Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 12/25/2011

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Men News

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Standings

Adriatic League Standings

1. Cedevita			11-2
2. Maccabi T-A			10-1
3. Partizan			8-4
4. Buducnost			8-4
5. Union Olimpija			8-4
6. KK Zagreb CO			7-5
7. Cibona			7-6
8. Radnicki K.			6-6
9. Siroki WWin			5-7
10. Hemofarm			4-8
11. Krka			4-9
12. Crvena Zvezda			3-9
13. Helios			3-10
14. Zlatorog			2-11

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

David SIMON
  Radnicki K.
  (207-C-82)
  Avg: 20.6

1. Simon, Radnicki K.	20.6
2. Scott, Radnicki K.	17.9
3. Panic, Zlatorog	17.5
4. Simon, KK.	17.2
5. Vucevic, Buducnost	16.9
6. Pilepic, Siroki W.	16.7
7. Pavkovic, Radnicki	15.5
8. Morrison, Crvena Z.	15.5
9. Kasun, KK.	15.1
10. Prepelic, Helios	14.8

Rebounds Per Game

Boris SAVOVIC
  Hemofarm
  (206-F-87)
  Avg: 12.3

1. Savovic, Hemofarm	12.3
2. Vucevic, Buducnost	9.7
3. Simon, Radnicki K.	7.9
4. Kasun, KK.	6.7
5. Scott, Radnicki K.	6.5
6. Pasalic, Helios	6.1
7. Pavic, Krka	5.7
8. Simon, KK.	5.6
9. Popovic, Crvena Z.	5.6
10. May, KK.	5.6

Assists Per Game

Steven MARKOVIC
  Radnicki K.
  (190-G-85)
  Avg: 8.9

1. Markovic, Radnicki	8.9
2. Pavkovic, Radnicki	8.2
3. Farmar, Maccabi	6.2
4. Vujasinovic, Zlato.	5.2
5. Vladovic, Siroki W.	4.7
6. Stinson, Krka	4.5
7. Mulaomerovic, KK Z.	4.4
8. Papaloukas, Macca.	4.4
9. Draper, Cedevita	4.2
10. Covic, Crvena Z.	3.8

Steals Per Game

D.J. GAY
  Helios
  (183-G-89)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Gay, Helios	2.3
2. Dragic, Krka	2.0
3. Draper, Cedevita	1.8
4. Pilepic, Siroki W.	1.7
5. Zubcic, Cibona	1.7
6. Ohayon, Maccabi	1.6
7. Lucic, Partizan	1.6
8. Salin, Union Olimp.	1.6
9. Papaloukas, Macca.	1.6
10. Simon, KK.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Shawn JAMES
  Maccabi T-A
  (208-C-83)
  Avg: 1.2

1. James, Maccabi T-A	1.2
2. Vucevic, Buducnost	1.1
3. Scott, Radnicki K.	1.1
4. Hendrix, Maccabi	1.1
5. Simon, Radnicki K.	1.1
6. Savovic, Hemofarm	0.9
7. Pekovic, Partizan	0.8
8. Ilic, Crvena Zvezda	0.7
9. Jordan, Krka	0.7
10. Thompson, Union	0.6

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AUSTRALIA

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings

1. Breakers		10-3
2. Wildcats		8-5
3. Tigers		7-6
4. Taipans		6-6
5. Kings		6-7
6. Blaze		5-5
7. Crocodiles		5-5
8. 36ers		4-8
9. Hawks		3-9

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BALTIC LEAGUE

Baltic League round 10 best performance: Davon Jefferson - by Eurobasket News
American forward Davon Jefferson (204-F-86) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Triumph, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 10.
The 25-year old player had a double-double of 26 points and 11 rebounds, while his team beat Kedainiai (#9, 2-8) 94-82. Thanks to this victory Triumph moved-up to the 4th position in the Baltic League Elite. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Triumph will need more victories to improve their 6-3 record. In the team's last game Jefferson had a remarkable 68.8% from 2-point range. He turned to be Triumph's top player in his first season with the team. Davon Jefferson averages this season 16.1ppg and 7.0rpg.

The second best player in last round's games was young American Denzel Bowles (208-F/C-89) of league's leader Siauliai. Bowles had a very good evening with a double-double of 25 points and 13 rebounds. Bad luck as Siauliai lost that game 96-101 to slightly lower-ranked Kalev/Cramo (#3, 6-3). It was definitely game of the week between two contenders to the top position in Elite. Siauliai still maintains its place as the top team in the standings, even despite this loss. His team belongs to top of the standings with 9-1 record and is considered one of the main candidates for the league title. Bowles is a newcomer at Siauliai, but is already one of team's top players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 21.0ppg (#1). He also registered 7.6 boards per game.

Third on the list of top players last round was American center Andrew Arnold (208-C-86) of TTU/Kalev (#4). Arnold scored 23 points and grabbed twelve rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of TTU/Kalev, leading his team to a 84-54 easy win against slightly lower-ranked Turiba (#6, 2-7). The chances of TTU/Kalev not to end season at such low position in Challenge, however are less than slim as they have already lost 5 games, recording just three victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Arnold could try to bring TTU/Kalev's a little bit higher in the standings. Arnold has individually a great season in Baltic League. After only 8 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 8.3rpg (8th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Mikhail Evstigneev (202-F/C-84) of Barsy Atyrau - 22 points and 8 rebounds
5. Valmo Kriisa (190-G-74) of Tarvas - 14 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists
6. Valdas Vasylius (203-F-83) of Siauliai - 17 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Denzel Bowles (208-F/C-89) of Siauliai - 27 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists
8. Laurynas Mikalauskas (205-F-85) of Neptunas - 19 points and 13 rebounds
9. Gregor Arbet (194-F/G-83) of Kalev/Cramo - 29 points and 7 rebounds
10. Marius Runkaukas (189-G-86) of Neptunas - 23 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists

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

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BELARUS

Konstantin Shereverya: I want to bring to - by Timur Tolokh
The popularity of basketball in the country

Basketball - one of the most popular sports in the world and the country. The fact that in Belarus like this game, confirms the fact that the matches of 'Minsk-2006' people walking around with interest. Our audience - it's about 3-4 thousands in the arena. The press has written about half-empty stands at our matches. Why write about this? These half-empty stands - it's filled with hall of the Palace of Sports to the people who remain on the street, and they will not let ... Even if we lose, people will not leave until the end of rooting for us. Returning to the question about the popularity of basketball, it's clear that football and hockey we are losing. But under normal management, the normal commercial situation can be changed. You know, because five years ago, five of us sat on a couch and fight for your computer. And today we have such a command as the 'Minsk-2006'.

On the TV broadcast

The fact that the games of 'Minsk-2006' was the TV show - the merit of the Basketball Federation. As you know, one of the conditions of the League of VTB and Evrochellendzha - broadcasting matches on television. Today we are following. Many matches are broadcast live. Including the exit. Previously, this was not. The main thing is that now there are results. Will win - will be the audience, and I think they will require translation. Yes, until we lose, but for any self-respecting player this fact - challenge myself. I do not care I'll get that in Minsk will be a strong team.

On the current season

Can not get used to losing. I respect Andrew Krivonosa (head coach of the 'Minsk-2006'.. - Ed.), Because I know that he is experiencing strong results for the team. But I see that the person has the character. The main task - not to break at a difficult moment. As they say, for one broken two unbeaten give. For this we are fighting and the League of VTB and Evrochellendzhe. Of course, we do not have the budget ...

On budget and team selection

In fact, each year we are starting from scratch. This year we have not guessed from the first number, although this is a former player of NBA. He pulled the blanket, and had to remove him from the team. Changed one person - the team played. There is a shortage, not enough good player class, the 5th number would like to see stronger. But what is legionnaires? There are players who are willing to buy, but they cost so much money that it is too tough for us. The selection of each player - this is a great breeding work being done by agents, coaches. Of the large number of players of this level is very difficult to choose the player who is good in life, and in training and in-game. When we come to Mackey, it was examined, and he was a crack in the back. The doctors had concerns, but the guy played in our season. King has had problems with his knee. We took him last year at your own risk. It is clear that these players were much lower price. It's great that they have held that we have guessed, by signing agreements with them.

Keep those players in the team did not work. Unfortunately, by the end of the year, we formed a small debt, which we still are investigated. The main task - by the end of the year settle up with everyone. Now the difficult situation in the country. Previously reported 30 million, and it was 10 thousand dollars, and now it's three thousand, so it is difficult to calculate a budget option for players. This is one of the biggest challenges. If I must, I always am. About the 'Minsk-2006' do not say that there do not pay the money. They say that there is complexity. When I call the legionnaires, who must, I always pick up the phone and say that the difficulties and now have to wait. This is very important for the image of the club.

Ideally I would like to collect all of our collections in the team. Imagine if we had Vladimir Veremeenko Korshuk, Ulyanka? Why should we then legionnaires? But for this we need to grow up strong and the players involved in top level competitions. Now the Belarusian players in foreign clubs receive salaries that match their level. Wanted to invite a few of this season. But the boys refused offers to return to Minsk. In the money they have not much more than they could receive from us, but in their clubs have the assurance and stability. Can I promise stability to children? I always tell them: 'The time will come, we will pay.' I'm 99% sure that will pay. The problem is that we have no clear knowledge of what will happen to sponsor the work.

About Parahovskom and 'Budivelnik'

As soon as Artem Parahovsky arrived in Minsk, I talked to him. The basic version, which would be for him the best and would compensate for what we would pay him less, he would have played a lot here. For him, there was a platform to speak at a decent level with the top teams. He could show himself to work, to realize themselves. Unfortunately, he did not understand. For him, we would have been ideal. He has a blue dream - to get in the NBA. Young players who think they have grown to this level, go to Ukraine, Lithuania, to show itself. But do not show yourself, if you're playing. You can find and will tear to pieces, and you will not know where to go. First of all, you have to play. When we talked to Parahovskim, he said that if you do not go to Italy, then one hundred percent will be in Minsk. But he went to Kiev. Me from this pain. For me, Belarus - the birthplace, and it's not just empty words. Most of all the players I liked Meshcheryakov Yegor, who always responded to calls to the team and everywhere, wherever he is, said he was in Belarus. I think if he had a choice, he would have stayed here. I told Parahovskomu that he could help us, so I do not understand his choice.

Artem finds that he must play in top teams, who are watching NBA. VTB League - this is a serious league, but it is not considered a Super League, which look functionaries NBA. That is, Artem has to play in countries where people are selected for the NBA. But he went to Kiev. So he offered very good money.

On the national championship

The team has an opportunity to rest, the players who participate in the VTB and Evrochellendzhe can breathe. There is an opportunity to play players who are involved in a few games, but keep the other players on our toes. When people talk about the failures that we are weak, I propose to look at domestic matches of the championship. And we all say that we have the best team. You should always understand what is happening and why and what team we are creating.

On the upcoming match against CSKA Moscow

In the entire history we have won against CSKA once or twice, back when I played. At this level of play necessary to show everything you can. Euroleague team require players understand why they come to the site. You must give himself to the game, and the result will be visible at all times. In no case can give up, to fold. Fans of thin feel when athletes give up. There should not be doomed. This task trainers and management. Each poker player and a person who respects himself should be convinced that he would do it.

Last year, the match against CSKA Moscow were about 11 000 spectators. And before that Moscow club came to Belarus for the last time 22 years ago. Today the Belarusian basketball fans have the opportunity to not just see the good masters in the CSKA players and NBA. This is great.

About his work

Problems are always there and will be. I once had an idea to quit. But at the right time on the channel 'NTV-Plus,' I saw advertising: the children come out and say, 'Sports - it's courage. Sport - it will. Sports - it's strength. ' I've always been a fighter, and can not retreat. We must pull to the finish. There are people who believe in me, believe in the club. I think it's too early to give up. Let's try to do something that charted: powerful, strong base for the national club. To this end it all. We do this for the case of children.

Julius hodge and Devon hardin left BC Minsk-2006 - by Timur Tolokh
Julius hodge left basketball club MInsk-2006 after game with Asseco Prokom in Minsk.
In belorussian league Hodge made 3 games: 8.0ppg, 4.3rpg,5.3apg, FGP: 90.9%, FT: 80.1%
VTB-league 4 games: 13.5ppg, 7.8rpg, 5.5apg, FGP: 90.9%, FT: 80.1%
also in 2 month left Big center Devon Hardin leaving MInsk-2006.
In games of VTB United League Hardin gained 9.5 points and 4.8 rebounds in games Eurochellenge - 6.5 points, 5.7 rebounds in the championship of Belarus - 7.6 points, 5.1 rebounds per game average.

Julius Hodge (201-G-83, agency: I.D.S. Law, college: N.Carolina St.)

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BOSNIA

Bosnians in Euroleague recap round 10 - by Chris Mathieu
Bosnians in Euroleague recap round 10. The regular season is over for Euroleague with the last round played this week. It is now onto the next phase of Euroleague and I will recap the Bosnians who played in the Euroleague regular season.

Mirza Teletovic struggled in a do or die to get into the next round of Euroleague shooting 4-15 from the field and scoring 13pts 7 rebounds. Mirza averaged 22ppg and 6 rbpg during the 10 regular season games.

Bojan Bogdanovic played great for Fenerbahce 6-10 from the field scoring 19 points. Bojan played great in the regular season for the team shooting over 40% from both two and three and keeping his turnovers down.

Emir Preldzic struggled again with his shooting going 2-7 from the field scoring 9 points. Emir struggled mightily with his shooting in the regular season shooting 33% from two and 20% from three during the regular season.

Nedzad Sinanovic puzzlingly fell out of the rotation for Unicaja Malaga team. He averaged almost 4 points and 3 rebounds per game. Besides his high turnover rate it seems odd that coming off of a breakout season down the stretch that he fell out of favor so quickly. It seems odd that this turn of event coincided with his decision to turn his back on the Spanish National Team.

Damir Mulaomerovic the ageless wonder from Tuzla scored 10 points and had 4 assists in their last game. Damir averaged 10ppg and 3 aspg and played a steady game for an aging veteran approaching 40 years old!

Stanko Barac scored 11 points 9 rebounds and two blocks. Stanko in less than twenty minutes a game averaged 9 points 3 rebounds and 1 block per game for Efes.

Mirza Begic was scoreless in the last game. He averaged almost 5ppg 4 rbpg and over a block a game for a deep Real Madrid team

Naturalized Henry Domercant shot 5-13 from the field scored 16 points and 5 rebounds and two assists. He played a great for his team averaging over 16ppg 4 rbpg and shot well from the three and free throw lines. His two percent shooting was low and he did turn the ball over too much.

Robert Rothbart scored 8points and pulled down 10 rebounds in their last game. He played big minutes after Union Olympia blew up from non payment of players. He averaged 8 points and 5 rebounds per game in under twenty minutes a game. His defense however, is very weak as a post player.

As I mentioned in a previous article Union Olympia built their team around Bosnians this season starting with Aleksander Capin, Ratko Varda, Damir Markota, Djordje Micic and Dino Muric.

Miralem Halilovic only got into one game for his team from Croatia.

Dzenan Kurtic didnt get into a Euroleague game with Nancy but was on the team.

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BULGARIA

Standings A1

NBL Standings

1. Lukoil Academik		10-0
2. Levski Sofia		9-2
3. Rilski Sportist		7-4
4. Tundja Yambol		6-5
5. Cherno More		5-5
6. Balkan		3-8
7. Chernomorets		2-9
8. Spartak Pleven		1-10

NBL Round 11: Rilski Sportist beats Balkan by two after a very close game - by Eurobasket News
Sixth-ranked Balkan (3-8) was very close to win a game against third ranked Rilski Sportist (7-4) in Samokov on Friday. Rilski Sportist managed to secure only two-point victory 77-75. However their fans expected easier game. The hosts trailed by 6 points after three quarters before their 23-15 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Swingman Hristo Zahariev (200-90) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 12 rebounds. Serbian guard Branko Mirkovic (190-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza) contributed with 18 points, 6 assists and 4 steals for the winners. Power forward Dimitar Marintchechki (201-90) answered with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds for Balkan. Balkan's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Rilski Sportist maintains third place with 7-4 record having just two points less than leader Lukoil Academik. Balkan at the other side keeps the sixth position with eight games lost. Rilski Sportist are looking forward to face bottom-ranked Spartak Pleven (#8) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Balkan will play against Euroins Cherno More in Varna and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game between fourth ranked Tundja Yambol (6-5) and 7th ranked Chernomorets (2-9) in Yambol ended with biggest points difference. Tundja Yambol outscored guests from Burgas 95-66. Worth to mention a quality performance of guard Martin Durchev (200-87) who helped to win the game recording 22 points, 5 assists and 5 steals. Stoyan Petkov helped adding 12 points and 10 rebounds. Tundja Yambol's coach felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. FYR Macedonian center Kiril Pavlovski (210-85, agency: Global Sports Plaza) responded with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 11 rebounds. Tundja Yambol maintains fourth place with 6-5 record. Chernomorets at the other side keeps the seventh position with nine games lost. Tundja Yambol will play against league's leader Lukoil Academik in Sofia in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Chernomorets will play at home against the league's second-placed Levski Sofia (#2) and hopes to get back on the winning track.

In the last game of round 11 bottom-ranked Spartak Pleven was beaten by Levski Sofia on the road 90-82.

Tundja Yambol - Chernomorets 95-66

The game between fourth ranked Tundja Yambol (6-5) and 7th ranked Chernomorets (2-9) in Yambol ended with biggest points difference. Tundja Yambol outscored guests from Burgas 95-66. The game without a history. Tundja Yambol led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Chernomorets' 40. Tundja Yambol forced 26 Chernomorets turnovers and outrebounded them 45-26 including 19 on the offensive glass. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. Worth to mention a quality performance of guard Martin Durchev (200-87) who helped to win the game recording 22 points, 5 assists and 5 steals. Forward Stoyan Petkov (198-85) helped adding 12 points and 10 rebounds. Tundja Yambol's coach felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. FYR Macedonian center Kiril Pavlovski (210-85, agency: Global Sports Plaza) responded with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 11 rebounds and guard Dimitar Roshmanov (185-85) scored 13 points and 5 steals. Tundja Yambol maintains fourth place with 6-5 record. Chernomorets at the other side keeps the seventh position with nine games lost. Tundja Yambol will play against league's leader Lukoil Academik in Sofia in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Chernomorets will play at home against the league's second-placed Levski Sofia (#2) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Tundja Yambol: M.Durchev 22+4reb+5ast, S.Govedarov 20+2reb+1ast, S.Petkov 12+10reb+2ast, Z.Gocevski 10+3reb+1ast, J.Ofoegbu 9+8reb, I.Marchev 8+3reb+1ast
Chernomorets: K.Pavlovski 15+11reb+1ast, A.Penev 14+1reb+1ast, D.Roshmanov 13+3reb+3ast, K.Koev 9+2reb+1ast, T.Zahariev 9+4reb+4ast, H.Gospodinov 3+2reb+2ast

Levski Sofia - Spartak Pleven 90-82

No shocking result in a game when second ranked Levski Sofia (9-2) beat at home bottom-ranked Spartak Pleven (1-10) 90-82. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Spartak Pleven won third quarter 20-13. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Levski Sofia dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Spartak Pleven's 34 and made 17-of-21 charity shots (81.0 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Spartak Pleven 44-24 including a 34-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. Levski Sofia players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists. It was a great evening for the former international guard Jordan Bozov (191-79, agency: Interperformances) who led his team to a victory scoring 17 points and 9 rebounds (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line). International guard Zlatin Georgiev (195-85) helped adding 12 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists. Four Levski Sofia players scored in double figures. The former international forward Ilia Stankov (198-76) responded with 25 points and 5 assists and forward Todor Todorov (198-82) scored 20 points and 7 rebounds. Levski Sofia maintains second place with 9-2 record behind leader Lukoil Academik. Spartak Pleven lost eighth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom position with ten games lost. Levski Sofia will play against Chernomorets (#7) in Burgas in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Spartak Pleven will play at home against Rilski Sportist in Samokov to get more than just one victory in their record.
Top scorers:
Levski Sofia: H.Dimitrov 19+3reb+4ast, J.Bozov 17+9reb+3ast, D.Anguelov 12+1reb+2ast, Z.Georgiev 12+7reb+8ast, J.Eller 11+4reb, P.Ivanov 11+6reb+1ast
Spartak Pleven: I.Stankov 25+1reb+5ast, T.Todorov 20+7reb+1ast, T.Ostrev 10+3reb+4ast, R.Sofroniev 9+1reb+3ast, V.Georgiev 8+3reb+2ast, S.Tsenov 7+8reb

Rilski Sportist - Balkan 77-75

Sixth-ranked Balkan (3-8) was very close to win a game against third ranked Rilski Sportist (7-4) in Samokov on Friday. Rilski Sportist managed to secure only two-point victory 77-75. However their fans expected easier game. The hosts trailed by 6 points after three quarters before their 23-15 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Swingman Hristo Zahariev (200-90) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 12 rebounds. Serbian guard Branko Mirkovic (190-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza) contributed with 18 points, 6 assists and 4 steals for the winners. Power forward Dimitar Marintchechki (201-90) answered with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds and guard Stanimir Marinov (191-91) added 16 points and 5 steals in the effort for Balkan. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Balkan's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Rilski Sportist maintains third place with 7-4 record having just two points less than leader Lukoil Academik. Balkan at the other side keeps the sixth position with eight games lost. Rilski Sportist are looking forward to face bottom-ranked Spartak Pleven (#8) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Balkan will play against Euroins Cherno More in Varna and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Rilski Sportist: F.Vukosavljevic 20+4reb, B.Mirkovic 18+3reb+6ast, H.Zahariev 14+12reb+3ast, A.Bilobrk 11+5reb+1ast, S.Mijajlovic 6+4reb, B.Boev 5
Balkan: D.Marintchechki 18+10reb, S.Marinov 16+3reb+1ast, L.Lilov 14+2reb+1ast, D.Filipov 11+1reb+3ast, I.Martin 8+4reb, D.Morton 8+4reb+1ast

January 4: Cherno More - Lukoil

Chernomorets Burgas lands Gospodinov - by Eurobasket Center
Chernomorets Burgas strengthened their roster with addition of 19-year old forward Hristo Gospodinov (202-F-92). In his first game he scored 3 points. However his new team lost to Tundja Yambol 66-95. Gospodinov played most recently at Dunav 2007 Ruse (Division A). While playing 20 games for Dunav 2007 last season he averaged 15.6ppg, 9.2rpg (4th best in the league), 1.7apg, 1.7spg and played also at Overgas Sophia U20 team. He helped them to win the championship title. A very spectacular season in his career as he was voted to Eurobasket.com All-Bulgarian Division A 2nd Team. Gospodinov is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Bosnia, France and Lithuania.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Martin DURCHEV
  Tundja Y.
  (200-G-87)
  Avg: 20.7

1. Durchev, Tundja Y.	20.7
2. Harper, Levski S.	18.6
3. Yanev, Cherno More	18.2
4. Vukosavljevi., Ril.	16.7
5. Stankov, Spartak	16.0
6. Hall, Levski Sofia	14.7
7. Ofoegbu, Tundja Y.	14.5
8. Slaveykov, Sparta.	14.3
9. Dunovic, Chernomo.	14.2
10. Mirkovic, Rilski	14.1

Rebounds Per Game

Vasil EVTIMOV
  Levski Sofia
  (207-C/F-77)
  Avg: 11.1

1. Evtimov, Levski So.	11.1
2. Yanev, Cherno More	9.8
3. Pavlovski, Chernom.	9.4
4. Ofoegbu, Tundja Y.	8.5
5. Petkov, Tundja Y.	7.4
6. Slaveykov, Sparta.	7.2
7. Vukosavljevi., Ril.	6.9
8. Todorov, Spartak	6.3
9. Zahariev, Rilski S.	5.8
10. Crawford, Balkan	5.7

Assists Per Game

Julian RADIONOV
  Tundja Y.
  (188-G-79)
  Avg: 6

1. Radionov, Tundja Y.	6.0
2. Dyakovski, Sparta.	5.3
3. Heath, Lukoil A.	5.2
4. Mirkovic, Rilski S.	5.0
5. Jefferson, Tundja	4.0
6. Filipov, Balkan	3.9
7. Aleksiev, Cherno M.	3.8
8. Zhelev, Cherno M.	3.3
9. Dunovic, Chernomo.	3.0
10. Hall, Levski Sofia	3.0

Steals Per Game

Dimitar ROSHMANOV
  Chernomo.
  (185-G-85)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Roshmanov, Cherno.	2.9
2. Heath, Lukoil A.	2.7
3. Radionov, Tundja Y.	2.4
4. Durchev, Tundja Y.	2.2
5. Mirkovic, Rilski S.	2.1
6. Jefferson, Tundja	2.0
7. Harper, Levski S.	2.0
8. Zhelev, Cherno M.	1.9
9. Marinov, Balkan	1.9
10. Dunovic, Chernomo.	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Josh CRAWFORD
  Balkan
  (211-C-88)
  Avg: 1.4

1. Crawford, Balkan	1.4
2. Pavlovski, Chernom.	1.0
3. Mijajlovic, Rilski	1.0
4. Banev, Lukoil A.	0.9
5. Ofoegbu, Tundja Y.	0.9
6. Petkov, Tundja Y.	0.7
7. Martin, Balkan	0.7
8. Gocevski, Tundja Y.	0.7
9. Sundov, Lukoil A.	0.5
10. Stoykov, Lukoil A.	0.4

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

CYPRUS

Some movements in the rosters - by Michael Aristidou

In Cyprus league we had some transfer activity last week.
Adam Waleskowski (204-F-82, agency: Court Side, college: Florida St.) is past form Pizza Express Apollon while Russian Mikhail Omelchenko (200-F-88) is now active member of the squad. The player was form the begging in the trainings of the team
Papa Johns Omonia Nicosia and Sasa Avalic (198-G-80) are not any longer together. The player left from the team.
In other news Cytavision Apoel Nicosia is looking to sign up a couple of players while last year champions InterCollege Etha Engomis is near to sign up a center.

