Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 5/8/2011

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Men News

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ARGENTINA

San Martin add Ramiro Iglesias for the finals - by Facundo Iatzky
San Martin corrientes add Ramiro Iglesias (186-G-90) for the TNA Finals, that start tomorrow. Ramiro comes from sionista Parana and he replaces Emilio Vallejos. In sionista he averaged 4,4 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2 assists. San Martin will not count with Mateo Bolivar in the first two games because he is training with the U19 national team. Anyway both team made some changes during the last months and it promises to be an amazing serie.

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AUSTRALIA

Cougars survive scare to beat Slammers (Friday SBL Wrap) - by Eurobasket News
Cockburn Cougars survived a major fright to squeeze past bottom side Southwest Slammers 82-76 in the men's State Basketball League.

The Slammers looked on track for their first win of the season when they held a 12-point half-time lead but scored just 21 points in the second half as Cockburn came back to claim its eighth win from 10 games.

Ty Harrelson (193-G-80, college: Wayland Baptist) had 26 points to lead the Cougars to a victory which saw them remain in second spot, while Matthew Smith (206-F/C-83, college: Warner) had 18 points for Southwest, which fell to a 0-10 record.

Perry Lakes Hawks continued their outstanding form with a remarkable 107-102 comeback victory over top four side Wanneroo Wolves.

The Wolves led by 23 points late in the third quarter and 11 with seven minutes left in the game, but Hawks import Anthony Lee-Ingram (198-F, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Brescia (KY)) (33 points) helped his side come back to its fifth victory from six outings.

Wanneroo suffered its second loss from three games despite John Vaudreuil's 25 points.

Perth Wildcats star Matt Knight had 33 points and 12 rebounds to lead Willetton Tigers to a 120-112 victory over Rockingham Flames.

Robert Kampman added 36 points for the Tigers, who have won two in a row, while Rockingham fell out of the top eight with its fifth straight loss.

Stirling Senators replaced the Flames in the eight after beating Geraldton Buccaneers 109-97.

Lee Roberts (201-F/C-87, college: Findlay, OH) had 29 points to lead the Senators to victory while Geraldton lost its second straight despite Michael Lay's 32 points.
Article by Jacob Kagi
Courtesy of: SBL

Big V: Round 7 Previews - by Eurobasket News
Ringwood vs. Waverley Sat 07/5 8.15pm @ Maroondah Indoor Sports Centre
Although we had the Grand Final rematch back in round 1 when we saw the Falcons prevail comfortably, there wasnt the extra spice story added to the mixture. Sources tell us that Cairns Taipan Daniel Dillon (191-G-86, college: Arizona) is making his debut for the Falcons in what was possibly the highest profile signing of the Big V Off-season.
The Falcons ran out of gas last week against the Wildcats, but there is no doubt Daniel Dillon will provide plenty of fuel for Waverley and he is sure to be a consistent feature on the Big V highlight reel this season.
Meanwhile the Hawks won by the skin of their teeth last week against the Broncos with an Aaron Hill buzzer beater. Perhaps that will spark Harringtons men into spoiling the party for Dillon and co.
Melbourne vs. Hume City Sat 07/5 8.00pm @ Broadmeadows Basketball Stadium
As has been noted across the Big V landscape, the Melbourne Tigers only fielded 6 players when they were smashed by the Suns last week. They will definitely need more benchies if they are to take out a Broncos squad who will be hopping mad after their close loss last week to Ringwood.
Bulleen vs. Sherbrooke Sat 07/5 8.00pm @ Veneto Club
In a battle of the darkhorses or overachievers, the Boomers will host the Suns in a huge clash between second and third on the ladder. The Suns enjoyed a comfortable win last week with their shooters in fine form while the Boomers were outplayed by the Falcons but then knocked over Diamond Valley. Both are full of confidence at the moment and this will be a fight to the death.
Diamond Valley vs. Ringwood Sun 08/5 3.00pm @ Diamond Valley Sport & Fitness
The Eagles are in struggletown at the moment and they badly need to get out of there. An opportunity arises for them when they face Ringwood who have a blockbuster with Waverley the night before. If the Eagles want to grab their second win of the season, chances arent as high as right now. If they can continue to build up their kids with experience and some of their vets start returning, they will be more than competitive.
Eltham vs. Melbourne Sun 08/5 3.00pm @ Eltham High School
The Wildcats flexed their muscles last week with a big mental victory over Waverley. Gerard Leonard (G) and Tommy Greer (201-F-83, college: Nova SE) showed why they were some of the biggest signings across the league while Tragardh destroyed the likes of Boyle, Platenik and Benn inside early before being slowed by a calf strain. We doubt Tragardhs fitness will change the result here with Melbourne needing more than a full roster to get a W in Eltham.
Courtesy of: bigv.com.au

Standings - ABA

ABA Standings

Big V
1. Waverley F.		6-1
2. Bulleen B.		5-2
3. Eltham W.		4-3
4. Sherbrooke S.		4-3
5. Melbourne		3-4
6. Ringwood H.		3-4
7. Hume City		2-5
8. Diamond V.E.		1-6
Central ABL
1. Norwood F.		5-0
2. W.Adelaide B.		4-1
3. Forestville E.		3-2
4. Eastern M.		3-2
5. Woodville W.		3-2
6. South.Tigers		2-3
7. Sturt S.		2-3
8. S.Adelaide P.		2-3
9. N.Adelaide R.		1-4
10. C.District L.		0-5
QBL
1. Brisbane C.		0-0
2. Bundaberg B.		0-0
3. Caboolture S.		0-0
4. Cairns M.		0-0
5. Gladstone P.		0-0
6. Gold Coast R.		0-0
7. Ipswich F.		0-0
8. Mackay M.		0-0
9. Maroochydore		0-0
10. Northside W.		0-0
11. Rockhampton		0-0
12. SW Metro P.		0-0
13. Toowoomba		0-0
14. Townsville H.		0-0
SEABL-East
1. Bendigo B.		5-1
2. Knox R.		5-1
3. Dandenong		3-2
4. Ballarat M.		3-3
5. Brisbane S.		2-4
6. Canberra G.		2-4
7. Kilsyth C.		1-5
SEABL-South
1. NW Tasmania		4-1
2. Nunawading S.		4-2
3. Sandringham S.		3-2
4. Geelong S.		3-3
5. Hobart C.		3-4
6. Frankston B.		2-2
7. Mt Gambier		2-4
8. Albury W.B.		1-5
WARATAH
1. Newcastle H.		6-1
2. Sydney C.		6-2
3. Hills H.		6-2
4. Parramatta W.		4-2
5. Manly Warr.		4-3
6. Hornsby S.		4-4
7. Illawarra H.		3-2
8. Sutherland S.		3-3
9. Norths Bears		3-4
10. Bankstown B.		2-4
11. Maitland M.		2-5
12. C. Coast C.		1-6
13. Canberra N.		1-7

Standings - SBL

SBL Standings

1. Lakeside L.		8-1
2. Cockburn C.		8-2
3. Wanneroo W.		7-4
4. Goldfield G.		6-3
5. Perry Lakes H.		6-4
6. Willetton T.		6-5
7. Perth R.		5-5
8. Stirling S.		5-5
9. Geraldton B.		4-6
10. East Perth E.		4-6
11. Kalamunda E.S.		4-6
12. Rockingham F.		4-6
13. Mandurah M.		3-7
14. AIS		0-0
15. SW Slammers		0-10

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BAHRAIN

Standings

Premier League Standings

1. Muharraq		14-2
2. Al Manama		12-4
3. Al Ahli		11-4
4. Al Hala		9-7
5. Issa Town		8-8
6. Sitra		6-9
7. Nuwaidrat		6-10
8. Al Ittihad		4-12

Al Ahli score first win in GCC clash - by Yousef Ahmed
BAHRAIN champions Al Ahli scored a resounding 83-69 victory over Oman's Nazwa yesterday in the 31st GCC Clubs Basketball Championship, being played in Jeddah.

Maytham Jameel (182-G) top scored for the victors with 23 points, while Emirati import Salem Mubarak chipped in with 17.

American professional and former National Basketball Association veteran Lamond Murray (201-F-73, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: California) added 16 while Ahli court general Hussain Shaker had 11 while orchestrating the Bahrainis' offence.

Ahli took a quick lead early in the contest and never looked back.

It was their first victory after three games in group 'A' of the preliminary round. They had previously succumbed to Qatar's Al Gharaffa 69-76 and Saudi Arabia's Uhud a 61-76.

Having already been eliminated from semi-final contention, Ahli will now battle for fifth place overall against the third-ranked side of group 'B'.

The classification game is scheduled to take place tomorrow, following a rest day for all teams today.

Source GDN Posted on Sunday, May 08, 2011

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BELGIUM

Standings - Division I

D1 Standings

1. Charleroi		24-6
2. Aalstar		21-10
3. M.Hainaut		20-10
4. Oostende		19-12
5. Antwerp		16-14
6. Leuven		11-19
7. Liege		10-20
8. Verviers-Pep.		10-20
9. Gent		5-25

Stats Leaders - Division I

Points Per Game

Stefon JACKSON
  Verviers.
  (196-G-85)
  Avg: 16.3

1. Jackson, Verviers.	16.3
2. Lojeski, Oostende	16.0
3. Mallet, Charleroi	16.0
4. Freeman, Verviers.	15.9
5. Copeland, Aalstar	15.7
6. Black, Antwerp	15.6
7. Waters, Verviers.	15.4
8. Miller, Leuven	15.3
9. Taylor, M.Hainaut	15.1
10. Hilliard, Aalstar	14.6

Rebounds Per Game

Rashaun FREEMAN
  Verviers.
  (206-C/F-84)
  Avg: 7.8

1. Freeman, Verviers.	7.8
2. Young, Aalstar	7.5
3. Stipanovic, Liege	7.4
4. Hilliard, Aalstar	7.4
5. Randle, Gent	7.3
6. Brown, Antwerp	6.8
7. Tofi, Leuven	6.3
8. Jackson, Verviers.	6.3
9. Dagunduro, Leuven	6.1
10. Gay, Verviers-Pep.	6.1

Assists Per Game

Darrel MITCHELL
  Oostende
  (180-G-84)
  Avg: 4.1

1. Mitchell, Oostende	4.1
2. Dagunduro, Leuven	3.7
3. Hatten, M.Hainaut	3.7
4. Waters, Verviers.	3.4
5. Moors, Antwerp	3.0
6. Bosco, Gent	2.9
7. Black, Antwerp	2.9
8. Miller, Leuven	2.7
9. Burrell, Aalstar	2.7
10. Mallet, Charleroi	2.6

Steals Per Game

Michael JENKINS
  Liege
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Jenkins, Liege	2.8
2. Hatten, M.Hainaut	2.4
3. Mallet, Charleroi	2.3
4. Dagunduro, Leuven	2.2
5. Wilson, Antwerp	2.1
6. Mitchell, Oostende	1.8
7. Taylor, M.Hainaut	1.8
8. Lojeski, Oostende	1.7
9. McCauley, M.Hai.	1.6
10. Hill, Charleroi	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Salah MEJRI
  Antwerp
  (214-C-86)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Mejri, Antwerp	1.5
2. Riddick, Charleroi	1.5
3. Johnson, Aalstar	1.0
4. Randle, Gent	0.8
5. Young, Aalstar	0.8
6. Nivins, M.Hainaut	0.6
7. Tofi, Leuven	0.6
8. Wilson, Antwerp	0.5
9. Stipanovic, Liege	0.5
10. Pelle, Oostende	0.5

D1 Round 34: Leader Spirou Charleroi loses to Base Oostende - by Eurobasket News
There are only two more rounds left in the Regular Season in D1. Host teams show no mercy winning all games.

Top ranked Spirou Charleroi (24-6) recorded its sixth loss on the court of fourth ranked Base Oostende on Saturday night. Visitors were rolled over by Base Oostende 94-75. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Spirou Charleroi. The game without a history. Base Oostende led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. American guard Matt Lojeski (198-85, college: Hawaii) fired a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. The other American import guard Darrel Mitchell (180-84, college: LSU, agency: Beo Basket) chipped in 21 points (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). American guard Demond Mallet (185-78, college: McNeese St., agency: Higher Vision Sports) produced 17 points for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Base Oostende have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 19-12 record. Defending champion Spirou Charleroi still keeps top place with six games lost. Base Oostende will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Spirou Charleroi will play at home against Dexia Mons-Hainaut in Quaregnon and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game with biggest result difference took place in Quaregnon. Local Dexia Mons-Hainaut (20-10) outscored 6th ranked Leuven Bears (11-19) 96-65. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Leuven Bears. Worth to mention a great performance of Dutch power forward Peter Van Paassen (211-78, college: St.Bonaventure, agency: Court Side) who helped to win the game recording 19 points and 7 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field). Shan Foster contributed with 23 points for the winners. American forward Kevin Melson (199-78, college: Wright St.) replied with 14 points and 5 rebounds for Leuven Bears. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Dexia Mons-Hainaut have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 20-10 record having four points less than leader Charleroi. Leuven Bears at the other side keep the sixth place with 19 games lost. Dexia Mons-Hainaut will play against league's leader Spirou Charleroi on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Leuven Bears will play against Antwerp Giants (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the last two games of round 34 Verviers-Pep. was defeated by Aalstar in a road game 103-88. Antwerp beat Gent at home 69-61.

Oostende - Charleroi 94-75

Top ranked Spirou Charleroi (24-6) recorded its sixth loss on the court of fourth ranked Base Oostende on Saturday night. Visitors were rolled over by Base Oostende 94-75. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Spirou Charleroi. The game without a history. Base Oostende led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. American guard Matt Lojeski (198-85, college: Hawaii) fired a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. The other American import guard Darrel Mitchell (180-84, college: LSU, agency: Beo Basket) chipped in 21 points (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). Four Base Oostende players scored in double figures. American guard Demond Mallet (185-78, college: McNeese St., agency: Higher Vision Sports) produced 17 points and international forward Christophe Beghin (207-80, agency: Court Side) added 14 points respectively for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Base Oostende have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 19-12 record. Defending champion Spirou Charleroi still keeps top place with six games lost. Base Oostende will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Spirou Charleroi will play at home against Dexia Mons-Hainaut in Quaregnon and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Oostende: D.Mitchell 21+1reb+3ast, M.Lojeski 16+10reb+1ast, W.Thomas 14+5reb+1ast, C.Green 12+3reb, B.Ebong 9+4reb, T.Huffman 8+1reb+4ast
Charleroi: D.Mallet 17+4reb+2ast, C.Beghin 14+4reb, J.Gomis 9+1reb+3ast, K.Weaver 9+1reb, B.Wright 7+2reb+1ast, B.Greene 6+3reb+2ast

Aalstar - Verviers-Pep. 103-88

There was no surprise when 7th ranked VOO Verviers-Pepinster (10-20) was defeated on the road by second ranked Okapi Aalstar (21-10) 103-88. The game was mostly controlled by Okapi Aalstar. VOO Verviers-Pepinster was better in third quarter 27-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Okapi Aalstar made 19-of-23 charity shots (82.6 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Alex Ruoff (198-86, college: W.Virginia) who helped to win the game recording 22 points and 4 assists. The other American import forward Christopher Copeland (203-84, college: Colorado, agency: 540 Sports) contributed with 21 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. American power forward Rashaun Freeman (206-84, college: Massachusetts) replied with 28 points and 7 rebounds and Georgian swingman Tornike Shengelia (205-91) added 16 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for VOO Verviers-Pepinster. Five Okapi Aalstar and four VOO Verviers-Pepinster players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Okapi Aalstar maintains second position with 21-10 record having just two points less than leader Charleroi. VOO Verviers-Pepinster lost third consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with 20 games lost. They share the position with Liege. Okapi Aalstar will play against Belgacom Liege (#7) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. VOO Verviers-Pepinster will play against Optima Gent and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Aalstar: A.Ruoff 22+4reb+4ast, C.Copeland 21+6reb+2ast, C.Young 16+3reb+2ast, T.Johnson 15+2reb, S.Burrell 12+2reb+6ast, A.Hilliard 10+3reb+1ast
Verviers-Pep.: R.Freeman 28+7reb+1ast, D.Waters 19+2reb+3ast, T.Shengelia 16+8reb+2ast, B.Gay 10+4reb+1ast, D.Hargrove 8+2reb, A.Chada 3+3reb+2ast

M.Hainaut - Leuven 96-65

The game with biggest result difference took place in Quaregnon. Local Dexia Mons-Hainaut (20-10) outscored 6th ranked Leuven Bears (11-19) 96-65. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Leuven Bears. The game without a history. Dexia Mons-Hainaut led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They shot 63.8 percent from the field. Dexia Mons-Hainaut had a 25-13 advantage in offensive rebounds. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 26 assists comparing to just 6 passes made by Leuven Bears' players. Worth to mention a great performance of Dutch power forward Peter Van Paassen (211-78, college: St.Bonaventure, agency: Court Side) who helped to win the game recording 19 points and 7 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field). American swingman Shan Foster (198-86, college: Vanderbilt) contributed with 23 points for the winners. American forward Kevin Melson (199-78, college: Wright St.) replied with 14 points and 5 rebounds and naturalized American forward Ian Hanavan (202-80, college: Evansville, agency: Interperformances) added 12 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Leuven Bears. Five Dexia Mons-Hainaut and four Leuven Bears players scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Dexia Mons-Hainaut have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 20-10 record having four points less than leader Charleroi. Leuven Bears at the other side keep the sixth place with 19 games lost. Dexia Mons-Hainaut will play against league's leader Spirou Charleroi on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Leuven Bears will play against Antwerp Giants (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
M.Hainaut: S.Foster 23+1reb, P.Van Paassen 19+7reb+2ast, R.Taylor 16+4ast, A.Nivins 11+5reb+1ast, R.Lewis 10+4reb+4ast, S.Bellin 7+2reb+1ast
Leuven: J.J.J. Miller 15+2ast, K.Melson 14+5reb, I.Hanavan 12+6reb, A.Dagunduro 10+3reb+2ast, J.Tofi 6+4reb, N.Marnegrave 3+2reb

Antwerp - Gent 69-61

No shocking result in a game when fifth ranked Antwerp Giants (16-14) defeated at home bottom-ranked Optima Gent (5-25) 69-61. The hosts started the game with a very strong first quarter 27-14. But Optima Gent won third quarter 27-15. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Antwerp Giants dominated on the defensive end, holding Optima Gent to just 7 points in second quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 46 of its points in the paint compared to Optima Gent's 24. It was a very good performance for American guard Michael Roll (196-87, college: UCLA) who helped to win the game recording 15 points and 5 rebounds. The other American import forward Darnell Wilson (198-85, college: Canisius, agency: Court Side) contributed with 15 points for the winners. Guard Senne Geukens (190-83) replied with 14 points and 5 rebounds and American power forward Monwell Randle (203-83, college: SE Missouri St., agency: Court Side) added 11 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Optima Gent. Antwerp Giants maintains fifth position with 16-14 record. Optima Gent lost fourth consecutive game. They stay dead last with 25 lost games. Antwerp Giants will play against Leuven Bears (#6) on the road in the next round. Optima Gent will play against VOO Verviers-Pepinster and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Antwerp: M.Roll 15+5reb+3ast, D.Wilson 15+3reb+3ast, G.Brown 11+3reb, R.Biggs 8+3reb+4ast, R.Moors 8+4reb+2ast, S.Mejri 8+8reb
Gent: S.Geukens 14+5reb+1ast, A.Hall 13+4reb+1ast, M.Randle 11+7reb+1ast, L.Louves 8+8reb, D.Loubry 6+2reb+2ast, M.De Zeeuw 5+3reb+2ast

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BULGARIA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Aaron HARPER
  Levski
  (199-G/F-81)
  Avg: 23.4

1. Harper, Levski	23.4
2. Lilov, Rilski S.	21.1
3. Dimitrov, Spartak	19.2
4. Naydenov, Chernom.	16.8
5. Davidov, Balkan	15.7
6. Bozov, Balkan	15.5
7. Govedarov, Tundja	15.2
8. Kambala, Lukoil A.	14.4
9. Yanev, Cherno More	14.4
10. James, Lukoil A.	13.9

Rebounds Per Game

Nikolay VARBANOV
  Tundja
  (209-C-85)
  Avg: 10.6

1. Varbanov, Tundja	10.6
2. Yanev, Cherno More	8.3
3. Todorov, Spartak	7.4
4. Radojevic, Rilski	7.3
5. Kolev, Cherno More	7.1
6. Peterson, Lukoil A.	7.0
7. Georgiev, Levski	6.7
8. Kambala, Lukoil A.	6.7
9. Morton, Balkan	6.5
10. Dimitrov, Spartak	6.4

Assists Per Game

Jason CROWE
  Levski
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 5.6

1. Crowe, Levski	5.6
2. Alexiev, Cherno M.	4.3
3. Heath, Lukoil A.	4.0
4. Dyakovski, Spartak	4.0
5. James, Lukoil A.	3.9
6. Bozov, Balkan	3.8
7. Govedarov, Tundja	3.7
8. Lilov, Rilski S.	3.5
9. Gruev, Rilski S.	3.2
10. Dimitrov, Spartak	3.2

Steals Per Game

Jason CROWE
  Levski
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Crowe, Levski	2.4
2. Heath, Lukoil A.	2.3
3. Zahariev, Chernomo.	2.1
4. Radionov, Tundja	2.0
5. James, Lukoil A.	1.9
6. Bozov, Balkan	1.9
7. Green, Lukoil A.	1.7
8. Bowman, Lukoil A.	1.6
9. Stojanovski, Lukoi.	1.6
10. Marinov, Balkan	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Krum DOYCHINOV
  Balkan
  (206-C-86)
  Avg: 1.2

1. Doychinov, Balkan	1.2
2. Varbanov, Tundja	1.0
3. Radojevic, Rilski	1.0
4. Banev, Lukoil A.	0.7
5. Cole, Levski	0.7
6. Petkov, Tundja	0.6
7. Neuhaus, Chernomo.	0.6
8. Mijovic, Rilski S.	0.6
9. Iliev, Cherno More	0.6
10. Vaklinov, Rilski	0.6

NBL: Lukoil, Levski and Tundja advance to Semifinals - by Eurobasket News
Second games of the NBL Quarterfinals were played last night. Lukoil, Levski and Tundja managed to beat their rivals once again booking a spot for the Semifinals. There, Levski and Tundja will meet each other. Lukoil waits for the winner of Cherno More - Rilski series, which is currently tied at 1-1. They will meet in third crucial game on Sunday in Samokov.

Chernomorets - Lukoil Academik 58-88 (0-2)
The game was mostly controlled by Lukoil Academik. Chernomorets was better in third quarter 25-23. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Chernomorets to just 4 points in fourth quarter. Lukoil Academik dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Chernomorets' 30 and made 16-of-18 charity shots (88.9 percent) during the game. Lukoil Academik forced 26 Chernomorets turnovers. American center Travis Peterson (208-85, college: Samford, agency: Edge Sports) notched a double-double by scoring 20 points and 15 rebounds (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) to lead the effort and Croatian center Bruno Sundov (221-80, college: High School, agency: Alti Sport) supported him with 19 points and 6 rebounds. Five Lukoil Academik players scored in double figures. Even 17 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists by the former international guard Vladimir Marinov (188-85) did not help to save the game for Chernomorets. Center Konstantin Koev (206-91) added 12 points and 7 rebounds for the hosts.
Top scorers:
Chernomorets: V.Marinov 17+6reb+5ast, K.Koev 12+7reb+1ast, J.Neuhaus 10+3reb, A.Saraliyski 6+5reb, A.Penev 5+4reb+1ast, R.Aleksov 4+4reb
Lukoil Academik: T.Peterson 20+15reb+1ast, B.Sundov 19+6reb+2ast, D.Green 13+2reb+1ast, B.Avramov 11+3reb+3ast, B.Heath 10+5reb+5ast, T.Stoykov 6+2reb+3ast

Tundja - Balkan 74-56 (2-0)
The game was mostly controlled by Tundja. Balkan managed to win fourth quarter 16-12. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Tundja dominated down low during the game scoring 44 of its points in the paint compared to Balkan's 22 and made 18-of-22 free shots (81.8 percent) during the game. 27 personal fouls committed by Balkan helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The former international guard Julian Radionov (188-79) scored 19 points and 4 assists (was perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line !!!) to lead the charge for the winners and the former international center Nikolay Varbanov (209-85, agency: Interperformances) chipped in 11 points and 11 rebounds during the contest. Five Tundja players scored in double figures. American forward Dwayne Morton (200-71, college: Louisville) responded with 9 points and 8 rebounds and the former international power forward Georgi Davidov (205-76) scored 8 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Balkan: D.Morton 9+8reb+1ast, L.Lilov 8+4reb, G.Davidov 8+8reb, K.Borisov 8+1reb, J.Bozov 6+2reb+1ast, I.Vuchkov 5+2reb
Tundja: J.Radionov 19+4reb+4ast, S.Petkov 12+7reb, S.Govedarov 12+3reb+1ast, N.Varbanov 11+11reb, P.Marinov 10+5reb+3ast, N.Tmusic 5+6reb

Cherno More - Rilski Sportist 71-77 (1-1)
The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Euroins Cherno More won fourth quarter 24-23. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The best player for the winners was international swingman Ivan Lilov (196-88) who scored 12 points and 7 assists. FYR Macedonian guard Dimitar Karadzovski (189-84, agency: Global Sports Plaza) chipped in 12 points and 7 assists. International forward Aleksandar Yanev (203-90, agency: Interperformances) produced 20 points and 8 rebounds and the former international guard Plamen Aleksiev (180-87) added 10 points and 8 assists respectively for the hosts. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Euroins Cherno More's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Cherno More: A.Yanev 20+8reb, V.Kyosev 12+3reb+1ast, P.Aleksiev 10+3reb+8ast, T.Zhelev 10+3reb+2ast, I.Kasabov 9, N.Kolev 6+7reb
Rilski Sportist: D.Marojevic 12+4reb, D.Karadzovski 12+2reb+7ast, V.Mijovic 12+4reb+2ast, I.Lilov 12+4reb+7ast, A.Gruev 8+1reb, B.Boev 8+4reb

Spartak - Levski 70-94 (0-2)
The game without a history. Levski led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. American swingman Aaron Harper (199-81, college: Mississippi, agency: Strategic Sports) orchestrated the victory by scoring 32 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. The other American import center Donald Cole (204-81, college: Sam Houston St., agency: Edge Sports) contributed with 18 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) for the winners. The former international swingman Hrisimir Dimitrov (197-74) replied with 19 points and the former international forward Ilia Stankov (198-76) added 11 points in the effort for Spartak. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games.
Top scorers:
Spartak: H.Dimitrov 19+3reb+2ast, I.Stankov 11+4reb, V.Georgiev 8+4ast, T.Ostrev 7+3reb+4ast, T.Todorov 6+3reb, N.Traykov 6+3reb+1ast
Levski: A.Harper 32+9reb+6ast, D.Cole 18+3reb+1ast, S.Georgiev 10+3reb+2ast, G.Cekovski 9+5reb, S.Slaveykov 7+4reb+1ast, A.Velikov 6+3reb+3ast

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

CHILE

Copa Chile Basketball Report, 20110507. - by Rodrigo Hunrichse
On Copa Chile Basketball, after five games you have a sight of the trend, next month we have the Playoffs, and can compare top teams.

