EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 3/29/2011

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Men News

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


South Team wins ACPBL All-Star Game - by Gianni Pascucci
A standing room only crowd of 700+ fans packed the gymnasium on the campus of Atlantic Shores Christian High School in Chesapeake, Virginia on Friday March 25, 2011 for the ACPBL All-Star game.
The night started off with a bang (literally) as Vincent Brooks (6'1''-G-85, college: Brookdale CC) of the Garden State Rebels won the 2011 ACPBL Slam-Dunk Contest by jumping over a 6'2' fan whom he pulled from the packed stands and delivering a thunderous dunk that shook the back board. Local hero Jamal Robinson (6'5''-F/G-73, college: Virginia) of the Tru Hope Trailblazers won the 2011 ACPBL 3-point shooting contest.
The all-star game was full of scoring, dazzling passes and alley-oop dunks. Fans watched as the ACPBL South All-Stars dominated early taking leads as high as 27 points. The North made a furious second half comeback to pull within in 6 points. In the end the South All-Stars pulled it out 154-145.
Marcus Fisher (6'4''-G/F-83, agency: Gamble Sports Management) of the Beltway Bombers was awarded the prestigious ACPBL All-Star Game MVP trophy after scoring 47 points in leading the South to victory. The other best performers at the winning side were Donnie Stith (6'7''-F-85, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: Tulane) at 22 pts and 2 rebs and Brian Graves (6'2''-G-85, college: Catawba) with 20 pts, 10 assists. J.J. Walsh (6'5''-F-85, college: St.Joseph's, NY) was the leading scorer for the North with 33 points, followed by David Acree (28), Michael Dodd (6'4''-G/F-86, college: Hunter) and Prince Jackson (6'6''-F-84, college: Dominican, NY), with 18 apiece

Tru Hope Trailblazers win ACPBL Championship in overtime !!! - by Gianni Pascucci
On Sunday, March 27, the ACPBL Championship Game pitted the ACPBL #2 seeded Garden State Rebels from the state of New Jersey vs. the hometown ACPBL #1 seeded Norfolk Tru Hope Trailblazers in front of a very large crowd at Atlantic Shores Christian School in Chesapeake, Virginia.
The majority of the first half was controlled by the heavy favorite #1 seed Norfolk Tru Hope Trailblazers. The underdogs from New Jersey would scrap, fight and claw their way back in the game to cut the deficit to only 3 points at the half. The scrappy fighters from New Jersey would carry their late first half momentum into the 2nd half of the game and share multiple lead changes with the Trailblazers for the entire 2nd half of the game.
The Norfolk Tru Hope Trailblazers led by 3-points when the smart veteran Bernard Clark (6'1''-G) (10 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists) of the Garden State Rebels was able to bate a Tru Hope defender into fouling him while attempting a 3-point shot with just 1.8 seconds left in regulation. Bernard Clark went to the line with hundreds of Trailblazers fans screaming, yelling and stomping on the bleachers, and with ice water in his veins hit all 3 foul shots to send the game into overtime.
Overtime was a lot like the 2nd half of the game with several lead changes. With the game knotted at 93-93, the Garden State Rebels top scorer Justin Carter (6'3''-G, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: Rutgers-Newark) (17 points, 3 rebounds) sank a 25-foot 3-point shot with just 24 seconds remaining in the game for a 96-93 lead. Tears started to fall from some of the Norfolk Tru Hope Trailblazers fans eyes, as Justin Carter appeared to spoil the party for the hometown fans.
The only problem for the Rebels was that the Norfolk Tru Hope Trailblazers did not quit. A couple quick steals and turnovers culminated by a Donnie Stith (6'7''-F-85, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: Tulane) (37 points, 8 rebounds) thunderous dunk put the Trailblazers up 97-96 with 7 seconds remaining in the game. The Garden State Rebels were able to get off two shots in the last few seconds of overtime but both shots fell short as they were well defended by the Trailblazers.
'This was a 48 minute heavy weight prize fight, I dont feel either team lost today, the Rebels just ran out of time', stated ACPBL commissioner James R. Schutz 'Hats off to Finals MVP Donnie Stith of the Norfolk Tru Hope Trailblazers who played the best game of his life'.

The Playoffs had began Saturday March 26 with QuarterFinal Game between the Hudson Valley Kingz and the Beltway Bombers, see her down the full results:

Quarter-finals: Hudson Valley Kingz 110 Beltway Bombers 134
Semi-finals: New York Lions 130 Garden State Rebels 133
Semi-finals: Beltway Bombers 113 Norfolk Tru Hope Trailblazers 132
Championsip Game: Norfolk Tru Hope Trailblazers 97 Garden State Rebels 96 OT


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  ALGERIA   


D1 Round 27: Staoueli is defeated by CSMC - by Eurobasket News
The game between third ranked Staoueli (23-5) and seventh ranked CSMC (15-10) was the most important one in the last round on Friday night. Staoueli was crushed by CSMC in Constantine 91-72. It ended at the same time the 12-game winning streak of Staoueli. CSMC maintains seventh place with 15-10 record. Staoueli at the other side keeps the third position with five games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
D1 top team - GS Petroliers (29-0) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed ninth ranked NAH Dey (12-16) in Alger 83-55. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of NAH Dey. Undefeated GS Petroliers have an impressive series of twenty victories in a row. They maintain first place with 29-0 record. NAH Dey at the other side keeps the ninth position with 16 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Eleventh-ranked Annaba (9-20) gave a tough game to eighth ranked Arreridj (14-15) on Friday. The visitors from B.B. Arreridj managed to secure only one-point victory 84-83. However their fans expected easier game. The victory was the third consecutive win for Arreridj. They maintain eighth place with 14-15 record. Loser Annaba dropped to the twelfth position with 20 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Another exciting game was a derby match between two teams from Alger: U.S.M. (#13) and USMM Hadjout (#16). U.S.M. (9-21) won against visiting USMM Hadjout (2-28) 62-58. U.S.M. maintains thirteenth place with 9-21 record. USMM Hadjout at the other side stay dead last with 28 lost games. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 27: O Batna lost to Blida on the opponent's court 55-73. Sidi-bel-Abbes unfortunately lost to CRB Dar El-B. in a home game 86-95. Skikda managed to beat ASPTT on the road 77-62. WA Boufarik defeated CRB Temouch. on its own court 76-61.

U.S.M. - USMM Hadjout 62-58

Another exciting game was a derby match between two teams from Alger: U.S.M. (#13) and USMM Hadjout (#16). U.S.M. (9-21) won against visiting USMM Hadjout (2-28) 62-58. U.S.M. maintains thirteenth place with 9-21 record. USMM Hadjout at the other side stay dead last with 28 lost games. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
gschID: 125330


Blida - O Batna 73-55

Rather expected game when 6th ranked O Batna (17-11) was defeated on the road by fourth ranked Blida (23-7) 73-55. The victory was the third consecutive win for Blida. They maintain fourth place with 23-7 record. O Batna at the other side keeps the sixth position with 11 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
gschID: 125331


CSMC - Staoueli 91-72

The game between third ranked Staoueli (23-5) and seventh ranked CSMC (15-10) was the most important one in the last round on Friday night. Staoueli was crushed by CSMC in Constantine 91-72. It ended at the same time the 12-game winning streak of Staoueli. CSMC maintains seventh place with 15-10 record. Staoueli at the other side keeps the third position with five games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
gschID: 125328


Sidi-bel-Abbes - CRB Dar El-B. 86-95

Very predictable result when fifth ranked CRB Dar El-B. (20-8) defeated on the road 10th ranked Sidi-bel-Abbes (10-18) 95-86. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for CRB Dar El-B.. They maintain fifth place with 20-8 record. Sidi-bel-Abbes at the other side keep the tenth position with 18 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
gschID: 125329


ASPTT - Skikda 62-77

Not a big story in a game in Alger where 15th ranked ASPTT (2-27) was defeated by twelfth ranked Skikda (9-19) 77-62. Skikda moved-up to eleventh place. ASPTT lost their twelfth game in a row. They keep the fifteenth position with 27 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
gschID: 125326


NAH Dey - GS Petroliers 55-83

D1 top team - GS Petroliers (29-0) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed ninth ranked NAH Dey (12-16) in Alger 83-55. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of NAH Dey. GS Petroliers have an impressive series of twenty victories in a row. They maintain first place with 29-0 record. NAH Dey at the other side keeps the ninth position with 16 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
gschID: 125327


WA Boufarik - CRB Temouch. 76-61

Everything went according to plan when second ranked WA Boufarik (26-3) beat at home 14th ranked CRB Temouch. (7-19) 76-61. WA Boufarik maintains second place with 26-3 record having just three points less than leader GS Petroliers. CRB Temouch. at the other side keeps the fourteenth position with 19 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
gschID: 125324


Annaba - Arreridj 83-84

Eleventh-ranked Annaba (9-20) gave a tough game to eighth ranked Arreridj (14-15) on Friday. The visitors from B.B. Arreridj managed to secure only one-point victory 84-83. However their fans expected easier game. The victory was the third consecutive win for Arreridj. They maintain eighth place with 14-15 record. Loser Annaba dropped to the twelfth position with 20 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
gschID: 125325




Standings
D1 Standings
 1. GS Petroliers 29-0 
 2. WA Boufarik 26-3 
 3. Staoueli 23-5 
 4. Blida 23-7 
 5. CRB Dar El-B. 20-8 
 6. O Batna 17-11 
 7. CSMC 15-10 
 8. Arreridj 14-15 
 9. NAH Dey 12-16 
 10. Sidi-bel-Abbes 10-18 
 11. Skikda 9-19 
 12. Annaba 9-20 
 13. U.S.M. 9-21 
 14. CRB Temouch. 7-19 
 15. ASPTT 2-27 
 16. USMM Hadjout 2-28 


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  ARGENTINA   


Standings - LigaA
LigaA Standings
 1. Obras 20-8 
 2. Penarol 17-10 
 3. La Union 17-11 
 4. Lanus 16-11 
 5. Estudiantes 16-11 
 6. Libertad S. 16-12 
 7. Atenas 15-13 
 8. Regatas C. 14-14 
 9. Gimnasia CR 14-14 
 10. Quimsa 13-15 
 11. Club 9 13-15 
 12. Boca Jrs 12-17 
 13. Olimpico LB 11-16 
 14. Sionista 10-17 
 15. Monte Hermoso 10-18 
 16. Argentino 8-20 


Stats Leaders - LigaA
Points Per Game
 David JACKSON
  La Union
  (196-G-82)
  Avg: 20
 1. Jackson, La Union20.0 
 2. Bunn, Argentino19.7 
 3. Lo Grippo, Quimsa17.2 
 4. Meyinsse, Club 916.7 
 5. Johnson, Monte H.16.6 
 6. Gutierrez, Obras16.4 
 7. Galindo, Libertad S.16.2 
 8. Taylor, Lanus15.3 
 9. Salles, Monte H.15.1 
 10. White, Monte H.14.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Juan GUTIERREZ
  Obras
  (205-F/C-83)
  Avg: 10.1
 1. Gutierrez, Obras10.1 
 2. Kammerichs, Regat.10.1 
 3. Battle, Libertad S.9.1 
 4. Rollins, Gimnasia.8.8 
 5. Williams, Atenas8.4 
 6. Kante, Olimpico LB8.3 
 7. Johnson, Monte H.8.1 
 8. Alston, Boca Jrs7.6 
 9. Leiva, Penarol7.5 
 10. Okosa, Gimnasia CR7.3 
Assists Per Game
 Pepe SANCHEZ
  Estudiantes
  (193-G-77)
  Avg: 7.1
 1. Sanchez, Estudian.7.1 
 2. Martinez, Regat.6.2 
 3. Labaque, Atenas5.3 
 4. Salles, Monte H.4.8 
 5. Ginobili, Libertad S.4.5 
 6. Cequeira, Obras4.2 
 7. Franco, Sionista3.6 
 8. Treise, Quimsa3.4 
 9. Victoriano, Lanus3.1 
 10. Sartorelli, Argentino3.0 
Steals Per Game
 Pepe SANCHEZ
  Estudiantes
  (193-G-77)
  Avg: 3.4
 1. Sanchez, Estudian.3.4 
 2. Martinez, Regat.2.6 
 3. Sciutto, Monte H.2.6 
 4. Salles, Monte H.2.5 
 5. Labaque, Atenas2.4 
 6. Cequeira, Obras2.4 
 7. Williams, Atenas2.3 
 8. Okosa, Gimnasia CR2.3 
 9. Selleaze, Libertad S.2.3 
 10. Moodie, Boca Jrs2.2 
Blocks Per Game
 Robert BATTLE
  Libertad S.
  (204-C-81)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Battle, Libertad S.2.1 
 2. Johnson, Monte H.1.4 
 3. Meyinsse, Club 91.3 
 4. Kammerichs, Regat.1.2 
 5. Gutierrez, Obras1.1 
 6. Alston, Boca Jrs1.0 
 7. Aguerre, Estudian.0.9 
 8. Williams, Atenas0.9 
 9. Levy, Lanus0.8 
 10. Tintorelli, Quimsa0.7 


LigaA Round 28 (second stage): Lanus is defeated by Libertad Sunchales - by Eurobasket News
There are only two more rounds left in the Second Stage in LigaA. There was no lack of excitement in the last round games. The round ended with extra overtimes and favorites losing the games.

The most important game in the last round took place in Sunchales between third ranked Lanus (16-11) and sixth ranked Libertad Sunchales (16-12) on Sunday night. Lanus was defeated by Libertad Sunchales in a tough game on the road 78-87. The hosts trailed by 7 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 1-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 87-78. Libertad Sunchales made 20-of-21 free shots (95.2 percent) during the game. 24 personal fouls committed by Lanus helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of naturalized Polish center Ruben Wolkowyski (207-73) who helped to win the game recording 22 points and 7 rebounds and American center Robert Battle (204-81, college: Drexel, agency: Dream Team Management) who added 11 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocks during the contest. At the losing side American center Terrell Taylor (203-81, college: Virginia Tech, agency: Dream Team Management) responded with 14 points. Lanus' coach Silvio Jose Santander rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Libertad Sunchales maintains sixth position with 16-12 record. Lanus at the other side dropped to the fourth place with 11 games lost. They share the position with Estudiantes. Libertad Sunchales are looking forward to face Sionista (#14) in Parana in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Lanus will play on the road against Sionista (#14) in Parana and is hoping to win this game.
Fourteenth-ranked Monte Hermoso (10-18) gave a tough game to fifth ranked Estudiantes (16-11). The visitors from Bahia Blanca managed to secure only two-point victory 93-91. However their fans expected much easier game. The winners were led by naturalized Italian guard Juan Espil (194-68) who scored that evening 29 points and Edward Nelson supported him with 21 points (made all of his seven free throws). Even a double-double of 24 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) by American power forward Byron Johnson (201-80, college: Belm.Abbey, agency: Dream Team Management) did not help to save the game for Monte Hermoso. Estudiantes have an impressive five-game winning streak. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Lanus. Newly promoted Monte Hermoso dropped to the fifteenth position with 18 games lost. Estudiantes will play against league's second-placed Penarol in Mar del Plata in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Monte Hermoso will play at home against the league's second-placed Penarol (#2) in Mar del Plata and hopes to get back on the winning track.
An interesting game took place in Parana where 12th ranked Boca Juniors (12-17) was upset on the court of fifteenth ranked Sionista (10-17) 79-69 on Sunday. Alejandro Zilli fired a double-double by scoring 22 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Rodney Elliott produced a double-double by scoring 14 points and 11 rebounds for lost side. Sionista moved-up to fourteenth place. Loser Boca Juniors keeps the twelfth position with 17 games lost. Sionista will meet at home higher ranked Lanus (#4) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Boca Juniors' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Buenos Aires to the arena Lanus.
An interesting game took place in Santiado Estero where 8th ranked Gimnasia CR (14-14) was upset on the court of eleventh ranked Quimsa (13-15) 74-61. It was a very good performance for Julio Mazzaro who helped to win the game recording 18 points and 6 assists. Quimsa moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Club 9. Gimnasia CR lost third consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with 14 games lost. Quimsa's next round opponent will be higher ranked Regatas Corrientes (#8) at home and it may be quite challenging game.
Second ranked Penarol (17-10) crushed at home 16th ranked Argentino (8-20) by 17 points 79-62, which is the biggest margin this round on Sunday night. Worth to mention a quality performance of Marcos Mata who helped to win the game recording 13 points and 7 rebounds. Penarol's coach Sergio Hernandez used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Defending champion maintains second position with 17-10 record having four points less than leader Obras. Argentino lost seventh consecutive game. Newly promoted team stay at the bottom place with 20 games lost. Penarol will face Estudiantes (#5) in Bahia Blanca in the next round. Argentino will play at home against Estudiantes (#5) in Bahia Blanca.

In the last two games of round 28 Club 9 lost to Regatas C. on the opponent's court 72-79. La Union managed to outperform Olimpico LB in a home game 84-68.

Libertad S. - Lanus 87-78

The most important game in the last round took place in Sunchales between third ranked Lanus (16-11) and sixth ranked Libertad Sunchales (16-12) on Sunday night. Lanus was defeated by Libertad Sunchales in a tough game on the road 78-87. The hosts trailed by 7 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 1-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 87-78. Libertad Sunchales made 20-of-21 free shots (95.2 percent) during the game. 24 personal fouls committed by Lanus helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of naturalized Polish center Ruben Wolkowyski (207-73) who helped to win the game recording 22 points and 7 rebounds and American center Robert Battle (204-81, college: Drexel, agency: Dream Team Management) who added 11 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocks during the contest. At the losing side American center Terrell Taylor (203-81, college: Virginia Tech, agency: Dream Team Management) responded with 14 points and naturalized Spanish guard Lucas Victoriano (190-77, agency: Interperformances) scored 8 points and 8 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Lanus' coach Silvio Jose Santander rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Libertad Sunchales maintains sixth position with 16-12 record. Lanus at the other side dropped to the fourth place with 11 games lost. They share the position with Estudiantes. Libertad Sunchales are looking forward to face Sionista (#14) in Parana in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Lanus will play on the road against Sionista (#14) in Parana and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Libertad S.: R.Wolkowyski 22+7reb, G.Alexander David 20+3reb+1ast, J.Emiliano Fernandez 13+3reb+1ast, R.Battle 11+12reb+3ast, J.Pablo Cantero 7+1reb+1ast, R.Gabini 6+4reb
Lanus: M.Byro 14+3ast, T.Taylor 14+4reb, C.Moodie 12+3reb+1ast, N.Laprovittola 10+3reb+2ast, L.Victoriano 8+2reb+8ast, F.Malara 5+2reb
gschID: 117635


Sionista - Boca Jrs 79-69

An interesting game took place in Parana where 12th ranked Boca Juniors (12-17) was upset on the court of fifteenth ranked Sionista (10-17) 79-69 on Sunday. Boca Juniors was trailing by 1 point at halftime but managed to get 1-point lead after three quarters before a 23-12 charge of Sionista, which allowed them to win the game. They made 16-of-21 free shots (76.2 percent) during the game. Forward Alejandro Zilli (200-82) fired a double-double by scoring 22 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. American forward Christopher Hayes (206-87, college: Detroit Mercy) chipped in 26 points. Hayes is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. American forward Rodney Elliott (202-76, college: Maryland) produced a double-double by scoring 14 points and 11 rebounds and his fellow American import guard Larry O'Bannon (194-83, college: Louisville, agency: Interperformances) added 17 points and 4 steals respectively for lost side. Sionista moved-up to fourteenth place. Loser Boca Juniors keeps the twelfth position with 17 games lost. Sionista will meet at home higher ranked Lanus (#4) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Boca Juniors' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Buenos Aires to the arena Lanus.
Top scorers:
Sionista: C.Hayes 26+4reb+2ast, A.Zilli 22+10reb+3ast, R.Iglesias 11+8reb+5ast, P.Rodriguez 6+2reb+2ast, J.Manuel Locatelli 4+7reb+1ast, D.Hure 4+3reb+1ast
Boca Jrs: L.O'Bannon 17+2reb+2ast, R.Elliott 14+11reb, D.Alston 12+3reb+4ast, M.Fierro 9+3reb, F.Titarelli 9+2reb+4ast, S.Vega 4+2reb
gschID: 117631


Penarol - Argentino 79-62

Second ranked Penarol (17-10) crushed at home 16th ranked Argentino (8-20) by 17 points 79-62, which is the biggest margin this round on Sunday night. The game was mostly controlled by Penarol. Argentino was better in second period 14-13. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Worth to mention a quality performance of the former international forward Marcos Mata (202-86) who helped to win the game recording 13 points and 7 rebounds and the former international power forward Martin Leiva (208-80) who added 5 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. Penarol's coach Sergio Hernandez used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side American power forward Norman Nolan (202-76, college: Virginia) responded with 18 points and 6 rebounds and guard Santiago Scala (186-91) scored 10 points and 5 rebounds. Defending champion maintains second position with 17-10 record having four points less than leader Obras. Argentino lost seventh consecutive game. Newly promoted team stay at the bottom place with 20 games lost. Penarol will face Estudiantes (#5) in Bahia Blanca in the next round. Argentino will play at home against Estudiantes (#5) in Bahia Blanca.
Top scorers:
Penarol: S.Safar 15+2ast, M.Mata 13+7reb+2ast, K.Lamonte 10+4reb+1ast, P.Sebastian Rodriguez 10+2reb+1ast, N.Lauria 8+1reb+1ast, L.Gutierrez 8+7reb+1ast
Argentino: N.Nolan 18+6reb, J.Cangelosi 13+3reb+2ast, S.Scala 10+5reb+3ast, L.Stukes 9+1reb+1ast, J.Sartorelli 7+5reb+1ast, P.Espinoza 3+10reb
gschID: 117633


Regatas C. - Club 9 79-72

Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both tenth ranked Regatas Corrientes and 9th ranked Club 9 had identical 13-14 record. This time Regatas Corrientes used a home court advantage and beat the opponent from Rio Tercero 79-72 on Sunday night. Club 9 trailed by 13 points after 3 quarters before a 24-18 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 72-79 at the end of the game. Worth to mention a great performance of naturalized Paraguayan guard Javier Martinez (189-78, agency: Dream Team Management) who helped to win the game recording 23 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) and American forward Louis Roe (200-72, college: Massachusetts) who added 15 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. Five Regatas Corrientes players scored in double figures. Regatas Corrientes' coach Fabio Demti allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. At the losing side Jamaican-Canadian forward Jermaine Bucknor (199-83, college: Richmond) responded with 21 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals and power forward Emiliano Martina (201-83) scored 16 points. Regatas Corrientes have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Gimnasia CR. Newly promoted Club 9 dropped to the tenth position with 15 games lost. Regatas Corrientes will face Quimsa (#10) in Santiado Estero in the next round. Club 9 will play at home against Olimpico de La Banda.
Top scorers:
Regatas C.: J.Martinez 23+5reb+5ast, L.Roe 15+9reb+3ast, R.Stanton 12+5reb+1ast, F.Kammerichs 10+8reb+1ast, E.Villares 10+1reb+2ast, O.Legaria 5+1reb
Club 9: J.Bucknor 21+8reb+5ast, E.Martina 16+2reb, M.Melo 11+4reb, J.Meyinsse 9+7reb+1ast, B.Zanotti 6, L.Barlasina 5+2reb
gschID: 117634


Quimsa - Gimnasia CR 74-61

An interesting game took place in Santiado Estero where 8th ranked Gimnasia CR (14-14) was upset on the court of eleventh ranked Quimsa (13-15) 74-61. It was a very close game until the last quarter, when Quimsa's pressure prevailed and they won that period 14-8 extending their advantage to 13 points. It was a very good performance for the former international guard Julio Mazzaro (190-79) who helped to win the game recording 18 points and 6 assists. The former international forward Diego Lo Grippo (198-78) contributed with 18 points for the winners. Nigerian-American power forward Reggie Okosa (206-80, college: La Salle) replied with 17 points and 7 rebounds and guard Fernando Funes (193-83) added 15 points in the effort for Gimnasia CR. Quimsa moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Club 9. Gimnasia CR lost third consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with 14 games lost. Quimsa's next round opponent will be higher ranked Regatas Corrientes (#8) at home and it may be quite challenging game.
Top scorers:
Quimsa: D.Lo Grippo 18+3reb+1ast, J.Mazzaro 18+2reb+6ast, D.Cavaco 12+1reb, R.Gonzalez 7+1reb+2ast, J.Treise 6+4reb+2ast, D.Gomez Camargo 6+4reb
Gimnasia CR: R.Okosa 17+7reb, F.Funes 15+4reb, A.Carabajal 10+3reb+2ast, P.Moldu 8+1reb+2ast, H.Rollins 6+9reb, M.Maciel 3+1reb+2ast
gschID: 117628


Monte Hermoso - Estudiantes 91-93 OT

Fourteenth-ranked Monte Hermoso (10-18) gave a tough game to fifth ranked Estudiantes (16-11). The visitors from Bahia Blanca managed to secure only two-point victory 93-91. However their fans expected much easier game. Monte Hermoso was ahead by 17 points after three quarters before a 27-10 charge of Estudiantes, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time. They were better in overtime eventually winning that period 13-11. Estudiantes made 17-of-21 charity shots (81.0 percent) during the game. Strangely Monte Hermoso outrebounded Estudiantes 40-25 including 26 on the defensive glass. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists. The winners were led by naturalized Italian guard Juan Espil (194-68) who scored that evening 29 points and American forward Edward Nelson (203-82, college: Connecticut, agency: Dream Team Management) supported him with 21 points (made all of his seven free throws). Even a double-double of 24 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) by American power forward Byron Johnson (201-80, college: Belm.Abbey, agency: Dream Team Management) did not help to save the game for Monte Hermoso. American-Uruguayan center Reque Newsome (204-81, college: S.Indiana) added 22 points and 14 rebounds (made all of his eight free throws) for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Estudiantes have an impressive five-game winning streak. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Lanus. Newly promoted Monte Hermoso dropped to the fifteenth position with 18 games lost. Estudiantes will play against league's second-placed Penarol in Mar del Plata in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Monte Hermoso will play at home against the league's second-placed Penarol (#2) in Mar del Plata and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Estudiantes: J.Espil 29+3reb+2ast, E.Nelson 21+4reb+2ast, P.Gil 12+2reb, F.Giorgi 11+2reb, F.Aguerre 10+7reb, A.Eslava 4+1ast
Monte Hermoso: B.Johnson 24+13reb+3ast, R.Newsome 22+14reb+1ast, H.Salles 13+3reb+5ast, F.Sahdi 12+1reb+3ast, A.White 9+5reb+2ast, A.Weigand 7+1ast
gschID: 117629


La Union - Olimpico LB 84-68

Very predictable result in Formosa where fourth ranked La Union (17-11) defeated 13th ranked Olimpico de La Banda (11-16) 84-68 on Sunday. The game was mostly controlled by La Union. Olimpico de La Banda was better in second period 20-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. La Union made 26-of-29 free shots (89.7 percent) during the game. La Union outrebounded Olimpico de La Banda 37-25 including 24 on the defensive glass. Olimpico de La Banda was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of Panamanian-Spanish power forward Ruben Garces (206-73, college: Providence, agency: Priority Sports) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds and naturalized Italian guard Matias Ibarra (183-81) who added 16 points during the contest. Four La Union players scored in double figures. At the losing side guard Lucas Picarelli (184-81) responded with 15 points and forward Cristian Romero (198-82) scored 15 points. La Union moved-up to third place. Loser Olimpico de La Banda keeps the thirteenth position with 16 games lost. La Union will face Regatas Corrientes (#8) at home in the next round where they are favorite. Olimpico de La Banda will play against Club 9 (#11) in Rio Tercero and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
La Union: M.Ibarra 16+3reb+2ast, R.Garces 13+10reb, D.Jackson 12+5reb+1ast, A.Pau 12, G.Mikulas 11+3reb, L.Perez 9+1reb
Olimpico LB: L.Picarelli 15+3reb+1ast, C.Romero 15+2reb, A.Laws 9+3reb, N.De los Santos 8, D.Guaita 8+5reb, E.Agostino 5+2reb
gschID: 117630




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


Dorsey's 20 points and 8 rebounds give him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
27-year old swingman Ronald Dorsey (197-G/F-83) put on an amazing game in the last round for Taipans and receives a Australiabasket.com Player of the Week award for round 24.
He had the game-high 20 points adding eight rebounds and two assists for Taipans in his team's victory, helping them to edge out Wildcats (#3, 16-12) in overtime 90-87. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. Taipans maintains the 4th position in Australian league. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Taipans will need more victories to improve their 15-12 record. Dorsey turned to be Taipans' top player in his first season with the team. Ronald Dorsey averages this season 13.1ppg.

Second best performed player last round was Oscar Forman (205-F-82) of Wollongong Hawks. He is former international forward in his first season at Hawks. In the last game Forman recorded impressive double-double of 17 points and 13 rebounds. Of course he lead Hawks to another comfortable win 86-70 over the lower-ranked Sydney K. (#9, 8-19) being unquestionably team leader. Hawks' 5th position in the standings has not changed. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 15-13 record is not bad and everything may still change. Forman is a newcomer at Hawks and quickly became one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Lucas Walker (203-F) of Tigers (#7). Walker showcased his all-around game by recording 14 points, ten rebounds and four assists in the last round. Despite Walker's great performance Tigers lost 72-82 to the higher-ranked Crocodiles (#2, 17-10). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Tigers not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 17 games, recording just ten victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Walker could try to bring Tigers' a little bit higher in the standings. Walker has a very solid season. In 25 games in Australia he scored 5.6ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Gary Ervin (186-G-83) of Hawks - 20 points, 4 rebounds and 8 assists
5. Kevin Lisch (188-G) of Wildcats - 19 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists
6. James Harvey (196-G/F-79) of Blaze - 20 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Ayinde Ubaka (193-G-85) of Taipans - 20 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists
8. Trey Gilder (206-F-85) of Sydney K. - 18 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Corey Williams (191-G-77) of Tigers - 17 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists
10. Eddie Shannon (180-G-77) of 36ers - 13 points, 3 rebounds and 8 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)

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


Houston's double-double lands him (Second Stage) Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
34-year old swingman Kevin Houston (194-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances) put on an amazing game in the last round for second-ranked Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 9 (Second Stage).
He had a double-double of 24 points and 11 rebounds, while his team beat Furstenfeld (#4, 18-13) 87-76. Arkadia maintains the 2nd position in Austrian league. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier in Second Stage. Arkadia will need more victories to improve their 20-11 record. In the team's last game Houston had a remarkable 60.0% from 2-point range. It's his second year at Arkadia and it's hard to imagine this team without him. St.Bonaventure University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Houston is in league's top in points (5th best: 18.5ppg) and averages solid 53.9% FGP and 42.4% from behind 3-point line.

Second best performed player last round was Thomas Schreiner (195-G-87, agency: R.H.Consultancy) of UBC St. Polten. He is former international guard in his 4th season at St.Polten. In the last game Schreiner recorded impressive 14 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Of course he lead St.Polten to another comfortable win outscoring slightly lower-ranked Worthersee (#0, 2-29) 96-66. This victory allowed St.Polten to move up to -1th position in group B. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 12-19 record. Schreiner is one of the most experienced players at St.Polten and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to Sveto Pekovic (202-C/F-82) of BC Vienna (#-3). Pekovic scored 16 points and grabbed eleven rebounds (!!!). Despite Pekovic's great performance BC Vienna lost 72-78 to #-5 ranked Wels. But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates especially in such crucial game. The chances of BC Vienna ranking at the top of group B, however are very questionable as they have already lost 18 games, recording just thirteen victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Pekovic could help BC Vienna to bring them higher in the standings. Pekovic has a very solid season. In 31 games in Austria he scored 8.6ppg. He also has 4.3rpg, 1.2bpg and FGP: 61.5%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Aleksandar Djuric (210-F/C-82) of Gussing - 19 points and 10 rebounds
5. Fabricio Vay (206-F-86) of Arkadia - 18 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists
6. Rasheed Brokenborough (191-G-76) of Wels - 22 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists
7. Christoph Knor (194-F-85) of UBSC Graz - 14 points and 9 rebounds
8. Tomislav Gaspar (198-F-83) of St.Polten - 21 points and 4 rebounds
9. Louis Graham (205-F/C-84) of UBSC Graz - 8 points, 16 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Kevin Payton (196-G-86) of Arkadia - 15 points and 3 rebounds

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

Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Stjepan STAZIC
  Furstenfeld
  (199-G-78)
  Avg: 26.4
 1. Stazic, BC Vienna26.4 
 2. Vay, Arkadia19.8 
 3. Kennedy, Worth.19.4 
 4. Brokenboroug., Wel.19.3 
 5. Houston, Arkadia18.5 
 6. Mayes, Gmunden17.7 
 7. Shavies, Furstenf.17.2 
 8. Heard, Gussing17.1 
 9. Nagler, Klostern.16.2 
 10. Ray, Furstenfeld16.1 
Rebounds Per Game
 Russell HICKS
  Furstenfeld
  (213-C-85)
  Avg: 9.7
 1. Hicks, BC Vienna9.7 
 2. Heard, Gussing9.2 
 3. Johnson, Oberwart8.5 
 4. Stazic, BC Vienna7.9 
 5. Graham, UBSC G.7.8 
 6. Vay, Arkadia7.6 
 7. Volcic, Oberwart7.5 
 8. Trepalovac, BC Vi.7.5 
 9. Djuric, Gussing7.4 
 10. Stegnjaic, UBSC G.7.4 
Assists Per Game
 Anthony SHAVIES
  Furstenfeld
  (191-G-83)
  Avg: 7.6
 1. Shavies, Furstenf.7.6 
 2. Carr, BC Vienna7.3 
 3. Holcomb-Faye, Wels6.6 
 4. Danek, Arkadia6.0 
 5. Schreiner, St.Po.5.5 
 6. Miletic, UBSC G.4.7 
 7. Stazic, BC Vienna4.4 
 8. Parker, Oberwart4.3 
 9. Boylan, Gmunden4.2 
 10. Lanegger, Kapfe.4.0 
Steals Per Game
 Thomas SCHREINER
  St.Polten
  (195-G-87)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Schreiner, St.Po.2.4 
 2. Boylan, Gmunden2.2 
 3. Shavies, Furstenf.2.2 
 4. Jandl, St.Polten2.1 
 5. Ray, Furstenfeld2.1 
 6. Parker, Oberwart2.0 
 7. Vay, Arkadia1.8 
 8. Artner, Oberwart1.7 
 9. Stazic, BC Vienna1.7 
 10. Fields, Wels1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Russell HICKS
  Furstenfeld
  (213-C-85)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Hicks, BC Vienna2.3 
 2. Graham, UBSC G.1.6 
 3. Hampton, Furstenf.1.4 
 4. Pekovic, BC Vienna1.2 
 5. Hicks, Furstenfeld1.2 
 6. Slack, Gmunden1.1 
 7. Sally, Oberwart1.0 
 8. Vay, Arkadia0.9 
 9. N''Diaye, BC.0.8 
 10. Miljkovic, BC Vi.0.7 


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


Taylor's 22 points and 6 rebounds give him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
28-year old guard Ronell Taylor (196-G-82) put on an amazing game in the last round for M.Hainaut and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 25.
He had the game-high 22 points adding six rebounds and three assists for M.Hainaut in his team's victory, helping them to outclass Leuven (#6, 7-14) with 36-point margin 80-44. M.Hainaut maintains the 3rd position in Belgian league. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. M.Hainaut will need more victories to improve their 13-8 record. Taylor turned to be M.Hainaut's top player in his first season with the team. University of Alabama at Birmingham graduate has very impressive stats this year. Taylor is in league's top in points (4th best: 16.0ppg) and averages solid 56.9% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Stefon Jackson (196-G-85) of VOO Verviers-Pepinster. He is American guard in his first season at VOO Verviers-Pepinster. In the last game Jackson recorded impressive 32 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists. Bad luck as VOO Verviers-Pepinster was edged by the higher-ranked Aalstar (#2, 17-6) 92-90. VOO Verviers-Pepinster is still second from the bottom in . His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 7-15 record. Jackson is a newcomer at VOO Verviers-Pepinster and quickly became one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 16.2ppg (#2). He also registered 6.6 boards per game.

Third place about best performers goes to guard Joseph Gomis (180-G-78) of league's leader TEC Spirou Charleroi. Gomis scored 19 points and grabbed six rebounds. He was a key player of Charleroi, leading his team to a 86-68 easy win against the lower-ranked Leuven (#6, 7-14). Many experts and fans count Charleroi as a contender for championship title. Another victory and another confirmation that they may be right. Just look at their record: 19 victories and only one lost games. They are currently at the very top of the standings in Round 21. Gomis has a very solid season. In 19 games in Belgium he scored 13.8ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Tyren Johnson (202-F-88) of Aalstar - 19 points and 8 rebounds
5. Rashaun Freeman (206-C/F-84) of VOO Verviers-Pepinster - 22 points and 7 rebounds
6. Anthony Hilliard (193-G/F-86) of Aalstar - 24 points and 2 assists
7. Brent Wright (203-F/C-78) of Charleroi - 14 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Adeola Dagunduro (196-G-86) of Leuven - 15 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists
9. Timothy Black (178-G-81) of Antwerp - 19 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists
10. Christophe Beghin (207-F-80) of Charleroi - 15 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)

Charleroi News - by Peter Buyse
Spirou Charleroi today saw the arrival of young American guard Jahmar Young (196-G-86, college: N.Mexico St.) to possibly replace the injured Chris Hill.
The player is here for a 10 day try-out before the coaching staff decides on his future.
Spirou hopes to have him qualified for the mid-week game vs Gent.
Young had an excellent college senior year at New Mexico State where he averaged 20.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 3.1 apg. He earned all WAC 1st team honors and was voted WAS Tournament MVP.
This season he played 22 games for Red Star Belgrad in the Adriatic league with averages of 12.6 ppg and 2.5 rpg.

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


NBB Round 28: Change at the top of the standings - by Eurobasket News
There are only two more rounds left in the Regular Season in NBB.

NBB round 28 caused change at the leadership position. Eighth defeat of league's leader BRB/Brasilia (19-8) against third ranked Flamengo (19-7) 93-80 was the most important game of the last round. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of BRB/Brasilia. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The game was mostly controlled by Flamengo. BRB/Brasilia managed to win second period 17-14. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Flamengo keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Pinheiros/Sky. Defending champion BRB/Brasilia dropped to the third place with eight games lost. They were replaced at the leadership position by Pinheiros/Sky. BRB/Brasilia will play next round against Araldite/Univille trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Flamengo will try to continue on its current victory against eighth ranked Sao Jose/Vinac on the road.
The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Pinheiros/Sky as it allowed them to take a leadership position after previous leader's (BRB/Brasilia) loss. Pinheiros/Sky defeated 8th ranked Sao Jose/Vinac in Sao Paolo 83-74. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Flamengo. Sao Jose/Vinac at the other side keeps the eighth place with 12 games lost. Just two games before the end of Regular Season and it may be the most important game of the season next round when Sao Jose/Vinac faces strong Flamengo trying to get back on the winning streak. Pinheiros/Sky will try to continue on its current victory against twelfth ranked Araraquara on the road.
The game between seventh ranked Araldite/Univille (17-9) and 15th ranked Vila Velha CETAF (5-21) in Joinville on Sunday ended with biggest points difference. Araldite/Univille outscored guests from Vila Velha 102-57. Araldite/Univille have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Itabom/Bauru. Vila Velha CETAF lost fifth consecutive game. They stay dead last with 21 lost games. They share the position with Assis Basket. Araldite/Univille will meet higher ranked BRB/Brasilia (#3) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Vila Velha CETAF will play against Itabom/Bauru (#6) in Sao Paulo and hope to secure a win.

Other games in round 28 were not that significant. Assis Basket was smashed by Vivo/Franca on the road 92-68. Itabom/Bauru destroyed Araraquara on its own court 95-73. Winner/Limeira unfortunately lost to Paulistano in Sao Paolo 61-70. Pitagoras/Minas was rolled over Unitri/Universo at home 62-96.


Flamengo - BRB/Brasilia 93-80

NBB round 28 caused change at the leadership position. Eighth defeat of league's leader BRB/Brasilia (19-8) against third ranked Flamengo (19-7) 93-80 was the most important game of the last round. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of BRB/Brasilia. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The game was mostly controlled by Flamengo. BRB/Brasilia managed to win second period 17-14. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Flamengo keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Pinheiros/Sky. Defending champion BRB/Brasilia dropped to the third place with eight games lost. They were replaced at the leadership position by Pinheiros/Sky. BRB/Brasilia will play next round against Araldite/Univille trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Flamengo will try to continue on its current victory against eighth ranked Sao Jose/Vinac on the road.
gschID: 102830


Araldite/Univille - Vila Velha CETAF 102-57

The game between seventh ranked Araldite/Univille (17-9) and 15th ranked Vila Velha CETAF (5-21) in Joinville on Sunday ended with biggest points difference. Araldite/Univille outscored guests from Vila Velha 102-57. The game without a history. Araldite/Univille led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Araldite/Univille have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Itabom/Bauru. Vila Velha CETAF lost fifth consecutive game. They stay dead last with 21 lost games. They share the position with Assis Basket. Araldite/Univille will meet higher ranked BRB/Brasilia (#3) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Vila Velha CETAF will play against Itabom/Bauru (#6) in Sao Paulo and hope to secure a win.
gschID: 102824


Vivo/Franca - Assis Basket 92-68

No shocking result in a game when fourth ranked Vivo/Franca (18-8) crushed 14th ranked Assis Basket (5-21) in Sao Paulo 92-68 on Sunday. The game without a history. Vivo/Franca led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Vivo/Franca have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 18-8 record. Assis Basket lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the fourteenth place with 21 games lost. They share the position with Vila Velha CETAF. Vivo/Franca will meet at home Paulistano (#11) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Assis Basket will play against Vitoria in Vitória and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
gschID: 102825


Itabom/Bauru - Araraquara 95-73

Very expected game when 11th ranked Araraquara (8-18) was smashed by sixth ranked Itabom/Bauru (17-9) in Sao Paulo 95-73 on Sunday. The game without a history. Itabom/Bauru led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Itabom/Bauru maintains sixth position with 17-9 record, which they share with Araldite/Univille. Loser Araraquara keeps the eleventh place with 18 games lost. They share the position with Paulistano. Itabom/Bauru will meet bottom-ranked Vila Velha CETAF (#15) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Araraquara will play against the league's leader Pinheiros/Sky (#1) in Sao Paolo and hope to secure a win.
gschID: 102826


Pinheiros/Sky - S.Jose/Vinac 83-74

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Pinheiros/Sky as it allowed them to take a leadership position after previous leader's (BRB/Brasilia) loss. Pinheiros/Sky defeated 8th ranked Sao Jose/Vinac in Sao Paolo 83-74. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Sao Jose/Vinac won third quarter 20-17. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Flamengo. Sao Jose/Vinac at the other side keeps the eighth place with 12 games lost. Just two games before the end of Regular Season and it may be the most important game of the season next round when Sao Jose/Vinac faces strong Flamengo trying to get back on the winning streak. Pinheiros/Sky will try to continue on its current victory against twelfth ranked Araraquara on the road.
gschID: 102827


Paulistano - Winner/Limeira 70-61

There was a small surprise when twelfth ranked Paulistano (8-18) won against 10th ranked Winner/Limeira (11-15) in Sao Paolo 70-61 on Sunday. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 23-16. But Winner/Limeira won second period 10-9. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Paulistano moved-up to eleventh place, which they share with Araraquara. Loser Winner/Limeira keeps the tenth position with 15 games lost. Paulistano will meet higher ranked Vivo/Franca (#4) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Winner/Limeira will play against Pitagoras/Minas (#9) in Belo Horizonte and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
gschID: 102828


Pitagoras/Minas - Unitri/Universo 62-96

Not a big story in a game when 9th ranked Pitagoras/Minas (12-14) was outscored by fifth ranked Unitri/Universo (18-9) in Belo Horizonte 96-62 on Sunday. The game without a history. Unitri/Universo led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Unitri/Universo maintains fifth position with 18-9 record. Pitagoras/Minas lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the ninth place with 14 games lost. Unitri/Universo will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Pitagoras/Minas will play against Winner/Limeira (#10) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
gschID: 102829




Standings - BNL
NBB Standings
 1. Pinheiros/Sky 19-7 
 2. Flamengo 19-7 
 3. BRB/Brasilia 19-8 
 4. Vivo/Franca 18-8 
 5. Unitri/Universo 18-9 
 6. Itabom/Bauru 17-9 
 7. Araldite/Univille 17-9 
 8. S.Jose/Vinac 14-12 
 9. Pitagoras/Minas 12-14 
 10. Winner/Limeira 11-15 
 11. Paulistano 8-18 
 12. Araraquara 8-18 
 13. Vitoria 6-20 
 14. Assis Basket 5-21 
 15. Vila Velha CETAF 5-21 


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


Standings A2
Division A Standings
 1. Dunav 2007 18-0 
 2. Academik PL 12-4 
 3. Beroe 12-5 
 4. Vidabasket 10-6 
 5. NSA 10-8 
 6. Rilski 2 9-8 
 7. Balkan 2 8-9 
 8. Cherno More U18 7-11 
 9. Chavdar 5-13 
 10. Sportist Svoge 3-16 
 11. Academik BL 2-16 


Division A Round 20: Beroe is upset by Rilski 2 - by Eurobasket News
There are only two more rounds left in the Regular Season in Division A.

