Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 3/22/2011

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Men News

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ABA

The Energy advances to Final Four - by Gianni Pascucci
The East Kentucky Energy triumphed in the ABA Eastern Conference Playoff Tournment in Pikeville, Kentucky, advancing to the league Final Four.
On Saturday evening, the Energy faced a scrappy Savannah Storm team. Jarell Jones (6'0''-G-82, college: Pikeville) set the tone by coming out and hitting 4 three pointers in the 1st quarter. All star Daniel Price (6'3''-G-82, college: Pikeville) followed with 3 straight baskets cutting down the lane. 'All year our goal was to keep teams under and hundred points and we did that against the Storm and Admirals', stated Jones, who finished the game with 19 pts and 11 asts. The Energy had a well balanced attack and saw what made Roderick Smith (6'8''-C-83, college: Jackson St.) an ABA All-star in 2008-2009 with a statline of 29 pts, 14 rebs, and 3 blks. 2010-11 Energy's All-stars J.R. Vanhoose (6'10''-F/C-79, college: Marshall) and Daniel Price followed in scoring. Vanhoose 26 pts and 18 rebs and Price with 24 pts, 7 rebs, and 3 stls. Sandrell Spann (6'8''-F/C-80, college: Delta St.) contributed with 10 pts and 14 rebs. Energy won 119-97 over the Storm.
On Sunday, the Energy faced the Lake Michigan Admirals, winners over Seven Cities Knights in the other semifinal, for the Eastern Championship. The game was very phisical starting from the opening tip. The Admirals came out ready to play taking a 10-2 lead over the Energy. Daniel Price quickly answered back with 4 straight points. Sandrell Spann showed why he is the most dominate post in the ABA, scoring early and often finishing the game with 24 pts and 10 rebs. The Admirals had no answer for him down low. The game was so physical the refs began blowing the whistle early and often. Both teams leading scores picked up 3 fouls in the first 5 minutes of the game sending Price to the bench for the remainder of the first quarter and half of the second quarter. ABA Rookie of the Year Nominee, Scottie Samarco (6'0''-G, college: Pikeville) has played a pivotal part in the Energy's success coming off the bench behind Price. Samarco who is averaging 16.4 ppg came off the bench to finish with 19 pts giving the Energy a much needed lift. It was a game of runs. Behind Samarco two straight threes in the first quarter and then Vanhoose three pointer from the top of the key pushed the Energy ahead 11 points. The Energy maintained the lead for the rest of the game going up as many as 15 before the Admirals cut it to four. Price showed why he is leading the league in scoring averaging 27.3 ppg as he finished with 29 pts and 7 rebs despite sitting with foul trouble. The Energy prevailed 110-97 over the Admirals.
The #4 East Kentucky Energy now head to Winnie, TX to face the #1 SETX Mavericks in a battle of two top 5 teams on Wednesday evening.

Gulf Coast Flash advances to Final Four too - by Gianni Pascucci
On saturday night, the Gulf Coast Flash defeated Colorado Kings, 148-135 in Denver, Colorado, to advance to the ABA Championship Series in Texas. In the ABA Western Conference Semifinals, the Flash had defeated the San Diego Sol, while the Kings had eliminated the Bay Area Matrix. The Gulf Coast Flash is the only team able to beat the #1 ranked SETX Mavericks during the ABA regular season. They now head to Winnie, TX to face the #2 Jacksonville Giants in the second game of the ABA Final Four on Wednesday evening.

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ARGENTINA

LigaA Round 26: La Union is upset by Estudiantes - by Eurobasket News
The Second Stage in LigaA is slowly approaching the end. But there may be still some important changes in the final standings in the last 4 rounds.

The most important game in the last round took place in Bahia Blanca between second ranked La Union (16-10) and seventh ranked Estudiantes (15-11) on Sunday night. La Union was defeated by Estudiantes in a tough game on the road 72-76. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of La Union. The hosts trailed by 3 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 6-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 76-72. The best player for the winners was naturalized Spanish guard Pepe Sanchez (193-77, college: Temple) who scored 18 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. American-Spanish forward Devin Davis (202-74, college: Miami, OH) chipped in 14 points and 5 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). The former international forward Gabriel Mikulas (201-80, college: E.Carolina, agency: Interperformances) produced 18 points and 8 rebounds for the guests. Estudiantes have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to fifth place. La Union at the other side keeps the second position with ten games lost. They share it with Lanus and Penarol. Estudiantes are looking forward to face higher ranked Penarol (#3) in Mar del Plata in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. La Union will play at home against Club 9 in Rio Tercero and is hoping to win this game.
Fourteenth-ranked Monte Hermoso (9-17) made lots of trouble for eighth ranked Gimnasia CR (14-11) in Comodoro R.. Gimnasia CR managed to secure only three-point victory 71-68. However their fans expected much easier game. Nigerian-American power forward Reggie Okosa (206-80, college: La Salle) orchestrated the victory by scoring 13 points and 8 rebounds. Fernando Funes contributed with 12 points and 4 assists for the winners. American power forward Byron Johnson (201-80, college: Belm.Abbey, agency: Dream Team Management) replied with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 14 rebounds (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) for Monte Hermoso. Gimnasia CR moved-up to sixth place. Monte Hermoso lost ninth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the fourteenth position with 17 games lost. They share it with Sionista. Gimnasia CR will play against Atenas (#7) in Cordoba in the next round. Monte Hermoso will play at home against Argentino (#16) in Junin and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
We should mention about the upset which took place in Rio Tercero, where higher ranked Libertad Sunchales (14-12) lost to tenth ranked Club 9 (12-14) in a road game 68-74 on Sunday. Jermaine Bucknor had a double-double by scoring 16 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals to lead the charge for the winners. Robert Battle responded with 18 points and 8 rebounds. Club 9 moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Quimsa. Loser Libertad Sunchales dropped to the seventh position with 12 games lost. They share it with Atenas. Club 9 will meet league's second-placed La Union in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Libertad Sunchales will play against Boca Juniors (#11) in Buenos Aires and hope to secure a win.
The game with biggest result difference took place in La Banda. Local Olimpico de La Banda (11-14) beat 15th ranked Sionista (9-17) 82-64. Cristian Romero notched 23 points and 9 rebounds to lead the effort. Olimpico de La Banda have an impressive five-game winning streak. They moved-up to twelfth place, which they share with Regatas C. Sionista at the other side dropped to the fourteenth position with 17 games lost. Olimpico de La Banda's next round opponent will be Regatas Corrientes (#12) on the road. Sionista will play against Lanus and will have a slim chance for a victory.

Rest of the games of round 26 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Atenas was defeated by Lanus in Buenos Aires 103-96. Boca Jrs beat Quimsa at home 83-72. Regatas C. won against Argentino on the opponent's court 82-65.
The best stats of 26th round was 17 points, 17 rebounds and 4 blocks by Federico Kammerichs of Regatas C..

Lanus - Atenas 103-96

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 5th ranked Atenas' (14-12) road loss to fourth ranked Lanus (16-10) 96-103. The hosts were ahead by 6 points but lost the second period ending it with a 1-point deficit before their 34-26 run, which allowed them to win the game. Lanus shot 63.0 percent from the field and made 25-of-29 charity shots (86.2 percent) during the game. It was a great shooting night for Lanus especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.6 percentage. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists comparing to just 7 passes made by Atenas' players. American center Terrell Taylor (203-81, college: Virginia Tech, agency: Dream Team Management) notched 21 points and 5 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) to lead the effort and the former international guard Mariano Byro (195-82) supported him with 22 points (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). Lanus' coach Silvio Jose Santander allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even 20 points and 5 rebounds by the former international swingman Matias Lescano (196-79) did not help to save the game for Atenas. American forward Gregory Lewis (198-78, college: Winthrop, agency: Dream Team Management) added 18 points and 6 rebounds for the guests. Four Lanus and five Atenas players scored in double figures. Lanus moved-up to second place, which they share with La Union and Penarol. Atenas at the other side dropped to the seventh position with 12 games lost. Lanus' next round opponent will be Sionista (#15) in Parana which should be an easy win for them. Atenas will play at home against Gimnasia CR (#6) in Comodoro R. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Atenas: M.Lescano 20+5reb+1ast, B.Labaque 18+1reb+3ast, M.Gerlero 18+4reb+1ast, G.Lewis 18+6reb, M.Garcia 14+3reb, J.Manuel Rivero 5+1ast
Lanus: M.Byro 22+2reb+1ast, T.Taylor 21+5reb+1ast, C.Moodie 15+2ast, J.Levy 15+3reb+3ast, G.Fernandez 9+3reb+1ast, N.Laprovittola 8+2reb+6ast

Olimpico LB - Sionista 82-64

The game with biggest result difference took place in La Banda. Local Olimpico de La Banda (11-14) beat 15th ranked Sionista (9-17) 82-64. It looked good early as Sionista took an 1-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Olimpico de La Banda had a 22-18 second period charge getting the lead and Sionista was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 64-82. They outrebounded Sionista 39-28 including 29 on the defensive glass. Forward Cristian Romero (198-82) notched 23 points and 9 rebounds to lead the effort and American guard Andre Laws (186-80, college: San Diego, agency: Global Sports Plaza) supported him with 11 points. Five Olimpico de La Banda players scored in double figures. Even 15 points by forward Alejandro Zilli (200-82) did not help to save the game for Sionista. Guard Ramiro Iglesias (186-90) added 9 points and 7 rebounds for the guests. Olimpico de La Banda have an impressive five-game winning streak. They moved-up to twelfth place, which they share with Regatas C. Sionista at the other side dropped to the fourteenth position with 17 games lost. Olimpico de La Banda's next round opponent will be Regatas Corrientes (#12) on the road. Sionista will play against Lanus and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Sionista: A.Zilli 15+3reb+2ast, J.Manuel Locatelli 11+2reb, R.Iglesias 9+7reb+1ast, C.Hayes 9+1reb, P.Rodriguez 6+2reb+2ast, P.Franco 5+6reb+1ast
Olimpico LB: C.Romero 23+9reb+1ast, E.Ruiz 14+1reb+2ast, A.Laws 11+4reb+3ast, D.Kante 10+4reb, E.Agostino 10+4reb+1ast, L.Picarelli 6+2reb+2ast

Estudiantes - La Union 76-72

The most important game in the last round took place in Bahia Blanca between second ranked La Union (16-10) and seventh ranked Estudiantes (15-11) on Sunday night. La Union was defeated by Estudiantes in a tough game on the road 72-76. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of La Union. The hosts trailed by 3 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 6-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 76-72. The best player for the winners was naturalized Spanish guard Pepe Sanchez (193-77, college: Temple) who scored 18 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. American-Spanish forward Devin Davis (202-74, college: Miami, OH) chipped in 14 points and 5 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). The former international forward Gabriel Mikulas (201-80, college: E.Carolina, agency: Interperformances) produced 18 points and 8 rebounds and American guard David Jackson (196-82, college: Penn St.) added 16 points and 5 rebounds respectively for the guests. Estudiantes have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to fifth place. La Union at the other side keeps the second position with ten games lost. They share it with Lanus and Penarol. Estudiantes are looking forward to face higher ranked Penarol (#3) in Mar del Plata in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. La Union will play at home against Club 9 in Rio Tercero and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
La Union: G.Mikulas 18+8reb+1ast, D.Jackson 16+5reb, A.Zago 9+6reb, R.Garces 9+10reb, L.Perez 8+3reb+2ast, A.Pau 7+1ast
Estudiantes: P.Sanchez 18+6reb+5ast, D.Davis 14+5reb+2ast, J.Espil 13+2reb+2ast, P.Gil 8, E.Nelson 8+6reb, F.Aguerre 7+6reb

Gimnasia CR - Monte Hermoso 71-68

Fourteenth-ranked Monte Hermoso (9-17) made lots of trouble for eighth ranked Gimnasia CR (14-11) in Comodoro R.. Gimnasia CR managed to secure only three-point victory 71-68. However their fans expected much easier game. Monte Hermoso was ahead by 6 points at the halftime before a 38-29 second half run of Gimnasia CR. Nigerian-American power forward Reggie Okosa (206-80, college: La Salle) orchestrated the victory by scoring 13 points and 8 rebounds. Guard Fernando Funes (193-83) contributed with 12 points and 4 assists for the winners. Four Gimnasia CR players scored in double figures. American power forward Byron Johnson (201-80, college: Belm.Abbey, agency: Dream Team Management) replied with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 14 rebounds (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) and guard Hernando Salles (188-79) added 18 points in the effort for Monte Hermoso. Gimnasia CR moved-up to sixth place. Monte Hermoso lost ninth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the fourteenth position with 17 games lost. They share it with Sionista. Gimnasia CR will play against Atenas (#7) in Cordoba in the next round. Monte Hermoso will play at home against Argentino (#16) in Junin and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Monte Hermoso: H.Salles 18+1reb+1ast, B.Johnson 13+14reb, L.Juan 10+3reb, F.Sahdi 7+1ast, A.Weigand 6+5reb+1ast, A.White 4+1reb+1ast
Gimnasia CR: R.Okosa 13+8reb+1ast, D.Romero 12+1reb+1ast, F.Funes 12+2reb+4ast, A.Carabajal 11+4reb+2ast, M.Maciel 9+2reb+2ast, H.Rollins 9+8reb

Boca Jrs - Quimsa 83-72

There was a small surprise in Buenos Aires where eleventh ranked Boca Juniors (12-15) defeated 9th ranked Quimsa (12-14) 83-72. The game was mostly controlled by Boca Juniors. Quimsa was better in third quarter 22-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. American power forward Derrick Alston (208-72, college: Duquesne, agency: Priority Sports) notched 20 points and 5 rebounds to lead the effort and the other American import forward Rodney Elliott (202-76, college: Maryland) supported him with 15 points. Five Boca Juniors players scored in double figures. Even 18 points and 8 rebounds by naturalized Italian center Damian Tintorelli (204-81, agency: Players Group) did not help to save the game for Quimsa. The former international forward Diego Lo Grippo (198-78) added 13 points and 5 rebounds for the guests. Boca Juniors have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain eleventh position with 12-15 record. Quimsa at the other side keeps the ninth place with 14 games lost. Boca Juniors' next round opponent will be higher ranked Libertad Sunchales (#8) on the road and it may be quite challenging game.
Top scorers:
Quimsa: D.Tintorelli 18+8reb, D.Lo Grippo 13+5reb+1ast, J.Treise 10+2reb+2ast, J.Mazzaro 9+2reb+3ast, R.Gonzalez 7+1reb, D.Cavaco 6+6reb
Boca Jrs: D.Alston 20+5reb+2ast, R.Elliott 15+4reb+3ast, M.Fierro 14+2reb, L.O'Bannon 12+3reb+4ast, J.Brussino 10+2reb+5ast, F.Martina 5+3reb+2ast

Club 9 - Libertad S. 74-68

We should mention about the upset which took place in Rio Tercero, where higher ranked Libertad Sunchales (14-12) lost to tenth ranked Club 9 (12-14) in a road game 68-74 on Sunday. The hosts trailed by 3 points at the halftime before their 44-35 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Club 9 made 21-of-26 free shots (80.8 percent) during the game. Jamaican-Canadian forward Jermaine Bucknor (199-83, college: Richmond) had a double-double by scoring 16 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals to lead the charge for the winners and American power forward Jerome Meyinsse (206-88, college: Virginia) chipped in 23 points during the contest. American center Robert Battle (204-81, college: Drexel, agency: Dream Team Management) responded with 18 points and 8 rebounds and his fellow American import forward Ronald Selleaze (197-76, college: CSU Bakersfield, agency: Dream Team Management) scored 13 points and 8 rebounds. Club 9 moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Quimsa. Loser Libertad Sunchales dropped to the seventh position with 12 games lost. They share it with Atenas. Club 9 will meet league's second-placed La Union in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Libertad Sunchales will play against Boca Juniors (#11) in Buenos Aires and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Libertad S.: R.Battle 18+8reb, R.Selleaze 13+8reb+1ast, A.Galindo 13+1ast, R.Gabini 9+4reb+1ast, J.Pablo Cantero 6+4reb, S.Ginobili 4+2reb+2ast
Club 9: J.Meyinsse 23+4reb, J.Bucknor 16+16reb+4ast, M.Melo 11+7reb+3ast, G.Torre 8+4reb+5ast, E.Martina 6+2reb, B.Zanotti 4+1reb

Argentino - Regatas C. 65-82

Very expected game in Junin where 16th ranked Argentino (8-18) was defeated by twelfth ranked Regatas Corrientes (11-14) 82-65. It looked good early as Argentino took an 4-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Regatas Corrientes had a 22-13 second period charge getting the lead and Argentino was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 65-82. Regatas Corrientes dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to Argentino's 26. They brought some defensive toughness making 7 blocks. The former international power forward Federico Kammerichs (203-80) notched a double-double by scoring 17 points, 17 rebounds and 4 blocks to lead the effort and American forward Louis Roe (200-72, college: Massachusetts) supported him with 20 points and 7 rebounds. Even 17 points by American guard Levi Stukes (188-84) did not help to save the game for Argentino. His fellow American import power forward Joseph Bunn (198-75, college: Phillips, OK) added 15 points and 7 rebounds (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) for the hosts. Argentino's coach Pablo Dastugue rotated ten players seeing no chance for a win. Regatas Corrientes maintains twelfth position with 11-14 record, which they share with Olimpico LB. Argentino lost fifth consecutive game. Newly promoted team stay at the bottom place with 18 games lost. Regatas Corrientes' next round opponent will be Olimpico de La Banda (#13) at home. Argentino will play against Monte Hermoso and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Argentino: L.Stukes 17+4reb+1ast, J.Bunn 15+7reb, N.Nolan 10+4reb+1ast, P.Espinoza 6+7reb, J.Sartorelli 5+1ast, J.Cangelosi 4+2reb
Regatas C.: L.Roe 20+7reb, F.Kammerichs 17+17reb, E.Villares 16+1reb+1ast, J.Martinez 7+4reb+10ast, R.Lopez 6+4reb, O.Legaria 5+1reb

Standings - LigaA

LigaA Standings

1. Obras		18-8
2. La Union		16-10
3. Penarol		16-10
4. Lanus		16-10
5. Estudiantes		15-11
6. Gimnasia CR		14-11
7. Atenas		14-12
8. Libertad S.		14-12
9. Quimsa		12-14
10. Club 9		12-14
11. Boca Jrs		12-15
12. Regatas C.		11-14
13. Olimpico LB		11-14
14. Monte Hermoso		9-17
15. Sionista		9-17
16. Argentino		8-18

Stats Leaders - LigaA

Points Per Game

David JACKSON
  La Union
  (196-G-82)
  Avg: 20.2

1. Jackson, La Union	20.2
2. Bunn, Argentino	19.4
3. Lo Grippo, Quimsa	17.5
4. Meyinsse, Club 9	16.8
5. Gutierrez, Obras	16.6
6. Johnson, Monte H.	16.5
7. Johnson, Monte H.	16.5
8. Galindo, Libertad S.	16.1
9. Taylor, Lanus	15.4
10. White, Monte H.	14.6

Rebounds Per Game

Juan GUTIERREZ
  Obras
  (205-F/C-83)
  Avg: 10.3

1. Gutierrez, Obras	10.3
2. Kammerichs, Regat.	10.3
3. Battle, Libertad S.	9.2
4. Rollins, Gimnasia.	8.8
5. Kante, Olimpico LB	8.4
6. Williams, Atenas	8.3
7. Johnson, Monte H.	8.1
8. Johnson, Monte H.	8.1
9. Alston, Boca Jrs	7.9
10. Leiva, Penarol	7.5

Assists Per Game

Pepe SANCHEZ
  Estudiantes
  (193-G-77)
  Avg: 6.8

1. Sanchez, Estudian.	6.8
2. Martinez, Regat.	6.0
3. Labaque, Atenas	5.2
4. Salles, Monte H.	4.8
5. Salles, Monte H.	4.8
6. Ginobili, Libertad S.	4.6
7. Cequeira, Obras	4.3
8. Franco, Sionista	3.6
9. Treise, Quimsa	3.4
10. Laws, Olimpico LB	3.0

Steals Per Game

Pepe SANCHEZ
  Estudiantes
  (193-G-77)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Sanchez, Estudian.	3.3
2. Sciutto, Monte H.	2.6
3. Sciutto, Monte H.	2.6
4. Salles, Monte H.	2.5
5. Cequeira, Obras	2.5
6. Salles, Monte H.	2.5
7. Selleaze, Libertad S.	2.4
8. Labaque, Atenas	2.4
9. Martinez, Regat.	2.4
10. Lamonte, Penarol	2.3

Blocks Per Game

Robert BATTLE
  Libertad S.
  (204-C-81)
  Avg: 2

1. Battle, Libertad S.	2.0
2. Johnson, Monte H.	1.3
3. Johnson, Monte H.	1.3
4. Kammerichs, Regat.	1.2
5. Meyinsse, Club 9	1.2
6. Gutierrez, Obras	1.1
7. Alston, Boca Jrs	1.0
8. Aguerre, Estudian.	0.9
9. Williams, Atenas	0.9
10. Levy, Lanus	0.8

Carlos Delfino scores 30, Bucks beat slumping Knicks - by Eurobasket News
Carlos Delfino (198-G-82) scored a career-high 30 points and Brandon Jennings finished an assist short of a triple-double to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 100-95 victory over the struggling New York Knicks on Sunday.

Jennings had 14 points and 11 rebounds to go with nine assists and Milwaukee built a 23-point first quarter lead only to watch it evaporate in a half-court struggle.

Milwaukee is tied with Charlotte for ninth place in the Eastern Conference, a game and a half behind Indiana for the final spot in the playoffs.

New York is stumbling toward mediocrity after losing five of the last six. The Knicks are 7-8 since trading for Carmelo Anthony, who had 23 points on 7-of-14 shooting.

The Knicks never tied the game or took a lead, but had multiple chances in the fourth quarter. Leading 86-84, Delfino, who also had 11 rebounds, hit two free throws and made a 3-pointer to put Milwaukee up 91-84 with 1:43 left.

Landry Fields answered with a 3 to cut it to 91-87. Delfino and Anthony traded two free throws before Jennings hit a fadeaway with 26 seconds to play that put Milwaukee ahead 95-89.

New York never got a chance to tie it in the final seconds despite desperation 3s by Anthony and Fields that twice cut the lead to three points.

Andrew Bogut had 13 points and 12 rebounds, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute scored 19 points, including 13 for 13 from the line for a new career best, and John Salmons chipped in 22 points.

Milwaukee, which has been the lowest scoring, worst shooting team all season, seems to be coming out of its funk down the stretch and could get back Drew Gooden, Ersan Ilyasova and Michael Redd in the next week.

A game after Delfino made a career-high eight 3-pointers in a 110-95 win over the Nets, he was back at it again. After the Bucks missed the first seven shots of the fourth quarter, Delfino knocked down a 3 and Bogut hit a hook shot in the lane to give the Bucks an 82-74 lead.

Amare Stoudemire, who finished with 25 points and 11 rebounds, scored five straight, but Chauncey Billups missed a chance to tie it with a 3-pointer with 4:35 left. On the rebound, Bogut and Anthony got tangled up and drew double techincals.

Billups also made one of two free throws to cut the lead to 85-82 a minute later, but Billups fouled out with 21 points on the next possession with 2:46 left when Anthony missed a jumper and Billups banged into Jennings.

Anthony, who had his worst game of the season with a 2-for-12 effort in a loss to Detroit on Friday night, never seemed to get into a rhythm until the end.

The Knicks appear destined for the sixth or seventh spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs, meaning they'll have to face either Boston, Chicago or Miami in the first round.

They got off to a putrid start in this one, missing 11 of their first 12 shots to fall behind by double digits in the first six minutes.

New York trailed 32-9 after the first, the lowest scoring first quarter for the Knicks in 55 years, according to STATS, LLC, and the worst offensive output in any quarter in nearly four years.

NOTES: The last time the Knicks scored nine points or fewer in any quarter was Nov. 14, 2007 against the Clippers. ... The last time they scored nine points or fewer in the first quarter was Nov. 21, 1956 was against Fort Wayne, according to STATS, LLC, when they had a franchise-low five. ... Anthony spoke to reporters for about five minutes before the game, calling his performance in Detroit a 'rare day that I allowed myself to get frustrated. It happens.' Anthony said he talked to his teammates and Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni on Saturday to assure them that it wouldn't be a continuous thing. 'All around, just a bad day,' Anthony said.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

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AUSTRALIA

Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game

Kirk PENNEY
  Breakers
  (196-G-80)
  Avg: 20.6

1. Penney, Breakers	20.6
2. Ervin, Hawks	20.1
3. Redhage, Wildcats	18.0
4. Williams, Tigers	18.0
5. Khazzouh, Sydney K.	17.6
6. Clark, Blaze	17.1
7. Worthington, Blaze	16.8
8. Wilkinson, Breakers	16.1
9. Ballinger, 36ers	15.3
10. Devendorf, Tigers	14.6

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Khazzouh, Sydney K.	10.2
2. Davidson, Hawks	8.0
3. Vukona, Breakers	7.7
4. Nevill, Tigers	7.4
5. Williams, Tigers	7.0
6. Worthington, Blaze	7.0
7. Burston, Tigers	6.9
8. Crosswhite, Taipa.	6.9
9. Schenscher, Croco.	6.8
10. Clark, Blaze	6.7

Assists Per Game

Corey WILLIAMS
  Tigers
  (191-G-77)
  Avg: 6

1. Williams, Tigers	6.0
2. Gibson, Blaze	5.4
3. Ervin, Hawks	4.4
4. Saville, Hawks	4.2
5. Carter, 36ers	4.2
6. Braswell, Breakers	4.2
7. Shannon, 36ers	4.2
8. Ubaka, Taipans	3.8
9. Blalock, Crocodiles	3.5
10. DeVries, 36ers	3.4

Steals Per Game

Damian MARTIN
  Wildcats
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Martin, Wildcats	2.3
2. Saville, Hawks	1.4
3. Carter, 36ers	1.4
4. Crawford, Croco.	1.4
5. Williams, Tigers	1.4
6. Tovey, Wildcats	1.3
7. Ervin, Hawks	1.3
8. Braswell, Breakers	1.3
9. Shannon, 36ers	1.2
10. Dorsey, Taipans	1.2

Blocks Per Game

Adam BALLINGER
  36ers
  (205-F-79)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Ballinger, 36ers	1.9
2. Khazzouh, Sydney K.	1.9
3. Clark, Blaze	1.3
4. Worthington, Blaze	1.1
5. Nevill, Tigers	1.1
6. Schenscher, Croco.	1.1
7. Crosswhite, Taipa.	0.9
8. Freeman, Croco.	0.9
9. Tovey, Wildcats	0.8
10. Sanders, Sydney K.	0.8

Daniel Johnson claims Australian NBL weekly honour - by Eurobasket News
Daniel Johnson (212-C-88) had an amazing evening in the last round for Adelaide 36ers and that's him to receive a Australiabasket.com Player of the Week award for round 23.
The 22-year old center had a double-double of 31 points and thirteen rebounds, while his team was edged out by Tigers (#7, 10-16) 79-76. 36ers maintains the 8th position in Australian NBL. 36ers is currently ranked second from the bottom. But it was their 18th lost game this season out of 26 games. In the team's last game Johnson had a remarkable 58.8% from 2-point range. It was one of impressive evenings for him as usually he does not deliver so high stats. Daniel Johnson averages this season 9.1ppg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 33-year old Jamaican guard Corey Williams (191-G-77) of Tigers. Williams impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 25 points and 11 rebounds. Bad luck as Tigers was edged by slightly higher-ranked Blaze (#6, 12-14) 82-81. Tigers is still second from the bottom in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 10-16 record. Williams is a newcomer at Tigers and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 18.0ppg (#4). His other stats are also decent: 7.0rpg and 6.0apg.

The third best performed player last round was American Gary Wilkinson (206-F-82) of top-ranked New Zealand Breakers. Wilkinson showcased his all-around game by recording 28 points, five rebounds and four assists in the last round. He was a key player of Breakers, leading his team to a 91-86 win against the lower-ranked Sydney K. (#9, 8-18). Breakers confirms their top position in the standings. Their record at this point is 20 victories and 6 lost games. Wilkinson has a great season in Australia. After 26 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 16.1ppg (8th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Trey Gilder (206-F-85) of Sydney K. - 30 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists
5. Ira Clark (203-C/F-75) of Blaze - 23 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Mika Vukona (197-F-82) of Breakers - 16 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists
7. Corey Williams (191-G-77) of Tigers - 20 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists
8. Luke Schenscher (216-C-82) of Crocodiles - 12 points and 12 rebounds
9. Glen Saville (197-G/F-76) of Hawks - 13 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists
10. Kirk Penney (196-G-80) of Breakers - 26 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists

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

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BELARUS

Mogilev enjoys All Star Weekend - by Eurobasket News
Belarus All Stars-Foreign All Stars 123:130 (29:37, 34:30, 31:33, 29:30)

Foreign All Stars team won over Belarus All Stars over the weekend 130:121. In a real show the fans also enjoyed Slam Dunk Contest, Three-point Contest and many more.
More than 1500 spectators came to see the show in Mogilev. Foreign All Stars started with 37:29 and did not slow down at all. The local players however managed to reduce the gap producing 34-30 in the second frame. Foreign All Stars added 33-31 in the third quarter for a bigger lead and won the game due to 30-29 in the last stanza.
Shawn King (208-C-82, college: ORU) erupted with 27 points and 14 rebounds being named the MVP. Larry Hall (190-G-83, college: W.Oregon) followed him with 23 points and Nenad Pistoljevic (196-G-80, agency: Alti Sport) added 16. Kanstantin Yafremov (202-F-86) and Konyushenko responded with 21 points each in the losing effort.
Vyacheslav Bogdanov (200-F-83) became the Winner of Three-point Contest. Sergei Dadukin (199-F-83) was named the best Dunker.

Standings - Premier League

Premier Standings

Group A
1. Minsk-2006		36-0
2. Grodno-93		25-13
3. OZAA Osipov.		22-14
4. Sozh Gomel		18-20
Group B
1. Lokomotiv		23-15
2. Borifsen		15-23
3. BGUIR-RCOR		6-32
4. Vitalyur		5-33

Stats Leaders - Premier League

Premier League Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1. Rychliuk, Borisfen 18.1
2. Matyukevych, Sozh 17.4
3. Lemyk, Grodno 16.9
4. Shustau, Borisfen 16.9
5. Reka, Sozh 15.9
6. Yafremov, OZAA 15.6
7. Konyushenko,Lok 15.3
8. Bogdanov,Grodno 14.9
9. King, Minsk 13.9
10. Skcripcaru, Sozh 13

Rebounds Per Game

1. Rychliuk, Borisfen 9.8
2. Reka, Sozh 9.4
3. Zakhar, BGUIR-RCOR 9.3
4. King, Minsk 8.2
5. Matyukevych, OZAA 7.9
6. Yafremov, OZAA 7.1
7. Lemyk, Grodno 6.7
8. Scripcaru, Sozh 6.5
9. Sugoniako, BGUIR 6.3
10. Dadikin, Grodno 6.1

Assists Per Game

1. Charikov, OZAA 7.5
2. Ihnatchyk, Vitalyur 6.4
3. Akulich, Lokomotiv 4.8
4. Shustau, OZAA 4.7
5. Gandlin, Grodno 4.4
6. Pistoljevich, Minsk 4.1
7. Kuzmin, Minsk 3.7
8. Didik, OZAA 3.4
9. Sapegin, Lokomotiv 3.4
10.Harkevich, Borisfen 3.3

Steals Per Game

1. Shusau, Borisfen 2.4
2. Akulich, Lokomotiv 2.3
3. Rychliuk, Brisfen 2.1
4. Charikov, OZAA 2.0
5. Sapegin, Lokomotiv 1.8
6. Yafremov, OZAA 1.8
7. Ivanov, Grodno 1.8
8. Ihnatchyk, Vitalyr 1.8
9. Sitnik, Sozh 1.6
10. Ovsepian, Lokomotiv 1.6

Blocks Per Game

1. Vornik, OZAA 1.9
2. Rychliuk, Borisfen 1.9
3. King, Minsk 1.7
4. Zakhar, BGUIR-RCOR 1.3
5. Matyukevych, OZAA 1
6. Ovsepian, Lokomotiv 0.8
7. Pishchulenok, Lokomotiv 0.8
8. Yafremov, OZAA 0.6
9. Semieniuk, Vitalyur 0.6
10. Sivalko, Lokomotiv 0.4

3FGP

1. Gandlin, Grodno 51%
2. Trastsinetski, Minsk 47%
3. Lemyk, Grodno 46%
4. Ivanov, Grodno 46%
5. McKee, Minsk 45%
6. Maksimov, OZAA 42%
7. Konyushenko, Sozh 41%
8. Svirydov, OZAA 41%
9. Yafremov, OZAA 40%
10. Vergun, Minsk 40%

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

BELGIUM

Standings - Division II

D2 Standings

1. Kangar.-Boom		21-3
2. Sint-Jan Ant.		19-7
3. De Westhoek		16-8
4. Pitzemburg		16-8
5. Excelsior		16-10
6. Waregem		13-12
7. Essor Charleroi		11-13
8. Zolder		10-13
9. Liege II		9-16
10. M.Hainaut II		8-15
11. Fleurus		8-16
12. Oostkamp		8-16
13. Carnieres		8-17
14. Gembo		8-17

D2 Round 25: Sint-Jans Antwerpen defeats Gembo BBC in the closest game of the week - by Eurobasket News
There are only two more rounds left in the Regular Season in D2. There was no lack of interesting games this round. It ended with favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin.

Twelfth-ranked Gembo BBC (8-17) gave a tough game to second ranked Sint-Jans Antwerpen (19-7) in Borgerhout on Saturday. The visitors from Antwerp managed to secure only two-point victory 64-62. However their fans expected much easier game. Sint-Jans Antwerpen maintains second place with 19-7 record. Newly promoted Gembo BBC stays at the bottom position with 17 games lost. They share it with Carnieres. Sint-Jans Antwerpen is looking forward to face Waregem (#6) in Waregem in the next round. Gembo BBC will play on the road against the league's leader BBC Kangaroes-Boom (#1) and is hoping to prove to their supporters that this time they can win.
Important game to mention about took place in Waregem. Fifth ranked Jako Pitzemburg (16-8) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging 6th ranked Waregem (13-12) 81-78 on Saturday evening. Jako Pitzemburg moved-up to third place, which they share with De Westhoek. Waregem at the other side keeps the sixth position with 12 games lost. Jako Pitzemburg will play against BBC De Westhoek (#3) in Zwevezele in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Waregem will play on the road against the league's second-placed Sint-Jans Antwerpen and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Royal Aera Excelsior (16-10) against seventh ranked Essor Charleroi (11-13) on Sunday night. Visiting Royal Aera Excelsior was crushed by Essor Charleroi in Charleroi 94-73. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Royal Aera Excelsior. Essor Charleroi maintains seventh place with 11-13 record. Loser Royal Aera Excelsior dropped to the fifth position with ten games lost. Essor Charleroi will meet higher ranked Jako Pitzemburg (#4) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Royal Aera Excelsior will play against KBBC Oostkamp and hope to secure a win.
Bottom-ranked BC Carnieres managed to get a eighth victory. This time they outleveled thirteenth-ranked Dexia Mons Hainaut II 85-65. It's especially surprising that the victory came too easily and 20-point difference proves that BC Carnieres was well-prepared to that game. BC Carnieres (8-17) moved-up to thirteenth place, which they share with Gembo. Newly promoted Dexia Mons Hainaut II dropped to the tenth position with 15 games lost. BC Carnieres' next round opponent will be higher ranked CEP Fleurus (#11) at home and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
D2 top team - BBC Kangaroes-Boom (21-3) added another victory to their record on Saturday. This time they beat eleventh ranked KBBC Oostkamp (8-16) 88-82. BBC Kangaroes-Boom have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain first place with 21-3 record. KBBC Oostkamp lost seventh consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the eleventh position with 16 games lost. BBC Kangaroes-Boom will face bottom-ranked Gembo BBC (#14) in Borgerhout in the next round which should be an easy win for them. KBBC Oostkamp will play on the road against Royal Aera Excelsior in Brussels.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 25: Liege II were destroyed by Zolder on the opponent's court 78-58. Fleurus unfortunately lost to De Westhoek in a home game 66-68. Bottom-ranked Carnieres recorded a loss to M.Hainaut II on the road 47-57.

Essor Charleroi - Excelsior 94-73

Very important is a road loss of third ranked Royal Aera Excelsior (16-10) against seventh ranked Essor Charleroi (11-13) on Sunday night. Visiting Royal Aera Excelsior was crushed by Essor Charleroi in Charleroi 94-73. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Royal Aera Excelsior. Essor Charleroi maintains seventh place with 11-13 record. Loser Royal Aera Excelsior dropped to the fifth position with ten games lost. Essor Charleroi will meet higher ranked Jako Pitzemburg (#4) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Royal Aera Excelsior will play against KBBC Oostkamp and hope to secure a win.

Gembo - Sint-Jan Ant. 62-64

Twelfth-ranked Gembo BBC (8-17) gave a tough game to second ranked Sint-Jans Antwerpen (19-7) in Borgerhout on Saturday. The visitors from Antwerp managed to secure only two-point victory 64-62. However their fans expected much easier game. Sint-Jans Antwerpen maintains second place with 19-7 record having just 0 points less than leader Kangar.-Boom. Newly promoted Gembo BBC dropped to the bottom position with 17 games lost. They share it with Carnieres. Sint-Jans Antwerpen are looking forward to face Waregem (#6) in Waregem in the next round. Gembo BBC will play on the road against the league's leader BBC Kangaroes-Boom (#1) and is hoping to prove to their supporters that this time they can win.

Oostkamp - Kangar.-Boom 82-88

D2 top team - BBC Kangaroes-Boom (21-3) added another victory to their record on Saturday. This time they beat eleventh ranked KBBC Oostkamp (8-16) 88-82. BBC Kangaroes-Boom have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain first place with 21-3 record. KBBC Oostkamp lost seventh consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the eleventh position with 16 games lost. BBC Kangaroes-Boom will face bottom-ranked Gembo BBC (#14) in Borgerhout in the next round which should be an easy win for them. KBBC Oostkamp will play on the road against Royal Aera Excelsior in Brussels.

Zolder - Liege II 78-58

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 9th ranked Belgacom Liege II's (9-16) road loss to eighth ranked Zolder (10-13) 58-78 on Saturday. Zolder maintains eighth place with 10-13 record. Newly promoted Belgacom Liege II keeps the ninth position with 16 games lost. Zolder will face higher ranked BBC De Westhoek (#3) in Zwevezele in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Belgacom Liege II will play at home against Dexia Mons Hainaut II (#10) in Quaregnon and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Fleurus - De Westhoek 66-68

Very predictable result when fourth ranked BBC De Westhoek (16-8) edged on the road 10th ranked CEP Fleurus (8-16) 68-66 on Friday. BBC De Westhoek have a solid series of four victories in a row. They moved-up to third place, which they share with Pitzemburg. CEP Fleurus lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the eleventh position with 16 games lost. BBC De Westhoek will face Jako Pitzemburg (#4) in Mechelen in the next round. CEP Fleurus will play on the road against BC Carnieres (#13) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

M.Hainaut II - Carnieres 57-47

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 14th ranked BC Carnieres' (8-17) road loss to thirteenth ranked Dexia Mons Hainaut II (8-15) 47-57 on Saturday. Dexia Mons Hainaut II moved-up to tenth place. Loser BC Carnieres dropped to the thirteenth position with 17 games lost. Dexia Mons Hainaut II will face higher ranked Belgacom Liege II (#9) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. BC Carnieres will play against CEP Fleurus (#11) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Waregem - Pitzemburg 78-81

Important game to mention about took place in Waregem. Fifth ranked Jako Pitzemburg (16-8) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging 6th ranked Waregem (13-12) 81-78 on Saturday evening. Jako Pitzemburg moved-up to third place, which they share with De Westhoek. Waregem at the other side keeps the sixth position with 12 games lost. Jako Pitzemburg will play against BBC De Westhoek (#3) in Zwevezele in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Waregem will play on the road against the league's second-placed Sint-Jans Antwerpen and hopes to get back on the winning track.

Round 11

Carnieres - M.Hainaut II 85-65

Bottom-ranked BC Carnieres managed to get a eighth victory. This time they outleveled thirteenth-ranked Dexia Mons Hainaut II 85-65. It's especially surprising that the victory came too easily and 20-point difference proves that BC Carnieres was well-prepared to that game. BC Carnieres (8-17) moved-up to thirteenth place, which they share with Gembo. Newly promoted Dexia Mons Hainaut II dropped to the tenth position with 15 games lost. BC Carnieres' next round opponent will be higher ranked CEP Fleurus (#11) at home and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.

Christopher Young claims Belgian D1 weekly honour - by Eurobasket News
Experienced American-Lithuanian Christopher Young (206-F/C-79, agency: Court Side) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's second-best Generali Okapi Aalstar and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 24.
The 31-year old power forward had a double-double of 22 points and ten rebounds, while his team beat Leuven (#6, 7-12) 82-75. Aalstar maintains the 2nd position in Belgian D1. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Aalstar will need more victories to improve their 16-6 record. Young turned to be Aalstar's top player in his first season with the team. University of Michigan graduate has very impressive stats this year. Young is in league's top in rebounds (3rd best: 7.7rpg) and averages solid 78.2% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 28-year old American guard Ronell Taylor (196-G-82) of M.Hainaut. Taylor impressed basketball fans with 26 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Bad luck as M.Hainaut lost that game 84-94 to the lower-ranked Gent (#9, 4-17). M.Hainaut managed to keep the same 3rd spot in the standings. His team's 12-8 record is not bad at all. Taylor is a newcomer at M.Hainaut and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 15.7ppg (#3). He also registered 4.2 boards per game.

The third best performed player last round was another Generali Okapi Aalstar's star - American Anthony Hilliard (193-G/F-86). Hilliard showcased his all-around game by recording 13 points, eleven rebounds (!!!) and four assists in the last round. He was another key player of Aalstar, helping his team with a 82-75 win against the lower-ranked Leuven (#6, 7-12). Aalstar needs these victories very badly if they think about taking over top position in the standings. Their record at this point is 16 victories and 6 lost games. Hilliard has a great season in Belgium. After 22 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 14.6ppg (9th best) and rebounds with 7.9rpg (2nd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Marcus Faison (196-G-78) of Oostende - 19 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Demond Mallet (185-G-78) of Charleroi - 24 points and 4 assists
6. Tornike Shengelia (205-G/F-91) of Verviers-Pep. - 18 points and 13 rebounds
7. James J.J. Miller (180-G-79) of Leuven - 21 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Lionel Bosco (176-G-81) of Gent - 19 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists
9. Stanley Burrell (190-G-84) of Aalstar - 17 points and 4 assists
10. Monwell Randle (203-F/C-83) of Gent - 23 points and 7 rebounds

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

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

BOSNIA

Emir Preldzic to play for Turkey this summer? - by Nedzad Kladusak
Emir Preldzic is certainly one of the most complicated issues that have to be resolved by FIBA until the EC in Lithuania. Preldzic has been granted the turkish passport last year and is treated like an turkish player. After Preldzic refused to play for Slovenia the Turkish basketball federation already started the process which will make him eligible to play for the Turkish NT. Preldzic signed a paper claiming that he wants to play only for BIH thus making it very very complicated. In a interview for FIBA he said that he 'will take a rest' if he doesn t get the opportunity to play for Turkey this summer.