On Group A:
The CLASSIC rivalry Osorno vs Valdivia moved to basketball as well, and the Osorno Basquetbol team (born just 2010) represented the city well, beating CDV 71-55. The only loss in solid Valdivia, expect this two to reach playoffs and MAYBE Osorno B. to be the surprise as Valdivia did in DIMAYOR 2009.

Positions are:
[pos., points, games, wins, losses]:
1 9 5 4 1 CD Valdivia
2 8 4 4 0 Osorno B.
3 8 5 3 2 D. Las Animas
4 6 5 1 4 U. AUSTRAL
5 5 5 0 5 Espanol Osorno

This weekend:
83.- A Friday 6th 20:30 CD Valdivia vs Espanol Osorno
84.- A Friday 6th 20:00 Osorno B. vs U. Austral
98.- A Sunday 8th 19:00 Espanol Osorno vs Osorno B.
99.- A Sunday 8th 19:00 D. Las Animas vs CD Valdivia

On Group B (South)
CD UDECONCE beated Deportivo Chillan and had no trouble on the court. The scoreboard failed several times, and the fans did not attend in mass. Reinforcement Isla underwent surgery and is out for this championship.

Aleman Concepcion received current Champion Espanol and lost 91-60.

Positions are:
[pos., points]:
1 ESPANOL DE TALCA 6
2 CD UDECONCE 5
3 DEPORTIVO ALEMAN 4
4 DEPORTIVO CHILLAN 3

The May 6-8 weekend, the return games are played, switching stadiums and same teams. UDECONCE will host another classic against Aleman, Espanol should have no trouble hosting Chillan.

On Group C:
Positions are:
[pos., points, games, wins, losses]:
1 STADIO ITALIANO 9 5 4 1
2 BOSTON COLLEGE 8 4 4 0
3 PEDRO AGUIRRE CERDA 8 5 3 2
4 SERGIO CEPPI 6 5 1 4
5 VOCACIONAL DE CONCHALI 5 5 0 5

Of course Boston College is my favorite for the Championship, and so far is undefeated. Stadio Italiano is also performing well, but this is a weak group, the REAL Tournament start on the Playoffs.

Group D:
Positions are:
[pos., points, games, wins, losses]:
1 11 6 5 1 PALESTINO
2 10 5 5 0 CD U. CATOLICA
3 10 6 4 2 U. DE CHILE
4 8 6 2 4 APACEMB DE CURACAVI
5 5 5 0 5 ESTADIO MANQUEHUE
6 4 4 0 4 DEPORTIVO INBA

Also a weak group, undefeated Catolica is the candidate, altough Coach Ureta declared this year to be difficult, since they lost key players and is re-forming with young players.

Group E:
Positions are:
[pos., points, games, wins, losses]:
1 10 5 5 0 ESTADIO ESPANOL
2 9 5 4 1 MUNICIPAL PUENTE ALTO
3 6 4 2 2 SABUESOS
4 6 5 1 4 DEPORTIVO BRISAS
5 5 5 0 5 THE SHADOWS QUILICURA

Puente Alto is not the same as before, so Estadio Espanol (Las Condes) is undefeated this First Round, can it be the surprise? Again, on a mixture of Professionals and amateurs, the performance is unreal.

Group F:
Positions are:
[pos., points, games, wins, losses]:
1 9 5 4 1 U. DE SANTIAGO
2 9 5 4 1 DEPORTIVO CEFIRO
3 8 5 3 2 CLUB PROVIDENCIA
4 6 5 1 4 ARABE DE RANCAGUA
5 4 4 0 4 ESTRELLA DE MOLINA

This group F is unknown, but also we see a tendency: USACH & Cefiro making difference. Only Estrella is a new team.

On Group G:
Positions are:
[pos., points, games, wins, losses]:
1 10 5 5 0 LICEO MIXTO
2 9 5 4 1 COLEGIO LOS LEONES
3 6 4 2 2 A. PRAT SAN FELIPE
4 6 5 1 4 SALAMANCA
5 5 5 0 5 ARABE SAN FELIPE

No surprises here. Liceo Mixto setting the pace, and Los Leones Quilpue (Top-4 finalist on first Round, Liga Nacional B, 2010) is trying to keep up.

To try to compare for Playoffs, here is the OFFICIAL qualifying table:
[pos., points, games, wins, losses]:
1 10 5 5 0 LICEO MIXTO
2 8 4 4 0 BOSTON COLLEGE
3 9 5 4 1 STADIO ITALIANO
4 6 3 3 0 ESPANOL DE TALCA
5 10 5 5 0 ESTADIO ESPANOL
6 11 6 5 1 PALESTINO
7 9 5 4 1 DEPORTIVO VALDIVIA
8 10 5 5 0 CD U. CATOLICA
9 8 4 4 0 OSORNO BASQUETBOL
10 9 5 4 1 MUNICIPAL PUENTE ALTO
11 9 5 4 1 COLEGIO LOS LEONES
12 5 3 2 1 CD UDECONCE
13 9 5 4 1 U. DE SANTIAGO
14 9 5 4 1 DEPORTIVO CEFIRO
15 10 6 4 2 U. DE CHILE
16 8 5 3 2 DEP. LAS ANIMAS
17 8 5 3 2 CLUB PROVIDENCIA
18 6 4 2 2 SABUESOS
19 8 5 3 2 PEDRO AGUIRRE CERDA
20 4 3 1 2 DEPORTIVO ALEMAN
21 6 4 2 2 A. PRAT SAN FELIPE
22 6 5 1 4 U. AUSTRAL
23 8 6 2 4 APACEMB DE CURACAVI
24 6 5 1 4 ARABE DE RANCAGUA
25 6 5 1 4 SERGIO CEPPI
26 4 4 0 4 ESTRELLA DE MOLINA
27 5 5 0 5 ESTADIO MANQUEHUE
28 6 5 1 4 SALAMANCA
29 5 5 0 5 THE SHADOWS QUILICURA
30 6 5 1 4 DEPORTIVO BRISAS
31 5 5 0 5 ESPANOL DE OSORNO
32 3 3 0 3 DEPORTIVO CHILLAN
33 4 4 0 4 DEPORTIVO INBA
34 5 5 0 5 ARABE SAN FELIPE
35 5 5 0 5 VOCACIONAL DE CONCHALI

By Rod 'Alley'Gator' Hunrichse, 20110507.

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

CHINA

China U-19 Blasts Serbians 108-71 - by Arthur Volbert
The team that could win a medal at the World U-19 Championship in Latvia in June 30 - July 10 showed up in Barcelona today. China defeated Crvena Zvezda of Belgrade, Serbia 108-71. Crvena Zvezda had previous lost to the Lithuanian team 74-65 but beaten Barcelona 73-56. China showed it clearly belongs in this tournament and will be a factor in the World Championship.

Guo Ailun led China with 22 points. He had 5 assists and 1 turnover and looked like the NBA prospect he is reputed to be. Ju Mingxin (200-G/F-93) had 16 points on 6 of 8 shooting and he of the two official birth years -- 1990 and 1993 -- looks like the second best player on the team. Wang Zirui also scored 16 points. Zhai Xiaochuan had 12 points and 4 rebounds. Sun Tonglin had 11 points and 9 rebounds.

Zhu Xuhang had 9 points and 6 rebounds. Li Muhao (218-C-92) had 6 points on 3 of 3 shooting in 20 minutes and 1 rebound. Wang Zhelin was scoreless, missing all 3 of his shots, but had 4 rebounds in 11 minutes.

China's three-point shooting was acceptable today as it hit 8 of 24. It outrebounded the Serbians 44-28. It had 11 turnovers to 15 for the Serbians. China led 30-18 after one quarter and 59-39 at the half. The score was 74-57 after 3 quarters. Andrua Bojic led Serbia with 14 points, Ivan Marinkovic had 13 and Marko Radonjic had 11.

China finished with a 1-2 record but gained second place in Group B based on point differential.

GROUP A
KK Zagreb 3-0, +71
INSEP 1-2, -1
FMP 1-2, -21
FB Ulker 1-2, -49

GROUP B
Zalgiris 3-0, +63
Team China 1-2, +4
Regal FCB 1-2, -38
Crvena Zvezda 1-2, -29

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

CZECH REPUBLIC

BK Decin and BK Prostejov join Nymburk in the semis - by Eurobasket News
B&W Opava - BK Prostejov 80-100

BK Prostejov won the series over Opava after 100:80 in Game 4. The game without a history. BK Prostejov led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to B&W Opava's 30. BK Prostejov shot the lights out from three sinking 13 long-distance shots on high 65.0 percentage. Worth to mention a great performance of Lithuanian guard Benas Veikalas (192-83, college: Metro St.) who helped to win the game recording 30 points (on 12-of-15 shooting from the field). American guard Eugene Lawrence (184-86, college: St.John's) contributed with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 10 assists for the winners. Four BK Prostejov players scored in double figures. Forward Jakub Blazek (203-80) replied with 14 points and 5 rebounds and international guard Michal Carnecky (184-85) added 13 points and 4 assists in the effort for B&W Opava. B&W Opava's coach David Klapetek rotated eleven players seeing no chance for a win.
Top scorers:
B&W Opava: M.Vanak 14+4reb+1ast, J.Blazek 14+5reb+1ast, M.Carnecky 13+3reb+4ast, P.Strnisko 9+1ast, J.Sirina 6+2reb+2ast, J.Kratochvil 6+1reb+1ast
BK Prostejov: B.Veikalas 30+4reb+1ast, E.Lawrence 24+1reb+10ast, K.Landry 20+10reb+1ast, B.Cadri-Nicholson 12+6reb+1ast, D.Marek 7+1ast, R.Hyzy 4+5reb+1ast

Novy Jicin - BK Pardubice 67-80

BK Pardubice tied the series at 2-2 after 80:67 win in Game 4. Novy Jicin was ahead by 5 points at the halftime before a 48-30 second half run of BK Pardubice. They made 22-of-27 charity shots (81.5 percent) during the game. Novy Jicin was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Derek Wright (175-86, college: Austin Peay St.) who helped to win the game recording 23 points and 5 steals and the other American import power forward Marcus Arnold (207-84, college: Illinois, agency: Stanley International) who added 16 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. Arnold is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Four BK Pardubice players scored in double figures. At the losing side American guard Wesley Channels (190-88, college: Austin Peay St.) responded with 15 points and Slovakian forward Dusan Pandula (196-84) scored 12 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Novy Jicin: W.Channels 15+4reb+1ast, C.Muirhead 12+1reb+2ast, D.Pandula 12+3reb+1ast, O.Soska 9+2reb, R.Sarovic 6+3reb, D.Steffel 4+5reb
BK Pardubice: D.Wright 23+2reb+1ast, M.Hampton 19+3reb+1ast, M.Arnold 16+8reb, Z.Pospisil 10+7reb+2ast, J.Cernosek 4+3reb+1ast, L.Kraus 4+2reb+1ast

NH Ostrava - BK Decin 71-93

BK Decin advanced to the semis after 93:71 win over Ostrava. The game without a history. BK Decin led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. BK Decin outrebounded NH Ostrava 32-17 including a 14-3 advantage in defensive rebounds. They shot the lights out from three sinking 12 long-distance shots on high 60.0 percentage. BK Decin looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists. The winners were led by international forward Pavel Houska (201-84) who scored that evening 26 points and 8 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) and Bosnian forward Admir Alic (198-84) supported him with 19 points and 4 assists. Four BK Decin players scored in double figures. Even 14 points and 6 rebounds (perfect from the field making all six shots) by Polish center Cezary Trybanski (218-79) did not help to save the game for NH Ostrava. Canadian forward Andrew Spagrud (203-85) added 14 points for lost side. NH Ostrava's coach Zdenek Hummel gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win.
Top scorers:
NH Ostrava: A.Spagrud 14+3reb, C.Trybanski 14+6reb, D.Burke 12+1reb+3ast, A.Ciz 8+2reb+4ast, L.Palyza 7+1reb+4ast, M.Stuchly 7+3ast
BK Decin: P.Houska 26+8reb+3ast, A.Alic 19+4reb+4ast, W.Hatcher 14+3reb+8ast, T.Pomikalek 10+1reb, J.Houska 10+5reb+2ast, L.Sanders 9+3reb+6ast

Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game

Terry SMITH
  BC Kolin
  (185-G-86)
  Avg: 17.4

1. Smith, BC Kolin	17.4
2. Houska, BK Decin	15.7
3. Landry, BK Prost.	15.6
4. Horak, Svitavy	14.7
5. Hatcher, BK Decin	14.4
6. Sedmak, Basketbo.	14.3
7. Veikalas, BK Prost.	14.0
8. Blazek, B&W Opava	14.0
9. Kotas, USK Praha	13.7
10. Hampton, BK Pard.	13.6

Rebounds Per Game

Boris MENO
  Basketbo.
  (203-F-83)
  Avg: 10.4

1. Meno, Basketbo.	10.4
2. Landry, BK Prost.	8.5
3. Houska, BK Decin	8.5
4. Burke, NH Ostrava	7.6
5. Arnold, BK Pardu.	7.6
6. Spagrud, NH Ostra.	7.3
7. Frana, Plzen	7.1
8. Gadri, BK Prostejov	7.0
9. Kramny, Svitavy	6.9
10. Klimes, USK Praha	6.7

Assists Per Game

Stepan VRUBL
  Plzen
  (186-G-76)
  Avg: 6

1. Vrubl, Plzen	6.0
2. Lawrence, BK Prost.	5.2
3. Jones, BC Kolin	3.8
4. Carnecky, B&W O.	3.7
5. Hatcher, BK Decin	3.6
6. Kotas, USK Praha	3.4
7. Sanders, BK Decin	3.3
8. Maio, Basketbo.	2.9
9. Macela, Svitavy	2.7
10. Channels, Novy Ji.	2.7

Steals Per Game

Lukas KOTAS
  USK Praha
  (194-F-84)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Kotas, USK Praha	1.9
2. Wright, BK Pardu.	1.9
3. Holloway, Basket.	1.7
4. Smith, BC Kolin	1.7
5. Hampton, BK Pardu.	1.7
6. Sirina, B&W Opava	1.6
7. Channels, Novy Jic.	1.4
8. Landry, BK Prost.	1.4
9. Vrubl, Plzen	1.4
10. Gajdosik, Basket.	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Martin MIKLOSIK
  B&W O.
  (226-C-86)
  Avg: 1.2

1. Miklosik, B&W O.	1.2
2. Trybanski, NH Os.	1.2
3. Hanke, USK Praha	1.1
4. Kramny, Svitavy	0.9
5. Pelikan, Novy Jicin	0.8
6. Egwuatu, Svitavy	0.8
7. Meno, Basketbo.	0.8
8. Gadri, BK Prostejov	0.8
9. Miles, BC Kolin	0.7
10. Benda, CEZ Nymbu.	0.7

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

ESTONIA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Andrais THORNTON
  Voru KK
  (203-C-85)
  Avg: 18.7

1. Thornton, Voru KK	18.7
2. Timermanis, Rakve.	18.5
3. Saage, Rakvere	18.1
4. Erm, Rapla	17.9
5. Raap, Parnu	16.6
6. Brown, Va.	16.3
7. Osby, TT.	16.2
8. Raadik, Parnu	16.2
9. Arnold, TT.	15.7
10. Vaikulis, Rakvere	15.2

Rebounds Per Game

Andrais THORNTON
  Voru KK
  (203-C-85)
  Avg: 12.2

1. Thornton, Voru KK	12.2
2. Brown, Va.	11.1
3. Arnold, TT.	11.0
4. Osby, TT.	9.9
5. Ringmets, Rapla	9.6
6. Kuuba, Voru KK	8.9
7. Eziukwu, TU/Rock	8.2
8. Dunigan, Kalev/Cr.	7.7
9. Pokla, Rakvere	7.4
10. Timermanis, Rakve.	7.3

Assists Per Game

Valmo KRIISA
  TT.
  (190-G-74)
  Avg: 3.8

1. Kriisa, TT.	3.8
2. Tsintsadze, TU/Ro.	3.2
3. Sokk, TU/Rock	3.2
4. Sokk, Kalev/Cramo	3.1
5. Vaikulis, Rakvere	2.9
6. Pokla, Rakvere	2.7
7. Tamm, Kalev/Cramo	2.7
8. Winston, Va.	2.6
9. Laane, Rapla	2.6
10. Oja, Va.	2.5

Steals Per Game

Rait-Riivo LAANE
  Rapla
  (180-G-93)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Laane, Rapla	2.5
2. Skele, Kalev/Cramo	2.5
3. Saage, Rakvere	2.2
4. Raap, Parnu	2.2
5. Karner, Parnu	2.1
6. Leppik, TU/Rock	2.0
7. Dorbek, Rakvere	2.0
8. Tsintsadze, TU/Ro.	1.8
9. Veideman, TU/Rock	1.7
10. Oja, Va.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Callistus EZIUKWU
  TU/Rock
  (208-F/C-85)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Eziukwu, TU/Rock	1.8
2. Dunigan, Kalev/Cr.	1.3
3. Raadik, Parnu	1.2
4. Osby, TT.	1.2
5. Timermanis, Rakve.	0.9
6. Arnold, TT.	0.9
7. Toome, Kalev/Cramo	0.8
8. Brown, Va.	0.7
9. Ringmets, Rapla	0.7
10. Saarmets, TTU/K.	0.7

EMKL Round 2 of Finals. Kalev/Cramo win again - by Eurobasket News

3-4 place

TTU/Kalev - Rakvere 95-69

TTU/Kalev earned the first win in the Bronze medals series as they stormed past Rakvere in Tallinn. The hosts trailed by 3 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 12-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 95-69. 31 personal fouls committed by BC Rakvere helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Canadian guard Casey Archibald (195-84, agency: R.H.Consultancy) had a double-double by scoring 11 points and 10 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the former international guard Valmo Kriisa (190-74) chipped in 13 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. Forward Janis Vahter (195-86) responded with 15 points and 9 rebounds and Latvian guard Raimonds Vaikulis (191-80, agency: RIZO) scored 15 points. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games.
Top scorers:
TTU/Kalev: M.Klementsov 16+3reb, V.Kriisa 13+7reb+1ast, B.Osby 11+4reb+1ast, C.Archibald 11+10reb+3ast, A.Parn 10+4reb+2ast, I.Pilk 10+2reb+2ast
Rakvere: R.Vaikulis 15+4reb+1ast, J.Vahter 15+9reb+1ast, M.Hall 13+2reb+1ast, I.Timermanis 12+5reb, O.Metsalu 4, J.Vaino 4+7reb

FINAL

Kalev/Cramo - TU/Rock 62-47

Kalev/Cramo posted the second straight win over TU/Rock. It was a very close game until the last quarter, when Kalev/Cramo's pressure prevailed and they won that period 19-8 extending their advantage to 15 points. Kalev/Cramo forced 20 TU/Rock turnovers. Latvian guard Armands Skele (192-G-83) notched 22 points and 4 assists to lead the effort and international guard Tanel Sokk (184-85) supported him with 7 points. Even 10 points and 8 rebounds by American power forward Callistus Eziukwu (208-85, college: Grand Valley St.) did not help to save the game for TU/Rock. The former international center Vallo Allingu (206-78) added 9 points and 7 rebounds for the guests.
Top scorers:
Kalev/Cramo: A.Skele 22+4reb+4ast, G.Arbet 9+3reb, T.Sokk 7+4reb+3ast, M.Dunigan 6+5reb, M.Riis 6+2reb, J.Toome 4+6reb
TU/Rock: C.Eziukwu 10+8reb, V.Allingu 9+7reb+1ast, M.Doronin 6+4reb+2ast, S.Sokk 6, T.Eichfuss 6+1reb, R.Veideman 5+3reb+1ast

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

EUROLEAGUE

Real Madrid Players Coming To Terms With Semi-Final Disaster. - by Paul Nilsen
Real Madrid players were paying tribute to Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv and conceding they had been thoroughly outplayed after crashing in the second EuroLeague semi-finalat Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona.

Speaking in the wake of what was something of an embarrassing loss, Carlos Suarez (202-F-86, agency: Court Side) admitted,

Maccabi was the best team out there and we must congratulate them. We have to try to be positive, like we did all last season and focus on the Spanish League once we get home. I think this experience will help us in future Final Four appearances. I believe this team will come back to the Final Four. We must look forward we did good things but we paid a high price for our lack of experience but we will come back stronger in the future.

Fellow Spanish International Felipe Reyes pinpointed the collapse early in the second half as where it all went wrong for Real.

We had a great first half playing tough defence and being focused in offence. We kind of went down after the break. They started to hit shots, even tough ones, shot-clock buzzer beaters, even off the glass. Instead of going up, we sank a bit because these baskets hurt us a lot. They got a double digit lead and we could not erase it. Maccabi had a great performance beyond the three-point line and we had some silly turnovers.

Blatt Talks Of Coaching Being A Marathon Not A Sprint Ahead Of Final - by Paul Nilsen

A relaxed Maccabi Tel Aviv head coach David Blatt has been giving a glimpse into his philosophical approach to one of the biggest games in his career ahead of the EuroLeague Final against Panathinaikos.

Rather than pouring all of his energy into excessive preparation, Blatt has been quick to stick to the plan he has and focus on relaxation ahead of the big clash.

I had a chance to see Panathinaikos play before our game, at least parts of it, so I actually spoke with the coaches. But I didnt stay up all night watching video. I sat with kids an the family, my best friend from the States who came to see the game about life and good things.

Fortunately coaches train themselves not to pay too much attention to one quarter or one bad article written about them. Coaching is not a 100 metre dash, its a marathon. You cant afford to put your head down every time things dont go well or someone writes something foolish. You have to stick to the plan and you hope you have the ability to make your team successful if we got here we did something right.

Obviously Panathinaikos is a team of great experience with a great coach, continuity and quality players. These are the things that bring them to the top again and again. We have some of the same qualities but this team is part new. But we have come together quickly. We have been consistent. We have grown, suffered adversity with a player going down. We survived that and found a way to play successfully together. My players deserve the highest praise for their character and willingness to accept the system and play together. We know in the final anything can happen, but I hope people will see high level basketball and all will enjoy.

No Pressure For Pargo Ahead Of Final - by Paul Nilsen
He has been the talk of the EuroLeague season but Jeremy Pargo (188-PG-86, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga) doesnt want any special attention or for things to change heading into the last 40 minutes of the season. In fact, wants Maccabi to continue in the same vein as they have done all season long and isnt allowing any pressure to even enter his mind-set.

I hope Maccabi will just be Maccabi. Well try to play the way we have all season and well be okay. I dont think it will be too hard to play twice in three days, because we have guys that could play one day after another. This is basketball and if you cant deal with the intensity, somethings not right. Ill put the pressure on the side. Pressure is just something that the press tries to create. Were just trying to be ourselves.

Meanwhile veteran Derrick Sharp talked about the rivalry between both teams which has existed for such a long time and will be renewed when the teams lock horns in the Final.

Its been a rivalry thats gone back and forth. They won in 2000 in Greece, we won the title in Paris, then they won it again in Bologna and we got them back in Moscow. Its our turn to win again. I hope we wont put too much pressure on ourselves. We have to relax and not be over anxious. There is a different feeling with this team. The guys have done what they should all season. This final could go either way.

DAVID BLATT'S SPECIAL 'N' PHILOSOPHY - by David Pick, Barcelona
Preparation, Dedication, Motivation and of course, our special Euroleague slogan Devotion. These N's represent the 10 commandments of Maccabi's head coach David Blatt 's game philosophy.

Yesterday morning, as the four Final Four contending teams mentally prepared for their evening matches, Maccabi Tel-Aviv's athletes were nowhere to be found. The other three team's players would appear waltzing around the Rey Juan Carlos Hotel, taking photos with fans and talking with whoever approached them.

Blatt's boys you ask? The only one who was found in sight was Point Guard Jeremy Pargo, and that was on his way from his bedroom, through the lobby, up stairs to TV room, in order to prepare for the Spaniards back court. 'Learning more and more about the game has been something important to us this season', a star Maccabi player told 'Eurobasket.com'.

'We feed of coach Blatt's game intensity which creates a firm bond of dedication and devotion on his part, motivation and preparation on our part', added the player. 'Guy Pnini's always blasts his boring Israeli music in the locker room after practice trying to persuade the Americans to dance with him', Added another. Last year's Maccabi team had many different rival camps inside the locker room which benefited no one and eventually translated into losing the BSL title.

This season is a completely different story. The commitment level is sky high, starting from the top of the Maccabi pyramid, through the players, all the way down to the behind the scene staff are fully united as one core. The unfortunate injury of Guard Doron Perkins seemed to have almost no effect on the team on a statistical level. Another indication to the bond between the players would be the fact that none of the foreign players had a vacation the whole season, except for Sofo who lived in Greece which is relatively close to ISR, a fact that only increased their friendship.

Bottom line is, it was the Maccabi family roots that led its team another FF dynasty, it was coach Blatt's special N's philosophy that prepared them, and it was 'There's no I in team' attitude by the players that made them who they really are as they trashed Real Madrid.

Blatt Sympathises With Locked Out Maccabi Fans - by Paul Nilsen
Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv Head Coach David Blatt was obviously delighted with his teams performance after blowing away Real Madrid in the semi-final last night but also took time to sympathise with those Maccabi fans who didnt get to see one of the most memorable performances in memory.

He claimed, The biggest positive was that we were able to play our game, impose our will and that is something that is not easy at this level. The negative was that 2,000 fans from Israel were stuck outside without tickets. I hope we find a way to get them in on Sunday because we need all of them.

I am really happy for the people that came here and the ones outside. We had six to eight thousand fans here. I was worried that I would have to see people walking around Barcelona for two days after had we lost. I am also happy that we can play Sunday for the country and our fans around the World.

This project for me was a long term project. I came to Maccabi with basically a few pieces in place. We built this team almost from scratch. We did that and progressed week to week. We played some dominant games and were one of the best teams of this season. Ten months ago when I came to Maccabi I would have just been happy making the Top 16. When Perkins was hurt I didnt think we could do it. You wonder how you will respond and our guys have done an unbelievable job. I hope we are able to keep this team together past this year and see what we can do.

Panathinaikos Players Pumped For EuroLeague Final - by Paul Nilsen
The players of Panathinaikos have been looking ahead to the big game tomorrow and the one overwhelming emotion within the Greek camp remains universal excitement at being on the verge of a EuroLeague title.

Mike Batiste shone brightly during the semi-final against Montepaschi Siena with his experience showing during the second half and even if he has seen it all before, he was still looking forward to the biggest game of the season.

'I am always ready and the Euroleague title is always the goal for any team. For this organisation, it is always a goal of ours. We expect a difficult match but we are ready I believe we are. Our confidence is where it needs to be and hopefully that will carry us over. We have to limit our turnovers and take good shots. We have to get back in defence, set them up in the half-court offences. If we manage to do that, we can be successful but it remains to be seen.'

Semi-Final MVP Nick Calathes (198-G-89, college: Florida) meanwhile was even more pumped about stepping out against Maccabi.

'I am excited. I cant wait to step on the floor. Well be ready. Im happy we won. My role will be to hopefully stop their players. Ill do whatever I can to help the team. Maccabi is a good team, very well coached. They have big guys, shooters, and a great point guard in Pargo. We will try to get some easy points in transition, stop the right players on defence and grab rebounds.'

Jamine Peterson Move up in 2011 DraftNBA GM's - by Allen Waters
Donnie Walsh, Billy King, Rod Thorn, P.J. Carlesimo and other NBA team executives and scouts descended upon the PNY Center, the Nets' training facility in East Rutherford, N.J., on Saturday morning for the inaugural New Jersey NBA Draft Combine.

