EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 3/17/2011

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Men News

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  ABA   


ABA Playoffs updatings - by Gianni Pascucci
Eigh teams advanced to ABA Playoffs 3rd round. They will now meet themselves in two single elimination tournaments, one located in Pikeville, Kentucky, another in Denver; Colorado. The tournments are scheduled for Friday 18 and Saturday 19, as follows:

EAST TOURNMENT: (@ Pikeville, KY - March 18-19, 2011)
* East Kentucky
* Lake Michigan
* Savannah
* Seven Cities

WEST TOURNMENT: (@ Denver, CO - March 18-19, 2011)
* Colorado
* San Diego
* East Bay
* Gulf Coast

The two top seeded teams will advance to the ABA Final Four, scheduled to start on March 23, and will meet the two teams yet qualified, the Jacksonville Giants and the Southeast Texas Mavericks

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  ACPBL   


Hugh Jones League MVP - by Justin Moore
ALL LEAGUE TEAMS ANNOUNCED: HUGH BABY SHAQ JONES NAMED ACPBL PLAYER OF THE YEAR!!!
ACPBL HEAD COACH OF THE YEAR

Emory Addison

ACPBL PLAYER OF THE YEAR (LEAGUE MVP)

Hugh Jones (6'3''-F-80)

ACPBL 1ST TEAM ALL LEAGUE

Hugh Jones Beltway Bombers
Justin Carter (6'3''-G, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: Rutgers-Newark) Garden State Rebels
Donnie Stith (6'7''-F-85, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: Tulane) Tru Hope Trailblazers
Marcus Fisher (6'4''-G/F-83, agency: Gamble Sports Management) Beltway Bombers
Antoine Morgano Garden State Rebels

ACPBL 2ND TEAM ALL LEAGUE

Prince Jackson (6'6''-F-84, college: Dominican, NY) Hudson Valley Kingz
Telron Spell (6'4''-G/F-82, college: Bridgeport) Westchester WildKatz
Doug Herring (6'1''-G, college: Utica) Hudson Valley Kingz
Anthony Cox (6'9''-C-83, college: Farmingdale St.) New York Lions
Brian Graves (6'2''-G-85, college: Catawba) Tru Hope Trailblazers

ACPBL 3RD TEAM ALL LEAGUE

Vinnie Darpino (5'9''-G, college: Kean) Westchester WildKatz
Mike Dodd Westchester WildKatz
Marcus Hall (6'5''-G-87, college: Robert Morris) Buffalo Stampede
JJ Walsh New York Lions
Derryck Alexander Garden State Rebels

ACPBL 4TH TEAM ALL LEAGUE

Myron Howe Tri-City Suns
David Acree New York Lions
Greg Gamble Buffalo Stampede
Comontae Griffin Beltway Bombers
Angelo Hernandez (6'3''-G, college: N.Carolina A&T) Beltway Bombers

ACPBL 5TH TEAM ALL LEAGUE

Ed Jones (6'7''-F-86, college: N.Carolina A&T) Beltway Bombers
Derick Payne (6'6''-F-83, college: Bowie St.) Beltway Bombers
Jason Clark Tru Hope Trailblazers
David Bailey Tri-City Suns
Jamal Robinson Tru Hope Trailblazers

ACPBL 6TH TEAM ALL LEAGUE

Steven Miles (6'2''-G-81, college: American) Beltway Bombers
Eric Joe Tru Hope Trailblazers
Afalobi Ajumobi Garden State Rebels
Chuck Walker Buffalo Stampede
Jamal Wise Beltway Bombers
Joe Flegler Beltway Bombers
Vincent Brooks Garden State Rebels





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  ADRIATIC LEAGUE   


Standings
Adriatic League Standings
 1. Partizan 18-8 
 2. Krka 17-9 
 3. Union Olimpija 16-9 
 4. Buducnost 15-11 
 5. KK Zagreb CO 15-11 
 6. Hemofarm 14-12 
 7. Cedevita 14-12 
 8. Radnicki 12-13 
 9. CEZ Nymburk 12-14 
 10. Siroki TT 12-14 
 11. Igokea 11-15 
 12. Cibona 10-16 
 13. Crvena Zvezda 8-18 
 14. Zadar 7-19 


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Michael LEE
  Radnicki
  (207-F-86)
  Avg: 19.8
 1. Lee, Radnicki19.8 
 2. Marsh, Crvena Z.19.2 
 3. Zoric, KK.19.2 
 4. Macvan, Hemofarm19.2 
 5. Bogdanovic, Cibona18.9 
 6. Edwards, Cedevita17.5 
 7. Draper, Cedevita16.9 
 8. Car, Zadar16.4 
 9. Dragicevic, Buduc.16.3 
 10. Chase, Igokea16.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Luka ZORIC
  KK Zagreb CO
  (211-C/F-84)
  Avg: 8.2
 1. Zoric, KK.8.2 
 2. Harvey, Igokea7.1 
 3. Dragicevic, Buduc.7.0 
 4. Macvan, Hemofarm6.8 
 5. Necas, CEZ Nymburk6.4 
 6. Kasun, KK.6.3 
 7. Gist, Partizan6.2 
 8. Lee, Radnicki5.8 
 9. Nikolic, Crvena Z.5.8 
 10. Savovic, Hemofarm5.8 
Assists Per Game
 Miljan PAVKOVIC
  Hemofarm
  (178-G-81)
  Avg: 5.3
 1. Pavkovic, Hemofarm5.3 
 2. Draper, Cedevita5.1 
 3. Markovic, Radnicki5.0 
 4. Morovic, Siroki TT4.1 
 5. Chase, Igokea4.0 
 6. Ilievski, Union O.3.8 
 7. Renfroe, KK.3.7 
 8. Bazdaric, Cedevita3.5 
 9. Nissim, CEZ N.3.4 
 10. Car, Zadar3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Dontaye DRAPER
  Cedevita
  (180-G-84)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Draper, Cedevita2.2 
 2. Stemberger, Siroki T.2.2 
 3. Lee, Radnicki2.1 
 4. Car, Zadar1.9 
 5. Pumprla, CEZ N.1.9 
 6. Cakarevic, Radnicki1.8 
 7. Renfroe, KK.1.8 
 8. Dragic, Krka1.7 
 9. Ozbolt, Union O.1.6 
 10. Chase, Igokea1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Luka ZORIC
  KK Zagreb CO
  (211-C/F-84)
  Avg: 1.3
 1. Zoric, KK.1.3 
 2. Nikolic, Crvena Z.1.1 
 3. Kasun, KK.0.9 
 4. Shermadini, Union O.0.9 
 5. Dragicevic, Buduc.0.9 
 6. Radosevic, Cibona0.9 
 7. Gist, Partizan0.8 
 8. Edwards, Cedevita0.7 
 9. Jawai, Partizan0.7 
 10. Vesely, Partizan0.7 


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  BAHRAIN   


BBA on Hold - by Yousef Ahmed

The Bahrain Basketball Association has stopped all Basketball operations since February 20 until further notice due to the country's recent unrest.

All Clubs have stopped training and cancelled all practicices for all ages . Some Clubs are trying to cancel their teams participation for the rest of the season.

All import players and coaches have been sent home.

As soon as the country security is back to normal sports will resume.


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  BALTIC LEAGUE   


Juventus make first step towards Challenge Cup title - by Eurobasket News
Kaunas - Juventus 81:87

Juventus recorded the road loss in the first game of the Challenge Cup Finals. They posted a 6-point road victory and made a significant step towards gaining the title. Aurimas Kieza (202-F-82, agency: Players Group, college: Hofstra) tallied 21 points and 11 rebounds to pace the visitors. Juventus will host the decisive game on March 19.
Juventus exploded with 31 points after a close first term to take a 52:42 lead at halftime. Juventus controlled the tempo in the third period and earned a 15-point lead with one quarter remaining. Kaunas went on a desperate run in the final term but just cut the deficit losing at the end. Marius Prekevicius (196-F-84, agency: Interperformances, college: S.Florida) provided 15 points, while Gediminas Maceina (188-G-84) added 13 points in the victory. Povilas Cukinas (210-C-83) answered with 25 points and 6 boards for Kaunas. Rokas Uzas (202-F-88) finished with 17 points in defeat.

Kaunas: Povilas Cukinas 25, Rokas Uzas 17
Juventus: Aurimas Kieza 21+11 boards, Marius Prekevicius 15, Gediminas Maceina 13

In the meantime Neptunas built a comfortable advantage after a home game against Techasas in the consolation final. Mantas Ruikis (198-G/F-85) poured in 23 points to lead Neptunas to a 93:77 success. Valdas Vasylius (203-F-83, college: ODU) added 19 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists in the victory. Gintaras Leonavicius (194-G-83, agency: Players Group) replied with 24 points for Techasas.


VEF Riga hire Ramunas Butautas - by Eurobasket News
Ramunas Butautas will be the new head coach of VEF Riga. The team has announced the signing of the deal meant till the end of the season. Ramunas Butautas will replace Rimas Kurtinaitis (agency: Alti Sport ) who left for Khimky. The 46-year-old Lithuanian specialist started the previous season at the helm of BC Donetsk. He had to leave Ukraine after the team had folded and moved to Lithuania. Ramunas Butautas took the reins in Zalgiris Kaunas but resigned back in February 2010. Ramunas Butautas worked in Latvia before. He guided ASK Riga in 2006/09 seasons. The specialist also worked with Siauliai, Lithuanian U16, U20 and U21 selections. He was Lithuanian NT head coach in 2007-09 seasons. Eurobasket.com named him All-Latvian League Coach of the Year back in 2007.


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  BELGIUM   


Standings - Division II
D2 Standings
 1. Kangar.-Boom 20-3 
 2. Sint-Jan Ant. 18-7 
 3. Excelsior 16-9 
 4. De Westhoek 15-8 
 5. Pitzemburg 15-8 
 6. Waregem 13-11 
 7. Essor Charleroi 10-13 
 8. Zolder 9-13 
 9. Liege II 9-15 
 10. Fleurus 8-15 
 11. Oostkamp 8-15 
 12. Gembo 8-16 
 13. M.Hainaut II 7-14 
 14. Carnieres 7-16 


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  BRAZIL   


Standings - BNL
NBB Standings
 1. Pinheiros/Sky 17-6 
 2. Flamengo 17-6 
 3. BRB/Brasilia 16-6 
 4. Unitri/Universo 16-8 
 5. Vivo/Franca 15-7 
 6. Itabom/Bauru 15-8 
 7. Araldite/Univille 15-9 
 8. S.Jose/Vinac 13-10 
 9. Pitagoras/Minas 12-11 
 10. Winner/Limeira 10-13 
 11. Araraquara 6-16 
 12. Paulistano 6-17 
 13. Assis Basket 5-18 
 14. Vila Velha CETAF 5-19 
 15. Vitoria 5-19 


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  CHILE   


Copa Chile Basketball preseason report for March 07: Kickoff April 26 - by Rodrigo Hunrichse

The scheduled kickoff for Copa Chile is April 26, but the machine has been set in motion. So many teams have already applied, the deadline is March 18, more deadlines are to be expiring and the stages being burnt to come up with the different groups sorted by geography.

The initial proposal is NO FOREIGN PLAYERS for Copa Chile.

On CD UDECONCE, new hires are Gerardo Isla (200-F/C-91) and Del Solar (from CD Valdivia), young and tall for a Club that is going for serious results this year.
The 'All Star' roster is big names and UDEC (are playing the local ADESUP College League too) is Evandro Arteaga (178-G-83), Eduardo Marechal (186-G-85), Jorge Vasquez (185-G-86), Diego Osses (185-F-88), Figueroa, Matias Villagran (198-C-88).

LICEO MIXTO dropped Lino Sez, Galo Lara and Carlos Gallardo, citing to rejuvenate the team, then maintains Patrick Saez & senior Patricio Briones! Also staying Patrick Saez, Claudio Gallardo, plus big guys Mauricio Cisterna & long distancer Claudio Naranjo.
Tried to get international star Franco Morales, but then Morales declined to stay in Espanol de Talca.
SIX new players to be announced, 19 to 26 years old.

CD VALDIVIA after loosing young Del Solar & Isla, also renewed the roster, with Campioni del Domani (Under-19) players: guard Santana, Toro (defender) and MVP Labrin.

BOSTON COLLEGE dropped Arroyo and Erick Carrasco, kept Zapata and star Valencia.

OSORNO Basquetbol (not Toros) lost Julius Holt (BOSTON), but received local hero Erick Carrasco. Previous players remain: Hernandez, senior Pablo Coro, Cristian Perez.

ESPANOL TALCA did not renew Jose Fuentes, Benjamin Acua. Former player Carrizo is returning. So far is not having a sponsor so there is a concern.

The Under 19 Womens World Cup will be played July 21 to 31st in Puerto Montt.
The lottery for the groups for the national teams is March 18.

LIBSUR (Southern League) starts March 26, in 2 groups. The 'North' has teams North to... he Araucania Region. I said SOUTH, did not?


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  CHINA   


DongGuan release Jackson Vroman - by Eurobasket News
DongGuan announced the departure of Vroman Jackson (208-C/F-81, college: Iowa St.). The US-Lebanese centre has an injury and the Leopards have decided to part ways with him. Vroman Jackson joined the team at the start of the season. He tallied 22.6 points, 10.6 boards, 4.9 assists and 2.8 steals per game in CBA. Vroman Jackson played at the 2010 World Championship for Lebanon. The centre notched impressive 14.8 points, 6.4 boards and 2.0 assists per appearance in Turkey. Last season Vroman Jackson spent in Iran with Mahram. He posted 22.9 points, 10.1 boards, 3.3 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.1 blocks per game in Asian Club Championship leading Mahram to the title. The centre also had stints in Lithuania, Spain and NBA. Vroman Jackson was named Asia-Basket.com All-WABA Best Player in 2009.



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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


CEZ Nymburk Fall to Buducnost in Final Round of Adriatic League Regular Season - by Surujh Roopnarine
The final Round (26) of the Adriatic League regular season tipped off last night and though it was a joyous night in Montenegro, it was not for the visiting Czech Champions Nymburk. In their first season playing in the Adriatic League, Nymburk lost 91-102 to Buducnost, finishing in eighth place at 12-14, while the hosts secured a place in the Final Four, finishing in fourth place at 15-11. Nymburk kept it close in the opening 10+ minutes, even going ahead 20-17 in the first quarter, but the hosts were too strong and went into the half up 49-38. Buducnost maintained a double-digit lead throughout the second half, cruising to the well-earned victory. Marko Simonovic (202-F-86, agency: Beo Basket) and Vladimir Dragicevic (206-C/F-86) led the way for the home team, combining to score 55 points on 18-24 shooting from the field. Dionte Christmas (196-G, college: Temple) had his best game in a Nymburk uninform since joining the team in February, scoring a game high 28 points in defeat.
BUDUCNOST: Marko Simonovic (23pts+6reb), Vladimir Dragicevic (22pts+6reb), Bojan Dubljevic (18pts), Vladimir Mihailovic (11pts)
NYMBURK: Dionte Christmas (28pts), Chester Simmons (14pts), Vladimir Stimac (9pts+5reb), Radek Necas (8pts+6reb)


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  DENMARK   


Standings - 1st Division
1st Division Standings
 1. Falcon 18-2 
 2. Stevnsgade 17-3 
 3. Lemvig 13-7 
 4. Haderslev 13-7 
 5. Virum 11-10 
 6. Glostrup 10-8 
 7. Solrod 10-12 
 8. ALBA 7-13 
 9. Skt.Klemens 7-14 
 10. Aarhus BF 6-15 
 11. Herlev 5-15 
 12. Hobas 4-15 


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  D-LEAGUE   


Standings
D-League Standings
Central Division
 1. Iowa E. 32-11 
 2. Erie Bay H. 27-14 
 3. Ft.Wayne MA 19-23 
 4. Dakota W. 16-27 
 5. Sioux Falls S. 10-32 
Southwest Division
 1. Rio Grande 29-13 
 2. Tulsa 66ers 29-13 
 3. Texas L. 19-24 
 4. Austin T. 18-23 
 5. New Mexico 16-26 
 6. Maine RC 15-27 
West Division
 1. Bakersfield J. 26-15 
 2. Reno Bighorns 26-16 
 3. Utah F. 25-16 
 4. Idaho S. 17-24 
 5. Springfield A. 11-31 


Nets assign Ben Uzoh to Springfield Armor - by Eurobasket News
New Jersey Nets guard Ben Uzoh (6'3''-G-88, college: Tulsa) was assigned to the Springfield Armor, the Nets NBA Development League affiliate, it was announced today. The assignment marks the 46th 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 Uzoh, a rookie out of Tulsa.

Uzoh is the 33rd NBA player to be assigned this season, marking a new all-time high. The previous record for individual NBA players to be assigned to the NBA D-League in a season was 32 set in 2008-09.

Uzoh (6-3, 205) has appeared in 32 games with the Nets this season, averaging 3.4 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 9.1 minutes. He has scored in double figures twice this season, and scored 18 points in 22 minutes against the Houston Rockets on Feb. 26.

New Jersey signed Uzoh as an undrafted free agent in July. He appeared in five NBA Summer League games for the Nets, averaging 7.0 points in 24.8 minutes. In a four-year career at Tulsa, Uzoh carried averages of 13.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists over 141 games. Uzoh was named to the All-Conference USA First Team as a senior and Second Team as a junior and sophomore, and ranks among Tulsas all-time top 10 in 11 categories, including points, assists, rebounds, steals and blocks.

Uzoh is expected to join the Armor for the teams game at Fort Wayne on Thursday. Nets fans can keep track of Uzoh and the Armor by logging onto NBA.com/dleague to watch every game live, online, for free.

Courtesy of www.cbs3springfield.com

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  EL SALVADOR   


Denver falls to ITCA - by Jaime Arevalo
The team named Instituto Tecnolgico Centroamericano (ITCA), defeated Centro Educativo Denver, 65-64, in the last round of Liga Premier. In consequence of this result, Denver isn' t anymore undefeated and ITCA reched the second place in the table. The best performers of the game were Luis Gutierrez (193-F-87) with 24 points and Marlon Avila with 12 at the winning side, Mauricio Lahud (176-G-84), with 18 pts and Devin Thompson (200-F-80, college: St.Peter's) with 11 in Denver.
In the other games of the same round, Delgadense felt to ExSal, 61-69 in another little upset, San Marcos defeated, 57-53 Biomedical, ExBau largely prevailed over Santa Tecla, 80-60, and Halcones defeated Quezaltepeque, 82-66.
The Liga Premier standings are now as follows:

1. DENVER 17-1
2. ITCA 15-3
3. EXSAL 12-6
4. HALCONES/AMSS 12-6
5. DELGADENSE/UES 13-4
6. BIOMEDICAL 6-12
7. EXBAU 6-12
8. QUEZALTEPEQUE 6-12
9. SAN MARCOS 6-11
10. SANTA TECLA 2-17
11. MAYDA/FELINOS 4-13


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  FINLAND   


Standings - Korisliiga
Korisliiga Standings
 1. Pyrinto 34-7 
 2. KTP 29-12 
 3. Kataja 28-13 
 4. Korihait 27-14 
 5. Honka 23-16 
 6. Kouvot 21-20 
 7. Karhu 20-20 
 8. ToPo 19-22 
 9. Namika Lahti 16-24 
 10. Salon Vilpas 13-28 
 11. LrNMKY 9-32 
 12. Tarmo 5-36 


1.DIVISION: Lapua upset Forssa - by Rauno Hurmalainen
1.Division, semi-finals, game 1: Two close semi-finals tonight, when BC Jyvaskyla defeated Korikonkarit (Loimaa) 75-70 and Korikobrat (Lapua) upseting FoKoKo (Forssa) on the road 66-69. Tracy Robinson (201-F-86, college: Loyola, IL) led BC JKL with a double-double 16pts/10rbs. Reijo Ojanen (192-G/F-86) added 14 pts. Maurice Horton (183-G-84, college: Mount Olive) (LoKoKo) netted game high 23 pts. J'son Stamper (200-F/C-85, agency: JEMsports, college: Minnesota) added 14 pts. Stamper is used to score easily over 20 pts / game this season. There were 11 lead changes and nine ties in the game. Lapua got 57 pts from team's three American players. FoKoPo was not as lucky, because foreigner professionals combined just 10 points. FoKoPo shot 38 treys (made eight), Lapua made only one 3-pointer out of nine shots. No wonder then, that there were 104 rebounds in the stats! Three wins needed to make the Finals. Next games on Friday, March 18.
BC Jyvaskyla - LoKoKo 75-70 (37-32). (Tracy Robinson 16/10, Reijo Ojanen 14, Niko Malinen 12 - Maurice Horton 23, JaSon Stamper 14, Jani Kivinen 14).
FoKoPo - Lapua 66-69 (33-37). (Sami Ikavalko 26, Olli Kaunomaki 10, M.Molenius 9 - Tyrwone Still 19, Benny Valentine 19, Derick Nelson 19).



KORISLIIGA: KTP winning at Joensuu - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Korisliiga, round 41: Two contests tonight and three rounds left out of the regular season. KTP (Kotka) was down by three (48-45) during the half time at Joensuu, but winning then the second half 43-57 and the game 91-102. So # 2 Team KTP (29-12) passed # 3 Kataja (28-13) in the standings. Jerald Fields (201-F-82, agency: Lanshire Group, college: E.Tenn.St.) (KTP) scored game high 31 pts. Sefton Barrett (196-F-83, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Cent.Michigan) added 27 pts. Jared Newson (195-G/F-84, agency: Court Side, college: Tennessee-Martin) led Kataja with 21 pts. Team # 9 YMCA Lahti defeated Tarmo (Porvoo) 108-87. Todd Hendley (206-F-84, college: NC-Wilmington) led the hosts with 27pts/11rbs. Jerrah Young (202-F-85, college: Toledo) (Tarmo) scored his personal season high 32 points. Tarmo's way is one level lower back to 1. division.
Kataja - KTP 91-102 (48-45). (Jared Newson 21, Darren Fells 16, Antti Kanervo 14 - Jerald Fields 31, Sefton Barrett 27. Jeb Ivey 17/6a).
YMCA Lahti - Tarmo 108-87 (50-47). (Todd Hendley 27/11, Roope Suonio 26/8a, Anthony Vereen 19 - Jerrah Young 32, Jonathan Heard 25/10, Esa Maki-Tulokas 13).



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  FRANCE   


Devan Downey joins Roanne - by Eurobasket News
Devan Downey (175-G-87, college: S.Carolina) did not look for too long for his new team. Shortly after parting ways with Zadar the guard signed a deal with Roanne. Devan Downey got released by Zadar just yesterday. The 23-year-old guard joined the Croatian team in January. He tallied 14.2 points, 3.4 assists and 2.6 boards per game in Adriatic League. Devan Downey started the season in Turkey. The guard notched 11.1 points, 2.6 assists and 2.0 rebounds per game for Antalya. It is the first pro season for Devan Downey. He graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2010. The guard posted 22.5 points, 3.5 assists, 3.3 boards and 2.7 steals per game in his senior season.



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  GERMANY   


Dane Watts (Walter Tigers Tuebingen) We Need To Keep Dashaun Wood Off The Free Throw Line And Limit His Playmaking For Their Shooters Tonight (Easier Said Than Done) - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Dane Watts (203-F-86, agency: Pro One Sports) is a 24 year 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. He spoke with eurobasket before the game against The Deutsche Bank Skyliners March 16th.

A tough 82-64 loss in Giessen. After the tough 40 point loss in Bamberg, were you a bit surprised at the end of this game that the score was so lopsided?

If you asked me before the game I would say that would be a huge surprise but after the way we played it wasn't too surprising. Give Giessen credit for making plays and hitting shots on that night.

Giessen had the 46-42 lead at halftime. What did coach Igor Perovic tell the team to do better in the second half?

We were not playing defense despite what the score said, in the 2nd half they continued to make jump shots and we did not get into a rhythm offensively so they pulled away.

Tuebingen only mustered 9 points in the third quarter. What was giving the team the biggest problems after the break?

