Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 12/23/2011

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Men News

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ACPBL

Center Court All stars and Tour to Peru! - by Justin Moore
Owner Calvin Brown (6'9''-C-83, college: Norfolk St.) wants to start off on the good foot his first season in the ACPBL. With his first official try-outs on the 31st and the introduction of the first coach of the center court all stars. 'I Wanted to combine these event because time is running short, and even thou a lot of players want to be apart of this movement 'many are called but few are chosen'. Owner Calvin Brown has also set up a tour of peru which starts march 1st thru the 15th. 'No team is able to do it this big! If players want to play abroad in this economy, players have a few choices and my track record speaks for me'. Referring to his team winning a championship in his second year and sending over 10 players overseas in the same amount of time. Try outs for both will be held december 31 at Champions Field House: 40 Southlawn Ct, Rockville, MD 20850. December 31. There will also be a $50 try out fee those interested contact Calvin Brown jr at cbrown@centercourtonline.com or go to www.centercourtonline.com to register

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ARGENTINA

Standings - LigaA

LigaA Standings

1. Obras		8-1
2. Penarol		7-2
3. Libertad S.		7-3
4. Quimsa		6-3
5. Sionista		6-3
6. Atenas		6-4
7. La Union		5-4
8. Wuber-Est.Bahia		5-4
9. Lanus		5-5
10. Regatas C.		4-6
11. Boca Jrs		3-6
12. San Mart.C.		3-7
13. GECR Indalo		3-7
14. Club 9		3-7
15. Olimpico LB		2-6
16. Quilmes MP		2-7

Stats Leaders - LigaA

Points Per Game

Joe SMITH
  La Union
  (193-G-77)
  Avg: 18.3

1. Smith, La Union	18.3
2. Gutierrez, Obras	17.5
3. McHopson, Quilm.	17.5
4. Villegas, Sionista	17.3
5. Meyinsse, Wuber-.	17.2
6. Mojica, Wuber-Es.	16.7
7. OBannon, Boca Jrs	16.5
8. Pittman, Libertad.	15.7
9. Mikulas, La Union	15.5
10. Roe, Regatas C.	15.3

Rebounds Per Game

Matias SANDES
  Sionista
  (201-F/G-84)
  Avg: 9.5

1. Sandes, Sionista	9.5
2. Garces, Atenas	9.4
3. Gutierrez, Obras	9.1
4. Lloreda, Olimpico.	9.0
5. Battle, Libertad S.	8.6
6. Truscott, Quilm.	8.2
7. Cowan, Club 9	7.6
8. Mikulas, La Union	7.5
9. Williams, Quimsa	7.1
10. Meyinsse, Wuber-.	7.1

Assists Per Game

Facundo CAMPAZZO
  Penarol
  (180-G-91)
  Avg: 6.9

1. Campazzo, Penarol	6.9
2. Sanchez, Wuber-.	6.8
3. Stanic, Boca Jrs	6.0
4. Martinez, Regat.	5.6
5. Cequeira, Sionista	5.2
6. Victoriano, San M.	4.2
7. Sucatzky, Atenas	4.1
8. Smith, La Union	4.0
9. Quinteros, Regat.	3.4
10. McHopson, Quilm.	3.3

Steals Per Game

Matias LESCANO
  Atenas
  (196-G/F-79)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Lescano, Atenas	2.2
2. Campazzo, Penarol	2.1
3. McHopson, Quilm.	2.0
4. Sanchez, Wuber-.	1.8
5. Beitzel, San M.	1.6
6. Stanic, Boca Jrs	1.5
7. Washam, Obras	1.5
8. Pau, La Union	1.5
9. Mojica, Wuber-Es.	1.5
10. Funes, GECR I.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Louis ROE
  Regatas C.
  (200-F-72)
  Avg: 1.2

1. Roe, Regatas C.	1.2
2. Battle, Libertad S.	1.1
3. Clancy, Atenas	1.1
4. Ayarza, Club 9	1.0
5. Gutierrez, Obras	1.0
6. Rollins, San M.	0.9
7. Garces, Atenas	0.9
8. Gamble, Club 9	0.8
9. Sanchez, Wuber-.	0.8
10. Kante, Regatas C.	0.7

Two changes in TNA - by Facundo Iatzky
Veteran Diego Belvedere (184-G-75) will return to TNA to play in Sport Club Canada de gomez. He was playing lately in the regional league of La plata. He will replace Ezequiel Manzanares, released.
Brian Woodward (191-G-81, college: Rhode Island) returns to Argentina to play in Rosario Central. He replaces Marcus Morgan. Brian played in so many leagues around the world and he had already played in Argentina, in Boca juniors and Penarol Mar del plata.

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BAHRAIN

Standings

Premier League Standings

1. Al Hala		7-0
2. Muharraq		7-0
3. Al Manama		6-2
4. Al Ahli		5-1
5. Nuwaidrat		4-3
6. Issa Town		3-4
7. Al Ittihad		3-5
8. Sitra		2-5
9. Bahrain Club		2-5
10. Samaheej		0-6
11. Al Najma		0-8

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BALKAN LEAGUE

Standings

Balkan League Standings

Group A
1. Galil Gilboa			5-0
2. Rilski Sportist			3-2
3. Mornar Bar			3-2
4. OKK Beograd			1-3
5. Torus Skopje			1-3
6. Timisoara			1-4
Group B
1. Levski Sofia			5-0
2. Hapoel T-A			4-1
3. Feni Indistrija			3-2
4. Napredak			2-3
5. Ulcinj			1-4
6. Zrinjski HT			0-5

Round 5: Levski Sofia defeats Feni Indistrija in the closest game of the week - by Eurobasket News
Balkan League is at the halfway of the Regular Season and there are still another 5 rounds left.

The most exciting game of round 5 in the Balkan League took place in Sofia. This derby game ended with only one-point defeat on the road of 3rd placed FYR Macedonian Feni Indistrija (3-2) to leader Bulgarian Levski Sofia (5-0) 67-66 on Thursday evening. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Feni Indistrija. The hosts trailed by 1 point at the halftime before their 20-17 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. They outrebounded Feni Indistrija 42-30 including 30 on the defensive glass. French-Bulgarian power forward Vasil Evtimov (207-77, college: N.Carolina, agency: Interperformances) stepped up and scored 9 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners and American guard Marcus Hall (185-85, college: Colorado) chipped in 20 points. Bulgarian swingman Ivan Lilov (196-88) responded with 21 points. Feni Indistrija's coach Emil Rajkovic tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Undefeated Levski Sofia have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain first place in Group B with 5-0 record. Defending FYR Macedonian champion Feni Indistrija keeps the third position with two games lost. Levski Sofia are looking forward to face bottom-ranked Zrinjski HT (#6) in Mostar in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Feni Indistrija will play at home against Ulcinj in Ulcijn and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Important game to mention about took place in Krusevac. Fourth ranked Serbian Napredak Rubin (2-3) saved a 1-point victory at home edging 5th ranked Montenegrin Ulcinj (1-4) 73-72 in the fight for the fourth place. Slaven Cupkovic (205-88) nailed 13 points and 9 rebounds for the winning side and Slobodan Pejovic accounted for 12 points and 10 rebounds. Guard Milos Djurisic (194-88) came up with 21 points and 8 rebounds for Ulcinj in the defeat. Napredak Rubin maintains fourth place in Group B with 2-3 record. Ulcinj lost their third game in a row. They keep the fifth position with four games lost. Napredak Rubin will play against league's second-placed Hapoel Tel-Aviv at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Ulcinj will play against Feni Indistrija in Kavadarci and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
A very close game took place in Bar between Montenegrin Mornar Bar and Romanian Timisoara. Third ranked Mornar Bar (3-2) got a very close home victory over 5th ranked Timisoara (1-4). Mornar Bar managed to escape with a 2-point win 79-77 on Tuesday evening. The best player for the winners was Akeem Scott who scored 19 points and 4 assists. Dominique Archie produced 14 points and 7 rebounds for the guests. Mornar Bar moved-up to second place in Group A, which they share with Rilski Sportist. Timisoara at the other side dropped to the bottom position with four games lost. Mornar Bar will meet at home Torus Skopje (#5) in the next round. Timisoara will play against OKK Beograd and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Very important is a road loss of second ranked Bulgarian Rilski Sportist (3-2) against sixth ranked Serbian OKK Beograd (1-3) on Wednesday night. Visiting Rilski Sportist was defeated by OKK Beograd in Beograd 86-68. Luka Drca orchestrated the victory by scoring 21 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. OKK Beograd left bottom position moving up to fourth place in Group A, which they share with Torus Skopje. Rilski Sportist at the other side keeps the second position with two games lost. OKK Beograd's next round opponent will be bottom-ranked Timisoara (#6) at home. Rilski Sportist will play against the league's leader Galil Gilboa (#1) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Very significant was Israeli Galil Gilboa's (#1, 5-0) victory against 4th placed FYR Macedonian Torus Skopje (1-3) 85-62. Dagan Yavzuri stepped up and scored 17 points, 5 assists and 4 steals for the winners. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for Galil Gilboa. They maintain first place in Group A with 5-0 record. Loser Torus Skopje keeps the fourth position with three games lost. Galil Gilboa will face league's second-placed Rilski Sportist in Samokov in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Torus Skopje will play on the road against Mornar Bar and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the last game of round 5
In Group B Hapoel T-A won against Zrinjski HT on the opponent's court 85-67.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 26 points by Almir Hasandic of Zrinjski HT.

Group A

Galil Gilboa - Torus Skopje 85-62

Very significant was Israeli Galil Gilboa's (#1, 5-0) victory against 4th placed FYR Macedonian Torus Skopje (1-3) 85-62. The game was mostly controlled by Galil Gilboa. Torus Skopje was better in third quarter 24-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Torus Skopje to just 6 points in second quarter. Galil Gilboa shot the lights out from three sinking 12 long-distance shots on high 57.1 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. Guard Dagan Yavzuri (193-85) stepped up and scored 17 points, 5 assists and 4 steals for the winners and American Courtney Fells (198-86, college: N.Carolina St., agency: Strategic Sports) chipped in 17 points. Five Galil Gilboa players scored in double figures. American power forward Justin Reynolds (204-88, college: Texas A&M-CC) responded with 13 points and 8 rebounds and the other American import guard Jeremiah Boswell (194-82) scored 17 points (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. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for Galil Gilboa. They maintain first place in Group A with 5-0 record. Loser Torus Skopje keeps the fourth position with three games lost. Galil Gilboa will face league's second-placed Rilski Sportist in Samokov in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Torus Skopje will play on the road against Mornar Bar and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Torus Skopje: J.Boswell 17+1reb+1ast, J.Reynolds 13+8reb+1ast, G.Markovski 9+3reb+2ast, N.Karakolev 7+5reb+1ast, B.Trajkovski 7+3reb+5ast, B.Krstevski 5+3reb+1ast
Galil Gilboa: C.Fells 17+3reb+1ast, D.Yavzuri 17+1reb+5ast, J.Martin 16+2ast, J.Jones 10+6reb+5ast, I.Kozikaro 10+7reb+2ast, C.Thomas 6+5reb+4ast

OKK Beograd - Rilski Sportist 86-68

Very important is a road loss of second ranked Bulgarian Rilski Sportist (3-2) against sixth ranked Serbian OKK Beograd (1-3) on Wednesday night. Visiting Rilski Sportist was defeated by OKK Beograd in Beograd 86-68. The game was mostly controlled by OKK Beograd. Rilski Sportist was better in fourth quarter 21-16. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Point guard Luka Drca (195-87, college: Utah, agency: Beo Basket) orchestrated the victory by scoring 21 points. Stanoje Knezevic (202-89) contributed with 13 points and 4 steals for the winners. Four OKK Beograd players scored in double figures. Serbian power forward Filip Vukosavljevic (205-83) answered with 18 points (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) and swingman Hristo Zahariev (200-90) added 16 points in the effort for Rilski Sportist. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. OKK Beograd left bottom position moving up to fourth place in Group A, which they share with Torus Skopje. Rilski Sportist at the other side keeps the second position with two games lost. OKK Beograd's next round opponent will be bottom-ranked Timisoara (#6) at home. Rilski Sportist will play against the league's leader Galil Gilboa (#1) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Rilski Sportist: F.Vukosavljevic 18+2reb+3ast, H.Zahariev 16+3reb+2ast, A.Velikov 9+1ast, S.Vaklinov 7+1reb+1ast, B.Boev 7+1ast, B.Mirkovic 5+3ast
OKK Beograd: L.Drca 21+2reb, N.Misanovic 14+1reb+1ast, S.Knezevic 13+4reb+2ast, V.Malidzan 12+2ast, J.Koprivica 9+2ast, F.Sepa 5+1reb+3ast

Mornar Bar - Timisoara 79-77

A very close game took place in Bar between Montenegrin Mornar Bar and Romanian Timisoara. Third ranked Mornar Bar (3-2) got a very close home victory over 5th ranked Timisoara (1-4). Mornar Bar managed to escape with a 2-point win 79-77 on Tuesday evening. Timisoara was tied after three quarters but could not keep up in the last quarter eventually losing the game. The best player for the winners was Jamaican-American point guard Akeem Scott (186-83, college: High Point, agency: Interperformances) who scored 19 points and 4 assists. Serbian Ivan Jelenic (190-85, agency: BeoExcell) chipped in 15 points and 5 rebounds. Scott is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. American forward Dominique Archie (200-87, college: S.Carolina) produced 14 points and 7 rebounds and Bosnian point guard Zlatko Jovanovic (181-84, agency: Beo Basket) added 10 points and 9 assists respectively for the guests. Four Timisoara players scored in double figures. Mornar Bar moved-up to second place in Group A, which they share with Rilski Sportist. Timisoara at the other side dropped to the bottom position with four games lost. Mornar Bar will meet at home Torus Skopje (#5) in the next round. Timisoara will play against OKK Beograd and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Timisoara: B.Popescu 14+5reb+1ast, D.Archie 14+7reb+1ast, N.Jovanovic 13+5reb, N.Markovic 11+1reb+1ast, Z.Jovanovic 10+2reb+9ast, D.Paltinisanu 8+5reb
Mornar Bar: A.Scott 19+2reb+4ast, I.Jelenic 15+5reb+2ast, M.Sarajlija 13+3reb+1ast, N.Ivanovic 10+4reb, F.Barovic 8+5reb+2ast, L.Radosavljevic 5+6reb+4ast

Group B

Napredak - Ulcinj 73-72

Important game to mention about took place in Krusevac. Fourth ranked Serbian Napredak Rubin (2-3) saved a 1-point victory at home edging 5th ranked Montenegrin Ulcinj (1-4) 73-72 in the fight for the fourth place. Ulcinj was tied at the half but could not keep up in last two quarters eventually losing the game. Napredak Rubin made 16-of-20 charity shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Napredak Rubin outrebounded Ulcinj 41-30 including 27 on the defensive glass. Slaven Cupkovic (205-88) nailed 13 points and 9 rebounds for the winning side and Montenegrin point guard Slobodan Pejovic (192-86) accounted for 12 points and 10 rebounds. Guard Milos Djurisic (194-88) came up with 21 points and 8 rebounds and forward Boban Medenica (204-87, agency: Beo Basket) added 16 points and 7 rebounds respectively for Ulcinj in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Napredak Rubin maintains fourth place in Group B with 2-3 record. Ulcinj lost their third game in a row. They keep the fifth position with four games lost. Napredak Rubin will play against league's second-placed Hapoel Tel-Aviv at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Ulcinj will play against Feni Indistrija in Kavadarci and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ulcinj: M.Djurisic 21+8reb+2ast, B.Medenica 16+7reb, S.Stefanovic 14+3reb+2ast, S.Tepavcevic 14+5reb+1ast, R.Djurkovic 5+5reb+1ast, M.Latkovic 2+2ast
Napredak: V.Radmanovac 14+1reb, S.Cupkovic 13+9reb+3ast, S.Pejovic 12+10reb+1ast, K.Jones 10+2reb, M.Puzic 10+4reb+3ast, A.Mandic 9+9reb+3ast

Zrinjski HT - Hapoel T-A 67-85

Very expected game in Mostar where bottom-ranked Bosnian Zrinjski HT (0-5) was defeated by second ranked Israeli Hapoel Tel-Aviv (4-1) 85-67 on Tuesday. The game was mostly controlled by Hapoel Tel-Aviv. Zrinjski HT was better in second period 21-16. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Hapoel Tel-Aviv dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to Zrinjski HT's 36. American point guard Demontez Stitt (186-89, college: Clemson) stepped up and scored 15 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals for the winners and his fellow American import Curtis Kelly (205-88, college: Kansas St.) chipped in 18 points and 6 rebounds. Almir Hasandic (190-90) responded with 26 points (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field) and American forward Marcel Jones (203-85, college: Oregon St., agency: David Lee services) produced a double-double by scoring 10 points and 16 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Hapoel Tel-Aviv maintains second place in Group B with 4-1 record behind leader Galil Gilboa. Zrinjski HT lost their fifth game in a row. They still closes the standings with five games lost. Hapoel Tel-Aviv will face Napredak Rubin (#4) in Krusevac in the next round. Zrinjski HT will play at home against the league's leader Levski Sofia and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Zrinjski HT: A.Hasandic 26+2reb, A.Avdibegovic 14+1reb+4ast, A.Radulovic 13+8reb+1ast, M.Jones 10+16reb+2ast, L.Klarica 2+4reb+3ast, D.Kapelan 2+2reb+2ast
Hapoel T-A: C.Kelly 18+6reb, D.Stitt 15+7reb+7ast, M.Naor 12+6reb+3ast, C.Carr 11+7reb+1ast, B.Timor 9+1reb+1ast, J.Skjoldebrand 8+5reb

Levski Sofia - Feni Indistrija 67-66

The most exciting game of round 5 in the Balkan League took place in Sofia. This derby game ended with only one-point defeat on the road of 3rd placed FYR Macedonian Feni Indistrija (3-2) to leader Bulgarian Levski Sofia (5-0) 67-66 on Thursday evening. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Feni Indistrija. The hosts trailed by 1 point at the halftime before their 20-17 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. They outrebounded Feni Indistrija 42-30 including 30 on the defensive glass. French-Bulgarian power forward Vasil Evtimov (207-77, college: N.Carolina, agency: Interperformances) stepped up and scored 9 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners and American guard Marcus Hall (185-85, college: Colorado) chipped in 20 points. Bulgarian swingman Ivan Lilov (196-88) responded with 21 points and power forward Kiril Nikolovski (210-88) scored 10 points and 9 rebounds. Feni Indistrija's coach Emil Rajkovic tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Levski Sofia have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain first place in Group B with 5-0 record. Defending FYR Macedonian champion Feni Indistrija keeps the third position with two games lost. Levski Sofia are looking forward to face bottom-ranked Zrinjski HT (#6) in Mostar in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Feni Indistrija will play at home against Ulcinj in Ulcijn and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Feni Indistrija: I.Lilov 21+4reb+1ast, K.Nikolovski 10+9reb, J.Frye 9+4reb+2ast, D.Knezevic 6+4reb, D.Sokolov 4+1reb, M.Gjurov 4+1reb+1ast
Levski Sofia: M.Hall 20+2reb+3ast, H.Dimitrov 15+5reb+1ast, A.Harper 11+6reb+2ast, V.Evtimov 9+15reb+4ast, D.Anguelov 9+4reb+1ast, J.Eller 3+6reb

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BALTIC LEAGUE

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Denzel BOWLES
  Siauliai
  (208-F/C-89)
  Avg: 20.3

1. Bowles, Siauliai	20.3
2. Cipruss, Tarvas	19.8
3. Krumins, Jelgava	18.8
4. Kalve, Valmiera	18.7
5. Barinov, Naglis P.	18.0
6. Hallik, Tarvas	17.2
7. Soo, Rapla	17.0
8. Amis, Tartu Ulikool	16.9
9. Reminas, Naglis P.	16.5
10. Jefferson, Triumph	16.1

Rebounds Per Game

Kaspars CIPRUSS
  Tarvas
  (210-C-82)
  Avg: 10.5

1. Cipruss, Tarvas	10.5
2. Ringmets, Rapla	9.3
3. Nelson, Jelgava	8.8
4. Johnson, Naglis P.	8.8
5. Galdikas, Neptunas	8.7
6. Mednis, Turiba	8.6
7. Arnold, TT.	8.3
8. McClure, Kedainiai	8.3
9. Benn, Naglis Palan.	7.8
10. Bowles, Siauliai	7.6

Assists Per Game

Mindaugas STASYS
  Neptunas
  (180-PG-86)
  Avg: 6.7

1. Stasys, Neptunas	6.7
2. Broadus, Siauliai	6.1
3. Maceina, Juventus	5.7
4. Kriisa, Tarvas	5.5
5. Rinkevicius, Nagli.	5.0
6. Dorbek, Tarvas	4.8
7. Janavicius, Baltai	4.6
8. Kulagin, Triumph	4.5
9. Dainys, Neptunas	4.5
10. Tsiopych, Barsy A.	4.4

Steals Per Game

Dainius SALENGA
  Rudupis
  (197-F-77)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Salenga, Rudupis	2.2
2. Virsis, Valmiera	2.2
3. Hughes, Pieno Z.	2.1
4. Landry, Triumph	2.0
5. Benn, Naglis Palan.	2.0
6. Keedus, TT.	2.0
7. Kriisa, Tarvas	2.0
8. Elksnis, Valmiera	1.8
9. Oja, Tarvas	1.8
10. Krumins, Jelgava	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Dane JOHNSON
  Naglis P.
  (208-C-86)
  Avg: 2

1. Johnson, Naglis P.	2.0
2. Rozitis, Valmiera	1.9
3. Gumeniuk, Juventus	1.9
4. Toome, Kalev/Cramo	1.6
5. Staniulis, Techasas	1.6
6. Masiulis, Kedainiai	1.5
7. Jefferson, Triumph	1.1
8. Cipruss, Tarvas	1.0
9. Morgan, Pieno Z.	1.0
10. Kurtsevich, Trium.	0.9

Standings - Men

Baltic League Standings

Elite Division
1. Siauliai			8-1
2. Rudupis			7-2
3. Kalev/Cramo			6-3
4. Triumph			6-3
5. Pieno Zvaigzdes			6-3
6. Ventspils			5-4
7. Juventus			5-5
8. Tartu Ulikool			3-7
9. Kedainiai			2-8
10. Baltai Kaunas			2-8
11. Liepaja			2-8
Challenge Cup
Group A
1. Naglis Palangos			5-1
2. Neptunas			4-2
3. Tarvas			4-2
4. Barsy Atyrau			3-5
5. Jelgava			0-6
Group B
1. Techasas			6-2
2. Sakalai			6-2
3. Valmiera			6-3
4. TTU/Kalev			3-5
5. Rapla			2-6
6. Turiba			2-7

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BOSNIA

Celik Zenica gets crushed by Vogosca 93-75! - by Chris Mathieu
Celik Zenica gets crushed by Vogosca 93-75! Celik Zenica took a big step backwards this week as the team was crushed by Vogosca 93-75! The team had no answer for Sead Hadzifejzovic who came up big with 33pts on 13-17 from the field and pulled down 15 rebounds! Sead is a very interesting basketball player who along with Dzenan Rahimic and Marko Jagodic has been the best players in Bosnia this year. Sead is also an excellent passer as a big man and has averaged over 20ppg 8rbpg and 2 aspg so far this season. Sead is an interesting prospect who is only 22 years old and looks like a quality player with his overall talent. It is hard to tell though since he is playing against such a low level of competition. It would be interesting to see if he can get naturalized and not count against the National Team as a foreigner. I think he could compete on the Bosnian National Team and should at least be considered for an invite if they could make it happen.
Vogosca is now 2-10 and faces league leader Igokea next month and needs a miracle to beat them. Celik regressed back into the poor shooting, poor defending and poor decision making team that has plagued their season so far. It will be interesting to see if Celik can rebound against Leotar next month.

Standings - BIH League

D1 Standings

1. Igokea		10-1
2. Bosna		10-2
3. Capljina		9-3
4. Leotar		8-4
5. Mladost		8-4
6. Varda HE		7-5
7. Hercegovac		5-6
8. Borac Nektar		5-7
9. Zrinjski HT		4-8
10. Celik		3-8
11. Brotnjo		3-9
12. Servitium		3-9
13. Vogosca		1-10
Play in international cups:
1. Siroki WWin		0-0

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BULGARIA

A Lesson for Champions: United in success, divided in failure - by Maria Mitzova
Lukoil Academik Sofia will go through difficult times of disappointment and hard to find motivation. For a moment in time, the champions managed to united Bulgarian basketball fans. Yes, its true that in the basketball here, people rarely divide by clubs, because there are no such rivalries as in the football world. And now, after the loss at ASVEL, basketball fans will stand united as well, or should I say walk united out of the Arena.
Of course, there are fans of the other teams in the Bulgarian League, but most of them kept fingers crossed throughout the whole game in France. Everyone wished success to Todor Stoykov (198-G/F-77, agency: Interperformances) and his teammates. Thats what it was all about to fill the empty seats in the Arena Armeec, to receive everyones support, and to see that those same players, that look bored on the court in the domestic championship, came to life and fought till last breath in Eurocup.
But all good things come to an end, and there it is. Lukoil missed a huge opportunity, as it did last year, in the qualifying round against Aris, as it did last year, in the EuroChallenge quarterfinal vs KRKA Novo mesto. It was just the same déjà vu. The champion lost too many games, that it should have won, and it lost those games at the final stretch. Some players did show character, no doubt, but its obvious, it was just not enough for a victory.
And blaming it all to a pure luck is just not a champion style, the style that they should insist on from Day 1 till Day Last.
Lukoil need to be picked up from the ground. But its a job no one else than the management, the players and the coaching staff could do. Because everyone cheers in success, but no one taps you on the back after a loss

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CANADA

Oshawa Power and Head Coach Mark Strickland part ways - by Eurobasket News
Durham's Team the Oshawa Power has announced that the professional basketball team and Head Coach Mark Strickland have decided to mutually part ways in the best interests of the team and thank him for his efforts.

'We appreciate all that Coach Strickland has done for this organization,' said Gary Durrant, President of Basketball Operations. 'We wish him all the best in his future endeavours.'

David 'D.J.' Joseph, father of NBA player Cory Joseph and University of Oregon point guard Devoe Joseph will assume the role of Associate Head Coach until an interim Head Coach is named.

Joseph is a fixture in Durham Region basketball community having assisted the Pickering Trojans Senior Boys Basketball team for several years, including stints when Cory and Devoe guided Pickering to back-to-back provincial basketball titles.

Joseph brings a wealth of basketball experience and his strong ties to Durham Region are a positive for the Oshawa Power franchise.

Next up for the Power is a game vs. the Summerside Storm at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday December 22 as Morgan Lewis returns to the lineup after missing 10 games due to injury.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Storm adds another to roster - by Eurobasket News
The Summerside Storm signed a new player to their roster Wednesday, but lost another to injury.

A day after its seventh straight loss, this time to the London Lightning on Tuesday, Summerside announced it had signed five-foot-11, 180-pound guard Stephen McDowell (5'11''-G-85, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Chattanooga).

McDowell, a native of Indianapolis, Indiana, is coming off a stint with the Sioux Falls (South Dakota) Skyforce of the NBA's Developmental League.

The Skyforce is the minor league team of the NBA's Miami Heat, Orlando Magic and Minnesota Timberwolves.

'He's a scorer,' said Storm head coach, Joe Salerno, shortly after McDowell's signing was announced on Wednesday.

'He can play the point and the shooting guard positions, and he's also another good on-ball defender. He's a very exciting player.'

Summerside also placed one of its leading scorers, Chris Cayole, on the injured reserve after he left early in Tuesday's game with a high-ankle sprain.

The injury could keep Cayole, who was averaging over 13 points a game, out 10 to 14 days.

'At first we thought it might've been a break, but the x-rays came back negative, which we were excited about,' said Salerno. 'Chris is actually going to be headed home for Christmas, back to Vermont. Chris is a very focused guy, he's going to take his rehab very seriously, so he should be back sooner than later.'

Salerno was clear, however, that McDowell was not simply a replacement player for Cayole while he's on IR.

He said the Storm will likely have to make some roster changes when Cayole returns, but indicated that McDowell is in Summerside to stay.

'We are carrying 13 (players) with one on the IR, so we will have to make a move when Chris gets off the injured reserve,' he said. 'McDowell was definitely not brought in here just as a fill-in for Chris Cayole... He, in my mind, could really be one of the better guards in the NBL, so he's a very big signing for us.'

Acquiring McDowell was the second transaction in less than a week for the Storm. Sunday, the team released Justin Garris and signed Philadelphia-native Troy Jackson.

The six-foot-three shooting guard recorded nine points and four rebounds in 11 minutes in Tuesday's 107-98 loss to the first-place Lightning.

'He kind of took it into his own hands to try to create a little more (offensively)... and I thought he did a good job of it,' Salerno said of Jackson's first game. 'He took the ball to the rim, he was good off penetration and made a lot of the right reads.'

The Storm, 5-10 (won-lost) will look to snap their losing streak on the road against the Oshawa Power (6-11) tonight.

'We can't overlook anybody right now - we're on a pretty serious slide,' said Salerno. 'Last night (Tuesday against London) we fought back, and we played hard and competed, and we just got beat by a very good team. We didn't give it away.'

Courtesy of www.journalpioneer.com

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CHILE

Standings - LIBSUR

DIMAYOR Standings

1. U.Concepcion		14-0
2. Liceo Mixto		12-2
3. U.Espanola		9-5
4. Dep.Espanol		9-5
5. Sokol de Antof.		4-8
6. U.Catolica		4-10
7. San Luis		2-10
8. Munic.Curacavi		0-14

Standings - DIMAYOR

Liga Standings

Championship Group
1. Dep.Castro		7-1
2. Los Leones		6-2
3. Osorno Basq.		5-3
4. Aleman		4-4
5. Puente Alto		3-5
6. Boston Coll.		3-5
7. Sagrados		2-6
8. Dep.Valdivia		2-6
Places 9-18
1. Temuco Basket		11-3
2. Dep.Ancud		10-4
3. San Juan		8-10
4. Sabuesos		8-10
5. Sportiva Italiana		7-11
6. Providencia		7-11
7. Stadio Italiano		6-12
8. Las Animas		5-9
9. Dep.Pucon		1-13
10. Palestino		0-18

Liga Nacional: second stage round 7 & 8 results - by Daniel Valencia
These are the results for Liga Nacional round 7 and 8 of the second stage. Deportes Castro is the exclusive leader with a 7-1 record in the second stage, while Sagrados Corazones and Deportivo Valdivia are at the bottom of the standings.

Round 7

Deportes Castro 84 - Deportes Osorno 79
Los Leones 98 - Puente Alto 93
Aleman 90 - Deportivo Valdivia 78
Boston College 93 - Sagrados Corazones 74

Round 8

Deportes Osorno 71 - Deportes Castro 75
Puente Alto 88 - Los Leones 84
Deportivo Valdivia 84 - Aleman 95
Sagrados Corazones 83 - Boston College 64

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CHINA

CBA Cut NBA Players - by Robert Wang
CBA has been playing for about 15 rounds and half of the regullar season games finished. All CBA teams are fighting for their playoff now. If teams could not have a good standing then they will point their head to the imports firstly. Like Qing Dao team had changed their imports and signed Olumu back. big O has played in China for many years from Bei Jing team, Shan Xi team, Fo shan team, Liao Ning team and Qing Dao team. Now, Kenyon Martin is the next NBA player that got released again. Xin Jiang lost some games agianst some weaker team in the past rounds and had some tough games against weaker teams and club decided to release star Martin. But it seemed like CBA will not give him the clarance letter which means Martin can not play in any other countries during the season. This would be a big issue for him. Now, team and player are unde discussing in this isue. Another news came out today saying that Liao Ning might release another NBA player Josh Powell because he can not help team that much. Let's wait and see.

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CROATIA

Zalgiris edges Zagreb, advances to Top 16 - by Eurobasket News
Zalgiris - KK Zagreb CO 87-76

Zalgiris advanced to the Euroleague Top 16. The Lithuanian champion made it in do-or-die game against Zagreb 87-76 jumping to fourth place in Group B with 4-6 record. Zagreb finished as the last ranked team in this pool with 2-8. Sonny Weems (198-G/F-86, college: Arkansas) led the hosts to this crucial victory with 20 points. Marko Popovic (185-G-82, agency: Alti Sport, college: S.Idaho JC) also shined scoring 17 pts, while Paulius Jankunas (205-F-84, agency: Interperformances) secured a great help with 12 points and 8 rebounds. Zagreb got 20 points and 8 rebounds from Mario Kasun (213-C-80). Petar Babic (190-G-85) and Sean May (206-F-84, college: N.Carolina) (6 rebs) had 17 and 15 pts respectively. Zalgiris did a great job in the first half of the game making 17-point lead, 46-29. Zalgiris had plus 21 at the one moment during the Q2. Zagreb didn't give up and came to 79-72 with 3 minutes remaining in the game, but than Weems turned a Zagreb turnover into a made free throw. And Tomas Delininkaitis scored his first points of the game with a jumper in the lane to put the hosts ahead by 10. Quarters: 28-18, 18-11, 20-21, 21-26. The Top 16 draw is scheduled for December 28.

Zalgiris: Sonny Weems 20, Marko Popovic 17, Paulius Jankunas 12+8 boards
Zagreb: Mario Kasun 20+8 boards, Petar Babic 17, Sean May 15+6 boards

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CZECH REPUBLIC

Standings - D2

1Liga Standings

1. J.Hradec		15-0
2. Sparta Praha		12-3
3. Opava B		12-3
4. Proton Zlin		11-4
5. Sokol H.Kralove		10-5
6. Trutnov		8-7
7. Sokol Prazsky		8-7
8. Liberec		8-7
9. Benesov		6-9
10. Vysehrad		5-10
11. Litomerice		4-11
12. Prostejov B		4-11
13. Kladno		1-14
14. Mlada Boleslav		1-14

Decin Runs Over Opava 85-49 in Round 19 Action - by Surujh Roopnarine
BK Decin steamrolled to an impressive 36-point rout of visiting BK B&W Opava last night in Decin. The hosts doubled-up their visitors 18-9 after one quarter and never took their foot off the gas, improving to 14-6 on the season. Opava, which had been playing better as of late, falls to 3-16, second-from-last on the table. Despite the fact that Decin shot only 4-15 from three, and 11-19 from the line, the club from Northern Bohemia was too much for an Opava side which made just 16 field goals on the night, equaling the amount of made free-throws for them as well (16-17). Pavel Houska (201-F-84) was the high-scorer on the night with 16 points, as four Decin players reached double-figures. As could be expected, no player from Opava recorded double-digits in scoring, as Milan Kolovrat (207-C/F-86) led the losing effort with a team-high nine points.
DECIN: Pavel Houska (16pts+6reb+5ast), Tarvis Williams (205-F/C-78, college: Hampton) (12pts), Levell Sanders (189-G-75, college: Seton Hall) (10pts+5reb+6ast), Tomas Pomikalek (200-F-89) (11pts)
OPAVA: Milan Kolovrat (9pts), Bruno Celebija (202-F-86) (8pts), Martin Vanak (200-F-87) (6pts+6reb), Jakub Blazek (203-F-80) (6pts+6reb)

1Liga Round 15: Leader BK Lions Hradec gets another victory - by Eurobasket News
The round 15 was rather boring as all games ended with very predictable results.

Undefeated leader BK Lions Hradec delivered the fifteenth consecutive win on Friday night. This time they crushed 13th ranked Kladno (1-14) 85-53 in J.Hradec. The game without a history. BK Lions Hradec led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Undefeated BK Lions Hradec (15-0) have an impressive series of fifteen victories in a row. They maintain first place with a perfect record of 15 victories in a row. Kladno lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the thirteenth position with 14 games lost. They share it with Mlada Boleslav. BK Lions Hradec are looking forward to face Slavoj BK Litomerice (#11) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Kladno will play against Kara Trutnov and is hoping to prove to their supporters that they can break losing series.

Other games of round 15 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Prostejov B was defeated by Proton Zlin in a road game 79-74. Mlada Boleslav was beaten by Opava B at home 79-94. Vysehrad was destroyed by Liberec on the opponent's court 93-63. Benesov was outscored by Sparta Praha in a home game 64-83. Sokol Prazsky managed to beat Trutnov on the road 77-71. Sokol H.Kralove crushed Litomerice on its own court 104-78.