Here you can find the whole interview: http://www.fibaeurope.com/coid_GXV4klcpIsIekMK6knQaQ2.articleMode_on.html

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

BRAZIL

Standings - BNL

NBB Standings

1. Pinheiros/Sky		18-6
2. Flamengo		18-6
3. BRB/Brasilia		17-7
4. Itabom/Bauru		16-8
5. Vivo/Franca		16-8
6. Unitri/Universo		16-9
7. Araldite/Univille		15-9
8. S.Jose/Vinac		14-10
9. Pitagoras/Minas		12-12
10. Winner/Limeira		10-14
11. Araraquara		7-16
12. Paulistano		6-18
13. Vitoria		6-19
14. Assis Basket		5-19
15. Vila Velha CETAF		5-20

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BULGARIA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Ivan LILOV
  Rilski Sportist
  (196-F/G-88)
  Avg: 23.7

1. Lilov, Rilski S.	23.7
2. Lauderdale, Cherno.	23.2
3. Harper, Levski	22.3
4. Dimitrov, Spartak	19.5
5. Bozov, Balkan	17.5
6. Naydenov, Chernomo.	16.8
7. Govedarov, Tundja	15.6
8. Davidov, Balkan	15.0
9. Yanev, Cherno More	14.6
10. Kambala, Lukoil A.	14.4

Rebounds Per Game

Priest LAUDERDALE
  Levski
  (221-C-73)
  Avg: 13.1

1. Lauderdale, Cherno.	13.1
2. Varbanov, Tundja	11.3
3. Yanev, Cherno More	8.5
4. Todorov, Spartak	7.5
5. Georgiev, Levski	7.5
6. Kolev, Cherno More	7.1
7. Radojevic, Rilski S.	7.1
8. Peterson, Lukoil A.	7.0
9. Morton, Balkan	6.8
10. Dimitrov, Spartak	6.7

Assists Per Game

Jason CROWE
  Levski
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 5.9

1. Crowe, Levski	5.9
2. Bozov, Balkan	4.3
3. Govedarov, Tundja	4.2
4. Alexiev, Cherno M.	4.1
5. Dyakovski, Spartak	4.1
6. James, Lukoil A.	4.0
7. Heath, Lukoil A.	3.9
8. Gruev, Rilski S.	3.7
9. Zahariev, Chernomo.	3.7
10. Gonner, Balkan	3.6

Steals Per Game

Jason CROWE
  Levski
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Crowe, Levski	2.3
2. Bozov, Balkan	2.1
3. Dimitrov, Spartak	1.9
4. Heath, Lukoil A.	1.9
5. Lilov, Rilski S.	1.8
6. Zahariev, Chernomo.	1.7
7. Finzgar, Tundja	1.7
8. James, Lukoil A.	1.7
9. Radionov, Tundja	1.7
10. Stojanovski, Lukoil A.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Priest LAUDERDALE
  Levski
  (221-C-73)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Lauderdale, Cherno.	2.4
2. Doychinov, Balkan	1.3
3. Varbanov, Tundja	1.1
4. Mijovic, Rilski S.	0.8
5. Radojevic, Rilski S.	0.8
6. Banev, Lukoil A.	0.7
7. Vaklinov, Rilski S.	0.7
8. Cole, Levski	0.7
9. Iliev, Cherno More	0.6
10. Petkov, Tundja	0.6

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CROATIA

Stats Leaders - A1

Points Per Game

Luka PETKOVIC
  Svjetlost
  (190-G-88)
  Avg: 22.1

1. Petkovic, Svjetlost	22.1
2. Puljko, Kvarner .	21.8
3. Zitko, Trogir	18.9
4. Mimica, KK Split	18.4
5. Krapic, Zabok	17.6
6. Sobin, KK Split	16.6
7. Saric, Dubrava	16.4
8. Krolo, Darda	16.2
9. Ridl, Darda	16.0
10. Bakovic, Darda	15.9

Rebounds Per Game

Ante KRAPIC
  Cibona
  (202-F-85)
  Avg: 9.4

1. Krapic, Zabok	9.4
2. Krolo, Darda	8.8
3. Saric, Dubrava	8.7
4. Radic, Alkar Sinj	8.3
5. Sobin, KK Split	8.2
6. Ragsdale, Kvarner .	6.3
7. Ridl, Darda	6.2
8. Ruzic, Borik	6.2
9. Zupic, Alkar Sinj	5.5
10. Grgurevic, KK Split	5.5

Assists Per Game

Milan KARAKAS
  Trogir
  (190-G-80)
  Avg: 5.1

1. Karakas, Trogir	5.1
2. Petkovic, Svjetlost	4.6
3. Blajic, Alkar Sinj	4.3
4. Blajic, Trogir	4.3
5. Tomeljak, Zabok	3.9
6. Delas, Alkar Sinj	3.6
7. Jugo, Kvarner 2010	3.3
8. Katic, KK Split	3.1
9. Sarac, Svjetlost	3.0
10. Subotic, KK Split	3.0

Steals Per Game

Teo PETANI
  Borik
  (190-G-88)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Petani, Borik	2.2
2. Saric, Dubrava	2.1
3. Anzulovic, Alkar Sinj	2.1
4. Puljko, Kvarner .	1.9
5. Kamaldin, Darda	1.9
6. Swift, Darda	1.8
7. Tomeljak, Zabok	1.8
8. Blajic, Trogir	1.8
9. Zitko, Trogir	1.7
10. Skific, Borik	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Filip KRALJEVIC
  Zabok
  (214-F-89)
  Avg: 1.4

1. Kraljevic, Zabok	1.4
2. Vladovic, Trogir	1.4
3. Vitali, Trogir	1.3
4. Krolo, Darda	1.2
5. Sobin, KK Split	1.1
6. Ragsdale, Kvarner .	1.0
7. Saric, Dubrava	0.9
8. Ridl, Darda	0.8
9. Vukicevic, Svjetlost	0.8
10. Sarlija, Borik	0.8

A1 Standings

A1 Stage Two Standings

Group A
1. Borik		1-0
2. Cedevita		1-0
3. KK Split		1-0
4. Zabok		0-0
5. KK Zagreb CO		0-0
6. Alkar Sinj		0-1
7. Cibona		0-1
8. Zadar		0-1
Group B
1. Darda		0-0
2. Dubrava		0-0
3. Dubrovnik		0-0
4. Kvarner 2010		0-0
5. Svjetlost		0-0
6. Trogir		0-0

Stage One Standings

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CYPRUS

Etha wins the 1st - by Dr. Nasios Orinos
Great game last night at Lefkotheo indoor arena with 2 great teams, Apoel and Etha.

Etha managed to win the 1st game of the series and advanced to 1-0.

Etha had a strong 1st half where it got a 7 pt lead (32-39).

Apoel made a comeback at the last quarter and with a 11-0 run tied the game at 74-74.

King hit a jumper just at the end and Etha got the game with 74-76.

Apoel was not concentrated at the 1st quarter during which it committed a few mistakes and allowed Etha to get a quick lead at the score (11-19).

From Etha, Redding finished with 16 points and Tutt added 15.

Anastasiades was very good and hit 3 crucial 3-pt jumpers.

From Apoel, Hanavan finished with 16. In his 1st game, Lalovic added 12 pts and shows signs of a great player. Tiggs had 11.

Quarters: 11-19, 32-39, 54-59, 74-76

Apoel (Christopoullos): Tiggs 11, Kovac 10 (1), Hanavan 16, Neofitou 3, Davis 7 (1), Lalovic 12, Kalaitzides 4, Miceta 4, Buljan 7

Etha (Konstantinides): Dabkus 10 (1), Anastasiades 9 (3), King 16, Masamba 8, Konstantinou 2, Tutt 15, Tsoub, Redding 16

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

CZECH REPUBLIC

1Liga Round 4 of Quarter-Finals - by Eurobasket News
Usti n/Labem - Opava B 71-73

Opava B forced the decisive fifth game in their series against Usti n/Labem. Opava B escaped with a narrow road win in Game 4. Radim Klecka (188-G-90) delivered 21 points to lead the visitors. Petr Strnisko (195-F-89) added 17 points for the winning side. Thaddeus McFadden (188-G-87, agency: Stanley International, college: Fairmont St.) answered with 28 points for Usti n/Labem.

Proton Zlin - J.Hradec 55-90

J.Hradec advanced into the semifinals. They thumped Proton Zlin away from home. The game without a history. BK Lions Hradec led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Vladimir Sismilich (195-F-85) accounted for 18 points, while Jan Tomanec (212-C-85) had 17 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Proton Zlin answered with 18 points from Jakub Krakovic (205-F-90).

Sokol H.Kralove - Sokol Prazsky 96-78

Sokol H.Kralove sealed their semifinal appearance. They outgunned Sokol Prazsky in front of the home crowd. It was a very close game until the last quarter, when Sokol Hradec Kralove's pressure prevailed and they won that period 30-19 extending their advantage to 18 points. Tomas Macela (179-G-88) came up with 21 points and 11 assists to lead the hosts. Jakub Tomas (200-F/C) Kirsbaum (204-F/C-82) delivered 21 points in the win. Jakub Tomas Vyoral (190-G-92) and Jakub Tomas answered with 22 points each in the loss.

Trutnov - Chomutov 76-91

Top-ranked Chomutov reached the semis after they dealt with Trutnov on the road. Pavel Hemmy (191-G-87) nailed 23 points to lead the charge. Ales Jiran (184-G-82) provided 17 points in the victory. Roman Zachrla (201-F-87) answered with 21 points and 7 rebounds for Trutnov.

Mattoni NBL All-Stars Selected - by Surujh Roopnarine
On Saturday April 2, the best of the best from the Mattoni NBL will converge at the CEZ Arena in Pardubice for the 2011 All-Star Game. Starting rosters were selected based on fan voting at www.nbl.cz, while All-Star coaches Pavel Buda (West) and Zbynek Choleva (East) filled out the remainder of the rosters.

West Starting Five: Levell Sanders (189-G-75, agency: Stanley International, college: Seton Hall), Maurice Hampton (188-G-84, college: Austin Peay St.), Pavel Pumprla (196-G-86), Marcus Arnold (207-F/C-84, college: Illinois), Ales Chan (215-C-80, college: Seton Hill)
Bench: Afik Nissim (180-G-81), Terry Smith (185-G-86, college: Mercyhurst), Chester Simmons (198-G-82, college: Washington), Petr Petr Bohacik (202-F-85), Pavel Houska (201-F-84)
Alternates: Vojtech Hruban (200-F-89), Admir Alic (198-F-84)

East Starting Five: Eugene Lawrence (184-G-86, college: St.John's), Corey Muirhead (198-F-83, college: W.Carolina), Lukas Palyza (204-F-89), Robert Sarovic (205-F-78), Kyle Landry (206-F-86, college: N.Arizona)
Bench: Michal Carnecky (184-G-85), Benas Veikalas (192-G-83, college: Metro St.), Vaidotas Peciukas (199-G-82, college: Hawaii), Andrew Spagrud (203-F-85), Dwight Burke (203-F-86, college: Marquette)
Alternaes: Jakub Sirina (185-G-87), Jakub Blazek (203-F-80)

Three Point Shotout
EAST: Ludek Jurecka (200-F-83), Tomas Teply (190-G-87), Benas Veikalas
WEST: Levell Sanders, Michal Kremen (200-F-81), Jiri Cernosek (200-F/G-81)

Slam Dunk Contest
EAST: Ladislav Horak (205-F/C-86), Andrew Spagrud, Corey Muirhead
WEST: Jakub Nemecek (195-F-89), Pavel Pumprla, Tomas Pomikalek (200-F-89), Ladislav Pecka (197-F-91)

Skills Challenge
EAST: Jakub Sirina, Eugene Lawrence, Daniel Gajdosik (189-G-80)
WEST: Afik Nissim, Sotnar, Derek Wright (175-G-86, college: Austin Peay St.)

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

DENMARK

1st Division Round 21: Top-ranked Falcon wins another game - by Eurobasket News
There will be only one (last) round of the Regular Season in 1st Division.

1st Division top team - Falcon (19-2) had no problems winning another game on Saturday. This time they beat eighth ranked ALBA (7-14) in Alleroed 77-59. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of ALBA. Falcon have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. They maintain first place with 19-2 record. ALBA at the other side keeps the eighth position with 14 games lost. They share it with Skt.Klemens. Falcon are looking forward to face league's second-placed Stevnsgade at home in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. ALBA will play against Hobas (#12) in Horsholm and is hoping to prove to their supporters that the loss was just an accident.
Worth to mention about the upset in a game between Haderslev (13-8) and Aarhus BF (7-15), which took place in Haderslev. 4th placed Haderslev was outleveled at home by tenth ranked Aarhus BF 83-62. Aarhus BF maintains tenth place with 7-15 record. Newly promoted Haderslev keeps the fourth position with eight games lost. Aarhus BF will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Haderslev will play on the road against Glostrup (#6) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game between second ranked Stevnsgade (18-3) and 11th ranked Herlev (5-16) in Stevnsgade on Sunday ended with biggest points difference. Stevnsgade outscored guests from Herlev 100-69. The victory was the tenth consecutive win for Stevnsgade. They maintain second place with 18-3 record behind leader Falcon. Loser Herlev keeps the eleventh position with 16 games lost. Stevnsgade will meet league's leader Falcon on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Herlev will play against Virum Vipers (#5) and hope to secure a win.

In the last game of round 21 Glostrup was smashed by Lemvig on the road 20-0.

ALBA - Falcon 59-77

1st Division top team - Falcon (19-2) had no problems winning another game on Saturday. This time they beat eighth ranked ALBA (7-14) in Alleroed 77-59. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of ALBA. Falcon have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. They maintain first place with 19-2 record. ALBA at the other side keeps the eighth position with 14 games lost. They share it with Skt.Klemens. Falcon are looking forward to face league's second-placed Stevnsgade at home in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. ALBA will play against Hobas (#12) in Horsholm and is hoping to prove to their supporters that the loss was just an accident.

Lemvig - Glostrup 20-0

No shocking result in a game when third ranked Lemvig (14-7) crushed at home 6th ranked Glostrup (10-9) 20-0 on Saturday. Lemvig maintains third place with 14-7 record having five points less than leader Falcon. Newly promoted Glostrup keeps the sixth position with nine games lost. Lemvig will meet Skt.Klemens (#8) in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Glostrup will play against Hobas in Horsholm and hope to secure a win.

Stevnsgade - Herlev 100-69

The game between second ranked Stevnsgade (18-3) and 11th ranked Herlev (5-16) in Stevnsgade on Sunday ended with biggest points difference. Stevnsgade outscored guests from Herlev 100-69. The victory was the tenth consecutive win for Stevnsgade. They maintain second place with 18-3 record behind leader Falcon. Loser Herlev keeps the eleventh position with 16 games lost. Stevnsgade will meet league's leader Falcon on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Herlev will play against Virum Vipers (#5) and hope to secure a win.

Haderslev - Aarhus BF 62-83

Worth to mention about the upset in a game between Haderslev (13-8) and Aarhus BF (7-15), which took place in Haderslev. 4th placed Haderslev was outleveled at home by tenth ranked Aarhus BF 83-62. Aarhus BF maintains tenth place with 7-15 record. Newly promoted Haderslev keeps the fourth position with eight games lost. Aarhus BF will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Haderslev will play on the road against Glostrup (#6) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Standings - 1st Division

1st Division Standings

1. Falcon		19-2
2. Stevnsgade		18-3
3. Lemvig		14-7
4. Haderslev		13-8
5. Virum		11-10
6. Glostrup		10-9
7. Solrod		10-12
8. Skt.Klemens		7-14
9. ALBA		7-14
10. Aarhus BF		7-15
11. Herlev		5-16
12. Hobas		4-15

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D-LEAGUE

Standings

D-League Standings

Central Division
1. Iowa E.		34-11
2. Erie Bay H.		28-16
3. Ft.Wayne MA		21-24
4. Dakota W.		17-28
5. Sioux Falls S.		10-34
Southwest Division
1. Rio Grande		30-14
2. Tulsa 66ers		30-15
3. Texas L.		20-25
4. Austin T.		19-24
5. New Mexico		17-27
6. Maine RC		16-28
West Division
1. Reno Bighorns		29-16
2. Bakersfield J.		27-16
3. Utah F.		25-18
4. Idaho S.		19-25
5. Springfield A.		12-33

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Trey JOHNSON
  Bakersfield J.
  (196-G-84)
  Avg: 25.9

1. Johnson, Bakersfi.	25.9
2. Johnson, Erie B.	21.8
3. Jeffers, Iowa E.	21.1
4. Adrien, Rio Grande	19.9
5. Ewing, Sioux F.	19.6
6. Dentmon, Texas L.	19.6
7. Alexander, Texas L.	19.5
8. Sims, Maine RC	19.5
9. McNeal, Rio Grande	19.4
10. Stinson, Iowa E.	18.5

Rebounds Per Game

Jeff ADRIEN
  Golde State W.
  (201-F-86)
  Avg: 12.2

1. Adrien, Rio Grande	12.2
2. Ewing, Sioux F.	10.4
3. Davidson, Idaho S.	10.1
4. Sims, Iowa E.	9.6
5. Williams, Texas L.	9.4
6. Johnson, Dakota W.	9.2
7. Phillips, Ft.Wayne.	9.2
8. Jeffers, Iowa E.	9.1
9. Alexander, Texas L.	8.9
10. Williams, Tulsa 66ers	8.5

Assists Per Game

Curtis STINSON
  Iowa E.
  (187-G-83)
  Avg: 9.5

1. Stinson, Iowa E.	9.5
2. Miles, Reno Bighorns	8.7
3. Daniels, Texas L.	8.5
4. Russell, Ft.Wayne.	7.9
5. Crittenton, Dakota W.	7.6
6. Jackson, Idaho S.	7.2
7. Jackson, Erie B.	6.6
8. Johnson, Austin T.	6.2
9. Ahearn, Erie Bay H.	5.8
10. Reynolds, Spring.	5.8

Steals Per Game

Javaris CRITTENTON
  Dakota W.
  (196-G-87)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Crittenton, Dakota W.	2.6
2. Miles, Reno Bighorns	2.5
3. Dowdell, Tulsa 66ers	2.5
4. Lin, Reno Bighorns	2.1
5. Lofton, Iowa E.	2.1
6. Greene, Utah F.	2.0
7. Lafayette, Ft.Wayne.	2.0
8. Reynolds, Spring.	2.0
9. Jeffers, Iowa E.	1.9
10. Jackson, Idaho S.	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Sean WILLIAMS
  Texas L.
  (208-F-86)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Williams, Texas L.	2.8
2. Johnson, Dakota W.	2.8
3. Aldrich, Tulsa 66ers	2.4
4. Atchley, Rio Grande	2.2
5. Whiteside, Reno B.	2.2
6. Naymick, Bakersfi.	2.1
7. Gladness, Dakota W.	2.0
8. Gaffney, Utah F.	2.0
9. Alabi, Erie Bay H.	1.9
10. Sykes, Sioux F.	1.8

Sunday: Wins for Armor, Red Claws and Energy - by Eurobasket News
Sioux Falls S. - Springfield A. 75-112
The Springfield Armor defeated the Sioux Falls Skyforce 112-75 at the Sioux Falls Arena on Sunday night. Sioux Falls shot a season-low 33.0 percent (29-of-88) from the field as Springfield picked up their first-ever win against the Skyforce in seven tries. After the score was tied at two, Springfield (12-33) outscored Sioux Falls 19-5 to lead 21-7 after the first quarter. The seven points set a franchise record for fewest points in a quarter. Springfield outshot Sioux Falls in the first half 52.3 percent (23-of-44) to 26.8 percent (11-of-41) and led 50-28 at halftime. Sioux Falls (10-34) would get no closer than 19 points in the second half and recorded a season-low in points as Springfield snapped a five-game losing streak. Chas McFarland posted a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Jerry Smith (6'2''-G-84, college: Samford) (15), Gavin Edwards (6'9''-F/C-88, college: Connecticut) (14) and Lance Hurdle (14) combined for 43 points off the bench. David Bailey posted a game-high 19 points in his first home game since becoming the franchise's all-time leading scorer. Patrick Ewing, Jr. added a double-double with 17 points and 15 rebounds while Sean Marshall contributed 10 in a reserve role. The same two teams tangle on Tuesday at 7 p.m. CT at the Sioux Falls Arena. *Courtesy of www.keoland.com

Maine RC - Texas L. 107-105 OT
The Maine Red Claws kept their playoff hopes alive at least temporarily this afternoon, overcoming a 16-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Texas Legends in overtime, 107-105, at the Portland Expo. Magnum Rolle (6'11''-C/F-86, college: Louisiana Tech), who forced the overtime with an offensive rebound dunk with 9.5 seconds left, scored the winning points on a 15-foot bank shot from the right. Rolle finished with 16 points. DeShawn Sims (6'8''-F-88, college: Michigan) led Maine with 30 and Mario West had 22. Maine (16-28) could still be eliminated from the playoffs if Fort Wayne wins its game at Iowa tonight. *Courtesy of www.pressherald.com

Iowa E. - Ft.Wayne MA 104-97
Even though the Mad Ants lost 104-97 to the Iowa Energy on Sunday in Des Moines, the Ants held onto the eighth and final playoff berth available in the NBA Development League. Fort Wayne (21-24), which rode a bus to Iowa immediately after its home victory over Springfield on Saturday night, fell behind at the half and never caught up to Iowa (34-11). Chris Kramer (6'3''-G-88, college: Purdue) led the Ants with 18 points and seven rebounds. Roderick Wilmont (6'4''-G-83, college: Indiana) had 12 points, Marvin Phillips Jr. had 11 points and 11 rebounds, and Darnell Lazare and Anthony Kent had 11 points each. Marqus Blakely had 28 points and 10 rebounds for the league-leading Energy, and Curtis Stinson had 23 points and 15 assists. The Ants maintained their lead over their nearest rivals, all searching for the final D-League playoff berth. Texas (20-25) lost to Maine, 107-105, and stayed a game behind, and Austin (19-24) is also a game back. Idaho (19-25) is 1 1/2 games behind Fort Wayne. The Ants return to Memorial Coliseum at 7 p.m. Tuesday to play Erie. *Courtesy of www.journalgazette.net

Latest D-League Transactions - by Surujh Roopnarine
Bakersfield Jam: Acquired 20 year-old Chukwudiebere Maduabum from the available player pool on Friday. The 6-9, 210lb forward last played for the Dodan Warriors in Nigeria, where he averaged 10.5 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 3 blocks in 20 minutes per game. In his Bakersfield debut against Erie he logged three minutes off the bench, missing his lone shot attempt of the night.

Rio Grande Valley Vipers: Reacquired Jerel McNeal (6'3''-G-87, college: Marquette) and waived Jason Horton (6'2''-G-86, college: Missouri). McNeal, who had been on a 10-day contract with the New Orleans Hornets returned to RGV on Saturday and immediately found the groove again, scoring 18 points as the Vipers defeated the Austin Toros 118-103. McNeal did not see any game action for New Orleans who signed him on March 9. Prior to Saturday nights game McNeal had been the only member of the Vipers to start each of the first 40 games of the season and was averaging 19.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.4 steals while shooting 45.3% from the field.
Jason Horton scored three points with four rebounds and three assists in 35 minutes over the course of three games off the bench after joining the Vipers to replace McNeal on March 9.

Rockets assign Hasheem Thabeet to Rio Grande Valley Vipers - by Eurobasket News
Houston Rockets center Hasheem Thabeet (7'3''-C-87, college: Connecticut) was assigned to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the Rockets' NBA Development League affiliate, it was announced today. The assignment marks the 48th time in the 2010-11 season an NBA player has been assigned to an NBA D-League affiliate, and it is the second assignment for Thabeet, a second-year pro out of Connecticut.

Thabeet, the No. 2 overall selection in the 2009 NBA Draft, is the 34th NBA player to be assigned to the NBA D-League this season, which is an all-time high. The Memphis Grizzlies, who drafted Thabeet, assigned him to the Dakota Wizards last season, where he averaged 13.8 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.8 blocks in six games.

Thabeet (7-3, 263) has appeared in 115 career NBA games, averaging 2.3 points and 2.8 rebounds in 10.9 minutes. As a rookie with Memphis last season, Thabeet led the NBA in blocks per 48 minutes with 4.84 (min. 60 games). He also averaged 11.4 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.8 blocks in five games with Memphis' 2010 NBA Summer League team. Thabeet has appeared in two games with Houston since joining the Rockets via trade on Feb. 24.

The first Tanzanian-born NBA player, Thabeet played three collegiate seasons at Connecticut, averaging 10.3 points, 8.5 rebounds and 4.17 blocks in 100 games. Thabeet led the Big East in blocks all three seasons, and his 4.17 average ranks 11th in NCAA history. Thabeet was an AP All-America Second Team selection and the Big East Co-Player of the Year in 2008-09. He was also named the Big East Defensive Player of the Year and National Defensive Player of the Year by the National Association of Basketball Coaches in both his sophomore and junior seasons.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Sioux Falls Acquires Dominique Scales - by Surujh Roopnarine
Looking to add depth in the front-court, the Sioux Falls Skyforce signed Dominique Scales this weekend. The 6-9 Scales, out of NCAA DII East Central, began this season with the Dakota Wizards. In 19 games with the Wizards the 27-year old Scales averaged 3.1 points and 2.3 rebounds in just over 12 minutes a game. He made his Skyforce debut on Sunday against Springfield, logging 12 minutes and scoring six points to go with four rebounds.

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

EBA

Wizards Defeat Game Marvels Squad - by EBA Media
It was a contest that the Wizards never led until about mid-way through the 4th quarter, when they used a deep balanced attack to overtake a game Marvels squad and defeat them 103-94.

The Marvels entered the contest with only 6 players and were led by Darnell Sneads 28 points and a strong effort from Dashawn Johnson with 21.

The Wizards were led by All Star point guard Aubin Scott with 28 points. Aubin placed constant pressure on the Marvels guards and finished the game with 5 steals.

It looked like two different games for thee Wizards who used their depth and size to wear down the Marvels, and utilized a smaller line up in the 4th quarter to bring home the victory.

The first half saw the Wizards use their size to pound away at a smaller but game Marvels squad. Shagari Alleyne (7'3' former Kentucky center) finished the game with 18 points and 10 rebounds. all Star power forward al Ndiaye finsihed with 8 points and 11 rebounds, and guard Tamien Trent finished the game with 16 points including 4 big free throws in the 4th quarter,

Darren Townes out of Hofstra added 20 points including an array of basket attacking dunks that left the crowd on it's feet.

'Darren was big for us tonight,' stated Wizards Head Coach Greg Cerillo 'We truly won this game because of our depth and ability to roll out an array of different line ups which created difficult match ups for our opponents.'

Up next for the Wizards - The Harrisburg Horizon on Saturday 3/26 at 7 PM at Robert Frost Middle School in Deer Park!

Standings

EBA Standings

Div.
1. New York W.		9-2
2. Destroyers		9-3
3. South Jersey E.		7-5
4. Harrisburg H.		5-6
5. North Jersey P.		4-8
6. Hudson V.H.		1-11
7. M. All-Stars		11-1
8. Washington M.		8-3
9. Winchester S.		6-5
10. Old Domin. M.		5-5
11. Carolina G.		4-6
12. NoVa H.		3-8
13. Portsmouth C.		2-11

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ESTONIA

Estonian EMKL round 30 best performance: Anthony Brown - by Eurobasket News
American forward Anthony Brown (203-F-86) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Valga/CKE Inkasso, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 30.
The 24-year old player had a double-double of 22 points and 18 rebounds, while his team beat TTU/Kalev II (#7, 10-19) 88-76. Valga/CKE is placed at 5th position in Estonian EMKL. Valga/CKE is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 12-17 record. In the team's last game Brown had a remarkable 58.3% from 2-point range. He turned to be Valga/CKE's top player in his first season with the team. Former Oklahoma State University star has very solid stats this year. Brown is in league's top in points (5th best: 16.8ppg), rebounds (2nd best: 11.4rpg) and averages impressive 56.2% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was young Rannar Raap (187-G/F-92) of Rapla. Raap had a very good evening with 28 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. It was enough for Rapla to edge the lower-ranked Voru KK (#9, 1-30) 94-88. Rapla's 6th position in the standings has not changed. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 12-17 record. Raap is one of the most experienced players at Rapla and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 16.0ppg (#6).

Third on the list of top players last round was former international guard Valmo Kriisa (190-G-74) of TTU/Kalev Tallinn (#3). Kriisa scored 22 points and grabbed eight rebounds. He was a key player of TTU/Kalev, leading his team to a 93-85 win against #4 ranked Rakvere in a game of the week. TTU/Kalev needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 22 victories and 7 lost games. Kriisa has a great season in Estonia. After 27 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in assists with 3.7apg (best passer). He also has FGP: 62.5% and 3PT: 47.5%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Curtis Allen (193-G-85) of Voru KK - 19 points, 16 rebounds and 5 assists
5. Ivars Timermanis (202-F-82) of Rakvere - 19 points and 13 rebounds
6. Bambale Osby (203-F-86) of TTU/Kalev - 15 points and 15 rebounds
7. Raimonds Vaikulis (191-G-80) of Rakvere - 27 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Indrek Kajupank (197-F-88) of Rapla - 20 points and 8 rebounds
9. Andrew Arnold (208-C-86) of TTU/Kalev II - 20 points and 11 rebounds
10. Juan Wyatt (203-F-84) of Voru KK - 16 points, 14 rebounds and 2 assists

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

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EUROLEAGUE

Playoffs injury report: Real Madrid loses Sergio Rodriguez - by Eurobasket News
With the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Playoffs just two days away, the eight surviving teams who would be champions of the competition saw their rosters in distinctly different levels of health after their last domestic games. The latest developments came out of the Spanish captial, where Real Madrid received a double-dose of bad news among its perimeter players. Point guard Sergio Rodriguez (191-G-86) suffered a thigh muscle tear that will make him miss the team's best-of-five series against Power Electronics Valencia. Rodriguez suffered the injury in the first half of a Spanish League road loss in overtime at Unicaja in Malaga on Saturday. In the second half of the same game, Madrid shooting ace Clay Tucker was wheeled off the floor on a stretcher. Tucker (196, 30) suffered a contusion on the right side of his back that left him motionless on the floor for several minutes. The club announced later on Saturday that Tucker's participation in Game 1 against Valencia on Tuesday is in doubt.

Rodriguez was averaging a team-high 3.3 assists and 6.9 points over the first 16 games of the Euroleague season for Madrid. His absence in the playoff series against Valencia leaves the team to rely mainly on veteran Pablo Prigioni at point guard, although combo guard Sergio Llull can also share ball-handling duties. During the Top 16, Prigioni had taken over from Rodriguez as Madrid's starting point and had increased his minutes to almost 26 per game.

In terms of minutes played, though not position, Madrid's loss of Rodriguez is roughly equivalent to the one that Valencia suffered in the break after the Top 16, with rebounding specialist James Augustine having been sidelined for up to a month. He, too, is expected to miss the entire series. It was only a month ago, during the middle of the Top 16, that Valencia lost its top performer this season, forward Victor Claver, to a season-ending knee injury. Although the team moved to get help last week by signing 44-year-old forward Darryl Middleton, he will not be eligible for the team's Euroleague roster.

While both teams in that series suffer injury problems, signs point in the other direction for other playoff teams, with key players coming back from injury. Most notable among them was All-Euroleague center Aleks Maric of Panathinaikos, who played his first game in four months on Friday, seeing 3 minutes, 41 seconds of floor time without scoring as the Greens defeated Aris in a domestic game. Panathinaikos visits Regal FC Barcelona on Tuesday to open their playoff series. In its last domestic game, Barcelona was without forward Joe Ingles, but he is expected to play in Game 1.

Another big man who missed the last two games of the Top 16, Ioannis Bourousis of Olympiacos, returned to lead the Reds with 17 points in their narrow Greek League victory on Friday against next-to-last place Ilysiakos. Point guard Milos Teodosic did not play in that game, but is thought to be ready for Game 1 of the playoffs against Montepaschi Siena on Tuesday. There is some doubt, however, about the status of shooter Marko Keselj, who has not played in a Euroleague game since February 2.

Among the players coming back from injury are two Siena stars, Bo McCalebb and Rimantas Kaukenas. Neither played in Siena's final Italian League tune-up on Saturday, an easy victory, but after missing the Top 16, McCalebb was practicing with the team late last week. Kaukenas, who had skipped the last Top 16 game to have minor knee surgery, is also thought to be in condition to play at least some minutes at the start of the series with Olympiacos. Siena forward Shaun Stonerook missed Saturday's game, but is expected at full strength on Tuesday.

Courtesy of Euroleague

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FRANCE

French ProA round 22 best performance: Damir Krupalija - by Eurobasket News
Bosnia and Herzegovina power forward Damir Krupalija (205-F/C-79) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 22.
The 31-year old player had a double-double of 25 points and 14 rebounds, while his team beat Paris-Levallois (#13, 8-14) 82-77. Hyeres-Toulon maintains the 6th position in French ProA. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Hyeres-Toulon will need more victories to improve their 13-9 record. In the team's last game Krupalija had a remarkable four three-pointers out of 9 attempts. He turned to be Hyeres-Toulon's top player in his first season with the team. Former University of Illinois star has very solid stats this year. Krupalija is in league's top in rebounds (2nd best: 9.0rpg) and averages impressive 54.8% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 33-year old American Christophe Massie (206-F/C-77, agency: Court Side) of Limoges CSP Elite. Massie had a very good evening with a double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds. Of course he lead Limoges to another comfortable win outscoring the higher-ranked Chalon (#3, 15-7) 93-62. Limoges' 15th position in the standings has not changed. 16 lost games are too many comparing to just six victories Limoges managed to get this year. Massie is a newcomer at Limoges, but is already one of team's top players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 17.0ppg (#4). He also registered 9.0 boards per game.

Third on the list of top players last round was American guard Ben Woodside (180-G-85, agency: Priority Sports) of Gravelines (#4). Woodside scored 21 points and passed nine assists. He was a key player of Gravelines, leading his team to a 71-69 win against the lower-ranked Strasbourg (#11, 9-13). Gravelines needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 15 victories and 7 lost games. Woodside has a great season in France. After 22 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 16.0ppg (7th best) and assists with 6.0apg (5th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Joao Paulo Batista (207-F/C-81) of Le Mans - 14 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists
5. Clifford Hammonds (191-G-85) of ASVEL - 21 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Chinemelu Elonu (208-F/C-87) of Pau-Lacq-Orthez - 13 points and 14 rebounds
7. Uche Nsonwu-Amadi (208-F/C-78) of Roanne - 9 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists
8. Nate Fox (206-F/C-77) of Le Havre - 14 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists
9. Ndudi Ebi (206-F-84) of Limoges - 14 points and 8 rebounds
10. Demetris Nichols (205-F-84) of Vichy - 23 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists

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

Stats Leaders - N1

Points Per Game

Larry BLAIR
  Denek
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 23.2

1. Blair, Denek	23.2
2. Kennedy, Orchy	19.0
3. Pridotkas, Brest	18.1
4. Petrovic, St Et.	17.9
5. Ford, Bordeaux	17.2
6. James, Challans	16.7
7. Blot, Blois	16.3
8. Lesieu, St Quentin	16.0
9. Disy, Roche	16.0
10. Lalugba, Denain	15.6

Rebounds Per Game

Petras BALOCKA
  Lievin
  (205-C-86)
  Avg: 9.3

1. Balocka, Lievin	9.3
2. Simmons, St Et.	8.7
3. Pasut, Sorgues	8.6
4. Grimm, Blois	8.3
5. Hoard, Lievin	8.1
6. Kennedy, Orchy	7.9
7. Lopez, Brest	7.7
8. Cilly, Orchy	7.7
9. Ford, Bordeaux	7.6
10. Alingue, Souffel	7.6

Assists Per Game

Julien CORTEY
  Le Puy
  (175-G-80)
  Avg: 6.6

1. Cortey, Le Puy	6.6
2. Brochard, Blois	6.5
3. Ramphort, Angers B.	5.0
4. Barbry, Orchy	4.4
5. Darrigand, Bordeaux	4.2
6. Rambur, St Quentin	4.2
7. Sauret, Denain	4.1
8. Thomas, St Etienne	3.7
9. Dessart, Lievin	3.6
10. Tillon, St Chamond	3.6

Steals Per Game

Larry BLAIR
  Denek
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Blair, Denek	2.7
2. Pistre, Le Puy	2.2
3. El Amrani, St Et.	2.0
4. Neri, Roche	2.0
5. Sauret, Denain	2.0
6. Ipouck, Le Puy	1.8
7. Roberts, Brest	1.7
8. James, Challans	1.7
9. Blot, Blois	1.7
10. Schmieder, Challans	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Jean-Stephane RINNA
  St Chamond
  (205-F-83)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Rinna, St Chamond	1.8
2. Ford, Bordeaux	1.7
3. Alingue, Souffel	1.6
4. Traore, Angers B.	1.6
5. Pasut, Sorgues	1.2
6. Lalugba, Denain	1.2
7. Kolb, Blois	1.1
8. Ipouck, Le Puy	1.1
9. Kennedy, Orchy	1.0
10. Pourchot, CFBB	0.9

Standings - N1

NM1 Standings

1. Bordeaux		23-4
2. Denain		20-7
3. Brest		17-10
4. Angers BC 49		17-10
5. St Etienne		16-11
6. Sorgues		15-12
7. St Quentin		15-12
8. Blois		15-12
9. Le Puy		13-13
10. Challans		12-14
11. St Chamond		12-15
12. Orchy		12-15
13. Souffel		12-15
14. Denek		12-15
15. Lievin		11-16
16. Get Vosges		9-18
17. Roche		7-20
18. CFBB		4-23

Stats Leaders - ProA

Points Per Game

Demetris NICHOLS
  Vichy
  (205-F-84)
  Avg: 18.3

1. Nichols, Vichy	18.3
2. Darden, Nancy	18.1
3. Mejia, Cholet	17.9
4. Massie, Limoges	17.0
5. Jefferson, AS.	16.9
6. Hughes, Hyeres-T.	16.8
7. Woodside, Gravelines	16.0
8. King, Le Havre	15.8
9. Haynes, Chalon	15.5
10. Hamilton, Paris-.	15.1

Rebounds Per Game

Christophe MASSIE
  Limoges
  (206-F/C-77)
  Avg: 9

1. Massie, Limoges	9.0
2. Krupalija, Hyeres.	9.0
3. Akingbala, Nancy	8.5
4. Issa, Gravelines	8.5
5. Jones, Le Havre	8.4
6. Koffi, Le Mans	7.6
7. Elegar, Vichy	7.5
8. Nsonwu-Amadi, Roa.	7.4
9. Jefferson, AS.	7.2
10. Falker, Cholet	7.2

Assists Per Game

Kareem REID
  Rouen
  (178-G-75)
  Avg: 6.3

1. Reid, Vichy	6.3
2. King, Le Havre	6.2
3. Linehan, Nancy	6.2
4. Wright, Limoges	6.1
5. Woodside, Gravelines	6.0
6. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.	5.6
7. Walsh, AS.	5.1
8. Diabate, Roanne	5.0
9. Schilb, Chalon	4.7
10. Sciarra, Pau-La.	4.7

Steals Per Game

John LINEHAN
  Nancy
  (175-G-78)
  Avg: 3.7

1. Linehan, Nancy	3.7
2. Diot, Le Mans	2.4
3. Dobbins, Hyeres-T.	2.3
4. Walsh, AS.	2.3
5. Darden, Nancy	2.0
6. Sangare, Le Havre	1.8
7. Diabate, Roanne	1.8
8. Albicy, Paris-Le.	1.7
9. Elegar, Vichy	1.7
10. Greer, Strasbourg	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Cyril AKPOMEDAH
  Gravelines
  (203-F-79)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Akpomedah, Grave.	1.7
2. Issa, Gravelines	1.6
3. Elonu, Pau-Lacq.	1.4
4. Sene, Gravelines	1.3
5. Jefferson, AS.	1.3
6. Falker, Cholet	1.3
7. Akingbala, Nancy	1.3
8. Pasco, Strasbourg	1.2
9. Koffi, Le Mans	1.2
10. Fofana, AS.	1.1

Stats Leaders - ProB

Points Per Game

Moses SONKO
  Maurienne
  (196-F-83)
  Avg: 19

1. Sonko, Maurienne	19.0
2. Harris, Lille	18.3
3. Siggers, Rouen	18.3
4. Carter, Nanterre	18.2
5. Gay, Fos Ouest	16.7
6. Milbourne, Boulogne	16.3
7. Rouse, Charleville	15.9
8. Watson, Evreux	15.8
9. Barnette, Lille	15.6
10. Davis, Le Portel	15.3

Rebounds Per Game

Korvotney BARBER
  Nantes
  (201-F-87)
  Avg: 10.5

1. Barber, Nantes	10.5
2. Daniels, Chalons-.	9.9
3. Mathis, Maurienne	9.7
4. Bing, Dijon	8.7
5. Monds, Bourg	8.4
6. Rouse, Charleville	8.4
7. Giles, Rouen	8.1
8. Monroe, Boulogne	8.1
9. Badiane, Boulazac	7.9
10. McClark, Charleville	7.7

Assists Per Game

Philippe DA SILVA
  Evreux
  (192-G-79)
  Avg: 8.1

1. Da Silva, Evreux	8.1
2. Rowland, Le Portel	6.4
3. Downey, Nantes	5.8
4. Patiejunas, Boulo.	5.5
5. Williams, Le Portel	5.0
6. Taylor, Rouen	5.0
7. Craven, Dijon	4.8
8. Oliver, Bourg	4.7
9. Denave, St Vallier	4.7
10. Mullins, Chalons-.	4.6

Steals Per Game

Jara DOYNE
  Szedeak
  (193-G/F-84)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Doyne, Charleville	2.6
2. Shiloh, St Vallier	2.6
3. Daniels, Chalons-.	2.6
4. Sonko, Maurienne	2.4
5. Patiejunas, Boulo.	2.3
6. Riley, Nanterre	2.3
7. Craven, Dijon	2.2
8. Melody, Dijon	2.1
9. Mullins, Chalons-.	2.0
10. Hachad, Fos Ouest	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Sherman GAY
  Fos Ouest
  (201-F-82)
  Avg: 2

1. Gay, Fos Ouest	2.0
2. Jefferson, Quimper	1.4
3. Monds, Bourg	1.0
4. Barber, Nantes	1.0
5. Adjiwanou, Boula.	0.9
6. N''Diaye, Clermont	0.9
7. Taccoen, Lille	0.8
8. Daniels, Nanterre	0.8
9. Davis, Evreux	0.8
10. Diakite, Chalons-.	0.8

NM1 Round 27: Etendard de Brest loses to Saint-Quentin - by Eurobasket News
The fans could enjoy quite many interesting games in the last round. It ended with few extra overtimes, favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin.