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

D-LEAGUE

Standings

D-League Standings

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

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Courtney PIGRAM
  Maine RC
  (185-G-85)
  Avg: 27

1. Pigram, Maine RC	27.0
2. Costner, Los A.	25.1
3. Sloan, Erie Bay H.	24.8
4. Ahearn, Reno B.	24.6
5. Millsap, Los A.	23.2
6. Dentmon, Austin T.	22.4
7. Biggs, Canton C.	21.6
8. Famous, Iowa E.	21.0
9. Russell, Ft.Wayne.	20.8
10. Jones, Ft.Wayne	20.5

Rebounds Per Game

Marcus LEWIS
  Tulsa 66ers
  (203-F/C-86)
  Avg: 13

1. Lewis, Tulsa 66ers	13.0
2. Butch, Bakersfi.	12.5
3. Famous, Iowa E.	12.2
4. Daniels, Erie B.	11.4
5. Milligan, Canton C.	11.0
6. Stiemsma, Sioux F.	10.8
7. Brown, Springfield	9.7
8. Thomas, Reno B.	9.7
9. Ojougboh, Tulsa	9.2
10. Palmer, Bakersfi.	9.0

Assists Per Game

Walker RUSSELL
  Ft.Wayne.
  (183-G-82)
  Avg: 10.8

1. Russell, Ft.Wayne.	10.8
2. Sloan, Erie Bay H.	8.4
3. Cooksey, Texas L.	8.0
4. Ahearn, Reno B.	7.6
5. Tinsley, Los A.	7.6
6. Coleman, Sioux F.	7.1
7. Ewing, Iowa E.	7.0
8. Curry, Springfield	6.6
9. Bozeman, Reno B.	6.3
10. Hayes, Maine RC	5.8

Steals Per Game

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

1. Millsap, Los A.	3.5
2. Curry, Springfield	2.6
3. Russell, Ft.Wayne.	2.4
4. Tinsley, Los A.	2.4
5. Fortson, Los A.	2.1
6. Harris, Rio G.	2.1
7. Smith, Springfield	2.0
8. Dentmon, Austin T.	2.0
9. Hamilton, Los A.	2.0
10. Baker, Dakota W.	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. Thompson, Erie B.	2.0
5. Horne, Sioux F.	1.8
6. Ojougboh, Tulsa	1.8
7. Gladness, Dakota	1.8
8. Dove, Dakota W.	1.7
9. Major, Bakersfi.	1.7
10. Kent, Maine RC	1.7

Hamilton is back at Los Angeles D-Fenders - by Eurobasket Center
Los Angeles D-Fenders agreed terms with 29-year old forward Brian Hamilton (198-F-95kg-82, college: La-Lafayette). Its actually Hamiltons comeback to Los Angeles D. as he played here before. In his first game he scored 16 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Despite his good performance his new team lost to Texas L. 91-108. Hamilton played most recently at Detroit Pistons (NBA). He is a very experienced player. Hamilton graduated University Louisiana at Lafayette in 2005 and actually missed last season. It will be his seventh season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Smith is back at Springfield Armor - by Eurobasket Center
Springfield Armor agreed terms with 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 10 points, grabbed 3 rebounds and 5 assists helping his new team beat Dakota W. 108-103. 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

Hill is back at Frisco Texas Legends - by Eurobasket Center
Frisco Texas Legends signed 24-year old forward Lawrence Hill (203-F-107kg-87, college: Stanford). Its actually Hills comeback to Texas L. as he played here before. In his first game he scored 4 points and grabbed 3 rebounds helping his new team beat Los Angeles D. 108-91. Hill played most recently at Sacramento Kings (NBA). He played also pro basketball in Korea and Mexico. Hill graduated Stanford University in 2009 and actually missed last season. It will be his third season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Russell is back at Fort Wayne Mad Ants - by Eurobasket Center
Fort Wayne Mad Ants signed 29-year old guard Walker Russell (183-G-79kg-82, college: Jacksonville St.). Its actually Russells comeback to Ft.Wayne MA as he played here before. In his first game he scored 24 points, grabbed 3 rebounds and 7 assists. Despite his good performance his new team lost to Austin T. 98-110. Russell played most recently at Fort Wayne Mad Ants (D-League). While playing 4 games for Ft.Wayne MA this season he averaged 20.0ppg, 4.0rpg, 11.8apg and 2.0spg. Russell was selected also to the all-star game. A very impressive season as he was selected to USBasket.com All-D-League 2nd Team. Russell is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Bulgaria, China, Dominican Rep., Germany, Puerto Rico and Spain. Russell graduated Jacksonville State University in 2006 and actually missed last season. It will be his sixth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Friday's games - by Eurobasket News
Dakota W. - Springfield A. 103-108
The Dakota Wizards withstood the first salvo of the Springfield Armor's long-range artillery. But the second round was too much, giving Springfield a 108-103 D-League victory on Friday at the Civic Center. Lance Hurdle (6'2''-G-87, college: Miami, FL) did the bulk of the long-range firing for Springfield, swishing 8 of 10 from behind the arc. His display included three 3-pointers in the final 7 minutes that turned the tide. 'After the first couple I felt the rhythm,' said Hurdle, a 6-2 guard. '... I just got that feel and let it go.' The Wizards, down 54-42 at one point, charged back to tie the game at 93. They took a 95-94 lead on Justin Johnson's 15-footer with 3:58 to play. Enter Hurdle, who sandwiched a pair of 3-pointers around a Wizards turnover. That put the Armor back in the lead at 100-95 with 1:39 on the clock. The Wizards cut the deficit to 100-98 on three free throws by Shy Ely with :36 remaining, but the Armor put the game away at the free throw line. They sank 8 of 10 free throws over the final 36 seconds to clinch the victory. Jerry Smith and JamesOn Curry each accounted for three of the freebies. Dakota coach Nate Bjorkgren said the defeat was a winnable game that got away. 'We were up one (point) late and theybanged in back-to-back tough 3s,' Bjorkgren said. The 3-pointers were Springfield's signature for their two-game sweep at the Civic Center. 'Their last two games in Bismarck they shot over 55 percent from the arc. It's hard to overcome that,' Bjorkgren said. The Armor sizzled in the first half, gunning in 9 of 15 3-point tries en route to a 57-46 lead. Bjorkgren said the halftime discussion was about defense. 'We were more aggressive coming out of the locker room (after intermission) and our defense got us back in the game,' he said. Dakota limited Springfield to 23 points in the third period to pull within three at 80-77 at the third break. Bob MacKinnon, the Springfield coach, said he knew the Wizards would come calling at some point. 'I'm really happy with the way we gutted it out,' MacKinnon said. 'They're a good team. I never imagined that we'd lead the whole game.' Hurdle said the Wizard comeback was more a case of Dakota playing hard rather than the Armor falling asleep. 'They made an honest run. They're a really good defensive team and we expected them to come back. We had to weather the run and keep pushing,' he said. Hurdle was the game's leading scorer with 25 points. He was one of six Springfield players in double figures. Eugene Spates contributed 10 rebounds and Curry added seven assists. Edwin Ubiles (6'6''-G/F-86, college: Siena), in his first game back with the Wizards after two weeks at the Golden State training camp, scored 24 points. He was 10-24 from the floor, including 1-for-6 from 3-point territory. Six other Wizards reached double figures. Curtis Withers snared 10 rebounds for the hosts. The game was a statistical standoff with the exception of Springfield's sharpshooting. The Armor hit 54 percent from outside to 37 percent for the Wizards. With the victory the Armor swept the two-game series and improved to 7-4. The Wizards slipped to 4-6. The Wizards are off for six days before playing host to Sioux Falls for two games on the final two nights of the year. Springfield, now 2-2 on a 16-day trip, continues its nomadic ways with a Christmas game at Sioux Falls. They conclude their seven-game swing with two games at Austin on Dec. 29 and 30. *Courtesy of http://bismarcktribune.com

Rio Grande VV - Bakersfield J. 97-105
In their last home game of 2011, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers found out how things change from one night to another. At the realization of this, coach Nick Nurse had no choice but to put his hands behind his head in sheer frustration. The Vipers suffered a 105-97 loss on Friday night to the very same Bakersfield Jam team they had convincingly beaten the night before at State Farm Arena. It's not that that the Vipers were blown out on Friday. But in contrast to Thursday's win, the Vipers did not play up to par. Nurse's team missed at the free-throw line, were outplayed physically by the Jam, and its 3-point shooting wasn't nearly as productive as it was in Thursday's127-104 win over the Jam where the Vipers made a season-high 21 3-pointers. In a nutshell, it just wasn't a good night for the Vipers (7-6). 'They played a lot better and more physical, we had a great start, and then we went cold,' Nurse said. 'Every time in these back-to-back (games) we ve missed double-digit free throws, and when that happens, you're going to lose and we just couldn't capitalize.' The Vipers shot 6-of-29 from beyond the arc (21 percent) and had some of their main shooters unable to get into rhythm. Stanley Asumnu (6'5''-G/F-82, college: Tennessee), who had 28 points on Thursday, only mustered 12 points and seven rebounds on Friday. Julian Sensley led the way for the Vipers with 19 points and seven rebounds, while Suleiman Braimoh and Ashton Mitchell each added 17 points apiece. 'I give them a lot of credit. (The Jam) were much more assertive in guarding us and challenging us,' Nurse said. 'Their defensive pressure forced us to take the easy way out which was a contested three pointer. That affects your confidence for later, none of our shooters really got it going.' RGV outrebounded Bakersfield 51-39, but the Jam's rebounds came at more opportune times, where their players usually wrestled the ball from the Vipers' grasp. Something else that left the Vipers was momentum. Unlike Thursday, where the Vipers had set the tempo with an early 16-point lead, the Jam's physicality gave the Vipers fits early as Bakersfield built a 16-point lead of its own. After the Vipers caught up to tie the game at 33, Renaldo Major (6'7''-F-82, agency: Edge Sports, college: Fresno St.) converted a 15-foot baseline jumper that gave the Jam the lead for good 36-35 with 2:31 left in the second quarter. Though the Vipers made a push late in the game to get to within 90-85 with 5:40 left, Major intercepted an in-bounds pass and went coast-to-coast for the layup and the consequent foul shot. 'We've found it tough to chase these games up hill, you work hard to get back, and we have. We clawed back to give ourselves a chance and we've never been able to get over the hump,' Nurse said. The Vipers finish 2011 on the road, starting on Dec. 29 at Texas. The next time the Vipers will be in South Texas is Jan.6 when they start a two-game series against Dakota. *Courtesy of www.themonitor.com

Texas L. - Los Angeles D. 108-91
If there were concerns about having to face the front-running Los Angeles D-Fenders twice in three days, the Texas Legends didn't show it. Once again, the Legends used a strong second quarter to take the lead and build from there, beating the D-Fenders 108-91 at Dr. Pepper Arena. While the Legends remain in last place, they dropped the D-Fenders from first to fourth in the D-League West. Chris Roberts (6'4''-G-88, college: Bradley) continued to show no trouble fitting back in with the team he finished last season with, scoring 31 points off the bench in his second Texas game. The Legends trailed 18-11 shortly after Roberts came in for the first time, and then both he and Anthony Vereen went to work. Halfway through the second period, they each had 13 points and the Legends had a 37-27 lead. Vereen finished with 19 points while Booker Woodfox added 18. Woodfox found his stroke in the second half, scoring 14. The Legends once again struggled to stop Costner in the second half, where he scored 18 of his 21 points. But Texas kept everyone else in check to pull away with a 52-43 second half. *Courtesy of www.examiner.com

Reno B. - Idaho S. 112-122
The Reno Bighorns dropped a tightly contested game Friday night, losing 122-112 to the Idaho Stampede. Blake Ahearn (6'2''-PG-84, college: Missouri St.) led the Bighorns with 24 points and nine assists and Terrance Thomas added 19 points and seven rebounds. Tony Bobbit scored 28 points for the Stampede. The Bighorns took the early lead, hitting tough first quarter shots and leading by as many 13 points. Then the Stampede made a run of their own, taking a one-point lead by halftime. The teams would go back and forth throughout the second half, until Bobbit hit a couple clutch three-pointers down the stretch to seal the game. Andre Emmett continued his hot streak with 18 points and six assists and Doug Thomas had 15 points and five rebounds for the Bighorns. The teams face off again Monday night in Idaho, with the winning team taking sole possession of the sixth place spot in the Western Conference. *Courtesy of www.ktvn.com

Maine RC - Iowa E. 102-111
Well, this one is going to hurt. For a while. Leading by 21 points with just under six minutes left in the third quarter, the Maine Red Claws lost their composure, their rhythm, their grit and most important, the game. The Iowa Energy showed why they're the best team in the NBA Development League, rallying for an improbable 111-102 victory before a mostly stunned crowd of 2,910 at the Portland Expo. Or maybe it wasn't so improbable. The Energy showed what can happen when a team imposes its will on another. And that's what happened over the final 17 minutes, 54 seconds. Iowa's second unit -- Ben Strong (6'11''-C-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Guilford) (21 points), Nick Covington (17 points), Nick Murphy, Anthony Simpson and Russell Carter -- came in and challenged every Maine shot. While the Red Claws had hit almost everything early, they hit nothing in the end game. 'Their second unit came in and punked us,' said Paul Harris, who had 21 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds for Maine. 'They made us look soft. They got every loose ball. We weren't cutting hard, they were bumping us. We stopped being physical. They just wanted it more than we did. *Courtesy of www.pressherald.com

Canton C. - Sioux Falls S. 104-95
Consider the favor returned. Ten days after absorbing an embarrassing loss at Sioux Falls, the Charge answered with a 104-95 win Friday night against the Skyforce at Memorial Civic Center. A crowd of 2,003 watched the Charge's most complete - and entertaining - performance of the young season for three quarters. Then Canton held on during a fourth quarter that saw the Skyforce miss on several opportunities to cut their deficit to single digits. They finally did with just more than a minute left, scoring seven points in about 13 seconds, thanks to an offensive rebound and a Canton turnover. But Trent Strickland, making his home debut after being acquired last week, knocked down a pair of free throws with 53.9 seconds left to stop the bleeding and secure the Charge's second straight win, evening their record at 5-5. 'There were a lot of good things tonight,' Charge head coach Alex Jensen said. 'I think we made some steps forward. Now, it's a matter of making those good stretches longer.' The Charge were held to season lows of 74 points and 33.7 percent shooting in the loss Dec. 13 at Sioux Falls, a game Jensen called a 'low point.' Friday night, the Charge had 88 points through three quarters and shot 52.7 percent for the game. 'We just knew we were the better team,' Charge point guard T.J. Campbell said. 'We knew we could stop them on defense. That was one thing we focused on, getting defensive stops and getting easy buckets on the other end.' Those defensive stops played into Canton's 23-9 advantage in transition points. 'That's the thing you try to pound in everybody's frame of mind,' Jensen said. 'When we defend, we get all we want. Good, open 3s. Layups.' The Charge are now 5-0 when scoring at least 100 points. Tyrell Biggs shook off a slow shooting start to put up 23 points, seven rebounds and four assists in his first game since rejoining the Charge from Cleveland Cavaliers training camp. Dante Milligan went for 14 points and 17 rebounds, as the Charge held a 41-33 edge on the boards. Campbell continues to grow at lead guard. He totaled 15 points and 10 assists. 'T.J. Campbell was really good for us tonight. Very solid,' said Jensen, who has an interesting dilemma on his hand as point guard Keith McLeod was reacquired after the game. McLeod had been in training camp with the Utah Jazz. Antoine Agudio scored 13 points, making both of his 3-point tries, and now has hit eight straight 3s in the last two games. He's shooting 57.9 percent from the arc on the season. The Charge held a slight lead for most of the game before stepping on the accelerator early in the third quarter with a 21-3 run, which included various contributions and at least five airballs from Sioux Falls (4-7). 'That's an exciting thing,' Jensen said. 'We had some stretches, especially in the third quarter, where it's exactly how we do it in practice. You think you're doing a good job coaching and they think they're the greatest players on the Earth, and then ...' The Charge got a little stagnant in the fourth. 'I think we let up and just assumed it was over,' Milligan said. 'Luckily, we pulled out the game.' Off the bench, Travis Franklin (6'7''-F-88, college: Colorado St.) attacked the hole and scored 15 points, while Strickland added 11 points and six rebounds for Canton. Anthony Mason, Jr. led Sioux Falls with 23 points - 16 of them in the first half. Dontell Jefferson, who was 5-for-5 from the field, scored nine of his 14 points in the fourth quarter to key the Skyforce's comeback. *Courtesy of www.cantonrep.com

Ft.Wayne MA - Austin T. 98-110
The Austin Toros beat the Fort Wayne Mad Ants 110-98 Friday night at the Memorial Coliseum. Every player made their way into the scoring column for the Toros en route to their win. The Toros took advantage of a slow Mad Ants start and jumped out to a quick 10 point lead. Fort Wayne turned the ball over five times in the opening quarter, and Jamarr Sanders' eight points for the Toros led Austin into the second quarter with an eight point edge. Austin continued to stifle the Fort Wayne offense as the Mad Ants ended the first half shooting just 34 percent. The Toros opened up a 15 point lead midway through the quarter with good ball movement marked by 17 assists compared to just seven for Fort Wayne. Cameron Jones of the Mad Ants led all scorers with 14 first half points, but the Toros took a 13 point lead into halftime. Fort Wayne's deficit grew to 17 before Walker Russell poured in 17 third quarter points of his own to shave Austin's lead down to eight going into the fourth quarter. The Toros maintained control of the game, but the Mad Ants kept the pressure on cutting the lead down to just five points early into the final quarter. Austin quickly built their lead back to ten points and maintained that advantage until the final buzzer. Jones led the Mad Ants with a game-high 25 points, and Russell followed with 24. Terrance Woodbury (6'7''-G/F-86, college: Georgia) and Justin Dentmon paced the Toros with 19 points each, and Dentmon also chipped in a game-high eight assists and six rebounds. Eric Dawson grabbed a game-high 13 rebounds. *Courtesy of www.wane.com

Erie Bay H. - Tulsa 66ers 83-85
Marcus Lewis (6'8''-F/C-86, college: ORU) scored a season-high 25 points and pulled down 15 rebounds for his fourth double-double of the season as the Tulsa 66ers defeated the Erie Bayhawks 85-83 in NBA D-League action Friday night in Erie, Pa. Lewis, who returned to the 66ers this week after participating in the Milwaukee Bucks' training camp, also led the squad with a game-high eight assists. Brady Morningstar pitched in 20 points for the 66ers (7-4), while Dwight Buycks added 13 and Billy Rush 10. Tulsa forced 24 BayHawk turnovers and added 11 steals, led by Lewis and Xavier Alexander with three thefts each. The game featured 17 lead changes and 11 ties. Tulsa shot 24-of-36 from the free throw line. *Courtesy of www.tulsaworld.com

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

FRANCE

ProA Round 12: Leader Chalon/Saor gets another victory - by Eurobasket News
The round 12 was rather boring as all games ended with very predictable results.

Leader Chalon/Saor delivered the tenth win on Friday night. This time they crushed 14th ranked Pau-Lacq-Orthez (3-9) 85-64. The game without a history. Chalon/Saor led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 22-of-24 free shots (91.7 percent) during the game. Chalon/Saor forced 26 Pau-Lacq-Orthez turnovers. The best player for the winners was guard Nicolas Lang (196-90, agency: Beo Basket) who scored 16 points. American guard Malcolm Delaney (191-89, college: Virginia Tech) chipped in 12 points, 5 assists and 4 steals. At the other side the best for losing team was American guard Teddy Gipson (193-80, college: Arkansas, agency: Court Side) who recorded 16 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Chalon/Saor (10-2) have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain first position, which they share with Gravelines. Pau-Lacq-Orthez lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the thirteenth place with nine games lost. They share the position with Le Havre. Chalon/Saor is looking forward to face Chorale de Roanne (#7) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Pau-Lacq-Orthez will play against ASVEL (#8) in Villeurbanne and is hoping to prove to their fans that they can break losing series.
The game with biggest result difference took place in Orleans. Local Entente Orleans 45 (7-5) outscored 15th ranked Hyeres-Toulon (2-10) 95-73. It was a good game for naturalized Mali forward Amara Sy (202-81) who led his team to a victory with 24 points and 8 rebounds. Brian Greene contributed with 14 points and 5 assists for the winners. Entente Orleans 45's coach Philippe Herve felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American power forward Rick Hughes (204-73, college: Thomas More, agency: Interperformances) replied with 23 points and 5 rebounds for Hyeres-Toulon. Entente Orleans 45 maintains sixth position with 7-5 record. Hyeres-Toulon lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the fifteenth place with ten games lost. They share the position with Poitiers. Entente Orleans 45 will play against JDA Dijon (#9) on the road in the next round. Hyeres-Toulon will play against Sluc Nancy (#3) and hopes to get back on the winning track.

Rest of the games of round 12 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Gravelines defeated Le Havre in a road game 67-58. Strasbourg was beaten by Le Mans at home 73-89. Nanterre lost to Paris-Levallois on the opponent's court 79-86. ASVEL managed to outperform Poitiers in a home game 82-67. Dijon managed to beat Cholet on the road 88-71.

Le Havre - Gravelines 58-67

There was no surprise when 13th ranked STB Le Havre (3-9) was defeated at home by second ranked Gravelines-Dunkerque (10-2) 67-58. The game without a history. Gravelines-Dunkerque led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Strangely STB Le Havre outrebounded Gravelines-Dunkerque 54-42 including 21 on the offensive glass. It was a good game for the former international center Ludovic Vaty (206-88, college: Moraine Valley CC) who led his team to a victory with 19 points and 6 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Swingman Rudy Jomby (197-88) contributed with 10 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. American-Venezuelan guard John Cox (195-81, college: USF) replied with 12 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists and American forward Brian Boddicker (204-81, college: Texas) added 12 points and 9 rebounds in the effort for STB Le Havre. Gravelines-Dunkerque keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Chalon. STB Le Havre at the other side keeps the thirteenth place with nine games lost. They share the position with Pau-Lacq-Orthez. Gravelines-Dunkerque will play against Strasbourg IG (#10) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. STB Le Havre will play against JSF Nanterre and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Le Havre: N.Pope 15+5reb+1ast, J.Cox 12+6reb+6ast, B.Boddicker 12+9reb+2ast, O.Camara 6+11reb, C.Leonard 5+10reb+2ast, G.Jenkins 4+7reb
Gravelines: L.Vaty 19+6reb+1ast, A.Albicy 11+2reb+2ast, R.Jomby 10+9reb, Y.Bokolo 7+2reb+1ast, D.Issa 6+7reb, J.Edwards 6+9reb

Orleans - Hyeres-Toulon 95-73

The game with biggest result difference took place in Orleans. Local Entente Orleans 45 (7-5) outscored 15th ranked Hyeres-Toulon (2-10) 95-73. The game was mostly controlled by Entente Orleans 45. Hyeres-Toulon was better in third quarter 28-20. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Entente Orleans 45 dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Hyeres-Toulon's 38. Entente Orleans 45 forced 19 Hyeres-Toulon turnovers. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 26 assists. It was a good game for naturalized Mali forward Amara Sy (202-81) who led his team to a victory with 24 points and 8 rebounds. American forward Brian Greene (204-81, college: Colorado St.) contributed with 14 points and 5 assists for the winners. Four Entente Orleans 45 players scored in double figures. Entente Orleans 45's coach Philippe Herve felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American power forward Rick Hughes (204-73, college: Thomas More, agency: Interperformances) replied with 23 points and 5 rebounds and the former international guard Paccelis Morlende (189-81) added 19 points in the effort for Hyeres-Toulon. Entente Orleans 45 maintains sixth position with 7-5 record. Hyeres-Toulon lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the fifteenth place with ten games lost. They share the position with Poitiers. Entente Orleans 45 will play against JDA Dijon (#9) on the road in the next round. Hyeres-Toulon will play against Sluc Nancy (#3) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Hyeres-Toulon: R.Hughes 23+5reb+2ast, P.Morlende 19+4reb+2ast, M.Faye 13+6reb, S.Fein 5+1reb+1ast, S.Cisse 4+3reb+3ast, T.Terrell 4+1ast
Orleans: A.Sy 24+8reb, B.Greene 14+2reb+5ast, G.Joseph 13+4reb, D.Monds 12+4reb, M.N'Doye 11+4reb+3ast, C.Banks 7+3ast

Strasbourg - Le Mans 73-89

No shocking result in a game when fourth ranked Le Mans (9-3) defeated on the road 10th ranked Strasbourg IG (5-7) 89-73. The game was mostly controlled by Le Mans. Strasbourg IG was better in third quarter 24-22. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 20-of-25 charity shots (80.0 percent) during the game. It was a good game for international forward Charles Kahudi (197-86, agency: Beo Basket) who led his team to a victory with 16 points and 7 rebounds. American guard Alex Acker (196-83, college: Pepperdine) contributed with 16 points for the winners. Four Le Mans players scored in double figures. American-Dominican swingman Ricardo Greer (197-78, college: Pittsburgh) replied with 19 points and 9 rebounds and American forward Chris Oliver (198-85, college: Radford) added 13 points and 9 rebounds in the effort for Strasbourg IG. Le Mans have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 9-3 record, which they share with Paris-Levallois. Strasbourg IG at the other side keeps the tenth place with seven games lost. Le Mans will play against Paris-Levallois (#5) at home in the next round. Strasbourg IG will play against the league's second-placed Gravelines-Dunkerque (#2) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Strasbourg: R.Greer 19+9reb+3ast, K.Anderson 13+1reb+2ast, C.Oliver 13+9reb+2ast, A.M'Baye 8+2ast, A.Jeanneau 8+2reb+2ast, A.Toupane 6+2reb+1ast
Le Mans: T.Rochestie 17+1reb+1ast, A.Acker 16+3reb+2ast, C.Kahudi 16+7reb+3ast, M.Sommerville 11+1reb+3ast, J.Paulo Batista 9+6reb+1ast, N.Boungou Colo 7+2reb+2ast

Paris-Levallois - Nanterre 86-79

Very expected game when 12th ranked JSF Nanterre (4-8) was defeated on the road by fifth ranked Paris-Levallois (9-3) 86-79. The hosts were already 11 points ahead after 3 quarters before a 25-21 JSF Nanterre's run in the last quarter cut the lead to 86-79 at the end of the game. Paris-Levallois made 17-of-19 charity shots (89.5 percent) during the game. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists. The game was dominated by American players. It was a good game for guard Eric Chatfield (191-79, college: N.Mexico) who led his team to a victory with 26 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line). Power forward Lamont Hamilton (208-84, college: St.John's) contributed with 24 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Forward Mykal Riley (198-85, college: Alabama) replied with 26 points and 6 assists and center Ryvon Covile (206-84, college: Detroit Mercy, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices) added 11 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for JSF Nanterre. Four JSF Nanterre players scored in double figures. JSF Nanterre's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Paris-Levallois have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Le Mans. Newly promoted JSF Nanterre dropped to the eleventh position with eight games lost. They share it with Cholet. Paris-Levallois will play against Le Mans (#4) on the road in the next round. JSF Nanterre will play against STB Le Havre (#13) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Nanterre: M.Riley 26+4reb+6ast, J.Passave-Ducteil 12+3reb, R.Covile 11+6reb, D.Garrett 10+2reb+3ast, M.Judith 7+2reb+2ast, W.Daniels 5+3reb
Paris-Levallois: E.Chatfield 26+5reb+6ast, L.Hamilton 24+8reb+2ast, J.Williams 19+5reb+5ast, D.Noel 9+4reb+3ast, T.Meacham 6+2reb+4ast, P.Da Silva 2+1reb+2ast

ASVEL - Poitiers 82-67

Very predictable result in Villeurbanne where eighth ranked ASVEL (6-6) beat bottom-ranked Poitiers (2-10) 82-67. The game was mostly controlled by ASVEL. Poitiers was better in fourth quarter 20-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 16-of-17 charity shots (94.1 percent) during the game. It was a good game for international guard Edwin Jackson (191-89) who led his team to a victory with 18 points and 4 assists. Naturalized Trinidad and Tobago guard Leo Westermann (198-92, agency: Beo Basket) contributed with 15 points and 6 assists for the winners. Five ASVEL players scored in double figures. ASVEL's coach Pierre Vincent allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. American point guard James J.J. Miller (180-79, college: N.Carolina A&T, agency: Higher Vision Sports) replied with 24 points and 5 rebounds and the former international power forward Pape Badiane (207-80, college: Cleveland St.) added 10 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for Poitiers. ASVEL maintains eighth position with 6-6 record, which they share with Dijon. Poitiers lost ninth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom place with ten games lost. They share the position with Hyeres-Toulon. ASVEL will play against Pau-Lacq-Orthez (#14) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Poitiers will play against Cholet and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Poitiers: J.J.J. Miller 24+5reb+3ast, A.Grant 11+3reb+3ast, P.Badiane 10+10reb, R.Wright 5+2reb, K.Younger 5+3reb+1ast, P.Guillard 5+2reb+2ast
ASVEL: E.Jackson 18+3reb+4ast, L.Westermann 15+1reb+6ast, D.Thompson 11+2reb+3ast, H.Armstrong 10+8reb, K.Tillie 10+6reb+2ast, B.Fofana 9+4reb

Chalon - Pau-Lacq-Orthez 85-64

Leader Chalon/Saor delivered the tenth win on Friday night. This time they crushed 14th ranked Pau-Lacq-Orthez (3-9) 85-64. The game without a history. Chalon/Saor led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 22-of-24 free shots (91.7 percent) during the game. Chalon/Saor forced 26 Pau-Lacq-Orthez turnovers. The best player for the winners was guard Nicolas Lang (196-90, agency: Beo Basket) who scored 16 points. American guard Malcolm Delaney (191-89, college: Virginia Tech) chipped in 12 points, 5 assists and 4 steals. Five Chalon/Saor players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American guard Teddy Gipson (193-80, college: Arkansas, agency: Court Side) who recorded 16 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists and his fellow American import guard Allan Ray (188-84, college: Villanova) added 15 points and 4 assists respectively. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Chalon/Saor (10-2) have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain first position, which they share with Gravelines. Pau-Lacq-Orthez lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the thirteenth place with nine games lost. They share the position with Le Havre. Chalon/Saor is looking forward to face Chorale de Roanne (#7) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Pau-Lacq-Orthez will play against ASVEL (#8) in Villeurbanne and is hoping to prove to their fans that they can break losing series.
Top scorers:
Pau-Lacq-Orthez: T.Gipson 16+7reb+7ast, A.Ray 15+2reb+4ast, M.Maravic 15+4reb+1ast, C.Marquis 5+5reb, C.Elonu 4+6reb, J.Morency 4+5reb
Chalon: N.Lang 16+1reb+3ast, S.Tchicamboud 15+5ast, M.Delaney 12+3reb+5ast, A.Aminu 11+8reb, J.Lauvergne 10+7reb+1ast, B.Schilb 10+4reb+1ast

