EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 3/25/2011

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Men News

*****************************************************
  ACPBL   


Standings
ACPBL Standings
 1. Norfolk TB 11-3 
 2. Garden St. R. 11-3 
 3. New York L. 10-4 
 4. Beltway B. 9-5 
 5. Buffalo S. 7-7 
 6. Hudson Valley 4-10 
 7. Tri-City Suns 2-12 
 8. Wildkatz 2-12 


*****************************************************
  ANGOLA   


Petro de Luanda beat Interclube in Angola cup semi-finals - by Eurobasket News
Luanda Petro de Luanda beat on Tuesday Interclube by 78-63, in Angola cup semi finals first leg match of Angola cup in basketball in Luandas Cidadela pavilion.

In the first half of the match, Petro de Luanda were already winning by 38-26.

The player of Petro de Luanda Roderick Nealy (198-F-80, college: Houston Baptist) was the best scorer of the game with 33 points.

The second leg match will be played on Friday 18 March.
Courtesy of: http://www.portalangop.co.ao


1 de Agosto and Libolo prepare Angola Cup semi-finals - by Eurobasket News
Luanda The senior males basketball teams of 1 de Agosto and Recreativo do Libolo started to prepare on Thursday the Angola cup semi finals first second match in Luandas Rio Seco and Cidadela pavilions, respectively.

1 de Agosto beat on Tuesday evening Recreativo do Libolo by 100-91 in the first leg match in Luandas Rio Seco pavilion.

The second leg match will be played on Friday 18 March in Luandas Cidadela pavilion.
Courtesy of: http://www.portalangop.co.ao

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


Standings - LigaA
LigaA Standings
 1. Obras 19-8 
 2. La Union 16-10 
 3. Penarol 16-10 
 4. Lanus 16-10 
 5. Estudiantes 15-11 
 6. Libertad S. 14-12 
 7. Gimnasia CR 14-12 
 8. Atenas 14-13 
 9. Quimsa 12-14 
 10. Regatas C. 12-14 
 11. Club 9 12-14 
 12. Boca Jrs 12-15 
 13. Olimpico LB 11-14 
 14. Monte Hermoso 9-17 
 15. Sionista 9-17 
 16. Argentino 8-18 


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  BALKAN LEAGUE   


Quarterfinals: First games - by Eurobasket News
First games of the Playoff Quarterfinals were played on Tuesday and Wednesday evening. Mornar Bar and Rilski Sportist managed to beat their rivals taking 1-0 lead in the series. Mornar won at home against Ulcinj 69-60, while Rilski grabbed a road win against Beograd 88-93 OT. The Balkan league has new Quarterfinals format for this season and it is best-of-three (1-1-1).

Mornar Bar - Ulcijn 69-60
The hosts trailed by 3 points after three quarters before their 25-13 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Mornar Bar forced 19 Ulcijn turnovers. Power forward Nemanja Radovic (205-F/C-91, agency: Beo Basket) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds for the winners and Serbian guard Ivan Jelenic (190-G-85, agency: BeoExcell) chipped in 13 points and 6 rebounds. Mornar Bar's coach Djordje Pavicevic used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side Serbian guard Aleksandar Radulovic (190-G-88, agency: Beo Basket) responded with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 17 rebounds and guard Milos Djurisic (194-G-88) scored 14 points and 5 rebounds.

Beograd - Rilski Sportist 88-93 OT
The guests started the game with a very strong first quarter 35-19. But OKK Beograd won third period 23-7. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening, at least not yet. The game turned upside-down in the last quarter, where OKK Beograd used huge pressure winning it 19-17 getting a tie at the end of regular time. They lost eventually overtime period 14-19. OKK Beograd was plagued by 29 personal fouls down the stretch. Swingman Ivan Lilov (196-F/G-88, agency: 011 Sports) stepped up and scored 25 points for the winners and Montenegrin center Dragomir Marojevic (207-C-81, agency: Global Sports Plaza) chipped in 19 points and 9 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Four Rilski Sportist players scored in double figures. At the losing side guard Slobodan Dundjerski (190-G-88, agency: Alti Sport) responded with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 8 rebounds and forward Dragan Mitrovic (200-F-85) scored 7 points, 5 rebounds, 15 assists and 4 steals. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game.

Second games are scheduled for March 29/30.

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  BELGIUM   


Standings - Division I
D1 Standings
 1. Charleroi 19-1 
 2. Aalstar 16-6 
 3. M.Hainaut 12-8 
 4. Antwerp 11-9 
 5. Oostende 11-11 
 6. Leuven 7-13 
 7. Verviers-Pep. 7-14 
 8. Liege 6-14 
 9. Gent 4-17 


Stats Leaders - Division I
Points Per Game
 Christopher COPELAND
  Aalstar
  (203-F-84)
  Avg: 16.5
 1. Copeland, Aalstar16.5 
 2. Mallet, Charleroi16.3 
 3. Taylor, M.Hainaut15.7 
 4. Lojeski, Oostende15.4 
 5. Jackson, Verviers.15.4 
 6. Miller, Leuven15.1 
 7. Waters, Verviers.14.8 
 8. Black, Antwerp14.8 
 9. Hilliard, Aalstar14.6 
 10. Lewis, M.Hainaut14.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Rashaun FREEMAN
  Verviers-Pep.
  (206-C/F-84)
  Avg: 8
 1. Freeman, Verviers.8.0 
 2. Hilliard, Aalstar7.9 
 3. Young, Aalstar7.7 
 4. Randle, Gent7.5 
 5. Tofi, Leuven7.2 
 6. Stipanovic, Liege6.7 
 7. Jackson, Verviers.6.5 
 8. Copeland, Aalstar6.4 
 9. Brown, Antwerp6.3 
 10. Gay, Verviers-Pep.6.1 
Assists Per Game
 Darrel MITCHELL
  Oostende
  (180-G-84)
  Avg: 4.5
 1. Mitchell, Oostende4.5 
 2. Hatten, M.Hainaut3.9 
 3. Dagunduro, Leuven3.6 
 4. Waters, Verviers.3.3 
 5. Hopkins, Antwerp3.1 
 6. Mallet, Charleroi2.9 
 7. Lewis, M.Hainaut2.9 
 8. Miller, Leuven2.7 
 9. Moors, Antwerp2.6 
 10. Black, Antwerp2.6 
Steals Per Game
 Michael JENKINS
  Liege
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Jenkins, Liege2.8 
 2. Hatten, M.Hainaut2.7 
 3. Hopkins, Antwerp2.4 
 4. Mallet, Charleroi2.3 
 5. Mitchell, Oostende2.0 
 6. Wilson, Antwerp1.9 
 7. Dagunduro, Leuven1.9 
 8. Taylor, M.Hainaut1.7 
 9. Lojeski, Oostende1.6 
 10. Jackson, Verviers.1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Salah MEJRI
  Antwerp
  (214-C-86)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Mejri, Antwerp1.7 
 2. Riddick, Charleroi1.7 
 3. Johnson, Aalstar1.2 
 4. Tofi, Leuven0.8 
 5. Randle, Gent0.8 
 6. Young, Aalstar0.7 
 7. Pelle, Oostende0.5 
 8. Stipanovic, Liege0.5 
 9. Hall, Gent0.4 
 10. De Zeeuw, Gent0.4 


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  BELIZE   


Western Warriors Topples BNE Oilers in BECOL Tournament!! - by David Magana
In the season opener, the defending senior champs, BNE Oilers, were handed their first loss of the season by Western Warriors. At the end of the first quarter, Western Warriors were leading 18 - 9, after which they extended the lead to 11 points at the half, 33 - 22. The defending Senior Champs, BNE Oilers, returned with most of their players from last year's championship team, while adding Keith Acosta (193-G/F-76, college: Tex.A&M-Comm.) 'Superman' to solidify their internal presence in the paint, while the acquisition of point guard phenom, Ivan 'Stainless' Flowers is their new commander over the pil. At the end of the third quarter, the deficit was still 9, as Western Warriors were dominating defensive rebounding, limiting BNE to only 1 shot a possession. However, in the fourth quarter, BNE Oilers started to hit some three-pointers, going on a 7 - 0 run, and closing the gap to 2 points with 1 minute remaining in the game. At the end of regulation, the score was tied at 59, heading into overtime. In OT, Western Warriors were able to hold on to the lead, claiming their first W of the season, 73 - 71. Western Warriors were lead by Emerson 'Emo' King who netted the game high 27 points and had 4 steals, while Ivan Flowers sank 14 points, had 4 steals to go with 2 assists. Keith 'Superman' Acosta finished the game with 18 points, 17 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals, along with a whopping efficiency rating of 35.
In the losing effort, BNE Oilers were lead by Dorian Jones (186-G) 'Cheezy' who scored 24 points and yanked 9 boards, while Mark 'Deisel' Wagner tallied a double double with 20 points and 11 rebounds, while getting 3 steals and 2 assists, while Christian Rodriguez (188-G/F) netted 16 points.
Western Warriors won the battle in the paint, outscoring BNE 46 - 36, while narrowing edging them on the glass, 51 - 49. Western Warriors also scored 16 second chance points, while BNE was only able to muster 4 second points.



In the Under 18 season opener, Rising Stars outshined Hydro, as they recorded their first victory in that division. Hydro started the game with all the momentum, claiming a 12 - 3 lead at the end of the first quarter, as Rising Stars sluggishly worked on their team chemistry and line-up changes. At the end of the half, Hydro was able to maintain their lead, 17 - 11, while Rising Stars were developing greater chemistry on the court. By the end of the third quarter, Rising Stars was up by 1, 24 - 23, and now feeling good about themselves. At the final whistle, Rising Stars defeated Hydro 36 - 40, with a come-from-behind victory.

Rising Stars was lead by Dijon 'D-Mac' McNabb who scored 18 points and grabbed 19 rebounds, while getting 2 steals and 2 assists. Mcnabb's size and dominance in the paint proved to be too much for the smaller Hydro team. Julian 'Big Up' Guzman and Carlo Burns chipped in with 9 and 8 points respectively, while Salvador Fernandez ripped 12 boards and came up with 5 steals.

In a losing effort, Hydro was lead by Gabriel Lewis who scored 19 points, followed by Gian Zetina's 9 points. Hydro was out-rebounded 53 - 40, while Rising Star's bench scored 28 points, compared to only 2 points from Hydro's bench.


By Karim Juan
SSBA



Players of the week in BECOL Tournament!!! - by David Magana
In the Over 35 game, Hydro handed Mega Foods their first loss of the season, behind their point guard, Kevin Siroki (178-G-70, college: Westminster). Siroki totalled 16 points and 7 rebounds, while dishing out 7 assists and getting 6 steals. Siroki's all around game proved to be too much for Mega Foods, as the undermanned Hydro was able to come out with the big W, despite playing with only 6 players. He went 7 for 10 from the free throw stripe, while hitting 27% of his field goal shots. Siroki played the entire game, finishing with an efficiency rating of 27.

Kurt Burgess (196-F) 'Chengo' and Hydro E-3 started out of the gates with high speed, recording a blowout win against Gully Creepers, 65 - 36. Chengo almost recorded the first triple double for the BECOL tournament's 5 year career, posting 21 points, 19 rebounds and 8 assists. Burgess played 24 minutes and shot 47% from the field. Burgess also had 1 block for the game, while posting an amazing efficiency rate of 47 for his team.

On Saturday night, Emerson King and the Western Warriors handed the defending senior champs, BNE Oilers, their season opener loss, 73 - 71, in overtime. Emerson 'Emo' King was the game high scorer with 27 points, as he nailed 4 three pointers, grabbed 4 rebounds and had 4 steals. In the 36 minutes of game time clocked by Emo, he shot 44% from the field, but struggled at the line, going 1 for 5.

By Karim Juan
SSBA

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  BULGARIA   


Krka stays alive for EuroChallenge Final Four - by Eurobasket News
Lukoil Academic-Krka 61:75

Krka stays alive for EuroChallenge Final Four as they tied the Quarterfinal series over Lukoil Academic. The Slovenian squad needed 75:61 for 1-1 in the series as the decisive game to be played on March 30th in Novo Mesto.
Lukoil Academic could not finish the series at home and will have to win in Slovenia again in order to advance. Sundov gave the hosts their first lead, while Dusan Djordjevic (195-G-83, agency: Beo Basket) brought 12:5 for the visiting side. Balazic closed the period at 16:11 and Booker scored for massive 32:15 advantage. Moreover Goran Ikonic (196-G-80) sent the squads to the lockers for 37:23. The third quarter was the best for the Bulgarian side that reduce to 51:44 after winning the period 21-14. The game however belonged to the Slovenian team that looked better at the end. Goran Ikonic and Smiljan Pavic (210-F/C-80) brought 61:49, whilst Muric nailed the last three for the win.
Goran Ikonic paced all the winners with 16 points, while Zoran Dragic (196-G-89) added 14. Smiljan Pavic collected 13 points and 14 rebounds and Dusan Djordjevic followed them with 10. Brandon Heath (193-G-84, college: San Diego St.) ended up with 20 points in the losing effort, whilst Bozhidar Avramov (196-G-90, agency: Interperformances) netted 9.

Lukoil Academic: Brandon Heath 20, Bozhidar Avramov 9
Krka: Goran Ikonic 16, Zoran Dragic 14, Smiljan Pavic 13+14 rebs, Dusan Djordjevic 10


Division A Round 19: Leader Dunav 2007 gets another victory - by Eurobasket News
The Regular Season in Division A is slowly approaching the end. But there may be still some important changes in the final standings in the last 3 rounds.

Undefeated leader Dunav 2007 delivered the seventeenth consecutive win on Sunday night. This time they crushed 5th ranked NSA (9-8) 115-85 in Sofia. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of NSA. The game without a history. Dunav 2007 led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 22-of-24 free shots (91.7 percent) during the game. Dunav 2007 outrebounded NSA 43-30 including 28 on the defensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 32 assists comparing to just 17 passes made by NSA's players. Forward Hristo Gospodinov (202-F-92) fired a double-double by scoring 23 points and 14 rebounds (made all of his nine free throws !!!) for the winners. Power forward Vladimir Nikolov (205-88, college: Garrett JC) chipped in 22 points and 9 rebounds (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field). Dunav 2007's coach Nikolay Gospodinov felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Guard Tsvetelin Mladenov (190-90) produced 17 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for lost side. Undefeated Dunav 2007 (17-0) have an impressive series of sixteen victories in a row. They maintain first place with a perfect record of 17 victories in a row. NSA at the other side keeps the fifth position with eight games lost. Dunav 2007 are looking forward to face league's second-placed Academik Plovdiv at home in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. NSA will play against Balkan 2 in Botevgrad and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
We should mention about the upset which took place in Troyan, where 6th ranked Balkan 2 (8-8) lost to ninth ranked Chavdar (5-12) in a road game 86-93. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Petar Hristov (194-90) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 23 points, 6 rebounds, 11 assists and 6 steals. Krasimir Koev contributed with 18 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Forward Emil Binev (198-91) answered with 24 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists for Balkan 2. Chavdar maintains ninth place with 5-12 record. Newly promoted Balkan 2 keeps the sixth position with eight games lost. They share it with Rilski 2. Chavdar will play against higher ranked Cherno More U18 (#8) in Varna in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Balkan 2 will play at home against NSA in Sofia and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game with biggest result difference took place in Stara Zagora. Local Beroe (12-4) outscored 8th ranked Cherno More U18 (6-11) 101-63 on Sunday night. Worth to mention a quality performance of Martin Radnev who helped to win the game recording 27 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field). At the losing side Nikolay Stoyanov responded with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 12 rebounds. Beroe maintains third place with 12-4 record having six points less than leader Dunav 2007. Cherno More U18 lost their fifth game in a row. Newly promoted team keeps the eighth position with 11 games lost. Beroe will meet Rilski 2 (#7) in the next round. Cherno More U18 will play against Chavdar in Troyan and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the last two games of round 19 Rilski 2 was defeated by Vidabasket in a road game 65-61. Academik PL smashed Sportist Svoge at home 110-83.

Vidabasket - Rilski 2 65-61

There was no surprise when 6th ranked Rilski 2 (8-8) was defeated on the road by fourth ranked Vidabasket (10-6) 65-61 on Wednesday. The hosts trailed by 6 points after three quarters before their 22-12 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Vidabasket forced 22 Rilski 2 turnovers. It was a great evening for guard Boyko Pangarov (183-88) who led his team to a victory scoring 24 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists. Forward Julian Kolev (194-80) helped adding 15 points. At the losing side forward Stanislav Vaklinov (206-89, agency: Interperformances) responded with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 10 rebounds and guard Darin Ivanov (181-91) scored 14 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists. The victory was the third consecutive win for Vidabasket. They maintain fourth place with 10-6 record. Newly promoted Rilski 2 keeps the sixth position with eight games lost. They share it with Balkan 2. Vidabasket will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Rilski 2 will play against Beroe (#3) in Stara Zagora and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Vidabasket: B.Pangarov 24+6reb+7ast, J.Kolev 15+3reb+1ast, T.Kolev 10+3reb+2ast, G.Stankov 7+10reb, Y.Yankov 5+5reb+4ast, T.Kirov 4+8reb+2ast
Rilski 2: S.Vaklinov 21+10reb+1ast, D.Ivanov 14+5reb+7ast, M.Karailiev 10+4reb+1ast, M.Dimitar 9+3reb+4ast, D.Vardarov 3+1ast, I.Tsenov 2+11reb+5ast
gschID: 113135


Academik PL - Sportist Svoge 110-83

No shocking result in a game when second ranked Academik Plovdiv (12-3) smashed at home 10th ranked Sportist Svoge (3-15) 110-83 on Sunday. The game was mostly controlled by Academik Plovdiv. Sportist Svoge managed to win second period 25-24. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Academik Plovdiv forced 22 Sportist Svoge turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 30 assists. It was a great evening for guard Arsen Nikolov (182-75) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 20 assists. Forward Martin Horozov (200-86) helped adding 20 points and 15 rebounds. Coach Zhivko Zhelev's team controlled all game and the coach could let to play 11 players and allowed the starting five to rest. At the losing side guard Antonio Antov (178-91) responded with a double-double by scoring 12 points, 5 rebounds and 12 assists and center Georgi Kunov (205-92) produced a double-double by scoring 14 points and 13 rebounds. Four Academik Plovdiv and five Sportist Svoge players scored in double figures. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for Academik Plovdiv. Newly promoted Academik Plovdiv maintains second place with 12-3 record having seven points less than leader Dunav 2007. Sportist Svoge lost their seventh game in a row. They keep the tenth position with 15 games lost. Academik Plovdiv will meet league's leader Dunav 2007 in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Sportist Svoge will play against Academic Blagoevgrad (#11) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Academik PL: D.Horozov 28+7reb+2ast, M.Penev 23+8reb+1ast, M.Horozov 20+15reb+3ast, A.Nikolov 19+3reb+20ast, J.Novachev 7+2reb, I.Stavrev 6+3reb+2ast
Sportist Svoge: Z.Zapryanov 19+5reb+3ast, M.Vutov 16+3reb+1ast, E.Goranov 15+4reb+3ast, G.Kunov 14+13reb+2ast, A.Antov 12+5reb+12ast, R.Bogdanov 7+7reb
gschID: 113131


NSA - Dunav 2007 85-115

Undefeated leader Dunav 2007 delivered the seventeenth consecutive win on Sunday night. This time they crushed 5th ranked NSA (9-8) 115-85 in Sofia. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of NSA. The game without a history. Dunav 2007 led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 22-of-24 free shots (91.7 percent) during the game. Dunav 2007 outrebounded NSA 43-30 including 28 on the defensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 32 assists comparing to just 17 passes made by NSA's players. Forward Hristo Gospodinov (202-92) fired a double-double by scoring 23 points and 14 rebounds (made all of his nine free throws !!!) for the winners. Power forward Vladimir Nikolov (205-88, college: Garrett JC) chipped in 22 points and 9 rebounds (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field). Dunav 2007's coach Nikolay Gospodinov felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Guard Tsvetelin Mladenov (190-90) produced 17 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and power forward Danail Hristov (195-90) added 13 points and 7 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Dunav 2007 (17-0) have an impressive series of sixteen victories in a row. They maintain first place with a perfect record of 17 victories in a row. NSA at the other side keeps the fifth position with eight games lost. Dunav 2007 are looking forward to face league's second-placed Academik Plovdiv at home in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. NSA will play against Balkan 2 in Botevgrad and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Dunav 2007: L.Paskov 24+5reb+2ast, H.Gospodinov 23+14reb+3ast, V.Nikolov 22+9reb+1ast, M.Tanev 17+5reb+3ast, V.Petkov 11+5reb+13ast, K.Kostov 10+1reb+7ast
NSA: T.Mladenov 17+5reb+5ast, K.Hristov 16+2reb+4ast, A.Iliev 15+6reb, D.Hristov 13+7reb+3ast, H.Anguelov 12+5reb+2ast, V.Manuilov 4+2reb
gschID: 113132


Chavdar - Balkan 2 93-86

We should mention about the upset which took place in Troyan, where 6th ranked Balkan 2 (8-8) lost to ninth ranked Chavdar (5-12) in a road game 86-93. Balkan 2 was ahead by 4 points after three quarters before a 28-17 charge of Chavdar, which allowed them to win the game. They outrebounded Balkan 2 45-32 including a 32-21 advantage in defensive rebounds. Chavdar players were unselfish on offense dishing 27 assists. Balkan 2 was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Petar Hristov (194-90) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 23 points, 6 rebounds, 11 assists and 6 steals. Power forward Krasimir Koev (202-81) contributed with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Five Chavdar players scored in double figures. Forward Emil Binev (198-91) answered with 24 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists and forward Ivaylo Vuchkov (200-90) added 24 points and 9 rebounds in the effort for Balkan 2. Chavdar maintains ninth place with 5-12 record. Newly promoted Balkan 2 keeps the sixth position with eight games lost. They share it with Rilski 2. Chavdar will play against higher ranked Cherno More U18 (#8) in Varna in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Balkan 2 will play at home against NSA in Sofia and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Chavdar: P.Hristov 23+6reb+11ast, K.Koev 18+12reb+4ast, P.Lalev 16+8reb+2ast, D.Denchev 14+10reb+3ast, V.Kukenski 10+3reb+1ast, P.Ignatovski 10+3reb+4ast
Balkan 2: I.Vuchkov 24+9reb, E.Binev 24+5reb+7ast, V.Stoev 10+2ast, R.Dundalov 9+8reb+3ast, D.Hristov 9+7reb+11ast, P.Donchev 7+3reb
gschID: 113133


Beroe - Cherno More U18 101-63

The game with biggest result difference took place in Stara Zagora. Local Beroe (12-4) outscored 8th ranked Cherno More U18 (6-11) 101-63 on Sunday night. The game without a history. Beroe led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Cherno More U18's 40. Beroe forced 23 Cherno More U18 turnovers and outrebounded them 51-26 including a 32-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. Beroe looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Worth to mention a quality performance of guard Martin Radnev (190-89) who helped to win the game recording 27 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field). Forward Petar Zagorov (202-86) helped adding 21 points and 15 rebounds. Four Beroe players scored in double figures. At the losing side forward Nikolay Stoyanov (195-94) responded with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 12 rebounds and guard Anton Dikov (191-94) scored 13 points. Beroe maintains third place with 12-4 record having six points less than leader Dunav 2007. Cherno More U18 lost their fifth game in a row. Newly promoted team keeps the eighth position with 11 games lost. Beroe will meet Rilski 2 (#7) in the next round. Cherno More U18 will play against Chavdar in Troyan and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Beroe: M.Radnev 27+7reb+4ast, P.Zagorov 21+15reb, R.Aleksov 17+11reb, B.Marinov 11+6reb+4ast, M.Vanchev 8+7reb+7ast, Z.Gochev 7
Cherno More U18: D.Vutev 18+1reb, A.Dikov 13+4reb+3ast, N.Stoyanov 13+12reb+3ast, A.Natskin 6+1reb+1ast, V.Hristov 6+1ast, G.Yankov 3+1reb+2ast
gschID: 113134




Standings A2
Division A Standings
 1. Dunav 2007 17-0 
 2. Academik PL 12-3 
 3. Beroe 12-4 
 4. Vidabasket 10-6 
 5. NSA 9-8 
 6. Balkan 2 8-8 
 7. Rilski 2 8-8 
 8. Cherno More U18 6-11 
 9. Chavdar 5-12 
 10. Sportist Svoge 3-15 
 11. Academik BL 1-16 


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


Stats Leaders - CBA
Points Per Game
 Charles GAINES
  Qingdao DS
  (201-F-81)
  Avg: 33.7
 1. Gaines, Qingdao DS33.7 
 2. Douby, Xinjiang31.0 
 3. Morris, Beijing30.4 
 4. Williams, Zhejiang C.29.9 
 5. Akognon, DongGuan28.8 
 6. Emmett, Fujian28.0 
 7. Rodgers, Shanxi Zh.27.4 
 8. Pickett, Jilin27.1 
 9. Hamilton, TianJ.26.8 
 10. Marbury, Foshan25.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Dwayne JONES
  Fujian
  (211-C-83)
  Avg: 15.8
 1. Jones, Fujian15.8 
 2. Harris, Shanghai14.7 
 3. Benson, TianJin R.14.6 
 4. Ramos, Zhejiang.14.3 
 5. Gaines, Qingdao DS13.5 
 6. Watkins, Jilin13.3 
 7. Oyedeji, Foshan13.2 
 8. Morris, Beijing12.2 
 9. Moiso, Jiangsu11.6 
 10. Abbaas, Beijing11.3 
Assists Per Game
 Osama DAGHLAS
  Shanxi Zh.
  (199-G-79)
  Avg: 9.1
 1. Daghlas, Shanxi Zh.9.1 
 2. Marbury, Foshan5.7 
 3. Williams, Zhejiang C.5.6 
 4. Lu, Fujian5.6 
 5. Hu, Jiangsu5.3 
 6. LiuWei, Shanghai5.3 
 7. Vroman, DongGuan4.9 
 8. Allen, Shandong4.9 
 9. Hamilton, TianJ.4.9 
 10. Douby, Xinjiang4.8 
Steals Per Game
 XueFeng HU
  Jiangsu
  (185-G-80)
  Avg: 4.1
 1. Hu, Jiangsu4.1 
 2. Hamilton, TianJ.3.8 
 3. Douby, Xinjiang3.3 
 4. Hudson, Guandong3.0 
 5. Vroman, DongGuan2.8 
 6. Gaines, Qingdao DS2.5 
 7. Williams, Zhejiang C.2.5 
 8. Pickett, Jilin2.3 
 9. Emmett, Fujian2.3 
 10. Zhong, Jilin2.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Herve LAMIZANA
  TianJin R.
  (207-F/C-81)
  Avg: 3.6
 1. Lamizana, TianJ.3.6 
 2. Watkins, Jilin1.9 
 3. Zhang, Shanghai1.8 
 4. Haislip, Guandong1.8 
 5. Boone, Zhejiang C.1.8 
 6. Moiso, Jiangsu1.8 
 7. Vroman, DongGuan1.6 
 8. Jones, Fujian1.6 
 9. Morris, Beijing1.5 
 10. Wang, Bayi1.5 


FIBA Extends Greene Suspension Preventing Him for Playing for Beijing - by Arthur Volbert
Greene Orien (193-G-82, college: La-Lafayette) will not be allowed to play for the Beijing Ducks in the CBA playoffs because of a FIBA suspension. FIBA determined that Greene tampered with a urine sample while playing professionally for a team in the Netherlands. FIBA issued its two-year suspension March 12, 2009 and it was scheduled to end this March 12. But FIBA extended the suspension to July 2011 because Greene played for American NBA and D-League clubs while the suspension was in force. Greene is now back in the United States.


*****************************************************
  CYPRUS   


Intercollege Etha one step away from the final - by Michael Aristidou
InterCollege Etha Engomis make another win over Cytavision Apoel Nicosia in game 2 for the Cyprus semifinals. Now the cup holders of this season are leading 2-0 and they need another one to qualify for the first time in their history to the championship final.
InterCollege Etha Engomis won 87-75 in a match that lead almost all over the game. On the other hand last season champions tried to equalize the row but now they must make three wins I three games if they want to be in the finals.

Quarters: 25 - 17, 45 - 35, 70 - 59, 87 75

InterCollege Etha Engomis (Constantinides ) Johnson, Dabkus 2, Anastasiadis, King 13, Masaba 14 (1), Ken Tutt (185-G-84, agency: Strategic Sports, college: ORU) 22 (3), Cup 20 (3), Golupovic, Reading 16 (2)

Cytavision Apoel Nicosia (Christopoulos): Tiggs 12, Kovac, Hanavan 17 (2), Neophytou 2, Davis 16 (2), Lalovic 8, Socratous, Kalaitzidis 3 (1), Miceta 4, Buljan 13 (1)



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


Standings - NBL
NBL Standings
A1
 1. BK Pardubice 3-0 
 2. CEZ Nymburk 2-0 
 3. BK Prostejov 2-1 
 4. BK Decin 1-2 
 5. NH Ostrava 0-2 
 6. Novy Jicin 0-3 
A2
 1. B&W Opava 14-11 
 2. BC Kolin 12-13 
 3. USK Praha 8-17 
 4. Basketbol Brno 7-18 
 5. Svitavy 6-19 
 6. Plzen 3-22 


NBL Round 5 (Second Stage): CEZ Nymburk beats BK Decin by two after a very close game - by Eurobasket News
The most exciting game of round 5 in the NBL took place in Decin. This derby game ended with only two-point home defeat of 4th placed BK Decin (1-2) to leader CEZ Nymburk (2-0) 70-68 on Wednesday evening. The guests trailed by 13 points at the halftime before their 45-30 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. CEZ Nymburk dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to BK Decin's 32. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when CEZ Nymburk made 7 blocks. American guard Chester Simmons (198-82, college: Washington, agency: ZAG Advocates) orchestrated the victory by scoring 15 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists. The former international forward Radek Necas (204-80) contributed with 18 points and 5 assists for the winners. American guard Wiliam Hatcher (188-84, college: Miami, OH, agency: Limelight Hoops) answered with 24 points and 5 rebounds for BK Decin. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Defending champion moved-up to second place in A1. BK Decin at the other side keeps the fourth position with two games lost. CEZ Nymburk are looking forward to face league's leader BK Pardubice on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. BK Decin will play against BK Prostejov and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Basketbol Brno (7-18) against fourth ranked USK Praha (8-17) on Wednesday night. Visiting Basketbol Brno was defeated by USK Praha in Praha 77-64. International forward Lukas Kotas (194-84) stepped up and scored 13 points and 7 rebounds for the winners and Vojtech Hruban chipped in 13 points. Forward Stepan Reinberger (201-81) responded with 20 points and 4 assists. Basketbol Brno's coach Josef Jelinek rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. USK Praha moved-up to third place in A2. Basketbol Brno lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the fourth position with 18 games lost. USK Praha will play against Lokomotiva Plzen (#6) on the road in the next round. Basketbol Brno will play against Basketbal Svitavy and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
NBL top team - B&W Opava (14-11) had no problems winning another game on Wednesday. This time they beat fifth ranked Basketbal Svitavy (6-19) 82-64. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Basketbal Svitavy. Jan Kratochvil nailed 16 points and 9 rebounds for the winning side. Boris Meno came up with 15 points and 9 rebounds for Basketbal Svitavy in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. B&W Opava have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain first place in A2 with 14-11 record. Newly promoted Basketbal Svitavy keeps the fifth position with 19 games lost. B&W Opava will meet at home league's second-placed BC Kolin in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Basketbal Svitavy will play against Basketbol Brno and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game in Plzen was also worth to mention about. Second ranked BC Kolin (12-13) played at the court of 6th ranked Lokomotiva Plzen (3-22). BC Kolin defeated Lokomotiva Plzen 96-83. The best player for the winners was David Machac who scored 23 points and 9 rebounds. Lokomotiva Plzen's coach let to play ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. BC Kolin maintains second place in A2 with 12-13 record having just -31 point less than leader BK Pardubice. Lokomotiva Plzen lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the sixth position with 22 games lost. BC Kolin's next round opponent will be league's leader B&W Opava on the road and it will be for sure the game of the week. Lokomotiva Plzen will play against USK Praha (#3).

Group A1
BK Decin - CEZ Nymburk 68-70

The most exciting game of round 5 in the NBL took place in Decin. This derby game ended with only two-point home defeat of 4th placed BK Decin (1-2) to leader CEZ Nymburk (2-0) 70-68 on Wednesday evening. The guests trailed by 13 points at the halftime before their 45-30 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. CEZ Nymburk dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to BK Decin's 32. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when CEZ Nymburk made 7 blocks. American guard Chester Simmons (198-82, college: Washington, agency: ZAG Advocates) orchestrated the victory by scoring 15 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists. The former international forward Radek Necas (204-80) contributed with 18 points and 5 assists for the winners. American guard Wiliam Hatcher (188-84, college: Miami, OH, agency: Limelight Hoops) answered with 24 points and 5 rebounds and international forward Pavel Houska (201-84) added 14 points and 13 rebounds in the effort for BK Decin. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Defending champion moved-up to second place in A1. BK Decin at the other side keeps the fourth position with two games lost. CEZ Nymburk are looking forward to face league's leader BK Pardubice on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. BK Decin will play against BK Prostejov and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
BK Decin: W.Hatcher 24+5reb+3ast, P.Houska 14+13reb, A.Alic 9+2reb+2ast, M.Soukup 7+6reb+1ast, L.Sanders 6+3reb+5ast, T.Pomikalek 6+1reb+2ast
CEZ Nymburk: R.Necas 18+3reb+5ast, C.Simmons 15+6reb+8ast, P.Benda 14+7reb+2ast, A.Nissim 9+3reb+4ast, M.Lenzly 5+4reb+1ast, V.Stimac 3+2reb
gschID: 122357


Group A2
B&W Opava - Svitavy 82-64

NBL top team - B&W Opava (14-11) had no problems winning another game on Wednesday. This time they beat fifth ranked Basketbal Svitavy (6-19) 82-64. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Basketbal Svitavy. The game was mostly controlled by B&W Opava. Basketbal Svitavy managed to win fourth quarter 24-20. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Forward Jan Kratochvil (200-82) nailed 16 points and 9 rebounds for the winning side and international guard Jakub Sirina (185-87) accounted for 18 points. Five B&W Opava players scored in double figures. Congolese-French forward Boris Meno (203-83, college: Davidson) came up with 15 points and 9 rebounds and power forward Ladislav Horak (205-86) added 12 points and 6 rebounds respectively for Basketbal Svitavy in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. B&W Opava have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain first place in A2 with 14-11 record. Newly promoted Basketbal Svitavy keeps the fifth position with 19 games lost. B&W Opava will meet at home league's second-placed BC Kolin in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Basketbal Svitavy will play against Basketbol Brno and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Svitavy: B.Meno 15+9reb+1ast, L.Horak 12+6reb+1ast, K.George 9+2reb+3ast, T.Macela 5+4reb+1ast, R.Kramny 5+6reb+1ast, T.Teply 5+4reb
B&W Opava: J.Sirina 18+2reb+2ast, J.Kratochvil 16+9reb+1ast, R.Klecka 11+3reb, M.Stec 11+2ast, O.Dygryn 10+6reb+4ast, J.Blazek 6+3reb+1ast
gschID: 122233


USK Praha - Basketbol Brno 77-64

Very important is a road loss of third ranked Basketbol Brno (7-18) against fourth ranked USK Praha (8-17) on Wednesday night. Visiting Basketbol Brno was defeated by USK Praha in Praha 77-64. The game was mostly controlled by USK Praha. Basketbol Brno was better in second period 19-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Basketbol Brno was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. International forward Lukas Kotas (194-84) stepped up and scored 13 points and 7 rebounds for the winners and international forward Vojtech Hruban (200-89) chipped in 13 points. Forward Stepan Reinberger (201-81) responded with 20 points and 4 assists and Slovakian center Peter Sedmak (203-85) scored 15 points. Basketbol Brno's coach Josef Jelinek rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. USK Praha moved-up to third place in A2. Basketbol Brno lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the fourth position with 18 games lost. USK Praha will play against Lokomotiva Plzen (#6) on the road in the next round. Basketbol Brno will play against Basketbal Svitavy and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Basketbol Brno: S.Reinberger 20+2reb+4ast, P.Sedmak 15+4reb+3ast, S.Castleberry 11+8reb, E.Holloway 6+7reb+2ast, M.Norwa 6+8reb, D.Gajdosik 4+2reb+2ast
USK Praha: L.Kotas 13+7reb+2ast, V.Hruban 13+4reb+2ast, J.Slavik 12+5reb, T.Vyoral 9+1reb+1ast, M.Sotnar 9+4reb+2ast, M.Klimes 8+7reb
gschID: 122231


Plzen - BC Kolin 83-96

The game in Plzen was also worth to mention about. Second ranked BC Kolin (12-13) played at the court of 6th ranked Lokomotiva Plzen (3-22). BC Kolin defeated Lokomotiva Plzen 96-83. The game was mostly controlled by BC Kolin. Lokomotiva Plzen was better in third quarter 31-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The best player for the winners was forward David Machac (204-80) who scored 23 points and 9 rebounds. Slovakian guard Roman Marko (195-86) chipped in 15 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Forward Ladislav Pecka (197-91) produced 23 points and 8 rebounds and forward Pavel Novak (199-83) added 15 points and 11 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Four BC Kolin and five Lokomotiva Plzen players scored in double figures. Lokomotiva Plzen's coach let to play ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. BC Kolin maintains second place in A2 with 12-13 record having just -31 point less than leader BK Pardubice. Lokomotiva Plzen lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the sixth position with 22 games lost. BC Kolin's next round opponent will be league's leader B&W Opava on the road and it will be for sure the game of the week. Lokomotiva Plzen will play against USK Praha (#3).
Top scorers:
Plzen: L.Pecka 23+8reb, P.Novak 15+11reb+3ast, P.Frana 11+6reb+2ast, J.Kovanda 10+1reb, S.Vrubl 10+10ast, M.Soukup 5+3ast
BC Kolin: T.Smith 23+3ast, D.Machac 23+9reb, R.Marko 15+7reb+5ast, R.Field 12+7reb+2ast, J.Jelinek 11, P.Hemmy 8+5reb+2ast
gschID: 122232




