EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 12/24/2011

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Men News

*****************************************************
  ADRIATIC LEAGUE   


Zlatorog inks Gruev - by Zeljko Zule
Zlatorog bulked up its frontline by signing Bulgarian Aleksandar Gruev (187-G-83, agency: Global Sports Plaza) to a one-month contract with an option to extend it for the rest of the season. Gruev started the season with Levski Sofia and later moved to Iranian side Melli Haffari Ahvaz. Gruev became a well-known name in the Balkan League, playing for Rilski Sportist in he past three seasons of the competition. He was the captain and won BIBL back in 2009 and also had the silver medal in 2011. Gruev hasa total of 34 games in the Balkan Leagu. His average stats over a little more than three season are 9.3 points, 4.1 assists and 1.1 steals in 24.2 minutes per contest.

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  ARGENTINA   


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


Stats Leaders - LigaA

Points Per Game
 Joe SMITH
  La Union
  (193-G-77)
  Avg: 18.3
 1. Smith, La Union18.3 
 2. Gutierrez, Obras18.3 
 3. Meyinsse, Wuber-.17.2 
 4. McHopson, Quilm.17.0 
 5. Villegas, Sionista16.8 
 6. OBannon, Boca Jrs16.7 
 7. Mojica, Wuber-Es.16.7 
 8. Pittman, Libertad.15.7 
 9. Mikulas, La Union15.5 
 10. Roe, Regatas C.15.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Ruben GARCES
  Atenas
  (206-C/F-73)
  Avg: 9.4
 1. Garces, Atenas9.4 
 2. Sandes, Sionista9.3 
 3. Gutierrez, Obras9.0 
 4. Lloreda, Olimpico.8.8 
 5. Battle, Libertad S.8.6 
 6. Truscott, Quilm.8.3 
 7. Cowan, Club 97.6 
 8. Mikulas, La Union7.2 
 9. Meyinsse, Wuber-.7.1 
 10. Williams, Quimsa7.0 
Assists Per Game
 Facundo CAMPAZZO
  Penarol
  (180-G-91)
  Avg: 6.9
 1. Campazzo, Penarol6.9 
 2. Sanchez, Wuber-.6.8 
 3. Stanic, Boca Jrs5.9 
 4. Martinez, Regat.5.6 
 5. Cequeira, Sionista5.1 
 6. Victoriano, San M.4.2 
 7. Sucatzky, Atenas4.1 
 8. Smith, La Union3.9 
 9. Osimani, Obras3.5 
 10. Quinteros, Regat.3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Facundo CAMPAZZO
  Penarol
  (180-G-91)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Campazzo, Penarol2.2 
 2. Lescano, Atenas2.2 
 3. McHopson, Quilm.1.9 
 4. Sanchez, Wuber-.1.8 
 5. Beitzel, San M.1.6 
 6. Washam, Obras1.6 
 7. Stanic, Boca Jrs1.5 
 8. Funes, GECR I.1.5 
 9. Quinteros, Regat.1.5 
 10. Mojica, Wuber-Es.1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Louis ROE
  Regatas C.
  (200-F-72)
  Avg: 1.2
 1. Roe, Regatas C.1.2 
 2. Clancy, Atenas1.1 
 3. Battle, Libertad S.1.1 
 4. Gutierrez, Obras1.1 
 5. Ayarza, Club 91.0 
 6. Garces, Atenas0.9 
 7. Rollins, San M.0.9 
 8. Gamble, Club 90.8 
 9. Sanchez, Wuber-.0.8 
 10. Kante, Regatas C.0.7 


LigaA Round 10 of Second Stage - by Eurobasket News
Quimsa (#4) forced the game against Obras (#1) into an overtime, but lost by five points 96-101 on Wednesday night. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Quimsa. Juan Gutierrez (205-F/C-83) fired 36 points (!!!) and 7 rebounds for the winners. Obras have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 9-1 record. Quimsa at the other side keeps the fourth place with four games lost. Obras will face Club 9 (#14) in Rio Tercero in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Quimsa will play on the road against Libertad Sunchales (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Rest of the games of round 10 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Sionista was defeated by Penarol in Mar del Plata 95-79. Club 9 was beaten by Libertad S. at home 73-80. Boca Jrs won against Olimpico LB on the opponent's court 67-65. La Union outscored Quilmes MP in a home game 90-70. GECR Indalo recorded a loss to Atenas on the road 78-63. Regatas C. was defeated by Lanus on its own court 66-68. San Mart.C. was beaten by Wuber-Est.Bahia in Bahia Blanca 98-92.

Penarol - Sionista 95-79

There was no surprise in Mar del Plata where 5th ranked Sionista (6-4) was defeated by second ranked Penarol (8-2) 95-79 on Wednesday. The game was mostly controlled by Penarol. Sionista was better in third quarter 27-20. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Guard Facundo Campazzo (180-91) fired 18 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals (made all of his ten free throws !!!) for the winners. The former international forward Marcos Mata (202-86) chipped in 16 points and 6 rebounds. International guard Luis Cequeira (180-85) produced 18 points and 4 assists and forward Alejandro Zilli (200-82) added 14 points respectively for lost side. Five Penarol and four Sionista players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Penarol have a solid three-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains second position with 8-2 record behind leader Obras. Sionista lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the fourth place with four games lost. Penarol will face Wuber-Est.Bahia (#8) in Bahia Blanca in the next round where they are favorite. Sionista will play on the road against San Martin Corrientes (#12).
Top scorers:
Penarol: F.Campazzo 18+7reb+7ast, M.Mata 16+6reb+2ast, L.Gutierrez 16+2reb+4ast, S.Safar 15+2ast, N.Lauria 10+1reb+1ast, M.Leiva 10+6reb
Sionista: L.Cequeira 18+3reb+4ast, A.Zilli 14+4reb+2ast, M.Sandes 14+6reb, H.Rollins 10+7reb, J.Villegas 7+5reb, R.Iglesias 5+2reb+1ast
gschID: 141206


Obras - Quimsa 101-96 OT

Quimsa (#4) forced the game against Obras (#1) into an overtime, but lost by five points 96-101 on Wednesday night. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Quimsa. The hosts were tied at the half and again at the end of regular time. But they managed to win overtime period 17-12. Obras made 28-of-37 free shots (75.7 percent) during the game. Quimsa was plagued by 31 personal fouls down the stretch. International power forward Juan Gutierrez (205-83) fired 36 points (!!!) and 7 rebounds for the winners. Uruguayan guard Martin Osimani (194-81, college: Duquesne) chipped in 15 points and 8 assists. Naturalized Italian center Damian Tintorelli (204-81, agency: Players Group) produced 11 points and 9 rebounds and American power forward James Williams (204-79, college: Brown Mackie, agency: Dream Team Management) added 18 points (perfect from the field making all eight shots !!!) respectively for lost side. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Obras have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 9-1 record. Quimsa at the other side keeps the fourth place with four games lost. Obras will face Club 9 (#14) in Rio Tercero in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Quimsa will play on the road against Libertad Sunchales (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Obras: J.Gutierrez 36+7reb+2ast, T.Smith 16+1reb+2ast, M.Osimani 15+3reb+8ast, T.Field 13+6reb+2ast, J.Mazzaro 11+2reb, T.Washam 10+3reb+3ast
Quimsa: J.Williams 18+3reb, J.Pellot-Rosa 15+2reb+1ast, H.Salles 13+3reb+4ast, N.Aguirre 13+4reb+1ast, D.Lo Grippo 12+3reb+1ast, D.Tintorelli 11+9reb+1ast
gschID: 141207


Club 9 - Libertad S. 73-80

No shocking result in a game in Rio Tercero where third ranked Libertad Sunchales (7-3) defeated 14th ranked Club 9 (3-7) 80-73 on Wednesday. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Club 9 won fourth quarter 22-19. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Libertad Sunchales dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Club 9's 30. Club 9 was plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. American center Robert Battle (204-81, college: Drexel, agency: Dream Team Management) fired a double-double by scoring 17 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. Guard Jonatan Treise (182-85) chipped in 18 points and 5 rebounds. Four Libertad Sunchales players scored in double figures. Panamanian forward Josimar Ayarza (205-87, college: S.Mississippi) produced 22 points and American power forward Jazwin Cowan (205-83, college: Hampton, agency: Dream Team Management) added 8 points and 10 rebounds respectively for lost side. Libertad Sunchales maintains third position with 7-3 record having just two points less than leader Obras. Club 9 lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the twelfth place with seven games lost. Libertad Sunchales will face Quimsa (#4) in Santiado Estero in the next round. Club 9 will play on the road against the league's leader Obras (#1) in Buenos Aires.
Top scorers:
Libertad S.: J.Treise 18+5reb+1ast, R.Battle 17+13reb, J.Pittman 15+6reb, A.Alloatti 13+9reb, M.Saglietti 8+4reb+2ast, J.Bucknor 6+1ast
Club 9: J.Ayarza 22+2reb, D.Gerbaudo 13+2reb+1ast, M.Melo 10+1reb, J.Cowan 8+10reb+1ast, P.Orlietti 7+10reb, G.Luchino 6+3reb
gschID: 141203


Olimpico LB - Boca Jrs 65-67

Very expected game when 15th ranked Olimpico de La Banda (2-7) was edged at home by eleventh ranked Boca Juniors (4-6) 67-65 on Wednesday. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 25-20. But Olimpico de La Banda won second period 24-22. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Boca Juniors won last quarter 9-9. Power forward Mariano Fierro (201-86) fired 15 points and 7 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) for the winners. American guard Larry OBannon (194-83, college: Louisville, agency: Interperformances) chipped in 21 points. Panamanian power forward Jose Lloreda (201-80, college: LSU, agency: Paris Global Sports) produced 13 points and 6 rebounds and power forward Cristian Amicucci (201-85) added 10 points and 8 rebounds respectively for lost side. Boca Juniors moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Regatas C. Olimpico de La Banda lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the fifteenth position with seven games lost. Boca Juniors will face GECR Indalo (#13) in Comodoro R. in the next round. Olimpico de La Banda will play at home against Atenas in Cordoba.
Top scorers:
Boca Jrs: L.OBannon 21+1reb+1ast, M.Fierro 15+7reb+2ast, D.Alston 10+9reb+1ast, J.Brussino 8+1reb+1ast, W.Graves 5+5reb+2ast, M.Stanic 4+3reb+4ast
Olimpico LB: E.Villares 16+1reb+1ast, J.Lloreda 13+6reb, C.Amicucci 10+8reb, J.DeGroat 9+8reb+1ast, F.Malara 6+7reb+1ast, C.Romero 5+3reb+1ast
gschID: 141204


La Union - Quilmes MP 90-70

Very predictable result in Formosa where seventh ranked La Union (6-4) outscored bottom-ranked Quilmes MP (2-8) 90-70 on Wednesday. The game was mostly controlled by La Union. Quilmes MP was better in second period 24-20. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. La Union shot 60.3 percent from the field. American guard Joe Smith (193-77, college: Al.-Huntsville, agency: Priority Sports) fired 18 points and 5 steals for the winners. Center Ruben Wolkowyski (207-73) chipped in 15 points and 6 rebounds (perfect from the field making all six shots). American swingman James Maye (201-81, college: NC-Greensboro) produced 17 points and 6 rebounds and his fellow American import forward Louis Truscott (201-78, college: Houston, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) added 13 points and 11 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. La Union have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Newly promoted Quilmes MP stay at the bottom position with eight games lost. La Union will face Regatas Corrientes (#11) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Quilmes MP will play against Lanus (#9) in Buenos Aires.
Top scorers:
La Union: J.Smith 18+3reb+3ast, G.Mikulas 16, R.Wolkowyski 15+6reb+2ast, G.Lewis 12+2reb+1ast, A.Marin 9+4reb+3ast, A.Pau 9+2reb+5ast
Quilmes MP: J.Maye 17+6reb+2ast, A.Weigand 17+6reb, L.Truscott 13+11reb, P.McHopson 6+2ast, G.Sciutto 5+1reb, E.Brock 4+2reb
gschID: 141205


Atenas - GECR Indalo 78-63

Not a big story in a game in Cordoba where 12th ranked GECR Indalo (3-7) was defeated by sixth ranked Atenas (6-4) 78-63 on Wednesday. The game was mostly controlled by Atenas. GECR Indalo was better in third quarter 20-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. American power forward Sam Clancy (202-80, college: USC) fired a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. The former international swingman Matias Lescano (196-79) chipped in 15 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. American forward Edward Nelson (203-82, college: Connecticut, agency: Dream Team Management) produced 24 points and 9 rebounds and his fellow American import forward Cedric McGowan (198-85, college: Cincinnati, agency: Court Side) added 16 points and 12 rebounds respectively for lost side. Atenas have an impressive six-game winning streak. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser GECR Indalo keeps the twelfth position with seven games lost. Atenas will face Olimpico de La Banda (#15) on the road in the next round which should be an easy win for them. GECR Indalo will play against Boca Juniors in Buenos Aires and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Atenas: S.Clancy 19+10reb, M.Lescano 15+6reb+4ast, D.Holland 12+2reb, M.Melvin 10+5reb, B.Labaque 9+2reb+6ast, M.Gerlero 7+5reb+2ast
GECR Indalo: E.Nelson 24+9reb, C.McGowan 16+12reb, F.Mansilla 8+4reb+1ast, M.Franco 4+3reb, S.Scala 3+4reb, D.Ciorciari 3+3reb+4ast
gschID: 141200


Regatas C. - Lanus 66-68

Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both ninth ranked Lanus and 10th ranked Regatas Corrientes had identical 4-5 record. But Regatas Corrientes was not able to use a home court advantage and was edged by the opponent from Buenos Aires 68-66 on Wednesday night. The guests started the game with a very strong first quarter 22-12. But Regatas Corrientes won second period 21-12. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Lanus won last quarter 18-18. Panamanian power forward Jamaal Levy (206-83, college: Wake Forest, agency: Priority Sports) fired 12 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Naturalized Italian swingman Adrian Boccia (196-82) chipped in 10 points. Lanus' coach Silvio Jose Santander used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. International power forward Nicolas Romano (197-87) produced 22 points and naturalized Paraguayan guard Javier Martinez (189-78, agency: Dream Team Management) added 12 points and 5 assists respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Lanus maintains ninth position with 5-5 record. Loser Regatas Corrientes keeps the tenth place with six games lost. Lanus will face bottom-ranked Quilmes MP (#16) in Mar del Plata in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Regatas Corrientes will play on the road against La Union (#5) in Formosa.
Top scorers:
Lanus: J.Levy 12+8reb+2ast, J.Pablo Cantero 11+3reb+1ast, M.Byro 10+2reb+1ast, A.Boccia 10+2reb+3ast, C.Hayes 9+5reb, D.Guaita 6+2reb+1ast
Regatas C.: N.Romano 22+3reb+1ast, J.Martinez 12+2reb+5ast, D.Kante 11+7reb, P.Quinteros 11+3reb+4ast, D.Cavaco 8+3reb+2ast, R.Stanton 2+3reb+1ast
gschID: 141201


Wuber-Est.Bahia - San Mart.C. 98-92

There was no surprise in Bahia Blanca where 13th ranked San Martin Corrientes (3-7) was defeated by eighth ranked Wuber-Est.Bahia (5-4) 98-92 on Wednesday. However just six-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But San Martin Corrientes won fourth quarter 19-18. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Wuber-Est.Bahia looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. International guard Juan Ignacio Sanchez (193-77, college: Temple) fired a double-double by scoring 22 points, 5 rebounds and 11 assists for the winners. American-Puerto Rican guard Javier Mojica (190-84, college: Cent.Conn.St., agency: Alti Sport) chipped in 26 points. American-Venezuelan forward Clarence Matthews (201-83, college: Tennessee St.) produced 22 points and 9 rebounds and American forward William McFarlan (201-76, college: St.Thomas Aquinas, agency: Dream Team Management) added 18 points and 5 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Wuber-Est.Bahia maintains eighth position with 5-4 record. Newly promoted San Martin Corrientes dropped to the twelfth place with seven games lost. Wuber-Est.Bahia will face league's second-placed Penarol in Mar del Plata in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. San Martin Corrientes will play at home against Sionista (#7) in Parana.
Top scorers:
Wuber-Est.Bahia: J.Mojica 26+2reb+2ast, J.Ignacio Sanchez 22+5reb+11ast, A.Zago 14+5reb+2ast, F.Aguerre 13+7reb, J.Meyinsse 8+4reb+1ast, R.Sanchez 7+3reb
San Mart.C.: C.Matthews 22+9reb+1ast, D.Beitzel 19+2reb+1ast, W.McFarlan 18+5reb+3ast, M.Maciel 10+2reb, F.Ramirez 9+5reb+2ast, A.Carabajal 7+2reb+2ast
gschID: 141202




Juan Gutierrez claims Argentinian LigaA weekly honour - by Eurobasket News
Naturalized Italian power forward Juan Gutierrez (205-F/C-83) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's leader Obras and that's him to receive a Latinbasket.com Player of the Week award for round 10 (Second Stage).
The 28-year old power forward had the game-high 36 points adding seven rebounds and two assists for Obras in his team's victory, helping them to beat Quimsa (#4, 6-4) in overtime 101-96. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. It allowed Obras to consolidate first place in the Italian LigaA. Obras has a very good season and are considered to have a run for the championship title. They improved their record to 9-1. In the team's last game Gutierrez had a remarkable 63.6% from 2-point range. It's his second year at Obras and it's hard to imagine this team without him. Gutierrez has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in points (2nd best: 17.5ppg), rebounds (3rd best: 9.1rpg) and averages solid 60.0% FGP and 45.3% from behind 3-point line.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 34-year old Spanish guard Juan Ignacio Sanchez (193-G-77) of Wuber-Est.Bahia. Sanchez impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 22 points and 11 assists. It was enough for Wuber-Est.Bahia to edge the lower-ranked San Mart.C. (#12, 3-7) by 6 points 98-92. Wuber-Est.Bahia's 8th position in the standings has not changed. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 5-4 record is not bad and everything may still change. Sanchez is well-known by Wuber-Est.Bahia fans and he already established his position as one of team's most reliable players.

The third best performed player last round was American Robert Battle (204-C-81, agency: Dream Team Management) of Libertad S. (#3). Battle scored 17 points and grabbed thirteen rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of Libertad S., leading his team to a 80-73 win against the lower-ranked Club 9 (#14, 3-7). Libertad S. needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 7 victories and 3 lost games. Battle has a great season in Argentina. After 23 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 8.6rpg (5th best). He also has 1.1bpg and FGP: 58.7%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Facundo Campazzo (180-G-91) of Penarol - 18 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists
5. Sam Clancy (202-C/F-80) of Atenas - 19 points and 10 rebounds
6. Clarence Matthews (201-F-83) of San Mart.C. - 22 points and 9 rebounds
7. Edward Nelson (203-F-82) of GECR Indalo - 24 points and 9 rebounds
8. Alejandro Alloatti (203-F/C-84) of Libertad S. - 13 points and 9 rebounds
9. Louis Truscott (201-F-78) of Quilmes MP - 13 points and 11 rebounds
10. Javier Mojica (190-G-84) of Wuber-Est.Bahia - 26 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)

*****************************************************
  BAHRAIN   


Standings
Premier League Standings
 1. Al Hala 7-0 
 2. Muharraq 7-0 
 3. Al Manama 7-2 
 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 2-6 
 10. Samaheej 0-6 
 11. Al Najma 0-8 


*****************************************************
  BALKAN LEAGUE   


Balkan League round 5 best performance: Demontez Stitt - by Eurobasket News
American point guard Demontez Stitt (186-PG-89) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for second-ranked Hapoel T-A, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 5.
The 22-year old player was the main contributor (15 points, seven rebounds and seven assists) to his team's victory, helping them to crush, the league's bottom-ranked team Zrinjski HT (#6, 0-5) with 18-point margin 85-67. Hapoel T-A maintains the 2nd position in Balkan League group B. They are still close to the very top. Hapoel T-A would have been even better if they kept winning the games like in the last round. They have a solid 4-1 record. Stitt turned to be Hapoel T-A's top player in his first season with the team. Demontez Stitt averages just after three games 13.0ppg.

The second best player in last round's games was young Almir Hasandic (190-SG-90) of Zrinjski HT. Hasandic had a very good evening with 26 points and 2 rebounds. Bad luck as Zrinjski HT lost that game 67-85 to the higher-ranked Hapoel T-A (#2, 4-1). Zrinjski HT managed to keep the same 6th spot in group B. 5 lost games are too many considering they did not win any game. Hasandic is well-known at Zrinjski HT and is a proven leader in his second season with the team.

Third on the list of top players last round was another Hapoel T-A's star - Matan Naor (195-SF-80). Naor scored 12 points and grabbed six rebounds. He was another key player of Hapoel T-A, helping his team with a 85-67 easy win against Zrinjski HT (#6, 0-5). Hapoel T-A is closer and closer to the top of the standings in group B. They will still need more victories. But 4-1 record is not that bad... Naor has a very solid season. In 3 games in Balkan League he scored 9.3ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Vasil Evtimov (207-C/F-77) of Levski Sofia - 9 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists
5. Dagan Yavzuri (193-G-85) of Galil Gilboa - 17 points and 5 assists
6. Curtis Kelly (205-PF-88) of Hapoel T-A - 18 points and 6 rebounds
7. Slobodan Pejovic (192-PG-86) of Napredak - 12 points and 10 rebounds
8. Milos Djurisic (194-G-88) of Ulcinj - 21 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Ivan Lilov (196-F/G-88) of Feni Indistrija - 21 points and 4 rebounds
10. Filip Vukosavljevic (205-F/C-83) of Rilski Sportist - 18 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists

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

*****************************************************
  BALTIC LEAGUE   


Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Denzel BOWLES
  Siauliai
  (208-F/C-89)
  Avg: 21
 1. Bowles, Siauliai21.0 
 2. Cipruss, Tarvas19.8 
 3. Krumins, Jelgava18.8 
 4. Kalve, Valmiera18.7 
 5. Barinov, Naglis P.18.0 
 6. Hallik, Tarvas17.2 
 7. Soo, Rapla17.0 
 8. Amis, Tartu Ulikool16.9 
 9. Reminas, Naglis P.16.5 
 10. Jefferson, Triumph16.1 
Rebounds Per Game
 Kaspars CIPRUSS
  Tarvas
  (210-C-82)
  Avg: 10.5
 1. Cipruss, Tarvas10.5 
 2. Ringmets, Rapla9.3 
 3. Johnson, Naglis P.8.8 
 4. Nelson, Jelgava8.8 
 5. Galdikas, Neptunas8.7 
 6. Mednis, Turiba8.6 
 7. McClure, Kedainiai8.3 
 8. Arnold, TT.8.3 
 9. Benn, Naglis Palan.7.8 
 10. Bowles, Siauliai7.6 
Assists Per Game
 Mindaugas STASYS
  Neptunas
  (180-PG-86)
  Avg: 6.7
 1. Stasys, Neptunas6.7 
 2. Broadus, Siauliai5.9 
 3. Maceina, Juventus5.7 
 4. Kriisa, Tarvas5.5 
 5. Rinkevicius, Nagli.5.0 
 6. Dorbek, Tarvas4.8 
 7. Janavicius, Baltai4.6 
 8. Kulagin, Triumph4.5 
 9. Dainys, Neptunas4.5 
 10. Tsiopych, Barsy A.4.4 
Steals Per Game
 Oskars VIRSIS
  Valmiera
  (191-G-89)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Virsis, Valmiera2.2 
 2. Salenga, Rudupis2.2 
 3. Hughes, Pieno Z.2.1 
 4. Landry, Triumph2.0 
 5. Benn, Naglis Palan.2.0 
 6. Kriisa, Tarvas2.0 
 7. Keedus, TT.2.0 
 8. Evstigneev, Barsy1.8 
 9. Oja, Tarvas1.8 
 10. Elksnis, Valmiera1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Dane JOHNSON
  Naglis P.
  (208-C-86)
  Avg: 2
 1. Johnson, Naglis P.2.0 
 2. Rozitis, Valmiera1.9 
 3. Gumeniuk, Juventus1.9 
 4. Toome, Kalev/Cramo1.6 
 5. Staniulis, Techasas1.6 
 6. Masiulis, Kedainiai1.5 
 7. Jefferson, Triumph1.1 
 8. Morgan, Pieno Z.1.0 
 9. Cipruss, Tarvas1.0 
 10. Butkevicius, Saka.0.9 


Standings - Men
Baltic League Standings
Elite Division
 1. Siauliai 9-1 
 2. Rudupis 7-3 
 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 


Round 10: Siauliai loses their first game against Kalev/Cramo - by Eurobasket News
There was no lack of excitement in the last round games. The round ended with defeat of the leader, extra overtimes, derby games, favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin.

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of undefeated Lithuanian Siauliai (9-1) in Tallinn on Saturday night. Visitors were defeated by third ranked Estonian Kalev/Cramo (6-3) 101-96. The hosts trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 11-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 101-96. 28 personal fouls committed by Siauliai helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Swingman Gregor Arbet (194-83) scored 29 points and 7 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and guard Gert Dorbek (194-85) chipped in 18 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists during the contest. At the losing side American power forward Denzel Bowles (208-89, college: JMU) responded with a double-double by scoring 25 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists. Siauliai's coach Antanas Sireika rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Defending Estonian champion maintains third position in Elite with 6-3 record having four points less than leader Siauliai, which they share with Triumph and Pieno Zvaigzdes. Siauliai at the other side still keeps top place with one game lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 10:
In Group A Barsy Atyrau lost to Tarvas on the opponent's court 78-91. Tarvas managed to outperform Barsy Atyrau in a home game 89-84.
In Group B Turiba was rolled over TTU/Kalev on the road 84-54.
In Group A Neptunas defeated Barsy Atyrau on its own court 91-87.
In Elite Triumph beat Baltai Kaunas in Lubertsy 83-71. Kedainiai lost to Triumph at home 82-94. Triumph unfortunately lost to Pieno Zvaigzdes on the opponent's court 88-89. Baltai Kaunas managed to beat Kedainiai in a home game 76-63. Rudupis was crushed by Pieno Zvaigzdes on the road 81-58. Juventus beat Ventspils on its own court 76-64.

Challenge
Tarvas - Barsy Atyrau 91-78

The game between closely ranked teams ended with one of their biggest challengers Kazakhstan Barsy Atyrau's (3-5) road loss to third ranked Estonian BC Rakvere (4-2) 78-91 on Tuesday. The hosts trailed by 13 points after first quarter, but they stormed back and won the game by 13 points. BC Rakvere made 18-of-21 free shots (85.7 percent) during the game. BC Rakvere had a 16-5 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Guard Valmo Kriisa (190-74) had a double-double by scoring 14 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists to lead the charge for the winners and center Reinar Hallik (208-84) chipped in 20 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists during the contest. Five BC Rakvere players scored in double figures. At the losing side power forward Mikhail Evstigneev (202-84) responded with 22 points and 8 rebounds and Latvian forward Maris Laksa (207-81, college: Providence, agency: Court Side) scored 25 points. Barsy Atyrau's coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. BC Rakvere maintains third position in Group A with 4-2 record behind leader Naglis Palangos. Defending Kazakhstan champion Barsy Atyrau keeps the fourth place with five games lost. BC Rakvere will face league's second-placed Neptunas in Klaipeda in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week.
Top scorers:
Tarvas: R.Hallik 20+5reb+6ast, T.Oja 18+5reb+1ast, K.Cipruss 18+9reb, V.Kriisa 14+8reb+10ast, J.Umbrasko 10+3reb+2ast, J.Vaino 6+3reb
Barsy Atyrau: M.Laksa 25+4reb, M.Evstigneev 22+8reb+1ast, R.Strupovics 10+2reb+1ast, S.Sabutskyy 6+5reb, S.Kazantcev 5+2reb, P.Tsiopych 4+6reb+6ast
gschID: 149711


Tarvas - Barsy Atyrau 89-84

The game between closely ranked teams ended with third ranked Estonian BC Rakvere's (4-2) home victory over one of their biggest challengers Kazakhstan Barsy Atyrau (3-5) 89-84 on Thursday. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Barsy Atyrau won third quarter 25-22. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. BC Rakvere made 22-of-29 free shots (75.9 percent) during the game. Barsy Atyrau was plagued by 28 personal fouls down the stretch. Guard Valmo Kriisa (190-74) scored 16 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Latvian swingman Juris Umbrasko (197-79) chipped in 18 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. Five BC Rakvere players scored in double figures. At the losing side Latvian guard Reinis Strupovics (192-87) responded with 22 points and 5 steals and Ukrainian guard Pavlo Tsiopych (182-86) scored 8 points and 7 assists. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. BC Rakvere maintains third position in Group A with 4-2 record behind leader Naglis Palangos. Defending Kazakhstan champion Barsy Atyrau keeps the fourth place with five games lost. BC Rakvere will face league's second-placed Neptunas in Klaipeda in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week.
Top scorers:
Tarvas: J.Umbrasko 18+5reb+3ast, K.Cipruss 17+8reb, V.Kriisa 16+6reb+7ast, R.Hallik 15+8reb+3ast, T.Oja 11+4reb+2ast, J.Vahter 7+2reb
Barsy Atyrau: R.Strupovics 22+4reb+2ast, M.Evstigneev 16+2reb, E.Isakov 13+1reb+2ast, D.Gavrilov 8+2reb+1ast, P.Tsiopych 8+4reb+7ast, M.Laksa 5+4reb
gschID: 149712


TTU/Kalev - Turiba 84-54

Not a big story in a game in Tallinn where 6th ranked Latvian Turiba (2-7) was rolled over by fourth ranked Estonian TTU/Kalev (3-5) 84-54 on Saturday. The game without a history. TTU/Kalev led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Turiba to just 6 points in second quarter. TTU/Kalev dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Turiba's 26. American center Andrew Arnold (208-86, college: Lewis-Clark St.) had a double-double by scoring 23 points and 12 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and power forward Kristjan Makke (205-81, college: W.Illinois) chipped in 14 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. Four TTU/Kalev players scored in double figures. At the losing side guard Krists Piternieks (202-87) responded with 12 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and center Roberts Mednis (204-89) scored 14 points and 6 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. TTU/Kalev maintains fourth position in Group B with 3-5 record. Loser Turiba stay at the bottom place with seven games lost. TTU/Kalev will face league's leader Techasas in Panevezys in the next round and it may be the game of the week.
Top scorers:
TTU/Kalev: A.Arnold 23+12reb+1ast, K.Makke 14+9reb+2ast, K.Keres 10+2reb+2ast, I.Pilk 10+4reb+3ast, K.Akenparg 7+2reb+3ast, M.Kaja 6+2reb+2ast
Turiba: R.Mednis 14+6reb, K.Piternieks 12+6reb+4ast, K.Mediss 10+3reb+1ast, J.Dilevka 8+12reb, M.Rudmiezis 4+5reb+1ast, M.Sokolovs 3+3reb
gschID: 149709


Neptunas - Barsy Atyrau 91-87

Everything went according to plan in Klaipeda where second ranked Lithuanian Neptunas (4-2) beat 4th ranked Kazakhstan Barsy Atyrau (3-5) 91-87 on Sunday. Barsy Atyrau was trailing by 9 points at halftime but managed to get 4-point lead after three quarters before a 29-21 charge of Neptunas, which allowed them to win the game. They made 29-of-34 free shots (85.3 percent) during the game. Barsy Atyrau was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. Forward Laurynas Mikalauskas (205-85, college: Virginia) had a double-double by scoring 19 points and 13 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and guard Marius Runkaukas (189-86) chipped in 23 points during the contest. At the losing side power forward Mikhail Evstigneev (202-84) responded with 21 points and 6 rebounds and Ukrainian guard Pavlo Tsiopych (182-86) scored 15 points and 7 rebounds. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Neptunas maintains second position in Group A with 4-2 record behind leader Naglis Palangos. Defending Kazakhstan champion Barsy Atyrau keeps the fourth place with five games lost. Neptunas will face BC Rakvere (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day.
Top scorers:
Neptunas: M.Runkaukas 23+4reb+2ast, L.Mikalauskas 19+13reb, M.Mazeika 16+4reb+5ast, S.Galdikas 12+9reb, M.Ruikis 10+2reb+2ast, E.Dainys 4+2reb+3ast
Barsy Atyrau: M.Evstigneev 21+6reb+2ast, P.Tsiopych 15+7reb+2ast, D.Dyatlovsky 12+4reb+4ast, M.Laksa 10+5reb+1ast, R.Strupovics 10+1reb+2ast, S.Sabutskyy 10+9reb
gschID: 149710


Elite
Baltai Kaunas - Triumph 71-83

There was no surprise when 9th ranked Lithuanian Baltai Kaunas (2-8) were defeated at home by third ranked Russian Triumph Lyubertsy (6-3) 83-71 on Tuesday. The game was mostly controlled by Triumph Lyubertsy. Baltai Kaunas was better in third quarter 24-16. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Triumph Lyubertsy made 19-of-22 free shots (86.4 percent) during the game. They also forced 20 Baltai Kaunas turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. American forward Davon Jefferson (204-86, college: USC) scored 13 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the charge for the winners and guard Dmitry Kulagin (195-92) chipped in 16 points and 7 assists during the contest. Four Triumph Lyubertsy players scored in double figures. At the losing side Estonian forward Siim-Sander Vene (203-90) responded with 19 points and guard Zygimantas Janavicius (192-89, agency: Interperformances) scored 9 points and 10 assists. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Despite that victory Triumph Lyubertsy went down to fourth position (Elite) due to points difference. Loser Baltai Kaunas dropped to the tenth place with eight games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Triumph: K.Landry 19+4reb+1ast, D.Kulagin 16+2reb+7ast, V.Zvarykin 15+3reb+3ast, D.Jefferson 13+8reb+6ast, G.Andreev 7+4reb+4ast, A.Kuzyakin 5+1reb+1ast
Baltai Kaunas: S.Vene 19+3reb+1ast, V.Cizauskas 11+2reb+1ast, Z.Janavicius 9+3reb+10ast, P.Sorokas 7+3reb+1ast, K.Vecvagars 7+3reb+2ast, M.Delas 7+4reb
gschID: 149713


Kedainiai - Triumph 82-94

No shocking result in a game when third ranked Russian Triumph Lyubertsy (6-3) won against on the road 9th ranked Lithuanian Kedainiai (2-8) 94-82 on Wednesday. The game was mostly controlled by Triumph Lyubertsy. Kedainiai was better in fourth quarter 27-20. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Triumph Lyubertsy dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Kedainiai's 40 and made 19-of-22 free shots (86.4 percent) during the game. Kedainiai was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. American forward Davon Jefferson (204-86, college: USC) had a double-double by scoring 26 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and forward Sergey Karasev (200-93) chipped in 19 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side American forward David McClure (198-86, college: Duke) responded with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 11 rebounds and point guard Vytenis Jasikevicius (187-85) scored 16 points. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Kedainiai's coach Gediminas Petrauskas tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Despite that victory Triumph Lyubertsy went down to fourth position (Elite) due to points difference. Loser Kedainiai keeps the ninth place with eight games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Triumph: D.Jefferson 26+11reb+4ast, S.Karasev 19+7reb+1ast, A.Kuzyakin 16+2ast, V.Zvarykin 11+2reb, K.Landry 11+6reb+2ast, D.Kulagin 9+3reb+2ast
Kedainiai: V.Jasikevicius 16+3reb+2ast, D.McClure 15+11reb+2ast, V.Peciukas 12+1ast, P.Beliavicius 12+3reb, L.Kisielius 11+3reb+1ast, M.Valukonis 6+4reb+2ast
gschID: 149714


Pieno Zvaigzdes - Triumph 89-88

There was a minor upset in Pasvalys where one of their biggest challengers Russian Triumph Lyubertsy (6-3) was edged by fifth ranked Lithuanian Pieno Zvaigzdes (6-3) 89-88 on Thursday. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Triumph Lyubertsy won third quarter 24-14. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Pieno Zvaigzdes won last quarter 23-23. American-Puerto Rican point guard TreVon Hughes (183-87, college: Wisconsin, agency: Edge Sports) scored 25 points and 6 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and forward Eimantas Bendzius (203-90) chipped in 13 points during the contest. At the losing side power forward Ivan Lazarev (210-91) responded with 21 points (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) and forward Sergey Karasev (200-93) scored 17 points. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Newly promoted Pieno Zvaigzdes maintains fifth position in Elite with 6-3 record. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Pieno Zvaigzdes: T.Hughes 25+6reb+3ast, E.Bendzius 13+4reb+2ast, P.Morkeliunas 12+1reb+1ast, Z.Kelys 12+2reb+3ast, L.Nobles 9+5reb+1ast, A.Kieza 8+2reb+3ast
Triumph: I.Lazarev 21+4reb, S.Karasev 17+3reb+1ast, A.Kuzyakin 16+1reb, D.Kulagin 11+2reb+5ast, G.Andreev 8+4reb+3ast, K.Landry 7+2reb+3ast
gschID: 149715


Siauliai - Rudupis 110-104 2OT

Siauliai record the ninth win in the season to keep the position of the league's leader. They overcame Rudupis in two-overtime drama. D.Bowles came up with 27 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists to lead the winners. Rashaun Broadus added 22 poonts for Siauliai. S.Buturlevicius answered with 21 points for Rudupis as they fell at 7-3 record in the second position in the standings.
Top scorers:
Siauliai: D.Bowles 27+8reb+7ast, R.Broadus 22+6reb+4ast, V.Vasylius 17+11reb+2ast, M.Zukauskas 15+7reb+2ast, A.Siksnius 9+8reb+1ast, C.Long 6+2reb+3ast
Rudupis: S.Buterlevicius 21+3reb+5ast, A.Urbutis 20+7reb+2ast, A.Juskevicius 19+6reb+2ast, A.Viskontas 16+3reb+4ast, G.Orelikas 12+6reb+3ast, J.Sinica 11+3reb+5ast
gschID: 149716


Kalev/Cramo - Siauliai 101-96

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of undefeated Lithuanian Siauliai (9-1) in Tallinn on Saturday night. Visitors were defeated by third ranked Estonian Kalev/Cramo (6-3) 101-96. The hosts trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 11-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 101-96. 28 personal fouls committed by Siauliai helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Swingman Gregor Arbet (194-83) scored 29 points and 7 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and guard Gert Dorbek (194-85) chipped in 18 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists during the contest. At the losing side American power forward Denzel Bowles (208-89, college: JMU) responded with a double-double by scoring 25 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists and American-Samoan point guard Rashaun Broadus (183-84, college: BYU) scored 15 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Siauliai's coach Antanas Sireika rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Defending Estonian champion maintains third position in Elite with 6-3 record having four points less than leader Siauliai, which they share with Triumph and Pieno Zvaigzdes. Siauliai at the other side still keeps top place with one game lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Kalev/Cramo: G.Arbet 29+7reb+1ast, P.Ulyanko 22+5reb+3ast, G.Dorbek 18+6reb+6ast, J.Toome 10+11reb+3ast, T.Sokk 6+4reb+5ast, R.Tamm 6+3reb+1ast
Siauliai: D.Bowles 25+13reb+4ast, R.Broadus 15+7reb+4ast, C.Long 12+1reb, A.Siksnius 11+2reb+1ast, M.Zukauskas 10+5reb+2ast, V.Vasylius 9+6reb+1ast
gschID: 165212


Baltai Kaunas - Kedainiai 76-63

There was a small surprise when ninth ranked Baltai Kaunas (2-8) defeated at home 9th ranked Kedainiai (2-8) 76-63 on Monday. The hosts trailed by 6 points at the halftime before their 43-24 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Baltai Kaunas dominated down low during the game scoring 44 of its points in the paint compared to Kedainiai's 18. Guard Zygimantas Janavicius (192-89, agency: Interperformances) scored 13 points and 5 assists to lead the charge for the winners and center Gediminas Zyle (210-88) chipped in 11 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side guard Vidas Ginevicius (193-78, agency: Interperformances) responded with 13 points and point guard Vytenis Jasikevicius (187-85) scored 12 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Despite that victory Baltai Kaunas went down to tenth position (Elite) due to points difference. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Baltai Kaunas: Z.Janavicius 13+4reb+5ast, G.Zyle 11+5reb, M.Kupsas 11+1ast, S.Vene 8+1reb, M.Delas 8+5reb, V.Cizauskas 7+4reb+2ast
Kedainiai: V.Ginevicius 13+4reb, V.Jasikevicius 12+3reb, L.Kisielius 9+3reb+2ast, P.Beliavicius 7+2reb+1ast, M.Valukonis 5+1reb+1ast, V.Sulskis 5+2reb+1ast
gschID: 165261


Pieno Zvaigzdes - Rudupis 81-58

There was a minor upset in Pasvalys where much higher ranked Rudupis (7-3) were rolled over by fifth ranked Pieno Zvaigzdes (6-3) 81-58 on Saturday. The game was mostly controlled by Pieno Zvaigzdes. Rudupis was better in second period 18-14. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Rudupis 36-25 including 23 on the defensive glass. Guard Zydrunas Kelys (188-87) scored 21 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the charge for the winners and American center Sylvester Morgan (208-83, college: Georgia St.) chipped in 14 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. Pieno Zvaigzdes' coach Roberts Stelmahers felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side forward Dainius Salenga (197-77) responded with 15 points and swingman Adas Juskevicius (194-89) scored 7 points and 4 assists. Newly promoted Pieno Zvaigzdes maintains fifth position in Elite with 6-3 record. Loser Rudupis keep the second place with three games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Pieno Zvaigzdes: Z.Kelys 21+6reb+5ast, S.Morgan 14+7reb+1ast, E.Kairys 13+7reb+1ast, E.Bendzius 9+4reb+1ast, P.Morkeliunas 9+2reb+1ast, S.Kulvietis 5
Rudupis: D.Salenga 15+1reb, G.Kadziulis 9+1reb+1ast, A.Urbutis 8+4reb, A.Juskevicius 7+2reb+4ast, G.Orelikas 6+5reb, E.Zelionis 6+5reb+1ast
gschID: 149707


Juventus - Ventspils 76-64

There was a surprise result in Utena where seventh ranked Lithuanian Juventus (5-5) beat one of their biggest challengers Latvian Ventspils (5-4) 76-64 on Saturday. The hosts trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 38-24 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Juventus outrebounded Ventspils 40-25 including a 34-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. Guard Darius Pakamanis (192-81) scored 19 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the charge for the winners and forward Vaidotas Volkus (203-85, college: Redlands CC) chipped in 17 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side American guard Steven Gray (195-89, college: Gonzaga) responded with 19 points and 5 rebounds and center Martins Meiers (206-91) scored 10 points and 8 rebounds. Ventspils' coach Gundars Vetra tested eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Juventus maintains seventh position in Elite with 5-5 record. Loser Ventspils dropped to the sixth place with four games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Juventus: D.Pakamanis 19+5reb+6ast, V.Volkus 17+6reb, Z.Urbonas 10+5reb+1ast, K.Petrukonis 8+10reb+1ast, T.Gaidamavicius 8+3reb+5ast, Z.Sestokas 5+3reb
Ventspils: S.Gray 19+5reb+2ast, J.Young 11+2ast, M.Meiers 10+8reb+1ast, T.Abernethy 7+1reb+2ast, A.Berzins 5+4reb+1ast, S.Willard 4+3reb
gschID: 149708




*****************************************************
  BELARUS   


Premier League Round 11: Minsk-2006 defeats Rubon in the game between Top 4 teams - by Eurobasket News
There will be only one (last) round of the Regular Season in Premier League.

