EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 5/30/2011

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Men News

*****************************************************
  AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   


DStv PBL Final-8: NBBF grant Lagos hosting right - by
The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has awarded the hostting of the 2010/2011 post season playoffs to the Lagos bidding teams.

The Lagos bid is said to be unique as it will be the first time since the coming of the premier league that more than one team will bid to stage the playoffs tagged The Fibal-8 playoffs.

NBBF president, Tijjani Umar says Lagos was awarded the hosting right after a careful study of the bid documents submitted by all the bidders and that of Lagos meet the requirement of the federation.

He challenge the Lagos-teams to match their words with actions as the final-8 playoffs is the climax of the DStv Premier Basketball League and must surpass or equal what was witnessed at the 2009/2010 finals in Port Harcourt last year.

The Lagos bidding team gave assurance that the 2010/2011 playoffs will be the best ever.

Bid spokesman, Ayo Bakare of Comets basketball club and logistics officer Rotimi Savage of Union Bank basketball club says they are on top of the bid and will not disappoint the federation and basketball fans when the playoffs dunk-off on June 20 through the buzzer on June 27.

Eight clubs are already waiting to sweat it out for the title with defending champion Kano Pillars basketball club leading the challenge from the Savannah conference and the only team that did not drop any game all through the regular season of the 2010/2011 campaign.

Other teams in the race for the diadem include Kada Stars basketball club of Kaduna, Yelwa Hawks and Bauchi Nets basketball clubs of Bauchi, leading the challenge from the Atlantic conference is 2009/2010 third place finisher, Union Bank basketball club of Lagos last season runner-up Royal Hoopers basketball club of Port Harcourt former league champion Comets basketball club who is staging a come back to the post season after winning the league shield in 2003 and 2006 Africa Champions Cup third place side, Dodan Warriors basketball club of Lagos.

The eight teams will be divided into two groups with one of the host side Union Bank basketball club and defending champion and Savannah conference leader being seeded.


DStv PBL Final-8: NBBF grant Lagos hosting right - by Olusegun Ikuesan
The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has awarded the hostting of the 2010/2011 post season playoffs to the Lagos bidding teams.

The Lagos bid is said to be unique as it will be the first time since the coming of the premier league that more than one team will bid to stage the playoffs tagged The Fibal-8 playoffs.

NBBF president, Tijjani Umar says Lagos was awarded the hosting right after a careful study of the bid documents submitted by all the bidders and that of Lagos meet the requirement of the federation.

He challenge the Lagos-teams to match their words with actions as the final-8 playoffs is the climax of the DStv Premier Basketball League and must surpass or equal what was witnessed at the 2009/2010 finals in Port Harcourt last year.

The Lagos bidding team gave assurance that the 2010/2011 playoffs will be the best ever.

Bid spokesman, Ayo Bakare of Comets basketball club and logistics officer Rotimi Savage of Union Bank basketball club says they are on top of the bid and will not disappoint the federation and basketball fans when the playoffs dunk-off on June 20 through the buzzer on June 27.

Eight clubs are already waiting to sweat it out for the title with defending champion Kano Pillars basketball club leading the challenge from the Savannah conference and the only team that did not drop any game all through the regular season of the 2010/2011 campaign.

Other teams in the race for the diadem include Kada Stars basketball club of Kaduna, Yelwa Hawks and Bauchi Nets basketball clubs of Bauchi, leading the challenge from the Atlantic conference is 2009/2010 third place finisher, Union Bank basketball club of Lagos last season runner-up Royal Hoopers basketball club of Port Harcourt former league champion Comets basketball club who is staging a come back to the post season after winning the league shield in 2003 and 2006 Africa Champions Cup third place side, Dodan Warriors basketball club of Lagos.

The eight teams will be divided into two groups with one of the host side Union Bank basketball club and defending champion and Savannah conference leader being seeded.


*****************************************************
  ASIAN CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Mahram and Smart Gilas record second straight wins - by Eurobasket News
Group A
KL Dragons - Smart Gilas 64-95
Smart Gilas rallied to the second straight win at the Asia Club Championship. The hosts knocked down KL Dragons tonight to improve at 2-0 record on top of preliminary Group A. Christopher Tiu John (178-PG-85) stepped up with 11 points to pace Smart Gilas. Smart Gilas opened the game with a stunning 10:0 run. KL Dragons gradually recovered but still faced a 5-point deficit after ten minutes 15:20. KL Dragons seemed to have found their rhythm as they capped the half with an 8:2 run to take a 40:39 lead. Smart Gilas bounced back in style. They ignited a 26:7 surge late in the third term to gain a comfortable 65:49 advantage. The hosts quickly boosted the gap to 25 points in the final quarter and never looked back en route to the victory. Mark Barroca (198-F/C-88), Joseph Evans Casio (177-PG-86), Dondon Hontiveros (188-G-77) and Christopher Lutz Ryan (191-G-85, college: Marshall) produced 10 points each for the winners. Chris Ayer (208-C-83, college: Loyola Marymount) answered with 31 points and 13 rebounds for KL Dragons. Marcus Morrison (198-G/F-84, agency: 011 Sports, college: Middle Tenn.St.) accounted for 15 points in the loss.

Duhok - Al Ittihad 75-83
Vladislav Dragajlovic (207-C-79, agency: Beo Basket) stepped up with 27 points and 15 rebounds to lead Ittihad to the initial win at the Asia Club Championship. They outscored Duhok of Iraq in preliminary Group A. The teams exchanged baskets throughout the opening frame. Ittihad entered the second term up by a single point 21:20. Vladislav Dragajlovic gave Ittihad a 37:28 lead midway through the second term but Duhok found the answer. They went on a 9:0 run to level things up at 37 at the interval. Chester Giles (211-F/C-85, college: Oregon St.) put Duhok in front early in the third quarter but Ittihad regained the advantage and registered a 57:50 lead at the final intermission. Ittihad cleared off to double-digit lead early in the fourth quarter but Chudney Gray dragged Duhok within 6 with under three minutes to go. Jaber Kabe (182-G-85) knocked down important four points for Ittihad and the Saudi Arabia team did not look back en route to the win afterwards. Adil Aljuhani knocked down 21 points, grabbed 6 boards and dished out 4 assists for Ittihad. Jaber Kabe accounted for 10 points in the win. Chudney Gray (188-G-78, agency: Promotex, college: St.John's) answered with 22 points and 8 rebounds for Duhok. Chester Giles provided 16 points and 14 boards in defeat.

Group B
Al Rayyan - Jalaa 90-67
Rayyan celebrated the first win at the Asia Club Championship in Philippines. They toppled Jalaa in the opener. Jalaa in the meantime suffered the second straight loss at the tournament. Chauncey Leslie (183-G-81, agency: TSS Management, college: Iowa) netted 30 points to lead the effort. The Qatari team looked the better side in the opening frame. They established a 17:11 advantage midway through the quarter. Rayyan ensured a 20:14 lead after ten minutes. Yasseen Musa (204-F-80) helped Rayyan boost the gap to 15 points midway through the second term. The Qatari side arrived at the main break up by 15 points 47:32. Rayyan tipped off the third quarter with a 19:0 run and eased to a 74:51 lead with one quarter remaining. Jalaa found no proper answer for the onslaught and had to surrender at the end. Yasseen Musa provided 21 points, while Targuy Ngombo (198-F-89, agency: Court Side) had 17 points and 17 rebounds for the winners. Sari Papazian (194-G/F-82) notched 20 points for Jalaa. Ahmad Ishak (194-F-86) accounted for 11 points in defeat.

Mahram - Al Shabab 90-73
Two-time defending champions Mahram celebrated the second straight win at the Asia Club Championship. They held off Shabab to improve at 2-0 record in Group B. Chris Williams (199-F/G-80, college: Virginia) had another big game scoring 31 points and pulling down 8 rebounds in the victory. Mahram led 17:11 midway through the opening frame but Shabab erased the deficit and posted a 24:23 advantage at the final intermission. Courtney Fields (206-F-82, college: Iona) and Ali Al Hattawi made it 36:28 for Shabab midway through the second term. But Oshin Sahakian helped Mahram to a 45:41 lead after twenty minutes of action. Cheikh Samb (215-C-84) ensured a 61:50 lead for the Iranian team in the third term. Shabab reacted with a strong run late in the period and cut the deficit at just two points 62:64 entering the final frame. Mahram struck right back at the start of the final period. They increased the tempo and quickly enlarged the gap to 10 points. Shabab could not recover in the dying stages of the encounter as Mahram sealed the victory at the end. Cheikh Samb notched 24 points and 7 rebounds for the Iranian team. Samad Nikkhah (198-G/F-83, agency: SportsList Inc.) nailed 16 points in the winning effort. Courtney Fields answered with 20 points and 7 rebounds for Shabab. Rashed Al Zaabi (180-G-88) netted 17 points in the loss.



Standings
Asian Club Championships Standings
Group A
 1. Smart Gilas 2-0 
 2. ASU 1-0 
 3. Al Ittihad 1-1 
 4. KL Dragons 0-1 
 5. Duhok 0-2 
Group B
 1. Mahram 2-0 
 2. Al Rayyan 1-0 
 3. Al Riyadi 1-0 
 4. Al Shabab 0-2 
 5. Jalaa 0-2 


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Chris WILLIAMS
  USA
  (199-F/G-80)
  Avg: 32.5
 1. Williams, Mahram32.5 
 2. Ayer, KL Dragons31.0 
 3. Leslie, Al Rayyan30.0 
 4. Fields, Al Shabab29.5 
 5. Khatib, Al Riyadi29.0 
 6. Watkins, ASU25.0 
 7. Abed El Nour, Al R.24.0 
 8. Dragajlovic, Al It.22.5 
 9. Musa, Al Rayyan21.0 
 10. Gray, Duhok19.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Targuy NGOMBO
  CGO
  (198-F-89)
  Avg: 17
 1. Ngombo, Al Rayyan17.0 
 2. Watkins, ASU17.0 
 3. Giles, Duhok14.0 
 4. Ayer, KL Dragons13.0 
 5. Douthit, Smart Gil.10.5 
 6. Dragajlovic, Al It.10.0 
 7. Hadrab, ASU10.0 
 8. Taulava, Smart Gil.9.5 
 9. Abbaas, ASU9.0 
 10. Woods, Al Riyadi8.0 
Assists Per Game
 Ahmad ISMAIL
  EGY
  (201-F-76)
  Avg: 9
 1. Ismail, Al Riyadi9.0 
 2. Al-Doori, Duhok6.0 
 3. Casio, Smart Gilas6.0 
 4. Tiu John, Smart G.5.5 
 5. Kabe, Al Ittihad5.0 
 6. Akl, Al Riyadi5.0 
 7. Hajji, Al Shabab5.0 
 8. Keelly, Al Ittihad5.0 
 9. Kamrani, Mahram4.5 
 10. Nikkhah, Mahram4.5 
Steals Per Game
 Hamed AFAGH
  (190-G-83)
  Avg: 3
 1. Afagh, Mahram3.0 
 2. Al-Doori, Duhok2.0 
 3. Kwan, KL Dragons2.0 
 4. Davari, Mahram2.0 
 5. Giles, Duhok2.0 
 6. Fields, Al Shabab1.5 
 7. Williams, Mahram1.5 
 8. Douthit, Smart Gil.1.5 
 9. Abbaas, ASU1.0 
 10. El Turk, Al Riyadi1.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Cheikh SAMB
  SEN
  (215-C-84)
  Avg: 4
 1. Samb, Mahram4.0 
 2. Ayer, KL Dragons3.0 
 3. Rouzbahani, Mahram2.0 
 4. Aguilar, Smart Gil.2.0 
 5. Yaqqub, Jalaa1.5 
 6. Giles, Duhok1.0 
 7. Kwan, KL Dragons1.0 
 8. Walker, Jalaa1.0 
 9. Morrison, KL Dr.1.0 
 10. Alhosawi, Al Itti.1.0 


*****************************************************
  BAHRAIN   


Standings
Premier League Stage three Standings
 1. Muharraq 3-0 
 2. Al Manama 3-0 
 3. Al Hala 1-2 
 4. Al Ahli 1-2 
 5. Issa Town 1-2 
 6. Al Ittihad 0-0 
 7. Sitra 0-0 
 8. Nuwaidrat 0-3 
Stage One Standings


Muharraq enter semis - by Yousef Ahmed

MUHARRAQ secured their berth in the Golden Square semi-finals of the Zain Bahrain Basketball League following a hard-earned 87-80 victory over Al Hala last night at Zain Arena in Um Al Hassam.

Essa Ebrahim (192-C-81) fuelled a decisive 17-4 run that turned a narrow 65-64 lead midway through the final quarter to a commanding 82-68 advantage with under two minutes to go.

The burly Bahraini forward scored 11 of his 17 points during that spurt. Ebrahim also had eight rebounds in the game and was a key presence in the post.

Sharp-shooting guard Mohammed Abdulmajeed led all Muharraq scorers with 26 points, which included an impressive seven three-pointers. American professional Ira Clark (203-C/F-75, college: Texas) chipped in with 23 and 10 rebounds, while Jassim Mohammed added 16.

The win was Muharraq's third in a row in the six-team league play-offs, which is being played in a single round-robin. They join bitter rivals Manama as early entrants into the final four, as both still have two games to play.

'It's good that we were able to do our job quickly and earn a berth in the Golden Square from our first three games; that's what we were planning for all along,' Muharraq head coach Walter Carvalho from Brazil told the GDN.

'As for tonight's game, we did not play all that well, but we did manage to do some good things in certain stretches. We tightened our defence in the fourth quarter and improved our shot selection then, but I know that we can play much better than we did tonight and we're going to have to work on that before the semi-finals.'

Muharraq's final two play-off fixtures are against bitter rivals Manama and two-time defending champions Al Ahli. Both are to be played within this week and they should decide the pairings for the final four.

'Even if we're already qualified, our last two games still mean something to us. We want to win each time we step onto this court, and we will be looking to do that all the way to the very end.'

Behind strong play from Abdulmajeed and Clark, Muharraq took a 20-16 lead at the end of the first quarter and extended it to a 42-34 advantage at the break.

Hala battled back in the third and made it a one-possession game, 49-47, on a free-throw by US import Patrick Simpson (206-F-83, college: SMU).

And after Mohammed buried a trey to extend Muharraq's lead to five, Hala scored six unanswered to take a 53-52 lead late in the period.

Muharraq, however, regained the advantage and moved ahead 61-56 heading into the final canto. Eight straight points from Abdulmajeed, including back-to-back treys to end the third and begin the fourth, gave his team a 64-56 lead, but Hala would then go on their own 8-0 run to get within a point, 65-64.

That set the stage for the game-changing 17-4 charge spearheaded by Ebrahim, and Muharraq closed it out from there.

Simpson finished with a game-high 27 points, but it was not enough to save Hala from their second defeat in three contests. Ahmed Ali added 16, while Abbas Jawadi and Ahmed Malallah finished with 12 apiece.

Despite their loss, Hala still remained in contention for a semi-final berth.

League play-off action continues on Tuesday when Muharraq take on Manama in a mouth-watering battle of unbeaten sides.

Source GDN
BY PATRICK SALOMON , Posted on Sunday, May 29, 2011




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  BULGARIA   


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Aaron HARPER
  Levski
  (199-G/F-81)
  Avg: 23.6
 1. Harper, Levski23.6 
 2. Lilov, Rilski S.20.1 
 3. Dimitrov, Spartak19.2 
 4. Naydenov, Chernom.16.8 
 5. Davidov, Balkan15.7 
 6. Bozov, Balkan15.5 
 7. Govedarov, Tundja15.2 
 8. Yanev, Cherno More14.6 
 9. James, Lukoil A.13.9 
 10. Stankov, Spartak13.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Nikolay VARBANOV
  Tundja
  (209-C-85)
  Avg: 10.5
 1. Varbanov, Tundja10.5 
 2. Yanev, Cherno More8.6 
 3. Todorov, Spartak7.4 
 4. Peterson, Lukoil A.7.0 
 5. Kolev, Cherno More6.9 
 6. Georgiev, Levski6.9 
 7. Radojevic, Rilski6.8 
 8. Morton, Balkan6.5 
 9. Dimitrov, Spartak6.4 
 10. Cekovski, Levski6.1 
Assists Per Game
 Jason CROWE
  Levski
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 5.6
 1. Crowe, Levski5.6 
 2. Alexiev, Cherno M.4.5 
 3. Heath, Lukoil A.4.3 
 4. Dyakovski, Spartak4.0 
 5. James, Lukoil A.3.9 
 6. Bozov, Balkan3.8 
 7. Govedarov, Tundja3.5 
 8. Lilov, Rilski S.3.4 
 9. Avramov, Lukoil A.3.3 
 10. Gruev, Rilski S.3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Jason CROWE
  Levski
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Crowe, Levski2.4 
 2. Heath, Lukoil A.2.2 
 3. Zahariev, Chernomo.2.1 
 4. Radionov, Tundja2.0 
 5. James, Lukoil A.1.9 
 6. Bozov, Balkan1.9 
 7. Green, Lukoil A.1.7 
 8. Finzgar, Tundja1.6 
 9. Bowman, Lukoil A.1.6 
 10. Marinov, Balkan1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Krum DOYCHINOV
  Balkan
  (206-C-86)
  Avg: 1.2
 1. Doychinov, Balkan1.2 
 2. Radojevic, Rilski1.0 
 3. Varbanov, Tundja1.0 
 4. Cole, Levski0.7 
 5. Mijovic, Rilski S.0.7 
 6. Banev, Lukoil A.0.6 
 7. Iliev, Cherno More0.6 
 8. Yanev, Cherno More0.6 
 9. Neuhaus, Chernomo.0.6 
 10. Petkov, Tundja0.6 


Lukoil Academik takes 9th straight title! - by Eurobasket News
Finals Game 3: Levski - Lukoil Academik 73-88

Lukoil Academik defended the title as the team swept the Final series over Levski 3-0. The third game became decisive in the series as the favorites needed 88:73 to taste Gold again. Last year Lukoil Academic defeated Levski away 89-71 and won the Series 3-1.
Levski had nothing to lose and opened the game with 24-21 in the first period. Lukoil however won the second frame 20-13 and took 41:37 halftime advantage. Moreover the favorites looked better also in the second half. They won the third period 22-18 and added 25-18 in the last frame. More than 1200 spectators in Sofia saw the triumph of the Lukoil Academik that became the 9th in a row.
Devin Green (201-G/F-82, college: Hampton) paced all the winners with 20 points and Brandon Heath (193-G-84, college: San Diego St.) nailed 18. Todor Stoykov (198-G/F-77, agency: Interperformances) produced 16 points, while Travis Peterson (208-C-85, agency: Edge Sports, college: Samford) collected 12 points and 9 rebounds. Aaron Harper (199-G/F-81, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Mississippi) ended up with 24 points for the home side. Stefan Georgiev (206-C/F-78) had 13 points and 12 rebounds and Donald Cole (204-C-81, agency: Edge Sports, college: Sam Houston St.) notched 12.

Levski: Aaron Harper 24, Stefan Georgiev 13+12 rebs, Donald Cole 12
Lukoil Academik: Devin Green 20, Brandon Heath 18, Todor Stoykov 16, Travis Peterson 12+9 rebs



*****************************************************
  CBL   


Standings
CBL Standings
 1. Cary I. 6-0 
 2. Heartland P. 4-0 
 3. Birmingham S. 2-2 
 4. Fayetteville C. 1-1 
 5. Gainesville G. 1-3 
 6. Florida Flight 1-3 
 7. Wilmington SD 1-4 
 8. Miami Stars 0-0 
 9. Port City 0-2 


Sea Dawgs pick up first win of season - by Eurobasket News
The Wilmington Sea Dawgs earned their first win of the season Friday night in front of a loud home crowd at the Schwartz Center, 110-98 over the Birmingham Sabres.

A combination of solid defensive adjustments and balanced scoring was just what the Sea Dawgs needed to break its losing streak and slow down a very fast-paced Birmingham offense.

'This game tonight, compared to last Friday, we've improved 100 percent,' Coach Dave Kuhl said. 'We had a great week of practice, and I know this team is just going to continue to get better.'

After a relatively slow start, with the two squads missing their first 12 shots combined, the first quarter was neck-and-neck with neither team taking a lead greater than five points. There were seven lead changes in the final nine minutes. Sea Dawgs forward Mike Evanovich (6'8''-F, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Fairfield) led the team with 11 points, and hit a bucket with two seconds to play in the first to cut the Birmingham lead to 29-27.

Outside of Evanovich's 11, the Sea Dawgs displayed some extremely balanced scoring, with eight players contributing two or more points. The balanced scoring would continue all evening long, as the Sea Dawgs would finish with five players in double figures and three players with 15 or more points.

'We don't really have that one standout guy on offense,' Kuhl said. 'We have a lot of good basketball players, and when they play together like they did tonight unselfishly we're a good team offensively.'

The second quarter was still tight for the first four and a half minutes until the Sea Dawgs exploded on a 19-8 run to end the half with a 53-43 lead. During the run, the Sea Dawgs defense held the Sabres to just 2-for-14 shooting from the field and forced five turnovers.

'In the first quarter we gave up too many second-chance points and too many three-pointers,' Kuhl said. 'In between the first and second quarter, I challenged my guys. We're still too inconsistent defensively but we were able to pick it up after the first quarter.'

The Sea Dawgs would continue to roll with the momentum of their second quarter run in the second half, leading by no fewer than seven points and extending their lead to as many as 14 points. Forward James Rhodes (6'5''-G/F-79, college: Elizabeth City) became a dominant presence for the Sea Dawgs inside in the second half, scoring 17 points on 8-for-10 shooting.
By Galen Andress
Sports@StarNewsOnline.com
Courtesy of: http://www.starnewsonline.com

The Invasion Stuff the Sabers, Stay Undefeated - by Eurobasket News
In the first game of a week-end double header in downtown Cary, Charles Ward bested his 'Player of the Week' performances from last week by scoring 23 points and adding 13 rebounds in a 133 - 115 win over the Birmingham (AL) Sabers (2 - 2). The game was close early with the Invasion (6 - 0) taking a 3-point lead at the half. The Invasion scored 42 points in the 3rd quarter to build a 14-point lead heading into into the fourth. The lead swelled to as many as 20 points late in the game. Seven Invasion players scored in double figures. Larry Williams (6'2''-G-88, college: Auburn), Jr. scored 31 points in the losing effort for the visiting Sabers.
The Invasion play next at home tomorrow, Sunday, May 29th against the Wilmington Sea Dawgs for 'Volunteer Appreciation Night' at the Young Center in Cary. Tip-off is set for 5:00 with the doors opening at 4:30.
Courtesy of: http://www.oursportscentral.com

*****************************************************
  COSTA RICA   


Barva falls to Escazu ! - by Gianni Pascucci
On Saturday, May 28, Ferreteria Brenes Barva felt on the road to Escazu, 88-93, losing teh first game of this season in LBS 2011. The game was very close and batteld till the tipoff, and the final results of each quarter tell it too (25-26, 46-51 and 64-67). The difference was made by a 10 points rally from Escazu at the beginning of the last partial, and Barva players were unable to come back. With 29 points, center Gabriel Quesada (198-C-85) was the best in Escazu and also the game top scorer. Isaac St.Rose (190-G/F-83, college: John Brown) led the way in Barva with 25 pts in losing effort. Thanks to this win, Escazu jumps at the first place in the table.

*****************************************************
  FYR MACEDONIA   


Stojanovski triumphs with Lukoil - by Eurobasket News
Damjan Stojanovski (197-F-87) triumphs with Lukoil as his Bulgarian team defended the title sweeping the Final series over Levski 3-0. Gjorgi Cekovski (202-F/C-79) meanwhile finished second with Levski. The third game became decisive in the series as the favorites needed 88:73 to taste Gold again. Last year Lukoil Academic defeated Levski away 89-71 and won the Series 3-1.
Levski had nothing to lose and opened the game with 24-21 in the first period. Lukoil however won the second frame 20-13 and took 41:37 halftime advantage. Moreover the favorites looked better also in the second half. They won the third period 22-18 and added 25-18 in the last frame. More than 1200 spectators in Sofia saw the triumph of the Lukoil Academik that became the 9th in a row.
Green Devin paced all the winners with 20 points and Heath Brandon nailed 18. Stoykov Todor produced 16 points, while Peterson Travis collected 12 points and 9 rebounds. Harper Aaron ended up with 24 points for the home side. Georgiev Stefan had 13 points and 12 rebounds and Cole Donald notched 12.
Damjan Stojanovski averaged 5.3 points per game for the winners this season. In EuroChallenge his stats read 7.9 points per game.