Stats Leaders - NBL
Points Per Game
 Terry SMITH
  BC Kolin
  (185-G-86)
  Avg: 17.9
 1. Smith, BC Kolin17.9 
 2. Burke, NH Ostrava15.7 
 3. Landry, BK Prost.15.7 
 4. Horak, Svitavy15.0 
 5. Hatcher, BK Decin14.9 
 6. Kotas, USK Praha14.7 
 7. Houska, BK Decin14.2 
 8. Muirhead, Novy Jicin14.1 
 9. Hampton, BK Pardu.14.1 
 10. Sirina, B&W Opava13.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Boris MENO
  Svitavy
  (203-F-83)
  Avg: 10.4
 1. Meno, Basketbo.10.4 
 2. Burke, NH Ostrava9.4 
 3. Houska, BK Decin8.8 
 4. Spagrud, NH Ostrava8.7 
 5. Landry, BK Prost.8.2 
 6. Arnold, BK Pardu.8.1 
 7. Kramny, Svitavy7.5 
 8. Frana, Plzen7.3 
 9. Gadri, BK Prostejov6.6 
 10. Machac, BC Kolin6.3 
Assists Per Game
 Stepan VRUBL
  Plzen
  (186-G-76)
  Avg: 5.9
 1. Vrubl, Plzen5.9 
 2. Lawrence, BK Prost.5.1 
 3. Carnecky, B&W O.3.9 
 4. Kotas, USK Praha3.6 
 5. Jones, BC Kolin3.5 
 6. Hatcher, BK Decin3.5 
 7. Channels, Novy Jicin3.2 
 8. Sanders, BK Decin3.0 
 9. Macela, Svitavy2.8 
 10. Ubilla, Novy Jicin2.7 
Steals Per Game
 Lukas KOTAS
  USK Praha
  (194-F-84)
  Avg: 2
 1. Kotas, USK Praha2.0 
 2. Wright, BK Pardu.2.0 
 3. Hampton, BK Pardu.1.8 
 4. Smith, BC Kolin1.8 
 5. Holloway, Basket.1.7 
 6. Field, BC Kolin1.6 
 7. Sirina, B&W Opava1.6 
 8. Hruban, USK Praha1.5 
 9. Channels, Novy Jicin1.5 
 10. Macela, Svitavy1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Cezary TRYBANSKI
  NH Ostrava
  (218-C-79)
  Avg: 1.5
 1. Trybanski, NH Os.1.5 
 2. Miklosik, B&W O.1.3 
 3. Hanke, USK Praha1.1 
 4. Gadri, BK Prostejov1.0 
 5. Kramny, Svitavy1.0 
 6. Houska, BK Decin0.9 
 7. Pelikan, Novy Jicin0.9 
 8. Egwuatu, Svitavy0.8 
 9. Meno, Basketbo.0.8 
 10. Spagrud, NH Ostrava0.7 


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


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 10-10 
 7. Solrod 10-12 
 8. Skt.Klemens 7-14 
 9. ALBA 7-14 
 10. Aarhus BF 7-15 
 11. Hobas 5-15 
 12. Herlev 5-16 


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


Standings
D-League Standings
Central Division
 1. Iowa E. 34-12 
 2. Erie Bay H. 29-16 
 3. Ft.Wayne MA 21-25 
 4. Dakota W. 17-28 
 5. Sioux Falls S. 10-35 
Southwest Division
 1. Tulsa 66ers 31-15 
 2. Rio Grande 30-16 
 3. Texas L. 20-25 
 4. Austin T. 20-25 
 5. New Mexico 19-27 
 6. Maine RC 16-29 
West Division
 1. Reno Bighorns 29-16 
 2. Bakersfield J. 27-18 
 3. Utah F. 26-18 
 4. Idaho S. 21-25 
 5. Springfield A. 13-33 


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Trey JOHNSON
  Bakersfield J.
  (196-G-84)
  Avg: 25.8
 1. Johnson, Bakersfi.25.8 
 2. Johnson, Erie B.22.0 
 3. Jeffers, Iowa E.21.1 
 4. Ewing, Sioux F.19.9 
 5. Adrien, Rio Grande19.9 
 6. McNeal, Rio Grande19.7 
 7. Dentmon, Texas L.19.6 
 8. Alexander, Texas L.19.5 
 9. Sims, Maine RC19.3 
 10. Stinson, Iowa E.18.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jeff ADRIEN
  Golde State W.
  (201-F-86)
  Avg: 12.2
 1. Adrien, Rio Grande12.2 
 2. Ewing, Sioux F.10.6 
 3. Davidson, Idaho S.10.1 
 4. Sims, Iowa E.9.6 
 5. Williams, Texas L.9.4 
 6. Phillips, Ft.Wayne.9.3 
 7. Johnson, Dakota W.9.2 
 8. Jeffers, Iowa E.9.1 
 9. Alexander, Texas L.8.9 
 10. Williams, Tulsa 66ers8.5 
Assists Per Game
 Curtis STINSON
  Iowa E.
  (187-G-83)
  Avg: 9.5
 1. Stinson, Iowa E.9.5 
 2. Miles, Reno Bighorns8.7 
 3. Daniels, Texas L.8.5 
 4. Russell, Ft.Wayne.7.9 
 5. Crittenton, Dakota W.7.6 
 6. Jackson, Idaho S.7.4 
 7. Jackson, Erie B.6.6 
 8. Johnson, Austin T.6.2 
 9. Reynolds, Spring.5.7 
 10. Ahearn, Erie Bay H.5.6 
Steals Per Game
 Javaris CRITTENTON
  Dakota W.
  (196-G-87)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Crittenton, Dakota W.2.6 
 2. Dowdell, Tulsa 66ers2.5 
 3. Miles, Reno Bighorns2.5 
 4. Jackson, Idaho S.2.1 
 5. Lofton, Iowa E.2.1 
 6. Lin, Reno Bighorns2.1 
 7. Greene, Utah F.2.0 
 8. Lafayette, Ft.Wayne.2.0 
 9. Reynolds, Spring.1.9 
 10. Jeffers, Iowa E.1.9 
Blocks Per Game
 Chris JOHNSON
  Portland TB
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Johnson, Dakota W.2.8 
 2. Williams, Texas L.2.8 
 3. Aldrich, Tulsa 66ers2.4 
 4. Gaffney, Utah F.2.2 
 5. Whiteside, Reno B.2.2 
 6. Naymick, Bakersfi.2.2 
 7. Gladness, Dakota W.2.0 
 8. Atchley, Rio Grande2.0 
 9. Fall, Maine RC1.9 
 10. Alabi, Erie Bay H.1.9 


Rockets Sign former NBA D-League Standout Mike Harris - by Surujh Roopnarine
The Houston Rockets have signed Mike Harris (6'6''-F-83, college: Rice) to a 10-day contract. Harris, who last played for the Rockets in the 2009-10 season, was with them again at the start of this season in training camp. He had been playing in China for the Shanghai Sharks where in 29 games he averaged 24.7 points, 14.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.2 blocks. Harris, a 6-6 forward out of Rice University and a Hillsboro, TX native owns NBA career averages of 3.0 points and 2.6 rebounds in 30 prior games with Houston and the Washington Wizards. Where Harris has really made his mark has been in the D-League, where over the course of two seasons (2006-07 Colorado / 2009-10 Rio Grande Valley) he has established himself as one of the leagues premier players. In 82 career D-League games Harris is averaging 18.1 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.1 blocks while shooting 59.5% from the field. His breakout campaign was least season with the Vipers. Harris averaged a league-leading 27.1 points (.582, 363-624 FG), 10.5 rebounds (third in D-League), 1.9 assists and 1.2 steals in 34 games (31 starts) with Rio Grande Valley (The Rockets directly controlled D-League affiliate), guiding the Vipers to the 2009-10 D-League championship. He was also named NBA D-League MVP and earned First-Team All-NBA D-League honors last season.

Nets recall G Uzoh from D-League - by Eurobasket News
The New Jersey Nets have recalled rookie point guard Ben Uzoh (6'3''-G-88, college: Tulsa) from Springfield of the NBA Development League.

Uzoh appeared in four games with the Armor, averaging 16 points, 8 rebounds and 5.8 assists.

In 32 games with the Nets this season, Uzoh is averaging 3.4 points and 1.4 assists.

Uzoh was signed by the Nets as an undrafted free agent out of Tulsa.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Wizards, Sioux Falls game postponed - by Eurobasket News
Elbow room is becoming an increasingly limited commodity for the Dakota Wizards.

They're feeling the squeeze in their quest for the D-League playoffs, and now they've got to accommodate a postponement as the season ebbs away.

Wednesday's game with Sioux Falls was postponed as a result of the Tuesday storm that rolled through the Northern Plains. The inclement weather closed down both I-29 and I-94, making travel from Sioux Falls to Bismarck impossible.

Both the Wizards (17-28) and the Skyforce (10-35) have five games remaining on their regular season schedules. Regular season play ends April 2 with the playoffs scheduled to begin April 6.

The two teams have three open dates - tonight, April 29 and 30 - in common before the end of the regular season. The Wizards said Wednesday only that the game would be rescheduled at a later date.

In order to earn a playoff berth, the Wizards have to run the table. They trail Fort Wayne, currently the leader in the quest for the eighth playoff spot, by four games.

Courtesy of hwww.bismarcktribune.com

Wednesday: Toros, Thunderbirds and Stampede celebrate - by Eurobasket News
Austin T. - Iowa E. 120-111
Marcus Cousin (6'11''-C-86, college: Houston) scored 22 points and Kevin Palmer (6'6''-G/F-87, college: Texas A&M - C.C.) scored 21 to lead the Austin Toros past Eastern Conference leader Iowa on Wednesday at Cedar Park Center. The Toros (20-25) were down by seven points heading into the final period, but outscored the Energy (34-12) 40-24 in the fourth to pull out the victory. Leo Lyons and Aubrey Coleman each scored 17 points to aid the Toros' effort. Curtis Stinson's triple-double (31 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds) led the Energy. *Courtesy of www.statesman.com

New Mexico - Bakersfield J. 106-102 OT
New Mexico's J.R. Giddens made a jump shot with 6.4 seconds left to send Wednesday's game into overtime and the Thunderbirds (19-27) held the Bakersfield Jam (27-18) scoreless in overtime to win 106-102. Trey Johnson (6'5''-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Jackson St.) led Bakersfield (27-18) with 21 points . Derrick Byars (6'8''-G/F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Vanderbilt) added 17 points and Drew Naymick had 14 points and 10 rebounds. Abdulai Jalloh (6'2''-G-86, college: JMU) scored 21 for the Thunderbirds (19-27). *Courtesy of www.bakersfield.com

Rio Grande - Idaho S. 92-115
Tony Bobbitt (6'4''-G-79, college: Cincinnati) hit 3-pointer to give Idaho a 48-45 lead at halftime, then the Stampede used a 10-0 run to stretch their lead to start the second half, cruising to a 115-92 win over the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on Wednesday. Bobbitt finished with a team-high 26 points in the win while Antoine Walker (6'9''-F-75, college: Kentucky) added 24 points and 13 rebounds for the Stampede. *Courtesy of www.idahopress.com

*****************************************************
  EUROCHALLENGE   


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Mohammed ABUKAR
  Lugano Tigers
  (208-F-85)
  Avg: 20.8
 1. Abukar, Lugano T.20.8 
 2. Trotter, Szolnok19.4 
 3. Woodside, Gravelines18.5 
 4. Banks, Elitzur .17.8 
 5. Smith, Karsiyaka17.7 
 6. Hopkins, Antwerp17.4 
 7. King, Etha17.0 
 8. Anderson, Ventspils17.0 
 9. Stanescu, Steaua T.16.8 
 10. Darden, Nancy16.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Callistus EZIUKWU
  TU/Rock
  (208-F/C-85)
  Avg: 10.5
 1. Eziukwu, TU/Rock10.5 
 2. Landry, BK Prost.9.6 
 3. Clark, Szolnok9.1 
 4. Kjellbom, Norrkoping9.1 
 5. Smith, Karsiyaka9.0 
 6. Zoric, KK.8.8 
 7. Massey, Lokomotiv8.6 
 8. Bader, Szolnok8.5 
 9. King, Etha8.4 
 10. Brown, Elitzur .8.3 
Assists Per Game
 Curtis MILLAGE
  Khimik
  (185-G-81)
  Avg: 5.9
 1. Millage, Khimik5.9 
 2. Linehan, Nancy5.9 
 3. Jackson, Maccabi .5.8 
 4. Brener, Elitzur .5.5 
 5. Woodside, Gravelines5.5 
 6. Trotter, Szolnok5.3 
 7. Wood, Dt.5.2 
 8. Ponkrashov, Spart.4.9 
 9. Draughan, Lugano T.4.9 
 10. Reynolds, Orleans4.5 
Steals Per Game
 John LINEHAN
  Nancy
  (175-G-78)
  Avg: 4
 1. Linehan, Nancy4.0 
 2. Millage, Khimik2.9 
 3. Vladovic, Zadar2.4 
 4. Dabkus, Etha2.3 
 5. Renfroe, KK.2.3 
 6. Holston, Karsiyaka2.1 
 7. Dragic, Krka2.1 
 8. Wilson, Antwerp2.1 
 9. Trotter, Szolnok2.1 
 10. Domercant, Spart.2.1 
Blocks Per Game
 Salah MEJRI
  Antwerp
  (214-C-86)
  Avg: 2
 1. Mejri, Antwerp2.0 
 2. King, Etha2.0 
 3. Kjellbom, Norrkoping1.9 
 4. Akpomedah, Grave.1.9 
 5. Sene, Gravelines1.8 
 6. Stiemsma, Turk T.1.8 
 7. Clark, Szolnok1.6 
 8. Eziukwu, TU/Rock1.5 
 9. Bader, Szolnok1.4 
 10. Zavadsky, Khimik1.4 


*****************************************************
  EUROCUP   


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Primoz BREZEC
  Krasnie Krilya
  (216-F/C-79)
  Avg: 20.8
 1. Brezec, Krasnie .20.8 
 2. Janicenoks, VEF R.20.3 
 3. Carroll, Gran Canaria18.8 
 4. Solomon, Hapoel J.18.0 
 5. Walsh, AS.17.7 
 6. Wright, Cedevita17.1 
 7. Chatman, Besiktas16.8 
 8. Simmons, CEZ N.15.9 
 9. Tucker, Aris15.9 
 10. Rich, Hapoel J-M15.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Lazaros PAPADOPOULOS
  Khimky
  (210-C-80)
  Avg: 12.2
 1. Papadopoulos, PAOK12.2 
 2. Brezec, Krasnie .9.7 
 3. Walsh, AS.8.3 
 4. Francis, Panellinios8.2 
 5. Tucker, Aris8.0 
 6. Ellis, GasTerra7.7 
 7. Owens, Azovmash7.5 
 8. Jones, Pepsi C.7.5 
 9. Nsonwu-Amadi, Roa.7.5 
 10. Jefferson, AS.7.3 
Assists Per Game
 Dontaye DRAPER
  Cedevita
  (180-G-84)
  Avg: 6.8
 1. Draper, Cedevita6.8 
 2. Mekel, Galil Gilboa6.3 
 3. Walsh, AS.6.0 
 4. Popovic, Unics5.4 
 5. Thomas, Anwil5.3 
 6. Markovic, Benetton.4.9 
 7. Meacham, Goett.4.9 
 8. Lukauskis, EWE B.4.7 
 9. Bauscher, GasTerra4.5 
 10. Granger, Estudian.4.4 
Steals Per Game
 Kristaps JANICENOKS
  VEF Riga
  (196-F-83)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Janicenoks, VEF R.2.5 
 2. Lukauskis, EWE B.2.5 
 3. House, Azovmash2.5 
 4. Kirksay, Cajasol2.4 
 5. Diabate, Roanne2.3 
 6. Dourisseau, GasTe.2.3 
 7. Pumprla, CEZ N.2.2 
 8. Draper, Cedevita2.2 
 9. Curry, Azovmash2.1 
 10. Chatman, Besiktas2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Brian RANDLE
  Hapoel J-M
  (203-F-85)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Randle, Hapoel J-M2.1 
 2. Berzins, VEF Riga1.8 
 3. Dunston, Aris1.6 
 4. Skinner, Benetton.1.4 
 5. Francis, Panellinios1.2 
 6. Boone, Goettingen1.1 
 7. Chan, CEZ Nymburk1.1 
 8. Fofana, AS.1.0 
 9. Pacun, Banvit1.0 
 10. Ortner, Bennet C.1.0 


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


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Bojan BOGDANOVIC
  Cibona
  (202-G/F-89)
  Avg: 18
 1. Bogdanovic, Cibona18.0 
 2. Langford, Khimky17.8 
 3. Rakocevic, Efes P.17.2 
 4. Teletovic, Caja L.15.4 
 5. Mejia, Cholet15.1 
 6. Navarro, Regal B.15.0 
 7. Spanoulis, Olympiakos14.6 
 8. San Emeterio, Caja L.14.5 
 9. Gregory, Union O.14.0 
 10. Freeland, Unicaja13.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Mirsad TURKCAN
  Fener.Ulker
  (206-F-76)
  Avg: 7.3
 1. Turkcan, Fener.Ul.7.3 
 2. Gist, Partizan6.9 
 3. Jankunas, Zalgiris6.9 
 4. Bourousis, Olympiakos6.7 
 5. Freeland, Unicaja6.3 
 6. Fischer, Real Madrid6.3 
 7. Radosevic, Cibona6.3 
 8. Pleiss, Brose B.6.3 
 9. Gregory, Union O.6.1 
 10. Wright, Charleroi5.9 
Assists Per Game
 Dimitris DIAMANTIDIS
  Panathinaikos
  (196-G-80)
  Avg: 5.6
 1. Diamantidis, Panath.5.6 
 2. Huertas, Caja L.5.6 
 3. Cook, Valencia5.5 
 4. Spanoulis, Olympiakos4.3 
 5. Jasikevicius, Lietuv.4.3 
 6. Pellin, Le Mans4.2 
 7. Ilievski, Union O.4.1 
 8. Stipcevic, Cibona4.1 
 9. Teodosic, Olympiakos3.9 
 10. Papaloukas, Olymp.3.9 
Steals Per Game
 Chuck EIDSON
  Maccabi T-A
  (202-F/G-80)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Eidson, Maccabi .2.6 
 2. Diot, Le Mans2.2 
 3. McCalebb, Montepas.2.1 
 4. Goldsberry, Brose B.1.9 
 5. Perkins, Maccabi .1.8 
 6. Smith, Lottomatica1.8 
 7. Ilievski, Union O.1.7 
 8. Papaloukas, Olymp.1.7 
 9. Diamantidis, Panath.1.7 
 10. Dedovic, Lottomat.1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Mirza BEGIC
  Real Madrid
  (216-C-85)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Begic, Zalgiris2.3 
 2. Riddick, Charleroi1.7 
 3. Fischer, Real Madrid1.6 
 4. Pleiss, Brose B.1.5 
 5. Bourousis, Olympiakos1.4 
 6. Eze, Khimky1.3 
 7. Falker, Cholet1.3 
 8. Shermadini, Union O.1.1 
 9. Nesterovic, Olymp.1.1 
 10. Hines, Brose B.1.1 


Bjelica out with injury - by Giorgos Diploidis
Caja Laboral Vitoria before the game that lost today against Maccabi Tel Aviv had an injury problem to face and this was of Nemanja Bjelica (209-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances) The Serbian forward/center broke a bone in his wrist and he is expected to loose the rest of the games in play offs of Euroleague against the team of David Blatt.

In the summer Caja took the player although there was interest also from Olympiakos for him but so far he hasn't adjusted to the team of Dusko Ivanovic

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


Finnish Korisliiga round 43 best performance: LaVell Blanchard - by Eurobasket News
American forward LaVell Blanchard (201-F-81, agency: Beo Basket) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for ToPo, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 43.
The 29-year old player had a double-double of 30 points and 12 rebounds, while his team beat Namika Lahti (#9, 16-26) 106-96. ToPo maintains the 8th position in Finnish Korisliiga. ToPo 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 21-22 record. In the team's last game Blanchard had a remarkable 62.5% from 2-point range. He turned to be ToPo's top player in his first season with the team. Former University of Michigan star has very solid stats this year. Blanchard is in league's top in points (5th best: 19.7ppg), rebounds (7th best: 9.1rpg) and averages impressive 52.8% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 33-year old American Malik Moore (192-G-77, agency: Prossin Sports Management) of LrNMKY. Moore had a very good evening with a triple-double of 14 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists. Bad luck as LrNMKY lost that game 72-93 to the higher-ranked Kataja (#2, 30-13). LrNMKY is still in a red zone at 11th spot in the standings. 34 lost games are too many comparing to just nine victories LrNMKY managed to get this year. Moore is a newcomer at LrNMKY, but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was American forward Jeremiah Wood (200-F-85, agency: Court Side) of Karhu Kauhajoki (#7). Wood scored 21 points and grabbed nineteen rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of Karhu, leading his team to a 88-78 win against the higher-ranked Korihait (#4, 27-16). Karhu needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 22 victories and 20 lost games. Wood has a great season in Finland. After 42 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 20.6ppg (3rd best), rebounds with 12.9rpg (#1 in league) and assists with 4.0apg (6th best). He also has 2.2spg and FGP: 69.1%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Sefton Barrett (196-F-83) of KTP - 34 points and 6 rebounds
5. Jerald Fields (201-F-82) of KTP - 15 points, 14 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Darren Fells (201-F/C-86) of Kataja - 17 points and 14 rebounds
7. Walt Baxley (191-G-84) of Karhu - 30 points and 4 rebounds
8. James Reaves (203-F-82) of Korihait - 22 points and 14 rebounds
9. Antti Nikkila (210-F/C-78) of Pyrinto - 20 points and 4 rebounds
10. Damon Williams (201-F-73) of Pyrinto - 11 points, 10 rebounds and 10 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 - Korisliiga
Points Per Game
 Jamar WILSON
  Honka
  (185-G-84)
  Avg: 22.2
 1. Wilson, Honka22.2 
 2. Heard, Tarmo21.3 
 3. Wood, Karhu20.6 
 4. Lewis, LrNM.20.0 
 5. Blanchard, ToPo19.7 
 6. Walker, Kouvot19.7 
 7. Bailey, LrNM.19.6 
 8. Williamson, Honka19.3 
 9. Barrett, KTP19.3 
 10. Williams, Pyrinto18.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jeremiah WOOD
  Karhu
  (200-F-85)
  Avg: 12.9
 1. Wood, Karhu12.9 
 2. Kaunisto, Kouvot10.7 
 3. Doaks, Salon Vilpas10.1 
 4. Mathis, Namika Lahti9.9 
 5. Young, Tarmo9.6 
 6. Williams, Pyrinto9.5 
 7. Blanchard, ToPo9.1 
 8. Vinson, Kouvot9.0 
 9. Coleman, LrNM.8.7 
 10. Belser, Honka8.4 
Assists Per Game
 Malik MOORE
  LrNMKY
  (192-G-77)
  Avg: 4.8
 1. Moore, LrNM.4.8 
 2. Johnson, Karhu4.8 
 3. Suonio, Namika Lahti4.4 
 4. Williams, Pyrinto4.4 
 5. Virtanen, Kataja4.2 
 6. Wood, Karhu4.0 
 7. Ivey, KTP3.6 
 8. Fields, KTP3.5 
 9. Sarcevic, Korihait3.5 
 10. Okorie, Salon Vilpas3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Jeremiah WOOD
  Karhu
  (200-F-85)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Wood, Karhu2.2 
 2. Fields, KTP2.1 
 3. Moore, Korihait1.9 
 4. Sarcevic, Korihait1.8 
 5. Conerly, Tarmo1.8 
 6. Williams, Pyrinto1.7 
 7. Heard, Tarmo1.7 
 8. Fells, Kataja1.7 
 9. Newson, Kataja1.7 
 10. Lewis, LrNM.1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 James REAVES
  Korihait
  (203-F-82)
  Avg: 0.9
 1. Reaves, Korihait0.9 
 2. Bailey, LrNM.0.7 
 3. Hendley, Namika Lahti0.7 
 4. Wilson, Honka0.7 
 5. Suonio, Namika Lahti0.6 
 6. Blanchard, ToPo0.6 
 7. Heard, Tarmo0.6 
 8. Belser, Honka0.6 
 9. Baxley, Karhu0.6 
 10. Wood, Karhu0.6 


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


Lokomotiv advanced to EuroChallenge Semifinals - by Eurobasket News
Lokomotiv Kuban-BCM Gravelines Dunkerque 86:68

Lokomotiv advanced to EuroChallenge Semifinals sweeping the series over BCM Gravelines Dunkerque. The Russian side won at home 86:68 to win the series 2-0.
Ben Woodside (180-G-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Dakota St.) and Lionel Chalmers (184-G-80, college: Xavier) exchanged the early baskets, while Michael Wilkinson (204-F-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Wisconsin) gave the hosts 12:9. After an overtime thriller in France the Russian team just needed to win the game in order to taste the Final Four appearance. Lionel Chalmers gave them 26:14 to close the first period. The hosts did not even think of slowing down and played also better in the second frame. After 20-18 in it the board showed 46:32 when the teams disappeared in the lockers. Shukhovtsov scored for 48:32 and Michael Wilkinson as well as Alando Tucker (198-F-84, college: Wisconsin) added four for 69:41. Already after the thirty minutes it became clear about the winner.Surovtsev made it 71:48 and the last quarter became just a warm-up. BCM Gravelines Dunkerque however managed to win the last frame 20-15 to reduce the gap to 18 points.
Jeremiah Massey (202-F-82, college: Kansas St.) top-scored for the winners with 18 points, while Michael Wilkinson nailed 17. Alando Tucker netted 16 and Lionel Chalmers delivered 11. Ben Woodside answered with 20 points in the losing case, Johnson added 13 and Jonathan Rousselle (188-G-90) had 11.

Lokomotiv Kuban: Jeremiah Massey 18, Michael Wilkinson 17, Alando Tucker 16, Lionel Chalmers 11
BCM Gravelines Dunkerque: Ben Woodside 20, Johnson 13, Jonathan Rousselle 11


Maurienne tab Nicholas Gipson - by Eurobasket News
Maurienne have agreed on terms of contract with Nicholas Gipson (186-G-82, college: LSU). The 28-year-old guard will replace injured Christopher Dunn (191-G-83, agency: Court Side, college: W.Virginia St.). The deal is meant till the end of April. Nicholas Gipson was last seen in Austria back in 2008/09 season. The guard notched 7.3 points, 1.5 assists and 1.0 board per game for Furstenfeld. Nicholas Gipson played in D-League, Netherlands and Iran before.


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


John Bryant Signs With Ratiopharm Ulm Until 2013 - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The 2010-2011 BEKO BBL season is still one month away from the playoffs, but Ratiopharm Ulm have done planning for the future by possibly making one of their biggest signings since reaching the league in 2006 by keeping John Bryant (208-C-87, college: Santa Clara) in Ulm for a further two years. Bryant signed on the dotted line on the construction site of the new Ulm arena that will be functional in December 2011. Bryant is a 23 year old 208cm center from California that has tore up the BEKO BBL in his first season being the most effective player and averaging 14,4ppg, 11,0rpg and 1,3apg. In 28 games, he has made 12 double doubles and despite having interest from many teams was quite sure where his heart beat the most for. 'I feel very comfortable in Ulm. Ulm was an ideal place tp start my career in Europe. Why should I go to another team when there are so many options that we will have with the new arena', stressed John Bryant (208-C-87, college: Santa Clara). The best game of Bryant this season was a 27 point, 18 rebound and 5 block performance against TBB Trier last weekend. Coach Mike Taylor can smile with the best of them, but after learning about keeping Bryant, he could of started a smiling clinic for people having trouble showing their whites. 'For me, John Bryant (208-C-87, college: Santa Clara) is the best center in the Bundesliga. We are able tp play very physical in the middle', stressed Ratiopharm Ulm coach Mike Taylor.

Source: ratiopharm Ulm

Dane Watts (Walter Tigers Tuebingen) The Will And Desire Is There, We Just Need To Put It Together As A Unit Especially Against A Veteran Team Like Artland - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Dane Watts (203-F-86, agency: Pro One Sports) is a 24 year old 203cm forward from Warrensburg. He played at Creighton (NCAA) from 2004-2008. In his senior year, he played 33 games: 11.3ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 53.4%, 3Pts: 42.5%, FT: 71.8%. In 2008, he came to Germany and started his professional basketball career with EnBW Ludwigsburg (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 32 games: 8.9ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP-1 (68.4%), 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 68.7%. Lasts eason, he played for The Walter Tigers Tuebingen playing 34 games: 10.2ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 37.6%, FT: 71.0%. He returns to Tuebingen for the 2010-2011 BEKO BBL season. At Creighton, he won awards such as MVC Tournament Winner -05, 07, MVC All-Freshman Team -05, MVC Regular Season Runner-Up -07, and MVC Tournament Semifinals -08. He spoke to eurobasket after the 83-67 loss in Braunschweig

A tough 83-67 loss in Braunschweig. Afte rthe great play vs Frankfurt but bitter loss, you must be dissappointed at the result in Braunschweig. I guess the team was expecting more in Braunschweig?

I was very disappointed with the outcome in Braunschweig, it has been a downhill slide these last 4 games and we didn't get it turned around on the road.

How did Braunschweig compensate the loss of Tony Skinn the best in the game?

I thought Hamilton stepped up with a good game as well as Thomas hitting some key shots throughout the game to compensate on the perimeter.

What was key for Braunschweig having the 40-32 lead at halftime?

Us not getting the stops we needed, them picking apart our defense with good ball movement.

The second half was like night and day. Tuebingen let up only 12 points in the third quarter, but gave up 31 points in the fourth quarter. Did Braunschweig hit incredible shots or did the Tuebingen defense break down in other ways?

We threw a zone at them that slowed them down a bit but they made adjustments and they did step up and hit big shots down the stretch.

Is there anything postive that the club can take from this game going into The Artland Dragons game?

I think that the will and desire is there, we just need to put it all together as a unit, especially against a veteran team like Artland.

What do you respect the most of the game of Marcus Goree?

He is a inside-out threat, strong force inside but can hit the jumper to stretch the defense.

Jason Kidd has said that he may retire if there is an NBA lockout. What would be missed most from his play?

I think his leadership will be missed the most, he is a great passer and floor general for the Mavs.

The Chicago Bulls brought back Jannero Pargo and signed John Lucas. Will these signings help the Bulls very much?

I think the Bulls have everything they need, those signings are just insurance for the final stretch.

What are your picks for Duke-Arizona, UCONN-San Diego and BYU-Florida?

Duke, SDSU and BYU

Thanks Dane for the chat

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners Look To Survive a Hungry MBC Team Who Want To Find A Few More Late Season Highlights and Remain In The BEKO BBL - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
After the refreshing relaunch by MBC last Season in the BEKO BBL where the team combined heart, effort and luck to a 1oth place finish and near playoff appearance, fans were looking to build on the success of last season this year, but their sophomore season back in the big show has felt more like a rough earthquake while scrambling not to fall into the earth. The team has been struck by injuries, lost coach Bjoern Harmsen for an extended period of time due to sickness and recently announced that he will miss the remainder of the season and had to say good bye to top players Jerome Tillman (198-F/C-87, college: Ohio), Michael Jordan (183-G-77, college: Pennsylvania) and Richard Shields (193-G-82, college: Rutgers) who were responsible for scoring, scoring, scoring and leadership. This season has been a nasty nightmare as the club seems to have been as unlucky as Charlie Sheen where the big suits upstairs from Two And A half men no longer put up with his personal theater and drama, Cavalier fans having to explain a 13-53 season and no more Lebron James and BEKO BBL team Walter Tigers Tuebingen were last week losing to The Deutsche Bank Skyliners leading for 36 minutes and then getting pierced through their hearts with a white dagger as they lost and their playoffs hopes sunk a bit more deeper into the Ammer river. With so much misfortune happening this season to MBC, the team may have to hope for many four leaf clovers and much wolf support in the arena as top team The Deutsche Bank Skyliners arrive March 26th for a late season duel at 19:30. 'Yes it has been a tough season for them and it is tough to imagine what they are going through. They still are in most games but when you have that many changes in a season I am sure it is tough to find a good chemistry and get players on the same page all the time. It also hurts confidence, but at this level, you cant hold on for things too long because you have to find a way to play the next week just as hard and you have to have short memory playing the game of basketball', stressed TBB Trier guard John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.).

MBC left the BEKO BBL in 2004 and returned back in 2009. For even the most dedicated MBC fans. five years of inactivity from the highest German Basketball league may have felt like five years without your favourite beer, or for a child being able to go into a candy store, but not grab for their favourite candy. How tough must it have been for the organization and fans in 2004 to win the prestigious Fiba Europe Cup against JDA Dijon 84-68 not losing a single game in international play and a short time later have to learn that they would have to stop their successful run in the BBL due to bankruptcy. I remember watching the Eurocup final in 2004. I am happy that MBC is back and it is nice to see how well a job young coach Bjorn Harmsen is doing. It is a special team that is playing with a lot of emotion and energy. It is refreshing to see that 10 players are sharing minutes, scoring and rebounding, stressed Murat Didin (agency: Interperformances ) last season. This was a huge blow to the region and may only have been topped if a severe unusual drought had whipped away the two natural springs, the Leisslinger mineral water and Saskia Quelle where mineral water is bottled in the region. However the organization never gave up, took up playing in the Regionaliga and eventually moving up to the Second Bundesliga/PRO A and continuing to build up the team financially and through success on the court. Coach Ari Tammivaara was sort of the early architect managing a record of 72-20 until 2007.

IIn the 2008-2009 PRO A season, MBC ploughed through the league with a 26-4 record with the same easy as a bull dozer had to get through the sloppy and treacherous roads and drive ways during the New England blizzard of 1978. Even though the team was so commanding at home with a 14-1 record, it simply couldnt get by Bayreuth that won the season series. The team had better luck against Phoenix Hagen sweeping the season series who they will meet again with changed rosters in the BBL. The team scored 90 points or more nine times and 100 points or more twice. There strongest phase was in the middle of the season going on an 14 game winning streak. They also showed that they could step it up on defense if they needed to ousting Science City Jena 61-48 and also showing their own nerves of steel grinding out close wins against The Teck Pro Braves 68-67 and 83-81 against Cuxhaven. The only real slip up that the team had was a 95-76 defeat against USC Heidelberg. Without question, MBC was the best team in the PRO A last season and rightfully deserved to return back to the BBL after a five year drought and soon after gave the fans a tasty summer gift as management announced that the club was also prepared to enter the BBL with the minimum allocated budget. I believe what made MBC so strong is that everyone knew and ACCEPTED their role. Coach Harmson makes sure they are prepared and its up to the players to do their part. It seemed that everyone was on the same page, stressed Bayreuth youth coach Sean McCaw .

Last season, MBC played very solid and were near and around the playoff standings for the whole season and really surpassing the highest expectations. The team finished the season in 10th place with a record of 18-16 and at times played as if they were a playoff team despite having the smallest budget in the BEKO BBL The team started off quickly winning their first three games and having a 6-2 record including wins against The Telekom Baskets Bonn and The Brose Baskets Bamberg. The only problem that the club really had was that it wasnt always consistent. Despite their up and down play, the team had shown that it can compete with any team as they also added wins against 2009 BEKO BBL champion EWE Baskets Oldenburg and the Artland Dragons to their collection. Their biggest win of the season was against 8 time BEKO BBL champion Alba Berlin. The team had a lightening start like the Nordlingen Giants in 2008-2009, but the only difference is that they have been able to play solid all the way through, not sustain injuries and not have to count on a four man rotation. MBC had a very young team which might have had to do with their up and down play. It is really a matter of execution. Sometimes we executed well while other times we are very sloppy. We were not always mature to balance out our game plan, stressed ex MBC American Adeola Dagunduro (196-G-86, college: Nebraska) who is playing in Belgium this season. Teams started to figure out how to attack them and play against them, said Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Morehead St.). MBC was able to strengthen their offense last season. MBC was always a defensive team, but now the team is very solid on offense, stated Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Morehead St.). MBC play very hard at both ends of the court and play together as a whole unit, stressed Tuebingen guard Steven Wright. 'When you have 12 players on the same page then it is also a lot easier to win. We were a young team and all guys seemed to connect very well. We all understood each other and they were all good guys. I like every guy, stressed ex CSKA center Anatoly Kashirov (215-C-87).

Last season, MBC got off to a quick 6-2 start, but this season the opposite has occurred as the team started at 3-7 and were moping around at position 16 near the BEKO BBL cellar 3 months ago and are still there on March 26th. Nobody has to be a mathematician wiz to see that MBC seems to have a little less quality than last season. The team lost key players Adeola Dagunduro, Giorgi Gamqrelidze, Anatoly Kashirov (215-C-87) and Nikita Khartchenkov (200-F-87) and role players Ivan Elliott (203-F/C-86, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: UCSB) and Oskar Fassler (198-G-88). This season, the team got Michael hakim Jordan and Jerome Tillman who were their most important players and solid role players, but they had to pack their bags during the season. Vassil Evtimov helped under the boards for a while and set the MBC arena on fire with a full court shot, but also left months ago to play in France. 'MBC is a solid team that just hasnt come together this season', warned Phoenix Hagen guard Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Morehead St.). Having a Ross barking the signals in the backcourt and having a Bernard scoring, MBC have little weakness at the guard position. 'The MBC guard play is great. They also have good experience in the paint with Guido Grunheid, ', commented John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.). MBC has improved their rebounding to 33 rebounds per game which now is only 2 less than what The Deutsche Bank Skyliners average with 35 rebounds per game. 'They are a very good rebounding team. They have big bodies that crash and control the glass', warned Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Morehead St.).

With only seven wins and an average of 70 points per game, there must be some deficiency in the MBC play that doesnt allow them to get more success so far this season? 'MBC seems not to really have a main threat down low. They are also missing a go to guy that can get that important bucket when the game is close', stressed Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Morehead St.). Despite having a 10 man rotation, MBC seems to be lacking some punch off the bench. 'A weakness of MBC is their depth, but teams cant forget that they can beat any team on any given night. MBC has fought hard like every other team in the BEKO BBL. Another weakness is chemistry, I think they havent had a lineup that they can go to and just say this is our line up, but even so they are still a team that plays hard.', stressed John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.). However since the 83-52 blow out loss to The Deutsche Bank Skyliners, MBC has posted a 4-13 record including two four game losing streaks and one three game losing streak. When they do manage a win it is against weak teams like BBC Bayreuth, Phoenix Hagen or The Giessen 46ers. They also at times tend to have problems putting points on the score board as they have mustered only 60 points or less 8 times. They had horrible losses against BG Goettingen managing only 46 points or last weekend getting only 53 points in Bamberg. However they also have had some big misfortune in the last weeks as they lost 81-80 against Duesseldorf, 73-72 against Bonn, and 73-71 against TBB Trier. In total this season, MBC has lost 8 games by four or less points. Had the team won 5 or 6 of those games, the team would be scratching the playoff door now instead of the cellar door. Many teams now will have seen two completely different teams as did John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.) as will Frankfurt. 'Well we saw two different teams, we saw them early when MJ was there and we also saw them when Ross was there. They have a great shooter in Bernard, and Ross is a great pg, they have had misfortune in some close games but they still play hard and if you play them in Weissenfells it is going to be a hard fought game', added John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.).

