EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 2/22/2011 1:00:00 AM

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Men News

*****************************************************
  ABA   


ABA All-Star Game team rosters - by Gianni Pascucci
Thanks to San Diego Surf GM Ross Kurland , Usbasket.com is now able to release the compelte team rosters of the upcoming ABA 2011 All-Star Game, scheduled for Saturday, February 26th, with the action taking place at the Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. The rosters are as follows:

EAST :
G- Anthony Jackson (5'6''-G-85), Columbus
G- Ramar Smith (6'2''-G-87, college: Tennessee), Gwizzlies
G- Daniel Price (6'3''-G-82, college: Pikeville), East Kentucky
G- Jaleel Nelson (6'5''-G-87, college: Chowan Univ.), Seven Cities, VA.
G- Andre Muse (6'5''-G-86, agency: Pro Management Agency, college: Quincy), Chicago
G- Ed Horton (6'4''-G-85, college: Murray St.), Jacksonville
F- Odgra Bobo (6'6''-F-85, college: Oakland CC), Lk. Michigan
F- Sherard Reddick (6'8''-F, college: Savannah St.), Savannah
F- Kayode Ayeni (6'5''-F-88, college: St.Francis, NY), N. Jersey
F- Aaron Hogg (6'6''-F/G-81, college: Wichita St.), Indy
F- J.R. Vanhoose (6'10''-F/C-79, college: Marshall), East Kentucky
F/C- Jermaine Bell (6'11''-F/C-84, college: Indian Hills CC), Jacksonville

WEST :
G- Richie Williams (5'10''-G-87, college: San Diego St.), San Diego Sol
G- Mario Kinsey (6'2''-G-82, college: Sam Houston St.), Oklahoma
G- Marlo Saunders (6'5''-F-84, college: Texas-PB), W. Texas
G- Jordan Boreman (6'2''-G-80), East Bay
G- Lou Kelly (6'5''-G/F-79, college: UNLV), Las Vegas
G- Michael Dyson (6'6''-C-87, college: Cal.St.-Stanislaus), Modesto
F- Rashaad Powell (6'6''-G-81, college: Idaho), Seattle
F- Devon Pearson (6'6''-F-84, agency: Farris Sports, college: SMU), N. Dallas
F- Freeman Taylor (6'6''-F-81, college: Robert Morris), Gulf Coast
F- Gene Shipley (6'9''-C-79, agency: Elleby Sports, college: Brandon), San Diego Surf
F- Lamar Wright (6'10''-C-78, college: Porterville JC), Texas Fuel
F/C- Rasean Dickey (6'10''-F/C-85), Colorado



SETX Mavericks stil leading the ABA Power Rankings - by Gianni Pascucci
The American Basketball Association has just released its Power Rankings for week #16 of the regular season and once again, the defending ABA Champion SETX Mavericks are ranked #1 with its 22-1 record over two undefeated teams, the Jacksonville Giants (19-0) and the Colorado Kings (17-0). 'The playoffs begin in about two weeks,' stated Joe Newman , ABA CEO. 'And it is inevitable that these teams along with powerhouses East Kentucky Energy and 7 City Knights will be meeting on their way to the 2011 championship. And I wouldn't be surprised at some upsets too as we do have some great teams in the ABA.' The rankings:

1. SETX Mavericks (22-1)
2. Jacksonville Giants (19-0)
3. Colorado Kings (17-0)
4. East Kentucky Energy (16-1)
5. 7 City Knights (15-2)
6. Seattle Mountaineers (13-1)
7. San Diego Sol (14-3)
8. Chicago Steam (13-3)
9. Texas Fuel (15-4)
10. East Bay Pitbulls (14-5)
11. Columbus Riverballers (11-2)
12. Las Vegas Aces (9-1)
13. Lake Michigan Admirals (9-4)
14. Savannah Storm (10-6)
15. Bay Area Matrix (13-7)
16. North Dallas Vandals (11-6)
17. Indiana Diesels (8-4)
18. Oklahoma Stallions (8-5)
19. St. Louis Pioneers (8-3)
20. Heartland Prowl (8-3)
21. California Seakings (8-7)
22. West Texas Whirlwind (8-6)
23. Los Angeles Slam (8-6)
24. Gulf Coast Flash (7-4)

'The playoff format this season will include about 35 teams this season,' added Newman, 'including teams that are not ranked in the Top 24. The playoffs will begin March 5th with five opening round tournaments. The top 5 teams will receive a bye in the first round. The Power Rankings will play a significant part in the pairings.'

Last weekend game results - by Gianni Pascucci
The Las Vegas Aces got back in the win ways with a 155-111 victory vs the Gymrats. The Aces had six players in double digit scoring and all of the Aces players scored. Wink Adams (6'0''-G-85, agency: ZAG Advocates, college: UNLV) was leading scorer for Las Vegas with 30 points, Stanley Gill (6'7''-F-84, college: W.Alabama) added 23pts and 8rebs, Michael Johnson (6'0''-G-76, college: Oklahoma) 22points and 5 assists, Dane Cruz (5'10''-G-86, college: Doane) 18 points and 6asst. The Gymrats were led by Jun Iwasa (6'2''-G-80), who was the game top scorer at 33 points, Kenny Barnes (6'7''-F-82, college: USF) with 25 pts and Robbie Banks (6'11''-F/C-78, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) with 16 points.
The Lake Michigan Admirals got another easy win on Sunday night at Michigan Lutheran High School, by defeating Michiana Monarchs exhibition team in front of an estimated 600 fans. Gordon Chase (6'2''-F-86, college: Georgetown, KY) ended up with a double double with 31 points and 16 rebounds. Odgra Bobo (6'6''-F-85, college: Oakland CC) added 21pts, Brandon Ball (5'11''-G-86, college: Michigan Tech) had a double double he too, with 16 points and 10 assists. Will Wright (6'6''-F, college: Frank Phillips JC) had 22 points for the Monarchs respectively. The Admirals are now 9-5

Standings
ABA Standings
 1. Colorado Kings 17-0 
 2. Arlington B. 2-3 
 3. NY Prime Time 1-4 
 4. Santa Barbara 0-0 
 5. Texas RR 0-1 
 6. Shizuoka Gym. 0-4 
Gulf Coast
 1. SE Texas M. 22-1 
 2. Gulf Coast F. 7-4 
 3. Mobile Bay H. 4-2 
 4. Louisiana U. 1-5 
 5. Cypress 0-0 
 6. Houston R.S. 0-9 
Mid-Atlantic
 1. Seven Cities 15-2 
 2. Atlanta V. 0-0 
 3. Charlotte 0-0 
 4. College Park 0-0 
 5. Fayetteville F. 0-0 
 6. Georgia G. 0-0 
 7. Georgia K. 0-0 
NoCal
 1. E.Bay Pitbulls 14-5 
 2. Bay Area M. 13-7 
 3. Modesto H. 9-8 
 4. California SK 8-6 
 5. Sacramento H. 8-6 
 6. S.Francisco R. 5-3 
 7. Clayton 0-0 
North Central
 1. Chicago Steam 13-3 
 2. Lake Michigan 9-5 
 3. Detroit Hoops 0-0 
 4. Elkhart E. 0-0 
 5. Indianapolis 0-0 
 6. Kansas City S. 0-0 
 7. Pittsburgh P. 0-0 
 8. NWI M.Stars 0-3 
Northeast
 1. Jersey Expr. 3-1 
 2. NY Red Riders 0-0 
 3. NY Thunder 0-0 
 4. S.Jersey 0-0 
 5. Tri-City Suns 0-0 
Northwest
 1. Seattle M. 13-1 
SoCal
 1. San Diego Sol 14-3 
 2. Las Vegas A. 9-1 
 3. LA Slam 8-6 
 4. San Diego S. 7-6 
 5. Compton C. 0-0 
 6. S.Valley Fever 0-0 
 7. Mid-Valley 0-1 
 8. Riverside R. 0-1 
 9. SoCal Swish 0-4 
South Central
 1. E.Kentucky En. 16-1 
 2. St. Louis 8-3 
 3. Columbus Diesel 8-4 
 4. Kentucky B. 0-0 
 5. Kentucky C. 0-0 
 6. W.Virginia B. 0-0 
Southeast
 1. Jacksonville 19-0 
 2. Columbus Life 11-2 
 3. Savannah Storm 10-6 
 4. Heartland P. 8-3 
 5. Bahama PS 0-0 
 6. Florida M. 0-0 
 7. Florida Th. 0-0 
 8. Orlando Kings 0-0 
 9. Team Haiti 0-0 
Southwest
 1. Texas Fuel 15-4 
 2. North Dallas 11-6 
 3. Oklahoma 8-5 
 4. West Texas W. 8-6 
 5. N.Texas F. 1-4 
 6. Dallas Impact 0-0 


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  ADRIATIC LEAGUE   


Zadar and Chester Mason part ways - by Eurobasket News
According to the reports from Croatian media, Zadar and Chester Mason (192-G-81, agency: N.E.T., college: Miami (OH)) parted ways. Reportedly, the reason for this was lack of payment to the American guard. It remains to be seen will Zadar bring in the replacement.
Chester Mason played of University Miami Ohio in NCAA. After going undrafted he signed with Albuquerque Thunderbirds in Developmental League in 2005. In 2007, Mason was picked up by Cleveland Cavaliers but in October he moved to Zlatorog Lasko in Slovenia. In 20 games with Zlatorog, Mason averaged 11.3 points and 2.5 rebounds. During 2008-2009 season Mason played for Cleveland Rockers and Anaheim Arsenal before signing with Siorki in March 2009. He was a huge hit with Siroki, helping them win two National Titles in Bosnia. This season Mason started with Ventspils but midway through he signed with Zadar. For Zadar he played in 7 Adriatic league games and has averaged 8.9 points and 6.4 rebounds, while in Eurochallenge he averaged 9.8 points and 4.0 rebounds in 4 games.

Luka Zoric claims Adriatic League weekly honour - by Eurobasket News
Luka Zoric (211-C/F-84) had an amazing evening in the last round for KK Zagreb Croatia Osiguranje and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 21.
The 26-year old had a double-double of 22 points and eleven rebounds, while his team beat Siroki TT (#11, 9-12) 86-80. KK Zagreb CO maintains the 5th position in Adriatic League . They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. KK Zagreb CO will need more victories to improve their 12-9 record. Zoric has many years of experience at KK Zagreb CO, through which he has constantly improved. Zoric has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in points (2nd best: 19.6ppg) and averages solid 1.3bpg and 56.3% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was young Bosnia and Herzegovina swingman Bojan Bogdanovic (202-G/F-89) of KK Cibona VIP Zagreb. Bogdanovic impressed basketball fans with 28 points and 6 rebounds. Bad luck as Cibona lost that game 79-89 to the higher-ranked Radnicki (#7, 11-10). Despite lost game Cibona moved up to 10th position in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 9-12 record. Bogdanovic is well-known by Cibona fans and he already established his position as one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 18.7ppg (#4).

The third best performed player last round was Australian Steven Markovic (190-G-85) of Radnicki Kragujevac (#7). Markovic scored 29 points and passed five assists. He was a key player of Radnicki, leading his team to a 89-79 win against the lower-ranked Cibona (#10, 9-12). Radnicki needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 11 victories and 10 lost games. Markovic has a great season in Adriatic League. After 21 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in assists with 5.0apg (2nd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Ricardo Marsh (202-F-81) of Crvena Zvezda - 27 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Vladimir Dragicevic (206-C/F-86) of Buducnost - 23 points and 8 rebounds
6. Zoran Dragic (196-G-89) of Krka - 14 points and 10 rebounds
7. Dontaye Draper (180-G-84) of Cedevita - 17 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists
8. Bojan Krstovic (194-G-80) of Hemofarm - 15 points and 9 rebounds
9. Mladen Jeremic (196-G-88) of Hemofarm - 16 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Michael Lee (207-F-86) of Radnicki - 22 points, 4 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)

Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Michael LEE
  Radnicki
  (207-F-86)
  Avg: 20
 1. Lee, Radnicki20.0 
 2. Zoric, KK.19.6 
 3. Macvan, Hemofarm19.2 
 4. Bogdanovic, Cibona18.7 
 5. Draper, Cedevita18.0 
 6. Marsh, Crvena Z.18.0 
 7. Edwards, Cedevita17.5 
 8. Car, Zadar16.4 
 9. Chase, Igokea16.3 
 10. Dragicevic, Buduc.15.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Luka ZORIC
  KK Zagreb CO
  (211-C/F-84)
  Avg: 8.5
 1. Zoric, KK.8.5 
 2. Harvey, Igokea7.6 
 3. Dragicevic, Buduc.7.1 
 4. Macvan, Hemofarm6.8 
 5. Gist, Partizan6.6 
 6. Kasun, KK.6.5 
 7. Benda, CEZ Nymburk6.1 
 8. Nikolic, Crvena Z.5.8 
 9. Milosevic, Crvena Z.5.7 
 10. Markota, Union O.5.7 
Assists Per Game
 Dontaye DRAPER
  Cedevita
  (180-G-84)
  Avg: 5.5
 1. Draper, Cedevita5.5 
 2. Markovic, Radnicki5.0 
 3. Pavkovic, Hemofarm4.6 
 4. Morovic, Siroki TT4.4 
 5. Renfroe, KK.3.9 
 6. Ilievski, Union O.3.7 
 7. Nissim, CEZ N.3.7 
 8. Chase, Igokea3.5 
 9. Car, Zadar3.5 
 10. Bazdaric, Cedevita3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Dontaye DRAPER
  Cedevita
  (180-G-84)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Draper, Cedevita2.5 
 2. Lee, Radnicki2.1 
 3. Stemberger, Siroki T.2.1 
 4. Car, Zadar2.0 
 5. Pumprla, CEZ N.1.9 
 6. Renfroe, KK.1.8 
 7. Dragic, Krka1.8 
 8. Radosevic, Cibona1.7 
 9. Simonovic, Buduc.1.6 
 10. Ozbolt, Union O.1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Luka ZORIC
  KK Zagreb CO
  (211-C/F-84)
  Avg: 1.3
 1. Zoric, KK.1.3 
 2. Radosevic, Cibona1.0 
 3. Nikolic, Crvena Z.1.0 
 4. Dragicevic, Buduc.1.0 
 5. Jawai, Partizan0.8 
 6. Shermadini, Union O.0.8 
 7. Macvan, Hemofarm0.7 
 8. Kasun, KK.0.7 
 9. Chan, CEZ Nymburk0.7 
 10. Booker, Krka0.7 


*****************************************************
  ALBANIA   


Standings - A1
A1 Standings
 1. Studenti 9-0 
 2. SK Tirana 7-2 
 3. Valbona 6-3 
 4. U.A.T. 3-6 
 5. Vllaznia Shk. 2-7 
 6. Skenderbeu 0-9 


*****************************************************
  ARGENTINA   


TNA Round 5 of Second Stage - by Eurobasket News
There was no lack of interesting games this round. The round ended with favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin.

The most interesting game of round 5 in the TNA was a home defeat of 7th ranked Asociacion Italiana (2-3) to third ranked Bragado (3-2) 89-84. It ended the two-game winning streak of Asociacion Italiana. It was a key game for the second position in TNA1. Bragado have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to second place in TNA1, which they share with Ciclista. Asociacion Italiana at the other side dropped to the eighth position with three games lost. They share it with 4 other teams. Bragado is looking forward to face league's leader Alvear in Villa Angela in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Asociacion Italiana will play at home against Quilmes MP (#5) in Mar del Plata and is hoping to prove to their supporters that the loss was just an accident.
Important game to mention about took place in Villa Angela. First ranked Alvear (4-1) saved a 2-point victory at home edging 4th placed Quilmes MP (2-3) 74-72 on Friday evening. Alvear have a solid series of four victories in a row. Newly promoted Alvear maintains first place in TNA1 with 4-1 record. Quilmes MP at the other side keeps the fourth position with three games lost. They share it with 4 other teams. Alvear will play against Bragado (#3) at home in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Quilmes MP will play against Asociacion Italiana in Charata and hopes to get back on the winning track.
A very close game took place in Juninense between Ciclista and San Martin Corrientes. Fifth ranked Ciclista (3-2) got a very close home victory over second-ranked San Martin Corrientes (2-3). Ciclista managed to escape with a 2-point win 70-68 on Friday evening. It was a key game for the second position in TNA1. Ciclista moved-up to second place in TNA1, which they share with Bragado. Loser San Martin Corrientes dropped to the fourth position with three games lost. They share it with 4 other teams. Ciclista will meet at home Obera TC (#7) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. San Martin Corrientes will play against Firmat SF in Santa Fe and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
A very interesting game took place in Tandil. It ended with only three-point defeat on the road of 8th ranked Gimnasia VP (1-4) to fifth ranked Tucuman BB (3-2) 84-81 on Friday evening. Tucuman BB moved-up to second place in TNA2, which they share with Union S. and Union Progr. Gimnasia VP lost fourth consecutive game. Gimnasia VP at the other side, also newcomer in the league, keeps the eighth position with four games lost. Tucuman BB's next round opponent will be league's leader San Martin Marcos Juarez at home and it will be for sure the game of the week. Gimnasia VP will play against Adelante (#7) in Reconquista and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Asociacion Espanola (2-3) against seventh ranked Banda Norte (2-3) on Friday night. Visiting Asociacion Espanola was defeated by Banda Norte in Rio Cuarto 95-85. Banda Norte moved-up to fifth place in TNA2, which they share with A.Espanola and Adelante. Banda Norte will face higher ranked Union Progresista (#3) in Villa Angela in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Asociacion Espanola will play on the road against the league's second-placed Union de Sunchales.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 5:
In TNA1 Obera TC was destroyed by Firmat SF on the opponent's court 87-60.
In TNA2 Adelante unfortunately lost to San Mart.MJ in a home game 52-66. Union Progr. recorded a loss to Union S. on the road 80-92.


Group TNA1
Ciclista - San Mart.C. 70-68

A very close game took place in Juninense between Ciclista and San Martin Corrientes. Fifth ranked Ciclista (3-2) got a very close home victory over second-ranked San Martin Corrientes (2-3). Ciclista managed to escape with a 2-point win 70-68 on Friday evening. It was a key game for the second position in TNA1. Ciclista moved-up to second place in TNA1, which they share with Bragado. Loser San Martin Corrientes dropped to the fourth position with three games lost. They share it with 4 other teams. Ciclista will meet at home Obera TC (#7) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. San Martin Corrientes will play against Firmat SF in Santa Fe and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
gschID: 121146


A.Italiana - Bragado 84-89

The most interesting game of round 5 in the TNA was a home defeat of 7th ranked Asociacion Italiana (2-3) to third ranked Bragado (3-2) 89-84. It ended the two-game winning streak of Asociacion Italiana. It was a key game for the second position in TNA1. Bragado have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to second place in TNA1, which they share with Ciclista. Asociacion Italiana at the other side dropped to the eighth position with three games lost. They share it with 4 other teams. Bragado is looking forward to face league's leader Alvear in Villa Angela in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Asociacion Italiana will play at home against Quilmes MP (#5) in Mar del Plata and is hoping to prove to their supporters that the loss was just an accident.
gschID: 121143


Firmat SF - Obera TC 87-60

There was a minor upset in Santa Fe where 6th ranked Obera TC (2-3) was crushed by eighth ranked Firmat SF (2-3) 87-60 on Friday. Firmat SF moved-up to fourth place in TNA1, which they share with 4 other teams including defeated Obera TC. Obera TC lost third consecutive game. Firmat SF will face San Martin Corrientes (#4) at home in the next round. Obera TC will play against the league's second-placed Ciclista in Juninense and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
gschID: 121144


Alvear - Quilmes MP 74-72

Important game to mention about took place in Villa Angela. First ranked Alvear (4-1) saved a 2-point victory at home edging 4th placed Quilmes MP (2-3) 74-72 on Friday evening. Alvear have a solid series of four victories in a row. Newly promoted Alvear maintains first place in TNA1 with 4-1 record. Quilmes MP at the other side keeps the fourth position with three games lost. They share it with 4 other teams. Alvear will play against Bragado (#3) at home in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Quilmes MP will play against Asociacion Italiana in Charata and hopes to get back on the winning track.
gschID: 121145


Group TNA2
Adelante - San Mart.MJ 52-66

Very predictable result in Reconquista where first ranked San Martin Marcos Juarez (4-1) defeated 6th ranked Adelante (2-3) 66-52 on Friday. San Martin Marcos Juarez have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain first place in TNA2 with 4-1 record. Newly promoted Adelante dropped to the fifth position with three games lost. San Martin Marcos Juarez will face Tucuman BB (#4) in Tandil in the next round. Adelante will play at home against Gimnasia VP in Necochea.
gschID: 121149


Banda Norte - A.Espanola 95-85

Very important is a road loss of third ranked Asociacion Espanola (2-3) against seventh ranked Banda Norte (2-3) on Friday night. Visiting Asociacion Espanola was defeated by Banda Norte in Rio Cuarto 95-85. Banda Norte moved-up to fifth place in TNA2, which they share with A.Espanola and Adelante. Banda Norte will face higher ranked Union Progresista (#3) in Villa Angela in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Asociacion Espanola will play on the road against the league's second-placed Union de Sunchales.
gschID: 121150


Tucuman BB - Gimnasia VP 84-81

A very interesting game took place in Tandil. It ended with only three-point defeat on the road of 8th ranked Gimnasia VP (1-4) to fifth ranked Tucuman BB (3-2) 84-81 on Friday evening. Tucuman BB moved-up to second place in TNA2, which they share with Union S. and Union Progr. Gimnasia VP lost fourth consecutive game. Gimnasia VP at the other side, also newcomer in the league, keeps the eighth position with four games lost. Tucuman BB's next round opponent will be league's leader San Martin Marcos Juarez at home and it will be for sure the game of the week. Gimnasia VP will play against Adelante (#7) in Reconquista and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
gschID: 121147


Union S. - Union Progr. 92-80

There was a minor upset when second-ranked Union Progresista (3-2) was defeated on the road by fourth ranked Union de Sunchales (3-2) 92-80 on Friday. Union de Sunchales moved-up to second place in TNA2, which they share with Union Progr. and Tucuman BB. Union de Sunchales will face Asociacion Espanola (#5) in Charata in the next round. Union Progresista will play on the road against Banda Norte in Rio Cuarto.
gschID: 121148




Standings - LigaA
LigaA Standings
 1. Obras 13-5 
 2. Gimnasia CR 12-6 
 3. Lanus 12-6 
 4. Penarol 11-6 
 5. Atenas 11-7 
 6. Quimsa 10-7 
 7. La Union 10-8 
 8. Libertad S. 9-8 
 9. Monte Hermoso 9-9 
 10. Club 9 8-10 
 11. Regatas C. 7-11 
 12. Boca Jrs 7-12 
 13. Estudiantes 6-10 
 14. Argentino 6-11 
 15. Olimpico LB 5-11 
 16. Sionista 4-13 


Standings - TNA
TNA Standings
TNA1
 1. Alvear 5-1 
 2. Ciclista 4-2 
 3. Bragado 3-3 
 4. San Mart.C. 3-3 
 5. Quilmes MP 3-3 
 6. Firmat SF 2-4 
 7. Obera TC 2-4 
 8. A.Italiana 2-4 
TNA2
 1. Tucuman BB 4-2 
 2. San Mart.MJ 4-2 
 3. Union S. 3-2 
 4. Union Progr. 3-2 
 5. Adelante 3-3 
 6. Banda Norte 2-3 
 7. A.Espanola 2-3 
 8. Gimnasia VP 1-5 


*****************************************************
  AUSTRALIA   


Australian NBL round 19 best performance: Kirk Penney - by Eurobasket News
Guard Kirk Penney (196-G-80) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for top-ranked New Zealand Breakers, receiving a Australiabasket.com Player of the Week award for round 19.
The 30-year old player was the main contributor (35 points, seven rebounds) to his team's victory, helping them to beat Blaze (#6, 10-12) 123-115. It allowed Breakers to consolidate first place in the Australian NBL. Breakers have a solid 18-3 record. In the team's last game Penney had a remarkable 57.1% from 2-point range and got six three-pointers out of 7 attempts. He turned to be Breakers' top player in his first season with the team. Former University of Wisconsin star has very solid stats this year. Penney is in league's top in points (2nd best: 20.4ppg) and averages impressive 46.3% from behind 3-point line.

The second best player in last round's games was 28-year old former international power forward Matthew Burston (210-F/C-82) of Tigers. Burston had a very good evening with a double-double of 24 points and 13 rebounds. It was enough for Tigers to edge slightly lower-ranked 36ers (#8, 8-14) in overtime 86-83. Tigers' 7th position in the standings has not changed. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 9-13 record. Burston is a newcomer at Tigers and despite he is not a team leader yet, every game he becomes more reliable player. Hopefully performances like the last one will happen more often.

Third on the list of top players last round was another Tigers' star - Jamaican guard Corey Williams (191-G-77). Williams showcased his all-around game by recording 19 points, nine rebounds and ten assists (!!!) in the last round. He was another key player of Tigers, helping his team with a 86-83overtime win against slightly lower-ranked 36ers (#8, 8-14). The chances of Tigers ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 13 games, recording just nine victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Williams could help Tigers to bring them higher in the standings. Williams has a great season in Australia. After 17 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 17.1ppg (4th best), rebounds with 6.8rpg (9th best) and assists with 5.9apg (best passer).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Adam Ballinger (205-F-79) of 36ers - 23 points and 8 rebounds
5. Luke Schenscher (216-C-82) of Crocodiles - 16 points and 9 rebounds
6. Stephen Hoare (201-F-75) of Blaze - 16 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Ian Crosswhite (212-C-82) of Taipans - 16 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists
8. James Harvey (196-G/F-79) of Blaze - 27 points and 3 rebounds
9. Ira Clark (203-C/F-75) of Blaze - 23 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Julian Khazzouh (211-C-86) of Sydney K. - 19 points and 8 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)

*****************************************************
  AUSTRIA   


Standings - A Bundesliga
A Standings
Group A
 1. Gmunden 20-4 
 2. Arkadia 16-8 
 3. Furstenfeld 15-9 
 4. Oberwart 14-10 
 5. Kapfenberg 13-11 
 6. Klosterneub. 13-11 
Group B
 1. Wels 13-11 
 2. UBSC Graz 13-11 
 3. BC Vienna 10-14 
 4. Gussing 9-15 
 5. St.Polten 6-18 
 6. Worthersee 2-22 


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Stjepan STAZIC
  BC Vienna
  (199-G-78)
  Avg: 26
 1. Stazic, BC Vienna26.0 
 2. Vay, Arkadia20.9 
 3. Kennedy, Worth.20.3 
 4. Houston, Arkadia19.5 
 5. Shavies, Furstenf.19.1 
 6. Brokenboroug., Wel.18.2 
 7. Heard, Gussing17.5 
 8. Mayes, Gmunden17.4 
 9. Miletic, UBSC G.17.2 
 10. Ray, Furstenfeld16.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Russell HICKS
  Furstenfeld
  (213-C-85)
  Avg: 9.7
 1. Hicks, BC Vienna9.7 
 2. Heard, Gussing8.9 
 3. Johnson, Oberwart8.8 
 4. Volcic, Oberwart8.1 
 5. Vay, Arkadia7.9 
 6. Mayer, Gmunden7.7 
 7. Stazic, BC Vienna7.6 
 8. Graham, UBSC G.7.6 
 9. Stegnjaic, UBSC G.7.3 
 10. Oppland, Gmunden7.3 
Assists Per Game
 Anthony SHAVIES
  Furstenfeld
  (191-G-83)
  Avg: 8
 1. Shavies, Furstenf.8.0 
 2. Carr, BC Vienna7.7 
 3. Holcomb-Faye, Wels6.8 
 4. Danek, Arkadia6.3 
 5. Schreiner, St.Po.6.0 
 6. Parker, Oberwart4.7 
 7. Boylan, Gmunden4.6 
 8. Miletic, UBSC G.4.6 
 9. Stazic, BC Vienna4.3 
 10. Lanegger, Kapfe.4.2 
Steals Per Game
 Anthony SHAVIES
  Furstenfeld
  (191-G-83)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Shavies, Furstenf.2.4 
 2. Schreiner, St.Po.2.3 
 3. Parker, Oberwart2.2 
 4. Boylan, Gmunden2.2 
 5. Jandl, St.Polten2.0 
 6. Ray, Furstenfeld2.0 
 7. Danek, Arkadia1.9 
 8. Artner, Oberwart1.9 
 9. Vay, Arkadia1.8 
 10. Stazic, BC Vienna1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Russell HICKS
  Furstenfeld
  (213-C-85)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Hicks, BC Vienna2.3 
 2. Graham, UBSC G.1.6 
 3. Hampton, Furstenf.1.3 
 4. Slack, Gmunden1.1 
 5. Vay, Arkadia1.1 
 6. Pekovic, BC Vienna1.1 
 7. Heard, Gussing0.8 
 8. Miljkovic, BC Vi.0.8 
 9. N''Diaye, BC.0.7 
 10. Koch, Gussing0.6 


A Bundesliga: Round Two of the second stage - by Eurobasket News
There were only 2 rounds played so far and it's still very beginning of the Second Stage in A Bundesliga.

GROUP A - An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Traiskirchen. Second ranked Arkadia Lions faced 4th ranked Oberwart Gunners. Host Arkadia (16-8) defeated guests from Oberwart (14-10) 70-58. Argentinian-Italian forward Fabricio Vay (206-F-86, agency: Interperformances) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 23 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists. Djordje Drenovac contributed with 19 points and 4 steals for the winners. Naturalized American power forward Jason Johnson (202-77, college: Tennessee St.) replied with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 19 rebounds for Oberwart Gunners. Arkadia Lions maintains second position in Bundesliga with 16-8 record. Oberwart Gunners at the other side keep the fourth place with ten games lost. Arkadia Lions will play against Furstenfeld Panthers (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Oberwart Gunners will play against the league's leader Gmunden Swans in Gmunden and hope to get back on the winning track.
GROUP B - The game in Klagenfurt supposed to be also quite interesting. Third ranked BC Vienna (10-14) played at the court of 6th ranked Worthersee Piraten (2-22). BC Vienna smashed Worthersee Piraten 88-49 on Saturday. Alen Trepalovac scored 21 points and 6 rebounds (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners. Selmir Husanovic responded with 13 points and 5 rebounds. Worthersee Piraten's coach gave up on the game allowing to play eleven players seeing no chance for a win. BC Vienna maintains third position in Group B with 10-14 record having just three points less than leader Wels. Loser Worthersee Piraten keeps the sixth place with 22 games lost. BC Vienna will meet at home league's leader Raiffeisen Wels in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Worthersee Piraten will play against St.Polten (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
GROUP B - The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Raiffeisen Wels as it allowed them to take a leadership position in Group B. Raiffeisen Wels defeated 4th ranked Gussing Knights at home 80-64. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. Gussing Knights at the other side keep the fourth place with 15 games lost. Gussing Knights will play next round against strong UBSC Graz trying to get back on the winning streak. Raiffeisen Wels will try to continue on its current victory against third ranked BC Vienna in Wien.

Rest of the games of round 2 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
In Bundesliga Kapfenberg was defeated by Gmunden in Gmunden 80-66. Furstenfeld beat Klosterneub. at home 92-82. St.Polten lost to UBSC Graz on the opponent's court 83-90.

Group A
Arkadia - Oberwart 70-58

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Traiskirchen. Second ranked Arkadia Lions faced 4th ranked Oberwart Gunners. Host Arkadia Lions (16-8) defeated guests from Oberwart (14-10) 70-58. The game was mostly controlled by Arkadia Lions. Oberwart Gunners was better in fourth quarter 21-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Oberwart Gunners to just 6 points in second quarter. Arkadia Lions forced 21 Oberwart Gunners turnovers. Argentinian-Italian forward Fabricio Vay (206-86, agency: Interperformances) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 23 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists. Serbian forward Djordje Drenovac (201-92, agency: Interperformances) contributed with 19 points and 4 steals for the winners. Naturalized American power forward Jason Johnson (202-77, college: Tennessee St.) replied with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 19 rebounds and American forward Joe Dean Shawn (199-87, college: Nevada) added 16 points and 9 rebounds in the effort for Oberwart Gunners. Arkadia Lions maintains second position in Bundesliga with 16-8 record. Oberwart Gunners at the other side keep the fourth place with ten games lost. Arkadia Lions will play against Furstenfeld Panthers (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Oberwart Gunners will play against the league's leader Gmunden Swans in Gmunden and hope to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Oberwart: J.Dean Shawn 16+9reb, J.Johnson 12+19reb+1ast, K.Parker 8+3ast, H.Ochsenhofer 7+4reb+2ast, T.Sally 6+5reb+1ast, H.Artner 5+2reb
Arkadia: F.Vay 23+10reb+6ast, D.Drenovac 19+4reb+2ast, B.Danek 12+3reb+5ast, K.Payton 6+4reb+2ast, M.Bralovic 4+3reb+1ast, S.Balga 3+1reb+2ast
gschID: 121895


Gmunden - Kapfenberg 80-66

There was no surprise when 5th ranked Kapfenberg Bulls (13-11) were defeated on the road by first ranked Gmunden Swans (20-4) 80-66 on Monday. The hosts trailed by 4 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 5-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 80-66. American forward Dan Oppland (203-84, college: Valparaiso, agency: SportsTalent) scored 22 points and 7 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and international power forward Matthias Mayer (204-81) chipped in 14 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Four Gmunden Swans players scored in double figures. American swingman LeVonn Jordan (198-85, college: Elon) responded with 17 points and 6 rebounds and his fellow American import forward Daniel Horace (200-83, college: Miami (OH)) scored 16 points and 6 rebounds. Defending champion maintains first position in Bundesliga with 20-4 record. Loser Kapfenberg Bulls keep the fifth place with 11 games lost. Gmunden Swans will meet Oberwart Gunners (#4) on the road in the next round. Kapfenberg Bulls will play against Xion Dukes in Klosterneuburg and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kapfenberg: D.Nelson 21+3reb, L.Jordan 17+6reb+2ast, D.Horace 16+6reb+2ast, M.Nelson 5+5reb+3ast, S.Knabl 3+1reb, L.Gordon 2+2reb+1ast
Gmunden: D.Oppland 22+7reb+1ast, D.Mayes 16+4ast, M.Mayer 14+6reb+3ast, I.Boylan 10+2reb+7ast, F.Schoeninger 8+1reb+1ast, A.Slack 5+7reb
gschID: 121897


Furstenfeld - Klosterneub. 92-82

No shocking result in a game when third ranked Furstenfeld Panthers (15-9) defeated at home 6th ranked Xion Dukes (13-11) 92-82 on Saturday. The hosts trailed by 5 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 6-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 92-82. Furstenfeld Panthers dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Xion Dukes' 38. They outrebounded Xion Dukes 33-20 including a 24-13 advantage in defensive rebounds. American guard Anthony Shavies (191-83, college: Missouri St., agency: Court Side) scored 28 points, 9 assists and 4 steals to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import forward Romke Hampton (206-88, college: Biola (CA), agency: Hart Sports Mngm) chipped in 14 points and 12 rebounds during the contest. Four Furstenfeld Panthers players scored in double figures. Bosnian power forward Ramiz Suljanovic (206-79) responded with 16 points and 6 rebounds and the former international guard Christoph Nagler (194-84) scored 19 points. Xion Dukes' coach rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Furstenfeld Panthers maintains third position in Bundesliga with 15-9 record having just -2 point less than leader Wels. Loser Xion Dukes keep the sixth place with 11 games lost. Furstenfeld Panthers will meet at home league's second-placed Arkadia Lions in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Xion Dukes will play against Kapfenberg Bulls (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Klosterneub.: C.Nagler 19+1reb+2ast, R.Suljanovic 16+6reb, A.Maresch 11+1reb, C.Bobb 9+4reb+1ast, J.Chappell 9+2reb+3ast, D.Zeleznik 6+1reb+7ast
Furstenfeld: A.Shavies 28+3reb+9ast, D.Alexander 24+2reb, S.Ray 15+2reb+3ast, R.Hampton 14+12reb+1ast, T.Pearson 6+5reb, R.Hicks 5+7reb+2ast
gschID: 121892


Group B
UBSC Graz - St.Polten 90-83

Very expected game when 5th ranked St.Polten (6-18) was defeated on the road by first ranked UBSC Graz (13-11) 90-83 on Sunday. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But St.Polten won third quarter 25-15. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when UBSC Graz won last quarter 27-21. Slovenian guard Dragan Miletic (195-82) scored 17 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Slovenian swingman Samo Grum (194-79) chipped in 25 points during the contest. Four UBSC Graz players scored in double figures. International guard Thomas Schreiner (195-87) responded with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists and the former international forward Martin Speiser (202-83) scored 19 points. Despite that victory UBSC Graz went down to second position (Bundesliga) due to points difference. Loser St.Polten keeps the fifth place with 18 games lost. UBSC Graz will meet Gussing Knights (#4) on the road in the next round. St.Polten will play against Worthersee Piraten in Klagenfurt and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
St.Polten: R.Poiger 20+4reb+1ast, M.Speiser 19+4reb+2ast, T.Schreiner 14+6reb+6ast, N.Kapic 9+1reb+1ast, T.Gaspar 8+7reb, D.Jandl 7+1reb+2ast
UBSC Graz: S.Grum 25+2reb+3ast, C.Knor 20+3reb+1ast, D.Miletic 17+7reb+7ast, L.Graham 10+4reb+2ast, M.Stegnjaic 8+10reb+4ast, S.Schaal 5+2reb+2ast
gschID: 121896


Wels - Gussing 80-64

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Raiffeisen Wels as it allowed them to take a leadership position in Group B. Raiffeisen Wels defeated 4th ranked Gussing Knights at home 80-64. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. Gussing Knights at the other side keep the fourth place with 15 games lost. Gussing Knights will play next round against strong UBSC Graz trying to get back on the winning streak. Raiffeisen Wels will try to continue on its current victory against third ranked BC Vienna in Wien.
gschID: 121894


Worthersee - BC Vienna 49-88

The game in Klagenfurt supposed to be also quite interesting. Third ranked BC Vienna (10-14) played at the court of 6th ranked Worthersee Piraten (2-22). BC Vienna smashed Worthersee Piraten 88-49 on Saturday. The game without a history. BC Vienna led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Worthersee Piraten's 22. Bosnian-Croatian center Alen Trepalovac (214-85, agency: World Sport Agency) scored 21 points and 6 rebounds (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and the former international guard Stjepan Stazic (199-78, agency: World Sport Agency) chipped in 8 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. Bosnian forward Selmir Husanovic (200-78) responded with 13 points and 5 rebounds and American forward Thomas Kennedy (201-87, college: Detroit Mercy) scored 11 points. Worthersee Piraten's coach gave up on the game allowing to play eleven players seeing no chance for a win. BC Vienna maintains third position in Group B with 10-14 record having just three points less than leader Wels. Loser Worthersee Piraten keeps the sixth place with 22 games lost. BC Vienna will meet at home league's leader Raiffeisen Wels in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Worthersee Piraten will play against St.Polten (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Worthersee: S.Husanovic 13+5reb, T.Kennedy 11+4reb+2ast, M.Breithuber 8+1reb+2ast, E.Rhinehart 5+4reb+1ast, M.Breithuber 4+4reb+2ast, B.Weber 4+6reb
BC Vienna: A.Trepalovac 21+6reb+1ast, M.Carr 14+2reb+2ast, S.Rhynes 12+2reb+1ast, M.Graf 10+1reb, S.N'Diaye 8+3reb, S.Stazic 8+9reb+3ast
gschID: 121893




Standings - 2.Bundesliga
2.Bundesliga Standings
East
 1. Mattersb.R. 15-0 
 2. Mistelbach 10-5 
 3. Danube City 9-6 
 4. Harreither 9-6 
 5. BC Vienna jrs 8-6 
 6. Fighters 7-8 
 7. Modling 5-11 
 8. UBBC Enns 4-10 
 9. ATSE Graz 0-15 
West
 1. Dornbirn 16-1 
 2. Schwaz 12-5 
 3. Klagenfurt 9-8 
 4. Salzburg 8-9 
 5. Feldkirch 5-12 
 6. SVO/BRG 1-16 


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


Premier League Round 1 of Second Stage - by Eurobasket News
Premier League is at the halfway of the Second Stage and there are still another 1 rounds left.

The biggest surprise of round 1 was guest Grodno-93's (#2) road victory over OZAA Osipovichi (#3) 94-92 on Saturday evening. OZAA Osipovichi cut a 13-point halftime deficit to two at the end of the game. Grodno-93 maintains second place in League with 22-9 record having nine points less than leader Minsk-2006. OZAA Osipovichi at the other side keeps the third position with ten games lost. Grodno-93 will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. OZAA Osipovichi will play again at home against the league's second-placed Grodno-93 and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Gomel. Leader Minsk-2006 faced 4th placed Sozh Gomel. Guests from Minsk defeated host Sozh Gomel 91-82. Defending champion maintains first place in League. Sozh Gomel at the other side keeps the fourth position with 14 games lost. Minsk-2006 will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Sozh Gomel will play again at home against the league's leader Minsk-2006 (#1) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
The game in Minsk was also quite interesting. 6th ranked Borifsen played at the court of seventh ranked BGUIR-RCOR. BGUIR-RCOR managed to secure a 8-point victory 71-63 on Saturday. Newly promoted BGUIR-RCOR maintains seventh place in League. Loser Borifsen keeps the sixth position with 22 games lost. BGUIR-RCOR will again meet at home higher ranked Borifsen (#6) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Borifsen will have a break next round.
The game in Minsk was also worth to mention about. Fifth ranked Lokomotiv played at the court of 8th ranked Vitalyur-RGUOR. Lokomotiv defeated Vitalyur-RGUOR 79-64. Lokomotiv maintains fifth place in League. Vitalyur-RGUOR at the other side stay dead last with 30 lost games. Lokomotiv will have a break next round. Vitalyur-RGUOR will play again at home against Lokomotiv (#5) in Vitebsk.


Group A
OZAA Osipov. - Grodno-93 92-94

The biggest surprise of round 1 was guest Grodno-93's (#2) road victory over OZAA Osipovichi (#3) 94-92 on Saturday evening. OZAA Osipovichi cut a 13-point halftime deficit to two at the end of the game. Grodno-93 maintains second place in League with 22-9 record having nine points less than leader Minsk-2006. OZAA Osipovichi at the other side keeps the third position with ten games lost. Grodno-93 will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. OZAA Osipovichi will play again at home against the league's second-placed Grodno-93 and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
gschID: 122176


Sozh Gomel - Minsk-2006 82-91

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Gomel. Leader Minsk-2006 faced 4th placed Sozh Gomel. Guests from Minsk (31-0) defeated host Sozh Gomel (17-14) 91-82. The guests were ahead by 1 point but lost the second period ending it with a 3-point deficit before their 29-17 run, which allowed them to win the game. Defending champion maintains first place in League with 31-0 record. Sozh Gomel at the other side keeps the fourth position with 14 games lost. Minsk-2006 will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Sozh Gomel will play again at home against the league's leader Minsk-2006 (#1) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
gschID: 122177


Group B
BGUIR-RCOR - Borifsen 71-63

The game in Minsk was also quite interesting. 6th ranked Borifsen (9-22) played at the court of seventh ranked BGUIR-RCOR (6-25). BGUIR-RCOR managed to secure a 8-point victory 71-63 on Saturday. The hosts trailed by 4 points after three quarters before their 23-11 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Newly promoted BGUIR-RCOR maintains seventh place in League with 6-25 record. Loser Borifsen keeps the sixth position with 22 games lost. BGUIR-RCOR will again meet at home higher ranked Borifsen (#6) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Borifsen will have a break next round.
gschID: 122179


Vitalyur - Lokomotiv 64-79

The game in Minsk was also worth to mention about. Fifth ranked Lokomotiv (17-14) played at the court of 8th ranked Vitalyur-RGUOR (1-30). Lokomotiv defeated Vitalyur-RGUOR 79-64. The game without a history. Lokomotiv led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Lokomotiv maintains fifth place in League with 17-14 record. Vitalyur-RGUOR at the other side stay dead last with 30 lost games. Lokomotiv will have a break next round. Vitalyur-RGUOR will play again at home against Lokomotiv (#5) in Vitebsk.
gschID: 122178




Premier League Round 2: Lokomotiv beats Vitalyur-RGUOR by two after a very close game - by Eurobasket News
There were only 2 rounds played so far and it's still very beginning of the Second Stage in Premier League.