An interesting game for Minsk-2006 (10-0) which played road game in Vitebsk against 3rd placed Rubon (5-5). Leader Minsk-2006 had an easy win 89-72. The guests trailed by 5 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 5-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 89-72. Minsk-2006 outrebounded Rubon 42-26 including a 29-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. International guard Aliaksandr Kudrautsau (190-80) orchestrated the victory by scoring 21 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. The former international forward Aliaksei Lashkevich (204-78) contributed with 15 points and 14 rebounds for the winners. Guard Siarhei Sapegin (195-84) answered with 13 points for Rubon. Rubon's coach Ruslan Baidakov rotated ten players seeing no chance for a win. Undefeated Minsk-2006 have an impressive series of ten victories in a row. Defending champion maintains first place with 10-0 record. Rubon at the other side keeps the third position with five games lost. Minsk-2006 are looking forward to face league's second-placed Grodno-93 at home in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Rubon will have a break next round.
Bottom-ranked Sozh Gomel is still unable to win any game. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their ninth consecutive match to second ranked Grodno-93 (9-1) 102-36. It was a great evening for forward Sergej Vasilevich (202-92) who led his team to a victory scoring 18 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Andrei Navoichyk helped adding 16 points and 8 rebounds. Center Igor Drobyshevskiy (206-93) responded with 13 points and 5 rebounds. The victory was the seventh consecutive win for Grodno-93. They maintain second place with 9-1 record behind leader Minsk-2006. Sozh Gomel lost their seventh game in a row. They still closes the standings with nine games lost. Grodno-93 will play against league's leader Minsk-2006 on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Sozh Gomel will play against BGUIR-RTI (#6) in Minsk and hopes to get finally their first victory.
The game in Osipovichi was also quite interesting. Third ranked Rubon (5-5) played at the court of 5th ranked SBK Osipovichi (4-7). Rubon defeated SBK Osipovichi 96-82 on Friday. It was an exceptional evening for Dmitri Shilovich who led the winners and scored 24 points and 6 rebounds. Rubon's coach Ruslan Baidakov used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Kiril Sitnik came up with 28 points and 8 rebounds for SBK Osipovichi in the defeat. Rubon maintains third place with 5-5 record having five points less than leader Minsk-2006. SBK Osipovichi lost their fourth game in a row. They keep the fifth position with seven games lost. Rubon will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. SBK Osipovichi will play against BGUIR-RTI (#6) in Minsk and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the last game of round 11 SBK Osipovichi was beaten by Minsk-2006 II on the road 97-84.
The most impressive performance of 11th round was 29 points and 13 rebounds by Ronaldas Rutkauskas of Minsk-2006 II.


Minsk-2006 II - SBK Osipovichi 97-84

There was a small surprise when fifth ranked Minsk-2006 II (4-5) beat at home 5th ranked SBK Osipovichi (4-7) 97-84 on Tuesday. The hosts trailed by 1 point after three quarters before their 30-16 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Minsk-2006 II outrebounded SBK Osipovichi 43-28 including 16 on the offensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. It was an exceptional evening for guard Valentin Ignatchik (192) who led the winners and scored 28 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists. Lithuanian forward Ronaldas Rutkauskas (203-92) accounted for 29 points and 13 rebounds for the winning side. Russian swingman Andrei Olbrecht (202-71) came up with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 10 rebounds and guard Kiril Sitnik (190-89) added 15 points and 5 rebounds respectively for SBK Osipovichi in the defeat. Four Minsk-2006 II and five SBK Osipovichi players scored in double figures. The victory was the third consecutive win for Minsk-2006 II. They moved-up to fourth place. SBK Osipovichi lost their fourth game in a row. They keep the fifth position with seven games lost. Minsk-2006 II will meet league's second-placed Grodno-93 on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. SBK Osipovichi will play against BGUIR-RTI in Minsk and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
SBK Osipovichi: A.Svirydov 17+2reb, K.Sitnik 15+5reb+3ast, A.Olbrecht 15+10reb+3ast, S.Volk 15+3reb+4ast, D.Yarets 11+3reb+1ast, V.Skidan 8+4reb
Minsk-2006 II: R.Rutkauskas 29+13reb+1ast, V.Ignatchik 28+9reb+7ast, V.Krisevich 15+11reb+5ast, Y.Kurapau 10+3reb+1ast, A.Korneenkov 7+4reb+3ast, L.Malakhau 6+2ast
gschID: 163137


SBK Osipovichi - Rubon 82-96

The game in Osipovichi was also quite interesting. Third ranked Rubon (5-5) played at the court of 5th ranked SBK Osipovichi (4-7). Rubon defeated SBK Osipovichi 96-82 on Friday. The guests trailed by 3 points at the halftime before their 50-33 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Rubon shot 21 for 35 from the free-throw line, while SBK Osipovichi only scored four points from the stripe. They outrebounded SBK Osipovichi 43-27 including a 18-7 advantage in offensive rebounds. It was an exceptional evening for forward Dmitri Shilovich (200-89) who led the winners and scored 24 points and 6 rebounds. Forward Viktor Ovsepian (200-91) accounted for 11 points and 15 rebounds for the winning side. Rubon's coach Ruslan Baidakov used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Guard Kiril Sitnik (190-89) came up with 28 points and 8 rebounds and Russian swingman Andrei Olbrecht (202-71) added 12 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for SBK Osipovichi in the defeat. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Rubon maintains third place with 5-5 record having five points less than leader Minsk-2006. SBK Osipovichi lost their fourth game in a row. They keep the fifth position with seven games lost. Rubon will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. SBK Osipovichi will play against BGUIR-RTI (#6) in Minsk and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
SBK Osipovichi: K.Sitnik 28+8reb+3ast, A.Svirydov 15+3reb+1ast, D.Yarets 13+2reb+1ast, A.Olbrecht 12+8reb+4ast, V.Skidan 10+1reb, S.Volk 2+1reb+1ast
Rubon: D.Shilovich 24+6reb, S.Sapegin 15+3reb+2ast, D.Sivalko 12+1reb, A.Malkov 11+3reb, V.Ovsepian 11+15reb+1ast, D.Akulich 10+3reb+4ast
gschID: 163138


Sozh Gomel - Grodno-93 36-102

Bottom-ranked Sozh Gomel is still unable to win any game. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their ninth consecutive match to second ranked Grodno-93 (9-1) 102-36. The game without a history. Grodno-93 led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Sozh Gomel to just 4 points in second quarter and to 13 points in first half. Grodno-93 dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to Sozh Gomel's 26. Grodno-93 forced 33 Sozh Gomel turnovers and outrebounded them 41-26 including 28 on the defensive glass. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 26 assists comparing to just 5 passes made by Sozh Gomel's players. It was a great evening for forward Sergej Vasilevich (202-92) who led his team to a victory scoring 18 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Forward Andrei Navoichyk (200-91) helped adding 16 points and 8 rebounds. Five Grodno-93 players scored in double figures. Center Igor Drobyshevskiy (206-93) responded with 13 points and 5 rebounds and point guard Yahor Patupchyk (186-94) scored 12 points. The victory was the seventh consecutive win for Grodno-93. They maintain second place with 9-1 record behind leader Minsk-2006. Sozh Gomel lost their seventh game in a row. They still closes the standings with nine games lost. Grodno-93 will play against league's leader Minsk-2006 on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Sozh Gomel will play against BGUIR-RTI (#6) in Minsk and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Sozh Gomel: I.Drobyshevskiy 13+5reb, Y.Patupchyk 12+2reb+1ast, P.Bliznets 5+10reb, A.Shestilovskiy 4+1reb+1ast, D.Kasenkau 2+3reb, D.Fedorovskiy 0+2reb+2ast
Grodno-93: S.Vasilevich 18+9reb+4ast, A.Navoichyk 16+8reb+1ast, P.Shuleyko 14+4reb+2ast, A.Syrovatko 13+8reb, E.Ivanov 12+2reb, V.Korzh 11+4reb+4ast
gschID: 163135


Rubon - Minsk-2006 72-89

An interesting game for Minsk-2006 (10-0) which played road game in Vitebsk against 3rd placed Rubon (5-5). Leader Minsk-2006 had an easy win 89-72. The guests trailed by 5 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 5-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 89-72. Minsk-2006 outrebounded Rubon 42-26 including a 29-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. International guard Aliaksandr Kudrautsau (190-80) orchestrated the victory by scoring 21 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. The former international forward Aliaksei Lashkevich (204-78) contributed with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 14 rebounds for the winners. Guard Siarhei Sapegin (195-84) answered with 13 points and the former international guard Dmitri Akulich (192-86) added 13 points in the effort for Rubon. Five Minsk-2006 and four Rubon players scored in double figures. Rubon's coach Ruslan Baidakov rotated ten players seeing no chance for a win. Minsk-2006 have an impressive series of ten victories in a row. Defending champion maintains first place with 10-0 record. Rubon at the other side keeps the third position with five games lost. Minsk-2006 are looking forward to face league's second-placed Grodno-93 at home in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Rubon will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Rubon: D.Akulich 13+3reb, S.Sapegin 13+3reb+3ast, D.Sivalko 10+5reb, A.Malkov 10+3reb+1ast, V.Ovsepian 8+2reb, M.Dabravolski 6+3reb+3ast
Minsk-2006: A.Kudrautsau 21+6reb+5ast, A.Kojenets 16+6reb, A.Lashkevich 15+14reb, A.Trastsinetski 15+6reb+3ast, R.Vergun 10+4reb+1ast, A.Semianiuk 8+4reb
gschID: 163136




Standings - Premier League
Premier League Standings
 1. Minsk-2006 10-0 
 2. Grodno-93 9-1 
 3. Rubon 5-5 
 4. Minsk-2006 II 4-5 
 5. SBK Osipovichi 4-7 
 6. BGUIR-RTI 2-7 
 7. Sozh Gomel 0-9 


Stats Leaders - Premier League

Points Per Game
 Kiril SITNIK
  SBK O.
  (190-G-89)
  Avg: 21.8
 1. Sitnik, SBK O.21.8 
 2. Rutkauskas, Minsk.19.6 
 3. Knox, Minsk-200615.7 
 4. Ignatchik, Minsk-.14.8 
 5. Zakhar, BG.14.2 
 6. Hawkins, Minsk.14.0 
 7. Patupchyk, Sozh G.13.3 
 8. Krisevich, Minsk-.13.3 
 9. Kojenets, Minsk.13.0 
 10. Yafremov, Grodn.12.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Pavel BLIZNETS
  Sozh Gomel
  (205-C-94)
  Avg: 10.4
 1. Bliznets, Sozh Gom.10.4 
 2. Zakhar, BG.9.7 
 3. Rutkauskas, Minsk.9.6 
 4. Kojenets, Minsk.8.1 
 5. Krisevich, Minsk-.7.1 
 6. Hlebovich, Grodn.7.0 
 7. Knox, Minsk-20066.6 
 8. Zaitsev, SBK O.6.3 
 9. Drobyshevski., Soz.6.1 
 10. Sitnik, SBK O.5.9 
Assists Per Game
 Dzmitry KUZMIN
  Grodno-93
  (196-G-75)
  Avg: 5.9
 1. Kuzmin, Grodno-935.9 
 2. Hodge, Minsk-20065.3 
 3. Akulich, Rubon4.6 
 4. Kudrautsau, Minsk.3.8 
 5. Papruha, BG.3.6 
 6. Sitnik, SBK O.3.2 
 7. Ignatchik, Minsk-.3.0 
 8. Volk, SBK O.3.0 
 9. Korzh, Grodno-932.9 
 10. Konuyshenko, Gro.2.7 
Steals Per Game
 Julius HODGE
  Minsk-2006
  (201-G-83)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Hodge, Minsk-20062.3 
 2. Malkov, Rubon2.2 
 3. Zakhar, BG.2.2 
 4. Akulich, Rubon2.1 
 5. Sapegin, Rubon2.0 
 6. Ovsepian, Rubon1.9 
 7. Yafremov, Grodn.1.9 
 8. Patupchyk, Sozh G.1.9 
 9. Sitnik, SBK O.1.8 
 10. Korzh, Grodno-931.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Aliaksandr KUZMITSKI
  BG.
  (198-F-92)
  Avg: 0
 1. Kuzmitski, BG.0.0 
 2. Akulich, Rubon0.0 
 3. Kuzmin, Grodno-930.0 
 4. Strukov, BG.0.0 
 5. Kurapau, Minsk-20.0.0 
 6. Soloviev, Rubon0.0 
 7. Kudrautsau, Minsk.0.0 
 8. Sofaniuk, Minsk-20.0.0 
 9. Krisevich, Minsk-.0.0 
 10. Sivalko, Rubon0.0 


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  BELGIUM   


Demond Mallet could not help Spirou against his probable future team mates of Maccabi Electra (69-86) - by Bert Larsimont
Is a basketball event really a good occasion for a religious ceremony? That is one question asked by several observers last night at the Spiroudome in Charleroi. After the short religious ceremony for the Chanukah celebrated by the Jewish community all over the world and respected by the local attendance, the last Euroleague Group C game for Belgacom Spirou and Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv could start.

Tornike Shengelia (207-F-91) and Randy Oveneke (201-F-86), both injured, were not listed in the Spirou roster last night. The good surprise at the beginning of the game was the comeback of Dwayne Broyles (196-F/G-82, college: JMU) who warmed up with his Spirou mates before the game. He was in the starting five and helped his team trail behind a fantastic team of Maccabi Tel-Aviv led by Keith Langford (193-G/F-83, college: Kansas). After 16-22 at the end of the first quarter, Spirou showed some good things. Justin Hamilton (190-G-80, college: Florida) from three-point range responded to great plays by Maccabi Tel-Aviv's playmaker Theodoros Papaloukas (200-PG-77). Demond Mallet (186-G-78, college: McNeese St.) also wanted to show to his probable future employers of Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv that he could run fastbreaks and steal balls. Spirou came closer at 28-31 but lost concentration again, forcing local Coach Giovanni Bozzi to take a time-out. A good reaction by the hometeam allowed Belgacom Spirou to stay close at the half: 34-38.

During the break, Spirou General Manager Eric Somme went onto the floor to answer questions of journalists and reporters. He could not confirm that Demond Mallet (186-G-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: McNeese St.) had already signed his contract with Maccabi Electra but told the local press that it was just a question of hours. Eric Somme said that an agreement (contract of 100,000 dollars?) had been discussed but some points needed to be fixed at a meeting with the Maccabi President, Spirou Sports Manager Jacques Stas, Demond Mallet (186-G-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: McNeese St.) and himself after the game.

The third quarter was a real catastrophe for Spirou: lack of concentration and bad selection of shots. But Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv of Coach David Blatt also played tougher in defense (Sofoklis Schortsanitis, Shawn James and Richard Hendrix). What a pleasure to watch the Dream Team of Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv run down the floor for spectacular fastbreak plays! Guy Pnini (200-F/G-83), David Blu (201-F-80, college: USC), Keith Langford also hit big three-pointers for the visitors. After a 1-15 run, Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv kept concentrated and never allowed their hosts to be back on the right track. Spirou was 20 points behind after 26 minutes in this game. The scoreboard showed 49-68 at the end of the third quarter and the only satisfying point for the local fans was the appearance of Boris Penninck (202-C-88) and Amaury Jadin (189-G-86). Amaury Jadin recorded good stats (just like last week despite his team's debacle in Milan): around 19 minutes of play, 3/3 from 2-point range, 0/1 from behind the three-point line, 2 steals and 1 assist.

The last quarter did not change anything and Spirou finished the Euroleague campaign against a powerhouse with a large loss: 69-86. Despite this defeat and some less convincing performances at the Spiroudome, the whole campaign was very positive for Belgacom Spirou. Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv, on the other hand, definitely remains a favourite in this competition.

See here for euroleague.tv video highlights of the game: http://www.euroleague.tv/video/id/1891332


Best scorers:

Spirou Charleroi: Chris Hill 10, Caleb Green 16, Demond Mallet 13, Amaury Jadin 6.
Maccabi Tel Aviv: Theodoros Papaloukas 9, Devin Smith 10, David Blu 13, Keith Langford 20.



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  CANADA   


Lucentum Alicante lands Andy Rautins - by Eurobasket News
Lucentum Alicante announced signing of Andrew Rautins (193-PG-86, college: Syracuse) for rest of the season. The player was released few days ago by the reigning NBA champion Dallas Mavericks. Rautins spent last season with the New York Knicks. It was his rookie NBA year and he appeared just in five games averaging 1.6 point. Recently, Rautins was traded from the Knicks to Dallas, but the Mavs decided to release him after that. Andrew Rautins is a product of the Syracuse University, where he graduated in 2020. He had 12.1 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 4.9 apg and 2 spg for his school as a senior. Andrew Rautins is active member of the Canadian NT since 2006. He had 11.5 ppg and 2.6 rpg for 8 games at the FIBA Americas 2011 in Mar del Plata. Rautins also played for Canada at the World Championships 2010 in Turkey.

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  CHINA   


Beijing Suffers First Loss - by Arthur Volbert
Beijing suffered its first loss of the year, losing 105-101 to 5-9 Foshan. Haislip Marcus (208-F-80, college: Tennessee) led Foshan with 32 points and 6 rebounds. Marcus Douthit had 24 points, 12 rebounds and 3 blocks. Zheng Zhun, who has been playing better recently and perhaps will have a better career than Xue Yuyang, had 16 points and 8 rebounds. University graduate Zheng Lingxu, also promising, had 9 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Luo Zhi had 8 points and 2 rebounds. Stephon Marbury led Beijing with 31 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists. Randolph Morris had 27 points and 14 rebounds. Zhu Yanxi had 17 points and 8 rebounds. Chen Lei and Ji Zhe each scored 8. Zhai Xiaochuan had 5 points and 5 rebounds and fouled out in 25 minutes.

Guangdong defeated Xinjiang 109-92 as Kenyon Martin joined national team coach Bob Donewald among Xinjiang's departed. Zhu Fangyu had 23 points and 7 rebounds for Guangdong. Su Wei had 14 points and 14 rebounds. James Singleton had 14 points and 8 rebounds. Zhou Peng and Chen Jianghua each scored 13. Wang Shioeng had 11. Xirelijiang had 26 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists for Xinjiang, Meng Duo scored 15 and Xu Guozhong scored 12. Patrick Mills scored 10 in 27 minutes. Zhao Yonggang and Bu Yang each had 8.

Zhejiang Guangsha defeated Zhejiang 96-85. Wilson Chandler had 33 points and 12 rebounds. Peter John Ramos had 23 points and 14 rebounds. Lin Chih-Chieh had 10 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Wang Zirui had 8 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Wang Bo had 7 points and 5 rebounds. J. R. Smith had 51 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for Zhejiang. Josh Boone had 14 points and 12 rebounds. Ding Jinhui had 6 points and 9 rebounds. Zhang Chunjun had 6 points and 4 rebounds.

Fujian edged Dongguan 122-118 in double overtime. Anthony Roberson had 41 points and 8 rebounds. Will McDonald had 25 points and 9 rebounds. Zhao Tailong had 19 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Zaid Abbas had 15 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists. Zhou Qixin had 7 points and 3 rebounds. Qiu Biao scored 34 for Dongguan. Shavlik Randolph had 29 points and 15 rebounds. Josh Akognon scored 24. Zhang Kai had 20 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. Feng Qi scored 6. Sun Tonglin had 1 point in 18 minutes while Li Muhao and Sun Zhe did not play. So much for Dongguan's vaunted young big men.

7-1 300 Han Dejun (215-C-89) had 38 points on 15 of 17 shooting as Liaoning edged Shanxi 120-117. Han also grabbed 6 rebounds and had 2 assists and 2 blocks. Every once in awhile Han gives hints that he may eventually develop. Li Xiaoxu had 14 points and 7 rebounds. He Tianju had 14 points and 6 rebounds. Josh Powell had 16 points and 9 rebounds. Rodney Carney scored 13. Yang Ming had 9 points and 7 assists. Marcus Williams had 37 points for Shanxi. Charles Gaines had 25 points and 9 rebounds. Young Yan Pengfei had 15 points and 3 rebounds. Duan Jiangpeng had 12 points and 5 rebounds. Lv Xiaoming had 10 points and 10 assists. Zhang Xuewen scored 10.

Rony Fahed had 26 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists as Tianjin beat Shandong 95-92. Donnell Harvey had 24 points and 12 rebounds. David Harrison had 15 points and 8 rebounds. Zhang Nn scored 15. Zhang Zihan scored 11. Wang Ruheng had 21 points and 7 steals for Shandong. Othello Hunter had 18 points and 9 rebounds. Wu Ke had 18 points and 5 rebounds. Allan Anderson scored 19. Sun Jie had 7 points and 7 assists.

Jilin defeated Bayi 90-80. Cartier Martin scored 20. Jameel Watkins had 18 points and 6 rebounds. Lu Yao scored 13. Zhong Cheng had 11 points and 13 rebounds. Lu Wei scored 8. Yu Shulong had 3 points and 6 assists in 42 minutes. Zhang Bo had 19 points and 5 rebounds for Bayi. Wang Zhongguang scored 18. Wang Zhizhi had 10 points and 7 rebounds. Xu Zhonghao had 9 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks. Delehei played 7 minutes and had 5 fouls.

Michael Harris had 26 points and 11 rebounds as Shanghai edged Jiangsu 100-96. Ryan Forehan-Kelly had 22 points, 9 rebounds and 5 steals. Zhang Zhaoxu had 11 points and 7 rebounds and 5 fouls in 26 minutes. Liu Wei, returning from injury, had 10 points and 4 rebounds. Meng Lingyuan scored 12 and Ji Xiang scored 10. Liu Yahui scored 26 for Jiangsu. Jackson Vroman had 25 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists and 5 steals but also 8 turnovers. Yi Li had 19 points and 6 rebounds. Yang Li had 17 points and 6 rebounds. Marcus Williams played 3 minutes and was scoreless.


CBA Round 15: Undefeated Beijing Ducks lose their first game against Foshan - by Eurobasket News
The round was exceptionally exciting as three games ended with a tiny margin. There was no lack of interesting games this round. The round ended with defeat of the leader, extra overtimes, derby games, favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin.

The most surprising game was the first loss of undefeated Beijing Ducks (13-1) on the court of fourteenth ranked Foshan on Friday night. Visitors were defeated by Foshan 105-101. It ended at the same time the 13-game winning streak of Beijing Ducks. Beijing Ducks trailed by 14 points after 3 quarters before a 28-18 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 101-105 at the end of the game. 27 personal fouls committed by Beijing Ducks helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a great evening for American forward Marcus Haislip (208-80, college: Tennessee) who led his team to a victory scoring 32 points and 6 rebounds. American-Filipino power forward Marcus Douthit (210-80, college: Providence, agency: Edge Sports) helped adding 24 points and 12 rebounds. The best for the losing side was American power forward Randolph Morris (211-86, college: Kentucky) with a double-double by scoring 27 points and 14 rebounds. Beijing Ducks' coach LuLei Min tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Foshan maintains fourteenth place with 5-9 record. Beijing Ducks at the other side still keep top position with one game lost. Foshan are looking forward to face TianJin Rongcheng (#15) in Tianjin in the next round. Beijing Ducks will play on the road against Shanghai Sharks (#11) and are hoping to win this game.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 15: Bayi Fubang lost to Jilin NE T. on the opponent's court 80-90. Jiangsu D. unfortunately lost to Shanghai S. in a home game 96-98. Shanxi Zh. recorded a loss to Liaoning H. on the road 117-120. Bottom-ranked TianJin R. defeated Shandong FB on its own court 95-92. Guandong ST beat Xinjiang F.T. in Dongguan 109-92. Zhejiang C. lost to Guangsha L. at home 85-96.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 51 points (!!!), 7 rebounds and 5 assists by J.R. Smith of Zhejiang C..

Jilin NE T. - Bayi Fubang 90-80

There was an upset in Changchun where higher ranked Bayi Fubang (6-7) was defeated by thirteenth ranked Jilin Tigers (6-8) 90-80 on Friday. The game was mostly controlled by Jilin Tigers. Bayi Fubang was better in third quarter 24-22. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Jilin Tigers forced 19 Bayi Fubang turnovers. Bayi Fubang was plagued by 31 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a great evening for forward Cheng Zhong (206-89) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 13 rebounds. American power forward Jameel Watkins (211-77, college: Georgetown) helped adding 18 points, 6 rebounds and 4 blocks (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Four Jilin Tigers players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was international swingman Bo Zhang (199-89) with 19 points and 5 rebounds and guard ZhongGuang Wang (193-87) scored 18 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Jilin Tigers moved-up to eleventh place, which they share with Shanghai S. Bayi Fubang lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the tenth position with seven games lost. Jilin Tigers will face higher ranked Zhejiang Cyclones (#5) in Hangzhou in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
Top scorers:
Bayi Fubang: Z.Bo 19+5reb, W.ZhongGuang 18+4reb+2ast, W.ZhiZhi 10+7reb+3ast, X.ZhongHao 9+3reb+4ast, Y.Chen 6+4reb, W.Lei 5+3reb+1ast
Jilin NE T.: M.Cartier 20+2reb+1ast, W.Jameel 18+6reb+2ast, L.Yao 13+3reb, Z.Cheng 11+13reb+2ast, L.Wei 8+1reb+1ast, Z.Biao 7+4reb+1ast
gschID: 158132


Jiangsu D. - Shanghai S. 96-98

Rather predictable result in Nanjing where twelfth ranked Shanghai Sharks (6-8) edged bottom-ranked Jiangsu Dragons (3-11) 98-96 on Friday. The guests trailed by 4 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 2-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 98-96. Shanghai Sharks dominated down low during the game scoring 72 of its points in the paint compared to Jiangsu Dragons' 46. Shanghai Sharks forced 22 Jiangsu Dragons turnovers. It was a great evening for American forward Mike Harris (198-83, college: Rice) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 11 rebounds. His fellow American import forward Ryan Forehan-Kelly (196-80, college: California) helped adding 22 points and 9 rebounds. Shanghai Sharks' coach used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. The best for the losing side was American-Lebanese power forward Jackson Vroman (208-81, college: Iowa St.) with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 11 rebounds and the former international forward Yahui Liu (206-88) scored 26 points. Five Shanghai Sharks and four Jiangsu Dragons players scored in double figures. Shanghai Sharks moved-up to eleventh place, which they share with Jilin NE T. Jiangsu Dragons lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the bottom position with 11 games lost. Shanghai Sharks will face league's leader Beijing Ducks at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Jiangsu Dragons will play against Zhejiang Guangsha Lions (#3) where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Jiangsu D.: L.Yahui 26+2reb, V.Jackson 25+11reb+3ast, Y.Li 19+6reb, Y.Li 17+6reb+1ast, W.Junjie 5+4reb, H.XueFeng 4+1reb+1ast
Shanghai S.: H.Mike 26+11reb+1ast, F.Ryan 22+9reb+1ast, M.Lingyuan 12, Z.ZhaoXu 11+7reb, L.Wei 10+4reb+1ast, J.Xiang 10+3reb
gschID: 158133


Liaoning H. - Shanxi Zh. 120-117

There was a minor upset in Yingkou where 6th ranked Shanxi Zhongyu (7-6) was edged by ninth ranked Liaoning Hunters (7-7) 120-117 on Friday. The hosts were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Liaoning Hunters made 25-of-32 free shots (78.1 percent) during the game. Shanxi Zhongyu was plagued by 29 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a great evening for center Dejun Han (215-89) who led his team to a victory scoring 38 points (!!!) and 6 rebounds (on 15-of-17 shooting from the field). American forward Josh Powell (206-83, college: N.Carolina St., agency: Strategic Sports) helped adding 16 points and 9 rebounds. The best for the losing side was American swingman Marcus Williams (201-86, college: Arizona, agency: Interperformances) with 37 points (!!!) and the other American import forward Charles Gaines (201-81, college: S.Mississippi) scored 25 points and 9 rebounds. Four Liaoning Hunters and five Shanxi Zhongyu players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Liaoning Hunters moved-up to seventh place, which they share with DongGuan L. Loser Shanxi Zhongyu keeps the sixth position with six games lost. Liaoning Hunters will face Bayi Fubang (#10) in Ningbo in the next round.
Top scorers:
Shanxi Zh.: W.Marcus 37+3reb+2ast, G.Charles 25+9reb+1ast, Y.PengFei 15+3reb, D.JiangPeng 12+5reb+1ast, Z.XueWen 10+1reb+3ast, L.XiaoMing 10+3reb+10ast
Liaoning H.: H.Dejun 38+6reb+2ast, P.Josh 16+9reb, L.Xiaoxu 14+7reb+3ast, H.Tian-ju 14+6reb+1ast, C.Rodney 13+2reb+1ast, Y.Ming 9+2reb+7ast
gschID: 158129


TianJin R. - Shandong FB 95-92

There was a surprise result in Tianjin where seventeenth ranked TianJin Rongcheng (4-10) edged higher ranked Shandong Bulls (6-9) 95-92 on Friday. The hosts trailed by 18 points after first quarter, but they rallied back and won the game by 3 points. It was a great evening for American power forward Donnell Harvey (203-80, college: Florida) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 12 rebounds. Lebanese guard Rony Fahed (184-81) helped adding 26 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. The best for the losing side was Liberian-American forward Othello Hunter (203-86, college: Ohio St., agency: David Lee services) with 18 points and 9 rebounds and guard Ruheng Wang (190-90) scored 21 points and 7 steals. Five TianJin Rongcheng and four Shandong Bulls players scored in double figures. Shandong Bulls' coach let to play ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. TianJin Rongcheng moved-up to fifteenth place, which they share with Qingdao DS. Loser Shandong Bulls dropped to the thirteenth position with nine games lost. TianJin Rongcheng will face higher ranked Foshan (#14) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
Top scorers:
Shandong FB: W.Ruheng 21+3reb+3ast, A.Alan 19+4reb+2ast, H.Othello 18+9reb+2ast, W.Ke 18+5reb, S.Jie 7+3reb+7ast, L.JiuLong 7+2ast
TianJin R.: F.Rony 26+6reb+5ast, H.Donnell 24+12reb+2ast, H.David 15+8reb+2ast, Z.Nan 15+2reb+4ast, Z.Zhihan 11+1reb+2ast, X.Lei 4+5reb+2ast
gschID: 158130


Xinjiang F.T. - Guandong ST 92-109

There was no surprise in Urumqi where 4th placed Xinjiang Flying Tige (8-5) was defeated by second ranked Guandong Tigers (11-3) 109-92 on Friday. The game was mostly controlled by Guandong Tigers. Xinjiang Flying Tige was better in third quarter 29-28. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Guandong Tigers made 25-of-31 free shots (80.6 percent) during the game. They also forced 23 Xinjiang Flying Tige turnovers and outrebounded them 50-38 including a 19-8 advantage in offensive rebounds. Xinjiang Flying Tige was plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a great evening for international forward FangYu Zhu (201-83) who led his team to a victory scoring 23 points and 7 rebounds. International center Wei Su (212-89) helped adding 14 points and 14 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). The best for the losing side was international guard Tal Co (191-91) with 26 points and 4 assists and international swingman Duo Peng (192-90) scored 15 points. Five Guandong Tigers and four Xinjiang Flying Tige players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Guandong Tigers maintains second place with 11-3 record having just two points less than leader Beijing Ducks. Loser Xinjiang Flying Tige keeps the fourth position with five games lost. Guandong Tigers will face Shanxi Zhongyu (#6) in Taiyuan in the next round. Xinjiang Flying Tige will play on the road against DongGuan Leopards.
Top scorers:
Xinjiang F.T.: C.Tal 26+3reb+4ast, P.Duo 15+2reb+2ast, X.GuoChong 12+4reb+1ast, M.Patrick 10+2reb+1ast, Z.Yong-Gang 8, B.Yang 8+2reb+1ast
Guandong ST: Z.FangYu 23+7reb+2ast, S.James 14+8reb, S.Wei 14+14reb, C.Jianghua 13+2reb+2ast, Z.Peng 13+5reb+1ast, W.ShiPeng 11+3reb+1ast
gschID: 158131


Zhejiang C. - Guangsha L. 85-96

No shocking result in a game in Hangzhou where third ranked Zhejiang Guangsha Lions (10-4) won against 5th ranked Zhejiang Cyclones (8-5) 96-85 on Friday. The guests trailed by 4 points at the halftime before their 62-47 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Zhejiang Guangsha Lions made 16-of-20 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. It was a great evening for American forward Wilson Chandler (203-87, college: De Paul) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 33 points (!!!) and 12 rebounds. American-Puerto Rican center Peter John Ramos (222-85) helped adding 23 points and 14 rebounds. The best for the losing side was American guard J.R. Smith (198-85) with 51 points (!!!), 7 rebounds and 5 assists and the other American import power forward Josh Boone (208-84, college: Connecticut) produced a double-double by scoring 14 points and 12 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Zhejiang Guangsha Lions have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain third place with 10-4 record having just three points less than leader Beijing Ducks. Loser Zhejiang Cyclones dropped to the fourth position with five games lost. Zhejiang Guangsha Lions will face bottom-ranked Jiangsu Dragons (#17) in Nanjing in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Zhejiang Cyclones will play on the road against Jilin Tigers (#12) in Changchun.
Top scorers:
Zhejiang C.: S.J.R. 51+7reb+5ast, B.Josh 14+12reb, Z.ChunJun 6+4reb+1ast, D.Jinhui 6+9reb+1ast, Z.Dayu 4+1reb, J.Peng 2+1reb
Guangsha L.: C.Wilson 33+12reb+1ast, R.Peter John 23+14reb, L.Chih-Chieh 10+4reb+4ast, W.Zirui 8+4reb+3ast, W.Bo 7+5reb+1ast, Z.Wei 6+2reb
gschID: 158126


Foshan - Beijing Ducks 105-101

The most surprising game was the first loss of undefeated Beijing Ducks (13-1) on the court of fourteenth ranked Foshan on Friday night. Visitors were defeated by Foshan 105-101. It ended at the same time the 13-game winning streak of Beijing Ducks. Beijing Ducks trailed by 14 points after 3 quarters before a 28-18 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 101-105 at the end of the game. 27 personal fouls committed by Beijing Ducks helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a great evening for American forward Marcus Haislip (208-80, college: Tennessee) who led his team to a victory scoring 32 points and 6 rebounds. American-Filipino power forward Marcus Douthit (210-80, college: Providence, agency: Edge Sports) helped adding 24 points and 12 rebounds. The best for the losing side was American power forward Randolph Morris (211-86, college: Kentucky) with a double-double by scoring 27 points and 14 rebounds and the other American import guard Stephon Marbury (187-77, college: Georgia Tech) scored 31 points and 4 assists. Beijing Ducks' coach LuLei Min tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Foshan maintains fourteenth place with 5-9 record. Beijing Ducks at the other side still keep top position with one game lost. Foshan are looking forward to face TianJin Rongcheng (#15) in Tianjin in the next round. Beijing Ducks will play on the road against Shanghai Sharks (#11) and are hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Beijing Ducks: M.Stephon 31+3reb+4ast, M.Randolph 27+14reb+3ast, Z.YanXi 17+8reb+1ast, C.Lei 8+4reb+2ast, J.Zhe 8+2reb, Z.Xiaochuan 5+5reb
Foshan: H.Marcus 32+6reb+1ast, D.Marcus 24+12reb+1ast, Z.Zhun 16+8reb, Z.Lingxu 9+4reb+6ast, L.Zhi 8+2reb+1ast, M.Michel 6+2reb+1ast
gschID: 158127


Fujian XX - DongGuan L. 122-118 2OT

Fujian edged Dongguan 122-118 in double overtime. Anthony Roberson had 41 points and 8 rebounds. Will McDonald had 25 points and 9 rebounds. Zhao Tailong had 19 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Zaid Abbas had 15 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists. Zhou Qixin had 7 points and 3 rebounds. Qiu Biao scored 34 for Dongguan. Shavlik Randolph had 29 points and 15 rebounds. Josh Akognon scored 24. Zhang Kai had 20 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. Feng Qi scored 6. Sun Tonglin had 1 point in 18 minutes while Li Muhao and Sun Zhe did not play. So much for Dongguan's vaunted young big men. (by Arthur Volbert)

Top scorers:
DongGuan L.: Q.Biao 34+2reb+2ast, R.Shavlik 29+15reb+2ast, A.Josh-Emmanuel 24+3reb+3ast, Z.Kai 20+12reb+4ast, F.Qi 6+2reb+2ast, H.ZhongMian 4+4reb+1ast
Fujian XX: R.Anthony 41+8reb+3ast, M.Will 25+9reb+3ast, Z.TaiLong 19+4reb+4ast, A.Zaid 15+14reb+5ast, G.Lei 8+3reb+4ast, Z.Qixin 7+3reb
gschID: 158128




Round 15-BeiJing Lost - by Robert Wang
Round 15 just played tonight. BeiJing received their first loss this season. From Zhe Jiang team, JR Smith scored 51 points and 7 rebounds with 5 assists, but his team lost to Guang Sha team. Josh Boone got 14 points and 12 rebounds. From Guang Sha team, Wilison Chandler scored 33 points and 12 rebounds. Zhe Jiang lost to Guang Sha at 85:96. Peter Ramos made 23 points and 14 rebounds. Jiang Su lost to Shang Hai at 96:98. Ji Lin won at 90 : 80 against Ba Yi. Fo Shan beat Bei Jing at 105:101. Tian Jin beat Shan Dong at 95:92. Fu Jiang 122: 118 Dong Guan. Guang Dong 109: 92 Xin Jiang. Kenyon Martin ended his contract with Xin Jiang team and he did not show up tonight. Shan Xi 117: 120 Liao Ning.