We were forcing some things as a team and not setting up shots for our teammates. We played very slow and were not very effective in getting Kashirov the ball, the only guy playing well on that night.

Tuebingen now has a two game losing streak. What will the team need to do better against Frankfurt?

We need to play with better intensity and get our team rhythm back. Control the pg play of Frankfurt.

What is your mmeory of the 79-76 loss earlier in the season to Frankfurt besides your 21p 14r effort?

I remember Wood out shooting our team from the FT line and a miss-timed rebound tip in by Joe Dabbert at the end of the game.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners have won 6 games in a row and continue to grow in confidence. What will be key in winning the game?

We need to keep Wood off the free throw line and limit his play making for their shooters (easier said than done), control the boards and the pace of the game.

The Miami Heat beat the Los Angeles Lakers the other night. Was this just another win for Miami or do you think they will be able to make a late season run with the taste of this win increasing their self confidence?

I think it increased their confidence, they beat them on Christmas as well, now they beat Spurs by 30, after they had just lost to them by 30, seems it helped something.

Which player will be the star of the NCAA March Madness?

You can never predict who will lead the way in March.

Michale Jordan said that Chicago Bull Derrick Rose is the early MVP favorite. Do you agree with him?

Rose is having a great year, improved all areas and leading his team to a great season, very well might end of being the MVP.

Thanks Dane for the chat

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners Look For Their 7th Win In A Row And The Walter Tigers Tuebingen Might Need Some Special Igor Perovic Serb Luck March 16th? - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
With a stimulating and emotional 6 game winning streak in the last weeks, business on the basketball court had been going as well for The Walter Tigers Tuebingen as it has been for FC Schalke recently reaching the Cup final and Championsleague quarterfinal, Minnesota Timberwolve center Kevin Love keeping his double double streak alive from November 22nd to March 13th and Jerel Mcneil getting rewarded with his strong play in the D League with Rio Grande Vally Vipors and getting a 10 day contract from the New Orleans Hornets, but since the 40 point loss in Bamberg, 18 point loss in Giessen and losing American center Kenny Wiliams and not having a 100% fit Chris Oliver (198-F-85, agency: Court Side, college: Radford), it seems like the team could use some luck against The Deutsche Bank Skyliners on Wednesday March 16th, becuase Tuebingen is still battling to reach the 2011 BEKO BBL playoffs. Likeable Walter Tigers Tuebingen coach Igor Perovic might want to turn to some Serb superstition like wearing his underwear inside out at the game since it will bring luck. Superstition or not, The Walter Tigers Tuebingen will have to be ready for another hard fought duel as the Deutsche bank Skyliners will be seeking their 7th win in a row and with their current hot play, Tuebingen coach Igor Perovic will take any luck even hoping that bread at the Skyliner breakfast be left upside down could bring them misfortune. 'Well, every team deals with injuries. I dont know about superstition, but the only thing Tubingen can do is go out and play hard. Even though they have injuries, they can still fight for a win if they are confident and not worrying about the losing streak', warned MBC American Wayne Bernard. The question will be how much did the two loses to Bamberg and Giessen effect the club as well as the injury to American Kenneth Wiliams (203-F-85, college: Mississippi)? 'I dont think it will affect them one bit. Bamberg is a machine and when that final buzzard sounded I'm sure it was in the back of there mind knowing that they are fighting for a playoff spot. Kenny gives them solid rebounding off the bench and does a lot of dirty work for them. Other players have to step up now and we will see who is able to do it for them', warned John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.).

Since coming into the BBL in 2004-2005, the Walter Tigers Tuebingen have been treading water in the BBL middle standings and at times scrapping the deregulation area. The best finish of the club was 2006-2007 as they finished in 10th place. The Tigers have been more a harmless creature that seems to have their mouth sealed with little power escaping instead of showing their absolute unconquerable qualities of a tiger on the court. The team has been known for developing a healthy fan base and letting guys like Rasko Katic and AJ Moye (his first year) develop into top BBL players, but then again also have gone the usual BBL route of signing an abundance of Americans and closing an eye for further developing German players and the organization also has been prone to getting involved with minor scandals like in 2006 with Tamien Trent (183-G-82, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Fairleigh Dickinson) and Mike Moten (203-C-71, college: Rhode Island) who were banned by the German basketball federation following a drug test. Making the jump to the BBL is not easy and if one were to ask experts in the Tuebingen surrounding, one would always here three things. A lack of management know how, a slim budget and not getting the right mix of players.

Ex coach Tolga Ongoren came in the middle of the 2007-2008 season and started getting the team in a right direction. Ex coach Tolga Ongoren came in the middle of the 2007-2008 season and started getting the team on the right path saving the team from stepping to the PRO A. In the 2008-2009 the team struggled again landing at 13th place. It was never able to go on a big run being able to only go on a three game winning streak. The six game losing streak in the middle of the season hurt their chances considerably for reaching the playoffs and finishing the season losing five of their last six games didnt necessarily speak for the nerves or stability in the team either. Despite not winning much, they had some highlights including beating the 2009 BBL champions EWE Baskets Oldenburg on Eurosport, sweeping the Artland Dragons season series as well as the TBB Trier season series including a exciting 102-100 win in Trier as well as a 98-95 nail bitter in Ulm. Their 5-12 road record was miserable and their knack for losing five close games by a combined total of only 13 points didnt speak positive of displaying nerves of steal in crunch time. The team had talent, but may not have had the right ingredients in the game plan in the offense to be successful on a consistent basis which is needed in the BBL. It seemed like Ongoren liked to hype the big man play which didnt really allow any of the guard play to be featured in scoring. The team had Katic and Haynes in the top ten scoring of the league. The team also didnt have a deep bench, stressed Ratiopharm Ulm German Jerome Bridgwater.

Last season, the Walter Tigers Tuebingen didnt start off like a possible Cinderella team as they had a 2-7 record despite beating 8 time BEKO BBL champion Alba Berlin at home. Then came a solid stretch where the club won three of four games and the team was proving more and more that they had a lot of potential. However then came a small dry spell as they lost against top clubs Oldenburg and Bonn, but then they went on a six game winning streak having beaten Bamberg, Artland and Frankfurt at home and MBC on the road. However after their sixth win in a row at home against The Deutsche Bank Skyliners, they seemed to be at the peak of the basketball mountain and then suddenly as if a severe wind storm had hit them, fell down the mountain losing five of their next six games and losing ground in the playoff race. A few more wins earlier in the season might have let the Walter Tigers Tuebingen survive the wind storm hanging onto the peak and reaching the playoffs last season. 'I think what was missing last season was that they got behind early losing too much at the start of the season. I feel that if they would of won a few more games at the start that they could of made the playoffs', stressed Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Morehead St.) 'Last season we blew a few games. We lost on 2 buzzer beater shots and lost a home game to Braunschweig. when we was up 10 with 255 left and lost', stated ex Walter Tiger Tuebingen guard Steven Wright (191-G-83, agency: Court Side, college: N.Kentucky). After this bad streak, The Walter Tigers Tuebingen finished the season with a record of 4-3 winning their last two home games against Bonn and Oldenburg and sending the fans home hoping for more luck in the next season.

This season, The Walter Tigers Tuebingen had to say goodbye to key players Michael Jenkins (191-G-86, college: Winthrop), Aleksandar Nadjfeji, Romeo Travis and Steven Wright (191-G-83, agency: Court Side, college: N.Kentucky) who averaged combined 45 points of the team average 77 last season. The team brought in Radovan Markovic (194-G-82), Nicolai Simon (191-G-87), Anatoly Kashirov (215-C-87) and Chris Oliver (198-F-85, agency: Court Side, college: Radford). The question will be if the team can be as strong as last season and if the club can win more games and possibly be in the playoff hunt in the last weeks? . At the moment, The Walter Tigers Tuebingen are in 11th place with a record of 13-14 only one win away from the last playoff place. After the bitter 79-76 loss in Frankfurt, the club was performing like a team in the middle field of the standings having a 4-7 record, but then raced out on a 6 game winning streak keeping their playoff hopes alive again. The club swept the season series with Oldenburg and Bonn and beat Alba Berlin at home. 'Tuebingen is a solid team and can compete with any BEKO BBL team on any night. They have great guard play and anytime you can throw in a Chris Oliver (198-F-85, agency: Court Side, college: Radford) into the mix, he can cause match up problems because of his versatility to play inside out', expressed John Bynum. With Kashirov and Markovic, the team has two players that can hurt you inside or out. 'Tuebingen is a team with a good inside presence and strong shooters to space the floor. Their frontline is very big and can cause match up problems and dangerous shooters on the wing', stressed Quentin Pryor They have one weakness where relying on their starting five to win might have to happen on more than one occasion. 'They lack some depth and only go 7-8 deep', warned Quentin Pryor The team lost their last two games against Bamberg and Giessen by a combined score of 58 points, but could still reach the playoffs if everything goes right for them. 'Tubingen is a good team and they have great guard play and can beat anyone on any giving night. They are fighting for a playoff berth and have a great team. Well anything can happen the way the standings are now, but I hope they wont get in the playoffs because most likely if they get into the playoffs we will be looking from the outside', added TBB Trier guard John Bynum.

The Walter Tigers Tuebingen is led by 25 year old 198cm power forward Chris Oliver (198-F-85, agency: Court Side, college: Radford) who comes from Kernersville, North Carolina. This is his first season in Tuebingen. He is an excellent athletic with great hands that played at Radford for four years. He started his professional basketball career in Germany for Braves (Germany-ProA, starting five): 30 games: Score-2 (20.5ppg), Reb-5 (9.0rpg), 1.2apg, 1.3spg, 1.7bpg, FGP: 56%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 79.6%. He played at BG Goettingen the last two years winning the Eurochallenge last season. Last season, he played 35 games: 14.1ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 80.9%. He is a great athlete and a pretty good shooter that likes to drive to the hoop. The kid has an all around game that will post up, shoot the 15 footer or take the three pointer. He plays well without the ball and doesnt need a lot of shots to score. It is important to limit his touches, because he will shy away at times. On defense, he is long and covers a lot of ground. He is a good weak side shot blocker and rebounder. I think if you attack him when he is playing defense and make him guard you then that is something that he is capable of doing, but doesnt do it a lot so Frankfurt should attack him inside, warned Ohio native Omari Westley (201-F-82, college: Cleveland St.). Ex Giessen 46er Ricky Hickman (190-G-85, agency: Court Side, college: NC-Greensboro) remembers Chris Oliver (198-F-85, agency: Court Side, college: Radford) very well from last season. Oliver can do a little bit of everything. He is one of the toughest guys to match up within the league. When defending him, limit his open shots and be as physical as possible with him and give him nothing easy, stressed Ricky Hickman (190-G-85, agency: Court Side, college: NC-Greensboro). This season, Oliver is averaging 13,5ppg, 5,8rpg and 1,1apg.

The team signed 23 year old 215cm Russian Anatoly Kashirov (215-C-87) who comes from CSKA Moscow and has gotten some experience despite the always deep rosters. He has played 16 Euroleague games and is a seven footer that has amazing sense of the basket especially in the paint. He has solid scoring aptitude and variability. He is really unbeatable in the paint. Last season, he played his first season in the BEKO BBL playing for the MBC Wolves playing 34 games: 12.0ppg, 4.1rpg, FGP: 52.1%, FT: 72.7%. He was a Euroleague finalist in 2007 and winner in 2008 and Russian cup finalist in 2007. He also was A Superleague Champion in 20 07 and 2008and Russian A Superleague Regular Season Champion 2007 and 2008. He has very much talent and potential and needs to have higher rebounding stats for his size and has improved this season as he is currently averaging 12,8ppg and 5,1rpg. The club brought back Dane Watts (203-F-86, agency: Pro One Sports) who is a 24 year old 203 cm who is playing his third season in Germany and who is a modern day forward doing the job inside and outside. He played at Creighton from 2004-2008. In his senior year, he averaged 11,3ppg, 6,4rpg and 1,0apg. Last season, he quietly had a very solid BBL rookie season in Ludwigsburg averaging in 20 minutes averaging 8.9ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP-1 (68.4%), 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 68.7% in 32 games. It wouldnt be a surprise if most followers of German basketball didnt even know that he led the BBL in field goal percentage at 68%. in 2008-2009 as a rookie. He is a team player that still has a lot of potential and could become a scoring option in Tuebingen. Dane has a lot of potential and has all the qualities that a big player of today needs. He can shoot, is athletic, has good ball handling and defends well. I am sure that he will surprise a lot of people except for us, joked Jay Thomas (193-F-79, college: Cent.Washington). Last season, Watts played 34 games: 10.2ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 37.6%, FT: 71.0%. Currently he is averaging 13,9ppg, 7,6rpg and 1,0apg.

25 year old 193 cm guard from Serbia Branislav Ratkovica (193-G-85, agency: Beo Basket) is playing his second season with the Walter Tigers Tuebingen. He played with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg from 2007-2009 and averaged 9,4ppg, 2,1rpg and 2,3 apg. Those were very good stats for a guy who was primarily a role player for a team with such a deep roster. He is quietly making a name of himself in the BEKO BBL as a potent point guad and as rajon Rondo is slowly getting closer to being the best point guard in the NBA, Rathkovica is becoming the best point guard in the BEKO BBL. His biggest strength is that he is a lethal scoring option and has been the strong play maker that the team was searching for. Last season, the Serb played 34 games: 10.7ppg, 2.6rpg, Assists-1 (5.7apg), 1.3spg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 26.3%, FT: 67.8%. I have seldom seen such a clever player like Bane. He usually sees things before they even happen and he is a good defender. I am sure that he will become one of the top point guards in the BBL this season,added Jay Thomas (193-F-79, college: Cent.Washington). This season, he is averaging 12,7ppg, 3,5rpg, 7,5apg, 1,2spg. In 2005, he played the European Championships U20 in Moscow (Bronze): 8 games: 5.1ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 46.4%, 3FGP: 30%, FT: 54.5%.

The club also signed 28 year old 194cm guard Radovan Markovic (194-G-82) who is from Serbia. he started his professional basketball career with Astra Banka Beograd in 2000. he played for Lavovi 063 Beograd (YUBA) from 2001-2004. He then played in Germany for Telekom Baskets Bonn (Germany-1.Bundesliga): ULEB Cup: 3 games: 3,3ppg, 1reb; German Bundesliga: 1 game: 0pts, played also for 2nd team in 2.Regionalliga. Since 2005, he has played in Serbia. he played for KK Swisslion Takovo Lions Vrsac from 2005-2009. Last season, he played for Tamis Petrohemija Pancevo (A League): 32 games: 16.4ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 41.2%, FT: 88.4%. This season for Tuebingen, he is averaging 8,0ppg and 1,3rpg. He also is shooting 38% from the field and 37% from outside. One of the biggest surprises has been 25 year old 203cm power forward/center Kenny Wiliams from Miami Florida. He played at Mississippi and was a rookie with Tuebingen in 2008-2009 averaging only 3,5ppg and 3,1rpg in 13 mpg. He seemed to be a long term project for the club, but he has made huge strides last season as he played 34 games: 9.1ppg, 4.0rpg, FGP: 57.1%, FT: 43.9%. He is mainly there to clean up the zone and get rebounds, but last season, he showed that he can be a real scoring option scoring 23 points against Phoenix Hagen. I saw an upside coming with Wiliams two years ago. He will get even better with time, but he is already leaving a mark now, warned 2009 BEKO BBL scoring leader Omari Westley (201-F-82, college: Cleveland St.). Currently Wiliams is averaging 7,7ppg and 4,8rpg and 1,0spg.

One player who has lived to tell about what the definition of bad luck is, then its Johannes Herber (197-G-83, agency: Pro One Sports, college: W.Virginia) who has been injured on and off the last years. In the last four years, the ex German national player was only able to play 63 games. He came to Tuebingen half way through last season and kept rehabilitating his injury. Now he is fit again and is averaging 6,9ppg, 2,4rpg and 1,9apg. He started his basketball career with TV Langen and played there from 1999-2002. He then played at W.Virginia (NCAA) from 2002-2006. In his senior year, he played 33 games: 9.3ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.4apg, 1.0spg, FG: 40.6%, 3PT: 25.4%, FT: 79.2%. He reached the Tournament Elite Eight in 2005, and the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2006. He played at the World Championships in Japan in 2006 and European Championships in Spain in 2007. 23 year old 191 cm guard Nicolai Simon (191-G-87) is playing his first season in Tuebingen. He is made a comeback in The BEKO BBL last season after coming into the BEKO BBL in 2006-2007 after being heralded as a big German talent. In 2006-2007, he was able to play 33 games for Alba Berlin despite being on a team with a deep roster. In 2007-2008, he injured himself playing only five games. Last season, he took a step back and played for Ergas Ehingen in the German PRO B averaging 8,9ppg, 2,4rpg and 5,2apg. and to develop further as a professional basketball player. This past summer, he played at the World University games in Belgrad averaging 4,1ppg, 3,6rpg and 1,4apg. Last season, he played for Paderborn Baskets (1.Bundesliga): 31 games: 5.5ppg, 1.1rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 40.8%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 79.4%. This season, he is averaging 2,5ppg and 1,1apg.

The team recently gave Clifford Crawford (194-G-81, agency: Strategic Sports, college: N.Carolina St.) a contract until the end of the season. Crawford is a 30 year old 194cm guard from Winston-Salem. He played at North Carolina State from 1999-2003. He played his first season in Germany in 2005-2006 playing for 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 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%. This season before coming to The Walter Tigers Tuebingen, he played for the Saar Pflaz Braves (Germany-ProA) averaging 8,3ppg, 2,8rpg and 3,4apg. Currently he is averaging 2,2ppg and 1,1apg. The team recently also signed Mladen Lukic (207-C-92) who is a 20 year old 207cm center from Serbia who came for the injured Kenneth Wiliams. Lukic started his professional basketball career for KK Crvena Zvezda Beograd junior team in 2006. Last season, he played for the Zurich Wildcats (Switzerland-LNA) averaging 9,5ppg and 7,2rpg. 30 year old 193 cm forward Jay Thomas (193-F-79, college: Cent.Washington) is playing his fifth season for Tuebingen. He has never really got a big chance to get many minutes as he is a role player coming from the bench. Before coming to Tuebingen, he played for TG Sandshausen, USC Heidelberg and two years with Bayern Muenchen (Germany-2.Bundesliga) from 2004-2006, where he averaged 10,0ppg. Last season for Tuebingen, he played 33 games: 1.4ppg, 1.2rpg. This season, he is averaging 0,8ppg, 2,3rpg and 1,0apg in 9,25 minutes per game. The team also has 20 year old 190cm guard Akeem Vargas who is a German American. He started his basketball career for SG Urspringschule junior team in 2005. He played for Erdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule from 2006-2009. Last season, he played in the United Staes for Iowa Lakes CC (JUCO): 31 games: 5.6ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.5apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 53.0%, FT: 94.0%. The club also brought in 21 year old 202 cm forward Ruben Spoden (202-F-89). He started his basketball career with Eintracht Frankfurt in 2005 and played for TV Langen from 2007-2009. last year, he played for Ehingen/Urspringschule (ProB, starting five): 29 games: 14.8ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 61.5%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 74.7%. This season, he continues to play for Erdas Ehingen where he is averaging 8,8ppg and 4,2rpg and has a license for Tuebingen where he is averaging 1,4ppg in 5 games.

One thing riding for The Deutsche Bank Skyliners is that they have a 9-2 record against The Walter Tigers Tuebingen since 2005 and have won their last 9 games in a row. The most memorable win was the 104-102 double overtime win in Frankfurt in 2007. Two seasons ago, Frankfurt won in Tuebingen 78-70 as Derrick Allen led all scorers with 27 points and 13 rebounds. Last season, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners routed Tuebingen 72-59 as Keith Simmons poured in 25 points and six rebounds and left a lasting memory with a flying dunk through the zone like a bird. Last season, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners destroyed Tuebingen 98-66 in the beginning of last season as Frankfurt had five players in double figurers as Derrick Allen had 18 points, six rebounds and four assists. Aubrey Reese (183-G-78, agency: Interperformances, college: Murray St.) had 16 points and six assists and Grayson Moyer (196-G-86, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Humboldt St.) had 14 points. Frankfurt then had their seven game winning streak broken in Tuebingen losing 91-70 as Tuebingen played one of their better games of the season as Dane Watts shined with 24 points. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners had no cake walk in their first game of the season against Tuebingen as they grinded out a 79-76 win as the team of Igor Perovic did not lay off Frankfurt fighting until the end. It took a 34 point effort by DaShaun Wood (185-G-85, college: Wright St.) to tame the Walter Tigers Tuebingen. Wood put the game out of reach with two free throws with two seconds to play. Two names keep popping up as the key figures to the game with Wood and Rathkovica. That DaShaun Wood is the player that carries Frankfurt too wins is as obvious as it is that it will never snow in the Sahara desert. Ratkovica is also as valuable to his team as Rajon Rondo is to the Boston Celtics. Wood leads the BEKO BBL in scoring and Ratkovica leads the league in scoring and this PG duel should have the mouths watering among basketball fans in the Paul Horn arena. 'Obviously it all starts with Ratkovica, he makes the team go, with his assist and putting people in the right positions to score. He is having a great year and is the key player of Tubingen and I think it will be a good match up. It should be interesting at both ends of the court, as far as domination I havent seen anyone dominate Wood this season and I dont think it will start now without any disrespect to Rathkovicia', warned John Bynum. 'Key to winning will be controlling Ratkovica. Frankfurt has to keep constant pressure on him and keep him from getting in the lane to create the open look for the shooters', warned Quentin Pryor 'Frankfurt as usual just has to do let Wood do his thing and just let him create and hit shots when he creates for others. At the defensive end they just have to stay solid like they always are and control the boards. Tubingen just has to find a way to control Wood and keep him out the lane and make other players beat them and at the offensive end make Frankfurt play defense and get some easy buckets some kind of way', stressed John Bynum.'I think Frankfurt must control the inside on Tubingen and dont let them get open looks. Also, they must keep Ratkovica under control', stressed Gloria Giants Duesseldorf guard Steven Wright (191-G-83, agency: Court Side, college: N.Kentucky). The Walter Tigers Tuebingen host The Deutsche Bank Skyliners on March 16th at 20:00.


John Bynum (TBB Trier) We Need To Protect our Home Court And This Is A Must Win For Us Against Oldenburg - 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 before the game against The EWE Baskets Oldenburg March 16th.

TBB Trier is on playoff course, but lost the season series to BBC Bayreuth. I guess that speaks for the competive nature of the BEKO BBL?


Yes it does. You have to show up every night and Bayreuth came out and played hard and they deserved the win. We just got to get over quick cause we play another one on Wednesday.

The game was quite tight after one quarter, but BBC Bayreuth exploded for 30 points in the second quarter. What went wrong this quarter?

Bayreuth couldnt miss, it seemed like every shot they put up went in and we couldnt stop them at all. They penetrated, they were finding the open man and we were a step too slow each time.

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

He just said to play hard, and just try to get back into the game. it wasnt going to come all at once. It was just a tough game for us we just couldnt find a consistent rhythm at all yesterday.

In the third quarter TBB Trier mustered only 11 points. Why was it so difficult to score against BBC Bayreuth in the third quarter?

I dont think it was difficult, we just couldnt find a rhythm. We were missing shots that we normally make and like I said, we couldnt put anything together and they were able to sustain a comfortable cushion and we couldnt get stops when we needed to.

BBC Bayreuth scored 26 points in the fourth quarter. Did TBB Trier run out of gas?


I dont think we ran out of gas, we just had trouble stopping them the whole day. it was one of those games where they had it and we didnt. It seemed like every time we had a chance to bring it within a striking distance, someone stepped up and made a shot for them.

What was your impression of young German guard Simon Schmitz? he scored 14 points in 20 minutes?

He had a good game and played extremely well, he stepped up today for them.

What is your memory of the 68-66 loss against Oldenburg earlier in the season?