Many agreed the day's best performer was former Providence star Jamine 'Greedy' Peterson, who impressed onlookers with two things that the Knicks need: interior athleticism -- the 6-foot-6 forward had a couple of posterizing dunks -- and rebounding. As a junior with the Friars in 2009-10, he averaged 10.2 boards to go along with 19.6 points.

Peterson is not your typical NBA draft prospect. He was dismissed by Providence last year for a 'violation of team rules,' which he cleared up in a story for The Hoops Report. After leaving campus, he headed to Greece, signing with the Kolossos Rhodes basketball club, but he was released after only playing four games. He then joined the New Mexico Thunderbirds of the NBA's D-League, where he suited up for 36 games, averaging 13.4 points and 5.9 rebounds in only 23.6 minutes of action.

The deadline to withdraw from the draft is tomorrow, but Peterson -- a Brooklyn native and a Knicks fan -- is not dropping out. He signed with an agent, T.J. Doyle, and is projected to be, at the very least, a second-round pick. But he could jump to the latter part of the first round.

After 22 prospects participated in the workout, which was hosted in conjunction with the Knicks and Rockets, I spoke with Peterson.

Being that you're a Knicks fan, what was it like having them here watching you?

It was real good. It's basically a dream. I've been waiting for this moment to happen.

Why did you decide to come out and tell your story about why you were punished by Providence?

Well, basically nobody really knew the true story. There were a lot of rumors going around and stuff like that. It was to set the record straight, so I had to do that.

How do you have to prove to NBA scouts that all that's behind you?

Basically showing them that I'm a good guy; I don't have a bad image. Just being mature day in and day out on and off the court.

Have you gotten any feedback about where you're going to go in the draft?

I haven't had any feedback yet. They're basically saying, 'Show me that you can defend and play the three, and then I could be a late first-round pick.'

What are you working on this summer?

I'm basically working on my weakness: defending. I know I can score, I know I can rebound, so I took the time in the D-League improving my jumpshot and making it be consistent. I just want to be a better basketball player overall. I'm basically working on my overall game. Me coming off the ball screen, lateral movement and basically balance and defending.

What was your experience like playing abroad?

It was a good experience. It was kind of like slow-paced; not like the up-tempo style I like to play. There's a lot of tough guys out there. I learned a lot overseas.

Would you recommend other guys to go overseas if there is a lockout?

Yeah, I'd recommend that so that they can go out there and show them that it's not just the U.S. that has good basketball; it's also overseas. You can learn a lot. Basically, they teach you fundamentals and skill sets.

Is that something that you'd consider again?

Yeah. That's something I haven't decided yet, but most likely if [there's a lockout], I'll go there.

Being that this was your first environment around all these team executives and scouts, how did you approach today differently?

Well, coming in playing in front of NBA scouts, you get nervous. But once you step on the court, then you gotta just play. Don't worry about anything; just compete and show them what you're capable of doing.

With the Knicks specifically, they had a tough time rebounding this past season. How could you help them with that and anything else?

Basically whatever the coach wants me to do, I'm just going to go out there and do it -- rebounding, screening, basically being a good teammate.

Who else impressed you out here today?

I like 'Tu Tu' Holloway. He's from New York. Ashton Gibbs played good. He didn't really shoot the ball; he just was working on passing, showing that he can be a point guard.

What are some of your favorite streetball courts in New York?

I like West 4th, I like Rucker and the Kingdome. There's a lot of them out there.

Outside of basketball, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I like just hanging with my friends playing handball. Jamine Peterson (6'6''-F-88, college: Providence)

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

FRANCE

The death of Thomas Compaore - by Romain Brusc
Thomas Compaore (201-F/C-87) died of a faintness on Thursday in Beauvais (France). The 23-year-old center of Burkina Faso had stopped his career in 2009-2010 after a season in Al Jaysh (Qatar). Since then, he coached youth teams of Beauvais Basket Club Oise. At the beginning of his professionnal carrer, Thomas Compaore played in Germany with TUS Lichterfelde Berlin between 2004 and 2006. Then he was recruited by Evreux (ProB, 2006-2007) and Boulazac (ProB, 2008-2009).

Standings - ProB

ProB Standings

1. Nanterre		24-8
2. Dijon		21-11
3. Rouen		20-12
4. Fos Ouest		20-13
5. Evreux		19-14
6. Boulogne		18-14
7. Maurienne		18-15
8. Le Portel		18-15
9. Chalons-Reims		18-15
10. Bourg		17-16
11. Boulazac		16-16
12. Nantes		16-16
13. Quimper		14-19
14. Antibes		13-20
15. Lille		13-20
16. St Vallier		12-20
17. Clermont		10-23
18. Charleville		6-26

Stats Leaders - ProB

Points Per Game

Moses SONKO
  Maurienne
  (196-F-83)
  Avg: 19.1

1. Sonko, Maurienne	19.1
2. Siggers, Rouen	18.5
3. Harris, Lille	18.4
4. Carter, Nanterre	17.6
5. Rouse, Charleville	17.1
6. Davis, Le Portel	16.2
7. Milbourne, Boulogne	16.1
8. Gay, Fos Ouest	15.4
9. Labeyrie, Le Portel	15.4
10. Daniels, Nanterre	15.2

Rebounds Per Game

Korvotney BARBER
  Nantes
  (201-F-87)
  Avg: 10.2

1. Barber, Nantes	10.2
2. Daniels, Chalons-.	9.6
3. Mathis, Maurienne	9.1
4. Bing, Dijon	9.1
5. Wyatte, Le Portel	8.8
6. Rouse, Charleville	8.7
7. Monds, Bourg	8.3
8. Badiane, Boulazac	8.3
9. Monroe, Boulogne	8.2
10. Giles, Rouen	8.0

Assists Per Game

Philippe DA SILVA
  Evreux
  (192-G-79)
  Avg: 8

1. Da Silva, Evreux	8.0
2. Rowland, Le Portel	6.8
3. Downey, Nantes	5.8
4. Patiejunas, Boulo.	5.7
5. Oliver, Bourg	5.5
6. Taylor, Rouen	5.0
7. Williams, Le Portel	5.0
8. Mullins, Chalons-.	5.0
9. Craven, Dijon	4.7
10. Darnauzan, Mauri.	4.6

Steals Per Game

Mykal RILEY
  Nanterre
  (198-F-85)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Riley, Nanterre	2.6
2. Shiloh, St Vallier	2.6
3. Craven, Dijon	2.5
4. Daniels, Chalons-.	2.4
5. Sonko, Maurienne	2.3
6. Patiejunas, Boulo.	2.2
7. Hachad, Fos Ouest	2.1
8. Mullins, Chalons-.	2.1
9. Melody, Dijon	2.1
10. Denave, St Vallier	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Sherman GAY
  Fos Ouest
  (201-F-82)
  Avg: 1.6

1. Gay, Fos Ouest	1.6
2. Jefferson, Quimper	1.3
3. Monds, Bourg	1.1
4. Barber, Nantes	1.0
5. Daniels, Nanterre	0.9
6. N''Diaye, Clermont	0.9
7. Taccoen, Lille	0.9
8. Davis, Evreux	0.9
9. Adjiwanou, Boula.	0.9
10. Mathis, Maurienne	0.8

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

GERMANY

Stats Leaders - 1.Bundesliga

Points Per Game

DaShaun WOOD
  Dt.
  (185-G-85)
  Avg: 19.1

1. Wood, Dt.	19.1
2. Rice, Art.Dragons	16.6
3. Bell, Phoenix Hagen	16.5
4. Harris, EnBW L.	16.0
5. Ross, MBC	15.9
6. Martin, Bremerha.	15.4
7. Dorris, Phoenix	15.3
8. Benzing, ratio.	15.1
9. Callahan, Bremerha.	14.9
10. Bryant, ratiopharm	14.6

Rebounds Per Game

John BRYANT
  ratiopharm
  (208-C-87)
  Avg: 10.9

1. Bryant, ratiopharm	10.9
2. Ensminger, Teleko.	8.1
3. Reiner, Bayreuth	7.8
4. Watts, Walter T.	7.6
5. Martin, Bremerha.	7.1
6. Stevic, EWE B.	6.9
7. Pleiss, Brose B.	6.9
8. Anderson, Goett.	6.9
9. Burtschi, Phoenix	6.9
10. Ovcina, LTi 46ers	6.6

Assists Per Game

Branislav RATKOVICA
  Walter T.
  (193-G-85)
  Avg: 7.4

1. Ratkovica, Walter	7.4
2. Wood, Dt.	5.9
3. Joyce, TBB Trier	5.5
4. Rice, Art.Dragons	5.2
5. Brewer, Bremerha.	4.9
6. Green, EnBW L.	4.6
7. Rochestie, ALBA	4.5
8. Hamilton, NY Phant.	4.4
9. Goldsberry, Brose	4.3
10. Jordan, MBC	4.3

Steals Per Game

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

1. Hamilton, NY Phant.	2.0
2. Everett, Bremerha.	1.9
3. Martin, Bremerha.	1.7
4. Ross, MBC	1.5
5. Burtschi, Phoenix	1.5
6. Pryor, Phoenix	1.5
7. Gill, EWE Baskets	1.4
8. Wise, Telekom	1.4
9. Bailey, Goettingen	1.4
10. Dorris, Phoenix	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Ekene IBEKWE
  Art.Drag.
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Ibekwe, Art.Drag.	2.4
2. Pleiss, Brose B.	1.8
3. Bryant, ratiopharm	1.5
4. Ibekwe, Bayreuth	1.4
5. Brempong, Duesseld.	1.1
6. Seward, Phoenix	1.1
7. Goree, NY Phantoms	1.0
8. Hines, Brose B.	1.0
9. Kashirov, Walter T.	0.9
10. Denison, Bremerha.	0.9

Tyrone Brazelton (Eisbaeren Bremerhaven) Pregame Thoughts To game 3 Against The Brose Baskets Bamberg. - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Tyrone Brazelton (185-G-86, college: W.Kentucky) is a 24 year 185 guard that is currently playing with The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. He grew up in Norcross, Georgia and played at Western Kentucky from 2006-2008 and in his senior year played 36 games: 14.4ppg, 2.8rpg, 3.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 44.7%, 3Pts: 42.9%, FT: 67.3%. In 2008-2009, he started his professional basketball with BK Ventspils (Latvia-LBL, starting five): LBL: 9 games: 10.6ppg, 3.4rpg, 3.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 38.2%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 71.9%, Baltic League (Elite Group): 11 games 13.2ppg 2.8rpg 2.7apg 1.2spg; EuroChallenge: 4 games: 16.3ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.3apg, 1.3spg, in Jan.'09 moved to Asseco Prokom Sopot (Poland-PLK): Polish League: 27 games: 4.9ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.9apg; Euroleague: 6 games: 3.7ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.7apg. Last season, he played for Prokom Gdynia (Poland-PLK): Polish League: 6 games: 7.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 30.0%, 3PT: 47.1%, FT: 53.3%; Euroleague: 3 games: 4.7ppg, 1.0rpg, in Nov.'09 moved to Energa Czarni Slupsk (Poland-PLK, starting five): 21 games: 13.4ppg, 2.6rpg, Assists-5 (4.8apg), 1.1spg, FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 30.4%, FT: 80.8%. Some awards and achievements in his career have been All-NJCAA D1 1st Team -06, NJCAA D1 All-Star Game -06, Sun Belt East Division Regular Season Runner-Up -07, 08, Sun Belt Tournament Semifinals -07, All-Sun Belt 2nd Team -08, Sun Belt All-Tournament Team -08, Sun Belt Tournament Winner -08, NCAA Sweet 16 -08, Polish Cup Finalist -09, Polish League Regular Season Champion -09, and Polish League Champion -09. Tyrone spoke with eurobasket before game 3 against Bamberg.

How tough is it being down 2-0 against Bamberg even though Bremerhaven was in the game at the end both times?

It's tough being down 2-0 against Bamberg because we feel like we have game 2 away. When you play against really good teams you just can give them anything easy and we basically handed them the game yesterday.

Bamberg had the slim 47-44 lead at halftime. What was key for Bamberg having the lead after 20 minutes?

The key for Bamberg having the lead at halftime was Terry and Roberts coming off the bench and giving them a spark.

What was key in crunchtime for Bamberg getting the win?

The key to Bamberg pulling away in chunchtime was them going into a zone. The zone really slowed us up and they took advantage of it.

Its do or die in game three. What was your biggest do or die game in your basketball career and what happened?

The biggest do or die game I've played in was against UCLA in the NCAA tournament. I scored 31pts and had 5ast but we ended up losing by 8.

Will it be limiting the Bamberg 62% three point shooting in game 2 be most key in game three?

Limiting Bamberg from getting open looks at 3 pointers will definitely be a major focus for next game.

Who will win the Grizlies-Thunder series?

I think Oklahoma City Thunder will win, but i just like to see good basketball, so i can care less who wins.

The Los Angeles lakers are down 2-0 to the Dallas Mavericks. Charles Barkley has said the Lakers are done. Are they done?

I don't think the Lakers are done just yet. I think Kobe has some tricks up his sleeve and hopefully will them to a series win. We all know Dallas good for choking under pressure anyway.

The Boston Celtics trail the Miami heat 2-0. Are the Celtics done?

The Celtics are definitely done. Bron and Wade not playing games with them boys!!! Miami will win it all!

Thanks Tyrone for the chat.

Jason Boone (BG Goettingen) Pregame Thoughts To Game 3 Against The Deutsche Bank Skyliners - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Jason Boone (198-F/C-85, college: New York U.) is a 25 year old 198cm power forward/center from Sugar Loaf, New York. He is playing his third season with MEG Goettingen. He played at New York University (NCAA 3) from 2003-2007. In his senior year, he played 28 games averaging 14.1ppg, 9.6rpg, 2.4bpg, 2.9apg, FG: 63.0%, FT: 64.3%. Two seasons ago, he played at Bernau (Regionalliga) before making the jump up three leagues to MEG Goettingen. In 2008-2009, he averaged 4.4ppg, 4.0rpg, FG: 53.7%. Last season, he played EuroChallenge: 16 games: 10.7ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 59.6%, FT: 53.8%; German League: 35 games: 9.1ppg, 6.1rpg, FGP: 60.3%, FT: 55.9%. Thiss eason,he is averaging 8,6ppg and 6,0rpg currently. He spoke to eurobasket before the game 3 against The Deutsche Bank Skyliners.

A tough 76-67 loss in game 2. How would you compare the atmosphere in Kassel to the LOK halle? It was very loud and it wasnt easy for Frankfurt to play in that atmosphere.

There's no place like the Lokhalle but the fans were great in Kassel when we needed them most, in the fourth quarter, they were there for us. It was just a classic case of 'too little too late' on our part.

BG Goettingen started very hot hitting their first five three pointers, but Frankfurt found their rhythm and broke free somewhat in the second quarter. What did Frankfurt do differently to get the bigger lead.

They hit some shots. Some were because we blew an assignment on defense and some were because they are a great offensive team. We have to commit to playing more intense on Defense for the entire game, not just when we are trailing.

Game 3 is a do or die game. Last season BG Goettingen played a do or die 5th game losing to Bremerhaven on a Andrew Drevo buzzer beater. What did you learn form that loss that you can take into this game?

A terrible summer. There isn't a lower feeling than feeling like you worked so hard for something and then when it came time to go out and perform you didn't leave it all out there. But now the pressure is all on us and hopefully we can earn a victory in game 3.

The Miami Heat are up 2-0. Are the Celtics finished?

We're down 2-0 also so I can't, in good conscious, say that they are done, but it won't be easy. Miami is playing their style of basketball and it's hard for any team, especially an older team like the Boston Celtics, to get out and run with them for that long.

What will the Boston Celtics have to do better in game 3 and 4 in Boston?

They need to control the tempo. Make someone other than LeBron or Wade do the majority of the scoring and hope Shaq is ready to go. Or Doc Rivers needs to get his son a Celtic jersey so he can get out and run with Rondo.

Derrick Rose showed some real emotion in his NBA mvp speech showing tears. Were you surprised by his reaction?

I actually didn't see it, but I'd imagine it's a great feeling to work hard to be the best player in the league and then be honored with that award. I've had a chance to see some of the work he, Tyreke Evans and Russell Westbrook put in this summer and I think he definitely deserved it.

Thanks Jason for the chat.

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

GREECE

Stats Leaders - A1

Points Per Game

Rawle MARSHALL
  PAOK
  (201-G-82)
  Avg: 16.8

1. Marshall, PAOK	16.8
2. Smith, Panellinios	16.7
3. Baxter, Ilysiakos	15.9
4. Palacio, Kavala	15.6
5. Kalathis, VAP K.	14.3
6. Thompson, Ikaros	14.1
7. Dikoudis, AEK	14.1
8. Kiritsis, Ilysiakos	13.9
9. Harris, Ikaros	13.7
10. King, Peristeri GS	13.6

Rebounds Per Game

Cedric SIMMONS
  Kavala
  (206-F/C-86)
  Avg: 10

1. Simmons, Kavala	10.0
2. Thompson, Ikaros	8.8
3. Bagaric, Marousi	8.2
4. Kalathis, VAP K.	8.1
5. Smith, Panellinios	7.7
6. Papadopoulos, PAOK	7.5
7. Tucker, Aris	7.1
8. Looby, Peristeri GS	7.0
9. Dawson, Ilysiakos	6.6
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.	5.5
3. Teodosic, Olympiak.	5.1
4. Diamantidis, Panat.	4.5
5. Papaloukas, Olymp.	4.0
6. Karydas, Ilysiakos	4.0
7. Palacio, Kavala	3.8
8. Xanthopoulos, Pane.	3.7
9. Gagaloudis, Marousi	3.5
10. Parker, Iraklis	3.4

Steals Per Game

Smush PARKER
  Iraklis
  (193-G-81)
  Avg: 2

1. Parker, Iraklis	2.0
2. Grundy, AEK	1.9
3. Baxter, Ilysiakos	1.8
4. Karydas, Ilysiakos	1.8
5. Marshall, PAOK	1.7
6. Xanthopoulos, Pane.	1.7
7. Anderson, Panionios	1.7
8. Papaloukas, Olymp.	1.6
9. Papamakarios, Pane.	1.5
10. Jamon Lukas, Oly.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Dalibor BAGARIC
  Marousi
  (217-C-80)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Bagaric, Marousi	1.9
2. Simmons, Kavala	1.8
3. Elonu, Panionios	1.7
4. Thompson, Ikaros	1.3
5. Looby, Peristeri GS	1.1
6. Nesterovic, Olymp.	0.9
7. Dunston, Aris	0.9
8. Dozier, PAOK	0.8
9. Bourousis, Olympia.	0.8
10. Harissis, VAP K.	0.8

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

ISRAEL

DAVID BLATT'S SPECIAL 'N' PHILOSOPHY - by David Pick, Barcelona
Preparation, Dedication, Motivation and of course, our special Euroleague slogan Devotion. These N's represent the 10 commandments of Maccabi's head coach David Blatt 's game philosophy.

Yesterday morning, as the four Final Four contending teams mentally prepared for their evening matches, Maccabi Tel-Aviv's athletes were nowhere to be found. The other three team's players would appear waltzing around the Rey Juan Carlos Hotel, taking photos with fans and talking with whoever approached them.

Blatt's boys you ask? The only one who was found in sight was Point Guard Jeremy Pargo, and that was on his way from his bedroom, through the lobby, up stairs to TV room, in order to prepare for the Spaniards back court. 'Learning more and more about the game has been something important to us this season', a star Maccabi player told 'Eurobasket.com'.

'We feed of coach Blatt's game intensity which creates a firm bond of dedication and devotion on his part, motivation and preparation on our part', added the player. 'Guy Pnini's always blasts his boring Israeli music in the locker room after practice trying to persuade the Americans to dance with him', Added another. Last year's Maccabi team had many different rival camps inside the locker room which benefited no one and eventually translated into losing the BSL title.

This season is a completely different story. The commitment level is sky high, starting from the top of the Maccabi pyramid, through the players, all the way down to the behind the scene staff are fully united as one core. The unfortunate injury of Guard Doron Perkins seemed to have almost no effect on the team on a statistical level. Another indication to the bond between the players would be the fact that none of the foreign players had a vacation the whole season, except for Sofo who lived in Greece which is relatively close to ISR, a fact that only increased their friendship.

Bottom line is, it was the Maccabi family roots that led its team another FF dynasty, it was coach Blatt's special N's philosophy that prepared them, and it was 'There's no I in team' attitude by the players that made them who they really are as they trashed Real Madrid.

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

LITHUANIA

Stats Leaders - LKL

Points Per Game

Vilmantas DILYS
  Naglis-Adakris
  (208-F-87)
  Avg: 16.4

1. Dilys, Naglis-Adak.	16.4
2. Dimsa, Nevezis	16.0
3. Kieza, Juventus	15.1
4. Dilys, Perlas	14.9
5. Alijevas, Nevezis	14.9
6. Vasylius, Neptunas	14.8
7. Sirvydis, Sakalai	14.0
8. Ruikis, Neptunas	13.9
9. Lowe, Naglis-Adakr.	13.6
10. Vasiliauskas, Ais.	13.6

Rebounds Per Game

Aurimas KIEZA
  Juventus
  (202-F-82)
  Avg: 9.5

1. Kieza, Juventus	9.5
2. Sarakauskas, Siaul.	9.2
3. Valanciunas, Lietu.	7.6
4. Klimavicius, Zalgi.	7.2
5. Dimsa, Nevezis	7.1
6. Jankunas, Zalgiris	6.5
7. Vasylius, Neptunas	6.5
8. Adomavicius, Alytu.	6.5
9. Dilys, Perlas	6.4
10. Valukonis, Techa.	6.4

Assists Per Game

Rolandas ALIJEVAS
  Nevezis
  (192-G-85)
  Avg: 5.9

1. Alijevas, Nevezis	5.9
2. Broadus, Siauliai	5.2
3. Rinkevicius, Techa.	5.0
4. El-Amin, Lietuvos.	4.4
5. Juskevicius, Rudup.	4.3
6. Viskontas, Perlas	4.3
7. Lowe, Naglis-Adakr.	4.1
8. Janavicius, Siauli.	4.0
9. Collins, Zalgiris	3.9
10. Vasiliauskas, Ais.	3.8

Steals Per Game

Adas JUSKEVICIUS
  Rudupis
  (194-G/F-89)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Juskevicius, Rudup.	2.1
2. Leonavicius, Techa.	2.1
3. Vasylius, Neptunas	2.1
4. Lowe, Naglis-Adakr.	1.9
5. Rinkevicius, Techa.	1.9
6. Razutis, Naglis-A.	1.7
7. Valukonis, Techas.	1.7
8. Alijevas, Nevezis	1.7
9. Jasikevicius, Aisc.	1.6
10. Sinica, Rudupis	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Mirza BEGIC
  Zalgiris
  (216-C-85)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Begic, Zalgiris	2.4
2. Valanciunas, Lietu.	1.9
3. Silinskis, Techasas	1.6
4. Cresnar, Nevezis	1.5
5. Volkus, Techasas	1.1
6. Cepukaitis, Juven.	0.9
7. Klimavicius, Zalgi.	0.8
8. Gumenyuk, Siauliai	0.8
9. Petrukonis, Perlas	0.8
10. Butkevicius, Rudu.	0.8

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

LUXEMBOURG

Scoring Leaders - DBBL

Points Per Game

Lamonte ULMER
  Soleuvre
  (198-F-86)
  Avg: 26.5

1. Ulmer, Soleuvre	26.5
2. Kennedy, Residence	25.6
3. McDaniel, Black S.	23.0
4. Schumacher, T71	22.2
5. Hargrove, Sparta	21.8
6. Muller, T71	21.1
7. Reimold, Basket E.	20.9
8. Delgado, Etzella	19.4
9. Gary, Contern	19.1
10. Birdsong, Amicale	19.0

Rebounds Per Game

Lamonte ULMER
  Soleuvre
  (198-F-86)
  Avg: 15.5

1. Ulmer, Soleuvre	15.5
2. McDaniel, Black S.	15.3
3. Gary, Contern	13.2
4. Hargrove, Sparta	12.2
5. Kennedy, Residence	11.8
6. Wurtz, Musel Pikes	11.7
7. Stephens, T71	11.7
8. Scott, Etzella	11.0
9. Wojnowski, Musel P.	9.8
10. Birdsong, Amicale	9.7

Assists Per Game

Christian SCHARTZ
  Amicale
  (180-G-86)
  Avg: 5.4

1. Schartz, Amicale	5.4
2. Schumacher, T71	4.2
3. Rausch, Black Star	3.7
4. Delgado, Etzella	3.5
5. Reimold, Basket E.	3.3
6. Koster, Residence	2.9
7. Schwartz, Musel P.	2.9
8. Arbaut, Sparta	2.8
9. McDaniel, Black S.	2.7
10. Hargrove, Sparta	2.6

Steals Per Game

Christopher JONES
  Amicale
  (186-G-90)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Jones, Amicale	2.2
2. Kalmes, Contern	1.9
3. Gary, Contern	1.8
4. Schartz, Amicale	1.7
5. Kennedy, Residence	1.7
6. Delgado, Etzella	1.5
7. McDaniel, Black S.	1.5
8. Smith, Sparta	1.4
9. Birdsong, Amicale	1.4
10. Koster, Residence	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Brandon GARY
  Contern
  (202-F-83)
  Avg: 2

1. Gary, Contern	2.0
2. McDaniel, Black S.	1.9
3. Birdsong, Amicale	1.7
4. Hoffmann, Etzella	1.3
5. Ulmer, Soleuvre	1.0
6. Abercrombie, Spa.	0.9
7. Stephens, T71	0.9
8. Wurtz, Musel Pikes	0.7
9. Scott, Etzella	0.7
10. Hargrove, Sparta	0.6

Standings

Diekirch Standings

1-6 places
1. T71		22-6
2. Etzella		20-8
3. Sparta		17-11
4. Amicale		16-12
5. Basket Esch		15-13
6. Residence		9-19
7-10 places
1. Musel Pikes		13-11
2. Soleuvre		9-15
3. Contern		7-17
4. Black Star		4-20

Diekirch League Round 10: #1 T71 is defeated by Etzella - by Eurobasket News
The Second Stage in Diekirch League just ended. There was no lack of excitement in the last round games. The round ended with defeat of the leader, extra overtimes and games ending by tiny margin.

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of top-ranked T71 (22-6) in Ettelbruck on Saturday night. Visitors were edged by second ranked Etzella (20-8) in overtime 85-84. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of T71. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But T71 won third quarter 24-15. 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 T71 used huge pressure winning it 24-23 getting a tie at the end of regular time. They lost eventually overtime period -. Etzella dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to T71's 44. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. American power forward Dustin Scott (203-F/C-85, college: Charleston) had a double-double by scoring 25 points, 18 rebounds and 5 assists (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and the former international swingman Nelson Delgado (186-80) chipped in 13 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists during the contest. At the losing side American swingman Denell Stephens (193-86, college: Slippery Rock, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) responded with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 13 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Etzella maintains second position with 20-8 record having just two points less than leader Musel Pikes. Defending champion T71 still keeps top place with six games lost.