Standings - CBA
CBA Standings
 1. Beijing Ducks 13-1 
 2. Guandong ST 11-3 
 3. Guangsha L. 10-4 
 4. Xinjiang F.T. 8-5 
 5. Zhejiang C. 8-5 
 6. Shanxi Zh. 7-6 
 7. DongGuan L. 7-7 
 8. Liaoning H. 7-7 
 9. Fujian XX 7-8 
 10. Bayi Fubang 6-7 
 11. Shanghai S. 6-8 
 12. Jilin NE T. 6-8 
 13. Shandong FB 6-9 
 14. Foshan 5-9 
 15. TianJin R. 4-10 
 16. Qingdao DS 4-10 
 17. Jiangsu D. 3-11 


Stats Leaders - CBA
Points Per Game
 J.R. SMITH
  Zhejiang C.
  (198-G-85)
  Avg: 35.8
 1. Smith, Zhejiang C.35.8 
 2. Hudson, Qingdao DS34.3 
 3. Williams, Shanxi Z.28.4 
 4. Chandler, Guangsha.28.1 
 5. Gaines, Shanxi Zh.27.9 
 6. McDonald, Fujian X.26.6 
 7. Mills, Xinjiang.26.5 
 8. Akognon, DongGuan.25.7 
 9. Randolph, DongGua.24.8 
 10. Vroman, Jiangsu D.24.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Zaid ABBAS
  Fujian XX
  (203-F-83)
  Avg: 15.6
 1. Abbas, Fujian XX15.6 
 2. Ramos, Guangsha L.13.8 
 3. Harvey, TianJin R.13.5 
 4. Hunter, Shandong13.5 
 5. Gadzuric, Jiang.13.1 
 6. Gaines, Shanxi Zh.12.7 
 7. Randolph, DongGua.12.6 
 8. Harris, Shanghai S.12.2 
 9. Chandler, Guangsha.12.0 
 10. Vroman, Jiangsu D.11.8 
Assists Per Game
 Osama DAGHLES
  Jilin N.
  (198-G-79)
  Avg: 8.2
 1. Daghles, Jilin N.8.2 
 2. Mengke, Xinjiang.5.7 
 3. Brooks, Guandong5.5 
 4. Marbury, Beijing5.4 
 5. Hudson, Qingdao DS5.4 
 6. Lu, Shanxi Zh.4.9 
 7. Anderson, Shandon.4.9 
 8. Yang, Liaoning H.4.8 
 9. Lee, Beijing Ducks4.3 
 10. Zhang, Liaoning H.4.3 
Steals Per Game
 XueFeng HU
  Jiangsu D.
  (185-G-80)
  Avg: 3.3
 1. Hu, Jiangsu D.3.3 
 2. Hudson, Qingdao DS3.3 
 3. Vroman, Jiangsu D.3.0 
 4. Smith, Zhejiang C.3.0 
 5. Daghles, Jilin N.2.9 
 6. Lee, Beijing Ducks2.9 
 7. Mills, Xinjiang.2.3 
 8. Yi, Jiangsu D.2.2 
 9. Lu, Shanxi Zh.2.2 
 10. Marbury, Beijing2.1 
Blocks Per Game
 Dan GADZURIC
  Jiang.
  (211-C-78)
  Avg: 2
 1. Gadzuric, Jiang.2.0 
 2. Xu, Bayi Fubang1.8 
 3. Boone, Zhejiang C.1.8 
 4. Zhang, Shanghai S.1.8 
 5. Vroman, Jiangsu D.1.7 
 6. Douthit, Foshan1.7 
 7. Randolph, DongGua.1.6 
 8. Carney, Liaoning H.1.4 
 9. Li, Liaoning H.1.4 
 10. Abbas, Fujian XX1.4 


*****************************************************
  CZECH REPUBLIC   


CEZ Nymburk Pulls Away Late to Defeat BC Kolin 88-72 - by Surujh Roopnarine
Heading into last nights game against CEZ Nymburk, BC Kolin had lost a record-setting 16 consecutive games to the 'Kings of the NBL'. After 40 minutes of play and down only six points at 67-61, there was hope for Kolin that this time they might break the string. However, Nymburk took control in the fourth quarter, during winning time and pulled away for a more comfortable 88-72 victory in Round 20 of NBL action. Kolin (13-5), lost for the third consecutive time, all on the road, and could not match the dominating performance of veteran big man Petr Benda (203-F/C-82, agency: Court Side) of Nymburk. The Czech National Team member recoded a double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds to lead the reigning champions Nymburk (18-1), while four other players recorded double figures in scoring on the evening. Chad Barnes (190-G-83, college: New Orleans) paced Kolin with 20 points of his own on 9-15 shooting while playing a game high 37 minutes. Despite going just 7-31 from three, Nymburk dominated the interior, connecting on 29-47 two-point field goals, and out-rebounding the visitors 45-34, including 16 on the offensive glass.
NYMBURK Petr Benda (20pts+11reb), Michael Lenzly (189-G-81, college: Wofford) (12pts), Radek Necas (204-F-80) (10pts+7reb), Eugene Lawrence (184-G-86, college: St.John's) (4pts+9ast)
KOLIN: Chadl Barnes (20pts+5reb+5ast), Stanislav Zuzak (206-F/C-80, college: Cal-Irvine) (10pts+6reb), Richard Field (196-F-85, college: Mercyhurst) (10pts), David Machac (204-F-80) (8pts+12reb)


Benda's double-double lands him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
29-year old power forward Petr Benda (203-F/C-82, agency: Court Side) put on an amazing game in the last round for league's best team CEZ Nymburk and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 18.
He had a double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds, while his team crushed BC Kolin (#4, 13-5) with 16-point margin 88-72. It allowed CEZ Nymburk to consolidate first place in the Czech Republic league. CEZ Nymburk has a very good season and are considered to have a run for the championship title. They improved their record to 18-1. Benda has many years of experience at CEZ Nymburk, through which he has constantly improved. Petr Benda averages this season 8.9ppg.

Second best performed player last round was Stanislav Votroubek (212-C-81) of USK Praha. He is former international center in his first season at USK Praha. In the last game Votroubek recorded impressive double-double of 20 points and 12 rebounds. Of course USK Praha cruised to a 76-66 relatively comfortable win over slightly higher-ranked BC Kolin (#4, 13-5). USK Praha's 6th position in has not changed. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 11-7 record is not bad and everything may still change. Votroubek is a newcomer at USK Praha and quickly became one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Petr Bohacik (202-F-85) of league's second-best BK Pardubice. Bohacik showcased his all-around game by recording 18 points, ten rebounds and four assists in the last round. He was a key player of BK Pardubice, leading his team to a 86-67 easy win against the lower-ranked Usti n/Labem (#9, 6-12). BK Pardubice is closer and closer to the top of the standings in . They will still need more victories. But 15-3 record is not that bad... Bohacik has a very solid season. In 18 games in Czech Republic he scored 9.6ppg. He also has 5.2rpg and FGP: 57.6%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Bertengeh Gadri-Nicholson (208-C-83) of BK Prostejov - 16 points, 12 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Jakub Blazek (203-F-80) of B&W Opava - 23 points and 8 rebounds
6. James Hughes (211-C-83) of NH Ostrava - 19 points and 7 rebounds
7. Chadwick-Farrell Barnes (190-G-83) of BC Kolin - 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists
8. Jamar Smith (191-G-87) of BK Prostejov - 14 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists
9. Thaddeus McFadden (188-G-87) of Usti n/Labem - 19 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Travis Peterson (208-C-85) of BK Prostejov - 18 points, 10 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)

Stats Leaders - NBL
Points Per Game
 Keaton GRANT
  Levice
  (193-G-86)
  Avg: 20.7
 1. Grant, Levice20.7 
 2. Sedmak, USK Praha19.7 
 3. Henderson, Levice18.5 
 4. Wright, Chomutov17.9 
 5. Lowery, Chomutov17.4 
 6. McFadden, Usti n.17.2 
 7. Hruban, USK Praha16.5 
 8. Houska, BK Decin16.3 
 9. Longmire, Usti n.15.9 
 10. Bridgewaters, Int.15.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Stanislav VOTROUBEK
  USK P.
  (212-C-81)
  Avg: 9.4
 1. Votroubek, USK P.9.4 
 2. Arnold, BK Pardu.8.4 
 3. Gadri-N., BK Prost.8.2 
 4. Naymick, CEZ N.8.0 
 5. Meno, Svitavy8.0 
 6. Houska, BK Decin7.3 
 7. Peterson, BK Prost.6.9 
 8. Hughes, NH Ostrava6.8 
 9. Blazek, B&W Opava6.3 
 10. Henderson, Levice6.2 
Assists Per Game
 Michal SOTNAR
  USK Praha
  (189-PG-92)
  Avg: 4.9
 1. Sotnar, USK Praha4.9 
 2. Barnes, BC Kolin4.7 
 3. Wright, Chomutov4.6 
 4. Vrubl, Plzen4.3 
 5. Lawrence, CEZ N.4.1 
 6. George, Svitavy3.9 
 7. McFadden, Usti n.3.5 
 8. Boyer, BK Decin3.4 
 9. Ames, BC Kolin3.1 
 10. Eitutavicius, BK3.0 
Steals Per Game
 Radim KLECKA
  B&W Opava
  (190-G-90)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Klecka, B&W Opava2.6 
 2. Pumprla, CEZ N.2.6 
 3. McFadden, Usti n.2.5 
 4. Wright, Chomutov2.4 
 5. Sirina, B&W Opava2.2 
 6. Grant, Levice1.9 
 7. Ames, BC Kolin1.9 
 8. Inge, NH Ostrava1.8 
 9. Lowery, Chomutov1.8 
 10. Longmire, Usti n.1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 James HUGHES
  NH Ostrava
  (211-C-83)
  Avg: 1.6
 1. Hughes, NH Ostrava1.6 
 2. Gadri-N., BK Prost.1.5 
 3. Naymick, CEZ N.1.3 
 4. Grant, Levice1.2 
 5. Miklosik, B&W O.1.1 
 6. Meno, Svitavy1.1 
 7. Votroubek, USK P.0.8 
 8. Henderson, Levice0.8 
 9. Mroz, Svitavy0.7 
 10. Pumprla, CEZ N.0.7 


Standings - NBL
NBL Standings
 1. CEZ Nymburk 18-1 
 2. BK Pardubice 15-3 
 3. BK Prostejov 14-3 
 4. BC Kolin 13-5 
 5. BK Decin 12-6 
 6. USK Praha 11-7 
 7. NH Ostrava 9-9 
 8. Svitavy 7-11 
 9. Usti n/Labem 6-12 
 10. Levice 5-13 
 11. Chomutov 5-13 
 12. Plzen 5-13 
 13. B&W Opava 3-15 
 14. Inter Bratislava 3-15 


*****************************************************
  D-LEAGUE   


Standings
D-League Standings
East Conference
 1. Iowa E. 7-3 
 2. Springfield A. 6-4 
 3. Canton C. 4-5 
 4. Dakota W. 4-5 
 5. Ft.Wayne MA 4-5 
 6. Sioux Falls S. 4-6 
 7. Erie Bay H. 4-7 
 8. Maine RC 3-5 
West Conference
 1. Los Angeles D. 8-5 
 2. Rio Grande VV 7-5 
 3. Austin T. 6-3 
 4. Bakersfield J. 6-4 
 5. Tulsa 66ers 6-4 
 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. Sloan, Erie Bay H.24.8 
 3. Ahearn, Reno B.24.7 
 4. Dentmon, Austin T.23.3 
 5. Millsap, Los A.23.2 
 6. Garcia, Sioux F.22.8 
 7. Moses Randal., Iow.21.5 
 8. Famous, Iowa E.21.0 
 9. Asumnu, Rio G.20.7 
 10. Jones, Ft.Wayne19.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Marcus LEWIS
  Tulsa 66ers
  (203-F/C-86)
  Avg: 12.7
 1. Lewis, Tulsa 66ers12.7 
 2. Butch, Bakersfi.12.5 
 3. Famous, Iowa E.12.2 
 4. Daniels, Erie B.11.4 
 5. Stiemsma, Sioux F.10.8 
 6. Wright, Maine RC10.8 
 7. Ojougboh, Tulsa10.5 
 8. Thomas, Austin T.10.3 
 9. Thomas, Reno B.10.2 
 10. Brown, Springfiel.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. Ahearn, Reno B.7.3 
 6. Coleman, Sioux F.7.0 
 7. Ewing, Iowa E.7.0 
 8. Curry, Springfield6.5 
 9. Bozeman, Reno B.6.4 
 10. Baker, Dakota W.6.0 
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. Curry, Springfield2.3 
 4. Dentmon, Austin T.2.3 
 5. Harris, Rio G.2.1 
 6. Fortson, Los A.2.1 
 7. Hamilton, Los A.2.1 
 8. Thompson, Erie B.2.0 
 9. Russell, Ft.Wayne.2.0 
 10. Smith, Springfiel.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. Daniels, Erie B.2.2 
 4. Major, Bakersfi.2.0 
 5. Thompson, Erie B.2.0 
 6. Dove, Dakota W.2.0 
 7. Ojougboh, Tulsa1.8 
 8. Gladness, Dakota1.8 
 9. Anderson, Dakota1.6 
 10. Wright, Maine RC1.5 


Wallace comes back to Bakersfield Jam - by Eurobasket Center
Bakersfield Jam added to their roster 26-year old forward Brandon Wallace (206-F-85, college: S.Carolina). Its actually Wallaces comeback to Bakersfield J. as he played here before. In his first game he scored 4 points, grabbed 4 rebounds and 3 assists. However his new team lost to Rio Grande VV 104-127. Wallace played most recently at Akita Northern Happinets (Japan). While playing 6 games for Akita NH this season he averaged 6.2ppg, 4.3rpg and 0.3bpg. Wallace is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Israel, Italy, Japan, Poland and Turkey. Wallace graduated University of South Carolina in 2007 and actually missed last season. It will be his fifth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Reno Bighorns Acquire Veteran Forward Mo Charlo - by Surujh Roopnarine
The Reno Bighorns have a familiar face back in the fold for fans, as 28-year old forward Mo Charlo (6'7''-F-83, college: Nevada) was signed and already made his 2011-12 D-League debut with the club on Wednesday night. The former Nevada-Reno product played 12 minutes off the bench against Idaho, scoring two points and pulling down two rebounds. Charlo, 6-7, spent the past two seasons in Reno and owns career D-League averages of 10.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.2 steals in 148 games (87 starts) over parts of five seasons with five clubs. The team also announced that they had released Perry Petty (6'1''-G, college: UTPA) and Donald Sims (6'1''-PG-87, college: Appalachian St.).

Smith comes back to Springfield Armor - by Eurobasket Center
Springfield Armor strengthened their roster with addition of 27-year old Jerry Smith (188-PG-86kg-84, college: Samford). Its actually Smiths comeback to Springfield A. as he played here before. In his first game he scored 23 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and 3 assists helping his new team beat Dakota W. 98-94. Smith played most recently at New Jersey Nets (NBA). He graduated Samford University in 2007 and actually missed last season. It will be his fifth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Jefferson comes back to Sioux Falls Skyforce - by Eurobasket Center
Sioux Falls Skyforce strengthened their roster with addition of 28-year old guard Dontell Jefferson (196-G-83, college: Arkansas). Its actually Jeffersons comeback to Sioux Falls S. as he played here before. In his first game he scored 3 points helping his new team beat Ft.Wayne MA 100-96. Jefferson played most recently at Quebec Kebs (Canada). While playing 3 games for Quebec K. this season he averaged 4.7ppg, 4.0rpg and 1.7apg. Jefferson played also pro basketball in Canada and Latvia. He graduated The University of Arkansas in 2006 and actually missed last season. It will be his sixth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Garcia is back at Sioux Falls Skyforce - by Eurobasket Center
Sioux Falls Skyforce agreed terms with 23-year old forward Charles Garcia (206-F-104kg-88, college: Seattle). Its actually Garcias comeback to Sioux Falls S. as he played here before. In his first game he scored 15 points, grabbed 15 rebounds and 4 assists helping his new team beat Ft.Wayne MA 100-96. Garcia played most recently at Atlanta Hawks (NBA). He played also pro basketball in Mexico and Turkey. Garcia graduated Seattle University in 2010 and actually missed last season. It will be his second season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

*****************************************************
  EL SALVADOR   


Last games results and standings table - by Gianni Pascucci
Veteran Arturo Escamilla (185-F-77) shined in the last round scoring a single game record 40 ponts. See here down the last results of Salvadorean First Division-Copa Gatorade 2011 with the Final Standigs.

Denver 89-74 UTEC
(Devin Thompson (200-F-80, college: St.Peter's) 27 pts, Jose Maria Rivas (G/F) 22 pts; Miguel Romero (182-G/F-80) 23 pts, Carlos Valle (169-PG-79) 14 pts)

Chaleco Santa Tecla 86-82 Leones-Automoto
(Eduardo Recinos (192-F) 26 pts, Jacobo Abullarade 26 pts; Arturo Escamilla 40 pts; Isidro Andaluz (178-PG-88) 18 pts)

San Marcos 100-93 ExSal
(Ernesto Oglivie (199-F-89) 34 pts, Mario Flores (183-G-85) 22 pts; Martin Ignacio Ramos (170-PG-92) 31 pts, Oscar Rivera (190-F-80) 29 pts)

FINAL STANDINGS TABLE

1. San Marcos 11-1
2. Denver 9-3
3. Utec 7-5
4. Exsal 7-5
5. Leones-Automoto 4-8
6. Roll Royce 2-10
7. Chaleco-Santa Tecla 2-10



Copa Gatorade 2011 Individual Awards given - by Jaime Arevalo
See here down the El Salvador Final Season Awards, as follows:

Top Scorer : Miguel Romero (182-G/F-80) - UTEC 259 pts 21,5ppg

Best 3pts Shooter : Carlos Valle (169-PG-79) - UTEC

Best Rebounder : Eduardo Recinos (192-F) - Chaleco Santa Tecla 144 rebs

Best Shot Blocker : Eduardo Recinos - Chaleco Santa Tecla 18 bs

Best Assist Man : Mario Flores (183-G-85) - San Marcos 40 assists

Best Ball Stealer : Oscar Rivera (190-F-80) - ExSal 27 steals

Rookie of the Year : Carlos Loucel (G/F-90) - UTEC


*****************************************************
  ESTONIA   


Standings - KML
KML Standings
 1. Tartu Ulikool 12-1 
 2. Kalev/Cramo 9-1 
 3. Tarvas 9-4 
 4. Rapla 7-7 
 5. TTU/Kalev 6-7 
 6. Tln Kalev 4-9 
 7. Parnu 2-10 
 8. Valga/CKE 2-12 


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Illimar PILK
  TT.
  (195-F-88)
  Avg: 18.5
 1. Pilk, TT.18.5 
 2. Cipruss, Tarvas16.5 
 3. Soo, Rapla16.1 
 4. Raap, Parnu16.0 
 5. Raley-Ross, Tln K.16.0 
 6. Veideman, Tartu U.15.9 
 7. Raadik, Parnu15.8 
 8. Hallik, Tarvas14.3 
 9. Arnold, TT.14.2 
 10. Cunda, Va.13.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Kaspars CIPRUSS
  Tarvas
  (210-C-82)
  Avg: 10
 1. Cipruss, Tarvas10.0 
 2. Arnold, TT.9.3 
 3. Adedeji, Va.8.8 
 4. Cricelli, Va.8.4 
 5. Ringmets, Rapla7.9 
 6. Fedortchuk, Tln K.7.5 
 7. Amis, Tartu Ulikool7.5 
 8. Raadik, Tartu Ulik.7.0 
 9. Shaw, Tln Kalev6.9 
 10. Keedus, TT.6.8 
Assists Per Game
 Edgars CUNDA
  Va.
  (196-G-84)
  Avg: 4.5
 1. Cunda, Va.4.5 
 2. Pilk, TT.3.8 
 3. Raap, Parnu3.7 
 4. Dorbek, Tarvas3.7 
 5. Kriisa, Tarvas3.7 
 6. Laane, Rapla3.4 
 7. Keedus, TT.3.0 
 8. Skele, Kalev/Cramo3.0 
 9. Saage, Tartu Uliko.2.8 
 10. Veideman, Tartu U.2.8 
Steals Per Game
 Edgars CUNDA
  Va.
  (196-G-84)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Cunda, Va.2.4 
 2. Karner, Parnu2.2 
 3. Leppik, Tartu Ulik.2.2 
 4. Kaldre, Rapla2.1 
 5. Dorbek, Tarvas1.9 
 6. Laane, Rapla1.8 
 7. Saage, Tartu Uliko.1.8 
 8. Veideman, Tartu U.1.7 
 9. Umbrasko, Tarvas1.7 
 10. Saks, Kalev/Cramo1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Bamba FALL
  Kalev/Cramo
  (216-C-86)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Fall, Kalev/Cramo2.1 
 2. Amis, Tartu Ulikool1.5 
 3. Raadik, Parnu1.3 
 4. Fedortchuk, Tln K.1.2 
 5. Adedeji, Va.1.0 
 6. Varbanov, Kalev/Cr.0.9 
 7. Makke, TT.0.8 
 8. Raadik, Tartu Ulik.0.8 
 9. Toome, Kalev/Cramo0.7 
 10. Hallik, Tarvas0.6 


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


Injury Report: Bad News For Valencia - by Philip Mulryne
According to eurocupbasketball.net; Valencia goes Christmas with some injury concerns. Australian center AJ Ogilvy and Stefan Markovic both have persisting problems and will not be able to play before three weeks. Injured Victor Claver has been sideline since nearly the start of the season. However, Victor Faverani and Florent Pietrus is starting to train and that will ease the post players' rotation for Paco Olmos.

El Amin Joins Cibona - by Philip Mulryne
According to sportando.net; KK Cibona VIP Zagreba has signed Khalid El-Amin (178-G-79, college: Connecticut). Experienced American guard, spent very good seasons for Besiktas and Azovmash especially, last season played at Euroleague with Lietuvos Rytas but injured and sidelined for months. Now KK Cibona VIP Zagreb needs to recover from their recent winless disqualification and needs a good point guard apart from Brian Chase. They signed Davor Kus to ease the rotation but it did not really work out. However, this transaction means that Demonte Harper (193-G, college: Morehead St.)r, another American guard can worry for minutes.

*****************************************************
  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, Zalgiris17.5 
 5. Carroll, Real Madr.16.9 
 6. Mallet, Spirou16.6 
 7. Domercant, Unics16.5 
 8. Gallinari, Armani16.4 
 9. Batum, Nancy15.8 
 10. Banic, Gescrap BB15.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Andrei KIRILENKO
  CSKA
  (205-F-81)
  Avg: 9
 1. Kirilenko, CSKA9.0 
 2. Macvan, Partizan8.2 
 3. Motiejunas, Asseco7.9 
 4. Krstic, CSKA7.1 
 5. Akingbala, Nancy6.9 
 6. Slaughter, Brose B.6.9 
 7. Batum, Nancy6.7 
 8. Freeland, Unicaja6.7 
 9. Kasun, KK.6.6 
 10. Bourousis, Armani6.5 
Assists Per Game
 Milos TEODOSIC
  CSKA
  (195-G-87)
  Avg: 5.9
 1. Teodosic, CSKA5.9 
 2. Rodriguez, Real M.5.5 
 3. Batum, Nancy5.2 
 4. Huertas, FCB Regal5.0 
 5. Diamantidis, Panat.5.0 
 6. Cook, Armani MI4.9 
 7. Spanoulis, Olympia.4.9 
 8. Tunceri, Anadolu4.8 
 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, CSKA2.2 
 2. Prigioni, Caja L.2.2 
 3. Sefolosha, Fener.U.2.1 
 4. Linehan, Nancy2.0 
 5. Slaughter, Brose B.1.8 
 6. Batum, Nancy1.7 
 7. Gist, Fener.Ulker1.7 
 8. Gordon, Galatasaray1.7 
 9. Diamantidis, Panat.1.6 
 10. McCalebb, Montep.1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Andrei KIRILENKO
  CSKA
  (205-F-81)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. Kirilenko, CSKA3.2 
 2. Ibaka, Real Madrid2.0 
 3. Riddick, Spirou1.6 
 4. Begic, Real Madrid1.6 
 5. Ilyasova, Anadolu1.5 
 6. Slaughter, Brose B.1.3 
 7. Vazquez, FCB Regal1.2 
 8. Perovic, FCB Regal1.2 
 9. James, Maccabi T-A1.1 
 10. Fischer, Gescrap1.1 


Standings
Euroleague Standings
Group A
 1. Fener.Ulker 6-4 
 2. Olympiakos 6-4 
 3. Bennet Cantu 5-5 
 4. Gescrap BB 5-5 
 5. Caja Laboral 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 


Maccabi Electra signs Demond Mallet - by Eurobasket News
Demond Mallet (186-G-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: McNeese St.) is a member of Maccabi Electra. The player signed a deal for rest of the season, including an option for the 2012/13. Mallet played his last game for Charleroi last night and their rival was Maccabi. The American scored 13 points in this meeting and Charleroi faced with 69-86 home loss. Demond Mallet appeared 12 times in Euroleague this season (including qualifications) averaging 16.6 points, 3.1 assists and 2.3 rebounds. He also added 16.3 ppg, 3 rpg and 2.8 apg 10 games in Belgian championship. Demond Mallet led Charleroi to Belgian league title last season. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Belgian League Player of the Year -11. In the past, Mallet played for Turk Telekom, Joventut, Koln and Bamberg.

The regular season is over: Round 10 review - by Eurobasket News
Group A
Nancy - Olympiakos 74-79
Olympiakos celebrated 74-79 victory in Nancy on Thursday night. It was the last round of the Euroleague regular season and Olympiakos won the second place in Group A with 6-4 record. The Reds advanced to Top 16 phase. At the other side, Nancy ended as the last ranked team in this pool with 3-7. Olympiakos had nice second and last quarter to win this game. Pero Antic (210-F-82, agency: Beo Basket) was their key player with 20 points (valuation 28), Georgios Printezis (206-F-85, agency: FCM) had 18 points and 5 rebounds, while Kyle Hines (198-F-86) collected 8 points and 12 rebounds. Jamal Shuler (191-G-86) netted 18 pts and grabbed 9 rebounds for the hosts. Victor Samnick (203-F-79, college: Georgetown) stopped to 10 points, while starting PG John Linehan (175-G-78, college: Providence) had two less. Quarters: 27-21, 17-26, 20-14, 10-18. Olympiakos played this game without injured Vassilis Spanoulis.

Bennet Cantu - Fener.Ulker 76-83
Fenerbahce Ulker shined when it mattered most and celebrated crucial 76-83 victory in Cantu on Thursday night. The reigning Turkish champion won Group A of the Euroleague regular season with 6-3 record and of course advanced to Top 16. Cantu also booked a spot for the next stage, but as No.3 with 5-5 record. Great success for the Italian squad in its debut Euroleague season. Oguz Savas (212-C-87) led Fenerbahce with 21 points and 6 rebounds. Bojan Bogdanovic (203-G/F-89) had 19 points and 5 rebs while Roko-Leni Ukic (196-G-84) scored two points less than him. For the hosts, Giorgi Shermadini (216-C-89) (5 rebs) and Maarten Leunen (206-F-85, college: Oregon) netted 13 points each. Denis Marconato (212-C-75) followed with 10 points and 5 rebs. Quarters: 16-17, 15-14, 24-24, 21-28. Top 16 draw is scheduled for the next Wednesday in Barcelona.

Gescrap BB - Caja Laboral 77-72
Gescrap Bilbao advanced to the Euroleague Top 16. They grabbed 77-72 home victory against Caja Laboral and it was a do-or-die game for both teams. Bilbao jumped to fourth place in Group A, while Caja Laboral slipped to position No.5 and said goodbye to 2011/12 Euroleague edition. Both teams finished with 5-5 record, same as No.3 Bennet Cantu. Marko Banic (205-F-84) top-scored for the winners with 18 points, Janis Blums (190-G-82) had 11 and Alex Mumbru (202-F-79) (5 rebs) helped Bilbao with 10 pts. Visitors got 15 points and 7 rebounds from Milko Bjelica (207-C-84, agency: Beo Basket). Pablo Prigioni (191-G-77) and Mirza Teletovic (206-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) (7 rebs) stopped to 13 and 12 points respectively. *Bilbao was up by 3 with 30 seconds remaining in the game and Caja Laboral started committing fouls till Vasiliadis sank a couple of free throws with 25 seconds to go and the home team leading 73-68. Pablo Prigioni scored a fast layup later, while Vasiliadis became the man to foul on the other side. The Greek guard didnt miss either this time and even though Mirza Teletovic brought his team within 75-72 with 7 seconds to go, Janis Blums sealed the win with another pair to send his team to the Top 16 in its Euroleague debut season. (*Courtesy of Euroleague). Quarters: 20-20, 20-14, 18-18, 19-20. The Top 16 draw is scheduled for next Wednesday.

Group B
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.

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.

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.

Group C
Anadolu Efes - Real Madrid 66-75
Real Madrid is the winner of Group C with 8-2 record. The Spanish squad celebrated 66-75 victory against Anadolu Efes in Istanbul and it was the last round of the Euroleague regular season. Efes Pilsen finished as No.3 in this pool with 5-5 record. Both teams advanced to Top 16. Nikola Mirotic (209-F/C-91) led Real to this valuable win with 16 points. Sergio Llull (190-PG-87), Kyle Singler (203-F-88, college: Duke) and Jaycee Carroll (188-PG-83, agency: Priority Sports) followed him with 12 points each. For the hosts, Dusko Savanovic (204-F/C-83, agency: Beo Basket) shined with double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds. Sinan Guler (193-G-83, agency: 1x1 Sports, college: Carroll, MT) scored 13 pts, while Stanko Barac (217-C-86) added 11 pts and 9 boards. Real Madrid had impressive second half, what was enough for the victory. Quarters: 21-15, 22-21, 13-21, 10-18. Top 16 draw is scheduled for the next Wednesday.

Partizan - Armani MI 66-72
It was a do-or-die game for both teams. EA7 Armani demonstrated great performance in the last five minutes of third and also in the last quarter to celebrate 66-72 victory in Belgrade. The Milano team had to win with more than 4 points to book a spot for Top 16 and they did it. EA7 Armani jumped to fourth place in Group C with 4-6 record and Partizan dropped to fifth position with the same numbers. The Serbian powerhouse stays out of Top 16 phase this season. Malik Hairston (198-G-87, college: Oregon) led Milano with 18 points and Omar-Sharif Cook (186-PG-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.John's) added 17 points, plus 6 assists. Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) was third scorer in victory with 13 points. At the other side, Partizan got 14 points and 6 rebounds from Dragan Milosavljevic (198-G-89). Milan Macvan (206-C-89, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) had 13 pts and 11 rebs, while Miroslav Raduljica (213-C-88) collected 11 points and 8 boards. In heartbreaking finish Partizan found the three-point shot it needed to earn a Top 16 spot, but Danilo Andjusic missed it and EA7 Emporio Armani advanced to the next stage. Quarters: 18-14, 18-15, 14-22, 16-21. The Top 16 draw is scheduled for next Wednesday.

Spirou - Maccabi T-A 69-86
Maccabi Electra celebrated 69-86 victory in Charleroi on Thursday night and it was the last round of the Euroleague regular season. The Israeli powerhouse finished as the second ranked team of Group C with 7-3 record and advanced to Top 16 phase. At the other side, Charleroi said goodbye to 2011/12 Euroleague edition with only two wins (2-8). Keith Langford (193-G/F-83, college: Kansas) was the leading player in victory with 20 points and 5 rebounds. He reached valuation 27 and was the MVP of this game. David Blu (201-F-80, college: USC) had 13 points and 5 boards, while Guy Pnini (200-F/G-83) helped his team with 11 pts. Charleroi got 16 points and 5 rebs from Caleb Green (203-F-85, college: ORU). Demond Mallet (186-G-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: McNeese St.) and Christopher Hill (191-G-83, college: Michigan St.) scored 13 and 10 points respectively. Quarters: 16-22, 18-16, 15-30, 20-18. The Top 16 draw is scheduled for December 28 in Barcelona.

Group D
FCB Regal - 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.

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.

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.

Euroleague round 10 best performance: Pietro Aradori - by Eurobasket News
Shooting guard Pietro Aradori (194-SG-88) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Montepaschi, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 10.
The 23-year old player was the main contributor (23 points, seven rebounds and three assists) to his team's victory, helping them to outclass Asseco Prokom (#5, 1-9) with 26-point margin 79-53. Montepaschi finished as No.2 in Group D with 8-2 record and of course advanced to Top 16. It's Aradori's second year at Montepaschi and it's hard to imagine this team without him. Pietro Aradori averages this season 7.4ppg.

The second best player in last round's games was 31-year old Mario Kasun (213-C-80) of KK Zagreb CO. Kasun had a very good evening with 20 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists. Bad luck as KK Zagreb CO lost that do-or-die game 76-87 to Zalgiris (#4, 4-6). KK Zagreb ended as the last ranked team of Group B with 2-8 record. Kasun is well-known at KK Zagreb CO and is a proven leader in his second season with the team.

Third on the list of top players last round was Senegalese center Boniface Ndong (213-C-77) of FCB Regal. Ndong scored 16 points and grabbed six rebounds. He was a key player of FCB Regal, leading his team to a 79-50 easy win against ranked Galatasaray. Many experts and fans count FCB Regal as a contender for the title. Another victory and another confirmation that they may be right. Just look at their record: 9 victories and only one lost games, No.1 in Group D. Ndong has a very solid season. In 10 games in Euroleague he scored 6.3ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Keith Langford (193-G/F-83) of Maccabi T-A - 20 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Oguz Savas (212-C-87) of Fener.Ulker - 21 points and 6 rebounds
6. Pero Antic (210-F-82) of Olympiakos - 20 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Dusko Savanovic (204-F/C-83) of Anadolu Efes - 15 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists
8. Milan Macvan (206-C-89) of Partizan - 13 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists
9. Hrvoje Peric (203-F-85) of Unicaja - 16 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists
10. Nenad Krstic (213-C-83) of CSKA - 14 points and 6 rebounds

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

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


Antic and Printezis lead Reds to victory in Nancy - by Eurobasket News
Nancy - Olympiakos 74-79

Olympiakos celebrated 74-79 victory in Nancy on Thursday night. It was the last round of the Euroleague regular season and Olympiakos won the second place in Group A with 6-4 record. The Reds advanced to Top 16 phase. At the other side, Nancy ended as the last ranked team in this pool with 3-7. Olympiakos had nice second and last quarter to win this game. Pero Antic (210-F-82, agency: Beo Basket) was their key played with 20 points (valuation 28), Georgios Printezis (206-F-85, agency: FCM) had 18 points and 5 rebounds, while Kyle Hines (198-F-86) collected 8 points and 12 rebounds. Jamal Shuler (191-G-86) netted 18 pts and grabbed 9 rebounds for the hosts. Victor Samnick (203-F-79, college: Georgetown) stopped to 10 points, while starting PG John Linehan (175-G-78, college: Providence) had two less. Quarters: 27-21, 17-26, 20-14, 10-18. Olympiakos played this game without injured Vassilis Spanoulis.

Nancy: Jamal Shuler 18+9 boards, Victor Samnick 10, John Linehan 8
Olympiakos: Pero Antic 20, Georgios Printezis 18+5 boards, Kyle Hines 8+12 boards

Phoenix Suns waive swingman Mickael Pietrus after reaching a financial agreement - by Eurobasket News
The Phoenix Suns have waived swingman Mickael Pietrus (198-F-82, agency: Court Side) after reaching a financial agreement.

The move was announced by the team Thursday and lowered Phoenixs roster to 14 players.

In July, Pietrus exercised a player option to return to the Suns this season for a $5.3 million salary.

Pietrus underwent minor right knee surgery in July after the French national team declared him unable to play.

He also missed the final 12 games of the NBA season last season because of a quadriceps-tendon strain near the same knee.

Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com

*****************************************************
  FYR MACEDONIA   


Superleague Round 16: Lirija beats Kozuv by one after a very close game - by Eurobasket News
Eighth-ranked Kozuv (2-12) used its home court advantage to challenge fourth ranked Lirija (9-5) in Gergelija on Thursday. The visitors from Skopje managed to secure only one-point victory 78-77. However their fans expected much easier game. Kozuv was trailing by 3 points at halftime but managed to get 9-point lead after three quarters before a 30-20 charge of Lirija, which allowed them to win the game. 29 personal fouls committed by Kozuv helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of naturalized Serbian forward Nenad Zivcevic (204-87) who helped to win the game recording 26 points and 7 rebounds. Serbian guard Vladimir Filipovic (195-85) contributed with 24 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Serbian guard Dusan Domovic (190-85) replied with 21 points for Kozuv. Lirija have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 9-5 record. Kozuv lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the eighth place with 12 games lost. Lirija's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Skopje Fersped-Rabotnicki.
Another interesting game was a derby match between two teams from Skopje: Fersped-Rabotnicki (#5) and Torus Skopje (#3). Fersped-Rabotnicki (7-7) won against visiting Torus Skopje (10-4) 92-83. Worth to mention a great performance of Serbian power forward Milos Pavlovic (210-84, agency: BeoExcell) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 10 points and 13 rebounds and Brandon Cole who added 12 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side American power forward Justin Reynolds (204-88, college: Texas A&M-CC) responded with 20 points and 7 rebounds. Fersped-Rabotnicki have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain fifth position with 7-7 record. Torus Skopje at the other side keeps the third place with four games lost. Fersped-Rabotnicki's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Skopje to the arena Lirija.
The game between second ranked MZT Skopje (12-3) and 6th ranked Kumanovo 2009 (5-9) in Skopje on Tuesday ended with biggest points difference. MZT Skopje outscored guests from Kumanovo 104-75. The winners were led by Noah Dahlman who had that evening a double-double by scoring 19 points and 13 rebounds. Even 22 points by Milan Janjusevic did not help to save the game for Kumanovo 2009. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. MZT Skopje have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 12-3 record behind leader Feni Indistrija. Kumanovo 2009 lost third consecutive game. Loser Kumanovo 2009 keeps the sixth place with nine games lost. MZT Skopje's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Skopje to the arena .

In the last game of round 16 bottom-ranked ABA Strumica was beaten by Vardar on the road 85-75.
The most impressive performance of 16th round was 26 points and 6 rebounds by Vladimir Georgievski of Vardar.