Cholet - Dijon 71-88

Not a big story in a game when 11th ranked Cholet (4-8) was defeated at home by ninth ranked JDA Dijon (6-6) 88-71. The game without a history. JDA Dijon led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. It was a good game for American forward Zach Moss (201-81, college: Mountain St.) who led his team to a victory with 24 points and 5 rebounds (on 11-of-13 shooting from the field). The other American import point guard Bobby Dixon (178-83, college: Troy, agency: Beo Basket) contributed with a double-double by scoring 10 points and 10 assists for the winners. International guard Fabien Causeur (193-87) replied with 20 points and international forward Luc-Arthur Vebobe (203-80, college: Hawaii) added 10 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for Cholet. Five JDA Dijon and four Cholet players scored in double figures. JDA Dijon have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to eighth place, which they share with ASVEL. Cholet lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the eleventh position with eight games lost. They share it with Nanterre. JDA Dijon will play against higher ranked Entente Orleans 45 (#6) at home in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Cholet will play against Poitiers (#16) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Cholet: F.Causeur 20+1reb+3ast, P.Christopher 15+4reb+1ast, D.Nelson 10+1reb+3ast, L.Vebobe 10+10reb+2ast, R.Falker 8+7reb+2ast, R.Hite 4+2reb+3ast
Dijon: Z.Moss 24+5reb, D.Melody 14+5reb+1ast, A.Harris 13+3reb+4ast, S.Marshall 12+8reb+3ast, B.Dixon 10+4reb+10ast, J.Leloup 8+3reb+3ast

Standings - ProA

ProA Standings

1. Chalon		10-2
2. Gravelines		10-2
3. Nancy		9-2
4. Le Mans		9-3
5. Paris-Levallois		9-3
6. Orleans		7-5
7. Roanne		6-5
8. ASVEL		6-6
9. Dijon		6-6
10. Strasbourg		5-7
11. Cholet		4-8
12. Nanterre		4-8
13. Le Havre		3-9
14. Pau-Lacq-Orthez		3-9
15. Hyeres-Toulon		2-10
16. Poitiers		2-10

Standings - ProB

ProB Standings

1. Boulazac		11-3
2. Limoges		10-4
3. Chalons-Reims		10-4
4. Boulogne		9-5
5. Maurienne		9-5
6. Fos Ouest		9-5
7. Bordeaux		8-6
8. St Vallier		8-6
9. Evreux		7-7
10. Le Portel		7-7
11. Nantes		6-8
12. Bourg		6-8
13. Lille		6-8
14. Denain		5-9
15. Rouen		5-9
16. Antibes		5-9
17. Quimper		4-10
18. Vichy		1-13
19. St Etienne		0-0

Stats Leaders - ProA

Points Per Game

Eric CHATFIELD
  Paris-.
  (191-G-79)
  Avg: 22.1

1. Chatfield, Paris-.	22.1
2. Rochestie, Le Mans	20.5
3. Parker, AS.	20.3
4. Morlende, Hyeres-T.	19.0
5. Cox, Le Havre	17.8
6. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.	17.6
7. Batum, Nancy	17.1
8. Hamilton, Paris-.	16.9
9. Williams, Paris-.	16.3
10. Wise, Le Havre	16.2

Rebounds Per Game

Chinemelu ELONU
  Pau-Lacq.
  (206-F/C-87)
  Avg: 8.5

1. Elonu, Pau-Lacq.	8.5
2. Akingbala, Nancy	8.4
3. Hamilton, Paris-.	8.1
4. Aminu, Chalon	7.7
5. Jackson, Roanne	7.6
6. Allen, Strasbourg	7.2
7. Sommerville, Le Ma.	7.1
8. Sy, Orleans	6.8
9. Krupalija, Hyeres.	6.7
10. Falker, Cholet	6.7

Assists Per Game

Kareem REID
  Hyeres-Toulon
  (178-PG-75)
  Avg: 9.8

1. Reid, Hyeres-Toulon	9.8
2. Rochestie, Le Mans	6.6
3. Wise, Le Havre	6.4
4. Parker, AS.	6.3
5. Linehan, Nancy	5.8
6. Pellin, Orleans	5.8
7. Barrett, Roanne	5.4
8. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.	5.0
9. Dixon, Dijon	5.0
10. Schilb, Chalon	4.7

Steals Per Game

Alex ACKER
  Le Mans
  (196-G-83)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Acker, Le Mans	2.2
2. Albicy, Gravelines	2.2
3. Riley, Nanterre	2.2
4. Batum, Nancy	2.1
5. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.	2.1
6. Linehan, Nancy	2.0
7. Wise, Le Havre	2.0
8. Sangare, Orleans	1.9
9. Melody, Dijon	1.9
10. Pellin, Orleans	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Ronny TURIAF
  AS.
  (208-C/F-83)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Turiaf, AS.	1.8
2. Gobert, Cholet	1.5
3. Jackson, Roanne	1.3
4. Issa, Gravelines	1.3
5. Akingbala, Nancy	1.3
6. Williams, Paris-.	1.2
7. Batum, Nancy	1.1
8. Falker, Cholet	1.1
9. Nichols, Cholet	1.0
10. Sy, Orleans	0.9

Stats Leaders - ProB

Points Per Game

Chris MCCRAY
  Boulogne
  (196-G/F-84)
  Avg: 20.3

1. McCray, Boulogne	20.3
2. Davis, Le Portel	18.9
3. Sonko, Bourg	18.5
4. Denave, St Vallier	17.9
5. Paelay, Quimper	17.2
6. Siggers, Rouen	16.6
7. Gay, Fos Ouest	16.3
8. Wood, Evreux	16.2
9. Barro, Bourg	16.0
10. Milbourne, Limoges	15.6

Rebounds Per Game

Jeremiah WOOD
  Evreux
  (200-C/F-85)
  Avg: 11.5

1. Wood, Evreux	11.5
2. Massie, Limoges	11.2
3. Rossiter, Denain	9.5
4. Monroe, Boulazac	9.5
5. Badiane, Antibes	9.3
6. Barro, Bourg	9.1
7. Allen, Antibes	9.0
8. Osby, Maurienne	8.9
9. Prowell, St Vallier	8.6
10. Daniels, Chalons-.	8.6

Assists Per Game

Ronnie TAYLOR
  Le Portel
  (188-PG-81)
  Avg: 7.6

1. Taylor, Le Portel	7.6
2. Copeland, Bourg	5.8
3. Rowland, Evreux	5.8
4. Darnauzan, Mauri.	5.7
5. Denave, St Vallier	5.4
6. Mouillard, Quimper	5.4
7. Mullins, Chalons-.	5.1
8. Patiejunas, Rouen	5.1
9. Sauret, Lille	5.0
10. Choquet, Fos Oue.	4.8

Steals Per Game

Armand CHARLES
  Nantes
  (193-SF-83)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Charles, Nantes	2.9
2. McCray, Boulogne	2.8
3. Paelay, Quimper	2.5
4. Shiloh, St Vallier	2.4
5. James, Denain	2.3
6. Eito, Vichy	2.1
7. Flowers, Vichy	2.0
8. Marshall, Lille	1.9
9. Prowell, St Vallier	1.9
10. Denave, St Vallier	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Sherman GAY
  Fos Ouest
  (201-PF-82)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Gay, Fos Ouest	1.9
2. Badiane, Antibes	1.6
3. Osby, Maurienne	1.1
4. Prowell, St Vallier	1.1
5. Daniels, Chalons-.	1.1
6. Massie, Limoges	1.0
7. Badiane, Nantes	1.0
8. Barro, Bourg	0.9
9. Adjiwanou, Boula.	0.9
10. James, Denain	0.9

ProB Round 14: SO Maritime Boulogne is upset by Saint Vallier - by Eurobasket News
There were many interesting games last round. The round ended with favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin.

The most important game in the last round took place in Saint Vallier between third ranked SO Maritime Boulogne (9-5) and eighth ranked Saint Vallier (8-6) on Friday night. SO Maritime Boulogne was defeated by Saint Vallier on the road 93-79. The hosts trailed by 10 points after first quarter, but they stormed back and won the game by 14 points. Saint Vallier looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The best player for the winners was American point guard Kyle Shiloh (191-85, college: Nevada) who scored 18 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. David Denave (195-85) chipped in 11 points and 12 assists. Saint Vallier's coach Laurent Pluvy used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American power forward James Mathis (200-84, college: Niagara, agency: Court Side) produced a double-double by scoring 12 points and 12 rebounds for the guests. Saint Vallier moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Bordeaux. SO Maritime Boulogne at the other side dropped to the fourth position with five games lost. They share it with Maurienne and Fos Ouest. Saint Vallier is looking forward to face SPO Rouen (#15) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. SO Maritime Boulogne will play against the league's leader Boulazac Basket (#1) and will have a slim chance for a victory.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Boulazac. First ranked Boulazac Basket faced second-ranked Limoges CSP Elite. Host Boulazac Basket (11-3) defeated guests from Limoges (10-4) 86-82. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The game was dominated by American players. Power forward Darryl Monroe (202-86, college: George Mason, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 15 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists. Ryan Ayers contributed with 17 points for the winners. Landon Milbourne (201-87, college: Maryland) replied with 21 points and 6 rebounds for Limoges CSP Elite. Boulazac Basket maintains first position with 11-3 record. Limoges CSP Elite at the other side keeps the second place with four games lost. They share the position with Chalons-Reims. Boulazac Basket will play against SO Maritime Boulogne (#4) on the road in the next round. Limoges CSP Elite will play against JA Vichy and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Eighteenth-ranked JA Vichy (1-13) made lots of trouble for seventh ranked Bordeaux (8-6) on Friday. The visitors from Bordeaux managed to secure only three-point victory 69-66. However their fans expected much easier game. Sami Driss scored 9 points and 7 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners. Daniel Coleman responded with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 14 rebounds. JA Vichy's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Newly promoted Bordeaux maintains seventh position with 8-6 record, which they share with St Vallier. JA Vichy lost ninth consecutive game. They keep the eighteenth place with 13 games lost. Bordeaux will meet at home higher ranked Chalons-Reims (#3) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. JA Vichy will play against the league's second-placed Limoges CSP Elite (#2) and will have a slim chance for a victory.
A very interesting game took place in Denain. It ended with only three-point home defeat of 15th ranked Denain Voltaire (5-9) to thirteenth ranked Lille Metropole (6-8) 87-84 on Friday evening. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Denain Voltaire. The game was also dominated by American players. Steve Smith notched 25 points and 7 rebounds to lead the effort. Lille Metropole's coach Fabien Romeyer allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Lille Metropole have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to eleventh place, which they share with Nantes and Bourg. Newly promoted Denain Voltaire dropped to the fourteenth position with nine games lost. Lille Metropole's next round opponent will be Quimper UJAP (#17) at home where they are favorite. Denain Voltaire will play against Olympique Antibes and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game with biggest result difference took place in Antibes. Local Olympique Antibes (5-9) was outscored by twelfth ranked JL Bourg (6-8) 78-54 on Friday night. The best player for the winners was Ousmane Barro who had a double-double by scoring 19 points and 15 rebounds. JL Bourg moved-up to eleventh place, which they share with Nantes and Lille. Loser Olympique Antibes dropped to the fourteenth position with nine games lost. JL Bourg will face higher ranked ALM Evreux (#9) at home in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Olympique Antibes will play against Denain Voltaire (#14) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Rest of the games of round 14 were very predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Nantes was crushed by Evreux in a road game 86-63. Maurienne beat Quimper at home 91-86. Rouen lost to Le Portel on the opponent's court 80-84. Chalons-Reims outscored Fos Ouest in a home game 90-70.
The best stats of 14th round was 23 points and 16 rebounds by Chris Daniels of Chalons-Reims.

Vichy - Bordeaux 66-69

Eighteenth-ranked JA Vichy (1-13) made lots of trouble for seventh ranked Bordeaux (8-6) on Friday. The visitors from Bordeaux managed to secure only three-point victory 69-66. However their fans expected much easier game. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But JA Vichy won third quarter 19-15. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Naturalized Tunisian swingman Sami Driss (194-82) scored 9 points and 7 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and naturalized Algerian Miloud Doubal (190-81) chipped in 14 points during the contest. American forward Daniel Coleman (206-85, college: Minnesota) responded with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 14 rebounds and point guard Antoine Eito (186-88) scored 11 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. JA Vichy's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Newly promoted Bordeaux maintains seventh position with 8-6 record, which they share with St Vallier. JA Vichy lost ninth consecutive game. They keep the eighteenth place with 13 games lost. Bordeaux will meet at home higher ranked Chalons-Reims (#3) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. JA Vichy will play against the league's second-placed Limoges CSP Elite (#2) and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Vichy: D.Coleman 26+14reb+1ast, M.Jefferson 13+4reb, A.Eito 11+9reb+6ast, M.Guichard 8+4reb+4ast, N.Faye Djobo 4+3reb+3ast, J.Djimrabaye 2
Bordeaux: M.Doubal 14+2reb+2ast, J.Ford 12+1reb, S.Driss 9+7reb+2ast, G.Darrigand 8+2reb+6ast, J.Nzeulie 8+3reb+1ast, K.Cunningham 7+9reb+1ast

Denain - Lille 84-87

A very interesting game took place in Denain. It ended with only three-point home defeat of 15th ranked Denain Voltaire (5-9) to thirteenth ranked Lille Metropole (6-8) 87-84 on Friday evening. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Denain Voltaire. It looked good early as Denain Voltaire took an 13-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Lille Metropole took control winning two of next three quarters and eventually winning the game that evening by 3 points. The game was also dominated by American players. Steve Smith (200-81, college: Iona) notched 25 points and 7 rebounds to lead the effort and swingman Curtis Marshall (196-83, college: Texas Tech, agency: R.H.Consultancy) supported him with 15 points. Lille Metropole's coach Fabien Romeyer allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Even a double-double of 15 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists by power forward Ryan Rossiter (204-89, college: Siena) did not help to save the game for Denain Voltaire. Guard Nate Rohnert (197-87, college: Denver) added 13 points and 7 rebounds for the hosts. Four Lille Metropole and five Denain Voltaire players scored in double figures. Lille Metropole have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to eleventh place, which they share with Nantes and Bourg. Newly promoted Denain Voltaire dropped to the fourteenth position with nine games lost. Lille Metropole's next round opponent will be Quimper UJAP (#17) at home where they are favorite. Denain Voltaire will play against Olympique Antibes and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Denain: L.Kante 18+1reb+1ast, R.Rossiter 15+10reb+6ast, J.James 15+5reb, F.Minet 13+1reb+4ast, N.Rohnert 13+7reb+2ast, X.Gaillou 10+2reb+3ast
Lille: S.Smith 25+7reb, C.Marshall 15+4reb+2ast, N.Taccoen 12+1reb, M.Nascimento 10+8reb+1ast, J.MBida 9+3reb+1ast, B.Gillet 9+3ast

Boulazac - Limoges 86-82

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Boulazac. First ranked Boulazac Basket faced second-ranked Limoges CSP Elite. Host Boulazac Basket (11-3) defeated guests from Limoges (10-4) 86-82. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Limoges CSP Elite was ahead by 2 points at the halftime before a 20-11 third quarter run of Boulazac Basket. Limoges CSP Elite was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. The game was dominated by American players. Power forward Darryl Monroe (202-86, college: George Mason, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 15 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists. Ryan Ayers (201-86, college: Notre Dame) contributed with 17 points for the winners. Landon Milbourne (201-87, college: Maryland) replied with 21 points and 6 rebounds and power forward Christophe Massie (206-77, college: Memphis, agency: Court Side) added 14 points and 14 rebounds in the effort for Limoges CSP Elite. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Boulazac Basket maintains first position with 11-3 record. Limoges CSP Elite at the other side keeps the second place with four games lost. They share the position with Chalons-Reims. Boulazac Basket will play against SO Maritime Boulogne (#4) on the road in the next round. Limoges CSP Elite will play against JA Vichy and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Limoges: L.Milbourne 21+6reb+2ast, C.Massie 14+14reb, K.McAlarney 14+1reb+1ast, R.Desroses 13+4reb, S.Traore 10+4reb, J.Gomis 5+1reb+5ast
Boulazac: R.Ayers 17+4reb+2ast, D.Monroe 15+14reb+5ast, T.Dubiez 13+1ast, A.McKenzie 12+7reb+2ast, F.Adjiwanou 11+2reb+2ast, Y.Gaillou 7+2reb+1ast

Evreux - Nantes 86-63

Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both ninth ranked ALM Evreux and 10th ranked Nantes had identical 6-7 record. This time ALM Evreux used a home court advantage and crushed the opponent from Nantes 86-63 on Friday night. The game was mostly controlled by ALM Evreux. Nantes was better in fourth quarter 18-12. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. ALM Evreux dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Nantes' 36. ALM Evreux forced 19 Nantes turnovers and outrebounded them 34-21 including a 24-10 advantage in defensive rebounds. Nantes was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. The best player for the winners was Steeve Ho You Fat (203-88) who scored 19 points and 7 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). American point guard Austen Rowland (186-81, college: Lehigh, agency: Court Side) chipped in 13 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Four ALM Evreux players scored in double figures. ALM Evreux's coach Remy Valin felt very confident that he used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. Naturalized American guard David Fergerson (185-78, college: St.Louis) produced 15 points and 5 rebounds and Senegalese power forward Malick Badiane (211-84) added 14 points and 6 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) respectively for the guests. ALM Evreux maintains ninth position with 7-7 record, which they share with Le Portel. Nantes lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the eleventh place with eight games lost. ALM Evreux will face JL Bourg (#12) on the road in the next round. Nantes will play against Aix-Maurienne in Aix-les-Bains.
Top scorers:
Nantes: D.Fergerson 15+5reb+2ast, M.Badiane 14+6reb+2ast, N.Gayon 10+2reb+1ast, M.Drame 7+1ast, J.Douillet 6+4reb+2ast, A.Charles 5+1reb+4ast
Evreux: S.Ho You Fat 19+7reb+3ast, G.Florimont 16+5reb+2ast, A.Rowland 13+6reb+4ast, K.Dahak 10+1reb+4ast, R.Wilmont 7+2reb, J.Wood 7+5reb+3ast

Maurienne - Quimper 91-86

No shocking result in a game in Aix-les-Bains where sixth ranked Aix-Maurienne (9-5) defeated 17th ranked Quimper UJAP (4-10) 91-86 on Friday. However just five-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. The hosts trailed by 6 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 6-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 91-86. Aix-Maurienne outrebounded Quimper UJAP 34-23 including 16 on the offensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Quimper UJAP was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. The best player for the winners was American Wilbert Brown (199-84, college: Niagara, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices) who scored 28 points and 8 rebounds. American-DR Congolese power forward Bambale Osby (203-86, college: Maryland) chipped in a double-double by scoring 22 points and 10 rebounds. Osby is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Aix-Maurienne's coach Antoine Michon used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Liberian-American Pele Paelay (193-84, college: Co.Carolina) produced 27 points and 5 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) and point guard Vincent Mouillard (187-87) added 12 points and 5 assists respectively for the guests. Aix-Maurienne have an impressive five-game winning streak. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Fos Ouest and Boulogne. Quimper UJAP lost third consecutive game. They keep the seventeenth position with ten games lost. Aix-Maurienne will face Nantes (#11) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Quimper UJAP will play against Lille Metropole (#13).
Top scorers:
Quimper: P.Paelay 27+5reb+3ast, J.Williams 13+4reb, V.Mouillard 12+1reb+5ast, A.Salmon 9+1reb+1ast, F.Thibedore 8+2reb+3ast, A.Lovedale 8+3reb
Maurienne: W.Brown 28+8reb+3ast, B.Osby 22+10reb, D.Tucker 12+5reb+3ast, J.Ekanga-Ehawa 8+1reb+2ast, M.Houmounou 8+5reb+2ast, S.Darnauzan 5+2reb+6ast

Le Portel - Rouen 84-80

Rather expected game when 14th ranked SPO Rouen (5-9) was defeated on the road by eleventh ranked Le Portel (7-7) 84-80 on Friday. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But SPO Rouen won fourth quarter 19-13. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The best player for the winners was American point guard Ronnie Taylor (188-81, college: NC-Greensboro, agency: Court Side) who had a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 assists. The other American import swingman Chris Davis (195-80, college: N.Texas, agency: Court Side) chipped in 20 points and 5 rebounds. American swingman Jason Siggers (190-85, college: Albany) produced 20 points and guard Pierric Poupet (191-84) added 12 points and 7 assists respectively for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Le Portel have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Evreux. Loser SPO Rouen keeps the fourteenth position with nine games lost. Le Portel will face higher ranked Fos Ouest (#6) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. SPO Rouen will play against Saint Vallier (#8).
Top scorers:
Rouen: J.Siggers 20+2reb+2ast, C.Bronchard 12+4reb+1ast, P.Poupet 12+1reb+7ast, S.Dia 12+2reb+1ast, C.Thioune 7+2reb+1ast, A.Dunn 6+7reb+2ast
Le Portel: C.Davis 20+5reb+1ast, R.Taylor 16+3reb+10ast, M.Labeyrie 15+5reb+1ast, N.Wyatte 12+3reb, B.Mangin 9+5reb+3ast, I.Sy 6+2reb

Chalons-Reims - Fos Ouest 90-70

Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both fourth ranked Chalons-Reims and 5th ranked Fos Ouest had identical 9-4 record. This time Chalons-Reims used a home court advantage and outscored the opponent from Fos 90-70 on Friday night. The game was mostly controlled by Chalons-Reims. Fos Ouest was better in second period 22-20. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Chalons-Reims shot 62.0 percent from the field. Fos Ouest was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. The best player for the winners was American Chris Daniels (200-82, college: Georgia, agency: Limelight Hoops) who had a double-double by scoring 23 points and 16 rebounds. American-Irish point guard Bryan Mullins (185-87, college: S.Illinois) chipped in 19 points and 5 assists. Four Chalons-Reims players scored in double figures. American Bill Clark (195-88, college: Duquesne) produced 12 points and 6 rebounds and Moroccan-Canadian Mohamed Hachad (194-83, college: Northwestern) added 12 points respectively for the guests. Fos Ouest's coach tested ten players seeing no chance for a win. Chalons-Reims (10-4) have an impressive six-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Limoges. Loser Fos Ouest dropped to the fourth position with five games lost. Chalons-Reims will face Bordeaux (#7) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Fos Ouest will play against Le Portel.
Top scorers:
Fos Ouest: M.Hachad 12+2reb+3ast, B.Clark 12+6reb+2ast, E.Choquet 11+2reb+3ast, P.Haquet 9+3reb, M.Dia 9+4reb+2ast, S.Gay 8+4reb+1ast
Chalons-Reims: C.Daniels 23+16reb+1ast, B.Mullins 19+2reb+5ast, B.King 14+2reb+9ast, G.Chathuant 10+8reb, P.Beye 9+1reb+1ast, K.Joss-Rauze 6

St Vallier - Boulogne 93-79

The most important game in the last round took place in Saint Vallier between third ranked SO Maritime Boulogne (9-5) and eighth ranked Saint Vallier (8-6) on Friday night. SO Maritime Boulogne was defeated by Saint Vallier on the road 93-79. The hosts trailed by 10 points after first quarter, but they stormed back and won the game by 14 points. Saint Vallier looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The best player for the winners was American point guard Kyle Shiloh (191-85, college: Nevada) who scored 18 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. David Denave (195-85) chipped in a double-double by scoring 11 points and 12 assists. Saint Vallier's coach Laurent Pluvy used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American power forward James Mathis (200-84, college: Niagara, agency: Court Side) produced a double-double by scoring 12 points and 12 rebounds and his fellow American import Corey Rouse (204-84, college: E.Carolina, agency: Court Side) added 19 points and 5 rebounds respectively for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Saint Vallier moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Bordeaux. SO Maritime Boulogne at the other side dropped to the fourth position with five games lost. They share it with Maurienne and Fos Ouest. Saint Vallier is looking forward to face SPO Rouen (#15) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. SO Maritime Boulogne will play against the league's leader Boulazac Basket (#1) and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Boulogne: C.Rouse 19+5reb+1ast, J.Mathis 12+12reb+1ast, T.Stanley 11+3reb, J.Rousselle 10+1reb+7ast, M.Le Pellec 10+3reb+2ast, Z.Bah 9+2reb+6ast
St Vallier: S.Barrett 20+4reb, K.Shiloh 18+8reb+4ast, L.Prowell 17+7reb, D.Denave 11+4reb+12ast, Y.Zonnet 9+5reb, F.Tortosa 9+4reb+4ast

Antibes - Bourg 54-78

The game with biggest result difference took place in Antibes. Local Olympique Antibes (5-9) was outscored by twelfth ranked JL Bourg (6-8) 78-54 on Friday night. The game without a history. JL Bourg led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Olympique Antibes to just 7 points in fourth quarter. JL Bourg dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Olympique Antibes' 26. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The best player for the winners was Senegalese power forward Ousmane Barro (208-84, college: Marquette) who had a double-double by scoring 19 points and 15 rebounds. Guard Jesse Delhomme (191-85) chipped in 15 points and 8 assists. Four JL Bourg players scored in double figures. American power forward Jeff Allen (201-87, college: Virginia Tech) produced a double-double by scoring 11 points and 11 rebounds and center Ferdinand Prenom (205-91) added 9 points and 7 rebounds respectively for the hosts. JL Bourg moved-up to eleventh place, which they share with Nantes and Lille. Loser Olympique Antibes dropped to the fourteenth position with nine games lost. JL Bourg will face higher ranked ALM Evreux (#9) at home in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Olympique Antibes will play against Denain Voltaire (#14) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Antibes: J.Allen 11+11reb, S.Essart 10+1reb+3ast, F.Prenom 9+7reb+2ast, S.Massot 7+5reb+3ast, L.Bengaber 7, C.Brown 6+1reb+3ast
Bourg: O.Barro 19+15reb+2ast, C.Ferchaud 16+3reb+2ast, J.Delhomme 15+2reb+8ast, O.Da Silveira 11+5reb+2ast, R.Chery 7+3reb+3ast, I.Koma 6+4reb+2ast

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

GEORGIA

Superleague Round 11: Armia beats Olympus by one after a very close game - by Eurobasket News
The most exciting game of round 11 in the Superleague took place in Tbilisi. This derby game ended with only one-point home defeat of second-ranked Olympus (8-2) to leader Armia (10-0) 63-62 in the game for the first place. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Olympus. Olympus cut a 14-point halftime deficit to one at the end of the game. The former international forward Irakli Sakvarelidze (201-F-86, college: Dominican, NY) saved the victory by scoring 10 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. American point guard Ben Woodside (180-85, college: N.Dakota St., agency: Priority Sports) contributed with 9 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. The former international guard Giorgi Gamqrelidze (183-86, agency: Interperformances) answered with a double-double by scoring 16 points, 7 rebounds, 11 assists and 4 steals for Olympus. Undefeated Armia have an impressive series of ten victories in a row. Defending champion maintains first place with 10-0 record. Newly promoted Olympus keep the second position with two games lost. They share it with Kutaisi.
Another exciting game was a derby match between two teams from Tbilisi: STU (#7) and Sokhumi (#4). STU (5-5) crushed visiting Sokhumi (6-4) by 20 points 94-74. It was a great evening for forward Zviad Antadze (198-88, college: Monroe Coll.) who led his team to a victory scoring 23 points and 8 rebounds. Vasili Beruashvili helped adding 16 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. International guard Levan Patsatsia (198-88, college: Troy) responded with a double-double by scoring 28 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. STU moved-up to sixth place. Sokhumi at the other side keeps the fourth position with four games lost. They share it with MIA Tbilisi.
Another exciting game was again a derby between two local teams from Tbilisi: Dinamo Tbilisi (#8) and TSU (#6). Dinamo Tbilisi (4-6) won against visiting TSU (4-6) 101-91. It was an exceptional evening for Keyon Carter who led the winners and scored 27 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Mikheil Chitashvili came up with a double-double by scoring 20 points, 9 rebounds and 11 assists for TSU in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Dinamo Tbilisi moved-up to seventh place, which they share with TSU Tbilisi.
Bottom-ranked Energy Invest is still unable to win any game. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their tenth consecutive match to fifth ranked MIA (6-4) 117-63. The best player for the winners was Larry Blair who scored 32 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists and 7 steals (was perfect 9-for-9 from the free throw line !!!). MIA's coach David Ustiashvili felt very confident that he used entire bench saving starting five for next games. The victory was the third consecutive win for MIA. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Sokhumi. Energy Invest lost their tenth game in a row. They still closes the standings with ten games lost.

