Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 2/5/2011

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Men News

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Jurica Zuza leaves Zadar for Turkey - by Eurobasket News
Bad news for BC Zadar continue after latest reports from Croatian media that Jurica Zuza (207-C-78, agency: Alti Sport) has left the club. Veteran center has joined Zadar only recently from Kryvbasket-Lux and was expected to help the team survive in Adriatic League where they are currently in relegation zone. Reportedly, Turkish outfit Tofas has already signed a deal with Zuza.
Jurica Zuza started his career with Zadar during 1996-1997 season. He spent 4 years with the club and has managed to help the team win two National Cups in 1998 and 2000. At the start of 2001-2002 season, Zuza moved to Greek outfit Irakleo Crete where in 26 games he averaged 15.6 points and 7.0 rebounds. Following year he moved to Panathanaikos with whom he has won the National Title and Cup in 2003. Zuza also played for the likes of Ionikos and Conrad Rimini, before moving to Cibona in 2005. With Cibona, Zuza won two consecutive National Titles in 2006 and 2007. After that he went abroad again and was playing in Greece and Ukraine. Last season, he signed with Kryvbasket-Lux where he averaged 12.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game.

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ARGENTINA

Regional league rosters 1 - by Facundo Iatzky
Regional league is the fourth dvision of Argentinean basketball. This a semi pro level, but there are a lot of known players in it.
Buenos Aires regional league:
San Martin Junin: Fernando Barraza, Luciano Coppola, Maximiliano Asan, Pablo Martinez, Renzo Di Perna, Sebastian Nucci, Pablo Demaria, Matias Merlo, Martin Pasquinelli
Automovil Club san nicolas: Ivan Zuelgaray, Carlos Colla, Daniel Zattin, Manuel Otero
San Lorenzo Chivilcoy: Javier Corniglia, Fermin Cassani, Amiel Marquez, Adriano Di Biaggio, Alejo Barrales, Juan Pablo Cassani, Herman Banegas
Liniers Bahia Blanca: Fernando Larranaga, Mariano Pizzo, Juan Ignacio Merlo
Estudiantes La plata: Pablo Bendel, Javier Bareiro, Nestor Serantes, Pablo Herrera, Sebastian Sartorelli
Atenas La plata: Facundo Fillol, Ramiro Garcia,
Sportivo Pilar: Santiago Sicardi, Crisitan Arias, Guillermo Laguzzi, Walter Cricri, Ariel Scheffer
Sporting Mar del plata: Juan Pablo Sanchez, Mariano Sanchez, Juan Honcharuk, Sebastian Rojas

Capitanes de Arecibo nip Penarol in Liga Americas - by Eurobasket News
Capitanes de Arecibo - Penarol 85:80

Capitanes de Arecibo earned the first win in Liga Americas second stage. They held off Penarol in Group E action. Larry Ayuso (190-G-77, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: USC) fired 28 points to pace the Puerto Rican team.
Capitanes opened the game with eight unanswered points to surge ahead. They recorded a 22:13 lead at the first intermission. Penarol went on a 14:5 run in the second quarter to narrow the deficit. But Capitanes responded with five points in a row and established a 40:32 lead. Penarol continued to threaten the margin as they narrowed the deficit to two points in the third term. Capitanes ran away once again piling up a 65:53 lead with ten minutes remaining. Larry Ayuso and Aubry came up with crucial baskets late in regulation to win the game for Capitanes.
Danilo Pinnock (196-G-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington) delivered 14 points and 6 boards for Capitanes. Daniel Santiago (216-C-76, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico) added 11 points in the win. Kyle Lamonte (191-G-84, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: William Carey) and Facundo Campazzo (180-G-91) netted 20 points each for Penarol. Leonardo Gutierrez (200-F-78) finished with 16 points in the loss.

Capitanes de Arecibo: Larry Ayuso 28, Danilo Pinnock 14, Daniel Santiago 11
Penarol: Kyle Lamonte 20, Facundo Campazzo 20

Argentino bring in Levi Stukes and Torraye Braggs - by Eurobasket News
Argentino made some changes in the roster. They signed deals with Levi Stukes (188-G-84) and Torraye Braggs (203-F/C-76, college: Xavier). They will replace Akeem Wright (198-G-84, college: Kansas St.) and Ije Nwankwo (201-F-85, agency: Dream Team Management, college: Cleveland St.) on the squad.
Levi Stukes spent the previous season in Argentina. He tallied 13.8 points, 2.7 boards, 1.6 assists and 1.6 steals per game for Quilmes. The 26-year-old guard also played in Uruguay and Venezuela after graduating from the University of Georgia.
Torraye Braggs last season played in Venezuela and Puerto Rico. He notched 15.6 points, 6.1 boards, 1.7 assists per game for Guaros in Venezuelan LPB. In Puerto Rico Torraye Braggs appeared in three games for Mets de Guaynabo. He posted 15.0 points and 9.0 boards in those appearances.

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AUSTRALIA

Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game

Gary ERVIN
  Hawks
  (186-G-83)
  Avg: 21.9

1. Ervin, Hawks	21.9
2. Penney, Breakers	19.0
3. Redhage, Wildcats	18.0
4. Worthington, Blaze	16.9
5. Williams, Tigers	16.8
6. Khazzouh, Sydney K.	16.8
7. Clark, Blaze	16.1
8. Ballinger, 36ers	15.5
9. Ubaka, Taipans	15.1
10. Wilkinson, Breakers	14.9

Rebounds Per Game

Julian KHAZZOUH
  Sydney K.
  (211-C-86)
  Avg: 10.2

1. Khazzouh, Sydney K.	10.2
2. Davidson, Hawks	8.0
3. Holmes, 36ers	7.6
4. Vukona, Breakers	7.5
5. Nevill, Tigers	7.4
6. Williams, Tigers	7.2
7. Knight, Wildcats	7.1
8. Worthington, Blaze	7.1
9. Crosswhite, Taipa.	6.9
10. Clark, Blaze	6.8

Assists Per Game

Corey WILLIAMS
  Tigers
  (191-G-77)
  Avg: 5.4

1. Williams, Tigers	5.4
2. Gibson, Blaze	5.4
3. Carter, 36ers	4.9
4. Saville, Hawks	4.7
5. Shannon, 36ers	4.6
6. Ervin, Hawks	4.3
7. Ubaka, Taipans	4.1
8. Braswell, Breakers	4.0
9. DeVries, 36ers	3.4
10. Holmes, 36ers	3.2

Steals Per Game

Damian MARTIN
  Wildcats
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Martin, Wildcats	2.1
2. Saville, Hawks	1.7
3. Crawford, Croco.	1.5
4. Hill, 36ers	1.4
5. Shannon, 36ers	1.3
6. Carter, 36ers	1.3
7. Braswell, Breakers	1.3
8. Penney, Breakers	1.2
9. Williams, Tigers	1.2
10. Robbins, Wildcats	1.2

Blocks Per Game

Ater MAJOK
  Wildcats
  (208-F-87)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Majok, Wildcats	2.3
2. Ballinger, 36ers	1.9
3. Khazzouh, Sydney K.	1.9
4. Gilder, Sydney K.	1.3
5. Clark, Blaze	1.2
6. Worthington, Blaze	1.1
7. Nevill, Tigers	1.1
8. Crosswhite, Taipa.	1.1
9. Schenscher, Croco.	1.1
10. Freeman, Croco.	0.9

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings

1. Breakers		15-3
2. Wildcats		12-7
3. Taipans		11-7
4. Crocodiles		11-8
5. Hawks		9-10
6. 36ers		8-10
7. Blaze		8-11
8. Tigers		6-12
9. Sydney K.		3-15

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BALTIC LEAGUE

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Mareks JUREVICUS
  Tezenis Verona
  (198-G/F-85)
  Avg: 19

1. Jurevicus, Liepaja	19.0
2. Bergmanis, Zemgale	18.8
3. Osby, TT.	18.4
4. Vasylius, Neptunas	16.7
5. Kjellbom, Norrkoping	16.7
6. Ilin, Barsy Atyrau	16.5
7. Mitchell, Liepaja	16.3
8. Talts, TU/Rock	15.5
9. Sirvydis, Sakalai	15.5
10. Parakhouski, VEF R.	15.3

Rebounds Per Game

Bambale OSBY
  TTU/Kalev
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 11.6

1. Osby, TT.	11.6
2. Kieza, Juventus	10.3
3. Valeika, Valmiera	9.2
4. Eziukwu, TU/Rock	8.6
5. Dumbliauskas, Alytus A.	8.4
6. Cipruss, Valmiera	8.3
7. Dunigan, Kalev/Cr.	8.1
8. Cepukaitis, Juven.	8.0
9. Matulis, Sakalai	8.0
10. Cukinas, Aiscai K.	7.8

Assists Per Game

Evaldas DAINYS
  Rudupis
  (180-G-82)
  Avg: 6

1. Dainys, Rudupis	6.0
2. Ezerskis, Techasas	5.3
3. Broadus, Siauliai	5.2
4. Varanauskas, Sakal.	4.9
5. Mitchell, Norrkoping	4.7
6. Viskontas, Perlas	4.7
7. Vasiliauskas, Aiscai K.	4.7
8. Kriisa, TT.	4.7
9. Alijevas, Nevezis	4.6
10. Rinkevicius, Techasas	4.6

Steals Per Game

Gintaras LEONAVICIUS
  Techasas
  (194-G-83)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Leonavicius, Techa.	2.7
2. Dorbek, Rakvere	2.2
3. Leppik, TU/Rock	2.1
4. Dainys, Rudupis	2.0
5. Saage, Rakvere	1.9
6. Arbet, Kalev/Cramo	1.9
7. Chunda, Barsy A.	1.9
8. Dorbek, Kalev/Cr.	1.9
9. Kjellbom, Norrkoping	1.9
10. Mitchell, Liepaja	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Callistus EZIUKWU
  TU/Rock
  (208-F/C-85)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Eziukwu, TU/Rock	2.1
2. Dunigan, Kalev/Cr.	2.0
3. Rozitis, Zemgale	1.8
4. Kjellbom, Norrkoping	1.7
5. Silinskis, Techasas	1.6
6. Parakhouski, VEF R.	1.4
7. Cresnar, Nevezis	1.3
8. Osby, TT.	1.1
9. Cepukaitis, Juven.	1.1
10. Beard, Liepaja	1.0

Standings - Men

Baltic League Standings

Challenge Cup
1. Sakalai			0-0
2. Rakvere			0-0
3. Barsy Atyrau			0-0
4. Naglis-Adakris			0-0
Elite Division
1. VEF Riga			13-2
2. Ventspils			12-4
3. Nevezis			11-5
4. TU/Rock			11-5
5. Rudupis			10-7
6. Siauliai			10-8
7. Kalev/Cramo			9-7
8. Perlas			7-10
9. Norrkoping			6-9
10. Liepaja			5-10
11. TTU/Kalev			4-14
12. Valmiera			1-18
Challenge Cup
1. Aiscai Kaunas			6-2
2. Juventus			5-3
3. Techasas			5-3
4. Neptunas			4-4
5. Zemgale			3-5
6. Alytus Alita			1-7

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BELARUS

All-Stars weekend - by Timur Tolokh
Date of one of the most memorable events in domestic basketball calendar seson-2010/11 scheduled.

Traditional 'Full of Stars' participants of the championship will be held in Belarus on March 20. Venue - Mogilev sport complex 'Olympian'.

As in the past year, the star weekend will consist of two matches - men's and women's teams. That, of course, can not but please the fans. We believe their interest in further inflame the message that not only men but also women's meeting will be 'Belarusians against foreign players', the benefit of the current national championship basketball players with foreign passports have been typed on a full and command.

Let us briefly recall what the results brought last year's match. The rivalry ended with the ladies Victory easterns - 80:68. The best players of the meeting were recognized Isteletsova Olga and Svetlana Valko, and the winners were Galina Ignatowicz (penalty) and Victoria Garelchik (Three-point). In the men's opposition to top-Westerners have Foreigns - 128:116. The title of MVP was awarded Igor Konushenko and Dante Stiggers, the best results in competitions showed Yuri Mishukov (tryulniki ') and Henry Harrison (Slam Dunk).

According to tradition, which has eleven story, starting five 'Star Game' is determined by you, dear lovers of basketball. By voting on our website of the newspaper: www.PRESSBALL.BY. In the 'Basketball' will be posted lists of candidates for all four teams, and you will be able to vote ten most worthy in your opinion, to the players. Team should be formed by the classical scheme: two defenders, two forwards and center. Summing up - March 3. BSE at this time decided to celebrate the gifts and an invitation to star weekend (with payment of travel expenses) of two winners. They will be those who absolutely correctly name the starting five, separately in men and women separately in the matches. If the seers will be more entitled to be considered the winner will receive the one who had posted his version of the composition. We remind every fan has the right to vote only once. Good luck!

Best foreign player - by Timur Tolokh
As a result of voting the best player of the basketball club Minsk-2006 becomes Melvin Sanders (196-G/F-81, college: Oklahoma St.).this season, the average performance is 12.4 points in the championship of Belarus and 13.3 points 5.9 rebounds and 1.6 steals in a United league VTB.On ahead by 1% Shawn King (208-C-82, college: ORU) in whose asset 13.1 points 8.0 rebounds in the championship of Belarus and, in turn, 12.0 points 8.9 rebounds 2.1 blockshoots in United League VTB and thus the second position.
Melvin Sanders
27%
Shawn King
26%
Larry Hall (190-G-83, college: W.Oregon)
21%
Tywain McKee (188-G-86, college: Coppin St.)
18%
Nenad Pistoljevic (196-G-80, agency: Alti Sport)
8%

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BELGIUM

Antwerp News - by Peter Buyse
Antwerp Giants today reached a verbal agreement with American/Belgian forward Ralph Biggs (199-F-76, agency: Court Side, college: Towson) to join the team for the rest of the season. Biggs is expected to arrive in Antwerp on Sunday after his plays his last game with Limoges on Saturday.
Ralph Biggs is no stranger to Belgian basketball since he joined Oostende in 1999. He played there till the 2002-2003 season. The following season he spent with Liege before heading to Spirou Charleroi where he played till the 2006-2007 season.
Played the next 2 seasons in Russia for Ural Great Perm. Stayed in Russia for the 2009-2010 season playing for Samara.
At present he plays for Limoges in the French ProA league. After 12 games he is averaging 6.3 ppg and 3.2 rpg.

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BELIZE

BELIZE TELEMEDIA NATIONAL U15 & U17 Basketball Tournaments Open!!! - by David Magana
Official opening ceremonies for the Belize Telemedia National U 15 and U 17 basketball tournaments were held at the Belize City Center in Belize City on Friday January 28th. In her welcoming address, Ms. Anjali Vasquez expressed Belize Telemedias commitment toward community development through sports. She stated that she was very pleased with the participation of teams countrywide. Mr. Orson Elrington from the Belize Youth Hostel gave the main address. Decades ago the Princess Royal Youth Hostel was the organization that originally hosted the U 17 tournaments.

Belize will be divided into four regions: north, south, west and central. Teams representing each region will compete in National tournaments in Orange Walk in May. Over 84 teams will be competing for the two championships (U-15 and U-17).

The tournaments in the Belize district began with twelve teams in the U 15 category and 12 teams in the U 17 category and they have participation from communities such as Caye Caulker, Burrell Boom, Ladyville, Hattieville and Belize City. So, Belize City and San Ignacio competitions have began , in the other Districts competitions will start in the upcoming weeks!!!

Press release
BBF
http://bbfbelize.org

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BOSNIA

Nedzad Sinanovic blasted all Lithuanian hopes in just 10 minutes - by Nedzad Kladusak
After years of intense work he gave proof of his tremendeous potential finishing Lietuvas off in only ten minutes. Most Bosnian sports media didn t pay too much attention to that 222cm giant from Zavidovici but now all coaches and sports journalists will have to take closer looks before judging a kid.
Until the third quarter Lietuvas managed to keep the match tied but after Nedzad Sinanovic (221-C-83)c entered the Spanish zone became a no-flight zone. In offense he easily get rid of his opponents displaying not only quickness and athleticism but also a very soft touch for a inside player. In only 12 minutes he scored 15 points (FT 7/7, no missed shot!!) and grabbed 8 rebounds for a valuation of 27!
Kenan Bajramovic maybe even remembered Nedzad Sinanovic before he got fould out by him in the decisive stage of the match. They played basketball for Zenica Celik.
However the sensational performance of Nedzad Sinanovic has got a bitter taste. Nedzad Sinanovic obviously applied for the Spanish citizenship and BIH NT will lose another top center after it lost Mirza Begic, Hasan Rizvic, Alen Omic, Stanko Barac and Robert Rikic. Mensur Bajramovic who later became Bosnian NT coach didn t pay too much attention to him since he considered him to be just a tall guy who isn t worth to be a project of a 'serious coach'.
KSBIH currently considers the naturalisation of US players. I would suggest to naturalise Nedzad Sinanovic or maybe not to lose Ognjen Kuzmic (215-C-90) who has been discovered in Zenica by foreign experts who will take him to....Unicaja, the team of Nedzad Sinanovic.

D1 Round 19 of Regular Season - by Eurobasket News
The round was rather attractive and full of interesting results. The round ended with favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin.

The game in Mostar was quite interesting. 7th ranked Hercegovac (8-9) played at the court of eighth ranked Zrinjski HT (9-9). Zrinjski HT managed to secure a 8-point victory 91-83 on Wednesday. The hosts trailed by 4 points at the halftime before their 46-34 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Zrinjski HT outrebounded Hercegovac 34-22 including 25 on the defensive glass. Croatian forward Zeljko Sakic (203-F-88) fired 22 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Montenegrin guard Lazar Simonovic (185-82) chipped in 19 points. Montenegrin swingman Goran Gajovic (199-88) produced 31 points and 5 rebounds (made all of his seven free throws) for lost side. Zrinjski HT moved-up to seventh place. Hercegovac at the other side dropped to the eighth position with nine games lost. Zrinjski HT are looking forward to face bottom-ranked Slavija (#13) in Sarajevo in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Hercegovac will play at home against Brotnjo (#12) in Citluk and is hoping to win this game.
Important game to mention about took place in Citluk. Twelfth ranked Brotnjo (5-13) saved a 2-point victory at home edging 4th placed Mladost (11-6) 84-82 on Wednesday evening. It was quite big embarassment for the guest team. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Domagoj Pinjuh (190-77) who helped to win the game recording 21 points. Ante Cutura contributed with 16 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Brotnjo's coach Josko Pulja allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Montenegrin center Milos Komatina (204-84) answered with 31 points and 7 rebounds for Mladost. Newly promoted Brotnjo maintains twelfth place with 5-13 record. Mladost at the other side keeps the fourth position with six games lost. Brotnjo will play against higher ranked Hercegovac (#8) in Bileca in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Mladost will play at home against Celik (#9) in Zenica and hopes to get back on the winning track.
A very close game took place in Kakanj between Sloboda Dita and Kakanj. Sixth ranked Sloboda Dita (10-8) got a very close victory on the road over 9th ranked Kakanj (6-11). Sloboda Dita managed to escape with a 3-point win 91-88 on Tuesday evening. It was a great evening for Darko Kastratovic who led his team to a victory scoring 19 points and 5 assists. At the losing side Abdurahman Kahrimanovic responded with 26 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Sloboda Dita moved-up to fifth place, which they share with SL IAT Leotar. Kakanj lost fifth consecutive game. Newly promoted team dropped to the tenth position with 11 games lost. Sloboda Dita will meet at home Varda HE (#11) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Kakanj will play against SL IAT Leotar in Trebinje and hope to secure a win.
We should mention about the upset which took place in Zenica, where higher ranked SL IAT Leotar (10-8) lost to tenth ranked Celik (7-11) in a road game 62-69. It was an exceptional evening for Ramo Rizvic who led the winners and scored 17 points and 7 rebounds. Celik moved-up to ninth place. SL IAT Leotar at the other side keeps the fifth position with eight games lost. Celik's next round opponent will be higher ranked Mladost (#4) in Mrkonjic Grad and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. SL IAT Leotar will play at home against Kakanj.

In the last game of round 19 Borac Nektar defeated Varda HE in Banja Luka 72-62.

Kakanj - Sloboda Dita 88-91

A very close game took place in Kakanj between Sloboda Dita and Kakanj. Sixth ranked Sloboda Dita (10-8) got a very close victory on the road over 9th ranked Kakanj (6-11). Sloboda Dita managed to escape with a 3-point win 91-88 on Tuesday evening. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 27-20. But Kakanj won second period 16-15. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Strangely Kakanj outrebounded Sloboda Dita 32-16 including a 24-13 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a great evening for Montenegrin guard Darko Kastratovic (189-88, agency: BeoExcell) who led his team to a victory scoring 19 points and 5 assists. Center Drasko Albijanic (211-86) helped adding 15 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Five Sloboda Dita players scored in double figures. At the losing side guard Abdurahman Kahrimanovic (197-75, agency: Court Side) responded with 26 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and guard Nedzad Mulic (181-77) scored 21 points and 5 rebounds. Sloboda Dita moved-up to fifth place, which they share with SL IAT Leotar. Kakanj lost fifth consecutive game. Newly promoted team dropped to the tenth position with 11 games lost. Sloboda Dita will meet at home Varda HE (#11) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Kakanj will play against SL IAT Leotar in Trebinje and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Kakanj: A.Kahrimanovic 26+6reb+4ast, N.Mulic 21+5reb+3ast, N.Begovac 18+1reb+1ast, A.Suljagic 8+4reb, E.Suljic 7+5reb+2ast, M.Ahmetbasic 6+1reb+3ast
Sloboda Dita: D.Kastratovic 19+2reb+5ast, M.Tanasilovic 16+1ast, D.Albijanic 15+5reb+4ast, M.Hrncic 12+3reb+4ast, Z.Halilbegovic 10+2ast, B.Sekicki 10+2reb

Celik - SL IAT Leotar 69-62

We should mention about the upset which took place in Zenica, where higher ranked SL IAT Leotar (10-8) lost to tenth ranked Celik (7-11) in a road game 62-69. The hosts started the game with a very strong first quarter 23-13. But SL IAT Leotar won second period 19-11. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Celik made 23-of-29 charity shots (79.3 percent) during the game. They also forced 19 SL IAT Leotar turnovers. 27 personal fouls committed by SL IAT Leotar helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was an exceptional evening for forward Ramo Rizvic (200-87) who led the winners and scored 17 points and 7 rebounds (made all of his seven free throws). Center Ognjen Kuzmic (215-90) accounted for 10 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks for the winning side. Four Celik players scored in double figures. Power forward Igor Josipovic (203-88) came up with 18 points and Montenegrin forward Bojan Pelkic (206-83, agency: Beo Basket) added 10 points and 6 rebounds respectively for SL IAT Leotar in the defeat. Celik moved-up to ninth place. SL IAT Leotar at the other side keeps the fifth position with eight games lost. Celik's next round opponent will be higher ranked Mladost (#4) in Mrkonjic Grad and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. SL IAT Leotar will play at home against Kakanj.
Top scorers:
SL IAT Leotar: I.Josipovic 18+3reb, B.Pelkic 10+6reb+3ast, B.Zotovic 10+2reb+2ast, N.Durasovic 7+1reb+1ast, D.Markovic 6+6reb+1ast, B.Setencic 5+2reb
Celik: R.Rizvic 17+7reb+1ast, H.Jahic 10+2reb+2ast, I.Milenkovic 10+2reb+1ast, O.Kuzmic 10+13reb+2ast, I.Opacak 9+3reb+3ast, D.Begagic 6

Brotnjo - Mladost 84-82

Important game to mention about took place in Citluk. Twelfth ranked Brotnjo (5-13) saved a 2-point victory at home edging 4th placed Mladost (11-6) 84-82 on Wednesday evening. It was quite big embarassment for the guest team. The hosts started the game with a very strong first quarter 31-21. But Mladost won second period 20-11. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Brotnjo made 20-of-23 charity shots (87.0 percent) during the game. Mladost was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Domagoj Pinjuh (190-77) who helped to win the game recording 21 points. Forward Ante Cutura (202-91) contributed with 16 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Four Brotnjo players scored in double figures. Brotnjo's coach Josko Pulja allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Montenegrin center Milos Komatina (204-84) answered with 31 points and 7 rebounds and forward Milan Kezic (194-86) added 13 points in the effort for Mladost. Newly promoted Brotnjo maintains twelfth place with 5-13 record. Mladost at the other side keeps the fourth position with six games lost. Brotnjo will play against higher ranked Hercegovac (#8) in Bileca in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Mladost will play at home against Celik (#9) in Zenica and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Mladost: M.Komatina 31+7reb, M.Kezic 13+2reb, P.Ivanic 10+2ast, N.Stanic 9+3reb, D.Duranovic 9, N.Milosevic 6+2reb+1ast
Brotnjo: D.Pinjuh 21+4reb+2ast, A.Cutura 16+6reb, N.Gaurina 16+3reb, V.Nakic 13, B.Josipovic 7+1reb, N.Lesko 4+4reb

Zrinjski HT - Hercegovac 91-83

The game in Mostar was quite interesting. 7th ranked Hercegovac (8-9) played at the court of eighth ranked Zrinjski HT (9-9). Zrinjski HT managed to secure a 8-point victory 91-83 on Wednesday. The hosts trailed by 4 points at the halftime before their 46-34 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Zrinjski HT outrebounded Hercegovac 34-22 including 25 on the defensive glass. Croatian forward Zeljko Sakic (203-88) fired 22 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Montenegrin guard Lazar Simonovic (185-82) chipped in 19 points. Montenegrin swingman Goran Gajovic (199-88) produced 31 points and 5 rebounds (made all of his seven free throws) and Montenegrin center Boris Lalovic (206-81) added 20 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Zrinjski HT moved-up to seventh place. Hercegovac at the other side dropped to the eighth position with nine games lost. Zrinjski HT are looking forward to face bottom-ranked Slavija (#13) in Sarajevo in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Hercegovac will play at home against Brotnjo (#12) in Citluk and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Hercegovac: G.Gajovic 31+5reb+1ast, B.Lalovic 20+6reb+2ast, S.Vukovic 15+2reb+1ast, N.Lalic 10+5reb+4ast, A.Pejovic 4+1reb, M.Vukovic 3+3reb+3ast
Zrinjski HT: Z.Sakic 22+8reb+4ast, L.Simonovic 19+4reb+2ast, A.Hasandic 15+2reb+2ast, M.Han 11+4reb+2ast, M.Peraica 11+8reb+1ast, T.Ramljak 9+7reb+1ast

Capljina - Slavija 20-0
Varda HE - Borac Nektar 62-72

There was no surprise when 11th ranked Varda HE (5-12) was defeated at home by second ranked Borac Nektar (13-5) 72-62 on Tuesday. The guests trailed by 2 points after three quarters before their 15-13 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Borac Nektar made 17-of-21 free shots (81.0 percent) during the game. It was a great shooting night for Borac Nektar especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.4 percentage. The former international forward Sinisa Kovacevic (200-78) fired 18 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Montenegrin guard Nemanja Vranjes (188-88) chipped in 16 points (made all of his seven free throws). Serbian forward Miroslav Markovic (201-75, agency: BeoExcell) produced a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds and forward Srdan Golubovic (192-87) added 10 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Varda HE's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Borac Nektar have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain second place with 13-5 record having just one points less than leader Bosna, which they share with Capljina. Newly promoted Varda HE keeps the eleventh position with 12 games lost. Borac Nektar will face league's leader Bosna ASA BHT in Sarajevo in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Varda HE will play on the road against Sloboda Dita (#5) in Tuzla.
Top scorers:
Varda HE: M.Markovic 17+10reb+3ast, M.Kandic 13+2reb+1ast, S.Crnobrnja 12+3reb, S.Golubovic 10+6reb+2ast, M.Mrkovic 6+5reb, J.Bajic 2+2reb+5ast
Borac Nektar: S.Tosic 18+2reb+1ast, S.Kovacevic 18+5reb+3ast, N.Vranjes 16+4reb+2ast, M.Jagodic Kuridza 10+7reb+3ast, V.Jocovic 7+1reb, S.Loncar 3+1reb

Zeljko Sakic claims Bosnia and Herzegovina D1 weekly honour - by Eurobasket News
Croatian Zeljko Sakic (203-F-88) had an amazing evening in the last round for Zrinjski MC and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 19.
The 22-year old forward had the game-high 22 points adding eight rebounds and four assists for Zrinjski HT in his team's victory, helping them to beat Hercegovac (#8, 8-9) 91-83. Zrinjski HT is placed at 7th position in Bosnia and Herzegovina D1. Zrinjski HT 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 9-9 record. In the team's last game Sakic had a remarkable 66.7% from 2-point range. He turned to be Zrinjski HT's top player in his first season with the team. Sakic has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in rebounds (2nd best: 7.3rpg) and averages solid 64.2% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 22-year old Montenegrin swingman Goran Gajovic (199-G/F-88) of Hercegovac. Gajovic impressed basketball fans with 31 points and 5 rebounds. Bad luck as Hercegovac lost that game 83-91 to slightly higher-ranked Zrinjski HT (#7, 9-9). This loss caused Hercegovac to drop to 8th position in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 8-9 record. Gajovic is a newcomer at Hercegovac 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 16.0ppg (#8). He also registered 4.8 boards per game.

The third best performed player last round was Abdurahman Kahrimanovic (197-G-75, agency: Court Side) of Kakanj (#10). Kahrimanovic showcased his all-around game by recording 26 points, six rebounds and four assists in the last round. Despite Kahrimanovic's great performance Kakanj lost 88-91 to the higher-ranked Sloboda Dita (#5, 10-8). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Kakanj not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 11 games, recording just six victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Kahrimanovic could try to bring Kakanj's a little bit higher in the standings. Kahrimanovic has individually a great season in Bosnia. After 17 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 19.0ppg (2nd best) and assists with 3.1apg (9th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Milos Komatina (204-C-84) of Mladost - 31 points and 7 rebounds
5. Ognjen Kuzmic (215-C-90) of Celik - 10 points, 13 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Miroslav Markovic (201-F-75) of Varda HE - 17 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Domagoj Pinjuh (190-G-77) of Brotnjo - 21 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Nedzad Mulic (181-G-77) of Kakanj - 21 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Sinisa Kovacevic (200-F-78) of Borac Nektar - 18 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Boris Lalovic (206-C-81) of Hercegovac - 20 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists

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

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BRAZIL

Paraiso Basketball sign point guard - by Paulo Freire
Daniel Jordao , point guard former Araraquara, who has 23 years old (Born: April, 29, 2987), Height: 1,80 cm and Weight: 74kg, is the further strengthening of Paraiso Basketball team for the Brazil Cup. With this hiring the roster is complete and the group is training intensively in two periods, getting ready for the next matche in the Brazil Cup.

The training of Paraiso Basketball has been very strained, contemplating the physical, technical and tactical and the group is getting more together as the time pass by. According to Head Coach Jefferson the ideal would be a longer period of preparation, but the team is looking good.

So far Paraisoplayed two games on the Brazil Cup (Paraiso Basketball 54 x 51 Rio Claro and Paraiso 62 x 78 Sorocaba), their next game will be this saturday against Olympico.

Halcones Rojos tame Flamengo in Veracruz - by Eurobasket News
Halcones Rojos - Flamengo 81:77

Halcones Rojos posted the first win at the second stage of Liga Americas. They knocked down Flamengo in Group E action in Veracruz. Jaime Lloreda (201-F/C-80, college: LSU) came up with 23 points and 11 rebounds to pace the Mexican team.
Flamengo ensured the better start. Marcelinho Machado (199-F/G-75, agency: Interperformances) foresaw the Brazilian powerhouse earned a 19:16 lead after ten minutes. But Paul Stoll (178-G-85) was the main factor for the hosts in the second stanza. He nailed 8 points and the Mexican side grabbed a 34:30 halftime lead. Halcones Rojos used an 11:2 run in the third term to boost the margin. They entered the fourth quarter up by 11 points and rallied to the victory in the final term. Paul Stoll nailed 21 points for the winners. Brandon Robinson (202-F-81, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Auburn) added 11 points for Halcones. Marcelinho Machado answered with 27 points for Flamengo. Baby Araujo (211-C-80, college: BYU) had 15 points in the loss.

Halcones Rojos: Jaime Lloreda 23+11 boards, Paul Stoll 21, Brandon Robinson 11
Flamengo: Marcelinho Machado 27, Baby Araujo 15

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CHINA

Top Ten Native Players in Scoring, Rebounding, Assists - by Arthur Volbert
At the mid-point of the season there are no native players among the top ten in scoring and rebounding, and only two native players among the leaders in assists. So who are the best in scoring rebounding and assists among natives of China, those eligible for the Chinese National Team?

Note that only eight native players had scoring averages of over 15 per game. While veterans dominated in scoring, five of the top ten rebounders were born in 1990 or thereafter. Highly-promoted young players Chen Jianghua (188-G-89) and Guo Ailun (193-G-93) were among the leaders in assists.

Scoring:
1. Wang ZhiZhi (214-C-79) Bayi 21.5 25th overall
2. Sun Jie (190-G-86) Shandong 19.0 29th
3. Zhang Nan (197-F-81) Tianjin 17.3 30th
4. LiuWei Wei (190-G-80) Shanghai 17.1 32nd
5. Tang ZhengDong (213-C-84) Jiangsu 17.0 33rd
6. Wang ShiPeng (197-F/G-83) Guangdong 16.9 34th
7. Zhang Bo (200-G/F-89) Bayi 15.7 41st
8. Zhang Kai (211-C-82) Dongguan 15.3 43rd
9. Gong SongLin (195-G/F-81) Fujian 14.7 45th
9. Yi Li (203-F/G-85) Jiangsu 14.7 45th
9. Yang Ming (193-G-85) Liaoning 14.7 45th

Rebounding:
1. Li Xiaoxu (207-C-90) Liaoning 9.55 16th
2. Zhang Kai Dongguan 9.21 20th
3. Wang ZhiZhi Bayi 8.84 21st
4. Mengke Bateer (210-C-75) Xinjiang 8.11 24th
5. Ding Jinhui (204-C-90) Zhejiang 7.57 28th
6. Zhong Cheng (206-F-89) Jilin 7.35 30th
7. Xu ZhongHao (212-C-90) Bayi 6.38 33rd
8. Wang Zheng (216-C-90) Guangdong 6.35 34th
9. Tang ZhengDong Jiangsu 6.31 35th
10.Hanlin Dong (208-F-91) Guangdong 6.23 36th

Assists:
1. Hu XueFeng (185-G-80) Jiangsu 5.95 3rd
2. Lv Xiaoming (176-G-79) Fujian 5.26 4th
3. Liu Wei Shanghai 3.94 15th
4. Yang Ming Liaoning 3.93 16th
5. Mengke Bateer Xinjiang 3.55 19th
6. Chen Jianghua Guangdong 3.0 28th
7. Guo Ailun Liaoning 2.85 30th
7. Wang Lei (203-F-86) Bayi 2.85 30th
9. Wang Bo (202-F-82) Guangdong 2.84 32nd
9. Zhang Nan Tianjin 2.84 32nd

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CROATIA

CZECH REPUBLIC

Ostrava Star Dwight Burke Sidelined with Calf Injury, Confident in Teams Performance - by Surujh Roopnarine
Dwight Burke (203-F-86, college: Marquette), BK Nova Hut Ostrava's second-year forward who had been having an All-Star level campaign thus far, will be on the sidelines for the next three to five weeks as he rehabilitates a calf injury sustained this week. Burke, a 6-8 forward out of Marquette, currently ranks fourth in the league in scoring (15.7ppg) and second in rebounds (9.4rpg) while helping lead BK Nova Hut Ostrava to a seemingly secure 5th-place position (12-6) in the standings. With just three games remaining in the first stage of regular season play (CEZ Nymburk will join the second stage comprised of a six-team A group) and a three-game lead in the loss column over 6th place B&W Opava (8-9), BK Nova Hut Ostrava is in good position to ensure its top-five finish. Dwight took a few moments to speak about the injury, his mindset and expectations for the club in his absence.

Eurobasket: When did the injury occur?
Dwight: The injury occurred on Monday while I was training. I was going through my usual routine workout and it happened out of nowhere. It was a freak injury considering I didnt do anything out of the ordinary. I cant explain why it happened, it just did.

Eurobasket: Is this the first time you have suffered a calf or leg injury in your career?
Dwight: I have never had any calf or leg injury before in my life. I have been blessed and fortunate so far, and the most serious injury I have ever had was a sprained ankle. This situation could have been worse so I'm happy it did not turn out as bad as it could have.

Eurobasket: How long have you been told it will take to get back to playing?
Dwight: The doctors told me the rehab process would take 3-5 weeks but I am optimistic that it will be closer to 3 weeks than 5. I know how my body heals and I dont think I will be out too long.

Eurobasket: The timing of the injury, with just three games left in the first stage of play, what are your thoughts on that?
Dwight: If I had to pick a time for this type of injury to happen (although there is never a good time), I would say this would have been the best time. I say that because our team is in a strong position to finish in the top 5 of the league before the second round starts. So them missing me is not going to hurt our chances.