Kozuv - Lirija 77-78

Eighth-ranked Kozuv (2-12) used its home court advantage to challenge fourth ranked Lirija (9-5) in Gergelija on Thursday. The visitors from Skopje managed to secure only one-point victory 78-77. However their fans expected much easier game. Kozuv was trailing by 3 points at halftime but managed to get 9-point lead after three quarters before a 30-20 charge of Lirija, which allowed them to win the game. 29 personal fouls committed by Kozuv helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of naturalized Serbian forward Nenad Zivcevic (204-87) who helped to win the game recording 26 points and 7 rebounds. Serbian guard Vladimir Filipovic (195-85) contributed with 24 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Serbian guard Dusan Domovic (190-85) replied with 21 points and guard Aleksandar Dimitrovski (193-80) added 13 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists in the effort for Kozuv. Five Kozuv players scored in double figures. Lirija have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 9-5 record. Kozuv lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the eighth place with 12 games lost. Lirija's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Skopje Fersped-Rabotnicki.
Top scorers:
Lirija: N.Zivcevic 26+7reb+2ast, V.Filipovic 24+5reb, S.Avramovski 13+3reb, T.Simic 6+8reb+2ast, D.Nedelkovski 3+1reb, C.Morban 3+1reb+1ast
Kozuv: D.Domovic 21+4reb+3ast, M.Golubovic 15+4reb, A.Dimitrovski 13+5reb+6ast, D.Vegov 11+5reb+2ast, B.Tomasevic 11+5reb+2ast, V.Eftimov 3+3reb+3ast
gschID: 151679


MZT Skopje - Kumanovo 104-75

The game between second ranked MZT Skopje (12-3) and 6th ranked Kumanovo 2009 (5-9) in Skopje on Tuesday ended with biggest points difference. MZT Skopje outscored guests from Kumanovo 104-75. The game was mostly controlled by MZT Skopje. Kumanovo 2009 managed to win fourth quarter 21-11. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. MZT Skopje had a 28-17 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by Kumanovo 2009's players. The winners were led by American forward Noah Dahlman (200-89, college: Wofford) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 19 points and 13 rebounds and international center Todor Gecevski (209-77, agency: Interperformances) supported him with 22 points (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). Four MZT Skopje players scored in double figures. Even 22 points by Serbian forward Milan Janjusevic (196-83) did not help to save the game for Kumanovo 2009. Serbian forward Dejan Mikic (201-86) added 16 points 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. MZT Skopje have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 12-3 record behind leader Feni Indistrija. Kumanovo 2009 lost third consecutive game. Loser Kumanovo 2009 keeps the sixth place with nine games lost. MZT Skopje's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Skopje to the arena .
Top scorers:
MZT Skopje: T.Gecevski 22+4reb, N.Dahlman 19+13reb, I.Mijajlovic 16+2reb+4ast, O.Stojanovski 12+4ast, T.Grncarov 12+2reb, N.Gajdadjiev 9+2reb+2ast
Kumanovo: M.Janjusevic 22+4reb+3ast, D.Mikic 16+3reb, N.Jelesijevic 11+4reb+1ast, M.Janevski 9+7reb+1ast, D.Matic 6+3reb, M.Petrovski 4+2reb
gschID: 151676


Rabotnicki - Torus Skopje 92-83

Another interesting game was a derby match between two teams from Skopje: Fersped-Rabotnicki (#5) and Torus Skopje (#3). Fersped-Rabotnicki (7-7) won against visiting Torus Skopje (10-4) 92-83. The hosts were already 15 points ahead at halftime and as many as 18 after three quarters before a 22-13 last quarter charge of Torus Skopje cut the lead to 92-83 at the end of the game. They outrebounded Torus Skopje 38-27 including 27 on the defensive glass. Fersped-Rabotnicki shot the lights out from three nailing 12 long-distance shots on high 54.5 percentage. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of Serbian power forward Milos Pavlovic (210-84, agency: BeoExcell) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 10 points and 13 rebounds and American power forward Brandon Cole (203-84, college: Xavier, agency: Global Sports Plaza) who added 12 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side American power forward Justin Reynolds (204-88, college: Texas A&M-CC) responded with 20 points and 7 rebounds and international guard Dimitar Karadzovski (190-84, agency: Global Sports Plaza) scored 15 points and 8 assists (made all of his eight free throws). Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Fersped-Rabotnicki have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain fifth position with 7-7 record. Torus Skopje at the other side keeps the third place with four games lost. Fersped-Rabotnicki's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Skopje to the arena Lirija.
Top scorers:
Rabotnicki: V.Zujovic 17+3reb+1ast, D.Tasovski 12+4reb+5ast, B.Cole 12+7reb+3ast, J.Petrovski 11+1reb+2ast, M.Pavlovic 10+13reb+1ast, G.Jovanovic 9+4reb
Torus Skopje: J.Reynolds 20+7reb+2ast, D.Karadzovski 15+1reb+8ast, P.Blazevski 13+3reb+1ast, B.Trajkovski 13+4reb+4ast, G.Markovski 8+7reb+1ast, I.Dimcevski 6+2reb
gschID: 151678


Vardar - ABA Strumica 85-75

No shocking result in a game when seventh ranked Vardar (4-10) beat bottom-ranked ABA Strumica (2-13) in Skopje 85-75 on Wednesday. ABA Strumica was tied after three quarters but could not keep up in the last quarter eventually losing the game. Vardar made 24-of-30 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Strangely ABA Strumica outrebounded Vardar 40-28 including 19 on the offensive glass. The winners were led by swingman Vladimir Georgievski (194-82) who scored that evening 26 points and 6 rebounds and guard Darko Radulovic (194-80) supported him with 22 points. Even 17 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) by guard Zoran Delev (184-84) did not help to save the game for ABA Strumica. American center John Chappell (208, college: S.Carolina) added 10 points and 9 rebounds for lost side. Four ABA Strumica players scored in double figures. Newly promoted Vardar maintains seventh position with 4-10 record. ABA Strumica lost seventh consecutive game. They stay at the bottom place with 13 games lost. Vardar will meet Kozuv (#8) in the next round. ABA Strumica will play against Kumanovo 2009 and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Vardar: V.Georgievski 26+6reb+3ast, D.Radulovic 22+3reb+2ast, A.Shterjov 13+3reb, A.Tasevski 9+1reb+3ast, F.Kralevski 7+7reb+1ast, P.Pajic 4+5reb+1ast
ABA Strumica: Z.Delev 17+3reb+2ast, M.Hasanov 17+4reb, K.Karamanolev 14+2reb, J.Chappell 10+9reb+3ast, J.Kurciev 6+4reb+1ast, P.Cvetkov 5+1reb+3ast
gschID: 151675




D1 Standings
Superleague Standings
 1. Feni Indistrija 13-1 
 2. MZT Skopje 12-3 
 3. Torus Skopje 10-4 
 4. Lirija 9-5 
 5. Rabotnicki 7-7 
 6. Kumanovo 5-9 
 7. Vardar 4-10 
 8. Kozuv 2-12 
 9. ABA Strumica 2-13 


Stats Leaders - Superleague
Points Per Game
 Dusan DOMOVIC
  Kozuv
  (190-G-85)
  Avg: 22
 1. Domovic, Kozuv22.0 
 2. Brooks, ABA S.21.0 
 3. Boswell, ABA S.19.3 
 4. Radulovic, Vardar18.5 
 5. Tasovski, Rabotnic.17.7 
 6. Gecevski, MZT S.17.6 
 7. Nikolovski, Feni I.17.5 
 8. Zivcevic, Lirija17.4 
 9. Jelesijevic, Kuman.17.1 
 10. Karadzovski, Toru.16.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Noah DAHLMAN
  MZT S.
  (200-F-89)
  Avg: 9.2
 1. Dahlman, MZT S.9.2 
 2. Gecevski, MZT S.8.7 
 3. Mitchell, Lirija8.2 
 4. Nikolovski, Feni I.8.1 
 5. Reynolds, Torus S.7.8 
 6. Trajkovski, Torus7.4 
 7. Cekovski, MZT S.7.3 
 8. Jelesijevic, Kuman.6.6 
 9. Simic, Lirija6.5 
 10. Hadzivasilev, ABA6.5 
Assists Per Game
 Carlos MORBAN
  Lirija
  (187-G-82)
  Avg: 3.7
 1. Morban, Lirija3.7 
 2. Petrovski, Rabotni.3.7 
 3. Karadzovski, Torus3.6 
 4. Frye, Feni Indistr.3.2 
 5. Tasevski, Vardar3.2 
 6. Mijajlovic, MZT S.3.1 
 7. Zivcevic, Lirija3.0 
 8. Tomasevic, Kozuv3.0 
 9. Stojanovski, MZT S.2.9 
 10. Cekovski, MZT S.2.9 
Steals Per Game
 Jarrid FRYE
  Feni Indistrija
  (194-G/F-85)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Frye, Feni Indistr.2.7 
 2. Tasovski, Rabotnic.2.0 
 3. Filipovic, Lirija1.6 
 4. Morban, Lirija1.5 
 5. Simonovski, Feni I.1.3 
 6. Brooks, ABA S.1.3 
 7. Kostoski, Kumanovo1.2 
 8. Tomasevic, Kozuv1.2 
 9. Tasevski, Vardar1.2 
 10. Bogoev, Rabotnic.1.1 
Blocks Per Game
 Nemanja JELESIJEVIC
  Kumanovo
  (209-C/F-79)
  Avg: 1.4
 1. Jelesijevic, Kuman.1.4 
 2. Chappell, ABA S.1.2 
 3. Gecevski, MZT S.1.1 
 4. Trajkovski, Torus1.0 
 5. Cole, Rabotnicki0.9 
 6. Simic, Lirija0.8 
 7. Reynolds, Torus S.0.8 
 8. Kralevski, Vardar0.8 
 9. Mitchell, Lirija0.7 
 10. Avramovski, Lirija0.7 


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  GEORGIA   


Geogian Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Larry BLAIR
  MIA Tbilisi
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 30.2
 1. Blair, MIA Tbilisi30.2 
 2. Parghalava, Sokhu.25.3 
 3. Patsatsia, Sokhumi24.6 
 4. Kreps, MIA Tbilisi23.1 
 5. Carter, Dinamo T.22.8 
 6. Niniashvili, TSU T.21.1 
 7. Chikviladze, Samed.17.6 
 8. Khmelidze, Rustavi16.9 
 9. Barbakadze, Kutaisi16.9 
 10. Keshelava, Batumi16.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Keyon CARTER
  Dinamo T.
  (203-F-88)
  Avg: 15.3
 1. Carter, Dinamo T.15.3 
 2. Patsatsia, Sokhumi11.4 
 3. Milutinovic, Olymp.10.2 
 4. Niniashvili, TSU T.9.9 
 5. Matiashvili, Kutai.9.8 
 6. Machaladze, STU T.9.4 
 7. Bekauri, Samedicino9.4 
 8. Keshelava, Batumi9.3 
 9. Hoger, Olympus8.6 
 10. Smith, MIA Tbilisi7.6 
Assists Per Game
 Giorgi GAMQRELIDZE
  Olympus
  (183-G-86)
  Avg: 9.3
 1. Gamqrelidze, Olymp.9.3 
 2. Chitashvili, TSU T.7.0 
 3. Gaines, Armia6.5 
 4. Blair, MIA Tbilisi6.4 
 5. Artsividze, Rustavi6.2 
 6. Mikeladze, Batumi5.9 
 7. Parghalava, Sokhu.5.3 
 8. Matiashvili, Kutai.4.6 
 9. Tsekvava, Kutaisi4.3 
 10. Bakradze, Dinamo4.2 
Steals Per Game
 Larry BLAIR
  MIA Tbilisi
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 3.6
 1. Blair, MIA Tbilisi3.6 
 2. Ramishvili, Batumi3.0 
 3. Gaines, Armia2.5 
 4. Kokhreidze, TSU T.2.4 
 5. Chachanidze, Rust.2.4 
 6. Beruashvili, STU T.2.1 
 7. Gulisabedash., Oly.1.9 
 8. Machaladze, STU T.1.9 
 9. Gamqrelidze, Olymp.1.9 
 10. Chitashvili, TSU1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Beka BEKAURI
  Samedicino
  (207-C-91)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Bekauri, Samedicino2.4 
 2. Toudjani, MIA T.1.5 
 3. Atuashvili, Sokhumi1.4 
 4. Ilic, Samedicino1.4 
 5. Beruashvili, STU T.1.4 
 6. Matiashvili, Kutai.1.4 
 7. Kjellbom, Armia1.4 
 8. Milutinovic, Olymp.1.3 
 9. Shermadini, TSU T.1.1 
 10. Machaladze, STU1.1 


Highest League Standing
Superleague Standings
 1. Armia 9-0 
 2. Olympus 8-1 
 3. Kutaisi 8-2 
 4. Sokhumi 6-3 
 5. MIA Tbilisi 6-4 
 6. TSU Tbilisi 4-5 
 7. STU Tbilisi 4-5 
 8. Dinamo Tbilisi 3-6 
 9. Samedicino 3-7 
 10. Batumi 1-9 
 11. Rustavi 0-10 


*****************************************************
  GERMANY   


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. NY Phantoms 8-6 
 6. B.Muenchen 8-6 
 7. s.Oliver Baskets 8-6 
 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 11-4 
 3. Crailsheim 9-5 
 4. Chemnitz 9-6 
 5. Duesseldorf 8-6 
 6. NBC 8-7 
 7. Jena 8-7 
 8. Webmoebel 8-7 
 9. Heidelberg 7-7 
 10. Ehingen 7-8 
 11. ETB Wohnbau 6-9 
 12. Cuxhaven 6-9 
 13. Braves 5-10 
 14. Karlsruhe 5-10 
 15. Leitershofen 2-12 


Stats Leaders - 1.Bundesliga
Points Per Game
 Bobby BROWN
  EWE Baskets
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 18.9
 1. Brown, EWE Baskets18.9 
 2. Holston, Art.Drag.18.2 
 3. Carter, Phoenix17.4 
 4. Gray, Fraport SKY16.0 
 5. Wood, ALBA15.6 
 6. Foster, B.Muenchen15.5 
 7. Ensminger, Teleko.15.2 
 8. Swann, Ratiopharm15.1 
 9. Jonusas, Phoenix15.0 
 10. Brooks, Phoenix14.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 John BRYANT
  Ratiopharm
  (208-C-87)
  Avg: 9.8
 1. Bryant, Ratiopharm9.8 
 2. Ensminger, Teleko.8.2 
 3. Chubb, EWE Baskets8.0 
 4. Leuer, Fraport SKY7.8 
 5. Davidson, Fraport7.3 
 6. Sykes, Goettingen7.2 
 7. Troutman, B.Mue.6.9 
 8. Watts, Ratiopharm6.7 
 9. Ovcina, LTi 46ers6.4 
 10. Zirbes, TBB Trier6.4 
Assists Per Game
 Jared JORDAN
  Telekom .
  (188-PG-84)
  Avg: 7.6
 1. Jordan, Telekom7.6 
 2. Holston, Art.Drag.5.8 
 3. Wood, ALBA5.5 
 4. Joyce, TBB Trier5.4 
 5. Brewer, Bremerha.5.1 
 6. Brown, EWE Baskets5.0 
 7. Campbell, Walter T.4.5 
 8. Hamann, B.Muenchen4.5 
 9. Gibson, Bayreuth4.4 
 10. Gavel, Brose B.3.7 
Steals Per Game
 Nate LINHART
  TBB Trier
  (201-F-86)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Linhart, TBB Trier1.8 
 2. Dorris, EnBW L.1.8 
 3. Holston, Art.Drag.1.5 
 4. Carter, Phoenix1.5 
 5. Wood, ALBA1.5 
 6. Crowe, Phoenix1.4 
 7. Redding, Walter T.1.3 
 8. Tucker, Brose B.1.3 
 9. Gavel, Brose B.1.2 
 10. Burrell, EWE B.1.2 
Blocks Per Game
 Tony GAFFNEY
  Teleko.
  (204-F-84)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Gaffney, Teleko.2.2 
 2. Ibekwe, Bayreuth2.2 
 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.Dragons1.2 
 9. Bryant, Ratiopharm1.2 
 10. Davidson, Fraport1.1 


Chris Kramer (s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg)We Have To Set The Tone On the Defensive End And Play With Urgency Against FC Bayern Munich - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Chris Kramer (191-G-88, college: Purdue) is a 23 year old 191cm guard from Huntington, Indiana that is playing his first season in Germany for the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg. He played at Purdue from 2006-2010 reaching the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2010 and in his senior year he played 35 games averaging 6.5ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.3apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 74.7%. In the summer of 2010, he played NBA Summer league in Orlando for the Indiana Pacers. As a rookie last season he played for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants (D-League) playing 41 games averaging 13.8ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.8apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 81.9%. Last summer, he played for Mets de Guaynabo (Puerto Rico-BSN) playing 12 games averaging 8.8ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.9apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 69.8%. He spoke to Eurobasket before the game against FC Bayern Munich December 23rd.


A tough 73-70 loss in Hagen. Describe the last play in which Marc carter was able to win the game?

Carter had the ball and brought it up in a hurry and took a high arcing 3 with roughly four seconds left that banked in. He got a bit of a screen and a defender slipped and fell. It was a great play by him but losing like that sucks.

The s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg have lost 4 of the last 5 games. What have been the key factors why the team has had problems winning recently?

Rebounding and getting stops on the defensive end have been problems for us I believe. When we don't rebound its hard to get out in transition and get easy buckets when the defensive is not set. Rebounds are just extra possessions and more chances at the other teams to score against our defense. I think they both go hand in hand. We may get a stop but if we don't finish the play with the rebound all the defense we just played was worthless and we have to go again for another 24 seconds. We have to reward ourselves for playing good defense.

The next game is against FC Bayern Munich. When you hear this name, what comes to mind first?

First thing that comes to my mind is the Soccer team. Obviously, they have a very good basketball team as well but I hope to get a chance to check out a soccer game and see the atmosphere.

FC Bayern Munich has a very deep club, but are up and down with a 4-4 record recently. What will be key in getting the win?

I think with injuries and things that happen during the course of the season teams will have stretches like they have. They have a very good team with a lot of shooters. They have some National Team players so you know that this team is very capable of being a very good team on any given night. I think the key is defense and rebounding. We have to set a tone on the defensive end and play with urgency.

Did you ever play against Ben Hansborough in the NCAA? If yes what memories do you have off him and can he reach the NBA some day?

I never played against Ben in college. I was able to watch him a number of times though. He is a very good player who can really get it going. He had a very good career at Notre Dame after transferring in. I think he has a chance to reach the NBA but a lot of people have a chance. If he is given the opportunity he has to make the most of it. Every basketball player has that dream of playing in the NBA.

How competitive will the Los Angeles Clippers be this season with Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and Deandre Jordan?

The Clippers should be very competitive but will they be a great team I am not sure. Obviously CP3 is a huge pick up for them with the high flyers of BG and DJ. There are still a lot of questions regarding the NBA and how some teams will play.

The Dallas Mavericks are older with Vince Carter and Lamar Odom. What can this team achieve this season?

I think Dallas has a great chance to repeat but it is going to be tougher. JJ Barea was a huge lift for them in the playoffs and they are going to need a back up PG to give them off the bench. Vince and Lamar are both very skilled but are going to have to get used to playing with Dirk. They could have a very big line up on the floor at time I think.

Thanks Chris for the chat.


Stats Leaders - 2.Bundesliga
Points Per Game
 Martin SAMARCO
  Karlsruhe
  (191-G-85)
  Avg: 21.1
 1. Samarco, Karlsruhe21.1 
 2. Reese, Duesseldorf20.3 
 3. McKiver, Braves20.2 
 4. Stommes, Webmoebel19.3 
 5. Hassan, Leitersh.18.0 
 6. Roessler, Karlsruhe17.8 
 7. Alexander, ETB W.17.8 
 8. Howard, Karlsruhe17.5 
 9. Capel, Cuxhaven16.9 
 10. Webb, Crailsheim16.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Justin HOWARD
  Karlsruhe
  (208-C-81)
  Avg: 10.7
 1. Howard, Karlsruhe10.7 
 2. Uskoski, Kirchheim8.5 
 3. Webb, Crailsheim8.0 
 4. Black, Jena8.0 
 5. Lawson, Chemnitz7.7 
 6. Richardson, Leiter.7.6 
 7. Harris, Cuxhaven7.4 
 8. Mason, Webmoebel6.9 
 9. De Michael, NBC6.8 
 10. Watts, Heidelberg6.6 
Assists Per Game
 Ahmad SMITH
  Kirchheim
  (194-G-84)
  Avg: 6.1
 1. Smith, Kirchheim6.1 
 2. Johnson, Chemnitz5.7 
 3. Jeka, Braves5.5 
 4. Holcomb Faye, MBC4.9 
 5. Burgess, Heidelberg4.6 
 6. Chavis, NBC4.5 
 7. Reese, Duesseldorf4.5 
 8. Diggs, Webmoebel4.5 
 9. Rice, Cuxhaven4.4 
 10. Hill, Crailsheim4.4 
Steals Per Game
 Cedric BROOKS
  Kirchheim
  (185-G-80)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Brooks, Kirchheim2.3 
 2. Bowlin, Leitershof.1.9 
 3. Rice, Cuxhaven1.8 
 4. Capel, Cuxhaven1.7 
 5. Johnson, Chemnitz1.7 
 6. Ishizaki, Chemnitz1.6 
 7. Harris, NBC1.5 
 8. Williamson, Ehingen1.5 
 9. Diggs, Webmoebel1.5 
 10. Hill, Crailsheim1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Dmitriy CHEREMNYKH
  Braves
  (213-C-78)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Cheremnykh, Braves1.8 
 2. De Michael, NBC1.5 
 3. Zipser, Heidelberg1.3 
 4. Williamson, Ehingen1.2 
 5. Howard, Karlsruhe0.9 
 6. Oakes, MBC0.9 
 7. Flomo, Duesseldorf0.9 
 8. Okoye, NBC0.9 
 9. Harris, Cuxhaven0.9 
 10. Thomas, Kirchheim0.8 


*****************************************************
  GREECE   


End December's list of Greek Free agents - by Chris Mammides
We have reached nearly the first half of the Greek A1 league, and the list of the free agents is still quite long. Some transactions have been made but the list was enriched with some new members that are currently free agents. Eurobasket is presenting the refreshed list with some new additions and some deductions. Here is the bright new outcome of our research

In the Guard position:
Georgios Diamantopoulos (195-F-80)
Nikos Hatzivrettas (195-G-77)
Prodromos Nikolaidis (201-F-78). He split ways with Maroussi and became a free agent
Triantafillos Tzakopoulos (187-G-85)
Fotis Lioutas (193-G-80, college: S.New Hampshire)
Dimitrios Kalaitzidis (198-F/G-85)
Nikos Pappas (194-G-90) (he has a frozen contract with Bizkaia Bilbao)
Lazaros Seferidis (192-G-82)*

In the forward position:
Nikos Theodorakos (202-F-89) went undrafted in the 2011 NBA Draft making him an Unrestricted FA.
Antonis Kesisoglou (206-F-91)
Luke Hristou (195-F-88)
Vasilis Angelakopoulos (203-F-79) He is participating in Foinikas Larissas friendly games (as he comes from Larissa) but he is still a free agent
Giorgos Pavlidis (206-F-78)
Milos Sakota (203-F-84)

In the center position:
Jacob Blankenship (207-C-90)
Georgios Tsiakos (205-F/C-82) He is in talks with AEK Athens and Kolossos Rodou
Miroslav Raicevic (208-C-81)
Giorgos Loupos (208-C-78)*

* For these three players there is some doubts whether are still active players as there are no news for possible retirement



Antic and Printezis lead Reds to victory in Nancy - by Eurobasket News
Nancy - Olympiakos 74-79

Olympiakos celebrated 74-79 victory in Nancy on Thursday night. It was the last round of the Euroleague regular season and Olympiakos won the second place in Group A with 6-4 record. The Reds advanced to Top 16 phase. At the other side, Nancy ended as the last ranked team in this pool with 3-7. Olympiakos had nice second and last quarter to win this game. Pero Antic (210-F-82, agency: Beo Basket) was their key played with 20 points (valuation 28), Georgios Printezis (206-F-85, agency: FCM) had 18 points and 5 rebounds, while Kyle Hines (198-F-86) collected 8 points and 12 rebounds. Jamal Shuler (191-G-86) netted 18 pts and grabbed 9 rebounds for the hosts. Victor Samnick (203-F-79, college: Georgetown) stopped to 10 points, while starting PG John Linehan (175-G-78, college: Providence) had two less. Quarters: 27-21, 17-26, 20-14, 10-18. Olympiakos played this game without injured Vassilis Spanoulis.

Nancy: Jamal Shuler 18+9 boards, Victor Samnick 10, John Linehan 8
Olympiakos: Pero Antic 20, Georgios Printezis 18+5 boards, Kyle Hines 8+12 boards

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


Maccabi Electra signs Demond Mallet - by Eurobasket News
Demond Mallet (186-G-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: McNeese St.) is a member of Maccabi Electra. The player signed a deal for rest of the season, including an option for the 2012/13. Mallet played his last game for Charleroi last night and their rival was Maccabi. The American scored 13 points in this meeting and Charleroi faced with 69-86 home loss. Demond Mallet appeared 12 times in Euroleague this season (including qualifications) averaging 16.6 points, 3.1 assists and 2.3 rebounds. He also added 16.3 ppg, 3 rpg and 2.8 apg 10 games in Belgian championship. Demond Mallet led Charleroi to Belgian league title last season. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Belgian League Player of the Year -11. In the past, Mallet played for Turk Telekom, Joventut, Koln and Bamberg.

Maccabi Electra cruises past Belgacom Spirou in Charleroi - by Eurobasket News
Belgacom Spirou - Maccabi Electra 69-86

Maccabi Electra celebrated 69-86 victory in Charleroi on Thursday night and it was the last round of the Euroleague regular season. The Israeli powerhouse finished as the second ranked team of Group C with 7-3 record and advanced to Top 16 phase. At the other side, Charleroi said goodbye to 2011/12 Euroleague edition with only two wins (2-8). Keith Langford (193-G/F-83, college: Kansas) was the leading player in victory with 20 points and 5 rebounds. He reached valuation 27 and was the MVP of this game. David Blu (201-F-80, college: USC) had 13 points and 5 boards, while Guy Pnini (200-F/G-83) helped his team with 11 pts. Charleroi got 16 points and 5 rebs from Caleb Green (203-F-85, college: ORU). Demond Mallet (186-G-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: McNeese St.) and Christopher Hill (191-G-83, college: Michigan St.) scored 13 and 10 points respectively. Quarters: 16-22, 18-16, 15-30, 20-18. The Top 16 draw is scheduled for December 28 in Barcelona.

Belgacom Spirou: Caleb Green 16+5 boards, Demond Mallet 13, Christopher Hill 10
Maccabi Electra: Keith Langford 20+5 boards, David Blu 13+5 boards, Guy Pnini 11

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


Fenerbahce Ulker celebrates in Cantu, wins Group A - by Eurobasket News
Bennet Cantu - Fenerbahce Ulker 76-83

Fenerbahce Ulker shined when it mattered most and celebrated crucial 76-83 victory in Cantu on Thursday night. The reigning Turkish champion won Group A of the Euroleague regular season with 6-3 record and of course advanced to Top 16. Cantu also booked a spot for the next stage, but as No.3 with 5-5 record. Great success for the Italian squad in its debut Euroleague season. Oguz Savas (212-C-87) led Fenerbahce with 21 points and 6 rebounds. Bojan Bogdanovic (203-G/F-89) had 19 points and 5 rebs while Roko-Leni Ukic (196-G-84) scored two points less than him. For the hosts, Giorgi Shermadini (216-C-89) (5 rebs) and Maarten Leunen (206-F-85, college: Oregon) netted 13 points each. Denis Marconato (212-C-75) followed with 10 points and 5 rebs. Quarters: 16-17, 15-14, 24-24, 21-28. Top 16 draw is scheduled for the next Wednesday in Barcelona.

Bennet Cantu: Giorgi Shermadini 13+5 boards, Maarten Leunen 13, Denis Marconato 10+5 boards
Fenerbahce Ulker: Oguz Savas 21+6 boards, Bojan Bogdanovic 19+5 boards, Roko-Leni Ukic 17

Nazionale A Round 16: Chieti loses #1 position - by Eurobasket News
There were many interesting games last round. The round ended with change at the leadership position, extra overtimes, favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin.

Round 16 in Nazionale A means a new league leader. The biggest surprise took place in Orlandina where host Orlandina (10-6) beat league's leader Chieti (8-8) 74-67 on Thursday evening. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Chieti. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 20-14. But Chieti won second period 18-16. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Orlandina forced 21 Chieti turnovers. The former international guard Fabio Zanelli (196-76) fired 24 points for the winners. Guard Filippo Alessandri (190-89) chipped in 12 points and 8 rebounds. The former international center Emanuele Rossi (208-82) produced a double-double by scoring 15 points and 15 rebounds for lost side. Orlandina moved-up to second place, which they share with Treviglio and Ferentino. Chieti at the other side, also newcomer in the league, dropped to the second position with eight games lost. They share it with 4 other teams. They were replaced at the leadership position by Trento. Chieti will play next round against strong Latina Basket trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Orlandina will try to continue on its current victory against sixth ranked Ruvo in Ruvo di Puglia.
The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Bari as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Bari edged much higher ranked Ferentino at home 72-69. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Marco Cardillo (196-85) who helped to win the game recording 16 points and 8 rebounds. Antonio Ruggiero contributed with 16 points for the winners. Power forward Antonio Iannuzzi (207-91) replied with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 12 rebounds for Ferentino. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Casalpusterlengo. Ferentino at the other side keeps the second place with six games lost. They share the position with Treviglio and Orlandina. Ferentino will play next round against Anagni trying to get back on the winning streak. Bari will try to continue on its current victory against first ranked Napoli on the road.

Rest of the games of round 16 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Fabriano was defeated by Latina Basket in a road game 87-75. San Severo was beaten by Napoli at home 54-67. Ruvo lost to Matera on the opponent's court 59-69. Anagni was outscored by Recanati in a home game 63-83. Trento managed to beat Firenze on the road 65-50. Pavia defeated Santarcangelo on its own court 70-65. Treviglio was beaten by Castelletto in a road game 85-68. Torino destroyed Comsum.it SI at home 101-74.
The best stats of 16th round was 23 points and 13 rebounds by Marco Portannese of Torino.

Latina Basket - Fabriano 87-75

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 5th ranked Fabriano's (5-11) road loss to fourth ranked Latina Basket (8-8) 75-87 on Thursday. The game was mostly controlled by Latina Basket. Fabriano was better in third quarter 19-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Latina Basket forced 19 Fabriano turnovers. Naturalized Serbian forward Marko Micevic (198-89) fired 22 points and 6 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) for the winners. Guard Tommaso Milani (190-88) chipped in 14 points, 5 assists and 6 steals. Latina Basket's coach Mattia Ferrari used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Power forward Luca Usberti (201-73) produced 16 points and 6 rebounds and forward Giorgio Sgobba (202-92) added 18 points respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Latina Basket moved-up to second place, which they share with 4 other teams. Newly promoted Fabriano dropped to the fourth position with 11 games lost. Latina Basket will face Chieti (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Fabriano will play against Matera and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Latina Basket: M.Micevic 22+6reb+1ast, R.Romano 15+2reb, T.Milani 14+3reb+5ast, A.Quarisa 12+8reb, G.Gazzotti 9+5reb+3ast, T.Plateo 7+2reb+2ast
Fabriano: G.Sgobba 18+3reb, L.Usberti 16+6reb+1ast, C.Fontani 15+2reb+2ast, M.Gigena 12+3reb+1ast, N.Manuel Stanic 5+3reb+3ast, A.Iardella 4+3reb+1ast
gschID: 135750


Orlandina - Chieti 74-67

Round 16 in Nazionale A means a new league leader. The biggest surprise took place in Orlandina where host Orlandina (10-6) beat league's leader Chieti (8-8) 74-67 on Thursday evening. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Chieti. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 20-14. But Chieti won second period 18-16. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Orlandina forced 21 Chieti turnovers. The former international guard Fabio Zanelli (196-76) fired 24 points for the winners. Guard Filippo Alessandri (190-89) chipped in 12 points and 8 rebounds. The former international center Emanuele Rossi (208-82) produced a double-double by scoring 15 points and 15 rebounds and naturalized San Marino swingman Andrea Raschi (200-79) added 13 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. Four Chieti players scored in double figures. Orlandina moved-up to second place, which they share with Treviglio and Ferentino. Chieti at the other side, also newcomer in the league, dropped to the second position with eight games lost. They share it with 4 other teams. They were replaced at the leadership position by Trento. Chieti will play next round against strong Latina Basket trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Orlandina will try to continue on its current victory against sixth ranked Ruvo in Ruvo di Puglia.
Top scorers:
Orlandina: F.Zanelli 24+1ast, F.Alessandri 12+8reb+2ast, M.Cardinali 11+1reb+1ast, G.Zampolli 11+3reb+5ast, A.Benevelli 8+10reb+1ast, T.De Min 6+5reb+4ast
Chieti: E.Rossi 15+15reb+1ast, A.Raschi 13+6reb+2ast, M.Diomede 12+3reb+5ast, T.Ingrosso 11+1reb+1ast, A.Porfido 6+1reb+3ast, A.Martelli 5+7reb+1ast
gschID: 135751


San Severo - Napoli 54-67

No shocking result in a game when first ranked Napoli (12-4) defeated on the road 4th ranked Mazzeo San Severo (7-9) 67-54 on Thursday. The game was mostly controlled by Napoli. Mazzeo San Severo was better in third quarter 13-6. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Naturalized Argentinian guard Bernardo Musso (192-86) fired 27 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Center Andrea Iannilli (207-84) chipped in a double-double by scoring 10 points and 15 rebounds. Swingman Ivan Scarponi (196-86) produced 12 points and forward Giovanni Fattori (202-85) added 10 points respectively for lost side. Newly promoted Napoli maintains first position with 12-4 record. Loser Mazzeo San Severo keeps the fourth place with nine games lost. Napoli will face league's leader Bari in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Mazzeo San Severo will play against the league's second-placed Recanati and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Napoli: B.Musso 27+6reb+3ast, N.Rizzitiello 16+3reb+1ast, A.Iannilli 10+15reb+1ast, N.Sabbatino 4+1reb+1ast, S.Gatti 4+5reb, S.Lenardon 2+1ast
San Severo: I.Scarponi 12+3reb+1ast, G.Fattori 10+4reb, R.Marzoli 10+3reb, F.Amoroso 6+6reb+1ast, F.Candido 6+6reb, M.Poluzzi 5+6reb
gschID: 135752


Matera - Ruvo 69-59

There was a minor upset when 6th ranked Ruvo (2-14) was defeated on the road by sixth ranked Matera (6-10) 69-59 on Thursday. The game was mostly controlled by Matera. Ruvo was better in second period 17-16. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 16-of-21 free shots (76.2 percent) during the game. Matera forced 19 Ruvo turnovers. Ruvo was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. The former international swingman Andrea Pilotti (196-80, agency: Players Group) fired 18 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Center Raffaele Martone (207-90) chipped in 12 points and 6 rebounds. Marco Tagliabue (206-86) produced 15 points and guard Tommaso Laquintana (183-95) added 12 points and 4 steals respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Matera moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Anagni. Ruvo lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the sixth position with 14 games lost. Matera will face Fabriano (#5) in the next round. Ruvo will play against the league's second-placed Orlandina.
Top scorers:
Matera: A.Pilotti 18+5reb+2ast, A.LaGioia 12, R.Martone 12+6reb, P.Aprea 10+3reb, S.Vico 8+4reb+6ast, G.Cantagalli 6+2reb+1ast
Ruvo: M.Tagliabue 15+4reb+1ast, T.Laquintana 12+4reb, C.Villani 11+3reb+1ast, F.Emejuru 10+6reb, G.Valesin 7+3reb, S.Zanotti 2
gschID: 135753


Bari - Ferentino 72-69

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Bari as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Bari edged much higher ranked Ferentino at home 72-69. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 23-17. But Ferentino won second period 25-24. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Bari had a 37-22 advantage in offensive rebounds. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Marco Cardillo (196-85) who helped to win the game recording 16 points and 8 rebounds. Guard Antonio Ruggiero (190-81) contributed with 16 points for the winners. Four Bari players scored in double figures. Power forward Antonio Iannuzzi (207-91) replied with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 12 rebounds and guard Simone Bonfiglio (181-88) added 12 points and 4 assists in the effort for Ferentino. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Casalpusterlengo. Ferentino at the other side keeps the second place with six games lost. They share the position with Treviglio and Orlandina. Ferentino will play next round against Anagni trying to get back on the winning streak. Bari will try to continue on its current victory against first ranked Napoli on the road.
Top scorers:
Bari: A.Ruggiero 16+4reb+1ast, M.Cardillo 16+8reb+3ast, D.Morena 11+6reb+2ast, F.Mian 10+2reb, M.Bona 5+7reb+6ast, S.Gigena 5+4reb+2ast
Ferentino: A.Iannuzzi 15+12reb, S.Parrillo 12+2reb+3ast, S.Bonfiglio 12+2reb+4ast, F.Ihedioha 9+4reb+2ast, M.Carrizo 7+4reb+2ast, L.Panzini 7+2reb
gschID: 135754


Anagni - Recanati 63-83

Rather predictable result when third ranked Recanati (8-8) outscored on the road 5th ranked Anagni (6-10) 83-63 on Thursday. The guests trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 9-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 83-63. Guard Marco Evangelisti (198-84) fired 23 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Guard Marco Ceron (195-92) chipped in 15 points and 6 rebounds. Four Recanati players scored in double figures. Naturalized Argentinian center Diego Corral (205-86, agency: Players Group) produced 13 points and point guard Alessandro Zanelli (187-92) added 10 points respectively for lost side. Recanati moved-up to second place, which they share with 4 other teams. Anagni lost third consecutive game. They keep the fifth position with ten games lost. Recanati will face Mazzeo San Severo (#4) at home in the next round. Anagni will play against Ferentino and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Recanati: M.Evangelisti 23+7reb+2ast, F.Gilardi 20, M.Ceron 15+6reb, P.Chiarello 10+6reb, R.Fossati 7+5reb, A.Cecchetti 4+3reb+1ast
Anagni: D.Corral 13+3reb+1ast, A.Malamov 12+1reb+2ast, A.Zanelli 10+4reb+2ast, R.Santolamazza 8+5reb+2ast, J.Pozzi 6+2reb+1ast, N.Benedusi 6+4reb+2ast
gschID: 135755


Firenze - Trento 50-65

Not a big story in a game when 5th ranked Firenze (5-11) was defeated at home by first ranked Trento (11-5) 65-50 on Thursday. The game was mostly controlled by Trento. Firenze was better in second period 16-10. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated down low during the game scoring 44 of its points in the paint compared to Firenze's 24. Naturalized Argentinian point guard Andres Forray (187-86) fired 12 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists for the winners. The former international forward Walter Santarossa (200-78) chipped in 15 points. Swingman Alessandro Amici (200-91) produced 15 points and 9 rebounds and forward Stefano Spizzichini (202-90) added 7 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. Trento have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 11-5 record, which they share with Torino. Newly promoted Firenze dropped to the fourth place with 11 games lost. Trento will face Pavia (#6) at home in the next round where they are favorite. Firenze will play against Comsum.it SI in Siena and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Trento: W.Santarossa 15+3reb+3ast, A.Forray 12+5reb+9ast, D.Pascolo 9+3reb, L.Conte 9+1reb+3ast, M.Pazzi 7+8reb, S.Fiorito 5+6reb
Firenze: A.Amici 15+9reb+2ast, D.Monaldi 9+3reb+1ast, S.Spizzichini 7+6reb, F.Rotella 7+3reb, D.Scodavolpe 6+2reb, A.Capitanelli 4+5reb+1ast
gschID: 135745


Casalpusterlengo - Perugia 78-70 OT

Casalpusterlengo beat Perugia 78:70 in overtime. Chiumenti top-scored for the winners with 20 points and 14 rebounds.
Top scorers:
Casalpusterlengo: A.Chiumenti 20+14reb+1ast, F.Loschi 18+4reb+1ast, R.Prandin 17+6reb+2ast, G.Ricci 9+8reb+3ast, P.Biligha 4+3reb, P.Colnago 3+1ast
Perugia: D.Poltroneri 16+6reb+2ast, L.Bisconti 15+3reb, C.Cutolo 14+3reb+1ast, M.Caroldi 7+2ast, R.Truccolo 6+5reb, S.Bonamente 5+8reb+1ast
gschID: 135746