The most important game in the last round took place in Samokov between third ranked Beroe (12-5) and seventh ranked Rilski 2 (9-8) on Sunday night. Beroe was defeated by Rilski 2 on the road 89-74. The hosts trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 16-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 89-74. Rilski 2 forced 29 Beroe turnovers. The best player for the winners was guard Darin Ivanov (181-G-91) who scored 15 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Forward Krasimir Georgiev (198-89) chipped in 20 points. Rilski 2's coach Borislav Trifonov used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Forward Boris Marinov (199-85) produced 21 points and 6 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) for the guests. Rilski 2 moved-up to sixth place. Beroe at the other side keeps the third position with five games lost. Rilski 2 are looking forward to face Chavdar (#9) in Troyan in the next round. Beroe will play at home against Vidabasket (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Ruse. Top-ranked Dunav 2007 faced second-ranked Academik Plovdiv. Host Dunav 2007 (18-0) smashed guests from Plovdiv (12-4) 118-91. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Academik Plovdiv. Power forward Vladimir Nikolov (205-88, college: Garrett JC) orchestrated the victory by scoring 26 points and 9 rebounds (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line). Ventsislav Petkov contributed with 15 points and 13 assists for the winners. Dunav 2007's coach Nikolay Gospodinov felt very confident that he used 10 players and allowed the starting five to rest. Forward Martin Horozov (200-86) replied with 36 points (!!!), 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals for Academik Plovdiv. Undefeated Dunav 2007 have an impressive 17-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 18-0 record. Newly promoted Academik Plovdiv keeps the second place with four games lost. Dunav 2007 will play against bottom-ranked Academic Blagoevgrad (#11) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Academik Plovdiv will play against Balkan 2 (#7) in Botevgrad and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Bottom-ranked Academic Blagoevgrad managed to get a second victory, breaking the two-game losing streak on Sunday night. This time newly promoted Academic Blagoevgrad edged tenth-ranked Sportist Svoge 104-102. Worth to mention a great performance of Boyan Tenev who helped to win the game recording 52 points (!!!) and 8 rebounds (was perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line !!!). Emil Goranov responded with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists. Newly promoted Academic Blagoevgrad maintains eleventh position with 2-16 record. Sportist Svoge lost eighth consecutive game. They keep the tenth place with 16 games lost. Academic Blagoevgrad will meet at home league's leader Dunav 2007 in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Sportist Svoge will have a break next round.
The game in Botevgrad was also worth to mention about. Fifth ranked NSA (10-8) played at the court of 6th ranked Balkan 2 (8-9). NSA defeated Balkan 2 92-80. The winners were led by Kalin Hristov who scored that evening 25 points and 8 assists. NSA maintains fifth position with 10-8 record. Balkan 2 lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team dropped to the seventh place with nine games lost. NSA's next round opponent will be Cherno More U18 (#8) in Varna. Balkan 2 will play on the road against the league's second-placed Academik Plovdiv.
The game with biggest result difference took place in Varna. Local Cherno More U18 (7-11) outscored 9th ranked Chavdar (5-13) 94-61 on Sunday night. The best player for the winners was Nikolay Stoyanov who had a double-double by scoring 28 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Coach Galin Stoyanov's team controlled all game and the coach could let to play 11 players saving starting five for next games. Newly promoted Cherno More U18 maintains eighth position with 7-11 record. Loser Chavdar keeps the ninth place with 13 games lost. Cherno More U18 will face higher ranked NSA (#5) in Sofia in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Chavdar will play at home against Rilski 2 (#6) in Samokov.


Balkan 2 - NSA 80-92

The game in Botevgrad was also worth to mention about. Fifth ranked NSA (10-8) played at the court of 6th ranked Balkan 2 (8-9). NSA defeated Balkan 2 92-80. It looked good early as Balkan 2 took an 1-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then NSA had a 22-18 second period charge getting the lead and Balkan 2 was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 80-92. They outrebounded Balkan 2 39-18 including a 14-3 advantage in offensive rebounds. The winners were led by Kalin Hristov who scored that evening 25 points and 8 assists and power forward Danail Hristov (195-90) supported him with 15 points and 9 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). Five NSA players scored in double figures. Even 18 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists by forward Ivaylo Vuchkov (200-90) did not help to save the game for Balkan 2. Forward Georgi Boyanov (195-93) added 21 points and 5 rebounds for the hosts. NSA maintains fifth position with 10-8 record. Balkan 2 lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team dropped to the seventh place with nine games lost. NSA's next round opponent will be Cherno More U18 (#8) in Varna. Balkan 2 will play on the road against the league's second-placed Academik Plovdiv.
Top scorers:
NSA: K.Hristov 25+4reb+8ast, T.Mladenov 17+3reb+2ast, D.Hristov 15+9reb, H.Anguelov 14+3reb+1ast, V.Manuilov 10+7reb, A.Iliev 7+7reb+2ast
Balkan 2: G.Boyanov 21+5reb, I.Vuchkov 18+6reb+4ast, F.Kamenov 18+1reb+1ast, V.Stoev 8+3reb+4ast, R.Dundalov 7+1reb, N.Marinov 5
gschID: 113138


Dunav 2007 - Academik PL 118-91

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Ruse. Top-ranked Dunav 2007 faced second-ranked Academik Plovdiv. Host Dunav 2007 (18-0) smashed guests from Plovdiv (12-4) 118-91. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Academik Plovdiv. The game without a history. Dunav 2007 led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 25-of-28 charity shots (89.3 percent) during the game. Dunav 2007 forced 24 Academik Plovdiv turnovers and outrebounded them 33-20 including 22 on the defensive glass. They shot the lights out from three nailing 13 long-distance shots on high 52.0 percentage. Dunav 2007 players were unselfish on offense dishing 27 assists. Power forward Vladimir Nikolov (205-88, college: Garrett JC) orchestrated the victory by scoring 26 points and 9 rebounds (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line). Guard Ventsislav Petkov (188-91) contributed with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 13 assists for the winners. Five Dunav 2007 players scored in double figures. Dunav 2007's coach Nikolay Gospodinov felt very confident that he used 10 players and allowed the starting five to rest. Forward Martin Horozov (200-86) replied with 36 points (!!!), 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals and forward Krasimir Georgiev (198-89) added 19 points and 5 assists in the effort for Academik Plovdiv. Dunav 2007 have an impressive 17-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 18-0 record. Newly promoted Academik Plovdiv keeps the second place with four games lost. Dunav 2007 will play against bottom-ranked Academic Blagoevgrad (#11) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Academik Plovdiv will play against Balkan 2 (#7) in Botevgrad and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Dunav 2007: V.Nikolov 26+9reb, L.Paskov 17+3reb+4ast, V.Petkov 15+4reb+13ast, A.Atanasov 15+3reb+3ast, H.Gospodinov 14+10reb+1ast, K.Kostov 13+2reb+3ast
Academik PL: M.Horozov 36+7reb+5ast, I.Stavrev 19+4reb+5ast, M.Penev 15+5reb, V.Petleshkov 9+1ast, J.Novachev 6, A.Nikolov 4+5ast
gschID: 113139


Sportist Svoge - Academik BL 102-104

Bottom-ranked Academic Blagoevgrad managed to get a second victory, breaking the two-game losing streak on Sunday night. This time newly promoted Academic Blagoevgrad edged tenth-ranked Sportist Svoge 104-102. Sportist Svoge was tied after three quarters but could not keep up in the last quarter eventually losing the game. Academic Blagoevgrad made 16-of-20 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. They also forced 23 Sportist Svoge turnovers and had a 20-6 advantage in offensive rebounds. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Boyan Tenev (205-88, college: Lincoln Memorial) who helped to win the game recording 52 points (!!!) and 8 rebounds (was perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line !!!) and the former international forward Yavor Ivanov (195-84) who added 29 points and 17 rebounds during the contest. Forward Emil Goranov (195-83) responded with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists and center Georgi Kunov (205-92) produced a double-double by scoring 21 points and 11 rebounds. Five Sportist Svoge players scored in double figures. Newly promoted Academic Blagoevgrad maintains eleventh position with 2-16 record. Sportist Svoge lost eighth consecutive game. They keep the tenth place with 16 games lost. Academic Blagoevgrad will meet at home league's leader Dunav 2007 in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Sportist Svoge will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Academik BL: B.Tenev 52+8reb+1ast, Y.Ivanov 29+17reb, K.Atanasov 10+3reb+7ast, I.Mirchev 7+4reb+2ast, A.Anguelov 6+10reb+2ast, A.Aleksandrov 0
Sportist Svoge: G.Kunov 21+11reb+2ast, R.Bogdanov 21+1reb+6ast, E.Goranov 18+10reb+6ast, A.Antov 16+3reb+8ast, Z.Zapryanov 14+7reb+1ast, E.Petrov 12+5reb+3ast
gschID: 113140


Rilski 2 - Beroe 89-74

The most important game in the last round took place in Samokov between third ranked Beroe (12-5) and seventh ranked Rilski 2 (9-8) on Sunday night. Beroe was defeated by Rilski 2 on the road 89-74. The hosts trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 16-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 89-74. Rilski 2 forced 29 Beroe turnovers. The best player for the winners was guard Darin Ivanov (181-91) who scored 15 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Forward Krasimir Georgiev (198-89) chipped in 20 points. Four Rilski 2 players scored in double figures. Rilski 2's coach Borislav Trifonov used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Forward Boris Marinov (199-85) produced 21 points and 6 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) and guard Boyko Milenkov (194-83) added 15 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) respectively for the guests. Rilski 2 moved-up to sixth place. Beroe at the other side keeps the third position with five games lost. Rilski 2 are looking forward to face Chavdar (#9) in Troyan in the next round. Beroe will play at home against Vidabasket (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Rilski 2: K.Georgiev 20+2reb+1ast, D.Ivanov 15+5reb+6ast, I.Tsenov 12+4reb+5ast, S.Vaklinov 10+6reb, L.Kirov 9+1ast, D.Vardarov 9+1reb+3ast
Beroe: B.Marinov 21+6reb+2ast, B.Milenkov 15+6reb+4ast, P.Zagorov 12+2reb+1ast, M.Radnev 6+3reb+2ast, Y.Redjev 6+1ast, R.Aleksov 6+5reb
gschID: 113136


Cherno More U18 - Chavdar 94-61

The game with biggest result difference took place in Varna. Local Cherno More U18 (7-11) outscored 9th ranked Chavdar (5-13) 94-61 on Sunday night. The game without a history. Cherno More U18 led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Chavdar to just 7 points in fourth quarter. Cherno More U18 looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists comparing to just 6 passes made by Chavdar's players. The best player for the winners was forward Nikolay Stoyanov (195-94) who had a double-double by scoring 28 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Center Denislav Vutev (206-94) chipped in a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds. Four Cherno More U18 players scored in double figures. Coach Galin Stoyanov's team controlled all game and the coach could let to play 11 players saving starting five for next games. Guard Petar Hristov (194-90) produced 23 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists and forward Deyan Denchev (193-93) added 13 points and 8 rebounds respectively for the guests. Newly promoted Cherno More U18 maintains eighth position with 7-11 record. Loser Chavdar keeps the ninth place with 13 games lost. Cherno More U18 will face higher ranked NSA (#5) in Sofia in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Chavdar will play at home against Rilski 2 (#6) in Samokov.
Top scorers:
Cherno More U18: N.Stoyanov 28+11reb+4ast, D.Vutev 16+10reb+1ast, A.Dikov 14+6reb+4ast, A.Natskin 10+3ast, G.Yankov 8+3reb+2ast, N.Ivanov 6+1reb+1ast
Chavdar: P.Hristov 23+8reb+4ast, D.Denchev 13+8reb, P.Lalev 9+2reb, K.Koev 6+6reb+1ast, I.Pironkov 6+2reb, V.Dimitrov 4+2reb
gschID: 113137




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  CROATIA   


A1, second stage: Round Two review - by Eurobasket News
There were only 2 rounds played so far and it's still very beginning of the Second Stage in A1.

Group A
Cibona - Zadar 57-80

Zadar dominated on the defensive end, holding Cibona to just 7 points in third quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Cibona's 28. Zadar forced 22 Cibona turnovers. 26 personal fouls committed by Cibona helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Swingman Marko Car (188-85) orchestrated the victory by scoring 24 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists and 7 steals. American forward Brandon Brown (202-81, college: Tulane) contributed with 20 points for the winners. International swingman Bojan Bogdanovic (202-89) replied with 16 points and 5 rebounds and forward Ante Krapic (202-85) added 12 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Cibona. Cibona's coach Drazen Anzulovic gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Zadar left bottom position moving up to sixth place in Group A. Defending champion Cibona still closes the standings with two games lost. Zadar's next round opponent will be Zabok (#7) in Zabok. Cibona's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Zagreb to the arena Cedevita.
Top scorers:
Zadar: M.Car 24+7reb+7ast, B.Brown 20+4reb, S.Olivari 13+2reb, I.Ivanov 7+7reb+1ast, P.Marcinkovic 7+3reb+2ast, M.Bilan 5+2reb
Cibona: B.Bogdanovic 16+5reb+1ast, A.Krapic 12+6reb, T.Zubcic 7+3reb, M.Rozic 7+5reb+1ast, K.Vragovic 5+2reb+2ast, L.Radosevic 4+2reb
gschID: 124338


Borik - Cedevita 89-92

The guests trailed by 4 points after three quarters before their 23-16 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Cedevita shot 68.8 percent from the field and made 19-of-22 free shots (86.4 percent) during the game. 27 personal fouls committed by Borik Puntamika helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American guard Bracey Wright (191-84, college: Indiana, agency: Priority Sports) scored 25 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and the former international center Andrija Zizic (207-80, agency: Beo Basket) chipped in 26 points and 7 rebounds (perfect from the field making all eleven shots !!!) during the contest. Marijan Cakarun (-90) responded with 16 points (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) and guard Teo Petani (190-88) scored 14 points. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Borik Puntamika's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Cedevita keeps a position of Group A leader, which they share with KK Zagreb CO. Borik Puntamika at the other side dropped to the third place with one game lost. They share the position with KK Split and Alkar Sinj. Cedevita's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Zagreb Cibona.
Top scorers:
Cedevita: A.Zizic 26+7reb, B.Wright 25+5reb+4ast, M.Bazdaric 13+5reb+2ast, D.Rudez 11+1reb+1ast, D.Draper 10+1reb+4ast, V.Princ 4+1reb+1ast
Borik: M.Cakarun 16+3reb+1ast, M.Jurjevic 15, T.Petani 14+3reb, J.Skific 13+3reb, J.Ruzic 12+1reb+1ast, I.Mikulic 10+4reb
gschID: 124335


Alkar Sinj - KK Split 79-62

The game was mostly controlled by Alkar Sinj. KK Split managed to win second period 26-16. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The best player for the winners was guard Josip Blajic (192-87) who scored 23 points. Forward Ivica Radic (207-90) chipped in 17 points. The former international guard Srdan Subotic (193-80) produced 12 points and 4 assists and forward Toni Dijan (205-83) added 11 points and 8 rebounds respectively for the guests. Five Alkar Sinj and four KK Split players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Alkar Sinj left bottom position moving up to third place in Group A, which they share with KK Split and Borik. Alkar Sinj will meet league's second-placed KK Zagreb CO on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. KK Split will play against Borik Puntamika in Zadar and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Alkar Sinj: J.Blajic 23+4reb+2ast, I.Radic 17+2reb+2ast, M.Modric 13+2reb+1ast, A.Bilobrk 10+9reb+2ast, A.Delas 10+3reb+4ast, Z.Zupic 4+10reb+2ast
KK Split: T.Katic 14+3reb, S.Subotic 12+3reb+4ast, R.Mahalbasic 11+2reb, T.Dijan 11+8reb, J.Sobin 7+4reb+2ast, I.Mimica 5+3ast
gschID: 124336


Zabok - KK Zagreb CO 65-80

The game without a history. KK Zagreb CO led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. 28 personal fouls committed by Zabok helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The former international guard Damir Mulaomerovic (195-74, agency: FCM) orchestrated the victory by scoring 17 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. The former international power forward Luka Zoric (211-84) contributed with 19 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Four KK Zagreb CO players scored in double figures. Forward Ivan Perincic (208-77, agency: Agency No 10) replied with 10 points and 9 rebounds and forward Robert Lez (200-79) added 15 points in the effort for Zabok. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. KK Zagreb CO keeps a position of Group A leader, which they share with Cedevita. Zabok at the other side still closes the standings with one game lost. KK Zagreb CO's next round opponent will be Alkar Sinj (#5) at home. Zabok will play against Zadar and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
KK Zagreb CO: L.Zoric 19+9reb, D.Mulaomerovic 17+5reb+6ast, D.Rancic 13+5reb, K.Simon 10+9reb+1ast, M.Halilovic 10+3reb, A.Masic 9+5reb
Zabok: R.Lez 15+1reb+2ast, J.Lozancic 12+5reb, I.Perincic 10+9reb+2ast, F.Kraljevic 8+5reb, A.Crnjevic 7+4reb, L.Pesut 5+5reb+2ast
gschID: 124337


Group Group B
Svjetlost - Dubrovnik 91-83

The hosts were already 12 points ahead after 3 quarters before a 29-25 Dubrovnik's run in the last quarter cut the lead to 91-83 at the end of the game. Svjetlost players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. Forward Igor Maric (196-85) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 29 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Forward Matej Karlovic (200-89) contributed with 22 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Guard Nikola Dosen (187-91) replied with 22 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) and guard Mislav Peric (191-88) added 10 points and 8 assists in the effort for Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik's coach Zeljko Vreca let to play ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Svjetlost keeps a position of Group B leader, which they share with Kvarner 2010 and Trogir. Dubrovnik at the other side still closes the standings with two games lost. Svjetlost's next round opponent will be league's leader Kvarner 2010 in Rijeka and it will be for sure the game of the week. Dubrovnik will play at home against Dubrava in Zagreb and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Svjetlost: I.Maric 29+10reb+4ast, M.Karlovic 22+6reb+2ast, L.Petkovic 17+2reb+10ast, F.Vukicevic 8+11reb, P.Zivkovic 4+4reb, M.Kljaic 4+4ast
Dubrovnik: N.Dosen 22+9reb+5ast, A.Vranjes 14+5reb+1ast, M.Peric 10+4reb+8ast, M.Hajdic 9+2reb, A.Ostric 8+6reb+2ast, A.Blesic 8+1reb+1ast
gschID: 124367


Trogir - Dubrava 78-68

Not a big story in a game when bottom-ranked Dubrava (0-2) was defeated on the road by top-ranked Trogir (2-0) 78-68. They made 18-of-23 charity shots (78.3 percent) during the game. Trogir outrebounded Dubrava 24-13 including a 24-13 advantage in defensive rebounds. Guard Milan Karakas (190-80) orchestrated the victory with a triple-double by scoring 18 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Forward Luka Zitko (201-81) contributed with 25 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. The former international swingman Nino Primorac (195-82) replied with 20 points and 4 assists and power forward Dario Saric (205-94) added 12 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for Dubrava. Dubrava's coach Boris Gnjidic let to play ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Trogir keeps a position of Group B leader, which they share with Kvarner 2010 and Svjetlost. Dubrava at the other side still closes the standings with two games lost. Trogir's next round opponent will be Vrijednosnice OS (#4) in Darda. Dubrava will play on the road against Dubrovnik and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Trogir: L.Zitko 25+5reb+4ast, M.Karakas 18+10reb+10ast, T.Vitali 14+8reb, M.Diminic 8+1reb, I.Rasetina 6+2reb+2ast, A.Bilic 5+1reb+1ast
Dubrava: N.Primorac 20+2reb+4ast, D.Basic 17+1reb+2ast, D.Saric 12+10reb+3ast, R.Rikic 8+1reb, T.Culjak 6+2reb+1ast, N.Garma 3+1ast
gschID: 124368


Darda - Kvarner 2010 75-78

Important game to mention about took place in Darda. Top-ranked Kvarner 2010 (2-0) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging 4th ranked Vrijednosnice OS (0-2) 78-75 on Sunday evening. The guests were ahead by 11 points but lost the second period ending it with a 3-point deficit before their 26-20 run, which allowed them to win the game. Guard Rudolf Jugo (183-84) notched 26 points and 4 assists to lead the effort and guard Hrvoje Puljko (193-83) supported him with 19 points and 5 assists. Even 20 points and 7 rebounds by forward Zvonimir Ridl (204-73) did not help to save the game for Vrijednosnice OS. Center Ivan Krolo (217-83) added 17 points and 9 rebounds for the hosts. Four Vrijednosnice OS players scored in double figures. Newly promoted Kvarner 2010 maintains first position in Group B with 2-0 record, which they share with Svjetlost and Trogir. Vrijednosnice OS at the other side still closes the standings with two games lost. They share the position with Dubrava and Dubrovnik. Kvarner 2010 will play against league's second-placed Svjetlost in Slavonski Brod in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Vrijednosnice OS will play at home against Trogir in Trogir and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kvarner 2010: R.Jugo 26+4ast, H.Puljko 19+3reb+5ast, J.Surina 16+5reb+1ast, M.Poscic 6+6reb, Z.Pehar 5+5reb, T.Maruna 4+4reb+3ast
Darda: Z.Ridl 20+7reb+3ast, I.Bakovic 20+5ast, I.Krolo 17+9reb+3ast, F.Kordic 12+4reb+3ast, A.Bicvic 4+5reb+1ast, L.Cutuk 2+1reb
gschID: 124369




Stats Leaders - A1
Points Per Game
 Hrvoje PULJKO
  Kvarner 2010
  (193-G-83)
  Avg: 22.1
 1. Puljko, Kvarner .22.1 
 2. Petkovic, Svjetlost20.4 
 3. Zitko, Trogir19.3 
 4. Mimica, KK Split17.7 
 5. Krapic, Zabok17.6 
 6. Saric, Dubrava16.8 
 7. Krolo, Darda16.6 
 8. Sobin, KK Split16.1 
 9. Ridl, Darda16.1 
 10. Bakovic, Darda15.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Ante KRAPIC
  Cibona
  (202-F-85)
  Avg: 9.4
 1. Krapic, Zabok9.4 
 2. Saric, Dubrava9.0 
 3. Krolo, Darda8.9 
 4. Sobin, KK Split8.0 
 5. Radic, Alkar Sinj7.9 
 6. Ridl, Darda6.5 
 7. Ragsdale, Kvarner .6.3 
 8. Zupic, Alkar Sinj5.7 
 9. Ruzic, Borik5.7 
 10. Vukicevic, Svjetlost5.7 
Assists Per Game
 Milan KARAKAS
  Trogir
  (190-G-80)
  Avg: 5.7
 1. Karakas, Trogir5.7 
 2. Petkovic, Svjetlost5.6 
 3. Blajic, Trogir4.3 
 4. Blajic, Alkar Sinj4.1 
 5. Tomeljak, Zabok3.9 
 6. Delas, Alkar Sinj3.6 
 7. Jugo, Kvarner 20103.4 
 8. Peric, Dubrovnik3.2 
 9. Saric, Dubrava3.1 
 10. Subotic, KK Split3.1 
Steals Per Game
 Teo PETANI
  Borik
  (190-G-88)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Petani, Borik2.2 
 2. Anzulovic, Alkar Sinj2.0 
 3. Saric, Dubrava2.0 
 4. Kamaldin, Darda1.9 
 5. Puljko, Kvarner .1.8 
 6. Blajic, Trogir1.8 
 7. Tomeljak, Zabok1.8 
 8. Swift, Darda1.8 
 9. Jugo, Kvarner 20101.7 
 10. Skific, Borik1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Filip KRALJEVIC
  Zabok
  (214-F-89)
  Avg: 1.4
 1. Kraljevic, Zabok1.4 
 2. Vladovic, Trogir1.2 
 3. Vitali, Trogir1.2 
 4. Saric, Dubrava1.1 
 5. Sobin, KK Split1.1 
 6. Krolo, Darda1.1 
 7. Ragsdale, Kvarner .1.0 
 8. Sarlija, Borik0.8 
 9. Ridl, Darda0.8 
 10. Vukicevic, Svjetlost0.8 


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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


1Liga Round 5 of Quarter-Finals - by Eurobasket News
Opava B - Usti n/Labem 69-81

Usti n/Labem became the final participant of 1Liga semifinals. They prevailed against Opava B in the decisive fifth game of the series. Usti n/Labem controlled the game from start to finish. They built a 50:31 halftime lead and never looked back en route to the victory. Thaddeus McFadden (188-G-87, agency: Stanley International, college: Fairmont St.) stepped up with 26 points and 10 rebounds to pace the visitors. Vladimir Hejl (198-F-81) was helpful with 18 points. Opava B answered with 18 points from Petr Strnisko (195-F-89). Robert Dihel (86) produced 15 points in the losing effort.
gschID: 124358




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


Charlotte Bobcats sign BayHawks guard Temple for rest of season - by Eurobasket News
Erie BayHawks shooting guard Garrett Temple (6'6''-G-86, college: LSU) confirmed today that the Charlotte Bobcats have signed him for the rest of the season after having him play out a pair of 10-day contracts.

A 6-foot 5-inch, 180-pound guard out of LSU, Temple, 24, had two 10-day contracts with the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this season.

In 15 games with Erie (30-18), Temple averaged 14.9 points and 6.6 rebounds. The BayHawks acquired him in a trade in late December with Rio Grande Valley for rookie power forward Jeff Adrien.

With Charlotte signing Temple for the rest of the season, Erie will move to the top of the D-League waiver wire and have the option to sign a player out of the player pool

If the BayHawks did bring in a player, they would have to release a player from their roster, which is currently full.

Courtesy of www.goerie.com

Standings
D-League Standings
Central Division
 1. Iowa E. 35-13 
 2. Erie Bay H. 30-18 
 3. Ft.Wayne MA 23-25 
 4. Dakota W. 18-28 
 5. Sioux Falls S. 10-37 
Southwest Division
 1. Rio Grande 31-17 
 2. Tulsa 66ers 31-17 
 3. Texas L. 22-25 
 4. Austin T. 21-26 
 5. New Mexico 20-28 
 6. Maine RC 17-31 
West Division
 1. Reno Bighorns 31-16 
 2. Bakersfield J. 28-19 
 3. Utah F. 27-19 
 4. Idaho S. 22-26 
 5. Springfield A. 13-34 


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Trey JOHNSON
  Bakersfield J.
  (196-G-84)
  Avg: 25.6
 1. Johnson, Bakersfi.25.6 
 2. Johnson, Erie B.22.5 
 3. Jeffers, Iowa E.21.1 
 4. Ewing, Sioux F.19.9 
 5. Sims, Maine RC19.9 
 6. Stinson, Iowa E.19.5 
 7. McNeal, Rio Grande19.5 
 8. Alexander, Texas L.19.4 
 9. Dentmon, Texas L.19.2 
 10. Goods, Dakota W.18.2 
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. Phillips, Ft.Wayne.9.4 
 6. Williams, Texas L.9.3 
 7. Johnson, Dakota W.9.2 
 8. Jeffers, Iowa E.9.1 
 9. Alexander, Texas L.8.9 
 10. Cousin, Austin T.8.5 
Assists Per Game
 Curtis STINSON
  Iowa E.
  (187-G-83)
  Avg: 9.6
 1. Stinson, Iowa E.9.6 
 2. Miles, Reno Bighorns8.7 
 3. Daniels, Texas L.8.4 
 4. Russell, Ft.Wayne.7.9 
 5. Crittenton, Dakota W.7.4 
 6. Jackson, Idaho S.7.4 
 7. Jackson, Erie B.6.6 
 8. Johnson, Austin T.6.0 
 9. Reynolds, Spring.5.8 
 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. Lin, Reno Bighorns2.1 
 5. Lofton, Iowa E.2.1 
 6. Lafayette, Ft.Wayne.2.0 
 7. Jackson, Idaho S.2.0 
 8. Greene, Utah F.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.2.3 
 5. Goodridge, Maine R.2.2 
 6. Whiteside, Reno B.2.2 
 7. Naymick, Bakersfi.2.2 
 8. Gladness, Dakota W.2.0 
 9. Fall, Maine RC1.9 
 10. Alabi, Erie Bay H.1.9 


Sunday's games - by Eurobasket News
Bakersfield J. - Maine RC 91-107
The Maine Red Claws return home today with a little more pride and feeling much better after ending their franchise-record eight-game road losing streak. DeShawn Sims (6'8''-F-88, college: Michigan) scored 32 points and the Red Claws rallied for a 107-91 victory Sunday at the Jam Events Center, splitting their two-game series against the Bakersfield Jam. Sims also snatched a game-high 12 rebounds, and the Claws got big contributions from both their starters and reserves, with five players scoring in double figures. 'We shared the ball well tonight and a lot of points came off assists,' said Sims, referring to the team's 28 assists. 'That motivated us to all play better together, and play better defense, too, in the second half.' Magnum Rolle (6'11''-C/F-86, college: Louisiana Tech) added 18 points and Jamar Smith chipped in 15. Antonio Anderson scored 12 and Stephane Lasme had 10. *Courtesy of www.pressherald.com

Texas L. - Rio Grande 109-97
Joe Alexander (6'8''-F-86, college: W.Virginia) and the Texas Legends won their second game in a row, defeating the Rio Grand Valley Vipers 109-97. The win over the NBDL Western Conference leaders put the Legends into a tie for the final Playoff spot with Fort Wayne and Idaho. Alexander led the team with 23 points and 10 rebounds on 9-16 shooting. It was his 21st double-double of the season. The Legends have three games left in the regular season with their final home game coming on Wednesday vs. the Springfield Armor at 7:00 pm. *Courtesy of www.smokingmusket.com

Ft.Wayne MA - New Mexico 129-97
The Fort Wayne Mad Ants (23-25) had 8 players finish in double figures to defeat the New Mexico Thunderbirds (20-28), 129-97. The first period of play was a back and forth battle that saw 6 lead changes and 5 ties. At the end of the first 12 minutes the Thunderbirds led 27-25. The Mad Ants shot 70% from the floor in the second period to take control of the lead and were up 60-50 going into the locker rooms at the half. The Mad Ants hot shooting continued into the second half as they hit 9 three pointers in the third and fourth to extend their lead to as many as 36 points late in the fourth. Despite Thunderbirds' Jamine Peterson (6'6''-F-88, agency: N.E.T., college: Providence) 18 second half points, the Mad Ants offense was just too much to handle as they easily closed out the game on top. The Thunderbirds were led by Peters who led all scorers with 36 points. Josh Bostic (6'5''-F-87, college: Findlay, OH) contributed 18 and Walter Sharpe added 13 off of the bench. Marvin Phillips (6'6''-G/F-83, college: Claflin) led all Mad Ant scorers with 22 points and 13 points off of the bench. Darnell Lazare and Chris Kramer added 18 and 17 respectively. Ron Howard and Ryan Wittman came also came off of the bench to contribute 15 and 12. *Courtesy of www.wane.com

Austin T. - Idaho S. 117-108
Tony Bobbitt (6'4''-G-79, college: Cincinnati) scored 33 points, and Luke Babbitt (6'9''-F-89, college: Nevada) chipped in 34 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter, but it wasn't enough as the Idaho Stampede fell to the Austin Toros 117-108 on Sunday in Texas. Carldell Johnson and Kevin Palmer scored 21 points apiece to lead the Toros, who had five players score in double figures and shot 33-of-39 from the free-throw line. Idaho trailed by 15 to start the fourth quarter and couldn't make up the deficit despite Babbitt's flawless shooting in the period (6-6 field goals, 2-2 3-pointers, 2-2 free throws). Idaho wraps up the regular season with a two-game home series with the Utah Flash on Friday and Saturday. The Stampede (22-26) are currently one game back of playoff-qualifying Fort Wayne Mad Ants (23-25). *Courtesy of www.idahostatesman.com

Erie Bay H. - Iowa E. 138-118
Ivan Johnson (6'8''-F/C-84, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) and Blake Ahearn (6'2''-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Missouri St.) each scored 33 points to lead the Erie BayHawks to a 138-118 win today against the Iowa Energy before a crowd of 2,930 at Tullio Arena. In establishing a season high in points, Erie (30-18) became the fifth D-League team this season to reach 30 wins. The BayHawks had six players score in double figures as Erik Daniels had 21 points and 11 rebounds. Point guard Curtis Stinson had a game-high 36 points and 11 assists to lead the Energy (35-13), who have the D-League's best record. Erie, which is now 2-5 against Iowa, resumes action Thursday night against Sioux Falls (10-37), which has the D-League's worst record. *Courtesy of www.goerie.com

Dakota W. - Utah F. 108-105
The Dakota Wizards stayed alive in the playoff race with 108-105 victory over the Utah Flash on Sunday afternoon at the Bismarck Civic Center. Dakota (18-28) jumped out to an early first quarter lead paced by Anthony Goods (6'3''-G-87, college: Stanford) who scored 10 of his game high 28 points in the quarter giving Dakota a 26-24 lead at the end of one. Darren Cooper (6'3''-G-83, college: Portland) came off the bench and led Dakota on a 20-6 run scoring 19 of his 21 points in the second period to give Dakota a 56-47 lead at the break. Cooper was 7 of 9 from the field and 3 of 4 from behind the arc in the quarter. Utah (27-19) battled back in the third quarter and took their first lead of the game at 67-66 with 3:51 left in the quarter and led by as many as three in the quarter. A three-pointer by Anthony Goods with two seconds left gave Dakota a 77-75 lead at the end of three. Dakota extended the lead to 10 in the fourth and Utah responded by going on an 11-0 run late in the quarter to cut the Wizard advantage to 96-95 with 3:04 left in the game. That would be as close as the Flash would get as Dakota made free throws down the stretch to secure the 108-105 victory. Renaldo Major recorded his fifth double-double of the season with 26 points and 10 rebounds. Javaris Crittenton scored 14 points off the bench and Chris Ayer pulled down 12 rebounds for Dakota. Tony Gaffney led the Flash recording a double-double scoring 24 points and 10 rebounds and Ronald DuPree added 23 points. The two teams finish out the season series Monday night at 7:00 p.m. CT at the Bismarck Civic Center. *Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com



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


STR News - by Oscar Peralta
GUG wins again to secure the fourth spot in the post season chase. They beat Cupes in a very close game that was crucial for both clubs. Ollie Bailey (201-F-85, college: Oklahoma City) and last signed import Quentin Smith (205-C-77, college: Mississippi St.) combined for 54 points to lead GUG to that important win. With that win they keep Cupes dead last with just 2 wins and also secure 4th spot which gives them a 2 game lead over Sameji who is right behind at the 5th spot.

Plaza took care of CDP to tie them for first place in the standings. Plaza had a well balance offense getting all players to chip in towards the win. Although Marlon Martinez (204-F/C-79) finish with a double-double 19 points and 14 rebounds for CDP it wasn't enough to avoid the lost. CDP still feels they are the team to beat and are comfortable with there roster and imports who have been doing a great job at closing games out.


*****************************************************
  EBA   


Horizon Beat Wizards on the Road - by EBA Media
The Horizon may have saved their best effort for the regular season finale. Faced with returning to New York again next week for the first round of the play-offs, the team man for man said, No thank you to the five-hour drive and hung a 122-114 loss on first-place New York Wizards. The win gave the Horizon a Round of 8 game against arch-rival Destroyers on Saturday, April 2 in Philadelphia.

The Horizon hit the Wizards with a barrage of outside 3-point shots Sharpe (4), Parker (3), Tullis (2) to take a 21-point lead into the fourth quarter (104-83). The Horizon then hung on against a tenacious defense and some shaky foul-shooting from the Wizards to come home with a victory.

The Horizon shot a season best 70% from the floor in the first half. EBA scoring king, Charlie Parker, was high-score man with 37 points. He was followed by Marcus Tullis (26 pts, 11 rebs) and Trey Sharpe (25 pts, 7 rebs, 4 asst). Makal Stibbins returned to the Horizon line-up after a stint in Luxembourg and contributed mightily with 14 points and 10 rebounds. The Horizon played again without their big man in the middle, Michah Davenport.

The Wizards, who finished tied with the Destroyers, will drop to second seed for the play-offs based on total points between the two teams in regular season play this year.


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


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


INTERVIEW WITH ANTHONY BROWN! - by Ozell Wells
Eurobasket had the pleasure of speaking with Anthony Brown (203-F-86, college: Oklahoma St.), currently nearing the end of the regular season in his first year in Estonia and his best year professionally. Playing with Valga Welg in the Estonian EMKL, he has instrumental in their success this season, even winning the player of the week award twice thus far in league play.
EU: Anthony, how have you found playing in Estonia?
AB: I have found playing in Estonia as a way for me to get my confidence level up and getting better each and everyday, whether it is in practice or on my own time!
 EU: How did you find out about the Estonian league? What compelled you to play in this market?
AB: I found out about this league while I was with the Oklahoma Impact basketball tour team, and I saw it as a new experience to travel and see something new! I wanted to play in this league mainly because of how the Estonians live and observe their livelihoods! It is much different from America but I got a custom to it in a couple of days!
EU: How do you feel with your team being only 2 games out of the Final Four in the league?
AB: I feel that we could beat anybody in this league and always have told my teammates that we have the potential to be top four! In the beginning of the season we had our ups and downs, but nearing to the play offs, we have gotten a lot better and focusing our strengths and not working on our weaknesses!
EU: Please outline for us briefly, what has been the path that brought you here to Estonia this season, and what do u think is on the horizon for you in the very near future.
AB: I saw coming to Estonia as a stepping stone and getting my skill level to where it needs to be! I think I have the potential to make it to the NBA in the near future, just have to take it a step at a time and work hard each and everyday!
EU: With the crucial games looming where do u see Valga headed as you prepare for the postseason?
AB: Like I said before, we can beat anybody in this league as long as we can tighten up some loose screws and get it together for the postseason!
EU: As it stands, it appears to be a battle between Valga and Rakvere to get the 4th spot heading into the playoffs. Is the team fired up on this point?
AB: I think we are all fired up and prepared to face Rakvere in the postseason! It will not be an easy task, but we will show up and be ready mentally and physically!
EU: It appears that your versatility is posing match-up problems for opponents, being able to post up due to your size, & strength, but also being able to handle the ball well and attack the basket from distance as well as face up and knock down jump shots. Is this going to assist the team as you gear up for the fight to reach the 4th position?
AB: Yes I think my size and strength can be used as an advantage against Rakvere! My focus is too play inside and get them into foul trouble and get to the free throw line as much as possible! If I have a clear lane or an open seem to the basket, then I will use my speed and quickness to attack and finish with authority or get them into foul trouble!
As it stands, you are one of the league leaders in double-doubles this season in points and rebounds combined!
AB: Yes I challenge myself to get a double double every night because I am capable of doing so with my athleticism!
EU: Is Valga a team that you would like to return to in the next season?
AB: I will not return back to Valga because I have the statistics to move on to another league! I feel that my future is bright and will continue my path unto making it in the NBA!
EU: Any thing to share or say to your family or fans back home in the US?
AB: I would like to thank my family and friends for their support, and also my fans for cheering me on each and every game! God bless!
WE AT EUROBASKET WOULD LIKE TO WISH ANTHONY A STRONG FINISH TO THE SEASON AS WELL AS GOOD LUCK IN THE PLAYOFFS & WE LOOK TO HEAR MORE GREAT THINGS FROM HIM IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE. BEST SWISHES ANTHONY!

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


Stats Leaders - Korisliiga
Points Per Game
 Jamar WILSON
  Honka
  (185-G-84)
  Avg: 22.3
 1. Wilson, Honka22.3 
 2. Heard, Tarmo21.9 
 3. Wood, Karhu20.6 
 4. Lewis, LrNM.20.5 
 5. Walker, Kouvot19.7 
 6. Williamson, Honka19.6 
 7. Bailey, LrNM.19.6 
 8. Barrett, KTP19.4 
 9. Blanchard, ToPo19.3 
 10. Williams, Pyrinto18.8 
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, ToPo9.2 
 8. Vinson, Kouvot9.0 
 9. Coleman, LrNM.8.8 
 10. Belser, Honka8.4 
Assists Per Game
 Malik MOORE
  LrNMKY
  (192-G-77)
  Avg: 4.8
 1. Moore, LrNM.4.8 
 2. Johnson, Karhu4.7 
 3. Williams, Pyrinto4.4 
 4. Suonio, Namika Lahti4.3 
 5. Virtanen, Kataja4.3 
 6. Wood, Karhu4.0 
 7. Ivey, KTP3.6 
 8. Fields, KTP3.5 
 9. Sarcevic, Korihait3.5 
 10. Okorie, Salon Vilpas3.2 
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. Conerly, Tarmo1.8 
 5. Sarcevic, Korihait1.8 
 6. Williams, Pyrinto1.8 
 7. Heard, Tarmo1.7 
 8. Fells, Kataja1.7 
 9. Newson, Kataja1.7 
 10. Richards, ToPo1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 James REAVES
  Korihait
  (203-F-82)
  Avg: 0.9
 1. Reaves, Korihait0.9 
 2. Hendley, Namika Lahti0.7 
 3. Bailey, LrNM.0.7 
 4. Heard, Tarmo0.7 
 5. Suonio, Namika Lahti0.6 
 6. Wood, Karhu0.6 
 7. Young, Tarmo0.6 
 8. Wilson, Honka0.6 
 9. Baxley, Karhu0.6 
 10. Belser, Honka0.6 


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


Stats Leaders - ProA
Points Per Game
 Demetris NICHOLS
  Vichy
  (205-F-84)
  Avg: 18.3
 1. Nichols, Vichy18.3 
 2. Mejia, Cholet17.9 
 3. Darden, Nancy17.7 
 4. Massie, Limoges17.3 
 5. Hughes, Hyeres-T.17.1 
 6. Jefferson, AS.16.9 
 7. Woodside, Gravelines16.0 
 8. King, Le Havre15.8 
 9. Hamilton, Paris-.15.7 
 10. Haynes, Chalon15.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Christophe MASSIE
  Limoges
  (206-F/C-77)
  Avg: 9.1
 1. Massie, Limoges9.1 
 2. Krupalija, Hyeres.8.9 
 3. Akingbala, Nancy8.5 
 4. Issa, Gravelines8.5 
 5. Jones, Le Havre8.5 
 6. Koffi, Le Mans7.6 
 7. Nsonwu-Amadi, Roa.7.3 
 8. Elegar, Vichy7.3 
 9. Hughes, Hyeres-T.7.3 
 10. Jefferson, AS.7.2 
Assists Per Game
 Kareem REID
  Rouen
  (178-G-75)
  Avg: 6.3
 1. Reid, Vichy6.3 
 2. Linehan, Nancy6.2 
 3. King, Le Havre6.2 
 4. Woodside, Gravelines6.0 
 5. Wright, Limoges5.9 
 6. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.5.6 
 7. Walsh, AS.5.1 
 8. Diabate, Roanne5.0 
 9. Sciarra, Pau-La.4.7 
 10. Schilb, Chalon4.6 
Steals Per Game
 John LINEHAN
  Nancy
  (175-G-78)
  Avg: 3.6
 1. Linehan, Nancy3.6 
 2. Diot, Le Mans2.4 
 3. Walsh, AS.2.3 
 4. Dobbins, Hyeres-T.2.2 
 5. Darden, Nancy2.0 
 6. Greer, Strasbourg1.8 
 7. Albicy, Paris-Le.1.8 
 8. Elegar, Vichy1.7 
 9. Diabate, Roanne1.7 
 10. Sangare, Le Havre1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Cyril AKPOMEDAH
  Gravelines
  (203-F-79)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Akpomedah, Grave.1.7 
 2. Issa, Gravelines1.6 
 3. Elonu, Pau-Lacq.1.4 
 4. Falker, Cholet1.3 
 5. Sene, Gravelines1.3 
 6. Akingbala, Nancy1.3 
 7. Jefferson, AS.1.3 
 8. Koffi, Le Mans1.2 
 9. Pasco, Strasbourg1.2 
 10. Wilkinson, Le Havre1.1 


Stats Leaders - ProB
Points Per Game
 Moses SONKO
  Maurienne
  (196-F-83)
  Avg: 19
 1. Sonko, Maurienne19.0 
 2. Siggers, Rouen18.7 
 3. Harris, Lille18.4 
 4. Carter, Nanterre17.9 
 5. Milbourne, Boulogne16.5 
 6. Gay, Fos Ouest16.4 
 7. Rouse, Charleville16.1 
 8. Watson, Evreux15.7 
 9. Davis, Le Portel15.6 
 10. Daniels, Nanterre15.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Korvotney BARBER
  Nantes
  (201-F-87)
  Avg: 10.3
 1. Barber, Nantes10.3 
 2. Mathis, Maurienne9.8 
 3. Daniels, Chalons-.9.8 
 4. Bing, Dijon8.9 
 5. Rouse, Charleville8.5 
 6. Monds, Bourg8.4 
 7. Monroe, Boulogne8.2 
 8. Wyatte, Le Portel8.2 
 9. Badiane, Boulazac7.9 
 10. Giles, Rouen7.9 
Assists Per Game
 Philippe DA SILVA
  Evreux
  (192-G-79)
  Avg: 8.1
 1. Da Silva, Evreux8.1 
 2. Rowland, Le Portel6.3 
 3. Downey, Nantes6.0 
 4. Patiejunas, Boulo.5.6 
 5. Williams, Le Portel5.0 
 6. Taylor, Rouen5.0 
 7. Craven, Dijon4.7 
 8. Denave, St Vallier4.7 
 9. Mullins, Chalons-.4.6 
 10. Oliver, Bourg4.5 
Steals Per Game
 Jara DOYNE
  Falco-Szova
  (193-G/F-84)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Doyne, Charleville2.6 
 2. Daniels, Chalons-.2.6 
 3. Shiloh, St Vallier2.6 
 4. Sonko, Maurienne2.4 
 5. Riley, Nanterre2.4 
 6. Patiejunas, Boulo.2.3 
 7. Craven, Dijon2.3 
 8. Mullins, Chalons-.2.1 
 9. Melody, Dijon2.0 
 10. Mathis, Maurienne2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Sherman GAY
  Fos Ouest
  (201-F-82)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Gay, Fos Ouest1.9 
 2. Jefferson, Quimper1.4 
 3. Barber, Nantes1.0 
 4. Monds, Bourg0.9 
 5. Adjiwanou, Boula.0.9 
 6. N''Diaye, Clermont0.9 
 7. Daniels, Nanterre0.8 
 8. Taccoen, Lille0.8 
 9. Davis, Evreux0.8 
 10. Daniels, Chalons-.0.7 


John Cox claims French ProA weekly honour - by Eurobasket News
American-Venezuelan John Cox (195-G-81) had an amazing evening in the last round for STB Le Havre and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 23.
The 29-year old guard had the game-high 29 points adding four rebounds and six assists for Le Havre in his team's victory, helping them to crush Vichy (#16, 6-17) with 20-point margin 93-73. The game was not the highest importance and did not have significant influence on the top of the standings. Le Havre is placed at 11th position in French ProA. Le Havre is rather a weak team placed in lower part in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 9-14 record. In the team's last game Cox had a remarkable 80.0% from 2-point range. He turned to be Le Havre's top player in his first season with the team. John Cox averages this season 12.8ppg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 26-year old American forward Lamont Hamilton (208-F-84) of Paris-Levallois. Hamilton impressed basketball fans with 30 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists. Bad luck as Paris-Levallois was edged by the higher-ranked Cholet (#1, 18-5) 90-87. Paris-Levallois is still in a red zone at 13th spot in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 8-15 record. Hamilton is well-known by Paris-Levallois fans and he already established his position as one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 15.7ppg (#9). He also registered 6.2 boards per game.