Eurobasket: How do you think your teammates will respond without you in the lineup?
Dwight: Without me, for the next few weeks the team will just have to pick up the slack and everyone will have to do a little bit more to make up for what is missing. I think they will be fine, until I return from the injury, so I'm not too worried.

Eurobasket: Any final words for the fans and readers?
Dwight: As I said before, Im happy it is only a minor injury in the big scheme of things and I will be back on the court ready to play as soon as I can. Im not going to rush it because I want to be completely confident in my well being before I start playing in games again, but I am confident that I will return and pick up where I left off. God Bless.

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DENMARK

Standings - Basketligaen

Ligaen Standings

1. Bakken		20-1
2. Svendborg		18-2
3. Naestved		14-7
4. Horsholm		12-8
5. Horsens IC		11-10
6. SISU		9-13
7. Vaerlose		8-13
8. Aabyhoj		8-14
9. Amager BK		4-18
10. Aalborg		2-20

Stats Leaders - Basketligaen

Points Per Game

Thomas SOLTAU
  SISU
  (210-F-82)
  Avg: 22.8

1. Soltau, SISU	22.8
2. Morris, Aabyhoj	22.2
3. Brasas, Amager BK	22.0
4. Johnson, Bakken	21.6
5. Colas, Vaerlose	19.9
6. Roberts, Naestved	19.0
7. Iversen, Svendborg	18.9
8. Dennis, SISU	17.9
9. Kasiuleviciu., Naest.	17.5
10. Claitt, Horsens IC	17.5

Rebounds Per Game

Lee ROBERTS
  Naestved
  (201-F/C-87)
  Avg: 12.8

1. Roberts, Naestved	12.8
2. Morris, Aabyhoj	10.0
3. St.John, Horsens IC	9.8
4. Colas, Vaerlose	9.8
5. Johansen, Naestved	9.8
6. Falkner, Aalborg	9.5
7. Soltau, SISU	8.8
8. Williams, Svendborg	7.7
9. Hakanowitz, Horsh.	7.4
10. Johnson, Bakken	7.1

Assists Per Game

D.J. SMEDLEY
  Naestved
  (180-G-84)
  Avg: 6.2

1. Smedley, Naestved	6.2
2. Claitt, Horsens IC	5.6
3. Dennis, SISU	4.7
4. Darboe, Svendborg	4.0
5. Burgess, Bakken	4.0
6. Nielsen, Horsholm	3.8
7. Martin, Aabyhoj	3.7
8. McFarlane, Vaerl.	3.6
9. Simonsen, Amager B.	3.5
10. Jensen, Vaerlose	3.5

Steals Per Game

Lasse KRISTIANSEN
  Aalborg
  (196-G-82)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Kristiansen, Aalborg	2.2
2. Dennis, SISU	2.2
3. Nielsen, Horsholm	2.1
4. Roberts, Naestved	2.0
5. Jakobsen, Bakken	2.0
6. Smedley, Naestved	1.9
7. Burgess, Bakken	1.9
8. Colman, Svendborg	1.8
9. Iversen, Svendborg	1.8
10. Nielsen, SISU	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Edward MORRIS
  Aabyhoj
  (203-F-84)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Morris, Aabyhoj	2.3
2. Blackmon, Horsholm	1.7
3. Christoffers., Bak.	1.6
4. Colas, Vaerlose	1.3
5. Roberts, Naestved	1.2
6. St.John, Horsens IC	0.9
7. Logan, Amager BK	0.9
8. Johansen, Naestved	0.8
9. Johnson, Bakken	0.8
10. McGinn, Aalborg	0.7

Ligaen Round 21: SISU defeats Naestved in overtime - by Eurobasket News
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.

3rd placed Naestved (14-7) fell to seventh ranked SISU (9-13) in overtime by three points 91-94 on Thursday night. The hosts trailed by 10 points after three quarters before their 21-11 charge, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time and get a 3-point victory in overtime. SISU made 17-of-22 free shots (77.3 percent) during the game. They also forced 20 Naestved turnovers. 24 personal fouls committed by Naestved helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a good game for American forward Donald Rutherford (198-F-87, college: Catawba) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 28 points and 15 rebounds (on 13-of-17 shooting from the field). His fellow American import swingman Mickey Dennis (190-78, college: JMU) contributed with 21 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. The former international power forward Peter Johansen (205-80) answered with a double-double by scoring 31 points and 10 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) for Naestved. SISU moved-up to sixth place. Naestved at the other side keeps the third position with seven games lost. SISU are looking forward to face league's leader Bakken in Aarhus in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Naestved will play at home against Aabyhoj and is hoping to win this game.
Ligaen top team - Bakken (20-1) managed to deliver another win. This time they beat fifth ranked Horsens IC (11-10) 68-59. American-Belizean guard Charles Burgess (186-84, college: Texas Tech) stepped up and scored 16 points and 8 rebounds for the winners and Chris Nielsen chipped in 14 points and 5 rebounds. Bakken's coach Philip Dejworek allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. The best for the losing side was American power forward Mike St.John (203-84, college: La Salle) with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 13 rebounds. Bakken have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain first place with 20-1 record. Horsens IC at the other side keeps the fifth position with ten games lost. Bakken will play against SISU (#6) in Copenhagen in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Horsens IC will have a break next round.
The game between second ranked Svendborg (18-2) and 7th ranked Aabyhoj (8-14) in Svendborg on Thursday ended with biggest points difference. Svendborg outscored guests from Aabyhoj 93-69. Nicolai Iversen nailed 23 points and 5 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) for the winning side. Edward Morris came up with a double-double by scoring 33 points (!!!) and 11 rebounds for Aabyhoj in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Svendborg have a solid series of four victories in a row. Defending champion maintains second place with 18-2 record having just three points less than leader Bakken. Aabyhoj lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the eighth position with 14 games lost. Svendborg will meet Vaerlose (#7) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Aabyhoj will play against Naestved and hope to secure a win.

In the last two games of round 21 Horsholm beat Aalborg on the road 67-62. Amager BK lost to Vaerlose on its own court 83-87.

SISU - Naestved 94-91 OT

3rd placed Naestved (14-7) fell to seventh ranked SISU (9-13) in overtime by three points 91-94 on Thursday night. The hosts trailed by 10 points after three quarters before their 21-11 charge, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time and get a 3-point victory in overtime. SISU made 17-of-22 free shots (77.3 percent) during the game. They also forced 20 Naestved turnovers. 24 personal fouls committed by Naestved helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a good game for American forward Donald Rutherford (198-87, college: Catawba) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 28 points and 15 rebounds (on 13-of-17 shooting from the field). His fellow American import swingman Mickey Dennis (190-78, college: JMU) contributed with a double-double by scoring 21 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. Four SISU players scored in double figures. The former international power forward Peter Johansen (205-80) answered with a double-double by scoring 31 points and 10 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) and American power forward Lee Roberts (201-87, college: Findlay (OH)) added 19 points and 15 rebounds in the effort for Naestved. SISU moved-up to sixth place. Naestved at the other side keeps the third position with seven games lost. SISU are looking forward to face league's leader Bakken in Aarhus in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Naestved will play at home against Aabyhoj and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
SISU: D.Rutherford 28+15reb+2ast, M.Dennis 21+11reb+7ast, D.Harder 19+8reb+2ast, M.Nielsen 10+1reb+6ast, M.Brown 9+3reb, R.Wurr 4+1reb
Naestved: P.Johansen 31+10reb+2ast, L.Roberts 19+15reb, L.Hoirup 11+1reb+1ast, D.Smedley 9+5reb+8ast, P.Christensen 7, N.Andreasen 7+1reb

Aalborg - Horsholm 62-67

No shocking result in a game when fourth ranked Horsholm (12-8) beat on the road bottom-ranked Aalborg (2-20) 67-62 on Wednesday. The guests trailed by 15 points after three quarters before their 29-9 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Horsholm outrebounded Aalborg 43-30 including 28 on the defensive glass. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Horsholm made 7 blocks. The former international power forward Jens Hakanowitz (204-80) nailed a double-double by scoring 19 points and 12 rebounds for the winning side and forward Jonathan Gilling (203-91) accounted for 19 points and 6 rebounds. Four Horsholm players scored in double figures. American guard Marquis Hall (183-87, college: Lehigh) came up with 18 points and 4 assists and the other American import power forward Barkley Falkner (203-86, college: Sam Houston St.) added 7 points and 11 rebounds respectively for Aalborg in the defeat. Aalborg's coach Thomas Quaade rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Horsholm maintains fourth place with 12-8 record. Loser Aalborg stay dead last with 20 lost games. Horsholm will meet at home Amager BK (#9) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Aalborg will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Horsholm: J.Hakanowitz 19+12reb, J.Gilling 19+6reb+1ast, F.Nielsen 14+5reb+2ast, A.Bak 10+6reb+6ast, B.Blackmon 4+11reb+1ast, P.Hertz 1+3reb
Aalborg: M.Hall 18+3reb+4ast, C.Thomsen 8+5reb+1ast, S.Hansen 8+1ast, S.Sorensen 7+3reb+1ast, B.Falkner 7+11reb, H.Falsvig 6+6reb+3ast

Amager BK - Vaerlose 83-87

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 9th ranked Amager BK's (4-18) home loss to eighth ranked Vaerlose (8-13) in Kastrup 83-87 on Wednesday. The guests trailed by 5 points at the halftime before their 50-41 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Forward Mads Rasmussen (191-86) nailed 21 points and 4 assists for the winning side and American forward Bonell Colas (205-82, college: Florida) accounted for 17 points and 8 rebounds. Five Vaerlose players scored in double figures. Swingman Peter Simonsen (185-88) came up with 16 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists and Lithuanian forward Nerijus Brasas (200-85) added 26 points respectively for Amager BK in the defeat. Vaerlose moved-up to seventh place. Loser Amager BK keeps the ninth position with 18 games lost. Vaerlose will meet at home league's second-placed Svendborg in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Amager BK will play against Horsholm (#4) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Vaerlose: M.Rasmussen 21+4reb+4ast, A.Karason 18+2reb+2ast, B.Colas 17+8reb+1ast, J.McFarlane 15+3reb+8ast, P.Ba 12+7reb+1ast, S.Jensen 4+1ast
Amager BK: N.Brasas 26+2reb+3ast, M.Lisby 23+5reb+1ast, P.Simonsen 16+9reb+8ast, R.Larsen 8+2reb+3ast, S.Larsen 6+3reb+1ast, B.Logan 4+6reb+1ast

Svendborg - Aabyhoj 93-69

The game between second ranked Svendborg (18-2) and 7th ranked Aabyhoj (8-14) in Svendborg on Thursday ended with biggest points difference. Svendborg outscored guests from Aabyhoj 93-69. The game without a history. Svendborg led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They shot 62.1 percent from the field. It was a great shooting night for Svendborg especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 60.0 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. The former international power forward Nicolai Iversen (205-80, college: San Jose City JC, agency: Rasmussen Services) nailed 23 points and 5 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) for the winning side and American center Christian Cavanaugh (207-86, college: Oregon Tech) accounted for 21 points and 6 rebounds (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field). American forward Edward Morris (203-84, college: Pittsburg St.) came up with a double-double by scoring 33 points (!!!) and 11 rebounds and the former international power forward Mads Frandsen (202-90) added 17 points respectively for Aabyhoj in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Svendborg have a solid series of four victories in a row. Defending champion maintains second place with 18-2 record having just three points less than leader Bakken. Aabyhoj lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the eighth position with 14 games lost. Svendborg will meet Vaerlose (#7) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Aabyhoj will play against Naestved and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Svendborg: N.Iversen 23+5reb+3ast, C.Cavanaugh 21+6reb+2ast, A.Darboe 14+3reb+6ast, N.Degn-Andersen 8, J.Thygesen 6, R.Christensen 6+1ast
Aabyhoj: E.Morris 33+11reb, M.Frandsen 17+2reb, R.Dalboge 8+2reb+4ast, A.Martin 6+6reb+1ast, R.Laier 3+3reb+1ast, D.Jukic 2+4reb+2ast

Horsens IC - Bakken 59-68

Ligaen top team - Bakken (20-1) managed to deliver another win. This time they beat fifth ranked Horsens IC (11-10) 68-59. The guests were already 12 points ahead after 3 quarters before a 15-12 Horsens IC's run in the last quarter cut the lead to 68-59 at the end of the game. American-Belizean guard Charles Burgess (186-84, college: Texas Tech) stepped up and scored 16 points and 8 rebounds for the winners and international swingman Chris Nielsen (192-85) chipped in 14 points and 5 rebounds. Bakken's coach Philip Dejworek allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. The best for the losing side was American power forward Mike St.John (203-84, college: La Salle) with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 13 rebounds and the other American import guard Rickey Claitt (188-87, college: Oregon St.) scored 15 points and 5 rebounds. Bakken have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain first place with 20-1 record. Horsens IC at the other side keeps the fifth position with ten games lost. Bakken will play against SISU (#6) in Copenhagen in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Horsens IC will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Bakken: C.Burgess 16+8reb+2ast, C.Nielsen 14+5reb+3ast, C.Christoffersen 13+8reb+1ast, A.Jakobsen 9+3reb+4ast, J.Jensen 7+4reb+1ast, H.Petkov 6+4reb
Horsens IC: R.Claitt 15+5reb+3ast, M.St.John 12+13reb+1ast, A.Voskuil 9+2reb+1ast, A.Madsen 5+6reb+3ast, H.Schur 5+5reb, C.Lindberg 4+2reb

Horsholm battle Amager; loss could knock Amager out of playoff spot - by Armen Rhodes
This weekend's clash between Horsholm and Amager could seal Amager's fate and officially eliminate them from playoff contention. Amager comes into the game at an abysmal 4-18 record, while Horsholm enters the match at 12-8. A loss for Amager would automatically lock them into the 9th or 10th spot in the table, placing them in the relegation playout against Aalborg, who they just lost to by a total of 57 points.

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D-LEAGUE

Thunder sent Byron Mullens to Tulsa 66ers - by Eurobasket News
Oklahoma City Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti announced today that the team has assigned center Byron Mullens (7'0''-C-89, college: Ohio St.) to the Tulsa 66ers of the NBA Development League.

In his first stint in Tulsa, Mullens appeared in one game, recording 19 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block in 33 minutes.

This season, the center is averaging 1.3 points, 1.6 rebounds and 4.7 minutes in 12 games for Oklahoma City.

Mullens will be in uniform tomorrow night when the 66ers take on the Utah Flash at the Tulsa Convention Center.

Courtesy of www.sportando.net

Clippers assign Willie Warren to NBA D-League affiliate Bakersfield Jam - by Eurobasket News
Los Angeles Clippers guard Willie Warren (6'4''-G-89, college: Oklahoma) was assigned to the Bakersfield Jam, the Clippers' NBA Development League affiliate, it was announced today. The assignment marks the 37th time in the 2010-11 season an NBA player has been assigned to an NBA D-League affiliate, and it is the first assignment for Warren, a rookie out of Oklahoma.

Warren (6-4, 203) has appeared in 14 games this season with the Clippers, averaging 2.2 points and 1.4 assists in 7.8 minutes. Warren also averaged 7.0 points and 1.4 rebounds in five games for the Clippers' 2010 NBA Summer League team.

The Clippers selected Warren, an early-entry candidate, in the second round (54th overall) of the 2010 NBA Draft. In two seasons at Oklahoma, Warren averaged 15.2 points, 2.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 57 games. As a freshman, Warren was an All-Big 12 Second Team selection, and was named the Big 12 Freshman of the Year. As a sophomore, Warren's 16.3 points per game led the Sooners, and he was named an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention player.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Standings

D-League Standings

Central Division
1. Iowa E.		21-9
2. Erie Bay H.		18-9
3. Ft.Wayne MA		14-16
4. Dakota W.		9-20
5. Sioux Falls S.		3-21
Southwest Division
1. Tulsa 66ers		22-7
2. Rio Grande		19-9
3. Texas L.		15-14
4. New Mexico		14-16
5. Austin T.		12-16
6. Maine RC		12-17
West Division
1. Reno Bighorns		18-12
2. Bakersfield J.		16-12
3. Utah F.		14-12
4. Idaho S.		10-17
5. Springfield A.		9-19

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Trey JOHNSON
  Toronto R.
  (196-G-84)
  Avg: 26

1. Johnson, Bakersfi.	26.0
2. Jeffers, Iowa E.	21.1
3. Alexander, Texas L.	20.2
4. Johnson, Erie B.	19.9
5. Adrien, Rio Grande	19.6
6. Dentmon, Texas L.	19.3
7. Lin, Reno Bighorns	18.6
8. Edwards, New M.	18.6
9. Tucker, New Mexico	18.5
10. Sims, Maine RC	18.2

Rebounds Per Game

Jeff ADRIEN
  Rio Grande
  (201-F-86)
  Avg: 12.1

1. Adrien, Rio Grande	12.1
2. Alexander, Texas L.	10.0
3. Sims, Iowa E.	9.9
4. Davidson, Idaho S.	9.8
5. Phillips, Ft.Wayne.	9.7
6. Johnson, Dakota W.	9.7
7. Williams, Texas L.	9.6
8. Jeffers, Iowa E.	9.2
9. Brackins, Spring.	8.8
10. Williams, Tulsa 66ers	8.6

Assists Per Game

Curtis STINSON
  Iowa E.
  (187-G-83)
  Avg: 9

1. Stinson, Iowa E.	9.0
2. Daniels, Texas L.	8.7
3. Miles, Reno Bighorns	8.7
4. Jackson, Idaho S.	8.0
5. Russell, Ft.Wayne.	7.5
6. Jackson, Erie B.	6.6
7. Ahearn, Erie Bay H.	6.5
8. Johnson, Austin T.	6.1
9. Reynolds, Spring.	5.9
10. Wise, Bakersfield J.	5.6

Steals Per Game

Aaron MILES
  Reno Bighorns
  (186-G-83)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Miles, Reno Bighorns	2.5
2. Dowdell, Tulsa 66ers	2.5
3. Lin, Reno Bighorns	2.4
4. Jeffers, Iowa E.	2.2
5. Jackson, Idaho S.	2.2
6. Lofton, Iowa E.	2.2
7. Jackson, Erie B.	2.1
8. Linhart, Erie B.	2.1
9. Lafayette, Ft.Wayne.	2.0
10. Wilmont, Ft.Wayne.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Sean WILLIAMS
  Texas L.
  (208-F-86)
  Avg: 3.1

1. Williams, Texas L.	3.1
2. Johnson, Dakota W.	3.1
3. N''Diaye, Dakota W.	2.6
4. Alabi, Erie Bay H.	2.5
5. Aldrich, Tulsa 66ers	2.4
6. Sykes, Sioux F.	2.3
7. Whiteside, Reno B.	2.2
8. Naymick, Bakersfi.	2.2
9. Pittman, Sioux F.	1.8
10. Adrien, Rio Grande	1.8

Mad Ants top Toros 103-100 - by Eurobasket News
Ft.Wayne MA - Austin T. 103-100
In a game that came down to the final minute of play and saw 21 lead changes, the Fort Wayne Mad Ants outlasted the Austin Toros to give them the 103-100 victory. The first period of play was a sew-saw battle with the Mad Ants leading 24-22 heading into the second. The second was more of the same with 11 lead changes. The Toros went on a 10-4 run to close out the period and lead 55-51 at the half. Leo Lyons (6'9''-F-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Missouri) had 14 first half points for the Toros. The Toros jumped out to a quick 8 point lead to start the second half but the Ants went on an 11-0 run to close the third period and steal back the lead. The back and forth trend continued through the fourth period and came down to the final minute of play. The two teams were locked in at 100 apiece with 56 seconds left on the clock, Mad Ants Darnell Lazare hit one of two free throws followed by an offensive rebound by Marvin Phillips which ultimately led to two made free throws by Walker Russell (6'0''-G-82, college: Jacksonville St.) to give the Mad Ants the 3 point victory. The Toros had three players finish with a double-doubles. Lyons led the Toros with 25 points and 10 rebounds, Carldell Johnson (5'10''-G-83, college: UAB) finished with 15 points and 10 assists, and Marcus Cousins added 10 points and 10 rebound. Chris Kramer (6'3''-G-88, college: Purdue) scored 26 points off of the bench for the Mad Ants to lead all scorers. Russell Jr. finished with 21 points and 11 assists and Lazare added 16 points. *Courtesy of www.wane.com

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ESTONIA

Delving into the mind of Jorgen Martinsen - by Matthew Hall
Madness. Hilarity. Genius. 'Ma olen hull!' 'Ma olen loll!' Born in Estonia, nephew of the legendary Martin Muursepp (first and only Estonian to hoop in the NBA), studied and lived in Sweden for most of his early life, did a year of high school in Texas, finished school in Sweden, and now back to Estonia playing pro ball with BC Rakvere Tarvas. The languages of English, Swedish, and Estonian jumble and rumble around in his brain, oftentimes making it difficult to sleep at night. When I ask him, 'Well what language do you think in?' He has to stop and really think, until the honest answer, 'it changes all the time.' I follow up with, 'What are you most fluent in?' There is more silence until he responds, 'Probably Swedish.' The first time I had a conversation with Jorgen Hiiuvain (194-F-86) he was saying 'For-real' after everything I said. To come all the way to Estonia and hear a slang term like this, and with an accent, was very comical. I'm thinking now he must have learned forreal from his high school basketball teammates in Texas. The Estonians on the team have trouble choosing between English and Estonian when they speak with him, if you ask him to translate something from Estonian to English he cannot do so without bringing in his third language. He is forced to translate Estonian to Swedish and then finally to English, and only if he is lucky that the first process makes it through without confusion will the translation be accurate. I learned very early on not to ask Jorgen to translate Estonian, ever, and if by chance you do you can see the wheels spinning in his head, it used to worry me that he might catch a nose bleed.

'Everybody shut-up!' 'Everybody shut-up!' He screamed this one time in a restaurant, and silenced everyone, including the cooks, waitresses, and fellow customers. The outburst occurred over a disagreement he was having with Joosep Pokla (pronounced Poke-La but Jorgen shouts Pock-La to mock him) about who would win in a game of one on one. Janis Vahter chimed into the argument and said Joosep would clearly win, and Jorgen wanted everyone to be quiet so he could inform us about the outcome of a previous match he had with Janis. 'What happened when I played you? Everybody shut-up!' The entire restaurant was now listening, at the edge of their seats, waiting for Janis response. All Janis did was put his hand up and shake his head to suggest that he did not wish to discuss the game. 'Yes that is right, I beat you easily! I wasnt even making my jump shots! I beat you going to the basket. Imagine what will happen when I play Pock-La if Im making my jump shots.' No one, I mean absolutely no one on our team believed that Jorgen could beat Joosep. But he insisted in that restaurant, 'I will play you, and Renato will bet on me, I think Matt will bet on me.' I would never have put my money on his side, but to my surprise, we were all wrong. They did end up playing one on one. They made an agreement that they would play about ten times, and that no matter what, they would never talk trash about the games or bring them up about who won. One of those epic games happened after practice, and Jorgen caught fire, to our disbelief he won that game, but the champion of the long series is yet to be crowned. There was a second argument, and this one was like the first one I described, except this one ended with Joosep launching Jorgen's shoe out of his four story apartment window. I watched out of the window as Jorgen searched everywhere for his shoe outside, I saw him using his hands and pointing to his feet in a desperate attempt to make sense to a Russian lady for help, Russian is one language he cannot speak at all.

Once the snow came to Estonia, it came with fury, and I believe it snowed for ten or eleven days straight. During one of those snowy days I walked into practice and Jorgen could tell I was down about the storms, he said, 'Yup, Welcome to hell.' Every time it snows here I am reminded of those words. He told me a story about a dream he had a few nights back. He said he was having a nightmare about being chased by the grim reaper, and that when he opened his eyes for a split second he could see this giant figure with a black cloak wielding a scythe in his doorway. He had to blink he eyes a few times until he could no longer see the horrifying image in his room, and then he said to me, 'Man, I knew then I got to get out of here.' This morning he was woken by the administrator of his building, she barked at him, 'When are you moving out?' He said he didnt know what to say, he had no idea it was time for such a thing, she continued, 'Okay, you have until Saturday to get out.' Maybe the best thing about Jorgen is that he drives the smallest car imaginable, a royal blue Fiat Pinto, the air conditioning and heat does not work, so when you see him driving he has to sit in a funny position in order to see properly through the foggy windows.

We only have four games in February, so I thought it was a good time to profile one of my teammates. Tomorrow we are off to avenge our recent loss against Parnu, it will be a good battle, they are a young team but they play hard, and weve learned as of late that you cant take anyone lightly in this league. Maybe some suggestions who to profile next??
BC Rakvere Tarvas

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EUROLEAGUE

Zalgiris tab Trent Plaisted - by Eurobasket News
Trent Plaisted (211-F/C-86, agency: Priority Sports, college: BYU) is the new player of Zalgiris Kaunas. The deal is meant till the end of the season. Trent Plaisted spent the preseason together with the Philadelphia 76ers. He later moved overseas to join Cedevita Zagreb. Trent Plaisted averaged 9.1 points, 3.9 boards per game in EuroCup. In Adriatic League the 24-year-old centre tallied 5.2 points, 3.7 rebounds per appearance. Last season Trent Plaisted played for Zadar in Croatia. His stats read 8.7 points, 6.2 boards and 1.5 blocks in EuroCup. In Adriatic League the centre averaged 6.6 points and 3.8 boards. Plaisted also posted 7.1 points and 4.0 boards in Croatian League.

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Bojan BOGDANOVIC
  Cibona
  (202-G/F-89)
  Avg: 18

1. Bogdanovic, Cibona	18.0
2. Langford, Khimky	17.8
3. Teletovic, Caja L.	16.8
4. Rakocevic, Efes P.	16.5
5. McCalebb, Montepas.	15.5
6. Spanoulis, Olympiakos	15.3
7. Mejia, Cholet	15.1
8. Navarro, Regal B.	14.1
9. Gregory, Union O.	14.0
10. San Emeterio, Caja L.	13.9

Rebounds Per Game

Mirsad TURKCAN
  Fener.Ulker
  (206-F-76)
  Avg: 7.3

1. Turkcan, Fener.Ul.	7.3
2. Gist, Partizan	7.3
3. Fischer, Real Madrid	7.2
4. Jankunas, Zalgiris	7.0
5. Bourousis, Olympiakos	6.5
6. Freeland, Unicaja	6.3
7. Radosevic, Cibona	6.3
8. Pleiss, Brose B.	6.3
9. Gregory, Union O.	6.2
10. Gonlum, Efes Pilsen	6.0

Assists Per Game

Dimitris DIAMANTIDIS
  Panathinaikos
  (196-G-80)
  Avg: 6.1

1. Diamantidis, Panath.	6.1
2. Huertas, Caja L.	5.8
3. Spanoulis, Olympiakos	4.7
4. Eidson, Maccabi .	4.5
5. Cook, Valencia	4.4
6. Jasikevicius, Lietuv.	4.3
7. Pellin, Le Mans	4.2
8. Teodosic, Olympiakos	4.2
9. Rubio, Regal Barca	4.1
10. Stipcevic, Cibona	4.1

Steals Per Game

Chuck EIDSON
  Maccabi T-A
  (201-F/G-80)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Eidson, Maccabi .	2.8
2. McCalebb, Montepas.	2.4
3. Perkins, Maccabi .	2.2
4. Diot, Le Mans	2.2
5. Stonerook, Montepas.	2.0
6. Rubio, Regal Barca	1.9
7. Ozbolt, Union O.	1.9
8. Goldsberry, Brose B.	1.9
9. Ilievski, Union O.	1.8
10. Diamantidis, Panath.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Mirza BEGIC
  Real Madrid
  (216-C-85)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Begic, Zalgiris	2.3
2. Fischer, Real Madrid	1.9
3. Riddick, Charleroi	1.7
4. Pleiss, Brose B.	1.5
5. Bourousis, Olympiakos	1.3
6. Eze, Khimky	1.3
7. Falker, Cholet	1.3
8. Barac, Caja Laboral	1.2
9. Hines, Brose B.	1.1
10. Lishchuk, Valencia	1.0

Top 16: Round Three review - by Eurobasket News

Group E

Caja Laboral - Panathinaikos 77-70
Caja Laboral handed 77-70 loss to Panathinaikos joining them on top of Group E. Both teams have 2-1 record now. Fernando San Emeterio (198-G/F-84) was a key player for the Spanish champs as he scored 21 points. Mirza Teletovic (206-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) followed with 17 and Esteban Batista (208-F/C-83) added 11 pts, plus 5 boards. For the Greens, Drew Nicholas (191-G-81, college: Maryland) delivered 15 points. Mike Batiste (203-F-77, college: Arizona St.) and Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80) (11 as) were behind him with 14 and 12 points respectively. Caja Laboral had minimum lead after first quarter (19-18) and they jumped to 34-26 in the finish of the next one. PAO had an answer for that making 2-7 run for 36-33 deficit at the halftime. Visitors opened the second half with quick 5-9 for 41-42 and teams exchanged in lead after that. The hosts started to make shots and PAO struggled offensively on the other side, what resulted with 12-4 run by Caja Laboral in the finish of Q3. However, PAO didn't give up and they slowly melted Caja Laboral's lead in the last quarter. They came to 73-70 with just 20 ticks on the clock, but San Emeterio didn't tremble at the line, adding 2 more points and forcing Panathinaikos to take a risky shot on the following play. Diamantidis missed a three, and Teletovic capped a fastbreak with a dunk that secured the first Top 16 home win for the hosts, 77-70. Teams will meet again in the next round and PAO will be the host.

Unicaja - Lietuvos Rytas 98-91
Unicaja had wonderful last quarter on Thursday evening. The Spanish squad had 62-70 deficit before the last ten minutes, but they drained 36 points after that and stopped Lietuvos Rytas to 21 for valuable 98-91 victory, the first one in Euroleague Top 16, Group E. Rytas has the same record now. Unicaja had seven players with double-digits in scoring in this game. Nedzad Sinanovic (221-C-83) was the leading one with 15 pts and he grabbed 8 rebounds beside that. He reached valuation 27 for just 12 minutes on the court. Uros Tripkovic (197-G-86) also scored 15, Robert Archibald (212-C/F-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Illinois) had 13, while Terrell McIntyre (175-G-77, college: Clemson) and Joel Freeland (208-F-87) (8 rebs) helped with 12 points each. In the loosing squad, Khalid El-Amin (178-G-79, agency: Beo Basket, college: Connecticut) responded with 14 points and 8 assists. Simas Jasaitis (202-F/G-82) scored 13, while Brad Newley (201-F-85, agency: Beo Basket), Milko Bjelica (207-C-84, agency: Beo Basket) and Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92) followed with 12 pts apiece. In the next round, Rytas will host Unicaja. The game is scheduled for February 17.

Group F

Maccabi T-A - Union Olimpija 104-67
Maccabi Electra gave a real basketball lesson to Union Olimpija on Thursday evening. The Israeli powerhouse destroyed Olimpija 104-67 improving to 2-1 record in Group F. On the other side, Slovenians dropped to 1-2. Jeremy Pargo (188-G-86, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga) stepped up for the hosts with 21 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Lior Eliyahu (207-F-85, agency: ZAG Advocates) was perfect from the field scoring 20 points and he also grabbed 6 rebounds beside that. Sofoklis Schortsanitis (206-C-85) and Tal Burstein netted 10 pts each. Olimpija got 15 points and 5 rebs from Giorgi Shermadini (216-C-89). Damir Markota (210-C/F-85) (8 rebs) had Kenny Gregory (197-G/F-78, college: Kansas) posted 14 pts apiece. Maccabi had a great beginning as they made 28-10 lead in the first ten minutes. Olimpija was not able to recover in the second quarter and they faced with 23-point deficit at the halftime. It was already clear that Maccabi will take this one, despite Olimpija showed some energy in Q3 winning it 22-23. Jeremy Pargo and his teammates nailed 31 points in the last period and limited Olimpija to 18 for impressive 104-67 home win against the Slovenian champ. Olimpija will host Maccabi in the next round.

Regal Barca - Lottomatica 80-56
The reigning Euroleague champion celebrated another victory in Top 16. This time Regal Barca was too strong for Lottomatica Roma 80-56 keeping the first place in Group F with 3-0 record. Visitors still look for the first win, 0-3. Alan Anderson (198-G/F-82, agency: Priority Sports, college: Michigan St.) scored 16 points for Barca and Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) added 13 pts, plus 5 assists. Kosta Perovic (217-C-85) also had 13 pts in this meeting. Lottomatica got 17 points from Ali Traore (207-C-85, agency: Beo Basket, college: S.Idaho JC) and 16 from Darius Washington (188-G-85, college: Memphis). Nemanja Gordic (194-G-88) had 13 pts. Lottomatica had decent first period and they managed to resist until the last minute, when Juan Carlos Navarro stepped up for Barca and paced them to 21-17 lead after ten minutes. The hosts jumped to 28-21 at the beginning of Q2, but Ali Traore and his teammates replied with quick 2-9 run. Barca took control on Lottomatica for rest of the first half moving up to 45-56. They had plus 11 before that, but Gordic made the jumper in the Lottomatica's last possession. Question about the winner is resolved in Q3 as Barca won it with 16-9 for 61-45 before the last ten minutes. All after that was just the formality as Barca was increasing its lead. Lottomatica will host Regal Barca in the next round.

Group G

Real Madrid - Efes Pilsen 89-86 OT
Very exciting game was played in Madrid on Thursday evening. The home squad managed to beat Efes Pilsen in OT and to keep the perfect score after three rounds in Euroleague Top 16, Group G. D'or Fischer (211-C-81, college: W.Virginia) was the MVP of this meeting with valuation 30. He had double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds. Clay Tucker (195-G-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) top-scored for the Whites with 19 points and Pablo Prigioni (191-G-77) helped with 17. In defeat, Marvis Thornton (194-G-77, college: St.John's) collected 18 points and 8 rebounds. Igor Rakocevic (191-G-78) and Kerem Gonlum (208-C/F-77) (9 rebs) scored 16 and 13 pts respectively. Their Efes Pilsen faced with the first loss at this stage (2-1). Efes Pilsen had 18-19 lead after the first ten minutes and they moved up to 40-46 until the halftime. Real Madrid replied after the breather and teams went to last 10:00 tied at 65-65. They were still leveled until 19.9 seconds left, when Kerem Gonlum drained a big-time triple. Mirotic missed on the other side and Clay Tucker did the same. However, the hosts grabbed another offensive rebound and it was Mirotic. Rodriguez was fouled on his desperate triple attempt by Thornton. After the guard calmly converted all 3 of his free throws and tied it at 79-79 with 2.9 on the clock, Murray stumbled and was unable to get a shot off against Tucker's defense on the other end. Real jumped to 86-81 in OT, but Efes Pilsen answered with 1-5 quickly. There was less than one minute to go and Real missed in their next possession. Efes Pilsen had a chance and Tunceri drove inside, but he committed a turnover and Pablo Prigioni sealed the deal from the line. In the next round, Efes Pilsen will host Real Madrid.

Partizan - Montepaschi 58-66
Montepaschi celebrated the first victory in Euroleague Top 16. They cruised past Partizan on the road in front of 19,255 home fans. Andrea Michelori (202-F/C-78) came up with 15 points and 5 rebounds for the winners and Rimantas Kaukenas (193-G-77, college: Seton Hall) netted 14 points. Nikolaos Zisis (195-G-83) helped his team with 13 points on Thursday night. In Partizan (0-3), James Gist (203-F-86) collected 15 points and 7 rebounds. Curtis Jerrells (185-G-87, college: Baylor) scored 13 and Jan Vesely (211-F-90) stopped to 9 points. Montepaschi had great beginning as they made 10-17 lead, but Partizan closed the gap to 15-19 for rest of the first quarter. Visitors grabbed first double-digit lead at the beginning of the next period (15-25) and Partizan responded with 7-2 run. Rimantas Kaukenas and his teammates managed to keep plus five until the halftime and later in Q3 they move up to 30-39. The hosts were not able to answer this time and they faced with 41-50 deficit before the next ten minutes. Question about the winner was resolved at the beginning of Q4, when Montepaschi jumped to plus 13. Montepaschi will host Partizan in Round 4.

Group H

Olympiakos - Valencia 77-62
Olympiakos celebrated the second victory in Euroleague Top 16, Group H. The Reds outplayed Valencia staying alone on the second place with 2-1 record. Radoslav Nesterovic (212-C-76) was the leading scorer in victory with 17 points and Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) secured a great help adding 14 pts. Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) collected 11 points and 7 boards for 16 minutes on the court. On the other side, Valencia got 16 points and 8 rebs from Victor Claver (207-F/C-88). Dusko Savanovic (204-F/C-83, agency: Beo Basket) had 13 points and 5 boards, while Serhiy Lishchuk (210-C/F-82, agency: Beo Basket) followed with 10 pts and 7 rebs. Their team dropped to 1-2. Teams were leveled at the beginning (8-8), before nice 10-2 run by Olympiakos who earned 18-10 lead after ten minutes. Dusko Savanovic and Javtokas stepped up for Valencia in Q2 and together with De Colo helped their team to close the gap to 24-20, but the hosts had an answer for that. Radoslav Nesterovic dominated inside, while Teodosic secured a great help from behind the arc and the hosts completed 9-0 run, which later led to 38-24 at the HT. The Reds had 48-32 at the midway of Q3 and later finished it with 57-42. Valencia had no chance for rest of the game as Olympiakos was controlling every part of it. Teams will meet again in the next round and Valencia will be the host.