MBC is led by Wayne Bernard (190-G-81, college: Davidson) who was the 2009 PRO A player of the year is a 29 year old 190cm combo guard from Poway, California who is playing his third season for MBC. He has displayed a knack for knocking down clutch baskets in key situations and is a player that performs at his best in pressure situations. He has superb range on his jumper, and can also drive to the hoop with slashing moves. He is also a capable ball handler. He played at Davidson (NCAA) from 2000-2003. Bernard has very much experience having played in countries like Israel, Greece, France, Sweden and Finland It doesnt matter where Bernard has played, he has always been a scorer. in the 2008-2009 season where MBC moved up to the BEKO BBL, he played 30 games: 14.4ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.6apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 43.2%, FT: 80.4%. Last season, he played 34 games: 8.6ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.7apg, Steals-5 (1.5spg), FGP: 41.6%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 80.8%. This season, he is averaging 11,4ppg, 3,2rpg and 1,9spg. He has scored in double figures 19 times. The club brought in Ronald Ross (188-G-83, agency: World Sport Agency, college: Texas Tech) in December for more insurance in the guard rotation. Ross is a 28 year old 193cm guard from Hobbs, New Mexico. he played for legendary coach Bobby Knight at Texas Tech from 2001-2005. He started his professional basketball career in 2005-2006 for Univer Castelletto Ticino (Italy-Lega2): released in Jan.'06: 12 games: 9.3ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.6apg, 2.2spg, 2FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 24.0%, FT: 76.5%. In 2006-2007, he played in the States for Albuquerque Thunderbirds (D-League), left in Nov.'06, then joined Butte Daredevils (CBA, starting five): 48 games: 15.2ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.8apg, Steals-2 (2.4spg), FGP: 49%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 74.2% 2007: Albany Patroons (USBL, starting five): 21 games: Score-3 (17.4ppg), 3.0rpg, Assists-4 (4.0apg), Steals-1 (2.5spg), FGP: 47.6%, 3FGP: 41.4%, FT: 84.2%. In 2007-2008, he made his debut in the BEKO BBL for EnBW Ludwigsburg (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): ULEB Cup: 10 games: 11.7ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.9apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 50%, 3PT: 44%, FT: 66.7%; German League: 34 games: 14.4ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.3apg, Steals-2 (1.7spg), 2FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 77.9%. In 2008-2009, he started in Israel before returning back to Germany playing for Givat Shmuel (Israel-Premier League, starting five), Israeli League: 8 games: 14.3ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 57.7%, 3PT: 11.8%, FT: 66.7%; in Jan.'09 moved to Maccabi Haifa Heat (Israel-Premier League, starting five): 6 games: 7.2ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.7apg, 2.0spg, in Feb.'09 signed at Artland Dragons Quakenbrueck (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 12 games: 15.8ppg, 3.3rpg, 4.0apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 59.0%, 3PT: 57.1%, FT: 70.0%. Last season, he played for Artland Dragons Quakenbrueck (Germany-1.Bundesliga): EuroChallenge: 12 games: 10.8ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 18.8%, FT: 83.0%; German League: 32 games: 11.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 27.1%, FT: 75.7%. Currently Ross is averaging 14,8ppg, 4,4rpg and 2,1apg. He has scored in double figures 14 times.

The team also brought back German Guido Grunheid (209-F/C-82) who is a 28 year old 209cm forward from Jena. He is an in-betweener forward with the height (but not the size) of a 4 and the quickness (but not the ball handling and the shot) of a 3. A good rebounder and a hustler. He played for Alba Berlin from 2001-2005 winning three BEKO BBL titles. He then moved to Rhein Energie Koln in 2005 where he won his fourth BEKO BBL title in 2006. He got added experience playing in Holland for Hanzevast Capitals Groningen . He also has gained valuable experience playing for the German national team as he was a member playing at the 2006 World Championships in Japan and at teh 2007 European Championships in Spain. Last season for MBC, he played 34 games: 8.6ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 58.3%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 58.0%. This season, he is averaging 7,4ppg, 4,5rpg and 1,0apg. Radenko Pilcevic (188-G-86) is a 24 year old 188cm guard from Serbia that is playing his second season for MBC and is the back up to Michael Jordan (183-G-77, college: Pennsylvania). He had solid stats at KK Borac Cacak in 2008-2009 playing 31 games and averaging 10.7ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.9apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 31.9%, FT: 85.1%. Last season, he played 33 games averaging 7.4ppg, 1.7rpg, 3.2apg, FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 72.0%. This season, he is averaging 7,0ppg, 1,4rpg and 1,8apg. He has had problems with his shooting as he is struggling shooting only 31% from the field and 30% from outside.

28 year old 202 cm forward Sascha Leutloff (202-F-82, agency: Limelight Hoops) got a second chance in the BBL after playing the last three with MBC and becoming into a solid role player. He started to play organized basketball at age 16 and developed rapidly into a promising player. He has very good speed and athletic potential, is a very good and aggressive defender, can play inside out, is an exceptional offensive rebounder, is a very good character and smart person on and off the court. In 2008-2009 in the PRO A, he averaged 9.9ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 23.7%, FT: 48.9%. He demonstrated that he was a very reliable scorer scoring in double figures in 17 games. Last season he played 38 games averaging 2.8ppg, 2.0rpg. Before coming to MBC, he played some years with Alba Berlin playing 9 BEKO BBL games and three Euroleague games and winning the BEKO BBL cup in 2006. Currently he is averaging 5,0ppg and 3,4rpg. The team kept 28 year old, 203cm forward, 230 pound Johnnie Gilbert (203-F-82, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Oklahoma) who will be playing his fourth season with MBC. He played at Oklahoma (NCAA) and played together with Alba Berlin guard Hollis Price and was very successful winning the 12 Conf. Tournament in 01,02,03, reaching the NCAA Final Four -02 and NCAA Elite Eight -03. Before landing with MBC, Gilbert played in Chile and Finland. In the 2008-2009 PRO A season, he played 30 games averaging 13.2ppg, 9.2rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 61.9%, FT: 59.8%. Last season, he played 20 games averaging 9.1ppg, 4.6rpg, FGP-2 (68.5%), FT: 50.8%. Currently Gilbert is averaging 5,5ppg and 4,2rpg.

The team also brought back Canadian Velimir Radinovic (212-C-81, college: Ohio St.) who is a 29 year old 212cm center that also has the Serbian citizenship. He was born in Toronto, Canada and has Serbian parents. He played at Ohio state from 2000-2004. Early in his career he played for top European teams FMP Zeleznik Beograd and KK Hemofarm Vrsac. In 2007-2008, he played for Clermontois Basket Auvergne (France-ProA, starting five): 28 games: 5.6ppg, 3.9rpg, 2FGP: 57.3%, FT: 79.6%. In 2008-2009, he played for Iraklis Thessaloniki (Greece-A2): 29 games: 7.0ppg, 4.4rpg, 2FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 87.0%. Last season for MBC, he came late in the season and played nine games averaging 4.1rpg, FGP: 59.4%, FT: 69.2%. He won the Serbian and Montenegro Cup in 2005 for Reflex Beograd. He was a member of the Canadian national team in 2005. Currently he is averaging 6,3ppg and 4,2rpg. The team also signed Davon Roberts (197-F-86, college: Azusa Pacific) who is a 24 year old 197cm forward from Covina California. He played at Cal State Sacramento before finishing at Ausa Pacific (NAIA): 35 games: 16.0ppg, 6.9rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 38.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 62.8%. In 2008-2009, he started his basketball career for Spot Up Medien Baskets Braunschweig (Germany-ProB, starting five): 29 games: 16.5ppg, Reb-2 (9.4rpg), 2.1apg, 1.7spg, Blocks-5 (1.0bpg), FGP: 60.1%, 3PT: 13.3%, FT: 67.4%. Last season, he played for Chemnitz 99 (Germany-ProA): 29 games: 10.5ppg, 5.0rpg, FGP: 57.2%, 3PT: 31.4%, FT: 56.3%. Currently, he is averaging 3,9ppg and 2,2rpg The team signed Rastko Dramicanin (207-C-86, agency: BeoExcell) in December for more stability under the basket. He is a 24 year old 207cm center from Serbia. he played for KK Borac Cacak from 2003-2010. Last season, he played 38 games: 12.4ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 59.8%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 79.8%. Currently he is averaging 8,2ppg and 3,7rpg and has scored in double figures 5 times.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners will travel to Weissenfels with the 79-70 loss to 8 time BEKO BBL champion Alba Berlin in the back of their heads. Frankfurt has a pretty lax rest program and with the crunch part of the regular season kicking in should be more than focused to finish the regular season as best as they can and keep that second place safe away from Alba Berlin. MBC is beaten up as a team and their biggest strength could be their home court? 'It is a difficult place to play the crowd is really into it and it gets loud in the gym and it is a great crowd. We were fortunate to come out on top but were trailing most the game. They are a good team at their place', warned John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.). An interesting battle could be the point guards DaShaun Wood (185-G-85, college: Wright St.)-Ronald Ross (188-G-83, agency: World Sport Agency, college: Texas Tech) who both are leading their respective teams in scoring. However these players may be very vital for the two teams, but at the end of the day, the one that wins will be the one that has the stronger supporting cast. 'Well both players are really good and as usual, Wood does so much for the Frankfurt team this season and Ross is the same way, but at the end of the day it will come down to what the others will do on each side', stressed John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.). The key for success for both teams will happen in the back court. 'Frankfurt just has to let Wood be Wood and do his thing and feed off of him, he does so much for the team and when others are on it makes them difficult to beat. On defense they just have to stop the guard play and make other people beat them. MBC has to find a way to stop Wood if they want to be in the game, and on offensive they have to make shots and attack when they can', warned John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.). DaShaun Wood has the speed of a road runner and it would be interesting to see if an MBC wolf can some how make life uncomfortable for the quick guard? 'I dont think that any wolf could catch Wood anyway', joked John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.). Frankfurt not only has to be aware of the loud MBC arena, but a MBC team that wants to stay in the league and will battle until the end. 'MBC has made a lot of changes this season but they are a solid team and just have had bad luck this season, but they are still a team with a lot of fight in them', stressed John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.). MBC host The Deutsche Bank Skyliners March 26th at 19:30.

Kevin Hamilton (New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig) I Think We Have Times On The Court Where It Shows How Much We Miss Tony Skinn But We Have Been Able To Pull Off Some Good Games - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Kevin Hamilton (193-G-84, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Holy Cross) is a 26 year old 193cm guard from Queens Village, New York. This season, he is playing for The New York Phantoms Braunschweig. He played at Holy Cross from 2002-2006 and played together with ex Skyliner Keith Simmons. In his senior year, he played 31 games averaging 17.6ppg, 6.3rpg, 3.5apg, 3.3spg, FG: 38.1%, 3PT: 33.2%, FT: 77.7%. In his rookie season 2006-2007, he came to Europe and played in Poland for Polpak Swiecie playing 19 games and averaging 13.0ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.8apg, Steals-2 (2.3spg), 2FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 64.2%. In 2007-2008, he played in France for Besancon Basket Comte Doubs (France-ProB) playing 2 games and averaging 6.0ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.5apg. He also had a short tenure in Mexico with Pioneros de Quintana Roo-Cancun. In 2008-2009, he returned back to Poland to play for SKK Kotwica Kolobrzeg playing 32 games averaging 11.0ppg, 5.1rpg, Assists-1 (6.4apg), Steals-1 (2.8spg), FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 66.5%. He was not lazy in the last three summers staying in game shape and playing in Puerto Rico playing 90 games. In tue summer of 2009, he played for Indios de Mayaguez playing 35 games and averaging 10.5ppg, 4.7rpg, Assists-3 (6.3apg), Steals-2 (1.7spg), FGP: 45.4%, 3PT: 28.1%, FT: 70.6%. His father was a draft pick of The Boston Celtics in 1980. Last season, he played his first season in Braunschweig playing 39 games: 10.1ppg, 3.8rpg, Assists-3 (5.4apg), Steals-2 (1.9spg), FGP: 63.7%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 77.6%. He spoke to eurobasket afte rthe 83-67 win against The Walter Tigers Tuebingen

Congrats on the 83-67 win against The Walter Tigers Tuebingen. How well are the Phantoms adjusting to playing without Tony Skinn? Is it just the guards stepping up more or how is the team compensating his loss the best?


We are trying our best to adjust. I think we have times on the court where it shows how much we miss him, but we have been able to pull off some good games so hopefully we can keep this going.

The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig had the comfortable 40-32 lead at halftime. How would you describe the first half of play?

I think both teams had trouble getting stops but we had a good run at the end of the quarter.

In the third quarter there was less scoring as both teams scored only 12 points. Did coach Sebastian Machowski make any drastic adjustments on defense?


Not really. I think we just buckled down a little bit.


Did both teams forget to play defense in the fourth quarter? It was a slug fest 31-23 for Braunschweig. What was key in the last 10 minutes for the win on offense?


In the third quarter we just didn't make shots. We had some open looks but they just rattled out. In the fourth we did a good job of converting.


How good did it feel leading the team in points, assists and steals? What was your personal best play of the game?


Well Brandon helped me out with a lot of those steals, and as far as my best play I am not really sure, maybe a botched play that ended up with a pass to Kyle for a dunk.


How crazy was the Butler win over Pittsburgh? Is there any lesson that can be learned from a game like that?


Stop betting against Butler.


Can Butler get another upset against Wisconsin?

Yes

The Boston Celtics seem to be struggling since the trades loosing to teams they should beat. How much at risk is their season? Rondo isnt his self at the moment either.


They are still the toughest team in the league in my opinion. Rondo and the rest of those guys are just gearing up for the playoffs.

Thanks Kev for the chat

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  GREECE   


Stats Leaders - A1
Points Per Game
 Steven SMITH
  Panellinios
  (203-F-83)
  Avg: 17.2
 1. Smith, Panellinios17.2 
 2. Marshall, PAOK17.1 
 3. Palacio, Kavala16.7 
 4. Baxter, Ilysiakos16.3 
 5. Kalathis, VAP K.15.0 
 6. Thompson, Ikaros14.5 
 7. Grundy, AEK14.5 
 8. Kiritsis, Ilysiakos14.4 
 9. Harris, Ikaros13.8 
 10. Jorovic, Kavala13.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Cedric SIMMONS
  Kavala
  (206-F/C-86)
  Avg: 10.2
 1. Simmons, Kavala10.2 
 2. Thompson, Ikaros9.0 
 3. Kalathis, VAP K.8.7 
 4. Smith, Panellinios8.3 
 5. Bagaric, Marousi8.2 
 6. Papadopoulos, PAOK7.5 
 7. Tucker, Aris7.4 
 8. Looby, Peristeri GS7.3 
 9. Dawson, Ilysiakos6.6 
 10. Elonu, Panionios6.6 
Assists Per Game
 Jared JORDAN
  VAP Kolossos
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 6.1
 1. Jordan, VAP K.6.1 
 2. Spanoulis, Olympiakos5.6 
 3. Thompson, Ilysi.5.0 
 4. Teodosic, Olympiakos4.7 
 5. Diamantidis, Panath.4.6 
 6. Everett, Iraklis4.4 
 7. Karydas, Ilysiakos4.1 
 8. Xanthopoulos, Panell.3.9 
 9. Palacio, Kavala3.8 
 10. Papaloukas, Olymp.3.7 
Steals Per Game
 Terrell EVERETT
  Bremerhaven
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Everett, Iraklis2.4 
 2. Anderson, Panionios2.0 
 3. Baxter, Ilysiakos1.9 
 4. Parker, Iraklis1.9 
 5. Grundy, AEK1.9 
 6. Papaloukas, Olymp.1.8 
 7. Marshall, PAOK1.8 
 8. Karydas, Ilysiakos1.7 
 9. Xanthopoulos, Panell.1.7 
 10. Kojadinovic, Marousi1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Cedric SIMMONS
  Kavala
  (206-F/C-86)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Simmons, Kavala1.8 
 2. Bagaric, Marousi1.8 
 3. Elonu, Panionios1.7 
 4. Thompson, Ikaros1.3 
 5. Looby, Peristeri GS1.0 
 6. Dunston, Aris0.9 
 7. Nesterovic, Olymp.0.8 
 8. Harissis, VAP K.0.7 
 9. Vougioukas, Panath.0.7 
 10. Gechevski, PAOK0.6 


*****************************************************
  HUNGARY   


Standings - A Division
A Division Standings
 1. Szolnok 20-4 
 2. Albacomp 20-4 
 3. Atomeromu 18-6 
 4. Kormend 17-7 
 5. Kecskemeti 15-9 
 6. Falco-Szova 13-11 
 7. ZTE KK 13-11 
 8. PVSK Pannon 12-12 
 9. Soproni 11-13 
 10. Szedeak 10-14 
 11. Marso-Vagep 10-14 
 12. Kaposvari 8-16 
 13. FS Debrecen 1-23 
 14. Salgotarjani 1-23 


A Division: Round 24 review - by Eurobasket News
There are only two more rounds left in the Regular Season in A Division.

Round 24 in A Division means a new league leader. The biggest surprise took place in Kormend where host Kormend (16-8) beat league's leader Albacomp (20-4) 80-68 on Wednesday evening. It ended at the same time the nine-game winning streak of Albacomp. The hosts trailed by 4 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 2-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 80-68. Kormend had a 28-17 advantage in offensive rebounds. The game was dominated by American players. The best player for the winners was forward Rashad Bell (201-82, college: Boston U.) who had a double-double by scoring 24 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Power forward Emmanuel Dies (204-77, college: Kansas St., agency: Interperformances) chipped in 13 points and 9 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). At the other side the best for losing team was center Jonathan Jones (211-79) who recorded a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds. Kormend maintains fourth position with 16-8 record. Albacomp at the other side still keeps top place with four games lost. They were joined at the leadership position by Szolnok who have the same record. Just two games before the end of Regular Season and it may be the most important game of the season next round when Albacomp faces FS Debrecen trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Kormend will try to continue on its current victory against seventh ranked ZTE KK in Zalaegerszeg.
The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Szolnok as it allowed them to take a leadership position after previous leader's (Albacomp) loss. Szolnok smashed 7th ranked ZTE KK at home 87-51. It was a good game for American guard Obie Trotter (186-84, college: Alabama A&M, agency: Court Side) who led his team to a victory with 16 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. Veljko Budimir contributed with 19 points for the winners. Szolnok's coach felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The former international swingman Tamas Kaman (200-79, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) replied with 8 points and 6 rebounds for ZTE KK. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Albacomp. ZTE KK lost fifth consecutive game. Defending champion dropped to the sixth place with 11 games lost. They share the position with Falco-Szova. Just two games before the end of Regular Season and it may be the most important game of the season next round when ZTE KK faces strong Kormend trying to get back on the winning streak. Szolnok will try to continue on its current victory against third ranked Atomeromu at Paks.
We should mention about the upset which took place in Pecs, where 8th ranked PVSK Pannon (12-12) lost at home to eleventh ranked Marso-Vagep (10-14) 67-78 on Tuesday. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of PVSK Pannon. Worth to mention a great performance of Djordje Djogo who helped to win the game recording 21 points and 5 rebounds. The best for the losing side was Benson Egemonye with 12 points and 9 rebounds. PVSK Pannon's coach Srecko Sekulovic rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Marso-Vagep moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Szedeak. Loser PVSK Pannon keeps the eighth position with 12 games lost. Marso-Vagep will meet Kaposvari (#12) on the road in the next round. PVSK Pannon will play against Soproni (#9) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Rest of the games of round 24 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Kaposvari defeated Salgotarjani in a road game 99-89. Atomeromu smashed Falco-Szova at home 91-62. Kecskemeti destroyed FS Debrecen on the opponent's court 99-77. Szedeak managed to outperform Soproni in a home game 96-84.
The best stats of 24th round was 35 points (!!!) and 6 rebounds by Tamas Hartvich of Salgotarjani.

PVSK Pannon - Marso-Vagep 67-78

We should mention about the upset which took place in Pecs, where 8th ranked PVSK Pannon (12-12) lost at home to eleventh ranked Marso-Vagep (10-14) 67-78 on Tuesday. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of PVSK Pannon. The game without a history. Marso-Vagep led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Worth to mention a great performance of Bosnian power forward Djordje Djogo (206-76, agency: BeoExcell) who helped to win the game recording 21 points and 5 rebounds and Slovenian guard Brane Savic (181-79) who added 23 points during the contest. The best for the losing side was Nigerian center Benson Egemonye (208-83, college: Niagara) with 12 points and 9 rebounds and Croatian guard Josip Glavinic (192-82) scored 10 points and 4 assists. Four Marso-Vagep and five PVSK Pannon players scored in double figures. PVSK Pannon's coach Srecko Sekulovic rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Marso-Vagep moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Szedeak. Loser PVSK Pannon keeps the eighth position with 12 games lost. Marso-Vagep will meet Kaposvari (#12) on the road in the next round. PVSK Pannon will play against Soproni (#9) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Marso-Vagep: B.Savic 23+3reb+2ast, D.Djogo 21+5reb+3ast, M.Mohacsi 12+2reb+3ast, J.Siska 10+3reb, L.Czigler 8+12reb+2ast, K.Nagy 4+2reb+2ast
PVSK Pannon: B.Egemonye 12+9reb, N.Toth 12+5reb, A.Deak 11+1reb, J.Glavinic 10+3reb+4ast, M.El-Amin 10+3ast, J.Eilingsfeld 4+1reb
gschID: 109649


Salgotarjani - Kaposvari 89-99

There was no surprise when 14th ranked Salgotarjani (1-23) was defeated at home by twelfth ranked Kaposvari (8-16) 99-89 on Wednesday. The game was mostly controlled by Kaposvari. Salgotarjani managed to win second period 23-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Daniel Werner (203-87, college: Florida) who helped to win the game recording 24 points and 9 rebounds and the other American import center Kurt Cunningham (206-87, college: Boise St.) who added 21 points and 13 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was forward Tamas Hartvich (200-74) with 35 points (!!!) and 6 rebounds (on 12-of-15 shooting from the field) and American guard Chris Rodgers (193-84, college: Arizona) scored 9 points, 15 rebounds and 15 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Kaposvari maintains twelfth position with 8-16 record. Salgotarjani lost sixth consecutive game. They stay dead last with 23 lost games. They share the position with FS Debrecen. Kaposvari will meet at home higher ranked Marso-Vagep (#11) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Salgotarjani will play against Kecskemeti.
Top scorers:
Kaposvari: D.Werner 24+9reb+3ast, G.Soos 22+4reb+2ast, K.Cunningham 21+13reb, J.Wilson 17+4ast, G.Kutasi 6+1reb, M.Medve 5+2reb+3ast
Salgotarjani: T.Hartvich 35+6reb+1ast, D.Mays 14+5reb+2ast, E.Ukeagu 13+12reb+1ast, D.Koma 10+3reb, C.Rodgers 9+15reb+15ast, T.Kocsis 6+1ast
gschID: 109650


Kormend - Albacomp 80-68

Round 24 in A Division means a new league leader. The biggest surprise took place in Kormend where host Kormend (16-8) beat league's leader Albacomp (20-4) 80-68 on Wednesday evening. It ended at the same time the nine-game winning streak of Albacomp. The hosts trailed by 4 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 2-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 80-68. Kormend had a 28-17 advantage in offensive rebounds. The game was dominated by American players. The best player for the winners was forward Rashad Bell (201-82, college: Boston U.) who had a double-double by scoring 24 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Power forward Emmanuel Dies (204-77, college: Kansas St., agency: Interperformances) chipped in 13 points and 9 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). At the other side the best for losing team was center Jonathan Jones (211-79) who recorded a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds and swingman Tony Crocker (201-87, college: Oklahoma, agency: Impact Basketball) added 17 points and 5 rebounds respectively. Kormend maintains fourth position with 16-8 record. Albacomp at the other side still keeps top place with four games lost. They were joined at the leadership position by Szolnok who have the same record. Just two games before the end of Regular Season and it may be the most important game of the season next round when Albacomp faces FS Debrecen trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Kormend will try to continue on its current victory against seventh ranked ZTE KK in Zalaegerszeg.
Top scorers:
Kormend: R.Bell 24+10reb+4ast, A.Rujak 19+4reb+1ast, E.Dies 13+9reb+3ast, C.Ferencz 9+2reb+1ast, I.Nemeth 8+2reb+5ast, F.Boldizsar 3
Albacomp: J.Jones 17+10reb+1ast, T.Crocker 17+5reb+3ast, A.Hanga 11+3reb+2ast, D.Hollis 8+5reb+1ast, A.Keller 7+2reb+1ast, R.Hendlein 4+2reb
gschID: 109645


Atomeromu - Falco-Szova 91-62

No shocking result in a game in Paks where third ranked Atomeromu (18-6) smashed 6th ranked Falco-Szova (13-11) 91-62 on Wednesday. Atomeromu dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Falco-Szova's 36. They outrebounded Falco-Szova 40-29 including a 33-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international center Gergely Koertelyesi (203-83, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) who helped to win the game recording 23 points and 9 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) and American forward Ian Johnson (205-84, college: Davidson) who added 12 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Four Atomeromu players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American forward Daniel Werner (203-87, college: Florida) with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 rebounds and his fellow American import forward Charles Gosa (202-77, college: N.Mexico St.) scored 11 points and 6 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Atomeromu have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 18-6 record having just two points less than leader Szolnok. Loser Falco-Szova keeps the sixth place with 11 games lost. They share the position with ZTE KK. Atomeromu will meet league's leader Szolnok in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Falco-Szova will play against Szedeak (#10) in Szeged and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Atomeromu: G.Koertelyesi 23+9reb, I.Johnson 12+6reb, P.Toth 10+3reb+5ast, J.Pavlik 10+1reb+2ast, J.Hodges 10+2reb+4ast, D.Vojvoda 8+2reb+2ast
Falco-Szova: D.J. 14+10reb, C.Gosa 11+6reb+2ast, P.Hajmasy 9, M.Aliakseyeu 8+3reb+2ast, L.Kalman 7+1reb+3ast, T.Harazin 4+3reb
gschID: 109646


FS Debrecen - Kecskemeti 77-99

Very expected game when 13th ranked FS Debrecen (1-23) was rolled over at home by fifth ranked Kecskemeti (15-9) 99-77 on Wednesday. The game was mostly controlled by Kecskemeti. FS Debrecen managed to win second period 26-23. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 22-of-29 free shots (75.9 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international guard Krisztian Wittmann (185-85, agency: FCM) who helped to win the game recording 22 points and 8 assists and American guard Jerome LaGrange (192-78, college: Livingstone) who added 17 points and 6 assists during the contest (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). Five Kecskemeti players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was Cameroonian forward Yves Mekongo (201-87, college: La Salle) with 28 points and 6 rebounds and American power forward Kevin Langford (204-85, college: TCU) scored 24 points and 7 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Kecskemeti maintains fifth position with 15-9 record. FS Debrecen lost twentiethth consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth place with 23 games lost. They share the position with Salgotarjani. Kecskemeti will meet at home bottom-ranked Salgotarjani (#14) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. FS Debrecen will play against the league's second-placed Albacomp in Szekesfehervar.
Top scorers:
Kecskemeti: K.Wittmann 22+1reb+8ast, J.LaGrange 17+3reb+6ast, G.Denes 12+4reb+2ast, M.Csorvasi 12+5reb, H.Orsulic 11+5reb+1ast, P.Lakatos 7+3reb
FS Debrecen: Y.Mekongo 28+6reb+2ast, K.Langford 24+7reb, C.Singletary 11+1reb+3ast, C.Kaluha 8+3ast, G.Boros 2+3reb+5ast, A.Varga 2+1reb
gschID: 109647


Szedeak - Soproni 96-84

There was a small surprise in Szeged where eleventh ranked Szedeak (10-14) beat 9th ranked Soproni (11-13) 96-84 on Wednesday. The hosts trailed by 4 points after three quarters before their 32-16 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Szedeak made 21-of-25 free shots (84.0 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Gabor Drahos (185-79) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 22 points, 7 rebounds and 10 assists and Serbian power forward Nebojsa Dukic (206-85) who added 22 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was the former international swingman Andras Molnar (195-83) with 20 points and 7 rebounds and American guard Thomas Kelley (188-77, college: Michigan St., agency: Avi Zilberman) scored 18 points and 5 assists (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). Five Szedeak and four Soproni players scored in double figures. Szedeak moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Marso-Vagep. Soproni lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the ninth position with 13 games lost. Szedeak will meet higher ranked Falco-Szova (#6) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Soproni will play against PVSK Pannon in Pecs and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Szedeak: N.Dukic 22+8reb+1ast, G.Drahos 22+7reb+10ast, J.Rubin 19+4reb+4ast, A.Tanacs 15+5reb+2ast, M.Molnar 10+3reb+2ast, I.Nyilas 4+3reb+2ast
Soproni: A.Molnar 20+7reb+1ast, T.Kelley 18+1reb+5ast, D.Townes 16+4reb+1ast, Z.Szabo 11+10reb+1ast, R.Jarvis 8+3reb+1ast, S.Pojbics 7+1reb+3ast
gschID: 109648


Szolnok - ZTE KK 87-51

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Szolnok as it allowed them to take a leadership position after previous leader's (Albacomp) loss. Szolnok smashed 7th ranked ZTE KK at home 87-51. The game without a history. Szolnok led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Szolnok outrebounded ZTE KK 40-26 including 30 on the defensive glass. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. It was a good game for American guard Obie Trotter (186-84, college: Alabama A&M, agency: Court Side) who led his team to a victory with 16 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. Croatian swingman Veljko Budimir (199-85, agency: Court Side) contributed with 19 points for the winners. Szolnok's coach felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The former international swingman Tamas Kaman (200-79, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) replied with 8 points and 6 rebounds and international power forward Adam Toth (208-89, agency: FCM) added 7 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for ZTE KK. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Albacomp. ZTE KK lost fifth consecutive game. Defending champion dropped to the sixth place with 11 games lost. They share the position with Falco-Szova. Just two games before the end of Regular Season and it may be the most important game of the season next round when ZTE KK faces strong Kormend trying to get back on the winning streak. Szolnok will try to continue on its current victory against third ranked Atomeromu at Paks.
Top scorers:
Szolnok: V.Budimir 19+3reb+1ast, O.Trotter 16+8reb+8ast, Z.Trepak 11+6reb, P.Grebenar 10+2reb, P.Szabo 7+2reb+3ast, M.Fodor 7+3reb+3ast
ZTE KK: T.Kaman 8+6reb+3ast, D.Gaspar 8+2reb+3ast, A.Toth 7+5reb+3ast, A.Vertetics 7+3reb+4ast, G.Baki 6+2reb+3ast, G.Kinter 5+4reb
gschID: 109644




A Division Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Jara DOYNE
  Falco-Szova
  (193-G/F-84)
  Avg: 22.9
 1. Doyne, Falco-Szova22.9 
 2. El-Amin, PVSK P.21.7 
 3. Bell, Kormend21.3 
 4. Marshall, Marso-Va.20.8 
 5. Townes, Soproni19.8 
 6. Wilson, Kaposvari19.5 
 7. Mekongo, FS Debre.19.3 
 8. Rubin, Szedeak19.0 
 9. Cunningham, Kapos.19.0 
 10. Sales, Atomeromu18.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Darian TOWNES
  Soproni
  (208-F/C-84)
  Avg: 11.4
 1. Townes, Soproni11.4 
 2. Sales, Atomeromu11.2 
 3. Jones, Albacomp9.5 
 4. Werner, Kaposvari9.0 
 5. Egemonye, PVSK P.9.0 
 6. Bader, Szolnok8.9 
 7. Bell, Kormend8.8 
 8. Cunningham, Kapos.8.8 
 9. Gosa, Falco-Szova8.7 
 10. Szabo, Soproni8.5 
Assists Per Game
 Lorenzo WILLIAMS
  Khimik
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 7.3
 1. Williams, ZTE K.7.3 
 2. Savic, Marso-Vagep6.3 
 3. Trotter, Szolnok6.3 
 4. Kelley, Soproni6.1 
 5. Rodgers, Salgotar.6.0 
 6. Kalman, Falco-Sz.5.8 
 7. Simon, Albacomp5.7 
 8. Moore, Kormend5.4 
 9. Glavinic, PVSK P.5.0 
 10. LaGrange, Kecsk.4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Brane SAVIC
  Marso-Vagep
  (181-G-79)
  Avg: 3.5
 1. Savic, Marso-Vagep3.5 
 2. Marshall, Marso-Va.2.9 
 3. Hanga, Albacomp2.9 
 4. Czigler, Marso-Va.2.7 
 5. Trotter, Szolnok2.6 
 6. Williams, ZTE K.2.5 
 7. Werner, Kaposvari2.4 
 8. Townes, Soproni2.3 
 9. Rodgers, Salgotar.2.3 
 10. Singletary, FS Debre.2.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Ivory CLARK
  Szolnok
  (198-F-85)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Clark, Szolnok2.4 
 2. Townes, Soproni2.0 
 3. McKenzie, Szedeak1.4 
 4. Czigler, Marso-Va.1.3 
 5. Egemonye, PVSK P.1.1 
 6. Aliakseyeu, Falco-Sz.1.0 
 7. Keller, Albacomp0.9 
 8. Sales, Atomeromu0.8 
 9. Langford, FS Debre.0.8 
 10. Orsulic, Kecskemeti0.8 


*****************************************************
  ICELAND   


Stats Leaders (Men)
Points Per Game
 Marcus WALKER
  KR
  (186-G-86)
  Avg: 23.6
 1. Walker, KR23.6 
 2. Trifunovic, Keflavik23.0 
 3. Sanders, Keflavik22.4 
 4. Inge, Haukar21.8 
 5. Biedler, IR21.7 
 6. Bartolotta, IR21.6 
 7. Dabney, Hamar21.1 
 8. Robinson, Haukar21.0 
 9. Sovic, IR21.0 
 10. Smith, Njardvik20.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Gerald ROBINSON
  Haukar
  (204-F-84)
  Avg: 13.7
 1. Robinson, Haukar13.7 
 2. Biedler, IR12.4 
 3. Pettinella, Grindavik11.3 
 4. Ermolinskij, KR10.6 
 5. Trifunovic, Keflavik10.3 
 6. Fain, Tindastoll10.1 
 7. Stywall, Fjolnir9.8 
 8. Amoroso, Snaefell9.7 
 9. Jonsson, Snaefell9.1 
 10. Nathanaelsso., Ham.8.3 
Assists Per Game
 Aegir STEINARSSON
  Fjolnir
  (182-G-91)
  Avg: 8.7
 1. Steinarsson, Fjolnir8.7 
 2. Ermolinskij, KR7.8 
 3. Vilhjalmsson, Kefla.7.4 
 4. Burton, Snaefell6.4 
 5. Shouse, Stjarnan6.0 
 6. Haraldsson, Haukar5.6 
 7. Arnarson, Hamar5.3 
 8. Inge, Haukar5.2 
 9. Schoen, KFI5.2 
 10. Cunningham, Tinda.4.9 
Steals Per Game
 Semaj INGE
  Haukar
  (193-G-87)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. Inge, Haukar3.2 
 2. Schoen, KFI3.0 
 3. Fain, Tindastoll2.9 
 4. Dabney, Hamar2.9 
 5. Biedler, IR2.5 
 6. Kitanovic, Tindastoll2.5 
 7. Vilhjalmsson, Kefla.2.5 
 8. Steinarsson, Fjolnir2.3 
 9. Viggosson, Tindastoll2.2 
 10. Walker, KR2.2 
Blocks Per Game
 Christopher SMITH
  Svit
  (198-F-82)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. Smith, Njardvik3.2 
 2. Nathanaelsso., Ham.2.5 
 3. Biedler, IR2.0 
 4. Fain, Tindastoll1.6 
 5. Savarsson, Grind.1.4 
 6. Inge, Haukar1.4 
 7. Thorsteinsso., Kefla.1.4 
 8. Lindmets, Stjarnan1.4 
 9. Pettinella, Grindavik1.3 
 10. Magnusson, KR1.2 


*****************************************************
  IRAQ   


Standings - D1
D1 Standings
 1. Duhok 8-0 
 2. Al Kahraba 8-2 
 3. Al Tazamon 7-2 
 4. Al Karkh 6-3 
 5. Al Hilla 5-3 
 6. Al Shurtah 4-4 
 7. Al Najaf 2-6 
 8. Zakho 1-6 
 9. Al Houdoud 1-7 
 10. Al Jaysh 1-8 


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


National League Round 24: Hapoel Afula edges Maccabi HBK by one point - by Eurobasket News
There are only two more rounds left in the Regular Season in National League. There were many interesting games last round. The round ended with favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin.

The most exciting game of round 24 in the National League took place in Afula. This derby game ended with only one-point defeat on the road of second-best Maccabi HBK (17-7) to eighth ranked Hapoel Afula (11-13) 83-82 on Tuesday evening. It was quite big embarassment for the guest team. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Maccabi HBK. The hosts trailed by 4 points after three quarters before their 25-20 charge, which allowed them to win the game. The best player for the winners was American forward Bryant Markson (198-83, college: Utah) who had a double-double by scoring 27 points and 13 rebounds. Naturalized Welsh forward Tal Michael Dunne (197-87) chipped in 14 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Steffon Bradford (200-78, college: Nebraska, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management) who recorded a double-double by scoring 20 points and 12 rebounds. Hapoel Afula moved-up to seventh place, which they share with 3 other teams. Maccabi HBK at the other side keeps the second position with seven games lost. Hapoel Afula is looking forward to face Hapoel Beeri (#13) in Beer-Shev in the next round where they are favorite. Maccabi HBK will play at home against Elitzur Ramla (#6) and is hoping to win this game.
Leader Hapoel T-A delivered the twentieth second victory. This time they beat 6th ranked Elitzur Ramla (12-12) 91-84. It ended at the same time the seven-game winning streak of Elitzur Ramla. It was a good game for American forward Brian Asbury (200-86, college: Miami, FL) who led his team to a victory with 29 points and 9 rebounds (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line). Matan Naor contributed with 15 points and 6 assists for the winners. American forward Keena Young (198-85, college: BYU) replied with 28 points and 6 rebounds (on 13-of-17 shooting from the field) for Elitzur Ramla. Newly promoted Hapoel T-A maintains first position with 22-2 record. Elitzur Ramla at the other side keeps the sixth place with 12 games lost. Hapoel T-A will play against Hod Hasharon (#12) at home in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Elitzur Ramla will play against the league's second-placed Maccabi HBK (#2) in Habikaa and hopes to get back on the winning track.
A very close game took place in Hod Hasharon between Hapoel Tivon and Hod Hasharon. Ninth ranked Hapoel Tivon (11-13) got a very close victory on the road over 12th ranked Hod Hasharon (8-16). Hapoel Tivon managed to escape with a 3-point win 89-86 on Tuesday evening. Worth to mention a great performance of Oded Shaashoua who helped to win the game recording 30 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists (went 13 for 13 at the free throw line !!!). The best for the losing side was Gerry Gendel with 20 points and 6 rebounds (went 9 for 9 at the free throw line !!!). Hod Hasharon's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Hapoel Tivon moved-up to seventh place, which they share with 3 other teams. Hod Hasharon lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the twelfth position with 16 games lost. Hapoel Tivon will meet at home Lev Hasharon (#9) in the next round. Hod Hasharon will play against the league's leader Hapoel T-A where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
We should mention about the upset which took place in Lev Hasharon, where higher ranked Beer Yaakov (13-11) lost to tenth ranked Lev Hasharon (11-13) in a road game 79-91. The winners were led by Lorrenzo Wade who had that evening a double-double by scoring 29 points and 18 rebounds. Lev Hasharon's coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Lev Hasharon have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to seventh place, which they share with 3 other teams. Beer Yaakov at the other side dropped to the fifth position with 11 games lost. Lev Hasharon's next round opponent will be Hapoel Tivon (#7) in Kiryat Tivon. Beer Yaakov will play at home against Ironi Nahariya.
The game with biggest result difference took place in Yavne. Local Elitzur Yavne (16-8) outscored 7th ranked Ironi Ramat Gan (11-13) 105-85 on Tuesday night. The game was dominated by American players. The best player for the winners was Chad Timberlake who scored 22 points and 7 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Elitzur Yavne have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 16-8 record having six points less than leader Hapoel T-A. Loser Ironi Ramat Gan keeps the seventh place with 13 games lost. Elitzur Yavne will face Megido/Yokneam (#4) on the road in the next round. Ironi Ramat Gan will play against Kohav Yair in Kohav Yair and be promoted back to the Premier League just one year after relegation.