Proton Zlin - Prostejov B 79-74

There was no surprise when 12th ranked BK Prostejov B (4-11) was defeated on the road by fourth ranked Proton Zlin (11-4) 79-74 on Sunday. However just five-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. The hosts were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Proton Zlin have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain fourth place with 11-4 record. BK Prostejov B at the other side dropped to the eleventh position with 11 games lost. They share it with Litomerice. Proton Zlin are looking forward to face higher ranked B&W Opava B (#3) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. BK Prostejov B will play against Sokol Hradec Kralove (#5) and is hoping to prove to their supporters that the loss was just an accident.

Mlada Boleslav - Opava B 79-94

No shocking result in a game when third ranked B&W Opava B (12-3) defeated on the road bottom-ranked Mlada Boleslav (1-14) 94-79 on Saturday. The game was mostly controlled by B&W Opava B. Mlada Boleslav managed to win fourth quarter 25-24. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. B&W Opava B have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Sparta Praha. Mlada Boleslav lost fourteenth consecutive game. Newly promoted team dropped to the bottom position with 14 games lost. They share it with Kladno. B&W Opava B is looking forward to face Proton Zlin (#4) at home in the next round. Mlada Boleslav will play against Sokol Vysehrad (#10) and is hoping to prove to their supporters that they can break losing series.

Liberec - Vysehrad 93-63

Rather expected game when 10th ranked Sokol Vysehrad (5-10) was rolled over on the road by eighth ranked BK Kondori Liberec (8-7) 93-63 on Friday. BK Kondori Liberec moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Sokol Prazsky and Trutnov. Sokol Vysehrad at the other side keeps the tenth position with ten games lost. BK Kondori Liberec is looking forward to face league's second-placed Sparta Praha on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Sokol Vysehrad will play against Mlada Boleslav (#14) and is hoping to prove to their supporters that the loss was just an accident.

Benesov - Sparta Praha 64-83

Very predictable result when third ranked Sparta Praha (12-3) outscored on the road 9th ranked BC Benesov (6-9) 83-64 on Saturday. The game was mostly controlled by Sparta Praha. BC Benesov managed to win third quarter 20-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Sparta Praha moved-up to second place, which they share with Opava B. BC Benesov lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the ninth position with nine games lost. Sparta Praha is looking forward to face BK Kondori Liberec (#8) at home in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. BC Benesov will play against Sokol Prazsky in Praha and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Trutnov - Sokol Prazsky 71-77

There was a minor upset when 6th ranked Kara Trutnov (8-7) was defeated at home by eighth ranked Sokol Prazsky (8-7) 77-71 on Sunday. Kara Trutnov was trailing by 2 points at halftime but managed to get 1-point lead after three quarters before a 28-21 charge of Sokol Prazsky, which allowed them to win the game. Sokol Prazsky moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Trutnov and Liberec. Kara Trutnov lost fourth consecutive game. Sokol Prazsky is looking forward to face BC Benesov (#9) at home in the next round. Kara Trutnov will play against Kladno and is hoping to win this game.

J.Hradec - Kladno 85-53

Undefeated leader BK Lions Hradec delivered the fifteenth consecutive win on Friday night. This time they crushed 13th ranked Kladno (1-14) 85-53 in J.Hradec. The game without a history. BK Lions Hradec led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. BK Lions Hradec (15-0) have an impressive series of fifteen victories in a row. They maintain first place with a perfect record of 15 victories in a row. Kladno lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the thirteenth position with 14 games lost. They share it with Mlada Boleslav. BK Lions Hradec are looking forward to face Slavoj BK Litomerice (#11) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Kladno will play against Kara Trutnov and is hoping to prove to their supporters that they can break losing series.

Sokol H.Kralove - Litomerice 104-78

Everything went according to plan when fifth ranked Sokol Hradec Kralove (10-5) outleveled at home 11th ranked Slavoj BK Litomerice (4-11) 104-78 on Tuesday. The victory was the third consecutive win for Sokol Hradec Kralove. They maintain fifth place with 10-5 record. Slavoj BK Litomerice at the other side keeps the eleventh position with 11 games lost. They share it with Prostejov B. Sokol Hradec Kralove are looking forward to face BK Prostejov B (#12) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Slavoj BK Litomerice will play against the league's leader BK Lions Hradec in J.Hradec and is hoping to prove to their supporters that this time they can win.

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D-LEAGUE

Standings

D-League Standings

East Conference
1. Iowa E.		7-3
2. Springfield A.		5-4
3. Dakota W.		4-4
4. Ft.Wayne MA		4-4
5. Canton C.		4-5
6. Erie Bay H.		4-7
7. Maine RC		3-5
8. Sioux Falls S.		3-6
West Conference
1. Los Angeles D.		8-5
2. Austin T.		6-3
3. Bakersfield J.		6-3
4. Tulsa 66ers		6-4
5. Rio Grande VV		6-5
6. Reno B.		4-5
7. Idaho S.		4-6
8. Texas L.		3-8

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Brandon COSTNER
  Los A.
  (206-F-87)
  Avg: 25.4

1. Costner, Los A.	25.4
2. Garcia, Sioux F.	24.8
3. Sloan, Erie Bay H.	24.8
4. Ahearn, Reno B.	24.7
5. Dentmon, Austin T.	23.3
6. Millsap, Los A.	23.2
7. Moses Randal., Iow.	21.5
8. Famous, Iowa E.	21.0
9. Asumnu, Rio G.	20.0
10. Thompson, Erie B.	19.8

Rebounds Per Game

Marcus LEWIS
  Tulsa 66ers
  (203-F/C-86)
  Avg: 12.7

1. Lewis, Tulsa 66ers	12.7
2. Butch, Bakersfi.	12.5
3. Famous, Iowa E.	12.2
4. Daniels, Erie B.	11.4
5. Wright, Maine RC	10.8
6. Stiemsma, Sioux F.	10.8
7. Ojougboh, Tulsa	10.5
8. Brown, Springfield	10.4
9. Thomas, Austin T.	10.3
10. Thomas, Reno B.	10.2

Assists Per Game

Walker RUSSELL
  Ft.Wayne.
  (183-G-82)
  Avg: 11.8

1. Russell, Ft.Wayne.	11.8
2. Sloan, Erie Bay H.	8.4
3. Cooksey, Texas L.	8.2
4. Tinsley, Los A.	7.6
5. Coleman, Sioux F.	7.4
6. Ahearn, Reno B.	7.3
7. Ewing, Iowa E.	7.0
8. Bozeman, Reno B.	6.4
9. Baker, Dakota W.	6.3
10. Hayes, Maine RC	5.8

Steals Per Game

Elijah MILLSAP
  Los A.
  (198-G-87)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Millsap, Los A.	3.5
2. Tinsley, Los A.	2.4
3. Dentmon, Austin T.	2.3
4. Harris, Rio G.	2.1
5. Hamilton, Los A.	2.1
6. Fortson, Los A.	2.1
7. Baker, Dakota W.	2.1
8. Russell, Ft.Wayne.	2.0
9. Jackson, Ft.Wayne.	2.0
10. Thompson, Erie B.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Gregory STIEMSMA
  Sioux F.
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 4.5

1. Stiemsma, Sioux F.	4.5
2. Foster, Idaho S.	3.8
3. Major, Bakersfi.	2.2
4. Daniels, Erie B.	2.2
5. Thompson, Erie B.	2.0
6. Ojougboh, Tulsa	1.8
7. Gladness, Dakota	1.8
8. Dove, Dakota W.	1.8
9. Wright, Maine RC	1.5
10. Fazekas, Reno B.	1.5

Legends use new faces to beat D-Fenders - by Eurobasket News
A new group of players may have just been the spark the Texas Legends needed.

Led by Chris Roberts' (6'4''-G-88, college: Bradley) 17 points, the Legends took control in the second half to beat the first-place Los Angeles D-Fenders 112-108 at Dr. Pepper Arena.

Playing in his first game since returning from Mexico, Roberts did not hesitate to look for his shot. He scored four near the end of the first quarter, when Texas took the lead from LA, and then he helped put the game away in the fourth with 10.

'I have some NBA guys and good point guards; they just brought me the same action that everybody runs,' said Roberts, who did play with the Legends near the end of last season.

'I kind of have some chemistry on this team, and it was comfortable for me.'

Not only was Roberts in his first game, but Jerome Randle, Sean Williams and Drew Nietzel all joined the Legends a day after playing in the Maverick's last preseason game.

'It is difficult,' coach Del Harris said of fitting the new guys in immediately. 'We got three of the guys this morning and one yesterday, and yet I played them major minutes because they're very good.'

Indeed, Roberts, Randle and Williams each played more than 20 minutes while Neitzel played 17.

Up 58-56 hat halftime, the Legends put on the pressure to start the third. They forced six turnovers, including five in LA's first nine possessions, helping them lead by as many as 12.

'It's just the way we try to play,'Harris said. 'We're one of the top steals teams in the league, we're small, and so we kind of have to get out after it.'

The D-Fenders tried to slow the pace down and feed the ball to Brandon Costner, who scored 24 of his 34 points in the second half.

'He's an inside out guy, so it's kind of tough,' said Anthony Vereen (6'7''-F-86, college: Texas Arlington), who had to defend Costner starting late in the third. 'He kind of resembles me in body size, so iyou just gotta try guarding him as if you were guarding yourself.'

But the Legends kept up with their long range shooting, hitting nine three-pointers in the second half. Booker Woodfox (6'1''-PG-86, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Creighton) contributed 13 of his 22 points in that time period and hit six three-pointers in the game.

Texas isn't done with the D-Fenders yet, as the two teams will face off again in Frisco on Friday.

Courtesy of www.examiner.com

Reno Bighorns run past Idaho Stampede - by Eurobasket News
The Reno Bighorns toppled the Idaho Stampede Wednesday night, pulling away in the fourth quarter, 115-95.

Blake Ahearn (6'2''-PG-84, college: Missouri St.) scored 23 points and dished out 9 assists in his return to the team after a stint in the Los Angeles Clippers training camp.

Andre Emmett (6'5''-G/F-82, college: Texas Tech) added 21 points and 8 rebounds in the win, bringing the team to a 4-5 record.

Tempers flared at the end of the game when Antoine Walker of the Stampede committed a hard foul on Doug Thomas going for a rebound and a small scuffle ensued. Walker was ejected from the game after the incident.

The game was tightly contested in the first three quarters, until the Bighorns started to get easy looks in the fourth. First, Cedric Bozeman hit a wide open three-pointer to take a 4-point lead before Chris Davis drove through the Stampede defense for an easy layup to extend the lead to 6 points. Doug Thomas provided the exclamation point for the Bighorns with an emphatic slam dunk with 6:55 left in the game. The Stampede missed numerous shots in an attempt at a comeback and showed their frustration with the end of game scuffle.

The teams face off again Friday at the Reno Events Center at 7 p.m. They then go to Idaho for the cap of the teams early season three-game series.

Courtesy of www.rgj.com

Seth Tarver back with Stampede in time to play at Reno - by Eurobasket News
Guard Seth Tarver (6'5''-G/F-88, college: Oregon St.) returned to Idaho after participating in the Portland Trail Blazers training camp.

He played in Wednesday nights game at Reno and scored six points off the bench in a 115-95 loss.

Newcomer David Bailey, acquired in a trade with the Sioux Falls Skyforce last week, had a team-high 17 points.

Tarver played in four games (all starts) with the Stampede prior to attending the Blazers camp. He averaged 15.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game with Idaho.

The Stampede waived guard Cheyne Gadson to make room for Tarver on the roster. Gadson was leading the Stampede in scoring (15.8 ppg) before being cut.

Courtesy of www.idahostatesman.com

Legends pick up three from Dallas Mavericks - by Eurobasket News
The Texas Legends picked up some depth this afternoon when the Dallas Mavericks assigned guards Drew Neitzel (6'0''-G-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: Michigan St.) and Jerome Randle (5'10''-G-87, college: California), along with last year's All-NBA D-League selection Sean Williams (6'10''-F-86, college: Boston Coll.) to the team in Frisco.

Jerome Randle, a 5-10 guard from California University, earned Pac-10 player of the year honors and AP All-American honorable mention in his senior year. Randle blossomed in his final season averaging 18.6 points, 4.3 assists, and connected on 93.3% of his free throws. In his two preseason games with the Dallas Mavericks Randle averaged 11 points.

Drew Neitzel, a standout at Michigan State, went undrafted in 2008 as a 6-0 guard. After playing professionally in Germany, the former Michigan 'Mr. Basketball' award winner joined the Dallas Mavericks training camp. Neitzel earned second-team All-American honors in 2008.

A former Legends star, Sean Williams, will rejoin the team that he helped lead to the playoffs as an All-NBA D-League selection in 2010-11. Williams was a defensive force blocking 3.1 shots, grabbing 10.1 rebounds, and contributing 15.4 points per game during his time with the Legends. Williams is also known as a high school basketball star in the Dallas area, earning multiple honors at Mansfield High. Williams was the 17th overall pick by the New Jersey Nets in 2007.

The additions come at a perfect time for Texas (2-8) who plays the conference leading Los Angeles D-Fenders twice in the next three days.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Greene comes back to Los Angeles D-Fenders - by Eurobasket Center
Los Angeles D-Fenders strengthened their roster with addition of 29-year old guard Orien Greene (193-G-94kg-82, college: La-Lafayette). Its actually Greenes comeback to Los Angeles D. as he played here before. In his first game he scored 22 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Despite his good performance his new team lost to Texas L. 108-112. Greene played most recently at Halifax Rainmen (Canada). While playing 7 games for Halifax R. this season he averaged 8.9ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.3apg and 1.3spg. Greene is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Australia, Canada, China, Holland, Israel and Venezuela. Greene graduated University Louisiana at Lafayette in 2005 and actually missed last season. It will be his seventh season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Bailey comes back to Idaho Stampede - by Eurobasket Center
Idaho Stampede strengthened their roster with addition of 30-year old David Bailey (173-PG-81, college: Loyola, IL). Its actually Baileys comeback to Idaho S. as he played here before. In his first game he scored 17 points, grabbed 3 rebounds and 5 assists. Despite his good performance his new team lost to Reno B. 95-115. Bailey played most recently at Sioux Falls Skyforce (D-League). While playing 36 games for Sioux Falls S. last season he averaged 10.8ppg, 3.2rpg, 5.4apg and 1.1spg. He is a very experienced player. Bailey played also pro basketball in Australia, Croatia, Estonia, France and Poland. He graduated Loyola University of Chicago in 2003 and actually missed last season. It will be his nineth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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

EGYPT

Pan Arab Games: Egypt edge Tunisia to clinch Bronze - by Eurobasket News
Egypt - Tunisia 88:71

Egypt clinched the third position at Pan Arab Games. They outgunned Tunisia in the consolation final tonight. Assem Marei (206-C/F-92) accounted for 18 points and 9 rebounds to lead the effort.
The teams stayed close throughout the opening quarter. The lead changed hands for several times before Egypt eked out a 19:18 lead heading into the next period. Egypt opened the second quarter on a 16:1 run to boost their lead. They arrived at halftime up by 16 points 47:31. Egypt kept their opponents at safe distance throughout the third quarter. They headed into the final frame up by 19 points 69:50 and never looked back en route to the victory. Amr El Gandy (202-F/C-88) finished with 11 points, while Ahmed ElSabagh (191-F/G-85) chipped in 10 points for the winners. Mourad El Mabrouk (190-G-86) answered with 28 points for Tunisia. Lassad Chouya (190-G-89) netted 11 points in the loss.

Egypt: Assem Marei 18, Amr El Gandy 11, Ahmed ElSabagh 10
Tunisia: Mourad El Mabrouk 28, Lassad Chouya 11

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

EUROLEAGUE

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Mirza TELETOVIC
  Caja L.
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 22

1. Teletovic, Caja L.	22.0
2. Spanoulis, Olympia.	19.8
3. McCalebb, Montepa.	17.9
4. Weems, Zalgiris	17.5
5. Carroll, Real Madr.	16.9
6. Mallet, Spirou	16.6
7. Domercant, Unics	16.5
8. Gallinari, Armani	16.4
9. Batum, Nancy	15.8
10. Banic, Gescrap BB	15.7

Rebounds Per Game

Andrei KIRILENKO
  CSKA
  (205-F-81)
  Avg: 9

1. Kirilenko, CSKA	9.0
2. Macvan, Partizan	8.2
3. Motiejunas, Asseco	7.9
4. Krstic, CSKA	7.1
5. Akingbala, Nancy	6.9
6. Slaughter, Brose B.	6.9
7. Batum, Nancy	6.7
8. Freeland, Unicaja	6.7
9. Kasun, KK.	6.6
10. Bourousis, Armani	6.5

Assists Per Game

Milos TEODOSIC
  CSKA
  (195-G-87)
  Avg: 5.9

1. Teodosic, CSKA	5.9
2. Rodriguez, Real M.	5.5
3. Batum, Nancy	5.2
4. Huertas, FCB Regal	5.0
5. Diamantidis, Panat.	5.0
6. Cook, Armani MI	4.9
7. Spanoulis, Olympia.	4.9
8. Tunceri, Anadolu	4.8
9. Prigioni, Caja L.	4.6
10. Blassingame, Asse.	4.5

Steals Per Game

Andrei KIRILENKO
  CSKA
  (205-F-81)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Kirilenko, CSKA	2.2
2. Prigioni, Caja L.	2.2
3. Sefolosha, Fener.U.	2.1
4. Linehan, Nancy	2.0
5. Slaughter, Brose B.	1.8
6. Batum, Nancy	1.7
7. Gist, Fener.Ulker	1.7
8. Gordon, Galatasaray	1.7
9. Diamantidis, Panat.	1.6
10. McCalebb, Montep.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Andrei KIRILENKO
  CSKA
  (205-F-81)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Kirilenko, CSKA	3.2
2. Ibaka, Real Madrid	2.0
3. Riddick, Spirou	1.6
4. Begic, Real Madrid	1.6
5. Ilyasova, Anadolu	1.5
6. Slaughter, Brose B.	1.3
7. Vazquez, FCB Regal	1.2
8. Perovic, FCB Regal	1.2
9. James, Maccabi T-A	1.1
10. Fischer, Gescrap	1.1

Standings

Euroleague Standings

Group A
1. Fener.Ulker			6-4
2. Olympiakos			6-4
3. Bennet Cantu			5-5
4. Caja Laboral			5-5
5. Gescrap BB			5-5
6. Nancy			3-7
Group B
1. CSKA			10-0
2. Panathinaikos			7-3
3. Unicaja			4-6
4. Zalgiris			4-6
5. Brose Baskets			3-7
6. KK Zagreb CO			2-8
Group C
1. Real Madrid			8-2
2. Maccabi T-A			7-3
3. Anadolu Efes			5-5
4. Armani MI			4-6
5. Partizan			4-6
6. Spirou			2-8
Group D
1. FCB Regal			9-1
2. Montepaschi			8-2
3. Unics			7-3
4. Galatasaray			4-6
5. Asseco Prokom			1-9
6. Union Olimpija			1-9

Groups B and D: Regular season is over - by Eurobasket News
GROUP B

Panathinaikos - Brose Baskets 71-66
Panathinaikos was better than Brose Baskets 71-66 in the last round of the Euroleague regular season. The reigning champion finished as No.2 in Group B with 7-3 record and of course advanced to Top 16. Brose Baskets failed to reach the next stage due to last week's home loss against Zalgiris. The German squad finished as No.5 with 3-7 score. Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80) top-scored for the winners with 14 points. Ian Vougioukas (212-C/F-85, college: St.Louis) had 12, while Kostas Kaimakoglou (206-C/F-83) collected 11 points and 10 boards. In the loosing squad, Predrag Suput (200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) (5 rebs) and Brian Roberts (188-G-85, agency: Interperformances) scored 11 points each. Anthony Leon Tucker (198-F-85, college: Texas) stopped to 10. Brose Baskets had impressive beginning as they made double digit lead already in the first ten minutes, but PAO replied after the breather for 56-53 turn. In very exciting finish Brian Roberts struck from downtown but Kostas Kaimakoglou answered with a big three-pointer for a 69-66 score already in the final minute. Roberts missed twice from way downtown and a dunk by Romain Sato allowed Panathinaikos to seal the win in style. Quarters: 12-22, 18-16, 26-15, 15-13. The Top 16 draw is set for December 28.

Panathinaikos: Dimitris Diamantidis 14, Ian Vougioukas 12, Kostas Kaimakoglou 11+10 boards
Brose Baskets: Predrag Suput 11+5 boards, Brian Roberts 11, Anthony Leon Tucker 10

Unicaja - CSKA 83-91
CSKA Moscow finished Euroleague regular season with impressive 10-0 record. The Russian powerhouse outplayed Unicaja in Malaga on Wednesday night 83-91 winning the Group B. Unicaja also advanced to Top 16, but as No.3 of this pool with 4-6 record. Milos Teodosic (195-G-87) shined for the winners with double-double of 18 points and 10 assists. Nenad Krstic (213-C-83, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) had 14 points and 6 rebounds, while Anton Ponkrashov (200-G-86, agency: RIZO) netted 13 pts. For the home squad, Gerald Fitch (191-G-82, agency: SportsTalent, college: Kentucky) collected 16 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Hrvoje Peric (203-F-85) (7 rebs) and Joel Freeland (208-F-87) also scored 16 points each. CSKA made 5-12 run in the finish of Q3 and later in the last period jumped to 67-79, what was too much for Unicaja for rest of the way. Quarters: 23-22, 18-22, 22-27, 20-20. The Top 16 draw is scheduled for December 28.

Unicaja: Gerald Fitch 16+6 boards+5 as, Hrvoje Peric 16+7 boards, Joel Freeland 16
CSKA Moscow: Milos Teodosic 18+10 as, Nenad Krstic 14+6 boards, Anton Ponkrashov 13

Zalgiris - KK Zagreb CO 87-76
Zalgiris advanced to the Euroleague Top 16. The Lithuanian champion made it in do-or-die game against Zagreb 87-76 jumping to fourth place in Group B with 4-6 record. Zagreb finished as the last ranked team in this pool with 2-8. Sonny Weems (198-G/F-86, college: Arkansas) led the hosts to this crucial victory with 20 points. Marko Popovic (185-G-82, agency: Alti Sport, college: S.Idaho JC) also shined scoring 17 pts, while Paulius Jankunas (205-F-84, agency: Interperformances) secured a great help with 12 points and 8 rebounds. Zagreb got 20 points and 8 rebounds from Mario Kasun (213-C-80). Petar Babic (190-G-85) and Sean May (206-F-84, college: N.Carolina) (6 rebs) had 17 and 15 pts respectively. Zalgiris did a great job in the first half of the game making 17-point lead, 46-29. Zalgiris had plus 21 at the one moment during the Q2. Zagreb didn't give up and came to 79-72 with 3 minutes remaining in the game, but than Weems turned a Zagreb turnover into a made free throw. And Tomas Delininkaitis scored his first points of the game with a jumper in the lane to put the hosts ahead by 10. Quarters: 28-18, 18-11, 20-21, 21-26. The Top 16 draw is scheduled for December 28.

Zalgiris: Sonny Weems 20, Marko Popovic 17, Paulius Jankunas 12+8 boards
Zagreb: Mario Kasun 20+8 boards, Petar Babic 17, Sean May 15+6 boards

GROUP D

Regal Barca - Galatasaray 79-50
Regal Barca finished Euroleague regular season in style with 79-50 victory against Galatasaray on Wednesday night. The reigning Spanish champion is the winner of Group D with almost perfect 9-1 record. Galatasaray ended as No.4 (4-6) and advanced to Top 16 in its debut Euroleague season. Barca took control on Galata from beginning and was increasing its lead after each period. Quarters: 23-13, 28-17, 17-11, 11-9. Boniface Ndong (213-C-77) led the home squad with 16 points and 6 rebounds for 17 minutes on the court (valuation 29). Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) had 13 points and 5 boards, while Marcelinho Huertas (191-PG-83, agency: Edge Sports) delivered 9 pts. In Galatasaray, Cevher Ozer (206-F/C-83, agency: 1x1 Sports) had 11 pts. Their second scorer was Jamon Lukas Gordon (191-G-84, college: Virginia Tech) with 8 points. The Euroleague Top 16 draw is scheduled for December 28 in Barcelona.

Regal Barca: Boniface Ndong 16+6 boards, Erazem Lorbek 13+5 boards, Marcelinho Huertas 9
Galatasaray: Cevher Ozer 11, Jamon Lukas Gordon 8

Asseco Prokom - Montepaschi 53-79
Montepaschi handed 53-79 home loss to Asseco Prokom in the last round of the Euroleague regular season. The Italian powerhouse ended as No.2 of Group D with 8-2 record. At the other side, Prokom ended as No.5 with only one win. Montepaschi jumped to double digit lead already in the second quarter and reached 31-46 at the halfway of Q3. Prokom then replied with 13-4 run, but Montepaschi smashed them in the last ten minutes. Quarters: 16-18, 7-19, 21-13, 9-29. Pietro Aradori (194-SG-88) shined for the guests with 23 points and 7 rebounds. He reached valuation 33. The second scorer in victory with Igor Rakocevic (193-G-78) with 9 points and Tomas Ress (209-C-80, college: Texas A&M) added one less than him. Each of Montepaschi players got at least 10 minutes in this game. Adam Hrycaniuk (206-C-84, agency: Alti Sport, college: Cincinnati) collected 16 points and 6 rebounds for Prokom and Przemyslaw Zamojski (186-G-86, agency: Alti Sport, college: Independence CC) scored 12. The Top 16 draw is scheduled for December 28 in Barcelona.

Asseco Prokom: Adam Hrycaniuk 16+6 boards, Przemyslaw Zamojski 12
Montepaschi: Pietro Aradori 23+7 boards, Igor Rakocevic 9, Tomas Ress 8

Union Olimpija - Unics 63-76
Unics demonstrated another good performance and outplayed struggling Union Olimpija in Ljubljana 63-76 for 7-3 record in Group D of the Euroleague regular season. That is enough for third place in Group D and of course for the spot in Top 16. Union Olimpija ended as the last ranked team in this pool with 1-9. Henry Domercant (192-G-80, college: E.Illinois) stepped up with 16 points and 5 rebounds in victory, while Alexey Savrasenko and Terrell Lyday (190-G-79, college: BYU) netted 14 points each. At the other side, Olimpija got 13 points and 9 rebs from Jaka Blazic (193-G-90). Sasu Salin (190-PG-91) and Jan Mocnik (174-G-87, agency: World Sport Agency) scored 11 points each. Unics had strong beginning and later managed to keep its lead. Quarters: 11-25, 18-16, 12-13, 22-22. The Top 16 draw is scheduled for December 28 in Barcelona. The games of the Top 16 round will be played on Wednesdays and Thursdays between January 18 and March 1.

Union Olimpija: Jaka Blazic 13+9 boards, Sasu Salin 11, Jan Mocnik 11
Unics: Henry Domercant 16+5 boards, Alexey Savrasenko 14, Terrell Lyday 14

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

GERMANY

Corey Stokes (BBC Bayreuth) Beckham Wyrick Is Our Glue Guy - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Corey Stokes (195-G-88, college: Villanova) is a 23 year old 195cm guard from Bayonne, New Jersey that is playing his first season for BBC Bayreuth. He played at Villanova from 2007-2011. In his senior year, he played 29 games: 14.9ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 43.3%, 3PT: 43.2%, FT: 89.4%. He reached the NCAA Final 4 in 2009. Recently, he took part at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft): 3 games: 16.0ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.0apg, 1.0spg. Corey took some time to talk to eurobasket after the 92-53 loss in Berlin.

How did you enjoy your first German Christmas party?

It was a nice party. The whole team and their families were there. There was a lot of Christmas talk and the food was great.

BBC Bayreuth suffered a tough 92-53 loss in Berlin. What was key for Alba Berlin getting the win?

It was a tough game. Alba Berlin executed their offense very well, shot great, defended well and outrebounded us. We never gave up and continued to fight.

How did you enjoy playing against Dashaun Wood?

I had never played against him, but had heard much about him. He didnt do so much against us, but he is still a good player. I was impressed by Bryce Taylor. He is a great offensive player and does so much on the court. He plays at both ends of the floor.

What did the team learn from the loss in Berlin?

We have to bounce back in the next game. The loss was a good test. We have to keep working to get better and we will be ready on January 14th when Alba Berlin plays in our arena.

Is Beckham Wyrick the ultimate role player?

He can do it all. He rebounds, defends and is our glue guy that keeps it all together. He is our X factor with Tyler Smith.

What is your fondest Christmas childhood memory?

Waking up and going outside and playing in the blizzard in New Jersey. It was 1995.

What is your 2011 Christmas wish?

My family and families of my teammates being healthy.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Kolumbianer.

Thanks for the chat Corey.

PAO beats Brose Baskets in Athens, 71-66 - by Eurobasket News
Panathinaikos - Brose Baskets 71-66

Panathinaikos was better than Brose Baskets 71-66 in the last round of the Euroleague regular season. The reigning champion finished as No.2 in Group B with 7-3 record and of course advanced to Top 16. Brose Baskets failed to reach the next stage due to last week's home loss against Zalgiris. The German squad finished as No.5 with 3-7 score. Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80) top-scored for the winners with 14 points. Ian Vougioukas (212-C/F-85, college: St.Louis) had 12, while Kostas Kaimakoglou (206-C/F-83) collected 11 points and 10 boards. In the loosing squad, Predrag Suput (200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) (5 rebs) and Brian Roberts (188-G-85, agency: Interperformances) scored 11 points each. Anthony Leon Tucker (198-F-85, college: Texas) stopped to 10. Brose Baskets had impressive beginning as they made double digit lead already in the first ten minutes, but PAO replied after the breather for 56-53 turn. In very exciting finish Brian Roberts struck from downtown but Kostas Kaimakoglou answered with a big three-pointer for a 69-66 score already in the final minute. Roberts missed twice from way downtown and a dunk by Romain Sato allowed Panathinaikos to seal the win in style. Quarters: 12-22, 18-16, 26-15, 15-13. The Top 16 draw is set for December 28.

Panathinaikos: Dimitris Diamantidis 14, Ian Vougioukas 12, Kostas Kaimakoglou 11+10 boards
Brose Baskets: Predrag Suput 11+5 boards, Brian Roberts 11, Anthony Leon Tucker 10

Standings - 1. Bundesliga

1.Bundesliga Standings

1. Brose Baskets		10-2
2. Ratiopharm		10-2
3. ALBA		9-2
4. Art.Dragons		9-4
5. B.Muenchen		8-5
6. NY Phantoms		8-6
7. s.Oliver Baskets		7-6
8. Bremerhaven		7-6
9. Telekom Baskets		7-6
10. EWE Baskets		6-6
11. Bayreuth		6-7
12. Walter Tigers		5-8
13. LTi 46ers		5-9
14. Phoenix Hagen		5-9
15. EnBW L'burg		4-9
16. TBB Trier		4-9
17. Fraport SKY		4-9
18. Goettingen		2-11

Standings - ProA

ProA Standings

1. MBC		11-3
2. Kirchheim		10-4
3. Crailsheim		9-5
4. Duesseldorf		8-5
5. Jena		8-6
6. Webmoebel		8-6
7. Chemnitz		8-6
8. NBC		7-7
9. Heidelberg		7-7
10. Ehingen		7-8
11. Cuxhaven		6-8
12. ETB Wohnbau		6-9
13. Braves		5-10
14. Karlsruhe		4-10
15. Leitershofen		2-12

Stats Leaders - 1.Bundesliga

Points Per Game

Bobby BROWN
  EWE Baskets
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 18.9

1. Brown, EWE Baskets	18.9
2. Holston, Art.Drag.	18.2
3. Carter, Phoenix	17.4
4. Gray, Fraport SKY	16.0
5. Troutman, B.Mue.	15.7
6. Wood, ALBA	15.6
7. Foster, B.Muenchen	15.5
8. Ensminger, Teleko.	15.2
9. Swann, Ratiopharm	15.1
10. Jonusas, Phoenix	15.0

Rebounds Per Game

John BRYANT
  Ratiopharm
  (208-C-87)
  Avg: 9.8

1. Bryant, Ratiopharm	9.8
2. Ensminger, Teleko.	8.2
3. Chubb, EWE Baskets	8.0
4. Leuer, Fraport SKY	7.8
5. Davidson, Fraport	7.3
6. Sykes, Goettingen	7.2
7. Troutman, B.Mue.	7.0
8. Watts, Ratiopharm	6.7
9. Ovcina, LTi 46ers	6.4
10. Zirbes, TBB Trier	6.4

Assists Per Game

Jared JORDAN
  Telekom .
  (188-PG-84)
  Avg: 7.6

1. Jordan, Telekom	7.6
2. Holston, Art.Drag.	5.8
3. Wood, ALBA	5.5
4. Joyce, TBB Trier	5.4
5. Brewer, Bremerha.	5.1
6. Brown, EWE Baskets	5.0
7. Campbell, Walter T.	4.5
8. Hamann, B.Muenchen	4.5
9. Gibson, Bayreuth	4.4
10. Greer, EnBW L.	3.7

Steals Per Game

Nate LINHART
  TBB Trier
  (201-F-86)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Linhart, TBB Trier	1.8
2. Dorris, EnBW L.	1.8
3. Holston, Art.Drag.	1.5
4. Carter, Phoenix	1.5
5. Wood, ALBA	1.5
6. Crowe, Phoenix	1.4
7. Tucker, Brose B.	1.3
8. Redding, Walter T.	1.3
9. Bernard, LTi 46ers	1.2
10. Ibekwe, Bayreuth	1.2

Blocks Per Game

Tony GAFFNEY
  Teleko.
  (204-F-84)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Gaffney, Teleko.	2.2
2. Ibekwe, Bayreuth	2.2
3. Slaughter, Brose B.	1.9
4. Looby, EnBW L.	1.8
5. Pleiss, Brose B.	1.5
6. Constantine, Phoen.	1.3
7. Redding, Walter T.	1.2
8. King, Art.Dragons	1.2
9. Bryant, Ratiopharm	1.2
10. Boone, s.Oliver.	1.1

Stats Leaders - 2.Bundesliga

Points Per Game

Martin SAMARCO
  Karlsruhe
  (191-G-85)
  Avg: 21.6

1. Samarco, Karlsruhe	21.6
2. Reese, Duesseldorf	21.1
3. McKiver, Braves	20.2
4. Stommes, Webmoebel	19.3
5. Roessler, Karlsruhe	18.5
6. Hassan, Leitersh.	18.0
7. Alexander, ETB W.	17.8
8. Webb, Crailsheim	16.7
9. Capel, Cuxhaven	16.6
10. Mason, Webmoebel	16.6

Rebounds Per Game

Justin HOWARD
  Karlsruhe
  (208-C-81)
  Avg: 10.4

1. Howard, Karlsruhe	10.4
2. Uskoski, Kirchheim	8.3
3. Black, Jena	8.3
4. Webb, Crailsheim	8.0
5. Lawson, Chemnitz	7.9
6. Richardson, Leiter.	7.6
7. Harris, Cuxhaven	7.6
8. Mason, Webmoebel	6.9
9. De Michael, NBC	6.9
10. Watts, Heidelberg	6.6

Assists Per Game

Ahmad SMITH
  Kirchheim
  (194-G-84)
  Avg: 6.1

1. Smith, Kirchheim	6.1
2. Johnson, Chemnitz	5.6
3. Jeka, Braves	5.5
4. Holcomb Faye, MBC	4.9
5. Diggs, Webmoebel	4.7
6. Burgess, Heidelberg	4.6
7. Chavis, NBC	4.5
8. Hill, Crailsheim	4.4
9. Rice, Cuxhaven	4.4
10. Reese, Duesseldo.	4.4

Steals Per Game

Cedric BROOKS
  Kirchheim
  (185-G-80)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Brooks, Kirchheim	2.1
2. Bowlin, Leitershof.	1.9
3. Rice, Cuxhaven	1.8
4. Johnson, Chemnitz	1.7
5. Ishizaki, Chemnitz	1.5
6. Williamson, Ehingen	1.5
7. Reese, Duesseldorf	1.4
8. Stockton, Karlsruhe	1.4
9. Harris, NBC	1.4
10. Matthews, Ehingen	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Dmitriy CHEREMNYKH
  Braves
  (213-C-78)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Cheremnykh, Braves	1.8
2. De Michael, NBC	1.4
3. Zipser, Heidelberg	1.3
4. Williamson, Ehingen	1.2
5. Flomo, Duesseldorf	1.0
6. Harris, Cuxhaven	1.0
7. Oakes, MBC	0.9
8. Howard, Karlsruhe	0.9
9. Okoye, NBC	0.8
10. Schoo, Heidelberg	0.8

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

GREECE

PAO beats Brose Baskets in Athens, 71-66 - by Eurobasket News
Panathinaikos - Brose Baskets 71-66

Panathinaikos was better than Brose Baskets 71-66 in the last round of the Euroleague regular season. The reigning champion finished as No.2 in Group B with 7-3 record and of course advanced to Top 16. Brose Baskets failed to reach the next stage due to last week's home loss against Zalgiris. The German squad finished as No.5 with 3-7 score. Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80) top-scored for the winners with 14 points. Ian Vougioukas (212-C/F-85, college: St.Louis) had 12, while Kostas Kaimakoglou (206-C/F-83) collected 11 points and 10 boards. In the loosing squad, Predrag Suput (200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) (5 rebs) and Brian Roberts (188-G-85, agency: Interperformances) scored 11 points each. Anthony Leon Tucker (198-F-85, college: Texas) stopped to 10. Brose Baskets had impressive beginning as they made double digit lead already in the first ten minutes, but PAO replied after the breather for 56-53 turn. In very exciting finish Brian Roberts struck from downtown but Kostas Kaimakoglou answered with a big three-pointer for a 69-66 score already in the final minute. Roberts missed twice from way downtown and a dunk by Romain Sato allowed Panathinaikos to seal the win in style. Quarters: 12-22, 18-16, 26-15, 15-13. The Top 16 draw is set for December 28.