The game between third ranked Etendard de Brest (17-10) and eighth ranked Saint-Quentin (15-12) was the most important one in the last round on Saturday night. Etendard de Brest was crushed by Saint-Quentin in Saint-Quentin 56-85. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Etendard de Brest. The game without a history. Saint-Quentin led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Saint-Quentin forced 27 Etendard de Brest turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. It was a good game for forward Julien Lesieu (199-F-83) who led his team to a victory with 22 points and 6 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field). American guard Keonta Howell (193-85, college: Toledo) contributed with 22 points for the winners. Center Rafael Lopez (204-86) answered with 16 points and 8 rebounds for Etendard de Brest. Saint-Quentin moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Blois and Sorgues. Etendard de Brest at the other side keeps the third position with ten games lost. They share it with Angers BC 49. Saint-Quentin is looking forward to face bottom-ranked CFBB (#18) in Paris in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Etendard de Brest will play at home against Le Puy ASMB (#9) in Le Puy en Velay and is hoping to win this game.
NM1 top team - Bordeaux (23-4) managed to deliver another win. This time they beat eighteenth ranked CFBB (4-23) 102-90. It was a great evening for guard Gauthier Darrigand (184-82) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 30 points, 10 assists and 5 steals (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line). John Ford helped adding 28 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. The best for the losing side was guard Ulysse Adjagba (184-93) with 18 points and 5 rebounds. CFBB's coach Jacques Commeres rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Bordeaux maintains first place with 23-4 record. CFBB at the other side stay dead last with 23 lost games. Bordeaux will play against Saint Chamond (#11) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. CFBB will play against Saint-Quentin (#7) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
12th ranked Orchesien BC (12-15) fell to fifteenth ranked Lievin Basket (11-16) in overtime by three points 77-80 on Saturday night. It was an exceptional evening for Derrick Russell who led the winners and scored 17 points and 6 rebounds (perfect from the field making all eight shots !!!). Lievin Basket's coach Laurent Mopsus used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Gabriel Kennedy came up with 27 points and 9 rebounds for Orchesien BC in the defeat. Lievin Basket maintains fifteenth place with 11-16 record. Newly promoted Orchesien BC dropped to the eleventh position with 15 games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Lievin Basket will meet higher ranked Denek (#14) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Orchesien BC will play against Roche and hope to secure a win.
Get Vosges (9-18) escaped against Souffelweyersheim (12-15) in overtime by five points 90-85. Get Vosges maintains sixteenth place with 9-18 record. Souffelweyersheim lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team dropped to the eleventh position with 15 games lost. Get Vosges' next round opponent will be higher ranked Saint-Etienne (#5) on the road and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
Important game to mention about took place in Challans. Sixth ranked Saint-Etienne (16-11) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging 9th ranked Vendee Challans (12-14) 75-72 on Saturday evening. It was a good game for Djordje Petrovic who led his team to a victory with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Saint-Etienne have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to fifth place. Vendee Challans lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the tenth position with 14 games lost. Saint-Etienne will face Get Vosges (#16) in Golbey in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Vendee Challans will play on the road against Angers BC 49 (#4).

There were no big surprises in other games of round 27: Denek was beaten by Sorgues on the road 77-70. Roche lost to Angers BC 49 on its own court 74-84. Blois was outscored by Le Puy in Le Puy en Velay 66-90. Denain managed to beat St Chamond at home 85-77.

Challans - St Etienne 72-75

Important game to mention about took place in Challans. Sixth ranked Saint-Etienne (16-11) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging 9th ranked Vendee Challans (12-14) 75-72 on Saturday evening. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Vendee Challans won fourth quarter 20-14. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Saint-Etienne made 16-of-19 free shots (84.2 percent) during the game. Saint-Etienne had a 26-15 advantage in offensive rebounds. Vendee Challans was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a good game for Serbian forward Djordje Petrovic (202-84) who led his team to a victory with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Guard Xavier Gaillou (190-89) contributed with 15 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists (perfect behind the arc making all five shots) for the winners. Four Saint-Etienne players scored in double figures. Forward Benjamin Boutry (198-80) answered with 27 points and 7 rebounds and guard Regis Boissie (180-78) added 17 points in the effort for Vendee Challans. Saint-Etienne have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to fifth place. Vendee Challans lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the tenth position with 14 games lost. Saint-Etienne will face Get Vosges (#16) in Golbey in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Vendee Challans will play on the road against Angers BC 49 (#4).
Top scorers:
St Etienne: D.Petrovic 16+7reb+3ast, X.Gaillou 15+6reb+4ast, B.Thomas 14+1reb+2ast, S.Hermenier 10+3reb+2ast, R.El Amrani 7+8reb+1ast, L.Simmons 7+6reb+1ast
Challans: B.Boutry 27+7reb, R.Boissie 17+2reb, F.Herard 8+2reb+3ast, R.Yanders 7+3ast, C.Sauzeau 6+1reb+2ast, J.Geay 5+2reb+1ast

St Quentin - Brest 85-56

The game between third ranked Etendard de Brest (17-10) and eighth ranked Saint-Quentin (15-12) was the most important one in the last round on Saturday night. Etendard de Brest was crushed by Saint-Quentin in Saint-Quentin 56-85. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Etendard de Brest. The game without a history. Saint-Quentin led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Saint-Quentin forced 27 Etendard de Brest turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. It was a good game for forward Julien Lesieu (199-83) who led his team to a victory with 22 points and 6 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field). American guard Keonta Howell (193-85, college: Toledo) contributed with 22 points for the winners. Center Rafael Lopez (204-86) answered with 16 points and 8 rebounds and American power forward Rolan Roberts (201-78, college: S.Illinois, agency: Warren Sports International) added 10 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists in the effort for Etendard de Brest. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Saint-Quentin moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Blois and Sorgues. Etendard de Brest at the other side keeps the third position with ten games lost. They share it with Angers BC 49. Saint-Quentin is looking forward to face bottom-ranked CFBB (#18) in Paris in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Etendard de Brest will play at home against Le Puy ASMB (#9) in Le Puy en Velay and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
St Quentin: J.Lesieu 22+6reb+3ast, K.Howell 22+1ast, M.Diallo 16+1reb+2ast, D.Sencanski 10+1reb+4ast, J.Bach 4, R.N'Kembe 3+4reb
Brest: R.Lopez 16+8reb+1ast, V.Pridotkas 11+4reb, J.Doreau 11+5reb+1ast, R.Roberts 10+10reb+5ast, J.Blanchot 4+1reb+1ast, J.Liorel 2+2reb+2ast

Sorgues - Denek 77-70

No shocking result in a game when seventh ranked Sorgues (15-12) beat at home 14th ranked Denek (12-15) 77-70 on Saturday. Denek was trailing by 3 points at halftime but managed to get 3-point lead after three quarters before a 25-15 charge of Sorgues, which allowed them to win the game. It was a good game for Serbian forward Slobodan Ocokoljic (204-80, college: Weber St.) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 13 rebounds (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line). Center Xavier Pasut (200-84) contributed with 6 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. American guard Larry Blair (183-84, college: Liberty, agency: JEMsports) answered with 21 points and 6 rebounds and forward Boris Elisabeth-Mesnager (201-83, college: California, PA) added 15 points in the effort for Denek. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Sorgues moved-up to sixth place, which they share with St Quentin and Blois. Loser Denek dropped to the eleventh position with 15 games lost. Sorgues will face Blois (#8) on the road in the next round. Denek will play against Lievin Basket.
Top scorers:
Sorgues: S.Ocokoljic 20+13reb+3ast, A.Thinon 17+3reb+2ast, Y.Bassine 13+3ast, S.Mekad 10+1reb+2ast, X.Pasut 6+12reb+6ast, F.Pehoua-Tara-Ngoyi 5+2reb
Denek: L.Blair 21+6reb+2ast, B.Elisabeth-Mesnager 15+4reb+1ast, C.Mansare 13+2reb+4ast, F.Calvez 12+3reb+1ast, B.Rey 9+8reb, C.Clemmons 0

Roche - Angers BC 49 74-84

Very expected game when 17th ranked Roche (7-20) lost at home to fourth ranked Angers BC 49 (17-10) 84-74 on Saturday. The game was mostly controlled by Angers BC 49. Roche was better in third quarter 22-12. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 16-of-18 free shots (88.9 percent) during the game. It was a good game for guard Tony Ramphort (176-82) who led his team to a victory with 18 points and 9 assists. Guard Sebastien Cherasse (184-84) contributed with 20 points and 5 assists for the winners. Four Angers BC 49 players scored in double figures. Forward Harry Disy (201-84, college: Louisiana Tech) answered with 19 points and 6 rebounds (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line) and American forward Wayne Morris (198-77, college: Shippensburg) added 16 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Roche. Angers BC 49 moved-up to third place, which they share with Brest. Newly promoted Roche keeps the seventeenth position with 20 games lost. Angers BC 49 will face Vendee Challans (#10) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Roche will play against Orchesien BC (#12) in Orchies.
Top scorers:
Angers BC 49: S.Cherasse 20+4reb+5ast, T.Ramphort 18+2reb+9ast, J.Traore 14+5reb+1ast, D.Griffin 11+7reb+1ast, T.Lonzieme 7+5reb, V.Mendy 6+4reb
Roche: H.Disy 19+6reb+2ast, W.Morris 16+8reb+2ast, F.Bateko 11+1reb+1ast, F.Monpounga 9+4reb, D.Anthony Lewis 8+2reb+3ast, C.Audouard 6+3reb+2ast

Le Puy - Blois 90-66

There was a surprise result when tenth ranked Le Puy ASMB (13-13) rolled over higher ranked Blois (15-12) in Le Puy en Velay 90-66 on Saturday. The hosts trailed by 3 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 3-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 90-66. Le Puy ASMB forced 19 Blois turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 31 assists comparing to just 16 passes made by Blois' players. It was a good game for center Cyril Guillarme (206-84) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 13 rebounds. Guard Julien Cortey (175-80) contributed with 9 points, 6 rebounds and 18 assists for the winners. Four Le Puy ASMB players scored in double figures. Center Olivier Kolb (205-87) answered with 15 points and 6 rebounds and swingman Benjamin Recoura (198-84) added 10 points in the effort for Blois. Blois' coach Nicolas Faure gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Le Puy ASMB moved-up to ninth place. Loser Blois dropped to the sixth position with 12 games lost. Le Puy ASMB will face higher ranked Etendard de Brest (#3) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
Top scorers:
Le Puy: C.Guillarme 25+13reb+1ast, D.Pistre 20+2reb+5ast, S.Soliman 17+2reb, S.Cabarkapa 11+7reb, J.Cortey 9+6reb+18ast, G.Sene 8+2reb+6ast
Blois: O.Kolb 15+6reb+1ast, W.Kai 12+1reb, B.Recoura 10+4reb, Z.Alao 7+5reb+1ast, K.Williams 7+5reb+2ast, J.Blot 7+3reb+1ast

Bordeaux - CFBB 102-90

NM1 top team - Bordeaux (23-4) managed to deliver another win. This time they beat eighteenth ranked CFBB (4-23) 102-90. The game was mostly controlled by Bordeaux. CFBB was better in second period 22-14. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists comparing to just 10 passes made by CFBB's players. It was a great evening for guard Gauthier Darrigand (184-82) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 30 points, 10 assists and 5 steals (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line). American center John Ford (207-78, college: Colorado St.) helped adding 28 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. The best for the losing side was guard Ulysse Adjagba (184-93) with 18 points and 5 rebounds and swingman Hugo Invernizzi (196-93) scored 15 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. CFBB's coach Jacques Commeres rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Bordeaux maintains first place with 23-4 record. CFBB at the other side stay dead last with 23 lost games. Bordeaux will play against Saint Chamond (#11) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. CFBB will play against Saint-Quentin (#7) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Bordeaux: G.Darrigand 30+4reb+10ast, J.Ford 28+9reb+4ast, M.Doubal 21+2reb+2ast, R.Dardaine 10+7reb+3ast, M.Diaw 4+7reb, A.M'Boup 4
CFBB: U.Adjagba 18+5reb+2ast, A.Racine 17+1reb, H.Invernizzi 15+5reb+4ast, J.Livio 10+7reb+1ast, M.Jaiteh 8+11reb, A.Chassang 7+1reb

Get Vosges - Souffel 90-85 OT

Get Vosges (9-18) escaped against Souffelweyersheim (12-15) in overtime by five points 90-85. Souffelweyersheim was ahead by 2 points after three quarters before a 20-18 charge of Get Vosges, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time. They were better in overtime eventually winning that period 20-15. Get Vosges maintains sixteenth place with 9-18 record. Souffelweyersheim lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team dropped to the eleventh position with 15 games lost. Get Vosges' next round opponent will be higher ranked Saint-Etienne (#5) on the road and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.

Denain - St Chamond 85-77

Not a big story in a game when 11th ranked Saint Chamond (12-15) lost on the road to second ranked Denain Voltaire (20-7) 85-77 on Saturday. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 22-18. But Saint Chamond won second period 18-15. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Saint Chamond was plagued by 28 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a good game for American-Liberian power forward Boakai Lalugba (200-81, college: Bucknell, agency: Court Side) who led his team to a victory with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Guard Frederic Minet (187-81) contributed with 22 points for the winners. Naturalized DR Congolese guard Jean-Paul LanduBongo (187-85) answered with 20 points and forward Regis Aubry (199-82) added 12 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for Saint Chamond. Four Saint Chamond players scored in double figures. Denain Voltaire maintains second place with 20-7 record having just three points less than leader Bordeaux. Loser Saint Chamond keeps the eleventh position with 15 games lost. Denain Voltaire will face Souffelweyersheim (#13) in Souffel. in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Saint Chamond will play at home against the league's leader Bordeaux.
Top scorers:
Denain: F.Minet 22+2reb, B.Lalugba 17+9reb+1ast, R.Brocheray 10+9reb+2ast, J.Sauret 9+7reb+5ast, A.Belkessa 9+1reb+3ast, J.Mihalic 8+8reb+3ast
St Chamond: J.LanduBongo 20+4reb+1ast, R.Aubry 12+10reb+2ast, R.Jacon 11, J.Rinna 11+3reb+1ast, T.Viglianco 10+12reb, A.Laroche 7+5reb

Lievin - Orchy 80-77 OT

12th ranked Orchesien BC (12-15) fell to fifteenth ranked Lievin Basket (11-16) in overtime by three points 77-80 on Saturday night. The hosts trailed by 2 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 11-point lead at the halftime then Orchesien BC managed to tie the game at the end of regular time. However that was Lievin Basket who were better in overtime eventually winning that period 5-2. It was an exceptional evening for American center Derrick Russell (207-82, college: Auburn-Montgomery) who led the winners and scored 17 points and 6 rebounds (perfect from the field making all eight shots !!!). Naturalized American forward Antwon Hoard (199-72, college: Murray St., agency: ACMT) accounted for 13 points and 9 rebounds for the winning side. Five Lievin Basket players scored in double figures. Lievin Basket's coach Laurent Mopsus used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. American power forward Gabriel Kennedy (205-81, college: UAB, agency: R.H.Consultancy) came up with 27 points and 9 rebounds and guard Emilien Barbry (188-83) added 16 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists respectively for Orchesien BC in the defeat. Lievin Basket maintains fifteenth place with 11-16 record. Newly promoted Orchesien BC dropped to the eleventh position with 15 games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Lievin Basket will meet higher ranked Denek (#14) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Orchesien BC will play against Roche and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Lievin: A.Pierre-Joseph 18+2reb+2ast, D.Russell 17+6reb+2ast, S.Cretaux 14+3reb+2ast, A.Hoard 13+9reb+1ast, G.Clerc 11+2reb+4ast, P.Balocka 5+7reb
Orchy: G.Kennedy 27+9reb+1ast, E.Barbry 16+6reb+6ast, D.Cilly 15+12reb, M.Ceskovic 8+2ast, M.Niakate 7+2reb+1ast, O.Soeria 2

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FYR MACEDONIA

Knezevic's double-double lands him (Second Stage) Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
30-year old center Dusan Knezevic (207-C-80, agency: BeoExcell) put on an amazing game in the last round for league's best team Feni Indistrija and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 6 (Second Stage).
He had a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds, while his team outclassed Lirija (#6, 8-16) with 28-point margin 93-65. It allowed Feni Indistrija to consolidate first place in the FYR Macedonian league. Feni Indistrija has a very good season and are considered to have a run for the championship title. They improved their record to 22-2. It's Knezevic's second year at Feni Indistrija and it's hard to imagine this team without him. Dusan Knezevic averages this season 11.5ppg and 7.1rpg.

Second best performed player last round was Branko Janeski (203-F-87) of Ovce Pole. He is a forward in his first season at Ovce Pole. In the last game Janeski recorded impressive 33 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists. Of course he lead Ovce Pole to another comfortable win outscoring slightly lower-ranked Ultimate Basket (#-3, 5-16) 101-63. This victory allowed Ovce Pole to move up to -4th position in Play OUT. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 7-14 record. Janeski is one of the most experienced players at Ovce Pole and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to center Miroslav Petrovski (208-C-88) of Ultimate Basket (#-3). Petrovski scored 23 points. Despite Petrovski's great performance Ultimate Basket lost 63-101 to #-4 ranked Ovce Pole. But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates especially in such crucial game. Ultimate Basket can only dream about fighting for top spots in Play OUT. They have rather bad season and 5-16 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Petrovski he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Petrovski has individually a great season in FYR Macedonia. After only 3 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in assists with 0.7apg (5th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Slavisa Janeski (183-G-90) of Ultimate Basket - 27 points and 4 assists
5. Vojdan Stojanovski (194-G-87) of Feni Indistrija - 12 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists
6. Dimitar Mirakovski (180-G-81) of Rabotnicki - 18 points, 3 rebounds and 6 assists
7. Bojan Trajkovski (206-C/F-88) of Torus Skopje - 16 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Jove Kurciev (197-F-87) of Ovce Pole - 16 points
9. Pero Blazevski (200-C-72) of Rabotnicki - 13 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists
10. John Chappell (208-C) of ABA Strumica - 5 points and 11 rebounds

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

Stats Leaders - Superleague

Points Per Game

Darko MATIC
  Kumanovo 2009
  (192-G-84)
  Avg: 21.9

1. Matic, Kumanovo.	21.9
2. Jovanovic, Ultima.	20.3
3. Trajkovski, Torus S.	17.3
4. Petkovski, Pelist.	16.8
5. Morban, Lirija	16.4
6. Filipovic, Ovce Pole	16.4
7. Mirakovski, Rabot.	16.3
8. Jelesijevic, Ovce P.	16.1
9. Nikolovski, MZT S.	15.8
10. Blazevski, Rabotnicki	15.0

Rebounds Per Game

Gjorgje JOVANOVIC
  Ultimate Basket
  (209-C-80)
  Avg: 10.6

1. Jovanovic, Ultima.	10.6
2. Jelesijevic, Ovce P.	9.9
3. Jovanovic, Lirija	9.3
4. Pavlovski, Lirija	8.9
5. Nikolovski, MZT S.	8.9
6. Trajkovski, Torus S.	8.2
7. Talevski, Pelist.	8.1
8. Jelesijevic, Torus S.	8.1
9. Chappell, ABA S.	7.5
10. Rejnerio, Lirija	7.1

Assists Per Game

Carlos MORBAN
  Lirija
  (187-G-82)
  Avg: 5.1

1. Morban, Lirija	5.1
2. Mirakovski, Rabot.	5.0
3. Kostovski, Torus S.	5.0
4. Blazevski, Rabotnicki	4.0
5. Petrovski, MZT S.	3.9
6. Mladenovic, Ultima.	3.7
7. Lazic, Ultimate.	3.3
8. Samardziev, Feni I.	3.0
9. Vukotic, Kumanovo.	2.9
10. Sokolov, Feni I.	2.7

Steals Per Game

Gjorgi ANAKIEVSKI
  Pelister Bitola
  (185-G-85)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Anakievski, Pelist.	2.5
2. Petrovski, MZT S.	1.7
3. Stojanovski, Feni I.	1.6
4. Dimcevski, Torus S.	1.5
5. Boswell, ABA S.	1.4
6. Mladenovic, Ultima.	1.4
7. Azemi, Lirija	1.3
8. Blazevski, Rabotnicki	1.3
9. Morban, Lirija	1.3
10. Gocevski, MZT S.	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Bojan TRAJKOVSKI
  Torus Skopje
  (206-C/F-88)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Trajkovski, Torus S.	1.9
2. Chappell, ABA S.	1.6
3. Jelesijevic, Torus S.	1.5
4. Petric, Kumanovo.	1.1
5. Jelesijevic, Ovce P.	1.1
6. Krstevski, Torus S.	1.0
7. Avramovski, MZT S.	1.0
8. Gocevski, Rabotnicki	1.0
9. Dendra, Rabotnicki	0.9
10. Frye, Feni Indistrija	0.8

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GEORGIA

Berishvili's 27 points and 9 rebounds give him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
23-year old forward Mikheil Berishvili (205-F-87) put on an amazing game in the last round for second-ranked TSU Tbilisi and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 18.
He had the game-high 27 points adding nine rebounds and four assists for TSU Tbilisi in his team's victory, helping them to crush Batumi (#9, 5-11) with 20-point margin 104-84. TSU Tbilisi maintains the 2nd position in Georgian league. They are still close to the very top. TSU Tbilisi would have been even better if they kept winning the games like in the last round. They have a solid 14-3 record. Berishvili just recently signed at TSU Tbilisi, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Berishvili has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in points (3rd best: 22.6ppg), rebounds (3rd best: 10.4rpg) and averages solid 2.7spg and 50.8% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Richard Damus (198-F-83) of Sokhumi Tbilisi. He is American forward in his first season at Sokhumi. In the last game Damus recorded impressive 21 points and 8 rebounds. Bad luck as Sokhumi was edged by slightly higher-ranked Kutaisi (#3, 12-4) 82-81. Sokhumi managed to keep the same 5th spot in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 10-7 record is not bad and everything may still change. Damus is a newcomer at Sokhumi and quickly became one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to center Giorgi Kvelashvili (206-C-81) of Batumi (#9). Kvelashvili scored 21 points and grabbed eleven rebounds (!!!). Despite Kvelashvili's great performance Batumi lost 84-104 to the higher-ranked TSU Tbilisi (#2, 14-3). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Batumi not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 11 games, recording just five victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Kvelashvili could try to bring Batumi's a little bit higher in the standings. Kvelashvili has a very solid season. In 6 games in Georgia he scored 13.5ppg. He also has 8.2rpg and FGP: 63.6%. Giorgi Kvelashvili has also Georgian passport and can play in the league with a status of domestic player.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Buba Kvimsadze (195-G-82) of Kutaisi - 15 points, 5 rebounds and 10 assists
5. Giorgi Barbakadze (203-F-91) of Kutaisi - 25 points and 9 rebounds
6. Akaki Dvalishvili (206-C-90) of Samedicino - 19 points and 8 rebounds
7. Lasha Keshelava (200-F-81) of Batumi - 21 points and 3 rebounds
8. Luka Khmelidze (195-G-92) of Energy Rustavi - 19 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Anatoliy Boisa (195-G/F-83) of Army - 17 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists
10. Irakli Shanidze (199-F-82) of Sokhumi - 12 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists

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

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GERMANY

ProB Play-outs Round 2 of Quarter-Finals - by Eurobasket News

Group Play-outs

Schwenningen - ALBA Berlin II 68-87

The guests trailed by 1 point at the halftime before their 53-33 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Forward Tobias Grauel (195-86) fired 23 points for the winners. Guard Joshiko Saibou (188-90) chipped in 15 points and 7 rebounds. Five ALBA Berlin II players scored in double figures. American guard Blake Young (188-85, college: Kansas St.) produced 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and his fellow American import forward Brice Brooks (201-86, college: Sacred Heart) added 17 points and 10 rebounds respectively for lost side.
Top scorers:
ALBA Berlin II: T.Grauel 23+2reb+1ast, J.Ney 18+5reb, M.Ziegenhagen 17+4reb+1ast, J.Saibou 15+7reb+3ast, A.Seiferth 10+14reb+1ast, E.Muller 3+1reb
Schwenningen: B.Young 20+6reb+4ast, B.Brooks 17+10reb, J.Fikiel 13+7reb, C.Gundlach 6, M.Schlafke 4+1reb+1ast, M.Hallgrimson 4

Konstanz - Rist-Wedel 93-76

The hosts trailed by 8 points after first quarter, but they stormed back and won the game by 17 points. Baskets Konstanz made 20-of-21 free shots (95.2 percent) during the game. They also forced 20 SC Rist Wedel turnovers and outrebounded them 34-23 including a 25-13 advantage in defensive rebounds. American power forward Robinson Louisme (201-84, college: Tulane) fired 20 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. The other American import guard Michael Lay (175-83, college: Concordia (OR)) chipped in 22 points, 6 assists and 5 steals. Four Baskets Konstanz players scored in double figures. Center Peter Huber-Saffer (208-80, agency: Court Side) produced 25 points and 5 rebounds and American forward David Gomez (201-85, college: Tulane) added 14 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. SC Rist Wedel's coach tested twelve players seeing no chance for a win.
Top scorers:
Konstanz: M.Lay 22+3reb+6ast, R.Louisme 20+9reb+2ast, P.Leidig 12+2reb+1ast, M.Radulovic 11+2reb+2ast, L.Menck 11+2reb+1ast, E.Foth 8+8reb+2ast
Rist-Wedel: P.Huber-Saffer 25+5reb+1ast, D.Gomez 14+6reb+2ast, M.Leger 7+3reb, J.Laatzen 6+2reb, M.Duah 6+2reb+2ast, M.Pompey 6+1reb

Bernau - Gotha 84-80

Bernau overcame Gotha to win the series 2-0.

Wolfenbuettel - Dt.Bank SKY II 82-93 OT

Deutsche Bank Skyliners II made 23-of-27 free shots (85.2 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Christopher Rojik (200-74, college: Holy Cross) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 23 points and 13 rebounds and the other American import guard Ryan Staudacher (193-87, college: Montana) who added 33 points (!!!) during the contest. At the losing side American forward Justin Sexton (203-88, college: Pomona-Pitzer) responded with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 13 rebounds and swingman Henje Knopke (193-85) scored 13 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists and 5 steals. Four Deutsche Bank Skyliners II and five Herzoege Wolfenbuettel players scored in double figures. Herzoege Wolfenbuettel's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Dt.Bank SKY II: R.Staudacher 33+4reb, C.Rojik 23+13reb+2ast, B.Nicolay 13+4reb+2ast, F.Theilig 13+4reb+9ast, T.Oldenburg 7+5reb+1ast, F.Franke 3+1ast
Wolfenbuettel: S.Schubert 15+6reb, H.Knopke 13+6reb+7ast, J.Sexton 12+13reb+1ast, C.Rodgers 12+4reb+3ast, B.Giles 11+2reb+1ast, D.Nawrocki 8

ProB Round 1 of Quarter-Finals - by Eurobasket News
Leitershofen - Vechta 73-84

Leitershofen was ahead by 2 points at the halftime before a 40-27 second half run of SC Rasta Vechta. Strangely Leitershofen outrebounded SC Rasta Vechta 32-19 including 26 on the defensive glass. Americans were the main players on the court. Guard Eric Reid (185-84, college: Cameron) nailed 26 points and 5 assists for the winning side and forward Marcus King-Stockton (206-85, college: Colorado) accounted for 12 points and 5 rebounds. King-Stockton is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Four SC Rasta Vechta players scored in double figures. Center Devin Uskoski (198-85, college: Rocky Mountain) came up with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 13 rebounds and guard Michael Mathey (188-87, college: W.Liberty St.) added 13 points and 6 assists respectively for Leitershofen in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Vechta: E.Reid 26+2reb+5ast, C.Thompson 13+2reb+1ast, M.King-Stockton 12+5reb, D.Krause 11, M.Moelle 6+3reb, A.Jarchow 5+1reb+2ast
Leitershofen: J.Genck 15+2reb+3ast, M.Mathey 13+3reb+6ast, D.Uskoski 12+13reb+1ast, D.Veney 6+5reb+2ast, V.Zenk 6+2reb, L.Vrkas 5+2reb+1ast

Herten - NBC 61-63

The guests trailed by 8 points at the halftime before their 38-28 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. NBC outrebounded Hertener Loewen 35-24 including 27 on the defensive glass. American guard Ahmad Smith (194-84, college: St.Bonaventure) stepped up and scored 4 points, 7 rebounds and 14 assists for the winners and swingman Cornelius Adler (195-89) chipped in 13 points. At the losing side American swingman Marcus Monk (198-86, college: Arkansas) responded with 21 points and 6 rebounds and power forward Christoph Hackenesch (204-86) produced a double-double by scoring 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Top scorers:
NBC: W.Chavis 14+2reb, C.Adler 13+3reb+1ast, J.Reile 10+2reb, D.Schneider 7+6reb, S.Schroeder 6+4reb+1ast, D.Yates 5+3reb
Herten: M.Monk 21+6reb+3ast, V.Kittmann 18+1reb, C.Hackenesch 14+11reb+1ast, C.Marquardt 3, N.Schulwitz 3+2reb+1ast, M.Berger 1+2reb+3ast

Licher Baeren - Giessen 65-77

The game was mostly controlled by Giessen Pointers. Licher Baeren managed to win third quarter 22-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Forward Felix Rotaru (200-79) fired a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Jamaican-American forward Kimmani Barrett (198-87, college: La Salle) chipped in 15 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists. Barrett is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Four Giessen Pointers players scored in double figures. American guard Willis Gardner (185-86, college: Colorado St., agency: Stanley International) produced 19 points and power forward Peer Wente (203-77) added 16 points respectively for lost side.
Top scorers:
Giessen: F.Rotaru 16+11reb+1ast, K.Barrett 15+5reb+7ast, M.Johnson 15+1reb+1ast, Z.Pavlovic 12+3reb+1ast, P.Unger 7+4reb, S.Rotaru 6+6reb
Licher Baeren: W.Gardner 19+3reb+2ast, P.Wente 16+1reb+1ast, A.Willemsen 9+6reb+1ast, T.Fairley 8+8reb, R.Christen 6+2reb, V.Klassen 3+5reb+2ast

Ehingen - Langen 83-41

The game without a history. Ehingen/Urspringschule led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding TV 1862 Langen to just 4 points in first quarter. Ehingen/Urspringschule dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to TV 1862 Langen's 28 and made 17-of-18 charity shots (94.4 percent) during the game. They outrebounded TV 1862 Langen 39-20 including a 30-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. Ehingen/Urspringschule players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by TV 1862 Langen's players. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Virgil Matthews (188-83, college: Montana) who helped to win the game recording 9 points and 9 assists. Swingman Kevin Bright (198-92) contributed with 15 points for the winners. Ehingen/Urspringschule's coach Ralph Junge felt very confident that he used 10 players and allowed the starting five to rest. Australian center Auryn MacMillan (203-88, college: Gardner-Webb) answered with 15 points and American guard Nathan Drury (188-85, college: Carroll) added 6 points in the effort for TV 1862 Langen.
Top scorers:
Ehingen: K.Bright 15+3reb+3ast, A.Vargas 10+5reb+1ast, V.Matthews 9+4reb+9ast, G.Raebel 8, F.Boeke 7+8reb+1ast, T.Korndoerfer 7+3reb+1ast
Langen: A.MacMillan 15+4reb, M.Voeller 10+2reb+1ast, N.Drury 6+4reb+3ast, P.Heckmann 4+3reb+1ast, N.Butz 2, N.Barth 2+3reb+3ast

Derrick Allen Returns Home And Hasnt Forgotten The Ballerina Moves And Kevin Mchale Type Fade Away Jumper Pacing Alba Berlin by The Deutsche Bank Skyliners 79-70 - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
One Thing that is always interesting to observe in professional sports is when a player returns back to his old stomping ground for the first time since his departure. How an athlete is received by the fans can be positive or negative. Ken Griffey jr returned back to Seattle in 2007 as a Cincinnati Red and received a 15 minute tribute, Michael Jordan came back to Chicago as a Washington Wizard and got several minutes of standing ovations or Wayne Gretzky returning back to Edmonton where he won 4 Stanley Cups as an L.A King listened to 4 minutes of standing ovations and got cheers every time he touched the puck while other returns have not been as memorable as Johnny Damon of the New York Yankees came back to Boston and witnessed as the fans unleashed a fury of boos, or Bret Favre going back to Green Bay where he won a Super Bowl in 1997 as a Minnesota Viking and was violently booed by fans. However for Derrick Allen (203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi) to be booed, who played three season with the Deutsche Bank Skyliners and was loved by everyone was about as unlikely as Charlie Sheen letting the cat have his tongue for at least 24 hours as it seems like he is constantly talking to some media outlet. Allen led Alba Berlin in scoring with 17 points and helped his team make a furious come back in the third quarter and lead the 8 time BEKO BBL champion to a 79-70 win and was all smiles after the win. Allen was put in OT duty long after the win signing autographs for everyone while the first players had finished showering. At times it looked likes a swarm of bees were hovering around Allen and the American as the queen Bee as his yellow warm up suit made him fit that part 'Wearing the yellow wasnt as strange as coming back into the arena again. It already felt strange last night practicing here. It felt great playing here and I am very proud of my ex teammates and the type of season that they are having', warned Derrick Allen (203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi). Everyone in Frankfurt talks about Wood for MVP while in Berlin its Allen. 'Allen is our MVP. He represents the heart of the team. He isour leader and everyone else follows him in line', stressed ex Telekom Baskets Bonn guard Bryce Taylor.

With Wood and Allen going against each other and the Frankfurt point guard having scored 32 points in Berlin last November, some were speculating on a harsh scoring duel between the two Americans and a possible 30 point effort by both players? 'The chance of both getting 30 points was not likely. This was a tough game and both teams knew about the other player very well. Allen is a great competitor. I have played against a guy like him before that has so much fire, heart and leadership. He plays at 100 miles an hour in each play. I wish that I could of played with him in Frankfurt', explained Dashaun Wood. Allen didnt focus on a Wood-Allen show at all. I think that this wasnt a Allen-Wood duel, but more a duel between Alba Berlin and Frankfurt. Wood is a great player. I thought that I had a solid game', added Derrick Allen (203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi). Kimmo Muurinen may be the silent type, but was in awe about the work ethic and play of Allen. 'Allen is a tough aggressive player, but not bulky but quick on the offensive rebound. It was a good challenge playing him. He is aggressive, but not a dirty player and I like that in him. I see a lot of myself in his playing style', stressed Kimmo Muurinen. 'Allen is a good player. He got offensive rebounds and just hurt us', stressed Skyliner forward Roger Powell.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners had their 7 game winning streak snapped while Alba Berlin won their sixth game in a row and are getting more and more into a groove under new coach Muli Katzurin. It was a very tight game until the end of the third quarter where Alba Berlin went on a run. took control of the game and held off Frankfurt in the fourth quarter for the win. 'We fought against the problems that we had in the first half in the second half and got better on defense. The most important thing that we did in the second half was controlling the rebounds. This was an important and strong performance on the road', stressed Alba Berlin sport director Mithat Demirel. 'A loss is a loss. This loss wasnt as difficult to take as say a buzzer beater, because we were prepared for it at the end. We had a chance to win, but after Alba Berlin got the 10 point lead, we were unable to recover and couldnt come back', added Skyliner forward Kimmo Muurinen.

Despite the many player changes in the last months and new coach Muli Katzurin coming on board, Alba Berlin has a strong 6-2 record and still have a way to go before being 100% ready for the 2011 BEKO BBL playoffs, but Alba Berlin CEO Marco Baldi is confident that his team will play a major role in post season play. 'I think that our record isnt the deciding factor at the moment. When you make mid season changes, new elements come into the game even though you cant really change much. We have to learn to get more stability in pressure game situations and it is getting better. We play quicker and have more defensive systems and all in all are more variable and have more options. Before the season, no one really knew if Derrick Allen (203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi) would be capable to produce the type of stats in Berlin like he did in Frankfurt with all the star players around him, but he has proved too all doubters that he can score if its with a BG Karlsruhe, Leverkusen, Frankfurt or Berlin. 'I wasnt sure if Allen would become our top scorer, but I knew that he would come through. He as fulfilled our expectations and I am very happy about that', expressed Marco Baldi. Another topic of discussion has been German National player Heiko Schaffartzik who has not become the role player that many expected. In his first 10 games, Schaffartzik has scored only 9 points in 68 minutes, but got the confidence of Katzurin and came in early as Taylor Rochestie had two quick fouls. 'Why doesnt Schaffartzik play more is the same like asking why does Dashaun Wood play more than Dominik Bahiense De Mello? What we like about Schaffartzik is that he could of played elsewhere and played more, but he decided to come here and fight for playing time. He has to find his way here and when he does play then he knows that he has reached the highest level', added Marco Baldi. 'Heiko did a good job tonight and showed that he can play when called upon. He came in and kept the intensity high for us. He found the open guys. It was bad luck that he hurt his finger', added Alba Berlin sport director Mihat Demirel. In the Dirk Nowitzki talks, it seems like FC Bayern Munich and The Brose Baskets Bamberg are the huge favorites to land the NBA star and nobody talks about the chances for him to go to the Spree and Alba Berlin. 'It is hard to comment on him, because there is no lockout yet. We will try our best to get him, but he wont speak with anyone until a lockout is definite', added Marco Baldi.

The Lego man with the #14 was back in the Ballsporthalle after making his debut in Giessen some weeks ago and tried to intimidate the Alba Berlin players. When the game finally started, the 5,002 fans would not be disappointed as both teams came out of the gates showing a fierce will to win. in the first few minutes, the game was tight as Alba Berlin had the lead through Immanuel Mcelroy and Miroslav Raduljica , but Frankfurt was able to tie the game twice with Chris Moss free throws and a lay in. Allen gave Alba Berlin the lead back 6-4, but Frankfurt then caught fire going on a 8-0 run to lead 12-6 as the team got a Muurinen three pointer, Moss dunk and Quantez Robertson lay in on the fast break. Frankfurt continued to keep the lead getting heads up play as well as Muurinen blocked Bryce Taylor and Wood picking up the wall and just throwing the ball towards the opponents basket and letting Super tez retrieve the ball like a dog a stick. Alba Berlin got a Mcelroy three pointer and a pull up jumper from Heiko Schaffartzik who had come into the game on account of two early Taylor Rochestie fouls. However despite the 18-11 Frankfurt lead, Alba Berlin was able to escape this uncomfortable situation with a 12-8 run to trail only 26-23 after one quarter. Alba Berlin got a Allen lay in and Mcelroy penetration hoop to cut the Frankfurt lead to only 18-16. Marius Nolte then scored inside and got rewarded with an end one. Schaffartzik then nailed one of his usual first step and release jumper as Alba Berlin trailed only 21-18. Alba Berlin then got a Tadija Dragicevic three pointer and Sven Schultze lay in as Frankfurt led 24-23. Skyliner captain closed out the first quarter with a jumper as Frankfurt led 26-23. 'The first quarter showed just how intense this game was. Frankfurt played very physical, but we managed to come back', added Mihat Demirel. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shooting 42% from the field and 20% from outside while Alba Berlin was shooting 63% from the field and 40% from outside. Frankfurt had the dominating 12-4 rebound edge, but three turnovers and Alba Berlin only two turnovers.

The second quarter was very interesting as it saw four lead changes and the first bigger Alba Berlin run of 8-0 as they took the lead 31-26. Dragicevic got hot nailing two bombs from outside and Mcelroy scoring on transition on a nice ally-op pass from Schaffartzik. Alba Berlin got two steals from Schaffartzik as the Alba Berlin defense pushed their offense. Frankfurt didnt hesitate or fall more into atail spin, but took charge going on their own 8-0 run to lead 33-31 and prove that basketball si always a game of runs. Wood started the run and seems to discover a new kind of shot in almost every game as he scored submarine style, Jimmy Mckinney drooped a three pointer over Schaffartzik and Roger Powell scored on a left handed lay in. Allen and Wood then traded baskets as the Alabama native grabbed some offensive boards doing a good job boxing out Chris Moss and Wood scored on a floater. Nolte tied the game with a free throw 36-36. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners regained the momentum in the last minutes of the second quarter going on a 9-5 run to lead 45-41 at halftime. Powell nailed a three pointer and Wood made a steal and went coast to coast. The last two plays of the second quarter were very spectacular as Roger Powell made a powering and thundering one handed dunk over Dragicevic and Allen swooped on a Taylor air ball and put the ball home as the buzzer sounded. 'We had massive problems rebounding the basketball which was the main reason why Frankfurt was able to stay in the game', stressed ex German national player Mithat Demirel. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shooting 45% from the field and 30% from three point land while Alba Berlin was shooting 50% from the field and 42% from three point land. Frankfurt had control of the rebound duel 20-14 and six turnovers while Alba Berlin had seven turnovers.

In the beginning of the third quarter, both teams seemed a bit nervous, but Frankfurt scored first on a Marius Nolte lay in as Frankfurt showed good team offense on that score. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners remained in front as Wood scored on the fast break again and Nolte was set up by the current top scorer of the BEKO BBL as Frankfurt led 51-45. However Frankfurt was unable to keep the lead as they allowed a 8-0 run by Alba Berlin as they led 53-51. Alba Berlin did serious damage inside as Yassin Idbihi scored inside and drew a foul. Taylor scored on a reverse layup and Rochestie sunk a runner for the Alba Berlin lead. Frankfurt was careless on offense not letting it flow like earlier in the game and had some turnovers. The two clubs then traded leads as Wood scored and Rochestie made another runner. Robertson then scored on the fast break as Frankfurt led for its last time 56-55. Alba Berlin then closed out the third quarter with a 9-0 run to lead 64-56 making the Ballsporthalle as quiet as a libary. 'Alba Berlin made plays and switched up things on defense and got the lead back', added Roger Powell. Alba Berlin was shooting 50% from the field and 36% from the parking lot while The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shooting 43% from the field and 27% from the parking lot. Alba Berlin was leading the rebound fight again 26-25 and had 11 turnovers while Frankfurt had 13 turnovers.