Fener.Ulker - Zalgiris 80-72
Fenerbahce Ulker was better than Zalgiris in Istanbul 80-72 keeping the perfect score after three games in Euroleague Top 16, Group H. Turkish champion stays No.1, while Zalgiris closes the standings with 0-3. Oguz Savas (208-C-87) came up with 15 points and 5 rebounds for the hosts, and Marko Tomas (201-G-85) also scored 15 pts. Mirsad Turkcan (206-F-76) shined with double-double of 13 points and 14 boards, and Emir Preldzic (206-F-87, agency: Beo Basket) also was good netting 13 pts. In the loosing squad, Paulius Jankunas (205-F-84, agency: Interperformances) had 14 points and 6 rebounds. DeJuan Collins (188-G-76, college: Tuskegee) and Aleksandar Capin (186-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) scored 14 and 12 pts respectively. Zalgiris started the game with quick 3-11 lead, but the hosts immediately woke up and they managed to take 22-19 for rest of the Q1 (including 11-0 run). The hosts had 37-31 with two minutes left in the first half, but Paulius Jankunas and his teammates had a nice finish and thanks to 4-10 run they tied the score to 41-41 (HT). Zalgiris grabbed 49-51 lead during the next period, but Preldzic, Turkcan and Ukic paced the hosts to 58-54 before the last quarter. Zalgiris took the lead again and this time it was 58-59, but few minutes later the hosts grabbed 68-63. The last chance Zlagiris had with 2:00 to go when Delininkaitis scored a triple closing the gap to 74-69. However, Emir Preldzic stepped up for the hosts with two free throws and in the next possession he scored for three securing the valuable home victory for his team. Zalgiris will host Fenerbahce Ulker in the next round.

Top 16, Round 3: Best performance - D'or Fischer - by Eurobasket News
American center D'or Fischer (211-C-81) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Real Madrid, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 3 (Top 16).
The 29-year old player had a double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds, while his team edged out Efes Pilsen (2-1) in overtime 89-86. It allowed Real Madrid to consolidate first place in the Euroleague Group G. They maintain perfect record without any lost game at this stage. It was one of impressive evenings for Fischer as usually he does not deliver so high stats. Former West Virginia University star has 7 ppg, 7.2 rpg and also averages 1.9bpg and 50.7% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 25-year old Lior Eliyahu (207-F-85, agency: ZAG Advocates) of Maccabi T-A. Eliyahu had a very good evening with 20 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists. Of course he lead Maccabi T-A to another comfortable win outscoring Union Olimpija (1-2) 104-67. The Top 16 is at the halfway and this victory may help a lot. Let's wait for the next round. Eliyahu is a newcomer at Maccabi T-A, but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was swingman Fernando San Emeterio (198-G/F-84) of Caja Laboral Vitoria. San Emeterio scored 21 points and passed four assists. He was a key player of Caja Laboral, leading his team to a 77-70 win against Panathinaikos. Caja Laboral joined PAO on top of group E. Their record at this point is 2 victories and 1 lost game. San Emeterio has a very solid season. In 13 games in Euroleague he scored 13.9ppg. He also has 5.2rpg, FGP: 61.0% and 3PT: 53.3%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Nedzad Sinanovic (221-C-83) of Unicaja - 15 points and 8 rebounds
5. Mirsad Turkcan (206-F-76) of Fener.Ulker - 13 points, 14 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Jeremy Pargo (188-G-86) of Maccabi T-A - 21 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists
7. Oguz Savas (208-C-87) of Fener.Ulker - 15 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Giorgi Shermadini (216-C-89) of Union Olimpija - 15 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83) of Olympiakos - 11 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Andrea Michelori (202-F/C-78) of Montepaschi - 15 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)

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Fratello to Ukraine? - by Uygar Karaca
According to sport-express.ua and echoed by basketnews.net, the famous ex coach of Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers and Memphis Grizzlies can be the new coach of Ukraine, who are getting prepared for the additional qualification round to reach Eurobasket 2011. The team already has a coach, Vitaly Chernov, however, ex CSKA and Atlanta Hawks player and now the president of Ukraine basketball federation, Alexander Volkov said that they would need help from his former coach at Hawks.

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FINLAND

KORISLIIGA: Korihait upset Pyrinto - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Korisliiga, round 33: After winning 12 games in a row Pyrinto (Tampere) lost tonight at home court vs Korihait (Uusikaupunki) 56-64 (30-35). Quarters: 15-16, 15-19, 14-15, 12-14.
Pyrinto (26-7) lost all four quarters in a game, where team defense was tough on both sides. Korihait (21-11) was shooting a bit better and the visitors earned the victory.
Nigel Moore (195-F/G-81, college: Alabama A&M) led Korihait with 18 pts. James Reaves (203-F-82, college: Niagara) added 15 pts and grabbed 11 rbs. Jesse Niemi (193-F/G-90) scored team high 17 pts for the hosts. Damon Williams (201-F-73, college: Colorado St.-Pueblo) took 21 rbs.
Pyrinto - Korihait 56-64 (30-35). (Jesse Niemi 17, Antwine Williams 16, Damon Williams 15/21 - Nigel Moore 18, James Reaves 15/11, Petri Heinonen 15).
In Division 1 there was also one contest tonight. Korikobrat (Lapua) lost at home vs BC Jyvaskyla 84-96 (34-47). (Derick Nelson 22/16, Kim Siven 17, Benny Valentine 15 - Tracy Robinson 22/11, Reijo Ojanen 13, Antti Siimes 12).

Stats Leaders - Korisliiga

Points Per Game

Jamar WILSON
  Honka
  (185-G-84)
  Avg: 22.8

1. Wilson, Honka	22.8
2. Heard, Tarmo	21.4
3. Lewis, LrNM.	20.5
4. Blanchard, ToPo	19.7
5. Bailey, LrNM.	19.6
6. Walker, Kouvot	19.5
7. Wood, Karhu	19.4
8. Harris, Salon Vilpas	19.0
9. Williamson, Honka	19.0
10. Barrett, KTP	18.7

Rebounds Per Game

Jeremiah WOOD
  Karhu
  (200-F-85)
  Avg: 13.3

1. Wood, Karhu	13.3
2. Kaunisto, Kouvot	10.8
3. Doaks, Salon Vilpas	10.0
4. Mathis, Namika Lahti	9.9
5. Young, Tarmo	9.8
6. Blanchard, ToPo	9.6
7. Vinson, Kouvot	9.6
8. Williams, Pyrinto	9.2
9. Coleman, LrNM.	8.8
10. Belser, Honka	8.8

Assists Per Game

Dijuan HARRIS
  Salon Vilpas
  (175-G-86)
  Avg: 4.4

1. Harris, Salon Vilpas	4.4
2. Williams, Pyrinto	4.3
3. Moore, LrNM.	4.3
4. Johnson, Karhu	4.2
5. Suonio, Namika Lahti	4.0
6. Okorie, Salon Vilpas	3.9
7. Wood, Karhu	3.8
8. Virtanen, Kataja	3.7
9. Sarcevic, Korihait	3.6
10. Ivey, KTP	3.4

Steals Per Game

Jeremiah WOOD
  Karhu
  (200-F-85)
  Avg: 2

1. Wood, Karhu	2.0
2. Newson, Kataja	2.0
3. Conerly, Tarmo	1.9
4. Fields, KTP	1.9
5. Fells, Kataja	1.8
6. Sarcevic, Korihait	1.8
7. Heard, Tarmo	1.8
8. Moore, Korihait	1.8
9. Richards, ToPo	1.7
10. Wilson, Salon Vilpas	1.6

Blocks Per Game

James REAVES
  Korihait
  (203-F-82)
  Avg: 0.9

1. Reaves, Korihait	0.9
2. Hendley, Namika Lahti	0.8
3. Bailey, LrNM.	0.7
4. Wilson, Honka	0.7
5. Moore, LrNM.	0.7
6. Heard, Tarmo	0.7
7. Gonner, Kouvot	0.7
8. Suonio, Namika Lahti	0.6
9. Latimer, Namika Lahti	0.6
10. Lewis, LrNM.	0.6

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GEORGIA

ARMY is a GEORGIAN CUP WINNER - by Akaki Bakradze
Defeated in the final match principled opponent with a difference of 20 points Army won Georgian Cup. Army led in the score from start of the match and have not missed an
initiative till end of the match. MIA is trying to change the course of the match and sometimes reduce the difference in the score but Army would add momentum and pulls ahead.
MVP of the final match is 20 years old Giorgi Sharabidze who made double-double.

Preliminary round

Dinamo vs. GSAU 78:96

Chavelashvili 26 pts (Din)
Tetelashvili 18 pts (GSAU)

GTU vs. Batumi 92:89

Chikviladze 37 pts (GTU)
Maisuradze 22 pts, 10 rbs (Bat)

GTU vs. GSAU 78:62

Chikviladze 37 pts (GTU)
Khaniashvili 20 pts (GSAU)

Quarterfinals

Kutaisi vs. GTU 98:77

G. Barbakadze 17 pts (Kut)
Beruashvili 24 pts (GTU)

Energy-Invest vs. TSU 88:95

Gugava 26 pts (Ener)
Matiashvili 26 pts, 17 rbs (TSU)

MIA vs. Samedicino

Cotton 20 pts (MIA)
Rogers 27 pts (Sam)

Army vs. Sokhumi 91:71

Atuashvili 14 pts (Army)
Harris 21 pts (Sok)

Semifinals

Army vs. TSU 67:66

Pirvelashvili 13pts (Army)
Matiashvili 21 pts (TSU)

MIA vs. Kutaisi 83:75

Cotton 18 pts (MIA)
Bolkvadze 21 pts (Kut)

Final

Army vs. MIA 71:51

Sharabidze 17 pts, 16 rbs (Army)
Lezhava 15pts
Giorgi Sharabidze (210-C-90)

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GERMANY

John Bynum (TBB Trier) Pregame Thoughts To MBC Game February 5th - 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

What was the most positive thing that TBB Trier could take out of the loss to Alba Berlin?

Well we had to put it behind us quick because we have a tough one on the road this weekend against MBC. I think we showed that we can play with a top team but at the same time its fustrating knowing that if we would have taken care of the ball we would have had a great chance to win the game.

What has been the main focus in practice this week leading up to the game at MBC?

We have just focused on getting better as a team. We were slow on a lot of defensive rotations last week so we are working on getting better at that and we are just doing what we normally do preparing for the next game.

What is your memory of the 83-76 win against MBC earlier in the season?

I really dont remember that much from the game because it was so early. But they have changed so much from the 1st time we played them so we have had to prepare differently than the first time we met them.

Were you surprised when you heard that Michael Jordan had left? Will this hurt or help the team more?

Yes I was suprised but MJ and the club have there reasons and I am sure it worked out for both parties. I am not sure in which direction it will go but his leadership will surely be missed and other qualities will as well that he brings to the table.

MBC is a very talented team that can beat anyone on a good day. What will be key in coming home with a win?

I think we have to play solid defense and stay together on the road. We have to withstand any type of run that they make and just play together. It will be a difficult game but we just have to do what we know how to do.

How much of a challenge is it playing against Ronald Ross. He is quietly challenging Dashaun Wood for the scoring title. How do you stop him best?

It will for sure be a team effort, and you just try to make scorers feel uncomfortable in any possible way that you can. Ron is a great player and we just have to find a way to control him and make things difficult for him.

You had a very solid game against Alba Berlin, but I am sure that you are not completly happy with you game. What will you want to improve on your game in the second half of the season?

I think for the most part it is just about being consistent. I think I am beginning to find a rhythm but like you said, I think I can do more but at the same time, I want to do what coach ask and just do whatever I can to help the team win games.

Where will you be watching the Super Bowl and who will win and why?

I will be watching the Super Bowl from my computer screen in my bedroom on the 2nd floor of this fully furnished apartment that Trier has provided me this season... lol. As for the winner I am going with the Steelers because they have the experience and I just hate the Packers.

Who will be Super Bowl MVP?

the Super Bowl MVP will be a QB as usual and it will be big Ben.

Thanks John for the chat

Ekene Ibekwe Joins BBC Bayreuth - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
BBC Bayreuth has found a replacement for injured Koko Archibong by bringing in Ekene Ibekwe (206-F-85, college: Maryland) who is joining his third team this season. Ibekwe is a 25 year old 206cm power forward that was born in Los Angeles and has Nigerian roots. He started the season for the Artland Dragons playing 14 games and averaging 8,9ppg, and 5,7rpg. In his only meeting against BBC Bayreuth he scored 8 points and six rebounds. He then left Quackenbrueck and went to Israel to play for Ironi Ashkelon where he played 6 games averaging 6,0ppg and 4,7rpg in 16 minutes per game. 'I am happy to be in Germany again and hope that I can help the team in the fight to stay in the league. I am looking forward to be playing for the team and the fans and want to help on defense, under the basket and on offense', stressed Ibekwe.

Ibekwe is a long, lean dynamic post player with unlimited athletic potential, a talented shooter for his size who can take the ball to the basket and score in the post and a high-flying finisher and shot blocker. He started his basketball career for Maryland and played there from 2003-2007. As a senior he played 33 games averaging 10.4ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.0spg, 2.7bpg, FGP: 49.4%, FT: 63.6%. In 2007-2008, he strated his professional basketball career for Gilboa/Afula/Migdal Haemek (Israel-Premier League), left in Feb.'08: 11games: 11.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 2Pts 61.1%, FGP 77%, next month moved to Besanon Basket Comt Doubs (France-ProB, starting five): 8 games: 10.9ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.4spg, Blocks-2 (1.6bpg), 2FGP: 50%, FT: 69.7%. In 2008-2009, he played forMutlu Aku Selcuk Universitesi Konya (Turkey-TBL, starting five): 28 games: 18.6ppg, 8.3rpg, 1.2apg, 1.8spg, Blocks-5 (1.8bpg), FGP: 60.6%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 57.0%. In the summer of 2009, he played for Gigantes de Carolina (Puerto Rico-BSN): 9 games: 10.9ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.0apg, 2.3spg, 2.2bpg, FGP: 53.2%, 3PT: 41.2%, FT: 40.7%. Last season, he played for Kepez Bld Antalya (Turkey-TBL) in Jan.'10 signed at Genc Banvitliler (Turkey-TB2L, starting five): 10 games: 21.2ppg, 10.6rpg, 1.2apg, 2.2spg, 2.1bpg, FGP: 58.8%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 59.2%. 'We had to play without a power forward the last weeks and Pete Campbell did a good job filling this void. We got a very good player with Ibekwe and hope that he can help us quickly. Our goal will be to integrate him quickly into the team and he is exactly the player that the team was missing', stressed BBC Bayreuth coach Andreas Wagner. Some Awards/Achievements in his career have been, ACC Tournament Champion -04, NIT Semifinals -05, Nigerian National Team -05-06, 09, African Championships in Algeria -05 (Bronze),World Championships in Japan -06: 6 games: 8.7ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.3bpg, 2FGP: 50.0%, FT: 33.3%, Al-ACC Honorable Mention -07, ACC All-Defensive Team -07, Africabasket.com All-NCAA African 1st Team -07, Israeli Cup Semifinals -08, French ProB Champion -08, Turkish League All-Star Game -09, Eurobasket.com All-Turkish League Forward of the Year -09, Eurobasket.com All-Turkish League 1st Team -09, Eurobasket.com Turkish League All-Imports Team -09, Eurobasket.com Turkish League All-Defensive Team -09, andPuerto Rican BSN Semifinals -09

Source: BBC Bayreuth

The Walter Tigers Tuebingen Give Clifford Crawford Short Term Contract - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

The Walter Tigers Tuebingen have added experience to the roster by giving Clifford Crawford (194-G-81, agency: Strategic Sports, college: N.Carolina St.) a short term contract until the end of February 2011 with an option until the end of the season. Crawford is a 30 year 194cm guard from Winston-Salem, North Carolina.His last team was the Saar-Pfalz Braves (Germany-ProA) this seaosn where he played 8 games averaging 8,3ppg, 2,8rpg and 3,4apg. 'We had a lot of injuries and sick players in the last weeks. Our practices suffered because of this and we want to be clear and stay away from the bottom of the standings. He is a very experienced play er that will give us stability. He can help us with his long arms on defense', stressed Tuebingen coach Igor Perovic . Crawford played at North Carolina State from 1999-2003 and played with ex Skyliner Illian Evtimov in his last year. In his senior year, he played 31 games: 9.2ppg, 4.5rpg, 4.2apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 52.7%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 64.8%. In 2004-2005, he came to Europe and played for Worthersee Piraten (Austria-A Bundesliga): released in Sep.'04 before the season started, next month signed at Fayetteville Patriots (NBDL): waived in Nov.'04 before the season started. In 2005-2006, he played for TuS Jena edgars baskets (Germany-2.Bundesliga): 0 games: 0pts, left before season started, then joined ASC 46 Goettingen (Germany-2.Regionalliga). In 2006-2007, he played for the Bremen Roosters (Germany-2.Bundesliga, starting five): 25 games: 19.2ppg, 5.8rpg, Assists-5 (5.6apg), Steals-1 (3.5spg), 2FGP: 52.7%, 3FGP: 29.3%, FT: 69.9%. In 2007-2008, he played for BG Karlsruhe (Germany-2.Bundesliga, starting five): 29 games: Score-3 (19.2ppg), 6.2rpg, Assists-4 (4.6apg), 2.3spg, 2FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 21.5%, FT: 66.5%. In 2008-2009, he played for VfL Kirchheim Knights (Germany-ProA, starting five): 30 games: 14.6ppg, 3.8rpg, Assists-5 (4.7apg), 1.8spg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 29.6%, FT: 72.0%. Last season, he played for Astrum Levice (Slovakia-Extraliga): 9 games: 14.3ppg, 5.2rpg, 8.6apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 43.8%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 58.6%; released in Nov.'09, in Feb.'10 moved to BK SPU Nitra (Slovakia-Extraliga): 25 games: 15.5ppg, 3.4rpg, 3.8apg, Steals-5 (1.9spg), FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 76.6%. Some Awards/Achievements in his career have been ACC Tournament Finalist -02, 03, All-ACC Defensive Team -03, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga North 2nd Team -07, Eurobasket.com German 2.Bundesliga North All-Defensive Team -07, Slovakian Cup Finalist -10, Eurobasket.com All-Slovakian League Honorable Mention -10, Slovakian League Regular Season Runner-Up -10, and Slovakian League Finalist -10.

Source: The Walter Tigers Tuebingen

Dane Watts (Walter Tigers Tuebingen) Pregame Thoughts To Schwaben Derby Against EnBW Ludwigsburg February 5th - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Dane Watts (203-F-86, agency: Pro One Sports) is a 24y ear old 203cm forward from Warrensburg. He played at Creighton (NCAA) from 2004-2008. In his senior year, he played 33 games: 11.3ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 53.4%, 3Pts: 42.5%, FT: 71.8%. In 2008, he came to Germany and started his professional basketball career with EnBW Ludwigsburg (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 32 games: 8.9ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP-1 (68.4%), 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 68.7%. Lasts eason, he played for The Walter Tigers Tuebingen playing 34 games: 10.2ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 37.6%, FT: 71.0%. He returns to Tuebingen for the 2010-2011 BEKO BBL season. At Creighton, he won awards such as MVC Tournament Winner -05, 07, MVC All-Freshman Team -05, MVC Regular Season Runner-Up -07, and MVC Tournament Semifinals -08. Watts sat down with eurobasket before the game against EnBW Ludwigsburg February 5th.

Its time for the Schwaben derby Walter Tigers Tuebingen-EnBW Ludwigsburg on saturday. What makes this duel special and extra ordinary compared to other rivalaries in the BEKO BBL?

I think the towns are so close, and the players see each other outside of basketball. The fans bring more excitement for these games.

You played for EnBW Ludwigsburg in the 2008-2009 season as a rookie which wasnt too long ago, but only David Mccray remains on the team since you were there. How crazy is that?

That was my first professional experience and everything was new to me, our coach was fired at the end of the year and they didn't bring anyone back with a new contract. They have a whole new team this season and a new coach, I am happy to be back with the same coach and some players I played with last season.

What is your nciest memory of your ex teammate David Mccray at EnBW Ludwigsburg when you played there?

Dave and I were neighbors in Lubu and he showed me a lot around the area and he definitely helped my and my wife get adjusted in our first year in Europe. We rode together everyday to practice and games, so we were together a lot.

How has David Mccray developed as a player since you were his teammate?

I have seen him grow in confidence every season, our first year together was tough on a lot of players so it is good to see him breaking out of that. He is shooting and making plays much better this season.

What do you remember from the 89-86 loss in Ludwigsburg earlier this season?

I remember it being my first game in a mask after having surgery on my nose. We were in the game the whole time but didn't make enough plays to finish.

The Walter Tigers Tuebingen had a big win in Bonn. Is the club now ready for a run?

Bonn was a very good win on the road for us, we need to take the good things we did and carry them over from game to game to build momentum.

EnBW Ludwigsburg is a very talented team. What will be key in getting a important home win?

They are a talented and experienced team. We need to control our offense and make good plays for each other. I think getting the fans involved early will help us in an emotional atmosphere.

Where will you be watching the Super Bowl and who will win any why?

Probably with my teammates at one of the apartments. My pick is Green Bay, they have great receivers.

Kyle Hines (Brose Baskets Bamberg)Pregame Thoughts To Deutsche Bank Skyliners Game Feb 5th. Any Pass Coming To Me Is A Great Pass Especially Coming From Dashaun Wood - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Kyle Hines (198-F/C-86) is a 24 year old 198cm power forward from Sicklerville, New Jersey that is playing his first season with the Brose Baskets Bamberg. He is a powerful player who loves to attack the basket. Has a good 1-vs-1 game and likes to go inside. He is undersized to play the power forward, but his great wingspan (7-1) allows him to guard taller players and to intimidate. He's also a great leaper and reads the opponent's game well He played at NC-Greensboro (NCAA) from 2004-2008. In his senior year, he played 31 games: 19.2ppg, 9.1rpg, 1.4apg, 1.8spg, 3.1bpg, FGP: 55.6%, 3Pts: 12.5%, FT: 62.8%. He was invited to play at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft): 3 games: 17.3ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.3apg, 2.3spg, 3.3bpg, FGP: 78.6%, FT: 72.7%. He then had predraft workouts with Sacramento Kings and the Charlotte Bobcats (NBA). He then went to Europe to Italy and played with Prima Veroli (Italy-Lega2, starting five): 34 games: 16.9ppg, Reb-4 (8.6rpg), 3.0spg, Blocks-2 (1.8bpg), FGP-2 (66.0%), FT: 58.5%. In 2009, he took part in the Orlando Pro Summer League (Oklahoma City Thunder). In 2009-2010, he stayed in Italy with Prima Veroli (Italy-Lega2, starting five): 40 games: 18.5ppg, 8.1rpg, Steals-2 (3.5spg), Blocks-4 (1.6bpg), FGP-3 (64.0%), 3PT: 18.8%, FT: 57.8%. He played NBA Summer League in Las Vegas (New Orleans Hornets) in the summer of 2010. He took some time to talk to Eurobasket before the game against The Deutsche Bank Skyliners February 5th.

Bamberg had a strong 73-58 win in Bremerhaven. Besides the win what was the most positive thing Bamberg took out of this win?

The positive thing for us in the win was that Bremerhaven is a possible team that we could see in the playoffs. The win gives us good confidence, if we are matched up with them, in that we were able to get a victory on their home court.

How happy were you with the first half of the season and what does Bamberg have to do better in the second half of the season?

As a whole I was very happy with out first half of the season. We were able to only lose one time in the first round of games. We have to just keep getting better everyday and keep improving as a team because the 2nd part of the season is going to be tougher.

What is your memory of the 71-62 win against Frankfurt at the start of the season?

I remember it was a tough game. Frankfurt played tough against and we had to fight to pull out the victory. I think it will be the same type of game saturday evening.

Frankfurt is coming off a buzzer beater win in Duesseldorf, the place where Bamberg suffered their only BEKO BBL loss of season. Frankfurt didnt have their best performance, but they won in exciting fashion. Will this win help them more or hurt them more coming into the Bamberg game?

I think it will help them. It is always better for a team coming into a big game after a win the pervious week.

How much are you looking forward to playing against Chris Moss? What do you like most about his game?

I really looking forward to the challenge of playing against Chris Moss. I think he is a really good player and it should be a competitive match up. What I like most is how active he is around the basket.

The Ballsporthalle in Frankfurt will be sold out and will be loud. What will be key in winning the game?

The key to the game for us is our Defense. If we able to put together multiple stops through the game, we will be able to successful.

If you could play on a team with Dashaun Wood what would be the perfect pass to get from him for the perfect Kyle Hines (198-F/C-86) basket?

Any pass to me is a great pass. LOL Especially coming from Dashaun. He is a great player.

Its Super Bowl time Sunday. Who will win the Packers or Steelers and why?

Steelers, Black and Yellow. I want them to win because they are from Pennsylvania. (My Birth State)

Thanks Kyle for the chat

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

GREECE

Aris released Bryant Dunston - by George Fragkos
One day before the game against local rivals PAOK, Aris Thessaloniki dismissed Bryant Dunston (201-F/C-86). The Greek club announced that the 24-year-old center is no longer a member of the roster, after their mutual decision to terminate their contract.

Two weeks ago, the American center lost his place in the team to John Thomas (206-F/C-75, college: Minnesota), who replaced him at the league games. Dunston was supposed just to participate in the Eurocup games however the club decided to spare the money they gave him and let him go.

Several clubs from France and also Israel were rumored to be interested in Bryant Dunston, when he was still an Aris Thessaloniki player, so it should not be very difficult for him to find a new team to play for.

Harold Jamison to join AEK - by Eurobasket News
AEK Athens have reportedly agreed on terms of contract with Harold Jamison (204-C-76, college: Clemson). The 34-year-old centre started the season in Trabzonspor. He averaged 9.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. Last season Harold Jamison tipped off in Seria A. He tallied 10.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.6 steals per game for Carife Ferrara. Later he moved to Trabzonspor. His stats reached 14.1 points, 6.4 boards and 2.0 assists per appearance. Harold Jamison used to play in Poland, Puerto Rico, Italy and NBA. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Italian Lega2 Centre of the Year back in 2006. He also received an All-Italian Seria A Honorable Mention in 2009.

Caja Laboral joins PAO on top of Group E - by Eurobasket News
Caja Laboral - Panathinaikos 77-70

Caja Laboral handed 77-70 loss to Panathinaikos joining them on top of Group E. Both teams have 2-1 record now. Fernando San Emeterio (198-G/F-84) was a key player for the Spanish champs as he scored 21 points. Mirza Teletovic (206-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) followed with 17 and Esteban Batista (208-F/C-83) added 11 pts, plus 5 boards. For the Greens, Drew Nicholas (191-G-81, college: Maryland) delivered 15 points. Mike Batiste (203-F-77, college: Arizona St.) and Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80) (11 as) were behind him with 14 and 12 points respectively.
Caja Laboral had minimum lead after first quarter (19-18) and they jumped to 34-26 in the finish of the next one. PAO had an answer for that making 2-7 run for 36-33 deficit at the halftime. Visitors opened the second half with quick 5-9 for 41-42 and teams exchanged in lead after that. The hosts started to make shots and PAO struggled offensively on the other side, what resulted with 12-4 run by Caja Laboral in the finish of Q3. However, PAO didnt give up and they slowly melted Caja Laborals lead in the last quarter. They came to 73-70 with just 20 ticks on the clock, but San Emeterio didnt tremble at the line, adding 2 more points and forcing Panathinaikos to take a risky shot on the following play. Diamantidis missed a three, and Teletovic capped a fastbreak with a dunk that secured the first Top 16 home win for the hosts, 77-70.
Teams will meet again in the next round and PAO will be the host.

Caja Laboral: Fernando San Emeterio 21, Mirza Teletovic 17, Esteban Batista 11+5 boards
PAO: Drew Nicholas 15, Mike Batiste 14, Dimitris Diamantidis 12+11 as

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

HOLLAND

Standings - Eredivisie

DBL Standings

1. GasTerra		21-2
2. ZZ Leiden		19-5
3. Eiffel Towers		17-6
4. Magixx		15-9
5. DeFriesland		12-12
6. BS Weert		10-14
7. Giants		9-15
8. ABC		9-15
9. Landstede		6-18
10. Rotterdam		1-23

Stats Leaders - Eredivisie

Points Per Game

Glenn STOKES
  BS Weert
  (170-G-76)
  Avg: 17.7

1. Stokes, BS Weert	17.7
2. Boxley, ZZ Leiden	16.4
3. Kimbrough, Giants	16.3
4. Laing, Magixx	15.7
5. Borha, Landstede	15.4
6. Blue, Giants	15.0
7. Brown, DeFriesland	15.0
8. McGhee, ZZ Leiden	14.7
9. Tiedeman, Giants	14.6
10. Hilliman, Rotterdam	14.5

Rebounds Per Game

Matt HARYASZ
  GasTerra
  (210-C-84)
  Avg: 9.8

1. Haryasz, GasTerra	9.8
2. Hilliman, Rotterdam	9.6
3. McDermott, Magixx	9.6
4. Sihota, Rotterdam	9.6
5. Griffin, Giants	8.9
6. de Randamie, ABC	8.7
7. Ellis, GasTerra	8.6
8. Sanchez, DeFriesl.	8.6
9. Hamm, BS Weert	8.3
10. McGhee, ZZ Leiden	7.7

Assists Per Game

Frank TURNER
  Eiffel Towers
  (178-G-88)
  Avg: 5.2

1. Turner, Eiffel T.	5.2
2. Bauscher, GasTerra	4.8
3. Stokes, BS Weert	4.0
4. Bostain, GasTerra	3.9
5. Kimbrough, Giants	3.9
6. Marshall, Lands.	3.6
7. Williams, DeFriesland	3.6
8. Slagter, ZZ Leiden	3.5
9. Jansen, Eiffel T.	3.4
10. Mladenovic, Rotte.	3.1

Steals Per Game

Frank TURNER
  Eiffel Towers
  (178-G-88)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Turner, Eiffel T.	2.7
2. McDermott, Magixx	2.5
3. Dourisseau, GasTe.	2.3
4. Jackson, ZZ Leiden	2.3
5. Taylor, Magixx	2.3
6. McGhee, ZZ Leiden	2.2
7. Bostain, GasTerra	2.2
8. Marshall, Lands.	2.1
9. McDowell, BS Weert	2.0
10. Williams, DeFriesland	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Marcel AARTS
  Eiffel Towers
  (213-C-83)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Aarts, Eiffel T.	1.5
2. Hairston, BS Weert	1.5
3. Blue, Giants	1.1
4. Bekkering, ZZ Le.	1.1
5. Hilliman, Rotterdam	0.9
6. McDermott, Magixx	0.8
7. Mullery, Landstede	0.8
8. Smith, Eiffel Towers	0.8
9. Strong, Landstede	0.8
10. Hamm, BS Weert	0.8

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

ICELAND

Stats Leaders (Men)

Points Per Game

Thomas SANDERS
  Keflavik
  (191-G-85)
  Avg: 27.8

1. Sanders, Keflavik	27.8
2. Trifunovic, Keflavik	25.0
3. Springer, Fjolnir	23.8
4. Inge, Haukar	22.9
5. Bartolotta, IR	21.8
6. Smith, Grindavik	21.6
7. Smith, Njardvik	21.3
8. Dabney, Hamar	21.1
9. Fain, Tindastoll	21.0
10. Biedler, IR	20.9

Rebounds Per Game

Gerald ROBINSON
  Haukar
  (204-F-84)
  Avg: 14.5

1. Robinson, Haukar	14.5
2. Biedler, IR	12.5
3. Ermolinskij, KR	11.7
4. Trifunovic, Keflavik	11.1
5. Springer, Fjolnir	11.0
6. Pettinella, Grindavik	10.6
7. Fain, Tindastoll	10.4
8. Amoroso, Snaefell	10.3
9. Stywall, Fjolnir	9.8
10. Jonsson, Snaefell	9.6

Assists Per Game

Aegir STEINARSSON
  Fjolnir
  (182-G-91)
  Avg: 8.7

1. Steinarsson, Fjolnir	8.7
2. Ermolinskij, KR	8.2
3. Vilhjalmsson, Kefla.	7.4
4. Smith, Grindavik	7.0
5. Burton, Snaefell	6.3
6. Haraldsson, Haukar	5.6
7. Cunningham, Tinda.	5.5
8. Shouse, Stjarnan	5.4
9. Inge, Haukar	5.1
10. Schoen, KFI	5.1

Steals Per Game

Hayward FAIN
  Tindastoll
  (196-F-)
  Avg: 3.6

1. Fain, Tindastoll	3.6
2. Inge, Haukar	3.2
3. Schoen, KFI	3.1
4. Dabney, Hamar	2.9
5. Kitanovic, Tindastoll	2.7
6. Rivers, Tindastoll	2.6
7. Milicevic, KFI	2.6
8. Biedler, IR	2.5
9. Vilhjalmsson, Kefla.	2.4
10. Cunningham, Tinda.	2.4

Blocks Per Game

Christopher SMITH
  Njardvik
  (198-F-82)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Smith, Njardvik	3.2
2. Nathanaelsso., Ham.	2.5
3. Biedler, IR	1.9
4. Fain, Tindastoll	1.7
5. Pettinella, Grindavik	1.7
6. Sanders, Keflavik	1.6
7. Savarsson, Grind.	1.6
8. Hafsteinsson, Fjolnir	1.4
9. Aorsteinsson, Kefla.	1.3
10. Magnusson, KR	1.2

Standings - Iceland Express League

Express L. Standings

1. Snaefell		13-3
2. Grindavik		12-4
3. KR		12-4
4. Keflavik		11-5
5. Haukar		8-8
6. Stjarnan		8-8
7. Tindastoll		7-9
8. IR		6-10
9. Njardvik		6-10
10. Fjolnir		5-11
11. Hamar		5-11
12. KFI		3-13

Express L. Round 16: Grindavik loses to IR - by Eurobasket News
The most important game in the last round took place in Reykjavik between second ranked Grindavik (12-4) and ninth ranked IR (6-10) on Thursday night. Grindavik was crushed by IR on the road 69-92. The game was mostly controlled by IR. Grindavik managed to win fourth quarter 20-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Grindavik 32-21 including 24 on the defensive glass. IR looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists comparing to just 7 passes made by Grindavik's players. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Kelly Biedler (196-88, college: Mt.St.Mary's) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 16 points, 14 rebounds and 8 assists. Serbian-Canadian forward Nemanja Sovic (198-77, college: Pfeiffer) contributed with 26 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. The former international swingman Aorleifur Alafsson (192-84) replied with 14 points for Grindavik. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. IR moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Njardvik. Grindavik at the other side keeps the second position with four games lost. They share it with KR. IR is looking forward to face higher ranked Haukar (#5) in Hafnarfjordur in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Grindavik will play at home against the league's leader Snaefell having rather not much hope for a victory.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Keflavik (11-5) against fourth ranked KR (12-4) on Thursday night. Visiting Keflavik was defeated by KR in Reykjavik 99-85. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Keflavik. It was a key game for the second position in the league. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Marcus Walker (186-86, college: Colorado St.) who helped to win the game recording 27 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists (made all of his seven free throws) and Hreggviaur Magnusson who added 19 points during the contest. At the losing side American guard Thomas Sanders (191-85, college: Gardner-Webb, agency: Duran International) responded with 24 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. KR have an impressive five-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Grindavik. Keflavik at the other side dropped to the fourth position with five games lost. KR will play against Njardvik (#9) in Njardvik in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Keflavik will play at home against Fjolnir (#10) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Express L. top team - Snaefell (13-3) managed to deliver another win on Thursday. This time they beat sixth ranked Tindastoll (7-9) in Stykkisholmur 99-85. The winners were led by Sean Burton who scored that evening 35 points (!!!), 7 rebounds and 7 assists. Even 30 points and 9 rebounds by Dragoljub Kitanovic did not help to save the game for Tindastoll. Defending champion maintains first position with 13-3 record. Loser Tindastoll dropped to the seventh place with nine games lost. Snaefell will meet league's second-placed Grindavik on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Tindastoll will play against Stjarnan (#6) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
A very interesting game took place in Hamar. It ended with only one-point home defeat of 10th ranked Hamar (5-11) to eleventh ranked Njardvik (6-10) 78-77 on Thursday evening. Jonathan Moore fired 19 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Njardvik's coach Sigurour Ingimundarson used entire bench in such tough game. Njardvik moved-up to eighth place, which they share with IR. Hamar lost eighth consecutive game. They keep the tenth position with 11 games lost. Njardvik's next round opponent will be higher ranked KR (#3) in Reykjavik and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Hamar will play on the road against KFI (#12) in Reykjavik and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the last two games of round 16 bottom-ranked KFI was beaten by Stjarnan on the road 83-75. Haukar won against Fjolnir on its own court 91-75.