The third best performed player last round was American Christophe Massie (206-F/C-77, agency: Court Side) of Limoges CSP Elite (#15). Massie scored 24 points and grabbed eleven rebounds (!!!). Despite Massie's great performance Limoges lost 80-95 to the higher-ranked Strasbourg (#10, 10-13). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. Limoges can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have rather bad season and 6-17 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Massie he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Massie has individually a great season in France. After 23 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 17.3ppg (4th best) and rebounds with 9.1rpg (#1 in league).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Rick Hughes (204-C/F-73) of Hyeres-Toulon - 21 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists
5. Abdoulaye MBaye (186-G-88) of Strasbourg - 20 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists
6. Blake Schilb (201-G-83) of Chalon - 21 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Joseph Jones (206-F/C-86) of Le Havre - 16 points and 11 rebounds
8. Sammy Mejia (198-G-83) of Cholet - 19 points, 4 rebounds and 8 assists
9. Chinemelu Elonu (208-F/C-87) of Pau-Lacq-Orthez - 12 points and 14 rebounds
10. Ilian Evtimov (201-F-83) of Chalon - 16 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists

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

Darryl Monroe claims French ProB weekly honour - by Eurobasket News
American Darryl Monroe (202-F-86, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management) had an amazing evening in the last round for SO Maritime Boulogne and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com ProB Player of the Week award for round 27.
The 24-year old forward had the game-high 25 points adding nine rebounds for Boulogne in his team's victory, helping them to edge out Antibes (#13, 11-16) in overtime 94-90. Boulogne is placed at 7th position in French ProB. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Boulogne will need more victories to improve their 15-12 record. Monroe turned to be Boulogne's top player in his first season with the team. George Mason University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Monroe is in league's top in rebounds (8th best: 8.2rpg) and averages solid 59.8% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 23-year old center Garry Florimont (202-C-87) of Etoile Charleville-Mezieres. Florimont impressed basketball fans with 19 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists. Of course he lead Charleville to another comfortable win 90-76 over the higher-ranked Maurienne (#6, 16-11) being unquestionably team leader. Despite this victory they still are dead at the bottom. 21 lost games are too many comparing to just six victories Charleville managed to get this year. Florimont is a newcomer at Charleville and despite he is not a team leader yet, every game he becomes more reliable player. Hopefully performances like the last one will happen more often.

The third best performed player last round was American Jason Siggers (187-G-85) of second-ranked SPO Rouen Basket. Siggers scored 28 points and grabbed six rebounds. Despite Siggers' great performance Rouen lost 79-82 to the lower-ranked Nantes (#12, 12-15). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. The last thing Rouen needs is to lose another game like this one. They lose more and more distance to the top teams. Their record is 18 victories and 9 lost games. Siggers has a great season in France. After 27 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 18.7ppg (2nd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Corey Rouse (203-F-84) of Charleville - 21 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Andre Harris (201-F/C-85) of Lille - 21 points and 8 rebounds
6. William Daniels (203-F-86) of Nanterre - 24 points and 4 rebounds
7. Landon Milbourne (201-F-87) of Boulogne - 21 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Sacha Massot (204-F/C-83) of Antibes - 20 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Chris Davis (196-G/F-80) of Le Portel - 21 points and 8 rebounds
10. Johan Passave-Ducteil (200-C-85) of Nanterre - 22 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists

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

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


Georgian Superleague round 19 best performance: Giorgi Sharabidze - by Eurobasket News
Center Giorgi Sharabidze (210-C-90) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for top-ranked Army, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 19.
The 20-year old player was the main contributor (28 points, five rebounds and three assists) to his team's victory, helping them to outclass Dinamo Tbilisi (#11, 2-16) with 42-point margin 102-60. It allowed Army to consolidate first place in the Georgian Superleague. Army have a solid 15-2 record. Sharabidze just recently signed at Army, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Giorgi Sharabidze averages this season 11.4ppg.

The second best player in last round's games was young Akaki Dvalishvili (206-C-90) of Samedicino. Dvalishvili had a very good evening with a double-double of 22 points and 14 rebounds. Of course he lead Samedicino to another comfortable win outscoring the higher-ranked Kutaisi (#3, 12-5) 93-70. This victory allowed Samedicino to move up to 7th position in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 6-11 record. Dvalishvili is one of the most experienced players at Samedicino and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 19.6ppg (#6). He also registered 11.4 boards per game.

Third on the list of top players last round was another Samedicino's star - American guard Jeff Rogers (185-G-73, agency: Impact Basketball). Rogers showcased his all-around game by recording 23 points, seven rebounds and four assists in the last round. He was another key player of Samedicino, helping his team with a 93-70 easy win against the higher-ranked Kutaisi (#3, 12-5). The chances of Samedicino not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 11 games, recording just six victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Rogers could try to bring Samedicino's a little bit higher in the standings. Rogers has a very solid season. In 4 games in Georgia he scored 9.5ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Niko Chkhatarashvili (204-G/F-86) of Batumi - 15 points, 16 rebounds and 4 assists
5. Talba Toudjani (201-F-80) of MIA Tbilisi - 21 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Giorgi Gaprindashvili (190-G-88) of TSU Tbilisi - 21 points, 4 rebounds and 11 assists
7. Mikheil Panchulidze (192-F-83) of TSU Tbilisi - 32 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists
8. Irakli Sakvarelidze (201-F-86) of Army - 29 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists
9. Giorgi Kvetenadze (201-F-90) of Sokhumi - 17 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Lasha Parghalava (191-G-87) of Sokhumi - 28 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists

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

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


ProB Round 2 of Quarter-Finals - by Eurobasket News
Group Play-off
Giessen - Licher Baeren 65-58

It looked good early as Licher Baeren took an 8-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Giessen Pointers had a 23-11 second period charge getting the lead and Licher Baeren was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 58-65. 31 personal fouls committed by Licher Baeren helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Forward Felix Rotaru (200-79) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds. Jamaican-American forward Kimmani Barrett (198-87, college: La Salle) contributed with 11 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Barrett is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Naturalized Austrian forward Armin Willemsen (200-85) replied with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 12 rebounds and guard Viktor Klassen (186-81) added 10 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Licher Baeren.
Top scorers:
Giessen: F.Rotaru 18+10reb, K.Barrett 11+9reb+1ast, M.Johnson 10+2reb+2ast, Z.Pavlovic 8+4reb+2ast, T.Wosnitza 6+1reb+1ast, D.Czepczynski 6+1reb
Licher Baeren: A.Willemsen 16+12reb, M.Perl 12+1reb, V.Klassen 10+5reb+3ast, P.Wente 8+4reb, T.Fairley 5+3reb+1ast, R.Christen 4+2reb
gschID: 124449


Langen - Ehingen 78-65

The game was mostly controlled by TV 1862 Langen. Ehingen/Urspringschule managed to win third quarter 19-16. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. TV 1862 Langen made 22-of-26 free shots (84.6 percent) during the game. American guard Nathan Drury (188-85, college: Carroll) scored 21 points and 5 assists to lead the charge for the winners and forward Marco Voeller (201-89) chipped in 13 points during the contest. Five TV 1862 Langen players scored in double figures. Australian center Timothy Lang (206-85, college: Stetson) responded with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds and forward Tobias Korndoerfer (200-90) scored 13 points and 5 rebounds. Ehingen/Urspringschule's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Langen: N.Drury 21+3reb+5ast, A.MacMillan 14+6reb, P.Heckmann 14+2reb+2ast, M.Voeller 13+4reb+3ast, J.Domdey 10+1reb+1ast, N.Barth 2+3reb+1ast
Ehingen: T.Lang 17+11reb, T.Korndoerfer 13+5reb+1ast, A.Vargas 10+2reb+1ast, V.Matthews 8+2reb+5ast, F.Boeke 7+5reb+1ast, E.Niedermeyer 3+1reb
gschID: 124450


NBC - Herten 61-59

The hosts trailed by 9 points after three quarters before their 24-13 charge, which allowed them to win the game. The best player for the winners was swingman Cornelius Adler (195-89) who scored 16 points and 5 rebounds. American guard Ahmad Smith (194-84, college: St.Bonaventure) chipped in 7 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. Forward Vincent Kittmann (199-88) produced 23 points and 7 rebounds and power forward Christoph Hackenesch (204-86) added 15 points and 9 rebounds respectively for the guests.
Top scorers:
NBC: C.Adler 16+5reb+1ast, W.Chavis 11+2reb+3ast, C.Ceccotti 10+6reb+1ast, D.Schneider 7+2reb+1ast, A.Smith 7+7reb+7ast, J.Reile 6+3reb+1ast
Herten: V.Kittmann 23+7reb, C.Hackenesch 15+9reb+1ast, M.Monk 10+4reb, M.Berger 7+4reb+2ast, C.Marquardt 4, B.Wolff 0
gschID: 124451


Vechta - Leitershofen 78-86

The guests took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 20-14. But SC Rasta Vechta won second period 18-15. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. American center Devin Uskoski (198-85, college: Rocky Mountain) notched a double-double by scoring 29 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals to lead the effort and guard Jonathan Genck (185-86) supported him with 26 points and 5 rebounds. Even 17 points, 8 assists and 5 steals by American guard Eric Reid (185-84, college: Cameron) did not help to save the game for SC Rasta Vechta. Center Andreas Kronhardt (204-89) added 15 points and 9 rebounds for the hosts. Four SC Rasta Vechta players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Leitershofen: D.Uskoski 29+12reb+4ast, J.Genck 26+5reb+3ast, M.Mathey 13+3reb+1ast, S.Montag 9+4reb+1ast, A.Chalusiak 7+2ast, D.Veney 2+2reb+1ast
Vechta: E.Reid 17+2reb+8ast, A.Kronhardt 15+9reb+1ast, M.Moelle 13+4reb, C.Thompson 10+1reb, D.Krause 8, P.Heitzhausen 7+3ast
gschID: 124452


Group Play-outs. 1/8 Finals
Dt.Bank SKY II - Wolfenbuettel 61-66

The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Deutsche Bank Skyliners II won third quarter 23-13. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Herzoege Wolfenbuettel dominated on the defensive end, holding Deutsche Bank Skyliners II to just 6 points in second quarter. American forward Justin Sexton (203-88, college: Pomona-Pitzer) orchestrated the victory by scoring 6 points and 17 rebounds. Swingman Henje Knopke (193-85) contributed with 20 points for the winners. American forward Christopher Rojik (200-74, college: Holy Cross) replied with 16 points and 9 rebounds and forward Fabian Franke (198-88) added 14 points and 10 rebounds (was perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line !!!) in the effort for Deutsche Bank Skyliners II.
Top scorers:
Wolfenbuettel: H.Knopke 20+1reb+3ast, M.Kemp 17+2reb+4ast, C.Rodgers 9+2reb+3ast, M.Schwarz 7+6reb, J.Sexton 6+17reb+2ast, S.Schubert 5+4reb
Dt.Bank SKY II: C.Rojik 16+9reb+1ast, F.Franke 14+10reb+1ast, R.Staudacher 13+3reb+1ast, F.Theilig 8+4reb+8ast, T.Oldenburg 7+7reb+1ast, B.Nicolay 3+1reb
gschID: 124448


Rist-Wedel - Konstanz 88-71

The game without a history. SC Rist Wedel led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. 27 personal fouls committed by Baskets Konstanz helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Guard Florian Moysich (183-80) orchestrated the victory by scoring 19 points. Trinidad and Tobago-Canadian forward Marlon Pompey (203-83, college: Texas A&M) contributed with 13 points for the winners. Five SC Rist Wedel players scored in double figures. SC Rist Wedel's coach Ozhan Gurel used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. American power forward Robinson Louisme (201-84, college: Tulane) replied with 19 points and 9 rebounds and forward Eduard Foth (196-88) added 8 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Baskets Konstanz.
Top scorers:
Rist-Wedel: F.Moysich 19+4reb+3ast, M.Pompey 13+4reb+2ast, M.Duah 13+3reb+1ast, M.Leger 12+4reb+1ast, S.Kiese 10+2reb+1ast, A.Meyer 9+3reb+1ast
Konstanz: R.Louisme 19+9reb+1ast, P.Leidig 14+1ast, M.Lay 8+4reb+1ast, E.Foth 8+7reb, C.McKnight 8+1reb+1ast, M.Radulovic 6+4ast
gschID: 124447




Suput's 34-point game gives him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
33-year old forward Predrag Suput (200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) put on an amazing game in the last round for league's best team Brose Baskets Bamberg and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 29.
He had the game-high 34 points adding nine rebounds for Brose Baskets in his team's victory, helping them to edge out ALBA (#4, 20-9) 97-93. It allowed Brose Baskets to consolidate first place in the German league. Brose Baskets has a very good season and are considered to have a run for the championship title. They improved their record to 27-2. Suput has many years of experience at Brose Baskets, through which he has constantly improved. Predrag Suput averages this season 12.2ppg.

Second best performed player last round was Terrell Everett (193-G-84, agency: ZAG Advocates) of Bremerhaven. He is American guard in his first season at Bremerhaven. In the last game Everett recorded impressive 28 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Of course Bremerhaven cruised to a 90-83 relatively comfortable win over the lower-ranked Bayreuth (#17, 7-22). This victory allowed Bremerhaven to move up to 8th position in . His team lost some distance to top teams. But 15-14 record is not bad and everything may still change. Everett is one of the most experienced players at Bremerhaven and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to swingman Toby Bailey (198-G/F-75) of EnBW Ludwigsburg (#9). Bailey scored 17 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Despite Bailey's great performance EnBW L'burg lost 89-96 to the higher-ranked EWE Baskets (#6, 17-12). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The last thing EnBW L'burg needs is to lose another game like this one. They lose more and more distance to the top teams in . Their record is 15 victories and 14 lost games. Bailey has a very solid season. In 29 games in Germany he scored 8.8ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Luka Bogdanovic (210-F-85) of EWE Baskets - 23 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Mindaugas Lukauskis (198-G-79) of EWE Baskets - 18 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists
6. DaShaun Wood (185-G-85) of Dt.Bank SKY - 27 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Ekene Ibekwe (206-F-85) of Bayreuth - 22 points and 7 rebounds
8. Julius Jenkins (187-G-81) of ALBA - 24 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Sean Denison (210-F/C-85) of Bremerhaven - 21 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists
10. George Evans (202-F/C-71) of TBB Trier - 10 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists

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

German ProA round 26 best performance: Achmadschah Zazai - by Eurobasket News
Naturalized Afghani point guard Achmadschah Zazai (177-PG-86) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Chemnitz, receiving a Eurobasket.com ProA Player of the Week award for round 26.
The 24-year old player got a double-double of 15 points and 13 assists, while his team crushed Jena (#15, 8-18) with 17-point margin 84-67. Chemnitz is placed at 3rd position in Afghani ProA. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Chemnitz will need more victories to improve their 17-9 record. It was one of impressive evenings for Zazai as usually he does not deliver so high stats. Achmadschah Zazai has solid league stats. He is in league's top in assists (2nd best: 6.1apg) and averages impressive 2.1spg and 51.3% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 25-year old American Jeremy Black (203-F-85, agency: Rasmussen Services) of Karlsruhe. Black had a very good evening with a double-double of 21 points and 14 rebounds. Of course he lead Karlsruhe to another comfortable win outscoring the higher-ranked Osnabrueck (#4, 16-9) 80-57. Karlsruhe's 9th position in the standings has not changed. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 12-14 record. Black is well-known at Karlsruhe and is a proven leader in his second season with the team.

Third on the list of top players last round was American guard Kejuan Johnson (193-G-85) of Webmoebel Baskets Paderborn (#7). Johnson showcased his all-around game by recording 24 points, eight rebounds and nine assists in the last round. He was a key player of Webmoebel, leading his team to a 99-94 win against Kirchheim (13-13). Webmoebel needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 13 victories and 13 lost games. Johnson has a great season in Germany. After 26 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 21.2ppg (best scorer) and assists with 4.8apg (5th best). He also has 2.8spg and FGP: 50.2%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Deilvez Yearby (198-F-87) of Cuxhaven - 20 points, 13 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Sanijay Watts (193-F-87) of Dragons - 14 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Jackson Capel (191-G-87) of Cuxhaven - 24 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Gary Johnson (188-PG-82) of Chemnitz - 30 points
8. Brad Byerson (201-F-85) of Hannover - 16 points and 13 rebounds
9. Aaron Cook (186-G-83) of Cuxhaven - 20 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists
10. Jamar Nutter (188-G-84) of Freiburg - 21 points and 8 rebounds

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

Stats Leaders - 1.Bundesliga
Points Per Game
 DaShaun WOOD
  Dt.Bank SKY
  (185-G-85)
  Avg: 19.2
 1. Wood, Dt.19.2 
 2. Rice, Art.Dragons16.8 
 3. Allen, ALBA16.2 
 4. Bell, Phoenix Hagen16.0 
 5. Harris, EnBW L.15.5 
 6. Benzing, ratio.15.5 
 7. Martin, Bremerha.15.4 
 8. Callahan, Bremerha.15.1 
 9. Ross, MBC15.0 
 10. Dorris, Phoenix .15.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 John BRYANT
  ratiopharm
  (208-C-87)
  Avg: 11
 1. Bryant, ratiopharm11.0 
 2. Ensminger, Teleko.8.3 
 3. Reiner, Bayreuth7.9 
 4. Watts, Walter T.7.8 
 5. Martin, Bremerha.7.1 
 6. Ovcina, LTi 46ers6.9 
 7. Stevic, EWE B.6.7 
 8. Burtschi, Phoenix .6.7 
 9. Pleiss, Brose B.6.6 
 10. Fenn, Art.Dragons6.5 
Assists Per Game
 Branislav RATKOVICA
  Walter Tigers
  (193-G-85)
  Avg: 7.3
 1. Ratkovica, Walter T.7.3 
 2. Wood, Dt.5.7 
 3. Joyce, TBB Trier5.6 
 4. Rice, Art.Dragons5.0 
 5. Green, EnBW L.4.3 
 6. Jordan, MBC4.3 
 7. Neitzel, Bayreuth4.2 
 8. Goldsberry, Brose B.4.1 
 9. Hamilton, NY Phant.4.1 
 10. Gamqrelidze, LTi 4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Kevin HAMILTON
  NY Phantoms
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Hamilton, NY Phant.2.1 
 2. Martin, Bremerha.1.7 
 3. Burtschi, Phoenix .1.6 
 4. Pryor, Phoenix .1.5 
 5. Dorris, Phoenix .1.5 
 6. Wise, Telekom .1.4 
 7. Wood, Dt.1.4 
 8. Goldsberry, Brose B.1.4 
 9. Bailey, Art.Dragons1.3 
 10. Bernard, MBC1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Ekene IBEKWE
  Bayreuth
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Ibekwe, Art.Drag.2.4 
 2. Pleiss, Brose B.1.9 
 3. Ibekwe, Bayreuth1.6 
 4. Bryant, ratiopharm1.6 
 5. Seward, Phoenix .1.3 
 6. Brempong, Duesseld.1.2 
 7. Goree, NY Phantoms1.2 
 8. Hines, Brose B.1.1 
 9. Scott, Goettingen1.0 
 10. Powell, Dt.0.9 


Dashaun Wood Is The Sun As He Drives The MBC Wolves Back Into Their Den As The Deutsche Bank Skyliners Prevail 70-58 On The Road - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
When checking out the Looney Tunes, there is absolutely no surprise that the roadrunner never gets captured and eaten by the motivated Wile E coyote, because the bird is too quick and too smart. In Weissenfels, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were looking to start a new winning streak and were up against a torn and tattered Mitteldeutscher BC squad. The scenario on the floor was similar to Looney Tunes as Dashaun 'mr roadrunner' had to put up with pesky wolves all night long, but the current leading scorer in the BEKO BBL had the hoop in front of him at most instances and the MBC wolves behind him as he led Frankfurt to the 70-58 win and had no problems getting the wolf pack to retreat back to their dens. 'I was the sun. When the sun rises, wolves go away. I was slowly rising in the second half and when I made the last of the floaters, I had reached the top. There was no more howling from the wolves and they went back to their caves', laughed DaShaun Wood (185-G-85, college: Wright St.). Quantez Robertson was glad that Wood was on his side. 'The wolves were unable to catch up to him. Wood howled like crazy which the wolves didnt like', smiled Quantez Robertson. 'Wood was a very hot sun that was burning', added Kimmo Muurinen. Wood was as unstoppable as a tiger tearing apart an antelope on a barren field in Africa, and the way Kemba Walker has been leading UCONN to the 2011 NCAA Final 4. 'Wood is the heart and soul of team. He is most comfortable when he can do what he wants. The difference between him and othe rplayers is that he is consistent and gets the job done', added Ronald Ross.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners had had a tough time digesting the 79-70l oss to 8 time BEKO BBL champion Alba Berlin last weekend and one might of expected that Frankfurt would jump out on MBC early, but instead they were trailing as the home team was desperate to win and get out of the BEKO BBL cellar. Frankfurt surprisingly had a tougher time with the 16th ranked MBC squad, but in the end a win is a win no matter if it was pretty or butt ugly. 'I have said all year long that any win on the road is big. Drums were playing and it was harsh environment, but as soon as we got control, they had a tough time coming back. No team is easy in this league as each team can win against anyone. It is important that we continue to bounce back after losses', stressed DaShaun Wood. MBC lost their fifth game in a row and continue to drown at the bottom of the standings. 'This was a very disappointing loss. We practiced well this week, but let the game get away in the third quarter. We couldnt get flow going the way we needed too', added MBC guard Ronald Ross. 'This wasnt a pretty win. We found a way to pick up our intensity in the second half, played more aggressive defense and limited them to one shot', added Quantez Robertson.

Despite the precarious situation that the Mitteldeutscher BC is in this season with the possibility of being sent back to the PRO A, the maker and thinker of the organization Martin Geissler seemed calm before the start of the game and never would have thought at the start of the season that his team would be so near going back down. 'I knew that we would play to stay in the BEKO BBL this season, but didnt think that we would encounter so many negative things. These things all came together and the sudden sickness to coach Bjoern Harmsen also was unexpected. Things can only get better', added Martin Geissler. Despite the loss to Frankfurt the club remains upbeat. 'The mood is optimistic. In the last games, we have had chances to leave Giessen and BBC Bayreuth behind us. We have had many unlucky close loses. The games against Giessen and Tuebingen will be huge. I think that if we can win 3 more games to reach 10 wins, that should be enough', warned Martiun Geissler. It isnt only Germans Guido Gruinheid and Sascha Leutloff holding the team together, but also 2 Americans. 'Johnnie Gilbert has been holding the team together. He has a great personality and attitude. He is always giving 100% in practice. Wayne Bernard has been our most improved player. This is his third season with us and is always consistent', said Giessler.

Before the jump ball, Skyliner Marius Nolte and Sascha Leutloff took a very long time discussing things at center court. A tall dark haired ex German national player was also among the crowd checking out the game as New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig coach Sebastian Machowski was scouting the game as his team will face The Deutsche Bank Skyliners next weekend in the BEKO BBL Cup Top 4 in Bamberg. Frankfurt came from 19c Frankfurt weather to the uncomfortable 2c weather in Weissenfelsand were flat in the first minute as MBC broke out on a 6-0 run. MBC scored their first three baskets inside from Wayne Bernard, Ronald Ross and Velimir Radinovic as Frankfurt was too hesitant on the glass. Wood and Bernard then traded baskets, but it was Bernard getting a offensive rebound further displaying the early Frankfurt flaw on the boards. Frankfurt continued to come back as Quantez Robertson made two free throws. Super Tez than made a two handed dunk cutting the MBC lead to 8-6.One thing that DaShaun Wood has done very well in the last 3-4 games is continuing to find teammates cutting from the wing and feeding them back door for easy buckets. 'Defenses continue to watch me and when that happens, guys like Tez, Roger Powell and Maurius Nolte will get easy baskets as seen tonight. If the defense continues to stare at me while penetrating, then we will continue to get easy shots inside', warned DaShaun Wood. 'The defense watches Wood and they send help over which allows me sneak in and he finds me', added Quantez Robertson. 'Wood is good at penetrating and draws a lot of attention to guards getting off the screens. You have to play very smart defense to defend this', commented MBC guard Wayne Bernard. The game continued to be very tight as Ross scored his second hoop on the penetration with his left hand. Frankfurt had had a lot of misfortune up to this juncture with four in and out shots. Wood continued to keep Frankfurt in the game with a pull up jumper and mid distance jumper as the score was knotted at 14-14. After a quick scoot by Serb 188cm guard Radenko Pilcevic to give MBC the 16-14 lead, it was Wood who finally gave Frankfurt its first lead 17-16 with a bomb from the parking lot. MBC ended the first quarter with 1 4-2 run as Ross buried a three pointer and Gilbert scored inside. Chris Moss made a tip in as MBC led only 21-19. 'There was a lot of offense in the first quarter. MBC was very aggressive and had less problems containing Wood on the penetration. MBC also hit their open shots', added New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig skipper Sebastian Machowski. 'We had trouble getting into our flow. They were aggressive and got us out of our play', said Skyliner forward Kimmo Muurinen.

In the second quarter, the basketball game remained very tight as The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were unable to retake the lead as MBC stayed fierce and Frankfurt made too many costly mistakes especially offensive fouls. 'We were aggressive on defense more in the second half, but we wanted to give them bumps giving a statement that we are playing hard', stressed DaShaun Wood. Bernard started the second quarter with a smooth three pointer getting fed nicely by a Ross kick out dish as MBC led 24-19. However Frankfurt reacted with a 4-0 run to cut the MBC lead to 24-23 as Jevohn Shepherd made a pull up jumper and Moss a reverse lay up. Gilbert and Shepherd then traded hoops as MBC continued to out hustle Frankfurt on the offensive boards as MBC led 27-25. MBC then caught Frankfurt napping as Radenko Pilcevic fed Bernard with a touchdown pass for an easy fast break basket and the 29-25 MBC lead. Wood continued to keep Frankfurt in the game with a three pointer and lay in dancing past Ross in the lane. Muurinen then got ahead of the Wolf pack on the fast break and made a two handed dunk to give Frankfurt their second lead of the game 32-31. Wood closed out the first half with a lay up as Frankfurt led 34-32. The second quarter was more defensive from both teams. MBC had big problems finding a way to stop Wood', stressed Braunschwieg coach Sebastian Machowski.'We gave up too many offensive rebounds in the first half and they outhustled us', expressed Kimmo Muurinen. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shooting 52% from the field and 43% from outside while MBC was shooting 41% from the field and 20% from outside. MBC had the 15-12 rebound edge and only six turnovers as Frankfurt had 8 turnovers.

The turning point of the game came in the third quarter as The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were able to break away for the first time and lead by 10 points going into the fourth quarter. Quantez Air Cincinnati Robertson started the third quarter with a lay in getting anotehr dangerous pass from Wood on the penetration as he was making a flight from the wing as Frankfurt led 36-32. Not only DaShaun Wood is able to score in bunches, but also dangerous scorer Ronald Ross who blasetd MBC back with his own 4-0 run with a lay in and pull up jumper to tie the game. However Frankfurt then closed out the third quarter with a more aggressive defense with a 16-6 run to lead 52-42. Frankfurt started the run with excellent ball movement finding Super tez open and he dropped a high rainbow from the corner. Jimmy Mckinney nailed a three pointer, Roger Powell scored inside, Wood with a reverse lay up and Marius Nolte with a lay up as Wood found him coming in to the basket from the baseline. Frankfurt led 48-40 as the Weissenfels arena had gotten very quiet. Pilcevic and Gilbert then made a perfect pick and role as Gilbert dunked and Powell and Nolte closed out the third quarter with free throws as Frankfurt led 52-42. 'I dont think that we really made any technical adjustments on defense. Things just started working better for us being more aggressive. Coach Herbert woke us up to work harder', stressed Kimmo Muurinen. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shooting 50% from the field and 42% from the three point line while MBC was shooting 38% from the field and 17% from the three point line. MBC still had the 19-18 rebound edge and 13 turnovers while Frankfurt had 15 turnovers.

In the fourth quarter, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners continued to control the game being able to extend their lead while MBC was struggling to break the aggressive Frankfurt defense. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners started off the fourth quarter with a 7-2 run as MBC had problems getting out of the starting block as Frankfurt had their biggest lead of the game at 59-46. Powell tested his 28% three point percentage by nailing a shot from downtown and them made free throws as did Wood. Grunheid made a reverse layup as Ross took a chapter out of the book of Wood finding the German streaking to the hoop from the baseline. A big problem of MBC in this game was their inability to be consistent often making 1-2 nice offensive plays, but then returning unconcentrated missing shots in a hurry up type offense or coughing up the ball. 'In the past few games, we have struggled in the second half. Frankfurt did a good job adjusting to our plays. They read certain things well and took certain things away from us. We have to learn in the remaining games that when an opponent adjusts on defense, we need to adjust on offense and find another option to score', added Wayne Bernard. From this point on, MBC outscored Frankfurt 14-11 to end the game, but they just had too little consistent fire power. Gruinheid and Ross scored inside cutting the Frankfurt lead to 59-48, but whenever MBC was mildly threatening to come back, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were able to execute on offense or make big plays on defense like a Powell block on Bernard. After a wood off balance shot, it was Pilcevic who finally hit a three pointer as Frankfurt still led 62-52. With crunch time approaching, MBC had no gas left as Powell scored on a hook shot, Wood made 2/4 free throws as Robertson made a fast break hoop as Frankfurt led 68-54 with under two minutes to play. Radinovic and Pilcevic scored in the last minute and Wood made a runner in the lane as Frankfurt won 70-58. 'Frankfurt started the fourth quarter well and got the free throw line. You have to play Frankfurt close to have any kind of chance against them', warned Ronald Ross. 'We played great aggressive defense in the second half. We held them to 26 points. Our defense kept us in the game',added DaShaun Wood.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were led by DaShaun Wood with 26 points. Roger Powell added 12 points and six rebounds. Quantez Robertson chipped in with 11 points. The Mitteldeutscher BC was led by Ronald Ross with 17 points. Wayne Bernard produced 11 points and Radenko Pilcevic 10 points. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners now will refocus for the 2011 BEKO BBL Top 4 in Bamberg next weekend. Frankfurt still can improve some things including their offense and getting rid of that nasty reference that the club is to dependent on DaShaun Wood. 'Our offensive execution wasnt well against MBC. They did a good job denying passing lanes, but still we should be able to handle this type of pressure. We will have to learn from this and improve in the next game. Wood takes what the defense gives him and we have no problems with him taking open shots, but we still could get more contribution from more players', warned Kimmo Muurinen. Next weekend, Frankfurt has the chance again to win their first title since the 2004 final, but to get to the final, the team will have to dispose of Braunschweig. 'We will have a few days rest now. The team will have to be mentally and physically ready for the TOP 54. We might have a good record against them in the last years, but we have always had hard games against them. They are fully aware that they have the chance to win a title, but so are we. We will be focused, because we know that they wont give us any presents', warned Skyliner sport director Kamil Novak. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners face off against The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig in the BEKO BBL Top 4 April 2nd.



Drew Neitzel (BBC Bayreuth) There Has Been Some Ups And Downs This Season, But With 5 Games Left, Each One Is Important - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Drew Neitzel (183-G-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: Michigan St.) is a 25 year old 183cm combo guard from Grand Rapids that is playing for BBC Bayreuth. He played at Michigan State from 2004-2008. In his senior year he played 36 games: 13.9ppg, 2.5rpg, 4.0apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 40.5%, 3Pts: 39.8%, FT: 86.0%. He reached the NCAA Final 4 in 2005 and NCAA Sweet 16 in 2008. In 2008, he turned professional playing for the Artland Dragons Quakenbrueck (Germany-1.Bundesliga): Eurocup: 12 games: 8.3ppg, 1.4rpg, 3.9apg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 82.4%; German League: 34 games: 5.3ppg, 1.1rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 86.0%. Last season, he played for ES Chalon-Sur-Saone (France-ProA, starting five): French League: 12 games: 12.6ppg, 2.2rpg, 5.3apg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 72.7%; EuroChallenge: 4 games: 13.3ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.8apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 47.6%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 81.8%, left in Dec.'09, next month moved to TBB Trier (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 14 games: 7.4ppg, 1.5apg, FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 85.7%. He spoke to eurobasket after the 90-83 loss to Bremerhaven.

A tough 90-83 loss against The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. MBC also lost against Frankfurt. How is the mood in the team at the moment?

Its always tough to lose a close game and as a team we are disappointed in the outcome, but we are remaining positive. We have another big game at home on Thursday vs. Ulm.

Bremerhaven had the narrow 46-44 lead at halftime. How would you describe the first half of play?

We came out strong to start the game and played well as a team. Our offense was good, but we gave up too many points and easy baskets on the defensive end.

BBC Bayreuth was down by 6 after three quarters, but fought back in the fourth quarter, but lost the game. What was key for losing the game in crunch time?

We fought hard the whole game, some things didn't go our way, and Bremerhaven hit some tough shots down the stretch.

What was your impression of Terrell Everett? He had a monster game. Why was it so difficult to stop him?


He did a good job in transition, curling off of screens and making plays.

What things will BBC Bayreuth have to improve to win games in the last weeks?

We need to stay together. There has been some ups and downs this season, but with 5 games left each one is very important.

Will UCONN win the 2011 NCAA Title?


The way this tournament has gone this year, its hard for me to pick a national champion. But UCONN has the talent too. Especially with a guy like Kemba Walker who can take over a game and put the team on his back.


Does Butler have what it takes to reach the 2011 NCAA final?


They definitely have the experience after playing in the title game last year and have also beat some very good teams on their run back to the Final 4 this year.

Were you surprised that Duke lost to Arizona?

I wasn't surprised. They struggled a bit against Michigan in the 2nd round and Arizona was a very talented team that matched up well with them.


Will The Brose Baskets Bamberg win the 2011 BEKO BBL cup or will another team come away victorious?

Based on the way this season has gone so far, I would have to pick Bamberg. They have played very consistent.

Thanks Drew for the chat.

John Bynum (TBB Trier)It Is Always Good To Score Points, But At The End Of The Day It Is A Defensive Thing For Us - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.) is a 33 year old 191 cm guard from Visalia California that is playing his first season with TBB Trier. He is a good fighter, fast and good in offensive playing. He is great athlete who can shoot the ball with consistency from 3 and finish with authority on the break. He is a tremendous defender on the ball. He played college basketball at College of the Sequoias Junior College:from 1996-1998 and then transferred to Metropolitan St. (NCAA2): and played there from 1998-2000. He started his professional basketball career in 2001 in the Uk for the Solent Stars (United Kingdom-NBLConf): 31 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assist. In 2002-2003, came his first tour of duty in Germany for BSG Grevenbroich (Germany-Regionalliga): 24.7ppg, 9.2rpg, 6.7apg, 3.5spg. In 2003-2004, he played for the Ulriken Eagles (Norway-BNLO): Regular Season: 14 games: 20,1ppg, 8,1rpg, 2,5apg, 2,9spg, 0,4bpg.In 2004-2005, he was back in Germany playing for BSG Grevenbroich (Germany-2.Bundesliga): 30 games: Score-5 (26.0ppg), 7.7rpg, Ast-4 (5.4apg), 1.7spg, 2FGP: 55.5%, 3FGP: 33.3%, FT: 63.6%. In 2005-2006, he played for InterCollege Etha Engomis (Cyprus-A1): only pre-season, then joined COOCOON Baskets Weiden (Germany-2.Bundesliga, starting five): 8 games: 15.6ppg, 5.9rpg, 2.0apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 51%, left in Jan.'06 and later that month signed at Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 21 games: 7.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.8apg, 2FGP: 56.5%. In 2006-2007, he played for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 31 games: 5.7ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.2apg, 2FGP: 43.1%, 3FGP: 25.0%, FT: 55.9%. In 2007-2008, he played for USC Heidelberg (Germany-ProA, starting five): 14 games: 14.4ppg, 4.4rpg, Assists-5 (4.6apg), 2.3spg, 2FGP: 54%, 3FGP: 27.3%, FT: 58.5%, left in Jan.'08 due to shoulder injury, in Feb.'08 moved to Digibu Baskets Paderborn (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 13 games: 6.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.4apg, 2FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 70.0%. Last season, he played in the PRO A for Proveo Merlins Crailsheim (Germany-ProA, starting five): 27 games: 16.9ppg, 7.1rpg, Assists-3 (5.4apg), 1.1spg, FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 62.8%. He spoke with eurobasket after the 84-55 win against The Gloria Giants Duesseldorf.


A big 84-55 win against The Gloria Giants Duesseldorf. Did the win come as easy as the score indicates?


Eell yea the score indicates how the game went. We came out and played hard and we were able to push the lead and the game wide open within the first 20 minutes. It was good to have a win like this.


EnBW Ludwigsburg lost to The EWE Baskets Oldenburg tonight which keeps TBB Trier to have their nice 2 point cushion at 7th place. Are the 2011 BEKO BBL playoffs coming closer and closer in your own mind?


Well of course they are within reach but we got a tough road in front of us. We got to take it one game at a time and we have to take care of us and not worry about what is going on around the league


TBB Trier had the comfortable 44-24 lead at halftime and already had the game decided. What was key for having the big lead at halftime?


I think we played well defensively and we were able to get stops and get easy baskets as well. We played well as a unit and it was a good half for us.

TBB Trier is the second best team in the BEKO BBL allowing the fewest points in the league. What was the biggest strength on defense on this day?


I just think we played good team defense. We rotated pretty well and we did some good things on the defensive end. We pride ourselve on our defense and if we play good defense we put ourselves in a good situation to give us a chance to win games.


How important was scoring 85 points for the self confidence for the team concerning the last games that will come?


We dont worry too much about our scoring. We pride ourselve on the defensive end and usally when we have good defensive games our scoring is up because it means we were able to get out in transistion and run when we got stops. It is always good to score points but at the end of the day it is a defensive thing for us.

How did it feel to be top rebounder? Will George 'sarge Evans at least pay a dinner for your services?lol


I dont think i will be getting dinner anytime from George. He does all the dirty work, they box out the big guys and I come in and steal the rebounds from their hard work.

What was your impression of Esmir Rizvic. I guess he didnt come to terms with the TBB Trier defense with his 6 turnovers.

Well I'm sure he didnt have one of his best games but that was due to the defense of George. George played a great game and did so much at both ends of the floor for us in this game.

Does UCONN have what it takes now to win it all?

Well they have the ex factor in Kemba and they put themselves in a good situation to have a chance to win it.

Were you surprised that Duke lost to Arizona?

I was suprised, but I am happy that Duke lost. I hate Duke and never have liked them.

Butler is the team with the upsets. Where will their journey go?


Well they are suprising everyone again this year and it will be interesting to see where they end up again. It will be an interesting final four.

Thanks John for the chat.

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


Baxter leaves Ilysiakos for Petrochimi - by George Fragkos
One of the best players of Ilysiakos Athens during the season is no longer a member of Kostas Flevarakis's team. Jimmy Baxter (198-G-80, college: S.Florida), after talking with the board of the club, has been let free to go and continue his career elsewhere. The recent defeat against Panellinios, in which the American made a very bad appearance, put Ilysiakos in a very difficult situation and the team from Athens is in great danger of getting relegated. Baxter some days ago received a very good proposal by another club from Iran and he was seriously thinking about it. This was the reason that several fans of the team attacked him verbally by the end the game, accusing him of not being fully concentrated to the target of the club.

This led Baxter to the decision to leave. After agreeing with the board of Ilysiakos to terminate the contract they had, he released the following statement in which he clarifies some things about him and his relations with the club:
'I am the only foreign player that has been in Ilysiakos from the beginning of the season. I gave everything I could for the team and felt really happy that the fans helped us even when we lost the games. I stayed at the club for them and fought toughly, although nobody believed that we could be saved from relegation. A part of the fans did not protect me from the rumors which were published last week and accused me of trying to harm Ilysiakos, giving the impression of me being even mercenary. No one thought about the pressure I felt all the previous days, hearing incredible things about me. I believed that Ilysiakos is my family and gave all I could for this team but now I feel that I cannot keep on being here anymore. I want to thank all my teammates the coaching stuff and the chairman of the club for their cooperation and I wish them to accomplish the target of the club'.

Baxter's next team will indead be the Iranian Petrochimi Bandar Imam Harbour.



Tsotsos' double-double lands him A2 Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
27-year old power forward Kostas Tsotsos (205-F/C-83) put on an amazing game in the last round for Olimpiada and receives a Eurobasket.com A2 Player of the Week award for round 20.
He had a double-double of 28 points and 10 rebounds, while his team beat AEK/Argous (#10, 9-11) in overtime 87-78. The game rather meaningless between the teams, which do not have any influence on the top of the standings. Olimpiada is placed at 12th position in Greek A2. Olimpiada is rather a weak team placed in lower part in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 8-12 record. Tsotsos turned to be Olimpiada's top player in his first season with the team. Kostas Tsotsos averages this season 12.4ppg.