In the last two games of round 24 Megido/Yokneam defeated Ironi Nahariya in a road game 86-70. Hapoel Beeri was beaten by Kohav Yair at home 84-99.


Ironi Nahariya - Megido/Yokneam 70-86

There was no surprise when 14th ranked Ironi Nahariya (5-19) was defeated at home by fourth ranked Megido/Yokneam (14-10) 86-70 on Thursday. Megido/Yokneam maintains fourth position with 14-10 record. Ironi Nahariya lost fourth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom place with 19 games lost. Megido/Yokneam will face higher ranked Elitzur Yavne (#3) at home in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Ironi Nahariya will play against Beer Yaakov (#5) and be promoted back to the Premier League just one year after relegation.
gschID: 105671


Lev Hasharon - Beer Yaakov 91-79

We should mention about the upset which took place in Lev Hasharon, where higher ranked Beer Yaakov (13-11) lost to tenth ranked Lev Hasharon (11-13) in a road game 79-91. The game was mostly controlled by Lev Hasharon. Beer Yaakov was better in third quarter 22-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Lev Hasharon had a 29-17 advantage in offensive rebounds. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 26 assists. 25 personal fouls committed by Beer Yaakov helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The winners were led by American forward Lorrenzo Wade (198-85, college: San Diego St.) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 29 points and 18 rebounds and the other American import guard Antwan Henry Dobie (183-78, college: LIU Brooklyn) supported him with 10 points and 14 assists. Lev Hasharon's coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even 24 points by American-Cape Verdean guard Joshua Gomes (190-83, college: E.Illinois) did not help to save the game for Beer Yaakov. American forward Jermaine Hall (196-80, college: Wagner) added 18 points and 7 rebounds. Four Beer Yaakov players scored in double figures. Lev Hasharon have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to seventh place, which they share with 3 other teams. Beer Yaakov at the other side dropped to the fifth position with 11 games lost. Lev Hasharon's next round opponent will be Hapoel Tivon (#7) in Kiryat Tivon. Beer Yaakov will play at home against Ironi Nahariya.
Top scorers:
Lev Hasharon: L.Wade 29+18reb+2ast, O.Hover 20+2reb+2ast, A.Henry Dobie 10+3reb+14ast, G.Lavie 9+1reb+4ast, I.Eiram 9+2reb+2ast, M.Y 8+3reb+1ast
Beer Yaakov: J.Gomes 24+4reb+1ast, J.Hall 18+7reb, Y.Bet-Yosef 13+1reb+8ast, G.Karni 13+7reb+1ast, I.Bochman 6+5reb+5ast, O.Farhi 3+3reb+2ast
gschID: 105672


Hod Hasharon - Hapoel Tivon 86-89

A very close game took place in Hod Hasharon between Hapoel Tivon and Hod Hasharon. Ninth ranked Hapoel Tivon (11-13) got a very close victory on the road over 12th ranked Hod Hasharon (8-16). Hapoel Tivon managed to escape with a 3-point win 89-86 on Tuesday evening. The guests were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Hapoel Tivon made 23-of-29 free shots (79.3 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a great performance of point guard Oded Shaashoua (186-82, agency: Avi Zilberman) who helped to win the game recording 30 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists (went 13 for 13 at the free throw line !!!) and American center Ben Strong (211-86, college: Guilford, agency: Interperformances) who added 17 points and 10 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was naturalized Latvian swingman Gerry Gendel (203-80) with 20 points and 6 rebounds (went 9 for 9 at the free throw line !!!) and American forward Stanley Brandy (200-67, college: De Paul) produced a double-double by scoring 12 points and 13 rebounds. Four Hapoel Tivon and five Hod Hasharon players scored in double figures. Hod Hasharon's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Hapoel Tivon moved-up to seventh place, which they share with 3 other teams. Hod Hasharon lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the twelfth position with 16 games lost. Hapoel Tivon will meet at home Lev Hasharon (#9) in the next round. Hod Hasharon will play against the league's leader Hapoel T-A where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Hapoel Tivon: O.Shaashoua 30+7reb+5ast, B.Strong 17+10reb+2ast, B.Timor 16+3reb+3ast, L.Arieli 10+1ast, Z.Evans 7+3reb+1ast, K.Izik 5+1reb
Hod Hasharon: K.Sharvit 21+2reb+1ast, G.Gendel 20+6reb+3ast, J.Young 12+4reb+5ast, S.Brandy 12+13reb+1ast, O.Ron 10+3reb+1ast, A.Bier-Katz 4+1reb
gschID: 105673


Elitzur Ramla - Hapoel T-A 84-91

Leader Hapoel T-A delivered the twentieth second victory. This time they beat 6th ranked Elitzur Ramla (12-12) 91-84. It ended at the same time the seven-game winning streak of Elitzur Ramla. Elitzur Ramla was ahead by 3 points after three quarters before a 24-14 charge of Hapoel T-A, which allowed them to win the game. They shot the lights out from three nailing 12 long-distance shots on high 70.6 percentage. It was a good game for American forward Brian Asbury (200-86, college: Miami, FL) who led his team to a victory with 29 points and 9 rebounds (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line). The former international forward Matan Naor (194-80) contributed with 15 points and 6 assists for the winners. American forward Keena Young (198-85, college: BYU) replied with 28 points and 6 rebounds (on 13-of-17 shooting from the field) and guard Dror Davidi (190-84) added 20 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists in the effort for Elitzur Ramla. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Newly promoted Hapoel T-A maintains first position with 22-2 record. Elitzur Ramla at the other side keeps the sixth place with 12 games lost. Hapoel T-A will play against Hod Hasharon (#12) at home in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Elitzur Ramla will play against the league's second-placed Maccabi HBK (#2) in Habikaa and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Hapoel T-A: B.Asbury 29+9reb+1ast, M.Naor 15+3reb+6ast, Y.Lahat 13+2reb+4ast, G.Eytan 12+2reb+6ast, E.Eliyah 8+4reb+1ast, Y.Rokni 8+5reb
Elitzur Ramla: K.Young 28+6reb, D.Davidi 20+6reb+5ast, A.Sukar 16+3reb+6ast, D.Paris 12+10reb+1ast, I.Berkowitz 5+2reb+4ast, M.Badalov 2+6reb
gschID: 105674


Hapoel Afula - Maccabi HBK 83-82

The most exciting game of round 24 in the National League took place in Afula. This derby game ended with only one-point defeat on the road of second-best Maccabi HBK (17-7) to eighth ranked Hapoel Afula (11-13) 83-82 on Tuesday evening. It was quite big embarassment for the guest team. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Maccabi HBK. The hosts trailed by 4 points after three quarters before their 25-20 charge, which allowed them to win the game. The best player for the winners was American forward Bryant Markson (198-83, college: Utah) who had a double-double by scoring 27 points and 13 rebounds. Naturalized Welsh forward Tal Michael Dunne (197-87) chipped in 14 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists. Four Hapoel Afula players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Steffon Bradford (200-78, college: Nebraska, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management) who recorded a double-double by scoring 20 points and 12 rebounds and Itay Grinboim added 20 points respectively. Hapoel Afula moved-up to seventh place, which they share with 3 other teams. Maccabi HBK at the other side keeps the second position with seven games lost. Hapoel Afula is looking forward to face Hapoel Beeri (#13) in Beer-Shev in the next round where they are favorite. Maccabi HBK will play at home against Elitzur Ramla (#6) and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Hapoel Afula: B.Markson 27+13reb+2ast, A.Eliyahu 16+1reb+3ast, T.Michael Dunne 14+5reb+8ast, Y.Dvir 12+2reb+4ast, D.Hugee 7+6reb, O.Shmidt 7+3reb+1ast
Maccabi HBK: S.Bradford 20+12reb, I.Grinboim 20+3reb+2ast, P.Delaney 13+3reb+3ast, M.Moscovitz 10+1reb, E.Skverer 7+3reb+3ast, I.Lev 4+5reb+2ast
gschID: 105675


Hapoel Beeri - Kohav Yair 84-99

No shocking result in a game in Beer-Shev where eleventh ranked Kohav Yair (10-14) defeated 13th ranked Hapoel Beeri (7-17) 99-84 on Tuesday. The game without a history. Kohav Yair led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Hapoel Beeri was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. The game was dominated by American players. The best player for the winners was forward Eric Traimel (201-88, college: N.Texas) who had a double-double by scoring 26 points and 10 rebounds. Guard Omni Smith (191-84, college: Kent St., agency: N.E.T.) chipped in 19 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was forward Stacey Moragne (195-83, college: Mass.-Lowell) who recorded 18 points and forward Raymond Canady Jr. (201-84, college: Valdosta St.) added 14 points and 7 rebounds respectively. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Kohav Yair maintains eleventh position with 10-14 record. Hapoel Beeri lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth place with 17 games lost. Kohav Yair will face higher ranked Ironi Ramat Gan (#10) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Hapoel Beeri will play against Hapoel Afula.
Top scorers:
Kohav Yair: E.Traimel 26+10reb+1ast, O.Smith 19+8reb+4ast, O.Rub 17+1reb+4ast, A.Zelkovits 14+4reb+1ast, G.Amitai 9+2reb+1ast, S.Harush 6+6reb+6ast
Hapoel Beeri: S.Moragne 18+4reb+1ast, R.Canady Jr. 14+7reb+1ast, A.Borsuk 12+2ast, G.Dotan 12+4reb+5ast, H.Barbi 9+3reb+2ast, D.Aidan 9+4reb
gschID: 105669


Elitzur Yavne - Ironi Ramat Gan 105-85

The game with biggest result difference took place in Yavne. Local Elitzur Yavne (16-8) outscored 7th ranked Ironi Ramat Gan (11-13) 105-85 on Tuesday night. The game was mostly controlled by Elitzur Yavne. Ironi Ramat Gan was better in third quarter 29-27. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Elitzur Yavne shot 62.1 percent from the field. The game was dominated by American players. The best player for the winners was guard Chad Timberlake (194-84, college: Fairleigh Dickinson) who scored 22 points and 7 rebounds. Forward Kyle Wilson (206-83, college: Wichita St.) chipped in 25 points. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Albert Fisher (184-86, college: Kent St.) who recorded 24 points, 9 assists and 4 steals and power forward Shelton Colwell (202-80, college: Missouri St., agency: Hart Sports Mngm) added 15 points respectively. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Elitzur Yavne have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 16-8 record having six points less than leader Hapoel T-A. Loser Ironi Ramat Gan keeps the seventh place with 13 games lost. Elitzur Yavne will face Megido/Yokneam (#4) on the road in the next round. Ironi Ramat Gan will play against Kohav Yair in Kohav Yair and be promoted back to the Premier League just one year after relegation.
Top scorers:
Elitzur Yavne: K.Wilson 25+4reb+1ast, C.Timberlake 22+7reb+1ast, E.Hofman 16+5reb+5ast, G.Cohen 11+3reb, O.Brandwein 11+4ast, Z.Volfer 8+7reb+1ast
Ironi Ramat Gan: A.Fisher 24+1reb+9ast, S.Colwell 15+1reb+3ast, O.Brener 15+1ast, J.Thomas 10+7reb, Y.Yatzkan 9+3reb+1ast, I.Rosefelt 8+8reb+2ast
gschID: 105670




Big Time Players Make Big Time Plays - Pargo Beats Caja Laboral - by David Pick
With one minute remaining in the Euroleague quarter finals series of game two, Caja Laboral Vitoria was up 80:77 over visiting Maccabi Tel-Aviv. In their most important possession the Spanish squad moved the ball around perfectly and got it to one of their best shooters, three point shooters that is, not free throw shooters, Mirza Teletovic. The Bosnian power forward had a great 7 inch miss match over visiting guard Jeremy Pargo who fouled Teletovic and sent him to the line with a chance of ending Maccabi's season unexpectedly by extending the gap to 5. However, Teletovic who could have made it a three possession game made only one of two and then saw his former teammate Lior Eliyahu party all over him with 3 consecutive points that brought the game down to the wire.

Maccabi's forward David Blu, shot lights out in the third quarter with three threes, kept his team in the game when no one else could, and did it with 18 points (4/8 from deep) and sent a huge statement regarding his hopes in winning the Euroleague Defensive Player of the year award, when making a crucial steal (his only steal of the night) with seconds remaining.

With Sofo on the bench with five fouls, the season on line, and their backs against the wall, head coach David Blatt was desperately in search of a winner, someone who is not afraid of making big decisions. He found that player in the likes of the young starting point guard Jeremy Pargo (13 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists). The former Zag took the ball, drove through the lane, got the whistle and made one of two from the free throws to tie up the game.

Following a David Logan missed layup; Pargo grabbed his 8th rebound and with 18 seconds left, he ran the game clock down. Picturing his final symphony of the night, Pargo dribbled to the right side of the court, crossed over his man, and with a beautiful step back jump shot let the ball fly, finding nothing but the bottom of the net - Money Ball.

Big time players make big time plays.

Pargo told 'Eurobasket.com' after the game: 'I wanted to take the last shot so bad because I did it in the past and fortunately for me it went down. it was a game we really needed and I'm happy we were able to get it. Now we have to continue playing the way I know we are capable'.
'Were going to live this win only for an hour and then get it out of our heads because we play them again next week'.

Standings - National League
National League Standings
 1. Hapoel T-A 22-2 
 2. Maccabi HBK 17-7 
 3. Elitzur Yavne 16-8 
 4. Megido/Yokneam 14-10 
 5. Beer Yaakov 13-11 
 6. Elitzur Ramla 12-12 
 7. Hapoel Tivon 11-13 
 8. Hapoel Afula 11-13 
 9. Lev Hasharon 11-13 
 10. Ironi Ramat Gan 11-13 
 11. Kohav Yair 10-14 
 12. Hod Hasharon 8-16 
 13. Hapoel Beeri 7-17 
 14. Ironi Nahariya 5-19 


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


Shammond Williams joins Fabi Shoes Montegranaro - by Antonello Varallo
Fabi Shoes Montegranaro agreed terms with the veteran playmaker Shammond Williams (187-G-75, college: N.Carolina).
The player from the Bronx, who now has a Georgian passport,returns to Italy after the very short experience of last season, when he joined Montepaschi Siena.
During his long career Williams played 325 NBA games (with Atlanta, Seattle, Denver, Boston, New Orleans and Lakers), with 5.8 ppg and 2.4 apg and a career high of 28 points scored against Lakers.In Europe, Williams played with Ulker Istanbul (Turkey), Unics Kazan (Russia-A Superleague), F.C. Barcelona, Unicaja Malaga, C.B. Murcia and Pamesa Valencia (Spain-ACB), while at the beginning of this year he played 1 game with Primetel Apollon (Cyprus-Division A)

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


Teams make emergency signings - by John Scribe
Things have been erratic for the last 2 weeks for the bj league.
Due to the enormous earthquake that occurred in the Tohoku region, three teams-- The Tokyo Apache, Saitama Broncos and Sendai 89ers have called in quits for the remainder of the 2011 season. Due to the recent chain of events, the league has had to make difficult decisions in allowing the remaining league teams to compete at a time when playing games would not be highly advisable.

Players have also been in limbo as many quality players have been left jobless for he remaining of the season.

However, the league have made a move to protect them.

Today, The Okinawa Ryukyu Golden Kings, Kyoto Hannaryz, Toyama Grouses, Shiga Lakestars and Osaka Evessa announced the signings of
Sendai G Takehiko Shimura (160-G-83), G Hikaru Kusaka (173-G-82), Sendai G/F Yoshihiro Tachibana (190-G-82), Saitama F Daiki Terashita (190-F-80), and Sendai F Takuya Komoda respectively for the rest of the season.

The bj league made an exception for all teams that want to sign a player may be able to do so through rental free agency. All players that sign with other teams may only do until the end of the 2011 season, and must return to their primary teams next season when their respective teams resume play.

The league have been unpopular with their spinelessness thus far with the league's teams but it seems like they have gotten the player's situation right.

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  KAZAKHSTAN   


Standings -D1
D1 Standings
 1. Barsy Atyrau 17-1 
 2. Astana Tigers 14-3 
 3. Tobol 9-9 
 4. Kaspiy Aktau 6-11 
 5. BK Atyrau 3-13 
 6. BK Almaty 3-15 


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  KENYA   


Upper Hill Book Date With Aquinas in Nairobi Final - by Eurobasket News
Upper Hill will face former national schools basketball champions Aquinas in the Nairobi Secondary Schools finals this weekend. Upper Hill considered by many as the frontrunners for the event easily beat Starehe 46-28 in a low scoring semi-final match while Aquinas had to overcome stiff resistance from Malezi before grinding out a 48-42 victory.

Upper Hill overcame a slow start to march into the finals for the first time in over two decades against Starehe. Starehe began the match strongly, taking an early 8-4 lead but Upper Hill stormed back and took control of the match. Upper Hill skipper George Odhiambo and Samuel Dede spearheaded the attack and led 16-8 at the end of the quarter.

Upper Hill continued with the onslaught as Martin Mugambi took over-scoring seven consecutive points to take the scores to 31-16 at the interval. On resumption, Starehe cut the deficit to 11 points after consecutive baskets by Stanley Ochieng. However, Upper Hill stepped up a gear to finish the quarter strongly with a 40-23 lead. The winners then brought in their reserve players for the remainder of the half to finish the game and send Upper Hill to the finals.

Upper Hill coach George Mayienga was reasonably pleased by the sides performance during the semi-finals but has predicted a tough match against the former champions Aquinas. ' Aquinas are a very good side and very experience. They have bounced back this year so we are expecting a tough match against them,' said Mayienga.

Aquinas had to show determination to beat the fast improving Malezi. Aquinas began the match strongly but Malezi never gave up and tied the match at 9-9 in the closing minutes of the opening quarter.

Aquinas led 28-25 at the interval as Malezi began the second half stronger, taking the 32-30 lead. But Aquinas came roaring back to win the match in a frenetic fourth quarter to romp into the final. The girls' final will pit Buruburu against Langata . The finals will be played at Nairobi school this weekend.

Meanwhile, former national hockey champions Pangani Girls and Hillcrest Secondary booked a date in the final of the Nairobi Provincial Championships after trouncing their respective opponents. The two teams which have been dominant in Nairobi were, however, forced to fight to the bitter end before registering their wins. Pangani beat Mount Laverna 3-2 in the first semi-final before Hillcrest overcame stubborn Parklands Arya by the same margin at Moi Forces grounds.

Pangani opened the scoring in the highly entertaining match through Tanya Buyu before Winnie Bahati leveled the scores with a brilliant finish in a run of play.

The goal might have provoked Pangani as they raided Mt.Laverna for the remaining part of the first half, resulting into two goals from Sanya Ali and Tabitha Wanjiku. Mt. Laverna's second half efforts could only bore a goal through Charity Kirui.
Courtesy of: Nairobi Star

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  LATVIA   


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Mareks JUREVICUS
  Tezenis Verona
  (198-G/F-85)
  Avg: 22.1
 1. Jurevicus, Liepaja22.1 
 2. Wilson, Zemgale16.1 
 3. Bergmanis, Zemgale15.1 
 4. Willjam, Barons14.9 
 5. Duselis, LU14.8 
 6. Veselovs, Valmiera14.3 
 7. Peiners, LU14.2 
 8. Mednis, Turiba14.0 
 9. Mitchell, Liepaja13.9 
 10. Caldwell, Liepaja13.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Roberts MEDNIS
  Turiba
  (204-C-89)
  Avg: 8.1
 1. Mednis, Turiba8.1 
 2. Berzins, VEF R.7.5 
 3. Rozitis, Zemgale7.5 
 4. Wilson, Zemgale7.2 
 5. Aleksejevs, Liepaja6.9 
 6. Selakovs, VEF R.6.3 
 7. Piternieks, LU5.9 
 8. Strelnieks, Ventspils5.8 
 9. Cavars, Barons5.8 
 10. Butjankovs, Barons5.7 
Assists Per Game
 Mareks JUREVICUS
  Tezenis Verona
  (198-G/F-85)
  Avg: 4.9
 1. Jurevicus, Liepaja4.9 
 2. Willjam, Barons4.8 
 3. Gabrans, Valmiera4.7 
 4. Bertans, VEF R.4.7 
 5. Mitchell, Liepaja4.0 
 6. Strelnieks, Ventspils3.8 
 7. Bergmanis, Zemgale3.7 
 8. Gailitis, VEF R.3.5 
 9. Piternieks, LU3.2 
 10. Vaikulis, Liepaja3.0 
Steals Per Game
 Mareks JUREVICUS
  Tezenis Verona
  (198-G/F-85)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Jurevicus, Liepaja2.6 
 2. Jahovics, VEF R.2.2 
 3. Gailitis, VEF R.1.9 
 4. Gabrans, Valmiera1.8 
 5. Slisans, LU1.8 
 6. Mitchell, Liepaja1.8 
 7. Cavars, Barons1.8 
 8. Motivans, Turiba1.6 
 9. Bertans, VEF R.1.6 
 10. Strelnieks, Ventspils1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Kaspars BERZINS
  VEF Riga
  (213-F/C-85)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Berzins, VEF R.2.1 
 2. Rozitis, Zemgale1.9 
 3. Beard, Liepaja1.2 
 4. Skirmants, Barons1.1 
 5. Mejeris, Liepaja1.1 
 6. Aleksejevs, Liepaja0.9 
 7. Pishchalniko., Barons0.9 
 8. Piternieks, LU0.8 
 9. Blaus, Ventspils0.8 
 10. Meiers, Liepaja0.8 


LBL Standing
LBL Standings
 1. Ventspils 16-3 
 2. Liepaja 16-8 
 3. Barons 15-9 
 4. Valmiera 14-8 
 5. VEF Riga jrs 12-9 
 6. Zemgale 8-13 
 7. Turiba 5-19 
 8. LU 3-21 
Play in international cups:
 1. VEF Riga - 


Standings - LBAL
LBL D2 Standings
 1. Jurmala 17-5 
 2. Ogre 16-5 
 3. Ventspils Aug. 15-5 
 4. Saldus 15-7 
 5. BAA Riga 12-9 
 6. Gulbene 12-10 
 7. Liepaja-2 11-11 
 8. Zemgale/Jun. 10-11 
 9. Daugava 10-11 
 10. Livani 4-16 
 11. Ridzene 4-18 
 12. VEF Kadeti 1-19 


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


Stats Leaders - LKL
Points Per Game
 Egidijus DIMSA
  Nevezis
  (205-C-85)
  Avg: 16.7
 1. Dimsa, Nevezis16.7 
 2. Kieza, Juventus16.5 
 3. Dilys, Naglis-Adakris16.4 
 4. Vasylius, Neptunas15.6 
 5. Alijevas, Nevezis15.6 
 6. Mikalauskas, Naglis.14.7 
 7. Ruikis, Neptunas14.5 
 8. Sirvydis, Sakalai14.5 
 9. Juskevicius, Rudupis14.3 
 10. Bajramovic, Lietuv.13.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Aurimas KIEZA
  Juventus
  (202-F-82)
  Avg: 11.2
 1. Kieza, Juventus11.2 
 2. Janisius, Alytus A.9.9 
 3. Sarakauskas, Siauliai9.2 
 4. Valanciunas, Lietuv.8.4 
 5. Dimsa, Nevezis7.6 
 6. Jankunas, Zalgiris6.8 
 7. Matulis, Sakalai6.8 
 8. Mikalauskas, Naglis.6.7 
 9. Valukonis, Techasas6.6 
 10. Vasylius, Neptunas6.6 
Assists Per Game
 Rolandas ALIJEVAS
  Nevezis
  (192-G-85)
  Avg: 6.3
 1. Alijevas, Nevezis6.3 
 2. Rinkevicius, Techasas5.6 
 3. Juskevicius, Rudupis5.3 
 4. Broadus, Siauliai5.0 
 5. Collins, Zalgiris4.5 
 6. El-Amin, Lietuvos.4.4 
 7. Janavicius, Siauliai4.2 
 8. Kalnietis, Zalgiris4.1 
 9. Viskontas, Perlas4.1 
 10. Lowe, Naglis-Adakris4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Valdas VASYLIUS
  Neptunas
  (203-F-83)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Vasylius, Neptunas2.1 
 2. Rinkevicius, Techasas2.1 
 3. Razutis, Naglis-A.1.9 
 4. Juskevicius, Rudupis1.9 
 5. Alijevas, Nevezis1.8 
 6. Jasikevicius, Aiscai K.1.8 
 7. Valukonis, Techasas1.8 
 8. Ruikis, Neptunas1.7 
 9. Lowe, Naglis-Adakris1.7 
 10. Lipkevicius, Rudupis1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Mirza BEGIC
  Real Madrid
  (216-C-85)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Begic, Zalgiris2.4 
 2. Valanciunas, Lietuv.2.1 
 3. Silinskis, Techasas1.9 
 4. Cresnar, Nevezis1.5 
 5. Volkus, Techasas1.1 
 6. Klimavicius, Zalgiris1.0 
 7. Zelionis, Rudupis0.9 
 8. Cepukaitis, Juven.0.9 
 9. Jankauskas, Rudupis0.9 
 10. Bajramovic, Lietuv.0.8 


Standings - LKL
LKL Standings
 1. Zalgiris 19-0 
 2. Lietuvos Rytas 17-2 
 3. Rudupis 13-5 
 4. Juventus 12-8 
 5. Siauliai 11-7 
 6. Techasas 11-9 
 7. Neptunas 8-11 
 8. Perlas 8-12 
 9. Nevezis 7-12 
 10. Naglis-Adakris 6-13 
 11. Sakalai 6-14 
 12. Aiscai Kaunas 6-15 
 13. Alytus Alita 2-18 


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


CIBACOPA Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Michael GALE
  Mexicali
  (193-G-82)
  Avg: 29.5
 1. Gale, Mexicali29.5 
 2. White, Cananea28.8 
 3. Sowell, Culiacan25.3 
 4. Moss, Nogales24.9 
 5. Webb, Culiacan24.4 
 6. Thomas, Cananea23.6 
 7. Moore, Tijuana23.5 
 8. Watson, Tijuana23.4 
 9. Barrett, Guasave23.1 
 10. Gabbidon, Tijuana22.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Ryan MOSS
  Nogales
  (200-F/C-74)
  Avg: 10.6
 1. Moss, Nogales10.6 
 2. Moore, Tijuana10.0 
 3. Malloy, Los Mochis9.7 
 4. Shipley, Tijuana8.8 
 5. Strobbe, Guasave8.0 
 6. Brown, Nogales8.0 
 7. Lawal, Tepic7.9 
 8. Angulo, Los Mochis7.5 
 9. Brown, Tepic7.5 
 10. Avila, Culiacan7.3 
Assists Per Game
 Devon FORD
  Tepic
  (193-G-77)
  Avg: 5.5
 1. Ford, Tepic5.5 
 2. Watson, Tijuana5.3 
 3. Funn, Guasave4.8 
 4. Monreal, Hermosillo4.8 
 5. White, Los Mochis4.5 
 6. White, Cananea4.3 
 7. Meza, Culiacan4.2 
 8. Ibanez, Tepic3.8 
 9. Brown, Nogales3.8 
 10. Brown, Tepic3.7 
Steals Per Game
 Derek THOMAS
  Cananea
  (193-F-84)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Thomas, Cananea2.1 
 2. Brown, Tepic2.0 
 3. Monreal, Hermosillo2.0 
 4. Gale, Mexicali1.9 
 5. Matthews, Nogales1.8 
 6. Brown, Nogales1.6 
 7. Webb, Culiacan1.6 
 8. Gonner, Guaymas1.5 
 9. Funn, Guasave1.4 
 10. Penny, Mexicali1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 LaShawn MALLOY
  Los Mochis
  (209-C/F-84)
  Avg: 4.3
 1. Malloy, Los Mochis4.3 
 2. Gonner, Guaymas3.5 
 3. Shipley, Tijuana3.1 
 4. Webb, Culiacan2.6 
 5. Funn, Guasave2.6 
 6. Watson, Tijuana2.4 
 7. Jones, Tepic2.4 
 8. Brown, Tepic2.2 
 9. Nungaray, Guaymas2.2 
 10. Rojas, Tepic2.0 


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


CIBACOPA Round 8: #1 Caballeros de Culiacan is defeated by Bomberos de Mexicali - by Eurobasket News
Coincidentally all hosts won their games.

The most surprising game was another loss of top-ranked Caballeros de Culiacan (6-2) on the court of eighth ranked Bomberos de Mexicali on Wednesday night. Visitors were edged by Bomberos de Mexicali 87-85. The hosts trailed by 4 points at the halftime before their 47-41 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Bomberos de Mexicali made 30-of-38 free shots (78.9 percent) during the game. Bomberos de Mexicali outrebounded Caballeros de Culiacan 48-27 including a 30-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Bomberos de Mexicali made 14 blocks. 33 personal fouls committed by Caballeros de Culiacan helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Michael Gale (193-82, college: Centenary) who helped to win the game recording 21 points, 7 rebounds and 4 blocks and the former international power forward Hugo Carrillo (205-83) who added 15 points and 10 rebounds during the contest. Bomberos de Mexicali's coach Luis Nicoletti used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. American swingman Joel Leroy Webb (201-82, college: Bellevue, agency: 011 Sports) responded with 26 points and 6 rebounds. Bomberos de Mexicali have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to fifth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Defending champion Caballeros de Culiacan still keeps top position with two games lost. They share it with Cananea and Hermosillo. Bomberos de Mexicali is looking forward to face higher ranked Frayles de Guasave (#4) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Caballeros de Culiacan will play against the league's second-placed Mineros de Cananea and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Hermosillo. Second ranked host Rayos de Hermosillo (6-2) defeated one of their biggest challengers Frayles de Guasave (5-3) 97-91. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The winners were led by American guard Steve Monreal (180, college: Cal.St.-Monterey) who scored that evening 11 points and 9 assists (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) and Chavis Holmes supported him with 14 points and 6 rebounds. Even a double-double of 17 points and 16 rebounds by international forward Michael Strobbe (201-85) did not help to save the game for Frayles de Guasave. Rayos de Hermosillo keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Cananea and Culiacan. Frayles de Guasave at the other side keeps the fourth place with three games lost. Rayos de Hermosillo will play against Ostioneros de Guaymas (#6) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Frayles de Guasave will play against Bomberos de Mexicali and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Coras de Tepic has finally registered their first victory this season after seven consecutive loses. They used home court advantage to defeat Fuerza Guinda Nogales (4-4) 87-86 on Wednesday. The best player for the winners was Devon Ford who scored 16 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists. Coras de Tepic's coach allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Ryan Moss produced a double-double by scoring 12 points and 12 rebounds for the guests. Coras de Tepic (1-7) left bottom position moving up to ninth place. Loser Fuerza Guinda Nogales dropped to the fifth position with four games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Coras de Tepic will meet at home higher ranked Tijuana Zonkeys (#5) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Fuerza Guinda Nogales will play against Pioneros Los Mochis and hope to secure a win.
Bottom-ranked Pioneros Los Mochis (0-8) is still winless. This time they lost on the road their eighth consecutive match to seventh ranked Tijuana Zonkeys (4-4) 92-80. Jermaine Watson orchestrated the victory by scoring 40 points (!!!) and 7 rebounds. Tijuana Zonkeys moved-up to fifth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Pioneros Los Mochis at the other side still closes the standings with eight games lost. Tijuana Zonkeys' next round opponent will be Coras de Tepic (#9) on the road. Pioneros Los Mochis will play against Fuerza Guinda Nogales and hope to get finally their first victory.

In the last game of round 8 Guaymas lost to Cananea on the opponent's court 82-86.


Tepic - Nogales 87-86

Coras de Tepic has finally registered their first victory this season after seven consecutive loses. They used home court advantage to defeat Fuerza Guinda Nogales (4-4) 87-86 on Wednesday. Fuerza Guinda Nogales were trailing by 9 points at halftime but managed to get 5-point lead after three quarters before a 23-17 charge of Coras de Tepic, which allowed them to win the game. They shot 62.1 percent from the field. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists comparing to just 11 passes made by Fuerza Guinda Nogales' players. The best player for the winners was American guard Devon Ford (193-77, college: Idaho) who scored 16 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists. Nigerian-American forward Peter Lawal (198-86, college: Post) chipped in 20 points and 7 rebounds. Coras de Tepic's coach allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Bahamas power forward Ryan Moss (200-74, college: UALR) produced a double-double by scoring 12 points and 12 rebounds and American power forward Robert Hornsby (196-82, college: Troy) added 21 points and 4 assists respectively for the guests. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Coras de Tepic (1-7) left bottom position moving up to ninth place. Loser Fuerza Guinda Nogales dropped to the fifth position with four games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Coras de Tepic will meet at home higher ranked Tijuana Zonkeys (#5) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Fuerza Guinda Nogales will play against Pioneros Los Mochis and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Tepic: P.Lawal 20+7reb+2ast, I.Brown 20+6reb+3ast, D.Ford 16+6reb+8ast, J.Pablo Bravo 16+1reb+3ast, H.Ibanez 13+1reb+5ast, E.Gomez 2
Nogales: R.Hornsby 21+4ast, N.Brown 16+3reb+2ast, B.Heredia 16+1reb+2ast, B.Matthews 15+6reb, R.Moss 12+12reb+3ast, H.Rivera 6
gschID: 122831


Hermosillo - Guasave 97-91

The game between Top Four teams took place in Hermosillo. Second ranked host Rayos de Hermosillo (6-2) defeated one of their biggest challengers Frayles de Guasave (5-3) 97-91. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Rayos de Hermosillo made 23-of-27 charity shots (85.2 percent) during the game. They brought some defensive toughness making 13 blocks. The winners were led by American guard Steve Monreal (180, college: Cal.St.-Monterey) who scored that evening 11 points and 9 assists (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) and the other American import guard Chavis Holmes (193, college: VMI) supported him with 14 points and 6 rebounds. Even a double-double of 17 points and 16 rebounds by international forward Michael Strobbe (201-85) did not help to save the game for Frayles de Guasave. The former international swingman Alonso Izaguirre (200-76) added 22 points and 7 rebounds for the guests. Four Rayos de Hermosillo and five Frayles de Guasave players scored in double figures. Rayos de Hermosillo keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Cananea and Culiacan. Frayles de Guasave at the other side keeps the fourth place with three games lost. Rayos de Hermosillo will play against Ostioneros de Guaymas (#6) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Frayles de Guasave will play against Bomberos de Mexicali and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Hermosillo: M.Gray 16+3reb+2ast, C.Holmes 14+6reb+1ast, J.Camacho 14+5reb, J.Abu-Shamala 11+1reb, J.Lopez 11+2reb, S.Monreal 11+2reb+9ast
Guasave: R.Barrett 22+4reb+1ast, A.Izaguirre 22+7reb+1ast, M.Strobbe 17+16reb+2ast, J.Acosta 15+1reb, W.Funn 10+3reb+7ast, G.Giron 5+2reb+1ast
gschID: 122832


Cananea - Guaymas 86-82

Rather expected game when 5th ranked Ostioneros de Guaymas (4-4) were defeated on the road by third ranked Mineros de Cananea (6-2) 86-82. Ostioneros de Guaymas were ahead by 9 points after three quarters before a 29-16 charge of Mineros de Cananea, which allowed them to win the game. They outrebounded Ostioneros de Guaymas 31-19 including 24 on the defensive glass. American guard Davin White (186-81, college: Cal.St. Northridge) orchestrated the victory by scoring 29 points. The other American import forward Derek Thomas (193-84, college: Appalachian St.) contributed with 20 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. The former international center Omar Lopez (203-80, college: Cal.Baptist) replied with 16 points and 6 rebounds and guard Hector Nungaray (178-78) added 18 points in the effort for Ostioneros de Guaymas. Four Ostioneros de Guaymas players scored in double figures. Ostioneros de Guaymas' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Mineros de Cananea have a solid three-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Culiacan and Hermosillo. Ostioneros de Guaymas at the other side keep the fifth place with four games lost. Mineros de Cananea's next round opponent will be league's leader Caballeros de Culiacan on the road and it will be for sure the game of the week. Ostioneros de Guaymas will play against Rayos de Hermosillo (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Cananea: D.White 29+3reb+3ast, D.Thomas 20+5reb+2ast, P.Darden 14+5reb, A.Aguirre 8+11reb, E.Swanson 6+2reb, M.Valenzuela 4+4reb+3ast
Guaymas: H.Nungaray 18+3reb, J.Sanchez 17+1reb+2ast, O.Lopez 16+6reb, J.Habel 14+4reb+3ast, R.Benitez 5, D.Green 4+1reb+1ast
gschID: 122828


Mexicali - Culiacan 87-85

The most surprising game was another loss of top-ranked Caballeros de Culiacan (6-2) on the court of eighth ranked Bomberos de Mexicali on Wednesday night. Visitors were edged by Bomberos de Mexicali 87-85. The hosts trailed by 4 points at the halftime before their 47-41 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Bomberos de Mexicali made 30-of-38 free shots (78.9 percent) during the game. Bomberos de Mexicali outrebounded Caballeros de Culiacan 48-27 including a 30-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Bomberos de Mexicali made 14 blocks. 33 personal fouls committed by Caballeros de Culiacan helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Michael Gale (193-82, college: Centenary) who helped to win the game recording 21 points, 7 rebounds and 4 blocks and the former international power forward Hugo Carrillo (205-83) who added 15 points and 10 rebounds during the contest. Bomberos de Mexicali's coach Luis Nicoletti used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. American swingman Joel Leroy Webb (201-82, college: Bellevue, agency: 011 Sports) responded with 26 points and 6 rebounds and his fellow American import guard Kevin Sowell (190-81) scored 20 points. Four Caballeros de Culiacan players scored in double figures. Bomberos de Mexicali have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to fifth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Defending champion Caballeros de Culiacan still keeps top position with two games lost. They share it with Cananea and Hermosillo. Bomberos de Mexicali is looking forward to face higher ranked Frayles de Guasave (#4) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Caballeros de Culiacan will play against the league's second-placed Mineros de Cananea and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Mexicali: M.Gale 21+7reb+3ast, H.Carrillo 15+10reb+1ast, A.Vazquez 12+2reb, J.Penny 12+6reb+2ast, R.Lopez 9+5reb+1ast, E.Cuen 6+1ast
Culiacan: J.Leroy Webb 26+6reb, K.Sowell 20+4reb+2ast, D.Meza Rogel 18+4reb, V.Avila 13+7reb+1ast, S.Morgan 6+2reb, J.Gonzalez 2+2reb
gschID: 122829


Tijuana - Los Mochis 92-80

Bottom-ranked Pioneros Los Mochis (0-8) is still winless. This time they lost on the road their eighth consecutive match to seventh ranked Tijuana Zonkeys (4-4) 92-80. The game was mostly controlled by Tijuana Zonkeys. Pioneros Los Mochis was better in second period 25-23. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Tijuana Zonkeys brought some defensive toughness making 9 blocks. Canadian guard Jermaine Watson (193-81, college: Boston Coll., agency: KMG Sports Management) orchestrated the victory by scoring 40 points (!!!) and 7 rebounds. American center Gene Shipley (206-79, college: Brandon, agency: Elleby Sports) contributed with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Watson is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. American swingman Nathan Sims (191-86, college: BYU-Hawaii) replied with 25 points and 7 rebounds and his fellow American import guard Detrick White (184-76, college: Mississippi St.) added 17 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists in the effort for Pioneros Los Mochis. Tijuana Zonkeys moved-up to fifth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Pioneros Los Mochis at the other side still closes the standings with eight games lost. Tijuana Zonkeys' next round opponent will be Coras de Tepic (#9) on the road. Pioneros Los Mochis will play against Fuerza Guinda Nogales and hope to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Tijuana: J.Watson 40+7reb+3ast, G.Shipley 16+11reb+2ast, T.Gabbidon 16+7reb+5ast, J.Alvarez 7+2reb+3ast, L.Ramirez 6+1reb+3ast, M.Gavaldon 5+1reb
Los Mochis: N.Sims 25+7reb+1ast, J.Estrada 21+3reb, D.White 17+6reb+7ast, L.Malloy 9+9reb, C.M. Toussaint 8+5reb+1ast, A.Araujo 0
gschID: 122830




Watson number one in Mexico for round 8 - by Eurobasket News
Canadian guard Jermaine Watson (193-G-81, agency: KMG Sports Management) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Tijuana, receiving a Latinbasket.com Player of the Week award for round 8.
The 29-year old player was the main contributor (40 points, seven rebounds and three assists) to his team's victory, helping them to beat Los Mochis (#10, 0-8), the league's bottom-ranked team 92-80. Tijuana is placed at 5th position in Mexican CIBACOPA. Tijuana is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 4-4 record. In the team's last game Watson had a remarkable 84.6% from 2-point range. He just recently signed at Tijuana, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Former Boston College star has very solid stats this year. Watson is in league's top in points (8th best: 23.4ppg), assists (2nd best: 5.3apg) and averages impressive 2.4bpg and 51.0% FGP. Worth to mention Watson played also at Eurobasket Summer League, which helped him get the job in pro basketball.

