Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 7/4/2011

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Men News

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AUSTRALIA

Standings - ABA

ABA Standings

Big V
1. Eltham W.		12-4
2. Waverley F.		11-4
3. Sherbrooke S.		10-7
4. Ringwood H.		10-7
5. Bulleen B.		8-8
6. Hume City		6-10
7. Diamond V.E.		4-12
8. Melbourne		4-13
Central ABL
1. Norwood F.		10-2
2. Forestville E.		10-3
3. W.Adelaide B.		9-4
4. Sturt S.		8-5
5. N.Adelaide R.		7-6
6. S.Adelaide P.		6-7
7. Woodville W.		6-7
8. Eastern M.		4-9
9. C.District L.		2-10
10. South.Tigers		2-11
QBL
1. Gold Coast R.		10-2
2. Townsville H.		9-2
3. Brisbane C.		8-4
4. Cairns M.		8-4
5. Mackay M.		7-3
6. Rockhampton		7-3
7. Ipswich F.		7-4
8. Northside W.		7-4
9. Bundaberg B.		4-7
10. Gladstone P.		4-8
11. Maroochydore		2-9
12. Caboolture S.		2-9
13. SW Metro P.		2-10
14. Toowoomba		1-9
SEABL-East
1. Bendigo B.		15-2
2. Knox R.		12-5
3. Ballarat M.		9-8
4. Dandenong		8-9
5. Kilsyth C.		8-10
6. Canberra G.		7-9
7. Brisbane S.		6-12
SEABL-South
1. Nunawading S.		15-4
2. Geelong S.		11-5
3. Sandringham S.		11-7
4. Hobart C.		8-10
5. Mt Gambier		7-10
6. Frankston B.		5-11
7. NW Tasmania		5-12
8. Albury W.B.		2-15
WARATAH
1. Sydney C.		13-3
2. Newcastle H.		12-3
3. Sutherland S.		9-6
4. Hills H.		9-7
5. Manly Warr.		9-7
6. Parramatta W.		8-5
7. Norths Bears		8-7
8. Illawarra H.		7-7
9. Maitland M.		7-8
10. Bankstown B.		7-10
11. Hornsby S.		6-10
12. Cent.Coast C.		4-12
13. Canberra N.		1-15

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BOSNIA

BRAZIL

Barbosa opts to stay with the Raptors - by Mel Devonne
Over the last couple of months many rumors were swurling about the future of Brasilian Leandro Barbosa.
Rumors were floating that he would join an NBB team and boost the Brasilian national league.
Rumors were foating that he would opt for free agency and try to get a big pay day from another NBA team.
Barbosa put that all to rest last week when he resigned with the Toronto Raptors.
He has been a big player off the bench for the Raptors and averaged almost 12 ppg this past season.
Barbosa will play for Brasil in the up coming FIBA Americas Championships, which is a qualifing tournament for
the 2012 Olympic games.

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CHILE

Copa Chile semifinals: U.Concepcion took the lead - by Daniel Valencia
In game 1 of Copa Chile's semifinals, CD Universidad de Concepcion recovered home court advantage with a 78-71 victory against CD Boston College Santiago. The third quarter was the key moment of the game for the visitors, who took a 9 point lead and never looked back. The leading scorers for the winners were Jose Del Solar and Evandro Arteaga with 19 and 18 points respectively. In the loosing side, the center Jorge Valencia finished with 19.

CD Boston College Santiago 71 - CD Universidad de Concepcion 78
Bos: Jorge Valencia 19 pts. Eduardo Sepulveda 18 pts.
Ucon: Jose Del Solar 19 pts. Evandro Arteaga 18 pts.

1 15-16 / 2 19-16 / 3 17-28 / 4 20-18

CD Universidad de Concepcion lead the series 1-0

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CHINA

Giving back to the commuunity - by T.J. Bannister
Basketball is game where you can learn so much, meet new people and enjoy traveling. But for me I feel its about giving back to the community and trying to help the youth reach the same level we're at right now. So many people say that I'm lucky to be able to play and travel and do all these nice things but I say I'm blessed because God is the one who made all of this happen not me. As a thank you to God for the talent he's given me, I just want to give back to his children and tell them how important it is to keep God first and get good grades while also training them for basketball and helping them improve there game. I'd like to encourage more athletes to give back to there communities and help the kids out because our youth is slowly slipping away and someone has to make a change and try to fix it. And giving back isn't about money all the time which is where a lot of athletes and people get it confused. More so or less it's just all about being around the kids and spending time with them, talking to them when they need an ear to listen to, giving them words of encouragement and helping them with there spiritual life. You would be surprised at how many kids respect you just for being there for them and taking the time to show that you really care. I've always wondered if the NBA didn't do the NBA cares thing to help communities or people who are less fortunate, how many guys would really do it because they cared and out of the kindness of there heart? So I'm asking you guys to think about how you can give back to the community and to our youth who are in much need of help now a days. Don't think about the money aspect because I hear a lot of guys complaining about man all people do is ask for money these days, and don't get me wrong I agree that some are like that. But I guarantee that there are plenty of people out there who really just need an ear to hear them or time spent to show that we aren't high and mighty and that we are simple people just like they are. We should also re-in force how important it is for them to keep God first because all things are possible with God. Please make a conscious effort to try to give back to the community, thanks and God bless and until the next post everyone be safe.

Bob Donewald Signed with Xin Jiang Team - by Robert Wang
Shang Hai US head coach Donewald Bob Jr. just signed one year contract with Xin Jiang team with a decent payment at around 1 million US dollars. Bob has been the head coach of Shang Hai team for two years and also the head coach of China National team. He led shang hai team with a great success two years ago and was called by CBA and gave him the head coach position. Now, he will goes to Xin Jiang team for the new season. xin Jiang team was on the second place last season and hope Bob could make a big impact against Guang Dong team next season. Here is Bob's profile: Head Coach: 1997-1997: Leicester Riders,1997-1998: Leicester Riders,1998-1999: Derby Storm,1999-2000: London Leopards,2000-2001: London Leopards.Coach Assistant: 2001-2002: Charlotte Hornets (NBA),2002-2003: New Orleans Hornets (NBA),2003-2004: Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA),
2007-2008: UAB (NCAA). Head Coach: 2004-2005: Chicago Soldiers (ABA): the team folded in Dec.'04,2005-2006: Objetivo Sao Carlos (Brazil-NLB),2008-2009: Dnipro Dnepropetrovsk (Ukraine-Superleague), 2009 September: Midwest All-Stars Exhibition Team, 2009-2010: Shanghai Dongfang Sharks (China-CBA),2010-2011: Shanghai Dongfang Sharks (China-CBA).

Bannister's 33-point game gives him NBL Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
27-year old guard T.J. Bannister (180-G-84, agency: Warren Sports International) put on an amazing game in the last round for Sichuan and receives a Asia-basket.com NBL Player of the Week award for round 8.
He had the game-high 33 points adding seven rebounds and nine assists for Sichuan in his team's victory, helping them to beat Guangzhou FM (4-4) 108-96. Sichuan is placed at 4th position in Chinese NBL. Sichuan is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 4-4 record. Bannister has many years of experience at Sichuan, through which he has constantly improved. Liberty University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Bannister. Bannister is in league's top in points (4th best: 23.8ppg) and averages solid 2.4spg and 53.6% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Benson Egemonye (207-C-83) of Heilongjiang. He is Nigerian center in his first season at Heilongjiang. In the last game Egemonye recorded impressive double-double of 21 points and 19 rebounds. Of course Heilongjiang cruised to a 111-103 relatively comfortable win over Changan Group (3-5). This victory allowed Heilongjiang to move up to 8th position in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 3-5 record. Egemonye is one of the most experienced players at Heilongjiang and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 22.6ppg (#7). He also registered 17.1 boards per game.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Terence Dials (206-F/C-83) of Hebei (#7). Dials scored 29 points and grabbed twenty two rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of Hebei, leading his team to a 109-97 win against the lower-ranked Hangzhou (#10, 1-7). Hebei needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 4 victories and 4 lost games. Dials has a great season in China. After only 8 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 14.0rpg (4th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Kenny Lawson (205-C-88) of Jiangsu - 33 points, 17 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Alan Wiggins (206-F-85) of Whampoa - 34 points and 12 rebounds
6. Jartavious Henderson (203-F-87) of Guangzhou FM - 22 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists
7. DeAngelo Collins (206-F-82) of ShenYang - 25 points, 14 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Ramon Harris (201-F-88) of Ningxia Hanas - 26 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists
9. Nick Stallings (190-G-83) of Changan Group - 26 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists
10. Justin Johnson (198-G-86) of Jiangsu - 18 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists

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

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CROATIA

Darda signs 3-year deal with Rudolf Jugo - by Eurobasket News
Rudolf Jugo (183-G-84) is a new member of Darda. The Croatian point guard signed a three-year deal. He arrives to Darda from Kvarner, where he spent 2010/11. He appeared 27 times with them in A1 averaging 14.1 points, 2.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.5 steals. Eurobasket awarded Jugo with All-Croatian A1 League Honorable Mention -11.
Before Kvarner, Rudolf Jugo played for Torpedo Rijeka. They competed in A2 and Jugo paced them to first place in Group West. In the past, Jugo also played for Kraljevica, Svjetlost and Kosteran. He has experience from Slovakia as well. In 2006/07, Jugo played for Levice, while in 2008/09 he was a member of Donly Kubin.

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DENMARK

Horsholm add Anders Haas, Zarko Jukic and Christoffer Fugmann - by Eurobasket News
Horsholm bolstered their roster with addition of three new players. The 79ers have agreed on terms of contract with Anders Haas (185-G-92), Zarko Jukic (200-F-93) and Christoffer Fugmann (213-C-92).
Anders Haas is a young talented guard. He spent the last season studying and playing basketball at Bishop ODowd High School in Auckland, California. Anders Haas played for Danish U18 National Team at the 2010 European Championship in Division B. The guard tallied 8.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.0 steal per game in Israel.
Zarko Jukic played for Stevnsage in Danish 1st Division. He is the member of Danish U18 selection.
Christoffer Fugmann is another talent. The 19-year-old centre spent the last two seasons with Virum. He was the member of U16 and U18 Danish National Teams. Christoffer Fugmann posted 1.0 point and 1.2 rebounds per game at U18 European Championship in Division in Sarajevo in 2009.

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Jack Michael Martinez shines in Venezuela - by Eurobasket News
Dominican power forward/center Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) continues to impress in Venezuela. The NT member paced his team Cocodrilos to LPB Finals and they will have a chance to win the title this season. Martinez and his teammates grabbed 107-105 thriller win against Trotamundos in crucial Game Seven of the LPB Semifinals. Of course, Cocodrilos advanced to Finals where they will take on Marinos. The home squad needed two overtimes to take this win. Carl Elliott top-scored for the hosts with 29 points. Jack Michael Martinez also was great adding 28 points and 7 rebounds. Cocodrilos were the regular season champions and they will have a home court advantage against Marinos in the Finals. First game is scheduled for tonight. Marinos was No.2 in regular season.
Jack Michael Martinez averages 17.1 points and 13.7 rebounds in LPB this season.

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ESTONIA

Latvia U18 clinched the top place at the Baltic Cup 2011 in Tallinn - by Eurobasket News
Estonia U18-Latvia U18 78:79

Latvia U18 clinched the top place at the Baltic Cup 2011 in Tallinn. The team won all the games including the last one over Estonia U18 79:78.
Estonia had nothing to lose and proposed its won game from the very beginning. The hosts grabbed 20-19 after the first 10 minutes and even pushed the tempo in the second frame. Estonia erupted with 24-13 in the second frame to take 44:32 halftime advantage. Moreover the hosts produced 21-14 in the third frame and enjoyed 19-point deficit after 30 minutes. It was not however enough to win the game. Latvia erupted with 33-13 in the last period to shock the hosts 79:78.
Rihards Ginters (193-F-91) paced all the winners with 26 points and Elvis Saulitis (206-C-93, agency: Interperformances) delivered 11. Kustas Poldoja (190-F-93) ended up with 13 points in the losing effort, while Oliver Metsalu (190-G-93) posted 11 and Maur Below (174-G-93) netted 10.

Estonia U18: Kustas Poldoja 13, Oliver Metsalu 11, Maur Below 10
Latvia U18: Rihards Ginters 26, Elvis Saulitis 11

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EUROBASKET SUMMER LEAGUE

ESL Chicago Day (3 ) game Reports - by Darryl Reshaw
Eurobasket Summer League Chicago Day 3 Reports:
Box scores will be posted later today.

Day 3

7th Place:
Berlin67 Madrid 71
The first game of the day hosted the two teams without a win in the three days of competition. LaPhonso Ellis Jr. (6'3''-G-87, college: Greenville) (Son of the LaPhonso Ellis Jr. that played in the NBA for many years) started the game with a lot of aggression. He was determined to get a win for his team. He had some really nice moves towards the basket and a couple of shots from downtown. Pierre Glover for Madrid played solid as well. He was consistent the entire weekend for his team. The effort of Ellis and Pierre gave team Madrid their first win of the week.

5th Place Game:
Athens 104 Amsterdam 99
Game two had pros on both teams. Emmanuel Little (6'5''-F-85, college: N.Dakota) (24pts), Julian Harris (6'4''-G-90) (26pts), and Chris Staples (6'5''-F) (23pts) all had great games in game (2).
Emmanuel Little has already had professional playing experience. He is a high quality athlete. Any teams looking for an athletic wing player in France Pro A, Italy A2 or Germany Emmanuel is a good choiceJulian Harris is a quick point guard with great court vision. He has a high basketball IQ. He knows when to shoot and when to pass to get his teammates involved (great decision making). I can see him playing well in Germany, France Pro B, and Switzerland. Likewise, Chris Staples, a player that WOW us this week with his impressive dunks. He was by far the most explosively athletic player in Chicago. He can play in Germany, France Pro B, and Switzerland. Athens cruised to a late game victory behind their leader Emmanuel Little.
Aaron Hall (6'2''-G) (19pts) also played well in this contest and shows that he is a quality power wing.

3rd Place Game
Rome 94 London 90
In game (3) Darryl Garrett (6'4''-G) (22pts) continued to show he could compete on the professional level. A 64 point guard, with the ability to create for himself and the group, he is a solid guard. His height gives him the ability to see over the defense and his length allows him to finish in paint on the big guys inside. I think he can play in leagues like France Pro B and Portugal. Marvin Walker (6'3''-G-89) (17pts in the second half) had another solid performer in this game. He didnt have a big offensive output, but you can see in his game the he is a pro. He is a strong point guard that gets after it on the defensive end. He can score, hes athletic and he has a high basketball IQ. It is clear why he was the ABA rookie of the year in 2010-11 season. Marvin can make a big impact in France Pro B, Germany and leagues equally talented.
Rome also had help from other double digit contributors Marcus Jackson (6'5''-G/F-81, college: Benedictine) (11pts); Marques Ewell (5'10''-G) (10pts); Karim Torres (13pts).
Mike McKinney (6'4''-G-85, college: N.Illinois) had another nice offensive performance notching 19pts in a quite way. Donovan Monroe (6'1''-G-88) had his best performance of the event unleashing 18 points in an all around offensive display.
Tawrence Walton (6'6''-F) looked good again showing that he is an athletic wing who can really score; he had 17 points in the contest.

ESL Chicago Championship game:
Paris 105 Warsaw 101
The Championship and final game in Chicago was with Donnie Boyce (6'5''-G-73, college: Colorado) team vs. Marcel Anderson (5'9''-G-86, college: Harris-Stowe St.), Andrew Fair and company.
In the first half Warsaw was in control of the game and at one time held an 18 point lead.
Mr. Fair got his team off to an early advantage with a couple of steals and two-transition assist. However, Tyrone Kent (6'5''-G/F-86, college: Toledo) was just too much for Paris. He killed this event the last few days and he didnt stop in the Championship game. He was unstoppable in this game. He had 6 steals and 20 points in the first half. His professional experience was clear because he was miles above all of the competition on hand. Tyrone Kent can play in France Pro A, Italy A1 and other leagues equivalent. The game got competitive again when Andrew Fair checked in. With his defensive presents the lead was cut from 12 to a 3-point lead for Warsaw. Justin Taylor (6'3''-F) connected on a couple of 3s to tie the game 62-62 with six minutes to play.
The entire Paris team played collectively well offensively and the excellent penetration by the guards always resulted in a lay up or open shot.
However the majority of their points in the second half came off of turnovers and transition buckets.
The Warsaw team was rattled by the pressure defense of the quicker team.
The game went back and forth late in the third. Exactly the way a Championship game is supposed to go. Coach Steve Taylor put together an excellent second half tactic to press full court. That tactic gave his team with a 9-point advantage with six minutes left to play in the game. The game ended with Mr. Fairs team on top. As the saying goes, the cream will always rise to the top. He led his team to a Championship victory. Andrew is a quality point guard with excellent defensive ability. He is a leader that can compete in France Pro A, Germany and Italy A2.