Panathinaikos: Dimitris Diamantidis 14, Ian Vougioukas 12, Kostas Kaimakoglou 11+10 boards
Brose Baskets: Predrag Suput 11+5 boards, Brian Roberts 11, Anthony Leon Tucker 10

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HUNGARY

Gorjan Radonjic and Kecskemet will part ways - by Levente Szabo
Today afternoon Kecskemeti Univer KSE held a press conference and the GM of the team announced among other things that the team will part ways with Gorjan Radonjic (199-F-81).

The Serbian-French dual citizen forward joined the team this summer but he couldnt really help Kecskemeti Univer KSE with his performance. In 12 regular season games he had 8.3ppg combined with 4.3rpg and struggled hard on the court lately. Gorjan wasnt pleased with his performance either and after sitting down with the GM of the team they decided that it will be better for both parties if they will part ways.

The team will seek for a quality replacement while Gorjan will stay at Kecskemeti Univer KSE until the arrival of the new player.

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IBL

Globetrotting Amaya heads to Saudi Arabia - by Kip Leonetti
The Bellingham Slam's most well-traveled player is on the road again. Forward Tyler Amaya (6'7''-F-82, college: W.Washington) has signed with Al Jubail, a team in Saudi Arabia, the eighth country in which he has played basketball professionally.

The club, which plays as a member of Saudi Arabia's Premier League, is located in Jubail, a city of over 150,000 people located in the eastern portion of the country along the shores of the Persian Gulf.

Amaya was signed by Al Jubail after participating in the 2011 FIBA Africa Club Basketball Tournament in Tunisia last month as a member of a Benghazi, Libya, based team.

He has already shown that he will be one of the Premier League's top players, putting up 43 points in the first game with his new team on Monday.

Amaya has traveled the globe playing professionally, making stops over the years in China, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Syria.

In 2011 for the Slam, Amaya returned from Syria late in the season and helped Bellingham clinch the International Basketball League's best regular season record at 14-5. In four games, Amaya averaged 13.5 points and 8.5 assists.

Between his stints abroad, Amaya has played portions of the last four seasons for the Slam. In 2008, he helped lead Bellingham to the IBL Championship and was named the title game's co-Most Valuable Player.

Amaya, a graduate of Mount Vernon High School, played collegiately at Gonzaga, Dixie State and Western Washington. In two seasons at WWU, he helped send the Vikings to consecutive NCAA West Regional Tournament appearances.

Saudi Arabia's basketball season runs through April, which could allow for Amaya's return to Bellingham for the Slam's 2012 IBL season.

Trio of Northwest Teams Ready for 2012 IBL Season - by Kip Leonetti
The International Basketball League is poised for a strong season in 2012 with the announcement that three top teams, the Bellingham Slam, Vancouver Volcanoes and Yamhill Highflyers, will be looking forward to another competitive campaign.

The Vancouver Volcanoes, led by the ownership and coaching prowess of Bryan Hunter, will be aiming to repeat as league champions in 2012. The Volcanoes captured the 2011 IBL Championship last July when they defeated the Edmonton Energy, 124-116. As one of the IBL's original franchises, the 2012 season will be the eighth for Vancouver and they will try to continue their recent success that has seen the team finish above .500 in each of the previous four seasons. If Vancouver is able to capture another league championship in 2012, it would be just the second such occurrence in league history after the Elkhart Express won consecutive titles in 2006 and 2007.

Meanwhile, up Interstate 5 in Bellingham, the Slam will be looking forward to their fifth season in the IBL and the franchise's seventh overall. The Slam, directed by the league's all-time winningest coach in Rob Ridnour, has consistently been a top team year-to-year, but has so far been unable to equal the success of their inaugural IBL season in 2008, when they posted a stunning upset of Elkhart in the league championship game. Since then, Bellingham has fallen short in each season, losing in the playoffs to the eventual IBL champion each time. With much of their roster returning, Bellingham will be poised to make another run at a title in 2012.

Returning to the IBL after a one-year hiatus will be the Yamhill Highflyers, who were one of the league's surprises during their first season in 2010. Under the guidance of owner Eric Bailey and coach Bubba Jones, the McMinnville, Ore., based team exceeded all expectations that year when they posted 14-12 record and advanced to the semi-finals of the IBL playoffs, where they fell to Bellingham. One of the top players for Yamhill that season was guard Josh Tarver (6'3''-G-86, college: Oregon St.), who went on to lead Vancouver to their IBL championship in 2011 and now plays for the NBA Development League's Rio Grande Valley Vipers. For their 2012 campaign, the franchise is set to have a five-game slate (what the IBL terms a branding season) which should be just enough to whet the appetite of the Highflyers fan base. The five-game season will include three road games and two home contests, all to take place in June.

''These three teams will help the IBL continue to have a strong presence in the Pacific Northwest, with additional teams in Washington and Oregon expected to announce their outlook for 2012 soon,'' commented IBL commissioner Sharleen Graf. ''Elsewhere, last week the Orlando Venom were announced as the league's first full-season team based in Florida.''

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IRELAND

Best players of Irish SuperLeague round 12 - by Eurobasket News
Experienced naturalized American Jermaine Turner (195-F-74) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's second-best 11890 Killester and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 12.
The 37-year old forward had a double-double of 22 points and twenty five rebounds, while his team crushed UL Eagles (#3, 6-7) with 20-point margin 80-60. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. 11890 Killester maintains the 2nd position in American SuperLeague. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. 11890 Killester will need more victories to improve their 9-3 record. In the team's last game Turner had a remarkable 63.6% from 2-point range. He has many years of experience at 11890 Killester, through which he has constantly improved. Dowling College graduate has very impressive stats this year. Turner. Turner is in league's top in points (4th best: 20.9ppg), assists (4th best: 4.3apg) and averages solid 3.7bpg,4.0spg and 64.9% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 26-year old American forward Joshua Johnson (199-F-85) of Belfast Star. Johnson impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 34 points and 13 rebounds. Bad luck as Belfast Star was edged by the higher-ranked B.Gais Neptune (#1, 7-4) 99-96. It was definitely game of the week between two contenders to the title. Belfast Star still maintains its place in the top 4 of the standings, even despite this loss. 11 lost games are too many comparing to just one victory Belfast Star managed to get this year. Johnson is a newcomer at Belfast Star and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders.

The third best performed player last round was Gerard Noonan (180-G-82) of top-ranked B.Gais Neptune. Noonan got into 30-points club by scoring 34 points in the last round. He went also for ten rebounds and five assists. He was a key player of B.Gais Neptune, leading his team to a 99-96 win against #4 ranked Belfast Star. B.Gais Neptune confirms their top position in the standings. Their record at this point is 7 victories and 4 lost games. Noonan has a great season in Ireland. After only 9 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 16.2ppg (8th best) and assists with 4.4apg (2nd best). He also has 2.2spg and FGP: 54.0%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Donnie Stith (201-F-85) of UCD Marian - 31 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Eoin Chubb (188-G-90) of 11890 Killester - 18 points, 6 rebounds and 11 assists
6. Luke Enos (201-F) of Moycullen - 27 points and 13 rebounds
7. Keith Anderson (188-G-89) of DCU Saints - 27 points and 3 assists
8. Ronald Thompson (208-F/C-81) of B.Gais Neptune - 19 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists
9. Shawn Atupem (200-F-89) of UCC Demons - 22 points and 12 rebounds
10. Jason Killeen (211-C-85) of UL Eagles - 11 points and 19 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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ISRAEL

Best players of Israeli National League round 11 - by Eurobasket News
American Errick McCollum (185-G-88, agency: Gross Zeev ISA) had an amazing evening in the last round for Hapoel K/S and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com National League Player of the Week award for round 11.
The 23-year old guard had a double-double of 40 points and fifteen rebounds, while his team lost overtime game against Lev Hasharon (#10, 5-6) 91-97. The game was not the highest importance and did not have significant influence on the top of the standings. Hapoel K/S moved-up to the 14th position in the Israeli National League. The season is in a full swing, so it's only a dream for the team to make it into top half of the standings. For contrary they may face relegation if the situation turns from bad to worse. Hapoel K/S have already lost 9 games and recorded just two victories. In the team's last game McCollum had a remarkable 61.5% from 2-point range and got five three-pointers out of 9 attempts. He turned to be Hapoel K/S's top player in his first season with the team. Errick McCollum averages just after three games 30.3ppg, 8.3rpg and 4.3apg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 24-year old American forward Gregg Thondique (201-F-87) of Hapoel Afula. Thondique impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 18 points and 19 rebounds. It was enough for Hapoel Afula to edge Kiryat Tivon (6-5) in overtime by 4 points 82-78. This victory allowed Hapoel Afula to move up to 5th position in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 6-5 record is not bad and everything may still change. Thondique is a newcomer at Hapoel Afula and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 21.7ppg (#6). He also registered 14.3 boards per game.

The third best performed player last round was American Tony Younger (200-F-80, agency: Gross Zeev ISA) of Ironi K-A (#4). Younger got into 30-points club by scoring exactly 30 points in the last round. He went also for twelve rebounds . Despite Younger's great performance Ironi K-A lost 79-91 to the lower-ranked Hapoel Y/M (#12, 3-8). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. The last thing Ironi K-A needs is to lose another game like this one. They lose more and more distance to the top teams. Their record is 6 victories and 5 lost games. Younger has a very solid season. In 10 games in Israel he scored 19.2ppg. He also has 7.8rpg, 3.1apg, 1.1bpg and and 3PT: 48.7%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Rahshon Turner (201-F/C-75) of Hapoel Y/M - 22 points, 14 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Gary Gandel (203-G/F-80) of Hod Hasharon - 25 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists
6. Curtis Kelly (205-PF-88) of Hapoel T-A - 23 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Jermaine Hall (196-F-80) of Macc.B.Yaakov - 26 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Brian Laing (195-G/F-85) of Elitzur Yavne - 19 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists
9. Jamelle Cornley (196-F-87) of Lev Hasharon - 23 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists
10. Yoad Bet-Yosef (182-G-87) of Macc.B.Yaakov - 26 points and 9 assists

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

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ITALY

Montepaschi celebrates in Gdynia - by Eurobasket News
Asseco Prokom - Montepaschi 53-79

Montepaschi handed 53-79 home loss to Asseco Prokom in the last round of the Euroleague regular season. The Italian powerhouse ended as No.2 of Group D with 8-2 record. At the other side, Prokom ended as No.5 with only one win. Montepaschi jumped to double digit lead already in the second quarter and reached 31-46 at the halfway of Q3. Prokom then replied with 13-4 run, but Montepaschi smashed them in the last ten minutes. Quarters: 16-18, 7-19, 21-13, 9-29. Pietro Aradori (194-SG-88) shined for the guests with 23 points and 7 rebounds. He reached valuation 33. The second scorer in victory with Igor Rakocevic (193-G-78) with 9 points and Tomas Ress (209-C-80, college: Texas A&M) added one less than him. Each of Montepaschi players got at least 10 minutes in this game. Adam Hrycaniuk (206-C-84, agency: Alti Sport, college: Cincinnati) collected 16 points and 6 rebounds for Prokom and Przemyslaw Zamojski (186-G-86, agency: Alti Sport, college: Independence CC) scored 12. The Top 16 draw is scheduled for December 28 in Barcelona.

Asseco Prokom: Adam Hrycaniuk 16+6 boards, Przemyslaw Zamojski 12
Montepaschi: Pietro Aradori 23+7 boards, Igor Rakocevic 9, Tomas Ress 8

Rockets sign power forward Jeff Adrien - by Eurobasket News
After receiving FIBA clearance Tuesday, the Rockets signed forward Jeff Adrien (6'7''-F-86, agency: Priority Sports, college: Connecticut) with just three practice days left before Monday's season opener. They had been interested in Adrien since he played for their NBA Development League team, but Adrien signed with the Warriors and then played for Benetton Treviso during the lockout.

He has a two-year contract with the first year partially guaranteed. A 6-7 power forward, Adrien averaged 18.3 points and 11.4 rebounds in the NBA Development League. The Rio Grande Valley Vipers went 18-4 in his games with the team.

'He was the best free-agent big in the NBDL last year,' Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said. 'Tough, athletic competitor who plays bigger than his size on both ends because of his length and strength.'

Adrien was undrafted out of Connecticut, where he was a teammate of Rockets center Hasheem Thabeet He played in 23 games with Golden State last season, averaging 2.5 points and 2.5 rebounds in 8.5 minutes per game.

Courtesy of www.chron.com

Benetton officially announces Ben Ortner - by Giovanni Bargna
As per the information advanced yesterday Benetton Treviso has officially announced the deal with Benjamin Ortner (206-F/C-83, college: Metro St.) today.
The big man from Austria joins Treviso after two seasons spent at Bennet Cantu. In the past he wore the jersey of Pallacanestro reggiana for three seasons and the one of Udine for one.
Benjamin Ortner will debut with his new team at Bologna against Canadian Solar Bologna. He will wear jersey number 4 in his new adventure.
The press conference will be held this afternoon at 17:30 at the Palaverde.

Lega2 Round 13: Centrale Latte is defeated by Morpho Basket - by Eurobasket News
There was no lack of interesting games this round. The round ended with extra overtimes and favorites losing the games.

The game between second ranked Centrale Latte (8-4) and sixth ranked Morpho Basket (7-4) was the most important one in the last round on Thursday night. Centrale Latte was defeated by Morpho Basket in Brescia 95-77. The game without a history. Morpho Basket led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 24-of-27 free shots (88.9 percent) during the game. Morpho Basket outrebounded Centrale Latte 37-25 including a 27-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. They shot the lights out from three sinking 15 long-distance shots on high 55.6 percentage. 24 personal fouls committed by Centrale Latte helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American-Danish guard Alan Voskuil (191-86, college: Texas Tech) stepped up and scored 35 points (!!!) and 7 rebounds (made all of his seven free throws) for the winners and American forward Dwayne Anderson (198-86, college: Villanova) chipped in 19 points and 9 rebounds. Morpho Basket's coach Fabio Corbani used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side naturalized Albanian guard Franko Bushati (188-85) responded with 14 points and 6 rebounds. Morpho Basket have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to fourth place. Centrale Latte at the other side dropped to the third position with four games lost. Morpho Basket are looking forward to face bottom-ranked S.Antimo (#15) in Sant'Antimo in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Centrale Latte will play on the road against Givova Scafati (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Pistoia. Third ranked host Tuscany Pistoia (9-4) defeated 4th placed Givova Scafati (7-5) 108-97. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Givova Scafati. American forward Bobby Jones (201-84, college: Washington) nailed a double-double by scoring 26 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals for the winning side and Dwight Hardy accounted for 23 points and 4 assists. American guard Paul Marigney (192-82, college: St.Mary's, CA) came up with 27 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists for Givova Scafati in the defeat. Tuscany Pistoia moved-up to second place. Givova Scafati at the other side dropped to the fifth position with five games lost. They share it with Enel Brindisi and Sigma Barcel.. Tuscany Pistoia will play against MarcoPoloShop.it (#12) in Forli in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Givova Scafati will play at home against Centrale Latte (#3) in Brescia and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Lega2 top team - Trenkwalder RE (9-3) added another victory to their record on Thursday. This time they beat thirteenth ranked Biancoblu BO (4-8) in Reggio Emilia 91-87. Dawan Robinson fired 26 points and 5 rebounds (perfect from the field making all eight shots !!!) for the winners. Andrea Pecile produced 17 points for lost side. Biancoblu BO's coach Zare Markovski rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Trenkwalder RE maintains first place with 9-3 record. Biancoblu BO lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the thirteenth position with eight games lost. Trenkwalder RE will meet Aget Imola (#10) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Biancoblu BO will play against Enel Brindisi and hope to secure a win.
Fileni BPA (6-6) outlasted Aget Imola (5-7) in overtime by four points 78-74. Worth to mention a great performance of Richard McConnell who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 12 points and 11 rebounds. Fileni BPA moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Tezenis Verona. Aget Imola at the other side dropped to the tenth position with seven games lost. Fileni BPA's next round opponent will be Assi Ostuni (#11) on the road. Aget Imola will play against the league's leader Trenkwalder RE having rather not much hope for a victory.
Ninth ranked Tezenis Verona (6-6) crushed at home 11th ranked MarcoPoloShop.it (5-7) by 20 points 93-73, which is the biggest margin this round on Thursday night. Antonio Porta stepped up and scored 17 points and 8 assists for the winners. Tezenis Verona's coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Tezenis Verona have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Fileni BPA. Loser MarcoPoloShop.it dropped to the tenth position with seven games lost. Tezenis Verona will face Prima Veroli (#14) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. MarcoPoloShop.it will play against the league's second-placed Tuscany Pistoia (#2) having rather not much hope for a victory.

In the last two games of round 13 Assi Ostuni won against S.Antimo on the opponent's court 71-57. Sigma Barcel. managed to outperform Prima Veroli in a home game 69-53.

S.Antimo - Assi Ostuni 57-71

Rather expected game in Sant'Antimo where 15th ranked S.Antimo (2-10) was defeated by twelfth ranked Assi Ostuni (5-7) 71-57 on Thursday. The guests trailed by 5 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 2-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 71-57. Assi Ostuni dominated on the defensive end, holding S.Antimo to just 7 points in second quarter. They outrebounded S.Antimo 36-20 including a 33-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a great shooting night for Assi Ostuni especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 61.5 percentage. Israeli-American center Dane Diliegro (205-88, college: New Hampshire) stepped up and scored 12 points and 9 rebounds for the winners and American guard Aaron Johnson (172-88, college: UAB) chipped in 13 points. Four Assi Ostuni players scored in double figures. At the losing side the former international power forward Alessandro Cittadini (207-79) responded with 14 points and American swingman Folarin Campbell (193-86, college: George Mason) scored 12 points. Assi Ostuni moved-up to tenth place, which they share with MarcoPoloShop and Aget Imola. S.Antimo at the other side, also newcomer in the league, stay at the bottom position with ten games lost. Assi Ostuni will face higher ranked Fileni BPA (#8) in Jesi in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. S.Antimo will play on the road against Morpho Basket (#4) in Piacenza.
Top scorers:
Assi Ostuni: J.Klobucar 13+4reb+1ast, A.Johnson 13+3reb+3ast, T.Rinaldi 12+4reb, D.Diliegro 12+9reb, M.Jurevicus 9+2reb+1ast, M.Rossetti 5+3reb
S.Antimo: A.Cittadini 14+3reb, F.Campbell 12+3reb+1ast, G.Eliantonio 8, R.Moraschini 7+4reb+2ast, M.Rossi 5+1reb+2ast, D.Teague 5+6reb

Fileni BPA - Aget Imola 78-74 OT

Fileni BPA (6-6) outlasted Aget Imola (5-7) in overtime by four points 78-74. Aget Imola was tied at the half and again at the end of regular time. But they could not keep up in overtime eventually losing that period 8-12. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Richard McConnell (182-89, college: St.Mary's, CA, agency: Priority Sports) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 12 points and 11 rebounds. His fellow American import forward Jeff Brooks (203-89, college: Penn St.) contributed with 13 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Five Fileni BPA players scored in double figures. Finnish power forward Tuukka Kotti (205-81, college: Providence) answered with 16 points and 9 rebounds and naturalized Argentinian guard Patricio Prato (196-79) added 16 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Aget Imola. Fileni BPA moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Tezenis Verona. Aget Imola at the other side dropped to the tenth position with seven games lost. Fileni BPA's next round opponent will be Assi Ostuni (#11) on the road. Aget Imola will play against the league's leader Trenkwalder RE having rather not much hope for a victory.
Top scorers:
Fileni BPA: R.Hoover 16+2reb+2ast, M.Santiangeli 15+2reb+1ast, J.Brooks 13+9reb, D.Dolic 12+3reb, R.McConnell 12+11reb+3ast, M.Maggioli 8+4reb+1ast
Aget Imola: P.Prato 16+5reb+1ast, T.Kotti 16+9reb, T.Whiting 12+6reb+2ast, E.Daniels 9+3reb+2ast, D.Bruttini 8+5reb+2ast, D.Cournooh 5+1reb

Trenkwalder - Biancoblu BO 91-87

Lega2 top team - Trenkwalder RE (9-3) added another victory to their record on Thursday. This time they beat thirteenth ranked Biancoblu BO (4-8) in Reggio Emilia 91-87. Biancoblu BO trailed by 12 points after 3 quarters before a 29-21 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 87-91 at the end of the game. Trenkwalder RE shot 60.4 percent from the field. Trenkwalder RE outrebounded Biancoblu BO 37-22 including a 29-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. American guard Dawan Robinson (189-82, college: Rhode Island) fired 26 points and 5 rebounds (perfect from the field making all eight shots !!!) for the winners. The former international center Roberto Chiacig (210-74) chipped in a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 rebounds. The former international guard Andrea Pecile (187-80) produced 17 points and forward Patrick Baldassarre (200-86, agency: Players Group) added 17 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. Four Biancoblu BO players scored in double figures. Biancoblu BO's coach Zare Markovski rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Trenkwalder RE maintains first place with 9-3 record. Biancoblu BO lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the thirteenth position with eight games lost. Trenkwalder RE will meet Aget Imola (#10) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Biancoblu BO will play against Enel Brindisi and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Trenkwalder: D.Robinson 26+5reb+2ast, R.Chiacig 20+11reb, D.Taylor 15+4reb+1ast, D.Slanina 9+1reb+1ast, D.Filloy 9+7reb+3ast, R.Cervi 6+5reb
Biancoblu BO: Z.Vrkic 18+3reb, P.Baldassarre 17+6reb+1ast, A.Pecile 17+4reb+3ast, T.Kelley 11+2reb+1ast, E.Dimsa 8, D.Cutolo 8+2reb

Centrale Latte - Morpho Basket 77-95

The game between second ranked Centrale Latte (8-4) and sixth ranked Morpho Basket (7-4) was the most important one in the last round on Thursday night. Centrale Latte was defeated by Morpho Basket in Brescia 95-77. The game without a history. Morpho Basket led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 24-of-27 free shots (88.9 percent) during the game. Morpho Basket outrebounded Centrale Latte 37-25 including a 27-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. They shot the lights out from three sinking 15 long-distance shots on high 55.6 percentage. 24 personal fouls committed by Centrale Latte helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American-Danish guard Alan Voskuil (191-86, college: Texas Tech) stepped up and scored 35 points (!!!) and 7 rebounds (made all of his seven free throws) for the winners and American forward Dwayne Anderson (198-86, college: Villanova) chipped in 19 points and 9 rebounds. Morpho Basket's coach Fabio Corbani used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side naturalized Albanian guard Franko Bushati (188-85) responded with 14 points and 6 rebounds and American guard Ryan Thompson (198-89, college: Rider) scored 18 points and 5 steals. Four Centrale Latte players scored in double figures. Morpho Basket have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to fourth place. Centrale Latte at the other side dropped to the third position with four games lost. Morpho Basket are looking forward to face bottom-ranked S.Antimo (#15) in Sant'Antimo in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Centrale Latte will play on the road against Givova Scafati (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Morpho Basket: A.Voskuil 35+7reb+3ast, D.Anderson 19+9reb+2ast, C.Cotis Harrison 16+1reb+5ast, L.Infante 9+4reb+4ast, A.Casella 6+5reb+1ast, R.Perego 4+4reb
Centrale Latte: R.Thompson 18+3reb, M.Jose Ghersetti 14+5reb, F.Bushati 14+6reb+2ast, R.Rombaldoni 10+1reb, L.Goldwire 7+2reb+3ast, M.Rezzano 6+1reb

Tezenis Verona - MarcoPoloShop 93-73

Ninth ranked Tezenis Verona (6-6) crushed at home 11th ranked MarcoPoloShop.it (5-7) by 20 points 93-73, which is the biggest margin this round on Thursday night. The game without a history. Tezenis Verona led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to MarcoPoloShop.it's 34. MarcoPoloShop.it was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. Naturalized Argentinian guard Antonio Porta (188-83, agency: Players Group) stepped up and scored 17 points and 8 assists for the winners and Serbian-Greek forward Dusan Vukcevic (201-75, agency: Interperformances) chipped in 13 points and 5 rebounds. Tezenis Verona's coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. At the losing side American guard Austin Freeman (190-89, college: Georgetown) responded with 14 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and Finnish swingman Shawn Huff (198-84, college: Valparaiso) scored 20 points. Tezenis Verona have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Fileni BPA. Loser MarcoPoloShop.it dropped to the tenth position with seven games lost. Tezenis Verona will face Prima Veroli (#14) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. MarcoPoloShop.it will play against the league's second-placed Tuscany Pistoia (#2) having rather not much hope for a victory.
Top scorers:
Tezenis Verona: A.Porta 17+2reb+8ast, D.Vukcevic 13+5reb, G.Mariani 12+2reb+1ast, G.Boscagin 12+3reb, M.West 11+3reb+3ast, C.DiGiuliomaria 9+3reb+1ast
MarcoPoloShop: S.Huff 20+4reb+1ast, A.Freeman 14+7reb+5ast, T.Easley 9+13reb, J.Trapani 9+9reb, S.Borsato 9+1ast, R.Casoli 7+7reb

Sigma Barcel. - Prima Veroli 69-53

Very predictable result when seventh ranked Sigma Barcellona (7-5) defeated at home 14th ranked Prima Veroli (3-9) 69-53 on Thursday. The game was mostly controlled by Sigma Barcellona. Prima Veroli was better in third quarter 19-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Sigma Barcellona made 16-of-21 free shots (76.2 percent) during the game. Panamanian swingman Michael Hicks (193-76, college: Texas A&M-CC) stepped up and scored 16 points and 7 rebounds for the winners and American guard Mike Green (185-85, college: Butler) chipped in 10 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Sigma Barcellona players scored in double figures. At the losing side the former international forward David Brkic (210-82, agency: Interperformances) responded with 13 points and 7 rebounds and Finnish-American forward Gerald Lee (208-87, college: ODU) scored 11 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Sigma Barcellona have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Enel Brindisi and Givova Scafati. Prima Veroli lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the fourteenth position with nine games lost. Sigma Barcellona will have a break next round. Prima Veroli will play at home against Tezenis Verona (#9).
Top scorers:
Sigma Barcel.: M.Hicks 16+7reb+1ast, R.Bucci 13+2reb+2ast, M.Green 10+5reb+5ast, D.Bonessio 10+7reb, P.Martin 5+4reb, A.Piazza 5+2reb+3ast
Prima Veroli: D.Brkic 13+7reb, R.Cortese 11+2reb, G.Lee 11+6reb, J.Jackson 6+2reb, A.Giovacchini 4+7reb+2ast, R.Rullo 3+1reb

Giorgio Tesi PT - Givova Scafati 108-97

The game between Top Four teams took place in Pistoia. Third ranked host Tuscany Pistoia (9-4) defeated 4th placed Givova Scafati (7-5) 108-97. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Givova Scafati. The game was mostly controlled by Tuscany Pistoia. Givova Scafati was better in fourth quarter 29-24. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Tuscany Pistoia dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to Givova Scafati's 42 and made 32-of-40 charity shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Tuscany Pistoia forced 24 Givova Scafati turnovers. Givova Scafati was plagued by 30 personal fouls down the stretch. American forward Bobby Jones (201-84, college: Washington) nailed a double-double by scoring 26 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals for the winning side and his fellow American import guard Dwight Hardy (188, college: St.John's) accounted for 23 points and 4 assists. American guard Paul Marigney (192-82, college: St.Mary's, CA) came up with 27 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists and Swedish point guard Mats Levin (188-77) added 10 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists respectively for Givova Scafati in the defeat. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Tuscany Pistoia moved-up to second place. Givova Scafati at the other side dropped to the fifth position with five games lost. They share it with Enel Brindisi and Sigma Barcel.. Tuscany Pistoia will play against MarcoPoloShop.it (#12) in Forli in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Givova Scafati will play at home against Centrale Latte (#3) in Brescia and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Giorgio Tesi PT: B.Jones 26+11reb+5ast, D.Hardy 23+3reb+4ast, G.Gurini 14+7reb+1ast, G.Galanda 14+3reb+1ast, D.Mathis 14+3reb+1ast, F.Toppo 12+5reb+2ast
Givova Scafati: P.Marigney 27+8reb+6ast, A.Ghiacci 18+2reb+1ast, N.Radulovic 16+3reb, J.Thomas 12+5reb+1ast, M.Levin 10+5reb+8ast, D.Rosignoli 6+7reb

Stats Leaders - Lega2

Points Per Game

Paul MARIGNEY
  Givova S.
  (192-G-82)
  Avg: 22.8

1. Marigney, Givova S.	22.8
2. Freeman, MarcoPol.	22.8
3. Hardy, Giorgio	21.5
4. Voskuil, Morpho B.	20.1
5. Robinson, Trenkwal.	19.0
6. Taylor, Trenkwal.	18.6
7. McConnell, Fileni	17.2
8. Rowe, Prima Veroli	17.0
9. Maggioli, Fileni B.	16.5
10. Whiting, Aget Imo.	16.4

Rebounds Per Game

James THOMAS
  Givova S.
  (203-F/C-80)
  Avg: 10.3

1. Thomas, Givova S.	10.3
2. Easley, MarcoPol.	9.4
3. Anderson, Morpho B.	8.5
4. Diliegro, Assi Ost.	8.2
5. Borovnjak, Enel B.	8.2
6. Maggioli, Fileni B.	7.4
7. Chiacig, Trenkwald.	7.2
8. Brooks, Fileni BPA	7.1
9. Baldassarre, Bianc.	6.8
10. Ghersetti, Centra.	6.5

Assists Per Game

Roman NARDI
  MarcoPol.
  (186-G-85)
  Avg: 6.8

1. Nardi, MarcoPol.	6.8
2. Johnson, Assi O.	5.3
3. Porta, Tezenis	4.7
4. Green, Sigma B.	3.8
5. Rowe, Prima Veroli	3.3
6. Levin, Givova Scaf.	3.2
7. Marigney, Givova S.	3.1
8. Whiting, Aget Imola	3.1
9. Blizzard, Biancobl.	3.1
10. Goldwire, Centra.	3.0

Steals Per Game

Nikola RADULOVIC
  Givova S.
  (207-F-73)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Radulovic, Givova	3.3
2. West, Tezenis	3.0
3. Thompson, Centra.	2.8
4. Rowe, Prima Veroli	2.8
5. Marigney, Givova S.	2.8
6. Taylor, Trenkwal.	2.6
7. McConnell, Fileni	2.4
8. Blizzard, Biancobl.	2.3
9. Prato, Aget Imola	2.3
10. Hunter, Enel Brin.	2.3

Blocks Per Game

Michele MAGGIOLI
  Fileni B.
  (212-C-77)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Maggioli, Fileni B.	1.8
2. Cervi, Trenkwalder	1.4
3. Trapani, MarcoPol.	1.1
4. Brkic, Prima Veroli	1.0
5. Thomas, Givova S.	0.9
6. Renzi, Tezenis	0.8
7. Da Ros, Sigma B.	0.8
8. Edwards, Tezenis	0.7
9. Busma, Centrale.	0.7
10. Baldassarre, Bian.	0.7

Standings - Lega 2

Lega2 Standings

1. Trenkwalder		9-3
2. Giorgio Tesi PT		9-4
3. Centrale Latte		8-4
4. Morpho Basket		7-4
5. Givova Scafati		7-5
6. Enel Brindisi		7-5
7. Sigma Barcel.		7-5
8. Fileni BPA		6-6
9. Tezenis Verona		6-6
10. Aget Imola		5-7
11. Assi Ostuni		5-7
12. MarcoPoloShop		5-7
13. Biancoblu BO		4-8
14. Prima Veroli		3-9
15. S.Antimo		2-10

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

JORDAN

Pan Arab Games: Qatar fire past Jordan in championship game - by Eurobasket News
Qatar - Jordan 78:70

Qatar clinched the Pan Arab Games title. The hosts of the tournament overcame Jordan in the title encounter tonight. Tanguy Ngombo (197-F-84) tallied 27 points and 12 rebounds to lead the effort.
Qatar grabbed the initiative right from the start. They established a 20:13 lead after ten minutes of action. The home team maintained the lead throughout the second term. They posted a 33:30 halftime lead. Qatar cleared off in the third term. The home team arrived at the final break up by 10 points 57:47. Qatar held off Jordan comeback rally in the final stanza and rolled to the victory at the end. Ali Turki (201-F/C-82) and Ousseynou N'Diaye (196-G/F-85, agency: Court Side) accounted for 11 points each in the victory. Rasheim Wright (192-G-81, college: District of Col.) answered with 22 points and 8 rebounds for Jordan. Islam Abbaas (200-C-80) had 10 points in the loss.

Qatar: Tanguy Ngombo 27+12 boards, Ali Turki 11, Ousseynou N'Diaye 11
Jordan: Rasheim Wright 22, Islam Abbaas 10

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

JUCO

STLCC's Jamese Taylor's Success Is Completion of Long Road Back to College Hoops - by Arnault Desira
Jamese Taylor isn't your prototypical forward. At just 6-1, Taylor is used to having opposing post men tower over him while angling for shots and battling for rebounds for the St. Louis Community College men's basketball team. But that hasn't kept Taylor from being perhaps the best-kept secret for the Archers thus far this season. Through 13 games, Taylor, a freshman from Fort Zumwalt North High School, is third on the Archers in scoring with 9.9 points per game and is second in rebounding with 6.7 boards per contest.

'I think Jamese Taylor has been the biggest surprise on our basketball team,' head coach Randy Albrecht said. 'We didn't know a lot about him, but we invited him to some open gyms. He came out. He practiced with us and won a starting position.'

Taylor took a circuitous path to both St. Louis Community College and collegiate basketball. He last played basketball competitively during the 2006-2007 school year, as a senior at Fort Zumwalt North. Taylor, who was a multi-sport athlete in high school, then went to Southeast Missouri State to run track and play basketball. But his time at SEMO was brief, and he did not appear on the court for the Indians. In the three years following, Taylor left school and went to work.

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

KOSOVO

Standings - Superleague

SuperLeague Standings

1. Sigal Prishtina		13-1
2. Trepca		13-1
3. Bashkimi		9-5
4. Peja		7-7
5. Kolegji Univer.		5-9
6. Kosova		4-10
7. Drita		3-11
8. Futura		2-12

Futura finishes the season with a vital victory - by Dren Shporta
Jeton Nixhas team, Futura, has won last night against favorised Kosova with +10 points difference, 74:64. To make this victory more valuable, Futura played with domestic players and without Valentin Spaqi.

In the beginning Kosova started the game better and with Besnik Azemis 15 points in total, they thought that game is over in the first half, but Futura stroke back in the second half and turned the game into their favor. Alban Latifaj with 17 points, Zgjim Gergjaliu with 15 and Behrami with 11 were among the main contributors in Futuras second victory of the season.

Now Futura has 2-12 record and is still in the bottom of classification table. But only a win separates them from Drita that has 3-11 record, while Kosova has 4-10 record one place higher than the teams mentioned. In the winter pause and mini transfer period on January this three teams should consolidate to keep the status of BKT Superliga teams.

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

LATVIA

LBL Round 14: Winless U18 loses another game - by Eurobasket News
The Regular Season in LBL just ended.

