Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 12/9/2011

Copyright � 1997-2011 Eurobasket
WARNING:
Do not copy, redistribute, publish or otherwise exploit information that you download from the site!
Do not encumber, license, modify, publish, sell, transfer or transmit, or in any way exploit, any of the
content of the report, nor will you attempt to do so.
More info:www.eurobasket.com

Men News

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

ABA

Standings

ABA Standings

Atlantic South
1. Athens R.		2-0
2. Atlanta E.		2-0
3. Heartland H.		2-0
4. Atlanta Aliens		0-0
5. Florida T.		0-0
6. Georgia G.		0-0
7. Jacksonville		0-0
8. Orlando Kings		0-0
9. Savannah Storm		0-0
10. Seminole A.		0-0
11. Tampa		0-0
12. Columbus R.		0-1
13. E.Point Jaguars		0-5
California NW
1. Central Valley T.		3-0
2. Seattle M.		3-0
3. S.Francisco R.		2-0
4. Bay Area M.		2-1
5. Richmond R.		2-2
6. Anchorage		0-0
7. California SK		0-0
8. Chico Rage		0-0
9. E.Bay Pitbulls		0-0
10. Modesto H.		0-0
11. Port City P.		0-0
12. Washington R.		0-0
13. Sacramento H.		0-3
California South
1. Arizona S.		7-1
2. San Diego Sol		3-1
3. San Diego S.		1-4
4. LA Slam		0-0
5. Riverside R.		0-0
6. SoCal Swish		0-1
7. Las Vegas A.		0-2
8. Shizuoka G.		0-3
Colonial
1. NoVa Wonders		2-1
2. Richmond E.		2-4
3. E.Kentucky En.		0-0
4. Norfolk Sh.		0-0
5. Seven Cities		0-0
6. W.Virginia B.		0-0
7. Lynchburg L.		0-1
8. Portsmouth C.		0-2
Great Lake
1. Chicago Steam		2-0
2. Milwaukee B.		2-0
3. Chi-Town B.		0-0
4. Indy S.		0-0
5. Midwest Flames		0-0
6. Oshkosh		0-0
7. Chicago F.		0-1
8. Cleveland H.		0-1
9. Porter County P.		0-1
Mid Atlantic
1. Carolina C.		6-1
2. East Carolina T.		3-1
3. Nashville S.		2-0
4. Carolina Ch.		2-2
5. South Calif. W.		1-0
6. Carolina J.		1-3
7. Tennessee MH		0-1
8. Clarksville C.		0-2
9. Fayetteville F.		0-3
Mid Central
1. Dayton G.		0-0
2. Detroit Hoops		0-0
3. Flint Fire		0-0
4. Greencastle GK		0-0
5. Indianapolis		0-0
6. Lansing L.		0-0
7. Lima Explosion		0-0
8. Michiana M.		0-2
Northeast
1. Connecticut T.		2-0
2. Jersey Expr.		2-1
3. Conn. Chill		0-0
4. NY Red Riders		0-0
5. NYC Thunder		0-0
6. Rochester		0-0
7. Syracuse SW		0-0
8. New York Ch.		0-1
9. Island Vipers		0-2
Panhandle
1. Gulf Coast F.		2-0
2. Louisiana U.P.		0-0
3. Mobile Bay H.		0-0
4. Panama City D.		0-0
Rocky Mountain
1. Colorado K.		8-0
2. Colorado C.		4-4
3. Crusaders		2-4
4. Wyoming R.		0-4
South Central
1. Conway C.		7-0
2. Bluff City R.		5-0
3. Little Rock L.		1-0
4. St.Louis P.		0-0
5. Missouri R.		0-3
6. Delta S.		0-4
7. N.E. Arkansas		0-5
South West
1. North Dallas		5-0
2. Texas Fuel		4-1
3. Dallas Impact		1-2
4. Oklahoma		1-3
5. Houston R.S.		0-0
6. N.Texas F.		0-0
7. Team Havok		0-0
8. West Texas W.		0-2
Touring Team
1. Team Haiti		0-1

Chicago Steam team roster - by Gianni Pascucci
This down is the 2011-12 full roster of the Chicago Steam, a traditional ABA powerhouse, even this season at the top of the league Power Rankings. Carl White (6'0''-G-83) is the quarterback, Sam Mack (6'7''-G/F-70, college: Houston) is the do-it-all veteran, Japanese Kouki Matsuda (G-90) and Lithuanian Sarunas Skadas (6'9''-C/F-81, college: Lewis) (6'9''-F/C-81) supplie the international flavour

Jeremy CALAHAN G 6-4 Harper CC
Justin CERASOLI G/F 6-5 Loyola (IL) '09
Shelly CLARK F/C 6-9 Illinois '95
David ELMORE G 6-1 Iowa State
Reginald 'GEORGE C 6-10 Robert Morris (IL) '07
Eddie KIING F 6-6 Nebraska-Omaha '02
Sam MACK F 6-6 Houston'92
Kouki MATSUDA G 6-2 JAPAN
James MORGAN G 6-3 Hirsh HS (IL)
Curtis MOSLEY G 6-1 Missouri-Rolla '09
Andre MUSE G/F 6-5 Quincy'08
Sarunas SKADAS F/C 6-9 Lewis '04
Jarrett STARWOOD G/F 6-3 Waubonsee CC
Mike STOVALL G/F 6-5 DePaul '11
Carl WHITE G 6-0 Illinois-Chicago'08

Owner/Head Coach: Ron Hicks

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

ACPBL

Manhattan Pride roster unveiled - by Gianni Pascucci
Meet here down the official roster of the Manhattan Pride, as was sent to Usbasket.com by the team staff. Paul Flowers (6'2''-G-85, college: Mercy) joins the team after a season start in the ABA. The Pride felt to the Hartford Lightning, 104-157 in season opener, on December 3rd 2011. Ethan Kennedy (6'7''-G/F-87, college: Felician) led the scoring in losing effort with 27 points and 6 rebounds. Mike Liander (6'4''-F) added 20 points. The official website is at www.manhattanpride.com

Justin BRIGHT G, 6-1
Brendan CALLAHAN G, 6-0
Kareem CORPREW F, 6-6 Globe Tech JC '09
Paul FLOWERS G, 6-2 Mercy '08
Ethan KENNEDY G/F, 6-7 Felician '09
Richard LETREN C, 6-11 Jamestown CC
Mike LIANDER F, 6-4 Queens (NY) '09
William MODESTE G, 6-1 Polytechnic '05
Jared NOWELL G/F, 6-3
Duke PERRY F, 6-8
Corey RILEY F, 6-4
Alonzo ROBINSON G, 6-1
Kevin WALLACE F, 6-6 Maryland-Eastern Shore '00
Sam WALLACE C, 6-10 Elizabeth City '09
Rell WATSON G/F, 6-3

Head Coach: Cliff Morgan

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

ADRIATIC LEAGUE

In Memoriam: Mirza Delibasic (1954-2001) - by Sead Buljina
It's been ten years since Bosnian best player ever and FIBA Hall of Fame member, Mirza Delibasic Kindje passed away. He started playing organized basketball at Sloboda, Tuzla. An route to a place among the European greatest players, Delibasic has won everything there was to win including Olympic gold in 1980, silver in 1976, World Championship gold in 1978 and European gold three times in addition to many titles in European club competitions.
In 1979 Mirza Delibasic 'Kindje' led Bosna, Sarajevo to winning the Euroleague (European Champions' Cup back then). In the process Delibasic has won two Yugoslavian championships in 1978 and 1980 along with two National Cups. After being named the best player of the former SFRJ in 1980, Mirza Delibasic moved to Real Madrid, Spain. He was the first non-American foreign player brought by mighty Real. During his time in Real, Kindje won Spanish championship in 1982 and World club's championship in 1981. Along with Wayne Brabender, Drazen Petrovic and Arvydas Sabonis, Delibasic is considered to be one of the best players ever to play for the 'royal club'.
Mirza Delibasic had to quit playing basketball too early, but he had already achieved more than most others who have played much longer. He was Bosnian athlete of the year four times. In 2000 Mirza Delibasic was named the best Bosnian athlete of the 20th Century and in 2007 inducted into the FIBA European Hall of Fame.

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

AUSTRIA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Stjepan STAZIC
  BC Vienna
  (199-G-78)
  Avg: 26.2

1. Stazic, BC Vienna	26.2
2. Wade, Arkadia	24.4
3. Booker, St.Polten	23.0
4. Reed, Oberwart	21.5
5. Shavies, Furstenf.	19.0
6. Djuric, Gussing	18.7
7. Drenovac, Arkadia	18.2
8. Rakocevic, BC Vi.	18.1
9. Bobb, Klosterneub.	17.7
10. Suljanovic, Klost.	17.2

Rebounds Per Game

Zarko RAKOCEVIC
  BC Vi.
  (204-F-84)
  Avg: 12.9

1. Rakocevic, BC Vi.	12.9
2. Werner, Wels	9.1
3. Reed, Oberwart	8.4
4. Skurdauskas, Arkad.	8.3
5. Suljanovic, Kloste.	7.5
6. Oppland, Gmunden	7.5
7. Heard, Gussing	7.3
8. Shaw, Oberwart	6.8
9. Nelson, Kapfenberg	6.7
10. Bakovic, St.Polten	6.7

Assists Per Game

Jeremy FEARS
  Kapfenberg
  (196-G-85)
  Avg: 5.9

1. Fears, Kapfenberg	5.9
2. Lanegger, Klostern.	5.1
3. Schreiner, Kapfe.	5.1
4. Danek, Arkadia	5.1
5. Stazic, BC Vienna	5.0
6. Klepeisz, Gussing	4.8
7. Shavies, Furstenf.	4.6
8. Curry, Gmunden	4.3
9. Rakocevic, BC Vi.	4.2
10. Miletic, BC Vienna	3.8

Steals Per Game

Anthony SHAVIES
  Furstenf.
  (191-G-83)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Shavies, Furstenf.	2.5
2. Pryor, Wels	2.4
3. Fears, Kapfenberg	2.4
4. Brown, Wels	2.1
5. Schreiner, Kapfe.	1.9
6. Curry, Gmunden	1.6
7. Wade, Arkadia	1.5
8. Koch, Gussing	1.5
9. Hollins, Oberwart	1.5
10. Jandl, Oberwart	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Zarko RAKOCEVIC
  BC Vi.
  (204-F-84)
  Avg: 3.4

1. Rakocevic, BC Vi.	3.4
2. Ware, Furstenfeld	1.3
3. Francois, BC Vienna	0.8
4. Brown, Wels	0.8
5. Skurdauskas, Arkad.	0.8
6. Greimeister, Klost.	0.7
7. Shaw, Oberwart	0.7
8. Pryor, Wels	0.5
9. Koch, Gussing	0.5
10. Sallomon, Kloster.	0.5

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

BALTIC LEAGUE

Standings - Men

Baltic League Standings

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

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Denzel BOWLES
  Siauliai
  (208-F/C-89)
  Avg: 20

1. Bowles, Siauliai	20.0
2. Laksa, Barsy Atyr.	19.5
3. Kalve, Valmiera	19.1
4. Krumins, Jelgava	18.8
5. Barinov, Naglis P.	18.6
6. Pilk, TT.	17.5
7. Hallik, Tarvas	17.0
8. Soo, Rapla	16.4
9. Mayo, Liepaja	16.2
10. Amis, Tartu Uliko.	16.2

Rebounds Per Game

Raido RINGMETS
  Rapla
  (206-C/F-83)
  Avg: 9.1

1. Ringmets, Rapla	9.1
2. Nelson, Jelgava	8.8
3. Arnold, TT.	8.7
4. Mednis, Turiba	8.7
5. Galdikas, Neptunas	8.6
6. Johnson, Naglis P.	8.4
7. Willard, Ventspils	7.7
8. Benn, Naglis Palan.	7.6
9. McClure, Kedainiai	7.6
10. Rozitis, Valmiera	7.5

Assists Per Game

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

1. Stasys, Neptunas	6.7
2. Maceina, Juventus	6.5
3. Broadus, Siauliai	6.3
4. Rinkevicius, Nagli.	5.5
5. Dainys, Neptunas	4.8
6. Dorbek, Tarvas	4.8
7. Kulagin, Triumph	4.4
8. Strelnieks, Ventsp.	4.3
9. Peciukeviciu., Sak.	4.3
10. Sokk, Tartu Uliko.	4.2

Steals Per Game

Erik KEEDUS
  TT.
  (194-F-90)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Keedus, TT.	2.3
2. Virsis, Valmiera	2.3
3. Salenga, Rudupis	2.1
4. Oja, Tarvas	2.0
5. Hughes, Pieno Z.	2.0
6. Benn, Naglis Palan.	1.8
7. Peciukas, Kedainiai	1.8
8. Krumins, Jelgava	1.8
9. Rinkevicius, Nagli.	1.8
10. Kriisa, Tarvas	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Dane JOHNSON
  Naglis P.
  (208-C-86)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Johnson, Naglis P.	2.4
2. Gumeniuk, Juventus	2.3
3. Masiulis, Kedainiai	2.0
4. Rozitis, Valmiera	2.0
5. Staniulis, Techasas	1.4
6. Toome, Kalev/Cramo	1.3
7. Kurtsevich, Trium.	1.2
8. Petrukonis, Juven.	1.0
9. Keedus, TT.	1.0
10. Bowles, Siauliai	0.9

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

BELARUS

Premier League round 9 best performance: Dmitri Akulich - by Eurobasket News
Former international guard Dmitri Akulich (192-G-86) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Rubon, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 9.
The 25-year old player was the main contributor (24 points, three rebounds and eight assists) to his team's victory, helping them to crush BGUIR-RTI (#6, 2-6) with 22-point margin 91-69. Rubon maintains the 4th position in Premier League. Rubon 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 3-4 record. In the team's last game Akulich had a remarkable 57.1% from 2-point range and got five three-pointers out of 7 attempts. It was one of impressive evenings for him as usually he does not deliver so high stats. Dmitri Akulich has solid league stats. He is in league's top in assists (3rd best: 4.8apg) and averages impressive 41.2% from behind 3-point line. Worth to mention Akulich played also at Eurobasket Summer League, which helped him get the job in pro basketball.

The second best player in last round's games was young Kiril Sitnik (190-G-89) of SBK Osipovichi. Sitnik had a very good evening with 27 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Bad luck as SBK Osipovichi lost that game 63-105 to slightly higher-ranked Grodno-93 (#2, 8-1). It was definitely game of the week between two contenders to the title. SBK Osipovichi still maintains its place in the top 3 of the standings, even despite this loss. His team's 4-4 record is not bad at all. Sitnik is a newcomer at SBK Osipovichi, but is already one of team's top players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 22.8ppg (#1). His other stats are also decent: 5.8rpg and 3.5apg.

Third on the list of top players last round was Lithuanian forward Ronaldas Rutkauskas (203-F-92) of Minsk-2006 II (#5). Rutkauskas scored 19 points and grabbed ten rebounds. He was a key player of Minsk-2006 II, leading his team to a 78-70 win against Sozh Gomel (#7, 0-7). Minsk-2006 II can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have rather bad season and 2-5 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Rutkauskas he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Rutkauskas has individually a great season in Belarus. After only 7 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 20.4ppg (2nd best) and rebounds with 8.6rpg (3rd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Kanstantin Yafremov (202-F-86) of Grodno-93 - 20 points and 2 assists
5. Vladimir Krisevich (210-C) of Minsk-2006 II - 19 points and 8 rebounds
6. Evgeni Ivanov (202-G/F-84) of Grodno-93 - 13 points and 5 rebounds
7. Igor Konuyshenko (196-G/F-86) of Grodno-93 - 14 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists
8. Igor Drobyshevskiy (206-C-93) of Sozh Gomel - 23 points and 4 rebounds
9. Genniadiy Zakhar (198-F/G-92) of BGUIR-RTI - 14 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Andrei Mastou (202-F-84) of Grodno-93 - 8 points and 5 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)

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

BELGIUM

Oostende News - by Peter Buyse
Telenet Oostende announces on their website the departure of their topscorer Jason Rich (191-G-86). According to the press releases Rich told the team management he no longer wishes to play for them and has been released in mutual agreement. At present Rich was the team's leading scorer and nr 4 scorer in the Ethias league with 15.3 ppg. He also averaged 3.1 rpg and 2.7 apg. This was his first year in Belgium after having played in Israel the past 2 seasons for Hapoel Jerusalem and Maccabi Haifa.

Belgacom Spirou beats Partizan 84-79 - by Eurobasket News
Belgacom Spirou - Partizan 84-79

Belgacom Spirou Charleroi was better than Partizan 84-79 in Round Eight of the Euroleague regular season. It is the second win for Belgian champions in Group C. Partizan dropped to 4-4, but still has a good chance to reach Top 16. Demond Mallet (186-G-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: McNeese St.) led the hosts in scoring with 22 points. Tornike Shengelia (207-F-91) followed him with 17 and Christopher Hill (191-G-83, college: Michigan St.) added two less. In Partizan, Acie Law (190-G-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: Texas A&M) delivered 22 points. Milan Macvan (206-C-89, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) had double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds, while Miroslav Raduljica (213-C-88) added 10 pts and 5 boards for 13 minutes on the court. It was an exciting meeting and Charleroi players shined when it mattered most to take this one. Quarters: 13-18, 24-20, 32-23, 15-18. In the next round, Charleroi will play against Armani Jeans in Milano. Partizan goes to Madrid.

Belgacom Spirou: Demond Mallet 22, Tornike Shengelia 17, Christopher Hill 15
Partizan: Acie Law 22, Milan Macvan 10+12 boards, Miroslav Raduljica 10+5 boards

Spirou Charleroi denies Partizan Belgrade Top 16 berth - by Bert Larsimont
Around 350 Partizan supporters coming from France, Germany and Belgium had met at the Spiroudome in Charleroi to make much noise on December 8th, 2011. The Partizan fans were already singing and cheering 45 minutes before the start of the game and they kept doing so until the end of the match-up between Belgacom Spirou of Coach Giovanni Bozzi and BC Partizan MT:S Beograd of Vlada Jovanovic .

Belgacom Spirou quickly took the lead: 11-4 under the lead of both US players Demond Mallet (186-G-78, college: McNeese St.) and Andre Riddick (208-C-73, college: Kentucky). The Belgian side could not hold the advantage by the end of the first quarter. Miroslav Raduljica (213-C-88) and Milan Macvan (206-C-89) led their team in a nice come-back: 13-18 after 10 minutes. Demond Mallet and Caleb Green (203-F-85, college: ORU) finished the quarter with a bad selection of missed shots.

Just like last week's game against Efes Istanbul, Spirou had a poor start in the second quarter. Serbian duo Dragan Milosavljevic (198-G-89) and Dusan Kecman (197-F-77) were well present in offense and gave a very large lead to their team: 17-30. Spirou's ex-NBA player Jiri Welsch (201-F-80), excellent through the whole game, gave a wake-up call to his mates by scoring at 19-30. Partizan's center Rasko Katic (208-C-80) and Spirou's US forward Caleb Green were nervous and that made the sparks fly. Spirou was back in the race: 25-32 when Coach Jovanovic took a time-out. Thanks to a better defense, Spirou even came closer. After the Partizan's intimidator Rasko Katic hit and sent Randy Oveneke (201-F-86) back on the bench with a knee injury, Demond Mallet got 'on fire' and brought his team back at 37-38 at half-time.

As soon as the third quarter started, Mallet continued to score for Spirou and Partizan's center Miroslav Raduljica fouled for the fourth time. Tornike Shengelia (207-F-91), Demond Mallet and Jiri Welsch boosted the Spirou side and it was suddenly 47-41. But Acie Law (190-G-85, college: Texas A&M) also go 'on fire' for the Serbian team and helped his team make 47-48 later on. Spirou players Demond Mallet, Caleb Green, Tornike Shengelia and Christopher Hill (191-G-83, college: Michigan St.) reacted well and showed power. Despite Rasko Katic's reaction in offense (two easy baskets in the paint) and Dusan Kecman's long-range shooting for Partizan, Spirou were ahead at the end of the third quarter: 69-61.

The fourth quarter began with a brawl between two big players at 72-67: Andre Riddick on the Spirou side and Miroslav Raduljica on the Partizan one. Mates quickly put an end to this situation and referees decided to give a technical foul to each player (Raduljica's fifth foul!). Katic made 72-73. But Katic's physical plays were not enough as Shengelja (from the free-throw line) and Hill (a three-pointer with a bonus) gave a nice lead to Spirou: 78-73 with less than 5 minutes to go in the game. Despite last Partizan efforts by Law, Coach Bozzi's men managed well the last minutes of play. They outscored their opponents 5-2 from the free-throw line to finally win the game 84-79.

Partizan fans stopped singing and everyone got home happy after an excellent game of basketball. Belgacom Spirou's success will nevertheless not be enough to qualify for the next round. Partizan will have to win again to qualify.

Best scorers:

Spirou: Christopher Hill 15, Jiri Welsch 13, Demond Mallet 22 and Tornike Shengelja 17.
Partizan: Acie Law 22, Dusan Kecman 10, Rasko Katic 10, Milan Macvan 10, Miroslav Raduljica 10.

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

BOSNIA

Edin Bavcic signs at KAO Dramas - by Eurobasket Center
KAO Dramas signed 27-year old Bosnia and Herzegovina international power forward Edin Bavcic (210-F/C-110kg-84, agency: Beo Basket) who was released two days ago by Vanoli-Braga Cremona (Italy). While playing 3 games for Vanoli CR this season he averaged 3.0ppg and 3.7rpg. Bavcic is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Germany, Italy, Slovenia, Turkey, Ukraine and Bosnia. Bavcic played for Bosnia and Herzegovina senior national team this year. He represented Bosnia at the European Championships in Lithuania where in 5 games his stats were 1.8ppg, 2.4rpg

In Memoriam: Mirza Delibasic (1954-2001) - by Sead Buljina
It's been ten years since Bosnian best player ever and FIBA Hall of Fame member, Mirza Delibasic Kindje passed away. He started playing organized basketball at Sloboda, Tuzla. An route to a place among the European greatest players, Delibasic has won everything there was to win including Olympic gold in 1980, silver in 1976, World Championship gold in 1978 and European gold three times in addition to many titles in European club competitions.
In 1979 Mirza Delibasic 'Kindje' led Bosna, Sarajevo to winning the Euroleague (European Champions' Cup back then). In the process Delibasic has won two Yugoslavian championships in 1978 and 1980 along with two National Cups. After being named the best player of the former SFRJ in 1980, Mirza Delibasic moved to Real Madrid, Spain. He was the first non-American foreign player brought by mighty Real. During his time in Real, Kindje won Spanish championship in 1982 and World club's championship in 1981. Along with Wayne Brabender, Drazen Petrovic and Arvydas Sabonis, Delibasic is considered to be one of the best players ever to play for the 'royal club'.
Mirza Delibasic had to quit playing basketball too early, but he had already achieved more than most others who have played much longer. He was Bosnian athlete of the year four times. In 2000 Mirza Delibasic was named the best Bosnian athlete of the 20th Century and in 2007 inducted into the FIBA European Hall of Fame.

Parezanin and Zrinjski part ways - by Nedzad Kladusak
After only 11 rounds of the Bosnian championship Zrinjski and Dejan Parezanin agreed to part their ways.
The management of Zrinjski pointed out that former KK Bosna coach Parezanin did a good job but the sensational defeat of Zrinsjki against
Vogosca seems to have selad the fate of Parezanin. Parezanin announced two weeks ago to reinforce the young roster with sounding names like NT center Ermin Jazvin (210-C-80, agency: Alti Sport) and NT forward Mujo Tuljkovic but it seems that the management wasn t willing to bring further reinforcements.

Bosna ASA BHT extends winning streak to nine - by Eurobasket News
Round Ten of the Bosnian top division was played last weekend. No surprise as Bosna ASA BHT registered its ninth straight win keeping the first place in the standings (9-0). The Sarajevo team celebrated 64-75 road victory against Servitium. Dzenan Rahimic (204-C/F-74) led the winners with 26 points and 7 rebounds.
There was also a derby game between No.2 Igokea and No.3 Capljina in the last round. Igokea registered easy 68-47 home win for 8-1 record. Milan Dozet (204-SF-79) scored 13 pts for the hosts. Marko Jagodic Kuridza (204-C-87) had double-double of 17 points and 18 rebounds in defeat.
Leotar grabbed 68-81 road win against Zrinjski in this round and Borac Nektar blasted Vogosca 97-67. Varda was better than Hercegovac 70-64 and Celik handed 78-55 loss to Brotnjo.
Round 11 is scheduled for the next weekend.

D1 Standings
1. Bosna 9-0
2. Igokea 8-1
3. Capljina 7-3
4. Leotar 6-3
5. Mladost 5-4
6. Varda HE 5-4
7. Hercegovac 4-5
8. Borac Nektar 4-5
9. Zrinjski HT 4-6
10. Brotnjo 3-7
11. Servitium 2-7
12. Celik 2-7
13. Vogosca 1-8

Happy Holidays - by Marcel Jones

First and foremost I would like to wish everyone across the globe a Happy Holidays and hopefully you get to spend this Holiday season with people you care about. This time of year, it is important to be grateful for the things you have and personally speaking I am truly grateful for my health among other things. It might seem like a small thing in this big world but being healthy in competitive sports is half the battle.

Since my last blog, we have had a few losses that have been unfortunate and hard to explain. Basketball is a team sport and you must respect the game of basketball otherwise you will not get out of it what you want. The season thus far has been a bit of a disappointment with the way we lose our games and with losses usually comes blame on someone or something. I am not the kind of person to ever blame a coach because at the end of the day, its our responsibility as professional players to shoot rebound and play defense in order to come away with the victory. But our management and coach decided to mutually part ways. I want to wish him the best of luck with his future endeavors. It is big news around our team because we have been playing so hard but just not coming up with the results. The coach has definitely made us a better team on and off the court but sometimes the results just dont come and in this business, results are all that matters. So we will move forward and try to put a string of wins together.

On a personal note, I would like to wish a very Happy Birthday to my Mother. She seems to get younger with every passing birthday.

It is better to Give rather than Receive.

Until Next time,

Marcel

Micic comes back to Union Olimpija Ljubljana - by Eurobasket Center
Union Olimpija Ljubljana strengthened their roster with addition of 18-year old Bosnia and Herzegovina swingman Djordje Micic (200-F/G-93). Its actually Micics comeback to Union Olimpija as he played here before. However his new team lost to Asseco Prokom 52-67. Micic played most recently at TTHcast Mercator Skofja Loka (Telemach League). While playing 8 games for LTHcast Mercator this season he averaged 2.1ppg and 1.4rpg. Micic helped them to make it to the semifinals. He played for Bosnia and Herzegovina U16 national team until 2009. Micic represented Bosnia at the Slovenian U18 Championships Semifinals this year.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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

BRAZIL

Ismar Neto back in Brasilia - by Paulo Freire
The point guard Ismar Neto (191-G-87) is back in the capital of Brazil, the Uniceub/BRB/Brasilia city.
After a couple of years playing in the United States at the JUCO Labatte and the NAIA Lindsey Wilson team, the brazilian player is back on the team that revel him to basketball.
At Uniceub/BRB/Brasilia team, Ismar will be able to help point guard Nezinho, that only has a really young player Raphael de Oliveira as a back up player.
Ismar is now more experience and will have the chance to prove himself at the top level competition in Brazil, the NBB.

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

CANADA

Miracles not considering any major changes - by Eurobasket News
Moncton Miracles head coach and general manager Mike Evans acknowledges that teams are phoning him to discuss trade possibilities.

'Everybody loves Andrew Francis,' he said. 'He's the big item on everybody's list. We're not going to make any moves that involve him at this time. We're holding onto him. We hope that he continues to develop into what we think he's capable of becoming.'

Francis, a 6-foot-7 small forward, has been one of the bright spots on a Moncton squad that's last in the National Basketball League of Canada at 0-10.

The Houston native is third on the Miracles in scoring with an average of 13.20 points per game. He leads the club in both field goal shooting percentage (.485) and steals per game (1.40), he's second in rebounds per game (6.50) and ranks third in blocks per game (0.60).

Francis ranks 14th in the league in both field goal shooting percentage and steals per game and 12th in rebounds per game. He's putting up good numbers despite playing on a team that's worst in the league both offensively and defensively.

Moncton has played seven of 10 games on the road and it has suffered four losses by five points or less. It will return to action against the Saint John Mill Rats on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Moncton Coliseum.

Saint John traded seven-foot centre David Collins and 6-foot-4 shooting guard Jerome Brown to the Oshawa Power yesterday in exchange for 6-foot-8 power forward Kevin Francis.

Brown and Collins weren't getting regular playing time with the Mill Rats. Francis, their new acquisition, averaged 11.9 points and 6.5 rebounds per game with Oshawa.

Moncton is trying to resist pressing the panic button and looking for a quick fix. Evans talks about the importance of avoiding Band-Aid trades that will help the club in the short term, but hurt long term.

'Our biggest problem is the interior,' he said in reference to the Miracles lack of big inside presence. 'We're looking for the right fit. We're not going to put just anybody in there.

'We have a good group of guys who work hard and their attitudes are very good. We have some speed, skill and athleticism. We need to get a little more size and girth inside. He doesn't have to be a seven footer, but we need some more girth.'

Moncton is coming off a 105-94 loss to the Halifax Rainmen on Sunday. The Miracles are 0-3 under Evans and they're now in the midst of an opportune eight-day break before their next contest.

'We've got some offensive sets that we have to put in,' said Evans. 'We have some defensive concepts that we have to get in. Some of these offensive and defensive concepts are there now, but we have to recognize them better and keep working on them.'

Moncton has released five players from the 12-man roster it had in the regular season opener. There could be more change coming given that two newcomers, George Fudge and Sylvania Watkins, practised with the club for the first time last night.

Fudge and Watkins, who haven't yet signed a contract, are here for a tryout.

'When you're a team that's struggling everybody's calling to see if you want players,' said Evans. 'Teams are calling to discuss trades. I'm getting calls from agents who are looking for a spot for their guys to play. We're struggling to get our first win and everybody thinks they have the guy that can help us do that.

'There are players out there in different scenarios. There are guys outside North America who may not be happy. You might have a guy who's not getting paid because of the European economy. You might have guys that want to come to North America and be closer to home.'

Courtesy of http://timestranscrpt.canadaeast.com

Oshawa Power release EJ Kusnyer - by Eurobasket News
The Oshawa Power have released guard E.J. Kusnyer (6'5''-G-86, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Mercer) from their roster.

Up next for the Oshawa Power (5-6) are three straight games against the London Lightning (9-2).

Thursday Dec 8 at 7:30 p.m. they play at the GM Centre. Then on Saturday December 10 it's a 7:00 p.m. tilt on the road in London at the John Labatt Centre. Finally, it's back to Oshawa on Sunday December 11 at 2 p.m. at the GM Centre.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Mill Rats guard gets another shot in NBA - by Eurobasket News
Saint John Mill Rats starter Will Blalock (6'0''-PG-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Iowa St.) has earned an invitation to a National Basketball Association camp with the Charlotte Bobcats.

The 6-foot point guard expects to leave Saint John Thursday to prepare for camp, which opens Friday for all NBA teams.

'My agent called and said they were looking for a third point guard out of vet camp and they called my name so I'm going to go out there and show myself and see if I can get back in the NBA,' said Blalock, who will be competing for a spot behind veteran D.J. Augustine and Charlotte's first-round draft choice Kemba Walker.

'I hope things work out, but if it doesn't, I'd like to come back here and see if we can win a championship.'

Ian McCarthy, Mill Rats general manager and president, said Blalock will remain on the Mill Rats roster while he attends Charlotte's camp, which is expected to last a week. The Bobcats open their exhibition schedule versus the Atlanta Hawks Dec. 19. The NBA's schedule, shortened to 66 games due to a labour lockout, begins Dec. 25.

In the meantime, the Mill Rats had already signed point guard Calvin Cage. Cage practised with the team for the first time Wednesday and is expected to step into the lineup for Sunday's home game versus the Quebec Kebs at 2 p.m. Other new signees Isaac Kuon and Kevin Francis are also expected to be in the lineup.

The surging Mill Rats have won six of their last eight after opening the season with three losses. They sit in third place in the National Basketball League of Canada, 1 games behind the 8-4 Kebs and 2 back of the 9-2 first-place London Lightning.

'I'm happy for Will and I hope he takes full advantage of the opportunity,' said Mill Rats coach Jaren Jackson, whose 13-year NBA career includes a championship with the 1999 San Antonio Spurs. 'I hope things work out for him.

'If not, he can come hang out with us,' Jackson said with a chuckle following Mill Rats practice Wednesday.

Blalock, a Boston native, had just started to feel at home in New Brunswick's most populated city after joining the Mill Rats in October. Everyday the 28-year-old, who leads the NBL in assists per game at 6.91, devotes two-and-a-half hours to training. He's determined to improve his shooting percentage.

Just six years ago, Blalock suited up for the NBA's Detroit Pistons where he played back-up to the 2004 NBA Finals MVP Chauncey Billups. Under Billups' tutelage, Blalock learned how to play the game more efficiently, sharpening his instincts and becoming a better floor general.

'I learned the importance of a quality possession, possession by possession, game by game. Playing behind Chauncey, he would spend a whole lot of time with me. He would say what are you looking for coming off this pick-and-roll? Are you trying to get yourself a shot or that guy in the corner?

'You have to know that stuff before you even come up court.'

Since playing with the Pistons, the Iowa State Cyclones product has taken his talents around the world, from Israel to Germany to Australia, where he suited up for the National Basketball League's Townsville Crocodiles last year.

He's constantly adapting to new places and cultures, something he wasn't prepared for after leaving college.

'No one in college tells you if you don't make the NBA, all of the different things you have to get used to. I went to play in Israel. That's a completely different culture. You have to be able to adapt on the fly, that's how it is.'

Blalock's game isn't built on flash. He has a deft way of going unnoticed until finding the open man for the easy shot. But the flash is there a handful of times per game, whether it's his slicing behind the back crossover that freezes defenders or the effortless way he cuts through traffic, finishing with a simple flick of the wrist layup.

At 6-feet tall, he's always been a smaller-than-average point guard fighting for his place on the court.

'I thought I was going to be 6-foot-9 and run the point, but the buck stopped short, man,' he said with a laugh during an earlier interview. 'I like being the underdog, though I've been like that my whole career. I don't mind being the smallest dude on the court.'

Since being lured to the Port City by his old friend McCarthy, Blalock likes how the team's developed and if his NBA tryout with the Bobcats doesn't lead to a contract, returning to Saint John is a good second option.

'The way I see it, we have a great team, top to bottom, in this league,' he said. 'I hope we develop into a really special team.'

Courtesy of http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com

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

CHINA

J.R. Smith claims CBA weekly honour - by Eurobasket News
American J.R. Smith (198-G-85) had an amazing evening in the last round for Zhejiang C. and that's him to receive a Asia-basket.com Player of the Week award for round 8.
The 26-year old guard had a double-double of 46 points and ten rebounds, while his team beat Jiangsu D. (#15, 2-6) 104-99. Thanks to this victory Zhejiang C. moved-up to the 3rd position in the Chinese CBA. They are still close to the very top. Zhejiang C. would have been even better if they kept winning the games like in the last round. They have a solid 5-1 record. In the team's last game Smith had a remarkable 65.0% from 2-point range and got four three-pointers out of 8 attempts. He turned to be Zhejiang C.'s top player in his first season with the team. Smith has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in points (2nd best: 30.8ppg), assists (8th best: 4.7apg) and averages solid 2.5spg and 53.8% from behind 3-point line.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 28-year old Jordanian forward Zaid Abbas (203-F-83) of Fujian XX. Abbas impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 26 points and 17 rebounds. Of course Fujian XX cruised to a 112-105 relatively comfortable win over the lower-ranked Shandong FB (#12, 3-5). This victory allowed Fujian XX to move up to 7th position in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 4-4 record is not bad and everything may still change. Abbas is a newcomer at Fujian XX and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders.