Eurobasket Chicago Co-MVPs Andrew Fair & Tyrone Kent

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EUROLEAGUE

Nancy tab Adrien Moerman - by Eurobasket News
Nancy strengthened their frontcourt. They have agreed on terms of contract with Adrien Moerman (204-F/C-88). The deal is meant for two seasons. The 22-year-old centre comes from Orleans where he played since 2008. Last season Adrien Moerman averaged 8.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.3 steals per game in EuroChallenge. In ProA the centre notched 8.8 points, 5.1 rebounds per appearance. Adrien Moerman played for French National Team in 2009 and 2010. He was named Eurobasket.com All-French ProB Newcomer of the Year back in 2008. Before joining Orleans Adrien Moerman had stints with Nanterre and Roanne. He was the member of U16, U18 and U20 French selections.

Draws for 2011-12 season announced - by Eurobasket News
Euroleague Basketball is pleased to announce that the first calendar events of a new and exciting basketball season the draws for the 2011-12 Turkish Airlines Euroleague, Eurocup Qualifying Rounds and EuroChallenge will be held on Thursday, July 7 at the Mediapro Auditorium, Imagina in Barcelona, Spain.

For the sixth consecutive year, the 2011-12 draws may be seen live on Euroleague.net. Immediately after the draw, fans can also see live-streamed interviews on Euroleague.net with Turkish Airlines Euroleague team coaches and managers giving their impressions of the draw results.

The draws will begin at 11:00 local time (CET). The draw for the EuroChallenge will be held first, and then the qualifying-rounds matchups for the Eurocup will be determined. Finally, beginning at 12:00 CET, the qualifying-round matchups and regular-season groups for the 2011-12 Turkish Airlines Euroleague will be drawn. A Eurocup regular season draw will take place in the fall, after all qualified teams are known.

The complete schedule for the Draws is:

11:00 - 11:40: EuroChallenge Draw and Eurocup Qualifying Rounds Draw
12:00 - 12:30: Turkish Airlines Euroleague Qualifying Rounds Draw and Turkish Airlines Euroleague Regular Season Draw

Courtesy of Euroleague

Soulis Markopoulos for three more years in PAOK - by Giorgos Diploidis
Soulis Markopoulos extended his contract with PAOK Thessaloniki until 2014. The experienced coach was for two years at the club and a few time ago he succeed to take the third place with his team and participate in the next euroleague qualifications. There was an option between the two sides to continue their co-operation for one more period.
However the new board of Bane Prelevic wanted to keep the successful trainer for three more years. The first proposal seemed to not satisfy Mr Markopoulos but a new meeting between the two sides had as a result the final agreement.

Executives of the Year: Pavlos and Thanassis Giannakopoulos, Panathinaikos - by Eurobasket News
A quarter of a century spent building their club into the most successful in modern European basketball has resulted in Pavlos and Thanassis Giannakopoulos of Panathinaikos Athens being voted Executives of the Year for the 2010-11 Turkish Airlines Euroleague season. Panathinaikos lifted high its newest continental trophy following victory at the 2011 Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four in Barcelona last month. In so doing, the club moved into a tie for second place on the the list of Europe's most successful teams all-time with six Euroleague titles. Panathinaikos is already the most successful team of the entire Final Four era, which started in 1988, one year after the Giannakopoulos brothers took control of the club. The remarkable consistency that has marked the path of Panathinaikos since then is a tribute to the manner in which the brothers have directed their club from the top. The 2010-11 season ended with yet more proof that over the last generation, when it comes to winning, nobody does it better than Panathinaikos under Pavlos and Thanassis Giannakopoulos.

The 2010-11 Turkish Airlines Euroleague season was another testament to a Panathinaikos management style that has set the standard for constructing winners. The Giannakopoulos brothers have made loyalty part of their success story, starting with the longest-serving head coach at the Euroleague level, Zeljko Obradovic, who has now been on the Panathinaikos bench for 12 consecutive seasons, along with his head assistant coach, Dimitris Itoudis. The same philosophy of continuity applies behind the scenes, to the rest of the staff, not to mention to the roster. Four of the six players who started the most games for the Greens in 2010-11 Antonis Fotsis, Kostas Tsartsaris, Mike Batiste and Dimitris Diamantidis were on the team in 2004 or earlier. At the same time, the Giannakopoulos brothers have not been shy about making big roster changes, as they did in the summer of 2010 by letting go two former Final Four MVPs and a third All-Euroleague player, replacing them with young big men and solid role players. Even though the most heralded of those new players was injured for most of the season, the team again proved able to quickly integrate the newcomers. That is because the coaches and players with long-time experience at Panathinaikos no doubt inspired by the loyalty shown to them take it upon themselves to teach the club's winning ways to those newcomers.

Consistency also marked the path of Panathinaikos on the court from the start of he season. While other teams that have been major powers in the last decade struggled to survive the growing parity in the competition, the Greens fought to win their regular season group with a 7-3 record. In the Top 16's penultimate game, the Greens tripped to a last-second loss that meant a second-place finish and a five-game challenge against defending champion Regal F.C. Barcelona in the playoffs. After losing the first of those games away, however, Panathinaikos slowly took control of the series to seize a place in the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four. Once upon the stage they have dominated more than any other club in Europe, the Greens knew exactly what to do. Possession by possession, they wore down Montepaschi Siena in the semifinals and then stayed a step ahead of Maccabi Electra in the final on the way to another title. Panathinaikos ended the season with a 17-6 record, not so remarkable in itself, until you realize that four of those losses came by a single point and all six of them by a total of 15. Since November, in fact, the Greens lost only one game by more than a point. The experience of having the same coach and key players for so long the result of the loyal management philosophy of the Giannakopoulos brothers had everything to do with the club's newest success.

By reaching the top of European basketball again this spring, Panathinaikos became the second-fastest team to six trophies, getting them all in the last 16 seasons, when many believe that European basketball has been at its most competitive ever. The only club still ahead of Panathinaikos on the 53-year list of continental champions, Real Madrid, has not taken another title since the Greens won their first in 1996. If it maintains its recent pace of trophy-lifting, Panathinaikos could become the most-crowned Euroleague club in short time. If so, much of the credit for making Panathinaikos a family of winners goes to this seasons Executives of the Year, Pavlos and Thanassis Giannakopoulos.

Courtesy of Euroleague

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FINLAND

Lithuania U18 is second in Tallinn, Finland U18 is third - by Eurobasket News
Finland U18-Lithuania U18 66:84

Lithuania U18 is second in Tallinn, Finland U18 is third after the last games of the campaign. Lithuanian team needed 84:66 to finish with 2-1 record.
Lithuania started well and immediately took the lead. They grabbed 20-14 after the first 10 minutes and never looked behind after. Lithuania added 26-16 in the second period and looked also better in the third quarter. The winners needed 17-13 to slow down at the end. Finland u18 managed to bounce back with 25-19 but could only reduce the gap.
Osvaldas Olisevicius (196-F-93) top-scored for the winners with 22 points, while Arturas Gudaitis (208-C-93) and Mantas Mockevicius (186-G-93) posted 11 apiece. Visa Tarjanne (194-F-93) responded with 20 points in defeat, Ilari Seppala (188-G-93) nailed 16 and Daniel Dolenc (204-C-93) added 12.
Latvia U18 clinched the top place at the Baltic Cup 2011 in Tallinn. The team won all the games including the last one over Estonia U18 79:78.

Finland U18: Visa Tarjanne 20, Ilari Seppala 16, Daniel Dolenc 12
Lithuania U18: Osvaldas Olisevicius 22, Arturas Gudaitis 11, Mantas Mockevicius 11

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FRANCE

GERMANY

Jeremy Dunbar Brings A Touch of German To The Crailsheim Merlins - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

PRO A team Crailsheim Merlins have announced that Jeremy Dunbar (195-G/F-88, college: Arkansas Tech) will start his professional basketball career for the German team this fall. Dunbar is a 23 year old 195cm shooting guard/small forward that was born in Pensacola, Florida and grew up in Niceville. His mother was born near Frankfurt, Germany and Dunbar has a German passport as well. Last season, he was a senior at Arkansas Tech (NCAA2, starting five): 30 games: 14.4ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 41.7%, 3Pts: 35.5%, FT: 85.2%. 'I can hardly await for the season to start', stressed Jeremy Dunbar (195-G/F-88, college: Arkansas Tech). Dunbar started his NCAA career at SE Louisiana in 2007 playing 8 games: 6.1ppg, 1.6rpg, FGP: 43.6%, 3Pts: 41.4%. 'Dunbar has a lot of potential, shoots well, can move and has a high basketball IQ, stressed Merlins manager Martin Romig. Awards/Achievements in his career have been Southland East Conf. Regular Season Runner-Up -08, GSC West Division Regular Season Champion -10, 11, GSC Tournament Winner -10, GSC All-Tournament Team -10, 11, GSC Tournament Finalist -11, and GSC All-GSC West Division 2nd Team -11.

Source: Crailsheim Merlins

Achmadschah Zazai (s. Oliver Baskets Wurzburg) The Japan Basketball Trip Was A Huge Experience - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Achmadschah Zazai (177-PG-86) is a 24 year old German/Afghani 177 cm guard that recently completed the2010-2011 season with BV Chemnitz. He signed to play in the beko BBL for s. Oliver Baskets Wurzburg for the 2011-2012 season. He started his basketball career for TUS Lichterfelde Berlin (2.Bundesliga) in 2003 and played there until 2005. In the 2005-2006 season, he played for SG FT/MTV Braunschweig (2.Bundesliga) playing 28 games and averaging 6.3ppg, 1.3rpg, 2.2apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 48.3%, 3FGP: 26.9%, FT: 75.0%. In 2006-2007, he played for BSG Ludwigsburg (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 15 games averaging 19.3ppg, and also had a license for EnBW Ludwigsburg (1. Bundesliga) playing 12 games and averaging 1.1ppg. In 2007-2008, he played for the Bremen Roosters (Germany-ProA) playing 14 games averaging 3.4ppg, 1.1apg, and then went to Denmark to play for Horsens IC playing 8 games and averaging 9.8ppg, 3.0rpg, Assists-3 (4.5apg), 2.4spg, 2FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 29.0%, FT: 92.0%. In 2008-2009, he played for Telemotive Muenchen (Germany-ProB) playing 25 games averaging 13.6ppg, 2.4rpg, Assists-4 (5.5apg), Steals-5 (2.2spg), FGP: 53.9%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 82.4%. In 2009-2010, he played for Freiburg (Germany-ProA, starting five): 14 games: 10.4ppg, 2.5rpg, Assists-5 (4.9apg), Steals-1 (2.4spg), FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 21.8%, FT: 76.0%. Last season he played for Chemnitz 99 (Germany-ProA, starting five): 30 games: 11.6ppg, 2.8rpg, Assists-2 (5.9apg), Steals-4 (2.1spg), FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 64.7%. He spoke to Eurobasket from Japan where he recently took part in a tournament with beko BBL players Chris Oliver, Jason Boone, Ben Jacobson and John Little.

Congrats on signing with the s. Oliver Baskets. How happy are you about being back in the beko BBL?

I am very happy!! I really never got the chance to show what I can play in the beko BBL and know I can hardly wait till the season starts!!!

How will this time with Wurzburg be different than Artland?

When I was with the Artland Dragons, I was just practicing and not playing. I didnt get trust from the coach. I know that I can play in the league and will get the trust from John Patrick.

How did the contact come about with s. Oliver Baskets Wurzburg? John Patrick must think highly of you?

In the preseason last year as I was playing with BV Chemnitz, we played against BG Goettingen. Coach John Patrick saw me play and visited me in Berlin recently as I was working out.

You led the PRO A in assists last season. How many assists do you think can you average in the beko BBL?

I dont know. For me it is important to make the next step in the beko BBL and then everything will come from alone.

What will be the toughest thing for you in the beko BBL concerning your size?

Size will be no disadvantage for me. I have played against bigger point guards my whole life.

How much are you looking forward to playing with Alex King? Will he be able to take next step with Wurzburg?

I know him now since six years and am happy to finally having him as a teammate.

You are currently playing in Japan with s. Oliver baskets Wurzburg. How has this experience been for you?

This was the first time that I had been in a plane for more than three hours. I had to fight hard against jet lag. It has been a great experience seeing how the people live here.

How has Japan recovered in last months since the disaster in the country? What has impressed you the most with the country Japan the most?

We have been involved so much with basketball that I havent been able to see too much of the country.

What is your Japan trip summary for the last week?

The Japan basketball trip was a huge experience for me. Something like this isnt on a normal C.V of a person. It wasnt easy for us to play against a Japanese national team after only three practices. They had been together for six weeks practicing. We won the game and are thrilled how we played. The play was a high level and a different kind of style of play. I have to get used to this style, but I am getting a better feel of the higher standard of play each day.

How is your relationship with the ex Goettingener players Chris Oliver, Jason Boone, John Little and Ben Jacobson? Who is the most intense player?

It has been great playing with these guys. Every guy is equally as intense on the court.

How would you beat Dashaun Wood in a one on one?

Well it wouldnt come to that. We will have to show a total team effort against him in order to shut him down.

What would be the perfect Achmadschah Zazai (177-PG-86) pass to Dirk Nowitzki on the court?

A no look behind the back pass to Dirk and he finishes with a fade away jumper.

What are your plans for the rest of the summer?

I will go home, keep on practicing and get ready for the season.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Too Fast Too Furious 5.

Thanks Achmadschah for the chat.

Matthias Perl Remains With The LTi Giessen 46ERS - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The LTi Giessen 46ers announced Sunday that they will bring back Mathias Perl (188-G-89) for the 2011-2012 beko BBL season. Giessen will continue to develop the former U-16 and U-18 German national player as he has been playing in the Giessen region since 2004. Perl is a 22 year old 187cm guard that has played 25 beko BBL games. Last season, he played 16 games: 1.6ppg, 1.0rpg. He also played for Licher Basket Baeren (ProB, starting five): 1 game: 12pts, 1reb, 3steals. 'A type of player that Mathias is is very important for a team. He always gives 100%. He is a terrier on defense that can manage special duties', stressed LTi giesen 46er coach Bjoern Harmsen . Perl started his basketball career in 2004-2005: for the MTV Giessen cadet team. In the 2006-2007, he played for VfB Giessen (Regionalliga): 17 games: 3.5ppg. In 2007-2008, he played for LTi Lich (ProA): 20 games: 1.8ppg. In 2008-2009, he played for LTi Lich (ProA): 29 games: 3.7ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.1apg, 1.3spg, also played at TV Lich II (Regionalliga). In 2009-2010, he played for LTi Giessen 46ers (1.Bundesliga): 7 games: 0.7ppg; also played at Licher Basket Baeren (ProB): 28 games: 5.2ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.9apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 39.5%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 73.5%. Awards/Achievements in his career have been German U16 National Team -04-05, European Championships U16 in Greece -04, and German U18 National Team -07.

Source: LTi Giessen 46ers

A2-Team beat Germany U20 in Kienbaum - by Eurobasket News
A2-Team -Germany U20 62:46 (21:12, 13:3, 18:14, 10:17)

A2-Team beat Germany U20 in Kienbaum in the first test game between two teams. A2-Team took the lead in the beginning of the game and led to 62:46 total success.
Jonas Wohlfarth-Bottermann (207-C-90, agency: Court Side) and Akeem Vargas (191-G-90, college: Iowa Lakes CC) gave the winners 12-4 lead and then A2 team grabbed 21-12 lead after the first 10 minutes. The second period was a nightmare for the young players that could only score 3 points. After 13-3 in the period the favorites took 52:29 at the halftime. In order not to slow down A2 team added 18-14 in the third quarter and did not care too much in the last frame. U20 team managed to win the last quarter 17-10 and cut the score in the game.
Jonas Wohlfahrt-Bottermann led the way with 13 points and Nicolai Simon (191-G-87) nailed 10. Bastian Doreth (183-G-89) and Johannes Lischka (203-F/C-87) followed them with 7 points each in a win.