Second best performed player last round was Nikos Psileas (200-F-80) of Lavrio. He is a forward in his 5th season at Lavrio. In the last game Psileas recorded impressive 19 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Of course he lead Lavrio to another comfortable win outscoring the lower-ranked Panerythraikos (#14, 7-13) 90-66. This victory allowed Lavrio to move up to 3rd position in the standings. His team's 14-6 record is not bad at all. Psileas is one of the most experienced players at Lavrio and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to guard Miron Papadakis (183-G-88) of SEFA Arkadikos (#5). Papadakis scored 25 points. He was a key player of Arkadikos, leading his team to a 73-71 win against the lower-ranked Near East (#16, 4-16). Arkadikos needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 11 victories and 9 lost games. Papadakis has a very solid season. In 20 games in Greece he scored 11.9ppg. He also has 3.1apg and FGP: 61.2%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Yiannis Kakiouzis (205-F-78) of Lavrio - 27 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Vassili Kitsoulis (204-F-83) of KAOD - 13 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Christos Deligiannis (204-F-84) of Panelefsiniakos - 12 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Kostas Totsios (191-G-78) of Ikaroi Serron - 25 points
8. Kostas Vardavas (193-G-81) of Amyntas Dafnis - 14 points and 10 rebounds
9. Alexandros Sigounas (200-F-88) of Panelefsiniakos - 17 points and 10 rebounds
10. Nikos Pettas (195-G-81) of Koroivos - 16 points and 7 rebounds

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

Stats Leaders - A1
Points Per Game
 Steven SMITH
  Panellinios
  (203-F-83)
  Avg: 17.9
 1. Smith, Panellinios17.9 
 2. Marshall, PAOK17.3 
 3. Palacio, Kavala16.3 
 4. Baxter, Ilysiakos15.9 
 5. Kalathis, VAP K.15.0 
 6. Kiritsis, Ilysiakos14.6 
 7. Grundy, AEK14.5 
 8. Thompson, Ikaros14.4 
 9. Francis, Panellinios13.8 
 10. Harris, Ikaros13.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Cedric SIMMONS
  Kavala
  (206-F/C-86)
  Avg: 10.1
 1. Simmons, Kavala10.1 
 2. Thompson, Ikaros8.9 
 3. Bagaric, Marousi8.6 
 4. Smith, Panellinios8.6 
 5. Kalathis, VAP K.8.5 
 6. Papadopoulos, PAOK7.5 
 7. Tucker, Aris7.4 
 8. Looby, Peristeri GS7.3 
 9. Bourousis, Olympiakos6.6 
 10. Elonu, Panionios6.6 
Assists Per Game
 Jared JORDAN
  VAP Kolossos
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 6
 1. Jordan, VAP K.6.0 
 2. Spanoulis, Olympiakos5.6 
 3. Teodosic, Olympiakos4.7 
 4. Diamantidis, Panath.4.6 
 5. Karydas, Ilysiakos4.1 
 6. Xanthopoulos, Panell.3.9 
 7. Palacio, Kavala3.9 
 8. Papaloukas, Olymp.3.7 
 9. Gagaloudis, Marousi3.3 
 10. Parker, Iraklis3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Smush PARKER
  Iraklis
  (193-G-81)
  Avg: 2
 1. Parker, Iraklis2.0 
 2. Grundy, AEK1.9 
 3. Anderson, Panionios1.8 
 4. Baxter, Ilysiakos1.8 
 5. Papaloukas, Olymp.1.8 
 6. Xanthopoulos, Panell.1.7 
 7. Marshall, PAOK1.7 
 8. Karydas, Ilysiakos1.7 
 9. Jamon Lukas, Olymp.1.5 
 10. Kalathis, VAP K.1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Cedric SIMMONS
  Kavala
  (206-F/C-86)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Simmons, Kavala1.9 
 2. Bagaric, Marousi1.8 
 3. Elonu, Panionios1.7 
 4. Thompson, Ikaros1.4 
 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. Francis, Panellinios0.6 


Greek A1 round 22 best performance: Steven Smith - by Eurobasket News
American forward Steven Smith (203-F-83) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Panellinios, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 22.
The 27-year old player had a double-double of 27 points and 12 rebounds, while his team edged out Ilysiakos (#13, 6-16) in overtime 88-85. The game rather meaningless between the teams, which do not have any influence on the top of the standings. Panellinios is placed at 10th position in Greek A1. Panellinios is rather a weak team placed in lower part in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 8-14 record. In the team's last game Smith had a remarkable 61.5% from 2-point range and got three three-pointers out of 6 attempts. He turned to be Panellinios' top player in his first season with the team. Former La Salle University star has very solid stats this year. Smith is league's best scorer averaging so far 17.9ppg. Smith is in league's top in rebounds (3rd best: 8.6rpg) and averages impressive 51.9% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 30-year old Croatian Dalibor Bagaric (217-C-80) of Marousi BC. Bagaric had a very good evening with a double-double of 16 points and 15 rebounds. Bad luck as Marousi was edged by slightly higher-ranked PAOK (#3, 13-9) 75-72. It was definitely game of the week between two contenders to the title. Marousi still maintains its place in the top 4 of the standings, even despite this loss. His team's 12-10 record is not bad at all. Bagaric is a newcomer at Marousi, but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was Bosnia and Herzegovina forward Edin Bavcic (210-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket) of Aris (#6). Bavcic scored 20 points and grabbed fourteen rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of Aris, leading his team to a 86-70 easy win against the lower-ranked Iraklis (#14, 5-17). Aris needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 11 victories and 11 lost games. Bavcic has a very solid season. In 2 games in Greece he scored 16.5ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Deon Thompson (203-F-88) of Ikaros - 14 points and 7 rebounds
5. Kosta Charalampidis (189-G-76) of Aris - 21 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists
6. Smush Parker (193-G-81) of Iraklis - 25 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Alexis Kiritsis (198-G-82) of Ilysiakos - 18 points and 6 assists
8. Robert Dozier (206-F-85) of PAOK - 20 points and 9 rebounds
9. Miroslav Todic (206-F-85) of Ilysiakos - 22 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Vladimir Petrovic-Stergiou (198-F/G-77) of Iraklis - 19 points, 9 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)

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

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

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


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


Meszlenyi will resign at the end of the season - by Balazs Radics
After his team Kis-Raba-Menti Takarek Sopron has lost its chances to qualify for the playoff, Coach Robert Meszlenyi announced that he will leave Sopron at the end of the season.
KIS-RABA-MENTI TAKAREK SKC - PVSK-PANNONPOWER 78-90 (11-26, 25-15, 26-21, 16-28)
Sopron 1500 att. Ref: Hartyani, Cziffra, Szilas
SOPRON: Kelley 23/3, Jarvis, Molnar A. 14/3, Szabo Zs. 18/9, Townes 10. sub: Pojbics, Ugaros 5/3, Gombas 4, Helmeczi 2, Keresztes 2. Head Coach: Robert Meszlenyi
PECS: EL-AMIN 24/12, GLAVINIC 14/6, DEAK 14/9, Toth N. 9, EGEMONYE 20. sub: Hosszu, Eilingsfeld, Szke 3/3, Kiss K., Kovcs P. 6/6. Head Coach: Szrecsko Szekulovics
Fouled Out: Molnar A. (40. min.)


*****************************************************
  INDIA   


BFI elections: R.S.Gill re-elected as President - by M. Rajalingam

R.S.Gill got re-elected as the President of Basketball Federation Of India. The new office bearers were elected at the Annual General Council Meeting of the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) was held at Nagpal Regency, Ludhiana, on March 27th, 2010, under the supervision of Government Observer Mr. Pramod Agarwa, IOA Observer Mr. KS Sidhu, and Returning Office Mr. TC Gupta.
The members who were elected as office bearers and executive members of BFI, have various different basketball credentials, including former national and international players, national and international coaches, and national and FIBA international referees.

1PresidentMr. RS Gill
2Sr. Vice PresidentMr. K Govindraj
3Vice President (Lady)Ms. Nandini Basappa
4Vice PresidentMr. Alok Sharma
5Vice PresidentMr. Mukut Medhi
6Vice PresidentMr. Vikram Singh Shekhawat
7Vice PresidentMr. M Venkatesh
8Vice PresidentMr. Teja Singh
9Secretary GeneralMr. Ajay Sud
10TreasurerMr. KP Changoiwala
11Associate SecretaryMr. Rajesh Patel
12Associate SecretaryMr. Shafiq A Shaikh
13Associate SecretaryMr. V Ragothaman
14Associate SecretaryMr. Ashok Kr. Sahu
15Associate SecretaryMr. Ashok Rangeen
16Executive Committee MemberMr. Bhupendra Shahi
17Executive Committee MemberMr. Bimal Pal
18Executive Committee MemberMr. Chander Mohan
19Executive Committee MemberMr. Dalbir Singh Kharab
20Executive Committee MemberMr. Jugraj Singh
21Executive Committee MemberMr. Kulwinder Singh Gill
22Executive Committee MemberMr. L Suren
23Executive Committee MemberMr. RK Sanatomba Singh
24Executive Committee MemberMr. Shekhar Chand Jain
25Executive Committee MemberMr. Shakti Sinh M. Gohil
26Executive Committee MemberMr. Vinod Vachani


Source: indiabasketball.org [BFI website]

*****************************************************
  IRAN   


Mahram prevail against Zob Ahan in WABA League - by Eurobasket News
Mahram - Zob Ahan 84:78

Mahram advanced into FIBA Asia Champions Cup to be held in Manila in May. They held off Zob Ahan in the WABA League qualifier. Iran had one ticket for the Asia Champions Cup and Mahram claimed it. Cheikh Samb (215-C-84) came up with impressive 27 points and 12 rebounds effort to pace Mahram.
Mahram did not waste too much time to grab the initiative. They posted a 27:14 lead after ten minutes. Zob Ahan stopped the rot in the second term and managed to get as close as 10 points at the interval. But Mahram gradually increased the tempo and gained a 14-point lead with ten minutes to go 65:51. Mahram controlled the game in the final minutes and cruised to the victory. Chris Williams (199-F/G-80, college: Virginia) finished with 20 points and 11 boards, while Samad Nikkhah (198-G/F-83, agency: SportsList Inc.) added 18 points in the win. Hamed Afagh (190-G-83, agency: SportsList Inc.) answered with 24 points for Zob Ahan. Carlos Powell (199-F-83, college: S.Carolina) netted 15 points in the loss.

Mahram: Cheikh Samb 27+12 boards, Chris Williams 20+11 boards, Samad Nikkhah 18
Zob Ahan: Hamed Afagh 24, Carlos Powell 15


Iran Superleague Round 22 - by Mohammad Amin Maghsoodlou
Gorgan - B.A Shiraz 78 - 61
Gorgan win the home match to guarantee the play-offs spot . Ian Young (191-G-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Auburn) have good match with 20 points , 5 boards and 8 assists . Also Sam Hoskin (206-F/C-79, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: De Paul) was great with 18 points and 18 rebounds . At the other side Khosro Esmaeelpour (193-F/C-86) lead his team with 19 points . Shiraz have to beat Zob Ahan in post pended match to advance play-offs.
M.H.Ahwaz - Petrochimi 67-93
Petrochimi (27- 4 ) crushed 10th ranked M.A.Ahwaz (6 - 15) in Ahwaz 93-67 . Petrochimi led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. M.A.Ahwaz is out and have no chance to reach play-offs they will stand at 10th place at the end of regular season.
Shahrekord - T.E.Kashan 56 - 66
Not a big story in a game when 11th ranked Shahrekord (5 - 17) was defeated at the home by third ranked T.E.Kashan (15 - 6) 66 - 56 . However just ten-point win is not that big difference . Shahrekord lost fifth consecutive game .
Qom - Azad 77 - 58
Everything went according to plan in Qom where 2nd ranked Rah Tarabari Qom (16 - 5) beat 6th ranked Azad (10 - 10) 77-58 . The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half .
Saman Bank - Caspian 73 - 84
Rather predictable result when 9th ranked Caspian Qazvin (7 -13) won against 12th ranked Saman Bank ( 2 - 20 ) in Tehran 84 - 73 . Caspian moved-up to 8th place, which they share with B.A Shiraz . Loser Saman Bank stands at the 12th position with 20 games lost .

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


St. Mary's claim Division 1 title - by Eurobasket News
St. Mary's - Titans 83:77

Team Garveys St. Mary's celebrated Division 1 title. They held off Titans in the title game on Sunday. Jeff Teahan (88) exploded with 37 points to lead the winners.
Titans went on a 17:5 run early in the encounter. They ensured a 26:22 lead after ten minutes of action. Titans hung on despite John Jeff Teahan's heroics in the second period. Titans accumulated a 42:37 halftime lead. John Galvin (191-F-80) finally put St. Marys in front right before the end of the third stanza. Team Garveys opened a four-point lead early in the final period. They kept in charge till the final seconds and eventually eked out a tough win at the end. John Galvin finished with 21 points for St. Mary's. Declan Wall (173-G-78) had 16 points in the victory. Paul Freeman (201-F-83) responded with 26 points for Titans. MacMichael had 13 points in the loss.
Jeff Teahan was named the MVP.

St. Mary's: Jeff Teahan 37, John Galvin 21, Declan Wall 16
Titans: Paul Freeman 26, MacMichael 13


Killester defend Superleague title - by Eurobasket News
Killester - Neptune 84:80

Killester clinched the Superleage crown for the second straight season. They overcame ambitious Neptune in the championship game yesterday. Patrick Kelly (191-G-80) came up with 26 points to lead the effort. He was trumped MVP after the game.
Killester overcame an 2:8 start to the game to take a 24:16 lead after ten minutes of action. Killester were well in control in the second period. They arrived at halftime up by 11 points 47:36. But Neptune opened the second half with consecutive triples to get closer. Neptune cut the distance to a single point before Gerard Noonan (180-G-82) put Neptune in charge. They ended the third term ahead by three points. The margin grew to five points early in the final period. Killester pulled together to come back into this one. The teams stayed neck and neck before Killester used all of their experience to eke out a dramatic victory at the end. Jermaine Turner (195-F-74, college: Dowling) provided 14 points, while John Behan (193-G-85) added 10 in the victory. Michael McGinn (183-G-82) answered with 23 points for Neptune. Michael Bonaparte (196-F-82, college: Coll.of the Ozarks) had 20 points in the loss.

Killester: Patrick Kelly 26, Jermaine Turner 14, John Behan 10
Neptune: Michael McGinn 23, Michael Bonaparte 20


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


Standings - B1
A Standings
Group A
 1. Piacenza 20-7 
 2. Perugia 19-8 
 3. Brescia 19-8 
 4. Treviglio 17-10 
 5. Trento 17-10 
 6. Omegna 17-10 
 7. Moncalieri 16-11 
 8. Castelletto 15-12 
 9. Trieste 14-13 
 10. Comsum.it SI 12-15 
 11. Recanati 11-16 
 12. ASD Pavia 11-16 
 13. Senigallia 11-16 
 14. Riva del Garda 8-19 
 15. Ozzano 7-20 
 16. Osimo 2-25 
Group B
 1. Trapani 20-7 
 2. Ostuni 19-8 
 3. Ruvo 19-8 
 4. S.Antimo 17-10 
 5. Ferentino 16-11 
 6. Anagni 14-13 
 7. Latina Basket 14-13 
 8. Matera 13-14 
 9. Potenza 13-14 
 10. Molfetta 12-15 
 11. Massafra 12-15 
 12. Rieti 11-15 
 13. Patti 11-16 
 14. Bisceglie 10-17 
 15. Agrigento 8-19 
 16. Palestrina 6-20 


Stats Leaders - SerieA
Points Per Game
 James WHITE
  Dinamo Sassari
  (198-G-84)
  Avg: 20.7
 1. White, Dinamo Sassari20.7 
 2. Thomas, Air AV17.7 
 3. Ford, Fabi Shoes16.4 
 4. Roberson, Enel B.15.8 
 5. Dean, Air AV15.7 
 6. Zoroski, Banca T.15.7 
 7. Rowland, Vanoli CR14.9 
 8. Kaukenas, Montepas.14.9 
 9. Diawara, Enel B.14.8 
 10. Goss, Cimberio VA14.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Sharrod FORD
  Fabi Shoes
  (206-F/C-82)
  Avg: 10.5
 1. Ford, Fabi Shoes10.5 
 2. Davis, Banca Tercas8.6 
 3. Homan, CS Bologna8.4 
 4. Jones, Pepsi C.8.4 
 5. Troutman, Air AV8.3 
 6. Lang, Enel Brindisi8.1 
 7. Ivanov, Fabi Shoes7.9 
 8. Suton, Angelico BI7.3 
 9. Hunter, Dinamo S.7.0 
 10. Sekulic, Vanoli CR6.8 
Assists Per Game
 Marques GREEN
  Air AV
  (170-G-82)
  Avg: 6.9
 1. Green, Air AV6.9 
 2. Diener, Dinamo S.4.6 
 3. Sosa, Angelico BI4.3 
 4. Collins, Scavolin.4.0 
 5. Rowland, Vanoli CR4.0 
 6. Zoroski, Banca T.3.8 
 7. Goss, Cimberio VA3.8 
 8. Green, Bennet Cantu3.7 
 9. Diener, Banca T.3.3 
 10. Markovic, Benetton.3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Earl ROWLAND
  Vanoli CR
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Rowland, Vanoli CR3.1 
 2. Thomas, Air AV2.8 
 3. Green, Air AV2.8 
 4. Troutman, Air AV2.7 
 5. White, Dinamo Sassari2.6 
 6. Stonerook, Montepas.2.5 
 7. Hawkins, Armani MI2.5 
 8. Dedovic, Lottomat.2.5 
 9. McCalebb, Montepas.2.5 
 10. Collins, Scavolin.2.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Sharrod FORD
  Fabi Shoes
  (206-F/C-82)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Ford, Fabi Shoes2.3 
 2. Crosariol, Lottomat.1.4 
 3. Toure, Enel Brindisi1.2 
 4. Hunter, Dinamo S.1.2 
 5. Lang, Enel Brindisi1.1 
 6. Cusin, Scavolini PS1.0 
 7. Polonara, Banca T.0.9 
 8. Szewczyk, Air AV0.9 
 9. Drozdov, Vanoli CR0.9 
 10. Homan, CS Bologna0.9 


Stats Leaders - Lega2
Points Per Game
 Trent WHITING
  Aget Imola
  (185-G-76)
  Avg: 23.2
 1. Whiting, Aget Imola23.2 
 2. Crispin, Barcellona21.7 
 3. Robinson, Trenkwal.20.4 
 4. Jackson, Prima Veroli20.3 
 5. Gordon, Forli19.5 
 6. Clark, Umana Reyer19.4 
 7. Goldwire, Forli19.3 
 8. Ebi, Aget Imola19.2 
 9. Forte, Tuscany PT18.0 
 10. Marigney, Assigeco18.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Ndudi EBI
  Limoges
  (206-F-84)
  Avg: 9.2
 1. Ebi, Aget Imola9.2 
 2. Filloy, Immobili.9.2 
 3. Dickens, San Severo8.7 
 4. Varnado, Tuscany PT8.7 
 5. Boykin, Assigeco8.2 
 6. Waleskowski, Tezeni.8.0 
 7. Lollis, Immobili.8.0 
 8. Gordon, Forli7.8 
 9. Johnson, San Severo7.8 
 10. Dordei, Snaidero UD7.8 
Assists Per Game
 Joseph CRISPIN
  Barcellona
  (186-G-79)
  Avg: 5
 1. Crispin, Barcellona5.0 
 2. Porta, Tezenis .4.9 
 3. Goldwire, Forli4.9 
 4. Clark, Umana Reyer3.9 
 5. Mathis, Snaidero.3.8 
 6. Whiting, Aget Imola3.7 
 7. Hickman, Fastw.3.7 
 8. Marigney, Assigeco3.6 
 9. Levin, Sunrise .3.5 
 10. Forte, Tuscany PT3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Dawan ROBINSON
  Trenkwalder
  (189-G-82)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Robinson, Trenkwal.3.1 
 2. Roderick, Immobi.3.0 
 3. Ebi, Aget Imola2.9 
 4. Hunter, Sunrise .2.6 
 5. Filloy, Immobili.2.4 
 6. Davis, Sunrise .2.4 
 7. Achara, Barcellona2.4 
 8. Cerella, Assigeco2.4 
 9. Piazza, Forli2.3 
 10. Williams, Snaidero.2.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Jarvis VARNADO
  Tuscany PT
  (206-F-88)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Varnado, Tuscany PT2.7 
 2. Ebi, Aget Imola1.4 
 3. Achara, Barcellona1.1 
 4. Maggioli, Fileni B.1.1 
 5. Frosini, Trenkwalder0.8 
 6. Boykin, Assigeco0.8 
 7. Bryan, Umana Reyer0.7 
 8. Ezugwu, Assigeco0.7 
 9. Cervi, Trenkwalder0.7 
 10. Cutolo, San Severo0.7 


stats leader
Points Per Game
 Marco EVANGELISTI
  Trapani
  (198-G-84)
  Avg: 18.6
 1. Evangelisti, Trapani18.6 
 2. Ricciardi, Palestrina17.3 
 3. Tassinari, Moncalieri17.0 
 4. Musso, Perugia16.9 
 5. Reati, Treviglio16.5 
 6. Masper, Moncalieri16.3 
 7. Rugolo, Molfetta16.3 
 8. Vico, Matera15.9 
 9. Carrizo, Ferentino15.9 
 10. Marino, Treviglio15.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Simone BAGNOLI
  Potenza
  (206-F/C-81)
  Avg: 11
 1. Bagnoli, Potenza11.0 
 2. Rosignoli, Bisceglie9.3 
 3. Corral, Molfetta9.1 
 4. Basei, Ostuni9.0 
 5. Capitanelli, Pales.8.8 
 6. Zambon, Rieti8.8 
 7. Chiaramello, Recanati8.6 
 8. Facenda, Senigallia8.3 
 9. De Min, Treviglio8.3 
 10. Gaeta, Osimo8.0 
Assists Per Game
 Tommaso MARINO
  Treviglio
  (190-G-86)
  Avg: 5
 1. Marino, Treviglio5.0 
 2. Ferrarese, Trento4.9 
 3. Scarone, Piacenza4.2 
 4. Virgilio, Rieti4.2 
 5. Marcante, ASD P.3.7 
 6. Tomasiello, Comsum.3.6 
 7. Parente, Moncalieri3.5 
 8. Gnaccarini, Senig.3.5 
 9. Gullo, Patti3.3 
 10. Paparella, Potenza3.2 
Steals Per Game
 Francesco GUARINO
  Trapani
  (182-G-79)
  Avg: 3.7
 1. Guarino, Trapani3.7 
 2. Marcante, ASD P.3.2 
 3. De Nicolao, Castelle.3.1 
 4. Gullo, Patti3.1 
 5. Bushati, Brescia3.0 
 6. Bonamente, Perugia3.0 
 7. Malamov, Ruvo2.8 
 8. Bonfiglio, Ruvo2.8 
 9. Borgna, ASD Pavia2.7 
 10. Casadei, Comsum.i.2.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Andrea ZERINI
  Ruvo
  (201-F-88)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Zerini, Ruvo1.8 
 2. Ancellotti, Patti1.6 
 3. Corral, Molfetta1.3 
 4. Capitanelli, Pales.1.1 
 5. Biligha, ASD Pavia1.0 
 6. Spippoli, Palestrina1.0 
 7. Raminelli, Castelle.1.0 
 8. Candido, Ferentino1.0 
 9. Basei, Ostuni0.9 
 10. Pozzi, Molfetta0.8 


Maggioli's double-double lands him Lega2 Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
33-year old center Michele Maggioli (212-C-77) put on an amazing game in the last round for Jesi and receives a Eurobasket.com Lega2 Player of the Week award for round 25.
He had a double-double of 25 points and 12 rebounds, while his team edged out N.Ferrara (#11, 10-15) 74-72. Fileni BPA is placed at 8th position in Italian Lega2. Fileni BPA 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 13-12 record. In the team's last game Maggioli had a remarkable 58.3% from 2-point range. He turned to be Fileni BPA's top player in his first season with the team. Michele Maggioli averages this season 16.1ppg and 7.6rpg.

Second best performed player last round was Bobby Jones (201-F-84) of Forli. He is American forward in his first season at Forli. In the last game Jones recorded impressive double-double of 19 points and 11 rebounds. It was enough for Forli to edge the higher-ranked Snaidero UD (#3, 16-9) by 3 points 87-84. Forli's 15th position in the standings has not changed. 18 lost games are too many comparing to just seven victories Forli managed to get this year. Jones is one of the most experienced players at Forli and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to guard Clint Cotis Harrison (194-G-76, agency: Court Side) of Snaidero UD (#3). Harrison scored 21 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Despite Harrison's great performance Snaidero UD lost 84-87 to the lower-ranked Forli (#15, 7-18). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The last thing Snaidero UD needs is to lose another game like this one. They lose more and more distance to the top teams. Their record is 16 victories and 9 lost games. Harrison has a very solid season. In 24 games in Italy he scored 16.5ppg. He also has 4.6rpg, 2.1spg, FGP: 51.5% and 3PT: 40.8%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Nikola Radulovic (207-F-73) of Sunrise Scafati - 6 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists
5. Kaniel Dickens (203-F-78) of San Severo - 23 points and 10 rebounds
6. Michael Hicks (193-G-76) of Barcellona - 29 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Patrick Baldassarre (200-F-86) of Sunrise Scafati - 19 points and 9 rebounds
8. Dusan Vukcevic (201-F-75) of Immobiliare SR - 23 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists
9. Sylvere Bryan (208-C-81) of Umana Reyer - 10 points and 14 rebounds
10. Jarrius Jackson (188-G-85) of Prima Veroli - 22 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists

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

Best players of Italian SerieA round 23 - by Eurobasket News
American Drake Diener (196-G-81, agency: Priority Sports) had an amazing evening in the last round for Banca Tercas Teramo and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 23.
The 29-year old guard got a double-double of 29 points and eleven assists, while his team edged out Air AV (#5, 12-11) in overtime 99-97. Banca Tercas is placed at 15th position in Italian SerieA. Banca Tercas is currently ranked second from the bottom. They need more victories to improve their 7-16 record. In the team's last game Diener had a remarkable 60.0% from 2-point range. It's his second year at Banca Tercas and it's hard to imagine this team without him. De Paul University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Diener is in league's top in assists (2nd best: 3.3apg) and averages solid 55.7% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 28-year old Polish center Szymon Szewczyk (209-C-82) of Air Avellino. Szewczyk impressed basketball fans with 34 points and 7 rebounds. Bad luck as Air AV was edged in overtime by the lower-ranked Banca Tercas (#15, 7-16) 99-97. This loss caused Air AV to drop to 5th position in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 12-11 record is not bad and everything may still change. Szewczyk is well-known by Air AV fans and he already established his position as one of team's most reliable players.

The third best performed player last round was another Banca Tercas Teramo's star - American Josh Davis (203-C/F-80). Davis scored 18 points and grabbed ten rebounds. He was another key player of Banca Tercas, helping his team with a 99-97overtime win against the higher-ranked Air AV (#5, 12-11). The chances of Banca Tercas not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 16 games, recording just seven victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Davis could try to bring Banca Tercas' a little bit higher in the standings. Davis has individually a great season in Italy. After 19 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 8.6rpg (2nd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Ronald Slay (203-F-81) of Cimberio VA - 17 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Michele Antonutti (203-G/F-86) of Fabi Shoes - 20 points and 8 rebounds
6. Eric Williams (206-C-84) of Pepsi Caserta - 18 points and 8 rebounds
7. Omar Thomas (197-F-82) of Air AV - 19 points and 6 rebounds
8. Travis Diener (183-G-82) of Dinamo Sassari - 21 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists
9. Donatas Motiejunas (213-C-90) of Benetton TV - 22 points and 3 rebounds
10. Ryan Toolson (193-G-85) of Fabi Shoes - 21 points and 2 rebounds

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

A Dilettanti, Round 27 - by Armando Caporaso
Group A

For the round 27, in the group A, Piacenza wins against Siena for 80-75 and remains alone on top with 20-7 while for the Consum.it defeat number 15 after the victory in the league cup of the last week! The hosts starts very good in the first quarter (26-12) and Siena must chase for the rest of the game. Marco Passera (180-G-82) is the top scorer for the winners with 20 points (7/12 at shoot), 3 steals and 7 assist, for the others there are 18 points of German Scarone (190-G-75) with 5/7 by 3, 8 rebounds and 6 assits and for Nelson Rizzitiello (198-G/F-84) with 6/8 at shoot, 8 points for Riccardo Perego (203-F/C-81) and 5 points, with 10 rebounds, of Roberto Cazzaniga (205-F/C-78). For the visitors 18 points of Davide Andreaus (202-F-86) with 5/8 by 3 and for Matteo Imbro (187-G-94) (MVP of the final 4) with 4/8 by 3, 6 rebounds and 5 assist, good job also for Gianluca Tomasiello (188-G-80) that closes with 11 points, 6 rebounds and 100% at shoot, for Marco Portannese (192-G-89, agency: Players Group) that scores 12 points in 23 minutes and for Stefano Rabaglietti (190-G-83) and Amedeo Tessitori (201-C-94) with 8 points apiece (3 steals for the first and 7 rebounds for the second). Great game for Trieste that stops Perugia (89-77) and obtained the victory number 14 while for the Liomatic important defeat that makes they lose the first place. Michele Benfatto (205-F/C-85) is the MVP for the Acegas Aps with 15 points (5/5 by 2), 8 rebounds, 6 steals and 2 blocks helped by the 19 points of Alfredo Moruzzi (193-G-80). For the others 11 points of Dennis Bocchini (193-G-76) and Andrea Colli (203-F/G-88, agency: Players Group), 10 points for Tommaso Raspino (196-G-89, agency: Players Group), 8 points and 6 rebounds of Daniele Magro (207-F-87) (starting by bench) in 14 minutes and only 6 points of Federico Maiocco (200-G/F-83) but with 5 steals and 4 assist. For the Liomatic 18 points of the Argentinian Bernardo Musso (193-G-86) with 4 steals (but 7 turnovers), 15 points and 6 rebounds for Marco Pazzi (203-C-79), 11 points and 7 rebounds for Filippo Baldi Rossi (207-F/C-91) and 7 points with 4 steals for Mattia Caroldi (185-G-82). Brescia wins at Ozzano for 76-67 and grabs Perugia at the second place (19-8). For the PentaGruppo defeat number 20 (just 7 wins and second lowest place in standing), not enough the 18 points of Giacomo Sanguinetti (180-G-90) with 4 assist and 3 steals and the double-double of Luca Fontecchio (202-F-91) with 14 points and 13 rebounds. For the others 10 points of Michele Vitali (195-G-91), 9 points for Matteo Negri (194-G-91) and 8 points of Diego Grillo (188-G-87). For the visitors 22 points of Massimo Rezzano (204-F/C-82) (8/16 at shoot), 16 points, with 9 rebounds and 4 steals, for Nicholas Crow (199-F-89), 14 points and 3 assist of Lorenzo Gergati (188-G-84), 9 points and 6 rebounds for Massimo Farioli (202-F/C-77, agency: Interperformances) and 7 points in 13 minutes for the last arrival Rodolfo Rombaldoni (190-G-77, agency: Players Group). The other results:

Bitumcalor Trento - La Fortezza Recanati 72-81 (A.Forray 24 pts, O.Chiaramello 10 reb, R.Fossati 11 ass, L.Conte 3 stl)
Co.Mark Treviglio - Cartiere Riva 82-71 (T.Marino 19 pts & 5 ass, T.DeMin 9 reb, M.Bastoni 6 stl, A.Garofalo 18 pts)
Goldengas Senigallia - Zerouno Moncalieri 59-67 (E.Monticelli 19 pts, F.Facenda 13 reb & 3 stl, M.Gnaccarini 9 ass, D.Parente 8 ass)
SBS Castelletto - Paffoni Omegna 66-58 (F.Prelazzi 18 pts, L.Masieri-E.Rossi 9 reb, D.Sandri 5 ass, A.DeNicolao 4 stl)
Edilcost Osimo - P.Mitchell Pavia 79-81 (V.DiCapua 19 pts & 4 ass, I.Cisse 17 pts & 5 stl, E.Gaeta 9 reb, A.Ghedini 5 ass)

Group B

Three wins for the first 3 teams of the group B that confirm their position in the standing. Trapani exceeds Agrigento for 87-75 and force at the Mocanda the defeat number 19 of the season. For the leaders of the group game closed after 20 minutes (49-33) and great performance of Walter Santarossa (200-F-78) with 24 points, 8/10 by 2 and 8/12 in the free throws, 10 rebounds, 5 steals and 9 fouls suffered with 37 of ranking. For the others 18 points of Francesco Guarino (182-G-79) with 5 steals and 6 assist, 14 points for Luca Bisconti (206-F/C-82) and Marco Evangelisti (198-G-84) respectively with 5 and 6 rebounds and 10 points for Ariel Svoboda (192-G-85, agency: Players Group). For the visitors 12 points of Andrea Casella (197-G-90, agency: Interperformances), 11 points for Paolo Mossi (193-G-76) with 7 rebounds and 4 assist but also 0/8 by 3, 10 points for Mathias Drigo (202-F-89) in 14 minutes, 9 points for Alberto Barbieri (205-C-76) and 8 points for Michele Giovanatto (202-F-81) (with 6 rebounds), John Pennisi (209-C-78) and Niccolo Squarcina (203-F-83, agency: Players Group). Ostuni wins against Matera (81-67 the final) thanks the triple-double of Francesco Basei (207-C-83) that closes with 27 points (9/11 by 2 and 9/12 in the free throws), 12 rebounds (5 offensive) and 10 fouls suffered with 42 of ranking! Good performances for Silvio Gigena (200-F-75) with 19 points in 22 minutes starting from the bench (8/13 at shoot and 7 rebounds), for Antonio Ruggiero (190-G-81) with 15 points and for Domenico Morena (210-F/C-70) with 11 points and 3 steals. Only 4 points for Mario Gigena (198-F-77) with 5 fouls but also 6 assist. For the Bawer 17 points of Andrea LaGioia (195-G/F-86, agency: Players Group) with 4/8 by 3, 13 points for Sebastian Vico (190-G-86, agency: Players Group) with 7/11 in the free throws, 12 points and 7 rebounds for Cristiano Grappasonni (204-F/C-72) and 8 points for Marco Franceschini (205-C-88) (in 10 minutes) and Fabio Lovatti (194-G/F-89) that adds also 4 assist. Ruvo wins on the court of Rieti for 74-62 thanks a great first quarter (10-26). For the Ircop the top scorer is Federico Lestini (203-F-83) with 17 points and 5 steals in 25 minutes, 13 points for Luca Anselmi (198-F-88) with 5 rebounds, 12 points of Gints Antrops (202-F-82, agency: Interperformances) with 4/7 at shoot, 10 points of Davide Zambon (203-F-78, college: American) with 8 rebounds and only 4 points for Davide Virgilio (175-G-72) with 4 assist and 6 fouls suffered. Bad game for Gennaro Tessitore (193-G-82) with 0 points in 16 minutes and 4 turnovers. For the visitors 14 points for Andrea Pilotti (196-F/G-80, agency: Players Group) and Francesco Ihedioha (196-F-86, agency: Interperformances) (with 5 rebounds), 10 points for Stefano Provenzano (195-F-86) with 3/4 by 3 and 9 points for 3 players: Simone Bonfiglio (181-G-88) that adds 5 assist, Francesco Modica (203-F-82) and Andrea Zerini (201-F-88, agency: Interperformances) that catches 5 rebounds. In the other games:

Ascom Patti - Benacquista Latina 86-80 (F.Ruini 27 pts, A.Ancellotti 25 pts & 9 reb & 4 stl, T.Gullo 20 ass & 5 stl, C.Villani 8 ass, A.Fabi 22 pts)
Cisa Massafra - FMC Ferentino 66-88 (M.Carrizo 27 pts & 5 stl, F.Quaglia 9 reb & 6 stl, F.Alessandri 4 ass, S.Lenardon 21 pts & 6 stl)
Chimici Anagni - Ambrosia Bisceglie 64-56 (A.Barsanti 17 pts, C.Mainoldi 9 reb, D.Rosignoli 9 reb & 5 stl, G.Bruni 16 pts & 2 ass)
AD S.Antimo - Itop Palestrina 72-55 (S.Gatti 21 pts & 3 stl, A.Capitanelli 8 reb & 3 blk & 3 stl, C.Cantone 7 ass)
Ford Molfetta - Publisys Potenza 90-78 (G.Rugolo 27 pts, S.Bagnoli 12 reb & 4 ass, A.Maggi 6 ass, D.Corral 4 stl)

Ferrara and Montegranaro exchange players - by Eurobasket News
Naturhouse Ferrara sent Valerio Mazzola (205-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances) to Montegranaro. In the meantime Matteo Canavesi (204-F/C-86) moved in the opposite direction.
Valerio Mazzola started the season with Naturhouse Ferrara. He tallied 7.8 points and 5.6 boards per game in LegaDue. The 22-year-old forward played for Italian U20 selection at the European Championship in Latvia in 2008. He notched 3.0 points and 1.5 boards per game for the Azzurri.
Matteo Canavesi averaged 1.4 points and 1.3 boards per game for Montegranaro in Seria A season. Last season the 24-year-old power forward played for Carmatic Pistoia in LegaDue. He notched 6.6 points, 3.9 boards and 1.4 steals per game. Matteo Canavesi played for U18 and U20 Italian selections.


Angelico Biella bring in Clint Cotis Harrison - by Eurobasket News
Angelico Biella made a change on the roster. They signed a deal with Clint Cotis Harrison (194-G-76, agency: Court Side, college: N.Carolina St.). The 34-year-old guard replace A.J. Slaughter (191-G-88, college: W.Kentucky) on the roster. Clint Cotis Harrison started the season with Snaidero Udine. He tallied 16.5 points, 4.6 boards and 2.4 assists per game in LegaDue. Last season the guard also played for Udine after moving there from Dutch MyGuide Amsterdam. Clint Cotis Harrison also had stints in Germany and France.
A.J. Slaughter joined Angelico Biella at the start of the season. It was his first pro contract. His stats read 11.0 points, 2.1 boards and 1.5 assists per appearance.


Best players of Italian A dilettanti round 27 - by Eurobasket News
Francesco Basei (207-C-83) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's second-best Ostuni and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com A dilettanti Player of the Week award for round 27.
The 27-year old center had a double-double of 27 points and twelve rebounds, while his team beat Matera (#8, 13-14) 81-67. Ostuni maintains the 2nd position in Italian A dilettanti. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Ostuni will need more victories to improve their 19-8 record. Basei turned to be Ostuni's top player in his first season with the team. Basei has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in rebounds (4th best: 9.0rpg) and averages solid 57.0% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 24-year old guard Tindaro Gullo (175-G-86) of Patti. Gullo impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 15 points and 20 assists. It was enough for Patti to edge the higher-ranked Latina Basket (#7, 14-13) by 6 points 86-80. This victory allowed Patti to move up to 13th position in group B. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 11-16 record. Gullo is a newcomer at Patti and despite he is not a team leader yet, every game he becomes more reliable player. Hopefully performances like the last one will happen more often.

The third best performed player last round was former international forward Walter Santarossa (200-F-78) of top-ranked Trapani. Santarossa scored 24 points and grabbed ten rebounds. He was a key player of Trapani, leading his team to a 87-75 win against the lower-ranked Agrigento (#15, 8-19). Trapani confirms their top position in group B. Their record at this point is 20 victories and 7 lost games. Santarossa has a very solid season. In 22 games in Italy he scored 13.8ppg. He also has 6.5rpg, 2.2spg and FGP: 63.8%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Manuel Carrizo (198-G/F-80) of Ferentino - 27 points and 4 rebounds
5. Andrea Ancellotti (212-C-88) of Patti - 25 points and 9 rebounds
6. Michele Benfatto (205-F/C-85) of Trieste - 15 points and 8 rebounds
7. Diego Corral (205-C-86) of Molfetta - 19 points and 6 rebounds
8. Luca Bisconti (206-F/C-82) of Trapani - 14 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Andres Forray (188-G-86) of Trento - 24 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Riccardo Pederzini (198-F-89) of Recanati - 20 points

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

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  JAPAN   


BJ League Round 44: Top-ranked Hamamatsu Phoenix wins another game - by Eurobasket News
BJ League top team - Hamamatsu Phoenix (35-5) had no problems winning another game on Sunday. This time they beat sixth ranked Akita Happinets (13-29) in Mikawa 117-99. The game was mostly controlled by Hamamatsu Phoenix. Akita Happinets managed to win fourth quarter 32-22. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Hamamatsu Phoenix shot the lights out from three sinking 20 long-distance shots on high 52.6 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 32 assists comparing to just 16 passes made by Akita Happinets' players. American forward Jeffrey Parmer (203-85, college: Florida Atlantic) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 25 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field). Guard Kenya Tomori (177-84) contributed with 25 points and 6 assists for the winners. Hamamatsu Phoenix's coach Kazuo Nakamura used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American swingman Will Graves (198-88, college: N.Carolina) replied with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 11 rebounds for Akita Happinets. Hamamatsu Phoenix maintains first position with 35-5 record. Akita Happinets at the other side keep the sixth place with 29 games lost.

BJ League top team - Osaka Evessa (27-15) managed to deliver another win. This time they beat seventh ranked Oita Heat Devils (16-26) 91-80. American players dominated the game. Worth to mention a quality performance of swingman William Knight (196-79, college: UCLA) who helped to win the game recording 32 points and 6 rebounds and Lynn Washington who added 14 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists during the contest. Osaka Evessa's coach Ryan Blackwell allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Forward Damian Johnson (201-87, college: Minnesota, agency: Edge Sports) responded with a double-double by scoring 30 points and 11 rebounds. Osaka Evessa maintains first position with 27-15 record, which they share with Okinawa GK. Oita Heat Devils lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with 26 games lost.

The game in Shiga was also quite interesting. One of their biggest challengers Kyoto Hannaryz (23-19) played at the court of fifth ranked Shiga Lakestars (24-18). Shiga Lakestars defeated Kyoto Hannaryz 95-83 on Sunday. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Kyoto Hannaryz. The winners were led by Gary Hamilton who had that evening a double-double by scoring 18 points, 17 rebounds and 8 assists. Shiga Lakestars' coach Haruyuki Ishibashi used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Even a double-double of 20 points, 22 rebounds and 7 assists by Reginald Warren did not help to save the game for Kyoto Hannaryz. Shiga Lakestars moved-up to fourth place. Loser Kyoto Hannaryz dropped to the fifth position with 19 games lost.

The game between second ranked Okinawa GK (27-15) and 7th ranked Toyama Grouses (12-26) in Okinawa ended with biggest points difference. Okinawa GK outscored guests from Toyama 105-53. The best player for the winners was Dillion Sneed who had a double-double by scoring 22 points and 18 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field). Okinawa GK have a solid three-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Osaka Evessa. Toyama Grouses at the other side keep the seventh place with 26 games lost.


In the last two games of round 44 Shimane beat Takamatsu FA on the road 81-69. Fukuoka Rizing won against Miyazaki on its own court 94-85.

Takamatsu FA - Shimane 69-81

No shocking result in a game when sixth ranked Shimane Magic (20-22) beat on the road 9th ranked Takamatsu FA (9-31) 81-69. The game was mostly controlled by Shimane Magic. Takamatsu FA was better in second period 22-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Shimane Magic won last quarter 27-17. They brought some defensive toughness making 8 blocks. The best player for the winners was American forward Reggie Golson (201-81, college: SE Missouri St., agency: Court Side) who had a double-double by scoring 16 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists. The former international guard Takumi Ishizaki (188-84) chipped in 15 points and 6 rebounds. Five Shimane Magic players scored in double figures. American center Terrance Farley (208-85, college: Louisville) produced a double-double by scoring 22 points and 11 rebounds and his fellow American import forward Jefferey Price (203-85, college: Miss.Valley St.) added 10 points and 9 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Shimane Magic maintains sixth position with 20-22 record. Takamatsu FA lost third consecutive game. They keep the ninth place with 31 games lost.

Top scorers:
Shimane: T.Yokoo 18+4reb, R.Golson 16+11reb+6ast, T.Ishizaki 15+6reb+3ast, T.Evans 14+8reb+2ast, J.Davis 14+7reb, K.Yamabuchi 4+1reb+2ast
Takamatsu FA: T.Farley 22+11reb+1ast, S.Takeda 17+4reb+1ast, J.Price 10+9reb+3ast, H.Kikuchi 8+10reb+1ast, S.Takada 8+4reb, M.Suzuki 4+2reb

gschID: 125199


Fukuoka Rizing - Miyazaki 94-85

Very expected game when 8th ranked Miyazaki Shining Suns (12-30) lost on the road to third ranked Fukuoka Rizing (25-17) 94-85. The hosts were already 17 points ahead at halftime and as many as 24 after three quarters before a 35-20 last quarter charge of Miyazaki Shining Suns cut the lead to 94-85 at the end of the game. Fukuoka Rizing dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Miyazaki Shining Suns' 38. They outrebounded Miyazaki Shining Suns 48-34 including 19 on the offensive glass. 27 personal fouls committed by Miyazaki Shining Suns helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American swingman Michael Parker (200-81, college: Evergreen St.) who had a double-double by scoring 32 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists. Nigerian forward Abdullahi Kuso (206-84, college: Tallahassee CC) chipped in a double-double by scoring 10 points and 15 rebounds. Five Fukuoka Rizing players scored in double figures. Fukuoka Rizing's coach Tadaharu Ogawa allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. American forward Brandon Cole (203-84, college: Xavier, agency: Global Sports Plaza) produced a double-double by scoring 13 points and 15 rebounds and guard Taishiro Shimizu (183-81) added 17 points and 5 assists respectively for the guests. Fukuoka Rizing have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 25-17 record having eight points less than leader Osaka Evessa. Miyazaki Shining Suns lost eighth consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with 30 games lost.

Top scorers:
Fukuoka Rizing: M.Parker 32+14reb+4ast, A.Takeno 14+1reb+3ast, J.Nakanishi 12+3reb+2ast, A.Kuso 10+15reb+1ast, T.Cordeiro 10+7reb+2ast, N.Murry 10+4reb+4ast
Miyazaki: T.Shimizu 17+3reb+5ast, H.Fujita 16+2ast, B.Cole 13+15reb+1ast, M.Takahashi 9+3reb+2ast, T.Masato 8, Y.Kojima 8+10reb+2ast

gschID: 125200


Hamamatsu P. - Akita 117-99

BJ League top team - Hamamatsu Phoenix (35-5) had no problems winning another game on Sunday. This time they beat sixth ranked Akita Happinets (13-29) in Mikawa 117-99. The game was mostly controlled by Hamamatsu Phoenix. Akita Happinets managed to win fourth quarter 32-22. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Hamamatsu Phoenix shot the lights out from three sinking 20 long-distance shots on high 52.6 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 32 assists comparing to just 16 passes made by Akita Happinets' players. American forward Jeffrey Parmer (203-85, college: Florida Atlantic) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 25 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field). Guard Kenya Tomori (177-84) contributed with 25 points and 6 assists for the winners. Hamamatsu Phoenix's coach Kazuo Nakamura used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American swingman Will Graves (198-88, college: N.Carolina) replied with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 11 rebounds and his fellow American import forward Antonio Burks (198-82, college: Stephen F. Austin) added 20 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for Akita Happinets. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Hamamatsu Phoenix maintains first position with 35-5 record. Akita Happinets at the other side keep the sixth place with 29 games lost.