In the fourth quarter, Alba Berlin got on the score board first as Derrick Allen (203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi) presented his fade away jumper that had a touch of grace on it like that of Boston Celtic Kevin Mchale back in the day. One thing that The Deutsche Bank Skyliners would not do would be too give up. They fought and scrapped on a mini 4-0 run to trail only 66-60. An alert Pascal Roller saw Kimmo Muurinen open alone and fed him a perfect ally-op for the tip in. Wood then scored on his typical penetration lay up and suddenly the Ballsporthalle was alive and kicking again. However time was running out and Frankfurt was unable to get big defensive stops as Mcelroy nailed a three pointer and Taylor capitalized on a fade away jumper from the wing as Alba Berlin led 71-60. However Frankfurt still had some kick in their engine roaring right back and going on a mini 4-0 run to trail only 71-64. Robertson hit a fade away jumper and Mckinney a catch and pop jumper. After two Rochestie free throws, Frankfurt continued to hold hope as Powell made a hard fought bucket in traffic under the hoop and Super Tez made a difficult lay in traffic as well as Alba Berlin led only 73-68. Frankfurt was aided by some missed Alba Berlin free throws and Wood responded with a pull up jumper on the fast break as Frankfurt trailed only 74-70. Frankfurt couldnt make anymore baskets as Mckinney missed, Tez couldnt slam home a ally-op dunk and Wood missed. Taylor scored insurance free throws in the last 30 seconds as Alba Berlin came up with a hard fought victory. 'We got important rebounds, defended well and kept a cool head not letting Frankfurt bring us out of our rhythm', stated Mithat Demirel. 'They played good defense in the fourth quarter and took us out of the things that we like to do and they beat us up on the boards', stressed Dashaun Wood. 'We struggled with our offense in the fourth quarter. We were unable to get good shots and seemed to hesitate taking some shots which I dont why. We will have to look on film why that was', warned Kimmo Muurinen.

Alba Berlin was led by Derrick Allen (203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi) with 17 points and nine rebounds. Immanuel Mcelroy chipped in with 14 points. Yassin Idbihi added 11 points and Bryce Taylor 10 points. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were led by Dashaun wood with 18 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and three blocks. Quantez Robertson contributed 15 points. Despite the loss, some critics may think that had Wood scored 32 points like in Berlin, then the team would of won, but according to the American that isnt so. 'I have been spectacular in 26 or 27 games. Even though 18 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists is decent, but I cant be spectacular in every game. We have to have a better balance on offense to win these type of games', added Dashaun Wood. Alba Berlin shot better than The Deutsche Bank Skyliners, but Frankfurt won the rebounding affair at the end at 37-36. There are things that Frankfurt will have to improve on in the next game. 'Our three point shooting at 19% was way off. We also missed easy lay ups early in the game. I thought that we did an ok job on defense. We were aggressive, but still gave easy put backs and gave up offensive rebounds. We could have been better on defense, but the effort was there', described Kimmo Muurinen. The most interesting stat of the game was the free throw balance. At halftime Frankfurt was 12/15 from the free throw line and Alba Berlin only 2/3. After 40 minutes, alba Berlin was 17/23 and Frankfurt still at 12/15. The referees seemed to be a topic again at the end of the game, but for Dashaun Wood it was Alba Berlin that was cause for the win. 'Fouls are a part of the game. The refs have to call the way they see it. In the NCAA tournament, three refs had to go after the St Johns game because they didnt make a call in the last seconds. If it a foul then its a foul. You have to give Alba Berlin a lot of credit. They played more aggressive and got the ball inside and penetrated which is always a good way to draw fouls', added Dashaun Wood. The loss against Alba Berlin should be a valuable stepping stone in the continued development of The Deutsche bank Skyliners. 'This was a game where we got slapped upside the head. Now we must refocus and learn from this experience and get better for MBC', warned Dashaun Wood. MBC hosts The Deutsche Bank Skyliners March 26th at 19:30.

Dane Watts (Walter Tigers Tuebingen) Pregame Thoughts To New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig Game March 22nd - 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. Watts sat down with eurobasket before the game against The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig March 22nd.

A very tough loss against Frankfurt. How dissappointing was this loss afer two bad games in Bamberg and Giessen, the club played very well against Frankfurt but lost 80-76?

it is very disappointing, we did not play well against Bamberg or Giessen, I felt like we played with much better intensity and focus tonight, we put ourselves in a situation to win this game, the other games were out of hand in the 2nd half.

Tuebingen came out very strong and led 19-12 after one quarter. Frankfurt never found their rhythm. How much did that have to do with the Tuebingen play?

Our game plan was to try and limit Wood's playmaking, I think we took it at him on offense in the first half and he had some foul trouble because of it. They made adjustments and were able to make more plays in the 2nd half.

Tuebingen did a pretty good containing Dashaun Wood in the first half. What was the key on defense in keeping him in check?

Trying to help as much as we could, he is quicker than most players in the league and a tough guard for any one player. I think that we tried to make him guard the bigger player he was on, the best defense we had was getting him to the bench.

It took The Deutsche Bank Skyliners 36 minutes before getting their first lead. What was key in the last minutes for the Frankfurt win?

Knocking down big shots: Free throws, big 3's and shots and the end of the shot clock were key.

The next game is against The New Yorker Phnatoms Braunschweig. What has been your impression of them this season?

They have had a very good year so far building from last year's playoff success. They have been pretty consistent the whole year.

What is your memory from the 81-68 win earlier in the season at home against Braunschweig?

I was still recovering from my broken nose at the time, I remember that they were missing some guys that game as well

Braunschweig lost Tony Skinn. Will this be an added advantage for Tuebingen and what will be key in getting the win?

I know it is tough to lose a key player, we have been dealing with that ourselves. Other people step up into new roles. Playing with intensity on the road and limiting turnovers is always key.

What will danny Green bring to the table for The San Antonio Spurs in the stretch run?

Youth hahah, he is a good shooter that will give them another option for kick outs if needed.

How refreshing is it with all the money that is involved in the NBA when you hear a player like nene say, 'I want to be a Nugget forever?

You gotta respect his loyalty, it goes both ways with the management and the player though. Some guys would like to stay some places but the team may not back them financially. It is always good when it works for both sides.

Thanks Dane for the chat.

Stats Leaders - 1.Bundesliga

Points Per Game

DaShaun WOOD
  Dt.Bank SKY
  (185-G-85)
  Avg: 18.9

1. Wood, Dt.	18.9
2. Rice, Art.Dragons	16.7
3. Allen, ALBA	16.4
4. Bell, Phoenix Hagen	16.0
5. Benzing, ratio.	15.6
6. Martin, Bremerha.	15.4
7. Harris, EnBW L.	15.4
8. Callahan, Bremerha.	15.1
9. Dorris, Phoenix .	15.0
10. Ross, MBC	14.8

Rebounds Per Game

John BRYANT
  ratiopharm
  (208-C-87)
  Avg: 11

1. Bryant, ratiopharm	11.0
2. Ensminger, Teleko.	8.4
3. Reiner, Bayreuth	7.9
4. Watts, Walter T.	7.7
5. Martin, Bremerha.	7.1
6. Ovcina, LTi 46ers	6.9
7. Stevic, EWE B.	6.8
8. Burtschi, Phoenix .	6.7
9. Pleiss, Brose B.	6.7
10. Fenn, Art.Dragons	6.5

Assists Per Game

Branislav RATKOVICA
  Walter Tigers
  (193-G-85)
  Avg: 7.5

1. Ratkovica, Walter T.	7.5
2. Wood, Dt.	5.9
3. Joyce, TBB Trier	5.4
4. Rice, Art.Dragons	5.1
5. Neitzel, Bayreuth	4.4
6. Jordan, MBC	4.3
7. Jordan, LTi 46ers	4.2
8. Green, EnBW L.	4.2
9. Goldsberry, Brose B.	4.1
10. Gamqrelidze, LTi	4.1

Steals Per Game

Kevin HAMILTON
  NY Phantoms
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 2

1. Hamilton, NY Phant.	2.0
2. Martin, Bremerha.	1.7
3. Burtschi, Phoenix .	1.6
4. Goldsberry, Brose B.	1.5
5. Pryor, Phoenix .	1.5
6. Dorris, Phoenix .	1.5
7. Bernard, MBC	1.4
8. Wise, Telekom .	1.4
9. Wood, Dt.	1.4
10. Campbell, Teleko.	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Ekene IBEKWE
  Bayreuth
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Ibekwe, Art.Drag.	2.4
2. Pleiss, Brose B.	2.0
3. Bryant, ratiopharm	1.7
4. Ibekwe, Bayreuth	1.7
5. Buechert, Phoenix .	1.6
6. Seward, Phoenix .	1.3
7. Goree, NY Phantoms	1.2
8. Brempong, Duesseld.	1.2
9. Hines, Brose B.	1.0
10. Scott, Goettingen	1.0

Stats Leaders - 2.Bundesliga

Points Per Game

Kejuan JOHNSON
  Webmoebel
  (193-G-85)
  Avg: 21.1

1. Johnson, Webmoebel	21.1
2. Shepherd, Osnab.	20.2
3. Watts, Dragons	18.1
4. Lewis, ETB Wohnbau	18.1
5. Roessler, Karlsruhe	17.8
6. Brooks, Kirchheim	17.8
7. Samarco, Webmoebel	17.5
8. Yearby, Cuxhaven	17.1
9. Gause, Freiburg	16.9
10. Harbut, Chemnitz	16.8

Rebounds Per Game

Marcus SMALLWOOD
  Kirchheim
  (198-F-82)
  Avg: 10.9

1. Smallwood, Cuxha.	10.9
2. Smallwood, Kirchheim	9.8
3. Yearby, Cuxhaven	9.7
4. Lewis, ETB Wohnbau	8.6
5. Black, Karlsruhe	8.6
6. Watts, Dragons	8.4
7. Schoo, Heidelberg	8.4
8. De Michael, Kirchheim	8.1
9. Shaw, Chemnitz	7.8
10. Wohlfarth-B., Drago.	7.6

Assists Per Game

Aaron COOK
  Cuxhaven
  (186-G-83)
  Avg: 6.1

1. Cook, Cuxhaven	6.1
2. Zazai, Chemnitz	5.8
3. Gray, Crailsheim	5.8
4. Brooks, Kirchheim	5.4
5. Jeka, Wuerzburg	4.7
6. Johnson, Webmoebel	4.6
7. Burnette, Osnab.	4.5
8. Hamann, B.Muenchen	4.5
9. Larsen, Dragons	4.4
10. Lowery, Braves	4.2

Steals Per Game

Paul GAUSE
  Freiburg
  (180-G-86)
  Avg: 3

1. Gause, Freiburg	3.0
2. Johnson, Webmoebel	2.9
3. Lewis, ETB Wohnbau	2.3
4. Zazai, Chemnitz	2.0
5. Johnson, Chemnitz	2.0
6. Brooks, Kirchheim	1.9
7. Shaw, Chemnitz	1.8
8. Gray, Crailsheim	1.7
9. Alexander, ETB W.	1.7
10. Burns, Webmoebel	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Marcus SMALLWOOD
  Kirchheim
  (198-F-82)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Smallwood, Kirchheim	1.9
2. Williams, Karlsruhe	1.8
3. Wohlfarth-B., Drago.	1.8
4. Schoo, Heidelberg	1.7
5. Yearby, Cuxhaven	1.4
6. Fleetwood, Osnab.	1.3
7. Hill, Jena	1.2
8. Shaw, Cuxhaven	1.2
9. Henry, Hannover	1.2
10. De Michael, Kirchheim	1.1

Bryan Bailey (Artland Dragons) Michael Jordan Is A Competitor And Does A Lot To Help His Team Win - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Bryan Bailey (185-G-80, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Bucknell) is a 30 year old 185cm combo guard that is playing his 9th professional basketball season playing his fourth with The Artland Dragons. He is a true team leader both on and off the court. He possesses a diverse game, with an ability to stroke the long-range jumper, penetrate to the rim or distribute the ball. He is solid on the defensive end of the floor as well. His fierce competitive drive rubs off on his teammates. He started his professional basketball career at Bucknell and player there from 1998-2002 and in his senior year played 17games averaging 18.1ppg,5.3rpg,2.4apg. He made All-Patriot League 1st Team in 2001 and 2002. In 2002-2003, he started his professional basketball season in Germany with DJK S. Oliver Wurzburg (Germany-1Bundesliga, starting five): 26 games, 15.4ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.4spg. In 2003-2004, he played in Holland for Landstede Zwolle (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five): 35 games: 17.5ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.1apg, 2.4spg, 0.2bpg. He then played with The Artland Dragons from 2004-2007 reaching the league and cup final in 2007. His best statistical season was 2005-2006 playing 33 games and averaging 11.4ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.7apg, 1.7spg, 2FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 25.3%. In 2007-2008, he played with Bosna ASA BH Telecom Sarajevo (Bosnia-D1, starting five): ULEB Cup: 12 games: 10.3ppg, 2.3rpg, 4.5apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 20.8%, FT: 84.3%. In 2008-2009, he played in Poland for PGE Turow Zgorzelec (Poland-DBE): Eurocup: 6 games: 7.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.7apg, 1.7spg; Polish League: 32 games: 8.0ppg, 1.8rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 77.0%. Last season, he played with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg playing Euroleague: 4 games: 8.3ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.8apg; German League: 6 games: 9.3ppg, 1.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 89.7%. He sat down and spoke with Eurobasket after the 62-53 win against The Giessen 46ers

Congrats on the 62-53 win against The Giessen 46ers. How was the atmosphere in the arena. What arena is loudest the Osthalle Giessen or The Artland arena?

Giessen is always a tough place to play. The atmosphere is always loud and their fans are really into the game. But, I think it gets louder in the Artland Arena.

The Artland Dragons led by one point after 10 minutes, but Giessen stepped it up a bit in the secoind quarter and had the 34-31 lead at halftime. What was giving The Artland Dragons the biggest problems in the first half?

I think we weren't playing with enough energy on the defensive end, and we were missing open shots on offense.

Coach Stefan Koch must of found the right words in the locker room at halftime, because You limited Giessen to only 19 points in the second half. Was this the best half of defense this season?

He told us that we needed to step it up defensively and play with more energy. It was definitely one of our best half's defensively.

What is always the nicest thing about playing against ex teammate Michael Jordan? He might have a big smile but he is a fierce competitor.

That he's a competitor and does a lot to help his team win.

What was the play of the game for you and why?

Nothing really stands out from the game.

Were you surprised that Michigan State bowed out to UCLA?

I was surprised. Michigan St. usually does well during the tourney.

What is your prediction for Duke-Michigan? Is an upset possible?

l'm taking Duke.

Is there any chance for Butler to upset Pittsburgh? How do you see this game?

There is a chance. I don't think Pitt will make it to the final four.

Thanks Bryan for the chat

Kepkay's 32-point game gives him ProA Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
23-year old guard Tyler Kepkay (183-G-87) put on an amazing game in the last round for Jena and receives a Eurobasket.com ProA Player of the Week award for round 25.
He had the game-high 32 points adding three rebounds and four assists for Jena in his team's victory, helping them to beat Dragons (#16, 7-18) 91-80. The game rather meaningless between the teams, which do not have any influence on the top of the standings. Jena is placed at 13th position in German ProA. Jena is rather a weak team placed in lower part in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 8-17 record. In the team's last game Kepkay had a remarkable five three-pointers out of 8 attempts. He just recently signed at Jena, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Tyler Kepkay averages this season 15.0ppg.

Second best performed player last round was Chris Alexander (186-G-83) of ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen. He is American guard in his first season at ETB Wohnbau. In the last game Alexander recorded impressive 25 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists. Of course ETB Wohnbau cruised to a 91-81 relatively comfortable win over the higher-ranked Webmoebel (#8, 12-13). This victory allowed ETB Wohnbau to move up to 14th position in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 8-17 record. Alexander is a newcomer at ETB Wohnbau and quickly became one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Brad Byerson (201-F-85) of Hannover (#10). Byerson showcased his all-around game by recording 18 points, ten rebounds and four assists in the last round. Despite Byerson's great performance Hannover lost 80-86 to the higher-ranked Braves (#5, 15-9). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Hannover ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 15 games, recording just ten victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Byerson could help Hannover to bring them higher in the standings. Byerson has a very solid season. In 4 games in Germany he scored 14.8ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Stephen Cramer (188-G-84) of Braves - 28 points and 6 rebounds
5. Aaron Cook (186-G-83) of Cuxhaven - 20 points, 4 rebounds and 10 assists
6. Janis Heindel (199-G/F-83) of Freiburg - 19 points and 11 rebounds
7. Stuart Turnbull (188-G-84) of Hannover - 18 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists
8. Joleik Schaffrath (206-C-88) of Cuxhaven - 18 points and 6 rebounds
9. Tasheed Carr (193-G-85) of Braves - 19 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Ryan Howard (198-F-84) of Dragons - 15 points and 12 rebounds

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

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GREECE

Bagaric's double-double lands him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
30-year old center Dalibor Bagaric (217-C-80) put on an amazing game in the last round for Marousi BC and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 21.
He had a double-double of 17 points and 19 rebounds, while his team beat Iraklis (#14, 5-16) 74-66. Marousi is placed at 3rd position in Greek league. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Marousi will need more victories to improve their 12-9 record. Bagaric turned to be Marousi's top player in his first season with the team. Bagaric has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in rebounds (5th best: 8.2rpg) and averages solid 1.6bpg and 62.5% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Dimitris Haritopoulos (207-F/C-83, agency: FCM). He is naturalized Swedish forward in his first season at Marousi. In the last game Haritopoulos recorded impressive 19 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists. Of course Marousi cruised to a 74-66 relatively comfortable win over the lower-ranked Iraklis (#14, 5-16). This victory allowed Marousi to move up to 3rd position in the standings. His team's 12-9 record is not bad at all. Haritopoulos is a newcomer at Marousi and despite he is not a team leader yet, every game he becomes more reliable player. Hopefully performances like the last one will happen more often.

Third place about best performers goes to center Ryvon Covile (206-C-84, agency: ZAG Advocates) of Panionios (#9). Covile scored 20 points and grabbed five rebounds. Despite Covile's great performance Panionios lost 74-83 to the higher-ranked VAP Kolossos (10-11). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Panionios ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 11 games, recording just ten victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Covile could help Panionios to bring them higher in the standings. Covile has a very solid season. In 12 games in Greece he scored 13.4ppg. He also has 5.3rpg and FGP: 58.4%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Kurt Looby (208-F/C-84) of Peristeri GS - 14 points and 10 rebounds
5. Jared Jordan (188-G-84) of VAP Kolossos - 12 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists
6. Branko Jorovic (205-F-81) of Kavala - 23 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Nikos Chatzis (196-G-76) of Ilysiakos - 16 points and 4 assists
8. Pat Kalathis (208-G/F-85) of VAP Kolossos - 13 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Jimmy Baxter (198-G-80) of Ilysiakos - 19 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Deon Thompson (203-F-88) of Ikaros - 14 points and 12 rebounds

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

Stats Leaders - A1

A1 Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1 Strand, Kavala 18
2 Smith, Panellinios 17.2
3 Marshall, PAOK 17.1
4 Palacio, Kavala 16.7
5 Baxter, Ilisiakos 16.3
6 Parker, Iraklis 15.6
7 Kalathis, VAP Kol 15
8 Thompson, Ikaros 14.5
9 Harris, Ikaros 13.8
10 Kiritsis, Ilisiakos 13.6

Rebounds Per Game

1 Simmons, Kavala 10.2
2 Thompson, Ikaros 9
3 Kalathis, VAP K. 8.7
4 Smith, Panellinios 8.3
5 Bagaric, Marousi 8.2
6 Papadopoulos, PAOK 7.5
7 Tucker, Aris 7.4
8 Looby, Peristeri GS 7.3
9 Elonu, Panionios 6.6
10 Dawson, Ilysiakos 6.6

Assists Per Game

1 Jordan, VAP K. 6.1
2 Spanoulis, Olympiakos 5.6
3 Thompson, Ilysi. 5
4 Teodosic, Olympiakos 4.7
5 Diamantidis, Panath. 4.6
6 Everett, Iraklis 4.4
7 Karydas, Ilysiakos 4.1
8 Xanthopoulos, Panell. 3.9
9 Palacio, Kavala 3.8
10 Papaloukas, Olymp. 3.7

Steals Per Game

1 Everett, Iraklis 2.4
2 Anderson, Panionios 2
3 Baxter, Ilysiakos 2
4 Grundy, AEK 1.9
5 Parker, Iraklis 1.9
6 Papaloukas, Olymp. 1.8
7 Karydas, Ilysiakos 1.8
8 Marshall, PAOK 1.8
9 Xanthopoulos, Panell. 1.7
10 Kojadinovic, Marousi 1.6

Blocks Per Game

1 Simmons, Kavala 1.8
2 Elonu, Panionios 1.7
3 Bagaric, Marousi 1.6
4 Thompson, Ikaros 1.3
5 Looby, Peristeri GS 1
6 Dunston, Aris 0.9
7 Nesterovic, Olymp. 0.8
8 Vougioukas, Panath. 0.7
9 Harissis, VAP K. 0.7
10 Gechevski, PAOK 0.6

Stats Leaders - A2

Points Per Game

Yiannis KAKIOUZIS
  Lavrio
  (205-F-78)
  Avg: 18.7

1. Kakiouzis, Lavrio	18.7
2. Gizogiannis, AEK/A.	17.5
3. Koutroulias, Olimp.	16.6
4. Kaklamanos, Panele.	16.2
5. Argyropoylos, Apollo.	16.2
6. Totsios, Ikaroi S.	15.9
7. Giannakopoul., Lavrio	15.9
8. Koupidis, Near East	15.8
9. Kosanovic, Koroivos	15.7
10. Michalos, Pagrati	15.5

Rebounds Per Game

Apostolos KOUTROULIAS
  Olimpiada
  (206-C-76)
  Avg: 8.5

1. Koutroulias, Olimp.	8.5
2. Pantelic, Apollo.	8.4
3. Gizogiannis, AEK/A.	8.2
4. Latovic, AGOR	7.8
5. Kartelo, AE.	7.8
6. Amato, Near East	7.6
7. Macheras, Pagrati	7.6
8. Jovanovic, KAOD	7.3
9. Kosanovic, Koroivos	7.2
10. Kakiouzis, Lavrio	6.7

Assists Per Game

Thomas NIKOU
  Panelefsiniakos
  (185-G-79)
  Avg: 5.1

1. Nikou, Panelefs.	5.1
2. Katsares, KAOD	4.9
3. Kaberidis, Ikaroi S.	4.8
4. Zoupas, Amyntas .	4.8
5. Kiriakopoulo., AGOR	4.3
6. Giannakopoul., Lavrio	4.2
7. Rallis, Ermis Lagkada	3.9
8. Makris, Olimpiada	3.7
9. Argyropoylos, Apollo.	3.7
10. Apostolopoul., Koroi.	3.5

Steals Per Game

Nikos KATSARES
  KAOD
  (190-G-83)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Katsares, KAOD	2.2
2. Makris, Olimpiada	2.0
3. Michalos, Pagrati	1.9
4. Pettas, Koroivos	1.8
5. Giannakopoul., Lavrio	1.8
6. Koumoulos, AGOR	1.5
7. Pappas, Near East	1.4
8. Papantoniou, AEK/A.	1.4
9. Papadakis, Arkad.	1.4
10. Zoupas, Amyntas .	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Djordje PANTELIC
  Apollon Patras
  (204-F-84)
  Avg: 2

1. Pantelic, Apollo.	2.0
2. Kartelo, AE.	1.9
3. Jovanovic, KAOD	1.5
4. Kasabalis, AE.	1.3
5. Mprozos, Arkadikos	0.9
6. Psathas, Apollon .	0.9
7. Margaritis, KAOD	0.8
8. Karavanas, Panery.	0.7
9. Papachristos, Periko.	0.7
10. Katiakos, Arkadikos	0.6

Baxter considering leaving Ilisiakos for another European club - by George Fragkos
Jimmy Baxter (198-G-80, college: S.Florida) has impressed everybody in Greece with his appearances and he has helped Ilysiakos Athens a lot in the teams attempt to avoid relegation from the A1 league. Since his arrival at the team from Athens, they have achieved to make an incredible comeback and now they are fighting bravely to get above AEK at the table.

These appearances have drawn the attention of another European club, which has made a very good proposal to the player, especially from the financial point of view. Baxter is currently evaluating this proposal and he is considering very seriously accepting it and leaving Greece. In the coming days, everything will be clarified as he is expected to announce his final decision to the people of the Greek club.

If Baxter leaves, this will be a very big blow for Ilysiakos's chances to be saved from the drop, while the American guard is the leading scorer of the team, having accomplished to be between the best scorers at the A1 league. On the other hand, the proposal seems to be too attractive for him and the Greeks cannot make one with the same earnings.

Flevarakis it will be a miracle if we will succeed (Part B) - by Giorgos Diploidis
The coach of Ilysiakos Athens Kostas Flevarakis spoke about a lot of things regarding his team Ilysiakos Athens Athens the Greek basketball and his career.

In which team you had the most difficult job to do?

'The success for me is to achieve something when nobody expects you to do it. For example my first years in PAOK were much competitive, when Olympiakos, Panathinaikos and AEK had very wealthy presidents and they didn't expect us to take the place for the Euroleague. The job i had last year in AEK also, this year in Ilysiakos Athens even the season when PAOK when was about to relegate and it was very difficult to take the wins that were appropriate to keep the team in the first division. The happiness of a coach is to work at a club that he will not have many problems like we do this year in Ilysiakos Athens. We have a man who gives the money at the team, are not a lot but there is a very good co-operation that gives us the chance to do our best to fulfill our targets. The most difficult for a coach is to work in a team with a lot of problems, not to a team that has a very high budget that makes very unlucky to miss one of the first places in the league because the most teams have not the financial ability to be competitive'.

A final question, which is your target as a coach in the future?

'I have grown up in a big team as PAOK so I use to have great ambitions. As I said before a target is to work in a healthy team either in Greece either in Europe. However now I think only about the success of my team Ilysiakos Athens how it will be more competitive in the next games'.

You can see also remember the part A here : http://www.eurobasket.com/Greece/basketball.asp?NewsID=220949

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HOLLAND

PromotieDivise Scores Week 22: Da Battle continues - by Terry Cooper
Week 22 was filled with near misses, upsets, and close calls for teams trying to make their way for playoff contention as well as regulation. The Wildcats of Nijmegen finally put their claim to PromotieDivisie by beating playoff contending BV Hoofddorp at home 85-84 thanks to the heroics of Roy Schuurmans and Nick Domhof (186-G-83) in the final minute of play to secure the win and knock BV Hoofddorp from getting to the playoffs. Almonte was able to hang on to a fiesty last placed Black Eagles team winning on the road 74-73 while Z&Z2 keeps on winning plowing Red Giants at home 76-48 trying to get in the playoffs for the first time since 2006. First place Binnenland won over Groene Uilen 68-58 while Amsterdam2 topped Punch 72-61 at home. Finally Sunday's match of GOBA and De Hoppers was a high scoring affair as both teams are close to securing a playoff spot went the distance as well as excitement as GOBA was able to top De Hoppers at home 103-99. The Cangeroes had the week off. With so many teams fighting for 4 playoff spots this is the reason that a six-team playoff and faster regular season is needed and needed fast. Players and coaches need to bond together for this to happen for next season. I am sure that it will not only bring more excitement, but will have players and coaches ready to put it all on the line. Have to wait and see. Stay Tuned...

Week 22 Scores:

Z&Z2 - Red Giants 76-48
Black Eagles - Almonte 73-74
Wildcats - BV Hoofddorp 86-85
Groene Uilen - Binnenland 58-68
Amsterdam2 - Punch 72-61
Goba - De Hoppers 103-99

Standings - Promotie Divisie

Prom.Divisie Standings

1. Binnenland		18-3
2. Dehoppers		18-3
3. Groene		15-6
4. Leiden 2		14-6
5. Red Giants		14-7
6. Hoofddorp		14-9
7. Cangeroes		12-10
8. Goba		12-10
9. Almonte		10-12
10. Akrides		7-15
11. Amsterdam 2		7-16
12. Punch		6-15
13. Wildcats		3-19
14. Black Eagles		2-19

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HUNGARY

A Division Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Robert JARVIS
  Soproni
  (180-G-87)
  Avg: 25

1. Jarvis, Salgotarjani	25.0
2. Doyne, Falco-Szova	23.5
3. El-Amin, PVSK P.	22.2
4. Bell, Kormend	21.1
5. Marshall, Marso-Va.	20.8
6. Townes, Soproni	19.9
7. Wilson, Kaposvari	19.6
8. Rubin, Szedeak	19.0
9. Mekongo, FS Debre.	19.0
10. Cunningham, Kapos.	19.0

Rebounds Per Game

Darian TOWNES
  Soproni
  (208-F/C-84)
  Avg: 11.7

1. Townes, Soproni	11.7
2. Sales, Atomeromu	11.3
3. Jones, Albacomp	9.5
4. Bader, Szolnok	9.1
5. Egemonye, PVSK P.	9.0
6. Werner, Kaposvari	9.0
7. Gosa, Falco-Szova	8.8
8. Bell, Kormend	8.7
9. Cunningham, Kapos.	8.6
10. McKenzie, Szedeak	8.4

Assists Per Game

Lorenzo WILLIAMS
  Khimik
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 7.3

1. Williams, ZTE K.	7.3
2. Savic, Marso-Vagep	6.5
3. Kelley, Soproni	6.2
4. Trotter, Szolnok	6.2
5. Kalman, Falco-Sz.	6.0
6. Simon, Albacomp	5.7
7. Moore, Kormend	5.4
8. Glavinic, PVSK P.	5.1
9. Rodgers, Salgotar.	4.9
10. Singletary, FS Debre.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Brane SAVIC
  Marso-Vagep
  (181-G-79)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Savic, Marso-Vagep	3.5
2. Hanga, Albacomp	3.0
3. Marshall, Marso-Va.	2.9
4. Trotter, Szolnok	2.6
5. Czigler, Marso-Va.	2.6
6. Williams, ZTE K.	2.5
7. Werner, Kaposvari	2.4
8. Townes, Soproni	2.3
9. Kaman, ZTE K.	2.3
10. Clark, Szolnok	2.2

Blocks Per Game

Ivory CLARK
  Szolnok
  (198-F-85)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Clark, Szolnok	2.4
2. Townes, Soproni	2.0
3. McKenzie, Szedeak	1.4
4. Egemonye, PVSK P.	1.1
5. Aliakseyeu, Falco-Sz.	1.0
6. Keller, Albacomp	0.9
7. Langford, FS Debre.	0.9
8. Czigler, Marso-Va.	0.9
9. Orsulic, Kecskemeti	0.8
10. Sales, Atomeromu	0.8

Hungarian A Division round 23 best performance: Muhammad El-Amin - by Eurobasket News
American swingman Muhammad El-Amin (196-G/F-87) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for PVSK Pannonpower Pecs, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 23.
The 23-year old player was the main contributor (39 points, three rebounds and four assists) to his team's victory, helping them to beat Salgotarjani (#14, 1-22) 94-80. PVSK Pannon maintains the 8th position in Hungarian A Division. PVSK Pannon is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 12-11 record. In the team's last game El-Amin had a remarkable 75.0% from 2-point range. He turned to be PVSK Pannon's top player in his first season with the team. Former State University of New York,Stony Brook star has very solid stats this year. El-Amin is in league's top in points (3rd best: 22.2ppg) and averages impressive 51.6% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 25-year old American Kevin Langford (204-F/C-85) of FS Debrecen. Langford had a very good evening with a double-double of 29 points and 15 rebounds. Bad luck as FS Debrecen was edged by slightly higher-ranked Kaposvari (#12, 7-16) 101-97. The game was between two teams which are definitely not main contenders for the title. FS Debrecen keeps 13th position. 22 lost games are too many comparing to just one victory FS Debrecen managed to get this year. Langford is a newcomer at FS Debrecen, but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was American center Kurt Cunningham (206-C-87) of Kaposvari KK (#12). Cunningham scored 24 points and grabbed sixteen rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of Kaposvari, leading his team to a 101-97 win against slightly lower-ranked FS Debrecen (#13, 1-22). The chances of Kaposvari not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 16 games, recording just seven victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Cunningham could try to bring Kaposvari's a little bit higher in the standings. Cunningham has individually a great season in Hungary. After 23 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 8.6rpg (9th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Marton Bader (212-C-80) of Szolnok - 22 points and 12 rebounds
5. Brooks Sales (208-C/F-80) of Atomeromu - 25 points and 12 rebounds
6. Brane Savic (181-G-79) of Marso-Vagep - 24 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists
7. Yves Mekongo (201-F-87) of FS Debrecen - 23 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Rashad Bell (201-F-82) of Kormend - 19 points and 11 rebounds
9. Jonathan Jones (211-C-79) of Albacomp - 21 points and 6 rebounds

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

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ICELAND

Stats Leaders (Men)

Points Per Game

Thomas SANDERS
  Keflavik
  (191-G-85)
  Avg: 24.3

1. Sanders, Keflavik	24.3
2. Walker, KR	23.6
3. Trifunovic, Keflavik	23.0
4. Bartolotta, IR	22.5
5. Inge, Haukar	22.2
6. Biedler, IR	21.7
7. Dabney, Hamar	21.1
8. Sovic, IR	21.1
9. Smith, Njardvik	20.9
10. Robinson, Haukar	20.7

Rebounds Per Game

Gerald ROBINSON
  Haukar
  (204-F-84)
  Avg: 13.7

1. Robinson, Haukar	13.7
2. Biedler, IR	12.4
3. Pettinella, Grindavik	11.2
4. Ermolinskij, KR	10.6
5. Trifunovic, Keflavik	10.3
6. Fain, Tindastoll	10.1
7. Stywall, Fjolnir	9.8
8. Jonsson, Snaefell	9.4
9. Amoroso, Snaefell	9.1
10. Nathanaelsso., Ham.	8.3

Assists Per Game

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

1. Steinarsson, Fjolnir	8.7
2. Ermolinskij, KR	7.8
3. Vilhjalmsson, Kefla.	7.6
4. Burton, Snaefell	6.7
5. Haraldsson, Haukar	6.0
6. Shouse, Stjarnan	5.9
7. Arnarson, Hamar	5.3
8. Schoen, KFI	5.2
9. Inge, Haukar	5.0
10. Cunningham, Tinda.	4.9

Steals Per Game

Semaj INGE
  Haukar
  (193-G-87)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Inge, Haukar	3.3
2. Schoen, KFI	3.0
3. Dabney, Hamar	2.9
4. Fain, Tindastoll	2.9
5. Kitanovic, Tindastoll	2.5
6. Biedler, IR	2.5
7. Vilhjalmsson, Kefla.	2.5
8. Steinarsson, Fjolnir	2.3
9. Arnarson, Hamar	2.2
10. Viggosson, Tindastoll	2.2

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Smith, Njardvik	3.2
2. Nathanaelsso., Ham.	2.5
3. Biedler, IR	1.9
4. Fain, Tindastoll	1.6
5. Inge, Haukar	1.4
6. Lindmets, Stjarnan	1.4
7. Savarsson, Grind.	1.3
8. Thorsteinsso., Kefla.	1.3
9. Pettinella, Grindavik	1.3
10. Sanders, Keflavik	1.2

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IRELAND

Neptune and Killester enter Superleague Final - by Eurobasket News
Neptune came up with a big surprise knocking off UL Eagles in Superleague semifinals. Michael Bonaparte (196-F-82, college: Coll.of the Ozarks) scored 32 points to propel Neptune to a tough victory at the end. UL Eagles led by as many as 5 points at the interval 44:39. But Neptune turned things around after the main break. Led by Michael Bonaparte Neptune spurred in front and eked out a tough win at the end. Philip Taylor (196-G/F-86, college: Genesee CC) nailed 14 points for Neptune. Gerard Noonan (180-G-82) contributed 12 points in the win. Matthew Hall (186-G-75, college: Earlham) answered with 22 points for UL Eagles. Cameron Mitchell (201-F/C-88, agency: N.E.T., college: Willamette) chipped in 19 points in the loss.
The Superleague defending champions Killester made it look easy as they thumped Belfast Star 96:67 in another semifinal. Jermaine Turner (195-F-74, college: Dowling) stepped up with 32 points to pace the winners. Killester led by six points at halftime but increased the tempo in the second half and eased to the victory at the end. John Behan (193-G-85) delivered 23 points, while Michael Westbrooks had 13 points in the victory. Clayton Longmire (201-F-84, college: St.Rose, NY) replied with 30 points for Belfast Star. McKillop notched 10 points in defeat.

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

ISRAEL

Maccabi Ashdod sign Lorenzo Gordon - by Carmel Drori
Maccabi Ashdod signed today (Monday)PF Lorenzo Gordon (201-F-83).
The 28-year-old was recently released from MarcoPoloShop.it Forli and will fill in for Wayne Wallace (206-C/F-80) who was released from the team after he got into an injury problem which he couldn't recover from.
Gordon played 21 games for Forli (Italian Second Division),averaging 19.5ppg and 7.8rpg in 33.6 minutes.
Meanwhile,After Wayne Wallace was released from Ashdod it was reported that he would sign with Maccabi Rishon Le-Zion but the team stated that the player did not sign with the team because Ashdod refused to release him.
Ashdod on the other hand claims that they did release the player and Eishon is just trying to put the blame on them even though the real reason he didn't sign with the club is that he complained about pains in his knee and Rishon decided not to take any chances.
Wallace was released from the team after he missed 7 training sessions with the team and the game against Maccabi Haifa, claiming he was injured while the MRI showed he was fit to play. Wallace was also fined with an unknown amount that is reportedly around 30K.

Standings - BSL

Premier League Standings

1. Maccabi T-A		21-1
2. Hapoel J-M		14-8
3. Bnei Hasharon		13-9
4. Galil Gilboa		13-9
5. Maccabi Rishon		11-11
6. Hapoel Holon		10-11
7. Maccabi Ashdod		9-12
8. Elitzur Netanya		8-14
9. Maccabi Haifa		5-16
10. Ironi Ashkelon		5-17

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

ITALY

Stats Leaders - SerieA

Points Per Game

James WHITE
  Dinamo Sassari
  (198-G-84)
  Avg: 21

1. White, Dinamo Sassari	21.0
2. Thomas, Air AV	17.7
3. Ford, Fabi Shoes	16.7
4. Roberson, Enel B.	16.2
5. Dean, Air AV	15.7
6. Zoroski, Banca T.	15.7
7. Diawara, Enel B.	15.0
8. Kaukenas, Montepas.	14.9
9. Hunter, Dinamo S.	14.8
10. Milic, Vanoli CR	14.7

Rebounds Per Game

Sharrod FORD
  Fabi Shoes
  (206-F/C-82)
  Avg: 10.7

1. Ford, Fabi Shoes	10.7
2. Davis, Banca Tercas	8.5
3. Jones, Pepsi C.	8.5
4. Homan, CS Bologna	8.4
5. Troutman, Air AV	8.3
6. Lang, Enel Brindisi	8.1
7. Ivanov, Fabi Shoes	8.0
8. Suton, Angelico BI	7.2
9. Hunter, Dinamo S.	7.2
10. Sekulic, Vanoli CR	6.9

Assists Per Game

Marques GREEN
  Air AV
  (170-G-82)
  Avg: 6.8

1. Green, Air AV	6.8
2. Diener, Dinamo S.	4.7
3. Sosa, Angelico BI	4.2
4. Rowland, Vanoli CR	4.1
5. Collins, Scavolin.	4.1
6. Goss, Cimberio VA	3.9
7. Zoroski, Banca T.	3.9
8. Green, Bennet Cantu	3.7
9. Markovic, Benetton.	3.3
10. Rannikko, Cimberio.	3.2

Steals Per Game

Earl ROWLAND
  Vanoli CR
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 3

1. Rowland, Vanoli CR	3.0
2. Thomas, Air AV	3.0
3. Green, Air AV	2.9
4. Troutman, Air AV	2.7
5. Stonerook, Montepas.	2.5
6. White, Dinamo Sassari	2.5
7. Hawkins, Armani MI	2.5
8. Dedovic, Lottomat.	2.5
9. McCalebb, Montepas.	2.5
10. Dasic, Lottomatica	2.4

Blocks Per Game

Sharrod FORD
  Fabi Shoes
  (206-F/C-82)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Ford, Fabi Shoes	2.3
2. Crosariol, Lottomat.	1.4
3. Hunter, Dinamo S.	1.3
4. Toure, Enel Brindisi	1.2
5. Lang, Enel Brindisi	1.1
6. Cusin, Scavolini PS	1.0
7. Szewczyk, Air AV	0.9
8. Drozdov, Vanoli CR	0.9
9. Homan, CS Bologna	0.9
10. Polonara, Banca T.	0.9

Stats Leaders - Lega2

Points Per Game

Trent WHITING
  Aget Imola
  (185-G-76)
  Avg: 23.5

1. Whiting, Aget Imola	23.5
2. Crispin, Barcellona	21.8
3. Robinson, Trenkwal.	21.0
4. Jackson, Prima Veroli	20.3
5. Gordon, Forli	19.5
6. Clark, Umana Reyer	19.4
7. Ebi, Aget Imola	19.2
8. Goldwire, Forli	18.8
9. Marigney, Assigeco	18.5
10. Forte, Tuscany PT	18.2

Rebounds Per Game

Demian FILLOY
  Immobiliare SR
  (198-F-82)
  Avg: 9.3

1. Filloy, Immobili.	9.3
2. Ebi, Aget Imola	9.2
3. Varnado, Tuscany PT	8.8
4. Dickens, San Severo	8.6
5. Boykin, Assigeco	8.5
6. Lollis, Immobili.	8.1
7. Waleskowski, Tezeni.	8.0
8. Gordon, Forli	7.8
9. Johnson, San Severo	7.8
10. Dordei, Snaidero UD	7.8

Assists Per Game

Joseph CRISPIN
  Barcellona
  (186-G-79)
  Avg: 5.1

1. Crispin, Barcellona	5.1
2. Porta, Tezenis .	4.9
3. Goldwire, Forli	4.9
4. Clark, Umana Reyer	3.9
5. Mathis, Snaidero.	3.8
6. Hickman, Fastw.	3.7
7. Whiting, Aget Imola	3.7
8. Marigney, Assigeco	3.6
9. Farabello, N.Fer.	3.5
10. Levin, Sunrise .	3.5

Steals Per Game

Terrence RODERICK
  Immobiliare SR
  (195-G/F-88)
  Avg: 3

1. Roderick, Immobi.	3.0
2. Ebi, Aget Imola	2.9
3. Hunter, Sunrise .	2.6
4. Achara, Barcellona	2.5
5. Davis, Sunrise .	2.4
6. Williams, Snaidero.	2.4
7. Filloy, Immobili.	2.4
8. Cerella, Assigeco	2.4
9. Whiting, Aget Imola	2.4
10. Ndoja, N.Ferrara	2.3

Blocks Per Game

Jarvis VARNADO
  Tuscany PT
  (206-F-88)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Varnado, Tuscany PT	2.8
2. Ebi, Aget Imola	1.4
3. Achara, Barcellona	1.1
4. Maggioli, Fileni B.	1.1
5. Frosini, Trenkwalder	0.9
6. Boykin, Assigeco	0.8
7. Ezugwu, Assigeco	0.8
8. Cutolo, San Severo	0.7
9. Bryan, Umana Reyer	0.7
10. Cervi, Trenkwalder	0.7

Best players of Italian Lega2 round 24 - by Eurobasket News
Former international forward Davide Bruttini (203-F-87) had an amazing evening in the last round for Aget Imola and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Lega2 Player of the Week award for round 24.
The 23-year old forward had a double-double of 22 points and eleven rebounds, while his team crushed San Severo (#16, 6-18) with 17-point margin 82-65. Aget Imola is placed at 8th position in Italian Lega2. Aget Imola is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 12-12 record. It's Bruttini's second year at Aget Imola and it's hard to imagine this team without him. Davide Bruttini averages this season 8.3ppg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 30-year old American Keith Waleskowski (204-C/F-80) of Tezenis Verona. Waleskowski impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 26 points and 14 rebounds. Of course he lead Tezenis Verona to another comfortable win 92-78 over the higher-ranked Prima Veroli (#7, 13-11) being unquestionably team leader. Tezenis Verona's 13th position in the standings has not changed. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 9-15 record. Waleskowski is a newcomer at Tezenis Verona and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders.