I remember us blowing a big lead in the 2nd half and ended up giving a game to them. We played great for 2 and a half quarters and lost on there homecourt.

How big will this game be? It seems like TBB Trier and Oldenburg could be fighting for that last playoff spot at the en dof the season?

Well it is a big game for both of us for sure. With the standings being this close any win is big for both teams. It is especially big for us because of our last lost to Bayreuth. We need to protect our home court and this is a must win game for us.

What will be key in getting the win?


I think we have to make them play defense for a whole 24 seconds and not let them get going in transistion and pick our spots to run. The rebounding will be key and so will be taking care of the ball for a full 40 minutes as well.

Michael Jordan has said that Derrick Rose is the NBA MVP. Do you agree?

Yes I would have to agree, he has carried the Bulls on his shoulders the whole year and I would not have expected this much success from the Bulls this season. He definently has grabbed a lot of attention this season.



Who will be the NCAA march Madness breakout player?


Well i would say right now it is Kemba Walker. He is showing what he can do and has been amazing all season but he put on a show in the Big East tournament.

Will a Kemba Walker lead UCONN to the Final 4?

I dont think he will lead them to the final 4, but they will put a good fight to get there.


Thanks John for the chat.

Dashaun Wood Is Like A Slot Machine With Three Hearts In Crunch Time As The Deutsche Bank Skyliners Survive in Tuebingen 80-76 - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
After recuperating from an annoying and controlled pressure from BG Goettingen last weekend, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners met the previously hot but since two games very much cooled down Walter Tigers Tuebingen and aside from many tough players the game concentrated on two players. It is always a treat to watch top point guard duels in Europe like in the ACB in Spain with Marcelino Huertas and Omar Cook, in Italy between Marques Green and Travis Diener or in the Russian league between Anton Ponkraskov and Marcus Wilson. In the BEKO BBL, the Paul Horn arena in Tuebingen witnessed the duel between the top two point guards DaShaun Wood (185-G-85, college: Wright St.) who leads the league in scoring and Branislav Ratkovica (193-G-85, agency: Beo Basket) who leads the league in assists. The battle between the two guards was very intense and Wood remembered his 34 point, 24 free throws and Frankfurt victory effort in the Ballsporthalle earlier in the season and after a slow first half was as focused as Carlos Arroyo who has been playing behind Rajon Rondo in Boston, the way the Los Angeles Clippers will have to continue to play after losing another key player in Eric Gordon and the way the Miami Heat are about winning after many players cried recently after their 87-86 loss to the Chicago Bulls recently. Frankfurt had been trailing for 36 minutes, but then got their first lead and it was Wood in the last minutes that helped propel the team to the 80-76 win. 'The duel Wood-Ratkovica was a very nice duel. Ratkovica has been just as important for his team as Wood has been for us this season, but tonight Wood was more important', stressed Skyliner center Marius Nolte (206-C-81, agency: Limelight Hoops) Wood always gets up for the challenge and was impressed by the play of the Serb. 'Ratkovica is a very smart player that ran his team well. He attacks the pick and roll well and he did a great job getting the ball to his teammates', added Skyliner guard DaShaun Wood. 'The wood- Bane match up was intense. I thought that we did a good job on Wood in the first half, but at the end he still had 22 points. No team can totally shut him down. You just have to hope to contain him a bit', added Tuebingen forward Dane Watts (203-F-86, agency: Pro One Sports)

It was the eighth win in a row for The Deutsche Bank Skyliners while The Walter Tigers Tuebingen have cooled down a bit after their fantastic six game winning streak some weeks ago as they lost their third game in a row and their playoff hopes get squashed a bit more with each loss the same way the title hopes become less of a reality for the Boston Celtics with every embarrassing loss after the trading deadline where key players like Kendrick Perkins (208-C-84) and Nate Robinson (175-G-84, college: Washington) were dealt away. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners trailed for 36 minutes until Jimmy McKinney (192-G-83, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Missouri) gave the team their first lead and the club held the nerves as their performance was about as far from a Picasso painting in worth. 'This was an important win for us. We didnt play well and never found our rhythm, but it was worth so much being able to win the way we did', stressed Skyliner sports director Kamil Novak . Despite the bitter loss, The Walter Tigers Tuebingen have nothing to be ashamed of by losing this game. 'We didnt execute well in the last two games, but tonight we fought well and gave a good team effort. We played with a lot of intensity and it was just sad that we lost it at the end. I am proud of our team. This loss made reaching the playoffs even more difficult. We can control how we play, but will need some help form other teams', stressed Dane Watts 'We didnt play well tonight, but we never gave up and we played with a lot of heart', stressed DaShaun Wood.

DaShaun Wood didnt have a strong first half and in one instance saw the top leading scorer of the BEKO BBL sitting on the bench not near to where Skyliner coach Gordon Herbert was showing the team the next play in the time out which seemed a bit peculiar, but in the second half, the American from Detroit got stronger and showed his usual crunch time heroics leading the team with big free throws and getting help from his supporting cast like Mckinney and De Mello who hit big shots. However with the increased success of The Deutsche Bank Skyliners in crunch time and calm and cool play by Wood, one sometimes could think that Wood with his luck and skill at the end of games is similar to someone playing a slot machine and getting three hearts and the dough. It really does seem like all Wood has to do is pull down the slot machine handle and boom three hearts=another Skyliner win. 'I have a lot of respect for Wood. He is a great clutch time player. He always seems to come through at the end. I can describe him best concerning the slot machine as skill is when luck is routine', warned Marius Nolte Wood could only agree with the comment by Nolte about that luck is routine. 'I agree with Marius. If you look at all the good players in the world, like a Kobe Bryant or Kemba Walker, they all share some kind of this luck. I want to be like these players and make these important shots in crunch time on a regular basis. For me this was just another typical day for me', warned DaShaun Wood. 'Wood does so many things well, but the most important thing is that he wins games for us', said Kimmo Muurinen (202-F-81, college: UALR)

A quiet foot note to this game was that ex Tuebingen fan favorite Ajene Moye (193-G-82, college: Indiana) was back at his old stomping ground where he played from 2006-2009. The American from Atlanta had a long pre game chat with ex teammate Kenneth Wiliams (203-F-85, college: Mississippi) prior to the game. The Tiger fans also made him feel right at home with thoughtful signs like 'Ajene Moye Is Back' or six signs with six letters of his name that was being paraded around the arena. Shortly before each game, the Paul Horn arena gets into the right atmosphere with the classic Guns & Roses song 'Welcome To The Jungle'. The players must have been influenced a bit by the song as the team roared out on a 7-2 run. Dane Watts started the attack with a bomb from outside which was followed by two Chris Oliver (198-F-85, agency: Court Side, college: Radford) free throws and a reverse dunk. Frankfurt was sluggish and was about as far away from their true rhythm as actor Charlie Sheen is from filming new Tow And A Half Men episodes. Frankfurt did come back going on a quick 6-2 run to cut the Tuebingen lead to 9-8. Frankfurt scored inside three times with Chris Moss (204-F-80, college: W.Virginia) and Quantez Robertson (190-G-84, college: Auburn) and Kimmo Muurinen who both fought on the offensive boards for rebounds and put backs. However Frankfurt was unable to hold this short momentum as Tuebingen again found more fire power in their offense closing out the first quarter with a 10-5 run to lead 19-13. Tuebingen got nice support from Russian Anatoly Kashirov (215-C-87) with a runner in the lane and a Watts three pointer as Tuebingen led 15-8. Tuebingen was playing smart team basketball and Frankfurt wasnt aggressive enough on defense. After a Herber turn around shot, Roger Powell (198-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Illinois) scored inside and De Mello hit a big three pointer. 'We struggled in the first quarter. We werent aggressive enough and didnt execute on offense. Tuebingen got easy lay ups', added Skyliner forward Kimmo Muurinen

In the second quarter, it was new Skyliner Jevohn Shepherd (196-F-86, college: Michigan) that brought the needed energy from the bench rallying the Deutsche Bank Skyliners back to 25-23 with 8 consecutive points. After Oliver started the scoring with a running hook shot, it was the Canadian Shepherd who unleashed 8 unanswered points. It seems that he ha s one spectacular dunk in each game and in his third game as a Skyliner, he amazed the crowd with a stimulating furious dunk over 215cm Russian Anatoly Kashirov (215-C-87). After struggling against BG Goettingen from outside, he showed no shyness nailing two three pointers from outside. A Powell hook shot cut the Tuebingen lead to 25-23. The game continued to stay extremely tight, but Frankfurt still was unable to take their first lead, but never trailed by more than three points. Big runs in this game were taboo as Frankfurt stayed on the door step of Tuebingen as Powell scored inside as Frankfurt trailed only 27-26. However Tuebingen most often found a way to keep scoring as Ratkovica not only dazzled with his outside shot, but also took something out of the Wood book 'A guide to the penetration as he made a lay up. Serb Radovan Markovic (194-G-82) also was hot from outside and Dane Watts found many ways to score including falling to his right inside and scoring as Tuebingen led 34-31. After a Muurinen mid distance jumper from the wing, Frankfurt trailed only 34-33, but Tuebingen went on a mini 4-0 run to lead 38-33 as they made intelligent plays and hit tough shots. Johannes Herber (197-G-83, agency: Pro One Sports, college: W.Virginia) found a streaking Nicolai Simon (191-G-87) in the zone for a lay up as the German connection was perfect and Oliver hit a difficult jumper with Murrinen in his face form the wing. Skyliner Chris Moss (204-F-80, college: W.Virginia) then countered with his own mini run with a running hook shot in the lane and two free throws and Oliver closed out the second quarter with a lay in as The Walter Tigers Tuebingen 40-37. 'Tuebingen continued to be very aggressive. They caught us by surprise. usually we are more aggressive, but they had that role all though out the game', added Kimmo Muurinen The Walter Tigers Tuebingen were shooting 50% from the field and 56% from outside while The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shooting 41% from the field and 25% from outside. Tuebingen had the 19-15 rebound edge, but six turnovers while Frankfurt had only two turnovers.

The third quarter remained very tight as The Walter Tigers Tuebingen continued to be unable to pull away as The Deutsche Bank Skyliners continued to show their fighting mentality and strong heart. Chris Moss (204-F-80, college: W.Virginia) started the scoring in the third quarter with a lay in, but Watts showed his versatile play sinking a shot from down town as Tuebingen led 45-39. Wood then made a runner, but Tuebingen showed their transition basketball skills catching Frankfurt napping as Oliver was ahead of the pack making the lay up as Tuebingen was threatening to run away again leading 47-42. However then it was Super Tez Robertson who had been quiet on the scoring front nailing a high rainbow as Frankfurt trailed only 47-44. Ratkoviva then suffered a technical foul after a body check on Wood and the American made both free throws as Frankfurt trailed 47-46. Herber then used a mismatch against Wood nailing a jumper over the American and Oliver made a free throw. At the en dof the game the 11 missed free throws would haunt the club of coach Igor Perovic. Powell them made a free throw and free throw as Frankfurt was trailing only 50-49. However Tuebingen then took some added energy closing out the third quarter with a 9-4 run to lead 59-53. Watts made a floater and 28 year old Serb sharp shooter Radovan Markovic (194-G-82) drooped two three pointers displaying some nasty explosiveness. Wood kept Frankfurt in the game with two typical unstoppable penetration sprints. The Walter Tigers Tuebingen were shooting 53% from the field and 57% from the parking lot while The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shooting 40% from the field and 22% from the parking lot. Tuebingen had the 29-22 rebound advantage, but 11 turnovers while Frankfurt had five turnovers.

The fourth quarter continued to be a see saw affair as The Deutsche Bank Skyliners continued to breath down the necks of The Walter Tigers Tuebingen and would finally take their first lead in crunch time. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners started hot going on a 7-3 run to trail Tuebingen only 62-60. Roger Powell (198-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Illinois) started the new come back attempt with a tip in dunk off a Mckinney miss, Marius Nolte scored inside getting a perfect feed from Wood, Markovic hit a wild turn around catch and pop three pointer and Wood nailed a three pointer that flew down the net about as lightening quick as he can get into the lane. Kashirov then scored and made a free throw as Tuebingen got some extended breathing room with the 65-60 lead. Frankfurt slowly was sensing the urgency to take control of the game as Mckinney hit a big three pointer from the top of the key and Wood scored on a scoot inside over the 215cm Kashirov as Frankfurt knotted the game at 65-65. The game had already been exciting, but now captured its climax as the game was up for grabs and now who wanted it most would most likely come away as the winner. Jimmy McKinney made a fade away jumper and gave Frankfurt its first lead of the game 67-66. Tuebingen kept up the intensity as Ratkovica showed that he can also perform in crunch time scoring inside as Tuebingen regained the lead 68-67.Dominik Bahiense de Mello (190-G-85, agency: Pro One Sports) then gave Frankfurt the lead back 70-68 with a three pointer as it was Wood who kicked the ball to the German. Tuebingen had one last gasp of breathe as they went on a 6-0 run to lead 74-70 as Markovic hit two free throws, Watts scored and Herber made a steal and went coast to coast. Mckinney scored inside and Watts hit two free throws as Frankfurt trailed 76-74. Then it was Mr slot machine Wood who drew a foul and canned both free throws and then set up De Mello with the winning bucket with a thee pointer as Frankfurt led 77-76. Wood then nailed three more free throws sealing the 80-76 win for The Deutsche Bank Skyliners. Wood was very impressed by the MVP signs of the Skyliner fans. 'Whenever I hear the fans chant MVP for me, I think of a verse by Lil Wayne in one of his songs', smiled DaShaun Wood. 'We held our nerves at the end. We didnt let the fans get at us and made our free throws. Wood took control in crunch time, but that is nothing out of the ordinary', stated Skyliner sport director Kamil Novak . 'Frankfurt got a big stop on defense and then Wood hit two free throws and De Mello a big three pointer in a matter of seconds which was a hard way to go down', added Dane Watts

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were led by DaShaun Wood with 22 points, four rebounds and three assists. Chris Moss (204-F-80, college: W.Virginia) added 12 points and Roger Powell (198-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Illinois) 11 points and six rebounds.The Walter Tigers Tuebingen were led by Dane Watts with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Radovan Markovic (194-G-82) produced 19 points. Chris Oliver (198-F-85, agency: Court Side, college: Radford) contributed 11 points, seven rebounds, three assists and four blocks. Branislav Ratkovica (193-G-85, agency: Beo Basket) chipped in with 10 points and eight assists. It was not a pretty win by The Deutsche Bank Skyliners, but a win is a win. Frankfurt lost the rebounding battle 37-29 which could not have pleased coach Gordon Herbert. The club gave one of their best efforts of the season in the turnover department making only six turnovers. Wood wasnt content about the team performance and warns about a tough upcoming game against Alba Berlin. There was nothing positive about this win except our heart. We didnt execute on offense or defense. The game against Alba Berlin will have playoff atmosphere. They are fighting for second place and we want to stay there. It will be a big test to see where we stand. They have made some changes and Derrick Allen (203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi)s playing great. We have to come out with a lot of energy, defend their pick and role and rebound', warned DaShaun Wood. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners host Alba Berlin March 20th at 17:00.



Kevin Hamilton (New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig) Pregame Thoughts To BG Goettingen game March 16th - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Kevin Hamilton (193-G-84, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Holy Cross) is a 26 year old 193cm guard from Queens Village, New York. This season, he is playing for The New York Phantoms Braunschweig. He played at Holy Cross from 2002-2006 and played together with ex Skyliner Keith Simmons. In his senior year, he played 31 games averaging 17.6ppg, 6.3rpg, 3.5apg, 3.3spg, FG: 38.1%, 3PT: 33.2%, FT: 77.7%. In his rookie season 2006-2007, he came to Europe and played in Poland for Polpak Swiecie playing 19 games and averaging 13.0ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.8apg, Steals-2 (2.3spg), 2FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 64.2%. In 2007-2008, he played in France for Besancon Basket Comte Doubs (France-ProB) playing 2 games and averaging 6.0ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.5apg. He also had a short tenure in Mexico with Pioneros de Quintana Roo-Cancun. In 2008-2009, he returned back to Poland to play for SKK Kotwica Kolobrzeg playing 32 games averaging 11.0ppg, 5.1rpg, Assists-1 (6.4apg), Steals-1 (2.8spg), FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 66.5%. He was not lazy in the last three summers staying in game shape and playing in Puerto Rico playing 90 games. In tue summer of 2009, he played for Indios de Mayaguez playing 35 games and averaging 10.5ppg, 4.7rpg, Assists-3 (6.3apg), Steals-2 (1.7spg), FGP: 45.4%, 3PT: 28.1%, FT: 70.6%. His father was a draft pick of The Boston Celtics in 1980. Last season, he played his first season in Braunschweig playing 39 games: 10.1ppg, 3.8rpg, Assists-3 (5.4apg), Steals-2 (1.9spg), FGP: 63.7%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 77.6%. He spoke to eurobasket before the game against BG Goettingen March 16th.

What a tough loss losing Tony Skinn. How is the mood in the team and how will the team compensate his loss?


We obviously do not feel great about it. Tony was our floor leader and one of our best players so we are going to miss him a lot.


The team now has a 11 day span between games. What is the most importnat thing the team will have to accomplise in practice leading up to the BG Goettingen game?

Just getting as healthy as possible and maintaining focus.

The next game is against BG Goettingen. What has been your impression of the team this season?

They have been playing great recently and have been winning some big games. It is going to be a challenge for us.

What do you remember from the satidfying 74-56 win against BG Goettingen earlier in the season? Tony Skinn produced 23 points in that game.

I remember Tony playing great and having a nice home atmosphere.


BG Goettingen recently beat Bamberg at home. What will be key in getting the win?


Handling their pressure.

Can BG Goettingen upset The Deutsche Bank Skyliners on the road?


It is very possible. I am sure it will be a good game.

The Celtics signed Carlos Arroyo. What do you expect from the guard combo Rondo/Arroyo?

I do not think they will be on the court together much.

Should one have compassion for a player like Sherron Collins who misses two flights and then doesnt get the contract from the Charlotte Bobcats?

I am not real familiar with the situation but I would be on those flights for sure.

Ratiopharm Ulm has made an interesting pickup for the stretch run getting Tommy Mason Griffin who turned pro after a freshman season at Oklahoma.

I am sure he will help.

Thanks for the chat Kev!

Brandon Thomas (New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig) Losing Tony Skin Is Very Tough Because He Is Such A Big Asset To The Team - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Brandon Thomas (198-G/F-84, college: Massachusetts) is a 26 year old 198cm shooting guard from San Antonio, Texas that was born in Bitburg Germany and is playing his second season with The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig. He is long and athletic and capable of defending anyone on the floor; ability to accelerate and finish around the basket. Possesses an outstanding basketball IQ. He played at Long island (NCAA) from 2002-2004 and then went to UMASS from 2005-2007. In 2007, he played in Denmark leading the league in scoring for Team FOG Naestved playing 24 games: Score-1 (24.5ppg), 4.6rpg, 3.2apg, 2.0spg, 1.0bpg, 2FGP: 61.2%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 71.0%. He was the Danish player of the year in 2008 and was the 2008 Allstar game MVP. In 2008-2009, he played in Austria for Kraftwerk Wels playing 45 games averaging 20.2ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.5apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 66.6%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 68.5%. Last season, he played 40 games: 10.6ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 57.4%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 74.6%. Brandon took some time to talk to eurobasket before the game against BG Goettingen March 16th.

What a tough loss losing Tony Skinn. How is the mood in the team and how will the team compensate his loss?


Losing Tony is very tough because he is such a big asset to our team. There are some things we cant compensate for but we have to still find ways to win games.


The team now has a 11 day span between games. What is the most important thing the team will have to accomplish in practice leading up to the BG Goettingen game?



Staying focused to get better and not take any steps backwards

The next game is against BG Goettingen. What has been your impression of the team this season?


They are tough and play well together

What do you remember from the satisfying 74-56 win against BG Goettingen earlier in the season? Tony Skinn produced 23 points in that game.


Tony was aggressive and was able to get to the line a lot that game. Other than that I remember feeling like they were still learning the system that has made Goettingen so good in past seasons and they would eventually be much better.

BG Goettingen recently beat Bamberg at home. What will be key in getting the win?



Rebounding

Can BG Goettingen upset The Deutsche Bank Skyliners on the road?

It will be tough, but I see why not.

The Celtics signed Carlos Arroyo. What do you expect from the guard combo Rondo/Arroyo?

Not much. I think they should have kept Nate

Should one have compassion for a player like Sherron Collins who misses two flights and then doesnt get the contract from the Charlotte Bobcats?

Im not sure what the reason was but if it was just being late then NO

Ratiopharm Ulm has made an interesting pickup for the stretch run getting Tommy Mason Griffin who turned pro after a freshman season at Oklahoma.


Awesome!

Thanks Brandon for the chat.

ProB Round 3 of Quarter-Finals - by Eurobasket News
Vechta - BG Illertal 86-74

The hosts were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. SC Rasta Vechta made 29-of-38 free shots (76.3 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was American guard Eric Reid (185-84, college: Cameron) who scored 37 points (!!!) and 7 assists. Center Andreas Kronhardt (204-89) chipped in a double-double by scoring 14 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Deon McDuffie (188-93) who recorded 31 points and forward Marcel Heberlein (195-90) added 12 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists respectively.
Top scorers:
Vechta: E.Reid 37+3reb+7ast, A.Kronhardt 14+11reb+4ast, M.Moelle 13+1reb, M.King-Stockton 5+7reb, D.Krause 5+1reb+1ast, C.Thompson 5+6reb+1ast
BG Illertal: D.McDuffie 31+1reb, M.Heberlein 12+5reb+6ast, E.Williams 9+5reb+1ast, F.Moebius 7+4reb+1ast, N.Kekic 7+4reb+1ast, M.Wenzl 5+3reb+1ast
gschID: 123863


Licher Baeren - Wulfen 96-85

The game was mostly controlled by Licher Baeren. BSV Wulfen managed to win third quarter 25-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Licher Baeren dominated down low during the game scoring 44 of its points in the paint compared to BSV Wulfen's 22 and made 34-of-37 free shots (91.9 percent) during the game, while BSV Wulfen only scored fifteen points from the stripe. The best player for the winners was American guard Willis Gardner (185-86, college: Colorado St., agency: Stanley International) who scored 28 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists. His fellow American import power forward Thomas Fairley (206-82, college: Lamar) chipped in a double-double by scoring 19 points and 12 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was swingman Jan Sprunken (193-76) who recorded 22 points and 5 rebounds and American guard Tony White (183-88, college: Charleston) added 21 points respectively. Four BSV Wulfen players scored in double figures. BSV Wulfen's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Licher Baeren: W.Gardner 28+6reb+7ast, P.Wente 19+3reb, T.Fairley 19+12reb+1ast, R.Christen 9+8reb, R.Scholz 8+2reb+1ast, V.Klassen 4+1reb+3ast
Wulfen: J.Sprunken 22+5reb+2ast, T.White 21+4reb+1ast, S.Briggs 14+5reb+4ast, T.Reuter 12+4reb+3ast, J.Henley 6+7reb+1ast, S.Hummelt 6+2reb+3ast
gschID: 123864


Herten - TSV Troester 91-79

The game was mostly controlled by Hertener Loewen. TSV Troester managed to win second period 24-14. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Hertener Loewen made 21-of-26 free shots (80.8 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The best player for the winners was forward Vincent Kittmann (199-88) who had a double-double by scoring 22 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists. American swingman Marcus Monk (198-86, college: Arkansas) chipped in a double-double by scoring 17 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was forward Felix Hoffmann (195-89) who recorded 20 points and 8 rebounds and guard Daniel Schmidt (186-90) added 21 points and 5 assists respectively. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Herten: V.Kittmann 22+14reb+5ast, M.Monk 17+10reb+6ast, M.Berger 15+5reb+3ast, J.Hartmann 10+1reb+2ast, C.Hackenesch 8+5reb+2ast, B.Schultz 7+2reb+3ast
TSV Troester: D.Schmidt 21+5ast, F.Hoffmann 20+8reb+1ast, M.Stuckey 13+3reb+2ast, E.Land 12+5reb+2ast, M.Fuchs 7+1reb, I.Pavic 4+4reb
gschID: 123861


Schwelm - Giessen 84-87

The guests trailed by 6 points at the halftime before their 31-19 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. 31 personal fouls committed by SG Schwelmer Baskets helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a great evening for swingman Zeljko Pavlovic (194-80) who led his team to a victory scoring 25 points. Jamaican-American forward Kimmani Barrett (198-87, college: La Salle) helped adding 14 points and 9 rebounds. Barrett is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. The best for the losing side was American guard David Bunts (189-79, college: Pacific) with 23 points and 4 assists and the other American import guard Jason Holmes (191-86, college: Le Moyne) scored 12 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game.
Top scorers:
Giessen: Z.Pavlovic 25+1reb, F.Rotaru 19+2reb+1ast, M.Johnson 16+6reb+3ast, K.Barrett 14+9reb+2ast, S.Rotaru 5+5reb, D.Czepczynski 3+1reb+1ast
Schwelm: D.Bunts 23+2reb+4ast, K.Speier 16+6reb+1ast, J.Holmes 12+7reb+7ast, F.Gentgen 11+2reb+2ast, J.Ducker 8+6reb, M.Dohmen 6+5reb
gschID: 123860


Stahnsdorf - Langen 73-75

RSV Eintracht was ahead by 1 point after three quarters before a 22-19 charge of TV 1862 Langen, which allowed them to win the game. It was an exceptional evening for American guard Nathan Drury (188-85, college: Carroll) who led the winners and scored 27 points and 7 assists. Australian center Auryn MacMillan (203-88, college: Gardner-Webb) accounted for 21 points and 8 rebounds for the winning side. American guard Alex Moosmann (183-88, college: Cent.Missouri) came up with 21 points and 4 assists and power forward Yannick Evans (202-86) added 14 points and 10 rebounds respectively for RSV Eintracht in the defeat.
Top scorers:
Langen: N.Drury 27+2reb+7ast, A.MacMillan 21+8reb, P.Heckmann 12+4reb+3ast, J.Domdey 7+2reb+3ast, M.Voeller 5+11reb+4ast, M.Lachmann 3
Stahnsdorf: A.Moosmann 21+3reb+4ast, M.Green 16+2reb+2ast, Y.Evans 14+10reb+1ast, M.Haucke 8+10reb+3ast, K.Williams 5+8reb+2ast, D.Langer 4
gschID: 123857




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  GREECE   


Aris agree terms with Edin Bavcic - by George Fragkos
Aris Thessaloniki announced the agreement with Edin Bavcic (210-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket) who will replace Dejan Borovnjak (208-F-86, agency: Beo Basket) at the teams front line, till the end of the season. The 26-year-old Bosnian forward-center was let free by his previous team, Khimik-OPZ Yuzny and the Greek club immediately proposed a contract to him, which he accepted.