A2-Team: Jonas Wohlfarth-Bottermann 13, Nicolai Simon 10, Bastian Doreth 7, Johannes Lischka 7
Germany U20: Malte Ziegenhagen (193-G-91) 10, Patrick Heckmann (198-F/G-92) 9

Been a minute..... - by John Bynum
wow its been a minute since I wrote on here and I guess you could say a lot has happened since the last time I was on here. First of all, the 2010-2011 season ended, the BBL playoffs came and went and Bamberg earned a hard fought championship over Berlin in the finals in five games (congrats to Bamberg). As for the season we had in Trier, I think we had a great season and suprised a lot of people and even flirted with the playoffs. I would have to say that it was the most fun I have had in since I have been overseas and I loved everything about the city, my teammates, and of course the coaching staff. We had a great season in my opinion and I think it was a good thing for German basketballl with what we are accomplishing in Trier. We have some great young German players and Dru Joyce emerged as in my opinion one of the top point guards in the league. We had one of the youngest teams in the leauge and I dont think enough credit went to Henrik Rodl our coach with the job that he did this season and he also proved that he is one of the best coaches in the BBL. I also have to give credit to the ownership as well for pretty much keeping our whole team for this upcoming season as well, it doesnt happen to often that you are able to keep a core of players together for consecutive seasons. So when that happens it makes a decision so much easier to make about your upcoming season. Before I left Germany it felt good knowing that I was coming back to a familar situation and I didnt want to be anywhere else. I really am looking forward to this upcoming season back in Trier, as for my summer I have been enjoying the time with the family back in California, working out, and actually spending time learning some German as well. It feels good to be back in California but it is so hot back in Visalia at the moment and I can tell you we got the heat that hits you in the face and slaps you back to the front door and keeps you inside. Anyways, just wanted to drop a couple of lines in review and just let you guys know whats going on in my world. Enjoy the rest of the summer, and to all the players without contracts keep you head up, things are beginning to happen and stay positive. Oh yea marketing time.. anyone interested in doing an interview on my interview page over facebook get at me via email johnbynum20@yahoo.com... John Bynum (191-G-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Metro St.)

The Fraport Skyliners Help Themselves From Alba Berlin Scooping up Muli Katzurin - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Recently Alba Berlin sent a gigantic shock wave into the hearts of Skyliner fans getting 2004 beko BBL champion head coach Gordon Herbert and 2011 beko BBL MVP Dashaun Wood and now the Fraport Skyliners got the left overs from Alba Berlin reeling in head coach Muli Katzurin (agency: Avi Zilberman ) (agency: Avi Zilberman ). Katzurin had been head coach of Alba Berlin from January 2011 where he replaced Luka Pavicevic until June 2011 guiding the 8 time beko BBL champion to the 2011 beko BBl final. Katzruin is 56 year old and from Israel who got a two year contract in Frankfurt.'I am happy to join the Frankfurt basketball family and look forward to the challenge of building a new team. It has great basketball history. The goal has to be to continue the success of the last years. I amlooking forward to the Frankfurt fans', stressed Muli Katzurin (agency: Avi Zilberman )

From 1995-2004, he coached teams like Bney Herzliya, Ironi Ramat Ga, Slask Wroclaw (Poland), and Idea Slask Wroclaw (Poland-PLK). He had very much success with Czech Republic top CEZ Basketball Nymburk where he was able to lead the team to four doubles winning the league title all 4 years as well as the cup. 'Muli is a very experienced coach that knows the beko BBL very well. I am looking forward to working with him. Now it is time to build a new team', stressed Skyliner sport director Kamil Novak Awards/Achievements in his career have been Head Coach: Israel National Team -97-04, Polish League Champion -00, European Championships -01,03, Polish Cup Winner -04, Polish EBL Regular Season Champion -04, Polish EBL Finalist -04, Czech Rep. League Regular Season Champion -07, 08, 09, 10, Czech Rep. League Champion -07, 08, 09, 10, Czech Rep. Cup Winner -07, 08, 09, 10, Czech Rep. NBL All-Star Game -07, 10, Eurobasket.com All-Czech Rep. League Coach of the Year -07, 08, 09, 10, Head Coach: Polish National Team -08-09, EuroCup Quarterfinals -10, German Bundesliga Finalist -11.

Source: Fraport Skyliners

Wuerzburg tame Japan to wrap up exhibition series - by Eurobasket News
Japan - Wuerzburg 69:78

Wuerzburg claimed the first win in the exhibition series versus Japanese National Team. The German team overcame their opponents in Yoyogi. Timothy Burnette (188-G-82, college: Tarleton St.) stepped up with 19 points to lead Wuerzburg as they recovered after two straight losses.
Wuerzburg usually opened the game on a higher note. They outscored the hosts to post a 22:14 lead after ten minutes. Japan stopped the rot adjusting defence in the second quarter. The hosts pulled within two points at the interval 33:35. Wuerzburg stayed in charge in the third quarter. The visitors posted a four-point advantage with one quarter remaining. Wuerzburg fired 25 points in the fourth stanza and did not allow Japan to recover. Cedric Oliver knocked down 15 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for the winners. Takumi Ishizaki (188-PG-84) answered with 21 points for Japan. Takuya Kawamura (193-G-86) connected for 13 points in the loss.

Japan: Takumi Ishizaki 21, Takuya Kawamura 13
Wuerzburg: Timothy Burnette 19, Cedric Oliver 15+10 boards

Skyliners hire Muli Katzurin - by Eurobasket News
Deutsche Bank Skyliners have appointed new head coach. Muli Katzurin (agency: Avi Zilberman ) will take over the Frankfurt team. The sides have agreed on terms of two-year contract. Last season the Israeli specialist worked with ALBA Berlin. He was hired in January and led ALBA into German Bundesliga Finals. Previously Muli Katzurin (agency: Avi Zilberman ) worked with Nymburk for four straight seasons. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Czech Republic League Coach of the Year for four seasons in a row 2007-10. Muli Katzurin (agency: Avi Zilberman ) also worked with Slask Wroclaw, Ironi Ramat Gan and Herzliya. He guided Israeli National Team in 1997-2004 seasons. Muli Katzurin (agency: Avi Zilberman ) will replace Gordon Herbert who took the reins in ALBA Berlin.

Robert McKiver joins the Saar-Pfalz Braves - by Moritz Korff
The Saar-Pfalz Braves (2. Bundesliga Pro A) have confirmed that Robert McKiver (191-G-84, college: Houston) will play for the Homburg team in the 2011-12 season. The 26-year-old native of New Haven, Connecticut started his college career at NCAA D1 school Providence in 2004, followed by a year at San Jacinto Community College. In 2006 he transfered to the University of Houston and turned into a scoring machine. As a junior McKiver averaged 19.2 points per contest and ranked 8th in the entire NCAA Division One in scoring (23.6ppg) during the 2007-08 campaign. He nailed 145 treys through his senior season, only three players in the nation hit more shots from beyond the arc that year.

Following numerous work-outs with NBA teams, he didn't really find a permanent place to play in his first season as a pro, trying out with Chalon-Sur-Saone of the French Pro A league, AEL Larissa (Greece, A1 league), playing shortly for NBA D-League's Austin Toros (12 games: 0.9ppg), before heading to Mexico for a six game-stint with La Comarca-Torreon (13.3ppg). Also in the following two seasons McKiver didn't see action in many games, while staying in Argentina at Quilmes Mar del Plata (8 games: 10.5ppg) in 2009-10 and later in 2010 at Bucaneros de la Guaria of Venezuela (8 games: 13.2ppg).

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GREECE

Soulis Markopoulos for three more years in PAOK - by Giorgos Diploidis
Soulis Markopoulos extended his contract with PAOK Thessaloniki until 2014. The experienced coach was for two years at the club and a few time ago he succeed to take the third place with his team and participate in the next euroleague qualifications. There was an option between the two sides to continue their co-operation for one more period.
However the new board of Bane Prelevic wanted to keep the successful trainer for three more years. The first proposal seemed to not satisfy Mr Markopoulos but a new meeting between the two sides had as a result the final agreement.

Italy rally past Greece to win Torneo di Domegge - by Eurobasket News
Italy U20 - Greece U20 77:53

Italian U20 National Team celebrated victory at the Torneo di Domegge. The hosts overcame Greece in the final day to clinch the trophy. Alessandro Gentile (198-G/F-92) stepped up with 22 points to pace the effort. Greece finished in the second position at 2-1 record.
The Hellenes stormed into the game. Greece grabbed a 24:14 lead after ten minutes of action. Italy struck right back as they went on a 24:12 run in the second quarter. The Azzurri boosted the advantage in the third period. They limited Greece to only 10 points and established a 58:46 lead with one quarter remaining. Greece accounted for just 7 points in the fourth period and surrendered at the end. Riccardo Moraschini (195-G-91) contributed 14 points, while Nicolo Melli (205-F-91) added 13 points and 14 rebounds in the win. Dimitrios Katsivelis (194-G-91) responded with 12 points for Greece. Manolis Koukoulas (211-C-91) finished with 9 points in the loss.

Italy U20: Alessandro Gentile 22, Riccardo Moraschini 14, Nicolo Melli 13+14 boards
Greece U20: Dimitrios Katsivelis 12, Manolis Koukoulas 9

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HUNGARY

Hungarian U20 National Team 2011 - by Adam Patonay

Starting five

Eilingsfeld

Bajalinov

Delity

Lakosa

Biro

Janos Eilingsfeld

198-F/C-91

PVSK Pannon Hungary

Kristof Bajalinov

183-G-91

DEAC

Bence Delity

193-G/F-92

ZTE KK

Zsolt Lakosa

194-G-91

MidAmerica Nazarene USA

Bence Biro

200-F/C-91

Kaposvari

Andras Madar

191-G-91

Albacomp

Gergely Kovacs

192-G-91

Bence Narai

206-F/C-92

Falco-Szova Hungary

Bence Molnar

190-G-91

Falco-Szova Hungary

Ivan Krisztian Bus

Mate Meszaros

192-G/F-92

Kecskemeti Univer KSE Hungary

Zoltan Czinger

211-C-93

Marso-Vagep NYKK Hungary

Balazs Kerpel-Fronius

193-G/F-92

Budapesti Honved SE Hungary

Bence Bodor

206-F/C-92

Zalakeramia-ZTE KK Hungary

Aron Moravcsik

186-G-91

Hegyvidek

Levente Juhos

206-F-91

Moberly JC USA

Peter Volgyi

Head Coach

Atomeromu

Attila Kiss

Assistant

<<>><<>>

U20: strong game against Germany - by Adam Patonay
The hungarian U20 national team on their 9th day of Training camp in Kormend played against the strong Germany.
Germany is a taller and stronger team than the hungarian but Hungary was on close game during 35 minutes and gave work for the germans.

Magyarorszg - Nmetorszg 49:61
(12:14, 11:13, 15:17, 11:17)

Hungary: Moravcsik -, Andras Madar (191-G-91, agency: TSS Management) 16/9, Kerpel-Fronius -, Bodor 4, Eilingsfeld 2. Csere: Meszaros 3/3, Delity 3/3, Kovacs 7/3, Biro 6, Juhos 4, Bus 3/3, Narai 1. Edz: Volgyi Peter, Kis Attila.

Germany: Giffey 13/3, Theis 11, Heckmann 10/3.

Szabo is back to Falco KC, Hendlein stays with Albacomp - by Tamas Deri
Zsolt Szabo (202-F-86, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) signed with Falco KC Szombathely for the coming season but still has a chance to get out from his contract until the 20th of July if the player gets the right offer from abroad. The 202 cm tall NT-player started to play professional with Falco KC Szombathely but moved to Kecskemet in 2007. He spent two seasons with the club before getting to Sopron, where he got one of the best hungarian forwards. In the last season he averaged 12.1ppg, 8.3rpg, 1.5apg, 1.3spg in 32.1 minutes on the court. He is also a member of our National Team and will fight to getting into the European Championship this September.

Hungarian foward, Roland Hendlein (205-F-86, agency: TSS Management) just signed with Albacomp for the coming season. The 205 cm tall athletic forward had a knee injury during the season 2009-10 playing for Kaposvari KK. During the season he was tested by Vanoli Cremona in Italy, but Roland was staying in Hungary and playing only 14 games averaging 14.0 points, 5,8 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.4 blocks per game before his injury. Last summer he agreed with Albacomp and could play his first game in February with the team. He step in 19 games on the court and put up 4.3 points, 3.9 rebounds in only 15.8 minutes on the court. He signed with the club for one more season and got also an invitation from the Federation to start the preparation with our National Team coming monday, but Roland decided not to attend the EC qualifications and work hard for getting totally fit for the coming season.

U20 National Team: double victory against Slovakia - by Adam Patonay
The hungarian and the slovakian U20 national team are on the same group in Division B EC and they played two games on this weekend in Szekesfehervar. Slovakia arrived with 10 players while Hungary rotated 14 players during the 5 quarters at friday and a normal 4 quarter game on saturday morning. Eilingsfeld missed the games because of injury.
Slovakia played agressive defense, Hungary concentrated much better on game two why the difference was bigger, but unfortunately Levente Juhos injured on the second game.

GAME 1
Hungary - Slovakia 96:82
(21-19, 17-16, 19-19, 15-14, 24-14)

Hungary: Madar 11/6, Meszaros 15/9, Delity 5, Juhos 5, Biro 8. Sub: Bajalinov 8, Moravcsik 3, Lakosa -, Kovacs S. 9/3, Bodor 14, Narai 10, Bus 2, Kerpel-Fronius 4.
Coaches: Volgyi Peter, Kis Attila.

Best scorers of Slovakia: Grznar 24, Movarek 17/3, Timko 13.

GAME 2
Slovakia - Hungary 64:89
(16-12, 17-30, 19-25, 12-22)

Hungary: Bajalinov -, Madar 10/6, Delity 4, Juhos -, Bodor 10. Sub: Moravcsik 8/3, Lakosa 8, Molnar B. 3, Gergely Kovacs (192-G-91). 19/3, Biro 10, Meszaros 4, Czinger -, Bus 2, Kerpel-Fronius 11/3

Best scorers of Slovakia: Grznar 21, Movarek 12, Timko 10

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IBL

Vancouver Volcanoes win 2011 International Basketball League championship - by Trask Frost
Written for Vancouver media: today was the end result of 9 years of hard work for some of the staff, co-owners and players from the Vancouver Volcanoes- specifically players Kevin 'Pip' Bloodsaw and Jake Carlisle who have been involved in the organization since 2003; both players were a part of a group of guys who helped form the IBL with 9 test games played in 2003. Both players went on to struggle through three really tough seasons in 2005, 2006 and 2007 (seasons with single digits for wins)- so today's championship- was especially rewarding to those two players. The game was excellent with extremely high level play from Devin Uskoski, Jake Carlisle, Andrey Murray, Lawrence Blackledge and solid contributions from about everyone on the roster including 4 extremely key baskets from Durrel Nevels that seemed to turn the game from Edmonton's favor- to Vancouver's favor (Edmonton Energy led by 9 points early in the second quarter).

Written for Edmonton media: the Edmonton Energy professional basketball team makes it to the International Basketball League Championship Game but falls to the Vancouver Volcanoes 124 to 116 in a thrilling game. Edmonton earned a bye to move past the first round and in the second round- Edmonton beat the Albany NY Legends to set up todays championship game this afternoon in Vancouver Washington against the Vancouver Volcanoes. Edmonton Energy Head Coach Peter Sambu got the most out of his players and stuck around for the trophy presentation (for the Volcanoes)- saying 'this IS us next year' quietly to the IBL Commissioner- but in the end, the Energy team was satisfied with their performance for the 2011 year. The players not from Alberta will fly out of Portland Oregon to their respective home towns- tonight. Owner David Dorward seemed happy with the 2011 season as is Team President Rick Stanley and both look forward to an earlier commitment to 2012 giving them even more time to line things up in what they think will be their best season yet (the 2012 season and with games at the Go Centre).