The second best player in last round's games was 25-year old American forward Michael Strobbe (201-F-85) of Guasave. Strobbe had a very good evening with a double-double of 17 points and 16 rebounds. Bad luck as Guasave lost that game 91-97 to slightly higher-ranked Hermosillo (#3, 6-2). It was definitely game of the week between two contenders to the title. Guasave still maintains its place in the top 4 of the standings, even despite this loss. His team's 5-3 record is not bad at all. Strobbe is one of the most experienced players at Guasave and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third on the list of top players last round was American swingman Joel Leroy Webb (201-G/F-82, agency: 011 Sports) of league's top team Culiacan. Webb scored 26 points and grabbed six rebounds. Despite Webb's great performance Culiacan lost 85-87 to the lower-ranked Mexicali (#8, 4-4). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. The last thing Culiacan needs is to lose another game like this one. They lose more and more distance to the top teams. Their record is 6 victories and 2 lost games. Webb has a great season in Mexico. After only 8 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 24.4ppg (5th best). He also has 2.6bpg and FGP: 51.1%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Davin White (186-G-81) of Cananea - 29 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Nathan Sims (191-G/F-86) of Los Mochis - 25 points and 7 rebounds
6. Gene Shipley (206-C-79) of Tijuana - 16 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Ira Brown (193-F-82) of Tepic - 20 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Alonso Izaguirre (200-G/F-76) of Guasave - 22 points and 7 rebounds
9. Detrick White (184-G-76) of Los Mochis - 17 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists
10. Peter Lawal (198-F-86) of Tepic - 20 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)

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


Coach K would turn down Lakers - by Eurobasket News
The last time Phil Jackson retired from the Los Angeles Lakers in 2004 the team made a strong push to lure Mike Krzyzewski away from Duke. It was an offer Krzyzewski seriously considered before eventually turning down.

Krzyzewski said Wednesday his answer would be the same if the Lakers, who could be in the market for a head coach if Jackson goes through with his plan to retire after the season, decided to call him again.

'I've never thought of ever leaving Duke for another school but there were three serious times where I almost left to go to the pros,' Krzyzewski said. 'One was when Dave Gavitt took over the Celtics [in 1990], another was with the Trailblazers [in 1994] and the one that I took to a really far level was the Lakers situation. They were great with me. I just could not give up what I've done and gotten at Duke. It just wasn't worth it.'

Krzyzewski, who has won four national titles at Duke, was reportedly offered a five-year, $40 million deal after Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak met with him around the time of the 2004 NBA draft. Kupchak would later fly to meet Krzyzewski in North Carolina while Kobe Bryant reportedly tried to recruit Krzyzewski to come to the Lakers over the phone.

Ultimately Krzyzewski decided to stay, saying at the time, 'Your heart has to be in whatever you lead. It became apparent that this decision was somewhat easier to make because you have to follow your heart and lead with it and Duke has always taken up my whole heart.'

Despite forming a close relationship with Bryant and Lamar Odom as the head coach of Team USA, Krzyzewski, 64, said he will continue to watch his NBA players from afar during the season but has no intention of coaching them full-time.

'I didn't know I'd have the opportunity to coach internationally again until Jerry Colangelo asked me,' Krzyzewski said. 'I love that. It's made me a better a coach and it's made me love the NBA even more but I'm good with where I'm at. I'm too old to do anything else.'

Courtesy of ESPN

Houston Rockets have re-signed forward Mike Harris to 10-day contract - by Eurobasket News
The Houston Rockets have signed forward Mike Harris (6'6''-F-83, college: Rice) to a 10-day contract.

The six-foot-six Harris most recently played in China for the Shanghai Sharks, the team owned by Yao Ming. Harris began the season in Rockets' training camp before he was waived Oct. 18.

Harris has played in 30 NBA games with the Rockets and Washington Wizards, and averaged three points and 2.6 rebounds. He was named the most valuable player of the developmental league in 2009-10 after averaging 27.1 points and 10.5 rebounds and helping Rio Grande Valley win the D-League championship.

The Rockets play Golden State on Wednesday night

Courtesy of The Canadian Press

Nets recall G Uzoh from D-League - by Eurobasket News
The New Jersey Nets have recalled rookie point guard Ben Uzoh (6'3''-G-88, college: Tulsa) from Springfield of the NBA Development League.

Uzoh appeared in four games with the Armor, averaging 16 points, 8 rebounds and 5.8 assists.

In 32 games with the Nets this season, Uzoh is averaging 3.4 points and 1.4 assists.

Uzoh was signed by the Nets as an undrafted free agent out of Tulsa.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Marquis Daniels will have surgery next week, hopes to play basketball again - by Eurobasket News
Marquis Daniels (6'6''-F-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: Auburn) will have surgery a week from today for the bruised spinal cord he sustained a month ago, according to his agent, Mark Bartelstein, with the hopes that the operation will allow him to return to the court.

'The hope is that it will relieve the episodes that he's having, going numb when he gets hit,' Bartelstein said. 'He's in good spirits now that the surgery's set.'

Daniels was taken off the court on a stretcher during the Celtics' win over the Orlando Magic Feb. 6 at TD Garden after awkwardly running into Gilbert Arena's chest making a move to the basket. It was one of the recurring incidences when Daniels has gone numb after freak contact.

The Celtics traded Daniels at the deadline to the Sacramento Kings for a second-round draft pick in 2017. Daniels, a seven-year veteran, has had injury issues throughout his career. While this latest setback will be season-ending, Bartelstein said he hopes it won't be career-ending.

Bartelstein said, 'Our plan with the surgery is that the prognosis will be very good that he'll play again.'

Courtesy of www.boston.com

Stan Van Gundy: Derrick Rose will win the MVP award - by l'emigrante
Stan Van Gundy thinks the NBA's Most Valuable Player race already has ended with the results preordained in favor of Derrick Rose (6'4''-G-88, college: Memphis) instead of Dwight Howard (6'10''-C/F-85). 'I don't think it's wide-open,' Van Gundy said before his Orlando Magic faced the New York Knicks on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden. 'The media seems to have made their decision and they're the ones who vote. So I think it's over. 'I just listen and read: I think it's over. Derrick Rose has it. I haven't really read or heard a media guy who is going another way at this point. I'd be shocked if he doesn't win it.'

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 Heat26.3 
 3. Stoudemire, New Y.25.8 
 4. Wade, Miami Heat25.4 
 5. Anthony, Denver N.25.2 
 6. Bryant, LA Lakers24.9 
 7. Rose, Chicago B.24.9 
 8. Ellis, Golde S.24.1 
 9. Gordon, LA Clippers23.7 
 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.12.5 
 4. Griffin, LA Clipp.12.0 
 5. Bogut, Milwauke.11.3 
 6. Noah, Chicago B.11.2 
 7. Camby, Portland TB10.6 
 8. Humphries, New J.10.4 
 9. Gasol, LA Lakers10.2 
 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 Suns11.4 
 3. Paul, N.Orleans H.9.8 
 4. Williams, Utah Jazz9.7 
 5. Calderon, Toron.9.1 
 6. Felton, New Y.9.0 
 7. Wall, Washington W.8.7 
 8. Kidd, Dallas M.8.4 
 9. Westbrook, Oklah..8.3 
 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.2.3 
 3. Ellis, Golde S.2.2 
 4. Westbrook, Oklah..1.8 
 5. Felton, New Y.1.8 
 6. Conley, Memphis G.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: 2.6
 1. Bogut, Milwauke.2.6 
 2. Howard, Orlando M.2.4 
 3. McGee, Washingt.2.4 
 4. Ibaka, Oklah.Ci.2.3 
 5. Milicic, Minnesota T.2.2 
 6. Stoudemire, New Y.1.9 
 7. Bynum, LA Lakers1.9 
 8. Okafor, N.Orlean.1.9 
 9. Jefferson, Utah J.1.9 
 10. Duncan, San A.1.9 


Standings
NBA Standings
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
 1. Boston C. 50-20 
 2. Philadelph.76 37-34 
 3. New York K. 35-36 
 4. New Jersey N. 23-47 
 5. Toronto R. 20-51 
Central Div.
 1. Chicago B. 51-19 
 2. Indiana P. 32-40 
 3. Milwaukee B. 28-42 
 4. Detroit P. 25-46 
 5. Cleveland C. 13-57 
Southeast Div.
 1. Miami Heat 49-22 
 2. Orlando M. 46-26 
 3. Atlanta H. 40-32 
 4. Charlotte B. 28-42 
 5. Washington W. 17-53 
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
 1. Oklah.City T. 46-24 
 2. Denver N. 43-29 
 3. Portland TB 41-30 
 4. Utah Jazz 36-36 
 5. Minnesota T. 17-54 
Pacific Div.
 1. LA Lakers 51-20 
 2. Phoenix Suns 36-34 
 3. Golde State W. 30-42 
 4. LA Clippers 28-44 
 5. Sacramento K. 18-52 
Southwest Div.
 1. San Antonio S. 57-14 
 2. Dallas M. 49-21 
 3. N.Orleans H. 40-31 
 4. Memphis G. 40-32 
 5. Houston R. 38-34 


Wednesday's games review - by Eurobasket News
LA Clippers - Washington W. 127-119 OT2
One night after Staples Center hosted its first triple-overtime matchup in the arena's 12-year history, the Clippers and Washington Wizards apparently caught the bug. Blake Griffin (6'10''-F-89, college: Oklahoma) posted his first career triple-double and Eric Gordon (6'4''-G-88, college: Indiana) scored 32 points to help the Clippers beat the Wizards 127-119 in double OT on Wednesday night. ''It means a lot, but the best part about it was getting the win,'' Griffin said after finishing with 33 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists in a career-high 51 1/2 minutes. ''It's always great to keep your teammates involved and keep them going, but you also have to give credit to these guys for hitting shots. It was pretty draining. We just needed to tough it out.'' As a footnote to his first triple-double, Griffin also got his 55th double-double - tying the Clippers' single-season record that Elton Brand set in 2001-02. Mo Williams added 17 points and 10 assists after getting only two points through the first three quarters, and Randy Foye hit a clinching 3-pointer in the final minute. *Courtesy of www.comcast.net

Milwaukee B. - Sacramento K. 90-97
John Salmons (6'7''-F-79, college: Miami, FL) tried and failed to come up with just how the Milwaukee Bucks could come up with such a poor effort against the Sacramento Kings with the playoffs still seemingly within reach. 'It's a shame,' he said. 'That's all I'll say, it's a shame.' Marcus Thornton scored 27 points, Beno Udrih added 25 and the Kings beat Milwaukee 97-90 Wednesday night to damage the Bucks' fading playoff hopes. Milwaukee (28-42) fell three games behind Indiana for the eighth and final spot in the Eastern Conference with 12 left to play after the Pacers won earlier in the night. *Courtesy of www.csncalifornia.com

New York K. - Orlando M. 99-111
Dwight Howard (6'10''-C/F-85) caught the ball with a smaller opponent behind him, and a Magic teammate screamed out from the bench, 'Too little!' Yes, the New York Knicks have big problems, and Orlando's All-Star center is only one of them. Howard had 33 points and 11 rebounds, and the Magic won their fourth straight and sent the Knicks tumbling below .500 with a 111-99 victory Wednesday night. Jameer Nelson added 19 points, Hedo Turkoglu had 16 points and 11 rebounds, and Brandon Bass chipped in 15 points for the Magic, who held Amar'e Stoudemire to his worst game this season and beat the Knicks for the sixth consecutive time and 13th in the past 15. *Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Oklah.City T. - Utah Jazz 106-94
Russell Westbrook (6'3''-G-88, college: UCLA) scored 31 points, Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) added 29 and the Oklahoma City Thunder pulled away from the depleted Utah Jazz in the second half for a 106-94 victory Wednesday night. The Jazz played without starting point guard Devin Harris because of a strained right hamstring, and Andrei Kirilenko sat out the second half after bruising a nerve in his left knee. That proved to be too much to overcome. Utah eliminated an early 10-point deficit and was up by one early in the third quarter, but Durant and Westbrook eventually took over. Al Jefferson had 32 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Jazz, who fell to .500 for the first time since Nov. 6 and dropped four games behind Memphis for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference with 10 games left. *Courtesy of www.fox13now.com

Charlotte B. - Indiana P. 88-111
Danny Granger (6'8''-F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico) scored 33 points and the Indiana Pacers created breathing room from one of their closest competitors for the Eastern Conference's final playoff spot with a 111-88 victory over the slumping Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday night. Tyler Hansbrough (6'9''-F-85, college: N.Carolina) added 24 points and Roy Hibbert had 13 points and 14 rebounds for the Pacers, who moved three games ahead of Charlotte for eighth place by completing a four-game season sweep. The Pacers turned a 12-point, second-quarter deficit into a rout behind the hot-shooting Granger, who scored 25 points in a 16-minute stretch bridging the second and third periods. D.J. Augustin scored 17 points for the Bobcats, who got 11 points from top scorer Stephen Jackson as he labored through a hamstring injury. *Courtesy of www.desertnews.com

Boston C. - Memphis G. 87-90
The Memphis Grizzlies are still in the playoff chase, and they're doing it with a couple of guys who know a little bit about the postseason. Leon Powe (6'8''-F-84, college: California) and Tony Allen (6'4''-G-82, college: Oklahoma St.), members of the Celtics' 2008 championship team, returned to Boston on Wednesday night to help the Memphis Grizzlies win 90-87 and solidify their hold on the eighth and final playoff berth in the Western Conference. 'When you can come on the road and beat a great team like that, and do it on the defensive end, it's huge for a young, up-and-coming team,' said Powe, who scored 13 points. 'That just adds to our confidence.' Marc Gasol scored 11 points with 11 rebounds and Zach Randolph had 13 and eight for Memphis, which improved to one-half game behind seventh-place New Orleans in the West. The Grizzlies remained two games ahead of ninth-place Houston, which beat Golden State later Wednesday. *Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Detroit P. - Miami Heat 94-100
Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) scored 24 points and Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech) added 23 to help the Miami Heat rally for a 100-94 win over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night. LeBron James had 19 points, eight rebounds and seven assists for Miami, which has won six of seven following a five-game losing streak. The Heat trailed by 11 late in the third quarter before Mike Miller made a 3-pointer in the final seconds. Miami then scored the first 15 points of the fourth to take an 88-81 lead. Detroit had the ball down by four in the final minute, but Greg Monroe missed a layup, forcing the Pistons to foul. Richard Hamilton led Detroit with 27 points. *Courtesy of www.sfgate.com

Cleveland C. - New Jersey N. 94-98 OT
Kris Humphries (6'9''-F-85, college: Minnesota) grabbed a career-high 23 rebounds and made several big plays in overtime, leading the New Jersey Nets to just their fifth road win, 98-94 on Wednesday night over the Cleveland Cavaliers in a matchup of two bad teams winding down miserable seasons. Jordan Farmar's two free throws with 3.8 seconds left helped seal it for the Nets, who snapped a four-game losing streak and improved to 5-29 in road games. Humphries, Brook Lopez (7'0''-F/C-88, college: Stanford) and Sasha Vujacic scored 18 apiece for New Jersey. Ramon Sessions scored 21 and J.J. Hickson had 17 with 17 boards for the Cavs, who have lost four straight and seven in a row at home. *Courtesy of www.sfgate.com

Philadelph.76 - Atlanta H. 105-100
Louis Williams (6'3''-G-86) scored 17 points, and Andre Iguodala (6'6''-G-84, college: Arizona) and Thaddeus Young each had 16 to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to 105-100 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night. The Sixers opened the fourth quarter on a 25-6 run to send the Hawks to their second demoralizing loss in two nights. The Bulls won in Atlanta 114-81 on Tuesday night. Williams and Young keyed the Sixers' rally off the bench in the fourth. Philadelphia was down 10 late in the third quarter before an 11-0 run early in the fourth fueled the comeback. Josh Smith had 33 points and 12 rebounds for the slumping Hawks. Smith's 3-pointer with 1.6 seconds left pulled the Hawks within three. Iguodala hit two free throws to clinch the win. *Courtesy of www.ktvn.com

Houston R. - Golde State W. 131-112
Kevin Martin (6'7''-G/F-83, college: W.Carolina) scored the points. Chuck Hayes (6'6''-F-83, college: Kentucky) got the cheers. Martin scored 34 points, Hayes got his first career triple-double and the Houston Rockets beat the Golden State Warriors 131-112 on Wednesday night for their fifth straight victory. 'It was a good win,' Rockets coach Rick Adelman said. 'That's a tough game to play because they keep coming up and down the court and coming at you. You start thinking you have to shoot it quick, too.' Hayes had 14 rebounds, 13 points and 11 assists for the Rockets, who remained two games behind Memphis for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. With the crowd cheering him on, Hayes missed several chances to get the triple before his jumper with 6:26 left clinched it. *Courtesy of Yahoo

Phoenix Suns - Toronto R. 114-106
The Phoenix Suns rallied from a 13-point third-quarter deficit to beat the Toronto Raptors 114-106. Aaron Brooks (6'0''-G-85, college: Oregon) had 25 points for the Suns, including a there-pointer from the left corner with 54.9 seconds left that gave Phoenix a 110-105 lead. His basket came after the Suns grabbed the lead for good with 2:14 left, on a Jared Dudley three-pointer. Andrea Bargnani (6'10''-F/C-85) led all scorers with 27 for the Raptors. *Courtesy of www.cknw.com

Denver N. - San Antonio S. 115-112
The old Nuggets couldn't beat the San Antonio Spurs. The new-look Nuggets found a way. Wilson Chandler hit a go-ahead jumper with 29.3 seconds remaining, and the Nuggets beat the Spurs for the first time this season, 115-112 on Wednesday night. Denver improved to 11-4 since pulling off the blockbuster deal on Feb. 22 that sent Carmelo Anthony to New York, and reshaped the Nuggets' roster with a bevy of newcomers and altered roles for holdovers. 'They're a little more unpredictable,' said the Spurs' Manu Ginobili, who missed a game-tying 3-point attempt at the buzzer. 'They have a bunch of players that can score and they can go to down the stretch.' The Nuggets snapped a five-game losing streak to the Spurs, including three previous encounters this season, behind inspired play from the reserves. Al Harrington (6'9''-F-80) led Denver with 27 points. Raymond Felton (6'5''-G-84, college: N.Carolina) and J.R. Smith each added 18 points. Felton and Chandler, who had eight points, were among the players sent to Denver as part of the Anthony deal. Gary Neal had 25 points for the Spurs, who lead the Western Conference and have already clinched a playoff spot. Ginobili had 20 points, and Tony Parker added 19. *Courtesy of ESPN


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


Alabama rolls to NIT semifinals, whipping Miami 79-64 - by Eurobasket News
The team that thought it was robbed by the NCAA Tournament selection committee has stolen its way to the NIT semifinals in New York.

Alabama (24-11) brought its full-court pressure in full force Wednesday night and blew past the Miami Hurricanes 79-64 before a Coleman Coliseum crowd of 8,612.

The Crimson Tide, which finished with a school-record 19-0 record at home, will meet Colorado (24-13) at 8 p.m. CDT Tuesday in Madison Square Garden (ESPN2). The winner will play two nights later for the NIT championship.

Alabama had 13 steals and forced 19 turnovers. It outscored Miami 29-15 on points off turnovers.

It seemed to enjoy this game so much that it tried to win it twice. It broke open the game early and led by 14 points on its way to a 36-26 halftime lead.

Then it watched its lead shrink to one point early in the second half before its defense reasserted itself.

Freshman point guard Trevor Releford (6'1''-G) led Alabama with a career-high 22 points. Many of his points came on layups in transition.

In his last home game, senior Senario Hillman scored 17 points, with 11 coming in the second half, some on electrifying dunks.

Tony Mitchell (6'6''-F) added 16 points for the Tide and Jamychal Green (6'9''-F-90) had 12.

Mitchell and Chris Hines (6'8''-F) led Alabama with nine rebounds each.

Green had a team-high four steals. Hines and Releford had three each. Hillman had two, with the first one breaking a tie with Terry Coner for the school career record. Hillman now has 176.

Alabama also blocked seven shots. Miami (21-15) had none.

Courtesy of www.al.com

Wichita State reaches NIT semifinals - by Eurobasket News
As he exited a loud locker room into a jubilant hallway, Wichita State coach Gregg Marshall greeted boosters, friends and family by repeating three letters: MSG.

Wichita State clinched a spot in the NIT semifinals at Madison Square Garden by holding off College of Charleston 82-75 on Wednesday night. The Shockers (27-8) were led by seniors Gabe Blair (6'8''-F-87) (16 points) and J.T. Durley (6'8''-F/C-88) (14 points), playing their final home game.

'A lot of emotions right now,' Marshall said. 'It was wonderful.'

Charleston (26-11) trailed by 21 midway through the second half but fought back behind Andrew Goudelock (6'2''-G-88), who scored 23 of his 31 points after halftime, including seven 3-point shots.

'We tried,' Goudelock said. 'We fought hard. When we got down 10, we thought we had a chance to steal one. But we couldn't do it.'

It appeared the Shockers were cruising behind a balanced attack that featured two other double-digit scorers in Joe Ragland (6'0''-G-89) (12 points) and Toure Murry (6'4''-G-89) (11).

After the first 15 minutes resulted in a 19-19 score, Blair scored six straight points and Graham Hatch (6'4''-G/F-86) hit two 3-pointers during an 18-6 run to end the half. Even when the Cougars tried to run down the clock for the final shot, Murry stole the ball from Goudelock near midcourt, then passed ahead to Ragland for a buzzer-beating layup that gave Wichita State a 37-25 lead.

Charleston was 9 of 25 from the floor and had one assist and 10 turnovers in the half.

'Boy, the fans here are something, and we got a little excited to start the game,' coach Bobby Cremins said. 'We got away from our game, and we dug ourselves a hole.'

The Cougars tried to climb back during the second half. Goudelock's 3-pointer his second from beyond 26 feet in four minutes cut Wichita State's lead to 43-36 with 16:21 remaining.

Durley answered with a turnaround jumper on the other end, starting a 15-1 Wichita State run. Blair scored four of those points, and David Kyles (6'4''-G-89) hit a 3-pointer that sent the sellout crowd into a frenzy. Wichita State made nine of its first 10 shots after halftime, extending its lead to 58-37 on Aaron Ellis' baby hook with 12:30 remaining.

That's when Goudelock told his team, 'Don't get blown out.'

Instead, Goudelock started hitting 3-pointers from everywhere, and his teammates joined in as the Cougars went 11 of 20 from beyond the arc in the second half.

'You don't see a performance like that very often,' Marshall said. 'That's a special, special talent.'

Goudelock hit a deep 3-pointer, then Antwaine Wiggins hit another to cut Wichita State's lead to 67-57 with 5:20 remaining. Less than two minutes later, Donavan Monroe (6'3''-G) scored five straight point to make it 69-62 with 3:33 to play.

'It was one of those deals where the three zeros (on the clock) could not get there fast enough,' Durley said.

A three-point play by Hatch and clutch free-throw shooting Wichita State was 19 of 21 helped the Shockers hang on. When Blair dunked in the final minute, the celebration was on.

'Gabe has been playing so well down the stretch,' Marshall said. 'And Durley was big late, too. My guys made plays.'

Courtesy of www.deseretnews.com

Coach Anderson leaves Missouri for Arkansas - by Eurobasket News
Mike Anderson is returning to Arkansas to become the Razorbacks' basketball coach.

The school confirmed the move on Wednesday night.

Anderson leaves Missouri after five seasons to return to the school where he was an assistant to Nolan Richardson for 17 seasons. He replaces John Pelphrey, who was fired on March 13.

'Under Mike's leadership, I am confident the Razorbacks will be successful in the future on and off the court,' Arkansas athletic director Jeff Long said in a statement. 'The decision to hire Mike Anderson as head coach is based on my firm belief that he is the right person to lead the Razorback program today and in the years to come.'

Anderson's departure is certain to anger Missouri fans who just six days earlier were assured by the Tigers' coach that 'I'm excited about what's taking place at Missouri, and I plan on being at Missouri.' But they had also grown accustomed to previous flirtations -- Anderson turned down $2 million offers and both the Georgia job in 2009 and Oregon one year later.

But the hard feelings felt by Missouri fans over Anderson's departure were nowhere to be found inside Mizzou Arena at a news conference on Wednesday night. Less than 2 hours after a team meeting with Anderson, athletic director Mike Alden repeatedly praised the coach for restoring the national success of a program that rose to prominence under longtime coach Norm Stewart but faltered under Anderson's predecessor, Quin Snyder.

'We've been blessed that he has been with us for the past five years,' Alden said at a hastily arranged news conference. 'We wish him nothing but the best.'

Anderson did not attend the news conference, but rising Missouri seniors Marcus Denmon, Kim English and Laurence Bowers also spoke fondly of their former coach. Anderson told them that the call home was too strong to resist, they said.

'I don't feel Coach Anderson would have left here for any place other than Arkansas,' Denmon said.

Anderson was 111-57 in five seasons at Missouri, including an appearance in the Elite Eight in 2009. The Tigers were 23-11 this season, losing to Cincinnati in the second round of the NCAA tournament. He was 89-41 in four seasons at Alabama -Birmingham before that.

Before UAB, Anderson was Richardson's assistant at Arkansas. He was part of three Final Four trips with the Razorbacks, including when they won the national championship over Duke in 1994 and finished as runners-up to UCLA a year later.

Following Richardson's firing in 2002, Anderson served as Arkansas' interim coach for two games. He then interviewed for the position before being passed over in favor of Stan Heath.

Heath lasted five years at Arkansas, finishing 82-71. He led the school to back-to-back NCAA appearances in his final two seasons in 2006 and 2007, but he failed to unite the fans in the wake of Richardson's firing and subsequent discrimination lawsuit he filed over his departure.

Pelphrey struggled to do the same in his four years with the Razorbacks, with attendance in the 19,200-seat Bud Walton Arena falling to its lowest levels since the building opened. The Razorbacks averaged 17,148 in his first season and steadily fell until averaging 12,022 this season.

During its national championship season of 1993-94, Arkansas averaged 20,134. This season, the school drew a season-high 14,174 for its game against Mississippi in February.

Pelphrey finished 69-59 with the Razorbacks, though he did sign one of the top recruiting classes in the country last fall.

Now it's up to Anderson to keep that class intact and carry on the legacy started by his friend and mentor, Richardson.

Coyrtesy of Yahoo

Coach K would turn down Lakers - by Eurobasket News
The last time Phil Jackson retired from the Los Angeles Lakers in 2004 the team made a strong push to lure Mike Krzyzewski away from Duke. It was an offer Krzyzewski seriously considered before eventually turning down.

Krzyzewski said Wednesday his answer would be the same if the Lakers, who could be in the market for a head coach if Jackson goes through with his plan to retire after the season, decided to call him again.

'I've never thought of ever leaving Duke for another school but there were three serious times where I almost left to go to the pros,' Krzyzewski said. 'One was when Dave Gavitt took over the Celtics [in 1990], another was with the Trailblazers [in 1994] and the one that I took to a really far level was the Lakers situation. They were great with me. I just could not give up what I've done and gotten at Duke. It just wasn't worth it.'

Krzyzewski, who has won four national titles at Duke, was reportedly offered a five-year, $40 million deal after Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak met with him around the time of the 2004 NBA draft. Kupchak would later fly to meet Krzyzewski in North Carolina while Kobe Bryant reportedly tried to recruit Krzyzewski to come to the Lakers over the phone.

Ultimately Krzyzewski decided to stay, saying at the time, 'Your heart has to be in whatever you lead. It became apparent that this decision was somewhat easier to make because you have to follow your heart and lead with it and Duke has always taken up my whole heart.'

Despite forming a close relationship with Bryant and Lamar Odom as the head coach of Team USA, Krzyzewski, 64, said he will continue to watch his NBA players from afar during the season but has no intention of coaching them full-time.

'I didn't know I'd have the opportunity to coach internationally again until Jerry Colangelo asked me,' Krzyzewski said. 'I love that. It's made me a better a coach and it's made me love the NBA even more but I'm good with where I'm at. I'm too old to do anything else.'

Courtesy of ESPN

Cougars headed to NIT semifinals - by Eurobasket News
Leave it to the Washington State Cougars, beset by legal problems of late, to pull an inside job to earn an expenses-paid trip to New York City.

The Cougars dominated inside play and edged Northwestern, 69-66, in an overtime thriller Wednesday night in the quarterfinals of the National Invitation Tournament.

'We did a nice job battling a tough Northwestern team tonight,' Washington State coach Ken Bone said. 'We all showed a lot of character, especially down the stretch in the overtime period.'

Washington State (22-12) plays Wichita State (27-8) in the NIT semifinals Tuesday at Madison Square Garden in New York. Game time on ESPN2 is 4 p.m. (PDT)

The Cougars outscored Northwestern 34-20 in the paint. A major contributor was starting post Deangelo Casto (6'8''-F-90), whose 'indefinite suspension' of Tuesday was rescinded a few hours before game time.

'I was really excited to play,' said Casto, who had 11 points, eight rebounds, two blocked shots and two steals. Casto was the third WSU player cited for misdemeanor marijuana possession this season.

WSU was credited with all 16 points scored in the paint in the first 11-plus minutes. Casto had six of those points, plus two flashy passes down low that Brock Motum converted into layups.

'It was great to have DeAngelo back,' WSU star Klay Thompson said. 'He's a big part of this team.'

The Cougars clearly outplayed the less athletic Wildcats most of the first half in front of a Friel Court crowd of 5,905.

However, Northwestern cut the deficit to seven at halftime, then forged several small leads and ties before WSU regained the lead for the final six minutes of the second half until Casto was called for goaltending to tie the score at 64-64 with 4.8 seconds left.

Abe Lodwick (6'7''-G-88) could have won the game for WSU in regulation, but he missed both free throws with two-tenths of a second remaining.

Thompson, who was held to five points in the first half, wound up with team highs of 17 pints, nine rebounds and four assists. He played 43 of 45 minutes and delivered key baskets, passes and defensive plays after halftime.

After the game, Thompson waved a finger in the air as fans chanted 'One more year! One more year!' The junior guard, an NBA prospect, has talked about turning pro this year.

'I was saying, 'One more game at a time,' ' Thompson said. 'I'll wait to make that decision at the end of the season.'

Thompson scored the first two points of overtime, then gave WSU the lead for good with two free throws at 1:10. Reggie Moore hit one of two free throws with 19.1 points seconds left, and Northwestern's Alex Marcotullio missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer.

Michael Thompson (5'10''-G-89, college: Northwestern) led Northwestern (20-14) with 20 points. Marcotullio added 16, and Drew Crawford had 12.

Team scoring leader John Shurna (6'8''-F-90) was held to eight points on 3-for-13 shooting, including 2-for-10 on 3-pointers.

'I felt like we battled,' Northwestern coach Bill Carmody said. 'The game went back and forth, back and forth. At the end we had a few good looks at a 3, we just didn't make it happen.'

Five Cougars scored in double figures. Brock Motum scored 11 of his 13 points in the first half, and Faisal Aden and Moore each added 11.

'I thought we did a nice job defensively defending the 3-pointers and not getting backdoored,' Bone said. 'This is a very good shooting team and they have a tough offense to defend.'

Courtesy of www.theolympian.com

*****************************************************
  NEW ZEALAND   


Auckland Pirates set sail in NBL - by Eurobasket News
he Auckland Pirates have been unveiled as the newest franchise to join the National Basketball League (NBL). They replace the Auckland Stars, owned by former New Zealand coach Tab Baldwin, who folded last year due to financial difficulties, and lift the number of NBL teams to nine. The Pirates will be coached by Kenny Stone but their playing roster has not been announced. NBL chairman Sam Rossiter-Stead today said the addition of a new league team showed determination and commitment on the part of the Pirates. 'Putting together a new franchise from scratch in these tough times is an extremely difficult task and we have been impressed with the dedication shown by all of those driving this project forward,' he said.
The Pirates' first league game is against the Otago Nuggets in April 13. Pirates general manager John McGregor said the team were keen to present a top lineup on and off court.
Courtesy of: stuff.co.nz

Waikato Pistons land Jerry Smith - by Eurobasket News
NBL vice-champions Waikato Pistons are gearing up for the new season. They recently added a new import player to the squad. His name is Jerry Smith (185-G-87). The 23-year-old guard comes from the United States. He signed his first pro contract. Jerry Smith graduated from the University of Louisville in 2010. The guard notched 8.3 points, 3.2 boards, 1.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game in his senior college season. Jerry Smith attended NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Later he was drafted by the Springfield Armor of D-League. The Pistons are now looking for a power forward to sign before the upcoming season.


Corey Webster set to join champions - by Eurobasket News
Corey Webster (185-G-88, college: Lambuth) is heading south. The 22-year-old guard will play for the NBL defending champions Wellington Saints in the upcoming season. Corey Webster on a free agent market after the Harbour Heat released him following financial woes. Corey Webster had an impressive last season with the Heat. The guard averaged 22.7 points, 3.4 boards, 2.4 assists and 2.8 steals per game. He moved to the New Zealand Breakers, where his stats read 4.8 points and 1.0 assist per appearance. Corey Webster played for the Tall Blacks at the 2009 Oceania Championships. He tallied 4.0 points and 0.5 boards per game helping New Zealand to conquer the trophy. Corey Webster will line up with Lindsay Tait (194-G-82, agency: Impact Basketball) for one of the strongest backcourts in the league. The Saints will take on the Waikato Pistons in the opening round on April 15.


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


BLNO Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Antonio RUSSELL
  Kristiansand
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 27
 1. Russell, Kristiansand27.0 
 2. Timus, Tromso25.2 
 3. Karlsen, Asker22.1 
 4. Bullock, Gimle21.7 
 5. Diomande, Ammerud21.4 
 6. Kombat, Froya21.2 
 7. January, Tromso20.2 
 8. Eskeland, Ulriken19.5 
 9. Oatis, Baerum18.4 
 10. Fivelstad, Ulriken17.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Peter BULLOCK
  Gimle
  (198-F/C-82)
  Avg: 13.3
 1. Bullock, Gimle13.3 
 2. Oatis, Baerum12.6 
 3. Mullenax, Ulriken11.3 
 4. Karlsen, Asker10.4 
 5. Fivelstad, Ulriken10.1 
 6. Christensen, Tro.9.6 
 7. Kombat, Froya8.7 
 8. January, Tromso8.5 
 9. Hamilton, Baerum8.1 
 10. Djerman, Gimle7.6 
Assists Per Game
 Edmunds GABRANS
  Froya
  (190-G-79)
  Avg: 5.3
 1. Gabrans, Froya5.3 
 2. Mahnin, Asker4.7 
 3. Eskeland, Ulriken4.3 
 4. Issalhi, Tromso4.3 
 5. Bullock, Gimle4.3 
 6. Russell, Kristiansand4.2 
 7. Elgmork, Baerum3.8 
 8. Ouakkaha, Ulriken3.7 
 9. Mihaylov, Tromso3.4 
 10. Timus, Tromso3.1 
Steals Per Game
 Samuel DIOMANDE
  Ammerud
  (191-G-88)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Diomande, Ammerud2.7 
 2. Bullock, Gimle2.5 
 3. Ouakkaha, Ulriken2.1 
 4. Russell, Kristiansand2.0 
 5. Eskeland, Ulriken2.0 
 6. January, Tromso1.7 
 7. Gabrans, Froya1.7 
 8. Timus, Tromso1.6 
 9. Mahnin, Asker1.6 
 10. Issalhi, Tromso1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Donald OATIS
  Baerum
  (206-F/C-79)
  Avg: 3.4
 1. Oatis, Baerum3.4 
 2. Beqiri, Kristiansand1.7 
 3. January, Tromso1.5 
 4. Bullock, Gimle1.1 
 5. Christensen, Tro.1.1 
 6. Hamilton, Baerum1.0 
 7. Mullenax, Ulriken0.9 
 8. Karlsen, Asker0.9 
 9. Nyborg, Asker0.8 
 10. Nevjen, Baerum0.8 


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


Round 18: Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry defeats Quebec Kebs in the closest game of the week - by Eurobasket News
There will be only one (last) round of the Regular Season in PBL. Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry, Quebec Kebs and Rochester RazorSharks already booked a ticket for the Playoffs and there is only one more available.