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


Army won Super Cup - by Akaki Bakradze
Army becomes the absolute winner of the 2010-11 Georgian basketrball season To the title of Superleague's champions, Georgian Cup Winners, they added supercup. In
Super Cup, they met with the Georgian Cup finalist MIA. Army was in full roster and MIA was without Troy Cotton and Giorgi Markoishvili. Game went without surprises. Army
dominated the whole match and confidently won 79:63. From Army best player was Kote Tugushi who scored 25 points. Tugushi was named MVP of 2010-11 season.
Army: Head Coach Levan Moseshvili. Kote Tugushi (C) Givi Bakradze, Zviad Babiashvili, Anatoliy Boisa, Vakhtang Minashvili, Giorgi Pirvelashvili, Levam Moseshvili jr., Revaz
Atanelishvili, Sergo Atuashvili, Irakli Sakvarelidze, Giorgi Sharabidze, Buba Berishvili. Kote Tugushi (192-G-84)

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


Fantastic Semi-Finals need the decisive games - by Eurobasket News
Unbelievable Semi-Finals need the decisive games as Deutsche Bank Skyliners and Artland Dragons tied the series over ALBA and Brose Baskets respectively.



ALBA - Dt.Bank SKY 74-83

The guests started the game with a very strong first quarter 29-9. But ALBA Berlin won second period 24-20. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Deutsche Bank Skyliners made 19-of-23 charity shots (82.6 percent) during the game. ALBA Berlin was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. The game was dominated by American players. Worth to mention a great performance of guard DaShaun Wood (185-85, college: Wright St.) who helped to win the game recording 30 points and 7 rebounds. Forward Roger Powell (198-83, college: Illinois, agency: Interperformances) contributed with 22 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Guard Julius Jenkins (187-81, college: Georgia Southern, agency: Pro One Sports) replied with 19 points and guard Bryce Taylor (196-86, agency: Priority Sports) added 11 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for ALBA Berlin. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest.
Top scorers:
ALBA: J.Jenkins 19+3reb+2ast, B.Taylor 11+6reb+3ast, D.Allen 11+3reb, T.Rochestie 9+1reb+1ast, M.Raduljica 8+1reb+1ast, I.McElroy 8+5reb+3ast
Dt.Bank SKY: D.Wood 30+7reb+3ast, R.Powell 22+5reb+3ast, P.Roller 8+2reb+3ast, D.Bahiense de Mello 7+2reb+1ast, Q.Robertson 6+12reb+4ast, K.Muurinen 6+1reb

gschID: 128789


Art.Dragons - Brose Baskets 75-59

The game was mostly controlled by Artland Dragons. Brose Baskets managed to win second period 20-14. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. American guard Tyrese Rice (185-87, college: Boston Coll., agency: Priority Sports) fired 30 points and 5 assists for the winners. American-Jamaican guard Bryan Bailey (185-80, college: Bucknell, agency: Lanshire Group) chipped in 12 points and 4 assists. American forward Reyshawn Terry (203-84, college: N.Carolina) produced 16 points and his fellow American import power forward Kyle Hines (198-86) added 11 points and 9 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Brose Baskets: R.Terry 16+4reb, K.Hines 11+9reb, B.Roberts 9+2reb+1ast, A.Gavel 8+3reb+2ast, P.Suput 7, K.Tadda 2+1reb
Art.Dragons: T.Rice 30+1reb+5ast, B.Bailey 12+4reb+4ast, D.Fenn 12+5reb+1ast, N.Peavy 9+5reb+2ast, A.Hess 6+3reb+1ast, R.Boumtje 6+1reb+1ast
gschID: 128788




Dashaun Wood Is Back To His Old Tricks Following The Tyrese Rice Hunger For Control As The Deutsche Bank Skyliners Force Game 5 Against Alba Berlin 83-74 - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Do or die games in professional sports now a days seem to be as common as the gossip that has been surfacing about the Terminator Arnold Schwarzenegger in the last weeks concerning his leisurely activities with mistresses, NBA teams playing matador defense letting guys like Dwayne Wade or Derrick Rose get simple buckets and hope to get points back at the free throw line to finish games or Hollywood actor Charlie Sheen keeping his name fresh in the tabloids even if he is just trying to sell his Beverly Hills mansion for a cool 7,2 million. In the last days, fans saw two do or die games in the NBA playoffs as both Dallas and Miami got past Oklahoma and Chicago who had to win to elude summer vacation, in the NHL, Boston and Tampa Bay squaring off in a seventh game where Boston kept their dream alive of their first Stanley Cup win since 1970 or ex Skyliner Ilian Evtimov who got an early summer vacation as his team Chalon lost a do or die game against Asvel. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners faced the same predicament having their backs to the wall down 2-1 against 8 time beko BBL champion Alba Berlin, but had had fond memories of the O2 World arena winning a thrilling comeback win in the fourth quarter out scoring Alba Belrin 24-5 just 8 days ago in game two. Frankfurt might of had their backs to the wall, but finally played Skyliner basketball winning game 4 and forcing a game 5 this Thursday in Frankfurt dominating Alba Berlin for the most part of the game winning 83-74. Skyliner coach Gordon Herbert had been in enough do or die games in his career and knew exactly how he could prepare his players best. 'We worked hard on the mental aspect of it. We wanted to be very focused coming into the game. We did a good job coming out with a lot of energy into the game', stressed Skyliner coach Gordon Herbert. 'We had a different kind of week for this game. We focused more on the mental part than on the physical part. We did a lot of mental exercises something that I have never done before, but it was worth it and the game showed that many guys got something out of it', said Skyliner forward Kimmo Muurinen. 'It was not easy for Frankfurt to come into a game like this, but Frankfurt was prepared for the moment and there is a reason why they were the second best team in the league. Many guys stepped up like Roger Powell, Pascal Roller was strong off the bench and Tez does what he always does', added Alba Berlin forward Bryce Taylor.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners have not gotten of to fast starts in this series, but saved their best for five minutes before 12 as they came out from the start and showed Alba Berlin that they were taking over their living room this Sunday. Frankfurt got off to a quick start that carried them to the win. Except for a slight mishap in the third quarter where Alba Berlin fought back cutting the lead to one point, they never lost their composure getting the lead back and strolling home with the victory. 'There were two scenes that was key for the win. The first six minutes of the game where we finally played our game where we quickly found our rhythm and the second was after Alba Berlin went on their run, we never got depressed, but were able to extend our lead back to 12 points', expressed Skyliner sport director Kamil Novak. Alba Berlin lost their second consecutive game in this series at home and were unable to use their home court advantage as they let Frankfurt be the aggressor. 'Frankfurt hit their first shots quickly and got into the game. We let them into the game. Having intensity on defense is important, but we didnt have that today. Playoff games live with emotion. Things worked right away for Frankfurt and we had problems coming back', stressed Alba Berlin manager Mithat Demirel.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners fans expressed themselves best right before tip off unleashing a very descriptive sign 'It aint over' and Frankfurt would quickly prove that the series was long from over. The game also attracted numerous basketball players like German national players Steffan Hamann and Phillip Zwiener and the speedy Gonzalez of German basketball Achmadscah Zazai who have been working out in Berlin who are all under contract to the agency Lumani and FC Bayern Munich German Bastian Doreth and BBC Bayreuth German Stefan Schmidt were all spotted catching in the action. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners came out on a mission going on a furious 16-0 run to start the game as if their life depended on winning this single basketball game. Ex NBA player Roger Powell was on fire netting the first five Frankfurt points testing his 29% three point percentage and nailing a step up jumper over Derrick Allen. Dashaun Wood then got a heads up steal and went coast to coast for the lay up, Quantez Robertson scored inside and Dominik Bahiense De Mello tested his one on one skills against Bryce Taylor making a nifty lay up. De Mello then netted two free throws and Wood dropped a three point bomb. It seemed before Alba Berlin could even gasp for air, Frankfurt seemed to be on their way of shooting Alba Berlin out of the arena.

Alba Berlin was sleeping on defense and seemed like they had taken a nap in the sun on the Alexander Platz and seemed unsure on offense taking difficult shots. It took Alba Berlin 4.35 minutes before they got on the score board. Frankfurt got more production from Wood and Jimmy Mckinney nailed a three pointer from the wing as Frankfurt led 24-3 as everything seemed a bit too good to be true. Alba berlin got some timely hoops from Julius Jenkins and Miroslav Raduljica down the stretch and Wood seemed to have his magic early as he nailed a seemingly impossible off balance shot. Frankfurt led 29-9 after one quarter. 'Frankfurt had a great start and didnt react to what Alba Berlin did, but just took control. Powell was a big help as was Tez. The Frankfurt bench really stepped up and showed that they dont only have to rely on Wood for the scoring. They put their teeth together on defense playing very aggressive', added ex North Carolina Tar Heel Ademola Okulaja. 'Alba Berlin seemed very surprised by the aggressive Frankfurt defense. Frankfurt had a good start and showed that they wanted to win the game more early on', added BBC Bayreuth center Stefan Schmidt. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shooting 60% from the field and 50% from outside while Alba Berlin was shooting 25% from the field and 0% (0/6) from outside. Frankfurt had the huge rebound lead 11-3 and two turnovers while Alba Berlin had three turnovers.

Alba Berlin had a quick start in the second quarter surprising The Deutsche Bank Skyliners with a 6-0 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to29-15. Alba Berlin started with quick ball movement on their first possession finding the open Taylor Rochestie in the corner for three. Raduljica then scored inside on a reverse lay up. However Frankfurt didnt allow Alba Berlin to chip more at their big lead as they continued to hit their shots. De Mello and Powell nailed three pointers despite Immanuel Mcelroy and Bryce Taylor answering back with their own three pointers, but Frankfurt still had the comfortable 37-23 lead. Frankfurt continued to be the more routine team on offense going on a 7-3 run to lead 44-26. In this run, Frankfurt also disposed some dunks as Chris Moss up Quantez Robertson with a beautiful bounce pass as he flew in from the wing and Roger Powell used his strong one on one athletic moves coming around the corner and dunking with authority. Wood then hit a pull up jumper. In the last two minutes, Quantez Robertson got two consecutive steals which fueled the offense as Dashaun Wood hit a tough off balance three pointer. Bryce Taylor closed out the second quarter with a three pointer, but Frankfurt went into the break with a relaxing 49-33 lead. 'Frankfurt continued to shoot well and did a good job keeping the lead. Wood had more free space, because Frankfurt had so many weapons hitting shots like Mckinney and Powell', stated ex German national player Ademola Okulaja. 'Alba Berlin started well, but Dashaun Wood continued to be very strong', stressed Stefan Schmidt. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shooting 56% from the field and 47% from the three point line while Alba Berlin was shooting 36% from the field and 29% from the three point line. Frankfurt continued to dominate the rebounding 20-10 and both teams had five turnovers a piece.

If there is anything that any basketball amateur should learn quickly is that basketball is and will always be a game of runs. Sometimes it really seems unexplainable how a team can dominate for many minutes and the other team play as if they had just arrived form the planet Mars. In the first quarter, it had been the Deutsche Bank Skyliners doing their run and now to begin the third quarter, the rolls seemed to have been reversed as Alba Berlin erased a 49-33 deficit going on a 15-0 run as Frankfurt suddenly only led 49-48. Taylor Rochestie started the attack with a three point bomb form the wing, which was followed by a Jenkins left handed lay in and two Derrick Allen free throws as Alba Berlin trailed only 49-40. Now it was time for ex beko BBL MVP Julius Jenkins to display that he is still a dangerous scorer in bunches as he made a step up floater and three pointer. Alba Berlin had the momentum and the crowd as Bryce Taylor stole the ball from Super Tez and going in for the lay up as Frankfurt led only 49-48. Alba Berlin had stepped up their defense as Frankfurt seemed unsure and passive and had a bad shot selection. It took the team 5.25 minutes to score their first points of the third quarter after missing 7 shots in a row. Roger Powell did the honors getting an offensive rebound and getting a put back. Frankfurt held their nerves the rest of the way in the third quarter stepping up their offense again and getting a lot of support from the bench. Skyliner captain Pascal Roller nailed an open three pointer and some what weak Kimmo Murrinen in this series stepped out of his shell scoring 6 points down the stretch as Frankfurt led 65-56 after three quarters. 'We played good in the third quarter, but the come back cost us energy. Frankfurt stayed calm getting the big lead back', said Mithat Demirel. 'We came out a bit passive in the third quarter. We werent aggressive enough and knew they would go on a run. We took too many tough three pointers. It was important that we didnt fold when they cut our lead to one point. Mayn guys stepped up like Kimmo Muurinen and Pascal Roller', expressed Skyliner coach Gordon Herbert. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shooting 47% from the field and 41% from the parking lot while Alba Berlin was shooting 40% from the field and 32% from the parking lot. Frankfurt led the rebound duel 29-21, but had eight turnovers while Alba Berlin had only seven turnovers.

In the fourth quarter, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners continued to produce on offense while Alba Berlin was starting to feel the weight of their comeback in their bones. Frankfurt got much needed support from Roger Powell who scored seven points in the first few minutes showing his lethal inside out play ripping home a three pointer, making a running hook shot and a step up jumper. Pascal Roller also hit another three pointer as Frankfurt led 75-61. Alba Berlin kept fighting getting production as Derrick Allen who has showed less of his ballerina moves in this series made one of his typical lay ins getting a nice feed inside from Sven Schultze, but Alba Berlin couldnt get a streak going on defense with consecutive stops. Wood then nailed another three pointer and Jenkins scored inside, but Frankfurt still led 78-66. Frankfurt kept control of the game in the last minutes as Alba Berlin was too inconsistent. They did get some hoops from Schultze and Allen, but Frankfurt got to the free throw line being able to ice the win for the 40-50 fans that had made the trip to Berlin. 'Alba Berlin did have a strong third quarter, but we dominated the game for the most part and deserved to win. Our biggest strength today was that we never stop believing that we could win this game', added Skyliner sport director Kamil Novak. Dashaun Wood once again showed his basketball true colors. 'Frankfurt came out ferocious ready to play and defended well. Wood got going quick and got easy ones early. When his jumper is falling that it is very tough, because you cant guard him. He showed why he is MVP, because he played like one. To be honest, I kind of figured that he would score a lot since Tyrese Rice did yesterday, Wood had to follow him', added Bryce Taylor. Wood wasnt the only thorn in the side of Alba Berlin. 'Wood took 22 shots and it is obvious that he will get his points. Wood wasnt the problem, but Powell was. We should of controlled him better', added Mithat Demirel.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were led by Dashaun Wood with 30 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Roger Powell contributed 22 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Alba Berlin was led by Julius Jenkins with 19 points. Derrick Allen and Bryce Taylor contributed for 11 points a piece. So all the work and energy that has been used in the first four games now comes down to a new do or die game 5 for both teams. No team has won at home which brings back memories to the 2004 beko BBL final where Frankfurt nor Bamberg could win at home until Frankfurt did in game five. 'This has been a crazy series. The home court had no meaning in this series. We hope to change that in game five', stressed Skyliner sport director Kamil Novak. 'Our plan is to win game five. We will have to be ready to play the way we know how', warned Alba Berlin guard Taylor Rochestie. 'We have to go into game five with a lot of energy and be concentrated not for 10-15 minutes, but for 40 minutes. There isnt much tactical things you can do. Now all that counts is who wants it more', warned Mithat Demirel.


Stats Leaders - 1.Bundesliga
Points Per Game
 DaShaun WOOD
  Dt.
  (185-G-85)
  Avg: 19.2
 1. Wood, Dt.19.2 
 2. Rice, Art.Dragons17.3 
 3. Bell, Phoenix Hagen16.5 
 4. Harris, EnBW L.16.0 
 5. Ross, MBC15.9 
 6. Martin, Bremerha.15.4 
 7. Dorris, Phoenix15.3 
 8. Benzing, Ratio.15.1 
 9. Callahan, Bremerha.14.8 
 10. Bryant, Ratiopharm14.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 John BRYANT
  Ratiopharm
  (208-C-87)
  Avg: 10.9
 1. Bryant, Ratiopharm10.9 
 2. Ensminger, Teleko.8.1 
 3. Reiner, Bayreuth7.8 
 4. Watts, Walter T.7.6 
 5. Martin, Bremerha.7.1 
 6. Anderson, Goett.6.9 
 7. Burtschi, Phoenix6.9 
 8. Stevic, EWE B.6.8 
 9. Pleiss, Brose B.6.7 
 10. Ovcina, LTi 46ers6.6 
Assists Per Game
 Branislav RATKOVICA
  Walter T.
  (193-G-85)
  Avg: 7.4
 1. Ratkovica, Walter7.4 
 2. Wood, Dt.5.8 
 3. Joyce, TBB Trier5.5 
 4. Rice, Art.Dragons5.0 
 5. Brewer, Bremerha.4.7 
 6. Green, EnBW L.4.6 
 7. Jordan, MBC4.3 
 8. Hamilton, NY Phant.4.3 
 9. Goldsberry, Brose4.1 
 10. Copeland, Bremerh.4.0 
Steals Per Game
 Kevin HAMILTON
  NY Phant.
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Hamilton, NY Phant.1.9 
 2. Everett, Bremerha.1.8 
 3. Martin, Bremerha.1.7 
 4. Pryor, Phoenix1.5 
 5. Burtschi, Phoenix1.5 
 6. Bailey, Goettingen1.5 
 7. Ross, MBC1.5 
 8. Dorris, Phoenix1.4 
 9. Gill, EWE Baskets1.4 
 10. Wise, Telekom1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Ekene IBEKWE
  Art.Drag.
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Ibekwe, Art.Drag.2.4 
 2. Pleiss, Brose B.1.7 
 3. Bryant, Ratiopharm1.5 
 4. Ibekwe, Bayreuth1.4 
 5. Seward, Phoenix1.1 
 6. Hines, Brose B.1.1 
 7. Brempong, Duesseld.1.1 
 8. Goree, NY Phantoms1.0 
 9. Boumtje, Art.Drag.1.0 
 10. Kashirov, Walter0.9 


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


Stats Leaders - A1
Points Per Game
 Steven SMITH
  Panellinios
  (203-F-83)
  Avg: 16.7
 1. Smith, Panellinios16.7 
 2. Marshall, PAOK16.5 
 3. Baxter, Ilysiakos15.9 
 4. Palacio, Kavala15.6 
 5. Kalathis, VAP K.14.3 
 6. Dikoudis, AEK14.1 
 7. Thompson, Ikaros14.1 
 8. Kiritsis, Ilysiakos13.9 
 9. Harris, Ikaros13.7 
 10. King, Peristeri GS13.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Cedric SIMMONS
  Kavala
  (206-F/C-86)
  Avg: 10
 1. Simmons, Kavala10.0 
 2. Thompson, Ikaros8.8 
 3. Bagaric, Marousi8.2 
 4. Kalathis, VAP K.8.1 
 5. Smith, Panellinios7.7 
 6. Papadopoulos, PAOK7.5 
 7. Tucker, Aris7.1 
 8. Looby, Peristeri GS7.0 
 9. Dawson, Ilysiakos6.6 
 10. Bourousis, Olympi.6.5 
Assists Per Game
 Jared JORDAN
  VAP K.
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 5.5
 1. Jordan, VAP K.5.5 
 2. Spanoulis, Olympia.5.3 
 3. Teodosic, Olympiak.4.7 
 4. Diamantidis, Panat.4.5 
 5. Karydas, Ilysiakos4.0 
 6. Palacio, Kavala3.8 
 7. Papaloukas, Olymp.3.8 
 8. Xanthopoulos, Pane.3.7 
 9. Gagaloudis, Marousi3.5 
 10. Kojadinovic, Maro.3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Jimmy BAXTER
  Ilysiakos
  (198-G-80)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Baxter, Ilysiakos1.8 
 2. Karydas, Ilysiakos1.8 
 3. Xanthopoulos, Pane.1.7 
 4. Anderson, Panionios1.7 
 5. Marshall, PAOK1.6 
 6. Papaloukas, Olymp.1.6 
 7. Papamakarios, Pane.1.5 
 8. Stiggers, PAOK1.5 
 9. Kiritsis, Ilysiakos1.4 
 10. Jamon Lukas, Oly.1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Dalibor BAGARIC
  Marousi
  (217-C-80)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Bagaric, Marousi1.9 
 2. Simmons, Kavala1.8 
 3. Thompson, Ikaros1.3 
 4. Looby, Peristeri GS1.1 
 5. Bourousis, Olympia.1.0 
 6. Nesterovic, Olymp.0.9 
 7. Dunston, Aris0.9 
 8. Harissis, VAP K.0.8 
 9. Dozier, PAOK0.7 
 10. Gechevski, PAOK0.6 


Greek A2 round 28 best performance: Giannis Rodostoglou - by Eurobasket News
Guard Giannis Rodostoglou (197-G-83) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for SFK Perikos/Arhelaos, receiving a Eurobasket.com A2 Player of the Week award for round 28.
The 27-year old player was the main contributor (25 points, three rebounds and four assists) to his team's victory, helping them to edge out Panelefsiniakos (#8, 14-14) 76-73. Periko/Arhelaos is placed at 12th position in Greek A2. Periko/Arhelaos is rather a weak team placed in lower part in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 11-17 record. In the team's last game Rodostoglou had a remarkable 66.7% from 2-point range. It's his second year at Periko/Arhelaos and it's hard to imagine this team without him. Giannis Rodostoglou averages this season 11.3ppg.

The second best player in last round's games was 27-year old Andronikos Gizogiannis (200-F/C-83, agency: FCM) of AEK/Argous. Gizogiannis had a very good evening with a double-double of 23 points and 10 rebounds. Bad luck as AEK/Argous lost that game 59-74 to the higher-ranked Apollon Patras (#6, 15-13). This loss caused AEK/Argous to drop to 9th position in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 13-15 record. Gizogiannis is a newcomer at AEK/Argous, but is already one of team's top players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 17.1ppg (#3). He also registered 8.2 boards per game.