For more information about the International Basketball League, visit the web site www.iblhoopsonline.com and or call the IBL Commissioner Mikal Duilio at (ph) 503-380-4539.

Vancouver Volcanoes vs Edmonton Energy for 2011 IBL Championship - by Trask Frost
Vancouver Volcanoes Alex Hartman was superb from beyond the arc tonight, complimenting the strong inside play of Jake Carlisle and Kevin Uskoski as Vancouver goes on to beat the Bellingham Slam 105 to 96. The Vancouver Volcanoes (14-6) will play the Edmonton Energy (15-6) for the 2011 IBL Championship tomorrow- Sunday 1pm at Clark College in Vancouver Washington. For more information on the IBL, visit www.IBLhoopsonline.com

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INDONESIA

Philipina, SEABA 2011 Championship Tournament - by Koko Triloka
Filipinos really show their quality in the tournament SEABA 2011 in Britama Arena, North Jakarta. Playing host to face Indonesia, Christopher John Tiu et al. success big victory. Philippines beat Indonesia 89-50 (46-27). Philippines became a champion and unbeaten. Although already doing to deal with Smart roller adjustment, the senior national team title for the Philippines, Indonesia has difficulty penetrating the defense of the Philippines. At the beginning of the first quarter, Indonesia lags behind 5-0 through the transition offense defense very quickly. Even in the first five minutes, the Philippines led by 16-4. At the end of the first quarter, the Philippines won with 31-10.
Indonesia pursuing a strategy of more pressing in the second quarter. The shooter Indonesia dare give shots from the circle of three figures. Courage had a chance to surprise the Philippines. In the second quarter, Indonesia won 17-15. Philippine closed the first half with the score 46-27.
In the third quarter, the Philippines raised the tempo of the game. Indonesia made no move slightly in the first five minutes of scoreless third quarter. At the end of the third quarter, the Philippines led by 67-35. Indonesia scored only 8 digits in the third quarter alone, while the Philippines 21.
In the fourth quarter, Philippines not slowed down. They gained the victory 22-15 in the fourth quarter.
'I am satisfied with the game in the first quarter. However, the Indonesian team did a very good adjustment in the second quarter. We lost in the quarter,' said Rajko Toroman, the Serbian coach of the Philippines, after the game. 'So there is no choice but to continue to press Indonesia in the second half. We must maximize the advantages of speed and teamwork.'s Great we can finally be a champion here,' said Toroman.
According to coach Horongbala Rastafari, the Indonesian national team has done very well change in the second quarter. 'Children playing bold and loose. I am very happy because in the quarter that they could hassles,' said Rastafari. 'Unfortunately in the second half, the pressure the kids relax. They were finally left us again. Especially when we were shot multiple times not enter, 'said Rastafari.
Field goal Filipino reached 47% while Indonesia only 26%. Indonesia and the Philippines also out rebound 43-27. According to Rastafari, his team has improved compared to when the first games. At that time Indonesia Philippines rolled 54-94. 'There are changes compared to the first games ago. I am very happy,' added Rastafari.
Andy Mark Barroca became top scorer with 17 points followed by the Philippines Marcus E. Douthit 16, Chris Tiu 13, and Marnel Baracael 12.
From Indonesia, the highest score made Rony Gunawan 14 points followed by Faisal J. Achmad 12, and Xavier Prawiro 11.

Difficult to Monitor Philippine Team 2011 SEA Games - by Koko Triloka
It's quite difficult to monitor the strength of the Philippine Team 2011 SEA Games. For the national team sent to SEABA 2011 in Jakarta is the senior national team. They are prepared for the FIBA Asia Championship which is a qualification to the 2012 London Olympics. 'This team is not prepared at the SEA Games later. They would stare at the London Olympics, 'said Rajko Toroman, head coach of the Philippine team. 'The team for the SEA Games are prepared separately and are now preparing a special,' said Toroman added.

According to the secretary general of the PP Perbasi, Agus A. Mauro, the Philippine national team aged 19 years later. They will be trained by Norman Black, Filipino basketball legend from the U.S.. 'They are preparing themselves. So, at the SEA Games later they come with different strengths, 'said Agus.

According to Neo Beng Siang, the coach of Singapore, the Philippines is the strongest team in Southeast Asia. 'They are the best team today, whoever they send in the Southeast Asian level,' said Beng Siang. For the national team manager, Syailendra Bakrie, no team coming SEA Games in the Philippines is difficult to monitor their power. 'It's so hard to monitor them. Instead, they can already measure the strength of Indonesia via Smart roll team, 'added Eda Bakrie.

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ISRAEL

Serbia U20 beat Israel U20 twice in test games - by Eurobasket News
Serbia U20 beat Israel U20 twice in test games before heading to U20 European Championship. In Game 1 Serbia won 121-106. It was an offensive first period as the hosts started with 38-30 and then added 26-23 in the second period. Serbia also won the third period, while Israel replied with 23-20 in the last frame. Nemanja Nedovic (192-PG-91, agency: Beo Basket) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Luka Andusic (191-G/F-94) nailed 17. Dusan Ognjenovic (216-C-91) and Jaramaz followed them with 14 apiece, whilst Nikola Rondovic (207-F-91, agency: Interperformances) scored 13. Dzeremaja ended up with 25 points in the losing case and Ram Gerben posted 14.
In Game 2 Serbia U20 won 86:79 with 23-13 in the start of the game. Israel played much better in that game and tied the score at 39:39 at the halftime. Again Serbia pushed the tempo in the third frame and reached 13-point advantage entering the last stanza after 30-17. Israel managed to win the last period 23-17 but it was not enough to seal the victory. Luka Andusic paced all the winners with 15 points, while Blagojevic scored 13. Liraz finished the game with 13 points in the losing case, while Dzeremaja notched 10.

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ITALY

Italy rally past Greece to win Torneo di Domegge - by Eurobasket News
Italy U20 - Greece U20 77:53

Italian U20 National Team celebrated victory at the Torneo di Domegge. The hosts overcame Greece in the final day to clinch the trophy. Alessandro Gentile (198-G/F-92) stepped up with 22 points to pace the effort. Greece finished in the second position at 2-1 record.
The Hellenes stormed into the game. Greece grabbed a 24:14 lead after ten minutes of action. Italy struck right back as they went on a 24:12 run in the second quarter. The Azzurri boosted the advantage in the third period. They limited Greece to only 10 points and established a 58:46 lead with one quarter remaining. Greece accounted for just 7 points in the fourth period and surrendered at the end. Riccardo Moraschini (195-G-91) contributed 14 points, while Nicolo Melli (205-F-91) added 13 points and 14 rebounds in the win. Dimitrios Katsivelis (194-G-91) responded with 12 points for Greece. Manolis Koukoulas (211-C-91) finished with 9 points in the loss.

Italy U20: Alessandro Gentile 22, Riccardo Moraschini 14, Nicolo Melli 13+14 boards
Greece U20: Dimitrios Katsivelis 12, Manolis Koukoulas 9

Montegranaro land Edgar Sosa - by Eurobasket News
Montegranaro have agreed on terms of contract with Edgar Sosa (188-G-88, college: Louisville). The deal is meant for the next season. Edgar Sosa spent the last season with Angelico Biella. The Dominican guard averaged 14.1 points, 4.5 assists, 1.4 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game in SeriaA. He earned Eurobasket.com All-Italian SeriaA Honourable Mention. Edgar Sosa also participated at 2011 SeriaA All-Star Game.

Montepaschi Siena adds Summers to their roster - by Eurobasket Center
Montepaschi Siena added to their roster 23-year old American forward DaJuan Summers (203-F-88, college: Georgetown). Summers played most recently at Detroit Pistons (NBA) in the U.S. While playing 20 games for Detroit P. last season he averaged 3.7ppg. He is a free agent after first pro season and due to the NBA lockout, he prefers to get granted contract for 11-12 instead of betting on the NBA season to start on time.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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JAPAN

Shinshu name Motofumi Aoki head coach - by Eurobasket News
BJ League expansion team Shinshu Brave Warriors have appointed their first head coach. His name is Motofumi Aoki . The 46-year-old specialist has previously worked with Takamatsu Five Arrows and Tokyo Apache. He was named BJ League Coach of the Year in 2006/07 season. He led the Five Arrows into BJ League championship game that season.

Honoo Hamaguchi takes over Kyoto Hannaryz - by Eurobasket News
The Kyoto Hannaryz announced the name of their new head coach. Honoo Hamaguchi is the man for the job. It will be a new challenge for the 41-year-old specialist. Honoo Hamaguchi has worked with Sendai 89ers for six seasons in a row. He led the team to the BJ League Eastern Division Regular Season second place in 2010 and 2011. Previously Honoo Hamaguchi worked as coach assistant with the Toyota Alvark.

Wuerzburg tame Japan to wrap up exhibition series - by Eurobasket News
Japan - Wuerzburg 69:78

Wuerzburg claimed the first win in the exhibition series versus Japanese National Team. The German team overcame their opponents in Yoyogi. Timothy Burnette (188-G-82, college: Tarleton St.) stepped up with 19 points to lead Wuerzburg as they recovered after two straight losses.
Wuerzburg usually opened the game on a higher note. They outscored the hosts to post a 22:14 lead after ten minutes. Japan stopped the rot adjusting defence in the second quarter. The hosts pulled within two points at the interval 33:35. Wuerzburg stayed in charge in the third quarter. The visitors posted a four-point advantage with one quarter remaining. Wuerzburg fired 25 points in the fourth stanza and did not allow Japan to recover. Cedric Oliver knocked down 15 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for the winners. Takumi Ishizaki (188-PG-84) answered with 21 points for Japan. Takuya Kawamura (193-G-86) connected for 13 points in the loss.

Japan: Takumi Ishizaki 21, Takuya Kawamura 13
Wuerzburg: Timothy Burnette 19, Cedric Oliver 15+10 boards

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JUCO

During the first four days of the NJCAA National Tournament, W.Wyoming CC proved it had one of the tournament's most efficient offenses. That didn't change on the final day. - by Rangi Gescheit
During the first four days of the NJCAA National Tournament, W.Wyoming CC proved it had one of the tournament's most efficient offenses. That didn't change on the final day.

The Mustangs shot 62 percent from the field in the first half to build a commanding lead as they went on to an 83-69 win over Cape Fear CC, N.C., on Saturday in the seventh-place game.

'It's been our philosophy all year - we're not a one-man team or two-man team. We need to pass the ball to get guys open and get guys shots,' said W.Wyoming CC coach Trace Bevell.

W.Wyoming CC was 17 of 28 from the field in the first half as it built an 18-point halftime lead. The Mustangs had 14 assists on those 17 field goals.

W.Wyoming CC ended up shooting 56 percent as a team for its four games at the Sports Arena.'That doesn't surprise me at all,' said forward Tallon Robertson, who was 7 for 7 from the field, 4 for 4 from the line in finishing with 18 points. 'When we're playing as a team, we're passing the ball, setting screens and we're getting open shots.'

That unselfishness was evident during the last 10 minutes of the first half when the Mustangs went on a game-changing run. Cape Fear CC led 18-17 with 10 minutes left in the half. But W.Wyoming CC outscored the Sea Devils 31-12 the rest of the half and maintained a double-digit lead the rest of the way.

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

LATVIA

LITHUANIA

NBA

Former Lakers' coach Cleamons heads to China - by Eurobasket News
Former Los Angeles Lakers' assistant coach Jim Cleamons had been hired by the Zhejiang Guangsha of the Chinese Basketball Association league (CBA) on Sunday, local reports said.

Guangsha's general manager Ye Xiangyu told media that Cleamons had arrived in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, on Saturday.

'There were several offers from teams of the National Basketball Association (NBA), but Mr. Cleamons finally chose the Guangsha,' Ye said.

Cleamons, 62, will take the place of former head coach Wang Fei, who resigned earlier this week due to healthy problems.

Cleamons has been an assistant under head coach Phil Jackson with both the Chicago Bulls and the Lakers for a long period. He was the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks for a slight period from 1996-1997.

He was hired as an assistant coach by the Lakers on July 19, 2006.

Courtesy of http://news.xinhuanet.com

If granted opportunity, Hill wants to keep going - by Eurobasket News
Grant Hill (6'8''-F-72, college: Duke) says he is not carrying a 38-year-old body.

However, Hill now is the second-oldest player in the NBA following the retirement of Shaquille ONeal, one day younger than fellow graybeard Kurt Thomas.

Many remember Hill as an athletic swingman with a flat-top haircut catching alley-oops from Bobby Hurley and winning national titles for Duke. But 17 years after he was the third overall pick in the draft by the Pistons, Hill remains without an NBA title, with a twice-reconstructed ankle but the desire to continue.

He watched Jason Kidd, a fellow rookie of the year, win his first title last month, and is willing to keep striving for an opportunity to play in the Finals. Hills career has gone from one of promise, to misfortune, to longevity, and he is willing to wait out a potentially long lockout.

You definitely want to win, especially when you see somebody you are kind of linked to and somebody you have known for many years get there, Hill said last week. I dont have too many more years left, so we have to wait and see. But it would be nice to do what [Kidd] was able to do this past season.

Because of several ankle surgeries, Hill stands just 21st among active players in games played with 948. In fact, Kidd has played 319 more regular-season games than Hill, or the equivalent of four seasons. The Celtics Paul Pierce, who entered the NBA four years after Hill and lost 32 games of his rookie season to a lockout, has played in 16 more regular-season games than Hill.

So, its not surprising that Hill, a pending free agent, feels he has something left, and hes flourished the last four seasons with the Suns, playing 313 of a possible 328 games, and averaging 13.2 points last season, his best in four years. He could be attractive to a team pushing for a title, a versatile, intelligent, and still skilled player who knows how to win.

Hill cant wait to get started with a team, but there is the issue of the lockout. Hill was one of the few current players to be in his prime during the last lockout, having just completed his fourth All-Star season in four years. That time off during his formative years was difficult.

I think you learn a lot looking back and having a chance to reflect, said Hill, who averaged a career-best 25.8 points in 1999-2000, the first full season after the lockout. I think every one of these [lockouts] is worth it. I think the game recovered. I think the game is in great shape now and irrespective of what happens or whether we get it done or we have a work stoppage, the game is in a good position.

I think this time around guys are better prepared. It was kind of crazy last time, and this time it might get crazy again.

Hill is concentrating on staying in shape, and he takes nothing for granted after ankle problems and a hernia cost him significant parts of four seasons. In his six seasons in Orlando (2000-07), Hill played just 200 games. He blamed the Magic for misdiagnosing an ankle injury and botching the initial surgery, and spent years trying to regain the form that made him one of the games best scorers. He never quite got back to that level, but Hill was able to reinvent himself.

I think going through all that helped me really learn and understand how to take care of myself, just really being in tune with my body, he said. I feel like I wear down more mentally than I do physically. I went out to Phoenix thinking Id play two years, and now its four going on five. I dont want to put a number on it. I want to take it year by year, but I definitely have a lot left in the tank.

Depending on his price and desire to come off the bench, Hill could be a target of the Celtics. He has a strong relationship with Doc Rivers, who wanted Hill to sign with Boston before he opted for Phoenix. Perhaps if Hill had remained healthy, Riverss coaching stint in Orlando would have been more successful.

He was great, still is, hes a friend, Hill said of Rivers. He was so supportive. Its woulda, coulda, shoulda, we might have done some pretty good things together but it didnt happen. I think Im a better person going through all of that. And hes a better coach. I think he will tell you that. Its prepared him probably even more so what hes doing now in Boston. It hasnt hurt the friendship or relationship, at least I dont think so, but it was an unfortunate set of circumstances.

Courtesy of www.boston.com

Real Madrid tries to lure Rudy Fernandez to Spain with lucrative deal - by Eurobasket News
Rudy Fernandez (6'6''-G-85), who was traded from the Portland Trail Blazers to the Dallas Mavericks on draft night, has been offered a six-year contract from Real Madrid worth about $4.35 per year, which would make him the highest paid player in the history of the Spanish basketball league, Spanish sports newspaper Mundo Deportivo reports (via ESPNDallas.com).