In the last game of round 11 Kutaisi smashed Batumi on the road 107-80.
The most impressive performance of 11th round was 28 points, 20 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 blocks by Richard Matiashvili of Kutaisi.

STU Tbilisi - Sokhumi 94-74

Another exciting game was a derby match between two teams from Tbilisi: STU (#7) and Sokhumi (#4). STU (5-5) crushed visiting Sokhumi (6-4) by 20 points 94-74. It was a very close game until the last quarter, when STU's pressure prevailed and they won that period 34-18 extending their advantage to 20 points. They dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Sokhumi's 34. STU forced 19 Sokhumi turnovers. Strangely Sokhumi outrebounded STU 48-35 including a 23-9 advantage in offensive rebounds. It was a great evening for forward Zviad Antadze (198-88, college: Monroe Coll.) who led his team to a victory scoring 23 points and 8 rebounds. Forward Vasili Beruashvili (198-90) helped adding 16 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. Five STU players scored in double figures. International guard Levan Patsatsia (198-88, college: Troy) responded with a double-double by scoring 28 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists and guard Irakli Sordia (191-85) scored 11 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. STU moved-up to sixth place. Sokhumi at the other side keeps the fourth position with four games lost. They share it with MIA Tbilisi.
Top scorers:
Sokhumi: L.Patsatsia 28+12reb+5ast, I.Sordia 11+3reb+3ast, I.Chlaidze 9+5reb+1ast, S.Atuashvili 8+6reb+2ast, G.Gaprindashvili 7+4reb+5ast, G.Jgerenaia 6+6reb+1ast
STU Tbilisi: Z.Antadze 23+8reb+3ast, T.Chachibaia 20+2reb+2ast, V.Beruashvili 16+11reb+4ast, A.Dzidziguri 14+3reb+4ast, Z.Machaladze 13+5reb+1ast, G.Khaniashvili 8+3reb+4ast

Olympus - Armia 62-63

The most exciting game of round 11 in the Superleague took place in Tbilisi. This derby game ended with only one-point home defeat of second-ranked Olympus (8-2) to leader Armia (10-0) 63-62 in the game for the first place. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Olympus. Olympus cut a 14-point halftime deficit to one at the end of the game. The former international forward Irakli Sakvarelidze (201-86, college: Dominican, NY) saved the victory by scoring 10 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. American point guard Ben Woodside (180-85, college: N.Dakota St., agency: Priority Sports) contributed with 9 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. The former international guard Giorgi Gamqrelidze (183-86, agency: Interperformances) answered with a double-double by scoring 16 points, 7 rebounds, 11 assists and 4 steals and Serbian center Ilija Milutinovic (213-88, college: Oakland, agency: Global Sports Plaza) added 12 points and 12 rebounds in the effort for Olympus. Armia have an impressive series of ten victories in a row. Defending champion maintains first place with 10-0 record. Newly promoted Olympus keep the second position with two games lost. They share it with Kutaisi.
Top scorers:
Olympus: N.Sljuka 22+2reb+1ast, G.Gamqrelidze 16+7reb+11ast, I.Milutinovic 12+12reb+2ast, I.Hoger 7+5reb, N.Tutus 3+5reb, M.Berishvili 2+6reb+1ast
Armia: W.Thomas 12+8reb, J.Richardson 12+5reb+1ast, Z.Babiashvili 10+5reb, I.Sakvarelidze 10+9reb+4ast, B.Woodside 9+6reb+7ast, J.Kjellbom 8+8reb

Rustavi - MIA Tbilisi 63-117

Bottom-ranked Energy Invest is still unable to win any game. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their tenth consecutive match to fifth ranked MIA (6-4) 117-63. The game without a history. MIA led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 76 of its points in the paint compared to Energy Invest's 46 and had 23 for 31 from the free-throw line, while Energy Invest only scored two points from the stripe. MIA forced 27 Energy Invest turnovers and outrebounded them 52-25 including a 34-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was American guard Larry Blair (183-84, college: Liberty, agency: Pro One Sports) who scored 32 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists and 7 steals (was perfect 9-for-9 from the free throw line !!!). His fellow American import guard Robo Kreps (182-88, college: Ill.-Chicago, agency: N.E.T.) chipped in 23 points. MIA's coach David Ustiashvili felt very confident that he used entire bench saving starting five for next games. Guard Luka Khmelidze (195-92) produced 12 points and 5 rebounds and forward Gela Kopaliani (193-90) added 10 points and 7 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Four Energy Invest players scored in double figures. The victory was the third consecutive win for MIA. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Sokhumi. Energy Invest lost their tenth game in a row. They still closes the standings with ten games lost.
Top scorers:
Rustavi: L.Khmelidze 12+5reb+2ast, D.Gugava 10+2reb+1ast, G.Kopaliani 10+7reb+1ast, D.Artsividze 10+2reb+3ast, G.Arabic 8+5reb, R.Chachanidze 7+3reb+1ast
MIA Tbilisi: L.Blair 32+7reb+8ast, R.Kreps 23+3reb, T.Smith 13+6reb, L.Lapanashvili 9+2reb+1ast, M.Bokolishvili 8, G.McCammon 8+2reb+2ast

Batumi - Kutaisi 80-107

No shocking result in a game when third ranked Kutaisi (8-2) crushed on the road 10th ranked Batumi (1-9) 107-80. The game was mostly controlled by Kutaisi. Batumi was better in third quarter 29-26. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Batumi's 44. They outrebounded Batumi 53-23 including a 41-14 advantage in defensive rebounds. Kutaisi players were unselfish on offense dishing 30 assists. The best player for the winners was center Richard Matiashvili (209-89) who had a double-double by scoring 28 points, 20 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 blocks (on 11-of-13 shooting from the field). Forward Rezo Didia (203-87) chipped in 21 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. Coach Malkhaz Kokhreidze's team controlled all game and the coach could let to play 10 players and allowed the starting five to get some rest. The former international forward Lasha Keshelava (200-81) produced 26 points and 8 rebounds and forward Levan Eliadze (197-92) added 18 points and 10 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Five Kutaisi and four Batumi players scored in double figures. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Kutaisi. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Olympus. Batumi at the other side keeps the tenth position with nine games lost.
Top scorers:
Batumi: L.Keshelava 26+8reb+2ast, L.Eliadze 18+10reb, I.Mikeladze 17+9ast, N.Ramishvili 10+3reb+2ast, I.Maisuradze 9+1reb+2ast, I.Emiridze 0
Kutaisi: R.Matiashvili 28+20reb+6ast, R.Didia 21+8reb+8ast, T.Babunashvili 17+5reb+3ast, G.Barbakadze 16+6reb+1ast, L.Tsekvava 15+3reb+3ast, D.Barbakadze 4+5reb+2ast

Dinamo Tbilisi - TSU Tbilisi 101-91

Another exciting game was again a derby between two local teams from Tbilisi: Dinamo Tbilisi (#8) and TSU (#6). Dinamo Tbilisi (4-6) won against visiting TSU (4-6) 101-91. The hosts trailed by 1 point at the halftime before their 57-46 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Dinamo Tbilisi forced 20 TSU turnovers. Strangely TSU outrebounded Dinamo Tbilisi 49-35 including a 36-25 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was an exceptional evening for American forward Keyon Carter (203-88, college: ODU, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) who led the winners and scored 27 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Swingman Duda Sanadze (196-92) accounted for 26 points for the winning side. Guard Mikheil Chitashvili (193-84) came up with a double-double by scoring 20 points, 9 rebounds and 11 assists and center Tornike Niniashvili (205-82) added 21 points and 12 rebounds respectively for TSU in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Dinamo Tbilisi moved-up to seventh place, which they share with TSU Tbilisi.
Top scorers:
TSU Tbilisi: T.Niniashvili 21+12reb+2ast, M.Chitashvili 20+9reb+11ast, D.Berishvili 20+1reb+3ast, G.Markoishvili 15+8reb+3ast, Z.Korkotadze 5+4reb, Z.Maisuradze 5+3reb
Dinamo Tbilisi: K.Carter 27+8reb+5ast, D.Sanadze 26+4reb+1ast, D.Noel 14+10reb+2ast, G.Bakradze 11+4reb+5ast, I.Lezhava 5+2reb+2ast, G.Markhvashvili 5+3ast

Shengelia Cannot Play for Three Months - by Darbaiseli
Tornike Shengelia, member of Georgian national basketball team injured and he will not be able to play for three months. 20-year-old forward of Belgacom Spirou Basket injured in
Blegium championship match and in such condition played the last championship matches. Analyzes confirmed that he needs serious treatment. According to the preliminary
information, his bone of foot is broken and thats why he missed the last match of Belgium championship. It goes without saying that he missed todays match too, where Blegium team
plays against Maccabi Tel-Aviv in Euro League match.
According to the previous season Shengelia was named in the nomination of the best young basketball player of the year by FIBA-Europe. Voting in this inquiry lasts till January 31,
by this link is possible to vote him. Tornike Shengelia (207-F-91)

Highest League Standing

Superleague Standings

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

Geogian Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Larry BLAIR
  MIA Tbilisi
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 30.2

1. Blair, MIA Tbilisi	30.2
2. Parghalava, Sokhu.	25.3
3. Patsatsia, Sokhumi	24.9
4. Carter, Dinamo T.	23.4
5. Kreps, MIA Tbilisi	23.1
6. Niniashvili, TSU T.	21.1
7. Chikviladze, Samed.	17.6
8. Barbakadze, Kutaisi	16.9
9. Khmelidze, Rustavi	16.9
10. Keshelava, Batumi	16.3

Rebounds Per Game

Keyon CARTER
  Dinamo T.
  (203-F-88)
  Avg: 14.3

1. Carter, Dinamo T.	14.3
2. Patsatsia, Sokhumi	11.5
3. Milutinovic, Olymp.	10.4
4. Niniashvili, TSU T.	10.1
5. Matiashvili, Kutai.	9.8
6. Bekauri, Samedicino	9.4
7. Keshelava, Batumi	9.3
8. Machaladze, STU T.	9.0
9. Hoger, Olympus	8.2
10. Beruashvili, STU	7.8

Assists Per Game

Giorgi GAMQRELIDZE
  Olympus
  (183-G-86)
  Avg: 9.4

1. Gamqrelidze, Olymp.	9.4
2. Woodside, Armia	9.0
3. Chitashvili, TSU T.	7.4
4. Gaines, Armia	6.5
5. Blair, MIA Tbilisi	6.4
6. Artsividze, Rustavi	6.2
7. Mikeladze, Batumi	5.9
8. Parghalava, Sokhu.	5.3
9. Matiashvili, Kutai.	4.6
10. Bakradze, Dinamo	4.3

Steals Per Game

Larry BLAIR
  MIA Tbilisi
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 3.6

1. Blair, MIA Tbilisi	3.6
2. Ramishvili, Batumi	3.0
3. Gaines, Armia	2.5
4. Kokhreidze, TSU T.	2.4
5. Chachanidze, Rust.	2.4
6. Beruashvili, STU T.	2.3
7. Gamqrelidze, Olymp.	2.1
8. Woodside, Armia	2.0
9. Machaladze, STU T.	2.0
10. Sanadze, Dinamo	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Beka BEKAURI
  Samedicino
  (207-C-91)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Bekauri, Samedicino	2.4
2. Atuashvili, Sokhumi	1.5
3. Toudjani, MIA T.	1.5
4. Beruashvili, STU T.	1.4
5. Matiashvili, Kutai.	1.4
6. Ilic, Samedicino	1.4
7. Kjellbom, Armia	1.3
8. Milutinovic, Olymp.	1.2
9. Machaladze, STU T.	1.1
10. Shermadini, TSU T.	1.0

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

GERMANY

Stats Leaders - 2.Bundesliga

Points Per Game

Martin SAMARCO
  Karlsruhe
  (191-G-85)
  Avg: 21.1

1. Samarco, Karlsruhe	21.1
2. Reese, Duesseldorf	20.3
3. McKiver, Braves	20.2
4. Stommes, Webmoebel	19.3
5. Hassan, Leitersh.	18.2
6. Roessler, Karlsruhe	17.8
7. Alexander, ETB W.	17.8
8. Howard, Karlsruhe	17.5
9. Webb, Crailsheim	17.5
10. Capel, Cuxhaven	16.9

Rebounds Per Game

Justin HOWARD
  Karlsruhe
  (208-C-81)
  Avg: 10.7

1. Howard, Karlsruhe	10.7
2. Uskoski, Kirchheim	8.5
3. Black, Jena	8.0
4. Webb, Crailsheim	7.9
5. Lawson, Chemnitz	7.7
6. Harris, Cuxhaven	7.4
7. Richardson, Leiter.	7.2
8. Mason, Webmoebel	6.9
9. De Michael, NBC	6.8
10. Watts, Heidelberg	6.6

Assists Per Game

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

1. Smith, Kirchheim	6.1
2. Johnson, Chemnitz	5.7
3. Jeka, Braves	5.5
4. Holcomb Faye, MBC	4.9
5. Hill, Crailsheim	4.7
6. Burgess, Heidelberg	4.6
7. Diggs, Webmoebel	4.5
8. Reese, Duesseldorf	4.5
9. Chavis, NBC	4.5
10. Rice, Cuxhaven	4.4

Steals Per Game

Cedric BROOKS
  Kirchheim
  (185-G-80)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Brooks, Kirchheim	2.3
2. Bowlin, Leitershof.	1.9
3. Rice, Cuxhaven	1.8
4. Capel, Cuxhaven	1.7
5. Johnson, Chemnitz	1.7
6. Ishizaki, Chemnitz	1.6
7. Harris, NBC	1.5
8. Diggs, Webmoebel	1.5
9. Williamson, Ehingen	1.5
10. Hill, Crailsheim	1.4

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Cheremnykh, Braves	1.8
2. De Michael, NBC	1.5
3. Zipser, Heidelberg	1.3
4. Williamson, Ehingen	1.2
5. Howard, Karlsruhe	0.9
6. Oakes, MBC	0.9
7. Flomo, Duesseldorf	0.9
8. Okoye, NBC	0.9
9. Harris, Cuxhaven	0.9
10. Thomas, Kirchheim	0.8

Standings - ProA

ProA Standings

1. MBC		11-3
2. Kirchheim		11-4
3. Crailsheim		10-5
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		2-13

The Kirchheim Knights Reel In Brandon Griffin For Christmas - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
PRO A team Kirchheim Knights have given their fans a wonderful Christmas gift by signing Brandon Griffin (202-F-82, college: SE Missouri St.). Griffin is a 29 year old 202cm forward from Greensburg, Louisiana that is very active player, good athlete who runs the floor exceptionally well, and really goes to the boards. The American has experience having played in Germany, but really made a name for himself in Holland the last four years. Last season, he played for WCAA Giants Bergen op Zoom (Holland-DBL) playing 33 games: 10.5ppg, 8.4rpg, 1.5apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 52.6%, FT: 75.3%. He started his basketball career in Southwest Mississippi C.C.: 14.0ppg, 7.5rpg in 2001. He then played at SE Missouri St. (NCAA) from 2002-2004. In his senior year, he played 23 games: 12.3ppg, 7.4rpg, 3.3apg. In 2004-2005, he started his professional basketball career for BBC Bayreuth (Germany-2.Bundesliga): 30 games: 17.2ppg, Reb-4 (10.0rpg), 1.3apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 61.3%, 3FGP: 38.5%, FT: 67.4%. He played a second season for BBC Bayreuth and then in 2006-2007 moved north to Mitteldeutscher BC (Germany-2.Bundesliga): 30 games: 16.8ppg, 9.2rpg, 1.8apg, 1.7spg, 2FGP: 59.8%FALSE, FT: 65.4%. In 2007-2008, he went to Holland to play for Omniworld Almere (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five): team folded in Dec.'07, later that month moved to Eiffel Towers Den Bosch (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five): Dutch League: 26 games: 3.7ppg, 4.0rpg; ULEB Cup: 5 games: 2.8ppg, 2.4rpg. In 2008-2009, he played for West-Brabant Giants (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five), left in Nov.'08: 9 games: 10.7ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.9apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 63.1%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 61.1%. In 2009-2010, he played for World Class Aviation Academy Giants (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five): 46 games: 11.1ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.9apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 55.3%, FT: 68.2%. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been JUCO all-state honors -02, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga North Center of the Year -07, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga North 1st Team -07, Eurobasket.com German 2.Bundesliga North All-Imports Team -07, Dutch Cup Winner -08Dutch Eredivisie Regular Season Runner-Up -08, 10, Dutch Eredivisie Finalist -08, 10, Dutch Cup Semifinals -10, Dutch Eredivisie All-Star Game -10, and Eurobasket.com All-Dutch Eredivisie Honorable Mention -10.

Source: Kirchheim Knights

FC Bayern Munich Release Ben Hansbrough - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Sometimes even when there seems to be a positive trend in the play with a player, it doesnt necessarily mean that everything is blooming like a beautiful moon flower blooming in moonlight, because FC Bayern Munich fans must of had a uneasy feeling when Beko BBL rookie Ben Hansbrough (190-G-87, college: Notre Dame) wasnt in the lineup last night in Wurzburg. The 24 year old Hansbrough asked the team to terminate his contract and the club granted his wish. Hansbrough who wasnt drafted in the NBA last summer, but was on the radar of many teams came to Munich with some what expectations, but not until recently wasnt able to have a steady spot in the rotation of Dirk Bauermann. In his first five games, his minutes decreased each game. Only recently, did Bauermann give him more trust as he scored 10 points against Giessen and 13 points against the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. However, the ride in Munich was never easy for the American who had a stellar four year career with the fighting Irish at Notre Dame as in his senior year, he played 34 games: 18.4ppg, 3.9rpg, 4.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 43.5%, FT: 81.5% as there were some factors going against him. It is no secret that players dont always have a cake walk adjusting to the European game as guys like Damian Saunders (BG Goettingen) and Gilbert Brown (s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg left Germany early and it seemed like Hansbrough was also one of these players. It is always essential that a coach shows some kind of trust in a player, but Dirk Bauermann stated already very early in the season negativity to the American in a SPOX article. 'I was a big fan of Bens when he was playing for Notre Dame. But you know how it often is in life: Its not until you see him in practice every day that you realize how far behind he is in the areas he was able to camouflage in college.Ben is excellent with the ball. The problem is: As a playmaker in college, he had a lot of options from the pick-and-roll that are simply not available in European basketball.And one thing he wasnt taught in college at all is how to move without the ball. European basketball, however, revolves around playing off the ball. If he were playing for a different team, he might already be one of the most noticeable players in the league, because he would have the ball in his hands more often. But when it comes to more complex things, theres a lot he still needs to learn.I assumed that because of his toughness and his quick feet, Ben would be a good man-to-man defender, even though Notre Dame played a lot of zone. But he has a hard time understanding and implementing defensive concepts. Thats why a lot of things are still rudimentary and at an early stage', stressed Dirk Bauermann. In 10 Beko BBL games, Hansbrough averaged 5,5ppg, 1,6rpg and 2,7apg in 13,4 minutes per game. In 3 Eurocup games, he averaged 8,0ppg, 2,0rpg and 1,3apg in 21,7minutes per game while shooting 44,4% from outside. Hansbrough is a very talented player and should find a new team quickly.

Source: FC Bayern Munich

Will Some Good Luck Finally Arrive For BG Goettingen In Their Current Turbulent Season? - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Sometimes in life things turn a complete 180 degrees from comfortable and successful to miserable and unsuccessful like ex NBA star Scottie Pippen who is trying to live a normal life in retirement, but claims he has been unfairly portrayed in the media as a walking financial disaster and suing every media outlet who reported he went bankrupt, the NBA trying to prepare for the upcoming season, but the many cancelled trades seeming to take the spotlight from the whole affair or the current Syracuse sex scandal that has tarnished that schools reputation quicker than Shaq can devour a Big Mac or yell Kazaam. For 2010 Eurochallenge winner BG Goettingen that success seems about as far away as Charles Barton ever returning to the Skyliners as their current season as been like a nightmare first losing their heart and soul John Patrick who led the team into the Beko BBL playoffs in three out of four seasons, their many stars following him to Wurzburg, the Marco Grimaldi tragedy of him losing loved ones in a car accident and on top of that the team living in 18th place for most of the season which might feel the same as if one was deserted in the never revealed Lok Halle dungeon if there ever was one. With the Christmas season nearing its end when the Fraport Skyliners arrive in Goettingen December 26th, BG Goettingen could use some late Christmas gifts from Santa with a win. The team recently replaced head coach Stefan Mienack with assistant coach Michael Meeks and won a game against Tuebingen. Despite all the hard ship that the team has suffered, the atmosphere seems in tact. When we played in Goettingen, I didnt sense as much sadness. The fans were good there and there seemed to be a sense of urgency. They played with a chip on their shoulder, commented Tuebingen guard Josh Young. Nothing comes easy these days in Goettingen as the team plays with a very young and inexperienced team looking to gain experience and getting better while needing to win games each weekend and trying to escape out of the trap door that they have fallen into in the Beko BBL cellar all the while having the misfortune of the current season upon them like a dust cloud. Every team deals with internal problems, but it seems like BG Goettingen have had to deal with a lot this season. I hope that they can turn their season around. They have to continue to work and do things the right way. I believe that even with bad times, you will always get out what you put in, warned Tuebingen American Josh Young.

Last season, BG Goettingen finished the season in seventh place with a record of 19-15 and were benefited of getting to their third playoffs in four years on account of a strong finish. When comparing the 2010-2011 team to the 2009-2010 team after seven games, there was little difference as BG Goettingen had a record of 4-3. Two seasons ago after seven games BG Goettingen, then won 15 of their next 18 games and also were playing Eurochallenge. Defense seemed to be an issue in the early part of the season concerning the 3-4 start. 'We were missing 24 seconds of defense. Looking back on our loses, we did not do a good job playing defense until the possession was over. This is something that we have been working on this week', stressed exBG Goettingen center Jason Boone. BG Goettingen has been up and down since the start of the season and had a record of 10-8 and quietly moved on to the Top 16 of the Eurocup. The club had a 5 game winning streak around the holiday season having big wins against The Artland Dragons and The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. But then also had two 4 game losing streaks. Despite being up and down, the team was capable of beating anyone in the BEKO BBL. 'Goettingen had a great team and had an up and down season but they can beat anyone on any giving night because of there style of play', stressed John Bynum. The playoff race was tight, but BG Goettingen was able to make it into the final 8 at the end of the season. 'I think they deserved to be a playoff team. They were are capable of beating anyone on any giving night and if they get it going they are tough to beat on their home court as well', warned John Bynum.

Losing key players like Taylor Rochestie, Chris Oliver, Ben Jacobson and Chester Frazier seemed to have made a difference in the quality of play as well as in their style last season. 'Rochestie and Oliver are two great players that meant a lot to their team. They seem to be dearly missed. I think that they had a much better roster the last few years, but some players had success and moved on. Playing against them last season was much easier than the last few years, but they still had a lot of pressure. They still played their kind of style, but not as extreme as in the past', warned ex Walter Tigers Tuebingen guard Steven Wright. Despite a little change in the new style of BG Goettingen, the team has also gained a few new positives in their game. 'Our game plan changed from game to game, but we still tryed to control the tempo in each game. I think that our team was more athletic than in the past, but also better at slowing down the pace when it was needed', stressed New York native Jason Boone. 'BG Goettingen played a fast paced speed up style and had a lot of the same type of players. They were small and had to play like this. I liked their style', stressed ex Michigan State guard Travis Walton. Patrick also seems to have understood how to form the style with the players that he had gotten last season. 'I think the coach of Goettingen was great at adjusting. And with his team last year he adjusted to the players he had and they still put up pressure but were more controlled. It w asnt as 'wild' as the past couple seasons. Before it seemed like 'organized chaos'. Now, it was more controlled pressure. Nothing 'hell-like', laughed Wayne Bernard. BG Goettingen had to step up their pressure against Dashaun Wood last season. 'I think they Mix it up and still use some press but not like they used to. I would say like 75% press but for Dashaun Wood I would say more Pressure', joked Mark Dorris.

This past summer, it was no secret that the 2011-2012 would be a rebirth and a rebuilding year as the creator of the past BG Goettingen success head coach John Patrick had moved on and key players like Dwayne Anderson, John Little, Jason Boone, Trenton Meacham and Robert Kulawick left the team for new and more lucrative basketball challenges. The team named young Stefan Mienack coach who was put into the water as a guy who had learned under Patrick as an assistant coach from 2008-2011. The team also said goodbye to the beloved Lok arena that had a special aura and move d into the Sparkassen arena that seats 3,447 persons. With some debts having still to be paid, the club only had a slim 1,5 million budget and had less player quality to search for. We got American and German players with quality. We wanted to start a reputation of being a team that gets young german players and develop further. We had to live with the risk that possibly not all players would be able to get used to the Beko BBL level, stressed BG Goettingen sport director Jan Schiecke. The club got five Americans from the NCAA level with Kwadzo Ahelegbe, Paris Horne, Roberto Mafra, Damian Saunders and Josh Slater. The team also picked up big man Raymond Sykes that has two years of professional experience. The team got German veteran Max Weber and big German talent Phillip Noch. During the losing streak, the club had to part ways with Americans Josh Slater and Damian Saunders. Recently, the club brought in Sean Evans (203-F-88, college: St.John's) from the PRO A from Duesseldorf that has made an impact as well as Matt Bauscher. The team also brought in guard insurance with Jerel Allen. Recently the club axed Stefan Mienack and replaced him with 2000fifth best scorer at the Sydney Olympics with Michael Meeks.

After a 107-63 blow out loss in Bamberg, the team responded by getting a 93-71 win at home against EnBW Ludwigsburg. However then the team suffered a bitter nine game losing streak. In their losing streak, they were outscored by the opponents by 136 points. They lost 8 games by more than 10 points and lost a close battle against FC Bayern Munich 77-73 at home. The team has allowed 80 points average in 12 games which might not always pose a problem for a team like Phoenix Hagen or Bamberg that can score quickly an din bunches, but if your BG Goettingen and average only 67 points per game, then you will have problems winning games if you cant score at a consistent rate. A weakness is that they are young and inexperienced like we are. Their transition defense isnt too great either, stressed Tuebingen guard josh Young. When BG Goettingen play defense, they seem to be playing basketball lottery a lot. They usually play pressure defense, but when we played them, they didnt pressure as much maybe they are starting a new style? Their defense is ok and they gamble a lot, so they force many turnovers, stated ex Drake player Josh Young. BG Goettingen definitely have potential, but how much is that worth in the Beko BBL that has continued to get better each season? Their strength is their athletcism and inside play. Sykes and Evans are a handful and both are very athletic. Evans is very tough on the boards and strong, added Josh Young. Young saw the team recently and predicts better times for the club. They arent the same team that started the season. They have a new coach and three new players. I am sure that they will play better in the second half of the season, expressed Josh Young.

With Christmas day past and the feast having been digested, The Fraport Skyliners will continue to fight getting out of the lower standings and clawing back up to the middle ground. The Fraport Skyliners have been playing better basketball of late and will have to continue to focus on playing more consistent basketball and playing stronger in crunch time. Frankfurt has defended well in the last weeks especially in Eurocup play and will have to have their game faces on defense as stopping the versatile offense of BG Goettingen will be no cake walk. Frankfurt has to play very good interior defense, control the boards and not let them get going from the three point line. Frankfurt also will have to watch Paris Horne and Matt Bauscher as they can get going quickly, warned Josh Young. Playing in Goettingen wont be easy, but I think that if we can control the tempo and play like we did in Braunschweig, then we should have good chances to win, warned Johannes Herber.

BG Goettingen is led by Raymond Sykes who is a 25 year old 206cm power forward from Jacksonville, Florida that is playing his first season with BG Goettingen. He played at Clemson (NCAA) from 2005-2009 and in his senior year played 32 games: 7.9ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 57.8%, FT: 55.7%. He was an NIT finalist in 2007 playing with players like Clif Hammonds and KC Rivers. He played his first two seasons with the Sioux Falls Skyforce (D-League) and last season played 48 games: 14.1ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.0apg, 1.8bpg, FGP: 51.7%, FT: 72.2%. The team returned Louis Dale who is a 23 year old 180cm point guard from Birmingham, Alabama. He played at Cornell (NCAA) from 2006-2010 an din his senior year played 31 games: 12.8ppg, 2.9rpg, 4.7apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT. He reached the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2010 and was All Ivy- League Player of the Year -08, All-Ivy League 1st Team -08, 09, 10 and was Ivy League Champion -08, 09, 10. Last season as a rookie he played EuroCup: 13 games: 4.5ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.8apg; German League: 37 games: 7.9ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 76.8%. The team also added 191 cm guard Paris Horne who played at St Johns from 2007-2011. In his senior year, he played 33 games: 7.9ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.6apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 61.9%: Finished career tied for second all-time (Felipe Lopez) in career three-pointers made with 148. At St Johns, he played with guys like Sean Evans (203-F-88, college: St.John's) and Larry Wright that are currently playing In Germany. The club recently stabilized their inside game with Sean Evans (203-F-88, college: St.John's) who is a 23 year old 203cm forward from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He also played at St Johns from 2007-2011 and in his senior year, he played 31 games: 3.6ppg, 2.7rpg, FGP: 49.4%, FT: 59.3%. His best season at St Johns was his second year where he averaged 10.3ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 51.4%, FT: 50.8%. He started his professional basketball career recently with the Gloria Giants Duesseldorf where he didnt fit into the rotation of Murat Didin averaging 6,2ppg and 2,0rpg in 7,8 minutes per game.