Second-ranked Quebec Kebs (11-7) gave a tough game to first ranked Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry (17-2) on Sunday. Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry managed to secure only two-point victory 97-95. However their fans expected easier game. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Quebec Kebs. The hosts trailed by 1 point after three quarters before their 31-28 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry made 35-of-43 free shots (81.4 percent) during the game. Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry forced 22 Quebec Kebs turnovers. 29 personal fouls committed by Quebec Kebs helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American forward Gabe Freeman (6'6''-F-85, college: Costa Mesa JC) had a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and center Shawn Daniels (200-79, college: Utah St.) chipped in 16 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry's coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. The best for the losing side was American guard Royce Parran (175-85, college: Chicago St.) with 25 points. Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry have an impressive five-game winning streak. Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry maintains first position with 17-2 record. Quebec Kebs at the other side keep the second place with seven games lost. Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry is looking forward to face Saint John Mill Rats (#5) in Manchester in the next round. Quebec Kebs will play at home against Vermont Frost Heaves in South Burlington and are hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
PBL top team - Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry (17-2) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed seventh ranked Dayton Air Strikers (3-16) in Kettering 122-90. Forward Jamaal Davis (208-79, college: Cincinnati) notched a double-double by scoring 26 points and 12 rebounds to lead the effort and Eddie Smith supported him with 19 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry's coach felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even a double-double of 12 points and 15 rebounds by forward Todd Sowell (201-86, college: St.Peter's) did not help to save the game for Dayton Air Strikers. Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry have an impressive five-game winning streak. Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry maintains first position with 17-2 record. Dayton Air Strikers lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with 16 games lost. Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry will play against Saint John Mill Rats (#5) in Manchester in the next round. Dayton Air Strikers will have a break next round.
The game in Lexington was also quite interesting. 5th ranked Saint John Mill Rats (8-8) played at the court of sixth ranked Kentucky Stallions (6-13). Kentucky Stallions managed to secure a 6-point victory 101-95 on Sunday. The best player for the winners was Bo Harris who had a double-double by scoring 18 points and 11 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was Anthony Anderson who recorded 26 points. Kentucky Stallions maintains sixth position with 6-13 record. Loser Saint John Mill Rats keep the fifth place with eight games lost. Kentucky Stallions will meet higher ranked Rochester RazorSharks (#3) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Saint John Mill Rats will play against the league's leader Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry and hope to secure a win.
The game in Kettering was also worth to mention about. Third ranked Rochester RazorSharks (11-8) played at the court of 7th ranked Dayton Air Strikers (3-16). Rochester RazorSharks defeated Dayton Air Strikers 113-103. It was a good game for Eric Walton who led his team to a victory with 22 points and 9 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field). Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Rochester RazorSharks maintains third position with 11-8 record having six points less than leader Lawton Ft.SC. Dayton Air Strikers lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with 16 games lost. Rochester RazorSharks' next round opponent will be bottom-ranked Vermont Frost Heaves (#8) in South Burlington where they are favorite.

Kentucky S. - Saint John M.R. 101-95

The game in Lexington was also quite interesting. 5th ranked Saint John Mill Rats (8-8) played at the court of sixth ranked Kentucky Stallions (6-13). Kentucky Stallions managed to secure a 6-point victory 101-95 on Sunday. Saint John Mill Rats were trailing by 4 points at halftime but managed to get 2-point lead after three quarters before a 29-21 charge of Kentucky Stallions, which allowed them to win the game. Kentucky Stallions shot 33 for 46 from the free-throw line, while Saint John Mill Rats only scored fourteen points from the stripe. Kentucky Stallions had a 39-28 advantage in offensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was forward Bo Harris (201, college: Mountain St.) who had a double-double by scoring 18 points and 11 rebounds. Guard Demetrius Guions (196-86, college: Georgetown, KY) chipped in 14 points and 9 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Anthony Anderson (180-81, college: Massachusetts, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management) who recorded 26 points and guard Marc Egerson (198-86, college: Delaware) added 17 points and 7 rebounds respectively. Five Kentucky Stallions and four Saint John Mill Rats players scored in double figures. Kentucky Stallions maintains sixth position with 6-13 record. Loser Saint John Mill Rats keep the fifth place with eight games lost. Kentucky Stallions will meet higher ranked Rochester RazorSharks (#3) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Saint John Mill Rats will play against the league's leader Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Saint John M.R.: A.Anderson 26+3reb+1ast, M.Egerson 17+7reb+2ast, T.Martin 14+1reb, R.DeMasi 11+3reb+2ast, P.Young 10+9reb+1ast, D.Rice 5+10reb+7ast
Kentucky S.: B.Harris 18+11reb+2ast, A.White 16+2reb+1ast, J.McLeish 15+3reb+2ast, D.Guions 14+9reb+1ast, R.Delk 14+1reb+2ast, J.Taylor 12+5reb+1ast
gschID: 116087


Dayton A. - Rochester R. 103-113

The game in Kettering was also worth to mention about. Third ranked Rochester RazorSharks (11-8) played at the court of 7th ranked Dayton Air Strikers (3-16). Rochester RazorSharks defeated Dayton Air Strikers 113-103. The game was mostly controlled by Rochester RazorSharks. Dayton Air Strikers was better in fourth quarter 35-29. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Rochester RazorSharks made 38-of-49 charity shots (77.6 percent) during the game, while Dayton Air Strikers only scored fourteen points from the stripe. 28 personal fouls committed by Dayton Air Strikers helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a good game for power forward Eric Walton (204-79, college: San Jose St.) who led his team to a victory with 22 points and 9 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field). Forward Sammy Monroe (198-85, college: Newberry, agency: Prossin Sports Management) contributed with 17 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Monroe is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Four Rochester RazorSharks players scored in double figures. Guard Philip Mickey Perry (188, college: Dayton) replied with 31 points and 5 rebounds and forward Todd Sowell (201-86, college: St.Peter's) added 16 points and 13 rebounds in the effort for Dayton Air Strikers. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Rochester RazorSharks maintains third position with 11-8 record having six points less than leader Lawton Ft.SC. Dayton Air Strikers lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with 16 games lost. Rochester RazorSharks' next round opponent will be bottom-ranked Vermont Frost Heaves (#8) in South Burlington where they are favorite.
Top scorers:
Dayton A.: P.Mickey Perry 31+5reb+3ast, T.Sowell 16+13reb+1ast, J.Rockett 15+5reb+1ast, G.Schmidt 9+4reb, C.English 9+4reb+5ast, T.Taylor 5+5reb+4ast
Rochester R.: E.Walton 22+9reb+2ast, S.Monroe 17+6reb+3ast, K.Friel 15+2reb+1ast, J.Carter 11+7reb+1ast, D.Howard 11+5reb, J.Crouch 11+4reb+1ast
gschID: 116088


Dayton A. - Lawton Ft.SC 90-122

PBL top team - Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry (17-2) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed seventh ranked Dayton Air Strikers (3-16) in Kettering 122-90. The game without a history. Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry dominated down low during the game scoring 98 of its points in the paint compared to Dayton Air Strikers' 52. They outrebounded Dayton Air Strikers 60-46 including a 42-26 advantage in defensive rebounds. Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists. Forward Jamaal Davis (208-79, college: Cincinnati) notched a double-double by scoring 26 points and 12 rebounds to lead the effort and guard Eddie Smith (188-83, college: Ill.-Springfield) supported him with 19 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry's coach felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even a double-double of 12 points and 15 rebounds by forward Todd Sowell (201-86, college: St.Peter's) did not help to save the game for Dayton Air Strikers. Swingman Kenny Langhorne (196-81, college: S.Arkansas, agency: ProSportsCareers) added 17 points and 6 rebounds. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry have an impressive five-game winning streak. Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry maintains first position with 17-2 record. Dayton Air Strikers lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with 16 games lost. Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry will play against Saint John Mill Rats (#5) in Manchester in the next round. Dayton Air Strikers will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Dayton A.: P.Philip Mickey 17+4reb+1ast, K.Langhorne 17+6reb, P.Mickey Perry 16+6reb+1ast, Q.Milum 12+6reb, T.Sowell 12+15reb+2ast, T.Taylor 10+3reb+6ast
Lawton Ft.SC: J.Davis 26+12reb+1ast, E.Smith 19+5reb+5ast, D.Bowden 15+3reb+10ast, S.Fountain 13+1reb+2ast, L.Turner 11+6reb, S.Daniels 11+7reb+1ast
gschID: 116089


Lawton Ft.SC - Quebec K. 97-95

Second-ranked Quebec Kebs (11-7) gave a tough game to first ranked Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry (17-2) on Sunday. Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry managed to secure only two-point victory 97-95. However their fans expected easier game. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Quebec Kebs. The hosts trailed by 1 point after three quarters before their 31-28 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry made 35-of-43 free shots (81.4 percent) during the game. Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry forced 22 Quebec Kebs turnovers. 29 personal fouls committed by Quebec Kebs helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American forward Gabe Freeman (198-85, college: Costa Mesa JC) had a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and center Shawn Daniels (200-79, college: Utah St.) chipped in 16 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. Daniels is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry's coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. The best for the losing side was American guard Royce Parran (175-85, college: Chicago St.) with 25 points and his fellow American import swingman Quinnel Brown (198-83, college: Auburn, agency: R.H.Consultancy) scored 17 points and 9 rebounds. Five Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry and four Quebec Kebs players scored in double figures. Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry have an impressive five-game winning streak. Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry maintains first position with 17-2 record. Quebec Kebs at the other side keep the second place with seven games lost. Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry is looking forward to face Saint John Mill Rats (#5) in Manchester in the next round. Quebec Kebs will play at home against Vermont Frost Heaves in South Burlington and are hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
Top scorers:
Quebec K.: R.Parran 25+2reb+3ast, Q.Brown 17+9reb+3ast, T.Mitchell 14+3reb+1ast, C.Jeanty 10+5reb, B.Callier 9+3reb, Y.Anzuluni 7+6reb+2ast
Lawton Ft.SC: S.Fountain 18+2reb+2ast, S.Daniels 16+5reb+2ast, G.Freeman 14+10reb+1ast, E.Smith 13+6reb+1ast, E.Mims 13+3reb, D.Bowden 11+3reb+3ast
gschID: 116086




Davis number one in PBL for round 18 - by Eurobasket News
Forward Jamaal Davis (208-F-79) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for top-ranked Lawton Ft.SC, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 18.
The 31-year old player had a double-double of 26 points and 12 rebounds, while his team outclassed Dayton A. (#7, 3-16) with 32-point margin 122-90. It allowed Lawton Ft.SC to consolidate first place in the PBL PBL. Lawton Ft.SC have a solid 17-2 record. In the team's last game Davis had a remarkable 64.7% from 2-point range. He just recently signed at Lawton Ft.SC, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Jamaal Davis averages this season 10.4ppg and 6.4rpg.

The second best player in last round's games was 31-year old Eric Walton (204-F/C-79) of Rochester R.. Walton had a very good evening with 22 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists. Of course Rochester R. cruised to a 113-103 relatively comfortable win over the lower-ranked Dayton A. (#7, 3-16). Rochester R.'s 3rd position in the standings has not changed. His team's 11-8 record is not bad at all. Walton is a newcomer at Rochester R., but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was another Lawton Ft.SC's star - guard DeAnthony Bowden (186-G-80). Bowden scored 15 points and passed ten assists (!!!). He was another key player of Lawton Ft.SC, helping his team with a 122-90 easy win against the lower-ranked Dayton A. (#7, 3-16). Lawton Ft.SC confirms their top position in the standings Bowden has a great season in PBL. After 18 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in assists with 4.4apg (5th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Todd Sowell (201-F-86) of Dayton A. - 16 points and 13 rebounds
5. Bo Harris (201-F) of Kentucky S. - 18 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Philip Mickey Perry (188-G) of Dayton A. - 31 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Ramon Dyer (201-F-84) of Lawton Ft.SC - 10 points and 14 rebounds
8. Quinnel Brown (198-G/F-83) of Quebec K. - 17 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Gabe Freeman (198-F-85) of Lawton Ft.SC - 14 points and 10 rebounds
10. Eddie Smith (188-G-83) of Lawton Ft.SC - 19 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)

Playoff implications on the line for Mill Rats final home stand; latest addition Marcus Austin - by Eurobasket News
The Saint John Mill Rats are preparing for their final home stand of the 2011 Premier Basketball League season, with playoff implications on the line.

If Saint John wins their final three home games, they will clinch the 4th seed in the PBL playoffs. By doing that and winning their regular season finale at Halifax on March 31, they will clinch the 3rd seed. This is by virtue of Saint John holding a tie breaker over the Rochester RazorSharks, who can finish with a 12-8 record at best.

To do that feat they will not only have to beat the Kebs and the Rainmen, but also the #1 ranked Lawton Fort-Sill Cavalry on Sunday.

The Cavalry are currently 16-2 and have won three consecutive championships (two in the Continental Basketball Association and last season in the PBL). The Cavs are coached by former NBA All Star Michael Ray Richardson. It is planned for Lawton-Fort Sill to stay in Saint John next week until they determine who their first round playoff opponent will be (Saint John, Halifax, or Rochester).

However two losses to Halifax, and the Rainmen will clinch the #4 seed, and Saint John's season will come to an end. A loss to Quebec or Lawton, combined with a loss to the Rainmen, would force a tie breaker between Halifax and Saint John that would be decided by head-to-head point spread. Currently the Rainmen hold an 8 point advantage over the series to date. If the point spread ends up tied, the last playoff spot could conceivably come down to a coin flip.

'This will be no easy task and we just want to take it one game at a time, but certainly we are counting on all of our fans to come out strong for these last 3 home games and get the Station loud and rocking!' stated the Mill Rats VP of Marketing David Cooper.

The final regular season games are:

Thursday - 7PM - Harbour Station - #2 Quebec Kebs

Sunday - 4PM - Harbour Station - #1 Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry

Tuesday - 7PM - Harbour Station - #5 Halifax Rainmen

Thursday - 7PM - Metro Centre - #5 Halifax Rainmen

The current PBL standings are:

Lawton Fort-Sill Cavalry 16-2

Quebec Kebs 12-6

Rochester RazorSharks 11-8

Saint John Mill Rats 8-8

Halifax Rainmen 8-9

Bluegrass Stallions 6-13

Dayton Airstrikers 3-15

-------------------------------------------

New Player:

The Saint John Mill Rats have added 6'6 Marcus Austin (6'6''-F-83, college: E.Michigan) to their roster for the remainder of the season. Austin was a Vermont Frost Heaves player prior to their team folding. He won back to back championships with the Frost Heaves in a previous league in 2007 and 2008.

'Markus brings us length and a defensive presence at the wing positions. We've struggled notably against the elite wing players in this league and he gives us another active defender to help us in that area, plus he is a champion and has that experience,' stated Mill Rats Head Coach Jaren Jackson.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Anthony ANDERSON
  Saint John M.R.
  (180-G-81)
  Avg: 20.5
 1. Anderson, Saint J.20.5 
 2. Brown, Quebec K.20.2 
 3. Jones, Kentucky S.19.5 
 4. Egerson, Saint J.19.2 
 5. Dollard, Halifax R.17.8 
 6. Parran, Quebec K.17.6 
 7. Miles, Dayton A.17.5 
 8. Friel, Rochester R.15.1 
 9. Martin, Saint J.15.1 
 10. Monroe, Rocheste.15.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Eric CROOKSHANK
  Halifax R.
  (201-F-80)
  Avg: 11.2
 1. Crookshank, Halif.11.2 
 2. Dollard, Halifax R.8.3 
 3. Williams, Rocheste.8.2 
 4. Mims, Lawton Ft.SC8.2 
 5. Jones, Kentucky S.8.2 
 6. Walton, Rocheste.8.1 
 7. Harris, Kentucky S.7.6 
 8. Sowell, Dayton A.7.4 
 9. Ocitti, Saint J.7.3 
 10. Jones, Halifax R.7.2 
Assists Per Game
 Royce PARRAN
  Quebec K.
  (175-G-85)
  Avg: 6.8
 1. Parran, Quebec K.6.8 
 2. Rice, Saint J.6.4 
 3. Brown, Halifax R.5.2 
 4. Anderson, Saint J.5.0 
 5. Bowden, Lawton F.4.4 
 6. Egerson, Saint J.3.8 
 7. Crouch, Rocheste.3.8 
 8. Acker, Quebec K.3.7 
 9. Taylor, Dayton A.3.0 
 10. Fountain, Lawton F.2.9 
Steals Per Game
 Royce PARRAN
  Quebec K.
  (175-G-85)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Parran, Quebec K.2.6 
 2. Mims, Lawton Ft.SC2.1 
 3. Brown, Quebec K.1.9 
 4. Miles, Dayton A.1.8 
 5. Anderson, Saint J.1.8 
 6. Bowden, Lawton F.1.6 
 7. Taylor, Dayton A.1.4 
 8. Martin, Saint J.1.4 
 9. Dean, Lawton Ft.SC1.3 
 10. Monroe, Rocheste.1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Jared CARTER
  Rochester R.
  (216-C-87)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Carter, Rocheste.1.7 
 2. Mims, Lawton Ft.SC1.6 
 3. Pierre, Quebec K.1.1 
 4. Crookshank, Halif.1.1 
 5. Ocitti, Saint J.1.1 
 6. DeMasi, Saint J.0.9 
 7. Daniels, Lawton F.0.8 
 8. Harris, Kentucky S.0.8 
 9. Dollard, Halifax R.0.7 
 10. Sowell, Dayton A.0.6 


Standings
PBL Standings
 1. Lawton Ft.SC 17-2 
 2. Quebec K. 11-7 
 3. Rochester R. 11-8 
 4. Halifax R. 9-8 
 5. Saint John M.R. 8-8 
 6. Kentucky S. 6-13 
 7. Dayton A. 3-16 
 8. Vermont FH 2-5 


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


Standings - 1 Liga
1Liga Standings
 1. Tempcold AZS 24-5 
 2. MMKS DG 22-7 
 3. ISS Sportino 21-8 
 4. Rosasport 21-8 
 5. Sokol Lancut 20-9 
 6. LKS Lodz 19-10 
 7. Asec.Prokom-2 18-11 
 8. Spojnia 15-14 
 9. Znicz Basket 14-15 
 10. SKK Siedlce 12-17 
 11. AZS Szczecin 11-18 
 12. Start Lublin 9-20 
 13. GKS Tychy 8-21 
 14. Gornik 7-22 
 15. Astoria 6-23 
 16. Polonia 2011 5-24 


Standings - 2 Liga
2Liga Standings
Group A
 1. MMKS SIDEn 23-2 
 2. AZS Kutno 21-4 
 3. SMS PZKosz 18-7 
 4. Norgips 17-8 
 5. Zuraw 15-10 
 6. Tur 14-11 
 7. Korsarz 11-13 
 8. KK Swiecie 11-14 
 9. AZS Olsztyn 10-15 
 10. Zyrardowianka 10-15 
 11. OSSM PZKosz 8-16 
 12. Trefl II 7-18 
 13. Basket Pila 6-19 
 14. MON-POL 3-22 
Group B
 1. Open Florentyna 25-4 
 2. Nysa Klodzko 22-7 
 3. Stal Ostrow 21-8 
 4. Sudety 21-8 
 5. MKS Osemka 20-9 
 6. Obiekty 18-11 
 7. GTK Gliwice 15-14 
 8. Alba 13-16 
 9. Ksiezak 12-17 
 10. Slask Wroclaw 11-18 
 11. AZS PP Poznan 11-18 
 12. AZS PO Opole 11-18 
 13. Pogon Prudnik 9-20 
 14. A-Bild Bytom 9-20 
 15. Pogon RS 7-22 
 16. AZS Pol.Cz-wa 7-22 
Group C
 1. MOSiR Krosno 28-1 
 2. Znicz Jaroslaw 22-7 
 3. Polonia 19-10 
 4. AZS AWF K-ce 18-11 
 5. Unia Tarnow 18-11 
 6. MKS Limanowa 16-13 
 7. Wisla Krakow 16-13 
 8. Staco 15-14 
 9. Novum Lublin 12-17 
 10. HK Zory 12-17 
 11. UMKS 12-17 
 12. AZS PR Radom 11-18 
 13. MCKiS 11-18 
 14. AZS Rzeszow 10-19 
 15. Mickiewicz 10-19 
 16. Cracovia 2-27 


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


Lokomotiv advanced to EuroChallenge Semifinals - by Eurobasket News
Lokomotiv Kuban-BCM Gravelines Dunkerque 86:68

Lokomotiv advanced to EuroChallenge Semifinals sweeping the series over BCM Gravelines Dunkerque. The Russian side won at home 86:68 to win the series 2-0.
Ben Woodside (180-G-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Dakota St.) and Lionel Chalmers (184-G-80, college: Xavier) exchanged the early baskets, while Michael Wilkinson (204-F-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Wisconsin) gave the hosts 12:9. After an overtime thriller in France the Russian team just needed to win the game in order to taste the Final Four appearance. Lionel Chalmers gave them 26:14 to close the first period. The hosts did not even think of slowing down and played also better in the second frame. After 20-18 in it the board showed 46:32 when the teams disappeared in the lockers. Shukhovtsov scored for 48:32 and Michael Wilkinson as well as Alando Tucker (198-F-84, college: Wisconsin) added four for 69:41. Already after the thirty minutes it became clear about the winner.Surovtsev made it 71:48 and the last quarter became just a warm-up. BCM Gravelines Dunkerque however managed to win the last frame 20-15 to reduce the gap to 18 points.
Jeremiah Massey (202-F-82, college: Kansas St.) top-scored for the winners with 18 points, while Michael Wilkinson nailed 17. Alando Tucker netted 16 and Lionel Chalmers delivered 11. Ben Woodside answered with 20 points in the losing case, Johnson added 13 and Jonathan Rousselle (188-G-90) had 11.

Lokomotiv Kuban: Jeremiah Massey 18, Michael Wilkinson 17, Alando Tucker 16, Lionel Chalmers 11
BCM Gravelines Dunkerque: Ben Woodside 20, Johnson 13, Jonathan Rousselle 11


Spartak SP seal EuroChallenge semifinal birth - by Eurobasket News
Karsiyaka - Spartak SP 71:89

Spartak Saint Petersburg sealed the EuroChallenge birth. They upset Karsiyaka in Turkey tonight to sweep the quarterfinal series. Henry Domercant (192-G-80, college: E.Illinois) scored 23 points to lead the Russian team.
The lead changed hands several times throughout the opening term. Spartak led by 6 points late in the quarter before Aldemir and Eldridge narrowed the gap to just two points 19:21. Pero Antic (210-F-82, agency: Interperformances) and Henry Domercant enlarged the gap to 7 points early in the second term. The visitors opened a double-digit lead midway through the second frame. But Karsiyaka exploded with an 18:8 rally to level things up at 43 heading into the locker rooms. David Holston (170-G-86, college: Chicago St.) pulled Karsiyaka in front early in the third term but Henry Domercant quickly regained the lead for Spartak. The Russian side established a 65:57 lead with one quarter remaining. Pero Antic and Patrick Beverley (185-G-88, college: Arkansas) gave the visitors a 71:59 lead after three minutes of action in the final period. Soon the gap grew at 17 points and Spartak never looked back en route to the victory. Pero Antic provided 16 points and 9 boards, while Patrick Beverley added 15 points, 8 boards and 7 assists for the winners. Karsiyaka answered with 26 points from Andre Smith (203-F-85, college: N.Dakota St.). Jovo Stanojevic (208-C-77, agency: Beo Basket) and David Holston had 11 points apiece in the loss.

Karsiyaka: Andre Smith 26, Jovo Stanojevic 11, David Holston 11
Spartak SP: Henry Domercant 23, Pero Antic 16, Patrick Beverley 15


*****************************************************
  SAUDI ARABIA   


D1 Standings
D1 Standings
 1. Al Ittihad 17-0 
 2. Al Hilal 14-4 
 3. Al Ansar 13-4 
 4. Al Fateh 13-5 
 5. Ohud 9-6 
 6. Al Ahli 8-8 
 7. Al Nahda 7-8 
 8. Al Wahda 7-9 
 9. Al Jubail 4-12 
 10. Al Maseerah 2-14 
 11. Al Shrooq 2-14 
 12. Al Safwa 1-15 


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


Lack of money tortures teams in region... - by Nenad Ilijev
Serbian Superleague had exciting start both on and off the court. Breaking news were coming from Crvena Zvezda team after team management decided to release both import players - the best player Ricardo Marsh (202-F-81, college: ODU) and guard Jahmar Young (196-G-86, college: N.Mexico St.) because the team is not in position to honour the contracts with US duo and pay their salaries. Strahinja Milosevic (203-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) decided to leave the team too while head coach Mihailo Uvalin was released after disagreements with team GM Mirko Pavlovic. Sasa Nikitovic is a new head coach and he will have tough mission with young team in Superleague. Nikitovic is a former assistant coach of Crvena Zvezda, he won national championship with junior team of Crvena Zvezda in the past and is actual Serbian U-16 National Team head coach. He is part of Serbian senior national team coaching staff too.
Hemofarm Stada is also in big problem due non paid salaries for few months. Unofficial information told that the team management is seriously thinking about instant 30% salary cut to all players and coaching staff members. Atmoshpere on the team is not on highest level and both imports Jerome Jordan (213-C-86, college: Tulsa) and Mustafa Abdul-Hamid (188-G-88, college: UCLA) lost their patience and didn't played in first round of Superleague.
OKK Beograd made only surprise on the court in opening round beating city rival FMP Zeleznik. Young team of head coach Marko Icelic is showing great energy and will not be easy rival to any team in the league.
Debtor fever is not shaking just Serbian teams. News from Montenegro saying that players of Montenegrin champion Buducnost Podgorica went on strike because of late salaries and it is not clear which players will be playing against Partizan mt:s on April 19th at Adriatic League semifinal. Buducnost management considering selling of best player Vladimir Dragicevic (206-C/F-86) as one of possibility to sort big financial problems. Rumours are saying that Caja Laboral and Lottomatica Roma have most chances for player's signature.



Standings - A Liga
A Standings
SuperLeague
 1. Beograd 1-0 
 2. Hemofarm 1-0 
 3. Partizan 1-0 
 4. Radnicki 1-0 
 5. FMP 0-1 
 6. Crvena Zvezda 0-1 
 7. Mega Vizura 0-1 
 8. Metalac 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 


Stats Leaders - 1A
Points Per Game
 Branko MILISAVLJEVIC
  Mega Vizura
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 20.9
 1. Milisavljevi., Mega V.20.9 
 2. Koprivica, Super.20.7 
 3. Janjusevic, Crnok.18.8 
 4. Zekovic, Beograd18.8 
 5. Sinovec, Metalac18.0 
 6. Micevic, Sloboda .17.6 
 7. Bozovic, Sloga17.4 
 8. Bunic, Novi Sad16.6 
 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, FMP7.8 
 2. Ljubicic, Metalac7.5 
 3. Jelovac, Mega V.7.2 
 4. Cantekin, Mega V.7.1 
 5. Misanovic, Beograd6.9 
 6. Majkic, Prolet.6.6 
 7. Djurovic, Crnokosa6.4 
 8. Bozovic, Sloga6.4 
 9. Cubrilo, Sloga6.4 
 10. Borovcanin, Sloga6.3 
Assists Per Game
 Vid ZARKOVIC
  Proleter Naftagas
  (189-G-75)
  Avg: 6
 1. Zarkovic, Prolet.6.0 
 2. Ljubicic, Metalac5.6 
 3. Radivojevic, FMP5.2 
 4. Vlahovic, Sloga5.1 
 5. Milisavljevi., Mega V.4.7 
 6. Covic, FMP4.5 
 7. Kocergin, Superfund4.3 
 8. Atanackovic, Prolet.4.3 
 9. Mitrovic, Beograd4.3 
 10. Dundjerski, Beograd3.7 
Steals Per Game
 Slobodan DUNDJERSKI
  Beograd
  (190-G-88)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Dundjerski, Beograd2.9 
 2. Kuzeta, Novi Sad2.7 
 3. Gagovic, Prolet.2.3 
 4. Marjanovic, Vojvo.2.0 
 5. Ljubicic, Metalac2.0 
 6. Mukanovic, Crnok.2.0 
 7. Jovic, Sloga1.9 
 8. Kovacevic, Novi Sad1.9 
 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, Beograd1.9 
 2. Ilic, FMP1.3 
 3. Bircevic, Metalac1.2 
 4. Majkic, Prolet.1.1 
 5. Cantekin, Mega V.1.0 
 6. Marjanovic, Vojvo.0.9 
 7. Ljubojevic, Slobod.0.8 
 8. Buric, Tamis0.8 
 9. Dramicanin, Mega V.0.7 
 10. Karalic, Crnokosa0.7 


Superleague: Round One review - by Eurobasket News
The Superleague just started. Host teams registered 3 wins in the first round, while only Hemofarm celebrated on the road.


Partizan - Metalac 78-67

The game was mostly controlled by Partizan. Metalac was better in fourth quarter 24-22. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Metalac was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. Forward Vladimir Lucic (202-89) nailed 15 points and 9 rebounds for the winning side and Australian center Nathan Jawai (207-86, college: Midland CC) accounted for 11 points and 5 rebounds. Four Partizan players scored in double figures. Guard Stefan Sinovec (195-88) came up with 19 points and Montenegrin center Radomir Marojevic (207-81) added 13 points respectively for Metalac in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Partizan: C.Jerrells 15+1ast, V.Lucic 15+9reb+2ast, N.Jawai 11+5reb+3ast, N.Jaramaz 11+5reb+2ast, R.Katic 6+5reb, J.Vesely 6+8reb
Metalac: S.Sinovec 19+2reb+2ast, R.Marojevic 13+3reb+2ast, M.Ljubojevic 8+4reb+1ast, M.Savic 8+2reb, M.Ljubicic 6+5reb+3ast, S.Balmazovic 5+3reb

gschID: 124118


Mega Vizura - Hemofarm 62-81

The game was mostly controlled by Hemofarm. Mega Vizura managed to win third quarter 18-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Forward Boris Savovic (206-87) fired a double-double by scoring 25 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Power forward Milivoje Bozovic (210-85, agency: Beo Basket) chipped in a double-double by scoring 15 points and 12 rebounds. Power forward Stevan Jelovac (208-89, agency: BeoExcell) produced a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds and guard Branko Milisavljevic (193-76, agency: Beo Basket) added 14 points and 4 assists respectively for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. It was the only win of guest team this round and in all other games host teams recorded victories.
Top scorers:
Hemofarm: B.Savovic 25+11reb, M.Bozovic 15+12reb, M.Jeremic 9+3reb+1ast, M.Borisov 7+4reb+1ast, M.Pavkovic 7+3ast, M.Sutalo 6+2ast
Mega Vizura: S.Jelovac 16+10reb, B.Milisavljevic 14+3reb+4ast, D.Cantekin 13+3reb+2ast, B.Djekic 6+2reb, N.Nikolic 5+6reb+4ast, P.Reljic 3+1reb
gschID: 124119


Radnicki - Crvena Zvezda 90-82

The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 30-23. But Crvena Zvezda won second period 22-21. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Radnicki made 23-of-29 charity shots (79.3 percent) during the game. 25 personal fouls committed by Crvena Zvezda helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of power forward Vladan Vukosavljevic (206-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 25 points and 11 rebounds. Guard Predrag Miletic (191-84, agency: Agency No 10) contributed with 14 points for the winners. Radnicki's coach Miroslav Nikolic used entire bench saving starting five for next games. Guard Nemanja Nedovic (192-91, agency: Beo Basket) answered with 25 points and power forward Sava Lesic (205-88) added 14 points and 12 rebounds in the effort for Crvena Zvezda. Four Crvena Zvezda players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Radnicki: V.Vukosavljevic 25+11reb+2ast, P.Miletic 14+4reb+2ast, V.Aleksic 11+2reb+1ast, A.Gaddefors 10+2reb+3ast, M.Lee 9+4reb+2ast, S.Markovic 7+2reb+3ast
Crvena Zvezda: N.Nedovic 25+3reb+2ast, B.Bakic 18+4reb+3ast, S.Lesic 14+12reb+1ast, U.Nikolic 10+12reb, D.Strahinja 6+1reb+1ast, A.Cvetkovic 5+3reb+1ast
gschID: 124116


Beograd - FMP 79-75

FMP Zeleznik was trailing by 4 points at halftime but managed to get 1-point lead after three quarters before a 26-21 charge of OKK Beograd, which allowed them to win the game. 25 personal fouls committed by FMP Zeleznik helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Center Uros Lucic (207-83) stepped up and scored 20 points and 6 rebounds for the winners and forward Dragan Mitrovic (200-85) chipped in 12 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Four OKK Beograd players scored in double figures. At the losing side American forward Brandon Bowman (204-84, college: Georgetown) responded with 14 points and 8 rebounds and naturalized Bosnian center Mile Ilic (215-84, agency: Beo Basket) scored 12 points and 5 rebounds. FMP Zeleznik's coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Beograd: U.Lucic 20+6reb+2ast, S.Dundjerski 13+3reb+2ast, S.Stanojevic 13, D.Mitrovic 12+8reb+5ast, S.Knezevic 6+6reb+2ast, S.Zivkovic 6+2reb+1ast
FMP: B.Bowman 14+8reb+1ast, M.Ilic 12+5reb, B.Lazic 10+1reb+1ast, M.Dimic 9+4reb+1ast, F.Covic 9+4reb+2ast, V.Radivojevic 8+4reb+4ast
gschID: 124117




*****************************************************
  SLOVAKIA   


Standings - D1
Extraliga Standings
 1. Nitra 26-10 
 2. Nova Ves 25-11 
 3. Levice 19-17 
 4. Komarno 19-17 
 5. Vahostav-Zilina 18-18 
 6. Handlova 17-29 
 7. Prievidza 15-21 
 8. B.Bystrica 15-21 
 9. Svit 15-21 
 10. Inter Bratislava 11-25 


Stats Leaders - D1
Points Per Game
 Adam MCCOY
  Vahostav-Zilina
  (193-G-86)
  Avg: 26.6
 1. McCoy, Svit26.6 
 2. Fears, Prievidza23.3 
 3. Booker, Prievidza23.1 
 4. Burrows, Komarno22.1 
 5. Delic, Handlova20.4 
 6. Carter, Vahostav.20.2 
 7. Sapp, Pezinok20.2 
 8. Tomek, Nitra19.4 
 9. Jackson, Komarno19.2 
 10. Lukjanec, Inter B.18.1 
Rebounds Per Game
 Branislav TOMEK
  Nitra
  (205-C-83)
  Avg: 12.4
 1. Tomek, Nitra12.4 
 2. Jackson, Komarno11.2 
 3. Szalay, Prievidza10.9 
 4. Delic, Handlova9.1 
 5. Erwin, Nitra8.7 
 6. Carter, Vahostav.8.4 
 7. Micuda, Pezinok8.2 
 8. Johnson, Nova Ves8.2 
 9. Burrows, Komarno7.6 
 10. Velcic, B.Bystrica7.5 
Assists Per Game
 Ronald MOORE
  Nitra
  (183-G-88)
  Avg: 6.7
 1. Moore, Nitra6.7 
 2. Jones, Komarno6.6 
 3. Jefferson, Nova Ves5.8 
 4. Fears, Prievidza5.6 
 5. Booker, Prievidza5.5 
 6. Sapp, Pezinok4.4 
 7. Kostomaj, Levice4.4 
 8. Gavlak, Handlova4.3 
 9. Milosevic, Pezinok4.1 
 10. Wheeler, Inter B.4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Jeremy FEARS
  Kapfenberg
  (196-G-85)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Fears, Prievidza3.1 
 2. Carter, Vahostav.2.7 
 3. Nuber, Handlova2.5 
 4. Jefferson, Nova Ves2.3 
 5. Moore, Nitra2.1 
 6. Sapp, Pezinok2.0 
 7. Jones, Komarno1.9 
 8. Velcic, B.Bystrica1.8 
 9. Zavodny, Vahost.1.8 
 10. Boyd, Prievidza1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Gabriel SZALAY
  Prievidza
  (215-C-86)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Szalay, Prievidza2.6 
 2. Micuda, Pezinok1.9 
 3. Votroubek, Svit1.5 
 4. Mroz, Nova Ves1.4 
 5. Jackson, Komarno1.4 
 6. Batka, Nova Ves1.2 
 7. Rendla, B.Bystrica1.1 
 8. Dorazil, B.Bystrica1.0 
 9. Immink, B.Bystrica0.9 
 10. Burrows, Komarno0.9 


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


Standings - 1A
Telemach Standings
Group A
 1. Zlatorog 1-0 
 2. Krka 1-0 
 3. Union Olimpija 1-0 
 4. Helios 1-0 
 5. Elektra 0-1 
 6. Polzela 0-1 
 7. Geoplin Slovan 0-1 
 8. Maribor Messer 0-1 
Group B
 1. Sentjur 7-11 
 2. LTHcast Mercator 4-13 
 3. Parklji 0-17 


Stats Leaders - 1B
Points Per Game
 Uros IVANOVIC
  Radovljica
  (204-F/C-74)
  Avg: 20.6
 1. Ivanovic, Radovljica20.6 
 2. Petrovic, Nova G.19.0 
 3. Moro, Splosna .18.5 
 4. Lobe, Grosuplje17.8 
 5. Pusic, Litija17.7 
 6. Gavric, Primorac.17.5 
 7. Primc, Radovljica17.1 
 8. Blazevic, Litija16.9 
 9. Husic, Kraski Zidar16.8 
 10. Kosec, Sencur CP15.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Gregor JAKHEL
  KD Postojna
  (206-F/C-88)
  Avg: 9.8
 1. Jakhel, KD Postojna9.8 
 2. Husic, Kraski Zidar9.0 
 3. Barovic, Primor.8.6 
 4. Ivanovic, Radovljica8.5 
 5. Spesic, Rogaska8.5 
 6. Buda, Kraski Zidar7.8 
 7. Hocevar, Triglav .7.5 
 8. Klepo, Radovljica7.5 
 9. Lobe, Grosuplje7.2 
 10. Tusek, Hrastnik7.1 
Assists Per Game
 Boban TOMIC
  Rogaska
  (190-G-88)
  Avg: 6.3
 1. Tomic, Rogaska6.3 
 2. Perko, Splosna .6.1 
 3. Tratnik, Primor.5.1 
 4. Ucman, Radovljica4.5 
 5. Glavas, KD Postojna3.8 
 6. Jereb, Konjice3.8 
 7. Milovic, Splosna .3.7 
 8. Milasinovic, Sencur C.3.7 
 9. Blazevic, Litija3.5 
 10. Zalar, Kraski Zidar3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Boban TOMIC
  Rogaska
  (190-G-88)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Tomic, Rogaska2.8 
 2. Lobe, Grosuplje2.1 
 3. Jereb, Konjice2.1 
 4. Bratina, Primor.1.8 
 5. Gavric, Primorac.1.8 
 6. Milovic, Splosna .1.8 
 7. Cvek, Sencur CP1.7 
 8. Jotic, Rogaska1.7 
 9. Erculj, Grosuplje1.7 
 10. Podobnik, Medvode1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Gregor JAKHEL
  KD Postojna
  (206-F/C-88)
  Avg: 2
 1. Jakhel, KD Postojna2.0 
 2. Barovic, Primor.1.2 
 3. Husic, Kraski Zidar1.1 
 4. Lobe, Grosuplje1.0 
 5. Hren, Litija0.9 
 6. Kosec, Sencur CP0.9 
 7. Trampus, Grosuplje0.9 
 8. Buda, Kraski Zidar0.8 
 9. Ilic, KD Postojna0.6 
 10. Jakobcic, Triglav .0.6 


1B Stats Leaders
1B Standings
 1. Rogaska 21-2 
 2. Sencur CP 20-3 
 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 6-17 
 13. Triglav Kranj 5-18 
 14. Konjice 3-20 


Krka stays alive for EuroChallenge Final Four - by Eurobasket News
Lukoil Academic-Krka 61:75

Krka stays alive for EuroChallenge Final Four as they tied the Quarterfinal series over Lukoil Academic. The Slovenian squad needed 75:61 for 1-1 in the series as the decisive game to be played on March 30th in Novo Mesto.
Lukoil Academic could not finish the series at home and will have to win in Slovenia again in order to advance. Sundov gave the hosts their first lead, while Dusan Djordjevic (195-G-83, agency: Beo Basket) brought 12:5 for the visiting side. Balazic closed the period at 16:11 and Booker scored for massive 32:15 advantage. Moreover Goran Ikonic (196-G-80) sent the squads to the lockers for 37:23. The third quarter was the best for the Bulgarian side that reduce to 51:44 after winning the period 21-14. The game however belonged to the Slovenian team that looked better at the end. Goran Ikonic and Smiljan Pavic (210-F/C-80) brought 61:49, whilst Muric nailed the last three for the win.
Goran Ikonic paced all the winners with 16 points, while Zoran Dragic (196-G-89) added 14. Smiljan Pavic collected 13 points and 14 rebounds and Dusan Djordjevic followed them with 10. Brandon Heath (193-G-84, college: San Diego St.) ended up with 20 points in the losing effort, whilst Bozhidar Avramov (196-G-90, agency: Interperformances) netted 9.