The third best performed player last round was American Charles Gaines (201-F-81) of Shanxi Zh. (#10). Gaines got into 30-points club by scoring 33 points in the last round. He went also for eleven rebounds . He was a key player of Shanxi Zh., leading his team to a 112-90 easy win against the lower-ranked TianJin R. (#17, 2-6). Shanxi Zh. needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 3 victories and 3 lost games. Gaines has a great season in China. After only 5 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 26.2ppg (6th best) and rebounds with 15.0rpg (2nd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Alan Anderson (198-G/F-82) of Shandong FB - 39 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists
5. Shavlik Randolph (208-F-83) of DongGuan L. - 24 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Marcus Williams (201-F/G-86) of Shanxi Zh. - 29 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Will McDonald (211-C-79) of Fujian XX - 28 points and 13 rebounds
8. Peter John Ramos (222-C-85) of Guangsha L. - 23 points and 16 rebounds
9. Wilson Chandler (203-F-87) of Guangsha L. - 24 points, 13 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Marcus Douthit (210-C/F-80) of Foshan - 24 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists

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

Stats Leaders - CBA

Points Per Game

Lester HUDSON
  Qingdao DS
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 34.6

1. Hudson, Qingdao DS	34.6
2. Smith, Zhejiang C.	30.8
3. Chandler, Guangsha.	29.1
4. Mills, Xinjiang.	29.0
5. Green, Foshan	26.5
6. Gaines, Shanxi Zh.	26.2
7. McDonald, Fujian X.	26.1
8. Martin, Jilin N.	25.9
9. Williams, Shanxi Z.	25.8
10. Anderson, Shando.	25.0

Rebounds Per Game

Peter John RAMOS
  Guangsha L.
  (222-C-85)
  Avg: 15.5

1. Ramos, Guangsha L.	15.5
2. Hunter, Shandong	15.3
3. Gaines, Shanxi Zh.	15.0
4. Abbas, Fujian XX	14.3
5. Harris, Shanghai S.	13.9
6. Gadzuric, Jiang.	13.1
7. Harrison, TianJ.	12.6
8. Randolph, DongGua.	12.6
9. Chandler, Guangsha.	11.4
10. McDonald, Fujian	11.4

Assists Per Game

Bateer MENGKE
  Xinjiang.
  (210-C-75)
  Avg: 7.4

1. Mengke, Xinjiang.	7.4
2. Daghles, Jilin N.	7.4
3. Marbury, Beijing	5.5
4. Hudson, Qingdao DS	5.4
5. Anderson, Shandon.	5.4
6. Collins, Jiangsu D.	5.3
7. Smith, Zhejiang C.	4.7
8. Zhang, Liaoning H.	4.6
9. Williams, Shanxi Z.	4.4
10. Mills, Xinjiang.	4.2

Steals Per Game

XueFeng HU
  Jiangsu D.
  (185-G-80)
  Avg: 3.6

1. Hu, Jiangsu D.	3.6
2. Hudson, Qingdao DS	3.1
3. Anderson, Shandon.	3.1
4. Lee, Beijing Ducks	3.0
5. Daghles, Jilin N.	2.9
6. Collins, Jiangsu D.	2.8
7. Smith, Zhejiang C.	2.5
8. Zhang, Bayi Fubang	2.5
9. Brooks, Guandong	2.3
10. Cao, Zhejiang C.	2.2

Blocks Per Game

ZhaoXu ZHANG
  Shanghai S.
  (221-C-87)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Zhang, Shanghai S.	2.4
2. Xu, Bayi Fubang	2.3
3. Gadzuric, Jiang.	2.0
4. Randolph, DongGua.	1.9
5. Douthit, Foshan	1.6
6. Li, Liaoning H.	1.5
7. Boone, Zhejiang C.	1.5
8. Yi, Guandong ST	1.3
9. Singleton, Guandon.	1.3
10. Abbas, Fujian XX	1.1

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

CROATIA

A1 Standings

A1 Standings

1. KK Split		7-2
2. Zadar		6-3
3. Kvarner 2010		5-4
4. Zabok		5-4
5. Svjetlost		5-4
6. Jolly		5-4
7. Krizevci		5-5
8. Darda		4-5
9. Borik		4-5
10. Alkar Sinj		3-6
11. Dubrovnik		1-8
Play in international cups:
1. Cedevita		-
2. Cibona		-
3. KK Zagreb CO		-

Stats Leaders - A1

Points Per Game

Ivan MIMICA
  KK Split
  (193-G-80)
  Avg: 23.7

1. Mimica, KK Split	23.7
2. Ceskovic, Kvarner	19.0
3. Ross, Jolly	17.7
4. Tomeljak, Svjet.	17.2
5. Mrva, Jolly	16.7
6. Simovic, Kvarner	16.1
7. Sarlija, Borik	16.0
8. Ciklic, Dubrovnik	15.0
9. Vrbanc, Zadar	15.0
10. Karlovic, Svjetlo.	14.0

Rebounds Per Game

Teo SIMOVIC
  Kvarner .
  (205-C-84)
  Avg: 7.7

1. Simovic, Kvarner	7.7
2. Poscic, Svjetlost	7.7
3. Radic, Zadar	7.3
4. Cakarun, Borik	7.3
5. Sobin, KK Split	7.2
6. Kastropil, Zadar	7.1
7. Ridl, Darda	7.1
8. Ivanov, Zadar	7.1
9. Zupic, Alkar Sinj	7.0
10. Peraica, Darda	6.9

Assists Per Game

Josip GLAVINIC
  Krizevci
  (192-G-82)
  Avg: 7.3

1. Glavinic, Krizevci	7.3
2. Tomeljak, Svjet.	6.6
3. Ceskovic, Kvarner	4.0
4. Subotic, KK Split	3.9
5. Ross, Jolly	3.9
6. Mimica, KK Split	3.6
7. Dosen, Dubrovnik	3.6
8. Katic, KK Split	3.3
9. Salamun, Kvarner	3.0
10. Tomas, Zabok	2.9

Steals Per Game

Ronald ROSS
  Jolly
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Ross, Jolly	3.3
2. Mimica, KK Split	2.4
3. Blazevic, Borik	1.8
4. Panduric, Darda	1.8
5. Surina, Kvarner	1.8
6. Zadnik, Zadar	1.8
7. Katic, KK Split	1.7
8. Ridl, Darda	1.7
9. Tomeljak, Svjet.	1.6
10. Ivanov, Zadar	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Ivan BUVA
  Krizevci
  (207-C-91)
  Avg: 1.3

1. Buva, Krizevci	1.3
2. Zupic, Alkar Sinj	1.3
3. Sarlija, Borik	1.2
4. Ridl, Darda	1.0
5. Sobin, KK Split	1.0
6. Vukovic, KK Split	1.0
7. Cakarun, Borik	0.9
8. Kastropil, Zadar	0.8
9. Gaurina, Alkar Sinj	0.8
10. Bubalo, Zabok	0.7

CSKA jumps to 8-0 in Euroleague - by Eurobasket News
CSKA Moscow - KK Zagreb CO 87-74

CSKA extended its winning streak to eight. The Russian powerhouse handed 87-74 loss to Zagreb for 8-0 record in Group B of the Euroleague regular season. Zagreb dropped to 2-6, but still has a chance to reach the next stage. Jamont Gordon (193-G/F-87, college: Mississippi St.) scored 18 points for the winners on Wednesday night. Nenad Krstic (213-C-83, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) had 14 points and 9 rebounds for just 17 minutes on the court, and Sammy Mejia (198-G-83, college: De Paul) scored 13 pts. In the loosing squad, Krunoslav Simon (197-F-85) collected 21 points and 5 assists. Joshua Heytvelt (211-F-86, college: Gonzaga) had 19 pts and 5 rebs, and Sean May (203-F/C-84, college: N.Carolina) stopped to 13 pts. After bad start, CSKA took control on Zagreb in the second quarter, but visitors responded with 17-24 in Q3 closing the gap to 60-58 with 10 minutes to go. Lavrinovic, Krstic and Mejia shined when it was the most important for their club and CSKA registered comfortable win at the end. Quarters: 18-23, 25-11, 17-24, 27-16. CSKA will host Panathinaikos next weekend. Zagreb waits Unicaja.

CSKA: Jamont Gordon 18, Nenad Krstic 14+9 boards, Sammy Mejia 13
Zagreb: Krunoslav Simon 21+5 as, Joshua Heytvelt 19+5 boards, Sean May 13

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

CZECH REPUBLIC

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings

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

Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game

Keaton GRANT
  Levice
  (193-G-86)
  Avg: 20.4

1. Grant, Levice	20.4
2. Sedmak, USK Praha	19.6
3. Henderson, Levice	18.5
4. Lowery, Chomutov	17.9
5. Wright, Chomutov	17.9
6. McFadden, Usti n.	17.3
7. Houska, BK Decin	16.7
8. Hruban, USK Praha	16.7
9. Longmire, Usti n.	15.9
10. Wilson, CEZ N.	15.5

Rebounds Per Game

Stanislav VOTROUBEK
  USK P.
  (212-C-81)
  Avg: 9.4

1. Votroubek, USK P.	9.4
2. Naymick, CEZ N.	9.2
3. Arnold, BK Pardu.	8.8
4. Gadri-N., BK Prost.	8.1
5. Meno, Svitavy	7.5
6. Houska, BK Decin	7.4
7. Peterson, BK Prost.	6.9
8. Hughes, NH Ostrava	6.8
9. Blazek, B&W Opava	6.4
10. Hruby, Usti n.	6.4

Assists Per Game

Michal SOTNAR
  USK Praha
  (189-PG-92)
  Avg: 4.9

1. Sotnar, USK Praha	4.9
2. Barnes, BC Kolin	4.9
3. Vrubl, Plzen	4.8
4. Wright, Chomutov	4.6
5. George, Svitavy	3.9
6. Lawrence, CEZ N.	3.5
7. Bridgewaters, Inte.	3.3
8. McFadden, Usti n.	3.3
9. Ames, BC Kolin	3.1
10. Boyer, BK Decin	3.1

Steals Per Game

Radim KLECKA
  B&W Opava
  (190-G-90)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Klecka, B&W Opava	2.7
2. Pumprla, CEZ N.	2.6
3. Wright, Chomutov	2.4
4. McFadden, Usti n.	2.2
5. Sirina, B&W Opava	2.1
6. Ames, BC Kolin	2.0
7. Grant, Levice	2.0
8. Lowery, Chomutov	1.8
9. Inge, NH Ostrava	1.8
10. Hruban, USK Praha	1.7

Blocks Per Game

James HUGHES
  NH Ostrava
  (211-C-83)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Hughes, NH Ostrava	1.7
2. Gadri-N., BK Prost.	1.7
3. Naymick, CEZ N.	1.3
4. Grant, Levice	1.3
5. Miklosik, B&W O.	1.2
6. Meno, Svitavy	1.1
7. Henderson, Levice	0.8
8. Spralja, CEZ N.	0.8
9. Houska, BK Decin	0.7
10. Mroz, Svitavy	0.7

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

DENMARK

Standings - Basketligaen

Ligaen Standings

1. Svendborg		14-0
2. Bakken		12-1
3. Naestved		10-5
4. SISU		6-9
5. Horsens IC		6-9
6. Horsholm		6-9
7. Aabyhoj		6-9
8. Aalborg		5-9
9. Vaerlose		5-10
10. Falcon		3-12

Stats Leaders - Basketligaen

Points Per Game

Ryan WHITE
  Aalborg
  (177-PG-88)
  Avg: 25.1

1. White, Aalborg	25.1
2. Harris, Horsens IC	24.2
3. Henry, Naestved	22.3
4. Kingsley, Svendborg	21.2
5. Rutherford, SISU	20.5
6. Curry, Aabyhoj	19.9
7. Rasmussen, Vaerl.	19.4
8. Bishop, Aalborg	19.1
9. Bak, Horsholm	17.2
10. Colman, Svendborg	17.1

Rebounds Per Game

Tony BISHOP
  Aalborg
  (201-F-89)
  Avg: 10.9

1. Bishop, Aalborg	10.9
2. Glynn, Naestved	10.6
3. St.John, Horsens	10.5
4. Benjamin, Horsholm	9.5
5. Curry, Aabyhoj	9.3
6. Colas, Horsholm	8.9
7. Phillips, Aabyhoj	8.5
8. Ba, Falcon	8.3
9. Johansen, Naestved	8.2
10. Harris, Horsens IC	8.2

Assists Per Game

Corin HENRY
  Naestved
  (180-PG-88)
  Avg: 5

1. Henry, Naestved	5.0
2. White, Aalborg	4.6
3. Sattler, Horsens IC	4.1
4. McFarlane, Falcon	4.1
5. Colman, Svendborg	4.1
6. Elgmork, Aalborg	4.0
7. Curry, Aabyhoj	3.5
8. Sakne, Horsens IC	3.5
9. Nielsen, SISU	3.3
10. Dennis, SISU	3.1

Steals Per Game

Corin HENRY
  Naestved
  (180-PG-88)
  Avg: 4.7

1. Henry, Naestved	4.7
2. Wire, Vaerlose	3.0
3. White, Aalborg	2.4
4. Dennis, SISU	2.4
5. Bishop, Aalborg	2.2
6. McFarlane, Falcon	2.0
7. Plannthin, Svend.	1.9
8. Sattler, Horsens IC	1.9
9. Glynn, Naestved	1.7
10. Kristiansen, Aalb.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Jenard HARRISON
  SISU
  (203-F-84)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Harrison, SISU	2.3
2. Christoffers., Bak.	2.0
3. Phillips, Aabyhoj	1.9
4. Colas, Horsholm	1.8
5. Curry, Aabyhoj	1.8
6. Bishop, Aalborg	1.8
7. Marinkovic, Horsho.	1.4
8. Eleraky, Aalborg	1.1
9. Larsen, Vaerlose	1.0
10. Vinson, Svendborg	0.9

First Division: Koge downs Amager - by Eurobasket News
Round 11 of Danish First Division was played last weekend. In the opening game of the round, Koge BK did a great job against Amager BK handing them huge 81-57 loss. Despite this loss Amager stays on top of the standings with 8-2 record, while Koge joined Lemvig now on the second place with 8-3. Lemvig also celebrated in this round as they handed 79-57 loss to Haderslev. Virum won against Jonstrup at home 84-67. The hosts jumped to 5-5 after this meeting, while visitors dropped to 2-8. Stevnsgade was too strong for ALBA 83-48 and Randers smashed Glostrup 105-62. Stevnsgade stays No.8 in the league with 4-4 record. Randers improved to 7-3, what is currently enough for position No.4. Round 12 is scheduled for the next weekend.

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

D-LEAGUE

Mad Ants fall at Canton 112-104 - by Eurobasket News
The Canton Charge came back from a 14-point deficit in the third quarter to win their second game in a row, 112-104, at the Canton Memorial Civic Center on Wednesday night. Canton was propelled by six players scoring double-digit points to even their record at 2-2 in their inaugural campaign.

After Fort Wayne built a six-point lead at the half, the Mad Ants went on a 12-0 run midway through the third period to build a 14-point advantage. Coach Jensen called a time out in order for his squad to gather themselves, as they were then able to erase the deficit entirely in the final 5:03 to even the score at 87-87 entering the final quarter.

TJ Campbell (5'9''-PG-88, college: Portland) provided a boost off of the bench in the fourth, scoring seven points and grabbing four boards, as the home team was able to pull away with a 9-1 scoring run late to go ahead for good.

It was a tale of two halves for the Charge, as they buckled down defensively to allow just 43 points on 15-of-41 shooting for 37% after the Mad Ants tallied 61 points on 21-of-42 for 50% in the first half.

Dante Milligan and Keith McLeod each had double-doubles for Canton with Milligan dropping in 13 points and grabbing 12 boards. McLeod scored 12 while adding 10 assists and six rebounds.

D-League assists leader Walker Russell Jr. paced Fort Wayne with 19 points and 14 dimes at the point guard position. Darnell Lazare led all scorers with 24 to go along with his six rebounds, while Marvin Phillips notched a double-double with 11 points and 14 boards. The Mad Ants had four starters in double figures.

Tyrell Biggs (6'8''-F-86, college: Pittsburgh) led Canton in scoring with 18, and Antoine Agudio (6'3''-G-85) poured in 16 in his first start of the season.

TJ Campbell finished with 10 points, seven boards and four assists in less than 22 minutes of play. Jonathan Blake (6'7''-F-87, college: Texas Wesleyan) rounded out the Charges double-digit scorers with 12 on 5-of-5 shooting.

Fort Wayne hosts Springfield Friday night at War Memorial Coliseum. Tip is set for 7:30 p.m.

Courtesy of www.wane.com

Toros rally past 66ers - by Eurobasket News
Three 66ers forwards had double-doubles, but Tulsa fell short on the road to the Austin Toros in NBA D-League action by a 94-80 final score Wednesday night inside Cedar Park Center.

Jerome Dyson (6'3''-G-87, college: Connecticut) added a team-high 20 points and four assists. Marcus Lewis (6'8''-F/C-86, college: ORU) posted his fourth double-double of the season with 12 points and a season-high 18 rebounds. Ryan Reid (6'8''-F-86, college: Florida St.) added 12 points and 12 rebounds and Curtis Sumpter pitched in 11 points and 10 boards.

In Dale Osbourne's first game as head coach for the 66ers, Tulsa forced 17 Austin turnovers and notched eight steals, including four by Lewis.

The 66ers carried a 45-44 lead into halftime, but saw the Toros sprint out of the locker room to outscore the 66ers 23-12 in the third quarter to take control.

Tulsa fell to 4-2. Austin improved to 3-1.

Up next: 7 p.m. Friday at Dakota.

Next home game: 7 p.m. Dec. 16. vs. Reno.

Courtesy of www.tulsaworld.com

Late defensive stand helps D-Fenders win streak to four - by Eurobasket News
Brandon Costner's blocked shot with just under six seconds remaining helped the Los Angeles D-Fenders push their win streak to four straight as they defeated the Rio Grande Valley Vipers 117-113 at Toyota Sports Center on Wednesday night. Costner led six D-Fenders (6-2) in double-digits after he totaled a game-high 24 points to go with five rebounds.

Brian Hamilton (6'6''-F-82, college: La-Lafayette) (13 points) put Los Angeles in position for the win with 46 seconds to go after he flushed home a breakaway dunk off one of his three steals to push the score to 115-111. Just 8 seconds earlier, Andrews (14 points, 8 rebounds) energized his team with an impressive baseline one-handed dunk.

Their teammate Courtney Fortson (5'11''-SG-88, college: Arkansas) also fortified the D-Fenders push late with nine fourth quarter points. Fortson tallied 21 points on 5-of-6 shooting (9-11 FT) and 10 assists to record his first double-double of the season. Elijah Millsap (6'6''-G-87, agency: Interperformances, college: UAB) totaled 21 points (7-14 FG) and nine rebounds while Jamaal Tinsley (6'3''-G-78, college: Iowa St.) followed up his record-breaking Monday night with 12 points and five assists.

The Vipers (4-3) also had six scorers in double digits, paced by Tyren Johnson with 24 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. Stanley Asumnu followed suit and finished with 20 points and seven rebounds, and Marshall Brown posted 18 points and seven rebounds.

Points in the paint were important in the D-Fenders victory as they outscored the Vipers 56-42. With the win, Los Angeles tied the fourth longest win streak in franchise history (4 straight, 2006-07). The D-Fenders are back in action Saturday, December 10 at 8:00 pm as they take on the Idaho Stampede at TSC.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Standings

D-League Standings

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

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Blake AHEARN
  Reno B.
  (188-PG-84)
  Avg: 25

1. Ahearn, Reno B.	25.0
2. Sloan, Erie Bay H.	24.8
3. Garcia, Sioux F.	24.8
4. Millsap, Los A.	23.6
5. Dentmon, Austin T.	23.3
6. Costner, Los A.	22.1
7. Moses Randal., Iow.	21.5
8. Biggs, Canton C.	21.3
9. Famous, Iowa E.	21.0
10. Smith, Springfiel.	20.7

Rebounds Per Game

Jamal SAMPSON
  Texas L.
  (210-F/C-83)
  Avg: 15

1. Sampson, Texas L.	15.0
2. Lewis, Tulsa 66ers	12.7
3. Butch, Bakersfi.	12.5
4. Famous, Iowa E.	12.2
5. Daniels, Erie B.	11.4
6. Stiemsma, Sioux F.	10.8
7. Wright, Maine RC	10.8
8. Thomas, Austin T.	10.3
9. Reid, Tulsa 66ers	9.3
10. Andrews, Los A.	9.0

Assists Per Game

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

1. Russell, Ft.Wayne.	11.8
2. Cooksey, Texas L.	8.8
3. Sloan, Erie Bay H.	8.4
4. Tinsley, Los A.	8.0
5. Ewing, Iowa E.	7.2
6. Ahearn, Reno B.	7.0
7. Ubiles, Dakota W.	5.8
8. McLeod, Canton C.	5.8
9. Hayes, Maine RC	5.8
10. Bozeman, Reno B.	5.8

Steals Per Game

Elijah MILLSAP
  Los A.
  (198-G-87)
  Avg: 3.8

1. Millsap, Los A.	3.8
2. Tinsley, Los A.	2.4
3. Dentmon, Austin T.	2.3
4. Cooksey, Texas L.	2.3
5. Harris, Rio G.	2.3
6. Fortson, Los A.	2.3
7. Curry, Springfield	2.0
8. Russell, Ft.Wayne.	2.0
9. Bobbitt, Idaho S.	2.0
10. Franklin, Canton	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.	4.0
3. Major, Bakersfi.	2.3
4. Daniels, Erie B.	2.2
5. Thompson, Erie B.	2.0
6. Gladness, Dakota	1.8
7. Dove, Dakota W.	1.8
8. Kent, Maine RC	1.5
9. Wright, Maine RC	1.5
10. Rogers, Texas L.	1.5

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

EL SALVADOR

San Marcos stays at the top - by Jaime Arevalo
The last round of First Division-Copa Gatorade 2011 confirmed San Marcos at the top of the table, thanks to a large win over UTEC. The game ended 98-60, and Edwin Lopez (183-G/F-85) took the game scoring honors with 30 pts. Fabio Molina (195-G/F-81) added 16 pts at the winning side, Carlos Valle (169-PG-79) with 16 and Miguel Romero with 11 were the top performers in UTEC
In another game of the same night, ExSal defeated Roll Royce 91-80 led by Oscar Rivera (190-F-80), who scored 30 points, and Martin Ignacio Ramos (170-PG-92), who added 25 pts. Luis Gutierrez (193-F-87) and Marlon Avila scored 16 points apiece in losing effort.
The new standings table is as follows:

1. SAN MARCOS 9-1
2. UTEC 7-4
3. DENVER 7-2
4. ExSAL 6-4
5. LEONES -AUTOMOTO 4-5
6. ROLL ROYCE 1-10
7. CHALECO- SANTA TECLA 1-9

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

EUROCHALLENGE

Turk Telekom inks Aleksandar Capin - by Eurobasket News
Another player left Union Olimpija due to bad financial situation. Aleksandar Capin (186-PG-82, agency: Beo Basket) parted ways with the club and immediately signed a deal with Turk Telekom for rest of the season. Capin appeared 8 times in Euroleague with Olimpija averaging 7.1 points and 2.9 assists. He also added 7.5 ppg and 2.6 apg for 10 games in Adriatic league. Aleksandar Capin spent last season with Zalgiris Kaunas and he played for them also in the second part of the 2009/10. Capin won two Baltic league titles with Zalgiris. They also won the Lithuanian title and Cup last season. In the past, Capin played for Lokomotiv Rostov, Varese, Panionios, Reggio Calabria, Gravelines, Bon and Krka. He was a member of the Slovenian National Team from 2004 to 2008. Capin will make debut for Turk Telekom next weekend in TBL.

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Deron WILLIAMS
  Besiktas
  (191-PG-84)
  Avg: 33.7

1. Williams, Besiktas	33.7
2. Washington, Turk T.	22.0
3. Roll, Antwerp	21.2
4. Stanojevic, Karsi.	20.8
5. Stimac, Olin Edirne	20.4
6. Copeland, Aalstar	20.4
7. Karadeniz, Turk T.	19.6
8. Peavy, Art.Dragons	19.3
9. Holland, Roanne	19.0
10. Krstanovic, U.Mob.	18.3

Rebounds Per Game

Pranas SKURDAUSKAS
  Arkad.
  (211-C-88)
  Avg: 12

1. Skurdauskas, Arkad.	12.0
2. Thomas, Armia	11.2
3. Bader, Szolnok	11.0
4. Kjellbom, Armia	11.0
5. Stanojevic, Karsi.	9.2
6. Ignerski, N.Nov.	9.0
7. Majok, Nitra	8.8
8. Mejri, Antwerp	8.8
9. Elonu, Pau-Lacq.	8.8
10. Chubb, EWE Baske.	8.6

Assists Per Game

Jared JORDAN
  Telekom .
  (188-PG-84)
  Avg: 10

1. Jordan, Telekom	10.0
2. Danek, Arkadia	7.5
3. Eldridge, Minsk-20.	7.2
4. Tchicamboud, Cha.	6.6
5. Moore, Keravnos	6.3
6. Holston, Art.Drag.	5.8
7. Slagter, Leiden	5.8
8. Gaines, Armia	5.5
9. Williams, Atomeromu	5.3
10. Swanson, Hoverla	5.2

Steals Per Game

Winsome FRAZIER
  Keravnos
  (193-G/F-82)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Frazier, Keravnos	3.2
2. Miles, Krasnie Kri.	3.0
3. Danek, Arkadia	3.0
4. Moore, Keravnos	2.8
5. Clemente, Nitra	2.8
6. Pandula, BK Prost.	2.6
7. Morris, U.Mobite.	2.4
8. Ikonic, Karsiyaka	2.4
9. Young, Ventspils	2.3
10. Washington, Turk	2.3

Blocks Per Game

Joakim KJELLBOM
  Armia
  (213-C/F-79)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Kjellbom, Armia	2.6
2. Mejri, Antwerp	2.2
3. Saunders, Goett.	2.0
4. Elonu, Pau-Lacq.	2.0
5. Gaffney, Teleko.	1.8
6. Hardin, Minsk-2006	1.7
7. Erden, Besiktas	1.7
8. Majok, Nitra	1.6
9. Hodge, Minsk-2006	1.5
10. Sene, Fuenlabrada	1.4

Standings

EuroChallenge Standings

Group A
1. EWE Baskets			5-0
2. Fuenlabrada			3-2
3. Nitra			1-4
4. Norrkoping			1-4
Group B
1. Besiktas			5-0
2. Armia			3-2
3. Leiden			2-3
4. Goettingen			0-5
Group C
1. Roanne			4-1
2. BK Pardubice			3-2
3. BK Prostejov			3-2
4. Hoverla			0-5
Group D
1. Ventspils			4-1
2. N.Novgorod			3-2
3. Khimik			2-3
4. Atomeromu			1-4
Group E
1. Antwerp			4-1
2. Chalon			4-1
3. U.Mobitel.CN			1-4
4. Enisey			1-4
Group F
1. Triumph			4-1
2. Etha			3-2
3. Aalstar			2-3
4. Olin Edirne			1-4
Group G
1. Karsiyaka			3-2
2. Telekom Baskets			3-2
3. Turk Telekom			2-3
4. Minsk-2006			2-3
Group H
1. Art.Dragons			4-1
2. Szolnok			3-2
3. Keravnos			2-3
4. Pau-Lacq-Orthez			1-4

Round 5 best performance: Vladimir Stimac - by Eurobasket News
Serbian center Vladimir Stimac (209-C-87, agency: Interperformances) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Olin Edirne, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 5.
The 24-year old player was the main contributor (35 points, nine rebounds) to his team's victory, helping them to beat Aalstar (#3, 2-3) 92-86. Olin Edirne maintains the 4th position in EuroChallenge group F. Too late to improve their position as they are currently ranked such low. They already lost 4 games and recorded just one victory. Stimac turned to be Olin Edirne's top player in his first season with the team. Vladimir Stimac has solid league stats. He is in league's top in points (5th best: 20.4ppg) and averages impressive 1.2bpg and 64.6% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 25-year old Guinean swingman Mamadi Diane (196-G/F-86) of Nitra. Diane had a very good evening with 32 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Of course he lead Nitra to another comfortable win outscoring Norrkoping (1-4) 108-78. It was definitely game of the week between two contenders to the top position in group A. Nitra consolidated its place in top 3 of the standings. 4 lost games are too many comparing to just one victory Nitra managed to get this year. Diane is a newcomer at Nitra, but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was American forward Seamus Boxley (201-F-82) of Leiden (#3). Boxley scored 27 points and grabbed seven rebounds. He was a key player of Leiden, leading his team to a 80-71 win against #4 ranked Goettingen. The chances of Leiden ranking at the top of group B, however are very questionable as they have already lost 3 games, recording just two victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Boxley could help Leiden to bring them higher in the standings. Boxley has a very solid season. In 5 games in EuroChallenge he scored 10.6ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Ernest Bremer (194-G-80) of N.Novgorod - 39 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Lorenzo Williams (191-G-84) of Atomeromu - 27 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists
6. Stefon Jackson (196-G-85) of Aalstar - 18 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists
7. Leonardo Mainoldi (204-F-85) of Fuenlabrada - 24 points and 10 rebounds
8. Darnell Wilson (198-F-85) of Antwerp - 25 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists
9. Christopher Copeland (203-F-84) of Aalstar - 29 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists
10. Zoran Krstanovic (204-C-82) of U.Mobitel.CN - 22 points and 11 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)

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

EUROLEAGUE

Standings

Euroleague Standings

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

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Mirza TELETOVIC
  Caja L.
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 23.3

1. Teletovic, Caja L.	23.3
2. Spanoulis, Olympia.	19.5
3. McCalebb, Montepa.	17.9
4. Weems, Zalgiris	17.6
5. Carroll, Real Madr.	16.9
6. Mallet, Spirou	16.9
7. Domercant, Unics	16.4
8. Gallinari, Armani	16.4
9. Banic, Gescrap BB	16.1
10. Batum, Nancy	15.8

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Kirilenko, CSKA	9.0
2. Motiejunas, Asseco	8.5
3. Macvan, Partizan	8.4
4. Freeland, Unicaja	7.1
5. May, KK.	7.1
6. Akingbala, Nancy	7.1
7. Batum, Nancy	6.7
8. Krstic, CSKA	6.6
9. Slaughter, Brose B.	6.6
10. Kasun, KK.	6.4

Assists Per Game

Sergio RODRIGUEZ
  Real M.
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 5.8

1. Rodriguez, Real M.	5.8
2. Huertas, FCB Regal	5.4
3. Rice, Lietuvos.	5.3
4. Batum, Nancy	5.2
5. Diamantidis, Panat.	5.1
6. Teodosic, CSKA	4.9
7. Spanoulis, Olympia.	4.9
8. Blassingame, Assec.	4.6
9. Prigioni, Caja L.	4.6
10. Cook, Armani MI	4.5

Steals Per Game

Tarence KINSEY
  Anadolu .
  (200-G-84)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Kinsey, Anadolu	2.7
2. Prigioni, Caja L.	2.5
3. Kirilenko, CSKA	2.2
4. Sefolosha, Fener.U.	2.1
5. Slaughter, Brose B.	2.0
6. Gordon, Galatasaray	1.9
7. Eidson, FCB Regal	1.9
8. Lafayette, Asseco	1.8
9. Batum, Nancy	1.7
10. McCalebb, Montep.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Kirilenko, CSKA	3.2
2. Ibaka, Real Madrid	2.0
3. Riddick, Spirou	1.8
4. Ilyasova, Anadolu	1.5
5. Begic, Real Madrid	1.4
6. Vazquez, FCB Regal	1.4
7. Perovic, FCB Regal	1.3
8. Valanciunas, Lietu.	1.3
9. Kinsey, Anadolu	1.3
10. Slaughter, Brose	1.1

Group A

Gescrap BB - Bennet Cantu 64-67
Bennet Cantu grabbed 64-67 road victory in a heartbreaking thriller against Bilbao. Visitors were two points up with 14.4 seconds remaining in the game and Bilbao had a possession. Kostas Vasiliadis (200-G/F-84, agency: FCM) made a jump shot from the fight corner with only 2.4 seconds to go and the score was tied at 64-64. That turned out to be enough time for experienced Gianluca Basile (192-G-75) to hit a three-pointer from 9 meters as time expired and send the visiting team into jubilation. Cantu jumped to 5-3 record in Group A and its chances to reach Top 16 drastically increased. At the same time, Bilbao dropped to 3-5. Vladimir Micov (201-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) led Cantu in scoring with 13 points. Giorgi Shermadini (216-C-89) had 11 points and 5 rebounds, while Maarten Leunen (206-F-85, college: Oregon) added 10 pts and also 5 boards. The game hero Basile scored 7 pts in this meeting. Bilbao got 16 points and 5 rebs from Marko Banic (205-F-84). Roger Grimau (196-G-79, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) had 11, while Kostas Vasiliadis and Janis Blums (190-G-82) netted 10 pts each. Quarters: 14-17, 13-23, 20-14, 17-13. In the next round, Bennet Cantu will meet Olympiakos in another road game. Bilbao will play against Fenerbahce Ulker in Istanbul.

Nancy - Fener.Ulker 53-73
Fenerbahce Ulker demonstrated its power in Nancy on Wednesday night. The reigning Turkish champion cruised past the French champ 53-73 for 5-3 record in Group A of the Euroleague regular season. At the same time, Nancy dropped to 3-5 in this pool. Fenerbahce Ulker took control on its rival from the beginning and was in charge during the entire game. James Gist (205-F-86) stepped up for Fener with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Curtis Jerrells (185-G-87, college: Baylor) (5 rebs) and Bojan Bogdanovic (203-G/F-89) helped with 14 points each. In Nancy, Jamal Shuler (191-G-86) was better than the others with 17 points. Akinlolu Akingbala (208-C-83, college: Clemson) had 11 points and 9 rebs, while new Nancy's player Kenny Gregory (197-G/F-78, college: Kansas) scored 8 pts. Quarters: 15-22, 10-10, 15-17, 13-24. Fenerbahce Ulker waits Bilbao in the next round. Nancy goes to Vitoria.

Olympiakos - Caja Laboral 84-82
Game comments will be posted soon...

Group B

CSKA - KK Zagreb CO 87-74
CSKA extended its winning streak to eight. The Russian powerhouse handed 87-74 loss to Zagreb for 8-0 record in Group B of the Euroleague regular season. Zagreb dropped to 2-6, but still has a chance to reach the next stage. Jamont Gordon (193-G/F-87, college: Mississippi St.) scored 18 points for the winners on Wednesday night. Nenad Krstic (213-C-83, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) had 14 points and 9 rebounds for just 17 minutes on the court, and Sammy Mejia (198-G-83, college: De Paul) scored 13 pts. In the loosing squad, Krunoslav Simon (197-F-85) collected 21 points and 5 assists. Joshua Heytvelt (211-F-86, college: Gonzaga) had 19 pts and 5 rebs, and Sean May (203-F/C-84, college: N.Carolina) stopped to 13 pts. After bad start, CSKA took control on Zagreb in the second quarter, but visitors responded with 17-24 in Q3 closing the gap to 60-58 with 10 minutes to go. Lavrinovic, Krstic and Mejia shined when it was the most important for their club and CSKA registered comfortable win at the end. Quarters: 18-23, 25-11, 17-24, 27-16. CSKA will host Panathinaikos next weekend. Zagreb waits Unicaja.

Zalgiris - Panathinaikos 59-94
Panathinaikos smashed Zalgiris in Round Eight of the Euroleague regular season. The reigning champion celebrated 59-94 road victory and already secured a spot for the next stage (6-2 records). Zalgiris slipped to 2-6, but still has a chance to reach Top 16. PAO exploded in the second quarter and never looked back after that. Steven Smith (203-F-83, college: La Salle) (5 rebs) and Nick Calathes (198-G-89, college: Florida) scored 17 points each in this victory. Mike Batiste (203-F-77, college: Arizona St.) had 13 points and 5 rebs. The home squad got double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds from Sonny Weems (198-G/F-86, college: Arkansas). Marko Popovic (185-G-82, agency: Alti Sport, college: S.Idaho JC) had 14 points. Quarters: 14-15, 5-26, 19-24, 21-29. PAO will play against CSKA in Moscow next week. Zalgiris will go to Bamberg and it will be a crucial game for both teams.

Unicaja - Brose Baskets 79-90
Brose Baskets did a great job in Malaga tonight. The German champion registered valuable 79-90 victory against Unicaja and joined them with 3-5 record in Group B. Also, the point differential is in favor of the German team. Brose Baskets made 25-42 at the midway of the second period, but kept plus six at the HT. After 30 minutes of the game visitors were still 61-67 up and they jumped to 69-80 during the last quarter. It was too much for the hosts, who faced with 79-90 loss at the end. Julius Jenkins (187-PG-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Georgia Sout) shined with 23 points and 5 assists for Brose Baskets. Marcus Slaughter (204-C/F-85, college: San Diego St.) had 14 points and 8 rebounds, while Anton Gavel (189-G-84, agency: Pro One Sports) added 12 pts. In Unicaja, Joel Freeland (208-F-87) collected 17 points and 7 rebounds. Earl Rowland (188-G-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) also scored 17 pts and he dished out 5 assists, while Gerald Fitch (191-G-82, agency: SportsTalent, college: Kentucky) added 15 points. Quarters: 23-24, 17-22, 21-21, 18-23. In the next round Brose Baskets will host Zalgiris. Unicaja goes to Zagreb.

Group C

Spirou - Partizan 84-79
Belgacom Spirou Charleroi was better than Partizan 84-79 in Round Eight of the Euroleague regular season. It is the second win for Belgian champions in Group C. Partizan dropped to 4-4, but still has a good chance to reach Top 16. Demond Mallet (186-G-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: McNeese St.) led the hosts in scoring with 22 points. Tornike Shengelia (207-F-91) followed him with 17 and Christopher Hill (191-G-83, college: Michigan St.) added two less. In Partizan, Acie Law (190-G-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: Texas A&M) delivered 22 points. Milan Macvan (206-C-89, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) had double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds, while Miroslav Raduljica (213-C-88) added 10 pts and 5 boards for 13 minutes on the court. It was an exciting meeting and Charleroi players shined when it mattered most to take this one. Quarters: 13-18, 24-20, 32-23, 15-18. In the next round, Charleroi will play against Armani Jeans in Milano. Partizan goes to Madrid.

Real Madrid - Maccabi T-A 88-64
Real Madrid handed 88-64 loss to Maccabi Electra on Thursday night. Thanks to this win, the Spanish squad stays alone on top of Group C with 6-2 record. Maccabi dropped to second place and now has the same score as Anadolu Efes, 5-3. Nikola Mirotic (209-F/C-91) exploded with 26 points and 8 rebounds for the hosts (valuation 33). Jaycee Carroll (188-PG-83, agency: Priority Sports) had 17 points and 6 rebounds, and Martynas Pocius (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) helped his team with 12 pts. Maccabi got 18 points from Keith Langford (193-G/F-83, college: Kansas). Lior Eliyahu (206-F/C-85, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices) and Richard Hendrix (203-F/C-86, college: Alabama) (5 rebs) netted 11 and 10 pts respectively. Quarters: 22-15, 26-25, 18-11, 22-13. Real Madrid will host Partizan next week. Maccabi will play against Anadolu Efes in Tel Aviv.

Anadolu Efes - Armani MI 84-70
Anadolu Efes celebrated 84-70 crucial win against Armani Jeans Milano on Wednesday night. The home squad jumped to 5-3 record in Group C and already booked a ticket for Top 16 phase. AJ Milano faced with sixth loss (2-6). Efes did a great job in the first half (45-27!) and later had no troubles to keep the safe margin. Sinan Guler (193-G-83, agency: 1x1 Sports, college: Carroll, MT) scored 14 points in this victory, while Sasha Vujacic (200-G-84) and Cenk Akyol (196-G-87) had 12 points each. Esteban Batista (208-F/C-83) followed them with 10 points and 6 rebounds. Visitors got 17 points from Malik Hairston (198-G-87, college: Oregon). Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81) had 13 points and 6 rebs, and Stefano Mancinelli (203-F-83) added 11 pts. Quarters: 22-13, 23-14, 21-25, 18-18. Anadolu Efes goes to Tel-Aviv in the next round. AJ Milano will host Charleroi.

Group D

FCB Regal - Unics 63-50
Regal Barca stays unbeaten after 8 rounds of the Euroleague regular season. The Spanish champ celebrated 63-50 victory against Unics on Thursday night and jumped to 8-0 in Group D. Unics dropped to 5-3, but still stays No.3 in this pool and already booked a ticket for Top 16. Barca had 47-43 lead after three quarters and started the last one with impressive 10-0, what was the crucial run in this game. Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) led the hosts with 13 points and Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) added two less than him. Pete Mickeal (199-F-78, college: Cincinnati) followed them with 10 pts. In the loosing squad, Terrell Lyday (190-G-79, college: BYU) delivered 12 points. Lynn Greer (186-G-79, college: Temple) and Henry Domercant (192-G-80, college: E.Illinois) (5 rebs) added 10 and 9 pts respectively. Quarters: 21-15, 12-13, 14-15, 16-7. Barca goes to Siena next week. Unics will host Asseco Prokom.

Galatasaray - Montepaschi 63-67
Montepaschi celebrated 63-67 road victory against Galatasaray on Thursday night. It allowed the Italian powerhouse to keep the second place in Group D with 6-2 record. At the same time, Galatasaray dropped to 3-5 in this pool. Montepaschi already booked a spot for Top 16 and Galatasaray has a nice chance to do the same. David Andersen (212-C-80) shined for the winners with 18 points and 8 rebounds. Igor Rakocevic (191-G-78) drained 17 points and David Moss (196-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: Indiana St.) helped with 9. In the loosing squad, Jaka Lakovic (186-G-78) responded with 15 points. Luksa Andric (210-C-85, agency: Beo Basket) (7 rebs) and Jamon Lukas Gordon (191-G-84, college: Virginia Tech) (6 rebs) had 14 and 10 pts respectively. It was exciting finish and Andersen stepped up for Montepaschi. He buried a shot, plus added 4-of-4 free throws for 63-67 with 14.2 seconds left and Galatasaray was not able to respond. Quarters: 18-19, 15-13, 10-18, 20-17. Galatasaray will host Olimpija in crucial game next week. Montepaschi waits Regal Barca.