Eighth-ranked Vitalyur-RGUOR (1-29) used its home court advantage to challenge fifth ranked Lokomotiv (16-14) in Minsk on Sunday. The visitors from Vitebsk managed to secure only two-point victory 73-71. However their fans expected easier game. The guests trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 23-18 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Lokomotiv moved-up to fourth place in League. Vitalyur-RGUOR at the other side stay dead last with 29 lost games. Lokomotiv are looking forward to face BGUIR-RCOR (#7) in Minsk in the next round. Vitalyur-RGUOR will play on the road against Borifsen in Mogilev and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An interesting game for OZAA Osipovichi (20-10) which hosted in Osipovichi second-ranked Grodno-93 (20-10). Third ranked OZAA Osipovichi had an easy win 85-68. It was a key game for the second position in League. OZAA Osipovichi moved-up to second place in League. OZAA Osipovichi will play against league's leader Minsk-2006 on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Grodno-93 will play against Sozh Gomel and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An interesting game for Minsk-2006 (30-0) which played road game in Gomel against 4th ranked Sozh Gomel (17-13). Top-ranked Minsk-2006 had an easy win 109-69. Defending champion maintains first position in League with 30-0 record. Loser Sozh Gomel dropped to the fifth place with 13 games lost. Minsk-2006 will meet at home league's second-placed OZAA Osipovichi in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Sozh Gomel will play against Grodno-93 and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game in Minsk was also worth to mention about. Sixth ranked Borifsen (10-20) played at the court of 7th ranked BGUIR-RCOR (6-24). Borifsen defeated BGUIR-RCOR 91-81. Borifsen maintains sixth position in League with 10-20 record. Newly promoted BGUIR-RCOR keeps the seventh place with 24 games lost. Borifsen's next round opponent will be bottom-ranked Vitalyur-RGUOR (#8) in Minsk. BGUIR-RCOR will play on the road against Lokomotiv in Vitebsk.


Group A
OZAA Osipov. - Grodno-93 85-68

An interesting game for OZAA Osipovichi (20-10) which hosted in Osipovichi second-ranked Grodno-93 (20-10). Third ranked OZAA Osipovichi had an easy win 85-68. It was a key game for the second position in League. It looked good early as Grodno-93 took an 3-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then OZAA Osipovichi had a 19-12 second period charge getting the lead and Grodno-93 was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 68-85. OZAA Osipovichi moved-up to second place in League. OZAA Osipovichi will play against league's leader Minsk-2006 on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Grodno-93 will play against Sozh Gomel and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
gschID: 122180


Sozh Gomel - Minsk-2006 69-109

An interesting game for Minsk-2006 (30-0) which played road game in Gomel against 4th ranked Sozh Gomel (17-13). Top-ranked Minsk-2006 had an easy win 109-69. The game was mostly controlled by Minsk-2006. Sozh Gomel managed to win second period 19-16. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Defending champion maintains first position in League with 30-0 record. Loser Sozh Gomel dropped to the fifth place with 13 games lost. Minsk-2006 will meet at home league's second-placed OZAA Osipovichi in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Sozh Gomel will play against Grodno-93 and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
gschID: 122181


Group B
BGUIR-RCOR - Borifsen 81-91

The game in Minsk was also worth to mention about. Sixth ranked Borifsen (10-20) played at the court of 7th ranked BGUIR-RCOR (6-24). Borifsen defeated BGUIR-RCOR 91-81. The game without a history. Borifsen led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Borifsen maintains sixth position in League with 10-20 record. Newly promoted BGUIR-RCOR keeps the seventh place with 24 games lost. Borifsen's next round opponent will be bottom-ranked Vitalyur-RGUOR (#8) in Minsk. BGUIR-RCOR will play on the road against Lokomotiv in Vitebsk.
gschID: 122183


Vitalyur - Lokomotiv 71-73

Eighth-ranked Vitalyur-RGUOR (1-29) used its home court advantage to challenge fifth ranked Lokomotiv (16-14) in Minsk on Sunday. The visitors from Vitebsk managed to secure only two-point victory 73-71. However their fans expected easier game. The guests trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 23-18 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Lokomotiv moved-up to fourth place in League. Vitalyur-RGUOR at the other side stay dead last with 29 lost games. Lokomotiv are looking forward to face BGUIR-RCOR (#7) in Minsk in the next round. Vitalyur-RGUOR will play on the road against Borifsen in Mogilev and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
gschID: 122182




Standings - Premier League
Premier League Standings
 1. Minsk-2006 30-0 
 2. OZAA Osipov. 20-10 
 3. Grodno-93 20-10 
 4. Sozh Gomel 17-13 
 5. Lokomotiv 16-14 
 6. Borifsen 10-20 
 7. BGUIR-RCOR 6-24 
 8. Vitalyur 1-29 


*****************************************************
  BELGIUM   


D2 Round 21: Royal Aera Excelsior beats Sint-Jans Antwerpen by two after a very close game - by Eurobasket News
The most exciting game of round 21 in the D2 took place in Brussels. This derby game ended with only two-point defeat on the road of second-best Sint-Jans Antwerpen (14-6) to fourth ranked Royal Aera Excelsior (13-7) 74-72 on Friday evening. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Sint-Jans Antwerpen. Royal Aera Excelsior have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain fourth place with 13-7 record. Sint-Jans Antwerpen at the other side dropped to the third position with six games lost. Royal Aera Excelsior are looking forward to face Waregem (#5) in Waregem in the next round. Sint-Jans Antwerpen will play on the road against KBBC Oostkamp and is hoping to win this game.
Important game to mention about took place in Charleroi. Fifth ranked Waregem (11-8) saved a 2-point victory on the road edging 7th ranked Essor Charleroi (9-10) 58-56 on Sunday evening. Waregem maintains fifth place with 11-8 record. Essor Charleroi lost their third game in a row. They keep the seventh position with ten games lost. Waregem will play against higher ranked Royal Aera Excelsior (#4) in Brussels in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Essor Charleroi will play on the road against CEP Fleurus and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
D2 top team - BBC Kangaroes-Boom (17-2) had no problems winning another game on Saturday. This time they crushed twelfth ranked Dexia Mons Hainaut II (5-12) 87-67. The victory was the ninth consecutive win for BBC Kangaroes-Boom. They maintain first place with 17-2 record. Newly promoted Dexia Mons Hainaut II keeps the twelfth position with 12 games lost. BBC Kangaroes-Boom will meet Zolder (#10) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Dexia Mons Hainaut II will play against the league's second-placed Jako Pitzemburg in Mechelen and hope to secure a win.
Worth to mention about the upset in a game between Royal Aera Excelsior (13-7) and Zolder (7-12), which took place in Brussels. 4th placed Royal Aera Excelsior lost at home to eleventh ranked Zolder 77-86. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Royal Aera Excelsior. Zolder moved-up to tenth place. Royal Aera Excelsior at the other side keeps the fourth position with seven games lost. Zolder's next round opponent will be league's leader BBC Kangaroes-Boom at home and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Royal Aera Excelsior will play against Waregem in Waregem and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game between sixth ranked BBC De Westhoek (12-7) and 14th ranked Belgacom Liege II (5-14) in Zwevezele on Saturday ended with biggest points difference. BBC De Westhoek outscored guests from Liege 92-66. BBC De Westhoek maintains sixth place with 12-7 record. Belgacom Liege II lost their fifth game in a row. Newly promoted team stay at the bottom position with 14 games lost. BBC De Westhoek will face Gembo BBC (#11) in Borgerhout in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Belgacom Liege II will play at home against BC Carnieres and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 21: Oostkamp was beaten by Pitzemburg on the road 83-75. Fleurus won against Gembo on its own court 62-56. Carnieres unfortunately lost to Sint-Jan Ant. in Antwerp 61-73.


Essor Charleroi - Waregem 56-58

Important game to mention about took place in Charleroi. Fifth ranked Waregem (11-8) saved a 2-point victory on the road edging 7th ranked Essor Charleroi (9-10) 58-56 on Sunday evening. Waregem maintains fifth place with 11-8 record. Essor Charleroi lost their third game in a row. They keep the seventh position with ten games lost. Waregem will play against higher ranked Royal Aera Excelsior (#4) in Brussels in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Essor Charleroi will play on the road against CEP Fleurus and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
gschID: 101729


Excelsior - Sint-Jan Ant. 74-72

The most exciting game of round 21 in the D2 took place in Brussels. This derby game ended with only two-point defeat on the road of second-best Sint-Jans Antwerpen (14-6) to fourth ranked Royal Aera Excelsior (13-7) 74-72 on Friday evening. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Sint-Jans Antwerpen. Royal Aera Excelsior have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain fourth place with 13-7 record. Sint-Jans Antwerpen at the other side dropped to the third position with six games lost. Royal Aera Excelsior are looking forward to face Waregem (#5) in Waregem in the next round. Sint-Jans Antwerpen will play on the road against KBBC Oostkamp and is hoping to win this game.
gschID: 122199


Kangar.-Boom - M.Hainaut II 87-67

D2 top team - BBC Kangaroes-Boom (17-2) had no problems winning another game on Saturday. This time they crushed twelfth ranked Dexia Mons Hainaut II (5-12) 87-67. The victory was the ninth consecutive win for BBC Kangaroes-Boom. They maintain first place with 17-2 record. Newly promoted Dexia Mons Hainaut II keeps the twelfth position with 12 games lost. BBC Kangaroes-Boom will meet Zolder (#10) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Dexia Mons Hainaut II will play against the league's second-placed Jako Pitzemburg in Mechelen and hope to secure a win.
gschID: 101726


Excelsior - Zolder 77-86

Worth to mention about the upset in a game between Royal Aera Excelsior (13-7) and Zolder (7-12), which took place in Brussels. 4th placed Royal Aera Excelsior lost at home to eleventh ranked Zolder 77-86. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Royal Aera Excelsior. Zolder moved-up to tenth place. Royal Aera Excelsior at the other side keeps the fourth position with seven games lost. Zolder's next round opponent will be league's leader BBC Kangaroes-Boom at home and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Royal Aera Excelsior will play against Waregem in Waregem and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
gschID: 101727


Pitzemburg - Oostkamp 83-75

No shocking result in a game when third ranked Jako Pitzemburg (13-6) beat 8th ranked KBBC Oostkamp (8-11) in Mechelen 83-75 on Sunday. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Jako Pitzemburg. They moved-up to second place. Newly promoted KBBC Oostkamp keeps the eighth position with 11 games lost. Jako Pitzemburg will face Dexia Mons Hainaut II (#12) in Quaregnon in the next round and are hoping to win another game. KBBC Oostkamp will play at home against Sint-Jans Antwerpen (#3).
gschID: 101728


Fleurus - Gembo 62-56

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 10th ranked Gembo BBC's (6-13) road loss to ninth ranked CEP Fleurus (7-11) 56-62 on Friday. The victory was the third consecutive win for CEP Fleurus. They maintain ninth place with 7-11 record. Gembo BBC lost their fifth game in a row. Newly promoted team dropped to the eleventh position with 13 games lost. CEP Fleurus will face higher ranked Essor Charleroi (#7) at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Gembo BBC will play against BBC De Westhoek (#6) in Zwevezele.
gschID: 101723


Sint-Jan Ant. - Carnieres 73-61

Very predictable result when second ranked Sint-Jans Antwerpen (14-6) won against at home 13th ranked BC Carnieres (5-13) 73-61 on Saturday. The victory was the third consecutive win for Sint-Jans Antwerpen. Despite that victory Sint-Jans Antwerpen went down to third position due to points difference. BC Carnieres lost their fourth game in a row. They keep the thirteenth place with 13 games lost. Sint-Jans Antwerpen will face KBBC Oostkamp (#8) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. BC Carnieres will play against Belgacom Liege II (#14) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
gschID: 101724


De Westhoek - Liege II 92-66

The game between sixth ranked BBC De Westhoek (12-7) and 14th ranked Belgacom Liege II (5-14) in Zwevezele on Saturday ended with biggest points difference. BBC De Westhoek outscored guests from Liege 92-66. BBC De Westhoek maintains sixth place with 12-7 record. Belgacom Liege II lost their fifth game in a row. Newly promoted team stay at the bottom position with 14 games lost. BBC De Westhoek will face Gembo BBC (#11) in Borgerhout in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Belgacom Liege II will play at home against BC Carnieres and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
gschID: 101725




Standings - Division II
D2 Standings
 1. Kangar.-Boom 17-2 
 2. Sint-Jan Ant. 14-6 
 3. Pitzemburg 13-6 
 4. Excelsior 13-7 
 5. De Westhoek 12-7 
 6. Waregem 11-8 
 7. Essor Charleroi 9-10 
 8. Oostkamp 8-11 
 9. Fleurus 7-11 
 10. Zolder 7-12 
 11. Gembo 6-13 
 12. M.Hainaut II 5-12 
 13. Carnieres 5-13 
 14. Liege II 5-14 


*****************************************************
  BELIZE   


Bishop Martin boys to defend national primary school basketball title!!! - by David Magana
The 2010-2011 National Primary Schools Basketball Championship will take centre stage this Friday, February 18, 2011, at the Belize City Centre commencing at 8:30am.

The championship will feature the champions in both the female and male competition from all six districts. The official opening ceremony is scheduled for 8:30am.

The schools that have earned the right to represent their respective districts in the female competition are: Stann Creek- Sacred Heart (Dangriga Town), Belize Holy Redeemer, Cayo Bishop Martin (San Ignacio), Toledo St. Peter Claver, Orange Walk Louisiana Government and from Corozal- Corozal Methodist School.

Meanwhile, the schools in the male competition are: Stann Creek Holy Family RC (Hopkins Village), Cayo Bishop Martin (defending champion), Belize St. Ignatius, Toledo St. Peter Claver, Orange Walk Louisiana Government, and from Corozal- St. Francis Xavier RC School.

Courtesy of Guardian.

*****************************************************
  BOSNIA   


Bosnia and Herzegovina D1 round 21 best performance: Dzenan Rahimic - by Eurobasket News
Naturalized Croatian Dzenan Rahimic (204-C/F-74) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for top-ranked Bosna, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 21.
The 36-year old player was the main contributor (32 points, seven rebounds) to his team's victory, helping them to edge out Sloboda Dita (#5, 11-9) 93-90. It allowed Bosna to consolidate first place in the Croatian D1. Bosna have a solid 16-3 record. Rahimic turned to be Bosna's top player in his first season with the team. Dzenan Rahimic has solid league stats. He is in league's top in points (3rd best: 17.4ppg) and averages impressive 63.9% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 29-year old Montenegrin Boris Lalovic (206-C-81) of Hercegovac. Lalovic had a very good evening with 34 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists. Of course Hercegovac cruised to a 83-76 relatively comfortable win over slightly lower-ranked Celik (#9, 7-13). Hercegovac's 8th position in the standings has not changed. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 10-9 record is not bad and everything may still change. Lalovic is a newcomer at Hercegovac, but is already one of team's top players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 20.5ppg (#1). He also registered 6.4 boards per game.

Third on the list of top players last round was Croatian forward Zeljko Sakic (203-F-88) of Zrinjski MC (#6). Sakic scored 28 points and grabbed thirteen rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of Zrinjski HT, leading his team to a 95-77 easy win against the higher-ranked Capljina (#3, 13-6). Zrinjski HT needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 11 victories and 9 lost games. Sakic has a great season in Bosnia. After 19 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 16.4ppg (7th best) and rebounds with 7.6rpg (#1 in league).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Sasa Crnobrnja (203-F/C-83) of Varda HE - 26 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists
5. Miroslav Markovic (201-F-75) of Varda HE - 18 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists
6. Bozo Durasovic (200-F-87) of Bosna - 18 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists
7. Miodrag Tanasilovic (197-G/F-84) of Sloboda Dita - 30 points and 5 rebounds
8. Ivan Opacak (202-F-80) of Celik - 31 points and 2 rebounds
9. Ranko Velimirovic (203-F/C-72) of Mladost - 21 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists
10. Narcis Begovac (204-F/C-79) of Kakanj - 21 points and 6 rebounds

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

*****************************************************
  BRAZIL   


Tiago Nigro sign with Americana Basketball - by Paulo Freire
The board of directors of the Americana Basketball announced this weekend, a plus reinforcement for their professional team that will compete in the first half of 2011 season. This is a great prospect of Sao Paulo area, a point guard with 22 years old and 1.89 m heigh, Tiago Ceneviva Nigro, more knowing as Tiaguinho Nigro

Tiago has only played in traditional teams of Sao Paulo state in his career as Ribeirao Preto / Coc , Winner / Limeira, Lupo / Araraquara and Sao Caetano and had an international experience in the 2008-2009 season at Wayland Baptist University team in Texas. In the end of the last Paulista State Championship he was sign by the Rio Claro team and just played only 12 games and had a small average of 0.8 points per game.

'Tiago is young, is a quick player with a lot of speed and play hard. We got lucky to find him without a club, surely he will help us a lot in this season,' says head coach Wolmer Bicalho.

Standings - BNL
NBB Standings
 1. Unitri/Universo 15-5 
 2. Flamengo 14-4 
 3. Pinheiros/Sky 14-5 
 4. BRB/Brasilia 13-4 
 5. Araldite/Univille 13-7 
 6. Vivo/Franca 12-6 
 7. Pitagoras/Minas 12-8 
 8. Itabom/Bauru 11-8 
 9. S.Jose/Vinac 9-9 
 10. Winner/Limeira 9-9 
 11. Paulistano 5-14 
 12. Araraquara 4-15 
 13. Vila Velha CETAF 4-16 
 14. Vitoria 4-16 
 15. Assis Basket 3-16 


*****************************************************
  BULGARIA   


Dominic James: I don't think there is anything we can't do - by Maria Mitzova
Lukoil Academik Sofia point guard Dominic James (180-G-86, college: Marquette) is a major part of teams success so far in the EuroChallenge. He missed one game with a shoulder injury, and it was one of the few games Lukoil lost so far against Spartak St.Petersburg in Sofia. Now Lukoil is going to Russia to seek revenge, and James is on full speed.

- I feel really good, I feel our chances are good. The first time we played, I was injured, so Im definitely looking forward to the game. I think my teammates are as well. We just got to be focused, play together and I think we got a good shot.

How though will be as visiting team in Russia?
- I don't know what its like to play in Russia. I imagine they have good fans, they are good team. Its going to be a tough game, but its a one I definitely think we can win.

You were injured for the first game, how did you see it from the outside?
- We missed out on lot of opportunities. We have to take advantage on fast break, and play better defense.

It was a speedy recovery for you. How do you feel now?
- I feel great. Ive done a good job on taking care of it, and getting a rest, so I'm ok.

What are the changes of Lukoil getting that first spot?
- I guess 50%. It will be tough but I don't think there is anything we can't do.

Two new players came; did you get the chance to gel with them already?
- Oh, they are my boys. They are friends, we knew each other before we came here, and they are really good. The definitely help our team, Green has the ability to score and Mack has defensive presence, and plays really hard. I think the team really likes them.

Yambol lets Ilija Cvetkovic go - by Eurobasket News
According to the reports from Bulgarian media, BC Yambol has decided to let go one of its centers. Reportedly, Serbian center Ilija Cvetkovic (207-C/F-88, agency: Prossin Sports Management) will be allowed to look for new club after Yambol has decided release him. Cvetkovic arrived to Yambol at the start of this season on trial and was offered a contract. However, injuries have hampered his progress and he made only 6 appearances for the team, averaging 3.7 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. It remains to be seen whether Yambol will look for replacement, and what is the next step for Cvetkovic.
Ilija Cvetkovic is a product of Borac Cacak junior system. He made his professional debut during 2005-2006 season. Following year he moved to Partizan where he played for their second team in B league. Last season, Cvetkovic moved to Masinac Kraljevo. In 17 games, he posted averages of 3.0 points and 2.5 rebounds per game. At the start of this season he has spent some time on trial with Yambol. He managed to impress enough to be offered a contract.

*****************************************************
  CANADA   


PBL Canada weekly roundup - by Eurobasket News
Halifax Rainmen

Current Record: 6-4 (3rd Pace in the PBL)

The Halifax Rainmen finished off their last game in Nova Scotia with a double overtime win over the Quebec Kebs before heading out on a month-long road trip. But the win that left Halifax fans buzzing with excitement was quickly overturned by the PBL. The league reviewed the last game and concluded that the referee team did not comply with league rules, failing to reset the foul count at the end of regulation. To make up for the error in officiating, the Halifax Rainmen and Quebec Kebs will replay the overtime period again prior to the Rainmen-Kebs matchup on March 5th.

The Rainmen have hit a rough patch on the road, losing two in a row. Their first loss came to the Saint John Mill Rats 83-78 on February 11th in Saint John. Halifax shot the ball poorly, shooting 31.4% from the field and making just 2 of 19 from three point territory. Halifax's Josh Dollard had a double double in the loss with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Halifax then traveled to Rochester, NY to take on the Rochester Razorsharks and were blown out 102-88. Kavon Jones did not play (ankle) and Taliek Brown (hamstring) left the game within the first three minutes.

Roster Moves
Halifax has made a few roster changes over the past week with two of their guards departing the team. One of the Rainmen's top offensive weapons, Mike Mercer, left the Rainmen for family reasons. Mercer was the leading scorer for the Rainmen at 14.5 ppg.

The team also announced that 5'7' point guard, Tajuan Porter, has accepted a playing opportunity in France and has left the team. The Rainmen quickly signed a replacement point guard, signing Trayvon Lathan. Lathan has playing experience both overseas and with the IBL. Trayvon is a guy weve been trying to sign for the last three years, said Halifax Rainmen President and CEO, Andre Levingston in a press release. Hes a very skilled and experienced player who gives us a lot of length at that position. We are very excited to finally have him as part of our organization.

Halifax also added some size to the roster, with the addition of 6-10 centre, Kenneth Cooper.


Saint John Mill Rats

Current Record: 5-4 (4th Place in the PBL)

Well, the Mill Rats have been on a roll. The team out of Saint John has put together a three-game winning streak, putting Saint John one game above .500. After losing to the Rainmen on January 29th, the Mill Rats won three straight including a revenge win against the Rainmen in Saint John. Other wins included a 108-92 win over the Quebec Kebs as well as a 20-point win over the Dayton Air Strikers on February 16th. The addition of Dwuan Rice, who was acquired in the Vermont dispersal draft, has made a huge impact to the team. Rice had 23 points in the win over Halifax. Anthony Anderson continues to be the leading scorer for the Mill Rats with his 17.3 ppg.

Jeffrey Ferguson (Toronto) scored 19 points against the Dayton Air Strikers, UNB Alumni, Mike Anderson (Fredericton) had 3 pts, 3 rebounds and 2 assists in eleven minutes against Dayton.

Saint John sported pink jerseys in the matchup against Halifax, in support of Breast Cancer Awareness.


Quebec Kebs

Current Record: 7-3 (2nd Place in the PBL)

The Quebec Kebs continue to surprise this year and currently hold second place in the PBL. After being known as one of the worst francshises in the PBL in previous seasons, the Kebs have come back this season with an experienced head coach in Rob Spon and new talent to the roster. Quebec recently pulled off a 2-point win over the Dayton Air Strikers. Quinnell Brown currently is one of the top scorers in the PBL with 19.7 ppg and led the team with 22 points in Quebec's win.

Kebs veteran, Jonas Pierre (Montreal) had 4 pts and 9 rebounds in Quebec's last game against Dayton while Cordell Jeanty (Toronto) scored 6 points. Samuel Audet-Sow (Laval) did not play in Quebec's last matchup.

Upcoming Games for the Canadian Teams of the PBL:
2/25 - Halifax at Saint John
2/26 - Halifax at Quebec
2/27 - Saint John at Quebec
3/3 - Saint John at Rochester
3/5 - Quebec at Halifax
3/6 - Kentucky at Saint John

Courtesy of www.northpolehoops.com




*****************************************************
  CHILE   


Libsur is ready to go with 15 teams - by Cristian Quiroga
LIBSUR league is ready to start another season on March 26th. Leadership has announced last week 15 teams that will play in two groups: North and South.
An important change in the teams distribution has been introduced. LIbsur accepted postulation of Puerto Montt Basketball Club that will be the eighth team in Southern group.
With this decision, the teams that will start playing soon are:
North: Asociacion Basquetbol Temuco Nielol, Deportes Lautaro, Deportes Victoria, Club de Deportes Las Animas, Deportivo Carahue, Club Deportivo Imperial, Club Deportivo Valdivia.
South: Deportes Pto. Varas, Club Deportivo Universidad de Los Lagos Puerto Montt, Club Deportivo Colegio Alemn, ABA Ancud, CDS Osorno, Deportivo Espaol, Deportes Castro, Club Basquetbol PuertoMontt.
Deportes Victoria is the current champion of LIBSUR.

*****************************************************
  CHINA   


CBA Round 26: DongGuan Leopards defeat Zhejiang Guangsha Lions in the game between Top 4 teams - by Eurobasket News
The fans could enjoy quite many interesting games in the last round. The round ended with extra overtimes, favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin.

An interesting game for DongGuan Leopards (20-4) which hosted in DongGuan 4th ranked Zhejiang Guangsha Lions (14-11). Second ranked DongGuan Leopards managed to get a 10-point victory 110-100. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Zhejiang Guangsha Lions. The game without a history. DongGuan Leopards led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Nigerian guard Josh-Emmanuel Akognon (180-86, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) orchestrated the victory by scoring 24 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. American-Lebanese power forward Jackson Vroman (208-81, college: Iowa St.) contributed with 15 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners. American-Puerto Rican center Peter John Ramos (222-85) replied with a double-double by scoring 27 points and 16 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) for Zhejiang Guangsha Lions. DongGuan Leopards have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 20-4 record having just three points less than leader Xinjiang. Zhejiang Guangsha Lions at the other side dropped to the fifth place with 11 games lost. DongGuan Leopards are looking forward to face Liaoning Hunters (#10) in Yingkou in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Zhejiang Guangsha Lions' supporters also look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Hangzhou to the arena Zhejiang Cyclones.
Bottom-ranked TianJin Rongcheng managed to get a fifth victory, breaking the three-game losing streak. This time they edged fourteenth-ranked Jilin Tigers in Changchun 82-80. Ivorian-French power forward Herve Lamizana (207-81, college: Rutgers) scored 26 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals to lead the charge for the winners and Vernon Hamilton chipped in 17 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals during the contest. TianJin Rongcheng's coach Bob MacKinnon allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. American power forward Jameel Watkins (211-77, college: Georgetown) responded with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 24 rebounds. TianJin Rongcheng (5-19) moved-up to sixteenth place, which they share with Fujian. Jilin Tigers lost third consecutive game. They keep the fourteenth position with 16 games lost. TianJin Rongcheng will play against higher ranked Beijing Ducks (#6) on the road in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Jilin Tigers will play against Foshan (#15) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
CBA top team - Xinjiang Flying Tige (23-1) had no problems winning another game on Sunday. This time they crushed eleventh ranked Shanghai Sharks (10-15) in Urumqi 108-87. Quincy Douby notched 40 points (!!!) and 5 steals to lead the effort. Even 24 points by Fei Peng did not help to save the game for Shanghai Sharks. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Xinjiang Flying Tige have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 23-1 record. Loser Shanghai Sharks dropped to the twelfth place with 15 games lost. Xinjiang Flying Tige will meet Shanxi Zhongyu (#11) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Shanghai Sharks will play against Shandong Bulls in Jinan and hope to secure a win.
Higher ranked Beijing Ducks (13-11) fell to thirteenth ranked Shanxi Zhongyu (10-14) in overtime by five points 104-109. The game took place in Beijing. But the guests from Taiyuan were better at the end. The best player for the winners was Leon Rodgers who had a double-double by scoring 43 points (!!!) and 15 rebounds. Shanxi Zhongyu have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to eleventh place. Beijing Ducks at the other side dropped to the sixth position with 11 games lost. Shanxi Zhongyu's next round opponent will be league's leader Xinjiang Flying Tige in Urumqi and they do not belong to the favorites in that game.
Fifteenth-ranked Foshan (8-16) was very close to win a game against tenth ranked Liaoning Hunters (12-13) in Yingkou on Sunday. Liaoning Hunters managed to secure only one-point victory 67-66. However their fans expected much easier game. Xiaoxu Li saved the victory by scoring 9 points, 19 rebounds and 4 assists. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Liaoning Hunters maintains tenth position with 12-13 record. Foshan lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the fifteenth place with 16 games lost. Liaoning Hunters will face league's second-placed DongGuan Leopards at home in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Foshan will play against Jilin Tigers (#14) in Changchun and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 26: Bayi was beaten by Shandong on the road 109-103. Guandong destroyed Fujian on its own court 116-85. Qingdao DS was outscored by Jiangsu in Nanjing 117-98.


DongGuan - Zhejiang G.L. 110-100

An interesting game for DongGuan Leopards (20-4) which hosted in DongGuan 4th ranked Zhejiang Guangsha Lions (14-11). Second ranked DongGuan Leopards managed to get a 10-point victory 110-100. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Zhejiang Guangsha Lions. The game without a history. DongGuan Leopards led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Nigerian guard Josh-Emmanuel Akognon (180-86, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) orchestrated the victory by scoring 24 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. American-Lebanese power forward Jackson Vroman (208-81, college: Iowa St.) contributed with 15 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners. American-Puerto Rican center Peter John Ramos (222-85) replied with a double-double by scoring 27 points and 16 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) and the former international forward Bo Wang (202-82) added 19 points and 4 steals in the effort for Zhejiang Guangsha Lions. Five DongGuan Leopards and four Zhejiang Guangsha Lions players scored in double figures. DongGuan Leopards have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 20-4 record having just three points less than leader Xinjiang. Zhejiang Guangsha Lions at the other side dropped to the fifth place with 11 games lost. DongGuan Leopards are looking forward to face Liaoning Hunters (#10) in Yingkou in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Zhejiang Guangsha Lions' supporters also look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Hangzhou to the arena Zhejiang Cyclones.
Top scorers:
DongGuan: A.Josh-Emmanuel 24+5reb+4ast, Q.Biao 19+3reb+3ast, V.Jackson 15+7reb+8ast, P.Duo 14+2reb+4ast, G.QuAn 13+6reb+1ast, Z.Kai 10+14reb
Zhejiang G.L.: R.Peter John 27+16reb+2ast, W.Bo 19+4reb+2ast, K.Tre 18+2reb+3ast, L.Chih-Chieh 15+6reb+2ast, Z.Wei 8+1reb, X.YuYang 7+3reb
gschID: 118526


Shandong - Bayi 109-103

There was a small surprise when ninth ranked Shandong Bulls (12-12) beat 7th ranked Bayi Fubang (13-12) in Jinan 109-103 on Sunday. The hosts trailed by 4 points at the halftime before their 69-59 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Shandong Bulls made 22-of-29 free shots (75.9 percent) during the game. Bayi Fubang was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. American guard Myron Allen (180-79, college: Lee JC) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 22 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international guard Jie Sun (190-86) contributed with 22 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. The former international center ZhiZhi Wang (214-79) replied with 27 points and 9 rebounds and the former international center Ke Mo (210-82) added 26 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists in the effort for Bayi Fubang. Five Shandong Bulls and four Bayi Fubang players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Shandong Bulls moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Zhejiang C. Loser Bayi Fubang keeps the seventh position with 12 games lost. Shandong Bulls will face Shanghai Sharks (#12) at home in the next round.
Top scorers:
Shandong: S.Jie 22+7reb+3ast, A.Myron 22+10reb+4ast, W.Rodney 18+4reb+1ast, W.Ke 16+9reb+1ast, L.JingYu 13+6reb, L.Li 10+9reb+1ast
Bayi: W.ZhiZhi 27+9reb+3ast, M.Ke 26+8reb+5ast, W.Lei 22+10reb+3ast, L.Ke 12+5reb+1ast, H.Shuo 5+3reb, Z.Chengyu 4+2reb+4ast
gschID: 118527


Guandong - Fujian 116-85

Very expected game when 16th ranked Fujian SBS XunXin (5-19) was smashed by third ranked Guandong Tigers (18-7) in Dongguan 116-85 on Sunday. The game was mostly controlled by Guandong Tigers. Fujian SBS XunXin was better in fourth quarter 27-26. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Guandong Tigers forced 19 Fujian SBS XunXin turnovers. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Guandong Tigers made 7 blocks. American players dominated the game. Forward Marcus Haislip (207-80, college: Tennessee) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 31 points and 10 rebounds (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field). Guard Lester Hudson (191-84, college: Tennessee-Martin) contributed with 28 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Swingman Andre Emmett (196-82, college: Texas Tech) replied with 38 points (!!!) and 9 rebounds and center Dwayne Jones (211-83, college: St.Joseph's) added 14 points and 17 rebounds in the effort for Fujian SBS XunXin. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Guandong Tigers have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 18-7 record having four points less than leader Xinjiang. Fujian SBS XunXin lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the sixteenth place with 19 games lost. Guandong Tigers will have a break next round. Fujian SBS XunXin will play at home against Jiangsu Dragons (#4) in Nanjing.
Top scorers:
Guandong: H.Marcus 31+10reb, H.Lester 28+8reb+1ast, S.Wei 13+4reb, Z.Peng 13+6reb+3ast, W.Zheng 12+4reb, W.ShiPeng 7+2ast
Fujian: E.Andre 38+9reb+2ast, J.Dwayne 14+17reb+1ast, Y.GengLin 13+3reb+2ast, Z.TaiLong 10+1ast, Z.Qixin 4+2reb, G.Lei 3+1reb
gschID: 118528


Xinjiang - Shanghai 108-87

CBA top team - Xinjiang Flying Tige (23-1) had no problems winning another game on Sunday. This time they crushed eleventh ranked Shanghai Sharks (10-15) in Urumqi 108-87. The hosts trailed by 2 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 10-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 108-87. Xinjiang Flying Tige made 17-of-20 free shots (85.0 percent) during the game. They also forced 19 Shanghai Sharks turnovers. American guard Quincy Douby (191-84, college: Rutgers) notched 40 points (!!!) and 5 steals to lead the effort and the former international center Bateer Mengke (210-75) supported him with 18 points, 14 rebounds and 8 assists. Even 24 points by center Fei Peng (203-87) did not help to save the game for Shanghai Sharks. Forward Ziqui Liu (195-82) added 17 points (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) for the guests. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Xinjiang Flying Tige have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 23-1 record. Loser Shanghai Sharks dropped to the twelfth place with 15 games lost. Xinjiang Flying Tige will meet Shanxi Zhongyu (#11) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Shanghai Sharks will play against Shandong Bulls in Jinan and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Xinjiang: D.Quincy 40+3reb, M.Bateer 18+14reb+8ast, S.James 12+4reb+1ast, X.GuoChong 10+2reb, Z.QingPeng 9+3reb, S.WeiBo 8+2reb+2ast
Shanghai: P.Fei 24+3reb+1ast, L.Ziqui 17+4reb+2ast, Z.ZhaoXu 12+9reb, L.Wei 10+5ast, H.Mike 9+8reb+1ast, L.John 6+11reb+2ast
gschID: 118522


Jilin - TianJin R. 80-82

Bottom-ranked TianJin Rongcheng managed to get a fifth victory, breaking the three-game losing streak. This time they edged fourteenth-ranked Jilin Tigers in Changchun 82-80. Jilin Tigers were ahead by 8 points at the halftime before a 27-15 third quarter run of TianJin Rongcheng. They also forced 20 Jilin Tigers turnovers. Ivorian-French power forward Herve Lamizana (207-81, college: Rutgers) scored 26 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals to lead the charge for the winners and American guard Vernon Hamilton (183-84, college: Clemson) chipped in 17 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals during the contest. Four TianJin Rongcheng players scored in double figures. TianJin Rongcheng's coach Bob MacKinnon allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. American power forward Jameel Watkins (211-77, college: Georgetown) responded with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 24 rebounds and his fellow American import swingman Tim Pickett (193-81, college: Florida St.) scored 18 points and 6 rebounds. TianJin Rongcheng (5-19) moved-up to sixteenth place, which they share with Fujian. Jilin Tigers lost third consecutive game. They keep the fourteenth position with 16 games lost. TianJin Rongcheng will play against higher ranked Beijing Ducks (#6) on the road in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Jilin Tigers will play against Foshan (#15) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
TianJin R.: L.Herve 26+7reb+5ast, H.Vernon 17+7reb+4ast, Z.Nan 12+5reb+3ast, X.Lei 12+6reb+1ast, W.Hao 7+3reb, X.GuiJun 4+1reb
Jilin: W.Jameel 26+24reb+1ast, P.Tim 18+6reb+1ast, L.Tao 10+2ast, L.Wei 8+5reb+1ast, L.Xudong 6, Y.Shulong 5+2reb
gschID: 118523


Liaoning - Foshan 67-66

Fifteenth-ranked Foshan (8-16) was very close to win a game against tenth ranked Liaoning Hunters (12-13) in Yingkou on Sunday. Liaoning Hunters managed to secure only one-point victory 67-66. However their fans expected much easier game. Foshan cut a 13-point halftime deficit to one at the end of the game. The former international center Xiaoxu Li (207-90) saved the victory by scoring 9 points, 19 rebounds and 4 assists. International guard Ailun Guo (193-93) contributed with 21 points for the winners. American guard Stephon Marbury (187-77, college: Georgia Tech) replied with 23 points and Nigerian-British power forward Olumide Oyedeji (208-81) added 14 points and 13 rebounds in the effort for Foshan. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Liaoning Hunters maintains tenth position with 12-13 record. Foshan lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the fifteenth place with 16 games lost. Liaoning Hunters will face league's second-placed DongGuan Leopards at home in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Foshan will play against Jilin Tigers (#14) in Changchun and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Liaoning: G.Ailun 21+1reb+2ast, M.Anthony 11+11reb, Y.Ming 10+6reb+5ast, L.Xiaoxu 9+19reb+4ast, H.Dejun 7+1reb, B.Qiang 3+1reb
Foshan: M.Stephon 23+3reb+3ast, O.Olumide 14+13reb, Z.Zhun 10+6reb+2ast, Y.Wenbo 8+3reb+3ast, H.Ben 5+7reb+1ast, Z.Nan 3+1reb
gschID: 118524


Jiangsu - Qingdao DS 117-98

Very predictable result when sixth ranked Jiangsu Dragons (14-10) rolled over 12th ranked Qingdao Double Star (9-15) in Nanjing 117-98 on Sunday. Jiangsu Dragons made 16-of-18 free shots (88.9 percent) during the game. They also forced 19 Qingdao Double Star turnovers. The former international guard XueFeng Hu (185-80) orchestrated the victory by scoring 30 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line). International swingman Li Yi (203-85) contributed with 22 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. American forward Charles Gaines (201-81, college: S.Mississippi, agency: Gross Zeev ISA) replied with a double-double by scoring 32 points and 11 rebounds and his fellow American import guard Dee Brown (185-84, college: Illinois) added 21 points and 4 assists in the effort for Qingdao Double Star. Five Jiangsu Dragons and four Qingdao Double Star players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Jiangsu Dragons moved-up to fourth place. Loser Qingdao Double Star dropped to the thirteenth position with 15 games lost. Jiangsu Dragons will face Fujian SBS XunXin (#16) in Jinjiang in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Qingdao Double Star will play at home against Bayi Fubang in Ningbo.
Top scorers:
Jiangsu: H.XueFeng 30+7reb+4ast, Y.Li 22+7reb+1ast, W.Antoine 22+3reb, M.Da 17, L.Yahui 13+4reb+1ast, M.Jerome 12+10reb+1ast
Qingdao DS: G.Charles 32+11reb+1ast, L.Gen 21+1reb+4ast, B.Dee 21+3reb+4ast, C.Liang 11+6reb+2ast, L.Guang 7+3reb+1ast, L.Yan 6+2ast
gschID: 118525


Beijing - Shanxi Zh. 104-109 OT

Higher ranked Beijing Ducks (13-11) fell to thirteenth ranked Shanxi Zhongyu (10-14) in overtime by five points 104-109. The game took place in Beijing. But the guests from Taiyuan were better at the end. It looked good early as Beijing Ducks took an 10-point lead at the end of first quarter. Then Shanxi Zhongyu had a 27-16 second period charge getting the lead. Then Beijing Ducks managed to tie the game at the end of regular time, but lost overtime period 12-17. 30 personal fouls committed by Beijing Ducks helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American forward Leon Rodgers (199-80, college: N.Illinois) who had a double-double by scoring 43 points (!!!) and 15 rebounds. Jordanian guard Osama Daghlas (199-79, college: Midwestern St.) chipped in a double-double by scoring 23 points, 9 rebounds and 13 assists. Four Shanxi Zhongyu players scored in double figures. American power forward Randolph Morris (211-86, college: Kentucky) produced a double-double by scoring 33 points (!!!) and 16 rebounds and Jordanian forward Zaid Abbaas (203-83) added 18 points and 14 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) respectively for the hosts. Shanxi Zhongyu have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to eleventh place. Beijing Ducks at the other side dropped to the sixth position with 11 games lost. Shanxi Zhongyu's next round opponent will be league's leader Xinjiang Flying Tige in Urumqi and they do not belong to the favorites in that game.
Top scorers:
Shanxi Zh.: R.Leon 43+15reb+2ast, J.Alexander 26+16reb+1ast, D.Osama 23+9reb+13ast, Z.Biao 10+3reb, Z.XueWen 7+1reb, P.Jiang 0
Beijing: M.Randolph 33+16reb, C.Joe 22+6reb, A.Zaid 18+14reb+2ast, X.LiBin 11+2reb+1ast, C.Lei 7+11reb+4ast, J.Zhe 7+7reb
gschID: 118521




Standings - CBA
CBA Standings
 1. Xinjiang 23-1 
 2. DongGuan 20-4 
 3. Guandong 18-7 
 4. Jiangsu 14-10 
 5. Zhejiang G.L. 14-11 
 6. Beijing 13-11 
 7. Bayi 13-12 
 8. Zhejiang C. 12-12 
 9. Shandong 12-12 
 10. Liaoning 12-13 
 11. Shanxi Zh. 10-14 
 12. Shanghai 10-15 
 13. Qingdao DS 9-15 
 14. Jilin 9-16 
 15. Foshan 8-16 
 16. Fujian 5-19 
 17. TianJin R. 5-19 


Stats Leaders - CBA
Points Per Game
 Charles GAINES
  Qingdao DS
  (201-F-81)
  Avg: 33.3
 1. Gaines, Qingdao DS33.3 
 2. Morris, Beijing29.5 
 3. Douby, Xinjiang29.4 
 4. Rodgers, Shanxi Zh.28.7 
 5. Emmett, Fujian28.2 
 6. Williams, Zhejiang C.27.6 
 7. Akognon, DongGuan26.0 
 8. Pickett, Jilin25.7 
 9. Marbury, Foshan24.9 
 10. Lamizana, TianJ.24.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Dwayne JONES
  Fujian
  (211-C-83)
  Avg: 16.3
 1. Jones, Fujian16.3 
 2. Benson, TianJin R.14.6 
 3. Harris, Shanghai14.4 
 4. Gaines, Qingdao DS14.0 
 5. Watkins, Jilin13.8 
 6. Ramos, Zhejiang.13.8 
 7. Oyedeji, Foshan12.7 
 8. Moiso, Jiangsu12.6 
 9. Morris, Beijing11.7 
 10. Abbaas, Beijing11.5 
Assists Per Game
 Osama DAGHLAS
  Shanxi Zh.
  (199-G-79)
  Avg: 9.5
 1. Daghlas, Shanxi Zh.9.5 
 2. Marbury, Foshan6.3 
 3. Hu, Jiangsu5.6 
 4. Vroman, DongGuan5.3 
 5. Brown, Qingdao DS5.2 
 6. Lu, Fujian5.1 
 7. LiuWei, Shanghai5.0 
 8. Green, Shanghai4.8 
 9. Allen, Shandong4.8 
 10. Jones, Guandong4.6 
Steals Per Game
 XueFeng HU
  Jiangsu
  (185-G-80)
  Avg: 4
 1. Hu, Jiangsu4.0 
 2. Douby, Xinjiang3.4 
 3. Hudson, Guandong3.0 
 4. Vroman, DongGuan2.8 
 5. Akognon, DongGuan2.5 
 6. Zhong, Jilin2.4 
 7. Emmett, Fujian2.4 
 8. Gaines, Qingdao DS2.3 
 9. Daghlas, Shanxi Zh.2.2 
 10. Brown, Qingdao DS2.2 
Blocks Per Game
 Herve LAMIZANA
  TianJin R.
  (207-F/C-81)
  Avg: 3.8
 1. Lamizana, TianJ.3.8 
 2. Watkins, Jilin2.0 
 3. Jones, Fujian1.8 
 4. Boone, Zhejiang C.1.8 
 5. Moiso, Jiangsu1.8 
 6. Haislip, Guandong1.7 
 7. Vroman, DongGuan1.6 
 8. Zhang, Shanghai1.6 
 9. Wang, Bayi1.5 
 10. Benson, TianJin R.1.5 


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  CROATIA   


Karac's 26 points and 6 rebounds give him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
31-year old forward Frano Karac (207-F-79) put on an amazing game in the last round for KK Dubrovnik and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 15.
He had the game-high 26 points adding six rebounds for Dubrovnik in his team's victory, helping them to beat Darda (#7, 7-8) 99-88. Dubrovnik is placed at 4th position in Croatian league. Dubrovnik is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 8-7 record. In the team's last game Karac had a remarkable five three-pointers out of 7 attempts. He has many years of experience at Dubrovnik, through which he has constantly improved. Frano Karac averages this season 7.3ppg.