The third best performed player last round was American Bobby Jones (201-F-84) of Forli (#15). Jones got into 30-points club by scoring exactly 30 points in the last round. He went also for eight rebounds . Despite Jones' great performance Forli lost 84-92 to slightly higher-ranked Trenkwalder (#14, 8-16). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. Forli can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have rather bad season and 6-18 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Jones he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Jones has a very solid season. In 3 games in Italy he scored 17.0ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Jarvis Varnado (206-F-88) of Tuscany PT - 25 points and 11 rebounds
5. Kaniel Dickens (203-F-78) of San Severo - 22 points, 14 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Paul Marigney (192-G-82) of Assigeco - 22 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists
7. Demian Filloy (198-F-82) of Immobiliare SR - 17 points, 16 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Tuukka Kotti (205-F/C-81) of N.Ferrara - 23 points and 10 rebounds
9. Michael Hicks (193-G-76) of Barcellona - 30 points and 3 rebounds
10. David Brkic (210-F-82) of Prima Veroli - 18 points and 12 rebounds

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

Italian SerieA round 22 best performance: Herve Toure - by Eurobasket News
French-Ivorian forward Herve Toure (202-F-82, agency: ACMT) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Enel Brindisi, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 22.
The 28-year old player was the main contributor (28 points, eight rebounds) to his team's victory, helping them to crush Dinamo Sassari (#8, 10-12) with 17-point margin 102-85. Enel Brindisi maintains the 15th position in Italian SerieA. Enel Brindisi is currently ranked second from the bottom. They need more victories to improve their 7-15 record. In the team's last game Toure had a remarkable 66.7% from 2-point range. It was one of impressive evenings for him as usually he does not deliver so high stats. Herve Toure averages this season 11.8ppg and 6.8rpg.

The second best player in last round's games was 27-year old American Je'Kel Foster (191-G-83, agency: Lanshire Group) of Vanoli Cremona. Foster had a very good evening with 25 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists. Of course he lead Vanoli CR to another comfortable win 83-70 over the lower-ranked Lottomatica (10-12) being unquestionably team leader. This victory allowed Vanoli CR to move up to 6th position in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 10-12 record. Foster is a newcomer at Vanoli CR, but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was American forward Sharrod Ford (206-F/C-82, agency: Pro One Sports) of Sutor Montegranaro (#13). Ford scored 25 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Despite Ford's great performance Fabi Shoes lost 68-87 to the higher-ranked Armani MI (#3, 16-6). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Fabi Shoes ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 13 games, recording just nine victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Ford could help Fabi Shoes to bring them higher in the standings. Ford has a great season in Italy. After 22 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 16.7ppg (3rd best) and rebounds with 10.7rpg (#1 in league). He also has 2.3bpg and FGP: 55.8%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Omar Thomas (197-F-82) of Air AV - 29 points and 7 rebounds
5. Vladimir Dasic (207-F-88) of Lottomatica - 23 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists
6. James White (198-G-84) of Dinamo Sassari - 24 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Vladimir Micov (203-F-85) of Bennet Cantu - 17 points, 4 rebounds and 8 assists
8. Marques Green (170-G-82) of Air AV - 21 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists
9. Jared Homan (206-C-83) of CS Bologna - 16 points and 10 rebounds
10. Kristoffer Lang (211-F/C-79) of Enel Brindisi - 14 points and 10 rebounds

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

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

KOSOVO

Standings - Superleague

SuperLeague Standings

1. Sigal Prishtina		19-2
2. Bambi		17-3
3. Peja		15-5
4. Trepca		11-10
5. K.EuroSporti		8-13
6. Kosova		6-14
7. Bashkimi		5-14
8. Mitrovica		0-20

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

MEXICO

CIBACOPA Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Michael GALE
  Mexicali
  (193-G-82)
  Avg: 31

1. Gale, Mexicali	31.0
2. White, Cananea	29.3
3. Sowell, Culiacan	26.3
4. Moss, Nogales	26.2
5. Webb, Culiacan	26.0
6. Barrett, Guasave	24.2
7. Moore, Tijuana	23.5
8. White, Los Mochis	23.2
9. Thomas, Cananea	22.8
10. Lawal, Tepic	22.0

Rebounds Per Game

Ryan MOSS
  Nogales
  (200-F/C-74)
  Avg: 11

1. Moss, Nogales	11.0
2. Moore, Tijuana	10.0
3. Shipley, Tijuana	9.0
4. Lawal, Tepic	8.8
5. Brown, Tepic	8.5
6. Brown, Nogales	8.0
7. Angulo, Los Mochis	7.5
8. White, Los Mochis	7.5
9. Morgan, Culiacan	7.3
10. Watson, Tijuana	7.2

Assists Per Game

David MEZA ROGEL
  Culiacan
  (187-G-85)
  Avg: 6.3

1. Meza, Culiacan	6.3
2. Watson, Tijuana	5.7
3. Funn, Guasave	5.0
4. Brown, Tepic	4.3
5. White, Cananea	4.3
6. White, Los Mochis	4.2
7. Monreal, Hermosillo	4.0
8. Brown, Nogales	3.8
9. Bucio, Guaymas	3.8
10. Nungaray, Guaymas	3.5

Steals Per Game

Derek THOMAS
  Cananea
  (193-F-84)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Thomas, Cananea	2.5
2. Matthews, Nogales	2.3
3. Brown, Tepic	2.0
4. Gale, Mexicali	2.0
5. Brown, Nogales	1.7
6. Webb, Culiacan	1.7
7. Lawal, Tepic	1.6
8. Bucio, Guaymas	1.5
9. Gonner, Guaymas	1.5
10. Sims, Los Mochis	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Dainmon GONNER
  Guaymas
  (198-F-80)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Gonner, Guaymas	3.5
2. Brown, Tepic	3.0
3. Shipley, Tijuana	2.8
4. Webb, Culiacan	2.7
5. Watson, Tijuana	2.7
6. Lawal, Tepic	2.6
7. Jones, Tepic	2.4
8. Matthews, Nogales	2.2
9. Nungaray, Guaymas	2.0
10. Rojas, Tepic	2.0

ROSTER CHANGES CIBACOPA - by Alex
The season is barely one week old and several teams have already made moves on their roster. Pioneros de Los Mochis released PF/C Isaiah Fox (206-C-83, college: Arizona) and replaced him with C LaShawn Malloy (209-C/F-84, agency: Pro Management Agency, college: New Orleans). Lagartos de Tepic welcomed back last year's sensation Ira Brown (193-F-82, agency: Dream Team Management, college: Gonzaga). To make room in the roster, the team released C Donald Little (211-C-78, college: Cincinnati). Both teams are still searching for their 1st win this season. On other moves, Ostioneros de Guaymas has signed G Devon Greene (198-G/F-84, college: Grand Canyon). Greene replaced recently released Dainmon Gonner (198-F-80, college: SE Missouri St.), who was cut after to subpar games. Zonkeys de Tijuana filled their national spot by signing Mexican Forward Cristopher Silva (201-C-82), who played for Tepic last season and put up solid numbers. He is expected to solidify their front court. Mineros de Cananea and Fuerza Guinda de Nogales have made a roster change due to injury. For Cananea, the team signed C Pierre Darden (208-F/C-83, agency: SportsList Inc., college: Cumberlands), who replaced injured Letheal Cook (208-C/F-80, college: Bowie St.). Cook is out indefinately with an undisclosed injury. Lastly, Fuerza Guinda de Nogales has signed F Robert Hornsby (196-F/C-82, college: Troy). He replaced injured F Damone Brown (204-F-79, college: Syracuse), who is out with a fractured nose which he suffered in the 3rd game against Guasave. Hornsby is a teamate of Nogales G Omar Quintero (183-G-81, college: S.Nazarene) with Huracanes Tampico in the LNBP.

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

MONTENEGRO

Standings - 1A

1A Standings

SuperLeague
1. Lovcen		1-0
2. Teodo Tivat		1-0
3. Buducnost		0-0
4. Mornar Bar		0-0
5. Jedinstvo		0-1
6. Ulcijn		0-1
Play-Out
1. ABS Primorje		0-0
2. Danilovgrad		0-0
3. Gorstak		0-0
4. Ljubovic		0-0
5. Mogren		0-0

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

NBA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Kevin DURANT
  Oklah.City T.
  (206-G/F-88)
  Avg: 27.9

1. Durant, Oklah.Ci.	27.9
2. James, Miami Heat	26.4
3. Stoudemire, New Y.	26.1
4. Wade, Miami Heat	25.4
5. Anthony, Denver N.	25.2
6. Rose, Chicago B.	24.9
7. Bryant, LA Lakers	24.7
8. Ellis, Golde S.	24.4
9. Gordon, LA Clippers	23.5
10. Nowitzki, Dallas M.	23.3

Rebounds Per Game

Kevin LOVE
  Minnesota T.
  (208-C-88)
  Avg: 15.4

1. Love, Minnesota T.	15.4
2. Howard, Orlando M.	14.2
3. Randolph, Memph.	12.6
4. Griffin, LA Clipp.	12.0
5. Noah, Chicago B.	11.3
6. Bogut, Milwauke.	11.3
7. Camby, Portland TB	10.6
8. Gasol, LA Lakers	10.2
9. Humphries, New J.	10.2
10. Okafor, N.Orlean.	9.7

Assists Per Game

Rajon RONDO
  Boston C.
  (186-G-86)
  Avg: 11.5

1. Rondo, Boston C.	11.5
2. Nash, Phoenix Suns	11.3
3. Paul, N.Orleans H.	9.8
4. Williams, Utah Jazz	9.7
5. Felton, New Y.	9.0
6. Calderon, Toron.	9.0
7. Wall, Washington W.	8.7
8. Kidd, Dallas M.	8.4
9. Westbrook, Oklah..	8.4
10. Rose, Chicago B.	7.8

Steals Per Game

Chris PAUL
  N.Orleans H.
  (183-G-85)
  Avg: 2.4

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

Blocks Per Game

Andrew BOGUT
  Milwaukee B.
  (212-F/C-84)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Bogut, Milwauke.	2.7
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. Duncan, San A.	1.9
8. Bynum, LA Lakers	1.9
9. Stoudemire, New Y.	1.9
10. Okafor, N.Orlean.	1.9

Standings

NBA Standings

Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
1. Boston C.		49-19
2. Philadelph.76		36-34
3. New York K.		35-34
4. New Jersey N.		22-46
5. Toronto R.		20-49
Central Div.
1. Chicago B.		49-19
2. Indiana P.		30-40
3. Milwaukee B.		28-41
4. Detroit P.		25-45
5. Cleveland C.		13-55
Southeast Div.
1. Miami Heat		48-22
2. Orlando M.		44-26
3. Atlanta H.		40-30
4. Charlotte B.		28-41
5. Washington W.		17-51
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
1. Oklah.City T.		45-24
2. Denver N.		41-29
3. Portland TB		40-30
4. Utah Jazz		36-34
5. Minnesota T.		17-54
Pacific Div.
1. LA Lakers		50-20
2. Phoenix Suns		35-33
3. Golde State W.		30-40
4. LA Clippers		27-44
5. Sacramento K.		17-51
Southwest Div.
1. San Antonio S.		56-13
2. Dallas M.		49-21
3. N.Orleans H.		40-31
4. Memphis G.		38-32
5. Houston R.		37-34

Sunday's games review - by Eurobasket News
LA Clippers - Phoenix Suns 99-108
Steve Nash (6'3''-G-74, college: Santa Clara) had 23 points, 13 assists and seven rebounds, Channing Frye (6'11''-C/F-83, college: Arizona) added 19 points and the Phoenix Suns surged early in the fourth quarter for a 108-99 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. Frye hit two of his five 3-pointers in the final minutes of his second game back from a dislocated right shoulder for the Suns, who have won 10 of their last 11 meetings with the Clippers. Blake Griffin scored 17 points before fouling out on an offensive foul with 4:09 left for the Clippers, who have lost three of four. Chris Kaman had 21 points and 11 rebounds while starting for DeAndre Jordan, who sat out with pneumonia. Nash showed no ill effects from a trip home to Vancouver on Saturday to attend the inaugural game of the Vancouver Whitecaps. *Courtesy of www.desertnews.com

Washington W. - New Jersey N. 98-92
John Wall (6'4''-G-90, college: Kentucky) scored 26 points to help the Washington Wizards overcome a 17-point deficit to beat the Nets on Sunday. After New Jersey's Kris Humphries (6'9''-F-85, college: Minnesota) scored five straight points to tie the score at 90 with 1:44 left, Wall hit a jumper with 1:22 left and another with 46.5 for a 94-90 lead. Washington, which snapped a six-game losing streak with the win, outscored the Nets 28-12 in the third quarter to take a 71-68 lead. The Nets missed 11 of their 15 field goal attempts during the quarter. *Courtesy of http://online.wsj.com

LA Lakers - Portland TB 84-80
Derek Fisher (6'1''-G-74, agency: Priority Sports, college: UALR) sticks to the background most nights for the Los Angeles Lakers, contributing a few assists and an occasional 3-pointer while his high-profile teammates get all the attention. Every once in a while, the old D-Fish comes out to remind the Lakers' potential playoff opponents there's a world-class closer lurking back there behind Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) and Pau Gasol. Fisher spearheaded a late comeback with big back-to-back defensive plays to put the Lakers ahead, followed by the clinching jumper with 10 seconds left in Los Angeles' 12th win in 13 games since the All-Star break, 84-80 over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night. 'I do relish the opportunity to help us win from time to time, whether it's the first quarter or the fourth,' the five-time NBA champion guard said with two big wraps around his knees and both feet in a bucket of ice. 'Experience does create a lot of situations where it allows you to think clearly under pressure in big-time situations. It's like riding a bike.' Bryant scored 10 of his 22 points in a dynamic fourth quarter for the Lakers, who won their first game without suspended center Andrew Bynum. Fisher had early foul trouble and scored just eight points, but he took over late. *Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Minnesota T. - Sacramento K. 95-127
The Sacramento Kings were still smarting from a humbling beat down the previous game when they walked into Target Center to face the Timberwolves in a matchup of the two worst teams in the West. They responded with an emphatic performance, handing the Wolves a defeat that could linger in Minnesota for quite a while, too. Samuel Dalembert (6'11''-C-81, college: Seton Hall) had 26 points and 17 rebounds, and Marcus Thornton (6'4''-G-87, college: LSU) added 23 points, nine assists and eight boards to lead the Kings to a 127-95 victory over the Timberwolves on Sunday. Rookie DeMarcus Cousins was ejected in the third quarter after shoving Martell Webster, but the Kings went on a 21-0 run without him. The Kings picked up their 17th win of the season, tying them with the Wolves for fewest in the West. 'We had our worst game of the year last game and our guys responded extremely well tonight,' coach Paul Westphal said, referring to a 22-point loss at home to Philadelphia on Friday. 'I was happy for the effort.' There was no such effort from the Wolves in the second-biggest home loss in franchise history. Luke Ridnour scored 22 points for the Wolves, who played most of the game without All-Star Kevin Love. He left in the second quarter with an injured left groin and finished with three rebounds and no points in 14 minutes. *Courtesy of www.newser.com

Houston R. - Utah Jazz 110-108
Kyle Lowry (6'0''-G-86, college: Villanova) 's two free throws with 7 seconds left Sunday finished off his first career triple-double and clinched Houston's 110-108 victory over Utah. Lowry had 28 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in helping the Rockets win their fourth straight. His first triple-double came in his 304th career game. Houston had a two-point lead when Lowry was fouled by Andrei Kirilenko. After Lowry made both his foul shots, Utah's Raja Bell made a layup just before the buzzer to account for the final score. Kevin Martin (6'7''-G/F-83, college: W.Carolina) scored 34 points for Houston, making all of his 18 free-throw attempts. Patrick Patterson added 14 points and 13 rebounds. Utah, which had won its previous two games, was led by Paul Millsap with 35 points. *Courtesy of www.salttvnet.com

Oklah.City T. - Toronto R. 93-95
After tying the game, Leandrinho Barbosa (6'3''-G-82) was supposed to have the chance to win it. Instead, he let Amir Johnson do it. Johnson made a layup with 1.4 seconds left to lift the Toronto Raptors to a 95-93 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday night. Andrea Bargnani (6'10''-F/C-85) scored 23 points for the Raptors, who snapped a 14-game road losing streak with their first win away from home since Jan. 5 at Cleveland. Oklahoma City had its six-game winning streak snapped. Oklahoma City overcame a 10-point deficit at the end of the third to take a 93-90 lead with 1:31 left. However, Barbosa's 3-pointer with 38.5 seconds left tied it, and he assisted on Johnson's shot. 'It was a pick-and-roll play, but he was supposed to take it all the way to the basket,' Johnson said. 'They double-teamed him, he made a great pass and I was able to finish.' Oklahoma City had a chance to force overtime, but Kevin Durant's shot from the baseline was off. James Harden scored 23 points for the Thunder, including eight during their fourth-quarter rally. Durant added 20 but shot 6 of 21 from the floor. *Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Dallas M. - Golde State W. 101-73
Dirk Nowitzki (6'11''-F-78) scored 20 points, Predrag Stojakovic (6'10''-F-77) added 17, and Dallas Mavericks got back on track with a 101-73 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night. Stojakovic returned from a six-game absence due to a stiff neck and went 5 for 8 from behind the 3-point arc to give the Mavs a long-distance threat they've been missing. Rodrigue Beaubois contributed 15 points, Tyson Chandler pulled down 17 rebounds, and Ian Mahinmi collected 13 boards for the Mavericks, who had lost four of six. Monta Ellis had 18 points for the Warriors, who have lost four straight. *Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Atlanta H. - Detroit P. 104-96
Alfred Horford (6'10''-F/C-86, college: Florida) scored 18 points, Josh Smith (6'9''-F-85) and Joe Johnson each added 17, helping the Atlanta Hawks snap a two-game skid with a 104-96 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Sunday. Rodney Stuckey missed two jump shots in the final 1:14 but still led the Pistons with 22 points in a reserve role. Reserve forward Chris Wilcox added 18 and Greg Monroe scored 17 for Detroit, which has lost seven straight on the road and is 7-28 away from home. Since losing by seven at home to Oklahoma City on March 4, the Hawks had been beaten by an average of 16.2 points in their last six defeats. *Courtesy of www.sfgate.com

Milwaukee B. - New York K. 100-95
Carlos Delfino (6'6''-G-82) scored a career-high 30 points and Brandon Jennings (6'0''-G-89) finished an assist short of a triple-double to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 100-95 victory over the struggling New York Knicks on Sunday. Jennings had 14 points and 11 rebounds to go with nine assists and Milwaukee built a 23-point first quarter lead only to watch it evaporate in a half-court struggle. Milwaukee is tied with Charlotte for ninth place in the Eastern Conference, a game and a half behind Indiana for the final spot in the playoffs. New York is stumbling toward mediocrity after losing five of the last six. The Knicks are 7-8 since trading for Carmelo Anthony, who had 23 points on 7-of-14 shooting. *Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Nets sign Sundiata Gaines to multi-year contract - by Eurobasket News
The New Jersey Nets have signed guard Sundiata Gaines (6'1''-G-86, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Georgia) to a multi-year contract, Nets General Manager Billy King announced today. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not released.

The 24-year old from the University of Georgia signed the first of two consecutive 10-day contracts with the Nets on February 28, 2011. He has appeared in seven games for the Nets, averaging 5.0 points and 2.9 assists in 14.6 minutes per game. In 21 games with New Jersey, Toronto and Minnesota this season, he has averaged 4.3 points and 1.8 assists in 12.2 minutes per contest.

Over 53 career NBA games, including 32 appearances with Utah in 2009-10, Gaines has averaged 3.7 points and 1.4 assists in 8.9 minutes while shooting .427 (73-171) from the field.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Clippers' C DeAndre Jordan misses game with pneumonia, released from hospital - by Eurobasket News
Clippers centre DeAndre Jordan (7'0''-C-88, college: Texas A&M) missed Sunday's game against the Phoenix Suns after spending the night in a hospital with a mild case of pneumonia.

Jordan was admitted to Marina Del Rey Hospital on Saturday night, getting intravenous antibiotics and several tests. He was released Sunday during the Clippers' afternoon game.

Former all-star Chris Kaman started in Jordan's spot.

Jordan averaged 7.0 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks while playing in each of the Clippers' first 70 games, starting 61. The third-year pro has emerged as a defensive standout alongside all-star Blake Griffin in Los Angeles' front line.

Courtesy of The Canadian Press

Rockets assign Hasheem Thabeet to Rio Grande Valley Vipers - by Eurobasket News
Houston Rockets center Hasheem Thabeet (7'3''-C-87, college: Connecticut) was assigned to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the Rockets' NBA Development League affiliate, it was announced today. The assignment marks the 48th time in the 2010-11 season an NBA player has been assigned to an NBA D-League affiliate, and it is the second assignment for Thabeet, a second-year pro out of Connecticut.

Thabeet, the No. 2 overall selection in the 2009 NBA Draft, is the 34th NBA player to be assigned to the NBA D-League this season, which is an all-time high. The Memphis Grizzlies, who drafted Thabeet, assigned him to the Dakota Wizards last season, where he averaged 13.8 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.8 blocks in six games.

Thabeet (7-3, 263) has appeared in 115 career NBA games, averaging 2.3 points and 2.8 rebounds in 10.9 minutes. As a rookie with Memphis last season, Thabeet led the NBA in blocks per 48 minutes with 4.84 (min. 60 games). He also averaged 11.4 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.8 blocks in five games with Memphis' 2010 NBA Summer League team. Thabeet has appeared in two games with Houston since joining the Rockets via trade on Feb. 24.

The first Tanzanian-born NBA player, Thabeet played three collegiate seasons at Connecticut, averaging 10.3 points, 8.5 rebounds and 4.17 blocks in 100 games. Thabeet led the Big East in blocks all three seasons, and his 4.17 average ranks 11th in NCAA history. Thabeet was an AP All-America Second Team selection and the Big East Co-Player of the Year in 2008-09. He was also named the Big East Defensive Player of the Year and National Defensive Player of the Year by the National Association of Basketball Coaches in both his sophomore and junior seasons.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Lakers C Andrew Bynum suspended 2 games for flagrant foul on Wolves' Michael Beasley - by Eurobasket News
Lakers coach Phil Jackson has no idea how the NBA did the math that resulted in Andrew Bynum (7'0''-C-87, agency: David Lee services) receiving a two-game suspension for his flagrant foul on Minnesotas Michael Beasley.

Jackson just knows the absence of the shotblocking center is a big negative in the middle of the two-time champions defense.

Bynum, who has little prior history of hard fouls, missed Sundays game against Portland and will sit out Tuesdays meeting with Phoenix under the suspension announced Sunday morning by the NBA.

Jackson said he agreed with the flagrant foul and Bynums ejection last Friday, but thought the resulting penalty was excessive. Bynum will lose roughly $250,000 during his suspension without pay.

I feel badly for the team, for the fans, Jackson said. That (suspension) is a subjective thing. I dont know how they judge it. I understand the reasoning behind it, but the penalties, I dont understand.

Bynum was ejected during the fourth quarter of the Lakers 106-98 win over the Timberwolves after he turned his shoulder and sent Beasley crashing to the court in a mid-air collision when Beasley drove the lane.

Los Angeles had won 11 of 12 since the All-Star break, and Bynum has raised his game considerably during their surge toward the playoffs. The starting center is averaging 11.8 points, 13.0 rebounds and 2.6 blocked shots since the break, including 22 points and 15 rebounds during a win at Dallas last weekend.

Lamar Odom started in Bynums place against the Blazers, just as he did while Bynum sat out the first 28 games of the regular season following offseason surgery on his right knee. Jackson has said the 7-foot Bynums looming presence in the middle is the key to Los Angeles defense.

Timberwolves coach Kurt Rambis said he didnt know whether Bynum should be suspended immediately after Fridays game. After seeing replays over the weekend, Rambis agreed with the ruling.

He made no play on the ball, Rambis said Sunday before the Wolves hosted Sacramento. Its unfortunate that things like that happen in basketball, but it was the right call. Michael is relatively lucky he didnt get more hurt than he did.

Rambis was an assistant coach with the Lakers during Bynums first four seasons, playing a large role in Bynums development from the youngest player ever drafted by an NBA team into a talented defensive center.

I know Andrew, and he wasnt going up to do anything malicious, Rambis said Friday, immediately after the incident. He just wanted to protect the basket, so I think he was making a good basketball play out of it.

Beasley limped off the court shortly after getting hurt, but X-rays on his hip and shoulder showed no damage. He scored 13 points while playing 15 minutes in the Timberwolves blowout loss to the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, earning a technical foul while appearing agitated and distracted throughout the game.

Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com

Suns G Aaron Brooks suspended 1 game - by Eurobasket News
Phoenix Suns guard Aaron Brooks (6'0''-G-85, college: Oregon) has been suspended for one game for throwing a ball at an official.

The NBA announced Brooks' suspension Sunday about an hour before Phoenix's road game against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Brooks struck an official in the leg with the ball midway through the fourth quarter of the Suns' 108-97 victory over Golden State on Friday night.

Brooks is averaging 8.3 points and 4.1 assists in his last 10 games with the Suns, who acquired him at the trade deadline from Houston in a deal for Goran Dragic and a protected first-round draft pick.

Brooks was voted the NBA's most improved player last season.

Courtesy of www.startribune.com

Nets say Deron Williams will miss the next three games - by Eurobasket News
Unwilling to take the step of shutting down injured point guard Deron Williams (6'3''-G-84, college: Illinois) for the rest of the season, the Nets announced Sunday they would instead shelve Williams for three games, beginning with Sundays game against the Wizards. The team will reassess the situation before Fridays game in Orlando against the Magic.

The decision will mean Williams, who has been hampered by a strained tendon in his right (shooting) wrist since late January, will have at least a week off since last Fridays game in Milwaukee. It will be the third time this season he has had a week off, and he has said previously that one week isnt enough to make a difference that he needs 3-4 weeks off to heal the wrist.

However, with just about three weeks left in the season, the Nets are reluctant to declare Williams season over.

If we say well shut him down for the rest of the year, and he wants to play in a game (late in the season) and it feels great, then we would have to go back on what we said, Nets coach Avery Johnson said before the Nets lost to the Wizards, 98-92, at the Verizon Center. So right now, three games.

Williams will miss Mondays game against Indiana at the Prudential Center, and Wednesdays game in Cleveland against the Cavaliers. The decision was made after Johnson met with Williams and general manager Billy King on Saturday.

Williams, who expressed frustration after Fridays game with his inability to play the game as well as he would have like, was asked if he thinks missing three games will make a difference this time.

No, he said. You just dont want to go and say (done for) the season, and then I come back and play. And you say, Well, you said (done for) the season.

Asked if thinks he will be able to play again this season, Williams said he didnt know.

Im going to see how it feels and, who knows? he said. I hate sitting out, so its a strong possibility hell return, he added.

The Nets would love for Williams to be available to play when they face the Knicks at Madison Square Garden in a game scheduled to be televised by ESPN on March 30. That game will be the first time the Nets will appear on ESPN or TNT in two years. Their Jan. 31 game against Denver and Carmelo Anthony was aired on NBA TV. If Williams remains out of the lineup until that Knicks game, he would have been out 11 days and missed six games.

Williams had been reluctant to talk about the wrist, which was injured Jan. 26 while he was playing for Utah. But when he shot 1-for-12 in Thursdays loss to Chicago, Williams spoke afterward about how his shooting has not been the same since he suffered the injury. Before the injury he shot 46.7 percent; since the injury he is shooting 36.4 percent. On Friday, after he landed hard on the wrist and was forced to leave the game with 1:18 remaining, Williams said he is always thinking about his wrist.

If it was my left wrist, it wouldnt affect me, he said. I could brace it more to where it wont move, wouldnt be able to bend it back and forth and it wouldnt be a problem. But since its my shooting hand, its been a tough two months, 2 months.

Johnson said the competitor in Williams makes him want to play, but the team made the call to sit him.

We just dont like to see players play when theyre injured, Johnson said. Hes played injured and in pain. Thats a good thing.

We actually like that. But we just feel, after talking with him, even though his emotions want to play, we just feel hes in a little danger of playing these next three games.

Sometimes you may think you cant make it worse, but when youre overcompensating and youre hesitating, stuff happens, Johnson said. Strange things happen.

Courtesy of www.nj.com

Bulls sign Jannero Pargo and John Lucas - by Eurobasket News
The Chicago Bulls signed Lucas John (5'11''-G-82, college: Oklahoma St.) and Jannero Pargo (6'2''-G-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: Arkansas) on Sunday.

The pair are expected to provide injury insurance and depth in practices.

Lucas signed with the Bulls on Nov. 26 after being cut in training camp, then was waived Jan. 4 before his contract became guaranteed for the rest of the season.

Pargo is a Chicago native who played 63 games for the Bulls last season.

Courtesy of http://basketball.realgm.com

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

NCAA1

Alabama 74, New Mexico 67 - by Milord Nikolic
Alabama, mostly known for its defense, made 15 of 20 shots in the second half to move into the quarterfinals. Alabama will host Miami on Wednesday night, aiming for its sixth trip to the NIT final four at Madison Square Garden. Trevor Releford's speedy drives, Tony Mitchell's high-flying dunks and an effective dose of full-court pressure kept Alabama alive in the National Invitation Tournament. Mitchell scored 23 points and Releford matched his career-high with 20 to lead the Crimson Tide to a 74-67 win over New Mexico Monday night in the second round of the NIT. Kendall Williams led New Mexico with 18 points.

North Carolina edges Washington 86-83 - by Eurobasket News
North Carolina 's Roy Williams woke up Sunday morning feeling ill.

The Hall of Fame coach then had to endure one stomach-turning play after another in a dramatic and confusing finish that left the Tar Heels in a familiar spot: the NCAA tournament's round of 16.

Tyler Zeller (7'0''-F-90) scored 23 points, Harrison Barnes (6'8''-F) added 22 and North Carolina survived a closing minute that included numerous questionable calls to beat Washington 86-83 in the East regional. The Tar Heels are into the second weekend for a record 24th time.

'I told the kids to take care of the old man and they did a good job,' Williams said. 'I feel a heck of a lot better now.'

Rallying from deficits of 11 points in the first half and five in the second, the second-seeded Tar Heels (28-7) went ahead for good on Barnes' 3-pointer with 4:06 left.

But they needed two late free throws from Dexter Strickland (6'3''-G) and two defensive stops in the final second to advance to play No. 11 seed Marquette on Friday in Newark, N.J.

'For our lack of experience,' Barnes said, 'we make up for that with heart.'

Terrence Ross (6'6''-G) scored 19 points and Matthew Bryan-Amaning (6'9''-F-88) added 14 for the seventh-seeded Huskies (24-11), who couldn't overcome a subpar game from star guard Isaiah Thomas and a hostile crowd to pull the upset in a fast-paced game full of entertaining plays and mental miscues.

'All of our guys fought and did so many things right that could have enabled us to win the ballgame,' coach Lorenzo Romar said, 'but we didn't get it done.'

Washington, which came in with as many NCAA tournament wins (18) as North Carolina has Final Four appearances, nearly pulled off a dramatic comeback in a virtual road game 2,800 miles from home.

Washington got within 84-83 on Ross' 3-pointer with 17.3 seconds left before North Carolina's Kendall Marshall -- who set a school NCAA tournament record with 14 assists -- missed the front end of a 1-and-1 at the foul line.

Washington's Venoy Overton then missed a runner in the lane, but the ball bounced off North Carolina and out of bounds with 7.4 seconds left. On the inbound play, 6-foot-10 John Henson knocked away Justin Holiday's pass under the basket and the ball landed in Strickland's hands, and he hit two free throws with 5.4 seconds left.

Moments later, Overton launched a premature halfcourt shot with about 3 seconds remaining that fell well short. Romar indicated that Overton was anticipating getting fouled, something Williams said the Tar Heels planned to do to prevent a tying 3-point attempt.

That wasn't the end of it, though. Not at all.

Instead of letting the errant shot go harmlessly out of bounds, Henson touched the ball on the way down to give the Huskies yet another chance.

'I told John I wished he just caught that ball,' Williams said.

But how much time was left?

Replays with the official game clock superimposed on the screen showed there should have been 1.1 or 1.2 seconds to go, giving Washington more time for a final shot. Romar said after the game that his staff asked the referees to review how much time should have been left, but the officials stuck with half a second.

'There's always a lag time between the time the play occurs and the whistle is blown and the clock stops,' official Doug Shows told a pool reporter. 'By rule, the clock stops when the whistle blows. We were asked to check the time and we verified that it was accurate with the standby official and the clock operator.'

Needing to hurry, the Huskies then inbounded the ball to Thomas, who unloaded a shot from the corner. Henson inexplicably touched the ball just before it would have hit the rim and the Washington bench erupted for a goaltending call -- not that it would have mattered.

It turned out Thomas had his foot on the 3-point line.

'I kind of felt like it was going to be short because I had to fade away and had to get if off quickly,' Thomas said. 'I might have had my left foot on the line.'

It was a frustrating end to a frustrating day for the star of the Pac-10 tournament. With Strickland in Thomas' jersey all game, the dynamic point guard finished with 12 points and eight assists on 5-of-15 shooting for Washington.

'It's not like they did anything out of the ordinary,' Thomas said. 'I just didn't make shots that I usually make.'

Ross, coming in averaging 7.7 points, tried to pick up the slack by hitting 7 of 10 shots, but it wasn't enough.

Two years removed from a national championship, North Carolina won its 25th straight NCAA tournament game in its home state a year after being relegated to the NIT.

A little stomach bug couldn't hide Williams' smile.

'Last year was very difficult, the most difficult year of my career,' Williams said. 'But this team has handled a lot of adversity. It feels fantastic.'

Courtesy of Yahoo

No upset here: Kansas downs Illinois 73-59 - by Eurobasket News
One year ago, Kansas' players covered their heads in towels, drooping in the locker room after an upset loss that seemed unfathomable.

Now, they're jumping for joy.

In a bracket filled with upsets, the Jayhawks are the last favorite standing after a 73-59 win Sunday night against Illinois ensured they wouldn't make an opening-weekend exit from the NCAA tournament for the second straight year.

'Those guys have been reminded of Northern Iowa every day for the last 365 days,' coach Bill Self said. 'It was good to get that monkey off our back, so to speak, but there's bigger fish to fry.

'Now it's time to go play.'

Twin brothers Marcus Morris (6'8''-F) and Markieff Morris (6'9''-F) combined for 41 points and 24 rebounds, powering the Jayhawks ahead in the second half against an opponent that was no mid-major upstart. Demetri McCamey (6'3''-G-89) and Mike Davis (6'9''-F-88) both put their names into the NBA draft before returning for one last season with the senior-laden Fighting Illini (20-14), who were once ranked as high as No. 12.

The Morris twins scored 24 of Kansas' first 29 points in the second half, punctuated by consecutive two-handed slams by Markieff that made it 62-51 with 3:51 to play. After an Illinois turnover at the other end, the twins each followed Tyshawn Taylor in making leaping spins into teammates to start a timeout.

In the final minute, Self pulled his veterans, and they were able to give fist bumps to teammates all down the bench, and even the mascot.

'It feels good. It feels like we've got a lot of pressure off our shoulders,' said Markieff Morris, who had 24 points and 12 rebounds. 'It feels good to go to San Antonio. ... Now that we got past this weekend, we got over the hump and we're ready for next weekend.'

Kansas will play 12th-seeded Richmond on Friday in the Southwest regional semifinals, which will feature No. 11 seed VCU against 10th-seeded Florida State on the other side.

'There's a reason they're in the Sweet 16,' Kansas guard Tyrel Reed said. 'They're good teams. It doesn't matter what the number next to them said in the beginning, they're here now.'

The Jayhawks (34-2) avoided revisiting their loss to another No. 9 seed, Northern Iowa, exactly a year earlier and also on Oklahoma soil.

'I think there was a little bit of extra pressure today. I think in large part, we had the same exact record as last year, you go in as a No. 1 seed and last year's team didn't get it done,' Self said. 'This year's team had an opportunity to do something that last year's team didn't do.'

Davis led the Fighting Illini (20-14) with 17 points, D.J. Richardson scored 15 and Mike Tisdale chipped in 13 points and 11 rebounds for Illinois. McCamey was hardly a factor, finishing with just six points and seven assists. The Illini had been 15-0 when he had at least seven assists this season.

'I think he got frustrated, he got down on himself,' Illinois coach Bruce Weber said. 'We just kept saying, 'Hang in there, hang in there, you're going to make a play.''

McCamey didn't make his first basket of the second half until there was 2:15 left, after Markieff Morris followed his earlier throwdowns with another two-handed alley-oop slam that he had to reach down and retrieve before dunking to make it 66-51.

That completed a 10-0 surge that finally put away the Fighting Illini.

'Down the stretch, they just kind of took over. Too many dunks, too many easy shots,' said Weber, who lost the first meeting between the schools since he replaced Self as Illinois' coach in 2003.

Weber had held a mock funeral in his first season with the Illini to encourage everyone in Champaign to move on after Self did exactly that.

Kansas' players noticed all the hubbub, and Marcus Morris broke the pregame huddle by telling the Jayhawks to win this one for Self. After all, Self had told the Jayhawks to win for the Morris twins when they played against Temple this season in their hometown of Philadelphia.

'I felt like we just needed to return the favor,' said Marcus Morris, who had 17 points and 12 boards.

The Jayhawks raged out to an 18-6 advantage in the first 6 minutes and didn't trail again. Markieff Morris nailed a 3-pointer from the top of the key, giving a confident nod of his head after it went through, and Reed followed with his own 3. After a timeout, Elijah Johnson skied for a two-handed throwdown of Marcus Morris' alley-oop pass and the Jayhawks were up by a dozen with 13:39 still left before halftime.

The Illini, retreating toward midcourt with the shot clock running out, got a lift when Brandon Paul's 25-footer from the top of the key dropped in for 3 and eventually pulled back within 28-25 when Richardson finished off a 10-2 comeback with a 3-pointer from the right wing.

The Illini were within two after Tisdale's jumper to open the second half, and again after Davis' hook shot a few moments later, but never could find out if the Jayhawks would get nervous if they got behind.

The Jayhawks had been down this road before, and never liked it much. Before Northern Iowa, they had another bad experience in Oklahoma City back in 1998, heading home early after a loss to eighth-seeded Rhode Island. Back in 1992, Kansas lost to No. 9 seed UTEP in Dayton, Ohio. All time, the Jayhawks were just 3-2 against No. 9 seeds in their second tournament game.

Stanford is the only other team that's failed even twice to make it to the round of 16 as a top seed.

There's nothing more to add to that dubious history now.

Courtesy of www.krmg.com

James scores 14, Florida State upsets Notre Dame - by Eurobasket News
The scene was familiar to any Florida State fan: Seminoles players doing the tomahawk chop in front of a rowdy crowd.

It's not just for football games anymore.

Bernard James (6'10''-F) scored 14 points, Michael Snaer (6'5''-G) added 13 and Florida State showed there's more to its game than defense with a 71-57 upset of second-seeded Notre Dame on Sunday night that sent the Seminoles into the regional semifinals of the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1993.

It was an impressive - and unexpected - offensive effort by the 10th-seeded Seminoles, who put the Irish in a big hole with seven 3-pointers in the first half and led by as much as 23. Four players finished in double figures, and James went 6 of 8 with 10 rebounds despite needing three IVs on Sunday and feeling as if he was going to get sick the whole night.

'If we can stay consistent on the offensive end, I like our chances,' said Derwin Kitchen (6'4''-G-86), who had 10 points and six rebounds. 'We've just been so up and down and inconsistent on the offensive end, it allowed us to stumble at times and lose a few games. If we can stay consistent and execute on the offensive end, I like our chances because we play so well on the defensive end.'

Florida State (23-10) now faces upstart Virginia Commonwealth in the Southwest regional semifinals Friday in San Antonio. The 11th-seeded Rams, maligned as not worthy of being in the 68-team field, stunned third-seeded Purdue earlier Sunday for their third win in five nights.

According to STATS LLC, it will be the first 10 vs. 11 matchup in NCAA tournament history.

'Hopefully, this is just the beginning of something special,' Seminoles coach Leonard Hamilton said. 'The good thing about this team is I still think our best basketball is ahead of us.'

For Notre Dame, meanwhile, it was another disappointing showing in the NCAAs. The Fighting Irish (27-7) had their highest seed since also receiving a No. 2 in 1981 under Digger Phelps, yet ended up the same way they have for much of the last two decades headed home after the first weekend.

Notre Dame has made the regional semifinals just once in the last 24 years, back in 2003.

The Irish didn't look anything like the team that had won 13 of its previous 15 games, held to 31 percent shooting including 7 of 30 from 3-point range. Big East player of the year Ben Hansbrough was stifled most of the night by the Seminoles' defense, scoring 18 on 5-of-13 shooting before fouling out with 3:19 left. Florida State fans taunted him with chants of 'Overrated!' as he left the floor.

Hansbrough hugged everyone on the bench before taking a seat to watch the closing minutes of his final college game.

'It's really tough, especially how hard we've worked throughout the year,' he said.

Dominated from the opening tip, Notre Dame did make things interesting midway through the second half. Trailing 52-29, the Irish went on an 11-0 run capped by Hansbrough's 3 and two free throws by Tim Abromaitis after a technical on Snaer. Hansbrough then scored on a driving layup to make it 54-42 with 6:57 left.

But the Seminoles finally broke the press that had been giving them trouble during the spurt, and James slammed home a thunderous dunk that drew a roar from Florida State fans and ended any hopes the Irish had of a comeback.

'We competed and made it interesting there,' coach Mike Brey said. 'But that's a big hole to come out of.'

The Notre Dame loss capped a dismal weekend for the Big East. Trumpeted as the top conference in the country, the league sent a record 11 teams to the tournament but only two UConn and Marquette are left. Both advanced to the round of 16 at the expense of their Big East brethren.

The ACC is faring far better. Florida State gives the conference three teams in the round of 16, most of any league.

Florida State has a much richer history in football some might remember that little game with Notre Dame back in '93, better known as No. 1 vs. No. 2 and doesn't have nearly the pedigree of fellow ACC members Duke and North Carolina. Its victory over Texas A&M on Friday was its first in the NCAA tournament since 1998, and this will be only its fifth trip to the regional semifinals.

But a stingy defense is a great equalizer, and the Seminoles came in with the nation's best, holding opponents to just 31 percent shooting.

The Seminoles are nasty, so aggressive they look as though they have seven players on the floor. They constantly switched and pressed, getting a hand more like two or three in the face of every Notre Dame shooter. The Irish missed 11 of their first 15 shots, and it never got much better.