Asseco Prokom - Union Olimpija 67-52
Asseco Prokom registered first Euroleague win this season. The Polish champion handed 67-52 loss to Union Olimpija joining them with 1-7 record in Group D. Teams were pretty leveled in the first half, but the home squad exploded after the breather limiting Olimpija players to just 3 points in ten minutes. Prokom won Q3 with huge 23-3 and managed to keep the lead for rest of the way. Przemyslaw Frasunkiewicz (202-G/F-79), Lukasz Seweryn (196-G-82, agency: Court Side) and Jerel Blassingame (175-G-81, college: UNLV) led the scorers in victory with 12 points each. Donatas Motiejunas (213-F/C-90, agency: Interperformances) was the co-MVP of this meeting with valuation 23. He had 11 points and 21 boards (18+3). In Olimpija, Robert Rothbart (217-C-86) shined with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Aleksandar Capin (186-PG-82, agency: Beo Basket) (7 as) and Deon Thompson (203-F-88, college: N.Carolina) scored 11 points apiece. Quarters: 13-15, 14-15, 23-3, 17-19. Prokom will play in Kazan next week, while Olimpija will meet Galatasaray in Istanbul.

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

FINLAND

KORISLIIGA: Sami Toiviainen KTP new Head Coach - by Rauno Hurmalainen
KTP Basket (Kotka) management has made a hard and difficult decision. Head Coach Lars Ekstrom (agency: Edge Sports ), 48, has been asked to step aside and Ekstrom has been replaced by Sami Toiviainen , 37, from Team's junior department. KTP (record 4-13) has lost recently 10 games in a row and Sport Club was making this kind of change at the crisis meeting. Toiviainen started his coaching career as an assistant coach in YMCA Lahti 2002 under Head Coach Ekstrom. Toiviainen became Head Coach of YMCA Lahti 2006 staying in that position for five seasons untill 2011. Now Sami Toiviainen will coach both KTP A-juniors and men's Top League team for the rest of this season.

Standings - Division I

1st Division Standings

1. FoKoPo		9-2
2. Tapiolan Honka		8-3
3. Oulun NMKY		8-3
4. BC Nokia		7-4
5. Pyrinto II		7-4
6. Lapua		7-4
7. Ura Basket		5-6
8. Huima		5-6
9. Porvoon Tarmo		4-6
10. SayRi		3-8
11. Jyvaskyla		1-9
12. ToPo Akatemia		1-10

Stats Leaders - Division I

Points Per Game

Walter BAXLEY
  Lapua
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 28.6

1. Baxley, Lapua	28.6
2. Phillips, Oulun N.	26.5
3. Williams, Lapua	22.9
4. Manning, Huima	22.3
5. Nofflet, Oulun N.	22.2
6. Henderson, Porvoo.	21.6
7. Reed, Lapua	21.3
8. Storrs, Jyvaskyla	20.4
9. Abdullah, SayRi	20.3
10. Stamper, Pyrin.	19.4

Rebounds Per Game

Kenneth COOPER
  SayRi
  (208-C-87)
  Avg: 14.5

1. Cooper, SayRi	14.5
2. Moultrie, Oulun N.	13.7
3. Bojang, FoKoPo	11.5
4. Stamper, Pyrin.	11.4
5. Britton, Huima	11.0
6. Townes, BC Nokia	10.4
7. January, BC Nokia	10.3
8. Coleman, FoKoPo	10.1
9. Green, Ura Basket	9.8
10. Nofflet, Oulun N.	9.3

Assists Per Game

Lloyd PHILLIPS
  Oulun N.
  (178-PG-85)
  Avg: 5.1

1. Phillips, Oulun N.	5.1
2. Manning, Huima	4.8
3. Ikavalko, FoKoPo	4.8
4. Riihela, BC Nokia	4.2
5. Henderson, Porvoo.	4.0
6. Viertola, Huima	3.8
7. Jackson, Lapua	3.6
8. Storrs, Jyvaskyla	3.1
9. Little, Porvoon	2.7
10. Abdullah, SayRi	2.6

Steals Per Game

Emmanuel JACKSON
  Lapua
  (188-G-)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Jackson, Lapua	2.9
2. Townes, BC Nokia	2.3
3. Vanjoki, Tapiolan.	2.1
4. January, BC Nokia	2.1
5. Reed, Lapua	2.0
6. Little, Porvoon	1.9
7. Nofflet, Oulun N.	1.9
8. Bojang, FoKoPo	1.9
9. King, Porvoon	1.7
10. Mattila, Pyrin.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Brian MOULTRIE
  Oulun N.
  (198-C/F-87)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Moultrie, Oulun N.	2.5
2. Andrews, Ura B.	1.9
3. Laitinen, Tapiol.	1.1
4. January, BC Nokia	1.0
5. Cooper, SayRi	1.0
6. Pulkkinen, Pyrin.	1.0
7. Abdullah, SayRi	0.9
8. Townes, BC Nokia	0.9
9. Molenius, FoKoPo	0.9
10. Henderson, Porvoo.	0.7

Baxley's 36-point game gives him 1st Division Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
27-year old guard Walter Baxley (191-G-84) put on an amazing game in the last round for Lapua and receives a Eurobasket.com 1st Division Player of the Week award for round 11.
He had the game-high 36 points adding three rebounds and two assists for Lapua in his team's victory, helping them to outclass Jyvaskyla (#11, 1-9) with 28-point margin 115-87. Thanks to this victory Lapua moved-up to the 6th position in the 1st Division. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Lapua will need more victories to improve their 7-4 record. In the team's last game Baxley had a remarkable 63.6% from 2-point range and got three three-pointers out of 7 attempts. He turned to be Lapua's top player in his first season with the team. Mars Hill College graduate has very impressive stats this year. Baxley is league's best scorer averaging so far 28.6ppg. Baxley is in league's top in and averages solid 61.6% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Justice Graham (198-F/G-79) of Huima. He is American swingman in his first season at Huima. In the last game Graham recorded impressive double-double of 23 points and 12 rebounds. Bad luck as Huima lost that game 84-91 to slightly lower-ranked SayRi (#10, 3-8). This loss caused Huima to drop to 8th position in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 5-6 record. Graham is a newcomer at Huima and quickly became one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Gerald January (201-F/C-88) of BC Nokia (#4). January scored 22 points and grabbed ten rebounds. Despite January's great performance BC Nokia lost 75-82 to the lower-ranked Ura Basket (#7, 5-6). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The last thing BC Nokia needs is to lose another game like this one. They lose more and more distance to the top teams. Their record is 7 victories and 4 lost games. January has a great season in Finland. After 11 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 10.3rpg (7th best). He also has 2.1spg and FGP: 53.8%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Kenneth Cooper (208-C-87) of SayRi - 19 points and 15 rebounds
5. Brian Moultrie (198-C/F-87) of Oulun NMKY - 19 points and 12 rebounds
6. Henri Jokinen (191-F/G-92) of Lapua - 21 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Tuomas Viertola (196-F-90) of Huima - 20 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists
8. Jason Stamper (200-F/C-85) of Pyrinto II - 19 points and 14 rebounds
9. Eric Williams (198-F-85) of Lapua - 18 points and 11 rebounds
10. Anselmi Vanjoki (193-G-88) of Tapiolan Honka - 29 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)

Korisliiga round 18 best performance: Martin Zeno - by Eurobasket News
American guard Martin Zeno (196-G-85) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for second-ranked Nilan Bisons, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 18.
The 26-year old player had a double-double of 26 points and 10 rebounds, while his team beat LrNMKY (#8, 7-9) 84-78. Nilan Bisons maintains the 2nd position in Finnish Korisliiga. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Nilan Bisons will need more victories to improve their 11-4 record. Zeno turned to be Nilan Bisons' top player in his first season with the team. Former Texas Tech University star has very solid stats this year. Zeno is league's best scorer averaging so far 22.4ppg. Zeno is in league's top in rebounds (7th best: 8.4rpg) and averages impressive 50.5% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 27-year old American Lawrence Hamm (198-F-84, agency: Court Side) of LrNMKY. Hamm had a very good evening with a double-double of 22 points and 11 rebounds. Bad luck as LrNMKY lost that game 78-84 to the higher-ranked Nilan Bisons (#2, 11-4). This loss caused LrNMKY to drop to 8th position in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 7-9 record. Hamm is a newcomer at LrNMKY, but is already one of team's top players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 17.8ppg (#9). He also registered 7.1 boards per game.

Third on the list of top players last round was American forward Amal McCaskill (211-F/C-73) of KTP (#10). McCaskill scored 20 points and grabbed eleven rebounds (!!!). Despite McCaskill's great performance KTP lost 81-91 to the higher-ranked Kouvot (#6, 8-8). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. KTP can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have rather bad season and 4-13 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for McCaskill he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. McCaskill has a very solid season. In 3 games in Finland he scored 12.7ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Kenneth Lowe (192-G-80) of Pyrinto - 27 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Tim Blue (205-F-84) of KTP - 22 points, 16 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Jared Newson (195-G/F-84) of Kataja - 15 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Antti Nikkila (210-F/C-78) of Pyrinto - 13 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Mikko Jalonen (186-PG-82) of Korihait - 22 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists
9. Antto Nikkarinen (185-PG-91) of Kouvot - 21 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Eero Lehtinen (191-G-85) of ToPo - 14 points and 10 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)

Aubrey Conerly joins Saynatsalon Riento - by Eurobasket Center
Saynatsalon Riento (1st Division) signed 28-year old American guard Aubrey Conerly (182-G-83, college: Jacksonville). In his first game he scored 24 points, grabbed 3 rebounds and 7 assists helping his new team beat Huima 91-84. Conerly played most recently at Porvoon Tarmo (1st Division). While playing 26 games for Porvoon Tarmo last season his stats were: 15.2ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.2apg and 1.8spg (5th best in the league). He helped them to win the championship title. Conerly is a very experienced player. He graduated Jacksonville University in 2006 and actually missed last season. It will be his sixth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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

FRANCE

Fenerbahce Ulker celebrates easy win in Nancy - by Eurobasket News
Nancy - Fenerbahce Ulker 53-73

Fenerbahce Ulker demonstrated its power in Nancy on Wednesday night. The reigning Turkish champion cruised past the French champ 53-73 for 5-3 record in Group A of the Euroleague regular season. At the same time, Nancy dropped to 3-5 in this pool. Fenerbahce Ulker took control on its rival from the beginning and was in charge during the entire game. James Gist (205-F-86) stepped up for Fener with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Curtis Jerrells (185-G-87, college: Baylor) (5 rebs) and Bojan Bogdanovic (203-G/F-89) helped with 14 points each. In Nancy, Jamal Shuler (191-G-86) was better than the others with 17 points. Akinlolu Akingbala (208-C-83, college: Clemson) had 11 points and 9 rebs, while new Nancy's player Kenny Gregory (197-G/F-78, college: Kansas) scored 8 pts. Quarters: 15-22, 10-10, 15-17, 13-24. Fenerbahce Ulker waits Bilbao in the next round. Nancy goes to Vitoria.

Nancy: Jamal Shuler 17, Akinlolu Akingbala 11+9 boards, Kenny Gregory 8
Fenerbahce Ulker: James Gist 16+7 boards, Curtis Jerrells 14+5 boards, Bojan Bogdanovic 14

Standings - N1

NM1 Standings

1. Charleville		10-2
2. Souffel		9-3
3. Cognac		9-3
4. St Quentin		9-3
5. Sorgues		8-4
6. Blois		7-5
7. Orchy		7-5
8. Brest		7-5
9. Chartres		7-5
10. Roche		7-5
11. Angers BC 49		6-6
12. Challans		6-6
13. Lievin		5-7
14. Clermont		4-8
15. Le Puy		3-9
16. Rueil		2-10
17. CFBB		1-11
18. Montbrison		1-11

Nancy lands Kenny Gregory - by Eurobasket News
Kenny Gregory (197-G/F-78, college: Kansas) is a new member of Nancy. The American G/F penned a deal for rest of the season. Actually, Gregory already made debut for his new team. He scored 8 points against Fenerbahce Ulker last night. Kenny Gregory spent last season with Union Olimpija. He averaged 14 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists for 16 Euroleague games. He also added 11.1 ppg, 3.1 rpg and 1.4 apg for 25 games in Adriatic league. In Slovenian championship, Gregory had almost the same numbers. He helped Olimpija to win the Slovenian Cup. In 2009/10, Kenny Gregory played for PAOK Thessaloniki. He also spent first part of the 2008/09 season with them. In February of 2009, he moved to Pamesa Valencia. Kenny Gregory is not a new face in France as he already played for Le Mans in the past. They won the ProA title and Semaine des As in 2006.

NM1 Round 12 of Regular Season - by Eurobasket News
Roche (#7) forced the game against Sorgues (#6) into an overtime, but lost by five points 84-89 on Tuesday night. It was a good game for Yassine Bassine (198-G-84) who led his team to a victory with 18 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line). Sorgues (8-4) moved-up to fifth place. Roche at the other side dropped to the sixth position with five games lost. Sorgues will face CFBB (#17) in Paris in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Roche will play against Chartres (#9).

There were no big surprises in other games of round 12: Challans was beaten by Chartres on the road 87-77. Lievin won against Orchy on its own court 64-59. Rueil unfortunately lost to Brest in a road game 70-84. Bottom-ranked Montbrison recorded a loss to Clermont at home 71-79. St Quentin was crushed by Angers BC 49 on the opponent's court 84-63. Cognac beat Blois in a home game 88-87. Le Puy was destroyed by Souffel on the road 96-64. Charleville outscored CFBB on its own court 85-62.
The most impressive performance of 12th round was 20 points and 15 rebounds by Mouhammadou Jaiteh of CFBB.

Sorgues - Roche 89-84 OT

Roche (#7) forced the game against Sorgues (#6) into an overtime, but lost by five points 84-89 on Tuesday night. The hosts started the game with a very strong first quarter 25-6. But Roche won second period 22-12. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening, at least not yet. The game turned upside-down in the last quarter, where Roche used huge pressure winning it 26-24 getting a tie at the end of regular time. They lost eventually overtime period 11-16. Sorgues dominated on the defensive end, holding Roche to just 6 points in first quarter. They made 22-of-26 free shots (84.6 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Roche 35-19 including 22 on the defensive glass. Roche was plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a good game for naturalized Moroccan guard Yassine Bassine (198-84) who led his team to a victory with 18 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line). Guard Samir Mekdad (188-86) contributed with 18 points and 4 assists for the winners. Guard Benjamin Thomas (181-82) replied with 26 points (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line) and naturalized American forward Sebastien Hermenier (198-82, college: Binghamton) added 16 points in the effort for Roche. Five Roche players scored in double figures. Sorgues (8-4) moved-up to fifth place. Roche at the other side dropped to the sixth position with five games lost. Sorgues will face CFBB (#17) in Paris in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Roche will play against Chartres (#9).
Top scorers:
Sorgues: S.Mekdad 18+2reb+4ast, Y.Bassine 18+5reb+4ast, S.Ocokoljic 15+3reb, V.Ateba 10+4reb+1ast, X.Pasut 9+12reb+1ast, D.Quincy-Jones 7+7reb+1ast
Roche: B.Thomas 26+1ast, S.Hermenier 16+3reb, M.Diallo 14+2ast, A.Toto N'Kote 12+2reb+3ast, L.Simmons 10+3reb, E.Andre 2+3reb

Chartres - Challans 87-77

Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both eleventh ranked Chartres and 10th ranked Vendee Challans had identical 6-5 record. This time Chartres used a home court advantage and beat the opponent from Challans 87-77 on Tuesday night. The game was mostly controlled by Chartres. Vendee Challans was better in fourth quarter 33-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Chartres looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists comparing to just 12 passes made by Vendee Challans' players. It was a good game for Bosnian guard Milan Vasic (195-77) who led his team to a victory with 23 points and 5 rebounds. Guard Willy Berquier (177-87) contributed with 14 points and 7 assists for the winners. American forward Josh Almanson (205-82, college: Bowling Green) replied with 16 points and 4 assists and forward Fabien Herard (198-79) added 17 points in the effort for Vendee Challans. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Vendee Challans' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Chartres have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to sixth place, which they share with 4 other teams. Loser Vendee Challans dropped to the eleventh position with six games lost. Chartres will face Roche (#10) on the road in the next round. Vendee Challans will play against Etendard de Brest.
Top scorers:
Chartres: M.Vasic 23+5reb+1ast, G.Lemon 14+3ast, W.Berquier 14+2reb+7ast, Z.Bojovic 12+3reb+5ast, H.Jalce 12+2reb, M.Ipouck 7+10reb+4ast
Challans: F.Herard 17+4reb+2ast, J.Almanson 16+4reb+4ast, N.Gouacide 12+3reb, S.Cherasse 10+2reb+2ast, R.Boissie 7+2reb+3ast, S.Girma 6+2reb+1ast

Lievin - Orchy 64-59

There was an upset when higher ranked Orchesien BC (7-5) lost on the road to thirteenth ranked Lievin Basket (5-7) 64-59 on Tuesday. Orchesien BC was trailing by 5 points at halftime but managed to get 3-point lead after three quarters before a 18-10 charge of Lievin Basket, which allowed them to win the game. Lievin Basket outrebounded Orchesien BC 46-33 including 32 on the defensive glass. It was a good game for American center Tyler Sanborn (209-88, college: Guilford, agency: Strategic Sports) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 13 rebounds. Naturalized American forward Antwon Hoard (199-72, college: Murray St., agency: ACMT) contributed with 10 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. American guard Jahsha Bluntt (198-84, college: Delaware St., agency: David Lee services) replied with 19 points and swingman David Cilly (196-81) added 11 points in the effort for Orchesien BC. Orchesien BC's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Lievin Basket maintains thirteenth position with 5-7 record. Orchesien BC lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the sixth place with five games lost. Lievin Basket will face Le Puy ASMB (#15) in Le Puy en Velay in the next round.
Top scorers:
Lievin: T.Sanborn 18+13reb+1ast, V.Lehut 14+3reb, A.Hoard 10+6reb+1ast, J.Dessart 8+8reb, V.Mendy 6+8reb, A.Pierre-Joseph 5+7reb+4ast
Orchy: J.Bluntt 19+4reb+1ast, D.Cilly 11+4reb, A.Belkessa 9+2reb+3ast, D.Petrovic 8+3reb+4ast, A.Gacko 6+5reb, O.Gouez 4+3reb

Brest - Rueil 84-70

Very predictable result when ninth ranked Etendard de Brest (7-5) won against at home 16th ranked Rueil (2-10) 84-70 on Tuesday. The hosts were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Etendard de Brest dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Rueil's 30. It was a good game for center Rafael Lopez (204-86) who led his team to a victory with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Guard Johan Rathieuville (177-85) contributed with 8 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. Georgian center Georges Mdivani (205-85, agency: Promotex) replied with 14 points and 8 rebounds and naturalized Mali guard Modibo Niakate (185-81, college: Cleveland St.) added 14 points in the effort for Rueil. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Etendard de Brest have an impressive five-game winning streak. They moved-up to sixth place, which they share with 4 other teams. Newly promoted Rueil keeps the sixteenth position with ten games lost. Etendard de Brest will face Vendee Challans (#12) on the road in the next round where they are favorite.
Top scorers:
Brest: R.Lopez 19+7reb+1ast, V.Pridotkas 19+5reb+1ast, J.Doreau 18+3reb+2ast, B.Vounang 9+2reb+1ast, Z.Alao 8+1ast, J.Rathieuville 8+10reb+7ast
Rueil: M.Niakate 14+3reb+2ast, G.Mdivani 14+8reb+1ast, S.Cabarkapa 10+8reb+1ast, E.Driss 9+3reb+1ast, M.Diame 8+6reb, G.Duro 6+5reb+5ast

Montbrison - Clermont 71-79

Not a big story in a game when 18th ranked Montbrison (1-11) lost at home to fifteenth ranked Stade Clermont (4-8) 79-71 on Tuesday. The guests trailed by 4 points after three quarters before their 29-17 charge, which allowed them to win the game. It was a good game for Bulgarian swingman Simeon Naydenov (201-81, college: Louisville, agency: Global Sports Plaza) who led his team to a victory with 28 points. Forward Jonathan Beugnot (201-83, college: Clayton St.) contributed with 14 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Four Stade Clermont players scored in double figures. American power forward James St Robert (203-86, college: Dowling) replied with 21 points and 9 rebounds and guard Benjamin Tillon (189-85) added 12 points and 6 assists in the effort for Montbrison. Stade Clermont moved-up to fourteenth place. Montbrison lost fourth consecutive game. Newly promoted team stay at the bottom position with 11 games lost. Stade Clermont will face league's leader Charleville-Mezieres at home in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Montbrison will play against Saint-Quentin (#4) where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Clermont: S.Naydenov 28+3reb, J.Beugnot 14+8reb+1ast, B.Matanga 13+5reb+1ast, J.Cortey 12+3reb+5ast, X.Delarue 4+4reb+2ast, J.McClark 4+5reb+2ast
Montbrison: J.St Robert 21+9reb, L.Biela 12+9reb, B.Tillon 12+3reb+6ast, K.Mondesir 9+7reb, F.Giraud 7+3reb, C.Pegon 6+3reb+6ast

Angers BC 49 - St Quentin 84-63

There was a surprise result when twelfth ranked Angers BC 49 (6-6) outplayed at home second-best Saint-Quentin (9-3) 84-63 on Tuesday. The game without a history. Angers BC 49 led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. It was a good game for American forward Tyray Pearson (201-80, college: Iowa St.) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 12 rebounds. point guard Tony Ramphort (176-82) contributed with 19 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Four Angers BC 49 players scored in double figures. Forward Julien Lesieu (199-83) replied with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds and American guard Keonta Howell (193-85, college: Toledo) added 13 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Saint-Quentin. Angers BC 49 moved-up to eleventh place, which they share with Challans. Loser Saint-Quentin keeps the second position with three games lost. Angers BC 49 will face higher ranked Blois (#6) on the road in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Saint-Quentin will play against Montbrison (#18).
Top scorers:
Angers BC 49: T.Pearson 21+12reb+1ast, T.Ramphort 19+5reb+2ast, T.Lonzieme 14+3reb+3ast, S.Traore 12+7reb+3ast, J.Casseus 4+3reb, P.Drouault 4+3reb+2ast
St Quentin: J.Lesieu 19+11reb+1ast, K.Howell 13+6reb, O.Romain 8+5reb+5ast, J.Ball 6+3reb+2ast, G.Sylvain 5+3reb+1ast, K.Bichard 5+2reb

Cognac - Blois 88-87

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 5th ranked Blois' (7-5) road loss to fourth ranked Cognac (9-3) 87-88 on Tuesday. Blois cut a 14-point halftime deficit to one at the end of the game. Cognac made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Blois 37-23 including 26 on the defensive glass. It was a good game for guard Mathieu Bigote (187-84) who saved his team from a defeat with 21 points and 4 assists. American center Ian Caskill (207-81, college: JMU) contributed with 12 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Guard Gary Staelens (189-84) replied with 22 points and Finnish forward Ville Kaunisto (204-82) added 18 points and 5 steals in the effort for Blois. Five Blois players scored in double figures. Cognac moved-up to second place, which they share with St Quentin and Souffel. Loser Blois dropped to the sixth position with five games lost. Cognac will face Orchesien BC (#7) in Orchies in the next round where they are favorite. Blois will play at home against Angers BC 49.
Top scorers:
Cognac: M.Bigote 21+2reb+4ast, I.Caskill 12+8reb+4ast, C.Bertorelle 12+1reb+1ast, N.Kaczmarow 9+1reb+2ast, J.Godin 9+4reb+4ast, I.Saounera 8+4reb+3ast
Blois: G.Staelens 22+3reb+3ast, V.Kaunisto 18+4reb+2ast, J.Horton 14+1reb, T.Sani 13+4reb+2ast, J.Tornato 12+6reb+4ast, T.Delon 6+1reb+1ast

Souffel - Le Puy 96-64

No shocking result in a game when third ranked Souffelweyersheim (9-3) crushed 14th ranked Le Puy ASMB (3-9) in Souffel. 96-64 on Tuesday. The game was mostly controlled by Souffelweyersheim. Le Puy ASMB was better in fourth quarter 24-23. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Souffelweyersheim looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists comparing to just 5 passes made by Le Puy ASMB's players. Le Puy ASMB was plagued by 29 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a good game for swingman Jessie Begarin (190-88, agency: Court Side) who led his team to a victory with 17 points and 9 assists. Naturalized Chadian forward Jacques Alingue (201-88) contributed with 15 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Five Souffelweyersheim players scored in double figures. Central African forward Regis Koundjia-Sindo (203-83, college: G.Washington) replied with 20 points and 7 rebounds and swingman Guillaume Sene (197-86) added 9 points (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line) in the effort for Le Puy ASMB. Souffelweyersheim moved-up to second place, which they share with St Quentin and Cognac. Le Puy ASMB lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the fifteenth position with nine games lost. Souffelweyersheim will face Orchesien BC (#7) in Orchies in the next round where they are favorite. Le Puy ASMB will play at home against Lievin Basket (#13) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Souffel: J.Bach 18+3reb+2ast, J.Begarin 17+3reb+9ast, J.Tschamber 15+1reb+4ast, J.Alingue 15+7reb+2ast, F.Broliron 15+4reb+3ast, A.N'Diaye 8+5reb+1ast
Le Puy: R.Koundjia-Sindo 20+7reb+2ast, S.Borval 10, G.Sene 9+3reb+2ast, M.Gotagni 9+3reb, Y.Smail 8+3reb, Y.Jacques 4+3reb+1ast

Charleville - CFBB 85-62

Very expected game when 17th ranked CFBB (1-11) was smashed on the road by first ranked Charleville-Mezieres (10-2) 85-62 on Tuesday. The game was mostly controlled by Charleville-Mezieres. CFBB was better in fourth quarter 20-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Charleville-Mezieres dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to CFBB's 30. Charleville-Mezieres forced 21 CFBB turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. It was a good game for guard Damien Pistre (190-83) who led his team to a victory with 15 points, 6 assists and 4 steals. Swingman Frederic Bourdillon (193-91) contributed with 16 points and 7 assists for the winners. Five Charleville-Mezieres players scored in double figures. Power forward Mouhammadou Jaiteh (201-94) replied with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 15 rebounds and guard Anthony Racine (190-94) added 19 points in the effort for CFBB. Charleville-Mezieres have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 10-2 record. Loser CFBB keeps the seventeenth place with 11 games lost. Charleville-Mezieres will face Stade Clermont (#14) on the road in the next round which should be another easy win for them. CFBB will play against Sorgues.
Top scorers:
Charleville: F.Bourdillon 16+2reb+7ast, T.Toney 16+6reb, D.Pistre 15+4reb+6ast, N.Racon 11+3reb+1ast, N.Boundy 10+4reb+1ast, C.Guillarme 9+5reb
CFBB: M.Jaiteh 20+15reb+1ast, A.Racine 19+2reb, A.Chassang 5+3reb+1ast, C.Pontens 5+4reb, J.Basileu 4+1reb+1ast, Y.Morin 4+2reb+1ast

Pearson's double-double lands him NM1 Player of the Week award (by BasketStore) - by Eurobasket News

31-year old forward Tyray Pearson (201-F-80) put on an amazing game in the last round for Angers BC 49 and receives a Eurobasket.com NM1 Player of the Week award for round 12.
He had a double-double of 21 points and 12 rebounds, while his team crushed St Quentin (#4, 9-3) with 21-point margin 84-63. Angers BC 49 is placed at 11th position in NM1. Angers BC 49 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 6-6 record. Pearson turned to be Angers BC 49's top player in his first season with the team. Iowa State University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Pearson is in league's top in rebounds (8th best: 8.2rpg) and averages solid 61.5% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Mouhammadou Jaiteh (201-F/C-94) of CFBB. He is international forward in his 2nd season at CFBB. In the last game Jaiteh recorded impressive double-double of 20 points and 15 rebounds. Bad luck as CFBB lost that game 62-85 to the higher-ranked Charleville (#1, 10-2). CFBB is still in a red zone at 17th spot in the standings. 11 lost games are too many comparing to just one victory CFBB managed to get this year. Jaiteh is well-known at CFBB and he already established his position as one of the team's leaders.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Jacques Alingue (201-F-88) of league's second-best Souffel. Alingue scored 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds. He was a key player of Souffel, leading his team to a 96-64 easy win against the lower-ranked Le Puy (#15, 3-9). Souffel needs these victories very badly if they think about taking over top position in the standings. Their record at this point is 9 victories and 3 lost games. Alingue has a very solid season. In 11 games in France he scored 11.5ppg. He also has 6.1rpg, 1.8bpg and FGP: 58.7%. Jacques Alingue has also French passport and can play in the league with a status of domestic player.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Gary Staelens (189-G-84) of Blois - 22 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Jessie Begarin (190-G/F-88) of Souffel - 17 points, 3 rebounds and 9 assists
6. Milan Vasic (195-G-77) of Chartres - 23 points and 5 rebounds
7. Julien Lesieu (199-F-83) of St Quentin - 19 points and 11 rebounds
8. Johan Rathieuville (177-G-85) of Brest - 8 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists
9. Regis Koundjia-Sindo (203-F-83) of Le Puy - 20 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Rafael Lopez (204-C-86) of Brest - 19 points and 7 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)

Stats Leaders - N1

Points Per Game

Corey BELSER
  Charleville
  (200-F-82)
  Avg: 18.9

1. Belser, Charleville	18.9
2. Bluntt, Orchy	18.7
3. Thomas, Roche	18.4
4. Almanson, Challans	18.2
5. Pridotkas, Brest	18.1
6. Kaunisto, Blois	17.2
7. Bigote, Cognac	17.1
8. St Robert, Montb.	16.8
9. Merie, Chartres	16.3
10. Pearson, Angers B.	16.1

Rebounds Per Game

Ville KAUNISTO
  Blois
  (204-F-82)
  Avg: 11.4

1. Kaunisto, Blois	11.4
2. Jaiteh, CFBB	10.8
3. Caskill, Cognac	9.9
4. Sanborn, Lievin	9.6
5. Pridotkas, Brest	9.3
6. Pearson, Angers B.	8.5
7. Mendy, Lievin	8.4
8. Aubry, Montbrison	8.3
9. St Robert, Montb.	7.2
10. Belser, Charlevil.	7.2

Assists Per Game

Johan RATHIEUVILLE
  Brest
  (177-G-85)
  Avg: 6.9

1. Rathieuville, Brest	6.9
2. Calvez, Charleville	5.8
3. Brochard, Blois	5.6
4. Barbry, Orchy	5.2
5. Daube, Le Puy	5.1
6. Berquier, Chartres	4.5
7. Ball, St Quentin	4.3
8. Dessart, Lievin	4.2
9. Godin, Cognac	4.2
10. Cortey, Clermont	3.9

Steals Per Game

Damien PISTRE
  Charleville
  (190-G-83)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Pistre, Charleville	2.3
2. Toto N''Kote, Roche	2.1
3. Kaunisto, Blois	1.9
4. Calvez, Charleville	1.9
5. Bigote, Cognac	1.9
6. Cretaux, Lievin	1.8
7. Bassine, Sorgues	1.8
8. Koundjia-S., Le Puy	1.8
9. Moupegnou, Cognac	1.8
10. Ball, St Quentin	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Abdoulaye N''DIAYE
  Souffel
  (210-C/F-84)
  Avg: 2

1. N''Diaye, Souffel	2.0
2. Alingue, Souffel	1.8
3. Caskill, Cognac	1.5
4. Sanborn, Lievin	1.3
5. Morin, CFBB	1.2
6. Ipouck, Chartres	1.1
7. Casseus, Angers B.	0.9
8. Borval, Le Puy	0.9
9. Jaiteh, CFBB	0.9
10. Traore, Angers B.	0.9

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

FYR MACEDONIA

Superleague Round 13: Undefeated Feni Indistrija loses their first game against MZT Skopje - by Eurobasket News
The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of undefeated Feni Indistrija (11-1) on the court of third ranked MZT Skopje on Thursday night. Visitors were rolled over by MZT Skopje 92-71. It ended at the same time the 11-game winning streak of Feni Indistrija. The game without a history. MZT Skopje led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Feni Indistrija's 30. The former international power forward Gjorgi Cekovski (203-79) stepped up and scored 27 points and 8 rebounds for the winners and international center Todor Gecevski (209-77, agency: Interperformances) chipped in 11 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists. At the losing side international power forward Kiril Nikolovski (210-88) responded with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 11 rebounds. Feni Indistrija's coach Emil Rajkovic gave up on the game allowing to play twelve players seeing no chance for a win. MZT Skopje maintains third place with 9-3 record having just two points less than leader Feni Indistrija. Defending champion Feni Indistrija still keeps top position with one game lost. MZT Skopje's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Skopje to the arena Vardar.
Another exciting game was a derby match between two teams from Skopje: Torus Skopje (#2) and Vardar (#7). Torus Skopje (9-2) crushed visiting Vardar (3-8) by 16 points 84-68. American power forward Justin Reynolds (204-88, college: Texas A&M-CC) nailed a double-double by scoring 20 points and 12 rebounds for the winning side and Goran Markovski accounted for 17 points and 10 rebounds. Power forward Filip Kralevski (204-82) came up with 13 points and 7 rebounds for Vardar in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Torus Skopje maintains second place with 9-2 record having just three points less than leader Feni Indistrija. Vardar lost fourth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the seventh position with eight games lost. Torus Skopje's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Skopje to the arena Lirija.
The game in Strumica was also quite interesting. Sixth ranked Fersped-Rabotnicki (5-7) played at the court of 8th ranked ABA Strumica (2-10). Fersped-Rabotnicki defeated ABA Strumica 73-63 on Wednesday. Dime Tasovski fired 22 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. John Chappell produced a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds for lost side. Fersped-Rabotnicki maintains sixth place with 5-7 record. ABA Strumica lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with ten games lost. They share it with Kozuv. Fersped-Rabotnicki will meet at home higher ranked Kumanovo 2009 (#5) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. ABA Strumica will play against the league's leader Feni Indistrija in Kavadarci and hope to secure a win.

In the last game of round 13 bottom-ranked Kozuv lost to Kumanovo on the opponent's court 68-76.