Second best performed player last round was Dario Saric (205-F/C-94) of KK Dubrava Zagreb. He is a forward in his first season at Dubrava. In the last game Saric recorded impressive 20 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Of course he lead Dubrava to another comfortable win outscoring slightly lower-ranked Trogir (#10, 4-11) 92-70. The game was between two teams which are definitely not main contenders for the title. Dubrava keeps 9th position. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 5-10 record. Saric is a newcomer at Dubrava and quickly became one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 15.8ppg (#9). He also registered 8.6 boards per game.

Third place about best performers goes to center Ivan Krolo (217-C-83) of Vrijednosnice OS Darda (#7). Krolo scored 25 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Despite Krolo's great performance Darda lost 88-99 to the higher-ranked Dubrovnik (#4, 8-7). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Darda ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 8 games, recording just seven victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Krolo could help Darda to bring them higher in the standings. Krolo has a great season in Croatia. After 15 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 16.1ppg (6th best) and rebounds with 8.7rpg (3rd best). He also has 1.2bpg and FGP: 71.4%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Robert Rikic (218-C-90) of Dubrava - 16 points and 8 rebounds
5. Ivan Mikulic (194-G-91) of Borik - 17 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Josip Sobin (203-G/F-89) of KK Split - 13 points and 12 rebounds
7. Antonio Bicvic (199-F-82) of Darda - 18 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Jure Skific (202-F/C-88) of Borik - 20 points and 4 rebounds
9. Josip Blajic (192-G-87) of Alkar Sinj - 20 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists
10. Nikola Dosen (187-G-91) of Dubrovnik - 24 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)

Zadar and Chester Mason part ways - by Eurobasket News
According to the reports from Croatian media, Zadar and Chester Mason (192-G-81, agency: N.E.T., college: Miami (OH)) parted ways. Reportedly, the reason for this was lack of payment to the American guard. It remains to be seen will Zadar bring in the replacement.
Chester Mason played of University Miami Ohio in NCAA. After going undrafted he signed with Albuquerque Thunderbirds in Developmental League in 2005. In 2007, Mason was picked up by Cleveland Cavaliers but in October he moved to Zlatorog Lasko in Slovenia. In 20 games with Zlatorog, Mason averaged 11.3 points and 2.5 rebounds. During 2008-2009 season Mason played for Cleveland Rockers and Anaheim Arsenal before signing with Siorki in March 2009. He was a huge hit with Siroki, helping them win two National Titles in Bosnia. This season Mason started with Ventspils but midway through he signed with Zadar. For Zadar he played in 7 Adriatic league games and has averaged 8.9 points and 6.4 rebounds, while in Eurochallenge he averaged 9.8 points and 4.0 rebounds in 4 games.

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  CYPRUS   


Division A Round 17: Keravnos defeats Etha in the closest game of the week - by Eurobasket News
There will be only one (last) round of the Regular Season in Division A. Coincidentally all hosts won their games.

The most exciting game of round 17 in the Division A took place in Nicosia. This derby game ended with only one-point defeat on the road of 4th placed Etha (9-6) to second ranked Keravnos (11-4) 60-59 in the game for the second place. Etha was trailing by 1 point at halftime but managed to get 6-point lead after three quarters before a 20-13 charge of Keravnos, which allowed them to win the game. Serbian center Slavko Stefanovic (206-C-81, agency: BeoExcell) stepped up and scored 17 points and 7 rebounds for the winners and American guard Kammron Taylor (188-84, college: Wisconsin, agency: Edge Sports) chipped in 17 points and 5 rebounds. American power forward Anthony King (206-85, college: Miami (FL), agency: Interperformances) responded with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Keravnos maintains second place with 11-4 record behind leader APOEL. Etha at the other side dropped to the third position with six games lost. They share it with Apollon. Keravnos are looking forward to face Apollon (#3) in Limassol in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Etha will play at home against AEK in Larnaca and is hoping to prove to their supporters that this time they can win.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Nicosia. First ranked host APOEL (12-3) defeated 3rd placed Apollon (9-6) 100-95. Croatian forward Zvonko Buljan (206-87, college: TCU) nailed a double-double by scoring 24 points and 13 rebounds for the winning side and Kevin Tiggs accounted for 19 points. American-Spanish power forward Lewis Sims (203-73, college: New Orleans, agency: Strategic Sports) came up with 31 points (on 13-of-14 shooting from the field) for Apollon in the defeat. APOEL have a solid series of four victories in a row. Defending champion maintains first place with 12-3 record. Apollon at the other side keeps the third position with six games lost. They share it with Etha. APOEL's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Nicosia to the arena ENAD.
Bottom-ranked Omonia managed to get a fifth victory on Friday night. This time they won against fifth-ranked Achilleas in Nicosia 79-70. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Achilleas. The best player for the winners was Dennis Horner who scored 23 points. Andreas Pantziaros produced 18 points and 5 rebounds for the guests. Omonia (5-11) moved-up to eighth place. Loser Achilleas keeps the fifth position with seven games lost. Omonia's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Nicosia to the arena .
Eighth ranked AEL (5-10) beat at home 9th ranked ENAD (4-11) by 9 points 81-72, which is the biggest margin this round. Brandon Ewing orchestrated the victory by scoring 22 points. AEL moved-up to sixth place, which they share with AEK. ENAD at the other side stay at the bottom position with 11 games lost. AEL's next round opponent will be higher ranked Achilleas (#5) in Kaimakli and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. ENAD will play at home against the league's leader APOEL (#1) in Nicosia.

AEL - ENAD 81-72

Eighth ranked AEL (5-10) beat at home 9th ranked ENAD (4-11) by 9 points 81-72, which is the biggest margin this round. The hosts were tied after three quarters but managed to speed up in last quarter eventually winning the game. AEL players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. American guard Brandon Ewing (187-86, college: Wyoming, agency: Interperformances) orchestrated the victory by scoring 22 points. The former international swingman Michalis Kounounis (194-81, agency: Interperformances) contributed with a double-double by scoring 10 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists for the winners. Four AEL players scored in double figures. Montenegrin forward Balsa Radunovic (206-80) answered with 24 points and 8 rebounds and Canadian center David Collins (213-85, college: Bradley) added 13 points and 14 rebounds in the effort for ENAD. AEL moved-up to sixth place, which they share with AEK. ENAD at the other side stay at the bottom position with 11 games lost. AEL's next round opponent will be higher ranked Achilleas (#5) in Kaimakli and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. ENAD will play at home against the league's leader APOEL (#1) in Nicosia.
Top scorers:
AEL: B.Ewing 22+4reb+1ast, D.Delic 15+4reb+3ast, I.Hoger 11+9reb+1ast, M.Kounounis 10+6reb+10ast, A.Liatsos 8+1reb, A.Wyatt 8+12reb+2ast
ENAD: B.Radunovic 24+8reb+1ast, T.Kent 17+7reb+3ast, D.Collins 13+14reb, S.Filippou 9+3reb, B.Price 5+4reb+4ast, A.Smiljanic 2+2reb
gschID: 121781


Omonia - Achilleas 79-70

Bottom-ranked Omonia managed to get a fifth victory on Friday night. This time they won against fifth-ranked Achilleas in Nicosia 79-70. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Achilleas. Achilleas trailed by 11 points at halftime and as many as 14 after three quarters before a 22-17 last quarter charge cut the deficit to 70-79 at the end of the game. The best player for the winners was American forward Dennis Horner (206-86, college: N.Carolina St., agency: Strategic Sports) who scored 23 points. His fellow American import forward Akida McLain (206-86, college: Indiana (PA)) chipped in 18 points and 6 rebounds (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field). Guard Andreas Pantziaros (187-90) produced 18 points and 5 rebounds and American guard Anthony Johnson (191-86, college: Montana, agency: Strategic Sports) added 12 points and 4 assists respectively for the guests. Five Achilleas players scored in double figures. Omonia (5-11) moved-up to eighth place. Loser Achilleas keeps the fifth position with seven games lost. Omonia's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Nicosia to the arena .
Top scorers:
Omonia: D.Horner 23+4reb+3ast, A.McLain 18+6reb, M.Cubrilo 15+4reb+1ast, 9+6reb+5ast, D.Bostick 6+6reb+1ast, L.Juknevicius 3+2reb+8ast
Achilleas: A.Pantziaros 18+5reb+1ast, D.Angelov 13+5reb, A.Johnson 12+4reb+4ast, B.Frasor 12+4reb, T.Biggs 10+3reb+1ast, G.Theocharides 2+1reb+1ast
gschID: 121778


APOEL - Apollon 100-95

The game between Top Four teams took place in Nicosia. First ranked host APOEL (12-3) defeated 3rd placed Apollon (9-6) 100-95. The hosts were already 15 points ahead after 3 quarters before a 37-27 Apollon's run in the last quarter cut the lead to 100-95 at the end of the game. APOEL made 22-of-29 charity shots (75.9 percent) during the game. They also forced 21 Apollon turnovers. Croatian forward Zvonko Buljan (206-87, college: TCU) nailed a double-double by scoring 24 points and 13 rebounds for the winning side and American swingman Kevin Tiggs (196-84, college: E.Tenn.St.) accounted for 19 points. Five APOEL players scored in double figures. American-Spanish power forward Lewis Sims (203-73, college: New Orleans, agency: Strategic Sports) came up with 31 points (on 13-of-14 shooting from the field) and American-Puerto Rican swingman Joel Camacho (196-81, college: Sacramento St.) added 18 points and 7 rebounds respectively for Apollon in the defeat. APOEL have a solid series of four victories in a row. Defending champion maintains first place with 12-3 record. Apollon at the other side keeps the third position with six games lost. They share it with Etha. APOEL's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Nicosia to the arena ENAD.
Top scorers:
APOEL: Z.Buljan 24+13reb+3ast, K.Tiggs 19+4reb+3ast, A.Lee 18+4ast, J.Davis 17+4reb+2ast, I.Hanavan 13+8reb+5ast, I.Miceta 4+3reb+1ast
Apollon: L.Sims 31+4reb+1ast, J.Camacho 18+7reb+1ast, I.Pittakas 11+2reb+6ast, D.Stiggers 9, T.Dials 9+5reb, P.Englicky 7+7reb+2ast
gschID: 121779


Keravnos - Etha 60-59

The most exciting game of round 17 in the Division A took place in Strovolos. This derby game ended with only one-point defeat on the road of 4th placed Etha (9-6) to second ranked Keravnos (11-4) 60-59 in the game for the second place. Etha was trailing by 1 point at halftime but managed to get 6-point lead after three quarters before a 20-13 charge of Keravnos, which allowed them to win the game. Serbian center Slavko Stefanovic (206-81, agency: BeoExcell) stepped up and scored 17 points and 7 rebounds for the winners and American guard Kammron Taylor (188-84, college: Wisconsin, agency: Edge Sports) chipped in 17 points and 5 rebounds. American power forward Anthony King (206-85, college: Miami (FL), agency: Interperformances) responded with 17 points and 9 rebounds and American-British swingman Tarick Johnson (192-81, college: Campbell) scored 16 points. Keravnos maintains second place with 11-4 record behind leader APOEL. Etha at the other side dropped to the third position with six games lost. They share it with Apollon. Keravnos are looking forward to face Apollon (#3) in Limassol in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Etha will play at home against AEK in Larnaca and is hoping to prove to their supporters that this time they can win.
Top scorers:
Keravnos: S.Stefanovic 17+7reb+2ast, K.Taylor 17+5reb+1ast, A.Pilavas 10+4reb+1ast, P.Trisokkas 6+7reb+1ast, V.Cummings 4+1reb, K.Johnson 2+4reb+1ast
Etha: A.King 17+9reb, T.Johnson 16+3reb, D.Cup 7+5reb+1ast, R.Redding 7+4reb+1ast, V.Dabkus 4+4reb+1ast, K.Tutt 3+3reb+2ast
gschID: 121780




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


1Liga Round 25: Sokol Prazsky loses to BK Usti nad Labem - by Eurobasket News
There will be only one (last) round of the Regular Season in 1Liga.

The game between third ranked Sokol Prazsky (15-9) and sixth ranked BK Usti nad Labem (15-10) was the most important one in the last round on Sunday night. Sokol Prazsky was defeated by BK Usti nad Labem in Usti nad Labem 73-84. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Sokol Prazsky. The game was mostly controlled by BK Usti nad Labem. Sokol Prazsky managed to win second period 17-10. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. BK Usti nad Labem moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Opava B. Sokol Prazsky at the other side keeps the third position with nine games lost. BK Usti nad Labem is looking forward to face Sparta Praha (#12) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Sokol Prazsky will play against BK Kondori Liberec (#14) and is hoping to win this game.
An interesting game for Levharti Chomutov (22-3) which played road game in Vysehrad against 4th placed Sokol Vysehrad (14-11). First ranked Levharti Chomutov managed to get a 4-point victory 82-78. Levharti Chomutov have an impressive series of eleven victories in a row. They maintain first place with 22-3 record. Sokol Vysehrad at the other side dropped to the sixth position with 11 games lost. Levharti Chomutov will play against BK Prostejov B (#13) at home in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Sokol Vysehrad will play against Proton Zlin (#9) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
The game between fifth ranked B&W Opava B (15-10) and 11th ranked Slavoj BK Litomerice (9-17) in Opava on Sunday ended with biggest points difference. B&W Opava B outscored guests from Litomerice 100-56. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for B&W Opava B. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Usti n/Labem. Loser Slavoj BK Litomerice keeps the eleventh position with 17 games lost. B&W Opava B will meet league's second-placed BK Lions Hradec in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Slavoj BK Litomerice will play against Sokol Hradec Kralove (#7) and hope to secure a win.

Other games in round 25 were not that significant. Sparta Praha was beaten by Prostejov B on the road 97-85. Sokol H.Kralove won against Benesov on its own court 94-86. J.Hradec managed to outperform Liberec in a road game 90-74. Trutnov managed to beat Proton Zlin at home 85-73.


Usti n/Labem - Sokol Prazsky 84-73

The game between third ranked Sokol Prazsky (15-9) and sixth ranked BK Usti nad Labem (15-10) was the most important one in the last round on Sunday night. Sokol Prazsky was defeated by BK Usti nad Labem in Usti nad Labem 73-84. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Sokol Prazsky. The game was mostly controlled by BK Usti nad Labem. Sokol Prazsky managed to win second period 17-10. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. BK Usti nad Labem moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Opava B. Sokol Prazsky at the other side keeps the third position with nine games lost. BK Usti nad Labem is looking forward to face Sparta Praha (#12) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Sokol Prazsky will play against BK Kondori Liberec (#14) and is hoping to win this game.
gschID: 92005


Prostejov B - Sparta Praha 97-85

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams when thirteenth ranked BK Prostejov B (6-19) beat at home 12th ranked Sparta Praha (7-18) 97-85 on Sunday. The game was mostly controlled by BK Prostejov B. Sparta Praha managed to win third quarter 15-11. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Newly promoted BK Prostejov B maintains thirteenth place with 6-19 record. Sparta Praha lost their third game in a row. They keep the twelfth position with 18 games lost. BK Prostejov B will meet league's leader Levharti Chomutov on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Sparta Praha will play against BK Usti nad Labem (#5) and hope to secure a win.
gschID: 92006


Vysehrad - Chomutov 78-82

An interesting game for Levharti Chomutov (22-3) which played road game in Vysehrad against 4th placed Sokol Vysehrad (14-11). First ranked Levharti Chomutov managed to get a 4-point victory 82-78. Levharti Chomutov have an impressive series of eleven victories in a row. They maintain first place with 22-3 record. Sokol Vysehrad at the other side dropped to the sixth position with 11 games lost. Levharti Chomutov will play against BK Prostejov B (#13) at home in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Sokol Vysehrad will play against Proton Zlin (#9) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
gschID: 92007


Sokol H.Kralove - Benesov 94-86

Rather expected game when 10th ranked BC Benesov (10-15) lost on the road to eighth ranked Sokol Hradec Kralove (13-12) 94-86 on Sunday. Sokol Hradec Kralove moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Trutnov and Proton Zlin. Loser BC Benesov keeps the tenth position with 15 games lost. Sokol Hradec Kralove will meet Slavoj BK Litomerice (#11) on the road in the next round. BC Benesov will play against Kara Trutnov and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
gschID: 92002


Opava B - Litomerice 100-56

The game between fifth ranked B&W Opava B (15-10) and 11th ranked Slavoj BK Litomerice (9-17) in Opava on Sunday ended with biggest points difference. B&W Opava B outscored guests from Litomerice 100-56. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for B&W Opava B. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Usti n/Labem. Loser Slavoj BK Litomerice keeps the eleventh position with 17 games lost. B&W Opava B will meet league's second-placed BK Lions Hradec in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Slavoj BK Litomerice will play against Sokol Hradec Kralove (#7) and hope to secure a win.
gschID: 92003


Liberec - J.Hradec 74-90

Very predictable result when second ranked BK Lions Hradec (19-6) won against on the road bottom-ranked BK Kondori Liberec (3-20) 90-74 on Sunday. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for BK Lions Hradec. They maintain second place with 19-6 record having just three points less than leader Chomutov. BK Kondori Liberec lost their seventh game in a row. They stay dead last with 20 lost games. BK Lions Hradec will meet at home B&W Opava B (#4) in the next round. BK Kondori Liberec will play against Sokol Prazsky (#3) in Praha and hope to secure a win.
gschID: 92004


Trutnov - Proton Zlin 85-73

There was a minor upset when 7th ranked Proton Zlin (13-12) lost on the road to ninth ranked Kara Trutnov (13-12) 85-73 on Sunday. Kara Trutnov moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Proton Zlin and Sokol H.Kralove. Kara Trutnov will meet BC Benesov (#10) on the road in the next round. Proton Zlin will play against Sokol Vysehrad and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
gschID: 92001




Standings - D2
1Liga Standings
 1. Chomutov 22-3 
 2. J.Hradec 19-6 
 3. Sokol Prazsky 15-9 
 4. Opava B 15-10 
 5. Usti n/Labem 15-10 
 6. Vysehrad 14-11 
 7. Sokol H.Kralove 13-12 
 8. Trutnov 13-12 
 9. Proton Zlin 13-12 
 10. Benesov 10-15 
 11. Litomerice 9-17 
 12. Sparta Praha 7-18 
 13. Prostejov B 6-19 
 14. Liberec 3-20 


Smiths Game Winning Jumper lifts BC Kolin over USK Praha 76-74 - by Spencer McIntosh
The game clock was behind him but he knew how much time he had-. The defense schemed to stop him, but he knew he could get any shot off. Terry Smith (185-G-86, college: Mercyhurst) waited then created. He got to the top of the key, rose up, and drilled a game winning jumper with 0.2 seconds left.

Kolin: Where drama happens A recurring theme for the young USK Praha team this season has been the difficulty in handling the opposing guards. Terry Smith finished with 22 points, and teammate Brad Jones (186-G-85, agency: Stanley International, college: Wyoming) added 17 points of his own. BC Kolin spread the floor on offense so these two guys had room to operate and be isolated against the Praha guards. Vojtech Hruban was the top scorer for USK Praha, with 21 points.

Kolin took a 20-14 lead into 2nd quarter. They were effective in trapping Praha on pick and roll situations and disrupting Prahas offense. Praha played very poorly in the second quarter, they missed free throws, had careless turnovers, missed open cutters, and shot a poor percentage. Overall, Kolin had 11 steals in the game which led to 10 points off turnovers.

I wasnt happy with our effort in the first half and thought we were a bit tentative. We were much better in the second half, remarked USK Coach Ken Scalabroni

Midway through the quarter, Kolins lead was 28-19, and a Terry Smith 3FG have Kolin its largest margin at 35-25 with 2:35 remaining. The double digit lead remained until halftime, and they held a 41-31 advantage. .

As the 3rd Qtr began, it appeared the game was over after a dazzling move by Brad Jones extended the lead to 46-31. The crowd was raucous, ignited, and excited to see their team cruise to an easy victory. Change of plans. Hruban and fellow comrades decided they would go on a 16-0 run. It was Hrubans quarter, as 15 of his 21 points came in a 6 minute outburst that propelled the run. An emphatic baseline slam got him going, bringing the deficit to 46-36. On the ensuing possession, Hruban sank a deep 3PFG, followed by another dunk, and another 3PFG. And when Martin Klimes layup gave Praha a 47-46 lead with 5:01 remaining, the once frenzied and thumping arena had turned into a library. Bjegovc then swatted Terry Smiths layup attempt on the other end, and Praha ended the quarter with a 58-57 advantage anf feeling good heading into the final quarter.
Praha began the 4th Qtr with 2 TOs on back to back possessions, and Kolin capitalized on renewed momentum by taking a 70-65 lead after a Terry Smith dunk in transition. The scoring went back and forth, and the quarter was physical, intense, exhilarating and chippy. There were times it seemed Kolin regained its handle on the game, but then Praha always had an answer. When Kolin went up 72-67 with 2:40 to play, Lukas Kotas (194-F-84) responded on the next two possessions with lay-ups of his own. Moments later, Hruban drained another 3PFG knotting the game at 74-74 with 0:16 seconds remaining.

Sixteen seconds later, Terry Smith had the arena dancing again.


Stats Leaders - NBL
Points Per Game
 Terry SMITH
  BC Kolin
  (185-G-86)
  Avg: 17
 1. Smith, BC Kolin17.0 
 2. Horak, Svitavy15.9 
 3. Burke, NH Ostrava15.7 
 4. Landry, BK Prost.15.5 
 5. Hatcher, BK Decin15.1 
 6. Houska, BK Decin14.7 
 7. Kotas, USK Praha14.4 
 8. Muirhead, Novy Jicin14.1 
 9. Hampton, BK Pardu.13.9 
 10. Sirina, B&W Opava13.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Boris MENO
  Svitavy
  (203-F-83)
  Avg: 10.4
 1. Meno, Basketbo.10.4 
 2. Burke, NH Ostrava9.4 
 3. Houska, BK Decin8.7 
 4. Spagrud, NH Ostrava8.6 
 5. Arnold, BK Pardu.8.2 
 6. Landry, BK Prost.8.0 
 7. Kramny, Svitavy8.0 
 8. Frana, Plzen7.2 
 9. Gadri, BK Prostejov6.9 
 10. Bjegovic, USK Praha6.2 
Assists Per Game
 Stepan VRUBL
  Plzen
  (186-G-76)
  Avg: 5.5
 1. Vrubl, Plzen5.5 
 2. Lawrence, BK Prost.4.7 
 3. Kotas, USK Praha3.9 
 4. Carnecky, B&W O.3.8 
 5. Hatcher, BK Decin3.7 
 6. Jones, BC Kolin3.4 
 7. Channels, Novy Jicin3.3 
 8. Maio, Basketbo.3.0 
 9. Sanders, BK Decin3.0 
 10. Macela, Svitavy2.9 
Steals Per Game
 Derek WRIGHT
  BK Pardubice
  (175-G-86)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Wright, BK Pardu.2.2 
 2. Kotas, USK Praha2.1 
 3. Smith, BC Kolin1.9 
 4. Gibson-B., NH Os.1.8 
 5. Sirina, B&W Opava1.7 
 6. Holloway, Basket.1.7 
 7. Muirhead, Novy Jicin1.6 
 8. Hampton, BK Pardu.1.6 
 9. Channels, Novy Jicin1.6 
 10. Hatcher, BK Decin1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Cezary TRYBANSKI
  NH Ostrava
  (218-C-79)
  Avg: 1.3
 1. Trybanski, NH Os.1.3 
 2. Kramny, Svitavy1.2 
 3. Hanke, USK Praha1.1 
 4. Gadri, BK Prostejov1.1 
 5. Pelikan, Novy Jicin1.0 
 6. Miklosik, B&W O.1.0 
 7. Houska, BK Decin0.9 
 8. Arnold, BK Pardu.0.8 
 9. Egwuatu, Svitavy0.8 
 10. Spagrud, NH Ostrava0.8 


*****************************************************
  DENMARK   


Svendborg Fans Buzzing Ahead of First Place Clash Against Bakken This Week - by Armen Rhodes
With only two days left before the big match between Svendborg and Bakken, fans in the small Danish town are already beginning to buzz with anticipation. A sellout crowd is predicted to be on tap at the Svendborg Idraetscenter to cheer on the home team in their quest to pull into a first place tie with the Bears as the regular season winds down. A win for Svendborg would also mean that the Rabbits hold home court advantage through the CDL playoffs, since it would put them ahead two games to one in the head-to-head tally for the season. The Rabbits come into the game led by Danish national player Nicolai Iversen, who is currently averaging 18.8 points per game and 6.8 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, the Bears, who currently sit in first place at 22-1, have six players averaging double figures, including MVP candidate Charlie Burgess.

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


Larry Sanders Assigned to NBA D-League - by Surujh Roopnarine
The Milwaukee Bucks have assigned rookie center Larry Sanders (6'11''-F-88, college: Va Commonwealth) to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants of the NBA D-League. Sanders, the 15th overall selection of the 2010 NBA Draft out of Virginia Commonwealth has appeared in 36 games for the Bucks this season, making eight starts and averaging 4.1 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 13.5 minutes. Sanders had earned steady playing time the first few months of the season when the team was thin up front due to injuries, however has seen only sporadic plying time since January. The 6-11, 235 pound Sanders averaged 14.4 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game as a senior, earning All-Colonial Athletic Association First Team Honors as well as Defensive Player of the Year.

Clippers Willie Warren recalled from D-League - by Eurobasket News
The Clippers announced today that rookie guard Willie Warren (6'4''-G-89, college: Oklahoma) would rejoin the club after a stint with the Bakersfield Jam in the D-League. Here's the release from the Clippers:

The Los Angeles Clippers today announced that they have recalled rookie guard Willie Warren from the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA Development League.

Warren, 21, was assigned to Bakersfield on Feb. 2 and appeared in six games with the Jam, averaging 21.0 points, 7.0 assists 5.3 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 50 percent from the field and 46 percent from 3-point land. The Jam went 5-1 with Warren in the lineup from Feb. 4 - 16.

Warren has appeared in 14 games with the Clippers this season and is averaging 2.2 points and 1.4 assists in 7.8 minutes per game.

The former Oklahoma University standout was selected by the Clippers in the second round (54th overall pick) of the 2010 NBA Draft.

Courtesy of www.clipsnation.com and The Los Angeles Clippers

*****************************************************
  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC   


DOMINICANS ABROAD: MEJIA IS ONCE AGAIN PLAYER OF THE WEEK! - by Ozell Wells
Mejia's 20 points and 9 rebounds give him Player of the Week award - Feb 20, 2011
27-year old guard Sammy Mejia (198-G-83, college: De Paul) put on an amazing game in the last round for league's best team Cholet Basket and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 18.
He had the game-high 20 points adding nine rebounds and six assists for Cholet in his team's victory, helping them to crush Vichy (#16, 4-14) with 16-point margin 81-65. It allowed Cholet to take over top position in the French league. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Cholet has a very solid 14-4 record, but they cannot be too comfortable about keeping top position. It's Mejia's second year at Cholet and it's hard to imagine this team without him. De Paul University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Mejia is in league's top in points (4th best: 17.5ppg) and averages solid 55.1% FGP.

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


Standings - KML
EMKL Standings
 1. TU/Rock 23-2 
 2. Kalev/Cramo 23-3 
 3. TTU/Kalev 17-5 
 4. Rakvere 13-12 
 5. Valga/CKE 10-14 
 6. Rapla 10-14 
 7. TTU/Kalev II 8-16 
 8. Parnu 6-20 
 9. Voru KK 1-25 


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Andrais THORNTON
  Penafiel
  (203-C-85)
  Avg: 18.7
 1. Thornton, Voru KK18.7 
 2. Saage, Rakvere18.1 
 3. Erm, Rapla17.3 
 4. Raap, Parnu16.7 
 5. Brown, Va.16.5 
 6. Raadik, Parnu16.3 
 7. Arnold, TT.15.1 
 8. Osby, TT.14.7 
 9. Pilk, TT.14.5 
 10. Tagamets, Va.14.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Andrais THORNTON
  Penafiel
  (203-C-85)
  Avg: 12.2
 1. Thornton, Voru KK12.2 
 2. Brown, Va.11.7 
 3. Arnold, TT.11.1 
 4. Ringmets, Rapla9.8 
 5. Kuuba, Voru KK9.0 
 6. Osby, TT.8.9 
 7. Eziukwu, TU/Rock8.7 
 8. Dunigan, Kalev/Cr.7.5 
 9. Pokla, Rakvere7.4 
 10. Raadik, Parnu6.6 
Assists Per Game
 Tanel SOKK
  Kalev/Cramo
  (184-G-85)
  Avg: 3.7
 1. Sokk, Kalev/Cramo3.7 
 2. Kriisa, TT.3.7 
 3. Sokk, TU/Rock3.4 
 4. Oja, Va.2.9 
 5. Tamm, Kalev/Cramo2.9 
 6. Tsintsadze, TU/Rock2.8 
 7. Pokla, Rakvere2.7 
 8. Archibald, TT.2.6 
 9. Ringmets, Rapla2.5 
 10. Karner, Parnu2.5 
Steals Per Game
 Rait-Riivo LAANE
  Rapla
  (180-G-93)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Laane, Rapla2.3 
 2. Leppik, TU/Rock2.3 
 3. Saage, Rakvere2.2 
 4. Karner, Parnu2.2 
 5. Raap, Parnu2.2 
 6. Doronin, TU/Rock2.1 
 7. Oja, Va.1.9 
 8. Dorbek, Rakvere1.9 
 9. Veideman, TU/Rock1.8 
 10. Pilk, TT.1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Callistus EZIUKWU
  TU/Rock
  (208-F/C-85)
  Avg: 2
 1. Eziukwu, TU/Rock2.0 
 2. Osby, TT.1.4 
 3. Dunigan, Kalev/Cr.1.3 
 4. Raadik, Parnu1.1 
 5. Brown, Va.0.9 
 6. Raadik, TU/Rock0.8 
 7. Talts, TU/Rock0.8 
 8. Arnold, TT.0.7 
 9. Saarmets, TTU/K.0.7 
 10. Ringmets, Rapla0.7 


*****************************************************
  EUROLEAGUE   


Crvena Zvezda earn NIJT Belgrade title - by Eurobasket News
IJT Crvena Zvezda - IJT FMP 102:93

IJT Crvena Zvezda clinched Belgrade Tournament title. They held off IJT FMP in the championship game. Aleksandar Cvetkovic (185-G-93) came up with 35 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists to lead the winners. He was trumped the MVP of the tournament. IJT Crvena Zvezda have booked their spot at the Nike International Junior Tournament that will take place during Euroleague Final Four.
Aleksandar Cvetkovic unloaded 14 points in the opening frame to set the tone for Crvena Zvezda. They grabbed a 27:18 lead at the first break. Crvena Zvezda continued to dominate in the second term. They recorded a 55:44 lead at the interval. Nenad Miljenovic (194-G-93) paced FMP as they narrowed the gap early in the third term. FMP got within 6 points late in the period but Crvena Zvezda quickly reacted. They restored an 82:70 lead at the final intermission. Aleksandar Cvetkovic continued to deliver regularly in the fourth period helping Crvena Zvezda celebrated a comfortable win at the end. Ivan Marinkovic (207-F-93) scored 23 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, while Ivan Ivan Saicic chipped in 16 points in the win. Nenad Miljenovic answered with 29 points, 7 assists and 4 rebounds for FMP. Popovic-Turanjanin had 21 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.

IJT Crvena Zvezda: Aleksandar Cvetkovic 35, Ivan Marinkovic 23, Ivan Saicic 16
IJT FMP: Nenad Miljenovic 29, Popovic-Turanjanin 21


Bourousis out for one month - by Kostas Papadopoulos
As it was announced on the official site of the Piraeus team, following the decision made by Olympiacos head coach Dusan Ivkovic (agency: Beo Basket ), Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) will be on leave of absence for one month. In the meantime, he will be following a no physical contact personal training program.
At the same time, he will be continuing with the rehabilitation of his recent injury in the right hand (traverse fracture in the metacarpus of small finger of right hand).
Also, the player shall have all his metabolism indicators adjusted, since there has been a disruption of normal function during the most recent medical tests undertaken.



*****************************************************
  FINLAND   


Standings - Korisliiga
Korisliiga Standings
 1. Pyrinto 30-7 
 2. KTP 25-10 
 3. Kataja 25-11 
 4. Korihait 23-13 
 5. Honka 21-13 
 6. Kouvot 19-17 
 7. Karhu 16-19 
 8. ToPo 16-20 
 9. Namika Lahti 13-22 
 10. Salon Vilpas 13-23 
 11. LrNMKY 8-28 
 12. Tarmo 5-31 


Standings - Division I
1st Division Standings
 1. FoKoPo 15-4 
 2. Jyvaskyla 14-5 
 3. LoKoKo 12-6 
 4. Lapua 12-7 
 5. BC Nokia 11-8 
 6. Huima 11-8 
 7. Honka 10-9 
 8. SayRi 8-10 
 9. TomPo II 7-12 
 10. Ura Basket 7-12 
 11. Kerava ET 6-13 
 12. Namika II 0-19 


Stats Leaders - Division I
Points Per Game
 Derick NELSON
  Lapua
  (196-F-86)
  Avg: 24.5
 1. Nelson, Lapua24.5 
 2. Manning, Huima22.5 
 3. Stamper, LoKoKo22.3 
 4. Robinson, Jyvaskyla20.2 
 5. Hall, SayRi19.8 
 6. Bojang, BC Nokia19.4 
 7. Valentine, Lapua19.1 
 8. Douglas, Huima19.0 
 9. Graham, Kerava ET18.7 
 10. Towa, Kerava ET18.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Carlton BROWN
  Ura Basket
  (198-F-79)
  Avg: 14.9
 1. Brown, Namika II14.9 
 2. Bojang, BC Nokia14.2 
 3. Dantzler, LoKoKo13.5 
 4. Douglas, Huima13.5 
 5. Towa, Kerava ET13.1 
 6. Nelson, Lapua12.5 
 7. Stamper, LoKoKo11.4 
 8. Hall, SayRi11.3 
 9. Wilson, Huima10.6 
 10. Robinson, Jyvaskyla10.1 
Assists Per Game
 Treylon MANNING
  Huima
  (178-G-)
  Avg: 6.4
 1. Manning, Huima6.4 
 2. Riihela, BC Nokia5.2 
 3. Ramey, Ura Basket4.8 
 4. Horton, LoKoKo4.3 
 5. Ikavalko, FoKoPo3.7 
 6. Valentine, Lapua3.0 
 7. Ahila, Jyvaskyla2.9 
 8. Graham, Kerava ET2.9 
 9. Pasanen, SayRi2.5 
 10. Silvonen, Honka2.4 
Steals Per Game
 Maurice HORTON
  LoKoKo
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Horton, LoKoKo2.7 
 2. Valentine, Lapua2.6 
 3. Bojang, BC Nokia2.1 
 4. Stamper, LoKoKo1.9 
 5. Hall, SayRi1.9 
 6. Still, Lapua1.8 
 7. Ramey, Ura Basket1.8 
 8. Pasanen, SayRi1.8 
 9. Rainamaa, TomPo II1.7 
 10. Vertio, Honka1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Villematti KOPIO
  Honka
  (182-G-92)
  Avg: 0.8
 1. Kopio, Honka0.8 
 2. Brown, Namika II0.8 
 3. Ojanen, Jyvaskyla0.7 
 4. Setala, BC Nokia0.6 
 5. Salminen, Ura B.0.6 
 6. Alanko, Ura Basket0.6 
 7. Rainamaa, TomPo II0.6 
 8. Koskinen, Namika I.0.6 
 9. Mantymaa, Huima0.5 
 10. Dolenc, Honka0.5 


Stats Leaders - Korisliiga
Points Per Game
 Jamar WILSON
  Honka
  (185-G-84)
  Avg: 23
 1. Wilson, Honka23.0 
 2. Lewis, LrNM.21.0 
 3. Heard, Tarmo21.0 
 4. Wood, Karhu20.2 
 5. Blanchard, ToPo19.9 
 6. Bailey, LrNM.19.6 
 7. Walker, Kouvot19.4 
 8. Williamson, Honka19.2 
 9. Williams, Pyrinto19.2 
 10. Moore, LrNM.18.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jeremiah WOOD
  Karhu
  (200-F-85)
  Avg: 13.2
 1. Wood, Karhu13.2 
 2. Kaunisto, Kouvot10.8 
 3. Doaks, Salon Vilpas10.1 
 4. Young, Tarmo10.0 
 5. Mathis, Namika Lahti9.9 
 6. Blanchard, ToPo9.6 
 7. Williams, Pyrinto9.5 
 8. Vinson, Kouvot9.4 
 9. Coleman, LrNM.8.9 
 10. Belser, Honka8.6 
Assists Per Game
 Malik MOORE
  LrNMKY
  (192-G-77)
  Avg: 4.6
 1. Moore, LrNM.4.6 
 2. Johnson, Karhu4.6 
 3. Williams, Pyrinto4.3 
 4. Wood, Karhu4.1 
 5. Virtanen, Kataja3.9 
 6. Sarcevic, Korihait3.8 
 7. Suonio, Namika Lahti3.8 
 8. Okorie, Salon Vilpas3.7 
 9. Ivey, KTP3.5 
 10. Kataja, Salon Vilpas3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Jeremiah WOOD
  Karhu
  (200-F-85)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Wood, Karhu2.1 
 2. Fields, KTP2.0 
 3. Moore, Korihait1.9 
 4. Newson, Kataja1.8 
 5. Heard, Tarmo1.8 
 6. Conerly, Tarmo1.8 
 7. Fells, Kataja1.7 
 8. Sarcevic, Korihait1.7 
 9. Williams, Pyrinto1.7 
 10. Wilson, Salon Vilpas1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 James REAVES
  Korihait
  (203-F-82)
  Avg: 1
 1. Reaves, Korihait1.0 
 2. Hendley, Namika Lahti0.9 
 3. Wilson, Honka0.7 
 4. Bailey, LrNM.0.7 
 5. Heard, Tarmo0.7 
 6. Blanchard, ToPo0.7 
 7. Suonio, Namika Lahti0.6 
 8. Belser, Honka0.6 
 9. Makalainen, Karhu0.6 
 10. Wood, Karhu0.6 


Korisliiga Round 36: Tampereen Pyrinto wins overtime game against Kauhajoen Karhu - by Eurobasket News
The games are now more important than at the beginning of the Regular Season. We may still expect few shocking results in upcoming 8 rounds.

Seventh-ranked Kauhajoen Karhu (16-19) gave a tough game to first ranked Tampereen Pyrinto (30-7) in Kauhajoki on Saturday. The visitors from Tampere managed to secure only five-point victory 112-107. However their fans expected much easier game. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Kauhajoen Karhu. The guests were tied at the half and again at the end of regular time. But they managed to win overtime period 21-16. Tampereen Pyrinto forced 20 Kauhajoen Karhu turnovers. 29 personal fouls committed by Kauhajoen Karhu helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Americans were the main players on the court. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Damon Williams (201-73, college: Colorado St.-Pueblo) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 26 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals and forward Antwine Williams (192-75, college: N.Colorado, agency: Prossin Sports Management) who added 24 points and 4 steals during the contest. The best for the losing side was forward Jeremiah Wood (200-85, agency: Court Side) with a double-double by scoring 25 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. Tampereen Pyrinto have a solid four-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 30-7 record. Kauhajoen Karhu at the other side keeps the seventh place with 19 games lost. Tampereen Pyrinto are looking forward to face Joensuun Kataja (#3) at home in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Kauhajoen Karhu will play against Kouvot (#6) in Kouvola and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Eighth-ranked Torpan Pojat (16-20) gave a tough game to third ranked Joensuun Kataja (25-11). Joensuun Kataja managed to secure only two-point victory 87-85. However their fans expected much easier game. The winners were led by American power forward Darren Fells (201-86, agency: Court Side) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 11 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists and Juho Nenonen supported him with 18 points and 6 rebounds. Even 14 points and 5 assists by American guard Frank Richards (188-82, college: Kansas St.) did not help to save the game for Torpan Pojat. Joensuun Kataja have an impressive five-game winning streak. Joensuun Kataja maintains third position with 25-11 record having six points less than leader Pyrinto. Torpan Pojat lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with 20 games lost. Joensuun Kataja will play against league's leader Tampereen Pyrinto on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Torpan Pojat will play against Salon Vilpas (#10) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game in Espoo was also quite interesting. Fourth ranked UU-Korihait (23-13) played at the court of 5th ranked Espoo Honka (21-13). UU-Korihait defeated Espoo Honka 100-86 on Saturday. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Espoo Honka. Americans were the main players on the court also this time. The best player for the winners was Nigel Moore who scored 21 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was John Williamson who recorded a double-double by scoring 25 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists. Espoo Honka's coach rotated ten players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. UU-Korihait maintains fourth position with 23-13 record. Loser Espoo Honka keeps the fifth place with 13 games lost. UU-Korihait will meet at home LrNMKY (#11) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Espoo Honka will play against Porvoon Tarmo (#12) and hope to secure a win.
Second ranked KTP-Basket (25-10) crushed at home 12th ranked Porvoon Tarmo (5-31) by 29 points 82-53, which is the biggest margin this round. It was a good game for Sefton Barrett who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 27 points and 11 rebounds. Porvoon Tarmo's coach gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. KTP-Basket maintains second position with 25-10 record having seven points less than leader Pyrinto. Newly promoted Porvoon Tarmo stay dead last with 31 lost games. KTP-Basket's next round opponent will be Namika Lahti (#9) on the road and are hoping to win another game. Porvoon Tarmo will play against Espoo Honka.

In the last two games of round 36 Namika Lahti lost to Salon Vilpas on the opponent's court 71-79. LrNMKY unfortunately lost to Kouvot in a home game 78-88.