Third on the list of top players last round was guard Giannis Lianos (194-G-88) of Apollon Patras (#6). Lianos scored 19 points and grabbed ten rebounds. He was a key player of Apollon Patras, leading his team to a 74-59 easy win against the lower-ranked AEK/Argous (#9, 13-15). Apollon Patras 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. Lianos has a very solid season. In 28 games in Greece he scored 9.0ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Nikos Pettas (195-G-81) of Koroivos - 24 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists
5. Vageli Margaritis (202-F/C-82) of KAOD - 17 points and 12 rebounds
6. Antonis Sivorotka (203-F-85) of Periko/Arhelaos - 17 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Kostas Macheras (205-C-85) of Pagrati - 22 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Nikos Argyropoylos (188-G-78) of Apollon Patras - 21 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists
9. Damir Latovic (204-C-80) of AGOR - 24 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Filippos Moschovitis (190-G-78) of Near East - 24 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)

A1 Round 2 of Finals. Panathinaikos enjoy second consecutive victory - by Eurobasket News
FINAL
Panathinaikos - Olympiakos 78-66

Panathinaikos celebrated the second consecutive win over Olympiakos. The hosts trailed by 6 points at the halftime before their 41-23 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Panathinaikos outrebounded Olympiakos 34-20 including 23 on the defensive glass. 25 personal fouls committed by Olympiakos helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American forward Mike Batiste (203-77, college: Arizona St.) who scored 19 points. The former international guard Dimitris Diamantidis (196-80) chipped in 15 points and 4 assists. International guard Vassilis Spanoulis (193-82, agency: Beo Basket) produced 14 points and 7 assists and international center Ioannis Bourousis (212-83, agency: FCM) added 12 points and 5 rebounds respectively for the guests. Four Olympiakos players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Panathinaikos: M.Batiste 19+4reb+1ast, D.Diamantidis 15+2reb+4ast, N.Calathes 9+4reb+4ast, D.Nicholas 9+2reb+4ast, R.Sato 7+4reb+1ast, K.Tsartsaris 6+3reb
Olympiakos: L.Mavrokefalides 14+3reb+1ast, V.Spanoulis 14+1reb+7ast, I.Bourousis 12+5reb+2ast, G.Jamon Lukas 11+2reb+2ast, A.Glyniadakis 5+2reb, T.Papaloukas 3+1reb+1ast
gschID: 129091




3-4 place
Aris - PAOK 73-70

Aris earned the first win in the consolation final series versus PAOK. They held off their opponents at home court. PAOK was tied at the half but could not keep up in last two quarters eventually losing the game. Aris made 19-of-21 charity shots (90.5 percent) during the game. Bosnian power forward Edin Bavcic (210-84, agency: Beo Basket) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 10 rebounds. Guard Kosta Charalampidis (189-76) contributed with 20 points for the winners. American forward Robert Dozier (206-85, college: Memphis) replied with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds and FYR Macedonian center Todor Gechevski (209-77, agency: Interperformances) added 10 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for PAOK. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. PAOK's coach Soulis Markopoulos rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Aris: E.Bavcic 22+10reb, K.Charalampidis 20+3reb+2ast, K.Sloukas 13+3reb+2ast, B.Brown 10+4reb+3ast, C.Tapoutos 6+9reb, A.King 2+4reb+1ast
PAOK: R.Dozier 16+10reb+2ast, D.Stiggers 16+1reb+1ast, T.Gechevski 10+10reb+2ast, R.Marshall 10+5reb+2ast, M.Giannakidis 7+2reb+1ast, D.Christmas 6+2reb+1ast




*****************************************************
  HOLLAND   


Dutch Basketball League Finals: Gas Terra Flames Stay Alive, Force Game #7 - by Sanders Jackson

Saturday afternoon in a packed Martiniplaza in a do-or-die situation, the defending Dutch champs Gas Terra Flames would not be denied, as they would hang on to their title for at least another day, forcing a Game #7 by virtue of winning by the score of 63-57. It was a grinding type performance, as in the first half it was never a point difference of more than 3 pts., with the score 30-30 at halftime. Midway through the 3rd quarter Donar would make its move, taking advantage of the tempo with the spark provided by DBL MVP Jason Dourisseau (196-G-83, college: Nebraska), whose clutch three-pointer gave the Flames a nine-point edge. From there the Flames would hold the fort, and ZZ Leiden would not get any closer than 4 pts. the rest of the way. The Flames took advantage of the foul trouble ZZ Leiden had on the inside game, the combination of Matt Haryasz (210-C-84, college: Stanford) and John Turek (205-F/C-83, college: Nebraska) got good looks in the second half, which ZZ Leiden could not adjust to. Seamus Boxley (201-F-82, college: Portland St.) made efforts to keep ZZ close (game-high 19 pts.) but could not do it alone. Dourisseau led the Flames with 15 pts. Worthy de Jong (194-G-88, agency: R.H.Consultancy) had a strong 1st half (14 pts.), but was shut out in the second through the strong defense of Dourisseau. Game #7 is on Sunday afternoon in Leiden for all the marbles.


The keys for winning Game #7 for both teams:


ZZ Leiden:

* Defensive rebounding, keeping particularly Ellis off the offensive glass.

* Re-establishing their dribble drive game, with Jackson being able to get into the paint and making better decisions with the ball.

* Ross Bekkering and Jesse Smith providing some offense, avoiding foul trouble, attacking

* The trio of Slagter, de Jong and Sas providing some offense. If the trio can combine for at least 25 to 30 points, ZZ will win.

* McGhee must step up offensively, make better decisions with the ball.


Gas Terra Flames:

* Making their free throws!

* Some scoring off the bench from Ross, Bekkering and Turek.

* Bostain must show up, not shy away from the big shots in crunch time. Roye giving them quality minutes at the point.

* They must shut off the paint on drives, and their rotations must be solid and consistent. Someone else besides just Dourisseau must be able to provide a one-on-one defensive stopper.

* Haryasz must have the ball in his hands in the post, also with a combination of him and Bauscher exploit ZZ's big men in pick-and-roll isolations.


We will see what happens on Sunday afternoon, it should be very interesting.



ZZ Leiden earn the championship title - by Eurobasket News
ZZ Leiden - GasTerra 96-95 3OT

ZZ Leiden celebrated DBL title. They overcame GasTerra in an unbelievable three-overtime drama at home court. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 26-18. But GasTerra won second period 15-14. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening, at least not yet. The game turned upside-down in the last quarter, where GasTerra used huge pressure winning it 19-15 getting a tie at the end of regular time. They lost eventually triple-overtime period 26-27. 31 personal fouls committed by GasTerra helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American forward Monta McGhee (198-F-79, agency: Basket Law/NM Services, college: Lewis) fired 27 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. International guard Arvin Slagter (190-85, agency: Court Side) chipped in 13 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. American guard Matt Bauscher (188-85, college: Boise St., agency: 540 Sports) produced 18 points and 5 assists and the other American import guard Jason Dourisseau (196-83, college: Nebraska) added 23 points and 5 steals respectively for lost side. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. GasTerra's coach Marco van den Berg rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
ZZ Leiden: M.McGhee 27+8reb, S.Boxley 16+2reb+1ast, A.Slagter 13+5reb+4ast, T.Jackson 13+6reb+1ast, J.Smith 10+9reb+1ast, R.Bekkering 7+4reb
GasTerra: J.Dourisseau 23+4reb, M.Haryasz 18+5reb, M.Bauscher 18+4reb+5ast, R.Bostain 11+7reb+2ast, J.Ellis 10+11reb+2ast, A.Roye 7+3reb+1ast
gschID: 129184




Stats Leaders - Eredivisie
Points Per Game
 Glenn STOKES
  BS Weert
  (170-G-76)
  Avg: 17
 1. Stokes, BS Weert17.0 
 2. Blue, Giants16.3 
 3. Boxley, ZZ Leiden15.7 
 4. Tiedeman, Giants14.9 
 5. Mills, Eiffel Towe.14.9 
 6. Laing, Magixx14.7 
 7. Kimbrough, Giants14.7 
 8. Brown, DeFriesland14.6 
 9. Hilliman, Rotterdam14.5 
 10. Adako, DeFriesland14.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Robbie SIHOTA
  Rotterdam
  (198-F-87)
  Avg: 10.6
 1. Sihota, Rotterdam10.6 
 2. McDermott, Magixx10.3 
 3. Hilliman, Rotterdam9.6 
 4. Haryasz, GasTerra9.0 
 5. Sanchez, DeFriesl.8.8 
 6. Griffin, Giants8.4 
 7. Ellis, GasTerra8.1 
 8. de Randamie, ABC8.0 
 9. Jackson, Eiffel T.7.8 
 10. Blue, Giants7.5 
Assists Per Game
 Frank TURNER
  Eiffel T.
  (178-G-88)
  Avg: 5.5
 1. Turner, Eiffel T.5.5 
 2. Bauscher, GasTerra4.7 
 3. Stokes, BS Weert4.0 
 4. Kimbrough, Giants3.9 
 5. Jansen, Eiffel T.3.6 
 6. Marshall, Lands.3.6 
 7. Slagter, ZZ Leiden3.4 
 8. Williams, DeFriesl.3.3 
 9. Mladenovic, Rotte.3.1 
 10. Bostain, GasTerra3.1 
Steals Per Game
 Jason DOURISSEAU
  GasTe.
  (196-G-83)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Dourisseau, GasTe.2.3 
 2. Turner, Eiffel T.2.2 
 3. Stokes, BS Weert2.1 
 4. Marshall, Lands.2.1 
 5. Taylor, Magixx2.1 
 6. Williams, DeFriesl.1.9 
 7. Jackson, ZZ Leiden1.9 
 8. McDermott, Magixx1.9 
 9. McDowell, BS Weert1.8 
 10. Ellis, GasTerra1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Junior HAIRSTON
  BS Weert
  (203-F-84)
  Avg: 1.3
 1. Hairston, BS Weert1.3 
 2. Aarts, Eiffel T.1.2 
 3. Blue, Giants1.1 
 4. Hilliman, Rotterdam1.0 
 5. McDermott, Magixx0.9 
 6. Haryasz, GasTerra0.9 
 7. Hamm, BS Weert0.9 
 8. Mullery, Landstede0.9 
 9. Hulzebos, Landste.0.8 
 10. Minter, BS Weert0.8 


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


New agency on the european market! - by Tamas Deri
As an Eastern European initiation, Team Spirit Sport (TSS) Management was founded in March, 2011 involving 3 Hungarian basketball agencies. Sport has always played an important role in our agency's founders business and private life too. Their passion is basketball, which is part of their everyday life, since childhood. Besides the general management duties, like contract negotiation, legal support and assistance, we focus on finding talents in Hungary and the neighboring countries as well. Our coaches also give special, personal trainings to our junior players and off-season trainings to our adult players. Young and talented, as well as Hungarian national team players and first-class athletes are members of our organization, but we represent and manage a great number of foreigners playing in Hungary and the neighboring countries. In every circumstance, we act according to the step by step principle. It is particularly useful in professional sports. This is why we can give long-term support to our clients in building a conscious and progressive career. TSS Management is crossing boundaries, having players all over Europe (Romania, Slovakia, Austria, Spain, Greece and Turkey) and Asia and South-America as well.
You can find the agencies players on eurobasket.com under TSS Management or just visit the website of the agency, www.tssmanagement.hu


Coach Volgyi and forward Tamas Kaman signed with ASE - by Tamas Deri
After the very hard season with ZTE KK the key player of the club Tamas Kaman (200-F/G-79, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) and the head coach Peter Volgyi decided to leave Zalaegerszeg and agreed for two seasons with Atomeromu SE.
The 38 years old Volgyi came in 2008 to the team and lead it with his assistant Imre Patonay to the third place of the Championship in that season. One year later they won the Hungarian Cup and Championship, so it was not a wonder that he got voted to the coach of the year. The team started well also the last season, but in February three players - Lorenzo Williams, Kyle Wilson and David Vojvoda - left the club because of financial problems, so the team reached the playoffs but lost in the first round against Volgyi's new team ASE.
Tamas Kaman is one of the most experienced domestic players in our country. He started his professional carreer in his hometown Zalaegerszeg, but left the team in 2005 and played two seasons for Albacomp. After two years he just got back to ZTE KK and was the best hungarian player of the club in the last four years. In the last season he averaged 13.6ppg, 5.4rpg, 2.3apg, 2.1spg in 29 games.

*****************************************************
  IBL   


Energy eclipses punchless All-Stars - by Eurobasket News
Skouson Harkers crew looked impressive in a 131-123 win over the U.S.A. All-Stars on Friday.

Hopefully someone let him know.

The Edmonton Energy head coach was surprisingly absent from the U of A Main Gym, while assistant coach Peter Sambu topped the program as interim bench boss.

Skousons really concentrating on his new job. Hes just been named head coach of LCC a couple months ago, said Sambu, who himself is coming off ACAC Coach of the Year honours with Lakeland College. So hes just trying to get caught up with his recruiting.

The All-Stars, who hire mercenary players from the different cities around the IBL instead of travelling, were made up of a Canadian contingent out of Calgary and Saskatoon. It was the first time this season that the Energy had more games under their belt than their opponents, who were playing in their first game together.

And it showed as U of A Golden Bears alumni Jermaine Campbell missed a wide-open lay-in that would have tied the score 7-7.

But the Energy was far from picture-perfect, letting a 12-8 lead slip away to trail by three before guard Curtis Nash (6'5''-G/F-80, college: Charlotte) hit from long range a second time to lead 34-29 after the first quarter.

The Energy found their rhythm to open the second, with guard Rashaun Broadus passing a pair of consecutive alley-oop offerings to Jeffrey Ferguson and J.R. Patrick, who made his 2011 debut for the Energy wearing Quinnel Browns No. 23 while the highly touted Premier Basketball League MVP was scratched from the roster.

Quinnel had to go home and take care of some family issues, Sambu said. In our organization, familys first. If it works out that hes back this year, fine. If not, then we still have J.R. to move in that direction.

An IBL veteran, Patrick just returned from a tryout in China but looked like he never missed a beat, coming in in the second quarter to score 14 of Edmontons 34 points on a trio of three-pointers.

Im happy to be back with the fellows, said Patrick, who had a team-high 19 points. I was able to get in a nice little rhythm. I didnt want to do too much out there, I just wanted the game to come to me.

Blain LaBranche needled a pass to Ferguson, who would have put the Energy ahead by a dozen at halftime if it wasnt for getting Td up for hanging on the rim.

Instead, former Energy guard Michael Linklater sunk the single to cut the Energys lead to 68-57.

I wish I was on their team, like family, but it was good and they played tough, said Linklater, who fielded offers to play overseas but chose to remain with his family in Saskatoon.

The Energy cracked the 100-point mark in the third quarter for the first time this season, with Gottselig pouncing on a rebound from a missed Will Broadus free-throw to put the Energy up 100-83 with 90 seconds to spare before reaching the fourth quarter with a 14-point lead.

Homegrown Andrew Parker made the 540 in attendance do a double take when he slammed home a rebounding ball off the rim with some one-handed authority before Nash hit from beyond the arc to lead 105-86.

But the All-Stars climbed back within single digits of the lead, trailing 107-98, midway through the last frame before Linklater cut it to five with back-to-back threes.

But it was as close as theyd get.

We were just trying to get back on a winning note and we did that, said Sambu, whose squad improved to 3-4 on the season.

The series resumes Saturday in the southern town of Raymond as the Energy make their way to a pair of satellite locations, ending in Olds College on Sunday at 2 p.m.

Courtesy of: http://www.edmontonsun.com

Standings
IBL Standings
Continental Division
 1. Vancouver V. 9-2 
 2. Bellingham S. 9-4 
 3. W.C. Hotshots 6-4 
 4. Olympia R. 3-6 
 5. L.Angeles L. 0-1 
 6. USA All-Stars 0-17 
International Division
 1. Albany L. 12-3 
 2. Kankakee S. 10-3 
 3. Gary Splash 6-6 
 4. Oregon W. 5-6 
 5. Edmonton E. 4-4 
Branding Team
 1. Lansing C. 2-3 
 2. Dayton A. 1-0 
 3. Las Vegas P. 0-1 
 4. Ohio H.G. 0-2 
 5. Phoenix R. 0-2 
 6. Lake Co. 0-3 


Graham's big night helps Slam upend Vancouver - by Eurobasket News
BELLINGHAM, Wash. - A season-high 29 points by guard Ira Graham helped propel the Bellingham Slam to a 129-113 victory over the Vancouver Volcanoes in International Basketball League play on Friday at Whatcom Pavilion.

The Slam, playing less than 24 hours after suffering a 116-113 loss to the Portland Chinooks in Beaverton, Ore., on Thursday, started the game sluggish and trailed 29-26 after the first quarter.

Vancouver continued to lead through the second quarter, until guard Morris Anderson (6'3''-G, college: W.Washington) closed the half with six of the Slam's last nine points to take a 55-53 lead into halftime.

The Slam controlled the second half, posting 74 points and maxing out their lead at 21 points in the middle stages of the fourth quarter.

Forward Michael Duty (6'6''-F, college: W.Washington) capped the win with a monster dunk in the game's closing minutes.

Graham's team-high 29 points came on an efficient 10-for-13 shooting night from the field. Duty narrowly missed out on a double-double, finishing with 19 points and nine rebounds.

Andre Murray led the Volcanoes with a game-high 31 points.

The Slam continue their homestand with a game on Memorial Day, May 30, against the Portland Chinooks. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. at Whatcom Pavilion.

Courtesy of: http://www.oursportscentral.com

Larry Daniels' Hotshots win two games in Phoenix - by Trask Frost
IBL Media: Adam Prossin and Head Coach Larry Daniels run 3 games for the Hotshots each year, last year in Los Angeles and this year in Phoenix and this team of 8 players that met in Phoenix looked solid. IBL Commissioner Mikal Duilio attended these games and said of the Hotshots team- 'all 8 players are solid, this would be a great group to keep together for an entire season, but as far as potential outside of the IBL, they have it, especially Wolf, Jackson and Valentine'. The Hotshots got off to a great start winning the first two games of a three game series against the Phoenix Raptors. 6 foot 9 forward Paul Wolf (San Diego Christian, 2011) scored 27 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in game 1 and he stood out as a very powerful four. Point guard Robert Valentine and 6 foot 8 forward David Jackson were extremely solid as well for the Hotshots- with strong potential for division 1 overseas, it would seem. All eight Hotshots can be reached at Prossin Sports Management. For more information on the IBL, visit the web site www.ibhoopsonline.com


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


Mahram overwhelm Shabab in Manila - by Eurobasket News
Mahram - Shabab 90:73

Two-time defending champions Mahram celebrated the second straight win at the Asia Club Championship. They held off Shabab to improve at 2-0 record in Group B. Chris Williams (199-F/G-80, college: Virginia) had another big game scoring 31 points and pulling down 8 rebounds in the victory.
Mahram led 17:11 midway through the opening frame but Shabab erased the deficit and posted a 24:23 advantage at the final intermission. Courtney Fields (206-F-82, college: Iona) and Ali Al Hattawi made it 36:28 for Shabab midway through the second term. But Oshin Sahakian helped Mahram to a 45:41 lead after twenty minutes of action. Cheikh Samb (215-C-84) ensured a 61:50 lead for the Iranian team in the third term. Shabab reacted with a strong run late in the period and cut the deficit at just two points 62:64 entering the final frame. Mahram struck right back at the start of the final period. They increased the tempo and quickly enlarged the gap to 10 points. Shabab could not recover in the dying stages of the encounter as Mahram sealed the victory at the end. Cheikh Samb notched 24 points and 7 rebounds for the Iranian team. Samad Nikkhah (198-G/F-83, agency: SportsList Inc.) nailed 16 points in the winning effort. Courtney Fields answered with 20 points and 7 rebounds for Shabab. Rashed Al Zaabi (180-G-88) netted 17 points in the loss.

Mahram: Chris Williams 31, Cheikh Samb 24, Samad Nikkhah 16
Shabab: Courtney Fields 20, Rashed Al Zaabi 17


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


Ittihad beat Duhok for first win in Manila - by Eurobasket News
Ittihad - Duhok 83:75

Vladislav Dragajlovic (207-C-79, agency: Beo Basket) stepped up with 27 points and 15 rebounds to lead Ittihad to the initial win at the Asia Club Championship. They outscored Duhok of Iraq in preliminary Group A.
The teams exchanged baskets throughout the opening frame. Ittihad entered the second term up by a single point 21:20. Vladislav Dragajlovic gave Ittihad a 37:28 lead midway through the second term but Duhok found the answer. They went on a 9:0 run to level things up at 37 at the interval. Chester Giles (211-F/C-85, college: Oregon St.) put Duhok in front early in the third quarter but Ittihad regained the advantage and registered a 57:50 lead at the final intermission. Ittihad cleared off to double-digit lead early in the fourth quarter but Chadney Gray dragged Duhok within 6 with under three minutes to go. Jaber Kabe (182-85) knocked down important four points for Ittihad and the Saudi Arabia team did not look back en route to the win afterwards. Adil Aljuhani (189-70) knocked down 21 points, grabbed 6 boards and dished out 4 assists for Ittihad. Jaber Kabe accounted for 10 points in the win. Chundey Gray answered with 22 points and 8 rebounds for Duhok. Chester Giles provided 16 points and 14 boards in defeat.

Ittihad: Vladislav Dragajlovic 27+15 boards, Adil Aljuhani 21, Jaber Kabe 10
Duhok: Chudney Gray (188-G-78, agency: Promotex, college: St.John's) 22, Chester Giles 16+14 boards


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


Gal Mekel has been chosen by the BSL to the MVP of the season - by Netanel Dahan
The Israeli prospect Gal Mekel (193-PG-88, college: Wichita St.), has been chosen by the Basketball League Adminstration to the MVP of 2010/11 season, after averaging:
12 ppg,4.3 rpg, and 6.3 apg.

Mekel got the award after he showed a significant improve in his game,and showed great character leading his team-Gilboa/Galil to its 2nd final in a row (as last season they won the championship).
He also gain more experience by playing in the top European competitions the Eurocup, and the Euroleague (Qualifying Round).

We talked about his future and this is what he said:

Q1:
You made some great achievements as last season you won the championship, and this season you led your team to finals, you were choosen to the BSL MVP of the season, and you played in the Eurocup and in the Euroleague, what is your next goal?.

Gal:
Yes I think that my first 3 years in pro ball were beyond any dream that I had, Gilboa Galil gave me the opportunity to develop and I'm sure that after those 3 years (final4 and rookie of the year in my first season , championship in my second season and playing in euroleague , eurocup and getting the mvp of the league in my 3rd season) I'm ready for the next step...this step will be to play in a good club in one of the best leagues in europe next year and of cours to help the Israeli national team this summer in Lithuania (the European Championship).

Q2:
You have already lived by yourself while playing in college, are you ready to do this again in Europe?.

Gal:
I'm ready , those 2 years in college helped me a lot in many ways besides basketball, to grow up , to be more independent and to learn about ather culturs, I did it when I was 18 so Im sure im ready for it now when im 23 year old.

Q3:
Describe yourself as a player.

Gal:
I'm a true point guard that do anything it takes to help the team win.... I can help the team by defending by controlling the game by scoring (12 ppg) and by passing (6.3 apg)...I think I will adjust good for the needs of the team and then I find my zone.

Q4:
What do you want to improve in your game?.

Gal:
I think there is always a room to improve in any aspect of the game ,if I have to choose one, its to be more consistent in my shoot, I feel good with it but to get to the highest level I need to work on it and that is what im going to do the all summer, and I'm doing all the time.

Gal already drawn attraction from teams in Europe during the past years, and even got offers to play in good European teams this season, but he showed loyalty to his team and decided to stay, the Israeli national team camp will start soon and Gal should get a call up to the upcoming European Championship, and he already played in the European Championship in 2009 in Poland (he is also holding a Polish passport).