Top-ranked Ventspils blasted bottom-ranked U18 (0-9) in Ventspils 111-46 on Sunday evening keeping the perfect record after 14 rounds. U18 is still unable to win any game. The game without a history. Ventspils led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to U18's 16. Ventspils forced 20 U18 turnovers and outrebounded them 47-10 including a 15-2 advantage in offensive rebounds. They shot the lights out from three sinking 15 long-distance shots on high 60.0 percentage. Ventspils looked well-organized offensively handing out 33 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by U18's players. American forward Sam Willard (205, college: Pacific) had a double-double by scoring 24 points and 15 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and swingman Arturs Strelnieks (196-85) chipped in 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists during the contest. Forward Roberts Krastins (194-94) responded with 9 points. U18's coach gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Undefeated Ventspils (9-0) have an impressive nine-game winning streak. They maintain second position with a perfect record of 9 victories in a row behind leader Valmiera. Newly promoted U18 still closes the standings with nine games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
The game in Turiba was also worth to mention about. Fourth ranked Liepaja (7-6) played at the court of 8th ranked Turiba (3-9). Liepaja managed to secure a 8-point victory 83-75. Point guard Arturs Bricis (193-92) notched a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds to lead the effort and Janis Timma supported him with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists (perfect from the field making all six shots). Liepaja's coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even a double-double of 18 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists by guard Krists Piternieks (202-87, agency: Dynamics Global Management) did not help to save the game for Turiba. Liepaja have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 7-6 record. Turiba lost third consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with nine games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
The game in Riga supposed to be also quite interesting. Fourth ranked Liepaja (7-6) played at the court of 6th ranked Latvijas Universitate (5-8). Liepaja smashed Latvijas Universitate 93-70 on Sunday. The best player for the winners was Josh Mayo who scored 18 points and 8 assists. Kristaps Dargais produced 19 points and 7 rebounds for the hosts. Latvijas Universitate's coach already knew that his team would not have a big chance, so allowed to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Liepaja have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 7-6 record. Latvijas Universitate at the other side keeps the sixth place with eight games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

In the last two games of round 14 Jurmala was destroyed by Jelgava on the opponent's court 98-65. Ventspils outscored Jelgava in a home game 85-60.

Turiba - Liepaja 75-83

The game in Turiba was also worth to mention about. Fourth ranked Liepaja (7-6) played at the court of 8th ranked Turiba (3-9). Liepaja managed to secure a 8-point victory 83-75. The guests were already 14 points ahead after 3 quarters before a 18-12 Turiba's run in the last quarter cut the lead to 83-75 at the end of the game. Point guard Arturs Bricis (193-92) notched a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds to lead the effort and swingman Janis Timma (201-92, agency: FCM) supported him with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists (perfect from the field making all six shots). Liepaja's coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even a double-double of 18 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists by guard Krists Piternieks (202-87, agency: Dynamics Global Management) did not help to save the game for Turiba. Forward Janis Dilevka (198-88) added 16 points and 8 rebounds for the hosts. Five Liepaja and four Turiba players scored in double figures. Liepaja have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 7-6 record. Turiba lost third consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with nine games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Liepaja: A.Bricis 17+12reb+1ast, J.Timma 17+5reb+5ast, M.Kravcenko 13+3reb+3ast, M.Andriukaitis 11+2reb, K.Miglinieks 11+3reb+1ast, J.Mayo 10+3reb+9ast
Turiba: K.Piternieks 18+13reb+4ast, J.Dilevka 16+8reb+1ast, K.Mediss 13+2reb+5ast, R.Mednis 11+2reb+1ast, M.Steinbergs 9+5reb+3ast, M.Sokolovs 8+2ast

Ventspils - U18 111-46

Top-ranked Ventspils blasted bottom-ranked U18 (0-9) in Ventspils 111-46 on Sunday evening keeping the perfect record after 14 rounds. U18 is still unable to win any game. The game without a history. Ventspils led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to U18's 16. Ventspils forced 20 U18 turnovers and outrebounded them 47-10 including a 15-2 advantage in offensive rebounds. They shot the lights out from three sinking 15 long-distance shots on high 60.0 percentage. Ventspils looked well-organized offensively handing out 33 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by U18's players. American forward Sam Willard (205, college: Pacific) had a double-double by scoring 24 points and 15 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and swingman Arturs Strelnieks (196-85) chipped in 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists during the contest. Five Ventspils players scored in double figures. Forward Roberts Krastins (194-94) responded with 9 points and guard Edgars Stelmahers (185-94) scored 8 points. U18's coach gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Ventspils (9-0) have an impressive nine-game winning streak. They maintain second position with a perfect record of 9 victories in a row behind leader Valmiera. Newly promoted U18 still closes the standings with nine games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Ventspils: S.Willard 24+15reb+3ast, R.Zakis 16+4reb+4ast, B.Bakic 14+3reb+3ast, A.Strelnieks 14+6reb+5ast, M.Laksa 12+4reb+3ast, L.Blaus 10+6reb+3ast
U18: R.Krastins 9+2reb+2ast, T.Leimanis 8+1ast, E.Stelmahers 8+1reb+1ast, R.Saubergs 6, G.Puhovs 5+3reb+1ast, E.Endzels 4+2reb+2ast

LU - Liepaja 70-93

The game in Riga supposed to be also quite interesting. Fourth ranked Liepaja (7-6) played at the court of 6th ranked Latvijas Universitate (5-8). Liepaja smashed Latvijas Universitate 93-70 on Sunday. The game was mostly controlled by Liepaja. Latvijas Universitate managed to win third quarter 22-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Liepaja forced 19 Latvijas Universitate turnovers. The best player for the winners was American guard Josh Mayo (182-87, college: Ill.-Chicago, agency: RIZO) who scored 18 points and 8 assists. Swingman Janis Timma (201-92, agency: FCM) chipped in 19 points and 7 rebounds. Four Liepaja players scored in double figures. Guard Kristaps Dargais (195-90) produced 19 points and 7 rebounds and center Zintis Plivda (206-88, agency: Promotex) added 17 points and 8 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Latvijas Universitate's coach already knew that his team would not have a big chance, so allowed to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Liepaja have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 7-6 record. Latvijas Universitate at the other side keeps the sixth place with eight games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Liepaja: M.Kravcenko 20+2reb+3ast, J.Timma 19+7reb+3ast, J.Mayo 18+4reb+8ast, A.Bricis 12+12reb+3ast, K.Miglinieks 8+2reb+1ast, A.Ate 7+5reb+1ast
LU: K.Dargais 19+7reb+1ast, Z.Plivda 17+8reb+1ast, Z.Peiners 15+3reb+4ast, M.Dargis 9+4reb, H.Rubenis 5+1reb, N.Saknitis 3+2reb

Jelgava - Jurmala 98-65

Rather expected game when 7th ranked Jurmala (4-8) was crushed on the road by fifth ranked Jelgava (6-7) 98-65 on Monday. The game was mostly controlled by Jelgava. Jurmala managed to win second period 18-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Jelgava forced 22 Jurmala turnovers. The best player for the winners was American forward Kyle Nelson (203-89, college: Augustana, IL, agency: N.E.T.) who had a double-double by scoring 19 points and 14 rebounds. Swingman Edgars Krumins (194-86) chipped in 20 points and 4 steals. Five Jelgava players scored in double figures. Forward Atis Ozols (198-81) produced 24 points and 5 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) and guard Davis Coders (182-92) added 9 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists 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. Jelgava maintains fifth position with 6-7 record. Newly promoted Jurmala keeps the seventh place with eight games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Jelgava: E.Krumins 20+4reb+1ast, K.Nelson 19+14reb, A.Duselis 13+7reb, K.Kanbergs 12+2ast, K.Krumins 12+4reb+5ast, A.Senkans 10+6reb
Jurmala: A.Ozols 24+5reb+2ast, D.Coders 9+6reb+6ast, E.Bucs 9+3reb, R.Vaikulis 5+1ast, J.Kosuskins 4+1reb, U.Pinete 4+3reb

Ventspils - Jelgava 85-60

Rather predictable result when top-ranked Ventspils (9-0) smashed at home 5th ranked Jelgava (6-7) 85-60 on Thursday. The game was mostly controlled by Ventspils. Jelgava managed to win second period 18-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Ventspils dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Jelgava's 22. They outrebounded Jelgava 40-27 including 28 on the defensive glass. Ventspils looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by Jelgava's players. The best player for the winners was international center Martins Meiers (206-91) who scored 29 points and 8 rebounds. American guard Todd Abernethy (185-84, college: Mississippi) chipped in 5 points and 7 assists. Guard Kristaps Kanbergs (190-88) produced 23 points and 6 rebounds and forward Arturs Duselis (200-89) added 10 points 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. Ventspils have an impressive nine-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 9-0 record behind leader Valmiera. Loser Jelgava keeps the fifth place with seven games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Ventspils: M.Meiers 29+8reb, M.Laksa 13+1reb, J.Young 9+2ast, S.Gray 7+1reb+4ast, D.Lejasmeiers 6+3reb+4ast, A.Berzins 6+7reb+1ast
Jelgava: K.Kanbergs 23+6reb+2ast, A.Duselis 10+4reb+2ast, E.Krumins 9+2reb+1ast, K.Krumins 7+1reb+2ast, K.Nelson 6+5reb, S.Silavs 5+1reb+2ast

LBL Standing

LBL Standings

1. Valmiera		10-3
2. Ventspils		9-0
3. VEF Riga		7-1
4. Liepaja		7-6
5. Jelgava		6-7
6. LU		5-8
7. Jurmala		4-8
8. Turiba		3-9
9. U18		0-9

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Courtney SIMS
  VEF Riga
  (211-C-83)
  Avg: 26.3

1. Sims, VEF Riga	26.3
2. Kalve, Valmiera	19.5
3. Krumins, Jelgava	18.5
4. Ozols, Jurmala	18.4
5. Peiners, LU	18.3
6. Mayo, Liepaja	18.0
7. Lucas, Valmiera	17.6
8. Mediss, Turiba	15.9
9. Young, Ventspils	15.7
10. Kanbergs, Jelgava	14.8

Rebounds Per Game

Ervins JONATS
  Jurmala
  (199-F-91)
  Avg: 9.6

1. Jonats, Jurmala	9.6
2. Sims, VEF Riga	9.0
3. Willard, Ventspils	8.9
4. Berzins, VEF Riga	8.6
5. Rozitis, Valmiera	8.3
6. Dargais, LU	8.1
7. Mednis, Turiba	7.6
8. Nelson, Jelgava	7.1
9. Kalve, Valmiera	6.7
10. Butjankovs, Valmi.	6.3

Assists Per Game

Josh MAYO
  Liepaja
  (182-G-87)
  Avg: 5.6

1. Mayo, Liepaja	5.6
2. Lejasmeiers, Vents.	4.7
3. Lucas, Valmiera	4.5
4. Coders, Jurmala	4.2
5. Strelnieks, Ventsp.	3.7
6. Janicenoks, VEF R.	3.6
7. Perry, VEF Riga	3.5
8. Kravcenko, Liepaja	3.4
9. Gray, Ventspils	3.0
10. Valters, VEF Riga	3.0

Steals Per Game

Curtis MILLAGE
  VEF Riga
  (185-G-81)
  Avg: 3

1. Millage, VEF Riga	3.0
2. Janicenoks, VEF R.	2.6
3. Peiners, LU	2.3
4. Gray, Ventspils	1.8
5. Osins, LU	1.8
6. Perry, VEF Riga	1.7
7. Ozols, Jurmala	1.7
8. Krumins, Jelgava	1.7
9. Young, Ventspils	1.7
10. Kanbergs, Jelgava	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Kaspars BERZINS
  VEF Riga
  (213-F/C-85)
  Avg: 1.4

1. Berzins, VEF Riga	1.4
2. Rozitis, Valmiera	1.2
3. Ozols, Jurmala	1.1
4. Cain, VEF Riga	1.0
5. Jonats, Jurmala	1.0
6. Dukulis, Liepaja	0.8
7. Willard, Ventspils	0.8
8. Meiers, Ventspils	0.7
9. Sims, VEF Riga	0.7
10. Gromovs, U18	0.7

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

LITHUANIA

BBL: Pieno Zvaigzdes grabs a victory against Lyubertsy - by Adomas Kraunevicius

Pieno Zvaigzdes - Triumph Lyubertsy 89:88

Pieno Zvaigzdes Pasvalys (7-3) is continuing their winning streak in the BBL. They have claimed a dramatic 89:88 (21:14, 31:27, 14:24, 23:23) victory over Valdemaras Chomicius ' Triumph Lyubertsy (7-3).

Pieno Zvaigzdes Pasvalys had a strong start and built a 7 point differential during the first quarter which they extended to 11 (52:41) over the second period. However, Lyubertsy came up with a strong response in the second half and reduced the deficit to a minimum over the third quarter (66:65). They had no intention of stopping in the fourth period and quickly built a lead which reached 7 points (88:81) after 7 minutes. Pasvalys has wiped out the difference over the next two minutes - 88:88. Triumph Lyubertsy committed an unsportsmanlike foul against Paulius Morkeliunas (201-F-85, college: LIU Brooklyn) but he missed both free throws. Zydrunas Kelys (188-G-87) was then fouled shooting from the three point line but he only realized 1 out of 3 free throws. But that was enough for a victory as Triumph Lyubertsy turned the ball over in the last possession for which they had five seconds.

Pieno Zvaigzdes Pasvalys: TreVon Hughes (183-PG-87, agency: Edge Sports, college: Wisconsin) 25, Eimantas Bendzius (203-F-90) 13, Zydrunas Kelys and Paulius Morkeliunas 12.

Triumph Lyubertsy: Ivan Lazarev (210-C/F-91) 21.

LKL: Rudupis hands Lietuvos Rytas their first LKL loss - by Adomas Kraunevicius

Rudupis - Lietuvos Rytas 90:88

Sensation in the BEKO-Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL). Rudupis Prienu has defeated a league leader Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius who was 8-0 so far in LKL this season. Dainius Salenga (197-F-77) netted 5/5 three pointers and 27 points and led Prienai to a difficult victory 90:88 (17:17 17:27 31:15 25:29) in the new Prienai Arena.

The match started off very slowly and both teams turned to defense. Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius led 3:2 after 3:30 minutes but Dainius Salenga responded with 5 points in a row giving Prienai a 7:5 lead. Soon Tyrese Rice (185-PG-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Boston Coll.) and Predrag Samardziski (214-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) recovered Lietuvos Rytas' lead to 9:7. With 2 minutes left on the clock, Dainius Salenga and Simas Buterlevicius (200-F-89) drained two three pointers (15:11) but Vilnius wiped out the deficit and the score was tied at 17:17 at the end of the first quarter.

Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius started the second quarter with a 5:0 run (22:17) but Edgaras Zelionis (207-C-89) responded with 2 points and one and reduced the deficit to 25:23. Vilmantas Dilys (208-F-87, agency: Interperformances) netted four points in a row and increased the visitors' lead to 32:25 but Prienai answered with a 6:0 run and after Dainius Salenga's two pointer Lietuvos Rytas led only by 1 - 32:31. However, Vilnius managed to rebuild their lead to 43:33 and led 44:34 as the players headed to the locker room.

After the halftime the situation remained the same. Gediminas Orelikas (199-G/F-90) tried to reduce the difference but Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius would regain their double digit lead. With four minutes left till the end of the quarter, Rytas' lead was reduced to 5 (54:49) and after Gintaras Kadziulis' (193-G-80) two pointer the score was 54:51. Vilnius struggled offensively and with 2 minutes left to play, Rudupis Prienu managed to take a 59:56 lead. At the last minute of the quarter, Prienai lead reached 7 points (63:56), which was reduced to 65:59 by Vilnius in the remainder of the third quarter.

Four minutes played in the fourth quarter, Lawrence Roberts (205-F/C-82, college: Mississippi St.) brought back the lead to Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius (71:70) but Justinas Sinica (203-F-85) responded with a three pointer, giving Rudupis Prienu a 73:71 lead. With four minutes left to play Dainius Salenga netted yet another three pointer, Gintaras Kadziulis and Justinas Sinica added 3 free throws and thus regained a 6 point Rudupis lead. 2 minutes left on the game clock, Renaldas Seibutis (196-G-85) answered with a three pointer and Lawrence Roberts added 2 and 1 cutting the lead to 83:81 but Vilnius didn't manage to tie the score and Rudupis Prienu celebrated a sensational victory.

Rudupis Prienu: Dainius Salenga 27 (5/5 three pointers), Gediminas Orelikas 15, Edgaras Zelionis 10 (8 rebounds).

Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius: Tyrese Rice 20 (6/15 2 pt FG), Renaldas Seibutis and Mindaugas Katelynas (205-F-83, college: Chattanooga) 14, Lawrence Roberts 11 (10 rebounds).

BBL: Baltai came short of Lyubertsy - by Adomas Kraunevicius

Baltai - Triumph 71:83

KK Baltai Kaunas (2-8) did not manage to overcome the barrier of Triumph Lyubertsy (6-2). A slow start by KK Baltai Kaunas allowed Triumph Lyubertsy to build a solid differential from the beginning of the match and maintain it throughout, winning the game 83:71 (28:11, 21:13, 16:24, 18:23).

A close fight only took place during the very first minutes of the first period. After that, Triumph Lyubertsy ran away 15:1 and won the first quarter by 17 points. Until halftime, they improved this lead to 25 (49:24). Even though KK Baltai Kaunas looked stronger in the second half, winning both third and fourth quarters, they did not manage to wipe out the deficit and lost the match 71:83.

KK Baltai Kaunas: Siim-Sander Vene (203-F-90) 19, Vytenis Cizauskas (189-G-92) 11, Zygimantas Janavicius (192-G-89, agency: Interperformances) 9 (10 assists).

Triumph Lyubertsy: Kyle Landry (207-C/F-86, college: N.Arizona) 19, Dmitry Kulagin (195-G-92) 16 (7 assists), Victor Zvarykin (198-G-86) 15, Davon Jefferson (204-F-86, college: USC) 13 (8 rebounds, 6 assists).

BBL: Sharp shooting allows Pieno Zvaigzdes to continue their winning streak - by Adomas Kraunevicius

Pieno Zvaigzdes - BK Ventspils 65:56

Pieno Zvaigzdes Pasvalys (6-3) continues to demonstrate solid form. They have reached their fourth victory in a row in the BBL defeating latvian BK Ventspils (5-5) 65:56 (15:11, 19:12, 16:18, 15:15) in front of their home crowd.

Great shooting from beyond the arc has allowed Pasvalys to start off the match strong and get ahead from the first minutes. After 10 minutes they led 15:11 and increased their lead to 34:23 over the second quarter. The second half of the match was very close but Pieno Zvaigzdes Pasvalys Zvaigzdes managed to prevent their advantage winning comfortably 65:56.

The key factor that determined Pieno Zvaigzdes' win was great three point shooting. Pasvalys made 11 out of 20 (55%) long distance shots whereas BK Ventspils responded with only 5/17 (29.4%).

Pieno Zvaigzdes Pasvalys: TreVon Hughes (183-PG-87, agency: Edge Sports, college: Wisconsin) 16, Eimantas Bendzius (203-F-90) 11, Paulius Morkeliunas (201-F-85, college: LIU Brooklyn) 9, Sylvester Morgan (208-C-83, college: Georgia St.) 9.

BK Ventspils: Sam Willard (205-F, college: Pacific) 13 (11 rebs), Jahmar Young (196-G-86, college: N.Mexico St.) 13, Martins Laksa (200-F-90, agency: FCM) 10.

Zalgiris edges Zagreb, advances to Top 16 - by Eurobasket News
Zalgiris - KK Zagreb CO 87-76

Zalgiris advanced to the Euroleague Top 16. The Lithuanian champion made it in do-or-die game against Zagreb 87-76 jumping to fourth place in Group B with 4-6 record. Zagreb finished as the last ranked team in this pool with 2-8. Sonny Weems (198-G/F-86, college: Arkansas) led the hosts to this crucial victory with 20 points. Marko Popovic (185-G-82, agency: Alti Sport, college: S.Idaho JC) also shined scoring 17 pts, while Paulius Jankunas (205-F-84, agency: Interperformances) secured a great help with 12 points and 8 rebounds. Zagreb got 20 points and 8 rebounds from Mario Kasun (213-C-80). Petar Babic (190-G-85) and Sean May (206-F-84, college: N.Carolina) (6 rebs) had 17 and 15 pts respectively. Zalgiris did a great job in the first half of the game making 17-point lead, 46-29. Zalgiris had plus 21 at the one moment during the Q2. Zagreb didn't give up and came to 79-72 with 3 minutes remaining in the game, but than Weems turned a Zagreb turnover into a made free throw. And Tomas Delininkaitis scored his first points of the game with a jumper in the lane to put the hosts ahead by 10. Quarters: 28-18, 18-11, 20-21, 21-26. The Top 16 draw is scheduled for December 28.

Zalgiris: Sonny Weems 20, Marko Popovic 17, Paulius Jankunas 12+8 boards
Zagreb: Mario Kasun 20+8 boards, Petar Babic 17, Sean May 15+6 boards

BBL Challenge Cup: Neptunas claims a tough victory over Barsy - by Adomas Kraunevicius

Neptunas - Barsy 91:87

Neptunas Klaipeda has reached its fourth victory in the Baltic Basketball League Challenge Cup. They have defeated Barsy Atyrau 91:87 (23:13, 24:25, 15:28, 29:21).

Neptunas Klaipeda started off strong and quickly built a 10 point lead which they maintained over the first half. However, Atyrau struck back in the third quarter (29:15) and gained a four point lead. They managed to increase the advantage to 7 points at the beginning of the fourth period but Neptunas responded strong and tied the score at 73:73. With 3 minutes left, Barsy had a 1 point lead but Klaipeda made a 7:0 run and reached a tough victory.

Marius Runkauskas netted 23 points, Laurynas Mikalauskas (205-F-85, college: Virginia) (205-F-85, college: Virginia) added 19 (13 rebounds), Martynas Mazeika (193-G-85, agency: Limelight Hoops) 16 and Simas Galdikas (203-F-87) (9 rebounds) for the winning team.

Mikhail Evstigneev (202-F/C-84) responded with 21 points for Atyrau.

BBL: Juventus defeats Ventspils - by Adomas Kraunevicius

Juventus - Ventspils 76:64

Darius Pakamanis (192-G-81) scored 19 points, grabbed 5 boards, dished 6 assists and led Juventus-LKSK Utenos to an important victory over the latvian BK Ventspils 76:64 (19:19, 19:21, 22:9, 16:15) in the Baltic Basketball League. The first two quarters of the match were very close without anyone having the initiative and at the halftime Juventus-LKSK Utenos trailed by 2 at 38:40. However, a perfectly played third quarter which Utena won 22:9 allowed them to build an 11 point differential which they managed to maintain for the remainder of the match winning it by 12 points - 76:64.

Vaidotas Volkus (203-F-85, college: Redlands CC) contributed 17 points, Zydrunas Urbonas (198-F-76) added 10, Karolis Petrukonis (212-C-87, college: Clemson) and Tomas Gaidamavicius (192-G-82) 8 points for the winning team.

Steven Gray (195-G-89, college: Gonzaga) responded with 19 points (1/8 three point shots), Jahmar Young (196-G-86, college: N.Mexico St.) added 11, Martins Meiers (206-C-91) 10 (8 rebounds).

LKL: Zalgiris grabs a victory in Utena - by Adomas Kraunevicius

Juventus - Zalgiris 60:82

B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas Kaunas (8-0) took a comfortable win in Utena over the local Juventus-LKSK Utenos (4-6) squad 82:60 (29:16 16:21, 18:12, 19:11) in the BEKO-LKL championship.

This victory has allowed B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas to become a leader in the league table after last weekend's Lietuvos rytas Vilnius (8-1) loss in Prienai. Utena is currently 8th with 4 wins and 6 losses in 10 games.

The match started quite closely and Zalgiris Kaunas only managed to build a 13 point differential after a 10-0 run in the last three minutes of the first period, winning it 29:16. However, Utena responded in the second quarter and reduced the deficit to 2 points (34:32). Zalgiris managed to recover part of their lead and won the first half 45:37.

They continued their job in the third quarter and after a 12:4 run increased their lead to 57:41. Utena reduced the deficit to 53:63 in the fourth quarter but B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas scored 13 points in a row, increased their lead to 76:53 and kept their lead till the end of the match.

Aleksandr Trifunovic decided to give big man Robertas Javtokas (211-C-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Arizona) some rest thus Zalgiris played this match without him.

B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas: Milovan Rakovic (208-C-85) 15, DeJuan Collins (188-G-76, college: Tuskegee)s 14, Mantas Kalnietis (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances) 12 (5 ast), Tomas Delininkaitis (192-G-82, agency: Interperformances) 11.

Juventus-LKSK Utenos: Karolis Petrukonis (212-C-87, college: Clemson) 10, Gediminas Maceina (188-PG-84) 9 (6 ast), Tomas Gaidamavicius (192-G-82) 9, Gintautas Matulis (195-F/G-86) 8.

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LUXEMBOURG

Happy Holidays... - by Philip Perre
Christmas break is finally here, sitting at 6-7 and 6th in the Diekirch league. We have had a good December in which we had a 3-1 record, and also going through to the semi finals of the Luxembourg cup. As one of the veterans on the team, myself Brandon Gray, Guy Schmit have done a great job helping the team get better. Also guys coming off the bench, like De Marchi, Raoul and Christain, have done a great job bringing energy which in turn helps us win games. And to the younger guys like Laurent, Jean and others, keep up that good work.
As a professional athlete you have to deal with allot of good times, bad times, or tough times. Its important to stay even kill, never get too high or too low. As long as chemistry, determination and focus is strong within the team, you can always achieve big things. Now we on that needed Xmas break to refresh batteries, mind and soul. Its family time, with great company, and great food. Loving it. Thank God for family.
In 2011 its time to get back to our agenda winning games..man its crazy, 2011 is almost over, time has been flying by. Just feel blessed to be still able to play a sport I love. So till next time people be safe and I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, especially to my basketball family..
God Bless and keep moving forward.

Hard work pays off.
Philip Perre (198-F-79, college: N.Alabama)

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

NAIA

Concordia Breaks Tie at No. 1 in NAIA Division I Men's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 Poll - by Arnault Desira
Concordia (Calif.) broke the tie at No. 1 with 309 total points and eight first-place votes in the second regular-season edition of the 2011 12 NAIA Division I Mens Basketball Coaches Top 25 Poll, the NAIA announced Monday. Last week, the Eagles shared the top ranking with Robert Morris (Ill.), who owns the second spot in this installment. Standing with a 10-0 record, Robert Morris captured 304 points and the remaining four first-place nods.

Concordia and Robert Morris will tangle at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, Ill., on Saturday. Both offenses will come into the game ranked among the top 10 in scoring.

No. 3 Oklahoma Baptist stays put with 293 total points. The Bison have been ranked in the top 10 for the last 10 polls dating back to last season. Moving up one spot is fourth-ranked Shorter (Ga.) with 282 points. Last week, the Hawks enjoyed their highest ranking since the 2000 01 season. With 265 points, No. 5 Rogers State (Okla.) is in the top five for the first time since a No. 1 position during the 2008 09 season.

No. 13 Southern Poly (Ga.) was one of the biggest movers within the poll, sliding up five slots. The Hornets dropped then-No. 4 Georgetown (Ky.), 82-77, on Dec. 10 for their fourth-straight win. No. 16 Southern Nazarene (Okla.) fell the farthest with a three spot fall.

No. 21 Xavier (La.) and No. 25 Campbellsville (Ky.) are this weeks newcomers. Xavier was listed 21st in the preseason poll. The Tigers are ranked for the first time since the 2010-11 Preseason Top 25 on Oct. 25, 2010, when they were 17th.

Tougaloo (Miss.) (No. 20) and defending national champion Pikeville (Ky.) (No. 22) both fell out of the Top 25.

Eleven of the 12 conference/independent/unaffiliated groups are mentioned in the poll. The Golden State Athletic Conference, Mid-South Conference and Sooner Athletic Conference each place four teams in the ranking for the second time in as many weeks. Five other leagues landed a pair of programs among the Top 25.

The poll was voted upon by a panel of head coaches representing each of the conference/independent/unaffiliated groups. The third regular-season Division I Mens Basketball Coaches Top 25 Poll will be announced on Jan. 9, 2012.

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

NBA

New Orleans Hornets snag center Gustavo Ayon - by Eurobasket News
The already sizeable New Orleans Hornets front line will be getting bigger by the end of the week, when free-agent center Gustavo Ayon (6'10''-F/C-85, agency: Duran International, college: San Jose St.) arrives for an introductory press conference scheduled for Friday. Ayon, 6 feet 10, 250 pounds, announced at a media briefing in Spain on Wednesday - and sources later confirmed - that he will be joining the Hornets after New Orleans contributed half of the $1.5 million buyout Ayon needed to escape from Madrids Fuenbrada team.

The Hornets scouting staff had seen Ayon several times in the Euroleague before the beginning of the 149-day lockout last summer.

Sources indicated that the Hornets half of Ayons buyout that facilitated his exit from Madrid - about $525,000 - didnt come from money the team received from the draft-night transaction with New York that sent second-round draft choice Josh Harrellson to the Knicks. That brought the Hornets about $750,000 in cash.

Nicknamed The Titan, Ayon also was coveted by the Indiana Pacers and Denver Nuggets this season, and in the past he was sought by the San Antonio Spurs and Phoenix Suns.

The Hornets didnt comment on Ayons acquisition Wednesday because he has yet to sign a contract. Ayon is en route to New Orleans from Spain.

Ayon has been a member of the Mexican national basketball team since 2007, and his play last season in Europe was eye-opening. In 10 games with Fuenlabrado this season, Ayon, 26, averaged 15.8 points and 8.2 rebounds. During the 2010-11 season, Ayon averaged 10.8 points and 6.3 rebounds in 33 games.

In New Orleans, hell join Emeka Okafor (6-foot-10), along with 7-foot reserves Chris Kaman and Jason Smith.

The agreement Ayon will sign is believed to be two years with a third at the teams option.

Courtesy of www.nola.com

Nets close on DeShawn Stevenson? - by Eurobasket News
Fred Kerber, quoting DeShawn Stevenson's (6'5''-G-81, agency: Priority Sports) agent, reports the Nets are in 'serious conversation' with Stevenson, the 6'6' free agent shooting guard who won a ring with the Mavericks in June. Stevenson, 30, started three games in the NBA Finals, hitting three of five three point attempts in Game 6.

'You know how these things go, something could happen in two minutes, two days or not at all,' said Mark Bartelstein, Stevensons agent. 'But yes, we have been talking. I would categorize them as serious conversations.'

Andrei Kirilenko's agent, Mark Fleischer, once again told Kerber he's unaware of any meaningful discussions with the Nets.

Courtesy of www.netsdaily.com

Billups can picture himself staying with Clippers - by Eurobasket News
Chauncey Billups (6'3''-PG-76, college: Colorado) didn't want to end up with the Clippers.

He didn't want to get shipped out of his hometown Denver to New York at the whim of Carmelo Anthony. He didn't want to get waived by said Knicks to clear the way for their signing of Tyson Chandler. Then he told teams not to bid on him while on waivers, but the Clippers did anyway.

But once he stepped back and looked at the situation, Billups realized things in Los Angeles are not so bad. He could picture himself staying with the Clippers past this season, he told Scott Howard-Cooper at NBA.com.

'I'm not going to worry about that until the summer, he said after practice at the teams training facility. But I want to be in a situation where guys are ready to win. Not just win the regular season, but win in the playoffs. Well see how this thing shapes up, but if we continue with the mentality that we have and players keep getting better, this maybe the opportunity thats best for me.'

But how is that going to work, you ask? Chris Paul is the Clippers point guard and Billups has played the point his entire career. How well Billups adjusts to playing off the ball will be one of the keys to the Clippers season.

Billups doesn't see the issue.

Chris and I have been two players that have pretty much dominated and had a lot of success in our careers at that position, Billups said. For us now to be here together is a little strange, but at the same is a delight for me to be able to have somebody on the floor thats the same cerebral player that I am. Im used to seeing things that most people on my team didnt see. Were seeing things together and looking at each other, saying, Yeah.
Eventually the Clippers are going to have to address the two guard spot for the long term, but if they can keep Billups around a couple seasons and he adapts, that is a guy who can help a young team through the how-to-win-in-the-NBA learning curve.

Courtesy of http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com

Lakers' Kobe Bryant tears ligament in wrist - by Eurobasket News
Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) did not play in the Lakers' preseason finale against the Clippers on Wednesday because of a torn ligament in his right wrist, and his status for the season opener Sunday is up in the air.

An MRI exam revealed the extent of the injury, which occurred during Monday's loss to the Clippers. Depending on the degree of the tear, he could be sidelined as long as four weeks.

'He's day-to-day,' first-year Lakers head coach Mike Brown said. 'Guys will go through the year and get hurt, obviously. Sometimes they'll get hurt and can't play. Sometimes they'll get hurt and still can play.

'It just depends on the situation. Come Sunday, we'll see how it is.'

Bryant, who shoots right-handed, was sent crashing to the floor by Clippers center DeAndre Jordan on a blocked layup and came up holding the wrist. Bryant stayed in the game for three more minutes, then went to the bench for a good stretch before returning during the fourth quarter.

'I knew he landed on his wrist, but I was not aware that he was in significant pain,' Brown said. 'He did not tell me he was in pain, nor did our trainer tell me he was in pain.'

After Monday's game, when asked about the wrist, Bryant told Brown it wasn't a problem.

'He came up to me in practice yesterday and said: 'My wrist is a little sore, but I'm good to go,' ' Brown said. 'And when it got to competitive stuff, where it was 5-on-5, he scored runners over defenders with his left hand. So he was playing a game within himself, I guess.'

Humphries signs: Forward Kris Humphries re-signed with the Nets for a reported one year at $8 million. Humphries, who is probably more known for his recent failed marriage to Kim Kardashian, averaged career bests of 10.0 points and 10.4 rebounds last season.

Briefly: Center Marcus Camby missed the Blazers' preseason finale after tweaking his left knee during warm-ups. ... The Rockets signed free-agent forward Jeff Adrien, who had been playing in Italy after appearing in 23 games with the Warriors last season. ... Center Samuel Dalembert signed a two-year, $13.7 million deal with the Rockets.

Courtesy of www.sfgate.com

Warriors' Curry gets good news on ankle - by Eurobasket News
Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (6'3''-PG-88, college: Davidson) received some good news from Wednesday's MRI exam on his sprained right ankle.

Tests revealed Curry didn't sustain any ligament damage in Tuesday's exhibition loss to Sacramento. The repairs made in his offseason surgery are still intact.

Curry will officially be listed as day to day, but it's going to take some quick healing for him to be able to play Sunday, when the Warriors host the Los Angeles Clippers in their season opener.

'Hoping for the Christmas Miracle,' Curry said.

Curry rolled his right ankle while backpedaling to the defensive end with 46.4 seconds left in the first half. He fell to the hardwood and writhed in pain after trying to walk it off.

Curry sprained his right ankle three times last season and missed a total of eight games. He had surgery on the ankle in May to repair two ligament tears.

He spent most of the offseason rehabbing the injury before being cleared for full contact on Sept. 14.

The Warriors waived swingman Edwin Ubiles and guard Tommy Mitchell, leaving 14 players under contract.

Courtesy of www.mercurynews.com

Blazers C Camby tweaks left knee, will have MRI - by Eurobasket News
Trail Blazers center Marcus Camby (6'11''-C/F-74, college: Massachusetts) was ruled out for Portlands preseason finale against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night after tweaking his left knee during warmups.

Camby will have an MRI as a precaution on Thursday, but coach Nate McMillan didnt believe the injury was serious.

Kurt Thomas started in place of the 15-year veteran.

LaMarcus Aldridge will start for Portland against the Jazz after the 6-foot-11 forward missed the start of training camp to receive treatment for Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, a condition which causes the ventricles of the heart to prematurely contract.

Aldridge averaged a team-high 21.8 points to go with 8.6 rebounds last season.

Jazz second-year pro Derrick Favors will start at forward Wednesday in place of Paul Millsap, who was out again with right quad tendinitis.

Courtesy of Yahoo

New Jersey Nets re-sign forward Kris Humphries - by Eurobasket News
The New Jersey Nets have re-signed forward Kris Humphries (6'9''-F-85, college: Minnesota), Nets General Manager Billy King announced today. It is reportedly a one-year deal for around $8 million.

Kris had a breakout season last year, and established himself as one of the premier rebounders in the league, said King. We look forward to his continued progress and his addition will certainly add stability to our frontcourt rotation.

Humphries rejoins the Nets after a career-year in 2010-11 that saw the 6-9 forward average personal bests of 10.0 points and 10.4 rebounds, while shooting .527 from the field in 74 games (44 starts). The seven-year veteran out of Minnesota ranked 5th in the NBA in rebounds per game last season, notched 29 double-doubles and grabbed a career-high 23 boards on March 23 at Cleveland.