Karhu - Pyrinto 107-112 OT

Seventh-ranked Kauhajoen Karhu (16-19) gave a tough game to first ranked Tampereen Pyrinto (30-7) in Kauhajoki on Saturday. The visitors from Tampere managed to secure only five-point victory 112-107. However their fans expected much easier game. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Kauhajoen Karhu. The guests were tied at the half and again at the end of regular time. But they managed to win overtime period 21-16. Tampereen Pyrinto forced 20 Kauhajoen Karhu turnovers. 29 personal fouls committed by Kauhajoen Karhu helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Americans were the main players on the court. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Damon Williams (201-73, college: Colorado St.-Pueblo) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 26 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals and forward Antwine Williams (192-75, college: N.Colorado, agency: Prossin Sports Management) who added 24 points and 4 steals during the contest. The best for the losing side was forward Jeremiah Wood (200-85, agency: Court Side) with a double-double by scoring 25 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals and guard Walt Baxley (191-84, college: Mars Hill) scored 26 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line). Five Tampereen Pyrinto and four Kauhajoen Karhu players scored in double figures. Tampereen Pyrinto have a solid four-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 30-7 record. Kauhajoen Karhu at the other side keeps the seventh place with 19 games lost. Tampereen Pyrinto are looking forward to face Joensuun Kataja (#3) at home in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Kauhajoen Karhu will play against Kouvot (#6) in Kouvola and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Karhu: W.Baxley 26+5reb+4ast, J.Wood 25+12reb+4ast, V.Makalainen 22+3reb+5ast, S.Johnson 14+7reb+3ast, A.Huuskonen 9+3reb+1ast, S.Niskanen 6+1reb
Pyrinto: D.Williams 26+13reb+6ast, A.Williams 24+4reb+3ast, A.Lehto 17+1reb+1ast, J.Niemi 14+6reb, A.Nikkila 12+7reb+2ast, J.Harjula 9+4reb
gschID: 106600


Salon Vilpas - Namika Lahti 79-71

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams when 9th ranked Namika Lahti (13-22) was defeated on the road by tenth ranked Salon Vilpas (13-23) 79-71. Namika Lahti was tied at the half but could not keep up in last two quarters eventually losing the game. Salon Vilpas made 16-of-19 charity shots (84.2 percent) during the game. It was a good game for American forward Nicchaeus Doaks (202-87, college: Chattanooga, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 18 rebounds. Nigerian guard Nick Okorie (185-88, college: Texas Tech) contributed with 24 points and 4 steals for the winners. American forward Anthony Vereen (201-86, college: Texas Arlington) replied with 17 points and 7 rebounds and his fellow American import guard Ryan Ayers (201-86, college: Notre Dame) added 15 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists in the effort for Namika Lahti. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Namika Lahti's coach Sami Toiviainen tested eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Salon Vilpas maintains tenth position with 13-23 record. Namika Lahti lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the ninth place with 22 games lost. Salon Vilpas' next round opponent will be higher ranked Torpan Pojat (#8) in Helsinki and it may be quite challenging game.
Top scorers:
Namika Lahti: A.Vereen 17+7reb+2ast, R.Ayers 15+6reb+4ast, R.Suonio 13+7reb+1ast, V.Makalainen 12+3reb, V.Heinonen 6+3reb, T.Hendley 6+8reb
Salon Vilpas: N.Okorie 24+3reb+2ast, N.Doaks 19+18reb+1ast, R.Ahonen 18+2reb+7ast, S.Kaaresvirta 10+1reb+3ast, R.Douglas 5+1reb+3ast, M.Nuutinen 3+9reb+1ast
gschID: 106601


KTP - Tarmo 82-53

Second ranked KTP-Basket (25-10) crushed at home 12th ranked Porvoon Tarmo (5-31) by 29 points 82-53, which is the biggest margin this round. The game was mostly controlled by KTP-Basket. Porvoon Tarmo was better in second period 25-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Porvoon Tarmo to just 6 points in first quarter. KTP-Basket forced 21 Porvoon Tarmo turnovers and had a 17-2 advantage in offensive rebounds. It was a good game for Canadian forward Sefton Barrett (196-83, college: Cent.Michigan, agency: Limelight Hoops) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 27 points and 11 rebounds. Naturalized American forward Clifton Jones (201-78, college: Oregon St.) contributed with 3 points and 15 rebounds for the winners. Four KTP-Basket players scored in double figures. American forward Jerrah Young (202-85, college: Toledo) replied with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 12 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) and his fellow American import swingman Jonathan Heard (198-86) added 12 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists in the effort for Porvoon Tarmo. Porvoon Tarmo's coach gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. KTP-Basket maintains second position with 25-10 record having seven points less than leader Pyrinto. Newly promoted Porvoon Tarmo stay dead last with 31 lost games. KTP-Basket's next round opponent will be Namika Lahti (#9) on the road and are hoping to win another game. Porvoon Tarmo will play against Espoo Honka.
Top scorers:
Tarmo: J.Young 22+12reb+3ast, J.Heard 12+10reb+4ast, J.Kyllonen 6+2reb+3ast, E.Oikari 6+2reb, L.Trice Little 3+4reb+1ast, E.Maki-Tulokas 2+3reb
KTP: S.Barrett 27+11reb+3ast, J.Eskola 11+2reb, M.Holme 11+1reb+1ast, J.Ivey 11+6reb+1ast, J.Karppinen 6, V.Lind 5+5reb+2ast
gschID: 106602


Honka - Korihait 86-100

The game in Espoo was also quite interesting. Fourth ranked UU-Korihait (23-13) played at the court of 5th ranked Espoo Honka (21-13). UU-Korihait defeated Espoo Honka 100-86 on Saturday. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Espoo Honka. The guests trailed by 10 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 2-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 100-86. UU-Korihait dominated down low during the game scoring 72 of its points in the paint compared to Espoo Honka's 46 and made 16-of-21 free shots (76.2 percent) during the game. Americans were the main players on the court also this time. The best player for the winners was swingman Nigel Moore (195-81, college: Alabama A&M) who scored 21 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Forward Lawrence Wright (195-84, college: Bradley) chipped in 22 points and 9 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was center John Williamson (198-86, college: Cincinnati) who recorded a double-double by scoring 25 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists and guard Jamar Wilson (185-84, college: Albany) added 22 points respectively. Five UU-Korihait and four Espoo Honka players scored in double figures. Espoo Honka's coach rotated ten players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. UU-Korihait maintains fourth position with 23-13 record. Loser Espoo Honka keeps the fifth place with 13 games lost. UU-Korihait will meet at home LrNMKY (#11) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Espoo Honka will play against Porvoon Tarmo (#12) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Honka: J.Williamson 25+10reb+6ast, J.Wilson 22+3reb+1ast, C.Belser 13+6reb, T.Iisalo 10+1reb+2ast, J.Matinen 8+4reb, V.Makalainen 4+3reb+1ast
Korihait: J.Reaves 22+5reb, L.Wright 22+9reb+1ast, N.Moore 21+8reb+4ast, B.Sarcevic 19+2reb+9ast, P.Heinonen 14+5reb+2ast, H.Saaristo 2+1ast
gschID: 106603


LrNMKY - Kouvot 78-88

Very predictable result in Lappeenranta where sixth ranked Kouvot (19-17) defeated 11th ranked LrNMKY (8-28) 88-78. It was a good game for the former international forward Ville Kaunisto (204-82) who led his team to a victory with 20 points and 9 rebounds. American guard B.A. Walker (188-84, college: Va Commonwealth, agency: Pro One Sports) contributed with 23 points for the winners. American guard Malik Moore (192-77, college: Amer.Internat., agency: Prossin Sports Management) replied with 20 points and 8 assists and his fellow American import forward HL Coleman (202-74, college: Wyoming) added 19 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for LrNMKY. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Kouvot maintains sixth position with 19-17 record. LrNMKY lost third consecutive game. They keep the eleventh place with 28 games lost. Kouvot's next round opponent will be Kauhajoen Karhu (#7) in Kauhajoki. LrNMKY will play on the road against UU-Korihait (#4) in Uusikaupunki.
Top scorers:
LrNMKY: M.Moore 20+2reb+8ast, H.Coleman 19+10reb, J.Lewis 15+7reb+2ast, V.Vanjoki 13+3reb, H.Valimaa 5, A.Kankaanpaa 2+1reb
Kouvot: B.Walker 23+4reb+1ast, V.Kaunisto 20+9reb+3ast, J.Gonner 18+6reb+3ast, A.Nikkarinen 15+2reb+2ast, D.Vinson 8+6reb+2ast, E.Johansson 2+1reb
gschID: 106598


Kataja - ToPo 87-85

Eighth-ranked Torpan Pojat (16-20) gave a tough game to third ranked Joensuun Kataja (25-11). Joensuun Kataja managed to secure only two-point victory 87-85. However their fans expected much easier game. It looked good early as Torpan Pojat took an 5-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Joensuun Kataja had a 27-20 second period charge getting the lead and Torpan Pojat was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 85-87. The winners were led by American power forward Darren Fells (201-86, agency: Court Side) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 11 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists and forward Juho Nenonen (202-87) supported him with 18 points and 6 rebounds. Even 14 points and 5 assists by American guard Frank Richards (188-82, college: Kansas St.) did not help to save the game for Torpan Pojat. Forward Timo Heinonen (198-81) added 18 points. Five Joensuun Kataja and four Torpan Pojat players scored in double figures. Joensuun Kataja have an impressive five-game winning streak. Joensuun Kataja maintains third position with 25-11 record having six points less than leader Pyrinto. Torpan Pojat lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with 20 games lost. Joensuun Kataja will play against league's leader Tampereen Pyrinto on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Torpan Pojat will play against Salon Vilpas (#10) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
ToPo: T.Heinonen 18+3reb+2ast, E.Kajander 17+3reb+1ast, L.Blanchard 14+6reb+2ast, F.Richards 14+4reb+5ast, E.Lehtinen 9+4reb+3ast, M.Koivisto 8+3reb+1ast
Kataja: J.Newson 20+1reb, J.Nenonen 18+6reb, P.Virtanen 12+3reb+6ast, J.Conley 11+5reb+2ast, D.Fells 11+11reb+4ast, A.Kanervo 9+3reb
gschID: 106599




@Basketball and Beyond - by Corey Belser
It's about that time for a another blog! Even though I am starting think nobody really reads these. I guess what I am trying to say is leave a reply good or bad, or even better give me some questions to talk about in my next blog! Things here in Finland are really starting to heat up, on the Basketball Court that is! God knows it's not getting any warmer outside! It's currently -15 degrees celsius and rumor has it, that it's been close to -40c in some places! It's odd, because this past week it's been really sunny and it's been getting colder! I think it has something to do with the lack of moisture in the air, but what do I know? I just hope it starts to heat up off the court soon, summer's almost here!

There's currently 9 games left in the regular season and we are currently on a 5 game winning streak! We have a tough and important match this Saturday, and with these last 9 games we have a great opportunity to move into the 2nd place in league so ever game is crucial. 2nd place would mean that we would play vs the 7th seed in the first round of the playoffs and have home court advantage. As for the VTB League, our first year in the league has been a learning experience. Last week we lost in Dnipro Dnepropetrovsk Ukraine. In a match we should won. We still have two more games left against very good clubs in CSKA Moscow and Unics Kazan. We are still looking to capture our first win in the league, even though these next two matches we will be huge underdogs, I have hope we will. Speaking of the UNDERDOGS! I am a proud University of San Diego alumni today, we upset the Nations 23rd ranked Saint Mary's Gales! We have a young team and it's been a tough year for the team, but last night we showed our potential against a solid SMC squad! I hope that this win will give us the confidence and hunger to work even harder. Congrats to the entire SD organization especially the two seniors, Devin Ginty (187-G-89)y and Matt Dorr (193-G-88) make it a special senior year fellas! Fight On Toreros!!!

I want encourage all the professional athletes out there, to give back to the youth in your communities! I feel like there a lot of youth today who could use a mentor, role model, or friend! John Wooden said it best 'Young people need models not critics.' There are so many distractions now days. I can't imagine the stress parents have raising children in a world where, any and everything is right at their fingertips! I have started The Academy of Future College Athletes www.afcathletes.org. AFCA is a non-profit organization that strives to help athletes not just be better players but better people. As an organization we are still young, less then a year old but it's been going well and have been getting a lot of positive feedback. I am really excited for AFCA's future and the lives it will change along the way. It's always great to speak with other professional athletes giving back and working with youth in their off time. I feel it's our obligation to give back and provide the same support and assistance we received, if not more!
Please check us out, on our website www.afcathletes.org, you can even support us on Facebook www.facebook.com/afcathletes, Youtube www.youtube.com/afcabasketball or Twitter twitter.com/afcathletes. As a non-profit organization we need all the support and exposure we can get. It truly never goes unnoticed, so thank you for your needed support!

Life always seems to throw a curve ball when we least expect, it can really put things into perspective. I want to send my condolences to a great friend Nick Lewis (207-F/C-83, agency: Impact Basketball, college: San Diego) and his family. They recently lost an incredible woman and beautiful spirit, to a long battle with Cancer! RIP Melodie Lewis!! It's been over 5 years since college, when Melodie's Cancer first surfaced. It was her battle then, that gave us the courage and motivation to overcome anything that we experienced in basketball or life. I remember how we all shaved our heads in support of her fight, and how she helped to unite our team! We went from a team of individuals, to a family of brothers! She will be truly missed but always remembered!

Before I close this out, I just want to send an alley oop pass to my cousin the sexy7footer as he tells it aka Michael Fey (213-F/C-83, college: UCLA) and his Wife Gia out in Japan balling!! Kon'nichiwa fam!

Life is short! Enjoy every second of it...............Corey Belser (200-F-82, college: San Diego) signing out!


Loimaan Korikonkarit defeats leader Forssan Koripojat - by Eurobasket
The games at this stage are more interesting as they can be crucial for the final standings in Regular Season. Despite we already know who is stronger and who is weaker, there may be still last minute susprises and upsets.

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of top-ranked Forssan Koripojat (15-4) at the home court on Saturday night. Hosts were rolled over by third ranked Loimaan Korikonkarit (12-6) 84-60. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Forssan Koripojat. The game without a history. Loimaan Korikonkarit led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to Forssan Koripojat's 26. They outrebounded Forssan Koripojat 51-25 including a 35-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. 26 personal fouls committed by Forssan Koripojat helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of American power forward J'son Stamper (200-85, college: Minnesota, agency: JEMsports) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 22 points and 16 rebounds. His fellow American import guard Channing Toney (196-86, college: UAB, agency: Interperformances) contributed with 18 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Swingman Olli Kaunomaki (195-86) answered with 19 points and 4 steals for Forssan Koripojat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Loimaan Korikonkarit have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They maintain third place with 12-6 record having four points less than leader FoKoPo. Forssan Koripojat at the other side still keeps top position with four games lost. Loimaan Korikonkarit are looking forward to face Tapiolan Honka (#7) at home in the next round. Forssan Koripojat will play against Torpan Pojat (#9) in Helsinki and is hoping to win this game.
Tapiolan Honka (#7) forced the game against BC Jyvaskyla (#2) into an overtime, but lost by five points 89-94. The game took place in Tapiolan. But the guests from Jyvaskyla were better at the end. It was a great evening for American forward Tracy Robinson (201-86, college: Loyola (IL)) who led his team to a victory scoring 23 points and 5 rebounds. Jarno Nissinen helped adding 17 points. At the losing side power forward Kilian Cato (201-92) responded with 24 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. BC Jyvaskyla maintains second place with 14-5 record behind leader FoKoPo. Tapiolan Honka at the other side keeps the seventh position with nine games lost. BC Jyvaskyla will play against Aanekosken Huima (#6) in Aanekoski in the next round. Tapiolan Honka will play on the road against Loimaan Korikonkarit and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Bottom-ranked Lahden NMKY is still unable to win any game. This time they lost on the road their 19th consecutive match to sixth ranked BC Nokia (11-8) 86-47 on Sunday evening. It was an exceptional evening for Timo Riihela who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 22 points, 8 rebounds and 11 assists. Valtteri Makalainen came up with 13 points and 6 rebounds for Lahden NMKY in the defeat. Lahden NMKY's coach gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. BC Nokia moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Huima. Lahden NMKY lost their nineteenth game in a row. They still closes the standingsBC Nokia will meet Kerava Energia Team (#11) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Lahden NMKY will play against Ura Basket in Kaarina and hopes to get finally their first victory.

Other games in round 19 were not that significant. Ura Basket was smashed by Huima on the road 109-89. Kerava ET lost to SayRi on its own court 88-95. TomPo II was outscored by Lapua in a road game 76-114.
The most impressive performance of 19th round was 21 points and 16 rebounds by Baboucarr Bojang of BC Nokia.


Huima - Ura Basket 109-89

No shocking result in a game when fifth ranked Aanekosken Huima (11-8) crushed 10th ranked Ura Basket (7-12) in Aanekoski 109-89 on Sunday. The hosts trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 65-43 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Aanekosken Huima shot 60.3 percent from the field. It was an exceptional evening for American guard Treylon Manning (178, college: Texas Coll.) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 10 assists. Bahamas forward Jamal Douglas (201-85, college: E.Kentucky) accounted for 24 points and 12 rebounds for the winning side. Aanekosken Huima's coach Petter Karvonen used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American forward Carlton Brown (198-79, college: Texas A&M) came up with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 12 rebounds and the other American import swingman Zach Ramey (191-81, college: Benedictine) added 10 points, 5 rebounds and 10 assists respectively for Ura Basket in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Aanekosken Huima. They maintain fifth place with 11-8 record, which they share with BC Nokia. Loser Ura Basket dropped to the ninth position with 12 games lost. They share it with TomPo II. Aanekosken Huima will meet league's second-placed BC Jyvaskyla on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Ura Basket will play against Lahden NMKY (#12) in Lahti and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Huima: T.Manning 26+4reb+10ast, L.Roberson 25+12reb+2ast, J.Douglas 24+12reb+3ast, S.Mantymaa 14, L.Paanala 7+4reb+1ast, J.Kaihlamaki 7+3reb+1ast
Ura Basket: M.Ahokas 21+2reb, C.Brown 18+12reb, S.Salminen 11+3reb, Z.Ramey 10+5reb+10ast, J.Virtanen 8+2reb, J.Alanko 7+1reb
gschID: 106846


BC Nokia - Namika II 86-47

Bottom-ranked Lahden NMKY is still unable to win any game. This time they lost on the road their 19th consecutive match to sixth ranked BC Nokia (11-8) 86-47 on Sunday evening. The game without a history. BC Nokia led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Lahden NMKY's 14. BC Nokia forced 23 Lahden NMKY turnovers and outrebounded them 39-20 including a 24-13 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was an exceptional evening for guard Timo Riihela (193-80) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 22 points, 8 rebounds and 11 assists. Gambian forward Baboucarr Bojang (204-80, college: Illinois St.) accounted for 21 points and 16 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) for the winning side. Four BC Nokia players scored in double figures. Guard Valtteri Makalainen (192-92) came up with 13 points and 6 rebounds and guard Alexi Alanen (194-91) added 9 points respectively for Lahden NMKY in the defeat. Lahden NMKY's coach gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. BC Nokia moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Huima. Lahden NMKY lost their nineteenth game in a row. They still closes the standingsBC Nokia will meet Kerava Energia Team (#11) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Lahden NMKY will play against Ura Basket in Kaarina and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
BC Nokia: T.Riihela 22+8reb+11ast, B.Bojang 21+16reb, S.Kajander 16+4reb, T.Kankaanpaa 10+4reb, V.Virtanen 9+2reb+1ast, J.Hamalainen 4+2reb
Namika II: V.Makalainen 13+6reb+1ast, A.Alanen 9+2reb+1ast, V.Kuusela 8+2reb, V.Heinonen 7+1reb, O.Aalto 5+3reb, S.Booker 3
gschID: 106847


Kerava ET - SayRi 88-95

Rather expected game when 11th ranked Kerava Energia Team (6-13) lost at home to eighth ranked Saynatsalon Riento (8-10) 95-88 on Sunday. The guests trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 2-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 95-88. Saynatsalon Riento dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Kerava Energia Team's 46. It was an exceptional evening for swingman Eetu Nieminen (191-84) who led the winners and scored 22 points. Guard Erkko Pasanen (188-85) accounted for 14 points, 6 assists and 6 steals for the winning side. Saynatsalon Riento's coach Teemu Sarkka used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American guard Justice Graham (195-79, college: Glenville St.) came up with 22 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists and Gambian power forward Pierre Jallow (203-79, college: William Jewell) added 18 points and 11 rebounds respectively for Kerava Energia Team in the defeat. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Newly promoted Saynatsalon Riento maintains eighth place with 8-10 record. Kerava Energia Team lost their fourth game in a row. They keep the eleventh position with 13 games lost. Saynatsalon Riento will meet at home higher ranked Lapuan Korikobrat (#4) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Kerava Energia Team will play against BC Nokia (#5) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
SayRi: E.Nieminen 22+4reb+2ast, D.Marcus Hall 16+5reb, E.Pasanen 14+4reb+6ast, E.Thomas 13+7reb+1ast, T.Viitamaki 12+6reb+1ast, J.Hiekkavirta 9+2reb+2ast
Kerava ET: J.Graham 22+9reb+6ast, J.Aho 19+4reb+1ast, P.Jallow 18+11reb+2ast, O.Korhonen 11+4reb+3ast, S.Beatovic 10+5reb+3ast, H.Alatyppo 5+2reb
gschID: 106848


FoKoPo - LoKoKo 60-84

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of top-ranked Forssan Koripojat (15-4) at the home court on Saturday night. Hosts were rolled over by third ranked Loimaan Korikonkarit (12-6) 84-60. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Forssan Koripojat. The game without a history. Loimaan Korikonkarit led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to Forssan Koripojat's 26. They outrebounded Forssan Koripojat 51-25 including a 35-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. 26 personal fouls committed by Forssan Koripojat helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of American power forward J'son Stamper (200-85, college: Minnesota, agency: JEMsports) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 22 points and 16 rebounds. His fellow American import guard Channing Toney (196-86, college: UAB, agency: Interperformances) contributed with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Toney is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Five Loimaan Korikonkarit players scored in double figures. Swingman Olli Kaunomaki (195-86) answered with 19 points and 4 steals and Canadian center Jeremy McCulloch (212-82, college: E.Washington) added 13 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Forssan Koripojat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Loimaan Korikonkarit have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They maintain third place with 12-6 record having four points less than leader FoKoPo. Forssan Koripojat at the other side still keeps top position with four games lost. Loimaan Korikonkarit are looking forward to face Tapiolan Honka (#7) at home in the next round. Forssan Koripojat will play against Torpan Pojat (#9) in Helsinki and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
LoKoKo: J.Stamper 22+16reb, J.Kivinen 19+5reb+3ast, C.Toney 18+12reb, M.Horton 12+9reb+3ast, S.Latvala 11+5reb+1ast, E.Aaltonen 2+2reb+1ast
FoKoPo: O.Kaunomaki 19+4reb, J.McCulloch 13+8reb+1ast, S.Ikavalko 12+1reb+3ast, M.Molenius 6+2ast, J.Nurmio 3+1reb, K.Brace 2+6reb+1ast
gschID: 106843


Lapua - TomPo II 114-76

Very predictable result when fourth ranked Lapuan Korikobrat (12-7) rolled over at home 9th ranked Torpan Pojat (7-12) 114-76 on Sunday. The game without a history. Lapuan Korikobrat led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Lapuan Korikobrat dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Torpan Pojat's 34. It was an exceptional evening for American forward Derick Nelson (196-86, college: Oakland, agency: ACMT) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 11 rebounds. Guard Kim Siven (197-88) accounted for 21 points and 10 rebounds for the winning side. Lapuan Korikobrat's coach Tyrwone Still felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Forward Vesa Linturi (195-83) came up with 22 points and guard Oscar Lindqvist (188-90) added 16 points and 5 rebounds respectively for Torpan Pojat in the defeat. Five Lapuan Korikobrat and four Torpan Pojat players scored in double figures. Lapuan Korikobrat maintains fourth place with 12-7 record. Newly promoted Torpan Pojat keeps the ninth position with 12 games lost. They share it with Ura Basket. Lapuan Korikobrat will meet Saynatsalon Riento (#8) in the next round. Torpan Pojat will play against the league's leader Forssan Koripojat and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Lapua: D.Nelson 24+11reb+2ast, B.Valentine 22+5reb+3ast, T.Still 22+5reb+2ast, K.Siven 21+10reb+1ast, J.Turja 14+4reb+3ast, A.Keski-Koukkari 5
TomPo II: V.Linturi 22+2reb, O.Lindqvist 16+5reb, K.Rinaldo 12+3reb, V.Nummelin 11+5reb+1ast, J.Kauppinen 9+7reb, J.Heinikoski 5+8reb+1ast
gschID: 106844


Honka - Jyvaskyla 89-94 OT

Tapiolan Honka (#7) forced the game against BC Jyvaskyla (#2) into an overtime, but lost by five points 89-94. The game took place in Tapiolan. But the guests from Jyvaskyla were better at the end. The guests were already 17 points ahead after 3 quarters before a 30-13 Tapiolan Honka's run in the last quarter tied the game, leading to overtime which they eventually won 15-10. Tapiolan Honka was plagued by 30 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a great evening for American forward Tracy Robinson (201-86, college: Loyola (IL)) who led his team to a victory scoring 23 points and 5 rebounds. Forward Jarno Nissinen (194-77) helped adding 17 points. At the losing side power forward Kilian Cato (201-92) responded with 24 points and 8 rebounds and guard Villematti Kopio (182-92) scored 15 points. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. BC Jyvaskyla maintains second place with 14-5 record behind leader FoKoPo. Tapiolan Honka at the other side keeps the seventh position with nine games lost. BC Jyvaskyla will play against Aanekosken Huima (#6) in Aanekoski in the next round. Tapiolan Honka will play on the road against Loimaan Korikonkarit and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Jyvaskyla: T.Robinson 23+5reb+2ast, J.Nissinen 17+2reb+2ast, A.Siimes 11+4reb+1ast, T.Naukkarinen 9+5reb+1ast, N.Malinen 8+7reb+2ast, T.Ahila 8+2reb+1ast
Honka: K.Cato 24+8reb+1ast, V.Kopio 15+4reb+2ast, J.Helenius 11+2reb, S.Silvonen 10+3reb, I.Sirola 8+9reb+1ast, S.Vanttaja 7+8reb+1ast
gschID: 106845




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


Stats Leaders - ProA
Points Per Game
 Davon JEFFERSON
  ASVEL
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 17.8
 1. Jefferson, AS.17.8 
 2. Nichols, Vichy17.6 
 3. Darden, Nancy17.6 
 4. Mejia, Cholet17.5 
 5. Hughes, Hyeres-T.17.3 
 6. Massie, Limoges17.1 
 7. King, Le Havre15.8 
 8. Woodside, Gravelines15.6 
 9. Bennett, Pau-La.15.6 
 10. Haynes, Chalon15.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Rob LEWIN
  Ventspils
  (201-F-80)
  Avg: 9.8
 1. Lewin, Vichy9.8 
 2. Massie, Limoges9.2 
 3. Krupalija, Hyeres.9.0 
 4. Issa, Gravelines8.9 
 5. Jones, Le Havre8.7 
 6. Elegar, Vichy8.2 
 7. Akingbala, Nancy8.1 
 8. Jefferson, AS.7.9 
 9. Koffi, Le Mans7.6 
 10. Hughes, Hyeres-T.7.5 
Assists Per Game
 Kareem REID
  Rouen
  (178-G-75)
  Avg: 6.3
 1. Reid, Vichy6.3 
 2. King, Le Havre6.2 
 3. Linehan, Nancy6.2 
 4. Wright, Limoges6.1 
 5. Woodside, Gravelines5.7 
 6. Sciarra, Pau-La.4.9 
 7. Diabate, Roanne4.7 
 8. Schilb, Chalon4.7 
 9. Tchicamboud, Cha.4.2 
 10. Bokolo, Gravelines4.2 
Steals Per Game
 John LINEHAN
  Nancy
  (175-G-78)
  Avg: 3.7
 1. Linehan, Nancy3.7 
 2. Dobbins, Hyeres-T.2.5 
 3. Darden, Nancy2.3 
 4. Diot, Le Mans2.2 
 5. Walsh, AS.2.0 
 6. Bennett, Pau-La.1.8 
 7. Albicy, Paris-Le.1.7 
 8. Diabate, Roanne1.7 
 9. Greer, Strasbourg1.6 
 10. Elegar, Vichy1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Cyril AKPOMEDAH
  Gravelines
  (203-F-79)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Akpomedah, Grave.1.8 
 2. Issa, Gravelines1.5 
 3. Sene, Gravelines1.4 
 4. Jefferson, AS.1.3 
 5. Falker, Cholet1.3 
 6. Koffi, Le Mans1.2 
 7. Wilkinson, Le Havre1.2 
 8. Pasco, Strasbourg1.2 
 9. Badiane, Poitiera.1.1 
 10. Fofana, AS.1.1 


Stats Leaders - ProB
Points Per Game
 Moses SONKO
  Maurienne
  (196-F-83)
  Avg: 18.8
 1. Sonko, Maurienne18.8 
 2. Harris, Lille18.5 
 3. Siggers, Rouen18.4 
 4. Carter, Nanterre17.2 
 5. Gay, Fos Ouest17.1 
 6. Dunn, Maurienne16.1 
 7. Runkaukas, Quimper15.8 
 8. Rouse, Charleville15.5 
 9. Watson, Evreux15.5 
 10. Labeyrie, Le Portel15.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Chris DANIELS
  Chalons-Reims
  (200-F-82)
  Avg: 10.4
 1. Daniels, Chalons-.10.4 
 2. Mathis, Maurienne10.4 
 3. Barber, Nantes10.1 
 4. Bing, Dijon9.0 
 5. Monds, Bourg8.7 
 6. Monroe, Boulogne8.7 
 7. Monroe, Boulogne8.7 
 8. Giles, Rouen8.3 
 9. Rouse, Charleville8.1 
 10. Massot, Antibes7.7 
Assists Per Game
 Philippe DA SILVA
  Evreux
  (192-G-79)
  Avg: 8.2
 1. Da Silva, Evreux8.2 
 2. Rowland, Le Portel6.6 
 3. Downey, Nantes5.7 
 4. Patiejunas, Boulo.5.4 
 5. Patiejunas, Boulo.5.4 
 6. Taylor, Rouen5.0 
 7. Denave, St Vallier5.0 
 8. Williams, Le Portel5.0 
 9. Craven, Dijon4.9 
 10. Akono, Nanterre4.6 
Steals Per Game
 Kyle SHILOH
  St Vallier
  (191-G-85)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Shiloh, St Vallier2.7 
 2. Doyne, Charleville2.6 
 3. Sonko, Maurienne2.5 
 4. Daniels, Chalons-.2.5 
 5. Riley, Nanterre2.4 
 6. Craven, Dijon2.4 
 7. Patiejunas, Boulo.2.3 
 8. Patiejunas, Boulo.2.3 
 9. Hachad, Fos Ouest2.2 
 10. Mullins, Chalons-.2.1 
Blocks Per Game
 Sherman GAY
  Fos Ouest
  (201-F-82)
  Avg: 2
 1. Gay, Fos Ouest2.0 
 2. Jefferson, Quimper1.4 
 3. Monds, Bourg1.1 
 4. Barber, Nantes1.0 
 5. Adjiwanou, Boula.0.9 
 6. N''Diaye, Clermont0.9 
 7. Daniels, Nanterre0.9 
 8. Taccoen, Lille0.9 
 9. Diakite, Chalons-.0.8 
 10. Massot, Antibes0.7 


Orleans signs Tajuan Porter - by Eurobasket News
Tajuan Porter (168-G-88, college: Oregon) is a new member of Orleans. The American point guard signed a deal for rest of the season. He started it with the Canadian team Halifax Rainmen. Porter appeared 11 times in PBL averaging 6.5 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists. This is first professional season for Porter, who graduated last year at the Oregon University. He shined with 13.1 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 2 apg for 28 games as a senior.
Tajuan Porter was a member of the USA U19 National Team in 2007. He played 9 games for them at the FIBA World Championship registering 5.4 ppg and 1.2 apg. Americans reached the Finals, but they failed against the host Serbia.
Orleans currently has 6-12 record in French ProA.

Stats Leaders - N1
Points Per Game
 Larry BLAIR
  Denek
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 24
 1. Blair, Denek24.0 
 2. Kennedy, Orchy18.5 
 3. Petrovic, St Et.18.2 
 4. Pridotkas, Brest17.9 
 5. Blot, Blois17.5 
 6. James, Challans16.6 
 7. Ford, Bordeaux16.3 
 8. Lalugba, Denain15.8 
 9. Lesieu, St Quentin15.8 
 10. Disy, Roche15.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Lavar SIMMONS
  St Etienne
  (201-F/C-83)
  Avg: 9.4
 1. Simmons, St Et.9.4 
 2. Pasut, Sorgues8.6 
 3. Grimm, Blois8.3 
 4. Hoard, Lievin8.1 
 5. Kennedy, Orchy7.8 
 6. Lopez, Brest7.7 
 7. Brocheray, Denain7.7 
 8. Alingue, Souffel7.6 
 9. Lesieu, St Quentin7.6 
 10. Boutry, Challans7.3 
Assists Per Game
 Pierre BROCHARD
  Blois
  (185-G-80)
  Avg: 6.6
 1. Brochard, Blois6.6 
 2. Cortey, Le Puy5.8 
 3. Ramphort, Angers B.4.7 
 4. Barbry, Orchy4.2 
 5. Sauret, Denain4.2 
 6. Darrigand, Bordeaux4.2 
 7. Rambur, St Quentin4.0 
 8. Driss, Bordeaux3.7 
 9. Thomas, St Etienne3.7 
 10. Tillon, St Chamond3.6 
Steals Per Game
 Larry BLAIR
  Denek
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Blair, Denek2.9 
 2. Pistre, Le Puy2.1 
 3. Neri, Roche2.0 
 4. Sauret, Denain2.0 
 5. Blot, Blois1.8 
 6. Ipouck, Le Puy1.8 
 7. El Amrani, St Et.1.7 
 8. Roberts, Brest1.7 
 9. James, Challans1.6 
 10. Schmieder, Challans1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Jean-Stephane RINNA
  St Chamond
  (205-F-83)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Rinna, St Chamond1.8 
 2. Ford, Bordeaux1.7 
 3. Traore, Angers B.1.6 
 4. Alingue, Souffel1.6 
 5. Lalugba, Denain1.3 
 6. Pasut, Sorgues1.2 
 7. Kolb, Blois1.1 
 8. Kennedy, Orchy1.0 
 9. Gourde, Get Vosges1.0 
 10. Diallo, Roche0.9 


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


D1 Standings
Superleague Standings
 1. Feni Indistrija 17-1 
 2. MZT Skopje 14-3 
 3. Rabotnicki 14-4 
 4. Torus Skopje 10-8 
 5. ABA Strumica 8-10 
 6. Lirija 7-11 
 7. Kumanovo 2009 6-11 
 8. Ultimate Basket 5-13 
 9. Ovce Pole 5-13 
 10. Pelister Bitola 2-14 


Stats Leaders - Superleague
Points Per Game
 Darko MATIC
  Kumanovo 2009
  (-C-84)
  Avg: 22.9
 1. Matic, Kumanovo.22.9 
 2. Jovanovic, Ultima.20.3 
 3. Mirakovski, Rabot.17.1 
 4. Petkovski, Pelist.16.8 
 5. Morban, Lirija16.6 
 6. Blazevski, Rabotnicki16.6 
 7. Filipovic, Ovce Pole16.4 
 8. Trajkovski, Torus S.16.2 
 9. Jelesijevic, Ovce P.16.1 
 10. Nikolovski, MZT S.15.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Gjorgje JOVANOVIC
  Ultimate Basket
  (209-C-80)
  Avg: 10.6
 1. Jovanovic, Ultima.10.6 
 2. Pavlovski, Lirija10.2 
 3. Jelesijevic, Ovce P.9.9 
 4. Nikolovski, MZT S.8.6 
 5. Talevski, Pelist.8.1 
 6. Trajkovski, Torus S.7.7 
 7. Knezevic, Feni I.7.3 
 8. Chappell, ABA S.7.2 
 9. Simic, Rabotnicki7.1 
 10. Filipovic, Ovce Pole7.1 
Assists Per Game
 Dimitar MIRAKOVSKI
  Rabotnicki
  (180-G-81)
  Avg: 5.4
 1. Mirakovski, Rabot.5.4 
 2. Morban, Lirija5.1 
 3. Kostovski, Torus S.4.7 
 4. Petrovski, MZT S.4.3 
 5. Blazevski, Rabotnicki3.8 
 6. Mladenovic, Ultima.3.7 
 7. Lazic, Ultimate.3.3 
 8. Samardziev, Feni I.3.2 
 9. Neal, ABA Strumica3.2 
 10. Stojanovski, Feni I.3.1 
Steals Per Game
 Gjorgi ANAKIEVSKI
  Pelister Bitola
  (185-G-85)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Anakievski, Pelist.2.5 
 2. Morban, Lirija1.7 
 3. Stimson, ABA S.1.5 
 4. Dimcevski, Torus S.1.5 
 5. Petrovski, MZT S.1.5 
 6. Mladenovic, Ultima.1.4 
 7. Cvetkov, ABA S.1.4 
 8. Blazevski, Rabotnicki1.4 
 9. Miljkovic, Torus S.1.3 
 10. Grncarov, MZT S.1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Bojan TRAJKOVSKI
  Torus Skopje
  (206-C/F-88)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Trajkovski, Torus S.2.3 
 2. Chappell, ABA S.1.4 
 3. Avramovski, MZT S.1.2 
 4. Krstevski, Torus S.1.2 
 5. Jelesijevic, Ovce P.1.1 
 6. Petric, Kumanovo.1.1 
 7. Gocevski, Rabotnicki1.0 
 8. Frye, Feni Indistrija1.0 
 9. Simic, Rabotnicki0.9 
 10. Pavlovski, Lirija0.6 


*****************************************************
  GEORGIA   


Geogian Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Beqa CHIKVILADZE
  GTU Tbilisi
  (195-G-91)
  Avg: 22
 1. Chikviladze, GTU T.22.0 
 2. Parghalava, Sokhu.21.0 
 3. Panchulidze, TSU T.18.7 
 4. Matiashvili, TSU T.17.7 
 5. Keshelava, Batumi17.3 
 6. Babiashvili, Army17.2 
 7. Kvimsadze, Kutaisi16.9 
 8. Tugushi, Army16.6 
 9. Tsekvava, Energy R.16.0 
 10. Maisuradze, Batumi15.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Richard DAMUS
  Sokhumi
  (198-F-83)
  Avg: 12.2
 1. Damus, Sokhumi12.2 
 2. Keshelava, Batumi10.9 
 3. Matiashvili, TSU T.10.4 
 4. Imnadze, MIA T.9.6 
 5. Damus, Sokhumi8.9 
 6. Tugushi, Army8.8 
 7. Ugrekhelidze, Army8.7 
 8. Antadze, GTU T.8.6 
 9. Toudjani, Energy R.8.6 
 10. Beruashvili, GTU T.8.6 
Assists Per Game
 Giorgi GAPRINDASHVILI
  TSU Tbilisi
  (190-G-88)
  Avg: 6.6
 1. Gaprindashvi., TSU T.6.6 
 2. Tugushi, Army5.8 
 3. Tetelashvili, GSAU T.4.6 
 4. Tavartkiladz., Samedi.4.5 
 5. Harris, Sokhumi4.5 
 6. Kvimsadze, Kutaisi4.4 
 7. Mikeladze, Batumi4.4 
 8. Tsivtsivadze, Energy R.4.4 
 9. Parghalava, Sokhu.4.3 
 10. Antadze, GTU T.4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Giorgi GULISABEDASHVILI
  Samedicino
  (194-G-88)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Gulisabedash., Samedi.3.1 
 2. Beruashvili, GTU T.3.0 
 3. Tsekvava, Energy R.2.8 
 4. Antadze, GTU T.2.7 
 5. Berishvili, Kutaisi2.6 
 6. Parghalava, Sokhu.2.6 
 7. Panchulidze, TSU T.2.5 
 8. Harris, Sokhumi2.5 
 9. Sanadze, Energy R.2.3 
 10. Sigua, GSAU T.2.2 
Blocks Per Game
 Samuel LAMU
  Energy Rustavi
  (204-C-81)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Lamu, Energy R.1.8 
 2. Damus, Sokhumi1.5 
 3. Imnadze, MIA T.1.4 
 4. Matiashvili, TSU T.1.3 
 5. Bekauri, Samedicino1.3 
 6. Toudjani, Energy R.1.2 
 7. Damus, Sokhumi1.2 
 8. Beruashvili, GTU T.1.1 
 9. Kobidze, GTU T.1.0 
 10. Tenieshvili, Batumi1.0 


Superleague Round 14: Army Sport Klub beats GTU in a derby game - by Eurobasket News
The most interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Tbilisi: Army Sport Klub (#1) and GTU (#8). Army Sport Klub (12-1) smashed visiting GTU (4-10) by 28 points 82-54. It was a very close game until the last quarter, when Army Sport Klub's pressure prevailed and they won that period 35-12 extending their advantage to 28 points. They held GTU to an opponent 24.4 percent shooting from the field compared to 40.6 percent accuracy of the winners. 24 personal fouls committed by GTU helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was the former international forward Zviad Babiashvili (199-78) who had a double-double by scoring 22 points and 12 rebounds. The former international guard Kote Tugushi (192-84) chipped in 15 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists. Forward Akaki Lomouri (198-91) produced 14 points and 6 rebounds for the guests. GTU's coach gave up on the game allowing to play eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Army Sport Klub have an impressive 12-game winning streak. Newly promoted Army Sport Klub maintains first position with 12-1 record. GTU at the other side keeps the eighth place with ten games lost. They share the position with GSAU Tbilisi and Samedicino. Army Sport Klub's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Tbilisi to the arena Sokhumi.
The game in Rustavi was also worth to mention about. Fifth ranked Sokhumi (9-5) played at the court of 6th ranked Energy Invest (7-6). Sokhumi did not have too big problems and got a relatively easy victory 73-55. Guard Lasha Parghalava (191-87, college: Montana St. - Billin) orchestrated the victory by scoring 19 points and 7 rebounds. Richard Damus contributed with 10 points and 15 rebounds for the winners. Cameroonian center Samuel Lamu (204-81) replied with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 11 rebounds for Energy Invest. Sokhumi maintains fifth position with 9-5 record. Energy Invest lost fourth consecutive game. Defending champion keeps the sixth place with six games lost. Sokhumi's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Tbilisi Army Sport Klub.
Another interesting game was again a derby between two local teams from Tbilisi: TSU (#4) and Samedicino-Academia (#9). TSU (10-4) smashed visiting Samedicino-Academia (4-10) by 16 points 87-71. Ilia Londaridze had a double-double by scoring 23 points and 19 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners. Akaki Dvalishvili responded with 17 points and 6 rebounds. Samedicino-Academia's coach rotated twelve players seeing no chance for a win. TSU have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place. Samedicino-Academia lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the eighth position with ten games lost. They share it with GTU Tbilisi and GSAU Tbilisi. TSU's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Tbilisi to the arena Dinamo Tbilisi.
Another interesting game was again a derby match of two teams from Tbilisi: GSAU (#10) and Dinamo Tbilisi (#11). GSAU (4-10) won against visiting Dinamo Tbilisi (1-13) 80-70. Revaz Chachanidze notched 19 points and 5 rebounds to lead the effort. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. GSAU moved-up to eighth place, which they share with GTU Tbilisi and Samedicino. Dinamo Tbilisi lost thirteenth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom position with 13 games lost. GSAU's next round opponent will be higher ranked Batumi (#7) on the road and it may be quite challenging game. Dinamo Tbilisi's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Tbilisi TSU.

In the last game of round 14 Batumi was defeated by MIA Tbilisi in a road game 91-75.