Fernandez was slated to make $2.2 million next season, at least under the previous collective bargaining agreement. He could become a restricted free agent after next season with a $3.2 million qualifying offer, ESPN.com notes. The new labor deal, however, is expected to be more restrictive on player salaries.

Fernandez is from Spain, and last offseason spoke of homesickness and wanting to return to his native country. Real Madrid sees acquiring Fernandez as one way to provide a boost to the struggling franchise, according to the report.

Should Fernandez accept to Real Madrid deal, he would return to Dallas whenever the 2011-12 NBA season begins, but would go back to Spain once the season is over, Mundo Deportivo reported.

Courtesy of http://aol.sportingnews.com

Report: Nets to go hard after Dwight Howard - by Eurobasket News
Big shocking news here people: The New Jersey Nets are going to try really hard to get the best player in the 2012 free agency crop to make their team better.

I know, I can't believe it either.

According to ESPN.com, the Nets 'intend to make a hard push for Dwight Howard (6'10''-C/F-85) in an attempt to convince [Deron] Williams to commit long term.'

Basically, it sounds the like Nets are saying, 'Hey everyone, we're going to try real, real hard to get Dwight Howard. REAL hard. You hear that Deron? Real hard.'

It's what they have to do though. Mikhail Prokhorov and the Nets took a strategical risk trading Derrick Favors, Devin Harris and draft picks for Williams, without the sure road to sign him long term. It's clear that it's going to take a vision for a future contender to convince Williams he wants to be a part of it. Simply playing in Brooklyn in a nice, new arena isn't good enough. Players want to win. And getting Howard is an excellent way to win.

However, Howard seems to be very determined to remain with the Magic. But that's only if they do the same thing the Nets are and convince him that they have a plan to win. Howard wants to be a champion. And if that can happen in Orlando, that's what he prefers. But if he decides that isn't in the cards with the existing roster Otis Smith assembles, teaming up with Williams might sound like a fantastic plan.

It's no shock though that the Nets are going to be hot in pursuit of Howard. They better be. He's the cream of the 2012 crop and will instantly make whatever team he picks a title contender. He's a total game-changer. And not only do the Nets want him, they also want to show Deron Williams they're serious about getting him help. It's hard for me to picture a scenario of Howard choosing to leaving the Magic in which he doesn't go to the Lakers, but the Nets aren't a bad option.

You hear that Deron?

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Kobe Bryant undergoes a different kind of knee procedure - by Eurobasket News
Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) has taken an unusual step to try to strengthen his ailing right knee, undergoing an innovative procedure in Germany about a month ago, according to four people familiar with the situation who were not authorized to speak publicly.

The treatment is a derivation of platelet-rich plasma therapy. PRP procedures are less invasive than many surgeries involving the knee and are viewed as either an emerging solution to knee problems or a financial gamble on unproven science.

Bryant, who turns 33 next month, has been bothered in recent seasons by an arthritic joint in his right knee. He has undergone three other knee procedures since 2003, including surgery last July to remove unspecified loose bodies.

He sat out an overwhelming majority of the Lakers' practices this past season and saw his scoring, shooting percentage and minutes decrease in his 15th NBA season. He has three years and $83.5 million left on his contract with the Lakers.

Bryant declined through a representative to comment for this story, but after the Lakers were eliminated by Dallas in the playoffs, he spoke of the need to 'train and get strong' during the off-season.

'Last year I had [knee] surgery,' Bryant said in May. 'The year before that, we played deep into June so I didn't have a chance to grind like I would like to, but this summer I have that chance.'

Regarding his knee, he added that 'there's another level that I feel like I can get to.'

He did not specifically mention PRP.

The PRP procedure is fairly simple and takes about an hour.

A small amount of blood is drawn from the patient's arm and spun in a centrifuge for about 20 minutes to isolate platelets. With guidance from ultrasound, the platelets are then injected into the injured area to try to stimulate tissue repair.

But do PRP procedures really work? The consensus is that more long-term research needs to be done.

'Right now, the data is immature,' said Allan Mishra, an orthopedic surgeon who administers PRP treatments and is an adjunct professor of orthopedic surgery at Stanford University Medical Center. 'There is a lot of cool stuff going on, but I temper that by saying we have a lot more work to do before it is definitive.'

The procedure isn't close to mainstream but is becoming more common and might take another two to four years to fully validate, Mishra said.

'The interesting part is that it's not super complicated,' he said. 'It's really only your own blood taken out of a vein and prepared right in front of you and then put back in an area of your condition. So the concept is to try and use within your own body to help heal yourself. This is an opportunity to really take advantage of the body's own natural ability.'

In addition to Bryant, tennis star Rafael Nadal, golfer Tiger Woods and Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Hines Ward reportedly have undergone PRP treatments for their knees.

Other NBA players also experimented with PRP last season, including reserve Golden State guard Acie Law on his wrist and Portland guard Brandon Roy on his hamstring.

The World Anti-Doping Agency and U.S. Anti-Doping Agency debated in recent years whether PRP led to unfair athletic enhancement, but both entities determined last year it was fair for Olympic competition if it wasn't mixed with human-growth hormone (HGH) or insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1).

'What we're hearing from our athletes is that it's not demonstrated that it enhances performance at all,' said Travis Tygart, chief executive of USADA. 'If you get PRP with HGH added to it, yeah, no question, but that is prohibited. As the [PRP] technique started gaining some traction over the last two or three years in athlete circles and among doctors that treat athletes, those doing it without HGH and IGF-1 weren't seeing the same benefits. There wasn't enough evidence that PRP by itself was proving enough enhancement to make it unfair.'

After the Lakers were eliminated in the playoffs, Bryant, who'd heard plenty about his supposedly declining skills, said there was something that would motivate him in the off-season.

'What I think about is shutting up those [people] saying that I'm done,' he said.

Courtesy of www.latimes.com

No free agency on Day 1 of lockout - by Eurobasket News
No free agency now, maybe no games later.

The NBA lockout claimed a quick casualty in Day 1, when the free agency period did not open as usual on July 1.

Games eventually could be lost, too, if owners and players can't make progress whenever they start talking again.

'It's going to get ugly. I've already been on the record saying I don't think they're going to play at all next season,' Hall of Famer and TNT analyst Charles Barkley said Friday.

The last lockout reduced the 1998-99 season to 50 games, and players say they're prepared to hang in as long as necessary this time, rather than agree to the financial changes owners are seeking.

The silence of this July 1 was a sad contrast to the dizzying events of exactly one year earlier, when LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) welcomed the New York Knicks and New Jersey Nets to Cleveland to hear their pitches, and teams crisscrossed the country in pursuit of other stars that were available.

Interest in the league surged from there, right on through the NBA finals that drew some of the best TV ratings the event had seen in years.

'Basketball as a sport is in such a great place right now. It's a shame it came to this,' agent Marc Cornstein said. 'Hopefully, we can resolve this in a fair and equitable way.'

And, owners would add, a profitable one. Tired of losing millions in a system that has guaranteed players 57 percent of revenues, they want an overhaul that would allow small-market teams to compete with the big spenders, and all of them to make money.

Deputy commissioner Adam Silver has said some teams would be better off if there were no games this season, though he stressed no owner wanted that to happen. The NHL shut down for a year to get the salary cap system it sought. With NBA owners seeking the same result, the question is: Would they be willing to take the same route?

'I'm not scared. I'm resigned to the potential damage that it can cause to our league, all of the people that earn a living from our league,' commissioner David Stern said. 'As we get deeper into it, these things have the capacity to take on a life of their own. You never can predict what will happen.'

With the NFL in a lockout since March, two of the four major U.S. sports are in shutdown mode. In case you're wondering, Major League Baseball is next on the clock, with its collective bargaining agreement expiring at the end of the day on Dec. 11 -- though players and owners hope to have a new deal before then. The NHL's deal goes until Sept. 15, 2012.

The NFL already has lost free agency, minicamps and some workouts during its lockout, with training camps still a few weeks from opening. If the NBA's work stoppage were to last as long, it clearly would put the start of the 2011-12 season in October in jeopardy.

'If we were out as long as it appears the NFL will be out, even on a best-case scenario, given the length of our season, that would take us to a place that would assure a lot, I think, more damage because we have such a long season,' Stern said last week. 'And I think that motivates us on both sides to see whatever we can do.'

They couldn't do nearly enough before Thursday's deadline, not with the enormous gap in their financial proposals.

'Progress is made the more time you have the opportunity to sit down and work with each other,' NBPA president and Los Angeles Lakers guard Derek Fisher said in an interview on the Mason & Ireland Show on 710 ESPN Radio Friday. ' ... Just because we don't have a deal done right now, it doesn't mean the months that we've put in up to now have been wasted. I think there have been a lot of things learned by us and by the owners. All this effort is going to help in getting a deal done down the line.'

Union executive director Billy Hunter said the sides hoped to meet again in about two weeks and would perhaps start with other topics instead of going right back to economics.

In the meantime, rookies are missing the chance to play in summer league games and don't know when their first paycheck will arrive. National teams are worrying about putting together rosters for Olympic qualifying tournaments that won't include their top players.

And down the line, there's the fear that an 82-game schedule won't exist next season.

'Nervous? I wouldn't say that's the right word for it. Probably upset, a little frustrated because we just want to play basketball,' Hornets All-Star Chris Paul said. 'At the end of the day, we just want to do what's right. We want a fair deal. We just want to hoop. Like I've said before, it's all about our fans. I think the worst thing about this whole situation is our fans. They want to see us play.'

Courtesy of ESPN

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NEW ZEALAND

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Jack LEASURE
  Taranaki.
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 23.3

1. Leasure, Taranaki.	23.3
2. Webster, Wellingt.	20.0
3. Pace, Bay Hawks	19.8
4. Polyblank, Southla.	19.5
5. Abercrombie, Waika.	19.2
6. Campbell, Taranaki.	19.2
7. Jones, Nelson G.	19.1
8. Hudson, Manawatu.	18.9
9. Dora, Nelson G.	18.9
10. Hagan, Manawatu	18.7

Rebounds Per Game

Alex PLEDGER
  Waika.
  (216-C-87)
  Avg: 12

1. Pledger, Waika.	12.0
2. Vukona, Nelson G.	11.2
3. Horvath, Manawatu.	11.1
4. Campbell, Taranaki.	10.3
5. Allred, OceanaGo.	10.1
6. Johnson, Wellingt.	8.9
7. Grizzard, Nelson G.	8.7
8. Bradshaw, OceanaG.	8.5
9. Boucher, Auckland.	8.2
10. Trousdell, Bay H.	7.9

Assists Per Game

Jason CROWE
  Waikato P.
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 6.7

1. Crowe, Waikato P.	6.7
2. Dickel, Southland	6.4
3. Tait, Wellington S.	6.3
4. Braswell, Southlan.	5.2
5. Kench, Manawatu J.	4.4
6. Hagan, Manawatu J.	4.2
7. Boucher, Auckland.	4.0
8. Martin, Auckland.	3.9
9. Smith, Waikato P.	3.6
10. Leasure, Taranaki.	3.5

Steals Per Game

Jason CROWE
  Waikato P.
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Crowe, Waikato P.	3.2
2. Boucher, Auckland.	2.8
3. Smith, Waikato P.	2.6
4. Hagan, Manawatu J.	2.3
5. Dickel, Southland	2.1
6. Rose, Southland S.	2.0
7. Kench, Manawatu J.	2.0
8. Braswell, Southlan.	1.6
9. Allen, Waikato P.	1.6
10. Leasure, Taranaki.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Alex PLEDGER
  Waika.
  (216-C-87)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Pledger, Waika.	2.7
2. Allred, OceanaGo.	1.4
3. Iti, Southland S.	1.4
4. Johnson, Wellingt.	1.1
5. Brown, Auckland P.	1.0
6. Anthony, Waika.	1.0
7. Spicer, Southlan.	1.0
8. Campbell, Taranaki.	0.9
9. Vukona, Nelson G.	0.9
10. Adams, Wellington	0.9

Standings Men

NBL Standings

1. Wellington S.		13-2
2. Waikato P.		12-3
3. Bay Hawks		11-4
4. Nelson G.		8-7
5. Southland S.		6-8
6. Manawatu J.		6-9
7. Auckland P.		4-10
8. Taranaki MA		4-11
9. OceanaGold N.		2-12

NBL Round 12: Nelson beats Southland by two after a very close game - by Eurobasket News
The most exciting game of round 12 in the NBL took place in Stoke. This derby game ended with only two-point defeat on the road of 5th ranked Southland S. (6-8) to fourth ranked Nelson G. (8-7) 90-88 in the game for the fourth place. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Southland S. won third quarter 26-24. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Nelson G. won last quarter 19-19. It was a great shooting night for Nelson G. especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.4 percentage. It was a good game for the former international guard Phill Jones (196-74) who led his team to a victory with 29 points and 5 rebounds. American center Darryl Dora (206-85, college: Texas Tech) contributed with 27 points and 6 rebounds (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line) for the winners. The former international swingman Brendon Polyblank (200-78, college: Texas St.) replied with 32 points and 6 rebounds for Southland S.Nelson G. maintains fourth position with 8-7 record. Southland S. at the other side keeps the fifth place with eight games lost. Nelson G. are looking forward to face Auckland P. (#7) at home in the next round. Southland S. will play against Manawatu J. in Palmerston North and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
NBL top team - Wellington S. (13-2) added another victory to their record. This time they beat eighth ranked Taranaki MA (4-11) 107-99. Worth to mention a quality performance of international guard Lindsay Tait (194-82, agency: Impact Basketball) who helped to win the game recording 27 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists and Corey Webster who added 23 points and 4 assists during the contest. Wellington S.'s coach Pero Cameron allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. The best for the losing side was American guard Jack Leasure (191-86, college: Co.Carolina) with 26 points and 8 assists. Wellington S. have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 13-2 record. Taranaki MA at the other side keeps the eighth place with 11 games lost. Wellington S. will play against Auckland P. (#7) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Taranaki MA will play against OceanaGold N. in Dunedin and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game in New Plymouth supposed to be also quite interesting. 6th ranked Manawatu J. (6-9) played at the court of eighth ranked Taranaki MA (4-11). Taranaki MA did not have too big problems and got a relatively easy victory 122-102 on Sunday. The winners were led by Jack Leasure who scored that evening 30 points. Even a double-double of 23 points and 14 rebounds by Nick Horvath did not help to save the game for Manawatu J.. Taranaki MA maintains eighth position with 4-11 record. Loser Manawatu J. keeps the sixth place with nine games lost. Taranaki MA will meet at home bottom-ranked OceanaGold N. (#9) in the next round. Manawatu J. will play against Southland S. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the last game of round 12 Taranaki MA beat Auckland P. on the road 96-92.