MZT Skopje - Feni Indistrija 92-71

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of undefeated Feni Indistrija (11-1) on the court of third ranked MZT Skopje on Thursday night. Visitors were rolled over by MZT Skopje 92-71. It ended at the same time the 11-game winning streak of Feni Indistrija. The game without a history. MZT Skopje led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Feni Indistrija's 30. The former international power forward Gjorgi Cekovski (203-79) stepped up and scored 27 points and 8 rebounds for the winners and international center Todor Gecevski (209-77, agency: Interperformances) chipped in 11 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists. Four MZT Skopje players scored in double figures. At the losing side international power forward Kiril Nikolovski (210-88) responded with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 11 rebounds and Serbian center Dusan Knezevic (207-80, agency: BeoExcell) scored 8 points and 7 rebounds. Feni Indistrija's coach Emil Rajkovic gave up on the game allowing to play twelve players seeing no chance for a win. MZT Skopje maintains third place with 9-3 record having just two points less than leader Feni Indistrija. Defending champion Feni Indistrija still keeps top position with one game lost. MZT Skopje's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Skopje to the arena Vardar.
Top scorers:
Feni Indistrija: K.Nikolovski 12+11reb, J.Frye 11+2reb+2ast, M.Simonovski 11, D.Knezevic 8+7reb+1ast, I.Lilov 8+1reb+1ast, V.Brckov 7
MZT Skopje: G.Cekovski 27+8reb+2ast, N.Dahlman 18+9reb, O.Stojanovski 15+3reb+3ast, T.Gecevski 11+10reb+6ast, C.Davis 9+2reb+1ast, I.Mijajlovic 5+1reb+5ast

Kumanovo - Kozuv 76-68

Very expected game when 9th ranked Kozuv (2-10) was defeated on the road by fifth ranked Kumanovo 2009 (5-6) 76-68 on Wednesday. The hosts trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 42-32 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Kumanovo 2009 forced 19 Kozuv turnovers and outrebounded them 39-25 including 29 on the defensive glass. Serbian forward Dejan Mikic (201-86) fired a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Serbian power forward Nemanja Jelesijevic (209-79, agency: World Sport Agency) chipped in 13 points and 9 rebounds. Serbian guard Dusan Domovic (190-85) produced 20 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists and Montenegrin center Miko Golubovic (207-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza) added 15 points and 5 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Kumanovo 2009 maintains fifth place with 5-6 record. Newly promoted Kozuv stay at the bottom position with ten games lost. They share it with ABA Strumica. Kumanovo 2009 will meet Fersped-Rabotnicki (#6) in the next round. Kozuv will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Kozuv: D.Domovic 20+7reb+4ast, M.Golubovic 15+5reb+1ast, A.Dimitrovski 13+5reb+2ast, P.Marik 10+2reb+1ast, D.Vegov 6+1reb+1ast, B.Tomasevic 4+1reb+3ast
Kumanovo: D.Mikic 20+10reb, A.Kostoski 15+2reb+4ast, M.Janjusevic 13+2reb+2ast, N.Jelesijevic 13+9reb+1ast, D.Stanimirovic 7+1reb, M.Janevski 5+6reb

ABA Strumica - Rabotnicki 63-73

The game in Strumica was also quite interesting. Sixth ranked Fersped-Rabotnicki (5-7) played at the court of 8th ranked ABA Strumica (2-10). Fersped-Rabotnicki defeated ABA Strumica 73-63 on Wednesday. The game was mostly controlled by Fersped-Rabotnicki. ABA Strumica managed to win third quarter 21-20. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Fersped-Rabotnicki won last quarter 21-13. They made 17-of-20 free shots (85.0 percent) during the game. The former international forward Dime Tasovski (200-80) fired 22 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Serbian power forward Milos Pavlovic (210-84, agency: BeoExcell) chipped in 11 points and 4 assists. Four Fersped-Rabotnicki players scored in double figures. American center John Chappell (208, college: S.Carolina) produced a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds and the other American import center Clive Weeden (205-87, college: Dartmouth) added 14 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. Fersped-Rabotnicki maintains sixth place with 5-7 record. ABA Strumica lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with ten games lost. They share it with Kozuv. Fersped-Rabotnicki will meet at home higher ranked Kumanovo 2009 (#5) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. ABA Strumica will play against the league's leader Feni Indistrija in Kavadarci and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
ABA Strumica: J.Chappell 18+10reb+1ast, C.Weeden 14+6reb+1ast, Z.Delev 7+1reb+7ast, P.Cvetkov 7+1reb+8ast, M.Hasanov 6+2reb+2ast, J.Kurciev 5+3reb+3ast
Rabotnicki: D.Tasovski 22+5reb+1ast, E.Hadzibulic 13+2reb+3ast, M.Pavlovic 11+4reb+4ast, J.Petrovski 10+2reb+2ast, E.Bogoev 5+1reb+4ast, G.Jovanovic 4+5reb+1ast

Torus Skopje - Vardar 84-68

Another exciting game was a derby match between two teams from Skopje: Torus Skopje (#2) and Vardar (#7). Torus Skopje (9-2) crushed visiting Vardar (3-8) by 16 points 84-68. Vardar was ahead by 1 point after three quarters before a 30-13 charge of Torus Skopje, which allowed them to win the game. American power forward Justin Reynolds (204-88, college: Texas A&M-CC) nailed a double-double by scoring 20 points and 12 rebounds for the winning side and guard Goran Markovski (195-92) accounted for 17 points and 10 rebounds. Power forward Filip Kralevski (204-82) came up with 13 points and 7 rebounds and guard Angel Tasevski (187-83) added 14 points and 4 assists respectively for Vardar in the defeat. Four Torus Skopje and five Vardar players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Torus Skopje maintains second place with 9-2 record having just three points less than leader Feni Indistrija. Vardar lost fourth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the seventh position with eight games lost. Torus Skopje's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Skopje to the arena Lirija.
Top scorers:
Vardar: A.Tasevski 14+2reb+4ast, D.Radulovic 13+3reb+1ast, F.Kralevski 13+7reb+1ast, A.Shterjov 12+6reb, D.Kostevski 11+4reb+1ast, V.Levkoski 3+3reb
Torus Skopje: J.Reynolds 20+12reb+1ast, D.Karadzovski 18+1reb+4ast, G.Markovski 17+10reb+1ast, B.Trajkovski 14+6reb+1ast, I.Dimcevski 6+2reb+1ast, P.Blazevski 5+2reb+2ast

Reynolds number one for round 13 - by Eurobasket News
American power forward Justin Reynolds (204-F/C-88) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for second-ranked Torus Skopje, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 13.
The 23-year old player had a double-double of 20 points and 12 rebounds, while his team crushed Vardar (#7, 3-8) with 16-point margin 84-68. Torus Skopje maintains the 2nd position in FYR Macedonian Superleague. They are still close to the very top. Torus Skopje would have been even better if they kept winning the games like in the last round. They have a solid 9-2 record. Reynolds turned to be Torus Skopje's top player in his first season with the team. Former Texas A&M - Corpus Christi star has very solid stats this year. Reynolds is in league's top in rebounds (4th best: 8.2rpg) and averages impressive 57.1% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 32-year old former international power forward Gjorgi Cekovski (203-F/C-79) of MZT Skopje. Cekovski had a very good evening with 27 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists. Of course he lead MZT Skopje to another comfortable win outscoring slightly higher-ranked Feni Indistrija (#1, 11-1) 92-71. It was definitely game of the week between two contenders to the title. MZT Skopje consolidated its place in top 3 of the standings. His team's 9-3 record is not bad at all. Cekovski is a newcomer at MZT Skopje, but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was American center John Chappell (208-C) of ABA Strumica (#8). Chappell scored 18 points and grabbed ten rebounds. Despite Chappell's great performance ABA Strumica lost 63-73 to slightly higher-ranked Rabotnicki (#6, 5-7). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. ABA Strumica can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have rather bad season and 2-10 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Chappell he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Chappell has a very solid season. In 11 games in FYR Macedonia he scored 8.3ppg. He also has 5.8rpg, 1.3bpg and FGP: 56.8%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Noah Dahlman (200-F-89) of MZT Skopje - 18 points and 9 rebounds
5. Dejan Mikic (201-F-86) of Kumanovo - 20 points and 10 rebounds
6. Dime Tasovski (200-F-80) of Rabotnicki - 22 points and 5 rebounds
7. Dusan Domovic (190-G-85) of Kozuv - 20 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists
8. Todor Gecevski (209-C-77) of MZT Skopje - 11 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists
9. Goran Markovski (195-G-92) of Torus Skopje - 17 points and 10 rebounds
10. Ognen Stojanovski (190-G-85) of MZT Skopje - 15 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists

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

D1 Standings

Superleague Standings

1. Feni Indistrija		11-1
2. Torus Skopje		9-2
3. MZT Skopje		9-3
4. Lirija		6-5
5. Kumanovo		5-6
6. Rabotnicki		5-7
7. Vardar		3-8
8. ABA Strumica		2-10
9. Kozuv		2-10

Stats Leaders - Superleague

Points Per Game

Phillip BROOKS
  ABA S.
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 21

1. Brooks, ABA S.	21.0
2. Boswell, ABA S.	19.3
3. Radulovic, Vardar	18.8
4. Zivcevic, Lirija	18.2
5. Tasovski, Rabotnic.	18.1
6. Nikolovski, Feni I.	17.5
7. Jelesijevic, Kuman.	17.2
8. Karadzovski, Torus	16.9
9. Dahlman, MZT S.	16.5
10. Mikic, Kumanovo	16.5

Rebounds Per Game

Todor GECEVSKI
  MZT S.
  (209-C-77)
  Avg: 9.6

1. Gecevski, MZT S.	9.6
2. Dahlman, MZT S.	8.8
3. Mitchell, Lirija	8.5
4. Reynolds, Torus S.	8.2
5. Nikolovski, Feni I.	7.9
6. Trajkovski, Torus	7.4
7. Cekovski, MZT S.	7.2
8. Jelesijevic, Kuman.	6.6
9. Hadzivasilev, ABA	6.5
10. Mikic, Kumanovo	6.4

Assists Per Game

Jane PETROVSKI
  Rabotnicki
  (181-G-87)
  Avg: 3.8

1. Petrovski, Rabotni.	3.8
2. Morban, Lirija	3.5
3. Karadzovski, Torus	3.5
4. Tomasevic, Kozuv	3.3
5. Frye, Feni Indistr.	3.2
6. Gecevski, MZT S.	3.2
7. Tasevski, Vardar	3.1
8. Radulovic, Vardar	3.1
9. Mijajlovic, MZT S.	3.0
10. Zivcevic, Lirija	3.0

Steals Per Game

Jarrid FRYE
  Feni Indistrija
  (194-G/F-85)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Frye, Feni Indistr.	2.4
2. Tasovski, Rabotnic.	2.0
3. Filipovic, Lirija	1.6
4. Morban, Lirija	1.5
5. Simonovski, Feni I.	1.5
6. Kostoski, Kumanovo	1.3
7. Brooks, ABA S.	1.3
8. Dimcevski, Torus S.	1.2
9. Zivcevic, Lirija	1.2
10. Turner, Torus S.	1.1

Blocks Per Game

Nemanja JELESIJEVIC
  Kumanovo
  (209-C/F-79)
  Avg: 1.4

1. Jelesijevic, Kuman.	1.4
2. Chappell, ABA S.	1.3
3. Gecevski, MZT S.	1.2
4. Simic, Lirija	0.9
5. Cole, Rabotnicki	0.8
6. Kralevski, Vardar	0.7
7. Avramovski, Lirija	0.7
8. Reynolds, Torus S.	0.7
9. Tasovski, Rabotnic.	0.6
10. Buha, Kozuv	0.6

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

GERMANY

Murat Didin Pulls Another Coup Bringing Quadre Lollis To The Duesseldorf Giants - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Murar Didin is doing everything possible so his Duesseldorf Giants can return to the Beko BBL next season and landed a high profile name with Quadre Lollis (200-F/C-73, college: Montana St.) as reported by www.derwesten.de. Lollis is a 38 year old 200cm forward that is a short inside player, very tough rebounder who has good hands and the ability to score in traffic. He is very mobile, tough and athletic. Has excellent instincts and is extremely quick. Despite lack of height, shoots very high %. Excellent defender, individually and in rotation. Can go the basket, post up, and is a spectacular finisher. Will make the mid-range jumper. He has played professional basketball for 16 years and last season played for Immobiliare Spiga Rimini (Italy-Lega2) playing 34 games: 11.9ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.6spg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 67.0%. Lollis didnt return back to the Italian team since they lost their license recently and moved down to the fourth divison. Lollis is reunited with Didin again as they both won the Turkish title in 2001 with Ulker Istanbul (Turkey-D1). 'Quadre is a leader that will bring us far. He is a second Aubrey Reese', stressed Murat Didin.

Lollis played at Montana State. In 1996, he started his professional basketball career in Europe first playing for Oyak Renault (Turkey-D1) from 1996-1998. He then played a season for Sunair Oostende (Belgium) andGalatasaray Istanbul (Turkey). He then played for Murat Didin and Ulker Istanbul (Turkey) from 2000-2002. In 2002-2003, he played for ALBA Berlin winning the double playing 25 games, 12,5 ppg, 7,5 rpg, 1,0 spg; Euroleague: 12 games: 15.3ppg, 9.5rpg, 2.3apg. From 2003-2005, he made his debut in Greece playing for A.E.K. Athens playing 37 Euroleague games. In 2005-2006, he returned to Alba Berlin winning the cup in 2006. He then got three years of experience playing in Italy for Vanoli Soresina (Italy-Lega2). In 2009-2010, he returned back to Germany to play for EnBW Ludwigsburg (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 30 games: 9.0ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 53.2%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 75.7%. Awards/Achievements in his career have been Big Sky 1st Team -96, Belgian Cup Finalist -99, Turkish President Cup Finalist -00, Turkish Cup Semifinals -02, Turkish League Regular Season Runner-Up -02, German Bundesliga All-Star Game -03, Ranked sixth in the 2003 Euroleague MVP valuation points, with 21.25, Greek League Semifinals -04, Greek A1 League Semifinals -05, German Bundesliga Regular Season Champion -06, German Bundesliga Finalist -06, Italian Lega Due Cup Semifinals -08, Eurobasket.com All-Italian Lega2 Honorable Mention -08, 11, Italian Lega Due Cup Finalist -09, Italian Lega Due Play-Offs Champion -09, and Italian Lega Due Play-Offs Semifinals -08.

Source: www.derwesten.de

Valuable win for Brose Baskets in Malaga - by Eurobasket News
Unicaja - Brose Baskets 79-90

Brose Baskets did a great job in Malaga tonight. The German champion registered valuable 79-90 victory against Unicaja and joined them with 3-5 record in Group B. Also, the point differential is in favor of the German team. Brose Baskets made 25-42 at the midway of the second period, but kept plus six at the HT. After 30 minutes of the game visitors were still 61-67 up and they jumped to 69-80 during the last quarter. It was too much for the hosts, who faced with 79-90 loss at the end. Julius Jenkins (187-PG-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Georgia Sout) shined with 23 points and 5 assists for Brose Baskets. Marcus Slaughter (204-C/F-85, college: San Diego St.) had 14 points and 8 rebounds, while Anton Gavel (189-G-84, agency: Pro One Sports) added 12 pts. In Unicaja, Joel Freeland (208-F-87) collected 17 points and 7 rebounds. Earl Rowland (188-G-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) also scored 17 pts and he dished out 5 assists, while Gerald Fitch (191-G-82, agency: SportsTalent, college: Kentucky) added 15 points. Quarters: 23-24, 17-22, 21-21, 18-23. In the next round Brose Baskets will host Zalgiris. Unicaja goes to Zagreb.

Unicaja: Joel Freeland 17+7 boards, Earl Rowland 15+5 as, Gerald Fitch 15
Brose Baskets: Julius Jenkins 23+5 as, Marcus Slaughter 14+8 boards, Anton Gavel 12

Brandon Thomas Gets 1 Month Short Term Contract With The Artland Dragons - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Injuries have been a real nasty pest this season with the Artland Dragons and they continue to show havoc as the club have lost American Adam Hess to a shoulder injury and American Bryan Bailey is still out with a thumb injury, so the team reacted by bringing in an Brandon Thomas (198-G/F-84, college: Massachusetts) giving him a 1 month contract. Thomas is a 27 year old 198cm shooting guard/small forward from San Antonio, Texas that is long and athletic and capable of defending anyone on the floor; ability to accelerate and finish around the basket. Possesses an outstanding basketball IQ. He played for the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig the last two seasons playing atotal of 77 Beko BBL games and last season played 37 games: 14.3ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 60.5%, 3PT: 41.2%, FT: 78.7%. This season, he played for Vanoli-Braga Cremona (Italy-SerieA) playing seven games averaging 24 minutes per game and 4,1ppg and 2,7rpg. His best game was against Biella where he made 11 points. 'We didnt have to decide long about Brandon since we knew since a long time. He always had good games against us and was the best Braunschweig player in the playoffs. Thomas played at Long Island (NCAA) from 2002-2004 and finished his NCAA career at Massachusetts (NCAA) from 2006-2008. In 2007-2008, he played for Team FOG Naestved (Denmark-Basketliga, starting five): : 24 games: Score-1 (24.5ppg), 4.6rpg, 3.2apg, 2.0spg, 1.0bpg, 2FGP: 61.2%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 71.0%. In 2008-2009, he played for Kraftwerk Wels (Austria-A Bundesliga, starting five): 45 games: 20.2ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.5apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 66.6%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 68.5%. Awards/Achievements in his career have been Danish League All-Star Game -08 (MVP), Danish League Player of the year -08, Eurobasket.com Danish Ligaen All-Imports Team -08, Eurobasket.com All-Danish Ligaen 2nd Team -08, Austrian Cup Finalist -09, Austrian Bundesliga A All-Star Game -09Eurobasket.com All-Austrian Bundesliga 2nd Team -09, Eurobasket.com All-Austrian Bundesliga Guard of the Year -09, German Bundesliga Semifinals -10, German Bundesliga Cup Finalist -11, and Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga 2nd Team -11

Source: Artland Dragons

BG Hagen boosting roster by signing veteran guard Greg Ktistou - by Moritz Korff
BG Hagen (1. Regionalliga West) has completed the signing of 32-year-old guard Gregory Ktistou (186-G-79, college: Carthage).
Ktistou hails from Downers Grove, Illinois, but also holds a Greek passport. He played college basketball at NCAA D1 school Northern Illinois and D3 program Carthage. Ktistou spent most of his pro career in Greece.
BG Hagen has won only 2 of 11 games played so far this season in the RLW. The new point guard will probably make his debut against Sechtem on Saturday.

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

GREECE

HOLLAND

Results Dutch Basketball League: Lauselac Aris Win Convincinly Over Landstede Basketball - by Sanders Jackson

Wednesday night in the Theater van de Sport, Lauselac Aris' strong 3rd quarter performance was the determining factor, with the team of Lauselac Aris head coach Erik Braal cruising to a 73-52 blow out win. In the 1st half neither team played particularly well, with lots of missed midrange opportunities and both teams struggling to find a consistent flow. Nevertheless Landstede were able to cling to a 28-27 halftime lead.

At the start of the 3rd quarter, Aris' offensive attack began to emerge, by courtesy of current DBL scoring leader Lance Jeter (190-G, college: Nebraska), who led a 12-3 run within a 5 minute span to increase the lead to 49-33 with 2:20 remaining. Aris' defense also forced one-and-dones for Landstede, who had no answer for the Aris attack. The lead would eventually snowball to 58-36 after a Jeter layup. Aris' defense forced Landstede into only 29.7% FG total, while also shooting 63.6% FG in the second half. Jeter led all scorers with 25 pts. with Mark Sanchez (201-F-87, agency: Court Side, college: Boise St.) adding 18. Both teams are tied in the DBL standings at 6-5.

Standings - Eredivisie

Eredivisie Standings

1. Groningen		8-3
2. Den Bosch		7-3
3. Nijmegen		6-3
4. Leiden		6-4
5. Leeuwarden		6-5
6. Zwolle		6-5
7. Weert		1-8
8. Rotterdam		1-10

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

ISRAEL

Real Madrid too strong for Maccabi Electra, 88-64 - by Eurobasket News
Real Madrid - Maccabi T-A 88-64

Real Madrid handed 88-64 loss to Maccabi Electra on Thursday night. Thanks to this win, the Spanish squad stays alone on top of Group C with 6-2 record. Maccabi dropped to second place and now has the same score as Anadolu Efes, 5-3. Nikola Mirotic (209-F/C-91) exploded with 26 points and 8 rebounds for the hosts (valuation 33). Jaycee Carroll (188-PG-83, agency: Priority Sports) had 17 points and 6 rebounds, and Martynas Pocius (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) helped his team with 12 pts. Maccabi got 18 points from Keith Langford (193-G/F-83, college: Kansas). Lior Eliyahu (206-F/C-85, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices) and Richard Hendrix (203-F/C-86, college: Alabama) (5 rebs) netted 11 and 10 pts respectively. Quarters: 22-15, 26-25, 18-11, 22-13. Real Madrid will host Partizan next week. Maccabi will play against Anadolu Efes in Tel Aviv.

Real Madrid: Nikola Mirotic 26+8 boards, Jaycee Carroll 17+6 boards, Martynas Pocius 12
Maccabi: Keith Langford 18, Lior Eliyahu 11, Richard Hendrix 10+5 boards

Moragne's 29 points and 6 rebounds give him National League Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
28-year old forward Stacey Moragne (195-F-83) put on an amazing game in the last round for Elitzur Ramla and receives a Eurobasket.com National League Player of the Week award for round 9.
He had the game-high 29 points adding six rebounds and two assists for Elitzur Ramla in his team's victory, helping them to beat Hapoel Y/M (#14, 2-7) 99-91. Elitzur Ramla is placed at 8th position in National League. Elitzur Ramla 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 4-5 record. In the team's last game Moragne had a remarkable 87.5% from 2-point range. He turned to be Elitzur Ramla's top player in his first season with the team. U. of Massach. - Lowell graduate has very impressive stats this year. Moragne is in league's top in points (3rd best: 22.8ppg) and averages solid 59.3% FGP and 50.0% from behind 3-point line.

Second best performed player last round was Lior Segev (190-PG-83, agency: Gross Zeev ISA) of Kiryat Tivon. He is former international guard in his first season at Kiryat Tivon. In the last game Segev recorded impressive 34 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. Bad luck as Kiryat Tivon lost that game 74-81 to slightly lower-ranked Ironi Nahariya (#5, 5-3). This loss caused Kiryat Tivon to drop to 3rd position in the standings. His team's 6-3 record is not bad at all. Segev is a newcomer at Kiryat Tivon and quickly became one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 21.1ppg (#9). His other stats are also decent: 4.8rpg and 7.6apg.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Gregg Thondique (201-F-87) of Hapoel Afula (#7). Thondique scored 24 points and grabbed sixteen rebounds (!!!). Despite Thondique's great performance Hapoel Afula lost 63-69 to the higher-ranked Hapoel T-A (#2, 7-2). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Hapoel Afula ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 5 games, recording just four victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Thondique could help Hapoel Afula to bring them higher in the standings. Thondique has a great season in Israel. After only 9 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 22.6ppg (5th best) and rebounds with 14.6rpg (2nd best). He also has 1.9bpg and FGP: 56.6%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Ramon Clemente (200-PF-85) of Kiryat Tivon - 18 points and 16 rebounds
5. Jeron Roberts (194-G/F-76) of Ironi Nahariya - 19 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Thomas Sanders (194-G-85) of Hapoel Y/M - 26 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists
7. Marcus Ginyard (196-G/F-87) of Ironi Nahariya - 29 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Rodney Webb (200-F-83) of Ironi Ramat Gan - 24 points and 6 rebounds
9. Curtis Kelly (205-PF-88) of Hapoel T-A - 19 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Ilan Berkowitz (186-G-75) of Elitzur Ramla - 8 points, 10 rebounds and 11 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)

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

ITALY

Andersen lifts Montepaschi to victory in Istanbul - by Eurobasket News
Galatasaray - Montepaschi 63-67

Montepaschi celebrated 63-67 road victory against Galatasaray on Thursday night. It allowed the Italian powerhouse to keep the second place in Group D with 6-2 record. At the same time, Galatasaray dropped to 3-5 in this pool. Montepaschi already booked a spot for Top 16 and Galatasaray has a nice chance to do the same. David Andersen (212-C-80) shined for the winners with 18 points and 8 rebounds. Igor Rakocevic (191-G-78) drained 17 points and David Moss (196-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: Indiana St.) helped with 9. In the loosing squad, Jaka Lakovic (186-G-78) responded with 15 points. Luksa Andric (210-C-85, agency: Beo Basket) (7 rebs) and Jamon Lukas Gordon (191-G-84, college: Virginia Tech) (6 rebs) had 14 and 10 pts respectively. It was exciting finish and Andersen stepped up for Montepaschi. He buried a shot, plus added 4-of-4 free throws for 63-67 with 14.2 seconds left and Galatasaray was not able to respond. Quarters: 18-19, 15-13, 10-18, 20-17. Galatasaray will host Olimpija in crucial game next week. Montepaschi waits Regal Barca.

Galatasaray: Jaka Lakovic 15, Luksa Andric 14+7 boards, Jamon Lukas Gordon 10+6 boards
Montepaschi: David Andersen 18+8 boards, Igor Rakocevic 17, David Moss 9

Nazionale A Round 13: Leader Bari loses to Chieti - by Eurobasket News
The round was rather attractive and full of interesting results. The round ended with defeat of the leader, favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin.

Top ranked Bari (7-6) recorded its sixth loss on the court of fourth ranked Chieti on Thursday night. Visitors were defeated by Chieti 65-59. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 20-14. But Bari won second period 19-15. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Chieti dominated on the defensive end, holding Bari to just 7 points in third and fourth quarters. They also forced 19 Bari turnovers. 24 personal fouls committed by Bari helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Naturalized San Marino swingman Andrea Raschi (200-79) fired a double-double by scoring 14 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. The former international center Emanuele Rossi (208-82) chipped in 12 points and 11 rebounds. Naturalized Argentinian forward Silvio Gigena (200-75) produced 17 points and 5 rebounds for lost side. Bari's coach Giovanni Putignano rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Chieti (6-7) moved-up to second place, which they share with 4 other teams. Bari at the other side, also newcomer in the league, still keeps top position with six games lost. Chieti is looking forward to face Anagni (#5) on the road in the next round. Bari will play against the league's second-placed Recanati (#2) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Fifth-ranked Santarcangelo (4-9) made lots of trouble for first ranked Trieste (9-4) in Sant'Arcangelo. The visitors from Trieste managed to secure only three-point victory 67-64. However their fans expected much easier game. Worth to mention a great performance of point guard Michele Ruzzier (181-93) who helped to win the game recording 16 points. Innocenzo Ferraro contributed with 9 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Trieste's coach Eugenio Dalmasson allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Forward Jacopo Silimbani (202-86) answered with 8 points and 5 rebounds for Santarcangelo. Trieste maintains first place with 9-4 record, which they share with 3 other teams. Newly promoted Santarcangelo keeps the fifth position with nine games lost. They share it with Pavia and Matera. Trieste will play against Casalpusterlengo (#4) at home in the next round. Santarcangelo will play against Castelletto and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
A very close game took place in Orlandina between Orlandina and Recanati. Third ranked Orlandina (8-5) got a very close home victory over their biggest opponent Recanati (6-7). Orlandina managed to escape with a 1-point win 87-86 in the fight for the second place. Nicholas Crow stepped up with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Orlandina's coach Giovanni Perdichizzi used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. At the losing side Marco Evangelisti responded with 19 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. Orlandina moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams. Recanati lost third consecutive game. They keep the second position with seven games lost. They share it with 4 other teams. Orlandina will meet Latina Basket (#4) on the road in the next round. Recanati will play against the league's leader Bari and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
A very interesting game took place in Matera. It ended with only one-point home defeat of 6th ranked Matera (4-9) to fifth ranked Anagni (6-7) 64-63 on Thursday evening. Riccardo Santolamazza nailed 13 points and 7 rebounds for the winning side. Anagni moved-up to second place, which they share with 4 other teams. Matera at the other side dropped to the fifth position with nine games lost. Anagni's next round opponent will be Chieti (#4) at home. Matera will play against the league's leader Napoli.
Important game to mention about took place in Castelletto. Sixth ranked Castelletto (5-8) saved a 1-point victory at home edging 6th ranked Firenze (3-10) 86-85 in the fight for the fourth place. Matteo Raminelli fired a double-double by scoring 24 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. Castelletto moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Comsum.it SI. Firenze lost fifth consecutive game. Newly promoted team dropped to the fifth position with ten games lost. Castelletto will face Santarcangelo (#5) in Sant'Arcangelo in the next round. Firenze will play at home against Perugia and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Other games of round 13 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Torino was defeated by Perugia in a road game 78-73. Napoli smashed Latina Basket at home 73-49. San Severo lost to Fabriano on the opponent's court 75-82. Ferentino managed to outperform Ruvo in a home game 86-72. Trento managed to beat Casalpusterlengo on the road 68-59. Omegna crushed Pavia on its own court 71-52. Treviglio was beaten by Comsum.it SI in Siena 74-66.
The best stats of 13th round was 21 points and 6 steals by Mirko Trapella of Fabriano.

Chieti - Bari 65-59

Top ranked Bari (7-6) recorded its sixth loss on the court of fourth ranked Chieti on Thursday night. Visitors were defeated by Chieti 65-59. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 20-14. But Bari won second period 19-15. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Chieti dominated on the defensive end, holding Bari to just 7 points in third and fourth quarters. They also forced 19 Bari turnovers. 24 personal fouls committed by Bari helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Naturalized San Marino swingman Andrea Raschi (200-79) fired a double-double by scoring 14 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. The former international center Emanuele Rossi (208-82) chipped in a double-double by scoring 12 points and 11 rebounds. Naturalized Argentinian forward Silvio Gigena (200-75) produced 17 points and 5 rebounds and forward Marco Cardillo (196-85) added 9 points and 5 rebounds respectively for lost side. Bari's coach Giovanni Putignano rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Chieti (6-7) moved-up to second place, which they share with 4 other teams. Bari at the other side, also newcomer in the league, still keeps top position with six games lost. Chieti is looking forward to face Anagni (#5) on the road in the next round. Bari will play against the league's second-placed Recanati (#2) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Chieti: A.Raschi 14+11reb+3ast, E.Rossi 12+11reb+3ast, S.Rajola 12+2reb, A.Porfido 7+3reb+1ast, R.Feliciangeli 7+3reb+6ast, F.Gialloreto 5+1reb+2ast
Bari: S.Gigena 17+5reb+1ast, M.Cardillo 9+5reb+3ast, D.Morena 8+5reb+3ast, M.Bona 8+2reb, F.Mian 7+2reb, A.Ruggiero 6+1reb

Perugia - Torino 78-73

There was a minor upset when 3rd placed Torino (9-4) was defeated on the road by third ranked Perugia (8-5) 78-73 on Wednesday. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Perugia moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Torino still keeps top position with four games lost. Perugia will face Firenze (#6) on the road in the next round. Torino will play against the league's second-placed Trento (#2) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Napoli - Latina Basket 73-49

No shocking result in a game when first ranked Napoli (10-3) smashed at home 4th placed Latina Basket (6-7) 73-49 on Thursday. The game without a history. Napoli led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 46 of its points in the paint compared to Latina Basket's 26. They outrebounded Latina Basket 46-27 including a 34-21 advantage in defensive rebounds. Naturalized Argentinian guard Bernardo Musso (192-86) fired a double-double by scoring 11 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. Forward Simone Gatti (202-82) chipped in a double-double by scoring 15 points and 12 rebounds. Four Napoli players scored in double figures. Napoli's coach Maurizio Bartocci felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Forward Giulio Gazzotti (202-91) produced 12 points and 9 rebounds and guard Tommaso Milani (190-88) added 9 points and 5 rebounds respectively for lost side. Newly promoted Napoli maintains first place with 10-3 record. Loser Latina Basket dropped to the second position with seven games lost. Napoli will face Matera (#6) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Latina Basket will play against Orlandina (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Napoli: S.Gatti 15+12reb, A.Iannilli 12+7reb+5ast, N.Rizzitiello 11+6reb+2ast, B.Musso 11+10reb+7ast, N.Sabbatino 7+1reb, P.Rotondo 6+5reb
Latina Basket: G.Gazzotti 12+9reb+2ast, R.Romano 11+1reb, T.Milani 9+5reb+3ast, M.Micevic 6+3reb+1ast, R.Serena 6, R.Tavernelli 3+1reb+6ast

Orlandina - Recanati 87-86

A very close game took place in Orlandina between Orlandina and Recanati. Third ranked Orlandina (8-5) got a very close home victory over their biggest opponent Recanati (6-7). Orlandina managed to escape with a 1-point win 87-86 in the fight for the second place. The hosts trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 1-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 87-86. Orlandina made 17-of-20 free shots (85.0 percent) during the game. They also forced 21 Recanati turnovers. Forward Nicholas Crow (199-89) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 10 rebounds for the winners and forward Andrea Benevelli (202-85) chipped in 15 points and 9 rebounds. Orlandina's coach Giovanni Perdichizzi used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. At the losing side guard Marco Evangelisti (198-84) responded with 19 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals and point guard Roberto Fossati (185-78) scored 19 points and 7 assists (perfect behind the arc making all five shots). Five Orlandina and four Recanati players scored in double figures. Orlandina moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams. Recanati lost third consecutive game. They keep the second position with seven games lost. They share it with 4 other teams. Orlandina will meet Latina Basket (#4) on the road in the next round. Recanati will play against the league's leader Bari and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Orlandina: G.Zampolli 16+1reb+2ast, N.Crow 15+10reb+3ast, A.Benevelli 15+9reb+1ast, F.Zanelli 13+1reb+6ast, F.Alessandri 12+7reb+4ast, T.De Min 9+3reb
Recanati: M.Evangelisti 19+7reb+4ast, R.Fossati 19+2reb+7ast, A.Pierini 15+3reb, M.Ceron 12+3reb, P.Chiarello 8+7reb, A.Cecchetti 6+6reb

Fabriano - San Severo 82-75

There was a minor upset when 3rd placed Mazzeo San Severo (6-7) was defeated on the road by fifth ranked Fabriano (3-10) 82-75 on Thursday. The hosts trailed by 3 points after three quarters before their 23-13 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Fabriano made 23-of-26 free shots (88.5 percent) during the game. They also forced 24 Mazzeo San Severo turnovers. Strangely Mazzeo San Severo outrebounded Fabriano 31-18 including 22 on the defensive glass. Mazzeo San Severo was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. Forward Mirko Trapella (206-88) fired 21 points and 6 steals (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) for the winners. Naturalized Argentinian point guard Nicolas Manuel Stanic (177-84, agency: Players Group) chipped in 14 points and 4 assists. Forward Giovanni Fattori (202-85) produced a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds and forward Francesco Amoroso (202-78) added 13 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. Five Mazzeo San Severo players scored in double figures. Newly promoted Fabriano maintains fifth place with 3-10 record, which they share with Firenze. Loser Mazzeo San Severo dropped to the second position with seven games lost. Fabriano will face Ruvo (#6) in Ruvo di Puglia in the next round. Mazzeo San Severo will play at home against the league's second-placed Ferentino (#2) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Fabriano: M.Trapella 21+4reb, N.Manuel Stanic 14+2reb+4ast, A.Iardella 13+6ast, C.Fontani 9+2reb, G.Sgobba 8+2reb, L.Usberti 8+3reb+1ast
San Severo: G.Fattori 16+10reb+1ast, R.Marzoli 15+3reb+2ast, F.Amoroso 13+6reb+1ast, F.Lovatti 11+2reb, I.Scarponi 11+5reb, G.Rugolo 5+1reb+2ast

Matera - Anagni 63-64

A very interesting game took place in Matera. It ended with only one-point home defeat of 6th ranked Matera (4-9) to fifth ranked Anagni (6-7) 64-63 on Thursday evening. Matera was ahead by 7 points after three quarters before a 19-11 charge of Anagni, which allowed them to win the game. They dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to Matera's 22. Anagni forced 20 Matera turnovers. The former international guard Riccardo Santolamazza (195-83) nailed 13 points and 7 rebounds for the winning side and Nicolo Benedusi (193-88) accounted for 12 points and 6 rebounds. Four Anagni players scored in double figures. The former international swingman Andrea Pilotti (196-80, agency: Players Group) came up with 19 points and 5 rebounds and swingman Andrea LaGioia (194-86, agency: Players Group) added 11 points and 6 rebounds respectively for Matera in the defeat. Anagni moved-up to second place, which they share with 4 other teams. Matera at the other side dropped to the fifth position with nine games lost. Anagni's next round opponent will be Chieti (#4) at home. Matera will play against the league's leader Napoli.
Top scorers:
Anagni: R.Santolamazza 13+7reb+2ast, A.Malamov 12+3reb+2ast, N.Benedusi 12+6reb+2ast, D.Corral 11+7reb, J.Pozzi 6+4reb, A.Zanelli 4+3reb
Matera: A.Pilotti 19+5reb+1ast, A.LaGioia 11+6reb+1ast, G.Cantagalli 10+5reb, S.Vico 7+3reb+6ast, P.Aprea 5+3reb+2ast, C.Grappasonni 4+6reb+1ast

Ferentino - Ruvo 86-72

Rather predictable result when second ranked Ferentino (9-4) beat at home 6th ranked Ruvo (2-11) 86-72 on Thursday. The game without a history. Ferentino led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Power forward Antonio Iannuzzi (207-91) fired 20 points and 7 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) for the winners. Guard Simone Bonfiglio (181-88) chipped in 17 points. Four Ferentino players scored in double figures. Ferentino's coach Franco Gramenzi used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Swingman Christian Villani (200-82) produced 16 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and Marco Tagliabue (206-86) added 15 points and 11 rebounds respectively for lost side. Ferentino keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 3 other teams. Ruvo lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the sixth place with 11 games lost. Ferentino will face Mazzeo San Severo (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Ruvo will play against Fabriano and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ferentino: A.Iannuzzi 20+7reb, S.Bonfiglio 17+1reb+3ast, S.Parrillo 11+3reb, F.Ihedioha 10+6reb, M.Carrizo 8+3reb+6ast, L.Panzini 8+3reb
Ruvo: C.Villani 16+6reb+4ast, M.Tagliabue 15+11reb, P.de Martino 14+5reb+2ast, D.Bonacini 7+1ast, T.Laquintana 6+3reb, S.Zanotti 6+1reb

Santarcangelo - Trieste 64-67

Fifth-ranked Santarcangelo (4-9) made lots of trouble for first ranked Trieste (9-4) in Sant'Arcangelo. The visitors from Trieste managed to secure only three-point victory 67-64. However their fans expected much easier game. The guests were ahead by 1 point but lost the second period ending it with a 5-point deficit before their 22-14 run, which allowed them to win the game. Trieste forced 22 Santarcangelo turnovers. Worth to mention a great performance of point guard Michele Ruzzier (181-93) who helped to win the game recording 16 points. Innocenzo Ferraro (200-82) contributed with 9 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Trieste's coach Eugenio Dalmasson allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Forward Jacopo Silimbani (202-86) answered with 8 points and 5 rebounds and forward Giorgio Broglia (198-86) added 9 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Santarcangelo. Trieste maintains first place with 9-4 record, which they share with 3 other teams. Newly promoted Santarcangelo keeps the fifth position with nine games lost. They share it with Pavia and Matera. Trieste will play against Casalpusterlengo (#4) at home in the next round. Santarcangelo will play against Castelletto and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Trieste: M.Carra 18+3reb, M.Ruzzier 16+3reb+2ast, L.Zaccariello 10+2reb, I.Ferraro 9+11reb+1ast, L.Gandini 8+9reb, M.Maganza 4+2reb
Santarcangelo: L.Pesaresi 10+1reb, L.Bedetti 9+2reb, G.Broglia 9+5reb, E.Rivali 8+1reb+2ast, J.Silimbani 8+5reb+2ast, M.Bonaiuti 7+2reb+4ast

Casalpusterlengo - Trento 59-68

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 4th placed Casalpusterlengo's (8-5) home loss to third ranked Trento (8-5) 59-68 on Thursday. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Casalpusterlengo won third quarter 14-12. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Trento forced 19 Casalpusterlengo turnovers. Center Marco Pazzi (203-79) fired 13 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Guard Matteo Negri (194-91) chipped in 15 points. Power forward Alberto Chiumenti (204-87, agency: Players Group) produced 12 points and 6 rebounds and guard Roberto Prandin (188-86) added 13 points and 5 rebounds respectively for lost side. Trento have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Casalpusterlengo. Trento will face Torino (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Casalpusterlengo will play against the league's leader Trieste and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Trento: M.Negri 15+4reb+1ast, M.Pazzi 13+8reb+3ast, D.Pascolo 12+5reb, L.Conte 9+3reb, A.Forray 7+3reb+4ast, S.Fiorito 5
Casalpusterlengo: R.Prandin 13+5reb, F.Loschi 13+1reb+2ast, A.Chiumenti 12+6reb+1ast, G.Ricci 8+8reb, R.Castelli 7+3reb, P.Biligha 4+4reb

Omegna - Pavia 71-52

Everything went according to plan when first ranked Omegna (12-1) outleveled at home 5th ranked Pavia (4-9) 71-52 on Thursday. It was a very close game until the last quarter, when Omegna's pressure prevailed and they won that period 26-12 extending their advantage to 19 points. They also forced 19 Pavia turnovers. Guard Tommaso Raspino (196-89, agency: Players Group) fired 14 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Swingman Daniele Casadei (199-81) chipped in 16 points and 5 rebounds. Naturalized Ivorian swingman Ibrahim Cisse (188-84) produced 14 points and 5 rebounds and guard Jacopo Migliorini (190-91) added 14 points respectively for lost side. Pavia's coach Massimiliano Baldiraghi tested ten players seeing no chance for a win. Omegna have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They maintain first place with 12-1 record. Loser Pavia keeps the fifth position with nine games lost. Omegna will face league's second-placed Treviglio on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Pavia will play against Comsum.it SI in Siena and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Omegna: D.Casadei 16+5reb+1ast, T.Raspino 14+7reb+1ast, P.Picazio 13+3reb, P.Paci 10+2reb+1ast, S.Masciadri 7+6reb+1ast, M.Bertolazzi 6+6reb+9ast
Pavia: J.Migliorini 14+3reb, I.Cisse 14+5reb, S.Borgna 5, F.Maiocco 4+2reb+1ast, R.Maggio 4+4reb, R.Cazzaniga 4+3reb