Army - GTU Tbilisi 82-54

The most interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Tbilisi: Army Sport Klub (#1) and GTU (#8). Army Sport Klub (12-1) smashed visiting GTU (4-10) by 28 points 82-54. It was a very close game until the last quarter, when Army Sport Klub's pressure prevailed and they won that period 35-12 extending their advantage to 28 points. They held GTU to an opponent 24.4 percent shooting from the field compared to 40.6 percent accuracy of the winners. 24 personal fouls committed by GTU helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was the former international forward Zviad Babiashvili (199-78) who had a double-double by scoring 22 points and 12 rebounds. The former international guard Kote Tugushi (192-84) chipped in a double-double by scoring 15 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists. Forward Akaki Lomouri (198-91) produced 14 points and 6 rebounds and forward Vasili Beruashvili (198-90) added 9 points and 7 rebounds respectively for the guests. GTU's coach gave up on the game allowing to play eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Army Sport Klub have an impressive 12-game winning streak. Newly promoted Army Sport Klub maintains first position with 12-1 record. GTU at the other side keeps the eighth place with ten games lost. They share the position with GSAU Tbilisi and Samedicino. Army Sport Klub's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Tbilisi to the arena Sokhumi.
Top scorers:
Army: Z.Babiashvili 22+12reb, A.Boisa 19+7reb+1ast, K.Tugushi 15+11reb+8ast, R.Atanelishvili 5+7reb, B.Berishvili 4+9reb+4ast, G.Pirvelashvili 3+2reb
GTU Tbilisi: A.Lomouri 14+6reb, I.Kobidze 10+6reb, V.Beruashvili 9+7reb+3ast, B.Chikviladze 8+5reb+3ast, G.Jangveladze 5+4reb+1ast, A.Dzidziguri 4+1reb+4ast
gschID: 114890


Energy Rustavi - Sokhumi 55-73

The game in Rustavi was also worth to mention about. Fifth ranked Sokhumi (9-5) played at the court of 6th ranked Energy Invest (7-6). Sokhumi did not have too big problems and got a relatively easy victory 73-55. Energy Invest was tied at the half but could not keep up in last two quarters eventually losing the game. Sokhumi dominated on the defensive end, holding Energy Invest to just 7 points in fourth quarter. They outrebounded Energy Invest 56-33 including a 34-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. Guard Lasha Parghalava (191-87, college: Montana St. - Billin) orchestrated the victory by scoring 19 points and 7 rebounds. American forward Richard Damus (198-83, college: Troy) contributed with a double-double by scoring 10 points and 15 rebounds for the winners. Cameroonian center Samuel Lamu (204-81) replied with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 11 rebounds and forward Zurabi Machavariani (192-90) added 15 points in the effort for Energy Invest. Sokhumi maintains fifth position with 9-5 record. Energy Invest lost fourth consecutive game. Defending champion keeps the sixth place with six games lost. Sokhumi's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Tbilisi Army Sport Klub.
Top scorers:
Sokhumi: E.Harris 20+3reb+3ast, L.Parghalava 19+7reb+1ast, R.Damus 10+15reb+1ast, C.Damus 8+9reb+1ast, I.Shanidze 7+7reb+3ast, I.Sordia 5+3reb+2ast
Energy Rustavi: S.Lamu 15+11reb, Z.Machavariani 15+4reb+1ast, M.Abaishvili 10+4reb+2ast, L.Khmelidze 8+3reb+1ast, D.Gugava 5+5reb+1ast, J.Arabic 2+3reb+1ast
gschID: 114886


MIA Tbilisi - Batumi 91-75

There was no surprise in Tbilisi where 7th ranked Batumi (4-9) was defeated by second ranked MIA (11-3) 91-75. The game was mostly controlled by MIA. Batumi was better in fourth quarter 28-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Batumi to just 6 points in first quarter. MIA had a 34-22 advantage in offensive rebounds. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists. Naturalized Azerbaijan forward Davit Barbakadze (203-82) notched 17 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) to lead the effort and guard Beka Tsivtsivadze (190-89) supported him with 8 points and 10 assists. MIA's coach David Ustiashvili used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even 29 points and 5 rebounds by guard Duda Sanadze (196-92) did not help to save the game for Batumi. Naturalized Russian center Giorgi Kvelashvili (206-81) added 15 points and 9 rebounds for the guests. MIA have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 11-3 record behind leader Army. Batumi at the other side keeps the seventh place with nine games lost. MIA's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Tbilisi to the arena .
Top scorers:
MIA Tbilisi: D.Barbakadze 17+4reb+1ast, B.Lezhava 13+3reb+3ast, G.Nikoladze 10+3ast, S.Shermadini 9+3reb, B.Tsivtsivadze 8+3reb+10ast, T.Cotton 8+2reb+1ast
Batumi: D.Sanadze 29+5reb+2ast, G.Kvelashvili 15+9reb, I.Maisuradze 12+5reb+3ast, N.Ramishvili 6+2reb+2ast, M.Ninua 4+2ast, A.Eliashvili 4+5reb+3ast
gschID: 114887


TSU Tbilisi - Samedicino 87-71

Another interesting game was again a derby between two local teams from Tbilisi: TSU (#4) and Samedicino-Academia (#9). TSU (10-4) smashed visiting Samedicino-Academia (4-10) by 16 points 87-71. The game was mostly controlled by TSU. Samedicino-Academia managed to win second period 22-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Samedicino-Academia 56-43 including 23 on the offensive glass. Center Ilia Londaridze (205-89) had a double-double by scoring 23 points and 19 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the former international forward Mikheil Berishvili (205-87) chipped in 19 points and 10 rebounds during the contest. Four TSU players scored in double figures. Center Akaki Dvalishvili (206-90) responded with 17 points and 6 rebounds and guard Mikheil Chochua (193-87) scored 14 points and 6 rebounds. Samedicino-Academia's coach rotated twelve players seeing no chance for a win. TSU have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place. Samedicino-Academia lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the eighth position with ten games lost. They share it with GTU Tbilisi and GSAU Tbilisi. TSU's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Tbilisi to the arena Dinamo Tbilisi.
Top scorers:
TSU Tbilisi: I.Londaridze 23+19reb, M.Berishvili 19+10reb+1ast, R.Matiashvili 15+5reb+1ast, M.Panchulidze 10+4reb+1ast, M.Chitashvili 10+5reb+4ast, S.Kokhreidze 5+9reb+4ast
Samedicino: A.Dvalishvili 17+6reb+2ast, M.Chochua 14+6reb+2ast, I.Lezhava 13+3reb+2ast, I.Keidia 8+7reb+2ast, T.Niniashvili 8+6reb, T.Tavartkiladze 4+4reb+3ast
gschID: 114888


GSAU Tbilisi - Dinamo Tbilisi 80-70

Another interesting game was again a derby match of two teams from Tbilisi: GSAU (#10) and Dinamo Tbilisi (#11). GSAU (4-10) won against visiting Dinamo Tbilisi (1-13) 80-70. The game was mostly controlled by GSAU. Dinamo Tbilisi was better in third quarter 29-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Dinamo Tbilisi to just 6 points in first quarter. Guard Revaz Chachanidze (183-90) notched 19 points and 5 rebounds to lead the effort and guard George Khaniashvili (194-89) supported him with 15 points and 4 assists. Even 17 points and 8 rebounds by forward Irakli Alkhanaidze (202-92) did not help to save the game for Dinamo Tbilisi. Guard Lasha Edzgveradze (185-87) added 11 points for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. GSAU moved-up to eighth place, which they share with GTU Tbilisi and Samedicino. Dinamo Tbilisi lost thirteenth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom position with 13 games lost. GSAU's next round opponent will be higher ranked Batumi (#7) on the road and it may be quite challenging game. Dinamo Tbilisi's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Tbilisi TSU.
Top scorers:
GSAU Tbilisi: R.Chachanidze 19+5reb, G.Khaniashvili 15+4reb+4ast, G.Javakhshvili 10+6reb+2ast, K.Mumladze 10+8reb, G.Gemazashvili 9+9reb+1ast, G.Nanitashvili 9+1reb+1ast
Dinamo Tbilisi: I.Alkhanaidze 17+8reb+3ast, G.Pataraia 16+1ast, N.Guldedava 14+2reb+1ast, L.Edzgveradze 11+4reb+3ast, G.Tvauri 4+4reb, I.Tsagareishvili 3+1reb
gschID: 114889




Highest League Standing
Superleague Standings
 1. Army 12-1 
 2. MIA Tbilisi 11-3 
 3. TSU Tbilisi 10-4 
 4. Kutaisi 9-4 
 5. Sokhumi 9-5 
 6. Energy Rustavi 7-6 
 7. Batumi 4-9 
 8. GTU Tbilisi 4-10 
 9. GSAU Tbilisi 4-10 
 10. Samedicino 4-10 
 11. Dinamo Tbilisi 1-13 


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


Stats Leaders - 1.Bundesliga
Points Per Game
 DaShaun WOOD
  Dt.Bank SKY
  (185-G-85)
  Avg: 17.7
 1. Wood, Dt.17.7 
 2. Bell, Phoenix Hagen16.2 
 3. Allen, ALBA16.0 
 4. Rice, Art.Dragons15.9 
 5. Benzing, ratio.15.7 
 6. Ross, MBC15.6 
 7. Martin, Bremerha.15.4 
 8. Harris, EnBW L.15.3 
 9. Peacock, LTi 46ers15.3 
 10. Callahan, Bremerha.15.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 John BRYANT
  ratiopharm
  (208-C-87)
  Avg: 10.8
 1. Bryant, ratiopharm10.8 
 2. Ensminger, Teleko.8.5 
 3. Reiner, Bayreuth8.4 
 4. Watts, Walter T.7.8 
 5. Stevic, EWE B.7.3 
 6. Martin, Bremerha.7.1 
 7. Ovcina, LTi 46ers7.1 
 8. Evtimov, MBC7.0 
 9. Peacock, LTi 46ers6.7 
 10. Pleiss, Brose B.6.5 
Assists Per Game
 Branislav RATKOVICA
  Walter Tigers
  (193-G-85)
  Avg: 7.9
 1. Ratkovica, Walter T.7.9 
 2. Wood, Dt.5.5 
 3. Joyce, TBB Trier5.0 
 4. Rice, Art.Dragons4.9 
 5. Green, EnBW L.4.3 
 6. Jordan, MBC4.3 
 7. Goldsberry, Brose B.4.2 
 8. Campbell, EWE B.4.2 
 9. Gamqrelidze, LTi 4.1 
 10. Hamilton, NY Phant.4.0 
Steals Per Game
 Kevin HAMILTON
  NY Phantoms
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 2
 1. Hamilton, NY Phant.2.0 
 2. Burtschi, Phoenix .1.7 
 3. Martin, Bremerha.1.7 
 4. Goldsberry, Brose B.1.6 
 5. Wise, Telekom .1.5 
 6. Bailey, Art.Dragons1.5 
 7. Pryor, Phoenix .1.5 
 8. Wood, Dt.1.3 
 9. Oliver, Walter Tigers1.3 
 10. Campbell, Teleko.1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Ekene IBEKWE
  Bayreuth
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Ibekwe, Art.Drag.2.4 
 2. Pleiss, Brose B.1.9 
 3. Buechert, Phoenix .1.6 
 4. Bryant, ratiopharm1.4 
 5. Seward, Phoenix .1.3 
 6. Brempong, Duesseld.1.2 
 7. Scott, Goettingen1.2 
 8. Goree, NY Phantoms1.2 
 9. Boumtje, Art.Drag.1.0 
 10. Denison, Bremerha.1.0 


ProB Round 21: Hertener Loewen defeats RSV Eintracht in the game between Top 4 teams - by Eurobasket News
There will be only one (last) round of the Regular Season in ProB.

An interesting game for Hertener Loewen (15-6) which hosted in Herten 4th placed RSV Eintracht (13-8). Third ranked Hertener Loewen had an easy win 92-67. The game without a history. Hertener Loewen led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. American players dominated the game. It was a good game for swingman Blake Schultz (191-87, college: Williams) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 37 points (!!!), 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Swingman Marcus Monk (198-86, college: Arkansas) contributed with 25 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Hertener Loewen's coach Boris Kaminski felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Guard Alex Moosmann (183-88, college: Cent.Missouri) answered with 19 points for RSV Eintracht. Hertener Loewen maintains third place in Group North with 15-6 record having just two points less than leader Schwelm. RSV Eintracht lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the fourth position with eight games lost. Hertener Loewen are looking forward to face SSV Lok Bernau (#12) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. RSV Eintracht will play against Herzoege Wolfenbuettel (#11) and is hoping to prove to their supporters that they can break losing series.
An interesting game for Leitershofen (16-5) which hosted in Diedorf 4th placed Licher Baeren (15-6). Third ranked Leitershofen had an easy win 83-55. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Licher Baeren. American center Devin Uskoski (198-85, college: Rocky Mountain) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 12 rebounds for the winners and Michael Mathey chipped in 25 points. Coach Stefan Goschenhofer's team controlled all game and the coach could let to play 10 players and allowed the starting five to rest. The best for the losing side was naturalized Austrian forward Armin Willemsen (200-85) with 11 points and 6 rebounds. Leitershofen have an impressive series of eight victories in a row. They moved-up to second place in Group South, which they share with NBC. Licher Baeren at the other side keeps the fourth position with six games lost. Leitershofen will play against Giessen Pointers (#8) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Licher Baeren will play against Oettinger Rockets Gotha (#9) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
ProB top team - SG Schwelmer Baskets (17-4) had no problems winning another game on Saturday. This time they crushed eleventh ranked Herzoege Wolfenbuettel (5-16) 97-57. Kristofer Speier nailed a double-double by scoring 28 points and 14 rebounds for the winning side. Henje Knopke came up with 13 points and 7 assists for Herzoege Wolfenbuettel in the defeat. Herzoege Wolfenbuettel's coach gave up on the game allowing to play twelve players seeing no chance for a win. The victory was the eighth consecutive win for SG Schwelmer Baskets. Newly promoted SG Schwelmer Baskets maintains first place in Group North with 17-4 record. Herzoege Wolfenbuettel lost their third game in a row. They keep the eleventh position with 16 games lost. SG Schwelmer Baskets will meet at home SC Rist Wedel (#10) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Herzoege Wolfenbuettel will play against RSV Eintracht in Stahnsdorf and hope to secure a win.
ProB top team - Ehingen/Urspringschule (19-2) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed twelfth ranked Baskets Konstanz (4-17) in Allmendingen 86-65. The best player for the winners was Kevin Bright who scored 18 points and 4 assists. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Ehingen/Urspringschule maintains first place in Group South with 19-2 record. Newly promoted Baskets Konstanz keeps the twelfth position with 17 games lost. Ehingen/Urspringschule's next round opponent will be TSV Troester (#7) in Breitenguessbach which should be theoretically another easy game. Baskets Konstanz will play at home against BV Villingen-Schwenningen (#11) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game in Weissenhorn was also quite interesting. 5th ranked TV 1862 Langen (13-8) played at the court of sixth ranked BG Illertal/Weissenhorn (10-11). BG Illertal/Weissenhorn managed to secure a 6-point victory 85-79 on Sunday. It was a good game for DeUndrae Spraggins who led his team to a victory with 29 points. TV 1862 Langen's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Newly promoted BG Illertal/Weissenhorn maintains sixth place in Group South with 10-11 record, which they share with TSV Troester. Loser TV 1862 Langen keeps the fifth position with eight games lost. BG Illertal/Weissenhorn will face higher ranked NBC (#3) in Nurnberg in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. TV 1862 Langen will play at home against Deutsche Bank Skyliners II in Frankfurt and be promoted back to the ProA just one year after relegation.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 21:
In Group North SU Medien was beaten by Rist-Wedel on the road 83-65. Vechta won against Wulfen on its own court 81-70. Bayer Giants managed to outperform ALBA Berlin II in Leverkusen 77-72. Leipzig managed to beat Bernau at home 87-76.
In Group South Giessen defeated Dt.Bank SKY II on the opponent's court 69-60. Gotha was beaten by TSV Troester in a home game 87-98. NBC won against Schwenningen on the road 86-74.


Group North
Rist-Wedel - SU Medien 83-65

There was a small surprise when tenth ranked SC Rist Wedel (8-13) beat at home 7th ranked Spot Up Medien Baskets (9-12) 83-65 on Saturday. The game without a history. SC Rist Wedel led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. SC Rist Wedel forced 23 Spot Up Medien Baskets turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. It was a good game for center Peter Huber-Saffer (208-80, agency: Court Side) who led his team to a victory with 11 points and 9 rebounds. Swingman Mac-Davis Duah (186-76) contributed with 13 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Four SC Rist Wedel players scored in double figures. Center Frank Theis (200-82) answered with 18 points and 7 rebounds and center Daniel Theis (205-92) added 6 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists in the effort for Spot Up Medien Baskets. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to get some rest. SC Rist Wedel maintains tenth place in Group North with 8-13 record. Loser Spot Up Medien Baskets keep the seventh position with 12 games lost. SC Rist Wedel will face league's leader SG Schwelmer Baskets on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
Top scorers:
SU Medien: F.Theis 18+7reb+1ast, P.Noch 12+2reb, N.Nnadili 7+2reb+3ast, D.Schroeder 7+1reb, A.Koch 7+1ast, J.El Domiaty 6+2reb+1ast
Rist-Wedel: F.Moysich 13+1reb+5ast, M.Duah 13+5reb+2ast, P.Huber-Saffer 11+9reb+3ast, M.Pompey 10+1reb+4ast, D.Gomez 10+7reb+1ast, K.Gausa 9+8reb+2ast
gschID: 94072


Herten - Stahnsdorf 92-67

An interesting game for Hertener Loewen (15-6) which hosted in Herten 4th placed RSV Eintracht (13-8). Third ranked Hertener Loewen had an easy win 92-67. The game without a history. Hertener Loewen led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. American players dominated the game. It was a good game for swingman Blake Schultz (191-87, college: Williams) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 37 points (!!!), 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Swingman Marcus Monk (198-86, college: Arkansas) contributed with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Hertener Loewen's coach Boris Kaminski felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Guard Alex Moosmann (183-88, college: Cent.Missouri) answered with 19 points and forward Kellen Williams (193-84, college: E.Washington) added 8 points and 12 rebounds in the effort for RSV Eintracht. Hertener Loewen maintains third place in Group North with 15-6 record having just two points less than leader Schwelm. RSV Eintracht lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the fourth position with eight games lost. Hertener Loewen are looking forward to face SSV Lok Bernau (#12) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. RSV Eintracht will play against Herzoege Wolfenbuettel (#11) and is hoping to prove to their supporters that they can break losing series.
Top scorers:
Stahnsdorf: A.Moosmann 19+2reb+1ast, D.Langer 14+2reb, M.Marin 10+3reb, Y.Evans 8+5reb+2ast, K.Williams 8+12reb, M.Haucke 6+5reb+2ast
Herten: B.Schultz 37+10reb+5ast, M.Monk 25+12reb+1ast, C.Hackenesch 15+14reb+4ast, M.Berger 6+2reb+4ast, J.Hartmann 5+2reb+3ast, V.Kittmann 2+1reb
gschID: 94073


Vechta - Wulfen 81-70

Rather expected game when 5th ranked BSV Wulfen (10-11) lost on the road to second ranked SC Rasta Vechta (16-5) 81-70 on Saturday. The game was mostly controlled by SC Rasta Vechta. BSV Wulfen was better in fourth quarter 26-22. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. BSV Wulfen was plagued by 28 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a good game for center Andreas Kronhardt (204-89) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds. American guard Matthew Reid (185-84, college: Cameron) contributed with a double-double by scoring 14 points, 6 rebounds and 11 assists for the winners. Four SC Rasta Vechta players scored in double figures. American guard Tony White (183-88, college: Charleston) answered with 12 points and 6 assists and the other American import guard Steve Briggs (178-85, college: Okla.Wesleyan) added 12 points in the effort for BSV Wulfen. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to get some rest. The victory was the third consecutive win for SC Rasta Vechta. They maintain second place in Group North with 16-5 record behind leader Schwelm. Newly promoted BSV Wulfen dropped to the sixth position with 11 games lost. SC Rasta Vechta will face Bayer Giants (#9) in Leverkusen in the next round and are hoping to win another game. BSV Wulfen will play at home against USC Leipzig and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Wulfen: S.Hummelt 15+1ast, T.White 12+2reb+6ast, S.Briggs 12+4reb+3ast, T.Reuter 9+3reb, J.Henley 8+6reb, R.Bakoa 5+3reb
Vechta: A.Kronhardt 20+10reb+1ast, M.Reid 14+6reb+11ast, C.Thompson 11+7reb+1ast, P.Heitzhausen 10+2reb+1ast, M.King-Stockton 9+7reb+1ast, M.Molle 6+4reb
gschID: 94074


ALBA Berlin II - Bayer Giants 72-77

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams when ninth ranked Bayer Giants (9-12) won against on the road 8th ranked ALBA Berlin II (9-12) 77-72 on Saturday. The guests trailed by 1 point after three quarters before their 21-15 charge, which allowed them to win the game. ALBA Berlin II was plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a good game for American guard Josh Young (185-88, college: Drake) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 17 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. His fellow American import center Justin Eller (203-87, college: Sacramento St.) contributed with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Four Bayer Giants players scored in double figures. Guard Joshiko Saibou (188-90) answered with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 10 rebounds and power forward Andreas Seiferth (206-89, college: ALBA Berlin II) added 11 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for ALBA Berlin II. The victory was the third consecutive win for Bayer Giants. They moved-up to seventh place in Group North, which they share with SU Medien and ALBA Berlin II. Bayer Giants will face league's second-placed SC Rasta Vechta at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
Top scorers:
ALBA Berlin II: J.Saibou 26+10reb+2ast, M.Ziegenhagen 14+2reb+1ast, A.Seiferth 11+10reb+2ast, S.Fulle 6+3reb, K.Klein 5+1reb+1ast, F.Lotze 4+1reb
Bayer Giants: J.Eller 18+10reb, J.Young 17+11reb+4ast, F.Engel 16+4reb, F.Sadek 15+2reb+6ast, M.Brauer 7+4reb+1ast, S.Monse 2+5reb+2ast
gschID: 94069


Wolfenbuettel - Schwelm 57-97

ProB top team - SG Schwelmer Baskets (17-4) had no problems winning another game on Saturday. This time they crushed eleventh ranked Herzoege Wolfenbuettel (5-16) 97-57. The game without a history. SG Schwelmer Baskets led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 24-of-29 free shots (82.8 percent) during the game, while Herzoege Wolfenbuettel only scored six points from the stripe. SG Schwelmer Baskets had a 34-22 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Naturalized American forward Kristofer Speier (206-81, college: Lewis-Clark) nailed a double-double by scoring 28 points and 14 rebounds for the winning side and center Julius Ducker (205-84) accounted for 16 points and 10 rebounds. Four SG Schwelmer Baskets players scored in double figures. Swingman Henje Knopke (193-85) came up with 13 points and 7 assists and American forward Justin Sexton (203-88, college: Pomona-Pitzer) added 9 points respectively for Herzoege Wolfenbuettel in the defeat. Herzoege Wolfenbuettel's coach gave up on the game allowing to play twelve players seeing no chance for a win. The victory was the eighth consecutive win for SG Schwelmer Baskets. Newly promoted SG Schwelmer Baskets maintains first place in Group North with 17-4 record. Herzoege Wolfenbuettel lost their third game in a row. They keep the eleventh position with 16 games lost. SG Schwelmer Baskets will meet at home SC Rist Wedel (#10) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Herzoege Wolfenbuettel will play against RSV Eintracht in Stahnsdorf and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Wolfenbuettel: H.Knopke 13+3reb+7ast, J.Sexton 9+3reb+3ast, S.Schubert 8+4reb+1ast, D.Nawrocki 7+3reb, B.Giles 6+2reb, M.Schwarz 4+8reb
Schwelm: K.Speier 28+14reb+2ast, J.Ducker 16+10reb, F.Gentgen 14+3reb, J.Holmes 13+6reb+4ast, M.Dohmen 8+3reb+3ast, M.Kramer 8+2reb+7ast
gschID: 94070


Leipzig - Bernau 87-76

Not a big story in a game when 12th ranked SSV Lok Bernau (4-17) lost on the road to sixth ranked USC Leipzig (11-10) 87-76 on Saturday. USC Leipzig moved-up to fifth place in Group North. SSV Lok Bernau lost their third game in a row. They keep the twelfth position with 17 games lost. USC Leipzig will face BSV Wulfen (#6) on the road in the next round. SSV Lok Bernau will play against Hertener Loewen (#3).
gschID: 94071


Group South
BG Illertal - Langen 85-79

The game in Weissenhorn was also quite interesting. 5th ranked TV 1862 Langen (13-8) played at the court of sixth ranked BG Illertal/Weissenhorn (10-11). BG Illertal/Weissenhorn managed to secure a 6-point victory 85-79 on Sunday. The hosts trailed by 11 points at the halftime before their 49-32 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. BG Illertal/Weissenhorn forced 23 TV 1862 Langen turnovers. It was a great shooting night for BG Illertal/Weissenhorn especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 61.1 percentage. TV 1862 Langen was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a good game for American guard DeUndrae Spraggins (191-83, college: Tex.A&M-Comm.) who led his team to a victory with 29 points. Forward Marcel Heberlein (195-90) contributed with 21 points and 4 assists for the winners. American guard Nathan Drury (188-85, college: Carroll) answered with 16 points and 4 assists and Australian center Auryn MacMillan (203-88, college: Gardner-Webb) added 14 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for TV 1862 Langen. Five TV 1862 Langen players scored in double figures. TV 1862 Langen's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Newly promoted BG Illertal/Weissenhorn maintains sixth place in Group South with 10-11 record, which they share with TSV Troester. Loser TV 1862 Langen keeps the fifth position with eight games lost. BG Illertal/Weissenhorn will face higher ranked NBC (#3) in Nurnberg in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. TV 1862 Langen will play at home against Deutsche Bank Skyliners II in Frankfurt and be promoted back to the ProA just one year after relegation.
Top scorers:
Langen: N.Drury 16+3reb+4ast, P.Heckmann 15+3reb+1ast, A.MacMillan 14+6reb+1ast, J.Domdey 12+1reb+1ast, M.Voeller 11+8reb+2ast, N.Anders 5+2reb
BG Illertal: D.Spraggins 29+4reb+3ast, M.Heberlein 21+4reb+4ast, B.Butler 14+7reb, F.Mobius 9+5reb, E.Williams 6+4reb+2ast, Kekic 4+4reb+3ast
gschID: 94079


Ehingen - Konstanz 86-65

ProB top team - Ehingen/Urspringschule (19-2) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed twelfth ranked Baskets Konstanz (4-17) in Allmendingen 86-65. The game without a history. Ehingen/Urspringschule led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 28-of-36 charity shots (77.8 percent) during the game. Ehingen/Urspringschule outrebounded Baskets Konstanz 35-20 including a 13-0 advantage in offensive rebounds. 25 personal fouls committed by Baskets Konstanz helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was swingman Kevin Bright (198-92) who scored 18 points and 4 assists. American guard Virgil Matthews (188-83, college: Montana) chipped in 15 points. Four Ehingen/Urspringschule players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was forward Lars-Eric Menck (200-78) who recorded 16 points (perfect from the field making all six shots) and forward Eduard Foth (196-88) added 11 points respectively. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Ehingen/Urspringschule maintains first place in Group South with 19-2 record. Newly promoted Baskets Konstanz keeps the twelfth position with 17 games lost. Ehingen/Urspringschule's next round opponent will be TSV Troester (#7) in Breitenguessbach which should be theoretically another easy game. Baskets Konstanz will play at home against BV Villingen-Schwenningen (#11) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Konstanz: L.Menck 16+1reb, E.Foth 11+2reb+2ast, M.Lay 7+4reb+3ast, C.McKnight 7+2reb+1ast, F.Henningsen 6+7reb+1ast, M.Radulovic 6+1reb+3ast
Ehingen: K.Bright 18+3reb+4ast, V.Matthews 15+4reb+3ast, A.Vargas 11+1reb+2ast, M.Schick 10+3reb, K.Kuhn 10+6reb, R.Spoden 6+2reb
gschID: 94080


Dt.Bank SKY II - Giessen 60-69

There was a small surprise when tenth ranked Giessen Pointers (6-15) defeated 8th ranked Deutsche Bank Skyliners II (6-15) in Frankfurt 69-60 on Saturday. The guests trailed by 1 point at the halftime before their 39-29 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. It was a good game for Jamaican-American forward Kimmani Barrett (198-87, college: La Salle) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 14 rebounds. American guard Marcus Johnson (191-87, college: Dayton) contributed with 17 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Barrett is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Giessen Pointers' coach Dejan Kostic used an eleven-player rotation and allowed the starting five to get some rest. American forward Christopher Rojik (200-74, college: Holy Cross) answered with 21 points and 8 rebounds and forward Fabian Franke (198-88) added 15 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Deutsche Bank Skyliners II. Giessen Pointers moved-up to eighth place in Group South, which they share with Gotha and Dt.Bank SKY II. Giessen Pointers will face league's second-placed Leitershofen in Diedorf in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
Top scorers:
Dt.Bank SKY II: C.Rojik 21+8reb, F.Franke 15+8reb, F.Theilig 10+3reb+3ast, R.Staudacher 5+2reb+2ast, J.Otshumbe 5+2reb, A.Klisura 4+1reb
Giessen: M.Johnson 17+5reb+1ast, K.Barrett 13+14reb+2ast, P.Unger 10+3reb, S.Rotaru 9+5reb+1ast, O.Biallas 4+2reb, V.Zabel 4+2reb
gschID: 94075


Gotha - TSV Troester 87-98

There was no surprise when 9th ranked Oettinger Rockets Gotha (6-15) lost at home to seventh ranked TSV Troester (10-11) 98-87 on Saturday. The game was mostly controlled by TSV Troester. Oettinger Rockets Gotha was better in second period 23-20. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. TSV Troester shot 63.6 percent from the field. Oettinger Rockets Gotha was plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a good game for forward Felix Hoffmann (195-89) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 12 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). Swingman Peter Zeis (196-89) contributed with 19 points for the winners. American forward Parnell Smith (198-84, college: Buffalo) answered with 14 points and 9 rebounds and guard John Cadmus (183-85) added 19 points in the effort for Oettinger Rockets Gotha. Five TSV Troester and four Oettinger Rockets Gotha players scored in double figures. Oettinger Rockets Gotha's coach tested eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. TSV Troester moved-up to sixth place in Group South, which they share with BG Illertal. Oettinger Rockets Gotha lost their sixth game in a row. Newly promoted team dropped to the eighth position with 15 games lost. TSV Troester will face league's leader Ehingen/Urspringschule in Allmendingen in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Oettinger Rockets Gotha will play on the road against Licher Baeren (#4).
Top scorers:
Gotha: J.Cadmus 19+2reb, A.Kuppe 15, P.Smith 14+9reb+3ast, R.Scruggs 12+1reb+3ast, D.Kreis 9+6reb+5ast, M.Virijevic 8+3reb+1ast
TSV Troester: P.Zeis 19+4reb, S.Dinkel 17+1reb+2ast, F.Hoffmann 13+12reb, J.Dippold 11+3reb+1ast, D.Schmidt 11+4ast, I.Pavic 10+5reb+1ast
gschID: 94076


Leitershofen - Licher Baeren 83-55

An interesting game for Leitershofen (16-5) which hosted in Diedorf 4th placed Licher Baeren (15-6). Third ranked Leitershofen had an easy win 83-55. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Licher Baeren. The game was mostly controlled by Leitershofen. Licher Baeren was better in second period 17-12. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Licher Baeren to just 5 points in first quarter. They outrebounded Licher Baeren 37-21 including a 25-13 advantage in defensive rebounds. American center Devin Uskoski (198-85, college: Rocky Mountain) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 12 rebounds for the winners and his fellow American import guard Michael Mathey (188-87, college: W.Liberty St.) chipped in 25 points. Coach Stefan Goschenhofer's team controlled all game and the coach could let to play 10 players and allowed the starting five to rest. The best for the losing side was naturalized Austrian forward Armin Willemsen (200-85) with 11 points and 6 rebounds and guard Rolf Scholz (187-80) scored 14 points. Leitershofen have an impressive series of eight victories in a row. They moved-up to second place in Group South, which they share with NBC. Licher Baeren at the other side keeps the fourth position with six games lost. Leitershofen will play against Giessen Pointers (#8) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Licher Baeren will play against Oettinger Rockets Gotha (#9) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Licher Baeren: R.Scholz 14+1reb+1ast, R.Christen 12+2reb+1ast, A.Willemsen 11+6reb, J.Schlafer 9+1reb+1ast, T.Kaeuffer 5+1reb, M.Buckley 2+2reb
Leitershofen: M.Mathey 25+4reb+2ast, D.Uskoski 21+12reb, D.Veney 13+7reb+2ast, J.Genck 7+1reb+7ast, C.Kemmer 6+3reb+2ast, S.Montag 5+3reb+2ast
gschID: 94077


Schwenningen - NBC 74-86

No shocking result in a game when second ranked NBC (16-5) beat on the road 11th ranked BV Villingen-Schwenningen (5-16) 86-74 on Saturday. It was a good game for naturalized Czech center Martin Ides (217-80, college: Davidson, agency: Rasmussen Services) who led his team to a victory with 16 points and 8 rebounds. American guard Ahmad Smith (194-84, college: St.Bonaventure) contributed with 12 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. NBC's coach Derrick Taylor used an eleven-player rotation and allowed the starting five to get some rest. American guard Blake Young (188-85, college: Kansas St.) answered with 15 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists and the other American import forward Brice Brooks (201-86, college: Sacred Heart) added 15 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for BV Villingen-Schwenningen. Five NBC and four BV Villingen-Schwenningen players scored in double figures. The victory was the third consecutive win for NBC. They maintain second place in Group South with 16-5 record behind leader Schwelm, which they share with Leitershofen. Newly promoted BV Villingen-Schwenningen keeps the eleventh position with 16 games lost. NBC will face BG Illertal/Weissenhorn (#6) at home in the next round. BV Villingen-Schwenningen will play against Baskets Konstanz (#12) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Schwenningen: M.Hallgrimson 21+3reb+2ast, B.Brooks 15+10reb+1ast, B.Young 15+5reb+6ast, J.Fikiel 13+1reb, C.Gundlach 6, B.Goehrke 4+10reb+1ast
NBC: M.Ides 16+8reb, J.Reile 12+4reb+1ast, W.Chavis 12+5reb+4ast, A.Smith 12+6reb+5ast, C.Adler 11+3reb+1ast, S.Schroeder 10+3reb
gschID: 94078




The Deutsche Bank Skyliners Dont Need An Oxygen Mask Playing With A Limited Rotation As Dashaun Wood Brushes Away The Annoying Phantom With A Game Winning Hoop In Braunschweig 68-67 - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
After not allowing any brittle air or unwanted snow to enter the Eisbaeren arena last weekend to somehow get Bremerhaven on track, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners not only had to put up with the Braunschweig basketball team, but also had to keep an eye on the mysterious phantom who is always lurking in the Volkswagon arena shadows and has that unpredictable aura in his movement, but the club was able to block all this out and withstand any hardships as they were as focused in their game as 20 year old Sacremento King American Demarcus Cousins was as he showed how unpleased he was not getting the ball at the end of a loss which got him ejected off the team plane because of tensions with a teammate or legendary American actor Mickey Rooney showing astern face and not letting his stepson rob him off his earnings and keeping him 100 yards away as Frankfurt won their third game in a row 68-67 against The New Yorker Phantoms. 'The Braunschweig phantom mascot isnt dangerous looking at all, but moreover just looks funny. Kimmo Muurinen used his cape tonight to fly all over the place hitting jump shots and getting rebounds. He set the tempo and without him we would have been in trouble', stressed 2011 BEKO BBL MVP candidate DaShaun Wood (185-G-85, college: Wright St.). 'I have to thank our own fans, because I feel that they took the fear away from the Phantom with their cheering', added Marius Nolte. 'I think that our Phantom has the possibility to scare little kids, but if he is as scary as Toby the dragon, I dont know since we travel to Artland in two weeks', joked Nick Schneiders. ' The Phantom looked funny and really should pull up his pants. Our Dunky Kong is a animal and the Phantom a half man', laughed Quantez Robertson. It is never easy loosing on a last play especially when it happened twice in both games against Frankfurt. Tony Skinn looked as serious and sad after the loss as his X box had been banned from him for life. 'This is a game that we should of won. We were up by 7 points in the fourth and lost which shouldnt happen. Frankfurt didnt beat us, but we beat ourselves', commented Braunschweig guard Tony Skinn. 'Frankfurt dug down harder and maybe found something at the end, that we didnt have', added Braunschweig guard Kevin Hamilton.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners also demonstrated that the Volkswagen arena in Braunschweig is a suitable cozy living room far from home as the club has been unbeaten for 59 months dating back to their last loss in March 2006. Frankfurt has won their last 11 games in a row and their sixth in a row in Braunschweig in this time and have had a nice combination of luck and skill in the last years. Teams in the BEKO BBL grow and fall apart with the coming and going of players each season, but no matter if Charles Barton, Keith Simmons, Ilian Evtimov, Jemeil Rich, Konrad Wysocki, Koko Archibong or Derrick Allen, all players have won against Braunschweig in a Skyliners uniform. 'I had heard that Frankfurt has a long winning streak against Braunschweig which is hard to believe considering the talent that this team has. I would never have bet my life that Braunschwieg had won 10 games in a row. Braunschweig is a type of team that yu never want to play. This is a big accomplishment for Frankfurt', warned DaShaun Wood. 'It is very hard to believe that we have won so many games the last years considering the success that coach Sebastian Machowski has brought this team and also because of the so many thrilling games in the last years that have gone the way of Frankfurt', added Marius Nolte. I never look at how many games a team has beaten another team in a row. teams change each season and the only important game is the current game', warned Nick Schneiders.

One player who was really missed by The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig was 26 year old German 221cm giant Nick Schneiders who had a ligament problem in his knee and sat out. The German big man who saw very little minutes in the first three months has been finding his rhythm in the last month with increased minutes. 'I had to get used to the European style of basketball. I had to get used to more pick and role play in the BEKO BBL and the play is also more physical. I feel like that I am at the level where I can help the team', added Braunschweig center Nick Schneiders. Schneiders who played at the University of South Carolina at Upstate started with basketball at a very late age as some how nobody encouraged him earlier to start the game on account of his size. 'I come froma very small town where basketball wasnt important. I started to play when I was 13, but then quit and played soccer until 14. I played Oberliga until going to Upstate at age 20', added Nick Schneiders. Schneiders will probably continue to find minutes in the stretch run and be a factor in the playoffs coming from the bench and even surprise some teams with a hidden strength? 'I think that my defense is a strength that isnt always noticed. I think that I can be the intimidation factor on the court. I also am always positive and can bring my teammates to laugh', added Nick Schneiders.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners went into the game looking like a wounded World War 2 vessel as the list of the walking wounded was increased to four players as captain Pascal Roller, Dominik Bahiense De Mello and AJ Moye all were unavailable to play. Frankfurt played with a shortened rotation of 8 players even though one could of easily described it as being a 6 man rotation as 10:37 minutes were shared by PRO B license players Fabian Franke and Carl Lindbom. The tight and precarious situation seemed not to gnaw at the Deutsche Bank Skyliners as they exploded on a 16-2 run to start the game similar to what John Wall did in the Freshman-Sophmore 2011 Allstar game getting 22 assists. Frankfurt was motivated and running their plays very well as Kimmo Muurinen hit his first two shots and DaShaun Wood scored inside and with a pull up jumper. The team also got production from a Quantez Robertson three pointer and a Jimmy Mckinney lay up as he continued to penetrate strongly. However Braunschweig kept their cool and composure and basketball is a game of runs, closed out the first quarter with a 11-4 run to close out the first quarter trailing only 20-13 and getting back into the game. Kyle Visser scored twice inside including once on a nice head fake past Marius Nolte, Lamarr Greer scored inside and Kevin Hamilton drooped a big bomb form down town. 'We had a big lead at the start and that is usually the time when Pascal Roller and Roger Powell come in to keep it going, but we got a little tired letting them come back', added DaShaun Wood. 'We slept at the start, but we then made better decisions and hit our shots', stressed Nick Schneiders. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shooting 53% from the field and 50% from outside while The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig were shooting 36% from the field and 20% from outside. Braunschweig had the narrow 9-7 rebound edge and two turnovers while Frankfurt had one turnover.

The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig got out of the gates quickly in the second quarter going on a 6-2 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 22-19. Braunschweig heightened their defense adding more pressure as they twice forced two turnovers where Frankfurt was unable to get a shot off in the allowed 24 seconds. Braunschweig scored on the fast break once as Greer scored retrieving a touchdown pass from Hamilton and Marcus Goree who had been held scoreless in the first quarter got on the board with a lay in. Jason Cain then scored on a reverse lay up beating Kimmo Muurinen. However Muurinen did take long to grieve about his error, but returned the favor on the next play easily beating Cain on a reverse lay up as Braunschweig trailed 24-19. Goree and Muurinen then traded buckets as Frankfurt still led 26-21. Braunschweig was getting that desired groove on offense and were threatening to take their first lead of the game as they went on a mini 5-0 run to dead lock the game at 26. Skinn nailed a three pointer and Greer a jumper. Runs seemed to be controlling the game now as two more followed with a 4-0 mini Frankfurt runas Super Tez scored over Greer and Muurinen also got into the action penetrating past Cain as Frankfurt led 30-26. Then it was time for a mini 4-0 Braunschweig Greer run as he scored on a nice spin move inside and then grabbed an offensive rebound and got a put back. Wood and Hamilton closed out teh scoring with free throws as both teams went into the break with the tie even at 32-32. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shooting 42% from the field and 29% from the three point line while The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig were shooting 43% from the field and 22% from the three point line. Braunschweig still had the slim 17-15 rebound edge and both teams had five turnovers a piece.

The third quarter remained very tight as there were four lead changes as no team led by more than five points. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners got the jump on The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig with a 5-0 run as Muurinen nailed another three pointer and Wood hit a pull up pop jumper. Frankfurt then slept a bit allowing Brandon Thomas to score twice in the penetration and it seemed like they underestimated his first step as once he started, he was quick in the lane and quickly scored as Frankfurt led only 37-36. Frankfurt then got an early TOP 4 gift as Goree tipped in a ball accidentally in the hoop giving Frankfurt the points. Thomas then got tired of penetrating and showed that he should never be left nailing a bomb from the corner as the score as tied at 39-39. Goree who ha splayed in 105 Euroleague games gave Braunschweig their first lead of the game 42-40 with a three pointer. Braunschweig was able to hold the lead as Greer continued to stay hot hitting jumpers, but Frankfurt stayed alert and always had answers as Mckinney nailed a three pointer and Wood scored on a tough penetration move with the shot clock down as Frankfurt trailed only 48-47. Then both teams exchanged leads as Robertson scored inside and center Kyle Visser who was teammates with NBA star Chris Paul at Wake Forest for scored a pretty fade away jumper over Nolte as Braunschweig led 50-49. However Jimmy Mckinney then with two seconds took a page out of Ratiopharm Ulms Lee Humphrey by netting a fast line drive jumper giving Frankfurt the close 52-51 lead after three quarters. 'The game had a certain tempo at this point. It was going back and fourth and both teams had some runs. It was like a boxing match as both teams really wanted to win'; expressed DaShaun Wood. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shooting 43% from the field and 45% from the parking lot and The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig were shooting 49% from the field and 31% from the parking lot. Braunschweig did a better job rebounding in the third quarter having the 25-20 rebound edge, but they had nine turnovers and Frankfurt only six turnovers.

In the fourth quarter, it was The New Yorker Phantoms again who got the better start going on a 10-2 run to lead 61-54 and it seemed like they had the momentum as the crowd was getting louder and Frankfurt knew that the would have to react quickly. It really didnt matter where Greer was on the floor, because he hit just about everything and there was simply nothing anyone could do. Greer nailed two consecutive three pointers and then made a steal feeding Skinn for two quick points. Skinn then scored again on a lay up as he read a nice shot fake by Visser who found the American scooting in form the wing for the easy lay up as Frankfurt trailed 61-54. However Frankfurt had their own special Greer version in Mckinney who once again showed his slick and suave play drooping two bombs from the parking lot as Frankfurt crept back 63-57. Muurinen playing with four fouls then tried the penetration again and was successful with a lay up cutting the Braunschweig lead to 63-61. One could of had a blindfold on and guessed that the next big three pointer had to have been from Greer and it was. He made a seemingly impossible rainbow jumper from the arc that was well defended as Braunschweig kept on the pressure leading 66-61.