Bavcic began the season in Italy at Enel Brindisi and in November he moved to Ukaraine to play for Khimik-OPZ Yuzny. There he participated in 26 games both for the national league and the Eurochallenge, having an average of roughly 10 points and 5 rebounds per game. The fact that he is 2.10 meter tall is very important for Aris, as Lefteris Subotic's team had a quite low players' height average and faced problems when the opponent had a tall front line, especially at rebounds.

The Bosnian is expected to arrive in Thessaloniki on Thursday morning to sign his contract and start training with his new team.

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  JUCO   


Recaps of Day 1 Action from DII MBB Championship in Danville - by Eurobasket News
NJCAA Division II Men's Basketball Championship
Danville, Ill.; Danville Area Community College
Day 1 - March 15, 2011 - For more on the tournament visit http://www.dacc.edu/njcaa/

Game 1: #1 Mott 86, Central 52
Game 2: #8 Phoenix 74, St. Louis-Meramec 66 (OT)
Game 3: #4 Kirkwood 72, Highland 59
Game 4: #5 Triton 90, Delaware Tech 86
Game 5: #6 Cecil 80, Waubonsee 53
Game 6: #3 Lincoln 94, Lakeland 72
Courtesy of: http://www.njcaa.org



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


Standings - LBAL
LBL D2 Standings
 1. Jurmala 17-3 
 2. Ogre 15-5 
 3. Ventspils Aug. 14-4 
 4. Saldus 14-7 
 5. Gulbene 11-10 
 6. BAA Riga 10-9 
 7. Zemgale/Jun. 10-10 
 8. Liepaja-2 10-11 
 9. Daugava 9-11 
 10. Livani 4-15 
 11. Ridzene 4-16 
 12. VEF Kadeti 1-18 


VEF Riga hire Ramunas Butautas - by Eurobasket News
Ramunas Butautas will be the new head coach of VEF Riga. The team has announced the signing of the deal meant till the end of the season. Ramunas Butautas will replace Rimas Kurtinaitis (agency: Alti Sport ) who left for Khimky. The 46-year-old Lithuanian specialist started the previous season at the helm of BC Donetsk. He had to leave Ukraine after the team had folded and moved to Lithuania. Ramunas Butautas took the reins in Zalgiris Kaunas but resigned back in February 2010. Ramunas Butautas worked in Latvia before. He guided ASK Riga in 2006/09 seasons. The specialist also worked with Siauliai, Lithuanian U16, U20 and U21 selections. He was Lithuanian NT head coach in 2007-09 seasons. Eurobasket.com named him All-Latvian League Coach of the Year back in 2007.


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


Juventus make first step towards Challenge Cup title - by Eurobasket News
Kaunas - Juventus 81:87

Juventus recorded the road loss in the first game of the Challenge Cup Finals. They posted a 6-point road victory and made a significant step towards gaining the title. Aurimas Kieza (202-F-82, agency: Players Group, college: Hofstra) tallied 21 points and 11 rebounds to pace the visitors. Juventus will host the decisive game on March 19.
Juventus exploded with 31 points after a close first term to take a 52:42 lead at halftime. Juventus controlled the tempo in the third period and earned a 15-point lead with one quarter remaining. Kaunas went on a desperate run in the final term but just cut the deficit losing at the end. Marius Prekevicius (196-F-84, agency: Interperformances, college: S.Florida) provided 15 points, while Gediminas Maceina (188-G-84) added 13 points in the victory. Povilas Cukinas (210-C-83) answered with 25 points and 6 boards for Kaunas. Rokas Uzas (202-F-88) finished with 17 points in defeat.

Kaunas: Povilas Cukinas 25, Rokas Uzas 17
Juventus: Aurimas Kieza 21+11 boards, Marius Prekevicius 15, Gediminas Maceina 13

In the meantime Neptunas built a comfortable advantage after a home game against Techasas in the consolation final. Mantas Ruikis (198-G/F-85) poured in 23 points to lead Neptunas to a 93:77 success. Valdas Vasylius (203-F-83, college: ODU) added 19 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists in the victory. Gintaras Leonavicius (194-G-83, agency: Players Group) replied with 24 points for Techasas.


R. Kurtinaitis joins KHIMKI - by Aurimas Rimselis
BC Khimki and a well-known Lithuanian specialist Rimas Kurtinaitis (agency: Alti Sport ) signed an agreement to the end of the 2010/11 season, with a possible prolongation for another year. The new coach will join the team in Tallinn, where the yellow-blue will go on Tuesday. The interim head coach Oleg Meleschenko has left the club.

Victor Bychkov, BC Khimki General Manager:

Because of the fact our team can not reach its proper level, and also as a result of painful defeats from direct competitors in the fight for the PBL Championship medals UNICS and CSKA Moscow, we have made a difficult decision: to part with Oleg Meleschenko, an interim head coach. First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to Oleg, who spent several good seasons within the club's coaching staff and who at a difficult time was not afraid to take on the duties of a head coach. We wish Meleschenko good luck and hope that his career will continue to emerge successfully.

A new BC Khimki head coach will be a well-known Lithuanian specialist, an Olympic champion Rimas Kurtinaitis (agency: Alti Sport ). In 2009 Lietuvos Rytas with Kurtinaitis won the European Cup, defeated BC Khimki in the final it was one of the most painful defeats in our history. Rimas is a very hard-working coach. Moreover the very tasks before the team have not been removed it's still a good performance in the final of VTB United League, as well as in the PBL Championship which ensures the entrance to Euroleague. We hope that together with Rimas we will achieve all the goals.

source: http://en.bckhimki.ru/

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  LUXEMBOURG   


Black Star extend contracts with Mike Smith and Billy McDaniel - by Eurobasket News
Black Star have already started to build the team for the upcoming season. The key move is contract extensions with head coach Mike Smith and player Billy McDaniel (201-F/C-84, agency: JEMsports, college: Ark.-Monticello). Mike Smith was hired by Black Star at the start of the season. He arrived from Germany where the coach worked with Oettinger Rockets Gotha in Regionalliga.
Billy McDaniel played for Black Star in 2008/09 season. Then the centre moved to BBC Nitia for one year but came back to the Mersch team at the start of the current season. His stats read 22.3 points, 14.7 boards, 1.9 blocks and 1.5 steals per game this season. Billy McDaniel was named into Luxembourg League All-Imports 2nd Team back in 2009. He also had stints in Germany and Iran before arriving to Luxembourg.
Black Star are now at 1-19 record in Diekirch League and face relegation into N2 league.


*****************************************************
  MEXICO   


Standings - CIBACOPA
CIBACOPA Standings
 1. Culiacan 3-0 
 2. Hermosillo 3-0 
 3. Cananea 2-1 
 4. Nogales 2-1 
 5. Guasave 2-1 
 6. Tijuana 2-1 
 7. Guaymas 1-2 
 8. Los Mochis 0-3 
 9. Mexicali 0-3 
 10. Tepic 0-3 


CIBACOPA Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Davin WHITE
  Cananea
  (186-G-81)
  Avg: 38
 1. White, Cananea38.0 
 2. Gale, Mexicali33.3 
 3. Barrett, Guasave31.0 
 4. White, Los Mochis29.0 
 5. Moss, Nogales28.0 
 6. Moore, Tijuana23.7 
 7. Funn, Guasave23.0 
 8. Navarro, Guaymas22.0 
 9. Lopez, Guaymas22.0 
 10. Avila, Culiacan21.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Ryan MOSS
  Nogales
  (200-F/C-74)
  Avg: 12
 1. Moss, Nogales12.0 
 2. Matthews, Nogales11.0 
 3. Shipley, Tijuana10.3 
 4. Barnes, Guasave10.0 
 5. Gray, Hermosillo10.0 
 6. Aguirre, Cananea10.0 
 7. Moore, Tijuana9.7 
 8. Navarro, Guaymas9.0 
 9. Fox, Los Mochis8.0 
 10. White, Los Mochis8.0 
Assists Per Game
 Jermaine WATSON
  Tijuana
  (193-G-81)
  Avg: 7
 1. Watson, Tijuana7.0 
 2. White, Los Mochis5.0 
 3. Quintero, Nogales4.0 
 4. Cortez, Tepic4.0 
 5. Thomas, Cananea4.0 
 6. Brown, Tepic4.0 
 7. White, Cananea3.0 
 8. Brown, Nogales3.0 
 9. Abu-Shamala, Hermo.3.0 
 10. Harris, Cananea3.0 
Steals Per Game
 Carlos M. TOUSSAINT
  Los Mochis
  (190-G-91)
  Avg: 3
 1. Toussaint, Los M.3.0 
 2. Monreal, Hermosillo3.0 
 3. Sims, Los Mochis3.0 
 4. Barrett, Guasave2.0 
 5. Barnes, Guasave2.0 
 6. Penny, Mexicali2.0 
 7. Bucio, Guaymas2.0 
 8. Funn, Guasave2.0 
 9. Gale, Mexicali2.0 
 10. Giron, Mexicali1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Michael STROBBE
  Guasave
  (201-F-85)
  Avg: 4
 1. Strobbe, Guasave4.0 
 2. Shipley, Tijuana2.3 
 3. Watson, Tijuana2.3 
 4. Brown, Tepic2.0 
 5. Izaguirre, Guasave2.0 
 6. Gale, Mexicali2.0 
 7. Giron, Guasave2.0 
 8. Fox, Los Mochis2.0 
 9. Barnes, Guasave2.0 
 10. Barrett, Guasave2.0 


*****************************************************
  MOLDOVA   


Standings
D1 Standings
 1. UASM 12-1 
 2. ASEM 11-2 
 3. Fire Ball 10-3 
 4. Gamma 9-4 
 5. Ribnita 6-8 
 6. Donduseni 5-9 
 7. UTM 4-10 
 8. Patriot 2-11 
 9. Soroca 2-12 


Moldova. D1, 2010-2011. Round 12 update. - by Huge
19.02.2011. BC UTM, Chisinau - BC Soroca, Soroca. 70-66.

The game of the round. No questions about it. NBA scenario. It was tight to the very end, almost last few second. But too many foults are not good. Last 3 points in last 20 seconds
where scored by Chisinau team, and scored from a free through. Nice win, UTM. Very strong game by Serghei Mascoulic (86), who was able to add to the team's score 25 points.

19.02.2011. BC Patriot, Tiraspol - BC Gamma, Cahul. 59-94.

Well what can we say. Tiraspol team had some hope after first quarter, which ended 18-21. But followed by 11-24 and the second and 13-28 in the third it was all over. It is good to
mention Dmitri Pogorelov (197-G/F-83) in Patriot, scoring 21 points, 22 were added to the score by Petr Skutelnik (190-G-85), playing for Cahul.

20.02.2011. BC UASM, Chisinau - BC Ribnita, Ribnita. 101-58.

It was not expected for UASM to do it again, in this game, but they did. Another century, using snooker terminology, was recorded by UASM in the this game. Ivan Cropotov (208-F-88, college: SW Baptist) added 24 points to the win, being most resultative today in Chisnau team. Igor Caraja, socred 19 for Ribnita - nice scoring for forward.

04.03.2011. BC Donduseni, Donduseni - BC Fire Ball, Bender. 35-37.

Very equal game where 2 leaders have shown again why they are called leaders of the team. Andrus scored 35 and Colesnicov scored 37.

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


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Kevin DURANT
  Oklah.City T.
  (206-G/F-88)
  Avg: 28
 1. Durant, Oklah.Ci.28.0 
 2. Stoudemire, New Y.26.4 
 3. James, Miami Heat26.1 
 4. Wade, Miami Heat25.6 
 5. Anthony, Denver N.25.2 
 6. Bryant, LA Lakers24.8 
 7. Rose, Chicago B.24.7 
 8. Ellis, Golde S.24.7 
 9. Gordon, LA Clippers23.7 
 10. Nowitzki, Dallas M.23.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Kevin LOVE
  Minnesota T.
  (208-C-88)
  Avg: 15.7
 1. Love, Minnesota T.15.7 
 2. Howard, Orlando M.14.0 
 3. Randolph, Memph.12.7 
 4. Griffin, LA Clipp.12.2 
 5. Noah, Chicago B.11.6 
 6. Bogut, Milwauke.11.4 
 7. Camby, Portland TB10.8 
 8. Gasol, LA Lakers10.2 
 9. Humphries, New J.10.0 
 10. Horford, Atlanta H.9.8 
Assists Per Game
 Rajon RONDO
  Boston C.
  (186-G-86)
  Avg: 11.7
 1. Rondo, Boston C.11.7 
 2. Nash, Phoenix Suns11.4 
 3. Williams, Utah Jazz9.7 
 4. Paul, N.Orleans H.9.7 
 5. Calderon, Toron.9.2 
 6. Felton, New Y.9.0 
 7. Wall, Washington W.8.7 
 8. Westbrook, Oklah..8.5 
 9. Kidd, Dallas M.8.4 
 10. Rose, Chicago B.7.9 
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.2.3 
 3. Ellis, Golde S.2.2 
 4. Westbrook, Oklah..1.8 
 5. Conley, Memphis G.1.8 
 6. Felton, New Y.1.8 
 7. Evans, Sacramen.1.7 
 8. Gay, Memphis G.1.7 
 9. Allen, Memphis G.1.7 
 10. Kidd, Dallas M.1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Andrew BOGUT
  Milwaukee B.
  (212-F/C-84)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Bogut, Milwauke.2.6 
 2. Howard, Orlando M.2.4 
 3. McGee, Washingt.2.4 
 4. Ibaka, Oklah.Ci.2.3 
 5. Milicic, Minnesota T.2.2 
 6. Jefferson, Utah J.2.0 
 7. Stoudemire, New Y.2.0 
 8. Bynum, LA Lakers1.9 
 9. Duncan, San A.1.9 
 10. Okafor, N.Orlean.1.9 


Standings
NBA Standings
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
 1. Boston C. 47-18 
 2. New York K. 34-32 
 3. Philadelph.76 34-33 
 4. New Jersey N. 22-43 
 5. Toronto R. 18-48 
Central Div.
 1. Chicago B. 48-18 
 2. Indiana P. 29-38 
 3. Milwaukee B. 26-40 
 4. Detroit P. 23-44 
 5. Cleveland C. 12-53 
Southeast Div.
 1. Miami Heat 46-21 
 2. Orlando M. 42-26 
 3. Atlanta H. 39-28 
 4. Charlotte B. 28-38 
 5. Washington W. 16-50 
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
 1. Oklah.City T. 43-23 
 2. Denver N. 40-27 
 3. Portland TB 38-29 
 4. Utah Jazz 35-33 
 5. Minnesota T. 17-51 
Pacific Div.
 1. LA Lakers 48-20 
 2. Phoenix Suns 33-32 
 3. Golde State W. 30-37 
 4. LA Clippers 26-42 
 5. Sacramento K. 16-49 
Southwest Div.
 1. San Antonio S. 54-13 
 2. Dallas M. 47-20 
 3. N.Orleans H. 39-30 
 4. Memphis G. 37-31 
 5. Houston R. 34-34 


Spurs sign Danny Green - by Eurobasket News
The San Antonio Spurs have signed swingman Danny Green (6'6''-F/G-87, college: N.Carolina) for the remainder of the season, the team announced Wednesday.

Green, 23, had been playing with Reno of the NBA Development League. In 16 games with the Bighorns, he averaged 20.1 points and 7.5 rebounds.

He appeared in two games for the Spurs earlier this season, totaling six points. Green averaged 2.0 points in 20 games last season for Cleveland, which selected him out of North Carolina in the second round of the 2009 draft.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Nets assign Ben Uzoh to Springfield Armor - by Eurobasket News
New Jersey Nets guard Ben Uzoh (6'3''-G-88, college: Tulsa) was assigned to the Springfield Armor, the Nets NBA Development League affiliate, it was announced today. The assignment marks the 46th 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 Uzoh, a rookie out of Tulsa.

Uzoh is the 33rd NBA player to be assigned this season, marking a new all-time high. The previous record for individual NBA players to be assigned to the NBA D-League in a season was 32 set in 2008-09.

Uzoh (6-3, 205) has appeared in 32 games with the Nets this season, averaging 3.4 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 9.1 minutes. He has scored in double figures twice this season, and scored 18 points in 22 minutes against the Houston Rockets on Feb. 26.

New Jersey signed Uzoh as an undrafted free agent in July. He appeared in five NBA Summer League games for the Nets, averaging 7.0 points in 24.8 minutes. In a four-year career at Tulsa, Uzoh carried averages of 13.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists over 141 games. Uzoh was named to the All-Conference USA First Team as a senior and Second Team as a junior and sophomore, and ranks among Tulsas all-time top 10 in 11 categories, including points, assists, rebounds, steals and blocks.

Uzoh is expected to join the Armor for the teams game at Fort Wayne on Thursday. Nets fans can keep track of Uzoh and the Armor by logging onto NBA.com/dleague to watch every game live, online, for free.

Courtesy of www.cbs3springfield.com

Jermine Peterson Has drawn tons of NBA teams attention - by Allen Waters
Jamine 'Greedy' Peterson 19pts 10rbs 3blks game in Greece with NBA scouts in attendance According to a lot of teams right now NBA scouts are projecting him as a mid first rounder in the 2011 draft.Jermine Peterson, automatically eligible for the upcoming NBA Draft after leaving after his junior year at Providence College, has been acquired by the NBA D-League's New Mexico Thunderbirds

The 22-year-old Peterson, a 6-foot-6 forward who led Providence College with 19.6 points and 10.2 rebounds last season on his way to being the only player in the Big East to average a double-double, Jamine Peterson (6'6''-F-88, agency: N.E.T., college: Providence)

*****************************************************
  NCAA1   


Jermine Peterson Has drawn tons of NBA teams attention - by Allen Waters
Jamine 'Greedy' Peterson 19pts 10rbs 3blks game in Greece with NBA scouts in attendance According to a lot of teams right now NBA scouts are projecting him as a mid first rounder in the 2011 draft.Jermine Peterson, automatically eligible for the upcoming NBA Draft after leaving after his junior year at Providence College, has been acquired by the NBA D-League's New Mexico Thunderbirds

The 22-year-old Peterson, a 6-foot-6 forward who led Providence College with 19.6 points and 10.2 rebounds last season on his way to being the only player in the Big East to average a double-double, Jamine Peterson (6'6''-F-88, agency: N.E.T., college: Providence)

March Madness: Mid-Major Teams to Watch in the NCAA Tournament - by Carl Berman
Horizon Conference- Butler

The 2010 national championship came down to the last shot. Unfortunately, the ball did not go Butlers way, as they lost to the Duke Blue Devils. Fast forward to this year, the modern day version of Hoosiers returns for another run for the title.

The Butler Bulldogs come into the tournament without last years main firepower, Gordon Heyward, they come instead with numerous weapons of offense. Returning starters from last year include senior forward Matt Howard and junior guard Shelvin Mack, who both average in double-digits. The experience of these two proved invaluable this season as Butler held their own against the likes of Duke and Xavier and defeated fellow dancers Florida State and Cleveland State.

With expectations higher than last year, expect the Butler Bulldogs to build off their success and make a push onto April. They start off against Colonials championship team, Old Dominion.

Colonial Conference- George Mason

Flashback. In 2006, George Mason shocked the college basketball world and won the hearts of many with their miracle run to making it the Final Four, eventually losing to national champion Florida. Fast forward to 2011, the Patriots are more than capable of making another run.

This years squad has amassed an impressive 26-6 (16-2 conference) record and a #25 ranking. Senior guard Cam Long leads the team in points with a 15.1 average, but do not look to him as the go-to-guy. With 8 out of the 13 players on the roster shooting over .400 in field goals, it is no wonder that the Patriots are 20th in the nation in field goal percentage.

Just recently coming off 15 wins in a row, George Mason looks poised to repeat their success from 5 years ago. The road starts with a match-up against Villanova.

Mountain West- BYU

Jimmer Fredette (6'2''-G)- the name strikes fear throughout all who go up against the Brigham Young Cougars. Throughout this season, Jimmer has shattered expectations for himself and the Cougars, leading both his team to a 28-3 record and the nation in scoring with 27.3 point average.

Besides scoring in bundles (ranked 5th in points per game nationally), BYU can also grab rebounds with the best of them, as they average 39.6 a game (13th in the nation). With the recent dismissal of team leading rebounder Brandon Davies, coach Dave Rose will have to depend on other players such as junior forward Noah Hartsock and sophomore Chris Collinsworth to fill the void. The #3 ranked Cougars victory resume includes teams such as Arizona, UTEP, Utah, and the #4 San Diego State Aztecs, twice. If you haven't caught on to Jimmer Mania, don't miss the train. Boarding time is Thursday, 7:15 ET against Wofford.

Mountain West- San Diego State

And in this corner, fighting in scarlet, black and gold are the San Diego State Aztecs. All levity aside, the Aztecs are another Mountain West team that has the talent to go the distance this March.

Although ranked #9 nationally, the Aztecs have a better record than BYU, going 29-2 (14-2) this season, with their only losses coming from BYU. Sophomore forward Kawhi Leonard leads this team in points (15.4) and rebounds (10.7) and is considered a mid-to-late 1st round talent in this years draft. Senior forward Malcolm Thomas is the second leading scorer for the Aztecs, plus averages 8.2 rebounds a game.