'A team like that, they're used to scoring,' Snaer said. 'If it gets in their head that it's not going to be easy, they're going to get down on themselves and dig a hole because they're not used to that. They're used to the ball going through the hoop. They're used to getting the easy shot. But we're not giving that up. Every shot is going to be contested.'

James said Saturday that the Seminoles take their defense so seriously, there are days in practice where it seems as if nobody scores. They had no such troubles against the Irish, making eight of their first 13 shots as they raced out to a 23-11 lead.

Not known for their long-range shooting they'd made only 196 3-pointers coming into Sunday night's game they were particularly effective from beyond the arc, making seven of their nine in the first half.

'When our guys were getting spot-up 3s, they're pretty good at knocking 'em down,' James said. 'Once they got on a roll, they just kept going.'

After Eric Atkins' layup cut the lead to three, Kitchen, Ian Miller and Luke Loucks all made 3-pointers as the Seminoles stretched their lead to 23-11 with 8:40 left in the half. Snaer and Deividas Dulkys added two more Snaer's set up by a long pass from Chris Singleton to make it 31-19, setting off rowdy cheers from the Florida State fans.

They opened the second half with an 11-3 run, showcasing a wide array of shots. Dulkys made a jumper, Snaer had a layup and James scored on a floater over Tyrone Nash so pretty it would make NBA players jealous. White, scoreless in the first half, converted a three-point play and scored on a tip-in to give the Seminoles a 45-26 lead with 15:33 to play.

'I am a little surprised how it played out,' James said. 'The lead we got, I thought we were going to win by five, 10. I didn't imagine that we would be up by 20 at one point. That's a great feeling. It shows what our team can do when we're playing together and playing our game.'

Courtesy of www.greenwichtime.com

Duke holds off Michigan for Coach K's 900th win - by Eurobasket News
Duke is no stranger to this situation: Facing an underdog with uncanny touch from 3-point range, one that's racing downcourt in the closing seconds, scrambling for one last shot at some NCAA tournament magic.

This time, it was Michigan's turn to miss.

Nolan Smith (6'2''-G-88) scored 24 points and the top-seeded Blue Devils held their breath as the Wolverines' last shot clanged off the iron, sealing a 73-71 win Sunday that marked the 900th victory of coach Mike Krzyzewski's Hall of Fame career.

'The 900, it means that we're advancing,' Krzyzewski said. 'That's the main thing.'

Kyle Singler (6'8''-F-88) added 13 points for the Blue Devils (32-4), who shot 51 percent, never trailed in the second half and advanced to the round of 16 for the 12th time in 14 years. Next stop: Anaheim, Calif., for the West regional semifinals against fifth-seeded Arizona on Thursday night.

Parts of this game felt awfully familiar for Duke, which capped its run to the national championship last year with a dramatic two-point victory over Butler that wasn't settled until Gordon Hayward's halfcourt heave ricocheted off the glass and the iron at the buzzer.

'We told our kids it would be like playing Butler in the national championship a very similar, tough-minded, really, really good basketball team,' Krzyzewski said. 'I'm proud of our effort and obvious ecstatic that we're moving on.'

One key difference: The eighth-seeded Wolverines (21-14) gave themselves a much cleaner look on their final shot.

Michigan, which trailed by 15 with 10:51 to play, clawed within one point twice in the final 90 seconds before Smith missed a free throw with 8.7 seconds left to give the Wolverines one last chance.

Darius Morris (6'4''-G-91) zipped downcourt and put up a runner in the lane with 2 seconds left, but the shot bounced off the back iron and the rebound went to Smith at the buzzer.

Morris finished with 16 points to lead Michigan, which made seven 3-pointers the most allowed by Duke in a month.

Kyrie Irving (6'2''-G-92) and Ryan Kelly scored 11 points apiece for the Blue Devils, who won their eighth straight game in the NCAA tournament.

'I don't want to take this Duke jersey off. As simple as that,' Smith said. 'Every game could be my last.'

Krzyzewski improved to 900-283 in his 36th season and can catch his mentor and college coach for first on the career list next weekend. He would match Bob Knight with a victory in the regional final, and would pass him with one win in Houston that also would put the reigning national champions back in the title game.

'There will be a lot of guys who will win 900 games eventually, but to be the first two and for it to be a coach and his player to do it, it's something very unique,' Krzyzewski said.

Still, Michigan nearly made Coach K wait until next year or at least work overtime to try for No. 900.

Coach John Beilein frustrated Duke by mixing his defenses, and Tim Hardaway Jr. reeled off seven consecutive points down the stretch, capped by a 3-pointer that made it 70-69 with 1:27 remaining.

'That's all we needed to do was make a shot,' Beilein said 'This has been (a) pretty common thread with us this year, that we've been able to get back because we play pretty sound defense and we can hit a couple 3s back to back and change a game.'

Duke milked the clock before Irving's banked-in jumper with 32 seconds left, but Morris followed that with a layup that cut it to 72-71 with 10 seconds to go.

The Wolverines fouled Smith with 8.7 seconds left, and he made his first attempt but missed the second. Zack Novak got the rebound and got it to Morris, who headed straight for the lane and put up Michigan's last shot. After the horn sounded, Morris lay face-down on the floor and repeatedly slapped the court with his palm in frustration.

'Darius got a great shot off, (a) shot he hits a lot in practice,' teammate Stu Douglass said. 'When it was in the air, I thought it was going down.'

Hardaway scored 15 points, Evan Smotrycz had 13, Novak scored 12 and Jordan Morgan finished with 10 for the Wolverines, who don't have a senior on the roster. They were denied their first trip to the round of 16 since 1994.

'It's a group that never gave up the whole year,' Novak said of a team that came back from a 1-6 start to Big Ten play to finish 'an inch away from the Sweet 16 (and) defeating the defending national champion.'

This was the first postseason meeting between the two big-name schools since the 1992 national championship game, won by Christian Laettner and the Blue Devils over the Wolverines and the Fab Five.

That became especially relevant in the wake of a recent ESPN documentary in which Jalen Rose said Duke 'only recruited black players that were 'Uncle Toms'' and former Blue Devils star Grant Hill criticized him for those comments. Krzyzewski spent much of this week downplaying that story line while repeatedly declining comment on that era, saying it had no bearing on the present-day team.

This time, the Blue Devils slogged through a largely uninspired afternoon and allowed the scrappy Wolverines to hang around.

And with 16:59 to play, Krzyzewski had seen enough.

After Smith missed a layup and the rebound went out of bounds, Coach K called a timeout and could be seen zipping from side to side in the Duke huddle. At some point during the break, Krzyzewski took off his suit coat a clear sign that he meant business and coached the rest of the game without it.

'I just thought we needed more energy,' Krzyzewski said.

Courtesy of www.sfgate.com

Derrick Williams' 3-point play with 9.6 seconds left lifts Arizona past Texas 70-69 - by Eurobasket News
Derrick Williams (6'8''-F) is now 2-for-2 in game-saving plays in the NCAA tournament.

The Arizona sophomore and Pac-10 Player of the Year made his second in as many tournament games Sunday night, completing a three-point play with 9.6 seconds remaining to lift the Wildcats to a 70-69 win over Texas.

Williams also had the saving block with 2 seconds remaining in Arizona's opening 77-75 win over Memphis on Friday. He struggled for much of the game Sunday but finished with 17 points, including the final three.

'I wasn't surprised by the block against Memphis,' Williams said. 'I am a little surprised by the shot I made today. I haven't seen the replay yet, but I wasn't looking at the basket. I was looking down so I wouldn't have a hard fall.

'I was surprised it went in, but at the same time I'm glad it went in.'

The win lifts the No. 5 seed Wildcats (29-7) into a regional semifinal matchup with top-seeded Duke on Thursday. It marks a triumphant return to the second weekend of play in the school's first trip back to the tournament after last season's absence ended its 25-year appearance streak.

'I can't tell you how excited we are to be moving on to the Sweet 16,' second-year Arizona coach Sean Miller said. 'It's one thing to be a part of this tournament, but when you have the experience of advancing, it's second-to-none as a college basketball program, players, coaches.'

The win over the No. 4 seed Longhorns didn't come without its share of controversy. Texas (28-8) trailed by as many as 13 points in the first half before J'Covan Brown scored 21 of his 23 in the second to lead the Longhorns back into the game.

Brown was 13 of 13 on free throws, bringing his two-game tournament total to a perfect 25 of 25. His jumper in the lane with just over a minute remaining gave Texas a 69-67 lead, its first since it was up 12-11 early in the game.

The shot appeared as though it would keep the Longhorns in the lead for good after Williams misfired on a go-ahead attempt with 14.5 seconds remaining. Texas freshman Tristan Thompson blocked the attempt, which Jordan Hamilton corralled before calling a timeout for the Longhorns.

Following the timeout is when the fun began, at least for Arizona. Texas' Cory Joseph (6'3''-G-91) struggled to inbound the ball against the swarming Wildcats defense and appeared to call a timeout.

However, referee Richard Cartmell called Joseph for a five-second violation, though replays showed he appeared to make the call before reaching five.

'I had five seconds before the kid turned and signaled a timeout,' Cartmell said in a statement. 'I had to make a decision whether it was five seconds or a timeout, and I made the decision it was five seconds because I had counted five seconds before he called timeout.'

Texas coach Rick Barnes only wished afterward that replays could have been used to determine if the correct call had been made.

'They have rules in other leagues and even on an out-of-bounds play,' Barnes said. 'There are certain things that can be corrected. In our game, there's not.

'We've got to be willing to make the rules that are right. Because at the very end if you truly want the players to determine it, the officials have to be willing, the NCAA has to be willing to say, OK, we're going to get this right.'

The Wildcats took advantage of their second chance. Following the inbound, Williams set a pick for Kyle Fogg and slipped underneath the Texas defense before receiving a pass from Fogg. Williams then drove the baseline and made the blind shot to tie the game at 69 while being fouled by his former AAU teammate Hamilton.

'To be honest, I didn't even feel contact at all,' Hamilton said. 'But the ref made up his mind and called a foul. There's nothing we can do about it now.'

Williams' free throw put Arizona up 70-69 with 9.6 seconds remaining, leaving plenty of time for one final chance for the Longhorns.

Brown brought the ball up the court and drove into the lane and a trio of Wildcats defenders, including Williams. His wild shot went high off the glass and missed, leaving a mad scramble for the ball underneath the basket as time expired.

'Every player's going to think he got fouled in that situation, but it's hard for the refs to call it when the game's on the line,' Brown said. 'But things happen. I'm just trying to move on from it.'

Courtesy of www.startribune.com

No. 11 seed Marquette tops 3rd-seeded Syracuse - by Eurobasket News
Oh, is there ever a Buzz in the NCAA tournament.

Brent Williams is better known as Buzz - Coach Buzz if you play for Marquette - and his postgame celebrations have become the stuff of legend. On Sunday, he might have had his wildest yet.

His bald head glistening with sweat, he leaped in the air, pounded his fists on tables, shared tears and hugs with his family. He saluted the fans, slapped hands with band members and anyone he could touch wearing the Golden Eagles' gold and blue.

Williams is off to the round of 16 - and he wanted to bring the party with him.

Darius Johnson-Odom (6'2''-G-89) sparked the celebration by hitting a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 27 seconds left that sent Marquette to a 66-62 win over Big East rival Syracuse, putting the Golden Eagles in the NCAA tournament's round of 16 for the first time in eight years.

'Luckily, I knocked the shot down,' Johnson-Odom said.

Luck didn't set up the winner as much as the last sloppy pass in a turnover-marred game by Syracuse.

With 51 seconds left, Dion Waiters (6'4''-G) threw his sideline inbounds pass too high and close to the midcourt line. Scoop Jardine (6'2''-G-88) tiptoed over the line on his jump to snag the ball for a backcourt violation.

'I thought I had him and I was just trying to throw the pass where I thought he could catch it,' Waiters said. 'I don't know what happened.'

Johnson-Odom delivered the shot of his career for a 62-59 lead and 11th-seeded Marquette is moving on to the round of 16 for the first time since Dwyane Wade led them to the Final Four in 2003.

The Golden Eagles will play No. 2 seed North Carolina (28-7) in the East regional semifinals Friday in Newark, N.J.

Marquette, known then as the Warriors, beat North Carolina to win the national championship in 1977.

At Marquette, there's always a link to the '77 team and its treasured coach, Al McGuire. Where most teams have a logo or a letter on the jersey, Marquette has 'AL' at the neck.

Williams, Marquette's emotional coach, broke into a delirious celebration. He hugged his players, ran to press row and pounded the table. He pumped his fists toward the fans, then brushed past media to get to the seats and gave his wife and family kisses and a long, heartfelt embrace.

His beet-red face couldn't stop smiling as fans chanted his name and broke into the traditional 'We are (clap-clap) Marquette!' cheer.

At the postgame news conference, his voice cracked and he paused to collect his thoughts when he described his relationship with his wife.

'All the people that were here, they care just as much as I do,' he said. 'It just so happens that I get to speak on their behalf. It's not about me. It's about all those people, just as much as it is our players.'

This was the second straight early exit for third-seeded Syracuse (27-8). The Orange were a No. 1 seed last year and lost in the round of 16 to Butler.

'I thought it was just a great game,' Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim said.

Williams had 40 minutes of emotion bottled up because neither team could ever shake the other. It was a typical bruising Big East battle that could have been played at the Carrier Dome, the Bradley Center or Madison Square Garden.

Cleveland, though, is the setting for Williams' greatest coaching triumph.

Johnson-Odom scored 17 points and Jae Crowder (6'6''-F) had 16 for the Golden Eagles. Marquette beat the Orange in nearly every important category, from free throw shooting (19 for 23 vs. 5 for 7) to rebounding (30-24) to steals, assists - on it went.

Syracuse was doomed by 18 turnovers the last one the most costly.

Marquette was one of a record 11 Big East teams to make the field - and the most scrutinized. With 14 losses and a 9-9 record in conference play, the Golden Eagles were a shaky pick when the brackets were announced.

Who's counting them out now?

The Orange, who were swept 2-0 by Marquette this season, saw their season come to a stunning end yet again. Waiters scored 18 points and Kris Joseph had 12, but no one else had any kind of offensive impact.

Rick Jackson, the Big East defensive player of the year, struggled in his final game for the Orange. He had seven points and four rebounds, numbers way below the double-double he averaged during the regular season.

Syracuse players sat in front of their lockers in stunned disbelief. Many of them were still in uniform 20 minutes after the game, almost afraid to accept that their hopes of an NCAA title had been dashed for the second straight year short of the Final Four.

'We're still the better team,' Jardine said. 'We fought all season and we had a good season, and to go out like this is tough.'

After leading 19-9, Syracuse went into halftime down three.

For the next 20 minutes, no team could force an inch of breathing room. Waiters scored two straight baskets for a 46-41 lead, but Marquette's speed and quickness never let the Golden Eagles fall too far behind.

Syracuse lost guard Brandon Triche for most of the second half with a bruised tailbone. And the Orange got hurt on turnovers.

Crowder's 3 with 2:26 left tied the game at 59.

That's how it stayed until Johnson-Odom set off a party.

Courtesy of www.mysanantonio.com

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NIGERIA

DStv PBL: Pillars, Union Bank, Warriors, Kada pick valuable wins - by Olusegun Ikuesan
As the regular season of the Nigeria DStv Premier Basketball League gets tougher teams are jostleing for points to brighten their qualification for the final-8 playoffs slated for June this year just as others battle against relegation.

In Kano, defending champion, Kano Pillars basketball club was in superb form becoming the first team to record centenary points of 100-40 points victory over relegation threaten Tapgun Rockets basketball club of Jos in a Week-8 game.

The champion who led their opponent from the blast of the referees whistles did not give any room to the Rockets who appear unimpressive throughout the game with Pillars combo-guard and Nigeria international, Ibrahim Yusuf scoring the 100th points in the dying seconds of the game to give the Coach Sani Ahmed tutored side its seven straight win in the Savannah conference of the league.

Niger Potters posted a 63-52 points win over Nigeria Immigration basketball club of Kano in Minna in an abandonded game, Plateau Peaks basketball club of Jos had a narrow 68-67 points victory over Bauchi Nets basketball club in Abuja while Kada Stars went past Yelwa Hawks basketball club of Bauchi by 84-66 points.

The Coach Sani Turi tutored Kada Stars won the first three quarters by 20-12, 15-14 and 28-19 and ended the last quarter by 21 points apiece with the visitor.

In the Atlantic conference Delta Force basketball club of Asaba gave away four points to conference leader, Comets basketball club and Islanders basketball club as it failed to honour its week-8 road game to the Lagos centre of the conference.

Chariots basketball club dwindling fortune continued with a 58-77 points lose to Dodan Warriors basketball club on Saturday at the sports hall of the national stadium, Lagos while the game between Union Bank basketball club of Lagos and visiting Royal Hoopers basketball club of Port Harcourt played on Sunday lived up to its billing of STAR-GAME of the week stressing into over-time before Union Bank finally won by 84-81 points.

WEEK-8 RESULTS

ATLANTIC CONFERENCE
CHARIOTS 58 - 77 DODAN WARRIORS
COMETS 20 - 00 DELTA FORCE (WALK-OVER)
ISLANDERS 20 00 DELTA FORCE (WALK-OVER)
UNION BANK 84 81 ROYAL HOOPERS (O/T)

SAVANNAH CONFERENCE
PLATEAU PEAKS 68 67 BAUCHI NETS
KANO PILLARS 100 40 TAPGUN ROCKETS
NIGER POTTERS 63 52 IMMIGRATION
KADA STARS 84 66 YELWA HAWKS

Standings - DStv Premier L.

DStv PBL Standings

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

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

NORWAY

Standings - 1Div.

1Div. Standings

1. Miners		18-0
2. Hop		13-5
3. Persbraaten		13-5
4. Centrum		11-7
5. OSI		9-8
6. Sandefjord		8-9
7. Varden		7-11
8. Langhus		4-14
9. NTNUI		3-15
10. Trondheim		3-15

1Div. Round 18: Varden defeats OSI in the closest game of the week - by Eurobasket News
The Regular Season in 1Div. just ended.

The most exciting game of round 18 in the 1Div. took place in Oslo. This derby game ended with only two-point home defeat of 5th ranked OSI (9-8) to seventh ranked Varden (7-11) 80-78 on Sunday evening. Varden maintains seventh position with 7-11 record. OSI lost third consecutive game. They keep the fifth place with eight games lost.

The game between Top Four teams took place in Kongsberg. Top-ranked host Miners (18-0) defeated 4th ranked Centrum (11-7) 81-70. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Centrum. Undefeated Miners have an impressive 11-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 18-0 record. Centrum at the other side keeps the fourth place with seven games lost.

9th ranked NTNUI (3-15) was outscored at home by sixth ranked Sandefjord (8-9) with the biggest margin this round 93-65 on Saturday night. Newly promoted Sandefjord maintains sixth position with 8-9 record. Loser NTNUI keeps the ninth place with 15 games lost. They share the position with Trondheim.
There were no shocking results in the other games in round 18: Sandefjord won against Trondheim on the opponent's court 71-63. Hop managed to outperform Langhus in a home game 83-66. Varden were rolled over Persbraaten on the road 66-46.

Trondheim - Sandefjord 63-71

Very expected game when 10th ranked Trondheim (3-15) was defeated at home by sixth ranked Sandefjord (8-9) 71-63 on Sunday. Newly promoted Sandefjord maintains sixth position with 8-9 record. Loser Trondheim stay at the bottom place with 15 games lost. They share the position with NTNUI.

Hop - Langhus 83-66

Very predictable result in Bergen where second ranked Hop BBK (13-5) defeated 8th ranked Langhus IL (4-14) 83-66 on Sunday. Newly promoted Hop BBK maintains second position with 13-5 record having five points less than leader Miners, which they share with Persbraaten. Langhus IL lost seventh consecutive game. Loser Langhus IL keeps the eighth place with 14 games lost.

Miners - Centrum 81-70

The game between Top Four teams took place in Kongsberg. Top-ranked host Miners (18-0) defeated 4th ranked Centrum (11-7) 81-70. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Centrum. Miners have an impressive 11-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 18-0 record. Centrum at the other side keeps the fourth place with seven games lost.

Ulriken - Tromso 73-96

Tromso took 1-0 in the series over Ulriken in the Semifinal clash. It looked good early as Ulriken took an 4-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Tromso had a 31-11 second period charge getting the lead and Ulriken was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 73-96. Tromso forced 19 Ulriken turnovers. American swingman Ronald Timus (197-84, college: Morgan St.) nailed 28 points and 6 rebounds for the winning side and his fellow American import forward Gerald January (201-88, college: Montevallo) accounted for 19 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. The former international guard Audun Eskeland (175-85) came up with 29 points and 6 assists and swingman Magne Fivelstad (196-89) added 10 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists respectively for Ulriken in the defeat. Five Tromso and four Ulriken players scored in double figures. Ulriken's coach Geir Bangstad gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win.
Top scorers:
Ulriken: A.Eskeland 29+1reb+6ast, A.Ouakkaha 11+3reb+5ast, M.Fivelstad 10+12reb+5ast, D.Hammer 10+5reb, T.Mullenax 6+7reb+3ast, J.Solbakken 4
Tromso: R.Timus 28+6reb+2ast, B.Myhrer 20+2reb+4ast, G.January 19+9reb+5ast, H.Issalhi 15+5reb+5ast, G.Mihaylov 10+4reb+3ast, I.Adahada 2+3reb+1ast

BLNO Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Antonio RUSSELL
  Kristiansand
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 27

1. Russell, Kristiansand	27.0
2. Timus, Tromso	25.2
3. Karlsen, Asker	22.1
4. Bullock, Gimle	21.7
5. Diomande, Ammerud	21.4
6. Kombat, Froya	21.2
7. January, Tromso	20.2
8. Eskeland, Ulriken	19.5
9. Oatis, Baerum	18.6
10. Fivelstad, Ulriken	17.6

Rebounds Per Game

Peter BULLOCK
  Gimle
  (198-F/C-82)
  Avg: 13.3

1. Bullock, Gimle	13.3
2. Oatis, Baerum	12.7
3. Mullenax, Ulriken	11.3
4. Karlsen, Asker	10.4
5. Fivelstad, Ulriken	10.1
6. Christensen, Tro.	9.6
7. Kombat, Froya	8.7
8. January, Tromso	8.5
9. Djerman, Gimle	7.6
10. Hagen, Ammerud	7.5

Assists Per Game

Edmunds GABRANS
  Froya
  (190-G-79)
  Avg: 5.3

1. Gabrans, Froya	5.3
2. Mahnin, Asker	4.6
3. Bullock, Gimle	4.3
4. Eskeland, Ulriken	4.3
5. Issalhi, Tromso	4.3
6. Russell, Kristiansand	4.2
7. Elgmork, Baerum	3.7
8. Ouakkaha, Ulriken	3.7
9. Mihaylov, Tromso	3.4
10. Timus, Tromso	3.1

Steals Per Game

Samuel DIOMANDE
  Ammerud
  (191-G-88)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Diomande, Ammerud	2.7
2. Bullock, Gimle	2.5
3. Ouakkaha, Ulriken	2.1
4. Russell, Kristiansand	2.0
5. Eskeland, Ulriken	2.0
6. Gabrans, Froya	1.7
7. January, Tromso	1.7
8. Timus, Tromso	1.6
9. Mahnin, Asker	1.6
10. Elgmork, Baerum	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Donald OATIS
  Baerum
  (206-F/C-79)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Oatis, Baerum	3.5
2. Beqiri, Kristiansand	1.7
3. January, Tromso	1.5
4. Christensen, Tro.	1.1
5. Bullock, Gimle	1.1
6. Mullenax, Ulriken	0.9
7. Karlsen, Asker	0.9
8. Hamilton, Baerum	0.9
9. Nevjen, Baerum	0.8
10. Nyborg, Asker	0.8

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

PALESTINE

Standings - Men

PBBA Standings

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

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

PBL

Crookshank's double-double lands him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
30-year old forward Eric Crookshank (201-F-80) put on an amazing game in the last round for Halifax R. and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 17.
He had a double-double of 14 points and 19 rebounds, while his team lost the game against Saint John M.R. (#5, 8-7) 98-104. Halifax R. maintains the 4th position in PBL league. Halifax R. is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. But it was their 8th lost game this season out of 17 games. It's Crookshank's second year at Halifax R. and it's hard to imagine this team without him. Idaho State University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Crookshank leads league in rebounds with 11.2rpg. Crookshank is in league's top in and averages solid 1.1bpg and 67.1% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Keith Friel (192-G-77) of Rochester R.. He is a guard in his 6th season at Rochester R.. In the last game Friel recorded impressive 30 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Of course he lead Rochester R. to another comfortable win outscoring the lower-ranked Dayton A. (#7, 3-14) 145-115. Rochester R.'s 3rd position in the standings has not changed. His team's 10-8 record is not bad at all. Friel is one of the most experienced players at Rochester R. and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to guard Anthony Anderson (180-G-81, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management) of Saint John M.R. (#5). Anderson got into 30-points club by scoring 32 points in the last round. He went also for six assists. He was a key player of Saint John M.R., leading his team to a 104-98 win against slightly higher-ranked Halifax R. (#4, 9-8). Saint John M.R. needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 8 victories and 7 lost games. Anderson has a great season in PBL. After 15 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 20.1ppg (4th best) and assists with 5.3apg (4th best). He also has FGP: 54.8% and 3PT: 41.9%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Jeffrey Ferguson (210-F/C-81) of Saint John M.R. - 16 points, 16 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Quade Milum (201-F-86) of Dayton A. - 23 points and 6 rebounds
6. Taliek Brown (186-G-82) of Halifax R. - 15 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists
7. Marshall Brown (199-F-85) of Halifax R. - 22 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Mike Williams (201-F-85) of Rochester R. - 18 points and 9 rebounds
9. Jared Carter (216-C-87) of Rochester R. - 19 points and 8 rebounds

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

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

POLAND

Klima's 17 points and 9 rebounds give him 1Liga Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
28-year old center Maciej Klima (205-C-82) put on an amazing game in the last round for Sokol Lancut and receives a Eurobasket.com 1Liga Player of the Week award for round 28.
He had the game-high 17 points adding nine rebounds and two assists for Sokol Lancut in his team's victory, helping them to beat Polonia 2011 (#16, 5-23) 70-57. Sokol Lancut maintains the 3rd position in Polish 1Liga. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Sokol Lancut will need more victories to improve their 20-8 record. Klima turned to be Sokol Lancut's top player in his first season with the team. Klima has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in rebounds (7th best: 7.9rpg) and averages solid 1.5bpg,2.5spg and 56.6% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Grzegorz Mordzak (183-G-77) of Asecco Prokom 2 Gdynia. He is a guard in his second season at Asec.Prokom-2. In the last game Mordzak recorded impressive 28 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists. Bad luck as Asec.Prokom-2 was edged by slightly higher-ranked LKS Lodz (#6, 18-10) 77-74. Asec.Prokom-2 managed to keep the same 7th spot in . His team lost some distance to top teams. But 17-11 record is not bad and everything may still change. Mordzak is well-known at Asec.Prokom-2 and he already established his position as one of the team's leaders.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Pawel Wiekiera (206-F-78) of Rosasport (#5). Wiekiera scored 26 points and grabbed ten rebounds. He was a key player of Rosasport, leading his team to a 86-72 easy win against the lower-ranked GKS Tychy (#13, 7-21). Rosasport needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams in . Their record at this point is 20 victories and 8 lost games. Wiekiera has a very solid season. In 28 games in Poland he scored 12.3ppg. He also has 4.7rpg and FGP: 58.9%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Aleksander Lichodzijewski (202-C-84) of ISS Sportino - 20 points and 9 rebounds
5. Dawid Brek (185-G-89) of SKK Siedlce - 23 points, 4 rebounds and 8 assists
6. Wojciech Glabas (207-F/C-90) of Polonia 2011 - 17 points and 11 rebounds
7. Bartosz Dubiel (195-F-84) of Sokol Lancut - 19 points and 4 rebounds
8. Marcin Salamonik (202-F-83) of LKS Lodz - 18 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Przemyslaw Luszczewski (195-F-80) of Start Lublin - 9 points, 14 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Wojciech Zurawski (199-F/C-76) of ISS Sportino - 16 points and 13 rebounds

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

Grady Reynolds gets MVP of the Week award for Polish PLK - by Eurobasket News
Experienced American Grady Reynolds (198-F-80, agency: Strategic Sports) had an amazing evening in the last round for AZS Koszalin and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 21.
The 30-year old forward had the game-high 18 points adding nine rebounds and two assists for AZS Koszalin in his team's victory, helping them to crush SKK Kotwica (#11, 8-13) with 19-point margin 93-74. AZS Koszalin is placed at 6th position in Polish PLK. AZS Koszalin is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 10-10 record. Reynolds just recently signed at AZS Koszalin, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Grady Reynolds averages this season 16.8ppg and 6.8rpg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 24-year old American guard Michael Deloach (183-G-86) of Siarka. Deloach impressed basketball fans with 27 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists. Bad luck as Siarka lost that game 88-111 to the higher-ranked AZS Koszalin (#6, 10-10). Siarka are still at the very bottom. 18 lost games are too many comparing to just three victories Siarka managed to get this year. Deloach is a newcomer at Siarka and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders.

The third best performed player last round was American James Maye (201-G/F-81) of Zastal (#9). Maye showcased his all-around game by recording 20 points, eleven rebounds (!!!) and four assists in the last round. Despite Maye's great performance Zastal lost 66-76 to slightly lower-ranked SKK Kotwica (#11, 8-13). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Zastal ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 12 games, recording just nine victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Maye could help Zastal to bring them higher in the standings. Maye has a very solid season. In 8 games in Poland he scored 14.9ppg. He also has 4.4rpg, 3.1spg and and 3PT: 51.5%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Darrell Harris (208-C-84) of SKK Kotwica - 16 points, 16 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Louis Truscott (201-F-78) of Siarka - 24 points and 10 rebounds
6. Grady Reynolds (198-F-80) of AZS Koszalin - 25 points and 8 rebounds
7. Harding NaNa (203-F-81) of Polonia Azbud - 21 points and 11 rebounds
8. Igor Milicic (194-G-76) of AZS Koszalin - 10 points, 12 rebounds and 9 assists
9. Igor Milicic (194-G-76) of AZS Koszalin - 12 points, 3 rebounds and 12 assists
10. George Reese (201-F-77) of AZS Koszalin - 17 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists

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

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

PORTUGAL

Jolley's double-double lands him Proliga Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
28-year old forward Kevin Jolley (197-F-82, agency: Prossin Sports Management) put on an amazing game in the last round for Angrabasket/Palmeiraspark and receives a Eurobasket.com Proliga Player of the Week award for round 19.
He had a double-double of 19 points and 11 rebounds, while his team crushed Guifoes (#9, 7-12) with 16-point margin 86-70. Angra is placed at 3rd position in Portuguese Proliga. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Angra will need more victories to improve their 13-6 record. In the team's last game Jolley had a remarkable three three-pointers out of 7 attempts. He turned to be Angra's top player in his first season with the team. Quinnipiac College graduate has very impressive stats this year. Jolley is in league's top in assists (7th best: 4.2apg) and averages solid 53.1% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Flavio Gomes (194-G/F-89). He is a swingman in his second season at Angra. In the last game Gomes recorded impressive 31 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists. Of course together with Jolley he helped Angra with another comfortable win 86-70 over the lower-ranked Guifoes (#9, 7-12) being unquestionably team leader. This victory allowed Angra to move up to 3rd position in the standings. His team's 13-6 record is not bad at all. Gomes is well-known at Angra and together with Kevin Jolley he already established his position as one of the team's leaders.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Durrell Nevels (198-F/C-86) of Terceira Basket (#6). Nevels scored 21 points and grabbed eighteen rebounds (!!!). Despite Nevels' great performance Terceira Basket lost 86-89in overtime to slightly lower-ranked Povoa (#7, 10-9). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The last thing Terceira Basket needs is to lose another game like this one. They lose more and more distance to the top teams. Their record is 11 victories and 8 lost games. Nevels has a great season in Portugal. After 13 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 16.2ppg (7th best) and rebounds with 13.5rpg (#1 in league). He also has 3.2bpg and FGP: 51.9%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Nate Bowie (183-G-86) of Terceira Basket - 34 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists
5. Pedro Silva (198-F-79) of Barcelos - 20 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Jason Underwood (206-F/C-84) of Fisica - 14 points and 14 rebounds
7. Terrence Mack (198-F/C-84) of Angra - 11 points, 13 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Aylton Medeiros (194-F-88) of Electrico FC - 17 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Edson Ferreira (183-G-86) of Electrico FC - 11 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists
10. Ricardo Rodrigues (185-G-81) of Fisica - 14 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists

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

Eddie's double-double lands him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
28-year old power forward Tommie Eddie (201-F/C-82) put on an amazing game in the last round for Ass. Academica de Coimbra and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 19.
He had a double-double of 26 points and 14 rebounds, while his team outclassed Lusitania (#11, 5-14) with 27-point margin 82-55. Academica maintains the 3rd position in Portuguese league. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Academica will need more victories to improve their 14-5 record. Eddie turned to be Academica's top player in his first season with the team. The University of Mississippi graduate has very impressive stats this year. Eddie is in league's top in points (9th best: 17.6ppg), rebounds (8th best: 8.8rpg) and averages solid 59.0% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Sergio Ramos (200-F-76) of league's second-best Sport Lisboa Benfica. He is former international forward in his 3rd season at Benfica. In the last game Ramos recorded impressive double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds. It was enough for Benfica to edge the lower-ranked Ginasio (#9, 7-12) by 4 points 78-74. Benfica's second position in the standings has not changed. His team lost just three games this season, while they won 15 matches. Ramos is one of the most experienced players at Benfica and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Evan Harris (206-F/C-86, agency: Basket Law/NM Services) of Illiabum Clube (#10). Harris scored 27 points and grabbed six rebounds. He was a key player of Illiabum, leading his team to a 84-79 win against the higher-ranked Vitoria SC (#5, 10-9). The chances of Illiabum not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 13 games, recording just six victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Harris could try to bring Illiabum's a little bit higher in the standings. Harris has a very solid season. In 19 games in Portugal he scored 11.6ppg. He also has 8.4rpg, 1.1bpg and FGP: 55.8%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Gregory Stempin (203-F-79) of Porto Ferpinta - 26 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists
5. Tyrone Curnell (201-F-88) of Barreirense - 21 points, 13 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Frederick Gentry (201-F-77) of CAB - 26 points and 6 rebounds
7. Andrais Thornton (203-C-85) of Penafiel - 23 points and 9 rebounds
8. Nuno Manarte (184-G-75) of Ovarense - 12 points, 4 rebounds and 10 assists
9. Pedro Pinto (186-G-88) of Barreirense - 17 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists
10. Heshimu Evans (198-F-75) of Benfica - 23 points and 2 rebounds

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

Stats Leaders - UZO Liga

Points Per Game

Tyrone CURNELL
  Barreirense
  (201-F-88)
  Avg: 20.9

1. Curnell, Barreirense	20.9
2. Oruche, Ginasio	20.6
3. Luettgerodt, Sampa.	20.4
4. Jackson, Sampaense	19.8
5. Shaw, Academica	19.3
6. Austin, Vitoria SC	19.0
7. Goode, Penafiel	18.2
8. Stempin, Porto F.	18.1
9. Eddie, Academica	17.6
10. Johnson, Barreire.	17.4

Rebounds Per Game

Kevin MARTIN
  Vitoria SC
  (208-C-83)
  Avg: 10.3

1. Martin, Vitoria SC	10.3
2. Cortez, Ovarense	10.2
3. Shaw, Academica	9.8
4. Robert, Lusitania	9.6
5. Terrell, Porto F.	9.2
6. Nolen, Penafiel	8.9
7. Jackson, Sampaense	8.8
8. Eddie, Academica	8.8
9. Momplasir, Lusitania	8.8
10. Curnell, Barreirense	8.6

Assists Per Game

Nuno MANARTE
  Ovarense
  (184-G-75)
  Avg: 6.6

1. Manarte, Ovarense	6.6
2. Reveles, Ginasio	5.9
3. Sing, Sampaense	5.9
4. Minhava, Benfica	5.3
5. Monteiro, Lusitania	5.1
6. Simoes, Academica	4.9
7. Fernandes, CAB	4.5
8. Barroso, Ginasio	4.0
9. Silva, CAB	4.0
10. Andrade, Porto F.	3.8

Steals Per Game

Tyrone CURNELL
  Barreirense
  (201-F-88)
  Avg: 3.4

1. Curnell, Barreirense	3.4
2. Cortez, Ovarense	2.9
3. Goode, Penafiel	2.8
4. Holland, Academica	2.5
5. Jackson, CAB	2.4
6. Tavares, Vitoria SC	2.2
7. Felix, Illiabum	2.1
8. Silva, CAB	2.0
9. Thornton, Penafiel	2.0
10. Eddie, Academica	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Marcel MOMPLASIR
  Lusitania
  (205-C-81)
  Avg: 3.8

1. Momplasir, Lusitania	3.8
2. Nolen, Penafiel	1.4
3. Jackson, Sampaense	1.2
4. Gentry, CAB	1.2
5. Coelho, CAB	1.1
6. Harris, Illiabum	1.1
7. Willis, Illiabum	1.1
8. Stempin, Porto F.	1.1
9. Gray, Sampaense	1.1
10. Hartford, Ginasio	1.0

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QATAR

Standings

D1 Standings

1. As Sadd		12-2
2. Al Rayyan		12-2
3. Al Ahli		9-5
4. Al Jaysh		9-5
5. Al Gharrafah		7-7
6. Al Arabi		4-10
7. Qatar		3-11
8. Al Wakrah		0-14

Sadd force decider - by Eurobasket News
Sadd overcame Rayyan 81:77 on the final day of the QBF regular season. The victory allowed Sadd to catch up with the defending champions on top of the standings. It also means Sadd and Rayyan will play the title decider on Tuesday. Sadd maintained the lead throughout the bigger part of the game against Rayyan. The reigning champions leveled things up in the fourth term but Sadd proved the strength eking out a vital win in the final minutes. Saad Abdulrahman Ali (193-F-85) knocked down 31 points to pace the winners. Daoud Musa (193-G-82) added 20 points in the victory. Yasseen Musa (204-F-80) answered with 22 points and 8 rebounds for Rayyan. Targuy Ngombo (196-F-89, agency: Court Side) finished with 15 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists in the loss.
Ahli clinched the third position in the standings. They defeated Qatar Club 107:99. Maurice Hargrow (195-G-83, college: Minnesota) was unstoppable en route to 47 points, 9 boards and 9 assists for Ahli. Mohammed Beka added 30 points in the victory. Mike Cook (193-G/F-84, college: Pittsburgh) delivered 37 points for Qatar Club as they fell at 3-11 record.
Michael Cuffee (193-F-83, college: Middle Tenn.St.) nailed 26 points to pace Arabi past Gharrafah 85:58. Chudney Gray (188-G-78, college: St.John's) replied with 17 points for Gharrafah.
Jaysh handed Wakrah the 14th straight defeat edging those 98:46. Zeyad Deri notched 28 points in the victory.

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ROMANIA

Bosko Stojakovic joined Oradea - by Eurobasket News
Bosko Stojakovic (196-G-84, agency: 011 Sports) joined Oradea and scored 4 points over the weekend in his debut. His new team however lost to Gaz Metan 72:97.
In 2004-2005 Bosko Stojakovic started for KK Slavija Istocno Sarajevo (D1 Srpska Liga, starting five) and In June 2006 signed a 2-Years contract with Zlatorog (1A). In 2009-2010 moved to KK Mladost Mrkonjic Grad (Bosnia-D1, starting five), in Mar.'10 moved to KK Primorje-Mediteran Herceg Novi (Montenegro-1A). This season the Serbian player started for Marso-Vagep NYKK (Hungary-A Division, starting five) and averaged 15.3 points per game. In his top game Kaposvari was outleveled in a road game by twelfth ranked Marso-Vagep 100-80 in Round 12 in Hungary. Worth to mention a great performance of American swingman Curtis Marshall who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 24 points and 13 rebounds and Serbian guard Bosko Stojakovic who added 29 points and 5 rebounds during the contest.

Div.B Round 27: Leader Ploiesti loses to Steaua Turabo - by Eurobasket News
The Regular Season in Div.A is slowly approaching the end. But there may be still some important changes in the final standings in the last 3 rounds. The round was rather attractive and full of interesting results. The round ended with defeat of the leader, extra overtimes, favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin.

Top ranked Ploiesti (23-4) recorded its fourth loss in Bucuresti on Saturday night. Visitors were edged by fifth ranked Steaua Turabo (19-7) in double-overtime 93-92. It ended at the same time the 12-game winning streak of Ploiesti. The hosts trailed by 8 points after three quarters before their 24-16 charge, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time and get a 1-point victory in double-overtime. Steaua Turabo made 28-of-36 free shots (77.8 percent) during the game. Steaua Turabo outrebounded Ploiesti 46-34 including 34 on the defensive glass. 33 personal fouls committed by Ploiesti helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was the former international power forward Virgil Stanescu (207-77, college: S.Alabama, agency: Interperformances) who had a double-double by scoring 15 points and 17 rebounds. Croatian guard Ivan Tomeljak (194-79) chipped in 15 points. At the other side the best for losing team was the former international center Catalin Burlacu (210-77, agency: Court Side) who recorded 18 points and 8 rebounds. Steaua Turabo have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain fifth place with 19-7 record. Defending champion Ploiesti still keeps top position with four games lost. Steaua Turabo are looking forward to face Pitesti (#6) on the road in the next round. Ploiesti will play against Mures (#4) and is hoping to win this game.

Other games of round 27 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Oradea was crushed by Gaz Metan in Medias 97-72. Mures beat Rovinari at home 102-100. Miercurea won against Timisoara on the opponent's court 84-68. Bottom-ranked Brasov unfortunately lost to Craiova in a home game 76-83. Pitesti rolled over Politehnica Iasi on the road 106-77. CSM Bucuresti was defeated by CSU Sibiu on its own court 59-70. U.Mobitel.CN beat Otopeni in Cluj Napoca 83-74.
The best stats of 27th round was 29 points and 9 rebounds by Aleksandar Mladenovic of Mures.

