage when humble host Mali in the first semi-final to secure her grand finale ticket.

Road to the Grand-Final: Senegal and Angola came out from Group-B of the championship which tip-off on September 23, with Senegal leading other teams in the group- which include Nigeria to the knock-stage without dropping a game while Angola lost just one game to Senegal (42-63) making it the fourth time both side will be clashing in one month with Senegal having the upper hand having two out of their three previous met.

Aya Traore Vs Nacissela Mauricio: both share the captain band with Traore leading in this pairing as the reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Afrobasket but Mauricio surely is not a push over when it come to propelling her teammates which she has done excellent especially at the knock-out stage.

While Traore has been a little passive in the championship except some occasional flashes Nacissela has been a dependable leader for her Angola teammates in all the games they have played so far.

Both players were at the opposite side during the gold medal game of the 10th All Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique with Senegal running away with a 67-54 points victory which makes todays grand finale to be interesting as Mauricio would not to be a prey to the Senegalese in another final especially with London 2012 Olympic Games ticket in sight.

About Aya Traore Senegal Captain: A very discipline player and leader, Aya bring to the court experience and exposure having played in some of the best league around the globe though she might not be as explosive as she was in the 2007 and 2009 editions of the Afrobasket for women but that does not remove the fact she is one of present-day living legend of Africa women basketball.

Always on the quiet side but very deadly when in her element a situation that saw her pouring 24 points past Nigeria (her best so far) in the second semi-final on Saturday.

Brief Profile Aya Traore
Height: 186cm / 6'1''
Position: Forward
Born: July 27, 1983 in Dakar, Senegal
Team: Olesa (Spain) (2010-11)

Career:
Dakar, Senegal (Moore, Ky/Dixie State College)
2005-2006: Purdue (NCAA): 33 games: 13.1ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.4apg, 1.4spg, FG: 44.6%, 3PT: 30.4%
2006: Washington Mystics (WNBA), waived in May
2006-2007: Cavigal Nice Sports Basket (France-LFB, starting five): 12 games: 14.9ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.5apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 46%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 83.0%, left in Dec.'06: 14.9 ppg, in Feb.'07 moved to Polfa Pabianice (Poland-PLKK, starting five): 17 games: 13.0ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.4spg, FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 76.0%
2007-2008: In Nov.'07 signed at CCC Polkowice (Poland-PLKK, starting five), released during the season: 9 games: 5.2ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 39.0%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 55.0%
2008-2009: Hit Kranjska Gora (Slovenia-SKL, starting five): 21 games: Score-4 (17.6ppg), 6.6rpg, 2.2apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 45.6%, FT: 86.2%
2010: Montgomery Dream (WBCBL)
2010-2011: C.B. Olesa Espanyol (Spain-LFB, starting five): 26 games: Score-5 (15.3ppg), 4.8rpg, 1.4apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 43.3%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 80.0%
Awards/Achievements:
Big Ten Regular Season Runner-Up -06
Big Ten Tournament Finalist -06
All-Big Ten 2nd Team -06
NCAA Sweet 16 -06
Senegalese National Team -06-11
World Championships in Sao Paulo (Brazil) -06
African Championships in Dakar (SEN) -07
Slovenian SKL Finalist -09
Francophone Games in Lebanon -09
Africabasket.com All-African Championships Best Player -09
Africabasket.com All-African Championships Best Forward -09
Africabasket.com All-African Championships 1st Team -09
African Championships in Madagascar -09 (Champion): 8 games: Score-3 (14.8ppg), 4.3rpg, 1.6apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT-1 (94.1%)
MVP of African Championships in Madagascar -09
21st FIBA Africa African Championship Top-5 All Star -09
World Championships in Czech Republic -10: 5 games: 12.8ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.2spg, FGP: 43.1%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 80.0%
All-Africa Games in Maputo (Mozambique) -11 (Gold)

About Nacisseela Mauricio Angola Captain: This gentle, quiet and unassuming Angola forward can prove very dangerous if left unmarked by opponent as she combine excellent ball handling, dribbling, shooting and rebounding skill, Nacissela surely knows what to do at every given period while on court.

Standing at 5 feet 11 inch tall Nassecela often play as if she is a 7-footer with the way she out-rebound taller player she is also versatile from the free-throw line, a player with a great work ethic and highly discipline she hardly get into trouble with referees a quality which has distinguished her in major championship.

Brief profile of Nassecela Mauricio:
Height: 181cm / 5'11''
Position: Forward
Born: June 2, 1980 in Luanda (ANG)
Team: 1 De Agosto (Angola) (2008-10)
Full name: NACISSELA CRISTINA DE OLIVEIRA MAURICIO
First name also found as Nacitela
Career:
2006-2007: Baloncesto Armijo Badajoz (Spain-LF2A, starting five)
2007, October: played in 1. De Agosto Luanda (Angola) at the 13th FIBA-Africa Champions Cup for Women Clubs in Maputo, Mozambique
2008: Desportivo 1. De Agosto Luanda (D1, starting five)
2009: Desportivo 1. De Agosto Luanda (D1)
Awards/Achievements:
Angolan National Team -07-09, 11
African Championships in Dakar (SEN) -07
Angolan League Champion -08
Angolan Cup Winner -08
Africa Club Championships for Women Runner-Up -08
Africabasket.com All-African Championships 1st Team -09
African Championships in Madagascar -09 (Bronze): 8 games: Score-2 (15.1ppg), 7.0rpg, 1.4apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 43.6%, FT: 71.7%
21st FIBA Africa African Championship Top-5 All Star -09
All-Africa Games in Maputo (Mozambique) -11 (Silver)
Aya Traore (186-F-83, college: Purdue)

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  ARGENTINA - Women  


Brazil wins FIBA Americas Gold - by Eurobasket News
ARGENTINA - BRAZIL 33-74

Brazil demonstrated wonderful performance in the FIBA Americas Finals. They destroyed Argentina 74-33 to win the Gold and at the same time Brazil booked a ticked for the Olympic Games 2012 in London. Silver belongs to Argentina and they will play in Additional Qualifying Tournament for the London Olympics next year. Erika De Souza (197-C-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas) shined with double-double of 13 points and 16 rebounds for Brazil. She reached valuation 27. Patricia De Oliveira (180-F/G-79) scored 12 points and Damiris Dantas (192-C-92) added two less. In the loosing squad, Erica Sanchez (184-F/C-76, agency: Players Group) collected 12 points and 11 rebounds. Their second scorer was Sandra Pavon (175-F-85) with just 5 points (5 rebs). Brazil took control on its rival from the very beginning and never looked back. Quarters: 4-16, 7-17, 8-26, 14-15.

Argentina: Erica Sanchez 12+11 boards, Sandra Pavon 5+5 boards
Brazil: Erika De Souza 13+16 boards, Patricia De Oliveira 12, Damiris Dantas 10

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  BRAZIL - Women  


Brazil wins FIBA Americas Gold - by Eurobasket News
ARGENTINA - BRAZIL 33-74

Brazil demonstrated wonderful performance in the FIBA Americas Finals. They destroyed Argentina 74-33 to win the Gold and at the same time Brazil booked a ticked for the Olympic Games 2012 in London. Silver belongs to Argentina and they will play in Additional Qualifying Tournament for the London Olympics next year. Erika De Souza (197-C-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas) shined with double-double of 13 points and 16 rebounds for Brazil. She reached valuation 27. Patricia De Oliveira (180-F/G-79) scored 12 points and Damiris Dantas (192-C-92) added two less. In the loosing squad, Erica Sanchez (184-F/C-76, agency: Players Group) collected 12 points and 11 rebounds. Their second scorer was Sandra Pavon (175-F-85) with just 5 points (5 rebs). Brazil took control on its rival from the very beginning and never looked back. Quarters: 4-16, 7-17, 8-26, 14-15.