With the Leonard-Thomas rebounding tandem, San Diego State comes into the Big Dance winning the Mountain West title against the one team that has beaten them this season, twice- BYU. Look for the Aztecs starting the dance with their first date up against Big Sky champions Northern Colorado.

Ohio Valley- Morehead State

The Ohio Valley champions are a dark horse going into March Madness, but definitely will be a team to be reckoned with.

Led by the nations top rebounder, Kenneth Faried (pictured on left), the Eagles will definitely be leaning on him as they go against major conference teams. Averaging 14.5 rebounds a game along with 2.2 blocks, the 69 228 pound senior is on the radar of many NBA scouts. The Eagles have another offensive weapon in senior guard Demonte Harper, who averages 16 points a contest and allows Faried to work the offense inside the post, as he leads the team with

Morehead State faces a tough first round opponent in Rick Pitino's squad, Louisville.

This article was written by Correspondent Matt Villanueva and edited by Carl Berman of NetScouts Basketball. Information on NetScouts Basketball and their NCAA tournament coverage can be found at www.netscoutsbasketball.com.

*****************************************************
  NCAA2   


Knights advance to Elite 8 with 85-65 win over Ferris State - by Eurobasket News
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--A dominating second half performance carried the No. 2 Bellarmine Knights to a historic 85-66 victory over Ferris State in the final of the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional, sending the Knights to the Elite 8 for the first time ever to the delight of a deafening Knights Hall sellout crowd of 2,400.

After Ferris State hit a sizzling 7-11 from 3-point range in the first half, the Bulldogs surged ahead for a 39-37 halftime lead. After the intermission, the Knights quickly asserted themselves, and when Luke Sprague (6'8''-F) hit a trey at the 16:39 mark to put BU ahead 44-42, the home team never looked back.

I'm just thrilled and incredibly proud of these players. They have done an outstanding job of representing this university both on and off the court all year long. They deserve this.

Luke Sprague led the way for Bellarmine with 24 points on nine of 12 shooting, including 3-4 from long range. Chris Dowe (6'2''-G) added 22 points, including a thunderous dunk at the 1:31 mark to put the exclamation point on the Knights' victory.

Bellarmine, the best shooting team in the nation, again had a strong shooting night, connecting on 29 of 54 shots for 53.7 percent. Conversely, the Bulldogs scored the nets with 60.9 percent shooting in the first half, but Bellarmine put the clamps down to hold FSU to just 33 percent second half shooting.

A total of five Knights hit double figures with Justin Benedetti tallying 15 and Braydon Hobbs and Jeremy Kendle totaling 10 each.

Ferris State was led by Darien Gay (5'10''-G-89), who totaled 16 points thanks to 4 of 6 3-point shooting. Justin Keenan and Matt DeHart also hit double figures with 15 and 12 points respectively.

NCAA Midwest Regional All Tournament Team honors were earned by Benedetti, Kenny Brown of FSU, Dowe, Keenan, Sprague and Hobbs earned Most Outstanding Player honors.

The win improves BU to 30-2 and moves them into an Elite 8 matchup with Midwestern State, the No. 6 seed of the South Central Conference, who won 73-66 over Central Oklahoma.

Bellarmine will make its Elite 8 debut on Wednesday, March 23 at noon in Springfield, Mass.
Courtesy of: athletics.bellarmine.edu
by John Spugnardi, Sports Information Director

Anderson Advances to Elite Eight with Dramatic Overtime Win Over Augusta State - by Eurobasket News
AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Taylor Shugart (6'7''-C) scored 14 points and blocked the potential game-tying shot with two seconds left in overtime to give seventh-seeded Anderson a dramatic 75-73 win over top-seeded Augusta State in the championship game of the 2011 NCAA Tournament Southeast Regional at Christenberry Fieldhouse.

Denzail Jones also scored 14 points, Oskars Ernsteins (6'4''-G-87, college: Carl Albert JC) added 12 points and Brandon Young dished out seven assists for the Trojans (21-11), who advance to the NCAA Elite Eight for the first time in school history. Anderson avenged a 100-70 loss to Augusta State in last year's Southeast Regional semifinals and a 78-72 defeat to the Jaguars in this year's season opener.

Augusta State's Franck Ndongo (6'6''-F-88) posted a double-double for the 10th time this season, including all three Southeast Regional games, with 10 rebounds and a career-high 28 points on 10-15 shooting from the field and 8-10 from the free throw line. George Johnson had 18 points and six assists for the Jaguars (30-4), who were denied a fourth straight trip to the Elite Eight and saw their home winning streak snapped at 48 straight games.

Shugart scored four of Anderson's six points in overtime, including a jumper in the paint with 1:13 on the clock that broke a 73-all tie and proved to be the winning points. Augusta State had a chance to tie after Jones missed the front end of a one-and-one with 17 seconds left, but Ben Purser's shot in the lane was blocked cleanly by Shugart and the Anderson players and coaches erupted in celebration as time expired. Augusta State missed eight of its nine shots from the field in overtime.

O'Neal Armstrong's two free throws with one minute remaining in regulation put Augusta State up 69-66, matching the Jaguars' biggest lead of the second half. Shugart made one of two free throws to pull Anderson within two points with 43 seconds left, and Ndongo was fouled one second later. Ndongo, who had been a perfect 8-8 from the free throw line to that point, missed both attempts. Anderson's Kevis Cornwell (6'2''-G) rebounded the second miss and hit a jumper with 27 seconds remaining to tie the score at 69. After an Augusta State timeout, the Trojans broke up Purser's pass to Ndongo for a potential game-winning shot at the buzzer.

A layup by Nick Trull followed by a driving dunk by Trey Britton gave Anderson a 52-43 lead with just under 12 minutes left in the second half, but Augusta State outscored the Trojans 24-12 over the next six-and-a-half minutes to take a three-point lead. Ndongo's two free throws tied the score at 64 with 3:44 on the clock and Johnson's three-pointer at 3:09 put Augusta State on top 67-64, the Jaguars' first lead since 23-22 at the seven-minute mark of the first half.

After hitting a career-best eight three-pointers and matching his career high with 31 points in the Jaguars' 71-60 semifinal win over Queens, Johnson continued his hot hand with two treys in the first four minutes of the championship game. Jones matched him with two three-pointers of his own as the teams played to a 10-all tie.

Ernsteins, who hit five three-pointers in the Trojans' 82-76 semifinal victory over Montevallo, nailed his first three-ball of the night at the 6:42 mark and another a minute later to put Anderson up by five. Jones followed with a steal and fastbreak layup to stretch the margin to 30-23, and Ernsteins hit his third three-pointer to give the Trojans their biggest lead of the first half, 37-28.

Three-point shooting was the difference in the first half, as the Trojans hit seven of 13 shots (53.8 percent) from beyond the arc to take a 39-32 lead to the break. Jones led a balanced Anderson attack with 10 first-half points while Ernsteins scored nine. However, the Trojans shot just 1-7 (14.3 percent) from three-point land in the second half. The lone second-half trey, by Ernsteins from the right wing, put Anderson up 62-56 with 6:20 to play.

After Johnson's two early three-pointers, the Trojans held him to just two more points the rest of the first half. Ndongo had a team-high 10 points and five rebounds as the Jaguars shot 40 percent (4-10) from three-point range and 52.2 percent (12-23) overall in the opening half.

Augusta State shot 57.9 percent (11-19) in the second half to rally from the seven-point halftime deficit, but just 11.1 percent (1-9) in overtime to finish the game at 47.1 percent (24-51) from the field, while Anderson finished at 50 percent (29-58). Augusta State converted 15 of its first 18 free throws and finished 17-22 (77.3 percent) from the charity stripe, while Anderson connected on nine of 14 (64.3 percent) from the free throw line.
Courtesy of: www.jaguarsroar.com


NCCAA D2 All-American Awards 2010-11 - by Eurobasket
Maravich Award: Allen Durham (6'6''-F) of Grace Bible
Coach of the Year: Gary Bailey of Grace Bible

1st Team
Tyler Betz of Faith Baptist
Tirrell Cunningham of Ohio Christian
F: Allen Durham (6'6'') of Grace Bible
Casey Jones of Ky Christian
Justin Kinsey of Valley Forge
Charles Page of Manhattan Chr.
Nathan Roeder of N.Central Univ.
Todd Wahlberg of Clearwater Chr.
Antoine Warren of Dallas Christian
Tory Wooley of Atlanta Christian

2nd Team
Latrell Alford of Valley Forge
Timothy Baker of Ohio Christian
Chad Gehrke of Hillsdale FBBC
Blake Hanson of Cent.Bible
G: Drew Hanson (6'3'') of Ozark Christian
G: Cory Jamieson (6'3'') of Grace Bible
Kevin Keltner of Lancaster Bible
Terrence Taylor of Florida Christian
Michael Stum of Valley Forge
G: Chris Weber (5'9'') of Cent.Bible

*****************************************************
  PALESTINE   


Standings - Men
PBBA Standings
 1. De La Salle 3-0 
 2. Al Ahli 2-0 
 3. Bethlehem 2-0 
 4. Ibdaa D. 2-0 
 5. Berzeit Club 2-1 
 6. Beit Sahour 1-1 
 7. Hiteen 1-1 
 8. Orthodox R. 1-1 
 9. Ebal 1-2 
 10. Islami 0-2 
 11. Qalandia 0-2 
 12. Sarriyet 0-2 
 13. Al Fara 0-3 


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


Standings - 2 Liga
2Liga Standings
Group A
 1. MMKS SIDEn 22-2 
 2. AZS Kutno 20-4 
 3. SMS PZKosz 18-7 
 4. Norgips 16-7 
 5. Zuraw 15-10 
 6. Tur 14-10 
 7. KK Swiecie 11-14 
 8. Korsarz 10-13 
 9. AZS Olsztyn 9-15 
 10. Zyrardowianka 9-15 
 11. OSSM PZKosz 8-16 
 12. Trefl II 7-17 
 13. Basket Pila 6-17 
 14. MON-POL 3-21 
Group B
 1. Open Florentyna 24-3 
 2. Nysa Klodzko 20-7 
 3. Stal Ostrow 20-7 
 4. Sudety 19-8 
 5. MKS Osemka 18-9 
 6. Obiekty 16-11 
 7. GTK Gliwice 15-12 
 8. Alba 13-14 
 9. Ksiezak 12-15 
 10. Slask Wroclaw 10-17 
 11. AZS PP Poznan 10-17 
 12. AZS PO Opole 10-17 
 13. Pogon Prudnik 8-19 
 14. A-Bild Bytom 8-19 
 15. Pogon RS 7-20 
 16. AZS Pol.Cz-wa 6-21 
Group C
 1. MOSiR Krosno 26-1 
 2. Znicz Jaroslaw 21-6 
 3. Polonia 18-9 
 4. Unia Tarnow 17-10 
 5. AZS AWF K-ce 16-11 
 6. MKS Limanowa 14-13 
 7. Staco 14-13 
 8. Wisla Krakow 14-13 
 9. Novum Lublin 12-15 
 10. HK Zory 12-15 
 11. AZS PR Radom 11-16 
 12. UMKS 10-17 
 13. AZS Rzeszow 10-17 
 14. MCKiS 10-17 
 15. Mickiewicz 9-18 
 16. Cracovia 2-25 


*****************************************************
  PORTUGAL   


Benfica signs Marquin Chandler - by Luis Filipe Cristovao
Sport Lisboa Benfica finally found a substitute to Mike Williams. Its Marquin Chandler (202-F-82, college: San Jose St.), a 28 years old Power Forward, with 2.02m.

Chandler finished college in San Jose St. and made his pro rookie year in Philippines. Despite a try in Belgium and a year in USA, Marquin Chandler stayed almost all his career in Asia, playing in countries like Singapore, Philippines, South Korea and Bahrein, where he spent his last months, in Al Ahli Manama.

Hes a strong player in the paint, with good skills in the outside shooting. Chandler is expected to help Jenning and Evora inside the box, but also give a good complement to players like Heshimu Evans and Sergio Ramos. His first game will be against Casino Ginasio, next weekend, while Sport Lisboa Benfica is trying to reach Porto in the Portuguese LPB.


Benfica add Marquin Chandler - by Eurobasket News
Benfica strengthened their frontcourt. They added Marquin Chandler (202-F-82, college: San Jose St.) to the roster. The 28-year-old forward comes from Bahrain. Marquin Chandler played for Ahli Manama lately. The forward started the season in South Korea. Marquin Chandler averaged 6.1 points and 1.9 boards per game for Seoul SK Knights. Last season the player also spent in South Korea. Marquin Chandler tallied 16.0 points, 3.9 boards and 2.1 assists per game for Dongbu Promy. Marquin Chandler was named into Asia-Basket.com Korean KBL All-Imports Team in 2008 and 2009 seasons. Previously Marquin Chandler had stints in Belgium, Philippines, Latvia and Singapore.


*****************************************************
  PUERTO RICO   


Davis Huertas expected in Quebradillas - by Eurobasket News
David Huertas (196-G-87, college: Mississippi) will soon join Quebradillas. The team has reached a preliminary agreement with the player. The 23-year-old guard has recently left Europe. He has agreed to split ways with Greek Marousi. The 23-year-old guard started the Greek team at the start of the season. He tallied 11.7 points, 4.1 boards, 1.7 assists and 1.0 steal per game in A1 League. Last season David Huertas played in Fos Ouest Provence Basket in France and Quebradillas Pirates in Puerto Rico. David Huertas participated at the 2010 World Championship. The guard averaged 5.8 points and 2.2 rebounds per game in Turkey. Quebradillas expect the arrival of the guard as soon as Friday.



Capitanes de Arecibo win preseason cup in Canovanas - by Eurobasket News
Capitanes de Arecibo clinched the Copa Alcalde title. They held off San German 87:71 in the decisive game in Canovanas. Omar Alvarado (180-G-83) and Danilo Pinnock (196-G-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington) came up with 23 points each to pace the winners. Omar Alvarado was trumped the MVP after the game. Capitanes de Arecibo were up by just one point 25:24 after ten minutes of action. They stepped on the gas in the second frame building a 50:37 lead. Capitanes opened a 22-point lead in the third term. They stayed in charge entering the final period ahead by 18 points 74:56. San German never seriously threatened the margin in the final quarter and had to surrender at the end. David Cortes (190-G/F-81) provided 18 points, while Daniel Santiago (216-C-76, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico) accounted for 10 in the victory. Ryann Abraham (178-G-87, college: Appalachian St.) responded with 19 points for San German. Gabriel Ruiz (198-F/C-83) chipped in 14 points in defeat.



*****************************************************
  ROMANIA   


Standings
Div.A Standings
 1. Ploiesti 23-3 
 2. U.Mobitel.CN 20-6 
 3. Gaz Metan 20-6 
 4. Mures 19-7 
 5. Steaua Turabo 18-7 
 6. Otopeni 15-11 
 7. Oradea 15-11 
 8. Pitesti 15-11 
 9. CSU Sibiu 13-13 
 10. Timisoara 12-14 
 11. Rovinari 12-14 
 12. CSM Bucuresti 11-14 
 13. Craiova 5-21 
 14. Politehnica Iasi 5-21 
 15. Miercurea 3-23 
 16. Brasov 1-25 


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


Spartak wins the Russian 2010/2011 Cup - by Eurobasket News
Spartak wins the Russian 2010/2011 Cup after the Final clash versus Nizhniy Novgorod. Spartak easily reached the trophy beating the opponents 80:53.
Spartak opened the game with 16-14 and added 23-14 in the second frame. Spartak proved their superiority in the second half as well and did not slow down at all. They won the third period 23-12 and finished the game with 18-13. Petar Popovic (211-C-79) stepped up with 14 points and Pero Antic (210-F-82, agency: Interperformances) followed him with 13. Artem Yakovenko (206-F-88) replied with 19 points in the losing effort.
In the game for the third place Enisey overcame Lokomotiv Kuban 78:73. The home side was led by Dragan Labovic (207-C/F-87, agency: Alti Sport) who netted 19 points, while Chalmers scored 12 points in the losing case.
Pero Antic was named MVP of the Cup. Dmitry Kulagin (195-G-92) was mentioned as the best guard, Andrei Komarovskiy (196-G-85) as a Shooting Guard, Nikola Dragovic (206-F-87, college: UCLA) received Small Forward award and Dragan Labovic Power Forward. The Best Center was named Artem Yakovenko from Nizhniy Novgorod.

*****************************************************
  SERBIA   


Klobucar in Olimpija, Mitrovic and Djekic in Mega Vizura - by Zoran Popovic
Serbian champion will continue this season witout three players. Managament of Partizan made agreement with Jaka Klobucar (198-G-87) to terminate contract and he will continue career in Olimpija Ljubljana. Klobucar played for Partizan 16 games in Euroleague with average scored 2.9 points, 0.8 rebounds, 0.7 assists, in Adriagic league on 26 games average scored 4.3 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.1 assist and 0.8 steal.
In the same time, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Branislav Djekic will be loan to Mega Vizura. Druing the season Mitrovic was loaned to Buducnost Podgorica and on 12 games in Adriatic league average scored 2.7 points, 0.7 rebounds. Branislav Djekic on 9 games in Euroleague average scored 2.2 points, 1.6 points, on 17 games in Adriatic league average scored 1.9 points and 1.4 rebounds.


Crvena Zvezda parts away with Jahmar Young - by Zoran Popovic

Due to financial problems management of Crvena Zvezda decides to parts away with Jahmar Young (196-G-86, college: N.Mexico St.). Jahmar Young came in Crvena Zvezda after graduate on University in United States. Young had good season in Crvena Zvezda and on 21 games this season in Adriatic league he average scored 12.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.0 steal per game. Before Crvena Zvezda, Young played four seasons on New Mexico State.


Sasa Mijajlovic moves to Ulcinj - by Zoran Popovic
Experienced center Sasa Mijajlovic (211-C-80, college: Hutchinson CC) moves from Sloga Kraljevo to Ulcinj Crna Gora until the end of season. Mijajlovic started this season in Zlatorog Lasko, but he left team in December 2010 and moved to Sloga Kraljevo. On 8 games for Zlatorog Mijajlovic average scored 7.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and on 8 games for Sloga Kraljevo average scored 18.3 points, 9.6 rebounds per game. During the career Mijajlovic played for Massillon, OH / Washington HS, Napredak Krusevac, Hutchinson JC, Avernas-Hannut BC, Demon Astronauts, Keravnos Cyprus, BC Igokea Partizan Aleksandrovac, Vojvodina Srbija Gas Novi Sad, CSU Cuadripol Brasov, CSM Bucuresti and OKK Beograd.

Stats leaders of Stage One - by Eurobasket News
First stage in Serbian league is over and everything is ready for the Superleague. FMP, Beograd, Metalac and Mega Vizura booked a spot for the Superleague. FMP is the winner of Stage One with impressive 24-2 record. Partizan, Hemofarm, Crvena Zvezda and Radnicki Kragujevac will also join in Superleague.


Stats leaders - Stage One

Points
1. Branko Milisavljevic (193-G-76, agency: Beo Basket), Mega Vizura 21.2
2. Koprivica, Superfund 20.7
3. Zekovic, Beograd 18.8
4. Janjusevic, Crnokosa 18.8
5. Sinovec, Metalac 18.0

Rebounds
1. Sasa Mijajlovic (211-C-80, college: Hutchinson CC), Sloga 9.6
2. Markovic, FMP 7.8
3. Ljubicic, Metalac 7.6
4. Cantekin, Mega Vizura 7.5
5. Jelovac, Mega Vizura 7.1

Assists
1. Vid Zarkovic (189-G-75), Proleter 6.0
2. Ljubicic, Metalac 5.7
3. Radivojevic, FMP 5.3
4. Vlahovic, Sloga 5.1
5. Popovic, Vojvodina 4.9

Steals
1. Slobodan Dundjerski (190-G-88, agency: Alti Sport), Beograd 3.0
2. Kuzeta, Novi Sad 2.7
3. Gagovic, Prolet. 2.3
4. Ljubicic, Metalac 2.1
5. Marjanovic, Vojvodina 2.0

Blocks
1. Nenad Misanovic (217-C-84), Beograd 1.9
2. Ilic, FMP 1.4
3. Bircevic, Metalac 1.2
4. Majkic, Prolet. 1.1
5. Cantekin, Mega Vizura 1.0



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


Sentjur cut three players - by Zeljko Zule
Sentjur parted ways with Dejan Hohler (188-G-86), Peter Jovanovic (200-F-80) and Vjeran Soldo (208-F/C-84) after disappointing first stage of the season when the team finished 6-10. Hohler averaged 11.7 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 15 Telemach League games, Jovanovic averaged 2.6 points and 1.9 rebounds over 11 games and Soldo averaged 6.3 points and 2.2 rebounds in 6 games. .

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


Eric Sandrin will not play until playoffs - by JungHwan Seo
Sandrin Eric (206-F/C-78, college: Seattle Pacific) as known as seung-Joon Lee in Korea will not play until playoffs. He didn't play against Inchon ET Land Elephants on last Sunday. According to the team source he got an infection on his right Achilles tendon now.

'We're not going to let him play until playoffs. He is not feeling good these days. We're in the middle of the losing streaks now. But we don't have to make his injury worse because of just some regular season games.' Ahn Jun-Ho , a head coach of Seoul Samsung Thunders, said.

Samsung is concerning about other players too. A starting guard Kang Hyuk (187-G-76) and key sixth man Cha Jae-Young (196-F-84) also had an injury.

'We're in trouble due to some injuries. My first priority is their body conditions. I hope that they'll get better before the playoff games.' coach concerned.

Samsung had clinched their playoffs for 9 seasons in a row. They have two more regular season games with Anyang KGC and Daegu Orions. And then, Samsung will face with No. 3 KCC Egis or No.4 Dongbu Promy on March 25th at the first round series of KBL playoffs.


*****************************************************
  SWEDEN   


Standings - Basketligan
Basketligan Standings
 1. Sundsvall 28-7 
 2. LF Basket 25-10 
 3. Norrkoping 23-10 
 4. Sodertalje 20-15 
 5. Uppsala 18-17 
 6. Solna 18-17 
 7. Jamtland 14-21 
 8. Boras 13-22 
 9. 08 8-26 
 10. Eco Orebro 6-28 


Stats Leaders - Basketligan
Points Per Game
 Darius HARGROVE
  Jamtland
  (193-G-82)
  Avg: 22.1
 1. Hargrove, Jamtland22.1 
 2. Brown, 0820.5 
 3. Smith, Sodertalje20.4 
 4. Rush, Sundsvall20.0 
 5. Smith, Uppsala19.3 
 6. Wesby, Sundsvall19.0 
 7. Palm, Boras18.8 
 8. McCoy, Boras18.3 
 9. Gunnarsson, Solna18.0 
 10. Klaric, Jamtland16.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Hlynur BAERINGSSON
  Sundsvall
  (200-F/C-82)
  Avg: 10.5
 1. Baeringsson, Sunds.10.5 
 2. Palm, Boras10.1 
 3. McKnight, Boras8.9 
 4. Kosmalski, Solna8.6 
 5. Brown, 087.9 
 6. Kjellbom, Norrkoping7.7 
 7. Constantine, Solna7.6 
 8. Cipriano, Eco O.7.5 
 9. Walker, Solna7.5 
 10. Kohlmaier, Uppsala7.1 
Assists Per Game
 Rudy MBEMBA
  LF Basket
  (181-G-87)
  Avg: 6.4
 1. Mbemba, LF Basket6.4 
 2. Pleick, Eco Orebro5.5 
 3. Beck, 084.9 
 4. Smith, Uppsala4.6 
 5. McCoy, Boras4.5 
 6. Mitchell, Norrkoping4.5 
 7. Gaidamaviciu., Norrko.4.4 
 8. Chuk, Sodertalje4.4 
 9. Hellgren, Jamtland4.2 
 10. Baeringsson, Sunds.4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Johnell SMITH
  Sodertalje
  (186-G-80)
  Avg: 3.4
 1. Smith, Sodertalje3.4 
 2. Mbemba, LF Basket3.1 
 3. Smith, Uppsala2.0 
 4. Rush, Sundsvall1.9 
 5. Hargrove, Jamtland1.8 
 6. McCoy, Boras1.8 
 7. Pleick, Eco Orebro1.8 
 8. Baeringsson, Sunds.1.8 
 9. Woodbury, LF Ba.1.7 
 10. Brown, 081.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Bilal SALAAM
  Jamtland
  (201-F-81)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Salaam, Jamtland1.9 
 2. Kjellbom, Norrkoping1.8 
 3. Rosendahl, LF Ba.1.8 
 4. Palm, Boras1.5 
 5. Kohlmaier, Uppsala1.2 
 6. Cipriano, Eco O.1.2 
 7. Constantine, Solna1.2 
 8. Ayuba, Norrkoping1.0 
 9. Walker, Solna0.9 
 10. Galick, Sodertalje0.8 


Basketligan Round 35: Leader Sundsvall Dragons lose to LF Basket - by Eurobasket News
There will be only one (last) round of the Regular Season in Basketligan.