Humphries originally came to the Nets as part of a mid-season trade in 2009-10. In 118 games with New Jersey, Humphries owns averages of 9.3 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. Selected in the first round of the 2004 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz, Humphries went on to play for Toronto and Dallas before joining New Jersey. In 431 NBA games, Humphries holds career averages of 2.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Rockets sign power forward Jeff Adrien - by Eurobasket News
After receiving FIBA clearance Tuesday, the Rockets signed forward Jeff Adrien (6'7''-F-86, agency: Priority Sports, college: Connecticut) with just three practice days left before Monday's season opener. They had been interested in Adrien since he played for their NBA Development League team, but Adrien signed with the Warriors and then played for Benetton Treviso during the lockout.

He has a two-year contract with the first year partially guaranteed. A 6-7 power forward, Adrien averaged 18.3 points and 11.4 rebounds in the NBA Development League. The Rio Grande Valley Vipers went 18-4 in his games with the team.

'He was the best free-agent big in the NBDL last year,' Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said. 'Tough, athletic competitor who plays bigger than his size on both ends because of his length and strength.'

Adrien was undrafted out of Connecticut, where he was a teammate of Rockets center Hasheem Thabeet He played in 23 games with Golden State last season, averaging 2.5 points and 2.5 rebounds in 8.5 minutes per game.

Courtesy of www.chron.com

Griffin scores 30 as Clippers beat Lakers 108-103 - by Eurobasket News
Blake Griffin (6'10''-F-89, college: Oklahoma) scored nine of his 30 points in the final 5:18, and the Los Angeles Clippers wrapped up their two-game preseason sweep of the Lakers with a 108-103 victory on Wednesday night.

Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) did not dress for the Lakers because of a torn ligament in his right wrist. A MRI revealed the injury, which occurred Monday night when he was sent crashing to the floor by Clippers center DeAndre Jordan on a layup early in the third quarter of a 114-95 loss.

Caron Butler (6'7''-F-80, college: Connecticut) and reserve guard Mo Williams each scored 16 points, and Jordan added 14 for the Clippers, who open their season Christmas night at Golden State. Chris Paul (6'0''-PG-85, college: Wake Forest) finished with 10 assists and seven points.

Andrew Bynum (7'0''-C-87, agency: David Lee services) had 26 points and 11 rebounds for the Lakers, who also begin their schedule on Sunday against Chicago. Reserve Steve Blake had 20 points against his former team.

Bryant is wearing a soft cast on his shooting wrist, and his status for the season opener is up in the air. One thing is certain: The Lakers will start the regular season without Bynum, who had 41 points and 23 rebounds in the two preseason games.

Bynum was suspended without pay for the first five games because of a flagrant foul against Dallas' J.J. Barea in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals.

Derek Fisher (6'1''-PG-74, agency: Priority Sports, college: UALR) had seven points and eight assists in 24 minutes.

The Clippers, who trailed by as many as 11 points, didn't take their first lead until Jordan converted an alley-oop pass from Paul on a fast break to put them ahead 59-58 with 8:54 left in the third quarter. By game's end, they had converted 20 Lakers turnovers into 30 points while committing only six turnovers themselves.

The Clippers were leading 64-62 when Griffin was shoved to the floor from behind by former Clipper Matt Barnes as he tried to receive a pass from Paul with his back to the basket.

Barnes was assessed a flagrant foul, and the Clippers followed with an 11-0 run that extended their lead to 74-62 with 3:12 minutes left in the third.

The Lakers trailed by 13 early in the fourth before Troy Murphy capped a 14-4 run with a 3-pointer that sliced the margin to 90-87 with 6:07 to play.

But Griffin responded with nine points in a 1:44 span to help put the game out of reach.

With the regular season reduced to 66 games, Staples Center's co-tenants will face each other three times instead of the usual four.

Courtesy of www.huffingtonpost.com

Rondo scores 17 as Celtics beat Raptors 81-73 - by Eurobasket News
If you listened to the post-lockout reports, there was a chance Rajon Rondo (6'1''-PG-86, college: Kentucky) wouldn't have been on the TD Garden floor for Wednesday night's preseason game against Toronto.

After the rumor mill had Rondo going to New Orleans in a deal for All-Star Chris Paul, it's safe to assume the Boston Celtics are happy their point guard still has a familiar face.

Rondo scored 15 of his 17 points in the first half to lead the Celtics to an 81-73 victory over Toronto and a sweep of their two-game preseason series with the Raptors.

Rondo had 10 points in the first 8 minutes for Boston, which scored the game's first eight points and never trailed. Rondo had seven assists and two steals in 23 minutes and joined his fellow starters on the bench midway through the third quarter to watch the rest of the game.

Paul Pierce missed both games for the Celtics with a heel injury and is questionable for the Christmas Day season opener against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

Reserve Brandon Bass (6'8''-F-85, college: LSU), recently acquired in the deal that sent Glen Davis (6'9''-F-86, college: LSU) to Orlando, scored 12 points in 18 minutes, while rookie E'Twaun Moore (6'4''-G-89, agency: Priority Sports, college: Purdue),, Boston's second-round draft pick, had 11 points and four rebounds in his 18 minutes.

Andrea Bargnani (6'10''-F/C-85) scored 20 points and DeMar DeRozan had 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Raptors, who open their season in Cleveland on Monday night.

The Raptors were missing four players, including Leandro Barbosa, who suffered a back injury Sunday against Boston but is expected to play in the opener.

Courtesy of www.boston.com

Miami Heat fall to Orlando Magic in final pre-season game - by Eurobasket News
No one was seriously injured this time. It was a successful preseason.

Last year, the Heat limped into the regular season after a preseason filled with medical setbacks.

The Heat isnt completely healthy entering this truncated regular season, but the team will fly to Dallas on Christmas Eve with its starting lineup relatively injury free and sixth-man Udonis Haslem healthy for the first time in more than a year.

Its here, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said of the regular season that will begin in four days. Its upon us.

All things considered, the Heat made it out of the preseason relatively injury free. That wasnt the case last year when the team was without Wade early on and then lost Mike Miller for nearly the entire season.

Still, the Heat has concerns. Miller, Shane Battier, Eddy Curry and Eddie House sat out the two preseason games and Dexter Pittman was unavailable for Wednesdays final preseason game because of a strained muscle in his leg.

Its a less-than-ideal situation, to be sure.

We have three days to get ready and healthy, Spoelstra said. Its pretty much the shortest training camp you could have.

As for the actually game on Wednesday? Now that basketball is finally back, its good the exhibition games are over.

The Heat lost to the Magic 104-100 in its final tuneup. Exciting in the beginning and tedious at the end, the preseason featured just two games because of the NBAs extended lockout and the rushed timetable to fit as many regular-season games into the schedule as possible.

By the time the buzzer finally hit zero in Amway Center, it felt like two preseason games too many.

The game lasted 2 hours 36 minutes and was a showcase for the referees whistles more than anything. There were 89 free-throw attempts and 50 personal fouls. The high-flying pace of the Heats first preseason game ground to halt in the rematch of the NBAs Florida franchises.

The Heat led by as many as 23 points in the first half but lost the lead in the third quarter. A brief run sparked by rookie Norris Cole put the Heat back ahead 79-73 to begin the fourth quarter but the Magic pulled away in front of an energized home crowd.

LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) led the Heat with 27 points on 9-of-16 shooting. Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) scored 21, shooting 50 percent from the field. Cole had 11 points off the bench.

Glen Davis (6'9''-F-86, college: LSU) led the Magic with 18 points and fueled Orlandos second-half comeback. Dwight Howard (6'11''-C-85) and Jason Richardson (6'6''-G-81, college: Michigan St.) each had 15 points. Jameer Nelson had 14 points and 10 assists for the Magic.

Something to file away for the regular-season games between these two teams: Around the end of the third quarter, James and Quentin Richardson decided to play bumper cars with their bodies and their egos.

Richardson taunted James throughout game and then gave James an elbow in transition with 35 seconds left in the third quarter. James bumped back and then Richardson upped the ante with a body check. The refs had seen enough and issued Richardson a technical foul.

Now, heres where it got interesting.

Richardson walked down to the Heats bench and shouted at Wade, You better tell him! Wade and Richardson, both from Chicago, are close friends. There was a break in the action following the dust up, which allowed Wade and Eddy Curry, another Chicagoan, to laugh about the incident.

Two of my best friends, Wade said of James and Richardson. Glad I wasnt on court. Glad nothing broke out. Would have put me in an awkward situation.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Hornets show promise in 95-80 win over Memphis - by Eurobasket News
Hornets coach Monty Williams stood outside the home locker room at the New Orleans Arena before Wednesdays game saying only that he was interested in not only how the newcomers would do on defense, but how the team as a whole would do on defense.

Eight minutes into New Orleans final preseason game against Memphis, Williams likely wasnt very pleased the Grizzlies owned a 28-17 lead and the Hornets looked lackadaisical and uninterested in playing defense.

His answer came in the final 40 minutes, when the Hornets clamped down. After Memphis started the game 12 of 15, it finished 31 of 82, an astounding 37.8 percent shooting in New Orleans 95-80 win.

And yet, as any coach is wont to do and likely to do, he saw only areas of need, defensive sets and execution that need improvement.

As a coach, I always see things that most fans dont see, Williams said. Me and the coaching staff will see some things that dont look the way we want them to look.

Yet, for the innocent bystander that wont have to deal with Williams breaking down miscues and effortless trips down the floor, Wednesday appears to be a positive sign that the Hornets will be able to at least compete this season in the NBA.

There was more effort in the final three quarters of this preseason game than most people are used to seeing in exhibition basketball.

Certainly Williams saw that, at least.

Dont want to get too excited about anything now but at the same time, if we compete like that, we give ourselves a chance to win games, Williams said.

This Memphis game wont go down as the game that made New Orleanians forget Chris Paul.

Thatll never happen; folks still talk about Pete Maravich here and Paul, at least on the court, was that kind of player.

But the way two of the three new players Eric Gordon (6'4''-G-88, college: Indiana) and Chris Kaman (7'0''-C-82, college: Cent.Michigan) responded to Williams ways is promising.

Gordon scored 17 points and Kaman added 18 and both added a defensive presence to the lineup, something they know will be important if their stay in New Orleans is going to be a pleasant one.

'We're going to be a team this year that can't make too many mistakes, limited turnovers, we're going to have to play really good defense, Gordon said. We've definitely got to be one of the top defensive teams to be a winning team or playoff team.

Added Kaman, These coaches are very meticulous about where guys are and where they're going to be and so you know that guy has got to be there and you've got to trust your teammates. That's what we try to do. ... It's a help defensive setup and it works well.

It has in the preseason when the Hornets picked up two wins.

Now the question is can New Orleans keep this up beginning Monday night.

Well know in 66 games.

Courtesy of www.wwltv.com

Duncan scores 19 to lead Spurs over Rockets 97-95 - by Eurobasket News
Tim Duncan (6'10''-C/F-76, college: Wake Forest) scored 19 points and Tony Parker (6'0''-PG-82) added 15 to help the San Antonio Spurs hold off the Houston Rockets for a 97-95 preseason win on Wednesday night.

Jeremy Lin's driving layup capped a 10-0 run that tied it 95-all with 34.6 seconds left, but rookie Kawhi Leonard (6'7''-F-91, college: San Diego St.) hit a 20-footer from the left wing to give the Spurs the win.

Reserve Marcus Morris (6'8''-F-89, college: Kansas) scored 20 points, and Chase Budinger (6'7''-F-88, college: Arizona) and Kyle Lowry (6'0''-PG-86, college: Villanova) each added 10 for Houston.

Duncan's block of Lowry combined with a pretty bounce pass on a James Anderson layup sparked a 6-0 run to break a 70-70 third-quarter tie.

Duncan and Parker returned to the starting lineup after sitting out Saturday's preseason opener against the Rockets in Houston.

Parker scored 11 of his 15 points in the first quarter to lead the Spurs to a 14-4 lead before the Rockets made a run to close the quarter down by six.

Houston's second-unit led by Morris put the Rockets up 53-51 at the half.

Courtesy of www.boston.com

Standings

NBA Standings

Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
1. Boston C.		0-0
2. New Jersey N.		0-0
3. New York K.		0-0
4. Philadelph.76		0-0
5. Toronto R.		0-0
Central Div.
1. Chicago B.		0-0
2. Cleveland C.		0-0
3. Detroit P.		0-0
4. Indiana P.		0-0
5. Milwaukee B.		0-0
Southeast Div.
1. Atlanta H.		0-0
2. Charlotte B.		0-0
3. Miami Heat		0-0
4. Orlando M.		0-0
5. Washington W.		0-0
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
1. Denver N.		0-0
2. Minnesota T.		0-0
3. Oklah.City T.		0-0
4. Portland TB		0-0
5. Utah Jazz		0-0
Pacific Div.
1. Golde State W.		0-0
2. LA Clippers		0-0
3. LA Lakers		0-0
4. Phoenix Suns		0-0
5. Sacramento K.		0-0
Southwest Div.
1. Dallas M.		0-0
2. Houston R.		0-0
3. Memphis G.		0-0
4. N.Orleans H.		0-0
5. San Antonio S.		0-0

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

NBLCANADA

Storm adds another to roster - by Eurobasket News
The Summerside Storm signed a new player to their roster Wednesday, but lost another to injury.

A day after its seventh straight loss, this time to the London Lightning on Tuesday, Summerside announced it had signed five-foot-11, 180-pound guard Stephen McDowell (5'11''-G-85, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Chattanooga).

McDowell, a native of Indianapolis, Indiana, is coming off a stint with the Sioux Falls (South Dakota) Skyforce of the NBA's Developmental League.

The Skyforce is the minor league team of the NBA's Miami Heat, Orlando Magic and Minnesota Timberwolves.

'He's a scorer,' said Storm head coach, Joe Salerno, shortly after McDowell's signing was announced on Wednesday.

'He can play the point and the shooting guard positions, and he's also another good on-ball defender. He's a very exciting player.'

Summerside also placed one of its leading scorers, Chris Cayole, on the injured reserve after he left early in Tuesday's game with a high-ankle sprain.

The injury could keep Cayole, who was averaging over 13 points a game, out 10 to 14 days.

'At first we thought it might've been a break, but the x-rays came back negative, which we were excited about,' said Salerno. 'Chris is actually going to be headed home for Christmas, back to Vermont. Chris is a very focused guy, he's going to take his rehab very seriously, so he should be back sooner than later.'

Salerno was clear, however, that McDowell was not simply a replacement player for Cayole while he's on IR.

He said the Storm will likely have to make some roster changes when Cayole returns, but indicated that McDowell is in Summerside to stay.

'We are carrying 13 (players) with one on the IR, so we will have to make a move when Chris gets off the injured reserve,' he said. 'McDowell was definitely not brought in here just as a fill-in for Chris Cayole... He, in my mind, could really be one of the better guards in the NBL, so he's a very big signing for us.'

Acquiring McDowell was the second transaction in less than a week for the Storm. Sunday, the team released Justin Garris and signed Philadelphia-native Troy Jackson.

The six-foot-three shooting guard recorded nine points and four rebounds in 11 minutes in Tuesday's 107-98 loss to the first-place Lightning.

'He kind of took it into his own hands to try to create a little more (offensively)... and I thought he did a good job of it,' Salerno said of Jackson's first game. 'He took the ball to the rim, he was good off penetration and made a lot of the right reads.'

The Storm, 5-10 (won-lost) will look to snap their losing streak on the road against the Oshawa Power (6-11) tonight.

'We can't overlook anybody right now - we're on a pretty serious slide,' said Salerno. 'Last night (Tuesday against London) we fought back, and we played hard and competed, and we just got beat by a very good team. We didn't give it away.'

Courtesy of www.journalpioneer.com

Oshawa Power and Head Coach Mark Strickland part ways - by Eurobasket News
Durham's Team the Oshawa Power has announced that the professional basketball team and Head Coach Mark Strickland have decided to mutually part ways in the best interests of the team and thank him for his efforts.

'We appreciate all that Coach Strickland has done for this organization,' said Gary Durrant, President of Basketball Operations. 'We wish him all the best in his future endeavours.'

David 'D.J.' Joseph, father of NBA player Cory Joseph and University of Oregon point guard Devoe Joseph will assume the role of Associate Head Coach until an interim Head Coach is named.

Joseph is a fixture in Durham Region basketball community having assisted the Pickering Trojans Senior Boys Basketball team for several years, including stints when Cory and Devoe guided Pickering to back-to-back provincial basketball titles.

Joseph brings a wealth of basketball experience and his strong ties to Durham Region are a positive for the Oshawa Power franchise.

Next up for the Power is a game vs. the Summerside Storm at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday December 22 as Morgan Lewis returns to the lineup after missing 10 games due to injury.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

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

NCAA1

UConn basketball's Andre Drummond decides to pay own way through school - by Eurobasket News
Connecticut 6-11 freshman center Andre Drummond (6'11''-C-93), a likely lottery pick in this year's NBA draft, is not on scholarship and is instead attending Connecticut as a walk-on for this season.

The Huskies' Michael Bradley offered to to give up his scholarship for Drummond in the spirit of giving. But Drummond told The Day of New London that he decided to decline the center's offer and will instead pay his own way. He is not receiving any institutional aid from UConn.

The ninth-ranked Huskies have only 10 scholarships this season after losing one because of NCAA violations and two more because of a poor academic performance rating.

Bradley would have qualified for aid without counting against the scholarship limit because of his unique circumstances - he lived at the Tennessee Baptist Children's Home in Chattanooga for seven years.

The 6-foot-10 Drummond, who is averaging 9.4 points a game, decided to enroll just three days before the start of the fall semester.

Bradley, a redshirt freshman, has been sidelined with a fractured right ankle.

Courtesy of www.nydailynews.com

Investigators seek help in Fine sex abuse case via telephone tip line - by Eurobasket News
Federal prosecutors investigating allegations that a former Syracuse University assistant basketball coach molested boys are asking for phone calls from anyone with information.

The U.S. attorney's office for the Northern District of New York said Wednesday it has a toll-free tip line, where callers can provide information anonymously.

A recording on the hotline doesn't specifically mention Bernie Fine , who was fired last month after a 36-year career at Syracuse after three men said he molested them when they were boys. Fine has denied the allegations and has not been charged.

Prosecutors also say tipsters can send email and investigators from the U.S. Secret Service will follow up on all relevant information provided.

Federal investigators took computers and cameras from Fine's home and office.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Scott leads No. 24 Virginia past Seattle 83-77 - by Eurobasket News
Mike Scott (6'8''-F-88) scored a career-high 33 points and No. 24 Virginia held off a second-half rally by Seattle for an 83-77 victory Wednesday night.

Playing its first game as a ranked team in more than four seasons, the Cavaliers (10-1) watched Seattle (2-8) shoot its way to an 8-point first-half lead, then built their own 14-point advantage with less than 9 minutes remaining before being forced to hold off the Redhawks' furious rally in the closing moments.

It was the return to the state of Washington for Virginia coach Tony Bennett, who previously coached at Washington State before taking the Cavaliers job. It was also a homecoming for Virginia guard Joe Harris, who grew up about 175 miles east of Seattle and was largely the reason behind Virginia scheduling a home-and-home series with the Redhawks.

The Cavaliers won their eighth straight and improved to 10-1 for the first time since 2000-01. They also avenged a shocking 59-53 home loss to Seattle last season.

Aaron Broussard (6'5''-F-90) had 29 points for the Redhawks, who have lost six straight.

Harris had 14 points and Malcolm Brogdon added 10, mostly on free throws. Virginia outscored Seattle 27-11 at the free throw line, but the Cavaliers were only around to rally in the second half because of Scott's performance in the first 20 minutes.

While Seattle was tearing apart the Cavaliers' defense and shooting 57.7 percent in the first half, Scott was doing everything he could from turning the backend of Virginia's two-game, Northwest road trip into an early blowout. Scott made 9 of 11 shots in the first half and 12 of 14 for the game. He had 14 rebounds.

Sterling Carter (6'0''-G-90) scored 17 points, most of them coming in Seattle's late rally.

It appeared Virginia was on its way to an easy victory after Seattle's sluggish second-half start. Seattle missed eight of its first nine shots to begin the half. Scott's three-point play pulled the Cavaliers within 43-42 and Harris gave Virginia its first lead on a baseline leaner with 15:12 remaining.

The Cavaliers' lead continued to grow until Seattle coach Cameron Dollar finally snapped with 8:45 left when he walked out to midcourt yelling about Scott's rebound putback while being fouled and was quickly issued a technical foul. Scott converted one of the two free throws for the technical, then completed the three-point play to give Virginia a 14-point lead with 8:45 remaining.

The technical woke up the Redhawks.

Using an aggressive, trapping defense, Seattle scored 19 of the next 23 points following Dollar's technical, the only Virginia points coming on free throws from Harris and Brogdon. Broussard scored nine points and Carter had eight as Seattle went back in front on Broussard's leaner with 3:29 left to take a 68-67 lead.

After a quick Virginia timeout, Sammy Zeglinski hit an open 3 to retake the lead, the Cavaliers first field goal in more than 5 minutes, and he added two free throws to push the lead to 72-68.

Brodgon hit four straight free throws sandwiched around Carter's 3-pointer and Broussard hit another 3 to cut the lead to 76-75 with 1:24 left. Assane Sene missed two free throws, but Clarence Trent's hook shot in the lane failed to draw rim. Brogdon added two free throws with 1:05 left and the lead was three.

Broussard failed to connect on either of two free throws, but got his own rebound and scored, only to see Virginia break Seattle's press and lead to an easy basket for Scott and an 80-77 lead with 40 seconds left. T.J. Diop missed an open jumper for Seattle and Scott hit two free throws with 33.1 seconds left. Seattle failed to get a clean look in the final 30 seconds.

Harris' return was the attraction for many of the 3,541 in attendance. The Chelan, Wash. native originally committed to play for Bennett at Washington State before he left to take the job at Virginia. More than 300 residents of the small town about 3 hours east of Seattle made the trek over the Cascade mountains to see Harris, many sporting his No. 12 Cavaliers jersey.

Courtesy of www.boston.com

No. 5 North Carolina beats Texas 82-63 - by Eurobasket News
The first sign of trouble for Texas came on its first possession. Things didn't get much better for the Longhorns against No. 5 North Carolina.

The Longhorns settled for 3-point shots and got very little offense inside the arc in Wednesday night's 82-63 loss to the Tar Heels. Coach Rick Barnes said Texas ran the wrong play on its first possession and showed little discipline on the offensive end the rest of the game.

'We didn't put any pressure on them at all,' Barnes said. 'We were just settling for 3s. We shot 25 3s and had nothing in the mid-range game because we just didn't execute.'

Texas shot 35 percent, including 9 of 25 from 3-point range. But frontcourt players Jonathan Holmes, Alexis Wangmene, Clint Chapman and Jaylen Bond combined for 24 points on 10-for-26 shooting and managed eight defensive rebounds among them, a figure matched by North Carolina 7-footer Tyler Zeller (7'0''-F-90) in less than one-third of the time.

Making matters worse, the Tar Heels kept grabbing rebounds off those missed shots and raced up the court for transition baskets that charged up the home crowd and put the Longhorns in a big deficit.

'Not to take anything away from North Carolina,' Barnes said, 'but we never gave ourselves a chance from the beginning.'

For North Carolina, Harrison Barnes (6'8''-F-92) scored a season-high 26 points while John Henson (6'11''-F-90) added 14. The Tar Heels (11-2) won their fifth straight and avenged last season's last-second loss to the Longhorns.

North Carolina went on a 13-1 run to build a double-digit lead midway through the first half and never looked back, turning a 39-23 halftime lead into a 24-point margin late in the game.

Barnes was coming off consecutive nine-point performances, but the sophomore looked far more active and assertive against the Longhorns by attacking the rim or posting up on shorter defenders. He made 9 of 15 shots and finished with 10 rebounds, part of UNC's 49-34 advantage on the glass.

J'Covan Brown (6'1''-G-90) was one of three players with 16 points for Texas (9-3), which shot just 35 percent and never recovered from a slow start.

It was a far more focused performance by North Carolina after looking flat and disinterested during Monday night's 50-point win against Nicholls State. The Tar Heels showed just enough spark in the second half of that one to talk coach Roy Williams out of an early morning practice the next day, while Williams said he didn't do a good job of getting his team ready to play.

The Tar Heels looked ready this time around - perhaps partly due to what happened in last year's meeting.

The Longhorns had beaten North Carolina in each of the previous two Decembers. Last year, Cory Joseph hit a turnaround jumper with 1.4 seconds left to help Texas win 78-76 in Greensboro, about an hour west of Chapel Hill. Two years ago, the Longhorns won 103-90 in Cowboys Stadium.

In fact, Texas had won the past four meetings dating to 1995, including a 78-75 win over the Tar Heels in the second round of the 2004 NCAA tournament to end Williams' first season with his alma mater.

The game also marked the return of Rick Barnes , a North Carolina native who rankled fans in the Smith Center during four visits as Clemson's head coach from 1995-98.

But there just wasn't the same kind of spice from those days, which included Barnes jokingly threatening to shed his suit jacket and enter the game because he had just four players left late in an incredibly physical matchup in 1998. Instead, there was only North Carolina running off a flurry of highlight-reel plays midway through the first half to charge up the crowd and take control.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

No. 22 Murray State beats Tenn.-Martin 78-54 - by Eurobasket News
Deck the halls with blue and gold. Murray State is undefeated through 13 games going into a four-day Christmas break.

Donte Poole (6'3''-G-89) scored 15 points and the 22nd-ranked Racers remained unbeaten with a 78-54 victory over Tennessee-Martin on Wednesday night in the Ohio Valley Conference opener for both teams.

'We knew the OVC opener would be a good test for us and they put us to the test,' Poole said. 'I think they kind of surprised us with their defensive intensity, we weren't prepared for it as much as we thought we would be so we adjusted for it.'

Ivan Aska (6'7''-F-90) added 12 points, seven rebounds and three assists to help the Racers (13-0, 1-0) to their best start in 75 years. The only better start was 16-0 in 1935-36.

' (This win) means a lot to us getting ready for a conference championship and this is my last time playing for an opener and you can't get too sloppy or get comfortable you just have to keep on working,' Aska said.

Myles Taylor (6'7''-F) had 22 points for the Skyhawks (3-11, 0-1), who dropped to 0-3 against ranked teams this season. They lost to Louisville and Mississippi State.

'They're pretty good,' Taylor said of Murray State. 'We've been watching four or five films on them and we knew what they wanted to do so we just tried to stop them. We can't control the shots they make or the plays they make because they've got great players but we've got great players too.'

Murray State is one of six Division I teams without a loss.

The Racers, who committed 24 turnovers, lead the all-time series with Tennessee-Martin 39-3 and are 22-0 at home against the Skyhawks.

'I'm just excited to get the win and more importantly to get the first OVC win,' Racers coach Steve Prohm said. 'I'm not even thinking about the 13 wins, I'm excited to be 1-0 in the conference. This was a tough game because it's the opening game of conference and then it's the Christmas game to where these guys have a foot out the door and you've got to get them focused and locked in.'

Murray State shot 65.2 percent from the field in taking a 36-16 halftime lead. The Skyhawks shot just 23.3 percent and were outrebounded 22-15 in the opening 20 minutes.

Poole scored 13 points in the second half, saying his teammates made a difference in his outlook going into the final 20 minutes.

'It was a rough first half, (the Skyhawks) were doing some things on the defensive end that we prepared for but I misjudged,' Poole said. 'I got frustrated with myself and I let it take control of me a little bit. Going into the second half the guys were just saying to me 'Be aggressive' and 'Get out of it, you've got to play through it we've got a lot more season to go, there are going to be a lot tougher games than this,' so it was just an adjustment I had to make. I just had to be aggressive so I looked for open shots and took them, my teammates were also looking for me and that helped a lot.'

Tennessee-Martin coach Jason James said: 'I don't know you ever expect to get beat (by) 24. We knew they were good and would have to play nearly perfect to win. I thought we'd play a little smarter than we did, I thought we would rebound from our Sunday debacle a little bit, so I don't know that it's what I expected but they're a good team.'

Isaiah Canaan, Murray State's leading scorer with a 19.3 average, entered the game needing 20 points to reach the 1,000 mark. He didn't score until 15 minutes into the game and finished with 10 but he did lead the team in assists with seven.

Less than 5 minutes into the game Canaan charged toward the basket as if he was going to lay the ball in then passed to Ed Daniel for a dunk for the first of his assists.

'If Isaiah can have seven assists, 10 points and six rebounds and gets to the free throw line nine times, it's a pretty good night,' Prohm said. 'One thing I like about our team is that we're developing into a team where he doesn't have to get 20 or 25, he can get 10 with six rebounds and that's pretty good for a point guard, so I'm pretty excited about that.'

Both teams made four 3-point field goals but Murray State only took nine attempts while the Skyhawks took 16.

With the Racers leading by 31 points coach Steve Prohm covered his face and hung his head when Jaylen Bland attempted a layup that was leaning toward the theatrical. Less than a minute later Bland redeemed himself with consecutive layups to increase the lead to 35.

'I'm proud of our guys finishing out the first semester on a strong, positive note,' Prohm said. 'They're ready to get home and see their family for a couple days and they need to enjoy that time.'

Courtesy of www.chron.com

Stats Leaders - NCAA1

Points Per Game

Reggie HAMILTON
  Oakland
  (180-G-89)
  Avg: 22.7

1. Hamilton, Oakland	22.7
2. Wolters, S.Dakota.	21.5
3. Gaines, IPFW	20.3
4. Young, IU.	19.6
5. Chamberlain, UMKC	17.7
6. Westbrook, S.Dak.	16.5
7. Morrison, ORU	16.2
8. Krogman, S.Dakota	15.1
9. McCorkle, IP.	14.5
10. Braun, N.Dakota S.	14.1

Rebounds Per Game

Terell PARKS
  W.Illinois
  (200-F/C-)
  Avg: 10

1. Parks, W.Illinois	10.0
2. Petros, Oakland	9.7
3. Valentine, Oakland	7.7
4. McCorkle, IP.	7.3
5. Craion, ORU	6.8
6. Young, IU.	6.7
7. Roundtree, ORU	6.5
8. Braun, N.Dakota St.	6.4
9. Bjorklund, N.Dakot.	6.3
10. Wright, N.Dakota.	6.2

Assists Per Game

Nate WOLTERS
  S.Dakota.
  (193-G-)
  Avg: 6

1. Wolters, S.Dakota.	6.0
2. Jones, S.Utah	5.9
3. Alexander, N.Dakot.	5.5
4. Marlin, IPFW	5.2
5. Clark, W.Illinois	5.0
6. Thomas, IU.	4.8
7. Hamilton, Oakland	4.2
8. Krogman, S.Dakota	3.8
9. Braun, N.Dakota St.	3.0
10. Tyler, W.Illinois	2.8

Steals Per Game

Michael CRAION
  ORU
  (195-F-)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Craion, ORU	2.3
2. Hamilton, Oakland	2.2
3. Alexander, N.Dakot.	1.9
4. Westbrook, S.Dak.	1.8
5. Hale, N.Dakota St.	1.6
6. Clark, W.Illinois	1.6
7. Callahan, S.Dakota.	1.5
8. Wolters, S.Dakota.	1.5
9. Staton, UMKC	1.5
10. Valentine, Oakland	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Ricardo ANDREOTTI
  S.Dakota
  (203-F-)
  Avg: 1.6

1. Andreotti, S.Dakota	1.6
2. Wright, N.Dakota.	1.6
3. Bell-Holter, ORU	1.4
4. Westbrook, S.Dak.	1.3
5. Hall, UMKC	1.2
6. Staton, UMKC	1.2
7. Young, IU.	0.9
8. Parks, W.Illinois	0.8
9. Gruis, S.Dakota	0.7
10. Aaberg, N.Dakota.	0.7

Top 25 - Men

SUM Standings

1. S.Dakota St.		2-0 (10-4)
2. Oakland		2-0 (8-5)
3. ORU		1-0 (8-4)
4. UMKC		1-1 (7-6)
5. W.Illinois		1-1 (4-4)
6. N.Dakota St.		1-1 (8-2)
7. IPFW		1-1 (7-4)
8. S.Utah		0-1 (4-6)
9. S.Dakota		0-2 (5-6)
10. IUPUI		0-2 (5-8)

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

NCAA3

Rash scores 25 in win over No. 14 Wabash - by Arnault Desira
Transylvania received a sterling 25-point performance from Brandon Rash Wednesday and went on to post a 66-61 win over No. 14 Wabash in the championship game of the Don Lane Invitational sponsored by FHTM at the Beck Center.

The title contest matched two undefeated teams in Transy (9-0) and the Little Giants (9-1). The Pioneers defeated Hendrix in first-round play while Wabash outlasted Baldwin-Wallace.

It was a game of milestones as head coach Brian Lane reached win No. 177 for his 11-year career at Transy, moving past C.M. Newton on the all-time list. He trails only Don Lane (509) among Transy's winningest coaches.

And the Pioneers kept their undefeated season going. Only the 1990-91 team (10-0) has had a better start to a year.

Rash scored 13 of Transy's first 19 points, hitting six of 10 shots from the field, keeping the Pioneers in the game early. Neither team led by more than seven (Wabash 18-11 at the 7:56 mark) and the half ended with the Little Giants on top by two, 23-21.

Transy was 10 of 27 from the field, but nothing for six from three-point range. Wabash, meanwhile, canned nine of 29, but that included five of 15 from long range. The teams combined for just seven first-half turnovers, with the Pioneers credited with just one.

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

PAN ARAB GAMES

Qatar celebrate title in Doha - by Eurobasket News

FINAL

Qatar - Jordan 78-70
Qatar clinched the Pan Arab Games title. The hosts of the tournament overcame Jordan in the title encounter tonight. Tanguy Ngombo (197-F-84) tallied 27 points and 12 rebounds to lead the effort. Qatar grabbed the initiative right from the start. They established a 20:13 lead after ten minutes of action. The home team maintained the lead throughout the second term. They posted a 33:30 halftime lead. Qatar cleared off in the third term. The home team arrived at the final break up by 10 points 57:47. Qatar held off Jordan comeback rally in the final stanza and rolled to the victory at the end. Ali Turki (201-F/C-82) and Ousseynou N'Diaye (196-G/F-85, agency: Court Side) accounted for 11 points each in the victory. Rasheim Wright (192-G-81, college: District of Col.) answered with 22 points and 8 rebounds for Jordan. Islam Abbaas (200-C-80) had 10 points in the loss.

3-4 place

Tunisia - Egypt 71-88
Egypt clinched the third position at Pan Arab Games. They outgunned Tunisia in the consolation final tonight. Assem Marei (206-C/F-92) accounted for 18 points and 9 rebounds to lead the effort. The teams stayed close throughout the opening quarter. The lead changed hands for several times before Egypt eked out a 19:18 lead heading into the next period. Egypt opened the second quarter on a 16:1 run to boost their lead. They arrived at halftime up by 16 points 47:31. Egypt kept their opponents at safe distance throughout the third quarter. They headed into the final frame up by 19 points 69:50 and never looked back en route to the victory. Amr El Gandy (202-F/C-88) finished with 11 points, while Ahmed ElSabagh (191-F/G-85) chipped in 10 points for the winners. Mourad El Mabrouk (190-G-86) answered with 28 points for Tunisia. Lassad Chouya (190-G-89) netted 11 points in the loss.