Pavia - Santarcangelo 70-65

There was a small surprise when sixth ranked Pavia (7-9) won against at home 6th ranked Santarcangelo (4-12) 70-65 on Thursday. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 21-13. But Santarcangelo won second period 17-10. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Pavia made 19-of-24 free shots (79.2 percent) during the game. They also forced 20 Santarcangelo turnovers. Swingman Federico Maiocco (200-83) fired 14 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Forward Riccardo Pederzini (198-89) chipped in 18 points and 7 steals. Guard Mauro Bonaiuti (192-78) produced 18 points and swingman Luca Bedetti (193-89) added 12 points and 8 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Pavia have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with San Severo. Santarcangelo lost fourth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the sixth position with 12 games lost. Pavia will face league's leader Trento on the road in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Santarcangelo will play against the league's second-placed Torino (#2).
Top scorers:
Pavia: R.Pederzini 18+3ast, F.Maiocco 14+5reb+4ast, D.Bozzetto 9+12reb, S.Borgna 8+5reb, L.Furlanetto 7+3reb+1ast, R.Maggio 6+1reb+1ast
Santarcangelo: M.Bonaiuti 18+4reb+2ast, A.Ancellotti 13+6reb, L.Bedetti 12+8reb, G.Broglia 7+2reb+1ast, J.Silimbani 6+4reb, L.Pesaresi 5+3reb+2ast
gschID: 135747


Castelletto - Treviglio 85-68

There was a minor upset when much higher ranked Treviglio (10-6) was defeated on the road by fifth ranked Castelletto (8-8) 85-68 on Thursday. It was a very close game until the last quarter, when Castelletto's pressure prevailed and they won that period 13-0 extending their advantage to 17 points. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Treviglio to just 0 points in fourth quarter. Point guard Simone Ferrarese (182-87) fired 25 points for the winners. Guard Filiberto Dri (190-89) chipped in 21 points. Power forward Gabriele Zanella (204-81) produced 17 points and center Jacopo Borra (212-90) added 8 points and 7 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Castelletto have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place, which they share with 4 other teams. Loser Treviglio keeps the second position with six games lost. Castelletto will face league's leader Omegna on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Treviglio will play against Casalpusterlengo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Castelletto: S.Ferrarese 25+3reb+3ast, F.Dri 21+2reb+1ast, S.Cotani 8+5reb+1ast, M.Raminelli 8+8reb, A.Piazza 8+2reb+1ast, L.Marmugi 7+3reb
Treviglio: G.Zanella 17+4reb+1ast, A.Fabi 12+1reb+1ast, J.Borra 8+7reb+1ast, N.Cazzolato 8+3ast, A.Vitale 7+2ast, R.Marulli 6+5reb+1ast
gschID: 135748


Torino - Comsum.it SI 101-74

The game between closely ranked teams ended with third ranked Torino's (11-5) home victory over 4th ranked Comsum.it SI (5-11) 101-74 on Thursday. The game without a history. Torino led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They shot 66.1 percent from the field. Torino outrebounded Comsum.it SI 36-12 including a 28-12 advantage in defensive rebounds. Guard Marco Portannese (192-89, agency: Players Group) fired a double-double by scoring 23 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. Forward Massimiliano DeFant (201-89) chipped in 18 points (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). Torino's coach Filippo Faina felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Center Amedeo Tessitori (203-94) produced 15 points and guard Gabriele Spizzichini (195-92) added 13 points respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Torino keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Trento. Comsum.it SI lost third consecutive game. They keep the fourth place with 11 games lost. Torino will face Santarcangelo (#6) in Sant'Arcangelo in the next round where they are favorite. Comsum.it SI will play at home against Firenze and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Torino: M.Portannese 23+13reb, M.DeFant 18+1reb+1ast, C.Masper 13+2reb, F.Conti 11+3reb+2ast, F.Tassinari 10+2reb+2ast, L.Fontecchio 8+4reb+1ast
Comsum.it SI: A.Tessitori 15+2reb+2ast, G.Spizzichini 13+1reb+2ast, S.Simeoli 13+2reb, N.Mei 10+2reb+1ast, M.Pascolo 8+2reb, R.Bernardi 6
gschID: 135749




stats leader
Points Per Game
 Bernardo MUSSO
  Napoli
  (192-G-86)
  Avg: 19
 1. Musso, Napoli19.0 
 2. Evangelisti, Recan.18.9 
 3. Portannese, Torino16.9 
 4. Carra, Trieste15.9 
 5. Fattori, San Severo15.8 
 6. Mei, Comsum.it SI15.8 
 7. Benevelli, Orlandi.15.7 
 8. Prandin, Casalp.15.6 
 9. Carrizo, Ferentino15.6 
 10. Zanelli, Orlandina15.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Emanuele ROSSI
  Chieti
  (208-C-82)
  Avg: 11.8
 1. Rossi, Chieti11.8 
 2. Iannilli, Napoli9.8 
 3. Benevelli, Orlandi.8.7 
 4. Baldi Rossi, Perug.8.5 
 5. Simeoli, Comsum.i.8.3 
 6. Tessitori, Comsum..8.3 
 7. Borra, Treviglio8.2 
 8. Gandini, Trieste7.9 
 9. Raminelli, Castell.7.8 
 10. Ferraro, Trieste7.7 
Assists Per Game
 Matteo BERTOLAZZI
  Omegna
  (181-G-79)
  Avg: 5.1
 1. Bertolazzi, Omegna5.1 
 2. Musso, Napoli3.8 
 3. Stanic, Fabriano3.6 
 4. Zanelli, Orlandina3.4 
 5. Guarino, Ferentino3.3 
 6. Forray, Trento3.1 
 7. Vico, Matera3.1 
 8. Rivali, Santarcang.3.0 
 9. Ferrarese, Castell.3.0 
 10. Parente, Torino2.8 
Steals Per Game
 Alessio IARDELLA
  Fabriano
  (187-F-88)
  Avg: 3.9
 1. Iardella, Fabriano3.9 
 2. Bertolazzi, Omegna3.4 
 3. Portannese, Torino3.3 
 4. Guarino, Ferentino3.2 
 5. Vico, Matera3.1 
 6. Amici, Firenze3.1 
 7. Malamov, Anagni3.0 
 8. Stanic, Fabriano2.9 
 9. Musso, Napoli2.9 
 10. Mei, Comsum.it SI2.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Andrea CAPITANELLI
  Firenze
  (203-C-86)
  Avg: 1.6
 1. Capitanelli, Firen.1.6 
 2. Borra, Treviglio1.4 
 3. Candido, San Seve.1.3 
 4. Ancellotti, Santar.1.3 
 5. Tessitori, Comsum..1.0 
 6. Tardito, Matera0.9 
 7. Benevelli, Orlandi.0.9 
 8. Biligha, Casalp.0.9 
 9. Gandini, Trieste0.9 
 10. Cazzaniga, Pavia0.9 


Dinamo Sassari signs Tony Easley - by Andrea Centenari
Banco di Sardegna Sassari made official the signing of Tony Easley (206-F-87, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Murray St.). The big man comes from MarcoPoloShop.it Forli. In this season with Forl he was averaging 14,3 points and 9,3 boards per game. For Sassari, Easley is the third center of the season after Keith Benson (210-C-88, college: Oakland), who returned to the Atlanta Hawks at the end of the lockout, and Steve Hunter (213-C-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: De Paul). He will enjoy his new teammates this evening at PalaSerradimigni.

EA7 Emporio Armani survives in Belgrade, grabs last Top 16 spot - by Eurobasket News
Partizan mt:s - EA7 Emporio Armani 66-72

It was a do-or-die game for both teams. EA7 Armani demonstrated great performance in the last five minutes of third and also in the last quarter to celebrate 66-72 victory in Belgrade. The Milano team had to win with more than 4 points to book a spot for Top 16 and they did it. EA7 Armani jumped to fourth place in Group C with 4-6 record and Partizan dropped to fifth position with the same numbers. The Serbian powerhouse stays out of Top 16 phase this season. Malik Hairston (198-G-87, college: Oregon) led Milano with 18 points and Omar-Sharif Cook (186-PG-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.John's) added 17 points, plus 6 assists. Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) was third scorer in victory with 13 points. At the other side, Partizan got 14 points and 6 rebounds from Dragan Milosavljevic (198-G-89). Milan Macvan (206-C-89, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) had 13 pts and 11 rebs, while Miroslav Raduljica (213-C-88) collected 11 points and 8 boards. In heartbreaking finish Partizan found the three-point shot it needed to earn a Top 16 spot, but Danilo Andjusic missed it and EA7 Emporio Armani advanced to the next stage. Quarters: 18-14, 18-15, 14-22, 16-21. The Top 16 draw is scheduled for next Wednesday.

Partizan mt:s: Dragan Milosavljevic 14+6 boards, Milan Macvan 13+11 boards, Miroslav Raduljica 11+8 boards
EA7 Emporio Armani: Malik Hairston 18, Omar-Sharif Cook 17+6 as, Ioannis Bourousis 13

Standings - B1
Nazionale Standings
Div.North-East
 1. Trento 11-5 
 2. Trieste 10-5 
 3. Perugia 8-8 
 4. Comsum.it SI 5-11 
 5. Firenze 5-11 
 6. Santarcangelo 4-12 
Div.North-West
 1. Omegna 13-2 
 2. Torino 11-5 
 3. Treviglio 10-6 
 4. Casalpusterlengo 9-7 
 5. Castelletto 8-8 
 6. Pavia 7-9 
Div.South-East
 1. Bari 9-7 
 2. Recanati 8-8 
 3. Chieti 8-8 
 4. San Severo 7-9 
 5. Fabriano 5-11 
 6. Ruvo 2-14 
Div.South-West
 1. Napoli 12-4 
 2. Orlandina 10-6 
 3. Ferentino 10-6 
 4. Latina Basket 8-8 
 5. Anagni 6-10 
 6. Matera 6-10 


Italian Lega2 round 13 best performance: Bobby Jones - by Eurobasket News
American forward Bobby Jones (201-F-84) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for second-ranked Giorgio Tesi PT, receiving a Eurobasket.com Lega2 Player of the Week award for round 13.
The 27-year old player had a double-double of 26 points and 11 rebounds, while his team beat Givova Scafati (#5, 7-5) 108-97. Giorgio Tesi PT is placed at 2nd position in Italian Lega2. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Giorgio Tesi PT will need more victories to improve their 9-4 record. Jones turned to be Giorgio Tesi PT's top player in his first season with the team. Bobby Jones averages this season 12.4ppg and 6.2rpg.

The second best player in last round's games was 25-year old American Alan Voskuil (191-G-86) of Morpho Basket. Voskuil had a very good evening with 35 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists. Of course he lead Morpho Basket to another comfortable win 95-77 over slightly higher-ranked Centrale Latte (#3, 8-4) being unquestionably team leader. It was definitely game of the week between two contenders to the title. Morpho Basket consolidated its place in top 4 of the standings. His team's 7-4 record is not bad at all. Voskuil is a newcomer at Morpho Basket, but is already one of team's top players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 20.1ppg (#4).

Third on the list of top players last round was American guard Dawan Robinson (189-G-82) of league's top team Trenkwalder. Robinson scored 26 points and grabbed five rebounds. He was a key player of Trenkwalder, leading his team to a 91-87 win against the lower-ranked Biancoblu BO (#13, 4-8). Trenkwalder confirms their top position in the standings. Their record at this point is 9 victories and 3 lost games. Robinson has a great season in Italy. After 12 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 19.0ppg (5th best). He also has 2.3spg, FGP: 59.0% and 3PT: 45.8%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Dwayne Anderson (198-F-86) of Morpho Basket - 19 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Roberto Chiacig (210-C-74) of Trenkwalder - 20 points and 11 rebounds
6. Paul Marigney (192-G-82) of Givova Scafati - 27 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists
7. Antonio Porta (188-G-83) of Tezenis Verona - 17 points, 2 rebounds and 8 assists
8. Andrea Ghiacci (200-G/F-81) of Givova Scafati - 18 points and 2 rebounds
9. Dwight Hardy (188-G) of Giorgio Tesi PT - 23 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists
10. Andrea Pecile (187-G-80) of Biancoblu BO - 17 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists

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

Jakub Kudlacek signs with Pepsi Caserta - by Andrea Centenari
Pepsi JuveCaserta officialy sign Jakub Kudlacek (193-G-90). The player was free agent after he parted ways with Trenkwalder Reggio Emilia. The point guard signed a contract for the season. The last season he has played with Reggio Emilia and Mazzeo San Severo (12,5 ppg in 6 games), both team of the Lega2. Kudlacek was part of the national under16 in the Czech Republic National Team which partecipated at the European Championships in Tallinn, then the national under 18 (he won the silver medal at the European Championship in Sofia and Debrecen scoring 13.9 ppg in 8 games) and the national under 20. Since 2010/2011 he's part of the czech national team which took part in the qualifiers for the European Championships of 2009.

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


Okinawa release Reggie Okosa, Akita part ways with Michael Gardener - by Eurobasket News
Ryukyu Golden Kings have decided to release Reggie Okosa (208-F/C-80, agency: VVG Sports, college: La Salle). The family situation has been cited as the main reason for the decision. Reggie Okosa joined the team at the start of the season. He tallied 15.1 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game in BJ League. Previously the centre had stints in Argentina, Lebanon, Puerto Rico, South Korea, China, USBL, Japan, Germany and Chile. Asia-Basket.com named Reggie Okosa All-Chinese CBA Import Player of the Year in 2006 and All-Korean KBL Player of the Year in 2008.
Michael Gardener (182-G-81, college: SE Louisiana) leaves the Northern Happinets. The guard joined the team at the start of the season. He notched 19.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game. The injury was quoted to be the reason for the decision.


East wins overtime show over West in All Star Game - by Eurobasket News
East-West 134:131

East wins overtime show over West in All Star Game as both teams showed an excellent performance in the country. Trailing 3 points before the fourth period, East tied the game after 40 minutes and then grabbed the victory due to 16-13 in overtime.
East took 37:29 lead after the first period but could not keep the advantage for good. West first replied with 32-29 to reduce to 66:61 at the halftime. Moreover West needed 35-27 to take the lead before the fourth period. In the fourth quarter East produced 25-22 to tie the game. Due to 16-13 in overtime they celebrated the victory.
Takuya Kawamura (193-G-86) erupted with 31 points and 12 assists. Okada netted 24, while Kosuke Takeuchi (206-C/F-85) and Tomoo Amino (196-F-80) added 19 apiece. Takatoshi Furukawa (190-G/F-87) ended up with 23 points in the losing effort. J.R. Sakuragi (206-F/C-76, college: UCLA) followed him with 22 points and 15 rebounds in defeat.

East: Takuya Kawamura 31+12 ast, Okada 24, Kosuke Takeuchi 19, Tomoo Amino 19
West: Takatoshi Furukawa 23, J.R. Sakuragi 22+15 rebs

*****************************************************
  JORDAN   


Daghles: Jordan deserves a better basketball environment - by Omar Shafaamri
Daghles Osama (198-G-79, college: Midwestern St.) has been scorching the 2011-12 CBA season with his all-round showing. Some would say on expected lines considering the magnificence with which the 32-year-old marshaled the resources taking Jordan to a silver medal finish at the 26th FIBA Asia Championship in Wuhan earlier this year.

Daghles spoke to this website on a variety of issues ranging from his performance and prospects in the CBA for Jilin NorthEast Tigers to Jordans chances in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Venezuela in July 2012.

Excerpts

FIBA Asia: Talk us through your CBA season so far?

Daghles: This season has been a little unexpected for me. I thought my team was going to do a bit better early on but due to other teams playing great basketball early with great imports from the NBA we struggled. Lots of top teams from last season are losing early too because of the same reason. The level of play is higher this year and the games are more intense, but still very fun and exciting. You get to watch good basketball every night.

FIBA Asia: What is the highest point of the season for you so far? And the lowest?

Daghles: To be honest, my highest point was before the season started, because I expected us to do well early and weve not! Losing puts me in attack mood which means I start looking for anything that could give me the edge, motivation to improve and help my team get better. In the CBA, you learn fast how hard it is to win on the road so you have to do your best to win at home and try to squeeze some wins on the road.

FIBA Asia: What did you aim when you set out at the start of the season?

Daghles: Coming into the season, I wanted to prove once again I am still one of the top point guards in the league with the big names here in the CBA. And of course to take my team to the play-offs. Hope I can still do that because team goal is more important than individual goals.

FIBA Asia: Personally, what do you aim to gain from the season?

Daghles: At this stage in my career, the game becomes easier. As you get older you understand the game so much better, you dont waste unnecessary energy on the court. I still enjoy the game very much and still wake up daily wanting to get better and compete. I enjoy having the challenge at the beginning of every season and how a group of guys come together for one common goal. Its priceless if you ask me and I want to keep enjoying that as long as I can because before I know it Ill be walking away from this game as a player on the court.

FIBA Asia: Apart from the Chinese and the Americans, West Asian players seem to do well in the CBA. What do you think is the reason behind this?

Daghles: First, I have to congratulate the CBA on a great rule to add an Asian player to their league. The rule separated them from the rest of Asia in my opinion.

Having this rule (Asian Player) allowed them to draw big names from Asia along with the American imports in the league.

If you pay attention this league is very closely watched from all over Asia due to the Asian player rule and from all over the world now because the league became that much better.

I hope more countries follow CBA step on Asian Rule and I dont think the CBA should ever think about canceling this rule after the successes weve seen and the benefit of the Asian player to the bottom teams.

FIBA Asia: Is Jilin doing as well as you expected?

Daghles: We all aimed high early before the season and we still are. We did lose some close games that we shouldve won but hope we have better luck in the upcoming games. Im still hoping and will work hard to make the play-offs.

FIBA Asia: How do you rate Jordans chances in the FIBA Olympic Qualifiers?

Daghles: I think with the right preparations we might have a shot to sneak in with some big wins.

It will be a tough road though.

But first I think Jordan needs to understand to provide our players that are playing in the local league with a better competitive league. Our players must play in a professional league with imports. Thats what we will face this upcoming summer at the qualifiers.

I think in Jordan we have played the blame game enough in the past couple of years and as you see the sport and the players are the ones who are paying for it.

Its time for someone to take the lead to benefit the sport and put the past behind us.

Basketball has provided so much positive exposure for the country of Jordan. Lets move forward towards a better basketball environment for the future.

Courtesy of FIBA Asia

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


Standings - LBAL
LBL2 Standings
 1. BK VEF 14-0 
 2. Liepaja-2 14-1 
 3. Barons/Keizar. 12-2 
 4. Saldus 12-3 
 5. RSU 9-5 
 6. Riga 8-6 
 7. VEF Kadeti 8-6 
 8. VA 7-7 
 9. DSN 6-8 
 10. Livani 5-9 
 11. Cesis 4-10 
 12. Ogres 3-10 
 13. Ridzene 3-11 
 14. Valmiera U21 3-11 
 15. Jelgava/LLU 3-11 
 16. Gulbene 1-12 


LBL2 Round 17: Barons/Keizar. loses to Liepaja-2 in the game between Top 4 teams - by Eurobasket News
The game between Top Four teams took place in Liepaja. Second ranked host Liepaja-2 (14-1) smashed 3rd placed Barons/Keizar. (12-2) 109-77. It ended at the same time the 12-game winning streak of Barons/Keizar.. The game without a history. Liepaja-2 led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Liepaja-2 have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain second place with 14-1 record having just -1 point less than leader BK VEF. Barons/Keizar. at the other side keeps the third position with two games lost. Liepaja-2 will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Barons/Keizar. will play against Valmiera U21 and is hoping to prove to their supporters that the loss was just an accident.
LBL2 top team - VEF Riga junior (14-0) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed sixteenth ranked Gulbene (1-12) 125-46. Undefeated VEF Riga junior have an impressive series of fourteen victories in a row. They maintain first place with 14-0 record. Gulbene lost eighth consecutive game. Newly promoted team stay at the bottom position with 12 games lost. VEF Riga junior will play against BS Ogre (#12) on the road in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Gulbene will play against Cesis (#11) to get more than just one victory in their record.
A very close game took place in Jelgava between Ridzene and Zemgale/Juniors. Thirteenth ranked Ridzene (3-11) got a very close victory on the road over 14th ranked Zemgale/Juniors (3-11). Ridzene managed to escape with a 2-point win 71-69 in the game for the thirteenth place. Ridzene maintains thirteenth place with 3-11 record, which they share with Valmiera U21 and Jelgava/LLU. Ridzene will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Zemgale/Juniors will play against Ventspils Augstskola (#8) and hope to secure a win.
An interesting game took place in Riga where higher ranked VEF Kadeti (7-6) was upset on its own court by fourteenth ranked Zemgale/Juniors (3-11) 76-72. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of VEF Kadeti. Zemgale/Juniors moved-up to thirteenth place, which they share with Valmiera U21 and Ridzene. VEF Kadeti at the other side dropped to the seventh position with six games lost. Zemgale/Juniors' next round opponent will be higher ranked Ventspils Augstskola (#8) at home and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 17: Ogres was destroyed by VA on the opponent's court 83-58. Ridzene unfortunately lost to Livani in a home game 74-91. Cesis was rolled over Riga on the road 64-96. DSN crushed Valmiera U21 on its own court 82-56.


VA - Ogres 83-58

Very expected game when 12th ranked BS Ogre (3-10) was crushed on the road by eighth ranked Ventspils Augstskola (7-7) 83-58. Ventspils Augstskola maintains eighth place with 7-7 record. BS Ogre at the other side keeps the twelfth position with ten games lost. Ventspils Augstskola's next round opponent will be Zemgale/Juniors (#15) in Jelgava and are hoping to win another game. BS Ogre will play at home against the league's leader VEF Riga junior and will have a slim chance for a victory.
gschID: 151364


Liepaja-2 - Barons/Keizar. 109-77

The game between Top Four teams took place in Liepaja. Second ranked host Liepaja-2 (14-1) smashed 3rd placed Barons/Keizar. (12-2) 109-77. It ended at the same time the 12-game winning streak of Barons/Keizar.. The game without a history. Liepaja-2 led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Liepaja-2 have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain second place with 14-1 record having just -1 point less than leader BK VEF. Barons/Keizar. at the other side keeps the third position with two games lost. Liepaja-2 will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Barons/Keizar. will play against Valmiera U21 and is hoping to prove to their supporters that the loss was just an accident.
gschID: 151365


Ridzene - Livani 74-91

Rather predictable result in Riga where eleventh ranked Livani (5-9) defeated 13th ranked Ridzene (3-11) 91-74. It looked good early as Ridzene took an 9-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Livani took control and eventually winning the game that evening by 17 points. Livani moved-up to tenth place. Ridzene at the other side keeps the thirteenth position with 11 games lost. Livani's next round opponent will be BS Ogre (#12) at home.
gschID: 151366


VEF Kadeti - Jelgava/LLU 72-76

An interesting game took place in Riga where higher ranked VEF Kadeti (7-6) was upset on its own court by fourteenth ranked Zemgale/Juniors (3-11) 76-72. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of VEF Kadeti. VEF Kadeti was ahead by 9 points at the halftime before a 46-33 second half run of Zemgale/Juniors. Zemgale/Juniors moved-up to thirteenth place, which they share with Valmiera U21 and Ridzene. VEF Kadeti at the other side dropped to the seventh position with six games lost. Zemgale/Juniors' next round opponent will be higher ranked Ventspils Augstskola (#8) at home and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
gschID: 165660


BK VEF - Gulbene 125-46

LBL2 top team - VEF Riga junior (14-0) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed sixteenth ranked Gulbene (1-12) 125-46. The game without a history. VEF Riga junior led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Gulbene to just 6 points in second quarter. VEF Riga junior have an impressive series of fourteen victories in a row. They maintain first place with 14-0 record. Gulbene lost eighth consecutive game. Newly promoted team stay at the bottom position with 12 games lost. VEF Riga junior will play against BS Ogre (#12) on the road in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Gulbene will play against Cesis (#11) to get more than just one victory in their record.
gschID: 151360


Jelgava/LLU - Ridzene 69-71

A very close game took place in Jelgava between Ridzene and Zemgale/Juniors. Thirteenth ranked Ridzene (3-11) got a very close victory on the road over 14th ranked Zemgale/Juniors (3-11). Ridzene managed to escape with a 2-point win 71-69 in the game for the thirteenth place. The guests were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Ridzene maintains thirteenth place with 3-11 record, which they share with Valmiera U21 and Jelgava/LLU. Ridzene will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Zemgale/Juniors will play against Ventspils Augstskola (#8) and hope to secure a win.
gschID: 151361


Riga - Cesis 96-64

Not a big story in a game when 10th ranked Cesis (4-9) were rolled over on the road by seventh ranked Riga (8-6) 96-64. The game was mostly controlled by Riga. Cesis was better in second period 21-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Riga moved-up to sixth place. Newly promoted Cesis dropped to the eleventh position with nine games lost. Riga will have a break next round. Cesis will play against Gulbene (#16).
gschID: 151362


DSN - Valmiera U21 82-56

Everything went according to plan in Riga where ninth ranked DSN (6-8) outscored 14th ranked Valmiera U21 (3-11) 82-56. The game without a history. DSN led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Newly promoted DSN maintains ninth place with 6-8 record. Valmiera U21 lost their eighth game in a row. Valmiera U21 at the other side, also newcomer in the league, dropped to the thirteenth position with 11 games lost. DSN will have a break next round. Valmiera U21 will play on the road against Barons/Keizar. (#3) in Riga.
gschID: 151363




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


Standings - NKL
NKL Standings
 1. Nafta Universitetas 15-7 
 2. Radviliskis 14-8 
 3. Delikatesas 14-8 
 4. Zalgiris-Sabonio 13-9 
 5. LKKA-Atletas 13-9 
 6. Statyba 13-9 
 7. Mazeikiai 12-10 
 8. Matinga-Juod. 12-10 
 9. Ezerunas-Karys 11-11 
 10. Perlas-MRU 11-11 
 11. Triobet 11-11 
 12. Meresta 10-12 
 13. Silute 9-13 
 14. S.Marciulionio 7-15 
 15. Gargzdai 6-16 
 16. ABRO-Univ. 5-17 


Stats Leaders - LKL
Points Per Game
 Povilas BUTKEVICIUS
  Rudupis
  (203-F-87)
  Avg: 18.7
 1. Butkevicius, Rudup.18.7 
 2. Valanciunas, Lietu.16.3 
 3. Urbonas, Juventus16.3 
 4. Mazeika, Neptunas14.9 
 5. Benn, Naglis Palan.14.5 
 6. Lowe, Kedainiai14.4 
 7. Hughes, Pieno Z.13.9 
 8. Orelikas, Rudupis13.6 
 9. Pakamanis, Juven.13.5 
 10. Johnson, Naglis P.13.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Dane JOHNSON
  Naglis P.
  (208-C-86)
  Avg: 10.4
 1. Johnson, Naglis P.10.4 
 2. Butkevicius, Rudup.9.1 
 3. McClure, Kedainiai8.0 
 4. Petrukonis, Juven.7.6 
 5. Benn, Naglis Palan.7.5 
 6. Adomaitis, Kedaini.7.4 
 7. Valanciunas, Lietu.7.0 
 8. Bowles, Siauliai6.5 
 9. Matulionis, Techas.6.4 
 10. Katelynas, Lietuv.6.3 
Assists Per Game
 Mantas KALNIETIS
  Zalgiris
  (196-G-86)
  Avg: 5.3
 1. Kalnietis, Zalgiris5.3 
 2. Peciukeviciu., Sak.5.2 
 3. Broadus, Siauliai5.0 
 4. Dainys, Neptunas4.9 
 5. Ezerskis, Techasas4.9 
 6. Rice, Lietuvos.4.9 
 7. Maceina, Juventus4.4 
 8. Kelys, Pieno Z.3.6 
 9. Janavicius, Baltai3.5 
 10. Salenga, Rudupis3.4 
Steals Per Game
 TreVon HUGHES
  Pieno Z.
  (183-PG-87)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Hughes, Pieno Z.2.8 
 2. Lowe, Neptunas2.3 
 3. Broadus, Siauliai2.1 
 4. Seibutis, Lietuv.2.1 
 5. Collins, Zalgiris2.0 
 6. Kelys, Pieno Z.1.9 
 7. Dainys, Neptunas1.9 
 8. Benn, Naglis Palan.1.7 
 9. Weems, Zalgiris1.6 
 10. Matulionis, Techa.1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Jonas VALANCIUNAS
  Lietuv.
  (210-C-92)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Valanciunas, Lietu.2.7 
 2. Johnson, Naglis P.1.7 
 3. Petrukonis, Juven.1.3 
 4. Staniulis, Techasas1.3 
 5. Morgan, Pieno Z.1.2 
 6. Kairys, Pieno Z.1.1 
 7. Butkevicius, Rudup.1.1 
 8. Samardziski, Lietu.1.1 
 9. Barnes, Kedainiai1.0 
 10. Zelionis, Rudupis1.0 


Stats Leaders - NKL
Points Per Game
 Sarunas VINGELIS
  LKKA-.
  (192-G-89)
  Avg: 22.5
 1. Vingelis, LKKA-.22.5 
 2. Uzkuraitis, Delika.21.8 
 3. Rakauskas, Radvili.20.3 
 4. Maneikis, Meresta19.1 
 5. Lengvinas, Nafta17.9 
 6. Jucikas, AB.17.6 
 7. Gudaitis, Gargzdai17.0 
 8. Brown, Mazeikiai16.5 
 9. Sragauskis, LKKA-.16.3 
 10. Giedraitis, ABRO-.16.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Arturas GUDAITIS
  Gargzdai
  (208-C-93)
  Avg: 10.8
 1. Gudaitis, Gargzdai10.8 
 2. Mineikis, Radvilis.9.2 
 3. Ambrulaitis, Ezeru.8.8 
 4. Urbonas, LK.8.3 
 5. Ramanauskas, Radvi.7.8 
 6. Jogela, Zalgir.7.8 
 7. Jucikas, AB.7.7 
 8. Vaitiekunas, Triob.7.5 
 9. Pikalavicius, Deli.7.4 
 10. Kumpys, Nafta U.7.3 
Assists Per Game
 Paulius MALASAUSKAS
  LKKA-.
  (189-G-91)
  Avg: 5.5
 1. Malasauskas, LKKA.5.5 
 2. Razutis, Silute5.3 
 3. Vileita, Perla.4.8 
 4. Semaska, Perla.4.8 
 5. Varanauskas, Stat.4.7 
 6. Kuklierius, Mating.4.5 
 7. Kvedaraviciu., Del.4.5 
 8. Stasys, Mazeikiai4.5 
 9. Kurauskas, AB.4.5 
 10. Vasiliauskas, Tri.4.4 
Steals Per Game
 Tauras JOGELA
  Zalgir.
  (201-F-93)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Jogela, Zalgir.2.6 
 2. Slivka, Meresta2.6 
 3. Razutis, Silute2.5 
 4. Brown, Mazeikiai2.2 
 5. Paliukenas, S.Marc.2.1 
 6. Vileita, Perla.2.0 
 7. Krivonis, Matinga-.1.9 
 8. Uzkuraitis, Delika.1.9 
 9. Kazakauskas, Naft.1.8 
 10. Birgelis, Matinga.1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Tomas URBONAS
  LK.
  (218-C-92)
  Avg: 3.4
 1. Urbonas, LK.3.4 
 2. Gudaitis, Gargzdai1.7 
 3. Jucikas, AB.1.3 
 4. Vaitiekunas, Triob.1.2 
 5. Ramanauskas, Sil.1.1 
 6. Pupinis, Matinga-.1.1 
 7. Krestinin, S.Marc.1.1 
 8. Gvazdaitis, Mating.1.0 
 9. Kaubrys, Silute0.9 
 10. Kymantas, Zalgir.0.9 


Zalgiris officialy signs Reeves Nelson - by Adomas Kraunevicius
B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas has officially signed a 20 year old former UCLA power forward Reeves Nelson (203-F). Both parties have agreed upon a contract till the end of the season with a possibility to extend it. Nelson has played in the UCLA Bruins for the past three seasons but has been cut from the roster after just six games this season.

Last year the american averaged 13.9 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 31 minutes per game. Zalgiris' manager, Vitoldas Masalskis stated that the team decided to sign Nelson
because of his athleticism and potential. He described Nelson as a universal player that can play well both offensively and defensively, also make longer distance shots. He can also be useful in a center position which is a weak link in the current Zalgiris roster. This is an improvement for Zalgiris squad before the Euroleague Top16 starts and also an investment in Zalgiris' future,- said Masalskis.

Nelson should arrive in Lithuania next week. Zalgiris is scheduled to gather for training on the 28th of December.

Standings - LKL
LKL Standings
 1. Lietuvos rytas 9-1 
 2. Zalgiris 8-0 
 3. Siauliai 8-3 
 4. Rudupis 7-2 
 5. Neptunas 6-4 
 6. Baltai Kaunas 6-5 
 7. Pieno Zvaigzdes 5-5 
 8. Juventus 4-7 
 9. Sakalai 3-8 
 10. Kedainiai 2-8 
 11. Naglis Palangos 2-9 
 12. Techasas 1-9 


LKL: Lietuvos Rytas crushes Juventus - by Adomas Kraunevicius
Lietuvos Rytas - Juventus 102:68

Lietuvos rytas Vilnius has reached an impressive home victory in the BEKO-LKL, crushing Juventus-LKSK Utenos 102:68 (25:15, 26:20, 29:15, 22:18).

This was the ninth victory out of 10 maches for Lietuvos Rytas and 7th loss in 11 matches for Juventus-LKSK Utenos.

The game started quite slow and after five minutes the score was tied at 9:9. Predrag Samardziski (214-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) then scored four points in a row, Arturas Jomantas (200-G/F-85) added 2 and Aleksandar Rasic (195-G-84, agency: Beo Basket) nailed a three pointer and Lietuvos Rytas gained a nine point lead (18:9). After eight minutes in the first quarter, Steponas Babrauskas (197-G/F-84) extended the lead to 22:11 but Tomas Gaidamavicius (192-G-82) responded with four consecutive points (22:15) but Rasic ended the period from beyond the arc, giving Lietuvos Rytas a 10 point lead (25:15).

Lietuvos Rytas went on a 9:0 run after 4 minutes in the second quarter (34:15). Arunas Vasiliauskas (201-F-85) and Zygimantas Sestokas (196-G/F-86, agency: Players Group, college: Hofstra) reduced the deficit with two three pointers (39:23) but Vilnius recovered their lead and led 51:35 at halftime.

Third quarter followed a similar scenario as Lietuvos Rytas spurted 10:0 and after Mindaugas Katelynas' (205-F-83, college: Chattanooga) two and a foul, their lead reached 26 points (61:35).With three minutes left in the third, Vilnius advantage topped 30 points (73:42) and hasn't changed over the remaining time (80:50).

Fourth quarter was more of a formality and Juventus-LKSK Utenos did not manage to reduce their deficit. Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92) scored a 100th point for Lietuvos Rytas with 3 minutes left to play and Vilnius tried to spoil their fans with beautiful plays for the remainder of the quarter.

Lietuvos rytas Vilnius: Jonas Valanciunas (14 rebs), Mindaugas Katelynas, Predrag Samardziski, Arturas Jomantas - 14, Renaldas Seibutis (196-G-85) 13.

Juventus-LKSK Utenos: Darius Pakamanis (192-G-81) 14 (8/8 FT), Karolis Petrukonis (212-C-87, college: Clemson) 12 (8 rebs), Vaidotas Volkus (203-F-85, college: Redlands CC) 10, Tomas Gaidamavicius 9.

LKL Round 11: Lietuvos rytas keep a leadership position - by Eurobasket News
There was no lack of interesting games this round. The round ended with defeat of the leader, extra overtimes, favorites losing the games, games ending by tiny margin and even winless team recording their first victory.

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Lietuvos rytas as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Lietuvos rytas smashed 8th ranked Juventus in Vilnius 102-68. The game without a history. Lietuvos rytas led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Juventus' 30. Lietuvos rytas forced 19 Juventus turnovers and outrebounded them 37-23 including 16 on the offensive glass. It was a great shooting night for Lietuvos rytas especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 58.8 percentage. It was a great evening for international center Jonas Valanciunas (210-92) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 14 rebounds. FYR Macedonian center Predrag Samardziski (214-86, agency: Beo Basket) helped adding 14 points and 6 rebounds. Lietuvos rytas' coach Aleksandar Dzikic felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The former international guard Darius Pakamanis (192-81) responded with 14 points and 7 assists (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line). As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. Juventus lost third consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with seven games lost. Juventus will play next round against Techasas trying to get back on the winning streak. Lietuvos rytas will try to continue on its current victory against second ranked Zalgiris in Kaunas.
Undefeated Lietuvos rytas (9-1) recorded its first loss in Prienai. Visitors were edged by fourth ranked Rudupis (7-2) 90-88. It was an exceptional evening for the former international forward Dainius Salenga (197-77) who led the winners and scored 27 points (perfect behind the arc making all five shots). Gediminas Orelikas accounted for 15 points and 5 rebounds. Rudupis' coach Virginijus Seskus allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. American point guard Tyrese Rice (185-87, college: Boston Coll., agency: Priority Sports) came up with 20 points and 4 assists for Lietuvos rytas in the defeat. Rudupis maintains fourth place with 7-2 record. Lietuvos rytas at the other side still keeps top position with one game lost. Rudupis will play against higher ranked Siauliai (#3) at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Lietuvos rytas will play against the league's second-placed Zalgiris in Kaunas and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Techasas has finally registered their first victory this season after nine consecutive loses. The win is especially important as they defeated much higher ranked Baltai Kaunas (6-5)on the road game in Kaunas 88-74 on Saturday. The best player for the winners was Osvaldas Matulionis who scored 19 points and 6 rebounds. Mario Delas produced 14 points and 5 rebounds for the hosts. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Techasas maintains twelfth place with 1-9 record. Loser Baltai Kaunas dropped to the sixth position with five games lost. Techasas will meet at home higher ranked Kedainiai (#10) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Baltai Kaunas will play against Sakalai (#9) in Vilnius and hope to secure a win.
Naglis Palangos (#11) forced the game against Neptunas (#6) into an overtime, but lost by eight points 73-81. The game took place in Palanga. But the guests from Klaipeda were better at the end. Martynas Mazeika orchestrated the victory by scoring 26 points and 9 rebounds. Neptunas (6-4) moved-up to fifth place. Naglis Palangos at the other side keeps the eleventh position with nine games lost. Neptunas will have a break next round. Naglis Palangos will play on the road against Kedainiai (#10) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game in Utena supposed to be also quite interesting. Leader Zalgiris (8-0) played at the court of 8th ranked Juventus (4-7). Zalgiris smashed Juventus 82-60 on Sunday. It was a great evening for Mantas Kalnietis who led his team to a victory scoring 12 points and 5 assists. Coach Aleksandar Trifunovic's team controlled all game and the coach could let to play 11 players saving starting five for next games. Undefeated Zalgiris have an impressive series of eight victories in a row. Defending champion moved-up to second place. Juventus lost third consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with seven games lost. Zalgiris will face league's leader Lietuvos rytas in Vilnius in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Juventus will play at home against Techasas (#12) in Panevezys.

In the last two games of round 11 Pieno Zvaigzdes won against Sakalai on the opponent's court 65-64. Kedainiai unfortunately lost to Siauliai in a home game 71-74.