Taranaki MA - Manawatu J. 122-102

The game in New Plymouth supposed to be also quite interesting. 6th ranked Manawatu J. (6-9) played at the court of eighth ranked Taranaki MA (4-11). Taranaki MA did not have too big problems and got a relatively easy victory 122-102 on Sunday. The game was mostly controlled by Taranaki MA. Manawatu J. managed to win second period 31-30. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Taranaki MA shot 62.9 percent from the field. The winners were led by American guard Jack Leasure (191-86, college: Co.Carolina) who scored that evening 30 points and naturalized Egyptian center Mada Abdelhamid (198, college: San Diego Chr.) supported him with 21 points and 5 rebounds. Even a double-double of 23 points and 14 rebounds by the former international power forward Nick Horvath (208-81, college: Duke) did not help to save the game for Manawatu J.. American guard Chris Hagan (175-89, college: Midwestern St.) added 28 points and 4 assists. Five Taranaki MA and four Manawatu J. players scored in double figures. Taranaki MA maintains eighth position with 4-11 record. Loser Manawatu J. keeps the sixth place with nine games lost. Taranaki MA will meet at home bottom-ranked OceanaGold N. (#9) in the next round. Manawatu J. will play against Southland S. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Manawatu J.: C.Hagan 28+2reb+4ast, J.Trueman 24+9reb+1ast, N.Horvath 23+14reb+2ast, M.Te Huna 14+3reb+1ast, K.Hokianga 5+3reb, L.Funnell 2
Taranaki MA: J.Leasure 30+4reb+3ast, M.Abdelhamid 21+5reb+3ast, C.Stuart 15+1reb, Z.Meehl 15+3reb+3ast, M.Campbell 13+12reb+3ast, L.Abrams 10+7reb+2ast

Wellington S. - Taranaki MA 107-99

NBL top team - Wellington S. (13-2) added another victory to their record. This time they beat eighth ranked Taranaki MA (4-11) 107-99. Taranaki MA was ahead by 6 points after three quarters before a 35-21 charge of Wellington S., which allowed them to win the game. They made 29-of-34 charity shots (85.3 percent) during the game. Wellington S. outrebounded Taranaki MA 43-32 including 17 on the offensive glass. Taranaki MA was plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a quality performance of international guard Lindsay Tait (194-82, agency: Impact Basketball) who helped to win the game recording 27 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists and the former international guard Corey Webster (185-88, college: Lambuth) who added 23 points and 4 assists during the contest. Wellington S.'s coach Pero Cameron allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. The best for the losing side was American guard Jack Leasure (191-86, college: Co.Carolina) with 26 points and 8 assists and his fellow American import center Marcus Campbell (214-82, college: Mississippi St., agency: SportsTalent) produced a double-double by scoring 21 points and 12 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Wellington S. have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 13-2 record. Taranaki MA at the other side keeps the eighth place with 11 games lost. Wellington S. will play against Auckland P. (#7) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Taranaki MA will play against OceanaGold N. in Dunedin and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Taranaki MA: J.Leasure 26+4reb+8ast, M.Campbell 21+12reb, Z.Meehl 16+4reb+2ast, L.Abrams 13+9reb+2ast, A.Bailey-Nowell 9+2reb+5ast, C.Stuart 6+1ast
Wellington S.: L.Tait 27+7reb+9ast, C.Webster 23+4ast, C.Frank 18+7reb, K.Johnson 16+11reb, E.Maxey 8+2reb, T.McLean 7+5reb

Nelson G. - Southland S. 90-88

The most exciting game of round 12 in the NBL took place in Stoke. This derby game ended with only two-point defeat on the road of 5th ranked Southland S. (6-8) to fourth ranked Nelson G. (8-7) 90-88 in the game for the fourth place. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Southland S. won third quarter 26-24. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Nelson G. won last quarter 19-19. It was a great shooting night for Nelson G. especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.4 percentage. It was a good game for the former international guard Phill Jones (196-74) who led his team to a victory with 29 points and 5 rebounds. American center Darryl Dora (206-85, college: Texas Tech) contributed with 27 points and 6 rebounds (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line) for the winners. The former international swingman Brendon Polyblank (200-78, college: Texas St.) replied with 32 points and 6 rebounds and the former international guard Mark Dickel (187-76, college: UNLV) added 21 points and 4 assists (went 10 for 10 at the free throw line !!!) in the effort for Southland S.Nelson G. maintains fourth position with 8-7 record. Southland S. at the other side keeps the fifth place with eight games lost. Nelson G. are looking forward to face Auckland P. (#7) at home in the next round. Southland S. will play against Manawatu J. in Palmerston North and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Southland S.: B.Polyblank 32+6reb+2ast, M.Dickel 21+3reb+4ast, M.Rose 15+1reb+1ast, S.Spicer 8+6reb, D.Peck 5+1reb, S.Dobbs 4
Nelson G.: P.Jones 29+5reb, D.Dora 27+6reb+1ast, R.Grizzard 17+8reb+5ast, M.Vukona 8+9reb+3ast, M.Fitchett 3+2reb+7ast, J.Bloxham 3

Auckland P. - Taranaki MA 92-96

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams when eighth ranked Taranaki MA (4-11) beat on the road 7th ranked Auckland P. (4-10) 96-92 on Wednesday. The game without a history. Taranaki MA led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 18-of-23 free shots (78.3 percent) during the game. Taranaki MA outrebounded Auckland P. 50-30 including a 22-11 advantage in offensive rebounds. The winners were led by American guard Jack Leasure (191-86, college: Co.Carolina) who scored that evening 31 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and the other American import center Marcus Campbell (214-82, college: Mississippi St., agency: SportsTalent) supported him with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Even 16 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists by the former international forward Dillon Boucher (196-75) did not help to save the game for Auckland P.. American forward Kevin Smith (196-79, college: Lee) added 19 points and 5 rebounds. Four Taranaki MA and five Auckland P. players scored in double figures. Taranaki MA maintains eighth position with 4-11 record. Loser Auckland P. keeps the seventh place with ten games lost. Taranaki MA will meet at home bottom-ranked OceanaGold N. (#9) in the next round. Auckland P. will play against Nelson G. in Stoke and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Auckland P.: K.Smith 19+5reb+3ast, D.Boucher 16+8reb+6ast, B.Abdullah 15+2reb+3ast, K.Mickens 13+6reb+2ast, H.O'Riley 10+2reb+3ast, E.Bartlett 7+2reb
Taranaki MA: J.Leasure 31+5reb+4ast, M.Campbell 21+12reb+2ast, A.Bailey-Nowell 14+10reb+2ast, L.Abrams 12+9reb+1ast, C.Stuart 8+3reb+1ast, Z.Meehl 6+4reb+3ast

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NORWAY

Tromso name Kenneth Webb head coach - by Eurobasket News
Tromso Storm have named Kenneth Webb new head coach. The sides have agreed on terms of two-year contract. The US specialist worked with Horsens in Denmark during the last two seasons. He led the team into Danish League semis this year. Kenneth Webb is not new to Tromso. He guided the Storm back in 2004/07 seasons. Kenneth Webb was voted the Coach of the Year in Norway in 2005/06 season. He was also awarded with 'Shut up and Play' prize that is being nominated by the referees for a coach with the best behaviour, attitude and respect for the game. The speciaist also worked in Iceland. Kenneth Webb is expected to join Tromso in August.

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PHILIPPINES

PBA Roundup: June 25-July 3, 2011 - by Enzo Flojo
TALK N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS over POWERADE TIGERS, 89-85
Thanks to reserve gunner Larry Fonacier (186-G-82), Talk n Text surged past Powerade
keeping the momentum of its hot streak going into its back-to-back games in Dubai.

Fonacier made a career-high 27 points on a remarkable 8-of-11 three-point shooting, carrying TNT past a fierce-fighting Powerade team. The Tropang Texters, in pursuit of the final jewel of a possible grand slam season, nailed a third win in a
row while handing Powerade a third loss in four starts.

The Texters kept their clean slate in the tourney and preserved a six-conference winning streak versus Powerade. For the record, the Texters have won all of their last 12 meetings with the Tigers.

With his career game, Fonacier more than made up for Maurice Baker (184-G-79, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Oklahoma St.)s struggling performance. The TNT import wound up with only 11 points.

Talk n Text 89 - Fonacier 27, Peek 14, Castro 14, Baker 11, Ryan Reyes 10, Aban 6, De Ocampo 4, Carey 3, Williams 0, Alapag 0, Alvarez 0, LaO 0.
Powerade 85 - Porter 18, David 10, Laure 8, Quinahan 8, Cruz 8, Macapagal 7, Anthony 6, Gonzales 4, Rizada 4, Allera 4, Antonio 3, Reyes, J. 2, Espino 2, Lanete 1, Reyes, R. 0.
QS: 17-15, 43-31, 65-63, 89-85

ALASKA ACES over AIR 21 EXPRESS, 98-84
After starting off on the wrong foot, Alaska has gotten its bearings back. The Aces cruised to a 98-84 win over Air21 Sunday their second straight win after two losses. Locals Cyrus Baguio (188-G-80), Sonny Thoss and Wesley Gonzales ably stepped up when import Jason Forte struggled.

The loss was Air21s fourth in as many games and directly attributable to the fact the Express did not work as solidly as Alaska did. Express import Alpha Bangura wound up with 20 points and 7 rebounds, but he was hobbled by early foul trouble
and missed a pair of free throws that could have helped stem the Aces breakaway in the final 2:22 of the match.

Nino Canaleta came off the bench to score 16 points and starters Carlo Sharma and Danny Seigle had at least 10 points each for Air21, which dropped to 0-4 and its worst start in a conference in the last seven years, or since a similar 0-4 start in the 2004 Fiesta tourney.

Alaska 98 - Baguio 19, Forte 18, Thoss 15, Gonzales 13, Borboran 8, Dela Cruz 8, Tenorio 7, Reyes 6, Custodio 2, Cabalay 2.
Air21 84 - Bangura 20, Canaleta 16, Sharma 16, Seigle 10, Artadi 5, Arboleda 5, Espiritu 4, Hontiveros 4, Urbiztondo 2, Juntilla 2, Salvador 0, Avenido 0.
QS: 24-19, 37-33, 68-55, 98-84

B-MEG DERBY ACE LLAMADOS over MERALCO BOLTS, 104-92
Whether its his true worth or not, Stefhon Hannah (185-G-85, college: Missouri) showed his stuff a little too late. Hannah found his rhythm in the second half, piling up 23 points to help B-Meg to a win over Meralco. It could well be his farewell game in a short stint in the local pro league since the teams import replacement prospect in Darnell Hinson was to fly in later in the night.

B-Meg forced a four-way logjam at fourth with Alaska and Petron as the Llamados topped the Bolts with a strong final half. From a slim 44-42 halftime lead, B-Meg opened a double-digit cushion at 67-56 on an attack spearheaded by James Yap.

With Yap sustaining his torrid shooting and Hannah picking up his game, the Llamados seized control in the third and roared to a fifth win in six meetings with former coach Ryan Gregorio. Yap went 4-of-5 from beyond the arc and finished with 26 points and 7 rebounds before fouling out with over two minutes left to play.

B-Meg 104 - Yap J. 26, Hannah 23, Devance 21, Simon 17, Pingris 9, Yap R. 6, Villanueva 2, Gaco 0, Fernandez 0, Adducul 0, Allado 0.
Meralco 92 - Oguchi 27, Mercado 23, Espinas 19, Ritualo 9, Isip 6, Omolon 4, Gamalinda 2, Taulava 2, Timberlake 0, aljamal 0, Hugnatan 0.
QS: 21-28, 44-42, 77-69, 104-92

B-MEG DERBY ACE LLAMADOS over TALK N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS, 111-105 (played in Dubai, UAE)
Darnell Hinson (186-G-80, college: Northeastern St.) picked up his game when B-Meg needed someone to provide a spark, rallying the Llamados to a 111-105 victory over Talk N Text after a poor start on
Thursday in the 2011 PBA Governors Cup Middle East swing at the Al Shabab Sports Club.

Hinson hit only 9 of his 25 attempts from the field in his debut with B-Meg, but his
successive triples in the third quarter opened the floodgates for a 21 -1 onslaught that turned the tide for the Llamados, who trailed TNT by 11 in the first half as they struggled to get their rhythm. Hinson eventually finished with 26 points and 12 rebounds to lead two other Llamados with double-double performances.

The win was the second straight for the Llamados, who upped their slate to 3-2.
James Yap led all scorers with 32 points on 12-of-21 shooting. Mark Pingris scored 17 points and had 12 rebounds while Joe Devance accounted for 16 points and 17 rebounds as B-Meg crushed TNT off the boards, 68-52.

Jason Castro scored 24 points for TNT. Ranidel de Ocampo, Harvey Carey and Maurice Baker each scored 20 points but all of them disappeared in the second half when the Llamados made a run.

The loss snapped a three-game win run by the grand slam seeking TNT, which will attempt to bounce back from that jolting defeat in their game against Barangay Ginebra also at the Al Shabab Sports Club.

B-Meg 111 - J. Yap 32, Hinson 26, Pingris 17, Devance 16, Simon 9, Allado 4, R. Yap 3, Reavis 2, Villanueva 2, Gaco 0, Fernandez 0.
Talk N Text 105 - Castro 24, Baker 20, De Ocampo 20, Carey 20, Williams 10, Alvarez 4, Fonacier 3, Alapag 2, Aban 2, Peek 0, Lao 0, Oreta 0.
QS: 21-29; 53-56; 82-74; 111-105.

TALK N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS over BGY. GINEBRA KINGS, 123-113 (played in Dubai, UAE)
The Talk N Text Tropang Texters vented their frustration on Barangay Ginebra and smothered the Kings in front of their shaken fans, 123-113 to salvage a split of their two-game trip here.

The Tropang Texters displayed remarkable sense of urgency against the Kings and didnt wilt even when Barangay Ginebra threatened to turn the game around amid chants of G-I-N-E-B-R-A from the sellout crowd. Maurice Baker scored 19 of his 23 points in the first half and Jimmy Alapag went 3 of 4 from 3-point range in the second quarter as TNT ripped the game open. As a team, the Texters made 14 of 38 attempts from downtown.

Jimmy Alapag, who managed just two points on Thursday, accounted for 20 points against Kings and his three consecutive 3-pointers capped a blistering 30-8 run in the second quarter as the Tropang Texters roared to a 25-point advantage (62-37) and effectively sealed the win.

Ryan Reyes scored 17 points on 6 of 10 shooting. Jason Castro and their Harvey Carey each scored 16 points for the Tropang Texters, who improved to 4-1 record and assumed the solo lead in the PBA Governors Cup elimination round.

Talk N Text 123 - Baker 23, Alapag 20, Reyes 17, Castro 16, Carey 16, Peek 9, Williams 8, Fonacier 8, De Ocampo 6, Aban 0, Yee 0.
Ginebra 113 - Stinson 30, Caguioa 26, Intal 15, De Ocampo 9, J. Wilson 9, W. Wilson 8, Labagala 7, Menk 5, Tubid 4, Miller 0, Cortez 0, Aquino 0.
QS: 32-29; 71-55; 94-88; 123-113.

PETRON BLAZE BOOSTERS over ALASKA ACES, 82-81
Jeremy Wise had the chance to redeem himself and seized the moment. Wise found his touch in the most opportune of times, helping Petron Blaze win a nail-biter
in overtime against Alaska at the Araneta Coliseum.

After being limited to just three points after three quarters, Wise waxed hot the most in the last seven minutes of the game when he scattered 13 of his 18 points,
including five in the extension. He opened up the overtime with a charity split and his four straight points, the last two from the stripe, also gave the Boosters the go-ahead point in the final 28.4 seconds.

Cyrus Baguio also tried to redeem himself from a bad shooting night, but came up just short. He muffed two charities and although he tried to atone with an interception, Alaska could not capitalize as LA Tenorio and Tony dela Cruz misfired in their respective tries before the final buzzer.

Arwind Santos had 22 points and 19 rebounds but narrowly avoided being the goat as the Boosters improved their win-loss record to 3-2 after rebounding from an 83-113 loss to Rain or Shine their last time out. It was Santos unwise outlet pass to the streaking Sunday Salvacion which Baguio intercepted.

Petron 82 - Santos 22, Wise 18, Pennisi 9, Al-Hussaini 8, Cabagnot 8, Duncil 6, Salvacion 6, Tugade 3, Ildefonso 2, Hubalde 0.
Alaska 81 - Forte 26, Gonzales 14, Dela Cruz 13, Baguio 11, Cablay 5, Tenorio 4, Thoss 4, Borboran 2, Reyes 2, Thiele 0, Custodio 0.
QS: 23-14, 36-33, 50-50, 82-81

POWERADE TIGERS over RAIN OR SHINE ELASTO PAINTERS, 98-96
Powerade continues to conquer what coach Bo Perasol says as its demons from within. This showed when the Tigers showed enough poise and grit in the endgame to hurdle the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. Gary David scored a game-high 28 points in only his second game while Chris Porter produced a monster game of 25 points and 24 rebounds, but it was veteran Will Antonio who pointed Powerade home to its second win in five games.

Antonios s clutch triple gave the Tigers a 94-91 lead in the last 26 seconds, to which Celino Cruz added with a pair of charities after Jeff Chan lost the ball on a drive.

Larry Rodriguez came off the bench to score 19 points while buckling a dangerous fall in the fourth period and Arizona Reid had 17 points and 14 rebounds but Rain or Shines bid to join idle Talk N Text at the top got derailed when the Elasto Painters own endgame surge fell short. In the end, Rain or Shine slid to 3-2 and is now tied with B-Meg and Petron.