Even though Wood had not had his best shooting night, one knew that in crunch time he would be commanding the ball the same way Boston Celtic Larry Bird did in the day and if the jumper wasnt sitting there was still his biggest weapon of all his penetration which sometimes seems like he has a switch which controls exactly what he wants to be done. Wood scored on a lay up and Muurinen followed with a big tip in in traffic as the blond Forward from Finland showed once again that he is the invisible man that does the dirty work as Braunschweig led only 66-65. Visser then only made one of two free throws. With time running out, Wood made another one of his spectacular penetration drives tying the score at 67-67. Wood then made the winning free throw for the 68-67 win. An interesting stat to both games this season is that Frankfurt closed out the 94-91 win in Frankfurt with a 7-0 run and tonight with a 7-1 run. 'I had made some mistakes earlier, but a basketball game has 40 minutes. I played a lot missing shots and making mistakes, but I wanted the ball at the end and felt like I made up for the past mistakes', added DaShaun Wood. 'You always have to be point on against a team like Frankfurt. We made bad team decisions down the stretch. Wood is so quick and you always want to try to take him out of his game, but he made a tough shot at the end and I dont know how we could of stopped him any better', stressed Tony Skinn. 'We switched on the last play and they made a good play screening the big guy which caught us by surprise', said Braunschweig American Brandon Thomas. 'We dug down at the end getting big stops and Jimmy Mckinney made big shots', added Quantez Robertson.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were led by Kimmo Muurinen with 20 points and five rebonnds. DaShaun Wood added 17 points, four rebounds and five assists. Jimmy Mckinney poured in 16 points. The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig were led by Lamarr Greer with 25 points. Kyle Visser chipped in with 10 points and four rebounds. As was the case in Bremerhaven, not shooting to quick and waiting was a huge plus for Frankfurt in Braunschweig. 'Frankfurt did a great job finding the open man on the drive and hitting their shots', stressed Brandon Thomas. It was apparent that getting a win in Braunschweig would be a cake walk considering the many missing Deutsche Bank Skyliners, but what is the secret of Frankfurt being able to be so successful despite the injury and sickness pains that have plagued the team so often this season? 'I think it has to do with the character of the team. It starts with the coach and he makes us believe that we can win every game no matter what the circumstances are. I may be the floor leader, but Herbert is our true leader and just makes us believe', warned DaShaun Wood. 'I dont know where our great team spirit comes from, but I hope that it stays', smiled Skyliner sports director Kamil Novak. 'Frankfurt showed how strong they really are coming on the road with injuries and winning. They deserved to win', added Brandon Thomas. Wood and Muurinen might of scored the most points for Frankfurt, but he saw another player with the biggest stat of the night. 'Tez played 40 minutes. I have never seen a guy like him who kept his speed same despite playing the whole game', added DaShaun Wood.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners won the warm up game in Braunschweig, but the real test will arrive on April 3rd in Bamberg as The Deutsche Bank Skyliners will clash against The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig again for a trip to the 2011 BEKO BBL Cup final. 'It was weird how the teams that were drawn this weekend for the TOP 4 pairings also played against each other this weekend. This will be a great weekend. Both teams are very strong and have good weapons. Braunschweig will want revenge, but honestly this game is still in the future as we have to focus on other games first', added Marius Nolte. The Braunschweig players were so sad coming out of the locker room after the game that even though they might not admit it, they will have that upcoming game on their mind very much in the next few weeks. 'You know what I totally forgot about the cup game. This loss was still in my head. Now I feel better knowing that we can make up for the two close loses to Frankfurt. We will be very motivated to win', added Brandon Thomas. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners host The Artland Dragons February 27th at 15:00.

Deilvez Yearby claims German ProA weekly honour - by Eurobasket News
American Deilvez Yearby (198-F-87) had an amazing evening in the last round for Cuxhaven BasCats and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com ProA Player of the Week award for round 21.
The 23-year old forward had a double-double of 25 points and twelve rebounds, while his team crushed Dragons (6-15) with 19-point margin 84-65. The game was not the highest importance and did not have significant influence on the top of the standings. Cuxhaven is placed at 12th position in German ProA. The season is in a full swing, so it's only a dream for the team to make it into top half of the standings. For contrary they may face relegation if the situation turns from bad to worse. Cuxhaven have already lost 15 games and recorded just six victories. In the team's last game Yearby had a remarkable 64.3% from 2-point range. He turned to be Cuxhaven's top player in his first season with the team. Indiana Univ-Purdue Univ.-Ft.Wayne graduate has very impressive stats this year. Yearby is in league's top in rebounds (3rd best: 9.7rpg) and averages solid 1.5bpg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 28-year old American forward Marcus Smallwood (198-F-82, agency: Court Side) of Kirchheim. Smallwood impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 25 points and 16 rebounds. Bad luck as Kirchheim was edged by slightly higher-ranked Crailsheim (#5, 13-8) 82-79. This loss caused Kirchheim to drop to 7th position in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 12-9 record is not bad and everything may still change. Smallwood is a newcomer at Kirchheim 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 Jonas Wohlfarth-Bottermann (207-C-90) of SOBA Dragons Rhoendorf (#13). Wohlfarth-Bottermann scored 27 points and grabbed ten rebounds. Despite Wohlfarth-Bottermann's great performance Dragons lost 65-84 to Cuxhaven (6-15). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. Dragons can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have rather bad season and 6-15 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Wohlfarth-Bottermann he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Wohlfarth-Bottermann has a very solid season. In 21 games in Germany he scored 12.0ppg. He also has 7.6rpg, 2.0bpg and FGP: 53.7%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Draelon Burns (194-G-85) of Webmoebel - 24 points and 7 rebounds
5. Kejuan Johnson (193-G-85) of Webmoebel - 25 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Chris Alexander (186-G-83) of ETB Wohnbau - 13 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists
7. Lee Jeka (187-G-83) of Wuerzburg - 25 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists
8. Gary Johnson (188-G-82) of Chemnitz - 19 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists
9. Michael Nunnally (203-F) of Hannover - 16 points and 9 rebounds
10. Kameron Gray (186-G-82) of Crailsheim - 12 points, 3 rebounds and 12 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)

Dragicevic's 24 points and 9 rebounds give him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
24-year old forward Tadija Dragicevic (205-F-86, agency: Beo Basket) put on an amazing game in the last round for ALBA Berlin and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 23.
He had the game-high 24 points adding nine rebounds and six assists for ALBA in his team's victory, helping them to beat Bayreuth (#17, 5-17) 94-79. ALBA is placed at 3rd position in German league. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. ALBA will need more victories to improve their 15-8 record. It was one of impressive evenings for Dragicevic as usually he does not deliver so high stats. Tadija Dragicevic averages this season 10.7ppg and 5.4rpg.

Second best performed player last round was Chris Ensminger (209-C-73, agency: Limelight Hoops) of Telekom Baskets Bonn. He is American center in his second season at Telekom Baskets. In the last game Ensminger recorded impressive double-double of 21 points and 20 rebounds. Bad luck as Telekom Baskets lost that game 78-87 to the lower-ranked Phoenix Hagen (#14, 10-14). Telekom Baskets managed to keep the same 7th spot in . His team lost some distance to top teams. But 12-10 record is not bad and everything may still change. Ensminger is well-known at Telekom Baskets and he already established his position as one of the team's leaders.

Third place about best performers goes to center Jared Reiner (211-C-82, agency: Priority Sports) of BBC Bayreuth (#17). Reiner scored 19 points and grabbed fourteen rebounds (!!!). Despite Reiner's great performance Bayreuth lost 79-94 to the higher-ranked ALBA (#3, 15-8). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. Bayreuth can only dream about fighting for top spots in . They have rather bad season and 5-17 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Reiner he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Reiner has individually a great season in Germany. After 20 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 8.4rpg (3rd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Dwayne Anderson (198-F-86) of Goettingen - 19 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists
5. Derrick Allen (203-F-80) of ALBA - 25 points and 9 rebounds
6. Darren Fenn (208-C-80) of Art.Dragons - 19 points and 11 rebounds
7. Dane Watts (203-F-86) of Walter Tigers - 20 points and 7 rebounds
8. LaMarr Greer (196-G-76) of NY Phantoms - 25 points
9. Per Guenther (185-G-88) of ratiopharm - 27 points and 6 assists
10. Marcus Goree (201-F-77) of NY Phantoms - 15 points and 9 rebounds

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

John Bynum (TBB Trier) I Just Couldnt Put Enough On It And My Shot Was Short On Last Play - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.) is a 32 year old 191 cm guard from Visalia California that is playing his first season with TBB Trier. He is a good fighter, fast and good in offensive playing. He is great athlete who can shoot the ball with consistency from 3 and finish with authority on the break. He is a tremendous defender on the ball. He played college basketball at College of the Sequoias Junior College:from 1996-1998 and then transferred to Metropolitan St. (NCAA2): and played there from 1998-2000. He started his professional basketball career in 2001 in the Uk for the Solent Stars (United Kingdom-NBLConf): 31 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assist. In 2002-2003, came his first tour of duty in Germany for BSG Grevenbroich (Germany-Regionalliga): 24.7ppg, 9.2rpg, 6.7apg, 3.5spg. In 2003-2004, he played for the Ulriken Eagles (Norway-BNLO): Regular Season: 14 games: 20,1ppg, 8,1rpg, 2,5apg, 2,9spg, 0,4bpg.In 2004-2005, he was back in Germany playing for BSG Grevenbroich (Germany-2.Bundesliga): 30 games: Score-5 (26.0ppg), 7.7rpg, Ast-4 (5.4apg), 1.7spg, 2FGP: 55.5%, 3FGP: 33.3%, FT: 63.6%. In 2005-2006, he played for InterCollege Etha Engomis (Cyprus-A1): only pre-season, then joined COOCOON Baskets Weiden (Germany-2.Bundesliga, starting five): 8 games: 15.6ppg, 5.9rpg, 2.0apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 51%, left in Jan.'06 and later that month signed at Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 21 games: 7.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.8apg, 2FGP: 56.5%. In 2006-2007, he played for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 31 games: 5.7ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.2apg, 2FGP: 43.1%, 3FGP: 25.0%, FT: 55.9%. In 2007-2008, he played for USC Heidelberg (Germany-ProA, starting five): 14 games: 14.4ppg, 4.4rpg, Assists-5 (4.6apg), 2.3spg, 2FGP: 54%, 3FGP: 27.3%, FT: 58.5%, left in Jan.'08 due to shoulder injury, in Feb.'08 moved to Digibu Baskets Paderborn (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 13 games: 6.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.4apg, 2FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 70.0%. Last season, he played in the PRO A for Proveo Merlins Crailsheim (Germany-ProA, starting five): 27 games: 16.9ppg, 7.1rpg, Assists-3 (5.4apg), 1.1spg, FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 62.8%. He spoke with eurobasket after the 73-71 loss against Bremerhaven.

A tough 73-71 loss against The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. Last week TBB Trier won with a buzzer beater and tonight didnt reach overtime on a last shot. Is that something where one just says, 'Well that basketball'?

yea it was a tough loss for us, knowing that we were up by 5 points with under 3 minutes left and losing in a similar way we did up north as well. As far as the last shot, it is part of the game and yea I guess it is basketball.

What was it like playing against your old team? If there was one player from back when you played for Bremerhaven that you could of faced tonight who would of that been?

Well it was in the back of my mind of course because I had some great memories up north, but once the ball went up it was just another game and it isnt the same team that was up there when we had our success up there. As far as one player I would have love to play against Brian Jones.

TBB Trier had the 36-32 lead at halftime. What was key for having the tight four point lead at halftime?

We played a solid first half but we made a lot of mistakes that kept them in the game. They played hard and stayed close it was really a good half of basketball from both teams.

What did coach Henrik Roedl tell the team to do better in the second half?

We just had to find a way to keep them off the glass and we just had to find ways to beat stop them in transistion.

The fourth quarter was very tight and TBB Trier could of reached OT, but you missed a last second shot. Please describe this last play? And by the way where was Barry Stewrat?lol


Well the last play was a play we practice a lot during the week, but Dru and I had eye contact pretty much the whole time before he took the ball out. So he threw a great pass, I had to catch it with one hand and try and get it up at the rim and I just couldnt put enough on it and it was short. As far as Barry, he was a decoy on the play but maybe we should have used him instead. lol.

What was your impression of Tyrone Brazelton who stepped up. Will he and Donald Copeland be able to do what Lou Campbell did last season almost leading the team into the 2010 BEKO BBL final?

He played well for Bremerhaven tonight and yea their point guards will be key for them, but Lou is missed and you really cant compare them to Lou, because Lou is a different type of player than both those guards.

What memories do you have from the NBA Allstar game as a kid? What did you usually like the most from this 48 minute game?

I just like watching it because even if they dont play defense or anything you are going to see some highlights and definently see something happen out of the ordinary. But my best memory was seeing Magic Johnson play in the game after he announced he had to retire do the fact that he was H.I.V. positive.

John Wall had 22 assists in the 2011 NBA Allstar game freshmen vs sophmores.Where do you see him amoung NBA points guards in about three years?


Well he is a great player already and has a lot going for him now, there are things he needs to improve just like every other player but there are so many good guards in the NBA but I see him being near the top someday.

Who is an NBA player that never won a NBA ring but really should of?

Karl Malone or Charles Barkley

Thanks John for the chat.

Bryan Bailey (Artland Dragons) Bamberg Executed Their Offense And Defense Better In Crunch Time - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Bryan Bailey (185-G-80, college: Bucknell) is a 30 year old 185cm combo guard that is playing his 9th professional basketball season playing his fourth with The Artland Dragons. He is a true team leader both on and off the court. He possesses a diverse game, with an ability to stroke the long-range jumper, penetrate to the rim or distribute the ball. He is solid on the defensive end of the floor as well. His fierce competitive drive rubs off on his teammates. He started his professional basketball career at Bucknell and player there from 1998-2002 and in his senior year played 17games averaging 18.1ppg,5.3rpg,2.4apg. He made All-Patriot League 1st Team in 2001 and 2002. In 2002-2003, he started his professional basketball season in Germany with DJK S. Oliver Wurzburg (Germany-1Bundesliga, starting five): 26 games, 15.4ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.4spg. In 2003-2004, he played in Holland for Landstede Zwolle (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five): 35 games: 17.5ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.1apg, 2.4spg, 0.2bpg. He then played with The Artland Dragons from 2004-2007 reaching the league and cup final in 2007. His best statistical season was 2005-2006 playing 33 games and averaging 11.4ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.7apg, 1.7spg, 2FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 25.3%. In 2007-2008, he played with Bosna ASA BH Telecom Sarajevo (Bosnia-D1, starting five): ULEB Cup: 12 games: 10.3ppg, 2.3rpg, 4.5apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 20.8%, FT: 84.3%. In 2008-2009, he played in Poland for PGE Turow Zgorzelec (Poland-DBE): Eurocup: 6 games: 7.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.7apg, 1.7spg; Polish League: 32 games: 8.0ppg, 1.8rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 77.0%. Last season, he played with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg playing Euroleague: 4 games: 8.3ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.8apg; German League: 6 games: 9.3ppg, 1.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 89.7%. He sat down and spoke with Eurobasket after the 75-69 loss to Bamberg.

A tough 75-69 loss against The Brose Baskets Bamberg tonight. How has the team of your ex coach Chris Fleming improved from the first game?

I think they did the same things that they did when they beat us the first time. They executed their offense and defense better in crunch time.

Bamberg had the slim 42-39 lead at halftime. What was key for the guests having the three point lead at halftime?

I think both teams played with high intensity in the first half. A few loose balls and hustle plays gave them extra possessions in the first half.

The Brose Baskets Bamberg went on a 8-2 run at the score of 67-67 to win. What happened in this last run that led Artland to losing?


We just didn't execute our offense precisely. One the other end of the floor, we didn't have a high enough defensive intensity to force them to make mistakes.

The Artland Dragons shot under 40% from the field and from outside. How aggressive and difficult was it playing a set offense against Bamberg?

Bamberg is a very good defensive team. They try to force you to do things you don't want to by playing extremely aggressive.

Is Kyle Hines the best four man in the BEKO BBL?

I think he's a top four man in the league.

What memories do you have from the NBA Allstar game as a kid? What did you usually like the most from this 48 minute game?

I remember Magic's comeback game where he hit a 3 pointer at the end of the game. There was some time still left on the clock, but they ended the game on that shot. The all star game is exciting, because you get to see the best players in the world compete and there is always some highlight dunks.

John Wall had 22 assists in the 2011 NBA Allstar game freshmen vs sophmores.Where do you see him amoung NBA points guards in about three years?

I believe he's going to be one of the top point guards in the NBA. Right now he's young and is still learning the game. He's extremely athletic and one of the fastest guards in the league.

Who is an NBA player that never won a NBA ring but really should of?

Charles Barkley.

Thanks Bryan for the chat.

Stats Leaders - 2.Bundesliga
Points Per Game
 Kejuan JOHNSON
  Webmoebel
  (193-G-85)
  Avg: 21.9
 1. Johnson, Webmoebel21.9 
 2. Shepherd, Osnab.20.2 
 3. Roessler, Karlsruhe19.4 
 4. Brooks, Kirchheim18.7 
 5. Lewis, ETB Wohnbau18.1 
 6. Gause, Freiburg17.5 
 7. Watts, Dragons17.5 
 8. Gray, Crailsheim17.4 
 9. Wallace, B.Mue.16.9 
 10. Samarco, Webmoebel16.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Marcus SMALLWOOD
  Kirchheim
  (198-F-82)
  Avg: 10.9
 1. Smallwood, Cuxha.10.9 
 2. Smallwood, Kirchheim9.8 
 3. Yearby, Cuxhaven9.7 
 4. Black, Karlsruhe9.1 
 5. Lewis, ETB Wohnbau8.6 
 6. Schoo, Heidelberg8.4 
 7. Watts, Dragons8.4 
 8. De Michael, Kirchheim7.9 
 9. Wohlfarth-B., Drago.7.6 
 10. Shaw, Chemnitz7.5 
Assists Per Game
 Kameron GRAY
  Crailsheim
  (186-G-82)
  Avg: 6.1
 1. Gray, Crailsheim6.1 
 2. Cook, Cuxhaven5.9 
 3. Brooks, Kirchheim5.9 
 4. Zazai, Chemnitz5.4 
 5. Johnson, Webmoebel4.9 
 6. Jeka, Wuerzburg4.8 
 7. Burnette, Osnab.4.5 
 8. Hamann, B.Muenchen4.5 
 9. Barth, Heidelberg4.4 
 10. Lowery, Braves4.3 
Steals Per Game
 Kejuan JOHNSON
  Webmoebel
  (193-G-85)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. Johnson, Webmoebel3.2 
 2. Gause, Freiburg2.9 
 3. Lewis, ETB Wohnbau2.3 
 4. Johnson, Chemnitz2.2 
 5. Brooks, Kirchheim2.1 
 6. Zazai, Chemnitz2.0 
 7. Burns, Webmoebel1.9 
 8. Shaw, Chemnitz1.8 
 9. Gray, Crailsheim1.8 
 10. Alexander, ETB W.1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Marcus SMALLWOOD
  Kirchheim
  (198-F-82)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Smallwood, Kirchheim2.1 
 2. Schoo, Heidelberg2.1 
 3. Wohlfarth-B., Drago.2.0 
 4. Williams, Karlsruhe1.8 
 5. Shaw, Cuxhaven1.6 
 6. Yearby, Cuxhaven1.5 
 7. Fleetwood, Osnab.1.2 
 8. Henry, Hannover1.2 
 9. Hill, Jena1.2 
 10. Fuller, Crailsheim1.1 


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


Iraklis and Labropoulos part aways - by Giorgos Diploidis
Fotis Lambropoulos (206-F-83) and IIraklis Thessaloniki will not continue their co-operation in the A1 league. The Greek center who has helped the team also last season in A2 category will not continue to wear the blue and white shirt. Now the club of Thessaloniki although it hasn't got many chances to stay in the first division, they will look for his replacement, one of the names heard was of the experienced center Dimitrios Marmarinos.

Another bad event for the team was that Nikola Koprivica had a head stoke which was fortunately soft but the player had to go to the hospital because he was not feeling very well.

Bourousis out for one month - by Kostas Papadopoulos
As it was announced on the official site of the Piraeus team, following the decision made by Olympiacos head coach Dusan Ivkovic (agency: Beo Basket ), Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) will be on leave of absence for one month. In the meantime, he will be following a no physical contact personal training program.
At the same time, he will be continuing with the rehabilitation of his recent injury in the right hand (traverse fracture in the metacarpus of small finger of right hand).
Also, the player shall have all his metabolism indicators adjusted, since there has been a disruption of normal function during the most recent medical tests undertaken.



Stats Leaders - A1
Points Per Game
 Steven SMITH
  Panellinios
  (203-F-83)
  Avg: 18.3
 1. Smith, Panellinios18.3 
 2. Marshall, PAOK16.9 
 3. Palacio, Kavala16.4 
 4. Baxter, Ilysiakos15.7 
 5. Kalathis, VAP K.15.1 
 6. Kiritsis, Ilysiakos14.9 
 7. Grundy, AEK14.5 
 8. Thompson, Ikaros14.4 
 9. Tapoutos, Aris14.1 
 10. King, Peristeri GS13.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Cedric SIMMONS
  Kavala
  (206-F/C-86)
  Avg: 9.8
 1. Simmons, Kavala9.8 
 2. Kalathis, VAP K.8.7 
 3. Thompson, Ikaros8.7 
 4. Smith, Panellinios8.6 
 5. Dawson, Ilysiakos7.7 
 6. Bagaric, Marousi7.7 
 7. Tucker, Aris7.6 
 8. Papadopoulos, PAOK7.5 
 9. Looby, Peristeri GS7.3 
 10. Elonu, Panionios6.6 
Assists Per Game
 Vassilis SPANOULIS
  Olympiakos
  (193-G-82)
  Avg: 5.9
 1. Spanoulis, Olympiakos5.9 
 2. Jordan, VAP K.5.5 
 3. Thompson, Ilysi.5.0 
 4. Teodosic, Olympiakos4.8 
 5. Everett, Iraklis4.4 
 6. Diamantidis, Panath.4.4 
 7. Karydas, Ilysiakos4.1 
 8. Xanthopoulos, Panell.4.1 
 9. Palacio, Kavala3.8 
 10. Papaloukas, Olymp.3.6 
Steals Per Game
 Terrell EVERETT
  Cibona
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Everett, Iraklis2.4 
 2. Grundy, AEK1.9 
 3. Marshall, PAOK1.9 
 4. Baxter, Ilysiakos1.9 
 5. Kojadinovic, Marousi1.7 
 6. Xanthopoulos, Panell.1.7 
 7. Papaloukas, Olymp.1.7 
 8. Jamon Lukas, Olymp.1.6 
 9. Karydas, Ilysiakos1.6 
 10. Papamakarios, Panell.1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Dalibor BAGARIC
  Marousi
  (217-C-80)
  Avg: 2
 1. Bagaric, Marousi2.0 
 2. Simmons, Kavala1.9 
 3. Elonu, Panionios1.7 
 4. Thompson, Ikaros1.3 
 5. Dunston, Aris0.9 
 6. Dozier, PAOK0.7 
 7. Nesterovic, Olymp.0.7 
 8. Looby, Peristeri GS0.7 
 9. Harissis, VAP K.0.7 
 10. Vougioukas, Panath.0.7 


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


Results, Dutch Basketball League - by Sanders Jackson
This weekend in Dutch basketball action, the battle for playoff positions continued as Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden and Eiffel Towers Den Bosch avoided slipups. Meanwhile the defending Dutch champs GasTerra Flames Groningen had no problem with league doormat Rotterdam Challengers, streaking WCAA Giants continued on a roll with dismantling of De Friesland Aris, while Landstede Basketbal Zwolle Basketball got a much needed win in Weert over reeling BS Weert.

In the Maaspoort on Sunday afternoon in the Eiffel Towers Den Bosch-ABC Amsterdam matchup, it was a seesaw battle throughout the first three quarters, but two untimely technical fouls, a 16-4 run between quarters and 12 missed free throws did the guests in, with Eiffel taking advantage en route to an 84-76 win. At one point midway through the 3rd quarter the game was tied at 57-all, but in between then until the 4:00 mark Eiffel made it 73-61 and would not relinquish the tempo advantage. The closest the guests would get afterwards would be 78-71, but a steal and layup by Jeffrey Touw would be the exclamation point. Both Frank Turner (178-G-88, agency: Court Side, college: Canisius) and Julian Mills had no problem finding their way to the hoop, with both leading all scorers with 22 pts. each. Jessey Voorn led ABC Amsterdam with 19 pts. Eiffel improves to 20-7 going into their upcoming Thursday showdown in Groningen.

In Bergen-op-Zoom WCAA Giants continue on their recent strong play and ascent in the Dutch standings with an 88-74 win over De Friesland Aris. The 2nd and 3rd quarter the Giants dominated, leading at one point in the game 71-53. Their stranglehold on the game would not be relinquished, with their lead remaining in double digits throughout the rest of the game. Tim Blue was a thorn in the guests side, leading all scorers with 24 pts. on 10-13 shooting. Todd Brown led Aris with 16 pts. WCAA Giants are only one game out of 5th place after the rough start at the beginning of the season, while Aris are in a funk, losing 4 out of the last 5.

Saturday in the Topsportcentrum the defending Dutch champions Gas Terra Flames took their show on the road, with strong play on the glass a big difference vs. the undermanned Rotterdam team, winning convincingly 83-59. The Flames had a 53-37 rebounding advantage. Robby Bostain led all scorers with 19 pts., with Steve Ross adding 17 and stat sheet stuffer Jason Dourisseau (196-G-83, college: Nebraska) putting up numbers of 12 pts., 8 rebounds and 7 steals. Chip Jones led the Rotterdammers with 15 pts. with league top rebounder Robbie Sihota snatching down 15 boards. The Flames win their 10th in a row and remain unbeaten in 2011.

In the Horstacker in an much anticipated matchup between two of the top half teams, Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden managed to keep the crowd out of the game, doing the job on the defensive end and on the glass and cruising to a 78-65 win. ZZ forced Magixx into 41.7% FG and enjoyed a 44-35 rebounding advantage. At one point in the game the score was 75-54 for the guests and it was then all she wrote for Magixx. Monta McGhee had a double-double (16 pts., 10 rebounds) to lead ZZ, Seamus Boxley (201-F-82, college: Portland St.) added 15. New addition Patrick Hilliman adds another dimension to the ZZ rotation, added 8 pts. and 7 rebounds in only 16 minutes. Geoff McDermott led Magixx with 14 pts. and 14 rebounds. Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden improves to 22-6.

In Weert in a tale of two struggling teams both needing a win, it was Landstede Basketbal Zwolle who were the aggressors, overcoming a bad start to eventually win convincingly over BS Weert 82-72. Landstede Basketbal Zwolle overcame a hot 13-1 start by the Limburgers, profiting from the foul trouble from BS Weert center Donte Minter, who got into early foul trouble after a hot start in the run (nine points). When Minter went to the bench, Landstede Basketbal Zwolle took over from there the tempo of the game, aided by the strong backcourt play from Lawrence Borha and Nate Rohnert. In the 2nd quarter Borha outscored the entire BS Weert team (18-14 difference) with Borha scoring 22 in the 1st half. The game would be decided for Landstede Basketbal Zwolle in the 3rd quarter, with the guests leading 64-48 and the Limburgers had no more fight in them. Borha scored a season-high 32 pts. including 6 of 8 from the three-point line, with Rohnert adding 24 pts., 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Minter led the Limburgers with a double-double of 19 pts. and 10 rebounds. Landstede Basketbal Zwolle are now just two games back from ABC Amsterdam for the final playoff position.



Standings - Promotie Divisie
Prom.Divisie Standings
 1. Dehoppers 16-2 
 2. Binnenland 15-3 
 3. Hoofddorp 14-6 
 4. Groene 13-5 
 5. Leiden 2 11-6 
 6. Red Giants 11-7 
 7. Cangeroes 11-8 
 8. Goba 11-8 
 9. Almonte 9-10 
 10. Akrides 6-13 
 11. Amsterdam 2 6-14 
 12. Punch 4-15 
 13. Black Eagles 2-17 
 14. Wildcats 2-17 


Rohnert number one in Holland for round 28 - by Eurobasket News
American guard Nate Rohnert (196-G-87) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Landstede, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 28.
The 23-year old player was the main contributor (24 points, nine rebounds and six assists) to his team's victory, helping them to beat BS Weert (#7, 12-16) 82-72. Landstede maintains the 9th position in Dutch DBL. Too late to salvage the team, which is currently ranked such low. They already lost 21 games and recorded just seven victories. In the team's last game Rohnert had a remarkable 58.3% from 2-point range. He just recently signed at Landstede, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Nate Rohnert averages just after three games 13.3ppg and 8.7rpg.

The second best player in last round's games was 26-year old American Lawrence Borha (191-G-84, agency: Limelight Hoops) of Landstede Basketbal Zwolle. Borha had a very good evening with 32 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists. Of course Landstede cruised to a 82-72 relatively comfortable win over slightly higher-ranked BS Weert (#7, 12-16). Landstede's 9th position in the standings has not changed. 21 lost games are too many comparing to just seven victories Landstede managed to get this year. Borha is a newcomer at Landstede, but is already one of team's top players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 15.3ppg (#5). He also registered 4.2 boards per game.

Third on the list of top players last round was American forward Tim Blue (205-F-84) of WCAA Giants Bergen op Zoom (#6). Blue scored 24 points and grabbed six rebounds. He was a key player of Giants, leading his team to a 88-74 easy win against slightly higher-ranked DeFriesland (#5, 13-15). The chances of Giants ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 16 games, recording just twelve victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Blue could help Giants to bring them higher in the standings. Blue has a great season in Holland. After 26 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 15.4ppg (3rd best). He also has 1.2bpg and FGP: 56.6%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Donte Minter (203-F/C-84) of BS Weert - 19 points and 10 rebounds
5. Geoff McDermott (203-F-87) of Magixx - 14 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Gerad Punch (193-G/F-84) of DeFriesland - 15 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Steve Ross (201-G/F-80) of GasTerra - 17 points and 8 rebounds
8. Jason Dourisseau (196-G-83) of GasTerra - 12 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Frank Turner (178-G-88) of Eiffel Towers - 22 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists
10. Mark Sanchez (201-F-87) of DeFriesland - 11 points, 12 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)

Stats Leaders - Eredivisie
Points Per Game
 Glenn STOKES
  BS Weert
  (170-G-76)
  Avg: 17.4
 1. Stokes, BS Weert17.4 
 2. Blue, Giants15.7 
 3. Boxley, ZZ Leiden15.5 
 4. Kimbrough, Giants15.4 
 5. Mills, Eiffel Towers15.3 
 6. Borha, Landstede15.3 
 7. Laing, Magixx15.2 
 8. McGhee, ZZ Leiden14.8 
 9. Hilliman, Rotterdam14.5 
 10. Brown, DeFriesland14.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Robbie SIHOTA
  Rotterdam
  (198-F-87)
  Avg: 10.1
 1. Sihota, Rotterdam10.1 
 2. McDermott, Magixx9.9 
 3. Hilliman, Rotterdam9.6 
 4. Haryasz, GasTerra9.4 
 5. Sanchez, DeFriesl.8.8 
 6. de Randamie, ABC8.7 
 7. Ellis, GasTerra8.4 
 8. Griffin, Giants8.3 
 9. Hamm, BS Weert8.0 
 10. McGhee, ZZ Leiden7.8 
Assists Per Game
 Frank TURNER
  Eiffel Towers
  (178-G-88)
  Avg: 5.4
 1. Turner, Eiffel T.5.4 
 2. Bauscher, GasTerra5.1 
 3. Stokes, BS Weert4.2 
 4. Kimbrough, Giants4.0 
 5. Bostain, GasTerra3.6 
 6. Marshall, Lands.3.6 
 7. Slagter, ZZ Leiden3.5 
 8. Williams, DeFriesland3.4 
 9. Jansen, Eiffel T.3.4 
 10. Mladenovic, Rotte.3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Frank TURNER
  Eiffel Towers
  (178-G-88)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Turner, Eiffel T.2.5 
 2. Dourisseau, GasTe.2.5 
 3. McDermott, Magixx2.3 
 4. Taylor, Magixx2.3 
 5. Marshall, Lands.2.1 
 6. Bostain, GasTerra2.1 
 7. Jackson, ZZ Leiden2.1 
 8. McGhee, ZZ Leiden2.1 
 9. Stokes, BS Weert2.0 
 10. Kimbrough, Giants2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Marcel AARTS
  Eiffel Towers
  (213-C-83)
  Avg: 1.4
 1. Aarts, Eiffel T.1.4 
 2. Hairston, BS Weert1.4 
 3. Blue, Giants1.2 
 4. Hilliman, Rotterdam1.0 
 5. McDermott, Magixx1.0 
 6. Bekkering, ZZ Le.1.0 
 7. Hulzebos, Landstede0.9 
 8. Hamm, BS Weert0.8 
 9. Mullery, Landstede0.8 
 10. Smith, Eiffel Towers0.8 


*****************************************************
  IRELAND   


Standings - EBS Superleague
SuperLeague Standings
North Conference
 1. Killester 14-2 
 2. DCU Saints 10-7 
 3. UCD Marian 8-11 
 4. Belfast Star 7-9 
 5. Ulster Elks 3-14 
South Conference
 1. UL Eagles 12-4 
 2. UCC Demons 11-5 
 3. Neptune 9-7 
 4. Moycullen 1-16 


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


Standings - BSL
Premier League Standings
 1. Maccabi T-A 17-1 
 2. Hapoel J-M 11-7 
 3. Bnei Hasharon 11-7 
 4. Maccabi Rishon 10-8 
 5. Galil Gilboa 10-8 
 6. Hapoel Holon 9-9 
 7. Maccabi Ashdod 8-10 
 8. Elitzur Netanya 6-12 
 9. Maccabi Haifa 4-13 
 10. Ironi Ashkelon 4-14 


Premier League Round 18: Hapoel Holon defeats Maccabi Rishon in overtime - by Eurobasket News
4th ranked Maccabi Rishon (10-8) fell to seventh ranked Hapoel Holon (9-9) in overtime by seven points 81-88 on Sunday night. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Maccabi Rishon. The hosts trailed by 9 points after three quarters before their 28-19 charge, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time and get a 7-point victory in overtime. Hapoel Holon looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. 30 personal fouls committed by Maccabi Rishon helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American players dominated the game. It was a good game for forward Rich Melzer (203-79, college: Wisc.-RiverFal., agency: Court Side) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 23 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists. Forward Kasib Powell (201-81, college: Texas Tech, agency: Court Side) contributed with 24 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Forward Aaron McGhee (202-79, college: Oklahoma) replied with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 15 rebounds for Maccabi Rishon. Hapoel Holon have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to sixth place. Maccabi Rishon at the other side keeps the fourth position with eight games lost. They share it with Galil Gilboa.

Important game to mention about took place in Ashdod. Fifth ranked Galil Gilboa (10-8) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging 7th ranked Maccabi Ashdod (8-10) 93-90 on Sunday evening. Defending champion moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Maccabi Rishon. Maccabi Ashdod lost fifth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the seventh position with ten games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Premier League top team - Maccabi T-A (17-1) managed to deliver another win on Sunday. This time they beat ninth ranked Maccabi Haifa (4-13) 100-86. Lior Eliyahu notched 22 points to lead the effort. Maccabi T-A's coach David Blatt used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even a double-double of 16 points and 15 rebounds by Boris Rothbart did not help to save the game for Maccabi Haifa. Maccabi T-A have an impressive 11-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 17-1 record. Loser Maccabi Haifa keeps the ninth place with 13 games lost.

The game in Netanya was also worth to mention about. Third ranked Hapoel J-M (11-7) played at the court of 8th ranked Elitzur Netanya (6-12). Hapoel J-M defeated Elitzur Netanya 103-93. The best player for the winners was Yuval Naimy who scored 26 points. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Hapoel J-M moved-up to second place, which they share with Bnei Hasharon. Elitzur Netanya at the other side keeps the eighth position with 12 games lost.

The game between second ranked Bnei Hasharon (11-7) and 10th ranked Ironi Ashkelon (4-14) in Hod Hasharon on Sunday ended with biggest points difference. Bnei Hasharon outscored guests from Ashkelon 96-75. It was a good game for Shawn James who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 14 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Bnei Hasharon maintains second position with 11-7 record having six points less than leader Maccabi T-A, which they share with Hapoel J-M. Ironi Ashkelon lost fifth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom place with 14 games lost.
The most impressive performance of 18th round was 25 points and 14 rebounds by Elton Brown of Elitzur Netanya.

Maccabi Ashdod - Galil Gilboa 90-93

Important game to mention about took place in Ashdod. Fifth ranked Galil Gilboa (10-8) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging 7th ranked Maccabi Ashdod (8-10) 93-90 on Sunday evening. The guests were tied after three quarters but managed to speed up in last quarter eventually winning the game. Defending champion moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Maccabi Rishon. Maccabi Ashdod lost fifth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the seventh position with ten games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

gschID: 105503


Elitzur Netanya - Hapoel J-M 93-103

The game in Netanya was also worth to mention about. Third ranked Hapoel J-M (11-7) played at the court of 8th ranked Elitzur Netanya (6-12). Hapoel J-M defeated Elitzur Netanya 103-93. The game was mostly controlled by Hapoel J-M. Elitzur Netanya was better in fourth quarter 36-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Hapoel J-M shot 64.3 percent from the field. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. 24 personal fouls committed by Elitzur Netanya helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was international guard Yuval Naimy (188-85) who scored 26 points. American forward Sam Clancy (201-80, college: USC) chipped in 17 points and 6 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). At the other side the best for losing team was American power forward Elton Brown (206-83, college: Virginia, agency: Impact Basketball) who recorded a double-double by scoring 25 points and 14 rebounds (perfect from the field making all nine shots !!!) and his fellow American import swingman Tony Washam (198-82, college: St.Vincent) added 12 points and 7 rebounds respectively. Five Hapoel J-M and four Elitzur Netanya players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Hapoel J-M moved-up to second place, which they share with Bnei Hasharon. Elitzur Netanya at the other side keeps the eighth position with 12 games lost.

Top scorers:
Hapoel J-M: Y.Naimy 26+2reb+3ast, S.Clancy 17+6reb+2ast, W.Solomon 16+1reb+2ast, J.Rich 13+6reb+3ast, D.Dowell 11+2reb, Y.Ohayon 10+1reb+11ast
Elitzur Netanya: E.Brown 25+14reb+1ast, A.Banks 14+3reb+4ast, T.Washam 12+7reb+3ast, E.Gueta 11+1reb, S.Brener 9+3reb+10ast, C.Watson 8+1reb+1ast

gschID: 105504


Bnei Hasharon - Ironi Ashkelon 96-75

The game between second ranked Bnei Hasharon (11-7) and 10th ranked Ironi Ashkelon (4-14) in Hod Hasharon on Sunday ended with biggest points difference. Bnei Hasharon outscored guests from Ashkelon 96-75. The game without a history. Bnei Hasharon led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 21-of-27 free shots (77.8 percent) during the game. Bnei Hasharon looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Bnei Hasharon made 8 blocks. It was a good game for American power forward Shawn James (208-83, college: Northeastern, agency: ZAG Advocates) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 14 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists. The other American import forward Lee Nailon (204-75, college: TCU) contributed with 16 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Four Bnei Hasharon players scored in double figures. American forward Rahshon Turner (201-75, college: Fairleigh Dickinson, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) replied with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 10 rebounds and the former international guard Dror Hagag (178-78, agency: Avi Zilberman) added 9 points and 10 assists in the effort for Ironi Ashkelon. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Bnei Hasharon maintains second position with 11-7 record having six points less than leader Maccabi T-A, which they share with Hapoel J-M. Ironi Ashkelon lost fifth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom place with 14 games lost.

Top scorers:
Bnei Hasharon: F.Rivera 17+4reb+1ast, L.Nailon 16+5reb+1ast, S.James 14+13reb+4ast, B.Dunston 11+6reb+4ast, D.Grunfeld 10+2reb+2ast, B.Rice 9+5reb+1ast
Ironi Ashkelon: R.Turner 23+10reb+2ast, J.Gibson 13+3reb+1ast, D.Hagag 9+3reb+10ast, J.Jaques 9+1reb, T.Terrell 8+3reb+1ast, G.Porat 7+3reb+1ast

gschID: 105505


Hapoel Holon - Maccabi Rishon 88-81 OT

4th ranked Maccabi Rishon (10-8) fell to seventh ranked Hapoel Holon (9-9) in overtime by seven points 81-88 on Sunday night. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Maccabi Rishon. The hosts trailed by 9 points after three quarters before their 28-19 charge, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time and get a 7-point victory in overtime. Hapoel Holon looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. 30 personal fouls committed by Maccabi Rishon helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American players dominated the game. It was a good game for forward Rich Melzer (203-79, college: Wisc.-RiverFal., agency: Court Side) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 23 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists. Forward Kasib Powell (201-81, college: Texas Tech, agency: Court Side) contributed with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Four Hapoel Holon players scored in double figures. Forward Aaron McGhee (202-79, college: Oklahoma) replied with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 15 rebounds and guard Dwayne Mitchell (194-82, college: La-Lafayette, agency: Interperformances) added 12 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists in the effort for Maccabi Rishon. Hapoel Holon have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to sixth place. Maccabi Rishon at the other side keeps the fourth position with eight games lost. They share it with Galil Gilboa.

Top scorers:
Hapoel Holon: K.Powell 24+12reb+2ast, R.Melzer 23+13reb+6ast, M.Roth 14+2reb+8ast, A.Ben David 10+1reb+4ast, N.Cohen 9+10reb+3ast, I.Stolero 8+1reb
Maccabi Rishon: A.McGhee 26+15reb, D.Mitchell 12+8reb+5ast, I.Swann 12+2reb+3ast, N.Hanochi 9+5reb+3ast, Y.Orland 9+1reb+1ast, R.Morgan 8+12reb+3ast

gschID: 105506


Maccabi Haifa - Maccabi T-A 86-100

Premier League top team - Maccabi T-A (17-1) managed to deliver another win on Sunday. This time they beat ninth ranked Maccabi Haifa (4-13) 100-86. The guests trailed by 8 points after first quarter, but they stormed back and won the game by 14 points. Maccabi T-A outrebounded Maccabi Haifa 47-35 including a 33-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 32 assists comparing to just 13 passes made by Maccabi Haifa's players. International forward Lior Eliyahu (207-85, agency: ZAG Advocates) notched 22 points to lead the effort and American guard Doron Perkins (188-83, college: Santa Clara) supported him with 13 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists. Maccabi T-A's coach David Blatt used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even a double-double of 16 points and 15 rebounds by international center Boris Rothbart (218-86, agency: Avi Zilberman) did not help to save the game for Maccabi Haifa. American guard Frank Robinson (193-84, college: Cal.St. Fullerton, agency: Priority Sports) added 18 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists. Four Maccabi T-A and five Maccabi Haifa players scored in double figures. Maccabi T-A have an impressive 11-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 17-1 record. Loser Maccabi Haifa keeps the ninth place with 13 games lost.

Top scorers:
Maccabi T-A: L.Eliyahu 22+3reb+1ast, D.Blu 16+7reb+1ast, D.Perkins 13+5reb+7ast, M.Macvan 12+5reb+1ast, R.Hendrix 10+5reb, C.Eidson 9+10reb+6ast
Maccabi Haifa: M.Killingsworth 19+7reb+1ast, F.Robinson 18+6reb+7ast, S.Landesberg 17+2reb+1ast, B.Rothbart 16+15reb, G.Jackson 11+4reb, D.Low 3+1ast

gschID: 105507




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


Best players of Italian Lega2 round 21 - by Eurobasket News
Experienced American Clint Cotis Harrison (194-G-76, agency: Court Side) had an amazing evening in the last round for Snaidero UD and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Lega2 Player of the Week award for round 21.
The 34-year old guard had a double-double of 23 points and ten rebounds, while his team beat Assigeco (#12, 8-13) 81-67. Snaidero UD maintains the 3rd position in Italian Lega2. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Snaidero UD will need more victories to improve their 15-6 record. It's Harrison's second year at Snaidero UD and it's hard to imagine this team without him. Clint Cotis Harrison averages this season 15.4ppg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 25-year old American guard Jarrius Jackson (188-G-85) of Prima Veroli. Jackson impressed basketball fans with 36 points and 2 assists. Of course Prima Veroli cruised to a 98-88 relatively comfortable win over the lower-ranked Forli (#16, 4-17). Prima Veroli's 7th position in the standings has not changed. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 12-9 record is not bad and everything may still change. Jackson is a newcomer at Prima Veroli and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 21.0ppg (#3).