Castelletto - Firenze 86-85

Important game to mention about took place in Castelletto. Sixth ranked Castelletto (5-8) saved a 1-point victory at home edging 6th ranked Firenze (3-10) 86-85 in the fight for the fourth place. The hosts trailed by 9 points after three quarters before their 35-25 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Castelletto made 24-of-30 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. They also forced 21 Firenze turnovers. Firenze was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. Center Matteo Raminelli (203-83) fired a double-double by scoring 24 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. Guard Filiberto Dri (190-89) chipped in 20 points. Swingman Alessandro Amici (200-91) produced 20 points and swingman Dario Scodavolpe (193-83) added 16 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Castelletto moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Comsum.it SI. Firenze lost fifth consecutive game. Newly promoted team dropped to the fifth position with ten games lost. Castelletto will face Santarcangelo (#5) in Sant'Arcangelo in the next round. Firenze will play at home against Perugia and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Castelletto: M.Raminelli 24+13reb+2ast, F.Dri 20+3reb+1ast, S.Ferrarese 16+1reb+3ast, S.Cotani 10+7reb+1ast, A.Piazza 8+2reb+3ast, L.Marmugi 6+3reb+1ast
Firenze: A.Amici 20+4reb+3ast, S.Rabaglietti 17+3reb+1ast, D.Scodavolpe 16+6reb+4ast, A.Giampaoli 11+1reb+3ast, M.Sanna 6+3reb+2ast, A.Capitanelli 6+7reb+2ast

Comsum.it SI - Treviglio 74-66

There was a minor upset in Siena where much higher ranked Treviglio (9-4) was defeated by fourth ranked Comsum.it SI (5-8) 74-66 on Thursday. The hosts trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 23-8 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Center Amedeo Tessitori (203-94) fired a double-double by scoring 18 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Guard Gabriele Spizzichini (195-92) chipped in 19 points and 6 rebounds. Four Comsum.it SI players scored in double figures. Center Jacopo Borra (212-90) produced 11 points and 5 rebounds and power forward Gabriele Zanella (204-81) added 15 points respectively for lost side. Treviglio's coach Adriano Vertemati tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Comsum.it SI maintains fourth place with 5-8 record, which they share with Castelletto. Loser Treviglio still keeps top position with four games lost. Comsum.it SI will face Pavia (#6) on the road in the next round. Treviglio will play against the league's leader Omegna (#1) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Comsum.it SI: G.Spizzichini 19+6reb+3ast, A.Tessitori 18+12reb+1ast, N.Mei 17+4reb+2ast, M.Pascolo 10+3reb, S.Simeoli 6+8reb+1ast, R.Bernardi 2+1ast
Treviglio: G.Zanella 15+2reb, J.Borra 11+5reb+1ast, N.Cazzolato 10+5reb+1ast, A.Vitale 9+5reb, A.Fabi 8+2reb, M.Planezio 7+5reb

Verona, Fileni Jesi, Scafati and Enel Brindisi enter Cup Final Four - by Eurobasket News
Legadue Cup Final Four participants became known. The return leg of the quarterfinals have been played tonight.
Tezenis Verona overcame Prima Veroli 86:80 to take 10-point win on aggregate. Mario West (196-G-84, college: Georgia Tech) stepped up with 25 points and 9 rebounds to pace the winners. Shane Edwards (201-F-87, college: UALR) added 21 points and 9 rebounds for Verona. Prima Veroli led by seven points after ten minutes of action 24:17. But Verona went on a decisive rally in the second period to take a 47:40 halftime lead. Verona boosted the gap to 13 points with ten minutes remaining and hung on to celebrate the needed win. Gerald Lee (208-F-87, college: ODU) answered with 25 points for Prima Veroli.
Enel Brindisi scraped past Piacenza 74:70 to eke out a one-point win on aggregate. Enel Brindisi had a comfortable 39:32 lead at halftime playing at home. Piacenza however narrowed the gap in the final term. The hosts managed to come up with a four-point win they needed so much though. Jimmy Hunter (196-G-77, college: Life) accounted for 18 points, while Dejan Borovnjak had 15 points in the victory. Luca Infante (204-F/C-82) canned 17 points for Piacenza.
Fileni Jesi followed a road tie with a 75:68 win at home court against Aget Imola. Richard McConnell (182-G-89, agency: Priority Sports, college: St.Mary's, CA) dropped 22 points, while Michele Maggioli (212-C-77) added 20 points for Fileni Jesi. Patricio Prato (196-G-79) responded with 26 points for Aget Imola.
Scafati enjoyed a 15-point advantage after the road game against Trenkwalder. They proved the strength at home edging Reggio Emilia 78:73. Marcos Casini (188-PG-80) notched 15 points, while Mats Levin (188-PG-77) and Gennaro Sorrentino (185-G-85) accounted for 11 points apiece for the winners. Dewan Robinson (196-F-83) finished with 15 points in the loss.

stats leader

Points Per Game

Bernardo MUSSO
  Napoli
  (192-G-86)
  Avg: 18.7

1. Musso, Napoli	18.7
2. Evangelisti, Recan.	18.6
3. Benevelli, Orlandi.	16.8
4. Carra, Trieste	16.0
5. Portannese, Torino	15.8
6. Mei, Comsum.it SI	15.7
7. Prandin, Casalp.	15.5
8. Zanelli, Orlandina	15.5
9. Fattori, San Severo	15.2
10. Prelazzi, Omegna	14.9

Rebounds Per Game

Emanuele ROSSI
  Chieti
  (208-C-82)
  Avg: 11.2

1. Rossi, Chieti	11.2
2. Iannilli, Napoli	9.5
3. Baldi Rossi, Perug.	9.2
4. Benevelli, Orlandi.	8.8
5. Tessitori, Comsum..	8.5
6. Simeoli, Comsum.i.	8.4
7. Borra, Treviglio	8.2
8. Ferraro, Trieste	8.0
9. Pazzi, Trento	7.9
10. Musso, Napoli	7.8

Assists Per Game

Matteo BERTOLAZZI
  Omegna
  (181-G-79)
  Avg: 5.2

1. Bertolazzi, Omegna	5.2
2. Musso, Napoli	3.9
3. Zanelli, Orlandina	3.8
4. Stanic, Fabriano	3.6
5. Ferrarese, Castell.	3.3
6. Guarino, Ferentino	3.2
7. Ruggiero, Bari	3.0
8. Malamov, Anagni	3.0
9. Vico, Matera	3.0
10. Rivali, Santarcan.	2.9

Steals Per Game

Alessio IARDELLA
  Fabriano
  (187-F-88)
  Avg: 3.8

1. Iardella, Fabriano	3.8
2. Bertolazzi, Omegna	3.4
3. Portannese, Torino	3.4
4. Musso, Napoli	3.2
5. Vico, Matera	3.2
6. Guarino, Ferentino	3.2
7. Malamov, Anagni	3.0
8. Tomasiello, Ruvo	3.0
9. Feliciangeli, Chie.	2.9
10. Scodavolpe, Firen.	2.9

Blocks Per Game

Andrea CAPITANELLI
  Firenze
  (203-C-86)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Capitanelli, Firen.	1.5
2. Candido, San Seve.	1.3
3. Borra, Treviglio	1.3
4. Ancellotti, Santar.	1.2
5. Biligha, Casalp.	1.1
6. Corral, Anagni	1.0
7. Benevelli, Orlandi.	0.9
8. Feliciangeli, Chie.	0.9
9. Trapella, Fabriano	0.9
10. Tessitori, Comsum.	0.9

Nazionale Standings

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

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

KOSOVO

Kastrati is back at Union Olimpija Ljubljana - by Eurobasket Center
Union Olimpija Ljubljana signed 17-year old Kosova-Albanian swingman Erjon Kastrati (197-F/G-94). Its actually Kastratis comeback to Union Olimpija as he played here before. However his new team lost to Asseco Prokom 52-67. Kastrati played most recently at TTHcast Mercator Skofja Loka (Telemach League). While playing 8 games for LTHcast Mercator this season he averaged 5.6ppg, 2.4rpg and 1.0apg. Kastrati represented Kosova at the Nike Euroleague Junior Tournament (Unofficial European Clubs Junior Championships) last year.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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

KUWAIT

Nolan to Al Jahraa - by Ali Ahmed
Norman Nolan (204-C/F-76, college: Virginia) is a new member of Al Jahraa. The American center signed a deal for rest of the season.

Outlook:
A very powerful inside player, very physical. He performed a great NCAA career. Great rebounder and scorer in the paint.
---------------------.

Awards/Achievements:
Italian A2 All-Imports 1st Team -00
Italian A1 All-Star Game -01
Puerto Rican PRSBL All-Imports Team -01
Greek A1 All-Star Game -02
Asia-Basket.com All-Lebanese League Center of the Year -08
Asia-Basket.com All-Lebanese League 1st Team -08
Asia-Basket.com Lebanese League All-Imports Team -08
Lebanese League Finalist -08
Lebanese League Regular Season Runner-Up -08
Arab Club Championships Finalist -09
Iranian Superleague Semifinals -10
Latinbasket.com All-Colombian Federation Cup Center of the Year -11
Latinbasket.com All-Colombian Federation Cup 1st Team -11
Latinbasket.com Colombian Federation Cup All-Imports Team -11

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

LATVIA

LBL2 Round 14: VEF Riga junior beats VEF Kadeti in a derby game - by Eurobasket News
The most interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Riga: VEF Riga junior (#1) and VEF Kadeti (#8). VEF Riga junior (11-0) smashed visiting VEF Kadeti (5-5) by 17 points 88-71. The hosts trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 3-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 88-71. Undefeated VEF Riga junior have an impressive 11-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 11-0 record. VEF Kadeti at the other side keeps the eighth place with five games lost. VEF Riga junior's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Riga DSN.
The game with biggest result difference took place in . Local Gulbene (1-10) was outscored by fifth ranked RSU (8-3) 91-59. Newly promoted RSU maintains fifth position with 8-3 record. Gulbene lost sixth consecutive game. Gulbene at the other side, also newcomer in the league, stay at the bottom place with ten games lost. RSU's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Riga VEF Riga junior.

Rest of the games of round 14 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
VA was crushed by Liepaja-2 in a road game 93-73. Valmiera U21 was beaten by Riga at home 56-74. Saldus won against DSN on the opponent's court 67-59. Ridzene managed to outperform Ogres in a home game 83-66. Barons/Keizar. managed to beat Jelgava/LLU on the road 89-71.

Liepaja-2 - VA 93-73

There was no surprise when 6th ranked Ventspils Augstskola (6-4) was crushed on the road by second ranked Liepaja-2 (11-1) 93-73. The game without a history. Liepaja-2 led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Liepaja-2 maintains second position with 11-1 record having just -1 point less than leader BK VEF. Ventspils Augstskola at the other side dropped to the seventh place with four games lost. Liepaja-2 will play against Zemgale/Juniors (#15) in Jelgava in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Ventspils Augstskola will play on the road against Barons/Keizar. (#4) in Riga and hopes to get back on the winning track.

Valmiera U21 - Riga 56-74

No shocking result in a game when seventh ranked Riga (7-5) defeated on the road 11th ranked Valmiera U21 (3-8) 74-56. The game without a history. Riga led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Riga moved-up to sixth place. Valmiera U21 lost fifth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the eleventh position with eight games lost. Riga will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Valmiera U21 will play on the road against VEF Kadeti (#8) in Riga and hopes to get back on the winning track.

DSN - Saldus 59-67

Very expected game in Riga where 9th ranked DSN (5-6) was defeated by third ranked Saldus (10-3) 67-59. DSN was ahead by 7 points at the halftime before a 38-23 second half run of Saldus. Saldus have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 10-3 record behind leader BK VEF. DSN lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the ninth place with six games lost. Saldus will play against Ridzene (#13) in Riga in the next round and are hoping to win another game. DSN's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Riga to the arena VEF Riga junior.

Ridzene - Ogres 83-66

Everything could happen in Riga at the game between two tied teams. Both fourteenth ranked Ridzene and 13th ranked BS Ogre had identical 1-8 record. This time Ridzene used a home court advantage and beat the opponent from Ogre 83-66. Ridzene (2-8) moved-up to thirteenth place. BS Ogre at the other side dropped to the fourteenth position with nine games lost. They share it with Jelgava/LLU. Ridzene will play against higher ranked Cesis (#12) at home in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. BS Ogre will play against Gulbene and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Jelgava/LLU - Barons/Keizar. 71-89

Not a big story in a game in Jelgava where 15th ranked Zemgale/Juniors (1-9) were defeated by fourth ranked Barons/Keizar. (9-1) 89-71. The game was mostly controlled by Barons/Keizar.. Zemgale/Juniors was better in second period 18-16. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Barons/Keizar. have an impressive nine-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 9-1 record. Zemgale/Juniors lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the fourteenth place with nine games lost. They share the position with Ogres. Barons/Keizar. will play against Ventspils Augstskola (#7) at home in the next round. Zemgale/Juniors will play against the league's second-placed Liepaja-2 (#2) to get more than just one victory in their record.

BK VEF - VEF Kadeti 88-71

The most interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Riga: VEF Riga junior (#1) and VEF Kadeti (#8). VEF Riga junior (11-0) smashed visiting VEF Kadeti (5-5) by 17 points 88-71. The hosts trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 3-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 88-71. VEF Riga junior have an impressive 11-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 11-0 record. VEF Kadeti at the other side keeps the eighth place with five games lost. VEF Riga junior's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Riga DSN.

Gulbene - RSU 59-91

The game with biggest result difference took place in . Local Gulbene (1-10) was outscored by fifth ranked RSU (8-3) 91-59. The game without a history. RSU led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Newly promoted RSU maintains fifth position with 8-3 record. Gulbene lost sixth consecutive game. Gulbene at the other side, also newcomer in the league, stay at the bottom place with ten games lost. RSU's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Riga VEF Riga junior.

LBL round 11 best performance: Ervins Jonats - by Eurobasket News
Former international forward Ervins Jonats (199-F-91) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Jurmala, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 11.
The 20-year old player had a double-double of 25 points and 21 rebounds, while his team beat Liepaja (#5, 4-5) 90-79. Jurmala is placed at 7th position in LBL. Jurmala is rather a weak team placed in lower part in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 4-7 record. In the team's last game Jonats had a remarkable 69.2% from 2-point range. He turned to be Jurmala's top player in his first season with the team. Ervins Jonats has solid league stats. He is in league's top in rebounds (2nd best: 9.5rpg) and averages impressive 1.1bpg and 54.1% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was young former international guard Zanis Peiners (203-G-90, agency: Interperformances) of LU. Peiners had a very good evening with 33 points and 6 rebounds. It was enough for LU to edge slightly lower-ranked Jurmala (#7, 4-7) 94-91. LU's 6th position in the standings has not changed. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 4-6 record. Peiners is well-known at LU and is a proven leader in his second season with the team. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 17.9ppg (#5).

Third on the list of top players last round was international guard Arturs Bricis (193-PG-92) of Liepaja (#5). Bricis scored 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds. He was a key player of Liepaja, leading his team to a 105-55 easy win against U18 (#9, 0-6). The chances of Liepaja ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 5 games, recording just four victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Bricis could help Liepaja to bring them higher in the standings. Bricis has a very solid season. In 7 games in Latvia he scored 6.4ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Atis Ozols (198-F-81) of Jurmala - 24 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Davis Coders (182-G-92) of Jurmala - 18 points, 3 rebounds and 6 assists
6. Ingus Jakovics (186-PG-93) of Liepaja - 12 points, 4 rebounds and 8 assists
7. Jekabs Rozitis (206-F/C-86) of Valmiera - 12 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Ernests Kalve (200-F-87) of Valmiera - 18 points and 3 assists
9. Janis Timma (201-F/G-92) of Liepaja - 17 points and 2 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)

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Courtney SIMS
  VEF Riga
  (211-C-83)
  Avg: 29.2

1. Sims, VEF Riga	29.2
2. Kalve, Valmiera	20.2
3. Mayo, Liepaja	18.3
4. Krumins, Jelgava	18.1
5. Peiners, LU	17.9
6. Ozols, Jurmala	17.9
7. Lucas, Valmiera	17.2
8. Young, Ventspils	16.8
9. Mediss, Turiba	15.7
10. Perry, VEF Riga	15.6

Rebounds Per Game

Courtney SIMS
  VEF Riga
  (211-C-83)
  Avg: 9.8

1. Sims, VEF Riga	9.8
2. Jonats, Jurmala	9.5
3. Dargais, LU	8.3
4. Mednis, Turiba	8.2
5. Rozitis, Valmiera	8.0
6. Berzins, VEF Riga	7.2
7. Kalve, Valmiera	7.0
8. Willard, Ventspils	7.0
9. Andriukaitis, Liep.	7.0
10. Duselis, Jelgava	6.7

Assists Per Game

Josh MAYO
  Liepaja
  (182-G-87)
  Avg: 5

1. Mayo, Liepaja	5.0
2. Lucas, Valmiera	4.6
3. Coders, Jurmala	4.0
4. Strelnieks, Ventsp.	3.7
5. Janicenoks, VEF R.	3.6
6. Perry, VEF Riga	3.6
7. Lejasmeiers, Vents.	3.3
8. Kravcenko, Liepaja	3.2
9. Valters, VEF Riga	3.0
10. Millage, VEF Riga	2.8

Steals Per Game

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

1. Millage, VEF Riga	3.0
2. Janicenoks, VEF R.	2.6
3. Peiners, LU	2.1
4. Gray, Ventspils	1.8
5. Perry, VEF Riga	1.8
6. Osins, LU	1.8
7. Kosuskins, Jurmala	1.6
8. Davis, Valmiera	1.5
9. Virsis, Valmiera	1.5
10. Mayo, Liepaja	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Jekabs ROZITIS
  Valmiera
  (206-F/C-86)
  Avg: 1.2

1. Rozitis, Valmiera	1.2
2. Cain, VEF Riga	1.2
3. Ozols, Jurmala	1.2
4. Berzins, VEF Riga	1.2
5. Jonats, Jurmala	1.1
6. Dukulis, Liepaja	0.8
7. Gromovs, U18	0.8
8. Kavaliauskas, VEF	0.7
9. Sims, VEF Riga	0.6
10. Duselis, Jelgava	0.6

LBL Standing

LBL Standings

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

Standings - LBAL

LBL2 Standings

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

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

LEBANON

Sagesse lands Brandon Crump - by Rabih Khoury
After signing veteran forward and league's MVP Nate Johnson, Sagesse management agreed to terms with big man Brandon Crump (208-C-82, college: Tennessee). Crump played last year in UAE and won the Arab Cup with Sharjah. He also played in Korea KBL for many seasons and in China. in 2009-2010 he averaged in China in 31 games: 20.0ppg, 11.0rpg, 1.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 64.7%, 3PT: 25.6%, FT: 50.9%. Crump has an outstanding inside presence but his only problem is the FT where his averages lay around 50% in all leagues !!

Squandered Away - by Chudney Gray
The underlying laws of basketball are founded on playing from whistle to buzzer. There are no shortcuts. If you believe different then you are highly mistaken
Headed into our last game, we had talks of realism, sustenance, and remaining one. The circle of thoughts echoed throughout the team with full understating that we had to continue our prowess on a league that didn't take us quit serious.
After a month or so of steady practice and keen belief, we were able to change that perception. In fact, the whispers that once surrounded us with doubt, ultimately transformed into infectious chatter. I mean, we were becoming the conversation, solely with how hard we played. Moreover, we were beginning to open people's eyes due to the fact that we had etched ourselves into third place after everyone viewed us as a midlevel contender at best.
Our last match of the first round was enormous in every sense of the word. We were up against a feisty Hoops team. They are a young, scrappy group, that primarily hang their hats on full court pressure and speeding the game up. With that said, this game was huge for us. In terms of solidifying our position, we couldn't have asked for a better challenge.
Coach Joe Moujaes , was adamant about not being too relaxed. He wanted us to remain hungry. He knew that we had to play steady if we wanted to come out victorious.
Desmond Penigar (201-F-81, college: Utah St.), who is currently leading the league in scoring and rebounds was really enthused about our chances in securing the win. He gathered the guys right before the game and told us all to play hard and to stay focussed on doing our job.
With that, we came out of the gates with a very strong showing. Taking an early lead and playing good team ball.
As the game played on, there were plays being made on both sides. With a first half that wasn't great, we were fortunate enough to have a decent lead heading into the third period. The game would prove to be far from over,
Hoops didn't quit. In fact, they came out charged and was able to put together a run that had us on our heels.They began to chip away at our lead while we played sluggish. As time continued to tick away we found ourselves neck to neck with our opponent. After a few easy lay-ups and a pair of three's we found ourselves down. We could never regroup. As the final buzzer sounded, we found ourselves on the wrong end of a 1 point game.
Coach Joe was infuriated because he knew we let one get away. We are all kicking ourselves in the backside because this was a perfect opportunity in securing a spot in the top four. Oh well. There's no sense if licking our wounds now. We had the opportunity before us but just couldn't seal the deal. Hopefully we can put together a string of victories that can somehow erase what we just squandered away.

For video and more info

www.chudneygray.com

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

LITHUANIA

PAO destroys Zalgiris in Kaunas, books ticket for Top 16 - by Eurobasket News
Zalgiris - Panathinaikos 59-94

Panathinaikos smashed Zalgiris in Round Eight of the Euroleague regular season. The reigning champion celebrated 59-94 road victory and already secured a spot for the next stage (6-2 records). Zalgiris slipped to 2-6, but still has a chance to reach Top 16. PAO exploded in the second quarter and never looked back after that. Steven Smith (203-F-83, college: La Salle) (5 rebs) and Nick Calathes (198-G-89, college: Florida) scored 17 points each in this victory. Mike Batiste (203-F-77, college: Arizona St.) had 13 points and 5 rebs. The home squad got double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds from Sonny Weems (198-G/F-86, college: Arkansas). Marko Popovic (185-G-82, agency: Alti Sport, college: S.Idaho JC) had 14 points. Quarters: 14-15, 5-26, 19-24, 21-29. PAO will play against CSKA in Moscow next week. Zalgiris will go to Bamberg and it will be a crucial game for both teams.

Zalgiris: Sonny Weems 16+12 boards, Marko Popovic 14
Panathinaikos: Steven Smith 17+5 boards, Nick Calathes 17, Mike Batiste 13+5 boards

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

MEXICO

Toros sign Thomas Gardner - by Eurobasket News
Thomas Gardner (195-G-85, college: Missouri) is a new member of Toros. The American guard signed a deal for rest of the LNBP season. Actually, Gardner already made debut for his new team. He appeared in two games since the beginning of the month averaging 8 points. Thomas Gardner spent last season in NBA D-League. He started it with Austin Toros, where he had 12.4 ppg, 2.3 rpg and 2 apg for 12 games. Later, Gardner moved to Reno Bighorns, where he finished the season. There, he averaged just 2.9 points and 1.3 rebounds for 7 games. Thomas Gardner played in Belgium in 2009/10. He is a player with NBA experience as he appeared 14 times with Atlanta Hawks in 2008/09. Gardner had 2.6 ppg for the Hawks. In the past, he played in Puerto Rico and Russia. In 2007/08, he played four games for the Chicago Bulls.

Correcaminos UAT Victoria signs two players - by Eurobasket News
Correcaminos UAT Victoria reinforced its roster with two players. The team brought in American G/F Mike English (194-F/G-82, college: UMKC) and returned Trinidad&Tobago forward DeVaughn Lamont (208-F-84, college: CS Monterey). English already made debut for his new team.
Mike English was Eurobasket.com All-Slovakian League Player of the Year last season. He helped Levice to win the title averaging 15.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 2.3 steals. English started this season in Australia, but he appeared just once for the Gold Coast Blaze. In the past, he played very successfully in Hungary, Germany and Austria. English won the Hungarian league title with Aromeromu in 2009. In 2006, he was named Eurobasket.com All-Austrian Bundesliga A Forward of the Year -06.
DeVaughn Lamont is back to Correcaminos UAT Victoria after almost one month. He started the season with Correcaminos and in November moved to Japan. There he joined ABA team Shizuoka Gymrats. Lamont appeared 24 times for Correcaminos so far this season averaging 5.3 points and 3.3 rebounds. DeVaughn Lamont spent 2010/11 in ABA. He was a member of the San Francisco Rumble. He also spent some with Venezuelan Lanceros that year. DeVaughn Lamont already played in LNBP in the past. He was a member of Algodoneros de La Comarca Torreon in 2008/09 season. At that time he had 10.8 ppg and 5.1 rpg in 43 games.
Correcaminos will meet Aguilas Rojas in the next round.

Mike Strobbe returns to Nogales - by Alejandro Martinez
Nogales, Sonora, Mexico - Mexican-American forward Michael Strobbe (201-F-85) has reached an agreement to return to Nogales this season in the CIBACOPA. Strobbe won a silver medal starring for the Mexican National Team at the Pan-American Games earlier this fall. Strobbe was a key component to the Fuerza Guinda for 2 previous seasons before spending last year in Guasave. He currently plays for Monterrey in the LNBP. This is what Head Coach Chris Terrell had to say about Strobbe: 'Mike is tough as nails, he'll fight and scrap and do whatever is necessary to help the club win. He's a great rebounder leading cibacopa in that category in 08 and his percentages are off the charts for someone his size; 60+% from 2, 40+% from 3, 80+% from the line. He also does so many things that help a club win games that don't always show on the box score. We're really excited to have him back with the club this season.'

Nogales will be the host for this season's 2012 CIBACOPA Preseason Tournament and some 200 players have sent in their profiles and video links for invitation to the event. Rules stipulate a structure of up to 3 imports, 1 mexican-american player, and 1 national or 2 imports, 2 mexican-americans, and 2 nationals and/or a variation there of. The league is expected to expand to 12 teams this season and all teams will be represented at the tournament to be played at the CHC Arena in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico from February 10th-12th, 2012. Training camps will open across the league immediately following the tournament. More information is available in a previous article here on latinbasket and by contacting Tournament Director of Basketball Operations and Fuerza Guinda de Nogales Head Coach Chris Terrell at: chrisbterrell@hotmail.com

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

NBA

New York City could be lure that gets Grant to Knicks - by Eurobasket News
The Hills of Scottsdale, Ariz., face the great dilemma: choosing to make a move to better their careers or better their family life.

Grant Hill's (6'8''-F-72, college: Duke) interest in joining the Knicks and being slotted as their starting shooting guard on a potential Eastern Conference contender is growing by the day, and there is a sense he is leaning toward the Big Apple.

The Bulls and Clippers have been mentioned as possible landing spots for Hill, who has played the past three seasons with the Suns.

Hill would be playing in the New York spotlight, where a basketball renaissance has taken place.

He would be thrust into the basketball mecca and his wife, Tamia, a recording artist, would be in the media and musical mecca.

She is expected to release a new album in two months.

Tamia Hill played a Central Park concert last summer.

Her profile would rise even more in New York with her basketball-star husband starting for the Knicks and her having a permanent spot on celebrity row in the refurbished Garden.

Every time they visit New York and then leave, they always say, Boy, we should get a place here, one person familiar with Hills thinking told The Post. They love New York.

The Suns may be a disaster this season, as they go through a rebuilding phase, reportedly deciding to waive Vince Carter when the lockout officially ends.

But as crucial are Hills two daughters, who are in elementary school in Scottsdale fourth grade and kindergarten.

The person familiar with Hills thinking said he never has been willing to live away from his children and he would likely bring them along for the Big Apple ride.

But as another Hill confidant said, Scottsdale is hard to give up.

Hill has showed up routinely at the Suns practice facility to work out since Thursday, when teams opened their buildings for voluntary workouts as the lockout draws to an official close.

Hills teammate, Jared Dudley, gave both sides of his conundrum.

He doesnt have any choice but to come back, Dudley told the Arizona Republic. We need him here, were already thin as it is.

His familys here and weve got his training staff for him. At the same time, hes at a point in his career where everybody wants to win.

With the former Duke Blue Devil aboard, the Knicks starting lineup would be Chauncey Billups, Hill, Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire and Jared Jeffries, who agreed to terms yesterday. Its full of veteran savvy and leadership.

Hill could be the missing leadership ingredient and ensure Stoudemire and Anthony never put their own needs above the team.

Knicks brass also was concerned guard Landry Fields may not be ready for a starting role.

Hill played for Mike DAntoni in his first season in Phoenix in 2007-08, but Hill already has rejected the Knicks two years ago to sign a two-year deal with the Suns.

Exceptional character in the locker room, one Phoenix source said. Its very hard to find anyone better than Grant in a locker room.

It is why Steve Nash said over the weekend it was very important for the Suns to keep him.

Suns general manager Lon Babby, Hills former agent, called Hill his highest priority. Hill still is represented by Babbys D.C. law firm.

Last month, Hill attended the Garden to watch Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski set the Division I record for victories. Hill crossed paths with Knicks executive Allan Houston.

Soon they may be crossing paths a lot more.

Courtesy of www.nypost.com

NY Knicks to re-sign Jared Jeffries for a one-year, $1.4 million contract, according to sources - by Eurobasket News
Jared Jeffries (6'10''-C-81, college: Indiana) will never win a popularity contest with Knicks fans, but his skill set is appreciated by the coaching staff and for that reason Jeffries has a place on the roster.

The veteran forward has informed the Knicks that he intends to re-sign with the club, according to sources. Jeffries is expected to receive a one-year contract for the veterans minimum of $1.4 million. Free agents cannot sign contracts until Friday, when training camp opens.

Jeffries originally signed a full mid-level contract with the Knicks prior to the 2006-07 season before being traded to the Houston Rockets two years ago in the Tracy McGrady deal. He returned to the Knicks last March after being released by Houston and figured prominently in the first-round series against Boston.

Jeffries made the go-ahead basket in Game 2 but after Kevin Garnett gave the Celtics the lead, Jeffries had his layup rejected by Garnett in the final seconds. It was a controversial finish because Carmelo Anthony passed up a shot to get the ball to Jeffries, who is not a strong offensive player.

However, Jeffries is a favorite among the coaching staff because he can defend five positions on the court and is a good locker-room presence.

Jeffries, 30, is open to starting the season at center, although the Knicks are hoping to add either free agent Jeff Foster or Kurt Thomas, who played last season for the Pacers and Bulls, respectively.

Courtesy of www.nydailynews.com

AP: McGrady likely to sign with Hawks - by Eurobasket News
Two-time NBA scoring champion Tracy McGrady (6'8''-G/F-79), whose career was derailed by a series of injuries, will likely sign a one-year deal with the Atlanta Hawks, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity Wednesday night because signings can't be announced until the new NBA labor agreement is ratified.

The 32-year-old McGrady is a seven-time All-Star, but various physical problems have turned the once-dominant player into a part-timer. Last season, he averaged 8.0 points and 3.5 rebounds in 72 games for the Detroit Pistons, his third team in the past two years.

The courting of McGrady likely signals the Hawks don't expect to re-sign their top player off the bench, Jamal Crawford, who has drawn plenty of interest from around the league.

ESPN first reported McGrady's deal with the Hawks.

McGrady was one of the league's top players, averaging more than 20 points a game in eight straight seasons and winning back-to-back scoring titles with the Orlando Magic. He put up a career-best average of 32.1 points in 2002-03.

But McGrady was criticized for never leading a team past the first round of the playoffs, and his production began to decline after he was dealt to the Houston Rockets in 2004.

Persistent back problems began to slow McGrady down. He then needed surgery on both his left shoulder and left knee. He played only 35 games with the Rockets in 2008-09 and just 30 the following season, which was split between Houston and the New York Knicks.

McGrady moved to Detroit last season and at least showed he was capable of making it through a full season, playing his most games since 2004-05. But he's just a role player these days, no longer capable of dominating a game.

While the Hawks are coming off a third straight year making it to the second round of the playoffs and have the core of their team returning, the loss of Crawford would be a major blow. He was named the NBA's best sixth man in 2010 and averaged 14.2 points a game last season, giving Atlanta an explosive scorer off the bench.

Courtesy of The Associated Press via www.usatoday.com

Spurs to use amnesty clause on Jefferson - by Eurobasket News
The San Antonio Spurs have decided to use their one-time amnesty clause on Richard Jefferson (6'6''-F/G-80, college: Arizona) to waive their starting small forward, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

The decision allows the Spurs to remove the three years and $30.5 million left on Jeffersons contract from the teams payroll for salary-cap and tax purposes. Jefferson will still be paid the $30.5 million.

The Spurs are aggressively looking for a small forward, and removing Jeffersons contract will allow them to spend the full $5 million midlevel exception for teams under the luxury-tax threshold. Spurs officials have met with Caron Butler and Josh Howard.

Butler has been the Spurs primary target, but team officials have been speaking with agents about a number of different options. Before visiting San Antonio, Butler preferred the Chicago Bulls over the Spurs both of which could use the midlevel exception on him, league sources said. Among teams which can offer him a contract greater than the midlevel, Butler prefers the Los Angeles Clippers over the New Jersey Nets.

After meeting with the Spurs, Butler tweeted: Great visit. First class all the way.

The Spurs also can play rookie Kawhi Leonard at small forward.

The Spurs acquired Jefferson from the Milwaukee Bucks in June 2009 and signed him to a four-year, $39 million extension before last season. Jefferson, 31, averaged 11.0 points and 3.8 rebounds last season. His 44 percent 3-point shooting ranked fifth in the NBA.

Courtesy of Yahoo! Sports

Jason Terry hopes for extension before Mavs opener - by Eurobasket News
With the regular season approaching, the Dallas Mavericks have six free agents they must make important decisions on in the coming weeks.

They also might have to make a decision on guard Jason Terry (6'2''-PG-77, college: Arizona).

Terry is in the final year of his contract and wants to sign an extension before the season starts Christmas Day against the Miami Heat.

The 13-year veteran hopes he and the Mavericks are on the same page in regards to that extension.

'I dont think its been talked about officially, but they know where Im at with it,' Terry said Monday. 'Ive never been in my entire career a restricted free agent and now its time to be a staple of this organization.

'Being here as long as I have, I think Ive earned it. And well see what happens.'

As the second-highest paid Mavericks player behind Dirk Nowitzki, Terry was slated to earn $11,437,500 this season.

But the 16 games every team loses because of the lockout will cost the 6-foot-2 shooting guard $2.231 million.

The Mavericks are forbidden, under NBA rules, from discussing players and their contracts until the lockout officially ends sometime this week.

But Terry, who joined the Mavericks in a trade from the Atlanta Hawks prior to the 2004-05 season after Dallas failed to re-sign free agent Steve Nash, believes an extension would be the crown jewel of his career.

'It would mean a lot to me,' Terry said. 'Itll tell me how much they feel about me and the work Ive put in on and off the court here in this community and for the organization.'

Terry became the first point guard to lead the Mavericks to the NBA Finals when he averaged 17.1 points and 3.8 assists and shot 47 percent from the field and 41.1 percent from 3-point range during the 2005-06 season.

He also played a major role last season when he averaged 15.8 points in the regular season, and 17.5 points and shot 47.8 percent from the field and 44.2 percent from 3-point range during the 21-game playoff run that ended with the Mavericks winning their first world title.

The Mavericks have only retired the jerseys of Brad Davis and Rolando Blackman in their 31-year history. Terry has dreams of seeing his jersey hanging in the American Airlines [AMR] Center rafters.

'I look at Brad Davis every day he comes in the gym, and Rolando Blackman,' Terry said. 'Those two guys I emulated and watched while growing up.

'You watch NBA-TV, you see them. Theyre what it means to be a Maverick, and I took some of those same characteristics.'

If the Mavericks are unable to sign free-agent center Tyson Chandler, that could mean more playing time for Ian Mahinmi.

Entering his fifth year, Mahinmi was the Mavericks third-string center last year behind Chandler and Brendan Haywood.

He averaged 3.1 points and 2.1 rebounds in 56 games last year. He also played key minutes in Game 6 of the NBA Finals.

'Hopefully Tysons back,' Mahinmi said. 'But if hes not, like I told you, Im really ready to be whatever Coach wants me to do.'

Mahinmi played five games and had two double-doubles while playing for Le Havre of the French League during the lockout.

Courtesy of www.bostonherald.com

T.J. Ford will sign with Spurs - by Eurobasket News
After agreeing to sign a contract with the Spurs that will make him Tony Parker's primary backup at the point guard position, former University of Texas star T.J. Ford (5'10''-PG-83, college: Texas) said he was anxious to open training camp with the Spurs on Friday.

I cant wait to get there, he said from his home in Houston.

Ford is expected to sign a contract for the NBA veteran minimum. With eight seasons in the NBA with Milwaukee, Toronto and Indiana, that makes the deal worth $1.266 million, which will be pro-rated for the shortened season.

Just one week removed from playing for KK Zagreb in the Euroleague, where he emigrated after the NBA locked out its players in July, Ford said he is more than ready for the start of Spurs camp.

Courtesy of The San Antonio Express-News via www.insidehoops.com

Roger Mason Jr. expected to sign one-year deal with Wizards - by Eurobasket News
The Wizards are close to bringing back District native Roger Mason Jr. (6'5''-G/F-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Virginia). Players are unable to reach oral or written deals with teams until the new collective bargaining agreement is ratified but Mason is set to have his second run with his hometown team, according to multiple people with knowledge of the situation.

One person, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the discussions, said on Wednesday that Mason is expected to join the team for the first day of training camp on Friday. The deal is expected to be for one year at the veteran minimum.

Mason received interest from Boston, Golden State, New Orleans and the Los Angeles Lakers but said last week that the Wizards were definitely at the top of my list. His presence is not expected to affect the Wizards interest in retaining restricted free agent Nick Young, according to a source. The has already extended Young a qualifying offer and he is the projected starter at shooting guard next season.

Mason, 31, is expected to provide veteran leadership to a team that has just one player older than 26 on the roster. He already displayed his interest before speaking with the Wizards, as he organized workouts with trainer Joe Connelly and other players at Capitals Sports Complex in District Heights and later at Verizon Center.

Mason averaged just 2.9 points in 26 games last season with the New York Knicks but he is a career 38 percent shooter from beyond the three-point line.

Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com

Report: Clippers offer DeAndre Jordan 5-year, $40 million deal - by Eurobasket News
The Los Angeles Clippers have offered center DeAndre Jordan (7'0''-C-88, college: Texas A&M) a five-year, $40 million contract, according to a tweet from Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.

Jordan is a restricted free-agent, meaning that any team may submit an offer sheet to the 23-year-old, but the Clippers will have the option to match it. The 611 big man was originally drafted by the Clippers in the second round of the 2008 NBA Draft, and has seen his playing time increase each year over the past three seasons for the Clippers.

Last year in 80 games Jordan averaged 7.1 points and 7.2 rebounds in 25.6 minutes per game for Los Angeles. In 2010-11 he posted career highs in points, field goal percentage, free throw percentage, rebounds, blocks, and points.

Courtesy of http://tracking.si.com

Celtics close to agreement with Marquis Daniels - by Eurobasket News
The Celtics are close to bringing back free agent forward Marquis Daniels (6'6''-F-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: Auburn), according to two league sources.

Daniels, whose 2010-11 season was halted by a bruised spinal cord, is expected to be here today for a physical. Teams can begin signing players tomorrow at 2 p.m.

Daniels spent the past two seasons in Boston as a crafty slasher and reliable defender. But injuries have plagued the 30-year-old, and last season included the scariest moment of his career.