Group 1-6 place

Sparta - Basket Esch 73-70

Rather expected game in Bertrange where 5th ranked Basket Esch (15-13) was edged by third ranked Sparta (17-11) 73-70 on Saturday. Basket Esch was tied after three quarters but could not keep up in the last quarter eventually losing the game. Belgian swingman Julien Hublart (192-88) scored 24 points to lead the charge for the winners and American forward Lucas Hargrove (198-88, college: Auburn, agency: 540 Sports) chipped in 13 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. At the losing side Slovakian power forward Stefan Svitek (203-77) responded with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 13 rebounds and American forward John Reimold (198-81, college: Bowling Green) scored 13 points and 8 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Sparta maintains third position with 17-11 record having five points less than leader Musel Pikes. Newly promoted Basket Esch keeps the fifth place with 13 games lost.
Top scorers:
Basket Esch: S.Svitek 26+13reb+1ast, C.Donnersbach 18+4reb, J.Reimold 13+8reb+3ast, K.Diederich 11+2reb+1ast, T.Donnersbach 2+3reb+4ast, P.Biever 0
Sparta: J.Hublart 24+4reb+1ast, L.Hargrove 13+9reb+4ast, T.Wagner 12+2reb+3ast, R.Wolzfeld 10+3reb+2ast, L.Smith 6+3reb+1ast, P.Arbaut 6+2reb

Residence - Amicale 74-94

Rather predictable result in Bereldange where fourth ranked Amicale (16-12) smashed 6th ranked Residence (9-19) 94-74 on Saturday. The guests trailed by 11 points after first quarter, but they stormed back and won the game by 20 points. Amicale dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to Residence's 44 and made 18-of-21 free shots (85.7 percent) during the game. American forward Louis Birdsong (198-88, college: George Mason, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) scored 35 points (!!!) (made all of his eight free throws) to lead the charge for the winners and the former international guard Eric Jeitz (191-86) chipped in 23 points during the contest. Amicale's coach Kresimir Basic used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side American forward Marcus Kennedy (193-84, college: Montevallo, agency: Interperformances) responded with 39 points (!!!) and 6 rebounds and German center Marco Leschek (204-76) scored 11 points and 6 rebounds. Amicale clinched the fourth position with 16-12 record. Residence lost tenth consecutive game. They keep the sixth place with 19 games lost.
Top scorers:
Residence: M.Kennedy 39+6reb, M.Leschek 11+6reb+1ast, M.Schmit 9+2reb+1ast, P.Koster 8+4reb+4ast, T.Abdiu 7+2reb, C.Ludwig 0
Amicale: L.Birdsong 35+4reb, E.Jeitz 23+2reb+2ast, C.Jones 14+3reb+1ast, R.Birenbaum 8+4reb, C.Schartz 6+3reb+3ast, B.Melcher 4

Etzella - T71 85-84 OT

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of top-ranked T71 (22-6) in Ettelbruck on Saturday night. Visitors were edged by second ranked Etzella (20-8) in overtime 85-84. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of T71. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But T71 won third quarter 24-15. 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 T71 used huge pressure winning it 24-23 getting a tie at the end of regular time. They lost eventually overtime period -. Etzella dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to T71's 44. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. American power forward Dustin Scott (203-85, college: Charleston) had a double-double by scoring 25 points, 18 rebounds and 5 assists (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and the former international swingman Nelson Delgado (186-80) chipped in 13 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists during the contest. At the losing side American swingman Denell Stephens (193-86, college: Slippery Rock, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) responded with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 13 rebounds and international guard Tom Schumacher (190-87, college: Cal.Baptist) scored 26 points, 6 assists and 4 steals. Five Etzella and four T71 players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Etzella maintains second position with 20-8 record having just two points less than leader Musel Pikes. Defending champion T71 still keeps top place with six games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
T71: T.Schumacher 26+4reb+6ast, D.Stephens 23+13reb, F.Muller 20+13reb, G.Ruffato 10+7reb+6ast, F.Siebenbour 3+2reb, C.Bemtgen 2+5reb+3ast
Etzella: D.Scott 25+18reb+5ast, T.Giver 16+1reb+5ast, D.Wilson 13+1reb+1ast, N.Delgado 13+10reb+10ast, J.Delgado 12+2reb+1ast, E.Ferreira 4+1reb

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

MALTA

Behaviour unbecoming - by Eurobasket News
It was long overdue that David Agius should be brought to book for his stupid antics at a basketball venue. The one-month suspension he received from Ta Qali is a joke! The Malta Basketball Association should restore honour to the role of its vice-presidency by stripping him of this position and passing it on to a person more deserving of it.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister should remove him from his role as government whip and from within the Nationalist Party.

As The Times stated, this would not be the first time the temperamental MP has lost his cool at Ta Qali during a basketball match. In November 2009, I was there when Mr Agius lost his temper in an altercation with a spectator.

I remember a while ago when a spectator (the father of a player) was barred from Ta Qali for a month because he called the referee a clown. But in that incident the spectator did not pass abusive remarks!

It is beyond anyones imagination how Mr Agius got to be vice-president of the MBA! I also beg to ask, what qualifications and experience does one need to be endowed with in order to become government Whip?
Courtesy of: timesofmalta.com

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

NAIA

Cody Aasness to play for the Mayville State Comets next season - by Stephan Ditgens
The Mayville State University men's basketball program is pleased to announce that Cody Aasness has signed a letter of intent to continue his basketball career at Mayville State University next season.

Aasness, a 6-0 guard from Dalton, Minnesota, played two seasons at MSCTC-Fergus Falls following an outstanding high school career at Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

In his two seasons at MSCTC-Fergus Falls, Aasness helped lead the team to two state tournament berths and two 20-win seasons. As a freshman Aasness led the team with 3.2 assists per game as the Spartans finished with a 20-10 overall record. During his sophomore season Aasness was a team captain while the Spartans finished with a 20-8 record.

'I am really looking forward to having Cody in our program,' Mayville State men's basketball coach Justin Johnson said. 'He has a presence on the floor that we really need on our team and brings a tenacity to the game that the people of Mayville will enjoy a great deal.'

During his high school career, Aasness was an All-Conference, All-Section, and All-State selection for Hillcrest Lutheran Academy. As a senior, Aasness averaged 21.7 points per game while leading his team to the section championship.

'I am very excited to sign with Mayville State,' Aasness said. 'I look forward to playing for Coach Johnson and helping the Comets get back to their strong winning tradition.'

source: www.msucomets.com

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

NBA

Jamine Peterson Move up in 2011 DraftNBA GM's - by Allen Waters
Donnie Walsh, Billy King, Rod Thorn, P.J. Carlesimo and other NBA team executives and scouts descended upon the PNY Center, the Nets' training facility in East Rutherford, N.J., on Saturday morning for the inaugural New Jersey NBA Draft Combine.

Many agreed the day's best performer was former Providence star Jamine 'Greedy' Peterson, who impressed onlookers with two things that the Knicks need: interior athleticism -- the 6-foot-6 forward had a couple of posterizing dunks -- and rebounding. As a junior with the Friars in 2009-10, he averaged 10.2 boards to go along with 19.6 points.

Peterson is not your typical NBA draft prospect. He was dismissed by Providence last year for a 'violation of team rules,' which he cleared up in a story for The Hoops Report. After leaving campus, he headed to Greece, signing with the Kolossos Rhodes basketball club, but he was released after only playing four games. He then joined the New Mexico Thunderbirds of the NBA's D-League, where he suited up for 36 games, averaging 13.4 points and 5.9 rebounds in only 23.6 minutes of action.

The deadline to withdraw from the draft is tomorrow, but Peterson -- a Brooklyn native and a Knicks fan -- is not dropping out. He signed with an agent, T.J. Doyle, and is projected to be, at the very least, a second-round pick. But he could jump to the latter part of the first round.

After 22 prospects participated in the workout, which was hosted in conjunction with the Knicks and Rockets, I spoke with Peterson.

Being that you're a Knicks fan, what was it like having them here watching you?

It was real good. It's basically a dream. I've been waiting for this moment to happen.

Why did you decide to come out and tell your story about why you were punished by Providence?

Well, basically nobody really knew the true story. There were a lot of rumors going around and stuff like that. It was to set the record straight, so I had to do that.

How do you have to prove to NBA scouts that all that's behind you?

Basically showing them that I'm a good guy; I don't have a bad image. Just being mature day in and day out on and off the court.

Have you gotten any feedback about where you're going to go in the draft?

I haven't had any feedback yet. They're basically saying, 'Show me that you can defend and play the three, and then I could be a late first-round pick.'

What are you working on this summer?

I'm basically working on my weakness: defending. I know I can score, I know I can rebound, so I took the time in the D-League improving my jumpshot and making it be consistent. I just want to be a better basketball player overall. I'm basically working on my overall game. Me coming off the ball screen, lateral movement and basically balance and defending.

What was your experience like playing abroad?

It was a good experience. It was kind of like slow-paced; not like the up-tempo style I like to play. There's a lot of tough guys out there. I learned a lot overseas.

Would you recommend other guys to go overseas if there is a lockout?

Yeah, I'd recommend that so that they can go out there and show them that it's not just the U.S. that has good basketball; it's also overseas. You can learn a lot. Basically, they teach you fundamentals and skill sets.

Is that something that you'd consider again?

Yeah. That's something I haven't decided yet, but most likely if [there's a lockout], I'll go there.

Being that this was your first environment around all these team executives and scouts, how did you approach today differently?

Well, coming in playing in front of NBA scouts, you get nervous. But once you step on the court, then you gotta just play. Don't worry about anything; just compete and show them what you're capable of doing.

With the Knicks specifically, they had a tough time rebounding this past season. How could you help them with that and anything else?

Basically whatever the coach wants me to do, I'm just going to go out there and do it -- rebounding, screening, basically being a good teammate.

Who else impressed you out here today?

I like 'Tu Tu' Holloway. He's from New York. Ashton Gibbs played good. He didn't really shoot the ball; he just was working on passing, showing that he can be a point guard.

What are some of your favorite streetball courts in New York?

I like West 4th, I like Rucker and the Kingdome. There's a lot of them out there.

Outside of basketball, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I like just hanging with my friends playing handball. Jamine Peterson (6'6''-F-88, college: Providence)

Game 3: Everything comes together for Bulls in 99-82 rout - by Eurobasket News
Derrick Rose (6'4''-G-88, college: Memphis) aggressively attacked the rim. Carlos Boozer (6'10''-F/C-80, college: Duke) scored on a power move. The Bench Mob delivered.

Heck, Tom Thibodeau even sat down, albeit briefly and only when the lead remained in double digits late.

The Bulls' dominant 99-82 triumph over the Hawks on Friday night featured refreshing changes and multiple contributions, right down to longtime equipment manager John Ligmanowski, who apparently remembered to pack their No. 1-seed credentials for the charter flight.

Remember that deep team that hustled and defended and shared the ball en route to a league-best 62 victories? That Bulls team left Philips Arena with a 2-1 edge in this best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinal series, thanks to a complete effort topped by Rose's playoff career-high 44 points.

'There was a lot of talk about us not playing with an edge,' Kyle Korver (6'7''-F-81, college: Creighton) said. 'We have it now.'

That edge was on display from the opening tip, with Luol Deng (6'7''-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) sinking a wide-open baseline jumper off perfect execution on the opening possession and Rose attacking the rim for a layup and two free throws on his first touches. In fact, Hawks coach Larry Drew burned the rare full timeout just 49 seconds after tipoff to light into his sleepwalking team.

It didn't matter.

Rose consistently shredded the defense like he was playing in the park, scoring 12 points on drives, getting to the line nine times and flipping in one ridiculous running banker with 25.4 seconds left in the third quarter.

'Toward the end of the first quarter, I said on the bench, 'This is going to be one of those nights,'' Korver said. 'He's playing at such a high level. I think now that all this MVP stuff is done, he doesn't have to deal with the extra hype. He can just play. He looked more poised and relaxed.'

Rose, who scored his first 15 points without missing and 17 in the first quarter, admitted as much afterward.

'Of course I love the award, but I'm happy to get it over with and focus on just playing basketball,' Rose said. 'I just got my groove back knocking down shots, getting in the open court, attacking, trying to get to the line.'

Rose, who shot just 38.9 percent in the first two games, smiled about his 59.2 percent Game 3 effort.

'I think we're done talking about the ankle,' he said.

And for one night, the Bulls were done talking about lack of style points.

They played with more pace, posting 13 fast-break points. They outrebounded the Hawks 47-34, with Joakim Noah (6'11''-F/C-85, college: Florida) grabbing 15, Taj Gibson (6'9''-F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: USC) adding 11 and those two combining for 15 of the team's 18 offensive boards. They knocked down 10 of 20 3-pointers.

Keith Bogans and Deng combined to smother Joe Johnson into 4-for-12 shooting on a night he barely reached double figures with 10 points.

'Derrick was in attack mode obviously,' Thibodeau said. 'When we were studying the tape, he saw certain things. It came back to his aggressiveness. He gets a lot of confidence and poise from his preparation. So you have faith he's going to respond.'

The Bulls have too, reclaiming home-court advantage. Rose scored or assisted on 18 of the first 20 second-half points as the lead grew to 22. Now the focus shifts to Game 4 on Sunday night.

'We are brainwashed: One game at a time. One game,' Korver said, slipping into a robotic voice to tweak Thibodeau's cliched mantra. 'So we were just focused on Game 3 and what we had to do to win. Now, we'd like to get both.'

Courtesy of www.chicagotribune.com

Game 3: Dirk Nowitzki leads Mavericks to 98-92 victory over Lakers (3-0) - by Eurobasket News
Just when they were about to make things interesting, Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) and the Los Angeles Lakers blew it.

Unable to stop Dirk Nowitzki (6'11''-F-78) all night, and their big lineup too slow to cover the outside shooting of Predrag Stojakovic (6'10''-F-77) and Jason Terry (6'2''-G-77, college: Arizona) down the stretch, the Lakers lost 98-92 to the Dallas Mavericks on Friday to fall in a 3-0 hole in their second-round series.

All 98 teams in NBA history that have trailed by that margin have wound up losing the series. Thus, the Lakers' two-year reign as NBA champions and their three-year grip on the Western Conference crown, plus the unprecedented coaching career of Phil Jackson, are all on the brink of going kaput maybe even with the humiliation of a sweep.

Of all the reasons they're in this predicament, the most stunning is that this pedigreed team has fallen apart when it matters most. They wasted a 16-point lead in Game 1, losing at the buzzer when a 3-pointer by Bryant went in and out, and they failed to hold a seven-point lead with 5:05 left in this game. Dallas rallied with an 18-6 run jump-started by 3s by Nowitzki and Stojakovic.

'We're disappointed,' said Jackson, who has never been down 3-0 in a series, much less been swept, in 20 years as an NBA coach. 'We feel like Games 1 and 3 we controlled the pace of the games. They were better at finishing the games than we were. But we still believe we're going to win the next game and we'll go from there.'

The Mavericks pulled this game out by scoring 32 points in the fourth quarter, the most by either team in any period this series. Bryant said the Lakers helped by making 'some of the dumbest defensive mistakes I've seen us make all year.'

Bryant is not conceding the series. While he knows the history of NBA teams down 3-0, he also knows that MLB and NHL teams have pulled off this kind of comeback.

'I might be sick in the head or crazy because I think we're still going to win the series,' Bryant said. 'Win on Sunday, go back home and see if they can win in L.A.'

Of course, Nowitzki and the Mavericks have a different idea. They want to get this over with as soon as possible.

For a franchise that's perennially underachieved, and is still trying to overcome blowing a 2-0 lead in the 2006 NBA finals, ending this series Sunday would send a great message about their chances of winning their first title.

There's a practical reason, too. This veteran-filled club would love to avoid another long round-trip flight and to start resting up for the next series. Dallas would be the home team in the conference finals, regardless of whether Oklahoma City or Memphis advances.

'We're not good enough to relax or take the pedal off the metal,' Nowitzki said. 'You don't want to ever give a champion life, so hopefully we can have the same effort and the same crowd and a great game on Sunday.'

Missing the suspended Ron Artest, Jackson gambled with a starting lineup featuring 6-foot-10 Lamar Odom at small forward, alongside 7-footers Andrew Bynum (7'0''-C-87, agency: David Lee services) and Pau Gasol (7'0''-F/C-80). The Lakers logically pounded the ball inside, and controlled the game nearly the entire second half.

Perhaps Artest's absence caught up to them at the end. Jackson acknowledged 'there was some fatigue factor in there.' He also admitted that his super-sized lineup was much better protecting the paint than defending the 3-point line.

And there was that Nowitzki fellow.

Dallas' superstar scored 32 points, making 12 of 19 shots. With the Lakers' big guys crowding the lane, he went back to his roots and got comfortable behind the 3-point line, burying 4 of 5. He only took four free throws, but made them all.

'Just about everything that happened down the stretch was a direct result of him either scoring the ball or making a play to get somebody a shot, or make a pass for an assist for a 3 or a 2 or whatever it was,' Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said.

A record Dallas crowd of 21,156 most wearing royal-blue giveaway T-shirts that read, 'The Time Is Now,' with the Mavs logo in place of the basketball on top of the championship trophy went through the usual chants of 'De-fense!' and 'Beat LA!' without much impact through the first three quarters. With the game on the line, they got to their feet and helped the home team sustain its final push.

Terry scored 23, including some of the points that helped ice the victory in the closing minutes. Stojakovic scored 11 of his 15 in the final quarter. Jason Kidd added 11 points and nine assists.

Bynum had 21 points and 10 rebounds. Odom scored 18 and Bryant scored 17. He had only four points in the final quarter.

Gasol had 12 points and Shannon Brown provided a spark off the bench with 10.

'We're beating ourselves a little bit, not getting a decent shot in the last five minutes of the game,' Bynum said.

Los Angeles' meltdown included a play where Bryant threw a pass to Gasol, but Gasol expected him to shoot and was looking at the rim. The ball hit him in the back, creating a turnover plucked by Dallas. On the Lakers' next possession, Bryant came up short on a long jumper to beat the shot clock, leading to a pair of free throws by Nowitzki that put the Mavericks ahead for the first time since the final minutes of the first half.

A quick basket by Derek Fisher put Los Angeles back ahead 89-88, then the Mavericks worked the ball to Terry in the corner for a go-ahead 3-pointer. Odom answered with a flick shot over Stojakovic to tie it at 91 with 1:39 left, but that would be it for the Lakers.

Nowitzki made a tough, left-handed hook shot over two defenders, then ran back up the court snarling and with the lead. Odom missed another flick shot over Stojakovic, with defensive help from Tyson Chandler, and Dallas got an extended possession when Chandler reached between two Lakers to knock a rebound to Terry in the corner. The Lakers resorted to fouls and wild shots to try coming back, an ugly way for a team that's been so good for so long to go out or, at least, get really close to starting its summer vacation.

'They have a lot of pride over there in that locker room,' Nowitzki said. 'We've got to take it. They're not going to give it to us.'

Courtesy of www.huffingtonpost.com

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Kevin DURANT
  Oklah.Ci.
  (206-G/F-88)
  Avg: 28

1. Durant, Oklah.Ci.	28.0
2. James, Miami Heat	26.5
3. Wade, Miami Heat	25.5
4. Rose, Chicago B.	25.4
5. Anthony, Denver N.	25.2
6. Bryant, LA Lakers	25.2
7. Stoudemire, New Y.	24.7
8. Ellis, Golde S.	24.1
9. Martin, Houston R.	23.5
10. Nowitzki, Dallas	23.5

Rebounds Per Game

Kevin LOVE
  Minnesota T.
  (208-C-88)
  Avg: 15.2

1. Love, Minnesota T.	15.2
2. Howard, Orlando M.	14.2
3. Griffin, LA Clipp.	12.1
4. Randolph, Memph.	12.0
5. Bogut, Milwauke.	11.1
6. Noah, Chicago B.	10.5
7. Humphries, New J.	10.4
8. Camby, Portland TB	10.2
9. Gasol, LA Lakers	9.9
10. Lee, Golde S.	9.8

Assists Per Game

Steve NASH
  Phoenix Suns
  (190-G-74)
  Avg: 11.4

1. Nash, Phoenix Suns	11.4
2. Rondo, Boston C.	11.2
3. Paul, N.Orleans H.	9.9
4. Williams, Utah Jazz	9.7
5. Felton, New Y.	9.0
6. Calderon, Toron.	8.9
7. Wall, Washington W.	8.3
8. Westbrook, Oklah..	8.1
9. Kidd, Dallas M.	8.1
10. Harris, New J.	7.6

Steals Per Game

Chris PAUL
  N.Orleans H.
  (183-G-85)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Paul, N.Orleans H.	2.3
2. Rondo, Boston C.	2.1
3. Ellis, Golde S.	2.1
4. Wall, Washington W.	1.8
5. Westbrook, Oklah..	1.8
6. Felton, New Y.	1.8
7. Allen, Memphis G.	1.8
8. Gay, Memphis G.	1.7
9. Kidd, Dallas M.	1.7
10. Conley, Memphis G.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Serge IBAKA
  Oklah.Ci.
  (208-C/F-89)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Ibaka, Oklah.Ci.	2.6
2. Bogut, Milwauke.	2.6
3. McGee, Washingt.	2.4
4. Howard, Orlando M.	2.3
5. Duncan, San A.	2.0
6. Milicic, Minnesota	2.0
7. Jefferson, Utah J.	1.9
8. Stoudemire, New Y.	1.9
9. Bynum, LA Lakers	1.9
10. Jordan, LA Clippe.	1.8

East and West Semifinals: Third games - by Eurobasket News

East

Boston C. - Miami Heat 97-81
Rajon Rondo (6'1''-G-86, college: Kentucky) had six points and 11 assists despite playing the fourth quarter with a dislocated left elbow, and the Boston Celtics beat the Miami Heat 97-81 on Saturday night in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Miami leads the best-of-seven series 2-1, with Game 4 on Monday night in Boston. Kevin Garnett (6'10''-F-76) had 28 points and 18 rebounds, and Paul Pierce (6'7''-F-77, college: Kansas) scored 27 for the defending East champions, who managed to avoid a 3-0 hole that no NBA team has ever overcome. Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) had 23 points and seven assists, and Joel Anthony continued to contribute off the bench, scoring 12 with 11 rebounds. LeBron James scored 15, as he and Wade combined to make just 14 of 35 shots from the floor. *Courtesy of www.local10.com

Atlanta H. - Chicago B. 82-99
Derrick Rose (6'4''-G-88, college: Memphis) aggressively attacked the rim. Carlos Boozer scored on a power move. The Bench Mob delivered. Heck, Tom Thibodeau even sat down, albeit briefly and only when the lead remained in double digits late. The Bulls' dominant 99-82 triumph over the Hawks on Friday night featured refreshing changes and multiple contributions, right down to longtime equipment manager John Ligmanowski, who apparently remembered to pack their No. 1-seed credentials for the charter flight. Remember that deep team that hustled and defended and shared the ball en route to a league-best 62 victories? That Bulls team left Philips Arena with a 2-1 edge in this best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinal series, thanks to a complete effort topped by Rose's playoff career-high 44 points. 'There was a lot of talk about us not playing with an edge,' Kyle Korver said. 'We have it now.' That edge was on display from the opening tip, with Luol Deng (6'7''-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) sinking a wide-open baseline jumper off perfect execution on the opening possession and Rose attacking the rim for a layup and two free throws on his first touches. In fact, Hawks coach Larry Drew burned the rare full timeout just 49 seconds after tipoff to light into his sleepwalking team. It didn't matter. Rose consistently shredded the defense like he was playing in the park, scoring 12 points on drives, getting to the line nine times and flipping in one ridiculous running banker with 25.4 seconds left in the third quarter. 'Toward the end of the first quarter, I said on the bench, 'This is going to be one of those nights,'' Korver said. 'He's playing at such a high level. I think now that all this MVP stuff is done, he doesn't have to deal with the extra hype. He can just play. He looked more poised and relaxed.' Rose, who scored his first 15 points without missing and 17 in the first quarter, admitted as much afterward. 'Of course I love the award, but I'm happy to get it over with and focus on just playing basketball,' Rose said. 'I just got my groove back - knocking down shots, getting in the open court, attacking, trying to get to the line.' Rose, who shot just 38.9 percent in the first two games, smiled about his 59.2 percent Game 3 effort. 'I think we're done talking about the ankle,' he said. And for one night, the Bulls were done talking about lack of style points. They played with more pace, posting 13 fast-break points. They outrebounded the Hawks 47-34, with Joakim Noah (6'11''-F/C-85, college: Florida) grabbing 15, Taj Gibson adding 11 and those two combining for 15 of the team's 18 offensive boards. They knocked down 10 of 20 3-pointers. Keith Bogans and Deng combined to smother Joe Johnson into 4-for-12 shooting on a night he barely reached double figures with 10 points. 'Derrick was in attack mode obviously,' Thibodeau said. 'When we were studying the tape, he saw certain things. It came back to his aggressiveness. He gets a lot of confidence and poise from his preparation. So you have faith he's going to respond.' The Bulls have too, reclaiming home-court advantage. Rose scored or assisted on 18 of the first 20 second-half points as the lead grew to 22. Now the focus shifts to Game 4 on Sunday night. 'We are brainwashed: One game at a time. One game,' Korver said, slipping into a robotic voice to tweak Thibodeau's cliched mantra. 'So we were just focused on Game 3 and what we had to do to win. Now, we'd like to get both.' *Courtesy of www.chicagotribune.com

West

Memphis G. - Oklah.City T. 101-93 OT
Zach Randolph (6'9''-C-81, college: Michigan St.) had 21 points and a franchise-record 21 rebounds, and the Memphis Grizzlies rallied from a 16-point deficit to stun the Oklahoma City Thunder 101-93 in overtime Saturday and grab a 2-1 lead in their Western Conference semifinal. The Grizzlies are trying to do something no NBA team has done in climbing from the No. 8 seed all the way to the Western Conference finals. They moved two wins away from that by remaining undefeated on their home court this postseason. They did it with an amazing comeback in a game the Grizzlies couldn't have looked more out of synch or rusty early, but scored the first six points of overtime to finish off the victory. Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas), the NBA's scoring leader in the regular season and these playoffs, took only three shots in overtime and missed them all. He finished with 22 points, his lowest this postseason after averaging 31.6 points coming in. O.J. Mayo (6'5''-G-87, college: USC) had 18 points off the Memphis bench. Mike Conley (6'1''-G-87, college: Ohio St.) also scored 18 and Marc Gasol 16. Russell Westbrook had 23 points and 12 assists, but committed seven turnovers and fouled out late in overtime for the Thunder. Serge Ibaka had 14 points and James Harden 12. Oklahoma City was up 70-54 on Kendrick Perkins' tip-in with 3:53 left in the third and seemed in control with Westbrook scoring 13 points in the period. Memphis erased that lead with a 13-2 run and outscored Oklahoma City 23-10 in the fourth quarter, then 15-7 in overtime. The Thunder hit just 3 of 12 in the extra period. With the score tied at 86, both teams had a chance to win in regulation. Thunder coach Scott Brooks took a timeout with 18 seconds to go, having to holler to get referee Ken Mauer's attention in the roaring FedExForum. Durant missed a 20-footer off the back rim as the shot clock buzzer sounded with 4 seconds left, but Randolph's own 3 for the win clanked off the rim at the buzzer. Memphis took over in overtime. First, Tony Allen drove for a layup, then Conley scored on a layup. Allen then hit two free throws for a 92-86 lead with 2:56 left. The Grizzlies polished the win off at the free-throw line, hitting 9 of 12. The Grizzlies, coming off a three-day layoff that was their longest break in a couple weeks, didn't give their sellout crowd much to cheer until late. Oklahoma City scored the first five points, and the Thunder did what worked so well Tuesday night by collapsing whenever Memphis tried to pass the ball into the paint. Memphis led 28-24 when the Thunder went on a 16-3 run and grabbed a 40-31 lead on a pair of free throws by Westbrook. Oklahoma City outscored Memphis 31-21 in the quarter and led 51-43 at halftime. Conley didn't score until 4:45 left in the first half on a fast-break layup. *Courtesy of www.knoxnews.com