Lukoil Academic: Brandon Heath 20, Bozhidar Avramov 9
Krka: Goran Ikonic 16, Zoran Dragic 14, Smiljan Pavic 13+14 rebs, Dusan Djordjevic 10


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


Its That Time Of Year Again!!! Playoffs!! - by Aaron Haynes
Hey Eurobasket Fans,

It's Haynes Aaron (201-F-81, college: Boise St.) back with you again. I know its been a while but I had to really focus in on our end of the season push for the playoffs. My team has struggled these last couple weeks and it was important that we go into the playoffs on a high note. For those of you who dont know the end of the season is the hardest time to maintain your focus. First, the season is so long. In the KBL regular season there are 54 games. We have to be here in August to train but our season doesnt start until mid-October. So needless to say, by March everyone is a little banged up, tired and mentally drained. I myself hit a wall for about a week and a half. Hitting the wall isnt due to being unfocused or working on your game any less. For me it was mostly just logging heavy minutes for an entire season and mentally dealing with our team not performing as well as we are capable of performing. Basketball is 90% mental, so when your brain gets tired along with your body, I think hitting the wall is the result. However, every good player figures it out and sucks it up. So Im glad I was able to finish the season strong and get myself back to that elite level of play. Im feeling great and healthy and in good condition to enter the playoffs ready to go. That being said Im glad we ended our regular season on a 2 game win streak because it showed our team that we can overcome obstacles. Between chemistry issues, fatigue and injuriesthis last month of the season has been tough for us. Nevertheless, since day one our goal has been winning in the playoffs. The first step is to make the playoffsmission accomplished.

On another note, I am very proud of a personal accomplishment that would not have been possible had it not been for GOD and a lot of time, sweat and hard work. After 3 seasons in the KBL my first being drafted, I won the 2010-2011 KBL Scoring Title. This is major accomplishment for me because the KBL has so much talent and is such a long season. Therefore to have led the league in scoring from the very first game to the last, even with the wall that I hit, is a testament to my belief that hard work always pays off. For those of you out there still trying to make it as a pro basketball player, keep working. All it takes is the right situation, faith in GOD, belief in yourself and a whole lot of hard work. I went from an un-drafted free agent, to a KBL championship, to the KBL Regular Season Scoring Champion. Anything is possible if you believe and put in the time. Hopefully this isnt the end of this story though! With all our guys back and everyone rested, I definitely think Samsung Thunder is poised to make some noise in the playoffs this season. Make sure you cheer for us!

Until next time, be safe everyone.


*****************************************************
  SPAIN   


Bjelica out with injury - by Giorgos Diploidis
Caja Laboral Vitoria before the game that lost today against Maccabi Tel Aviv had an injury problem to face and this was of Nemanja Bjelica (209-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances) The Serbian forward/center broke a bone in his wrist and he is expected to loose the rest of the games in play offs of Euroleague against the team of David Blatt.

In the summer Caja took the player although there was interest also from Olympiakos for him but so far he hasn't adjusted to the team of Dusko Ivanovic

Standings - LEB Gold
LEB Gold Standings
 1. Obradoiro 26-4 
 2. CB Murcia 26-4 
 3. Burgos 23-7 
 4. Leon 17-13 
 5. Caceres 16-14 
 6. La Laguna 16-14 
 7. Girona 16-14 
 8. Navarra 15-15 
 9. La Palma 14-16 
 10. Breogan 14-16 
 11. Melilla 14-16 
 12. Lleida 13-17 
 13. CB Tarragona 11-19 
 14. Clinicas Rincon 11-19 
 15. Huesca 11-19 
 16. Palencia 10-20 
 17. Alcazar 9-21 
 18. Ourense 8-22 


Stats Leaders - LEB Gold
Points Per Game
 Ricardo GUILLEN
  La Laguna
  (205-F/C-76)
  Avg: 19.3
 1. Guillen, La Laguna19.3 
 2. Palacios, La Palma16.8 
 3. Mohammed, Lleida16.5 
 4. Detrick, Melilla16.2 
 5. Franklin, CB Tarra.15.4 
 6. Feldeine, Breogan15.3 
 7. Seawright, Leon15.3 
 8. Faverani, CB Mu.14.9 
 9. Navarro, Girona14.9 
 10. Downs, Burgos14.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Kiril WACHSMANN
  Alcazar
  (203-C/F-83)
  Avg: 9.4
 1. Wachsmann, Alcazar9.4 
 2. Curtis, Lleida9.1 
 3. Sinanovic, Clinic.8.0 
 4. Seawright, Leon7.5 
 5. Guillen, La Laguna7.4 
 6. Kale, Ourense7.4 
 7. Humphrey, Caceres7.4 
 8. Arteaga, Breogan7.2 
 9. Chagoyen, La Laguna7.2 
 10. Junyent, Obradoiro7.0 
Assists Per Game
 Juan AGUILAR
  CB Tarragona
  (187-PG-88)
  Avg: 4.7
 1. Aguilar, CB Tarra.4.7 
 2. Rodriguez, Obrad.4.1 
 3. Sabat, La Laguna4.1 
 4. Brown, Ourense3.5 
 5. Jimenez, Melilla3.4 
 6. Rivero, CB Murcia3.4 
 7. Bernabe, Leon3.4 
 8. Cherry, Caceres3.2 
 9. Lopez, Burgos3.1 
 10. Quezada, Leon3.0 
Steals Per Game
 Andres RODRIGUEZ
  Obradoiro
  (182-PG-81)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Rodriguez, Obrad.2.5 
 2. Bernabe, Leon1.7 
 3. Castro, Burgos1.6 
 4. Franklin, CB Tarra.1.6 
 5. Rost, Girona1.6 
 6. Xavier, Caceres1.5 
 7. Palacios, La Palma1.5 
 8. Rivero, CB Murcia1.4 
 9. Toledo, Burgos1.4 
 10. Alba, CB Tarragona1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Jeff FOOTE
  Melilla
  (212-C-88)
  Avg: 2
 1. Foote, Melilla2.0 
 2. Humphrey, Caceres1.8 
 3. Fontet, Leon1.3 
 4. Joseph, Navarra1.3 
 5. Sinanovic, Clinic.1.2 
 6. Diouf, CB Tarragona1.2 
 7. Faverani, CB Mu.1.1 
 8. McCoy, Caceres1.0 
 9. Arteaga, Breogan1.0 
 10. Starosta, Ourense0.9 


LEB Gold Round 30: Ford Burgos lose to UB La Palma - by Eurobasket News
The games at this stage are more interesting as they can be crucial for the final standings in Regular Season. Despite we already know who is stronger and who is weaker, there may be still last minute susprises and upsets. The fans could enjoy quite many interesting games in the last round. It ended with extra overtimes, favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin.

The most important game in the last round took place in La Palma between third ranked Ford Burgos (23-7) and tenth ranked UB La Palma (14-16) on Wednesday night. Ford Burgos was edged by UB La Palma in a tough game on the road 64-66. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Ford Burgos. Ford Burgos was trailing by 3 points at halftime but managed to get 4-point lead after three quarters before a 19-13 charge of UB La Palma, which allowed them to win the game. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Ford Burgos to just 7 points in first quarter. UB La Palma forced 22 Ford Burgos turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by Ford Burgos' players. It was a good game for point guard Oscar Alvarado (184-PG-91) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 10 points and 10 assists. Nigerian power forward Chukwudinma Odiakosa (203-85, college: Illinois St., agency: N.E.T.) contributed with 11 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. American guard Micah Downs (203-86, college: Gonzaga, agency: Priority Sports) replied with 17 points for Ford Burgos. Ford Burgos' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. UB La Palma have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Breogan and Melilla. Ford Burgos at the other side keeps the third position with seven games lost. UB La Palma is looking forward to face higher ranked Girona FC (#7) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Ford Burgos will play against Lleida Basquet (#12) and is hoping to win this game.
An interesting game for Obradoiro CAB (26-4) which played road game in Leon against 4th ranked Baloncesto Leon (17-13). First ranked Obradoiro CAB had an easy win 77-52. The former international center Oriol Junyent (207-76) scored 14 points and 6 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Levon Kendall chipped in 16 points during the contest. The best for the losing side was center Alberto Fontet (212-86) with 7 points and 8 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Obradoiro CAB have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 26-4 record, which they share with CB Murcia. Baloncesto Leon lost third consecutive game. Baloncesto Leon at the other side keeps the fourth place with 13 games lost. Obradoiro CAB will play against CB Tarragona 2017 (#13) at home in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Baloncesto Leon will play against Lobe Huesca (#15) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Bottom-ranked Ourense managed to get the third consecutive victory on Wednesday night. This time they outleveled seventeenth-ranked Fundacion Adepal 78-51. It's especially surprising that the victory came too easily and 27-point difference proves that Ourense was well-prepared to that game. Ondrej Starosta notched 11 points and 7 rebounds to lead the effort. Even 2 points and 10 rebounds by Kiril Wachsmann did not help to save the game for Fundacion Adepal. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Ourense have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain eighteenth position with 8-22 record. Fundacion Adepal lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the seventeenth place with 21 games lost. Ourense will meet higher ranked La Laguna (#6) on the road in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Fundacion Adepal will play against Palencia Baloncesto (#16) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Thirteenth-ranked CB Tarragona 2017 (11-19) used its home court advantage to challenge seventh ranked Girona FC (16-14). The visitors from Girona managed to secure only two-point victory 76-74. However their fans expected much easier game. The best player for the winners was Ignacio Ordin who scored 24 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Girona FC moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Caceres and La Laguna. CB Tarragona 2017 at the other side keeps the thirteenth position with 19 games lost. Girona FC's next round opponent will be UB La Palma (#9) at home. CB Tarragona 2017 will play against the league's leader Obradoiro CAB (#1) in Santoago de Comp.
Sixteenth-ranked Palencia Baloncesto (10-20) used its home court advantage to challenge eighth ranked Grupo Iruna Navarra (15-15) on Wednesday. The visitors from Pamplona managed to secure only three-point victory 68-65. However their fans expected much easier game. It was a good game for Roma Bas who led his team to a victory with 18 points and 4 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Newly promoted Grupo Iruna Navarra maintains eighth position with 15-15 record. Loser Palencia Baloncesto keeps the sixteenth place with 20 games lost. Grupo Iruna Navarra will face Clinicas Rincon (#14) in Malaga in the next round where they are favorite. Palencia Baloncesto will play on the road against Fundacion Adepal in Alcazar and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 30: La Laguna was smashed by Breogan on the road 99-77. Clinicas Rincon destroyed Caceres on its own court 86-67. Huesca unfortunately lost to CB Murcia in a road game 86-101. Lleida managed to beat Melilla at home 82-78.
The most impressive performance of 30th round was 31 points and 8 rebounds by Vitor Faverani of CB Murcia.

Breogan - La Laguna 99-77

There was a surprise result when eleventh ranked Leche Rio Breogan (14-16) crushed higher ranked La Laguna (16-14) in Lugo 99-77 on Wednesday. The game without a history. Leche Rio Breogan led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 21-of-27 free shots (77.8 percent) during the game. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Leche Rio Breogan made 8 blocks. It was a good game for American forward Eric Hicks (198-83, college: Cincinnati) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 rebounds. Dominican-American guard James Feldeine (193-88, college: Quinnipiac) contributed with 20 points for the winners. Five Leche Rio Breogan players scored in double figures. Argentinian-Italian point guard Nicolas Richotti (181-86) replied with 18 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and the former international power forward Jesus Chagoyen (202-78) added 15 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists in the effort for La Laguna. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Leche Rio Breogan have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Melilla and La Palma. Loser La Laguna keeps the fifth position with 14 games lost. Leche Rio Breogan will face Melilla Baloncesto (#11) on the road in the next round. La Laguna will play against Ourense (#18).
Top scorers:
Breogan: J.Feldeine 20+1reb+2ast, O.Arteaga 15+6reb, E.Hicks 14+10reb+1ast, J.Gomes 13+1reb, M.Mokongo 11+4reb+3ast, W.Brown 11+3reb+1ast
La Laguna: F.Lampropoulos 19+3reb, N.Richotti 18+6reb+4ast, J.Chagoyen 15+8reb+4ast, I.Yanez 9+5reb+3ast, M.Gansey 6, V.Serrano 5+3reb+1ast
gschID: 92838


Clinicas Rincon - Caceres 86-67

There was an upset when higher ranked Caceres 2016 (16-14) was smashed by fifteenth ranked Clinicas Rincon (11-19) in Malaga 86-67 on Wednesday. The hosts were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. It was a good game for Puerto Rican power forward Angel Garcia (210-88, college: Memphis) who led his team to a victory with 26 points and 7 rebounds. Center Maodo Nguirane (210-93) contributed with 10 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Four Clinicas Rincon players scored in double figures. The former international forward Francisco Sanchez (201-79) replied with 18 points and power forward Jose Angel Antelo (203-87) added 13 points and 4 steals in the effort for Caceres 2016. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Clinicas Rincon moved-up to thirteenth place, which they share with Huesca and CB Tarragona. Caceres 2016 lost fifth consecutive game. Loser Caceres 2016 dropped to the fifth position with 14 games lost. Clinicas Rincon will face higher ranked Grupo Iruna Navarra (#8) in Pamplona in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Caceres 2016 will play at home against the league's second-placed CB Murcia where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Clinicas Rincon: A.Garcia 26+7reb+2ast, I.Martinez 11+1reb+5ast, E.Diaz 11+3reb, M.Nguirane 10+7reb, A.Abrines 9+1reb, J.Zamora 7+5reb+5ast
Caceres: F.Sanchez 18+2reb+1ast, J.Angel Antelo 13+4reb, C.Cherry 8+5reb+3ast, J.McCoy 8+7reb, L.Angulo 7+2reb+1ast, P.Movilla 4+2reb+3ast
gschID: 92835


Palencia - Navarra 65-68

Sixteenth-ranked Palencia Baloncesto (10-20) used its home court advantage to challenge eighth ranked Grupo Iruna Navarra (15-15) on Wednesday. The visitors from Pamplona managed to secure only three-point victory 68-65. However their fans expected much easier game. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 25-17. But Palencia Baloncesto won second period 19-16. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Strangely Palencia Baloncesto outrebounded Grupo Iruna Navarra 37-24 including 26 on the defensive glass. It was a good game for guard Roma Bas (192-83) who led his team to a victory with 18 points and 4 assists. Forward Adrian Garcia (201-85) contributed with 11 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Four Grupo Iruna Navarra players scored in double figures. American power forward Adrian Moss (204-81, college: Florida) replied with 16 points and 7 rebounds and center Sergio Olmos (213-86, college: Temple) added 8 points and 11 rebounds in the effort for Palencia Baloncesto. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Newly promoted Grupo Iruna Navarra maintains eighth position with 15-15 record. Loser Palencia Baloncesto keeps the sixteenth place with 20 games lost. Grupo Iruna Navarra will face Clinicas Rincon (#14) in Malaga in the next round where they are favorite. Palencia Baloncesto will play on the road against Fundacion Adepal in Alcazar and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Navarra: R.Bas 18+2reb+4ast, J.Blair 14+2reb+2ast, I.Sanz 13+2reb+3ast, A.Garcia 11+7reb+1ast, J.Gonzalez 8+4reb+4ast, R.Joseph 4+2reb+1ast
Palencia: A.Moss 16+7reb, S.Haanpaa 12+5reb+1ast, E.Garrido 8+3reb+3ast, S.Olmos 8+11reb, E.San Epifanio 6+2ast, A.Navajas 5+4reb
gschID: 92836


Ourense - Alcazar 78-51

Bottom-ranked Ourense managed to get the third consecutive victory on Wednesday night. This time they outleveled seventeenth-ranked Fundacion Adepal 78-51. It's especially surprising that the victory came too easily and 27-point difference proves that Ourense was well-prepared to that game. The game without a history. Ourense led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Fundacion Adepal's 26. Ourense forced 22 Fundacion Adepal turnovers. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Ourense made 9 blocks. Czech center Ondrej Starosta (215-79) notched 11 points and 7 rebounds to lead the effort and Ivorian-American forward Jonathan Kale (203-85, college: Providence) supported him with 11 points and 6 rebounds. Even 2 points and 10 rebounds by German power forward Kiril Wachsmann (203-83, college: Iona, agency: Edge Sports) did not help to save the game for Fundacion Adepal. Forward Eloy Almazan (198-84) added 10 points. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Ourense have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain eighteenth position with 8-22 record. Fundacion Adepal lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the seventeenth place with 21 games lost. Ourense will meet higher ranked La Laguna (#6) on the road in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Fundacion Adepal will play against Palencia Baloncesto (#16) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ourense: A.Ruiz de Galarreta 15+1reb+1ast, O.Starosta 11+7reb+2ast, J.Kale 11+6reb+2ast, J.Salvador Arco 9+3reb+1ast, R.Brown 9+4reb+3ast, U.Onyekwe 8+4reb
Alcazar: E.Almazan 10+2reb, J.Alonso 8, D.Wright 7+3reb, M.Uriz 6+3reb+1ast, J.Balmon 5+2reb, A.Frutos 5+2reb
gschID: 92837


La Palma - Burgos 66-64

The most important game in the last round took place in La Palma between third ranked Ford Burgos (23-7) and tenth ranked UB La Palma (14-16) on Wednesday night. Ford Burgos was edged by UB La Palma in a tough game on the road 64-66. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Ford Burgos. Ford Burgos was trailing by 3 points at halftime but managed to get 4-point lead after three quarters before a 19-13 charge of UB La Palma, which allowed them to win the game. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Ford Burgos to just 7 points in first quarter. UB La Palma forced 22 Ford Burgos turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by Ford Burgos' players. It was a good game for point guard Oscar Alvarado (184-91) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 10 points and 10 assists. Nigerian power forward Chukwudinma Odiakosa (203-85, college: Illinois St., agency: N.E.T.) contributed with 11 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Four UB La Palma players scored in double figures. American guard Micah Downs (203-86, college: Gonzaga, agency: Priority Sports) replied with 17 points and point guard Raimundo Lopez (185-89) added 9 points and 6 assists in the effort for Ford Burgos. Ford Burgos' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. UB La Palma have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Breogan and Melilla. Ford Burgos at the other side keeps the third position with seven games lost. UB La Palma is looking forward to face higher ranked Girona FC (#7) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Ford Burgos will play against Lleida Basquet (#12) and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
La Palma: R.Schaftenaar 14+3reb+2ast, S.Arrocha 12+3reb+2ast, C.Odiakosa 11+8reb+1ast, O.Alvarado 10+2reb+10ast, J.Bonhome 9+1reb+3ast, R.Martinez 5+1reb+2ast
Burgos: M.Downs 17+2reb, J.Castro 10+1ast, M.Vinicius Toledo 9+1reb+1ast, R.Lopez 9+1reb+6ast, P.Lorant 8+7reb, J.Tillman 4+3reb+1ast
gschID: 92831


CB Tarragona - Girona 74-76 OT

Thirteenth-ranked CB Tarragona 2017 (11-19) used its home court advantage to challenge seventh ranked Girona FC (16-14). The visitors from Girona managed to secure only two-point victory 76-74. However their fans expected much easier game. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But CB Tarragona 2017 won third quarter 18-16. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening, at least not yet. The game turned upside-down in the last quarter, where CB Tarragona 2017 used huge pressure winning it 16-11 getting a tie at the end of regular time. They lost eventually overtime period 10-12. The best player for the winners was point guard Ignacio Ordin (183-78) who scored 24 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Center Josep Ortega (201-84) chipped in 19 points. Four Girona FC players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Alexander Franklin (196-88, college: Siena) who recorded 17 points and 7 rebounds and Senegalese center Michel Diouf (208-89) added 11 points and 8 rebounds respectively. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Girona FC moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Caceres and La Laguna. CB Tarragona 2017 at the other side keeps the thirteenth position with 19 games lost. Girona FC's next round opponent will be UB La Palma (#9) at home. CB Tarragona 2017 will play against the league's leader Obradoiro CAB (#1) in Santoago de Comp.
Top scorers:
Girona: I.Ordin 24+7reb+4ast, J.Ortega 19+4reb+3ast, L.Rost 13+2reb, M.Kedzo 12+4reb+2ast, T.Labbate 3+5reb, C.Canals 3+4reb+3ast
CB Tarragona: A.Franklin 17+7reb, M.Diouf 11+8reb+1ast, T.Oglesby 11+3ast, J.Aguilar 8+8ast, R.Fornas 7+5reb, R.Schraeder 6+2reb+1ast
gschID: 92832


Leon - Obradoiro 52-77

An interesting game for Obradoiro CAB (26-4) which played road game in Leon against 4th ranked Baloncesto Leon (17-13). First ranked Obradoiro CAB had an easy win 77-52. The game without a history. Obradoiro CAB led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Baloncesto Leon's 34. Obradoiro CAB forced 22 Baloncesto Leon turnovers. The former international center Oriol Junyent (207-76) scored 14 points and 6 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Canadian-Irish forward Levon Kendall (209-84, college: Pittsburgh) chipped in 16 points during the contest. The best for the losing side was center Alberto Fontet (212-86) with 7 points and 8 rebounds and American power forward Kahiem Seawright (203-86, college: Rhode Island, agency: Impact Basketball) scored 13 points. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Obradoiro CAB have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 26-4 record, which they share with CB Murcia. Baloncesto Leon lost third consecutive game. Baloncesto Leon at the other side keeps the fourth place with 13 games lost. Obradoiro CAB will play against CB Tarragona 2017 (#13) at home in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Baloncesto Leon will play against Lobe Huesca (#15) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Obradoiro: L.Kendall 16+3reb+1ast, O.Junyent 14+6reb+1ast, B.Hopkins 10+6reb+1ast, A.Corbacho 9+1reb+1ast, D.Washington 8+7reb+3ast, M.Ruffin 6+8reb+1ast
Leon: K.Seawright 13+4reb, J.Alberto Gonzalez 11+3reb+2ast, A.Fontet 7+8reb+2ast, J.Mugica 7+3reb, E.Quezada 5+2reb+1ast, J.Jose Bernabe 4+1reb+1ast
gschID: 92833


CB Murcia - Huesca 101-86

Very predictable result when second ranked CB Murcia (26-4) won against at home 14th ranked Lobe Huesca (11-19) 101-86 on Wednesday. The game without a history. CB Murcia led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. It was a good game for Brazilian center Vitor Faverani (211-88) who led his team to a victory with 31 points and 8 rebounds. American forward Taylor Coppenrath (205-81, college: Vermont) contributed with 24 points for the winners. CB Murcia's coach Luis Guil used an eleven-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. American power forward Stevie Johnson (198-78, college: Iowa St.) replied with a double-double by scoring 21 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists and Latvian power forward Rolands Freimanis (207-88, agency: Players Group) added 16 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Lobe Huesca. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. CB Murcia keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Obradoiro. Newly promoted Lobe Huesca dropped to the thirteenth place with 19 games lost. CB Murcia will face Caceres 2016 (#5) on the road in the next round. Lobe Huesca will play against Baloncesto Leon (#4).
Top scorers:
CB Murcia: V.Faverani 31+8reb+2ast, T.Coppenrath 24+4reb, P.Rivero 16+3reb+5ast, M.Umeh 11+1reb+3ast, F.Puyada 6+1reb+2ast, P.Robles 5+1reb+3ast
Huesca: S.Johnson 21+10reb+4ast, R.Freimanis 16+5reb+2ast, J.Bonds 16+5reb+2ast, H.Brown 15+5reb, J.Salson 8+2reb, X.Ventura 5+2reb+3ast
gschID: 92834


Lleida - Melilla 82-78

There was a minor upset when 9th ranked Melilla Baloncesto (14-16) lost on the road to twelfth ranked Lleida Basquet (13-17) 82-78 on Wednesday. Melilla Baloncesto trailed by 11 points after 3 quarters before a 32-25 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 78-82 at the end of the game. Lleida Basquet looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. It was a good game for center Albert Moncasi (209-86) who led his team to a victory with 19 points and 5 rebounds (perfect from the field making all nine shots !!!). point guard Daniel Perez (188-90) contributed with 19 points and 5 assists for the winners. American-Austrian guard Jason Detrick (198-80, college: Oklahoma) replied with 17 points and 5 assists and the former international forward Oscar Yebra (200-74, agency: Interperformances) added 12 points and 4 assists in the effort for Melilla Baloncesto. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Melilla Baloncesto's coach let to play ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Lleida Basquet maintains twelfth position with 13-17 record. Melilla Baloncesto lost fourth consecutive game. Loser Melilla Baloncesto keeps the ninth place with 16 games lost. Lleida Basquet will face higher ranked Ford Burgos (#3) on the road in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game.
Top scorers:
Lleida: D.Perez 19+1reb+5ast, A.Moncasi 19+5reb+3ast, A.Mohammed 16+2reb+5ast, D.Martin 12+4reb+1ast, J.Maria Guzman 7+3reb+3ast, M.Rubio 5+4reb+4ast
Melilla: J.Detrick 17+2reb+5ast, Z.Moss 12+5reb+1ast, O.Yebra 12+3reb+4ast, J.Jimenez 11+4reb+2ast, M.Montanana 7+2reb+2ast, D.Pakamanis 7+1reb+2ast
gschID: 92830




*****************************************************
  SWITZERLAND   


Stats Leaders LNA
Points Per Game
 Mohammed ABUKAR
  Lugano Tigers
  (208-F-85)
  Avg: 22.1
 1. Abukar, Lugano T.22.1 
 2. Glover, Boncourt21.2 
 3. Farokhmanesh, SAM M.20.7 
 4. Smith, Fribourg20.6 
 5. Popovich, SAV V.20.2 
 6. Reid, Monthey20.2 
 7. Polyblank, Geneve L.20.1 
 8. Byron, BBC Nyon20.0 
 9. Brown, Starwings19.8 
 10. Martin, BBC Nyon18.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Cruz DANIELS
  BBC Nyon
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 12.1
 1. Daniels, BBC Nyon12.1 
 2. Ofoegbu, SAM M.10.1 
 3. Thompson, Starw.10.0 
 4. Gugino, Boncourt9.6 
 5. Reid, Monthey9.3 
 6. Dos Santos, Bonco.8.4 
 7. Sloan, Geneve Lions8.1 
 8. Yates, Monthey7.8 
 9. Smith, Fribourg7.7 
 10. Hunte, BBC Nyon7.6 
Assists Per Game
 Rickey GIBSON
  SAV Vacallo
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 7.5
 1. Gibson, SAV Vacallo7.5 
 2. Glover, Boncourt6.7 
 3. Williams, Fribourg6.5 
 4. Brown, Starwings4.8 
 5. Draughan, Lugano T.4.6 
 6. Angley, Lugano T.4.6 
 7. Hollins, Starwings4.4 
 8. Sharper, Monthey4.2 
 9. Esterkamp, Fribo.4.1 
 10. Ross, Geneve Lions4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Rickey GIBSON
  SAV Vacallo
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 3.8
 1. Gibson, SAV Vacallo3.8 
 2. Glover, Boncourt3.8 
 3. Hunte, BBC Nyon3.2 
 4. Angley, Lugano T.2.7 
 5. Gugino, Boncourt2.7 
 6. Draughan, Lugano T.2.6 
 7. Efevberha, Lugano T.2.6 
 8. Farokhmanesh, SAM M.2.4 
 9. Smith, Fribourg2.3 
 10. Sharper, Monthey2.2 
Blocks Per Game
 Cruz DANIELS
  BBC Nyon
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 3.4
 1. Daniels, BBC Nyon3.4 
 2. Toure, Geneve Lions2.1 
 3. Thompson, Starw.1.8 
 4. Lukic, Zurich W.1.7 
 5. Gugino, Boncourt1.4 
 6. Sloan, Geneve Lions1.3 
 7. Moris, Monthey1.0 
 8. Esterkamp, Fribo.0.8 
 9. Efevberha, Lugano T.0.8 
 10. Sanders, Lugano T.0.8 


Standings - LNA
LNA Standings
 1. Lugano Tigers 23-3 
 2. Fribourg 19-7 
 3. Geneve Lions 18-8 
 4. SAV Vacallo 16-10 
 5. Monthey 15-11 
 6. Starwings 13-13 
 7. Boncourt 12-14 
 8. SAM Massagno 9-17 
 9. BBC Nyon 4-22 
 10. Zurich Wildcats 1-25 


*****************************************************
  TANZANIA   


Top army teams clash in RBA League final - by Carlos Pereira
By Majuto Omary
The Citizen Reporter
Dar es Salaam. For Dar es Salaam basketball fans, the National Indoor Stadium is a place to go on Sunday as it hosts the RBA League final between ABC and JKT.Acting Dar es Salaam regional commissioner Sadick Meck Sadiq will be the chief guest at what promises to be a mouth-watering final.

The anxiously awaited duel will be preceded by womens RBA final pitting traditional foes Jeshi Stars against JKT Stars.ABC booked a place in the final at the expense of Pazi while JKT cruised through after overcoming pre-tournament favourites Vijana in the second semi-final at the same venue last weekend.
Dar es Salaam Basketball (DB) official Mbaga Mwamboma said yesterday that preparations for the two finals were on course.
The womens final between Jeshi Stars and JKT Stars will start at 2pm while the match of the day between ABC and JKT will start two hours later, Mwamboma said.The day will also see womens teams Police and Tanzania Prisons face off in the third place playoff. The match will start at 10am at the same venue.

At noon, falling giants Vijana, popularly known as City Bulls, will take on their arch-rivals Pazi in the mens third place play-off.
I am optimistic that those who will turn up at the National Indoor Stadium will have lots of fun because the teams lined up for both men and womens finals boast formidable squads, Mwamboma said.

The third place playoff matches are also expected to be exciting because Vijana and Pazi, once rated the countrys big guns, command huge following in the city.The DB official admitted that they faced various hitches in organising this years league, one of them being unwillingness of sponsors.
We are happy that the league is now inching towards the home stretch. We were afraid that lack of sponsorship could deny it the excitement and competitive edge it deserves, he said.He said they have set aside trophies and medals for the winners of Sundays finals and third place playoffs.

*****************************************************
  TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO   


Young guides Gorgan to playoffs - by Albert-Lee Young
Ian Young put up 20 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists and 2 steals in 40 minutes as Gorgan clinched the 7th spot for the Iran Super League Playoffs.

Sam Hoskins added a double-double, 18pts & 18 rebounds, in the 78-61 win over B.A. Shiraz on March 20.

In an amazing turn around in just two weeks, Gorgan advanced from the eleventh position in the standing with two games remaining in the regular season.

Since acquiring power forward, Sam Hoskins, they scored four successive victories.


*****************************************************
  TURKEY   


TB2L Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Tyrone ANDERSON
  Basaksehir
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 21.9
 1. Anderson, Basak.21.9 
 2. Nelson, Akhisar Bld20.3 
 3. Hall, Kepez Bld20.0 
 4. Johnson, Vestel19.7 
 5. Gardener, Final G.18.6 
 6. Boddicker, Selcuk U.18.4 
 7. Boswell, Basaksehir18.3 
 8. Tekinalp, ITU17.6 
 9. Boykin, Gaziantep17.5 
 10. Wright, Orman Genc17.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jason KEEP
  Adanaspor
  (208-C-78)
  Avg: 12.8
 1. Keep, Adanaspor12.8 
 2. Terell, Adanaspor11.9 
 3. Gardener, Final G.11.4 
 4. Nelson, Akhisar Bld10.7 
 5. Isik, Pertevniyal10.1 
 6. Johnson, Istanbul.10.0 
 7. Miller, Gelisim9.3 
 8. Johnson, Vestel9.3 
 9. Boswell, Basaksehir9.2 
 10. Wright, Orman Genc9.1 
Assists Per Game
 Admir KAN
  TED Istanbul
  (185-G-83)
  Avg: 6.1
 1. Kan, TED Istanbul6.1 
 2. Hall, Kepez Bld6.0 
 3. Ogut, Genc Telekom5.8 
 4. Bayrak, Usak5.1 
 5. Topcu, Gelisim4.9 
 6. Topcu, Izmir B.B.4.8 
 7. Erdogan, Adanaspor4.8 
 8. Anderson, Basak.4.8 
 9. Kavut, Optimum TED4.7 
 10. Gucyetmez, Selcuk U.4.6 
Steals Per Game
 Marcus HALL
  Kepez Bld
  (185-G-85)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Hall, Kepez Bld2.9 
 2. Anderson, Basak.2.8 
 3. Yonder, Genc Banvit2.3 
 4. Nelson, Akhisar Bld2.0 
 5. Karabulut, Orman G.1.9 
 6. Harris, FMV I.1.8 
 7. Clarkson, TED I.1.7 
 8. Demircioglu, Istanb.1.7 
 9. Delicay, Gaziantep1.7 
 10. Yikilmaz, Pertevniyal1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Ater MAJOK
  Blaze
  (208-F-87)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Majok, FMV I.3.1 
 2. Johnson, Vestel2.1 
 3. Kulcebas, Hacett.1.8 
 4. Anderson, Basak.1.8 
 5. Clarkson, TED I.1.6 
 6. Boswell, Basaksehir1.5 
 7. Smith, Usak1.5 
 8. Sanli, Darussafaka1.5 
 9. Turkyilmaz, Genc B.1.4 
 10. Johnson, Istanbul.1.4 


Spartak SP seal EuroChallenge semifinal birth - by Eurobasket News
Karsiyaka - Spartak SP 71:89

Spartak Saint Petersburg sealed the EuroChallenge birth. They upset Karsiyaka in Turkey tonight to sweep the quarterfinal series. Henry Domercant (192-G-80, college: E.Illinois) scored 23 points to lead the Russian team.
The lead changed hands several times throughout the opening term. Spartak led by 6 points late in the quarter before Aldemir and Eldridge narrowed the gap to just two points 19:21. Pero Antic (210-F-82, agency: Interperformances) and Henry Domercant enlarged the gap to 7 points early in the second term. The visitors opened a double-digit lead midway through the second frame. But Karsiyaka exploded with an 18:8 rally to level things up at 43 heading into the locker rooms. David Holston (170-G-86, college: Chicago St.) pulled Karsiyaka in front early in the third term but Henry Domercant quickly regained the lead for Spartak. The Russian side established a 65:57 lead with one quarter remaining. Pero Antic and Patrick Beverley (185-G-88, college: Arkansas) gave the visitors a 71:59 lead after three minutes of action in the final period. Soon the gap grew at 17 points and Spartak never looked back en route to the victory. Pero Antic provided 16 points and 9 boards, while Patrick Beverley added 15 points, 8 boards and 7 assists for the winners. Karsiyaka answered with 26 points from Andre Smith (203-F-85, college: N.Dakota St.). Jovo Stanojevic (208-C-77, agency: Beo Basket) and David Holston had 11 points apiece in the loss.

Karsiyaka: Andre Smith 26, Jovo Stanojevic 11, David Holston 11
Spartak SP: Henry Domercant 23, Pero Antic 16, Patrick Beverley 15


*****************************************************
  UGANDA   


Team Wazee Finally Win at FNL Event - by Eurobasket News
Wandegeya After three weeks of huffing and puffing, the old men of Team Wazee managed a narrow win over Team Ikong with a 43-42 win to give Elliot Bagenda and Peter Mubanda a grin on their faces and a chance for the coveted prize.

The former DMark Power teammates came into the third leg of the Friday Night Lights winless and had to work their feet off to match the speed and quick hands of the youthful Team Ikong. The latter though was made to pay the price of school boys errors.

Despite having just two players on time for the early kick off of the night, Team Norman registered an emphatic 67-48 win over the struggling Team Philip.

With 10 minutes to the start, only Isaac Afidra and Eric Malinga were at the YMCA Wandegeya courtside. Captain Norman Blick and his brother Donald were no where to be seen. But the two brothers made up for the lateness by turning in decent shifts to steer their team a vital victory that kept them in sight of the Shs2m overall prize.