Hamar - Njardvik 77-78

A very interesting game took place in Hamar. It ended with only one-point home defeat of 10th ranked Hamar (5-11) to eleventh ranked Njardvik (6-10) 78-77 on Thursday evening. The guests were tied after three quarters but managed to speed up in last quarter eventually winning the game. American-German swingman Jonathan Moore (203-82, college: N.C.Central, agency: 540 Sports) fired 19 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. American forward Christopher Smith (198-82, college: St.Edward's) chipped in 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 blocks. Four Njardvik players scored in double figures. Njardvik's coach Sigurour Ingimundarson used entire bench in such tough game. American swingman Devin Sweetney (198-87, college: St.Francis, PA, agency: Strategic Sports) produced 26 points and 9 rebounds and swingman Darri Hilmarsson (191-87) added 22 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) respectively for lost side. Njardvik moved-up to eighth place, which they share with IR. Hamar lost eighth consecutive game. They keep the tenth position with 11 games lost. Njardvik's next round opponent will be higher ranked KR (#3) in Reykjavik and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Hamar will play on the road against KFI (#12) in Reykjavik and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Njardvik: J.Moore 19+7reb+3ast, C.Smith 17+5reb+3ast, H.Jonsson 15+5reb, N.Tomasevic 12+8reb+4ast, J.Alafsson 8+3reb+2ast, P.Kristinsson 4+2reb+1ast
Hamar: D.Sweetney 26+9reb+2ast, D.Hilmarsson 22+7reb+4ast, K.Karason 12+3reb+1ast, E.Arnarson 8+2reb+9ast, N.Taraskus 6+1reb+1ast, S.Halldorsson 2

Stjarnan - KFI 83-75

No shocking result in a game when seventh ranked Stjarnan (8-8) beat at home bottom-ranked KFI (3-13) 83-75. The hosts were already 12 points ahead after 3 quarters before a 25-21 KFI's run in the last quarter cut the lead to 83-75 at the end of the game. Stjarnan dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to KFI's 26. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. American guard Justin Shouse (180-81, college: Mercyhurst) fired 21 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists for the winners. American-Estonian forward Renato Lindmets (198-84, college: Westfield St., agency: Tank Sports) chipped in 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Serbian forward Darco Milosevic (196) produced 18 points and American guard Craig Schoen (178-83, college: Georgetown, KY) added 16 points and 4 steals respectively for lost side. Five Stjarnan and four KFI players scored in double figures. Stjarnan moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Haukar. Newly promoted KFI stay at the bottom position with 13 games lost. Stjarnan's next round opponent will be Tindastoll (#7) in Sauoarkrokur. KFI will play at home against Hamar (#11) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Stjarnan: J.Shouse 21+6reb+9ast, R.Lindmets 20+6reb+4ast, M.Valdimarsson 13+3reb, J.Zdravevski 11+11reb+1ast, G.Larusson 10+5reb+4ast, D.Guamundsson 5+3reb+1ast
KFI: D.Milosevic 18+4reb+1ast, C.Schoen 16+3reb+3ast, M.Milicevic 12+3reb+2ast, C.Josey 12+5reb+3ast, R.McNutt 7+7reb+3ast, N.Knezevic 5+2reb+1ast

Snaefell - Tindastoll 99-85

Express L. top team - Snaefell (13-3) managed to deliver another win on Thursday. This time they beat sixth ranked Tindastoll (7-9) in Stykkisholmur 99-85. Snaefell had a 31-19 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The winners were led by American guard Sean Burton (175-86, college: Ithaca) who scored that evening 35 points (!!!), 7 rebounds and 7 assists and forward Jon Olafur Jonsson (199-81) supported him with 25 points and 11 rebounds (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field). Four Snaefell players scored in double figures. Even 30 points and 9 rebounds by Serbian center Dragoljub Kitanovic (203-85) did not help to save the game for Tindastoll. American forward Hayward Fain (196, college: St.Augustine, agency: Strategic Sports) added 24 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals for lost side. Defending champion maintains first position with 13-3 record. Loser Tindastoll dropped to the seventh place with nine games lost. Snaefell will meet league's second-placed Grindavik on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Tindastoll will play against Stjarnan (#6) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Snaefell: S.Burton 35+7reb+7ast, J.Olafur Jonsson 25+11reb+2ast, P.Sigurgeirsson 16+4reb+7ast, S.Daviasson 10+9reb+4ast, D.Kazmi 6+5reb, E.Johannsson 5+1reb+1ast
Tindastoll: D.Kitanovic 30+9reb+1ast, H.Fain 24+10reb+5ast, F.Hreinsson 11+3reb, S.Cunningham 9+1reb+6ast, H.Viggosson 8+4reb+1ast, H.Birgisson 3+1reb+1ast

IR - Grindavik 92-69

The most important game in the last round took place in Reykjavik between second ranked Grindavik (12-4) and ninth ranked IR (6-10) on Thursday night. Grindavik was crushed by IR on the road 69-92. The game was mostly controlled by IR. Grindavik managed to win fourth quarter 20-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Grindavik 32-21 including 24 on the defensive glass. IR looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists comparing to just 7 passes made by Grindavik's players. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Kelly Biedler (196-88, college: Mt.St.Mary's) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 16 points, 14 rebounds and 8 assists. Serbian-Canadian forward Nemanja Sovic (198-77, college: Pfeiffer) contributed with 26 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. The former international swingman Aorleifur Alafsson (192-84) replied with 14 points and American-Italian power forward Ryan Pettinella (206-84, college: Cincinnati) added 13 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Grindavik. Four Grindavik players scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. IR moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Njardvik. Grindavik at the other side keeps the second position with four games lost. They share it with KR. IR is looking forward to face higher ranked Haukar (#5) in Hafnarfjordur in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Grindavik will play at home against the league's leader Snaefell having rather not much hope for a victory.
Top scorers:
IR: N.Sovic 26+7reb+2ast, J.Bartolotta 22+4reb+2ast, K.Biedler 16+14reb+8ast, H.Friariksson 9+1reb+2ast, A.Hloeaversson 7, S.Claesson 6+1reb+3ast
Grindavik: K.Sims 17+1reb+1ast, A.Alafsson 14+4reb+1ast, R.Pettinella 13+5reb+1ast, H.Einarsson 11+2reb, G.Eyjolfsson 5+1reb, P.Axel Vilbergsson 5+6reb

Haukar - Fjolnir 91-75

Rather expected game when 8th ranked Fjolnir (5-11) lost to fifth ranked Haukar (8-8) in Hafnarfjordur 75-91. It looked good early as Fjolnir took an 5-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Haukar had a 31-17 second period charge getting the lead and Fjolnir was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 75-91. Haukar players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists. American guard Semaj Inge (193-87, college: Temple) fired 30 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Dutch-American forward Gerald Robinson (204-84, college: Tennessee-Martin, agency: Court Side) chipped in a double-double by scoring 22 points and 13 rebounds. American forward Brandon Springer (196, college: Cumberland) produced a double-double by scoring 18 points and 11 rebounds and the former international forward Ingvaldur Hafsteinsson (200-81) added 15 points and 12 rebounds respectively for lost side. Fjolnir's coach Tomas Holton rotated ten players seeing no chance for a win. Newly promoted Haukar maintains fifth position with 8-8 record, which they share with Stjarnan. Fjolnir at the other side dropped to the tenth place with 11 games lost. Haukar's next round opponent will be IR (#8) in Reykjavik. Fjolnir will play on the road against Keflavik.
Top scorers:
Haukar: S.Inge 30+6reb+4ast, G.Robinson 22+13reb+1ast, H.Askarsson 21+6reb+2ast, S.Sveinsson 6+9reb+2ast, P.Hermannsson 6+4reb+1ast, O.Siguraarson 4+2reb+1ast
Fjolnir: B.Springer 18+11reb+1ast, I.Hafsteinsson 15+12reb, A.Steinarsson 10+8reb+7ast, T.Tomasson 9+1reb+2ast, A.Guamundsson 7+2reb+1ast, J.Sverrisson 6+6reb+3ast

KR - Keflavik 99-85

Very important is a road loss of third ranked Keflavik (11-5) against fourth ranked KR (12-4) on Thursday night. Visiting Keflavik was defeated by KR in Reykjavik 99-85. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Keflavik. It was a key game for the second position in the league. The game was mostly controlled by KR. Keflavik was better in second period 30-25. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Keflavik to just 7 points in third quarter. KR dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Keflavik's 40. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Marcus Walker (186-86, college: Colorado St.) who helped to win the game recording 27 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists (made all of his seven free throws) and the former international forward Hreggviaur Magnusson (198-82) who added 19 points during the contest. Five KR players scored in double figures. At the losing side American guard Thomas Sanders (191-85, college: Gardner-Webb, agency: Duran International) responded with 24 points and 6 rebounds and the former international guard Axel Vilhjalmsson (188-88) scored 18 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. KR have an impressive five-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Grindavik. Keflavik at the other side dropped to the fourth position with five games lost. KR will play against Njardvik (#9) in Njardvik in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Keflavik will play at home against Fjolnir (#10) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
KR: M.Walker 27+7reb+6ast, H.Magnusson 19+3reb+2ast, F.Magnusson 14+2reb, P.Ermolinskij 11+8reb+3ast, B.Bjoernsson 10+2reb+2ast, F.Alafsson 4+2reb+2ast
Keflavik: T.Sanders 24+6reb+1ast, A.Vilhjalmsson 18+5reb+3ast, J.Hafsteinsson 10+1reb+2ast, G.Aorsteinsson 8+2reb+1ast, M.Gunnarsson 8+2reb+7ast, H.Halldorsson 8+3reb

Fjolnir add Andrew Bennett, Grindavik land Kevin Sims - by Eurobasket News
Fjolnir signed a deal with Andrew Bennett (208-C, agency: JEMsports, college: N.Georgia). The centre spent the preseason with the Leicester Riders but never inked a contract. Andrew Bennett graduated from the North Georgia University in 2010. The centre tallied 10.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game for the Saints in his senior season. Andrew Bennett scored 6 pointsand grabbed 4 boards in his debut on Thursday.
Kevin Sims (178-G-88, college: Tulane) has agreed on terms of contract with Grindavik. The 22-year-old guard started the season in AS de Sale in Morocco. The guard graduated from the Tulane University in 2010. He tallied 11.2 points, 3.0 assists and 2.9 rebounds per game for the Green Wave in the senior season. Kevin Sims has already debuted for Grindavik against IR. The guard tallied 17 points in the loss.

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

ISRAEL

Lior Segev signed in Netanya - by Ofer Shamur
The Israeli guard, Lior Segev (190-G-83, agency: Gross Zeev ISA), signed on last Wednesday in Elitzur Netanya.
The 27-year-old guard played this season for Hapoel Holon, as he signed a one month contract on January. Due to financial issues, Holon couldn't stand the player's contract and decided to part ways.
This year, Segev played 6 games in Holon, averaging 5 points, 4.3 assists and 1.3 rebounds per game.
Segev will be a part of Netanya's roster on Monday, on the Israeli cup semi final against Hapoel Usishkin Tel Aviv

Stats Leaders - National League

Points Per Game

Brian ASBURY
  Hapoel T-A
  (200-F-85)
  Avg: 26.8

1. Asbury, Hapoel T-A	26.8
2. Hall, Beer Yaakov	24.4
3. Miller, Megido/Y.	23.7
4. Gomez, Beer Yaakov	23.1
5. Webb, Hapoel Tivon	22.7
6. Clemente, Megido.	22.5
7. Timberlake, Elitzu.	21.0
8. Young, Hod Hasharon	21.0
9. Dobie, Lev Hasharon	20.8
10. Tramiel, Kohav Yair	20.6

Rebounds Per Game

Jason JOHNSON
  Ironi Nahariya
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 12.5

1. Johnson, Ironi N.	12.5
2. Strong, Hapoel T.	11.2
3. Rosefelt, Ironi R.	10.7
4. Brandy, Hod H.	10.6
5. Ibrahim, Kohav Y.	10.1
6. Clemente, Megido.	10.1
7. McFarlin, Lev H.	9.0
8. Webb, Hapoel Tivon	9.0
9. Hardin, Elitzur Yavne	8.9
10. Utter, Hapoel T-A	8.7

Assists Per Game

Yoad BET-YOSEF
  Beer Yaakov
  (182-G-87)
  Avg: 7.1

1. Bet-Yosef, Beer Y.	7.1
2. Lahat, Hapoel T-A	7.1
3. Farhi, Beer Yaakov	6.6
4. Eliyahu, Hapoel Afula	6.4
5. Shifman, Hapoel Beeri	5.8
6. Dobie, Lev Hasharon	5.3
7. Housman, Hapoel T.	5.2
8. Shaashoua, Hapoel T.	4.9
9. Hofman, Elitzur .	4.7
10. Timor, Hapoel Tivon	4.7

Steals Per Game

Nate MILLER
  Megido/Yokneam
  (193-F-87)
  Avg: 3

1. Miller, Megido/Y.	3.0
2. Eliyahu, Hapoel Afula	2.8
3. Delaney, Maccabi .	2.5
4. Shaashoua, Hapoel T.	2.2
5. Webb, Hapoel Tivon	2.2
6. Naor, Hapoel T-A	2.2
7. Harush, Kohav Yair	2.1
8. Young, Hod Hasharon	2.1
9. Stevens, Hapoel T.	2.1
10. Markson, Hapoel A.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Ben STRONG
  Hapoel Tivon
  (211-C-86)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Strong, Hapoel T.	2.7
2. Webb, Hapoel Tivon	2.2
3. Utter, Hapoel T-A	1.8
4. Aidan, Hapoel Beeri	1.8
5. Rosefelt, Ironi R.	1.8
6. Hugee, Hapoel Afula	1.6
7. Brandy, Hod H.	1.5
8. Hardin, Elitzur Yavne	1.4
9. Clemente, Megido.	1.3
10. Ibrahim, Kohav Y.	1.2

Maccabi Electra destroys Union Olimpija in Tel-Aviv - by Eurobasket News
Maccabi Electra - Union Olimpija 104-67

Maccabi Electra gave a real basketball lesson to Union Olimpija on Thursday evening. The Israeli powerhouse destroyed Olimpija 104-67 improving to 2-1 record in Group F. On the other side, Slovenians dropped to 1-2. Jeremy Pargo (188-G-86, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga) stepped up for the hosts with 21 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Lior Eliyahu (207-F-85, agency: ZAG Advocates) was perfect from the field scoring 20 points and he also grabbed 6 rebounds beside that. Sofoklis Schortsanitis (206-C-85) and Tal Burstein (198-G-80, agency: ZAG Advocates) netted 10 pts each. Olimpija got 15 points and 5 rebs from Giorgi Shermadini (216-C-89). Damir Markota (210-C/F-85) (8 rebs) had Kenny Gregory (197-G/F-78, college: Kansas) posted 14 pts apiece.
Maccabi had a great beginning as they made 28-10 lead in the first ten minutes. Olimpija was not able to recover in the second quarter and they faced with 23-point deficit at the halftime. It was already clear that Maccabi will take this one, despite Olimpija showed some energy in Q3 winning it 22-23. Jeremy Pargo and his teammates nailed 31 points in the last period and limited Olimpija to 18 for impressive 104-67 home win against the Slovenian champ.
Olimpija will host Maccabi in the next round.

Maccabi Electra: Jeremy Pargo 21+5 boards+6 as, Lior Eliyahu 20+6 biards, Sofoklis Schortsanitis 10, Tal Burstein 10
Union Olimpija: Giorgi Shermadini 15+5 boards, Damir Markota 14+8 boards, Kenny Gregory 14

Michael Badalov comes back to Elitzur Ramla - by Eurobasket News
Michael Badalov (201-F-87) comes back to Elitzur Ramla where he started his career. In 2005-2006 he started for Elitzur Ramla (National L.) and averaged 1.7ppg. Later in 2008-2009 after 22 games he increased his stats to 11.1ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 56.4%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 64.9%. In 2009-2010 moved to Maccabi Ashdod (National League, starting five) and after 28 games hs stats read 4.6ppg, 3.3rpg. In 2010-2011 started for Hapoel Yokneam/Megido (National League), in Feb.'11 moved to Elitzur Ramla (National League).
For Megido/Yokneam he recorded 17 points twice in the season. The second was when Megido/Yokneam (5-4) defeated at home 9th ranked Hod Hasharon (3-5) 113-96. American-Puerto Rican forward Ramon Clemente stepped up and scored 18 points and 9 rebounds for the winners, American forward Nate Miller chipped in 19 points and 6 assists and Michael Badalov had 17 points.
In his debut game for Elitzur Ramla, Michael Badalov scored 6 points as Ironi Nahariya (2-15) was defeated at home by eleventh ranked Elitzur Ramla (6-11) 86-72. Elitzur Ramla's next round opponent will be higher ranked Elitzur Yavne (#3) at home and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.

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

ITALY

Montepaschi cruises past Partizan on the road - by Eurobasket News
Partizan - Montepaschi 58-66

Montepaschi celebrated the first victory in Euroleague Top 16. They cruised past Partizan on the road in front of 19,255 home fans. Andrea Michelori (202-F/C-78) came up with 15 points and 5 rebounds for the winners and Rimantas Kaukenas (193-G-77, college: Seton Hall) netted 14 points. Nikolaos Zisis (195-G-83) helped his team with 13 points on Thursday night. In Partizan (0-3), James Gist (203-F-86) collected 15 points and 7 rebounds. Curtis Jerrells (185-G-87, college: Baylor) scored 13 and Jan Vesely (211-F-90) stopped to 9 points.
Montepaschi had great beginning as they made 10-17 lead, but Partizan closed the gap to 15-19 for rest of the first quarter. Visitors grabbed first double-digit lead at the beginning of the next period (15-25) and Partizan responded with 7-2 run. Rimantas Kaukenas and his teammates managed to keep plus five until the halftime and later in Q3 they move up to 30-39. The hosts were not able to answer this time and they faced with 41-50 deficit before the next ten minutes. Question about the winner was resolved at the beginning of Q4, when Montepaschi jumped to plus 13.
Montepaschi will host Partizan in Round 4.

Partizan: James Gist 15+7 boards, Curtis Jerrells 13, Jan Vesely 9
Montepaschi: Andrea Michelori 15+5 boards, Rimantas Kaukenas 14, Nikolaos Zisis 13

Regal Barca jumps to 3-0 in Group F - by Eurobasket News
Regal Barca - Lottomatica 80-56

The reigning Euroleague champion celebrated another victory in Top 16. This time Regal Barca was too strong for Lottomatica Roma 80-56 keeping the first place in Group F with 3-0 record. Visitors still look for the first win, 0-3. Alan Anderson (198-G/F-82, agency: Priority Sports, college: Michigan St.) scored 16 points for Barca and Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) added 13 pts, plus 5 assists. Kosta Perovic (217-C-85) also had 13 pts in this meeting. Lottomatica got 17 points from Ali Traore (207-C-85, agency: Beo Basket, college: S.Idaho JC) and 16 from Darius Washington (188-G-85, college: Memphis). Nemanja Gordic (194-G-88) had 13 pts.
Lottomatica had decent first period and they managed to resist until the last minute, when Juan Carlos Navarro stepped up for Barca and paced them to 21-17 lead after ten minutes. The hosts jumped to 28-21 at the beginning of Q2, but Ali Traore and his teammates replied with quick 2-9 run. Barca took control on Lottomatica for rest of the first half moving up to 45-56. They had plus 11 before that, but Gordic made the jumper in the Lottomaticas last possession. Question about the winner is resolved in Q3 as Barca won it with 16-9 for 61-45 before the last ten minutes. All after that was just the formality as Barca was increasing its lead.
Lottomatica will host Regal Barca in the next round.

Regal Barca: Alan Anderson 16, Juan Carlos Navarro 13+5 as, Kosta Perovic 13
Lottomatica: Ali Traore 17, Darius Washington 16, Nemanja Gordic 13

Roberto Chiacig joins Trenkwalder - by Eurobasket News
Trenkwalder announced the strengthening of their roster. They signed a deal with Roberto Chiacig (210-C-74). The veteran centre will play for Reggio Emilia till the end of the season. Roberto Chiacig tipped off the season in Sunrise Scafati Basket. He averaged 11.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game. Last season Roberto Chiacig started in Armani Jeans in Seria A. However he quickly moved to Scafati where the centre notched 14.6 points, 8.3 boards and 1.8 steals. He made it into Eurobasket.com LegaDue All-Domestic Players Team. Roberto Chiacig spent the bigger part of his long career in Italy. He also had stints with AEK in Greece and Pamesa Valensia in Spain. The centre was the European champion with Italy back in 1999.

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

KUWAIT

D1 Round 7: Al Qadsia defeats Kazma in the closest game of the week - by Eurobasket News
There are only two more rounds left in the Second Stage in D1.

Fourth-ranked Kazma (2-5) gave a tough game to second ranked Al Qadsia (6-1) in Kuwait City on Friday. Al Qadsia managed to secure only one-point victory 70-69. However their fans expected easier game. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Kazma. Al Qadsia maintains second place with 6-1 record behind leader Al Kuwait. Kazma at the other side dropped to the fifth position with five games lost. Al Qadsia's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Kuwait City Al Arabi.
Important game to mention about took place in Abu Halifa. Fifth ranked Al Sahel (3-4) saved a 3-point derby victory at home edging bottom-ranked Al Arabi (0-7) 83-80 on Friday evening. Al Sahel moved-up to third place, which they share with Al Jahraa. Al Arabi at the other side still closes the standings with seven games lost. Al Sahel will play against league's leader Al Kuwait in Kuwait City in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Al Arabi's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Kuwait City to the arena Al Qadsia.
Very significant was Al Kuwait's (#1, 7-0) victory against 3rd placed Al Jahraa (3-4) 79-68. Undefeated Al Kuwait (7-0) have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. They maintain first place with a perfect record of 7 victories in a row. Loser Al Jahraa keeps the third position with four games lost. They share it with Al Sahel. Al Kuwait will meet Al Sahel (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Al Jahraa will play against Kazma in Kuwait City and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Al Jahraa - Al Kuwait 68-79

Very significant was Al Kuwait's (#1, 7-0) victory against 3rd placed Al Jahraa (3-4) 79-68. Al Kuwait (7-0) have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. They maintain first place with a perfect record of 7 victories in a row. Loser Al Jahraa keeps the third position with four games lost. They share it with Al Sahel. Al Kuwait will meet Al Sahel (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Al Jahraa will play against Kazma in Kuwait City and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Al Qadsia - Kazma 70-69

Fourth-ranked Kazma (2-5) gave a tough game to second ranked Al Qadsia (6-1) in Kuwait City on Friday. Al Qadsia managed to secure only one-point victory 70-69. However their fans expected easier game. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Kazma. Al Qadsia maintains second place with 6-1 record behind leader Al Kuwait. Kazma at the other side dropped to the fifth position with five games lost. Al Qadsia's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Kuwait City Al Arabi.

Al Sahel - Al Arabi 83-80

Important game to mention about took place in Abu Halifa. Fifth ranked Al Sahel (3-4) saved a 3-point derby victory at home edging bottom-ranked Al Arabi (0-7) 83-80 on Friday evening. Al Sahel moved-up to third place, which they share with Al Jahraa. Al Arabi at the other side still closes the standings with seven games lost. Al Sahel will play against league's leader Al Kuwait in Kuwait City in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Al Arabi's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Kuwait City to the arena Al Qadsia.

Standings

D1 Standings

1. Al Kuwait		7-0
2. Al Qadsia		6-1
3. Al Sahel		3-4
4. Al Jahraa		3-4
5. Kazma		2-5
6. Al Arabi		0-7

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

LATVIA

Standings - LBAL

LBL D2 Standings

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

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Mareks JUREVICUS
  Tezenis Verona
  (198-G/F-85)
  Avg: 22.1

1. Jurevicus, Liepaja	22.1
2. Willjam, Barons	16.8
3. Wilson, Zemgale	16.1
4. Laksa, VEF Riga jrs	15.5
5. Bergmanis, Zemgale	15.4
6. Stimac, Ventspils	15.0
7. Mitchell, Liepaja	14.9
8. Berzins, VEF R.	14.9
9. Veselovs, Valmiera	14.5
10. Nelyubov, VEF R.	14.3

Rebounds Per Game

Roberts MEDNIS
  Turiba
  (204-C-89)
  Avg: 8.3

1. Mednis, Turiba	8.3
2. Stimac, Ventspils	7.7
3. Berzins, VEF R.	7.6
4. Aleksejevs, Liepaja	7.3
5. Wilson, Zemgale	7.2
6. Rozitis, Zemgale	6.6
7. Selakovs, VEF R.	6.5
8. Nelyubov, VEF R.	6.4
9. Piternieks, LU	5.9
10. Strelnieks, Ventspils	5.9

Assists Per Game

Mareks JUREVICUS
  Tezenis Verona
  (198-G/F-85)
  Avg: 4.9

1. Jurevicus, Liepaja	4.9
2. Bertans, VEF R.	4.5
3. Strelnieks, Ventspils	4.4
4. Gabrans, Valmiera	4.0
5. Bergmanis, Zemgale	3.8
6. Willjam, Barons	3.8
7. Feldmanis, Barons	3.5
8. Gailitis, VEF R.	3.5
9. Mitchell, Liepaja	3.3
10. Piternieks, LU	3.2

Steals Per Game

Mareks JUREVICUS
  Tezenis Verona
  (198-G/F-85)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Jurevicus, Liepaja	2.6
2. Mitchell, Liepaja	2.1
3. Jahovics, VEF R.	2.1
4. Cavars, Barons	2.0
5. Gailitis, VEF R.	1.9
6. Strelnieks, Ventspils	1.8
7. Slisans, LU	1.7
8. Motivans, Turiba	1.6
9. Berzins, VEF R.	1.5
10. Laksa, VEF Riga jrs	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Kaspars BERZINS
  VEF Riga
  (213-F/C-85)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Berzins, VEF R.	2.9
2. Rozitis, Zemgale	2.1
3. Mejeris, Liepaja	1.3
4. Beard, Liepaja	1.2
5. Skirmants, Barons	1.1
6. Meiers, Liepaja	1.0
7. Brunins, Zemgale	0.9
8. Kuzminskas, Ventspils	0.8
9. Aleksejevs, Liepaja	0.8
10. Piternieks, LU	0.8

LBL Standing

LBL Standings

1. Liepaja		13-5
2. Ventspils		12-2
3. VEF Riga jrs		11-6
4. Barons		10-7
5. Valmiera		7-7
6. Zemgale		6-9
7. Turiba		3-13
8. LU		2-15
Play in international cups:
1. VEF Riga		-

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

LIBYA

Standings

D1 Standings

1. Ahli Benghazi		9-1
2. Ittihad		7-2
3. Nasr		7-2
4. Ahli Tripoli		7-2
5. Shabab		4-5
6. Morog		4-6
7. Madina		3-6
8. Hilal		3-6
9. Jazeera		1-8
10. Yarmook		1-8

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

LIGA AMERICAS

Standings

Liga Americas Standings

Group E
1. Capitanes			1-0
2. Halc.Rojos			1-0
3. Flamengo			0-1
4. Penarol			0-1
Group F
1. BRB/Brasilia			0-0
2. Halc.Xalapa			0-0
3. Quimsa			0-0
4. Regatas C.			0-0

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Blake WALKER
  Gigantes
  (196-G/F-82)
  Avg: 27

1. Walker, Mavort	27.0
2. Machado, Flamengo	25.3
3. Giovannoni, BRB/B.	23.7
4. Matthews, Defensor	21.0
5. Ayuso, Capitanes	20.8
6. Carter, Caneros	20.7
7. Lo Grippo, Quimsa	20.3
8. Garcia Moral., Halc.X.	18.7
9. Romero, Espartanos	18.7
10. Brown, Sionista	18.3

Rebounds Per Game

Jack Michael MARTINEZ
  Cocodrilos
  (203-F/C-81)
  Avg: 14.7

1. Martinez, Cocodrilos	14.7
2. Kvietek, Dep.Espa.	13.0
3. Matthews, Defensor	10.7
4. Teichmann, Flame.	10.5
5. Jackson, Mavort	10.3
6. Zilli, Sionista	10.0
7. Henning, Toros	9.3
8. Araujo, Dep.Espanol	9.0
9. Roe, Halc.Xalapa	8.7
10. Giovannoni, BRB/B.	8.7

Assists Per Game

Nezinho DOS SANTOS
  BRB/Brasilia
  (186-G-81)
  Avg: 7

1. dos Santos, BRB/B.	7.0
2. Garcia, BR.	6.7
3. Gonzalez, Defensor	6.0
4. Franco, Sionista	5.3
5. Pagan, Toros	5.0
6. Mendez-V., Halc.Xal.	5.0
7. Mazzaro, Quimsa	5.0
8. Machado, Flamengo	4.5
9. Rivera, Halc.Rojos	4.3
10. Treise, Quimsa	4.0

Steals Per Game

Wilfredo PAGAN
  Toros
  (184-G-76)
  Avg: 3

1. Pagan, Toros	3.0
2. Robinson, Halc..	3.0
3. Garcia, Mavort	3.0
4. Campazzo, Penarol	2.8
5. Montas, Caneros	2.7
6. Woodward, Defensor	2.7
7. Garcia, BR.	2.3
8. Morales, Dep.Espa.	2.0
9. Treise, Quimsa	2.0
10. Rivera, Halc.Rojos	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Adrian HENNING
  Toros
  (203-F-82)
  Avg: 3

1. Henning, Toros	3.0
2. Hill, Halc.Rojos	2.3
3. Jackson, Mavort	2.3
4. Aubry, Capitanes	2.0
5. Kammerichs, Regat.	2.0
6. Traylor, Halc.Xalapa	1.7
7. Mata, Halc.Xalapa	1.7
8. Santos, Flamengo	1.5
9. Teichmann, Flame.	1.5
10. Roe, Halc.Xalapa	1.3

Liga-Americas Round: 1 (Second Stage) - by Eurobasket News

Group E

Penarol - Capitanes 80-85
Capitanes de Arecibo earned the first win in Liga Americas second stage. They held off Penarol in Group E action. Larry Ayuso (190-G-77, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: USC) fired 28 points to pace the Puerto Rican team. Capitanes opened the game with eight unanswered points to surge ahead. They recorded a 22:13 lead at the first intermission. Penarol went on a 14:5 run in the second quarter to narrow the deficit. But Capitanes responded with five points in a row and established a 40:32 lead. Penarol continued to threaten the margin as they narrowed the deficit to two points in the third term. Capitanes ran away once again piling up a 65:53 lead with ten minutes remaining. Larry Ayuso and Jeffrion Aubry (205-C-76, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Cornell) came up with crucial baskets late in regulation to win the game for Capitanes. Danilo Pinnock (196-G-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington) delivered 14 points and 6 boards for Capitanes. Daniel Santiago (216-C-76, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico) added 11 points in the win. Kyle Lamonte (191-G-84, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: William Carey) and Facundo Campazzo (180-G-91) netted 20 points each for Penarol. Leonardo Gutierrez (200-F-78) finished with 16 points in the loss.

Halc.Rojos - Flamengo 81-77
Halcones Rojos posted the first win at the second stage of Liga Americas. They knocked down Flamengo in Group E action in Veracruz. Jaime Lloreda (201-F/C-80, college: LSU) came up with 23 points and 11 rebounds to pace the Mexican team. Flamengo ensured the better start. Marcelinho Machado (199-F/G-75, agency: Interperformances) foresaw the Brazilian powerhouse earned a 19:16 lead after ten minutes. But Paul Stoll (178-G-85) was the main factor for the hosts in the second stanza. He nailed 8 points and the Mexican side grabbed a 34:30 halftime lead. Halcones Rojos used an 11:2 run in the third term to boost the margin. They entered the fourth quarter up by 11 points and rallied to the victory in the final term. Paul Stoll nailed 21 points for the winners. Brandon Robinson added 11 points for Halcones. Marcelinho Machado answered with 27 points for Flamengo. Baby Araujo (211-C-80, college: BYU) had 15 points in the loss.

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

LITHUANIA

Raptors Linas Kleiza could be out a year after surgery - by Eurobasket News
The bad news is stretching further than a 13-game losing streak for the Toronto Raptors.

Swingman Linas Kleiza (6'8''-F-85, college: Missouri), who signed a four-year, $18.8-million US contract over the summer, will be out between nine months and a year after having surgery on his right knee.

The surgery came in two parts. Kleiza had arthroscopic surgery to repair a meniscal tear, and the more serious microfracture surgery to repair a chondral defect in the same knee.

Kleiza, 26, has missed nine of the Raptors last 10 National Basketball Association games because of the damaged knee. He last played on Jan. 21, scoring four points in a 40-point loss to Orlando.

Dr. Richard Steadman performed the surgery in Vail, Colorado.

Thats bad, centre Andrea Bargnani said on Thursday afternoon. Personally, I just feel bad because hes a friend of mine. Out nine to (12) months is terrible. Its really bad.

In his first season as a Raptor, Kleiza was unquestionably disappointing. Bouncing back and forth from the starting unit to the bench, Kleiza averaged 11.2 points per game on 44 per cent shooting, shooting 30 per cent from three-point range and a career-worst 63 per cent from the free-throw line.

Plenty was expected from Kleiza after he was named to the all-tournament team at the world championships in Turkey. However, he was unable to claim the starting small forward spot with a firm grip, sharing it with Sonny Weems. Kleiza started in 23 of his 39 appearances.

Alas, the Raptors received a modicum of good news on Thursday. Leandro Barbosa, who has missed the Raptors past 11 games because of a sore hamstring, participated in practice and is expected to play against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.

With the injuries to Barbosa and Kleiza (not to mention Weems, previously), the Raptors have precariously thin at the two swingman positions as they have been accumulating losses.

Courtesy of www.vancouversun.com

Zalgiris tab Trent Plaisted - by Eurobasket News
Trent Plaisted (211-F/C-86, agency: Priority Sports, college: BYU) is the new player of Zalgiris Kaunas. The deal is meant till the end of the season. Trent Plaisted spent the preseason together with the Philadelphia 76ers. He later moved overseas to join Cedevita Zagreb. Trent Plaisted averaged 9.1 points, 3.9 boards per game in EuroCup. In Adriatic League the 24-year-old centre tallied 5.2 points, 3.7 rebounds per appearance. Last season Trent Plaisted played for Zadar in Croatia. His stats read 8.7 points, 6.2 boards and 1.5 blocks in EuroCup. In Adriatic League the centre averaged 6.6 points and 3.8 boards. Plaisted also posted 7.1 points and 4.0 boards in Croatian League.

Some transactions - by Evaldas Ceilytkas
Alytus Alita has reached agreement with new coach. Gintaras Kruckauskas will be new head coach till the end of the season. Last year he was head coach of Utena Juventus.
Nevezis Kedainiai parted ways with young guard Gediminas Butkus (183-G-89). He signed with Anyksciai team in second Lithuanian division.
Delikatesas Joniskis signed georgian player Nikoloz Vasakidze (192-G-85).
Mazeikiai decided to part ways with veteran player Augenijus Vaskys (196-G-72).

NKL Round 31: Meresta loses to Nafta Universitetas - by Eurobasket News
The game between second ranked Meresta (20-9) and seventh ranked Nafta Universitetas (17-12) was the most important one in the last round on Friday night. Meresta was defeated by Nafta Universitetas in a tough game in Pakruojis 73-78. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Meresta. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Meresta won third quarter 22-13. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Nafta Universitetas made 22-of-28 free shots (78.6 percent) during the game. Nafta Universitetas outrebounded Meresta 51-25 including a 21-6 advantage in offensive rebounds. 24 personal fouls committed by Meresta helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Julius Kazakauskas (197-90) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 25 points and 10 rebounds. Forward Viktoras Chodosovskis (200-89) contributed with 15 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Guard Tomas Balciunas (186-79) answered with 9 points and 6 assists for Meresta. Nafta Universitetas have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Zalgiris-Sabonio and LKKA-Atletas. Meresta at the other side keeps the second position with nine games lost. They share it with Radviliskis. Nafta Universitetas is looking forward to face league's second-placed Radviliskis at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Meresta will play against Perlas-MRU in Vilnius and is hoping to win this game.
NKL top team - Pieno Zvaigzdes (28-1) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed eighth ranked Perlas-MRU (14-15) in Pasvalys 103-61. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Perlas-MRU. It was a great evening for American guard Darrick Leonard (188-84, college: Aurora) who led his team to a victory scoring 18 points. Arnas Kazlauskas helped adding 16 points and 5 rebounds. At the losing side forward Karolis Brusokas (200-91) responded with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 15 rebounds. Pieno Zvaigzdes have an impressive series of twenty victories in a row. They maintain first place with 28-1 record. Perlas-MRU at the other side keeps the eighth position with 15 games lost. Pieno Zvaigzdes will play against LKKA-Atletas (#5) in Kaunas in the next round. Perlas-MRU will play at home against Meresta in Pakruojis and hopes to get back on the winning track.
A very close game took place in Joniskis between Delikatesas and Puntukas. Eleventh ranked Delikatesas (10-19) got a very close home victory over 15th ranked Puntukas (7-22). Delikatesas managed to escape with a 3-point win 93-90 on Friday evening. It was an exceptional evening for Julius Jucikas who led the winners and scored 25 points and 7 rebounds. Mindaugas Norkus came up with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds for Puntukas in the defeat. Puntukas' coach Gintautas Regina rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Delikatesas maintains eleventh place with 10-19 record, which they share with Erelita. Puntukas lost their third game in a row. Newly promoted team stay at the bottom position with 22 games lost. They share it with Akademija. Delikatesas will meet Akademija (#14) in the next round. Puntukas will play against Erelita-KTU in Kaunas and hope to secure a win.