Rudupis - Lietuvos rytas 90-88

Undefeated Lietuvos rytas (9-1) recorded its first loss in Prienai. Visitors were edged by fourth ranked Rudupis (7-2) 90-88. Lietuvos rytas was ahead by 10 points at the halftime before a 31-15 third quarter run of Rudupis. Rudupis had a 29-18 advantage in offensive rebounds. Lietuvos rytas was plagued by 29 personal fouls down the stretch. It was an exceptional evening for the former international forward Dainius Salenga (197-77) who led the winners and scored 27 points (perfect behind the arc making all five shots). Swingman Gediminas Orelikas (199-90) accounted for 15 points and 5 rebounds for the winning side. Rudupis' coach Virginijus Seskus allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. American point guard Tyrese Rice (185-87, college: Boston Coll., agency: Priority Sports) came up with 20 points and 4 assists and the other American import power forward Lawrence Roberts (205-82, college: Mississippi St.) added 11 points and 10 rebounds respectively for Lietuvos rytas in the defeat. Four Lietuvos rytas players scored in double figures. Rudupis maintains fourth place with 7-2 record. Lietuvos rytas at the other side still keeps top position with one game lost. Rudupis will play against higher ranked Siauliai (#3) at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Lietuvos rytas will play against the league's second-placed Zalgiris in Kaunas and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Lietuvos rytas: T.Rice 20+2reb+4ast, M.Katelynas 14+4reb+1ast, R.Seibutis 14+2reb+2ast, L.Roberts 11+10reb, A.Rasic 8+4reb+2ast, V.Dilys 6+1ast
Rudupis: D.Salenga 27+3reb+3ast, G.Orelikas 15+5reb+1ast, E.Zelionis 10+8reb+1ast, J.Sinica 9+3reb+1ast, G.Kadziulis 8+3reb+6ast, S.Buterlevicius 7+1reb+1ast
gschID: 151944


Naglis Palangos - Neptunas 73-81 OT

Naglis Palangos (#11) forced the game against Neptunas (#6) into an overtime, but lost by eight points 73-81. The game took place in Palanga. But the guests from Klaipeda were better at the end. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Naglis Palangos won third quarter 22-17. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening, at least not yet. The game turned upside-down in the last quarter, where Naglis Palangos used huge pressure winning it 15-11 getting a tie at the end of regular time. They lost eventually overtime period 8-16. They outrebounded Naglis Palangos 51-35 including a 35-21 advantage in defensive rebounds. Guard Martynas Mazeika (193-85, agency: Limelight Hoops) orchestrated the victory by scoring 26 points and 9 rebounds. Swingman Mantas Ruikis (197-85) contributed with 17 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. point guard Tomas Rinkevicius (178-78) answered with 17 points and American center Dane Johnson (208-86, college: Hofstra) added 13 points and 9 rebounds in the effort for Naglis Palangos. Four Naglis Palangos players scored in double figures. Neptunas (6-4) moved-up to fifth place. Naglis Palangos at the other side keeps the eleventh position with nine games lost. Neptunas will have a break next round. Naglis Palangos will play on the road against Kedainiai (#10) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Naglis Palangos: M.Reminas 17+3reb+2ast, T.Rinkevicius 17+4reb+2ast, D.Johnson 13+9reb+1ast, N.Barinov 11+5reb, B.Benn 9+7reb+2ast, P.Davis 6+5reb+1ast
Neptunas: M.Mazeika 26+9reb+2ast, M.Ruikis 17+7reb+5ast, L.Mikalauskas 15+10reb+1ast, M.Girdziunas 8+3reb+4ast, L.Bonner 6+8reb, S.Galdikas 5+5reb+1ast
gschID: 151945


Juventus - Zalgiris 60-82

The game in Utena supposed to be also quite interesting. Leader Zalgiris (8-0) played at the court of 8th ranked Juventus (4-7). Zalgiris smashed Juventus 82-60 on Sunday. The game was mostly controlled by Zalgiris. Juventus was better in second period 21-16. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 20-of-25 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Zalgiris forced 22 Juventus turnovers. Juventus was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a great evening for the former international guard Mantas Kalnietis (196-86, agency: Interperformances) who led his team to a victory scoring 12 points and 5 assists. American guard DeJuan Collins (188-76, college: Tuskegee) helped adding 14 points. Coach Aleksandar Trifunovic's team controlled all game and the coach could let to play 11 players saving starting five for next games. The former international point guard Gediminas Maceina (188-84) responded with 9 points and 6 assists and center Karolis Petrukonis (212-87, college: Clemson) scored 10 points and 7 rebounds. Zalgiris have an impressive series of eight victories in a row. Defending champion moved-up to second place. Juventus lost third consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with seven games lost. Zalgiris will face league's leader Lietuvos rytas in Vilnius in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Juventus will play at home against Techasas (#12) in Panevezys.
Top scorers:
Juventus: K.Petrukonis 10+7reb+1ast, T.Gaidamavicius 9+1reb+3ast, G.Maceina 9+3reb+6ast, G.Matulis 8+5reb, R.Gumeniuk 6+7reb+1ast, A.Vasiliauskas 5+3reb+1ast
Zalgiris: M.Rakovic 15+1reb, D.Collins 14+3reb, M.Kalnietis 12+1reb+5ast, T.Delininkaitis 11+1ast, P.Butkevicius 9+5reb, P.Jankunas 7+8reb
gschID: 151946


Lietuvos rytas - Juventus 102-68

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Lietuvos rytas as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Lietuvos rytas smashed 8th ranked Juventus in Vilnius 102-68. The game without a history. Lietuvos rytas led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Juventus' 30. Lietuvos rytas forced 19 Juventus turnovers and outrebounded them 37-23 including 16 on the offensive glass. It was a great shooting night for Lietuvos rytas especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 58.8 percentage. It was a great evening for international center Jonas Valanciunas (210-92) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 14 rebounds. FYR Macedonian center Predrag Samardziski (214-86, agency: Beo Basket) helped adding 14 points and 6 rebounds. Five Lietuvos rytas players scored in double figures. Lietuvos rytas' coach Aleksandar Dzikic felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The former international guard Darius Pakamanis (192-81) responded with 14 points and 7 assists (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) and center Karolis Petrukonis (212-87, college: Clemson) scored 12 points and 8 rebounds. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. Juventus lost third consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with seven games lost. Juventus will play next round against Techasas trying to get back on the winning streak. Lietuvos rytas will try to continue on its current victory against second ranked Zalgiris in Kaunas.
Top scorers:
Juventus: D.Pakamanis 14+2reb+7ast, K.Petrukonis 12+8reb, V.Volkus 10+2reb+2ast, T.Gaidamavicius 9+2reb, A.Vasiliauskas 8+2reb+1ast, G.Maceina 6+2ast
Lietuvos rytas: A.Jomantas 14+4reb+3ast, J.Valanciunas 14+14reb+1ast, M.Katelynas 14+6reb, P.Samardziski 14+6reb+2ast, R.Seibutis 13+2reb, S.Babrauskas 10+1reb+3ast
gschID: 151947


Sakalai - Pieno Zvaigzdes 64-65

Rather expected game in Vilnius where 9th ranked Sakalai (3-8) was edged by seventh ranked Pieno Zvaigzdes (5-5) 65-64 on Saturday. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 18-11. But Sakalai won second period 16-14. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. It was a great evening for American center Sylvester Morgan (208-83, college: Georgia St.) who led his team to a victory scoring 18 points. Guard Zydrunas Kelys (188-87) helped adding 9 points and 7 assists. Center Paulius Joneliunas (211-84, college: American) responded with 22 points and 8 rebounds (on 10-of-11 shooting from the field) and guard Augustas Peciukevicius (191-91) scored 2 points, 6 rebounds and 13 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Newly promoted Pieno Zvaigzdes maintains seventh place with 5-5 record. Loser Sakalai keeps the ninth position with eight games lost. Pieno Zvaigzdes will have a break next round. Sakalai will play on the road against Baltai Kaunas (#6).
Top scorers:
Sakalai: P.Joneliunas 22+8reb+1ast, E.Baniulis 11+6reb, A.Butkevicius 10+2reb, D.Pukis 5+5reb, R.Matulis 5+3reb+1ast, A.Gydra 3+1reb
Pieno Zvaigzdes: S.Morgan 18+3reb, E.Bendzius 12+4reb, Z.Kelys 9+2reb+7ast, E.Kairys 7+2reb, S.Kulvietis 6+3reb, P.Morkeliunas 4+4reb+1ast
gschID: 151941


Kedainiai - Siauliai 71-74

Very predictable result when third ranked Siauliai (8-3) edged on the road 10th ranked Kedainiai (2-8) 74-71 on Saturday. The guests trailed by 7 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 8-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 74-71. Siauliai made 17-of-18 free shots (94.4 percent) during the game. It was a great evening for American guard Cam Long (193-88, college: George Mason) who led his team to a victory scoring 15 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. American-Samoan point guard Rashaun Broadus (183-84, college: BYU) helped adding 16 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Aurimas Adomaitis (206-87, college: LIU Brooklyn) responded with 19 points and 9 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) and American forward David McClure (198-86, college: Duke) produced a double-double by scoring 10 points and 14 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Kedainiai's coach Gediminas Petrauskas rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Siauliai maintains third place with 8-3 record behind leader Lietuvos rytas. Loser Kedainiai keeps the tenth position with eight games lost. Siauliai will face Rudupis (#4) in Prienai in the next round. Kedainiai will play on the road against Techasas (#12) in Panevezys and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kedainiai: A.Adomaitis 19+9reb+1ast, L.Kisielius 14+9reb+2ast, V.Ginevicius 12+2reb+4ast, D.McClure 10+14reb+3ast, V.Peciukas 7+1reb+1ast, T.Cerneckis 4+4reb+1ast
Siauliai: R.Broadus 16+5reb+4ast, C.Long 15+6reb+5ast, V.Vasylius 13+3reb+2ast, D.Gvezdauskas 11+3reb+3ast, D.Bowles 8+15reb+1ast, A.Siksnius 5+4reb
gschID: 151942


Baltai Kaunas - Techasas 74-88

Techasas has finally registered their first victory this season after nine consecutive loses. The win is especially important as they defeated much higher ranked Baltai Kaunas (6-5)on the road game in Kaunas 88-74 on Saturday. The guests trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 3-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 88-74. Techasas dominated on the defensive end, holding Baltai Kaunas to just 6 points in third quarter. The best player for the winners was forward Osvaldas Matulionis (200-91) who scored 19 points and 6 rebounds. Guard Edgaras Stanionis (193-88) chipped in 18 points and 6 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Croatian power forward Mario Delas (207-90) produced 14 points and 5 rebounds and guard Zygimantas Janavicius (192-89, agency: Interperformances) added 14 points respectively for the hosts. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Techasas maintains twelfth place with 1-9 record. Loser Baltai Kaunas dropped to the sixth position with five games lost. Techasas will meet at home higher ranked Kedainiai (#10) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Baltai Kaunas will play against Sakalai (#9) in Vilnius and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Baltai Kaunas: M.Delas 14+5reb+3ast, Z.Janavicius 14+3reb, K.Vecvagars 11+2reb+1ast, E.Ulanovas 10+5reb+2ast, V.Cizauskas 7+1reb, S.Vene 6+5reb+1ast
Techasas: O.Matulionis 19+6reb+1ast, E.Stanionis 18+6reb+1ast, G.Staniulis 12+7reb, S.Kulevicius 11+2reb+1ast, S.Vasiliauskas 9+2ast, V.Cepukaitis 8+8reb+1ast
gschID: 151943




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


Standings - 1A
1A Erste Basketball League Standings
 1. Mornar Bar 8-1
 2. Sutjeska 7-3
 3. Mogren 6-3
 4. Lovcen 5-4
 5. Ulcinj 4-4
 6. Teodo Tivat 4-5
 7. KK Podgorica 4-5
 8. Jedinstvo 3-6
 9. ABS Primorje 2-7
 10. Danilovgrad 2-7
Play in international cups:
 1. Buducnost -


KSCG awards: Dubljevic wins the 2011 Montenegrin Player of the Year award - by Darko Pekic
Traditionally, Montenegrin basketball federation (KSCG) nominates the candidates for Player of the Year award in late December and chooses the best of them. This year the winner of this prestigeous award is Bojan Dubljevic (205-C-91, agency: Beo Basket), the center of KK Buducnost Podgorica and member of Montenegrin U21 Team. Dubljevic had an excelent season with his team and represented also U21 National team in Spain last summer (European Chasmpionships). Many internationals scouts noticed his numbers: 22.4ppg and 9.7rpg.

Nikola Ivanovic (187-G-94, agency: Beo Basket) was voted the Young Player of the Year. But after the latest performances and overall good impression about him, it will not take him long to grab more prestigeous montenegrin and international awards.

Miodrag Baletic won the Coach of the Year award. The experienced Niksic born coach made a great result with Montenegrin National Team (women) last summer and it helped him to beat Dejan Radonjic , the previous winner, who disappointed at the European Championship in Lithuania.

Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) is the best Montenegrin player abroad. He deserved the award after a solid first NBA season with the Timberwolves (NBA).

Luka Pavicevic is the new head coach of Montenegro - by Darko Pekic
Eurobasket.com announced over a month ago that Luka Pavicevic (agency: Beo Basket ) would be the third head coach in the brief history of Montenegro National Team and the news was finally confirmed today by both sides (Pavicevic and KSCG). The Podgorica born coach with great past as a player will coach the National Team during the qualifications for the 2013 European Championship in Slovenia. Pavicevic recently joined Roanne (France ProA) but the new club will not create him any problems-he will lead the squad in the upcoming year and when the season ends he will join Montenegrin NT. Surely, this will be an exciting year for Luka Pavicevic (agency: Beo Basket )..

Luka Pavicevic (agency: Beo Basket ) started his playing career in Buducnost but then joined Jugoplastika and won everything with them ( 4 League titles and 3 European titles in a row). When he retired in 2003 it did not take him long to understand what would be his best option- he took the control of OKK Belgrade and proved his talent. However, the League title with Alba in his first season abroad will be remembered as the biggest success so far. The head coaching job in the National Tean is a new step in his career and he will try to make the best of it for sure.

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


Celtics waive Sweetney and Brown - by Eurobasket News
The Boston Celtics today announced that they have waived forward Michael Sweetney (6'8''-F-82, college: Georgetown) and guard Gilbert Brown (6'6''-F-87, agency: VVG Sports, college: Pittsburgh).

Brown, a 6'6 guard, appeared in two preseason games for the Celtics. He averaged 1.0 point and 0.5 rebounds in 11.5 minutes per game against the Raptors.

Sweetney, a 6'8 forward, appeared in one game for the Celtics during the preseason. He recorded two points, two rebounds and a block against the Raptors on December 21.

Phoenix Suns waive swingman Mickael Pietrus after reaching a financial agreement - by Eurobasket News
The Phoenix Suns have waived swingman Mickael Pietrus (198-F-82, agency: Court Side) after reaching a financial agreement.

The move was announced by the team Thursday and lowered Phoenixs roster to 14 players.

In July, Pietrus exercised a player option to return to the Suns this season for a $5.3 million salary.

Pietrus underwent minor right knee surgery in July after the French national team declared him unable to play.

He also missed the final 12 games of the NBA season last season because of a quadriceps-tendon strain near the same knee.

Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com

Cleared to play, Hayes returns to Kings - by Eurobasket News
The Kings' search for a frontcourt defender ended where it started.

One week after the Kings announced Chuck Hayes (6'6''-F-83, college: Kentucky) had an abnormality in his heart that would lead to the team voiding his contract, the forward-center was cleared to resume his basketball career Thursday by the renowned Cleveland Clinic. The team announced Thursday night it had reached an agreement with Hayes. He is expected back in Sacramento tonight.

The deal is worth $22.4 million over four years. That is $1 million more than Hayes signed for Dec. 9, the first day free agents were allowed to sign with teams following the 149-day NBA lockout.

'It's been an incredible week of emotional highs and lows,' Hayes said in a statement. 'The Kings have been very supportive during this process and I feel very comfortable with the relationships that I have started there. After reviewing my options, the Kings were still the choice for me.'

The Kings announced on Dec. 15 that an echocardiogram stress test during Hayes' physical revealed an abnormality and that the player would continue further testing.

On Monday, the Kings announced Hayes had failed his physical and his contract had been voided.

After going through a battery of tests at the Cleveland Clinic on Wednesday, Hayes and the Kings were told Thursday morning he had nothing wrong with his heart and to continue playing without worry.

'I'm just very thankful and blessed with the team of doctors at the Cleveland Clinic and the power of prayer,' Hayes said in a prepared statement. 'I am happy to say I have a healthy heart and have been cleared to play immediately. I look forward to getting back on the court as soon as possible.'

The Bee was unable to reach Hayes through his agent, Calvin Andrews.

The Kings maintained contact with Hayes through a difficult and emotional week as he sought a second opinion, and the news of his return generated excitement throughout the organization.

'The first thing is how happy that you are for Chuck,' said Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie. 'When you basically walked along with him through all the events of the last week and all the emotions that go along with that, and to have it get resolved the way, it has, for all of us that have been involved, it's been very, very moving.'

The tests that Hayes underwent at the Cleveland Clinic reportedly included CT scans, an MRI, an EKG and another echo stress test.

Steven Nissen, the head of cardiovascular medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, led the team that evaluated Hayes. He said doctors in Sacramento were right to send the six-year veteran to Ohio for further testing but emphasized that Hayes is completely fit to play.

'There was legitimate concern. It was appropriate that he be sent to us,' Nissen said. 'We did what was as exhaustive an evaluation as we could have done, and we concluded that he was fine to play.'

Hayes does have an unusual heart structure, Nissen said. He has a little bit of what doctors call 'outpouching,' or a bulge in the wall, in his left ventricle.

But while that's out of the ordinary, the doctor underlined that it's not dangerous.

'We don't think he has a heart disease that is going to limit him, and we recommend that he be allowed to play basketball at a professional level,' Nissen said. 'I told him I encouraged him to play and that I was going to watch him on TV. If we had felt he was at risk, we would have told him that.'

With large, professional athletes, caution is warranted, said Christine Lawless, co-chair of the Sports and Exercise Cardiology Council at American College of Cardiology in Washington, D.C.

'Their bodies release so much adrenaline, it's a very vigorous test for the heart,' she said. 'I think it's terrific that there is an awareness of the cardio issues and that we're being very careful with the athletes. That's probably one of the most important messages.'

The doctors in Hayes' case 'did exactly the right thing,' Lawless said.

One immediate question Petrie faced was why the Kings voided Hayes' contract before further and extensive testing was performed by specialists at the Cleveland Clinic.

'That's a really good question,' Petrie said. 'I think all of us that have been involved know why what happened, happened, and that's really all I have to say about it right now.'

Word of Hayes' health and return spread during and after Thursday's Kings practice. In just a short time, Hayes had become popular with coaches and teammates.

'We're really excited to have him back,' said rookie guard Jimmer Fredette. 'Extremely excited that he's able to play. It's a tough thing to hear that you're not going be able to play for your career, but now he's back and we're excited to have him.'

Hayes made a name for himself in the NBA as an undersize center at 6-foot-6, but he was what Petrie called one of the 'best frontcourt defenders' in the league.

The coaching staff hoped Hayes would help shore up the team's defense which has been shaky in two preseason games and help the offense flow because of his knack for passing.

'Chuck is a veteran in this league,' said Kings guard Marcus Thornton. 'He knows how to play, and he can even teach our younger guys how to play.'

Without Hayes, J.J. Hickson had become a starter, and the Kings continued to look to add depth to their frontcourt.

The Kings explored re-signing center Samuel Dalembert, who played for the Kings last season.

It appeared the Kings were close to a deal with the free agent, but they pulled their offer Wednesday, leading the way for Dalembert to sign with Houston, Hayes' team for the past six seasons.

That left the Kings with 13 players on their roster and needing to add one, but Petrie admitted the pickings among free agents were slim.

Trading for another big man was a possibility, but all along, the Kings were hoping to have Hayes back.

'Really, all I know is he's had great medical news,' said Kings coach Paul Westphal. 'He's scheduled to come back to Sacramento (today), and we're just so overwhelmingly happy the second opinions are so positive. Primarily (happy for) what happened for Chuck. We're also happy for his family and ourselves.'

Petrie said it has been an emotional week for the Kings and Hayes, who was emerging as a leader on and off the court for a young Kings roster.

Having played at Modesto Christian High School, Hayes saw joining Sacramento as a homecoming.

Hayes will be welcomed back, and he said he holds no grudge toward the Kings after the team canceled his contract.

Courtesy of www.sacbee.com

Hawks add G Willie Green - by Eurobasket News
The Atlanta Hawks signed free agent guard Willie Green (6'4''-G-81, college: Detroit Mercy) on Thursday.

Green averaged 8.7 points and 2.1 rebounds in 77 games with New Orleans last year. He spent his first seven seasons with Philadelphia before joining the Hornets for the 2010-11 campaign.

The 30-year-old has averaged 9.3 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists. He played 499 career games so far.

Courtesy of www.sacbee.com

Clippers sign Reggie Evans, waive two players - by Eurobasket News
The Clippers made if official Thursday afternoon, announcing that they had signed Reggie Evans (6'8''-F/C-80, college: Iowa) to a one-year contract.

Evans will earn the veterans minimum of about $1.3 million.

The 6-foot-8 Evans will be a backup and provide the Clippers with a physical and tough presence even though hes an undersized center-forward.

Evans, 31, averaged a career-high 11.5 rebounds per game last season with the Toronto Raptors.

The Clippers dont expect Evans to play in Sundays Christmas Day game against the Golden State Warriors in Oakland because of a foot injury that may keep him out for two weeks.

The Clippers also announced that they had waived Courtney Fortson (5'11''-SG-88, college: Arkansas) and Marcus Hubbard (6'9''-C-83, college: Angelo St.).

That leaves their roster at 13.

Courtesy of http://latimesblogs.latimes.com

2011-2012 NBA Season Predictions - by Daniel Gibson
NBA fans around the world are happy that Christmas is the kickoff of the NBA regular season. I have come up with a list of teams I believe will make the playoffs and ultimately win the finals. I also listed the regular season award winners. Take a look and see how it compares with your thoughts.

Eastern Conference:

1. Miami Heat

2. Chicago Bulls

3. New York Knicks

4. Boston Celtics

5. Orlando Magic (as long as Dwight is there & depending on who they get if he is traded)

6. Indiana Pacers

7. Atlanta Hawks

8. Milwaukee Bucks



Western Conference:

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

2. Los Angeles Clippers

3. Memphis Grizzlies

4. Los Angeles Lakers

5. Dallas Mavericks

6. Portland Trail Blazers

7. San Antonio Spurs

8. Minnesota Timberwolves/Denver Nuggets I can't pick but probably Denver



Eastern Conference finals: Miami Heat beat the New York Knicks in 6 close games.

Western Conference Finals: OKC Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Clippers...Clippers win in 7.

NBA Finals: Miami Heat beat the Los Angeles Clippers in 6. LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) is MVP.

Regular season award winners:


MVP: LeBron James. Last season he had better stats than D. Rose (LBJ: 26.7 ppg, 7.0 rebs., 7.5 ast./Rose: 25 ppg., 4.5 rebs., 7.7 ast.) but Rose had the better team record. People were down on Bron all year after 'The Decision.' He took the beating for that now he's back to prove a point.

Rookie of the Year: This is a tough one. I'm going with Kyrie Irving (6'2''-G-92, college: Duke) but Kemba Walker (6'1''-PG-90, college: Connecticut) will be in the mix.

Defensive Player of the Year: Dwight Howard

Most Improved: DeAndre Jordan (7'0''-C-88, college: Texas A&M). Last season he averaged 7 ppg and 7 rebs. He should average a double-double this season.

Sixth Man: James Harden (6'5''-G-89, college: Arizona St.) if he doesn't start for OKC. If he does start I'll go with Jamal Crawford out in Portland

Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) will lead the league in scoring.

Kevin Love (6'10''-C-88, college: UCLA) will lead the league in rebounding.

Rajon Rondo (6'1''-PG-86, college: Kentucky) will lead the league in assists.

Report: Nets sign DeShawn Stevenson - by Eurobasket News
The New Jersey Nets have signed defensive specialist DeShawn Stevenson (6'5''-G-81, agency: Priority Sports) to a one-year deal, according to a tweet from Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.

'As reported by NY-NJ outlets, DeShawn Stevenson agrees to 1-year pact with Nets. The deal will pay him $2.5M for the season, source tells Y!'

Stevenson, 30, averaged 5.3 points and 1.5 rebounds per game in 72 contests with the Dallas Mavericks last season. His contract with the Nets means he has now played with five different NBA teams.

Stevenson will compete with Anthony Marrow and Sundiata Gaines for playing time at the shooting guard position in New Jersey.

The 11-year-veteran has tied for the NBA lead in games played three times, playing all 82 games in each season from 2005 to 2008.

Courtesy of http://tracking.si.com

Nets center Brook Lopez to undergo foot surgery - by Eurobasket News
The New Jersey Nets said starting center Brook Lopez (7'0''-C/F-88, college: Stanford) will undergo surgery today after sustaining a stress fracture of the fifth metatarsal in his right foot.

The 23-year-old was hurt in the first half of Wednesday night's 88-82 loss to the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

Lopez's loss will be felt on the court, but also as the centerpiece in of the Nets' efforts to trade for superstar Magic center Dwight Howard.

'It's not good to hear, but it is what it is,' Nets general manager Billy King said. 'We have contingency plans, we're looking at options, and we will make the right moves as we go forward.'

Lopez, who continued playing on the foot in the second half after suffering the injury, had a precautionary X-ray after the game, when the injury was discovered.

'I think we all were surprised by it, for the fact that he kept playing,' King said.

One of Lopez's biggest strengths during his first three seasons in the NBA was his durability, a rare trait for a 7-footer given all of the stress their bodies endure. Lopez didn't miss a regular-season game in his first three seasons, and has started every game each of the past two years.

Lopez, who averaged 20 points per game last season, will likely be out for at least the next 4-6 weeks, although King refused to put a timetable on the injury.

The bigger impact on the Nets could be what Lopez's injury means in their ongoing quest to pry Howard away from Orlando.

One thing that could work in the Nets' favor, ironically, is the fact that the All-Star Game is being held in Orlando in late February. The general belief has been that the Magic will resist the temptation to deal Howard, who has requested a trade to the Nets, until after the game, in order to avoid the embarrassment of having him play in the All-Star Game for another team.

That built-in delay on trade talks would give the Nets valuable time to get Lopez back on the court and prove he's healthy.

Courtesy of www.mailtribune.com

Utah Jazz trade Mehmet Okur to New Jersey - by Eurobasket News
Utah Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor announced today that the team has acquired a future second-round draft pick and a trade exception from the New Jersey Nets in exchange for center Mehmet Okur (6'11''-C/F-79).

Entering his 10th NBA season, Okur (6-11, 265, Yalova, Turkey), appeared in 13 games (no starts) for the Jazz during the 2010-11 campaign, averaging 4.9 points and 2.3 rebounds in 12.9 minutes per game. The 2007 NBA All-Star holds career averages of 13.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 617 career games (446 starts) with Detroit and Utah. Okur, who joined the Jazz prior to the 2004-05 season, departs the team ranking fourth on the franchises all-time list for three-pointers made (517). He is fifth for three-pointers attempted (1,358), and ninth in scoring (7,255), rebounding (3,599) and blocked shots (346).

Courtesy of www.sltrib.com

L.A.'s Bryant says he'll play in the opener - by Eurobasket News
Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) is expected to play in the season opener Sunday against the Chicago Bulls, saying his right wrist 'should be fine,' the Los Angeles Times reported Thursday on its website.

Bryant, who tore a ligament in the wrist in Monday's exhibition game against the Los Angeles Clippers, sat out practice Thursday, saying his wrist was still 'swollen and painful.'

But, he added, 'it's always been in my nature to try to figure out a way to play.'

Bryant, 33, sat on the Lakers bench in a suit wearing a plastic brace on the wrist in Wednesday's final preseason game against the Clippers. Earlier, an MRI exam confirmed a tear of the lunotriquetral ligament, which stabilizes two of the smaller bones on the outer part of the wrist.

'It's not really going to heal. The ligament's gone. There's nothing I can do about it,' he told the Times. 'But I've dealt with so many hand injuries, I should be all right.'

Courtesy of www.philly.com

Nuggets top Suns 110-85 - by Eurobasket News
Danilo Gallinari (6'9''-G/F-88, agency: Players Group) scored a game-high 23 points and the Denver Nuggets opened the fourth quarter with a 16-3 run en route to a 110-85 win over the Phoenix Suns in an exhibition game Thursday night.

Corey Brewer (6'9''-F-86, college: Florida) scored eight of his 20 points during the decisive run which saw the Nuggets extend an eight-point advantage to 95-74 with 7:04 remaining.

Kostas Koufos (7'0''-C/F-89, college: Ohio St.) scored 15 points and DeMarre Carroll (6'8''-F-86, agency: Priority Sports, college: Missouri) added 14 for Denver, which swept the two-game exhibition series against Phoenix.

Jared Dudley scored 17 points, Hakim Warrick had 15 and Shannon Brown added 14 for the Suns, who were without forward Marcin Gortat, out with a slight non-displaced fracture of his right thumb.

Steve Nash had five points on 2-of-9 shooting and added eight assists in just over 26 minutes for the Suns, who earlier Thursday waived guard-forward Mickael Pietrus.

After opening the game 6 of 24 from the floor in the first quarter, the Suns recovered and led 60-56 on Markieff Morris' 3-pointer with 7:40 left in the third quarter.

But Gallinari and the Nuggets took over from there. Gallinari converted a three-point play, Chris Andersen sank a pair of free throws and Brewer hit a 14-foot turnaround jumper with 5:04 to go in the third for a 70-60 lead.

Phoenix rallied to within six at 77-71 on a three-point play by Brown with 13.5 seconds left in the period, but Gallinari hit a fade away jump shot at the third-quarter buzzer and the Nuggets coasted the rest of the way.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Hawks close preseason with 92-75 win over Bobcats - by Eurobasket News
Josh Smith (6'9''-F-85) had 21 points and six rebounds and Joe Johnson added 12 points, three rebounds and five assists to lead the Atlanta Hawks to a 92-75 victory over Charlotte Bobcats in a preseason game Thursday night.

Thursday's game was the second game of the teams' two-game preseason series. The Bobcats beat the Hawks 79-77 in Charlotte on Monday.

Alfred Horford (6'10''-F/C-86, college: Florida) had seven rebounds to go with six points, and Vladimir Radmanovic (6'10''-F-80) added 11 points and three rebounds for the Hawks.

'The energy level was much greater tonight,' Hawks coach Larry Drew said. 'I thought our starters did a good job picking up energy in times where we got a little lackadaisical.'

Corey Maggette (6'6''-G-79, college: Duke) led the Bobcats with 18 points and five rebounds. Rookie Kemba Walker, the ninth overall pick in the draft, had eight points, four rebounds and two assists.

D.J. Augustin (5'11''-PG-87, college: Texas) had nine points and three assists, and Matt Carroll added nine points and three rebounds.

The Hawks led 49-46 at the half, then outscored the Bobcats 22-12 in the third quarter. The Hawks scored 46 points in the paint to the Bobcats' 34, and had 23 second-chance points to their 10.

'We executed well tonight and that's about it,' Bobcats coach Paul Silas said. 'We didn't rebound well, we didn't defend well and the basic thing, we didn't bring any energy tonight.'

Bismack Biyombo, the seventh overall pick, had one point, two rebounds and four turnovers in slightly less than 16 minutes.

Veterans Tracy McGrady (6'8''-G/F-79) and Jerry Stackhouse (6'6''-G-74, college: N.Carolina), whom the Hawks signed as free agents, are still getting their legs under them. McGrady, first off the bench, had four points; Stackhouse had two points and an assist.

Rookie Ivan Johnson (6'4''-G/F) added 15 points and eight rebounds in 20 minutes.

Courtesy of www.foxnews.com

Former No 1 draft pick returns from China.. - by Alex Yam

HANG TIME TEXAS, YALL The Great Wall of China might be thousands of miles long, but it wasnt tall enough to keep Kenyon Martin in the country.
The veteran power forward (who turns 34 next week) has arranged a buyout from his contract with the Xinjiang Guanghui Flying Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association that will allow a return to the NBA, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo!Sports.
Two questions quickly pop up:
Will Martins homecoming open the door for his former Denver teammates J.R. Smith and Wilson Chandler to make their own returns to the NBA?
Since he wont be able to join an NBA team likely until sometime in March, how much jockeying will take place for Martin among playoff contenders that might be looking for fresh legs near the end of the condensed 66-game, post-lockout schedule Miami, Boston, San Antonio, the Lakers?
For Martin and Xinjiang, this breakup was simply a chance to end a partnership that hadnt been productive. Martin, who turns 34 on Dec. 30, had been nothing resembling a dominant force in the CBA, averaging 14 points and seven rebounds in a league with few NBA-level big men.
After playing out his contract with the Nuggets last season, Martin is an unrestricted free agent. There are NBA teams interested in him, but clearly theyll take a close look at his knees and try to understand why he struggled to find his past explosiveness in China. Was he simply not playing hard enough, or is he not healthy?
So that makes one more question: Now that hes coming home, will K-Mart have anything resembling an NBA level game packed in his luggage?

Article courtesy of Frank Blinebury and Adrian Wojnarowski

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Buford leads No. 2 Ohio St over Miami, Ohio 69-40 - by Eurobasket News
William Buford (6'6''-G) scored 18 points and Aaron Craft (6'2''-G) dominated at both ends as No. 2 Ohio State started fast and never looked back to beat Miami of Ohio 69-40 on Thursday night.

Deshaun Thomas (6'7''-F) added 15 points and Jared Sullinger (6'9''-F) 11 for the Buckeyes (12-1), who won their 33rd straight at home. The game was played at Nationwide Arena, home of the NHL's Blue Jackets. The building will host second- and third-round NCAA tournament games in March.

Julian Mavunga (6'8''-F) led the RedHawks (3-7) with 19 points and 10 rebounds.

Craft had just four points but set the tempo at both ends with eight assists, two steals, three rebounds and several other plays that led to points.

The Buckeyes ran off the first 11 points and never trailed.

On their first possession, Buford fed Sullinger with a bounce pass behind the defender for an easy layup and Ohio State was off and running. Buford hit a 3, Thomas scored on fast-break layup, Sullinger scored again on a short jumper and Buford was on the receiving end of Craft's assist to make it 11-0.

The RedHawks were scoreless for the first 4:16, missing their first four shots with two turnovers.

After the Buckeyes hit five of their first six shots, they went into a malaise - missing 16 of the next 22.

They led 26-17 at halftime, a lead that was narrowed to just seven after Josh Sewell hit a layup for the RedHawks to open the second half.

But Ohio State sprinted away by scoring 15 of the next 17 points.

Craft was the ringleader, at one point stealing the ball from a Miami guard and going coast-to-coast for a layup. Another time he dived into cheerleaders to save a loose ball and flip it to Sullinger. Craft also assisted on three baskets in a span of a little more than 2 minutes.

All of a sudden the Buckeyes were up 43-23 and the lead was never again in doubt.

One of the loudest cheers of the night came when LaQuinton Ross, a highly touted recruit who sat out the start of the season while straightening out academic problems from high school, drilled a 3-pointer on his first possession in an Ohio State uniform.

Mavunga, the leading scorer and rebounder in the Mid-American Conference and one of just three players in the nation averaging more than 20 points and 10 rebounds a game, had eight of Miami's 15 field goals. The RedHawks, playing their third game in six days, struggled most of the night on offense, hitting just 33 percent of their shots from the field and going 2 of 14 on 3-pointers.

The Buckeyes had just five turnovers and shot 45 percent from the field.

RedHawks coach Charlie Coles was denied his 350th career win. He is 349-294 in 22 seasons, six at Central Michigan and the last 16 at Miami, where he owns a 257-209 record.
Ohio State coach Thad Matta was an assistant on Coles' staff at Miami in 1995 and 1997.

The Buckeyes improved to 11-0 in home games this season and 78-2 against non-conference opponents in Columbus under Matta.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

No. 6 Baylor tops St Mary's 72-59 to stay perfect - by Eurobasket News
Quincy Miller-Scott (6'9''-F-93) scored 15 points and Perry Jones III (6'5''-F) had 14 points and nine rebounds to lead No. 6 Baylor over Saint Mary's 72-59 Thursday night in the third round of the Las Vegas Invitational.

Quincy Acy (6'7''-F-90) added 12 points and 10 rebounds while Brady Heslip scored 11 as the Bears (11-0) remained one of six undefeated teams in Division I. Jones also blocked four shots.

Baylor never trailed and pulled away in the second half after leading 36-34 at the break.

Rob Jones (6'6''-F-89) led Saint Mary's (10-2) with 14 points and seven rebounds, but the Gaels' eight-game winning streak was snapped. Brad Waldow added 12 points for Saint Mary's.

Baylor plays West Virginia in the final round Friday, while Saint Mary's takes on Missouri State.

Earlier on Thursday, West Virginia defeated Missouri State 70-68 in overtime as Mountaineers coach Bob Huggins earned his 700th career win.

Baylor took control in the second half and eventually built a 15-point lead with 8:02 left. The Gaels were held to 35 percent shooting after hitting 55 percent in the first half. Meanwhile, Baylor shot 50 percent from the field for the game.

Baylor outrebounded the Gaels 37-24. After the Bears scored the first six points of the game, there were eight lead changes in the first half as neither team built a lead larger than that six.

This was the second meeting between Baylor and Saint Mary's. In 2010, they met in the NCAA tournament's South Regional semifinal, where the Bears won 72-49 in Houston.

Courtesy of www.huffingtonpost.com

Napier leads No. 8 UConn over Fairfield 79-71 - by Eurobasket News
Connecticut sent coach Jim Calhoun into a forced holiday vacation on a five-game winning streak - and the Huskies didnt make it easy.

Shabazz Napier (6'0''-G-91) scored 24 points to lead No. 8 UConn over in-state rival Fairfield 79-71 on Thursday night, the final game before Calhoun serves a three-game suspension for NCAA recruiting violations.

Jeremy Lamb (6'5''-G/F-92) added 18 points and freshman center Andre Drummond (6'11''-C-93) had 16 points, nine rebounds, four steals and two blocks for the Huskies (10-1), who won their 41st consecutive non-conference game.

Rakim Sanders (6'5''-G/F-89) had 20 points, Sean Crawford (5'10''-G) 14 and Derek Needham 12 for Fairfield (7-5), which cut a 22-point second-half deficit to three with 2:23 left before bowing to the Huskies.

Obviously it wasnt the best way, especially in the second half, to leave, Calhoun said. But I have faith in (assistant coach) George (Blaney) and our staff and theyll be just fine.

Connecticut is now 118-4 against New England teams outside the Big East, and has won 65 consecutive games against in-state competition.

Calhoun will return to the sideline Jan. 7 at Rutgers after he sits out three conference games.

Were going to miss coach dearly, of course, said Drummond, who hit eight of his 10 shots. Hes our biggest supporter. But coach Blaney, hes a good coach as well. I think well be fine as a team.

Connecticut led 57-35 and looked to be running away with the game early in the second half.

But a dunk by Ryan Olander and a 3-pointer by Crawford sparked a Fairfield run that also included a big block by Olander on a dunk attempt by his brother, UConns Tyler Olander.

It was just kind of set up where we were going to meet at the rim and one of us was going to win, Ryan Olander said. And I didnt want to lose that one, especially that one.

A 3-pointer by Rakim Sanders cut the lead to 65-59 with under 6 minutes to play and the Stags continued to chip away.

Another 3-pointer by Crawford cut the lead to five72-67with just over 3 minutes to play, and a layup by Sanders made it 72-69. He had a chance to bring the Stags within two but missed the front end of a 1-and-1, and Ryan Boatrights 3-pointer at the other end extended the lead to 75-69.

We just let down, said Lamb. They hit a couple 3s and after that we gave them some confidence. They had confidence they could hit 3s and they kept on doing that.

Calhoun liked the way his team played for the first 20 minutes. Napier hit his first five shots and had 14 points midway through the first half.

Fairfields Derek Needham hit his first three, all from 3-point range, to keep the Stags close. Fairfield trailed just 14-13 before UConn went on an 11-2 run led by Napier, who had nine of those points.

A pair of 3-pointers from Lamb made it 40-24 Huskies. An alley-oop from Napier to Drummond, followed by Drummonds third steal and dunk of the game gave UConn a 46-26 halftime lead.

Ryan Olander finished with eight points and eight rebounds. His brother Tyler had just two points for UConn. The brothers played together at E.O. Smith High School, which is adjacent to the UConn campus in Storrs.

The Olander family sat in the stands wearing T-shirts that read FairConn on the front, with the family name on the back and the words Either Way We Win.

Fairfield also came into the game on a four-game winning streak, and trailed for just a minute and a half during those games. But the Stags never led in this one.

I think that college basketball is getting to the point where mid-majors are beating Big East teams, said Fairfield coach Sydney Johnson. I think these guys know that. Were pretty disappointed and if we werent, Id worry about us going into league play.

Connecticuts last non-conference loss was to Indiana on Jan. 20, 2007. UConn has not lost to another team from Connecticut since Calhouns first season as coach in 1986, a 49-48 loss to Hartford.

Fairfield had held opponents under 60 points six times this season, including their last three games.

Blaney, a former head coach at Holy Cross and Seton Hall, will run the team during games at South Florida, at home against St. Johns and at Seton Hall. Calhoun is scheduled to return on Jan. 7 when the Huskies face Rutgers.