Standings

Standings

Group D
1. Jordan		3-0
2. Qatar		1-1
3. Algeria		1-2
Group E
1. Egypt		2-0
2. Tunisia		1-2
3. Kuwait		0-3
Group F
1. Morocco		2-1
2. Iraq		2-1
3. Saudi Arab.		1-2
Group G
1. Lebanon		3-0
2. Palestine		1-2
3. Sudan		0-3

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

PHILIPPINES

PBA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Gary DAVID
  Powerade T.
  (187-G/F-78)
  Avg: 22.5

1. David, Powerade T.	22.5
2. Bangura, Air21 E.	19.6
3. Yap, B-Meg Llam.	19.0
4. Lutz, Petron Blaze	18.3
5. Santos, Petron B.	18.3
6. Seigle, Air21 Expr.	16.5
7. Lassiter, Powerade.	16.3
8. Miller, Barako Bull	15.8
9. Castro, Talk N Te.	15.6
10. Chan, Rain or Shi.	15.5

Rebounds Per Game

Arwind SANTOS
  Petron B.
  (193-F-81)
  Avg: 12.3

1. Santos, Petron B.	12.3
2. Carey, Talk N Text	11.2
3. Kramer, Powerade.	10.7
4. Reyes, Alaska Aces	10.1
5. Taulava, Meralco	9.9
6. Peek, Talk N Text	9.8
7. Thoss, Alaska Aces	9.4
8. Sena, Shopinas.	9.4
9. Espinas, Meralco	9.1
10. Williams, Talk N.	8.9

Assists Per Game

Alex CABAGNOT
  Petron B.
  (183-G-82)
  Avg: 6.8

1. Cabagnot, Petron	6.8
2. Casio, Powerade T.	6.2
3. Tenorio, Alaska A.	5.4
4. Alapag, Talk N Te.	5.3
5. Castro, Talk N Te.	5.1
6. Mercado, Meralco	5.0
7. Miller, Barako Bull	4.7
8. Lee, Rain or Shine	4.5
9. Lassiter, Powerade.	4.0
10. Norwood, Rain o.	3.9

Steals Per Game

Christopher LUTZ
  Petron Blaze
  (192-G/F-85)
  Avg: 2

1. Lutz, Petron Blaze	2.0
2. Arboleda, Barako B.	1.8
3. Lassiter, Powerade.	1.7
4. Miller, Barako Bull	1.7
5. Cardona, Meralco	1.5
6. Bangura, Air21 E.	1.4
7. Baguio, Alaska Ac.	1.4
8. Hontiveros, Air21	1.3
9. Santos, Petron B.	1.3
10. Arboleda, Air21 E.	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Japeth AGUILAR
  Talk N.
  (208-C-85)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Aguilar, Talk N.	2.2
2. Peek, Talk N Text	1.5
3. Santos, Petron B.	1.4
4. Thoss, Alaska Aces	1.3
5. Seigle, Air21 Expr.	1.3
6. Quinahan, Rain o.	1.3
7. Reyes, Petron Bla.	1.3
8. Williams, Talk N.	1.1
9. Reavis, B-Meg L.	1.1
10. Espiritu, Shopin.	1.0

Standings - PBA Fiesta Conference

PBA Standings

1. B-Meg Llam.		10-4
2. Talk N Text		10-4
3. Petron Blaze		9-5
4. Ginebra Kings		9-5
5. Rain or Shine		9-5
6. Meralco Bolts		8-6
7. Barako Bull		6-8
8. Powerade T.		6-8
9. Alaska Aces		3-11
10. Shopinas.com C.		0-14

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

POLAND

PORTUGAL

Austen Powers: Our goal is to reach the Championship game - by Luis Filipe Cristovao
Austen Powers (203-F-87, college: Seattle) had made an impact in Portuguese Basketball when he played in Fisica Desportiva de Torres Vedras in 2009/10. So it was very good news to know he was coming back to LPB to play with Ovarense Dolce Vita.

Even if he's not satisfied with his performance, Powers has constantly been one of the best players in the Ovar team.
For 2012, he expects even more.

Eurobasket: What do you think of the level of Portuguese Basketball?
Austen Powers: I think the level of Portuguese basketball is strong and only getting better. The league is very competitive and teams must show up and play hard every game. There are many good American players but the presence of the good Portuguese players makes the league that much better.

E: Are you satisfied with your individual results until now?
AP: No, Im not happy with my individual results in the first half of season. I havent been shooting the ball or playing as well as I know I can but Ill bounce back. Im glad to be on a good team where we dont depend on only one player. We've been able to reach the 3rd position by playing as a team and we will continue to do that until the end.

E: What are your expectations for the rest of the season?
AP: I expect, and I know my teammates do too, that Ovarense Dolce Vita will come back from Christmas break ready to play and win games. Although we are in the 3rd position, we are not satisfied. I am excited to see what will happen in the 2nd half of season.

E: Who do you think is the best team and the best player in the league?
AP: Like I said before, the league is very competitive and on any given night, any team can win. We've already seen a couple surprises this year and I expect to see more through the 2nd half of season. As for the best player, we will just have to wait and see who can help take their team to and win the Championship.

E: What do you want to fulfill in 2012?
AP: I want to be able to help my team continue to win games and finish the season in one of the top 3 positions. Obviously, our goal as a team in 2012 is to reach the Championship game and win it. Its going to be a great fight to the end. VAMOS OVARENSE!!

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

QATAR

ROMANIA

Div.A Round 15: #1 Timisoara is defeated by Targu Mures - by Eurobasket News
Div,A is at the halfway of the Regular Season and there are still another 15 rounds left.

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Timisoara (13-2) at the home court on Wednesday night. Hosts were defeated by sixth ranked Targu Mures (11-4) 83-79. It ended at the same time the 12-game winning streak of Timisoara. The guests trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 28-20 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. It was a great evening for American point guard JuJuan Cooley (175-82, college: Indiana Tech) who led his team to a victory scoring 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. His fellow American import forward Jason Forte (196-84, college: S.Mississippi) helped adding 18 points. The best for the losing side was the former international forward Bogdan Popescu (200-78, college: Alaska-Fairb.) with 24 points (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line). Targu Mures have a solid series of four victories in a row. They moved-up to third place, which they share with Oradea and Gaz Metan. Timisoara at the other side still keeps top position with two games lost. Targu Mures is looking forward to face bottom-ranked Politehnica (#16) in Iasi in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Timisoara will play on the road against CSM Bucuresti (#6) and is hoping to win this game.
Important game to mention about took place in Bucuresti. Seventh ranked CSM Bucuresti (10-5) saved a 1-point victory at home edging 8th ranked Ploiesti (9-6) 79-78 on Wednesday evening. It was an exceptional evening for Montenegrin point guard Goran Martinic (184-87, agency: BeoExcell) who led the winners and scored 23 points and 7 assists (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line). Garry Gallimore accounted for 11 points and 6 assists. Serbian guard Aleksandar Vlahovic (190-90) came up with 22 points and 5 rebounds for Ploiesti in the defeat. CSM Bucuresti have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They moved-up to sixth place, which they share with CSU Sibiu. Ploiesti at the other side keeps the eighth position with six games lost. CSM Bucuresti will play against league's leader Timisoara at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Ploiesti will play against the league's second-placed U-Mobitelco (#2) in Cluj and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Very important is a road loss of second ranked Gaz Metan (11-4) against tenth ranked Pitesti (7-8) on Wednesday night. Visiting Gaz Metan was defeated by Pitesti in Pitesti 77-66. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Gaz Metan. The best player for the winners was Slobodan Popovic who scored 17 points and 9 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was Jarrett Howell who recorded 12 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Pitesti maintains tenth place with 7-8 record. Loser Gaz Metan dropped to the third position with four games lost. They share it with Oradea and Targu Mures. Pitesti will meet at home Perla Harghitei (#15) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Gaz Metan will play against Rovinari (#9) and hope to secure a win.
Bottom-ranked Politehnica (0-15) is still winless. This time they lost on the road their 15th consecutive match to ninth ranked Rovinari (8-7) 114-55. It was a good game for Louis Darby who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 16 points, 8 rebounds and 12 assists. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Rovinari maintains ninth place with 8-7 record. Politehnica lost their fifteenth game in a row. They still closes the standings with 15 games lost. Rovinari's next round opponent will be higher ranked Gaz Metan (#3) in Medias and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Politehnica will play on the road against Targu Mures (#5) and hopes to get finally their first victory.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 15: Perla Harghitei lost to Giurgiu on the opponent's court 71-88. Otopeni managed to outperform Craiova in a home game 74-67. Dinamo B. recorded a loss to Oradea on the road 101-83. U.Mobitel.CN defeated CSU Sibiu on its own court 96-85.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 32 points, 16 rebounds and 6 assists by Zoran Krstanovic of U.Mobitel.CN.

Giurgiu - Perla Harghitei 88-71

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 15th ranked Perla Harghitei's (2-12) road loss to fourteenth ranked Giurgiu (4-11) 71-88. The game was mostly controlled by Giurgiu. Perla Harghitei was better in fourth quarter 22-16. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 19-of-23 charity shots (82.6 percent) during the game. It was a good game for American guard Raymond Kraemer (193-87, college: Nevada) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 33 points (!!!) and 10 rebounds. Serbian power forward Zoran Milovic (204-77) contributed with 12 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. American forward Levi Levine (198-82, college: Albany, agency: TSS Management) answered with 19 points and 8 rebounds and the other American import power forward Emmanuel Dies (204-77, college: Kansas St., agency: Interperformances) added 13 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for Perla Harghitei. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Perla Harghitei's coach Botond Laszlofy rotated eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Giurgiu moved-up to eleventh place, which they share with 3 other teams. Perla Harghitei at the other side keeps the fifteenth position with 12 games lost. Giurgiu's next round opponent will be Craiova (#14) at home. Perla Harghitei will play against the league's second-placed U-Mobitelco where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Giurgiu: R.Kraemer 33+10reb+3ast, B.Stojakovic 17+1reb+4ast, Z.Milovic 12+9reb+7ast, C.Vlaicu 10+7reb+2ast, D.Bivolaru 8+7reb+2ast, I.Corneanu 3+1reb
Perla Harghitei: L.Levine 19+8reb+2ast, C.Long 15+3reb+1ast, E.Dies 13+10reb+1ast, D.Erceg 12+3reb, V.Pora 4+2reb, A.Rosu 4+1reb+1ast

Otopeni - Craiova 74-67

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams when thirteenth ranked Otopeni (4-11) defeated at home 12th ranked Craiova (4-11) 74-67. Craiova was ahead by 5 points after three quarters before a 20-8 charge of Otopeni, which allowed them to win the game. They made 17-of-19 charity shots (89.5 percent) during the game. It was a good game for Spanish forward Angel Santana (198-77, college: St.Francis, NY) who led his team to a victory with 17 points and 5 rebounds. Center Bogdan Tibirna (210-91) contributed with 16 points, 5 rebounds and 5 blocks for the winners. Four Otopeni players scored in double figures. Serbian power forward Branislav Tomic (205-80) answered with 18 points and 9 rebounds and American guard LeVar Seals (195-82, college: De Paul) added 12 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals in the effort for Craiova. Otopeni moved-up to eleventh place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Craiova. Craiova lost their ninth game in a row. Otopeni's next round opponent will be CS Dinamo Bucuresti (#13) at home.
Top scorers:
Otopeni: A.Santana 17+5reb+1ast, B.Tibirna 16+5reb, D.Popescu 11+4reb+3ast, C.Scott 10+5reb+4ast, C.Cioacata 8+7reb, O.Boian 7+1reb+3ast
Craiova: B.Tomic 18+9reb+3ast, L.Seals 12+11reb+4ast, I.Orbeanu 11+6reb, S.Ross 8+7reb+1ast, V.Vlaskovic 7+5reb+1ast, I.Bajic 6

Oradea - Dinamo B. 101-83

Not a big story in a game when 11th ranked CS Dinamo Bucuresti (4-11) was defeated on the road by fourth ranked Oradea (11-4) 101-83. The game was mostly controlled by Oradea. CS Dinamo Bucuresti was better in fourth quarter 23-22. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Oradea players were unselfish on offense dishing 25 assists. It was a good game for Bosnian center Sasha Topchov (206-80) who led his team to a victory with 22 points and 8 rebounds. Serbian guard Nemanja Maric (196-83) contributed with a double-double by scoring 10 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists for the winners. Five Oradea players scored in double figures. American forward Allen Durham (198-88, college: Grace Bible) answered with 27 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists and the other American import forward Antonio Haymon (198-88, college: Lee) added 30 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for CS Dinamo Bucuresti. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Oradea. They moved-up to third place, which they share with Targu Mures and Gaz Metan. CS Dinamo Bucuresti lost their sixth game in a row. Newly promoted team keeps the eleventh position with 11 games lost. Oradea's next round opponent will be CSU Sibiu (#7) at home. CS Dinamo Bucuresti will play against Otopeni (#11) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Oradea: S.Topchov 22+8reb+1ast, M.Pesic 18+4reb+2ast, S.Lupusavei 17+3reb+2ast, M.Markovic 13+10reb+2ast, R.Pasca 11+1reb+2ast, N.Maric 10+6reb+10ast
Dinamo B.: A.Haymon 30+6reb+1ast, A.Durham 27+9reb+5ast, E.Watson 11+4reb+1ast, J.McCulloch 7+4reb, B.Aktas 5+2reb+3ast, A.Badila 3+3reb+2ast

U.Mobitel.CN - CSU Sibiu 96-85

Everything went according to plan in Cluj where third ranked U-Mobitelco (11-3) beat 5th ranked CSU Sibiu (10-5) 96-85. The game was mostly controlled by U-Mobitelco. CSU Sibiu was better in second period 29-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. U-Mobitelco dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to CSU Sibiu's 46. U-Mobitelco had a 32-20 advantage in offensive rebounds. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 31 assists comparing to just 16 passes made by CSU Sibiu's players. It was a good game for Serbian center Zoran Krstanovic (204-82) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 32 points, 16 rebounds and 6 assists. Serbian forward Vladimir Mijovic (207-84) contributed with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. American-Liberian guard Jaytonah Wisseh (185-88, college: LIU Brooklyn) answered with 31 points, 8 assists and 4 steals and American center Kaylone Riley (203-88, college: Warner Pacific) added 17 points and 12 rebounds in the effort for CSU Sibiu. Five U-Mobitelco and four CSU Sibiu players scored in double figures. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for U-Mobitelco. Defending champion moved-up to second place. CSU Sibiu lost their third game in a row. They dropped to the sixth position with five games lost. U-Mobitelco's next round opponent will be Perla Harghitei (#15) in Miercurea which should be an easy win for them. CSU Sibiu will play on the road against Oradea (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
U.Mobitel.CN: Z.Krstanovic 32+16reb+6ast, K.Dykes 23+4reb+5ast, V.Mijovic 18+10reb+6ast, M.Paul 11+4reb+6ast, D.Lawrence 11+6reb+3ast, J.LaGrange 1+1reb+5ast
CSU Sibiu: J.Wisseh 31+3reb+8ast, N.Khartchenkov 21+4reb+3ast, K.Riley 17+12reb+1ast, D.Austin 13+8reb+3ast, C.Craciun 3+4reb, M.Popa 0+1reb+1ast

CSM Bucuresti - Ploiesti 79-78

Important game to mention about took place in Bucuresti. Seventh ranked CSM Bucuresti (10-5) saved a 1-point victory at home edging 8th ranked Ploiesti (9-6) 79-78 on Wednesday evening. The hosts were tied after three quarters but managed to speed up in last quarter eventually winning the game. CSM Bucuresti players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists comparing to just 11 passes made by Ploiesti's players. It was an exceptional evening for Montenegrin point guard Goran Martinic (184-87, agency: BeoExcell) who led the winners and scored 23 points and 7 assists (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line). Jamaican-Canadian guard Garry Gallimore (192-84) accounted for 11 points and 6 assists for the winning side. Serbian guard Aleksandar Vlahovic (190-90) came up with 22 points and 5 rebounds and Russian-Israeli power forward Anton Kazarnovski (205-85) added 21 points and 7 rebounds respectively for Ploiesti in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. CSM Bucuresti have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They moved-up to sixth place, which they share with CSU Sibiu. Ploiesti at the other side keeps the eighth position with six games lost. CSM Bucuresti will play against league's leader Timisoara at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Ploiesti will play against the league's second-placed U-Mobitelco (#2) in Cluj and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
CSM Bucuresti: G.Martinic 23+4reb+7ast, C.Fometescu 16+1reb+4ast, B.McKenzie 11+6reb, G.Gallimore 11+4reb+6ast, M.Ljubojevic 7+1reb+4ast, V.Carutasu 6+13reb+2ast
Ploiesti: A.Vlahovic 22+5reb+3ast, A.Kazarnovski 21+7reb, R.Dzambic 18+4reb+3ast, D.Albijanic 12+12reb+3ast, L.Szijarto 5+1reb+2ast, M.Nuna 0

Timisoara - Targu Mures 79-83

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Timisoara (13-2) at the home court on Wednesday night. Hosts were defeated by sixth ranked Targu Mures (11-4) 83-79. It ended at the same time the 12-game winning streak of Timisoara. The guests trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 28-20 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. It was a great evening for American point guard JuJuan Cooley (175-82, college: Indiana Tech) who led his team to a victory scoring 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. His fellow American import forward Jason Forte (196-84, college: S.Mississippi) helped adding 18 points. Four Targu Mures players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was the former international forward Bogdan Popescu (200-78, college: Alaska-Fairb.) with 24 points (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line) and Serbian power forward Nikola Jovanovic (203-81, agency: BeoExcell) scored 13 points and 6 rebounds. Targu Mures have a solid series of four victories in a row. They moved-up to third place, which they share with Oradea and Gaz Metan. Timisoara at the other side still keeps top position with two games lost. Targu Mures is looking forward to face bottom-ranked Politehnica (#16) in Iasi in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Timisoara will play on the road against CSM Bucuresti (#6) and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Targu Mures: J.Forte 18+4reb, J.Cooley 17+5reb+4ast, V.Stanescu 13+5reb, C.Watson 13+2reb+4ast, M.Aliakseyeu 9+5reb, F.Lapuste 8+6reb+1ast
Timisoara: B.Popescu 24+4reb, N.Jovanovic 13+6reb+3ast, I.Siriscevic 13+2reb+1ast, Z.Jovanovic 12+1reb+3ast, D.Archie 8+5reb+4ast, B.Cuic 6+5reb+6ast

Rovinari - Politehnica 114-55

Bottom-ranked Politehnica (0-15) is still winless. This time they lost on the road their 15th consecutive match to ninth ranked Rovinari (8-7) 114-55. The game without a history. Rovinari led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Politehnica's 38. Rovinari forced 24 Politehnica turnovers and outrebounded them 51-29 including a 35-21 advantage in defensive rebounds. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 40 assists comparing to just 17 passes made by Politehnica's players. It was a good game for American guard Louis Darby (196-84, college: Long Beach St.) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 16 points, 8 rebounds and 12 assists. point guard Alexandru Gliga (187-84) contributed with 19 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Five Rovinari players scored in double figures. Forward Madalin Nicolae (197-84) answered with 19 points and 9 rebounds and guard Ionut Hurjui (188) added 10 points and 5 assists in the effort for Politehnica. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Rovinari maintains ninth place with 8-7 record. Politehnica lost their fifteenth game in a row. They still closes the standings with 15 games lost. Rovinari's next round opponent will be higher ranked Gaz Metan (#3) in Medias and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Politehnica will play on the road against Targu Mures (#5) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Rovinari: A.Gliga 19+5reb+4ast, L.Darby 16+8reb+12ast, B.Kabengele-Kalala 14+5reb+7ast, A.Gutoaia 12+5reb+7ast, D.Steffel 12+6reb, B.Fields 11+2reb+4ast
Politehnica: M.Nicolae 19+9reb+1ast, I.Hurjui 10+3reb+5ast, V.Cobzaru 9+2reb+1ast, M.Necsanu 4+5reb, F.Dascalescu 4+2reb+3ast, G.Surugiu 3+2reb

Pitesti - Gaz Metan 77-66

Very important is a road loss of second ranked Gaz Metan (11-4) against tenth ranked Pitesti (7-8) on Wednesday night. Visiting Gaz Metan was defeated by Pitesti in Pitesti 77-66. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Gaz Metan. The hosts trailed by 3 points at the halftime before their 39-25 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. The best player for the winners was Serbian guard Slobodan Popovic (198-80, agency: BeoExcell) who scored 17 points and 9 rebounds. Montenegrin guard Darko Vujacic (199-79) chipped in 19 points and 5 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was American point guard Jarrett Howell (180-84, college: Texas Arlington) who recorded 12 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists and international forward Titus Nicoara (203-88, agency: Interperformances) added 10 points and 13 rebounds respectively. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Pitesti maintains tenth place with 7-8 record. Loser Gaz Metan dropped to the third position with four games lost. They share it with Oradea and Targu Mures. Pitesti will meet at home Perla Harghitei (#15) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Gaz Metan will play against Rovinari (#9) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Pitesti: D.Vujacic 19+5reb+1ast, S.Popovic 17+9reb+3ast, O.Calota 12+6reb+3ast, D.Kinloch 11+11reb+2ast, U.Velickovic 10+4reb+6ast, I.Stefanovic 6+4reb
Gaz Metan: I.Ivanovic 14+6reb+2ast, T.Dumitrescu 13+1reb+1ast, I.Dragusin 12+6reb+1ast, J.Howell 12+6reb+5ast, T.Nicoara 10+13reb, C.Moore 3+3reb+3ast

Stats Leaders - Men

Points Per Game

Jaytonah WISSEH
  CSU Sibiu
  (185-G-88)
  Avg: 23.7

1. Wisseh, CSU Sibiu	23.7
2. Martinic, CSM B.	23.3
3. Durham, Dinamo B.	23.3
4. Krstanovic, U.Mobi.	22.4
5. Brown, Dinamo B.	21.5
6. Tomic, Craiova	19.3
7. Ross, Craiova	19.2
8. Darby, Rovinari	19.1
9. Haymon, Dinamo B.	19.0
10. Kearse, CSU Sibiu	18.5

Rebounds Per Game

Allen DURHAM
  Dinamo B.
  (198-F-88)
  Avg: 13.7

1. Durham, Dinamo B.	13.7
2. Carutasu, CSM B.	9.6
3. Krstanovic, U.Mobi.	8.9
4. Kinloch, Pitesti	8.9
5. Grubisic, Giurgiu	8.7
6. Nicoara, Gaz Metan	8.7
7. McKenzie, CSM B.	8.6
8. Burlacu, Ploiesti	8.3
9. Riley, CSU Sibiu	8.3
10. Dies, Perla Hargh.	8.2

Assists Per Game

Jaytonah WISSEH
  CSU Sibiu
  (185-G-88)
  Avg: 7.8

1. Wisseh, CSU Sibiu	7.8
2. Maric, Oradea	6.6
3. Cooley, Targu M.	5.9
4. Howell, Gaz Metan	5.3
5. Cuic, Timisoara	5.0
6. Vlahovic, Ploiesti	5.0
7. Brown, Dinamo B.	4.9
8. Stojakovic, Giurgiu	4.6
9. Martinic, CSM B.	4.5
10. Nikolic, Rovinari	4.5

Steals Per Game

Jaytonah WISSEH
  CSU Sibiu
  (185-G-88)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Wisseh, CSU Sibiu	3.5
2. Cooley, Targu M.	2.8
3. Tucker, Perla H.	2.2
4. Howell, Gaz Metan	2.1
5. Dykes, U.Mobite.	1.9
6. Maric, Oradea	1.9
7. Martinic, CSM B.	1.9
8. Mitchell, Gaz Metan	1.9
9. Riley, CSU Sibiu	1.9
10. Seals, Craiova	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Bryson MCKENZIE
  CSM B.
  (211-C-83)
  Avg: 2.1

1. McKenzie, CSM B.	2.1
2. Oluic, Rovinari	1.9
3. Tibirna, Otopeni	1.7
4. Riley, CSU Sibiu	1.7
5. VanderMeer, Gaz M.	1.5
6. Kinloch, Pitesti	1.5
7. Albijanic, Ploiesti	1.1
8. Dies, Perla Harghi.	1.1
9. Durham, Dinamo B.	1.1
10. Archie, Timisoara	1.1

Standings

Div.A Standings

1. Timisoara		13-2
2. U.Mobitel.CN		11-3
3. Gaz Metan		11-4
4. Oradea		11-4
5. Targu Mures		11-4
6. CSM Bucuresti		10-5
7. CSU Sibiu		10-5
8. Ploiesti		9-6
9. Rovinari		8-7
10. Pitesti		7-8
11. Otopeni		4-11
12. Giurgiu		4-11
13. Dinamo B.		4-11
14. Craiova		4-11
15. Perla Harghitei		2-12
16. Politehnica		0-15

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

RUSSIA

CSKA Moscow wins in Malaga, ends Euroleague regular season with 10-0 - by Eurobasket News
Unicaja - CSKA 83-91

CSKA Moscow finished Euroleague regular season with impressive 10-0 record. The Russian powerhouse outplayed Unicaja in Malaga on Wednesday night 83-91 winning the Group B. Unicaja also advanced to Top 16, but as No.3 of this pool with 4-6 record. Milos Teodosic (195-G-87) shined for the winners with double-double of 18 points and 10 assists. Nenad Krstic (213-C-83, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) had 14 points and 6 rebounds, while Anton Ponkrashov (200-G-86, agency: RIZO) netted 13 pts. For the home squad, Gerald Fitch (191-G-82, agency: SportsTalent, college: Kentucky) collected 16 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Hrvoje Peric (203-F-85) (7 rebs) and Joel Freeland (208-F-87) also scored 16 points each. CSKA made 5-12 run in the finish of Q3 and later in the last period jumped to 67-79, what was too much for Unicaja for rest of the way. Quarters: 23-22, 18-22, 22-27, 20-20. The Top 16 draw is scheduled for December 28.

Unicaja: Gerald Fitch 16+6 boards+5 as, Hrvoje Peric 16+7 boards, Joel Freeland 16
CSKA Moscow: Milos Teodosic 18+10 as, Nenad Krstic 14+6 boards, Anton Ponkrashov 13

Uncis wins seventh game in Euroleague debut season - by Eurobasket News
Union Olimpija - Unics 63-76

Unics demonstrated another good performance and outplayed struggling Union Olimpija in Ljubljana 63-76 for 7-3 record in Group D of the Euroleague regular season. That is enough for third place in Group D and of course for the spot in Top 16. Union Olimpija ended as the last ranked team in this pool with 1-9. Henry Domercant (192-G-80, college: E.Illinois) stepped up with 16 points and 5 rebounds in victory, while Alexey Savrasenko and Terrell Lyday (190-G-79, college: BYU) netted 14 points each. At the other side, Olimpija got 13 points and 9 rebs from Jaka Blazic (193-G-90). Sasu Salin (190-PG-91) and Jan Mocnik (174-G-87, agency: World Sport Agency) scored 11 points each. Unics had strong beginning and later managed to keep its lead. Quarters: 11-25, 18-16, 12-13, 22-22. The Top 16 draw is scheduled for December 28 in Barcelona. The games of the Top 16 round will be played on Wednesdays and Thursdays between January 18 and March 1.

Union Olimpija: Jaka Blazic 13+9 boards, Sasu Salin 11, Jan Mocnik 11
Unics: Henry Domercant 16+5 boards, Alexey Savrasenko 14, Terrell Lyday 14

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

SLOVAKIA

Christmas Break! - by Anthony Jones
Hello World!!!

It is finally Christmas time and I have a much needed break. We finished the 1st half of the season right by winning our last 2 games. I really did not want to lose the last game before the break because I would have been thinking about it the entire Christmas break. Currently we are in the 4th spot, after 20 games, we are 10-10. We had many injuries and had players coming and going but now we are all set to finish the remainder of the season. We added a couple of good pieces that we needed and we are hoping to make a push into the top 3. The league here is very tough, one team can be any team on any given night no matter if they are in the last place. Each team plays each other 4 times during the regular season so each time it gets harder and harder because every team knows exactly everything about the other team. You know which defense they run, all there offensive sets, top players and etc. But that is a challenege that I look forward to, two times a week. So for the 2nd half of the season I plan to take it game by game, win many games as possible and try to pull into the top 3.

For the Christmas break I already left Slovakia after our last regular season game. It is good to get away from the training and hang out with your family and friends. However I will still do some shooting, ball handling, light running and some other things to maintain a high level for the 2nd half of the season. But for the break I plan to just have fun and eat good. I will go to the movies, play billiards, bowling and poker. For Christmas Day on the 25th, my friends and I will watch ALL of the NBA games the entire day. I look forward to that. The NBA season will be very very exciting this season, maybe even more than last season, with many of the teams making major moves and all of the drama going on. My team is still the Heat, but the Clippers should be great along with the Bulls, OKC, New York and Dallas. It would be perfect for me if Miami meets either the Clippers, Dallas or OKC in the Championship and win it at home in 7 games.

Until next time,

MBK Handlova AJ15 Anthony Jones (193-G/F-84, college: Indiana Tech)

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

SLOVENIA

Standings - D2

D3 Standings

East
1. Krka II		8-2
2. Crnomelj		7-3
3. Lastovka		7-3
4. Bistrica		6-4
5. Calcit Kamnik		6-4
6. Vrani Vransko		6-4
7. Nazarje		5-5
8. Lenart		4-6
9. Hram Gorjan		2-8
10. Podbocje		2-8
11. Union Olim. II		2-8
West
1. Koper		9-1
2. Ajdovscina		8-2
3. Plama Pur		8-2
4. Fenomeni		5-5
5. Jezica		5-5
6. Tolmin		5-5
7. Jesenice		4-6
8. Logatec		4-6
9. Pingvini S.		4-6
10. Javor Pivka		2-8
11. Globus		1-9

Uncis wins seventh game in Euroleague debut season - by Eurobasket News
Union Olimpija - Unics 63-76

Unics demonstrated another good performance and outplayed struggling Union Olimpija in Ljubljana 63-76 for 7-3 record in Group D of the Euroleague regular season. That is enough for third place in Group D and of course for the spot in Top 16. Union Olimpija ended as the last ranked team in this pool with 1-9. Henry Domercant (192-G-80, college: E.Illinois) stepped up with 16 points and 5 rebounds in victory, while Alexey Savrasenko and Terrell Lyday (190-G-79, college: BYU) netted 14 points each. At the other side, Olimpija got 13 points and 9 rebs from Jaka Blazic (193-G-90). Sasu Salin (190-PG-91) and Jan Mocnik (174-G-87, agency: World Sport Agency) scored 11 points each. Unics had strong beginning and later managed to keep its lead. Quarters: 11-25, 18-16, 12-13, 22-22. The Top 16 draw is scheduled for December 28 in Barcelona. The games of the Top 16 round will be played on Wednesdays and Thursdays between January 18 and March 1.

Union Olimpija: Jaka Blazic 13+9 boards, Sasu Salin 11, Jan Mocnik 11
Unics: Henry Domercant 16+5 boards, Alexey Savrasenko 14, Terrell Lyday 14

Hopsi never trail road win over Maribor - by Zeljko Zule
Hopsi, who never trailed in the contest, defeated Maribor 88-81 in the last game of Telemach League Round 10. Dejan Hohler (188-G-86, agency: TSS Management) scored 21 points, Andrej Podvrsnik added 19 points, Miha Vasl came off the bench for 12 points, Uros Godler had 11 points and Stanko Sebic finished with 10 points. Hopsi take their first double digit lead of the game late in the first quarter at 21-11. Maribor cut the deficit to 34-35, but the visiting team answered with a 8-1 run to go ahead 43-35 and its lead never dipped below four points the rest of the way. Jure Pelko led Maribor with 23 points including four 3-pointers, Marko Spica scored 16 points, Jan Span added 13 points, Ilija Zolotic grabbed 12 points and Sasa Mucic had 11 points. Maribor outrebunded Hopsi 43-29, picking up 21 offensive boards, but the shot only 36-percent (27-of-74) from the field.

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

SOUTH KOREA

Promy Roll Through SK - by Kevin Campigotto
Thursday night the Wonju Dongbu Promy cruised to victory over the Seoul SK Knights 76-59. Wonju was playing without starting point guard Park Ji-Hyon (183-G-79) who was out with a shoulder injury, and starting shooting guard Hwang Jin-Won (189-G-78) who did not play in the first half. Wonju took control from the tipoff and Seoul never really threatened Wonjus lead.

Wonju found a surprise hero in sophomore Ahn Jae-Wook (175-G-87) who had a career night and finished with 22 points. Ahn was shooting 71 percent from 3 point range (5 for 7) before cooling off a bit in the fourth quarter. Even more significantly, he did not commit a single turnover and produced 3 assists and 3 steals. While Ahn has shown flashes of potential in the past, if he can consistently play at anything even close to this level Wonju will be a much more dangerous team.

For Seoul, import Amal Mccaskill played solidly contributing 15 points and 14 rebounds while Kim Min-Soo (200-C-82) had 19 points. Wonjus usual stars, Rod Benson (207-F/C-84, college: California) and Kim Joo-Sung (205-F/C-79) had 8 points and 16 rebounds and 22 points respectively.

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

SPAIN

Huesca and rookie Maurice McNeil part ways - by Eurobasket News
Rookie Maurice McNeil (205-F-87, college: Houston) is no longer a member of LOBE Huesca. They parted ways today end the club is already on the market looking for replacement. Maurice McNeil joined Huesca during the pre-season. He appeared 14 times in LEB Gold averaging 9.3 points and 6.4 rebounds. He did not play for Huesca last night against Menorca. Maurice McNeil graduated at the University of Houston this year. He had 13.3 ppg and 7.6 rpg for his school as a senior. McNeil helped Houston win the C-USA Tournament in 2010. He had 8.1 ppg and 7.4 rpg for 33 games that season. McNeil transferred to Houston in 2009 from the Houston - San Jacinto JC.

New Orleans Hornets snag center Gustavo Ayon - by Eurobasket News
The already sizeable New Orleans Hornets front line will be getting bigger by the end of the week, when free-agent center Gustavo Ayon (6'10''-F/C-85, agency: Duran International, college: San Jose St.) arrives for an introductory press conference scheduled for Friday. Ayon, 6 feet 10, 250 pounds, announced at a media briefing in Spain on Wednesday - and sources later confirmed - that he will be joining the Hornets after New Orleans contributed half of the $1.5 million buyout Ayon needed to escape from Madrids Fuenbrada team.

The Hornets scouting staff had seen Ayon several times in the Euroleague before the beginning of the 149-day lockout last summer.

Sources indicated that the Hornets half of Ayons buyout that facilitated his exit from Madrid - about $525,000 - didnt come from money the team received from the draft-night transaction with New York that sent second-round draft choice Josh Harrellson to the Knicks. That brought the Hornets about $750,000 in cash.

Nicknamed The Titan, Ayon also was coveted by the Indiana Pacers and Denver Nuggets this season, and in the past he was sought by the San Antonio Spurs and Phoenix Suns.

The Hornets didnt comment on Ayons acquisition Wednesday because he has yet to sign a contract. Ayon is en route to New Orleans from Spain.

Ayon has been a member of the Mexican national basketball team since 2007, and his play last season in Europe was eye-opening. In 10 games with Fuenlabrado this season, Ayon, 26, averaged 15.8 points and 8.2 rebounds. During the 2010-11 season, Ayon averaged 10.8 points and 6.3 rebounds in 33 games.

In New Orleans, hell join Emeka Okafor (6-foot-10), along with 7-foot reserves Chris Kaman and Jason Smith.

The agreement Ayon will sign is believed to be two years with a third at the teams option.

Courtesy of www.nola.com

Barca destroys Galatasaray at Palau Blaugrana, 79-50 - by Eurobasket News
Regal Barca - Galatasaray 79-50

Regal Barca finished Euroleague regular season in style with 79-50 victory against Galatasaray on Wednesday night. The reigning Spanish champion is the winner of Group D with almost perfect 9-1 record. Galatasaray ended as No.4 (4-6) and advanced to Top 16 in its debut Euroleague season. Barca took control on Galata from beginning and was increasing its lead after each period. Quarters: 23-13, 28-17, 17-11, 11-9. Boniface Ndong (213-C-77) led the home squad with 16 points and 6 rebounds for 17 minutes on the court (valuation 29). Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) had 13 points and 5 boards, while Marcelinho Huertas (191-PG-83, agency: Edge Sports) delivered 9 pts. In Galatasaray, Cevher Ozer (206-F/C-83, agency: 1x1 Sports) had 11 pts. Their second scorer was Jamon Lukas Gordon (191-G-84, college: Virginia Tech) with 8 points. The Euroleague Top 16 draw is scheduled for December 28 in Barcelona.

Regal Barca: Boniface Ndong 16+6 boards, Erazem Lorbek 13+5 boards, Marcelinho Huertas 9
Galatasaray: Cevher Ozer 11, Jamon Lukas Gordon 8

CSKA Moscow wins in Malaga, ends Euroleague regular season with 10-0 - by Eurobasket News
Unicaja - CSKA 83-91

CSKA Moscow finished Euroleague regular season with impressive 10-0 record. The Russian powerhouse outplayed Unicaja in Malaga on Wednesday night 83-91 winning the Group B. Unicaja also advanced to Top 16, but as No.3 of this pool with 4-6 record. Milos Teodosic (195-G-87) shined for the winners with double-double of 18 points and 10 assists. Nenad Krstic (213-C-83, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) had 14 points and 6 rebounds, while Anton Ponkrashov (200-G-86, agency: RIZO) netted 13 pts. For the home squad, Gerald Fitch (191-G-82, agency: SportsTalent, college: Kentucky) collected 16 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Hrvoje Peric (203-F-85) (7 rebs) and Joel Freeland (208-F-87) also scored 16 points each. CSKA made 5-12 run in the finish of Q3 and later in the last period jumped to 67-79, what was too much for Unicaja for rest of the way. Quarters: 23-22, 18-22, 22-27, 20-20. The Top 16 draw is scheduled for December 28.