Gaz Metan - Oradea 97-72

There was no surprise in Medias where 7th ranked Oradea (15-12) was crushed by third ranked Gaz Metan (21-6) 97-72 on Saturday. The game was mostly controlled by Gaz Metan. Oradea was better in third quarter 20-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 19-of-22 free shots (86.4 percent) during the game. Gaz Metan forced 20 Oradea turnovers. The best player for the winners was the former international forward Titus Nicoara (200-88, agency: Interperformances) who had a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds. American forward Damien Kinloch (203-80, college: Tennessee Tech, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) chipped in 15 points and 8 rebounds. Four Gaz Metan players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American guard Tyrone Mitchell (186-81, college: Northwestern St.) who recorded 17 points and 5 assists and Bosnian center Sasa Topcov (206-80, agency: 011 Sports) added 17 points respectively. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Gaz Metan have a solid series of four victories in a row. They moved-up to second place, which they share with U.Mobitel.CN. Oradea at the other side keeps the seventh position with 12 games lost. Gaz Metan will face Rovinari (#11) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Oradea will play against Brasov (#16).
Top scorers:
Oradea: T.Mitchell 17+2reb+5ast, S.Topcov 17+4reb+1ast, M.Schachtner 11+9reb, R.Pasca 8+3reb+1ast, N.Maric 5+3reb+2ast, L.Lazar 4+2reb
Gaz Metan: T.Nicoara 18+10reb+2ast, J.Howell 18+3reb+1ast, D.Mitchell 16+2reb+2ast, D.Kinloch 15+8reb+2ast, I.Ivanovic 9+3reb+1ast, T.Jucan 7+2reb

Mures - Rovinari 102-100

No shocking result in a game when fourth ranked Mures (20-7) edged at home 11th ranked Rovinari (12-15) 102-100 on Saturday. However just two-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. The hosts trailed by 4 points at the halftime before their 50-44 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Mures had a 17-6 advantage in offensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was Serbian power forward Aleksandar Mladenovic (207-84, agency: BeoExcell) who scored 29 points and 9 rebounds. American forward Jason Forte (196-84, college: S.Mississippi) chipped in 22 points and 9 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was American guard Louis Darby (196-84, college: Long Beach St.) who recorded 36 points (!!!), 5 rebounds and 5 assists and the other American import swingman Porter Troupe (196-83, college: Portland) added 23 points respectively. Four Mures and five Rovinari players scored in double figures. Mures maintains fourth place with 20-7 record. Rovinari at the other side dropped to the tenth position with 15 games lost. Mures will face league's leader Ploiesti on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Rovinari will play against Gaz Metan (#3) in Medias.
Top scorers:
Rovinari: L.Darby 36+5reb+5ast, P.Troupe 23+4reb+1ast, V.Mocanu 14+4reb+1ast, R.Bigus 13+8reb+2ast, S.Nikolic 11+8reb+6ast, S.Lupusavei 3
Mures: A.Mladenovic 29+9reb+2ast, J.Forte 22+9reb+2ast, D.Lewis 21+2reb+1ast, J.Cooley 14+6reb+11ast, F.Lapuste 7+3reb+1ast, A.Capusan 4+3reb+1ast

Timisoara - Miercurea 68-84

There was an upset when higher ranked Timisoara (12-15) was defeated at home by fifteenth ranked Miercurea (4-23) 84-68 on Saturday. It was a very close game until the last quarter, when Miercurea's pressure prevailed and they won that period 24-13 extending their advantage to 16 points. Strangely Timisoara outrebounded Miercurea 38-24 including a 14-3 advantage in offensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was American guard Clevin Hannah (180-87, college: Wichita St., agency: Court Side) who scored 26 points and 7 assists. American-Mexican guard Enrico Tucker (180, college: San Diego) chipped in 20 points. At the other side the best for losing team was Serbian forward Milos Pesic (202-84) who recorded 16 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists and the former international center Dan Paltinisanu (208-79, agency: Court Side) added 17 points and 12 rebounds respectively. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Newly promoted Miercurea maintains fifteenth place with 4-23 record. Timisoara at the other side keeps the tenth position with 15 games lost. Miercurea will face higher ranked Otopeni (#7) at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
Top scorers:
Timisoara: N.Markovic 17+5reb+2ast, D.Paltinisanu 17+12reb, M.Pesic 16+9reb+6ast, R.Dzambic 10+6reb+2ast, D.Habus 8+2reb+2ast, G.Toth 0
Miercurea: C.Hannah 26+3reb+7ast, E.Tucker 20+2reb+2ast, J.Huffman 14+5reb, Z.Samuila 10+4reb, Y.Coleman 7+3reb+1ast, L.Levine 5+5reb+3ast

Brasov - Craiova 76-83

Rather predictable result when thirteenth ranked Craiova (6-21) beat on the road bottom-ranked Brasov (1-26) 83-76 on Saturday. The guests trailed by 1 point at the halftime before their 44-36 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Craiova forced 21 Brasov turnovers. Brasov was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. The best player for the winners was American guard Jermont Horton (198-83, college: Rutgers-Newark) who had a double-double by scoring 32 points and 16 rebounds. His fellow American import guard Casey Wohlleb (201-86, college: Florida Gulf Coast) chipped in 23 points and 8 rebounds (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line). Wohlleb is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. At the other side the best for losing team was swingman Radu Paliciuc (198-88) who recorded 16 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists and Montenegrin center Zeljko Bubanja (210-73) added 13 points and 14 rebounds respectively. Four Brasov players scored in double figures. Craiova maintains thirteenth place with 6-21 record. Brasov lost sixteenth consecutive game. They stay dead last with 26 lost games. Craiova will face higher ranked Timisoara (#10) at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Brasov will play against Oradea (#8).
Top scorers:
Brasov: R.Paliciuc 16+9reb+4ast, H.Codin 16+5reb+1ast, M.Popa 15+4reb+3ast, Z.Bubanja 13+14reb+1ast, O.Boian 8+3reb+5ast, A.Dohi 4
Craiova: J.Horton 32+16reb+2ast, C.Wohlleb 23+8reb+1ast, E.Lapadat 11+4reb, I.Corneanu 9+2reb, I.Dodoc 4+4reb+1ast, M.Gavrila 4+1reb

Politehnica Iasi - Pitesti 77-106

Not a big story in a game when 14th ranked Politehnica Iasi (5-22) was outplayed at home by sixth ranked Pitesti (16-11) 106-77 on Monday. The game without a history. Pitesti led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 80 of its points in the paint compared to Politehnica Iasi's 28. They outrebounded Politehnica Iasi 48-25 including a 35-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was Montenegrin guard Darko Vujacic (201-79) who scored 26 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Serbian swingman Ivan Stefanovic (201-80, agency: World Sport Agency) chipped in a double-double by scoring 15 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was American guard LeRoy Dawson (188-81, college: S.Nazarene, agency: Global Sports Plaza) who recorded 18 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists and the other American import swingman Bryan McCullough (198-83, college: NC-Asheville, agency: 011 Sports) added 18 points respectively. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Politehnica Iasi's coach Ionut Onose gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Pitesti maintains sixth place with 16-11 record. Politehnica Iasi lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the fourteenth position with 22 games lost. Pitesti will face higher ranked Steaua Turabo (#5) in Bucuresti in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Politehnica Iasi will play on the road against CSU Sibiu (#9).
Top scorers:
Politehnica Iasi: L.Dawson 18+7reb+7ast, B.McCullough 18+3reb+2ast, D.Anghel 13+1reb+2ast, B.Kabengele-Kalala 12+5reb+1ast, M.Nicolae 11+5reb, F.Moscalu 3
Pitesti: D.Vujacic 26+5reb+4ast, D.Gennie 19, B.Grubisic 17+6reb+1ast, I.Stefanovic 15+13reb+4ast, A.Voinescu 12+8reb+4ast, S.Isleam 6+5reb+1ast

CSM Bucuresti - CSU Sibiu 59-70

Everything went according to plan when ninth ranked CSU Sibiu (14-13) won against on the road 12th ranked CSM Bucuresti (11-15) 70-59 on Saturday. The guests trailed by 3 points after three quarters before their 22-8 charge, which allowed them to win the game. CSU Sibiu forced 25 CSM Bucuresti turnovers. The best player for the winners was American center Justin Herndon (208-83) who scored 15 points and 9 rebounds. Guard Octavian Calota (185-84) chipped in 14 points and 5 rebounds. Four CSU Sibiu players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was Serbian power forward Branislav Tomic (205-80) who recorded 25 points and the former international guard Mihail-Octavian Paul (192-82) added 11 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists respectively. CSU Sibiu maintains ninth place with 14-13 record. CSM Bucuresti lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the twelfth position with 15 games lost. CSU Sibiu will face Politehnica Iasi (#14) at home in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. CSM Bucuresti will play against the league's second-placed U-Mobitelco where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
CSM Bucuresti: B.Tomic 25+2reb+1ast, M.Paul 11+6reb+4ast, R.Kraemer 11+4reb, A.Santana 6+5reb+3ast, M.Bennett 5+13reb+1ast, V.Macaveiu 1+3reb
CSU Sibiu: J.Herndon 15+9reb, M.Markovic 15+4reb+1ast, O.Calota 14+5reb+3ast, L.Seals 11+5reb+2ast, E.Brown 9+1ast, M.Harrison 6+12reb+1ast

Otopeni - U.Mobitel.CN 74-83

There was no surprise when 6th ranked Otopeni (15-12) was defeated at home by third ranked U-Mobitelco (21-6) 83-74 on Sunday. Otopeni trailed by 12 points after 3 quarters before a 21-18 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 74-83 at the end of the game. The best player for the winners was Serbian center Zoran Krstanovic (205-82) who had a double-double by scoring 29 points and 13 rebounds. American forward Kyndall Dykes (191-87, college: New Orleans, agency: Strategic Sports) chipped in 23 points, 5 assists and 4 steals. Dykes is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. At the other side the best for losing team was Serbian guard Slobodan Popovic (198-80, agency: BeoExcell) who recorded 27 points and 9 rebounds (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field) and American forward Cortney Scott (196-82, college: Oakland) added 22 points and 4 assists respectively. U-Mobitelco have a solid series of four victories in a row. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Gaz Metan. Otopeni at the other side dropped to the seventh position with 12 games lost. U-Mobitelco will face CSM Bucuresti (#12) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Otopeni will play against Miercurea (#15).
Top scorers:
Otopeni: S.Popovic 27+9reb, C.Scott 22+3reb+4ast, B.Burell 17+2reb+1ast, M.Medvedj 8+2reb+7ast, M.Vacarescu 0, A.Urucatu 0
U.Mobitel.CN: Z.Krstanovic 29+13reb+1ast, K.Dykes 23+4reb+5ast, M.Silvasan 12+2reb+4ast, B.Cuic 8+6reb+6ast, P.Chetreanu 5+1reb+2ast, D.Lawrence 4+4reb+1ast

Steaua Turabo - Ploiesti 93-92 2OT

Top ranked Ploiesti (23-4) recorded its fourth loss in Bucuresti on Saturday night. Visitors were edged by fifth ranked Steaua Turabo (19-7) in double-overtime 93-92. It ended at the same time the 12-game winning streak of Ploiesti. The hosts trailed by 8 points after three quarters before their 24-16 charge, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time and get a 1-point victory in double-overtime. Steaua Turabo made 28-of-36 free shots (77.8 percent) during the game. Steaua Turabo outrebounded Ploiesti 46-34 including 34 on the defensive glass. 33 personal fouls committed by Ploiesti helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was the former international power forward Virgil Stanescu (207-77, college: S.Alabama, agency: Interperformances) who had a double-double by scoring 15 points and 17 rebounds. Croatian guard Ivan Tomeljak (194-79) chipped in 15 points. At the other side the best for losing team was the former international center Catalin Burlacu (210-77, agency: Court Side) who recorded 18 points and 8 rebounds and the former international guard Adrian Blidaru (182-85) added 16 points (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line) respectively. Five Steaua Turabo and four Ploiesti players scored in double figures. Steaua Turabo have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain fifth place with 19-7 record. Defending champion Ploiesti still keeps top position with four games lost. Steaua Turabo are looking forward to face Pitesti (#6) on the road in the next round. Ploiesti will play against Mures (#4) and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Ploiesti: C.Burlacu 18+8reb, Q.Calhoun 18+1reb, A.Blidaru 16+3reb+2ast, J.Westrol 12+5reb+1ast, L.Szijarto 8+4reb+3ast, K.Ford 8+4reb+2ast
Steaua Turabo: V.Stanescu 15+17reb+2ast, I.Tomeljak 15+3reb+2ast, G.Hafnar 12+4reb+2ast, H.Nikolov 11+2reb+3ast, B.Popescu 10+8reb+1ast, A.Mandache 10+2reb+3ast

Stats Leaders - Men

Points Per Game

LeRoy DAWSON
  Politehnica Iasi
  (188-G-81)
  Avg: 21

1. Dawson, Polite.	21.0
2. Krstanovic, U.Mobi.	20.9
3. Dykes, U.Mobite.	20.8
4. Vujacic, Pitesti	19.7
5. Hannah, Miercurea	19.5
6. Horton, Craiova	19.3
7. Scott, Otopeni	18.8
8. Darby, Rovinari	18.7
9. Tomic, CSM B.	18.4
10. Popovic, Otopeni	18.0

Rebounds Per Game

Kenneth SIMMS
  Craiova
  (203-C-)
  Avg: 11.7

1. Simms, Craiova	11.7
2. Nicoara, Gaz Metan	10.0
3. Bennett, CSM B.	9.8
4. Coleman, Miercurea	9.5
5. Krstanovic, U.Mobi.	9.0
6. Forte, Mures	8.9
7. Bigus, Rovinari	8.5
8. Burlacu, Ploiesti	7.9
9. Mladenovic, Mures	7.8
10. Eichelberger, Pitesti	7.7

Assists Per Game

JuJuan COOLEY
  Mures
  (175-G-82)
  Avg: 8.3

1. Cooley, Mures	8.3
2. Dzambic, CSM B.	7.9
3. Hannah, Miercurea	6.3
4. Howell, Gaz Metan	5.3
5. Cuic, U.Mobitel.CN	5.3
6. Stojakovic, Craiova	5.2
7. Blidaru, Ploiesti	5.1
8. Maric, Oradea	4.8
9. Medvedj, Otopeni	4.8
10. Gennie, Pitesti	4.8

Steals Per Game

Nikola STOJAKOVIC
  Craiova
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Stojakovic, Craiova	2.5
2. Cooley, Mures	2.5
3. Howell, Gaz Metan	2.5
4. Gennie, Pitesti	2.4
5. Harrison, CSU Sibiu	2.3
6. Dykes, U.Mobite.	2.3
7. Mitchell, Gaz Metan	2.2
8. Blidaru, Ploiesti	2.1
9. Medvedj, Otopeni	2.1
10. Dawson, Polite.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Michael HARRISON
  CSU Sibiu
  (206-F/C-84)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Harrison, CSU Sibiu	1.8
2. Capusan, Rovinari	1.6
3. Eichelberger, Pitesti	1.6
4. Masiulis, CSU S.	1.5
5. Mladenovic, Mures	1.5
6. Lazar, Oradea	1.3
7. Simms, Craiova	1.3
8. Bennett, CSM B.	1.2
9. Thomson, U.Mobite.	0.9
10. Waterstradt, CSM B.	0.9

Standings

Div.A Standings

1. Ploiesti		23-4
2. U.Mobitel.CN		21-6
3. Gaz Metan		21-6
4. Mures		20-7
5. Steaua Turabo		19-7
6. Pitesti		16-11
7. Otopeni		15-12
8. Oradea		15-12
9. CSU Sibiu		14-13
10. Timisoara		12-15
11. Rovinari		12-15
12. CSM Bucuresti		11-15
13. Craiova		6-21
14. Politehnica Iasi		5-22
15. Miercurea		4-23
16. Brasov		1-26

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

RUSSIA

Standings - Superleague B

Superleague Standings

1. Univ.Surgut		26-8
2. Saransk		23-8
3. Spartak-Primorie		22-9
4. Severstal		22-9
5. Ural Ekaterinb.		20-10
6. Revda		14-15
7. Metallurg-Univ.		13-20
8. Rjazan		12-18
9. Irkutsk		8-23
10. Lokomotiv		6-25
11. Zaretchny		5-26

Superleague Round 35: Severstal defeats TEMP-SUMZ Revda in the closest game of the week - by Eurobasket News
Sixth-ranked TEMP-SUMZ Revda (14-15) gave a tough game to fourth ranked Severstal (22-9) on Monday. The visitors from Cherepovec managed to secure only three-point victory 83-80. However their fans expected easier game. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of TEMP-SUMZ Revda. Severstal moved-up to third place, which they share with Spartak-Primorie. TEMP-SUMZ Revda at the other side keeps the sixth position with 15 games lost. Severstal will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. TEMP-SUMZ Revda will play again at home against Severstal (#4) in Cherepovec and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Very important is a home loss of second ranked Ruskon-Mordovia (23-8) against eleventh ranked Sojuz Zaretchny (5-26) on Monday night. Host Ruskon-Mordovia was defeated by Sojuz Zaretchny in a tough game in Saransk 76-80. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Ruskon-Mordovia. Newly promoted Sojuz Zaretchny maintains eleventh place with 5-26 record. Ruskon-Mordovia at the other side keeps the second position with eight games lost. Sojuz Zaretchny will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Ruskon-Mordovia will play again at home against Sojuz Zaretchny and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Superlaegue top team - Universitet-Yugra (26-8) had no problems winning another game on Thursday. This time they crushed tenth ranked Lokomotiv (6-25) in Novosybirsk 97-70. Universitet-Yugra have a solid series of four victories in a row. Newly promoted Universitet-Yugra maintains first place with 26-8 record. Lokomotiv lost third consecutive game. They keep the tenth position with 25 games lost. Universitet-Yugra will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Lokomotiv will play again against the league's leader Universitet-Yugra (#1) in Surgut and hope to secure a win.
Superlaegue top team - Universitet-Yugra (26-8) managed to deliver another win. This time they beat tenth ranked Lokomotiv (6-25) in Novosybirsk 94-80. Universitet-Yugra have a solid series of four victories in a row. Newly promoted Universitet-Yugra maintains first place with 26-8 record. Lokomotiv lost third consecutive game. They keep the tenth position with 25 games lost. Universitet-Yugra will have a break next round. Lokomotiv will play again at home against the league's leader Universitet-Yugra (#1) in Surgut.
Fifth ranked Ural Ekaterinburg (20-10) crushed at home 7th ranked Metallurg-University (13-20) by 31 points 102-71, which is the biggest margin this round on Monday night. Ural Ekaterinburg maintains fifth place with 20-10 record. Loser Metallurg-University keeps the seventh position with 20 games lost. Ural Ekaterinburg will face again Metallurg-University (#7) in Magnitogorsk in the next round.

Revda - Severstal 80-83

Sixth-ranked TEMP-SUMZ Revda (14-15) gave a tough game to fourth ranked Severstal (22-9) on Monday. The visitors from Cherepovec managed to secure only three-point victory 83-80. However their fans expected easier game. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of TEMP-SUMZ Revda. Severstal moved-up to third place, which they share with Spartak-Primorie. TEMP-SUMZ Revda at the other side keeps the sixth position with 15 games lost. Severstal will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. TEMP-SUMZ Revda will play again at home against Severstal (#4) in Cherepovec and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Saransk - Zaretchny 76-80

Very important is a home loss of second ranked Ruskon-Mordovia (23-8) against eleventh ranked Sojuz Zaretchny (5-26) on Monday night. Host Ruskon-Mordovia was defeated by Sojuz Zaretchny in a tough game in Saransk 76-80. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Ruskon-Mordovia. Newly promoted Sojuz Zaretchny maintains eleventh place with 5-26 record. Ruskon-Mordovia at the other side keeps the second position with eight games lost. Sojuz Zaretchny will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Ruskon-Mordovia will play again at home against Sojuz Zaretchny and hopes to get back on the winning track.

Spartak-Primorie - Irkutsk 20-0

Ural Ekaterinb. - Metallurg-Univ. 102-71

Fifth ranked Ural Ekaterinburg (20-10) crushed at home 7th ranked Metallurg-University (13-20) by 31 points 102-71, which is the biggest margin this round on Monday night. Ural Ekaterinburg maintains fifth place with 20-10 record. Loser Metallurg-University keeps the seventh position with 20 games lost. Ural Ekaterinburg will face again Metallurg-University (#7) in Magnitogorsk in the next round.

Round 17

Lokomotiv - Univ.Surgut 70-97

Superlaegue top team - Universitet-Yugra (26-8) had no problems winning another game on Thursday. This time they crushed tenth ranked Lokomotiv (6-25) in Novosybirsk 97-70. The game without a history. Universitet-Yugra led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Universitet-Yugra have a solid series of four victories in a row. Newly promoted Universitet-Yugra maintains first place with 26-8 record. Lokomotiv lost third consecutive game. They keep the tenth position with 25 games lost. Universitet-Yugra will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Lokomotiv will play again against the league's leader Universitet-Yugra (#1) in Surgut and hope to secure a win.

Round 18

Lokomotiv - Univ.Surgut 80-94

Superlaegue top team - Universitet-Yugra (26-8) managed to deliver another win. This time they beat tenth ranked Lokomotiv (6-25) in Novosybirsk 94-80. The game without a history. Universitet-Yugra led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Universitet-Yugra have a solid series of four victories in a row. Newly promoted Universitet-Yugra maintains first place with 26-8 record. Lokomotiv lost third consecutive game. They keep the tenth position with 25 games lost. Universitet-Yugra will have a break next round. Lokomotiv will play again at home against the league's leader Universitet-Yugra (#1) in Surgut.

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

SERBIA

Bosko Stojakovic joined Oradea - by Eurobasket News
Bosko Stojakovic (196-G-84, agency: 011 Sports) joined Oradea and scored 4 points over the weekend in his debut. His new team however lost to Gaz Metan 72:97.
In 2004-2005 Bosko Stojakovic started for KK Slavija Istocno Sarajevo (D1 Srpska Liga, starting five) and In June 2006 signed a 2-Years contract with Zlatorog (1A). In 2009-2010 moved to KK Mladost Mrkonjic Grad (Bosnia-D1, starting five), in Mar.'10 moved to KK Primorje-Mediteran Herceg Novi (Montenegro-1A). This season the Serbian player started for Marso-Vagep NYKK (Hungary-A Division, starting five) and averaged 15.3 points per game. In his top game Kaposvari was outleveled in a road game by twelfth ranked Marso-Vagep 100-80 in Round 12 in Hungary. Worth to mention a great performance of American swingman Curtis Marshall who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 24 points and 13 rebounds and Serbian guard Bosko Stojakovic who added 29 points and 5 rebounds during the contest.

B League Round 22: #1 BKK Radnicki is defeated by Student UK - by Eurobasket News
The games are now more important than at the beginning of the Regular Season. We may still expect few shocking results in upcoming 4 rounds. There was no lack of excitement in the last round games. It ended with defeat of the leader, favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin.

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked BKK Radnicki (19-3) in Kragujevac on Saturday night. Visitors were defeated by sixth ranked Student UK (12-10) 88-80. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of BKK Radnicki. The hosts trailed by 6 points after three quarters before their 32-18 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Student UK made 25-of-29 free shots (86.2 percent) during the game. They also forced 20 BKK Radnicki turnovers. 26 personal fouls committed by BKK Radnicki helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Guard Srboljub Samailovic (194-G-82) had a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and center Nikola Glisovic (209-73) chipped in 20 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side power forward Dragan Petronic (206-82) responded with 20 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Student UK moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Smederevo and Viva Basket. BKK Radnicki at the other side, also newcomer in the league, still keeps top position with three games lost. Student UK is looking forward to face Vojvodina (#9) in Novi Sad in the next round. BKK Radnicki's supporters also look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Beograd Viva Basket.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Spartak (14-8) against fifth ranked Smederevo Vizura (12-10) on Saturday night. Visiting Spartak was defeated by Smederevo Vizura in Smederevo 84-69. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Spartak. Guard Vojin Svilar (188-86, college: W.Georgia) notched 30 points and 4 assists to lead the effort and Uros Zivanovic supported him with 13 points and 8 rebounds. Even 16 points and 6 rebounds by guard Miodrag Dinic (197-80) did not help to save the game for Spartak. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Smederevo Vizura maintains fifth position with 12-10 record, which they share with Viva Basket and Student. Newly promoted Spartak keeps the third place with eight games lost. They share the position with Zeleznicar. Smederevo Vizura will play against KK Nis (#13) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Spartak will play against KK Jagodina (#12) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Zeleznicar (#4) was upset in Beograd by seventh ranked Viva Basket 100-89. Dragan Bjelica fired a double-double by scoring 22 points and 13 assists for the winners. Vladimir Jojic produced 28 points and 7 assists (made all of his seven free throws) for lost side. Zeleznicar's coach Ivan Smiljanic rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Viva Basket (12-10) moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Smederevo and Student. Loser Zeleznicar dropped to the third position with eight games lost. They share it with Spartak. Viva Basket's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Beograd to the arena BKK Radnicki.
Bottom-ranked Radnicki KG 06 (0-22) is still winless. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their 22th consecutive match to second ranked Radnicki Basket (18-4) 101-71. Worth to mention a great performance of Bojan Subotic who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 22 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field). The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Radnicki Basket have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 18-4 record behind leader Radnicki BG. Radnicki KG 06 at the other side still closes the standings. Radnicki Basket's next round opponent will be Radnicki OB (#10) in Obrenovac and are hoping to win another game. Radnicki KG 06 will play on the road against Zeleznicar (#4) in Indija and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Important game to mention about took place in Cacak. Ninth ranked Vojvodina (11-11) saved a 2-point victory on the road edging 11th ranked Mladost Cacak (9-13) 64-62 on Saturday evening. Tomislav Ivosev scored 17 points to lead the charge for the winners. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Vojvodina moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Sindjelic Nis. Loser Mladost Cacak keeps the eleventh position with 13 games lost. Vojvodina will face higher ranked Student UK (#6) in Kragujevac in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Mladost Cacak will play at home against Sindjelic Nis (#8).

In the last two games of round 22 Jagodina lost to Sindjelic Nis on the opponent's court 68-78. Radnicki OB managed to outperform KK Nis in a home game 86-78.

Mladost Cacak - Vojvodina 62-64

Important game to mention about took place in Cacak. Ninth ranked Vojvodina (11-11) saved a 2-point victory on the road edging 11th ranked Mladost Cacak (9-13) 64-62 on Saturday evening. The guests trailed by 4 points after three quarters before their 19-13 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Mladost Cacak was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. Tomislav Ivosev scored 17 points to lead the charge for the winners and guard Bojan Tomasevic (186-84) chipped in 12 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side forward Ivan Dukanac (199-80) responded with 22 points and swingman Milovan Maric (196-86) scored 10 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Vojvodina moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Sindjelic Nis. Loser Mladost Cacak keeps the eleventh position with 13 games lost. Vojvodina will face higher ranked Student UK (#6) in Kragujevac in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Mladost Cacak will play at home against Sindjelic Nis (#8).
Top scorers:
Vojvodina: T.Ivosev 17+4reb+1ast, B.Tomasevic 12+5reb+2ast, A.Drakulic 10+3reb, M.Grubor 9+7reb, I.Pap 7+1reb, M.Glisic 4+1ast
Mladost Cacak: I.Dukanac 22+4reb+1ast, M.Pejanovic 11+2reb+1ast, M.Maric 10+6reb+2ast, S.Avramovic 8+4reb+6ast, M.Azanjac 5+1ast, M.Gujanicic 2+8reb

Sindjelic Nis - Jagodina 78-68

Very expected game when 12th ranked KK Jagodina (7-15) was defeated on the road by eighth ranked Sindjelic Nis (11-11) 78-68 on Saturday. The hosts were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Sindjelic Nis dominated on the defensive end, holding KK Jagodina to just 7 points in fourth quarter. Guard Milos Trailovic (198-81) scored 32 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and swingman Marko Cvetkovic (197-77, agency: BeoExcell) chipped in 21 points during the contest. At the losing side Bosnian center Mladen Gambiroza (208-75, agency: Agency No 10) responded with 26 points and guard Bojan Gladanac (-88) scored 17 points. Sindjelic Nis maintains eighth position with 11-11 record, which they share with Vojvodina. Loser KK Jagodina keeps the twelfth place with 15 games lost. Sindjelic Nis will face Mladost Cacak (#11) on the road in the next round. KK Jagodina will play against Spartak in Subotica.
Top scorers:
Sindjelic Nis: M.Trailovic 32+8reb+4ast, M.Cvetkovic 21+2reb+3ast, D.Markovic 11+7reb+1ast, N.Djurdjevic 9+7ast, S.Ivetic 4+4reb+2ast, M.Vitkovic 1+2reb
Jagodina: M.Gambiroza 26+3reb, B.Gladanac 17+4reb+2ast, V.Stanisavljevic 14+2reb+6ast, N.Vujicic 8+4reb+1ast, N.Radmanovac 3+1reb+2ast, L.Novakovic 0

Smederevo - Spartak 84-69

Very important is a road loss of third ranked Spartak (14-8) against fifth ranked Smederevo Vizura (12-10) on Saturday night. Visiting Spartak was defeated by Smederevo Vizura in Smederevo 84-69. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Spartak. The game was mostly controlled by Smederevo Vizura. Spartak was better in second period 19-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Smederevo Vizura forced 19 Spartak turnovers. Guard Vojin Svilar (188-86, college: W.Georgia) notched 30 points and 4 assists to lead the effort and power forward Uros Zivanovic (204-85) supported him with 13 points and 8 rebounds. Even 16 points and 6 rebounds by guard Miodrag Dinic (197-80) did not help to save the game for Spartak. Kemal Karahodzic added 15 points and 7 rebounds for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Smederevo Vizura maintains fifth position with 12-10 record, which they share with Viva Basket and Student. Newly promoted Spartak keeps the third place with eight games lost. They share the position with Zeleznicar. Smederevo Vizura will play against KK Nis (#13) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Spartak will play against KK Jagodina (#12) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Smederevo: V.Svilar 30+2reb+4ast, V.Vranic 13+2reb+2ast, U.Zivanovic 13+8reb+2ast, D.Rnic 12+3reb+1ast, A.Perovic 8+8reb+3ast, A.Nastic 4+2ast
Spartak: M.Dinic 16+6reb+2ast, K.Karahodzic 15+7reb+1ast, S.Stojanovic 11+1reb+1ast, D.Kuntic 10+1reb+1ast, P.Prlja 9+5reb, R.Vukolic 6+6reb

Radnicki OB - KK Nis 86-78

Rather predictable result in Obrenovac where tenth ranked Radnicki OB (10-12) defeated 13th ranked KK Nis (5-17) 86-78 on Saturday. The hosts trailed by 8 points at the halftime before their 31-10 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Radnicki OB made 23-of-30 free shots (76.7 percent) during the game. They also forced 20 KK Nis turnovers. KK Nis were plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. Forward Dragan Boricic (201-77) had a double-double by scoring 22 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and Montenegrin center Aleksandar Raickovic (205-77) chipped in 13 points and 6 rebounds during the contest (made all of his nine free throws !!!). At the losing side Nikola Stanojevic responded with 18 points and 7 rebounds and Croatian-Spanish swingman Ivan Kostic (200-84, college: Occidental) scored 14 points. Five Radnicki OB and four KK Nis players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Radnicki OB maintains tenth position with 10-12 record. Newly promoted KK Nis keep the thirteenth place with 17 games lost. Radnicki OB will face league's second-placed Radnicki Basket in Beograd in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. KK Nis will play at home against Smederevo Vizura (#5).
Top scorers:
Radnicki OB: D.Boricic 22+10reb+5ast, M.Jevtic 14+2reb+1ast, A.Raickovic 13+6reb+3ast, V.Djordjevic 12+3reb+3ast, M.Ljubas 10+3reb+4ast, U.Baltic 5+2reb+2ast
KK Nis: N.Stanojevic 18+7reb+1ast, I.Kostic 14+4reb+3ast, M.Tesanovic 10+1reb+1ast, M.Markovic 10+3reb+1ast, M.Andrejevic 9+2reb, V.Djordjevic 8+2reb+1ast

KG 06 - Radnicki Basket 71-101

Bottom-ranked Radnicki KG 06 (0-22) is still winless. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their 22th consecutive match to second ranked Radnicki Basket (18-4) 101-71. The game without a history. Radnicki Basket led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 30-of-39 charity shots (76.9 percent) during the game, while Radnicki KG 06 only scored twelve points from the stripe. 29 personal fouls committed by Radnicki KG 06 helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of Montenegrin power forward Bojan Subotic (206-90) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 22 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field). Center Milojko Vasilic (207-89) contributed with 15 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Four Radnicki Basket players scored in double figures. Swingman Milic Blagojevic (200-91) replied with 21 points and 5 rebounds and Ivan Nedeljkovic added 16 points in the effort for Radnicki KG 06. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Radnicki Basket have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 18-4 record behind leader Radnicki BG. Radnicki KG 06 at the other side still closes the standings. Radnicki Basket's next round opponent will be Radnicki OB (#10) in Obrenovac and are hoping to win another game. Radnicki KG 06 will play on the road against Zeleznicar (#4) in Indija and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Radnicki Basket: B.Subotic 22+11reb+4ast, A.Zaric 18+1reb+4ast, D.Djokic 17+1reb, M.Vasilic 15+9reb+3ast, S.Stamenkovic 5+2reb+1ast, F.Djuran 5+2reb+1ast
KG 06: M.Blagojevic 21+5reb+3ast, I.Nedeljkovic 16+4reb+2ast, A.Marelja 12+4reb, A.Mirkovic 7+2reb+1ast, S.Gavrilovic 5+3reb+1ast, S.Mijovic 4+2reb+1ast

Viva Basket - Zeleznicar 100-89

Zeleznicar (#4) was upset in Beograd by seventh ranked Viva Basket 100-89. The hosts trailed by 2 points after three quarters before their 30-17 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Viva Basket made 25-of-31 free shots (80.6 percent) during the game. Guard Dragan Bjelica (198-81) fired a double-double by scoring 22 points and 13 assists for the winners. Center Aleksandar Petrovic (206-72) chipped in 17 points and 9 rebounds. Bosnian guard Vladimir Jojic (185-75) produced 28 points and 7 assists (made all of his seven free throws) and Slobodan Gugleta (-83) added 22 points and 14 rebounds respectively for lost side. Five Viva Basket and four Zeleznicar players scored in double figures. Zeleznicar's coach Ivan Smiljanic rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Viva Basket (12-10) moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Smederevo and Student. Loser Zeleznicar dropped to the third position with eight games lost. They share it with Spartak. Viva Basket's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Beograd to the arena BKK Radnicki.
Top scorers:
Viva Basket: D.Bjelica 22+2reb+13ast, A.Vuletic 18+10reb, A.Petrovic 17+9reb+2ast, D.Jevtic 15+2reb+1ast, M.Drekalovic 11+2reb+1ast, M.Kurcubic 10+4reb+2ast
Zeleznicar: V.Jojic 28+4reb+7ast, S.Gugleta 22+14reb+1ast, B.Mihajlovic 13+6reb+2ast, M.Djuric 11+1reb+1ast, N.Kovac 7+1reb, N.Kasabasic 6+4reb+7ast

Student - Radnicki BG 88-80

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked BKK Radnicki (19-3) in Kragujevac on Saturday night. Visitors were defeated by sixth ranked Student UK (12-10) 88-80. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of BKK Radnicki. The hosts trailed by 6 points after three quarters before their 32-18 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Student UK made 25-of-29 free shots (86.2 percent) during the game. They also forced 20 BKK Radnicki turnovers. 26 personal fouls committed by BKK Radnicki helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Guard Srboljub Samailovic (194-82) had a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and center Nikola Glisovic (209-73) chipped in 20 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Five Student UK players scored in double figures. At the losing side power forward Dragan Petronic (206-82) responded with 20 points and 8 rebounds and guard Slobodan Lalic (197-86, agency: Beo Basket) scored 20 points and 5 rebounds (made all of his eight free throws). Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Student UK moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Smederevo and Viva Basket. BKK Radnicki at the other side, also newcomer in the league, still keeps top position with three games lost. Student UK is looking forward to face Vojvodina (#9) in Novi Sad in the next round. BKK Radnicki's supporters also look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Beograd Viva Basket.
Top scorers:
Student: N.Glisovic 20+6reb+1ast, S.Samailovic 19+10reb+3ast, N.Vucic 17+3ast, L.Igrutinovic 14+8reb, N.Tanasijevic 10+4reb+4ast, D.Savic 4+4reb+1ast
Radnicki BG: D.Petronic 20+8reb+1ast, S.Lalic 20+5reb+1ast, M.Tomic 13+4reb, N.Rakonjac 8+1reb+2ast, N.Gacic 8, M.Ilic 7+1reb

Standings - A Liga

A Standings

SuperLeague
1. Beograd		1-0
2. Crvena Zvezda		0-0
3. Hemofarm		0-0
4. Mega Vizura		0-0
5. Metalac		0-0
6. Partizan		0-0
7. Radnicki		0-0
8. FMP		0-1
Places 9-16
1. Tamis		15-11
2. Napredak		12-14
3. Sloga		12-14
4. Novi Sad		12-14
5. Sloboda Uzice		12-14
6. Vojvodina		12-14
7. Borac		11-15
8. Proleter Naftagas		10-16
9. Crnokosa		9-17
10. Superfund		1-25

Standings - B Liga

B League Standings

1. Radnicki BG		19-3
2. Radnicki Basket		18-4
3. Spartak		14-8
4. Zeleznicar		14-8
5. Smederevo		12-10
6. Student		12-10
7. Viva Basket		12-10
8. Sindjelic Nis		11-11
9. Vojvodina		11-11
10. Radnicki OB		10-12
11. Mladost Cacak		9-13
12. Jagodina		7-15
13. KK Nis		5-17
14. KG 06		0-22

Stats Leaders - 1A

Points Per Game

Branko MILISAVLJEVIC
  Mega Vizura
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 21.2

1. Milisavljevi., Mega V.	21.2
2. Koprivica, Super.	20.7
3. Zekovic, Beograd	18.8
4. Janjusevic, Crnok.	18.8
5. Sinovec, Metalac	18.0
6. Micevic, Sloboda .	17.6
7. Bozovic, Sloga	17.4
8. Bunic, Novi Sad	16.6
9. Kovacevic, Super.	16.3
10. Majkic, Prolet.	16.2

Rebounds Per Game

Nikola MARKOVIC
  FMP
  (208-F/C-89)
  Avg: 7.8

1. Markovic, FMP	7.8
2. Ljubicic, Metalac	7.6
3. Cantekin, Mega V.	7.5
4. Jelovac, Mega V.	7.1
5. Misanovic, Beograd	6.9
6. Majkic, Prolet.	6.6
7. Djurovic, Crnokosa	6.4
8. Cubrilo, Sloga	6.4
9. Bozovic, Sloga	6.4
10. Borovcanin, Sloga	6.3

Assists Per Game

Vid ZARKOVIC
  Proleter Naftagas
  (189-G-75)
  Avg: 6

1. Zarkovic, Prolet.	6.0
2. Ljubicic, Metalac	5.7
3. Radivojevic, FMP	5.2
4. Vlahovic, Sloga	5.1
5. Milisavljevi., Mega V.	4.8
6. Covic, FMP	4.5
7. Mitrovic, Beograd	4.3
8. Kocergin, Superfund	4.3
9. Atanackovic, Prolet.	4.3
10. Kovacevic, Novi Sad	3.7

Steals Per Game

Slobodan DUNDJERSKI
  Beograd
  (190-G-88)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Dundjerski, Beograd	2.9
2. Kuzeta, Novi Sad	2.7
3. Gagovic, Prolet.	2.3
4. Ljubicic, Metalac	2.1
5. Marjanovic, Vojvo.	2.0
6. Mukanovic, Crnok.	2.0
7. Jovic, Sloga	1.9
8. Kovacevic, Novi Sad	1.9
9. Vulin, Prolet.	1.8
10. Fekete, Sloboda .	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Nenad MISANOVIC
  T.E.Kashan
  (217-C-84)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Misanovic, Beograd	1.9
2. Ilic, FMP	1.3
3. Bircevic, Metalac	1.2
4. Majkic, Prolet.	1.1
5. Cantekin, Mega V.	1.0
6. Marjanovic, Vojvo.	0.9
7. Buric, Tamis	0.8
8. Ljubojevic, Slobod.	0.8
9. Dramicanin, Mega V.	0.7
10. Kalinic, Novi Sad	0.7

Stats Leaders - 1B

Points Per Game

Dragan BJELICA
  Viva Basket
  (198-G-81)
  Avg: 26.8

1. Bjelica, Viva Basket	26.8
2. Svilar, Smederevo	21.3
3. Dukanac, Mladost .	19.3
4. Radic, Spartak	18.8
5. Blagojevic, KG 06	18.1
6. Trailovic, Sindje.	17.4
7. Tesanovic, KK Nis	17.1
8. Lalic, Radnicki BG	16.7
9. Subotic, Radnic.	15.6
10. Samailovic, Student	15.3

Rebounds Per Game

Nemanja KNEZEVIC
  Vojvodina
  (203-F-87)
  Avg: 10

1. Knezevic, Vojvodina	10.0
2. Vuletic, Viva Basket	9.0
3. Gugleta, Zeleznicar	7.9
4. Ivosev, Vojvodina	7.4
5. Petrovic, Viva B.	7.1
6. Koprivica, Radnicki.	7.0
7. Zivanovic, Smede.	6.9
8. Boricic, Radnicki.	6.7
9. Dukanac, Mladost .	6.7
10. Subotic, Radnic.	6.6

Assists Per Game

Dragan BJELICA
  Viva Basket
  (198-G-81)
  Avg: 6.7

1. Bjelica, Viva Basket	6.7
2. Karic, Radnicki BG	6.4
3. Kasabasic, Zeleznicar	5.5
4. Boltic, Radnicki BG	5.0
5. Mijovic, Radnicki.	4.2
6. Dinic, Spartak	4.1
7. Vukasovic, Radnic.	4.1
8. Stanisavljev., Jagod.	4.1
9. Tanasijevic, Stude.	4.1
10. Sparovic, Smede.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Negoslav GACIC
  Radnicki BG
  (--)
  Avg: 3

1. Gacic, Radnicki BG	3.0
2. Karic, Radnicki BG	2.7
3. Zivanovic, Smede.	2.3
4. Ivosev, Vojvodina	2.0
5. Boltic, Radnicki BG	1.9
6. Radic, Spartak	1.9
7. Tanasijevic, Stude.	1.9
8. Kuntic, Spartak	1.9
9. Svilar, Smederevo	1.9
10. Stojacic, KG 06	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Slobodan GUGLETA
  Zeleznicar
  (--83)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Gugleta, Zeleznicar	2.5
2. Karahodzic, Spartak	1.5
3. Knezevic, Vojvodina	1.3
4. Vasilic, Radnic.	1.2
5. Petrovic, Viva B.	1.1
6. Savic, Student	0.9
7. Marelja, KG 06	0.9
8. Markovic, Sindjeli.	0.8
9. Petronic, Radnicki.	0.8
10. Kovac, Zeleznicar	0.8

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SLOVAKIA

The Final Playoff Push - by Corey Hallett
For everyone on the other side of the water, real fun begins in european basketball when the playoffs start. After a terrible start to the year where playoffs were only a far off dream we have now arrived at the end of the regular season and somehow got the 7th seed going into the playoffs. We have a very tough match-up against a strong team from Nova Ves but we have been playing well as of late and are confident going into game one wednesday night. Sure the knock-out part of college basketball is fun but the best out of 5 series allows for you and your team to really see what you are made of. Every game and every possession means everything and can affect not only the outcome of the game but your season. You also have to find a way to win on the road in the playoffs if your are going to be successful and only good teams can win on the road. The last but not least important part about the playoffs is the longer you can extend your season the more money you are going to make and we all know that puts a smile on everyones face. So who knows what the next few weeks will bring for our team but I know I have prepared myself well for a playoff run and will put forth everything I have to help my team win. Good luck to everyone out there as there season comes to a close and playoffs begin. May the season keep getting longer and our pockets fatter!!!