Top ranked Sundsvall Dragons (28-7) recorded its seventh loss at the home court on Tuesday night. Hosts were defeated by second ranked LF Basket (25-10) 99-89. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Sundsvall Dragons. The game was mostly controlled by LF Basket. Sundsvall Dragons managed to win second period 26-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. 25 personal fouls committed by Sundsvall Dragons helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American swingman Tyrone Levett (195-80, college: Alabama St.) who had a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds. Guard Emil Salon (192-85) chipped in 27 points. American guard Alex Wesby (196-80, college: Temple, agency: R.H.Consultancy) produced 25 points and 6 rebounds for the hosts. LF Basket have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain second place with 25-10 record having just three points less than leader Sundsvall. Sundsvall Dragons at the other side keep top position with seven games lost. They already secured first place at this stage. LF Basket are looking forward to face Norrkoping Dolphins (#3) in Norrkoping in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Sundsvall Dragons will play on the road against Sodertalje Kings and are hoping to win this game.
Seventh-ranked Boras Basket (13-22) made lots of trouble for sixth ranked Solna Vikings (18-17). Solna Vikings managed to secure only three-point victory 75-72. However their fans expected easier game. The former international forward Lesli Myrthil (200-77, college: Wagner) orchestrated the victory by scoring 18 points and 8 rebounds. William Walker contributed with 13 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Solna Vikings' coach Torbjorn Gehrke allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. The former international center Michael Palm (208-79, college: W.Washington, agency: R.H.Consultancy) answered with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 12 rebounds for Boras Basket. Solna Vikings moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Uppsala. Boras Basket at the other side dropped to the eighth position with 22 games lost. Solna Vikings will play against bottom-ranked Eco Orebro (#10) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Boras Basket will play against KFUM Jamtland and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game in Uppsala supposed to be also quite interesting. 4th placed Sodertalje Kings (20-15) played at the court of fifth ranked Uppsala Basket (18-17). Uppsala Basket did not have too big problems and got a relatively easy victory 87-67 on Tuesday. It was a great evening for Martin Kohlmaier who led his team to a victory scoring 28 points and 6 rebounds. Uppsala Basket's coach Anders Jonsson used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Karim Wazzi responded with 8 points and 6 assists. Uppsala Basket maintains fifth place with 18-17 record, which they share with Solna. Loser Sodertalje Kings keep the fourth position with 15 games lost. Uppsala Basket will meet 08 Stockholm (#9) on the road in the next round. Sodertalje Kings will play against the league's leader Sundsvall Dragons (#1) and hope to secure a win.
Ninth-ranked 08 Stockholm (8-26) made lots of trouble for third ranked Norrkoping Dolphins (23-10). Norrkoping Dolphins managed to secure only three-point victory 85-82. However their fans expected much easier game. It was an exceptional evening for George Gervin who led the winners and scored 15 points and 5 assists. Norrkoping Dolphins' coach Kelly Grant allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Defending champion maintains third place with 23-10 record having seven points less than leader Sundsvall. 08 Stockholm lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the ninth position with 26 games lost. Norrkoping Dolphins' next round opponent will be league's second-placed LF Basket in Lulea and it will be for sure the game of the week. 08 Stockholm will play at home against Uppsala Basket (#5).

In the last game of round 35 bottom-ranked Eco Orebro was defeated by Jamtland in a road game 85-73.
The best stats of 35th round was 23 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists by Drazen Klaric of Jamtland.

Jamtland - Eco Orebro 85-73

There was no surprise when 10th ranked Eco Orebro (6-28) was defeated on the road by eighth ranked KFUM Jamtland (14-21) 85-73. It looked good early as Eco Orebro took an 1-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then KFUM Jamtland had a 19-14 second period charge getting the lead and Eco Orebro was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 73-85. KFUM Jamtland dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Eco Orebro's 36. They outrebounded Eco Orebro 44-32 including a 37-22 advantage in defensive rebounds. KFUM Jamtland players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists. It was an exceptional evening for Croatian forward Drazen Klaric (205-80, agency: Court Side) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 23 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists. American guard Darius Hargrove (193-82, college: Virginia Union, agency: Strategic Sports) accounted for 18 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for the winning side. Five KFUM Jamtland players scored in double figures. KFUM Jamtland's coach Henrik Johansson allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. American guard Leonard Mosley (196-79, college: Oklahoma Baptist) came up with 24 points and 5 rebounds and the former international guard Andrew Pleick (196-80, college: Lafayette) added 19 points and 4 steals respectively for Eco Orebro in the defeat. KFUM Jamtland moved-up to seventh place. Eco Orebro lost third consecutive game. They stay dead last with 28 lost games. KFUM Jamtland's next round opponent will be Boras Basket (#8) on the road. Eco Orebro will play against Solna Vikings.
Top scorers:
Jamtland: D.Klaric 23+13reb+5ast, D.Hargrove 18+7reb+5ast, L.Marolt 10+4reb+2ast, B.Salaam 10+6reb+3ast, S.Mjos 10+3reb+4ast, S.Hellgren 5+1reb+2ast
Eco Orebro: L.Mosley 24+5reb+2ast, A.Pleick 19+2reb+1ast, S.Smith 10+2reb+2ast, P.Cipriano 6+9reb+5ast, A.Karlsson 5+4reb, O.Lindell 5+5reb+1ast
gschID: 94284


Norrkoping - 08 85-82

Ninth-ranked 08 Stockholm (8-26) made lots of trouble for third ranked Norrkoping Dolphins (23-10). Norrkoping Dolphins managed to secure only three-point victory 85-82. However their fans expected much easier game. 08 Stockholm was ahead by 1 point at the halftime before a 22-13 third quarter run of Norrkoping Dolphins. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. It was an exceptional evening for American guard George Gervin (189-76, college: Houston) who led the winners and scored 15 points and 5 assists. International power forward Joakim Kjellbom (213-79, college: N.Arizona) accounted for 12 points for the winning side. Norrkoping Dolphins' coach Kelly Grant allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Swingman Johan Westerlund (191-84) came up with a double-double by scoring 14 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists and guard Willy Beck (186-87, college: Santa Barbara CC) added 18 points and 5 assists respectively for 08 Stockholm in the defeat. Four 08 Stockholm players scored in double figures. Defending champion maintains third place with 23-10 record having seven points less than leader Sundsvall. 08 Stockholm lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the ninth position with 26 games lost. Norrkoping Dolphins' next round opponent will be league's second-placed LF Basket in Lulea and it will be for sure the game of the week. 08 Stockholm will play at home against Uppsala Basket (#5).
Top scorers:
Norrkoping: G.Gervin 15+2reb+5ast, J.Kjellbom 12+2reb+3ast, R.Hanke 12+2reb+2ast, T.Gaidamavicius 12+1reb+3ast, C.Grace 10+5reb+1ast, P.Sakinis 7+3reb
08: W.Beck 18+4reb+5ast, O.Zaghdene 17+3reb, J.Westerlund 14+8reb+10ast, R.Hartmann 10+3reb, J.Blom 9+6reb+6ast, K.Nagwere 5+2reb
gschID: 94280


Sundsvall - LF Basket 89-99

Top ranked Sundsvall Dragons (28-7) recorded its seventh loss at the home court on Tuesday night. Hosts were defeated by second ranked LF Basket (25-10) 99-89. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Sundsvall Dragons. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. The game was mostly controlled by LF Basket. Sundsvall Dragons managed to win second period 26-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. 25 personal fouls committed by Sundsvall Dragons helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American swingman Tyrone Levett (195-80, college: Alabama St.) who had a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds. Guard Emil Salon (192-85) chipped in 27 points. American guard Alex Wesby (196-80, college: Temple, agency: R.H.Consultancy) produced 25 points and 6 rebounds and Icelandic power forward Hlynur Baeringsson (200-82, college: High School) added 12 points and 15 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Five LF Basket and four Sundsvall Dragons players scored in double figures. LF Basket have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain second place with 25-10 record having just three points less than leader Sundsvall. Sundsvall Dragons at the other side still keep top position with seven games lost. LF Basket are looking forward to face Norrkoping Dolphins (#3) in Norrkoping in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Sundsvall Dragons will play on the road against Sodertalje Kings and are hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
LF Basket: E.Salon 27+2reb, T.Levett 18+10reb+3ast, R.Mbemba 15+4reb+6ast, T.Woodbury 13+5reb+2ast, J.Rosendahl 12+6reb+2ast, J.Akesson 8+3reb+1ast
Sundsvall: A.Wesby 25+6reb+2ast, J.Jeansson 18+5reb+6ast, J.Sigurdarson 16+1reb+1ast, H.Baeringsson 12+15reb+2ast, N.Mottram 8+4reb, T.Liden 7+2reb
gschID: 94281


Uppsala - Sodertalje 87-67

The game in Uppsala supposed to be also quite interesting. 4th placed Sodertalje Kings (20-15) played at the court of fifth ranked Uppsala Basket (18-17). Uppsala Basket did not have too big problems and got a relatively easy victory 87-67 on Tuesday. The game without a history. Uppsala Basket 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 Sodertalje Kings' 30. They outrebounded Sodertalje Kings 38-20 including a 26-14 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a great evening for Austrian center Martin Kohlmaier (218-84) who led his team to a victory scoring 28 points and 6 rebounds. Guard Rickard Eriksson (190-82) helped adding 11 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Uppsala Basket players scored in double figures. Uppsala Basket's coach Anders Jonsson used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Guard Karim Wazzi (173-88) responded with 8 points and 6 assists and guard Tobias Borg (182-93) scored 13 points. Uppsala Basket maintains fifth place with 18-17 record, which they share with Solna. Loser Sodertalje Kings keep the fourth position with 15 games lost. Uppsala Basket will meet 08 Stockholm (#9) on the road in the next round. Sodertalje Kings will play against the league's leader Sundsvall Dragons (#1) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Uppsala: M.Kohlmaier 28+6reb+1ast, J.Andersson 13+1reb+2ast, T.Whitworth 12+4reb, R.Eriksson 11+5reb+5ast, B.Smith 8+4reb+4ast, M.Nakos 6
Sodertalje: T.Borg 13+1ast, D.Pita 9+4reb, K.Wazzi 8+4reb+6ast, F.Rasmussen 8, W.Galick 7+1reb+1ast, M.Joseph 7+1reb+2ast
gschID: 94282


Solna - Boras 75-72

Seventh-ranked Boras Basket (13-22) made lots of trouble for sixth ranked Solna Vikings (18-17). Solna Vikings managed to secure only three-point victory 75-72. However their fans expected easier game. Boras Basket was ahead by 11 points after three quarters before a 27-13 charge of Solna Vikings, which allowed them to win the game. The former international forward Lesli Myrthil (200-77, college: Wagner) orchestrated the victory by scoring 18 points and 8 rebounds. American forward William Walker (201-87, college: Bethel (IN), agency: Warren Sports International) contributed with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Solna Vikings' coach Torbjorn Gehrke allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. The former international center Michael Palm (208-79, college: W.Washington, agency: R.H.Consultancy) answered with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 12 rebounds and guard Christopher Ryan (196-90) added 19 points and 4 assists in the effort for Boras Basket. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Solna Vikings moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Uppsala. Boras Basket at the other side dropped to the eighth position with 22 games lost. Solna Vikings will play against bottom-ranked Eco Orebro (#10) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Boras Basket will play against KFUM Jamtland and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Solna: L.Myrthil 18+8reb+2ast, L.Gunnarsson 15+2reb, O.Ilunga 14+7reb+5ast, W.Walker 13+12reb+2ast, A.Lindqvist 7, D.Hult 5+1reb
Boras: M.Palm 21+12reb+2ast, C.Ryan 19+3reb+4ast, K.McCoy 14+3reb+2ast, H.Carlsson 10+4reb+5ast, C.McKnight 8+10reb, A.Andersson 0
gschID: 94283




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  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS   


Aska, Racers season comes to an end - by David Edole
The Murray State Racers saw their season come to an end Tuesday with an 89-76 loss to Missouri State in the National Invitational tournament at JQH Arena in Springfield, Mo.
The Racers played a first half that saw lead when the first basket of the game went down as a three-pointer by B.J. Jenkins.
MSU fell behind by six at 15-9 before they rallied to tie the game 23-23 at 8:35 before half.
The Bears (26-8) finished the half on a 13-6 run to take a 38-31 lead.
Murray State stayed in the game thanks mainly to the play of Ivan Aska (200-F-90) and Isacc Miles. Together they combined for 23 of MSUs 31 points and hit 11-of-15 from the field.
Missouri State jumped to a 45-32 in the first minutes of the second half and eventually built a 15-point lead at the 13:00 mark before MSU cut the lead to 62-52 with 11:42 remaining.
Again MSU went on a 13-1 run to cut the lead to 68-66 7:31 mark on a Brandon Garrett dunk and three-pointer from Jewuan Long and another long bomb from B.J. Jenkins.
Missouri State answered with a 5-0 run to lead 75-66 with 4:19 remaining to put the game away.
Aska led the Racers with 16 points, with 15 from Long and 13 from Miles and Canaan pitching in 11.
The Racers shot well with a 54 percent clip from the field, but found it hard to stop the Bears on their home court as they managed 55 percent from the field.
MSUs class of four seniors (B.J. Jenkins, Isacc Miles, Jeffery McClain and Picasso Simmons) played their final game for MSU.
Weve won two conference titles and you dont do that with just talent, MSU Head Coach Billy Kennedy said. You do it with leadership, attitude and toughness and our seniors have given us that this season.
We gained the experience of playing in a game like this, Kennedy added. This is the kind of experience we can build on and Im looking forward to it.
With the loss, Murray State (23-9) finishes another outstanding season in which they won the Ohio Valley Conference regular season title for a second straight year and finished with the programs 24th 20-win season.



Washington, Hofstra season comes to an end - by David Edole
For the second consecutive season, a disappointing outing in the College Basketball Invitational first round ended the Hofstra University men's basketball team's season at the hands of Evansville 77-70 on Tuesday night.

'A lot of credit goes to Evansville,' said head coach Mo Cassara. 'They did a great job on us defensively slowing us down a little bit and not letting us get into a real rhythm offensively.'

Evansville began the game on a 7-0 run, with Hofstra looking lethargic to start the game, starting the game 0-7 from the field.

Senior center Gregory Washington (208-F-84) tried to spark Hofstra, scoring nine of the Pride's first 12 points.

'He made some big shots and he's a senior,' said Cassara. 'We need that to happen to win on the road.'

Hofstra was able to answer back with a 7-0 run to bring things back into contention.

Senior guard Charles Jenkins scored his 2,500th point of his career, the 63rd player in NCAA history to do so after a driving lay-up off the glass with seven minutes gone in the first half.

The Pride lost Washington's hot hand when the senior picked up his second foul of the game not even ten minutes into the ball game, forcing him to hit the bench.

The teams traded baskets for a majority of the half, but Hofstra was struggling with the rebounding battle as freshman forward Stephen Nwaukoni and junior forward David Imes were having trouble under the basket but managed to grab some key offensive rebounds to create second chances.

'I thought we did a good job tonight,' said Cassara. 'We gave them a couple of second and third chance opportunities but I think but for the most part we did a pretty good job rebounding.'

Jenkins and junior guard Mike Moore was being shut down, but the Pride's offense was not having much trouble scoring, with eight different scorers making their way onto the score sheet.

Washington picked up his third foul with less than three minutes remaining.

Hofstra was using some great ball movement to find the open man, showing no sign of slowing down despite the absence of Washington and the struggles of its two leading scorers.

The Pride went into the locker room up by two at 36-34. Washington led the Pride with nine points and Jenkins was held to just two in the first 20 minutes.

Jenkins started to get things going to begin the second half, scoring six consecutive points, extending Hofstra's lead to six in the first two minutes of the second half.

Evansville would not go away however, taking advantage of Hofstra turnovers with some great defense and cutting into the Pride's lead.

Moore also added to the resurgence of Hofstra's big names with four straight points to re-open the Pride's lead to 49-43 with six minutes gone in the second. Hofstra was also taking advantage of turnovers created, with 17 points off of eight takeaways.

Along with Washington, Hofstra's front court continued to get into foul trouble, Nwaukoni picked up his fourth foul with just over six minutes gone and Imes had three going into the last 10 minutes of the game.

'It affected our defense big time,' said Cassara. 'With Dave and Greg in foul trouble we struggled to get through it tonight.'

Every time the Pride seemed to have the opportunity to pull away, the Purple Aces would come right back and make things close.

A 9-0 run from Evansville gave the Illinois side a three point lead with eleven minutes remaining; it's first since the first half.

The second half became choppy with the referees whistle, although not always needed, stopped the game.

Hofstra could not get the ball into Jenkins' hands as much as was needed though the senior was knocking down his shots when given the opportunity.

Evansville managed to grab a six point lead as the Hofstra defense was unable to find a big stop to swing momentum.

A three-pointer from freshman Yves Jules cut the Hofstra deficit to three with 6:53 left in the ball game but the defense still could not find an answer to Evansville's attack.

Jules hit another three-pointer only to have Evansville answer right back with a three of its own.

Both teams continued to trade baskets and the Purple Aces was able to keep its lead at the media timeout with 3:06 remaining.

In the last 90 seconds of the game, Jenkins looked to will his team to victory, with a driving lay-up cutting the deficit to two but Evansville answered yet again.

Jenkins committed a charge with 50 seconds left to give the ball to Evansville up four.

The Purple Aces extended the lead to five at the free-throw line and after Jenkins was denied at the hoop, an offensive rebound by Washington, the lay-up and one to cut the game to two.

With 24.3 seconds left, one free-throw from Evansville put the Aces up three and on the ensuing possession, Moore put up an atrocious three-point attempt with 18 seconds left that went out of bounds, giving the ball back to the leaders.

'I was actually trying to call a timeout,' said Cassara. 'The referee was kind of out of position and we had an opportunity to tie the game or get a quick shot but Mike tried to get the foul a little quicker than he probably should have.'

Evansville was able to ice the game at the free-throw line, ending the Pride's season and the prolific career of guard Brad Kelleher, Washington and most of all, Jenkins.

'This was an incredibly special year,' said Cassara. 'I want to thank those guys for their heart and soul and what they've given to not only this program but to this University.'

Jenkins finished with 14 points, Moore added 13 and Washington added 12 in the loss. The Pride ends the season with a 22-13 record as Hofstra will now look to the offseason.

By Joe Pantorno
Assistant Sports Editor



*****************************************************
  UKRAINE   


Ferro-ZNTU bring in R.T. Guinn - by Eurobasket News
Ferro-ZNTU filled in the centre spot that was available after Anthony Johnson (203-F-88, college: Fairfield) departure. The team has agreed on terms of contract with R.T. Guinn (208-C-81, college: Baylor). The 29-year-old centre was released from Limoges days ago. R.T. Guinn joined Limoges at the start of the season. The 29-year-old centre tallied 8.7 points, 5.0 boards and 1.1 assist per game in Pro A. Last season R.T. Guinn played for Budivelnyk in Ukraine. His stats read 10.7 points, 3.9 boards in Superleague. The centre also had stints in USBL, CBA, Sweden, Germany and Turkey. R.T. Guinn was named into All-Ukrainian Superleague 2nd Team in 2009. R.T. Guinn can debut for Ferro-ZNTU during this week's Superleague action.


Zoran Martic and Edin Bavcic leave Khimik - by Eurobasket News
Khimik lost both head coach and starting centre today. Edin Bavcic (210-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket) has reportedly agreed on terms of contract with Aris in Greece. The 26-year-old centre has arrived to Yuzny back in November. He tallied 9.3 points, 5.2 boards per game in Superleague. In EuroChallange his stats read 10.2 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.
Head coach Zoran Martic has also decided to split ways with the team. The Slovenian specialist took over in Khimik in November. Zoran Martic arrived to Ukraine from Slovenia where he worked with Olimpija Ljubljana as assistant coach.


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  VTB UNITED LEAGUE   


Standings
VTB United League Standings
Group A
 1. CSKA 9-1 
 2. Unics 9-1 
 3. Lietuvos Rytas 5-4 
 4. Minsk-2006 4-6 
 5. Dnipro 2-7 
 6. Honka 0-10 
Group B
 1. Khimky 9-1 
 2. Zalgiris 7-2 
 3. Azovmash 6-3 
 4. Asseco Prokom 3-7 
 5. VEF Riga 3-7 
 6. Kalev/Cramo 1-9 




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Women News

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  ARGENTINA - Women  


Argentina hold off Chile in Maullin - by Eurobasket News
Chile U19 - Argentina U19 58:61

Argentina recorded the first win at the international friendly tournament in Chile. They toppled the hosts by three points. Diana Cabrera (187-F-93) stepped up for the winners with 11 points and 15 boards.
Chile got to the better start. They limited Argentinean counterparts to only 10 points and grabbed a 15:10 lead after ten minutes. But Argentina braced up defensively in the second quarter and held the hosts to just 6 points to take a 23:21 halftime lead. Both teams increased the tempo in the third term. Argentina fired 22 points to build a 5-point advantage with one quarter remaining. Chile U19 stayed competitive till the final seconds but came up short of victory at the end. Florencia Llorente (94) nailed 11 points, while Julieta Armesto (176-G-94) had 10 in the win. Cynthia Bascuaan replied with 12 points for Chile. Javiera Morales (176-F-92) accounted for 7 points and 12 rebounds in defeat.
Argentina will take on Chile U23, while Chile U19 will play against undefeated Brazil U19 on the final day of the tournament.

Chile U19: Cynthia Bascunan (93) 12, Javiera Morales 7+12 boards
Argentina U19: Diana Cabrera 11+15 boards, Florencia Llorente 11, Julieta Armesto 10


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  BRAZIL - Women  


Brazil post second straight win in Maullin - by Eurobasket News
Brazil U19 selection celebrated the second straight win at the international friendly tournament in Chile. They held off Chilean U23 selection 78:39 to stay undefeated. Brazil will face Chile U19 on the final day of the tournament.
Brazil dominated from the opening minutes. They recorded a 22:9 lead after ten minutes. The visitors stayed in charge in the second term piling up a 38:19 halftime lead. Brazil stunned the hosts with a 20:7 rally in the third quarter and never looked back en route to the victory. Izabela Sangalli, Carina Dos Santos (174-G/F-92), Isabela Lyra (178-F-94) and Damiris Dantas do Amaral (192-C-92) stepped up with 10 points each to pace well-balanced offensive effort from Brazil. Vanessa Fausto (182-C-94) added 4 points and 13 boards in the victory.
The teams are now getting ready for the upcoming U19 World Championship to be held in Chile from July 21 through 31.