Argentina: Erica Sanchez 12+11 boards, Sandra Pavon 5+5 boards
Brazil: Erika De Souza 13+16 boards, Patricia De Oliveira 12, Damiris Dantas 10

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  CANADA - Women  


Canada wins the Bronze in Neiva - by Eurobasket News
CANADA - CUBA 59-46

Canada won the Bronze at the FIBA Americas Championship in Neiva. They handed 59-46 loss to Cuba in the game for third place. Cuba stays without the medal. Both teams will play in the Additional Qualifying Tournament for the Olympic Games 2012 in London. Kimberley Smith (187-F-84, college: Utah) (6 rebs) and Teresa Gabriele (165-G-79) netted 13 points each for the winners. Krista Phillips (198-C-88, college: Michigan) was their third scorer with 8 points. On the other side, Cuba got 12 points and 5 rebs from Clenia Noblet (191-C-87). Oyanaisy Gelis (172-G-83) stopped to 7 pts. Quarters: 13-8, 11-11, 19-11, 16-16. Brazil won the Gold in Neiva.

Canada: Kimberley Smith 13+6 boards, Teresa Gabriele 13, Krista Phillips 8
Cuba: Clenia Noblet 12+5 boards, Oyanaisy Gelis 7

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  CUBA - Women  


Canada wins the Bronze in Neiva - by Eurobasket News
CANADA - CUBA 59-46

Canada won the Bronze at the FIBA Americas Championship in Neiva. They handed 59-46 loss to Cuba in the game for third place. Cuba stays without the medal. Both teams will play in the Additional Qualifying Tournament for the Olympic Games 2012 in London. Kimberley Smith (187-F-84, college: Utah) (6 rebs) and Teresa Gabriele (165-G-79) netted 13 points each for the winners. Krista Phillips (198-C-88, college: Michigan) was their third scorer with 8 points. On the other side, Cuba got 12 points and 5 rebs from Clenia Noblet (191-C-87). Oyanaisy Gelis (172-G-83) stopped to 7 pts. Quarters: 13-8, 11-11, 19-11, 16-16. Brazil won the Gold in Neiva.

Canada: Kimberley Smith 13+6 boards, Teresa Gabriele 13, Krista Phillips 8
Cuba: Clenia Noblet 12+5 boards, Oyanaisy Gelis 7

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  DENMARK - Women  


Dameligaen Round 2: SISU cruise past Vaerlose - by Eurobasket News
There were only 2 rounds played so far and it's still very beginning of the Regular Season in Dameligaen.

Dameligaen round 2 caused change at the leadership position. First defeat of Aabyhoj (1-1) against Horsens (1-1) 62-57 was the most important game of the last round. The hosts trailed by 2 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 4-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 62-57. Swingman Josefine Sorensen (171-87) orchestrated the victory by scoring 19 points and 4 assists. Australian guard Charmaine Furgeson (176-86) contributed with 15 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Forward Courtney Coryea (185) replied with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) for Aabyhoj. Aabyhoj's coach Thomas Press tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Aabyhoj will play next round against league's leader SISU trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Horsens will try to continue on its current victory against sixth ranked Horsholm on the road.
Horsholm (1-1) recorded its first loss at the home court. Hosts were defeated by Amager (1-1) 58-53. Swingman Catharina Jensen (183-89) scored 18 points and 7 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Ena Viso chipped in 6 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. Amager's coach Martin Kjaersgaard allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Swingman Therese Deemand (175-83, college: Binghamton) responded with 19 points and 5 rebounds. It was the only win of guest team this round and in all other games host teams recorded victories. Amager will play against Lemvig at home in the next round where they are favorite. Horsholm will play against Horsens and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An interesting game for SISU (2-0) which hosted in Copenhagen Vaerlose (1-1). Top-ranked SISU had an easy win 89-44. Stephanie Madden notched a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds to lead the effort. Even a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds by Jaimie McFarlin did not help to save the game for Vaerlose. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Defending champion maintains first position with 2-0 record. Vaerlose at the other side keeps the second place with one game lost. SISU will meet Aabyhoj on the road in the next round. Vaerlose will play against Falcon.
The game in Lemvig was also worth to mention about. Bottom-ranked Falcon (0-2) played at the court of eighth ranked Lemvig (1-1). Lemvig defeated Falcon 73-62. The best player for the winners was Emely Hatch who had a double-double by scoring 30 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Falcon's coach Steffen Lund let to play ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Lemvig's next round opponent will be Amager in Kastrup and it will be for sure the game of the week. Falcon will play on the road against Vaerlose.


Horsholm - Amager 53-58

Horsholm (1-1) recorded its first loss at the home court. Hosts were defeated by Amager (1-1) 58-53. Horsholm was ahead by 4 points after three quarters before a 16-7 charge of Amager, which allowed them to win the game. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Horsholm to just 7 points in fourth quarter. Amager made 16-of-21 charity shots (76.2 percent) during the game. Swingman Catharina Jensen (183-89) scored 18 points and 7 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and forward Ena Viso (183-93) chipped in 6 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. Amager's coach Martin Kjaersgaard allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Swingman Therese Deemand (175-83, college: Binghamton) responded with 19 points and 5 rebounds and power forward Mathilde Gilling (186-93) scored 9 points and 10 rebounds. It was the only win of guest team this round and in all other games host teams recorded victories. Amager will play against Lemvig at home in the next round where they are favorite. Horsholm will play against Horsens and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Amager: C.Jensen 18+7reb+3ast, I.Klussmann 11+1reb, E.Viso 6+7reb+2ast, S.Kruuse 6+4reb+1ast, A.Seilund 5+2reb+1ast, M.Fogelstrom 5+6reb+1ast
Horsholm: T.Deemand 19+5reb+2ast, M.Gilling 9+10reb+1ast, L.Piechnik 8+2ast, A.Bonde 5+1reb+1ast, N.Toft 3+1reb, A.Kristensen 3+6reb+2ast
gschID: 140468


SISU - Vaerlose 89-44

An interesting game for SISU (2-0) which hosted in Copenhagen Vaerlose (1-1). Top-ranked SISU had an easy win 89-44. The game without a history. SISU led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Vaerlose to 0 points in fourth quarter and to 12 points in second half. SISU held Vaerlose to an opponent 23.0 percent shooting from the field compared to 40.8 percent accuracy of the winners. SISU forced 21 Vaerlose turnovers and outrebounded them 44-28 including 16 on the offensive glass. American center Stephanie Madden (182-88, college: Langston) notched a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds to lead the effort and guard Kiki Lund (177-83, college: Dayton) supported her with 16 points, 6 assists and 5 steals. Four SISU players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds by American forward Jaimie McFarlin (180-89, college: Wash.-St.Louis) did not help to save the game for Vaerlose. Naturalized Saudi Arabian guard Hanna Sheikh (180-92) added 9 points for the guests. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Defending champion maintains first position with 2-0 record. Vaerlose at the other side keeps the second place with one game lost. SISU will meet Aabyhoj (#4) on the road in the next round. Vaerlose will play against Falcon.
Top scorers:
SISU: K.Lund 16+3reb+6ast, S.Madden 16+11reb+2ast, T.Jorgensen 14+4reb+2ast, T.Duelund 14+5reb, I.Soltau 11+3reb, J.Kongeskov 6+6reb+4ast
Vaerlose: J.McFarlin 13+12reb+1ast, H.Sheikh 9+3reb+2ast, R.Fabricius 7+3reb, A.Formann 5+1reb+1ast, A.Dokkedal 4+4reb+1ast, T.Knudsen 3+2reb
gschID: 140469