Dallas M. - LA Lakers 98-92
Just when they were about to make things interesting, Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) and the Los Angeles Lakers blew it. Unable to stop Dirk Nowitzki (6'11''-F-78) all night, and their big lineup too slow to cover the outside shooting of Predrag Stojakovic (6'10''-F-77) and Jason Terry down the stretch, the Lakers lost 98-92 to the Dallas Mavericks on Friday to fall in a 3-0 hole in their second-round series. All 98 teams in NBA history that have trailed by that margin have wound up losing the series. Thus, the Lakers' two-year reign as NBA champions and their three-year grip on the Western Conference crown, plus the unprecedented coaching career of Phil Jackson, are all on the brink of going kaput - maybe even with the humiliation of a sweep. Of all the reasons they're in this predicament, the most stunning is that this pedigreed team has fallen apart when it matters most. They wasted a 16-point lead in Game 1, losing at the buzzer when a 3-pointer by Bryant went in and out, and they failed to hold a seven-point lead with 5:05 left in this game. Dallas rallied with an 18-6 run jump-started by 3s by Nowitzki and Stojakovic. 'We're disappointed,' said Jackson, who has never been down 3-0 in a series, much less been swept, in 20 years as an NBA coach. 'We feel like Games 1 and 3 we controlled the pace of the games. They were better at finishing the games than we were. But we still believe we're going to win the next game and we'll go from there.' The Mavericks pulled this game out by scoring 32 points in the fourth quarter, the most by either team in any period this series. Bryant said the Lakers helped by making 'some of the dumbest defensive mistakes I've seen us make all year.' Bryant is not conceding the series. While he knows the history of NBA teams down 3-0, he also knows that MLB and NHL teams have pulled off this kind of comeback. 'I might be sick in the head or crazy because I think we're still going to win the series,' Bryant said. 'Win on Sunday, go back home and see if they can win in L.A.' Of course, Nowitzki and the Mavericks have a different idea. They want to get this over with as soon as possible. For a franchise that's perennially underachieved, and is still trying to overcome blowing a 2-0 lead in the 2006 NBA finals, ending this series Sunday would send a great message about their chances of winning their first title. There's a practical reason, too. This veteran-filled club would love to avoid another long round-trip flight and to start resting up for the next series. Dallas would be the home team in the conference finals, regardless of whether Oklahoma City or Memphis advances. 'We're not good enough to relax or take the pedal off the metal,' Nowitzki said. 'You don't want to ever give a champion life, so hopefully we can have the same effort and the same crowd and a great game on Sunday.' Missing the suspended Ron Artest, Jackson gambled with a starting lineup featuring 6-foot-10 Lamar Odom at small forward, alongside 7-footers Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol. The Lakers logically pounded the ball inside, and controlled the game nearly the entire second half. Perhaps Artest's absence caught up to them at the end. Jackson acknowledged 'there was some fatigue factor in there.' He also admitted that his super-sized lineup was much better protecting the paint than defending the 3-point line. And there was that Nowitzki fellow. Dallas' superstar scored 32 points, making 12 of 19 shots. With the Lakers' big guys crowding the lane, he went back to his roots and got comfortable behind the 3-point line, burying 4 of 5. He only took four free throws, but made them all. 'Just about everything that happened down the stretch was a direct result of him either scoring the ball or making a play to get somebody a shot, or make a pass for an assist for a 3 or a 2 or whatever it was,' Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said. A record Dallas crowd of 21,156 - most wearing royal-blue giveaway T-shirts that read, 'The Time Is Now,' with the Mavs logo in place of the basketball on top of the championship trophy - went through the usual chants of 'De-fense!' and 'Beat LA!' without much impact through the first three quarters. With the game on the line, they got to their feet and helped the home team sustain its final push. Terry scored 23, including some of the points that helped ice the victory in the closing minutes. Stojakovic scored 11 of his 15 in the final quarter. Jason Kidd added 11 points and nine assists. Bynum had 21 points and 10 rebounds. Odom scored 18 and Bryant scored 17. He had only four points in the final quarter. Gasol had 12 points and Shannon Brown provided a spark off the bench with 10. 'We're beating ourselves a little bit, not getting a decent shot in the last five minutes of the game,' Bynum said. Los Angeles' meltdown included a play where Bryant threw a pass to Gasol, but Gasol expected him to shoot and was looking at the rim. The ball hit him in the back, creating a turnover plucked by Dallas. On the Lakers' next possession, Bryant came up short on a long jumper to beat the shot clock, leading to a pair of free throws by Nowitzki that put the Mavericks ahead for the first time since the final minutes of the first half. A quick basket by Derek Fisher put Los Angeles back ahead 89-88, then the Mavericks worked the ball to Terry in the corner for a go-ahead 3-pointer. Odom answered with a flick shot over Stojakovic to tie it at 91 with 1:39 left, but that would be it for the Lakers. Nowitzki made a tough, left-handed hook shot over two defenders, then ran back up the court snarling and with the lead. Odom missed another flick shot over Stojakovic, with defensive help from Tyson Chandler, and Dallas got an extended possession when Chandler reached between two Lakers to knock a rebound to Terry in the corner. The Lakers resorted to fouls and wild shots to try coming back, an ugly way for a team that's been so good for so long to go out - or, at least, get really close to starting its summer vacation. 'They have a lot of pride over there in that locker room,' Nowitzki said. 'We've got to take it. They're not going to give it to us.' *Courtesy of www.huffingtonpost.com

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

NEW ZEALAND

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Darryl DORA
  Nelson G.
  (206-C-85)
  Avg: 22.3

1. Dora, Nelson G.	22.3
2. Webster, Wellingt.	22.3
3. Leasure, Taranaki.	22.2
4. Hudson, Manawatu.	20.8
5. Polyblank, Southla.	20.7
6. Smith, Waikato P.	20.4
7. Pace, Bay Hawks	20.3
8. Mickens, Auckland.	20.2
9. Johnson, Wellingt.	19.7
10. Bradshaw, Oceana.	19.6

Rebounds Per Game

Lance ALLRED
  OceanaGo.
  (211-C-81)
  Avg: 9.6

1. Allred, OceanaGo.	9.6
2. Trousdell, Bay H.	9.4
3. Seay, Waikato P.	9.3
4. Bradshaw, OceanaG.	9.2
5. Grizzard, Nelson G.	9.0
6. Johnson, Wellingt.	9.0
7. Frank, Wellington	9.0
8. Dawson, Southlan.	9.0
9. Campbell, Taranaki.	8.6
10. Horvath, Manawat.	8.5

Assists Per Game

Lindsay TAIT
  Wellington S.
  (194-G-82)
  Avg: 6.7

1. Tait, Wellington S.	6.7
2. Kench, Manawatu J.	6.0
3. Dickel, Southland	6.0
4. Le''afa, Wellingt.	4.5
5. O''Gallagher, Ocean.	4.4
6. Martin, Auckland.	4.4
7. Smith, Waikato P.	4.0
8. Leasure, Taranaki.	3.6
9. Webster, Wellingt.	3.3
10. Kenny, Bay Hawks	3.3

Steals Per Game

Hayden ALLEN
  Waikato P.
  (187-G-79)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Allen, Waikato P.	2.8
2. Smith, Waikato P.	2.8
3. Dickel, Southland	2.3
4. Seay, Waikato P.	2.3
5. Kench, Manawatu J.	2.3
6. Frank, Wellington	2.2
7. Johnson, Wellingt.	2.0
8. Polyblank, Southla.	2.0
9. Hudson, Manawatu.	2.0
10. Dempster, Nelson	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Marcus CAMPBELL
  Taranaki.
  (214-C-82)
  Avg: 2

1. Campbell, Taranaki.	2.0
2. Seay, Waikato P.	1.5
3. Anthony, Waika.	1.3
4. Adams, Wellington	1.3
5. Spicer, Southlan.	1.3
6. Smith, Waikato P.	1.0
7. Brown, Auckland P.	1.0
8. Beck, Auckland P.	0.8
9. Frank, Wellington	0.8
10. Johnson, Wellingt.	0.8

Standings Men

NBL Standings

1. Bay Hawks		7-0
2. Wellington S.		6-0
3. Manawatu J.		2-2
4. Auckland P.		2-3
5. Waikato P.		2-3
6. Southland S.		1-2
7. Nelson G.		1-3
8. Taranaki MA		1-4
9. OceanaGold N.		0-5

NBL Round 4: Auckland beats Manawatu by three after a very close game - by Eurobasket News
The fans could enjoy quite many interesting games in the last round. The round ended with favorites losing the games, games ending by tiny margin and even winless team recording their first victory.

The most exciting game of round 4 in the NBL took place in Palmerston North. This derby game ended with only three-point home defeat of one of their biggest challengers Manawatu J. (2-2) to sixth ranked Auckland P. (2-3) 87-84 on Saturday evening. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Manawatu J.. The guests trailed by 4 points after three quarters before their 23-16 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Worth to mention a great performance of American power forward Kevin Mickens (207-F/C-83, college: George Mason) who helped to win the game recording 21 points and 8 rebounds. Australian point guard Luke Martin (182-81, college: UTEP) contributed with 15 points and 4 assists for the winners. Auckland P.'s coach Kenneth Stone used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. The former international guard Jeremy Kench (187-84) replied with a double-double by scoring 20 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists for Manawatu J.Auckland P. moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Waikato P. Manawatu J. at the other side keeps the third position with two games lost. Auckland P. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Manawatu J. will play at home against Waikato P. in Hamilton and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An interesting game for Wellington S. (6-0) which played road game in Hamilton against 4th ranked Waikato P. (2-3). Top-ranked Wellington S. managed to get a 10-point victory 90-80. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international guard Corey Webster (185-88, college: Lambuth) who helped to win the game recording 28 points and Lindsay Tait who added 13 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists during the contest. At the losing side international center Alex Pledger (216-87, college: Belm.Abbey) responded with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 13 rebounds. Undefeated Wellington S. have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 6-0 record behind leader Bay Hawks. Waikato P. at the other side keeps the fourth place with three games lost. They share the position with Auckland P.. Wellington S. will play against Southland S. (#6) on the road in the next round. Waikato P. will play against Manawatu J. in Palmerston North and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Nelson G.'s fans can celebrate the first win of their team after three consecutive loses. They used home court advantage to defeat OceanaGold N. (0-5) 86-77 on Friday. The winners were led by Phill Jones who scored that evening 18 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. Even 27 points and 6 rebounds by Craig Bradshaw did not help to save the game for OceanaGold N.. Nelson G. (1-3) left bottom position moving up to seventh place. It was OceanaGold N.'s fifth loss in a row. They still closes the standings with five games lost. Nelson G. will meet at home higher ranked Manawatu J. (#3) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. OceanaGold N. will play against the league's second-placed Wellington S. (#2) having rather not much hope for a victory.
NBL top team - Bay Hawks (7-0) managed to deliver another win. This time they beat sixth ranked Auckland P. (2-3) in Tamatea 89-74. Arthur Trousdell fired a double-double by scoring 15 points and 14 rebounds for the winners. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Undefeated Bay Hawks have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 7-0 record. Auckland P. lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the fourth place with three games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Bottom-ranked OceanaGold N. is still unable to win any game. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. This time they lost on the road their fifth consecutive match to top-ranked Wellington S. (6-0) 115-96 on Saturday evening. It was a very good performance for Erron Maxey who helped to win the game recording 29 points and 8 rebounds (on 13-of-15 shooting from the field). Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Undefeated Wellington S. have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 6-0 record behind leader Bay Hawks. Loser OceanaGold N. still closes the standings with five games lost. Wellington S. will face Southland S. (#6) on the road in the next round.

In the last game of round 4 Wellington S. smashed Taranaki MA on the road 124-102.

Wellington S. - OceanaGold N. 115-96

Bottom-ranked OceanaGold N. is still unable to win any game. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. This time they lost on the road their fifth consecutive match to top-ranked Wellington S. (6-0) 115-96 on Saturday evening. The game was mostly controlled by Wellington S.. OceanaGold N. was better in third quarter 26-24. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Wellington S. shot the lights out from three sinking 14 long-distance shots on high 60.9 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Wellington S. made 7 blocks. It was a very good performance for American forward Erron Maxey (198-78, college: Providence) who helped to win the game recording 29 points and 8 rebounds (on 13-of-15 shooting from the field). The other American import center Kareem Johnson (205-80, college: Cincinnati) contributed with 22 points and 6 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) for the winners. International power forward Craig Bradshaw (207-83, college: Winthrop) replied with 26 points and 6 rebounds and American center Lance Allred (211-81, college: Weber St., agency: SportsTalent) added 22 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for OceanaGold N.Five Wellington S. and four OceanaGold N. players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Wellington S. have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 6-0 record behind leader Bay Hawks. Loser OceanaGold N. still closes the standings with five games lost. Wellington S. will face Southland S. (#6) on the road in the next round.
Top scorers:
OceanaGold N.: C.Bradshaw 26+6reb+2ast, L.Allred 22+7reb+1ast, S.O'Gallagher 14+1reb+6ast, S.To'omata 14+3reb+3ast, T.Rowe 7+5reb+2ast, M.Morrison 6+4reb+2ast
Wellington S.: E.Maxey 29+8reb+3ast, K.Johnson 22+6reb+2ast, C.Webster 16+5ast, T.McLean 15+2reb+2ast, L.Tait 11+4reb+7ast, L.Henry 10+2reb

Manawatu J. - Auckland P. 84-87

The most exciting game of round 4 in the NBL took place in Palmerston North. This derby game ended with only three-point home defeat of one of their biggest challengers Manawatu J. (2-2) to sixth ranked Auckland P. (2-3) 87-84 on Saturday evening. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Manawatu J.. The guests trailed by 4 points after three quarters before their 23-16 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Worth to mention a great performance of American power forward Kevin Mickens (207-83, college: George Mason) who helped to win the game recording 21 points and 8 rebounds. Australian point guard Luke Martin (182-81, college: UTEP) contributed with 15 points and 4 assists for the winners. Auckland P.'s coach Kenneth Stone used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. The former international guard Jeremy Kench (187-84) replied with a double-double by scoring 20 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists and the former international power forward Nick Horvath (208-81, college: Duke) added 17 points and 13 rebounds in the effort for Manawatu J.Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Auckland P. moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Waikato P. Manawatu J. at the other side keeps the third position with two games lost. Auckland P. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Manawatu J. will play at home against Waikato P. in Hamilton and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Manawatu J.: J.Kench 20+10reb+4ast, D.Hudson 18+7reb+4ast, N.Horvath 17+13reb+1ast, M.Te Huna 11+2reb+1ast, R.Igbawua 9+8reb+1ast, K.Hokianga 5+3reb+1ast
Auckland P.: K.Mickens 21+8reb+1ast, K.Smith 16+5reb+1ast, L.Martin 15+3reb+4ast, E.Bartlett 12+8reb, B.Ruscoe 11+1reb, B.Dillon 4+6reb+3ast

Taranaki MA - Wellington S. 102-124

No shocking result in a game when top-ranked Wellington S. (6-0) crushed 7th ranked Taranaki MA (1-4) in New Plymouth 124-102 on Friday. The game without a history. Wellington S. led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They shot the lights out from three sinking 12 long-distance shots on high 57.1 percentage. Quite impressive performance for American center Kareem Johnson (205-80, college: Cincinnati) who helped to win the game recording 25 points and 7 rebounds (on 12-of-15 shooting from the field). The former international guard Corey Webster (185-88, college: Lambuth) contributed with 23 points for the winners. Wellington S.'s coach Pero Cameron felt very confident that he used 10 players saving starting five for next games. American center Marcus Campbell (214-82, college: Mississippi St., agency: SportsTalent) replied with a double-double by scoring 34 points (!!!) and 15 rebounds (on 16-of-19 shooting from the field) and his fellow American import guard Jack Leasure (191-86, college: Co.Carolina) added 26 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists in the effort for Taranaki MA. Five Wellington S. and four Taranaki MA players scored in double figures. Wellington S. have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 6-0 record behind leader Bay Hawks. Loser Taranaki MA dropped to the eighth place with four games lost. Wellington S. will face Southland S. (#6) on the road in the next round. Taranaki MA will play against Southland S. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Taranaki MA: M.Campbell 34+15reb+1ast, J.Leasure 26+5reb+6ast, A.Bailey-Nowell 15+3reb+3ast, L.Abrams 13+5reb, M.Abdelhamid 6+4reb+1ast, C.Stuart 4+3reb
Wellington S.: K.Johnson 25+7reb+2ast, C.Webster 23+1reb+3ast, T.McLean 22+2reb, E.Maxey 16+4reb, L.Tait 15+2reb+7ast, C.Frank 9+9reb+1ast

Nelson G. - OceanaGold N. 86-77

Nelson G.'s fans can celebrate the first win of their team after three consecutive loses. They used home court advantage to defeat OceanaGold N. (0-5) 86-77 on Friday. OceanaGold N. trailed by 16 points after 3 quarters before a 23-23 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 77-86 at the end of the game. They outrebounded OceanaGold N. 44-26 including 29 on the defensive glass. The winners were led by Phill Jones who scored that evening 18 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists and American center Darryl Dora (206-85, college: Texas Tech) supported him with 25 points and 8 rebounds. Even 27 points and 6 rebounds by international power forward Craig Bradshaw (207-83, college: Winthrop) did not help to save the game for OceanaGold N.. American center Lance Allred (211-81, college: Weber St., agency: SportsTalent) added 18 points and 8 rebounds for lost side. Nelson G. (1-3) left bottom position moving up to seventh place. It was OceanaGold N.'s fifth loss in a row. They still closes the standings with five games lost. Nelson G. will meet at home higher ranked Manawatu J. (#3) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. OceanaGold N. will play against the league's second-placed Wellington S. (#2) having rather not much hope for a victory.
Top scorers:
OceanaGold N.: C.Bradshaw 27+6reb, L.Allred 18+8reb, S.O'Gallagher 17+2reb+4ast, T.Rowe 7+3reb, S.King 3+1reb, J.Ross 2+1ast
Nelson G.: D.Dora 25+8reb, P.Jones 18+8reb+7ast, M.Fitchett 10+1reb+5ast, R.Grizzard 9+10reb+2ast, M.Karena 9+1reb, J.Bloxham 6+3reb+1ast

Bay Hawks - Auckland P. 89-74

NBL top team - Bay Hawks (7-0) managed to deliver another win. This time they beat sixth ranked Auckland P. (2-3) in Tamatea 89-74. The game was mostly controlled by Bay Hawks. Auckland P. was better in fourth quarter 19-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Auckland P. 45-27 including 31 on the defensive glass. Naturalized British forward Arthur Trousdell (203-81, college: Cameron) fired a double-double by scoring 15 points and 14 rebounds for the winners. American guard Josh Pace (198-83, college: Syracuse) chipped in a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds. Four Bay Hawks players scored in double figures. American power forward Raheim Brown (209-79, college: Florida Atlantic) produced 24 points and 7 rebounds and guard Everard Bartlett (198-86) added 15 points respectively for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Bay Hawks have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 7-0 record. Auckland P. lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the fourth place with three games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Auckland P.: R.Brown 24+7reb, E.Bartlett 15+3reb+3ast, K.Mickens 15+3reb+2ast, D.Boucher 6+5reb+3ast, K.Smith 5+4reb, L.Martin 4+1reb+4ast
Bay Hawks: J.Pace 19+10reb, A.Trousdell 15+14reb+2ast, B.Hill 12+1reb, P.Winitana 11+2reb+1ast, C.Daniel 10+2reb+1ast, J.Kenny 9+8reb+6ast

Waikato P. - Wellington S. 80-90

An interesting game for Wellington S. (6-0) which played road game in Hamilton against 4th ranked Waikato P. (2-3). Top-ranked Wellington S. managed to get a 10-point victory 90-80. It looked good early as Waikato P. took an 19-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Wellington S. took control and eventually winning the game that evening by 10 points. They dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Waikato P.'s 38. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international guard Corey Webster (185-88, college: Lambuth) who helped to win the game recording 28 points and international guard Lindsay Tait (194-82, agency: Impact Basketball) who added 13 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists during the contest. At the losing side international center Alex Pledger (216-87, college: Belm.Abbey) responded with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 13 rebounds and American guard Jason Crowe (193-76, college: Cal.St. Northridge) scored 14 points and 7 rebounds. Five Wellington S. and four Waikato P. players scored in double figures. Wellington S. have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 6-0 record behind leader Bay Hawks. Waikato P. at the other side keeps the fourth place with three games lost. They share the position with Auckland P.. Wellington S. will play against Southland S. (#6) on the road in the next round. Waikato P. will play against Manawatu J. in Palmerston North and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Waikato P.: A.Pledger 19+13reb+2ast, J.Smith 15+1reb+5ast, J.Crowe 14+7reb+3ast, H.Allen 11+3ast, B.Anthony 6+3reb+1ast, M.Alexander 5+1reb
Wellington S.: C.Webster 28+1reb+2ast, L.Tait 13+7reb+6ast, K.Johnson 12+7reb+1ast, L.Henry 11+9reb, C.Frank 11+8reb+1ast, E.Maxey 10+2reb+1ast

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

POLAND

PLK Round 1 of Finals. Asseco Prokom earn victory - by Eurobasket News

3-4 place

Trefl Sopot - Energa Czarni 83-86

Energa Czarni surprised Trefl Sopot on the road to take the lead in the consolation final series. The guests trailed by 1 point at the halftime before their 50-46 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. American forward Bryan Davis (206-86, college: Texas A&M, agency: N.E.T.) stepped up and scored 19 points and 8 rebounds for the winners and his fellow American import guard Jerel Blassingame (177-81, college: UNLV) chipped in 14 points and 5 rebounds. At the losing side international forward Adam Waczynski (199-89, agency: Limelight Hoops) responded with 23 points (made all of his eight free throws) and the former international forward Filip Dylewicz (202-80, agency: Beo Basket) scored 12 points and 8 rebounds. Four Trefl Sopot players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Energa Czarni: B.Davis 19+8reb, W.Avery 14+1reb+1ast, J.Blassingame 14+5reb+3ast, P.Leonczyk 9+7reb, K.Roszyk 8+7reb+3ast, M.Cesnauskis 7+1reb+4ast
Trefl Sopot: A.Waczynski 23+4reb+3ast, D.Ceranic 17+4reb+1ast, L.Harrington 15+1reb+4ast, F.Dylewicz 12+8reb+2ast, M.Stefanski 6+5reb+2ast, S.Ljubotina 6+2reb

FINAL

Asseco Prokom - PGE Turow 88-79

Asseco Prokom got to the winning start of the championship series as they outgunned PGE Turow. It looked good early as PGE Turow took an 4-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Asseco Prokom had a 27-22 second period charge getting the lead and PGE Turow was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 79-88. PGE Turow was plagued by 29 personal fouls down the stretch. American guard Daniel Ewing (191-G-83, agency: Alti Sport, college: Duke) nailed 23 points and 5 assists for the winning side and forward Piotr Szczotka (197-81) accounted for 14 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Asseco Prokom's coach Tomas Pacesas allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. American guard Torey Thomas (180-85, college: Holy Cross, agency: Interperformances) came up with a double-double by scoring 11 points, 10 assists and 4 steals and the other American import guard David Jackson (193-86, college: W.Illinois) added 16 points respectively for PGE Turow in the defeat.
Top scorers:
Asseco Prokom: D.Ewing 23+1reb+5ast, P.Szczotka 14+5reb+4ast, Q.Woods 13+6reb+2ast, R.Varda 8+3reb+2ast, R.Witka 6+2reb+1ast, K.Szubarga 6+3reb
PGE Turow: D.Jackson 16+3reb+1ast, K.Wysocki 13+4reb+1ast, T.Thomas 11+10ast, D.Kickert 9, M.Kuebler 9+1reb, M.Gabinski 8+7reb+1ast

DBE Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Ted SCOTT
  SKK Kotwica
  (188-G-85)
  Avg: 25.4

1. Scott, SKK Kotwica	25.4
2. Hodge, Zastal	17.0
3. Frazier, AZS K.	16.7
4. Reynolds, AZS K.	16.5
5. Hinson, Polonia Az.	16.3
6. Reese, AZS Koszal.	16.0
7. Bennerman, Energa	14.5
8. NaNa, Polonia Azb.	14.4
9. Dylewicz, Trefl So.	14.4
10. Ewing, Asseco P.	14.2

Rebounds Per Game

Darrell HARRIS
  SKK K.
  (208-C-84)
  Avg: 11.4

1. Harris, SKK K.	11.4
2. Truscott, Siarka	9.9
3. Burgess, Zastal	9.4
4. NaNa, Polonia Azb.	8.3
5. Easley, Polonia Az.	7.0
6. Wysocki, PGE Turow	7.0
7. Miller, Anwil	6.6
8. Ceranic, Trefl S.	6.5
9. Reynolds, AZS K.	6.4
10. Archibeque, Polph.	6.2

Assists Per Game

Igor MILICIC
  AZS K.
  (194-G-76)
  Avg: 6.6

1. Milicic, AZS K.	6.6
2. Blassingame, Energ.	6.2
3. Thomas, PGE Turow	5.6
4. Hodge, Zastal	5.1
5. Skibniewski, Polph.	4.8
6. Hawkins, PBG B.	4.0
7. Szubarga, Asseco	3.7
8. Vaughn, Polpharma	3.5
9. Ewing, Asseco P.	3.1
10. Thompson, Anwil	3.0

Steals Per Game

Darnell HINSON
  Polonia Azbud
  (186-G-80)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Hinson, Polonia Az.	2.7
2. Blassingame, Energ.	2.6
3. Hodge, Zastal	2.5
4. Skibniewski, Polph.	2.4
5. Szubarga, Asseco	2.4
6. Pringle, Siarka	2.4
7. Milicic, AZS K.	2.3
8. Thomas, PGE Turow	2.2
9. Hawkins, PBG B.	2.1
10. Vaughn, Polpharma	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Darrell HARRIS
  SKK K.
  (208-C-84)
  Avg: 2

1. Harris, SKK K.	2.0
2. Lapeta, Asseco P.	1.4
3. Reynolds, AZS K.	1.4
4. Hicks, Anwil	1.3
5. Burgess, Zastal	1.3
6. Easley, Polonia Az.	1.3
7. Davis, Energa C.	1.1
8. Kesicki, Zastal	0.8
9. Miller, Anwil	0.8
10. Mirkovic, Polphar.	0.8

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

PORTUGAL

Stats Leaders - UZO Liga

Points Per Game

Riley LUETTGERODT
  Sampa.
  (196-G/F-85)
  Avg: 21

1. Luettgerodt, Samp.	21.0
2. Curnell, Barreiren.	20.1
3. Jackson, Sampaense	19.8
4. Shaw, Academica	18.3
5. Eddie, Academica	18.1
6. Austin, Vitoria SC	17.9
7. Johnson, Barreire.	17.6
8. Crutchfield, Illia.	17.4
9. Goode, Penafiel	17.4
10. Robert, Lusitania	16.9

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Martin, Vitoria SC	10.3
2. Cortez, Ovarense	10.0
3. Robert, Lusitania	9.7
4. Shaw, Academica	9.3
5. Eddie, Academica	9.0
6. Momplasir, Lusitan.	8.8
7. Jackson, Sampaense	8.8
8. Curnell, Barreiren.	8.5
9. Terrell, Porto F.	8.5
10. Harris, Illiabum	8.2