The team also recently signed Matt Bauscher who is a 26 year old 188cm guard from Caldwell, Idaho. He played at Boise State from 2005-2008 and in his senior year played 33 games: 9.2ppg, 3.4rpg, 3.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 49.1%, 3Pts: 43.5%, FT: 50.0%. He spent the last three seasons in Holland making a name for himself playing for Aris Friesland Leeuwarden and GasTerra Flames Groningen where he was Dutch Eredivisie Champion 2010 and a Dutch Eredivisie Finalist in 2011. Last season, he played EuroCup: 6 games: 6.8ppg, 4.0rpg, 4.5apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 37.8%, 3PT: 18.8%, FT: 50.0%; Euroleague Qualifying Round: 2 games: 6.5ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.5apg, 1.5spg; Dutch League: 51 games: 11.3ppg, 3.3rpg, Assists-2 (4.7apg), 1.7spg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 30.4%, FT: 55.9%. The team also brought in Kwadzo Ahelegbe who is also a Beko BBL rookie. He played at N.Iowa (NCAA) from 2006-2011 and was a teammate of ex BG Goettingen pit bull defender John Little. He played a total of 133 NCAA games. He reached the NCAA Sweet 16i n 2010. The team brought back Kyle Bailey for a fourth time in six years. He is a 29 year old 188cm guard from Fairbanks Alaska that is playing his third season for BG Goettingen. He played at Santa Clara from 2000-2005 playing together with Macabbi Tel Aviv guard Dorin Perkins. He is a very smart player that handles the ball well and is strong in pressure situations. In his rookie season, he split time between the Florida Flame (NBDL) and BK Riga. Since 2006, he has played in Germany. He helped BG Goettingen reach the BBL in 2007 from the second division. In 2007-2008, he played for Ratiopharm Ulm and in 2008-2009 helped BG Goettingen reach the playoffs averaging 14,4ppg, 4,3rpg and 3,3apg. Last season, he played EnBW Ludwigsburg, but it was a season to forget. He played 21 games: 8.8ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 18.3%, FT: 82.0%. He was released in February 2010. He somehow didnt seem to fit into the game style of coach Tolga Ongoren. Last season for BG Goettingen, he played EuroCup: 3 games: 8.3ppg, 1.3rpg, 2.0apg; German League: 20 games: 10.0ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.7apg, Steals-5 (1.5spg), FGP: 35.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 68.9%.

Jerel Allen is a 26 year old 193cm shooting guard/small forward that is playing his ffith professional season. He is a versatile high energy explosive player capable of playing either guard position or a wing forward. He is a slashing player who can put the ball on the floor and finish strongly or knockdown the perimeter shot with good range. Jerel is strong rebounder who is especially dangerous on offensive rebounds because of his explosive leaping ability. He is an unselfish player and a good passer who will find the open player. Jerel is lock-down defender who can match-up with the opposing teams best player. Florida St. Head Coach Leonard Hamilton said: 'Jerel never had a bad effort day during his career as a Seminole. He worked as hard as any player I have coached at Florida State. He was also a very positive player whose attitude was spread throughout our team and was a very positive force during his career. Allen played at Florida St. (NCAA) from 2005-2007 with ratiopharm Ulm player Isiah Swann and NBA player Toney Douglas and in his senior year played 35 games: 4.9ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.1apg. He has gained European experience playing in countries like Lithuania and the Ukraine. Last season, he was down under playing for the Rockingham Flames (Australia-SBL, starting five): 21games: 21.7ppg, 6.5rpg, 3.1apg, FG: 41.7%. The team also brought in Phillip Noch who is a 22 year old 200cm shooting guard/small forward. He played his entire career before coming to BG Goettingen in Braunschweig from 2005-2011. He played for the new Yorker Phantoms and for the Spot Up Medien Baskets Braunschweig (ProB). In his six years there, he got into 12 Beko BBL games. Last season, he played Spot Up Medien Baskets Braunschweig (ProB, starting five): 15 games: 11.7ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 28.8%, FT: 64.6%, played also at New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig (1.Bundesliga): 10 games: 2.0ppg, 1.0rpg. He played at the European Championships U18 in Amaliada (Greece) -06: 6 games: 1.2ppg, and European Championships U18 in Madrid (Spain) -07: 6 games: 4.2ppg, 1.8rpg.

The team also signed Max Weber who is a 201cm small forward and be only 26, but he has much experience having played in Peru and winning a beko BBL title with Bamberg in 2005 at the age of 20. He started his basketball career with BBC Bayreuth (2.Bundesliga) in 2003 and then played for GHP Bamberg and TSV Troester II Breitengussbach from 2004-2oo6. He then played for TV Langen (2.Bundesliga) and the Deutsche Bank Skyliners from 2006-2009. He played a total of 19beko BBL games and seven Eurochallenge games. In 2009-2010, he played for the LTi Giessen 46ers playing 28 games: 2.6ppg, 1.4rpg. Last season, he played for the Saar-Pfalz Braves (ProA, starting five): 27 games: 11.5ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 46.6%, 3PT: 27.0%, FT: 60.0%. He was a member of the German U-16, U-18, and U-20 national teams and played at World University Championships in Bangkoki n 2007. The team also brought in 26 year old 206cm Roberto Mafra who is from Brazil. He played at Southeastern CC (JUCO) from 2006-2008 and at San Diego (NCAA) from 2008-2010 where he played a total of 68 NCAA games and in his senior year played 32 games: 8.5ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 49.3%, FT: 72.8%. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been Brazilian University National Team -05, 09, World University Games in Izmir -05, and World University Games in Belgrade (Serbia) -09: 5 games: 8.4ppg, 2.6rpg, FGP: 65.5%. The team also has young German players like Malte Herwig, Vitalis Chikoko, Aaron Donkor, David Markert and Nico Adamczk fighting for playing time.

ProA Round 16 of Regular Season - by Eurobasket News
Host teams show no mercy winning all games.

The game in Chemnitz supposed to be quite interesting. 5th ranked Science City Jena (8-7) played at the court of seventh ranked BV Chemnitz 99 (9-6). BV Chemnitz 99 smashed Science City Jena 79-58 on Thursday. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Science City Jena. The game was mostly controlled by BV Chemnitz 99. Science City Jena managed to win fourth quarter 22-12. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Science City Jena 29-18 including 19 on the defensive glass. Worth to mention a great performance of Japanese point guard Takumi Ishizaki (188-PG-84) who helped to win the game recording 29 points and American point guard Gary Johnson (188-82, college: Cent.Florida) who added 12 points and 7 assists during the contest. At the losing side American forward Jeremy Black (203-85, college: Tampa, agency: Court Side) responded with 15 points (made all of his eight free throws). The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. BV Chemnitz 99 have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to fourth place. Science City Jena at the other side dropped to the sixth position with seven games lost. They share it with Webmoebel and NBC. BV Chemnitz 99 are looking forward to face USC Heidelberg (#9) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Science City Jena will play against the league's second-placed Kirchheim Knights and is hoping to win this game.
An interesting game took place in Karlsruhe where higher ranked Webmoebel Baskets (8-7) were upseton the court of fourteenth ranked BG Karlsruhe (5-10) 87-79. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Webmoebel Baskets. Americans were the main players on the court. The winners were led by center Justin Howard (208-81, college: Mercer) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 30 points and 14 rebounds (on 13-of-16 shooting from the field) and Michael Stockton supported him with 14 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Even 18 points and 8 rebounds by guard Jefferson Mason (198-88, college: Minnesota St., agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) did not help to save the game for Webmoebel Baskets. Webmoebel Baskets' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. BG Karlsruhe moved-up to thirteenth place, which they share with Braves. Webmoebel Baskets at the other side keep the sixth position with seven games lost. They share it with Jena and NBC. BG Karlsruhe will play against higher ranked Gloria Giants (#5) in Duesseldorf in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Webmoebel Baskets will have a break next round.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 16: Cuxhaven lost to NBC on the opponent's court 76-91. Kirchheim managed to outperform Duesseldorf in a home game 77-71. Bottom-ranked Leitershofen recorded a loss to Crailsheim on the road 101-93. Braves defeated ETB Wohnbau on its own court 76-63.

NBC - Cuxhaven 91-76

Rather expected game in Nurnberg where 11th ranked Cuxhaven BasCats (6-9) were defeated by eighth ranked NBC (8-7) 91-76. The game without a history. NBC led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 22-of-25 charity shots (88.0 percent) during the game. Americans were the main players on the court. The winners were led by guard Jaivon Harris (197-82, college: Ohio) who scored that evening 26 points and 4 assists and guard Will Chavis (181-81, college: Texas Tech) supported him with 16 points and 4 assists (made all of his eight free throws). Four NBC players scored in double figures. NBC's coach Derrick Taylor allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even 20 points and 6 steals by guard Jackson Capel (191-87, college: Evangel) did not help to save the game for Cuxhaven BasCats. Power forward Nate Gerwig (206-83, college: Kent St.) added 11 points and 9 rebounds for lost side. NBC moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Webmoebel and Jena. Cuxhaven BasCats lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the eleventh position with nine games lost. They share it with ETB Wohnbau. NBC will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Cuxhaven BasCats will play at home against Saar-Pfalz Braves (#13) in Homburg and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
NBC: J.Harris 26+3reb+4ast, W.Chavis 16+2reb+4ast, I.Okoye 14+3reb+2ast, C.Abercrombie 10+5reb, R.De Michael 9+5reb+3ast, S.Barth 7+1reb+4ast
Cuxhaven: J.Capel 20+3reb+2ast, J.El Domiaty 15+3reb+1ast, N.Gerwig 11+9reb+3ast, D.McDaniel 9+2reb, E.Harris 8+4reb, Q.Brown 8+3reb+1ast

Kirchheim - Duesseldorf 77-71

Rather predictable result when second ranked Kirchheim Knights (11-4) defeated at home 5th ranked Gloria Giants (8-6) 77-71. Gloria Giants were tied at the half but could not keep up in last two quarters eventually losing the game. Kirchheim Knights made 17-of-21 charity shots (81.0 percent) during the game. They also forced 19 Gloria Giants turnovers. The winners were led by American guard Cedric Brooks (185-80, college: Pittsburg St.) who scored that evening 22 points and 4 steals and the other American import center Devin Uskoski (198-85, college: Rocky Mountain) supported him with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Even 13 points and 6 rebounds by Estonian forward Rait Keerles (201-80) did not help to save the game for Gloria Giants. American forward Dennis Mims (205-80, college: Indiana, PA) added 12 points and 6 rebounds (made all of his eight free throws) for lost side. Four Gloria Giants players scored in double figures. Gloria Giants' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Kirchheim Knights maintains second position with 11-4 record having just -1 point less than leader MBC. Gloria Giants lost third consecutive game. They keep the fifth place with six games lost. Kirchheim Knights will play against Science City Jena (#7) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Gloria Giants will play against BG Karlsruhe and hope to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Kirchheim: C.Brooks 22+3reb+2ast, N.Menck 12+1ast, D.Uskoski 11+12reb+2ast, S.Adeberg 10+1reb+2ast, A.Smith 9+5reb+6ast, B.Bekteshi 8+4reb+2ast
Duesseldorf: M.Petric 17+1reb+1ast, R.Keerles 13+6reb+1ast, D.Mims 12+6reb+2ast, A.Reese 10+3reb+6ast, P.Flomo 7+5reb, M.Liyanage 6+2reb+1ast

Crailsheim - Leitershofen 101-93

Not a big story in a game when 15th ranked Leitershofen (2-13) was defeated on the road by third ranked Crailsheim Merlins (10-5) 101-93. Leitershofen was ahead by 5 points at the halftime before a 58-45 second half run of Crailsheim Merlins. Crailsheim Merlins shot 30 for 42 from the free-throw line, while Leitershofen only scored ten points from the stripe. Leitershofen was plagued by 30 personal fouls down the stretch. Americans were the main players on the court. The winners were led by forward Darryl Webb (198-88, college: Indiana, PA, agency: Pro One Sports) who scored that evening 28 points and 7 rebounds and guard Mark Hill (180, college: CS Northridge) supported him with 21 points and 9 assists. Four Crailsheim Merlins players scored in double figures. Even 21 points and 5 rebounds by guard Corey Hassan (193-87, college: Sacred Heart) did not help to save the game for Leitershofen. Center DeWayne Richardson (202-77, college: Fairmont St.) added 20 points (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field) for lost side. Leitershofen's coach Stefan Goschenhofer rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Crailsheim Merlins maintains third position with 10-5 record behind leader MBC. Newly promoted Leitershofen stay at the bottom place with 13 games lost. Crailsheim Merlins will play against ETB Wohnbau (#11) in Essen in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Leitershofen will play at home against Ehingen/Urspringschule (#10) in Allmendingen and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Crailsheim: D.Webb 28+7reb+1ast, M.Hill 21+2reb+9ast, J.Stohl 18+4reb+1ast, J.Buck 17+6reb+2ast, B.Baptist 8+6reb+2ast, C.Tetzner 5+5reb
Leitershofen: C.Hassan 21+5reb+2ast, D.Richardson 20+4reb+1ast, J.Lipke 12+1reb+3ast, S.Bowlin 11+4reb+3ast, A.Kronhardt 9+7reb+1ast, D.Veney 7+8reb+1ast

Braves - ETB Wohnbau 76-63

There was a small surprise in Homburg where thirteenth ranked Saar-Pfalz Braves (5-10) beat 11th ranked ETB Wohnbau (6-9) 76-63. The game without a history. Saar-Pfalz Braves led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by ETB Wohnbau's players. The winners were led by British-Australian guard Lee Jeka (187-83, agency: Limelight Hoops) who scored that evening 25 points and 8 assists and naturalized Greek guard Kosta Karamatskos (197-86) supported him with 20 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Even a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds (made all of his eight free throws) by American forward Kendall Chones (201-84, college: Colgate) did not help to save the game for ETB Wohnbau. His fellow American import forward Joseph Henley (196-85, college: Sacred Heart) added 11 points for lost side. Saar-Pfalz Braves maintains thirteenth position with 5-10 record, which they share with Karlsruhe. ETB Wohnbau at the other side keeps the eleventh place with nine games lost. They share the position with Cuxhaven. Saar-Pfalz Braves will play against higher ranked Cuxhaven BasCats (#12) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. ETB Wohnbau will play against Crailsheim Merlins having rather not much hope for a victory.
Top scorers:
Braves: L.Jeka 25+2reb+8ast, K.Karamatskos 20+7reb+5ast, E.Land 11+7reb, N.Valentic 8+2reb+2ast, M.Damjanovic 5, R.Cardenas 4+6reb+2ast
ETB Wohnbau: K.Chones 14+11reb+1ast, J.Henley 11+3reb+2ast, K.Wysocki 9+3reb+1ast, C.Alexander 7+4reb, S.Schroter 6+4reb, P.Carney 5+2reb

Karlsruhe - Webmoebel 87-79

An interesting game took place in Karlsruhe where higher ranked Webmoebel Baskets (8-7) were upseton the court of fourteenth ranked BG Karlsruhe (5-10) 87-79. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Webmoebel Baskets. The hosts were already 13 points ahead after 3 quarters before a 25-20 Webmoebel Baskets' run in the last quarter cut the lead to 87-79 at the end of the game. BG Karlsruhe dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Webmoebel Baskets' 36. They outrebounded Webmoebel Baskets 43-27 including a 15-4 advantage in offensive rebounds. Americans were the main players on the court. The winners were led by center Justin Howard (208-81, college: Mercer) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 30 points and 14 rebounds (on 13-of-16 shooting from the field) and guard Michael Stockton (185-89, college: Westminster, UT, agency: Limelight Hoops) supported him with 14 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Even 18 points and 8 rebounds by guard Jefferson Mason (198-88, college: Minnesota St., agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) did not help to save the game for Webmoebel Baskets. Swingman Justin Stommes (200-88, college: E.Kentucky, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) added 20 points and 5 rebounds for lost side. Four Webmoebel Baskets players scored in double figures. Webmoebel Baskets' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. BG Karlsruhe moved-up to thirteenth place, which they share with Braves. Webmoebel Baskets at the other side keep the sixth position with seven games lost. They share it with Jena and NBC. BG Karlsruhe will play against higher ranked Gloria Giants (#5) in Duesseldorf in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Webmoebel Baskets will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Karlsruhe: J.Howard 30+14reb+3ast, M.Samarco 15+3reb+2ast, M.Stockton 14+7reb+5ast, D.Jones 10+4reb+1ast, J.Moore 8+8reb, R.Roessler 8+7reb+6ast
Webmoebel: J.Stommes 20+5reb+3ast, J.Mason 18+8reb+2ast, B.Spoeler 11+3reb+1ast, J.Diggs 10+2reb+1ast, N.Freer 8+1reb, M.Fleischmann 7+3reb

Chemnitz - Jena 79-58

The game in Chemnitz supposed to be quite interesting. 5th ranked Science City Jena (8-7) played at the court of seventh ranked BV Chemnitz 99 (9-6). BV Chemnitz 99 smashed Science City Jena 79-58 on Thursday. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Science City Jena. The game was mostly controlled by BV Chemnitz 99. Science City Jena managed to win fourth quarter 22-12. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Science City Jena 29-18 including 19 on the defensive glass. Worth to mention a great performance of Japanese point guard Takumi Ishizaki (188-84) who helped to win the game recording 29 points and American point guard Gary Johnson (188-82, college: Cent.Florida) who added 12 points and 7 assists during the contest. At the losing side American forward Jeremy Black (203-85, college: Tampa, agency: Court Side) responded with 15 points (made all of his eight free throws) and his fellow American import guard Kenny Barker (191-86, college: Alaska-Anch.) scored 13 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. BV Chemnitz 99 have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to fourth place. Science City Jena at the other side dropped to the sixth position with seven games lost. They share it with Webmoebel and NBC. BV Chemnitz 99 are looking forward to face USC Heidelberg (#9) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Science City Jena will play against the league's second-placed Kirchheim Knights and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Chemnitz: T.Ishizaki 29+2reb, G.Johnson 12+3reb+7ast, D.Lawson 9+4reb, J.Schaffrath 8+4reb, P.Stachula 7+1reb+1ast, T.Shaw 6+7reb+1ast
Jena: J.Black 15+4reb+1ast, K.Barker 13+2reb+2ast, T.Kepkay 11+3ast, E.Reyes-Napoles 8+1reb, C.Adams 5+1reb+1ast, C.Roquette 3+4reb+1ast

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HUNGARY

A Division Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Justin INGRAM
  FS Debre.
  (185-PG-85)
  Avg: 25.7

1. Ingram, FS Debre.	25.7
2. Ivosev, Szedeak	24.3
3. Timberlake, Falco-.	22.9
4. Raivio, Kaposvari	22.5
5. Ciric, PVSK P.	22.1
6. Jones, Jaszberenyi	20.2
7. Doyne, PVSK P.	19.3
8. Wilson, Kaposvari	19.2
9. Townes, Kormend	18.4
10. Bell, Kormend	18.3

Rebounds Per Game

Jonathan JONES
  Jaszberenyi
  (211-C-79)
  Avg: 12.6

1. Jones, Jaszberenyi	12.6
2. Szabo, FS Debrecen	10.6
3. Miskovic, Marso N.	9.8
4. Ivosev, Szedeak	9.5
5. Pantelic, Falco-Sz.	9.1
6. Townes, Kormend	9.1
7. Hines, ZTE K.	8.6
8. Raivio, Kaposvari	8.2
9. Egemonye, Soproni	7.9
10. Fey, Kaposvari	7.9

Assists Per Game

Laszlo KALMAN
  Falco-Sz.
  (186-G-72)
  Avg: 6.8

1. Kalman, Falco-Sz.	6.8
2. Wilson, Kaposvari	6.2
3. Fekete, Marso N.	5.6
4. Trotter, Szolnok	5.5
5. Simon, Albacomp	5.4
6. Williams, Atomeromu	5.2
7. Ingram, FS Debre.	5.2
8. Drahos, Szedeak	4.4
9. Wittmann, Kecsk.	4.3
10. El Amin, Albacomp	4.3

Steals Per Game

Stefan FEKETE
  Marso N.
  (188-G-86)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Fekete, Marso N.	3.3
2. Drahos, Szedeak	3.0
3. Ivosev, Szedeak	2.6
4. Raivio, Kaposvari	2.5
5. Kelley, Kecskemeti	2.4
6. Doyne, PVSK P.	2.3
7. Ingram, FS Debre.	2.3
8. Trotter, Szolnok	2.3
9. Wilson, Kaposvari	2.3
10. Wittmann, Kecsk.	2.2

Blocks Per Game

Darian TOWNES
  Kormend
  (208-F/C-84)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Townes, Kormend	2.1
2. Pantelic, Falco-Sz.	1.9
3. Levy, Szedeak	1.4
4. Jones, Jaszberenyi	1.4
5. Morgen, Atomeromu	1.2
6. Chism, Albacomp	1.2
7. Fey, Kaposvari	1.1
8. Ivosev, Szedeak	1.1
9. Cole, Atomeromu	1.0
10. Hines, ZTE K.	1.0

A Division Round 12: Kormend loses to Szolnok - by Eurobasket News
The fans could enjoy quite many interesting games in the last round. The round ended with favorites losing the games, games ending by tiny margin and even winless team recording their first victory.

The most important game in the last round took place in Kormend between second ranked Kormend (10-2) and fourth ranked Szolnok (9-3) on Wednesday night. Kormend was crushed by Szolnok at home 73-93. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Kormend. The game without a history. Szolnok led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. It was a good game for American swingman Julien Mills (193-85, college: Ball St.) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds. International guard Obie Trotter (186-84, college: Alabama A&M, agency: Court Side) contributed with 15 points and 7 assists for the winners. American forward Rashad Bell (201-82, college: Boston U.) replied with 12 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for Kormend. Kormend's coach rotated ten players seeing no chance for a win. Szolnok maintains fourth position with 9-3 record. Kormend at the other side dropped to the third place with two games lost. Szolnok are looking forward to face league's leader Albacomp in Szekesfehervar in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Kormend will play against Jaszberenyi and is hoping to win this game.
ZTE KK's fans can finally celebrate the first win of their team after 11 consecutive loses. The victory is especially important as it came on the road game in Debrecen, where they defeated FS Debrecen (3-9) 84-74. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Chris Hines (203, college: Alabama, agency: Court Side) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 16 points and 14 rebounds and Bryquis Perine who added 19 points and 4 steals during the contest. The best for the losing side was American point guard Justin Ingram (185-85, college: Toledo) with 28 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Defending champion maintains fourteenth position with 1-11 record. FS Debrecen at the other side dropped to the twelfth place with nine games lost. They share the position with Jaszberenyi. ZTE KK will play against higher ranked Szedeak (#9) in Szeged in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. FS Debrecen will have a break next round.
A Division top team - Albacomp (11-1) had no problems winning another game on Wednesday. This time they crushed fifth ranked Atomeromu (7-5) in Szekesfehervar 76-48. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Atomeromu. American players dominated the game. The winners were led by Damian Hollis who had that evening a double-double by scoring 20 points and 13 rebounds. Even 18 points and 5 rebounds by Nick Williams did not help to save the game for Atomeromu. Atomeromu's coach Peter Volgyi gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Albacomp have an impressive eight-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 11-1 record. Loser Atomeromu keeps the fifth place with five games lost. Albacomp will meet Szolnok (#4) in the next round. Atomeromu will have a break next round.
The game in Kaposvar was also worth to mention about. Third ranked Falco-Szova (11-2) played at the court of 6th ranked Kaposvari (6-6). Falco-Szova did not have too big problems and got a relatively easy victory 96-79. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Kaposvari. The best player for the winners was Djordje Pantelic who had a double-double by scoring 14 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. Falco-Szova have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place. Kaposvari at the other side keeps the sixth position with six games lost. Falco-Szova will have a break next round. Kaposvari will play on the road against Kecskemeti (#6) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Important game to mention about took place in . Thirteenth ranked Jaszberenyi (3-9) saved a 2-point victory at home edging higher ranked Kecskemeti (6-6) 77-75 on Wednesday evening. It was a good game for Jibril Hodges who led his team to a victory with 18 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals. Jaszberenyi's coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Jaszberenyi moved-up to twelfth place, which they share with FS Debrecen. Kecskemeti lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the sixth position with six games lost. Jaszberenyi will face higher ranked Kormend (#3) on the road in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game.

In the last two games of round 12 PVSK Pannon beat Szedeak on the road 90-80. Marso NYKK destroyed Soproni on its own court 98-64.
The most impressive performance of 12th round was 28 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists by Tomislav Ivosev of Szedeak.