Horsens - Aabyhoj 62-57

First defeat of Aabyhoj (1-1) against Horsens (1-1) 62-57 was the most important game of the last round. The hosts trailed by 2 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 4-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 62-57. Swingman Josefine Sorensen (171-87) orchestrated the victory by scoring 19 points and 4 assists. Australian guard Charmaine Furgeson (176-86) contributed with 15 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Four Horsens players scored in double figures. Forward Courtney Coryea (185) replied with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) and guard Maria Jespersen (179-94) added 14 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Aabyhoj. Aabyhoj's coach Thomas Press tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Aabyhoj will play next round against league's leader SISU trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Horsens will try to continue on its current victory against sixth ranked Horsholm on the road.
Top scorers:
Horsens: J.Sorensen 19+1reb+4ast, C.Furgeson 15+6reb+2ast, A.Eskholm 13+5reb+3ast, K.Siig Laursen 11+2reb+3ast, E.White 2+4reb, E.Dorph 2+2reb
Aabyhoj: C.Coryea 19+10reb+3ast, M.Jespersen 14+7reb+2ast, T.Randrup-Thomsen 8+2reb, F.Husted 6+5reb+1ast, T.Laursen 5+1reb+1ast, C.Andersen 2+2reb
gschID: 140466


Lemvig - Falcon 73-62

The game in Lemvig was also worth to mention about. Falcon (0-2) played at the court of Lemvig (1-1). Lemvig defeated Falcon 73-62. The game was mostly controlled by Lemvig. Falcon was better in fourth quarter 21-16. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Lemvig had a 27-16 advantage in offensive rebounds. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by Falcon's players. The best player for the winners was forward Emely Hatch (-89) who had a double-double by scoring 30 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. American center Rebecca Kielpinski (188-89, college: Alaska-Anch.) chipped in a double-double by scoring 12 points and 10 rebounds. American center Trenice Fuller (193-87, college: Hofstra) produced 18 points and guard Elisabeth Hansen (176-93) added 14 points and 7 rebounds respectively for the guests. Falcon's coach Steffen Lund let to play ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Lemvig's next round opponent will be league's second-placed Amager in Kastrup and it will be for sure the game of the week. Falcon will play on the road against Vaerlose.
Top scorers:
Lemvig: E.Hatch 30+10reb+5ast, R.Kielpinski 12+10reb+3ast, H.Kristiansen 10+2reb+1ast, H.Henriksen 8+6reb+3ast, B.Schelde 7+2reb+1ast, I.Udovalieva 4+2reb+9ast
Falcon: T.Fuller 18+4reb+3ast, E.Hansen 14+7reb+2ast, J.Abildgaard 7+5reb, C.Hansen 7+3reb+1ast, S.Amalou 4+1reb, E.Block-Frederiksen 4+1ast
gschID: 140467




Standings - Dameligaen
Dameligaen Standings
 1. SISU 2-0 
 2. Amager 1-1 
 3. Horsens 1-1 
 4. Aabyhoj 1-1 
 5. Vaerlose 1-1 
 6. Horsholm 1-1 
 7. Lemvig 1-1 
 8. Falcon 0-2 


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  FIBA AMERICAS - Women  


Standings
B Standings
 1. BRA 5-0 
 2. ARG 4-1 
 3. CAN 4-1 
 4. CUB 3-2 
 5. PUR 2-2 
 6. COL 1-3 
 7. JAM 1-3 
 8. MEX 1-3 
 9. PAR 1-3 
 10. CHI 0-4 


Brazil blasts Argentina in the Finals, wins Gold in Neiva - by Eurobasket News
FINAL
Argentina - Brazil 33-74
Brazil demonstrated wonderful performance in the FIBA Americas Finals. They destroyed Argentina 74-33 to win the Gold and at the same time Brazil booked a ticked for the Olympic Games 2012 in London. Silver belongs to Argentina and they will play in Additional Qualifying Tournament for the London Olympics next year. Erika De Souza (197-C-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas) shined with double-double of 13 points and 16 rebounds for Brazil. She reached valuation 27. Patricia De Oliveira (180-F/G-79) scored 12 points and Damiris Dantas (192-C-92) added two less. In the loosing squad, Erica Sanchez (184-F/C-76, agency: Players Group) collected 12 points and 11 rebounds. Their second scorer was Sandra Pavon (175-F-85) with just 5 points (5 rebs). Brazil took control on its rival from the very beginning and never looked back. Quarters: 4-16, 7-17, 8-26, 14-15.

Third place
Canada - Cuba 59-46
Canada won the Bronze at the FIBA Americas Championship in Neiva. They handed 59-46 loss to Cuba in the game for third place. Cuba stays without the medal. Both teams will play in the Additional Qualifying Tournament for the Olympic Games 2012 in London. Kimberley Smith (187-F-84, college: Utah) (6 rebs) and Teresa Gabriele (165-G-79) netted 13 points each for the winners. Krista Phillips (198-C-88, college: Michigan) was their third scorer with 8 points. On the other side, Cuba got 12 points and 5 rebs from Clenia Noblet (191-C-87). Oyanaisy Gelis (172-G-83) stopped to 7 pts. Quarters: 13-8, 11-11, 19-11, 16-16. Brazil won the Gold in Neiva.

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  FINLAND - Women  


ToPo picked up the points from Keravan Energia Team - by Elina Koskinen
Keravan Energia Team tried to fight for the points against ToPo yet the visitors took a clear 50-73 victory. The first fifteen minutes were very even but then the last five minutes of the second period ToPo started to make difference. First quarter went 18-19 but then the second was already 10-23 for ToPo. After the halftime game went on evenly again. The third quarter ended in numbers 13-13 but then again in fourth quarter ToPo added the lead 9-18. Keys to ToPos victory were the rebounds which they won 37-58 and significantly better shooting percentages. Young Fiina Oljemark (184-F/C-92) from ToPo had a good day as she scored the game highest 15 points. She was backed up by Ellen Nurmi (185-F-93) who finished 14 points and Kaihla Szunko (187-F-88, college: Cent.Michigan) who ruled the rebounds gathering the game highest 14 rebounds. Keravan Energia Teams the most effective player was Centhya Hart (185-F-89, college: St.John's) with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

PeKa was beaten up by FoA - by Elina Koskinen
FoA didnt show any respect for the last years champions as they won PeKa 76-90 at Kotka on Saturday afternoon. The game started evenly as the teams took the command of the game one after another. In the first period FoA was running the game and won it by numbers 18-20. The second period seemed to be the best for the home team. PeKa took the lead and ruled the game scoring the numbers 25-18. This meant that PeKa was leading 43-38 in the halftime. To the third period FoA came hard with new energy after the break. Home team couldnt keep up with the pace and the visitors won the period 16-35. FoA was strong until the end and one key to the victory was the rebounds which they won 37-57. The last period went evenly and ended in numbers 17-17. Final score was 76-90 and FoA caused first defeat for the last years Champions in the seasons first game. Heidi Heintz (177-G/F-88, college: Cal-Davis) from FoA ruled under the basket taking 14 rebounds. FoA had also many players to succeed and the highest 19 points was scored by Henna Salomaa (175-G-89, college: Oakland). However the whole game highest score was netted by young Anissa Pounds (170-G-90) from PeKa who finished 25 points.