Top scorers:
Hamamatsu P.: K.Tomori 25+4reb+6ast, J.Parmer 25+11reb+9ast, S.Okada 19+6reb+5ast, R.Nixon 17+4reb+5ast, D.Larkai 12+5reb+1ast, K.Ohta 11+2reb+3ast
Akita: W.Graves 25+11reb+1ast, M.Sawaguchi 20+1reb+1ast, A.Burks 20+10reb+3ast, K.Shoji 14+2reb+3ast, Y.Kikuchi 10+1reb+2ast, S.Jung 10+6reb

gschID: 125196


Shiga Lakestars - Kyoto Hannaryz 95-83

The game in Shiga was also quite interesting. One of their biggest challengers Kyoto Hannaryz (23-19) played at the court of fifth ranked Shiga Lakestars (24-18). Shiga Lakestars defeated Kyoto Hannaryz 95-83 on Sunday. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Kyoto Hannaryz. The game without a history. Shiga Lakestars led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. The winners were led by American power forward Gary Hamilton (208-84, college: Miami, FL) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 18 points, 17 rebounds and 8 assists and the other American import forward Josh Peppers (201-85, college: Cent.Florida, agency: Court Side) supported him with 24 points and 6 rebounds. Shiga Lakestars' coach Haruyuki Ishibashi used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Even a double-double of 20 points, 22 rebounds and 7 assists by American forward Reginald Warren (204-81, college: W.Florida) did not help to save the game for Kyoto Hannaryz. Guard Kyosuke Setoyama (187-82) added 16 points and 4 assists for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Shiga Lakestars moved-up to fourth place. Loser Kyoto Hannaryz dropped to the fifth position with 19 games lost.

Top scorers:
Shiga Lakestars: J.Peppers 24+6reb+1ast, M.Joho 18+2reb+1ast, G.Hamilton 18+17reb+8ast, M.Marshall 13+7reb+2ast, Y.Okada 7+1reb, L.Rice 6+6reb
Kyoto Hannaryz: R.Warren 20+22reb+7ast, K.Trim 16+4reb+1ast, K.Setoyama 16+4reb+4ast, M.Fey 12+5reb+2ast, M.Abdul-Rauf 8+3reb+1ast, Y.Inoue 5+1reb+1ast

gschID: 125197


Osaka Evessa - Oita H.Devils 91-80

BJ League top team - Osaka Evessa (27-15) managed to deliver another win. This time they beat seventh ranked Oita Heat Devils (16-26) 91-80. The game was mostly controlled by Osaka Evessa. Oita Heat Devils was better in fourth quarter 30-16. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Osaka Evessa dominated down low during the game scoring 70 of its points in the paint compared to Oita Heat Devils' 42. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. American players dominated the game. Worth to mention a quality performance of swingman William Knight (196-79, college: UCLA) who helped to win the game recording 32 points and 6 rebounds and forward Lynn Washington (200-78, college: Indiana) who added 14 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists during the contest. Osaka Evessa's coach Ryan Blackwell allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Forward Damian Johnson (201-87, college: Minnesota, agency: Edge Sports) responded with a double-double by scoring 30 points and 11 rebounds and guard Matt Lottich (193-82, college: Stanford) produced a double-double by scoring 14 points, 13 rebounds and 8 assists. Osaka Evessa maintains first position with 27-15 record, which they share with Okinawa GK. Oita Heat Devils lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with 26 games lost.

Top scorers:
Osaka Evessa: W.Knight 32+6reb+2ast, W.Marshall 15+4reb, L.Washington 14+12reb+6ast, H.Takada 9+2reb+5ast, S.Konno 5+1reb+2ast, W.Tseng 5+7reb+1ast
Oita H.Devils: D.Johnson 30+11reb+3ast, K.Sato 22+4reb+4ast, M.Lottich 14+13reb+8ast, H.Sato 6+2reb+2ast, Y.Suzuki 5+1reb, M.Ohara 2+2reb+4ast

gschID: 125198


Okinawa GK - Toyama Grouses 105-53

The game between second ranked Okinawa GK (27-15) and 7th ranked Toyama Grouses (12-26) in Okinawa ended with biggest points difference. Okinawa GK outscored guests from Toyama 105-53. The game was mostly controlled by Okinawa GK. Toyama Grouses was better in second period 18-11. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Okinawa GK dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Toyama Grouses' 24. They outrebounded Toyama Grouses 67-28 including a 19-5 advantage in offensive rebounds. Okinawa GK players were unselfish on offense dishing 28 assists comparing to just 6 passes made by Toyama Grouses' players. The best player for the winners was American center Dillion Sneed (203-84, college: E.Tenn.St., agency: Lanshire Group) who had a double-double by scoring 22 points and 18 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field). The other American import swingman Anthony McHenry (201-83, college: Georgia Tech) chipped in a double-double by scoring 12 points, 13 rebounds and 8 assists. Five Okinawa GK players scored in double figures. Guard Takeshi Mito (184-85) produced 15 points and 7 rebounds and American forward John Davis (198-84, college: Tarleton St., agency: Basket Law/NM Services) added 14 points and 8 rebounds respectively for the guests. Okinawa GK have a solid three-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Osaka Evessa. Toyama Grouses at the other side keep the seventh place with 26 games lost.

Top scorers:
Okinawa GK: N.Kosuge 23+4reb+1ast, D.Sneed 22+18reb+1ast, D.Palmer 19+9reb+1ast, J.Newton 14+10reb+4ast, A.McHenry 12+13reb+8ast, S.Kinjo 9+2reb+3ast
Toyama Grouses: T.Mito 15+7reb+2ast, J.Davis 14+8reb+2ast, M.Kato 8+2reb+2ast, T.Yamashiro 8+1reb, H.Shirata 3+1reb, M.Azuma 3+2reb

gschID: 125195




Standings - BJ League
BJ Standings
Eastern
 1. Hamamatsu P. 35-5 
 2. Sendai 89ers 24-12 
 3. Tokyo Apache 20-14 
 4. Niigata Albirex 19-17 
 5. Saitama Bron. 14-24 
 6. Akita 13-29 
 7. Toyama Grouses 12-26 
Western
 1. Osaka Evessa 27-15 
 2. Okinawa GK 27-15 
 3. Fukuoka Rizing 25-17 
 4. Shiga Lakestars 24-18 
 5. Kyoto Hannaryz 23-19 
 6. Shimane 20-22 
 7. Oita H.Devils 16-26 
 8. Miyazaki 12-30 
 9. Takamatsu FA 9-31 


*****************************************************
  JORDAN   


ASU edge Aramex to qualify for FIBA Asia Champions Cup - by Eurobasket News
ASU - Riyadi Aramex 85:74

ASU qualified into FIBA Asia Champions Cup. They held off Riyadi Aramex in the WABA League qualifier yesterday. Only one ticket to the Asia Champions Cup from the Jordanian Federation was up for grabs. And ASU did all of their best to gain it.
Aramex and ASU stayed close in the opening term. Aramex gained a five-point lead but ASU bounced back posting a 19:18 advantage at the first break. ASU surged ahead with a 13:0 run in the second term. They never looked back afterwards rolling to a comfortable win at the end. Mousa Alawadi (192-G/F-85) produced 20 points to pace ASU. Mohammad Hadrab (201-F-84) contributed 14 points in the victory. Anthony Danridge (196-G/F-86, college: N.Mexico) responded with 23 points for Aramex. Sani Sakakini (204-C-88) finished with 15 points in defeat.

ASU: Mousa Alawadi 20, Mohammad Hadrab 14
Riyadi Aramex: Anthony Danridge 23, Sani Sakakini 15


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


Standings - Superleague
SuperLeague Standings
 1. Sigal Prishtina 19-2 
 2. Bambi 17-3 
 3. Peja 17-5 
 4. Trepca 12-10 
 5. K.EuroSporti 8-14 
 6. Kosova 7-15 
 7. Bashkimi 5-15 
 8. Mitrovica 0-21 


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


LBL Round 23: #1 Ventspils are defeated by VEF Riga - by Eurobasket News
The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Ventspils (17-4) at the home court on Sunday night. Hosts were edged by fifth ranked VEF Riga (14-9) in overtime 79-77. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Ventspils. The guests trailed by 6 points after three quarters before their 18-12 charge, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time and get a 2-point victory in overtime. 29 personal fouls committed by Ventspils helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a great evening for the former international forward Kristaps Janicenoks (196-83) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 26 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international power forward Kaspars Berzins (213-85, agency: FCM) helped adding 11 points and 14 rebounds. American forward Brandon Hunter (201-80, college: Ohio) responded with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 17 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. VEF Riga maintains fifth place with 14-9 record. Ventspils at the other side still keep top position with four games lost. VEF Riga are looking forward to face Zemgale (#6) in Jelgava in the next round. Ventspils will play at home against Turiba (#7) and are hoping to win this game.

The most impressive stats of the last round was 28 points and 10 rebounds by Pavels Veselovs of Valmiera.


Ventspils - VEF Riga 77-79 OT

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Ventspils (17-4) at the home court on Sunday night. Hosts were edged by fifth ranked VEF Riga (14-9) in overtime 79-77. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Ventspils. The guests trailed by 6 points after three quarters before their 18-12 charge, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time and get a 2-point victory in overtime. 29 personal fouls committed by Ventspils helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a great evening for the former international forward Kristaps Janicenoks (196-83) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 26 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international power forward Kaspars Berzins (213-85, agency: FCM) helped adding 11 points and 14 rebounds. Four VEF Riga players scored in double figures. American forward Brandon Hunter (201-80, college: Ohio) responded with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 17 rebounds and international guard Janis Strelnieks (191-89) scored 14 points. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. VEF Riga maintains fifth place with 14-9 record. Ventspils at the other side still keep top position with four games lost. VEF Riga are looking forward to face Zemgale (#6) in Jelgava in the next round. Ventspils will play at home against Turiba (#7) and are hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Ventspils: J.Strelnieks 14+4reb+2ast, R.Anderson 12+2reb, B.Hunter 11+17reb+2ast, A.Vairogs 9+7reb+1ast, A.Berzins 7+2reb+2ast, M.Gulbis 6+2reb+1ast
VEF Riga: K.Janicenoks 26+10reb+4ast, D.Bertans 14+1reb+2ast, T.Cain 13+6reb+1ast, K.Berzins 11+14reb+2ast, S.Valters 8+3reb+3ast, B.Bakic 6+2reb+2ast
gschID: 119777


LU - Valmiera 71-92

Very expected game in Riga where 8th ranked Latvijas Universitate (4-23) was crushed by fourth ranked Valmiera (16-8) 92-71 on Sunday. The game without a history. Valmiera led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Valmiera outrebounded Latvijas Universitate 51-24 including a 17-6 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Latvijas Universitate was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a great evening for the former international power forward Pavels Veselovs (207-83) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 28 points and 10 rebounds. Center Janis Graudins (201-78) helped adding 15 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists. Five Valmiera players scored in double figures. Forward Arturs Duselis (200-89) responded with 13 points and 7 rebounds and guard Zanis Peiners (203-90) scored 14 points. Latvijas Universitate's coach gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Valmiera have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They moved-up to second place. Newly promoted Latvijas Universitate stay dead last with 23 lost games. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
LU: Z.Peiners 14+1reb+1ast, A.Duselis 13+7reb+3ast, A.Malahovskis 8+3reb, R.Eiduks 8+5reb, K.Brigmanis 8+3reb+2ast, R.Rozitis 7+1ast
Valmiera: P.Veselovs 28+10reb, J.Graudins 15+9reb+7ast, J.Kaufmanis 15+7reb+1ast, R.Gabrans 10+8reb+6ast, M.Ziedins 10+8reb, O.Virsis 7+5reb+4ast
gschID: 119778




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


Ayon helps his team get closer to the playoffs - by Carlos Chapa
Mexican National Team member Gustavo Ayon keeps giving performances worth of attention, this time contributing in the defensive side of the court and helping his team win.

The forward/center out of UPAEP matched his season-high 4 blocks and formed a strong duo inside the paint with fellow center Bismack Biyombo. Ayon's team Baloncesto Fuenlabrada went to win the game after three close periods against Cajasol Sevilla with a final score of 77-72.

So far this season, Gustavo Ayon has gained recognition from the spanish press and fans for his hustle and his contributions all around the court, giving some valuable offensive performances on some evenings and making worthful defensive appearances on other games, it has been reported that some NBA scouts have followed Ayon's path throughout this season as he is guiding eight-seeded Baloncesto Fuenlabrada (15-12) to its first playoffs in 10 years, there are 7 games remaining in the schedule of the ACB.

CIBACOPA Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Michael GALE
  Mexicali
  (193-G-82)
  Avg: 30.6
 1. Gale, Mexicali30.6 
 2. White, Cananea27.6 
 3. Sowell, Culiacan25.5 
 4. Gabbidon, Tijuana25.0 
 5. Thomas, Cananea24.7 
 6. Moss, Nogales24.3 
 7. Moore, Tijuana23.5 
 8. Barrett, Guasave23.3 
 9. White, Los Mochis22.4 
 10. Watson, Tijuana22.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Ryan MOSS
  Nogales
  (200-F/C-74)
  Avg: 10.6
 1. Moss, Nogales10.6 
 2. Moore, Tijuana10.0 
 3. Malloy, Los Mochis9.2 
 4. Brown, Tepic9.0 
 5. Shipley, Tijuana8.4 
 6. Brown, Nogales8.0 
 7. Avila, Culiacan7.9 
 8. Lawal, Tepic7.4 
 9. Morgan, Culiacan7.2 
 10. Sims, Los Mochis7.2 
Assists Per Game
 William FUNN
  Guasave
  (188-G-82)
  Avg: 5.5
 1. Funn, Guasave5.5 
 2. Watson, Tijuana5.3 
 3. Monreal, Hermosillo5.0 
 4. White, Los Mochis4.8 
 5. White, Cananea4.7 
 6. Ford, Tepic4.5 
 7. Meza, Culiacan4.2 
 8. Brown, Tepic3.9 
 9. Brown, Nogales3.8 
 10. Nungaray, Guaymas3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Derek THOMAS
  Cananea
  (193-F-84)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Thomas, Cananea2.3 
 2. Brown, Tepic1.8 
 3. Gale, Mexicali1.7 
 4. White, Cananea1.7 
 5. Monreal, Hermosillo1.6 
 6. Webb, Culiacan1.5 
 7. Funn, Guasave1.5 
 8. Brown, Nogales1.5 
 9. Matthews, Nogales1.4 
 10. Holmes, Hermosillo1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 LaShawn MALLOY
  Los Mochis
  (209-C/F-84)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Malloy, Los Mochis2.8 
 2. Webb, Culiacan2.7 
 3. Shipley, Tijuana2.6 
 4. Jones, Tepic2.4 
 5. Sowell, Culiacan2.2 
 6. Watson, Tijuana2.2 
 7. Brown, Tepic2.1 
 8. Funn, Guasave2.1 
 9. Nungaray, Guaymas2.0 
 10. Matthews, Nogales2.0 


*****************************************************
  MONTENEGRO   


Standings - 1A
1A Stage Two Standings
SuperLeague
 1. Buducnost 1-0 
 2. Mornar Bar 1-0 
 3. Lovcen 1-1 
 4. Teodo Tivat 1-1 
 5. Ulcijn 1-1 
 6. Jedinstvo 0-2 
Play-Out
 1. Danilovgrad 2-0 
 2. Mogren 1-1 
 3. ABS Primorje 1-1 
 4. Gorstak 0-1 
 5. KK Podgorica 0-1 
Stage One Standings


MNE Play-Out League : new win for Danilovgrad - by Dragan Scepanovic
In the second round of MNE1A Survival (Play-out) league victories were achieved Danilovgrad Mogren.Danilovgrad front of their fans won ABS Primorje 89:86 (21:16, 24:29, 22:21, 21:20), and Mogren is the Kolasin defeated Gorstak 79:59 (16:20, 22:14, 17:10, 24:15). In this round the team was free to Podgorica

Danilovgrad - ABS Primorje 89:86 ( 21:16, 24:29, 22:21, 22:20)
Danilovgrad.City SC. Spect 100. Reff: Savovic (Podgorica),Kicovic (Bar) and Raicevic (Bijelo Polje).
DANILOVGRAD: Jovovic 10, V. Jovanovic, Djerkovic, Nikola Lalic (188-G-89), Skendzic, Marko Milatovic (194-G-88) 3, Antovic, Z. Jovanovic 35, Sekulic, Mrdak, Igor Bijelic (208-C/F-88) 24, Igor Lutersek (203-F/C-89) 17.
ABS PRIMORJE: Stefan Arapovic (191-G/F-90) 2, Djokovic 22, Ivan Misinezovic (188-G-93), Denis Arapovic (188-G-92), Popovic 20, Bulatovic 11, Kovacevic, Radulovic 4, Ivan Zejak (203-F/C-87) 27, Brajovic.


MNE1A S-League : Buducnost , Mornar and Ulcinj win in 2. Round - by Dragan Scepanovic

Buducnost - Jedinstvo 84:57 (19:11, 22:18, 19:11, 24:17)
Podgorica.SC 'Moraca'.Spect 100. Reff : Vojinovic (Niksic), Jokic (Podgorica), Kaludjerovic (Herceg Novi).
BUDUCNOST: Scekic 4 (4-4), Mihailovic 4 (3-0), Aleksa Popovic (201-G/F-87) 13 (4-3), Filip Barovic (205-F-90) 2, Otasevic 2, Dragicevic 17 (4-3), Simonovic 7 (4-2), Kadziulis 8, Dubljevic 2, Milutin Djukanovic (188-G-91), Sead Sehovic (199-F-89) 13, Milosevic 12 (2-2).
JEDINSTVO: Kovccevic, Ticevic, Miljic 9 (2-1), Damjanovic, Omerovic 14 (2-1), Babaca 4, Boban Medenica (204-F-87), Petrovic, Vladimir Grdinic (190-G-78) 8, Milosev 7 (2-1), Andrija Pejovic (205-C-83) 7 (6-5), Marko Ljujic (205-C-90) 8.

Mornar - Lovcen 68:63 (15:21, 26:11, 13:18, 14:13)
Bar.SC Topolica'. Spect 500. Reff : Sutulovic, Sundic, Koljensic (Podgorica).
MORNAR: Pesic 3, Damjanovic 2, Sarajlija 18 (9-8), Radovic 6 (4-3), Mikovic, Nikola Ljujic (202-F-91) 3, Jelenic 11, Ljubojevic 2, Gagic 4, Vujosevic 2, Ivanovic 7 (4-2), Kuveljic 10 (2-2).
LOVCEN: Petar Stojanovic (185-G-90) 2, Latkovic, Boricic 11 (2-1), Nikola Pavlicevic (192-G-88) 2, Vucurovic 5, Martinic 9 (2-2), Jevdjic 1 (2-1), Lopicic 12 (4-2), Kandic 6 (3-3), Koprivica, Todorovic 6 (2-1), Mijatovic 10.

Teodo Ulcinj 72:84 (24:20, 13:30, 17:17, 18:17)
Tivat.SC Zupa. Spect: 400. Reff: Lepetic (Herceg Novi), Rutesic (Niksic), Kovacevic (Podgorica).
TEODO: Lucic, Bulatovic 2, Radonjic, Stevan Lazovic (186-G-91), Boskovic 6 (4-2), Manojlovic 16 (1-0), Pekic, Rondovic 13 (1-1), Vasilije Seferovic (193-G/F-85) 15 (6-5), Aco Mandic (205-C/F-84) 20 (5-5), Bozovic, Marko Calic (195-G/F-86).
ULCINj: Latkovic 5, Djurisic 15 (10-8), Tepavcevic 10, Milosevic 5, A. Radulovic 16 (7-6), A. S. Radulovic 12 (4-4), Djurkovic 2 (2-0), Jeftic 2, Klikovac, Mihailovic, Krstovic, Mijajlovic 17 (4-3).
<<>><<>>

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


Sunday's games review - by Eurobasket News
LA Lakers - N.Orleans H. 102-84
Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) scored 30 points, Pau Gasol (7'0''-F/C-80) had 23 points and 16 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers inched closer to the top of the overall NBA standings with their 15th win in 16 games since the All-Star break, 102-84 over the New Orleans Hornets on Sunday night. Andrew Bynum (7'0''-C-87, agency: David Lee services) added 13 points in the Lakers' seventh straight win. The two-time defending NBA champions jumped to an 18-point lead in the first half and weathered the Hornets' fourth-quarter rally to sweep the four-game season series with a possible first-round playoff opponent. Carl Landry had a season-high 24 points and 10 rebounds, and Chris Paul had 10 points and nine assists in the Hornets' second game without injured scoring leader David West. *Courtesy of www.huffingtonpost.com

Cleveland C. - Atlanta H. 83-99
Marvin Williams (6'9''-F-86, college: N.Carolina) scored a season-high 31 points and Alfred Horford (6'10''-F/C-86, college: Florida) added 20, leading the Atlanta Hawks to a 99-83 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night. Atlanta played without leading scorer Joe Johnson, but never trailed. Johnson, who averages 18.5 points, sprained his right thumb Saturday, but the Hawks didn't need him to defeat the Cavaliers, who have the worst record in the NBA. Williams took advantage of his increased playing time by shooting 9 of 14 from the field, including three 3-pointers, and 8 of 9 from the foul line in 43 minutes. Josh Smith scored 13 points and had a season-high 18 rebounds. *Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Miami Heat - Houston R. 125-119
With the playoffs looming, LeBron James (6'8''-F-84), Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) and Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech) are finding a new gear. And they accomplished something Sunday that hadn't been done in more than 50 years. Each of them had 30-10 nights - James with 33 points and 10 rebounds, Bosh had 31 points and 12 rebounds, and Wade shook off a bruised tailbone to finish with 30 points and 11 boards - as the Miami Heat beat the Houston Rockets 125-119 for their eighth win in nine games. It was the first time since February 1961 that three teammates finished with at least 30 points and 10 rebounds in a non-overtime game. *Courtesy of www.kfdm.com

Memphis G. - San Antonio S. 111-104
Tony Allen (6'4''-G-82, college: Oklahoma St.) and Zach Randolph (6'9''-C-81, college: Michigan St.) (Michigan State) scored 23 points apiece, and the Memphis Grizzlies sent San Antonio to its third straight loss with a 111-104 victory over the Spurs on Sunday night. Randolph also grabbed 11 rebounds for Memphis, which currently holds the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. If the Grizzlies earn the No. 8 seed, they will likely face the NBA-leading Spurs in the opening round of the playoffs. The Spurs, missing Tim Duncan because of a sprained left ankle, played the bulk of the second half without leading scorer Manu Ginobili, who sustained a left quad contusion. *Courteys of www.freep.com

Minnesota T. - Boston C. 82-85
Paul Pierce (6'7''-F-77, college: Kansas) had 23 points and seven rebounds, and the Boston Celtics nearly gave away another huge lead in an 85-82 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night. Kevin Garnett (6'10''-F-76, agency: Pro Management Agency) had 13 points, 13 rebounds and thousands of fans who turned out to cheer for the former face of the Timberwolves franchise. The Celtics led by 25 early in the second quarter, but trailed by two midway through the fourth before Pierce lifted them to the victory. Michael Beasley had 28 points and 10 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who were missing All-Star Kevin Love for the third straight game because of a strained left groin. *Courtesy of www.sfgate.com

Philadelph.76 - Sacramento K. 111-114 OT
The Philadelphia 76ers have become a feel-good story this season, their playoff berth within reach under new head coach Doug Collins. With a chance to improve their standing in the Eastern Conference, they showed they still have to find a way to reach their potential. Marcus Thornton (6'4''-G-87, agency: Impact Basketball, college: LSU) scored 32 points and former Philadelphia center Samuel Dalembert (6'11''-C-81, college: Seton Hall) made two free throws in the closing seconds of overtime to give the Sacramento Kings a 114-111 win over the 76ers on Sunday. Jason Thompson added 15 points and Beno Udrih made a big 3-pointer in the closing minutes to help the Kings win their third straight. The Sixers were led by Jrue Holiday's 28 points, while Jodie Meeks added 22. Philadelphia missed a chance against one of the NBA's worst teams to make up ground on fifth-place Atlanta. *Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Phoenix Suns - Dallas M. 83-91
Jason Kidd (6'4''-G-73, college: California) ended an ugly night for Dallas with a pair of pretty shots. Kidd's two 3-pointers, followed by a couple of free throws, in the final 1:11 gave the Mavericks a 91-83 victory over Phoenix on Sunday night that might have dropped the curtain on the Suns' hopes for a playoff berth. ''The first one I had no choice, the shot clock was about to go off,'' said Kidd, who long ago was making those kinds of shots for Phoenix. ''I just took my time and it went in, that's all. The second one I was shooting it all the way if Dirk (Nowitzki) was going to give it to me.'' Phoenix led most of the ugly game and it was tied at 83 after Jared Dudley's 14-footer in the lane with 1:37 to play. But Kidd sank one from long range with 1:11 to go to make it 86-83. Channing Frye, scoreless and 0 for 4 from the field, inexplicably forced a 3-point airball at the other end and Kidd responded with another 3 that put Dallas ahead 89-83 with 44 seconds to go. ''These kinds of games come down to will and toughness and I give our guys a lot of credit,'' Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said. ''Our shots weren't falling all night. We struggled with turnovers early and to just hang in and come in to huddles and talking about how we're going to get it done. That's progress for us and we've just got to keep building on that.'' Marcin Gortat and Dudley were inserted into the starting lineup and scored 20 points apiece for Phoenix. Gortat also grabbed 15 rebounds. Dallas won its fourth straight and improved to 12-1 against the Pacific Division. Phoenix dropped to 36-36, four games behind Memphis for the eighth and final playoff spot in the West with 10 games to play. *Courtesy of www.comcast.net

Oklah.City T. - Portland TB 99-90
Russell Westbrook (6'3''-G-88, college: UCLA) hit three 3-pointers down the stretch, including the clincher with 21 seconds left, and the Oklahoma City Thunder overcame a 40-point night by Gerald Wallace (6'7''-F-82, college: Alabama) on Sunday to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 99-90 and clinch their second straight playoff berth. Westbrook's 3 from the left wing gave the Thunder a 97-90 lead and, after Wallace missed a jumper with 16 seconds remaining, the Thunder could finally breathe easy. They are now 3-0 against Portland, with the previous two victories coming by a combined three points. Wallace was unguardable at times in the second half as he carried the Trail Blazers back from a 14-point halftime deficit. His total, on 16-of-28 shooting, was a season high and just two points shy of his career best. Westbrook scored 28 and Kevin Durant finished with 21, although he was only 5 of 18 from the field. Oklahoma City won its third straight and ninth in the past 10. LaMarcus Aldridge scored 20 for Portland. *Courtesy of www.sfgate.com

Golde State W. - Washington W. 114-104
Monta Ellis (6'4''-G-85) had 37 points and 13 assists, leading the Golden State Warriors past the road-weary Washington Wizards, 114-104 on Sunday night. Ellis played the entire game and added seven rebounds, and David Lee (6'9''-F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Florida) had a season-high 33 points to help the Warriors to their second straight victory. Ellis was three rebounds short of his first career triple-double entering the fourth quarter and never came closer. JaVale McGee had a career-high 28 points and tied his career best with 18 rebounds, and Maurice Evans scored 23 points for the Wizards, who have lost four straight and 10 of their last 11 games. They also dropped to 1-35 on the road this season. *Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com


Wizards sign Jeffers to second 10-day contract - by Eurobasket News
Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld announced on Sunday that the team has signed swingman Othyus Jeffers (6'5''-F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: Robert Morris) to a second 10-day contract.

Jeffers has appeared in five games for the Wizards, averaging 1.4 points and 2.0 rebounds. He was originally called up by the Wizards from the NBA Development Leagues Iowa Energy on March 17.

Courtesy of http://basketball.realgm.com

Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Kevin DURANT
  Oklah.City T.
  (206-G/F-88)
  Avg: 27.7
 1. Durant, Oklah.Ci.27.7 
 2. James, Miami Heat26.5 
 3. Wade, Miami Heat25.7 
 4. Stoudemire, New Y.25.6 
 5. Anthony, Denver N.25.2 
 6. Bryant, LA Lakers25.2 
 7. Rose, Chicago B.24.9 
 8. Ellis, Golde S.24.3 
 9. Gordon, LA Clippers23.2 
 10. Martin, Houston R.23.2 
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.12.4 
 4. Griffin, LA Clipp.12.0 
 5. Bogut, Milwauke.11.3 
 6. Noah, Chicago B.11.0 
 7. Camby, Portland TB10.6 
 8. Humphries, New J.10.3 
 9. Gasol, LA Lakers10.2 
 10. Okafor, N.Orlean.9.7 
Assists Per Game
 Steve NASH
  Phoenix Suns
  (190-G-74)
  Avg: 11.4
 1. Nash, Phoenix Suns11.4 
 2. Rondo, Boston C.11.4 
 3. Paul, N.Orleans H.9.8 
 4. Williams, Utah Jazz9.7 
 5. Felton, New Y.9.0 
 6. Calderon, Toron.8.9 
 7. Wall, Washington W.8.7 
 8. Kidd, Dallas M.8.4 
 9. Westbrook, Oklah..8.3 
 10. Rose, Chicago B.7.9 
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. Felton, New Y.1.8 
 5. Conley, Memphis G.1.8 
 6. Allen, Memphis G.1.8 
 7. Westbrook, Oklah..1.8 
 8. Wall, Washington W.1.7 
 9. Evans, Sacramen.1.7 
 10. Gay, Memphis G.1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Andrew BOGUT
  Milwaukee B.
  (212-F/C-84)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Bogut, Milwauke.2.7 
 2. Howard, Orlando M.2.4 
 3. McGee, Washingt.2.4 
 4. Ibaka, Oklah.Ci.2.3 
 5. Milicic, Minnesota T.2.1 
 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. 51-21 
 2. Philadelph.76 37-36 
 3. New York K. 35-38 
 4. New Jersey N. 23-49 
 5. Toronto R. 20-53 
Central Div.
 1. Chicago B. 53-19 
 2. Indiana P. 32-42 
 3. Milwaukee B. 29-43 
 4. Detroit P. 26-47 
 5. Cleveland C. 14-58 
Southeast Div.
 1. Miami Heat 51-22 
 2. Orlando M. 47-26 
 3. Atlanta H. 42-32 
 4. Charlotte B. 30-42 
 5. Washington W. 17-55 
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
 1. Oklah.City T. 48-24 
 2. Denver N. 44-29 
 3. Portland TB 42-31 
 4. Utah Jazz 36-38 
 5. Minnesota T. 17-57 
Pacific Div.
 1. LA Lakers 53-20 
 2. Phoenix Suns 36-36 
 3. Golde State W. 32-42 
 4. LA Clippers 29-45 
 5. Sacramento K. 20-52 
Southwest Div.
 1. San Antonio S. 57-16 
 2. Dallas M. 52-21 
 3. N.Orleans H. 42-32 
 4. Memphis G. 41-33 
 5. Houston R. 38-35 


Playoff Picture Could Be Affected By Injuries And A Return - by Eurobasket
The playoffs are quickly approaching in the NBA, which means players are starting to look at the NBA spread. Here is a look at three pieces of injury news that could have an effect on the playoff picture.

Tim Duncan (6'10''-F-76)

The future Hall of Famer sprained his ankle in Mondays win against Golden State, and there is no timetable for his return, although an early MRI was promising. San Antonio has a seven-game lead atop the West over the Lakers, so this could actually be a blessing in disguise as the Spurs can get some extra rest for Duncan leading up to the postseason, when theyll really need him.

Rudy Gay (6'9''-F/G-86)

Memphis has been without Gay since February 15th when he hurt his shoulder against Philadelphia, and now the Grizzlies have learned that he will miss the rest of the year because of his ailing shoulder. The Grizzlies are two games ahead of Houston in the final spot in the West, and theyve remained competitive without their star guard because of ball movement. Also, Shane Battier, who joined Memphis at the deadline, has improved Memphis defense.

Michael Redd (6'6''-G-79)

Milwaukee could be getting Michael Redd back from a knee injury that has kept him off the court for the last 14 months, and the Bucks have 13 games left to make up two games on Indiana for the last playoff spot in the East. Of course, it would be foolish to think that Redd could come back after such a lengthy layoff to carry the Bucks to the playoffs, but he could definitely add something to the team with his outside shooting as Milwaukee shoots just over 34% from beyond the arc. Redd plans on playing on Friday in New York, so that will be a good test of his conditioning.



New Mexico's Jamine Peterson Named NBA D-League Performer of the Week - by Allen Waters
Jamine Peterson of the New Mexico Thunderbirds was today named NBA Development League Performer of the Week for games played during the week of March 21. Peterson, a 6-6, 225-pound rookie forward out of Providence, led the Thunderbirds to a 3-1 record on the week, averaging 24.9 points and 8.8 rebounds.

Peterson put together a pair of outstanding performances in back-to-back road games this weekend. He had 40 points and 13 rebounds in a 121-101 win at Springfield on Saturday, and followed that with 36 points and 12 rebounds in a 129-97 loss at Fort Wayne on Sunday. Peterson also began the week with 19 points and eight rebounds in a 104-100 win over Bakersfield on Tuesday.

Jamine Peterson the Most underrated Players in the 2011 Draft. Due to Absance at Providance College He was Not Absent in the NBA Dleague Where Jamine Peterson Showed he is Still Greedy Peterson. Going head to head With the 21st pick in the 2010 Draft Criag Brackins Jamine had a statement to make. Coach Ham stated that Jamine 'Greedy'peterson is a Different Breed of Player. Look forward to hearing Peterson name called in the 2011 NBA draft. Jamine Peterson (6'6''-F-88, college: Providence)

Rondo scratched with finger injury - by Eurobasket News
The Boston Celtics scratched point guard Rajon Rondo (6'1''-G-86, college: Kentucky) from the game against Minnesota on Sunday because of a strained right pinky finger.

Celtics coach Doc Rivers says the injury has bothered him for much of the season. Rondo was hit on the hand in practice on Saturday to aggravate it. He is day-to-day and it is unclear if he will be ready to play on Monday against Indiana.

Delonte West was put in the starting lineup.

The Timberwolves sat forward Kevin Love for the third straight game because of a strained left groin. Love missed the team's recent two-game road trip, but was hoping a few days of rest would have him ready to face the Celtics.

Anthony Randolph started his third straight game. He averaged 27.5 points and 13 rebounds in his last two starts.

Courtesy of www.wpri.com

Charlotte Bobcats sign BayHawks guard Temple for rest of season - by Eurobasket News
Erie BayHawks shooting guard Garrett Temple (6'6''-G-86, college: LSU) confirmed today that the Charlotte Bobcats have signed him for the rest of the season after having him play out a pair of 10-day contracts.

A 6-foot 5-inch, 180-pound guard out of LSU, Temple, 24, had two 10-day contracts with the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this season.

In 15 games with Erie (30-18), Temple averaged 14.9 points and 6.6 rebounds. The BayHawks acquired him in a trade in late December with Rio Grande Valley for rookie power forward Jeff Adrien.

With Charlotte signing Temple for the rest of the season, Erie will move to the top of the D-League waiver wire and have the option to sign a player out of the player pool

If the BayHawks did bring in a player, they would have to release a player from their roster, which is currently full.

Courtesy of www.goerie.com

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  NCAA1   


Bradley hires Ford away from Kent State - by Eurobasket News
Bradley has hired Kent State's Geno Ford as its new basketball coach.

The school announced the move Sunday and will introduce Ford at a Monday news conference on campus.

The 36-year-old Ford led Kent State to its second consecutive Mid-American Conference regular-season title this season. The Flashes finished 25-12 and lost in the quarterfinals of the NIT.

In three seasons at Kent State, Ford was 68-37, including 35-13 in the MAC. He was voted MAC coach of the year twice.

He has also coached at NAIA Shawnee State and Division III Muskingum.

Ford replaces Jim Les, who was fired earlier this month after nine seasons at Bradley. The Braves finished 12-20 overall and 4-14 in the Missouri Valley Conference this season.

Courtesy of www.newstimes.com

Mooney signs 10-year extension with Richmond - by Eurobasket News
Richmond men's basketball coach Chris Mooney has signed a 10-year contract extension with the Spiders after leading them to the Sweet 16.

The school, clearly anticipating that Mooney could attract interest from schools in the traditional power conferences, said Mooney signed the deal Sunday night.

'I was anxious to get something done and the school was anxious to get something done, so it was kind of pretty smooth,' Mooney said in a telephone interview after the deal was announced.

'There did not need to be a lot of back and forth,' he said. 'I think they are as excited about the future of our program as I am, so it really was able to go pretty quickly.'

Georgia Tech was thought to be interested in Mooney, and possibly other schools.

'I'm going to stay at Richmond and I'm thrilled with the opportunity,' Mooney said.

'I know there were some schools that were interested and obviously I'm flattered and appreciate the interest, but I reallly love where the program is going at Richmond.'

It is the third straight year that Mooney, 38, has received an extension, and this one carries through the 2020-2021, but the school said other terms will not be released.

'Chris Mooney has demonstrated that he is the right fit for the University of Richmond,' athletic director Jim Miller said in a release announcing the extension. 'He has attracted quality student-athletes and guided them to success both on the court and in the classroom.'

The deal comes after the Spiders set a school record with 29 victories, eclipsing the previous record of 26 set last season. Richmond also won the Atlantic-10 tournament for the first time in its 10 years in the league, and a berth in the NCAA tournament's round of 16 for just the second time.

Richmond (29-8) was beaten 77-57 by Kansas in the regional semifinals on Friday night.

Mooney has a 112-87 record in six years at Richmond, and the team has accumulated 91 victories over the past four seasons, the most of any team in the Spiders' 99-year history.

The Spiders lose a wealth of experience and scoring from this season's team, including 2010 A-10 player of the year Kevin Anderson and 6-foot-10 forward Justin Harper, their leading scorer this season, but have 12 players coming back next year as well as their new recruits.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Tennessee hires Missouri State's Cuonzo Martin - by Eurobasket News
Tennessee has turned to Missouri State's Cuonzo Martin to stabilize a basketball program facing NCAA sanctions following recruiting violations by former coach Bruce Pearl.

Tennessee announced Sunday it had hired the 39-year-old Martin as the Vols' 18th head coach. A press conference to introduce Martin was scheduled for Monday.

Martin takes over at Tennessee without knowing what kind of sanctions the Vols may face next season. School officials will go before the NCAA's Committee on Infractions on June 10-11, with final word on the Vols' punishment likely not coming until the fall.

'Cuonzo is among the most promising young coaches in the game, and we are excited about the coaching ability, toughness and energy that he brings to our program,' Tennessee athletic director Mike Hamilton said. 'He has a proven track record of success as a head coach at Missouri State and an assistant at Purdue as well as an outstanding career as a college basketball player.'

Martin went 61-41 in three seasons at Missouri State after eight years as an assistant coach at Purdue under Gene Keady and Matt Painter. During his tenure, the Bears improved from 11-20 in his first season to 26-9 in the 2010-11 season, earning them their first Missouri Valley Conference regular-season championship and Martin the MVC coach of the year honor.

As a player at Purdue, Martin scored 1,666 points in 127 career games and set the Boilermakers' single-game record for 3-pointers with eight in an NCAA regional semifinal victory over Kansas in 1994.

The East St. Louis, Ill., native was selected 57th overall in the 1995 NBA draft by the Atlanta Hawks and played in the NBA for four years, including stints with the Milwaukee Bucks and Vancouver Grizzlies.

While playing in Europe in November of 1997, Martin was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He returned to the United States for treatment of a malignant tumor between his heart and lungs, and is currently in full remission.

'Cuonzo has an inspiring personal story, and we look forward to his impact on Tennessee basketball,' Hamilton said.

Martin and Missouri State faced Pearl and Tennessee on Nov. 17 in the second round of the preseason NIT, a close game won by the Vols, 60-56. Tennessee went on to win the tournament.

It was one of the lone bright spots in the Vols' season after Pearl acknowledged in a tearful press conference on Sept. 10 that he'd mislead the NCAA investigation about a cookout at his home attended by high school juniors. The NCAA has since alleged 10 violations by Tennessee's basketball program and charged Pearl with unethical conduct.

Pearl was fired after school officials became aware of additional potential violations committed by him and his staff. According to news reports, a player received extra tickets to Tennessee's March 6 home game against Kentucky, and the NCAA said Pearl violated its 'bump rule' on Sept. 14 after speaking with a high school junior on a recruiting trip to Georgia.

In six seasons, Pearl, 51, amassed a 145-61 record. The Volunteers made school history during his tenure by achieving their first No. 1 ranking in 2008, winning their first Southeastern Conference regular-season championship in four decades and reaching their first NCAA tournament regional finals before missing out on a trip to the 2010 Final Four by a single point.

Courtesy of www.tri-cityherald.com

New Mexico's Jamine Peterson Named NBA D-League Performer of the Week - by Allen Waters
Jamine Peterson of the New Mexico Thunderbirds was today named NBA Development League Performer of the Week for games played during the week of March 21. Peterson, a 6-6, 225-pound rookie forward out of Providence, led the Thunderbirds to a 3-1 record on the week, averaging 24.9 points and 8.8 rebounds.

Peterson put together a pair of outstanding performances in back-to-back road games this weekend. He had 40 points and 13 rebounds in a 121-101 win at Springfield on Saturday, and followed that with 36 points and 12 rebounds in a 129-97 loss at Fort Wayne on Sunday. Peterson also began the week with 19 points and eight rebounds in a 104-100 win over Bakersfield on Tuesday.

Jamine Peterson the Most underrated Players in the 2011 Draft. Due to Absance at Providance College He was Not Absent in the NBA Dleague Where Jamine Peterson Showed he is Still Greedy Peterson. Going head to head With the 21st pick in the 2010 Draft Criag Brackins Jamine had a statement to make. Coach Ham stated that Jamine 'Greedy'peterson is a Different Breed of Player. Look forward to hearing Peterson name called in the 2011 NBA draft. Jamine Peterson (6'6''-F-88, college: Providence)

Kentucky advances to Final Four, beats North Carolina 76-69 - by Eurobasket News
Kentucky spent 13 straight springs watching other schools play in the Final Four, a destination college basketball's winningest program considers its birthright.

At most places, that's hardly a drought.

In the Bluegrass, it's a lifetime.

Now coach John Calipari and the Wildcats are two wins away from a national title. Finally.

Brandon Knight (6'3''-G) scored 22 points and fourth-seeded Kentucky advanced to the Final Four for the first time since their 1998 national title with a 76-69 win over second-seeded North Carolina on Sunday in the East Regional final.

'We got Kentucky back,' senior center Josh Harrellson (6'10''-F-89) said. 'A lot of people doubted us. A lot of people really didn't think we'd be the team we are. We really pulled it together as a team, and we're back now.'

The Wildcats (29-8) will play Connecticut in Houston on Saturday night after turning back a late surge by the Tar Heels (27-10), who erased an 11-point deficit before running out of gas in the final 2 minutes.

Deandre Liggins (6'6''-G-88) added 12 points for Kentucky, including a 3-pointer from the corner with 37 seconds remaining to help lift the Wildcats.

A season after falling a game short of the Final Four behind a roster filled with future NBA stars, the Wildcats are heading to the national semifinals for the 14th time behind Knight's heady play and Calipari's relentless energy.

He revitalized the flagging program a year ago behind superstar John Wall. In Calipari's second season, he delivered on his promise to return Kentucky to glory.

Even if the guy who hired him wasn't sure this would be the year Kentucky would end its 13-year drought between Final Fours.

'I thought he was building toward it, but I didn't think this was the year,' Kentucky president Lee Todd said.

It didn't look like it in January, when the Wildcats couldn't win a close game. It didn't look like it in February, when they couldn't win on the road.

Calipari admitted it didn't look that way two weeks ago, when his team was relegated to a fourth-seed despite convincingly winning the Southeastern Conference tournament. The powers that be put Kentucky in the same bracket as top overall seed Ohio State.

'I just thought the path to get here would be so ridiculous,' Calipari said, 'that we would have to play out of our minds or people would have to get knocked off.'

Done and done.

Kentucky edged Ohio State on Friday, then gave the Final Four another blueblood program, though with a twist. There will be no No. 1 or No. 2 seeds playing the last weekend of the season since 1979, well before the field expanded to 64 teams in 1985.

The Wildcats have a pedigree and a roster full of highly touted freshmen. Yet they're just as reliant on holdovers such as Liggins and Harrellson.

A seldom used reserve a year ago who has flourished in his final season, Harrellson again held his own against North Carolina's bigger, more heralded front line, scoring 12 points and grabbing eight rebounds as Kentucky avenged a 75-73 loss to the Tar Heels in December in Chapel Hill.

It was a different story in New Jersey. And in March.

It's a month Kentucky and North Carolina have owned for years. They've combined for 210 NCAA tournament victories 105 each but Sunday's victory was the Wildcats' first in three NCAA meetings with the Tar Heels.

Not that North Carolina coach Roy Williams was in the mood for a history lesson.

'I'm going to focus on what a wonderful group of kids and what a wonderful year it was,' he said. 'But it still doesn't take away the hurt that you feel today.'

Tyler Zeller (7'0''-F-90) led the Tar Heels with 21 points and nine rebounds and Harrison Barnes (6'8''-F) added 18 points, but North Carolina fell behind early and struggled to keep the hot-shooting Wildcats in check.

'No question, I thought we were going to pull it out,' Barnes said. 'We've been through so many of these situations before. Losing didn't enter my mind until the final horn sounded.'

Instead, it was Harrellson giving teammate Eloy Vargas a bear hug and Knight flexing at midcourt before gleefully cutting down the nets while Barnes and the Tar Heels trudged slowly off the floor.

It's a scene Kentucky has longed for a mission that began in earnest when the program lured John Calipari away from Memphis in 2009.

He promised he wasn't 'the grand poobah' the day he signed his eight-year, $31.65 million contract, but there's little doubt who rules the Bluegrass now.