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


stats leader
Points Per Game
 Marco EVANGELISTI
  Trapani
  (198-G-84)
  Avg: 18
 1. Evangelisti, Trapa.18.0 
 2. Tassinari, Moncali.17.6 
 3. Musso, Perugia16.9 
 4. Ricciardi, Palestr.16.8 
 5. Rugolo, Molfetta16.8 
 6. Masper, Moncalieri16.7 
 7. Vico, Matera16.0 
 8. Carrizo, Ferentino15.9 
 9. Conte, Trento15.8 
 10. Benevelli, Trento15.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Simone BAGNOLI
  Potenza
  (206-F/C-81)
  Avg: 11.4
 1. Bagnoli, Potenza11.4 
 2. Rosignoli, Biscegl.9.8 
 3. Corral, Molfetta9.4 
 4. Capitanelli, Pales.8.8 
 5. Zambon, Rieti8.7 
 6. Chiaramello, Recan.8.6 
 7. Basei, Ostuni8.4 
 8. Facenda, Senigallia8.1 
 9. Soloperto, Latina7.9 
 10. Gaeta, Osimo7.8 
Assists Per Game
 Simone FERRARESE
  Trento
  (182-G-87)
  Avg: 4.9
 1. Ferrarese, Trento4.9 
 2. Marino, Treviglio4.7 
 3. Virgilio, Rieti4.0 
 4. Scarone, Piacenza3.7 
 5. Tomasiello, Comsum.3.7 
 6. Marcante, ASD P.3.7 
 7. Cantone, S.Antimo3.4 
 8. Passera, Piacenza3.4 
 9. Gnaccarini, Senig.3.4 
 10. Paparella, Potenza3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Francesco GUARINO
  Trapani
  (182-G-79)
  Avg: 3.6
 1. Guarino, Trapani3.6 
 2. Bonamente, Perugia3.2 
 3. De Nicolao, Castel.3.0 
 4. Gullo, Patti2.9 
 5. Bushati, Brescia2.8 
 6. Malamov, Ruvo2.8 
 7. Cisse, ASD Pavia2.7 
 8. Musso, Perugia2.7 
 9. Palombita, Castell.2.7 
 10. Parente, Moncalie.2.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Andrea ZERINI
  Ruvo
  (201-F-88)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Zerini, Ruvo1.7 
 2. Ancellotti, Patti1.6 
 3. Corral, Molfetta1.3 
 4. Capitanelli, Pales.1.1 
 5. Basei, Ostuni1.0 
 6. Raminelli, Castell.1.0 
 7. Spippoli, Palestri.0.9 
 8. Candido, Ferentino0.9 
 9. Biligha, ASD Pavia0.9 
 10. Pozzi, Molfetta0.8 


Stats Leaders - Lega2
Points Per Game
 Trent WHITING
  Aget Imola
  (185-G-76)
  Avg: 22.4
 1. Whiting, Aget Imola22.4 
 2. Robinson, Trenkwal.19.7 
 3. Crispin, Barcellona19.6 
 4. Gordon, Forli19.5 
 5. Jackson, Prima Ver.19.3 
 6. Ebi, Aget Imola19.2 
 7. Goldwire, Forli19.1 
 8. Clark, Umana Reyer18.4 
 9. Forte, Tuscany PT17.9 
 10. Marigney, Assigeco17.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Ndudi EBI
  Aget Imola
  (206-F-84)
  Avg: 9.2
 1. Ebi, Aget Imola9.2 
 2. Filloy, Immobili.9.1 
 3. Varnado, Tuscany8.9 
 4. Boykin, Assigeco8.1 
 5. Dickens, San Seve.8.0 
 6. Chiacig, Trenkwald.7.9 
 7. Waleskowski, Tezen.7.9 
 8. Gordon, Forli7.8 
 9. Johnson, San Seve.7.8 
 10. Lollis, Immobili.7.6 
Assists Per Game
 Antonio PORTA
  Tezenis .
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 5.1
 1. Porta, Tezenis5.1 
 2. Crispin, Barcellona4.8 
 3. Goldwire, Forli4.5 
 4. Hickman, Fastw.4.1 
 5. Clark, Umana Reyer3.9 
 6. Whiting, Aget Imola3.8 
 7. Marigney, Assigeco3.8 
 8. Farabello, N.Fer.3.7 
 9. Mathis, Snaidero.3.7 
 10. Nardi, Forli3.7 
Steals Per Game
 Alessandro PIAZZA
  Immobili.
  (175-G-87)
  Avg: 3
 1. Piazza, Immobili.3.0 
 2. Ebi, Aget Imola2.9 
 3. Robinson, Trenkwal.2.6 
 4. Roderick, Immobi.2.6 
 5. Davis, Sunrise2.6 
 6. Filloy, Immobili.2.5 
 7. Cerella, Assigeco2.4 
 8. Whiting, Aget Imola2.4 
 9. Hicks, Barcellona2.3 
 10. Hunter, Sunrise2.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Jarvis VARNADO
  Tuscany PT
  (206-F-88)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Varnado, Tuscany3.1 
 2. Ebi, Aget Imola1.4 
 3. Achara, Barcellona1.2 
 4. Maggioli, Fileni B.1.1 
 5. Nnamaka, Fastw.0.7 
 6. Frosini, Trenkwald.0.7 
 7. Bryan, Umana Reyer0.7 
 8. Boykin, Assigeco0.7 
 9. Cutolo, San Severo0.7 
 10. Filloy, Immobili.0.6 


A dilettanti Round 1 of Finals - by Eurobasket News
Trapani - Ostuni 75-64

The game was mostly controlled by Trapani. Ostuni managed to win third quarter 13-10. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Trapani forced 22 Ostuni turnovers and had a 24-13 advantage in offensive rebounds. 26 personal fouls committed by Ostuni helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Marco Evangelisti (198-84) who helped to win the game recording 26 points and 5 rebounds. The former international power forward Luca Bisconti (206-82) contributed with 15 points for the winners. Naturalized Argentinian forward Silvio Gigena (200-75) answered with 8 points and 8 rebounds and guard Claudio Tommasini (190-91) added 14 points in the effort for Ostuni. Ostuni's coach Giovanni Putignano rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Trapani: M.Evangelisti 26+5reb+1ast, L.Bisconti 15+4reb+2ast, A.Svoboda 9+5reb+1ast, W.Santarossa 8+6reb+1ast, L.Tardito 7+6reb, C.Cappanni 4+4reb
Ostuni: C.Tommasini 14+1reb, M.Bona 9+1reb+2ast, M.Gigena 9+4reb, S.Gigena 8+8reb, D.Morena 7+5reb+1ast, V.Circosta 6
gschID: 129079




Lega2 Round 2 of Semi-Finals - by Eurobasket News
Fastweb CM - Barcellona 81-74

Fastweb Casale earned the second straight win against Barcellona. The hosts started the game with a very strong first quarter 18-8. But Sigma Barcellona won second period 22-16. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Fastweb CM made 27-of-32 charity shots (84.4 percent) during the game. Fastweb CM outrebounded Sigma Barcellona 37-26 including a 28-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. Sigma Barcellona was plagued by 30 personal fouls down the stretch. American guard Ricky Hickman (190-85, college: NC-Greensboro) scored 30 points and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and the former international forward Tommaso Fantoni (203-85, agency: Players Group) chipped in 14 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. Naturalized American swingman Ryan Bucci (192-81, college: C.W. Post) responded with 15 points (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) and swingman Daniele Bonessio (197-88) scored 10 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Fastweb CM: R.Hickman 30+2reb+4ast, T.Fantoni 14+9reb+1ast, M.Malaventura 11+2reb, S.Pierich 7+7reb, S.Gentile 7+1reb+2ast, D.Chiotti 5+6reb
Barcellona: R.Bucci 15+2reb+1ast, J.Wise 11+1reb+2ast, M.Hicks 10+1reb, D.Bonessio 10+8reb, M.Mocavero 9+2reb, K.Achara 8+3reb
gschID: 128960


Umana Reyer - Prima Veroli 85-88

Prima Veroli stole the road win over Umana Reyer to level the series. The guests trailed by 11 points after three quarters before their 29-16 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Prima Veroli made 23-of-26 free shots (88.5 percent) during the game. 29 personal fouls committed by Umana Venezia helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The former international forward David Brkic (210-82, agency: Interperformances) orchestrated the victory by scoring 20 points and 6 rebounds. The former international guard Guido Rosselli (196-83) contributed with 15 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. American forward Tamar Slay (204-80, college: Marshall) replied with 25 points and 4 steals (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) and his fellow American import guard Alvin Young (189-75, college: Niagara) added 21 points in the effort for Umana Venezia. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game.
Top scorers:
Prima Veroli: D.Brkic 20+6reb, J.Jackson 17+3reb+4ast, J.Penn 16+2reb+3ast, G.Rosselli 15+5reb+4ast, R.Rullo 9+3reb, M.Rossetti 6+3reb
Umana Reyer: T.Slay 25+3reb, A.Young 21+4reb+2ast, K.Clark 17+4reb+5ast, M.Maestrello 16+2ast, S.Bryan 3+4reb+2ast, L.Lechthaler 2+3reb
gschID: 128961




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


Lietuvos Rytas bring in Aleksandar Dzikic and Predrag Samardjiski - by Eurobasket News
Lietuvos Rytas began building their roster for the next season. They started off with hiring new head coach. His name is Aleksandar Dzikic (agency: Beo Basket ). The Serbian specialist worked with Krka Novo Mesto over the last two seasons. He led Krka to EuroChallenge triumph this season. Aleksandar Dzikic (agency: Beo Basket ) was named Eurobasket.com All-EuroChallenge Coach of the Year in 2011. Previously Aleksandar Dzikic (agency: Beo Basket ) worked with Union Olimpija and U17 Yugoslavian National Team.
Luetivos Rytas also agreed on terms of contract with Predrag Samardjiski (214-C-86, agency: Beo Basket). The 25-year-old Macedonian forward spent the previous season in Turkey. He played for Olin Edirne and averaged 12.1 points, 8.5 boards and 2.2 assists per game. In 2009/10 season Predrag Samardjiski played for FMP and tallied 9.0 points in EuroChallenge and 6.8 points per game in Adriatic League. Predrag Samardjiski plays for FYR Macedonia National Team. He averaged 9.6 points and 6.3 rebounds per game at Qualifications to 2011 EuroBasket.


*****************************************************
  MALAYSIA   


Smart Gilas too good for KL Dragons - by Eurobasket News
Smart Gilas - KL Dragons 95:64

Smart Gilas rallied to the second straight win at the Asia Club Championship. The hosts knocked down KL Dragons tonight to improve at 2-0 record on top of preliminary Group A. Christopher Tiu John (178-PG-85) stepped up with 11 points to pace Smart Gilas.
Smart Gilas opened the game with a stunning 10:0 run. KL Dragons gradually recovered but still faced a 5-point deficit after ten minutes 15:20. KL Dragons seemed to have found their rhythm as they capped the half with an 8:2 run to take a 40:39 lead. Smart Gilas bounced back in style. They ignited a 26:7 surge late in the third term to gain a comfortable 65:49 advantage. The hosts quickly boosted the gap to 25 points in the final quarter and never looked back en route to the victory. Mark Barroca (198-F/C-88), Joseph Evans Casio (177-PG-86), Dondon Hontiveros (188-G-77) and Christopher Lutz Ryan (191-G-85, college: Marshall) produced 10 points each for the winners. Chris Ayer (208-C-83, college: Loyola Marymount) answered with 31 points and 13 rebounds for KL Dragons. Marcus Morrison (198-G/F-84, agency: 011 Sports, college: Middle Tenn.St.) accounted for 15 points in the loss.

Smart Gilas: Christopher Tiu John 11, Mark Barroca 10, Joseph Evans Casio 10, Dondon Hontiveros 10, Christopher Lutz Ryan 10
KL Dragons: Chris Ayer 31+13 boards, Marcus Morrison 15


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  MEXICO   


CIBACOPA Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Kevin SOWELL
  Guasave
  (190-G-81)
  Avg: 32.4
 1. Sowell, Guasave32.4 
 2. White, Cananea28.0 
 3. Sowell, Culiacan27.3 
 4. Gale, Mexicali26.8 
 5. Brown, Tepic24.8 
 6. White, Los Mochis24.2 
 7. Moore, Culiacan24.1 
 8. Brown, Cananea23.4 
 9. Brown, Tepic23.3 
 10. Gabbidon, Tijuana23.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Brandon BROWN
  Cananea
  (201-F-85)
  Avg: 11
 1. Brown, Cananea11.0 
 2. VanderMeer, Mexica.10.1 
 3. Moss, Nogales10.0 
 4. Angounou, Guasave9.8 
 5. Brown, Tepic9.6 
 6. Broxsie, Nogales8.8 
 7. Malloy, Los Mochis8.7 
 8. Shipley, Tijuana8.6 
 9. Thomas, Hermosillo8.1 
 10. Gabbidon, Tijuana7.9 
Assists Per Game
 William FUNN
  Guasave
  (188-G-82)
  Avg: 8.5
 1. Funn, Guasave8.5 
 2. Watson, Tijuana5.8 
 3. White, Los Mochis5.7 
 4. White, Cananea5.4 
 5. Thomas, Hermosillo4.8 
 6. Nungaray, Guaymas4.5 
 7. Brown, Tepic4.4 
 8. Monreal, Hermosillo4.2 
 9. Brown, Nogales3.8 
 10. Marentes, Guaymas3.7 
Steals Per Game
 Davin WHITE
  Cananea
  (186-G-81)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. White, Cananea2.2 
 2. Moore, Culiacan2.1 
 3. Sowell, Guasave1.7 
 4. Funn, Guasave1.7 
 5. Thomas, Cananea1.7 
 6. Gale, Mexicali1.7 
 7. White, Los Mochis1.6 
 8. Brown, Nogales1.6 
 9. Rougeau, Culiacan1.5 
 10. Brown, Cananea1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Kevin SOWELL
  Culiacan
  (190-G-81)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. Sowell, Culiacan3.2 
 2. Gale, Mexicali2.7 
 3. Sowell, Guasave2.6 
 4. Funn, Guasave2.2 
 5. Shipley, Tijuana2.2 
 6. White, Los Mochis2.2 
 7. Brown, Tepic2.1 
 8. Brown, Tepic2.0 
 9. Thomas, Hermosillo2.0 
 10. Malloy, Los Mochis1.9 


*****************************************************
  NAIA   


Maryville College's Watson signs professional contract to play in Iceland - by Stephan Ditgens
MC Sports Information

Eryk Watson, Maryville Colleges second-leading scorer in the programs history, has signed a professional contract with U.M.F. Tindastoll in Saudarkrokur, Iceland. The 2011 MC J.D. Davis award winner and D3hoops.com All-American will begin play in September for Coach Borce Ilievski Sansa.

Maryvilles scoring sensation simply dominated the hoop over his past four seasons as a Scot. This Georgian native finished his career as the No.2 All-Time scorer in the history of Maryville College Basketball. His powerful drives and sweet perimeter touch allowed him to accumulate 1,943 career points while averaging 18 points a game during his 107 games played in the Orange and Garnet.

This 2007 Great South Freshman of the Year displayed signs of great things to come with his 12.7 points and 3.1 rebounds per game during his first collegiate season.

As a sophomore, he paced the Scots in scoring averaging over 19 points a game while earning All-South accolades from the NABC and D3Hoops for the first time.

Eryk joined the Scots 1,000 point club on December 30th during his junior campaign after being named a Pre-Season All-American by D3Hoops. He repeated as an All-Region performer by tossing in 17 points a game.

This 2010 Sporting News Pre-Season All-American earned All-Great South honors on four occasions while being named the GSAC Tournament MVP in each of the league tournament finals that he participated in.

Eryk finished his senior year ranked No.7 nationally with his 24.1 points per game scoring average. He was 8th in the nation with a 47% three-point percentage while ranking 6th in the country with his 3.6 treys per game. He was honored with a pair of 1st Team All-Region selections before becoming Coach Lamberts fourth All-American.

The son of Terri McKay, Eryk deposited 214 three-pointers during his career connecting at an amazing 41% efficiency. His 627 points this season alone ranks him 4th in the MC season record books. He set a new Maryville standard for made three-pointers with a school record 94 treys on the season.

His Scots over the past four seasons have won over 78% of all of their challenges and 96% of all their conference games. Watson helped the Scots achieve an 83-25 record over the past four seasons while earning three trips to the NCAA post-season.

Watson will trade in his orange and garnet jersey for a new maroon, white, and blue uniform in representing U.M.F Tindastoll in a 12 team league in search for their first Powerade Cup.

source: www.maryvillecollege.edu

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


Pat Riley keeping quiet - by Eurobasket News
For so many years, the basketball addict has talked about getting out. He even mapped a plan to visit the worlds seven most beautiful beaches by boat. He thinks that, to keep a life and an identity fresh, a man should attempt to change careers once every decade. Not jobs. Careers. Dont go from coaching basketball to coaching football. Go from coaching basketball to practicing law. But the addict has never quite been able to take his own advice and free himself completely of this games grip, not even while dabbling in speaking engagements and authoring books, so what does he do at the retirement age of 65?

Well, of course, he stacks an unprecedented amount of hype, expectations, noise and consequences between himself and that peaceful view of the worlds most beautiful beaches.

Miami Heat President Pat Riley doesnt want to talk about this. Actually, thats not true. He wants to talk. He loves to talk. About parenting. About spirituality. About mortality. About Bruce Springsteen lyrics. And about basketball. He is part philosopher and part poet, and corporations will pay close to $50,000 a pop to hear him speak. But now is a very bad time. Four victories from now, exactly four, there will be plenty to say. But now he doesnt want to add to the incessant noise that surrounds his hated basketball team as it prepares for the NBA Finals that begin against Dallas here Tuesday night.

Better for a legend to be in the shadows, helping quietly, than to be out in front of all the lights now. Why give the appearance of undermining his young coach? Why look like he needs any more glory after a bejeweled lifetime resplendent in it? No need. No use. Riley has never said less publicly while running this organization than he has this year, even as he has wanted to defend his tired team from unrelenting waves of criticism. Ever since putting this insanity together, ever since the hip-hop celebration that saw LeBron James and Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh rise from the Earth, the Heats biggest champion has been literally and symbolically off to the side of the stage. He has thrown his rings into the fist fight only a couple of times when the criticism started coming from other legendary basketball voices (Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Charles Barkley) and to castigate the media for being neurotic about Riley stepping in to replace his young coach.

Give me a gem, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra told Riley Saturday.

He does this just about every day. He finds Riley and asks for a gem. He doesnt have to go far. Riley is at most of the practices, off to the side, speaking only when asked. Riley refers to them as pearls, not gems. These little stories, wisdoms, inspirations, philosophies that Spoelstra leans on and shares with his players as if they came from on high -- which, given Rileys status in the organization and in the game, they kind of did. They come from music lyrics and Chinese war books and basketball players living and dead.

I asked him for one gem today, and he gave me 15, Spoelstra says. He is always there for me. Such a brilliant mind. Goes so fast. There are times I have to slow him down, and ask him to translate.

The gems come in texts, on cards, in letters. And, once, after Spoelstras 100th victory, on a $100 bill.

Is he your friend and boss, Erik?

My mentor, Spoelstra says.

It is an unusual relationship. Spoelstra started out in the film room, cutting tape. How long was it before Riley even knew his future coachs name?

Years, Spoelstra says. 'Four? Five?'

But Riley rewards loyalty, always. There are many long-time employees in the Heat organization who can tell you stories of Riley giving them cash in difficult times. Tons and tons, says one Heat executive. Tens of thousands of dollars. Riley turned the coach into a fashion model once upon a time, when he was leading Magic Johnsons Los Angeles Lakers, and helped make Armani popular in the United States. If you look closely, youll notice that there are members of the Heat organization, men who are Rileys body type, who are wearing Armani suits that far exceed their positions and salaries. Those $5,000 suits are, not unlike the job Spoelstra inherited, literally hand-me-downed from Riley himself.

I like having him at practice, Spoelstra says. He has great insight. This organizations dynamic is abnormal. Weve been together 16 years. We pride ourselves on our stability. You dont see that in this league. And you get to know each other after 16 years. Really know each other. On a deeper level.

You ever yell at each other, Erik? You ever yell at your legendary mentor?

Way, way more when I was his assistant coach, Spoelstra says. Healthy conflict. Hed laugh about it when Id hold my ground.

What has he taught you?

Spoelstra lets out something that sounds like a long whistle.

Whooaaa, he says. Where would I even start? Just so many of the elements away from the Xs and Os. Leadership. Managing personalities. Motivating. Life. He just has an unparalleled gift. Im telling you, if he wasnt doing this, he would be a military general. Hes the kind of guy you want to follow into anywhere he wants to be followed.'

And now, after a noisy season of insanity, after a year unlike any in our areas history, South Florida follows the Heats leader into a fight at the top of sports.

You cant see the worlds seven most beautiful beaches from up here.

It is loud and hostile and scary and a long, long way from the serenity of retirement.

But, man, what a view.
By Dan LeBatard

Courtesy of: miamiherald.com

Miami Heat has sacrificed much to reach NBA - by Eurobasket News
Cut through the noise and nonsense. Go to the core of what we are actually watching here. Dont let your clarity get clouded by the color you paint your face. Dont let anger clog your filter. Just make these players faceless. Take the names off the uniforms.

And lets start with the starters:

The point guard has been in the league for more than a decade. His body is kind of broken. He has played nearly 100 playoff games, not one of them in the NBA Finals. On his last legs, he wants a championship. How much is it worth to him? At least $6.2 million. Thats how much he gave up. All he had to do next season was show up for work in Washington. That money is now gone forever, though. He cant and wont get it back next year, his body not quite as healthy as his desire. So, clearly, he plays now for the kind of riches not measured in dollars. But heres the shocking part: Many of his teammates, plural, have given up more money than him.

The center is a self-made stoic who works so hard that his boss has had to kick him out of the gym and tell security not to let him back in. And he has snuck back in anyway. He is a very quiet overachiever. Never talks trash. You wont see a change of expression from him, or any kind of outburst, not even when he blocks five shots in a playoff game. All the little things basketball millionaires dont like to do? Thats the entirety of his job. It would be hard for him to be a more model teammate. His current coach once told others that he simply wasnt NBA material. But he proved him wrong with work, not words. He wont tell you how much he cares. No, he will show you.

The power forward is unusually introspective and honest. You dont get that combination much in this testosterone-soaked world, bravado often a mask for the vulnerable. This gets him called soft, even though the soft dont survive in this jungle, never mind average 19 and 8. After a playoff victory in which he scored 34 points, he revealed that he didnt know he had a big ego until he got here and had to start sacrificing shots, glory, money. When do you ever hear that? This was after he admitted that the first playoff game in Boston rattled his emotional equilibrium. When do ever hear that? He will never again be The Man on his team, but he does endure a disproportionate amount of the criticism when things go wrong. Hes OK with that. He explains in his way that you never know how hard sacrifices really are until you are actually making them.

The shooting guard is unusually humble for a superstar. Professional, too, always. He has this way of treating arena security, staff and workers with gentle grace. His teammates take his lead. They follow him, out of respect. He goes to the gym late, late at night to work on his shot alone, after all these years. It is odd to say, but the two-time MVP of the league looks up to him. They have a little-brother-big-brother relationship and are genuine friends. Pressed, the shooting guard says awkwardly in this testosterone-soaked world that, yes, they love each other. The Heat was banking on this respect to reform any bad habits a big ego might have picked up in Cleveland. And, following big brothers lead, it is worth noting that, despite the storm around them, neither of them has failed to live up to a media responsibility this entire noisy season.

But the two-time MVP is the problem, of course. He did a TV show that still echoes all these months later. It felt soaked in ego, hubris, bad advice and lack of self-awareness. Still, the sacrifices he made to win are real and large. His good name and image, for one. And then theres this: Hes making $19 million less than Joe Johnson. He made these sacrifices to admit he needed help something a frustrated Derrick Rose now sees clearly as he finally gets past little brother and finds big brother waiting for him at the rim. An hour of TV has overwhelmed the choice he made, but it isnt irrelevant that the very worst thing this team has done all season resulted in a multi-million-dollar donation to a boys and girls club in Connecticut.

And how about the best players off the bench? How much do they care? The power forward is a hometown guy who has only sacrificed $24 million to remain in Miami. He is always thanking Pat Riley, publicly and privately, for believing in him when no one else did, and he repays this with a gratitude you see in elbows, floor burns and a rushed return from injury. By his side is the shooter who cant really shoot because his thumbs dont work. He will need surgery after the season. He should have had it already, actually, but he declined because this is how his playoff rsum looks after a decade in the league:

2000-2001: Four games.

2001-2002: Four games.

2003-2004: Four games.

2004-2005: Four games.

2005-2006: Four games.

And none since.

So he took less money to be here, and he keeps diving all over the floor with thumbs that dont work, and he flies to Chicago despite having a sick infant in the hospital, because of how much he cares about winning. It doesnt sound like there is much of anything thatll keep him from appreciating every moment in the 12 playoff games he already has played this year with those thumbs that dont work.

Put this team in an Olympic uniform, and our country would wrap itself in the flag and root for this group with uncommon zeal.

Alas, the word Miami is stretched across the jersey. So, instead, America will now root for the German guy.
Courtesy of: http://www.miamiherald.com

Dirk Nowitzki ready for Heat rematch - by Eurobasket News
DALLAS -- No matter how fitting the chance for the Dallas Mavericks to come full circle since the 2006 Finals meltdown against the Miami Heat, forward Dirk Dirk Nowitzki (6'11''-F-78) has no interest in playing the revenge card.

'It doesn't really matter that much to me,' Dirk Nowitzki said after Friday's practice. 'We had a huge chance in '06 and let it slip away, so we've got another crack at it. You never know in this league if you ever get another chance, and we're able to get to this stage again and it feels good.'

Dirk Nowitzki is so intently focused on the task at hand that he didn't even allow himself to soak in the moment of capturing a second Western Conference title. He bolted from the trophy presentation, hopping over the scorer's table and disappearing into the tunnel before he could even be interviewed on national television.

'Now we've just got to go for it and do all the things that got us here,' Dirk Nowitzki said. 'And that's play some defense, rebound the ball and ball movement on the offensive floor.'

The Mavericks took a 2-0 lead on the Heat in the '06 Finals and took their talents to South Beach with a head of steam and championship parade plans in the works at City Hall.

Dallas led Game 3 in Miami by 13 points with 6:42 left in the game when everything went haywire. Led by Dwyane Wade's parade to the free throw line, the Heat rallied for the win and never lost again.

It might not have mattered to Dirk Nowitzki if the Chicago Bulls had come out of the Eastern Conference instead, but he has never let go of just how close the Mavs were to winning a championship or the struggles in the seasons since that have come to define the franchise and Dirk Nowitzki.