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  GREECE - Women  


Standings - Women
A1 Standings
 1. Asteras 1-0 
 2. Athinaikos 1-0 
 3. Esperides 1-0 
 4. FEA Neas 1-0 
 5. Panathinaikos 1-0 
 6. PAOK 1-0 
 7. Apollon Kal. 0-1 
 8. Apollon Ptol. 0-1 
 9. Aris 0-1 
 10. DAS Ano Liosa 0-1 
 11. Kronos AD 0-1 
 12. Panionios 0-1 


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  ICELAND - Women  


Haukar won Lengjan Cup - by Siggi Hjorleifsson
Haukar took the first trophy this season in Iceland by winning Keflavik in Lengjan Cup final 63-61.
Tight game most of the time Haukar leading though. Big game from Jaleesa Butler (183-F-87, college: Georgetown) 19 points & 19 rebounds was not enough for Keflavik probably because huge game from Haukar import player Jence Rhoads (180-G-88, college: Vanderbilt) with her 34 points & 10 rebounds. Other scorers for Haukar. Iris Sverrisdottir 11. Gudrun Amundadottir 6. Margret Halfdanardottir 6. Gunnhildur Gunnarsdottir 5. Sara Palmadottir 1.
For Keflavik. Birna Valgardsdottir 16. Sara Run Hinriksdottir 11. Helga Hallgrimsdottir 6. Palina Gunnlaugsdottir 4. Anita Eva Vidarsdottir 3. Hrund Johannsdottir 2

Valur has sign import player for this season Melissa Lechlitner (170-G-88, college: Notre Dame) former Notre Dame player and last season in DBBL Germany with SV Halle Lions 4 games and 21 games with Evo New Basket Oberhausen

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  ITALY - Women  


Lucca keep Willis, Hampton, Andrade and Bagnara - by Eurobasket News
Lucca will keep Courtney Willis (188-F/C-82, agency: LBM Management, college: E.Carolina), Shamela Hampton (191-C-87, college: UNLV), Mery Andrade (181-F-75, college: ODU), Benedetta Bagnara (178-G-87, agency: LBM Management). The top players of the last season will continue with the squad.
Courtney Willis was the top-scorer for the team last season. The American Player averaged 12.9ppg, Reb-4 (9.2rpg), 1.1apg, Steals-5 (3.6spg), FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 61.0%. She recorded 23 points at the Regular Season Round 21 when 11th ranked Vomero Napoli (4-17) was outscored at home by tenth ranked Ducato Lucca (8-13) with the biggest margin this round 67-50. The game was mostly controlled by Ducato Lucca. American power forward Courtney Willis stepped up with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 21 rebounds for the winners and her fellow American import center Shamela Hampton chipped in 15 points and 10 rebounds.
Shamela Hampton was the second top-scorer in the team with 11.3ppg, 7.0rpg, 2.1spg, FGP: 49.8%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 57.1%.
Benedetta Bagnara was third with 10.8ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.4apg, 2.5spg, FGP: 40.4%, 3PT: 31.5%, FT: 72.5%.


Friendly games for BraccoGeas and Pozzuoli - by Eurobasket News
BraccoGeas rolled over Sion 84:65. The Italian team started with 20-15 and had 41:26 at the halftime. Moreover Geas had 60:47 at the end of three quarters and benefit from the game. Louice Halvarsson (189-C-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas) erupted with 20 points and Crippa posted 15. Ilaria Zanoni (180-G-86) scored 14, while Laura Summerton (191-C-83) notched 9.
Ros Casares won over Italian Pozzuoli 79:54 in the start of Torneo de Pozzuoli. The Spanish team controlled the entire game and showed their superiority. Ann Wauters erupted with 24 points and Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui (190-C-86) delivered 19. Dominguez brought 15, while Laia Palau (178-G-79) added 8. Ward ended up with 15 points in the losing effort and Kelly Mazzante (183-G-82, college: Penn St.) notched 11.



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  JAPAN - Women  


Welcome to WJBL 2011/2012 season - by Eurobasket News
The Regular Season in WJBL just started.

JX Sunflowers - Toyota A. 79-46

JX Sunflowers led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Toyota Antelopes to just 6 points in fourth quarter. JX Sunflowers dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Toyota Antelopes' 30. They outrebounded Toyota Antelopes 43-29 including a 32-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. The former international power forward Yuka Mamiya (184-90) fired 20 points and 9 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) for the winners. The former international power forward Ramu Tokashiki (191-91) chipped in a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds. Four JX Sunflowers players scored in double figures. International guard Maya Kawahara (167-87) produced 16 points and 5 rebounds and the former international forward Ryoko Yano (178-78) added 12 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games.


Top scorers:
Toyota A.: M.Kawahara 16+5reb, K.Suzuki 13+3reb+2ast, R.Yano 12+6reb+1ast, H.Hirata 5+3reb+3ast, Y.Yokoyama 0, E.Kudeken 0
JX Sunflowers: Y.Mamiya 20+9reb+2ast, M.Honda 16+4reb+1ast, R.Tokashiki 16+11reb+1ast, R.Tanaka 15+1reb+3ast, H.Suwa 5+1reb, A.Okamoto 3+1reb

gschID: 142374


Denso Iris - Chanson V-M 64-52


The game was mostly controlled by Denso Iris. Chanson V-M was better in fourth quarter 15-12. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Chanson V-M 38-25 including 25 on the defensive glass. Worth to mention a great performance of international center Maki Takada (183-89) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 21 points and 14 rebounds. Forward Tamotsu Huziwara (175-87) contributed with 20 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Guard Makoto Rin (168-88) answered with 15 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and international swingman Saori Fujiyoshi (178-87) added 12 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Chanson V-M. Four Chanson V-M players scored in double figures. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Fujitsu RW and Mitsubishi K. Chanson V-M at the other side still closes the standings with one game lost.
Top scorers:
Chanson V-M: M.Rin 15+5reb+5ast, S.Fujiyoshi 12+5reb+3ast, K.Miho 11+3reb, M.Tsukano 10+4reb, S.Hukano 2+2reb, K.Motoyama 2+1reb
Denso Iris: M.Takada 21+14reb+2ast, T.Huziwara 20+6reb+1ast, Y.Itou 7+1reb+2ast, C.Yoshida 6+4reb, M.Oonuma 4+4reb+1ast, A.Obata 4+8reb+5ast

gschID: 142375


Fujitsu RW - Airlines R. 68-50

The game was mostly controlled by Fujitsu RW. Airlines R. managed to win fourth quarter 19-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Fujitsu RW made 7 blocks. Power forward Megumi Shinohara (184-91) stepped up and scored 10 points and 5 rebounds for the winners and international power forward Ayumi Suzuki (179-85) chipped in 6 points and 7 rebounds. At the losing side international forward Reika Takahashi (177-88) responded with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 13 rebounds and swingman Sangi Kanade (169-86) scored 16 points.
Top scorers:
Airlines R.: S.Kanade 16+3reb+3ast, R.Takahashi 11+13reb+1ast, R.Tamai 9+1reb, N.Kondo 7+3reb, M.Maki 5+1ast, S.Kawakami 1+3reb+1ast
Fujitsu RW: A.Shimizu 11+4reb, M.Shinohara 10+5reb+2ast, Y.Nagi 9+2reb, E.Kimura 8+2reb+4ast, I.Mai 7+3reb, R.Machida 6+2reb+6ast
gschID: 142376


Toyota A. - JX Sunflowers 68-63

JX Sunflowers were ahead by 4 points at the halftime before a 41-32 second half run of Toyota Antelopes. International guard Maya Kawahara (167-87) nailed 33 points (!!!) for the winning side and the former international forward Ryoko Yano (178-78) accounted for 13 points and 6 rebounds. The former international power forward Ramu Tokashiki (191-91) came up with a double-double by scoring 14 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks and forward Yaeko Terada (176-88) added 13 points and 4 assists respectively for JX Sunflowers in the defeat.