Other games in round 31 were not that significant. ABRO-Univ. was smashed by Erelita on the road 75-43. Radviliskis won against Zalgiris-Sabonio on its own court 76-67. LKKA-Atletas unfortunately lost to Mazeikiai in a road game 75-80. Triobet Malsta managed to beat Akademija at home 70-57.
The most impressive performance of 31th round was 14 points and 10 rebounds by Azeez Oladimeji of Radviliskis.

Delikatesas - Puntukas 93-90

A very close game took place in Joniskis between Delikatesas and Puntukas. Eleventh ranked Delikatesas (10-19) got a very close home victory over 15th ranked Puntukas (7-22). Delikatesas managed to escape with a 3-point win 93-90 on Friday evening. The hosts were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. It was an exceptional evening for center Julius Jucikas (205-89) who led the winners and scored 25 points and 7 rebounds. Swingman Zilvinas Petraitis (194-88) accounted for 22 points for the winning side. Power forward Mindaugas Norkus (200-85) came up with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds and forward Darius Tarvydas (200-91) added 18 points respectively for Puntukas in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Puntukas' coach Gintautas Regina rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Delikatesas maintains eleventh place with 10-19 record, which they share with Erelita. Puntukas lost their third game in a row. Newly promoted team stay at the bottom position with 22 games lost. They share it with Akademija. Delikatesas will meet Akademija (#14) in the next round. Puntukas will play against Erelita-KTU in Kaunas and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Delikatesas: J.Jucikas 25+7reb+3ast, Z.Petraitis 22+2reb+1ast, L.Kutra 13+3reb+4ast, J.Blazys 11+7reb+3ast, N.Vashakidze 8+1reb+2ast, V.Pikalavicius 7+11reb+4ast
Puntukas: D.Tarvydas 18+3reb, M.Norkus 17+10reb, T.Rinkunas 16+1reb+1ast, S.Dankevich 12+3reb, V.Volodko 10+7reb, G.Marciukaitis 7+3ast

Erelita - ABRO-Univ. 75-43

The game between closely ranked teams ended with twelfth ranked Erelita-KTU's (10-19) home victory over 13th ranked ABRO-Universitetas (8-21) in Kaunas 75-43 on Friday. The game without a history. Erelita-KTU led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to ABRO-Universitetas' 28. Erelita-KTU forced 26 ABRO-Universitetas turnovers. It was an exceptional evening for guard Arturs Pelss (181-87) who led the winners and scored 16 points and 5 rebounds. Guard Matas Sapiega (180-90) accounted for 12 points and 5 assists for the winning side. Four Erelita-KTU players scored in double figures. Erelita-KTU's coach Vitoldas Masalskis felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Center Ignas Ramasauskas (210-93) came up with 8 points and 7 rebounds and swingman Povilas Rasamavicius (195-87) added 10 points and 5 rebounds respectively for ABRO-Universitetas in the defeat. The victory was the third consecutive win for Erelita-KTU. They moved-up to eleventh place, which they share with Delikatesas. Loser ABRO-Universitetas keeps the thirteenth position with 21 games lost. Erelita-KTU will meet bottom-ranked Puntukas (#15) in the next round. ABRO-Universitetas will play against Silute and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Erelita: A.Pelss 16+5reb+3ast, M.Sapiega 12+4reb+5ast, K.Pupinis 12+6reb+1ast, V.Metelica 11+3reb+4ast, M.Lisajevicius 8+3reb+1ast, V.Pliauga 7+3reb
ABRO-Univ.: V.Liutych 11+1reb+1ast, P.Rasamavicius 10+5reb, I.Ramasauskas 8+7reb, P.Knyza 8+1reb+1ast, A.Gurklys 3+2reb, T.Miezis 2+2reb+2ast

Radviliskis - Zalgiris-Sabonio 76-67

Rather expected game when 6th ranked Zalgiris-Sabonio (17-12) lost on the road to third ranked Radviliskis (20-9) 76-67 on Friday. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Zalgiris-Sabonio won third quarter 18-16. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. It was an exceptional evening for forward Audrius Mineikis (202-77) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 13 rebounds. Nigerian forward Azeez Oladimeji (204-89) accounted for 14 points and 10 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) for the winning side. Four Radviliskis players scored in double figures. Forward Zygimantas Skucas (200-92) came up with 12 points and 8 rebounds and forward Tauras Jogela (200-93) added 12 points respectively for Zalgiris-Sabonio in the defeat. Zalgiris-Sabonio's coach Priit Vene tested twelve players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Radviliskis moved-up to second place, which they share with Meresta. Zalgiris-Sabonio lost their third game in a row. They dropped to the fifth position with 12 games lost. They share it with Nafta Universitetas and LKKA-Atletas. Radviliskis will meet Nafta Universitetas (#7) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Zalgiris-Sabonio will play against Mazeikiai and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Radviliskis: A.Mineikis 17+13reb+1ast, A.Oladimeji 14+10reb+3ast, M.Pukinskas 12+3reb+3ast, R.Rauktys 12+6reb+2ast, L.Valantinas 11+1reb+1ast, Z.Kuklierius 6+3reb+4ast
Zalgiris-Sabonio: T.Jogela 12+2reb, Z.Skucas 12+8reb+1ast, V.Kariniauskas 9+2reb+3ast, P.Sorokas 9+1reb+4ast, M.Grigonis 9+1ast, K.Vecvagars 5+1reb

Mazeikiai - LKKA-Atletas 80-75

The game between closely ranked teams ended with fourth ranked Mazeikiai's (19-10) home victory over 5th ranked LKKA-Atletas (17-12) 80-75 on Friday. The hosts trailed by 2 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 1-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 80-75. It was an exceptional evening for American guard Bryan Harrison (188-84, college: Georgia Coll.) who led the winners and scored 12 points and 5 assists. Swingman Marijus Norkus (197-85) accounted for 15 points and 5 rebounds for the winning side. Five Mazeikiai players scored in double figures. Forward Vidmantas Sragauskis (200-86) came up with 27 points and 7 rebounds and guard Zygimantas Krupskis (192-92) added 17 points and 10 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) respectively for LKKA-Atletas in the defeat. Mazeikiai maintains fourth place with 19-10 record. LKKA-Atletas lost their third game in a row. They keep the fifth position with 12 games lost. They share it with Nafta Universitetas and Zalgiris-Sabonio. Mazeikiai will meet Zalgiris-Sabonio (#6) in the next round. LKKA-Atletas will play against the league's leader Pieno Zvaigzdes in Pasvalys and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Mazeikiai: M.Norkus 15+5reb+1ast, D.Vaitelis 13+5reb, J.Warren 13+2reb+1ast, B.Harrison 12+4reb+5ast, M.Sidlauskas 10+4reb+6ast, M.Kumpys 7+5reb+1ast
LKKA-Atletas: V.Sragauskis 27+7reb+2ast, Z.Krupskis 17+10reb, D.Gricius 13+3reb+2ast, S.Vingelis 8+1reb+5ast, A.Sakalauskas 6+3reb+1ast, T.Urbonas 4+6reb

Triobet Malsta - Akademija 70-57

Not a big story in a game when 14th ranked Akademija (7-22) lost to tenth ranked Triobet Malsta (12-17) in Jonava 57-70 on Friday. The game was mostly controlled by Triobet Malsta. Akademija managed to win fourth quarter 15-14. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Triobet Malsta forced 20 Akademija turnovers and outrebounded them 51-35 including 21 on the offensive glass. It was an exceptional evening for forward Henrikas Vorotnikovas (202-90) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds. Swingman Gytis Maciulevicius (194-87) accounted for 11 points and 8 rebounds for the winning side. Forward Osvaldas Olisevicius (196-93) came up with 13 points and 5 rebounds and guard Karolis Alekna (183-91) added 11 points respectively for Akademija in the defeat. Akademija's coach tested eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Triobet Malsta moved-up to ninth place. Akademija lost their fourth game in a row. They keep the fourteenth position with 22 games lost. They share it with Puntukas. Triobet Malsta will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Akademija will play against Delikatesas (#11) in Joniskis and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Triobet Malsta: H.Vorotnikovas 17+12reb+1ast, T.Sebeziovas 13+4reb+3ast, G.Maciulevicius 11+8reb+2ast, V.Kruzikas 11+3reb+1ast, A.Vasiliauskas 8+5reb+6ast, Z.Danielius 4+3reb
Akademija: O.Olisevicius 13+5reb, K.Alekna 11+2reb+2ast, M.Paliukenas 9+3reb, A.Jankaitis 7+7reb, E.Zinevicius 6+2reb, J.Armalis 3+1ast

Pieno Zvaigzdes - Perlas-MRU 103-61

NKL top team - Pieno Zvaigzdes (28-1) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed eighth ranked Perlas-MRU (14-15) in Pasvalys 103-61. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Perlas-MRU. The game without a history. Pieno Zvaigzdes led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 74 of its points in the paint compared to Perlas-MRU's 46. Pieno Zvaigzdes forced 21 Perlas-MRU turnovers. It was a great evening for American guard Darrick Leonard (188-84, college: Aurora) who led his team to a victory scoring 18 points. Power forward Arnas Kazlauskas (204-76, agency: Court Side) helped adding 16 points and 5 rebounds. Four Pieno Zvaigzdes players scored in double figures. At the losing side forward Karolis Brusokas (200-91) responded with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 15 rebounds and guard Paulius Semaska (179-93) scored 18 points and 5 assists. Pieno Zvaigzdes have an impressive series of twenty victories in a row. They maintain first place with 28-1 record. Perlas-MRU at the other side keeps the eighth position with 15 games lost. Pieno Zvaigzdes will play against LKKA-Atletas (#5) in Kaunas in the next round. Perlas-MRU will play at home against Meresta in Pakruojis and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Pieno Zvaigzdes: D.Leonard 18+3reb+1ast, A.Kazlauskas 16+5reb+1ast, Z.Fredrick 13+6reb+2ast, D.Griskenas 13+2reb+1ast, G.Vileita 12+3reb+4ast, R.Trakimas 11+6reb
Perlas-MRU: K.Brusokas 23+15reb, P.Semaska 18+2reb+5ast, E.Seskus 9+6reb, A.Gorskovas 6+1reb, M.Sakalauskas 2+3reb, T.Padegimas 2+1reb+2ast

Meresta - Nafta Universitetas 73-78

The game between second ranked Meresta (20-9) and seventh ranked Nafta Universitetas (17-12) was the most important one in the last round on Friday night. Meresta was defeated by Nafta Universitetas in a tough game in Pakruojis 73-78. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Meresta. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Meresta won third quarter 22-13. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Nafta Universitetas made 22-of-28 free shots (78.6 percent) during the game. Nafta Universitetas outrebounded Meresta 51-25 including a 21-6 advantage in offensive rebounds. 24 personal fouls committed by Meresta helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Julius Kazakauskas (197-90) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 25 points and 10 rebounds. Forward Viktoras Chodosovskis (200-89) contributed with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Four Nafta Universitetas players scored in double figures. Guard Tomas Balciunas (186-79) answered with 9 points and 6 assists and guard Liudas Radavicius (188-88) added 11 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Meresta. Nafta Universitetas have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Zalgiris-Sabonio and LKKA-Atletas. Meresta at the other side keeps the second position with nine games lost. They share it with Radviliskis. Nafta Universitetas is looking forward to face league's second-placed Radviliskis at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Meresta will play against Perlas-MRU in Vilnius and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Nafta Universitetas: J.Kazakauskas 25+10reb+1ast, V.Chodosovskis 15+12reb+2ast, M.Girdziunas 12+5reb+2ast, D.Anuzis 10+4reb+4ast, T.Klimas 9+9reb, D.Norkus 6+4reb+1ast
Meresta: A.Danusevicius 13+1reb, V.Padgureckas 12+3reb+2ast, L.Radavicius 11+5reb+1ast, M.Kumpis 10+1ast, T.Balciunas 9+3reb+6ast, S.Raziulis 8+2reb+3ast

Standings - NKL

NKL Standings

1. Pieno Zvaigzdes		28-1
2. Radviliskis		20-9
3. Meresta		20-9
4. Mazeikiai		19-10
5. LKKA-Atletas		17-12
6. Zalgiris-Sabonio		17-12
7. Nafta Universitetas		17-12
8. Perlas-MRU		14-15
9. Triobet Malsta		12-17
10. Silute		11-17
11. Delikatesas		10-19
12. Erelita		10-19
13. ABRO-Univ.		8-21
14. Akademija		7-22
15. Puntukas		7-22

Stats Leaders - NKL

Points Per Game

Vidmantas SRAGAUSKIS
  LKKA-Atletas
  (200-F-86)
  Avg: 23.1

1. Sragauskis, LKKA-.	23.1
2. Petraitis, Delikate.	22.1
3. Vingelis, LKKA-.	19.8
4. Tarvydas, Puntukas	18.3
5. Jurkus, Silute	18.1
6. Sebeziovas, Triobe.	17.5
7. Mineikis, Radviliskis	16.9
8. Cizauskas, Zalgir.	16.4
9. Jacevicius, Perla.	16.2
10. Vileita, Pieno Z.	16.1

Rebounds Per Game

Egidijus MOCKEVICIUS
  Akademija
  (204-C-92)
  Avg: 10.6

1. Mockevicius, Akade.	10.6
2. Cepukaitis, Zalgir.	10.5
3. Pikalavicius, Delika.	10.3
4. Oladimeji, Radvilis.	9.5
5. Nedzinskas, Silute	8.0
6. Brusokas, Perla.	7.7
7. Mineikis, Radviliskis	7.7
8. Kazakauskas, Nafta U.	7.1
9. Pupinis, Erelita	7.0
10. Kupsas, Zalgir.	7.0

Assists Per Game

Bryan HARRISON
  Mazeikiai
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 6.7

1. Harrison, Mazeikiai	6.7
2. Vingelis, LKKA-.	5.4
3. Kuklierius, Radvilis.	5.0
4. Vasiliauskas, Triobe.	4.7
5. Sapiega, Erelita	4.7
6. Cizauskas, Zalgir.	4.6
7. Leonard, Pieno Z.	4.5
8. Zymantas, Nafta U.	4.1
9. Virsilas, Silute	4.1
10. Kutra, Delikatesas	4.0

Steals Per Game

Bryan HARRISON
  Mazeikiai
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Harrison, Mazeikiai	2.9
2. Petraitis, Delikate.	2.7
3. Zymantas, Nafta U.	2.6
4. Metelica, Erelita	2.6
5. Vileita, Pieno Z.	2.4
6. Leonard, Pieno Z.	2.3
7. Radavicius, Meres.	2.3
8. Pauliukenas, Akade.	2.2
9. Jurkus, Silute	2.1
10. Sapiega, Erelita	2.1

Blocks Per Game

Ovidijus GALDIKAS
  Puntukas
  (217-C-88)
  Avg: 3

1. Galdikas, Puntukas	3.0
2. Mockevicius, Akade.	2.7
3. Kupsas, Zalgir.	1.8
4. Urbonas, LK.	1.8
5. Jucikas, Delikatesas	1.8
6. Cepukaitis, Zalgir.	1.4
7. Pupinis, Erelita	1.4
8. Oladimeji, Radvilis.	1.3
9. Ramanauskas, Sil.	1.2
10. Ramasauskas, ABRO-.	1.0

MEXICO

Toros beats Halcones Xalapa in Game One of the LNBP Semifinals - by Eurobasket News
Halcones Xalapa - Toros 97-100 (0-1)

Toros did a great job against Halcones Xalapa in the first game of the LNBP Semifinals. Toros celebrated in a high-scoring affair 97-100 as a guest for 1-0 lead in the series.
The guests were tied after three quarters but managed to speed up in last period eventually winning the game. Toros made 27-of-32 charity shots (84.4 percent) during the game, while Halcones Xalapa only scored eight points from the stripe. Toros players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Adrian Henning (203-F-82, college: Austin Peay St.) who helped to win the game recording 25 points and 5 assists (on 11-of-13 shooting from the field). Forward Quentin Joseph (200-F-84, college: McNeese St.) contributed with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. American power forward Robert Traylor (204-F/C-77, college: Michigan) answered with 24 points and 6 rebounds and Cedric McGowan added 20 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Halcones Xalapa. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures.
Second game is scheduled for today and Halcones Xalapa will be the host again.

Halc.Xalapa: R.Traylor 24+6reb+2ast, C.Mcgowan 20+6reb+3ast, O.Mendez-Valdez 15+2reb+8ast, V.Mariscal 14+4reb+4ast, L.Garcia Morales 11+4reb+6ast, A.Parada 9+4reb+1ast
Toros: A.Henning 25+4reb+5ast, A.Rougeau 19+5reb+4ast, Q.Joseph 18+12reb+2ast, I.Ofoegbu 17+5reb+3ast, W.Pagan 15+4reb+6ast, J.Hutchingson 4

Halcones Rojos tame Flamengo in Veracruz - by Eurobasket News
Halcones Rojos - Flamengo 81:77

Halcones Rojos posted the first win at the second stage of Liga Americas. They knocked down Flamengo in Group E action in Veracruz. Jaime Lloreda (201-F/C-80, college: LSU) came up with 23 points and 11 rebounds to pace the Mexican team.
Flamengo ensured the better start. Marcelinho Machado (199-F/G-75, agency: Interperformances) foresaw the Brazilian powerhouse earned a 19:16 lead after ten minutes. But Paul Stoll (178-G-85) was the main factor for the hosts in the second stanza. He nailed 8 points and the Mexican side grabbed a 34:30 halftime lead. Halcones Rojos used an 11:2 run in the third term to boost the margin. They entered the fourth quarter up by 11 points and rallied to the victory in the final term. Paul Stoll nailed 21 points for the winners. Brandon Robinson (202-F-81, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Auburn) added 11 points for Halcones. Marcelinho Machado answered with 27 points for Flamengo. Baby Araujo (211-C-80, college: BYU) had 15 points in the loss.

Halcones Rojos: Jaime Lloreda 23+11 boards, Paul Stoll 21, Brandon Robinson 11
Flamengo: Marcelinho Machado 27, Baby Araujo 15

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

MONTENEGRO

Hornets, Pavlovic agree to 10-day deal - by Eurobasket News
A person familiar with the situation says swingman Sasha Pavlovic (6'7''-F-83) will join the injury-riddled New Orleans Hornets under a 10-day contract.

The eight-year NBA veteran from Montenegro will sign the deal on Friday, the person told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Thursday because the deal is not yet official.

The addition of Pavlovic comes after starting small forward Trevor Ariza sprained his right ankle at Oklahoma City on Wednesday night, leaving Ariza questionable for Saturday night's home game against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Pavlovic joined the NBA with Utah in the 2003-04 season, then five seasons with Cleveland, one with Minnesota and spent 10 games this season with Dallas.

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

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

MOROCCO

Morocco Basketball Throne Cup 2010/2011. First Stage - by Eurobasket News
Twelve teams celebrated the wins in the First Stage of the Morocco Basketball Throne Cup 2010/2011. In two games the victories were added to the teams that just came to the game as WYDAD SPORTIF DE SEFROU and USF UNION SPORTIVE DE FES got penalties for not appearing in the game. Below are the games of the first stage:

First Stage

CODM Mekns 59 : 52 Kenitra AC
AMAL SPORTIF ALHOCEIMA 24 : 42 MCO Mouloudia Oujda
CLUB OLYMPIC JEDIDA 58 : 70 OCS Olympique de Safi
WYDAD SPORTIF DE SEFROU 0 : 20 AST Association Sportive Taza
CMC 56 : 67 Tihad SC
OCK Olympique de Khouribga 53 : 50 FAR Rabat
HUSA Hassania Agadir 78 : 48 KACM Kawkab de Marrakech
F.C.TETOUAN 65 : 84 RST TANGER
GOLDEN BASKET SIDI IFNI 52 : 60 MAISON D'ENFANTS de TANTAN
CSGB 20 : 0 USF UNION SPORTIVE DE FES
UNION TOUARGA SPORTIVE 25 : 68 MSR Maroc sportive Rabat
ARCH CHECHAOUEN 69 : 72 Ithri Rif Nador

WAC Casabl. beats MAF Fez by three after a very close game - by Eurobasket News
There will be only one (last) round of the Regular Season in D1.

The most exciting game of round 9 in the D1 took place in Fes. This derby game ended with only three-point home defeat of 8th ranked MAF Fez (3-6) to second ranked WAC Casabl. (6-3) 83-80 on Saturday evening. Guest team only slightly avoided a big embarassment. WAC Casabl. have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain second place with 6-3 record behind leader ASS Sale, which they share with CRA Hoceima. MAF Fez lost third consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with six games lost. WAC Casabl. is looking forward to face league's leader ASS Sale on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. MAF Fez will play against CRA Hoceima (#3) in Al Hoceima and is hoping to prove to their supporters that they can break losing series.
An interesting game for ASS Sale (7-0) which hosted in Sale 4th placed RCA Casabl. (5-4). Leader ASS Sale managed to get a 13-point victory 98-85. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for ASS Sale. They maintain first place with 7-0 record. RCA Casabl. at the other side keeps the fourth position with four games lost. They share it with FUS Rabat and RSB Berkane. ASS Sale will play against league's second-placed WAC Casabl. in Casablanca in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. RCA Casabl.'s supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Casablanca to the arena PCS Plazza C..
The game between third ranked CRA Hoceima (6-3) and 9th ranked ASE Essaou. (1-7) in Al Hoceima on Saturday ended with biggest points difference. CRA Hoceima beat guests from Essaouira 54-38. CRA Hoceima moved-up to second place, which they share with WAC Casabl. Loser ASE Essaou. keeps the ninth position with seven games lost. CRA Hoceima will meet MAF Fez (#8) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. ASE Essaou. will play against RSB Berkane.

In the last two games of round 9 FUS Rabat beat PCS Plazza C. on the road 74-70. Bottom-ranked IRT Tanger lost to RSB Berkane on its own court 69-73.

CRA Hoceima - ASE Essaou. 54-38

The game between third ranked CRA Hoceima (6-3) and 9th ranked ASE Essaou. (1-7) in Al Hoceima on Saturday ended with biggest points difference. CRA Hoceima beat guests from Essaouira 54-38. CRA Hoceima moved-up to second place, which they share with WAC Casabl. Loser ASE Essaou. keeps the ninth position with seven games lost. CRA Hoceima will meet MAF Fez (#8) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. ASE Essaou. will play against RSB Berkane.

MAF Fez - WAC Casabl. 80-83

The most exciting game of round 9 in the D1 took place in Fes. This derby game ended with only three-point home defeat of 8th ranked MAF Fez (3-6) to second ranked WAC Casabl. (6-3) 83-80 on Saturday evening. Guest team only slightly avoided a big embarassment. WAC Casabl. have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain second place with 6-3 record behind leader ASS Sale, which they share with CRA Hoceima. MAF Fez lost third consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with six games lost. WAC Casabl. is looking forward to face league's leader ASS Sale on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. MAF Fez will play against CRA Hoceima (#3) in Al Hoceima and is hoping to prove to their supporters that they can break losing series.

PCS Plazza C. - FUS Rabat 70-74

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams when sixth ranked FUS Rabat (5-4) beat 5th ranked PCS Plazza C. (4-4) in Casablanca 74-70 on Saturday. FUS Rabat moved-up to fourth place, which they share with RCA Casabl. and RSB Berkane. PCS Plazza C. lost their third game in a row. They dropped to the seventh position with four games lost. FUS Rabat will meet bottom-ranked IRT Tanger (#10) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. PCS Plazza C.'s supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Casablanca RCA Casabl..

ASS Sale - RCA Casabl. 98-85

An interesting game for ASS Sale (7-0) which hosted in Sale 4th placed RCA Casabl. (5-4). Leader ASS Sale managed to get a 13-point victory 98-85. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for ASS Sale. They maintain first place with 7-0 record. RCA Casabl. at the other side keeps the fourth position with four games lost. They share it with FUS Rabat and RSB Berkane. ASS Sale will play against league's second-placed WAC Casabl. in Casablanca in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. RCA Casabl.'s supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Casablanca to the arena PCS Plazza C..

IRT Tanger - RSB Berkane 69-73

Rather expected game when 10th ranked IRT Tanger (1-8) lost at home to seventh ranked RSB Berkane (5-4) 73-69 on Saturday. RSB Berkane moved-up to fourth place, which they share with RCA Casabl. and FUS Rabat. Loser IRT Tanger stay at the bottom position with eight games lost. RSB Berkane will meet ASE Essaou. (#9) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. IRT Tanger will play against FUS Rabat.

Standings - Men

D1 Standings

1. ASS Sale		7-0
2. WAC Casabl.		6-3
3. CRA Hoceima		6-3
4. RCA Casabl.		5-4
5. FUS Rabat		5-4
6. RSB Berkane		5-4
7. PCS Plazza C.		4-4
8. MAF Fez		3-6
9. ASE Essaou.		1-7
10. IRT Tanger		1-8

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

NBA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Kevin DURANT
  Oklah.City T.
  (206-G/F-88)
  Avg: 29.3

1. Durant, Oklah.Ci.	29.3
2. James, Miami Heat	26.6
3. Stoudemire, New Y.	26.1
4. Wade, Miami Heat	25.4
5. Bryant, LA Lakers	25.3
6. Ellis, Golde S.	25.1
7. Rose, Chicago B.	24.6
8. Gordon, LA Clippers	24.1
9. Anthony, Denver N.	23.8
10. Nowitzki, Dallas M.	23.2

Rebounds Per Game

Kevin LOVE
  Minnesota T.
  (208-C-88)
  Avg: 15.5

1. Love, Minnesota T.	15.5
2. Howard, Orlando M.	13.6
3. Randolph, Memph.	13.2
4. Griffin, LA Clipp.	12.7
5. Bogut, Milwauke.	11.7
6. Noah, Chicago B.	11.7
7. Camby, Portland TB	11.3
8. Gasol, LA Lakers	10.4
9. Boozer, Chicago B.	10.2
10. Okafor, N.Orlean.	10.1

Assists Per Game

Rajon RONDO
  Boston C.
  (186-G-86)
  Avg: 12.5

1. Rondo, Boston C.	12.5
2. Nash, Phoenix Suns	11.1
3. Paul, N.Orleans H.	9.6
4. Williams, Utah Jazz	9.4
5. Wall, Washington W.	9.3
6. Felton, New Y.	8.8
7. Calderon, Toron.	8.5
8. Westbrook, Oklah..	8.5
9. Kidd, Dallas M.	8.4
10. Rose, Chicago B.	8.2

Steals Per Game

Chris PAUL
  N.Orleans H.
  (183-G-85)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Paul, N.Orleans H.	2.5
2. Rondo, Boston C.	2.4
3. Ellis, Golde S.	2.2
4. Curry, Golde S.	1.9
5. Westbrook, Oklah..	1.9
6. Ginobili, San A.	1.8
7. Felton, New Y.	1.8
8. Evans, Sacramen.	1.8
9. Wall, Washington W.	1.8
10. Gay, Memphis G.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Andrew BOGUT
  Milwaukee B.
  (212-F/C-84)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Bogut, Milwauke.	2.8
2. McGee, Washingt.	2.5
3. Milicic, Minnesota T.	2.3
4. Howard, Orlando M.	2.2
5. Stoudemire, New Y.	2.2
6. Ibaka, Oklah.Ci.	2.1
7. Duncan, San A.	2.0
8. Camby, Portland TB	1.9
9. Jefferson, Utah J.	1.9
10. Hibbert, Indiana P.	1.8

Standings

NBA Standings

Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
1. Boston C.		37-11
2. New York K.		25-23
3. Philadelph.76		22-26
4. New Jersey N.		15-35
5. Toronto R.		13-37
Central Div.
1. Chicago B.		34-14
2. Indiana P.		19-27
3. Milwaukee B.		19-29
4. Detroit P.		17-32
5. Cleveland C.		8-41
Southeast Div.
1. Miami Heat		35-14
2. Atlanta H.		31-18
3. Orlando M.		31-19
4. Charlotte B.		21-27
5. Washington W.		13-35
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
1. Oklah.City T.		31-17
2. Denver N.		29-20
3. Utah Jazz		29-21
4. Portland TB		26-23
5. Minnesota T.		11-37
Pacific Div.
1. LA Lakers		34-16
2. Phoenix Suns		23-24
3. Golde State W.		21-27
4. LA Clippers		19-29
5. Sacramento K.		12-34
Southwest Div.
1. San Antonio S.		41-8
2. Dallas M.		33-15
3. N.Orleans H.		32-19
4. Memphis G.		26-24
5. Houston R.		23-28

Exciting Thursday (3 games) - by Eurobasket News
Orlando M. - Miami Heat 100-104
In the days leading up to Miami's third matchup of the season with Southeast Division-rival Orlando, LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) stressed that even at barely the midpoint of the season there was high importance for Thursday night's game. And James played like it, pouring in 51 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists - including a 23-point first quarter - to lead Miami to a 104-100 victory. It was a season high for James, whose scoring effort tied for the fifth most points of his career. Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) added 15 points and Chris Bosh 13. The victory was the Heat's fourth straight. The Magic lost for the fourth time in their last six and fell behind 2-1 in the season series with Miami. Jameer Nelson (6'0''-G-82, college: St.Joseph's) led Orlando with 22 points. Dwight Howard had 17 points and 16 rebounds, but only one point after halftime and was just 3 for 13 at the free throw line. Jason Richardson chipped in 16. *Courtesy of www.comcast.net

Golde State W. - Milwaukee B. 100-94
Monta Ellis (6'4''-G-85) wasn't picked for the All-Star game. If he was disappointed, it didn't show. He went out and had another terrific outing. Ellis, the league's sixth-leading scorer, and Stephen Curry (6'3''-G-88, college: Davidson) combined for 15 points in the final 4:38 and the Golden State Warriors rallied to beat the Milwaukee Bucks 100-94 Thursday night. Ellis hit a jumper with 17.3 seconds left to put the Warriors up by four points. He scored 24 points to lead Golden State, which won its second straight after a four-game skid. Curry had 16 points. Dorrell Wright also scored 16 points, while David Lee (6'9''-F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Florida) added 15 and Reggie Williams 13 as the Warriors ended a four-game slide against Milwaukee. *Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

LA Lakers - San Antonio S. 88-89
Antonio McDyess (6'9''-F-74, college: Alabama) tipped in Tim Duncan's missed jump shot right before the buzzer, and the San Antonio Spurs survived the Los Angeles Lakers' late rally for an 89-88 victory Thursday night. Tony Parker (6'0''-G-80) scored 17 of his 21 points in the second half, and Richard Jefferson added 18 in a defense-dominated meeting of the Western Conference's top two teams. San Antonio nursed a small lead through most of the second half until Lamar Odom's 3-pointer with 1 minute to play and Pau Gasol's free throws with 22.7 seconds left put the Lakers ahead. Manu Ginobili missed an open 3-pointer and Tony Parker missed a floater in the lane on the Spurs' final possession, but San Antonio twice got the ball back. Duncan's shot after an inbounds play then bounced high off the back rim, but McDyess slipped inside to tip it home an instant before the buzzer sounded. 'I was in the right place at the right time, and it bounced right to me,' said McDyess, who eluded Odom and Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) to tip it home. 'I haven't had too many (buzzer-beaters). I can probably count them on one hand, but this is a big one.' Gasol scored 19 points after being named to the All-Star team earlier in the day, and Bryant added 16 points on 5-for-18 shooting along with 10 assists and nine rebounds for the Lakers. *Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Clippers assign Willie Warren to NBA D-League affiliate Bakersfield Jam - by Eurobasket News
Los Angeles Clippers guard Willie Warren (6'4''-G-89, college: Oklahoma) was assigned to the Bakersfield Jam, the Clippers' NBA Development League affiliate, it was announced today. The assignment marks the 37th time in the 2010-11 season an NBA player has been assigned to an NBA D-League affiliate, and it is the first assignment for Warren, a rookie out of Oklahoma.

Warren (6-4, 203) has appeared in 14 games this season with the Clippers, averaging 2.2 points and 1.4 assists in 7.8 minutes. Warren also averaged 7.0 points and 1.4 rebounds in five games for the Clippers' 2010 NBA Summer League team.

The Clippers selected Warren, an early-entry candidate, in the second round (54th overall) of the 2010 NBA Draft. In two seasons at Oklahoma, Warren averaged 15.2 points, 2.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 57 games. As a freshman, Warren was an All-Big 12 Second Team selection, and was named the Big 12 Freshman of the Year. As a sophomore, Warren's 16.3 points per game led the Sooners, and he was named an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention player.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Hornets, Pavlovic agree to 10-day deal - by Eurobasket News
A person familiar with the situation says swingman Sasha Pavlovic (6'7''-F-83) will join the injury-riddled New Orleans Hornets under a 10-day contract.

The eight-year NBA veteran from Montenegro will sign the deal on Friday, the person told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Thursday because the deal is not yet official.

The addition of Pavlovic comes after starting small forward Trevor Ariza sprained his right ankle at Oklahoma City on Wednesday night, leaving Ariza questionable for Saturday night's home game against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Pavlovic joined the NBA with Utah in the 2003-04 season, then five seasons with Cleveland, one with Minnesota and spent 10 games this season with Dallas.

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

Hawks gives Raptors 13th straight loss. - by Darryl Reshaw
Hawks gives Raptors 13th straight loss.
By Robert Conley

The Hawks dominated the Raptors throughout the game with a season high performance from Joe Johnson (6'8''-F-81, college: Arkansas) of 37 points. He is playing at a high level at this mid point in the season. Joe Johnson has come on strong for the Hawks lately with a couple of back-to-back 30-point performances. If the solid play of Josh Smith (6'9''-F-85) and Alfred Horford (6'10''-F/C-86, college: Florida) continues the Hawks will be a tough group to play in the playoffs. They seem to be moving without the ball more than they did last season. That change in style should give them a better result in the playoffs.
Although he didnt score much in the game, A. Bargnani seems to be playing with confidence this season. He had several nice moves in the first half of the game but couldnt connect much late in the game. Jose Manuel Calderon (6'3''-G-81) was solid in the game, making many plays for himself and the team. The Raptors had a great performance by Amir Johnson (6'9''-F/C-87) shooting 8-11 from the floor , 4-4 from the candy stripe and adding 14 rebounds. Raptors coach Jay Triano called his performance very impressive in a post game interview. J. Calderon expressed his frustration of the teams situation saying, Its tough right now because we have injuries and we havent adjusted to the loss of CB (Chris Bosh). He believes however, the team will find a way to win games because they are confident in their ability to improve. In speaking about Joe Johnsons performance, coach Triano said, it was tough to slow down Joe. When he has it going hes tough to stop. The Hawks cruised to another home victory where they are 16-7 and 31-18 overall.

Raptors S. Weems 12pts, 6rebs, A. Johnson 20pts, 14rebs, A. Bargnani 12pts, D. DeRozan 16pts, J. Calderon 11pts, 10ast, J. Bayless 6pts, A. Ajinca 4pts (4min)

Hawks M. Evens 12pts, J. Smith 18pts, 11rebs, 4ast, A. Horford 12pts, 14rebs, 7ast, Joe Johnson 37pts, 8ast, M. Bibby 6pts, 4ast, Ja. Crawford 7pts, 4ast, Z. Pachulia 6pts, 6rebs

Thunder sent Byron Mullens to Tulsa 66ers - by Eurobasket News
Oklahoma City Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti announced today that the team has assigned center Byron Mullens (7'0''-C-89, college: Ohio St.) to the Tulsa 66ers of the NBA Development League.

In his first stint in Tulsa, Mullens appeared in one game, recording 19 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block in 33 minutes.

This season, the center is averaging 1.3 points, 1.6 rebounds and 4.7 minutes in 12 games for Oklahoma City.

Mullens will be in uniform tomorrow night when the 66ers take on the Utah Flash at the Tulsa Convention Center.

Courtesy of www.sportando.net

Raptors Linas Kleiza could be out a year after surgery - by Eurobasket News
The bad news is stretching further than a 13-game losing streak for the Toronto Raptors.

Swingman Linas Kleiza (6'8''-F-85, college: Missouri), who signed a four-year, $18.8-million US contract over the summer, will be out between nine months and a year after having surgery on his right knee.

The surgery came in two parts. Kleiza had arthroscopic surgery to repair a meniscal tear, and the more serious microfracture surgery to repair a chondral defect in the same knee.

Kleiza, 26, has missed nine of the Raptors last 10 National Basketball Association games because of the damaged knee. He last played on Jan. 21, scoring four points in a 40-point loss to Orlando.

Dr. Richard Steadman performed the surgery in Vail, Colorado.

Thats bad, centre Andrea Bargnani said on Thursday afternoon. Personally, I just feel bad because hes a friend of mine. Out nine to (12) months is terrible. Its really bad.

In his first season as a Raptor, Kleiza was unquestionably disappointing. Bouncing back and forth from the starting unit to the bench, Kleiza averaged 11.2 points per game on 44 per cent shooting, shooting 30 per cent from three-point range and a career-worst 63 per cent from the free-throw line.