Assists Per Game

Nuno MANARTE
  Ovarense
  (184-G-75)
  Avg: 6.9

1. Manarte, Ovarense	6.9
2. Sing, Sampaense	6.3
3. Monteiro, Lusitania	5.2
4. Minhava, Benfica	5.1
5. Reveles, Ginasio	4.9
6. Silva, CAB	4.6
7. Fernandes, CAB	4.5
8. Simoes, Academica	4.5
9. Barroso, Ginasio	4.0
10. Menefee, CAB	3.7

Steals Per Game

Tyrone CURNELL
  Barreirense
  (201-F-88)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Curnell, Barreiren.	3.2
2. Cortez, Ovarense	2.7
3. Goode, Penafiel	2.6
4. Jackson, CAB	2.5
5. Silva, CAB	2.5
6. Tavares, Vitoria SC	2.2
7. Felix, Illiabum	2.1
8. Eddie, Academica	2.0
9. Holland, Academica	1.9
10. Hartford, Ginasio	1.8

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Momplasir, Lusitan.	3.8
2. Coelho, CAB	1.2
3. Jackson, Sampaense	1.2
4. Nolen, Penafiel	1.1
5. Willis, Illiabum	1.1
6. Gray, Sampaense	1.1
7. Gentry, CAB	1.1
8. Harris, Illiabum	1.0
9. Terrell, Porto F.	1.0
10. Hartford, Ginasio	0.9

Proliga Round 1 of Semi-Finals. Terceira and Barcelos post wins - by Eurobasket News
Terceira Basket - Povoa 94-90

Terceira Basket prevailed against Povoa in the semifinal opener. The hosts were already 11 points ahead after 3 quarters before a 30-23 Povoa's run in the last quarter cut the lead to 94-90 at the end of the game. American guard Nate Bowie (183-86, college: Cent.Arkansas) nailed 27 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists for the winning side and his fellow American import forward Durrell Nevels (198-86, college: Cent.Arkansas) accounted for 19 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists. American forward Anthony jr. Oha (198-83, college: Prairie View A&M) came up with 25 points and 9 rebounds and guard Nuno Oliveira (186-89) added 20 points and 7 assists respectively for Povoa in the defeat. Four Terceira Basket and five Povoa players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Terceira Basket: N.Bowie 27+7reb+6ast, A.Pontes 19+8reb+3ast, D.Nevels 19+12reb+6ast, F.Tavares 12+2reb, J.Avila 9+1ast, D.Goncalves 7+1reb+1ast
Povoa: A.jr. Oha 25+9reb+1ast, N.Oliveira 20+4reb+7ast, R.Coelho 13+3reb+1ast, G.Ehiagwina 13+10reb, A.Gomes 13+4reb, J.Neto 3+3reb+2ast

Barcelos - Fisica 75-68

Barcelos tamed Fisica for the first win in the semifinal series. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Fisica won third quarter 18-15. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. 24 personal fouls committed by Fisica helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Guard Carlos Fechas (180-81) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 assists for the winners and center Joao Moreira (200-85) chipped in 17 points and 9 rebounds. At the losing side American power forward Jason Underwood (206-84, college: Centenary) responded with 21 points and 7 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) and forward Carlos Dias (197-79) scored 14 points and 9 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Barcelos: C.Fechas 20+4reb+10ast, J.Moreira 17+9reb, N.Pedroso 16+2reb+2ast, P.Silva 11+8reb+2ast, T.Barreiro 9+4reb+2ast, P.Antonio 2+2reb+1ast
Fisica: J.Underwood 21+7reb+2ast, C.Dias 14+9reb+2ast, M.Salvador 12+3reb+2ast, A.Cordeiro 11+5reb+3ast, B.Freire 8+6reb+2ast, A.Catarino 2+3reb+1ast

LPB Round 3 of Semi-Finals. Porto reach Finals - by Eurobasket News
Academica - Benfica 71-68

Academica narrowly avoided elimination claiming a tough home win over Benfica. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Benfica won fourth quarter 19-14. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Academica made 19-of-20 free shots (95.0 percent) during the game. It was a great evening for American forward Matthew Shaw (201-86, college: S.Illinois) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 14 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. His fellow American import power forward Tommie Eddie (201-82, college: Mississippi) helped adding 21 points and 6 rebounds. The best for the losing side was the former international guard Miguel Minhava (197-83) with a double-double by scoring 12 points, 9 rebounds and 12 assists and the former international center Elvis Evora (205-78) scored 11 points and 7 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Benfica: G.Jenkins 13+3reb, M.Minhava 12+9reb+12ast, E.Evora 11+7reb, B.Reed 10+2reb+2ast, A.Tavares 8, H.Evans 6+3reb+1ast
Academica: T.Eddie 21+6reb, M.Shaw 14+10reb+4ast, T.Pinto 11+1reb+4ast, F.Sousa 10+3reb+2ast, D.Simoes 7+5reb+6ast, W.Holland 6+2reb+3ast

Vitoria SC - Porto Ferpinta 68-85

Porto advanced into the LPB Finals following the third straight win over Vitoria SC. It looked good early as Vitoria SC took an 5-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then FC Porto Ferpinta had a 24-14 second period charge getting the lead and Vitoria SC was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 68-85. FC Porto Ferpinta dominated down low during the game scoring 40 of its points in the paint compared to Vitoria SC's 20 and made 18-of-21 charity shots (85.7 percent) during the game. It was an exceptional evening for American forward Julian Terrell (206-F-84, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Vanderbilt) who led the winners and scored 21 points and 9 rebounds (on 10-of-11 shooting from the field). The former international forward Nuno Marcal (205-75) accounted for 15 points for the winning side. Four FC Porto Ferpinta players scored in double figures. The former international swingman Paulo Cunha (199-80) came up with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 12 rebounds and guard Andre Bessa (179-89) added 20 points respectively for Vitoria SC in the defeat.
Top scorers:
Vitoria SC: A.Bessa 20+3ast, P.Cunha 15+12reb+1ast, P.Tavares 9+5reb+3ast, A.Sobrinho 7, N.Richardson 6+3reb, P.Diamantino 6+3reb+1ast
Porto Ferpinta: J.Terrell 21+9reb, N.Marcal 15+2reb+1ast, S.Ogirri 14+2reb+1ast, G.Stempin 11+5reb+2ast, J.Costa 10+1reb+2ast, J.Soares 7+3reb

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

PUERTO RICO

Standings - BSN

BSN Standings

1. Guaynabo		10-6
2. Quebradillas		9-3
3. Bayamon		9-4
4. Santurce		7-7
5. Humacao		7-7
6. San German		7-8
7. Arecibo		6-7
8. Coamo		6-8
9. Isabela		5-9
10. Mayaguez		3-10

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

RUSSIA

Standings - Superleague A

PBL Standings

1. Unics		18-6
2. CSKA		16-8
3. Lokomotiv		16-8
4. Khimky		15-8
5. Spartak SP		15-9
6. Enisey		12-12
7. Krasnie Krilya		8-16
8. N.Novgorod		8-16
9. Dynamo		7-17
10. Triumph		4-19

Stats Leaders - Superleague A

Points Per Game

Keith LANGFORD
  Khimky
  (193-G/F-83)
  Avg: 18.2

1. Langford, Khimky	18.2
2. Lampe, Unics	17.0
3. Domercant, Spart.	16.6
4. Baxter, Enisey	16.3
5. Williams, Enisey	15.5
6. Keyru, Dynamo	15.1
7. Labovic, Enisey	14.5
8. Wilkinson, Lokomot.	13.8
9. Vyaltsev, Triumph	13.7
10. Beverley, Spart.	13.6

Rebounds Per Game

Alexey ZHUKANENKO
  Dynamo
  (210-F-86)
  Avg: 7.6

1. Zhukanenko, Dynamo	7.6
2. Lampe, Unics	7.4
3. Beverley, Spart.	6.9
4. Khryapa, CSKA	6.8
5. Baxter, Enisey	6.6
6. Brezec, Krasnie	6.3
7. Monya, Khimky	6.3
8. Massey, Lokomotiv	6.3
9. Wilkinson, Lokomot.	6.0
10. Papadopoulos, Khi.	5.9

Assists Per Game

Marcus WILLIAMS
  Enisey
  (191-G-85)
  Avg: 7.2

1. Williams, Enisey	7.2
2. Bremer, Krasnie	5.8
3. Vyaltsev, Triumph	4.8
4. Ponkrashov, Spart.	4.7
5. Popovic, Unics	4.6
6. Khvostov, Dynamo	4.1
7. Planinic, Khimky	4.0
8. Holden, CSKA	3.5
9. Rush, Krasnie Kril.	3.2
10. Samoylenko, Unics	3.0

Steals Per Game

Patrick BEVERLEY
  Spart.
  (185-G-88)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Beverley, Spart.	2.1
2. Voronov, Dynamo	1.8
3. Surovtsev, Lokom.	1.5
4. Ponkrashov, Spart.	1.5
5. Domercant, Spart.	1.4
6. Bremer, Krasnie	1.4
7. Labovic, Enisey	1.4
8. Pashutin, Unics	1.4
9. Wilkinson, Lokomot.	1.3
10. Komarovskiy, Eni.	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Benjamin EZE
  Khimky
  (207-C/F-81)
  Avg: 1.1

1. Eze, Khimky	1.1
2. Varlamov, Triumph	1.1
3. Yakovenko, N.Nov.	1.0
4. Zabelin, CSKA	1.0
5. Kaun, CSKA	1.0
6. Monya, Khimky	1.0
7. Zhukanenko, Dynamo	0.9
8. Likhodey, Triumph	0.9
9. Khryapa, CSKA	0.8
10. Sokolov, CSKA	0.8

Big PBL Round 24 finishes with Unics and CSKA victories - by Eurobasket News
The games are now more important than at the beginning of the Regular Season. We may still expect few shocking results in upcoming 3 rounds. There was no lack of excitement in the last round games. The round ended with defeat of the leader and favorites losing the games.

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of top-ranked Unics Kazan (18-6) in Kuban on Wednesday night. Visitors were edged by second ranked Lokomotiv (16-8) 88-87. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. The hosts were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. 30 personal fouls committed by Unics Kazan helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Lionel Chalmers (184-80, college: Xavier) who helped to win the game recording 22 points and 5 assists and the other American import forward Alando Tucker (198-84, college: Wisconsin) who added 19 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was Polish-Swedish center Maciej Lampe (210-85) with 23 points and 7 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Lokomotiv have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 16-8 record having just two points less than leader Unics, which they share with CSKA. Unics Kazan at the other side still keeps top place with six games lost. Lokomotiv is looking forward to face Spartak St.Petersburg (#5) at home in the next round. Unics Kazan will play against BC Nizhny Novgorod (#8) and is hoping to win this game.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Khimky (15-8) against sixth ranked Enisey Krasnoyarsk (12-12) on Friday night. Visiting Khimky was defeated by Enisey Krasnoyarsk in a tough game in Krasnoyarsk 88-93. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Khimky. The winners were led by American guard Marcus Williams (191-85, college: Connecticut) who scored that evening 14 points and 7 assists and Lonny Baxter supported him with 18 points. Even 22 points (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) by Croatian forward Kresimir Loncar (210-83, agency: Alti Sport) did not help to save the game for Khimky. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Enisey Krasnoyarsk maintains sixth position with 12-12 record. Khimky at the other side dropped to the fourth place with eight games lost. Enisey Krasnoyarsk will play against Krasnie Krilya (#7) in Samara in the next round. Khimky will play on the road against the league's second-placed CSKA Moscow and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Moscow. Third ranked host CSKA Moscow (16-8) defeated second-best Lokomotiv (16-8) 76-67. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Lokomotiv. The best player for the winners was Ramunas Siskauskas who scored 13 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was Michael Wilkinson who recorded 18 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. CSKA Moscow have a solid three-game winning streak. Defending champion moved-up to second place, which they share with defeated Lokomotiv. CSKA Moscow will meet at home Khimky (#4) in the next round. Lokomotiv will play against Spartak St.Petersburg and hope to secure a win.
The game between Top Four teams took place in St.Petersburg. 4th ranked host Spartak St.Petersburg (15-9) lost to first ranked Unics Kazan (18-6) 78-72. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Spartak St.Petersburg. It was a good game for Maciej Lampe who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 32 points and 14 rebounds. Unics Kazan's coach Evgeny Pashutin allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Unics Kazan maintains first position with 18-6 record. Spartak St.Petersburg at the other side dropped to the fifth place with nine games lost. Unics Kazan's next round opponent will be BC Nizhny Novgorod (#8) at home and are hoping to win another game. Spartak St.Petersburg will play against Lokomotiv in Kuban and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
PBL top team - Unics Kazan (18-6) had no problems winning another game on Sunday. This time they crushed eighth ranked Krasnie Krilya (8-16) 100-79. Worth to mention a quality performance of Maciej Lampe who helped to win the game recording 18 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Unics Kazan maintains first position with 18-6 record. Krasnie Krilya lost sixth consecutive game. They dropped to the seventh place with 16 games lost. Unics Kazan will face BC Nizhny Novgorod (#8) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Krasnie Krilya will play against Enisey Krasnoyarsk and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 24: bottom-ranked Triumph was destroyed by Khimky on the opponent's court 101-76. Dynamo unfortunately lost to Enisey in a home game 67-81. Krasnie Krilya managed to beat N.Novgorod on the road 85-72.

CSKA - Lokomotiv 76-67

The game between Top Four teams took place in Moscow. Third ranked host CSKA Moscow (16-8) defeated second-best Lokomotiv (16-8) 76-67. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Lokomotiv. Lokomotiv trailed by 12 points after 3 quarters before a 19-16 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 67-76 at the end of the game. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when CSKA Moscow made 7 blocks. The best player for the winners was Lithuanian guard Ramunas Siskauskas (197-78) who scored 13 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international guard J.R. Holden (185-76, college: Bucknell) chipped in 17 points. Four CSKA Moscow players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American-FYR Macedonian forward Michael Wilkinson (204-81, college: Wisconsin, agency: Interperformances) who recorded 18 points and 6 rebounds and American-FYR Macedonian forward Jeremiah Massey (202-82, college: Kansas St.) added 9 points and 9 rebounds respectively. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. CSKA Moscow have a solid three-game winning streak. Defending champion moved-up to second place, which they share with defeated Lokomotiv. CSKA Moscow will meet at home Khimky (#4) in the next round. Lokomotiv will play against Spartak St.Petersburg and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
CSKA: J.Holden 17+1reb+3ast, R.Siskauskas 13+7reb+4ast, S.Kaun 13+6reb+1ast, J.Gordon 10+6reb+1ast, V.Khryapa 6+4reb+2ast, A.Shved 6+1reb+2ast
Lokomotiv: M.Wilkinson 18+6reb, L.Chalmers 12+2reb+3ast, J.Massey 9+9reb, S.Toporov 8+2reb+1ast, M.Sheleketo 6+3reb+2ast, Y.Vasiliev 5

Khimky - Triumph 101-76

Very expected game in Khimki where 10th ranked Triumph Lyubertsy (4-19) was crushed by third ranked Khimky (15-8) 101-76 on Saturday. The game without a history. Khimky led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Triumph Lyubertsy was plagued by 30 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of Croatian forward Kresimir Loncar (210-83, agency: Alti Sport) who helped to win the game recording 33 points (!!!) and 7 rebounds (on 12-of-13 shooting from the field) and international forward Sergey Monya (203-83) who added 17 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. Four Khimky players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American guard Tywain McKee (188-86, college: Coppin St.) with 18 points and the former international guard Egor Vyaltsev (192-85) scored 16 points. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Khimky have a solid three-game winning streak. Despite that victory Khimky went down to fourth position due to points difference. Triumph Lyubertsy lost eleventh consecutive game. They stay at the bottom place with 19 games lost. Khimky will face league's second-placed CSKA Moscow on the road in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Triumph Lyubertsy will play against Dynamo Moscow (#9) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Khimky: K.Loncar 33+7reb+1ast, S.Monya 17+5reb+2ast, Z.Planinic 15+1reb+7ast, V.Fridzon 10+4reb+2ast, L.Papadopoulos 6+5reb, V.Panin 6+6reb+3ast
Triumph: T.McKee 18+4reb+1ast, E.Vyaltsev 16+2reb+2ast, S.Karasev 10+2reb+1ast, V.Likhodey 9+10reb+1ast, L.Nevill 8+3reb, A.Kurcevich 6+6reb

Dynamo - Enisey 67-81

Rather predictable result when sixth ranked Enisey Krasnoyarsk (12-12) defeated on the road 9th ranked Dynamo Moscow (7-17) 81-67 on Sunday. The game was mostly controlled by Enisey Krasnoyarsk. Dynamo Moscow was better in second period 23-20. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Enisey Krasnoyarsk shot the lights out from three sinking 15 long-distance shots on high 57.7 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Andrei Komarovskiy (196-85) who helped to win the game recording 17 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists and American guard Marcus Williams (191-85, college: Connecticut) who added 15 points and 10 assists during the contest. Enisey Krasnoyarsk's coach Stevan Karadzic used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was international guard Eugeny Voronov (193-86) with 19 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists and the former international guard Victor Keyru (199-84) scored 11 points and 5 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Enisey Krasnoyarsk maintains sixth position with 12-12 record. Loser Dynamo Moscow keeps the ninth place with 17 games lost. Enisey Krasnoyarsk will face Krasnie Krilya (#7) in Samara in the next round. Dynamo Moscow will play on the road against Triumph Lyubertsy in Lubertsy and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Enisey: D.Labovic 18+7reb+2ast, P.Sergeev 17+2reb+2ast, A.Komarovskiy 17+8reb+4ast, M.Williams 15+4reb+10ast, L.Baxter 6+6reb+2ast, K.Pinkney 4+3reb
Dynamo: E.Voronov 19+6reb+5ast, V.Keyru 11+4reb+5ast, N.Shabalkin 10, P.Gubanov 10+5reb+1ast, A.Zhukanenko 8+6reb+3ast, D.Domani 4+4reb+2ast

N.Novgorod - Krasnie Krilya 72-85

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams when 7th ranked BC Nizhny Novgorod (8-16) was defeated at home by eighth ranked Krasnie Krilya (8-16) 85-72 on Wednesday. It was a very close game until the last quarter, when Krasnie Krilya's pressure prevailed and they won that period 23-17 extending their advantage to 13 points. Worth to mention a great performance of American-Bosnian guard Ernest Bremer (195-80, college: St.Bonaventure, agency: Higher Vision Sports) who helped to win the game recording 22 points and 9 assists and Slovenian power forward Primoz Brezec (216-79) who added 24 points and 7 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) during the contest. The best for the losing side was Serbian guard Ivan Paunic (194-87, agency: Beo Basket) with 13 points and 5 rebounds and forward Artem Yakovenko (206-88, agency: RU-Basket Management) scored 15 points. BC Nizhny Novgorod's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Krasnie Krilya moved-up to seventh place, which they share with N.Novgorod. BC Nizhny Novgorod lost third consecutive game. Krasnie Krilya will face higher ranked Enisey Krasnoyarsk (#6) at home in the next round and it may be quite challenging game.
Top scorers:
Krasnie Krilya: P.Brezec 24+7reb, E.Bremer 22+2reb+9ast, B.Rush 19+6reb+4ast, K.Nesterov 6+7reb+3ast, V.Zvarykin 6+6reb, F.Dmitriev 4+3reb
N.Novgorod: A.Yakovenko 15+3reb, I.Paunic 13+5reb+1ast, D.Golovin 10+1reb+3ast, S.Antonov 8+4reb+1ast, N.Protic 8+2reb+1ast, I.Savelyev 6+1reb+1ast

Spartak SP - Unics 72-78

The game between Top Four teams took place in St.Petersburg. 4th ranked host Spartak St.Petersburg (15-9) lost to first ranked Unics Kazan (18-6) 78-72. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Spartak St.Petersburg. The guests started the game with a very strong first quarter 22-12. But Spartak St.Petersburg won second period 25-20. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Spartak St.Petersburg 37-24 including 29 on the defensive glass. It was a good game for Polish-Swedish center Maciej Lampe (210-85) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 32 points and 14 rebounds. Naturalized Belarusian forward Vladimir Veremeenko (208-84, agency: RU-Basket Management) contributed with 14 points and 4 assists for the winners. Unics Kazan's coach Evgeny Pashutin allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. American-Bosnian guard Henry Domercant (192-80, college: E.Illinois) replied with 26 points and 5 steals and Serbian-Montenegrin forward Nikola Dragovic (206-87, college: UCLA) added 15 points in the effort for Spartak St.Petersburg. Four Spartak St.Petersburg players scored in double figures. Unics Kazan maintains first position with 18-6 record. Spartak St.Petersburg at the other side dropped to the fifth place with nine games lost. Unics Kazan's next round opponent will be BC Nizhny Novgorod (#8) at home and are hoping to win another game. Spartak St.Petersburg will play against Lokomotiv in Kuban and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Unics: M.Lampe 32+14reb+1ast, V.Veremeenko 14+4reb+4ast, M.Popovic 12+5reb+5ast, R.Minard 7+2reb+2ast, K.McCarty 5+5reb, Z.Pashutin 4+6reb+4ast
Spartak SP: H.Domercant 26+4reb+2ast, N.Dragovic 15+4reb, M.Zupan 12+3reb+1ast, P.Popovic 10+4reb, A.Ponkrashov 5+2reb+3ast, A.Korchagin 4+4ast

Unics - Krasnie Krilya 100-79

PBL top team - Unics Kazan (18-6) had no problems winning another game on Sunday. This time they crushed eighth ranked Krasnie Krilya (8-16) 100-79. The game without a history. Unics Kazan led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Worth to mention a quality performance of Polish-Swedish center Maciej Lampe (210-85) who helped to win the game recording 18 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists and the former international forward Kelly McCarty (201-75, college: S.Mississippi, agency: Avi Zilberman) who added 17 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was Slovenian power forward Primoz Brezec (216-79) with 13 points and 8 rebounds and American swingman Gerald Green (202-86, college: High School, agency: Lanshire Group) scored 16 points. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Unics Kazan maintains first position with 18-6 record. Krasnie Krilya lost sixth consecutive game. They dropped to the seventh place with 16 games lost. Unics Kazan will face BC Nizhny Novgorod (#8) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Krasnie Krilya will play against Enisey Krasnoyarsk and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Unics: M.Lampe 18+8reb+4ast, V.Veremeenko 18+3reb+1ast, K.McCarty 17+5reb+3ast, M.Popovic 14+3reb+3ast, T.Lyday 13+1reb, R.Minard 8+2reb+1ast
Krasnie Krilya: G.Green 16+4reb+1ast, P.Brezec 13+8reb, B.Rush 12+6reb+2ast, K.Nesterov 10+2reb, E.Bremer 10+2reb+7ast, A.Dedushkin 10+5reb

Enisey - Khimky 93-88

Very important is a road loss of third ranked Khimky (15-8) against sixth ranked Enisey Krasnoyarsk (12-12) on Friday night. Visiting Khimky was defeated by Enisey Krasnoyarsk in a tough game in Krasnoyarsk 88-93. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Khimky. It looked good early as Khimky took an 4-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Enisey Krasnoyarsk had a 23-14 second period charge getting the lead and Khimky was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 88-93. Enisey Krasnoyarsk made 28-of-35 charity shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Khimky was plagued by 31 personal fouls down the stretch. The winners were led by American guard Marcus Williams (191-85, college: Connecticut) who scored that evening 14 points and 7 assists and the other American import center Lonny Baxter (204-79, college: Maryland, agency: Priority Sports) supported him with 18 points. Five Enisey Krasnoyarsk players scored in double figures. Even 22 points (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) by Croatian forward Kresimir Loncar (210-83, agency: Alti Sport) did not help to save the game for Khimky. Naturalized American swingman Travis Hansen (198-78, college: BYU) added 17 points. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Enisey Krasnoyarsk maintains sixth position with 12-12 record. Khimky at the other side dropped to the fourth place with eight games lost. Enisey Krasnoyarsk will play against Krasnie Krilya (#7) in Samara in the next round. Khimky will play on the road against the league's second-placed CSKA Moscow and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Enisey: L.Baxter 18+3reb+1ast, D.Labovic 15+3reb, M.Williams 14+4reb+7ast, A.Komarovskiy 14+3reb+1ast, P.Sergeev 14+3reb+3ast, A.Savkov 6+1reb
Khimky: K.Loncar 22+4reb, T.Hansen 17+3reb, T.Kelati 12+2reb, Z.Planinic 10+4reb+5ast, A.Savrasenko 7+2reb+1ast, R.Lopez 6+5reb+5ast

Lokomotiv - Unics 88-87

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of top-ranked Unics Kazan (18-6) in Kuban on Wednesday night. Visitors were edged by second ranked Lokomotiv (16-8) 88-87. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. The hosts were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. 30 personal fouls committed by Unics Kazan helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Lionel Chalmers (184-80, college: Xavier) who helped to win the game recording 22 points and 5 assists and the other American import forward Alando Tucker (198-84, college: Wisconsin) who added 19 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. Four Lokomotiv players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was Polish-Swedish center Maciej Lampe (210-85) with 23 points and 7 rebounds and the former international forward Kelly McCarty (201-75, college: S.Mississippi, agency: Avi Zilberman) scored 26 points. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Lokomotiv have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 16-8 record having just two points less than leader Unics, which they share with CSKA. Unics Kazan at the other side still keeps top place with six games lost. Lokomotiv is looking forward to face Spartak St.Petersburg (#5) at home in the next round. Unics Kazan will play against BC Nizhny Novgorod (#8) and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Lokomotiv: L.Chalmers 22+4reb+5ast, A.Tucker 19+7reb, J.Massey 13+6reb, M.Wilkinson 13+3reb, G.Shukhovtsov 6+3reb, G.Jeretin 4+2ast
Unics: K.McCarty 26+3reb, M.Lampe 23+7reb+3ast, M.Popovic 11+8ast, T.Lyday 9+2reb+5ast, H.Rizvic 6+1reb, Z.Pashutin 5+5reb+1ast

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SLOVENIA

Fourth loss for woeful Olimpija - by Zeljko Zule
Maribor, the last placed team of Telemach Superleague, handed Olimpija the fourth loss in the last last seven games, 80-72. Maribor never trailed in the second half, while Olimpija have more 3-point attempts than 2-point attempts. Helios went on a big final run, 10-1, to beat Elektra 78-72. Krka extended its winning streak to 10 with a 79-72 victory over Zlatorog and Slovan crushed Hopsi by 37 points.
Maribor-Olimpija 80-72: After trailing 28-29 in the second quarter, Maribor made a 9-0 run and never looked back ftom there. Ilija Zolotic (207-F/C-86, agency: BeoExcell) scored 18 points in just 19 minutes, Bojan Jovanovic and Sasa Mucic both posted 13 points and Primoz Brolih handed out 7 assists. Olimpija have more 3-point attempts (11-of-36) than 2-point attempts (16-of-28). Damir Markota finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds and Kenny Gregory scored 12 points. Vlado Ilievski had a miserable shooting night. He managed to make only 3 of 15 shots, including a 2 for 11 effort from beyond the arc.
Krka-Zlatorog 79-72: There were only two lead changes in the game as Krka had their largest lead at 75-61 with 3:22 remaining. They shot 21-of-30 for 2-point and just 57-percent (25-of-44) from free throw line. Goran Ikonic and Zoran Dragic scored 13 points apiece, Dragisa Drobnjak 12 and Bojan Krivec 11. Zlatorog outrebounded Krka 37-27, picking up 17 offensive rebounds, but hit just 17-of-44 shots for two points. Maj Kovacevic posted game-high 16 points, Slobodan Bozovic all of his 14 points scored in the first half, Daniel Vujasinovic added 12 points and Simo Atanackovic had 10 points and 12 rebounds. Zlatorog played without league-leading scorer Vladimir Panic.
Helios-Elektra 78-72: Despite erasing a 13-point second quarter deficit and even taking the 56-47 lead in the third period, Elektra couldn't hold off Helios. Elektra were ahead 71-68 with 2:05 remaining, but Helios went on a 10-1 run to finish the game. Benjamin Raymond had 27 points and 10 rebounds, Ziga Zagorc netted 17 points and Marko Lekic added 13 points. Elektra was led by Milos Miljkovic with 18 points and 8 rebounds and Sinisa Bilic came off the bench for 13 points.
Slovan-Hopsi 82-45: Slovan never trailed and led by as many 17 points after the first quarter. Dalibor Djapa scored 17 points, Jaka Blazic added 15, Matej Krusic had 10 points and Marko Pajic grabbed 10 rebounds. Hopsi shot just 29 percent (18-of-62) from the field. Andrej Podvrsnik netted 11 points and Denis Vrsaljko and Dmitry Sviridov both 10 points.