Top scorers:
JX Sunflowers: R.Tokashiki 14+11reb+2ast, Y.Terada 13+1reb+4ast, O.Okami 11+2reb+3ast, H.Suwa 10+4reb+2ast, L.Kibayashi 4+4reb, Y.Mamiya 3+5reb
Toyota A.: M.Kawahara 33+2reb, R.Yano 13+6reb, K.Suzuki 12+3reb, M.Ikeda 4+3ast, E.Kudeken 4+6reb+3ast, M.Binge 2+1reb

gschID: 142372


Aishin AW - Mitsubishi K. 65-74

The guests were ahead by 2 points but lost the second period ending it with a 2-point deficit before their 26-15 run, which allowed them to win the game. Center Enjin Wantsu (189-87) nailed 23 points and 9 rebounds for the winning side and swingman Mitiko Miyamoto (175-86) accounted for 15 points and 9 rebounds. Guard Hitomi Takasaki (168-86) came up with 18 points (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) and power forward Shiyu Sato (178-87) added 13 points and 7 rebounds respectively for Aishin Wings in the defeat. Four Aishin Wings players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Aishin AW: H.Takasaki 18+3reb+1ast, K.Yamamoto 13+7reb+1ast, S.Sato 13+7reb+2ast, S.Ootaka 12+4reb, T.Masaki 5+5reb+2ast, K.Haruka 4+4reb+1ast
Mitsubishi K.: E.Wantsu 23+9reb+1ast, M.Miyamoto 15+9reb+2ast, Y.Hashimoto 15+6reb+3ast, A.Kobayashi 9+5reb+1ast, K.Huzii 4+3reb, T.Matsushima 4+4reb+1ast
gschID: 142373




WJBL round 1 best performance: Yuka Mamiya - by Eurobasket News
Former international Yuka Mamiya (184-C/F-90) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for JX Sunflowers, receiving a Asia-basket.com Player of the Week award for round 1.
The 21-year old player was the main contributor (20 points, nine rebounds and two assists) to her team's victory, helping them to outclass Toyota A. (1-1) with 33-point margin 79-46. JX Sunflowers is placed at 4th position in WJBL. JX Sunflowers is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 1-1 record. Mamiya has many years of experience at JX Sunflowers, through which he has constantly improved. Yuka Mamiya has solid league stats. She is in league's top in rebounds (9th best: 7.0rpg) and averages impressive 1.5bpg and 66.7% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 24-year old international guard Maya Kawahara (167-G-87) of Toyota A.. Kawahara had a very good evening with 33 points and 2 rebounds. It was enough for Toyota A. to edge JX Sunflowers (1-1) 68-63. The season is still at the very beginning and this victory may help a lot. Let's wait for the next round. Kawahara is one of the most experienced players at Toyota A. and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. She belongs to the best scorers in the league with 24.5ppg (#1).

Third on the list of top players last round was another JX Sunflowers' star - former international Ramu Tokashiki (191-C/F-91). Tokashiki scored 16 points and grabbed eleven rebounds (!!!). She was another key player of JX Sunflowers, helping her team with a 79-46 easy win against Toyota A. (1-1). JX Sunflowers needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 1 victories and 1 lost games. Tokashiki has a great season in Japan. After only 2 games, she made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 15.0ppg (8th best) and rebounds with 11.0rpg (3rd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Ramu Tokashiki (191-C/F-91) of JX Sunflowers - 14 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Maki Takada (183-C-89) of Denso Iris - 21 points, 14 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Enjin Wantsu (189-C-87) of Mitsubishi K. - 23 points and 9 rebounds
7. Reika Takahashi (177-F-88) of Airlines R. - 11 points and 13 rebounds
8. Megumi Shinohara (184-C/F-91) of Fujitsu RW - 10 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Yasuko Hashimoto (163-G-82) of Mitsubishi K. - 15 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Hitomi Takasaki (168-G-86) of Aishin AW - 18 points and 3 rebounds

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

WJBL Round 2 of Regular Season - by Eurobasket News
Mitsubishi K. - Aishin AW 75-68

There was no surprise when bottom-ranked Aishin Wings (0-2) were defeated on the road by top-ranked Mitsubishi K. (2-0) 75-68. The hosts were already 20 points ahead after 3 quarters before a 29-16 Aishin Wings' run in the last quarter cut the lead to 75-68 at the end of the game. Aishin Wings were plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. Swingman Mitiko Miyamoto (175-86) orchestrated the victory by scoring 20 points and 7 rebounds. Center Enjin Wantsu (189-87) contributed with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 15 rebounds for the winners. Forward Yuka Maeda (173-84) replied with 10 points and swingman Saori Ootaka (168-87) added 10 points in the effort for Aishin Wings. Aishin Wings' coach rotated thirteen players in this game, but that didn't help. Mitsubishi K. keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Fujitsu RW and Denso Iris. Aishin Wings at the other side still closes the standings with two games lost. They share the position with Chanson V-M and Airlines R.. Mitsubishi K. will play against league's second-placed Fujitsu RW in Kawasaki in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Aishin Wings will play at home against Airlines R. (#6) in Tokyo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Aishin AW: Y.Maeda 10+3reb+3ast, S.Ootaka 10+4reb+2ast, Y.Aoyama 9+2reb, H.Takasaki 8+3reb+2ast, S.Sato 8+4reb, K.Haruka 6+3reb
Mitsubishi K.: M.Miyamoto 20+7reb+2ast, E.Wantsu 13+15reb, A.Kobayashi 13+6reb+2ast, C.Sakuragi 9+5reb+2ast, T.Matsushima 8+4reb+2ast, Y.Hashimoto 7+2reb+7ast
gschID: 142377