'Obviously, it was one of the toughest losses we've ever gone through as a franchise,' Dirk Nowitzki said. 'Me personally, to be up 2-0 and not a find a way to win another game, that was tough. But, you've got to give Miami credit ... It took us a long time to get back to this stage.'

Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry are the only remaining members from the '06 Finals team, plus assistant coach Darrell Armstrong. Wade and Udonis Haslem, freshly returned from a season-long foot injury, are the only holdovers on the Miami side.

The Heat prospered from the offseason's free-agent coup, combining superstar LeBron James and Chris Bosh with Wade and surrounding the trio with a group of low-salaried role players. The Mavs' '06 team did not include Jason Kidd running the point, Shawn Marion making significant contributions on both ends at small forward or the emotional and defensive leadership of center Tyson Chandler.

Terry, Dallas' point guard in his second season in '06 and now a potent scoring weapon as the sixth man, has consistently contended that the '06 title rightfully belonged in Dallas. After defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder to win a second Western Conference title on Wednesday, Terry seemed a bit little conflicted about his emotions regarding the Heat.

'That's not the same team,' Terry said. 'Pat Riley's not even coaching. I've always said it, though, every time we've played the Heat it's always been something special, even in the regular season those five years.'

By Jeff Caplan
Courtesy of: ESPNDallas.com


Reign In Miami: Heat win the title in 5 - by Daniel Gibson
MIAMIGood news for supporters of the Miami Heat and its fans, bad news for the 95% of the world that hates to see LeBron James and the Heat succeed.

The Heat vs. Dallas Mavericks Finals matchup will be identical to the Heat vs. Bulls match up we all just witnessed.

We will be treated to 5 close games but in the end they will be throwing a party in South Beach bigger than the pep rally that was thrown to introduce the big 3 and it will prove that James made the right Decision.

Experts, Mavs fans, and angry Heat haters keep talking about how Dirk Nowitzki is focused and motivated to avenge the loss he took to the Heat back in 06.

Okay, Im sure that he is.

Im also sure that Dwyane Wade is hungry to get that title back in his arms and that ring back on his finger after not experiencing that feeling since 06. Since then he has gone through difficult seasons, injuries, and being the new villain of the NBA as a member of the most hated team.

You already know that James is motivated. He made it to the Finals before and was swept by Tim Duncan and the Spurs. You think he forgot about that?

People talk about him losing out on the chance to be in the conversation of who is the greatest player since he teamed up with Wade and Chris Bosh. He has been called a coward and much worse for leaving the Cavs and he took a ton of heat, pun intended, for broadcasting his decision. They said the heat couldnt get past the Celtics and then that they would lose to Bulls. And that he wasnt clutch.

James has taken in all of the hate and has used it to destroy every team that stood in his way. Ask the Celtics and the Bulls if James is clutch or not. Or just go back and watch the tape yourself.

Bosh has been at the end of most of the jokes all season. He made the All-Star team during the regular season and without him there is no way the Heat would be in the Finals. He has made tons of big jumpers, free-throws, and plays throughout the playoffs.

Basically, the point I was making is that every single player from both teams is motivated to win the championship.

Too bad titles arent won by motivation alone. Both teams have players that are capable of dominating a game but what separates them is the Heat have three players that can dominate a series. The Mavs have one.

Just like the Bulls.

The Mavs have no answer for James or Wade and Bosh will continue to do whatever is needed to win.
On the other side, Nowitzki will get his points but Miami has one of the best defenses in the league and the Mavs havent faced an athletic and locked in defense like the one they will see on Tuesday yet in the playoffs.

Bosh, Joel Anthony, Udonis Haslem, and James will alternate guarding Dirk and giving him different looks. They wont completely shut him down but they will contest his shots, rotate on his drives to the basket, and make it difficult for him.

The lineup with Mike Miller, Wade, James, Haslem, and Bosh will be effective against Dallas because Tyson Chandler and Brendan Heywood arent dominant post players.

This group for the Heat is their best and most versatile lineup where each guy can do multiple things well on offense, rebound the ball, and switch almost everything on defense.

The Mavs have had a great run up to this point, Dirk has put the team on his back and shown how good he is offensively, but once again they are going against a different type of beast.

The Miami is more than hungry and motivated it is led by great players

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


Eric Wise transferring to USC - by Eurobasket News
LOS ANGELES -- UC Irvine junior forward Eric Wise (6'5''-F) will transfer to USC and signed official scholarship papers with the school Friday, Trojans coach Kevin O'Neill announced.

Eric Wise, a junior, will be forced to sit out the upcoming season per NCAA transfer regulations and will use his final year of college eligibility in 2012-13.

'We are very excited to have a proven veteran player like Eric join our program,' O'Neill said in a statement. 'His sit-out year will give him an opportunity to acclimate to our system and prepare him to have a good senior season. He is a good student who did well at UC Irvine and will be in position to graduate from USC.'

The Riverside native averaged 15.4 points and 6.6 rebounds in 83 career games with the Anteaters. He had contemplated transferring after his sophomore season but ended up staying for his third year at UC Irvine, finishing four points and 62 rebounds from the school's top 10 list in each category.

The 6-foot-6, 240-pound forward was Irvine's leading rebounder a year ago, averaging more than eight a game, and could provide similar numbers for the Trojans when he becomes eligible next November.

Eric Wise played high school basketball at Riverside King High, where he averaged 20.4 points and 9.3 rebounds and earned county player of the year honors his senior season. He was also named CIF Southern Section Division IA player of the year as he led King to a CIF title and 32-3 overall record.

His cousin, Jaha Wilson, played for USC from 1994-97 and, on the day coach Henry Bibby was hired in 1996, famously guaranteed the Trojans would qualify for the NCAA tournament the next season.

They made it in as a No. 11 seed, losing to Illinois in the first round. Wilson stands in 10th all-time on USC's career rebounding list.

By Pedro Moura
Courtesy of: ESPNLosAngeles.com


Billy Kennedy's $5M contract approved - by Eurobasket News
COLLEGE STATION, Texas -- The Texas A&M System Board of Regents has approved a five-year, $5 million contract for new Aggies' basketball coach Billy Kennedy .

Kennedy will earn $500,000 a year in salary and another $500,000 in a media supplement.

The former Murray State coach was hired May 15 to take over for Mark Turgeon, who left to coach Maryland. Kennedy will lead a program that has made six straight NCAA tournament appearances and posted seven consecutive 20-win seasons.

Texas A&M athletic director Bill Byrne says Kennedy has already met with many of his players and is putting together his coaching staff.

The contract includes a $500,000 buyout.
Courtesy of: The Associated Press


*****************************************************
  NIGERIA   


DStv PBL Final-8: NBBF grant Lagos hosting right - by Olusegun Ikuesan
The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has awarded the hostting of the 2010/2011 post season playoffs to the Lagos bidding teams.

The Lagos bid is said to be unique as it will be the first time since the coming of the premier league that more than one team will bid to stage the playoffs tagged The Fibal-8 playoffs.

NBBF president, Tijjani Umar says Lagos was awarded the hosting right after a careful study of the bid documents submitted by all the bidders and that of Lagos meet the requirement of the federation.

He challenge the Lagos-teams to match their words with actions as the final-8 playoffs is the climax of the DStv Premier Basketball League and must surpass or equal what was witnessed at the 2009/2010 finals in Port Harcourt last year.

The Lagos bidding team gave assurance that the 2010/2011 playoffs will be the best ever.

Bid spokesman, Ayo Bakare of Comets basketball club and logistics officer Rotimi Savage of Union Bank basketball club says they are on top of the bid and will not disappoint the federation and basketball fans when the playoffs dunk-off on June 20 through the buzzer on June 27.

Eight clubs are already waiting to sweat it out for the title with defending champion Kano Pillars basketball club leading the challenge from the Savannah conference and the only team that did not drop any game all through the regular season of the 2010/2011 campaign.

Other teams in the race for the diadem include Kada Stars basketball club of Kaduna, Yelwa Hawks and Bauchi Nets basketball clubs of Bauchi, leading the challenge from the Atlantic conference is 2009/2010 third place finisher, Union Bank basketball club of Lagos last season runner-up Royal Hoopers basketball club of Port Harcourt former league champion Comets basketball club who is staging a come back to the post season after winning the league shield in 2003 and 2006 Africa Champions Cup third place side, Dodan Warriors basketball club of Lagos.

The eight teams will be divided into two groups with one of the host side Union Bank basketball club and defending champion and Savannah conference leader being seeded.


DStv PBL Final-8: NBBF grant Lagos hosting right - by
The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has awarded the hostting of the 2010/2011 post season playoffs to the Lagos bidding teams.

The Lagos bid is said to be unique as it will be the first time since the coming of the premier league that more than one team will bid to stage the playoffs tagged The Fibal-8 playoffs.

NBBF president, Tijjani Umar says Lagos was awarded the hosting right after a careful study of the bid documents submitted by all the bidders and that of Lagos meet the requirement of the federation.

He challenge the Lagos-teams to match their words with actions as the final-8 playoffs is the climax of the DStv Premier Basketball League and must surpass or equal what was witnessed at the 2009/2010 finals in Port Harcourt last year.

The Lagos bidding team gave assurance that the 2010/2011 playoffs will be the best ever.

Bid spokesman, Ayo Bakare of Comets basketball club and logistics officer Rotimi Savage of Union Bank basketball club says they are on top of the bid and will not disappoint the federation and basketball fans when the playoffs dunk-off on June 20 through the buzzer on June 27.

Eight clubs are already waiting to sweat it out for the title with defending champion Kano Pillars basketball club leading the challenge from the Savannah conference and the only team that did not drop any game all through the regular season of the 2010/2011 campaign.

Other teams in the race for the diadem include Kada Stars basketball club of Kaduna, Yelwa Hawks and Bauchi Nets basketball clubs of Bauchi, leading the challenge from the Atlantic conference is 2009/2010 third place finisher, Union Bank basketball club of Lagos last season runner-up Royal Hoopers basketball club of Port Harcourt former league champion Comets basketball club who is staging a come back to the post season after winning the league shield in 2003 and 2006 Africa Champions Cup third place side, Dodan Warriors basketball club of Lagos.

The eight teams will be divided into two groups with one of the host side Union Bank basketball club and defending champion and Savannah conference leader being seeded.


*****************************************************
  PHILIPPINES   


Smart Gilas too good for KL Dragons - by Eurobasket News
Smart Gilas - KL Dragons 95:64

Smart Gilas rallied to the second straight win at the Asia Club Championship. The hosts knocked down KL Dragons tonight to improve at 2-0 record on top of preliminary Group A. Christopher Tiu John (178-PG-85) stepped up with 11 points to pace Smart Gilas.
Smart Gilas opened the game with a stunning 10:0 run. KL Dragons gradually recovered but still faced a 5-point deficit after ten minutes 15:20. KL Dragons seemed to have found their rhythm as they capped the half with an 8:2 run to take a 40:39 lead. Smart Gilas bounced back in style. They ignited a 26:7 surge late in the third term to gain a comfortable 65:49 advantage. The hosts quickly boosted the gap to 25 points in the final quarter and never looked back en route to the victory. Mark Barroca (198-F/C-88), Joseph Evans Casio (177-PG-86), Dondon Hontiveros (188-G-77) and Christopher Lutz Ryan (191-G-85, college: Marshall) produced 10 points each for the winners. Chris Ayer (208-C-83, college: Loyola Marymount) answered with 31 points and 13 rebounds for KL Dragons. Marcus Morrison (198-G/F-84, agency: 011 Sports, college: Middle Tenn.St.) accounted for 15 points in the loss.

Smart Gilas: Christopher Tiu John 11, Mark Barroca 10, Joseph Evans Casio 10, Dondon Hontiveros 10, Christopher Lutz Ryan 10
KL Dragons: Chris Ayer 31+13 boards, Marcus Morrison 15


Thoughts on the 2nd Day of the 2011 FIBA-Asia Champs Cup - by Enzo Flojo
- Al Rayyan started strong and served notice of how they will be a tough opponent in the coming days.
- The WKL Dragons surprised the Pinoys in the 1st half. Last minute import Chris Ayer (208-C-83, college: Loyola Marymount) was a revelation and showed the way for the Malaysians, but the quality of Smart-Gials prevailed in the latter half. Gilas takes a rest today, and it should preserve them until they face the Iraqis tomorrow.
- Mahram had some shaky moments against Al Shabab, but they eventually got out of their funk. They are still the top favorites in the tourney.
- Predictions for today: ASU over Ittihad by 15-20, Duhok over the Dragons in a close one, Mahram over Riyadi down the wire, and Rayyan over Shabbab by about 20.

Read more on HoopNut.blogspot.com

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


Standings - BSN
BSN Standings
 1. Bayamon 13-7 
 2. Guaynabo 12-9 
 3. Santurce 12-9 
 4. Quebradillas 12-9 
 5. San German 11-9 
 6. Arecibo 11-10 
 7. Coamo 9-12 
 8. Humacao 9-12 
 9. Mayaguez 9-13 
 10. Isabela 7-15 


Stats Leaders - BSN
Points Per Game
 Angel Daniel VASSALLO
  Guaynabo
  (198-G/F-86)
  Avg: 24.7
 1. Vassallo, Guaynabo24.7 
 2. Ramos, Quebradillas24.7 
 3. Dalmau, Bayamon22.0 
 4. Ayuso, Arecibo21.0 
 5. Villegas, Coamo20.2 
 6. Johnson, Humacao20.1 
 7. Romero, Mayaguez18.6 
 8. Harris, San German18.6 
 9. Carmona, Mayaguez17.8 
 10. Randolph, Isabela17.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Manuel Antonio NARVAEZ
  Coamo
  (211-C-81)
  Avg: 12.5
 1. Narvaez, Coamo12.5 
 2. Harris, San German11.9 
 3. Randolph, Isabela11.9 
 4. Pruitt, Guaynabo11.7 
 5. Ramos, Quebradillas11.3 
 6. Lloreda, San G.10.9 
 7. Rickert, Bayamon10.3 
 8. Romero, Mayaguez9.7 
 9. Sweetney, Santurce9.4 
 10. Shannon, Bayamon9.1 
Assists Per Game
 Christian DALMAU
  Bayamon
  (194-G-77)
  Avg: 6.4
 1. Dalmau, Bayamon6.4 
 2. Brown, Quebradillas5.9 
 3. Guzman, Guaynabo4.8 
 4. Clemente, Humacao4.7 
 5. Clinch, Isabela4.5 
 6. Apodaca, Quebradil.4.3 
 7. Rivera, Mayaguez4.1 
 8. Vega, Coamo4.1 
 9. Copeland, San G.3.8 
 10. Berdiel, Humacao3.7 
Steals Per Game
 Darnell HINSON
  Isabela
  (186-G-80)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Hinson, Isabela1.9 
 2. Santiago, Santurce1.7 
 3. Robinson, Mayaguez1.7 
 4. Robinson, Humacao1.5 
 5. Carmona, Mayaguez1.5 
 6. Clinch, Isabela1.5 
 7. Berdiel, Humacao1.5 
 8. Rivera, Mayaguez1.5 
 9. Dalmau, Bayamon1.4 
 10. Harris, San German1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Herve LAMIZANA
  Mayaguez
  (207-F/C-81)
  Avg: 3
 1. Lamizana, Mayaguez3.0 
 2. Penn, Humacao2.7 
 3. Traylor, Bayamon2.0 
 4. Santiago, Arecibo2.0 
 5. Romero, Mayaguez1.9 
 6. Sanchez, Santurce1.8 
 7. Aubry, Arecibo1.7 
 8. Randolph, Isabela1.6 
 9. Robinson, Mayaguez1.5 
 10. Harris, San German1.4 


*****************************************************
  QATAR   


Rayyan drive past Jalaa - by Eurobasket News
Rayyan - Jalaa 90:67

Rayyan celebrated the first win at the Asia Club Championship in Philippines. They toppled Jalaa in the opener. Jalaa in the meantime suffered the second straight loss at the tournament. Chauncey Leslie (183-G-81, college: Iowa) netted 30 points to lead the effort.
The Qatari team looked the better side in the opening frame. They established a 17:11 advantage midway through the quarter. Rayyan ensured a 20:14 lead after ten minutes. Yasseen Musa (204-F-80) helped Rayyan boost the gap to 15 points midway through the second term. The Qatari side arrived at the main break up by 15 points 47:32. Rayyan tipped off the third quarter with a 19:0 run and eased to a 74:51 lead with one quarter remaining. Jalaa found no proper answer for the onslaught and had to surrender at the end. Yasseen Musa provided 21 points, while Targuy Ngombo (198-F-89, agency: Court Side) had 17 points and 17 rebounds for the winners. Sari Papazian (194-G/F-82) notched 20 points for Jalaa. Ahmad Ishak (194-F-86) accounted for 11 points in defeat.

Rayyan: Chauncey Leslie 30, Yasseen Musa 21, Targuy Ngombo 17+17 boards
Jalaa: Sari Papazian 20, Ahmad Ishak 11


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


Ittihad beat Duhok for first win in Manila - by Eurobasket News
Ittihad - Duhok 83:75

Vladislav Dragajlovic (207-C-79, agency: Beo Basket) stepped up with 27 points and 15 rebounds to lead Ittihad to the initial win at the Asia Club Championship. They outscored Duhok of Iraq in preliminary Group A.
The teams exchanged baskets throughout the opening frame. Ittihad entered the second term up by a single point 21:20. Vladislav Dragajlovic gave Ittihad a 37:28 lead midway through the second term but Duhok found the answer. They went on a 9:0 run to level things up at 37 at the interval. Chester Giles (211-F/C-85, college: Oregon St.) put Duhok in front early in the third quarter but Ittihad regained the advantage and registered a 57:50 lead at the final intermission. Ittihad cleared off to double-digit lead early in the fourth quarter but Chadney Gray dragged Duhok within 6 with under three minutes to go. Jaber Kabe (182-85) knocked down important four points for Ittihad and the Saudi Arabia team did not look back en route to the win afterwards. Adil Aljuhani (189-70) knocked down 21 points, grabbed 6 boards and dished out 4 assists for Ittihad. Jaber Kabe accounted for 10 points in the win. Chundey Gray answered with 22 points and 8 rebounds for Duhok. Chester Giles provided 16 points and 14 boards in defeat.

Ittihad: Vladislav Dragajlovic 27+15 boards, Adil Aljuhani 21, Jaber Kabe 10
Duhok: Chudney Gray (188-G-78, agency: Promotex, college: St.John's) 22, Chester Giles 16+14 boards


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


Obradoiro grabs 2-0 LEB Gold Finals lead - by Eurobasket News
Obradoiro - Burgos 63-53

Obradoiro grabs 2-0 LEB Gold Finals lead after another home win. Obradoiro CAB outrebounded Ford Burgos 36-24 including 24 on the defensive glass. 25 personal fouls committed by Ford Burgos helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was the former international center Oriol Junyent (207-76) who scored 10 points and 8 rebounds. Naturalized American forward Bernard Hopkins (200-73, college: VCU) chipped in 6 points and 10 rebounds. Guard Jesus Castro (190-83) produced 21 points and American power forward Jerome Tillman (198-87, college: Ohio) added 10 points respectively for the guests. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Obradoiro: A.Corbacho 11+2reb, D.Washington 10+6reb+1ast, O.Junyent 10+8reb+3ast, A.Rodriguez 9+2reb+5ast, J.Bulfoni 7+1reb+1ast, B.Hopkins 6+10reb+1ast
Burgos: J.Castro 21+3reb+1ast, J.Tillman 10+1reb, P.Lorant 7+4reb, M.Vinicius Toledo 7+1reb+1ast, M.Downs 3+3reb+2ast, A.Miguel 2+2reb
gschID: 129171




LEB Silver Round 2 of Finals: Andorra tied the series - by Eurobasket News
Mallorca - Andorra 82-86

The guests trailed by 5 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 1-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 86-82. The best player for the winners was swingman Pablo Sanchez (197-81) who scored 20 points and 6 rebounds. Power forward Andreu Matali (204-81) chipped in 19 points and 5 rebounds. point guard Joan Carles Bivia (185-85) produced 15 points and center Antoni Jaume Vicens (202-90) added 11 points and 10 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Mallorca: I.Torres 18, J.Carles Bivia 15+4reb+3ast, S.Alonso 15+3reb+4ast, S.Green 13+6reb+1ast, A.Jaume Vicens 11+10reb+1ast, I.Pampin 3+4ast
Andorra: P.Sanchez 20+6reb+3ast, A.Matali 19+5reb+2ast, A.Ros 15+4reb+1ast, N.Zamora 14+1reb+2ast, R.Johnson 13+9reb+1ast, R.Casals 2+2reb
gschID: 129172




ACB Round 2 of Semi-Finals. Bizkaia Bilbao snatch win in Madrid - by Eurobasket News
Regal Barca - Caja Laboral 78-62

Regal Barca are 2-0 up on Caja Laboral following the second straight home victory. It looked good early as Caja Laboral took an 1-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Regal FC Barcelona had a 19-10 second period charge getting the lead and Caja Laboral was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 62-78. Guard Victor Sada (192-84) orchestrated the victory by scoring 8 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. American swingman Alan Anderson (198-82, college: Michigan St., agency: Priority Sports) contributed with 12 points for the winners. Bosnian-Croatian center Stanko Barac (217-86) replied with 13 points and 9 rebounds and international swingman Fernando San Emeterio (198-84) added 14 points in the effort for Caja Laboral. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Regal Barca: A.Anderson 12+1reb+2ast, J.Lakovic 11+2ast, J.Carlos Navarro 9+1reb+1ast, K.Perovic 9+2reb, V.Sada 8+7reb+5ast, R.Grimau 6+1reb+1ast
Caja Laboral: F.San Emeterio 14+4reb+1ast, S.Barac 13+9reb, M.Teletovic 10+3reb, B.Oleson 9+1reb, M.Huertas 9+4reb+6ast, P.Ribas 3+1reb
gschID: 129169


Real Madrid - Bizkaia Bilbao 66-71

Bizkaia Bilbao drew things level against Real stealing the road win in Madrid. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Real Madrid won third quarter 20-6. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Bizkaia Bilbao made 17-of-20 free shots (85.0 percent) during the game. 25 personal fouls committed by Real Madrid helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was Belgian forward Axel Hervelle (205-83) who scored 8 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. American guard Aaron Jackson (193-86, college: Duquesne) chipped in 13 points and 5 assists. Four Bizkaia Bilbao players scored in double figures. International guard Sergio Llull (190-87) produced 20 points and 4 assists and forward Carlos Suarez (202-86, agency: Court Side) added 7 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for the hosts. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game.
Top scorers:
Bizkaia Bilbao: A.Mumbru 13+5reb, A.Jackson 13+3reb+5ast, C.Vasiliadis 11+4reb+2ast, M.Banic 10+4reb, A.Hervelle 8+11reb+4ast, D.Mavroeidis 6+4reb+1ast
Real Madrid: S.Llull 20+3reb+4ast, A.Tomic 10+1reb, C.Suarez 7+8reb+4ast, C.Tucker 6+1reb, P.Prigioni 6+5reb+5ast, F.Reyes 5+5reb+2ast
gschID: 129170