Plenty was expected from Kleiza after he was named to the all-tournament team at the world championships in Turkey. However, he was unable to claim the starting small forward spot with a firm grip, sharing it with Sonny Weems. Kleiza started in 23 of his 39 appearances.

Alas, the Raptors received a modicum of good news on Thursday. Leandro Barbosa, who has missed the Raptors past 11 games because of a sore hamstring, participated in practice and is expected to play against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.

With the injuries to Barbosa and Kleiza (not to mention Weems, previously), the Raptors have precariously thin at the two swingman positions as they have been accumulating losses.

Courtesy of www.vancouversun.com

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

NCAA1

West Division-Leader Denver defeated in Little Rock - by George Fragkos
UALR senior Matt Mouzy hit eight three pointers, including two in overtime, to lead the Trojans to a 75-72 victory over Sun Belt Conference West Division-leader Denver at the Jack Stephens Center on the Thursday night. Mouzy went 8-of-10 from three-point range on his way to game-high 24-point effort to help the Trojans (13-11, 5-4) improve to 10-0 all-time against the Pioneers (11-11, 7-2) in Little Rock.

Chase Hallam (6'5''-F) led Denver with 22 points in the losing effort, and hit a game-tying three pointer with 1.3 seconds left in regulation to send the game into overtime. Travis Hallam (6'5''-G-89) added 17 points, six assists and five rebounds for the Pioneers. The two teams, which entered the game ranked fourth (UALR) and fifth (Denver) in the nation in three-point shooting, combined to make 21 three pointers on Thursday, with the Hallam brothers shooting a combined 8-of-13.

Denver held a slim one-point lead in overtime, 72-71, after Travis Hallam sank a pair of free throws with 28.7 seconds left to play. Down by one, freshman Chuck Guy drew contact on a drive to the basket and promptly sank both free throws to give UALR a 73-72 edge with 18 seconds remaining.

The Pioneers went to Chase Hallam on the ensuing possession, but the sophomore guard missed a shot inside, and junior Dandre Williams (5'10''-G-90) sank two foul shots on the other end with 4.8 seconds left to give UALR a three-point lead. Denver had one last shot to tie the game as it inbounded the ball with 4.8 seconds left, but the Pioneers' heave to half court was intercepted by the Trojans.

Both teams shot an identical 24-of-48 from the field in the game (50.0 percent), but the Trojans went 11-of-17 from three-point range (64.7 percent) led by Mouzy's 8-of-10 performance. The Jonesboro, Ark.-native finished with a season-high 24 points over a career-best 42 minutes. Mouzy's eight three-point field goals allowed him to move into third place on UALR's all-time list for career three pointers with 202, while also moving into 25th place on the Sun Belt's all-time list.

Denver opened the game with a 10-0 run on its way to a 30-23 lead at the break. The Pioneers led 39-29 with 16:03 left to play in the second half, but the Trojans came to life with an 18-1 run, with 10 points from Garcia-Mendoza, to take a 47-40 lead with 9:00 remaining. The Trojans appeared to be on their way to winning in regulation after a three pointer by Mouzy put UALR ahead 55-47 with 2:26 to go, but Trevor Noonan (6'9''-F) delivered a three-point play and Travis Hallam nailed a three pointer after a Trojan turnover to bring the Pioneers within two, 55-53.

Garcia-Mendoza extended UALR's lead back to four points, 57-53, but Travis Hallam banked in a three pointer from the wing with 22 seconds left to make it a one-point game. Williams went to the line with 18.3 seconds remaining and sank both foul shots to put the Trojans back on top by three, 59-56, but Chase Hallam connected from long range with 1.3 seconds left on the clock to send the game into overtime.

UALR returns to action Saturday night at 7 p.m. when it faces Louisiana's Ragin' Cajuns in Lafayette, La.

Courtesy: UALR Sports Information

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

NIGERIA

Standings - DStv Premier L.

Premier L. DStv Premier BL Standings

Atlantic Conf.
1. D. Warriors		1-0
2. Union Bank		1-0
3. Ebun Comets		1-0
4. Royal Hoopers		1-0
5. Chariots		0-1
6. Delta Force		0-1
7. Islanders		0-1
8. Police Baton		0-1
Savannah Conf.
1. Kadda Stars		1-0
2. Bauchi Nets		0-0
3. Kano Pillars		0-0
4. Niger Potters		0-0
5. Plateau Peaks		0-0
6. Rockets		0-0
7. Yelwa Hawks		0-0
8. Immigration		0-1

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

PBL

Standings

PBL Standings

1. Lawton Ft.SC		6-1
2. Halifax R.		6-2
3. Quebec K.		6-3
4. Kentucky S.		4-5
5. Saint John M.R.		3-4
6. Rochester R.		2-5
7. Vermont FH		2-5
8. Dayton A.		2-6

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Mike WILLIAMS
  Rochester R.
  (201-F-85)
  Avg: 20.9

1. Williams, Vermo.	20.9
2. Brown, Quebec K.	20.6
3. Anderson, Saint J.	18.7
4. Crouch, Rocheste.	18.6
5. Martin, Saint J.	18.0
6. Jones, Kentucky S.	17.7
7. Miles, Dayton A.	17.5
8. Parran, Quebec K.	17.2
9. Diggs, Saint J.	17.0
10. Allen, Vermont FH	16.7

Rebounds Per Game

Eric CROOKSHANK
  Halifax R.
  (201-F-80)
  Avg: 11.8

1. Crookshank, Halif.	11.8
2. Williams, Vermo.	10.3
3. Mims, Lawton Ft.SC	9.0
4. Jones, Halifax R.	8.4
5. Diggs, Saint J.	8.3
6. Walton, Rocheste.	8.1
7. DeMasi, Vermont FH	8.0
8. Harris, Kentucky S.	7.9
9. Jackson, Halifax R.	7.6
10. Dollard, Halifax R.	7.4

Assists Per Game

Dwuan RICE
  Vermont FH
  (180-G-)
  Avg: 7.6

1. Rice, Vermont FH	7.6
2. Brown, Halifax R.	6.4
3. Anderson, Saint J.	6.1
4. Parran, Quebec K.	6.1
5. Egerson, Saint J.	5.8
6. Bowden, Lawton F.	4.5
7. Fountain, Lawton F.	4.1
8. Brown, Quebec K.	3.9
9. Hill, Dayton A.	3.7
10. Acker, Quebec K.	3.6

Steals Per Game

Dwuan RICE
  Vermont FH
  (180-G-)
  Avg: 3

1. Rice, Vermont FH	3.0
2. Parran, Quebec K.	2.9
3. Mims, Lawton Ft.SC	2.4
4. Anderson, Saint J.	2.4
5. Brown, Quebec K.	2.3
6. Austin, Vermont FH	2.0
7. Gilchrese, Saint J.	1.8
8. Perry, Dayton A.	1.8
9. Miles, Dayton A.	1.8
10. McCroskey, Quebec K.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Perry STEVENSON
  Rochester R.
  (206-F-87)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Stevenson, Rocheste.	1.5
2. George, Dayton A.	1.3
3. Carter, Rocheste.	1.3
4. Mims, Lawton Ft.SC	1.3
5. Ocitti, Saint J.	1.2
6. Dollard, Halifax R.	1.0
7. Daniels, Lawton F.	0.9
8. Williams, Vermo.	0.9
9. DeMasi, Vermont FH	0.8
10. Pierre, Quebec K.	0.7

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PUERTO RICO

Capitanes de Arecibo nip Penarol in Liga Americas - by Eurobasket News
Capitanes de Arecibo - Penarol 85:80

Capitanes de Arecibo earned the first win in Liga Americas second stage. They held off Penarol in Group E action. Larry Ayuso (190-G-77, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: USC) fired 28 points to pace the Puerto Rican team.
Capitanes opened the game with eight unanswered points to surge ahead. They recorded a 22:13 lead at the first intermission. Penarol went on a 14:5 run in the second quarter to narrow the deficit. But Capitanes responded with five points in a row and established a 40:32 lead. Penarol continued to threaten the margin as they narrowed the deficit to two points in the third term. Capitanes ran away once again piling up a 65:53 lead with ten minutes remaining. Larry Ayuso and Aubry came up with crucial baskets late in regulation to win the game for Capitanes.
Danilo Pinnock (196-G-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington) delivered 14 points and 6 boards for Capitanes. Daniel Santiago (216-C-76, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico) added 11 points in the win. Kyle Lamonte (191-G-84, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: William Carey) and Facundo Campazzo (180-G-91) netted 20 points each for Penarol. Leonardo Gutierrez (200-F-78) finished with 16 points in the loss.

Capitanes de Arecibo: Larry Ayuso 28, Danilo Pinnock 14, Daniel Santiago 11
Penarol: Kyle Lamonte 20, Facundo Campazzo 20

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ROMANIA

CSA Steaua Turabo Bucharest - BC Mures Targu-Mures match preview - by Sebastian Umbrich
Round 20 of the Romanian regular season is figuring out an interesting derby, which will be analyzed below, according to the stats. This round, BC Steaua Turabo Bucuresti will meet BC Mures Targu-Mures on home ground, a match brining on court the teams ranked 2nd (Steaua, with an 15-4 record) and Mures, which is ranked 5th, with a 13-5 record, and a match less played.
In the first meeting between these two teams, earlier this season, Mures has dramatically won the match, 81-79, after Liviu Dumitru (203-C-79) had scored a buzz-beater from 7 meters, to seal the win for the home team. But, it looks like Steaua has the better odds to win the following match, despite the fact that both teams are playing below their possibilities. An argument of this will be the fact that Steaua has a 4-0 record since the championship has restarted, in mid-January, while Mures has only a 2-1 record.
In the offense, Steaua has an average of 83.8 points per game, having scored 1593 points in 19 matches, but Mures has an average of 85.7 points per game, having scored 1542 points in 18 matches. Some other statistics in the offense are still favorable for Mures: the player with the best percentage at 2-point shots from Mures, Aleksandar Mladenovic (207-F/C-84, agency: BeoExcell), has a percentage of 62.0, while the leader in this stat from Steaua, Virgil Stanescu (207-C/F-77, agency: Interperformances, college: S.Alabama), has only 59.0 %. But, at the 3-point shots, the odds are favourable for Steaua, Virgil Stanescu having scored 50.0 % of the shots from behind the 6.60 m line, while the best sharpshooter in Mures side is the man who killed Steaua last match, Liviu Dumitru, with a percentage of .385. Whats more, Steaua has another player with a percentage higher than Dumitrus, Joshua Jackson (188-G-85, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Warner Pacific) having a coefficient of 46.5%. From the free-throw line, Mures stays better, with Liviu Dumitru havig scored 91.9% of the free throws he benefited from, while the stat leader of Steaua, Joshua Jackson has a percentage of 90.9%.
Another important aspect in the offense is represented by the offensive rebounds: Aleksandar Mladenovic of Mures has an average of 3.1 offensive boards per game, followed by team-mate Jason Forte (196-F-84, college: S.Mississippi), who has 2.6 offensive rebounds per game. On the other hand, the one with the most offensive rebounds from the team from Bucharest is Virgil Stanescu with 1.9, followed by Virgil Carutasu (204-C-76), with 1.8 rpg. Regarding the assists, a further aspect of the offensive, Mures has again the better stats: JuJuan Cooley (175-G-82, agency: Agency No 10, college: Indiana Tech), one of the best guards in the league, has an average of 7.6 assists per game, while Steaua can only praise them with Andrei Mandache (190-G-87, agency: Global Sports Plaza), who has 3 assists per game. So, in the offense, Mures stays way better than Steaua, but lets see how the things look like in the defense.
Steaua has an average of 72.8 points against per game, while Mures has an average of 77.5 points scored against them, in average. According to this stat, Steaua looks better. But, there are more stats that make a team look powerful in the defense: such a stat is represented by the defensive rebounds: in this statistic, the teams are pretty even, Mures having 2 players with more than 5.5 defensive boards per match, Jason Forte with 6.4 and Aleksandar Mladenovic with 5.6, but Steaua has many players who have around 4 defensive rebs per match: Theron Smith (203-F-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Ball St.) with 5.0, Virgil Carutasu with 4.9 or Virgil Stanescu with 3.8. Another important defensive attribute are the blocks, a statistic where Mures is clearly better, Aleksandar Mladenovic having 1.5 blocks per game, while not a single player from Steaua can praise himself with at least one per game. The steal statistic, a statistic not so important but worth mentioning, is favourable to Mures: JuJuan Cooley is leading the field with 2.6 steals per game, while Andrei Mandache has the most steals for Steaua, 1.9 per game.
In conclusion, Mures seems to have the better odds, but the fact that Mures has not played very well against the powerful teams in the country, may be a disadvantage for them. However, the Romanian basketball fans are expecting a close game, and hope that the referees will not influence the outcome of the match, as they did many times this season.

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RUSSIA

Superleague Round 26: Leader Ruskon-Mordovia gets another victory - by Eurobasket News
Leader Ruskon-Mordovia delivered the eighteenth win on Thursday night. This time they beat 8th ranked Metallurg-University (9-15) 71-60 in Saransk. Ruskon-Mordovia maintains first position with 18-6 record. Metallurg-University at the other side keeps the eighth place with 15 games lost. Ruskon-Mordovia are looking forward to face bottom-ranked Lokomotiv (#11) in Novosybirsk in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Metallurg-University will play at home against Irkut Irkutsk and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game in Revda was also worth to mention about. Third ranked Universitet-Yugra (17-7) played at the court of 6th ranked TEMP-SUMZ Revda (10-12). Universitet-Yugra defeated TEMP-SUMZ Revda 97-81. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of TEMP-SUMZ Revda. Newly promoted Universitet-Yugra maintains third position with 17-7 record having just -13 point less than leader Saransk, which they share with Severstal. TEMP-SUMZ Revda at the other side keeps the sixth place with 12 games lost. Universitet-Yugra will play against Sojuz Zaretchny (#10) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. TEMP-SUMZ Revda will have a break next round.
The game with biggest result difference took place in Vladivostok. Local Spartak-Primorie (17-5) outscored 7th ranked Rjazan (9-13) 97-66 on Thursday night. Spartak-Primorie maintains second position with 17-5 record having just -11 point less than leader Saransk. Loser Rjazan keeps the seventh place with 13 games lost. Spartak-Primorie will meet Ural Ekaterinburg (#5) on the road in the next round. Rjazan will have a break next round.

In the last two games of round 26 bottom-ranked Lokomotiv was crushed by Severstal in Cherepovec 83-64. Zaretchny was smashed by Ural Ekaterinb. at home 70-90.

Severstal - Lokomotiv 83-64

There was no surprise in Cherepovec where 11th ranked Lokomotiv (3-18) was crushed by fourth ranked Severstal (17-7) 83-64 on Thursday. The game was mostly controlled by Severstal. Lokomotiv managed to win fourth quarter 22-9. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Severstal moved-up to third place, which they share with Univ.Surgut. Lokomotiv lost fifth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom position with 18 games lost. Severstal will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Lokomotiv will play against the league's leader Ruskon-Mordovia (#1) in Saransk and hope to secure a win.

Saransk - Metallurg-Univ. 71-60

Leader Ruskon-Mordovia delivered the eighteenth win on Thursday night. This time they beat 8th ranked Metallurg-University (9-15) 71-60 in Saransk. Ruskon-Mordovia maintains first position with 18-6 record. Metallurg-University at the other side keeps the eighth place with 15 games lost. Ruskon-Mordovia are looking forward to face bottom-ranked Lokomotiv (#11) in Novosybirsk in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Metallurg-University will play at home against Irkut Irkutsk and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Zaretchny - Ural Ekaterinb. 70-90

No shocking result in a game when fifth ranked Ural Ekaterinburg (13-8) smashed on the road 10th ranked Sojuz Zaretchny (4-20) 90-70 on Thursday. Ural Ekaterinburg have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain fifth position with 13-8 record. Sojuz Zaretchny lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the tenth place with 20 games lost. Ural Ekaterinburg will meet at home league's second-placed Spartak-Primorie in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Sojuz Zaretchny will play against Universitet-Yugra (#3) in Surgut and hope to secure a win.

Spartak-Primorie - Rjazan 97-66

The game with biggest result difference took place in Vladivostok. Local Spartak-Primorie (17-5) outscored 7th ranked Rjazan (9-13) 97-66 on Thursday night. The game without a history. Spartak-Primorie led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Spartak-Primorie maintains second position with 17-5 record having just -11 point less than leader Saransk. Loser Rjazan keeps the seventh place with 13 games lost. Spartak-Primorie will meet Ural Ekaterinburg (#5) on the road in the next round. Rjazan will have a break next round.

Revda - Univ.Surgut 81-97

The game in Revda was also worth to mention about. Third ranked Universitet-Yugra (17-7) played at the court of 6th ranked TEMP-SUMZ Revda (10-12). Universitet-Yugra defeated TEMP-SUMZ Revda 97-81. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of TEMP-SUMZ Revda. Newly promoted Universitet-Yugra maintains third position with 17-7 record having just -13 point less than leader Saransk, which they share with Severstal. TEMP-SUMZ Revda at the other side keeps the sixth place with 12 games lost. Universitet-Yugra will play against Sojuz Zaretchny (#10) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. TEMP-SUMZ Revda will have a break next round.

Luke Nevill moves to Russia - by Eurobasket News
Luke Nevill (218-C-86, college: Utah) will play in Russia. The 24-year-old centre has agreed on terms of contract with Triumph. The player approached the Melbourne Tigers with the request of release and the team approved it. Luke Nevill averaged 12.2 points, 7.4 boards and 1.1 blocks per game for the Tigers this season. Last season Luke Nevill played in D-League. He tallied 11.6 points, 5.4 boards, 1.3 assists and 1.2 blocks for the Utah Flash. Luke Nevill attended the Boomers Camp in 2009. He was also on the list of the Boomers in 2010. Luke Nevill graduated from the University of Utah in 2009. The centre was named MWC All-Tournament MVP as well as MWC Player of the Year that season.

Standings - Superleague B

Superleague Standings

1. Saransk		18-6
2. Spartak-Primorie		17-5
3. Univ.Surgut		17-7
4. Severstal		17-7
5. Ural Ekaterinb.		13-8
6. Revda		10-12
7. Rjazan		9-13
8. Metallurg-Univ.		9-15
9. Irkutsk		8-14
10. Zaretchny		4-20
11. Lokomotiv		3-18

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SAUDI ARABIA

D1 Round 11: Al Nahda beats Al Wahda by three after a very close game - by Eurobasket News
There will be only one (last) round of the Regular Season in D1.

The most exciting game of round 11 in the D1 took place in Mecca. This derby game ended with only three-point home defeat of 7th ranked Al Wahda (4-6) to eighth ranked Al Nahda (5-6) 74-71 in the game for the seventh place. Al Nahda moved-up to seventh place. Al Wahda at the other side dropped to the eighth position with six games lost. Al Nahda will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Al Wahda will play at home against Al Maseerah (#11) in Jeddah and is hoping to win this game.
An interesting game for Al Ittihad (10-0) which played road game in Medina against 3rd placed Ohud (8-3). Leader Al Ittihad managed to get a 13-point victory 62-49. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Ohud. Undefeated Al Ittihad have an impressive series of ten victories in a row. They maintain first place with 10-0 record. Ohud at the other side keeps the third position with three games lost. They share it with Al Ansar. Al Ittihad will play against bottom-ranked Al Shrooq (#12) in Riyadh in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Ohud will play on the road against Al Safwa (#10) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
The game between fifth ranked Al Hilal (7-3) and 12th ranked Al Shrooq (1-10) in Riyadh on Monday ended with biggest points difference. Al Hilal outscored guests from Riyadh 124-87. The victory was the third consecutive win for Al Hilal. They maintain fifth place with 7-3 record. Al Shrooq lost their fourth game in a row. They stay at the bottom position with ten games lost. They share it with Al Maseerah. Al Hilal will meet at home Al Jubail (#9) in the next round. Al Shrooq will play against the league's leader Al Ittihad in Jeddah.

In the last two games of round 11 Al Maseerah was beaten by Al Fateh on the road 79-69. Al Safwa was destroyed by Al Ansar on its own court 65-86.

Al Fateh - Al Maseerah 79-69

No shocking result in a game when second ranked Al Fateh (9-2) beat 11th ranked Al Maseerah (1-10) in Al Hasa 79-69 on Monday. The victory was the seventh consecutive win for Al Fateh. They maintain second place with 9-2 record behind leader Al Ittihad. Al Maseerah lost their seventh game in a row. They keep the eleventh position with ten games lost. They share it with Al Shrooq. Al Fateh will meet at home Al Ansar (#4) in the next round. Al Maseerah will play against Al Wahda (#8) in Mecca.

Al Safwa - Al Ansar 65-86

Very expected game when 10th ranked Al Safwa (2-9) was smashed at home by fourth ranked Al Ansar (8-3) 86-65 on Monday. Al Ansar moved-up to third place, which they share with Ohud. Loser Al Safwa keeps the tenth position with nine games lost. Al Ansar will meet league's second-placed Al Fateh in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Al Safwa will play against Ohud (#3) in Medina and hope to secure a win.

Al Hilal - Al Shrooq 124-87

The game between fifth ranked Al Hilal (7-3) and 12th ranked Al Shrooq (1-10) in Riyadh on Monday ended with biggest points difference. Al Hilal outscored guests from Riyadh 124-87. The victory was the third consecutive win for Al Hilal. They maintain fifth place with 7-3 record. Al Shrooq lost their fourth game in a row. They stay at the bottom position with ten games lost. They share it with Al Maseerah. Al Hilal will meet at home Al Jubail (#9) in the next round. Al Shrooq will play against the league's leader Al Ittihad in Jeddah.

Al Wahda - Al Nahda 71-74

The most exciting game of round 11 in the D1 took place in Mecca. This derby game ended with only three-point home defeat of 7th ranked Al Wahda (4-6) to eighth ranked Al Nahda (5-6) 74-71 in the game for the seventh place. Al Nahda moved-up to seventh place. Al Wahda at the other side dropped to the eighth position with six games lost. Al Nahda will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Al Wahda will play at home against Al Maseerah (#11) in Jeddah and is hoping to win this game.

Ohud - Al Ittihad 49-62

An interesting game for Al Ittihad (10-0) which played road game in Medina against 3rd placed Ohud (8-3). Leader Al Ittihad managed to get a 13-point victory 62-49. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Ohud. Al Ittihad have an impressive series of ten victories in a row. They maintain first place with 10-0 record. Ohud at the other side keeps the third position with three games lost. They share it with Al Ansar. Al Ittihad will play against bottom-ranked Al Shrooq (#12) in Riyadh in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Ohud will play on the road against Al Safwa (#10) and hopes to get back on the winning track.

D1 Standings

D1 Standings

1. Al Ittihad		10-0
2. Al Fateh		9-2
3. Ohud		8-3
4. Al Ansar		8-3
5. Al Hilal		7-3
6. Al Ahli		5-5
7. Al Nahda		5-6
8. Al Wahda		4-6
9. Al Jubail		3-6
10. Al Safwa		2-9
11. Al Maseerah		1-10
12. Al Shrooq		1-10

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SERBIA

Montepaschi cruises past Partizan on the road - by Eurobasket News
Partizan - Montepaschi 58-66

Montepaschi celebrated the first victory in Euroleague Top 16. They cruised past Partizan on the road in front of 19,255 home fans. Andrea Michelori (202-F/C-78) came up with 15 points and 5 rebounds for the winners and Rimantas Kaukenas (193-G-77, college: Seton Hall) netted 14 points. Nikolaos Zisis (195-G-83) helped his team with 13 points on Thursday night. In Partizan (0-3), James Gist (203-F-86) collected 15 points and 7 rebounds. Curtis Jerrells (185-G-87, college: Baylor) scored 13 and Jan Vesely (211-F-90) stopped to 9 points.
Montepaschi had great beginning as they made 10-17 lead, but Partizan closed the gap to 15-19 for rest of the first quarter. Visitors grabbed first double-digit lead at the beginning of the next period (15-25) and Partizan responded with 7-2 run. Rimantas Kaukenas and his teammates managed to keep plus five until the halftime and later in Q3 they move up to 30-39. The hosts were not able to answer this time and they faced with 41-50 deficit before the next ten minutes. Question about the winner was resolved at the beginning of Q4, when Montepaschi jumped to plus 13.
Montepaschi will host Partizan in Round 4.

Partizan: James Gist 15+7 boards, Curtis Jerrells 13, Jan Vesely 9
Montepaschi: Andrea Michelori 15+5 boards, Rimantas Kaukenas 14, Nikolaos Zisis 13

Ljubicic's triple-double lands him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
Marko Ljubicic (197-F-87) had an amazing evening in the last round for Vujic Metalac Valjevo and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 19.
The 23-year old forward recorded a triple-double of 18 points and addedten rebounds and thirteen assists, while his team beat Mega Vizura (12-7) 89-82. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. Metalac is placed at 3rd position in Serbian A League. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Metalac will need more victories to improve their 12-7 record. In the team's last game Ljubicic had a remarkable three three-pointers out of 7 attempts. He turned to be Metalac's top player in his first season with the team. Ljubicic has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in rebounds (2nd best: 7.2rpg), assists (2nd best: 5.8apg) and averages solid 2.4spg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 23-year old guard Branko Jereminov (187-G-87) of Tamis Petrohemija Pancevo. Jereminov impressed basketball fans with 25 points, 3 rebounds and 6 assists. It was enough for Tamis to edge Novi Sad (10-9) by 5 points 78-73. This victory allowed Tamis to move up to 5th position in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 10-9 record is not bad and everything may still change. Jereminov is a newcomer at Tamis 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 Stefan Matovic (203-G-91) of Mega Vizura (#4). Matovic scored 15 points and grabbed ten rebounds. Despite Matovic's great performance Mega Vizura lost 82-89 to #3 ranked Metalac. 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 Mega Vizura needs is to lose another game like this one. They lose more and more distance to the top teams. Their record is 12 victories and 7 lost games. Matovic has a very solid season. In 19 games in Serbia he scored 9.8ppg. He also has 5.9rpg and FGP: 57.4%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Branko Milisavljevic (193-G-76) of Mega Vizura - 28 points and 5 assists
5. Borislav Djurovic (206-C-80) of Crnokosa - 19 points and 9 rebounds
6. Vedran Borovcanin (201-F-85) of Sloga - 17 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists
7. Ognjen Kuzeta (194-G-87) of Novi Sad - 17 points and 2 rebounds
8. Marko Masalusic (203-F) of Crnokosa - 20 points and 3 rebounds
9. Vuk Radivojevic (197-G-83) of FMP - 13 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists
10. Dragan Kruscic (198-F/G-86) of Metalac - 21 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)

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SLOVENIA

SOUTH KOREA

KBL Round 36: Leader Sonic Boom KT gets another victory - by Eurobasket News
Leader Sonic Boom KT delivered the twentieth eighth win on Friday night. This time they beat 6th ranked SK Knights (18-20) 83-69 in Seoul. The game without a history. Sonic Boom KT led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The best player for the winners was forward Sang-Oh Park (196-81) who scored 21 points and 5 rebounds (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field). American power forward Charles Rhodes (203-85, college: Mississippi St.) chipped in 20 points and 6 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was American center Terrence Leather (204-81, college: S.Florida) who recorded 29 points and 9 rebounds (on 14-of-18 shooting from the field). Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Sonic Boom KT have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 28-10 record. SK Knights at the other side keep the sixth place with 20 games lost. Sonic Boom KT are looking forward to face KCC Egis (#5) in Jeonju in the next round. SK Knights will play on the road against Daegu Orions and are hoping to prove to their fans that the loss was just an accident.

Rest of the games of round 36 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
LG Sakers were defeated by Elephants in Inchon 78-73. Anyang KGC lost to defending champion Mobis Phoebus at home 75-84. KCC Egis lost to Dongbu Promy on the opponent's court 70-77.
The best stats of 36th round was 28 points, 13 rebounds and 5 blocks by David Simon of Anyang KGC.

Elephants - LG Sakers 78-73

There was no surprise in Inchon where 7th ranked LG Sakers (16-21) were defeated by second ranked ET Land Elephants (26-11) 78-73 on Thursday. However just five-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. The hosts trailed by 1 point at the halftime before their 19-12 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Strangely LG Sakers outrebounded ET Land Elephants 35-23 including 21 on the defensive glass. 25 personal fouls committed by LG Sakers helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was center Jang-Hoon Seo (207-74) who scored 25 points. American forward Herbert Hill (203-84, college: Providence) chipped in 15 points and 7 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was American center Chris Alexander (216-80, college: Iowa St., agency: Priority Sports) who recorded a double-double by scoring 26 points and 14 rebounds and naturalized American forward Greg Stevenson (198-78, college: Richmond, agency: SportsTalent) added 16 points and 8 rebounds respectively. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. ET Land Elephants have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 26-11 record having just three points less than leader Sonic Boom KT. LG Sakers lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with 21 games lost. ET Land Elephants are looking forward to face Anyang KGC (#9) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. LG Sakers will play against Daegu Orions and are hoping to prove to their fans that they can break losing series.
Top scorers:
Elephants: J.Seo 25+1reb+2ast, H.Hill 15+7reb+1ast, J.Stevenson 13+3reb, 7+1reb+1ast, S.Park 6+1reb+2ast, Y.Jung 5+1reb
LG Sakers: C.Alexander 26+14reb+1ast, G.Stevenson 16+8reb+3ast, S.Cho 9+1reb+2ast, H.Byun 9+1reb+3ast, S.Ki 7+2reb+1ast, C.Lee 4+8reb+2ast

Anyang KGC - Mobis Phoebus 75-84

The game between closely ranked teams ended with eighth ranked Mobis Phoebus' (15-23) road victory over 9th ranked Anyang KGC (11-27) 84-75 on Thursday. The guests started the game with a very strong first quarter 25-14. But Anyang KGC won third quarter 20-15. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Mobis Phoebus made 21-of-24 free shots (87.5 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was American center Kentrell Gransberry (206-85, college: LSU) who had a double-double by scoring 21 points and 17 rebounds. The former international guard Dong-Geun Yang (182-81) chipped in 25 points (went 9 for 9 at the free throw line !!!). At the other side the best for losing team was American center David Simon (207-82, college: IPFW) who recorded a double-double by scoring 28 points, 13 rebounds and 5 blocks and international guard Chan-Hee Park (191-87) added 14 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists respectively. Four Anyang KGC players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Defending champion maintains eighth position with 15-23 record. Anyang KGC at the other side keeps the ninth place with 27 games lost. Mobis Phoebus are looking forward to face higher ranked Samsung Thunders (#4) in Seoul in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Anyang KGC will play at home against the league's second-placed ET Land Elephants (#2) where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Mobis Phoebus: D.Yang 25+1reb+2ast, K.Gransberry 21+17reb, C.Song 12+2reb+3ast, S.Ha 8+1reb+1ast, J.Park 8+2reb, L.Ekperigin 4+5reb
Anyang KGC: D.Simon 28+13reb, C.Park 14+7reb+5ast, S.Kim 13+1ast, J.Lee 13+2reb+4ast, M.Kim 4+1reb, J.Varem 3+1reb

SK Knights - Sonic Boom KT 69-83

Leader Sonic Boom KT delivered the twentieth eighth win on Friday night. This time they beat 6th ranked SK Knights (18-20) 83-69 in Seoul. The game without a history. Sonic Boom KT led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The best player for the winners was forward Sang-Oh Park (196-81) who scored 21 points and 5 rebounds (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field). American power forward Charles Rhodes (203-85, college: Mississippi St.) chipped in 20 points and 6 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was American center Terrence Leather (204-81, college: S.Florida) who recorded 29 points and 9 rebounds (on 14-of-18 shooting from the field) and his fellow American import forward Gyasi Cline-Heard (202-79, college: Penn St.) added 6 points and 6 rebounds respectively. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Sonic Boom KT have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 28-10 record. SK Knights at the other side keep the sixth place with 20 games lost. Sonic Boom KT are looking forward to face KCC Egis (#5) in Jeonju in the next round. SK Knights will play on the road against Daegu Orions and are hoping to prove to their fans that the loss was just an accident.
Top scorers:
Sonic Boom KT: S.Park 21+5reb, C.Rhodes 20+6reb, J.Johnson 10+5reb+6ast, Y.Song 8+5reb+2ast, Y.Kwon Yoon 8+1reb, S.Cho 8+3reb+3ast
SK Knights: T.Leather 29+9reb+3ast, M.Kim 8+1reb+2ast, S.Shin 7+1reb+2ast, G.Cline-Heard 6+6reb, K.Hoon Byun 6+1reb, H.Kim 5+2reb

Dongbu Promy - KCC Egis 77-70

Everything could happen in Wonju at the game between two tied teams. Both third ranked Dongbu Promy and 5th ranked KCC Egis had identical 21-16 record. This time Dongbu Promy used a home court advantage and won against the opponent from Jeonju 77-70 on Friday night. KCC Egis trailed by 16 points after 3 quarters before a 24-15 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 70-77 at the end of the game. Dongbu Promy looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. The best player for the winners was the former international center Joo-Sung Kim (205-79) who scored 15 points and 4 assists. Guard Ji-Hyon Park (183-79) chipped in 10 points, 7 assists and 4 steals. Dongbu Promy's coach Dong Hae Kang used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. At the other side the best for losing team was international center Seung-Jin Ha (222-85) who recorded a double-double by scoring 15 points and 11 rebounds and guard Jae-Hyun Lim (183-77) added 10 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists respectively. Four Dongbu Promy and five KCC Egis players scored in double figures. Dongbu Promy maintains third position with 22-16 record having six points less than leader Sonic Boom KT. Loser KCC Egis keep the fifth place with 17 games lost. Dongbu Promy are looking forward to face Samsung Thunders (#4) in Seoul in the next round. KCC Egis will play on the road against the league's leader Sonic Boom KT in Busan and are hoping to prove to their fans that the loss was just an accident.
Top scorers:
Dongbu Promy: J.Kim 15+3reb+4ast, S.Kim 11+3reb+3ast, R.Benson 11+6reb, J.Park 10+4reb+7ast, H.Yoon 7+4reb+4ast, J.Hwang 7+1ast
KCC Egis: S.Ha 15+11reb+1ast, B.Kang 14+3reb, S.Choo 14+2reb+3ast, C.Daniels 12+5reb+2ast, J.Lim 10+5reb+5ast, E.Kang 7

Standings

KBL Standings

1. Sonic Boom KT		28-10
2. Elephants		26-11
3. Dongbu Promy		22-16
4. Samsung Th.		21-16
5. KCC Egis		21-17
6. SK Knights		18-20
7. LG Sakers		16-21
8. Mobis Phoebus		15-23
9. Anyang KGC		11-27
10. Daegu Orions		10-27

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

SPAIN

Unicaja blasts Lietuvos Rytas in the last quarter - by Eurobasket News
Unicaja - Lietuvos Rytas 98-91

Unicaja had wonderful last quarter on Thursday evening. The Spanish squad had 62-70 deficit before the last ten minutes, but they drained 36 points after that and stopped Lietuvos Rytas to 21 for valuable 98-91 victory, the first one in Euroleague Top 16, Group E. Rytas has the same record now. Unicaja had seven players with double-digits in scoring in this game. Nedzad Sinanovic (221-C-83) was the leading one with 15 pts and he grabbed 8 rebounds beside that. He reached valuation 27 for just 12 minutes on the court. Uros Tripkovic (197-G-86) also scored 15, Robert Archibald (212-C/F-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Illinois) had 13, while Terrell McIntyre (175-G-77, college: Clemson) and Joel Freeland (208-F-87) (8 rebs) helped with 12 points each. In the loosing squad, Khalid El-Amin (178-G-79, agency: Beo Basket, college: Connecticut) responded with 14 points and 8 assists. Simas Jasaitis (202-F/G-82) scored 13, while Brad Newley (201-F-85, agency: Beo Basket), Milko Bjelica (207-C-84, agency: Beo Basket) and Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92) followed with 12 pts apiece.
In the next round, Rytas will host Unicaja. The game is scheduled for February 17.