Airlines R. - Fujitsu RW 63-71

The game in Tokyo was quite interesting. Top-ranked Fujitsu RW (2-0) played at the court of bottom-ranked Airlines R. (0-2). Fujitsu RW managed to secure a 8-point victory 71-63 on Sunday. The guests trailed by 1 point at the halftime before their 39-30 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. The best player for the winners was international forward Yoko Nagi (175-82) who scored 27 points and 5 rebounds. Power forward Megumi Shinohara (184-91) chipped in 18 points and 6 rebounds. Fujitsu RW's coach used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Swingman Sangi Kanade (169-86) produced 25 points and international forward Reika Takahashi (177-88) added 12 points, 10 rebounds and 5 blocks respectively for the hosts. Fujitsu RW keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Denso Iris and Mitsubishi K. Airlines R. at the other side still closes the standings with two games lost. They share the position with Chanson V-M and Aishin AW. Fujitsu RW is looking forward to face Mitsubishi K. (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Airlines R. will play against Aishin Wings in Anjo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Airlines R.: S.Kanade 25+4reb+1ast, N.Hoshino 14+4reb+1ast, R.Takahashi 12+10reb+2ast, M.Maki 4+3reb+2ast, N.Kondo 4+4reb+3ast, R.Tamai 2
Fujitsu RW: Y.Nagi 27+5reb+1ast, M.Shinohara 18+6reb+1ast, A.Suzuki 12+3reb+1ast, R.Machida 7+2reb+3ast, E.Kimura 5+3reb+3ast, A.Shimizu 2+2reb+2ast
gschID: 142378


Chanson V-M - Denso Iris 55-69

The game in Shizuoka was also worth to mention about. Top-ranked Denso Iris (2-0) played at the court of bottom-ranked Chanson V-M (0-2). Denso Iris defeated Chanson V-M 69-55. The game was mostly controlled by Denso Iris. Chanson V-M was better in fourth quarter 16-12. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Denso Iris had a 29-16 advantage in offensive rebounds. International center Maki Takada (183-89) orchestrated the victory by scoring 21 points and 8 rebounds. The former international guard Akiko Obata (165-81) contributed with 12 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) for the winners. The former international power forward Yuka Watanabe (181-81) replied with 10 points and 7 rebounds and swingman Key Miho (176-85) added 12 points in the effort for Chanson V-M. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Denso Iris maintains first position with 2-0 record, which they share with Fujitsu RW and Mitsubishi K. Chanson V-M at the other side still closes the standings with two games lost. They share the position with Airlines R. and Aishin AW. Denso Iris will play against Toyota Antelopes (#5) in Nagoya in the next round. Chanson V-M will play at home against JX Sunflowers in Kashiwa to get more than just one victory in their record.
Top scorers:
Chanson V-M: K.Miho 12+3reb+2ast, Y.Watanabe 10+7reb+3ast, M.Rin 9+2reb+2ast, M.Tsukano 8+7reb+1ast, S.Fujiyoshi 5+2reb, H.Nagaishi 5
Denso Iris: M.Takada 21+8reb+1ast, A.Obata 12+8reb+5ast, T.Huziwara 8+4reb+2ast, C.Yoshida 7+8reb, K.Tanaka 6, S.Takada 5+1reb
gschID: 142379




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  MALI - Women  


Curtain fall on Mali 2011 Afrobasket as Senegal, Angola battle for supremacy - by Olusegun Ikuesan
The 22nd edition of Africa biggest women basketball championship FIBA Africa Championship for Women tagged, Mali 2011 Afrobasket for Women comes to an end today (Sunday) at the Stade du 26 Mars, Bamako, Mali with the grand finale jump-starting at 18H00 between defending champion and record chasing Senegal and Angola.

Both side from pool-B of the championship made it to the today final when they decision their semi-finals opponents with Senegal stopping a third title ambition of Nigeria by 89-63 points in the second semi-final while Angola prove book-makers wrong that indeed home support does not translate to home advantage when humble host Mali in the first semi-final to secure her grand finale ticket.

Road to the Grand-Final: Senegal and Angola came out from Group-B of the championship which tip-off on September 23, with Senegal leading other teams in the group- which include Nigeria to the knock-stage without dropping a game while Angola lost just one game to Senegal (42-63) making it the fourth time both side will be clashing in one month with Senegal having the upper hand having two out of their three previous met.

Aya Traore Vs Nacissela Mauricio: both share the captain band with Traore leading in this pairing as the reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Afrobasket but Mauricio surely is not a push over when it come to propelling her teammates which she has done excellent especially at the knock-out stage.

While Traore has been a little passive in the championship except some occasional flashes Nacissela has been a dependable leader for her Angola teammates in all the games they have played so far.

Both players were at the opposite side during the gold medal game of the 10th All Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique with Senegal running away with a 67-54 points victory which makes todays grand finale to be interesting as Mauricio would not to be a prey to the Senegalese in another final especially with London 2012 Olympic Games ticket in sight.

About Aya Traore Senegal Captain: A very discipline player and leader, Aya bring to the court experience and exposure having played in some of the best league around the globe though she might not be as explosive as she was in the 2007 and 2009 editions of the Afrobasket for women but that does not remove the fact she is one of present-day living legend of Africa women basketball.

Always on the quiet side but very deadly when in her element a situation that saw her pouring 24 points past Nigeria (her best so far) in the second semi-final on Saturday.

Brief Profile Aya Traore
Height: 186cm / 6'1''
Position: Forward
Born: July 27, 1983 in Dakar, Senegal
Team: Olesa (Spain) (2010-11)

Career:
Dakar, Senegal (Moore, Ky/Dixie State College)
2005-2006: Purdue (NCAA): 33 games: 13.1ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.4apg, 1.4spg, FG: 44.6%, 3PT: 30.4%
2006: Washington Mystics (WNBA), waived in May
2006-2007: Cavigal Nice Sports Basket (France-LFB, starting five): 12 games: 14.9ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.5apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 46%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 83.0%, left in Dec.'06: 14.9 ppg, in Feb.'07 moved to Polfa Pabianice (Poland-PLKK, starting five): 17 games: 13.0ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.4spg, FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 76.0%
2007-2008: In Nov.'07 signed at CCC Polkowice (Poland-PLKK, starting five), released during the season: 9 games: 5.2ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 39.0%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 55.0%
2008-2009: Hit Kranjska Gora (Slovenia-SKL, starting five): 21 games: Score-4 (17.6ppg), 6.6rpg, 2.2apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 45.6%, FT: 86.2%
2010: Montgomery Dream (WBCBL)
2010-2011: C.B. Olesa Espanyol (Spain-LFB, starting five): 26 games: Score-5 (15.3ppg), 4.8rpg, 1.4apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 43.3%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 80.0%
Awards/Achievements:
Big Ten Regular Season Runner-Up -06
Big Ten Tournament Finalist -06
All-Big Ten 2nd Team -06
NCAA Sweet 16 -06
Senegalese National Team -06-11
World Championships in Sao Paulo (Brazil) -06
African Championships in Dakar (SEN) -07
Slovenian SKL Finalist -09
Francophone Games in Lebanon -09
Africabasket.com All-African Championships Best Player -09
Africabasket.com All-African Championships Best Forward -09
Africabasket.com All-African Championships 1st Team -09
African Championships in Madagascar -09 (Champion): 8 games: Score-3 (14.8ppg), 4.3rpg, 1.6apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT-1 (94.1%)
MVP of African Championships in Madagascar -09
21st FIBA Africa African Championship Top-5 All Star -09
World Championships in Czech Republic -10: 5 games: 12.8ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.2spg, FGP: 43.1%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 80.0%
All-Africa Games in Maputo (Mozambique) -11 (Gold)

About Nacisseela Mauricio Angola Captain: This gentle, quiet and unassuming Angola forward can prove very dangerous if left unmarked by opponent as she combine excellent ball handling, dribbling, shooting and rebounding skill, Nacissela surely knows what to do at every given period while on court.