Stats Leaders - ACB
Points Per Game
 Jaycee CARROLL
  Gran Canaria
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 19.3
 1. Carroll, Gran Cana.19.3 
 2. Navarro, Regal B.15.8 
 3. McDonald, DKV J.15.3 
 4. Baron, Lagun A.15.0 
 5. Fitch, Unicaja15.0 
 6. Teletovic, Caja L.14.7 
 7. Caner-Medley, Estu.14.4 
 8. Martinez, Valencia14.0 
 9. Freeland, Unicaja13.2 
 10. Davis, Cajasol13.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Robert KURZ
  Granada
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 9.1
 1. Kurz, Granada9.1 
 2. Batista, Fuenlabr.8.4 
 3. Caner-Medley, Estu.7.6 
 4. Barac, Caja Laboral7.0 
 5. Donaldson, Menorca6.9 
 6. Ayon, Fuenlabrada6.5 
 7. Wallace, Gran Cana.6.3 
 8. Doellman, Meridiano6.2 
 9. Slokar, Manresa6.2 
 10. Freeland, Unicaja6.1 
Assists Per Game
 Marcelinho HUERTAS
  Caja L.
  (191-G-83)
  Avg: 6
 1. Huertas, Caja L.6.0 
 2. Cook, Valencia5.4 
 3. Ciorciari, Menorca4.9 
 4. Valters, Fuenlabr.4.5 
 5. Salgado, Lagun A.4.3 
 6. Rubio, Regal Barca4.2 
 7. Green, Gran Canaria4.0 
 8. San Miguel, Manre.3.9 
 9. Dumas, Valladolid3.9 
 10. Prigioni, Real Ma.3.9 
Steals Per Game
 Omar-Sharif COOK
  Valencia
  (186-G-82)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Cook, Valencia2.2 
 2. Kirksay, Cajasol1.9 
 3. Batista, Fuenlabr.1.8 
 4. Robinson, DKV J.1.8 
 5. Calloway, Cajasol1.8 
 6. Rubio, Regal Barca1.7 
 7. Van Lacke, Vallado.1.5 
 8. Davis, Cajasol1.5 
 9. Victor, Menorca1.5 
 10. San Miguel, Manre.1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Bismack BIYOMBO
  Fuenlabr.
  (204-C-92)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Biyombo, Fuenlabr.2.3 
 2. Fischer, Real Madr.1.4 
 3. Ayon, Fuenlabrada1.4 
 4. Vazquez, Regal B.1.4 
 5. Kurz, Granada1.3 
 6. Barnes, Valladolid1.3 
 7. Batista, Fuenlabr.1.1 
 8. Barac, Caja Laboral1.1 
 9. Savane, Gran C.1.1 
 10. Majstorovic, Manr.1.0 


Stats Leaders - LEB Gold
Points Per Game
 Ricardo GUILLEN
  La Laguna
  (205-F/C-76)
  Avg: 19.4
 1. Guillen, La Laguna19.4 
 2. Palacios, La Palma16.8 
 3. Mohammed, Lleida16.2 
 4. Detrick, Melilla15.7 
 5. Seawright, Leon15.2 
 6. Feldeine, Breogan15.2 
 7. Faverani, CB Mu.14.9 
 8. Navarro, Girona14.9 
 9. Franklin, CB Tarra.14.8 
 10. Johnson, Huesca14.2 
Rebounds Per Game
 Kiril WACHSMANN
  Alcazar
  (203-C/F-83)
  Avg: 9.2
 1. Wachsmann, Alcazar9.2 
 2. Curtis, Lleida9.2 
 3. Sinanovic, Clinic.8.0 
 4. Seawright, Leon7.8 
 5. Guillen, La Laguna7.5 
 6. Kale, Ourense7.2 
 7. Arteaga, Breogan7.1 
 8. Blair, Navarra7.0 
 9. Frost, Palencia6.9 
 10. Chagoyen, La Lag.6.9 
Assists Per Game
 Juan AGUILAR
  CB Tarra.
  (187-PG-88)
  Avg: 4.6
 1. Aguilar, CB Tarra.4.6 
 2. Rodriguez, Obrad.4.6 
 3. Sabat, La Laguna3.9 
 4. Bernabe, Leon3.5 
 5. Jimenez, Melilla3.5 
 6. Brown, Ourense3.5 
 7. Rivero, CB Murcia3.3 
 8. Quezada, Leon3.2 
 9. Alvarado, La Palma2.9 
 10. Garrido, Palencia2.9 
Steals Per Game
 Andres RODRIGUEZ
  Obrad.
  (182-PG-81)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Rodriguez, Obrad.2.2 
 2. Bernabe, Leon1.8 
 3. Rost, Girona1.7 
 4. Xavier, Caceres1.6 
 5. Franklin, CB Tarra.1.6 
 6. Castro, Burgos1.5 
 7. Palacios, La Palma1.5 
 8. Feldeine, Breogan1.4 
 9. Alba, CB Tarragona1.4 
 10. Baldo, Burgos1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Jeff FOOTE
  Melilla
  (212-C-88)
  Avg: 2
 1. Foote, Melilla2.0 
 2. Humphrey, Caceres1.5 
 3. Hicks, Breogan1.4 
 4. Fontet, Leon1.3 
 5. Sinanovic, Clinic.1.2 
 6. Diouf, CB Tarragona1.2 
 7. Joseph, Navarra1.2 
 8. Faverani, CB Mu.1.1 
 9. McCoy, Caceres1.0 
 10. Arteaga, Breogan1.0 


Stats Leaders-LEB Silver
Points Per Game
 Matt WITT
  Clavijo
  (183-PG-84)
  Avg: 16.4
 1. Witt, Clavijo16.4 
 2. Barcelo, Plasencia15.7 
 3. Ramsdell, Avila15.4 
 4. O''Leary, Oviedo F.15.4 
 5. Paez, Lan M.15.0 
 6. Bratton, Lan M.14.9 
 7. Mortellaro, Lan M.14.8 
 8. Ratzsch, Oviedo F.14.7 
 9. Mesa, Clavijo14.7 
 10. Bivia, Mallorca14.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Ian O''LEARY
  Oviedo F.
  (201-F-86)
  Avg: 9.3
 1. O''Leary, Oviedo F.9.3 
 2. De Santana, Clavijo8.8 
 3. Chubrevich, Illesc.8.4 
 4. Mortellaro, Lan M.8.1 
 5. Mesa, Clavijo7.9 
 6. Adams, Coruna7.8 
 7. Ramsdell, Avila7.6 
 8. Larry, Regal F.7.1 
 9. Howard, Andorra6.9 
 10. Johnson, Andorra6.9 
Assists Per Game
 Matt WITT
  Clavijo
  (183-PG-84)
  Avg: 6
 1. Witt, Clavijo6.0 
 2. Uriz, Santurtzi5.0 
 3. Ibargutxi, Lan M.5.0 
 4. Lopez, Coruna4.6 
 5. Bivia, Mallorca3.8 
 6. Marco, ADT T.3.5 
 7. Pampin, Mallorca3.5 
 8. Machuca, Illescas3.4 
 9. Lopez, Avila3.2 
 10. Casado, Santurtzi3.2 
Steals Per Game
 Mikel URIZ
  Santurtzi
  (180-G-89)
  Avg: 2
 1. Uriz, Santurtzi2.0 
 2. Barcelo, Plasencia2.0 
 3. Adams, Coruna1.9 
 4. Bratton, Lan M.1.8 
 5. Smith, Guadalajara1.8 
 6. Witt, Clavijo1.7 
 7. Martinez, Plasencia1.7 
 8. Ros, Andorra1.6 
 9. Guirao, ADT T.1.6 
 10. Rueda, Plasencia1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Bismack BIYOMBO
  Illescas
  (204-C-92)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Biyombo, Illescas1.9 
 2. Todorovic, Prat J.1.4 
 3. De Santana, Clavijo1.3 
 4. Conde, Avila1.2 
 5. Cage, ADT Tarrago.1.0 
 6. Green, Mallorca1.0 
 7. Johnson, Andorra0.9 
 8. O''Leary, Oviedo F.0.9 
 9. Hampl, Santurtzi0.9 
 10. Chubrevich, Illes.0.9 


Unicaja targets Kristaps Valters - by Eurobasket News
Unicaja is negotiating the contract with Kristaps Valters (190-G-81). The Latvian guard can sign a 1+1 deal if agrees with the Malaga team. Kristaps Valters spent the previous season with Fuenlabrada. He averaged 10.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists per game. In 2009/10 season Kristaps Valters played for Joventut Badalona. He averaged 7.5 points, 4.3 assists and 1.6 boards per appearance in ACB. In EuroCup his stats read 6.8 points, 4.7 assists and 1.5 rebounds. Valters played for Latvian National Team in 1999/09 seasons. Kristaps Valters was named Eurobasket.com All-Latvian LBL Guard of the Year back in 2003 while playing for Skonto Riga. He also had stints with Muratpasa Antalya, Panionios, EWE Baskets, Snaidero, Scafati Basket, Triumph Lyubertsy.


*****************************************************
  SYRIA   


Rayyan drive past Jalaa - by Eurobasket News
Rayyan - Jalaa 90:67

Rayyan celebrated the first win at the Asia Club Championship in Philippines. They toppled Jalaa in the opener. Jalaa in the meantime suffered the second straight loss at the tournament. Chauncey Leslie (183-G-81, college: Iowa) netted 30 points to lead the effort.
The Qatari team looked the better side in the opening frame. They established a 17:11 advantage midway through the quarter. Rayyan ensured a 20:14 lead after ten minutes. Yasseen Musa (204-F-80) helped Rayyan boost the gap to 15 points midway through the second term. The Qatari side arrived at the main break up by 15 points 47:32. Rayyan tipped off the third quarter with a 19:0 run and eased to a 74:51 lead with one quarter remaining. Jalaa found no proper answer for the onslaught and had to surrender at the end. Yasseen Musa provided 21 points, while Targuy Ngombo (198-F-89, agency: Court Side) had 17 points and 17 rebounds for the winners. Sari Papazian (194-G/F-82) notched 20 points for Jalaa. Ahmad Ishak (194-F-86) accounted for 11 points in defeat.

Rayyan: Chauncey Leslie 30, Yasseen Musa 21, Targuy Ngombo 17+17 boards
Jalaa: Sari Papazian 20, Ahmad Ishak 11


*****************************************************
  TUNISIA   


ESS is the new Tunisia Champion - by Carlos Pereira
Winner for the second time, the ESS wins a championship well deserved
The expected showdown between ESS and the SN turned a little faster for the star who won yesterday in Nabeul and wins the championship for the fourth time in its history. This time It was good for crew Hamdi Braa. Three days after their first victory in Sousse, Stars reoffend in a match that was not different from that of Wednesday.
Result
SN- 74 ESS - 81

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


Renaldas Seibutis joins Galatasaray - by Eurobasket News
Renaldas Seibutis (196-G-85) will change the team in the upcoming season. The 25-year-old Lithuanian guard has agreed on terms of contract with Galatasaray. Renaldas Seibutis played for Olin Edirne in the previous season. He averaged 18.7 points, 4.0 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 1.4 steals per appearance. Renaldas Seibutis participated at the TBL All-Star Game. Renaldas Seibutis played for Lithuanian National Team at the 2010 World Championship in Turkey. The guard averaged 3.4 points per game at the tournament. Renaldas Seibutis had stints with Bilbao, Olympiakos, Maroussi and Sakalai before. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Lithuanian LKL Most Improved Player of the Year. Renaldas Seibutis also was trumped Baltic League Guard of the Year the same year.


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


Superleague Round 6 of Finals. Budivelnyk force decider - by Eurobasket News
FINAL
Budivelnyk - BC Donetsk 61-59

Budivelnyk survived a tough test edging a narrow victory over BC Donetsk at home court and forcing the decider in the title series. The hosts trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 34-30 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. The best player for the winners was American forward Zach Morley (203-83, college: Wisconsin) who scored 15 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. The other American import forward Lamayne Wilson (204-80, college: Troy) chipped in 18 points. At the other side the best for losing team was American power forward J.K. Edwards (202-82, college: UNLV) who recorded 11 points and 7 rebounds and international forward Dmytro Gliebov (198-88, agency: Beo Basket) added 9 points and 8 rebounds respectively. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game.
Top scorers:
Budivelnyk: L.Wilson 18, Z.Morley 15+7reb+4ast, M.Anisimovas 8+2reb+1ast, A.Betts 8+6reb+1ast, D.Ikovlev 5+3reb, W.Keys 4+4reb+4ast
BC Donetsk: J.Hukic 14+3reb, J.Edwards 11+7reb+2ast, D.Gliebov 9+8reb, J.Gray 8+3reb, A.Owens 7+6reb+2ast, V.Kravtsov 5+2reb
gschID: 129168




Stats Leaders - Men
Points Per Game
 Steve BURTT
  Dnipro
  (185-G-84)
  Avg: 22.4
 1. Burtt, Dnipro22.4 
 2. Flores, BC Donetsk16.7 
 3. Washington, BC Od.16.4 
 4. Curry, Azovmash16.1 
 5. Burns, Fe.16.0 
 6. Wiggins, Halychyna15.1 
 7. Millage, Khimik14.9 
 8. Love, Mykolaiv14.7 
 9. Fraser, DniproAzot14.5 
 10. Bakic, Kryvbasb.14.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Michael FRASER
  DniproAzot
  (203-C/F-84)
  Avg: 10.9
 1. Fraser, DniproAzot10.9 
 2. Wiggins, Halychyna9.3 
 3. Burns, Fe.7.8 
 4. Saltovets, BC Kyiv7.6 
 5. Austin, Dnipro7.3 
 6. Morrison, Halyc.7.2 
 7. Guinn, Fe.6.8 
 8. Owens, Azovmash6.6 
 9. Chappell, Hoverla6.6 
 10. Coleman, Hoverla6.5 
Assists Per Game
 Steve BURTT
  Dnipro
  (185-G-84)
  Avg: 5.5
 1. Burtt, Dnipro5.5 
 2. Abernethy, Halyc.5.2 
 3. Zimmerman, Hoverla4.9 
 4. Sparks, BC Odessa4.8 
 5. Funn, Halychyna4.7 
 6. Brewer, BC Odessa4.5 
 7. Vasiljevic, BC Do.4.5 
 8. Millage, Khimik4.5 
 9. Slipenchuk, Kryvba.4.2 
 10. Sirsnins, DniproA.3.9 
Steals Per Game
 Curtis MILLAGE
  Khimik
  (185-G-81)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Millage, Khimik2.4 
 2. House, Azovmash1.9 
 3. Sparks, BC Odessa1.8 
 4. Sirutavicius, Dnip.1.5 
 5. Mazutis, Mykolaiv1.5 
 6. Burns, Fe.1.5 
 7. Love, Mykolaiv1.4 
 8. Chappell, Hoverla1.4 
 9. Sirsnins, DniproAz.1.4 
 10. Burenko, BC Kyiv1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 James HUGHES
  Mykolaiv
  (211-C-83)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Hughes, Mykolaiv2.1 
 2. Kravtsov, BC Do.1.8 
 3. Morrison, Halyc.1.4 
 4. Zaitsev, Kryvbasb.1.4 
 5. Hunter, Fe.1.4 
 6. Coleman, Hoverla1.3 
 7. Turner, BC Odessa1.3 
 8. Pettway, Dnipro1.2 
 9. Balashov, BC Odes.1.2 
 10. Owens, Azovmash1.1 


*****************************************************
  UNITED ARAB EMIRATES   


Mahram overwhelm Shabab in Manila - by Eurobasket News
Mahram - Shabab 90:73

Two-time defending champions Mahram celebrated the second straight win at the Asia Club Championship. They held off Shabab to improve at 2-0 record in Group B. Chris Williams (199-F/G-80, college: Virginia) had another big game scoring 31 points and pulling down 8 rebounds in the victory.
Mahram led 17:11 midway through the opening frame but Shabab erased the deficit and posted a 24:23 advantage at the final intermission. Courtney Fields (206-F-82, college: Iona) and Ali Al Hattawi made it 36:28 for Shabab midway through the second term. But Oshin Sahakian helped Mahram to a 45:41 lead after twenty minutes of action. Cheikh Samb (215-C-84) ensured a 61:50 lead for the Iranian team in the third term. Shabab reacted with a strong run late in the period and cut the deficit at just two points 62:64 entering the final frame. Mahram struck right back at the start of the final period. They increased the tempo and quickly enlarged the gap to 10 points. Shabab could not recover in the dying stages of the encounter as Mahram sealed the victory at the end. Cheikh Samb notched 24 points and 7 rebounds for the Iranian team. Samad Nikkhah (198-G/F-83, agency: SportsList Inc.) nailed 16 points in the winning effort. Courtney Fields answered with 20 points and 7 rebounds for Shabab. Rashed Al Zaabi (180-G-88) netted 17 points in the loss.

Mahram: Chris Williams 31, Cheikh Samb 24, Samad Nikkhah 16
Shabab: Courtney Fields 20, Rashed Al Zaabi 17


*****************************************************
  URUGUAY   


Santiago Moglia sign up for Union Atletica - by Sergio Palay
The forward Santiago Moglia (196-F-89), son of the ex uruguayan national team member Osky Moglia, and grandson of the legendary Oscar Moglia, has signed up to play in Union Atletica the next edition of Liga Uruguaya.

Moglia is one of the figures of Larraaga, the team leader of the Metropolitan Tournament, being directed by Hector Da Pra.

Surely, the fact that Da Pra is Union Atletica coach influenced in Moglia's decision.

Santiago Moglia defended C.A. Atletico Welcome in the last season in Liga Uruguaya.

Standings - Metropolitan League
Metropolitan Standings
 1. Larranaga 10-2 
 2. Nacional 9-3 
 3. Tabare 7-5 
 4. Goes 7-5 
 5. Urunday Univ. 7-5 
 6. Atenas 6-5 
 7. Capitol 6-6 
 8. 25 de Agosto 3-8 
 9. Yale 3-9 
 10. Verdirrojo 1-11 


Larranaga is again the only Metro leader - by Hector Lopez
Larranaga beat 25 de Agosto 86-71 and after 12 rounds is the only leader for the Metro League because Nacional which was sharing the first position was beaten by Capitol 72-70. The results and main players were:
Larranaga 86 - Federico Martinez (203-F/C-74) 24 points 7 rebounds, Jimmy Boston (201-F-77, college: N.C.Central) 17 points 8 rebounds
25 de Agosto 71 - John Rufus (207-F/C-81, college: Fayetteville St.) 31 points 10 rebounds 1 block
- - -
Capitol 72 - Juan Wenzel (190-G-89) 27 points 4 rebounds, Gordon James 18 points 9 rebounds 1 block
Nacional 70 - Terrence Shelman (198-F-78) 15 points 10 rebounds
- - -
Urunday Universitario 83 - Steven Toyloy (203-C-87, college: Cincinnati) 17 points 12 rebounds 9 blocks
Verdirrojo 74 - Diego Garcia (183-G-92) 22 points 5 assists
- - -
Atenas 89 - Quentin Smith (205-C-77, college: Mississippi St.) 18 points 12 rebounds 23 blocks
Goes 73 - Federico Haller (198-F-88) 25 points 11 rebounds
- - -
Tabare 66 - Santiago Vidal (175-G-89) 19 points 4 assists, Brian Craig (206-C-79, college: Miles) 4 points 5 rebounds
Yale 55 - Tarrie Monroe (202-F-77, college: Lewis) 22 points 19 rebounds.


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


Standings - LPB
LPB Standings
 1. Cocodrilos 30-9 
 2. Marinos 30-11 
 3. Trotamundos 29-11 
 4. Gigantes 22-18 
 5. Bucaneros 22-19 
 6. Guaiqueries 21-20 
 7. Toros 15-25 
 8. Panteras 15-27 
 9. Guaros 12-26 
 10. Gaiteros 5-35 


LPB Round 49: Leader Cocodrilos lose to Toros - by Eurobasket News
The Regular Season in LPB is slowly approaching the end. But there may be still some important changes in the final standings in the last 5 rounds.

Top ranked Cocodrilos (30-9) recorded its ninth loss in Maracay on Saturday night. Visitors were defeated by eighth ranked Toros (15-25) 108-91. Toros have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to seventh place. Cocodrilos at the other side still keep top position with nine games lost. Toros are again looking forward to face league's leader Cocodrilos in Caracas in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Cocodrilos will have a break next round.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Valencia. Third ranked Trotamundos faced 4th placed Bucaneros. Host Trotamundos (29-11) defeated guests from La Guaira (22-19) 108-95. Trotamundos have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain third place with 29-11 record behind leader Cocodrilos. Bucaneros at the other side dropped to the fifth position with 19 games lost. Trotamundos will again play against Bucaneros (#5) in La Guaira in the next round. Bucaneros will have a break next round.
The game in Caracas was also quite interesting. Second ranked Marinos (30-11) played at the court of 7th ranked Panteras (15-27). Marinos defeated Panteras 102-92 on Saturday. Marinos have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain second place with 30-11 record having just -2 point less than leader Cocodrilos. Panteras lost tenth consecutive game. They dropped to the eighth position with 27 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

In the last game of round 49 Guaiqueries were defeated by Gigantes in Puerto Ordaz 57-53.


Gigantes - Guaiqueries 57-53

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 6th ranked Guaiqueries' (21-20) road loss to fifth ranked Gigantes (22-18) 53-57 on Saturday. Gigantes have a solid series of four victories in a row. They moved-up to fourth place. Loser Guaiqueries keep the sixth position with 20 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
gschID: 121600


Trotamundos - Bucaneros 108-95

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Valencia. Third ranked Trotamundos faced 4th placed Bucaneros. Host Trotamundos (29-11) defeated guests from La Guaira (22-19) 108-95. Trotamundos have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain third place with 29-11 record behind leader Cocodrilos. Bucaneros at the other side dropped to the fifth position with 19 games lost. Trotamundos will again play against Bucaneros (#5) in La Guaira in the next round. Bucaneros will have a break next round.
gschID: 121597


Panteras - Marinos 92-102

The game in Caracas was also quite interesting. Second ranked Marinos (30-11) played at the court of 7th ranked Panteras (15-27). Marinos defeated Panteras 102-92 on Saturday. Marinos have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain second place with 30-11 record having just -2 point less than leader Cocodrilos. Panteras lost tenth consecutive game. They dropped to the eighth position with 27 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
gschID: 121598


Toros - Cocodrilos 108-91

Top ranked Cocodrilos (30-9) recorded its ninth loss in Maracay on Saturday night. Visitors were defeated by eighth ranked Toros (15-25) 108-91. Toros have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to seventh place. Cocodrilos at the other side still keep top position with nine games lost. Toros are again looking forward to face league's leader Cocodrilos in Caracas in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Cocodrilos will have a break next round.
gschID: 121599






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

Women News

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


Lithuania win over Belarus in Druskininkai - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania - Belarus 76:69

Lithuania clinched the title at the international friendly tournament in Druskininkai. They toppled Belarus tonight to improve at 3-0 record. Ausra Bimbaite (179-G-82) netted 13 points and dished out 6 assists to lead the hosts. Belarus finished in the second overall spot as they suffered just one loss in three games played.
Lithuania fired 29 points in the opening frame to clear off to a 6-point distance. The hosts maintained the pressure throughout the second term. Lithuania went into the locker room enjoying an 11-point advantage 47:36. Belarus looked better defensively after the big break. They held the Baltic team to 11 points in the third term to cut the deficit at 8-point mark. Belarus outscored Lithuania in the final term but it was not enough as Lithuania rallied to the victory at the end. Vaida Sipaviciute (193-C-85, college: Syracuse) provided 12 points, while Sandra Linkeviciene (176-G-82) had 10 points in the victory. Marina Kress (192-C-80) replied with 16 points and 14 rebounds for Belarus. Anastasiya Veremeenko (192-C-87) posted 15 points and 8 rebounds in defeat.

Lithuania: Ausra Bimbaite 13, Vaida Sipaviciute 12, Sandra Linkeviciene 10
Belarus: Marina Kress 16+14 boards, Anastasiya Veremeenko 15


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


Belgium needed two wins to finish second in France - by Eurobasket News
Belgium needed two wins to finish second in France with 2-1 record. Belgium won over Greece in the second Day of the International Tournament in France. In one of the most interesting games of the campaign the Belgium side grabbed 84:80 win. The latter started with 12-7 in the opening and enjoyed 19-18 lead after 10 minutes. Although Greece took 28:27 early in the second, Belgium won the half 38:32. Belgium led only 67:66 with 5 minutes to go but managed to win the game by 4 points. Emma Meesseman (188-C-93) top-scored for the winners with 26 points and 11 rebounds, while Romina Ciappina (180-F/G-88) netted 20. Evanthia Maltsi (180-F-78, agency: Josep and Nicolas) responded with 29 points in the losing effort.
Belgium overcame Israel 80:51 in Day 3 to finish second at the Tournoi de l'Ain. The winners ended up with 2-1 record, while Israel lost all three games. Israel led only in the opening tip, but then Belgium grabbed 12-3 in the middle of the first period. They increased to 27:8 and then had 34:12 at the halftime. The tempo continued to grow, while Belgian side continued to dominate the court. They finished the third period with 49:27 and then grabbed 80:51 win at the end of the game and the tournament as well. Emma Meesseman top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Mestdagh posted 13. Selwin ended up with 11 points for Israel and Fleisscher collected 9 points and 10 rebounds.