Were going to go out there and get those three games for him, said Boatright.

UConn plays just one other non-conference game this season, on Jan. 21 at Tennessee.

The Huskies have now won 19 straight against Fairfield and lead the overall series 29-5.

Courtesy of http://rivals.yahoo.com

No. 1 Syracuse beats Tulane 80-61 to move to 13-0 - by Eurobasket News
Tulane was executing its game plan as coach Ed Conroy mapped it out, and the Green Wave was within three points of top-ranked Syracuse late in the first half.

In the blink of an eye, any chance at an upset disappeared.

James Southerland (6'8''-F) and Brandon Triche (6'4''-G-91) each hit a pair of 3-pointers to key a 19-point surge that included five 3s in a row in the final 5:43 of the first half, and Syracuse defeated Tulane 80-61 on Thursday night to remain unbeaten.

'We executed well. We got good shots,' Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim said. 'We shared the ball, and we got three or four really good extra passes. Everyone got a 3. It was just good ball movement and getting the ball to the open man.'

It is the third consecutive season Syracuse has won its first 13 games as it prepares for the start of Big East play next week. The Orange have won three in a row since reaching the top spot in the rankings 10 days ago, previously beating North Carolina State and Bucknell.

On Thursday night, the Syracuse bench did what it has been doing all season, accounting for 45 points. Five players hit at least one 3-pointer in a 10-for-21 performance from beyond the arc.

'That's what makes us so good is that we have so many guys that can come off the bench and score the ball to make plays,' said freshman guard Michael Carter-Williams, who had seven points, three assists and no turnovers in 18 minutes. 'It gives the starters time to rest so they can come out strong. Not too many teams have that.'

Dion Waiters (6'4''-G) had 15 points, Kris Joseph (6'7''-F-88) added 13 and Southerland 10 for the Orange.

Kendall Timmons (6'5''-G/F-90) led Tulane with 16 points, Ricky Tarrant (6'0''-G) had 15 and Jordan Callahan 10. Josh Davis, a transfer from North Carolina State who was averaging 12.1 points and 10.2 rebounds, missed all nine shots he took and finished with three points and six rebounds.

Tulane stayed tough in the opening minutes despite finding little room inside, playing the Orange to a standstill as they worked the clock in deliberate fashion. A short jumper by Kevin Thomas knotted the score at 14-all midway through the first half, and Timmons' 3-pointer at the shot-clock buzzer moved the Green Wave within 22-19 with 6:57 left.

That was it for Tulane as the Orange's long-range attack shifted into high gear. The Green Wave missed four consecutive shots and were called for two shot-clock violations in the closing minutes, while Syracuse hit five 3-pointers in a row for a 41-19 halftime lead.

'We kind of fell into the trap,' Timmons said. 'We got out of what we were doing and they came with a 19-point run and we were not able to climb back into it. We just have to do a better job of being mentally tough, not get into an up-and-down game.'

It all started after a miss by Triche. Fab Melo tapped the rebound out to Joseph, and he hit a 3 from the left wing.

Joseph then sent Scoop Jardine off on fast-break layup and Triche hit a 3 from the right corner after quick passes around the perimeter by Jardine and Joseph.

After Melo blocked a dunk attempt by Tre Drye, it was Southerland's turn. He hit another 3 from the right wing, drove the lane and fed Baye Keita for a resounding dunk, then hit a 3 from the top of the key.

Jardine ended the spurt by feeding Triche for a 3 from the right corner.

Tulane, called for three shot-clock violations in the first half, shot 24 percent (6 of 25) and committed nine turnovers in the opening period, while the Orange hit 14 of 25 shots (56 percent), including 7 of 12 from beyond the arc. In the previous two games, Syracuse made 19 of 42 3-point attempts, a 45 percent clip.

In its victory against the Wolfpack, Syracuse scored 23 straight points in a first-half spurt that took 6:47 -- about a minute longer than Thursday night's blitz.

'I feel like our offense is kind of contagious,' Southerland said. 'Once one finds a way to get it going, everyone else gets it going. That's a great thing for our team. We have a lot of guys that can score. That's all it takes sometimes is one guy to get it going.'

Courtesy of www.pressconnects.com

No. 25 Vanderbilt women outlast Florida State - by Eurobasket News
Vanderbilt guard Christina Foggie (5'9''-G), from New Jersey, and post player Stephanie Holzer (6'4''-C), from Philadelphia, are on the same early-morning flight home Friday but they had one thing to check off their list first.

Foggie scored 18 points and Holzer had 17 to help the No. 25-ranked Commodores (11-1) outlast a challenge from visiting Florida State (6-6) on Thursday night, 65-59. Foggie, who hit two 3-pointers, and Holzer, with 13 rebounds, each sank a pair of throws in the final 46 seconds to seal the victory.

Both teams got out to a slow start and while Vanderbilt coach Melanie Balcomb admitted her team was anxious, Foggie and Holzer both said it wasn't because of their trip home for Christmas.

'We knew we had to take care of business first,' Foggie said.

Holzer, a 6-foot-4 redshirt sophomore averaging 52 percent on field goals, hit only 6 of 15 from the field in the game. As a team Vanderbilt, which had been third in the nation in field goal percentage, shot only 38.1 percent.

After taking an opening 2-0 lead, Vanderbilt went on a five-minute scoreless drought that included a 1-for-14 stretch from the field.

'I think we were just anxious,' Balcomb said. 'We went a little too fast on offense, and we were fast on defense, thank goodness. . We've been making a lot of shots and winning a lot of games on offense. We were going to have to decide that we could win different ways and tonight we won on defense and rebounding.'

Holzer made five of her seven free throws though, hitting both her foul shots with 18.3 seconds remaining after Chasity Clayton's 3-pointer pulled Florida State to within 62-59.

'I just knew I needed to make them,' Holzer said. 'I knew I wasn't making them for me, I knew I was making them for the team and I was making them to win.'

Clayton had a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds for the Seminoles, while Chelsea Davis scored 16 points and Alexa Deluzio added 15.

'Give the kids credit,' Florida State coach Sue Semrau said of her team's rally from a 15-point deficit. 'We were playing a little bit of small ball.'

Balcomb said Foggie was able to get the ball inside to Holzer in the second half and get her to the line to help her shake an off-night shooting. But most of it was Holzer's doing, the coach said.

'I think Stephanie played a great game. I felt like even when it mattered, even with the shot clock ticking down, she made big shots,' Semrau said.

Said Balcomb, whose team lost 72-66 at Tallahassee last year in a physical game: 'The game Steph played this year compared to last year was much more solid, mature and emotionally intelligent.'

It wasn't just Holzer missing early in the game either. At the first timeout after 4 1/2 minutes played, Vanderbilt was 1 of 9 from the field with eight turnovers and Florida State was 0 of 4 with four turnovers.

'They just weren't falling and they weren't falling for a bunch of us,' Holzer said. 'I think one possession Tiffany (Clarke) and I had two rebounds apiece. . I tried to slow down and be patient.'

Elan Brown hit a jumper at 12:18 to end FSU's 7-0 run that was capped by Clayton's 3-point play. Clair Watkins then had a turn-around jumper to pull Vanderbilt to within 7-6.

And after Clayton nailed a 3-pointer for the Seminoles, the Commodores went on their own 7-0 scoring spree to lead 13-10 on Foggie's 3-pointer and her fast-break layup after a steal. Vanderbilt never trailed again, although Florida State tied it 15-15 on Deluzio's 3-pointer.

Florida State senior post player Cierra Brevard, the second-leading scorer in the Atlantic Coast Conference, scored only four points to break a string of 32 straight games scoring in double figures.

'I give credit to Vanderbilt; they took away Cierra in the beginning,' Semrau said. 'I thought rather than them finding another way to be valuable, she took herself out of the game.'

Vanderbilt took its biggest lead of 15 points with 5:54 left, 54-39, on an in-bounds pass to Jasmine Lister, who added 10 points. The big bucket followed Foggie's second 3-pointer of the night.

But the Commodores scored only one more field goal the rest of the way, on Clark Watkins' put-back to make it 58-49. Davis had scored six straight points for Florida State to cut it to 56-49, and Deluzio had a steal and a layup to close within 58-52.

Lister hit only two of her four free throws in the final 1:12. But Foggie made both her free throws with 46.3 seconds to go for a 61-54 advantage.

In the first half, Vanderbilt pushed out to a 23-18 lead on Foggie's drive to the basket just before the shot clock expired. Foggie didn't score until 9:11 to go in the first half, and Lister only got her first bucket on a drive with 1:06 remaining as the Seminoles defended the perimeter well.

'I told our team the team that played in spurts was going to lose the game and the team that played 40 minutes was going to win the game,' Semrau said.

Vanderbilt was coming off its first loss of the season, at North Carolina State, while Florida State saw a three-game streak ended. The Seminoles are 0-3 against the Southeastern Conference this season and has lost to four top 25 teams.

Courtesy of www.boston.com

No. 3 Kentucky Wildcats defeat Loyola (Md.) Greyhounds 87-63 - by Eurobasket News
Kyle Wiltjer (6'9''-F) is finally figuring out the tougher play at this level because he's learning all about it in practice.

Wiltjer scored a personal-best 24 points and a trio of freshmen sparked No. 3 Kentucky's 17-2 second-half run to beat Loyola (Md.) 87-63 on Thursday for the Wildcats' 42nd straight win at home.

''It's a lot more physical in college. It's a lot quicker, a lot quicker guys,'' Wiltjer said. ''Fortunately, we have such a good team to go against such good players every day in practice, once you get to a game, it's not so bad.''

It's been a shocking learning experience for Wiltjer and one that Kentucky coach John Calipari said they need to continue to work on with the 6-foot-9 forward.

''I think the kid has a toughness at heart, but we're just going to have to help him,'' the coach said. ''I've got to get him to take more charges, not going to block shots, charge, block out more and then when he's in the post we've got to do some things.''

Wiltjer and fellow freshmen Anthony Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist all had afternoons to remember as Kentucky (11-1) heads into a break before the schedule begins to ramp up.

Meanwhile, Kidd-Gilchrist's mother, Cindy Richardson, has been hospitalized according to a school spokesman who had no details of her ailment or its severity.

''We were trying to figure out whether we should send him home this morning early,'' Calipari said. ''It wasn't so immediate that there was going to be things done today. It's in the early process, and like I said, I hope that what we find out is all good.''

Baltimore-based Loyola (8-3) stayed close throughout the first half and pestered Kentucky, which was missing preseason All-America Terrence Jones for the second straight game after he dislocated the pinky finger on his left, shooting hand on Saturday.

''I wanted to make the most of my minutes with Terrence being out,'' Wiltjer said. ''Cal just wants me to be a more aggressive player.''

Erik Etherly (6'7''-F) scored 14 points, Dylon Cormier (6'2''-G) 13 and Justin Drummond had 10 points for the Greyhounds.

''It was good for us. It shows we can play with them,'' Cormier said. ''If we can play with them, then at the mid-major level we should be something to be reckoned with.''

Davis contributed 15 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks, Kidd-Gilchrist added 15 points and seven rebounds and Darius Miller had 13 points. Kentucky hosts Lamar on Wednesday night after a five-day break ahead of renewing its in-state rivalry with No. 4 Louisville on Dec. 31.

Kentucky needed to work a little harder than expected after Etherly cut the lead to 45-41 with the first basket of the second half before the Wildcats began pulling away.

Wiltjer went 7 of 11 from the field after shooting 33 percent over his previous eight games. His 3 early in the second half extended Kentucky's streak to 799 straight games with at least one from beyond the arc and Kidd-Gilchrist finished a dunk to give Kentucky a 56-46 lead with 16:41 to play.

'' (Wiltjer) did a great job of knocking down shots and creating shots,'' Miller said. ''He opened up the floor for us.''

After a timeout, Etherly scored to cut it to eight, but Kidd-Gilchrist and Wiltjer sparked the 17-2 run. A basket by Wiltjer and a dunk by Eloy Vargas made it 73-50 as Loyola went 5:17 without a point because of Kentucky's throttling defense.

On one play, Davis crossed the lane and swatted J'hared Hall's layup attempt for his third block of the game. Davis has 52 blocks, on pace to easily break the school's season-single record of 83.

Jones again was not in uniform after his finger bent awkwardly early in Saturday's win over Chattanooga. The 6-9 sophomore forward spent another game sitting sat beside Ryan Harrow and the rest of the injured Wildcats after appearing in the first 48 straight games of his collegiate career.

Loyola's longest winning streak since joining Division I in 1981-82 ended at eight at St. Bonaventure on Sunday, and while the Greyhounds hadn't played an SEC opponent in 28 years, they weren't intimidated by the Rupp Arena crowd.

''You have to be honest, we played as hard as we could,'' Loyola coach Jimmy Patsos said. ''They've got five NBA guys out there. We were right there. Did we try as hard as we could? Absolutely.''

The Greyhounds only led once at 2-0, but stayed close and even showed some swagger of their own, with Cormier doing his own ''3-goggles'' salute after hitting a long-range shot midway through the first half.

After a 6-0 run gave Kentucky its first double-digit lead at 33-23, Loyola answered with an 8-0 run that was capped when the Greyhounds stripped Marquis Teague in a halfcourt trap and Etherly finished an alley-oop pass from Robert Olson on the break.

Etherly went right at Davis, one of the top college prospects in the country, when he beat Wiltjer on the dribble and Davis couldn't rotate over to block Etherly's emphatic dunk in time as the Greyhounds trailed 45-39 at halftime.

''We didn't come into this game thinking we were going to get blown out,'' Etherly said. ''We came in here to win, which showed in the first half. But they kind of ran away in the second half.''

That's when Wiltjer starting hitting clutch shots and Kentucky tightened its pressure to pull away.

Courtesy of http://msn.foxsports.com

SYRACUSE Improves to 14-0 over Tulane - by Rick Ross
Courtesy of sportsillustrated.cnn.com

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) -- Tulane was executing its game plan just as coach Ed Conroy had mapped it out. The Green Wave was within three points of top-ranked Syracuse late in the first half, and then in the blink of an eye any chance at a major upset disappeared.

James Southerland and Brandon Triche each hit a pair of 3-pointers to key a 19-point surge that included five straight makes from beyond the arc in the final 5:43 of the first half, and Syracuse defeated Tulane 80-61 on Thursday night to remain unbeaten.

'We executed well. We got good shots,' Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim said. 'We shared the ball, and we got three or four really good extra passes. Everyone got a 3. It was just good ball movement and getting the ball to the open man.'

It's the third straight season Syracuse has won its first 13 games as it prepares for the start of Big East play next week. The Orange have won three straight since reaching the top spot in the rankings 10 days ago, including victories over North Carolina State and Bucknell.

On Thursday night, the Syracuse bench did what it's been doing all season, accounting for 45 points. Five players hit at least one 3-pointer in a 10-for-21 performance from beyond the arc.

'I think that's what makes us so good is that we have so many guys that can come off the bench and score the ball to make plays,' said freshman guard Michael Carter-Williams, who had seven points, three assists and no turnovers in 18 minutes. 'It gives the starters time to rest so they can come out strong. Not too many teams have that.'

Tulane (11-2) had faced the No. 1 team in the nation twice before, losing to Cincinnati (72-59) in January 2000 and Memphis (97-71) in February 2008. The Green Wave has never defeated a top-five team and hasn't beaten a top-10 since a 49-47 victory over No. 9 Memphis in February 1983.

Dion Waiters had 15 points, Kris Joseph added 13 and Southerland 10 for the Orange.

Kendall Timmons led Tulane with 16 points, Ricky Tarrant had 15 and Jordan Callahan 10. Josh Davis, a transfer from North Carolina State who was averaging 12.1 points and 10.2 rebounds, missed all nine shots he took and finished with three points and six rebounds.

Tulane stayed tough in the opening minutes despite finding little room inside, playing the Orange to a standstill as they worked the clock in deliberate fashion. A short jumper by Kevin Thomas knotted the score at 14-all midway through the first half, and Timmons' 3-pointer at the shot-clock buzzer moved the Green Wave within 22-19 with 6:57 left.

That was it for Tulane as the Orange's long-range attack shifted into high gear. The Green Wave missed four straight shots and were called for two shot-clock violations in the closing minutes, while Syracuse hit five straight 3-pointers to gain a 41-19 halftime lead.

'We kind of fell into the trap,' Timmons said. 'We got out of what we were doing and they came with a 19-point run and we were not able to climb back into it. We just have to do a better job of being mentally tough, not get into an up-and-down game.'

It all started after a miss by Triche. Fab Melo tapped the rebound out to Joseph, and he hit a 3 from the left wing.

Joseph then sent Scoop Jardine off on fast-break layup and Triche hit a 3 from the right corner after quick passes around the perimeter by Jardine and Joseph.

After Melo blocked a dunk attempt by Tre Drye, it was Southerland's turn to shine. He hit another 3 from the right wing, drove the lane and fed Baye Keita for a resounding dunk, then hit a 3 from the top of the key.

Jardine ended the spurt by feeding Triche for a 3 from the right corner.

Tulane, called for three shot-clock violations in the first half, shot just 24 percent (6 of 25) and committed nine turnovers in the opening period, while the Orange hit 14 of 25 shots (56 percent), including 7 of 12 from beyond the arc. In the previous two games, Syracuse made 19 of 42 3-point attempts, a 45 percent clip.

In its win over the Wolfpack, Syracuse scored 23 straight points in a first-half spurt that took just 6:47 - about a minute longer than Thursday night's blitz.

'I feel like our offense is kind of contagious,' Southerland said. 'Once one finds a way to get it going, everyone else gets it going. That's a great thing for our team. We have a lot of guys that can score. That's all it takes sometimes is one guy to get it going.'

Despite the setback, Conroy took some positives into the holidays.

'I think our guys were so coachable,' he said. 'We cut the turnovers down. We were able to get to the free throw line, we were able to rebound. Those are things we can carry forward. We just weren't sharp offensively in that stretch.'



Top 25 - Men
TOP25 Standings
 1. Syracuse 0-0 (12-0) 
 2. Ohio St. 0-0 (12-1) 
 3. Kentucky 0-0 (11-1) 
 4. Louisville 0-0 (10-2) 
 5. N.Carolina 0-0 (10-0) 
 6. Baylor 0-0 (10-0) 
 7. Duke 0-0 (9-0) 
 8. Connecticut 0-0 (10-1) 
 9. Missouri 0-0 (12-0) 
 10. Marquette 0-0 (10-1) 
 11. Florida 0-0 (9-2) 
 12. Kansas 0-0 (8-3) 
 13. Wisconsin 0-0 (10-2) 
 14. Xavier 0-0 (7-2) 
 15. Pittsburgh 0-0 (11-1) 
 16. Georgetown 0-0 (12-0) 
 17. Indiana 0-0 (12-0) 
 18. Mississippi St. 0-0 (12-1) 
 19. Michigan St. 0-0 (12-2) 
 20. Michigan 0-0 (11-2) 
 21. UNLV 0-0 (12-2) 
 22. Murray St. 1-0 (13-0) 
 23. Creighton 0-0 (10-1) 
 24. Virginia 0-0 (9-1) 
 25. Illinois 0-0 (5-5) 


Stats Leaders - NCAA1
Points Per Game
 Zack ROSEN
  Pennsylvania
  (185-G-)
  Avg: 20.8
 1. Rosen, Pennsylvan.20.8 
 2. Hummer, Princeton17.8 
 3. Mangano, Yale17.0 
 4. Ferry, Cornell14.6 
 5. McGonagill, Brown14.5 
 6. Morgan, Yale14.4 
 7. Bernardini, Pennsy.14.4 
 8. Barbour, Columbia14.1 
 9. Willhite, Yale12.9 
 10. Davis, Princeton12.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Greg MANGANO
  Yale
  (208-F-89)
  Avg: 8.7
 1. Mangano, Yale8.7 
 2. Hummer, Princeton7.8 
 3. Wright, Harvard7.2 
 4. McCarthy, Brown7.1 
 5. Daniels, Columbia6.6 
 6. Cisco, Columbia6.5 
 7. Miller, Cornell6.2 
 8. Brooks, Dartmouth6.2 
 9. Bernardini, Pennsy.6.0 
 10. Kreisberg, Yale5.9 
Assists Per Game
 Zack ROSEN
  Pennsylvania
  (185-G-)
  Avg: 6
 1. Rosen, Pennsylvan.6.0 
 2. McGonagill, Brown5.8 
 3. Wroblewski, Cornell5.4 
 4. Curry, Harvard4.8 
 5. Bray, Princeton3.7 
 6. Cancer, Cornell3.5 
 7. Willhite, Yale3.4 
 8. Hummer, Princeton3.4 
 9. Barbour, Columbia3.1 
 10. Ponticelli, Brown3.1 
Steals Per Game
 Reggie WILLHITE
  Yale
  (193-G/F-)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Willhite, Yale2.8 
 2. Curry, Harvard2.3 
 3. Hummer, Princeton1.8 
 4. Belcore, Pennsylva.1.7 
 5. Cancer, Cornell1.6 
 6. Wroblewski, Cornell1.6 
 7. McGonagill, Brown1.6 
 8. Bray, Princeton1.5 
 9. Bernardini, Pennsy.1.5 
 10. Barbour, Columbia1.2 
Blocks Per Game
 Greg MANGANO
  Yale
  (208-F-89)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Mangano, Yale2.1 
 2. Wright, Harvard1.4 
 3. Miller, Cornell1.3 
 4. Casey, Harvard1.3 
 5. McCarthy, Brown1.2 
 6. Osetkowski, Columb.1.0 
 7. Maldunas, Dartm.0.9 
 8. Dougherty, Pennsyl.0.9 
 9. Hummer, Princeton0.8 
 10. Barrett, Princeton0.8 


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


PBA Roundup: December 21, 2011 - by Enzo Flojo
RAIN OR SHINE ELASTO-PAINTERS over BGY. GINEBRA KINGS, 106-91
The potential in Rain or Shine is now right on track to becoming a reality. The Elasto Painters used a good start to finish off Barangay Ginebra and sweep their PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals series at the Ynares Center.

Jeff Chan scored a game-high 22 points to lead a balanced attack by Rain or Shine as it followed up its 112-105 overtime victory in the best-of-three duel's opener last Friday to arrange a semifinal meeting with early qualifier Powerade.

Despite getting buried under early by Rain or Shine's 41-point explosion right in the opening quarter and falling behind by 24 points twice Barangay Ginebra kept its poise and even trimmed the deficit to just 13 in the third period and 14 in the fourth. The Elasto Painters managed to weather the storm each time, however, and went into the final two minutes with a 104-81 spread by also getting it done on the other end of the court.

Mike Cortez finished with a team-high 17 points, with 12 coming in the fourth when all was lost. Barangay Ginebra's other backcourt men -- Mark Caguioa, Rob Labagala, Jayjay Helterbrand and Ronald Tubid -- combined for 25 points, but all were hardly factors.

After going scoreless in the first game, Ronjay Buenafe atoned with 13 points while Ronnie Matias, Beau Belga and Ryan Arana had at least 11 each to make up for Paul Lee's 8 markers.

ROS 106 - Chan 22, Buenafe 13, Matias 12, Belga 12, Arana 11, Norwood 9, Quinahan 9, Lee 8, Rodriguez 6, Cruz 4, Tang 0.
GIN 91 - Cortez 17, Canaleta 13, Intal 12, Caguioa 11, Mamaril 10, Labagala 8, Villanueva 8, W. Wilson 6, Helterbrand 6, Tubid 0.
QS: 41-24, 58-37, 78-61, 106-91

PETRON BLAZE BOOSTERS over MERALCO BOLTS, 80-64
Petron Blaze completed a two-game sweep of Meralco and set up an exciting semifinal duel with Talk n Text in the PBA Philippine Cup. Even with injured ace guard Alex Cabagnot seeing action in just a few minutes, the Boosters played
steady all night and bundled out the Bolts to earn the right to battle the Texters in a best-of-seven semis showdown starting Jan. 5.

Though swept by the Texters in two games in the elimination round, Agustin said he loves their chance to survive the semis.

Chris Lutz topscored with 22 points while Arwind Santos chipped in 18 points and Joseph Yeo added 13 points and 11 rebounds as the Boosters booted the Bolts out. Denok Miranda, playing extended minutes with Cabagnot hurt, delivered all-around numbers of 12 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds.

Mark Cardona and Gabby Espinas fuelled a Meralco charge in the second half but the best they could do was carried the Bolts to within six at 52-58. Clutch baskets by Santos, Miranda and Lutz reestablished a commanding spread for Petron.

PBB 80 - Lutz 21, Santos 18, Yeo 13, Miranda 12, Baclao 6, Reyes 6, Tugade 2, Ildefonso 2, Doruelo 0, Agustin 0, Cabagnot 0.
MB 64 - Espinas 20, Cardona 10, Mercado 9, Macapagal 7, Taulava 7, Isip 4, Timberlake 2, Borboran 2, Omolon 2, Ross 1, Ballesteros 0, Lanete 0, Hugnatan 0.
QS: 30-17, 46-32, 58-49, 80-64

Source: Game recaps were compressed and compiled from PBA.ph

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


PLK Round 17: Leader Energa Czarni loses to Anwil - by Eurobasket News
Top ranked Energa Czarni (12-4) recorded its fourth loss in Wloclawek on Friday night. Visitors were defeated by fourth ranked Anwil (10-5) 93-87. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Energa Czarni. The hosts trailed by 4 points after three quarters before their 28-18 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Anwil made 32-of-39 free shots (82.1 percent) during the game. 31 personal fouls committed by Energa Czarni helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American power forward Corsley Edwards (205-79, college: Cent.Conn.St.) who scored 22 points. International guard Dardan Berisha (192-88, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) chipped in 19 points. Anwil's coach Emir Mutapcic used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American point guard Stanley Burrell (190-84) produced 26 points and 5 assists (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field) for the guests. Anwil maintains fourth place with 10-5 record. Energa Czarni at the other side still keeps top position with four games lost. They share it with PGE Turow. Anwil are looking forward to face Polpharma (#10) in Starogard in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Energa Czarni will play on the road against Trefl Sopot (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game in Koszalin supposed to be also worth to mention about. Seventh ranked Slask Wroclaw (8-7) played at the court of 8th ranked AZS Koszalin (7-9). Slask Wroclaw smashed AZS Koszalin 103-78. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of AZS Koszalin. American forward Qarraan Calhoun (203-86, college: Houston, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) orchestrated the victory by scoring 32 points and 7 rebounds. Slavisa Bogavac contributed with 17 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Slask Wroclaw's coach Miodrag Rajkovic felt very confident that he used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. American forward George Reese (201-77, college: Ohio St., agency: Alti Sport) answered with 21 points and 9 rebounds for AZS Koszalin. Slask Wroclaw moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Zastal ZG. AZS Koszalin at the other side dropped to the ninth position with nine games lost. Slask Wroclaw will play against Siarka Jezioro (#8) in Tarnobrzeg in the next round. AZS Koszalin will play on the road against Zastal ZG in Zielona Gora and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game with biggest result difference took place in Lodz. Local LKS Sphinx (3-13) was outscored by eleventh ranked Polpharma (5-11) 86-53 on Friday night. Jeremy Simmons stepped up with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 14 rebounds for the winners. Jakub Dluski responded with 10 points and 9 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Polpharma moved-up to tenth place, which they share with PBG Basket. LKS Sphinx lost fifth consecutive game. Newly promoted team stay at the bottom position with 13 games lost. They share it with AZS PW. Polpharma will meet at home higher ranked Anwil (#4) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. LKS Sphinx will play against Kotwica (#5) in Kolobrzeg and hope to secure a win.

Other games of round 17 were very predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Kotwica defeated AZS PW in Kolobrzeg 80-64. PGE Turow beat Zastal ZG at home 74-65. PBG Basket lost to Siarka Jezioro on the opponent's court 66-72.


AZS PW - Kotwica 64-80

There was no surprise in Warszawa where 12th ranked AZS Politechnika Warszawska (3-13) was defeated by fifth ranked Kotwica (10-6) 80-64 on Friday. The guests trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 49-31 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Kotwica dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to AZS Politechnika Warszawska's 34. They outrebounded AZS Politechnika Warszawska 45-23 including a 30-13 advantage in defensive rebounds. American power forward Darrell Harris (208-84, college: Rhode Island) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 13 rebounds for the winners and his fellow American import guard Reginald Holmes (193-87, college: Morgan St.) chipped in 23 points and 6 rebounds. International guard Mateusz Ponitka (196-93) responded with 13 points and forward Patryk Pelka (202-89) scored 11 points. Both coaches used bench players saving starting five for next games. Kotwica have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain fifth place with 10-6 record. Newly promoted AZS Politechnika Warszawska keeps the twelfth position with 13 games lost. They share it with LKS Lodz. Kotwica will meet at home bottom-ranked LKS Sphinx (#13) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. AZS Politechnika Warszawska will play against PBG Basket in Poznan and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kotwica: R.Holmes 23+6reb+2ast, D.Harris 18+13reb+1ast, J.Sapp 14+10reb+4ast, T.Kesicki 8+2reb+1ast, M.Djuric 4+5reb, M.Kwiatkowski 4+2ast
AZS PW: M.Ponitka 13+4reb+1ast, P.Pelka 11+4reb+1ast, P.Pamula 11+1reb, L.Karwowski 7+4reb+2ast, M.Michalak 7, M.Nowakowski 7+3reb
gschID: 149232


LKS Lodz - Polpharma 53-86

The game with biggest result difference took place in Lodz. Local LKS Sphinx (3-13) was outscored by eleventh ranked Polpharma (5-11) 86-53 on Friday night. The game without a history. Polpharma led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. American forward Jeremy Simmons (203-89, college: Charleston, agency: Interperformances) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 14 rebounds for the winners and his fellow American import guard Michael Hicks (193-83, college: Central Mo.) chipped in 17 points. Forward Jakub Dluski (200-87) responded with 10 points and 9 rebounds and the former international forward Pawel Malesa (197-85, college: Chipola) scored 14 points. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Polpharma moved-up to tenth place, which they share with PBG Basket. LKS Sphinx lost fifth consecutive game. Newly promoted team stay at the bottom position with 13 games lost. They share it with AZS PW. Polpharma will meet at home higher ranked Anwil (#4) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. LKS Sphinx will play against Kotwica (#5) in Kolobrzeg and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Polpharma: M.Hicks 17+2ast, T.Weeden 15+3ast, J.Simmons 11+14reb, A.Metelski 8+4reb+1ast, D.Wall 7+3reb+1ast, P.Dabrowski 6+7reb
LKS Lodz: P.Malesa 14+1reb, J.Dluski 10+9reb, P.Trepka 7+2reb+2ast, B.Bartoszewicz 6+3reb, M.Krajewski 5+2reb+4ast, M.Salamonik 4+4reb+2ast
gschID: 149233


Anwil - Energa Czarni 93-87

Top ranked Energa Czarni (12-4) recorded its fourth loss in Wloclawek on Friday night. Visitors were defeated by fourth ranked Anwil (10-5) 93-87. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Energa Czarni. The hosts trailed by 4 points after three quarters before their 28-18 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Anwil made 32-of-39 free shots (82.1 percent) during the game. 31 personal fouls committed by Energa Czarni helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American power forward Corsley Edwards (205-79, college: Cent.Conn.St.) who scored 22 points. International guard Dardan Berisha (192-88, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) chipped in 19 points. Four Anwil players scored in double figures. Anwil's coach Emir Mutapcic used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American point guard Stanley Burrell (190-84) produced 26 points and 5 assists (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field) and American-Puerto Rican guard Darnell Hinson (186-80, college: Northeastern St.) added 24 points and 5 rebounds respectively for the guests. Anwil maintains fourth place with 10-5 record. Energa Czarni at the other side still keeps top position with four games lost. They share it with PGE Turow. Anwil are looking forward to face Polpharma (#10) in Starogard in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Energa Czarni will play on the road against Trefl Sopot (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Anwil: C.Edwards 22+2reb+2ast, D.Berisha 19+2reb+2ast, K.Szubarga 13+2reb+1ast, J.Allen 11+1ast, B.Woloszyn 8, L.Harrington 7+3reb+2ast
Energa Czarni: S.Burrell 26+2reb+5ast, D.Hinson 24+5reb+1ast, Z.Bialek 9+4reb+1ast, P.Kikowski 9+3reb+1ast, S.Morrison 7+3reb, D.Weaver 6
gschID: 149234


PGE Turow - Zastal ZG 74-65

No shocking result in a game in Zgorzelec where third ranked PGE Turow (12-4) defeated 6th ranked Zastal ZG (8-7) 74-65 on Friday. The hosts trailed by 2 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 8-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 74-65. PGE Turow made 19-of-21 free shots (90.5 percent) during the game. American guard Ronald Moore (183-88, college: Siena) stepped up and scored 10 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners and naturalized French forward Aaron Cel (203-87) chipped in 14 points and 5 rebounds. Five PGE Turow players scored in double figures. point guard Marcin Flieger (182-84, agency: Promotex) responded with 14 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and Ivorian-Puerto Rican point guard Walter Hodge (183-86, college: Florida) scored 14 points. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to get some rest. PGE Turow used an opportunity after Energa Czarni lost their game and moved up joining them at the top position. Loser Zastal ZG keeps the sixth place with seven games lost. They share the position with Slask Wroclaw. PGE Turow will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Zastal ZG will play against AZS Koszalin (#9) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
PGE Turow: D.Kickert 18, A.Cel 14+5reb, D.Jackson 11+3reb+1ast, K.Wysocki 10+5reb, R.Moore 10+5reb+5ast, D.Lauderdale 4+7reb
Zastal ZG: M.Flieger 14+5reb+4ast, W.Hodge 14+4reb+3ast, K.Archibeque 8+6reb+1ast, K.Chanas 7+2reb+1ast, U.Mirkovic 7+7reb, R.Rajewicz 6+4reb
gschID: 149229


AZS Koszalin - Slask Wroclaw 78-103

The game in Koszalin supposed to be also worth to mention about. Seventh ranked Slask Wroclaw (8-7) played at the court of 8th ranked AZS Koszalin (7-9). Slask Wroclaw smashed AZS Koszalin 103-78. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of AZS Koszalin. The game without a history. Slask Wroclaw led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They outrebounded AZS Koszalin 35-23 including 23 on the defensive glass. Slask Wroclaw players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. American forward Qarraan Calhoun (203-86, college: Houston, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) orchestrated the victory by scoring 32 points and 7 rebounds. Serbian swingman Slavisa Bogavac (200-80, agency: BeoExcell) contributed with 17 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Four Slask Wroclaw players scored in double figures. Slask Wroclaw's coach Miodrag Rajkovic felt very confident that he used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. American forward George Reese (201-77, college: Ohio St., agency: Alti Sport) answered with 21 points and 9 rebounds and the other American import power forward Callistus Eziukwu (208-85, college: Grand Valley St.) added 13 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for AZS Koszalin. Slask Wroclaw moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Zastal ZG. AZS Koszalin at the other side dropped to the ninth position with nine games lost. Slask Wroclaw will play against Siarka Jezioro (#8) in Tarnobrzeg in the next round. AZS Koszalin will play on the road against Zastal ZG in Zielona Gora and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Slask Wroclaw: Q.Calhoun 32+7reb+2ast, P.Graham 17+6ast, S.Bogavac 17+5reb+2ast, A.Mladenovic 13+2reb+1ast, A.Wojcik 8+4reb, A.Vairogs 5+5reb
AZS Koszalin: G.Reese 21+9reb+2ast, C.Eziukwu 13+6reb, I.Milicic 10+2reb+1ast, M.Dutkiewicz 9+4reb+1ast, K.Laczynski 7+4ast, S.Hannah 7+1reb+5ast
gschID: 149230


Siarka Jezioro - PBG Basket 72-66

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 10th ranked PBG Basket's (5-11) road loss to ninth ranked Siarka Jezioro (8-8) 66-72 on Friday. PBG Basket was trailing by 7 points at halftime but managed to get 6-point lead after three quarters before a 21-9 charge of Siarka Jezioro, which allowed them to win the game. American guard LaMarshall Corbett (190-88, college: Angelo St., agency: Hart Sports Mngm) stepped up and scored 21 points and 6 assists (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) for the winners and swingman Marek Piechowicz (203-88) chipped in 14 points and 7 rebounds. Four Siarka Jezioro players scored in double figures. The former international power forward Damian Kulig (205-87) responded with 15 points and 8 rebounds and Serbian forward Zarko Comagic (201-85, college: N.Arizona) scored 15 points and 5 rebounds. Siarka Jezioro moved-up to eighth place. Loser PBG Basket keeps the tenth position with 11 games lost. They share it with Polpharma. Siarka Jezioro will meet higher ranked Slask Wroclaw (#6) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. PBG Basket will play against AZS Politechnika Warszawska (#12) in Warszawa and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Siarka Jezioro: L.Corbett 21+2reb+6ast, J.Tiller 15+3reb+4ast, M.Piechowicz 14+7reb+3ast, N.Doaks 13+8reb, P.Karnowski 6+5reb+1ast, D.Wyka 3+3reb
PBG Basket: Z.Comagic 15+5reb+2ast, D.Kulig 15+8reb, A.Lichodzijewski 11+8reb+2ast, J.Sulowski 8+2ast, N.Nikolic 7+2reb+7ast, M.Bartosz 6+10reb+1ast
gschID: 149231




Standings - DBE
PLK Standings
 1. Energa Czarni 12-4 
 2. PGE Turow 12-4 
 3. Trefl Sopot 11-4 
 4. Anwil 10-5 
 5. Kotwica 10-6 
 6. Slask Wroclaw 8-7 
 7. Zastal ZG 8-7 
 8. Siarka Jezioro 8-8 
 9. AZS Koszalin 7-9 
 10. Polpharma 5-11 
 11. PBG Basket 5-11 
 12. AZS PW 3-13 
 13. LKS Lodz 3-13 
Play in international cups:
 1. Asseco Prokom - 


DBE Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Corsley EDWARDS
  Anwil
  (205-C/F-79)
  Avg: 17.7
 1. Edwards, Anwil17.7 
 2. Hodge, Zastal ZG17.3 
 3. Koszarek, Trefl S.17.3 
 4. Archibeque, LKS L.16.7 
 5. Kulig, PBG Basket16.6 
 6. Lawal, Zastal ZG16.5 
 7. Reese, AZS Koszal.16.1 
 8. Weeden, Polpharma16.1 
 9. Corbett, Siarka J.15.9 
 10. Sapp, Kotwica15.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Gani LAWAL
  Zastal ZG
  (206-F-88)
  Avg: 11.7
 1. Lawal, Zastal ZG11.7 
 2. Harris, Kotwica11.3 
 3. Archibeque, LKS L.10.2 
 4. Burgess, Trefl S.9.4 
 5. Edwards, Anwil7.2 
 6. Bartosz, PBG Bask.7.2 
 7. Doaks, Siarka J.7.2 
 8. Bigus, AZS Koszalin6.8 
 9. Turek, Trefl Sopot6.4 
 10. Simmons, Polpharma6.2 
Assists Per Game
 Robert SKIBNIEWSKI
  Slask W.
  (182-G-83)
  Avg: 6.9
 1. Skibniewski, Slask6.9 
 2. Hodge, Zastal ZG6.3 
 3. Koszarek, Trefl S.5.6 
 4. Wilczek, AZS P.5.3 
 5. Szubarga, Anwil5.2 
 6. Sapp, Kotwica5.1 
 7. Moore, PGE Turow5.1 
 8. Miller, Siarka J.4.9 
 9. Micic, PBG Basket4.9 
 10. Burrell, Energa C.4.8 
Steals Per Game
 Krzysztof SZUBARGA
  Anwil
  (182-G-84)
  Avg: 2
 1. Szubarga, Anwil2.0 
 2. Cesnauskis, Energa1.6 
 3. Koszarek, Trefl S.1.6 
 4. Skibniewski, Slask1.5 
 5. Hodge, Zastal ZG1.4 
 6. Sapp, Kotwica1.4 
 7. Comagic, PBG B.1.3 
 8. Edwards, Anwil1.3 
 9. Hannah, AZS K.1.3 
 10. Salamonik, LKS L.1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Callistus EZIUKWU
  AZS K.
  (208-F/C-85)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Eziukwu, AZS K.2.4 
 2. Burgess, Trefl S.1.7 
 3. Kesicki, Kotwica1.4 
 4. Lawal, Zastal ZG1.4 
 5. Harris, Kotwica1.4 
 6. Morrison, Energa C.1.4 
 7. Lauderdale, PGE T.1.4 
 8. Barycz, Siarka J.1.3 
 9. Mladenovic, Slask1.2 
 10. Edwards, Anwil0.9 


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


Superleague Round 19: Ataman defeats Universitet-Yugra in the game between Top 4 teams - by Eurobasket News
An interesting game for Ataman (12-4) which played road game in Surgut against 3rd placed Universitet-Yugra (10-6). Second ranked Ataman managed to get a 13-point victory 90-77. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Universitet-Yugra. The guests trailed by 5 points at the halftime before their 45-27 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Ataman made 19-of-21 free shots (90.5 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a great performance of point guard Dramir Zibirov (187-86) who helped to win the game recording 16 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. The former international guard Sergei Vorotnikov (194-78) contributed with 17 points for the winners. Lithuanian guard Linas Lekavicius (186-84, college: American) answered with 14 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists for Universitet-Yugra. Universitet-Yugra's coach rotated twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Newly promoted Ataman maintains second place with 12-4 record having just -9 point less than leader Ural Ekaterinb. Universitet-Yugra at the other side keeps the third position with six games lost. They share it with TEMP-SUMZ. Ataman are looking forward to face Rjazan (#6) on the road in the next round. Universitet-Yugra will play against Severstal in Cherepovec and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Bottom-ranked Sojuz Zaretchny managed to get a third victory. This time they won against fifth-ranked Severstal 82-77. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Severstal. It was a great evening for naturalized Belarusian forward Sergey Karpov (200-80) who led his team to a victory scoring 28 points. Pavel Aleksandrov helped adding 11 points and 5 assists. At the losing side forward Stanislav Zinchenko (203-87) responded with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 10 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Sojuz Zaretchny (3-13) moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Spartak V. Severstal at the other side keeps the fifth position with eight games lost. They share it with Rjazan. Sojuz Zaretchny will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Severstal will play on the road against Universitet-Yugra (#4) in Surgut and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game between fourth ranked TEMP-SUMZ Revda (10-6) and 6th ranked Rjazan (8-8) in Revda on Thursday ended with biggest points difference. TEMP-SUMZ Revda outscored guests from Rjazan 90-71. It was a quality performance for Aleksandr Zaykin who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 10 rebounds. Andrey Kirdyachkin came up with 23 points and 5 rebounds (made all of his nine free throws !!!) for Rjazan in the defeat. Rjazan's coach Zoran Cvetanovic tested ten players seeing no chance for a win. TEMP-SUMZ Revda moved-up to third place, which they share with Univ.Surgut. Rjazan lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the fifth position with eight games lost. They share it with Severstal. TEMP-SUMZ Revda will meet at home bottom-ranked Spartak V. (#9) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Rjazan will play against the league's second-placed Ataman (#2) in Rostov and hope to secure a win.