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  CHILE - Women  


Argentina hold off Chile in Maullin - by Eurobasket News
Chile U19 - Argentina U19 58:61

Argentina recorded the first win at the international friendly tournament in Chile. They toppled the hosts by three points. Diana Cabrera (187-F-93) stepped up for the winners with 11 points and 15 boards.
Chile got to the better start. They limited Argentinean counterparts to only 10 points and grabbed a 15:10 lead after ten minutes. But Argentina braced up defensively in the second quarter and held the hosts to just 6 points to take a 23:21 halftime lead. Both teams increased the tempo in the third term. Argentina fired 22 points to build a 5-point advantage with one quarter remaining. Chile U19 stayed competitive till the final seconds but came up short of victory at the end. Florencia Llorente (94) nailed 11 points, while Julieta Armesto (176-G-94) had 10 in the win. Cynthia Bascuaan replied with 12 points for Chile. Javiera Morales (176-F-92) accounted for 7 points and 12 rebounds in defeat.
Argentina will take on Chile U23, while Chile U19 will play against undefeated Brazil U19 on the final day of the tournament.

Chile U19: Cynthia Bascunan (93) 12, Javiera Morales 7+12 boards
Argentina U19: Diana Cabrera 11+15 boards, Florencia Llorente 11, Julieta Armesto 10


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  GERMANY - Women  


Top4 - by Juliane Hoehne
The Top4 in German Cup Games will be held this weekend in TSV 1880 Wasserburg. On Saturday at 1.30pm, BC Pharmaserv Marburg will meet Heli Donau-Ries Noerdlingen in the first semi final. Afterwards at 4pm, TSV 1880 Wasserburg will host BC Wildcats Wolfenbuettel in the second semifinal. The winners will play on Sunday at 4pm for the German Cup, while the game for the third place will be played right before at 1.30pm.
The last three consecutive years, TV Saarlouis Royals had won the cup, but since the team of Head Coach Spandauw was not able to qualify themselves this year, it will be a new German Cup Winner this year. The games can be followed online under the official German League website www.dbbl.de, while the official website of the Top4 is http://www.wasserburg-top4.de/

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  JUCO - Women  


Undefeated Pensacola Leads Quality Tournament Field in Women's DI Basketball Championship - by Eurobasket News
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. For the 14th consecutive year, the Bicentennial Center in Salina, Kan., will host the 16-best NJCAA Division I womens basketball teams in the nation to determine who will be this years national champion. This year marks the 36th NJCAA Division I Womens Basketball Tournament and for 14 years the event has been hosted in Salina - the longest standing host of a NJCAA womens-only championship.

For the second straight season fans will be able to watch all 26 games of this years tournament at NJCAA TV (www.njcaa.org/tv) or PSB Live (www.psblive). Salinas own KSAL radio station will also provide live audio at www.ksallink.com.

Below is a quick glance at this year's qualifying teams as well the complete tournament schedule.

For official brackets, live stats, and more information about the tournament visit http://www.salinakansas.org/visit/basketball.asp.

District A (Region 1): #3 Central Arizona College (27-4)

Central Arizona defeated Arizona Western College 65-57 in the Region 1 Championship game to earn their spot in the Salina this year. In the past 20 seasons, the Vaqueros have appeared at the national tournament 19 times, including 11 final four appearances and three national titles. Led by sophomores Ashley Mitchells 13.5 ppg and Sancheon Whites 12.7 ppg, Central Arizona will be a strong contender in this years tournament.

District B (Region 2): #10 Northern Oklahoma College-Enid (28-5)

NOC-Enid earned their spot at the national tournament this year after knocking off Connors State 75-72 in the Region 2 Championship. After having the #6 seed and not finishing in the top eight last season, the Jets are eager to get back to Salina and make a serious run at the title. Their stellar play and 28-5 mark this season demonstrates that this team may have what it takes to win it all. Deeva Vaughn leads Enid with 19.9 points (16th in NJCAA DI ) and 13.6 rebounds (2nd in NJCAA DI) a game.

District C (Region 3, 12, 15, 20): #2 Vincennes University, Ind. (27-2)

Since 1993, Vincennes has made it to the DI national tournament eight times and this year will make it number nine. The Trailblazers took home the District C crown after taking down ASA in an 80-40 rout on March 6th. They have been led all season by sophomore forward Jasmine McGhees 16.8 ppg and 9.6 rpg. The teams record shows that they have enough talent to make a strong run to the title so look for Vincennes to still be in it on the last day of competition.

District D (Region 4, 13): #16 Malcolm X College, Ill. (22-8)

The 22-8 Hawks enter only their second DI tournament since 2003. To get to this point, Malcolm X grinded all season and was finally named the District D champions after taking down several opponents, including Lake Region State College (25-7), 62-44, on March 8th. Freshman guard Terranika Reynolds will need to play big this tournament, already averaging 19.8 points (17th in NJCAA DI), 5.1 rebounds, and 5.9 assists (9th in NJCAA DI) this season. Malcolm X could surprise some people in 2011.

District E (Region 5): #6 Grayson County College, Texas (27-3)

The Vikings enter the tournament at 27-3 with the District E crown after the team battered Midland by 19 points 82-63 in the District E title game. The teams freshman forward Uju Ugoka has supplied 18.4 points and 9.1 rebounds per game this season and looks to be a huge factor in the tournament. This will mark Grayson Countys third appearance in the tournament after they qualified in 1996 and 2000. If the Vikings can maintain their season success up to this point, they could certainly end up in the top four.

District F (Region 6): #7 Cloud County Community College, Kan. (25-7)

Cloud Countys only other appearance in the tournament came in 2001, so the team is undoubtedly ready to make a name for their school. The Thunderbirds took the Region 6 and District F honors after taking down top-seeded Hutchinson in a 46-45 in a hard fought win. With the National Tournament looming ahead, the Birds will need offense from their usual trio in Brittany Griswold, Satavia Taylor, and Klara Wischer, who have combined for 35.1 points per contest this season.

District G (Region 7): #13 Chattanooga State Community College, Tenn. (22-6)

The Tigers will make their third tournament appearance since 2002 after winning the Region 7 and District G championship. To take these honors, Chattanooga State had to battle Walters State to the end, snatching a 57-55 victory in the district championship on March 6th. Freshmen Hiydaayah Williams and April Woodard must provide their typical offense, as they have combined for 32.0 points per game so far this season. Dont expect the Tigers to go out without a fight this year. NOTE: CSCC head coach Jay Price is also the head coach of the school's men's basketball team, which also qualified for nationals. He will travel back and forth between the two tournaments in Hutchinson and Salina as both team's schedule permits.

District H (Region 8): #1 Pensacola StateCollege, Fla. (33-0)

Pensacola has gone an amazing 33-0 so far this season and dont look to slow down anytime soon. They beat Northwest Florida by nine points in the District H championship game on the 5th; the game ended with a 69-60 decision. The Pirates do not have the talent in 2010 All-American Deanna Allen anymore; however, this squad has been able to rally together and make an impact on the basketball court. PJC will be making its first appearance in the national tournament since 1985. Meghan Perkins leads the offense with 15.5 points per game to go with 7.4 rebounds. Jessica Merrit averages 14.8 points a contest and pulls down 5.8 boards a night. Yet, the key to Pensacola might just be Najat Ouardad whose 5.0 assists a game fuels the PSC scoring. She also contributes 6.3 ppg.

District I (Region 9): Casper College, Wyo. (24-9)

The Casper College Thunderbirds have been on the bubble all season, going 24-9 and squeezing past Otero Junior College in the Region 9/District I championship. They beat the 25-6 Rattlers by only two points in a 62-60 nail-biter. The Birds are no stranger to the big stage, having appeared in the National Championships in 92, 94, 96, 97, 00, 07, and 10. Now that theyre in the 2011 National Tournament, Casper can focus on making another strong run this year after finishing 4th place last year. Lindsey Fearing and Rosalie Cutri are the prime scorers for the T-Birds. Fearing leads the team with 15.7 points per game while Cutri averages 13.1 points. On the boards Sherece Huddlin is Caspers leader with 10.5 a contest (20th in NJCAA DI).

District J (Region 10, 17): Georgia Perimeter College, (28-5)

Georgia Perimeter College put a beating on Spartanburg Methodist in the District J championship game when they won by 51 points in a 99-48 game. The 28-5 Jaguars now peer ahead toward the National Championship in hopes of taking home the title on the final day. Georgia Perimeter has seen success in the past, having six All-American players since 2001 and appearing in Salina in 2005 and 2008. Expect the Jags to make a run this post-season. Ry'van Buchanan and Kayla Carter combine for over 20 points and 12 rebounds a game to lead GPC.

District K (Region 11, 16): State Fair Community College, Mo. (28-4)

The 28-4 Roadrunners are back in Salina for the second time since 1999 after they netted 81 points on Jefferson College (who was last years national runner-up) in the District K championship game on March 5th. State Fair lost the leadership from 2010 All-American Brittany Young this year, but they still have former All-American Ciara Leak on the squad, who is averaging 13.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game this season.

District L (Region 14): Trinity Valley Community College, Texas (31-2)

Trinity Valley is once again headed to the DI national tournament after winning a thrilling district championship game against Lon Morris (18-14) that was decided in overtime, 79-75. The Cardinals have appeared in the tournament in 12 of the last 17 years, winning the title in 94, 96, 97, 99, and 04 and being runners-up in 95 and 98. Last year the team finished sixth and they undoubtedly expect a higher finish in this years tournament. Sha'Kayla Caples averages 20.9 points a contest (9th in NJCAA DI) and 5.3 rebounds a game to lead TVCC.

District M (Region 18): North Idaho College (28-3)

The North Idaho College Cardinals have gone 28-3 this season and show no signs of ending their season early. The team fought off Salt Lake (24-5) to win 69-59 on March 5th in the Region 18 and District M championship game. This will mark the fourth tournament appearance for the Cardinals since 1997. North Idaho finished eighth in last years tournament and strive to improve on that finish this year. The Lady Cardinals will look to do-it-all star Tugce Canitez like they have all year. The 64 sophomore averages 15.2 points and over 11 rebounds while Karna Griffiths leads the club with 16.4 points per game.

District N (Region 22): Wallace State Community College-Hanceville, Ala.

The Lions were able to take the Region 22 and District N crown after they defeated Chattahoochee Valley on March 2nd, 73-63. This will be the fourth appearance for Wallace State - Hanceville since 1991; they participated in 91, 98, and 01. Over this span, the school has also had seven All-Americans play for the program. The Lady Lions will look to Jessica Robinson who currently leads the club in scoring with 14.2 ppg and 2.6 assists.


District O (Region 23): Copiah-Lincoln Community College, Miss. (25-2)

Copiah-Lincoln earned a bid into the National Tournament when they thrashed Meridian 89-54 in the Region 23 and District O championship game on March 3rd. In their sixth appearance since 1993, the Wolves look for their best finish ever. In last years tournament, the team took 7th place. Sophomore guard Kiara Etiennes 14.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per contest should be a huge boost for the team down the stretch.

District P (Region 24): John A Logan College, Ill.

The 20-7 Volunteers soared through the Region 24 and District P championships, beating Kaskaskia College by 18 and then handing Wabash Valley a loss in the finals on March 5th, 57-52. John A. Logan earned the runner-up spot back in 1988. The team has qualified for the big stage from 91-97 and 01. With the help of sophomore forward Kyra Watsons 21.1 points per game, the Volunteers will be a formidable opponent in this years bracket.

Tournament Schedule

March 15, 2011
Game 1: #3 Trinity Valley vs. #14 John A Logan - 10 am
Game 2: #6 Grayson County vs. #11 Casper - 12 pm
Game 4: #2 Vincennes vs. #15 Wallace State - 2 pm
Game 5: #1 Pensacola vs. #16 Malcolm X - 4 pm
Game 3: #7 Cloud County vs. #10 Northern Oka-Enid - 6:15 pm
Game 6: #8 Central Ariz. vs. #9 Copiah-Lincoln - 8:15 pm

March 16, 2011
Game 7: #5 North Idaho vs. #12 Georgia Perimeter- 12 pm
Game 8: #4 State Fair vs. #13 Chattanooga State - 2 pm
Game 9: Game 1 Loser vs. Game 2 Loser - 4 pm
Game 10: Game 1 Winner vs. Game 2 Winner - 6 pm
Game 11: Game 3 Winner vs. Game 4 Winner - 8 pm

March 17, 2011
Game 12: Game 3 Loser vs. Game 4 Loser - 10 am
Game 13: Game 5 Loser vs. Game 6 Loser - 12 pm
Game 14: Game 7 Loser vs. Game 8 Loser - 2 pm
Game 15: Game 10 Loser vs. Game 11 Loser - 4 pm
Game 16: Game 5 Winner vs. Game 6 Winner - 6 pm
Game 17: Game 7 Winner vs. Game 8 Winner - 8 pm

March 18, 2011
Game 18: Game 9 Winner vs. Game 12 Winner - 12 pm
Game 19: Game 13 Winner vs. Game 14 Winner - 2 pm
Game 20: Game 16 Loser vs. Game 17 Loser - 4 pm
Game 21: Game 10 Winner vs. Game 11 Winner - 6 pm
Game 22: Game 16 Winner vs. Game 17 Winner - 8 pm

March 19, 2011
Game 23 (7th/8th Place): Game 18 Winner vs. Game 19 Winner - 1 pm
Game 24 (5th/6th Place): Game 15 Winner vs. Game 20 Winner - 3 pm
Game 25 (3rd/4th Place): Game 21 Loser vs. Game 22 Loser - 5 pm
Game 26 (Championship): Game 21 Winner vs. Game 22 Winner - 7 pm
Courtesy of: http://www.njcaa.org

NJCAA Women's Basketball Players of the Week - by Eurobasket News
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. Jefferson College (Missouri) guard Anete Klintsone (5'9''-G-90) and Genesee Community College (N.Y.) guard Kayla Golden are the NJCAA Womens Basketball Players of the Week.

Division I

Anete Klintsone of Jefferson College posted all-around numbers in the stat sheet and shot extremely well to help her team to a 2-1 record for the week. The 56 guard averaged 19.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.3 steals over the three games. She also shot 53% from the field and 83% from the charity stripe. In her best effort, the Riga, Latvia native logged 25 points on 8-of-12 shooting, including 5-of-8 from beyond the arc, and snatched five rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Klintstone is also ranked 11th in 3-point field goal percentage and tied for 11th in free throw percentage in the nation.

Division II

Genesee Community Colleges 53 point guard, Kayla Golden, put up very impressive numbers this past week, including a near triple-double against Mercyhurst Northeast in the Region III championship game. The Lackawanna, New York native averaged 19.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 2.5 steals over two games that led to a 2-0 week and the Region III title for the Cougars. Goldens best game came against Mercyhurst when she posted 24 points on 7-of-14 shooting, 11 rebounds, nine assists, two steals, and a block!
Courtesy of: http://www.njcaa.org

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  LATVIA - Women  


Standings - LSBL
LSBL Standings
 1. TTT Riga 26-0 
 2. LU 18-5 
 3. RTU-Merks 17-7 
 4. TTT Juniores 14-10 
 5. TTT Kadetes 10-15 
 6. Daugavpils 7-18 
 7. Cesis 4-21 
 8. Liepajas 2-22 


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  MOLDOVA - Women  


ASEM and Politeh share the top - by Eurobasket News
ASEM and Politeh share the top with 8-1 records each. It was ASEM to hand Politeh their first loss 80:60. Meanwhile in the latest round, being played on March 12th, Politeh overcame SDYUSHOR 71:61. ASEM rolled over Soroka 99:86 as Shvidkaya was named the best player of the game. In another clash USM overcame Ryshkani 86:59 as Botesaty stepped up with 28 points.


Standings
D1 Standings
 1. ASEM 8-1 
 2. CK Politeh 8-1 
 3. SDYUSHOR 5-4 
 4. Soroka 4-5 
 5. USM 2-7 
 6. Rishkan 0-9 


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  NAIA - Women  


Final NAIA polls have Union women No. 1 - by Eurobasket News
JACKSON, Tenn. - 3/9/2011 - The Union (Tenn.) University basketball teams are ranked in the final NAIA basketball poll for the 2010-11 season. The Union women are No. 1 for an NAIA record 48th consecutive poll. The men dropped three spots to No. 12 in the final rankings.

The women have capped off a fourth straight year of being No. 1 in the rankings. The 48 straight No. 1 rankings streak started in the 2007 preseason poll. Union is 31-1 as they enter the NAIA National Tournament, having just captured the TranSouth Regular Season and Tournament titles. Union will be the top seed in the NAIA National Tournament on March 16-22 at Oman Arena in Jackson. Union will be looking for a third straight title. Union has won five titles overall, including four in the last six years.



Lady Tigers receive a No. 1 seed in NAIA Tournament - by Eurobasket News
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. -- For the first time in program history, Campbellsville University women's basketball is a No. 1 seed in the NAIA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament. The Lady Tigers, ranked No. 2 in the latest NAIA poll, will face John Brown University (Ark.) in the first round of the 31st annual tournament, Thursday, March 17 at 7:15 p.m. ET. The tournament is being played at Oman Arena in Jackson, Tenn.

Campbellsville (28-3) is making its 19th appearance in program history. The only team in this year's field to take more trips to the national tournament is five-time national champion Union University (Tenn.) with 22 appearances. Southern Nazarene University, who has won seven national titles, is also making its 19th appearance.

John Brown enters the tournament with a 20-11 record after receiving an at-large bid. It will be the first meeting in program history for CU against the Golden Eagles.

The Lady Tigers are one of 18 automatic qualifiers in the NAIA Tournament after winning the Mid-South Conference regular season and tournament championships. Two other MSC teams will compete in Jackson, as Shawnee State University, ranked No. 24, received the other automatic bid as MSC tournament runner-up and Lindsey Wilson College received an at-large bid.

Four teams have qualified for their first-ever trip to the NAIA Division I tournament, including Shawnee State, which was runner-up last season at the NAIA Division II level. Other first-year teams are Avila University (Mo.), Belhaven University (Miss.) and Rogers State University (Okla.).

In addition to Southern Nazarene and Union, only two other teams in the tournament have won the national title: Oklahoma City University, which beat CU in the national quarterfinals last season, and Vanguard University (Calif.), which CU could face in the second round March 18. Both schools have one women's basketball title.

Campbellsville is led by reigning NAIA Division I National Player of the Year, Whitney Ballinger (6'3''-G/F-89), who leads the nation with 23.39 points per game and is third in the country for blocks per game (3.19) and defensive rebounds per game (8.19). Courtney Clifton (5'10''-G/F) and Courtney Danis (5'9''-G/F) follow Balligner's lead with an average of 13.61 points and 10.84 points per game, respectively. Mackenzie Lee (5'8''-G) leads CU in assists and steals, while averaging 8.36 points.

All games will be broadcast live on K-County 105.7 FM in Central Kentucky and online at KCountry1057.com. Live video can be found at WatchNAIA.com.
Courtesy of: http://www.campbellsvilletigers.com
by Chris Megginson

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  NCAA1 - Women  


UConn Chosen as No. 1 Seed of Philadelphia Regional in 2011 NCAA Tournament - by Eurobasket News
STORRS, Conn. - The top-ranked University of Connecticut women's basketball team has been selected as the No. 1 seed in the Philadelphia Regional of the 2011 NCAA Division I Women's Championship, as announced by the NCAA on Monday.

The Huskies will play their opening round game vs. No. 16 seed and America East Champion Hartford (17-15) at Gampel Pavilion (10,167) in Storrs, Conn., on Sunday, March 20 at 12:05 p.m. (EST) on ESPN2.

No. 8 seed Kansas State (21-10) will square-off against No. 9 seed Purdue (20-11) in Sunday's other first-round game at Gampel Pavilion beginning at 2:30 p.m. (EST) on ESPN2.

Sunday's first-round winners will advance to the second-round game on Tuesday, March 22 at 7:00 p.m. (EST), also at the Huskies' on-campus arena.

The winner of Tuesday's second round showdown will advance to the NCAA Regional Semifinals, which will be played at the Liacouras Center (10,200) in Philadelphia, Pa., on Sunday, March 27. The Philadelphia Regional Final is scheduled for Tuesday, March 29.

Each game of the 2011 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament will be televised live on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU or ESPN Fullcourt.

Fans should be advised that ESPN will be using 'whiparound coverage' during the opening rounds of the NCAA Tournament (except in home markets), taking viewers to the best action at a given moment. Each of this weekend's NCAA Tournament games will be available in their entirety at ESPN3.com.

The Huskies, who have claimed five of the last nine NCAA titles including the last two in-a-row, will be making their 23rd consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance and sport a 77-15 (.837) mark all-time in NCAA play. The Huskies lay claim to the best winning percentage in NCAA Tournament history.

UConn earned an automatic bid to the 2011 NCAA Tournament following its BIG EAST Tournament and Regular Season Titles. The Huskies captured the tournament title with wins over Georgetown, Rutgers and Notre Dame following a spotless 16-0 mark during the regular season. Connecticut currently stands at 32-1 overall and has been ranked No. 1 nationally in both the Associated Press and ESPN Coaches polls for 11 weeks this season.

The automatic berth marks the Huskies' 17th in the program's history. Connecticut is 61-11 when earning the BIG EAST's automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament. Connecticut has advanced to the Final Four 11 times in the program's history, including eight of the last 11 seasons overall. The Huskies have advanced to at least the Regional Semifinal in each of the past 17 seasons (1994-2010).

Connecticut is 37-4 all-time in NCAA Tournament games played in the state of Connecticut. The team is 28-3 in NCAA Tournament games played at Gampel Pavilion and have won 35 of the last 36 NCAA Tournament games played in their on-campus arena.

This season marks the 14th time overall and the fifth-straight season that UConn has entered the NCAA Tournament as a No. 1 seed. The Huskies boast an overall mark of 59-7 in NCAA Tournament games when playing as a No. 1 seed and have captured six National Championships in those seasons.

During 11 of the last 17 NCAA Tournaments (since 1994), the Huskies have either won the national championship or have lost to the eventual national champion.

2011 NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship First and Second Rounds

at Gampel Pavilion (Storrs, Conn.)

First Round Games - Sunday, March 21 Philadelphia Regional

No. 1 seed Connecticut (32-1) vs. No. 16 seed Hartford (17-11), 12:05 p.m. (EST) - ESPN2

No. 8 seed Kansas State (21-10) vs. No. 9 seed Purdue (20-11), 2:30 p.m. (EST) - ESPN2
Courtesy of: http://www.uconnhuskies.com

Lady Bears face No. 16 seed Prairie View A&M in first-round action - by Eurobasket News
WACO, Texas - Baylor's women's basketball team earned its first-ever No. 1 seed and will play in the Dallas Regional as they face 16th-seeded Prairie View A&M (21-11) on Sunday, March 20, at the Ferrell Center in Waco, Texas, the NCAA announced Monday night. Joining Baylor and Prairie View A&M in first-round action in Waco are eighth-seeded Houston (26-5) and West Virginia (23-9), a No. 9 seed.
The Houston/West Virginia game will tip at 4:10 p.m. (CT), while the Baylor/Prairie View contest will begin 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first game. Both games will be televised on ESPN2.

Baylor is 31-2 on the season and ranked No. 3 in the final AP Poll. The Lady Bears will be appearing in the NCAA Tournament for the eighth straight year and 10th time in the last 11 years, while Prairie View A&M will be making its third NCAA Tournament appearance. The Lady Panthers, under first-year head coach Toyelle Wilson , won the SWAC Conference Tournament and earned the league's automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament.

Houston and West Virginia are making their fifth and seventh NCAA Tournament appearance, respectively. Houston is an at-large selection from Conference USA while West Virginia competes in the Big East Conference and received an at-large bid.

Baylor is 19-8 all-time in NCAA Tournament play, all coming under head coach Kim Mulkey. Baylor has won its first-round game in each of the last seven NCAA trips.

First-round winners will face off in second round action on Tuesday, March 22 at 8:30 p.m. (CT), and the winner of that game will advance to Dallas, to play either Michigan State, Wisconsin-Green Bay, Arkansas-Little Rock or the university of Northern Iowa on Sunday, March 27.

The 2010 Women's Final Four will be played April 3 and 5 at the Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind.