'You play at Kentucky to raise banners, and I'm happy we did this,' said Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart. 'I'm happy for these guys, because no one gave them a chance.'

Calipari joins Rick Pitino as the only men's basketball coaches to lead three different programs to the Final Four. Calipari's previous visits at Massachusetts in 1996 and Memphis in 2008 were vacated by the NCAA for rules violations, but Calipari was not found liable in either instance.

Barnhart said Calipari wanted his Final Four appearances with the Wildcats 'to stick.' Time will tell, though he's already restored the luster to a program that's slowly slipped off its perch over the last decade.

That lust for a championship banner is why Kentucky went after Calipari so aggressively, making him the highest paid coach in the country.

He came close a year ago, as the Wildcats missed their first 20 3-point attempts in a dismal 73-66 loss to West Virginia.

There were no such issues Sunday. Knight hit a 3-pointer barely 3 minutes in, and Kentucky kept right on shooting. Darius Miller, Terrence Jones and Doron Lamb also drilled 3s of their own to give the Wildcats an early confidence boost. Kentucky made 12-of-22 3-pointers on Sunday, very different from the miserable 4-for-32 effort they put together last season.

But that was a different team, one Calipari likened to a bulldozer. This one is a little smaller, a little leaner. And ultimately, a little more successful.

When they weren't knocking down jumpers from all over, they were getting their hands in passing lanes, pestering the bigger, longer Tar Heels into sloppy mistakes.

At one point Barnes found himself in an awkward position and tried to throw the ball off the backboard to himself. No dice. Harrellson, as he was almost all game, was right in position to gobble up the North Carolina mistake.

Kentucky roared into the halftime with a 38-30 lead then made it stand up as North Carolina failed to take advantage when the Wildcats grew skittish with the lead.

Kentucky wobbled, but it didn't falter and instead rocketed to Houston on the heels of a 10-game winning streak.

No team has been to the Final Four more than North Carolina, and the Tar Heels were poised to add to their NCAA-record 18 appearances after mauling Marquette in the regional semifinals on Friday.

Instead, their resurgent season ended with a downtrodden Barnes glumly shaking hands as Kentucky players donned Final Four caps a few feet away.

The game mirrored much of the talented freshman's season. He struggled early then caught fire late, scoring eight straight at one point as the Tar Heels clawed back into it.

Yet he faltered in the final minute, missing a 3-pointer after Liggins' big shot then missing another one after Knight hit two free throws to give Kentucky a six-point lead.

Barnes refused to discuss whether he'll return next year.

'All I know is the last two years I played basketball it ended with a championship, not a loss,' he said. 'I never felt like this before.'

Neither have the Wildcats, all of whom where in grade school when Kentucky beat Utah in San Antonio for their seventh national title in 1998.

They don't need to be reminded of the program's rich history. It dangles from the rafters at Rupp Arena. Now they have a chance to add their own chapter to the legend.

'This is a great tradition that we have to live up to,' Knight said. 'It feels good that we were able to do this for Kentucky.'

Courtesy of www.huffingtonpost.com

VCU upsets No. 1 seed Kansas, 71-61 - by Eurobasket News
The lead was collapsing in on Virginia Commonwealth, the dream of a most remarkable NCAA tournament run finally flickering. Rams coach Shaka Smart had just earned a technical for charging toward an official at the Alamodome after calling a timeout on Sunday.

'I didn't even say anything, but I guess I charged out there a little bit faster than I should have,' said Smart, 33. 'I've got to control my pace as I move toward the officials.'

The second-year head coach then offered a blunt pep talk: 'It was basically forget about the refs, forget Kansas,'' he said. 'This is all about us, and we've got to do what we've got to do.''

When it was over, VCU had done it, taking out top-seeded Kansas, 71-61, in the NCAA Southwest Regional final. In the ensuing delirium, some fans began cheering at the sight of several older men in suits. 'Selection committee,' those fans yelled in tribute. The men indeed were part of the NCAA selection committee, sudden celebrities in the Virginia Commonwealth orbit after making the surprising decision to put the Rams into the tournament. Now the most unlikely team ever to reach the Final Four will face Butler on Saturday in an all-Cinderella matchup in Houston.

Officially, VCU (28-11) becomes the third No. 11 seed to advance to the Final Four, after LSU in 1986 and another Colonial Athletic Association miracle team, George Mason, in 2006. But sources said VCU really was a 12th seed, bumped up to an 11th seed because of all the bracket rules that keep teams from playing each other. If the NCAA hadn't expanded from 65 to 68 teams this season, VCU, a fourth-place finisher in the Colonial Athletic Association, wouldn't have been in.

'Their players could play for us any day,' Kansas coach Bill Self said after his team made just 2 of 21 three-pointers and just 15 of 28 free throws. 'If we played shirts and skins today, you wouldn't have much of a difference on players or how they look. They've got some good-looking kids. They got what they deserved today. They certainly outplayed us.'

As Rams guards drained a barrage of first-half threes, racing to a shocking 18-point lead, there was no fear factor. VCU super-sub Brandon Rozzell (6'2''-G-89) dropped one of his four first-half three-pointers from right in front of the Kansas bench and then ran his mouth at that shell-shocked group.

Kansas (35-3), led by the twin tower Morris brothers of North Philadelphia, Marcus Morris (20 points, 16 rebounds) and Markieff Morris (6'9''-F) (13 points, 12 rebounds, 8 turnovers), got within two points. But VCU counterpunched.

Jamie Skeen (6'9''-F-88) led VCU with 26 points.

Point guard Joey Rodriguez - ignoring the air ball he had just thrown up, followed by a blocked layup attempt - drained a three-pointer off the dribble, pushing VCU's lead back out to 60-52 with five minutes left. ('I'm short - I get my shot blocked all the time,' Rodriguez said.)

After Marcus Morris (6'8''-F) scored on a putback, Rodriguez drove and threw back outside to Bradford Burgess (6'5''-G-90), who had made six three-pointers and the game-winning shot Friday against Florida State. A wide-open Burgess drained a three from the top of the key.

'That game was all about style of play,' Smart said. 'We got the style going the way that we wanted in the first half. And if you watched closely, their players were tugging on their shorts for much of the game.'

Courtesy of www.philly.com

BYU'S FREDETTE WINS 2010-11 OSCAR ROBERTSON TROPHY - by George Manousidis
ST. LOUIS (USBWA) -- The U.S. Basketball Writers Association has selected BYU guard Jimmer Fredette (6'2''-G) as the winner of the 2010-11 Oscar Robertson Trophy, annually presented to the National Player of the Year.
The 6-2, 195-pound senior from Glens Falls, N.Y., becomes the first national player of the year from BYU and just the second from the Mountain West Conference after Utah's Andrew Bogut won the award in 2005.

Fredette will be presented with the Oscar Robertson Trophy by its namesake Oscar Robertson at the USBWA's annual College Basketball Awards Breakfast on Friday, April 1 at 8 a.m. at The George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston in conjunction with the NCAA Men's Final Four. For tickets to the awards breakfast, visit the USBWA website, usbwa.com.

A first-team USBWA All-American and USBWA District VIII Player of the Year, Fredette was chosen as the national player of the year from a field of 10 finalists. The Mountain West Player of the Year led Cougars (32-5) to the Mountain West regular-season championship and into the Southeast Regional in New Orleans, where they were eliminated by Florida in overtime.

Fredette leads the nation in scoring with 28.9 points per game and, in three NCAA tournament games, he averaged 32.7 points. He also led the team in assists with 4.3 per game and shot 89.4 percent from the free-throw line. He shattered Danny Ainge's school career scoring mark, finishing his career with 2,599 points after scoring a school-record 1,068 points this season.

He had 15 games in which he scored at least 30 points, including four 40-plus-point games and a 52-point game in the Mountain West Conference Tournament semifinals on March 11 vs. New Mexico. The NCAA's active career scoring leader was the Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week for the week ending Dec. 12, 2010.

'Jimmer had an incredible season and was a great teammate and leader for our team,' BYU head coach Dave Rose said. 'His main focus throughout the season was to help our team be successful and win games. Jimmer is a great player and I'm proud of all of his accomplishments.'

In addition to the Oscar Robertson Trophy, the Henry Iba Award will be presented Notre Dame's Mike Brey as the association's national coach of the year and Texas coach Rick Barnes will receive the USBWA's Good Guy Award at the awards breakfast. The legendary University of Houston 'Phi Slama Jama' teams will also be honored on Friday morning.

The Oscar Robertson Trophy is voted on by the entire membership of the association, which consists of more than 900 journalists. It is the nation's oldest award and the only one named after a former player. The legendary Oscar Robertson was the USBWA's first player of the year in 1959. The USBWA renamed its player of the year award the Oscar Robertson Trophy in 1998.

The U.S. Basketball Writers Association was formed in 1956 at the urging of then-NCAA Executive Director Walter Byers. Today, it is one of the most influential organizations in college basketball. For more information on the USBWA and its award programs, contact executive director Joe Mitch at 314-444-4325.

Related links:
Oscar Robertson Trophy

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  NCAA2   


Daktronics Division II All-America Awards 2011 - by Eurobasket
Daktronics Division II All-America 1st Team 2011
#s#
Parrish West
West
Chris Woods
Woods
Gage Daye
Daye
Corey Pelle
Pelle
Justin Keenan
Keenan
#e#5

Player of the Year: Parrish West (6'5''-F) of Alaska-Fairb.

1st Team
F: Parrish West (6'5'') of Alaska-Fairb.
F: Chris Woods (6'5'') of Pfeiffer
F: Gage Daye (6'2'') of Bloomfield
G: Corey Pelle (5'11'') of W.Liberty St.
F/C: Justin Keenan (6'7''-88) of Ferris St.

2nd Team
F: Justin Sedlak (6'9''-87) of Florida Tech
C: Blake Poole (6'5'') of St.Martin's
G: Darius Adams (6'0''-89) of Indianapolis
G: Anthony Moody (6'0'') of Mary
G: Davion Berry (6'4'') of Cal.St.-Monterey

3rd Team
G: Skyler Bowlin (6'3''-89) of Missouri So.
G: Thomas Baudinet (6'3'') of St.Anselm
F: Darryl Webb (6'6''-88) of Indiana, PA
G: Jordan Fortney (6'5'') of W.Liberty St.
G: Jeremy Kendle (6'1'') of Bellarmine



NABC Division II All-America Team - by Eurobasket
NABC Division II All-America Team 2011
#s#
Thomas Baudinet
Baudinet
Skyler Bowlin
Bowlin
Phillip Brown
Brown
Zane Campbell
Campbell
Nathan Hyde
Hyde
#e#5
Thomas Baudinet (6'3''-G) of St.Anselm College
Skyler Bowlin (6'3''-G-89) of Missouri Southern State University
Phillip Brown (6'7''-C) of Georgia Southwestern State University
Zane Campbell (6'8''-F) of University of Alabama in Huntsville
Nathan Hyde (6'3''-G-88) of Findlay (OH)
George Johnson (6'4''-G) of Augusta State University
Dominique Jones (5'9''-G) of Fort Hays State University
Jeremy Kendle (6'1''-G) of Bellarmine College
Josh Magette (6'1''-G) of University of Alabama in Huntsville
Jefferson Mason (6'6''-G-88) of Minnesota State University Mankato
Darin Mency (6'2''-G) of Merrimack College
Anthony Moody (6'0''-G) of Universify Of Mary
Trevin Parks (5'9''-G-91) of Johnson C. Smith University
Blake Poole (6'5''-C) of St.Martin's College
Darryl Webb (6'6''-F-88) of Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Parrish West (6'5''-F) of Alaska-Fairbanks

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


Baerum shock Asker, joins Tromso in the Finals - by Eurobasket News
Asker - Baerum 82-91

The guests trailed by 10 points after first quarter, but they rallied back winning next two quarters and won the game by 9 points. Baerum made 28-of-35 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game, while Asker only scored twelve points from the stripe. Baerum forced 23 Asker turnovers. It was a great shooting night for Baerum especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 60.0 percentage. 25 personal fouls committed by Asker helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a great evening for the former international guard Christer Elgmork (180-87) who led his team to a victory scoring 25 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international guard Daniel Berg (195-86, college: NYIT) helped adding 17 points and 5 rebounds. Baerum's coach Pal Berg used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was the former international guard Mustafa Mahnin (182-80) with 24 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and the former international forward Ronny Karlsen (202-78, college: Independence CC) scored 11 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Asker: M.Mahnin 24+5reb+5ast, C.Hinsch 16+4reb+2ast, F.Nyborg 15+4reb+3ast, R.Karlsen 11+9reb+4ast, M.Midtvedt 8+3reb+2ast, L.Jaeger Torkildsen 4+5reb+2ast
Baerum: C.Elgmork 25+6reb+4ast, D.Berg 17+5reb+1ast, S.Berg 16+2ast, D.Oatis 16+6reb+1ast, N.Skara 12+2reb+1ast, V.Hamilton 5+10reb+2ast
gschID: 123892




BLNO Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Antonio RUSSELL
  Kristiansand
  (183-G-84)
  Avg: 27
 1. Russell, Kristiansand27.0 
 2. Timus, Tromso24.7 
 3. Bullock, Gimle21.7 
 4. Karlsen, Asker21.6 
 5. Diomande, Ammerud21.4 
 6. Kombat, Froya21.2 
 7. January, Tromso20.1 
 8. Eskeland, Ulriken19.1 
 9. Oatis, Baerum18.3 
 10. Fivelstad, Ulriken17.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Peter BULLOCK
  Gimle
  (198-F/C-82)
  Avg: 13.3
 1. Bullock, Gimle13.3 
 2. Oatis, Baerum12.4 
 3. Mullenax, Ulriken11.1 
 4. Karlsen, Asker10.3 
 5. Fivelstad, Ulriken10.1 
 6. Christensen, Tro.9.6 
 7. Kombat, Froya8.7 
 8. January, Tromso8.6 
 9. Hamilton, Baerum8.3 
 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. Bullock, Gimle4.3 
 4. Eskeland, Ulriken4.3 
 5. Issalhi, Tromso4.3 
 6. Russell, Kristiansand4.2 
 7. Elgmork, Baerum3.8 
 8. Ouakkaha, Ulriken3.6 
 9. Mihaylov, Tromso3.4 
 10. Timus, Tromso3.0 
Steals Per Game
 Samuel DIOMANDE
  Ammerud
  (191-G-88)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Diomande, Ammerud2.7 
 2. Bullock, Gimle2.5 
 3. Eskeland, Ulriken2.0 
 4. Ouakkaha, Ulriken2.0 
 5. Russell, Kristiansand2.0 
 6. January, Tromso1.7 
 7. Mahnin, Asker1.7 
 8. Gabrans, Froya1.7 
 9. Timus, Tromso1.6 
 10. Elgmork, Baerum1.6 
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. Hamilton, Baerum1.2 
 5. Bullock, Gimle1.1 
 6. Christensen, Tro.1.1 
 7. Mullenax, Ulriken0.9 
 8. Karlsen, Asker0.9 
 9. Nevjen, Baerum0.8 
 10. Hagen, Ammerud0.8 


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


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Quinnel BROWN
  Quebec K.
  (198-G/F-83)
  Avg: 21.1
 1. Brown, Quebec K.21.1 
 2. Anderson, Saint J.19.7 
 3. Jones, Kentucky S.19.6 
 4. Egerson, Saint J.18.9 
 5. Dollard, Halifax R.17.8 
 6. Parran, Quebec K.17.5 
 7. Friel, Rochester R.15.3 
 8. Perry, Dayton A.15.1 
 9. Monroe, Rocheste.14.7 
 10. Mercer, Halifax R.14.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Eric CROOKSHANK
  Halifax R.
  (201-F-80)
  Avg: 11
 1. Crookshank, Halif.11.0 
 2. Mims, Lawton Ft.SC8.6 
 3. Williams, Rocheste.8.5 
 4. Sowell, Dayton A.8.3 
 5. Dollard, Halifax R.8.3 
 6. Jones, Kentucky S.8.2 
 7. Walton, Rocheste.8.1 
 8. Brown, Quebec K.7.8 
 9. Harris, Kentucky S.7.5 
 10. Jones, Halifax R.7.3 
Assists Per Game
 Royce PARRAN
  Quebec K.
  (175-G-85)
  Avg: 7.2
 1. Parran, Quebec K.7.2 
 2. Rice, Saint J.6.2 
 3. Brown, Halifax R.6.2 
 4. Anderson, Saint J.5.0 
 5. Bowden, Lawton F.4.4 
 6. Crouch, Rocheste.3.9 
 7. Acker, Quebec K.3.7 
 8. Taylor, Dayton A.3.7 
 9. Egerson, Saint J.3.6 
 10. McLeish, Kentucky.3.1 
Steals Per Game
 Royce PARRAN
  Quebec K.
  (175-G-85)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Parran, Quebec K.2.7 
 2. Mims, Lawton Ft.SC2.1 
 3. Brown, Quebec K.1.9 
 4. Anderson, Saint J.1.8 
 5. Taylor, Dayton A.1.6 
 6. Bowden, Lawton F.1.5 
 7. Monroe, Rocheste.1.4 
 8. Council, Rocheste.1.3 
 9. Dean, Lawton Ft.SC1.3 
 10. Martin, Saint J.1.2 
Blocks Per Game
 Jared CARTER
  Rochester R.
  (216-C-87)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Carter, Rocheste.1.8 
 2. Mims, Lawton Ft.SC1.5 
 3. Crookshank, Halif.1.2 
 4. Ocitti, Saint J.1.1 
 5. Pierre, Quebec K.1.1 
 6. Daniels, Lawton F.0.9 
 7. DeMasi, Saint J.0.8 
 8. Harris, Kentucky S.0.8 
 9. Dollard, Halifax R.0.7 
 10. Jones, Halifax R.0.6 


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


Standings - 2 Liga
2Liga Standings
Group A
 1. MMKS SIDEn 24-2 
 2. AZS Kutno 22-4 
 3. SMS PZKosz 19-7 
 4. Norgips 18-8 
 5. Zuraw 16-10 
 6. Tur 15-11 
 7. Korsarz 11-15 
 8. Zyrardowianka 11-15 
 9. KK Swiecie 11-15 
 10. AZS Olsztyn 10-16 
 11. OSSM PZKosz 9-17 
 12. Trefl II 7-19 
 13. Basket Pila 6-20 
 14. MON-POL 3-23 
Group B
 1. Open Florentyna 26-4 
 2. Nysa Klodzko 22-8 
 3. Sudety 22-8 
 4. Stal Ostrow 22-8 
 5. MKS Osemka 20-10 
 6. Obiekty 18-12 
 7. GTK Gliwice 15-15 
 8. Alba 13-17 
 9. AZS PP Poznan 12-18 
 10. Ksiezak 12-18 
 11. AZS PO Opole 12-18 
 12. Slask Wroclaw 11-19 
 13. Pogon Prudnik 10-20 
 14. A-Bild Bytom 10-20 
 15. Pogon RS 8-22 
 16. AZS Pol.Cz-wa 7-23 
Group C
 1. MOSiR Krosno 29-1 
 2. Znicz Jaroslaw 24-6 
 3. Polonia 19-11 
 4. AZS AWF K-ce 18-12 
 5. Unia Tarnow 18-12 
 6. MKS Limanowa 17-13 
 7. Wisla Krakow 16-14 
 8. Staco 15-15 
 9. HK Zory 13-17 
 10. UMKS 13-17 
 11. MCKiS 12-18 
 12. Novum Lublin 12-18 
 13. AZS Rzeszow 11-19 
 14. AZS PR Radom 11-19 
 15. Mickiewicz 10-20 
 16. Cracovia 2-28 


Suns move Marcin Gortat into starting lineup - by Eurobasket News
The Suns won't say they are giving up on the now, but they made changes Sunday that looked just as much about the future.

Suns coach Alvin Gentry inserted center Marcin Gortat (213-C-84) and swingman Jared Dudley into the starting lineup, putting Gortat into the spot of Robin Lopez, who had been groomed as a future franchise center, and Dudley in place of guard Vince Carter, who likely won't be with the Suns next season.

Gortat, 27, has received minutes and produced the numbers as if he were a starter and embraces the idea of a bigger role in the future. Sunday was his first start as a Suns center after receiving one previous start at power forward alongside Lopez.

'There's a lot of room for me to improve,' said Gortat, who returned after having a broken nose reset Saturday. 'I believe that watching our situation right now with the team, it sounds crazy ,but maybe one day I could be the leader of this team and be one of the main leaders of this team and be the guy who's going to be the big boost in this team.

'I ain't scared of doing it. I'm pretty confident. I know I'm going to work hard in the summer to improve my game, especially post game with my back to the basket. I'm going to be ready.'

Gentry said a big part of the reason to start Gortat is to prevent him from playing 18 consecutive minutes, as he often is called on to do to close halves when he enters in the middle of the first and third quarters.

'The positive side is I'm going to play with Steve (Nash) almost all my minutes,' Gortat said. 'Other than that, I don't see any differences. I was in the game 30-35 minutes. I was in the most important situations in the fourth quarter, so I guess it's all the same.

'I had a lot of fun coming off the bench. I was totally fine. I discussed the situation with Coach two times. I never had a problem with that. I was always confident. I was grateful for everything I had coming off the bench.'

Lopez and Carter had been struggling preceding Sunday's move.

'I don't think it's a reflection of that,' Gentry said. 'As a team, we've been inconsistent. It hasn't been one guy. It hasn't been two guys. Our team has been inconsistent in the way we played. Marcin I put in the lineup because he can give us some additional scoring early in the game. JD (Dudley) has just played well and been pretty consistent.

'It's not a reflection on those two guys (Lopez and Carter). It's just us trying to look at different lineups and different combinations and see if we can get any consistency down the stretch out of what we're doing.'

Carter came off the bench for the ninth time in 916 career games. Carter is unlikely to return because only $4 million of his contract's $18 million option for next season is guaranteed if the Suns waive him by June 30.

For Dudley, it was only his sixth start in 202 games with the Suns after starting 21 of 93 games for the Charlotte Bobcats. He is constantly characterized as the ideal reserve because of his continuous effort and savvy but does not want to be pigeonholed for those strengths.

'Anytime you get the chance, you want to take full advantage of the opportunity. I'm going to try to bring energy, a sparkplug. I won't do anything different than I normally do. If I'm open, shoot it. If I'm not, try to make a play or give it to someone who's hot. I don't want to be labeled as just a backup guy. It's good to see yourself in different lights.

'My game is predicated on being a smart basketball player. Playing hard and playing smart. Starters are supposed to do that, too. It can be a spark. '

Courtesy of www.azcentral.com

Truscott's double-double lands him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
32-year old forward Louis Truscott (201-F-78, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) put on an amazing game in the last round for Siarka and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 22.
He had a double-double of 16 points and 14 rebounds, while his team edged out SKK Kotwica (#11, 8-14) 82-81. The game rather meaningless between the teams, which do not have any influence on the top of the standings. Siarka maintains the 12th position in Polish league. Too late to salvage the team, which is currently ranked at the very bottom. They already lost 18 games and recorded just four victories. Truscott turned to be Siarka's top player in his first season with the team. University of Houston graduate has very impressive stats this year. Truscott is in league's top in rebounds (2nd best: 9.9rpg) and averages solid 55.0% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Walter Hodge (183-G-86) of Zastal. He is Ivorian-Puerto Rican guard in his first season at Zastal. In the last game Hodge recorded impressive 32 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists. Bad luck as Zastal lost that game 85-91 to the higher-ranked Polpharma (#5, 11-11). Zastal is still in a red zone at 9th spot in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 9-13 record. Hodge is a newcomer at Zastal and quickly became one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 17.0ppg (#4). He also recorded 5.1 assists per game.

Third place about best performers goes to another Siarka's star - guard Michael Deloach (183-G-86). Deloach showcased his all-around game by recording 20 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in the last round. He was another key player of Siarka, helping his team with a 82-81 win against slightly higher-ranked SKK Kotwica (#11, 8-14). Siarka can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have extremely bad season and 4-18 record places them at the very bottom of the standings. Too bad for Deloach he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Deloach has a very solid season. In 21 games in Poland he scored 10.8ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Dragan Ceranic (212-C-76) of Trefl Sopot - 15 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists
5. George Reese (201-F-77) of AZS Koszalin - 17 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Slavisa Bogavac (200-G/F-80) of AZS Koszalin - 21 points and 5 rebounds
7. Grady Reynolds (198-F-80) of AZS Koszalin - 19 points and 8 rebounds
8. Filip Videnov (196-F/G-80) of Asseco Prokom - 21 points and 9 rebounds
9. Krzysztof Szubarga (182-G-84) of Asseco Prokom - 13 points, 4 rebounds and 8 assists
10. Darrell Harris (208-C-84) of SKK Kotwica - 21 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists

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

Przemyslaw Luszczewski gets MVP of the Week award for Polish 1Liga - by Eurobasket News
Experienced Przemyslaw Luszczewski (195-F-80) had an amazing evening in the last round for Start Lublin and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com 1Liga Player of the Week award for round 30.
The 30-year old forward had a double-double of 22 points and eleven rebounds, while his team beat GKS Tychy (#13, 8-22) 87-73. The game was not the highest importance and did not have significant influence on the top of the standings. Start Lublin maintains the 12th position in Polish 1Liga. Start Lublin is rather a weak team placed in lower part in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 10-20 record. It was one of impressive evenings for Luszczewski as usually he does not deliver so high stats. Luszczewski has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in rebounds (7th best: 7.7rpg).

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 28-year old guard Lukasz Pacocha (182-G-82) of AZS Szczecin. Pacocha impressed basketball fans with 30 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists. Bad luck as AZS Szczecin lost that overtime game 74-79 to the higher-ranked Sokol Lancut (#4, 21-9). AZS Szczecin managed to keep the same 11th spot in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 11-19 record. Pacocha is a newcomer at AZS Szczecin and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 17.5ppg (#2). He also recorded 3.7 assists per game.

The third best performed player last round was Grzegorz Mordzak (183-G-77) of Asecco Prokom 2 Gdynia (#7). Mordzak showcased his all-around game by recording 15 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in the last round. He was a key player of Asec.Prokom-2, leading his team to a 94-68 easy win against slightly higher-ranked ISS Sportino (#5, 21-9). Asec.Prokom-2 needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 19 victories and 11 lost games. Mordzak has a great season in Poland. After 23 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 15.0ppg (9th best). He also has FGP: 61.4% and 3PT: 40.8%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Tomasz Andrzejewski (204-F/C-79) of Asec.Prokom-2 - 22 points and 3 rebounds
5. Ireneusz Chromicz (200-G/F-77) of Sokol Lancut - 13 points, 14 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Marcin Salamonik (202-F-83) of LKS Lodz - 13 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists
7. Artur Donigiewicz (185-G-84) of Rosasport - 19 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists
8. Andrzej Misiewicz (201-F-84) of Znicz Basket - 7 points, 12 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Dawid Witos (190-G-83) of GKS Tychy - 20 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Grzegorz Malewski (200-F-84) of Znicz Basket - 18 points and 10 rebounds

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

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


Moreira number one in Portuguese Proliga for round 20 - by Eurobasket News
Center Joao Moreira (200-C-85) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for top-ranked Barcelos Hotel Terco, receiving a Eurobasket.com Proliga Player of the Week award for round 20.
The 25-year old player had a double-double of 27 points and 16 rebounds, while his team beat Maia Basket (#11, 5-15) 83-74. It allowed Barcelos to consolidate first place in the Portuguese Proliga. Barcelos have a solid 16-4 record. In the team's last game Moreira had a remarkable 66.7% from 2-point range. He turned to be Barcelos' top player in his first season with the team. Joao Moreira averages this season 14.8ppg and 6.6rpg.

The second best player in last round's games was young Nuno Oliveira (186-G-89) of Povoa. Oliveira had a very good evening with a triple-double of 20 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists. It was enough for Povoa to edge the lower-ranked Guifoes (#9, 7-13) in overtime 88-82. This victory allowed Povoa to move up to 6th position in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 11-9 record is not bad and everything may still change. Oliveira is a newcomer at Povoa, but is already one of team's top players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 16.4ppg (#7). His other stats are also decent: 6.6rpg and 4.5apg.

Third on the list of top players last round was Angolan forward Sergio Correia (197-F-85) of Alges (#10). Correia showcased his all-around game by recording 19 points, eleven rebounds (!!!) and five assists in the last round. He was a key player of Alges, leading his team to a 80-71 win against the higher-ranked Fisica (#3, 14-6). The chances of Alges not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 13 games, recording just seven victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Correia could try to bring Alges' a little bit higher in the standings. Correia has individually a great season in Portugal. After 12 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 17.1ppg (4th best) and rebounds with 9.5rpg (8th best). He also has 2.3spg and FGP: 52.7%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Nate Bowie (183-G-86) of Terceira Basket - 32 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Silvester Spicer (198-F-86) of Alges - 29 points and 5 rebounds
6. Terrence Mack (198-F/C-84) of Angra - 20 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Tiago Magalhaes (192-F-76) of Seixal - 11 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists
8. Joao Pereira (186-G-83) of Angra - 21 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Jason Underwood (206-F/C-84) of Fisica - 28 points and 6 rebounds
10. Malcolm Thomas (196-F/G-85) of Galitos FC - 25 points and 6 rebounds

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

Robert number one in Portugal for round 20 - by Eurobasket News
American power forward James Robert (203-F/C-86) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Lusitania, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 20.
The 24-year old player had a double-double of 27 points and 18 rebounds, while his team beat Illiabum (6-14) 96-91. The game rather meaningless between the teams, which do not have any influence on the top of the standings. Lusitania is placed at 10th position in Portuguese LPB. Too late to salvage the team, which is currently ranked such low. They already lost 14 games and recorded just six victories. Robert just recently signed at Lusitania, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Former Dowling College star has very solid stats this year. Robert. Robert is in league's top in points (9th best: 17.8ppg). Worth to mention Robert 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 26-year old American Matthew Webster (203-F-84) of Ovarense Dolce Vita. Webster had a very good evening with 28 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists. Bad luck as Ovarense lost that game 83-94 to the higher-ranked Benfica (#2, 16-4). This loss caused Ovarense to drop to 5th position in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 10-10 record is not bad and everything may still change. Webster is a newcomer at Ovarense, but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was American guard Jeremy Goode (175-G-87) of Penafiel (#6). Goode scored 20 points and passed six assists. He was a key player of Penafiel, leading his team to a 84-68 easy win against the lower-ranked Barreirense (#12, 3-17). Penafiel needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 10 victories and 10 lost games. Goode has a great season in Portugal. After 20 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 18.3ppg (6th best). He also has 2.9spg and FGP: 51.2%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Gregory Stempin (203-F-79) of Porto Ferpinta - 14 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists
5. Daniel Monteiro (182-G-82) of Lusitania - 15 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists
6. Sean Ogirri (188-G-86) of Porto Ferpinta - 26 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Paulo Diamantino (203-C-85) of Vitoria SC - 12 points, 14 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Andrais Thornton (203-C-85) of Penafiel - 22 points and 5 rebounds
9. Nuno Cortez (205-C-82) of Ovarense - 19 points and 7 rebounds
10. Carlos Andrade (197-F-78) of Porto Ferpinta - 15 points, 5 rebounds and 7 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)

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


Stats Leaders - Men
Points Per Game
 LeRoy DAWSON
  Politehnica Iasi
  (188-G-81)
  Avg: 21.4
 1. Dawson, Polite.21.4 
 2. Krstanovic, U.Mobi.21.0 
 3. Dykes, U.Mobite.20.8 
 4. Hannah, Miercurea20.2 
 5. Horton, Craiova19.5 
 6. Vujacic, Pitesti19.4 
 7. Darby, Rovinari18.7 
 8. Scott, Otopeni18.6 
 9. Tomic, CSM B.18.4 
 10. Pesic, Timisoara18.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Kenneth SIMMS
  Craiova
  (203-C-)
  Avg: 11.4
 1. Simms, Craiova11.4 
 2. Bennett, CSM B.9.9 
 3. Coleman, Miercurea9.7 
 4. Nicoara, Gaz Metan9.6 
 5. Krstanovic, U.Mobi.9.0 
 6. Forte, Mures8.8 
 7. Bigus, Rovinari8.5 
 8. Burlacu, Ploiesti7.9 
 9. Mladenovic, Mures7.7 
 10. Harrison, CSU Sibiu7.7 
Assists Per Game
 JuJuan COOLEY
  Mures
  (175-G-82)
  Avg: 8.2
 1. Cooley, Mures8.2 
 2. Dzambic, CSM B.7.9 
 3. Hannah, Miercurea6.3 
 4. Howell, Gaz Metan5.3 
 5. Stojakovic, Craiova5.2 
 6. Cuic, U.Mobitel.CN5.2 
 7. Medvedj, Otopeni4.9 
 8. Blidaru, Ploiesti4.9 
 9. Maric, Oradea4.8 
 10. Gennie, Pitesti4.7 
Steals Per Game
 Nikola STOJAKOVIC
  Craiova
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Stojakovic, Craiova2.5 
 2. Howell, Gaz Metan2.4 
 3. Harrison, CSU Sibiu2.4 
 4. Gennie, Pitesti2.4 
 5. Cooley, Mures2.4 
 6. Dykes, U.Mobite.2.3 
 7. Mitchell, Gaz Metan2.2 
 8. Medvedj, Otopeni2.0 
 9. Blidaru, Ploiesti2.0 
 10. Dawson, Polite.2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Michael HARRISON
  CSU Sibiu
  (206-F/C-84)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Harrison, CSU Sibiu1.9 
 2. Eichelberger, Pitesti1.6 
 3. Capusan, Rovinari1.6 
 4. Masiulis, CSU S.1.5 
 5. Mladenovic, Mures1.5 
 6. Lazar, Oradea1.4 
 7. Simms, Craiova1.3 
 8. Herndon, CSU Sibiu1.2 
 9. Bennett, CSM B.1.1 
 10. Waterstradt, CSM B.0.9 


Burlacu's 28 points and 9 rebounds give him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
33-year old center Catalin Burlacu (210-C-77, agency: Court Side) put on an amazing game in the last round for league's best team Ploiesti and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 28.
He had the game-high 28 points adding nine rebounds and seven assists for Ploiesti in his team's victory, helping them to crush Mures (#5, 20-8) with 17-point margin 92-75. It allowed Ploiesti to consolidate first place in the Romanian league. Ploiesti have a solid 24-4 record. In the team's last game Burlacu had a remarkable 75.0% from 2-point range. He has many years of experience at Ploiesti, through which he has constantly improved. Burlacu has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in rebounds (8th best: 7.9rpg) and averages solid 57.5% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Justin Herndon (208-C-83) of CSU Sibiu. He is American center in his first season at CSU Sibiu. In the last game Herndon recorded impressive double-double of 22 points and 12 rebounds. Of course he lead CSU Sibiu to another comfortable win 98-82 over the lower-ranked Politehnica Iasi (#14, 5-23) being unquestionably team leader. This victory allowed CSU Sibiu to move up to 8th position in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 15-13 record is not bad and everything may still change. Herndon is one of the most experienced players at CSU Sibiu and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to another CSU Sibiu's star - forward Michael Harrison (206-F/C-84, agency: Interperformances). Harrison scored 16 points and grabbed thirteen rebounds (!!!). He was another key player of CSU Sibiu, helping his team with a 98-82 easy win against the lower-ranked Politehnica Iasi (#14, 5-23). CSU Sibiu needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 15 victories and 13 lost games. Harrison has a great season in Romania. After 23 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 7.7rpg (9th best). He also has 2.4spg, 1.9bpg and FGP: 69.7%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Zoran Krstanovic (205-C-82) of U.Mobitel.CN - 25 points and 9 rebounds
5. Jason Forte (196-F-84) of Mures - 24 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Milos Pesic (202-F-84) of Timisoara - 23 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists
7. Clevin Hannah (180-G-87) of Miercurea - 29 points, 2 rebounds and 7 assists
8. Rafal Bigus (215-C-76) of Rovinari - 15 points and 10 rebounds
9. Branko Cuic (196-G-78) of U.Mobitel.CN - 19 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Yamene Coleman (206-C-86) of Miercurea - 22 points and 14 rebounds

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

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


Boris Savovic gets MVP of the Week award for Serbian A League (Second Stage) - by Eurobasket News
Boris Savovic (206-F-87) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's leader Hemofarm and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 2 (Second Stage).
The 23-year old forward had a double-double of 25 points and eleven rebounds, while his team beat Crvena Zvezda (#7, 0-2), Second Stage bottom-ranked team 97-89. It allowed Hemofarm to jump to the first place in the Serbian A League. But it's just the very beginning of the Second Stage and Hemofarm won both games without losing any. It's too early to say anything as the standings can be changed completely after next round. In the team's last game Savovic had a remarkable 80.0% from 2-point range. He turned to be Hemofarm's top player in his first season with the team.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 23-year old forward Marko Ljubicic (197-F-87) of Vujic Metalac Valjevo. Ljubicic impressed basketball fans with 18 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. It was enough for Metalac to edge Mega Vizura (0-2) by 6 points 80-74. The Second Stage is still at the very beginning and this victory may help a lot. Let's wait for the next round. Ljubicic is a newcomer at Metalac and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders.

The third best performed player last round was Slobodan Dundjerski (190-G-88, agency: Alti Sport) of OKK Beograd (#4). Dundjerski scored 19 points and grabbed six rebounds. Despite Dundjerski's great performance Beograd lost 62-74 to #3 ranked Radnicki. But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates especially in such crucial game. The last thing Beograd needs is to lose another game like this one. They lose more and more distance to the top teams. Their record is 1 victories and 1 lost games. Dundjerski has a very solid season. In 27 games in Serbia he scored 15.1ppg. He also has 4.9rpg, 3.6apg, 2.9spg and FGP: 55.7%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Miljan Pavkovic (178-G-81) of Hemofarm - 17 points, 4 rebounds and 11 assists
5. Brandon Bowman (204-F-84) of FMP - 13 points, 12 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Nemanja Nedovic (192-G-91) of Crvena Zvezda - 24 points and 6 assists
7. Predrag Miletic (191-G-84) of Radnicki - 20 points and 4 rebounds
8. Michael Lee (207-F-86) of Radnicki - 17 points and 8 rebounds
9. Stefan Bircevic (209-F/C-89) of Metalac - 17 points and 6 rebounds
10. Dusan Kecman (197-F-77) of Partizan - 13 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists

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

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


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. Burrows, Komarno21.7 
 4. Delic, Handlova21.0 
 5. Carter, Vahostav.20.4 
 6. Sapp, Pezinok20.2 
 7. Tomek, Nitra19.4 
 8. Jackson, Komarno19.2 
 9. Bosak, Nitra17.6 
 10. Lukjanec, Pezinok17.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Branislav TOMEK
  Nitra
  (205-C-83)
  Avg: 12.4
 1. Tomek, Nitra12.4 
 2. Jackson, Komarno11.2 
 3. Szalay, Prievidza9.6 
 4. Delic, Handlova9.4 
 5. Micuda, Pezinok8.2 
 6. Carter, Vahostav.8.1 
 7. Erwin, Nitra8.0 
 8. Johnson, Nova Ves7.9 
 9. Johnson, Komarno7.7 
 10. Dorazil, Svit7.5 
Assists Per Game
 Ronald MOORE
  Nitra
  (183-G-88)
  Avg: 6.9
 1. Moore, Nitra6.9 
 2. Jones, Komarno6.5 
 3. Jefferson, Nova Ves5.8 
 4. Fears, Prievidza5.6 
 5. Cosic, Svit5.2 
 6. Sapp, Pezinok4.4 
 7. Kostomaj, Levice4.3 
 8. Milosevic, Pezinok4.1 
 9. Gavlak, Handlova4.0 
 10. Micka, Svit3.6 
Steals Per Game
 Jeremy FEARS
  Kapfenberg
  (196-G-85)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Fears, Prievidza3.1 
 2. Moore, Nitra2.5 
 3. Carter, Vahostav.2.5 
 4. Jefferson, Nova Ves2.2 
 5. Nuber, Handlova2.2 
 6. Sapp, Pezinok2.0 
 7. Jones, Komarno2.0 
 8. Zavodny, Vahost.1.8 
 9. Zilik, Inter B.1.7 
 10. Velcic, B.Bystrica1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Gabriel SZALAY
  Prievidza
  (215-C-86)
  Avg: 2
 1. Szalay, Prievidza2.0 
 2. Micuda, Pezinok1.9 
 3. Jackson, Komarno1.4 
 4. Mroz, Nova Ves1.2 
 5. Batka, Nova Ves1.1 
 6. Carter, Vahostav.1.0 
 7. Burrows, Komarno0.9 
 8. Erwin, Nitra0.8 
 9. Lukjanec, Pezinok0.8 
 10. McCoy, Svit0.8 


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


Stats Leaders - 1A
Points Per Game
 Vladimir PANIC
  Zlatorog
  (194-F-82)
  Avg: 20.6
 1. Panic, Zlatorog20.6 
 2. Simovic, Sentjur17.1 
 3. Erzen, Parklji17.0 
 4. Thondique, Polzela16.5 
 5. Mijajlovic, Polzela15.6 
 6. Djapa, Geoplin Slovan15.2 
 7. Harmason, Sentjur15.1 
 8. Bubnic, Helios14.6 
 9. Nuhanovic, Elektra13.8 
 10. Miljkovic, Elektra13.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Gregg THONDIQUE
  Polzela
  (201-F-87)
  Avg: 10.8
 1. Thondique, Polzela10.8 
 2. Simovic, Sentjur8.6 
 3. Nuhanovic, Elektra8.2 
 4. Miljkovic, Elektra8.1 
 5. Krusic, Geoplin .6.7 
 6. Zolotic, Maribor .6.2 
 7. Cebasek, Parklji5.9 
 8. Paravinja, Parklji5.9 
 9. Erzen, Parklji5.8 
 10. Dimec, Zlatorog5.6 
Assists Per Game
 Boris JERSIN
  Elektra
  (183-G-85)
  Avg: 4.6
 1. Jersin, Elektra4.6 
 2. Brolih, Maribor .4.5 
 3. Vujasinovic, Zlatorog4.3 
 4. Mijajlovic, Polzela4.0 
 5. Hohler, Sentjur3.9 
 6. Harmason, Sentjur3.8 
 7. Fon, Geoplin Slovan3.5 
 8. Petrovic, Helios3.4 
 9. Zagorc, Helios3.2 
 10. Pelko, Zlatorog3.0 
Steals Per Game
 Gregg THONDIQUE
  Polzela
  (201-F-87)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Thondique, Polzela2.4 
 2. Mezek, LTHcast .2.0 
 3. Vranjkovic, Helios1.9 
 4. Harmason, Sentjur1.6 
 5. Zagorc, Helios1.6 
 6. Mahkovic, LTHcas.1.6 
 7. Zadnik, Geoplin .1.6 
 8. Lapornik, Zlatorog1.6 
 9. Fon, Geoplin Slovan1.5 
 10. Hohler, Sentjur1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Salih NUHANOVIC
  Elektra
  (209-C-82)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Nuhanovic, Elektra1.7 
 2. Thondique, Polzela1.2 
 3. Dimec, Zlatorog1.2 
 4. Sviridov, Polzela0.8 
 5. Mijajlovic, Zlatorog0.6 
 6. Djapa, Geoplin Slovan0.6 
 7. Bubnic, Helios0.6 
 8. Miljkovic, Elektra0.5 
 9. Simovic, Sentjur0.5 
 10. Bozovic, Zlatorog0.5 


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


KBL Round 2 of Quarter-Finals - by Eurobasket News
Dongbu Promy - LG Sakers 76-63

The game was mostly controlled by Dongbu Promy. LG Sakers was better in third quarter 19-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Dongbu Promy dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to LG Sakers' 30. Dongbu Promy had a 30-15 advantage in offensive rebounds. LG Sakers were plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. American power forward Rod Benson (208-84, college: California) had a double-double by scoring 23 points and 15 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and guard Ji-Hyon Park (183-79) chipped in 9 points and 7 assists during the contest. Naturalized American forward Greg Stevenson (198-78, college: Richmond, agency: SportsTalent) responded with 26 points and 7 rebounds and American forward Jai Lewis (201-83, college: George Mason, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) scored 6 points and 9 rebounds. LG Sakers' coach Eul-Jun Kang rotated twelve players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Dongbu Promy: R.Benson 23+15reb+2ast, J.Hwang 15+2reb+2ast, J.Park 9+3reb+7ast, H.Yoon 9+3reb+1ast, J.Kim 8+7reb+3ast, V.Thomas 5+3reb
LG Sakers: G.Stevenson 26+7reb+1ast, H.Park 14+3ast, D.Kang 8+3reb, C.Alexander 7+4reb, J.Lewis 6+9reb+3ast, H.Kim 2
gschID: 125156


KCC Egis - Samsung Th. 104-98 2OT

Samsung Thunders were tied after three quarters and then recorded another tie at the end of regular time. They were eventually defeated in double-overtime 16-22s. KCC Egis made 27-of-35 free shots (77.1 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Samsung Thunders were plagued by 31 personal fouls down the stretch. American center Chris Daniels (211-84) had a double-double by scoring 15 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and international center Seung-Jin Ha (222-85) chipped in 21 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. Five KCC Egis players scored in double figures. KCC Egis' coach Jae Hur used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. American forward Aaron Haynes (201-81, college: Boise St.) responded with a double-double by scoring 42 points (!!!), 11 rebounds and 4 assists and naturalized American power forward Eric Sandrin (206-78, college: Seattle Pacific) scored 17 points and 6 rebounds.
Top scorers:
KCC Egis: S.Ha 21+7reb+1ast, J.Lim 17+6reb+4ast, T.Chon 16+3reb+4ast, S.Choo 16+2reb+2ast, C.Daniels 15+14reb+4ast, B.Kang 9+3reb+5ast
Samsung Th.: A.Haynes 42+11reb+4ast, E.Sandrin 17+6reb+3ast, J.Lee 10+8reb+5ast, H.Kang 9+3reb+9ast, D.Kim 8+3reb+4ast, K.Lee 7+3reb+1ast
gschID: 125157




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


EBA Group A: Regular season is over - by Mariano Galindo
The regular season finished last weekend in Group A. Both group A-A and A-B lived the last games before the first play offs round. Aurteneche Maquinaria ended on the top of the A-A table, with only one defeat. This team will play vs Carballo Basket, the third team in Group A-B. Fidalgo Vecino will try to win Marin Peixegalego and Ventanas Arsan Estela will look for a big upset, trying to advance in the EBA winning Recinor Ferrol, Group A-B champion.