Standing at 5 feet 11 inch tall Nassecela often play as if she is a 7-footer with the way she out-rebound taller player she is also versatile from the free-throw line, a player with a great work ethic and highly discipline she hardly get into trouble with referees a quality which has distinguished her in major championship.

Brief profile of Nassecela Mauricio:
Height: 181cm / 5'11''
Position: Forward
Born: June 2, 1980 in Luanda (ANG)
Team: 1 De Agosto (Angola) (2008-10)
Full name: NACISSELA CRISTINA DE OLIVEIRA MAURICIO
First name also found as Nacitela
Career:
2006-2007: Baloncesto Armijo Badajoz (Spain-LF2A, starting five)
2007, October: played in 1. De Agosto Luanda (Angola) at the 13th FIBA-Africa Champions Cup for Women Clubs in Maputo, Mozambique
2008: Desportivo 1. De Agosto Luanda (D1, starting five)
2009: Desportivo 1. De Agosto Luanda (D1)
Awards/Achievements:
Angolan National Team -07-09, 11
African Championships in Dakar (SEN) -07
Angolan League Champion -08
Angolan Cup Winner -08
Africa Club Championships for Women Runner-Up -08
Africabasket.com All-African Championships 1st Team -09
African Championships in Madagascar -09 (Bronze): 8 games: Score-2 (15.1ppg), 7.0rpg, 1.4apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 43.6%, FT: 71.7%
21st FIBA Africa African Championship Top-5 All Star -09
All-Africa Games in Maputo (Mozambique) -11 (Silver)
Aya Traore (186-F-83, college: Purdue)

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  NCAA1 - Women  


USA beat Ros Casares to win Campi Flegrei Tournament - by Eurobasket News
USA - Ros Casares 78:68

USA won the Campi Flegrei Tournament as they outscored Ros Casares in the last game. The American team needed 78:68 to prove their superiority. Swin Cash (6'2''-F-79, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Connecticut) top-scored for the winners with 17 points and got MVP award of the tournament. Montgomery scored 16 and Charles added 15. Ann Wauters (6'5''-C-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) erupted with 26 points in the losing effort, while Dominguez notched 14.
Rivas Ecopolis meanwhile overcame UNB Obenasa Lacturale 62:52 in a friendly clash. Amaya Valdemoro (6'1''-F-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas), Nicholls and Iva Sliskovic (6'5''-F-84, college: S.Carolina) posted 12 points each to lead all the winners. Gimeno followed them with 9 and Cruz scored 6. Wallace replied with 11 points in the losing effort.

Ros Casares: Jana Vesela (6'4''-F-83) 10, Cotano, Dominguez 14, Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui (6'3''-C-86) 5, Foraste, Palau 8, Balard, Honti 5, Ann Wauters 26, Saez, Murphy. Coach: Natalia Hejkova
Usa: Cappie Pondexter (5'9''-G-83, college: Rutgers) 8, Jones, Robinson 4, Montgomery 16, Young 8, Brittney Griner (6'8''-C-90) 10, Cash 17, Charles 15. Coach: Geno Auriemma.


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  NORWAY - Women  


The Regular Season in Kvinneligaen just started - by Eurobasket News
The Regular Season in Kvinneligaen just started.

NTNUI Basket - Ullern 36-89

Ullern smashed NTNUI Basket 89-36 on Sunday. The game without a history. Ullern led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding NTNUI Basket to just 4 points in third and fourth quarters. Ullern dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to NTNUI Basket's 20. Ullern forced 28 NTNUI Basket turnovers and had a 15-3 advantage in offensive rebounds. The former international guard Kristine Kristiansen (-75) fired 29 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. The former international guard Oda Austheim (-83) chipped in 14 points and 5 rebounds. Forward Ellen Skjonsfjell produced 12 points and 5 rebounds and forward Charlene Gris added 4 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. NTNUI Basket's coach gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Ullern maintains first place with 2-0 record. Loser NTNUI Basket still closes the standings with two games lost. Ullern will meet at home Ulriken (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. NTNUI Basket will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
NTNUI Basket: E.Skjonsfjell 12+5reb+1ast, K.Krogh 7+1reb+1ast, H.Hansen 5+1reb+1ast, L.Gjolmesli 4+3reb, C.Gris 4+6reb+1ast, A.Haga 2
Ullern: K.Kristiansen 29+6reb+3ast, E.Englund 14+4reb+1ast, O.Austheim 14+5reb+3ast, C.Muren 8+1reb+3ast, T.Ytrehus 7+8reb+3ast, K.Fadnes 7+1reb+1ast
gschID: 137604


Oslo Tigers - Ammerud 28-83

The game without a history. Ammerud led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Oslo Tigers to just 2 points in third quarter and to 6 points in second half. Ammerud dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to Oslo Tigers' 22 and made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game. Ammerud forced 35 Oslo Tigers turnovers and outrebounded them 37-22 including 24 on the defensive glass. Center Marianne Sand (183-93) stepped up and scored 18 points and 7 rebounds for the winners and guard Ida Lovik (-90) chipped in 13 points and 5 rebounds. Four Ammerud players scored in double figures. At the losing side guard Shirin El-Masrouri responded with 4 points and forward Uzoma Ifejilika scored 4 points. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Ammerud left bottom position moving up to second place, which they share with Ulriken. Oslo Tigers at the other side still closes the standings with one game lost. They share the position with Gimle. Ammerud will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Oslo Tigers will play at home against Ulriken (#3) in Bergen and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Oslo Tigers: S.Pettersen 6+1reb, S.El-Masrouri 4+3reb+2ast, S.Yapici 4+1reb+2ast, U.Ifejilika 4+4reb, A.Erdogan 2+2reb+2ast, M.Carlsson 2+1ast
Ammerud: M.Sand 18+7reb+3ast, I.Lovik 13+5reb+1ast, S.Grindelid 12+4reb+2ast, T.Nesse 10+5reb+3ast, E.Aas 8+2ast, K.Kraage 6+4reb
gschID: 137605


Ulriken - Gimle 88-45
The game without a history. Ulriken led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Gimle to just 6 points in second quarter. Ulriken dominated down low during the game scoring 74 of its points in the paint compared to Gimle's 34. Ulriken forced 45 Gimle turnovers. International guard Emilie Gronas (168-92) nailed 30 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists and 5 steals (made all of her ten free throws !!!) for the winning side and guard Stine Hoff Austgulen (177-94) accounted for 27 points and 6 rebounds. Ulriken's coach DuRell Sanford felt very confident using entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Lithuanian forward Sarune Jasiunskaite (188-88) came up with a double-double by scoring 13 points, 11 rebounds and 5 blocks and point guard Amanda Gran (174-93) added 4 points and 14 rebounds respectively for Gimle in the defeat. It was the only win of host team this round and in all other games visitors recorded victories. Despite that victory Ulriken went down to second position due to points difference, which they share with Ammerud. Gimle at the other side still closes the standings with one game lost. They share the position with Oslo Tigers. Ulriken will play against league's leader Ullern in Oslo in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Gimle will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Gimle: S.Jasiunskaite 13+11reb+2ast, I.Gjerdevik 12+3reb+1ast, R.Gjesdal 4+3reb, A.Gran 4+14reb+2ast, S.Kyrkjebo 4+9reb+4ast, R.Ilieva 2+3reb
Ulriken: E.Gronas 30+5reb+8ast, S.Hoff Austgulen 27+6reb+2ast, L.Breivik 10+6reb+2ast, A.Grimstad 9+5reb, V.Tveito 6+4reb, S.Gronhaug 6+5reb+1ast
gschID: 137602