Unicaja: Gerald Fitch 16+6 boards+5 as, Hrvoje Peric 16+7 boards, Joel Freeland 16
CSKA Moscow: Milos Teodosic 18+10 as, Nenad Krstic 14+6 boards, Anton Ponkrashov 13

Guillen's double-double lands him LEB Gold Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
35-year old power forward Ricardo Guillen (205-F/C-76) put on an amazing game in the last round for league's best team Tenerife and receives a Eurobasket.com LEB Gold Player of the Week award for round 15.
He had a double-double of 20 points and 14 rebounds, while his team beat Palencia (#9, 7-8) 88-83. It allowed Canarias to consolidate first place in the Spanish LEB Gold. Canarias have a solid 13-2 record. In the team's last game Guillen had a remarkable 63.6% from 2-point range. He has many years of experience at Canarias, through which he has constantly improved. Guillen has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in points (5th best: 17.6ppg) and averages solid 63.1% FGP and 57.8% from behind 3-point line.

Second best performed player last round was Ondrej Starosta (215-C-79) of Navarra. He is Czech Republic center in his first season at Navarra. In the last game Starosta recorded impressive double-double of 16 points and 14 rebounds. Bad luck as Navarra lost that game 67-80 to the lower-ranked Granada (#17, 5-10). Navarra managed to keep the same 7th spot in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 8-7 record is not bad and everything may still change. Starosta is a newcomer at Navarra and despite he is not a team leader yet, every game he becomes more reliable player. Hopefully performances like the last one will happen more often.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Darryl Middleton (203-F/C-66) of Girona (#8). Middleton scored 20 points and grabbed ten rebounds. He was a key player of Girona, leading his team to a 88-83 win against the lower-ranked Mallorca (#12, 7-8). Girona needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 8 victories and 7 lost games. Middleton has a very solid season. In 15 games in Spain he scored 10.1ppg. He also has 5.5rpg and FGP: 54.9%. Darryl Middleton has also Spanish passport and can play in the league with a status of domestic player.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Troy DeVries (193-G-82) of Melilla - 24 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists
5. Leon Williams (203-F/C-86) of Caceres - 19 points and 12 rebounds
6. James Feldeine (193-G-88) of Breogan - 26 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Francisco Sanchez (201-F-79) of Granada - 24 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists
8. Mathew Witt (183-PG-84) of Knet Clavijo - 23 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists
9. Albert Sabat (187-PG-85) of Canarias - 23 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Gintaras Leonavicius (194-G-83) of Huesca - 22 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists

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

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

SWITZERLAND

Standings - LNA

LNA Standings

1. Lugano Tigers		10-1
2. Geneve Lions		8-2
3. Monthey		8-3
4. Fribourg		7-3
5. SAV Vacallo		6-5
6. Starwings		4-7
7. Boncourt		3-8
8. BBC Nyon		2-9
9. SAM Massagno		1-11

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

TAIWAN

Davis to replace Dials: report - by Chris Wang
Pure Youth will have to find a replacement for Dials Terence (206-F/C-83, college: Ohio St.), who had to leave Taiwan after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament, and it has locked up 6-9 forward Quincy Davis (206-F/C-83, college: Tulane), local media reported Thursday.

Davis, who played in China in 2010 and Turkey this year, averaged 10.4 points, 5.3 rebounds during his four years at Tulane University.

PY head coach Hsu Chin-tse was quoted as saying that he was not sure whether 27-year-old Davis would be able to arrive in Taiwan on time because of the Christmas break.

Standings - SBL

SBL Standings

1. Yulon Luxgen		2-0
2. Dacin Tigers		1-0
3. Bank of Taiwan		0-0
4. Taiwan Mobile		0-0
5. KKL		0-1
6. Pure Youth		0-1
7. Taiwan Beer		0-1

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Kevin JOHNSON
  Yulon L.
  (201-F-84)
  Avg: 25

1. Johnson, Yulon L.	25.0
2. Lu, Yulon Luxgen	23.0
3. Dials, Pure Youth	20.0
4. Felix, Dacin Tigers	19.0
5. Hung, KKL	16.0
6. Cheng, Taiwan Beer	16.0
7. Carr, Taiwan Beer	16.0
8. Creighton, Pure Y.	15.0
9. Chen, Dacin Tigers	13.0
10. Wang, Dacin Tigers	12.0

Rebounds Per Game

Kevin JOHNSON
  Yulon L.
  (201-F-84)
  Avg: 22.5

1. Johnson, Yulon L.	22.5
2. Dials, Pure Youth	19.0
3. Felix, Dacin Tigers	13.0
4. Carr, Taiwan Beer	9.0
5. Cheng, Taiwan Beer	8.0
6. Broxsie, KKL	8.0
7. Lo, Dacin Tigers	8.0
8. Wu, Taiwan Beer	6.0
9. Hung, KKL	6.0
10. Liu, KKL	6.0

Assists Per Game

Chih-Chung CHEN
  Yulon Luxgen
  (185-PG-77)
  Avg: 6

1. Chen, Yulon Luxgen	6.0
2. Hsu, Dacin Tigers	5.0
3. Lin, Dacin Tigers	4.0
4. Johnson, Yulon L.	4.0
5. Tien, Dacin Tigers	3.0
6. Liu, KKL	3.0
7. Wu, Taiwan Beer	3.0
8. Hung, KKL	3.0
9. Broxsie, KKL	3.0
10. Lee, Yulon Luxgen	2.5

Steals Per Game

Yu-Chun LO
  Dacin Tigers
  (185-G-88)
  Avg: 5

1. Lo, Dacin Tigers	5.0
2. Chang, KKL	4.0
3. Liu, KKL	4.0
4. Hsu, Dacin Tigers	3.0
5. Ke, Pure Youth	3.0
6. Creighton, Pure Y.	3.0
7. Chen, Yulon Luxgen	2.0
8. Lee, KKL	2.0
9. Lu, Yulon Luxgen	2.0
10. Lin, Dacin Tigers	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Noel FELIX
  Dacin Tigers
  (205-C/F-81)
  Avg: 5

1. Felix, Dacin Tigers	5.0
2. Carr, Taiwan Beer	3.0
3. Johnson, Yulon L.	2.5
4. Broxsie, KKL	2.0
5. Liu, KKL	1.0
6. Lin, Dacin Tigers	1.0
7. Lee, KKL	1.0
8. Cheng, Taiwan Beer	1.0
9. Lee, Yulon Luxgen	0.5
10. Huang, Pure Youth	0.0

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

TUNISIA

TURKEY

TB2L Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Tyrone NELSON
  Akhisar Bld
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 21.4

1. Nelson, Akhisar Bld	21.4
2. Gray, Baskent	21.0
3. Harris, Usak	20.3
4. Jackson, Balikesir	20.1
5. Waller, Gaziantep	19.5
6. Pilgrim, Pamukkale	19.5
7. Delic, Genc Telekom	18.4
8. Senol, Pamukkale	17.2
9. Sevda, Baskent	15.7
10. Can, Pertevniyal	15.6

Rebounds Per Game

Charles JACKSON
  Balikesir
  (203-F-87)
  Avg: 11.8

1. Jackson, Balikesir	11.8
2. Pilgrim, Pamukkale	11.3
3. Gray, Baskent	11.3
4. Nelson, Akhisar Bld	10.5
5. Kolaric, Istanbul.	10.5
6. Pastal, Usak	9.6
7. Can, Pertevniyal	9.1
8. Barnies, Istanbul.	7.5
9. Turkoglu, Maliye M.	7.5
10. Okkali, Final Gen.	7.5

Assists Per Game

Admir KAN
  Istanbulspor
  (185-G-83)
  Avg: 6.2

1. Kan, Istanbulspor	6.2
2. Rizvanoglu, Genc T.	6.1
3. Kavaklioglu, Optim.	6.0
4. Eryuz, Gaziantep	5.8
5. Bayraktar, Tire G.	5.5
6. Eris, Istanbul B.B.	5.5
7. Harris, Usak	5.3
8. Senol, Pamukkale	4.7
9. Yolcu, Baskent	4.6
10. Dobie, Selcuk Uni.	4.4

Steals Per Game

Matthew PILGRIM
  Pamukkale
  (203-F-87)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Pilgrim, Pamukkale	2.9
2. Okkali, Final Genc.	2.2
3. Nelson, Akhisar Bld	2.1
4. Carter, Vestel	2.0
5. Mentese, Gelisim	2.0
6. Harris, Usak	2.0
7. Yavuklu, Basken.	2.0
8. Jackson, Balikesir	1.9
9. Rizvanoglu, Genc T.	1.8
10. Yavuz, Vestel	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Matthew PILGRIM
  Pamukkale
  (203-F-87)
  Avg: 1.4

1. Pilgrim, Pamukkale	1.4
2. Gray, Baskent	1.3
3. Delic, Genc Telekom	1.3
4. Washington, Gelisim	1.3
5. Brown, TED I.	1.1
6. Nelson, Akhisar Bld	1.1
7. Kolaric, Istanbul.	1.1
8. Boswell, Tire Gucu	1.1
9. Balto, Darussafaka	1.0
10. Carter, Vestel	1.0

Besiktas add Carlos Arroyo - by Ugur Turker
Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, college: FIU) is new superstar of Besiktas Milangaz Istanbul until end of season after Deron Williams (191-PG-84, college: Illinois) returned NBA. Beiktas Milangaz was looking for new point guard till Deron Williams left. Coach Ergin Ataman insisted that they were trying to find NBA player who are free agent. It is known that Carlos Arroyo was one of candidates. Atamain said last week ' We made an offer to Carlos and we are going to wait his decision before consider for another player. Of course, another one will be NBA player.' Carlos Arroyo spend 10 years in different NBA Teams ; Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics. Arroyo also played Caja Laboral and Maccabi Electra in Euroleague.

Standings - TB2L

TB2L Standings

1. Genc Telekom		12-3
2. Optimum TED		11-4
3. Gaziantep		11-4
4. Selcuk Univ.		11-4
5. Akhisar Bld		11-4
6. Maliye Milli		10-5
7. Final Genclik		10-5
8. Darussafaka		9-6
9. Vestel		8-7
10. Pamukkale		8-7
11. Istanbul B.B.		7-8
12. Gelisim		6-9
13. Pertevniyal		6-9
14. Tire Gucu		6-9
15. Balikesir		5-10
16. Baskent Genclik		5-10
17. Istanbulspor		4-11
18. Usak		4-11
19. Orman Genc		4-11
20. TED Istanbul		2-13

Mahir Bayrak joins Usak Universitesi Belediyespor - by Eurobasket Center
Usak Universitesi Belediyespor (TB2L) agreed terms with 32-year old guard Mahir Bayrak (180-G-79). In his first game he scored 8 points and added 3 assists. However his new team lost to Istanbul B.B. 68-79. Bayrak played most recently at Olin Edirne Basketball (TBL). He is a very experienced player.

By Eurobasket Data Center

TB2L Round 16 of Regular Season - by Eurobasket News
Maliye Milli (#6) forced the game against Selcuk Universitesi (#5) into an overtime, but lost by nine points 84-93 on Wednesday night. The game took place in . But the guests from Konya were better at the end. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Maliye Milli. Worth to mention a great performance of Omer Unver (204-F-81, agency: 1x1 Sports) who helped to win the game recording 26 points. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Selcuk Universitesi (11-4) have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams. Maliye Milli at the other side keeps the sixth position with five games lost. Selcuk Universitesi will face league's second-placed Optimum TED in Ankara in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Maliye Milli will play on the road against Istanbul B.B. (#11).

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 16: Gaziantep won against Darussafaka on the opponent's court 77-69. Pamukkale unfortunately lost to Orman Genc in a home game 79-80. Vestel recorded a loss to Balikesir on the road 82-90. Baskent Genclik was defeated by Genc Telekom on its own court 71-74. Final Genclik beat Pertevniyal in Bursa 89-78. Usak lost to Istanbul B.B. at home 68-79. Istanbulspor was outscored by Optimum TED on the opponent's court 53-99.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 34 points (!!!) and 13 rebounds by Justin Carter of Tire Gucu.

Darussafaka - Gaziantep 69-77
Very expected game in Istanbul where 7th ranked Darussafaka (9-6) was defeated by third ranked Gaziantep (11-4) 77-69 on Wednesday. The guests trailed by 9 points at the halftime before their 45-27 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. It was a great shooting night for Gaziantep especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 57.9 percentage. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Antabia Waller (188-88, college: Auburn) who helped to win the game recording 29 points and center Umut Durmus (206-80) who added 20 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side American guard Jawan Carter (180-87, college: Delaware, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management) responded with 15 points and 7 rebounds and Muhammed Baygul scored 13 points. Darussafaka's coach Aziz Bekir rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Gaziantep have an impressive five-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams. Darussafaka at the other side dropped to the eighth position with six games lost. Gaziantep will face Baskent Genclik (#16) in Ankara in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Darussafaka will play against Tire Gucu (#14).
Top scorers:
Gaziantep: A.Waller 29+4reb+2ast, U.Durmus 20+8reb, H.Dogan 12+8reb, S.Ugrasan 7+1reb+1ast, E.Eryuz 4+5reb+4ast, S.Ugur 3+1reb+2ast
Darussafaka: J.Carter 15+7reb, M.Baygul 13+3reb+1ast, K.Oztoprak 9+2reb, D.Sonmez 8+1reb, Y.Sonsirma 6+2reb+2ast, E.Balto 5+4reb

Pamukkale - Orman Genc 79-80
There was a surprise result when nineteenth ranked Orman Genc (4-11) edged on the road higher ranked Pamukkale (8-7) 80-79 on Wednesday. The guests trailed by 9 points at the halftime before their 27-15 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Timucin Yener (185-84) who helped to win the game recording 16 points and forward Arif Erhan Kocamis (196-86, agency: 1x1 Sports) who added 14 points during the contest. At the losing side center Ismail Esmeray (-86) responded with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 13 rebounds and American forward Matthew Pilgrim (203-87, college: Oklahoma St., agency: KMG Sports Management) scored 17 points and 5 rebounds. Four Pamukkale players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Orman Genc moved-up to seventeenth place, which they share with Istanbulspor and Usak. Newly promoted Pamukkale dropped to the ninth position with seven games lost. Orman Genc will face higher ranked Pertevniyal (#13) in Istanbul in the next round and it may be quite challenging game.
Top scorers:
Orman Genc: T.Yener 16+2reb+2ast, A.Erhan Kocamis 14+3reb+2ast, U.Aksoy 10+6reb, S.Ozgur 9+2reb+2ast, M.Torrance 7+3reb+1ast, O.Bolat 7+3reb+1ast
Pamukkale: M.Pilgrim 17+5reb, I.Esmeray 13+13reb+2ast, G.Senol 11+2reb+5ast, C.Turan 10+5reb+1ast, B.Sasmaz 8+4reb, F.Celebioglu 8+1reb+1ast

Balikesir - Vestel 90-82
There was an upset when higher ranked Vestel (8-7) was defeated on the road by seventeenth ranked Balikesir (5-10) 90-82 on Wednesday. The hosts trailed by 2 points after three quarters before their 29-19 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Balikesir made 17-of-18 free shots (94.4 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Charles Jackson (203-87, college: Hawaii-Pacific, agency: Court Side) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 25 points and 16 rebounds and guard Yunus Akcay (-89) who added 24 points and 4 assists during the contest. Four Balikesir players scored in double figures. Balikesir's coach Ismail Dogrutekin used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side guard Sercan Topcu (185-85) responded with 19 points and 4 assists (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) and forward Hadi Ozdemir (203-83) scored 13 points and 6 rebounds. Balikesir moved-up to fifteenth place, which they share with Baskent Genclik. Vestel at the other side keeps the ninth position with seven games lost. Balikesir will face bottom-ranked TED Istanbul (#20) on the road in the next round where they are favorite.
Top scorers:
Balikesir: C.Jackson 25+16reb+2ast, Y.Akcay 24+4ast, O.Kaya 13+2reb+2ast, U.Tinay 11+5reb+4ast, A.Uruk 5+3reb+2ast, S.Akyol 4+1reb
Vestel: S.Topcu 19+1reb+4ast, S.Yavuz 16+2reb+2ast, H.Ozdemir 13+6reb+2ast, H.Cantopcu 11+1reb+1ast, H.Erol 8+6reb+3ast, A.Ozdemir 8+6reb

Baskent Genclik - Genc Telekom 71-74
Everything went according to plan in Ankara where first ranked Genc Telekom (12-3) edged 14th ranked Baskent Genclik (5-10) 74-71 on Wednesday. The guests trailed by 5 points after three quarters before their 22-16 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Worth to mention a great performance of Croatian power forward Nenad Delic (210-84, agency: TSS Management) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 20 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks and guard Can Ugur Ogut (178-92) who added 14 points and 4 assists during the contest. At the losing side American power forward Marquise Gray (206-86, college: Michigan St.) responded with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 11 rebounds and forward Recai Ozturk (198-82) scored 17 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Genc Telekom maintains first position with 12-3 record. Baskent Genclik at the other side dropped to the fifteenth place with ten games lost. Genc Telekom will face Pamukkale (#10) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Baskent Genclik will play against Gaziantep (#3).
Top scorers:
Genc Telekom: N.Delic 20+13reb+2ast, S.Ekmen 16+2reb+1ast, C.Ugur Ogut 14+4reb+4ast, R.Rizvanoglu 8+4reb+4ast, M.Goerur 7+4reb+1ast, H.Avci 4+7reb+1ast
Baskent Genclik: M.Gray 25+11reb+2ast, R.Ozturk 17+8reb+4ast, M.Sevda 11+1reb+2ast, A.Unal 8+5reb, E.Yavuklu 4+3reb, T.Orge 4+1reb+2ast

Maliye Milli - Selcuk Univ. 84-93 OT
Maliye Milli (#6) forced the game against Selcuk Universitesi (#5) into an overtime, but lost by nine points 84-93 on Wednesday night. The game took place in . But the guests from Konya were better at the end. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Maliye Milli. The guests trailed by 18 points after three quarters before their 30-12 charge, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time and get a 9-point victory in overtime. Selcuk Universitesi forced 30 Maliye Milli turnovers. Strangely Maliye Milli outrebounded Selcuk Universitesi 52-32 including a 36-24 advantage in defensive rebounds. Maliye Milli was plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Omer Unver (204-81, agency: 1x1 Sports) who helped to win the game recording 26 points and American guard Henry Antwan Dobie (183-78, college: LIU Brooklyn) who added 22 points and 5 assists during the contest. At the losing side the former international center Umit Turkoglu (211-81, agency: 1x1 Sports) responded with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 13 rebounds and guard Caner Erdeniz (188-87) scored 18 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Selcuk Universitesi (11-4) have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams. Maliye Milli at the other side keeps the sixth position with five games lost. Selcuk Universitesi will face league's second-placed Optimum TED in Ankara in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Maliye Milli will play on the road against Istanbul B.B. (#11).
Top scorers:
Selcuk Univ.: O.Unver 26+2reb, H.Antwan Dobie 22+5ast, O.Aydin 13+10reb+3ast, E.Turetken 8+4reb, I.Cevik 8+9reb+1ast, M.Ufuk Kacar 7+3reb+1ast
Maliye Milli: C.Erdeniz 18+5reb+2ast, U.Turkoglu 13+13reb+1ast, K.Tutuncu 11+6reb+5ast, F.Aydemir 10+2reb+4ast, A.Johnson 8+6reb+3ast, S.Kavut 7+3reb+1ast

Pertevniyal - Final Genclik 78-89
There was no surprise in Istanbul where 13th ranked Pertevniyal (6-9) was defeated by eighth ranked Final Genclik (10-5) 89-78 on Wednesday. The game was mostly controlled by Final Genclik. Pertevniyal was better in fourth quarter 27-26. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Final Genclik looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American power forward Cyrus Tate (203-85, college: Iowa, agency: Edge Sports) who helped to win the game recording 17 points and 8 rebounds and forward Orcun Okkali (201-87) who added 14 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. Five Final Genclik players scored in double figures. At the losing side Burak Can responded with a double-double by scoring 29 points and 11 rebounds and center Ramazan Tekin (212-93) scored 14 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Final Genclik have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Maliye Milli. Loser Pertevniyal dropped to the twelfth position with nine games lost. Final Genclik will face higher ranked Akhisar Bld (#5) at home in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Pertevniyal will play against Orman Genc (#19) in Ankara.
Top scorers:
Final Genclik: C.Tate 17+8reb+2ast, E.Ilter 16+2reb+3ast, O.Okkali 14+8reb+1ast, O.Sungur 12+5reb+2ast, E.Sinanoglu 11+4reb+7ast, O.Aksoy 9+4reb+5ast
Pertevniyal: B.Can 29+11reb+3ast, R.Tekin 14+8reb, C.Osman 9+5reb+2ast, S.Yikilmaz 7+3reb+7ast, O.Sancakli 6+2reb+1ast, T.Erulku 4

Usak - Istanbul B.B. 68-79
No shocking result in a game when twelfth ranked Istanbul B.B. (7-8) won against on the road 18th ranked Usak (4-11) 79-68 on Wednesday. The game without a history. Istanbul B.B. led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Istanbul B.B. outrebounded Usak 42-28 including 30 on the defensive glass. Worth to mention a great performance of Serbian power forward Marko Kolaric (213-84, college: Chaminade) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 14 points and 12 rebounds and guard Sezgin Eris (185-85) who added 16 points and 5 assists during the contest. Four Istanbul B.B. players scored in double figures. At the losing side American guard Dijuan Harris (175-86, college: Charlotte, agency: ARN Sports and Entertainment) responded with 24 points and forward Nikolay Pastal (202-83) scored 15 points and 5 rebounds. Istanbul B.B. moved-up to eleventh place. Usak lost tenth consecutive game. They dropped to the seventeenth position with 11 games lost. Istanbul B.B. will face higher ranked Maliye Milli (#6) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Usak will play against Vestel (#9) in Manisa.
Top scorers:
Istanbul B.B.: S.Eris 16+2reb+5ast, R.Dogrusoez 14+2reb+3ast, M.Kolaric 14+12reb, S.Sahin 13+8reb+1ast, C.Mumcuogullari 8+5reb+1ast, E.Hacioglu 7+1reb+1ast
Usak: D.Harris 24+1reb+3ast, N.Pastal 15+5reb, E.Algin 10+7reb+2ast, M.Bayrak 8+2reb+3ast, A.Turgut 6+3reb+1ast, M.Erol 5+8reb

Optimum TED - Istanbulspor 99-53
Very expected game in Ankara where 16th ranked Istanbulspor (4-11) was crushed by second ranked Optimum TED (11-4) 99-53 on Wednesday. The game without a history. Optimum TED led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Istanbulspor's 24. They outrebounded Istanbulspor 38-24 including a 30-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a great shooting night for Optimum TED especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.6 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of power forward Nezih Ozbakir (206-80) who helped to win the game recording 18 points and 5 rebounds (perfect from the field making all eight shots !!!) and center Sercan Ergin (197-83) who added 12 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. Optimum TED's coach Murat Ozyer felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side American forward Troy Barnies (200-89, college: Maine) responded with 15 points and 5 rebounds and center Ozan Er (200-84) scored 10 points and 7 rebounds. Optimum TED maintains second position with 11-4 record behind leader Genc Telekom, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Istanbulspor dropped to the seventeenth place with 11 games lost. Optimum TED will face Selcuk Universitesi (#4) in Konya in the next round. Istanbulspor will play at home against Gelisim (#12) in Izmir.
Top scorers:
Optimum TED: N.Ozbakir 18+5reb, A.Kavaklioglu 15+1reb+2ast, C.Amasyali 12+3reb+2ast, S.Ergin 12+5reb+4ast, I.Turel 9+3reb+2ast, O.Famutimi 8+8reb+2ast
Istanbulspor: T.Barnies 15+5reb+3ast, O.Er 10+7reb+2ast, C.Oner 7+3reb, O.Sonsirma 7+2reb+1ast, H.Uskuplu 7+4reb, A.Kan 3+2reb+4ast

Tire Gucu - Gelisim 74-72 OT

Top scorers:
Tire Gucu: J.Carter 34+13reb+2ast, C.Bayraktar 11+2reb+4ast, A.Yuce 7+3reb+1ast, A.Cetinkaya 6+2reb, O.Yildirim 5+3reb+1ast, U.Oguz 3+9reb
Gelisim: S.Gursu 23+2reb, E.Ozpulat 13+4reb, K.Isbilen 11+2reb, D.Vaughn Washington 8+6reb+1ast, O.Onver 8+6reb+2ast, M.Erdogan 5
Akhisar Bld - TED Istanbul 66-50 OT

Top scorers:
Akhisar Bld: T.Nelson 19+13reb+3ast, M.Dogan 15+5reb+3ast, O.Bugra Dag 13+6reb+1ast, L.Demirci 6+2reb+2ast, O.Ozpamir 6, C.Terzioglu 3+3reb
TED Istanbul: C.Uzun 16+9reb+4ast, D.Deniz Yigit 12+2reb+1ast, S.Tulek 6+3reb, V.Volkan Basaran 5+2reb+1ast, B.Brown 4+8reb+2ast, M.Sahan 4+5reb

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

UBA

Texas Cyclones sign Ed Horton - by UBA media

The UBA media reports that the Central Texas Cyclones agree to terms with Edward Horton (6'4''-G-85, college: Murray St.). The American guard is just returning from KR Reykjavik (Iceland).

Horton average 15.9ppg, 5.7rpg, 5.0apg for KR Reykjavik in 8 games of action. He was 5th in the league in assists and score 20 plus point 4 of his 8 games in 2011.

'We are very excited about the return of Ed', said Cyclones GM Jeremy Ware . I believe with Horton and Glover we have one of the top back courts in the UBA.

In 2010 Horton was drafted by the Austin Knights and was named Usbasket.com All-UBA 1st Team with an average of 18.0ppg, 4.5rpg, 8.0apg and 2.0 steals.

Horton will report to Atlanta, GA January 5, 2012 to prepare for the rival game versus the Houston Express.

Standings

UBA Standings

Eastern
1. Buckeye B.		3-0
2. Cincinnati S.		2-0
3. S.Ohio K.		2-1
4. SE Hoopstars		2-1
5. Cleveland R.		1-3
6. Louisville S.		0-0
7. Ohio R.		0-1
8. Midwest M.		0-3
Southern
1. GIE Morrow D.		5-0
2. Tennessee D.		3-2
3. Georgia L.		2-2
4. Atlanta A.		2-2
5. S.Generals		1-1
Western
1. C.Texas C.		2-1
2. Cleveland H.		1-2
3. DFW Warriors		0-0
4. Austin K.		0-1
5. Houston E.		0-2
D-League
1. Queen City G.		0-1
2. Nashville M.		0-2
Traveling Teams
1. Team Japan		0-0
2. Dallas Stars		0-1

URBL Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Jermaine BARNES
(194-G/F-82)
Avg: 29.6

1. Barnes, GIE M.	29.6
2. Canady Jr., Atlan.	25.0
3. Williams, GIE M.	24.0
4. Blackmon, Houst.	23.5
5. Sims, Georgia L.	23.0
6. Williams, Georgia	23.0
7. Jennings, Atlan.	22.5
8. Webb, Nashville M.	21.0
9. Cantrell, GIE M.	21.0
10. Baker, Cleveland	20.7

Rebounds Per Game

Jermaine DAILEY
  USA
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 17

1. Dailey, Georgia L.	17.0
2. White, Tennesse.	13.5
3. Corpening, S.Gen.	13.0
4. Morning, C.Tex.	12.0
5. Hampton, Tennesse.	11.8
6. Green, GIE M.	11.7
7. Joseph, S.Generals	11.0
8. Canady Jr., Atlan.	11.0
9. Eichelberger, GIE	9.5
10. Akpele, GIE M.	8.8

Assists Per Game

DeAndre BRAY
(168-G-85)
Avg: 13

1. Bray, S.Generals	13.0
2. Belton, Atlanta A.	8.5
3. Cantrell, GIE M.	7.2
4. Barnes, GIE M.	7.0
5. Webb, Nashville M.	7.0
6. Sims, Georgia L.	6.5
7. Bryant, Austin K.	6.0
8. Glover, C.Texas C.	5.5
9. Baker, Cleveland H.	5.3
10. Ragsdale, GIE M.	5.3

Steals Per Game

Freddie WILLIAMS
(188-G-87)
Avg: 5.3

1. Williams, GIE M.	5.3
2. Bray, S.Generals	5.0
3. Barnes, GIE M.	3.6
4. Glover, C.Texas C.	2.5
5. Jennings, Atlan.	2.5
6. Antoine, Atlanta A.	2.0
7. James, Nashville M.	2.0
8. Davis, Atlanta A.	2.0
9. Blackmon, Houst.	2.0
10. Webb, Nashville M.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Justin EDWARDS
(--)
Avg: 0

1. Edwards, Clevelan.	0.0
2. Adkins, Austin K.	0.0
3. Eastland, Austin K.	0.0
4. Morning, C.Tex.	0.0
5. Davis, Atlanta A.	0.0
6. Maxtion, Tennesse.	0.0
7. Danzey, Georgia L.	0.0
8. Lewis, Austin K.	0.0
9. Daniels, Tennesse.	0.0
10. Kusljic, Nashvill.	0.0

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

UKRAINE

DniproAzot release Rinalds Sirsnins, invite Mario Little - by Eurobasket News
DniproAzot made a change in their backcourt. They released Rinalds Sirsnins (186-PG-85, agency: Promotex) and added Mario Little (195-G-87).
Rinalds Sirsnins joined the team during the previous season. The Latvian guard notched 5.9 points, 3.9 assists, 2.2 boards and 1.4 steals per game last season. This season Rinalds Sirsnins posted 4.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists per appearance in Superleague. Previously the guard had stints in Latvia and Poland. Rinalds Sirsnins was named Eurobasket.com All-Latvian League Defensive Player of the Year in 2010.
In the meantime DniproAzot brought in Mario Little for two-week tryout period. The guard is starting his pro career. Mario Little graduated from the University of Kansas in 2011. He averaged 5.1 points and 2.9 rebounds per game in his senior season.

Aco Petrovic leaves Azovmash - by Eurobasket News
Aco Petrovic and Azovmash parted ways. Family reasons were cited as the main reason for the coach to leave the team. The Serbian specialist took over Azovmash at the start of the season. The Ukrainian powerhouse was not able to advance into EuroCup Last 16. They enjoy 12-4 record in Superleague and 3-4 record in Group B of VTB League regular season. Previously Aco Petrovic worked with Zalgiris, Crvena Zvezda, Unics Kazan, Lokomotiv Roston na Donu, Hemofarm and FMP Zeleznik.
Aco Petrovic will be replace by Gintaras Krapikas . The Lithuanian specialist worked as coach assistant with Azovmash this season. He guided Zalgiris in 2008/10 seasons. Gintaras Krapikas also worked as coach assistant with Zalgiris and Unics Kazan.

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URUGUAY

Standings - LUB

LUB Standings

Capital
1. Hebraica		18-2
2. Malvin		15-5
3. Defensor		14-6
4. Aguada		13-8
5. Welcome		12-8
6. Bigua		12-9
7. Trouville		11-10
8. Larre Borges		11-10
9. Un.Atletica		9-11
10. Olimpia		8-12
11. Cordon		8-12
12. Guruyu Waston		8-12
13. Bohemios		7-13
14. Montevideo		7-14
15. Cader		5-15
16. Sayago		5-16
Littoral
1. Anastasia		4-0
2. Remeros		3-1
3. Wanderers		2-2
4. Universitario S.		1-3
5. Juventus Salto		0-4
South
1. Lagomar		5-0
2. Plaza		3-2
3. Lavalleja		2-2
4. Maldonado		2-3
5. Flores Trinidad		0-5

Stats Leaders - LUB

Points Per Game

Brandon BROWN
  Trouville
  (201-F-85)
  Avg: 25

1. Brown, Trouville	25.0
2. Crews, Cader	24.3
3. Humphrey, Bigua	23.9
4. Herring, Bohemios	22.7
5. McCullough, Un.Atl.	22.1
6. Roland, Sayago	22.1
7. Keenan, Larre B.	21.9
8. Eddie, Cordon	21.7
9. Johnson, Olimpia	21.0
10. Evans, Cader	21.0

Rebounds Per Game

Otis POLK
  Montevideo
  (206-C-88)
  Avg: 15.1

1. Polk, Montevideo	15.1
2. Wilborn, Un.Atleti.	13.3
3. Humphrey, Bigua	11.6
4. Davis, Aguada	11.0
5. Crews, Cader	10.7
6. Jackson, Defensor	10.4
7. Keenan, Larre B.	10.2
8. Passos, Hebraica	10.2
9. Shellman, Sayago	10.0
10. Douglas, Bohemios	9.8

Assists Per Game

Gustavo BARRERA
  Hebraica
  (194-G-85)
  Avg: 8.8

1. Barrera, Hebraica	8.8
2. Fitipaldo, Malvin	5.9
3. Braggs, Guruyu W.	5.5
4. Gonzalez, Aguada	5.5
5. de Gouveia, Monte.	5.1
6. Taboada, Larre B.	5.1
7. Muro, Aguada	4.9
8. Silvarrey, Sayago	4.8
9. Cambon, Bigua	4.7
10. Tornaria, Trouvil.	4.6

Steals Per Game

Mauro TORNARIA
  Trouville
  (187-G-82)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Tornaria, Trouville	2.8
2. Barrera, Hebraica	2.6
3. Shellman, Sayago	2.6
4. Vazquez, Olimpia	2.4
5. Clarkson, Larre B.	2.4
6. Aguilera, Trouville	2.3
7. Garcia Moral., Big.	2.3
8. Braggs, Guruyu W.	2.3
9. Silvarrey, Sayago	2.2
10. Jeffries, Malvin	2.1

Blocks Per Game

Otis POLK
  Montevideo
  (206-C-88)
  Avg: 2

1. Polk, Montevideo	2.0
2. Humphrey, Bigua	1.9
3. Herring, Bohemios	1.7
4. Wilborn, Un.Atleti.	1.7
5. Crews, Cader	1.7
6. Clarkson, Larre B.	1.7
7. Suarez, Cordon	1.6
8. Newsome, Malvin	1.5
9. Augustus, Hebraica	1.5
10. Douglas, Bohemios	1.4

Results for the LUB 22th round - by Hector Lopez
Results for the Uruguay League 22th round:
Aguada 83 - Pablo Morales (200-F-79) 25 points 4 rebounds 2 assists, Brian Craig (206-C-79, college: Miles) 18 points 11 rebounds 2 blocks 4 assists, Devin Davis (202-F-74, college: Miami, OH) 10 points 7 rebounds, Steffphon Pettigrew (195-F, college: W.Kentucky) 18 points 7 rebounds 1 block 4 assists.
Larre Borges 79 - Justin Keenan (201-F/C-88, college: Ferris St.) 28 points 11 rebounds, Kristian Clarkson (202-F-84, agency: TSS Management, college: Widener) 13 points 5 rebounds 2 blocks 1 assist.
- - -
Montevideo 75 . Daniel Gilbert (198-G-83, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: Buffalo) 17 points 6 rebounds 2 blocks, 5 assists, Otis Polk (206-C-88, college: Bowling Green) 17 points 13 rebounds 1 block
Bigua 69 - Leandro Garcia Morales (186-G-80, college: Texas A&M) 23 points 7 rebounds 6 assists, Ryan Humphrey (203-C/F-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: Notre Dame) 22 points 10 rebounds 3 blocks 2 assists
- - -
Trouville 89 - Brandon Brown (201-F-85, college: CS San Bernar.) 22 points 5 rebounds 1 block, Brad Kanis (218-C-84, college: Grand Canyon) 20 points 12 rebounds 2 blocks, 2 assists
Sayago 80 - Terence Shellman (199-F-78) 16 points 13 rebounds 1 block, Jason McCoy (206-F/C-82, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) 2 points 3 rebounds 2 assists

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VTB UNITED LEAGUE

Aco Petrovic leaves Azovmash - by Eurobasket News
Aco Petrovic and Azovmash parted ways. Family reasons were cited as the main reason for the coach to leave the team. The Serbian specialist took over Azovmash at the start of the season. The Ukrainian powerhouse was not able to advance into EuroCup Last 16. They enjoy 12-4 record in Superleague and 3-4 record in Group B of VTB League regular season. Previously Aco Petrovic worked with Zalgiris, Crvena Zvezda, Unics Kazan, Lokomotiv Roston na Donu, Hemofarm and FMP Zeleznik.
Aco Petrovic will be replace by Gintaras Krapikas . The Lithuanian specialist worked as coach assistant with Azovmash this season. He guided Zalgiris in 2008/10 seasons. Gintaras Krapikas also worked as coach assistant with Zalgiris and Unics Kazan.