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


Jose Maria Buceta: What counts is the official competition - by Christomir Rackov
Women national team of Bulgaria lost all of its friendly games before the additional qualifyings for Eurobasket 2011. Head coach Jose Maria Buceta said he's not worried by that and here is also what he shared after the last game of the preparation:

What is your overall opinion about the preparation?
'I think that we worked very hard and the reality is that the team is growing day by day. We had many players coming to the camp and I think we need more time. I'm happy because every game we're playing better. It's true that we didn't win a single match but what is important is that the team grows better and better. In the second game against Romania we did much better than in the first.'


Are you worried that you lost all the games?
'I don't really care. What is important is that the team improves. It's true that when you win you're happy, but I think you need to be mature enough to understand that friendly games are for preparation. It's important to see an improvement from the team. We didn't play against week teams, we played against strong teams and this is good to prepare but now the official competition begins and this is what it counts.'


Do you managed to gain enough information for our opponents?
'We know everything. It's not important only to know but to play. We have to play game by game and see what happens. We'll try to do our best and of course we'll try to qualify.'


What do you think about the chances to be first in that group?
'We have as many chances as the other teams really. We have to play our game and we'll have our chances. I hope that then we'll come back to Ruse for the final playoff.'


Last summer the situation was the same - losses in the friendly games than you almost qualified...
'It's true. You need experience to win. Sometimes it's easy to organize the schedule of the friendly games and take victory in each one of them and everybody will be happy. What is important is in the real game. OK, we want to win but now we want to build a team. This year we have many problems with players coming with injuries. It's not excuse but we need some more days before the competition starts. We have 6 days to recover and be fresh to begin.'


What improvent do you see with this girls playing together for second year?
'These girls two years ago nobody thought they are for the national team. I think that they're proving they can play and of course this is team for the future. Of course it doesn't mean we won't give our best and try to qualify. The truth is this girls need more experience because even the experience they had during the season is not like for the other countries who have players in the first leagues in Europe.'


Do you think that it's better those qualifications to be held later in the year?
'This is the situation for all the teams. I hope we'll be ready.'


Romania NT wins two over Bulgaria - by Eurobasket News
Romania NT wins two over Bulgaria in the friendly encounters in Dunav. Romania won the first game 90:74 taking 20-18 after the first period. The guests added 21-18 in the second frame for 41:36 at the halftime. Moreover Romania won the third and the last quarters in the game to win the opener. Gabriela Marginean (185-F-87, college: Drexel) top-scored for the winners with 24 points and Elisabeth Pavel (192-C-90) nailed 14. Maria Pascalau (194-C-82) delivered 13, while Claudia Pop added 10. Doneeka Hodges (175-G-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: LSU) responded with 25 points in the losing effort and Jacqueline Zlatanova scored 20.
In Game 2 Romania grabbed 69:64 win trailing in the majority of the game. Bulgaria looked much better in the first half and won the first and the second quarters 17-15 and 19-12 respectively. The hosts enjoyed 36:27 halftime lead, but could not keep the advantage. Romania bounced back with 18-10 in the third frame and won the game due to 24-18 in the last period. Gabriela Marginean paced all the winners with 21 points and Maria Pascalau as well as Elisabeth Pavel had 10 apiece. Doneeka Hodges again responded with 25 points in the losing effort.



*****************************************************
  CANADA - Women  


Cuba defeat Canada at Torneo de Segovia - by Eurobasket News
Cuba - Canada 62:59

Cuba celebrated their first win at Torneo de Segovia in Spain. They held off Canada in a close battle. Islen Carbonell (182-G/F-87) knocked down 14 points to pace the Latin American team.
Cuba started the game strongly. They outscored their North American opponents 18:12 in the opening period. Cuba maintained the lead throughout the second term. They secured a 33:24 halftime advantage. Cuba did not slow down after the big break. They rallied to an 11-point buffer heading into the fourth frame. Canada tried to change things in the final term. They got within three points late in the game but Cuba hung on to eke out a tough win at the end. Marlen Cepeda (193-C-85) nailed 12 points, while Oyanaisy Gelis (172-G-83) and Clenia Noblet (191-C-87) provided 9 points each in the victory. Shona Thorburn (178-G-82, college: Utah), Tamara Tatham (187-F-85, college: Massachusetts) and Lizanne Murphy (185-F-84, college: Hofstra) answered with 10 points each for Canada.

Cuba: Islen Carbonell 14, Marlen Cepeda 12, Oyanaisy Gelis 9, Clenia Noblet 9
Canada: Shona Thorburn 10, Tamara Tatham 10, Lizanne Murphy 10


*****************************************************
  CUBA - Women  


Cuba defeat Canada at Torneo de Segovia - by Eurobasket News
Cuba - Canada 62:59

Cuba celebrated their first win at Torneo de Segovia in Spain. They held off Canada in a close battle. Islen Carbonell (182-G/F-87) knocked down 14 points to pace the Latin American team.
Cuba started the game strongly. They outscored their North American opponents 18:12 in the opening period. Cuba maintained the lead throughout the second term. They secured a 33:24 halftime advantage. Cuba did not slow down after the big break. They rallied to an 11-point buffer heading into the fourth frame. Canada tried to change things in the final term. They got within three points late in the game but Cuba hung on to eke out a tough win at the end. Marlen Cepeda (193-C-85) nailed 12 points, while Oyanaisy Gelis (172-G-83) and Clenia Noblet (191-C-87) provided 9 points each in the victory. Shona Thorburn (178-G-82, college: Utah), Tamara Tatham (187-F-85, college: Massachusetts) and Lizanne Murphy (185-F-84, college: Hofstra) answered with 10 points each for Canada.

Cuba: Islen Carbonell 14, Marlen Cepeda 12, Oyanaisy Gelis 9, Clenia Noblet 9
Canada: Shona Thorburn 10, Tamara Tatham 10, Lizanne Murphy 10


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


Czech Republic triumph in Karlovy Vary - by Eurobasket News
Czech Republic-Russia 70:62

Czech Republic triumph in Karlovy Vary at the International Tournament between four European teams. The hosts needed 70:62 over Russia to finish with 2-1 record both and due to the win between each other Czech Republic became the winners of the tournament.
Czech Republic opened the game offensively and grabbed 27-21 win after the first ten minutes. After the loss from Poland, the hosts needed only the victory to seal the first place. Russia however managed to remain undefeated and after 13-11 in the second frame reduced to 4 points at the halftime. Moreover Russia won the third period 18-16 to trail only two with 10 minutes to go. Czech Republic and its support did not allow the Russian team to come closer and after 16-10 the hosts celebrated the important win.
Eva Viteckova (190-F-82) paced all the winners with 26 points, while Veronika Bortelova (169-G-78) nailed 9. Jana Vesela (192-F-83) posted 8, Katerina Elhotova (180-G-89) added 7 and Zora Skrabalova (196-C-81, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Illinois St.) followed them with 6 points. Liudmila Sapova (185-F/C-84) replied with 15 points in the losing effort. Marina Kuzina (194-C-85) notched 14 and Maria Stepanova (203-C-79) posted 9.

Czech Republic: Eva Viteckova 26, Veronika Bortelova 9, Jana Vesela 8, Katerina Elhotova 7, Zora Skrabalova 6
Russia: Liudmila Sapova 15, Marina Kuzina 14, Maria Stepanova 9


*****************************************************
  FINLAND - Women  


Ukraine outgun Finland in Lithuania - by Eurobasket News
Ukraine - Finland 74:67

Ukraine wrapped up their Druskininkai international friendly tournament campaign with victory. They outscored Finland to finish at 1-2 record. Maryna Sazonenko (175-G-86, college: Oregon St.) stepped up with 15 points to lead the effort. Finland on the other hand suffered the third straight defeat.
Ukraine nailed 21 points in the opening frame and posted a 3-point advantage. Finland stressed defence in the second term and got within a point at halftime 33:34. The Finnish team erased the deficit in the third stanza. They managed to level things up at 47 with ten minutes remaining. However Ukraine shifter the gear in the final quarter. They notched 27 points and ensured a tough win at the end. Olga Maznichenko (187-F-91, agency: LBM Management) and Olga Dubrovina (170-G-87, agency: LBM Management) netted 10 points each for Ukraine. Heta Korpivaara (187-G/F-84, college: Seton Hall) responded with 20 points and 10 rebounds for Finland. Taru Tuukkanen (190-C-77, college: Xavier) delivered 14 points and 6 rebounds in the loss.

Ukraine: Maryna Sazonenko 15, Olga Maznichenko 10, Olga Dubrovina 10
Finland: Heta Korpivaara 20+10 boards, Taru Tuukkanen 14


*****************************************************
  FRANCE - Women  


France won home tournament Tournoi de l'Ain - by Eurobasket News
France won home tournament Tournoi de l'Ain with the perfect record.
France destroyed Israel 76:40 in Day 2 to celebrate the second straight win at the Tournoi de l'Ain. The hosts of the tournament won the opening tip 11-4 and never looked behind. They won the first period 20-6 and enjoyed 36:18 halftime advantage. The lead continued to grow as France had 61:36 after 30 minutes and then increased to 36 points at the end of the game. Sandrine Gruda (194-C-87) and Emmeline Ndongue (191-C-83) led the way with 12 points each, while Edwige Lawson-Wade (166-PG-79) netted 9. Shay Doron (175-F-85, college: Maryland) answered with 12 points in the losing effort.
France won home tournament Tournoi de l'Ain with 3-0 record. In Day 3 the favorites outscored Greece 79:62 as the latter finished third with 1-2 record. France opened the game with 18-17 and added 17-14 in the second frame. Greece showed one of the greatest games, but failed later in the third. France managed to take 30-14 spurt and did not mind 14-17 in the last quarter. Evanthia Maltsi (180-F-78, agency: Josep and Nicolas) 's 22 points were not enough in the losing effort.


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  GERMANY - Women  


Germany upset Netherlands twice in test games - by Eurobasket News
Germany and Netherlands played two friendly games over the weekend. Germany celebrated back-to-back victories.
The Bundesteam opened the series with a tough 63:55 victory. Germany led right from the start. They ensured a 12:8 lead after ten minutes. The tempo increased in the second term but Germany managed to stay in front 37:33 at halftime. The teams exchanged the baskets throughout the second half but the visitors eked out win at the end. Romy Bar (189-F-87, agency: LBM Management) stepped up with 22 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists for Germany. Lea Mersch (170-G-87) accounted for 13 points and 8 rebounds in the win. Naomi Halman (191-F/C-86, college: Cal-Irvine) answered with 17 points for Netherlands. Myrthe Beld (183-G-89) notched 9 points in defeat.
Germany looked more confident during the second game. Despite trailing by two points at the first break the German team went on a 21:6 run in the second stanza to ensure a 32:19 halftime lead. Germany did not loosen the grasp in the second half and celebrated a confident 65:46 victory. Romy Bar provided 18 points, while Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84, agency: LBM Management) added 12 points in the winning effort. Myrthe Beld notched 11 points for Netherlands. Maaike Klein (177-G-90) and Naomi Halman provided 8 points apiece in the loss.


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  GREECE - Women  


Greece completes French preparation - by Eurobasket News
Greece completes French preparation at the Tournoi de l'Ain. The team won one game to finish third.
Belgium won over Greece in the second Day of the International Tournament in France. In one of the most interesting games of the campaign the Belgium side grabbed 84:80 win. The latter started with 12-7 in the opening and enjoyed 19-18 lead after 10 minutes. Although Greece took 28:27 early in the second, Belgium won the half 38:32. Belgium led only 67:66 with 5 minutes to go but managed to win the game by 4 points. Emma Meesseman (188-C-93) top-scored for the winners with 26 points and 11 rebounds, while Romina Ciappina (180-F/G-88) netted 20. Evanthia Maltsi (180-F-78, agency: Josep and Nicolas) responded with 29 points in the losing effort.
France won home tournament Tournoi de l'Ain with 3-0 record. In Day 3 the favorites outscored Greece 79:62 as the latter finished third with 1-2 record. France opened the game with 18-17 and added 17-14 in the second frame. Greece showed one of the greatest games, but failed later in the third. France managed to take 30-14 spurt and did not mind 14-17 in the last quarter. Evanthia Maltsi 's 22 points were not enough in the losing effort.


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  HOLLAND - Women  


Germany upset Netherlands twice in test games - by Eurobasket News
Germany and Netherlands played two friendly games over the weekend. Germany celebrated back-to-back victories.
The Bundesteam opened the series with a tough 63:55 victory. Germany led right from the start. They ensured a 12:8 lead after ten minutes. The tempo increased in the second term but Germany managed to stay in front 37:33 at halftime. The teams exchanged the baskets throughout the second half but the visitors eked out win at the end. Romy Bar (189-F-87, agency: LBM Management) stepped up with 22 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists for Germany. Lea Mersch (170-G-87) accounted for 13 points and 8 rebounds in the win. Naomi Halman (191-F/C-86, college: Cal-Irvine) answered with 17 points for Netherlands. Myrthe Beld (183-G-89) notched 9 points in defeat.
Germany looked more confident during the second game. Despite trailing by two points at the first break the German team went on a 21:6 run in the second stanza to ensure a 32:19 halftime lead. Germany did not loosen the grasp in the second half and celebrated a confident 65:46 victory. Romy Bar provided 18 points, while Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84, agency: LBM Management) added 12 points in the winning effort. Myrthe Beld notched 11 points for Netherlands. Maaike Klein (177-G-90) and Naomi Halman provided 8 points apiece in the loss.


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  ISRAEL - Women  


Israel NT finished the International Tournament - by Eurobasket News
Israel NT finished the International Tournament in France winless. France destroyed Israel 76:40 in Day 2 to celebrate the second straight win at the Tournoi de l'Ain. The hosts of the tournament won the opening tip 11-4 and never looked behind. They won the first period 20-6 and enjoyed 36:18 halftime advantage. The lead continued to grow as France had 61:36 after 30 minutes and then increased to 36 points at the end of the game. Sandrine Gruda (194-C-87) and Emmeline Ndongue (191-C-83) led the way with 12 points each, while Edwige Lawson-Wade (166-PG-79) netted 9. Shay Doron (175-F-85, college: Maryland) answered with 12 points in the losing effort.
Belgium overcame Israel 80:51 in Day 3 to finish second at the Tournoi de l'Ain. The winners ended up with 2-1 record, while Israel lost all three games. Israel led only in the opening tip, but then Belgium grabbed 12-3 in the middle of the first period. They increased to 27:8 and then had 34:12 at the halftime. The tempo continued to grow, while Belgian side continued to dominate the court. They finished the third period with 49:27 and then grabbed 80:51 win at the end of the game and the tournament as well. Emma Meesseman (188-C-93) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Mestdagh posted 13. Laine Selwyn (170-G-81, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Pittsburgh) ended up with 11 points for Israel and Jennifer Fleisher (195-C-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Pennsylvania) collected 9 points and 10 rebounds.




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  LATVIA - Women  


Latvia edged Poland in overtime to finish third in Czech Republic - by Eurobasket News
Latvia-Poland 60:59

Latvia edged Poland in overtime to finish third at the International Tournament in Karlovy Vary. Latvia needed 60:59 win as both teams finished with 1-2 record and due to the win between each other Latvia grabbed the third place. Poland that beat the winners of the tournament, Czech Republic finished last.
Poland started well and took 14:9 after the first 10 minutes. Moreover the team added 24-16 for 38:25 halftime advantage. Latvia however were too far to give up and erupted with 23-12 in the third frame. The Baltic state needed defensive 6-4 in the fourth quarter to tie the game after four quarters. Moreover they won overtime 6-5 to shock the Polish side.
Elina Babkina (173-G-89, agency: LBM Management) stepped up with 19 points for the winners. Liene Jansone (191-F/C-81, college: Siena) netted 11, while Sabine Niedola (184-F-91) posted 7. Elzbieta Mowlik (180-F-83, agency: Data Plus Group) replied with 17 points in the losing effort and Justyna Zurowska (188-C-85) as well as Patrycja Gulak-Lipka (192-C-82, college: Massachusetts) scored 10 each.

Latvia: Elina Babkina 19, Liene Jansone 11, Sabine Niedola 7
Poland: Elzbieta Mowlik 17, Justyna Zurowska 10, Patrycja Gulak-Lipka 10



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  LITHUANIA - Women  


Lithuania win over Belarus in Druskininkai - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania - Belarus 76:69

Lithuania clinched the title at the international friendly tournament in Druskininkai. They toppled Belarus tonight to improve at 3-0 record. Ausra Bimbaite (179-G-82) netted 13 points and dished out 6 assists to lead the hosts. Belarus finished in the second overall spot as they suffered just one loss in three games played.
Lithuania fired 29 points in the opening frame to clear off to a 6-point distance. The hosts maintained the pressure throughout the second term. Lithuania went into the locker room enjoying an 11-point advantage 47:36. Belarus looked better defensively after the big break. They held the Baltic team to 11 points in the third term to cut the deficit at 8-point mark. Belarus outscored Lithuania in the final term but it was not enough as Lithuania rallied to the victory at the end. Vaida Sipaviciute (193-C-85, college: Syracuse) provided 12 points, while Sandra Linkeviciene (176-G-82) had 10 points in the victory. Marina Kress (192-C-80) replied with 16 points and 14 rebounds for Belarus. Anastasiya Veremeenko (192-C-87) posted 15 points and 8 rebounds in defeat.

Lithuania: Ausra Bimbaite 13, Vaida Sipaviciute 12, Sandra Linkeviciene 10
Belarus: Marina Kress 16+14 boards, Anastasiya Veremeenko 15


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  POLAND - Women  


Latvia edged Poland in overtime to finish third in Czech Republic - by Eurobasket News
Latvia-Poland 60:59

Latvia edged Poland in overtime to finish third at the International Tournament in Karlovy Vary. Latvia needed 60:59 win as both teams finished with 1-2 record and due to the win between each other Latvia grabbed the third place. Poland that beat the winners of the tournament, Czech Republic finished last.
Poland started well and took 14:9 after the first 10 minutes. Moreover the team added 24-16 for 38:25 halftime advantage. Latvia however were too far to give up and erupted with 23-12 in the third frame. The Baltic state needed defensive 6-4 in the fourth quarter to tie the game after four quarters. Moreover they won overtime 6-5 to shock the Polish side.
Elina Babkina (173-G-89, agency: LBM Management) stepped up with 19 points for the winners. Liene Jansone (191-F/C-81, college: Siena) netted 11, while Sabine Niedola (184-F-91) posted 7. Elzbieta Mowlik (180-F-83, agency: Data Plus Group) replied with 17 points in the losing effort and Justyna Zurowska (188-C-85) as well as Patrycja Gulak-Lipka (192-C-82, college: Massachusetts) scored 10 each.

Latvia: Elina Babkina 19, Liene Jansone 11, Sabine Niedola 7
Poland: Elzbieta Mowlik 17, Justyna Zurowska 10, Patrycja Gulak-Lipka 10



Lotos Gdynia add Ivana Jalcova - by Lukasz Lukaszewski
Lotos Gdynia signed contract with 28-years old Slovakian guard Ivana Jalcova (183-G-83). She is great player with international experience from Euroleague and national team. Lotos Gdynia will be her first club abroad - She have been representing clubs from Kosice since birthdate.

Ivana Jalcova has got many achievements, for example five time Slovakian Extraliga Champion -06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11. In her last season Dobri Anjeli Kosice, she averaging: 6.5 points and 4.2 assist per game in the national league and 5.6 points and 2,3 assist per game. Ivana Jalcova is in Sloviakia National Team roster for the Eurobasket women 2011.


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  ROMANIA - Women  


Romania NT wins two over Bulgaria - by Eurobasket News
Romania NT wins two over Bulgaria in the friendly encounters in Dunav. Romania won the first game 90:74 taking 20-18 after the first period. The guests added 21-18 in the second frame for 41:36 at the halftime. Moreover Romania won the third and the last quarters in the game to win the opener. Gabriela Marginean (185-F-87, college: Drexel) top-scored for the winners with 24 points and Elisabeth Pavel (192-C-90) nailed 14. Maria Pascalau (194-C-82) delivered 13, while Claudia Pop added 10. Doneeka Hodges (175-G-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: LSU) responded with 25 points in the losing effort and Jacqueline Zlatanova scored 20.
In Game 2 Romania grabbed 69:64 win trailing in the majority of the game. Bulgaria looked much better in the first half and won the first and the second quarters 17-15 and 19-12 respectively. The hosts enjoyed 36:27 halftime lead, but could not keep the advantage. Romania bounced back with 18-10 in the third frame and won the game due to 24-18 in the last period. Gabriela Marginean paced all the winners with 21 points and Maria Pascalau as well as Elisabeth Pavel had 10 apiece. Doneeka Hodges again responded with 25 points in the losing effort.



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  RUSSIA - Women  


Czech Republic triumph in Karlovy Vary - by Eurobasket News
Czech Republic-Russia 70:62

Czech Republic triumph in Karlovy Vary at the International Tournament between four European teams. The hosts needed 70:62 over Russia to finish with 2-1 record both and due to the win between each other Czech Republic became the winners of the tournament.
Czech Republic opened the game offensively and grabbed 27-21 win after the first ten minutes. After the loss from Poland, the hosts needed only the victory to seal the first place. Russia however managed to remain undefeated and after 13-11 in the second frame reduced to 4 points at the halftime. Moreover Russia won the third period 18-16 to trail only two with 10 minutes to go. Czech Republic and its support did not allow the Russian team to come closer and after 16-10 the hosts celebrated the important win.
Eva Viteckova (190-F-82) paced all the winners with 26 points, while Veronika Bortelova (169-G-78) nailed 9. Jana Vesela (192-F-83) posted 8, Katerina Elhotova (180-G-89) added 7 and Zora Skrabalova (196-C-81, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Illinois St.) followed them with 6 points. Liudmila Sapova (185-F/C-84) replied with 15 points in the losing effort. Marina Kuzina (194-C-85) notched 14 and Maria Stepanova (203-C-79) posted 9.

Czech Republic: Eva Viteckova 26, Veronika Bortelova 9, Jana Vesela 8, Katerina Elhotova 7, Zora Skrabalova 6
Russia: Liudmila Sapova 15, Marina Kuzina 14, Maria Stepanova 9


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  UKRAINE - Women  


Ukraine outgun Finland in Lithuania - by Eurobasket News
Ukraine - Finland 74:67

Ukraine wrapped up their Druskininkai international friendly tournament campaign with victory. They outscored Finland to finish at 1-2 record. Maryna Sazonenko (175-G-86, college: Oregon St.) stepped up with 15 points to lead the effort. Finland on the other hand suffered the third straight defeat.
Ukraine nailed 21 points in the opening frame and posted a 3-point advantage. Finland stressed defence in the second term and got within a point at halftime 33:34. The Finnish team erased the deficit in the third stanza. They managed to level things up at 47 with ten minutes remaining. However Ukraine shifter the gear in the final quarter. They notched 27 points and ensured a tough win at the end. Olga Maznichenko (187-F-91, agency: LBM Management) and Olga Dubrovina (170-G-87, agency: LBM Management) netted 10 points each for Ukraine. Heta Korpivaara (187-G/F-84, college: Seton Hall) responded with 20 points and 10 rebounds for Finland. Taru Tuukkanen (190-C-77, college: Xavier) delivered 14 points and 6 rebounds in the loss.

Ukraine: Maryna Sazonenko 15, Olga Maznichenko 10, Olga Dubrovina 10
Finland: Heta Korpivaara 20+10 boards, Taru Tuukkanen 14


UPBL Round 18: Yuzhna Palmira edges Frankivsk by three points - by Eurobasket News
There are only two more rounds left in the Regular Season in UPBL . What a coincidence that all visitors won their games.