After a collision with the Magic guard Gilbert Arenas Feb. 6, Daniels lay motionless on the TD Garden parquet before being carried off on a stretcher. He missed the remainder of the season.

The Celtics traded Daniels to the Kings Feb. 24 for a second-round pick in 2017. He had surgery in March.

A thumb injury limited Daniels to 51 games in 2009-10.

Courtesy of http://bostonglobe.com

Lakers adding Jason Kapono as bench shooter - by Eurobasket News
The Lakers are strengthening their bench shooting by adding former UCLA product Jason Kapono (6'7''-F-81, college: UCLA).

Kapono is expected to sign Friday when the NBA lockout restrictions for free agency are lifted. Itll be interesting to see where new Lakers coach Mike Brown finds minutes for Kapono, who is primarily a small forward with outstanding shooting range and limited defensive prowess. But Browns new offense is expected to feature more spot-up 3-point opportunities than the outgoing triangle offense, with double-teams created in the post leaving shooters alone behind the arc.

Kapono, 30, hardly played last season on Philadelphias bench. He is a career 43.7 shooter from 3-point range which is practically off the charts and moves sore-backed Luke Walton further down on the teams depth chart. Metta World Peace, Matt Barnes and Devin Ebanks are other options at small forward, where Kobe Bryant can also operate.

Kapono, who is 6-foot-8, will get the veterans minimum salary of $1.2 million. He was UCLAs leading scorer all four years he was there (1999-2003).

Lakers training camp opens Friday at 10 a.m.

Courtesy of http://lakers.ocregister.com

Celtics still pushing hard to land Chris Paul - by Eurobasket News
As the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors appear unwilling to include their young stars in a trade for Chris Paul (6'0''-PG-85, college: Wake Forest), the New Orleans Hornets were redoubling their research of Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo as a possible centerpiece of a blockbuster deal, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

The Celtics have relentlessly pursued Paul and have presented the Hornets with as many as eight different scenarios that would bring them some combination of Rondo, Jeff Green, two future No. 1 picks and additional talent from third teams, sources said.

Celtics general manager Danny Ainge and coach Doc Rivers believe they can sell Paul on re-signing with Boston for the long-term and desperately want him as the franchise star of their post-Big 3 era.

Danny is a risk-taker, one league official involved in the talks said. Hes willing to gamble on Paul, because he believes you win championships with stars, and hes going to get another one to rebuild his team around.

The Hornets had been hopeful they could choose between Clippers and Warriors packages that included Eric Gordon (notes) and Stephen Curry (notes), respectively, but New Orleans GM Dell Demps has been told those players are off limits. This has brought the Hornets back to Rondo and the Celtics offer, which, as currently constituted, could be the most attractive to the Hornets.

The Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers are intriguing to Paul, who has ultimately championed a free-agent deal with the New York Knicks. Nevertheless, Ainge and Rivers believe they can convince Paul to stay with the Celtics beyond this season. Thats why Ainge has been so relentless on the phones, trying to secure the players beyond Rondo and Green that New Orleans would want for Paul.

The Celtics had discussions with the Indiana Pacers about the framework of a deal that couldve sent Paul to the Celtics, Rondo to Indiana and a package, including former Hornet Darren Collison, Tyler Hansbrough, Brandon Rush and draft picks, to New Orleans, sources said.

New Orleans would have keener interest in small forwards Danny Granger or Paul George, but Pacers president Larry Bird has declared those players untouchable in trade talks, sources said.

Boston has gone to multiple teams in recent days trying to assemble a deal, but ultimately needs direction from the Hornets about what specific trades appeal to them. New Orleans just wont commit to a package, one league source said. In the meantime, Boston has tried to juggle the potential involvement of third teams while the Hornets continue to deliberate their potential deals.

The background calls on Rondo cover the usual territory with him: his relationship with coaches, teammates and stubborn disposition, sources said. The Hornets hadnt had the most favorable impression of Rondo, clearly preferring packages with Curry and Gordon over him. As the Hornets realize teams are growing more hesitant to give up assets out of fear Paul will be simply a four-month rental, theyve come to realize that Bostons offer could be the best on the table.

It appears unlikely the Clippers and Warriors will change course on including Gordon and Curry in a deal. In fact, Clippers management reached out to Gordon in recent days with a personal assurance that he wouldnt be included in any trade packages to New Orleans, a league source told Y! Sports.

The Hornets have only six players under contract, and had hoped they could find a trade for Paul who has told them he will leave as a free agent after the season before the start of Fridays training camp. That scenario looks less likely, because, as one executive in the talks said Thursday, Theyre bringing in more teams, more scenarios, when we thought they wanted to narrow it down.

The Lakers are still lurking for Paul, sources said. A possible deal with the Lakers would likely focus on Andrew Bynum. Paul and Kobe Bryant have talked by phone in the past week, sources said.

Golden State is willing to offer guard Monta Ellisand young forward Ekpe Udoh as part of a package for Paul, but the talks are unlikely to progress if the Warriors continue to refuse to part with Curry. Golden States new owners are fond of Curry, see him as a future face of the franchise and the prospects of moving forward without Curry or Paul after a 66-game regular season is too frightening for the franchise to face.

The Warriors are still courting free agent Tyson Chandler, and appear to be finalists with the New Jersey Nets for the center. No one will count out the Dallas Mavericks from making a late push to retain Chandler, but Paul has indicated the addition of Chandler to the Warriors or the Clippers roster could play a part in Paul deciding to stay with either of those teams beyond this season.

Courtesy of Yahoo! Sports

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

NBLCANADA

Mill Rats guard gets another shot in NBA - by Eurobasket News
Saint John Mill Rats starter Will Blalock (6'0''-PG-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Iowa St.) has earned an invitation to a National Basketball Association camp with the Charlotte Bobcats.

The 6-foot point guard expects to leave Saint John Thursday to prepare for camp, which opens Friday for all NBA teams.

'My agent called and said they were looking for a third point guard out of vet camp and they called my name so I'm going to go out there and show myself and see if I can get back in the NBA,' said Blalock, who will be competing for a spot behind veteran D.J. Augustine and Charlotte's first-round draft choice Kemba Walker.

'I hope things work out, but if it doesn't, I'd like to come back here and see if we can win a championship.'

Ian McCarthy, Mill Rats general manager and president, said Blalock will remain on the Mill Rats roster while he attends Charlotte's camp, which is expected to last a week. The Bobcats open their exhibition schedule versus the Atlanta Hawks Dec. 19. The NBA's schedule, shortened to 66 games due to a labour lockout, begins Dec. 25.

In the meantime, the Mill Rats had already signed point guard Calvin Cage. Cage practised with the team for the first time Wednesday and is expected to step into the lineup for Sunday's home game versus the Quebec Kebs at 2 p.m. Other new signees Isaac Kuon and Kevin Francis are also expected to be in the lineup.

The surging Mill Rats have won six of their last eight after opening the season with three losses. They sit in third place in the National Basketball League of Canada, 1 games behind the 8-4 Kebs and 2 back of the 9-2 first-place London Lightning.

'I'm happy for Will and I hope he takes full advantage of the opportunity,' said Mill Rats coach Jaren Jackson, whose 13-year NBA career includes a championship with the 1999 San Antonio Spurs. 'I hope things work out for him.

'If not, he can come hang out with us,' Jackson said with a chuckle following Mill Rats practice Wednesday.

Blalock, a Boston native, had just started to feel at home in New Brunswick's most populated city after joining the Mill Rats in October. Everyday the 28-year-old, who leads the NBL in assists per game at 6.91, devotes two-and-a-half hours to training. He's determined to improve his shooting percentage.

Just six years ago, Blalock suited up for the NBA's Detroit Pistons where he played back-up to the 2004 NBA Finals MVP Chauncey Billups. Under Billups' tutelage, Blalock learned how to play the game more efficiently, sharpening his instincts and becoming a better floor general.

'I learned the importance of a quality possession, possession by possession, game by game. Playing behind Chauncey, he would spend a whole lot of time with me. He would say what are you looking for coming off this pick-and-roll? Are you trying to get yourself a shot or that guy in the corner?

'You have to know that stuff before you even come up court.'

Since playing with the Pistons, the Iowa State Cyclones product has taken his talents around the world, from Israel to Germany to Australia, where he suited up for the National Basketball League's Townsville Crocodiles last year.

He's constantly adapting to new places and cultures, something he wasn't prepared for after leaving college.

'No one in college tells you if you don't make the NBA, all of the different things you have to get used to. I went to play in Israel. That's a completely different culture. You have to be able to adapt on the fly, that's how it is.'

Blalock's game isn't built on flash. He has a deft way of going unnoticed until finding the open man for the easy shot. But the flash is there a handful of times per game, whether it's his slicing behind the back crossover that freezes defenders or the effortless way he cuts through traffic, finishing with a simple flick of the wrist layup.

At 6-feet tall, he's always been a smaller-than-average point guard fighting for his place on the court.

'I thought I was going to be 6-foot-9 and run the point, but the buck stopped short, man,' he said with a laugh during an earlier interview. 'I like being the underdog, though I've been like that my whole career. I don't mind being the smallest dude on the court.'

Since being lured to the Port City by his old friend McCarthy, Blalock likes how the team's developed and if his NBA tryout with the Bobcats doesn't lead to a contract, returning to Saint John is a good second option.

'The way I see it, we have a great team, top to bottom, in this league,' he said. 'I hope we develop into a really special team.'

Courtesy of http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com

Oshawa Power release EJ Kusnyer - by Eurobasket News
The Oshawa Power have released guard E.J. Kusnyer (6'5''-G-86, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Mercer) from their roster.

Up next for the Oshawa Power (5-6) are three straight games against the London Lightning (9-2).

Thursday Dec 8 at 7:30 p.m. they play at the GM Centre. Then on Saturday December 10 it's a 7:00 p.m. tilt on the road in London at the John Labatt Centre. Finally, it's back to Oshawa on Sunday December 11 at 2 p.m. at the GM Centre.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Lightning announce signing of Anthony Washington - by Eurobasket News
Ahead of Saturday's home game, the London Lightning have announced the signing of 6'10' centre, Anthony Washington (6'9''-F/C-83, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Portland St.). Washington is active for the 7 PM game at the John Labatt Centre on December 10th.

Lightning GM Taylor Brown had this to say: 'Anthony will provide us with the size that we are looking for down low. He is very strong, agile and will provide the experience we need to take this team to the next level.'

Washington played College basketball at Portland State University. He has played overseas in Germany, Mexico, and Israel. Notably, he played on the Miami Heat summer league team in 2008 & 2009.

The move coincides with the Lightning placing Mike King (Guelph, Ontario) on injured reserve with a foot injury.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Miracles not considering any major changes - by Eurobasket News
Moncton Miracles head coach and general manager Mike Evans acknowledges that teams are phoning him to discuss trade possibilities.

'Everybody loves Andrew Francis,' he said. 'He's the big item on everybody's list. We're not going to make any moves that involve him at this time. We're holding onto him. We hope that he continues to develop into what we think he's capable of becoming.'

Francis, a 6-foot-7 small forward, has been one of the bright spots on a Moncton squad that's last in the National Basketball League of Canada at 0-10.

The Houston native is third on the Miracles in scoring with an average of 13.20 points per game. He leads the club in both field goal shooting percentage (.485) and steals per game (1.40), he's second in rebounds per game (6.50) and ranks third in blocks per game (0.60).

Francis ranks 14th in the league in both field goal shooting percentage and steals per game and 12th in rebounds per game. He's putting up good numbers despite playing on a team that's worst in the league both offensively and defensively.

Moncton has played seven of 10 games on the road and it has suffered four losses by five points or less. It will return to action against the Saint John Mill Rats on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Moncton Coliseum.

Saint John traded seven-foot centre David Collins and 6-foot-4 shooting guard Jerome Brown to the Oshawa Power yesterday in exchange for 6-foot-8 power forward Kevin Francis.

Brown and Collins weren't getting regular playing time with the Mill Rats. Francis, their new acquisition, averaged 11.9 points and 6.5 rebounds per game with Oshawa.

Moncton is trying to resist pressing the panic button and looking for a quick fix. Evans talks about the importance of avoiding Band-Aid trades that will help the club in the short term, but hurt long term.

'Our biggest problem is the interior,' he said in reference to the Miracles lack of big inside presence. 'We're looking for the right fit. We're not going to put just anybody in there.

'We have a good group of guys who work hard and their attitudes are very good. We have some speed, skill and athleticism. We need to get a little more size and girth inside. He doesn't have to be a seven footer, but we need some more girth.'

Moncton is coming off a 105-94 loss to the Halifax Rainmen on Sunday. The Miracles are 0-3 under Evans and they're now in the midst of an opportune eight-day break before their next contest.

'We've got some offensive sets that we have to put in,' said Evans. 'We have some defensive concepts that we have to get in. Some of these offensive and defensive concepts are there now, but we have to recognize them better and keep working on them.'

Moncton has released five players from the 12-man roster it had in the regular season opener. There could be more change coming given that two newcomers, George Fudge and Sylvania Watkins, practised with the club for the first time last night.

Fudge and Watkins, who haven't yet signed a contract, are here for a tryout.

'When you're a team that's struggling everybody's calling to see if you want players,' said Evans. 'Teams are calling to discuss trades. I'm getting calls from agents who are looking for a spot for their guys to play. We're struggling to get our first win and everybody thinks they have the guy that can help us do that.

'There are players out there in different scenarios. There are guys outside North America who may not be happy. You might have a guy who's not getting paid because of the European economy. You might have guys that want to come to North America and be closer to home.'

Courtesy of http://timestranscrpt.canadaeast.com

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

NCAA1

Big East introduces new members - by Eurobasket News
The Big East introduced Boise State, San Diego State, Houston, Southern Methodist and Central Florida as its new members, effective 2013.

But still unresolved is the departure date of West Virginia, which says it will play in the Big 12 next season as a replacement for Missouri, which is moving to the Southeastern Conference.

Big East commissioner John Marinatto has pledged to hold Pittsburgh, Syracuse and West Virginia in the conference until 2014, in accordance with the Big East bylaws. West Virginia has sued the Big East to get an early release. The Big East filed a countersuit to keep West Virginia in the conference.

Pittsburgh and Syracuse intend to join the Atlantic Coast Conference as soon as possible but are not challenging the Big East's bylaws.

Syracuse athletic director Daryl Gross said he expected the Big East might ask his school and Pitt to leave early now.

'They'd need us to move out of the way,' said Gross, who was in New York on Wednesday for a sports forum.

Marinatto said there have been no discussions with the new members about the possibility of letting the departing members out early. Potentially, that could lead the Big East to have the same eight teams it has now in 2012, and up to 15 teams in 2013 if negotiations work out with the military academies.

'I think it's a simple matter of respecting our bylaws,' Marinatto said. 'An early departure and a violation of those bylaws would damage the membership.'

The Big East is trying to rebuild as a 12-team football conference with a western division.

Boise State and San Diego State, which currently play in the Mountain West Conference, will join the Big East only for football. Houston, SMU and UCF will be leaving Conference USA and joining the Big East in all sports.

'We have ambitious plans, and this expansion is a great stride toward reaching them,' Marinatto said.

The Big East has also been pursuing Air Force and Navy as football only members, but those schools have yet to commit.

Boise State has reportedly worked out a deal to have its other sports teams compete in the Western Athletic Conference, where its football team dominated for 10 seasons. San Diego State is reportedly finalizing a deal to have its other teams compete in the Big West.

Courtesy of www.stltoday.com

No. 5 Louisville uses pressure to beat IUPUI 90-60 - by Eurobasket News
Chris Smith (6'2''-G-87) matched his personal best with 19 points to go over 1,000 for his career and No. 5 Louisville beat IUPUI 90-60 Wednesday night for the Cardinals' 16th straight victory at home.

Gorgui Dieng (6'10''-C) hit all eight of his shots to set a career high with 18 points to go along with 12 rebounds as the Cardinals started 8-0 for the second straight season.

Louisville's schedule hasn't been too difficult with only one road game so far before the Cardinals travel to face No. 1 Kentucky in a Dec. 31 showdown.

In the meantime, they're continuing to get healthier with the return of forward Rakeem Buckles (6'7''-F). He hadn't played since tearing a ligament in his right knee in February and had a three-point play during a key 15-0 second half run that sealed the victory.

Stephen Thomas led IUPUI (2-8) with 14 points.

The Cardinals are still missing forward Wayne Blackshear (right shoulder), guard Elisha Justice (broken nose), Stephan Van Treese (left knee) and Mike Marra (left knee). Blackshear and Justice should return in the coming weeks, while Van Treese and Marra are out indefinitely.

The Cardinals hadn't played since beating then-No. 20 Vanderbilt in overtime on Friday night and IUPUI stayed within striking distance through the first five minutes of the second half when Thomas hit a 3-pointer that cut Louisville's lead to 50-45.

But Russ Smith (6'0''-G) hit two free throws, then made a layup off a pass from Dieng in transition and Buckles scored his first points of his season on a three-point play during a 15-0 run that included a steal and slam by Chane Behanan that made it 65-45 with 10:39 left.

After the Jaguars ended the run, Chris Smith converted a four-point play after hitting a 3 and the Cardinals' biggest lead was the final margin. Smith was walk on at Louisville after playing two seasons at Manhattan, where he scored 596 points and made 41 starts. He now has 1,011 points in his career.

Russ Smith added 12 points and Kyle Kuric (6'4''-G/F-89) had 11 for Louisville.

IUPUI's seniors were all on the bench to start the game, including Alex Young, the Summit League preseason player of the year who came in averaging 18.7 points. Young's absence from the starting lineup ended an 80-game streak since his freshman year. He finished with nine points.

IUPUI, which includes five players from Kentucky and former Louisville walk-on Todd Howard as coach, held an early 7-6 lead before struggling against Louisville's pressure. The Cardinals went on an 11-2 run after the Jaguars missed three of four shots and committed three turnovers.

IUPUI committed 20 turnovers in the game and shot 26 percent in the second half.

On one sequence, Russ Smith made a pair of steals, dunking on one and finding Chris Smith on a bounce pass for a layup to finish another that gave the Cardinals a 23-11 lead midway through the first.

But IUPUI hit four 3-pointers two by Thomas and one each by Young and Sean Esposito to tie it and stayed close early into the second half.

Louisville, which has climbed the rankings since starting ninth in the preseason poll, plays Fairleigh Dickinson on Saturday and takes a week off before facing No. 21 Memphis on Dec. 17.

Courtesy of www.foxnews.com

Rivers, No. 7 Duke power past Colorado State - by Eurobasket News
Duke played so many games in the first two weeks of the season that coach Mike Krzyzewski's team had relatively little time to refine itself on the practice court. The seventh-ranked Blue Devils are starting to get that chance.

Freshman guard Austin Rivers (6'4''-G-92) scored 17 points to help Duke beat Colorado State 87-64 on Wednesday night, a successful return from a weeklong break following a lopsided loss at Ohio State.

Duke (8-1) had sprinted out of the gate with seven games in 13 days, including wins against Michigan and Kansas in the Maui Invitational. But after last week's 85-63 loss to the Buckeyes - their most lopsided loss of the past two-plus seasons - the Blue Devils returned to a steady week of practices intent on improving. To listen to the players, it was a welcome opportunity.

'I don't think people realize how big practice can be for a team,' Rivers said. 'Sometimes when you just go a long period of time without practice, you start to forget the fundamentals and the values that makes your team great. I'm not saying we did that, but I think practice reiterated them with our team.'

Andre Dawkins (6'4''-G-91) added 15 points for the Blue Devils (8-1) before sitting out the second half with back spasms. Dawkins and Mason Plumlee (6'10''-F-90) helped the Blue Devils build a 17-point halftime margin, while Rivers scored 12 in the second half to keep Duke in control.

The Blue Devils shot 56 percent while limiting the outside looks for a team that came in shooting a national-best 46 percent from behind the arc. The Rams (5-4) shot 41 percent for the game and 4 for 11 from 3-point range.

'We knew they could shoot the ball coming in,' Plumlee said. 'I mean, Cameron is like a shooter's gym, so you can't let guys get loose.'

Greg Smith scored 18 points to lead the Rams, but leading scorer Wes Eikmeier finished with 10 on 4-for-13 shooting. His last field goal came midway through the first half and he missed all six of his shots in the second half.

'They just kept switching guys on me and rotating fresh bodies in,' said Eikmeier, who was averaging 17.5 points. 'I don't think I sat in the first half, so I kind of got fatigued. They were denying me on the wings, and that's usually where I get a lot of my work done. Just give them credit. They did a nice job.'

The Colorado State game was the first of just four on the schedule in December for Duke, which could lead to plenty more chances to improve on the practice court. As Krzyzewski noted, 'The more practice this team can get, the better.'

'We're still very much a developing team,' he said. 'We've got a very difficult schedule that'll continue through Washington (on Saturday in New York). That's how you learn about yourself. We have to keep adjusting.'

Dawkins and Plumlee helped Duke push ahead early. Dawkins hit six of his first seven shots, including three 3-pointers, after going scoreless and managing just a single shot in 19 minutes against Ohio State. Plumlee, meanwhile, was active early, hitting all six of his shots in the half to rack up 13 points, seven rebounds, four steals and four blocks by halftime.

That included one play in which Plumlee stole a pass and sent the ball in transition to Dawkins, who lofted a soft alley-oop pass back to Plumlee for a dunk and a 41-30 lead. At that point, the two had 12 of Duke's 16 baskets.

Rivers took over in the second half, hitting all three of his 3-pointers. During one stretch, Duke scored on seven straight and nine of 10 possessions over 7 minutes.

Ryan Kelly scored three straight baskets during that run and Rivers hit a pair of 3s, while reserve Josh Hairston capped the run by charging in on the left side unguarded and throwing down a powerful slam to make it 72-47 with about 9 minutes left.

Miles Plumlee also finished with 14 points for Duke, which scored 18 points off 15 turnovers.

'They have a lot of depth,' Smith said. 'They ran a lot of guys at us, and they took advantage of us when we got tired. We turned the ball over way too much when we're playing an elite team like this, and they really capitalized on it.'

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Struggles continue for Butler in 73-61 loss to No. 8 Xavier - by Eurobasket News
Butler is a long way from the Final Four.

After losing in the national championship game the past two seasons, the Bulldogs are struggling to shoot, play defense, stay out of foul trouble and even win.

It's not The Butler Way.

Tu Holloway (6'0''-G-89) and Mark Lyons (6'1''-G-89) each scored 16 points Wednesday night, leading No. 8 Xavier past the Bulldogs 73-61. Its the first time in more than four years that Butler has lost back-to-back home games.

Obviously, were upset the way weve been handling things, but we feel like if we just get over that hump, well be right there where we want to be, and well be the type of team we want to be, guard Chase Stigall said. Coach always says you cant take a break. Youve got to do the little things. We have to do the little things and do the important things more, and we just cant take breaks at all.

The lessons lately have been hard.

After losing six players from last seasons team, the inexperienced Bulldogs have been searching for answers.

Against Xavier, they shot 30.6 percent from the field and were 2 of 21 from 3-point range, rekindling images of their dismal showing in last springs title game against Connecticut. Stigall and freshman Roosevelt Jones were the only players to reach double figures. Each scored 10 points.

Jones, who also had 11 rebounds, provided the biggest scare of the night when he needed help to leave the court in the second half. The initial fear was that it was a left knee injury. But it turned out to be cramps.

It was little consolation for coach Brad Stevens, who drew a rare technical foul late in the first half while trying to figure out something that would work against the Musketeers (7-0).

For the first time since ending the 2004-05 season with a 13-15 record, Butler (4-5) is under .500 this late in the season.

Weve got to get the right guys the right shots at the right times, Stevens said.

Xavier, meanwhile, relied on its dynamic guard tandem.

Holloway managed only one basket, but he drove to the rim, drew fouls and connected on 14 of 16 free throws. He also had seven rebounds.

We were just ready to play tonight and we were on top of our game, Holloway said. When were on top of our game, I feel like we can beat anyone.

In fact, the Musketeers have beaten everyone, which is why they have their highest ranking since December 2007.

Theyve beaten two of Indianas biggest names, Purdue and Butler, in consecutive games and are 2-0 on the road after winning earlier this season at Vanderbilt.

Still, the Bulldogs have been a constant thorn in Xaviers side.

Butler had won three of the last four meetings, including the messy ending in Xaviers last visit to Hinkle Fieldhouse. Gordon Hayward scored on a last-second layup and, after the clock was stopped with 1.2 seconds to go, the officials determined there was a clock malfunction and ran off the rest of the time as both teams watched from near their bench.

There was no way the Musketeers were going to let it happen again. Holloway sparked one big run, Lyons ignited another and freshman Dezmine Wells had 13 points. The Musketeers committed only 13 turnovers, too.

The message was simple: Xavier is as good as people think.

It seems like were playing statement game after statement game, coach Chris Mack said. But we embrace that. I know Butler does as well. We dont have any chippies coming up and Butler doesnt either. I think if you want to be the best, you have to play the best and you have to challenge yourself.

The Musketeers left nothing to chance in a gritty, ugly game.

Xavier broke open a 6-4 game with a 17-0 run in the first half. Eventually, the Musketeers extended the lead to 18.

But the Bulldogs charged back from a 39-23 halftime deficit.

Butler knocked down two 3-pointers and four baskets in the first 3:18 of the second half, closing to 43-33. After a Xavier timeout, Jones and Andrew Smith combined for six more points to make it 43-39.

I thought he (Smith) re-established himself a little bit in the second half with a few aggressive moves that we need. Its really important for us as we move forward, Stevens said.

When the Bulldogs whittled the deficit to 45-41, Holloway finally responded.

He scored six points, including his only basket, and came up with two steals in an 11-2 run that made it 56-43 midway through the second half.

The Bulldogs werent finished. Eric Fromm scored five points in a 7-2 spurt that got Butler within 58-50.

This time, Lyons bailed out Xavier, scoring six points in a 10-0 run that took away the suspense.

I just wanted to be aggressive, and be able to get to the line and get to the rim, and I was getting fouled, so thats where I had to score tonight, Holloway said. Were just sort of a well-rounded group of guys who are ready to play at all times. Were on a mission.

Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com

Young, No. 12 Florida rally, edge Arizona in OT - by Eurobasket News
Jersey untucked, sweat dripping, Florida's Patric Young (6'9''-F/C-92) jogged off the floor as fans chanted his name.

He raised his arms in acknowledgment, basking in the glow of a career night against Arizona.

For coach Billy Donovan, it wasn't nearly enough.

Young had a career-high 25 points and 10 rebounds, Erving Walker (5'8''-G) made some huge free throws down the stretch, and No. 12 Florida rallied to beat Arizona 78-72 in overtime Wednesday night.

Afterward, Donovan ripped Walker and fellow guard Kenny Boynton (6'2''-G-89) for failing to get Young more involved.

'This was a game where Patric Young should have taken 40 shots in the game,' Donovan said. 'Erving Walker and Kenny Boynton need to do a better job of reading what's going on inside the game. Their shooting percentage form the field, although their intentions of wanting to win the game and feeling like they need to do something, we should have just played out of Patric Young the whole entire night.

'He had 25 points. He should have had 45 points. We should have got the ball to him much, much more than we did. There's got to be a better understanding.'

Young made 12 of 15 shots, having his way inside as the Wildcats (6-3) focused on shutting down Florida's outside shooters. He had six offensive rebounds, two blocks and a steal.

'The difference is clearly they were the bigger team,' Arizona coach Sean Miller said. 'They killed us on the glass. They are in fantastic shape. They play really hard and they wore our team down. They didn't just wear our team down, they have worn down whoever they have played.'

The Gators (6-2) extended their home winning streak to 11 and won their first resume-building game of the season. They previously lost at Ohio State and Syracuse.

Walker finished with 14 points, including seven in the extra frame. He overcame a poor shooting night from the field (3 of 16) and a miserable performance from 3-point range (1 of 9). Boynton wasn't much better. He was 2 of 11 from the floor and 1 of 6 from behind the arc.

Donovan said their woes were the team's biggest problem, even more concerning than what was one of the worst free-throw shooting performance in Donovan's 16 seasons. The Gators were 15 of 32 from the line, including a 2-for-14 start.

'I've never ever seen in my life 2 for 14 at one point from the free-throw line,' Donovan said. 'I could go out right now and make 2 for 14 left-handed. I mean, 2 for 14? Everybody in this room could make 2 for 14.'

Jesse Perry led the Wildcats with 23 points and seven rebounds. Kyle Fogg added 19 points before fouling out in overtime. Nick Johnson and Solomon Hill also fouled out for Arizona.

The Gators trailed 57-50 with about 7 minutes remaining, but got some key shots from Walker, Boynton and Bradley Beal to tie the game at 61.

Walker missed a 3-pointer with 14.2 seconds left, but Young grabbed the rebound, split two defenders and bounced it off the backboard to put Florida ahead 64-63.

'In my whole tenure being here I haven't really done too much offensively in the post to make teams come in and try to keep me out of my game,' Young said. 'Tonight I established that and I'm really thankful that my teammates were able to find me. Maybe I won't get the opportunity again. I'm just going to make the most of the one I had tonight.'

Johnson turned the ball over on the other end, and the Gators looked to be in great shape when Walker hit two free throws with 8.2 seconds to go.

But Antinio Petty whistled Casey Prather for a questionable shooting foul, awarding three shots to Hill. Donovan screamed, 'No way' after the call. Hill drained all of three shots to tie the game at 66.

Walker missed a 3 at the end of regulation, but he made up for it in overtime.

Will Yeguete came up big, too. He had seven points, eight rebounds, four steals and several defensive stops down the stretch.

The Gators needed every bit of help because Walker and Boynton struggled all night. Florida finished 7 of 26 from 3-point range, not a whole lot worse than the team was from the free-throw line.

Forward Erik Murphy returned after missing three consecutive games with a knee injury, came off the bench and finished with three points and five rebounds.

Arizona played without freshman guard Josiah Turner, who was suspended Tuesday for violating team policy. The Arizona Daily Star reported that the discipline revolved around Turner's participation in practices. The newspaper also reported that Turner was taken out of the starting lineup before the Nov. 9 game against Duquesne after he was late to the pregame shootaround.

The Wildcats had 10 turnovers midway through the first half, but managed to take the lead at the break -- mostly because of Florida's free-throw shooting.

'I feel like we let it slip away,' Fogg said. 'But I think we played good and showed we can hang with a top-10 team.'

Courtesy of ESPN

Stats Leaders - NCAA1

Points Per Game

Ryne SMITH
  Purdue
  (190-G-89)
  Avg: 26

1. Smith, Purdue	26.0
2. Wattad, Chattano.	24.0
3. Smith, NC-Wilmi.	23.0
4. Stoglin, Maryland	22.0
5. Oladipo, Indiana	21.0
6. McDougald, Jackso.	21.0
7. Harris, Wake F.	20.0
8. Howell, N.Caroli.	19.5
9. Swansey, Tenn Tech	19.0
10. McKie, Wake Fore.	19.0

Rebounds Per Game

Draymond GREEN
  Michigan.
  (200-F-90)
  Avg: 18

1. Green, Michigan.	18.0
2. Finney-Smith, Virg.	16.0
3. Smith, Clemson	14.0
4. Shannon, Florida	12.0
5. Howell, N.Caroli.	11.5
6. Plumlee, Duke	11.0
7. Zlovaric, Chattano.	10.0
8. Desrosiers, Wake F.	10.0
9. Henson, N.Carolina	9.5
10. Drummond, Loyol.	9.0

Assists Per Game

Kendall MARSHALL
  N.Carolina
  (190-G-91)
  Avg: 10

1. Marshall, N.Caroli.	10.0
2. Smith, Clemson	8.0
3. Brown, N.Caroli.	7.5
4. Bell, Chattanooga	7.0
5. Loucks, Florida St.	6.0
6. Udofia, Georgia	6.0
7. Johnson, Belmont	6.0
8. Finney-Smith, Virg.	5.0
9. Jackson, Purdue	5.0
10. Scott, Miami, FL	5.0

Steals Per Game

Cody ZELLER
  Indiana
  (210-F-)
  Avg: 6

1. Zeller, Indiana	6.0
2. Smith, Clemson	5.0
3. Brown, N.Caroli.	4.5
4. Jones III, Indiana	4.0
5. Kennings, Florida	3.0
6. Moore, Florida A&M	3.0
7. Raines, Virginia T.	3.0
8. Cooley, E.Tenn.St.	3.0
9. Swoope, Miami, FL	3.0
10. Faust, Maryland	3.0

Blocks Per Game

Carson DESROSIERS
  Wake F.
  (213-C-)
  Avg: 8

1. Desrosiers, Wake F.	8.0
2. Henson, N.Carolina	5.5
3. Finney-Smith, Virg.	4.0
4. Mosley, Maryland	3.0
5. Inameti, Tenn Tech	3.0
6. Elston, Indiana	2.0
7. Jennings, Clemson	2.0
8. Plumlee, Duke	2.0
9. Lawson, Purdue	2.0
10. Akpejiori, Miami,	2.0

Top 25 - Men

TOP25 Standings

1. Kentucky		0-0 (8-0)
2. Ohio St.		0-0 (8-0)
3. Syracuse		0-0 (8-0)
4. N.Carolina		0-0 (7-2)
5. Louisville		0-0 (7-0)
6. Baylor		0-0 (6-0)
7. Duke		0-0 (8-0)
8. Xavier		0-0 (6-0)
9. Connecticut		0-0 (7-1)
10. Missouri		0-0 (8-0)
11. Marquette		0-0 (7-0)
12. Florida		0-0 (5-2)
13. Kansas		0-0 (6-2)
14. Wisconsin		0-0 (7-2)
15. Pittsburgh		0-0 (8-1)
16. Alabama		0-0 (7-2)
17. Mississippi St.		0-0 (8-1)
18. Georgetown		0-0 (7-1)
19. Creighton		0-0 (7-0)
20. Michigan		0-0 (6-1)
21. Memphis		0-0 (4-2)
22. Texas A&M		0-0 (7-1)
23. Gonzaga		0-0 (5-1)
24. Illinois		0-0 (9-0)
25. Harvard		0-0 (7-1)

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

NCAA2

UIndy stuns No. 1 Bellarmine in OT - by Eurobasket News
Mikel Brigham tipped in a missed shot with 1:10 remaining in overtime and Indianapolis hit 5-of-6 free throws in the final 29 seconds to defeat No. 1 Bellarmine, 99-94, in overtime on Thursday night.

Mikel Brigham and Wilbur O'Neal (6'7''-F/C-88) both had double-doubles.

Brigham also hit 1-of-2 free throws with 3.3 seconds remaining in regulation to send the game to overtime, 84-84, after Chris Dowe's three-pointer at the buzzer spun around the rim and fell off.

Brigham was one of two Greyhounds (5-1, 1-0 GLVC) with double-doubles as he had 17 points and 12 rebounds and Wilbur O'Neal tallied 15 points and 10 rebounds in UIndy's first victory against the nation's top team since Jan. 8, 2004, against Southern Indiana.

'I think guys started feeling like they could win after responding when Bellarmine took an early lead,' head coach Stan Gouard said. 'They believed as the game went on. We started to make some adjustments to get stops and then get some buckets of our own. The biggest thing, though, was believing we can beat the No. 1 team in the country and we did.'

Adrian Moss (5'9''-G-88) added 29 points, seven rebounds and four assists to help UIndy defeat the defending national champions (5-1, 0-1 GLVC) and Reece Cheatham added 24 points, all in the second half and overtime, three asissts and two rebounds. Louisville native Miles Mitchell scored 10 points, all in the second half and overtime, against his hometown school.

'It's great for the program because you don't get too many shots at No. 1 in the country,' Gouard said. 'I thought our guys were great tonight, especially in the second half and executed the way good ball clubs do.'

UIndy trailed by seven at halftime, 37-30, after Bellarmine scored on a lay-up at the horn, but UIndy had recovered from an 11-point deficit less than five minutes into the game.

The Knights stretched their lead back to 11, 49-38, with 16:45 to go in the game, when UIndy responded with a 7-0 run on a Cheatham three-pointer, Brigham lay-up from Cheatham and offensive put-back by Mitchell. The Knights came right back with a three-pointer and eventually regained an eight-point lead, 61-53, with 11:06 to go, but UIndy didn't go away.

The Greyhounds tied the game for the first time, 67-67, as Cheatham converted on a four-point play after hitting a deep three-pointer on the right wing, while being fouled with 7:07 to play. The Knights again answered with a three-pointer to keep the lead, but Cheatham hit another three-pointer on the right wing to give UIndy its first lead since 2-0, 72-71, with 5:01 to play and then Moss added a deep three from the top of the key to stretch the lead to four.

Bellarmine came back with five in a row to regain the lead, 76-75, and were still up two, 78-76, when Cheatham canned another triple to put UIndy back in front, 79-78, with 2:41 to play. Brigham added a resounding dunk assisted by Jarrett Hamilton to push the Greyhounds' lead to three, 81-78, with 2:10 left.

The No. 1 team came back again to regain the lead, 82-81, on a Jeremy Kendle floater with 1:05 to go, but then Braydon Hobbs fouled Cheatham who hit both to give the lead back to UIndy, 83-82, with 46 seconds left. The Knights scored inside after a blocked shot by Brigham to regain the lead, 84-83, with 17 seconds left and UIndy called timeout.

The Greyhounds got a three-pointer from the right wing by Moss that missed, but with five Bellarmine guards on the floor O'Neal was able to secure the rebound. His attempt was blocked, but then Brigham rebounded and was fouled. After a timeout to ice the shooter by Bellarmine, Brigham missed the first free throw long, but then rattled home the second to send the game to overtime.

The Knights scored first in the extra session, but an offensive rebound led to a three-point play for O'Neal to put UIndy in front, 87-86. Bellarmine scored inside, but then Mitchell canned a three-pointer from the right wing to stretch the UIndy lead to 90-88 with 2:50 left.

The teams traded scores as Bellarmine tied the game, 92-all, with 1:42 remaining. On the next possession, Cheatham drove the left side of the lane and launched a floater that just missed, but Brigham tipped it high off the glass and in to give UIndy the lead for good, 94-92. Bellarmine missed a three-pointer on the next possession, but Hobbs secured the offensive rebound, but couldn't retain possession as he turned it over. UIndy ran the clock down and then Moss was fouled as he maneuvered around a ball screen. He hit both free throws with 29 seconds left to push the lead to four, 96-92.

Bellarmine came back with a potential three-point play, but Richie Phares missed the free throw. Moss was fouled again and hit both free throws to keep the lead at four, 98-94, which would hold up.

The Knights were led by its Preseason All-America back court of Kendle with 31 points and Hobbs with 14 points, 12 assists and four steals.

UIndy shot 56.9 percent overall (33-58), including 22-of-31 (.710) in the second half and overtime. After making only 1-of-11 three-pointers in the first half, UIndy connected on 8-of-13 the rest of the game. Bellarmine also shot well by making 53.4 percent (31-of-58). UIndy made 24-of-31 free throws, while the Knights connected on 22-of-28.