End of Regulars; Who's the best? - by Tomas Kottra
The Play-offs are approaching - starting on March 23rd - we may count all the statistics and call it over for regulars. So which players were the most successful until now?
Points Per Game - Yeah, this is the thing - best scorers all over the league made their jobs perfectly and there is no surprise that no Slovak native player appeared in the TOP10 scorer table, but five Americans. The leader is Adam McCoy (193-G-86, college: N.Texas) (formerly BK Iskra Svit, now BK Vahostav Zilina) with 26.0 ppg, second place goes to Bahamian Mr.Highlight Reel (his nickname KINO actually means cinema in Slovak language) Jaraun Burrows (203-F-85, agency: Warren Sports International, college: IPFW) (MBK Rieker Komarno) with 22.0 ppg. He has scored the most points all over the players, but played in 34 matches. The Most-Points-Per-Season Record is still held by Nenad Milosevic (190-G-83), who outscored all others with 1278 points in 2007. Third place in PPG belongs to strong Center Nenad Delic (210-F/C-84) (MBK Handlova) for 20.9.
Assists Per Game - No other surprises! Yes! Again the Americans - First - The Oakland University All Time DNO (Dimer Number One) Johnathon Jones (183-G-88, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Oakland) with average assists equal to 7.00. On the second place is the man with 'the great vision' Ronald Moore (BK SPU Nitra) with 6.85 apg. The third place gooooooooeeeees toooooo third again Corey Jefferson (183-G-85, college: Texas St.) (BK 04 AC LB Spisska Nova Ves) averaging 5.86 apg.
Rebounds Per Game - Now it gets tricky! First place has Branislav Tomek (205-C-83) (BK SPU Nitra) who has not played since end of year 2010 because of injury. Topping all others with incredible 13.28 rpg! The team has only little hopes that he'll return back to the court this year. Second is another dude, that won't see the POs, because he left to the Dutch League in late December - Mr. Paint himself - Charles Jackson (186-G) (MBK Rieker Komarno) with 12.00 rpg. Third is another Slovak player at least He has long and strong arms and he exactly knows, where to wait for the ball. Gabriel Szalay (215-C-86) (BK Prievidza) who's current season is a good one has inhaled the ball 10.67 times per game.
Possitive Fouls Per Game - You have to be smart. You have to be quick. You have to be one step ahead! The most fouled players use to be the most dangerous ones. Yes indeed it is like that! Mr. Foul-Me-Please - Justin Carter (193-F-87, college: Creighton) (BK Vahostav Zilina) is fouled nearly for 7 times per game. On the second spot sits his fellow teammate Adam McCoy with 6.04 and third is Jaraun Burrows with 5.62.

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

SLOVENIA

Thondique number one in Slovenia for round 1 (second stage) - by Eurobasket News
American forward Gregg Thondique (201-F-87) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Polzela, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 1 (Second Stage).
The 23-year old player had a double-double of 27 points and 11 rebounds. His Polzela lost at home against Helios 76-77. Former Virginia Union University star has very solid stats this year. Thondique is in league's top in points (3rd best: 16.5ppg) and averages impressive 1.2bpg,2.5spg and 63.1% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 22-year old Slovenian Luka Lapornik (195-G-88) of Zlatorog Lasko. Lapornik had a very good evening with a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds. Of course he lead Zlatorog to comfortable win outscoring Maribor Messer (0-1) 81-61. His team has good start of the Second Stage. They won their first game. However the Second Stage is at the beginning, so everything can happen. Lapornik is a newcomer at Zlatorog and despite he is not a team leader yet, every game he becomes more reliable player. Hopefully performances like the last one will happen more often.

Third on the list of top players last round was center Teo Simovic (205-C-84) of Sentjur (Group B, Play-out). Simovic scored 18 points and grabbed twelve rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of Sentjur, leading his team to a 105-85 easy win against Parklji. Simovic has a great season in Slovenia. After 17 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 17.1ppg (2nd best) and rebounds with 8.6rpg (2nd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Kenny Gregory (197-G/F-78) of Union Olimpija - 22 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Ivan Drzic (205-C-83) of Sentjur - 23 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists
6. Jure Erzen (203-C-75) of Parklji - 20 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Milan Sebic (204-F-86) of Sentjur - 16 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Tadej Ferme (187-G-91) of Sentjur - 22 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists
9. Zoran Dragic (196-G-89) of Krka - 16 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Dario Krejic (195-G-78) of Parklji - 21 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists

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

Stats Leaders - 1A

Points Per Game

Vladimir PANIC
  Zlatorog
  (194-F-82)
  Avg: 20.6

1. Panic, Zlatorog	20.6
2. Simovic, Sentjur	17.1
3. Thondique, Polzela	16.5
4. Erzen, Parklji	16.4
5. Bubnic, Helios	15.6
6. Djapa, Geoplin Slovan	15.2
7. Harmason, Sentjur	15.1
8. Mijajlovic, Polzela	14.3
9. Miljkovic, Elektra	14.2
10. Krejic, Parklji	13.6

Rebounds Per Game

Gregg THONDIQUE
  Polzela
  (201-F-87)
  Avg: 11.2

1. Thondique, Polzela	11.2
2. Simovic, Sentjur	8.6
3. Miljkovic, Elektra	8.4
4. Nuhanovic, Elektra	8.3
5. Krusic, Geoplin .	6.8
6. Zolotic, Maribor .	6.3
7. Paravinja, Parklji	5.9
8. Erzen, Parklji	5.8
9. Djapa, Geoplin Slovan	5.6
10. Dimec, Zlatorog	5.6

Assists Per Game

Boris JERSIN
  Elektra
  (183-G-85)
  Avg: 4.5

1. Jersin, Elektra	4.5
2. Brolih, Maribor .	4.4
3. Mijajlovic, Polzela	4.3
4. Vujasinovic, Zlatorog	4.3
5. Hohler, Sentjur	3.9
6. Harmason, Sentjur	3.8
7. Fon, Geoplin Slovan	3.5
8. Petrovic, Helios	3.4
9. Zagorc, Helios	3.2
10. Pelko, Zlatorog	3.1

Steals Per Game

Gregg THONDIQUE
  Polzela
  (201-F-87)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Thondique, Polzela	2.5
2. Mezek, LTHcast .	2.0
3. Vranjkovic, Helios	1.9
4. Mahkovic, LTHcas.	1.7
5. Lapornik, Zlatorog	1.6
6. Zadnik, Geoplin .	1.6
7. Harmason, Sentjur	1.6
8. Zagorc, Helios	1.5
9. Person, Helios	1.5
10. Fon, Geoplin Slovan	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Salih NUHANOVIC
  Elektra
  (209-C-82)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Nuhanovic, Elektra	1.8
2. Dimec, Zlatorog	1.3
3. Thondique, Polzela	1.2
4. Sviridov, Polzela	0.9
5. Bubnic, Helios	0.7
6. Djapa, Geoplin Slovan	0.6
7. Atanackovic, Zlato.	0.6
8. Mijajlovic, Zlatorog	0.6
9. Lapornik, Zlatorog	0.5
10. Pasalic, Helios	0.5

Stats Leaders - 1B

Points Per Game

Uros IVANOVIC
  Radovljica
  (204-F/C-74)
  Avg: 20.6

1. Ivanovic, Radovljica	20.6
2. Petrovic, Nova G.	19.0
3. Moro, Splosna .	18.5
4. Lobe, Grosuplje	17.8
5. Pusic, Litija	17.7
6. Gavric, Primorac.	17.5
7. Primc, Radovljica	17.1
8. Blazevic, Litija	16.9
9. Husic, Kraski Zidar	16.8
10. Tomic, Rogaska	15.7

Rebounds Per Game

Gregor JAKHEL
  KD Postojna
  (206-F/C-88)
  Avg: 9.8

1. Jakhel, KD Postojna	9.8
2. Husic, Kraski Zidar	9.0
3. Barovic, Primor.	8.6
4. Ivanovic, Radovljica	8.5
5. Spesic, Rogaska	8.5
6. Buda, Kraski Zidar	7.8
7. Klepo, Radovljica	7.5
8. Hocevar, Triglav .	7.5
9. Lobe, Grosuplje	7.2
10. Tusek, Hrastnik	7.1

Assists Per Game

Boban TOMIC
  Rogaska
  (190-G-88)
  Avg: 6.3

1. Tomic, Rogaska	6.3
2. Perko, Splosna .	6.1
3. Tratnik, Primor.	5.1
4. Ucman, Radovljica	4.5
5. Glavas, KD Postojna	3.8
6. Jereb, Konjice	3.8
7. Milovic, Splosna .	3.7
8. Milasinovic, Sencur C.	3.6
9. Blazevic, Litija	3.5
10. Zalar, Kraski Zidar	3.4

Steals Per Game

Boban TOMIC
  Rogaska
  (190-G-88)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Tomic, Rogaska	2.8
2. Lobe, Grosuplje	2.1
3. Jereb, Konjice	2.1
4. Bratina, Primor.	1.8
5. Gavric, Primorac.	1.8
6. Milovic, Splosna .	1.8
7. Cvek, Sencur CP	1.7
8. Jotic, Rogaska	1.7
9. Erculj, Grosuplje	1.7
10. Podobnik, Medvode	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Gregor JAKHEL
  KD Postojna
  (206-F/C-88)
  Avg: 2

1. Jakhel, KD Postojna	2.0
2. Barovic, Primor.	1.2
3. Husic, Kraski Zidar	1.1
4. Lobe, Grosuplje	1.0
5. Hren, Litija	0.9
6. Kosec, Sencur CP	0.9
7. Trampus, Grosuplje	0.9
8. Buda, Kraski Zidar	0.8
9. Alispahic, Grosuplje	0.6
10. Klepo, Radovljica	0.6

1B Stats Leaders

1B Standings

1. Rogaska		21-2
2. Sencur CP		19-3
3. Kraski Zidar		16-7
4. Splosna plovba		15-8
5. Grosuplje		14-9
6. Litija		13-10
7. Hrastnik		13-10
8. Radovljica		11-12
9. KD Postojna		9-14
10. Nova Gorica		8-15
11. Primorac Branik		7-16
12. Medvode		6-16
13. Triglav Kranj		5-18
14. Konjice		3-20

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

SOUTH AFRICA

SOUTH KOREA

2010-2011 KBL MVP announced - by Jerry Lee
MVP
Park Sang-Oh (196-F-81)
54 games: 14.9ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.5apg

Rokie of the year
Park Chan-Hee (191-G-87)
43 games: 12.0ppg, 4.2rpg, 4.3apg

Coach of the year
Jeon Chang-Jin
Regular season champions (41-13)

Sixth man of the year
Lee Hyun-Ho (192-F-80)
48 games: 2.7ppg, 2.1rpg, 0.8apg

Most Improved Player
Kim Dong-Uk (195-F-81)
53 games: 11.5ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.0apg

Import player of the year
Hill Herbert (203-F-84, college: Providence)
54 games: 17.0ppg, 9.1rpg, 1.7apg

KBL 1st Team
Yang Dong-Geun (182-G-81)
Cho Sung-Min (197-F-83)
Park Sang-Oh
Stevenson Jarod (200-F-75, agency: Alti Sport, college: Richmond)
Ha Seung-Jin (222-C-85)

Sonic Boom KT triumphs in the Regular Season - by Eurobasket News
The Regular Season in KBL just ended.

The game between second ranked ET Land Elephants (38-16) and fifth ranked LG Sakers (28-26) was the most important one in the last round on Sunday night. ET Land Elephants were defeated by LG Sakers in a tough game in Changwon 88-94. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of ET Land Elephants. The hosts trailed by 6 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 1-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 94-88. LG Sakers dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to ET Land Elephants' 38 and made 21-of-26 free shots (80.8 percent) during the game. 24 personal fouls committed by ET Land Elephants helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Naturalized American forward Greg Stevenson (198-78, college: Richmond, agency: SportsTalent) orchestrated the victory by scoring 20 points and 7 rebounds. Forward Seung-Ho Ki (194-85) contributed with 18 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Guard SungJin Park (182-86) answered with 14 points for ET Land Elephants. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. LG Sakers have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They maintain fifth place with 28-26 record. ET Land Elephants at the other side keep the second position with 16 games lost.
KBL top team - Sonic Boom KT (41-13) managed to deliver another win. This time they beat eighth ranked Mobis Phoebus (20-34) in Busan 80-65. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Mobis Phoebus. American power forward Charles Rhodes (203-85, college: Mississippi St.) stepped up and scored 35 points (!!!) and 9 rebounds (on 17-of-22 shooting from the field) for the winners and Dong-Hyun Cho chipped in 18 points and 4 assists (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). American forward Laurence Ekperigin (201, college: Le Moyne) responded with 19 points and 7 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field). Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Sonic Boom KT maintains first place with 41-13 record. Defending champion Mobis Phoebus dropped to the seventh position with 34 games lost. They share it with SK Knights.
The game in Seoul was also quite interesting. Third ranked KCC Egis (34-20) played at the court of 7th ranked SK Knights (20-34). KCC Egis defeated SK Knights 89-77 on Sunday. Chris Daniels nailed a double-double by scoring 15 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists for the winning side. Terrence Leather came up with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 11 rebounds for SK Knights in the defeat. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. KCC Egis maintains third place with 34-20 record having seven points less than leader Sonic Boom KT. SK Knights lost their third game in a row. They keep the seventh position with 34 games lost. They share it with Mobis Phoebus.

Tenth-ranked Daegu Orions (15-39) were very close to win a game against sixth ranked Samsung Thunders (27-27) in Seoul. Samsung Thunders managed to secure only two-point victory 79-77. However their fans expected much easier game. The best player for the winners was Aaron Haynes who scored 16 points and 9 rebounds. Daegu Orions' coach Nam-Kee Kim rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Samsung Thunders maintains sixth place with 27-27 record. Daegu Orions at the other side stay dead last with 39 lost games.

In the last game of round 53 Anyang KGC was beaten by Dongbu Promy on the road 75-61.

Samsung Th. - Daegu Orions 79-77

Tenth-ranked Daegu Orions (15-39) were very close to win a game against sixth ranked Samsung Thunders (27-27) in Seoul. Samsung Thunders managed to secure only two-point victory 79-77. However their fans expected much easier game. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Daegu Orions won third quarter 22-19. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. It was a great shooting night for Samsung Thunders especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 64.3 percentage. The best player for the winners was American forward Aaron Haynes (201-81, college: Boise St.) who scored 16 points and 9 rebounds. International guard Jung-Suk Lee (184-82) chipped in 21 points. Four Samsung Thunders players scored in double figures. The former international forward Dong Jun Lee (200-80) produced a double-double by scoring 22 points and 12 rebounds and guard Jae-Hyun Park (187-91) added 15 points respectively for the guests. Daegu Orions' coach Nam-Kee Kim rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Samsung Thunders maintains sixth place with 27-27 record. Daegu Orions at the other side stay dead last with 39 lost games.

Samsung Th.: J.Lee 21+2reb+3ast, K.Lee 16+1reb, A.Haynes 16+9reb+2ast, J.Cha 13+4reb+1ast, D.Kim 9+3reb+2ast, H.Kang 2+3ast
Daegu Orions: D.Jun Lee 22+12reb+3ast, J.Park 15+4reb+2ast, T.Kim 11+3reb+5ast, I.Heo 9+5reb+3ast, L.Hill 6+1ast, K.Kim 5+2reb

Sonic Boom KT - Mobis Phoebus 80-65

KBL top team - Sonic Boom KT (41-13) managed to deliver another win. This time they beat eighth ranked Mobis Phoebus (20-34) in Busan 80-65. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Mobis Phoebus. The game without a history. Sonic Boom KT led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Mobis Phoebus' 38. Sonic Boom KT forced 22 Mobis Phoebus turnovers. American power forward Charles Rhodes (203-85, college: Mississippi St.) stepped up and scored 35 points (!!!) and 9 rebounds (on 17-of-22 shooting from the field) for the winners and guard Dong-Hyun Cho (188-76) chipped in 18 points and 4 assists (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). American forward Laurence Ekperigin (201, college: Le Moyne) responded with 19 points and 7 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) and the former international guard Dong-Geun Yang (182-81) scored 12 points and 4 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Sonic Boom KT maintains first place with 41-13 record. Defending champion Mobis Phoebus dropped to the seventh position with 34 games lost. They share it with SK Knights.

Top scorers:
Sonic Boom KT: C.Rhodes 35+9reb, D.Cho 18+2reb+4ast, S.Cho 12+2reb+4ast, Y.Kwon Yoon 6+2reb, J.Johnson 3+3reb, Y.Song 3+7reb+1ast
Mobis Phoebus: L.Ekperigin 19+7reb, D.Yang 12+3reb+4ast, J.Park 10+2reb, K.Gransberry 8+4reb+2ast, K.No 7+2reb+1ast, Y.Choi 7+1reb

LG Sakers - Elephants 94-88

The game between second ranked ET Land Elephants (38-16) and fifth ranked LG Sakers (28-26) was the most important one in the last round on Sunday night. ET Land Elephants were defeated by LG Sakers in a tough game in Changwon 88-94. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of ET Land Elephants. The hosts trailed by 6 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 1-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 94-88. LG Sakers dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to ET Land Elephants' 38 and made 21-of-26 free shots (80.8 percent) during the game. 24 personal fouls committed by ET Land Elephants helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Naturalized American forward Greg Stevenson (198-78, college: Richmond, agency: SportsTalent) orchestrated the victory by scoring 20 points and 7 rebounds. Forward Seung-Ho Ki (194-85) contributed with 18 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Guard SungJin Park (182-86) answered with 14 points and American forward Herbert Hill (203-84, college: Providence) added 11 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for ET Land Elephants. Four ET Land Elephants players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. LG Sakers have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They maintain fifth place with 28-26 record. ET Land Elephants at the other side keep the second position with 16 games lost.

Top scorers:
LG Sakers: H.Park 22+1ast, G.Stevenson 20+7reb, S.Ki 18+6reb+1ast, C.Lee 7+5reb+1ast, H.Byun 7+3reb+3ast, H.Jeon 7+1ast
Elephants: J.Seo 17+2reb, J.Stevenson 15, S.Park 14+2reb+3ast, H.Hill 11+7reb+1ast, B.Chung 11+2reb+1ast, O.George 9+7reb

Dongbu Promy - Anyang KGC 75-61

No shocking result in a game when fourth ranked Dongbu Promy (31-23) beat 9th ranked Anyang KGC (16-38) in Wonju 75-61. The game was mostly controlled by Dongbu Promy. Anyang KGC was better in third quarter 14-12. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Anyang KGC 41-26 including a 35-21 advantage in defensive rebounds. Dongbu Promy players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. 25 personal fouls committed by Anyang KGC helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American power forward Rod Benson (208-84, college: California) who had a double-double by scoring 16 points and 18 rebounds. The former international center Joo-Sung Kim (205-79) chipped in 16 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Dongbu Promy players scored in double figures. Forward Jung-Hyun Lee (189) produced 14 points and international guard Chan-Hee Park (191-87) added 7 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists respectively for the guests. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Dongbu Promy maintains fourth place with 31-23 record. Anyang KGC lost their fifth game in a row. They keep the ninth position with 38 games lost.

Top scorers:
Dongbu Promy: R.Benson 16+18reb+1ast, J.Kim 16+6reb+4ast, J.Park 11+4reb+8ast, H.Yoon 10+2reb+1ast, K.Jin 6+2reb+1ast, J.Hwang 4+3reb+2ast
Anyang KGC: J.Lee 14+2reb+3ast, M.Kim 9+2reb+1ast, S.Kim 9+2reb+2ast, J.Varem 9+9reb, H.Yang 8+6reb+2ast, C.Park 7+5reb+7ast

SK Knights - KCC Egis 77-89

The game in Seoul was also quite interesting. Third ranked KCC Egis (34-20) played at the court of 7th ranked SK Knights (20-34). KCC Egis defeated SK Knights 89-77 on Sunday. The guests trailed by 2 points after three quarters before their 28-14 charge, which allowed them to win the game. KCC Egis made 16-of-18 free shots (88.9 percent) during the game. It was a great shooting night for KCC Egis especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 64.7 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. American center Chris Daniels (211-84) nailed a double-double by scoring 15 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists for the winning side and international center Seung-Jin Ha (222-85) accounted for 21 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). American center Terrence Leather (204-81, college: S.Florida) came up with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 11 rebounds and guard Hyo-Bum Kim (195-83) added 18 points respectively for SK Knights in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. KCC Egis maintains third place with 34-20 record having seven points less than leader Sonic Boom KT. SK Knights lost their third game in a row. They keep the seventh position with 34 games lost. They share it with Mobis Phoebus.

Top scorers:
KCC Egis: S.Ha 21+4reb+3ast, B.Kang 16+3reb+5ast, C.Daniels 15+11reb+4ast, J.Pil Ha 10+2reb+1ast, J.Lim 9+2reb+4ast, D.Lee 9+1reb+1ast
SK Knights: T.Leather 24+11reb+3ast, H.Kim 18+1reb+2ast, S.Shin 13+1reb+1ast, K.Hoon Byun 12+5reb+2ast, I.Baek 4+2reb, H.Joo 3+1reb+5ast

Standings

KBL Standings

1. Sonic Boom KT		41-13
2. Elephants		38-16
3. KCC Egis		34-20
4. Dongbu Promy		31-23
5. LG Sakers		28-26
6. Samsung Th.		27-27
7. SK Knights		20-34
8. Mobis Phoebus		20-34
9. Anyang KGC		16-38
10. Daegu Orions		15-39

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

SPAIN

Stats Leaders-LEB Silver

Points Per Game

Jonathan BARCELO
  Plasencia
  (192-F/G-79)
  Avg: 17.3

1. Barcelo, Plasencia	17.3
2. Ramsdell, Avila	16.1
3. Witt, Clavijo	15.7
4. Ratzsch, Oviedo F.	15.6
5. O''Leary, Oviedo F.	15.2
6. Bivia, Mallorca	15.0
7. Mortellaro, Lan M.	14.7
8. Bratton, Lan M.	14.5
9. Paez, Lan M.	14.5
10. Mesa, Clavijo	13.9

Rebounds Per Game

Olaseni LAWAL
  Guadalajara
  (206-F/C-86)
  Avg: 10.8

1. Lawal, Guadalajara	10.8
2. O''Leary, Oviedo F.	9.4
3. De Santana, Clavijo	8.7
4. Chubrevich, Illescas	8.5
5. Adams, Coruna	8.4
6. Mortellaro, Lan M.	8.0
7. Ramsdell, Avila	7.8
8. Mesa, Clavijo	7.6
9. Larry, Regal F.	7.5
10. Howard, Andorra	7.2

Assists Per Game

Matt WITT
  Clavijo
  (183-PG-84)
  Avg: 6

1. Witt, Clavijo	6.0
2. Uriz, Santurtzi	5.0
3. Ibargutxi, Lan M.	4.8
4. Lopez, Coruna	4.7
5. Bivia, Mallorca	4.2
6. Marco, ADT T.	4.0
7. Rufian, Promobys	3.5
8. Pampin, Mallorca	3.4
9. Bavosi, Promobys	3.3
10. Lopez, Avila	3.2

Steals Per Game

Mikel URIZ
  Alcazar
  (180-G-89)
  Avg: 2

1. Uriz, Santurtzi	2.0
2. Adams, Coruna	2.0
3. Barcelo, Plasencia	1.9
4. Guirao, ADT T.	1.8
5. Martinez, Plasencia	1.8
6. Ramsey, Promobys	1.7
7. Smith, Guadalajara	1.7
8. Bratton, Lan M.	1.6
9. Rueda, Plasencia	1.6
10. Pampin, Mallorca	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Bismack BIYOMBO
  Fuenlabrada
  (204-C-92)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Biyombo, Illescas	1.9
2. Mbaye, Regal F.	1.8
3. Todorovic, Prat J.	1.5
4. Green, Mallorca	1.4
5. De Santana, Clavijo	1.3
6. Lawal, Guadalajara	1.3
7. Conde, Avila	1.2
8. Cage, ADT Tarragona	1.0
9. Chubrevich, Illescas	1.0
10. O''Leary, Oviedo F.	0.9

Stats Leaders - ACB

Points Per Game

Jaycee CARROLL
  Gran Canaria
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 18.6

1. Carroll, Gran Canaria	18.6
2. Navarro, Regal B.	16.4
3. McDonald, DKV J.	15.2
4. English, DKV J.	15.1
5. Martinez, Valencia	15.0
6. Baron, Lagun A.	14.8
7. Caner-Medley, Estudi.	14.0
8. Kurz, Granada	13.9
9. Teletovic, Caja L.	13.9
10. Davis, Cajasol	13.0

Rebounds Per Game

Robert KURZ
  Art.Dragons
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 9.1

1. Kurz, Granada	9.1
2. Batista, Fuenlabr.	8.4
3. Caner-Medley, Estudi.	7.6
4. Barac, Caja Laboral	6.9
5. Donaldson, Menorca	6.7
6. Wallace, Gran Canaria	6.5
7. Miralles, Lagun A.	6.4
8. Trias, DKV Joventut	6.4
9. Doellman, Meridiano	6.4
10. Freeland, Unicaja	6.3

Assists Per Game

Marcelinho HUERTAS
  Caja Laboral
  (191-G-83)
  Avg: 5.9

1. Huertas, Caja L.	5.9
2. Cook, Valencia	5.2
3. Valters, Fuenlabr.	4.6
4. Rubio, Regal Barca	4.5
5. Ciorciari, Menorca	4.4
6. Uriz, Lagun A.	4.0
7. Prigioni, Real Madrid	3.8
8. Colom, Fuenlabrada	3.8
9. San Miguel, Manre.	3.8
10. Green, Gran Canaria	3.7

Steals Per Game

Tariq KIRKSAY
  Cajasol
  (199-F-79)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Kirksay, Cajasol	2.1
2. Batista, Fuenlabr.	1.8
3. Cook, Valencia	1.8
4. Calloway, Cajasol	1.8
5. Robinson, DKV J.	1.8
6. San Miguel, Manre.	1.7
7. Davis, Cajasol	1.7
8. Van Lacke, Valladolid	1.7
9. Victor, Menorca	1.6
10. Hosley, DKV J.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Bismack BIYOMBO
  Fuenlabrada
  (204-C-92)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Biyombo, Fuenlabr.	1.9
2. Fischer, Real Madrid	1.6
3. Vazquez, Regal B.	1.5
4. Ayon, Fuenlabrada	1.4
5. Kurz, Granada	1.3
6. Barnes, Valladolid	1.3
7. Majstorovic, Manre.	1.2
8. Savane, Gran C.	1.1
9. Batista, Fuenlabr.	1.1
10. Andriuskevic., Meridi.	1.1

Uros Slokar claims Spanish ACB weekly honour - by Eurobasket News
Slovenian Uros Slokar (210-F/C-83) had an amazing evening in the last round for Manresa and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 26.
The 27-year old power forward had a double-double of 23 points and ten rebounds, while his team beat Granada (#17, 5-21) 80-74. The game was not the highest importance and did not have significant influence on the top of the standings in . Manresa maintains the 15th position in Spanish ACB. Manresa is rather a weak team placed in lower part in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 9-17 record. It was one of impressive evenings for Slokar as usually he does not deliver so high stats. Uros Slokar averages this season 11.0ppg and 6.3rpg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 27-year old American guard Jaycee Carroll (188-G-83, agency: Priority Sports) of Gran Canaria. Carroll impressed basketball fans with 30 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists. Of course Gran Canaria cruised to a 90-82 overtime win over slightly higher-ranked Bizkaia Bilbao (#6, 15-11). This victory allowed Gran Canaria to move up to 7th position in . His team lost some distance to top teams. But 14-12 record is not bad and everything may still change. Carroll is well-known by Gran Canaria fans and he already established his position as one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 18.6ppg (#1).

The third best performed player last round was Brazilian Rafael Hettsheimeir (206-C-86) of CAI Zaragoza (#13). Hettsheimeir scored 23 points and grabbed eleven rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of CAI Zaragoza, leading his team to a 82-60 easy win against the higher-ranked Fuenlabrada (#8, 14-12). The chances of CAI Zaragoza ranking at the top of Round 24, however are very questionable as they have already lost 14 games, recording just twelve victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Hettsheimeir could help CAI Zaragoza to bring them higher in the standings. Hettsheimeir has a very solid season. In 26 games in Spain he scored 10.1ppg. He also has 5.8rpg and FGP: 52.3%. Rafael Hettsheimeir has also Spanish passport and can play in the league with a status of domestic player.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Dusko Savanovic (204-F/C-83) of Valencia - 21 points and 10 rebounds
5. Ante Tomic (217-C-87) of Real Madrid - 18 points and 6 rebounds
6. Pablo Prigioni (191-G-77) of Real Madrid - 21 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists
7. Gerald Fitch (191-G-82) of Unicaja - 26 points and 6 rebounds
8. Albert Miralles (208-C-82) of Lagun Aro GBC - 12 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Jordi Trias (207-F-80) of DKV Joventut - 12 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Fernando San Emeterio (198-G/F-84) of Caja Laboral - 13 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists

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

Playoffs injury report: Real Madrid loses Sergio Rodriguez - by Eurobasket News
With the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Playoffs just two days away, the eight surviving teams who would be champions of the competition saw their rosters in distinctly different levels of health after their last domestic games. The latest developments came out of the Spanish captial, where Real Madrid received a double-dose of bad news among its perimeter players. Point guard Sergio Rodriguez (191-G-86) suffered a thigh muscle tear that will make him miss the team's best-of-five series against Power Electronics Valencia. Rodriguez suffered the injury in the first half of a Spanish League road loss in overtime at Unicaja in Malaga on Saturday. In the second half of the same game, Madrid shooting ace Clay Tucker was wheeled off the floor on a stretcher. Tucker (196, 30) suffered a contusion on the right side of his back that left him motionless on the floor for several minutes. The club announced later on Saturday that Tucker's participation in Game 1 against Valencia on Tuesday is in doubt.

Rodriguez was averaging a team-high 3.3 assists and 6.9 points over the first 16 games of the Euroleague season for Madrid. His absence in the playoff series against Valencia leaves the team to rely mainly on veteran Pablo Prigioni at point guard, although combo guard Sergio Llull can also share ball-handling duties. During the Top 16, Prigioni had taken over from Rodriguez as Madrid's starting point and had increased his minutes to almost 26 per game.

In terms of minutes played, though not position, Madrid's loss of Rodriguez is roughly equivalent to the one that Valencia suffered in the break after the Top 16, with rebounding specialist James Augustine having been sidelined for up to a month. He, too, is expected to miss the entire series. It was only a month ago, during the middle of the Top 16, that Valencia lost its top performer this season, forward Victor Claver, to a season-ending knee injury. Although the team moved to get help last week by signing 44-year-old forward Darryl Middleton, he will not be eligible for the team's Euroleague roster.

While both teams in that series suffer injury problems, signs point in the other direction for other playoff teams, with key players coming back from injury. Most notable among them was All-Euroleague center Aleks Maric of Panathinaikos, who played his first game in four months on Friday, seeing 3 minutes, 41 seconds of floor time without scoring as the Greens defeated Aris in a domestic game. Panathinaikos visits Regal FC Barcelona on Tuesday to open their playoff series. In its last domestic game, Barcelona was without forward Joe Ingles, but he is expected to play in Game 1.

Another big man who missed the last two games of the Top 16, Ioannis Bourousis of Olympiacos, returned to lead the Reds with 17 points in their narrow Greek League victory on Friday against next-to-last place Ilysiakos. Point guard Milos Teodosic did not play in that game, but is thought to be ready for Game 1 of the playoffs against Montepaschi Siena on Tuesday. There is some doubt, however, about the status of shooter Marko Keselj, who has not played in a Euroleague game since February 2.

Among the players coming back from injury are two Siena stars, Bo McCalebb and Rimantas Kaukenas. Neither played in Siena's final Italian League tune-up on Saturday, an easy victory, but after missing the Top 16, McCalebb was practicing with the team late last week. Kaukenas, who had skipped the last Top 16 game to have minor knee surgery, is also thought to be in condition to play at least some minutes at the start of the series with Olympiacos. Siena forward Shaun Stonerook missed Saturday's game, but is expected at full strength on Tuesday.

Courtesy of Euroleague

Spanish LEB Silver round 26 best performance: Ian O'Leary - by Eurobasket News
American forward Ian O'Leary (201-F-86) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Oviedo Feve, receiving a Eurobasket.com LEB Silver Player of the Week award for round 26.
The 24-year old player had a double-double of 23 points and 10 rebounds, while his team edged out Santurtzi (#15, 7-18) in overtime 72-68. Oviedo Feve is placed at 8th position in Spanish LEB Silver. Oviedo Feve is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 11-13 record. O'Leary turned to be Oviedo Feve's top player in his first season with the team. Former St.Mary's College of California star has very solid stats this year. O'Leary is in league's top in points (5th best: 15.2ppg), rebounds (2nd best: 9.4rpg) and averages impressive 51.1% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 26-year old American Matt Witt (183-PG-84) of league's leader Clavijo. Witt had a very good evening with a double-double of 10 points and 13 assists. Of course he lead Clavijo to another comfortable win outscoring the lower-ranked Plasencia (#5, 14-11) 97-62. Of course Clavijo still keep the league's top spot. His team lost just three games this season, while they won 21 matches. Witt is a newcomer at Clavijo, but is already one of team's top players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 15.7ppg (#3). He also recorded 6.0 assists per game.

Third on the list of top players last round was American forward Cristopher Mortellaro (206-F/C-82) of Lan Mobel ISB (#13). Mortellaro scored 17 points and grabbed ten rebounds. Despite Mortellaro's great performance Lan Mobel ISB lost 71-76 to slightly higher-ranked Coruna (#11, 9-16). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. Lan Mobel ISB can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have rather bad season and 7-17 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Mortellaro he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Mortellaro has individually a great season in Spain. After 24 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 14.7ppg (7th best) and rebounds with 8.0rpg (6th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Sidnei De Santana (215-C-83) of Clavijo - 9 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Ruben Martinez (196-G/F-85) of Plasencia - 21 points and 6 rebounds
6. Kaspars Cipruss (210-C-82) of Avila - 14 points and 11 rebounds
7. Nestor Zamora (178-PG-84) of Andorra - 20 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists
8. David Ortega (199-F/C-84) of Promobys - 13 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Lino Lopez (189-G-76) of Coruna - 16 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists
10. Pablo Rodrigo (204-C-86) of Guadalajara - 12 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists

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

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SWEDEN

McNaull's double-double lands him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
38-year old center Joseph McNaull (208-C-72) put on an amazing game in the last round for Norrkoping Dolphins and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 36.
He had a double-double of 25 points and 15 rebounds, while his team crushed Eco Orebro (7-29) with 19-point margin 107-88. Norrkoping finished regular season as No.3 with 25-11 record and of course advanced to Playoffs. McNaull has many years of experience at Norrkoping. He averages this season 7.5ppg.

Second best performed player last round was Johnell Smith (186-G-80, agency: Global Sports Plaza) of Sodertalje Kings. He is American guard in his first season at Sodertalje. In the last game Smith recorded impressive 25 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists. Bad luck as Sodertalje lost that game 80-86 to the higher-ranked Sundsvall (#1, 29-7). Sodertalje ended as No.4 with 20-16 score. Smith belongs to the best scorers in the league with 20.5ppg (#3). His other stats are also decent: 6.4rpg and 4.1apg.

Third place about best performers goes to guard Benjamin Smith (178-G-87) of Uppsala Basket (#5). Smith showcased his all-around game by recording 25 points, five rebounds and six assists in the last round. He was a key player of Uppsala, leading his team to a 95-84 win against the lower-ranked 08 (#9, 8-28). Uppsala advanced to Playoffs from fifth place (19-17). Smith has a great season in Sweden. After 28 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 19.5ppg (3rd best) and assists with 4.6apg (4th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Pierre Hampton (198-F-91) of Eco Orebro - 11 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists
5. Tim Whitworth (198-G/F-81) of Uppsala - 25 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Anton Saks (200-G-89) of Norrkoping - 21 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists
7. Kellen McCoy (168-G-87) of Boras - 27 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Johan Westerlund (191-G/F-84) of 08 - 14 points, 13 rebounds and 9 assists
9. Joakim Kjellbom (213-C/F-79) of Norrkoping - 21 points and 9 rebounds
10. Michael Palm (208-C-79) of Boras - 15 points and 15 rebounds

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

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TAIWAN

Hawkins' double-double lands him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
28-year old swingman Shawn Hawkins (198-G/F-82) put on an amazing game in the last round for KKL and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 12.
He had a double-double of 30 points and 19 rebounds, while his team beat Taiwan Mobile (#5, 11-19) 82-74. KKL maintains the 7th position in Taiwanese league. KKL is bottom ranked team in the standings. They need more victories to leave last spot and improve bad 10-20 record. In the team's last game Hawkins had a remarkable 52.9% from 2-point range. He turned to be KKL's top player in his first season with the team. Long Beach State University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Hawkins is league's best scorer averaging so far 27.0ppg. Hawkins is in league's top in rebounds (3rd best: 12.9rpg).

Second best performed player last round was Cheng-Hung Yen (196-C-86) of Taiwan Mobile. He is a center in his 6th season at Taiwan Mobile. In the last game Yen recorded impressive double-double of 23 points and 11 rebounds. Of course Taiwan Mobile cruised to a 89-79 relatively comfortable win over slightly higher-ranked Dacin Tigers (#3, 17-13). This victory allowed Taiwan Mobile to move up to 5th position in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 11-19 record. Yen is one of the most experienced players at Taiwan Mobile and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Lei Tien (203-F-83) of Dacin Tigers (#3). Tien scored 26 points and grabbed eleven rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of Dacin Tigers, leading his team to a 90-87overtime win against the lower-ranked Bank of Taiwan (#6, 11-19). Dacin Tigers needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 17 victories and 13 lost games. Tien has a great season in Taiwan. After 27 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 18.0ppg (6th best) and rebounds with 7.9rpg (9th best). He also has 1.6bpg and FGP: 54.9%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Jermaine Dailey (203-F-86) of Yulon Luxgen - 11 points and 23 rebounds
5. Shawn Hawkins (198-G/F-82) of KKL - 25 points and 12 rebounds
6. Chih-Chun Wang (180-G-82) of Dacin Tigers - 27 points, 3 rebounds and 6 assists
7. John Vaudreuil (203-F/C-85) of Bank of Taiwan - 17 points, 14 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Shih-Yuan Chou (188-G/F-83) of Yulon Luxgen - 25 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists
9. Yi-Chieh Su (182-G-87) of Taiwan Mobile - 17 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists
10. Yi-Chieh Su (182-G-87) of Taiwan Mobile - 17 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists

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

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Shawn HAWKINS
  KKL
  (198-G/F-82)
  Avg: 27

1. Hawkins, KKL	27.0
2. Foyle, Dacin Tigers	21.8
3. Chen, Bank o.	18.4
4. Chen, KKL	18.3
5. Dove, Taiwan Mobile	18.1
6. Tien, Dacin Tigers	18.0
7. Jones, Taiwan Beer	17.5
8. Vaudreuil, Bank o.	16.9
9. Jennings, Pure Y.	16.4
10. Lu, Yulon Luxgen	15.4

Rebounds Per Game

Rashad JENNINGS
  Pure Youth
  (203-F-84)
  Avg: 21.1

1. Jennings, Pure Y.	21.1
2. Dailey, Yulon Luxgen	16.3
3. Hawkins, KKL	12.9
4. Foyle, Dacin Tigers	11.1
5. Vaudreuil, Bank o.	11.0
6. Jones, Taiwan Beer	11.0
7. Dove, Taiwan Mobile	11.0
8. Tseng, Yulon Luxgen	9.8
9. Tien, Dacin Tigers	7.9
10. Chen, KKL	6.4

Assists Per Game

Chih-Chung CHEN
  Yulon Luxgen
  (185-G-77)
  Avg: 4.1

1. Chen, Yulon Luxgen	4.1
2. Chang, Dacin Tigers	3.7
3. Wu, Taiwan Mobile	3.7
4. Su, Taiwan Mobile	3.5
5. Hsu, Dacin Tigers	3.4
6. Chen, Taiwan Beer	3.3
7. Tseng, Yulon Luxgen	3.3
8. Chen, KKL	2.8
9. Lin, Bank o.	2.7
10. Yang, Taiwan Beer	2.7

Steals Per Game

Marcus DOVE
  Taiwan Mobile
  (206-G/F-85)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Dove, Taiwan Mobile	2.3
2. Chang, Dacin Tigers	1.7
3. Lin, Bank o.	1.7
4. Jones, Taiwan Beer	1.7
5. Su, Taiwan Mobile	1.6
6. Chou, Yulon Luxgen	1.5
7. Mao, Pure Youth	1.4
8. Hsu, Dacin Tigers	1.3
9. Chen, KKL	1.3
10. Foyle, Dacin Tigers	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Wen-Ting TSENG
  Osaka Evessa
  (202-C/F-84)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Tseng, Yulon Luxgen	3.5
2. Dove, Taiwan Mobile	1.9
3. Jones, Taiwan Beer	1.6
4. Tien, Dacin Tigers	1.6
5. Dailey, Yulon Luxgen	1.5
6. Wu, Taiwan Beer	1.4
7. Jennings, Pure Y.	1.3
8. Cheng, Taiwan Beer	1.0
9. Lee, KKL	0.9
10. Vaudreuil, Bank o.	0.8

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TANZANIA

ABC beat Pazi to reach final - by Carlos Pereira
The Citizen Correspondent
Dar es Salaam. ABC cruised into the Dar es Salaam Regional Basketball League (RBA) final with a 68-62 win over lessening giants Pazi in nail-biting match at the National Indoor Stadium yesterday.

The army team will now face the winner between JKT and Vijana in the final set for Sunday at the same venue. The two teams were expected to lock horns yesterday evening.
Pazi, needing a win so as to avenge a 61-53 defeat by ABC in their previous match, made a bright start yesterday.
The former Mainland basketball giants, command the proceedings with swift but accurate passes, they looked destined for a convincing win when they took a 18-15 first quarter lead.
The second quarter was even more exciting as both teams fought hard for points to the delight of a partisan crowd at the venue. Pazi won it 32 29.
After a wobbly start, ABC, led by their key player Philbert Mwaipungu, took the game to their opponents in the third quarter.
Mwaipungu scored eight points and Gilbert Batungi added seven more as ABC applied all weapons at their disposal to contain their opponents. The thirds quarter ended on a 44-44 draw.
Mwaipungu and Batungi scored 21 and 19 points, respectively for ABC, while Mpoki Joel and Fredy Kasambo were notable players for Pazi. The duo scored 13 points apiece for the team.
ABC coach Leonard heaped praise on his lads for the victory and assured their fans that they would do the same in Sund