The three teams that win the 2 games (the system is the same that Eurocup uses in his quarterfinals), are going to play since May against teams of B,C,D and E, the final play offs looking for the four LEB Silver places in the next season.




Tomas' 25 points give him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
21-year old forward Pere Tomas (202-F-89) put on an amazing game in the last round for DKV Joventut Badalona and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 27.
He had the game-high 25 points adding five rebounds and two assists for DKV Joventut in his team's victory, helping them to edge out Meridiano (#16, 7-20) 75-73. The game rather meaningless between the teams, which do not have any influence on the top of the standings. DKV Joventut is placed at 10th position in Spanish league. DKV Joventut 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 14-13 record. In the team's last game Tomas had a remarkable 100.0% from 2-point range and got three three-pointers out of 6 attempts. He has many years of experience at DKV Joventut, through which he has constantly improved. Pere Tomas averages this season 8.1ppg.

Second best performed player last round was Jakim Donaldson (204-C/F-83) of Menorca Basquet. He is American in his first season at Menorca. In the last game Donaldson recorded impressive double-double of 20 points and 18 rebounds. Bad luck as Menorca was edged by the higher-ranked Caja Laboral (#4, 17-10) 77-76. This loss caused Menorca to slide to the very bottom (18) position in the standings. 22 lost games are too many comparing to just five victories Menorca managed to get this year. Donaldson is a newcomer at Menorca and quickly became one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Justin Doellman (206-F-85) of Meridiano Alicante (#16). Doellman scored 28 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Despite Doellman's great performance Meridiano lost 73-75 to the higher-ranked DKV Joventut (#10, 14-13). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. Meridiano can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have rather bad season and 7-20 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Doellman he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Doellman has individually a great season in Spain. After 27 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 6.4rpg (9th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. German Gabriel (207-C-80) of Estudiantes - 18 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists
5. Aaron Jackson (193-G-86) of Bizkaia Bilbao - 18 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists
6. Nik Caner-Medley (203-F-83) of Estudiantes - 14 points and 10 rebounds
7. Jordi Trias (207-F-80) of DKV Joventut - 7 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists
8. Dusko Savanovic (204-F/C-83) of Valencia - 21 points and 8 rebounds
9. Albert Miralles (208-C-82) of Lagun Aro GBC - 17 points and 7 rebounds
10. Felipe Reyes (203-F/C-80) of Real Madrid - 15 points and 7 rebounds

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

Ian O'Leary claims Spanish LEB Silver weekly honour - by Eurobasket News
American Ian O'Leary (201-F-86) had an amazing evening in the last round for Oviedo Feve and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com LEB Silver Player of the Week award for round 27.
The 24-year old forward had a double-double of 25 points and sixteen rebounds, while his team beat Avila (#10, 10-15) 77-65. Oviedo Feve maintains the 8th position in Spanish LEB Silver. Oviedo Feve is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 12-13 record. In the team's last game O'Leary had a remarkable 66.7% from 2-point range. He turned to be Oviedo Feve's top player in his first season with the team. St.Mary's College of California graduate has very impressive stats this year. O'Leary is in league's top in points (4th best: 15.7ppg), rebounds (2nd best: 9.7rpg) and averages solid 51.7% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 30-year old center David Mesa (200-C-80) of league's best team Clavijo. Mesa impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 23 points and 11 rebounds. Of course Clavijo cruised to a 91-81 relatively comfortable win over the lower-ranked Guadalajara (#13, 7-18). Of course Clavijo still keep the league's top spot. His team lost just three games this season, while they won 22 matches. Mesa is a newcomer at Clavijo and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders.

The third best performed player last round was Marcos Casado (183-G-83) of Santurtzi (#12). Casado scored 28 points and passed six assists. He was a key player of Santurtzi, leading his team to a 74-71 win against slightly lower-ranked Lan Mobel ISB (#14, 7-18). The chances of Santurtzi not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 18 games, recording just eight victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Casado could try to bring Santurtzi's a little bit higher in the standings. Casado has a very solid season. In 25 games in Spain he scored 11.2ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Cristopher Mortellaro (206-F/C-82) of Lan Mobel ISB - 18 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Deforrest Smith (198-G/F-84) of Guadalajara - 25 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Ruben Martinez (196-G/F-85) of Plasencia - 19 points and 4 rebounds
7. Kaspars Cipruss (210-C-82) of Avila - 19 points and 5 rebounds
8. Sidnei De Santana (215-C-83) of Clavijo - 13 points and 13 rebounds
9. Guilherme Gitterer (204-C-85) of Plasencia - 8 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Israel Pampin (192-G-79) of Mallorca - 13 points, 2 rebounds and 6 assists

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

Stats Leaders - ACB
Points Per Game
 Jaycee CARROLL
  Gran Canaria
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 18.6
 1. Carroll, Gran Canaria18.6 
 2. Navarro, Regal B.16.4 
 3. English, DKV J.15.1 
 4. McDonald, DKV J.14.9 
 5. Baron, Lagun A.14.9 
 6. Martinez, Valencia14.8 
 7. Teletovic, Caja L.14.1 
 8. Caner-Medley, Estudi.14.0 
 9. Kurz, Granada13.9 
 10. Doellman, Meridiano13.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Robert KURZ
  Art.Dragons
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 9.1
 1. Kurz, Granada9.1 
 2. Batista, Fuenlabr.8.4 
 3. Caner-Medley, Estudi.7.7 
 4. Donaldson, Menorca7.1 
 5. Barac, Caja Laboral6.9 
 6. Trias, DKV Joventut6.7 
 7. Miralles, Lagun A.6.4 
 8. Freeland, Unicaja6.4 
 9. Doellman, Meridiano6.4 
 10. Wallace, Gran Canaria6.3 
Assists Per Game
 Marcelinho HUERTAS
  Caja Laboral
  (191-G-83)
  Avg: 5.8
 1. Huertas, Caja L.5.8 
 2. Cook, Valencia5.2 
 3. Valters, Fuenlabr.4.7 
 4. Ciorciari, Menorca4.6 
 5. Rubio, Regal Barca4.4 
 6. Uriz, Lagun A.3.9 
 7. San Miguel, Manre.3.9 
 8. Prigioni, Real Madrid3.9 
 9. Colom, Fuenlabrada3.7 
 10. Green, Gran Canaria3.7 
Steals Per Game
 Tariq KIRKSAY
  Cajasol
  (199-F-79)
  Avg: 2
 1. Kirksay, Cajasol2.0 
 2. Cook, Valencia1.9 
 3. Batista, Fuenlabr.1.8 
 4. Calloway, Cajasol1.8 
 5. Van Lacke, Valladolid1.7 
 6. Robinson, DKV J.1.7 
 7. Davis, Cajasol1.7 
 8. San Miguel, Manre.1.6 
 9. Rubio, Regal Barca1.6 
 10. Victor, Menorca1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Bismack BIYOMBO
  Fuenlabrada
  (204-C-92)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Biyombo, Fuenlabr.2.2 
 2. Fischer, Real Madrid1.6 
 3. Ayon, Fuenlabrada1.5 
 4. Vazquez, Regal B.1.5 
 5. Barnes, Valladolid1.3 
 6. Kurz, Granada1.3 
 7. Batista, Fuenlabr.1.1 
 8. Savane, Gran C.1.1 
 9. Majstorovic, Manre.1.1 
 10. Andriuskevic., Meridi.1.0 


Stats Leaders-LEB Silver
Points Per Game
 Jonathan BARCELO
  Plasencia
  (192-F/G-79)
  Avg: 16.7
 1. Barcelo, Plasencia16.7 
 2. Witt, Clavijo15.8 
 3. Ramsdell, Avila15.8 
 4. O''Leary, Oviedo F.15.7 
 5. Ratzsch, Oviedo F.15.6 
 6. Bivia, Mallorca14.8 
 7. Mortellaro, Lan M.14.8 
 8. Paez, Lan M.14.5 
 9. Bratton, Lan M.14.5 
 10. Mesa, Clavijo14.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Olaseni LAWAL
  Guadalajara
  (206-F/C-86)
  Avg: 10.8
 1. Lawal, Guadalajara10.8 
 2. O''Leary, Oviedo F.9.7 
 3. De Santana, Clavijo8.8 
 4. Adams, Coruna8.4 
 5. Chubrevich, Illescas8.2 
 6. Mortellaro, Lan M.8.0 
 7. Mesa, Clavijo7.8 
 8. Ramsdell, Avila7.7 
 9. Larry, Regal F.7.4 
 10. Howard, Andorra7.3 
Assists Per Game
 Matt WITT
  Clavijo
  (183-PG-84)
  Avg: 6
 1. Witt, Clavijo6.0 
 2. Uriz, Santurtzi5.0 
 3. Ibargutxi, Lan M.4.9 
 4. Lopez, Coruna4.7 
 5. Marco, ADT T.4.0 
 6. Bivia, Mallorca4.0 
 7. Pampin, Mallorca3.5 
 8. Rufian, Promobys3.4 
 9. Machuca, Illescas3.3 
 10. Lopez, Avila3.2 
Steals Per Game
 Jonathan BARCELO
  Plasencia
  (192-F/G-79)
  Avg: 2
 1. Barcelo, Plasencia2.0 
 2. Uriz, Santurtzi2.0 
 3. Adams, Coruna2.0 
 4. Martinez, Plasencia1.8 
 5. Guirao, ADT T.1.8 
 6. Bratton, Lan M.1.6 
 7. Rueda, Plasencia1.6 
 8. Pampin, Mallorca1.6 
 9. Smith, Guadalajara1.6 
 10. Witt, Clavijo1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Bismack BIYOMBO
  Fuenlabrada
  (204-C-92)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Biyombo, Illescas1.9 
 2. Mbaye, Regal F.1.8 
 3. Todorovic, Prat J.1.5 
 4. Green, Mallorca1.4 
 5. Lawal, Guadalajara1.3 
 6. Conde, Avila1.2 
 7. De Santana, Clavijo1.2 
 8. Cage, ADT Tarragona1.0 
 9. Chubrevich, Illescas0.9 
 10. O''Leary, Oviedo F.0.9 


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


Basketligan Quarterfinals, Game Two: Solna, Jamtland and Boras tie the score against their rivals (1-1) - by Eurobasket News
Second games of the Playoff Quarterfinals were played on Friday. Solna, Jamtland and Boras tied the score to 1-1 against their rivals. Uppsala and Sodertalje will play their second game tomorrow. Third games are scheduled for March 28, 29 and April 1.

Solna - Norrkoping 81-80 (1-1)

Norrkoping Dolphins were trailing by 2 points at halftime but managed to get 3-point lead after three quarters before a 20-16 charge of Solna Vikings, which allowed them to win the game. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Solna Vikings made 7 blocks. The best player for the winners was the former international guard Olivier Ilunga (185-84) who scored 29 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. American forward William Walker (201-87, college: Bethel (IN), agency: Warren Sports International) chipped in 12 points and 9 rebounds. International power forward Joakim Kjellbom (213-79, college: N.Arizona) produced a double-double by scoring 21 points and 18 rebounds and American-British forward Oladapo Ayuba (198-86, college: UMKC) added 15 points and 7 rebounds respectively for the guests. Four Norrkoping Dolphins players scored in double figures. Norrkoping Dolphins' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Solna: O.Ilunga 29+8reb+5ast, L.Myrthil 19+1reb+2ast, W.Walker 12+9reb+2ast, L.Gunnarsson 7+5reb+2ast, A.Constantine 5+8reb+1ast, A.Lindqvist 4+3reb+2ast
Norrkoping: J.Kjellbom 21+18reb+1ast, G.Gervin 17+2reb+1ast, O.Ayuba 15+7reb, A.Saks 10+4reb+2ast, P.Sakinis 5+4reb, A.Mitchell 4+3reb+5ast
gschID: 124521


Jamtland - Sundsvall 86-75 (1-1)

The hosts trailed by 1 point at the halftime before their 44-32 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. 25 personal fouls committed by Sundsvall Dragons helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American guard Darius Hargrove (193-82, college: Virginia Union, agency: Strategic Sports) had a double-double by scoring 35 points (!!!) and 12 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Croatian forward Drazen Klaric (205-80, agency: Court Side) chipped in 15 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Icelandic guard Jakob Sigurdarson (192-82, college: Birmingham Souther) responded with 29 points and 7 assists and Icelandic power forward Hlynur Baeringsson (200-82, college: High School) scored 9 points and 10 rebounds.
Top scorers:
Jamtland: D.Hargrove 35+12reb+2ast, D.Klaric 15+6reb+1ast, S.Mjos 14+3reb+4ast, B.Salaam 8+9reb+2ast, L.Marolt 6+1reb+1ast, A.Stien 6+3reb+2ast
Sundsvall: J.Sigurdarson 29+4reb+7ast, L.Rush 13+6reb, J.Jeansson 12+4reb, H.Baeringsson 9+10reb+2ast, A.Wesby 5+2reb+3ast, J.Pierre 3+3reb
gschID: 124518


Boras - LF Basket 103-101 (1-1)

LF Basket was ahead by 8 points at the halftime before a 59-49 second half run of Boras Basket. Strangely LF Basket outrebounded Boras Basket 41-21 including a 21-8 advantage in offensive rebounds. LF Basket was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. The former international center Michael Palm (208-79, college: W.Washington, agency: R.H.Consultancy) notched 29 points and 8 rebounds (on 12-of-14 shooting from the field) to lead the effort and guard Christopher Ryan (196-90) supported him with 28 points. Boras Basket's coach Pat Ryan allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Even 26 points (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) by the former international guard Martin Pahlmblad (193-86) did not help to save the game for LF Basket. The former international power forward John Rosendahl (203-77, college: Wyoming) added 14 points and 12 rebounds for the guests. Four Boras Basket and five LF Basket players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Boras: M.Palm 29+8reb+1ast, C.Ryan 28+4reb+2ast, K.McCoy 19+1reb+6ast, H.Carlsson 17+4ast, C.McKnight 5+6reb+5ast, M.Nefatti 3
LF Basket: M.Pahlmblad 26+4reb+1ast, E.Salon 17+3reb+3ast, J.Rosendahl 14+12reb+1ast, R.Mbemba 11+4reb+5ast, J.Akesson 10+2reb+1ast, T.Levett 10+9reb+1ast
gschID: 124519




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


Geneve Lions sign Boban Bilbija - by Luca Maffioli
Lions de Geneve signed a deal with Boban Bilbija (208-F/C-83). The Serbian power forward/center spent last two season in Macedonia with Ovce Pole Sveti Nikole. In 2010-2011 he tallied 13.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 0.4 assists in 18 games in FYR Macedonia-Superleague. Bilbija played also in Serbia with Zeleznicar Cacak, in Bulgaria with Spartak Evronis MVR and Balkan Botevgrad, in Romania at CSM Oradea, in Morocco with Tihad Sportif de Casablanca and Bosnia in KK Mladost Mrkonjic Grad.

Stats Leaders LNA
Points Per Game
 Mohammed ABUKAR
  Lugano Tigers
  (208-F-85)
  Avg: 22.1
 1. Abukar, Lugano T.22.1 
 2. Smith, Fribourg20.9 
 3. Glover, Boncourt20.7 
 4. Farokhmanesh, SAM M.20.7 
 5. Byron, BBC Nyon20.2 
 6. Brown, Starwings20.1 
 7. Polyblank, Geneve L.20.1 
 8. Popovich, SAV V.20.0 
 9. Reid, Monthey19.7 
 10. Martin, BBC Nyon18.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Cruz DANIELS
  BBC Nyon
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 12.2
 1. Daniels, BBC Nyon12.2 
 2. Thompson, Starw.10.1 
 3. Ofoegbu, SAM M.10.1 
 4. Gugino, Boncourt9.8 
 5. Reid, Monthey9.2 
 6. Dos Santos, Bonco.8.2 
 7. Sloan, Geneve Lions8.1 
 8. Smith, Fribourg7.7 
 9. Esterkamp, Fribo.7.5 
 10. Hunte, BBC Nyon7.3 
Assists Per Game
 Rickey GIBSON
  SAV Vacallo
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 7.4
 1. Gibson, SAV Vacallo7.4 
 2. Glover, Boncourt6.4 
 3. Williams, Fribourg6.1 
 4. Brown, Starwings4.9 
 5. Angley, Lugano T.4.6 
 6. Draughan, Lugano T.4.6 
 7. Hollins, Starwings4.3 
 8. Ross, Geneve Lions4.1 
 9. Esterkamp, Fribo.4.1 
 10. Sharper, Monthey4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Rickey GIBSON
  SAV Vacallo
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 3.9
 1. Gibson, SAV Vacallo3.9 
 2. Glover, Boncourt3.7 
 3. Hunte, BBC Nyon3.0 
 4. Angley, Lugano T.2.7 
 5. Draughan, Lugano T.2.6 
 6. Gugino, Boncourt2.6 
 7. Efevberha, Lugano T.2.6 
 8. Farokhmanesh, SAM M.2.4 
 9. Smith, Fribourg2.3 
 10. Sharper, Monthey2.1 
Blocks Per Game
 Cruz DANIELS
  BBC Nyon
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 3.3
 1. Daniels, BBC Nyon3.3 
 2. Toure, Geneve Lions2.2 
 3. Thompson, Starw.1.9 
 4. Lukic, Zurich W.1.7 
 5. Gugino, Boncourt1.5 
 6. Sloan, Geneve Lions1.3 
 7. Vogt, Fribourg0.9 
 8. Moris, Monthey0.9 
 9. Aw, Geneve Lions0.9 
 10. Esterkamp, Fribo.0.8 


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


JKT drub ABC to win RBA title - by Carlos Pereira
The Citizen Correspondent
Dar es Salaam. The RBA League curtain was brought down yesterday with JKT adding silverware to their cabinet after beating ABC 59-37in a thrilling game at the National Indoor Stadium.The tension-packed duel was a minute per minute thriller with JKT showing all signs of clinching the trophy from the ouset.

JKT will thank their hard-working player Agamu Jegame who scored 20 baskets to inspire his team to a resounding victory.The new champions embarked on the match briskly and scored in quick succession, notching 12 points, but ABC fought back to cut the deficit to two.
The second half started with ABC picking from where they left to burry nine more baskets while JKT notched five only, thus going into the breather trailing by four points (19-15).The play resumed with ABC breaking forward almost at will, but their pace did not last long before JKT regained their composure.
The champions took the game to ABC and managed to add 24 points against six scored by the highly extolled army team.ABC defence continued to break up in the fourth quarter, which gave JKT an easy task of jabbing the ball in. They scored 20 points while ABC got 12 only.
Frank Kusiga scored 14 points for winners while ABCs Gilbert Batungi, who was well marked, managed 10 points tying with his teammate Juma Kisocky. In the third-place playoff, which pitted the pre-tournament favourites Pazi against Vijana, saw the former claim a 73-54 victory.
Pazi went to the court oozing with confidence, but could not dominate proceedings as they battled to 16-16 in the first quarter.In the second quarter, both sides attacked and defended cautiously, but still no team could have bragging rights as they tied 17-17.
Things started going astray for the losers in the third quarter when they scored eight points while conceding 18 before conceding 22 against 13 in the final quarter.Cray Bonny, who was a constant menace to Vijana guards, buried 16 points for his side.Despite Mpoki Jails brilliance in shooting, his 19 points did not save Vijana from a big margin defeat.In the womens event, Jeshi Stars outlasted JKT Stars to successfully defend their title by winning 53-50 in well-contested game at the same venue.
The losers controlled the better part of the match but cracked midway the third quarter allowing Jeshi Stars to swoop and kill off the match.
Until the halftime break, the back-to back champions were leading by 27-17.After the recess, JKT Stars looked rejuvenated, but lost steam midwayThey, however, refused to back down, troubling Jeshi Stars guards in the fourth quarter, but their efforts were to no avail.



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


How VCU coach Shaka Smart got his unusual first name - by Don Farrell

Virginia Commonwealth coach Shaka Smart was once the most accomplished history major in his class at Ohio's prestigious Kenyon College, so it's no surprise he appreciates the historical significance of his unusual first name.

Smart's father, a native of Trinidad, named him after the influential Zulu chieftain Shaka, who united much of Southern Africa under his leadership in the early 1800s. Since Smart's father didn't play much of a role in raising him, the VCU coach joked with reporters on Saturday that the unique first name was 'the best thing my dad did for me.'

'Shaka was a warrior, he was a tough dude, and my dad chose to name me after him,' Smart said. 'You may have seen the movie Shaka Zulu? That's who I'm named after.'

It's fitting that Smart is named after a King known for uniting multiple African tribes since one of the VCU coach's best attributes is his ability to motivate his players to come together for a common purpose. Smart has done that extremely effectively during the NCAA tournament, reminding the 11th-seeded Rams every chance he has that nobody thought they belonged in the field and that nobody is picking them to win.

While peers picked on Smart by calling him 'Chaka Khan' or 'Shaka Zulu' when he was a kid, he insists he likes having a first name that never got confused with anyone else in his classes. In fact, he told Dan Patrick on Monday morning that it was his last name that received more abuse than his first.

'My last name's 'Smart,' so a lot of times people would say my middle name is 'Not' or something like that,' he recalled.

Considering Smart was accepted into Harvard and Yale, graduated from Kenyon College magna cum laude in 1999 and has been a brilliant tactician in this NCAA tournament, it's probably safe to assume that joke hasn't been used in a while.

Jeff Elsenberg

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


Emir Preldzic number one in Turkey for round 23 - by Eurobasket News
Bosnia and Herzegovina-Slovenian forward Emir Preldzic (206-F-87, agency: Beo Basket) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for top-ranked Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 23.
The 23-year old player was the main contributor (28 points, eight rebounds and three assists) to his team's victory, helping them to beat Antalya (#8, 12-11) 97-83. It allowed Fener.Ulker to consolidate first place in the Turkish TBL. Fener.Ulker have a solid 20-3 record. In the team's last game Preldzic had a remarkable six three-pointers out of 10 attempts. He has many years of experience at Fener.Ulker, through which he has constantly improved. Emir Preldzic averages this season 10.0ppg.

The second best player in last round's games was 28-year old American Antwain Barbour (196-G/F-82, agency: Court Side) of Erdemirspor Belediyesi. Barbour had a very good evening with 25 points and 8 rebounds. It was enough for Erdemir to edge the lower-ranked Oyak Renault (#16, 3-20) 80-74. The game was between two teams which are definitely not main contenders for the title. But Erdemir managed to improve slightly their position in standings taking 9th place. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 9-14 record. Barbour is a newcomer at Erdemir, but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was FYR Macedonian center Predrag Samardjiski (214-C-86, agency: Interperformances) of Olin Edirne Basketball (#7). Samardjiski showcased his all-around game by recording 16 points, thirteen rebounds (!!!) and five assists in the last round. He was a key player of Olin Edirne, leading his team to a 93-83 win against slightly higher-ranked Besiktas (#5, 15-8). Olin Edirne needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 14 victories and 9 lost games. Samardjiski has a great season in Turkey. After 23 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 9.5rpg (4th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Gerrod Henderson (192-G-78) of Antalya - 28 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists
5. James Thomas (203-F/C-80) of Erdemir - 16 points and 10 rebounds
6. Igor Rakocevic (191-G-78) of Efes Pilsen - 22 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Anthony Grundy (189-G-79) of Mersin - 23 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Rammel Allen (210-C-79) of Oyak Renault - 15 points and 13 rebounds
9. Renaldas Seibutis (196-G-85) of Olin Edirne - 27 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists
10. Hadi Ozdemir (203-F-83) of Trabzonspor - 15 points, 9 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)

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. Johnson, Vestel19.7 
 4. Hall, Kepez Bld19.5 
 5. Boddicker, Selcuk U.18.6 
 6. Gardener, Final G.18.5 
 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.11.3 
 4. Nelson, Akhisar Bld10.7 
 5. Isik, Pertevniyal10.3 
 6. Johnson, Istanbul.10.0 
 7. Johnson, Vestel9.4 
 8. Miller, Gelisim9.3 
 9. Boswell, Basaksehir9.2 
 10. Kolaric, Genc Banvit9.1 
Assists Per Game
 Admir KAN
  TED Istanbul
  (185-G-83)
  Avg: 6.1
 1. Kan, TED Istanbul6.1 
 2. Hall, Kepez Bld5.9 
 3. Ogut, Genc Telekom5.9 
 4. Bayrak, Usak5.1 
 5. Topcu, Gelisim5.0 
 6. Topcu, Izmir B.B.4.8 
 7. Anderson, Basak.4.8 
 8. Erdogan, Adanaspor4.8 
 9. Eris, Vestel4.7 
 10. Kavut, Optimum TED4.7 
Steals Per Game
 Tyrone ANDERSON
  Basaksehir
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Anderson, Basak.2.8 
 2. Hall, Kepez Bld2.8 
 3. Yonder, Genc Banvit2.3 
 4. Nelson, Akhisar Bld2.0 
 5. Harris, FMV I.1.8 
 6. Karabulut, Orman G.1.8 
 7. Yikilmaz, Pertevniyal1.7 
 8. Clarkson, TED I.1.7 
 9. Demircioglu, Istanb.1.7 
 10. Ademoglu, Kepez B.1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Ater MAJOK
  Blaze
  (208-F-87)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Majok, FMV I.3.1 
 2. Johnson, Vestel2.1 
 3. Anderson, Basak.1.8 
 4. Kulcebas, Hacett.1.8 
 5. Clarkson, TED I.1.6 
 6. Boswell, Basaksehir1.5 
 7. Sanli, Darussafaka1.5 
 8. Smith, Usak1.5 
 9. Turkyilmaz, Genc B.1.4 
 10. Johnson, Istanbul.1.4 


TB2L 1/8 Finals: First games - by Eurobasket News
First games of the TB2L 1/8 Finals were played this weekend. Second games are scheduled for March 30 and 31 (best-of-three, 1-1-1).

Genc Telekom - Istanbulspor 78-71

Istanbulspor was tied at the half but could not keep up in last two quarters eventually losing the game. Genc Telekom players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. Istanbulspor was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. Power forward Gokhan Karabiyik (205-88) nailed 22 points for the winning side and guard Can Ugur Ogut (178-92) accounted for 13 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists. Genc Telekom's coach Timucin Meric allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Forward Orcun Okkali (201-87) came up with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 11 rebounds and center Ozan Er (200-84) added 15 points and 5 rebounds respectively for Istanbulspor in the defeat. Five Genc Telekom and four Istanbulspor players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Genc Telekom: G.Karabiyik 22+4reb+3ast, C.Ugur Ogut 13+6reb+9ast, M.Goktas 12+4reb+1ast, Y.Akcay 11+2ast, S.Gunes 10+4reb+5ast, O.Haciyeva 4+3reb
Istanbulspor: O.Er 15+5reb+2ast, I.Demircioglu 13+1reb+6ast, O.Okkali 12+11reb+2ast, O.Sonsirma 10+5reb, F.Celebioglu 9+3reb, C.Bayrak 7+3reb+2ast
gschID: 124529


Usak - Selcuk Univ. 66-80

It looked good early as Usak took an 2-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Selcuk Universitesi had a 26-11 second period charge getting the lead and Usak was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 66-80. Selcuk Universitesi dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Usak's 30. Selcuk Universitesi forced 19 Usak turnovers and outrebounded them 39-27 including 26 on the defensive glass. American forward Brian Boddicker (204-81, college: Texas, agency: EM-PA) nailed 21 points for the winning side and forward Cihat Sahin (203-83) accounted for 12 points and 12 rebounds. Four Selcuk Universitesi players scored in double figures. Center Engin Algin (202-75) came up with 18 points and guard Mahir Bayrak (180-79) added 11 points, 5 assists and 4 steals respectively for Usak in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Selcuk Univ.: B.Boddicker 21+4reb+2ast, F.Aydemir 12+4reb+3ast, C.Sahin 12+12reb, C.Senturk 10+4reb, K.Isbilen 8+2reb, M.Kabakci 8+2reb
Usak: E.Algin 18+4reb+1ast, C.Coskun 11+6reb, M.Bayrak 11+4reb+5ast, G.Sunter 9+1reb, L.Smith 9+7reb, E.Sinanoglu 2+1reb+4ast
gschID: 124530


Kepez Bld - Final Genclik 78-77

Final Genclik was trailing by 13 points at halftime but managed to get 2-point lead after three quarters before a 21-17 charge of Kepez Bld, which allowed them to win the game. Center Umut Durmus (206-80) stepped up and scored 14 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals for the winners and swingman Cihan Amasyali (191-83) chipped in 18 points and 5 assists. At the losing side center Ercan Karalar (200-84) responded with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 15 rebounds and guard Gokhan Senol (183-84, agency: EM-PA) scored 17 points and 4 assists. Five Kepez Bld and four Final Genclik players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Kepez Bld: C.Amasyali 18+2reb+5ast, U.Durmus 14+8reb+4ast, M.Ademoglu 13+5reb+2ast, A.Ozurganci 12+2reb+1ast, M.Hall 10+6reb+4ast, G.Karamahmut 5+2reb
Final Genclik: B.Yilmaz 18+3reb+2ast, G.Senol 17+3reb+4ast, H.Gardener 15+8reb, E.Karalar 13+15reb, S.Ay 8+2reb+5ast, O.Sungur 4+1reb+2ast
gschID: 124526


Optimum TED - Darussafaka 78-61

The former international center Umit Turkoglu (211-81, agency: 1x1 Sports) nailed 11 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists for the winning side and center Hakan Yapar (203-84) accounted for 17 points. Four Optimum TED players scored in double figures. Optimum TED's coach Hakan Yavuz allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. American guard Brandon Gordon (201-85, college: Alabama St., agency: EM-PA) came up with 10 points and 8 rebounds and guard Tugberk Gedikli (192-91) added 13 points respectively for Darussafaka in the defeat.
Top scorers:
Optimum TED: H.Yapar 17+3reb+1ast, B.Cinar 15+2reb+2ast, O.Onver 14, U.Turkoglu 11+7reb+6ast, E.Ozpulat 8+5reb, R.Ozturk 6+3reb+1ast
Darussafaka: T.Gedikli 13+4reb, O.Kaan Gogus 10+1reb+2ast, B.Gordon 10+8reb, E.Elhan 8+3reb+2ast, Y.Sonsirma 7+1reb+2ast, B.Selen 6+9reb+1ast
gschID: 124527


Hacettepe Univ. - Pertevniyal 77-59

The game without a history. Hacettepe Univ. led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Forward Gokhan Orcun Tunca (201-80) nailed a double-double by scoring 21 points and 10 rebounds for the winning side and forward Adnan Onder Kulcebas (205-81, agency: 1x1 Sports) accounted for 14 points and 5 rebounds. Hacettepe Univ.'s coach Alp Bayramoglu allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Forward Ali Isik (205-90) came up with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 15 rebounds and guard Can Korkmaz (187-92, agency: Beo Basket) added 8 points and 5 assists respectively for Pertevniyal in the defeat.
Top scorers:
Hacettepe Univ.: G.Orcun Tunca 21+10reb+3ast, A.Onder Kulcebas 14+5reb+2ast, C.Erdeniz 12+4reb+1ast, O.Adiguzel 8+2reb+3ast, K.Adeleke 7+8reb+1ast, D.Yannier 6+1reb+6ast
Pertevniyal: A.Isik 12+15reb+2ast, R.Tekin 10+2reb, A.Baran 9+2reb+1ast, C.Korkmaz 8+4reb+5ast, S.Yikilmaz 7+1reb+2ast, B.Can 7+3reb+2ast
gschID: 124523


Vestel - Gelisim 93-85

The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 27-19. But Gelisim won second period 21-19. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Vestel made 18-of-23 charity shots (78.3 percent) during the game. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 26 assists. American power forward Arthur Johnson (206-81, college: Missouri) nailed a double-double by scoring 20 points and 12 rebounds for the winning side and swingman Hakan Erol (200-83) accounted for 21 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists. Four Vestel players scored in double figures. American forward Jayme Miller (203-85) came up with 37 points (!!!) and 9 rebounds (on 13-of-15 shooting from the field) and guard Sercan Topcu (185-85) added 14 points and 6 assists respectively for Gelisim in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Vestel: H.Erol 21+5reb+7ast, A.Johnson 20+12reb+2ast, H.Cantopcu 20+3reb+4ast, S.Eris 11+1reb+8ast, E.Ocakturk 7+4reb, H.Gungor 6+4reb
Gelisim: J.Miller 37+9reb+1ast, S.Topcu 14+3reb+6ast, C.Mumcuogullari 11+7reb+2ast, O.Kaya 7+1reb, A.Kilimcigoldelioglu 5+1reb+3ast, D.Deniz Yigit 5+2reb+1ast
gschID: 124524


Gaziantep - Orman Genc 76-57

The game was mostly controlled by Gaziantep. Orman Genc was better in second period 20-16. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Orman Genc to just 4 points in third quarter. They outrebounded Orman Genc 43-29 including a 35-22 advantage in defensive rebounds. American center DeVon Hardin (211-86) nailed a double-double by scoring 15 points and 13 rebounds for the winning side and forward Arif Erhan Kocamis (196-86, agency: 1x1 Sports) accounted for 15 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Gaziantep players scored in double figures. Canadian forward Ryan Wright (206-87, college: Oklahoma) came up with 17 points and 7 rebounds and forward Ertun Bozkurt (198-75) added 9 points and 6 rebounds respectively for Orman Genc in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Gaziantep: D.Hardin 15+13reb, A.Erhan Kocamis 15+6reb+4ast, N.Pastal 12+8reb, M.Akdogan 11+7reb+2ast, A.Cetinkaya 6, M.Dogan 6+7reb+1ast
Orman Genc: R.Wright 17+7reb, E.Bozkurt 9+6reb, S.Unsur 7+2reb+1ast, E.Ozseven 7+3reb, B.Demirci 6+1reb+2ast, T.Yener 5+3reb+7ast
gschID: 124525

Genc Banvit - Akhisar PPD


*****************************************************
  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS   


Eudora Kean boys and girls forfeit games against CAHS - by David Edole
The players for the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School boys and girls basketball teams showed up Saturday at Charlotte Amalie High School for a St. Thomas-St. John IAA varsity doubleheader, but Kean High had to forfeit both games.

It is not known if the doubleheader, which was supposed to mark the end of the regular season, can be played at a later date.

'The games were on the schedule and the kids were there but they did not have uniforms and coaches were running very late,' IAA president Mark Daniel said Saturday afternoon. 'If Kean files a protest, we will look into possibly re-scheduling the games, but that's all I know right now.'

CAHS physical education department chairman Myron Corbett , who is also the Lady Chickenhawks' basketball coach, said players from both teams were on the court and waited for Kean coaches to arrive, to no avail.

'You have to feel bad for the seniors because it would have been nice to close out your high school career playing against your rivals,' Corbett said. 'I feel bad for the kids.'

Kean High physical education department chairman Peter Seipel said there was a miscommunication between Kean coaches, which led to the forfeits.

'The players were on the court - it was just a matter of getting the coaches and the uniforms to the site,' Seipel said. 'Unfortunately, we had to forfeit the games because of a miscommunication.'

Seipel said Kean coaches plan to approach CAHS about a possible make-up date.

'We, at Eudora Kean, are willing and able to make up the games at any time CAHS will play them,' Seipel said. 'We want to play - win, lose or draw - we just don't want to end the season like this.'

Because of the forfeits, the CAHS boys and girls basketball teams finish league play undefeated and both squads repeat as St. Thomas-St. John IAA regular-season champions.

The window to make up the doubleheader this week is very tight. Corbett said the CAHS varsity girls, junior varsity girls and junior varsity boys teams leave Thursday for an international tournament in Puerto Rico that will attract teams from the Dominican Republic and the mainland U.S.

Complex boys beat Central, earn top seed for playoffs

Amali Krigger scored a team-high 10 points to lift the Educational Complex boys basketball team to a 61-52 win over host Central in a St. Croix IAA varsity game Saturday.

With the win, Complex put the finishing touches on an undefeated league season and will be the top seed when the St. Croix IAA playoffs start next week.

'On St. Croix, we have a playoff format for the boys and this game basically decided the top seeds,' Central coach Donald Bough said. 'It was a good game, but now it looks like the boys championship goes through Complex.'

The Barracudas opened a four-point lead after the first period but outscored the Caribs, 16-6, in the second to grab a commanding halftime advantage. Central rallied in the third with 18 points, but it was no match for the Barracudas, who scored 24 in the fourth.

Razeem Huggins finished with a game-high 16 points for Central.



*****************************************************
  UBA   


Barnes 60 sets UBA record - by UBA media

David Walls Report:
March 27, 2011:

UBA (AP) Jermaine Barnes (6'5''-G/F-82, agency: SportsList Inc., college: Atlanta Christian) did not plan on playing for the GIE Morrow Disciples until after All-Star weekend but with the injuries of 3 starters and 3 of their top players playing overseas Barnes had no choice.

That gave him plenty of incentive to deliver a special night in Morrow - and he unleashed the biggest game the UBA has ever seen.

Barnes broke the current UBA scoring record with 60 points, but the GIE Morrow Disciples looked shorthanded without their top six in a 118-108 loss to the Tennessee Dragons on Saturday night.

'We wanted JB to take some time off after he came back from Mexico,'' Coach Michael Davis said. He has been through alot over the last month, but he saw that we needed him and he stepped in. That was the best game I have ever seen a player play.

Barnes started the game slow trying to get a feel for his new teammates but begin to look like the Barnes of old. He passed his own opponent record of 50 points set in the URBL, now known as 'UBA,'' when he scored an impressive 29 points in the 3rd quarter.

'I don't know what to say, I just thank God', said Barnes. I had no intentions of playing basketball for at least a month. But I needed a game like this. It's no secret what's going on in my life. It just feels good to enjoy basketball again.

Barnes signed with Frayles de Guasave of Mexico last month but chose to return after a series of personal matter. 'Coach Marcelo Elusich and President Arturo at Frayles were great', said Barnes. I saw what they posted about me in the news and I appreciate that. I feel bad that I took my personal life to the team. They have a great organization. I wish them the best.

Barnes played in 5 games for Frayles and averaged 12 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks. But Barnes shot an unlikely .345 percent.

Although the Tennessee Dragons won the game this will go down as one of the best performances in USBasket history. 'He was on fire', said Coach Steve Dolan . I thought he had 65 points.

Barnes is currently the UBA's top scorer (26.7ppg) and will attend the 2011 UBA All-Star Game April 30, 2011.



USBasket.com All-UBA Showcase Awards 2011 - by Greg
All-UBA 1st Team 2011
#s#
Christian Sonier
Sonier
Brayon Brown
Brown
Ryan McCoy
McCoy
Daniel Thomas
Thomas
#e#4
UBA Showcase All-Tournament Co-MVP: Christian Sonier of Houston Xperience, Daniel Thomas of Central Texas Cyclones

1st Team
Christian Sonier (6'0''-G-82) of Houston Xperience
Brayon Brown (6'3''-G-86) of Norman Express of Norman Express
Ryan McCoy (6'0''-G-87) of Houston Xperience of Houston Xperience
Pat Perkins (6'1''-G-82) of Austin Knights of Austin Knights
Daniel Thomas (6'7''-F-85) of Central Texas Cyclones

2nd Team
D'mond Grismore of Central Texas Cyclones
Gabe Hawkins of Central Texas Cyclones
Ricky James of DFW Warriors
Anthony Allison of Norman Express


UBA Weekend's games review - by UBA media

Atlanta A. - Georgia L. 99-103

Deonta Stokes (6'1''-G-86) scored 30 points and the Georgia Lions created breathing room from one of their closest competitors for the Southern Conference's final playoff spot with a 103-99 victory over the Atlanta Assault on Saturday night. Dewon Jackson (6'7''-G/F-84, college: Georgia Perimeter) added 26 points and Robert Broderick (6'6''-G-87, college: Chattahoochee TC) had 10 points and 8 assists for the Lions. Dominique Holmes (6'7''-F-84, college: So.Poly State) scored 23 points for the Assault in a losing effort.

Southern Generals - Dallas Stars 111-99

One huge run got the Southern Generals back into the game. A great final quarter put it away. And a historic statline from Will De La Cruz (6'2''-G-80, college: Atlanta Christian) (6'2''-G-80, college: Atlanta Christian) also helped the cause. De La Cruz finished with 35 points, 11 assists, six rebounds and five steals - an effort matched only by Disciples Jermaine Barnes (6'5''-G/F-82, agency: SportsList Inc., college: Atlanta Christian), according to ubabasket.com - and the Generals pulled away down the stretch to beat the Dallas Stars 111-99 on Saturday night. Michael Sloan finished with 25 points and 6 rebounds and Freddie Williams (6'1''-G-87, college: Clayton St.) had 18 points and 6 steals for the Generals, who used a 23-2 run in the second quarter to erase what was a 16-point deficit, then sealed it with a 24-5 burst that wiped away an eight-point Stars lead in the fourth. Mychal Kearse (6'5''-G-83, college: Mt.St.Mary's) was the high man for the Stars with 24 points, Trevon Bryant (6'10''-F-84, college: Cal.St.-Dominguez H.) added 15 points and 10 rebounds in a losing effort.

GIE Morrow Disciples - Tennessee D. 108-118

Jermaine Barnes set a new UBA record in scoring for a single game with 60 points. Barnes missed just five shots but fell short to a great team effort from the Dragons. The Dragons were led by Antonio Webb (5'10''-G-84, agency: Team Quest Inc., college: Bethune-Cookman) who hit 8 three-pointer to score a team-high 27 points, 16 during Tennessee's second straight dominant start against Morrow, and the Dragons sent the Disciples to their third consecutive loss with a 118-108 victory Saturday night.

Johnathan Simpson (6'8''-C/F, college: Clark Atlanta) added 26 points and 17 rebounds for the Dragons, who won for the third time in four games and pulled within four games of Central Texas for the top playoff spot in the Western Conference. Jermaine Barnes did all he could for the Disciples. 'We didn't expect Barnes to play', said Coach Michael Davis . We wanted to give him time to spend with his family but we needed him. The Disciples were missing 3 starters only playing with 6 players due to injury and overseas contracts.

Southern G. -Tennessee D. 103-102

Will De La Cruz posted his first career triple double scoring 21 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a 103-102 win over the Dragons. Freddie Williams added 20 points and Jackie Britt (6'6''-F-81, college: Crichton) also add 12 points and 7 rebounds. Antonio Webb carried the Dragons with 35 points in a losing effort.





Houston Xperience take UBA Western Conference Showcase: - by UBA media
UBA Western Conference Showcase: Day 1 Review

The UBA has added new blood with the Houston Xperience and they prove why there favored to make a run for the championship this weekend at the UBA Western Conference Showcase. The Showcase has the top teams in the UBA West (DFW Warriors, Central Texas Cyclones, Norman Express, Austin Knights and the new and exciting Houston Xperience).

Day 1: Game 1:

Central Texas Cyclones - DFW Warriors 126-121

A 35-point performance by Daniel Thomas (6'7''-F-85, college: Langston) Saturday lifted the Central Texas Cyclones to a 126-121 victory over the DFW Warriors. The Cyclones led by just one point with 10 minutes to play but they pulled away down the stretch to win their fourth in a row. They have the best record in the Western Conference. Thomas made 11-of-25 from the field and 4-of-10 from the 3 point line. DMond Grismore (6'6''-F-86, college: Huston-Tillotson) added 32 points for the Cyclones, Gabe Haskins (5'10''-G, college: Huston-Tillotson) delivered 18 points and 12 assists. Both sides shot 50 percent from the field but the Cyclones made 20 free throws to 10 for the Warriors. Ricky James (6'3''-G-84, college: Trevecca Naz.) led the Warriors with a season-best 30 points. When playing as the visiting team in this series, the Warriors have lost three in a row.

Day 1: Game 2:

Houston Xperience - Norman Express 111-97

Christian Sonier (6'0''-G-82, college: Prairie View A&M) scored 27 points, Ryan McCoy (6'0''-G-87, college: La-Lafayette) added 25 points while matching a season-high with 11 assists and the Houston Xperience used a balanced attack to beat the Norman Express 111-97 on Saturday night. Brayon Brown (6'3''-G-86, college: Oklahoma) was the high man for the Express with 14 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists in the loss.