Bellarmine forced 17 UIndy turnovers, while only committing eight to have a 19-11 edge in points off turnovers, but UIndy dominated on the glass. The Greyhounds had a 38-19 rebounding advantage, including 12-4 on the offensive glass to lead to a 19-4 lead in second-chance points.

Courtesy of www.ncaa.com

Lincoln Memorial holds off Wingate - by Eurobasket News
No. 4 Lincoln Memorial opened South Atlantic Conference play on Wednesday with a 65-61 victory against Wingate. With the win, the Railsplitters remained a perfect 7-0 on the season and 1-0 in the SAC. The Bulldogs fell to 2-6 on the season and 0-1 in the SAC.

The Railsplitters were led by Desmond Johnson's (6'6''-F-90) 16 points. Vincent Bailey (6'6''-F) notched 14 points off the bench to lead that unit for Lincoln Memorial. Brandon Armstrong rounded out the double-digit performers for LMU as he poured in 11 points.

Paidrick Matilus (6'2''-G) led all players with 22 points for the Bulldogs. Jamie Vaughn (6'0''-G-90) added 13 points on the evening. Deion Turman was the lone player in the game with double-digit boards as he grabbed 10.

The opening minutes of the first half saw the two teams struggle offensively as the two defenses battled to a 12-12 tie with 10:32 remaining in the half. From that moment, the Railsplitters seemed to find their rhythm as they used a 10-0 run, capped off by a running finger roll from Tony Martin, to take a 22-12 lead with 7:43 on the clock.

LMU continued to press as a layup by Desmond Johnson gave Lincoln Memorial a 34-17 advantage. The Bulldogs regained their composure as they closed the half on a 9-1 run to send the teams into the break with the Railsplitters on top 35-26.

Lincoln Memorial opened the second half of play by grabbing a 38-26 lead on a three point play by Johnson. The Bulldogs began to chip away from that moment, as a 3-point basket by Paidrick Matilus cut the Railsplitter lead to 42-39 with 11:27 remainging. LMU would fight back out to a 51-41 lead before WU cut it back to 52-50 with a 3-point bucket by Eddie Lewis with 6:25 remaining.

Lincoln Memorial used a 9-2 run in the ensuing four minutes to grab a 61-52 lead. Despite the frenetic pace of the closing minutes, the Railsplitters were able to hold on to a 65-61 win.

Courtesy of www.ncaa.com

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

NCAA3

Baldwin-Wallace tops No. 4 Marietta - by Eurobasket News
Sophomore guard Kevin Krakowiak scored a season-high 17 points as Baldwin-Wallace upset fourth-ranked Marietta 93-74 on Saturday in the Rudolph Ursprung Gymnasium at the Lou Higgins Center. The 93 points scored by the Yellow Jackets were the most of the season and the most since the 2009-10 season when B-W scored 96 on two occasions.

With the victory, the Yellow Jackets won their third consecutive game and improved to 4-1 overall and 1-0 in the OAC. With the loss, the Pioneers drop their first game of the season and fall to 4-1 and 0-1 in the OAC.

In addition to Krakowiak, sophomore guard Grant Fairhurst scored a season-best 16 points, junior forward Chris Ameen tallied 11 points, sophomore All-OAC forward Kyle Payne contributed 10 points and grabbed a game-high five rebounds and sophomore post Aaron Selmek added 10 points. The Pioneers were led by Kevin Knab with a game-high 27 points.

B-W netted the first points of the game when Payne scored a layup on a fast break at the 18:04 mark of the first half. Marietta responded with a jumper from Jason Humphrey to tie the game, 2-2.

The two teams battled back and forth in the early stages of the contest until the Yellow Jackets went on a 13-3 run, capped off by a three-pointer by Fairhurst , to take a 22-9 advantage with 10:03 to go in the first half.

B-W extended its lead to as many as 17 points when senior All-OAC guard Promis Cabbil stroked a jumper at 6:42 to give B-W a 35-18 advantage.

The Pioneers closed the half by cutting the Yellow Jacket lead down to 10 points at 43-33 after Knab scored on a layup as time expired in the first half.

In the second half, Marietta cut the B-W lead to down to as few as five points, 44-39, on a three-pointer from Tyler Worstell at the 17:54 mark. Krakowiak would answer with a three of his own to extend the Yellow Jacket lead back to eight, 47-39, at the 17:37 mark.

After the Krakowiak score, the Yellow Jackets would extend their lead to as many as 23 points to secure the 19-point victory.

Courtesy of www.ncaa.com

Wash.-St. Louis stuns Augustana (Ill.) - by Eurobasket News
Washington-St. Louis upset top-ranked and previously unbeaten Augustana (Ill.) 71-68 to win the 28th annual Lopata Classic on Saturday night at the WU Field House.

Dylan Richter (6'3''-G) earned the Robert L. Burnes Most Valuable Player Award after pouring in a career-high 27 points on 9-of-15 shooting from the field. Richter scored 17 of his game-high 27 points in the second half.

Washington University picked up its 12th consecutive and 21st overall Lopata Classic championship, and improved its all-time record in the event to 50-6. The Bears have won 26 consecutive games in the Lopata Classic, and have not lost in the event since the 1998.

Matt Palucki added a career-high 12 points and nine rebounds in 35 minutes of action, while Kevin Bischoff added a career-best eight points on 2-of-2 shooting from three-point range. The Bears shot 44.1 percent (26-59) from the field and had a 23-11 advantage in bench points.

Washington U.s defense limited Augustana to 36.5 percent (19-52) shooting. The Vikings hit 23-of-29 free-throws, as Washington U. was called for 23 fouls. Voiles (17 points), DeSimone (15 points), Troy Rorer (12 points), Luke Scarlata (11 points) and Brandon Kunz (10 points) all scored in double figures for Augustana.

Augustana controlled the opening four minutes of the contest, but a jumper by Palucki and a three-pointer by Richter gave Washington U. its first lead of the game at 12-10 with 15:30 left. Palucki connected on his first three shots of the game and had six points in the opening four minutes.

Another three-pointer by Richter from the top of the key knotted the contest at 22-22, and then a put-back and a three-pointer from junior Max Needle gave Washington U. a 27-24 advantage with 4:16 to play. With three guards on the bench, Bischoff came in and drilled a three-pointer and then scored on a driving lay-up to give Washington University the 32-27 lead with 1:51 to play.

Augustana (5-1) answered back with the final eight points of the first half to take a 35-32 lead to the locker room. DeSimone drilled a three-pointer from the wing, and then after a pair of free-throws by Voiles, DeSimone broke the tie with another three with 32 seconds left to give the Vikings a three-point advantage.

Richter had 10 points on 3-of-4 shooting, but spent the final 6:27 of the half on the bench with two fouls. Voiles led all scorers with 13 points in the first half on 6-of-6 shooting from the foul line. Washington U.s bench outscored Augustana 14-1 in the opening 20 minutes of play.

A 6-2 run by the Bears early in the second half knotted the score at 43-43 following a lay-up by senior Alex Toth. Bischoff came off the bench again in the second half and immediately made an impact as he buried a three-pointer from the wing to give the Bears a 48-47 lead with 14:16 to play.

Richter recorded a three-point play to give the Bears a four-point advantage (56-52), but Augustana scored the next five points to get the lead back at 57-56 before a Viking timeout. Richters step-back put Washington U. back up 61-59, but DeSimones jumper on the ensuing possession made it 61-61.

Sophomore Alan Aboona scored his lone bucket of the game, a driving lay-up with 5:10 to play, to put the Bears up two, and then Teuscher added a pair of free-throws to make it 65-61. Augie cut the lead to two, but Richter drained his fifth three-pointer from the wing on an assist from junior Robert Burnett to push the advantage to 68-63 with 2:36 to play.

Teuscher made two key free-throws with 26.2 seconds left to seal the victory. Augustana had one last chance, but DeSimones three-pointer was off the mark with five seconds left.

Courtesy of www.ncaa.com

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

NORWAY

Standings - BLNO

BLNO Standings

1. Froya Basket		9-1
2. Asker Aliens		9-3
3. Baerum Basket		8-2
4. Gimle BBK		6-5
5. Tromso		5-4
6. Centrum		4-6
7. Ammerud Bskt		2-8
8. Langhus		0-14

BLNO Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Anthony LEE-INGRAM
  Asker A.
  (198-F-)
  Avg: 23.3

1. Lee-Ingram, Asker	23.3
2. Mjos, Baerum B.	22.5
3. Westerlund, Ammeru.	21.8
4. Karlsen, Centrum	20.3
5. Land, Asker Aliens	19.7
6. Sahlertz, Tromso	17.9
7. Kombat, Froya B.	17.6
8. Stien, Gimle BBK	17.5
9. Bullock, Froya B.	16.6
10. Oatis, Baerum B.	16.1

Rebounds Per Game

Anthony LEE-INGRAM
  Asker A.
  (198-F-)
  Avg: 12.4

1. Lee-Ingram, Asker	12.4
2. Oatis, Baerum B.	9.5
3. Land, Asker Aliens	8.7
4. Bullock, Froya B.	8.5
5. Byerson, Tromso	8.4
6. Karlsen, Centrum	8.3
7. Ferranti, Baerum B.	8.1
8. Kombat, Froya B.	7.5
9. Hagen, Ammerud	7.3
10. Sjostrom, Baerum	6.2

Assists Per Game

Hani ISSALHI
  Tromso
  (187-G-84)
  Avg: 5.4

1. Issalhi, Tromso	5.4
2. Mjos, Baerum B.	4.9
3. Mahnin, Centrum	4.5
4. Gabrans, Froya B.	4.4
5. Randolph, Langhus	4.0
6. Byerson, Tromso	3.8
7. Stien, Asker Aliens	3.7
8. Mjos, Baerum B.	3.5
9. Midtvedt, Asker A.	3.5
10. Stien, Gimle BBK	3.3

Steals Per Game

Peter BULLOCK
  Froya B.
  (198-F/C-82)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Bullock, Froya B.	2.5
2. Pavlovic, Gimle B.	2.4
3. Mjos, Baerum B.	2.4
4. Issalhi, Tromso	2.3
5. Westerlund, Ammeru.	2.0
6. Sumskis, Gimle BBK	2.0
7. Ferranti, Baerum B.	2.0
8. Elsafadi, Froya B.	1.9
9. Silavs, Froya B.	1.9
10. Hagen, Ammerud	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Donald OATIS
  Baerum B.
  (206-F/C-79)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Oatis, Baerum B.	3.3
2. Sjostrom, Baerum B.	1.2
3. Lee-Ingram, Asker	1.0
4. Nyborg, Centrum	0.9
5. Byerson, Tromso	0.9
6. Hagen, Ammerud	0.8
7. Bryn, Ammerud Bskt	0.7
8. Knight, Ammerud	0.6
9. Andreassen, Baerum	0.6
10. Sumskis, Gimle BBK	0.6

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

PBL

Sauk Valley Predators sign Justin Tubbs - by Eurobasket News
The Sauk Valley Predators are pleased to announce the signing of Justin Tubbs (6'3''-G-87, college: E.Tenn.St.), a 6'3 guard from East Tennessee State University. Justin will be moving to the Chadwick, IL area very soon and will be hosted by Paul and Kathy Skoog, along with their sons Caleb and Levi.

'This is such an exciting time for us, our team is really coming together', stated Brad Grenoble, owner and GM of the Predators team. 'With our new coach and new player coming next week, it's like Christmas coming early'.

Tubbs is arguably the best pure athlete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, Justin possesses amazing leaping ability, is a lockdown defender with the ability to score and can shoot from beyond the arc even under defensive pressure.

He currently holds the record for most steals in a game in the CIT where he hit a personal best; seven 'three-pointers' against University of Ohio. Justin also competed in the NCAA slam dunk contest last year and made an appearance on ESPN's 'Top Ten' plays on Sports Center three times last season with spectacular dunks that grabbed the number one spot twice. Tubbs was drafted into the NBA's Developmental league.

Justin graduated with a degree in Accounting this past May. He is the son of Terry Parker and Sharon Dickerson.

The Sauk Valley Predators will start their 2012 season on Friday, January 6th at the Homer Musgrove Fieldhouse in Sterling, IL.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

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

POLAND

Trefl Sopot lands Mallett - by Eurobasket Center
Jermaine Mallett (190-G-88, college: Missouri St., agency: Interperformances) leaves LKS Lodz and signs the contract with Trefl Sopot for the rest of the season. He is going to replace Jamelle Horne who has just left the team due to personal reasons. 23-year old American guard started this season at LKS Sphinx Petrolinvest Lodz (PLK). While playing 13 games for LKS Lodz he averaged 13.8ppg, 4.0rpg and 1.3apg. Mallett has graduated from Missouri State University last summer and it is his first season in pro basketball.

Donatas Motiejunas sets defensive rebounding record - by Eurobasket News
Donatas Motiejunas (213-F/C-90, agency: Interperformances) etched his name in the Euroleague record book on Wednesday by hauling in 18 defensive rebounds in Asseco Prokom Gdynia's 67-52 victory over Union Olimpija Ljubljana. The promising young big man more than doubled his previous rebounding high of 10 as he posted 11 points and 21 boards to lead the Polish champs to their first Turkish Airlines Euroleague win of the season. His 18 defensive rebounds eclipses the previous mark by 1, which was first set 11 years ago. Joseph Blair set the record in December 2001 when he played for Scavolini Pesaro and the competitions rebounding king, Mirsad Turkcan, matched it in January 2003 with Montepaschi Siena. By finishing with 21 rebounds, Motiejunas became only the third person to ever haul in more than 20 boards in a single game. The all-time single-game rebounding record belongs to Antonis Fotsis, who collected 24 when he played for Dynamo Moscow in March 2007. Turkcan tallied 23 rebounds once and 21 on three occasions.

Courtesy of Euroleague

Asseco Prokom beats Union Olimpija for the first joy - by Eurobasket News
Asseco Prokom - Union Olimpija 67-52

Asseco Prokom registered first Euroleague win this season. The Polish champion handed 67-52 loss to Union Olimpija joining them with 1-7 record in Group D. Teams were pretty leveled in the first half, but the home squad exploded after the breather limiting Olimpija players to just 3 points in ten minutes. Prokom won Q3 with huge 23-3 and managed to keep the lead for rest of the way. Przemyslaw Frasunkiewicz (202-G/F-79), Lukasz Seweryn (196-G-82, agency: Court Side) and Jerel Blassingame (175-G-81, college: UNLV) led the scorers in victory with 12 points each. Donatas Motiejunas (213-F/C-90, agency: Interperformances) was the co-MVP of this meeting with valuation 23. He had 11 points and 21 boards (18+3). In Olimpija, Robert Rothbart (217-C-86) shined with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Aleksandar Capin (186-PG-82, agency: Beo Basket) (7 as) and Deon Thompson (203-F-88, college: N.Carolina) scored 11 points apiece. Quarters: 13-15, 14-15, 23-3, 17-19. Prokom will play in Kazan next week, while Olimpija will meet Galatasaray in Istanbul.

Asseco Prokom: Przemyslaw Frasunkiewicz 12, Lukasz Seweryn 12, Jerel Blassingame 12, Donatas Motiejunas 11+21 boards
Union Olimpija: Robert Rothbart 16+11 boards, Aleksandar Capin 11+7 as, Deon Thompson 11

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

PORTUGAL

Sampaense eliminate CAB Madeira in Portuguese Cup - by Eurobasket News
Sampaense advanced into the quarterfinal stage of the Portuguese Cup. They defeated CAB Madeira 81:72 in the eighth-final encounter tonight. Brian Addison (205-F-87, college: Buffalo) and Joao Balseiro (192-F-87) scored 24 points each to pace the winners. Sampaense ensured a 41:32 lead at halftime and stayed in front till the end of the game. Joao Reveles (187-G-80) finished with 10 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists in the win. Jorge Coelho (200-C-78) answered with 23 points for CAB Madeira. Mario Fernandes (176-G-82, agency: Duran International) nailed 18 points in the loss.
Benfica eased into the next round cruising past Barcelos 90:67. Frederick Gentry (201-F-77, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: McNeese St.) nailed 17 points, while Ted Scott (188-G-85, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: W.Virginia St.) contributed 14 points to pace the effort. Sergi Coll (204-F/C-82) answered with 16 points and 8 rebounds for Barcelos.
Porto took care of Illibaum 73:62. Miguel Miranda (205-F-78) stepped up with 20 points for the Dragons. Carlos Andrade (197-F-78, college: Queens, NC), Gregory Stempin (203-F-79, agency: Duran International, college: Toledo) and Jose Costa (187-G-73) posted 11 points each in the win. Joao Figueiredo topscored for Illibaum with 12 points.

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

ROMANIA

Div.A Round 12: Gaz Metan edges Oradea by one point - by Eurobasket News
The most exciting game of round 12 in the Div,A took place in Medias. This derby game ended with only one-point defeat on the road of 6th ranked Oradea (7-4) to fifth ranked Gaz Metan (9-3) 76-75 on Wednesday evening. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Oradea. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Oradea won third quarter 23-14. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Gaz Metan won last quarter 21-22. Gaz Metan outrebounded Oradea 40-28 including 27 on the defensive glass. The best player for the winners was the former international center Ionut Dragusin (221-85) who had a double-double by scoring 14 points and 13 rebounds. Montenegrin-Serbian forward Ivan Ivanovic (206-80, agency: Beo Basket) chipped in 15 points and 9 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was Bosnian center Sasha Topchov (206-80) who recorded 13 points and 8 rebounds. Gaz Metan moved-up to third place. Oradea at the other side dropped to the seventh position with four games lost. Gaz Metan are looking forward to face Otopeni (#13) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Oradea will play against Perla Harghitei (#15) in Miercurea and is hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Sibiu. Second ranked CSU Sibiu faced 4th ranked Ploiesti. Host CSU Sibiu (10-2) defeated guests from Ploiesti (8-3) 79-72. It ended at the same time the eight-game winning streak of Ploiesti. It was a good game for American-Liberian guard Jaytonah Wisseh (185-88, college: LIU Brooklyn) who led his team to a victory with 32 points and 6 assists. Mychal Kearse contributed with 20 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Bosnian center Drasko Albijanic (211-86) replied with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 13 rebounds for Ploiesti. CSU Sibiu have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 10-2 record having just -9 point less than leader Timisoara. Ploiesti at the other side keeps the fourth place with three games lost. They share the position with U.Mobitel.CN. CSU Sibiu will play against league's leader Timisoara on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Ploiesti will play against Targu Mures and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Bottom-ranked Politehnica (0-12) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 69-53 loss to thirteenth ranked Otopeni (3-8) in Iasi on Wednesday evening. Worth to mention a great performance of Bogdan Tibirna who helped to win the game recording 20 points and 8 rebounds. The best for the losing side was Madalin Nicolae with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Otopeni maintains thirteenth position with 3-8 record. Loser Politehnica still closes the standings with 12 games lost. Otopeni will meet at home higher ranked Gaz Metan (#3) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Politehnica will play against Giurgiu (#14) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
A very interesting game took place in Mures. It ended with only three-point defeat on the road of 9th ranked Pitesti (5-7) to seventh ranked Targu Mures (8-4) 90-87 on Wednesday evening. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Pitesti. The winners were led by Jason Forte who scored that evening 16 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Targu Mures moved-up to sixth place. Pitesti at the other side dropped to the tenth position with seven games lost. Targu Mures' next round opponent will be higher ranked Ploiesti (#5) on the road and it may be quite challenging game. Pitesti will play against Rovinari (#9) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Fourteenth-ranked Giurgiu (2-9) made lots of trouble for tenth ranked Rovinari (6-6) on Wednesday. Rovinari managed to secure only three-point victory 82-79. However their fans expected much easier game. The best player for the winners was Louis Darby who scored 18 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field). Rovinari moved-up to ninth place. Giurgiu lost ninth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the fourteenth position with nine games lost. Rovinari will face Pitesti (#10) on the road in the next round. Giurgiu will play against Politehnica (#16) in Iasi and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the last game of round 12 CSM Bucuresti defeated Craiova in a road game 86-80.
The best stats of 12th round was 35 points (!!!), 6 rebounds and 8 assists by Goran Martinic of CSM Bucuresti.

Craiova - CSM Bucuresti 80-86

There was no surprise when 12th ranked Craiova (4-8) was defeated at home by eighth ranked CSM Bucuresti (7-5) 86-80 on Wednesday. The guests trailed by 1 point after three quarters before their 27-20 charge, which allowed them to win the game. CSM Bucuresti dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Craiova's 34 and made 18-of-21 free shots (85.7 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Craiova 44-20 including a 17-2 advantage in offensive rebounds. Craiova was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. The best player for the winners was Montenegrin point guard Goran Martinic (184-87, agency: BeoExcell) who scored 35 points (!!!), 6 rebounds and 8 assists. The former international center Virgil Carutasu (203-76) chipped in a double-double by scoring 15 points and 14 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was Serbian power forward Branislav Tomic (205-80) who recorded 24 points and Canadian swingman Stephen Ross (201-80, college: Santa Clara, agency: Court Side) added 21 points respectively. Four Craiova players scored in double figures. CSM Bucuresti maintains eighth position with 7-5 record. Craiova lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the twelfth place with eight games lost. CSM Bucuresti's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Bucuresti CS Dinamo Bucuresti.
Top scorers:
CSM Bucuresti: G.Martinic 35+6reb+8ast, G.Gallimore 18+4reb+3ast, V.Carutasu 15+14reb+3ast, M.Ljubojevic 8+2reb+1ast, B.McKenzie 4+15reb+1ast, A.Vizitiu 4+2reb
Craiova: B.Tomic 24+4reb+2ast, S.Ross 21+4reb+2ast, L.Seals 18+6reb+2ast, C.Petrisor 10+2reb+4ast, V.Vlaskovic 7+2reb+3ast, H.Codin 0

Gaz Metan - Oradea 76-75

The most exciting game of round 12 in the Div,A took place in Medias. This derby game ended with only one-point defeat on the road of 6th ranked Oradea (7-4) to fifth ranked Gaz Metan (9-3) 76-75 on Wednesday evening. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Oradea. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Oradea won third quarter 23-14. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Gaz Metan won last quarter 21-22. Gaz Metan outrebounded Oradea 40-28 including 27 on the defensive glass. The best player for the winners was the former international center Ionut Dragusin (221-85) who had a double-double by scoring 14 points and 13 rebounds. Montenegrin-Serbian forward Ivan Ivanovic (206-80, agency: Beo Basket) chipped in 15 points and 9 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was Bosnian center Sasha Topchov (206-80) who recorded 13 points and 8 rebounds and point guard Silviu Lupusavei (183-81) added 21 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) respectively. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Gaz Metan moved-up to third place. Oradea at the other side dropped to the seventh position with four games lost. Gaz Metan are looking forward to face Otopeni (#13) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Oradea will play against Perla Harghitei (#15) in Miercurea and is hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
Top scorers:
Gaz Metan: J.Howell 15+3reb+5ast, I.Ivanovic 15+9reb+2ast, D.Mitchell 15+9reb+1ast, I.Dragusin 14+13reb, T.Jucan 8+1reb+2ast, F.Muntean 5+4ast
Oradea: S.Lupusavei 21+1reb, S.Topchov 13+8reb+1ast, M.Pesic 12+6reb+1ast, R.Pasca 10+5reb, G.Navickas 8+1reb+2ast, N.Maric 6+1reb+7ast

Politehnica - Otopeni 53-69

Bottom-ranked Politehnica (0-12) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 69-53 loss to thirteenth ranked Otopeni (3-8) in Iasi on Wednesday evening. The guests trailed by 1 point at the halftime before their 44-27 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Worth to mention a great performance of center Bogdan Tibirna (210-91) who helped to win the game recording 20 points and 8 rebounds and American forward Cortney Scott (196-82, college: Oakland, agency: I.D.S. Law) who added 16 points and 10 rebounds during the contest. Four Otopeni players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was forward Madalin Nicolae (197-84) with 17 points and 9 rebounds and forward Vlad Popovici (200-94) scored 16 points and 9 rebounds. Otopeni maintains thirteenth position with 3-8 record. Loser Politehnica still closes the standings with 12 games lost. Otopeni will meet at home higher ranked Gaz Metan (#3) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Politehnica will play against Giurgiu (#14) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Otopeni: B.Tibirna 20+8reb+1ast, C.Scott 16+10reb+2ast, D.Popescu 16+4reb+3ast, O.Boian 11+10reb+2ast, A.Santana 4+5reb, A.Stanciu 2+1reb
Politehnica: M.Nicolae 17+9reb+1ast, V.Popovici 16+9reb+1ast, V.Cobzaru 13+7reb+2ast, D.Anghel 5+3reb, I.Hurjui 2+7reb+5ast, L.Rotariu 0

Rovinari - Giurgiu 82-79

Fourteenth-ranked Giurgiu (2-9) made lots of trouble for tenth ranked Rovinari (6-6) on Wednesday. Rovinari managed to secure only three-point victory 82-79. However their fans expected much easier game. Giurgiu was trailing by 4 points at halftime but managed to get 3-point lead after three quarters before a 27-21 charge of Rovinari, which allowed them to win the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. The best player for the winners was American guard Louis Darby (196-84, college: Long Beach St.) who scored 18 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field). Czech power forward David Steffel (212-85) chipped in 11 points and 9 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was Serbian guard Bosko Stojakovic (196-84) who recorded 27 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists and center Catalin Vlaicu (203-86) added 15 points and 13 rebounds respectively. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Rovinari moved-up to ninth place. Giurgiu lost ninth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the fourteenth position with nine games lost. Rovinari will face Pitesti (#10) on the road in the next round. Giurgiu will play against Politehnica (#16) in Iasi and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Rovinari: L.Darby 18+8reb+5ast, V.Mocanu 13+8reb+1ast, R.Giles 12+2reb+3ast, D.Steffel 11+9reb+3ast, B.Kabengele-Kalala 10+4reb+3ast, B.Fields 9+4reb+1ast
Giurgiu: B.Stojakovic 27+6reb+5ast, C.Vlaicu 15+13reb, R.Kraemer 12+4reb+4ast, Z.Milovic 11+3reb+3ast, D.Bivolaru 6+1reb, C.Nicolae 5+5reb

Targu Mures - Pitesti 90-87

A very interesting game took place in Mures. It ended with only three-point defeat on the road of 9th ranked Pitesti (5-7) to seventh ranked Targu Mures (8-4) 90-87 on Wednesday evening. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Pitesti. Pitesti was ahead by 11 points after three quarters before a 31-17 charge of Targu Mures, which allowed them to win the game. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists. The winners were led by American forward Jason Forte (196-84, college: S.Mississippi) who scored that evening 16 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists and the other American import guard Calvin Watson (197-85, college: N.Texas, agency: Court Side) supported him with 20 points and 4 assists. Even 24 points and 7 rebounds by Serbian guard Uros Velickovic (189-83, agency: BeoExcell) did not help to save the game for Pitesti. American forward Damien Kinloch (203-80, college: Tenn Tech, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) added 21 points and 4 blocks (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field). Four Pitesti players scored in double figures. Targu Mures moved-up to sixth place. Pitesti at the other side dropped to the tenth position with seven games lost. Targu Mures' next round opponent will be higher ranked Ploiesti (#5) on the road and it may be quite challenging game. Pitesti will play against Rovinari (#9) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Targu Mures: C.Watson 20+1reb+4ast, J.Forte 16+8reb+5ast, L.Dumitru 16+5reb, V.Stanescu 9+5reb+3ast, M.Aliakseyeu 8+1reb+1ast, J.Cooley 6+2reb+6ast
Pitesti: U.Velickovic 24+7reb+3ast, D.Kinloch 21+4reb+2ast, S.Popovic 12+6reb+4ast, D.Vujacic 11+4reb+1ast, A.Negut 9+1reb+3ast, I.Stefanovic 6+4reb+1ast

CSU Sibiu - Ploiesti 79-72

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Sibiu. Second ranked CSU Sibiu faced 4th ranked Ploiesti. Host CSU Sibiu (10-2) defeated guests from Ploiesti (8-3) 79-72. It ended at the same time the eight-game winning streak of Ploiesti. Ploiesti was ahead by 11 points after three quarters before a 34-16 charge of CSU Sibiu, which allowed them to win the game. CSU Sibiu shot 22 for 33 from the free-throw line, while Ploiesti only scored three points from the stripe. CSU Sibiu forced 22 Ploiesti turnovers. Ploiesti was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a good game for American-Liberian guard Jaytonah Wisseh (185-88, college: LIU Brooklyn) who led his team to a victory with 32 points and 6 assists. American guard Mychal Kearse (194-83, college: Mt.St.Mary's) contributed with 20 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Bosnian center Drasko Albijanic (211-86) replied with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 13 rebounds and the former international center Catalin Burlacu (210-77, agency: Court Side) added 19 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists in the effort for Ploiesti. CSU Sibiu have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 10-2 record having just -9 point less than leader Timisoara. Ploiesti at the other side keeps the fourth place with three games lost. They share the position with U.Mobitel.CN. CSU Sibiu will play against league's leader Timisoara on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Ploiesti will play against Targu Mures and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
CSU Sibiu: J.Wisseh 32+3reb+6ast, M.Kearse 20+6reb, K.Riley 12+5reb, D.Austin 6+6reb+1ast, N.Khartchenkov 5+2reb, C.Craciun 4+4reb
Ploiesti: D.Albijanic 20+13reb+1ast, C.Burlacu 19+10reb+4ast, A.Vlahovic 14+2reb+3ast, L.Szijarto 7+2reb+3ast, R.Dzambic 6+6reb+6ast, A.Capusan 6+6reb+1ast

Mornar Bar beats Timisoara in thriller - by Eurobasket News
Mornar Bar - Timisoara 79-77

Mornar Bar grabbed 79-77 win against Timisoara on Wednesday night. The Montenegrin squad now improved to 3-2 record in Group A. At the same time, Timisoara dropped to 1-4. Akeem Scott (186-PG-83, agency: Interperformances, college: High Point) was the leading scorer in victory with 19 points. Ivan Jelenic (190-SG-85, agency: BeoExcell) had 15 points and 5 rebounds, while Mirza Sarajlija (187-PG-91, agency: Beo Basket) added 13 pts. For the guests, Dominique Archie (200-F-87, college: S.Carolina) collected 14 points and 7 boards. Bogdan Popescu (200-F-78, college: Alaska-Fairb.) also scored 14 pts, but to go with 5 rebs, and Nikola Jovanovic (203-C/F-81, agency: BeoExcell) collected 13 points, plus 5 rebs. Quarters: 28-19, 10-23, 23-19, 18-16. Radoje Vujosevic was a hero for Mornar as he scored with 15 seconds left for 79-77 and after that blocked a shot by PG Zlatko Jovanovic in Timisoara last possession. In the next round, Mornar will meet Torus. Timisoara will play against OKK Beograd.

Mornar Bar: Akeem Scott 19, Ivan Jelenic 15+5 boards, Mirza Sarajlija 13
Timisoara: Dominique Archie 14+7 boards, Bogdan Popescu 14+5 boards, Nikola Jovanovic 13+5 boards

Standings

Div.A Standings

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

Stats Leaders - Men

Points Per Game

Jaytonah WISSEH
  CSU Sibiu
  (185-G-88)
  Avg: 24.9

1. Wisseh, CSU Sibiu	24.9
2. Martinic, CSM B.	23.4
3. Durham, Dinamo B.	23.3
4. Brown, Dinamo B.	22.0
5. Ross, Craiova	20.0
6. Tomic, Craiova	20.0
7. Krstanovic, U.Mobi.	19.9
8. Forte, Targu Mures	18.9
9. Darby, Rovinari	18.3
10. Burlacu, Ploiesti	18.0

Rebounds Per Game

Allen DURHAM
  Dinamo B.
  (198-F-88)
  Avg: 14.6

1. Durham, Dinamo B.	14.6
2. Carutasu, CSM B.	9.1
3. Kinloch, Pitesti	8.9
4. Burlacu, Ploiesti	8.9
5. Ross, Craiova	8.4
6. McKenzie, CSM B.	8.4
7. Grubisic, Giurgiu	8.3
8. Riley, CSU Sibiu	8.3
9. Krstanovic, U.Mobi.	8.2
10. Dies, Perla Hargh.	8.2

Assists Per Game

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

1. Wisseh, CSU Sibiu	7.8
2. Maric, Oradea	6.6
3. Cooley, Targu M.	6.3
4. Howell, Gaz Metan	5.3
5. Brown, Dinamo B.	5.2
6. Vlahovic, Ploiesti	5.1
7. Nikolic, Rovinari	4.7
8. Cuic, Timisoara	4.6
9. Martinic, CSM B.	4.6
10. Dzambic, Ploiesti	4.4

Steals Per Game

Jaytonah WISSEH
  CSU Sibiu
  (185-G-88)
  Avg: 3.6

1. Wisseh, CSU Sibiu	3.6
2. Cooley, Targu M.	2.9
3. Howell, Gaz Metan	2.0
4. Riley, CSU Sibiu	2.0
5. Burlacu, Ploiesti	2.0
6. Mitchell, Gaz Metan	1.9
7. Popovici, Politehn.	1.9
8. VanderMeer, Gaz M.	1.9
9. Seals, Craiova	1.9
10. Archie, Timisoara	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Bryson MCKENZIE
  CSM B.
  (211-C-83)
  Avg: 2.4

1. McKenzie, CSM B.	2.4
2. Oluic, Rovinari	1.9
3. Riley, CSU Sibiu	1.7
4. Tibirna, Otopeni	1.6
5. VanderMeer, Gaz M.	1.5
6. Durham, Dinamo B.	1.4
7. Archie, Timisoara	1.3
8. Mijovic, U.Mobite.	1.3
9. Kinloch, Pitesti	1.1
10. Albijanic, Ploies.	0.9

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

RUSSIA

Mozgov: "I will miss Khimky" - by Vladimir Lobanov
Where did you hear about the end of the lockout and the emotions experienced ?
The fact that the season saved me as probably a lot of players and the NBA, according to my agent. And he did not say that everything is done - just made it clear that the agreement between the union and the owners will soon be signed in the near future I will need to fly to America. With regard to emotions, no special feelings have arisen. Yes, he began to realize that the season will begin soon, but no more.

Did you have thougts of a risk of injury before the start of the season in the NBA?
No, I didn;t think about it at all.I played and fought for the ball as always. For me the matches for Khimky were really important.

What will happen to Khimki after your departure?
I am sure that despite all this the team has developed well. It contains a strong basketball team, so I do not worry about them. they have excellent prospects, the team is able to achieve a lot.

Did you already said good-bye? Or had some sort of a special meeting before the match?
You know all the guys before the game came, and said many kind words. They said: 'Let's play for Tim, that he left on a good note.' The main thing was to win and I am very pleased that we won and played good basketball.

When do you plan to start training in Denver?
I will start soon. For me it is very important to start as soon as possible to acclimatise and prepare for the regular season.Its going to be a major task this season as we are going to play 3 games in 3 days in most of the weeks,so we will have to prepare for that.

Regal Barca hands 63-50 loss to Unics - by Eurobasket News
FCB Regal - Unics 63-50

Regal Barca stays unbeaten after 8 rounds of the Euroleague regular season. The Spanish champ celebrated 63-50 victory against Unics on Thursday night and jumped to 8-0 in Group D. Unics dropped to 5-3, but still stays No.3 in this pool and already booked a ticket for Top 16. Barca had 47-43 lead after three quarters and started the last one with impressive 10-0, what was the crucial run in this game. Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) led the hosts with 13 points and Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) added two less than him. Pete Mickeal (199-F-78, college: Cincinnati) followed them with 10 pts. In the loosing squad, Terrell Lyday (190-G-79, college: BYU) delivered 12 points. Lynn Greer (186-G-79, college: Temple) and Henry Domercant (192-G-80, college: E.Illinois) (5 rebs) added 10 and 9 pts respectively. Quarters: 21-15, 12-13, 14-15, 16-7. Barca goes to Siena next week. Unics will host Asseco Prokom.

Barca: Juan Carlos Navarro 13, Erazem Lorbek 11, Pete Mickeal 10
Unics: Terrell Lyday 12, Lynn Greer 10, Henry Domercant 9+5 boards

CSKA jumps to 8-0 in Euroleague - by Eurobasket News
CSKA Moscow - KK Zagreb CO 87-74

CSKA extended its winning streak to eight. The Russian powerhouse handed 87-74 loss to Zagreb for 8-0 record in Group B of the Euroleague regular season. Zagreb dropped to 2-6, but still has a chance to reach the next stage. Jamont Gordon (193-G/F-87, college: Mississippi St.) scored 18 points for the winners on Wednesday night. Nenad Krstic (213-C-83, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) had 14 points and 9 rebounds for just 17 minutes on the court, and Sammy Mejia (198-G-83, college: De Paul) scored 13 pts. In the loosing squad, Krunoslav Simon (197-F-85) collected 21 points and 5 assists. Joshua Heytvelt (211-F-86, college: Gonzaga) had 19 pts and 5 rebs, and Sean May (203-F/C-84, college: N.Carolina) stopped to 13 pts. After bad start, CSKA took control on Zagreb in the second quarter, but visitors responded with 17-24 in Q3 closing the gap to 60-58 with 10 minutes to go. Lavrinovic, Krstic and Mejia shined when it was the most important for their club and CSKA registered comfortable win at the end. Quarters: 18-23, 25-11, 17-24, 27-16. CSKA will host Panathinaikos next weekend. Zagreb waits Unicaja.