'We were only two players around but thank God all the others arrived to show these youngsters that we are the best team in this fans event,' boasted Afidra during the post game interview.

Meanwhile, Team Kasewu continued to dominate the fan basketball tourney with a comfortable 10-point win margin over Team Opio with the final scores reading a 53-43. Kasewu, who turns out for First Division outfit Warriors, exhibited silky skills shooting three-pointers with ease and set up his teammates for easy buckets as his team outshone its less-favoured rivals.


In the final game of the night, Team Mukiza got the bettered of Team Koma by just one point 41-40 in a nervy affair. Team leader Collins Mukiza nailed three-pointers for fun all day long while his teammate Richard Omondi of Falcons kept the crowd on its feet yearning for more with a non-stop dunking fest.

Even the afternoon downpour could not stop the partisan basketball fans from turning up for the pre-season event that is organised by Kinetic Management Africa (KMG) and aimed at giving fans a chance to play alongside their stars.

Results

T. Norman 67 - 48 T.Phillip

T. Wazee 43 - 42 T. Ikong

T. Kasewu 53 - 43 T. Opio

T. Koma 40 - 41 T. Mukiiza
Courtesy of: The Monitor

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


Stats Leaders - Men
Points Per Game
 Steve BURTT
  Dnipro
  (185-G-84)
  Avg: 23.3
 1. Burtt, Dnipro23.3 
 2. Burns, Fe.17.5 
 3. Flores, BC Donetsk17.3 
 4. Washington, BC Od.17.1 
 5. Curry, Azovmash16.5 
 6. Wiggins, Halychyna14.9 
 7. Williams, Halychyna14.9 
 8. Millage, Khimik14.8 
 9. Bakic, Kryvbasb.14.5 
 10. Love, Mykolaiv14.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Michael FRASER
  DniproAzot
  (203-C/F-84)
  Avg: 10.8
 1. Fraser, DniproAzot10.8 
 2. Wiggins, Halychyna9.3 
 3. Burns, Fe.8.5 
 4. Saltovets, BC Kyiv7.6 
 5. Austin, Dnipro7.3 
 6. Morrison, Halyc.7.2 
 7. Hunter, Fe.6.9 
 8. Owens, Azovmash6.8 
 9. Chappell, Hoverla6.7 
 10. Greene, Mykolaiv6.4 
Assists Per Game
 Sasa VASILJEVIC
  BC Donetsk
  (183-G-79)
  Avg: 5
 1. Vasiljevic, BC Do.5.0 
 2. Abernethy, Halyc.5.0 
 3. Zimmerman, Hoverla4.9 
 4. Burtt, Dnipro4.8 
 5. Funn, Halychyna4.7 
 6. Millage, Khimik4.6 
 7. Brewer, BC Odessa4.5 
 8. Sparks, BC Odessa4.4 
 9. Sirsnins, DniproAzot4.1 
 10. Curry, Azovmash4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Curtis MILLAGE
  Khimik
  (185-G-81)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Millage, Khimik2.3 
 2. House, Azovmash1.9 
 3. Sparks, BC Odessa1.7 
 4. Mazutis, Mykolaiv1.6 
 5. Sirutavicius, Dnipro.1.6 
 6. Burns, Fe.1.5 
 7. Swanson, Hoverla1.5 
 8. Greene, Mykolaiv1.5 
 9. Funn, Halychyna1.4 
 10. Love, Mykolaiv1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 James HUGHES
  Mykolaiv
  (211-C-83)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Hughes, Mykolaiv2.2 
 2. Kravtsov, BC Do.2.1 
 3. Hunter, Fe.1.6 
 4. Zaitsev, Kryvbasb.1.5 
 5. Morrison, Halyc.1.4 
 6. Balashov, BC Odessa1.4 
 7. Turner, BC Odessa1.3 
 8. Pettway, Dnipro1.3 
 9. Agafonov, Budiv.1.3 
 10. Owens, Azovmash1.2 


Standings - Superleague
Superleague Standings
 1. Budivelnyk 31-10 
 2. BC Donetsk 30-11 
 3. Hoverla 26-16 
 4. Azovmash 25-15 
 5. Ferro-ZNTU 23-18 
 6. Mykolaiv 21-19 
 7. Kryvbasbasket 20-21 
 8. Dnipro 19-20 
 9. DniproAzot 17-24 
 10. BC Odessa 17-25 
 11. Halychyna 14-28 
 12. Khimik 13-28 
 13. BC Kyiv 10-31 


*****************************************************
  VENEZUELA   


Standings - LPB
LPB Standings
 1. Cocodrilos 12-2 
 2. Marinos 11-1 
 3. Guaiqueries 7-6 
 4. Toros 7-6 
 5. Trotamundos 6-7 
 6. Panteras 6-8 
 7. Gigantes 6-8 
 8. Guaros 5-9 
 9. Bucaneros 4-10 
 10. Gaiteros 3-10 




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

Women News

*****************************************************
  ANGOLA - Women  


1 de Agosto thrash Interclube B - by Eurobasket News
Luanda 1 de Agosto clubs snior women team of basketball thrashed Interclube B side by 86-32, in a fourth round match of the tournament opening the 2011 Luanda season.

By the half-time, 1 de Agosto were winning by a gap of four points.

The fourth round will continue Saturday between Juventude de Viana and GD Maculusso.
Interclube A rested for schedule arrangement.
Courtesy of: http://www.portalangop.co.ao

*****************************************************
  AUSTRALIA - Women  


Micaela Cocks joins Sandringham Sabres - by Eurobasket News
Micaela Cocks (173-G-86, college: Oregon) will continue her career in Australia. The 24-year-old guard has agreed on terms of contract with the ABA side Sandringham Sabres. Micaela Cocks started the season in Poland. She tallied 9.5 points, 2.0 boards and 1.5 assists per game for Energa Torun. In October she moved to Cote dOpale Basket Calais. Her stats read 1.3 points and 0.8 rebounds per appearance. Micaela Cocks graduated from the University of Oregon in 2010. She posted 14.2 points, 3.2 boards and 2.9 assists in her senior seasons for the Ducks. Micaela Cocks was named the MVP for the Ducks. The guard played for the Tall Ferns at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Her stats read 1.8 points, 1.4 boards and 1.8 assists per appearance.


*****************************************************
  BALTIC LEAGUE - Women  


Minsk and Klaipeda open Group A and Group B clashes - by Eurobasket News
Lemminkainen - Spartak SP 44-64

The game was mostly controlled by Spartak St.Petersburg. Lemminkainen managed to win third quarter 13-9. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Lemminkainen to just 2 points in first quarter. Spartak St.Petersburg held Lemminkainen to an opponent 23.5 percent shooting from the field compared to 30.8 percent accuracy of the winners. Spartak St.Petersburg forced 19 Lemminkainen turnovers and outrebounded them 59-28 including a 26-5 advantage in offensive rebounds. Guard Olga Vorobjova (180-87) fired a double-double by scoring 12 points and 18 rebounds for the winners. Center Liubov Paskalenko (205-90) chipped in a double-double by scoring 11 points and 13 rebounds. Guard Irma Raugaite (176-84) produced 11 points and 7 rebounds (made all of her nine free throws !!!) and guard Rita Milieskiene (175-78) added 7 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. Lemminkainen's coach Alfredas Kaniava rotated ten players seeing no chance for a win.
Top scorers:
Spartak SP: O.Vorobjova 12+18reb+1ast, O.Gricaeva 12+7reb+2ast, L.Paskalenko 11+13reb, E.Belyakova 9+8reb+3ast, K.Keyru 8+5reb+1ast, E.Kokovikhina 6+7reb+1ast
Lemminkainen: I.Raugaite 11+7reb+2ast, I.Visgaudaite 9+2reb+1ast, R.Milieskiene 7+6reb+1ast, M.Grigalauskyte 5+3reb, G.Gutkauskaite 5+2reb, E.Zygelyte 3+4reb
gschID: 123897


VICI Kaunas - Olimpia 90-71

The hosts trailed by 8 points at the halftime before their 52-25 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. VICI Kaunas outrebounded Olimpia GrGAU 48-33 including a 37-26 advantage in offensive rebounds. Guard Ausra Bimbaite (179-82) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners and center Giedre Paugaite (192-90) chipped in 20 points and 8 rebounds. Four VICI Kaunas players scored in double figures. At the losing side Ukrainian guard Victoria Shmatova (171-87) responded with 17 points and forward Natallia Kozun (188-88) scored 11 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
VICI Kaunas: G.Paugaite 20+8reb, A.Bimbaite 18+10reb+4ast, C.Pilypaitis 14+3reb+4ast, A.Kemezys 11+10reb, M.Sauliute 9+1reb+2ast, V.Kuktiene 9+8reb+2ast
Olimpia: V.Shmatova 17+4reb+3ast, P.Davineia 12+1reb+1ast, N.Kozun 11+8reb+1ast, A.Zubrytskaya 9+3reb+2ast, M.Filonchyk 7+6reb, A.Iordan 6+2reb
gschID: 123894


Gorizont - Minsk-2006 78-72

Gorizobt won the Belarus battle 78:72 over Minsk 2006.
gschID: 123895


TTT Riga - Berezina 70-50

It was a very close game until the last quarter, when TTT Riga's pressure prevailed and they won that period 19-6 extending their advantage to 20 points. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Berezina-RCOR to just 6 points in fourth quarter. TTT Riga made 25-of-33 charity shots (75.8 percent) during the game, while Berezina-RCOR only scored four points from the stripe. TTT Riga forced 29 Berezina-RCOR turnovers and had a 22-6 advantage in offensive rebounds. 25 personal fouls committed by Berezina-RCOR helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Guard Anda Eibele (170-84, agency: Josep and Nicolas) nailed 17 points and 6 rebounds for the winning side and forward Karline Nimane (188-90) accounted for 17 points and 7 rebounds. Forward Ala Murauskaya (185-85) came up with a double-double by scoring 12 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists and power forward Hanna Kalenta (187-94) added 11 points and 7 rebounds respectively for Berezina-RCOR in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest.
Top scorers:
TTT Riga: A.Eibele 17+6reb+2ast, K.Nimane 17+7reb+1ast, Z.Jakobsone 10+2reb+2ast, D.Krumberga 8+13reb+1ast, E.Pavlovska 7+5reb, G.Lagzdina 5+5reb
Berezina: A.Murauskaya 12+13reb+6ast, H.Kalenta 11+7reb+2ast, N.Jakovits 9+2reb+2ast, J.Haponova 6+4reb, I.Chodkavets 6+1reb, H.Kalikh 2+2reb+1ast
gschID: 123896




Standings
Baltic League Standings
Semifinals
Group A
 1. Spartak SP 1-0 
 2. TTT Riga 1-0 
 3. Berezina 0-1 
 4. Lemminkainen 0-1 
Group B
 1. Gorizont 1-0 
 2. VICI Kaunas 1-0 
 3. Minsk-2006 0-1 
 4. Olimpia 0-1 


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Merike ANDERSON
  Spartak SP
  (181-F-81)
  Avg: 18.3
 1. Anderson, Spart.18.3 
 2. Nikolai, TL.18.0 
 3. Murauskaya, Berez.16.6 
 4. Lacy, Spartak SP16.3 
 5. Belyakova, Spart.16.3 
 6. Kozun, Olimpia15.9 
 7. Dyeva, Serene14.9 
 8. Kast, TL.14.8 
 9. Givens, Minsk-200614.8 
 10. Junaid, Spartak SP14.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Sigita GALDIKAITE
  MRU
  (188-F-90)
  Avg: 10
 1. Galdikaite, MRU10.0 
 2. Murauskaya, Berez.8.8 
 3. Kozun, Olimpia8.7 
 4. Junaid, Spartak SP8.5 
 5. Dyeva, Serene8.5 
 6. Iordan, Olimpia8.4 
 7. Aleksaite, MRU8.1 
 8. Kast, TL.8.0 
 9. Filonchyk, Olimpia7.9 
 10. Gricaeva, Spart.7.9 
Assists Per Game
 Iva CIGLAR
  Spartak SP
  (170-G-85)
  Avg: 5.5
 1. Ciglar, Spartak SP5.5 
 2. Padabed, Minsk.4.2 
 3. Murauskaya, Berez.4.2 
 4. Kashlei, Olimpia3.9 
 5. Zintikaite, MRU3.6 
 6. Padshyvalava, Victo.3.2 
 7. Yuzhakova, Spart.3.2 
 8. Jakovits, Berezina3.1 
 9. Keyru, Spartak SP3.0 
 10. Givens, Minsk-20063.0 
Steals Per Game
 Marija KUHAREVA
  Spartak SP
  (185-F-89)
  Avg: 3.8
 1. Kuhareva, Spart.3.8 
 2. Keyru, Spartak SP3.7 
 3. Murauskaya, Berez.3.5 
 4. Gricaeva, Spart.3.2 
 5. Padshyvalava, Victo.3.1 
 6. Belyakova, Spart.2.8 
 7. Ciglar, Spartak SP2.5 
 8. Miil, TL.2.5 
 9. Martinkute, MRU2.3 
 10. Okuneva, TL.2.2 
Blocks Per Game
 Valeria KAST
  Mariana
  (201-C-87)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Kast, Minsk-20061.9 
 2. Kast, TL.1.8 
 3. Murauskaya, Berez.1.5 
 4. Galdikaite, MRU1.5 
 5. Paskalenko, Spart.1.4 
 6. Istseliatsov., Minsk-.1.3 
 7. Rashcenia, Victoria1.3 
 8. Filonchyk, Olimpia1.2 
 9. Kalenta, Berezina1.0 
 10. Junaid, Spartak SP1.0 


*****************************************************
  BELARUS - Women  


Davineia Payne tries hard for Olimpia - by Eurobasket News
A newcomer Davineia Payne (175-G-83, college: La Salle) already played several games for Olimpia and today appeared in the Baltic League Quarterfinals with her new team.
In 2001-2002 she started for Caravel Academy H.S. (USA, CAP) and averaged 19.8ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.0bpg, 6.0spg, 2.0apg, FT: 78.0%. The next four seasons Davineia Payne played for La Salle (NCAA) and in the last season became the second top-scorer averaging 11.1ppg, Reb-1 (7.0rpg), 2.2apg, FG: 40.3%, 3PT: 35.8%. In 2007-2008 appeared in BC Star (Estonia-Meistriliiga, starting five) and in 2008-2009 continued with BC Star-TLU Tallinn (Estonia-Meistriliiga, starting five). In Estonian League she became the best top-scorer with (24.0ppg), 7.2rpg, 4.5apg and in EuroCup after 8 games had 13.5ppg, 9.3rpg, 2.6apg, 1.9spg. That season she also debuted in BWBL and became the third top-scorer with 21.2ppg, Reb-4 (9.6rpg), 3.5apg, Steals-2 (2.7spg), 2FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 25.6%, FT: 72.7%. The season 2009-2010 started for Dynamo-NPU Kyiv (Ukraine-UBL, starting five) and in Ukrainian League after 33 games had 16.6ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.8apg, 1.8spg, 2FGP-3 (58.9%), 3PT: 6.9%, FT: 66.8%. In 2010 also played for Pennsylvania Lazers (WBCBL, starting five).



*****************************************************
  BELGIUM - Women  


D1 Quarterfinals: First games (best-of-three) - by Eurobasket News
Houthalen - Waregem 45-64

The game without a history. Declercq Stortbeton led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Worth to mention a great performance of international forward Jana Raman (182-F-91) who helped to win the game recording 18 points and 7 rebounds. The former international power forward Irina Medvedeva (190-F/C-76) contributed with 14 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Declercq Stortbeton's coach Daniel Goethals used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The former international forward Annelies Blommaers (176-83) answered with 20 points and international swingman Nina Crelot (170-87) added 10 points in the effort for Houthalen.
Top scorers:
Houthalen: A.Blommaers 20+2reb+2ast, N.Crelot 10+3reb, K.Bartholomeeus 5+4reb, E.Geraedts 4+4reb, W.Bas 4+6reb+2ast, L.Gielen 2+2reb
Waregem: J.Raman 18+7reb+3ast, N.Deyaert 14+5reb+1ast, I.Medvedeva 14+7reb+2ast, T.Van Respaille 8+7reb+1ast, L.Foucart 3+2reb+2ast, H.Ben Abdelkader 3+1reb+3ast
gschID: 123871


Jeugd Gentson - Sint Kateline 48-92

The game was mostly controlled by Sint Kateline Waver. Jeugd Gentson was better in third quarter 21-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Jeugd Gentson to just 6 points in fourth quarter. Sint Kateline Waver dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Jeugd Gentson's 24. Sint Kateline Waver forced 26 Jeugd Gentson turnovers. Worth to mention a great performance of international swingman Sara Leemans (178-88) who helped to win the game recording 23 points and 4 assists. American forward Melissa Dennett (188-83, college: Colorado St.) contributed with 18 points and 9 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) for the winners. Five Sint Kateline Waver players scored in double figures. Center Lieselot Malfait (190-87, college: IPFW) answered with 15 points and 7 rebounds and guard Nele Poffyn (173-91) added 12 points in the effort for Jeugd Gentson. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games.
Top scorers:
Jeugd Gentson: L.Malfait 15+7reb+1ast, N.Poffyn 12+1reb, L.Platteau 7+2reb+3ast, L.Lentacker 5+3reb+2ast, J.De Witte 4+3reb, E.Wezenbeek 2+4reb+1ast
Sint Kateline: S.Leemans 23+3reb+4ast, M.Dennett 18+9reb+1ast, M.Celus 14+2reb+5ast, H.Mestdagh 11+5reb+2ast, F.Mertens 10+4reb, A.Verelst 6
gschID: 123872


R.Spirou M. - BBC Boom 58-57 OT

The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 15-11. But BBC Boom won second period 13-10. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening, at least not yet. The game turned upside-down in the last quarter, where BBC Boom used huge pressure winning it 14-7 getting a tie at the end of regular time. They lost eventually overtime period 5-6. R.Spirou Monceau forced 20 BBC Boom turnovers. Worth to mention a great performance of international forward Virginie Michiels (182-87) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 13 points and 12 rebounds. Hungarian center Katalin Kurtozi (193-81, college: St.John's, agency: LBM Management) contributed with 9 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. The former international center Dana Boonen (197-79, college: Rutgers) answered with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 14 rebounds and guard Vreny Van Driel (176-88) added 14 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for BBC Boom.
Top scorers:
BBC Boom: D.Boonen 19+14reb, V.Van Driel 14+6reb+1ast, I.Meylemans 7+4reb+2ast, I.Van den Vonder 6+4reb, E.Decroos 5+5reb+1ast, A.Lydia Boel 3+2reb
R.Spirou M.: V.Michiels 13+12reb, S.Signore 10+1reb+1ast, K.Kurtozi 9+5reb, K.Ballau 6+3reb+2ast, M.Hamaide 6+1reb+1ast, V.Kara 4+2reb+2ast
gschID: 123873


Ieper - Dexia Namur 62-71

Blue Cats were trailing by 3 points at halftime but managed to get 5-point lead after three quarters before a 24-10 charge of Dexia Namur, which allowed them to win the game. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Blue Cats to just 6 points in first quarter. Dexia Namur made 17-of-22 free shots (77.3 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Blue Cats 41-28 including 27 on the defensive glass. It was a very good performance for international center Laurence VanMalderen (193-81, agency: LBM Management) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 21 points and 11 rebounds (made all of her seven free throws). American center Katryna Gaither (191-75, agency: LBM Management) contributed with 15 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Guard Sien Devliegher (174-93) answered with 17 points and guard Marieke Versavel (167-92) added 17 points in the effort for Blue Cats.
Top scorers:
Ieper: S.Devliegher 17+4reb+2ast, M.Versavel 17+3reb+3ast, E.Meesseman 12+9reb+1ast, A.Lerooy 9+2reb, A.Plasman 7+3reb+2ast, S.Norman 0+3reb+1ast
Dexia Namur: L.VanMalderen 21+11reb+2ast, K.Gaither 15+8reb, B.Ray 14+8reb, S.Dubuc 9+2reb+1ast, O.Agabalova 6+7reb+1ast, S.Deneil 6+4reb+4ast
gschID: 123874


PLAY-OUT

Willebroek - Point Chaud 55-65

The game was mostly controlled by Point Chaud. Basket Groot was better in second period 15-11. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Point Chaud dominated down low during the game scoring 42 of its points in the paint compared to Basket Groot's 22. Point Chaud forced 22 Basket Groot turnovers and outrebounded them 52-29 including a 38-21 advantage in defensive rebounds. Basket Groot was plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a very good performance for Canadian guard Alisha Tatham (180-86, college: Massachusetts) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 18 points and 17 rebounds. International guard Noemie Mayombo (171-91, agency: LBM Management) contributed with 14 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Center Trui Bijnens (187-84) answered with 10 points and 8 rebounds and swingman Karen Hendrickx (171-88) added 15 points in the effort for Basket Groot. Basket Groot's coach rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Willebroek: K.Hendrickx 15+2reb, T.Bijnens 10+8reb+1ast, K.Callebaut 7+3reb+5ast, M.Van Breedam 6+2reb+5ast, I.Beaurang 5+1reb+1ast, F.Bouche 5+1reb+1ast
Point Chaud: A.Tatham 18+17reb+1ast, N.Mayombo 14+7reb+3ast, C.Ibekwe 9+10reb, J.Mayinga 8+6reb+2ast, E.Mayombo 8+6reb+1ast, X.Smeets 3+2reb
gschID: 123914




D1 Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Sara LEEMANS
  Sint Kateline
  (178-G/F-88)
  Avg: 20.7
 1. Leemans, Sint K.20.7 
 2. Tatham, Point C.18.4 
 3. Meesseman, Ieper17.9 
 4. VanMalderen, Dexia N.16.3 
 5. Gaither, Dexia N.16.2 
 6. Dennett, Sint K.16.1 
 7. Wilkins, Point Chaud15.1 
 8. Mayombo, Point C.14.8 
 9. Decroos, BBC Boom14.5 
 10. Blommaers, Houth.14.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Rhona MCKENZIE
  Houthalen
  (183-F-76)
  Avg: 13.4
 1. McKenzie, Houth.13.4 
 2. Meesseman, Ieper10.9 
 3. Dennett, Sint K.9.5 
 4. Wilkins, Point Chaud9.0 
 5. Gaither, Dexia N.8.9 
 6. Tatham, Point C.8.9 
 7. Ibekwe, Point C.8.5 
 8. Van Respaill., Wareg.8.5 
 9. Hoehne, R.Spirou.8.4 
 10. Kurtozi, R.Spirou.8.4 
Assists Per Game
 Sara LEEMANS
  Sint Kateline
  (178-G/F-88)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. Leemans, Sint K.3.2 
 2. Van Dessel, Sint K.2.3 
 3. Ballau, R.Spirou.2.3 
 4. Mayombo, Point C.2.2 
 5. Deneil, Dexia Namur1.9 
 6. Devliegher, Ieper1.9 
 7. Van Driel, BBC B.1.8 
 8. Vanloo, Waregem1.8 
 9. Deyaert, Waregem1.8 
 10. VanMalderen, Dexia N.1.8 
Steals Per Game
 Emma MEESSEMAN
  Ieper
  (188-C-93)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Meesseman, Ieper2.5 
 2. Gaither, Dexia N.2.4 
 3. Mayombo, Point C.2.2 
 4. Van De Bruae., Deerl.2.1 
 5. Leemans, Sint K.2.0 
 6. Ballau, R.Spirou.2.0 
 7. Deneil, Dexia Namur2.0 
 8. Van den Vond., BBC B.2.0 
 9. Deyaert, Waregem2.0 
 10. Van Driel, BBC B.1.9 
Blocks Per Game
 Emma MEESSEMAN
  Ieper
  (188-C-93)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Meesseman, Ieper2.9 
 2. Dennett, Sint K.1.7 
 3. Boonen, BBC Boom1.6 
 4. Theunissen, Point C.1.2 
 5. Kurtozi, R.Spirou.1.2 
 6. Gaither, Dexia N.1.0 
 7. VanMalderen, Dexia N.0.9 
 8. Lentacker, Jeugd G.0.9 
 9. Malfait, Jeugd G.0.8 
 10. Hoehne, R.Spirou.0.7 


*****************************************************
  BULGARIA - Women  


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Juanita WARD
  Beroe 07
  (180-G-86)
  Avg: 24.9
 1. Ward, Beroe 0724.9 
 2. Allen, Dunav19.4 
 3. Samburska, Lukoil18.4 
 4. Tisdale, Lukoil17.7 
 5. Bowie, Lukoil17.5 
 6. Doychinova, Montan.16.8 
 7. Topalova-S., Levski16.7 
 8. Stankova, Levski15.6 
 9. Kordova, Dunav15.6 
 10. Dimitrova, Levski15.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Juanita WARD
  Beroe 07
  (180-G-86)
  Avg: 10.4
 1. Ward, Beroe 0710.4 
 2. Bowie, Lukoil9.8 
 3. Topalova-S., Levski8.8 
 4. Doychinova, Montan.8.5 
 5. Erak, Lukoil7.9 
 6. Byears, Dunav7.5 
 7. Allen, Dunav7.0 
 8. Kaloferova, Beroe 6.8 
 9. Simeonova, Montana .6.6 
 10. Minkova, Dunav6.4 
Assists Per Game
 Diana NAYDENOVA
  Levski
  (171-G-73)
  Avg: 6.6
 1. Naydenova, Levski6.6 
 2. Vrancheva, Montana .6.2 
 3. Pasheva, Beroe 074.5 
 4. Kostova, Dunav4.5 
 5. Stankova, Levski3.6 
 6. Dzhambazka, Levski3.4 
 7. Peeva, Lukoil3.4 
 8. Mihalkova, Montana .2.9 
 9. Minkova, Dunav2.8 
 10. Naydenova, Slavia2.8 
Steals Per Game
 Diana NAYDENOVA
  Levski
  (171-G-73)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Naydenova, Levski2.9 
 2. Peeva, Lukoil2.7 
 3. Allen, Dunav2.4 
 4. Bowie, Lukoil2.3 
 5. Naydenova, Slavia2.2 
 6. Topalova-S., Levski2.2 
 7. Kostova, Dunav2.2 
 8. Vrancheva, Montana .2.1 
 9. Dimitrova, Levski2.1 
 10. Stankova, Levski2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Zlatina KALOFEROVA
  Beroe 07
  (192-C-86)
  Avg: 1
 1. Kaloferova, Beroe 1.0 
 2. Bowie, Lukoil0.8 
 3. Allen, Dunav0.7 
 4. Topalova-S., Levski0.6 
 5. Ward, Beroe 070.6 
 6. Mihalkova, Montana .0.6 
 7. Zagorova, Levski0.5 
 8. Doychinova, Montan.0.5 
 9. Todorova, Montana .0.5 
 10. Spasova, Beroe 070.3 


NBL Quarterfinals: First games - by Eurobasket News
First games of the NBL Quarterfinals were played yesterday. Beroe 07 and Montana 2003 are 1-0 up against their rivals. The format is best-of-three and second games are scheduled for tomorrow.

Dunav - Beroe 07 70-77 (0-1)
The guests started the game with a very strong first quarter 22-13. But Dunav won fourth quarter 18-15. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Beroe 07 had a 35-19 advantage in offensive rebounds. 28 personal fouls committed by Dunav helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American guard Juanita Ward (180-G-86, agency: Merit Sports, college: Syracuse) fired a double-double by scoring 31 points, 17 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Forward Delyana Koeva (182-86) chipped in a double-double by scoring 13 points and 11 rebounds. American forward Latasha Byears (184-73, college: De Paul) produced a double-double by scoring 20 points and 14 rebounds and the other American import guard Charel Allen (181-86, college: Notre Dame, agency: LBM Management) added 22 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. Four Dunav players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Beroe 07: J.Ward 31+17reb+5ast, N.Emery 13+1reb, D.Koeva 13+11reb, N.Pasheva 9+2reb+3ast, R.Naneva 8+4reb+1ast, S.Nikolova 3
Dunav: C.Allen 22+6reb, L.Byears 20+14reb, H.Minkova 11+3reb+6ast, Z.Kostova 10+5reb+4ast, K.Kordova 7+3reb+1ast, D.Tsekova 0
gschID: 124341

Montana 2003 - Slavia 95-55 (1-0)
The game without a history. Montana 2003 led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Slavia to just 6 points in fourth quarter and to 13 points in second half. Montana 2003 dominated down low during the game scoring 70 of its points in the paint compared to Slavia's 38. Montana 2003 forced 21 Slavia turnovers and outrebounded them 35-22 including 21 on the defensive glass. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international guard Ivelina Vrancheva (175-80) who helped to win the game recording 17 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 7 steals. Forward Nadezhda Simeonova (183-83) contributed with 21 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Five Montana 2003 players scored in double figures. International center Aleksandra Delcheva (202-87) answered with 19 points and 7 rebounds and power forward Maria Ranguelova (186-90) added 9 points and 9 rebounds in the effort for Slavia. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games.
Top scorers:
Montana 2003: N.Simeonova 21+7reb+1ast, I.Vrancheva 17+8reb+5ast, C.Mihalkova 13+3reb+5ast, A.Doychinova 11+2reb+1ast, T.Petrova 11+5reb+2ast, J.Zhelyova 9+1reb+2ast
Slavia: A.Delcheva 19+7reb, M.Dilova 11+1reb+3ast, M.Ranguelova 9+9reb+1ast, Z.Naydenova 7+2reb+3ast, V.Kovacheva 7+2reb+2ast, M.Nikolova 2

*****************************************************
  CZECH REPUBLIC - Women  


Standings - ZBL (W)
ZBL Standings
A1
 1. Frisco Sika 22-1 
 2. USK Praha 21-2 
 3. Slovanka MB 13-10 
 4. Trutnov 10-13 
A2
 1. Strakonice 15-12 
 2. Valosun Brno 14-13 
 3. Karlovy Vary 11-16 
 4. Hradec Kralove 10-17 
 5. VS Praha 9-19 
 6. Pardubice 2-24 


Stats Leaders - Women
Points Per Game
 Frida ELDEBRINK
  Frisco Sika
  (174-G-88)
  Avg: 21.3
 1. Eldebrink, Frisco S.21.3 
 2. Milton-Jones, USK P.20.1 
 3. Reisingerova, Strako.18.4 
 4. Vlkova, Valosun .17.2 
 5. Halvarsson, Frisco S.16.8 
 6. Johnova, Strakonice16.0 
 7. Snajdrova-Z., Trutn.15.9 
 8. Viteckova, USK P.15.2 
 9. Ford, Frisco Sika15.0 
 10. Elhotova, USK Praha14.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Cheryl FORD
  Frisco Sika
  (191-F/C-81)
  Avg: 12.4
 1. Ford, Frisco Sika12.4 
 2. Reisingerova, Strako.10.7 
 3. Vecerova, Valosun .9.6 
 4. Kulichova, USK P.7.9 
 5. Snajdrova-Z., Trutn.7.8 
 6. Skerovic, Frisco Sika7.7 
 7. Milton-Jones, USK P.7.5 
 8. Sipova, Slovanka.7.0 
 9. Halvarsson, Frisco S.6.8 
 10. Vetrovcova, Karlov.6.7 
Assists Per Game
 Hana NEZDARILOVA-STANKOVA
  Slovanka MB
  (170-G-84)
  Avg: 5.8
 1. Nezdarilova-S., Slovan.5.8 
 2. Skerovic, Frisco Sika5.2 
 3. Uhrova, Strakonice4.4 
 4. Whalen, USK Praha3.4 
 5. Johnova, Strakonice3.0 
 6. Viteckova, USK P.2.9 
 7. Kysilkova, Hradec K.2.8 
 8. Eldebrink, Frisco S.2.8 
 9. Brantlova, VS Praha2.6 
 10. Hrabakova, Karlovy .2.5 
Steals Per Game
 Hana NEZDARILOVA-STANKOVA
  Slovanka MB
  (170-G-84)
  Avg: 3.5
 1. Nezdarilova-S., Slovan.3.5 
 2. Skerovic, Frisco Sika2.6 
 3. Brantlova, VS Praha2.5 
 4. Uhrova, Strakonice2.4 
 5. Milton-Jones, USK P.2.3 
 6. Novotna, Slovanka.2.1 
 7. Johnova, Strakonice2.1 
 8. Whalen, USK Praha2.0 
 9. Kulichova, USK P.1.9 
 10. Snajdrova-Z., Trutn.1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Michaela HARTIGOVA
  Hradec Kralove
  (192-C-83)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Hartigova, Hradec K.1.8 
 2. Kulichova, USK P.1.7 
 3. Vecerova, Valosun .1.0 
 4. Milton-Jones, USK P.0.9 
 5. Vajda, USK Praha0.8 
 6. Ferancikova, USK P.0.7 
 7. Stepanova, VS Praha0.7 
 8. Novakova, Trutnov0.7 
 9. Halvarsson, Frisco S.0.7 
 10. Hanusova, Frisco S.0.6 


*****************************************************
  DENMARK - Women  


Stats Leaders - Damenligaen
Points Per Game
 Lauren BECKLEY
  Lemvig
  (181-F/C-)
  Avg: 21.6
 1. Beckley, Lemvig21.6 
 2. Furgeson, Horsens16.7 
 3. Hesseldal, Aabyhoj16.6 
 4. Fuller, Falcon16.5 
 5. Holmes, Aabyhoj15.7 
 6. Tryggedsson, Aabyh.15.4 
 7. Smith, Horsens14.8 
 8. Girdwood, Vaerlose14.4 
 9. Hansen, Falcon13.7 
 10. Deemand, Horsholm13.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jessica FULLER
  Falcon
  (193-C-87)
  Avg: 13.5
 1. Fuller, Falcon13.5 
 2. Holmes, Aabyhoj10.2 
 3. Beckley, Lemvig9.8 
 4. Furgeson, Horsens9.6 
 5. Kruuse, Amager9.4 
 6. Smith, Horsens8.8 
 7. Kielpinski, Lemvig8.7 
 8. Hesseldal, Aabyhoj7.5 
 9. Girdwood, Vaerlose7.2 
 10. Aitch, SISU6.7 
Assists Per Game
 Mie BURLIN
  Lemvig
  (178-G-)
  Avg: 4.2
 1. Burlin, Lemvig4.2 
 2. Lund, SISU4.1 
 3. Krogh, Aabyhoj3.7 
 4. Jensen, Amager3.4 
 5. Haven, Vaerlose3.4 
 6. Blands, SISU3.2 
 7. Jorgensen, SISU3.1 
 8. Hesseldal, Aabyhoj3.0 
 9. Furgeson, Horsens3.0 
 10. Laursen, Horsens2.9 
Steals Per Game
 Emilie HESSELDAL
  Aabyhoj
  (185-F/C-90)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. Hesseldal, Aabyhoj3.2 
 2. Furgeson, Horsens2.7 
 3. Blands, SISU2.6 
 4. Lund, SISU2.3 
 5. Ryder, Horsholm2.3 
 6. Jorgensen, SISU2.0 
 7. Deemand, Horsholm1.9 
 8. Udovalieva, Lemvig1.9 
 9. Beckley, Lemvig1.8 
 10. Kongeskov, Amager1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Jessica FULLER
  Falcon
  (193-C-87)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Fuller, Falcon3.1 
 2. Kielpinski, Lemvig1.6 
 3. Dokkedal, Vaerlose0.9 
 4. Hesseldal, Aabyhoj0.8 
 5. Kruuse, Amager0.7 
 6. Girdwood, Vaerlose0.6 
 7. Aitch, SISU0.6 
 8. Holmes, Aabyhoj0.5 
 9. Gilling, Horsholm0.5 
 10. Dalgaard, SISU0.4 


*****************************************************
  EUROCUP - Women  


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Ana DABOVIC
  Dynamo-GUVD
  (183-G/F-89)
  Avg: 20.3
 1. Dabovic, Dy.20.3 
 2. Willingham, Elitzu.19.2 
 3. Carson, SEAT L.19.1 
 4. Sanni, Villeneuve19.0 
 5. Podesvova, MBK R.18.0 
 6. Mosch, Dy.17.7 
 7. Gaither, Dexia N.17.5 
 8. Williams, Olivais17.4 
 9. Givens, Minsk-200617.2 
 10. Dennett, Sint K.17.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Simona PODESVOVA
  MBK Ruzomb.
  (186-F-83)
  Avg: 11.9
 1. Podesvova, MBK R.11.9 
 2. Stone, Partizan11.0 
 3. Thomas, Villeneuve10.8 
 4. Whitehead, Craiova10.0 
 5. Zarytska, Hatis Y.9.8 
 6. Willingham, Elitzu.9.6 
 7. Sanni, Villeneuve9.4 
 8. Dennett, Sint K.9.3 
 9. Myasoedova, Dynam.8.8 
 10. Olajuwon, SEAT L.8.7 
Assists Per Game
 Michelle BRANDAO
  Olivais
  (171-G-91)
  Avg: 6
 1. Brandao, Olivais6.0 
 2. Comtesse, Saarl.5.3 
 3. Bajic, Zeljeznicar5.2 
 4. Aubert, Nantes4.9 
 5. Marchanka, Dynamo M.4.8 
 6. Dabovic, Dy.4.6 
 7. Milanovich, Spart.4.5 
 8. Cherepanova, Cheva.4.4 
 9. Tarta, Craiova4.2 
 10. Tanqueray, Villeneuve4.2 
Steals Per Game
 Quianna CHANEY
  Hatis Yerevan
  (180-G-86)
  Avg: 3.6
 1. Chaney, Hatis Y.3.6 
 2. Gomis, Arras3.6 
 3. Gaither, Dexia N.3.2 
 4. Moore, Chevakata2.9 
 5. Wright, Elitzur Ramla2.9 
 6. Linkeviciene, Dynamo K.2.8 
 7. Carpreaux, Villeneuve2.7 
 8. Meesseman, Young C.2.6 
 9. Tanqueray, Villeneuve2.6 
 10. Dabovic, Dy.2.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Natalya MYASOEDOVA
  Dynamo-GUVD
  (192-C-87)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Myasoedova, Dynam.2.3 
 2. Ivankovic, Jolly2.0 
 3. Kuzina, Dynamo M.2.0 
 4. Meesseman, Young C.1.9 
 5. Riley, Athinaikos1.7 
 6. Dennett, Sint K.1.5 
 7. Mills, Alges1.3 
 8. Hasper, Gorizont1.3 
 9. Snow, Dynamo K.1.2 
 10. Skrba, Aris1.2 


Elitzur Ramla wins the EuroCup title - by Eurobasket News
Arras - Elitzur Ramla 53-61
Elitzur Ramla is the EuroCup winner for season 2010/11. The Israeli squad shined when it was the most important and outplayed Arras on the road 53-61. Teams were tied to 61-61 after the first meeting. Le'Coe Willingham (183-C-81, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Auburn) and Laine Selwyn (170-G-81, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Pittsburgh) scored 15 points each for the winners. They also grabbed 7 and 6 rebounds respectively.