Powerade 98 - David 28, Porter 25, Cruz 10, Quinahan 9,Lanete 7, Macapagal 6, Antonio 6, Anthony 2, Reyes R. 2, Gonzales 2, Reyes J. 1, Allera 0, Rizada 0, Espino 0.
Rain or Shine 96 - Rodriguez 19, Reid 17, Arana 14, Chan 13, Norwood 10, Tang 7, Belga 7, Buenafe 6, Ibanes 2, Kramer 1, Vanlandingham 0, Ferriols 0.
QS: 16-23, 39-33, 68-62, 98-96

Standings - PBA Fiesta Conference

PBA Governor's Cup Standings

1. Talk N Text		4-1
2. Derby Ace L.		3-2
3. San Miguel		3-2
4. Rain or Shine		3-2
5. Ginebra		2-2
6. Meralco B.		2-2
7. Alaska		2-3
8. Powerade T.		2-3

9. Air21		0-4

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PUERTO RICO

Stats Leaders - BSN

Points Per Game

Angel Daniel VASSALLO
  Guaynabo
  (198-G/F-86)
  Avg: 23

1. Vassallo, Guaynabo	23.0
2. Ramos, Quebradillas	22.9
3. Johnson, Humacao	21.2
4. Dalmau, Bayamon	20.8
5. Villegas, Coamo	19.1
6. Romero, Mayaguez	18.6
7. Harris, San German	18.3
8. Ayuso, Arecibo	18.3
9. Randolph, Isabela	18.0
10. Carmona, Mayaguez	17.0

Rebounds Per Game

Mike HARRIS
  San German
  (198-F-83)
  Avg: 12.3

1. Harris, San German	12.3
2. Randolph, Isabela	12.3
3. Pruitt, Guaynabo	11.7
4. Narvaez, Coamo	11.6
5. Ramos, Quebradillas	10.6
6. Lloreda, San G.	10.1
7. Romero, Mayaguez	9.7
8. Sweetney, Santurce	9.3
9. Clemente, Mayaguez	9.1
10. Rickert, Bayamon	8.5

Assists Per Game

Kevin HAMILTON
  Mayaguez
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 7.7

1. Hamilton, Mayaguez	7.7
2. Brown, Quebradillas	5.9
3. Rivera, San German	5.8
4. Dalmau, Bayamon	5.6
5. Guzman, Guaynabo	4.8
6. Clinch, Isabela	4.5
7. Clemente, Humacao	4.5
8. Rivera, Mayaguez	4.2
9. Apodaca, Quebradil.	4.1
10. Bruton, Quebradil.	4.1

Steals Per Game

Darnell HINSON
  Isabela
  (186-G-80)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Hinson, Isabela	1.8
2. Rivera, Mayaguez	1.6
3. Clinch, Isabela	1.5
4. Hodge, Santurce	1.4
5. Dalmau, Bayamon	1.3
6. Chaney, Santurce	1.3
7. Mojica, Bayamon	1.3
8. Hamilton, Mayaguez	1.3
9. Robinson, Mayaguez	1.2
10. Pinnock, Arecibo	1.2

Blocks Per Game

Kleon PENN
  Humacao
  (211-C-86)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Penn, Humacao	2.5
2. Santiago, Arecibo	2.0
3. Romero, Mayaguez	1.9
4. Sanchez, Santurce	1.9
5. Lee, Bayamon	1.7
6. Aubry, Arecibo	1.7
7. Harris, San German	1.4
8. Randolph, Isabela	1.4
9. Ramos, Quebradillas	1.3
10. Freije, Coamo	1.1

Arecibo is the first BSN Finalist - by Eurobasket News
Arecibo - Coamo 93-78 (4-0)

Arecibo is the first team who advanced to BSN Semis. They outplayed Coamo last night 93-78 for perfect 4-0 win in the QFinals. Arecibo will now wait for the winner Guaynabo - Santruce series. The game was mostly controlled by Capitanes. Maratonistas managed to win fourth quarter 27-20. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Capitanes dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Maratonistas' 40. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Omar Alvarado (180-G-83) who helped to win the game recording 15 points and 4 assists (perfect from the field making all six shots). The former international center Daniel Santiago (216-C-76, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico) contributed with 18 points for the winners. Four Capitanes players scored in double figures. Guard Johwen Villegas (193-G-85, college: FIU) replied with 13 points and 6 rebounds and point guard Nick Leon (180-PG-88, college: St.Peter's) added 15 points (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) in the effort for Maratonistas.

Arecibo: D.Santiago 18+3reb+1ast, O.Alvarado 15+4reb+4ast, L.Ayuso 13, G.Diaz 13+3reb+2ast, D.Cortes 9+2reb, J.Aubry 8+8reb+1ast
Coamo: N.Leon 15+4reb, J.Villegas 13+6reb+2ast, A.Ortiz 12+3reb+1ast, A.McGhee 8+3reb+3ast, C.Vega 7+1reb+3ast, G.Clavell 7+1reb

Quebradillas names former import player CJ Bruton as Head Coach - by Eric de la Cruz
It looks like Quebradillas just likes their team with a lot of drama.

After being replaced on Friday by Darius Washington (188-G-85, college: Memphis) and named assistant coach for the remainder of the series against Atleticos de San German, the Quebradillas Pirates, in ABA fashion, have just named CJ Bruton (188-G-75, college: Indian Hills CC) their head coach for the rest of the season after firing Manuel Cintron on Sunday. The series is tied 2-2 and game 5 is Monday night in Atleticos de San German. Bruton already has coaching experience, having coached the South West Metro Pirates in the QABL.

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RUSSIA

J.R. Holden quits Russian National Team - by Eurobasket News
Bad news for David Blatt - Head Coach of the Russian National Team. Point guard J.R. Holden (185-G-76, college: Bucknell) announced his final decision and he will not play for Russia this summer. Actually, he will not play pro ball any longer as he decided to retire earlier this month. There was some rumors that he could spend another summer with Russia, but that will not happen.
J.R. Holden announced his retirement as professional basketball player after the Game Four of the PBL Finals, which CSKA Moscow won 63-74 on the road. Of course, CSKA won the PBL title with almost perfect 3-1 against Khimky. Holden scored 25 points in Game Four.
J.R. Holden won many titles and personal awards with CSKA Moscow. Holden was their member since 2002. They were champions of Russia every year and they also won Russian Cup in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2010. Holden was also Euroleague champion with CSKA in 2006 and 2008.

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SERBIA

Serbia U18 overcame Bosnia and Herzegovina U18 in the first test game - by Eurobasket News
Serbia U18 -Bosnia and Herzegovina U18 91:84

Serbia U18 overcame Bosnia and Herzegovina U18 in the first test game between two sides. After the victories over Montenegro U18 Serbia added 91:84 win over Bosnian side.
The hosts started well and took 29-20 lead after the first 10 minutes. The Serbian squad did not slow down and improved to 11-point halftime advantage. Serbia produced 26-24 in the second period to go to the lockers with 55:44 deficit. In the third period Serbia led 62:46, but Bosnian team erupted with a massive run and tied the score at 68:68. Serbia however still had some strength to win the game as the teams will meet again on Sunday.
Stefan Popovski-Turanjanin (201-F-93, agency: Beo Basket) paced all the winners with 22 points and Nemanja Bezbradica (205-F/C-93) nailed 14. Sasa Avramovic (194-G-93, agency: Beo Basket) and Nenad Miljenovic (194-G-93, agency: Beo Basket) delivered 11 points each for the winners. Adnan Halilovic (198-F/C-95) ended up with 18 points in the losing case, while Gajic scored 17. Loncar posted 14 and Lukic produced 11 points.

Serbia U18: Stefan Popovski-Turanjanin 22, Nemanja Bezbradica 14, Sasa Avramovic 11, Nenad Miljenovic 11
Bosnia and Herzegovina U18: Adnan Halilovic 18, Gajic 17, Loncar 14, Lukic 11

Serbia U20 beat Israel U20 twice in test games - by Eurobasket News
Serbia U20 beat Israel U20 twice in test games before heading to U20 European Championship. In Game 1 Serbia won 121-106. It was an offensive first period as the hosts started with 38-30 and then added 26-23 in the second period. Serbia also won the third period, while Israel replied with 23-20 in the last frame. Nemanja Nedovic (192-PG-91, agency: Beo Basket) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Luka Andusic (191-G/F-94) nailed 17. Dusan Ognjenovic (216-C-91) and Jaramaz followed them with 14 apiece, whilst Nikola Rondovic (207-F-91, agency: Interperformances) scored 13. Dzeremaja ended up with 25 points in the losing case and Ram Gerben posted 14.
In Game 2 Serbia U20 won 86:79 with 23-13 in the start of the game. Israel played much better in that game and tied the score at 39:39 at the halftime. Again Serbia pushed the tempo in the third frame and reached 13-point advantage entering the last stanza after 30-17. Israel managed to win the last period 23-17 but it was not enough to seal the victory. Luka Andusic paced all the winners with 15 points, while Blagojevic scored 13. Liraz finished the game with 13 points in the losing case, while Dzeremaja notched 10.

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SLOVAKIA

Slovakia U20 lost two in Szekesfehervar - by Eurobasket News
Slovakia U20 lost two in Szekesfehervar to U20 Hungarian squad. In Game 1 the hosts won 96:82 as they started with 21-19. Moreover Hungary added 17-16 in the second frame and never looked behind after. Meszaros top-scored for the winners with 15 points and Bence Bodor (206-F/C-92, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) posted 14. Richard Grznar (189-PG-91) replied with 24 points in the losing effort. Movarek scored 17 and Viktor Timko (195-F-92) notched 13.
In Game 2 Hungary added 89:64 win in Szekesfehervar. Slovakia started better and took 16-12 after the first 10 minutes in the game. Hungary replied immediately in the second frame 30-17 and enjoyed the lead until the very end. The hosts won also the third and the last quarters for the second straight win. Gergely Kovacs (192-G-91) stepped up with 19 points and Balazs Kerpel-Fronius (193-G/F-92) posted 11. Richard Grznar ended up with 21 points for Slovakia, Movarek posted 12 and Viktor Timko netted 10.

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SLOVENIA

Slovenia topple Sweden in Domegge - by Eurobasket News
Slovenia U20 - Sweden U20 89:83

Slovenia finished in the third position at Torneo di Domegge in Italy. They outscored Swedish counterparts for the second win at the tournament yesterday. Slovenia ended up at 2-1 record (loss to Greece in Round 2 83:90). Klemen Prepelic (191-G-92) stepped up with 21 points to lead Slovenia against Sweden. The Scandinavians suffered the third loss in a row at the tourney.
The teams stayed close throughout the opening frame. The scoreboard read 20:20 after ten minutes of action. Slovenia stepped up in the second quarter. They increased the tempo and cleared off to a 6-point halftime advantage 47:41. Sweden stopped the rot in the third term. The Scandinavian team got within just three points with one quarter to go. But Slovenia exploded with 26 points in the fourth quarter and sealed the victory at the end. Alen Omic (213-C-92) and Marko Pajic (204-F-92) delivered 15 points apiece in the win. Andreas Person (190-G-91) topscored with 23 points for Sweden. Alexander Lindqvist (202-F-91) netted 15 points in the loss.

Slovenia U20: Klemen Prepelic 21, Alen Omic 15, Marko Pajic 15
Sweden U20: Andreas Person 23, Alexander Lindqvist 15

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SPAIN

Turkey U20 shocked the home side of the Torneo Internacional de Logrono - by Eurobasket News
Spain U20-Turkey U20 59:67

Turkey U20 shocked the home side of the Torneo Internacional de Logrono. The Turkish side overcame Spain U20 67:59 in Day 2 of the tournament.
Turkey opened the game with 15 consecutive points and enjoyed 20-4 after the first 10 minutes in the court. They continued to dominate the court and added another 17-16 in the second frame. The third quarter however belonged to the Spanish team that came back on track. The hosts reduced to 40:35 midway through the period and after 22-10 in it trailed 42:47. Turkey did not panic and due to 20-17 in the last stanza won the game.
Can Mutaf (193-G-91) led the way with 20 points for the winners and Furkan Aldemir (207-F-91) followed him with 15. Safak Edge (188-PG-92) netted 11, while Huseyin Koksal (195-F-91) chipped in 10. Josep Franch (194-PG-91) ended up with 17 points in the losing effort, whilst Jose Maria Gil (207-C/F-91) posted 11.
In another game of Day 2 France U20 smashed Russia U20 81:48.

Spain U20: Josep Franch 17, Jose Maria Gil 11
Turkey U20: Can Mutaf 20, Furkan Aldemir 15, Safak Edge 11, Huseyin Koksal 10

CAI Zaragoza wants to keep Carlos Cabezas - by Eurobasket News
CAI Zaragoza wants to keep experienced Carlos Cabezas (186-G-80) for the next season. They already made the first step signing the player to qualifying offer. There is a deadline of 21 days for other Spanish teams to make a better offer. In that case, CAI Zaragoza will again have an option to match it.
Carlos Cabezas joined CAI Zaragoza last summer from Khimky Moscow. He appeared 23 times in ACB averaging 8.6 points, 1.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists. In 2009/10, Cabezas had 7.3 ppg, 2.1 rpg and 2.4 apg for 16 Euroleague games with Khimky. Before Khimky, Cabezas spent more than 10 years with Unicaja. He won ACB title, Copa del Rey and European Radivoj Korac Cup with them.
Carlos Cabezas was a member of the Spanish National Team from 2003 to 2009.

Valladolid and coach Porfirio Fisac part ways - by Eurobasket News
Porfirio Fisac is no longer a Head Coach of Valladolid. His contract expired and two sides didnt make a deal for the next season. Fisac took over the club in 2008. They competed in LEB Gold at team. Fisac led Valladolid to LEB Gold title in their first season and of course they won the promotion to ACB. He was named Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Gold Coach of the Year -09. Valladolid was No.13 in Spain in 2010. Last season they ended as No.9 with 18-16 record. They were very close to reach the Playoffs.
Before Valladolid, Porfirio Fisac worked with Bruesa. He won the LEB Gold title with them in 2006. Fisac also was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB1 Coach of the Year -06.

Real Madrid tries to lure Rudy Fernandez to Spain with lucrative deal - by Eurobasket News
Rudy Fernandez (6'6''-G-85), who was traded from the Portland Trail Blazers to the Dallas Mavericks on draft night, has been offered a six-year contract from Real Madrid worth about $4.35 per year, which would make him the highest paid player in the history of the Spanish basketball league, Spanish sports newspaper Mundo Deportivo reports (via ESPNDallas.com).

Fernandez was slated to make $2.2 million next season, at least under the previous collective bargaining agreement. He could become a restricted free agent after next season with a $3.2 million qualifying offer, ESPN.com notes. The new labor deal, however, is expected to be more restrictive on player salaries.

Fernandez is from Spain, and last offseason spoke of homesickness and wanting to return to his native country. Real Madrid sees acquiring Fernandez as one way to provide a boost to the struggling franchise, according to the report.

Should Fernandez accept to Real Madrid deal, he would return to Dallas whenever the 2011-12 NBA season begins, but would go back to Spain once the season is over, Mundo Deportivo reported.

Courtesy of http://aol.sportingnews.com

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SWEDEN

TURKEY

UBA

KR Reykjavik inks UBA standout: DeWayne Reed - by UBA media
UBA Media
Atlanta, GA: June 14, 2011

Dewayne Reed (6'1''-G-87, college: Auburn) has reportedly agreed on terms of contract with KR Reykjavik. The American guard spent the previous season in the UBA. He averaged 22.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game with the Austin Knights. He posted a season high of 30 points and 8 rebounds vs. the Norman Express.

Reed was a standout for the Auburn Tigers for the 2009-2010 season. He ranked 3rd in the SEC in scoring with an average of 17.0ppg. He was named 1st Team All-SEC and had his best outing vs. NBA future star John Wall (6'4''-PG-90, college: Kentucky) (22pts, 3rbs, 3stls). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpQAuh_ZhSE

Reed will join KR Reykjavik in late August, for more information please follow the link below.

http://www.kr.is/karfa/

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UKRAINE

Budivelnyk keep Michailis Anisimovas - by Eurobasket News
Budivelnyk have renewed the contract of Michailis Anisimovas (214-C-84). The new deal is meant for one season. The Lithuanian centre joined the Kyiv team back in 2009. Last season Michailis Anisimovas tallied 6.2 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game in EuroCup. In Superleague the centre delivered 9.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists per appearance. Before moving to Ukraine Michailis Anisimovas had stints with Lietuvos Rytas, Neptunas, BK Barons, Siauliai and Atletas. The centre played for Lithuanian University National Team.