CSKA: Jamont Gordon 18, Nenad Krstic 14+9 boards, Sammy Mejia 13
Zagreb: Krunoslav Simon 21+5 as, Joshua Heytvelt 19+5 boards, Sean May 13

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

SERBIA

Standings - A Liga

A Standings

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

Stats Leaders - 1A

Points Per Game

Branko MILISAVLJEVIC
  Mega V.
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 23.5

1. Milisavljevi., Meg.	23.5
2. Bojovic, Zeleznicar	23.2
3. Zigeranovic, Borac	21.0
4. Balaban, Smederevo	20.4
5. Dimic, Radnicki.	20.3
6. Popovic, Sloga	20.1
7. Bozovic, Sloga	17.5
8. Pekovic, Prolet.	16.2
9. Kuburovic, Slobod.	16.1
10. Bajic, Zeleznicar	16.1

Rebounds Per Game

Bosko BALABAN
  Smederevo
  (--)
  Avg: 9.7

1. Balaban, Smederevo	9.7
2. Zigeranovic, Borac	8.7
3. Cantekin, Mega V.	7.8
4. Misanovic, OKK B.	7.1
5. Kuburovic, Slobod.	7.0
6. Smiljanic, Radnic.	6.9
7. Mijajlovic, Sloga	6.8
8. Bajic, Zeleznicar	6.8
9. Jovic, Sloga	6.1
10. Petrovic, BKK R.	6.1

Assists Per Game

Stefan JOVIC
  Sloga
  (190-G-90)
  Avg: 5.6

1. Jovic, Sloga	5.6
2. Popovic, Sloga	5.4
3. Stefanovic, Smede.	5.4
4. Mitrovic, OKK B.	5.3
5. Boltic, BKK R.	5.2
6. Micic, Mega Vizura	5.0
7. Milisavljevi., Meg.	4.8
8. Dundjerski, Vojvo.	4.7
9. Osmokrovic, BKK R.	4.4
10. Drca, OKK Beograd	3.9

Steals Per Game

Negoslav GACIC
  BKK Radnicki
  (--)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Gacic, BKK Radnicki	3.5
2. Vulin, Prolet.	3.2
3. Jovic, Sloga	2.8
4. Micic, Mega Vizura	2.5
5. Boltic, BKK R.	2.3
6. Vasilic, Radnic.	2.3
7. Misanovic, OKK B.	2.1
8. Kuzeta, Vojvodina	2.0
9. Dundjerski, Vojvo.	2.0
10. Popovic, Sloga	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Nenad MISANOVIC
  OKK B.
  (217-C-84)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Misanovic, OKK B.	1.5
2. Zigeranovic, Borac	1.5
3. Balaban, Smederevo	1.2
4. Majkic, Prolet.	1.1
5. Cantekin, Mega V.	0.9
6. Petronic, BKK R.	0.9
7. Bojic, Mega Vizura	0.9
8. Jevtovic, Sloboda	0.8
9. Milovanovic, Radni.	0.8
10. Tubak, Radnicki.	0.8

Belgacom Spirou beats Partizan 84-79 - by Eurobasket News
Belgacom Spirou - Partizan 84-79

Belgacom Spirou Charleroi was better than Partizan 84-79 in Round Eight of the Euroleague regular season. It is the second win for Belgian champions in Group C. Partizan dropped to 4-4, but still has a good chance to reach Top 16. Demond Mallet (186-G-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: McNeese St.) led the hosts in scoring with 22 points. Tornike Shengelia (207-F-91) followed him with 17 and Christopher Hill (191-G-83, college: Michigan St.) added two less. In Partizan, Acie Law (190-G-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: Texas A&M) delivered 22 points. Milan Macvan (206-C-89, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) had double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds, while Miroslav Raduljica (213-C-88) added 10 pts and 5 boards for 13 minutes on the court. It was an exciting meeting and Charleroi players shined when it mattered most to take this one. Quarters: 13-18, 24-20, 32-23, 15-18. In the next round, Charleroi will play against Armani Jeans in Milano. Partizan goes to Madrid.

Belgacom Spirou: Demond Mallet 22, Tornike Shengelia 17, Christopher Hill 15
Partizan: Acie Law 22, Milan Macvan 10+12 boards, Miroslav Raduljica 10+5 boards

Vladimir Tica in Buducnost Podgorica - by Zoran Popovic
Management of Buducnost Podgorica decides to lands Vladimir Tica (208-C/F-81, agency: BeoExcell) who will replace Nikola Vucevic. Vladimir Tica started carer in Crvena Zvezda and played for them five seasons. After Crvena Zvezda, Tica played for Hemofarm, Dynamo Moscow, Khimik-OPZ Yuzny, Dexia Mons-Hainaut, New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig, Polpak Swiecie, Banks BPS Basket Kwidzyn, AZS Koszalin and PBG Basket Poznan. In his last season for PBG Basket Poznan on 26 games Tica average scored 11.8 points, 5.2 boards, 1.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Vladimir Tica was member of Yugoslavian U20, U21 and University National team.

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

SLOVAKIA

Standings - D1

Extraliga Standings

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

Stats Leaders - D1

Points Per Game

Anthony JONES
  Handlova
  (194-G/F-84)
  Avg: 29.1

1. Jones, Handlova	29.1
2. Clemente, Nitra	19.9
3. Petty, Vahostav.	18.8
4. Soska, Vahostav.	18.6
5. Losonsky, Nova Ves	17.9
6. Hampton, Handlova	17.5
7. Batka, Nova Ves	17.4
8. Roberson, Svit	17.1
9. Barisic, Handlova	17.1
10. Vaden, Nitra	16.9

Rebounds Per Game

Andrew JONES
  Nova Ves
  (208-F-87)
  Avg: 11

1. Jones, Nova Ves	11.0
2. Dorazil, B.Bystrica	10.3
3. Kitts, B.Bystrica	9.8
4. Godbold, Prievidza	8.8
5. Roberson, Svit	8.2
6. Majok, Nitra	7.9
7. Losonsky, Nova Ves	7.5
8. Mathis, Komarno	7.2
9. Petty, Vahostav.	7.0
10. Barisic, Handlova	7.0

Assists Per Game

Corey JEFFERSON
  Nova Ves
  (183-G-85)
  Avg: 6.9

1. Jefferson, Nova V.	6.9
2. Jones, Handlova	6.6
3. Petty, Vahostav.	6.2
4. Cosic, Svit	5.3
5. Jones, Komarno	5.1
6. Phillips, Prievidza	4.9
7. Kostomaj, Levice	4.6
8. Clemente, Nitra	4.6
9. Grznar, B.Bystrica	4.1
10. Barisic, Handlova	3.9

Steals Per Game

Perry PETTY
  Vahostav.
  (185-G-)
  Avg: 3.1

1. Petty, Vahostav.	3.1
2. Jones, Handlova	2.4
3. Clemente, Nitra	2.3
4. Jones, Komarno	2.2
5. Jefferson, Nova V.	2.1
6. Pelle, Prievidza	2.0
7. Kostomaj, Levice	2.0
8. Roberson, Svit	1.9
9. Nuber, Nitra	1.9
10. Phillips, Prievid.	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Ater MAJOK
  Nitra
  (208-F-87)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Majok, Nitra	2.9
2. Batka, Nova Ves	1.0
3. Roberson, Svit	0.9
4. Johnson, Komarno	0.9
5. Dorazil, B.Bystrica	0.9
6. Mathis, Komarno	0.8
7. Kitts, B.Bystrica	0.8
8. Perrin, Vahostav.	0.8
9. Golian, Handlova	0.7
10. Vaden, Nitra	0.7

Extraliga Round 19: Prievidza loses to Handlova - by Eurobasket News
The game between third ranked Prievidza (10-7) and sixth ranked Handlova (8-9) was the most important one in the last round on Wednesday night. Prievidza was defeated by Handlova in a tough game in Handlova 84-91. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Prievidza won third quarter 28-10. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Handlova made 20-of-26 free shots (76.9 percent) during the game. They also forced 22 Prievidza turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. 25 personal fouls committed by Prievidza helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of American swingman Anthony Jones (194-84, college: Indiana Tech) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 28 points, 6 rebounds and 11 assists. His fellow American import forward Sean Hampton (195-75, college: Alders.-Broad.) contributed with 22 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Bermudas-British swingman Sullivan Phillips (198-79, college: Wash.Adventist, agency: Interperformances) answered with 20 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists for Prievidza. Handlova maintains sixth place with 8-9 record. Prievidza at the other side keeps the third position with seven games lost. Handlova are looking forward to face league's leader Nitra in Nitra in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Prievidza will play at home against Levice and is hoping to win this game.
Bottom-ranked SKP Banska Bystrica managed to get the third consecutive victory. This time they won against fourth-ranked Nova Ves 91-82. It was a great evening for international power forward Peter Dorazil (199-89) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 15 points, 17 rebounds and 4 assists. Marcus Kitts helped adding 19 points and 11 rebounds. At the losing side international center Michal Batka (204-87) responded with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 11 rebounds. SKP Banska Bystrica have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Vahostav-Zilina. Nova Ves lost third consecutive game. They keep the fourth position with eight games lost. SKP Banska Bystrica will play against league's second-placed Komarno at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Nova Ves will play against Svit and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Extraliga top team - Nitra (13-3) had no problems winning another game on Thursday. This time they crushed eighth ranked Vahostav-Zilina (5-12) 86-66. It was a quality performance for Denis Clemente who led the winners and scored 15 points and 4 steals. Ondrej Soska came up with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 10 rebounds for Vahostav-Zilina in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Nitra have an impressive series of ten victories in a row. They maintain first place with 13-3 record. Vahostav-Zilina lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the bottom position with 12 games lost. They share it with B.Bystrica. Nitra will meet at home Handlova (#6) in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Vahostav-Zilina will have a break next round.
The game in Levice supposed to be also worth to mention about. 5th ranked Svit (8-8) played at the court of seventh ranked Levice (7-10). Levice smashed Svit 81-60. Sinisa Stemberger fired 22 points and 6 assists (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) for the winners. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Newly promoted Levice maintains seventh place with 7-10 record. Svit lost their third game in a row. They keep the fifth position with eight games lost. Levice's next round opponent will be higher ranked Prievidza (#3) on the road and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Svit will play against Nova Ves and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Levice - Svit 81-60

The game in Levice supposed to be also worth to mention about. 5th ranked Svit (8-8) played at the court of seventh ranked Levice (7-10). Levice smashed Svit 81-60. It looked good early as Svit took an 2-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Levice had a 24-7 second period charge getting the lead and Svit was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 60-81. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Svit to just 7 points in second quarter. Levice forced 19 Svit turnovers and outrebounded them 37-24 including 26 on the defensive glass. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists. Croatian guard Sinisa Stemberger (195-79) fired 22 points and 6 assists (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) for the winners. American forward Dior Lowhorn (201-87, college: USF) chipped in 12 points and 6 rebounds. Latvian forward Martins Berkis (199-85, agency: Warren Sports International) produced 16 points and American guard Julian Mascoll (193-84) added 13 points respectively for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Newly promoted Levice maintains seventh place with 7-10 record. Svit lost their third game in a row. They keep the fifth position with eight games lost. Levice's next round opponent will be higher ranked Prievidza (#3) on the road and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Svit will play against Nova Ves and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Levice: S.Stemberger 22+3reb+6ast, D.Lowhorn 12+6reb+2ast, K.Grant 11+1reb+4ast, C.Hallett 9+5reb+2ast, M.Sykora 9+4reb+2ast, M.Bernard 6+2reb
Svit: M.Berkis 16+3reb+1ast, J.Mascoll 13+4reb+1ast, V.Polakovic 11+3reb+3ast, E.Znanec 9+3reb+1ast, I.Cvitanovic 4+3reb+1ast, M.Repasky 3

Nova Ves - B.Bystrica 82-91

Bottom-ranked SKP Banska Bystrica managed to get the third consecutive victory. This time they won against fourth-ranked Nova Ves 91-82. The guests were ahead by 1 point but lost the second period ending it with a 8-point deficit before their 34-17 run, which allowed them to win the game. SKP Banska Bystrica made 22-of-29 charity shots (75.9 percent) during the game. Nova Ves were plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a great evening for international power forward Peter Dorazil (199-89) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 15 points, 17 rebounds and 4 assists. American forward Marcus Kitts (205-89, college: William & Mary) helped adding 19 points and 11 rebounds. Five SKP Banska Bystrica players scored in double figures. At the losing side international center Michal Batka (204-87) responded with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 11 rebounds and American forward Andrew Jones (208-87, college: Penn St.) produced a double-double by scoring 13 points and 11 rebounds. SKP Banska Bystrica have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Vahostav-Zilina. Nova Ves lost third consecutive game. They keep the fourth position with eight games lost. SKP Banska Bystrica will play against league's second-placed Komarno at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Nova Ves will play against Svit and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
B.Bystrica: M.Kitts 19+11reb+2ast, R.Grznar 16+5reb+8ast, M.Marchyn 16+2reb, P.Dorazil 15+17reb+4ast, V.Hovanak 14+4reb, R.Korner 11+2reb+2ast
Nova Ves: M.Batka 22+11reb+3ast, P.Losonsky 21+2reb+3ast, A.Jones 13+11reb+3ast, R.Becarik 8+2reb+1ast, B.Kovalik 8+3ast, C.Jefferson 6+2reb+9ast

Nitra - Vahostav-Zilina 86-66

Extraliga top team - Nitra (13-3) had no problems winning another game on Thursday. This time they crushed eighth ranked Vahostav-Zilina (5-12) 86-66. The game was mostly controlled by Nitra. Vahostav-Zilina managed to win third quarter 19-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Nitra forced 21 Vahostav-Zilina turnovers. It was a great shooting night for Nitra especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 66.7 percentage. It was a quality performance for Puerto Rican point guard Denis Clemente (185-86, college: Kansas St., agency: KMG Sports Management) who led the winners and scored 15 points and 4 steals. Guard Marek Jass (194-90) accounted for 13 points for the winning side. The former international center Ondrej Soska (208-78) came up with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 10 rebounds and American forward Spencer Perrin (195, college: E.Kentucky) added 16 points respectively for Vahostav-Zilina in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Nitra have an impressive series of ten victories in a row. They maintain first place with 13-3 record. Vahostav-Zilina lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the bottom position with 12 games lost. They share it with B.Bystrica. Nitra will meet at home Handlova (#6) in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Vahostav-Zilina will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Nitra: D.Clemente 15+4reb+2ast, M.Jass 13+4reb+1ast, M.Ziak 13+2reb+1ast, B.Tomek 10+3reb, A.Majok 9+3reb+2ast, R.Nuber 8+2reb+2ast
Vahostav-Zilina: O.Soska 21+10reb, S.Perrin 16+4reb+2ast, D.Stojanovic 12+5reb, J.Zavodny 6+3reb+3ast, L.Hoferica 5+1reb, M.Kozar 3+1reb+1ast

Handlova - Prievidza 91-84

The game between third ranked Prievidza (10-7) and sixth ranked Handlova (8-9) was the most important one in the last round on Wednesday night. Prievidza was defeated by Handlova in a tough game in Handlova 84-91. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Prievidza won third quarter 28-10. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Handlova made 20-of-26 free shots (76.9 percent) during the game. They also forced 22 Prievidza turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. 25 personal fouls committed by Prievidza helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of American swingman Anthony Jones (194-84, college: Indiana Tech) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 28 points, 6 rebounds and 11 assists. His fellow American import forward Sean Hampton (195-75, college: Alders.-Broad.) contributed with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Bermudas-British swingman Sullivan Phillips (198-79, college: Wash.Adventist, agency: Interperformances) answered with 20 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists and Dutch point guard Kasper Averink (183-93) added 23 points in the effort for Prievidza. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Handlova maintains sixth place with 8-9 record. Prievidza at the other side keeps the third position with seven games lost. Handlova are looking forward to face league's leader Nitra in Nitra in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Prievidza will play at home against Levice and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Handlova: A.Jones 28+6reb+11ast, S.Hampton 22+12reb+3ast, O.Haviar 15+1reb+3ast, L.Prosper 10+7reb+1ast, M.Golian 6+4reb, T.Mrvis 6+2reb+5ast
Prievidza: K.Averink 23+2reb+2ast, S.Phillips 20+6reb+7ast, C.Pelle 13+3reb+2ast, B.Davis 11+12reb+1ast, P.Guede 6+3reb+3ast, D.Godbold 5+6reb+2ast

Lester Prosper moves to Handlova - by Eurobasket News
Handlova landed Lester Prosper (208-F/C-88, college: Old Westbury). The Ivorian centre started the season in Sweden. He played just one game for Norrkoping Dolphins before leaving the team. It is the first pro season for Lester Prosper. The centre graduated from Old Westbury College this year. Lester Prosper tallied 19.6 points, 13.0 boards, 3.5 blocks per game in his senior season. He participated at Reese's College All-Star Game. The centre was named into All-D3Hoops.com All-Atlantic Team. Lester Prosper has already debuted for Handlova. He notched 10 points and 7 rebounds against his former team Prievidza.

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

SLOVENIA

Micic comes back to Union Olimpija Ljubljana - by Eurobasket Center
Union Olimpija Ljubljana strengthened their roster with addition of 18-year old Bosnia and Herzegovina swingman Djordje Micic (200-F/G-93). Its actually Micics comeback to Union Olimpija as he played here before. However his new team lost to Asseco Prokom 52-67. Micic played most recently at TTHcast Mercator Skofja Loka (Telemach League). While playing 8 games for LTHcast Mercator this season he averaged 2.1ppg and 1.4rpg. Micic helped them to make it to the semifinals. He played for Bosnia and Herzegovina U16 national team until 2009. Micic represented Bosnia at the Slovenian U18 Championships Semifinals this year.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Kastrati is back at Union Olimpija Ljubljana - by Eurobasket Center
Union Olimpija Ljubljana signed 17-year old Kosova-Albanian swingman Erjon Kastrati (197-F/G-94). Its actually Kastratis comeback to Union Olimpija as he played here before. However his new team lost to Asseco Prokom 52-67. Kastrati played most recently at TTHcast Mercator Skofja Loka (Telemach League). While playing 8 games for LTHcast Mercator this season he averaged 5.6ppg, 2.4rpg and 1.0apg. Kastrati represented Kosova at the Nike Euroleague Junior Tournament (Unofficial European Clubs Junior Championships) last year.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Asseco Prokom beats Union Olimpija for the first joy - by Eurobasket News
Asseco Prokom - Union Olimpija 67-52

Asseco Prokom registered first Euroleague win this season. The Polish champion handed 67-52 loss to Union Olimpija joining them with 1-7 record in Group D. Teams were pretty leveled in the first half, but the home squad exploded after the breather limiting Olimpija players to just 3 points in ten minutes. Prokom won Q3 with huge 23-3 and managed to keep the lead for rest of the way. Przemyslaw Frasunkiewicz (202-G/F-79), Lukasz Seweryn (196-G-82, agency: Court Side) and Jerel Blassingame (175-G-81, college: UNLV) led the scorers in victory with 12 points each. Donatas Motiejunas (213-F/C-90, agency: Interperformances) was the co-MVP of this meeting with valuation 23. He had 11 points and 21 boards (18+3). In Olimpija, Robert Rothbart (217-C-86) shined with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Aleksandar Capin (186-PG-82, agency: Beo Basket) (7 as) and Deon Thompson (203-F-88, college: N.Carolina) scored 11 points apiece. Quarters: 13-15, 14-15, 23-3, 17-19. Prokom will play in Kazan next week, while Olimpija will meet Galatasaray in Istanbul.

Asseco Prokom: Przemyslaw Frasunkiewicz 12, Lukasz Seweryn 12, Jerel Blassingame 12, Donatas Motiejunas 11+21 boards
Union Olimpija: Robert Rothbart 16+11 boards, Aleksandar Capin 11+7 as, Deon Thompson 11

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

SOUTH KOREA

KBL round 24 best performance: Seung-Jin Ha - by Eurobasket News
Former international center Seung-Jin Ha (221-C-85) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for KCC Egis, receiving a Asia-basket.com Player of the Week award for round 24.
The 26-year old player had a double-double of 33 points and 19 rebounds, while his team beat Anyang KGC (#2, 15-7) 89-74. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. KCC Egis maintains the 4th position in KBL. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. KCC Egis will need more victories to improve their 15-8 record. Ha has many years of experience at KCC Egis, through which he has constantly improved. Seung-Jin Ha has solid league stats. He is in league's top in points (3rd best: 12.8ppg), rebounds (4th best: 10.2rpg) and averages impressive 1.4bpg and 58.9% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 26-year old American Charles Rhodes (203-F/C-85) of Sonic Boom KT. Rhodes had a very good evening with a double-double of 30 points and 17 rebounds. Of course he lead Sonic Boom KT to another comfortable win 71-54 over the lower-ranked Mobis Phoebus (#7, 10-12) being unquestionably team leader. Sonic Boom KT's 3rd position in the standings has not changed. His team's 15-8 record is not bad at all. Rhodes is well-known at Sonic Boom KT and is a proven leader in his second season with the team.

Third on the list of top players last round was American swingman Chris Williams (199-F/G-80) of Daegu Orions (#9). Williams showcased his all-around game by recording 15 points, twenty rebounds (!!!) and eight assists in the last round. Despite Williams' great performance Daegu Orions lost 66-73 to the higher-ranked Dongbu Promy (#1, 19-4). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. Daegu Orions can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have rather bad season and 4-18 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Williams he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Williams has individually a great season in South Korea. After 22 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 23.5ppg (4th best), rebounds with 9.9rpg (9th best) and assists with 5.8apg (3rd best). He also has 2.4spg, 1.2bpg and FGP: 61.4%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Tae-Jong Moon (199-F-75) of ET Land - 26 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists
5. Terrence Leather (204-C-81) of Mobis Phoebus - 27 points, 15 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Eric Sandrin (206-F/C-78) of Samsung Th. - 22 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists
7. Ho-Young Yoon (198-F-84) of Dongbu Promy - 19 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists
8. DeShawn Sims (203-F-88) of KCC Egis - 26 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Herbert Hill (208-F-84) of ET Land - 15 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Hee-Jong Yang (194-F-84) of Anyang KGC - 9 points, 6 rebounds and 4 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

KBL Standings

1. Dongbu Promy		20-4
2. Anyang KGC		15-7
3. Sonic Boom KT		15-8
4. KCC Egis		15-8
5. ET Land		11-11
6. SK Knights		11-12
7. Mobis Phoebus		10-13
8. LG Sakers		9-14
9. Daegu Orions		4-18
10. Samsung Th.		4-19

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

SPAIN

Basile's 9-meter triple brings Cantu crucial win in Bilbao - by Eurobasket News
Gescrap BB - Bennet Cantu 64-67

Bennet Cantu grabbed 64-67 road victory in a heartbreaking thriller against Bilbao. Visitors were two points up with 14.4 seconds remaining in the game and Bilbao had a possession. Kostas Vasiliadis (200-G/F-84, agency: FCM) made a jump shot from the fight corner with only 2.4 seconds to go and the score was tied at 64-64. That turned out to be enough time for experienced Gianluca Basile (192-G-75) to hit a three-pointer from 9 meters as time expired and send the visiting team into jubilation. Cantu jumped to 5-3 record in Group A and its chances to reach Top 16 drastically increased. At the same time, Bilbao dropped to 3-5. Vladimir Micov (201-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) led Cantu in scoring with 13 points. Giorgi Shermadini (216-C-89) had 11 points and 5 rebounds, while Maarten Leunen (206-F-85, college: Oregon) added 10 pts and also 5 boards. The game hero Basile scored 7 pts in this meeting. Bilbao got 16 points and 5 rebs from Marko Banic (205-F-84). Roger Grimau (196-G-79, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) had 11, while Kostas Vasiliadis and Janis Blums (190-G-82) netted 10 pts each. Quarters: 14-17, 13-23, 20-14, 17-13. In the next round, Bennet Cantu will meet Olympiakos in another road game. Bilbao will play against Fenerbahce Ulker in Istanbul.

Bilbao: Marko Banic 16+5 boards, Roger Grimau 11, Kostas Vasiliadis 10, Janis Blums 10
Bennet Cantu: Vladimir Micov 13, Giorgi Shermadini 11+5 boards, Maarten Leunen 10+5 boards, Gianluca Basile 7

Valuable win for Brose Baskets in Malaga - by Eurobasket News
Unicaja - Brose Baskets 79-90

Brose Baskets did a great job in Malaga tonight. The German champion registered valuable 79-90 victory against Unicaja and joined them with 3-5 record in Group B. Also, the point differential is in favor of the German team. Brose Baskets made 25-42 at the midway of the second period, but kept plus six at the HT. After 30 minutes of the game visitors were still 61-67 up and they jumped to 69-80 during the last quarter. It was too much for the hosts, who faced with 79-90 loss at the end. Julius Jenkins (187-PG-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Georgia Sout) shined with 23 points and 5 assists for Brose Baskets. Marcus Slaughter (204-C/F-85, college: San Diego St.) had 14 points and 8 rebounds, while Anton Gavel (189-G-84, agency: Pro One Sports) added 12 pts. In Unicaja, Joel Freeland (208-F-87) collected 17 points and 7 rebounds. Earl Rowland (188-G-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) also scored 17 pts and he dished out 5 assists, while Gerald Fitch (191-G-82, agency: SportsTalent, college: Kentucky) added 15 points. Quarters: 23-24, 17-22, 21-21, 18-23. In the next round Brose Baskets will host Zalgiris. Unicaja goes to Zagreb.

Unicaja: Joel Freeland 17+7 boards, Earl Rowland 15+5 as, Gerald Fitch 15
Brose Baskets: Julius Jenkins 23+5 as, Marcus Slaughter 14+8 boards, Anton Gavel 12

Regal Barca hands 63-50 loss to Unics - by Eurobasket News
FCB Regal - Unics 63-50

Regal Barca stays unbeaten after 8 rounds of the Euroleague regular season. The Spanish champ celebrated 63-50 victory against Unics on Thursday night and jumped to 8-0 in Group D. Unics dropped to 5-3, but still stays No.3 in this pool and already booked a ticket for Top 16. Barca had 47-43 lead after three quarters and started the last one with impressive 10-0, what was the crucial run in this game. Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) led the hosts with 13 points and Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) added two less than him. Pete Mickeal (199-F-78, college: Cincinnati) followed them with 10 pts. In the loosing squad, Terrell Lyday (190-G-79, college: BYU) delivered 12 points. Lynn Greer (186-G-79, college: Temple) and Henry Domercant (192-G-80, college: E.Illinois) (5 rebs) added 10 and 9 pts respectively. Quarters: 21-15, 12-13, 14-15, 16-7. Barca goes to Siena next week. Unics will host Asseco Prokom.

Barca: Juan Carlos Navarro 13, Erazem Lorbek 11, Pete Mickeal 10
Unics: Terrell Lyday 12, Lynn Greer 10, Henry Domercant 9+5 boards

Real Madrid too strong for Maccabi Electra, 88-64 - by Eurobasket News
Real Madrid - Maccabi T-A 88-64

Real Madrid handed 88-64 loss to Maccabi Electra on Thursday night. Thanks to this win, the Spanish squad stays alone on top of Group C with 6-2 record. Maccabi dropped to second place and now has the same score as Anadolu Efes, 5-3. Nikola Mirotic (209-F/C-91) exploded with 26 points and 8 rebounds for the hosts (valuation 33). Jaycee Carroll (188-PG-83, agency: Priority Sports) had 17 points and 6 rebounds, and Martynas Pocius (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) helped his team with 12 pts. Maccabi got 18 points from Keith Langford (193-G/F-83, college: Kansas). Lior Eliyahu (206-F/C-85, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices) and Richard Hendrix (203-F/C-86, college: Alabama) (5 rebs) netted 11 and 10 pts respectively. Quarters: 22-15, 26-25, 18-11, 22-13. Real Madrid will host Partizan next week. Maccabi will play against Anadolu Efes in Tel Aviv.

Real Madrid: Nikola Mirotic 26+8 boards, Jaycee Carroll 17+6 boards, Martynas Pocius 12
Maccabi: Keith Langford 18, Lior Eliyahu 11, Richard Hendrix 10+5 boards

CB Tarragona part ways with Roburt Sallie - by Eurobasket News
Roburt Sallie (196-G-86, college: Memphis) will not play for CB Tarragona any more. The team have announced the decision to split ways with the guard. The disciplinary matters were quoted as the reason for the decision. Roburt Sallie joined the team at the start of the season. He tallied 9.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game in LEB Gold. Last season the guard spent in Australia. Roburt Sallie played for the Frankston Blues in the ABA. His stats read 20.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.5 steals per appearance. Roburt Sallie graduated from the University of Memphis in 2010. The guard produced 10.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.9 assists in his senior season.

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

SWEDEN

Standings - Basketligan

Basketligan Standings

1. Norrkoping		10-4
2. LF Basket		10-5
3. Boras		10-5
4. Sundsvall		9-5
5. 08		7-6
6. Uppsala		7-8
7. Sodertalje		7-8
8. Solna		7-8
9. Jamtland		6-9
10. Eco Orebro		0-15

Stats Leaders - Basketligan

Points Per Game

Stephen MCDOWELL
  Solna
  (180-G-85)
  Avg: 23

1. McDowell, Solna	23.0
2. Zabas, Jamtland	21.6
3. Krayem, Boras	20.1
4. Laser, Solna	19.4
5. Palm, Boras	19.3
6. Mbemba, LF Basket	18.9
7. Smith, Sodertalje	18.7
8. Sigurdarson, Sunds.	18.2
9. Klaric, Jamtland	18.2
10. Gunnarsson, Solna	18.1

Rebounds Per Game

Michael PALM
  Boras
  (208-C-79)
  Avg: 11.4

1. Palm, Boras	11.4
2. Johnson, Uppsala	10.3
3. Baeringsson, Sunds.	10.2
4. Ramsey, LF Basket	9.7
5. Toombs, Eco Orebro	9.6
6. Simms, Sodertalje	8.7
7. Lalugba, Jamtland	8.6
8. Ayuba, Norrkoping	8.2
9. Safford, LF Basket	8.1
10. Watt, Eco Orebro	7.9

Assists Per Game

Rudy MBEMBA
  LF Basket
  (181-G-87)
  Avg: 7.6

1. Mbemba, LF Basket	7.6
2. Pleick, Eco Orebro	6.1
3. Krayem, Boras	6.1
4. Carter, Uppsala	5.5
5. Chuk, Sodertalje	5.1
6. Ermolinskij, Sunds.	4.7
7. Hellgren, Jamtland	4.3
8. Mitchell, Norrkopi.	4.0
9. Beck, Solna	3.9
10. Zabas, Jamtland	3.8

Steals Per Game

Andrew MITCHELL
  Norrkoping
  (181-G-79)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Mitchell, Norrkopi.	2.8
2. Mbemba, LF Basket	2.7
3. Smith, Sodertalje	2.5
4. Carter, Uppsala	2.2
5. Pleick, Eco Orebro	2.1
6. Zabas, Jamtland	2.0
7. Krayem, Boras	1.9
8. Ramsey, LF Basket	1.9
9. Johnson, Sundsvall	1.9
10. Ermolinskij, Sund.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Keith RAMSEY
  LF Basket
  (206-F-87)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Ramsey, LF Basket	2.1
2. Johnson, Uppsala	2.0
3. Simms, Sodertalje	1.7
4. Lalugba, Jamtland	1.6
5. Watt, Eco Orebro	1.4
6. Toombs, Eco Orebro	1.4
7. Doychinov, Solna	1.3
8. Gregory, Sundsvall	1.0
9. Seay, Norrkoping	0.8
10. Ayuba, Norrkoping	0.8

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

SWITZERLAND

Standings - LNA

LNA Standings

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

Standings - LNB

LNB Standings

1. Neuchatel		11-0
2. Bern		9-3
3. Vevey		9-3
4. Meyrin Geneve		8-3
5. BC AKA		8-4
6. Bernex		6-6
7. Nyon U23		6-6
8. Zurich Wildcats		5-5
9. Villars		5-6
10. Blonay Basket		4-8
11. Pully		3-9
12. DDV Lugano		2-8
13. Acad.Fribourg		2-9
14. Swiss Central		2-10

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

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

DeVaughn Lamont returns to Mexico - by Eurobasket News
DeVaughn Lamont (208-F-84, college: CS Monterey) is back to Correcaminos UAT Victoria after almost one month. He started the season with Correcaminos and in November moved to Japan. There he joined ABA team Shizuoka Gymrats. Lamont appeared 24 times for Correcaminos so far this season averaging 5.3 points and 3.3 rebounds. DeVaughn Lamont spent 2010/11 in ABA. He was a member of the San Francisco Rumble. He also spent some with Venezuelan Lanceros that year. DeVaughn Lamont already played in LNBP in the past. He was a member of Algodoneros de La Comarca Torreon in 2008/09 season. At that time he had 10.8 ppg and 5.1 rpg in 43 games. DeVaughn Lamont played for Trinidad and Tobago National Team in 2010.

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

TURKEY

Anadolu Efes downs Armani Jeans Milano, secures spot for Top 16 - by Eurobasket News
Anadolu Efes - Armani MI 84-70

Anadolu Efes celebrated 84-70 crucial win against Armani Jeans Milano on Wednesday night. The home squad jumped to 5-3 record in Group C and already booked a ticket for Top 16 phase. AJ Milano faced with sixth loss (2-6). Efes did a great job in the first half (45-27!) and later had no troubles to keep the safe margin. Sinan Guler (193-G-83, agency: 1x1 Sports, college: Carroll, MT) scored 14 points in this victory, while Sasha Vujacic (200-G-84) and Cenk Akyol (196-G-87) had 12 points each. Esteban Batista (208-F/C-83) followed them with 10 points and 6 rebounds. Visitors got 17 points from Malik Hairston (198-G-87, college: Oregon). Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81) had 13 points and 6 rebs, and Stefano Mancinelli (203-F-83) added 11 pts. Quarters: 22-13, 23-14, 21-25, 18-18. Anadolu Efes goes to Tel-Aviv in the next round. AJ Milano will host Charleroi.

Anadolu Efes: Sinan Guler 14, Sasha Vujacic 12, Cenk Akyol 12, Esteban Batista 10+6 boards
Armani Jeans: Malik Hairston 17, Antonis Fotsis 13+6 boards, Stefano Mancinelli 11

TB2L Round 13: Undefeated Genc Telekom loses their first game against Orman Genc - by Eurobasket News
There was no lack of interesting games this round. The round ended with defeat of the leader, derby games, favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin.

The most surprising game was the first loss of undefeated Genc Telekom (11-1) in Ankara on Wednesday night. Visitors were defeated by nineteenth ranked Orman Genc (3-9) 77-70. It ended at the same time the 11-game winning streak of Genc Telekom. Genc Telekom was trailing by 8 points at halftime but managed to get 2-point lead after three quarters before a 22-13 charge of Orman Genc, which allowed them to win the game. American guard Mikhail Torrance (196-88, college: Alabama) stepped up and scored 6 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners and forward Arif Erhan Kocamis (196-86, agency: 1x1 Sports) chipped in 12 points and 5 rebounds. Orman Genc's coach Serhan Aydanarig used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side Croatian power forward Nenad Delic (210-84, agency: TSS Management) responded with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds. Orman Genc moved-up to seventeenth place, which they share with Balikesir and Istanbulspor. Genc Telekom at the other side still keeps top position with one game lost. Orman Genc is looking forward to face higher ranked Gaziantep (#4) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Genc Telekom will play against Darussafaka in Istanbul and is hoping to win this game.
Very significant was Gaziantep's (#5) 69-64 road victory against 8th ranked Final Genclik. American guard Antabia Waller (188-88, college: Auburn) nailed 25 points and 7 rebounds for the winning side and Umut Durmus accounted for 12 points and 7 rebounds. Center Volkan Tokcan (203-88) came up with 15 points and 9 rebounds for Final Genclik in the defeat. Final Genclik's coach Ali Ozbay tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Gaziantep (8-4) moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Selcuk Univ. and Maliye Milli. Final Genclik at the other side dropped to the seventh position with five games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Gaziantep will play against Orman Genc (#19) in Ankara in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Final Genclik will play on the road against Baskent Genclik (#16) in Ankara and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Very important is a road loss of second ranked Akhisar Bld (9-3) against ninth ranked Selcuk Universitesi (8-4) on Wednesday night. Visiting Akhisar Bld was defeated by Selcuk Universitesi in Konya 85-74. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Akhisar Bld. Onur Aydin fired 20 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Tyrone Nelson produced 12 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists for lost side. Akhisar Bld's coach Zafer Aktas let to play eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Selcuk Universitesi have a solid series of four victories in a row. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Maliye Milli and Gaziantep. Loser Akhisar Bld keeps the second position with three games lost. They share it with Optimum TED. Selcuk Universitesi will meet Balikesir (#17) on the road in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Akhisar Bld will play against Istanbul B.B. (#13) and hope to secure a win.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Maliye Milli (8-4) against eleventh ranked Gelisim (6-6) on Wednesday night. Visiting Maliye Milli was defeated by Gelisim in a tough game in Izmir 59-67. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Maliye Milli. Worth to mention a great performance of De Vaughn Washington who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 13 points and 12 rebounds. Gelisim have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain eleventh place with 6-6 record. Maliye Milli at the other side dropped to the fourth position with four games lost. Gelisim's next round opponent will be league's second-placed Optimum TED in Ankara and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Maliye Milli will play against Tire Gucu.
Important game to mention about took place in Istanbul. Fifteenth ranked Baskent Genclik (4-8) saved a 1-point derby victory on the road edging 20th ranked TED Istanbul (2-10) 73-72 on Wednesday evening. Guest team only slightly avoided a big embarassment. Marquise Gray stepped up with a double-double by scoring 29 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. Baskent Genclik moved-up to fourteenth place, which they share with Usak and Tire Gucu. TED Istanbul lost their eighth game in a row. They stay at the bottom position with ten games lost. Baskent Genclik will face higher ranked Final Genclik (#10) in Bursa in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. TED Istanbul will play on the road against Pamukkale (#9).

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 13: Darussafaka lost to Optimum TED on the opponent's court 64-81. Vestel managed to outperform Pamukkale in a home game 87-83. Pertevniyal managed to beat Istanbul B.B. on the road 86-79. Istanbulspor defeated Balikesir on its own court 86-78. Usak was smashed by Tire Gucu in a road game 95-69.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 35 points (!!!) and 12 rebounds by Charles Jackson of Balikesir.

Optimum TED - Darussafaka 81-64

Rather expected game in Ankara where 6th ranked Darussafaka (7-5) was defeated by fourth ranked Optimum TED (9-3) 81-64 on Wednesday. The game was mostly controlled by Optimum TED. Darussafaka was better in third quarter 20-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Darussafaka was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. Center Hakan Yapar (202-84) stepped up and scored 17 points for the winners and swingman Cihan Amasyali (191-83) chipped in 9 points and 6 rebounds. At the losing side forward Erdinc Balto (207-90) responded with 11 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists and center Dogukan Sonmez (206-92) scored 10 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Optimum TED moved-up to second place, which they share with Akhisar Bld. Loser Darussafaka dropped to the seventh position with five games lost. Optimum TED will face Gelisim (#11) in Izmir in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Darussafaka will play at home against the league's leader Genc Telekom (#1) in Ankara.
Top scorers:
Optimum TED: H.Yapar 17+3reb+2ast, O.Famutimi 13+2reb, N.Ozbakir 10+4reb+2ast, C.Amasyali 9+6reb+1ast, I.Turel 9+2reb+1ast, A.Kavaklioglu 8+2reb+6ast
Darussafaka: E.Balto 11+9reb+4ast, D.Sonmez 10+5reb+1ast, B.Selen 9+3reb, Y.Sonsirma 8+3reb+3ast, J.Carter 7+2reb+1ast, M.Baygul 6+2reb+1ast

Orman Genc - Genc Telekom 77-70

The most surprising game was the first loss of undefeated Genc Telekom (11-1) in Ankara on Wednesday night. Visitors were defeated by nineteenth ranked Orman Genc (3-9) 77-70. It ended at the same time the 11-game winning streak of Genc Telekom. Genc Telekom was trailing by 8 points at halftime but managed to get 2-point lead after three quarters before a 22-13 charge of Orman Genc, which allowed them to win the game. American guard Mikhail Torrance (196-88, college: Alabama) stepped up and scored 6 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners and forward Arif Erhan Kocamis (196-86, agency: 1x1 Sports) chipped in 12 points and 5 rebounds. Orman Genc's coach Serhan Aydanarig<