Szedeak - PVSK Pannon 80-90

The game between closely ranked teams ended with eighth ranked PVSK Pannon's (6-6) road victory over 9th ranked Szedeak (4-8) in Szeged 90-80 on Wednesday. The guests trailed by 6 points at the halftime before their 43-27 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. It was a good game for Serbian guard Andrija Ciric (199-80, agency: BeoExcell) who led his team to a victory with 30 points and 6 rebounds. The former international forward Norbert Toth (203-86, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) contributed with 22 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Five PVSK Pannon players scored in double figures. Serbian Tomislav Ivosev replied with a double-double by scoring 28 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists and American guard Jonathan Levy (193-82, college: CS San Bernar.) added 20 points in the effort for Szedeak. PVSK Pannon moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Kaposvari and Kecskemeti. Newly promoted Szedeak keeps the ninth position with eight games lost. PVSK Pannon will face Soproni (#10) at home in the next round. Szedeak will play against ZTE KK in Zalaegerszeg.
Top scorers:
PVSK Pannon: A.Ciric 30+6reb+3ast, N.Toth 22+5reb, N.Vasojevic 14+4reb+7ast, J.Doyne 11+6reb+1ast, A.Lepsenyi 10+5reb, P.Kovacs 2+1ast
Szedeak: T.Ivosev 28+15reb+7ast, J.Levy 20+4reb+3ast, N.Dukic 15+6reb+4ast, M.Vida 6+1reb+1ast, G.Drahos 5+4reb+4ast, Z.Kiss 4+1reb

Albacomp - Atomeromu 76-48

A Division top team - Albacomp (11-1) had no problems winning another game on Wednesday. This time they crushed fifth ranked Atomeromu (7-5) in Szekesfehervar 76-48. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Atomeromu. The hosts trailed by 4 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 8-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 76-48. Albacomp dominated on the defensive end, holding Atomeromu to just 5 points in second quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Atomeromu's 20. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Albacomp made 8 blocks. American players dominated the game. The winners were led by forward Damian Hollis (203-88, college: G.Washington) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 20 points and 13 rebounds and forward Wayne Chism (206-87, college: Tennessee) supported him with 13 points and 8 rebounds. Five Albacomp players scored in double figures. Even 18 points and 5 rebounds by guard Nick Williams (192-83, college: Cincinnati, agency: Beo Basket) did not help to save the game for Atomeromu. Center Donald Cole (204-81, college: Sam Houston St., agency: Edge Sports) added 9 points. Atomeromu's coach Peter Volgyi gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Albacomp have an impressive eight-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 11-1 record. Loser Atomeromu keeps the fifth place with five games lost. Albacomp will meet Szolnok (#4) in the next round. Atomeromu will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Albacomp: D.Hollis 20+13reb, M.El Amin 13+2reb+6ast, W.Chism 13+8reb+2ast, B.Simon 11+2reb+5ast, A.Keller 11+5reb+3ast, Z.Supola 3+1ast
Atomeromu: N.Williams 18+5reb+1ast, D.Cole 9+3reb+1ast, G.Koertelyesi 5+8reb, F.Morgen 5+7reb, D.Vojvoda 5+1reb+1ast, T.Kaman 3+6reb

Kaposvari - Falco-Szova 79-96

The game in Kaposvar was also worth to mention about. Third ranked Falco-Szova (11-2) played at the court of 6th ranked Kaposvari (6-6). Falco-Szova did not have too big problems and got a relatively easy victory 96-79. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Kaposvari. Kaposvari was ahead by 4 points at the halftime before a 53-32 second half run of Falco-Szova. The best player for the winners was Serbian forward Djordje Pantelic (204-84) who had a double-double by scoring 14 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. American guard Chad Timberlake (194-84, college: Fair Dickinson) chipped in 22 points and 7 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was American point guard Josh Wilson (188-87, college: N.Arizona, agency: Hightower Law Firm) who recorded 27 points and 6 assists and his fellow American import guard Nik Raivio (192-86, college: Portland, agency: Priority Sports) added 16 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists respectively. Five Falco-Szova and four Kaposvari players scored in double figures. Falco-Szova have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place. Kaposvari at the other side keeps the sixth position with six games lost. Falco-Szova will have a break next round. Kaposvari will play on the road against Kecskemeti (#6) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Falco-Szova: C.Timberlake 22+1reb+7ast, Z.Szabo 19+4reb+3ast, L.Simon 18+2ast, D.Pantelic 14+12reb+4ast, T.Will 11+3reb+1ast, B.Jancikin 9+3reb
Kaposvari: J.Wilson 27+4reb+6ast, M.Fey 20+5reb, N.Raivio 16+6reb+5ast, J.Lekli 12+6reb, K.Kiss 2+1ast, D.Koma 2+1reb

Kormend - Szolnok 73-93

The most important game in the last round took place in Kormend between second ranked Kormend (10-2) and fourth ranked Szolnok (9-3) on Wednesday night. Kormend was crushed by Szolnok at home 73-93. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Kormend. The game without a history. Szolnok led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. It was a good game for American swingman Julien Mills (193-85, college: Ball St.) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds. International guard Obie Trotter (186-84, college: Alabama A&M, agency: Court Side) contributed with 15 points and 7 assists for the winners. American forward Rashad Bell (201-82, college: Boston U.) replied with 12 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and his fellow American import power forward Darian Townes (208-84) added 12 points and 12 rebounds in the effort for Kormend. Five Szolnok and four Kormend players scored in double figures. Kormend's coach rotated ten players seeing no chance for a win. Szolnok maintains fourth position with 9-3 record. Kormend at the other side dropped to the third place with two games lost. Szolnok are looking forward to face league's leader Albacomp in Szekesfehervar in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Kormend will play against Jaszberenyi and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Szolnok: B.Gay 18+5reb, O.Trotter 15+4reb+7ast, J.Mills 13+10reb+3ast, Z.Trepak 12+4reb, H.Nikolov 11+8reb+1ast, A.Horvath 9+1reb
Kormend: D.Mladenovic 17+2reb+1ast, K.Powell 14+1reb+2ast, R.Bell 12+7reb+5ast, D.Townes 12+12reb, A.Rujak 5+1reb, C.Ferencz 4+3reb

Jaszberenyi - Kecskemeti 77-75

Important game to mention about took place in . Thirteenth ranked Jaszberenyi (3-9) saved a 2-point victory at home edging higher ranked Kecskemeti (6-6) 77-75 on Wednesday evening. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 22-19. But Kecskemeti won second period 18-17. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. It was a good game for American guard Jibril Hodges (188-84, college: Long Beach St.) who led his team to a victory with 18 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals. The other American import forward Kyle Austin (203-88, college: Cal-Riverside) contributed with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Four Jaszberenyi players scored in double figures. Jaszberenyi's coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. International power forward Milan Csorvasi (209-88, agency: FCM) replied with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 11 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) and Serbian guard Ivan Vukadinov (193-81) added 19 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Kecskemeti. Jaszberenyi moved-up to twelfth place, which they share with FS Debrecen. Kecskemeti lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the sixth position with six games lost. Jaszberenyi will face higher ranked Kormend (#3) on the road in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game.
Top scorers:
Jaszberenyi: J.Hodges 18+7reb+6ast, B.Horti 16+1reb, G.Fulop 12+4reb+3ast, K.Austin 11+11reb, M.Medve 9+2reb+4ast, A.Helmeczi 6+3reb+1ast
Kecskemeti: M.Csorvasi 22+11reb, I.Vukadinov 19+8reb+2ast, G.Hegedus 11+7reb+2ast, T.Kelley 8+1reb+8ast, K.Wittmann 6+1reb+6ast, Z.Bencze 5+7reb

FS Debrecen - ZTE KK 74-84

ZTE KK's fans can finally celebrate the first win of their team after 11 consecutive loses. The victory is especially important as it came on the road game in Debrecen, where they defeated FS Debrecen (3-9) 84-74. FS Debrecen was tied at the half but could not keep up in last two quarters eventually losing the game. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Chris Hines (203, college: Alabama, agency: Court Side) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 16 points and 14 rebounds and the other American import guard Bryquis Perine (190, college: Wisc.-Green Bay, agency: Court Side) who added 19 points and 4 steals during the contest. Four ZTE KK players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American point guard Justin Ingram (185-85, college: Toledo) with 28 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists and forward Imre Kovacs (201-83) scored 14 points. Defending champion maintains fourteenth position with 1-11 record. FS Debrecen at the other side dropped to the twelfth place with nine games lost. They share the position with Jaszberenyi. ZTE KK will play against higher ranked Szedeak (#9) in Szeged in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. FS Debrecen will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
ZTE KK: B.Perine 19+4reb+3ast, T.Whitworth 18+4reb+2ast, D.Gaspar 16+5reb+2ast, C.Hines 16+14reb+1ast, G.Baki 9+2reb+1ast, A.Vertetics 6
FS Debrecen: J.Ingram 28+7reb+6ast, C.Kaluha 15+1reb, I.Kovacs 14+3reb+1ast, V.Vas 6+5reb+1ast, G.Boros 4+6reb+1ast, M.Modzinger 3+3reb

Marso NYKK - Soproni 98-64

There was a minor upset when 10th ranked Soproni (4-8) was smashed by twelfth ranked Marso NYKK (4-9) in Nyiregyhaza 98-64 on Wednesday. The game was mostly controlled by Marso NYKK. Soproni was better in second period 20-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Marso NYKK shot 62.1 percent from the field. They also forced 21 Soproni turnovers. They shot the lights out from three sinking 14 long-distance shots on high 60.9 percentage. It was a good game for Serbian guard Stefan Fekete (188-86, agency: Beo Basket) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 12 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals. Montenegrin forward Damjan Kandic (208-84) contributed with 22 points for the winners. Five Marso NYKK players scored in double figures. Marso NYKK's coach felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American guard Janou Rubin (193-82, college: UCLA) replied with 17 points and the former international swingman Andras Molnar (195-83, agency: TSS Management) added 6 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Soproni. Marso NYKK moved-up to eleventh place. Loser Soproni dropped to the ninth position with eight games lost. Marso NYKK will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Marso NYKK: D.Kandic 22+2reb+2ast, M.Mohacsi 18+7reb, I.Miskovic 16+7reb+1ast, S.Fekete 12+10reb+7ast, R.Laszlo 11+1ast, L.Polyak 8+1ast
Soproni: J.Rubin 17+2reb, P.Lakatos 12+1reb, G.Gombas 7+2reb, A.Molnar 6+6reb+1ast, B.Egemonye 6+6reb, F.Boldizsar 5+4reb

Standings - A Division

A Division Standings

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

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IRAN

NBA Forced Gruev to Leave Haffari... - by Mohammad Ahmadi
Aleksandar Gruev (187-G-83) signed a 6 months contract with Melli Haffari Ahvaz two months ago and Joined the club after their match against Zob Ahan. They had Hamed Haddadi (218-C-85), NBA player of Memphis Grizzlies and Gruev was their only import player. As this season , each club can have only One import player, so they used Hamed Haddadi in Position 5 and signed Point Guard as import player and Gruev was that Point Guard.

Although Aleksandar Gruev joined club in the Middle of season but he played 11 games for Haffari and had good performance in these games. He played 30minutes in average and scored 17.7 points per game and 4 assists and 4 rebounds per game.
But
When NBA lock out got over, Hamed Haddadi had to leave Haffari and Join Memphis and club decided to sign a Big man as import to be instead of Hadadi so they terminated the contract of Gruev and signed a position 4/5.

For sure it was a good experience for Gruev and with his good performance, it's possible to see him again in Iran.

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LATVIA

Standings - LBAL

LBL2 Standings

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

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LITHUANIA

BBL: Juventus defeats Ventspils - by Adomas Kraunevicius

Juventus-LKSK Utenos - BK Ventspils 76:64

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

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

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

BBL: Siauliai come out victorious in a two OT thriller in Prienai - by Adomas Kraunevicius
Rudupis Prienu - BC Siauliai 104:110

BC Siauliai (9/1) has finished the first round of BBL regular season with a victory after two overtimes against the local Rudupis Prienu club (7/3) 110:104 (22:18, 26:11, 15:24, 19:29, 10:10. 18:12).

BC Siauliai dominated the match from the very beginning and built a 20 point lead over the first two quarters (46:26). However, Prienai struck back in the second half and managed to wipe out the 20 point deficit over the third and fourth periods. With 41 seconds left to play, Gediminas Orelikas (199-G/F-90) gave Prenai an 80:79 lead. Rashaun Broadus (183-PG-84, college: BYU) then replied with a three pointer (82:80) but Aidas Viskontas (185-PG-86) managed to tie the score at 82:82 and lead his team to an overtime.

The situation in the overtime remained similar and neither team was able to gain advantage at the end of it leading both teams to the second overtime. Prienai, who played without two key players, Dainius Salenga (197-F-77) and Gintaras Kadziulis (193-G-80) started lacking energy and could not stop the BC Siauliai' american players who led their team to a 110:104 victory in the second overtime.

BC Siauliai: Denzel Bowles (208-F/C-89, college: JMU) (208-F/C-89, college: JMU) 22 (8 rebs, 7 ast), Rashaun Broadus 22, Valdas Vasylius (203-F-83, college: ODU) 17 (11 rebs), Mindaugas Zukauskas (201-F-75, agency: World Sport Agency) 15 (7 rebs), Arvydas Siksnius (196-F-87, college: Weatherford JC)s 9 (8 rebs).

Rudupis Prienu: Simas Buterlevicius (200-F-89) 21, Arminas Urbutis (205-C/F-86, college: Hofstra) 20 (7 rebs), Adas Juskevicius (194-G/F-89)s 19 (6 rebs), Aidas Viskontas 16, Gediminas Orelikas 12 (6 rebs), Justinas Sinica (203-F-85) 11 (1/7 3 pt)

Salenga nearing agreement with VEF Riga - by Adomas Kraunevicius
After missing the EuroCup Top16 train, Rudupis Prienu swingman Dainius Salenga (197-F-77) has decided to leave the team and move to VEF Riga who is set to continue their season in the same tournament.

Dainius Salenga's contract had a clause that if he received a more lucrative offer from elsewhere until January, he could be able to move to another team and his contract with Rudupis would be terminated.

VEF Riga coach, Ramunas Butautas said that the team will have several days off and will gather for training on 27th December. Dainius Salenga has not yet signed an official contract but expressed his will to join the VEF Riga team. Butautas also stated that he knows Dainius Salenga quite well and that the swingman would be a great fit for Riga's game. 'If everything goes well and we sign a contract, we are waiting for him in Riga on the 27th of December,- concluded Butautas.

This EuroCup season Dainius Salenga averaged 12.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1 steal and 3.2 assists per game. In the BEKO-LKL championships, his stats were similar: 11.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game.

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LUXEMBOURG

Amicale release Demetrius Brown, invite Alex Jones - by Eurobasket News
Amicale made some changes to the roster. They released Demetrius Brown (201-F-83, college: San Jose St.). The forward joined the team at the start of the season. He tallied 18.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.3 steals per game in Diekirch League. Previously Demetrius Brown had stints in Sweden, Turkey, Finland, Lebanon and Ukraine.
Amicale found the replacement already. They invited Alex Jones (206-F-87) for a tryout period. The forward will start his pro career in Luxembourg. Alex Jones graduated from the Seattle University in 2011. He averaged 11.8 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game in his senior season.

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MALTA

BUPA Luxol and Floriana enter BOV KO Final - by Eurobasket News
BUPA Luxol and Floriana will play in BOV KO Final. They eliminated Athleta and Depiro respectively in the semis.
BUPA Luxol celebrated a 65:61 win over Athleta. Bilin fired 32 points to lead the effort. Athleta were aiming at the fourth title this season but came up short against BUPA Luxol. Athleta led by 3 points at the first break but allowed their opponents to take a 33:28 halftime lead. Athleta pulled in front in the third period but BUPA Luxol regained control in the final frame and surged ahead for a tough win at the end. Lee Ross (182-G-89) posted 11 points, while Merceica had 9 points for the winners. Michael Naudi (193-G/F-80) responded with 19 points for Athleta. Kakete had 11 points in defeat.
Floriana overcame Depiro to seal their quite unexpected appearance in the Final. The underdogs claimed a narrow 57:56 win to enter the title game. C Sammut posted 20 points, while Brad Williams (203-G-75) contributed 18 points in the victory. Greg Hamlin (201-F, college: E.Tenn.St.) replied with 18 points for Depiro.

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MEXICO

New Orleans Hornets officially sign Gustavo Ayon - by Eurobasket News
The New Orleans Hornets announced today that they have signed forward/center Gustavo Ayon (6'10''-F/C-85, agency: Duran International, college: San Jose St.). Contract details will be posted here later today.

'We are extremely excited about this signing, said Hornets GM Dell Demps. Gustavo is someone who we have had on our radar for a while and we believe he is going to be a great addition to our roster. He is a highly coveted international player and we look forward to working with him as he transitions into being an NBA player.'

Ayon (6-10, 250), averaged 15.9 points on 66 percent shooting while grabbing 8.2 rebounds per game this season over 10 games for Fuenlabrada of Spain. In the ACB league, which is considered the best domestic league outside of the NBA, he ranks 4th in points, 2nd in rebounds, 4th in defensive rebounds, 1st in offensive rebounds, 1st in two-point field goals and leads the league in index rating. Last season for Fuenlabrada, he averaged 10.8 points on 67 percent shooting and 6.3 rebounds over 22.6 minutes in 33 games. He was named the leagues Best Newcomer for his performance in 2010-11. During the 2010-11 season, Ayn started ahead of Bismack Biyombo, the 7th overall selection in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings.

Although I had a lot of opportunities with other teams, I chose the Hornets because of my relationship with Dell, Monty and the staff of the team, Ayn said. When I visited New Orleans, I felt comfortable with the surroundings and really like the positive direction of the organization.

Ayn, a Mexico native, grew up playing basketball in his home country and contemplated attending San Jose State at the age of 20 but declined the opportunity to play basketball in Mexico. After leading his team, Halcones, to back-to-back Mexican titles in 2007-08 and 2008-09, at the age of 24, he signed with Fuenlabrada in Spain. In the summer of 2009, while playing for the Mexican National Team in the Americas Championship, he gained notoriety for collecting 18 points, nine rebounds and three assists in a head-to-head battle with Luis Scola of the Houston Rockets.

Ayn, born April 1, 1985 in Tepic, Mexico, is just the third Mexican-born NBA player in history. He joins Horacio Llamas, who played two seasons with the Phoenix Suns, and current Charlotte Bobcat Eduardo Njera.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

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

MONTENEGRO

NBA league starts tomorow. Pavlovic willl be in the starting five against the Knicks - by Darko Pekic
NBA league will finally start tomorow afternoon, on Christmas, with the classic game between New York Knicks and Boston Celtics. One of the Montenegrin players will be on the court tomorow as a starter for Boston Celtics. His name is Sasha Pavlovic (200-F/G-83) and he will replace Paul Pierce (201-F/G-77, college: Kansas), who got injured, in the starting line up. Pavlovic played the last preseason game on Wednesday against Toronto Raptors and scored only 2 points (1/4 2pts, 0/2 3 pts) grabbed 2 rebounds and had 1 steal.

Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) averaged 3 ppg and 3 rpg in 2 preseason games. He will have to fight for minutes under the basket with Darko Milicic (212-C-85) and Brad Miller (211-C-76, agency: Priority Sports, college: Purdue). The young Timberwolves squad will have the sesaon debut against Kevin Durant (206-G/F-88, college: Texas) and his Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday.

Nikola Vucevic (208-F-90, college: USC) enters his rookie year with the 76ers. After a great experience in Podgorica he went to United States to start his NBA career. Although he was not able to score on his debut against the Wizards, four days later he had 5 points and 4 rebounds in the victory against the same team in Philadelphia. Nikola will get a chance to make his official NBA debut on Monday against Portand Trailblazers and, considering the quality of other big men in Philadelphia squad ( Spencer Hawes (213-C-88, college: Washington), Tony Battie (211-C-76, college: Texas Tech) etc ) ,we will probably see him in action often even though he is a rookie.

Nenad Mijatovic is a newcomer at KK Sloga Societe Generale Kraljevo - by Eurobasket Center
KK Sloga Societe Generale Kraljevo strengthened their roster with addition of 24-year old Montenegrin ex-international guard Nenad Mijatovic (193-G-87). In his first game he scored 16 points and added 4 assists. Despite his good performance his new team lost to BKK Radnicki 78-88. Mijatovic played most recently at KK Lovcen Cetinje (Montenegro). He helped them to make it to the cup final and to the league semifinals. Mijatovic is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Croatia, Montenegro, Spain, Turkey and Ukraine. Mijatovic played for Montenegrin senior national until 2008.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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NBA

Thunder waive G Nate Robinson - by Eurobasket News
The Oklahoma City Thunder are waiving guard Nate Robinson (5'9''-PG-84, college: Washington).

Team executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti announced the move Saturday afternoon.

Robinson joined the Thunder from the Boston Celtics midseason of the 2010-11 season. The team said he appeared in four games and recorded averages of 3.3 points and 1.5 assists in 7.5 minutes per game.

The Oklahoma City Thunder roster is now at 15.

Courtesy of www.koco.com

Memphis Grizzlies forward Darrell Arthur undergoes season-ending surgery - by Eurobasket News
Memphis Grizzlies forward Darrell Arthur (6'9''-F-88, college: Kansas) underwent season-ending surgery to repair a torn right Achilles tendon, general manager Chris Wallace announced today.

The surgery was performed Thursday by team physician Dr. Fred Azar and Dr. Drew Murphy at the Campbell Surgery Center. Arthur, a 6-9 power forward, suffered the injury Dec. 18 during practice. He will begin post-operative rehabilitation after what doctors deem an appropriate period of healing.

Arthur, 23, is expected to be ready for the 2012-13 season. He was an important member of the Grizzlies' historic playoff run last season. Arthur averaged career highs in points (9.1), field goal percentage (.497), blocks (0.79) and minutes (20.1) in 80 games during his third NBA season.

Courtesy of www.commercialappeal.com

Denver Nuggets waive Cory Higgins and Michael Ruffin - by Eurobasket News
The Denver Nuggets have waived G Cory Higgins (6'5''-G-89, college: Colorado) and F Michael Ruffin (6'8''-F-77, college: Tulsa), team executive vice president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri announced today.

The move brings Denvers roster to the NBA-maximum 15 players.

Higgins, 6-5, 185, signed with Denver on Dec. 9. He scored seven points in 13 minutes in two preseason games.

Ruffin, 6-10, 248, joined the Nuggets on Dec. 15. He did not appear in a preseason game.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Suspensions for Bynum, Villanueva reduced to four games - by Eurobasket News
The NBA announced Friday it was reducing suspensions for Lakers center Andrew Bynum (7'0''-C-87, agency: David Lee services) and Pistons power forward Charlie Villanueva (6'10''-F-84, college: Connecticut) by one game.

Both players were facing five-game, season-opening bans for incidents that occurred last season, but the league opted to lessen the bans 'due to the shortened 2011-12 season.'

Bynum was hit with a five-game suspension for committing a flagrant foul on then-Mavericks guard J.J. Barea in Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals.

The Lakers 7-footer was ejected in the fourth quarter of the series-clinching 122-86 win by Dallas after he threw his forearm into Barea's chest as the six-foot-tall guard was airborne on a drive to the basket. Barea landed hard on his left side but was not seriously hurt on the play.

Bynum, who apologized after seeing replays of the incident, will be eligible to take the court for the Lakers on Dec. 31 when they host the Nuggets.

Villanueva was suspended following an on-court altercation with Cavaliers center Ryan Hollins in the second-to-last game of the regular season. The Pistons' forward escalated the incident by following Hollins into the Cavs' locker room where he had to be physically restrained.

Villanueva served one game of the suspension during Detroit's regular season finale last April, meaning he will be eligible to play after the Pistons' first three games of the 2011-12 season.

Courtesy of www.mailtribune.com

Timberwolves waive veteran guard Bonzi Wells - by Eurobasket News
The Minnesota Timberwolves have waived veteran guard Bonzi Wells (6'5''-F-76, college: Ball St.).

Wells has not appeared in an NBA game since 2008. He spent the past two years playing in China and Puerto Rico and came to Wolves camp hoping to revive his career. Wells had a history with Wolves coach Rick Adelman, and Adelman brought him in to give his younger players some guidance during training camp.

Wells played in both preseason games for the Wolves. He averaged 1.5 points and 2.0 rebounds in 12.5 minutes per game in the exhibitions.

With the maximum 15 players already under contract, Wells was always a long shot to make the team. The Wolves made the move on Friday, one day before teams are required to get down to the 15-player limit.

Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com

Nets' Lopez out 6-8 weeks after surgery - by Eurobasket News
With the prospect of a trade for Dwight Howard fading and the season opener less than a week away, New Jersey Nets coach Avery Johnson was getting a feel for his team.

That all changed Thursday when center Brook Lopez (7'0''-C/F-88, college: Stanford) broke his right foot, an injury that left Johnson shaking his head and considering his options.

Lopez, the Nets' leading scorer, had surgery Friday for a non-displaced fracture. He was hurt in a preseason game against the Knicks on Wednesday and will be sidelined at least six weeks and probably more.

In the meantime, general manager Billy King acquired former All-Star center Mehmet Okur from Utah for a second-round draft pick, signed free agent guard DeShawn Stevenson and waived forward Ime Udoka.

With the additions of Okur and Stevenson, the Nets have hit the salary cap, so their revamped team is set.

It has one star, point guard Deron Williams, and a lot of new faces Okur, Stevenson, free agent forwards Shawne Williams and Sheldon Williams, rookies Marshon Brooks and forward Jordan Williams and holdovers Jordan Farmar, Anthony Morrow, Damion James and Kris Humphries.

'Every day is a new day I tell our players,' Johnson said Friday. 'When you get up in the morning you think about being a difference maker. You think about positive energy. Everybody is undefeated now.'

The Nets (24-58) probably aren't going to stay that way long. They open on Monday at Washington and play 10 of their first 14 games on the road. The home opener is Tuesday against Atlanta.

'There is no surrender in how we react as coaches, how we approach practice,' Johnson said. 'It's not necessarily the situation we diagrammed going in, so we adjust. So if plan A doesn't work, you have to go to plan B and C and that's what we are doing.'

The big question is Okur, who is to practice with the team Saturday.

'We needed another guy to fill in, but he's just not filling in,' Johnson said. 'He's a veteran player. He's had a solid career so far. He knows how to play and how to pass. He's still shooting the ball pretty good.'

Okur played in 13 games last season while recovering from Achilles and back injuries. The 32-year-old Turk has averaged 13.7 points and 7.1 rebounds in 617 career games with Detroit and Utah.

Deron Williams played with Okur in Utah, and the two spoke Thursday.

'He was shocked a little bit at first, probably my reaction, but he's warming up to it and excited coming over, excited to play with me again,' Deron Williams said. 'I'll try to make the transition as easy as possible.'

Deron Williams said the Nets would not have to revamp their offense because Lopez played more on the outside than in the paint.

'It's our team,' Deron Williams said. 'Whether I am comfortable or not, it's our team. We've got good guys, guys who know how to play basketball and make plays. That's all we need as long as our defense is locked in. Guys can hit shots, hit big shots, and I think we do. I like we added DeShawne. He can hit shots but he also brings that toughness and can guard people.'

Johnson also is comfortable with his team, for now.

'I know they will play hard,' Johnson said. 'When you have a team with Deron Williams as the point guard he will do a good job of quarterbacking the team.'

King expects Lopez to play in a game in six to eight weeks.

Dr. Martin O'Malley, a foot specialist, and team orthopedist Dr. Riley Williams III inserted a screw into the fifth metatarsal of Lopez's foot at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan. O'Malley said rehabilitation will start in two weeks.

Lopez averaged 20.4 points and 6.0 rebounds in 82 games last season.

'We go to him a lot late in games and stuff,' Humphries said. 'We won't have that. We'll probably have to play at a little different pace and be sharper with the shooting and be more up and down and precise in executing on the break. Depending on who plays his minutes, we'll be more of an up-tempo team.'

Stevenson averaged 5.3 points and 1.2 assists in helping the Mavericks win their first title last season. He was used mostly in a defensive role and can score more if needed.

'It probably will be tough coming from the team where I came from, but at the same time it's a challenge,' Stevenson said after his first practice with the Nets. 'We were challenged to win a championship and this is a different type of challenge.'

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

Dominique Sutton the Most underrated college hoopstar - by Allen Waters
EUGENE, Ore. (NCCUEaglePride.com) In a contest that that saw eight ties and 13 lead changes, a late second half run was all the Eagles of North Carolina Central University needed to finish off the Panthers of Prairie View A&M University 69-58 to end the 2011 Global Sports Hoops Showcase with a 2-1 record, giving the maroon and gray momentum heading into the holiday break.

Dominique Sutton Solid Performance 19 points 6 rebounds 4 steals NO TURNOVERS
Judging by the first 20 minutes of action it looked as if the first meeting between these two squads would go down to the wire with neither team holding a lead larger than six. In fact, there were seven ties and nine lead changes, but the swarming Eagle defense recorded four steals and forced 10 turnovers, which NCCU turned into 12 points in favor of the maroon and gray.
With 8:09 left in the first half and the game knotted up at 23, the Eagles made their best move going on a 6-0 earning their largest lead of the half at 29-23. The momentum of that rally was short-lived when the Panthers answered back with an 8-2 spurt to tie the game at 31 with 15 second left following a three-pointer by guard Tim Meadows.

NCCU took the lead at the half when junior Ray Willis (Atlanta, Ga.) was fouled in the act of shooting with 0.1 seconds left giving the Eagles a 33-31 lead.

The second half saw the Eagle defense turn it up a notch by forcing 13 more Panther turnovers and with 11:56 to go when Ebuka Anyaorahs (Suwanee, Ga.) layup gave the Eagles the lead at 44-43 that would never be relinquished.

A 9-0 run that put NCCU up 51-43 was led by Anyaorah who scored seven of his 18 points in less than three minutes. The junior finished the night 6-for-11 from the field including 3-for-6 from the outside.

Prairie View A&M continued to fight back, cutting the margin to five at 54-49, but sophomore Jeremy Ingram (Charlotte, N.C.) drilled a clutch three-pointer to put NCCU back by eight at 57-49.
Moments later, senior Nick Chasten (Raleigh, N.C.) hit another three-pointer to put the Eagles up by 11 at 62-51 with 5:09 to go
That was all NCCU needed to cruise down the stretch and hang on for the 69-58 win.
Highlighting the victory for the Eagles, senior Dominique Sutton (Durham, N.C.) led all scorers with 19 points on 6-of-11 shooting that included 7-for-11 from the foul line, with five of those coming down the stretch. Ingram added 11 points and a spark off the bench for the third straight game, and Willis contributed 11 points in the victory for the Eagles.
Despite being outnumbered on the boards 37-22, NCCU outscored the Panthers 25-5 in points off turnovers
NCCU (7-6) enters the holiday break with a two-game winning streak and will get back to action on Thurs., Dec. 29 at 7:00 p.m. against the Pirates of East Carolina University from Williams Arena-Minges Coliseum in Greenville, N.C.

Dominique Sutton (6'5''-F-86)

Nets finalize roster by waiving Ime Udoka, keeping Linwood native Dennis Horner - by Eurobasket News
It looks like the Nets' opening night roster is finally set.