The most exciting game of round 18 in the UPBL took place in Frankivsk. This derby game ended with only three-point home defeat of 5th ranked Frankivsk (9-7) to eighth ranked Yuzhna Palmira (6-10) 81-78 on Sunday evening. Frankivsk was trailing by 1 point at halftime but managed to get 1-point lead after three quarters before a 22-18 charge of Yuzhna Palmira, which allowed them to win the game. Yuzhna Palmira outrebounded Frankivsk 49-29 including a 30-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was Serbian center Dragana Vukovic (190-78) who had a double-double by scoring 22 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists. Forward Zhanna Likhodid (177-80) chipped in 17 points and 10 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was Russian forward Oksana Horoshavina (186-85) who recorded 15 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists. Yuzhna Palmira moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Politeh Basket. Frankivsk at the other side keeps the fifth position with seven games lost. Yuzhna Palmira is looking forward to face higher ranked Dynamo (#4) in Kyiv in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Frankivsk will play at home against Luganski Last. in Lugansk and is hoping to win this game.
Bottom-ranked Luganski Last. (0-16) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 96-58 loss to sixth ranked Orlan (8-9) in Lugansk. It was a good game for Belarusian center Elena Staschuk (192-85) who led her team to a victory with 29 points and 8 rebounds. Nataliya Didanova contributed with 16 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Orlan's coach Aleksey Beskov felt very confident using 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Olena Hotentseva replied with 18 points and 5 rebounds for Luganski Last.Orlan maintains sixth position with 8-9 record. Luganski Last. at the other side still closes the standings. Orlan will play against league's second-placed Kozachka in Zaporozhye in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Luganski Last. will play on the road against Frankivsk (#5) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
The game in Lviv supposed to be also quite interesting. Fourth ranked Dnipro-DVUFK (10-6) played at the court of 7th ranked Politeh Basket (6-10). Dnipro-DVUFK did not have too big problems and got a relatively easy victory 80-60 on Sunday. Taisiia Bovykina had a double-double by scoring 21 points and 18 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners. The best for the losing side was Tatsiana Zhurauliova with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 11 rebounds. Defending champion moved-up to third place. Loser Politeh Basket keeps the seventh position with ten games lost. They share it with Yuzhna Palmira. Dnipro-DVUFK will meet league's leader Tim-Scuf in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Politeh Basket will play against Donbas (#9) in Donetsk and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the last game of round 18 Kozachka crushed Donbas in Zaporozhye 83-46.

Frankivsk - Yuzhna Palmira 78-81

The most exciting game of round 18 in the UPBL took place in Frankivsk. This derby game ended with only three-point home defeat of 5th ranked Frankivsk (9-7) to eighth ranked Yuzhna Palmira (6-10) 81-78 on Sunday evening. Frankivsk was trailing by 1 point at halftime but managed to get 1-point lead after three quarters before a 22-18 charge of Yuzhna Palmira, which allowed them to win the game. Yuzhna Palmira outrebounded Frankivsk 49-29 including a 30-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was Serbian center Dragana Vukovic (190-78) who had a double-double by scoring 22 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists. Forward Zhanna Likhodid (177-80) chipped in a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was Russian forward Oksana Horoshavina (186-85) who recorded 15 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists and guard Katerina Polyanychka (178-90) added 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists respectively. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Yuzhna Palmira moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Politeh Basket. Frankivsk at the other side keeps the fifth position with seven games lost. Yuzhna Palmira is looking forward to face higher ranked Dynamo (#4) in Kyiv in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Frankivsk will play at home against Luganski Last. in Lugansk and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Frankivsk: V.Suzyk 20+4reb, O.Horoshavina 15+6reb+8ast, K.Polyanychka 14+6reb+5ast, V.Pazyuk 11+2reb+1ast, A.Markotenko 8+2reb+4ast, M.Dubas 5+5reb+4ast
Yuzhna Palmira: D.Vukovic 22+13reb+5ast, A.Siromatnikova 18+4reb+5ast, Z.Likhodid 17+10reb+2ast, S.Kolibabchuk 10+8reb+1ast, T.Shapochkina 9+8reb+4ast, V.Liapina 5+5reb
gschID: 129032


Donbas - Kozachka 46-83

There was no surprise in Donetsk where 9th ranked Donbas (5-12) were crushed by second ranked Kozachka (14-3) 83-46 on Sunday. The game was mostly controlled by Kozachka. Donbas managed to win second period 23-20. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Donbas to just 6 points in first quarter. Kozachka dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Donbas' 18. Kozachka forced 19 Donbas turnovers and outrebounded them 50-28 including a 36-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Kozachka made 7 blocks. The former international forward Olena Zherzherunova (191-78, agency: LBM Management) had a double-double by scoring 20 points and 13 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and international forward Oksana Kisilova (188-88) chipped in 25 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. Five Kozachka players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was swingman Antonina Annenkova (178-87) with 5 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists and center Irina Rastorgueva (180-76) scored 11 points. Donbas' coach Inesa Khodova gave up on the game allowing to play eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Kozachka have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 14-3 record having just -9 point less than leader Tim-Scuf. Loser Donbas keep the ninth place with 12 games lost. Kozachka will meet at home Orlan (#6) in the next round. Donbas will play against Politeh Basket in Lviv and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Donbas: I.Rastorgueva 11+4reb, A.Stepanova 9+5reb, I.Khodova 6+4reb, O.Rysina 6+1ast, A.Annenkova 5+10reb+4ast, A.Remezova 4+3reb+2ast
Kozachka: O.Kisilova 25+8reb+1ast, O.Zherzherunova 20+13reb+1ast, A.Kulaga 12+5reb, V.Sholokhova 11+10reb+3ast, O.Yushenko 10+3reb+6ast, T.Panchenk-Stakhova 4+2reb+2ast
gschID: 129033


Luganski Last. - Orlan 58-96

Bottom-ranked Luganski Last. (0-16) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 96-58 loss to sixth ranked Orlan (8-9) in Lugansk. They dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Luganski Last.'s 24. Orlan forced 20 Luganski Last. turnovers and outrebounded them 45-28 including a 37-23 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a good game for Belarusian center Elena Staschuk (192-85) who led her team to a victory with 29 points and 8 rebounds. Center Nataliya Didanova (188-86) contributed with 16 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Four Orlan players scored in double figures. Orlan's coach Aleksey Beskov felt very confident using 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Olena Hotentseva replied with 18 points and 5 rebounds and guard Ksenia Kirichenko (173-87) added 18 points in the effort for Luganski Last.Orlan maintains sixth position with 8-9 record. Luganski Last. at the other side still closes the standings. Orlan will play against league's second-placed Kozachka in Zaporozhye in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Luganski Last. will play on the road against Frankivsk (#5) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Luganski Last.: O.Hotentseva 18+5reb+2ast, K.Kirichenko 18+2reb+2ast, Z.Chuhriy 11+3reb+4ast, A.Drepina 5+8reb, A.Bondarenko 4+2reb+1ast, O.Khotentseva 2+4reb
Orlan: E.Staschuk 29+8reb+1ast, N.Didanova 16+9reb+1ast, O.Pysmennyk 12+3reb, K.Kashlei 11+4reb+6ast, M.Chosik 8, S.Pinchuk 6+5reb+1ast
gschID: 129034


Politeh Basket - Dnipro-DVUFK 60-80

The game in Lviv supposed to be also quite interesting. Fourth ranked Dnipro-DVUFK (10-6) played at the court of 7th ranked Politeh Basket (6-10). Dnipro-DVUFK did not have too big problems and got a relatively easy victory 80-60 on Sunday. The game was mostly controlled by Dnipro-DVUFK. Politeh Basket managed to win third quarter 19-14. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Politeh Basket 66-44 including a 33-14 advantage in offensive rebounds. International center Taisiia Bovykina (190-89, agency: LBM Management) had a double-double by scoring 21 points and 18 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and power forward Larisa Yaburova (190-89) chipped in 14 points, 20 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. Four Dnipro-DVUFK players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was Belarusian center Tatsiana Zhurauliova (190-87) with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 11 rebounds and guard Valentina Voronova (172-80) scored 16 points and 4 assists. Defending champion moved-up to third place. Loser Politeh Basket keeps the seventh position with ten games lost. They share it with Yuzhna Palmira. Dnipro-DVUFK will meet league's leader Tim-Scuf in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Politeh Basket will play against Donbas (#9) in Donetsk and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Politeh Basket: V.Voronova 16+4reb+4ast, N.Reznichenko 14+3reb, T.Zhurauliova 13+11reb, Y.Lapshynova 8+5reb+4ast, T.Shablynska 7+9reb+2ast, K.Kovalova 2+1reb+1ast
Dnipro-DVUFK: T.Bovykina 21+18reb+1ast, K.Williams 18+5reb+6ast, L.Yaburova 14+20reb+4ast, V.Onyshchenko 11+6reb+1ast, A.Domoratska 9+9reb+3ast, O.Chigrinova 5+2reb+3ast
gschID: 129031




Lybov Yakunina heads to Dynamo - by Eurobasket News
Lybov Yakunina (186-F-86) heads to Dynamo where she already debuted with her new team. The game between Top Four teams took place in Kyiv when first ranked host Tim-Scuf (14-2) defeated 3rd placed Dynamo (10-7) 88-72. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Dynamo. Dynamo managed to win third quarter 19-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Lybov Yakunina ended up with 12 points in her first game for the team from the capital. They outrebounded Dynamo 36-24 including 16 on the offensive glass. Dynamo keeps the third position with seven games lost.
For Luganski Lastivki Lybov Yakunina was the key player and averaged 17.4 points per game. She recorded 28 points when Politeh Basket beat Luganski Last. 91:57.



Zherzherunova number one in Ukraine for round 17 - by Eurobasket News
Former international forward Olena Zherzherunova (191-F-78, agency: LBM Management) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for second-ranked Kozachka, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 17.
The 32-year old player had a double-double of 22 points and 11 rebounds, while her team outclassed, the league's bottom-ranked team Luganski Last. (#10, 0-15) with 42-point margin 100-58. Kozachka maintains the 2nd position in Ukrainian UPBL. They are still close to the very top. Kozachka would have been even better if they kept winning the games like in the last round. They have a solid 13-3 record. In the team's last game Zherzherunova had a remarkable 60.0% from 2-point range. She just recently signed at Kozachka, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Olena Zherzherunova averages this season 13.6ppg and 9.3rpg.

The second best player in last round's games was 25-year old Belarusian Elena Staschuk (192-C-85) of Orlan. Staschuk had a very good evening with a double-double of 17 points and 15 rebounds. Bad luck as Orlan was edged by the lower-ranked Donbas (#9, 5-11) 78-76. Orlan managed to keep the same 6th spot in the standings. Her team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 7-9 record. Staschuk is one of the most experienced players at Orlan and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. She belongs to the best scorers in the league with 21.4ppg (#1). She also registered 14.0 boards per game.

Third on the list of top players last round was another Kozachka's star - forward Irina Kuzmichenko (181-F-87). Kuzmichenko showcased her all-around game by recording 17 points, six rebounds and five assists in the last round. She was another key player of Kozachka, helping her team with a 100-58 easy win against Luganski Last. (#10, 0-15). Kozachka is closer and closer to the top of the standings. They will still need more victories. But 13-3 record is not that bad... Kuzmichenko has a very solid season. In 14 games in Ukraine she scored 4.9ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Natalia Isachenko (183-F-79) of Tim-Scuf - 27 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Olena Hotentseva) of Luganski Last. - 26 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Viktoriya Suzyk (182-F-88) of Frankivsk - 12 points, 12 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Oksana Kisilova (188-F-88) of Kozachka - 21 points and 5 rebounds
8. Tatiana Shapochkina (179-G-90) of Yuzhna Palmira - 22 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists
9. Marinela Agalareva (178-F/G-77) of Donbas - 20 points and 5 rebounds
10. Yuliya Berezinets (172-G-90) of Tim-Scuf - 20 points, 5 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)

Standings (Women)
UPBL Standings
 1. Tim-Scuf 14-2 
 2. Kozachka 14-3 
 3. Dnipro-DVUFK 10-6 
 4. Dynamo 10-7 
 5. Frankivsk 9-7 
 6. Orlan 8-9 
 7. Politeh Basket 6-10 
 8. Yuzhna Palmira 6-10 
 9. Donbas 5-12 
 10. Luganski Last. 0-16 


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Elena STASCHUK
  Orlan
  (192-C-85)
  Avg: 22.7
 1. Staschuk, Orlan22.7 
 2. Iagupova, Dnipr.20.3 
 3. Ragin, Dynamo19.1 
 4. Williams, Dnipr.17.9 
 5. Rastorgueva, Donb.17.6 
 6. Yakunina, Lugans.17.4 
 7. Lubarskaya, Dynamo17.1 
 8. Markotenko, Frank.16.4 
 9. Grishina, Lugans.16.2 
 10. Rimarenko, Dynamo16.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Elena STASCHUK
  Orlan
  (192-C-85)
  Avg: 13
 1. Staschuk, Orlan13.0 
 2. Alyoshkina, Orlan10.5 
 3. Ragin, Dynamo10.0 
 4. Vukovic, Yuzhna P.9.8 
 5. Zherzherunov., Koz.9.7 
 6. Rimarenko, Dynamo9.5 
 7. Zarytska, Kozachka9.3 
 8. Yaburova, Dnipr.9.3 
 9. Yakunina, Lugans.9.0 
 10. Kiriyenko, Dnipr.8.5 
Assists Per Game
 Alisa SIROMATNIKOVA
  Yuzhna P.
  (165-G-87)
  Avg: 6
 1. Siromatnikov., Yuz.6.0 
 2. Sharovka, Tim-Scuf5.1 
 3. Williams, Dnipr.4.7 
 4. Iagupova, Dnipr.4.6 
 5. Dubrovina, Kozach.4.6 
 6. Dubas, Frankivsk4.3 
 7. Lapshynova, Polite.3.9 
 8. Pokoiova, Kozachka3.7 
 9. Kashlei, Orlan3.6 
 10. Shapochkina, Yuz.3.6 
Steals Per Game
 Olga DUBROVINA
  Kozachka
  (170-G-87)
  Avg: 3.9
 1. Dubrovina, Kozach.3.9 
 2. Markotenko, Frank.3.4 
 3. Iagupova, Dnipr.3.3 
 4. Sharovka, Tim-Scuf3.1 
 5. Williams, Dnipr.3.0 
 6. Dubas, Frankivsk2.7 
 7. Panchenk-S., Koza.2.3 
 8. Siromatnikov., Yuz.2.1 
 9. Polyanychka, Frank.2.1 
 10. Lubarskaya, Dyna.2.1 
Blocks Per Game
 Lyubov ALYOSHKINA
  Orlan
  (202-C-81)
  Avg: 3
 1. Alyoshkina, Orlan3.0 
 2. Zhyrakova, Polite.1.9 
 3. Shablynska, Polite.1.9 
 4. Bovykina, Dnipr.1.7 
 5. Yaburova, Dnipr.1.7 
 6. Staschuk, Orlan1.7 
 7. Zherzherunov., Koz.1.1 
 8. Kisilova, Kozachka1.1 
 9. Yakunina, Lugans.1.0 
 10. Maznichenko, Tim-.0.9 


*****************************************************
  USBA - Women  


What is going on with the WUSBA 2011 basketball season? - by USBA Media

Atlanta, Ga., and (May 29, 2011) ----The Women's United States Basketball Association (WUSBA) is having trouble completing preparation for the 2011 basketball season. 'We have ample funds to have our basketball season, we don't have enough signed venues, basketball players and coaches to begin.'

WUSBA President Duane Allen Jenkins issued the following statement:

'Every professional sports league owes its very existence to the cooperation of its employees. Everyone associated with the Womens United States Basketball Association owes our fans and their community an apology for being unable to accomplish what was necessary for our game and our fans. We are truly sorry'.

'Many months ago, I stated that the WUSBA could assist female basketball players to continue their careers. We would create a system that will bring our league right underneath the WNBA. I said that our teams were united in their dedication to bring top quality basketball to our team cities under which the teams and players would share a common objective and a commitment to our fans satisfaction and we would work together as partners with our team cities.

The WNBA does not wish to be associated with the WUSBA or any other minor league basketball program. I have spoken to them several times and their position remains constant. The WNBA is content with a twelve member team league. 'We believe there should be more teams on the top level.'

'We have devoted ourselves to feverously complete everything it takes to run league in the pursuit of that a goal of perfection can be achieved. Today, I can tell you that our determination remains every bit as strong as it has ever been, when we made the decision to open the WUSBA. Our primary goal is to secure top quality coaches and players to ensure the success of the league for the benefit of the teams, the sponsors, and the fans in our team cities.

'When I announced the continuation of the league in 2010, I said each WUSBA team would play a full schedule and we would offer viable employment opportunities to our team communities as well as our coaches and players. We then began to secure everything needed to conduct a successful season. We proceeded to secure venues. Golden Corral meal cards were ordered and lodging was reserved for the players and coaches. We began to secure league sponsorships and we enacted our 2011 WUSBA Community Partnership proposals to the major church groups in our team cities.

In January 2011, we started out with twenty teams. Securing venues is not an easy task. As of May 29, 2011, we have ten signed and committed gymnasiums. The WUSBA needs its own venues.

The problem we encounter can be shared by all venues in a statement made by Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, they said, 'We had a mens minor league team in here, twice, both times they failed to honor their agreements, failed to pay their bills and it cost us money. You have your first season and well review your proposal for next year'. This sentiment has been echoed in every city we wish to play. Men's minor league basketball programs have wreaked havoc in cities across America.

Second challenge we faced this year is, as of May 28, 2011, we only have seven of coaches signed to an agreement, and we needed ten coaches. Additionally we only have 63 basketball players signed, we need 100 for the ten teams we now have.

In February 2011, I also made a grave error in agreeing to allow certain individuals to assist the WUSBA to secure players. These people approached the WUSBA and made commitments they would not or could not fulfill. I agreed to pay Linda Hargrove and Jessie Kenlaw to help us secure top quality basketball players. After three months of wrangling back and forth, they decided not to help us. This placed us in a very bad situation. It was necessary for me to stop with operations and marketing to secure basketball players. Trying to sign basketball players who don't trust you is impossible.

I have been called a scam and a fraud by cowards, who make these inflammatory statements not as men, but as nameless, shameless fools. I dare any of you piece of nameless trash to identify yourselves. I have had to explain to every basketball player and agent, I spoke with, why is it, when they Google my name, they read these lies written about me. My question is this, Who did we scam and who did we defraud, the answers are no one. But, it's on Google and these false claims were made by faceless, nameless cowards. These people are lucky we live in the year 2011 and not in the year 1870. My only remedy today is our great legal system.

In the expectations required by me and the WUSBA, the league will review all travel expenses made by the basketball players. Over the next thirty days we will speak to the agents and players about the compensation of their travel expenses. I take full responsibility of reimbursement of expenses.

'We profoundly regret the suffering this has caused our coaches, our players, the agents, our fans, our business partners and the hundreds of people who counted on our league for jobs. We plan to continue to pursue all available options in order to achieve a successful entrance to professional womens basketball and to play in the best game in the world -- on the court, and in front of the best fans in the world

'As I stand before you today, it is my proud duty to announce our march in the continuation of the WUSBA; as of today, we will no longer be known as a minor league basketball program. Accordingly, I am pleased to announce the formation of teams to play for the 2013 Womens United States Basketball Association basketball season. We will conduct our league in a manner consistent with major professional womens basketball.' We are going head to head with the WNBA.

'As I have always said, what we will do is present a great competitive product that will be entertaining to our fans, our team cities and the profession of basketball as a whole. We are extremely excited about future of our league and our teams. We now have the time to do it right and I stand here today to assure that everything will be ready for our 2013 basketball season'.

We will announce our plans in the very near future.
'

The Womens United States Basketball Association was formed in late March 2010, but the WUSBA concept was founded in July 2007. Through the months and years, we have faced a variety of challenges, some of which seemed insurmountable at the time. The WUSBA will persevere through the tough economic adversities our country has faced and the WUSBA will persevere through this one, as well to emerge with a framework for the future, one that everyone will be proud to be associated with, where our players and coaches have an opportunity to achieve and exceed their goals.




*****************************************************
  WNBA - Women  


Connecticut Sun get revenge after defeat - by Eurobasket News
Wilkes-Barre, Pa. The last official preseason game of the season for the Connecticut Sun was a lot better than their last effort at home on Wednesday.

Making up for a 24-point loss to San Antonio at the Connecticut version of the Mohegan Sun Arena on Wednesday, the Sun downed the Silver Stars, 75-73, at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Friday night.

The Sun (2-1) improved their shooting by about eight percentage points to 37 percent. Tina Charles (6'4''-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) finished with her third double-double in as many games with 17 points and 11 rebounds.

Kara Lawson (5'8''-G-81, college: Tennessee) was on the floor for her most minutes of the preseason, 27, and responded with 14 points. Asjha Jones (6'2''-F-80, college: Connecticut) added 10 points for the Sun while Renee Montgomery tossed in nine.

The Sun play their season opener at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 4 at the Mohegan Sun Arena against the Washington Mystics.
Courtesy of: www.norwichbulletin.com

Los Angeles Sparks Defeat Phoenix Mercury 83-72 in Albuquerque To Cap Perfect Preseason - by Eurobasket News
Albuquerque, N.M. - The Los Angeles Sparks rode a scorching start to an 83-72 preseason victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Saturday night at The Pit.

Forward Delisha Milton-Jones (6'1''-F-74, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Florida) led a sextet of Sparks in double-figures with a game-high 14 points to go along with six boards as Los Angeles completed a perfect 2-0 preseason. Guard Marie Ferdinand-Harris, signed in the off-season from the Sparks, was among a trio of Mercury players to notch 12 points. Phoenix finished the preseason 1-1.

'I'm very pleased with my team tonight' said Sparks head coach Jennifer Gillom, 'I thought the energy was there, the aggressiveness was there, and tonight told me a lot.'

Candace Parker (6'4''-F/C-86, college: Tennessee) 's steal and behind-the-back assist to guard Kristi Toliver (5'7''-G-87, college: Maryland) highlighted the Los Angeles' 8-0 run to open a game it never trailed. The lead ballooned to 26-11 on a Jenna O'Hea jumper with 15 seconds left in the first quarter, and the Sparks then took a 48-37 advantage into the locker room..

Phoenix closed within six points thanks to a 5-0 run to open the third before guard Toliver took over, scoring 8 of her 12 points in the third quarter, including a three-pointer and driving layup.

'We got up-and-down the court in the high altitude, and that was the goal for this preseason game,' Toliver said. 'I think we accomplished what we needed to heading into the regular season.'

Los Angeles amassed its biggest margin of the game at 74-56 with 7:44 remaining before the Mercury made things interesting with a late run, scoring the next 11 points including six from Sanni Olayinka. They got as close as 76-72 with 2:36 to play on Ketia Swainer's three-pointer, but like its first preseason game Wednesday vs. Seattle, Los Angeles closed with a flurry. The Sparks scored the final seven points of the evening, four courtesy of forward Ebony Hoffman.
Courtesy of: http://www.oursportscentral.com

Shock to take on league champs in exhibition game - by Eurobasket News
It's time for Tulsa Shock coach Nolan Richardson to find out which of his players are gamers.

The Shock trekked to Seattle for a 4 p.m. Sunday preseason game against the Storm.

'Some girls and guys are very good in practice, but when you turn the lights on, it can be completely different,' Richardson said.

'That's why it's good to have a preseason game. We were hoping to have two, but this way at least one game can give us some idea of where we are and what we need to work on.'

The dress rehearsal will pit the Shock against the defending WNBA champs.

The Shock posted a league-worst 6-28 record last year, but one of the wins came at the Storm's expense Aug. 3 in Tulsa. A few days later, when Tulsa was forced to play road games on consecutive nights in Los Angeles and Seattle, the Storm blistered the Shock 111-65, setting a WNBA margin-of-victory record.

Only six Tulsa players who participated in that game are on the current roster. Among newcomers are veteran acquisitions Sheryl Swoopes (6'0''-F/G-71, college: Texas Tech) and Betty Lennox, plus draft picks Elizabeth Cambage, Kayla Pedersen (6'4''-F-89, agency: LBM Management, college: Stanford) and Chastity Reed (6'1''-F-89, college: UALR).

'The thing I love about this group is that everybody comes every single day to work exceptionally hard, probably especially for the players who were here last year,' Swoopes said.

'We push each other on the court and try to keep everybody motivated. It's just a great group overall. There's not one single person that I can say I don't like playing with them. It's a great group of young ladies.'

Swoopes said she would be shocked if Tulsa fails to exceed last year's victory total.

'I think the thing is we can't worry about what happened last year. This is a completely different year. It's a completely different team pretty much. Nobody even knows who is going to be on the team. We don't have a team yet.

'But we can't linger on what happened last year. I think everybody wants to prove that we can compete with anybody in this league, and that's what it's all about.'

Andrea Riley, a former Oklahoma State point guard acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Sparks, will not participate in the preseason game. Riley gave birth to a daughter during the offseason and is not ready to return to the court.
By JIMMIE TRAMEL World Sports Writer
Courtesy of: tulsaworld.com