All-session tickets are $45 for adult reserved seats and $30 for youth; which includes a ticket for both sessions, a total of three games. Every person, regardless of age, must have a ticket to enter the facility.

For more information, please contact the Baylor Ticket Office at 254-710-1000 or 1-800-BAYLORU (option 7). In addition, tickets may be ordered online at BaylorBears.com or purchased at the Baylor Athletic Ticket office at the Ferrell Center.

NCAA Tournament Appearances
2001 - 0-1, lost to Arkansas, first round (Durham, N.C.)
2002 - 1-1, lost to Drake, second round (Waco, Texas)
2004 - 2-1, lost to Tennessee, Sweet 16 (Norman, Okla.)
2005 - 6-0, NCAA Champion (Indianapolis, Ind.)
2006 - 2-1, lost to Maryland (NCAA champion), Sweet 16 (Albuquerque, N.M.)
2007 - 1-1, lost to North Carolina State, second round (Raleigh, N.C.)
2008 - 1-1, lost to Pittsburgh, second round (Albuquerque, N.M.)
2009 - 2-1, lost to Louisville (NCAA runner-up), Sweet 16 (Raleigh, N.C.)
2010 - 4-1, lost to UConn (NCAA champion), Final Four Semifinals

NCAA Tournament Seeds - Sites
2001 - No. 8 - Durham, N.C.
2002 - No. 2 - Waco, Texas
2004 - No. 4 - Albuquerque, N.M., Norman, Okla.
2005 - No. 2 - Seattle, Wash., Tempe, Ariz., Indianapolis, Ind.
2006 - No. 3 - Tucson, Ariz., Albuquerque, N.M.
2007 - No. 5 - Raleigh, N.C.
2008 - No. 3 - Albuquerque, N.M.
2009 - No. 3 - Lubbock, Texas, Raleigh, N.C.
2010 - No. 4 - Berkeley, Calif., Memphis, Tenn., San Antonio, Texas
2011 - No. 1 - Waco, Texas

NCAA Tournament By Seed
No. 1 - once (2011)
No. 2 - twice (2002, '05)
No. 3 - three times (2006, '08, '09)
No. 4 - twice (2004, 2010)
No. 5 - once (2007)
No. 8 - once (2001)
Courtesy of: http://www.baylorbears.com

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  NCAA2 - Women  


Top-ranked Golden Suns advance to Regional Final - by Eurobasket News
RUSSELLVILLE, Arkansas Arkansas Tech Womens Basketball used a quick start and 64 percent shooting from the field to post an 85-77 win over fourth-ranked Delta State in Mondays NCAA Division II South Regional Championship Game in front of a season-high 3,125 fans at Tucker Coliseum.

With the win, Tech takes home the South Regional Championship trophy for the second consecutive year and the fourth time in school history and also advances to next weeks NCAA Division II Elite Eight at the St. Joseph Civic Arena in St. Joseph, Mo.

We have played at a high level the past six or seven games. We have worked hard and put in lots of hours this season, but we have a lot left in us, Golden Suns Head Coach Dave Wilbers said following Techs 16th consecutive victory. This feels better than last year and hopefully we have more to come this season.

The victory also clinched Techs second consecutive 30-win season and the eighth 30-win campaign in the programs 34-year history. Additionally, Tech (30-2) ran its homecourt winning streak to 36 straight games, which is the second-longest home win streak in school history and the second longest active streak in Division II womens basketball.

I thought the atmosphere in Tucker Coliseum was tremendous tonight and I want to thank everyone for coming out and supporting this basketball team, said Wilbers, who improved to 106-20 as Techs coach. The crowd and the noise had a huge impact on the game.

The crowd of 3,125 was the second largest to ever see a Golden Suns game in Tucker Coliseum. The school record for home attendance is 3,264, which occurred against Central Arkansas in the 2003 regional championship game.

The Golden Suns, who have won three straight and six of the last eight games against the Lady Statesmen since the beginning of last season, opened Mondays championship game hitting eight of its first nine shots from the field to take an 18-2 lead just a little over seven minutes into the game as junior forward Natalia Santos (6'2''-F) (Sao Paulo, Brazil) scored 10 consecutive points at one point. Techs lead eventually grew to 23-4 following a lay-up by senior guard Laura Beth Anderson (Springdale, Ark.) with 9:50 left in the first half.

Natalia really played an outstanding game both offensively and defensively. She got our offense rolling early in the game and she played tremendous defense on Veronica Walker.

Walker, who is the two-time Gulf South Conference West Division Player of the Year, was held to just five shots on the night as she scored 10 points and added nine boards.

To hold a player the caliber of (Veronica) Walker to just five shots, showed how good of defense Nat played tonight, the Tech coach said.

After missing its first nine shots from the field, DSU finally starting hitting some shots as they used a 14-8 run over the next five minutes to pull within 31-18 following a lay-up by Bug Cooper. The Lady Statesmen would pull within 37-28 after a three-pointer from Moe Bell with 2:06 left, before senior All-American guard Jenny Vining (Marshall, Ark.) scored on a lay-up right before the buzzer to give the Golden Suns a 39-28 lead at the half.

I really thought we played one of our best halves of the season tonight on both ends of the floor, Wilbers said. Offensively, we were getting good shots and we were knocking them down and on defense, we were forcing them to take bad shots and were also getting a lot of deflections in the paint.

The Lady Statesmen, who closed the season with a 28-4 overall record, used a 13-6 run over a span of nearly three minutes to pull within 64-57 following two free throws by Shameka Russell with 8:07 left in the game.

Following Russells two free throws, Tech hit three straight free throws to push its lead to 10 points at 67-57 with 7:06 remaining and then increased its lead to 13 points following a three-pointer by Vining with 6:45 left. Vinings trey pushed Techs lead to 70-57.

From that point, Tech used another Vining trey to push its lead to 77-62 with 3:48 left in the game, before DSU closed the game on a 15-8 run to set the final score.

We take it one game at a time and one possession at a time, Vining said after recording her eighth straight double-digit scoring game.

Santos led the way for the Golden Suns as she tallied 25 points for her 13th 20-plus point game of the season. In addition to Santos, Vining, who was named the South Regional Most Outstanding Player, added 17 points in the win. For the tournament, Vining averaged 23.3 points per game and shot 45 percent from the field and 46 percent from the 3-point line. Sophomore forward Jessica Weatherford (Bonnerdale, Ark.) added 16 points and eight boards and Anderson scored 11 points and dished out eight assists.

Cooper and Sheena Johnson each scored 16 points to pace DSU, while Russell added 15 points and Moe Bell tallied 10 points for the Lady Statesmen.

For the game, Tech shot 64 percent from the field and 40 percent from long distance and, while DSU finished shooting 43 percent from the field and 30 percent from the 3-point line. Tech also held a 33-31 edge on the glass and outscored the DSU, 44-20 in the paint.

It is really important against DSU to play well in the paint and I thought we dominated at times tonight in the paint, said Wilbers, who is now 7-2 at Tech in NCAA Tournament games.

Vining was joined on the All-South Region All-Tournament Team by Santos, Anderson, Walker and Cooper.

Tech will open the 2011 Elite Eight on Tuesday, March 22 as they face third-ranked Michigan Tech (29-2) in the third of four national quarterfinal games. Tip-off is slated for 6 p.m. CST. The Huskies, who are making its third straight Elite Eight appearance, won its third consecutive Midwest Regional title on Monday night following its 69-57 victory over Wisconsin-Parkside.
Courtesy of: http://athletics.atu.edu

Lady Bearcats advance to Sweet 16 - by Eurobasket News
MORROW, Ga. The No. 6-ranked Lander women's basketball team reached the NCAA Division II's Sweet Sixteen for the second straight year Saturday afternoon after defeating No. 8 USC Aiken, 85-68, in the Southeast Regional Tournament semifinals at Clayton State University's Athletics and Fitness Center.

In Monday's 7 p.m. championship game, Lander will face No. 2-ranked and top-seeded Clayton State, a 97-71 winner over fifth-seeded Barton. The tournament champion will advance to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight, March 22-23 and 25 in St. Joseph, Mo.

Second-seeded Lander improves to 29-3 overall, a school record for wins in a season, while USC Aiken ends the season at 27-6.

Shannon McKever and Ciara Lyons scored 24 points each to lead the Lady Bearcats. McKever, the Peach Belt Conference Player of the Year, connected on 9-of-12 field goals and 6-of-7 free throws while grabbing six rebounds and getting four steals. Lyons made 8-of-12 shots and 8-of-12 free throws, while snaring eight rebounds. Brittni Johnson added 10 points and five assists.

Kayla Harris (5'11''-F) led USC Aiken with 15 points and eight rebounds, while Hannah DeGraffinreed and Nakia Pinkney added 14 points each. Triahna Harris contributed four assists and four steals.

Lander won the battle of the boards, 44-31.

Down 65-41 with 8:54 left in the game, USC Aiken went on a 17-4 run to slice the Lady Bearcat lead to 69-58 with 3:03 left in the game. The Pacers put Lander on the free throw line for the final three minutes where Lander converted on 16-of-20.

USC Aiken raced out to a 6-1 lead on baskets by Deandra Schirmer, Pinkney and DeGraffinreed in the first three minutes of the game.

Lander cut the margin to 6-3 on a bucket by Keondra Barnes (6'0''-F) at 16:54. USCA stretched its lead to 10-3 on a putback by Tiffani Moody, only to have Lander counter with a three-point play by McKever.

The Pacers eased out to 15-6 at 13:57 on a two by Harris and a three by Lindsay Sundberg, but Lander retaliated with back-to-back baskets by Lyons and McKever to cut the lead to 15-10 at 11:45.

The Lady Bearcats scored six unanswered points on a shot underneath by McKever, and a putback and fast break by Lyons to get within 17-16 at 8:47.

The Lady Bearcats forced the game's first tie at 18-18 on a Lyons layup then went on a 10-2 run to take a 28-20 lead with 4:28 left on a steal and layup by Lyons.

The Pacers came within 30-26 on three pointer and free throw by Pinkney with 1:50 left, then Lander went on a 7-0 run to take a 37-26 lead with 31 seconds left in the half on a layup by Brianna Webb, a steal and layup by Lyons and a fastbreak layup by Tasheba Butler (5'9''-F).

After trading baskets to open the second half, Lander scored six unanswered points on a pair of Johnson free throws, a basket by Lyons and a putback by McKever to go up 45-30 with 18:05 remaining in the game.

The Lady Bearcats followed with a 9-2 run and earned their first 20-point advantage at 54-34 on a Jasmine Judge three pointer with 12:11 left in the game. Lander earned its biggest margin at 24 points when Johnson's fastbreak layup at 9:27 gave the Bearcats a 63-39 lead.

For the game, Lander was 28-of-62 for 45.2 percent, but only made 1-of-20 three pointers. The Lady Bearcats sank 28-of-42 free throws for 66.7 percent.

USCA made 20-of-53 floor shots for 37.7 percent, including 4-of-20 threes for 20 percent. The Pacers connected on 24-of-29 foul shots for 82.8 percent.
Courtesy of: http://landerbearcats.com

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  NCAA3 - Women  


Lord Jeffs calm the third time around - by Eurobasket News
Jaclyn Daigneault was held to four points in Amherst's 2009 meeting with Wash U and six points in last year's meeting.
Compared to Amherst's previous two trips to the NCAA Division III Final Four, G.P. Gromacki is a relative picture of coaching calm entering Friday's national semifinal encounter with Christopher Newport.

On experience alone, the fourth-year coach and his Lord Jeffs appear poised for a breakthrough under this weekend's bright lights: 10 of their players are making their third consecutive Final Four trip, having become battle toughened through back-to-back semifinal setbacks against perennial power and defending national champion Washington University.

Having watched his squad triumph in its first four tournament games by an average of 29.5 points, Gromacki and his players are believing their third time at the Final Four could finally lead to them cutting down the nets Saturday evening at Illinois Wesleyan's Shirk Center.

I just watch what our players are doing out there, Gromacki said. They're focused and committed. The captains have done a great job just get the team ready. I just say a few things and they already know what they need to do.'

'We are very excited to be go back,' senior center and co-captain Sarah Leyman (5'11''-C) said. We know it's a rare opportunity to go three times in a row. We're look to take advantage with our experience.

Although the Lord Jeffs' last Final Four experience fell short of their national-championship aspirations, it was actually a positive enough experience to provide an impetus for this latest run through the NCAA brackets.

Following their overtime setback against Wash U in the 2010 semifinals, Gromacki issued his players a challenge immediately afterward: Defeat Rochester in the consolation game less than 24 hours later and the Lord Jeffs would not only finish third in Division III, but also enter 2010-11 with enough momentum to build toward something bigger when they returned to Bloomington, Ill.

It's not where you want to be, but we kept saying only two teams have a chance to end with a win, senior forward and NESCAC Player of the Year Jaci Daigneault (5'11''-G/F) said. So we said, 'Why not carry it forward.'

Amherst played it forward into this season, winning 29 of its 30 games by double-digit outcomes. The only thing that derailed a potentially perfect season was an 85-82 road loss to No. 9 Kean on Jan. 11 a matchup scheduled by Gromacki, who scrambled to find extra games after the Lord Jeffs' flight to late December's inaugural D3hoops.com Classic in Las Vegas was cancelled due to inclement weather. (Amherst even considered taking a 12-hour ride to Ohio in order to find an airport that wasnt snowed in.)

However dominant Amherst might have been, Gromacki noticed something different about his roster right before the NESCAC Tournament a few weeks ago. That explains his sense of calm. Leyman described her teammates' shift in approach as a palpable intense focus or a heightened sense of understanding the demands that come with every 40 minutes of postseason basketball.

You hate to say, 'Let's pick it up in March,' but we have smart players, Gromacki said. I don't know if they were pacing themselves, but it's a different level of intensity out there and a different level of focus. In some ways it's hard to describe, but you can tell by feel. The feel of practice is different.

We've been really focused, Daigneault said. This group of players has been to Final Fours. We're hungry this year. We're on the attack, we like to say. That definitely drives us to work as hard as we can. We feed off each other.

Through their experience together, Amherst has developed a cohesive lineup that presents matchup problems. While Daigneault (15.2 points per game, 7.2 rebounds) leads seven players averaging at least 6.1 points per game, the Lord Jeffs have allowed just 49.0 points per contest.

Amherst has been in a zone, so to speak (except on defense, where it plays man-to-man), with near-perfect performances in its last five games -- a rout of Bowdoin in the NESCAC title game and four straight easy NCAA wins.

One of the unlikely stars was guard Kim Fiorentino, who has scored 46 points in the last three games. She made five consecutive 3-pointers in a second-round win over Eastern Connecticut, then nearly matched that in each of her next two games.

Leyman, whom Gromacki calls one of the hardest workers he's ever coached, had 15 points and six steals against Eastern Connecticut. She's a bulldog on the boards, particularly the offensive glass, with 12 offensive rebounds in the past three games, despite often going up against taller defenders.

Daigneault is a player who makes the most of her touches. She was 10-for-15 in the Elite 8 despite often being matched up with Babson's star forwards Kathleen King and Nicki Wurdeman, slithering around them for easy hoops.

And now, Amherst will learn whether its time together will lead to a national championship. Provided they get past Christopher Newport, they could find a Wash U team making its third consecutive Final Four appearance standing between them and cutting down the nets Saturday.

Words can't describe how I would feel, Daigneault said. It would be the greatest way to go out off your senior year. I love this team more than anything. Getting to do that together would be amazing.

Added Leyman: No matter what, I wouldn't trade my experience on this team for anything. It would just be overwhelming and so exciting. It's hard to put into words like Jaci said, but I know we're go to give our all this weekend.
Courtesy of:http://www.d3hoops.com
By Brian Falzarano
Columnist, D3sports.com



Top-Ranked Saints Fall to Defending Champions in NCAA Sweet 16 - by Eurobasket News
(CRESTVIEW HILLS, Ky.) - The top-ranked Thomas More College women's basketball team fell, 72-53, to No. 12-ranked and defending champions Washington University-St. Louis tonight (Friday, March 11, 2011) in a NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Championship Tournament Sectional Semifinal game at the Connor Convocation Center in Crestview Hills, Kentucky.

With the loss, the Saints end the season at 30-1. With the win, the Bears improve to 23-5 and advance to the sectional finals tomorrow night, where they will play The University of Chicago.

Thomas More jumped out to a 4-0 lead when senior forward Amy Stultz (5'10''-F-89) (Cincinnati, Ohio/McNicholas) made lay-up with 18:53 to play in the game. WashU answered with a 5-0 run capped by a three-pointer by Alex Hoover to take a 5-4 lead with 16:27 to play in the half. The Saints responded with a 6-0 run to take a 10-5 lead with 15:51 to play in the opening half when freshman guard Katie Kitchen (5'8''-G) (Alexandria, Ky./Campbell County) made a three-pointer at the 15:51 mark of the half. Hoover capped a WashU 6-0 run to retake the lead at 11-10 with 13:44 to play in the first half. Thomas More put together a 10-2 run to take a 20-13 lead with 8:56 to play in the first half when sophomore guard Allison Long (Hebron, Ky./Conner) made a free-throw. The Bears responded with a 15-5 run to take a 28-27 lead with 1:49 to play in the half when Dani Hoover made a jumper. Freshman forward Moriah Corey (5'10''-F) (Louisville, Ky./Butler) made two free-throws with 1:25 to play in the half to cut the lead to 28-27 at halftime.

WashU opened the second half on a 16-7 run to extend the lead to 44-34 when Kathryn Berger made a jumper with 13:01 to play in the game. The Saints came right back with a 5-0 run capped by a three-point play by senior center Nicole Dickman (6'0''-C-88) (Park Hills, Ky./Notre Dame Academy) to cut the lead to 44-39 with 11:08 to play in the game. WashU closed out the game on a 28-14 run for the 72-53 final score.

Long led the Saints in scoring with a game-high-tying 14 points, while Stultz added 12. Dickman led the team on the boards with seven rebounds, while Long led the team in assists with five and sophomore forward/center Katie Kees (6'1''-F/C-91) (Cincinnati, Ohio/Mother of Mercy) led the team in blocks with three.
Courtesy of: http://www.thomasmore.edu

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  ROMANIA - Women  


Standings - Women
D1 Standings
A1 Group
 1. Satu Mare 12-0 
 2. ICIM Arad 10-2 
 3. Sf.Gheorghe 8-4 
 4. Timisoara 6-6 
 5. Alexandria 5-7 
 6. Craiova 5-7 
 7. Rapid 1-11 
 8. Olimpia 1-11 
A2 Group
 1. Alba Iulia 9-0 
 2. Cluj Napoca 7-2 
 3. Oradea 4-5 
 4. Brasov 3-6 
 5. Iasi 3-6 
 6. Sp.Studentesc 1-8 


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  SLOVENIA - Women  


Standings - Women
SKL Stage Two Standings
Places 1-6
 1. AJM Maribor 0-0 
 2. Hit K.Gora 0-0 
 3. Ilrija 0-0 
 4. Jezica 0-0 
 5. Merkur Celje 0-0 
 6. Triglav 0-0 
Places 7-13
 1. Domzale 0-0 
 2. Grosuplje 0-0 
 3. GVT Konjice 0-0 
 4. Kozmetika Afr. 0-0 
 5. Odeja KED 0-0 
 6. Pivka 0-0 
 7. Rasica 0-0 
Stage One Standings


Stats Leaders - Women
Points Per Game
 Teja OBLAK
  Hit K.Gora
  (172-G-90)
  Avg: 20.9
 1. Oblak, Hit K.Gora20.9 
 2. Kure, AJM Maribor19.2 
 3. Turcinovic, Merkur C.18.4 
 4. Mikic, Grosuplje18.1 
 5. Komplet, Hit K.16.8 
 6. Baric, Merkur C.16.5 
 7. Skof, Ilrija15.0 
 8. Baltic, AJM M.14.3 
 9. Dover, AJM Maribor14.3 
 10. Trebec, Hit K.Gora14.1 
Rebounds Per Game
 Ajda GABROVSEK
  Odeja KED
  (188-C-84)
  Avg: 14.1
 1. Gabrovsek, Odeja K.14.1 
 2. Turcinovic, Merkur C.12.0 
 3. Skof, Ilrija9.4 
 4. Ljubenovic, Triglav8.5 
 5. Baltic, AJM M.8.3 
 6. Macura, Jezica8.3 
 7. Vene, Ilrija7.7 
 8. Zdolsek, Triglav7.2 
 9. Furman, AJM M.7.0 
 10. Klancnik, GVT K.6.9 
Assists Per Game
 Nika BARIC
  Merkur Celje
  (169-G-92)
  Avg: 5.8
 1. Baric, Merkur C.5.8 
 2. Oberc, Ilrija4.4 
 3. Panic, Hit K.Gora4.3 
 4. Jurse, Kozmetik.4.1 
 5. Oblak, Hit K.Gora3.7 
 6. Kolman, Grosuplje3.4 
 7. Radulovic, Hit K.2.8 
 8. Abramovic, Merkur C.2.8 
 9. Baltic, AJM M.2.7 
 10. Zdolsek, Triglav2.7 
Steals Per Game
 Maja DROZG
  AJM Maribor
  (179-F/C-81)
  Avg: 4.1
 1. Drozg, AJM Maribor4.1 
 2. Oblak, Odeja KED3.6 
 3. Gabrovsek, Jezica2.9 
 4. Oblak, Hit K.Gora2.8 
 5. Abramovic, Merkur C.2.8 
 6. Zalar, Ilrija2.7 
 7. Oberc, Ilrija2.6 
 8. Turcinovic, Merkur C.2.5 
 9. Zupancic, Grosuplje2.4 
 10. Klancnik, GVT K.2.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Ajda GABROVSEK
  Odeja KED
  (188-C-84)
  Avg: 1.4
 1. Gabrovsek, Odeja K.1.4 
 2. Pavli, Jezica0.9 
 3. Srot, GVT Konjice0.7 
 4. Macura, Jezica0.6 
 5. Gjerkes, Grosuplje0.6 
 6. Klancnik, GVT K.0.6 
 7. Baltic, AJM M.0.6 
 8. Furman, AJM M.0.5 
 9. Vene, Ilrija0.5 
 10. Bosilj, Merkur Celje0.4 


Comfortble win for Kranjska Gora - by Zeljko Zule
Tina Trebec (189-F/C-90) scored 22 points on shooting 9-of-10 from the field and grabbed 8 rebounds as Hit Kranjska Gora took down local rival Triglav in a 91-52 rout in Round 1 of League Play-Off. Teja Oblak had 20 points, Eva Komplet 18 and Natasa Radulovic 15. Triglav had the temerity to take an early lead, but Kranjska Gora quickly erased it and lead by 17 points after the first quarter. Triglav was led by Katja Spacapan with 16 points and Ursa Cuk added 13.

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  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - Women  


CAHS girls edge Antilles, 37-34 - by David Edole
Fresh off her MVP performance at the Antilles Basketball Jam last weekend, CAHS senior Te'Andra Richardson scored a game-high 19 points to lift the Lady Chickenhawks to a 37-34 win over host Antilles in a St. Thomas-St. John IAA varsity game Monday.

CAHS improved to 13-5 overall and secured a tight grasp on first-place in the league (5-0) with three games to go. The Lady Hurricanes fell to 3-2.

'This win really helps as far as the standings go,' said CAHS coach Myron Corbett, whose team opened a 22-16 lead at halftime and had only five available players after the first quarter. 'We're a step closer to clinching another league title and that feels good.'

Edidiong Utibe (6-foot-2, sophomore) hit a free throw with 1:01 left to trim the CAHS lead to just one point, but the Lady Chickenhawks nearly killed the rest of the clock on their last possession.

Richardson knocked down both of her free throws with 9.5 seconds remaining and Antilles turned the ball over on a last-second chance at a 3-pointer.

Utibe scored eight of her team-high 15 points in the first quarter for the Lady Hurricanes, while Sakile Braithewate-Hall (6-foot senior center) added 14 points.

Jerusha Corbett finished with eight points for CAHS, which is off until Monday. Antilles will take on Kean High on Wednesday.