After today's practice Dennis Horner (6'9''-F-88, agency: Strategic Sports, college: N.Carolina St.), a Linwood native, got the news hes been hoping for when general manager Billy King told him he made the team. Horner, a 6-foot-9 power forward, had been competing with Ime Udoka (6'5''-F/G-77, agency: Priority Sports, college: Portland St.), a 6-foot-7 small forward, for the 15th and final spot on the roster.

Horner went undrafted in 2010 after four years at North Carolina State and played in Belgium and Cyprus in 2010-11. He was playing for the Springfield Armor of the D-League -- the Nets' minor league affiliate -- this season, making it just three games before the Nets signed him to a training camp contract.

Its crazy, a visibly happy Horner said shortly after the discussion with King. Its really special because Im close to my family and theyll be able to come up and see me, and my friends.

The Nets later announced that Udoka, a seven-year veteran, was waived.

Both players averaged 11 minutes in the teams two preseason games against the Knicks. Horner averaged 2 points and 2 rebounds per game; Udoka averaged 2.5 points and 2.5 rebounds.

Courtesy of www.nj.com

New Orleans Hornets officially sign Gustavo Ayon - by Eurobasket News
The New Orleans Hornets announced today that they have signed forward/center Gustavo Ayon (6'10''-F/C-85, agency: Duran International, college: San Jose St.). Contract details will be posted here later today.

'We are extremely excited about this signing, said Hornets GM Dell Demps. Gustavo is someone who we have had on our radar for a while and we believe he is going to be a great addition to our roster. He is a highly coveted international player and we look forward to working with him as he transitions into being an NBA player.'

Ayon (6-10, 250), averaged 15.9 points on 66 percent shooting while grabbing 8.2 rebounds per game this season over 10 games for Fuenlabrada of Spain. In the ACB league, which is considered the best domestic league outside of the NBA, he ranks 4th in points, 2nd in rebounds, 4th in defensive rebounds, 1st in offensive rebounds, 1st in two-point field goals and leads the league in index rating. Last season for Fuenlabrada, he averaged 10.8 points on 67 percent shooting and 6.3 rebounds over 22.6 minutes in 33 games. He was named the leagues Best Newcomer for his performance in 2010-11. During the 2010-11 season, Ayn started ahead of Bismack Biyombo, the 7th overall selection in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings.

Although I had a lot of opportunities with other teams, I chose the Hornets because of my relationship with Dell, Monty and the staff of the team, Ayn said. When I visited New Orleans, I felt comfortable with the surroundings and really like the positive direction of the organization.

Ayn, a Mexico native, grew up playing basketball in his home country and contemplated attending San Jose State at the age of 20 but declined the opportunity to play basketball in Mexico. After leading his team, Halcones, to back-to-back Mexican titles in 2007-08 and 2008-09, at the age of 24, he signed with Fuenlabrada in Spain. In the summer of 2009, while playing for the Mexican National Team in the Americas Championship, he gained notoriety for collecting 18 points, nine rebounds and three assists in a head-to-head battle with Luis Scola of the Houston Rockets.

Ayn, born April 1, 1985 in Tepic, Mexico, is just the third Mexican-born NBA player in history. He joins Horacio Llamas, who played two seasons with the Phoenix Suns, and current Charlotte Bobcat Eduardo Njera.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Lamont Momo Jones the most respected Guard in college - by Allen Waters
BURLINGTON, VT - The Iona College men's basketball team held on to a 73-72 win on the road against Vermont in a hard fought battle at Patrick Gym. The Gaels survived three Catamount chances with less than 20 seconds left to escape with its fifth win on their opponent's home floor in six games.

Junior Lamont Jones hit a wide open three pointer from the wing with 2:07 left to give Iona its largest advantage of the contest 73-68. Vermont quickly cut the deficit to three points on a mid-range jumper from Four McGlynn. After Jones missed a three on Iona's next possession, Vermont's Sandro Carissimo's desperation attempt with the shot clock expiring went down and made the score 73-72 with under a minute to play. The Catamounts forced an Iona turnover and got the ball back with 21 seconds left down by one. The home team was the beneficiary of two rebounds that were batted out of bound, leaving 1.5 seconds left. On the ensuing inbound, Brian Voelkel's shot misfired and the referees ended the game after the game clock failed to start.

Four Iona players posted double-digits. Jones and senior Mike Glover scored 16 points and grabbed seven rebounds apiece. Jones added four assists and two steals while Glover shot 7-for-9 from the field. Senior Scott Machado had 14 points, six assists and four rebounds and sophomore Sean Armand netted 10 points and grabbed four boards in the win.

Vermont jumped all over Iona to start the contest, leading 11-0 at the first media timeout. Two Jones' free throws started a 19-5 run and at the second official timeout, the Gaels led 19-16. Iona maintained its slim advantage over the next six minutes. Vermont took a three-point, 29-26 lead on a McGlynn three pointer at 6:27. A Matt Glass three pointer with time expiring gave the Catamounts a 43-37 lead at the half.

The home team continued to play tough through the first 11 minutes of the second half, denying Iona an opportunity to take a lead. A Jones' three-pointer with 9:49 left put Iona ahead for the first time in the frame, 59-58. The two teams traded leads in the next six minutes. After Brendan Bald tied the game at 68-68 with 3:34 left, Iona scored five straight on a Glover layup and Jones' clutch trifecta put the squad ahead 73-68.

McGlynn led Vermont with 19 points. Luke Apfeld scored 12 of his 14 points in the second half while Glass also added 14. Voekel, posted seven points, seven rebounds and eight assists in the loss.

The Gaels return to action on Wednesday at William & Mary in the seventh game of their program record nine-game stint away from New Rochelle.
Lamont Jones (6'0''-G-72, college: Bridgeport) Jones Lamont (6'0''-G)

Heat cut Eddie House - by Eurobasket News
Mickell Gladness (211-F/C-86) and Terrell Harris (196-G-87, college: Oklahoma St.) thought they were competing against each other for the last spot on the Miami Heat roster.

Instead, the former NBA Development League teammates both played their way onto the club.

The Heat announced Saturday that they waived veteran guard Eddie House (186-PG-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Arizona St.), meaning a pair of rookies in Gladness and Harris were on the 15-man roster to open the season and therefore earned seats on the plane to Dallas. Miami opens the season against the Mavericks on Sunday in a rematch of last season's NBA finals.

I had my bags packed, Gladness said. One bag is in the room, just ready to go back to North Dakota. The second bag was packed to get on the plane. So eeny, meeny, miney, moe, pick which one.

The 33-year-old House was told of the decision Friday night by Heat coach Erik Spoelstra and team president Pat Riley. House had left knee surgery last month and is not yet ready to play, one of the many factors Spoelstra said went into what became an extremely tough decision.

He's part of our Heat family. ... Those are the toughest decisions you have to make, Spoelstra said.

House was drafted by the Heat in 2000 and has also played for the Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix, New Jersey, Boston, Charlotte, Milwaukee, Sacramento and New York. House scored 35 points for Miami in the regular-season finale last season, a win at Toronto.

It's always hard when you see a brother like Eddie House have to be waived, Heat forward LeBron James said. He's been through the fire with us all last year. So I wish the best to him and hopefully a team will pick him up. But those kids, Gladness and Harris, they played extremely hard. And there was never a time when they didn't try to give it their all.

Harris shot 50 percent in Miami's two preseason games, and now the former Oklahoma State standout gets to start his pro career in his hometown of Dallas. A 6-foot-11 center from Alabama A&M, Gladness had eight rebounds in 21 minutes during the preseason.

Both simply overwhelmed us with their effort and their desire and their want this week, Spoelstra said. It was a little bit of a surprise and they continued to make us watch. That's what training camps are all about.

Gladness said getting the word on Christmas Eve became his best gift ever topping, he said, a Sega Genesis game system he once got. Harris said he was first told by Shane Battier in the locker room before practice, initially being a bit confused as to why he was getting congratulations.

It was a good day today, Harris said.

NOTES: Center Eddy Curry, as expected, also made the club, though he's not yet ready to play as he works his way back into shape. Curry has appeared in only 10 games over the past three seasons. ... Spoelstra said Battier (left quad strain) will be a game-time decision in Dallas on Sunday.

Courtesy of www.theglobeandmail.com

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

NCAA1

Lamont Momo Jones the most respected Guard in college - by Allen Waters
BURLINGTON, VT - The Iona College men's basketball team held on to a 73-72 win on the road against Vermont in a hard fought battle at Patrick Gym. The Gaels survived three Catamount chances with less than 20 seconds left to escape with its fifth win on their opponent's home floor in six games.

Junior Lamont Jones hit a wide open three pointer from the wing with 2:07 left to give Iona its largest advantage of the contest 73-68. Vermont quickly cut the deficit to three points on a mid-range jumper from Four McGlynn. After Jones missed a three on Iona's next possession, Vermont's Sandro Carissimo's desperation attempt with the shot clock expiring went down and made the score 73-72 with under a minute to play. The Catamounts forced an Iona turnover and got the ball back with 21 seconds left down by one. The home team was the beneficiary of two rebounds that were batted out of bound, leaving 1.5 seconds left. On the ensuing inbound, Brian Voelkel's shot misfired and the referees ended the game after the game clock failed to start.

Four Iona players posted double-digits. Jones and senior Mike Glover scored 16 points and grabbed seven rebounds apiece. Jones added four assists and two steals while Glover shot 7-for-9 from the field. Senior Scott Machado had 14 points, six assists and four rebounds and sophomore Sean Armand netted 10 points and grabbed four boards in the win.

Vermont jumped all over Iona to start the contest, leading 11-0 at the first media timeout. Two Jones' free throws started a 19-5 run and at the second official timeout, the Gaels led 19-16. Iona maintained its slim advantage over the next six minutes. Vermont took a three-point, 29-26 lead on a McGlynn three pointer at 6:27. A Matt Glass three pointer with time expiring gave the Catamounts a 43-37 lead at the half.

The home team continued to play tough through the first 11 minutes of the second half, denying Iona an opportunity to take a lead. A Jones' three-pointer with 9:49 left put Iona ahead for the first time in the frame, 59-58. The two teams traded leads in the next six minutes. After Brendan Bald tied the game at 68-68 with 3:34 left, Iona scored five straight on a Glover layup and Jones' clutch trifecta put the squad ahead 73-68.

McGlynn led Vermont with 19 points. Luke Apfeld scored 12 of his 14 points in the second half while Glass also added 14. Voekel, posted seven points, seven rebounds and eight assists in the loss.

The Gaels return to action on Wednesday at William & Mary in the seventh game of their program record nine-game stint away from New Rochelle.
Lamont Jones (6'0''-G-72, college: Bridgeport) Jones Lamont (6'0''-G)

Dominique Sutton the Most underrated college hoopstar - by Allen Waters
EUGENE, Ore. (NCCUEaglePride.com) In a contest that that saw eight ties and 13 lead changes, a late second half run was all the Eagles of North Carolina Central University needed to finish off the Panthers of Prairie View A&M University 69-58 to end the 2011 Global Sports Hoops Showcase with a 2-1 record, giving the maroon and gray momentum heading into the holiday break.

Dominique Sutton Solid Performance 19 points 6 rebounds 4 steals NO TURNOVERS
Judging by the first 20 minutes of action it looked as if the first meeting between these two squads would go down to the wire with neither team holding a lead larger than six. In fact, there were seven ties and nine lead changes, but the swarming Eagle defense recorded four steals and forced 10 turnovers, which NCCU turned into 12 points in favor of the maroon and gray.
With 8:09 left in the first half and the game knotted up at 23, the Eagles made their best move going on a 6-0 earning their largest lead of the half at 29-23. The momentum of that rally was short-lived when the Panthers answered back with an 8-2 spurt to tie the game at 31 with 15 second left following a three-pointer by guard Tim Meadows.

NCCU took the lead at the half when junior Ray Willis (Atlanta, Ga.) was fouled in the act of shooting with 0.1 seconds left giving the Eagles a 33-31 lead.

The second half saw the Eagle defense turn it up a notch by forcing 13 more Panther turnovers and with 11:56 to go when Ebuka Anyaorahs (Suwanee, Ga.) layup gave the Eagles the lead at 44-43 that would never be relinquished.

A 9-0 run that put NCCU up 51-43 was led by Anyaorah who scored seven of his 18 points in less than three minutes. The junior finished the night 6-for-11 from the field including 3-for-6 from the outside.

Prairie View A&M continued to fight back, cutting the margin to five at 54-49, but sophomore Jeremy Ingram (Charlotte, N.C.) drilled a clutch three-pointer to put NCCU back by eight at 57-49.
Moments later, senior Nick Chasten (Raleigh, N.C.) hit another three-pointer to put the Eagles up by 11 at 62-51 with 5:09 to go
That was all NCCU needed to cruise down the stretch and hang on for the 69-58 win.
Highlighting the victory for the Eagles, senior Dominique Sutton (Durham, N.C.) led all scorers with 19 points on 6-of-11 shooting that included 7-for-11 from the foul line, with five of those coming down the stretch. Ingram added 11 points and a spark off the bench for the third straight game, and Willis contributed 11 points in the victory for the Eagles.
Despite being outnumbered on the boards 37-22, NCCU outscored the Panthers 25-5 in points off turnovers
NCCU (7-6) enters the holiday break with a two-game winning streak and will get back to action on Thurs., Dec. 29 at 7:00 p.m. against the Pirates of East Carolina University from Williams Arena-Minges Coliseum in Greenville, N.C.

Dominique Sutton (6'5''-F-86)

Top 25 - Men

MEAC Standings

1. Norfolk St.		2-0 (9-5)
2. N.C.Central		1-0 (7-6)
3. Beth.-Cookman		1-0 (4-9)
4. Savannah St.		1-1 (5-8)
5. Hampton		1-1 (4-8)
6. Delaware St.		1-1 (4-6)
7. Howard		1-1 (4-9)
8. Coppin St.		0-0 (4-7)
9. Morgan St.		0-0 (2-7)
10. S.Carolina St.		0-1 (4-8)
11. N.Carolina A&T		0-1 (4-10)
12. Md-E Shore		0-1 (3-9)
13. Florida A&M		0-1 (2-11)

Stats Leaders - NCAA1

Points Per Game

Brandon RILEY
  S.Caroli.
  (187-G/F-)
  Avg: 19.2

1. Riley, S.Caroli.	19.2
2. Gallo, Coppin St.	18.8
3. Pellum, Hampton	17.6
4. Sutton, N.C.Central	16.1
5. Clement, N.C.Cent.	15.9
6. Willis, N.C.Cent.	15.7
7. Tate, Delaware St.	15.4
8. Thompson, Morgan	14.9
9. O''Quinn, Norfolk	14.6
10. McEachin, Norfolk	13.2

Rebounds Per Game

Kyle O''QUINN
  Norfolk .
  (208-F-90)
  Avg: 10.1

1. O''Quinn, Norfolk	10.1
2. Bruce, Hampton	8.9
3. Thompson, Morgan	8.3
4. Sutton, N.C.Central	7.9
5. Oliver, Delaware S.	7.5
6. Phillips, Howard	6.9
7. Louis, Savannah S.	6.8
8. Sanders, S.Caroli.	6.7
9. Hines, Md-E Shore	6.6
10. Williams, Coppin	6.5

Assists Per Game

Emanuel CHAPMAN
  N.C.Cent.
  (185-G-)
  Avg: 6.6

1. Chapman, N.C.Cent.	6.6
2. Threatt, Delaware.	4.8
3. Tuitt, Hampton	4.7
4. Blackmon, Savanna.	4.7
5. Gallo, Coppin St.	4.1
6. Toombs, S.Caroli.	3.8
7. Woods, Md-E Shore	3.7
8. Hill, N..	3.6
9. Ellis, Coppin St.	3.6
10. Pitt, Md-E Shore	3.3

Steals Per Game

Jay THREATT
  Delaware.
  (180-G-89)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Threatt, Delaware.	2.8
2. Sutton, N.C.Central	2.5
3. Jackson, Morgan S.	2.1
4. Tolson, Hampton	1.9
5. Willis, N.C.Cent.	1.8
6. Ali, Morgan St.	1.7
7. Powell, N.Car.	1.7
8. Breeze, Beth.-Co.	1.6
9. McEachin, Norfolk	1.6
10. Toombs, S.Caroli.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Kendall GRAY
  Delaware St.
  (208-C-)
  Avg: 3.4

1. Gray, Delaware St.	3.4
2. O''Quinn, Norfolk	2.9
3. Chiles, Morgan St.	2.0
4. Sanders, S.Caroli.	1.9
5. Crowder, Florida	1.8
6. Oliver, Delaware S.	1.7
7. Agbelese, Hampton	1.5
8. Smith, Savannah.	1.5
9. McEachin, Norfolk	1.3
10. Willis, N.C.Cent.	1.2

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

POLAND

Qarraan Calhoun gets MVP of the Week award for Polish PLK - by Eurobasket News
American Qarraan Calhoun (203-F-86, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) had an amazing evening in the last round for Slask Wroclaw and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 17.
The 25-year old forward had the game-high 32 points adding seven rebounds and two assists for Slask Wroclaw in his team's victory, helping them to crush AZS Koszalin (#9, 7-9) with 25-point margin 103-78. Slask Wroclaw is placed at 6th position in Polish PLK. Slask Wroclaw is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 8-7 record. In the team's last game Calhoun had a remarkable 66.7% from 2-point range and got six three-pointers out of 8 attempts. He turned to be Slask Wroclaw's top player in his first season with the team. Qarraan Calhoun averages this season 13.1ppg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 23-year old American guard LaMarshall Corbett (190-G-88, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) of Siarka Jezioro. Corbett impressed basketball fans with 21 points, 2 rebounds and 6 assists. It was enough for Siarka Jezioro to edge the lower-ranked PBG Basket (#11, 5-11) by 6 points 72-66. This victory allowed Siarka Jezioro to move up to 8th position in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 8-8 record is not bad and everything may still change. Corbett is a newcomer at Siarka Jezioro and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 15.9ppg (#9).

The third best performed player last round was American Stanley Burrell (190-PG-84) of top-ranked Energa Czarni. Burrell scored 26 points and passed five assists. Despite Burrell's great performance Energa Czarni lost 87-93 to #4 ranked Anwil. But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates especially in such crucial game. The last thing Energa Czarni needs is to lose another game like this one. They lose more and more distance to the top teams. Their record is 12 victories and 4 lost games. Burrell has a very solid season. In 16 games in Poland he scored 14.1ppg. He also has 4.8apg and FGP: 51.3%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Darrell Harris (208-F/C-84) of Kotwica - 18 points and 13 rebounds
5. Corsley Edwards (205-C/F-79) of Anwil - 22 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists
6. George Reese (201-F-77) of AZS Koszalin - 21 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Jeremy Simmons (203-F-89) of Polpharma - 11 points and 14 rebounds
8. Reginald Holmes (193-G-87) of Kotwica - 23 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Marcin Flieger (182-PG-84) of Zastal ZG - 14 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists
10. Paul Graham (196-G-85) of Slask Wroclaw - 17 points and 6 assists

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

Standings - 1 Liga

1Liga Standings

1. Sokol Lancut		11-4
2. MKS DG		11-4
3. Start Gdynia		11-4
4. Spojnia		10-5
5. SKK Siedlce		9-6
6. P.Cukier SIDEn		9-6
7. Rosa Radom		9-6
8. AZS Kutno		8-7
9. Polonia		8-7
10. Znicz Basket		7-7
11. Start Lublin		7-8
12. AZS Szczecin		6-9
13. MOSiR Krosno		2-13
14. Sportino		2-13
15. Sudety		2-13

Mordzak number one in Polish 1Liga for round 16 - by Eurobasket News
Guard Grzegorz Mordzak (183-G-77, agency: Promotex) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Start Gdynia, receiving a Eurobasket.com 1Liga Player of the Week award for round 16.
The 34-year old player was the main contributor (22 points, three rebounds and three assists) to his team's victory, helping them to crush AZS Kutno (#8, 8-7) with 18-point margin 92-74. Start Gdynia maintains the 3rd position in Polish 1Liga. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Start Gdynia will need more victories to improve their 11-4 record. In the team's last game Mordzak had a remarkable 77.8% from 2-point range. He has many years of experience at Start Gdynia, through which he has constantly improved. Grzegorz Mordzak averages this season 13.3ppg.

The second best player in last round's games was 32-year old Artur Mikolajko (197-F-79) of Polonia. Mikolajko had a very good evening with a double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds. Bad luck as Polonia was edged by the higher-ranked Sokol Lancut (#1, 11-4) 71-67. This loss caused Polonia to drop to 9th position in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 8-7 record is not bad and everything may still change. Mikolajko is a newcomer at Polonia, but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was guard Michal Aleksandrowicz (188-G-89) of Start Lublin (#11). Aleksandrowicz showcased his all-around game by recording 22 points, eight rebounds and four assists in the last round. He was a key player of Start Lublin, leading his team to a 70-60 win against slightly lower-ranked AZS Szczecin (#12, 6-9). The chances of Start Lublin ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 8 games, recording just seven victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Aleksandrowicz could help Start Lublin to bring them higher in the standings. Aleksandrowicz has a very solid season. In 15 games in Poland he scored 8.3ppg. He also has 4.9rpg, 2.2spg and 1.7bpg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Tomasz Stepien (193-G-86) of Spojnia - 26 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Kamil Sulima (192-G/F-80) of SKK Siedlce - 30 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Lukasz Grzegorzewski (192-G-84) of MKS DG - 21 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Krzysztof Mielczarek (198-G/F-81) of AZS Szczecin - 8 points, 15 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Tomasz Andrzejewski (204-F/C-79) of Start Gdynia - 17 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Lukasz Ratajczak (204-F-86) of SKK Siedlce - 18 points and 4 rebounds
10. Adam Linowski (200-F-87) of AZS Kutno - 15 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists

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

Stats Leaders - 1Liga

Points Per Game

Lukasz NIESOBSKI
  Sudety
  (185-G-85)
  Avg: 18.9

1. Niesobski, Sudety	18.9
2. Pacocha, AZS S.	17.8
3. Woloszyn, MKS D.	17.3
4. Jarecki, P.Cuk.	16.8
5. Mazur, Polonia	16.2
6. Kostrzewski, Start	14.9
7. Lewandowski, P.Cuk.	14.7
8. Perka, AZS Kutno	14.3
9. Zytko, P..	14.3
10. Klima, Sokol Lanc.	14.0

Rebounds Per Game

Krzysztof MIELCZAREK
  AZS S.
  (198-G/F-81)
  Avg: 11.6

1. Mielczarek, AZS S.	11.6
2. Luszczewski, Start	9.5
3. Mikolajko, Polonia	8.3
4. Grudzinski, Spojnia	7.9
5. Malewski, Znicz B.	7.7
6. Wilczek, Sokol Lan.	7.6
7. Radke, Rosa Radom	7.5
8. Pytys, AZS Szczec.	7.1
9. Wilusz, Sudety	7.0
10. Zielinski, MKS D.	7.0

Assists Per Game

Michal MUSIJOWSKI
  Polonia
  (180-G-89)
  Avg: 5.3

1. Musijowski, Polonia	5.3
2. Zytko, P..	5.0
3. Basinski, SKK S.	4.8
4. Grochowski, MKS D.	4.1
5. Brek, AZS Kutno	4.1
6. Przewrocki, Polonia	3.9
7. Ochonko, Spojnia	3.9
8. Michalski, Start L.	3.6
9. Wojcicki, SKK S.	3.6
10. Baran, MOSiR K.	3.3

Steals Per Game

Adrian SULINSKI
  Znicz B.
  (185-G-85)
  Avg: 3.6

1. Sulinski, Znicz B.	3.6
2. Szumelda-K., Znicz	3.3
3. Zytko, P..	3.2
4. Baran, MOSiR K.	3.0
5. Czubek, Znicz B.	3.0
6. Niesobski, Sudety	2.9
7. Kosinski, Rosa R.	2.8
8. Bukowiecki, Sudety	2.8
9. Pacocha, AZS S.	2.7
10. Mielczarek, AZS S.	2.7

Blocks Per Game

Michal MARCINIAK
  AZS K.
  (195-G-79)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Marciniak, AZS K.	2.3
2. Niesobski, Sudety	2.3
3. Klima, Sokol Lancut	2.2
4. Oczkowicz, MOSiR K.	1.9
5. Zytko, P..	1.8
6. Przewrocki, Polonia	1.8
7. Aleksandrowi., Sta.	1.7
8. Brek, AZS Kutno	1.7
9. Donigiewicz, Rosa	1.6
10. Wojcicki, SKK S.	1.6

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

SERBIA

A League Round 14 of Regular Season - by Eurobasket News
Twelfth-ranked Zeleznicar (3-10) used its home court advantage to challenge sixth ranked Smederevo Vizura (9-5) in Indjija on Saturday. The visitors from Smederevo managed to secure only one-point victory 105-104. However their fans expected much easier game. Bosko Balaban saved the victory by scoring 25 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists (on 11-of-13 shooting from the field). Zeleznicar's coach Ivica Mavrenski rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Smederevo Vizura moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Sloga and Tamis. Zeleznicar at the other side, also newcomer in the league, keeps the twelfth position with ten games lost. Smederevo Vizura will face Radnicki Basket (#9) in Beograd in the next round where they are favorite. Zeleznicar will play on the road against Proleter Naftagas in Zrenjanin and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the last two games of round 14 bottom-ranked Proleter Naftagas was smashed by Vojvodina on the road 109-83. Napredak lost to OKK Beograd on its own court 68-76. Sloga unfortunately lost to BKK Radnicki in Beograd 78-88. Tamis managed to beat Borac at home 80-72. Metalac was crushed by Radnicki Basket on the opponent's court 62-83. Sloboda Uzice was beaten by Mega Vizura in a home game 80-86.
The most impressive performance of 14th round was 37 points (!!!) and 4 assists by Branko Milisavljevic (193-G-76, agency: Beo Basket) of Mega Vizura.

Vojvodina - Proleter Naftagas 109-83

No shocking result in a game when first ranked Vojvodina (12-2) crushed bottom-ranked Proleter Naftagas (2-12) in Novi Sad 109-83 on Saturday. The game was mostly controlled by Vojvodina. Proleter Naftagas was better in fourth quarter 23-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Vojvodina made 22-of-24 free shots (91.7 percent) during the game. They also forced 19 Proleter Naftagas turnovers and outrebounded them 34-18 including a 15-4 advantage in offensive rebounds. Vojvodina looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists comparing to just 12 passes made by Proleter Naftagas' players. Forward Nikola Kalinic (202-91) orchestrated the victory by scoring 18 points and 4 assists. Forward Strahinja Milosevic (203-85) contributed with 18 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Vojvodina's coach felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Center Zoran Majkic (207-78, agency: Court Side) replied with 19 points and 4 assists and point guard Luka Igrutinovic (193-92) added 21 points (was perfect 9-for-9 from the free throw line !!!) in the effort for Proleter Naftagas. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Vojvodina have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 12-2 record. Proleter Naftagas lost fifth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom place with 12 games lost. Vojvodina will face OKK Beograd (#8) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Proleter Naftagas will play against Zeleznicar (#12) in Indjija and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Proleter Naftagas: L.Igrutinovic 21+2reb+2ast, Z.Majkic 19+2reb+4ast, M.Vulin 13+4reb+1ast, M.Pekovic 13+3reb+2ast, P.Peterson 9+2ast, B.Obrenovic 8+7reb+1ast
Vojvodina: N.Kalinic 18+4reb+4ast, S.Stojacic 18+5reb, S.Milosevic 18+6reb+1ast, D.Bunic 16+6reb+1ast, O.Kuzeta 11+2reb+1ast, S.Dundjerski 9+6reb+9ast

Napredak - OKK Beograd 68-76

Very expected game when 13th ranked Napredak Rubin (2-12) lost to ninth ranked OKK Beograd (7-5) in Krusevac 68-76 on Saturday. OKK Beograd have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to eighth place. Napredak Rubin at the other side keeps the thirteenth position with 12 games lost. OKK Beograd will face league's leader Vojvodina in Novi Sad in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Napredak Rubin will play at home against Sloboda (#10) in Uzice.