Unicaja: Nedzad Sinanovic 15+8 boards, Uros Tripkovic 15, Robert Archibald 13, Joel Freeland 12+8 boards, Terrell McIntyre 12+5 as
Lietuvos Rytas: Khalid El-Amin 14+8 as, Simas Jasaitis 13, Brad Newley 12+6 boards, Milko Bjelica 12+5 boards, Jonas Valanciunas 12+7 boards

Real Madrid grabs 89-86 OT win against Efes Pilsen - by Eurobasket News
Real Madrid - Efes Pilsen 89-86 OT

Very exciting game was played in Madrid on Thursday evening. The home squad managed to beat Efes Pilsen in OT and to keep the perfect score after three rounds in Euroleague Top 16, Group G. D'or Fischer (211-C-81, college: W.Virginia) was the MVP of this meeting with valuation 30. He had double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds. Clay Tucker (195-G-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) top-scored for the Whites with 19 points and Pablo Prigioni (191-G-77) helped with 17. In defeat, Marvis Thornton (194-G-77, college: St.John's) collected 18 points and 8 rebounds. Igor Rakocevic (191-G-78) and Kerem Gonlum (208-C/F-77) (9 rebs) scored 16 and 13 pts respectively. Their Efes Pilsen faced with the first loss at this stage (2-1).
Efes Pilsen had 18-19 lead after the first ten minutes and they moved up to 40-46 until the halftime. Real Madrid replied after the breather and teams went to last 10:00 tied at 65-65. They were still leveled until 19.9 seconds left, when Kerem Gonlum drained a big-time triple. Mirotic missed on the other side and Clay Tucker did the same. However, the hosts grabbed another offensive rebound and it was Mirotic. Rodriguez was fouled on his desperate triple attempt by Thornton. After the guard calmly converted all 3 of his free throws and tied it at 79-79 with 2.9 on the clock, Murray stumbled and was unable to get a shot off against Tuckers defense on the other end. Real jumped to 86-81 in OT, but Efes Pilsen answered with 1-5 quickly. There was less than one minute to go and Real missed in their next possession. Efes Pilsen had a chance and Tunceri drove inside, but he committed a turnover and Pablo Prigioni sealed the deal from the line.
In the next round, Efes Pilsen will host Real Madrid.

Real Madrid: Clay Tucker 19, Pablo Prigioni 17, D'or Fischer 15+12 boards
Efes Pilsen: Marvis Thornton 18+8 boards, Igor Rakocevic 16, Kerem Gonlum 13+9 boards

Caja Laboral joins PAO on top of Group E - by Eurobasket News
Caja Laboral - Panathinaikos 77-70

Caja Laboral handed 77-70 loss to Panathinaikos joining them on top of Group E. Both teams have 2-1 record now. Fernando San Emeterio (198-G/F-84) was a key player for the Spanish champs as he scored 21 points. Mirza Teletovic (206-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) followed with 17 and Esteban Batista (208-F/C-83) added 11 pts, plus 5 boards. For the Greens, Drew Nicholas (191-G-81, college: Maryland) delivered 15 points. Mike Batiste (203-F-77, college: Arizona St.) and Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80) (11 as) were behind him with 14 and 12 points respectively.
Caja Laboral had minimum lead after first quarter (19-18) and they jumped to 34-26 in the finish of the next one. PAO had an answer for that making 2-7 run for 36-33 deficit at the halftime. Visitors opened the second half with quick 5-9 for 41-42 and teams exchanged in lead after that. The hosts started to make shots and PAO struggled offensively on the other side, what resulted with 12-4 run by Caja Laboral in the finish of Q3. However, PAO didnt give up and they slowly melted Caja Laborals lead in the last quarter. They came to 73-70 with just 20 ticks on the clock, but San Emeterio didnt tremble at the line, adding 2 more points and forcing Panathinaikos to take a risky shot on the following play. Diamantidis missed a three, and Teletovic capped a fastbreak with a dunk that secured the first Top 16 home win for the hosts, 77-70.
Teams will meet again in the next round and PAO will be the host.

Caja Laboral: Fernando San Emeterio 21, Mirza Teletovic 17, Esteban Batista 11+5 boards
PAO: Drew Nicholas 15, Mike Batiste 14, Dimitris Diamantidis 12+11 as

Regal Barca jumps to 3-0 in Group F - by Eurobasket News
Regal Barca - Lottomatica 80-56

The reigning Euroleague champion celebrated another victory in Top 16. This time Regal Barca was too strong for Lottomatica Roma 80-56 keeping the first place in Group F with 3-0 record. Visitors still look for the first win, 0-3. Alan Anderson (198-G/F-82, agency: Priority Sports, college: Michigan St.) scored 16 points for Barca and Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) added 13 pts, plus 5 assists. Kosta Perovic (217-C-85) also had 13 pts in this meeting. Lottomatica got 17 points from Ali Traore (207-C-85, agency: Beo Basket, college: S.Idaho JC) and 16 from Darius Washington (188-G-85, college: Memphis). Nemanja Gordic (194-G-88) had 13 pts.
Lottomatica had decent first period and they managed to resist until the last minute, when Juan Carlos Navarro stepped up for Barca and paced them to 21-17 lead after ten minutes. The hosts jumped to 28-21 at the beginning of Q2, but Ali Traore and his teammates replied with quick 2-9 run. Barca took control on Lottomatica for rest of the first half moving up to 45-56. They had plus 11 before that, but Gordic made the jumper in the Lottomaticas last possession. Question about the winner is resolved in Q3 as Barca won it with 16-9 for 61-45 before the last ten minutes. All after that was just the formality as Barca was increasing its lead.
Lottomatica will host Regal Barca in the next round.

Regal Barca: Alan Anderson 16, Juan Carlos Navarro 13+5 as, Kosta Perovic 13
Lottomatica: Ali Traore 17, Darius Washington 16, Nemanja Gordic 13

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

TAIWAN

Jennings' double-double lands him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
26-year old forward Rashad Jennings (203-F-84) put on an amazing game in the last round for second-ranked Pure Youth and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 6.
He had a double-double of 24 points and 23 rebounds, while his team crushed Yulon Luxgen (#4, 8-8) with 23-point margin 97-74. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. Pure Youth maintains the 2nd position in Taiwanese league. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Pure Youth will need more victories to improve their 11-5 record. Jennings turned to be Pure Youth's top player in his first season with the team. University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduate has very impressive stats this year. Jennings. Jennings is in league's top in points (2nd best: 17.7ppg) and averages solid 1.1bpg.

Second best performed player last round was Shawn Hawkins (198-G/F-82) of KKL. He is American swingman in his first season at KKL. In the last game Hawkins recorded impressive double-double of 28 points and 19 rebounds. Bad luck as KKL lost that game 69-89 to the higher-ranked Pure Youth (#2, 11-5). KKL managed to keep the same 6th spot in the standings. 10 lost games are too many comparing to just four victories KKL managed to get this year. Hawkins is a newcomer at KKL and quickly became one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 20.2ppg (#1). His other stats are also decent: 11.5rpg and 3.1apg.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Alexus Foyle (198-F-78, agency: Prossin Sports Management) of Dacin Tigers (#3). Foyle scored 27 points and grabbed fifteen rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of Dacin Tigers, leading his team to a 93-81 win against the lower-ranked KKL (#6, 4-10). Dacin Tigers needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 8 victories and 7 lost games. Foyle has a great season in Taiwan. After only 6 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 17.7ppg (3rd best) and rebounds with 11.7rpg (4th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Emmanuel Jones (200-F-85) of Taiwan Beer - 22 points and 15 rebounds
5. John Vaudreuil (203-F/C-85) of Bank of Taiwan - 28 points, 14 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Jermaine Dailey (203-F-86) of Yulon Luxgen - 19 points and 15 rebounds
7. Chih-Chiang Hsu (194-F-82) of Bank of Taiwan - 28 points and 10 rebounds
8. Chih-Shan Hung (176-G-85) of Pure Youth - 31 points, 3 rebounds and 7 assists
9. Jermaine Dailey (203-F-86) of Yulon Luxgen - 17 points and 16 rebounds
10. Lei Tien (203-F-83) of Dacin Tigers - 27 points and 10 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)

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

TURKEY

Real Madrid grabs 89-86 OT win against Efes Pilsen - by Eurobasket News
Real Madrid - Efes Pilsen 89-86 OT

Very exciting game was played in Madrid on Thursday evening. The home squad managed to beat Efes Pilsen in OT and to keep the perfect score after three rounds in Euroleague Top 16, Group G. D'or Fischer (211-C-81, college: W.Virginia) was the MVP of this meeting with valuation 30. He had double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds. Clay Tucker (195-G-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) top-scored for the Whites with 19 points and Pablo Prigioni (191-G-77) helped with 17. In defeat, Marvis Thornton (194-G-77, college: St.John's) collected 18 points and 8 rebounds. Igor Rakocevic (191-G-78) and Kerem Gonlum (208-C/F-77) (9 rebs) scored 16 and 13 pts respectively. Their Efes Pilsen faced with the first loss at this stage (2-1).
Efes Pilsen had 18-19 lead after the first ten minutes and they moved up to 40-46 until the halftime. Real Madrid replied after the breather and teams went to last 10:00 tied at 65-65. They were still leveled until 19.9 seconds left, when Kerem Gonlum drained a big-time triple. Mirotic missed on the other side and Clay Tucker did the same. However, the hosts grabbed another offensive rebound and it was Mirotic. Rodriguez was fouled on his desperate triple attempt by Thornton. After the guard calmly converted all 3 of his free throws and tied it at 79-79 with 2.9 on the clock, Murray stumbled and was unable to get a shot off against Tuckers defense on the other end. Real jumped to 86-81 in OT, but Efes Pilsen answered with 1-5 quickly. There was less than one minute to go and Real missed in their next possession. Efes Pilsen had a chance and Tunceri drove inside, but he committed a turnover and Pablo Prigioni sealed the deal from the line.
In the next round, Efes Pilsen will host Real Madrid.

Real Madrid: Clay Tucker 19, Pablo Prigioni 17, D'or Fischer 15+12 boards
Efes Pilsen: Marvis Thornton 18+8 boards, Igor Rakocevic 16, Kerem Gonlum 13+9 boards

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

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Aska and Racers Introductions - by David Edole
For those of you who come to watch the Racers live, you probably enjoy the show before the show. It's the pregame introductions. The Racers' starting five all have their own
individual routines. For some players, it's elaborate.

For some players, not so much. The player at the center of it all is Ivan Aska (200-F-90).

'We've got to have fun,' Aska said. 'I just make the guys laugh, do our little routines, and just have fun.'

Sophomore guard Isaiah Canaan says he also helps Aska out.

'Actually, he's behind me,' Canaan said. 'I'm in charge of all the handshakes. Me and Ivan, we're probably the head of it though.'

So who has the best one?

'The best one? I think me and Isaiah,' Aska said.

Canaan's introduction ends with Aska throwing him into the air. So who came up with that one?

'Me and (Canaan) made it up,' Aska said. 'As a matter of fact, he said 'Ivan just throw me up.' I said, 'alright.''

Does anybody need work on their pregame introductions?

'Probably Jeff McClain (laughs),' Freshman center Shawn Jackson said.

McClain agrees with Jackson.

'I've probably got the worst one,' McClain said. 'I just shake everybody's hand (laughs).'

When informed some of his teammates agreed he has to work on his introduction, McClain couldn't help but laugh.

'Oh, man,' McClain said. 'OK. I guess I'm going to have to work on that.'

Is there any purpose for pregame introductions besides just having a good time?

'That's it,' McClain said. 'Having fun. That's just part of it. Having fun and being able to take care of business when it's time to go.'

VIDEO OF ASKA : http://www.wpsdlocal6.com/sports/extra/MSUs-introductions-are-all-about-fun-114840984.html

Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili Selected to Play in NBA All-Star Game - by David Edole
SAN ANTONIO (Feb. 3, 2011)-- San Antonio's Tim Duncan (208-F-76, college: Wake Forest) and Manu Ginobili were selected by NBA head coaches to play in the 2011 All-Star Game to be held on Sunday, Feb. 20 in
Los Angeles. This marks the 14th time in franchise history that the Spurs have sent multiple players to the All-Star Game.

Duncan has been named an All-Star in each of his first 13 seasons in the NBA (there was no All-Star Game held in 1999 due to the NBA lockout), joining Bob Cousy, Jerry West and
Shaquille ONeal as the only players in history to accomplish that feat. He moves into a tie with four players (Wilt Chamberlain, Cousy, John Havlicek, Kobe Bryant) for seventh place in
NBA history with 13 overall All-Star selections. He only trails Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (19), ONeal (15), Michael Jordan (14), Karl Malone (14), West (14) and Kevin Garnett (14) in All-
Star nods. He was named the co-MVP of the 2000 All-Star Game. In All-Star game action, Duncan ranks first among active players in rebounds (121), third in minutes (275), fifth in
points (134), seventh in field goal percentage (.571) and eighth in assists (27). This season, Duncan is averaging 13.6 points on .486 shooting from the field, 9.4 rebounds, 3.0
assists and 1.96 blocks in 29.3 minutes per game.

This will be Ginobilis second All-Star appearance. In the 2005 All-Star Game, Ginobili scored 8 points and grabbed 3 rebounds in 22 minutes. He remains the only South American
player to make an NBA All-Star team. This season, Ginobili leads the Spurs averaging 18.8 points per game, 3.5 points higher than his career scoring average. He is also dishing out
4.8 assists and pulling down 3.8 rebounds per game. He has scored 20 or more points in 23 games this season, after recording at least 20 points in 24 games last season.

Duncan and Ginobili will play for their own head coach, as Gregg Popovich will lead the Western Conference team. He secured his second All-Star coaching honor on January 25
after beating Golden State, which sealed the best record in the Western Conference through games played on Feb. 6. The Spurs remain atop the NBA standings with a record of
40-8.

Joining the two Spurs players as reserves on the West squad are: Pau Gasol (L.A. Lakers), Blake Griffin (L.A. Clippers), Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas Mavericks), Russell Westbrook
(Oklahoma City Thunder) and Deron Williams (Utah Jazz). Voted to start for the West were the Denver Nuggets Carmelo Anthony, the Houston Rockets Yao Ming, the L.A. Lakers
Bryant, and the New Orleans Hornets Chris Paul.

NBA Commissioner David Stern will select the replacement for any player unable to participate in the All-Star Game. If the injured player is a starter, the head coach of that team will
determine who replaces him in the starting lineup.

The 2011 NBA All-Star Game will air live on TNT and ESPN Radio in the U.S. and reach fans in more than 200 countries and territories in more than 40 languages worldwide.

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

UKRAINE

Standings - Superleague

Superleague Standings

1. BC Donetsk		23-7
2. Budivelnyk		22-7
3. Hoverla		18-11
4. Azovmash		18-12
5. Dnipro		15-14
6. Kryvbasbasket		15-14
7. Ferro-ZNTU		15-15
8. Mykolaiv		14-14
9. DniproAzot		12-17
10. BC Odessa		12-18
11. Halychyna		11-21
12. Khimik		10-20
13. BC Kyiv		7-22

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

UNITED KINGDOM

Standings - BBL

BBL Standings

1. Liverpool MT		13-4
2. Glasgow Rocks		12-4
3. Newcastle		11-3
4. Cheshire Jets		11-5
5. Sheffield Sharks		9-4
6. Plymouth		9-7
7. Guildford Heat		9-8
8. Leicester Riders		8-8
9. Worcester		7-11
10. MK Lions		5-8
11. Worthing		1-16
12. Essex Pirates		0-17

Stats Leaders - BBL

Points Per Game

Jeremy BELL
  Cheshire Jets
  (183-G-83)
  Avg: 23.2

1. Bell, Cheshire Jets	23.2
2. Moore, Newcastle	21.6
3. Gilbert, Worcester	20.8
4. Zabas, Plymouth	20.8
5. Smith, Newcastle	20.1
6. Dagostino, Sheffi.	19.7
7. Blount, Leices.	19.6
8. Chapman, Newcastle	19.5
9. Stout, Sheffiel.	19.2
10. Nelson, MK Lions	18.9

Rebounds Per Game

Shaun DURANT
  Worthing
  (203-C-81)
  Avg: 10

1. Durant, Worthing	10.0
2. Nottley, Worthing	9.3
3. Myers, MK Lions	9.2
4. Missere, Leices.	9.0
5. Williams, Sheffi.	8.8
6. Rowe, Plymouth	8.8
7. Tuck, Sheffiel.	8.7
8. Polk, Plymouth	8.5
9. Toney, Liverpoo.	8.4
10. Dobbins, Worcester	7.9

Assists Per Game

Trey MOORE
  Newcastle
  (192-G-75)
  Avg: 6.5

1. Moore, Newcastle	6.5
2. Clark, MK Lions	5.4
3. Zabas, Plymouth	5.3
4. Middleton, Worce.	4.9
5. Patton, Sheffi.	4.6
6. Missere, Leices.	3.9
7. Bell, Cheshire Jets	3.9
8. Harrison, Glasgow .	3.8
9. Blount, Leices.	3.8
10. Chapman, Newcastle	3.7

Steals Per Game

Roderick MIDDLETON
  Worcester
  (186-G/F-82)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Middleton, Worce.	2.8
2. Clark, MK Lions	2.3
3. Harrison, Glasgow .	2.3
4. Moore, Newcastle	2.3
5. Prezzie-Blue, Worth.	2.1
6. Bell, Cheshire Jets	2.1
7. Greer, Cheshire.	1.9
8. Livas, Glasgow .	1.9
9. Adu, Essex Pirates	1.8
10. Murray, Cheshire.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Otis POLK
  Plymouth
  (206-C-88)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Polk, Plymouth	2.2
2. Missere, Leices.	1.8
3. Richard, Newcastle	1.2
4. Williams, Sheffi.	1.2
5. Sturt, Essex P.	1.1
6. Dobbins, Worcester	1.1
7. Toney, Liverpoo.	0.8
8. Nelson, MK Lions	0.8
9. Harris, Leices.	0.7
10. Martin, Guildfor.	0.6

Eagles Coach Struck Down With Pneumonia - by Paul Nilsen
Newcastle Eagles have been rocked by fears that influential player-coach Fabulous Flournoy (192-G/F-73, college: McNeese St.) could be out for months rather than weeks after being rushed into hospital with a serious strand of pneumonia.

While the news is a hammer blow to their chances of retaining their league crown, there was a sense of relief within the Eagles camp ahead of their game with Guildford Heat tonight after a suspected blood clot on the lung was thankfully ruled out.

Fans at Sports Central joined together in wishing their favourite a speedy recovery before the tip-off, a sentiment echoed by everyone involved in the

BBL Friday 4th Feb Round Up - by Paul Nilsen
Newcastle Eagles stepped up the defence of their BBL Championship title with a 98-90 win over Guildford Heat and immediately dedicated their win to hospitalised player-coach Fab Flournoy who is suffering from pneumonia.

Speaking on behalf of all of the players, veteran Charles Smith who has played under Flournoy as long as anybody else within the club claimed.,

We are still waiting to be told the full extent of how ill he is and he is a big miss to the team.

Of course this win was for him and we also needed to get back on track and focus on the league after the disappointment of the BBL trophy loss to Tigers last weekend.

Heat had troubled the Eagles for long periods having been boosted by the arrival of new point guard Carlos Medlock but in the end it wasnt enough.

Meanwhile in the other BBL Championship game on Friday night, One Health Sharks Sheffield left it late but eventually saw off Worcester Wolves 93-84 to post another victory and continue their impressive run of form since they opened up the Calendar year with a big loss to Newcastle.

Ryan Patton led the way with 24 points while center Paul Williams (208-F/C-83, college: St.Bonaventure) claimed 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Lions Lightening Strikes Tigers Twice - by Paul Nilsen
Prestige Homes MK Lions 97 (36,57,80) (Myers 22, Bolds 21, Nelson 17)
Mersey Tigers 95 (27,50,70) (Sullivan 29, Reinking 23, Aliu 16)

Prestige Homes MK Lions proved that lightning does strike twice with a nail-biting 97-95 win over BBL Championship leaders Mersey Tigers.

Having come into some form after a stop-start early season fixture list the home town Lions led from almost tip to buzzer but needed a Travis Nelson two with 27 seconds remaining to finally see off the Tigers.

Shawn Myers produced a vintage display to lead the MK scoring with 22, who also had big nights from Damarius Bolds and Nelson. Mersey were without the injured Tafari Toney and have now put the initiative back in the hands of Newcastle Eagles the remaining team with just three losses.

Having already beaten the league leaders once this season it was a confident Lions team that began the match with a 7-2 burst, which then became 15-10 on a Stefan Gill three.

Tigers regrouped to get to tie the match at 21-21 but in a high scoring first quarter it was the home team who came out on top as an 8-0 run helped them a to 36-27 advantage.

A Yorick Williams three gave Lions a double-digit lead at 39-29 and they managed to get to 50-39 before Mersey began to find their range.

A David Aliu two and a three-point play from Drew Sullivan cut the gap to 55-50 before Damarius Bolds had the last word in the half to make it 57-50 for Milton Keynes.

A 16-7 run, capped by a Bolds three, to start the third quarter by Lions put the home team firmly in control at 73-57.

Tigers trimmed the lead to 77-69 on a Sullivan bucket, but they could never really get close enough to mount a sustained challenge. Nate Reinking ensured the advantage was only nine as he made it 80-71 heading into the final period.

Back-to-back threes from Reinking and a two from his Great Britain colleague Sullivan opened the fourth quarter for Tigers as the Lions lead was trimmed to 82-79.

Lions went out again to 88-80 but an 11-3 run by Tigers made it a one-point game at 91-90. After Kris Clark made one of two from the line, Sullivan drained a pair from the charity stripe to tie the match at 92-92.

Veteran Williams showed hes the man for the big moment with a three to put Lions 95-92 but Sullivan displayed all his class to respond in kind.

It was left to Nelson to make the decisive score to put renewed hoped into the Milton Keynes play-off charge and further prolong Merseys inconsistent run of form.

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Women News

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CZECH REPUBLIC - Women

Taranto snatch road win over USK Praha - by Eurobasket News
USK Praha - Taranto 73:75

Taranto survived a tough Czech test and remained alive in the Euroleague eighth-final series against USK Praha. Taranto celebrated a difficult road win in the Czech capital tonight to force the decisive third game in the best-of-three series. Sophia Young (186-F-83, college: Baylor) stepped up with 24 points and 8 rebounds for Taranto.
The visitors marked their ambitions early. Taranto jumped into the lead and maintained it throughout the starting quarter. Sophia Young and Megan Mahoney (183-F-83, agency: LBM Management, college: Kansas St.) helped Taranto record a 25:17 lead ten minutes into the game. USK Praha opened the second term on a 12:2 run to surge ahead. Lindsay Whalen (173-G-82, college: Minnesota) propelled the hosts to a 36:31 advantage late in the first half. Katerina Elhotova (176-G-89) and Tereza Peckova (191-F-87) established a 45:36 halftime lead. USK Praha kept a safe distance in the third frame. The Czech team piled up a 62:54 lead at the final break. Elodie Godin (190-C-85) sparked a 9:2 run from Taranto as the visitors got within one 63:64. Siccardi drained a triple later to draw things level at 68. Delisha Milton-Jones (186-F-74, college: Florida) returned USK Praha a lead 73:72 before Megan Mahoney connected from behind the arc to give a 75:73 advantage for Taranto. Katerina Elhotova, Vajda and Delisha Milton-Jones all missed in the final two minutes of the clash and Taranto ran away with the win at the end.
Elodie Godin and Megan Mahoney nailed 13 points each for Taranto. Lindsay Whalen netted 20 points for USK Praha. Delisha Milton-Jones added 19 points and 13 rebounds in the loss.

USK Praha: Lindsay Whalen 20, Delisha Milton-Jones 19+13 boards
Taranto: Sophia Young 24, Elodie Godin 13, Megan Mahoney 13

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ESTONIA - Women

Standings - Women

Meistriliiga Standings

1. Eclex Tallinn		9-0
2. Tartu Ulikooli		6-3
3. TLU/Volta		4-3
4. NikeWomen		2-6
5. Audentes		0-9

Meisterliga Stst Leaders

Meistriliiga Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1 Teppo, Tartu 18.0
2 Nikolai, TLU 17.7
3 Skorohhodova, TLU 17.5
4 Kostla, Nike 16.5
5 Sokman, Tartu 15.1

Rebounds Per Game

1 Koster, Nike 10.5
2 Teppo, Tartu 9.7
3 Bratka, Audentes 9.0
4 Mitt, Tartu 8.9
5 Pokk, Eclex 8.0

Assists Per Game

1 Aleksandrova, TLU 3.6
2 Sokman, Tartu 3.1
3 Metsalu, Eclex 3.0
4 Nikolai, TLU 2.5
5 Skorohhodova, TLU 2.3

Steals Per Game

1 Okuneva, TLU 3.1
2 Pittsona, Eclex 2.6
3 Haas, Eclex 2.4

Blocks Per Game

1 Koster, Nike 1.2
2 Mesila, Eclex 1.2
3 Teppo, Tartu 0.7

2FGP

1 Koster, Nike 56.0
2 Sokman, Tartu 53.0
3 Bratka, Eclex 52.0

3FGP

1 Haas, Eclex 56.0
2 Satsi, Nike 53.0
3 Aleksandrova, TLU 52.0

Free Throws

1 Mesila, Eclex 95.0
2 Metsalu, Eclex 93.0
3 Pokk, Eclex 90.0

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EUROCUP - Women

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Ana DABOVIC
  Dynamo-GUVD
  (183-G/F-89)
  Avg: 21.6

1. Dabovic, Dy.	21.6
2. Mosch, Dy.	19.7
3. Willingham, Elitzu.	19.4
4. Carson, SEAT L.	19.1
5. Sanni, Villeneuve	19.0
6. Podesvova, MBK R.	18.0
7. Gaither, Dexia N.	17.5
8. Williams, Olivais	17.4
9. Givens, Minsk-2006	17.2
10. Doron, Elitzur Ramla	17.1

Rebounds Per Game

Simona PODESVOVA
  MBK Ruzomb.
  (186-F-83)
  Avg: 11.9

1. Podesvova, MBK R.	11.9
2. Willingham, Elitzu.	11.4
3. Stone, Partizan	11.0
4. Thomas, Villeneuve	10.8
5. Whitehead, Craiova	10.0
6. Myasoedova, Dynam.	9.9
7. Zarytska, Hatis Y.	9.8
8. Sanni, Villeneuve	9.4
9. Dennett, Sint K.	9.3
10. Henry, Mann Filter	8.8

Assists Per Game

Michelle BRANDAO
  Olivais
  (171-G-91)
  Avg: 6

1. Brandao, Olivais	6.0
2. Comtesse, Saarl.	5.3
3. Bajic, Zeljeznicar	5.2
4. Aubert, Nantes	5.1
5. Marchanka, Dynamo M.	4.8
6. Cherepanova, Cheva.	4.8
7. Moore, Chevakata	4.7
8. Dabovic, Dy.	4.6
9. Kalentzou, Athinaikos	4.6
10. Milanovich, Spart.	4.5

Steals Per Game

Johanne GOMIS
  Arras
  (177-G-85)
  Avg: 4.1

1. Gomis, Arras	4.1
2. Chaney, Hatis Y.	3.6
3. Wright, Elitzur Ramla	3.4
4. Gaither, Dexia N.	3.2
5. Moore, Chevakata	3.0
6. Dabovic, Dy.	2.8
7. Linkeviciene, Dynamo K.	2.8
8. Carpreaux, Villeneuve	2.7
9. Meesseman, Young C.	2.6
10. Tanqueray, Villeneuve	2.6

Blocks Per Game

Natalya MYASOEDOVA
  Dynamo-GUVD
  (192-C-87)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Myasoedova, Dynam.	2.6
2. Ivankovic, Jolly	2.0
3. Kuzina, Dynamo M.	2.0
4. Meesseman, Young C.	1.9
5. Khomenchuk, Goriz.	1.7
6. Riley, Athinaikos	1.7
7. Dennett, Sint K.	1.5
8. Mills, Alges	1.3
9. Hasper, Gorizont	1.3
10. Davenport, Cheva.	1.2

Quarterfinals: First games - by Eurobasket News
Dynamo-GUVD - Arras 67-76
Arras is the only team who celebrated on the road in Game One of the EuroCup Quarterfinals. The French squad demonstrated nice performance on Thursday evening beating Dynamo-GUVD 67-76. Olesia Malashenko (188-F-91, agency: LBM Management) was the leading player in this victory with double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds. Leilani Mitchell (165-G-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Utah) also scored 17, while Pauline Akonga Nsimbo (187-F/C-82, agency: LBM Management) added 15 points and 11 rebs. For the home squad, Ana Dabovic (183-G/F-89) shined with 24 points. Sheana Mosch (177-G/F-81, college: Duke) collected 17 points and 5 rebs. Arras did a great job in the first and in the last quarter. Olesia Malashenko and her teammates started the game with 7-17, but Dynamo answered with 20-13 in the second period. Teams were almost leveled in Q3, but this quarter belonged to Arras at the end 21-22. Visitors were four points up before the last ten minutes, but they wanted more and managed to win last quarter 19-24 for 67-76 before the Game Two in France. That meeting is scheduled for February 9.

Nantes - Chevakata 83-70
Nantes did a good job in the first game of the EuroCup Quarterfinals. The French outfit was too strong for Chevakata earning the 13-point lead before the second meeting. Emilija Podrug (190-C-79) was the leading scorer in victory with 21 points and she pulled down 7 rebounds beside that. Mame-Marie Sy-Diop (185-F-85) helped with double-double of 18 points and 13 rebounds. She was the MVP of this meeting with valuation 25. Sabine Niedola (184-F-91) had 15 points and 7 rebs. In the loosing squad, Jessica Davenport (196-C-85, college: Ohio St.) collected 17 points and 8 rebs. Elena Volkova (176-G-83) and Anna Petrakova (188-F-84) (7 rebs) scored 12 and 10 points respectively. Nantes shined in the second half and mostly owing to it they celebrated this comfortable victory (21-19, 20-18, 24-19, 18-14). Second game is scheduled for February 10 and Chevakata will be the host. They will need at least 14-point win for the next stage and we will see is it too much for the hosts.

Mann Filter - Athinaikos 53-53
First game of the EuroCup Quarterfinals between Mann Filter and Athinaikos ended without a winner. It is a good result for the Greek powerhouse, who will be the host in the second meeting. Dimitra Kalentzou (174-G-78) shined for the guests with 16 points and 8 rebounds. Their second scorer was Katerina Sotiriou (187-F-84) with 14 points and she pulled down 6 boards beside that. Ruth Riley (196-C-79, college: Notre Dame) helped Athinaikos with 8 points and 8 rebs. For the home squad, Allison Feaster-Strong (181-F-76, college: Harvard) delivered 13 points. She was their only player with double-digits in scoring. Aneika Henry (191-C-86, college: Florida) stopped to 8 points and 5 rebounds in this meeting. Mann Filter made 13-11 in the first quarter and visitors replied with 12-16 for the next ten minutes. Than third period belonged to Mann Filter 14-11, while Dimitra Kalentzou and her teammates made 14-15 for rest of the game tying the score at 53-53. Athinaikos had better shot percentage from the field and they also outrebounded Mann Filter 33-30. Second game is scheduled for February 10 in Greece.

Elitzur Ramla - Gran Canaria 78-54
Elitzur Ramla exploded in the first game of the EuroCup Quarterfinals against Gran Canaria. The Israeli outfit smashed their rival 78-54 and they are already with 'one leg' in the Semis. Le'Coe Willingham (183-C-81, college: Auburn) had monster double-double of 23 points and 21 rebounds for the hosts. She reached impressive valuation 36. Shay Doron (175-F-85, college: Maryland) scored 18 and Rivi Grinboym (178-G-78, agency: Data Plus Group) delivered 10 points. In the loosing squad, Kathrin Ress (196-C-85, college: Boston Coll.) had double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds. Rosaura Sanchez (176-G-74) stopped to 13 points for 40 minutes on the court. Elitzur Ramla took control on their rivals from the very beginning. The hosts made 21-8 in the first ten minutes and jumped to 43-25 until the halftime. Granca improved after the breather and they won Q3 with 13-16, but that was all from them in this game. Le'Coe Willingham and her teammates were good in the last period (22-12) celebrating comfortable 78-54 victory at the end. Second game is scheduled for February 9.

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EUROLEAGUE - Women

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Diana TAURASI
  Fenerbahce
  (182-F/G-82)
  Avg: 24.6

1. Taurasi, Fenerbahce	24.6
2. McCoughtry, MKB E.	22.0
3. Taylor, Fenerbahce	19.2
4. Charles, Nadezhda.	19.0
5. Bonner, Rivas E.	18.8
6. Prince, Spartak .	17.5
7. Wright, Lotos G.	17.4
8. Brunson, Ros C.	17.3
9. Jackson, Spartak .	17.3
10. Reid, Gospic	17.1

Rebounds Per Game

Cheryl FORD
  Frisco Sika
  (191-F/C-81)
  Avg: 14.2

1. Ford, Frisco Sika	14.2
2. Charles, Nadezhda.	12.3
3. Hollingswort., TTT R.	10.5
4. Brunson, Ros C.	10.2
5. Lyttle, Perfumer.	9.9
6. Dupree, Dobri Anjeli	9.8
7. Fowles, Galatasa.	9.5
8. Leuchanka, Gorzow	9.2
9. Veremeenko, Nadezhda.	8.8
10. Milton-Jones, USK P.	8.8

Assists Per Game

Dalma IVANYI
  Pecs 2010
  (178-G-76)
  Avg: 5.4

1. Ivanyi, Pecs 2010	5.4
2. Reid, Gospic	5.3
3. Whalen, USK Praha	4.9
4. Taurasi, Fenerbahce	4.7
5. Skerovic, Frisco Sika	4.7
6. Zirkova, Dobri Anjeli	4.2
7. Sharp, Mondeville	4.1
8. Dominguez, Perfumer.	4.1
9. Wambe, Taranto	4.1
10. Babkina, Lotos G.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Maurita REID
  Gospic
  (173-G-85)
  Avg: 3.8

1. Reid, Gospic	3.8
2. McCoughtry, Fener.	3.3
3. Phillips, Wisla C.	2.4
4. Bimbaite, VICI K.	2.3
5. McCoughtry, MKB E.	2.3
6. Lyttle, Perfumer.	2.3
7. Wright, Lotos G.	2.1
8. Leedham, Gorzow	2.1
9. Bonner, Rivas E.	2.0
10. Brunson, Ros C.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Anastasiya VEREMEENKO
  Nadezhda O.
  (192-C-87)
  Avg: 3.6

1. Veremeenko, Nadezhda.	3.6
2. Jackson, Spartak .	1.6
3. Ndongue, Bourges	1.6
4. Fowles, Galatasa.	1.5
5. Stepanova, UMMC	1.3
6. Tamane, MKB Eurol.	1.3
7. Charles, Nadezhda.	1.2
8. Hollingswort., TTT R.	1.1
9. Burse, Wisla C.	1.1
10. Irvin, Lotos Gdynia	1.0

Euroleague Round: 2 (1/8 Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Dobri Anjeli - Bourges 61-54
Dobri Anjeli stayed in the battle for Euroleague quarterfinal birth. They held off Bourges in Kosice to force decider. Candice Dupree (188-F/C-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Temple) tallied 13 points and 13 rebounds to pace the Slovakian champions. Bourges led throughout the opening quarter. Digbue and Miyem posted a 15:10 lead for the French team after ten minutes. Salagnac and Kaltsidou kept the visitors in front in the second quarter. Jalcova capped the half with a three-pointer but Dobri Anjeli still trailed by 3 points 29:32. Bourges kept Dobri Anjeli at bay for the bigger part of the third term. However Katarina Hrickova (180-F-80) and Lucia Kupcikova (184-F-84) crowned the stanza with five quick points to draw things level at 43. Dupree and Katarina Hrickova pulled the hosts ahead 51:45 midway through the fourth term. Emmeline Ndongue (190-C-83) narrowed the gap but Dobri Anjeli went on an 8:3 run to seal the victory. Katarina Hrickova, Lucia Kupcikova and Marina Solopova (180-G/F-90) netted 10 points each for Dobri Anjeli. Catherine Joens (180-G-82) replied with 19 points for Bourges. Emmeline Ndongue chipped in 12 points in defeat.

Familia Schio - Spartak V MR 66-64
Schio survived a dramatic game ending to eke out a tough win over Spartak MR in the second game of the eight-final best-of-three series. Schio leveled things at 1-1 and forced the decider to be played in Vidnoe on February 9. Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui (190-C-86) came up with 19 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists to pace the Italian team. Epiphanny Prince (175-G-88, college: Rutgers) and Quinn ensured the better start for Spartak MR. The visitors earned a 16:10 lead midway through the first quarter. Spartak MR stayed in charge throughout the rest of the quarter and never loosened the grasp in the second term. Epiphanny Prince gave the defending champions a 32:27 lead at halftime. Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui triggered an 11:2 rally from Schio early in the third quarter as the hosts pulled in front 38:36. However Sue Bird capped the quarter with two free throws to secure a 44:43 lead for Spartak MR. The Russian team led by 6 points 58:52 with just four minutes remaining. But Pastore and Masciadri came up with consecutive triples to erase the deficit. Bird followed with a jumper but Janel McCarville (188-C-82, college: Minnesota) immediately responded with a basket of her own. Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui and Cohen then stepped up with four points in a row to put Schio in charge. Epiphanny Prince tried to save the game for Spartak with a triple but Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui hit a jumper and sealed the victory. Laura Macchi (187-F-79) knocked down 12 points, while Janel McCarville produced 11 points and 9 rebounds for Schio. Epiphanny Prince answered with game-high 26 points for Spartak. Tay McWilliams-Franklin (189-F/C-70, college: St.Edward's) delivered 11 points and 7 rebounds in the loss.