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Women News

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BELARUS - Women

Gorizont clinched the Cup title - by Eurobasket News
Gorizont clinched the Cup title in the country. The team won Final Four of the Cup to finish year 2011 with the trophy.
In the Semifinals Gorizont overcame Olimpia 67:54. The team won the first two quarters and added 22-11 in the last stanza. Tatyana Troina (188-F-81, college: S.Carolina) poured in 18 points to lead the charge and Nadzeya Nadzezhka (179-F-87) netted 12. Maria Popova (180-F-94) and Iordan ended up with 13 points each in the losing effort. In another Semifinal Minsk-2006 edged Berezina 81:47.
In the game for the third place Olimpia outscored Berezina 92:56. Gorizont grabbed valuable 76:66 over Minsk-2006 as they won all the quarters of the game. Gorizont started with 16-11 and added 18-17 in the second frame. Moreover they produced 24-22 in the third stanza and 18-16 in the last one. Natalia Anufryienka (174-G-85, agency: LBM Management) top-scored for the winners with 19 points and 7 rebounds, while Aleksandra Khomenchuk (200-C-89) collected 14 points and 14 rebounds. Alesia Lalovich (188-F-79) ended up with 22 points in the losing case.

Standings - Women

Premier League Standings

1. Gorizont		7-0
2. Minsk-2006		5-1
3. Berezina		5-4
4. Olimpia		4-2
5. BrGU		3-4
6. Victoria		1-7
7. Sozh Gomel		0-7

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CZECH REPUBLIC - Women

ZBL Round 16: Leader USK Praha gets another victory - by Eurobasket News
Undefeated leader USK Praha delivered the seventeenth consecutive win on Tuesday night. This time they crushed 9th ranked VSE Praha (6-10) 109-75. The game without a history. USK Praha led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 78 of its points in the paint compared to VSE Praha's 50 and made 22-of-26 free shots (84.6 percent) during the game. USK Praha forced 22 VSE Praha turnovers. 24 personal fouls committed by VSE Praha helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American forward Delisha Milton-Jones (186-74, college: Florida, agency: Josep and Nicolas) fired 23 points for the winners. International center Ilona Burgrova (196-84, college: S.Carolina) chipped in 10 points and 8 rebounds. American forward Marshae Dotson (180-87, college: Florida) produced a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds 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. Undefeated USK Praha (17-0) have an impressive 17-game winning streak. They maintain first position with a perfect record of 17 victories in a row. Newly promoted VSE Praha dropped to the eighth place with ten games lost. They share the position with Karlovy Vary. USK Praha are looking forward to face Kara Trutnov (#3) at home in the next round, which may be the game of the day. VSE Praha will play against Basket Slovanka MB (#6) in Vodochody and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Bottom-ranked DSK Karlin (0-17) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 88-57 loss to fourth ranked VS Praha (11-6) in Praha. Worth to mention a great performance of point guard Tereza Vyoralova (176-94) who helped to win the game recording 18 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Viktoria Mircheva contributed with 22 points and 4 assists for the winners. American forward Arnika Brown (187-87, college: W.Kentucky, agency: LBM Management) replied with 8 points and 13 rebounds for DSK Karlin. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. VS Praha maintains fourth position with 11-6 record. Newly promoted DSK Karlin still closes the standings. VS Praha will play against BK Pliska Studanka (#11) in Pardubice in the next round and are hoping to win another game. DSK Karlin will play on the road against Valosun Brno and hopes to get finally their first victory.
We should mention about the upset which took place in Brno, where 7th ranked Aldast Strakonice (8-8) lost to tenth ranked Valosun Brno (4-11) in a road game 78-95 on Tuesday. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Aldast Strakonice. Valosun Brno maintains tenth position with 4-11 record. Aldast Strakonice at the other side dropped to the sixth place with eight games lost. They share the position with Slovanka MB. Valosun Brno will meet at home bottom-ranked DSK Karlin (#12) in the next round. Aldast Strakonice will play against Lokomotiva Karlovy Vary (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Rest of the games of round 16 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Slovanka MB was crushed by Frisco Sika in Brno 86-64. Pardubice was beaten by Hradec Kralove at home 61-72. Karlovy Vary lost to Trutnov on the opponent's court 65-78.
The best stats of 16th round was 22 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists by Hana Snajdrova-Ziklova of Trutnov.

Frisco Sika - Slovanka MB 86-64

There was no surprise in Brno where 6th ranked Basket Slovanka MB (8-8) was crushed by second ranked Frisco Sika (14-3) 86-64 on Tuesday. The game was mostly controlled by Frisco Sika. Basket Slovanka MB managed to win third quarter 22-20. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Defending champion maintains second position with 14-3 record having just three points less than leader USK Praha. Basket Slovanka MB at the other side keeps the sixth place with eight games lost. They share the position with Strakonice. Frisco Sika will meet Sokol Hradec Kralove (#5) on the road in the next round. Basket Slovanka MB will play against VSE Praha and hope to secure a win.

Pardubice - Hradec Kralove 61-72

No shocking result in a game in Pardubice where fifth ranked Sokol Hradec Kralove (9-7) defeated 11th ranked BK Pliska Studanka (1-15) 72-61 on Tuesday. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international center Michaela Hartigova (192-83) who helped to win the game recording 15 points and 8 rebounds and guard Michaela Stara (180-90) who added 15 points during the contest. Sokol Hradec Kralove's coach Miroslav Volejnik used an eleven-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. At the losing side swingman Michaela Pavlasova (180-91) responded with 18 points and center Marketa Jedlickova (187-94) scored 13 points and 7 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Sokol Hradec Kralove have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain fifth position with 9-7 record. BK Pliska Studanka lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the eleventh place with 15 games lost. Sokol Hradec Kralove will meet at home league's second-placed Frisco Sika in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. BK Pliska Studanka will play against VS Praha (#4).
Top scorers:
Hradec Kralove: A.Ovsikova 16+2reb, M.Stara 15+3reb+1ast, M.Hartigova 15+8reb, M.Cepelkova 12+4reb, K.Zavazalova 6+2reb, L.Bartakova 4+6reb+4ast
Pardubice: M.Pavlasova 18+4reb+1ast, M.Jedlickova 13+7reb+1ast, N.Dvorakova 11+6reb+2ast, S.Petraskova 11+7reb+1ast, H.Kramperova 6+2reb+3ast, P.Chocholousova 2

VS Praha - DSK Karlin 88-57

Bottom-ranked DSK Karlin (0-17) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 88-57 loss to fourth ranked VS Praha (11-6) in Praha. The game without a history. VS Praha led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 16-of-18 charity shots (88.9 percent) during the game. VS Praha forced 20 DSK Karlin turnovers. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by DSK Karlin's players. VS Praha brought some defensive toughness making 7 blocks. Worth to mention a great performance of point guard Tereza Vyoralova (176-94) who helped to win the game recording 18 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Ukrainian center Viktoria Mircheva (190-87, agency: LBM Management) contributed with 22 points and 4 assists for the winners. Four VS Praha players scored in double figures. American forward Arnika Brown (187-87, college: W.Kentucky, agency: LBM Management) replied with 8 points and 13 rebounds and guard Barbora Emmelova (173-89) added 12 points in the effort for DSK Karlin. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. VS Praha maintains fourth position with 11-6 record. Newly promoted DSK Karlin still closes the standings. VS Praha will play against BK Pliska Studanka (#11) in Pardubice in the next round and are hoping to win another game. DSK Karlin will play on the road against Valosun Brno and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
VS Praha: V.Mircheva 22+4ast, T.Vyoralova 18+5reb+5ast, P.Reisingerova 13+5reb+2ast, K.Elhotova 12+3reb+2ast, K.Bartonova 8+8reb+7ast, H.Smidkova 5+5reb+2ast
DSK Karlin: B.Emmelova 12+1reb+1ast, P.Horakova 10+2reb+1ast, B.Sloupova 8+5reb, A.Brown 8+13reb, A.Vechtova 6+2reb, V.Rybova 4+1reb+1ast

Valosun Brno - Strakonice 95-78

We should mention about the upset which took place in Brno, where 7th ranked Aldast Strakonice (8-8) lost to tenth ranked Valosun Brno (4-11) in a road game 78-95 on Tuesday. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Aldast Strakonice. The game was mostly controlled by Valosun Brno. Aldast Strakonice managed to win fourth quarter 26-22. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Valosun Brno maintains tenth position with 4-11 record. Aldast Strakonice at the other side dropped to the sixth place with eight games lost. They share the position with Slovanka MB. Valosun Brno will meet at home bottom-ranked DSK Karlin (#12) in the next round. Aldast Strakonice will play against Lokomotiva Karlovy Vary (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Trutnov - Karlovy Vary 78-65

Very expected game when 8th ranked Lokomotiva Karlovy Vary (6-10) was defeated on the road by third ranked Kara Trutnov (13-3) 78-65 on Tuesday. The hosts trailed by 14 points after first quarter, but they stormed back and won the game by 13 points. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international forward Hana Snajdrova-Ziklova (183-80) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 22 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists and point guard Darina Misurova (163-81) who added 21 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists during the contest. At the losing side guard Blanka Sedlackova (171-84) responded with 17 points and Slovakian forward Lucia Krc-Turbova (185-87) scored 9 points and 7 rebounds. Kara Trutnov have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 13-3 record having five points less than leader USK Praha. Loser Lokomotiva Karlovy Vary keeps the eighth place with ten games lost. They share the position with VSE Praha. Kara Trutnov will meet league's leader USK Praha on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Lokomotiva Karlovy Vary will play against Aldast Strakonice (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Trutnov: H.Snajdrova-Ziklova 22+15reb+4ast, D.Misurova 21+5reb+5ast, K.Novakova 13+5reb, P.Zaplatova 7+2reb+1ast, K.Hindrakova 5+4reb+2ast, I.Komzikova 5+1ast
Karlovy Vary: B.Sedlackova 17+2reb+1ast, M.Muchova 14+2reb+2ast, L.Krc-Turbova 9+7reb+3ast, S.Kucerova 8+6reb+1ast, J.Houdkova 6+3reb, S.Pospisilova 6+2reb

VSE Praha - USK Praha 75-109

Undefeated leader USK Praha delivered the seventeenth consecutive win on Tuesday night. This time they crushed 9th ranked VSE Praha (6-10) 109-75. The game without a history. USK Praha led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 78 of its points in the paint compared to VSE Praha's 50 and made 22-of-26 free shots (84.6 percent) during the game. USK Praha forced 22 VSE Praha turnovers. 24 personal fouls committed by VSE Praha helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American forward Delisha Milton-Jones (186-74, college: Florida, agency: Josep and Nicolas) fired 23 points for the winners. International center Ilona Burgrova (196-84, college: S.Carolina) chipped in 10 points and 8 rebounds. Five USK Praha players scored in double figures. American forward Marshae Dotson (180-87, college: Florida) produced a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds and her fellow American import forward Dalila Eshe (191-84, college: Florida) added 14 points 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. USK Praha (17-0) have an impressive 17-game winning streak. They maintain first position with a perfect record of 17 victories in a row. Newly promoted VSE Praha dropped to the eighth place with ten games lost. They share the position with Karlovy Vary. USK Praha are looking forward to face Kara Trutnov (#3) at home in the next round, which may be the game of the day. VSE Praha will play against Basket Slovanka MB (#6) in Vodochody and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
USK Praha: D.Milton-Jones 23+3reb+1ast, M.Zrustova 14, F.Eldebrink 13+2reb+4ast, A.Necaskova 12+2reb, I.Burgrova 10+8reb+2ast, P.Kulichova 10+4reb
VSE Praha: M.Dotson 17+11reb+1ast, D.Eshe 14+3reb, A.Sladkova 10+3reb, D.Johnova 8+3reb, D.Harapesova 5+4reb+1ast, A.Filarova 5+1reb

Standings - ZBL (W)

ZBL Standings

1. USK Praha		17-0
2. Frisco Sika		14-3
3. Trutnov		13-3
4. VS Praha		11-6
5. Hradec Kralove		9-7
6. Slovanka MB		8-8
7. Strakonice		8-8
8. Karlovy Vary		6-10
9. VSE Praha		6-10
10. Valosun Brno		4-11
11. Pardubice		1-15
12. DSK Karlin		0-17

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FRANCE - Women

LFB Round 14: Lattes Montpellier loses to Union Hainaut - by Eurobasket News
The most important game in the last round took place in Saint-Amand between second ranked Lattes Montpellier (11-3) and seventh ranked Union Hainaut (7-7) on Wednesday night. Lattes Montpellier was defeated by Union Hainaut in a tough game on the road 66-72. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Lattes Montpellier won third quarter 19-12. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Union Hainaut won last quarter 21-17. They also forced 20 Lattes Montpellier turnovers. Croatian center Petra Stampalija (189-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) orchestrated the victory by scoring 17 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. American Amisha Carter (186-82, college: Louisiana Tech, agency: Josep and Nicolas) contributed with 18 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. The former international center Sandra Dijon (194-79) replied with 18 points and 7 rebounds for Lattes Montpellier. Union Hainaut moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Tarbes. Lattes Montpellier at the other side keeps the second position with three games lost. Union Hainaut is looking forward to face league's leader Challes-les-Eaux at home in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Lattes Montpellier will play against Aix-en-Provence in Les Milles and is hoping to win this game.
LFB top team - Challes-les-Eaux (12-2) had no problems winning another game. This time they beat ninth ranked Nantes Reze (5-9) 77-61. Croatian center Emilija Podrug (190-79) scored 21 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Mistie Mims chipped in 20 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. American swingman Lenae Williams (182-79, college: De Paul, agency: Josep and Nicolas) responded with 17 points and 4 assists. Challes-les-Eaux maintains first position with 12-2 record. Nantes Reze at the other side dropped to the tenth place with nine games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Challes-les-Eaux will play against Union Hainaut (#7) in Saint-Amand in the next round where they are favorite. Nantes Reze will play on the road against Lyon and hopes to get back on the winning track.
The game in Charleville was also quite interesting. Fifth ranked Mondeville (9-5) played at the court of 8th ranked Charleville-Mezieres (5-8). Mondeville managed to secure a 5-point victory 61-56 on Wednesday. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Charleville-Mezieres. Laetitia Kamba notched 10 points and 7 rebounds to lead the effort. Even 15 points and 7 rebounds by Djene Diawara did not help to save the game for Charleville-Mezieres. Mondeville moved-up to fourth place. Loser Charleville-Mezieres keeps the eighth position with eight games lost. They share it with Arras. Mondeville will meet at home Tarbes (#6) in the next round. Charleville-Mezieres will play against Basket Landes in Mont de Marsan and hope to secure a win.
Worth to mention about the upset in a game between Tarbes (7-7) and Lyon (5-9), which took place in Lyon. Higher ranked Tarbes lost to thirteenth ranked Lyon in a road game 69-77. Lyon moved-up to tenth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Tarbes at the other side keeps the sixth position with seven games lost. Lyon's next round opponent will be Nantes Reze (#11) at home.

In the last two games of round 14 Aix-en-Provence beat Villeneuve on the road 65-55. Bottom-ranked Nice lost to defending champion Bourges on its own court 56-66.

Lyon - Tarbes 77-69

Worth to mention about the upset in a game between Tarbes (7-7) and Lyon (5-9), which took place in Lyon. Higher ranked Tarbes lost to thirteenth ranked Lyon in a road game 69-77. Lyon moved-up to tenth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Tarbes at the other side keeps the sixth position with seven games lost. Lyon's next round opponent will be Nantes Reze (#11) at home.

Challes - Nantes 77-61

LFB top team - Challes-les-Eaux (12-2) had no problems winning another game. This time they beat ninth ranked Nantes Reze (5-9) 77-61. Nantes Reze was ahead by 1 point at the halftime before a 46-29 second half run of Challes-les-Eaux. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Nantes Reze to just 7 points in fourth quarter. Challes-les-Eaux forced 20 Nantes Reze turnovers. Croatian center Emilija Podrug (190-79) scored 21 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and American center Mistie Mims (191-83, college: Duke) chipped in 20 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. Four Challes-les-Eaux players scored in double figures. American swingman Lenae Williams (182-79, college: De Paul, agency: Josep and Nicolas) responded with 17 points and 4 assists and international Johanne Gomis (178-85) scored 16 points. Challes-les-Eaux maintains first position with 12-2 record. Nantes Reze at the other side dropped to the tenth place with nine games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Challes-les-Eaux will play against Union Hainaut (#7) in Saint-Amand in the next round where they are favorite. Nantes Reze will play on the road against Lyon and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Nantes: L.Williams 17+2reb+4ast, J.Gomis 16+1reb+1ast, C.Stievenard 9+6reb, C.Aubert 8+5reb+3ast, R.Palusna 7+7reb+2ast, D.Tahane 4+3reb
Challes: E.Podrug 21+8reb+4ast, M.Mims 20+9reb, R.Bar 13+6reb+5ast, D.Page 11+5reb+1ast, M.Plust 8+1reb+2ast, A.Lardy 4+5reb+6ast

Villeneuve - Aix-en-Provence 55-65

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams when twelfth ranked Aix-en-Provence (5-9) beat on the road 11th ranked Villeneuve D'Asco (5-9) 65-55. It looked good early as Villeneuve D'Asco took an 6-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Aix-en-Provence had a 30-9 second period charge getting the lead and Villeneuve D'Asco was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 55-65. The best player for the winners was guard Natalie Hurst (163-83) who scored 19 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Guard Sylvie Gruszczynski (171-86) chipped in 9 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Nigerian center Olayinka Sanni (188-86, college: W.Virginia, agency: Josep and Nicolas) produced 23 points and 7 rebounds and American forward Cathrine Kraayeveld (193-81, college: Oregon, agency: LBM Management) added 5 points and 12 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Aix-en-Provence moved-up to tenth place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Villeneuve D'Asco. Aix-en-Provence's next round opponent will be league's second-placed Lattes Montpellier at home and they do not belong to the favorites in that game.
Top scorers:
Villeneuve: O.Sanni 23+7reb, A.Breitreiner 7+1reb+1ast, E.Gomis 7+8reb+4ast, S.Bouzenna 5+2reb+1ast, C.Kraayeveld 5+12reb+3ast, L.Datchy 4+2reb+1ast
Aix-en-Provence: N.Hurst 19+6reb+4ast, L.Jansone 13+5reb+1ast, N.Ndiaye 11+5reb+2ast, C.Lima 9+4reb+1ast, S.Gruszczynski 9+11reb+4ast, T.Abalde 2+4reb+1ast

Nice - Bourges 56-66

Very expected game when 14th ranked Nice (3-11) lost at home to third ranked Bourges (9-4) 66-56. It looked good early as Nice took an 1-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Bourges had a 18-14 second period charge getting the lead and Nice was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 56-66. Bourges forced 21 Nice turnovers. The best player for the winners was American guard Catherine Joens (180-82) who scored 24 points (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field). Greek forward Styliani Kaltsidou (188-83, agency: Josep and Nicolas) chipped in 17 points and 5 assists. Bourges' coach Valerie Garnier allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Senegalese center Jeanne Senghor (191-82) produced 15 points and 8 rebounds and guard Aminata Konate (170-90) added 9 points and 6 assists respectively for the hosts. Bourges have a solid three-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains third position with 9-4 record having four points less than leader Challes. Newly promoted Nice stay at the bottom place with 11 games lost. Bourges' next round opponent will be Villeneuve D'Asco (#12) at home and are hoping to win another game. Nice will play against Arras.
Top scorers:
Nice: J.Senghor 15+8reb+2ast, S.Dubois 10+2reb+2ast, A.Konate 9+2reb+6ast, F.Constant 6+1reb, M.Anderson 5+2reb+4ast, G.Mendy 4+2reb
Bourges: C.Joens 24+4reb+2ast, S.Kaltsidou 17+3reb+5ast, N.Miyem 6+7reb+2ast, I.Kublina 6+1reb+1ast, K.Brown 6+2ast, J.Digbeu 5+2reb

Charleville - Mondeville 56-61

The game in Charleville was also quite interesting. Fifth ranked Mondeville (9-5) played at the court of 8th ranked Charleville-Mezieres (5-8). Mondeville managed to secure a 5-point victory 61-56 on Wednesday. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Charleville-Mezieres. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Charleville-Mezieres won third quarter 9-6. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Mondeville won last quarter 21-17. Power forward Laetitia Kamba (186-87) notched 10 points and 7 rebounds to lead the effort and American point guard Kristen Sharp (175-81, college: Cincinnati) supported her with 10 points and 4 assists. Even 15 points and 7 rebounds by Mali center Djene Diawara (192-85) did not help to save the game for Charleville-Mezieres. Bulgarian guard Ekaterina Dimitrova (182-87) added 8 points and 5 assists for the hosts. Mondeville moved-up to fourth place. Loser Charleville-Mezieres keeps the eighth position with eight games lost. They share it with Arras. Mondeville will meet at home Tarbes (#6) in the next round. Charleville-Mezieres will play against Basket Landes in Mont de Marsan and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Charleville: D.Diawara 15+7reb+2ast, Z.Dimitrakou 10+4reb+1ast, E.Dimitrova 8+4reb+5ast, A.Pagnier 7+3reb+1ast, Y.Sene 7+1reb+2ast, V.Berezhynska 4+4reb
Mondeville: K.Sharp 10+3reb+4ast, H.Minte 10+6reb+1ast, L.Kamba 10+7reb+1ast, A.Vida 9+1ast, T.Gandega 7+1reb, I.Tanqueray 6+2reb+2ast

Union Hainaut - Lattes Montp. 72-66

The most important game in the last round took place in Saint-Amand between second ranked Lattes Montpellier (11-3) and seventh ranked Union Hainaut (7-7) on Wednesday night. Lattes Montpellier was defeated by Union Hainaut in a tough game on the road 66-72. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Lattes Montpellier won third quarter 19-12. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Union Hainaut won last quarter 21-17. They also forced 20 Lattes Montpellier turnovers. Croatian center Petra Stampalija (189-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) orchestrated the victory by scoring 17 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. American Amisha Carter (186-82, college: Louisiana Tech, agency: Josep and Nicolas) contributed with 18 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Four Union Hainaut players scored in double figures. The former international center Sandra Dijon (194-79) replied with 18 points and 7 rebounds and guard Gaelle Skrela (177-83, agency: Josep and Nicolas) added 15 points and 4 steals in the effort for Lattes Montpellier. Union Hainaut moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Tarbes. Lattes Montpellier at the other side keeps the second position with three games lost. Union Hainaut is looking forward to face league's leader Challes-les-Eaux at home in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Lattes Montpellier will play against Aix-en-Provence in Les Milles and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Lattes Montp.: S.Dijon 18+7reb, G.Skrela 15+4reb+2ast, E.Lawson-Wade 12+2reb+2ast, V.Bremont 7+1reb+2ast, F.Sacko 6+6reb, A.Lelas 4+4reb+3ast
Union Hainaut: A.Carter 18+8reb, P.Stampalija 17+9reb+4ast, A.Houts 15+3reb+2ast, R.Bachvarova 11+5reb+6ast, M.Solopova 5+4reb+7ast, A.Marie-frederique 4+3reb+1ast

Landes - Arras PPD

Standings - LFB

LFB Standings

1. Challes		12-2
2. Lattes Montp.		11-3
3. Bourges		9-4
4. Mondeville		9-5
5. Landes		8-5
6. Tarbes		7-7
7. Union Hainaut		7-7
8. Charleville		5-8
9. Arras		5-8
10. Aix-en-Provence		5-9
11. Nantes		5-9
12. Villeneuve		5-9
13. Lyon		5-9
14. Nice		3-11

LFB Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Mistie MIMS
  Challes
  (191-C-83)
  Avg: 19.6

1. Mims, Challes	19.6
2. Akonga Nsimb., Arr.	18.9
3. Gomis, Villeneuve	18.0
4. Sanni, Villeneuve	17.1
5. Joens, Bourges	16.7
6. Carter, Union H.	16.5
7. Hurst, Aix-en-P.	15.9
8. Williams, Nantes	15.6
9. Sulciute, Mondevil.	15.5
10. Marginean, Arras	14.6

Rebounds Per Game

Jennifer HUMPHREY
  Landes
  (191-C-84)
  Avg: 12.8

1. Humphrey, Landes	12.8
2. Carter, Union H.	8.9
3. Sanni, Villeneuve	8.7
4. Diawara, Charlevil.	8.5
5. Kraayeveld, Ville.	8.3
6. Aziz, Lyon	8.2
7. Akonga Nsimb., Arr.	8.2
8. Mims, Challes	8.0
9. Stampalija, Union	8.0
10. Sy-Diop, Lyon	7.8

Assists Per Game

Kathy WAMBE
  Villeneuve
  (173-G-81)
  Avg: 5.6

1. Wambe, Villeneuve	5.6
2. Aubert, Nantes	5.3
3. Sauret Gille., Lyon	5.1
4. Lawson-Wade, Latt.	5.1
5. Manic, Landes	4.9
6. Bouderra, Charlevi.	4.2
7. Dumerc, Bourges	4.0
8. Lepron, Tarbes	3.9
9. Sharp, Mondeville	3.8
10. Gomis, Villeneuve	3.8

Steals Per Game

Romy BAR
  Challes
  (189-F-87)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Bar, Challes	2.4
2. Skrela, Lattes M.	2.3
3. Houts, Union H.	2.2
4. Carter, Union H.	2.0
5. Kamba, Mondeville	1.9
6. Joens, Bourges	1.9
7. Dubois, Nice	1.8
8. Solopova, Union H.	1.6
9. Sauret Gille., Lyon	1.6
10. Tanqueray, Mondev.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Mame-Marie SY-DIOP
  Lyon
  (185-F-85)
  Avg: 1.3

1. Sy-Diop, Lyon	1.3
2. Thomas, Lyon	1.2
3. Neaves, Tarbes	0.9
4. Cata-Chitiga, Tar.	0.9
5. Boogaard, Nice	0.8
6. Kraayeveld, Ville.	0.8
7. Paugaite, Mondevil.	0.8
8. Page, Challes	0.6
9. Abromaite, Landes	0.6
10. Miyem, Bourges	0.6

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GERMANY - Women

Andreas Wagner appointed German National Team coach - by Moritz Korff
Andreas Wagner has been appointed head coach of the German Women's National Team, the German basketball federation said. Wagner will replace Bastian Wernthaler in the role. 'We are very happy to have found a suitable successor to Bastian Wernthaler and we are confident that Andreas Wagner will head the Women's National Team to our satisfaction. Andreas Wagner showed high motivation and came up with lots of ideas during our talks', DBB sporting director Peter Radegast stated.
'I am looking forward to my new job with the DBB Girls and I am proud to work for Germany. I can't wait to get started. I think, there are lots of strong players, who will be able to help us during the tough Eurobasket qualifiers', Wagner said.
The 35-year-old Munich native most recently served as head coach for almost two and a half years at BBC Bayreuth. During his time at BBC he led the club to the Pro A championship and to promotion to the BBL. He achieved the same result, while working for the Giants Noerdlingen from 2007 to 2009. Wagner received Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro A Coach of the Year honors in 2008 and 2010. He also has some experience coaching female players, as he served as a Coach Assistant for the women's basketball team at Marymount College in 1998.

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ITALY - Women

Standings A2 Women - by Eurobasket News

A2 Standings

North
1. Vigarano		11-1
2. Milano		11-1
3. Bologna		10-2
4. San Martino		9-3
5. Muggia		8-4
6. Udine		7-5
7. Bolzano		5-7
8. Cervia		5-7
9. Cagliari V.		4-7
10. Marghera		4-7
11. O.G. Collegno		4-9
12. Alghero		3-10
13. Borgotaro		2-10
14. Biassono		1-10
South
1. Ragusa		10-2
2. S. La Spezia		9-1
3. T. La Spezia		8-3
4. Chieti		8-3
5. Orvieto		7-4
6. S.E.Battipaglia		7-4
7. Ancona		5-6
8. Battipaglia		5-7
9. Napoli BK		5-7
10. Napoli S.Dike		4-7
11. Siena		4-7
12. Pomezia		3-7
13. Viterbo		2-10
14. Firenze		1-11

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LATVIA - Women

LSBL Round 15: Kolibri/U-16 still unable to win any game - by Eurobasket News
The Regular Season in LSBL just ended. Coincidentally all hosts won their games.

Bottom-ranked Kolibri/U-16 (0-14) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 72-62 loss to fifth ranked Daugavpils Universitate (7-7) in Daugavpils on Sunday evening. The hosts trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 4-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 72-62. Daugavpils Universitate forced 21 Kolibri/U-16 turnovers. The best player for the winners was forward Kristina Egle (177-86) who had a double-double by scoring 12 points, 15 rebounds, 7 assists and 7 steals. Guard Olga Lakomko (172-85) chipped in 21 points. At the other side the best for losing team was point guard Kate Kreslina (178-96) who recorded 21 points and 4 assists. Daugavpils Universitate maintains fifth place with 7-7 record. Newly promoted Kolibri/U-16 still closes the standings with 14 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
The game with biggest result difference took place in Riga. Local RTU-Merks (9-5) outscored 5th ranked Daugavpils Universitate (7-7) 82-47. It was a good game for power forward Ieva Vitola (187-85) who led her team to a victory with 21 points and 7 rebounds. Ieva Malkevica contributed with 16 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. RTU-Merks' coach felt very confident using 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Forward Olesja Jevsejeva (174-86) answered with 10 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists for Daugavpils Universitate. RTU-Merks have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Cesis. Daugavpils Universitate at the other side keeps the fifth position with seven games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

RTU-Merks - DU 82-47

The game with biggest result difference took place in Riga. Local RTU-Merks (9-5) outscored 5th ranked Daugavpils Universitate (7-7) 82-47. The game without a history. RTU-Merks led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. RTU-Merks shot 22 for 33 from the free-throw line, while Daugavpils Universitate only scored six points from the stripe. They outrebounded Daugavpils Universitate 56-26 including a 20-4 advantage in offensive rebounds. It was a good game for power forward Ieva Vitola (187-85) who led her team to a victory with 21 points and 7 rebounds. Forward Ieva Malkevica (175-87) contributed with 16 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Four RTU-Merks players scored in double figures. RTU-Merks' coach felt very confident using 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Forward Olesja Jevsejeva (174-86) answered with 10 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists and guard Olga Lakomko (172-85) added 12 points in the effort for Daugavpils Universitate. RTU-Merks have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Cesis. Daugavpils Universitate at the other side keeps the fifth position with seven games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
RTU-Merks: I.Vitola 21+7reb, I.Malkevica 16+5reb+2ast, I.Jundase 12+3reb+3ast, D.Rozenberga 11+8reb+3ast, L.Lisnere 8+10reb+4ast, D.Lazdeniece 8+7reb+3ast
DU: O.Lakomko 12+2ast, O.Jevsejeva 10+8reb+7ast, T.Savicka 7, K.Egle 6+5reb+1ast, S.Baltace 6+5reb, O.Kazakevica 4+6reb+2ast

DU - Kolibri/U-16 72-62

Bottom-ranked Kolibri/U-16 (0-14) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 72-62 loss to fifth ranked Daugavpils Universitate (7-7) in Daugavpils on Sunday evening. The hosts trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 4-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 72-62. Daugavpils Universitate forced 21 Kolibri/U-16 turnovers. The best player for the winners was forward Kristina Egle (177-86) who had a double-double by scoring 12 points, 15 rebounds, 7 assists and 7 steals. Guard Olga Lakomko (172-85) chipped in 21 points. At the other side the best for losing team was point guard Kate Kreslina (178-96) who recorded 21 points and 4 assists and center Paula Luke (185-96) added 11 points and 9 rebounds respectively. Daugavpils Universitate maintains fifth place with 7-7 record. Newly promoted Kolibri/U-16 still closes the standings with 14 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
DU: O.Lakomko 21+3reb+2ast, O.Kazakevica 16+4reb+2ast, K.Egle 12+15reb+7ast, S.Baltace 9+5reb+1ast, O.Jevsejeva 8+5reb+5ast, V.Semjonova 4
Kolibri/U-16: K.Kreslina 21+4reb+4ast, P.Luke 11+9reb, B.Markane 9+2reb+2ast, M.Bergmane 9+2reb+2ast, I.Spigule 4+7reb+1ast, K.Vectirane 4+7reb+1ast

Standings - LSBL

LSBL Standings

1. TTT Riga		14-0
2. Cesis		9-5
3. RTU-Merks		9-5
4. Liepajas		7-6
5. DU		7-7
6. TTT Juniores		6-7
7. LU		2-10
8. Kolibri/U-16		0-14

Stats Leaders - Women

Points Per Game

Gunta BASKO
  TTT Riga
  (181-F-80)
  Avg: 19.7

1. Basko, TTT Riga	19.7
2. Nimane, TTT Riga	18.9
3. Niedola, TTT Riga	18.1
4. Egle, DU	16.5
5. Laksa, Kolibri/U-16	16.3
6. Krastina, TTT Riga	15.5
7. Alilujeva, Liepajas	14.9
8. Vorma, LU	14.5
9. Kreslina, Kolibri/.	13.9
10. Aizsila, TTT J.	13.9

Rebounds Per Game

Liene BERNSONE
  Cesis
  (185-C-85)
  Avg: 11.3

1. Bernsone, Cesis	11.3
2. Niedola, TTT Riga	10.4
3. Horelika, Cesis	9.0
4. Krasovska, Liepajas	8.5
5. Alilujeva, Liepajas	7.8
6. Egle, DU	7.7
7. Veidere, TTT J.	7.7
8. Nimane, TTT Riga	7.4
9. Basko, TTT Riga	7.1
10. Lisnere, RTU-Merks	6.8

Assists Per Game

Olesja JEVSEJEVA
  DU
  (174-F-86)
  Avg: 5.1

1. Jevsejeva, DU	5.1
2. Neimane, TTT J.	4.4
3. Krastina, TTT Riga	4.4
4. Basko, TTT Riga	3.3
5. Kazakevica, DU	3.3
6. Lisnere, RTU-Merks	3.1
7. Reke, Cesis	3.1
8. Lapsina, Cesis	2.8
9. Egle, DU	2.8
10. Sarja, TTT Junior.	2.8

Steals Per Game

Sabine NIEDOLA
  TTT Riga
  (184-F-91)
  Avg: 3.9

1. Niedola, TTT Riga	3.9
2. Basko, TTT Riga	3.7
3. Krastina, TTT Riga	3.6
4. Reke, Cesis	2.9
5. Malkevica, RTU-M.	2.7
6. Aizsila, TTT J.	2.5
7. Nimane, TTT Riga	2.5
8. Jevsejeva, DU	2.4
9. Egle, DU	2.2
10. Kazakevica, DU	2.2

Blocks Per Game

Liga SURKUSA
  TTT Riga
  (194-C-91)
  Avg: 2

1. Surkusa, TTT Riga	2.0
2. Veidere, TTT J.	1.6
3. Krasovska, Liepajas	1.5
4. Bernsone, Cesis	1.5
5. Langina, TTT J.	1.3
6. Bundule, Cesis	1.2
7. Basko, TTT Riga	1.0
8. Tomsone, TTT J.	1.0
9. Vitola, RTU-Merks	0.9
10. Lisnere, RTU-Merks	0.9

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NAIA - Women

Oklahoma City No. 1 in First NAIA Division I Women's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 Poll - by Arnault Desira
Oklahoma City earned the top spot in the first regular-season edition of the 2011 - 12 NAIA Division I Women's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 Poll, the national office announced Monday. The Stars, who were listed third in the preseason edition, are off to a 6-0 start and were a unanimous selection with 12 first-place votes for 312 points. The last time that Oklahoma City was ranked No. 1 was the final poll of the 2003 - 04 season.

Second-ranked Union (Tenn.) totaled 298 points and No. 5 Lewis-Clark State (Idaho) recorded 274 points as two of four teams that retained their positions among the Top 25. Preseason No. 1 and defending national champion Azusa Pacific (Calif.) dropped back to No. 3 with 296 points. Climbing two spots from sixth to fourth was Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) with 278 points.

In addition to Union and Lewis-Clark State holding rank were No. 10 Vanguard (Calif.) and No. 13 Saint Xavier (Ill.).

Westmont (Calif.) made the biggest improvement since the preseason, rocketing 14 spots from 20th to