Standings - 1A

Telemach Standings

Group A
1. Krka		10-0
2. Helios		7-3
3. Zlatorog		6-4
4. Union Olimpija		6-4
5. Geoplin Slovan		4-6
6. Polzela		4-6
7. Maribor Messer		2-8
8. Elektra		1-9
Group B
1. Sentjur		9-11
2. LTHcast Mercator		5-15
3. Parklji		1-19

Stats Leaders - 1A

Points Per Game

Vladimir PANIC
  Zlatorog
  (194-F-82)
  Avg: 21.6

1. Panic, Zlatorog	21.6
2. Simovic, Sentjur	17.4
3. Erzen, Parklji	16.9
4. Thondique, Polzela	16.3
5. Raymond, Helios	16.2
6. Harmason, Sentjur	15.1
7. Djapa, Geoplin Slo.	14.6
8. Krejic, Parklji	13.4
9. Nuhanovic, Elektra	13.2
10. Mali, Helios	13.2

Rebounds Per Game

Gregg THONDIQUE
  Polzela
  (201-F-87)
  Avg: 10.5

1. Thondique, Polzela	10.5
2. Simovic, Sentjur	8.9
3. Nuhanovic, Elektra	8.2
4. Miljkovic, Elektra	7.4
5. Raymond, Helios	7.4
6. Krusic, Geoplin	7.0
7. Zolotic, Maribor	6.2
8. Pavic, Krka	6.2
9. Erzen, Parklji	6.1
10. Cebasek, Parklji	5.9

Assists Per Game

Igor MIJAJLOVIC
  Polzela
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 4.5

1. Mijajlovic, Polzela	4.5
2. Brolih, Maribor	4.4
3. Jersin, Elektra	4.3
4. Djordjevic, Krka	4.0
5. Hohler, Sentjur	3.9
6. Krivec, Krka	3.9
7. Vujasinovic, Zlato.	3.8
8. Harmason, Sentjur	3.8
9. Fon, Geoplin Slovan	3.5
10. Ilievski, Union O.	3.3

Steals Per Game

Gregg THONDIQUE
  Polzela
  (201-F-87)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Thondique, Polzela	2.3
2. Dragic, Krka	2.0
3. Mezek, LTHcast	1.9
4. Lapornik, Zlatorog	1.7
5. Mahkovic, LTHcas.	1.6
6. Harmason, Sentjur	1.6
7. Ilievski, Union O.	1.5
8. Fon, Geoplin Slovan	1.5
9. Zadnik, Geoplin	1.5
10. Hohler, Sentjur	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Salih NUHANOVIC
  Elektra
  (209-C-82)
  Avg: 2

1. Nuhanovic, Elektra	2.0
2. Thondique, Polzela	1.2
3. Dimec, Zlatorog	1.1
4. Shermadini, Union	0.9
5. Sviridov, Polzela	0.8
6. Lapornik, Zlatorog	0.7
7. Booker, Krka	0.7
8. Mijajlovic, Zlator.	0.6
9. Sebic, Sentjur	0.6
10. Mucic, Maribor	0.6

Raymond number one in Slovenia for round 10 - by Eurobasket News
American swingman Benjamin Raymond (198-G/F-87, agency: Impact Basketball) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for second-ranked Helios, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 10 (Second Stage).
The 23-year old player had a double-double of 27 points and 10 rebounds, while his team beat Elektra (#8, 1-9) 78-72. Helios is placed at 2nd position in Slovenian Telemach League. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier in Second Stage. Helios will need more victories to improve their 7-3 record. Raymond just recently signed at Helios, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Former Xavier University star has very solid stats this year. Raymond is in league's top in points (5th best: 16.2ppg), rebounds (5th best: 7.4rpg) and averages impressive 52.7% FGP and 41.2% from behind 3-point line.

The second best player in last round's games was 25-year old Bosnia and Herzegovina Damir Markota (210-C/F-85) of Union Olimpija. Markota had a very good evening with a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds. Bad luck as Union Olimpija lost that game 72-80 to the lower-ranked Maribor Messer (#7, 2-8). This loss caused Union Olimpija to drop to 4th position in the standings. His team's 6-4 record is not bad at all. Markota is a newcomer at Union Olimpija and despite he is not a team leader yet, every game he becomes more reliable player. Hopefully performances like the last one will happen more often.

Third on the list of top players last round was guard Jaka Blazic (193-G-90) of Geoplin Slovan Ljubljana (#5). Blazic scored 15 points. He was a key player of Geoplin Slovan, leading his team to a 82-45 easy win against Polzela (4-6). The chances of Geoplin Slovan ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 6 games, recording just four victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Blazic could help Geoplin Slovan to bring them higher in the standings. Blazic has a very solid season. In 26 games in Slovenia he scored 9.2ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Ziga Zagorc (188-G-84) of Helios - 17 points and 2 rebounds
5. Milos Miljkovic (204-F/C-84) of Elektra - 18 points and 8 rebounds
6. Dalibor Djapa (204-F/C-84) of Geoplin Slovan - 17 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Bojan Krivec (188-G-87) of Krka - 11 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists
8. Sasa Mucic (202-F-83) of Maribor Messer - 13 points and 8 rebounds
9. Dragisa Drobnjak (200-F-77) of Krka - 12 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Ilija Zolotic (207-F/C-86) of Maribor Messer - 18 points and 4 rebounds

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

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

SPAIN

Stats Leaders-LEB Silver

Points Per Game

Matt WITT
  Clavijo
  (183-PG-84)
  Avg: 16.4

1. Witt, Clavijo	16.4
2. Barcelo, Plasencia	15.7
3. O''Leary, Oviedo F.	15.4
4. Ramsdell, Avila	15.4
5. Paez, Lan M.	15.0
6. Bratton, Lan M.	14.9
7. Mortellaro, Lan M.	14.8
8. Mesa, Clavijo	14.7
9. Ratzsch, Oviedo F.	14.7
10. Bivia, Mallorca	14.6

Rebounds Per Game

Olaseni LAWAL
  Guadalajara
  (206-F/C-86)
  Avg: 10.8

1. Lawal, Guadalajara	10.8
2. O''Leary, Oviedo F.	9.3
3. De Santana, Clavijo	8.8
4. Chubrevich, Illesc.	8.4
5. Mortellaro, Lan M.	8.1
6. Mesa, Clavijo	7.9
7. Adams, Coruna	7.8
8. Ramsdell, Avila	7.6
9. Larry, Regal F.	7.1
10. Howard, Andorra	6.9

Assists Per Game

Matt WITT
  Clavijo
  (183-PG-84)
  Avg: 6

1. Witt, Clavijo	6.0
2. Uriz, Santurtzi	5.0
3. Ibargutxi, Lan M.	5.0
4. Lopez, Coruna	4.6
5. Bivia, Mallorca	4.0
6. Pampin, Mallorca	3.6
7. Marco, ADT T.	3.6
8. Machuca, Illescas	3.4
9. Rufian, Promobys	3.3
10. Garcia, Avila	3.2

Steals Per Game

Jonathan BARCELO
  Plasencia
  (192-F/G-79)
  Avg: 2

1. Barcelo, Plasencia	2.0
2. Uriz, Santurtzi	2.0
3. Adams, Coruna	1.9
4. Smith, Guadalajara	1.8
5. Bratton, Lan M.	1.8
6. Witt, Clavijo	1.7
7. Martinez, Plasencia	1.7
8. Guirao, ADT T.	1.6
9. Pampin, Mallorca	1.6
10. Larry, Regal F.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Bismack BIYOMBO
  Illescas
  (204-C-92)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Biyombo, Illescas	1.9
2. Mbaye, Regal F.	1.8
3. Todorovic, Prat J.	1.4
4. De Santana, Clavijo	1.3
5. Lawal, Guadalajara	1.3
6. Conde, Avila	1.2
7. Green, Mallorca	1.2
8. Cage, ADT Tarrago.	1.0
9. Chubrevich, Illesc.	0.9
10. Hampl, Santurtzi	0.9

Stats Leaders - LEB Gold

Points Per Game

Ricardo GUILLEN
  La Laguna
  (205-F/C-76)
  Avg: 19.4

1. Guillen, La Laguna	19.4
2. Palacios, La Palma	16.8
3. Mohammed, Lleida	16.2
4. Detrick, Melilla	15.7
5. Feldeine, Breogan	15.6
6. Seawright, Leon	15.2
7. Faverani, CB Mu.	14.9
8. Navarro, Girona	14.9
9. Franklin, CB Tarra.	14.8
10. Johnson, Huesca	14.2

Rebounds Per Game

Kiril WACHSMANN
  Alcazar
  (203-C/F-83)
  Avg: 9.2

1. Wachsmann, Alcazar	9.2
2. Curtis, Lleida	9.2
3. Sinanovic, Clinic.	8.0
4. Seawright, Leon	7.8
5. Guillen, La Laguna	7.5
6. Arteaga, Breogan	7.4
7. Kale, Ourense	7.2
8. Blair, Navarra	7.0
9. Frost, Palencia	6.9
10. Franklin, CB Tarr.	6.8

Assists Per Game

Andres RODRIGUEZ
  Obrad.
  (182-PG-81)
  Avg: 4.6

1. Rodriguez, Obrad.	4.6
2. Aguilar, CB Tarra.	4.6
3. Sabat, La Laguna	4.0
4. Brown, Ourense	3.5
5. Bernabe, Leon	3.5
6. Jimenez, Melilla	3.5
7. Rivero, CB Murcia	3.3
8. Quezada, Leon	3.2
9. Lopez, Burgos	3.0
10. Garrido, Palencia	2.9

Steals Per Game

Andres RODRIGUEZ
  Obrad.
  (182-PG-81)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Rodriguez, Obrad.	2.3
2. Bernabe, Leon	1.8
3. Franklin, CB Tarra.	1.6
4. Rost, Girona	1.6
5. Xavier, Caceres	1.6
6. Castro, Burgos	1.5
7. Palacios, La Palma	1.5
8. Alba, CB Tarragona	1.4
9. Canals, Girona	1.3
10. Baldo, Burgos	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Jeff FOOTE
  Melilla
  (212-C-88)
  Avg: 2

1. Foote, Melilla	2.0
2. Humphrey, Caceres	1.5
3. Fontet, Leon	1.3
4. Hicks, Breogan	1.3
5. Joseph, Navarra	1.2
6. Diouf, CB Tarragona	1.2
7. Sinanovic, Clinic.	1.2
8. Faverani, CB Mu.	1.1
9. Starosta, Ourense	1.0
10. McCoy, Caceres	1.0

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

TANZANIA

Relief as basketball body lifts Savio ban - by Carlos Pereira
By Imani Makongoro
The Citizen Correspondent

Dar es Salaam. Mainland basketball champions Savio heaved a sigh of relief yesterday when the Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) lifted a one-year ban Basketball Dar es Salaam (BD) had imposed on the team.

This means Savio will now compete in this years National Basketball League (NBL) opening tomorrow at the National Indoor Stadium.TBF vice chairman Phares Magesa confirmed yesterday that the decision to nullify the punishment was made by the bodys executive committee on Wednesday. He said BD erred in its decision to punish Savio.
We decided to quash the punishment on Savio after realising that BDs decision to discipline the team was not in line with the rules and regulations, Magesa said.

Earlier this year, BD slapped the one-year ban on Savio and its leaders for alleged indiscipline during the RBA League, and they were automatically ruled out in the national championship. On the NBL, Magesa said teams from upcountry started arriving here yesterday for what promises to be a thrilling event.He named JKT, Pazi, Savio, Vijana, Prisons and ABC as among the mens sides expected to represent Dar es Salaam in the event.

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

TURKEY

Karsiyaka cut Smith - by Sinan Can
THE flash news came from Izmir's giants Pinar Karsiyaka as the team captain Andre Smith (203-F-85, college: N.Dakota St.), fired from the team because of an incident during Medical Park Trabzonspor game. Due to the reports, Andre Smith refused to come to the bench during the game and objected to the Coach Hakan Demir's decision. Andre Smith who was having a great season kept his attiutude at locker room and did not apology for his action. Pinar Karsiyaka management officially announced that Andre Smith will not be a part of their team for the rest of the season. Smith was Karsiyaka's scoring leader by 18.8 points as American big man averaging 7.8 rebounds as well. Without Smith, Pinar Karsiyaka will face Efes Pilsen at Play-Off first round series.

TBL final round: Fenerbahce Ulker end the Beko Basketball League defeating Turk Telekom 79-92. - by Pervin Elgin
In the first period the duo Sean May and Oguz Savas started the battle by using the bottom of the basket very effectively. Sarunas Jasikevicius's three-point basket and Sean May's baskets in the painted field granted Fenerbahce Ulker Basketball Team a quick lead, entering the fifth minute with a difference in numbers of 9 (8-17). With numbers by the trio Savas, Lavrinovic and Ukic, Beko's leading team finished the first period 20-26 ahead.

Darjus Lavrinovic and Kaya Peker produced scores in the first minutes of the second period, answered by Turk Telekom's players Altay Ceyhun and Yunus Cankaya, who also found a three-point basket. Sarunas Jasikevicius's free-scoring shootout, followed by Emir Preldzic's tourniquet and Oguz Savas's scores from under the basket, pulled the number in difference to 15 (25-40). After that, Ankara's Turk Telekom had the upper hand, but Fenerbahce Ulker went to the locker room with 40-46 superiority.

In the third period, Fenerbahce Ulker's Basketball Team found the first scores with Kaya Peker under the basket. Darjus Lavrinovic's three point hits brought the lead to double digits again: 40-51. Sean May's and Tarence Kinsey's baskets increased the lead even further, and Fenerbahce Ulker Basketball Team finished the third period 53-67 ahead.

The last 10 minutes started with mutual three-point baskets of Rasim Basak and Emir Preldzic. In the next minutes, both teams made their baskets, raising the score to 63-76. After that, the Ankara representatives had the upper hand with scores by the duo Rasim and Deniz. Fenerbahce entered the last 1.5 minutes with 77-85 superiority and didn't give the control away. Ulker managed to increase the difference again, winning the struggle with 79-92 and finishing the regular season first, having lost only 3 of the 30 games.

Standings - TBL

TBL Standings

1. Fener.Ulker		27-3
2. Galatasaray		22-7
3. Banvit		22-7
4. Efes Pilsen		22-8
5. Karsiyaka		20-9
6. Besiktas		19-11
7. Olin Edirne		17-13
8. Antalya		13-16
9. Tofas		12-17
10. Turk Telekom		12-18
11. Trabzonspor		10-19
12. Erdemir		10-19
13. Mersin		10-20
14. Aliaga		9-20
15. Bornova		7-22
16. Oyak Renault		3-26

Stats Leaders - D1

Points Per Game

Ali KARADENIZ
  Trabzons.
  (203-F-80)
  Avg: 22.8

1. Karadeniz, Trabzon.	22.8
2. Kambala, Aliaga	20.2
3. Henderson, Antalya	20.1
4. Buckman, Antalya	19.2
5. Smith, Karsiyaka	18.9
6. Seibutis, Olin Edi.	18.3
7. Randle, Aliaga	17.5
8. Scales, Mersin	17.2
9. Kemp, Besiktas	17.2
10. Mays, Oyak Renau.	17.0

Rebounds Per Game

Nedim YUCEL
  Mersin
  (203-F-79)
  Avg: 11.3

1. Yucel, Mersin	11.3
2. Thomas, Erdemir	10.3
3. Buckman, Antalya	9.4
4. Wesson, Turk T.	9.2
5. Mays, Oyak Renault	9.0
6. Samardjiski, Olin	9.0
7. Hall, Erdemir	8.4
8. Ffriend, Bornova	8.3
9. Aldemir, Karsiyaka	8.0
10. Smith, Karsiyaka	7.9

Assists Per Game

Baris ERMIS
  Banvit
  (194-G-85)
  Avg: 6.1

1. Ermis, Banvit	6.1
2. Conroy, Oyak R.	5.9
3. Holston, Karsiyaka	5.8
4. Rasic, Trabzonspor	5.3
5. Henderson, Antalya	5.1
6. Chatman, Besiktas	5.1
7. Rowe, Tofas	4.6
8. Acik, Galatasaray	4.4
9. Ukic, Fener.Ulker	4.2
10. Erdogan, Besiktas	4.2

Steals Per Game

James MAYS
  Oyak Renault
  (206-F-86)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Mays, Oyak Renault	2.2
2. Holston, Karsiyaka	2.2
3. Grier, Mersin	2.2
4. Waller, Oyak Renau.	2.1
5. Gibson, Oyak R.	2.0
6. Prince, Antalya	1.9
7. Smith, Karsiyaka	1.8
8. Grundy, Mersin	1.7
9. Rowe, Tofas	1.7
10. Chatman, Besiktas	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Gregory STIEMSMA
  Turk T.
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Stiemsma, Turk T.	1.8
2. Samardjiski, Olin	1.7
3. Johnson, Erdemir	1.3
4. Francis, Bornova	1.3
5. Aldemir, Karsiyaka	1.0
6. Mays, Oyak Renault	1.0
7. Ogilvy, Besiktas	1.0
8. Davis, Banvit	0.9
9. Ruzic, Tofas	0.9
10. Sensley, Bornova	0.8

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

UBA

UBA Playoffs Review - by UBA media

The UBA playoffs start May 20, 2011. Here is a thorough breakdown of the eight (team) first-round matchups.
David Walls Reports:

North Bracket:

(1) Southern Generals vs. (3) Tennessee Dragons
Season series: Generals won 3-1
Key matchup: C. O'Neil, Dragons defensive stopper vs. Mike Sloan, Generals leading scorer (24.0ppg).
Reason to care: Dragons coach Steve Dolan yelled his voice ragged in the regular season; hes team is finally getting the point. Dragons have won their last 10 games. The Generals are the best in the UBA but Tennessee matches up well with them. In the playoffs its all about matchups.

Prediction: Dragons win

Dragons 5:
PG: T.J. Taylor (6'1''-G-86, college: Erskine)
SG: Calvin O'Neil (6'4''-G-85, college: Middle Tenn.St.)
SF: Solomon Tat (6'5''-G/F-86, college: Virginia)
PF: Dino Hair (6'10''-F, college: Delta St.)
C: Johnathan Simpson (6'8''-C/F, college: Clark Atlanta)

XFactor: Antonio Webb (5'10''-G-84, college: Bethune-Cookman)

Generals 5:
PG: Will De La Cruz (6'2''-G-80, college: Atlanta Christian)
SG: Michael Sloan (6'5''-G/F-84, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: Clayton St.)
SF: Shawn Morgan (6'6''-F, college: Arkansas St.)
PF: Chris Moore (6'8''-F-88, college: Morgan St.)
C: George Akpele (6'10''-F, college: Grambling St.)

XFactor: Freddie Williams (6'2''-G-87, college: Clayton St.)

(2) Southeast Hoopstars vs. (4) Norman Express
Season series: Never played
Key matchup: D. Campbell, Hoopstars versatile superstar vs. B. Brown, co-Rookie of the Year
Reason to care: The Hoopstars are a very dangerous team. This game will come down to the guards. The Express have the advantage in the post but Campbell will be the difference.

Prediction: Express win

Hoopstars 5:
PG: Ethan Bradshaw (6'1''-G-87)
PF: Darnell Campbell (6'7''-F-86, college: Lake Erie)
SF: Liam Kyle (6'7''-F)
SG: Marvin Williams (6'6''-F-86)
C: Dan Biber (6'9''-F)

XFactor: Darnell Campbell

Express 5:
PG: Jordan Brooks (6'3''-G-86, college: Fort Lewis)
SG: Brayon Brown (6'3''-G-86, college: Oklahoma)
SF: Anthony Allison (6'7''-F-86, college: Texas Coll.)
PF: LaMaur Banks (6'5''-F-86)
C: Joey Robinson (6'7''-F-83, college: Jacksonville)

XFactor: Jordan Brooks

South Bracket:

(1) Central Texas Cyclones vs. (4) Atlanta Assault
Season series: Never played
Key matchup: G. Haskins vs. W. Belton. Many say that Belton is the best PG in the league behind De La Cruz. But the Western Conference doesnt agree. They back G. Haskins. There numbers are the same but the edge has to go to Belton (but if you ask me the addition of C. Brooks makes the Cyclones scary).
Reason to care: The Atlanta Assault are powered by great coaching (Ben Jackson ) and great stars (Holmes and Belton). The Cyclones need to focus on feeding T. Hill.

Prediction: Assault win

Cyclones 5:
PG: Gabe Haskins (5'10''-G, college: Huston-Tillotson)
SG: Cedric Brooks (6'1''-G-80, college: Pittsburg St.)
SF: DMond Grismore (6'6''-F-86, college: Huston-Tillotson)
PF: Darren 'Bird Man' Mathis (6'6''-F-85)
C: Tedric Hill (6'10''-F/C-84, college: Gulf Coast CC)

XFactor: Darrell Glover (6'4''-G/F-86, college: Huston-Tillotson)

Assault 5:
PG: William Belton (6'1''-G-84, college: Wofford)
SG: Everett Spencer (6'6''-G/F-85, college: S.Carolina St.)
SF: Dominique Holmes (6'7''-F-84, college: So.Poly State)
PF: Chad Eichelberger (6'9''-F-82, college: St.Andrews)
C: Justin Billingsly (6'9''-F-85, college: Georgia St.)

XFactor: Chad Eichelberger

(2) Cleveland Vipers vs. (3) GIE Morrow Disciples
Season series: Never played
Key matchup: J. Barnes, Usbasket.com Shooting Guard of the Year vs. DeMario Pac Man Mattox. Barnes is a vet so I expect him and coach Mike Davis to be ready for another championship run. The Vipers are led by coach Shannon Williams who has guided the team to the best record in the Conference (24-4), but this will be there greatest challenge.
Reason to care: The Disciples own the UBA. Every championship has went through the club. They have the leagues MVP and coach of the year. Dont be surprised to see the Disciples holding up yet another Championship in the summer.

Prediction: Disciples win

Disciples 5:
PG: Mychal Kearse (6'5''-G-83, college: Mt.St.Mary's)
SG: Jermaine Barnes (6'5''-G/F-82, agency: SportsList Inc., college: Atlanta Christian)
SF: Chris Miller-Williams (6'5''-F-87, college: W.Georgia)
PF: Jermaine Dailey (6'8''-F-86, agency: SportsList Inc., college: Ill.-Chicago)
C: Lorenzo Davis (6'10''-C-82, college: Mountain St.)

XFactor: Rosceo Davis (6'11''-F-88, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Midland CC)

Vipers 5:
PG: Demario Mattox (6'2''-G-87, college: Wingate)
SG: Matt Smith (6'4''-G-86)
SF: Tony Smith (6'5''-G)
PF: Reginald Harwell (6'8''-G/F-84, college: Central State)
C: Garrett Schmidt (6'11''-F/C-85, college: Urbana)

XFactor: Demario Mattox

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

UKRAINE

Superleague Round 2 of Semi-Finals. Wins for BC Donetsk and Budivelnyk - by Eurobasket News
BC Donetsk - Hoverla 83-62

BC Donetsk celebrated the second win in a row as they crushed Hoverla at home court. The game was mostly controlled by BC Donetsk. Hoverla managed to win second period 18-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The best player for the winners was American power forward J.K. Edwards (202-82, college: UNLV) who scored 14 points and 9 rebounds. Bosnian swingman Jasmin Hukic (204-79, agency: Beo Basket) chipped in 14 points and 6 rebounds. BC Donetsk's coach Sasa Obradovic felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Belarusian power forward Pavel Ulyanko (204-79) produced 16 points and 7 rebounds and the former international forward Aleksei Poltoratskiy (208-74) added 12 points respectively for the guests.
Top scorers:
BC Donetsk: J.Edwards 14+9reb, J.Hukic 14+6reb, A.Owens 11+1reb+3ast, S.Vasiljevic 10+1reb+1ast, B.Cvetkovic 9+2reb+3ast, J.Gray 8+4reb+3ast
Hoverla: P.Ulyanko 16+7reb+1ast, A.Poltoratskiy 12+2reb+1ast, E.Coleman 8+5reb+1ast, D.Zimmerman 7+3reb+5ast, D.Swanson 7+3ast, J.Chappell 6+6reb+2ast

Budivelnyk - Ferro-ZNTU 88-82

Budivelnyk are now 2-0 up on Ferro-ZNTU in the semifinal series. The hosts trailed by 4 points at the halftime before their 46-36 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Budivelnyk dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Ferro-ZNTU's 28 and made 22-of-23 free shots (95.7 percent) during the game. Budivelnyk looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The game was dominated by American players. The best player for the winners was forward Lamayne Wilson (204-80, college: Troy) who scored 18 points. Forward Zach Morley (203-83, college: Wisconsin) chipped in 8 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Budivelnyk's coach Josep Berrocal used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Center R.T. Guinn (208-81, college: Baylor) produced a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds and guard Keddric Mays (183-84, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) added 16 points and 5 assists respectively for the guests. Five Ferro-ZNTU players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Budivelnyk: L.Wilson 18+4reb+3ast, M.Anisimovas 14+4reb, A.Betts 11+2reb, D.Spencer 9+1reb+1ast, Z.Morley 8+8reb+4ast, A.Agafonov 8+2reb
Ferro-ZNTU: R.Guinn 16+10reb+1ast, K.Mays 16+3reb+5ast, R.Harris 15+1reb+2ast, V.Hunter 13+6reb, H.Kandrusevich 11+2reb+3ast, A.Rybalko 5+2reb+7ast

Bogdanov, Lemyk and Dadukin finished second in Belarus - by Eurobasket News
Vyacheslav Bogdanov (200-F-83, agency: Promotex), Yaroslav Lemyk (203-C-85, agency: Promotex) and Sergei Dadukin (199-F-83) finished second with their Grodno-93 in Belarus. Tonight Minsk-2006 defends the title of the country as they won the Play-offs again. The team won ALL the games of the 2010/2011 season and swept the Final series as well. Ukrainian players however tried hard and two of them were the best in the losing side.
In the decisive game 3 Minsk-2006 overcame Grodno-93 83:69. The favorites started with 22-19, but could save only 1 points at the halftime as Grodno responded with 21-19 in the second frame. The third quarter was decisive in the game as Minsk needed 25-13 to seal the win. Moreover the guests won the last frame 17-16 to triumph in the country.
King Shawn stepped up with 23 points and 11 rebounds, while Kudrautsau Aliaksandr nailed 21. Korshuk Dzianis netted 15 and Lashkevich scored 11. Yaroslav Lemyk ended up with 18 points in the losing effort, whilst Vyacheslav Bogdanov scored 14.