The third best performed player last round was American Joseph Forte (193-G-81, agency: JEMsports) of Tuscany PT (#10). Forte got into 30-points club by scoring 32 points in the last round. He went also for four assists. He was a key player of Tuscany PT, leading his team to a 84-67 easy win against the lower-ranked Trenkwalder (#14, 6-15). The chances of Tuscany PT ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 11 games, recording just ten victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Forte could help Tuscany PT to bring them higher in the standings. Forte has a great season in Italy. After 19 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 18.1ppg (7th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Lorenzo Gordon (201-F-83) of Forli - 28 points and 8 rebounds
5. Joseph Crispin (186-G-79) of Barcellona - 20 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists
6. David Brkic (210-F-82) of Prima Veroli - 20 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Ruben Boykin (201-F-85) of Assigeco - 18 points and 11 rebounds
8. Donte Mathis (190-G-77) of Snaidero UD - 21 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Gerald Lee (208-F-87) of Snaidero UD - 15 points, 12 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Demian Filloy (198-F-82) of Immobiliare SR - 17 points and 14 rebounds

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

Italian A dilettanti round 23 best performance: Santiago Paparella - by Eurobasket News
Naturalized Argentinian guard Santiago Paparella (189-G-80, agency: Players Group) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Potenza, receiving a Eurobasket.com A dilettanti Player of the Week award for round 23.
The 30-year old player got a double-double of 16 points and 10 assists, while his team crushed Rieti (#12, 9-13) with 25-point margin 101-76. Potenza maintains the 7th position in Argentinian A dilettanti. Potenza 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 12-11 record. In the team's last game Paparella had a remarkable five three-pointers out of 8 attempts. It was one of impressive evenings for him as usually he does not deliver so high stats. Santiago Paparella averages this season 10.6ppg.

The second best player in last round's games was 34-year old Paolo Mossi (193-G-76) of Moncada Fortitudo Agrigento. Mossi had a very good evening with 25 points and 3 rebounds. It was enough for Agrigento to edge slightly higher-ranked Bisceglie (#13, 9-14) 95-90. The game was between two teams which are definitely not main contenders for the top position in group B. Agrigento keeps 15th position. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 7-16 record. Mossi is a newcomer at Agrigento, but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was forward Francesco Amoroso (202-F-78) of Latina Basket (#8). Amoroso scored 24 points. He was a key player of Latina Basket, leading his team to a 72-57 easy win against the higher-ranked Matera (#5, 13-10). Latina Basket needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams in group B. Their record at this point is 12 victories and 11 lost games. Amoroso has a very solid season. In 23 games in Italy he scored 12.0ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Luca Furlanetto (197-G-81) of ASD Pavia - 21 points and 8 rebounds
5. Marco Gnaccarini (185-G-81) of Senigallia - 23 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Fabrizio Facenda (200-F/C-75) of Senigallia - 17 points, 15 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Gianmarco Rossi (178-G-90) of Palestrina - 24 points and 7 rebounds
8. Damiano Verri (206-C-85) of Osimo - 19 points and 12 rebounds
9. Franco Prelazzi (205-F/C-79) of Castelletto - 19 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Roberto Cazzaniga (205-F/C-78) of Piacenza - 16 points and 11 rebounds

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

A Dilettanti, Round 23 - by Armando Caporaso
Group A

In this round another victory for Perugia that remains on top with 17-6. In the big match against Omegna (that losing confirms the third place) are decisive tha last 4 points of Caroldi for the 74-72 final after the 3 points shoot of Picazio (70-72). Carenza Giovanni is the top scorer for the winners with 16 points (6/7 by 2), 14 points for Musso Bernardo with 6 rebounds (but 6 turnovers), 11 points and 6 fouls suffered for Caroldi Mattia, 9 points + 7 rebounds of Pazzi Marco and 8 points for Baldi Rossi Filippo and Bonamente Simone (that adds 8 steals). For the visitors 15 points in only 21 minutes for Picazio Pierpaolo, 11 points for Ammannato Marco (5 rebounds) and Zaccariello Leonardo and 10 points for Carra Marco and Rossi Emanuele. Piacenza exceeds Castelletto for 81-78 and now is second alone with 32 points. Cazzaniga Roberto is the MVP with 16 points and 11 rebounds + 3 steals, 21 points of Passera Marco with 9/12 at shoot and 4 assist, 13 points for Perego Riccardo and Rizzitiello Nelson and 8 points for Scarone German with 5 steals and 4 assist but a bad 3/8 in the free throws. From the bench 9 points and 8 rebounds for Trapella Mirko. For the SBS defeat number 11, 19 points and 9 rebounds (5 offensive) for 2 players: Prelazzi Franco and Sandri Daniele. For the others there are 12 points and 9 rebounds of Raminelli Matteo and always 12 points for the ex Treviso De nicolao Andrea with 5 steals. Treviglio wins against Siena for 74-73 and reaches the third place in standing shared with 3 teams (Trento, Omenga and Brescia) with 15 wins in this season. In the last seconds Reati realizes the 3 points shoot and Portannese missing the shoot for the win. Marino Tommaso closes with 22 points (4/8 by 3 and 10/12 in the free throws) with 9 assist, 9 fouls suffered but also 9 turnovers. 19 points for Reati Davide with 5/11 by 3, 6 rebounds and 3 blocks and 12 points + 8 rebounds of Zanella Gabriele. For the visitors 22 points of Portannese Marco with 12/13 in the free throws (but 4/14 at shoot), 17 points for Casagrande Riccardo that catches 6 rebounds and adds 5 steals and 13 points for Casadei Daniele. In the other matches:

PentaG. Ozzano - La Fortezza Recanati 67-59 (G.Sanguinetti 22 pts & 4 stl, O.Chiaramello 13 reb & 5 ass, M.Vitali 4 stl)
Bitumcalor Trento - Cartiere Riva 66-86 (L.Conte 21 pts, N.Natali 8 reb, M.Spanghero 4 ass, L.Torboli 6 stl, M.Filattiera-A.Scanzi 19 pts)
Goldengas Senigallia - Edilcost Osimo 75-60 (M.Gnaccarini 23 pts, F.Facenda 15 reb, G.Ghedini-F.Bastoni 4 ass, S.Maddaloni 5 stl, E.Gaeta 13 reb, D.Verri 19 pts & 12 reb)
Zerouno Moncalieri - Centrale Brescia 87-80 (M.Ghersetti 19 pts, M.Rezzano 7 reb, D.Parente 8 ass, N.Crow 5 stl, F.Conti 14 pts)
Aps Trieste - P.Mitchell Pavia 82-46 (L.Furlanetto 21 pts & 8 reb, D.Magro 8 reb, M.Ruzzier 5 stl, F.Vidani 16 pts, S.Borgna 4 stl)

Group B

Important defeat of the leaders of the group at Massafra for 83-71. For the hosts victory number 10 guided by Cucinelli Maurizio that scores 19 points with 7/9 at shoot and 7 rebounds. Good performance for Quaglia Francesco with 15 points and 5 rebounds while for the others there are 11 points of Lenardon Simone with 3 steals and 5 assist and 12 points for Cigliani Andrea with 5 rebounds and for Scarponi Ivan. For Trapani not enough the 18 points of Evangelisti Marco with 6/14 at shoot, 14 points from the bench for Svoboda Ariel and Bisconti Luca, 10 points for Guarino Francesco and 10 rebounds for Santarossa Walter but with only 6 points (0/7 by 2). Ruvo exceeds Patti (76-62, defeat number 15) and reaches the leaders on top with 17-6. Simeoli Stefano is the top scorer with 16 points and 8 fouls suffered, 13 points and 6 steals for Bonfiglio Simone, 11 points for Provenzano Stefano, 9 points and 7 steals for Bonacini Davide, 7 points, 6 rebounds and 6 steals for Ihedioha Francesco but the MVP is Marzoli Riccardo that plays only 15 minutes but scores 8 points with 4 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 assist, 8 foul suffered and 21 of ranking. For the Ascom double-double of Fabi Augustin with 14 points and 10 rebounds, 11 points and 9 rebounds of Ancellotti Andrea, 13 points for Mori Filippo with 3 steals and 6 assist, 9 points of Riva Ivan and 7 points with 9 rebounds for Sereni Giacomo. The other results:

Benacquista Latina - Bawer Matera 72-57 (F.Amoroso 24 pts, M.Soloperto 8 reb, F.Ruini 4 ass & 4 stl, C.Vico 5 stl)
Ambrosia Bisceglie - Moncada Agrigento 90-95 (P.Mossi 25 pts, A.Raschi 23 pts & 3 ass, M.Giovanatto 8 reb, L.Novati 4 stl)
Assi Ostuni - Ford Molfetta 76-67 (S.Gigena 19 pts, S.Orlando 8 reb, A.Ruggiero 5 ass, V.Circosta 5 ass & 6 stl)
Romana Anagni - AD S.Antimo 59-65 (D.Calabria 14 pts & 9 reb, F.Gagliardo 10 reb, R.Santolamazza 5 ass, G.Eliantonio 3 stl)
Ircop Rieti - Publisys Potenza 76-101 (D.Virgilio 20 pts & 4 stl, S.Bagnoli 10 reb, A.Chiarastella 19 pts, S.Paparella 10 ass, S.Scrocco 4 stl)
Itop Palestrina - FMC Ferentino 48-62 (G.Rossi 24 pts & 4 stl & 7 reb, I.Ochoa-M.Spippoli 8 reb, A.Sperduto 4 stl)

Italian SerieA round 19 best performance: Ronald Slay - by Eurobasket News
American forward Ronald Slay (203-F-81, agency: David Lee services) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Cimberio Varese, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 19.
The 29-year old player was the main contributor (25 points, five rebounds) to his team's victory, helping them to beat Benetton TV (8-11) 74-68. The game rather meaningless between the teams, which do not have any influence on the top of the standings. Cimberio VA is placed at 12th position in Italian SerieA. Cimberio VA is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 8-11 record. In the team's last game Slay had a remarkable 66.7% from 2-point range. It's his second year at Cimberio VA and it's hard to imagine this team without him. Ronald Slay averages this season 13.2ppg and 6.5rpg.

The second best player in last round's games was 26-year old American James White (198-G-84, agency: Court Side) of Dinamo Sassari. White had a very good evening with 25 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists. Of course he lead Dinamo Sassari to another comfortable win outscoring the lower-ranked Angelico BI (#13, 8-11) 94-74. This victory allowed Dinamo Sassari to move up to 7th position in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 9-10 record. White is a newcomer at Dinamo Sassari, but is already one of team's top players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 21.1ppg (#1). He also registered 5.3 boards per game.

Third on the list of top players last round was American forward Sharrod Ford (206-F/C-82, agency: Pro One Sports) of Sutor Montegranaro (#6). Ford scored 17 points and grabbed thirteen rebounds (!!!). Despite Ford's great performance Fabi Shoes lost 67-89 to the lower-ranked Vanoli CR (#11, 8-11). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Fabi Shoes ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 10 games, recording just nine victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Ford could help Fabi Shoes to bring them higher in the standings. Ford has a great season in Italy. After 19 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 16.6ppg (3rd best) and rebounds with 11.2rpg (#1 in league). He also has 2.6bpg and FGP: 56.1%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Lynn Greer (186-G-79) of Armani MI - 19 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Travis Diener (183-G-82) of Dinamo Sassari - 9 points, 5 rebounds and 12 assists
6. Yakhouba Diawara (200-F-82) of Enel Brindisi - 18 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Marques Green (170-G-82) of Air AV - 15 points, 4 rebounds and 10 assists
8. Timothy Bowers (188-G-82) of Pepsi Caserta - 12 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Maarten Leunen (206-F-85) of Bennet Cantu - 12 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Drake Diener (196-G-81) of Banca Tercas - 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 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)

Standings - B1
A Standings
Group A
 1. Perugia 17-6 
 2. Piacenza 16-7 
 3. Treviglio 15-8 
 4. Trento 15-8 
 5. Brescia 15-8 
 6. Omegna 15-8 
 7. Moncalieri 13-10 
 8. Trieste 12-11 
 9. Castelletto 12-11 
 10. Comsum.it SI 10-12 
 11. Senigallia 10-13 
 12. ASD Pavia 9-14 
 13. Recanati 8-15 
 14. Riva del Garda 7-15 
 15. Ozzano 7-16 
 16. Osimo 2-21 
Group B
 1. Trapani 17-6 
 2. Ruvo 17-6 
 3. Ostuni 16-7 
 4. S.Antimo 14-9 
 5. Matera 13-10 
 6. Ferentino 13-10 
 7. Potenza 12-11 
 8. Latina Basket 12-11 
 9. Anagni 11-12 
 10. Molfetta 10-13 
 11. Massafra 10-13 
 12. Rieti 9-13 
 13. Bisceglie 9-14 
 14. Patti 8-15 
 15. Agrigento 7-16 
 16. Palestrina 5-17 


Stats Leaders - SerieA
Points Per Game
 James WHITE
  Dinamo Sassari
  (198-G-84)
  Avg: 21.1
 1. White, Dinamo Sassari21.1 
 2. Roberson, Enel B.16.7 
 3. Ford, Fabi Shoes16.6 
 4. Zoroski, Banca T.16.4 
 5. Thomas, Air AV16.2 
 6. Dean, Air AV15.7 
 7. Winston, CS Bo.15.4 
 8. Rowland, Vanoli CR15.2 
 9. Hunter, Dinamo S.14.9 
 10. Milic, Vanoli CR14.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Sharrod FORD
  Fabi Shoes
  (206-F/C-82)
  Avg: 11.2
 1. Ford, Fabi Shoes11.2 
 2. Jones, Pepsi C.8.6 
 3. Homan, CS Bologna8.5 
 4. Troutman, Air AV8.3 
 5. Davis, Banca Tercas8.3 
 6. Ivanov, Fabi Shoes8.1 
 7. Lang, Enel Brindisi7.8 
 8. Suton, Angelico BI7.3 
 9. Hunter, Dinamo S.7.1 
 10. Toure, Enel Brindisi6.9 
Assists Per Game
 Marques GREEN
  Air AV
  (170-G-82)
  Avg: 6.9
 1. Green, Air AV6.9 
 2. Diener, Dinamo S.4.9 
 3. Goss, Cimberio VA4.4 
 4. Sosa, Angelico BI4.2 
 5. Zoroski, Banca T.4.1 
 6. Collins, Scavolin.4.1 
 7. Rowland, Vanoli CR3.9 
 8. Markovic, Benetton.3.7 
 9. Green, Bennet Cantu3.5 
 10. Dixon, Enel Brindisi3.2 
Steals Per Game
 James WHITE
  Dinamo Sassari
  (198-G-84)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. White, Dinamo Sassari2.8 
 2. Rowland, Vanoli CR2.7 
 3. Troutman, Air AV2.7 
 4. Green, Air AV2.6 
 5. Thomas, Air AV2.6 
 6. Hackett, Scavolin.2.6 
 7. Di Bella, Pepsi C.2.6 
 8. Collins, Scavolin.2.5 
 9. Dedovic, Lottomat.2.5 
 10. McCalebb, Montepas.2.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Sharrod FORD
  Fabi Shoes
  (206-F/C-82)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Ford, Fabi Shoes2.6 
 2. Toure, Enel Brindisi1.5 
 3. Crosariol, Lottomat.1.3 
 4. Hunter, Dinamo S.1.2 
 5. Lang, Enel Brindisi1.0 
 6. Drozdov, Vanoli CR1.0 
 7. Smith, Benetton TV1.0 
 8. Homan, CS Bologna0.9 
 9. Polonara, Banca T.0.9 
 10. Szewczyk, Air AV0.8 


Stats Leaders - Lega2
Points Per Game
 Trent WHITING
  Aget Imola
  (185-G-76)
  Avg: 23.5
 1. Whiting, Aget Imola23.5 
 2. Crispin, Barcellona22.1 
 3. Jackson, Prima Veroli21.0 
 4. Clark, Umana Reyer19.6 
 5. Gordon, Forli19.5 
 6. Ebi, Aget Imola19.2 
 7. Forte, Tuscany PT18.1 
 8. Marigney, Assigeco17.8 
 9. Roderick, Immobi.17.6 
 10. Vukcevic, Immobi.16.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Ndudi EBI
  Aget Imola
  (206-F-84)
  Avg: 9.2
 1. Ebi, Aget Imola9.2 
 2. Varnado, Tuscany PT9.0 
 3. Filloy, Immobili.8.8 
 4. Dickens, San Severo8.5 
 5. Boykin, Assigeco8.4 
 6. Lollis, Immobili.8.2 
 7. Johnson, San Severo7.8 
 8. Gordon, Forli7.8 
 9. Waleskowski, Tezeni.7.8 
 10. Dordei, Snaidero UD7.5 
Assists Per Game
 Leemire GOLDWIRE
  Forli
  (180-G-84)
  Avg: 5.9
 1. Goldwire, Forli5.9 
 2. Crispin, Barcellona5.1 
 3. Porta, Tezenis .4.7 
 4. Whiting, Aget Imola3.8 
 5. Farabello, N.Fer.3.7 
 6. Clark, Umana Reyer3.7 
 7. Mathis, Snaidero.3.7 
 8. Hickman, Fastw.3.6 
 9. Marigney, Assigeco3.6 
 10. Levin, Sunrise .3.5 
Steals Per Game
 Terrence RODERICK
  Immobiliare SR
  (195-G/F-88)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. Roderick, Immobi.3.2 
 2. Ebi, Aget Imola2.9 
 3. Achara, Barcellona2.7 
 4. Hunter, Sunrise .2.7 
 5. Williams, Snaidero.2.6 
 6. Scarone, Immobili.2.4 
 7. Radulovic, Sunris.2.4 
 8. Cerella, Assigeco2.4 
 9. Davis, Sunrise .2.4 
 10. Filloy, Immobili.2.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Jarvis VARNADO
  Tuscany PT
  (206-F-88)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Varnado, Tuscany PT2.9 
 2. Ebi, Aget Imola1.4 
 3. Achara, Barcellona1.1 
 4. Maggioli, Fileni B.1.1 
 5. Cutolo, San Severo0.8 
 6. Frosini, Trenkwalder0.8 
 7. Boykin, Assigeco0.8 
 8. Trepagnier, Tezeni.0.7 
 9. Ezugwu, Assigeco0.7 
 10. Cervi, Trenkwalder0.7 


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


Swift's double-double lands him BJ League Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
25-year old power forward Robert Swift (213-F/C-85) put on an amazing game in the last round for Tokyo Apache and receives a Asia-basket.com BJ League Player of the Week award for round 34.
He had a double-double of 19 points and 15 rebounds, while his team outclassed Akita (#7, 10-23) with 26-point margin 91-65. Tokyo Apache maintains the 4th position in Japanese BJ League. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Tokyo Apache will need more victories to improve their 15-11 record. Swift turned to be Tokyo Apache's top player in his first season with the team. Robert Swift averages this season 12.7ppg and 9.5rpg.

Second best performed player last round was Elijah Palmer (201-F-81, agency: Court Side) of Miyazaki Shining Suns. He is American forward in his first season at Miyazaki. In the last game Palmer recorded impressive double-double of 28 points and 14 rebounds. Bad luck as Miyazaki lost that game 79-94 to the higher-ranked Saitama Bron. (#5, 14-19). Miyazaki managed to keep the same 8th spot in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 11-22 record. Palmer is a newcomer at Miyazaki and quickly became one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to center Jeff Newton (205-C-81) of league's second-best Ryukyu Golden Kings Okinawa. Newton scored 22 points and grabbed ten rebounds. He was a key player of Okinawa GK, leading his team to a 91-84 win against #3 ranked Shiga Lakestars in a game of the week. Okinawa GK needs these victories very badly if they think about taking over top position in the standings. Their record at this point is 20 victories and 13 lost games. Newton has a great season in Japan. After 32 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 11.1rpg (6th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Kenny Satterfield (188-G-81) of Saitama Broncos - 27 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists
5. Mac Hopson (188-G-87) of Sendai 89ers - 32 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Robert Swift (213-F/C-85) of Tokyo Apache - 16 points, 14 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Zachary Andrews (203-F/C-85) of Niigata Albirex - 15 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Josh Peppers (201-F-85) of Shiga Lakestars - 23 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Gary Hamilton (208-F/C-84) of Shiga Lakestars - 18 points, 19 rebounds and 4 assists

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

Japanese JBL round 32 best performance: Kosuke Takeuchi - by Eurobasket News
Former international Kosuke Takeuchi (205-C/F-85) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for top-ranked Aishin Sea Horses, receiving a Asia-basket.com Player of the Week award for round 32.
The 25-year old player had a double-double of 17 points and 15 rebounds, while his team edged out Hokkaido (#8, 8-24) in overtime 99-98. It allowed Aishin to consolidate first place in the Japanese JBL. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Aishin has a very solid 24-8 record, but they cannot be too comfortable about keeping top position. Takeuchi has many years of experience at Aishin, through which he has constantly improved. Kosuke Takeuchi has solid league stats. He is in league's top in points (5th best: 16.4ppg) and averages impressive 1.6bpg and 58.8% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 28-year old American Scott Merritt (208-C-82) of Tochigi Brex. Merritt had a very good evening with a double-double of 25 points and 13 rebounds. Of course he lead Tochigi Brex to another comfortable win 90-76 over slightly lower-ranked Mitsubishi (#7, 10-22) being unquestionably team leader. Tochigi Brex'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 13-19 record. Merritt is well-known at Tochigi Brex and is a proven leader in his second season with the team.

Third on the list of top players last round was American forward Jai Lewis (201-F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) of Rera Kamuy Hokkaido (#8). Lewis scored 21 points and grabbed twelve rebounds (!!!). Despite Lewis' great performance Hokkaido lost 98-99in overtime to the higher-ranked Aishin (#1, 24-8). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. Hokkaido can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have extremely bad season and 8-24 record places them at the very bottom of the standings. Too bad for Lewis he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Lewis has individually a great season in Japan. After 15 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 17.9ppg (2nd best) and rebounds with 9.5rpg (3rd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Yuta Tabuse (173-G-80) of Tochigi Brex - 19 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists
5. Takehiko Orimo (190-G-70) of Hokkaido - 30 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Cory Violette (203-C/F-82) of Toshiba - 20 points and 9 rebounds
7. Jeff Gibbs (188-F-80) of Toyota - 11 points and 13 rebounds
8. Ace Custis (202-F-74) of Panasonic - 15 points, 14 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Joji Takeuchi (206-C-85) of Hitachi S. - 14 points and 20 rebounds
10. Shinsuke Kashiwagi (183-G-81) of Aishin - 14 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists

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

Standings - BJ League
BJ Standings
Eastern
 1. Hamamatsu P. 29-4 
 2. Sendai 89ers 21-11 
 3. Niigata Albirex 16-16 
 4. Tokyo Apache 15-11 
 5. Saitama Bron. 14-20 
 6. Toyama Grouses 10-22 
 7. Akita 10-24 
Western
 1. Osaka Evessa 21-11 
 2. Okinawa GK 21-13 
 3. Shiga Lakestars 19-15 
 4. Fukuoka Rizing 19-15 
 5. Kyoto Hannaryz 17-17 
 6. Shimane 15-19 
 7. Oita H.Devils 15-19 
 8. Miyazaki 12-22 
 9. Takamatsu FA 9-25 


*****************************************************
  KOSOVO   


Standings - Superleague
SuperLeague Standings
 1. Sigal Prishtina 14-1 
 2. Bambi 13-2 
 3. Peja 11-4 
 4. Trepca 8-7 
 5. Bashkimi 5-10 
 6. K.EuroSporti 5-10 
 7. Kosova 4-11 
 8. Mitrovica 0-15 


Sigal Prishtina wins derby against Bambi - by Luan Morina
Two best teams of Kosovas BKT SuperLeague started the second half of the season playing head to head. The match was characterized with great rivalry between the two teams, but in the end was the current champion that beat the host team with a large margin. The final result was 92-73 for Sigal Prishtina. In the Minatori center in Mitrovica, it was Sigal Prishtinas new acquisition, Blerim Mazreku that made the difference in this match. He scored whooping 41 points and had 8 rebounds. Alban Veseli and Valentin Spaqi tipped 11 points each for Sigal Prishtina. Ljubodrag Bogavac scored 17, and was helped by Milos Martinovic who scored 16 points, but werent enough to beat Sigal Prishtina. The key point in the game was the 13-0 run for Sigal Prishtina in the start of the second quarter when they were already leading 20-18.


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


LBL D2 Round 17: No surprise as #1 Jurmala defeats Liepaja-2 - by Eurobasket News
LBL D2 top team - Jurmala (15-2) had no problems winning another game on Thursday. This time they crushed ninth ranked Liepaja-2 (6-10) 87-67. The hosts trailed by 3 points at the halftime before their 48-25 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Jurmala have an impressive series of six victories in a row. Newly promoted Jurmala maintains first place with 15-2 record. Liepaja-2 at the other side, also newcomer in the league, keeps the ninth position with ten games lost. Jurmala are looking forward to face Livani (#11) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Liepaja-2 will play against VEF Kadeti in Riga and is hoping to prove to their supporters that the loss was just an accident.
The game in Riga was also worth to mention about. Third ranked BS Ogre (13-3) played at the court of 7th ranked BAA Riga (7-8). BS Ogre managed to secure a 8-point victory 81-73. The victory was the third consecutive win for BS Ogre. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Ventspils Aug. BAA Riga at the other side dropped to the eighth position with eight games lost. BS Ogre will play against Saldus (#4) on the road in the next round. BAA Riga will play against Daugava (#7) in Daugavapils and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An interesting game took place in Livani where higher ranked Gulbene (8-7) was upset on the court of eleventh ranked Livani (2-12) 82-69 on Friday. Livani maintains eleventh place with 2-12 record. Gulbene lost their third game in a row. They keep the sixth position with seven games lost. Livani will meet league's leader Jurmala on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Gulbene will play against Zemgale/Juniors (#5) in Jelgava and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Third ranked Ventspils Augstskola (13-3) crushed at home 12th ranked VEF Kadeti (1-15) by 41 points 87-46, which is the biggest margin this round. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for Ventspils Augstskola. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Ogre. VEF Kadeti lost their fifth game in a row. Newly promoted team stay at the bottom position with 15 games lost. Ventspils Augstskola's next round opponent will be Ridzene (#10) in Riga and are hoping to win another game. VEF Kadeti will play on the road against Liepaja-2.

In the last two games of round 17 Zemgale/Jun. lost to Saldus on the opponent's court 75-85. Ridzene unfortunately lost to Daugava in a home game 68-84.


Saldus - Zemgale/Jun. 85-75

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 5th ranked Zemgale/Juniors' (9-8) road loss to fourth ranked Saldus (11-5) 75-85. The game was mostly controlled by Saldus. Zemgale/Juniors was better in third quarter 20-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Saldus maintains fourth place with 11-5 record. Newly promoted Zemgale/Juniors keep the fifth position with eight games lost. Saldus' next round opponent will be higher ranked BS Ogre (#3) at home and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Zemgale/Juniors will play against Gulbene and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
gschID: 120502


Ventspils Aug. - VEF Kadeti 87-46

Third ranked Ventspils Augstskola (13-3) crushed at home 12th ranked VEF Kadeti (1-15) by 41 points 87-46, which is the biggest margin this round. The game was mostly controlled by Ventspils Augstskola. VEF Kadeti was better in third quarter 17-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for Ventspils Augstskola. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Ogre. VEF Kadeti lost their fifth game in a row. Newly promoted team stay at the bottom position with 15 games lost. Ventspils Augstskola's next round opponent will be Ridzene (#10) in Riga and are hoping to win another game. VEF Kadeti will play on the road against Liepaja-2.
gschID: 120499


Jurmala - Liepaja-2 87-67

LBL D2 top team - Jurmala (15-2) had no problems winning another game on Thursday. This time they crushed ninth ranked Liepaja-2 (6-10) 87-67. The hosts trailed by 3 points at the halftime before their 48-25 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Jurmala have an impressive series of six victories in a row. Newly promoted Jurmala maintains first place with 15-2 record. Liepaja-2 at the other side, also newcomer in the league, keeps the ninth position with ten games lost. Jurmala are looking forward to face Livani (#11) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Liepaja-2 will play against VEF Kadeti in Riga and is hoping to prove to their supporters that the loss was just an accident.
gschID: 120500


Livani - Gulbene 82-69

An interesting game took place in Livani where higher ranked Gulbene (8-7) was upset on the court of eleventh ranked Livani (2-12) 82-69 on Friday. The game was mostly controlled by Livani. Gulbene managed to win fourth quarter 20-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Livani maintains eleventh place with 2-12 record. Gulbene lost their third game in a row. They keep the sixth position with seven games lost. Livani will meet league's leader Jurmala on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Gulbene will play against Zemgale/Juniors (#5) in Jelgava and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
gschID: 120501


BAA Riga - Ogre 73-81

The game in Riga was also worth to mention about. Third ranked BS Ogre (13-3) played at the court of 7th ranked BAA Riga (7-8). BS Ogre managed to secure a 8-point victory 81-73. The guests were already 11 points ahead after 3 quarters before a 21-18 BAA Riga's run in the last quarter cut the lead to 81-73 at the end of the game. The victory was the third consecutive win for BS Ogre. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Ventspils Aug. BAA Riga at the other side dropped to the eighth position with eight games lost. BS Ogre will play against Saldus (#4) on the road in the next round. BAA Riga will play against Daugava (#7) in Daugavapils and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
gschID: 120497


Ridzene - Daugava 68-84

Rather predictable result in Riga where eighth ranked Daugava (8-9) defeated 10th ranked Ridzene (3-14) 84-68. The game was mostly controlled by Daugava. Ridzene was better in second period 19-16. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Daugava moved-up to seventh place. Ridzene lost their third game in a row. They keep the tenth position with 14 games lost. Daugava's next round opponent will be BAA Riga (#8) at home. Ridzene will play against the league's second-placed Ventspils Augstskola and will have a slim chance for a victory.
gschID: 120498




Standings - LBAL
LBL D2 Standings
 1. Jurmala 15-2 
 2. Ventspils Aug. 13-3 
 3. Ogre 13-3 
 4. Saldus 11-5 
 5. Zemgale/Jun. 9-8 
 6. Gulbene 8-7 
 7. Daugava 8-9 
 8. BAA Riga 7-8 
 9. Liepaja-2 6-10 
 10. Ridzene 3-14 
 11. Livani 2-12 
 12. VEF Kadeti 1-15 


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


Stats Leaders - NKL
Points Per Game
 Vidmantas SRAGAUSKIS
  LKKA-Atletas
  (200-F-86)
  Avg: 22.8
 1. Sragauskis, LKKA-.22.8 
 2. Petraitis, Delikate.21.8 
 3. Vingelis, LKKA-.20.5 
 4. Jurkus, Silute18.4 
 5. Tarvydas, Puntukas18.2 
 6. Sebeziovas, Triobe.16.8 
 7. Cizauskas, Zalgir.16.4 
 8. Mineikis, Radviliskis16.3 
 9. Jacevicius, Perla.16.2 
 10. Vileita, Pieno Z.15.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Egidijus MOCKEVICIUS
  Akademija
  (204-C-92)
  Avg: 10.7
 1. Mockevicius, Akade.10.7 
 2. Cepukaitis, Zalgir.10.5 
 3. Pikalavicius, Delika.10.2 
 4. Oladimeji, Radvilis.9.4 
 5. Warren, Mazeikiai8.9 
 6. Brusokas, Perla.8.6 
 7. Nedzinskas, Silute8.2 
 8. Mineikis, Radviliskis7.6 
 9. Kazakauskas, Nafta U.7.6 
 10. Kupsas, Zalgir.7.1 
Assists Per Game
 Bryan HARRISON
  Mazeikiai
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 6.6
 1. Harrison, Mazeikiai6.6 
 2. Vingelis, LKKA-.5.1 
 3. Kuklierius, Radvilis.5.0 
 4. Sapiega, Erelita4.7 
 5. Cizauskas, Zalgir.4.6 
 6. Vasiliauskas, Triobe.4.4 
 7. Leonard, Pieno Z.4.4 
 8. Kutra, Delikatesas4.1 
 9. Virsilas, Silute4.1 
 10. Zymantas, Nafta U.4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Bryan HARRISON
  Mazeikiai
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Harrison, Mazeikiai2.7 
 2. Petraitis, Delikate.2.6 
 3. Zymantas, Nafta U.2.6 
 4. Metelica, Erelita2.4 
 5. Vileita, Pieno Z.2.4 
 6. Sapiega, Erelita2.3 
 7. Leonard, Pieno Z.2.3 
 8. Radavicius, Meres.2.2 
 9. Pauliukenas, Akade.2.1 
 10. Vasiliauskas, Triobe.2.1 
Blocks Per Game
 Egidijus MOCKEVICIUS
  Akademija
  (204-C-92)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Mockevicius, Akade.2.6 
 2. Urbonas, LK.1.9 
 3. Kupsas, Zalgir.1.9 
 4. Jucikas, Delikatesas1.8 
 5. Cepukaitis, Zalgir.1.4 
 6. Pupinis, Erelita1.3 
 7. Oladimeji, Radvilis.1.3 
 8. Ramanauskas, Sil.1.2 
 9. Milinskas, Triobe.1.0 
 10. Ramasauskas, ABRO-.1.0 


Best players of Lithuanian NKL round 36 - by Eurobasket News
Talented Karolis Brusokas (200-F-91) had an amazing evening in the last round for Perlas-MRU Vilnius and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com NKL Player of the Week award for round 36.
The 19-year old forward had a double-double of 20 points and twenty rebounds, while his team beat Zalgiris-Sabonio (#5, 19-15) 76-71. Perlas-MRU maintains the 8th position in Lithuanian NKL. Perlas-MRU 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 16-18 record. It was one of impressive evenings for Brusokas as usually he does not deliver so high stats. Brusokas has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in rebounds (6th best: 8.6rpg) and averages solid 54.7% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was young center Egidijus Mockevicius (204-C-92) of KK Akademija Vilnius. Mockevicius impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 23 points and 12 rebounds. It was enough for Akademija to edge the higher-ranked Silute (#10, 13-20) by 5 points 95-90. The game was between two teams which are definitely not main contenders for the title. Akademija keeps 14th position. 24 lost games are too many comparing to just ten victories Akademija managed to get this year. Mockevicius is well-known by Akademija fans and he already established his position as one of team's most reliable players.

The third best performed player last round was American Jason Warren (201-F/G-84) of Mazeikiai (#3). Warren scored 20 points and grabbed thirteen rebounds (!!!). Despite Warren's great performance Mazeikiai lost 73-75 to #2 ranked Radviliskis. But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates especially in such crucial game. The last thing Mazeikiai needs is to lose another game like this one. They lose more and more distance to the top teams. Their record is 22 victories and 12 lost games. Warren has a great season in Lithuania. After 12 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 8.9rpg (5th best). Warren attended one of camps at Eurobasket Summer League on his way to pro basketball.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Evaldas Jurkus (190-G-84) of Silute - 37 points and 6 rebounds
5. Vytautas Nedzinskas (196-G/F-87) of Silute - 20 points and 17 rebounds
6. Zilvinas Petraitis (194-G/F-88) of Delikatesas - 30 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Sarunas Vingelis (192-G-89) of LKKA-Atletas - 29 points and 3 rebounds
8. Azeez Oladimeji (204-F-89) of Radviliskis - 14 points and 10 rebounds
9. Vytautas-Edvardas Pikalavicius (196-F/G-90) of Delikatesas - 16 points and 8 rebounds
10. Vidmantas Sragauskis (200-F-86) of LKKA-Atletas - 25 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists

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

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  MEXICO   


Tijuana signings - by Chris Terrell
Tijuana, BC, MEX - Coach Giovanni Rivera will have a strong team this season in Tijuana. Gio informed latinbasket that the team has come to agreements with Jermaine Watson (193-G-81, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Boston Coll.), Nicholas Jones (190-G-81, college: UCSB), Christopher Moore (205-F-82, agency: Pro Management Agency, college: Virginia Union), Hugo Carrillo (205-C/F-83), and Mack McGadney (201-F-79, college: Auburn). The team will finalize their local players in the next week. These 5 players give the team a good combination of size and scoring ability. Hugo Carillo was the 1st overall selection in this year's draft, a veteran of the cibacopa and lnbp that played this past season for Trigueros de Obregon. Moore is an interesting player with experience in Korea and Venezuela who brings a nice blend of 4 size to go with wing skills. A career 40% 3 point shooter combined with his ability to play inside or out and defend bigger positions makes him a matchup problem for opponents.

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  NAIA   


Washington's free throws give SUNO 55-54 win at XU - by Emiliano
Nicholas Washington's two free throws with seven seconds remaining Saturday lifted SUNO to a 55-54 men's basketball victory over NAIA No. 13 Xavier (LA).
The Knights (10-11, 4-2 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference) won their third straight, snapped the 18-game home win streak of the Gold Rush (24-4, 3-2) and beat Xavier for the first time in their last 13 attempts.
Recardo Porter scored 15 points, Brent Leduff 13 and Andre Davis 11 for SUNO. Michael Harvey scored 15 points, Kevin Miller 11 and Chris Iles 10 for Xavier.
Xavier's biggest lead was 31-17 after Harvey's basket with 1:32 remaining in the first half. But SUNO scored 11 consecutive points during the next 3 minutes -- six points by Porter, five by Leduff -- then took its first lead since the fourth minute when Davis scored with 9:38 remaining to make it 44-42. There were three ties and three lead changes thereafter, and Xavier took its final lead, 54-53, on Devin Andrew's basket with 29 seconds remaining.
Washington, fouled by Anthony Simmons (6'8''-F) as he drove the baseline on SUNO's winning possession, was an unlikely hero. He entered the game averaging 2.3 points and was 7-of-17 from the line. Washington finished with four points.
After Washington sandwiched his free throws around a Xavier timeout, Andrew committed a frontcourt turnover with two seconds remaining.
The loss was the second in three games for Xavier, which has 13- and nine-game win streaks this season. It was the first Gold Rush loss at home since Feb. 6, 2010.
Third-year SUNO Coach Dale Valdery earned his first victory in six tries against Xavier. Valdery, a Xavier graduate and former player, coached the Gold Rush from 1990-2002 and is the program's winningest coach.
Xavier will close the regular season with 7 p.m. home games against St. Thomas (Texas) on Tuesday and Dillard on Saturday in the Crosstown Classic.


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  NBA   


Bucks assign Larry Sanders to D-League - by Eurobasket News
The Milwaukee Bucks have assigned rookie forward Larry Sanders (6'11''-F-88, college: Va Commonwealth) to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants of the NBA Development League. Sanders will meet with the team today in Fort Wayne and his first game with the Mad Ants will be Tuesday against Springfield.

This is an opportunity for Larry to receive regular minutes and continue his skill development, Hammond said. Were looking forward to seeing his progress as he works with Coach Meyer and his Fort Wayne teammates.

Sanders was drafted by the Bucks with the 15th overall selection out of Virginia Commonwealth University in the 2010 NBA Draft. He has appeared in 36 games this season (eight starts) and averaged 4.1 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.2 blocks. He is tied for the NBA single-game high of eight blocks this season and his 44 blocks leads all first-year players.

Courtesy of www.nbc15.com

Clippers Willie Warren recalled from D-League - by Eurobasket News
The Clippers announced today that rookie guard Willie Warren (6'4''-G-89, college: Oklahoma) would rejoin the club after a stint with the Bakersfield Jam in the D-League. Here's the release from the Clippers:

The Los Angeles Clippers today announced that they have recalled rookie guard Willie Warren from the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA Development League.

Warren, 21, was assigned to Bakersfield on Feb. 2 and appeared in six games with the Jam, averaging 21.0 points, 7.0 assists 5.3 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 50 percent from the field and 46 percent from 3-point land. The Jam went 5-1 with Warren in the lineup from Feb. 4 - 16.

Warren has appeared in 14 games with the Clippers this season and is averaging 2.2 points and 1.4 assists in 7.8 minutes per game.

The former Oklahoma University standout was selected by the Clippers in the second round (54th overall pick) of the 2010 NBA Draft.

Courtesy of www.clipsnation.com and The Los Angeles Clippers

Wade injury in All-Star game not serious - by Eurobasket News
The Miami Heat's Big 3 -- LeBron James, Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette), and Chris Bosh -- all played for the Eastern Conference in Sunday's All-Star game, and they received applause rather than the boos they tend to hear in opposing buildings, the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel reports.

All went well until the third quarter when seven-time All-Star Wade was pulled off the court after he developed a sudden limp. He was reaching for his right ankle and a feel-good evening suddenly turned worrisome for Heat fans, particularly since Wade had injured the same ankle the previous weekend in a loss to the Boston Celtics, the paper reports.

But fear not, Heat fans. The Sun-Sentinel reports that the injury is not serious. 'I twisted it a little bit,' said Wade, who also noted that it was 'just a precaution' that he had been taken out of the game.

Courtesy of Yahoo

Troy Murphy going back to the Warriors? - by Eurobasket News
Troy Murphy (6'10''-F-80, college: Notre Dame) has been in trade talks since he was with the Indiana Pacers last season. He was finally traded away, and his suitor was the New Jersey Nets.

But the Nets havent used the power forward all that much this season, and with the trade deadline coming closer and closer, New Jersey is looking for a suitor.

And that suitor could be one of Murphys older teams.

From the Chronicles interview with general manager, Larry Riley :

Riley said the Murphy deal would go through New Jersey if it were to happen. He said the Warriors are part of talks with New Jersey, among a number of other teams, on deals that would exchange the Warriors expiring contracts for a player of substance inside or for future draft picks.

Players from Golden State that are believed to be available are Dan Gadzuric, Vladimir Radmanovic, and Brandan Wright; all have expiring contracts.

Courtesy of www.gacksports.com

Knicks make final offer for Melo - by Eurobasket News
The Knicks have made what was described as their final trade proposal for Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-F-84, college: Syracuse) Sunday, pushing the months-long drama toward its merciful conclusion, CBSSports.com has learned.

The Knicks would send three starters -- Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, and Raymond Felton -- to Denver for Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Shelden Williams and Anthony Carter, sources said Sunday. The Nuggets would get the Knicks' first-round pick in 2014, while Minnesota would get Eddy Curry's expiring contract and Anthony Randolph from New York. Curry would then be waived, and the Knicks would send as much as $3 million to Minnesota to pay his freight.

The Wolves also would send Corey Brewer to Denver in the proposed deal. Carter must approve the trade and waive his Bird rights for the trade to be approved.

Confident that a Friday night meeting between Anthony, his representatives, and a Nets contingent led by Russian owner Mikhail Prokhorov and hip-hop mogul Jay-Z did not result in a commitment from Anthony to sign an extension with New Jersey, the Knicks are drawing the line. They are not offering rookie Landry Fields or Russian center Timofey Mozgov, two pieces Denver has asked for at various times in the negotiations, sources said.

'We shall see,' Anthony said on his way out of Staples Center after the All-Star Game Sunday night, after being informed of the status of trade talks with the Knicks.

Earlier, Anthony revealed that he did not give, nor did the Nets ask for, a commitment from him on whether he would sign a contract extension that would trigger the completion of a trade that already has been agreed to between the Nuggets and New Jersey. He described the meeting with Prokhorov as 'a good meeting' and 'interesting,' and said he was 'just listening' to the Nets' presentation.

'I didn't give anybody a definitive answer,' Anthony said.

Anthony said the Nuggets 'have been knowing everything since day one' about where he would and wouldn't sign an extension.

'They know everything,' he said.

While Anthony privately has been entrenched for months in his position that he would only agree to an extension with the Knicks if the Nuggets traded him, a person familiar with the three-time All-Star's thinking told CBSSports.com Sunday night that he did not close the door on the Nets in their meeting. Doing so would have eliminated the Nets as a last resort to get the three-year, $65 million extension that would be off the table in a new collective bargaining agreement.