Pecs 2010 - Perfumerias 66-73
Halcon Avenida advanced into Euroleague quarterfinals. They defeated Pecs 2010 in Hungary to complete the sweep of the best-of-three series. Sancho Lyttle (193-C-83, college: Houston) came up with 22 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Spanish team. It was a close battle right from the start. The lead changed hands for several times throughout the opening term. Sancho Lyttle capped the period with a layup to level things up at 17. The teams continued to exchange baskets in the second period. Krnjic and Griffin eked out a 38:35 lead for Pecs 2010 at the interval. Marta Xargay Casademont (180-G-90) knocked down 8 points in the third quarter to give Halcon Avenida a narrow 49:48 lead at the final intermission. The visitors went on a 6:0 run midway through the fourth quarter to clear off 64:57. Allie Quigley (180-G-86, college: DePaul) and Bujdoso responded with back-to-back trebles to cut the deficit. But Silvia Dominguez, Sancho Lyttle and Marta Xargay Casademont followed with eight free throws and Halcon Avenida ran away with the victory. Marta Xargay Casademont delivered 13 points for Halcon Avenida. Erika DeSouza (197-C-82) had 11 points and 10 rebounds in the victory. Allie Quigley chipped in 23 points for Pecs 2010. Zsofia Fegyverneky (178-G-84) notched 12 points in the loss.

Rivas Ecopolis - UMMC 74-83 OT
UMMC secured their Euroleague quarterfinal birth. They tamed Rivas Ecopolis in an overtime marathon today to complete the sweep in the eighth-final series. Olga Arteshina (182-F-82) and Cappie Pondexter (175-G-83, college: Rutgers) nailed 19 points apiece to lead the effort. UMMC started the game strongly. Olga Arteshina knocked down 8 points in the first quarter to give UMMC an 18:16 lead. The lead changed hands for several times throughout the second quarter before Candace Parker (193-F/C-86, college: Tennessee) ensured a 34:32 advantage for the visitors at halftime. The teams continued to trade baskets throughout a very close third quarter. Finally Rivas Ecopolis pulled in front and secured a 53:51 buffer before the fourth stanza. It all came down to the final minutes. DeWanna Bonner (193-G-87, college: Auburn) and Valdemoro gave the hosts a 70:66 lead with 55 seconds remaining. But Sandrine Gruda (193-C-87) and Dumerc responded equally to level things up at 70. Valdmoro and Olga Arteshina exchanged missed shots as the game headed into overtime. Cappie Pondexter stepped up for UMMC in the extra period as she nailed 7 points and led the visitors to the win. Candace Parker accounted for 16 points in the victory. Sandrine Gruda finished with 13 points for UMMC. DeWanna Bonner replied with 22 points for Rivas Ecopolis. Courtney Paris (193-C-87, college: Oklahoma) dropped 18 points and collected 8 rebounds in defeat.

USK Praha - Taranto 73-75
Taranto survived a tough Czech test and remained alive in the Euroleague eighth-final series against USK Praha. Taranto celebrated a difficult road win in the Czech capital tonight to force the decisive third game in the best-of-three series. Sophia Young (186-F-83, college: Baylor) stepped up with 24 points and 8 rebounds for Taranto. The visitors marked their ambitions early. Taranto jumped into the lead and maintained it throughout the starting quarter. Sophia Young and Megan Mahoney (183-F-83, agency: LBM Management, college: Kansas St.) helped Taranto record a 25:17 lead ten minutes into the game. USK Praha opened the second term on a 12:2 run to surge ahead. Lindsay Whalen (173-G-82, college: Minnesota) propelled the hosts to a 36:31 advantage late in the first half. Katerina Elhotova and Tereza Peckova established a 45:36 halftime lead. USK Praha kept a safe distance in the third frame. The Czech team piled up a 62:54 lead at the final break. Elodie Godin (190-C-85) sparked a 9:2 run from Taranto as the visitors got within one 63:64. Siccardi drained a triple later to draw things level at 68. Delisha Milton-Jones (186-F-74, college: Florida) returned USK Praha a lead 73:72 before Megan Mahoney connected from behind the arc to give a 75:73 advantage for Taranto. Katerina Elhotova, Vajda and Delisha Milton-Jones all missed in the final two minutes of the clash and Taranto ran away with the win at the end. Elodie Godin and Megan Mahoney nailed 13 points each for Taranto. Lindsay Whalen netted 20 points for USK Praha. Delisha Milton-Jones added 19 points and 13 rebounds in the loss.

Nadezhda O. - Wisla Can-Pak 63-72
Wisla became the first team to reach Euroleague quarterfinals this season. They swept the best-of-three series against ambitious Nadezhda Orenburg. Erin Phillips (173-G-85) scored 22 points and grabbed 7 rebounds to lead the Polish powerhouse to a decisive win in Game 2. Nadezhda just missed the victory in Krakow and were not about to do it again at home. The Orenburg team stormed in front early in the encounter. They posted an 18:8 lead midway through the starting quarter. However Erin Phillips hit a pair of three-pointers to keep Wisla in the game. Nadezhda led by 8 points at the first intermission 22:14. Paulina Pawlak (170-G-84, agency: Data Plus Group) hit a couple of trebles early in the second term as Wisla surged ahead 28:25. Nadezhda immediately responded with a 10:0 rally to restore the lead. They arrived at halftime up by four points 38:34. Erin Phillips and Nicole Nicole Powell (188-G/F-82, college: Stanford) put the visitors in front once again in the third quarter. However Hammon and Baranova secured a 52:51 lead for Nadezhda at the final break. Back-to-back three-pointers from Paulina Pawlak and Erin Phillips gave Wisla a 60:56 lead with under five minutes remaining. Paulina Pawlak, Magdalena Leciejewska and Yelena Leuchanka then kept Wisla at safe distance in the dying minutes and Nadezhda had to surrender at the end. Nicole Powell nailed 17 points for Wisla. Paulina Pawlak added 11 points for the winners. Tina Charles (193-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) responded with 19 points and 8 rebounds for Nadezhda. Anastasiya Veremeenko (192-C-87) finished with 15 points and 8 caroms in the loss.

Galatasaray - Fenerbahce 51-73
Fenerbahce kept on winning in Euroleague. They knocked down Galatasaray to coast into the tournaments quarterfinals. Esmeral Tuncluer (175-G-80) and Ivana Matovic (197-C-83) netted 16 points each to lead Fenerbahce to an easy victory against their cross-town rivals. Fenerbahce opened the game with seven quick points. They maintained the lead throughout the starting term. Fenerbahce registered a 19:8 lead after ten minutes. Anete Jekabsone-Zogota (177-G-83) opened a 20-point lead for the visitors midway through the second quarter. Fenerbahce arrived at halftime leading 40:20. Sylvia Fowles (198-C-85, college: LSU) and Seimone Augustus tried to spark Galatasaray early in the third term but Fenerbahce did not slow down building a 55:28 lead at the final break. The visitors never looked back en route to the victory in the fourth term. Anete Jekabsone-Zogota netted 14 points for the winners. Sylvia Fowles responded with 14 points for Galatasaray. Bahar Caglar (188-F-88) had 7 points in defeat.

MKB Eurol. - Ros Casares 72-70
MKB Euroleasing showed their character and refused to surrender against Euroleague favorites Ros Casares in the eighth-final series. The Hungarian powerhouse toppled Ros Casares at home court tonight to level series. Tijana Krivacevic (194-F-90) nailed 21 points to lead the effort. The teams are scheduled to meet in Spain on February 9 for the decider. MKB Euroleasing and Ros Casares traded baskets in the opening quarter. Lima capped the period with a layup to give the visitors a 15:13 lead. Tijana Krivacevic and Kata Honti (175-G-87) quickly gave the lead to the hosts in the second period. MKB Euroleasing used a 7:0 run in the second quarter to record a 30:22 lead. Kathryn Douglas (185-G/F-79, college: Purdue) managed to narrow the deficit at 6 points 28:34 at halftime. Kathryn Douglas and Rebekkah Brunson (191-F/C-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Georgetown) triggered a 9:0 rally from the Spanish team as they pulled ahead at the start of the third frame. Ros Casares hung on to enter the fourth stanza up by two points 51:49. Furesz opened the fourth quarter with a three-pointer as MKB Euroleasing retained the lead. Ros Casares and MKB Euroleasing stayed close for the reminder of the clash. Burnson knotted things up at 70 with 56 seconds remaining. Kata Honti and Tamane followed with two free throws to seal the winning outcome for the home team. Marissa Coleman (185-G/F-87, college: Maryland) netted 15 points, while Kata Honti dropped 12 points in the victory. Rebekkah Brunson responded with 23 points and 13 rebounds for Ros Casares. Kathryn Douglas nailed 16 points in the loss.

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FRANCE - Women

Dobri Anjeli level series against Bourges - by Eurobasket News
Dobri Anjeli - Bourges 61:54

Dobri Anjeli stayed in the battle for Euroleague quarterfinal birth. They held off Bourges in Kosice to force decider. Candice Dupree (188-F/C-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Temple) tallied 13 points and 13 rebounds to pace the Slovakian champions.
Bourges led throughout the opening quarter. Digbue and Miyem posted a 15:10 lead for the French team after ten minutes. Salagnac and Kaltsidou kept the visitors in front in the second quarter. Jalcova capped the half with a three-pointer but Dobri Anjeli still trailed by 3 points 29:32. Bourges kept Dobri Anjeli at bay for the bigger part of the third term. However Katarina Hrickova (180-F-80) and Lucia Kupcikova (184-F-84) crowned the stanza with five quick points to draw things level at 43. Dupree and Katarina Hrickova pulled the hosts ahead 51:45 midway through the fourth term. Emmeline Ndongue (190-C-83) narrowed the gap but Dobri Anjeli went on an 8:3 run to seal the victory.
Katarina Hrickova, Lucia Kupcikova and Marina Solopova (180-G/F-90) netted 10 points each for Dobri Anjeli. Catherine Joens (180-G-82) replied with 19 points for Bourges. Emmeline Ndongue chipped in 12 points in defeat.

Dobri Anjeli: Candice Dupree 13+13 boards, Katarina Hrickova 10, Lucia Kupcikova 10, Marina Solopova 10
Bourges: Catherine Joens 19, Emmeline Ndongue 12

LFB Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Mistie BASS-WILLIAMS
  Challes
  (191-C-83)
  Avg: 19.4

1. Bass-W., Challes	19.4
2. Humphrey, Landes	17.5
3. Akonga Nsimb., Arr.	16.6
4. Grima, Aix-en-P.	16.3
5. Mann, Charleville	15.9
6. Sharp, Mondeville	15.8
7. Jones, Toulouse	14.9
8. Dubljevic, Tarbes	14.8
9. Sanni, Villeneuve	14.8
10. Covington, Union H.	14.6

Rebounds Per Game

Aurelie BONNAN
  Mondeville
  (187-F-83)
  Avg: 11.8

1. Bonnan, Mondeville	11.8
2. Diawara, Charleville	10.8
3. Neaves, Aix-en-P.	9.9
4. Bass-W., Challes	9.9
5. Humphrey, Landes	9.9
6. Sanni, Villeneuve	9.5
7. Bales, Union Hainaut	8.7
8. Kamba, Union H.	8.7
9. Matic, Tarbes	7.4
10. Thomas, Villeneuve	7.0

Assists Per Game

Natalie HURST
  Aix-en-Provence
  (163-G-83)
  Avg: 5.3

1. Hurst, Aix-en-P.	5.3
2. Aubert, Nantes	5.0
3. Lepron, Tarbes	4.7
4. Manic, Landes	4.1
5. Bar, Challes	4.0
6. Tanqueray, Villeneuve	4.0
7. Sharp, Mondeville	3.9
8. Mitchell, Arras	3.8
9. Aubert, Toulouse	3.7
10. Dubljevic, Tarbes	3.6

Steals Per Game

Romy BAR
  Challes
  (189-F-87)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Bar, Challes	2.9
2. Gomis, Arras	2.8
3. Bonnan, Mondeville	2.1
4. Skrela, Lattes M.	2.1
5. Milovanovic, Toulouse	2.1
6. Cibert, COB Calais	2.0
7. Poto, Lattes M.	2.0
8. Bouderra, Charleville	1.9
9. Lepron, Tarbes	1.8
10. Lacroix, Challes	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Emmeline NDONGUE
  Bourges
  (190-C-83)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Ndongue, Bourges	2.1
2. Bales, Union Hainaut	1.9
3. Neaves, Aix-en-P.	1.4
4. Dowdell, Toulouse	0.9
5. Bass-W., Challes	0.9
6. Bonnan, Mondeville	0.8
7. Bar, Challes	0.7
8. Amant, Arras	0.7
9. Sy-Diop, Nantes	0.7
10. Jones, Toulouse	0.7

Arras takes it in Russia against Dynamo-GUVD - by Eurobasket News
Dynamo-GUVD - Arras 67-76

Arras is the only team who celebrated on the road in Game One of the EuroCup Quarterfinals. The French squad demonstrated nice performance on Thursday evening beating Dynamo-GUVD 67-76. Olesia Malashenko (188-F-91, agency: LBM Management) was the leading player in this victory with double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds. Leilani Mitchell (165-G-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Utah) also scored 17, while Pauline Akonga Nsimbo (187-F/C-82, agency: LBM Management) added 15 points and 11 rebs. For the home squad, Ana Dabovic (183-G/F-89) shined with 24 points. Sheana Mosch (177-G/F-81, college: Duke) collected 17 points and 5 rebs.
Arras did a great job in the first and in the last quarter. Olesia Malashenko and her teammates started the game with 7-17, but Dynamo answered with 20-13 in the second period. Teams were almost leveled in Q3, but this quarter belonged to Arras at the end 21-22. Visitors were four points up before the last ten minutes, but they wanted more and managed to win last quarter 19-24 for 67-76 before the Game Two in France. That meeting is scheduled for February 9.

Dynamo-GUVD: Ana Dabovic 24, Sheana Mosch 17+5 boards
Arras: Olesia Malashenko 17+10 boards, Leilani Mitchell 17, Pauline Akonga Nsimbo 15+11 boards

Nantes beats Chevakata 83-70 in Game One - by Eurobasket News
Nantes - Chevakata 83-70

Nantes did a good job in the first game of the EuroCup Quarterfinals. The French outfit was too strong for Chevakata earning the 13-point lead before the second meeting. Emilija Podrug (190-C-79) was the leading scorer in victory with 21 points and she pulled down 7 rebounds beside that. Mame-Marie Sy-Diop (185-F-85) helped with double-double of 18 points and 13 rebounds. She was the MVP of this meeting with valuation 25. Sabine Niedola (184-F-91) had 15 points and 7 rebs. In the loosing squad, Jessica Davenport (196-C-85, college: Ohio St.) collected 17 points and 8 rebs. Elena Volkova (176-G-83) and Anna Petrakova (188-F-84) (7 rebs) scored 12 and 10 points respectively. Nantes shined in the second half and mostly owing to it they celebrated this comfortable victory (21-19, 20-18, 24-19, 18-14). Second game is scheduled for February 10 and Chevakata will be the host. They will need at least 14-point win for the next stage and we will see is it too much for the hosts.

Nantes: Emilija Podrug 21+7 boards, Mame-Marie Sy-Diop 18+13 boards, Sabine Niedola 15+7 boards
Chevakata: Jessica Davenport 17+8 boards, Elena Volkova 12, Anna Petrakova 10+7 boards

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GERMANY - Women

Halle gives victory out of hands - by Juliane Hoehne
On Wednesday, February 2nd, the game ChemCats Chemnitz vs. SV Halle Lions was rescheduled. ChemCats Chemnitz, who was at the bottom of the league, had to win the game to move up, while SV Halle Lions needed the win to secure their lastly acquired play-off spot.
ChemCats Chemnitz started off the game with winning the first quarter 30:16, but SV Halle Lions found their way back in the game, slowly cutting the lead down to 46:38 at halftime and 59:59 after the third quarter. Also, in the last quarter SV Halle Lions didnt stop and took the lead. It looked like a secure win for the team of Head Coach Kortmann, but what followed was unimaginable. SV Halle Lions led 79:74 with 20seconds to go. ChemCats Chemnitz was able to bring the ball quickly down the court and score 2points, cutting down the lead 79:74. SV Halle Lions inbounded the ball, but was pressured by the full-court press of ChemCats Chemnitz. ChemCats Chemnitz provoked a turnover, which they were able to convert into a three-point shot to tie the game 79:79. Once again SV Halle Lions had to inbound the ball, and passed it another time to the opponent, which was fouled in a shot attempt. ChemCats Chemnitz knocked down both free throws to win the game 81:79.
Top players for ChemCats Chemnitz were Melissa Jeltema (175-G-88, college: Oakland) with 22pts& 8reb, O'Rourke 19pts&3ast, while Christina Schnorr (187-F-92) was one rebound shy of a double-double with 10pts&9reb, and also added 2 blocked shots.
For the Lions, Tamara Tatham (187-F-85, college: Massachusetts) was the top scorer adding 25pts and 8reb, while also Michaela Abelova (185-G-85) (19) and Margaret Dwyer (185-G, college: Missouri St.) (16pts&8reb) scored in double digits.
With this victory, ChemCats Chemnitz moved up from the last spot in the table, and has a chance to move up to the 10th place with a win over Rhein-Main, who is currently 10th. SV Halle Lions on the other side has to beat Leipzig on Sunday to not lose their current play-off spot.

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GREECE - Women

Athinaikos makes good result in Spain - by Eurobasket News
Mann Filter - Athinaikos 53-53

First game of the EuroCup Quarterfinals between Mann Filter and Athinaikos ended without a winner. It is a good result for the Greek powerhouse, who will be the host in the second meeting. Dimitra Kalentzou (174-G-78) shined for the guests with 16 points and 8 rebounds. Their second scorer was Katerina Sotiriou (187-F-84) with 14 points and she pulled down 6 boards beside that. Ruth Riley (196-C-79, college: Notre Dame) helped Athinaikos with 8 points and 8 rebs. For the home squad, Allison Feaster-Strong (181-F-76, college: Harvard) delivered 13 points. She was their only player with double-digits in scoring. Aneika Henry (191-C-86, college: Florida) stopped to 8 points and 5 rebounds in this meeting.
Mann Filter made 13-11 in the first quarter and visitors replied with 12-16 for the next ten minutes. Than third period belonged to Mann Filter 14-11, while Dimitra Kalentzou and her teammates made 14-15 for rest of the game tying the score at 53-53. Athinaikos had better shot percentage from the field and they also outrebounded Mann Filter 33-30.
Second game is scheduled for February 10 in Greece.

Mann Filter: Allison Feaster-Strong 13, Aneika Henry 8+5 boards
Athinaikos: Dimitra Kalentzou 16+8 boards, Katerina Sotiriou 14+6 boards, Ruth Riley 8+8 boards

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HUNGARY - Women

Halcon Avenida complete sweep of Pecs 2010 - by Eurobasket News
Pecs 2010 - Halcon Avenida 66:73

Halcon Avenida advanced into Euroleague quarterfinals. They defeated Pecs 2010 in Hungary to complete the sweep of the best-of-three series. Sancho Lyttle (193-C-83, college: Houston) came up with 22 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Spanish team.
It was a close battle right from the start. The lead changed hands for several times throughout the opening term. Sancho Lyttle capped the period with a layup to level things up at 17. The teams continued to exchange baskets in the second period. Krnjic and Griffin eked out a 38:35 lead for Pecs 2010 at the interval. Marta Xargay Casademont (180-G-90) knocked down 8 points in the third quarter to give Halcon Avenida a narrow 49:48 lead at the final intermission. The visitors went on a 6:0 run midway through the fourth quarter to clear off 64:57. Allie Quigley (180-G-86, college: DePaul) and Bujdoso responded with back-to-back trebles to cut the deficit. But Silvia Dominguez (166-G-87), Sancho Lyttle and Marta Xargay Casademont followed with eight free throws and Halcon Avenida ran away with the victory.
Marta Xargay Casademont delivered 13 points for Halcon Avenida. Erika DeSouza (197-C-82) had 11 points and 10 rebounds in the victory. Allie Quigley chipped in 23 points for Pecs 2010. Zsofia Fegyverneky (178-G-84) notched 12 points in the loss.

Pecs 2010: Allie Quigley 23, Zsofia Fegyverneky 12
Halcon Avenida: Sancho Lyttle 22+10 boards, Marta Xargay Casademont 13, Erika DeSouza 11+10 boards

Tijana Krivacevic leads MKB Euroleasing past Ros Casares - by Eurobasket News
MKB Euroleasing - Ros Casares 72:70

MKB Euroleasing showed their character and refused to surrender against Euroleague favorites Ros Casares in the eighth-final series. The Hungarian powerhouse toppled Ros Casares at home court tonight to level series. Tijana Krivacevic (194-F-90) nailed 21 points to lead the effort. The teams are scheduled to meet in Spain on February 9 for the decider.
MKB Euroleasing and Ros Casares traded baskets in the opening quarter. Lima capped the period with a layup to give the visitors a 15:13 lead. Tijana Krivacevic and Kata Honti (175-G-87) quickly gave the lead to the hosts in the second period. MKB Euroleasing used a 7:0 run in the second quarter to record a 30:22 lead. Kathryn Douglas (185-G/F-79, college: Purdue) managed to narrow the deficit at 6 points 28:34 at halftime. Kathryn Douglas and Rebekkah Brunson (191-F/C-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Georgetown) triggered a 9:0 rally from the Spanish team as they pulled ahead at the start of the third frame. Ros Casares hung on to enter the fourth stanza up by two points 51:49. Furesz opened the fourth quarter with a three-pointer as MKB Euroleasing retained the lead. Ros Casares and MKB Euroleasing stayed close for the reminder of the clash. Burnson knotted things up at 70 with 56 seconds remaining. Kata Honti and Tamane followed with two free throws to seal the winning outcome for the home team.
Marissa Coleman (185-G/F-87, college: Maryland) netted 15 points, while Kata Honti dropped 12 points in the victory. Rebekkah Brunson responded with 23 points and 13 rebounds for Ros Casares. Kathryn Douglas nailed 16 points in the loss.

MKB Euroleasing: Tijana Krivacevic 21, Marissa Coleman 15, Kata Honti 12
Ros Casares: Rebekkah Brunson 23+13 boards, Kathryn Douglas 16

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ICELAND - Women

Best players of Icelandic Express L. round 15 - by Eurobasket News
American Jacquline Adamshick (183-F-84) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's second-best Keflavik and that's her to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 15.
The 26-year old forward had a double-double of 34 points and fifteen rebounds, while her team edged out KR (#3, 9-6) 79-75. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. Keflavik maintains the 2nd position in Icelandic Express L.. They are still close to the very top. Keflavik would have been even better if they kept winning the games like in the last round. They have a solid 12-3 record. In the team's last game Adamshick had a remarkable 55.0% from 2-point range. She turned to be Keflavik's top player in her first season with the team. Villanova University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Adamshick. Adamshick is in league's top in points (2nd best: 25.9ppg) and averages solid 1.2bpg,3.2spg and 50.4% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 24-year old American guard Natasha Harris (177-G-86) of Fjolnir. Harris impressed basketball fans with 37 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Bad luck as Fjolnir was edged by the higher-ranked Snaefell (#4, 7-8) 76-72. Fjolnir managed to keep the same 7th spot in the standings. 12 lost games are too many comparing to just three victories Fjolnir managed to get this year. Harris is a newcomer at Fjolnir and it seems she did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders. She belongs to the best scorers in the league with 26.0ppg (#1). Her other stats are also decent: 9.1rpg and 7.6apg.

The third best performed player last round was American Shayla Fields (175-G-87, agency: 540 Sports) of U.M.F. Njardvik (#6). Fields showcased her all-around game by recording 23 points, seven rebounds and nine assists in the last round. She was a key player of Njardvik, leading her team to a 70-65 win against slightly lower-ranked Grindavik (#8, 3-12). The chances of Njardvik not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 10 games, recording just five victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Fields could try to bring Njardvik's a little bit higher in the standings. Fields has individually a great season in Iceland. After 15 games, she made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 23.3ppg (5th best), rebounds with 9.3rpg (8th best) and assists with 3.9apg (6th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Jaleesa Butler (183-F-87) of Hamar - 15 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists
5. Inga Buzoka (191-C-81) of Fjolnir - 10 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists
6. Helga Hallgrimsdottir (180-C-87) of Grindavik - 21 points and 9 rebounds
7. Eva Guamundsdottir (172-F-94) of Keflavik - 14 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists
8. Laura Audere (180-F-84) of Snaefell - 22 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists
9. Dita Liepkalne (185-F-87) of Njardvik - 6 points, 18 rebounds and 5 assists
10. Julia Demirer (184-F-81) of Njardvik - 22 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)

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ISRAEL - Women

Elitzur Ramla blasts Gran Canaria in Game One - by Eurobasket News
Elitzur Ramla - Gran Canaria 78-54

Elitzur Ramla exploded in the first game of the EuroCup Quarterfinals against Gran Canaria. The Israeli outfit smashed their rival 78-54 and they are already with 'one leg' in the Semis. Le'Coe Willingham (183-C-81, college: Auburn) had monster double-double of 23 points and 21 rebounds for the hosts. She reached impressive valuation 36. Shay Doron (175-F-85, college: Maryland) scored 18 and Rivi Grinboym (178-G-78, agency: Data Plus Group) delivered 10 points. In the loosing squad, Kathrin Ress (196-C-85, college: Boston Coll.) had double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds. Rosaura Sanchez (176-G-74) stopped to 13 points for 40 minutes on the court.
Elitzur Ramla took control on their rivals from the very beginning. The hosts made 21-8 in the first ten minutes and jumped to 43-25 until the halftime. Granca improved after the breather and they won Q3 with 13-16, but that was all from them in this game. Le'Coe Willingham and her teammates were good in the last period (22-12) celebrating comfortable 78-54 victory at the end.
Second game is scheduled for February 9.

Elitzur Ramla: Le'Coe Willingham 23+21 boards, Shay Doron 18, Rivi Grinboym 10
Gran Canaria: Kathrin Ress 19+10 boards+5 as, Rosaura Sanchez 13

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ITALY - Women

Schio hold off Spartak MR to stay in Euroleague race - by Eurobasket News
Schio - Spartak MR 66:64

Schio survived a dramatic game ending to eke out a tough win over Spartak MR in the second game of the eight-final best-of-three series. Schio leveled things at 1-1 and forced the decider to be played in Vidnoe on February 9. Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui (190-C-86) came up with 19 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists to pace the Italian team.
Epiphanny Prince (175-G-88, college: Rutgers) and Quinn ensured the better start for Spartak MR. The visitors earned a 16:10 lead midway through the first quarter. Spartak MR stayed in charge throughout the rest of the quarter and never loosened the grasp in the second term. Epiphanny Prince gave the defending champions a 32:27 lead at halftime. Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui triggered an 11:2 rally from Schio early in the third quarter as the hosts pulled in front 38:36. However Sue Bird capped the quarter with two free throws to secure a 44:43 lead for Spartak MR. The Russian team led by 6 points 58:52 with just four minutes remaining. But Pastore and Masciadri came up with consecutive triples to erase the deficit. Bird followed with a jumper but Janel McCarville (188-C-82, college: Minnesota) immediately responded with a basket of her own. Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui and Cohen then stepped up with four points in a row to put Schio in charge. Epiphanny Prince tried to save the game for Spartak with a triple but Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui hit a jumper and sealed the victory.
Laura Macchi (187-F-79) knocked down 12 points, while Janel McCarville produced 11 points and 9 rebounds for Schio. Epiphanny Prince answered with game-high 26 points for Spartak. Tay McWilliams-Franklin (189-F/C-70, college: St.Edward's) delivered 11 points and 7 rebounds in the loss.

Schio: Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui 19, Laura Macchi 12, Janel McCarville 11
Spartak MR: Epiphanny Prince 26, Tay McWilliams-Franklin 11

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NCAA1 - Women

Baggett the only Southland athlete in the CoSIDA/Capital One Academic All-District women team - by George Fragkos
McNeese St. sophomore Ashlyn Baggett (5'6''-G) was named to the CoSIDA/Capital One Academic All-District VI team.

Baggett, a native of Iota, La. Was selected to the second team and is the only women's selection from the Southland Conference. Baggett is a nursing major with a 3.74 grade-point average and ranks fourth in the Southland in scoring (15.8).

To be nominated, a student-athlete must be a starter or important reserve with at least a 3.30 cumulative grade-point average (on a 4.0 scale) at his current institution and must have participated in at least 50 percent of the team's games at the position indicated. The team was selected by vote of members of CoSIDA within the four-state region of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.

Courtesy: Southland.org

Duke bounces back with victory over Miami - by George Fragkos
Looking to rebound from its first loss of the season, the third-ranked Duke women's basketball team (21-1) responded with an excellent effort as the Blue Devils downed 18th-ranked Miami (FL), 82-58, on Thursday in Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Freshman Richa Jackson (6'0''-F) earned her first collegiate start and she made the most of it with a career-high 13 points, career-high nine rebounds and one blocked shot in 25 minutes. Freshman Haley Peters (6'3''-G/F) added 15 points and senior Karima Christmas (6'0''-G/F-89) chipped in 14 points and eight rebounds.

Duke shot 54.7 percent from the field and dominated the paint scoring 58 points down low.

Riquna Williams (5'7''-G), the ACC's leading scorer, finished with 27 points on 8-of-25 shooting, but Miami (FL) (20-3, 6-2) shot 32 percent and had a season-low scoring total. Shenise Johnson (5'11''-G-90), the league's No. 2 scorer, was held to 12 points - seven fewer than her average.

Courtesy: ACC

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POLAND - Women

Wisla reach Euroleague quarterfinals - by Eurobasket News
Nadezhda - Wisla 63:72

Wisla became the first team to reach Euroleague quarterfinals this season. They swept the best-of-three series against ambitious Nadezhda Orenburg. Erin Phillips (173-G-85) scored 22 points and grabbed 7 rebounds to lead the Polish powerhouse to a decisive win in Game 2.
Nadezhda just missed the victory in Krakow and were not about to do it again at home. The Orenburg team stormed in front early in the encounter. They posted an 18:8 lead midway through the starting quarter. However Erin Phillips hit a pair of three-pointers to keep Wisla in the game. Nadezhda led by 8 points at the first intermission 22:14. Paulina Pawlak (170-G-84, agency: Data Plus Group) hit a couple of trebles early in the second term as Wisla surged ahead 28:25. Nadezhda immediately responded with a 10:0 rally to restore the lead. They arrived at halftime up by four points 38:34. Erin Phillips and Nicole Nicole Powell (188-G/F-82, college: Stanford) put the visitors in front once again in the third quarter. However Hammon and Baranova secured a 52:51 lead for Nadezhda at the final break. Back-to-back three-pointers from Paulina Pawlak and Erin Phillips gave Wisla a 60:56 lead with under five minutes remaining. Paulina Pawlak, Magdalena Leciejewska (191-C-86) and Yelena Leuchanka (196-C-83, college: W.Virginia) then kept Wisla at safe distance in the dying minutes and Nadezhda had to surrender at the end.
Nicole Powell nailed 17 points for Wisla. Paulina Pawlak added 11 points for the winners. Tina Charles (193-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) responded with 19 points and 8 rebounds for Nadezhda. Anastasiya Veremeenko (192-C-87) finished with 15 points and 8 caroms in the loss.

Nadezhda: Tina Charles 19, Anastasiya Veremeenko 15
Wisla: Erin Phillips 22, Nicole Powell 17, Paulina Pawlak 11

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PORTUGAL - Women

Ticha Penicheiro re-signs with LA Sparks - by Luis Filipe Cristovao
The WNBAs all-time leader in assists (2,398) and steals (728), Ticha Penicheiro (180-G-74, college: ODU) returns for a second season with the Los Angeles Sparks, as announced yesterday in the teams website.

A four-time WNBA All-Star, Ticha Penicheiro led Los Angeles with an average of 6.3 assists per game last season, her 13th in the league. Earlier in her career she helped the Sacramento Monarchs capture their only WNBA Championship in 2005, while collegiately Ticha Penicheiro led Old Dominion University to the 1997 NCAA title.

Ticha returned home this January to suit up for Alges, and is averaging 9.6 points, an impressive 9.4 rebounds and 5.6 assists through five Portuguese League games.

I am elated that Ticha has chosen to re-sign with the Sparks. Her veteran leadership will be critical to our success this season, General Manager Penny Toler said.

'I'm so excited to be back in LA and continue our mission of bringing a championship to our fans', Ticha Penicheiro said. 'It's an honor to compete alongside players like Tina Thompson, Candace Parker and DeLisha Milton, and to play for a franchise with such tradition. I can't wait for the season to get underway! '

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RUSSIA - Women

UMMC silence Rivas Ecopolis in overtime - by Eurobasket News
Rivas Ecopolis - UMMC 74:83 (OT)

UMMC secured their Euroleague quarterfinal birth. They tamed Rivas Ecopolis in an overtime marathon today to complete the sweep in the eighth-final series. Olga Arteshina (182-F-82) and Cappie Pondexter (175-G-83, college: Rutgers) nailed 19 points apiece to lead the effort.
UMMC started the game strongly. Olga Arteshina knocked down 8 points in the first quarter to give UMMC an 18:16 lead. The lead changed hands for several times throughout the second quarter before Candace Parker (193-F/C-86, college: Tennessee) ensured a 34:32 advantage for the visitors at halftime. The teams continued to trade baskets throughout a very close third quarter. Finally Rivas Ecopolis pulled in front and secured a 53:51 buffer before the fourth stanza. It all came down to the final minutes. DeWanna Bonner (193-G-87, college: Auburn) and Valdemoro gave the hosts a 70:66 lead with 55 seconds remaining. But Sandrine Gruda (193-C-87) and Dumerc responded equally to level things up at 70. Valdmoro and Olga Arteshina exchanged missed shots as the game headed into overtime. Cappie Pondexter stepped up for UMMC in the extra period as she nailed 7 points and led the visitors to the win.
Candace Parker accounted for 16 points in the victory. Sandrine Gruda finished with 13 points for UMMC. DeWanna Bonner replied with 22 points for Rivas Ecopolis. Courtney Paris (193-C-87, college: Oklahoma) dropped 18 points and collected 8 rebounds in defeat.

Rivas Ecopolis: DeWanna Bonner 22, Courtney Paris 18
UMMC: Olga Arteshina 19, Cappie Pondexter 19, Candace Parker 16

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SLOVAKIA - Women

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SPAIN - Women

Second game of the Euroleague for Avenida, Ros and Rivas - by Julio Santafe
With the intention to end the play off as soon as possible Halcon Avenida and Ciudad Ros Casares travel to Hungary to face Pecs 2010 and MKB Euroleasing Sopron, respectively. Instead, Rivas Ecopolis will try at home to force a third game against UMMC Ekaterinburg potent squad.

Halcon Avenida back to a court that has happy memories of his major triumphs to try to finish the play off and prevent unnecessary nerves of a third party in Wurzburg. However, the Czechs of Pecs try to to avoid this objective because as stated by its top scorer Alexandra Quigley (180-G-86, college: DePaul) recalling the game in Salamanca said that 'we can definitely learn from this last game and we still have a chance to get better and to show it on the court. We were able to watch a film of the first game and see the situations that we didn't do so well in. We are really excited to get another chance to play, especially in front of our great home crowd.'

The players of Ros Casares will try to repeat their performance of the first game where after a great second half were imposed on Hungary's Sopron. The top scorer of this match was the guard Edwige Lawson (167-G-79, agency: SIG) with 16 points, but for her, the key will be defense, 'on Fonteta we left them nearly nine minutes without scoring, if we keep the defensive intensity throughout all the match, I think we have a good chance of winning.' The Hungarian rival is a team much more dangerous in its court, MBK Arena with a capacity for 2,200 spectators, where they got three of the four victories in the first phase, 'I know their court, is a small pavilion where people are very encouraged by his players, we must be prepared to impose our game in this environment,' said Lawson.

Finally, Rivas Ecopolis is the one with fewer opportunities because of the category of their opponent, but hopes to extend the play off with the support of their fans at Cerro del Telegrafo, and force a third game to not even leave the European competition. In Russia were near to reach a surprise winning and only prevented a bitter end to take the win to Madrid.

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TURKEY - Women

Fenerbahce cruise past Galatasaray - by Eurobasket News
Galatasaray - Fenerbahce 51:73

Fenerbahce kept on winning in Euroleague. They knocked down Galatasaray to coast into the tournaments quarterfinals. Esmeral Tuncluer (175-G-80) and Ivana Matovic (197-C-83) netted 16 points each to lead Fenerbahce to an easy victory against their cross-town rivals.
Fenerbahce opened the game with seven quick points. They maintained the lead throughout the starting term. Fenerbahce registered a 19:8 lead after ten minutes. Anete Jekabsone-Zogota (177-G-83) opened a 20-point lead for the visitors midway through the second quarter. Fenerbahce arrived at halftime leading 40:20. Sylvia Fowles (198-C-85, college: LSU) and Seimone Augustus (185-G-84, college: LSU) tried to spark Galatasaray early in the third term but Fenerbahce did not slow down building a 55:28 lead at the final break. The visitors never looked back en route to the victory in the fourth term. Anete Jekabsone-Zogota netted 14 points for the winners. Sylvia Fowles responded with 14 points for Galatasaray. Bahar Caglar (188-F-88) had 7 points in defeat.

Galatasaray: Sylvia Fowles 14, Bahar Caglar 7
Fenerbahce: Esmeral Tuncluer 16, Ivana Matovic 16, Anete Jekabsone-Zogota 14