BKK Radnicki - Sloga 88-78

Everything could happen in Beograd at the game between two tied teams. Both second ranked BKK Radnicki and one of their biggest challengers Sloga had identical 9-4 record. This time BKK Radnicki used a home court advantage and won against the opponent from Kraljevo 88-78 on Saturday night. The hosts trailed by 5 points after three quarters before their 28-13 charge, which allowed them to win the game. BKK Radnicki forced 24 Sloga turnovers and outrebounded them 40-23 including a 20-4 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Sloga was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. Center Aleksandar Petrovic (206-72) orchestrated the victory by scoring 17 points and 9 rebounds (was perfect 9-for-9 from the free throw line !!!). Nemanja Rakonjac contributed with 9 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Four BKK Radnicki players scored in double figures. BKK Radnicki's coach used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Center Aleksandar Marelja (207-92) replied with 18 points and 5 rebounds (perfect from the field making all eight shots !!!) and Montenegrin guard Nenad Mijatovic (193-87) added 16 points and 4 assists in the effort for Sloga. Newly promoted BKK Radnicki maintains second position with 10-4 record having just two points less than leader Vojvodina, which they share with Mega Vizura. Sloga at the other side keeps the fourth place with five games lost. BKK Radnicki will face Borac (#7) in Cacak in the next round where they are favorite. Sloga will play at home against Mega Vizura and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Sloga: A.Marelja 18+5reb, N.Mijatovic 16+1reb+4ast, B.Popovic 11+5reb+1ast, D.Vuletic 9+4reb, S.Djordjevic 7+3reb+3ast, A.Jevdjic 6+3reb+3ast
BKK Radnicki: A.Petrovic 17+9reb+3ast, D.Petronic 14+3reb, N.Gacic 13+2reb+3ast, M.Boltic 10+3reb+6ast, N.Rakonjac 9+9reb+2ast, D.Kitanovic 8+6reb

Tamis - Borac 80-72

Everything could happen in Pancevo at the game between two tied teams. Both seventh ranked Tamis and 5th ranked Borac had identical 8-5 record. This time Tamis used a home court advantage and beat the opponent from Cacak 80-72 on Saturday night. The hosts trailed by 12 points after first quarter, but they rallied back winning two of next three quarters and won the game by 8 points. Guard Davor Perak (198-83) orchestrated the victory by scoring 22 points. Bosnian power forward Vuk Ivanovic (208-83, college: BYU, agency: Interperformances) contributed with 14 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Tamis' coach used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Center Ivan Zigeranovic (212-84, agency: BeoExcell) replied with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 10 rebounds and swingman Marko Zocevic (197-89) added 16 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists in the effort for Borac. Tamis (9-5) moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Sloga and Smederevo. Borac at the other side dropped to the seventh position with six games lost. Tamis will face Metalac (#11) in Valjevo in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Borac will play at home against the league's second-placed BKK Radnicki (#2) in Beograd.
Top scorers:
Borac: I.Zigeranovic 25+10reb+2ast, M.Zocevic 16+7reb+5ast, M.Maksimovic 12+3reb+1ast, R.Dramicanin 6+9reb+3ast, F.Pajevic 6+1reb+3ast, N.Todorovic 4+2reb
Tamis: D.Perak 22+1reb+2ast, V.Ivanovic 14+7reb, M.Dimitrijevic 11+2reb+5ast, B.Jereminov 8+6reb+2ast, D.Majstorovic 8+2reb, D.Habus 7+1reb+3ast

Radnicki Basket - Metalac 83-62

Everything went according to plan when ninth ranked Radnicki Basket (7-6) outplayed 11th ranked Metalac (4-10) in Beograd 83-62 on Saturday. The hosts trailed by 7 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 13-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 83-62. Radnicki Basket dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Metalac's 30. Forward Ivan Smiljanic (198-89) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 10 rebounds. Guard Dejan Djokic (187-89) contributed with 18 points for the winners. Forward Stefan Balmazovic (202-89) replied with 19 points (was perfect 9-for-9 from the free throw line !!!) and guard Nikola Tomasevic (192-90) added 11 points in the effort for Metalac. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Newly promoted Radnicki Basket maintains ninth position with 7-6 record. Metalac lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the tenth place with ten games lost. Radnicki Basket will face higher ranked Smederevo Vizura (#5) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Metalac will play against Tamis (#4) in Pancevo.
Top scorers:
Metalac: S.Balmazovic 19+4reb+1ast, N.Tomasevic 11+2reb, D.Draskovic 7+2reb, R.Marojevic 7+1ast, D.Djukanovic 7+1reb+1ast, D.Kruscic 5+2reb+1ast
Radnicki Basket: I.Smiljanic 22+10reb, D.Djokic 18+3reb+3ast, N.Siladji 10+4reb+1ast, M.Stojadinovic 9+3reb+1ast, D.Ognjenovic 7+1reb, A.Dzakovic 6+3reb+4ast

Zeleznicar - Smederevo 104-105 2OT

Twelfth-ranked Zeleznicar (3-10) used its home court advantage to challenge sixth ranked Smederevo Vizura (9-5) in Indjija on Saturday. The visitors from Smederevo managed to secure only one-point victory 105-104. However their fans expected much easier game. Zeleznicar was trailing by 3 points at halftime but managed to get 2-point lead after three quarters before a 15-13 charge of Smederevo Vizura, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time. They were better in double-overtime eventually winning that period 11-11. Zeleznicar was plagued by 30 personal fouls down the stretch. Bosko Balaban saved the victory by scoring 25 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists (on 11-of-13 shooting from the field). Guard Nenad Stefanovic (193-85, agency: Beo Basket) contributed with 20 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. Guard Milos Bojovic (198-81, agency: Beo Basket) replied with a double-double by scoring 35 points (!!!), 11 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals and guard Aleksandar Radulovic (190-88, agency: Beo Basket) added 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in the effort for Zeleznicar. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Zeleznicar's coach Ivica Mavrenski rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Smederevo Vizura moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Sloga and Tamis. Zeleznicar at the other side, also newcomer in the league, keeps the twelfth position with ten games lost. Smederevo Vizura will face Radnicki Basket (#9) in Beograd in the next round where they are favorite. Zeleznicar will play on the road against Proleter Naftagas in Zrenjanin and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Zeleznicar: M.Bojovic 35+11reb+4ast, N.Canak 21+6reb+2ast, A.Radulovic 20+5reb+5ast, G.Bajic 13+4reb+2ast, D.Jerkovic 10+11reb+2ast, V.Jojic 3+3reb+3ast
Smederevo: B.Balaban 25+9reb+4ast, V.Svilar 22+7reb+2ast, N.Stefanovic 20+9reb+6ast, V.Popovic 20+4reb+3ast, B.Jovovic 15+7reb+2ast, N.Vukasovic 3+3reb+2ast

Sloboda Uzice - Mega Vizura 80-86

There was no surprise when 10th ranked Sloboda (4-10) lost to third ranked Mega Vizura (10-4) in Uzice 80-86 on Saturday. Sloboda trailed by 13 points at halftime and as many as 19 after three quarters before a 31-18 last quarter charge cut the deficit to 80-86 at the end of the game. Sloboda was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. Guard Branko Milisavljevic (193-76, agency: Beo Basket) orchestrated the victory by scoring 37 points (!!!) and 4 assists. Turkish center Dusan Cantekin (222-90, agency: Beo Basket) contributed with 12 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Forward Ivan Kuburovic (203-81) replied with 21 points and 7 rebounds and power forward Nikola Jevtovic (208-89) added 17 points in the effort for Sloboda. 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. Mega Vizura moved-up to second place, which they share with BKK Radnicki. Loser Sloboda keeps the tenth position with ten games lost. Mega Vizura will face Sloga (#6) in Kraljevo in the next round. Sloboda will play on the road against Napredak Rubin (#13) in Krusevac.
Top scorers:
Sloboda Uzice: I.Kuburovic 21+7reb+1ast, N.Jevtovic 17+4reb, N.Arnautovic 15+1reb+2ast, M.Rakic 10+2reb+1ast, Z.Djuric 7+8reb+1ast, N.Popovic 5+1reb+1ast
Mega Vizura: B.Milisavljevic 37+3reb+4ast, D.Cantekin 12+7reb+1ast, U.Duvnjak 12+1ast, S.Matovic 11+6reb+1ast, D.Cvetkovic 6+8reb+2ast, A.Bojic 4+3reb

Standings - A Liga

A Standings

1. Vojvodina		12-2
2. BKK Radnicki		10-4
3. Mega Vizura		10-4
4. Tamis		9-5
5. Smederevo		9-5
6. Sloga		9-5
7. Borac		8-6
8. OKK Beograd		7-5
9. Radnicki Basket		7-6
10. Sloboda Uzice		4-10
11. Metalac		4-10
12. Zeleznicar		3-10
13. Napredak		2-12
14. Proleter Naftagas		2-12
Play in international cups:
1. Crvena Zvezda		-
2. Hemofarm		-
3. Partizan		-
4. Radnicki K.		-

Stats Leaders - 1A

Points Per Game

Milos BOJOVIC
  Zeleznicar
  (198-G-81)
  Avg: 24.1

1. Bojovic, Zeleznicar	24.1
2. Milisavljevi., Meg.	23.3
3. Popovic, Sloga	21.1
4. Zigeranovic, Borac	20.5
5. Balaban, Smederevo	19.4
6. Dimic, Radnicki.	19.1
7. Bozovic, Sloga	17.1
8. Pekovic, Prolet.	16.5
9. Micic, Mega Vizura	15.9
10. Canak, Zeleznicar	15.8

Rebounds Per Game

Bosko BALABAN
  Smederevo
  (--)
  Avg: 9.3

1. Balaban, Smederevo	9.3
2. Cantekin, Mega V.	8.3
3. Zigeranovic, Borac	8.2
4. Smiljanic, Radnic.	7.8
5. Misanovic, OKK B.	7.5
6. Petrovic, BKK R.	6.9
7. Mijajlovic, Sloga	6.8
8. Kuburovic, Slobod.	6.4
9. Jovic, Sloga	6.1
10. Majkic, Prolet.	6.1

Assists Per Game

Marko POPOVIC
  Sloga
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 6

1. Popovic, Sloga	6.0
2. Jovic, Sloga	5.6
3. Dundjerski, Vojvo.	5.5
4. Radulovic, Zelezni.	5.0
5. Micic, Mega Vizura	5.0
6. Milisavljevi., Meg.	4.9
7. Boltic, BKK R.	4.9
8. Stefanovic, Smede.	4.9
9. Mitrovic, OKK B.	4.3
10. Osmokrovic, BKK R.	4.1

Steals Per Game

Negoslav GACIC
  BKK Radnicki
  (--)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Gacic, BKK Radnicki	3.5
2. Jovic, Sloga	2.8
3. Boltic, BKK R.	2.6
4. Micic, Mega Vizura	2.5
5. Vulin, Prolet.	2.5
6. Dundjerski, Vojvo.	2.5
7. Kuzeta, Vojvodina	2.3
8. Vasilic, Radnic.	2.3
9. Kuburovic, Slobod.	2.0
10. Jereminov, Tamis	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Nenad MISANOVIC
  OKK B.
  (217-C-84)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Misanovic, OKK B.	1.8
2. Balaban, Smederevo	1.3
3. Zigeranovic, Borac	1.2
4. Petronic, BKK R.	0.9
5. Majkic, Prolet.	0.9
6. Bjegovic, Prolet.	0.8
7. Tubak, Radnicki.	0.8
8. Jevtovic, Sloboda	0.8
9. Cantekin, Mega V.	0.8
10. Matovic, Mega V.	0.8

Nenad Mijatovic is a newcomer at KK Sloga Societe Generale Kraljevo - by Eurobasket Center
KK Sloga Societe Generale Kraljevo strengthened their roster with addition of 24-year old Montenegrin ex-international guard Nenad Mijatovic (193-G-87). In his first game he scored 16 points and added 4 assists. Despite his good performance his new team lost to BKK Radnicki 78-88. Mijatovic played most recently at KK Lovcen Cetinje (Montenegro). He helped them to make it to the cup final and to the league semifinals. Mijatovic is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Croatia, Montenegro, Spain, Turkey and Ukraine. Mijatovic played for Montenegrin senior national until 2008.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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

SOUTH KOREA

Former KBL players sign with NBA teams - by JungHwan Seo
Former KBL player Johnson Ivan (203-F/C-84, college: CS San Bernar.) and Gregory Stiemsma (211-C-85, agency: N.E.T., college: Wisconsin) made their dreams come true.

Atlanta Hawks released their regular season roster which is including Johnson Ivan on the list. Johnson became the first former KBL player who signs with a NBA team through preseason camp.

'singing_ its been alongggggg along tiime coming and i knooooowww change is gone come ooohhh yes it is..... truly blessed keeping god first mannnn' Johnson said on his facebook today.

Johnson averaged 9.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2 steals during his two preseason games. Especially, he scored 15 points and grabbed 8 rebounds against Bobcats and he was a game MVP.

Hawks official site describes him that 'The name that is most surprising still on the roster is Johnson Ivan. Johnson attended the Hawks mini-camp this past summer after the draft, and impressed the coaching staff with his energy and physique. He didnt back down when he arrived at Training Camp and was very impressive in both preseason games against the Bobcats.'

Johnson averaged 17.2 points and 6.5 boards as a KCC player at 2009-2010 season in KBL.

Another former KBL player Gregory Stiemsma also signs with Boston Celtics.

'It's been a crazy journey, but I'm very proud and honored to officially be a Boston Celtic!! Thanks everybody for all the support!' Stiemsma mentioned on his twitter account after his signing today.

Stiemsma averaged 4.5 points four rebounds during two preseason games. He can be a good replacement of Glen Davis who signs with Orlando.

Stiemsma averaged 13.9 points, 9 rebounds and 2.7 block shots during 2008-2009 KBL season as a player of SK Knights.

KCC Egis top KT 74-66 - by Jeff Liebsch
Kim Tae-Hong (193-F-88) scored 20 points as KCC Egis defeated the KT Sonic Boom 74-66 in an evening game on Christmas Eve in Busan.

KCC had lost their previous three meetings this season against KT by an average of 23 points, however tonight they overcame an early deficit to win their 19th game of the season. Choo Seung-Gyun (190-F-74) scored 14 points, while Tony Akins (180-G-80, agency: Court Side, college: Georgia Tech) added 11 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists.

KT opened quickly, jumping out to an early 17-4 lead, as KCC once again struggled against the KT defense.

KCC fought back in the second quarter, led by Choo Seung-Gyun who scored eight points. Tony Akins three point shot with 2:14 left in the second gave KCC their first lead at 35-32, but Yang Woo-sub's basket with 17.8 seconds left in the half gave KT a 40-39 halftime advantage.

KCC used a 10-0 run in the third, as KT went 5:26 without scoring to build up an eight point lead before KT finished the quarter on a 6-0 run to cut the lead to 55-53 at the end of three.

KCC managed to hang on in the fourth, after import DeShawn Sims (203-F-88, college: Michigan) fouled out with 5:26 left, while KCC was leading 62-59. Jeong Min-Soo (194-F-88) scored 6 late points to allow KCC to win their second game in a row.

Kim Do-Soo (193-F-81) led KT with 17 points, while Cho Sung-Min (197-F-83) added 14.

Game Notes: KCC was assessed a technical foul when they attempted a timeout with none remaining at 1:24 of the 2nd quarter. KCC was without center Ha Seung-Jin (221-C-85) who is still nursing a leg injury. KT's Charles Rhodes (203-F/C-85, college: Mississippi St.) only had 2 rebounds in the game. He scored 12 points. KCC shot 58% from the floor, compared to KT's 44%.

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

TAIWAN

Standings - SBL

SBL Standings

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

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Marcus FIZER
  Taiwan Mobile
  (203-F-78)
  Avg: 23

1. Fizer, Taiwan Mobi.	23.0
2. Johnson, Yulon L.	21.7
3. Broxsie, KKL	21.3
4. Lu, Yulon Luxgen	20.0
5. Chang, Dacin Tigers	18.0
6. Dials, Pure Youth	17.0
7. Lin, Dacin Tigers	17.0
8. Chang, Bank o.	17.0
9. Felix, Dacin Tigers	16.7
10. Shang, KKL	16.0

Rebounds Per Game

Kevin JOHNSON
  Yulon L.
  (201-F-84)
  Avg: 22

1. Johnson, Yulon L.	22.0
2. Broxsie, KKL	14.0
3. Fizer, Taiwan Mobi.	13.0
4. Dials, Pure Youth	13.0
5. Vaudreuil, Bank o.	12.3
6. Felix, Dacin Tigers	12.0
7. Carr, Taiwan Beer	11.0
8. Teng, Taiwan Mobile	11.0
9. Cheng, Taiwan Beer	9.7
10. Hsu, Bank o.	8.0

Assists Per Game

Yi-Chieh SU
  Taiwan Mobile
  (181-PG-87)
  Avg: 5

1. Su, Taiwan Mobile	5.0
2. Chen, Yulon Luxgen	5.0
3. Johnson, Yulon L.	4.3
4. Wu, Taiwan Beer	4.0
5. Hsu, Dacin Tigers	3.7
6. Chen, Pure Youth	3.5
7. Shang, KKL	3.5
8. Chen, Taiwan Mobile	3.0
9. Broxsie, KKL	3.0
10. Hung, KKL	2.7

Steals Per Game

Xiao-Rong CHEN
  Taiwan Mobile
  (197-F-90)
  Avg: 4

1. Chen, Taiwan Mobile	4.0
2. Lin, Bank o.	3.0
3. Creighton, Pure Y.	3.0
4. Lin, Dacin Tigers	2.7
5. Liu, KKL	2.3
6. Yang, Taiwan Beer	2.3
7. Liu, Taiwan Mobile	2.0
8. Chen, Taiwan Beer	2.0
9. Chang, Dacin Tigers	2.0
10. Canopy, Yulon L.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Antoine BROXSIE
  KKL
  (209-F-79)
  Avg: 4.7

1. Broxsie, KKL	4.7
2. Felix, Dacin Tigers	4.3
3. Johnson, Yulon L.	2.0
4. Davis, Pure Youth	1.5
5. Cheng, Taiwan Beer	1.3
6. Carr, Taiwan Beer	1.3
7. Chen, Taiwan Mobile	1.0
8. Fizer, Taiwan Mobi.	1.0
9. Chen, Taiwan Mobile	1.0
10. Lin, Dacin Tigers	0.7

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

TURKEY

Standings - TBL

TBL Standings

1. Anadolu Efes		10-1
2. Fener.Ulker		8-2
3. Galatasaray		8-2
4. Besiktas		8-3
5. Banvit BK		7-3
6. Aliaga		6-4
7. Turk Telekom		6-4
8. Karsiyaka		6-5
9. Tofas		6-5
10. Erdemir		5-5
11. Hacettepe Univ.		5-6
12. Olin Edirne		4-7
13. Mersin		4-7
14. Antalya		1-10
15. Trabzonspor		1-10
16. Bandirma Kir.		0-11

Standings - TB2L

TB2L Standings

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

Stats Leaders - D1

Points Per Game

Deron WILLIAMS
  Besiktas
  (191-PG-84)
  Avg: 19.7

1. Williams, Besiktas	19.7
2. Grundy, Mersin	19.6
3. Gibson, Trabzonspor	19.3
4. Washington, Turk T.	18.4
5. Kemp, Besiktas	18.4
6. Chatman, Karsiyaka	18.1
7. Toolson, Aliaga	17.8
8. Marsh, Hacettep.	17.2
9. Karadeniz, Turk T.	16.7
10. Buckman, Tofas	15.9

Rebounds Per Game

Elton BROWN
  Trabzonspor
  (206-C-83)
  Avg: 12.4

1. Brown, Trabzonspor	12.4
2. Stimac, Olin Edirne	10.3
3. Sanders, Hacett.	9.2
4. Sonkol, Aliaga	8.3
5. Okur, Turk Telekom	8.2
6. Wesson, Erdemir	7.6
7. Stanojevic, Karsi.	7.4
8. McGhee, Bandirma.	7.4
9. Buckman, Tofas	7.2
10. Miller, Bandirma	7.0

Assists Per Game

Baris ERMIS
  Banvit BK
  (194-G-85)
  Avg: 6.6

1. Ermis, Banvit BK	6.6
2. Williams, Besiktas	6.4
3. Chatman, Karsiyaka	6.3
4. Ratkovica, Aliaga	6.3
5. Washington, Turk T.	5.7
6. Tunceri, Anadolu	5.1
7. Wright, Olin Edirne	4.8
8. Senturk, Erdemir	4.8
9. Steele, Tofas	4.7
10. Henderson, Erdemir	4.3

Steals Per Game

Vincent GRIER
  Mersin
  (195-G/F-83)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Grier, Mersin	2.1
2. Ermis, Banvit BK	2.0
3. Chatman, Karsiyaka	1.9
4. Kinsey, Anadolu	1.8
5. Bryan-A., Hacett.	1.8
6. Simmons, Banvit BK	1.6
7. Vujacic, Anadolu	1.6
8. Gordon, Galatasaray	1.5
9. Grundy, Mersin	1.5
10. Cantitiz, Bandirm.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Matthew BRYAN-AMANING
  Hacett.
  (205-F-88)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Bryan-A., Hacett.	1.5
2. Qvale, Aliaga	1.2
3. Erden, Besiktas	1.2
4. Aldemir, Galatasar.	1.0
5. Gist, Fener.Ulker	1.0
6. Peker, Fener.Ulker	0.9
7. Barac, Anadolu Ef.	0.8
8. Guler, Turk T.	0.8
9. Karaman, Karsiyaka	0.8
10. Koc, Tofas	0.8

Fenerbahce Ulker, Anadolu Efes and Galatasaray Medical Park advanced to Euroleague Top 16 - by Baha Kurtulus
The Turkish Airlines Euroleague Top 16 Draw to determine the groups that make up the second phase of competition will take place on Wednesday, December 28, 2011, at Mediapro Auditorium in Barcelona, Spain.
The draw marks the next step for the 16 teams on the road to the 2012 Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four in Istanbul.
The games of the Top 16 round will be played on Wednesdays and Thursdays between January 18 and March 1.
The best two teams from each Top 16 group will move on to the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Playoffs, a best-of-five series to be played between March 21 and April 5.
The playoff winners progress to European basketballs biggest stage, the 2012 Final Four, from May 11 to 13 at Istanbuls Sinan Erdem Arena, where this season's Euroleague Basketball champion will be crowned.
The draw will be held according to seeds. The 16 classified teams will be divided into four seeds of four teams each, based on their final standings in the Regular Season, according to the following chart:

1 SEEDS: Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul-CSKA Moscow-Real Madrid-FC Barcelona Regal
2 SEEDS: Olympiacos-Panathinaikos-Maccabi Electra-Montepaschi Siena
3 SEEDS: Bennet Cantu-Unicaja Malaga-Anadolu Efes Istanbul-Unics Kazan
4 SEEDS: Gescrap BB-Zalgiris-EA7 Emporio Armani-Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul

Courtesy of www.euroleague.net

TB2L Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Tyrone NELSON
  Akhisar Bld
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 22.2

1. Nelson, Akhisar Bld	22.2
2. Gray, Baskent	21.4
3. Jackson, Balikesir	20.0
4. Waller, Gaziantep	19.8
5. Harris, Usak	19.6
6. Pilgrim, Pamukkale	19.1
7. Delic, Genc Telekom	19.0
8. Senol, Pamukkale	16.6
9. Sevda, Baskent	16.3
10. Can, Pertevniyal	15.5

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Jackson, Balikesir	11.8
2. Gray, Baskent	11.2
3. Pilgrim, Pamukkale	10.8
4. Kolaric, Istanbul.	10.8
5. Nelson, Akhisar Bld	10.3
6. Pastal, Usak	9.3
7. Can, Pertevniyal	9.2
8. Ozdemir, Vestel	7.6
9. Okkali, Final Genc.	7.6
10. Barnies, Istanbul.	7.5

Assists Per Game

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

1. Kan, Istanbulspor	6.2
2. Eryuz, Gaziantep	6.1
3. Rizvanoglu, Genc T.	5.8
4. Kavaklioglu, Optim.	5.8
5. Bayraktar, Tire G.	5.5
6. Eris, Istanbul B.B.	5.4
7. Harris, Usak	5.2
8. Senol, Pamukkale	4.8
9. Yolcu, Baskent	4.6
10. Yikilmaz, Pertevn.	4.5

Steals Per Game

Matthew PILGRIM
  Pamukkale
  (203-F-87)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Pilgrim, Pamukkale	2.8
2. Yavuklu, Basken.	2.3
3. Okkali, Final Genc.	2.2
4. Nelson, Akhisar Bld	2.1
5. Mentese, Gelisim	2.0
6. Carter, Vestel	2.0
7. Harris, Usak	2.0
8. Jackson, Balikesir	2.0
9. Rizvanoglu, Genc T.	1.9
10. Ufuk Kacar, Selcu.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Matthew PILGRIM
  Pamukkale
  (203-F-87)
  Avg: 1.3

1. Pilgrim, Pamukkale	1.3
2. Washington, Gelisim	1.3
3. Gray, Baskent	1.2
4. Delic, Genc Telekom	1.2
5. Brown, TED I.	1.1
6. Boswell, Tire Gucu	1.1
7. Kolaric, Istanbul.	1.1
8. Nelson, Akhisar Bld	1.0
9. Balto, Darussafaka	1.0
10. Carter, Vestel	1.0

Maliye Milli Piyango sign Tolga Tekinalp - by Eurobasket Center
Maliye Milli Piyango (TB2L) signed 37-year old Turkish forward Tolga Tekinalp (202-F-74). In his first game he scored 7 points and grabbed 7 rebounds helping his new team beat Istanbul B.B. 90-68. Tekinalp played most recently at ITU Istanbul (D3). While playing 22 games for ITU last season his stats were: 17.6ppg (5th best in the league), 7.8rpg, 2.2apg and 1.1spg. A very impressive season as he was selected to Eurobasket.com All-Turkish TB2L Honorable Mention. Tekinalp is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in China, France and Sweden.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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VTB UNITED LEAGUE

Chester Simmons gets MVP of the Week award for VTB United League - by Eurobasket News
American Chester Simmons (198-G-82, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices) had an amazing evening in the last round for CEZ Nymburk and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 13.
The 29-year old guard had the game-high 35 points adding seven rebounds for CEZ Nymburk in his team's victory, helping them to beat Minsk-2006 (#9, 0-7), the league's bottom-ranked team 92-84. CEZ Nymburk is placed at 7th position in VTB United League . CEZ Nymburk is rather a weak team placed in lower part in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 3-5 record. In the team's last game Simmons had a remarkable 60.0% from 2-point range. It's his second year at CEZ Nymburk and it's hard to imagine this team without him. The University of Washington graduate has very impressive stats this year. Simmons is in league's top in points (3rd best: 19.6ppg) and averages solid 59.1% FGP and 41.9% from behind 3-point line.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 25-year old forward Aliaksei Trastsinetski (200-F-86) of Minsk-2006. Trastsinetski impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds. Bad luck as Minsk-2006 lost that game 84-92 to slightly higher-ranked CEZ Nymburk (#7, 3-5). Minsk-2006 managed to keep the same 9th spot in the standings. 7 lost games are too many considering they did not win any game. Trastsinetski is well-known by Minsk-2006 fans and he already established his position as one of team's most reliable players.

The third best performed player last round was American Ricky Minard (196-F/G-82) of Azovmash (#5). Minard scored 15 points and grabbed six rebounds. He was a key player of Azovmash, leading his team to a 95-74 easy win against the lower-ranked Enisey (#8, 2-5). Azovmash needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 4 victories and 4 lost games. Minard has a very solid season. In 6 games in VTB United League he scored 13.5ppg. He also has 2.7spg and FGP: 50.9%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Elmedin Kikanovic (210-C-88) of Enisey - 15 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Brion Rush (186-G-84) of Krasnie Krilya - 20 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Ivan Paunic (194-G-87) of N.Novgorod - 16 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Ernest Bremer (194-G-80) of N.Novgorod - 11 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists
8. Kresimir Loncar (210-F-83) of Khimky - 20 points and 5 rebounds
9. Vitaly Fridzon (195-G-85) of Khimky - 17 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists
10. Artur Drozdov (199-G-80) of Azovmash - 14 points and 3 rebounds

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

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Women News

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EL SALVADOR - Women

UTEC wins female league - by Jaime Arevalo
The team named Universidad Tecnologica (UTEC) claimed the Salvadorean First Division-Copa Gatorade 2011 by defeating 2-0 in Final Series Survivor.
Game 1 ended 75-72 and was very close, the decisive Game 2 was very battled it too, and ended 73-71. In both the games was decisive the superior playing experience of the UTEC veterans.
Gladis Maravilla (188-C-85) was the woman of the game, with agreat presence under the boards and 21 points scored at the end. Even Jessica Bautista (83), Lorena Simon (174-F-81) and Vanessa Heredia (185-C-82) performed well at the winning side
Monica Calderon (178-F-91) score 25 points for Survivor, being the Game 2 top scorer in losing effort.