Day 2: Game 1:

Houston Xperience - Austin Knights 111-97

Christian Sonier scored 30 points, Kevin Barber added 25 points while and the Houston Xperience rolls pass the Austin Knights to win the UBA Western Conference Showcase 111-97. Pat Perkins (6'1''-G-82) was the high man for the Knights with 28 points in a losing effort


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


Higher League Round 4 (Second Stage): Leader Cherkasy get another victory - by Eurobasket News
Koksokh-Stal defeated bottom-ranked Ternopil-TNEU in Alchevsk 77-61. Koksokh-Stal have a solid three-game winning streak. Ternopil-TNEU at the other side still closes the standings with ten games lost. Ternopil-TNEU will play next round against strong KTU Krivyi Rih trying to get back on the winning streak. Koksokh-Stal will try to continue on its current victory against fourth ranked Sportlitsey on the road.
Very important is a road loss of second ranked U-VolinBasket (11-5) against seventh ranked Kremen-KNU (5-11) on Sunday night. Visiting U-VolinBasket was defeated by Kremen-KNU in Kremenchuk 92-79. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of U-VolinBasket. Kremen-KNU moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Vinnitsky Zubry. U-VolinBasket at the other side keeps the second position with five games lost. Kremen-KNU will play against BC-93 Pulsar (#8) in Rovno in the next round. U-VolinBasket will play at home against Avantazh-Politekhnik (#3) in Kharkov and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Leader Cherkasy delivered the fifteenth victory on Sunday night. This time they beat 6th ranked Aviastar (6-10) 75-68 in Zaporozhye. Cherkasy have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 15-1 record. Aviastar lost fourth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the sixth place with ten games lost. Cherkasy will meet at home Dynamo Dnepropetrovsk (#4) in the next round. Aviastar will play against Vinnitsky Zubry in Vinnytsya and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game with biggest result difference took place in Dnepropetrovsk. Local Dynamo Dnepropetrovsk (9-7) beat 5th ranked Vinnitsky Zubry (5-11) 83-66. Dynamo Dnepropetrovsk maintains fourth position with 9-7 record. Vinnitsky Zubry at the other side keeps the fifth place with 11 games lost. Dynamo Dnepropetrovsk's next round opponent will be league's leader Cherkasy on the road and it may be the game of the week. Vinnitsky Zubry will play against Aviastar (#6) in Zaporozhye and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the last game of round 4 Pulsar was defeated by Avantazh-Pol. in Kharkov 90-74.

Avantazh-Pol. - Pulsar 90-74

There was no surprise in Kharkov where 8th ranked BC-93 Pulsar (3-13) was defeated by third ranked Avantazh-Politekhnik (10-6) 90-74. Avantazh-Politekhnik maintains third position with 10-6 record having just -13 point less than leader Cherkasy. BC-93 Pulsar at the other side keeps the eighth place with 13 games lost. Avantazh-Politekhnik's next round opponent will be league's second-placed U-VolinBasket in Lutsk and it will be for sure the game of the week. BC-93 Pulsar will play at home against Kremen-KNU (#7) in Kremenchuk and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
gschID: 125306


Aviastar - Cherkasy 68-75

Leader Cherkasy delivered the fifteenth victory on Sunday night. This time they beat 6th ranked Aviastar (6-10) 75-68 in Zaporozhye. The guests trailed by 2 points after three quarters before their 25-16 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Cherkasy have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 15-1 record. Aviastar lost fourth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the sixth place with ten games lost. Cherkasy will meet at home Dynamo Dnepropetrovsk (#4) in the next round. Aviastar will play against Vinnitsky Zubry in Vinnytsya and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
gschID: 125303


Dynamo DN - Vinnitsky Zubry 83-66

The game with biggest result difference took place in Dnepropetrovsk. Local Dynamo Dnepropetrovsk (9-7) beat 5th ranked Vinnitsky Zubry (5-11) 83-66. It looked good early as Vinnitsky Zubry took an 1-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Dynamo Dnepropetrovsk had a 21-15 second period charge getting the lead and Vinnitsky Zubry was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 66-83. Dynamo Dnepropetrovsk maintains fourth position with 9-7 record. Vinnitsky Zubry at the other side keeps the fifth place with 11 games lost. Dynamo Dnepropetrovsk's next round opponent will be league's leader Cherkasy on the road and it may be the game of the week. Vinnitsky Zubry will play against Aviastar (#6) in Zaporozhye and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
gschID: 125304


Koksokh-Stal - Ternopil 77-61

Koksokh-Stal defeated bottom-ranked Ternopil-TNEU in Alchevsk 77-61. Koksokh-Stal have a solid three-game winning streak. Ternopil-TNEU at the other side still closes the standings with ten games lost. Ternopil-TNEU will play next round against strong KTU Krivyi Rih trying to get back on the winning streak. Koksokh-Stal will try to continue on its current victory against fourth ranked Sportlitsey on the road.
gschID: 125305


Kremen-KNU - U-VolinBasket 92-79

Very important is a road loss of second ranked U-VolinBasket (11-5) against seventh ranked Kremen-KNU (5-11) on Sunday night. Visiting U-VolinBasket was defeated by Kremen-KNU in Kremenchuk 92-79. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of U-VolinBasket. It looked good early as U-VolinBasket took an 10-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Kremen-KNU had a 23-9 second period charge getting the lead and U-VolinBasket was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 79-92. Kremen-KNU moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Vinnitsky Zubry. U-VolinBasket at the other side keeps the second position with five games lost. Kremen-KNU will play against BC-93 Pulsar (#8) in Rovno in the next round. U-VolinBasket will play at home against Avantazh-Politekhnik (#3) in Kharkov and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
gschID: 125302




Stats Leaders - Men
Points Per Game
 Steve BURTT
  Dnipro
  (185-G-84)
  Avg: 23.3
 1. Burtt, Dnipro23.3 
 2. Burns, Fe.17.2 
 3. Washington, BC Od.17.0 
 4. Flores, BC Donetsk16.7 
 5. Curry, Azovmash16.5 
 6. Williams, Halychyna14.7 
 7. Wiggins, Halychyna14.7 
 8. Bakic, Kryvbasb.14.5 
 9. Millage, Khimik14.5 
 10. Fraser, DniproAzot14.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Michael FRASER
  DniproAzot
  (203-C/F-84)
  Avg: 10.9
 1. Fraser, DniproAzot10.9 
 2. Wiggins, Halychyna9.3 
 3. Burns, Fe.8.4 
 4. Saltovets, BC Kyiv7.6 
 5. Austin, Dnipro7.3 
 6. Morrison, Halyc.7.2 
 7. Hunter, Fe.6.9 
 8. Owens, Azovmash6.7 
 9. Chappell, Hoverla6.7 
 10. Sandul, BC Kyiv6.3 
Assists Per Game
 Todd ABERNETHY
  Halychyna
  (185-G-84)
  Avg: 5.1
 1. Abernethy, Halyc.5.1 
 2. Vasiljevic, BC Do.4.9 
 3. Zimmerman, Hoverla4.9 
 4. Burtt, Dnipro4.8 
 5. Funn, Halychyna4.7 
 6. Millage, Khimik4.6 
 7. Sparks, BC Odessa4.5 
 8. Brewer, BC Odessa4.5 
 9. Harris, Fe.4.1 
 10. Slipenchuk, Kryvba.4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Curtis MILLAGE
  Khimik
  (185-G-81)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Millage, Khimik2.3 
 2. House, Azovmash2.0 
 3. Sirutavicius, Dnipro.1.7 
 4. Sparks, BC Odessa1.7 
 5. Love, Mykolaiv1.5 
 6. Greene, Mykolaiv1.5 
 7. Sirsnins, DniproAzot1.5 
 8. Mazutis, Mykolaiv1.5 
 9. Burns, Fe.1.4 
 10. Zimmerman, Hoverla1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 James HUGHES
  Mykolaiv
  (211-C-83)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Hughes, Mykolaiv2.3 
 2. Kravtsov, BC Do.2.1 
 3. Hunter, Fe.1.6 
 4. Zaitsev, Kryvbasb.1.5 
 5. Balashov, BC Odessa1.4 
 6. Morrison, Halyc.1.4 
 7. Agafonov, Budiv.1.3 
 8. Turner, BC Odessa1.3 
 9. Pettway, Dnipro1.3 
 10. Coleman, Hoverla1.2 


Standings - Superleague
Superleague Standings
 1. Budivelnyk 32-10 
 2. BC Donetsk 32-11 
 3. Azovmash 26-16 
 4. Hoverla 26-17 
 5. Ferro-ZNTU 23-19 
 6. Mykolaiv 22-19 
 7. Kryvbasbasket 20-21 
 8. Dnipro 19-21 
 9. DniproAzot 18-24 
 10. BC Odessa 17-26 
 11. Halychyna 15-29 
 12. Khimik 14-29 
 13. BC Kyiv 10-32 


Standings - Higher League
Higher League Stage Two Standings
Places 1-8
 1. Cherkasy 15-1 
 2. U-VolinBasket 11-5 
 3. Avantazh-Pol. 10-6 
 4. Dynamo DN 9-7 
 5. Aviastar 6-10 
 6. Kremen-KNU 5-11 
 7. Vinnitsky Zubry 5-11 
 8. Pulsar 3-13 
Places 9-13
 1. Striba 7-3 
 2. Sportlitsey 6-4 
 3. Koksokh-Stal 5-3 
 4. KTU Krivyi Rih 4-2 
 5. Ternopil 0-10 
Stage One Standings


Aleksandr Shaposhnikov joins BC Azovmash - by Eurobasket News
Aleksandr Shaposhnikov (196-G/F-82) will end the season with Azovmash. The guard was recently released by BC Donetsk. Aleksandr Shaposhnikov joined BC Donetsk in November. The 28-year-old guard started the season with Ferro-ZNTU. His stats read 8.0 points, 3.5 assists and 2.5 boards per game in EuroChallenge. In Superleague the guard notched 5.4 points and 1.1 assists for Ferro-ZNTU in Superleague. For BC Donetsk Aleksandr Shaposhnikov delivered 3.3 points, 2.0 boards and 1.5 assists per appearance. He had stints with Sumihimprom, Kryvbasbasket-Lux before.



*****************************************************
  UNITED KINGDOM   


BBL Round Up Sun 27 March - by Paul Nilsen
Newcastle Eagles needed all their championship winning experience to escape from a tough looking away match at Guildford Heat with a 91-96 win.

As he has done on so many occasions it was Charles Smith (198-F-75, college: Rider) who hit the biggest shot of the game with a three in the final 15 seconds that put a halt to Heats last gasp run.

Heat had cut a Newcastle eight point lead to just two before Smiths three put the game beyond their reach.

One Health Sharks Sheffield turned in an impressive three-point shooting performance to easily beat Glasgow Rocks 61-91 and keep the pressure on the leaders of the BBL Championship.

Atiba Lyons team know they must remain perfect for the rest of the season and they very nearly achieved that from beyond the arc as Ryan Patton drained nine of 11 treys to pace the Sharks to victory with 29 points.

UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders kept alive their feint hopes of a top-four finish with an excellent 92-102 road win at Cheshire Jets.

It was Raiders second away victory of the weekend and moves them four points behind the fourth placed Jets. Plymouth had trailed by 13 points early in the third quarter but took the lead with eight minutes remaining and were comfortable winners in the end.

Prestige Homes MK Lions secured a narrow 99-98 win over Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders to bring the East Midlands club back down to earth.

After their last second home win against Mersey Tigers in the week, Leicester were on the receiving end in Milton Keynes as Demarius Bolds scoring the winning basket with the games last action.

Worthing Thunder won the battle of the basement clubs with an 86-74 victory at Essex Pirates.


Raiders Ready To Roll Into Play-Offs With Momentum - by Paul Nilsen
UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders have finally found some form on the road in recent weeks and after another big win away from the Pavilions, they are now within touching distance of the play-offs and with some momentum behind them.

In another action packed few days of BBL Championship games, the Raiders 102-92 success against Cheshire Jets at Northgate Arena was one of the stand-out results. Coming hot on the heels of a comfortable away victory at Essex, the results have left playmaker Evaldas Zabas (188-PG-88) thrilled,

This weekend was definitely a huge one for us. Its so nice to grab two big wins and especially against the Jets.

The play-offs are approaching fast and we feel that finally we have a team which is complete and for the past month or so, we been playing great basketball.

So with that in mind, the victory against the Jets at Northgate is not only a confidence boost for next weekend too, but at the same time it ensures we keep moving up the table.

With Jets beating Worcester Wolves, Guildford Heat losing twice, and Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders losing another heartbreaker at Prestige Homes MK Lions who bouned back from their loss at Newcastle, things are really looking up for Plymouth in the red-hot play-off race.

At the top of the table, Newcastle Eagles picked up two wins against Lions and at Heat to stay neck and neck with Mersey Tigers but their win was overshadowed by a potentially serious injury to Trey Moore.

The playmaker couldnt put any weight on his foot and in a season decimated by serious injuries, Fab Flournoy and the Eagles staff face an anxious wait today to find out the full extent of the problem when the results of a scan are confirmed.

With both Tigers and Eagles picking up two wins, the pressure was on One Health Sharks Sheffield to maintain their position jut behind the frontrunners and they responded in magnificent fashion with a blistering 30 point victory at Kelvin Hall against Glasgow Rocks.

Finally in the big game at the foot of the table, Essex Pirates blew a big chance to secure a second win of the season after they threw away a healthy lead final quarter lead against Worthing Thunder to collapse to an 86-74 loss.


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


LPB 2011 - Week 4 (Mar. 15th): Guaros, Cocodrilos, Marinos, Guaiqueries and Bucaneros win - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Guaros de Lara was the only visiting team to win in Tuesday night's action of LPB, as they took down Gigantes de Guayana in Puerto Ordaz, while home teams Cocodrilos de Caracas, Marinos de Anzoategui, Guaiqueries de Margarita and Bucaneros de La Guaira were relentless against Panteras de Miranda, Toros de Aragua, Trotamundos de Carabobo and Gaiteros del Zulia, respectively.

BUCANEROS DE LA GUAIRA 82 - GAITEROS DEL ZULIA 77
Jose Maria Vargas Dome - La Guaira, Vargas

Quarter by quarter
BUC: 13-25-24-20= 82
GAI: 25-14-19-19= 77

Scorers
BUC: Richard Lugo (209-C-73) 25 points and 14 rebounds, Heissler Guillent (186-G-86) 21 points and 6 assists, Alejandro Barrios (205-C-79) 16 points, Rafael Guevara (194-F-79) 7 points, Hernan Salcedo (198-F-80) 7 points, Kevin Young (206-C-84) 2 points and 10 rebounds, Dennis D'Adezzio (191-G-81) 2 points, Brandon Dagans (185-G-87) 2 points, Bryant McAllister (191-G-84) 0 points, Oswaldo Gonzalez (203-F/C-79) 0 points, Samuel Marseille (193-G-91) 0 points, Yonaiker Ecker (179-PG-90) 0 points
GAI: Ruben Nembhard (191-G-72) 23 points and 7 assists, Jamaal Thomas (202-F-80) 20 points, Francisco Centeno (201-G/F-85) 11 points, Jhoyfer Diaz (196-F-87) 9 points, Kervis Ramirez (190-PG-78) 7 points, Enielsen Guevara (204-F/C-82) 4 points and 7 rebounds, Dominic Calegari (208-F) 3 points, Omar Mejias (175-PG-80) 0 points, Juan Carlos Rodriguez (206-C-89) (193-G-78) 0 points, Morris Sierralta (190-G/F-87) 0 points, Diandry Bracho (178-PG-87) 0 points, Jaime Finol (195-F-87) 0 points

COCODRILOS DE CARACAS 113 - PANTERAS DE MIRANDA 92
Naciones Unidas Park - Caracas, D.C.

Quarter by quarter
COC: 27-23-33-30= 113
PAN: 28-24-18-22= 92

Scorers
COC: Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81) 25 points and 17 rebounds, Tayron Thomas (191-PG-84) 20 points and 5 steals, Carl Elliott (193-G-83) 17 points, Luis Bethelmy (200-C-86) 14 points and 7 rebounds, Keving Palacios (203-F/C-84) 11 points, Juan Herrera (197-F-81) 10 points, Jesus Centeno (190-G-85) 8 points, Henry Paez (184-PG-70) 3 points, Windi Graterol (204-C-86) 3 points, Kenji Urdaneta (188-G-85) 2 points, Derson Santos (197-F-84) 0 points, Robert Palacios (185-PG) 0 points
PAN: DeAndre Coleman (201-F-86) 21 points and 14 rebounds, Michael Flores (192-G-85) 21 points, Kojo Mensah (185-PG-85) 19 points, Darwin Jaramillo (192-F-86) 13 points, Victor David Diaz (195-F-68) 7 points, Albert Jackson (211-F/C-88) 5 points, Roque Osorio (206-C-76) 4 points, Gustavo Montoya (197-F-86) 2 points, Edgar Sifontes (185-F-85) 0 points, Rosmel Blanco (205-C-76) 0 points, Richard Mejias (187-G-78) 0 points

GUAROS DE LARA 82 - GIGANTES DE GUAYANA 73
Hermanas Gonzalez Arena - Puerto Ordaz, Bolivar

Quarter by quarter
GIG: 15-14-18-26= 73
GUA: 21-22-22-17= 82

Scorers
GUA: Cordell Henry (178-PG-80) 21 points, Cedric McGowan (198-F-85) 17 points and 7 rebounds, John Millsap (198-F-82) 13 points, Edgar Lugo (189-G-82) 9 points, Kervin Bracho (204-F/C-78) 8 points, Leonardo Berroteran (192-F/G-81) 6 points, Jose Martinez (196-F-82) 3 points, Sonys Reyes (181-G-86) 3 points, Heberth Bayona (210-C-78) 2 points, Rene Farias (188-G-86) 0 points, Antonio Torcatt (182-G-76) 0 points, Graddy Osorio (193-F-87) 0 points
GIG: Blake Walker (196-G/F-82) 26 points and 4 steals, Jorge Leon (186-PG-79) 14 points, Andrew Feeley (206-F/C-83) 11 points and 13 rebounds, Elvis Baez (189-PG-89) 8 points and 6 steals, Jose Juan Bravo (200-C-80) 6 points, Jorge Diaz (195-F-77) 3 points, 5 assists and 4 steals, Daniel Macuare (190-F-84) 2 points, Randy Vasquez (190-G-78) 2 points, Marlon Patino (204-F/C-80) 1 point, Paul Stoll (178-G-85) 0 points, Jader Fernandez (197-F-82) 0 points, Jose Ramos (198-F-71) 0 points

MARINOS DE ANZOATEGUI 84 - TOROS DE ARAGUA 70
Luis Ramos Arena - Puerto La Cruz, Anzoategui

Quarter by quarter
MAR: 24-11-29-20= 84
TOR: 17-15-18-20= 70

Scorers
MAR: Oscar Torres (195-F/G-76) 27 points and 7 rebounds, Mauricio Aguiar (197-F-83) 16 points, Diego Guevara (184-G-77) 11 points, Gregory Vargas (182-PG-86) 10 points, Axiers Sucre (198-F-78) 7 points, Jeremis Smith (203-F-86) 6 points and 5 assists, Jose Manuel Briceno (203-C/F-79) 4 points, Carlos Morris (194-G-76) 2 points, Luis Julio (202-F-80) 1 point, Maurice Carter (183-G-83) 0 points, Leonardo Cappare (186-G-80) 0 points, Jose Manaure 0 points
TOR: Alejandro Flores (202-F-81) 18 points and 11 rebounds, Jhon Romero (199-F-85) 14 points, Ernesto Mijares (190-PG-76) 13 points, Jamahr Warren (194-G/F-79) 11 points and 6 assists, David Cedeno (190-G-83) 5 points, Cheyenne Moore (198-G-84) 4 points, Alejandro Otaiza (190-F-76) 3 points, Jose Silvera (183-PG-92) 2 points, Amber Marin (208-C-81) 0 points, Peter Kvietek (205-C-77) 0 points, Rodrigo Rodriguez (198-F-80) 0 points, Roberto Basanta (192-F-82) 0 points

GUAIQUERIES DE MARGARITA 78 - TROTAMUNDOS DE CARABOBO 74
Ciudad de La Asuncion Arena - La Asuncion, Nueva Esparta

Quarter by quarter
GUAI: 20-19-24-15= 78
TRO: 13-30-15-16= 74

Scorers
GUAI: Evan Brock (204-F-84) 14 points and 8 rebounds, Rogers Washington (198-F-77) 12 points, Gregory Grays (185-G-79) 12 points, Edgar Arteaga (200-F-80) 9 points, Cesar Silva (187-G-81) 8 points, Tulio Cobos (196-F-86) 7 points and 12 rebounds, Douglas Chiquito (193-G-86) 5 points, Pablo Machado (207-C-77) 4 points, Carlos Cedeno (193-G/F-85) 3 points and 5 assists, Carlos Rodriguez 2 points, Jorge Rondon (193-G/F-90) 2 points, Francisco Sanabria (190-G-77) 0 points
TRO: Robert Glenn (201-F/C-89) 17 points and 13 rebounds, Troy DeVries (193-G-82) 14 points, Rafael Perez (193-G/F-82) 12 points, David Cubillan (183-PG-87) 11 points, Tomas Aguilera (198-F-77) 8 points, Miguel Marriaga (208-C-84) 5 points, Jose Vargas (196-G/F-82) 4 points, Yorbis Umbria (203-F-85) 2 points, Charles Bailey (203-F-82) 1 point, Pedro Brito (204-F/C-82) 0 points, Javinger Vargas (206-C-90) 0 points, Alexander Morillo (180-G-92) 0 points

LPB 2011 - Week 4 (Mar. 16th): Guaros, Marinos, Guaiqueries and Cocodrilos sweep - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Guaros de Lara, Marinos de Anzoategui, Guaiqueries de Margarita and Cocodrilos de Caracas swept their respective rivals. Guaros did so as visitor against Gigantes de Guayana, while Marinos and Guaiqueries made their homes respected against Toros de Aragua and Trotamundos de Carabobo. Meanwhile, Cocodrilos de Caracas followed a home win with another victory, this time as visitors, against Panteras de Miranda.

COCODRILOS DE CARACAS 95 - PANTERAS DE MIRANDA 87
Jose Joaquin Carrillo Arena - Caracas, D.C.

Quarter by quarter
PAN: 24-18-25-20= 87
COC: 22-18-25-30= 95

Scorers
COC: Tayron Thomas (191-PG-84) 28 points, Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81) 17 points, 16 rebounds and 5 steals, Luis Bethelmy (200-C-86) 20 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks, Carl Elliott (193-G-83) 12 points and 10 assists, Juan Herrera (197-F-81) 5 points, Keving Palacios (203-F/C-84) 4 points, Jesus Centeno (190-G-85) 3 points, Henry Paez (184-PG-70) 3 points, Kenji Urdaneta (188-G-85) 3 points, Windi Graterol (204-C-86) 0 points, Derson Santos (197-F-84) 0 points, Robert Palacios (185-PG) 0 points
PAN: DeAndre Coleman (201-F-86) 23 points and 8 rebounds, Albert Jackson (211-F/C-88) 18 points, Darwin Jaramillo (192-F-86) 13 points, Michael Flores (192-G-85) 11 points, Victor David Diaz (195-F-68) 11 points, Kojo Mensah (185-PG-85) 7 points and 6 assists, Roque Osorio (206-C-76) 4 points, Gustavo Montoya (197-F-86) 0 points, Edgar Sifontes (185-F-85) 0 points, Rosmel Blanco (205-C-76) 0 points, Richard Mejias (187-G-78) 0 points, Elvis Burguillos (194-G/F-82) 0 points

GUAROS DE LARA 82 - GIGANTES DE GUAYANA 76
Hermanas Gonzalez Arena - Puerto Ordaz, Bolivar

Quarter by quarter
GIG: 22-19-18-17= 76
GUA: 14-15-23-30= 82

Scorers
GUA: John Millsap (198-F-82) 20 points and 8 rebounds, Edgar Lugo (189-G-82) 15 points, Kervin Bracho (204-F/C-78) 14 points, Antonio Torcatt (182-G-76) 13 points, Cedric McGowan (198-F-85) 6 points, Leonardo Berroteran (192-F/G-81) 5 points, Heberth Bayona (210-C-78) 5 points, Cordell Henry (178-PG-80) 2 points, Sonys Reyes (181-G-86) 2 points, Jose Martinez (196-F-82) 0 points, Rene Farias (188-G-86) 0 points, Graddy Osorio (193-F-87) 0 points
GIG: Blake Walker (196-G/F-82) 21 points, Paul Stoll (178-G-85) 18 points and 8 steals, Jose Juan Bravo (200-C-80) 13 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks and 4 steals, Andrew Feeley (206-F/C-83) 6 points and 10 rebounds, Elvis Baez (189-PG-89) 6 points and 5 steals, Marlon Patino (204-F/C-80) 6 points, Jorge Leon (186-PG-79) 3 points, Jader Fernandez (197-F-82) 2 points, Jorge Diaz (195-F-77) 1 point, Daniel Macuare (190-F-84) 0 points, Randy Vasquez (190-G-78) 0 points, Jose Ramos (198-F-71) 0 points

MARINOS DE ANZOATEGUI 96 - TOROS DE ARAGUA 78
Luis Ramos Arena - Puerto La Cruz, Anzoategui

Quarter by quarter
MAR: 14-26-25-31= 96
TOR: 15-13-24-26= 78

Scorers
MAR: Axiers Sucre (198-F-78) 16 points, Maurice Carter (183-G-83) 15 points and 5 assists, Oscar Torres (195-F/G-76) 12 points, Jeremis Smith (203-F-86) 12 points, Mauricio Aguiar (197-F-83) 9 points, Leonardo Cappare (186-G-80) 9 points, Jose Manuel Briceno (203-C/F-79) 7 points, Gregory Vargas (182-PG-86) 6 points, 7 assists, 8 steals, Carlos Morris (194-G-76) 6 points, Diego Guevara (184-G-77) 2 points, Luis Julio (202-F-80) 2 points, Jose Manaure 0 points
TOR: Alejandro Otaiza (190-F-76) 16 points, Amber Marin (208-C-81) 10 points, Alejandro Flores (202-F-81) 8 points and 9 rebounds, Jhon Romero (199-F-85) 8 points, Jamahr Warren (194-G/F-79) 7 points, David Cedeno (190-G-83) 7 points, Roberto Basanta (192-F-82) 7 points, Ernesto Mijares (190-PG-76) 5 points, Cheyenne Moore (198-G-84) 4 points, Jose Silvera (183-PG-92) 3 points, Peter Kvietek (205-C-77) 2 points, Rodrigo Rodriguez (198-F-80) 1 point

GUAIQUERIES DE MARGARITA 92 - TROTAMUNDOS DE CARABOBO 86
Ciudad de La Asuncion Arena - La Asuncion, Nueva Esparta

Quarter by quarter
GUAI: 26-22-21-23= 92
TRO: 19-21-22-24= 86

Scorers
GUAI: Evan Brock (204-F-84) 34 points and 7 rebounds, Tulio Cobos (196-F-86) 10 points, Gregory Grays (185-G-79) 9 points, Rogers Washington (198-F-77) 8 points, Carlos Cedeno (193-G/F-85) 8 points and 5 assists, Francisco Sanabria (190-G-77) 8 points, Cesar Silva (187-G-81) 7 points, Pablo Machado (207-C-77) 6 points, Edgar Arteaga (200-F-80) 2 points, Douglas Chiquito (193-G-86) 0 points, Carlos Rodriguez 0 points, Jorge Rondon (193-G/F-90) 0 points
TRO: Robert Glenn (201-F/C-89) 15 points and 9 rebounds, Troy DeVries (193-G-82) 15 points, David Cubillan (183-PG-87) 14 points, Rafael Perez (193-G/F-82) 13 points, Jose Vargas (196-G/F-82) 10 points, Yorbis Umbria (203-F-85) 6 points, Charles Bailey (203-F-82) 6 points, Miguel Marriaga (208-C-84) 3 points, Tomas Aguilera (198-F-77) 2 points, Pedro Brito (204-F/C-82) 2 points, Alexander Morillo (180-G-92) 0 points

LPB 2011 - Week 4 (Mar. 18th): Home teams enjoyed easy victories - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Cocodrilos de Caracas, Marinos de Anzoategui, Guaiqueries de Margarita, Gigantes de Guayana and Gaiteros del Zulia enjoyed easy victories as hosts of Bucaneros de La Guaira, Guaros de Lara, Toros de Aragua, Trotamundos de Carabobo and Panteras de Miranda.

COCODRILOS DE CARACAS 100 - BUCANEROS DE LA GUAIRA 79
Naciones Unidas Park - Caracas, D.C.

Quarter by quarter
COC: 22-26-23-29= 100
BUC: 13-20-27-19= 79

Scorers
COC: Carl Elliott (193-G-83) 20 points, Juan Herrera (197-F-81) 17 points, Tayron Thomas (191-PG-84) 14 points, Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81) 11 points and 7 rebounds, Windi Graterol (204-C-86) 11 points, Luis Bethelmy (200-C-86) 9 points, Jesus Centeno (190-G-85) 8 points, Keving Palacios (203-F/C-84) 5 points, Henry Paez (184-PG-70) 3 points, Kenji Urdaneta (188-G-85) 2 points, Derson Santos (197-F-84) 0 points, Robert Palacios (185-PG) 0 points
BUC: Rafael Guevara (194-F-79) 23 points, Heissler Guillent (186-G-86) 13 points, Richard Lugo (209-C-73) 10 points, Kevin Young (206-C-84) 7 points and 7 rebounds, Brandon Dagans (185-G-87) 7 points, Hernan Salcedo (198-F-80) 6 points, Alejandro Barrios (205-C-79) 5 points and 10 rebounds, Kevin Thomas (193-G-82) 5 points, Elder Gimenez (186-G-91) 3 points, Oswaldo Gonzalez (203-F/C-79) 0 points, Samuel Marseille (193-G-91) 0 points, Yonaiker Ecker (179-PG-90) 0 points

GIGANTES DE GUAYANA 97 - TROTAMUNDOS DE CARABOBO 88
Hermanas Gonzalez Arena - Puerto Ordaz, Bolivar

Quarter by quarter
GIG: 17-18-31-31= 97
TRO: 17-26-23-22= 88

Scorers
GIG: Blake Walker (196-G/F-82) 33 points and 6 steals, Andrew Feeley (206-F/C-83) 17 points, 4 blocks and 5 steals, Jose Juan Bravo (200-C-80) 12 points, 7 rebounds and 5 steals, Jorge Diaz (195-F-77) 8 points, Elvis Baez (189-PG-89) 8 points, Paul Stoll (178-G-85) 6 points and 6 assists, Jorge Leon (186-PG-79) 6 points, Marlon Patino (204-F/C-80) 5 points, Daniel Macuare (190-F-84) 2 points, Jader Fernandez (197-F-82) 0 points, Randy Vasquez (190-G-78) 0 points, Jose Ramos (198-F-71) 0 points
TRO: Robert Glenn (201-F/C-89) 27 points, Miguel Marriaga (208-C-84) 17 points, David Cubillan (183-PG-87) 13 points, Jose Vargas (196-G/F-82) 13 points and 7 rebounds, Charles Bailey (203-F-82) 7 points, Troy DeVries (193-G-82) 5 points, Alexander Morillo (180-G-92) 3 points, Tomas Aguilera (198-F-77) 2 points, Rafael Perez (193-G/F-82) 1 point, Yorbis Umbria (203-F-85) 0 points, Pedro Brito (204-F/C-82) 0 points

MARINOS DE ANZOATEGUI 81 - GUAROS DE LARA 70
Luis Ramos Arena - Puerto La Cruz, Anzoategui

Quarter by quarter
MAR: 19-25-14-23= 81
GUA: 14-20-16-20= 70

Scorers
MAR: Oscar Torres (195-F/G-76) 19 points, Axiers Sucre (198-F-78) 12 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists, Jeremis Smith (203-F-86) 11 points, Carlos Morris (194-G-76) 8 points, Diego Guevara (184-G-77) 7 points, Luis Julio (202-F-80) 7 points, Maurice Carter (183-G-83) 6 points, Gregory Vargas (182-PG-86) 6 points, Jose Manuel Briceno (203-C/F-79) 3 points, Leonardo Cappare (186-G-80) 2 points, Mauricio Aguiar (197-F-83) 0 points, Jose Manaure 0 points
GUA: Cedric McGowan (198-F-85) 15 points, John Millsap (198-F-82) 12 points, Heberth Bayona (210-C-78) 10 points, Brian Latham (184-G-83) 9 points, Antonio Torcatt (182-G-76) 8 points, Kervin Bracho (204-F/C-78) 6 points, Edgar Lugo (189-G-82) 4 points, Jose Martinez (196-F-82) 4 points, Rene Farias (188-G-86) 2 points, Leonardo Berroteran (192-F/G-81) 0 points, Sonys Reyes (181-G-86) 0 points, Graddy Osorio (193-F-87) 0 points

GUAIQUERIES DE MARGARITA 68 - TOROS DE ARAGUA 53
Ciudad de La Asuncion Arena - La Asuncion, Nueva Esparta

Quarter by quarter
GUAI: 15-11-16-26= 68
TOR: 15-10-16-12= 53

Scorers
GUAI: Edgar Arteaga (200-F-80) 13 points, Evan Brock (204-F-84) 11 points, Rogers Washington (198-F-77) 11 points and 5 steals, Tulio Cobos (196-F-86) 8 points and 12 rebounds, Cesar Silva (187-G-81) 8 points and 4 steals, Carlos Cedeno (193-G/F-85) 8 points and 7 assists, Francisco Sanabria (190-G-77) 5 points, Gregory Grays (185-G-79) 4 points, Douglas Chiquito (193-G-86) 0 points, Carlos Rodriguez 0 points, Jorge Rondon (193-G/F-90) 0 points
TOR: Alejandro Flores (202-F-81) 17 points and 15 rebounds, Jamahr Warren (194-G/F-79) 15 points, Ernesto Mijares (190-PG-76) 10 points, Jesus Urbina (201-F-84) 5 points, Cheyenne Moore (198-G-84) 3 points, Jhon Romero (199-F-85) 3 points, Alejandro Otaiza (190-F-76) 0 points, Amber Marin (208-C-81) 0 points, Roberto Basanta (192-F-82) 0 points, Jose Silvera (183-PG-92) 0 points, Peter Kvietek (205-C-77) 0 points, Rodrigo Rodriguez (198-F-80) 0 points

GAITEROS DEL ZULIA 85 - PANTERAS DE MIRANDA 68
Jose Maria Vargas Dome - La Guaira, Vargas

Quarter by quarter
GAI: 25-17-19-24= 85
PAN: 19-12-14-23= 68

Scorers
GAI: Ruben Nembhard (191-G-72) 21 points and 9 assists, Dominic Calegari (208-F) 18 points, Jamaal Thomas (202-F-80) 14 points, Kervis Ramirez (190-PG-78) 9 points, Omar Mejias (175-PG-80) 8 points, Francisco Centeno (201-G/F-85) 7 points, Enielsen Guevara (204-F/C-82) 6 points, Juan Carlos Rodriguez (206-C-89) (193-G-78) 2 points, Jhoyfer Diaz (196-F-87) 0 points, Morris Sierralta (190-G/F-87) 0 points, Pedro Cubillan (187-G-82) 0 points, Jaime Finol (195-F-87) 0 points
PAN: DeAndre Coleman (201-F-86) 23 points and 8 rebounds, Albert Jackson (211-F/C-88) 18 points, Darwin Jaramillo (192-F-86) 13 points, Michael Flores (192-G-85) 11 points, Victor David Diaz (195-F-68) 11 points, Kojo Mensah (185-PG-85) 7 points and 6 assists, Roque Osorio (206-C-76) 4 points, Gustavo Montoya (197-F-86) 0 points, Edgar Sifontes (185-F-85) 0 points, Rosmel Blanco (205-C-76) 0 points, Richard Mejias (187-G-78) 0 points, Elvis Burguillos (194-G/F-82) 0 points

LEB 2011 - Week 2 (Mar. 15th and 16th): Guardianes split against Dragones and Furreros - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Guardianes de Lara (Guaros) were defeated by Dragones de Carabobo (Trotamundos), 64-57, in a game played at the Forum of Valencia, but in the next day they picked themselves up with a home win over Furreros de Cojedes (Gaiteros), 84-74, at Domo Bolivariano in Barquisimeto.

In the triumph over Furreros, Freddy Toro (201-F-88) completed a double-double of 21 points and 10 rebounds and got help from Edgar Heredia with 19 points and Josmar Acevedo (196-F-90) with 14 points and 9 rebounds.

For Cojedes, Jose Diaz netted 22 points and Lenin Lopez (198-F-91) finished up with 12. Moises Teixeira added 10.

LPB 2011 News - Nestor Salazar gets 475th win, becomes all-time leader in Venezuela - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Nestor Salazar became the all-time leader in wins among coaches in Venezuela, as he won his 475th match while coaching Cocodrilos de Caracas in a game against Panteras de Miranda. Salazar was interviewed by the press manager of LPB.

LPB: After getting your 475th victory as a coach, what did you feel like the next day as a human being, as a father and regular person?
NS: 'I was very happy surrounded by my family, because they're very important for me in everything that I've ever achieved. We saw the video of the game and one doesn't feel complete yet, because basketball is about working day in and day out. Therefore, what one can do is be prepared to keep going. I have a personal goal and i is to coach until I'm 60 years old if God gives me health'.

LPB: Talking about goals, could you describe each one of those goals that you feel you still got to achieve in LPB?
NS: 'In basketball, there are always things to achieve. For example, only one coach has won two LPB championships in a row in this league and that's something I'd like to achieve. I'm in an important organization such as Cocodrilos de Caracas and good things are being done. I hope I can stay attached to this franchise. In sports, things tend to change quickly and while I have the support of my family, I hope I can coach till I'm 60'.

LPB: Does it mean anything special to you to have won your 475th game as the coach of Cocodrilos?
NS: 'I'm very happy about it. My first victory was a coach was at Jose Joaquin Carrillo Arena against Trotamundos coaching Panteras and now I won my 475th at the same place but coaching Cocodrilos against Panteras. Besides, I also won my 200th working for Cocodrilos. Here I feel at home and I've always gotten lots of support from the general management. I've never been said no to anything and there's an excellent relationship with the owners, management, players and coaching staff. That's been the key to all the success'


LEB 2011 - Week 2 (Mar. 18th): Acereros routed TNT Anzoategui - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Acereros de Guayana (Gigantes) routed TNT Anzoategui (Marinos) 91-69 at Hermanas Gonzalez Arena of Puerto Ordaz, in more action of the regular season schedule of Liga Especial de Baloncesto (LEB), playing its second edition in a U23 format.

Jose Brito (194-F-90) netted 16 points, Albert Arias (89) added 15, Harold Cazorla (175-PG-91) finished up with 14, Luis Almanzar with 12 and Jesus Brito (194-F-90) with 7 for Acereros. For TNT, the best scorers were Jorge Prada (182-G-90) with 14 points and Jean Pierre (205-F/C-91) with 10.

Saurios win
Saurios de Caracas defeated Estrellas de Caracas at Naciones Unidas Park, 86-74. Cesar Garcia (175-G-89) netted 30 points, Yochuar Palacios added 13 and Leandro Salazar finished up with 9. For Estrellas, Deyluis Herrera ended up with 17 and Eduardo Rios added 13.



Gaiteros del Zulia pays FIBA through LPB, signs Pedro Cubillan - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Gaiteros del Zulia has agreed to terms with LPB executives and owners to get the money needed to pay Christopher Jeffries (199-F-80) and his agent, who filed a claim due to unpaid salaries and contract violantions dating back to the 2008 and 2009 seasons. Therefore, the FIBA ban that had disabled Gaiteros's rights to add new players to their roster, is no longer in effect.

Orlando Estrada, general manager of Gaiteros, made the announcement through a press release. Meanwhile, the team added veteran Pedro Cubillan (187-G-82) to the active roster after weeks of negotiations.




Guillermo Vecchio takes command of Bucaneros, replaces Carlos Gil - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Argentinian coach Guillermo Vecchio , former head coach of Guaros de Lara in LPB 2010, became the new head coach of Bucaneros de La Guaira as the replacement of Carlos Gil , who quit his position last week.

Vecchio will maintain Daniel Centeno as assistant coach. He was working in Bahrain at the moment that he was contacted, but the league had been suspended due to the massive protests all around the country.



LPB 2011 - Week 4 (Mar. 19th): Weekend sweeps for hosts - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Host teams Cocodrilos de Caracas, Marinos de Anzoategui, Guaiqueries de Margarita, Gigantes de Guayana and Gaiteros del Zulia completed sweeps over Bucaneros de La Guaira, Guaros de Lara, Toros de Aragua, Trotamundos de Carabobo and Panteras de Miranda to end Week 4 in LPB 2011.

COCODRILOS DE CARACAS 100 - BUCANEROS DE LA GUAIRA 79
Naciones Unidas Park - Caracas, D.C.

Quarter by quarter
COC: 23-17-28-28= 96
BUC: 18-24-26-22= 90

Scorers
COC: Carl Elliott (193-G-83) 27 points, 8 rebounds and 4 steals, Luis Bethelmy (200-C-86) 22 points, Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81) 20 points and 14 rebounds, Juan Herrera (197-F-81) 12 points, Jesus Centeno (190-G-85) 8 points, Windi Graterol (204-C-86) 4 points, Tayron Thomas (191-PG-84) 2 points, Kenji Urdaneta (188-G-85) 1 point, Keving Palacios (203-F/C-84) 0 points, Henry Paez (184-PG-70) 0 points, Derson Santos (197-F-84) 0 points, Robert Palacios (185-PG) 0 points
BUC: Heissler Guillent (186-G-86) 20 points, Hernan Salcedo (198-F-80) 15 points and 8 rebounds, Kevin Young (206-C-84) 14 points and 7 rebounds, Richard Lugo (209-C-73) 10 points and 10 rebounds, Alejandro Barrios (205-C-79) 10 points, Rafael Guevara (194-F-79) 7 points, Kevin Thomas (193-G-82) 7 points, Brandon Dagans (185-G-87) 5 points, Yonaiker Ecker (179-PG-90) 2 points, Elder Gimenez (186-G-91) 0 points, Oswaldo Gonzalez (203-F/C-79) 0 points, Samuel Marseille (193-G-91) 0 points

GIGANTES DE GUAYANA 91 - TROTAMUNDOS DE CARABOBO 79
Hermanas Gonzalez Arena - Puerto Ordaz, Bolivar

Quarter by quarter
GIG: 14-31-19-27= 91
TRO: 26-16-23-14= 79

Scorers
GIG: Blake Walker (196-G/F-82) 26 points, Paul Stoll (178-G-85) 12 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists, Jose Juan Bravo (200-C-80) 12 points, Andrew Feeley (206-F/C-83) 11 points and 7 rebounds, Jorge Leon (186-PG-79) 10 points, Jorge Diaz (195-F-77) 7 points, Elvis Baez (189-PG-89) 6 points, Daniel Macuare (190-F-84) 5 points, Marlon Patino (204-F/C-80) 2 points, Jader Fernandez (197-F-82) 0 points, Randy Vasquez (190-G-78) 0 points, Derwin Ramirez (191-F-82) 0 points
TRO: David Cubillan (183-PG-87) 26 points and 7 assists, Robert Glenn (201-F/C-89) 24 points, Charles Bailey (203-F-82) 12 points, Jose Vargas (196-G/F-82) 9 points, Tomas Aguilera (198-F-77) 4 points, 8 rebounds and 4 steals, Miguel Marriaga (208-C-84) 2 points, Troy DeVries (193-G-82) 2 points, Alexander Morillo (180-G-92) 0 points, Rafael Perez (193-G/F-82) 0 points, Yorbis Umbria (203-F-85) 0 points, Pedro Brito (204-F/C-82) 0 points

MARINOS DE ANZOATEGUI 67 - GUAROS DE LARA 66
Luis Ramos Arena - Puerto La Cruz, Anzoategui

Quarter by quarter
MAR: 20-14-14-19= 67
GUA: 27-14-19-6= 66

Scorers
MAR: Axiers Sucre (198-F-78) 15 points, Maurice Carter (183-G-83) 10 points, Mauricio Aguiar (197-F-83) 7 points, Gregory Vargas (182-PG-86) 6 points, 6 assists and 5 steals, Jose Manuel Briceno (203-C/F-79) 6 points, Carlos Morris (194-G-76) 5 points, Diego Guevara (184-G-77) 5 points, Luis Julio (202-F-80) 5 points, Oscar Torres (195-F/G-76) 4 points and 7 rebounds, Jeremis Smith (203-F-86) 4 points, Leonardo Cappare (186-G-80) 0 points, Jose Manaure 0 points
GUA: John Millsap (198-F-82) 24 points, Cedric McGowan (198-F-85) 17 points, Heberth Bayona (210-C-78) 11 points, Leonardo Berroteran (192-F/G-81) 8 points, Brian Latham (184-G-83) 4 points, Kervin Bracho (204-F/C-78) 2 points, Antonio Torcatt (182-G-76) 0 points, Edgar Lugo (189-G-82) 0 points, Jose Martinez (196-F-82) 0 points, Rene Farias (188-G-86) 0 points, Sonys Reyes (181-G-86) 0 points, Graddy Osorio (193-F-87) 0 points

GUAIQUERIES DE MARGARITA 86 - TOROS DE ARAGUA 73
Ciudad de La Asuncion Arena - La Asuncion, Nueva Esparta

Quarter by quarter
GUAI: 20-22-20-24= 86
TOR: 20-13-20-20= 73

Scorers
GUAI: Evan Brock (204-F-84) 17 points, Edgar Arteaga (200-F-80) 13 points, Cesar Silva (187-G-81) 13 points,