The Anthony drama now rests in the hands of Nuggets executives Josh Kroenke and Masai Ujiri, who must decide whether to accept the Knicks' offer, continue pushing for a trade to the Nets, or keep Anthony beyond Thursday's trade deadline. Sources say it is unlikely a deal would be agreed to Sunday.

'The deadline is Thursday,' Anthony said. 'So obviously something has to happen, whether they trade me or I stay in Denver or whatever,' Anthony said. 'The end is here. All this stuff will be over with. I'm excited for this stuff to be over with, and I'm pretty sure everybody else is excited for it to be over with.'

Anthony said he would 'not be upset at all' if he were still with the Nuggets after the deadline.

A person familiar with the trade negotiations told CBSSports.com Sunday that the Nuggets were still working through specifics with the Knicks and were pushing for New York to add Mozgov to the deal. Denver also hasn't shut the door on the Nets, with whom they have agreed to the framework of a trade, according to the source. But it appears that key figures in the organization have grown comfortable with the Knicks' offer, which was sweetened significantly after the Nets re-emerged in the discussions during All-Star weekend in Los Angeles.

As the Knicks' pursuit of Anthony reached a tipping point Sunday, the team released a joint statement from Madison Square Garden chairman James Dolan, president Donnie Walsh, and coach Mike D'Antoni saying all three were in agreement on the Anthony discussions. In a rare and obscure step, the statement also asserted that 'no one from outside our organization' was involved in the Anthony process -- an obvious reference to former team president Isiah Thomas, whose input Dolan has received since Thomas was replaced by Walsh in 2008.

With so many agendas and obfuscation attempts at play, it was difficult to predict Sunday how Denver would respond. But Nuggets executives have signaled that they want a resolution to the Anthony matter by the end of All-Star weekend -- a timetable that Anthony publicly stated that he favored, as well.

Just as the Knicks' negotiating strategy was sidetracked by Dolan's decision to get involved in the negotiations and meet with Anthony Thursday night in Los Angeles, so have the Nuggets' efforts been influenced by agendas affecting their still complicated hierarchy. Sources say Denver's reluctance to deal with New York throughout the process was prompted more by a feeling among some segments of the team's power structure that they should not give Anthony what he wants -- the extension with the team of his choice. But sources also assert it will be difficult for Denver to turn down what could be the best offer they will receive for Anthony -- one that gives them a quality point guard, Felton, on a better contract than the Nets' Devin Harris; a young, promising frontcourt player, Chandler, who is more polished than New Jersey's Derrick Favors; a hard-nosed, floor-spacing shooter, Gallinari, instead of multiple first-round picks from New Jersey whose ultimate value is undetermined; and $20 million in immediate savings.

The Nuggets' basketball staff is said to have preferred the Nets' long-standing offer centered around Favors and multiple picks, which would set the team up for a long-term rebuilding process -- whereas the Knicks' offer provides assets better suited to a quicker turnaround after Anthony's departure. But the Nets' competing offer ran its course with Friday night's obligatory meeting between Anthony and New Jersey officials, which CBSSports.com reported was allowed as a condition of Anthony receiving permission to meet with Dolan on Thursday.

Keeping Anthony beyond Thursday's trade deadline remains an option, though the likelihood of that has decreased dramatically, sources say. Denver is not seriously considering a nuclear option with Anthony, which would involve telling him the team will not trade him to new York and also won't give him the extension -- making New Jersey the only path to the money for Anthony. That option, sources say, would reflect poorly on the organization and could hinder its future dealings with players.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Kobe wins his 4th MVP at the NBA All Star Game in Los Angeles - by Darryl Reshaw
The Staples Center was the place to be this Sunday as the NBA hosted their All Star game as Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) won his fourth All Star MVP award.
The current mayor of Sacramento Kevin Johnson who was a former NBA All Star was the first person that Eurobasket.com saw in the stands.
Other former players like Dominique Wilkins, Jams Worthy, Julius Erving, AC Green, Norm Nixon and all the top entertainment personalities were all mingling prior to tip off.
The event being in LA promotes the entertainment value of the ALL Star game to the ultimate level.
Jack Nicholson made his grand appearance and was seen talking to all of the celebrities.
Other notable people included Spike Lee, Ciara Jay-Z, Beyonce Puff 'Diddy', Stevie Wonder, John Legend and Justin Bieber
The pre-game entertainment was awesome as a host of top performer sang, dance and rapped to the star studded crowd at the Staples Center.
The half time performance was highlighted by R&B super star Rhianna who sensual danced moves delighted the fans at the NBA All Star game.
The West All Stars led by Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) 37 points won 148-143 in a contest that became more competitive in the final five minutes of the game.
The West team basically controlled the contest from the beginning and maintained double digit leads throughout the game.
Pau Gasol (7'0''-F/C-80) the other Lakers super star had an effective 17 point performance.
The first quarter started off with the West featuring Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) scorching the East All Stars 21-10 with 5:31 left in the first quarter.
The beginning of the game featured some nice dunks by Kobe, Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) and Amare Stoudemire (6'10''-F-82).
The East made some key plays to get back into the game bringing the score to 37-27 at the end of the period.

Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech) made some key baskets in the end of the quarter to help the East keep pace with the West All Stars.
Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) dominated the 1st half as he scored 21 pts and the West led 76-64 at the break.
Kobe went off in the 3rd quarter as well as Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) who scored 34 points in the game.
Kobe had 34 points going into the forth quarter and had the opportunity to break Wilt Chamberlin's All Star game record of 42 points.
LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) played well for the East All Stars as he recorded a triple double notching 29 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists.
Amare Stoudemire had an awesome game for the East All Stars scoring 29 points and captivated the crowd with some amazing dunks during the game.
The West led 137-133 with 2:34 left in the game but the East stars led by LeBron James and Amare kept fighting back.
Eventually the West made their free throws and held off a furious rally by the East All Stars.


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  NCAA1   


St. John's stuns No. 4 Pitt on Hardy's late layup - by Rick Ross
Courtesy of SI.COM

NEW YORK (AP) -- Madison Square Garden has been a second home to
St. John's basketball teams over the last eight decades.
This current team has turned the building at 33rd Street and Eighth Avenue into a house of horrors for highly ranked teams.
The latest of the Red Storm's five wins over teams regarded as the best in the country
was a heart-stopping, come-from-behind thriller over No. 4 Pittsburgh that has the
players thinking of joining the ranks of the ranked themselves.

I can't wait, St. John's forward Justin Burrell said of the Red Storm moving into the top 25.
It's been a long four years without that number. We deserve to see that number.
It's actually been just over a decade since St. John's was in The Associated Press poll.

Dwight Hardy's underhanded flip with 1.2 seconds left Saturday gave the
Red Storm a 60-59 victory, their fifth this season over a team that spent
time in the top 10 - and all of them have been at Madison Square Garden.
A crowd of 14,514 was up and standing, pleading for a defensive stop or a basket.
You could hear people talking about the crowd and relating to the days when it
was Hall of Fame coach Lou Carnesecca and Chris Mullin providing the thrills.

On Saturday, it was first-year coach Steve Lavin and Hardy who were the stars.
Carnesecca was known for his homespun style of coaching, keeping the players
free from the pressure of being the biggest college program in New York City.

Steve Lavin not far off.
He's calm. He's the calmest out of everybody, just sitting there smiling
and tells us we're going to win the game and to stick with it,
Hardy said of Lavin, who returned to coaching after seven years as TV analyst.
He talks to each of individually as the huddle breaks. He tell us what he wants
from us and to play basketball the way we've been playing since we were 5 years old.
He's a wonderful coach. He relates to us 'cause he's like a kid.'

Lavin is dressing the part as well. Since the Coaches vs. Cancer weekend when
all coaches wear sneakers to raise awareness of the disease, Lavin has stayed
with the laid-back style.
For the rest of my career I don't anticipate ever going back to a tie or dress
shoes ever again,' Lavin said. 'We're 6-1 with sneakers that started to bring attention to a great cause.
But it struck me in terms of comfort without the shoes and without the tie
I'm doing a better job of teaching. Everything's been at a higher level without a tie on.'

Hardy, who finished with 19 points, started his drive near midcourt,
went past Gilbert Brown twice as he defended him on the right side of the court.
He went to the baseline and underhanded the ball up and over the rim to give the
Red Storm (17-9, 9-5 Big East) another highly ranked victim in Madison Square Garden.

I knew the ball was going to be in my hands during the timeout,
said Hardy, who has scored over 30 points twice in the last five games.
Once I couldn't make my initial move, I just had to go with my instincts,
not think, and I had a layup with reverse spin, made the shot and no one was on my side.
When I saw that, I elevated as quick as I could so no one could come over and block it.

Pitt's Ashton Gibbs called it 'a tough play.
It was tough a play tough layup he made but you're always cautious of not fouling,
he said. 'He made a tough shot.'

St. John's has beat then-No. 13 Georgetown, No. 9 Notre Dame, No.
3 Duke and No. 10 Connecticut, all big wins in the eyes of the NCAA
tournament selection committee and the Red Storm are looking for their first bid since 2002.
Gibbs, who missed the last three games with an MCL injury to his left knee,
came back in a big way for the Panthers (24-3, 12-2), who had won five straight
overall and five in a row over St. John's. The junior guard finished with a
career-high 26 points and was 6 of 9 from the 3-point line, matching Pittsburgh's total number of 3s in his absence.

I knew my knee was fine,' he said. 'It was a tough loss.
We had so many chances to win in the last three minutes.
We slipped up and lost on our own.
Pitt led 56-51 with 3:20 to play on a jumper by Brad Wannaker.
That was the Panthers' last field goal until the final 11 seconds.

Hardy's winner was the eighth lead change of the second half and it was tied five times.
It was also the Red Storm's only field goal in the final 6 minutes as
they went 10 of 12 from the free throw line in that span.
Travon Woodall hit the only 3 not from Gibbs with 11.3 seconds
left to give the Panthers a 59-58 lead. After a timeout by Pittsburgh,
St. John's started a final play and Hardy delivered.

I was proud how we handled things down the stretch,
Pitt coach Jamie Dixon said. 'Travon made a great shot and
we put ourselves in a good position. Give credit to them for taking a tough shot and getting it to fall.
Gibbs, the sixth-leading scorer in the Big East with a
16.3 average, didn't start but had 15 points in as many minutes in the first half.

His 3.2 3-pointers per game is sixth in the nation, and his 46.3
percent accuracy is seventh. He missed the Panthers' wins over West
Virginia, Villanova and South Florida. Without Gibbs,
the Panthers were 6 of 29 on 3s, well off their 38.3 percent that leads the Big East.


Kansas starting PG Taylor suspended indefinitely - by Eurobasket News
No. 1 Kansas has suspended point guard Tyshawn Taylor (6'3''-G-90) indefinitely for violating team rules.

The school did not specify the violation.

Taylor has started 26 of 27 games for the Jayhawks, who were 25-2 overall and 10-2 in the Big 12 going into their game Monday night against Oklahoma State.

Coach Bill Self said Taylor would continue practicing with the team until he was reinstated.

Freshman Josh Selby and sophomore Elijah Johnson are the other point guards who are available.

Taylor has struggled replacing Sherron Collins at point guard. He is averaging 8.8 points and ranks third in the Big 12 with 4.7 assists per game.

Earlier this season, senior forward Mario Little was suspended for six games in connection with his arrest in a domestic disturbance. He was reinstated after receiving a diversion agreement on two misdemeanor battery charges.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Moore's huge day helps Purdue knock off No. 3 Ohio State - by Eurobasket News
E'Twaun Moore (6'4''-G-89) seemingly toyed with Ohio State.

Whether he was knocking down one of his seven three-pointers, making an acrobatic layup or draining a jumper in the closing seconds of the first half, the senior guard seemed at ease. He scored a career-high 38 points to help No. 11 Purdue beat No. 3 Ohio State 76-63 on Sunday.

His teammates saw it coming.

'I know once he gets that rhythm going and steps back and hits a 3 and once he smiles, you know he has it going,' guard Lewis Jackson said. 'E'Twaun, he may put his fingers up and tell you he hit a three-pointer, but he rarely smiles. Once he smiles, he's in a zone, and you probably won't stop him that night.'

Purdue (22-5, 11-3 Big Ten) has had much to smile about in the past week. The Boilermakers defeated No. 10 Wisconsin on Wednesday, and their two wins over Top 10 teams brought them within a game of the Buckeyes (25-2, 12-2) for the conference lead with four games to play.

Purdue's win capped a week that saw the top four teams in the AP Top 25 lose a game. With losses in the past week by No. 1 Kansas, No. 3 Texas and No. 4 Pittsburgh, the Buckeyes entered the game in line to reclaim the No. 1 ranking they dropped after losing at Wisconsin on Feb. 12.

Ohio State coach Thad Matta knew his team was playing in a rough stretch, and he expected challenges.

'We've got to continue to keep our focus,' he said. 'Our guys know we have to play better basketball and we have to get them ready to do that.'

Ohio State center Jared Sullinger (6'9''-F), who scored 25 points, said this game was nothing like Ohio State's 87-64 win over Purdue on Jan. 25.

'In that game, we had toughness to not get screened, toughness to make shots, toughness to make plays on the defensive end, and we didn't do that today,' he said.

Jon Diebler (6'6''-G) scored 11 points and David Lighty and Aaron Craft each had 10 for the Buckeyes, who have lost two of three after winning their first 24 games.

Moore surpassed 2,000 career points during a flurry of 13 in the final 3:49 of the first half, becoming the fifth player in school history to reach the milestone.

'Right now, it's just numbers to me,' Moore said. 'I still have a career and games to play. Later I may look back on it and really say that was a lot of points, a lot of rebounds, and enjoy it with my friends and family. But right now I still have a lot of basketball.'

Moore made 13 of 18 shots and had five assists and two steals. Purdue coach Matt Painter said Moore's performance was extra special because it came against Lighty, whom Painter considers the best defensive guard in the Big Ten.

'He gets into those rhythms and gets going, he can score points in bunches,' Painter said. 'I've always thought he was one of the best guards in the country when he lets things come to him. He didn't force a lot. That's really, whether he takes 10 shots or 20 shots, the deal with him. If he can do that, he really, really helps our team.'

JaJuan Johnson added 13 points and six rebounds for Purdue.

Diebler entered the game one three-pointer short of the Big Ten career record of 331 set by Penn State's Pete Lisicky from 1994-1998. Diebler tied the record on a fadeaway as the shot clock expired that gave Ohio State an 11-5 lead, and broke it on a shot from the right corner 1 minute into the second half.

Ohio State led 28-24 in the first half before Moore took over. He hit a three-pointer, then scored on an acrobatic fastbreak layup to give Purdue the lead. He followed that with two more 3s to give the Boilermakers a 35-30 lead.

Lighty's three-pointer with 20 seconds left in the first half cut the lead to two, but Moore drained a jumper over Lighty in the closing seconds of the half to push Purdue's lead to 37-33.

Moore found a streaking Terone Johnson with a behind-the-back pass, and Johnson's layup gave Purdue a 48-42 lead. Moore then made a long jumper to push the lead to 10 for the first time.

Ohio State hung around while Purdue took questionable shots. Sullinger drove for a powerful two-handed dunk and was fouled. His free throw cut Purdue's lead to 56-51.

Moore hit a fadeaway, then his sixth three-pointer, to increase Purdue's lead to 61-53.

Ohio State closed the gap to 65-61, but Moore hit another three-pointer, and Purdue led by at least seven points the rest of the way.

Purdue shot 51% overall after hitting just 38% in the first matchup.

'We're not playing team defense,' Sullinger said. 'We need five guys connected. Once we get that back, we're going to be all right.'

Ohio State shot 6 for 22 from the field and committed nine turnovers in the second half.

'We need to execute better on offense,' Diebler said. 'We had some turnovers that were self-imposed. That's the beauty of college basketball. We've got another game Tuesday.'

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

Smith hits for 28 as Duke rolls past Georgia Tech - by Eurobasket News
For a brief while, it looked as if a brutal week for the nation's top teams might end with yet another upset -- and this time, it was Duke's turn.

Then came a rare 'T' on Coach K.

Suddenly, the fifth-ranked Blue Devils had the look of a No. 1 team once again -- even if they downplayed the significance of possibly reclaiming that ranking following their 79-57 rout of Georgia Tech on Sunday night.

'Being No. 1 right now doesn't matter at all,' guard Nolan Smith (6'2''-G-88) said. 'Last year's team, we weren't No. 1 until the end. If we get it, it's cool, but if not, we're not worried about it.'

Smith scored 28 points, Kyle Singler (6'8''-F-88) added 15 and Ryan Kelly (6'10''-F-91) had 10 for the Blue Devils (25-2, 12-1 ACC), and a technical foul on coach Mike Krzyzewski inspired the overwhelming run that carried Duke to its sixth consecutive win and 10th victory in a row in conference play.

The reigning national champions held the top spot in the preseason poll but slipped from that perch after a loss in mid-January. They could return Monday when the new poll is released, after all four teams ahead of the Blue Devils -- Kansas, Ohio State, Texas and Pitt -- lost in the past week.

'I just think we're a good team, and we've just got to keep winning,' Krzyzewski said. 'Whatever happens in that, with seeding and all that, will just kind of work out. We just need to take care of our own business and getting better, but it's that time of the year when people are desperate.

'You're playing desperate people sometimes ... [and] teams that are ranked high, we all get great shots from everyone, and I do think that can make you better before going into the tournament. So I'm not surprised at all these games.'

Singler bounced back from his worst game of the season, a 2-point performance against Virginia. His jumper 10 seconds into the second half gave Duke its first double-digit lead, 39-28, and prolonged the run that followed Krzyzewski's technical foul.

'When that happened, it really gave our team energy,' said freshman guard Tyler Thornton, whose foul call precipitated the whistle on Krzyzewski. 'That's really when the game turned around and we started getting more defensive stops and started getting out on the break, so that really was the turning point for us.'

Duke outscored Georgia Tech 54-22 during the roughly 21 minutes that followed that 'T.' By the time Seth Curry hit a free throw to make it 67-40 with 9:12 left, the Blue Devils were well on their way to their NCAA-best 34th consecutive victory at Cameron Indoor Stadium -- where Georgia Tech has only won once since 1996.

Smith, the ACC leader in scoring and assists, was 10 of 20 with four 3-pointers while reaching the 20-point mark for the league-best 16th time this season. He helped Duke shoot 45 percent -- 50 percent in the second half -- and win a rematch of last year's conference championship game and claim a matchup of the ACC's best and worst shooting teams.

Iman Shumpert and Moe Miller had 13 points apiece, but they couldn't keep the Yellow Jackets (11-15, 3-9) from losing their sixth consecutive ACC game. Glen Rice Jr. finished with 12 points on 4-of-14 shooting while Shumpert was 4 for 16 for Georgia Tech.

'It just happened so fast. ... They got a couple of breakaways and the crowd got into it,' Miller said. 'Then we got a couple of silly fouls, and the next thing you know they were up 20. It's a good thing to keep fighting, but it's highly unlikely that you'll come back on a Duke team when you're down by 20.'

The Blue Devils, the league's most accurate team from 3-point range, hit 6 of 16 from beyond the arc. Georgia Tech, its worst team from that distance, was 3 of 15 -- and two of those came in the opening three minutes.

Yet, for a 10-minute chunk of the first half, the Blue Devils looked plenty capable of joining the Jayhawks, Buckeyes, Longhorns and Panthers as upset victims by allowing Georgia Tech to repeatedly score in threes -- from beyond the arc, and the old-fashioned way through contact.

'I didn't know when, but I knew they were going to make a run,' Shumpert said. 'They always do.'

This time it came after Coach K received his 'T.'

Krzyzewski became incensed at the refs when Thornton was whistled for holding Shumpert, and official Bryan Kersey slapped the Hall of Fame coach with his first technical foul of the season at the 10:16 mark.

'It happens,' Krzyzewski said. 'No sense in talking about it. It just happens. Obviously, when that happens, you're not going to agree with it, but it doesn't make a darned bit of difference, and you just go on to the next thing.'

After Shumpert hit four consecutive free throws to put Tech up 18-13, the Blue Devils outscored the Yellow Jackets 24-10 the rest of the half and took the lead for good on Smith's 3-pointer with 4:45 left that made it 26-24.

'We ended the half in a very beautiful manner,' Krzyzewski said.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

*****************************************************
  NIGERIA   


DStv PBL: Ikyaator 20 points rally Comets over Dodan Warriors - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Comets basketball club continue its impressive run in the Atlantic conference of the DStv Premier Basketball League crowning a glorious outing against Dodan Warriors basketball club in a local derby in Lagos on Saturday.

Comets and Nigeria national team point guard, Orseer Ikyaator led the former Nigeria league champion challenge with 20 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds as the Coach Ayo Bakare tutored side went past the Warriors in a week-4 pairing of the league with an 83-81 points victory.

The exciting game saw the Comets winning the first and third quarters by 21-20 and 20-17 while it lost the fourth quarter by 24-26 points and even scores in the second quarter by 18 points apiece.

Comets combo-guard Obum Darlington added 15 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists, Michael Udo recorded a double double figure of 13 points and 11 rebounds, Comets and Nigeria national team forward Dennis Ebikoro had 13 points and 4 rebounda while Seun Akinwale contributed 11 points and 8 rebounds for the Comets win over the Warriors to maintain its leadership of the Atlantic conference with a 4-1 record.

Dodan Warriors and Nigeria national team guard, Mohammed Bukar led the floor with 22 points, 8 assists and 5 rebounds teammates Oladipupo Oshunnubi and Benin Republic import Romaric added 15 and 12 points respectively.

In other games played at the weekend Delta Force basketball club of Asaba recorded its first win of the season with a 73-63 points victory over Chariots basketball club of Lagos at the sports hall of the Asaba Township stadium.

Union Bank basketball club picked an away win over city rival Islanders basketball club in Lagos by 67-47 points. Defending champion, Kano Pillars basketball club defeated visiting Bauchi Nets basketball club by 67-31 points in Kano as Yelwa Hawks basketball club of Bauchi continue its search for a place in the final-8 playoffs of the 2010/2011 season of the DStv league with a 98-55 points victory over Immigration basketball club of Kano thus pushing the Immigration side further down the ladder of the Savannah conference.

Two more away wins were recorded by Kada Stars basketball club and Plateau Peaks basketball club.

Kada Stars defeated its host Niger Potters basketball club of Minna by 77-72 points to stay top of the Savannah conference just as Plateau Peaks basketball club of Jos recorded a 63-59 points win over city rival Tapgun Rockets basketball club of Jos at the sports hall of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria to reknew its final-8 hope.


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


Standings - BLNO
BLNO Standings
 1. Asker 16-3 
 2. Tromso 15-4 
 3. Ulriken 13-6 
 4. Baerum 11-8 
 5. Froya 8-11 
 6. Gimle 5-13 
 7. Kristiansand 4-14 
 8. Ammerud 3-16 


BLNO Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Antonio RUSSELL
  Kristiansand
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 27.6
 1. Russell, Kristiansand27.6 
 2. Timus, Tromso24.7 
 3. Ross, Kristiansand23.0 
 4. Bullock, Gimle21.8 
 5. Kombat, Froya21.7 
 6. Karlsen, Asker21.7 
 7. Diomande, Ammerud21.3 
 8. January, Tromso20.2 
 9. Fivelstad, Ulriken18.5 
 10. Eskeland, Ulriken18.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Peter BULLOCK
  Gimle
  (198-F/C-82)
  Avg: 12.6
 1. Bullock, Gimle12.6 
 2. Mullenax, Ulriken12.1 
 3. Oatis, Baerum11.9 
 4. Karlsen, Asker10.0 
 5. Christensen, Tro.9.7 
 6. Kombat, Froya9.1 
 7. Fivelstad, Ulriken9.1 
 8. January, Tromso8.3 
 9. Elsafadi, Froya7.8 
 10. Djerman, Gimle7.7 
Assists Per Game
 Edmunds GABRANS
  Froya
  (190-G-79)
  Avg: 5.3
 1. Gabrans, Froya5.3 
 2. Mahnin, Asker4.5 
 3. Eskeland, Ulriken4.5 
 4. Issalhi, Tromso4.4 
 5. Elgmork, Baerum4.2 
 6. Bullock, Gimle4.2 
 7. Russell, Kristiansand4.1 
 8. Ouakkaha, Ulriken3.6 
 9. Mihaylov, Tromso3.4 
 10. Timus, Tromso3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Samuel DIOMANDE
  Ammerud
  (191-G-88)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Diomande, Ammerud2.6 
 2. Bullock, Gimle2.4 
 3. Ouakkaha, Ulriken2.2 
 4. Russell, Kristiansand2.1 
 5. Eskeland, Ulriken1.9 
 6. Timus, Tromso1.8 
 7. Hinsch, Asker1.8 
 8. January, Tromso1.7 
 9. Mahnin, Asker1.7 
 10. Elgmork, Baerum1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Donald OATIS
  Baerum
  (206-F/C-79)
  Avg: 3.5
 1. Oatis, Baerum3.5 
 2. January, Tromso1.6 
 3. Beqiri, Kristiansand1.5 
 4. Christensen, Tro.1.3 
 5. Bullock, Gimle1.0 
 6. Mullenax, Ulriken1.0 
 7. Nevjen, Baerum0.9 
 8. Karlsen, Asker0.9 
 9. Nyborg, Asker0.9 
 10. Hamilton, Baerum0.8 


1Div. Round 14: Persbraaten is defeated by Centrum in a derby game - by Eurobasket News
The most interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Oslo: Centrum (#5) and Persbraaten (#3). Persbraaten was defeated at home 44-54 and even the fact of playing on their own court did not help. Centrum have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain fifth position with 8-6 record. Persbraaten at the other side keeps the third place with five games lost. They share the position with OSI. Centrum are looking forward to face Langhus IL (#8) at home in the next round. Persbraaten will play against Trondheim (#10) and is hoping to win this game.
1Div. top team - Miners (14-0) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed tenth ranked Trondheim (2-12) in Kongsberg 81-49. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Trondheim. Undefeated Miners have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 14-0 record. Trondheim at the other side stay at the bottom place with 12 games lost. Miners will play against Varden (#7) in Tromso in the next round where they are favorite. Trondheim will play at home against Persbraaten in Oslo and hopes to get back on the winning track.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 14: NTNUI lost to Hop on the opponent's court 64-81. Varden managed to outperform Langhus in a home game 76-67. Bottom-ranked Trondheim recorded a loss to Sandefjord on the road 87-75.


Persbraaten - Centrum 44-54

The most interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Oslo: Centrum (#5) and Persbraaten (#3). Persbraaten was defeated at home 44-54 and even the fact of playing on their own court did not help. Centrum have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain fifth position with 8-6 record. Persbraaten at the other side keeps the third place with five games lost. They share the position with OSI. Centrum are looking forward to face Langhus IL (#8) at home in the next round. Persbraaten will play against Trondheim (#10) and is hoping to win this game.
gschID: 108545


Miners - Trondheim 81-49

1Div. top team - Miners (14-0) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed tenth ranked Trondheim (2-12) in Kongsberg 81-49. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Trondheim. Miners have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 14-0 record. Trondheim at the other side stay at the bottom place with 12 games lost. Miners will play against Varden (#7) in Tromso in the next round where they are favorite. Trondheim will play at home against Persbraaten in Oslo and hopes to get back on the winning track.
gschID: 108546


Hop - NTNUI 81-64

Very expected game in Bergen where 9th ranked NTNUI (2-11) was defeated by second ranked Hop BBK (10-4) 81-64. Hop BBK have an impressive five-game winning streak. Newly promoted Hop BBK maintains second position with 10-4 record having four points less than leader Miners. NTNUI lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the ninth place with 11 games lost. Hop BBK will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. NTNUI will play at home against Persbraaten (#3) in Oslo and hopes to get back on the winning track.
gschID: 108547


Varden - Langhus 76-67

The game between closely ranked teams ended with seventh ranked Varden's (6-8) home victory over 8th ranked Langhus IL (4-11) 76-67. Varden maintains seventh position with 6-8 record. Langhus IL lost fourth consecutive game. Langhus IL at the other side keeps the eighth place with 11 games lost. Varden will play against league's leader Miners in Kongsberg in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Langhus IL will play on the road against Centrum (#5) in Oslo and hopes to get back on the winning track.
gschID: 108543


Sandefjord - Trondheim 87-75

Not a big story in a game when 10th ranked Trondheim (2-12) was defeated on the road by sixth ranked Sandefjord (6-6) 87-75. Newly promoted Sandefjord maintains sixth position with 6-6 record. Trondheim at the other side stay at the bottom place with 12 games lost. Sandefjord will play against higher ranked OSI (#4) in Oslo in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Trondheim will play at home against Persbraaten (#3) in Oslo and hopes to get back on the winning track.
gschID: 108544




BLNO Round 20: Asker beats Ulriken in the most crucial game of the week - by Eurobasket News
There are only two more rounds left in the Regular Season in BLNO.

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Asker. First ranked Asker faced 3rd ranked Ulriken. Host Asker (16-3) defeated guests from Bergen (13-6) 80-72. The best player for the winners was the former international guard Mustafa Mahnin (182-80) who scored 14 points and 9 assists. The former international forward Ronny Karlsen (202-78, college: Independence CC) chipped in 19 points and 6 rebounds. Asker's coach Inge Kristiansen used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American forward Taylor Mullenax (201-86, college: St.Edward's) produced a double-double by scoring 22 points and 11 rebounds for the guests. Asker have an impressive eight-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 16-3 record. Ulriken at the other side keeps the third place with six games lost. Asker are looking forward to face Kristiansand (#7) at home in the next round where they are favorite. Ulriken will have a break next round.
The game in Ammerud was also worth to mention about. Second ranked Tromso (15-4) played at the court of 8th ranked Ammerud (3-16). Tromso defeated Ammerud 83-68. American forward Gerald January (201-88, college: Montevallo) orchestrated the victory by scoring 30 points and 8 rebounds. Ronald Timus contributed with 23 points and 17 rebounds for the winners. Forward Roy Nwachukwu (192-90) replied with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 16 rebounds for Ammerud. Tromso maintains second position with 15-4 record behind leader Asker. Ammerud at the other side stay at the bottom place with 16 games lost. Tromso will play against Baerum (#4) in Bekkestua in the next round. Ammerud will play at home against Kristiansand (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game in Kristiansand was also quite interesting. Second ranked Tromso (15-4) played at the court of 7th ranked Kristiansand (4-14). Tromso did not have too big problems and got a relatively easy victory 89-72 on Sunday. Worth to mention a great performance of Gerald January who helped to win the game recording 21 points and 9 rebounds. Antonio Russell responded with 31 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists. Tromso maintains second position with 15-4 record behind leader Asker. Kristiansand lost sixth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the seventh place with 14 games lost. Tromso will meet at home Baerum (#4) in the next round. Kristiansand will play against the league's leader Asker and hope to secure a win.

In the last game of round 20 Gimle was defeated by Baerum in Bekkestua 94-85.
The best stats of 20th round was 22 points, 12 rebounds and 8 blocks by Donald Oatis of Baerum.


Asker - Ulriken 80-72

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Asker. First ranked Asker faced 3rd ranked Ulriken. Host Asker (16-3) defeated guests from Bergen (13-6) 80-72. The best player for the winners was the former international guard Mustafa Mahnin (182-80) who scored 14 points and 9 assists. The former international forward Ronny Karlsen (202-78, college: Independence CC) chipped in 19 points and 6 rebounds. Asker's coach Inge Kristiansen used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American forward Taylor Mullenax (201-86, college: St.Edward's) produced a double-double by scoring 22 points and 11 rebounds and swingman Magne Fivelstad (196-89) added 18 points and 11 rebounds (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) respectively for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Asker have an impressive eight-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 16-3 record. Ulriken at the other side keeps the third place with six games lost. Asker are looking forward to face Kristiansand (#7) at home in the next round where they are favorite. Ulriken will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Asker: R.Karlsen 19+6reb, F.Nyborg 15+4reb+3ast, M.Mahnin 14+4reb+9ast, M.Midtvedt 10+2reb+2ast, F.Bohn 9+5reb, C.Hinsch 9+2reb+1ast
Ulriken: T.Mullenax 22+11reb, M.Fivelstad 18+11reb+2ast, J.Solbakken 13+9reb, A.Eskeland 12+3reb+5ast, A.Ouakkaha 7+2reb+1ast, C.Ndow 0
gschID: 99028


Ammerud - Tromso 68-83

The game in Ammerud was also worth to mention about. Second ranked Tromso (15-4) played at the court of 8th ranked Ammerud (3-16). Tromso defeated Ammerud 83-68. It looked good early as Ammerud took an 1-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Tromso had a 17-11 second period charge getting the lead and Ammerud was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 68-83. Tromso made 25-of-30 charity shots (83.3 percent) during the game. They also forced 22 Ammerud turnovers. American forward Gerald January (201-88, college: Montevallo) orchestrated the victory by scoring 30 points and 8 rebounds. The other American import swingman Ronald Timus (197-84, college: Morgan St.) contributed with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 17 rebounds for the winners. Forward Roy Nwachukwu (192-90) replied with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 16 rebounds and guard Samuel Diomande (191-88, agency: Promotex) added 15 points in the effort for Ammerud. Tromso maintains second position with 15-4 record behind leader Asker. Ammerud at the other side stay at the bottom place with 16 games lost. Tromso will play against Baerum (#4) in Bekkestua in the next round. Ammerud will play at home against Kristiansand (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Tromso: G.January 30+8reb+3ast, R.Timus 23+17reb+1ast, B.Myhrer 10+3reb+2ast, I.Adahada 7+2reb+1ast, H.Issalhi 5+3reb+2ast, G.Mihaylov 4+5ast
Ammerud: S.Diomande 15+4reb+1ast, R.Nwachukwu 14+16reb+1ast, M.Molvaer 11+2reb+1ast, B.Aunan 9+3reb+2ast, O.Okoroafor 9+2reb+3ast, T.Hagen 5+11reb+1ast
gschID: 99025


Kristiansand - Tromso 72-89

The game in Kristiansand was also quite interesting. Second ranked Tromso (15-4) played at the court of 7th ranked Kristiansand (4-14). Tromso did not have too big problems and got a relatively easy victory 89-72 on Sunday. The game was mostly controlled by Tromso. Kristiansand managed to win second period 25-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 22-of-29 free shots (75.9 percent) during the game. Tromso outrebounded Kristiansand 48-36 including a 20-5 advantage in offensive rebounds. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Gerald January (201-88, college: Montevallo) who helped to win the game recording 21 points and 9 rebounds and power forward Dag Christensen (201-80) who added 8 points and 20 rebounds during the contest. Four Tromso players scored in double figures. American guard Antonio Russell (183-84, college: W.Carolina) responded with 31 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists and Kosovan power forward Rasim Beqiri (203-85) produced a double-double by scoring 11 points and 12 rebounds. Tromso maintains second position with 15-4 record behind leader Asker. Kristiansand lost sixth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the seventh place with 14 games lost. Tromso will meet at home Baerum (#4) in the next round. Kristiansand will play against the league's leader Asker and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Tromso: G.January 21+9reb+1ast, R.Timus 21+5reb+3ast, I.Adahada 11+2reb+2ast, B.Myhrer 10+2reb+1ast, G.Mihaylov 10+5reb+2ast, D.Christensen 8+20reb+2ast
Kristiansand: A.Russell 31+6reb+8ast, R.Beqiri 11+12reb+1ast, B.Mariampillar 11+4reb+1ast, A.Danielsen 8+6reb+2ast, J.Ringoen 6, F.Filipovic 3
gschID: 99026


Baerum - Gimle 94-85

There was no surprise in Bekkestua where 6th ranked Gimle (5-13) was defeated by fourth ranked Baerum (11-8) 94-85 on Sunday. Gimle was trailing by 3 points at halftime but managed to get 2-point lead after three quarters before a 26-15 charge of Baerum, which allowed them to win the game. They made 20-of-26 free shots (76.9 percent) during the game. Baerum forced 19 Gimle turnovers. Strangely Gimle outrebounded Baerum 45-29 including 31 on the defensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Baerum made 12 blocks. Worth to mention a great performance of American power forward Donald Oatis (206-79, college: Wilberforce, agency: Prossin Sports Management) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 22 points, 12 rebounds and 8 blocks and guard Stian Berg (187-91) who added 21 points and 4 assists during the contest. Baerum's coach Pal Berg allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. American power forward Peter Bullock (198-82, college: Alaska-Anch.) responded with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 14 rebounds and Croatian-Austrian power forward Ivan Djerman (202-83, agency: Global Sports Plaza) produced a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Baerum maintains fourth position with 11-8 record. Loser Gimle keeps the sixth place with 13 games lost. Baerum will meet league's second-placed Tromso on the road in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Gimle will play against Froya (#5) in Laksevag and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Baerum: D.Oatis 22+12reb+1ast, S.Berg 21+1reb+4ast, C.Elgmork 19+3reb+4ast, N.Skara 19+4reb+3ast, T.Mjos 9+5reb+5ast, V.Hamilton 4+3reb+1ast
Gimle: P.Bullock 24+14reb+3ast, I.Djerman 20+11reb+2ast, B.Ndiaye 12+2reb+4ast, S.Enge 12+4reb+3ast, S.Rakneberg 8+7reb+1ast, S.de Lange 6+5reb+1ast
gschID: 99027




Standings - 1Div.
1Div. Standings
 1. Miners 14-0 
 2. Hop 10-4 
 3. Persbraaten 8-5 
 4. OSI 8-5 
 5. Centrum 8-6 
 6. Sandefjord 6-6 
 7. Varden 6-8 
 8. Langhus 4-11 
 9. NTNUI 2-11 
 10. Trondheim 2-12 


*****************************************************
  PBL   


Round 12: Kentucky Stallions edge Dayton Air Strikers by three points - by Eurobasket News
The most exciting game of round 12 in the PBL took place in Lexington. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of 8th ranked Dayton Air Strikers (2-10) to sixth ranked Kentucky Stallions (5-8) 115-112 on Sunday evening. The hosts trailed by 14 points after first quarter, but they rallied back getting tie in the second period and winning the second half and won the game by 3 points. Kentucky Stallions forced 23 Dayton Air Strikers turnovers. 39 personal fouls committed by Dayton Air Strikers helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was guard Demetrius Guions (196-86, college: Georgetown, KY) who had a double-double by scoring 12 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists. Forward Kenny Jones (198-84, college: Kentucky St.) chipped in 22 points and 7 rebounds. Kentucky Stallions' coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Philip Mickey Perry (188, college: Dayton) who recorded 39 points (!!!). Kentucky Stallions moved-up to fifth place. Dayton Air Strikers lost fourth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom position with ten games lost. Kentucky Stallions are again looking forward to face bottom-ranked Dayton Air Strikers (#8) in Kettering in the next round. Dayton Air Strikers will play on the road against the league's leader Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry and are hoping to prove to their fans that they can break losing series.
Very important is a road loss of second ranked Halifax Rainmen (7-4) against sixth ranked Rochester RazorSharks (4-6) on Saturday night. Visiting Halifax Rainmen was defeated by Rochester RazorSharks in Rochester 102-88. It was a good game for power forward Eric Walton (204-79, college: San Jose St.) who led his team to a victory with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Sammy Monroe contributed with 16 points and 5 assists for the winners. Rochester RazorSharks' coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. American guard Tajuan Porter (168-88, college: Oregon) replied with 17 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists for Halifax Rainmen. Rochester RazorSharks maintains sixth position with 4-6 record. Halifax Rainmen at the other side keeps the second place with four games lost. They share the position with Quebec K.. Rochester RazorSharks will play against league's leader Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry at home in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Halifax Rainmen will have a break next round.
Leader Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry delivered the tenth victory on Thursday night. This time they beat 6th ranked Kentucky Stallions (5-8) 100-94 in Lexington. Worth to mention a quality performance of Elvin Mims who helped to win the game recording 18 points and 9 rebounds. The best for the losing side was Kenny Jones with 21 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry maintains first position with 10-1 record. Kentucky Stallions lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the fifth place with eight games lost. Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry will meet at home bottom-ranked Dayton Air Strikers (#8) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Kentucky Stallions will play against Dayton Air Strikers in Kettering and hope to secure a win.



Rochester R. - Halifax R. 102-88

Very important is a road loss of second ranked Halifax Rainmen (7-4) against sixth ranked Rochester RazorSharks (4-6) on Saturday night. Visiting Halifax Rainmen was defeated by Rochester RazorSharks in Rochester 102-88. Halifax Rainmen was tied at the half but could not keep up in last two quarters eventually losing the game. Rochester RazorSharks brought some defensive toughness making 7 blocks. It was a good game for power forward Eric Walton (204-79, college: San Jose St.) who led his team to a victory with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Forward Sammy Monroe (198-85, college: Newberry, agency: Prossin Sports Management) contributed with 16 points and 5 assists for the winners. Monroe is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Four Rochester RazorSharks players scored in double figures. Rochester RazorSharks' coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. American guard Tajuan Porter (168-88, college: Oregon) replied with 17 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists and his fellow American import forward Joshua Dollard (203-86, college: USC Aiken) added 18 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Halifax Rainmen. Rochester RazorSharks maintains sixth position with 4-6 record. Halifax Rainmen at the other side keeps the second place with four games lost. They share the position with Quebec K.. Rochester RazorSharks will play against league's leader Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry at home in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Halifax Rainmen will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Halifax R.: J.Dollard 18+6reb, T.Porter 17+7reb+6ast, M.Brown 17+2reb+2ast, D.Ferguson 9+8reb+2ast, J.Jackson 8+4reb, K.Cooper 7+6reb
Rochester R.: E.Walton 17+9reb+1ast, S.Monroe 16+3reb+5ast, J.Crouch 14+3reb+3ast, K.Friel 12+2ast, M.Williams 11+8reb+2ast, T.McCoy 10+3reb+1ast
gschID: 116062


Kentucky S. - Lawton Ft.SC 94-100

Leader Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry delivered the tenth victory on Thursday night. This time they beat 6th ranked Kentucky Stallions (5-8) 100-94 in Lexington. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 27-25. But Kentucky Stallions won second period 25-24. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry won last quarter 20-16. Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry forced 19 Kentucky Stallions turnovers. Worth to mention a quality performance of swingman Elvin Mims (196-79, college: S.Mississippi) who helped to win the game recording 18 points and 9 rebounds and swingman Jermaine Blackburn (200-83, college: Boise St.) who added 19 points during the contest. The best for the losing side was forward Kenny Jones (198-84, college: Kentucky St.) with 21 points and 8 rebounds and guard Demetrius Guions (196-86, college: Georgetown, KY) scored 12 points and 9 rebounds. Five Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry and four Kentucky Stallions players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry maintains first position with 10-1 record. Kentucky Stallions lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the fifth place with eight games lost. Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry will meet at home bottom-ranked Dayton Air Strikers (#8) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Kentucky Stallions will play against Dayton Air Strikers in Kettering and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Kentucky S.: K.Jones 21+8reb+1ast, J.McLeish 15+2reb+2ast, B.Harris 13+6reb+1ast, D.Guions 12+9reb+2ast, R.Delk 10+3reb+2ast, R.Logan 8+8reb+2ast
Lawton Ft.SC: J.Blackburn 19+3reb+1ast, E.Mims 18+9reb, B.Dean 13+3reb+1ast, R.Dyer 11+8reb, E.Smith 11+3reb+1ast, D.Bowden 11+3reb+3ast
gschID: 116060


Kentucky S. - Dayton A. 115-112

The most exciting game of round 12 in the PBL took place in Lexington. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of 8th ranked Dayton Air Strikers (2-10) to sixth ranked Kentucky Stallions (5-8) 115-112 on Sunday evening. The hosts trailed by 14 points after first quarter, but they rallied back getting tie in the second period and winning the second half and won the game by 3 points. Kentucky Stallions forced 23 Dayton Air Strikers turnovers. 39 personal fouls committed by Dayton Air Strikers helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was guard Demetrius Guions (196-86, college: Georgetown, KY) who had a double-double by scoring 12 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists. Forward Kenny Jones (198-84, college: Kentucky St.) chipped in 22 points and 7 rebounds. Kentucky Stallions' coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. At the other side the best for losing team was guard