In the last game of round 19 Spartak V. was beaten by Ruskon-Mord. on the road 77-68.
The most impressive performance of 19th round was 22 points and 8 rebounds by Aleksey Kirjanov of TEMP-SUMZ.


Ruskon-Mord. - Spartak V. 77-68

The game between closely ranked teams ended with seventh ranked Ruskon-Mordovia's (5-11) home victory over bottom-ranked Spartak V. (3-13) in Saransk 77-68 on Thursday. The hosts were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Ruskon-Mordovia made 16-of-18 free shots (88.9 percent) during the game. It was an exceptional evening for power forward Alexei Kuznetsov (203-84) who led the winners and scored 26 points and 7 rebounds. Guard Sergey Chernov (187-86) accounted for 19 points and 6 assists for the winning side. Forward Andrey Loginov (204-93) came up with 21 points and 8 rebounds and guard Aleksandr Karpukhin (191-90) added 18 points and 6 rebounds respectively for Spartak V. in the defeat. Spartak V.'s coach Rolandas Radvila tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Ruskon-Mordovia maintains seventh place with 5-11 record. Spartak V. lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team dropped to the bottom position with 13 games lost. They share it with Sojuz Zaretchny. Ruskon-Mordovia will meet at home league's leader Ural Ekaterinburg in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Spartak V. will play against TEMP-SUMZ Revda (#3) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Ruskon-Mord.: A.Kuznetsov 26+7reb, S.Chernov 19+3reb+6ast, A.Ageev 11+7reb+1ast, I.Krivko 7+3reb+4ast, R.Semerninov 6+7reb+1ast, P.Aghapov 5+6reb+2ast
Spartak V.: A.Loginov 21+8reb+1ast, A.Karpukhin 18+6reb+1ast, V.Zaryazhko 7+5reb+4ast, V.Trushkin 6+4reb+2ast, A.Petukhov 6+7reb+2ast, D.Kachanko 3+1reb
gschID: 155406


Sojuz Zaretchny - Severstal 82-77

Bottom-ranked Sojuz Zaretchny managed to get a third victory. This time they won against fifth-ranked Severstal 82-77. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Severstal. The hosts were already 16 points ahead after 3 quarters before a 27-16 Severstal's run in the last quarter cut the lead to 82-77 at the end of the game. Sojuz Zaretchny made 17-of-18 charity shots (94.4 percent) during the game. It was a great shooting night for Sojuz Zaretchny especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.4 percentage. It was a great evening for naturalized Belarusian forward Sergey Karpov (200-80) who led his team to a victory scoring 28 points. Guard Pavel Aleksandrov (196-89) helped adding 11 points and 5 assists. At the losing side forward Stanislav Zinchenko (203-87) responded with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 10 rebounds and power forward Aleksey Tsvetkov (207-84) scored 13 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Sojuz Zaretchny (3-13) moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Spartak V. Severstal at the other side keeps the fifth position with eight games lost. They share it with Rjazan. Sojuz Zaretchny will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Severstal will play on the road against Universitet-Yugra (#4) in Surgut and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Sojuz Zaretchny: S.Karpov 28+4reb, D.Novikov 11+5reb, P.Aleksandrov 11+2reb+5ast, A.Pushkin 8+6reb, K.Slepukha 7+3reb+4ast, V.Kuznetsov 6+1reb+3ast
Severstal: S.Zinchenko 15+10reb+2ast, A.Tsvetkov 13+6reb+1ast, A.Kuzemkin 12+1reb+3ast, S.Toropov 9+4reb, A.Lunev 9+5reb, M.Polyakov 6+4reb
gschID: 155407


TEMP-SUMZ - Rjazan 90-71

The game between fourth ranked TEMP-SUMZ Revda (10-6) and 6th ranked Rjazan (8-8) in Revda on Thursday ended with biggest points difference. TEMP-SUMZ Revda outscored guests from Rjazan 90-71. The game without a history. TEMP-SUMZ Revda led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 20-of-23 free shots (87.0 percent) during the game. TEMP-SUMZ Revda outrebounded Rjazan 40-29 including 28 on the offensive glass. It was a quality performance for power forward Aleksandr Zaykin (208-84) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 10 rebounds. Forward Aleksey Kirjanov (206-81) accounted for 22 points and 8 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) for the winning side. Power forward Andrey Kirdyachkin (207-90) came up with 23 points and 5 rebounds (made all of his nine free throws !!!) and guard Aleksei Vzdykhalkin (190-85, agency: Interperformances) added 12 points and 6 rebounds respectively for Rjazan in the defeat. Rjazan's coach Zoran Cvetanovic tested ten players seeing no chance for a win. TEMP-SUMZ Revda moved-up to third place, which they share with Univ.Surgut. Rjazan lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the fifth position with eight games lost. They share it with Severstal. TEMP-SUMZ Revda will meet at home bottom-ranked Spartak V. (#9) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Rjazan will play against the league's second-placed Ataman (#2) in Rostov and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
TEMP-SUMZ: A.Kirjanov 22+8reb, A.Zaykin 21+10reb+1ast, S.Sotnikov 19+5reb+2ast, M.Baranov 9+4reb+3ast, A.Vokhmianine 7+2reb+4ast, S.Tokarev 6+4reb+5ast
Rjazan: A.Kirdyachkin 23+5reb, A.Vzdykhalkin 12+6reb+3ast, V.Ivlev 8+6reb+2ast, R.Khamitov 8+5reb+2ast, S.Krasavtsev 6+2reb+2ast, O.Bartunov 5+3reb+3ast
gschID: 155404


Univ.Surgut - Ataman 77-90

An interesting game for Ataman (12-4) which played road game in Surgut against 3rd placed Universitet-Yugra (10-6). Second ranked Ataman managed to get a 13-point victory 90-77. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Universitet-Yugra. The guests trailed by 5 points at the halftime before their 45-27 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Ataman made 19-of-21 free shots (90.5 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a great performance of point guard Dramir Zibirov (187-86) who helped to win the game recording 16 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. The former international guard Sergei Vorotnikov (194-78) contributed with 17 points for the winners. Four Ataman players scored in double figures. Lithuanian guard Linas Lekavicius (186-84, college: American) answered with 14 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists and guard Ilia Aleksandrov (194-81) added 18 points in the effort for Universitet-Yugra. Universitet-Yugra's coach rotated twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Newly promoted Ataman maintains second place with 12-4 record having just -9 point less than leader Ural Ekaterinb. Universitet-Yugra at the other side keeps the third position with six games lost. They share it with TEMP-SUMZ. Ataman are looking forward to face Rjazan (#6) on the road in the next round. Universitet-Yugra will play against Severstal in Cherepovec and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ataman: S.Vorotnikov 17+3reb+2ast, D.Zibirov 16+8reb+5ast, N.Gresev 15+1reb+2ast, N.Krylov 12+5reb, I.Smygin 11+3reb+3ast, V.Kubrakov 9+6reb+5ast
Univ.Surgut: I.Aleksandrov 18+2reb+2ast, D.Zagnoyko 14+5reb+2ast, L.Lekavicius 14+5reb+8ast, D.Hloponin 9+3reb+1ast, D.Beliaev 8+4reb+4ast, A.Borisov 4+3reb
gschID: 155405




PBL Round 7: Spartak SP grab road win over Nizhniy Novgorod - by Eurobasket News
The game between Top Four teams took place in Moscow. Second ranked host CSKA Moscow (5-1) smashed 4th placed Spartak-Prim. (4-2) 88-66. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The game was mostly controlled by CSKA Moscow. Spartak-Prim. managed to win third quarter 25-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. CSKA Moscow made 17-of-20 free shots (85.0 percent) during the game. They also forced 20 Spartak-Prim. turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. 24 personal fouls committed by Spartak-Prim. helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a great evening for the former international center Dmitry Sokolov (214-85) who led his team to a victory scoring 20 points and 6 rebounds. Serbian guard Milos Teodosic (195-87) helped adding 15 points and 6 assists. At the losing side power forward Konstantin Nesterov (205-81, college: VCU) responded with 18 points. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Defending champion keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Khimky. Newly promoted Spartak-Prim. dropped to the third place with two games lost. They share the position with Spartak SP. CSKA Moscow is looking forward to face Enisey Krasnoyarsk (#9) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Spartak-Prim. will have a break next round.
Ninth ranked Triumph Lyubertsy (2-3) crushed at home 9th ranked Enisey Krasnoyarsk (1-5) by 23 points 96-73, which is the biggest margin this round. It was a quality performance for American forward Davon Jefferson (204-86, college: USC) who led the winners and scored 26 points and 7 rebounds. Kyle Landry accounted for 15 points and 11 rebounds. Triumph Lyubertsy's coach Valdemaras Chomicius felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Serbian point guard Marko Marinovic (183-83) came up with 12 points and 4 assists for Enisey Krasnoyarsk in the defeat. Triumph Lyubertsy moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Unics. Enisey Krasnoyarsk lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the ninth position with five games lost. Triumph Lyubertsy will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Enisey Krasnoyarsk will play at home against the league's second-placed CSKA Moscow (#2) having rather not much hope for a victory.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 7: Krasnie Krilya won against Unics on the opponent's court 77-71. Enisey unfortunately lost to Spartak-Prim. in a home game 77-84. Spartak SP managed to beat N.Novgorod on the road 77-71.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 22 points and 6 rebounds by Loukas Mavrokefalidis of Spartak SP.

Unics - Krasnie Krilya 71-77

There was a minor upset when 6th ranked Unics Kazan (2-3) was defeated at home by eighth ranked Krasnie Krilya (3-4) 77-71. The guests were ahead by 4 points but lost the second period ending it with a 2-point deficit before their 22-14 run, which allowed them to win the game. It was an exceptional evening for American guard Brion Rush (186-84, college: Grambling St., agency: Court Side) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 10 rebounds. His fellow American import forward Joe Alexander (203-86, college: W.Virginia) accounted for 15 points and 5 rebounds for the winning side. Five Krasnie Krilya players scored in double figures. American-FYR Macedonian forward Michael Wilkinson (204-81, college: Wisconsin, agency: Interperformances) came up with 15 points and 5 rebounds and American guard Terrell Lyday (190-79, college: BYU) added 16 points respectively for Unics Kazan in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Krasnie Krilya moved-up to sixth place. Unics Kazan at the other side dropped to the seventh position with three games lost. They share it with Triumph. Krasnie Krilya will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Unics Kazan will play at home against Spartak St.Petersburg (#3) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Krasnie Krilya: B.Rush 21+10reb+1ast, J.Alexander 15+5reb+2ast, D.Labovic 14+1reb, A.Miles 11+3reb+6ast, E.Kolesnikov 11+4reb, N.Balashov 4+4reb
Unics: T.Lyday 16+4reb+1ast, M.Wilkinson 15+5reb+2ast, P.Gubanov 13+2reb+1ast, A.Savrasenko 8+5reb+3ast, L.Greer 6+2reb+1ast, H.Domercant 5+2reb+1ast
gschID: 151202


Enisey - Spartak-Prim. 77-84

Very predictable result when fourth ranked Spartak-Prim. (4-2) defeated on the road 9th ranked Enisey Krasnoyarsk (1-5) 84-77. Enisey Krasnoyarsk was ahead by 4 points at the halftime before a 54-43 second half run of Spartak-Prim.. They made 19-of-25 charity shots (76.0 percent) during the game. They also forced 22 Enisey Krasnoyarsk turnovers. Enisey Krasnoyarsk was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. It was an exceptional evening for U.S. Virgin Isl. Forward Cuthbert Victor (196-83, college: Murray St.) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 11 rebounds (made all of his seven free throws). American guard Torey Thomas (180-85, college: Holy Cross, agency: Interperformances) accounted for 19 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals for the winning side. Serbian point guard Marko Marinovic (183-83) came up with 22 points and American center Lonny Baxter (204-79, college: Maryland, agency: Priority Sports) added 14 points and 7 rebounds respectively for Enisey Krasnoyarsk in the defeat. Four Enisey Krasnoyarsk players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Spartak-Prim. moved-up to third place, which they share with Spartak SP. Enisey Krasnoyarsk lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the ninth position with five games lost. Spartak-Prim. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Enisey Krasnoyarsk will play at home against the league's second-placed CSKA Moscow (#2) to get more than just one victory in their record.
Top scorers:
Spartak-Prim.: C.Victor 21+11reb, T.Thomas 19+6reb+4ast, K.Nesterov 10+1reb+1ast, E.Baburin 9+1reb+1ast, J.Akindele 7+4reb, A.Golyakhov 7+4reb+2ast
Enisey: M.Marinovic 22+3reb+2ast, L.Baxter 14+7reb+1ast, E.Kikanovic 13+4reb, A.Komarovskiy 11+3reb+2ast, A.Trushkin 7+3reb+1ast, S.Toporov 7+5reb+1ast
gschID: 151203


N.Novgorod - Spartak SP 71-77

Not a big story in a game when 10th ranked BC Nizhny Novgorod (1-6) was defeated at home by fourth ranked Spartak St.Petersburg (4-2) 77-71. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 24-16. But BC Nizhny Novgorod won second period 22-17. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Spartak St.Petersburg made 35-of-42 charity shots (83.3 percent) during the game, while BC Nizhny Novgorod only scored seventeen points from the stripe. Spartak St.Petersburg brought some defensive toughness making 8 blocks. BC Nizhny Novgorod was plagued by 33 personal fouls down the stretch. It was an exceptional evening for Greek center Loukas Mavrokefalidis (208-84) who led the winners and scored 22 points and 6 rebounds. Forward Valery Likhodey (205-86) accounted for 20 points and 6 rebounds (made all of his nine free throws !!!) for the winning side. American-Bosnian guard Ernest Bremer (194-80, college: St.Bonaventure, agency: Higher Vision Sports) came up with 25 points and Serbian guard Ivan Paunic (194-87, agency: Beo Basket) added 9 points and 7 rebounds respectively for BC Nizhny Novgorod in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Spartak St.Petersburg have a solid series of four victories in a row. They moved-up to third place, which they share with Spartak-Prim. BC Nizhny Novgorod lost fourth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom position with six games lost. Spartak St.Petersburg will play against Unics Kazan (#8) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. BC Nizhny Novgorod will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Spartak SP: L.Mavrokefalidis 22+6reb+2ast, V.Likhodey 20+6reb, P.Beverley 11+6reb+2ast, Y.Halperin 7+3reb+5ast, V.Dragicevic 6+3reb+1ast, V.Keyru 6+3reb+1ast
N.Novgorod: E.Bremer 25+3reb+2ast, A.Yakovenko 9+4reb, I.Paunic 9+7reb+2ast, S.Antonov 8+5reb, O.Baranov 8+2reb+1ast, A.Pustahvar 6+2reb
gschID: 151204


Triumph - Enisey 96-73

Ninth ranked Triumph Lyubertsy (2-3) crushed at home 9th ranked Enisey Krasnoyarsk (1-5) by 23 points 96-73, which is the biggest margin this round. The game without a history. Triumph Lyubertsy led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to Enisey Krasnoyarsk's 38 and made 18-of-23 charity shots (78.3 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Enisey Krasnoyarsk 41-30 including 29 on the offensive glass. Triumph Lyubertsy players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists. It was a quality performance for American forward Davon Jefferson (204-86, college: USC) who led the winners and scored 26 points and 7 rebounds. Canadian power forward Kyle Landry (207-86, college: N.Arizona) accounted for 15 points and 11 rebounds for the winning side. Triumph Lyubertsy's coach Valdemaras Chomicius felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Serbian point guard Marko Marinovic (183-83) came up with 12 points and 4 assists and American center Lonny Baxter (204-79, college: Maryland, agency: Priority Sports) added 11 points and 6 rebounds respectively for Enisey Krasnoyarsk in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Triumph Lyubertsy moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Unics. Enisey Krasnoyarsk lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the ninth position with five games lost. Triumph Lyubertsy will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Enisey Krasnoyarsk will play at home against the league's second-placed CSKA Moscow (#2) having rather not much hope for a victory.
Top scorers:
Triumph: D.Jefferson 26+7reb+2ast, S.Karasev 19+4reb+2ast, K.Landry 15+11reb+3ast, T.McKee 11+9reb+7ast, A.Kuzyakin 10+1reb+1ast, V.Zvarykin 9+2reb+4ast
Enisey: M.Marinovic 12+3reb+4ast, A.Trushkin 11+2reb, E.Kikanovic 11+3reb+1ast, L.Baxter 11+6reb, A.Nissim 9+1reb+2ast, A.Komarovskiy 9+1ast
gschID: 151200


CSKA - Spartak-Prim. 88-66

The game between Top Four teams took place in Moscow. Second ranked host CSKA Moscow (5-1) smashed 4th placed Spartak-Prim. (4-2) 88-66. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The game was mostly controlled by CSKA Moscow. Spartak-Prim. managed to win third quarter 25-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. CSKA Moscow made 17-of-20 free shots (85.0 percent) during the game. They also forced 20 Spartak-Prim. turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. 24 personal fouls committed by Spartak-Prim. helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a great evening for the former international center Dmitry Sokolov (214-85) who led his team to a victory scoring 20 points and 6 rebounds. Serbian guard Milos Teodosic (195-87) helped adding 15 points and 6 assists. Five CSKA Moscow players scored in double figures. At the losing side power forward Konstantin Nesterov (205-81, college: VCU) responded with 18 points and naturalized Uzbekistani center Sergey Karaulov (214-82, agency: Alti Sport) scored 11 points and 8 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Defending champion keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Khimky. Newly promoted Spartak-Prim. dropped to the third place with two games lost. They share the position with Spartak SP. CSKA Moscow is looking forward to face Enisey Krasnoyarsk (#9) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Spartak-Prim. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
CSKA: D.Sokolov 20+6reb+1ast, A.Ponkrashov 15+2reb+4ast, M.Teodosic 15+2reb+6ast, D.Lavrinovic 12+4reb, V.Khryapa 10+6reb+4ast, E.Voronov 8+2reb+3ast
Spartak-Prim.: K.Nesterov 18+4reb, S.Karaulov 11+8reb, A.Golyakhov 9+2reb+2ast, V.Uskov 7+1ast, J.Akindele 6+5reb, M.Krivosheev 4+2reb
gschID: 151201




Standings - Superleague A
PBL Standings
 1. Khimky 5-1 
 2. CSKA 5-1 
 3. Spartak SP 4-2 
 4. Spartak-Prim. 4-2 
 5. Lokomotiv 3-3 
 6. Krasnie Krilya 3-4 
 7. Triumph 2-3 
 8. Unics 2-3 
 9. Enisey 1-5 
 10. N.Novgorod 1-6 


Standings - Higher League
Higher League Standings
Group A
 1. AltajBasket 11-3
 2. Kamit-Univ. 10-4
 3. Novosybirsk 10-4
 4. Stary Sobol NT 6-8
 5. Dynamo Mo. 5-7
 6. Planeta-Univ. 5-9
 7. Rodniki Izh. 4-8
 8. Neftekhimik T. 3-11
Group B
 1. Avtodor S. 11-3
 2. Sogdiana-Skif 11-3
 3. Dynamo Kursk 9-5
 4. Dynamo-MGTU 9-5
 5. Elbrus Cherk. 7-7
 6. Volzhan.-GES 6-8
 7. BK Tambov 5-9
 8. Dynamo-Stavr. 5-9
 9. Desna Bryansk 1-15


Standings - Superleague B
Superleague Standings
 1. Ural Ekaterinb. 13-3 
 2. Ataman 12-4 
 3. TEMP-SUMZ 10-6 
 4. Univ.Surgut 10-6 
 5. Severstal 8-8 
 6. Rjazan 8-8 
 7. Ruskon-Mord. 5-11 
 8. Sojuz Zaretchny 3-13 
 9. Spartak V. 3-13 


Stats Leaders - Superleague A
Points Per Game
 Davon JEFFERSON
  Triumph
  (204-F-86)
  Avg: 19.2
 1. Jefferson, Triumph19.2 
 2. Ignerski, N.Nov.17.5 
 3. Thomas, Spartak-.17.2 
 4. Mozgov, Khimky16.2 
 5. Victor, Spartak-.15.2 
 6. Beverley, Spart.15.2 
 7. Hayes, Krasnie Kri.14.4 
 8. McKee, Triumph14.4 
 9. Mavrokefalid., Spa.14.3 
 10. Rush, Krasnie Kri.14.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Cuthbert VICTOR
  Spartak-.
  (196-F-83)
  Avg: 9.4
 1. Victor, Spartak-.9.4 
 2. Landry, Triumph8.6 
 3. Monya, Khimky7.2 
 4. Beverley, Spart.6.5 
 5. Baxter, Enisey6.3 
 6. Khryapa, CSKA6.2 
 7. Likholitov, Krasni.6.0 
 8. McCarty, Unics6.0 
 9. Massey, Lokomotiv5.8 
 10. Savenkov, Sparta.5.7 
Assists Per Game
 Aaron MILES
  Krasnie Krilya
  (186-G-83)
  Avg: 5.9
 1. Miles, Krasnie Kri.5.9 
 2. Halperin, Spart.5.8 
 3. Samoylenko, Unics5.0 
 4. McKee, Triumph4.6 
 5. Teodosic, CSKA4.4 
 6. Beverley, Spart.4.2 
 7. Thomas, Spartak-.4.2 
 8. Bykov, Lokomotiv4.0 
 9. Bremer, N.Novgorod3.9 
 10. Nissim, Enisey3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Davon JEFFERSON
  Triumph
  (204-F-86)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Jefferson, Triumph2.8 
 2. Beverley, Spart.2.5 
 3. Victor, Spartak-.2.4 
 4. Massey, Lokomotiv2.3 
 5. Thomas, Spartak-.2.3 
 6. Chalmers, Lokom.2.2 
 7. Miles, Krasnie Kri.2.1 
 8. Planinic, Khimky2.0 
 9. Blakney, Lokomotiv2.0 
 10. Halperin, Spart.2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Timofey MOZGOV
  Khimky
  (216-C-86)
  Avg: 1.6
 1. Mozgov, Khimky1.6 
 2. Planinic, Khimky1.3 
 3. Traore, Lokomotiv1.2 
 4. Jefferson, Triumph1.0 
 5. Savenkov, Spartak.1.0 
 6. Savrasenko, Unics1.0 
 7. Pushkov, Khimky1.0 
 8. Kirilenko, CSKA1.0 
 9. Balashov, Krasni.0.8 
 10. McCarty, Unics0.8 


Stats Leaders - Superleague B
Points Per Game
 Nikola LEPOJEVIC
  Ural E.
  (199-F-82)
  Avg: 21.5
 1. Lepojevic, Ural E.21.5 
 2. Gordon, Ural E.15.9 
 3. Ageev, Ruskon-M.14.6 
 4. Sotnikov, TE.13.4 
 5. Lekavicius, Univ.S.13.0 
 6. Aleksandrov, Univ..12.9 
 7. Kuznetsov, Ruskon.12.3 
 8. Vorotnikov, Ataman11.9 
 9. Pushkin, Sojuz Z.11.8 
 10. Vzdykhalkin, Rjaz.11.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Dmitriy PONOSOV
  Sojuz Z.
  (220-C-84)
  Avg: 8.3
 1. Ponosov, Sojuz Z.8.3 
 2. Petukhov, Spart.7.9 
 3. Ivlev, Rjazan7.8 
 4. Zaykin, TE.6.8 
 5. Trushkin, Spart.6.5 
 6. Semerninov, Ruskon.6.1 
 7. Kuznetsov, Ruskon.6.0 
 8. Nikolaev, Ural E.5.9 
 9. Varlamov, Ural E.5.8 
 10. Gresev, Ataman5.6 
Assists Per Game
 Linas LEKAVICIUS
  Univ.Sur.
  (186-G-84)
  Avg: 5.4
 1. Lekavicius, Univ.S.5.4 
 2. Glazunov, Ural E.4.6 
 3. Zibirov, Ataman4.3 
 4. Vokhmianine, TEMP-.4.0 
 5. Bartunov, Rjazan3.8 
 6. Tokarev, TE.3.6 
 7. Slepukha, Sojuz Z.3.6 
 8. Aleksandrov, Sojuz3.4 
 9. Isakov, Ural E.2.6 
 10. Vzdykhalkin, Rjaz.2.6 
Steals Per Game
 Linas LEKAVICIUS
  Univ.Sur.
  (186-G-84)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Lekavicius, Univ.S.2.6 
 2. Zibirov, Ataman2.3 
 3. Glazunov, Ural E.1.9 
 4. Bartunov, Rjazan1.9 
 5. Semerninov, Ruskon.1.7 
 6. Aleksandrov, Sojuz1.6 
 7. Smygin, Ataman1.6 
 8. Aleksandrov, Univ..1.4 
 9. Krivko, Ruskon-M.1.4 
 10. Ageev, Ruskon-M.1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Dmitriy PONOSOV
  Sojuz Z.
  (220-C-84)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Ponosov, Sojuz Z.1.7 
 2. Varlamov, Ural E.1.4 
 3. Goritskov, Sever.1.2 
 4. Tsvetkov, Severst.1.1 
 5. Gresev, Ataman1.1 
 6. Beliaev, Univ.Surg.1.0 
 7. Petukhov, Spart.1.0 
 8. Trushkin, Spart.1.0 
 9. Kondrashin, Sojuz0.8 
 10. Polyakov, Severst.0.8 


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  SERBIA   


EA7 Emporio Armani survives in Belgrade, grabs last Top 16 spot - by Eurobasket News
Partizan mt:s - EA7 Emporio Armani 66-72

It was a do-or-die game for both teams. EA7 Armani demonstrated great performance in the last five minutes of third and also in the last quarter to celebrate 66-72 victory in Belgrade. The Milano team had to win with more than 4 points to book a spot for Top 16 and they did it. EA7 Armani jumped to fourth place in Group C with 4-6 record and Partizan dropped to fifth position with the same numbers. The Serbian powerhouse stays out of Top 16 phase this season. Malik Hairston (198-G-87, college: Oregon) led Milano with 18 points and Omar-Sharif Cook (186-PG-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.John's) added 17 points, plus 6 assists. Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) was third scorer in victory with 13 points. At the other side, Partizan got 14 points and 6 rebounds from Dragan Milosavljevic (198-G-89). Milan Macvan (206-C-89, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) had 13 pts and 11 rebs, while Miroslav Raduljica (213-C-88) collected 11 points and 8 boards. In heartbreaking finish Partizan found the three-point shot it needed to earn a Top 16 spot, but Danilo Andjusic missed it and EA7 Emporio Armani advanced to the next stage. Quarters: 18-14, 18-15, 14-22, 16-21. The Top 16 draw is scheduled for next Wednesday.

Partizan mt:s: Dragan Milosavljevic 14+6 boards, Milan Macvan 13+11 boards, Miroslav Raduljica 11+8 boards
EA7 Emporio Armani: Malik Hairston 18, Omar-Sharif Cook 17+6 as, Ioannis Bourousis 13

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  SLOVAKIA   


Standings - D1
Extraliga Standings
 1. Nitra 14-5 
 2. Prievidza 13-7 
 3. Komarno 12-7 
 4. Nova Ves 10-10 
 5. Handlova 10-10 
 6. Svit 9-9 
 7. Levice 8-12 
 8. B.Bystrica 6-13 
 9. Vahostav-Zilina 5-14 


Stats Leaders - D1
Points Per Game
 Anthony JONES
  Handlova
  (194-G/F-84)
  Avg: 28.6
 1. Jones, Handlova28.6 
 2. Clemente, Nitra19.2 
 3. Petty, Vahostav.18.8 
 4. Soska, Vahostav.18.6 
 5. Roberson, Svit18.2 
 6. Vaden, Nitra17.4 
 7. Jones, Nova Ves17.2 
 8. Losonsky, Nova Ves17.2 
 9. Grznar, B.Bystrica17.1 
 10. Hampton, Handlova17.1 
Rebounds Per Game
 Andrew JONES
  Nova Ves
  (208-F-87)
  Avg: 11.1
 1. Jones, Nova Ves11.1 
 2. Kitts, B.Bystrica10.1 
 3. Dorazil, B.Bystrica9.7 
 4. Godbold, Prievidza8.5 
 5. Roberson, Svit8.2 
 6. Majok, Nitra7.8 
 7. Batka, Nova Ves7.5 
 8. Johnson, Komarno7.3 
 9. Losonsky, Nova Ves7.2 
 10. Davis, Prievidza7.1 
Assists Per Game
 Corey JEFFERSON
  Nova Ves
  (183-G-85)
  Avg: 6.9
 1. Jefferson, Nova V.6.9 
 2. Jones, Handlova6.7 
 3. Petty, Vahostav.6.2 
 4. Phillips, Prievidza5.5 
 5. Jones, Komarno5.3 
 6. Cosic, Svit4.9 
 7. Clemente, Nitra4.8 
 8. Grznar, B.Bystrica4.2 
 9. Godbold, Prievidza3.1 
 10. Grant, Levice3.0 
Steals Per Game
 Perry PETTY
  Vahostav.
  (185-G-)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Petty, Vahostav.3.1 
 2. Jones, Handlova2.8 
 3. Pelle, Prievidza2.2 
 4. Grant, Levice2.2 
 5. Jones, Komarno2.2 
 6. Jefferson, Nova V.2.1 
 7. Phillips, Prievidza2.0 
 8. Clemente, Nitra1.9 
 9. Roberson, Svit1.9 
 10. Kitts, B.Bystrica1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Ater MAJOK
  Nitra
  (208-F-87)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Majok, Nitra2.6 
 2. Silinskis, Nitra1.2 
 3. Batka, Nova Ves1.0 
 4. Roberson, Svit0.9 
 5. Dorazil, B.Bystrica0.9 
 6. Johnson, Komarno0.9 
 7. Kitts, B.Bystrica0.9 
 8. Golian, Handlova0.8 
 9. Vaden, Nitra0.7 
 10. Perrin, Vahostav.0.7 


Grznar's 49-point game gives him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
20-year old point guard Richard Grznar (189-PG-91) put on an amazing game in the last round for B.Bystrica and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 22.
He had the game-high 49 points adding nine rebounds and three assists for B.Bystrica in his team's victory, helping them to edge out Vahostav-Zilina (#9, 5-14) 98-96. B.Bystrica maintains the 8th position in Slovakian league. B.Bystrica is currently ranked second from the bottom. They need more victories to improve their 6-13 record. In the team's last game Grznar had a remarkable 76.9% from 2-point range and got five three-pointers out of 6 attempts. It's his second year at B.Bystrica and it's hard to imagine this team without him. Grznar has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in assists (8th best: 4.2apg) and averages solid 56.0% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Anthony Jones (194-G/F-84) of Handlova. He is American swingman in his first season at Handlova. In the last game Jones recorded impressive 30 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists. Of course he lead Handlova to another comfortable win outscoring slightly lower-ranked Levice (#7, 8-12) 89-69. This victory allowed Handlova to move up to 5th position in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 10-10 record is not bad and everything may still change. Jones is a newcomer at Handlova and quickly became one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 28.6ppg (#1). His other stats are also decent: 5.9rpg and 6.7apg.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Corey Hallett (208-F/C-84) of Levice (#7). Hallett scored 25 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Despite Hallett's great performance Levice lost 69-89 to slightly higher-ranked Handlova (#5, 10-10). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Levice ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 12 games, recording just eight victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Hallett could help Levice to bring them higher in the standings. Hallett has a very solid season. In 4 games in Slovakia he scored 11.5ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Michal Batka (204-C-87) of Nova Ves - 22 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Marcus Kitts (205-F-89) of B.Bystrica - 13 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists
6. David Godbold (196-G-85) of Prievidza - 18 points and 9 rebounds
7. Sean Hampton (195-F-75) of Handlova - 17 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Spencer Perrin (195-F) of Vahostav-Zilina - 21 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists
9. Louis Johnson (203-F/C-86) of Komarno - 13 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Ondrej Soska (208-C-78) of Vahostav-Zilina - 21 points and 7 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)

*****************************************************
  SLOVENIA   


Zlatorog inks Gruev - by Zeljko Zule
Zlatorog bulked up its frontline by signing Bulgarian Aleksandar Gruev (187-G-83, agency: Global Sports Plaza) to a one-month contract with an option to extend it for the rest of the season. Gruev started the season with Levski Sofia and later moved to Iranian side Melli Haffari Ahvaz. Gruev became a well-known name in the Balkan League, playing for Rilski Sportist in he past three seasons of the competition. He was the captain and won BIBL back in 2009 and also had the silver medal in 2011. Gruev hasa total of 34 games in the Balkan Leagu. His average stats over a little more than three season are 9.3 points, 4.1 assists and 1.1 steals in 24.2 minutes per contest.

*****************************************************
  SOUTH KOREA   


Standings
KBL Standings
 1. Dongbu Promy 23-6 
 2. Anyang KGC 22-7 
 3. Sonic Boom KT 19-10 
 4. KCC Egis 18-11 
 5. ET Land 14-14 
 6. LG Sakers 13-16 
 7. Mobis Phoebus 12-17 
 8. SK Knights 11-17 
 9. Daegu Orions 6-23 
 10. Samsung Th. 6-23 


KBL Round 31: Last-ranked Daegu Orions beat LG Sakers - by Eurobasket News
Bottom-ranked Daegu Orions managed to get a sixth victory, breaking the series of four consecutive loses on Friday night. This time they won against sixth-ranked LG Sakers 98-90. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of LG Sakers. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 30-23. But LG Sakers won second period 20-17. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Daegu Orions made 29-of-33 free shots (87.9 percent) during the game. It was a great shooting night for Daegu Orions especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 56.3 percentage. American swingman Chris Williams (199-80, college: Virginia) fired 30 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. His fellow American import forward Jin-Soo Choi (202, college: Maryland) chipped in 20 points and 9 rebounds. Daegu Orions' coach Il-Seung Choo used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American forward Aaron Haynes (201-81, college: Boise St.) produced a double-double by scoring 24 points and 13 rebounds for lost side. Daegu Orions (6-23) moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Samsung Th. LG Sakers at the other side keep the sixth position with 16 games lost. Daegu Orions is looking forward to face league's leader Dongbu Promy in Wonju in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. LG Sakers will play at home against Mobis Phoebus (#7) in Ulsan and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Leader Dongbu Promy delivered the twentieth third victory. This time they beat 8th ranked SK Knights (11-17) 76-59 in Wonju. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Jae-Wook Ahn (175-87) who helped to win the game recording 22 points. Rodrique Benson contributed with 8 points and 16 rebounds for the winners. American power forward Amal McCaskill (211-73, college: Marquette) answered with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 14 rebounds for SK Knights. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Dongbu Promy maintains first place with 23-6 record. SK Knights lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with 17 games lost. Dongbu Promy will play against Daegu Orions (#9) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. SK Knights will play against the league's second-placed Anyang KGC and hope to get back on the winning track.
The game in Ulsan was also quite interesting. Second ranked Anyang KGC (22-7) played at the court of 7th ranked Mobis Phoebus (12-17). Anyang KGC managed to secure a 6-point victory 62-56 on Friday. It was a great evening for Rodney White who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 27 points and 14 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field). At the losing side Terrence Leather responded with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 12 rebounds. Mobis Phoebus' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Anyang KGC have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. They maintain second place with 22-7 record behind leader Dongbu Promy. Defending champion Mobis Phoebus keep the seventh position with 17 games lost. Anyang KGC will meet at home SK Knights (#8) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Mobis Phoebus will play against LG Sakers in Changwon and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the last game of round 31 Samsung Th. were defeated by KCC Egis in Jeonju 83-72.


Mobis Phoebus - Anyang KGC 56-62

The game in Ulsan was also quite interesting. Second ranked Anyang KGC (22-7) played at the court of 7th ranked Mobis Phoebus (12-17). Anyang KGC managed to secure a 6-point victory 62-56 on Friday. Mobis Phoebus trailed by 11 points at halftime and as many as 15 after three quarters before a 26-17 last quarter charge cut the deficit to 56-62 at the end of the game. It was a great evening for American power forward Rodney White (206-80, college: Charlotte) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 27 points and 14 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field). International center Sek-Eun Oh (200-87) helped adding 19 points and 6 rebounds. At the losing side American center Terrence Leather (204-81, college: S.Florida) responded with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 12 rebounds and the former international guard Dong-Geun Yang (181-81) scored 12 points and 4 assists. Mobis Phoebus' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Anyang KGC have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. They maintain second place with 22-7 record behind leader Dongbu Promy. Defending champion Mobis Phoebus keep the seventh position with 17 games lost. Anyang KGC will meet at home SK Knights (#8) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Mobis Phoebus will play against LG Sakers in Changwon and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Anyang KGC: R.White 27+14reb+1ast, S.Oh 19+6reb+1ast, T.Kim 6+5ast, S.Kim 4+3reb, J.Lee 3+2reb+3ast, H.Yang 2+5reb+3ast
Mobis Phoebus: T.Leather 26+12reb, D.Yang 12+3reb+4ast, J.Park 10+6reb+2ast, C.Song 4+1ast, D.Kim 2+1reb+2ast, J.Lee 2+2reb+2ast
gschID: 145753


Daegu Orions - LG Sakers 98-90

Bottom-ranked Daegu Orions managed to get a sixth victory, breaking the series of four consecutive loses on Friday night. This time they won against sixth-ranked LG Sakers