Stats Leaders - Men

Points Per Game

Steve BURTT
  Dnipro
  (185-G-84)
  Avg: 22.4

1. Burtt, Dnipro	22.4
2. Flores, BC Donetsk	16.7
3. Burns, Fe.	16.7
4. Washington, BC Od.	16.4
5. Curry, Azovmash	16.1
6. Wiggins, Halychyna	15.1
7. Millage, Khimik	14.9
8. Love, Mykolaiv	14.7
9. Bakic, Kryvbasb.	14.5
10. Fraser, DniproAzot	14.5

Rebounds Per Game

Michael FRASER
  DniproAzot
  (203-C/F-84)
  Avg: 10.9

1. Fraser, DniproAzot	10.9
2. Wiggins, Halychyna	9.3
3. Burns, Fe.	8.1
4. Saltovets, BC Kyiv	7.6
5. Austin, Dnipro	7.3
6. Morrison, Halyc.	7.2
7. Owens, Azovmash	6.6
8. Chappell, Hoverla	6.6
9. Hunter, Fe.	6.5
10. Coleman, Hoverla	6.5

Assists Per Game

Steve BURTT
  Dnipro
  (185-G-84)
  Avg: 5.5

1. Burtt, Dnipro	5.5
2. Abernethy, Halyc.	5.2
3. Zimmerman, Hoverla	4.9
4. Sparks, BC Odessa	4.8
5. Funn, Halychyna	4.7
6. Vasiljevic, BC Do.	4.7
7. Brewer, BC Odessa	4.5
8. Millage, Khimik	4.5
9. Slipenchuk, Kryvba.	4.2
10. Sirsnins, DniproA.	3.9

Steals Per Game

Curtis MILLAGE
  Khimik
  (185-G-81)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Millage, Khimik	2.4
2. House, Azovmash	1.9
3. Sparks, BC Odessa	1.8
4. Sirutavicius, Dnip.	1.5
5. Burns, Fe.	1.5
6. Mazutis, Mykolaiv	1.5
7. Love, Mykolaiv	1.4
8. Swanson, Hoverla	1.4
9. Burenko, BC Kyiv	1.4
10. Sirsnins, DniproA.	1.4

Blocks Per Game

James HUGHES
  Mykolaiv
  (211-C-83)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Hughes, Mykolaiv	2.1
2. Kravtsov, BC Do.	1.9
3. Hunter, Fe.	1.5
4. Zaitsev, Kryvbasb.	1.4
5. Morrison, Halyc.	1.4
6. Turner, BC Odessa	1.3
7. Coleman, Hoverla	1.3
8. Pettway, Dnipro	1.2
9. Balashov, BC Odes.	1.2
10. Onufriyev, Mykola.	1.1

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URUGUAY

Atenas beat Larranaga, the Metro leader - by Hector Lopez
Quentin Smith (205-C-77, college: Mississippi St.) netted 28 poins and grabbed 15 rebounds when Atenas won its third game in row beating Larranga, the Metro leader 84-82. For Atenas Martin Volf (200-F-80) added 14 points with 4 assists. Jimmy Boston (201-F-77, college: N.C.Central) scored 15 points with 9 rebounds for Larranaga. Other results for the 8th round:
Urunday 97 - Steven Toyloy (203-C-87, college: Cincinnati) 26 points 18 rebounds 2 blocks
Yale 81 - Tarrie Monroe (202-F-77, college: Lewis) 23 points 5 rebounds 2 assists
- - -
25 de Agosto 81 - John Rufus, playing his first game, 23 points 3 rebounds
Verdirrojo 75 - Andres Pineyro 16 points 6 rebounds
- - -

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Women News

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AUSTRALIA - Women

Rush Clearance for Kerr - by Eurobasket News
The Auslec Ballarat Rush confirmed today they had been successful in obtaining an urgent clearance for new American star Chloe Kerr (191-C-85, college: USC) to play in Tasmania in this weekends SEABL games. Kerr arrived in Australia last Saturday from the USA and was not expected to take part in the double- header trip this Friday against the Hobart Lady Chargers and Saturday against the Launceston Tornadoes.

Kerr comes to Australia with a wealth of experience both in the US College system and overseas in strong European competitions and her added height at 191cm gives Coach Donna Rinaldi a much needed boost in the keyway. Kerr has consistently made her presence felt in her previous stints overseas including 12.1 pts. at 66% and 8.8 rebounds with Aris Holargos in Greece.

Coach Donna Rinaldi is delighted to add Kerr to the Rush roster that has managed outstanding results despite the lack of size. The Rush currently have a record of two wins and two losses with this weekends away double being a tough test for the team.

Rinaldi said, Chloe brings great height and experience. Her all round ability will give us a lot more options against bigger teams. Its also a bonus that we have been able to have her for a few training sessions before we play .
Courtesy of: .ballaratminers.com.au

Big V: Round 7 Previews - by Eurobasket News
Bulleen vs. Sherbrooke Sun 08/05 2pm @ Templestowe Leisure Centre
The top 4 sides in the State Championship Womens competition have put a bit of a gap between themselves and the remaining sides, and if any of the bottom 4 are to make a run at play-offs its likely to come from the 5th and 6th placed teams Bulleen and Sherbrooke.
The inclusion of WNBL star Hannah Zavecz to the Boomers side make an immediate difference last week as Hannah had 16 points and 17 boards leading her team to victory over Diamond Valley. Sherbrooke on the other hand have lost star player Rachael Waterhouse to a knee injury and their young roster struggled in both games last week.
A loss to both sides could go a long way to ending their play-off chances so its all on the line in this Sunday afternoon clash at Templestowe. Bulleen will start favourites on their home floor but look for a young Sherbrooke side to stick with them for a half before the Boomers experienced players lead them to victory.
Melbourne vs. Hume City Sat 07/05 6pm @ Broadmeadows Basketball Stadium
A winless Hume City head to North Melbourne on Sunday night hopeful of securing their maiden win in season 2K11. Coach Brian Vaughns has his young charges playing good quality basketball but unfortunately for the Broncos they cannot yet put 4 quarters together. The Tigers on the other hand are looking good and having won 3 of their past 4 games will be confident of consolidating their spot in the top 4.
Ringwood vs. Waverley Sat 07/05 6:15pm @ Maroondah Indoor Sports Centre
3rd place Ringwood take on 1st place Waverley in what should be an absolutely top notch clash between two of State Championship Womens premier teams. Ringwood played a solid second half against Hume City last week but will need to lift further if they are going to come away with a win against a rampant Waverley side. Waverley beat the Championship favourites Eltham last weekend and also enjoyed a huge win over Sherbrooke and with the form they are in look for them to continue with another win.
Diamond Valley vs. Ringwood Sun 08/05 1pm @ Diamond Valley Sports Centre
At 1-6 the Diamond Valley Eagles are in desperate need of a win and will be hoping to catch a tired Ringwood on Sunday afternoon on their home floor. The Eagles pushed Bulleen all the way last weekend and will be hoping that Kellie Burbridge is again in hot form as they look to turn their season around.
Eltham vs. Melbourne Sun 08/05 1pm @ Eltham High School
Eltham battle Melbourne in a much anticipated Mothers day matchup and it will be interesting to see how the Wildcats respond to their first loss of 2K11. Rumours are aplenty that Hollie Grima-Florance will debut for Eltham which what would be a massive inclusion but one cannot right off this Melbourne team either. Coach Goodmans charges have won 3 of their past 4 games and will present a strong challenge to a quality Eltham side.
Courtesy of: bigv.com.au

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CANADA - Women

Donovan finished second with her Etzella Ettelbruck - by Eurobasket News
Katie Donovan (183-F-82) finished second with her Etzella Ettelbruck, while Musel Pikes earned the Diekirch League title in Luxembourg. They overcame Etzella on the road to sweep the championship series. It is the second straight championship title for Musel Pikes. Irina Mazjoukhina scored 27 points to lead the winners.
Musel Pikes led from start to finish in this one. They outscored the hosts 24:9 in the opening period to build a comfortable lead. Musel Pikes limited the hosts to only 12 points in the second frame to boost the margin to 20 points. The teams traded baskets throughout the third term as Musel Pikes managed to maintain a 20-point cushion at the final intermission. Etzella were able to outscore Musel Pikes in the final period but it was far from enough to hope for the victory. Musel Pikes clinched the title! Carine Cigrang had 19 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists, while Christine Fisher accounted for 7 points and 14 rebounds in the victory. Katie Donovan answered with 22 points and 14 boards for Etzella. Lisy Hetting finished with 11 points in the loss.
In Game 1 Musel Pikes celebrated a confident victory in the opening game of the Diekirch League championship series. The hosts were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Musel Pikes forced 19 Etzella turnovers. It was a great shooting night for Musel Pikes especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.6 percentage. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Musel Pikes made 7 blocks. American forward Christine Fisher stepped up with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 10 rebounds for the winners and guard Magaly Meynadier chipped in 16 points and 7 rebounds. At the losing side Canadian forward Katie Donovan responded with 20 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists and international guard Lynn Schreiner scored 16 points.

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GERMANY - Women

2.Bundesliga Round 3 of Finals. Osnabruck claim North title - by Eurobasket News

North

Rotenburg/Sch - Osnabruck 70-80

Osnabruck clinched North Conference title. They overcame Rotenburg in the decisive third game of the Finals. Jasmine Byrd (173-G-85, college: NC-Greensboro) stepped up with 27 points to pace the effort. Stefanie Grigoleit (186-F-89) contributed 15 points and 10 rebounds in the winning effort. The Panthers built a 9-point halftime lead and never surrendered it in the second half. Toni Thomas (178-F-87, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) answered with 27 points and 11 boards for Rotenburg. Laura Rahn (181-F-86) had 20 points in defeat.

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NIGERIA - Women

Zenith Bank commits N15m to NBBF Women League - by Olusegun Ikuesan
To further assure Nigerians of its commitment to the development of basketball, Zenith Bank has released N15 million for this edition of the National Division Women Basketball League, which begins next Thursday at the Abuja Stadium Gymnasium.

Head, Zenith Philanthropy, Eunice Sampson, said it was a pleasure for the bank to sponsor the tournament, which is in its seventh season, and promised that the bank will constantly work with the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) to move women basketball forward in the Nigeria.

We are passionate about the women league because it a means to empower the youth and also a way of empowering the female folks to excel, Sampson said.

The women, she said, have a lot to offer but do not have avenues to exhibit their talents, noting that despite industry challenges, the bank has been steadfast in the sponsorship of the league. She added: At times, one may feel that the sponsorship is not big but sustainability is key and I am happy that this is the seventh year of the programme.

Sampson said she has noticed that the players get better every year; she praised them for their courage, promising that the bank would always support their growth. Speaking in the same vein, the Head of Corporate Communications, Victor Adoji, said the competition has taken a lot of females off the streets and made them champions. He assured that the bank would also make the league more enduring and better to attract fans.

NBBF 1st Vice-President, Muktar Khaleh, said the league would hold in three phases with the first phase holding between May 12 and 22 at the Sports Hall of the Abuja national stadium, phase-2 comes up between July 9 and 20 in Akure while the third and final phase is billed for Lagos from August 3rd to 14th.

Khaleh gave the breakdown of the prize money for the 2010/2011 season as follows; first placed team N1 million, second place goes home with N500,000 while third place finisher will smile home with N300,000, stating that there would be individual awards and prizes for outstanding players.

the ten clubs taking part in the league will share 40 percent of the total sponsorship package as participation fee. First Deepwater basketball club of Lagos is the defending champion of the league.

President of the federation, Tijani Umar, commended the sponsor for keeping faith with the NBBF, saying that Zenith Bank has affected the lives of 150 families positively as over 150 players take part in the annual event.

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SLOVENIA - Women

Kranjska Gora tie finals series 1-1 - by Zeljko Zule
After trailing 49-56 with 5:46 remaining, Kranjska Gora went on a 14-0 run as beat Celje 64-58 to even the best-of-five Final series 1-1. The largest lead for either team was eight points and Kranjska Gora used just six players with Petra Lumpert played only 39 seconds. Tina Trebec (189-F/C-90) had 18 points and 9 rebounds. Teja Oblak collected 14 points and 5 assists and she played with four personal fouls for at least 23 minutes. Martina Osterman scored 14 points, Eva Komplet added 10 and Natasa Radulovic had 8 points and 9 rebounds. Celje shot miserable 2-of-19 behind the 3-point line. Tjasa Gortnar had 19 points and 8 rebounds before she fouled out with 6:10 into the game, Nika Baric scored 19 points on shooting 7-of-20 from field, grabbed 6 rebounds and handed out 5 assists. Monika Bosilj picked up 12 boards, but she missed all of her nine 3-point attempts and Ana Turcinovic had jus 4 points and 5 rebounds.
Finals Game 2:
Celje-Kranjska Gora 58-64 (Turcinovic 4, Kerin DNP, Abramovic, Baric 19, U.Belak DNP, N.Belak DNP, Jagodic 8, Bosilj 4+12 rbs, Coh DNP, Klein 2, Klavzar 2, Gortnar 19+8 rbs Kolsek DNP, Oblak 14, Nelc DNP, Komplet 10, Radulovic 8+9 rbs, Lumpert, Bilic DNP, Osterman 14, Purkat DNP, Trebec 18+9 rbs).
Game 3 will be played on Monda in Kranjska Gora and Game 4 is scheduled for Wednesday in Celje.

Leagues for places 7-13 - by Zeljko Zule
Odeja prevailed in the battle of the unbeaten teams in League for places 7-10 as they claimed a 63-44 win over Konjice.
League for places 7-10:
Odeja-Konjice 63-44: After trailing 20-21 early in the second half, Odeja went on a 16-2 run to go ahead 36-23 and their lead never dipped bellow double digits after that. Maja Bosnjak (186-F-95) had 21 points and 9 rebounds and Ajda Gabrovsek scored 14 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. Odeja was whistled for just 12 personal fouls to Konjice's 23 and shot 23 free throws to opponents 6. Konjice was outrebounded 27-45 and shot just 9-of-40 for 2-point. Neja Klancnik was the lone scorer in double figures with 11 points.
Rasica-Grosuplje 46-63: After tying at 16 early in the second quarter, Grosuplje made a 34-9 run spanning halftime. Anita Kastelic scored 22 points on shooting 10-of-13 from the filed, Anja Valentincic added 13 points and Alina Gjerkes and Eva Lisec both grabbed 11 rebounds. Rasica was outrebounded 29-44. Natalija Rebrica posted 13 points and Simona Kuzma 10.
Standings: Odeja 3-0, Konjice 2-1, Grosuplje 1-2, Rasica 0-3.
League for places 11-13:
Rogaska-Pivka 80-60: Rogaska made a 24-2 run spanning the first and second quarter and hit 12 3-pointers and had all starters score in double figures. Simona Jurse had 18 points and 7 assists, Ursa Svetic scored 18 points, Mateja Baloh and Tjasa Muhovic both 17 and Katja Starcek 10. Rogaska was outrebounded 23-41, but hit 12 3-pointers. Pivka was led by Nusa Klobucar with 14 points and Tina Jakovina collected 12 points, 17 rebounds and 5 assists.
Domzale bye
Standings: Rogaska 3-0, Pivka 0-1, Domzale 0-2.

Stats Leaders - Women

Points Per Game

Teja OBLAK
  Hit K.Gora
  (172-G-90)
  Avg: 20.5

1. Oblak, Hit K.Gora	20.5
2. Kure, AJM Maribor	19.2
3. Mikic, Grosuplje	18.9
4. Komplet, Hit K.	17.4
5. Turcinovic, Merkur	17.0
6. Baric, Merkur C.	16.8
7. Dover, AJM Maribor	15.1
8. Trebec, Hit K.Gora	14.7
9. Baltic, AJM M.	14.5
10. Drozg, AJM Maribor	14.5

Rebounds Per Game

Ajda GABROVSEK
  Odeja K.
  (188-C-84)
  Avg: 13.9

1. Gabrovsek, Odeja K.	13.9
2. Turcinovic, Merkur	12.5
3. Baltic, AJM M.	8.7
4. Skof, Ilrija	8.4
5. Ljubenovic, Triglav	7.9
6. Macura, Jezica	7.7
7. Klancnik, GVT K.	7.3
8. Zdolsek, Triglav	7.2
9. Furman, AJM M.	7.0
10. Gortnar, Merkur C.	6.9

Assists Per Game

Nika BARIC
  Merkur C.
  (169-G-92)
  Avg: 5.2

1. Baric, Merkur C.	5.2
2. Oblak, Hit K.Gora	4.9
3. Panic, Hit K.Gora	4.3
4. Jurse, Kozmetik.	3.7
5. Kolman, Grosuplje	3.5
6. Radulovic, Hit K.	3.4
7. Zdolsek, Triglav	2.8
8. Baltic, AJM M.	2.6
9. Dover, AJM Maribor	2.6
10. Klancnik, GVT K.	2.6

Steals Per Game

Klavdija OBLAK
  Odeja KED
  (170-G-88)
  Avg: 3.5

1. Oblak, Odeja KED	3.5
2. Drozg, AJM Maribor	2.8
3. Oblak, Hit K.Gora	2.7
4. Gabrovsek, Jezica	2.6
5. Klancnik, GVT K.	2.6
6. Zupancic, Grosuplje	2.5
7. Dover, AJM Maribor	2.5
8. Zalar, Ilrija	2.5
9. Abramovic, Merkur	2.4
10. Mikic, Grosuplje	2.3

Blocks Per Game

Ajda GABROVSEK
  Odeja K.
  (188-C-84)
  Avg: 1.3

1. Gabrovsek, Odeja K.	1.3
2. Pavli, Jezica	0.8
3. Srot, GVT Konjice	0.7
4. Trebec, Hit K.Gora	0.6
5. Furman, AJM M.	0.5
6. Gjerkes, Grosuplje	0.5
7. Zdovc, GVT Konjice	0.5
8. Drozg, AJM Maribor	0.5
9. Vene, Ilrija	0.4
10. Klancnik, GVT K.	0.4

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UKRAINE - Women

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Olga MAZNICHENKO
  Tim-S.
  (187-F-91)
  Avg: 19.9

1. Maznichenko, Tim-S.	19.9
2. Iagupova, Dnipr.	19.5
3. Rastorgueva, Donb.	19.2
4. Markotenko, Frank.	17.9
5. Lubarskaya, Dynamo	17.8
6. Zarytska, Kozachka	17.4
7. Dorogobuzova, Tim-.	17.3
8. Ragin, Dynamo	16.5
9. Rimarenko, Dynamo	16.5
10. Suzyk, Frankivsk	16.4

Rebounds Per Game

Shantel RAGIN
  Dynamo
  (178-G/F-87)
  Avg: 11.4

1. Ragin, Dynamo	11.4
2. Alyoshkina, Orlan	11.0
3. Vukovic, Yuzhna P.	10.2
4. Rimarenko, Dynamo	10.1
5. Zarytska, Kozachka	9.9
6. Maznichenko, Tim-S.	9.6
7. Kiriyenko, Dnipr.	9.1
8. Dorogobuzova, Tim-.	8.6
9. Yakunina, Lugans.	8.6
10. Yaburova, Dnipr.	8.2

Assists Per Game

Alisa SIROMATNIKOVA
  Yuzhna P.
  (165-G-87)
  Avg: 6.5

1. Siromatnikov., Yuz.	6.5
2. Dubas, Frankivsk	5.2
3. Dubrovina, Kozach.	5.0
4. Sharovka, Tim-Scuf	5.0
5. Williams, Dnipr.	4.9
6. Lapshynova, Polite.	4.8
7. Panchenk-S., Koza.	4.0
8. Lubarskaya, Dynamo	3.8
9. Pokoiova, Kozachka	3.6
10. Voronova, Polite.	3.5

Steals Per Game

Olga DUBROVINA
  Kozachka
  (170-G-87)
  Avg: 5.8

1. Dubrovina, Kozach.	5.8
2. Sharovka, Tim-Scuf	3.3
3. Williams, Dnipr.	2.9
4. Siromatnikov., Yuz.	2.8
5. Markotenko, Frank.	2.7
6. Polyanychka, Frank.	2.5
7. Bondar, Dynamo	2.4
8. Shapochkina, Yuzh.	2.3
9. Dubas, Frankivsk	2.2
10. Panchenk-S., Koz.	2.2

Blocks Per Game

Lyubov ALYOSHKINA
  Orlan
  (202-C-81)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Alyoshkina, Orlan	2.6
2. Yaburova, Dnipr.	2.1
3. Zhyrakova, Polite.	2.0
4. Shablynska, Polite.	1.8
5. Bovykina, Dnipr.	1.5
6. Kisilova, Kozachka	1.3
7. Maznichenko, Tim-S.	1.3
8. Berezinets, Tim-S.	1.0
9. Stafyuk, Dynamo	1.0
10. Kiriyenko, Dnipr.	1.0

Standings (Women)

UPBL Standings

1. Tim-Scuf		10-0
2. Kozachka		9-2
3. Frankivsk		6-3
4. Dynamo		6-4
5. Dnipro-DVUFK		5-5
6. Donbas		4-6
7. Yuzhna Palmira		4-7
8. Orlan		4-7
9. Politeh Basket		3-7
10. Luganski Last.		0-10

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USBA - Women

WUSBA to hold draft and player team assignment today - by USBA Media

Atlanta, Ga. (May 7, 2011)---The Women's United States Basketball Association (WUSBA) will host its first national basketball player draft and player team selection as part of the process for filling its 2011 inaugural basketball team rosters. The draft is scheduled to be held via a tele-conference league meeting, said WUSBA Executive Vice President Kenneth Green. The selection draft will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2011. We will select the best qualified basketball players to participate, we have already heard from agents who represent players from other countries as well as here in the United States', said Green. The selection will be open to all qualified NCAA and NAIA basketball players. The registration for the draft began on April 10, 2011.

'We are working tirelessly in our pursuit to find the best players available for all WUSBA teams; this will enable us to provide our fans the very best minor league professional basketball players from day one,' said WUSBA President and C.E.O., Duane Allen Jenkins . This national search for players and our combine is a truly special and unique opportunity for all of our coaches to evaluate basketball players to fit their style of play in one place and at one time, continued Jenkins.

Invited players will be assigned to one of the sixteen basketball teams. The league will waive the all fees for team individual tryouts for the players. Basketball players will need to have a minimum of two years experience on the collegiate level to be invited to both the combine and the individual team tryouts.

The WUSBA 2011 basketball season runs from June 8, 2010 to September 4, 2011. Each team plays a twenty eight game schedule, fourteen home and fourteen away. The league has a mid season All Star Classic Gala basketball game scheduled for the 3rd week of July. The WUSBA Championship Playoff series begins August 29, 2011, with the Championship game on September 4, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. There is a local try out to be held on Saturday May 21, 2011 in each team city.

The divisions and teams are as follows:

The Southern Division will field the Atlanta Platinum, the Birmingham Starz, the Macon Storm and the Tallahassee Cypress.

The Appalachian Division houses the Nashville Thunder, the Chattanooga Royal, the West Virginia Capitals, and the Knoxville Reign.

The Atlantic Division will consist of the Jacksonville Surf, the Savannah Seahawks, the Charleston Cadets and the Richmond Colonials.

The Piedmont Division will take the court as the Charlotte Blue Wave, the Columbia Breeze, the Winston Salem Cardinals and the Augusta Raging River.

The WUSBA will not charge a fee for players to try out for a team. 'We have never had these fees as a part of our revenue stream we want qualified candidate to come take a chance and tryout. We do require all basketball players to have a minimum of two years collegiate playing experience.'

Jenkins says, 'Announcing local tryouts gives us a prime opportunity for us to look closely at local talent and make the selection of players easy for our teams. We want our fans to be able to become familiar with the players and coaches and quite simply, the players and coaches will have ample time for players to select a team of his choice.'

The league has developed a comprehensive package for the basketball players. Players are paid $300.00 per week. Players also receive free housing accommodations and a daily meal at Golden Corral Buffet Restaurant. As a bonus, players will receive compensation for sponsor speaking engagements and sponsorship sales.

Subway and the WUSBA will continue Partnership for 2011 basketball season - by USBA Media

Atlanta, Ga. (May 7, 2011) The Women's United States Basketball Association (WUSBA) and SUBWAY restaurants announce a continuation of their corporate partnership. The partnership will include fans will receiving gifts card during Game Day give-a-way promotions at all WUSBA teams home games. The promotion which gives all those who purchase single game tickets a chance to win a Subway Meal Deal during the course of the regular season basketball game. The local team will give away five gift cards at every home game. The give-a-way gift card can be redeemed for selected Subway 6 inch subs, a bag of potato chips and a soft drink. This promotion offer is available at all SUBWAY locations in the teams city. The WUSBA will sell Subway sandwiches in all concession stand at all home games and Subway will sponsor one Haltime promotion at a home game in each team city.

Subway gift card give-a-way will be available for all league home games. There are 2400 Subway gift cards available for the league to divide equally to each local team home game. When the fan purchases a ticket for a WUSBA basketball game, they will receive a numbered ticket. The matching numbered ticket will be placed in a bin. During the duration of the game the announcer will pull at random a ticket out of the bin, call out the selected number and the winner will receive the Subway Meal Deal gift card, courtesy of the team and the WUSBA. Ten winners will be selected at each home game, league wide. The gift card may also be used to purchase other Subway sandwiches. The value of the gift card is $5.00 and can be only redeemed for Subway products .This offer is redeemable only at the area Subway locations in WUSBA team cities.

Other components of the new partnership include in-arena signage, promotional messaging in game day programs and radio broadcast. Subway will provide the basketball players lunch at the WUSBA National Basketball Players tryouts held in each WUSBA team city on May 21, 2011. Subway will provide sandwiches to all teams at away basketball games. Subway will participate in the WUSBA Job Fair on May 28, 2011

SUBWAY restaurants are the world's largest submarine sandwich franchise, with more than 30,500 locations in 87 countries. The SUBWAY restaurants chain has surpassed McDonald's number of locations throughout the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Headquartered in Milford, Conn., with regional offices in Amsterdam, Beirut, Brisbane, Miami and Singapore, the SUBWAY restaurant chain was co-founded by Fred DeLuca and Dr. Peter Buck in 1965. Their partnership marked the beginning of a remarkable journey one that makes it possible for thousands of individuals to build and succeed in their own business. The SUBWAY chain has been named the No. 1 global franchise opportunity by Entrepreneur magazine in its 2008 franchise ranking. For more information about the SUBWAY restaurant chain, visit www.subway.com. SUBWAY is a registered trademark of Doctor's Associates Inc.

Women's United States Basketball Association has sixteen basketball teams in eight southern states. Each team plays a twenty eight game schedule with fourteen home games and fourteen away. The league was established in 2010. The league headquarters is located in Atlanta, Georgia. The league basketball season begins in early June and ends in early September. Basketball players can be catapulted to enjoy further opportunities in the Womens National Basketball Association (WNBA) as well as exposure to the vast array of international professional leagues and team from around the world.