NTNUI Basket - Ullern 31-81

Ullern smashed NTNUI Basket 81-31. Ullern dominated on the defensive end, holding NTNUI Basket to just 5 points in third quarter and to 14 points in first half. Ullern dominated down low during the game scoring 74 of its points in the paint compared to NTNUI Basket's 24. Ullern forced 24 NTNUI Basket turnovers. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international guard Kristine Kristiansen (-75) who helped to win the game recording 16 points and 9 rebounds. International Torunn Ytrehus (-81) contributed with 18 points for the winners. Four Ullern players scored in double figures. Guard Hanna Gaarder answered with 11 points and swingman Kaja Krogh (178-91) added 4 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for NTNUI Basket. NTNUI Basket's coach already knew that her team would not have a big chance, so allowed to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Ullern maintains first place with 2-0 record. NTNUI Basket at the other side still closes the standings with two games lost. Ullern's next round opponent will be Ulriken (#3) in Bergen, which may be the game of the day.
Top scorers:
NTNUI Basket: H.Gaarder 11+2reb+1ast, C.Gris 8+4reb, K.Krogh 4+7reb+1ast, E.Skjonsfjell 3+3reb, I.Langdal 3+5reb, A.Lindback 2+2reb+3ast
Ullern: T.Ytrehus 18+4reb+3ast, K.Kristiansen 16+9reb+3ast, O.Austheim 12+4reb+2ast, K.Fadnes 10+4reb, I.Skorpen 9+2reb+2ast, I.Paur 6+1reb+1ast
gschID: 137603




Standings - Women
Kvinneligaen Standings
 1. Ullern 2-0 
 2. Ammerud 1-0 
 3. Ulriken 1-0 
 4. Gimle 0-1 
 5. Oslo Tigers 0-1 
 6. NTNUI Basket 0-2 
Play in international cups:
 1. Asker/BV 0-0 


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  POLAND - Women  


Rebecca Harris gets MVP of the Week award for PLKK - by Eurobasket News
American Rebecca Harris (176-G-86) had an amazing evening in the last round for ROW Rybnik and that's her to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 1.
The 25-year old guard had the game-high 19 points adding seven rebounds and five assists for ROW Rybnik in her team's victory, helping them to edge out Artego Bydg. (#8, 0-1), the league's bottom-ranked team 71-70. Thanks to this victory ROW Rybnik moved-up to the 4th position in the Polish PLKK. But it's just the very beginning of the season and ROW Rybnik won just one (their first) game. It's too early to say anything as the standings can be changed completely after next round. In the team's last game Harris had a remarkable three three-pointers out of 7 attempts. It's her second year at ROW Rybnik and it's hard to imagine this team without her. University of Illinois graduate has very impressive stats this year. Harris is in league's top in points (4th best: 19.0ppg), assists (5th best: 5.0apg) and averages solid 75.0% FGP and 42.9% from behind 3-point line.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 34-year old Czech Republic center Leona Jankowska (190-C-77) of Widzew. Jankowska impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 20 points and 15 rebounds. Of course she lead Widzew to another comfortable win outscoring MUKS Poznan (0-1) 76-55. Her team has extremely good start of the season. They won their first game. However the season is at the beginning, so everything can happen. They still may lose their high position in the standings. Jankowska is a newcomer at Widzew and it seems she did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders. She belongs to the best scorers in the league with 20.0ppg (#3). She also registered 15.0 boards per game.

The third best performed player last round was American Lauren Jimenez (193-C) of Artego Bydg. (#8). Jimenez scored 17 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Despite Jimenez's great performance Artego Bydg. lost 70-71 to ROW Rybnik (#4, 1-0). But her team cannot count on just a single player as she also needs help of the other teammates. Artego Bydg. can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have awful season losing so far all 1 games. Too bad for Jimenez she does not play for a better team. But maybe if she did, her season stats would not be that high. The season just started for Jimenez as she played only first game. But it already looks like she can be team's leader.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Aleksandra Chomac (191-C-85) of Lider Pruszkow - 18 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Paris Johnson (193-C-89) of Gorzow - 18 points and 13 rebounds
6. Rachele Fitz (183-F-87) of ROW Rybnik - 19 points and 10 rebounds
7. Leah Metcalf (173-G-83) of Energa Torun - 18 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists
8. Iva Perovanovic (189-C/F-83) of CCC Polkowice - 14 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Lyndra Weaver (185-F-87) of Gorzow - 12 points and 14 rebounds
10. Ewelina Kobryn (193-C-82) of Wisla Can-Pak - 19 points and 6 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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  SPAIN - Women  


USA beat Ros Casares to win Campi Flegrei Tournament - by Eurobasket News
USA - Ros Casares 78:68

USA won the Campi Flegrei Tournament as they outscored Ros Casares in the last game. The American team needed 78:68 to prove their superiority. Swin Cash (6'2''-F-79, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Connecticut) top-scored for the winners with 17 points and got MVP award of the tournament. Montgomery scored 16 and Charles added 15. Ann Wauters (6'5''-C-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) erupted with 26 points in the losing effort, while Dominguez notched 14.
Rivas Ecopolis meanwhile overcame UNB Obenasa Lacturale 62:52 in a friendly clash. Amaya Valdemoro (6'1''-F-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas), Nicholls and Iva Sliskovic (6'5''-F-84, college: S.Carolina) posted 12 points each to lead all the winners. Gimeno followed them with 9 and Cruz scored 6. Wallace replied with 11 points in the losing effort.

Ros Casares: Jana Vesela (6'4''-F-83) 10, Cotano, Dominguez 14, Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui (6'3''-C-86) 5, Foraste, Palau 8, Balard, Honti 5, Ann Wauters 26, Saez, Murphy. Coach: Natalia Hejkova
Usa: Cappie Pondexter (5'9''-G-83, college: Rutgers) 8, Jones, Robinson 4, Montgomery 16, Young 8, Brittney Griner (6'8''-C-90) 10, Cash 17, Charles 15. Coach: Geno Auriemma.


UNB Obenasa Navarra add Wallace and Burgin - by Eurobasket News
UNB Obenasa Navarra add Shaqwedia Wallace (175-G, college: Temple) and Danielle Burgin (196-F/C-87, agency: Merit Sports, college: Charlotte) for the upcoming season. The American players already play friendly clashes with their new team.
Danielle Burgin started in 2005-2006 for Charlotte (NCAA) and in 28 games debuted with 3.9ppg, 3.3rpg. In her last season there she increased to 11.1ppg, 9.2rpg, 1.2apg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 56.1%, 3Pts: 50.0%, FT: 53.1%. In 2009-2010 Burgin moved to Dunav Econt Rouse (Bulgaria-A1) and in EuroCup after 8 games showed 11.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 56.3%, FT: 87.5%. In Bulgarian League after 36 games her stats read 14.3ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.0apg, 2FGP-2 (61.0%), 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 71.2%. Last season she played for Hondarribia-Irun (Spain-LFB, starting five) and averaged 9.0ppg, 5.3rpg, FGP-3 (56.9%), FT: 61.1%.
Shaqwedia Wallace graduated from Temple (NCAA) and will debut in Europe. In her last season for NCAA team she averaged 13.5ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.7apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 39.2%, 3PT: 34.1%, FT: 80.2%.