Charles Thomas moves to Dnipro - by Eurobasket News
Dnipro have bolstered their frontcourt. They have reportedly agreed on terms of contract with Charles Thomas (203-F-86, college: Arkansas). It will be the third straight season in Ukraine for the power forward. Charles Thomas arrived in the country back in 2009. He had a solid first season with Ferro-ZNTU. Charles Thomas was named Eurobasket.com All-Ukrainian Superleague Forward of the Year in 2010. The player then moved to Azovmash. Last season Charles Thomas notched 8.3 points, 4.0 boards and 1.0 assist per game in EuroCup. In VTB League the forward averaged 11.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.0 assist per appearance. In Superleague his stats read 12.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists. Before moving to Ukraine Charles Thomas had spells in Uruguay, Finland and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Azovmash add two players - by Eurobasket News
Azovmash beefed up their frontcourt. They landed Ivan Shkurupiy (200-F-82) and Igor Zaitsev (211-F/C-89).
Ivan Shkurupiy spent the last season in BC Donetsk. The 29-year-old forward averaged 3.6 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.0 assist per appearance. Previously Shkurupiy played MBC Mykolaiv, Gryfony, Azoty, Poltava-Basket, Sumihimprom and Khimik Yuzny. Ivan Shkurupiy used to play for Ukrainian U20 National Team.
Igor Zaitsev played for Kryvbasbasket last season. The 22-year-old centre posted 11.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1.3 assists per appearance in Superleague. Eurobasket.com named Igor Zaitsev All-Ukrainian Superleague Most Improved Player of the Year. Igor Zaitsev is the member of Ukrainian National Team since 2010. He participated at 2011 Superleague All-Star Game.

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URUGUAY

Larranaga beats the leader Tabare - by Hector Lopez
Tabare, the Metro leader, suffered its first defeat after 11 games, when Larranaga won 85-70, with 18 points and 9 rebounds by Jimmy Boston (201-F-77, college: N.C.Central). Tabare maintained the first position but only pne points above Larranaga and Nacional, with two games still to be played. The results for the third round (second stage) were:
Larranaga 85 - Jimmy Boston 18 points 8 rebounds 3 assists, Jose Mackiewicz (201-F/C-79) 26 points 4 rebounds
Tabare 70 - Mathias Calfani (202-C-92) 23 points 13 rebounds 10 blocks, Brian Craig (206-C-79, college: Miles) 11 points 9 rebounds
- - -
Goes 78 - Federico Haller (198-F-88) 20 points 8 rebounds
Urunday 65 - Steven Toyloy (203-C-87, college: Cincinnati) 10 points 6 rebounds
- - -
Atenas 85 - Quentin Smith (205-C-77, college: Mississippi St.) 14 points 9 rebounds
Nacional 73 - Terrence Shelman (198-F-78) 16 points 6 rebounds 6 blocks
Standings: Tabare 21 points, Larranaga and Nacional 20 points, Goes 18.5, Urunday and Atenas 18

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VENEZUELA

Cocodrilos join Marinos in LPB Finals - by Eurobasket News
Cocodrilos - Trotamundos 107-105 OT2

Cocodrilos grabbed 107-105 thriller win against Trotamundos in crucial Game Seven of the LPB Semifinals. Of course, Cocodrilos advanced to Finals where they will take on Marinos. The home squad needed two overtimes to take this win. Carl Elliott (193-G-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington) top-scored for the hosts with 29 points. Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) also was great adding 28 points and 7 rebounds, while Luis Bethelmi (200-C-86) helped with 19 points and 8 boards. In the loosing squad, David Cubillan (183-PG-87, college: Marquette) was the leading scorer with 26 points. Rafael Perez (193-G/F-82, agency: Paris Global Sports) had 25 pts, and Miguel Marriaga (208-C-84) shined with double-double of 21 points and 11 rebs. Cocodrilos were the regular season champions and they will have a home court advantage against Marinos in the Finals. First game is scheduled for tonight. Marinos was No.2 in regular season.

Cocodrilos: Carl Elliott 29, Jack Michael Martinez 28+7 boards, Luis Bethelmi 19+8 boards
Trotamundos: David Cubillan 26, Rafael Perez 25, Miguel Marriaga 21+11 boards

Standings - LPB

LPB Standings

1. Cocodrilos		34-9
2. Marinos		32-12
3. Trotamundos		31-13
4. Bucaneros		24-20
5. Guaiqueries		23-21
6. Gigantes		22-22
7. Toros		17-27
8. Panteras		17-27
9. Guaros		13-30
10. Gaiteros		6-38

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VTB UNITED LEAGUE

Azovmash add two players - by Eurobasket News
Azovmash beefed up their frontcourt. They landed Ivan Shkurupiy (200-F-82) and Igor Zaitsev (211-F/C-89).
Ivan Shkurupiy spent the last season in BC Donetsk. The 29-year-old forward averaged 3.6 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.0 assist per appearance. Previously Shkurupiy played MBC Mykolaiv, Gryfony, Azoty, Poltava-Basket, Sumihimprom and Khimik Yuzny. Ivan Shkurupiy used to play for Ukrainian U20 National Team.
Igor Zaitsev played for Kryvbasbasket last season. The 22-year-old centre posted 11.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1.3 assists per appearance in Superleague. Eurobasket.com named Igor Zaitsev All-Ukrainian Superleague Most Improved Player of the Year. Igor Zaitsev is the member of Ukrainian National Team since 2010. He participated at 2011 Superleague All-Star Game.

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Women News

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ARGENTINA - Women

U17 Colombia beats U17 Argentina to win the Gold in Pasto - by Eurobasket News
U17 Argentina - U17 Colombia 54-55

Colombia won the Gold at the U17 South American Championship in Pasto. They managed to grab 55-54 thriller win against Argentina in the Big Final. Of course, Argentina won the Silver. Maria Tapias (95) was the leading scorer in victory with 20 points. Elizabeth Gutierrez (94) secured a great help adding 12 points and 7 rebounds. In the loosing squad, Micaela Sancisi (160-G-94) replied with 19 points and 7 rebs. Victoria Llorente (96) followed her with 16 points. Argentina was slightly better team in the first quarter winning it 13-11. Colombia answered with 8-14 after that taking 4-point lead at the halftime. Third quarter was pretty leveled, but still Argentina won it by one, 20-19. In thriller finish, the home squad was concentrated, but also had a little bit more sports luck to take 55-54 victory at the end.

Argentina: Micaela Sancisi 19+7 boards, Victoria Llorente 16
Colombia: Maria Tapias 20, Elizabeth Gutierrez 12+7 boards

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BRAZIL - Women

U17 Brazil wins the Bronze in Pasto - by Eurobasket News
U17 Brazil - U17 Chile 61-49

Brazil won the Bronze in Pasto (U17 South American championship). They outplayed Chile 61-49 in the last day of the competition to take this medal. Chile ended as No.4. Vitoria Domingos (96) stepped up for the winners with 17 points and 8 rebounds. Monique Soares (97) followed her with 14 points and 11 boards, while Izabella Frederico (95) added 13 points and 5 rebs. On the other side, Chile had just two players with double-digits in scoring. Dayanne Garcia and Estefania Vasquez (167-G-94) had 10 pts each.
Brazil did a great job in the first half. They won the Q1 14-10 and later continued with 17-9 for the next ten minutes. Chile slightly improved after the breather, but still Brazil ended third period with 14-13. The only quarter which belonged to Chile was the last one 16-17, but it was too late for them.

Brazil: Vitoria Domingos 17+8 boards, Monique Soares 14+11 boards, Izabella Frederico 13+5 boards
Chile: Dayanne Garcia 10, Estefania Vasquez 10

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BULGARIA - Women

Dunav Ruse keeps Zornitsa Kostova - by Eurobasket News
Zornitsa Kostova (176-G-82) decided to stay with Dunav Ruse. They penned a two-year contract extension yesterday. Kostova appeared 27 times in NBL last season averaging 13.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4 assists and 2.4 steals. She helped Dunav reach NBL Semifinals. Kostova was named Eurobasket.com All-Bulgarian League Honorable Mention-11. She joined Dunav in 2008 from Lukoil Neftochimik. They won the Cup together last year. With Lukoil, Kostova was NBL champion in 2006. Two years after that they won the Cup. Kostova was named Eurobasket.com All-Bulgarian League 1st Team in 2006.
Zornitsa Kostova was a member of the Bulgarian National Team from 2006 to 2009.

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CHILE - Women

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CZECH REPUBLIC - Women

EuroBasket 2011: France grabs the Bronze - by Eurobasket News
That was a very close game. After the brake French found an extra gear and won the game for bronze medal 63:56. Sandrine Gruda (194-C-87) led her team to win. She scored 26 points for France. For their Czech opponents Katerina Elhotova (180-G-89) poured 17 points. Other two Czechs players end this game with double figures: Petra Kulichova (198-C-84) (14 points), Eva Viteckova (190-F-82) (13 points).

Early in the first period France was dominating under the boards. With 7:27 to play in the first quarter France was up by 2 -4:6. Then Eva Viteckova buried a three and Czechs took the lead first time in this game. Czechs started rebounding and secured the zone close to basket. Czechs could not stopped Sandrine Gruda. The international French star scored 8 points in the first 6 minutes of play. On other side Eva Viteckova had been playing very good. With 2 minutes remaining in the first quarter Czechs coach called a timeout. The score was 14:14. Thanks to 6:1 run Czech Republic won the first quarter 20:15.

French tied the game in the first minute of the second period. After Emilie Gomis three points shot the score was 20:20. Then neither team was able to score for 3 minutes and 13
seconds. Jana Vesela aborted this run. She made one free throw. Then Katerina Elthotova hit the three. Czech Republic was up by 4 with 4:53 to play in the second quarter.
French coach called a timeout. Then the game was very nervous both team missed some easy shots. Only Sandrine Gruda made a jump shot for France. With 3:12 to play Czechs coach called his second timeout in this half. That was a very close game with lot of physical fight. In the middle of the show Czech Republic was up by 6- 30:24.

France started the second half with two three points shots. That was a big opposition to the first half. France had made only one three pointer from 8 attempts in the first two
quarters. French was very close to Czech Republic, but they cannot tied the game. With 5:02 to play in the third quarter Marion Laborde buried a three pointer. French tied the game. But few moments later Katerina Elhotova responded with another long distance shot. With 2:21 remaining in the third quarter Sandrine Gruda made a jump shot for France. Czech Republic had got only point of advantage 41:40. When Jennifer Digbeu hit another three for France Czechs coach called a timeout. France was up by 2 41:43. Then Eva
Viteckova tied the game with 1:29 to play in this period. Before the last quarter the score was tie 43:43.

French players opened last quarter with 4 straight points. Czechs missed some easy baskets. With 6:24 to play Czechs tied the game. French coach called a timeout. French made another 4 points in a row and elaborated 4 point lead with 4:53 remaining. Celline Dumerc buried another three for French team. She extend the French lead to 7 points that was the biggest advantage in this game. With 2:41 Sandrine Gruda made another shot for France. Czech Republic was in trouble. They had a 9 point disadvantage with 2:41 to play. Czechs coach called his last timeout. The score was 47:56 for France. With 1:21 Katerina Elhotova made two free throws. Her team was down by 7. Edwige Lawson also made two free throws that was French response. With 36 seconds remaining Veronika Bortelova (169-G-78) buried a three pointer. Edwige Lawson made one free throw for France. With 19 seconds to go Veronika Bortelova missed a long distance shot. France had got 7 point disadvantage and their coach called a timeout. Finally, French won this game 63:56.

Czech Republic - France 56:63 (20:15, 10:9, 13:19, 13:20)
Czech Republic: Katerina Elhotova 17, Petra Kulichova 14, Eva Viteckova 13
France: Sandrine Gruda 26, Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui (190-C-86) 9

*BY LUKASZ LUKASZEWSKI

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ECUADOR - Women

U17 Ecuador beats U17 Uruguay for fifth place in Pasto - by Eurobasket News
U17 Ecuador - U17 Uruguay 69-45

Ecuador finished as No.5 at the U17 South Americas championship in Pasto (Colombia). They handed 69-45 loss to Uruguay to take this position. Rina Yepez (95) was totally the best player in this victory. She collected 29 points and 7 rebounds for 37 minutes. Maria Carrasco (94) had 19 points and 5 rebounds, and Alba Hermig (95) added 9 points. In the loosing squad, Florencia Sergio (96) shined with 16 points and 12 boards. Victoria Cardone (95) stopped to 9 pts. Ecuador had wonderful second half and thanks to it they celebrated comfortable win last night. Before that Uruguay made 8-11 in the first period and Ecuador replied with 20-14 after that. Rina Yepez and her teammates blasted Uruguay with 21-8 in third quarter and later closed this game with 20-12 (Q4) for the final 69-45 victory.

Ecuador: Rina Yepez 29+7 boards, Maria Carrasco 19+5 boards, Alba Hermig 9
Uruguay: Florencia Sergio 16+12 boards, Victoria Cardone

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ESTONIA - Women

Tallinn farewell to Baltic Cup 2011 - by Eurobasket News
Tallinn farewell to Baltic Cup 2011 as the home side Estonia U18 finished winless.
In Day 2 Finland U18 overcame Estonian U18 selection 77:54. It was an easy start for the guests that enjoyed 24-8 after the first 10 minutes in the court. Estonia bounced back with 19-15 in the second period, but Finland added 24-13 to the massive lead. Both teams nailed 14 points in the last stanza that brought the second straight win for Finland. Annika Holopainen (186-F/C-93) paced all the winners with 24 points and Elisa Runsas scored 12. Birgit Piibur (160-PG-94) replied with 9 points in the losing effort and Greeta Uprus (175-G/F-94) posted 8.
In Day 3 Latvia U18 smashed Estonian U18 team 98:78. The guests opened the game strong and had 31-19 after the first quarter. Latvia easily reached the bigger lead after 29-17 in the second frame. Estonia however replied with two narrow victories in the third and the last periods to reduce the gap at the end. Renate Reine (176-G-94) chipped in 21 points to lead all the winners, while Kate Aizsila (172-G-94) added 17. Greeta Uprus replied with 18 points for the home side and Trine Kasemagi (189-C-95) notched 15.

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS - Women

France celebrated bronze medal - by Lukasz Lukaszewski
That was a very close game. After the brake French found an extra gear and won the game for bronze medal 63:56. Sandrine Gruda (194-C-87) led her team to win She scored 26 points for France. For their Czech opponents Katerina Elhotova (180-G-89) poured 17 points. Other two Czechs players end this game with double figures: Petra Kulichova (198-C-84) (14 points), Eva Viteckova (190-F-82)
(13 points).

Early in the first period France was dominating under the boards. With 7:27 to play in the first quarter France was up by 2 -4:6. Then Eva Viteckova buried a three and Czechs took the lead first time in this game. Czechs started rebounding and secured the zone close to basket. Czechs could not stopped Sandrine Gruda. The international French star scored 8 points in the first 6 minutes of play. On other side Eva Viteckova had been playing very good. With 2 minutes remaining in the first quarter Czechs coach called a timeout. The score was 14:14. Thanks to 6:1 run Czech Republic won the first quarter 20:15.

French tied the game in the first minute of the second period. After Emilie Gomis three points shot the score was 20:20. Then neither team was able to score for 3 minutes and 13
seconds. Jana Vesela aborted this run. She made one free throw. Then Katerina Elthotova hit the three. Czech Republic was up by 4 with 4:53 to play in the second quarter.
French coach called a timeout. Then the game was very nervous both team missed some easy shots. Only Sandrine Gruda made a jump shot for France. With 3:12 to play Czechs coach called his second timeout in this half. That was a very close game with lot of physical fight. In the middle of the show Czech Republic was up by 6- 30:24.

France started the second half with two three points shots. That was a big opposition to the first half. France had made only one three pointer from 8 attempts in the first two
quarters. French was very close to Czech Republic, but they cannot tied the game. With 5:02 to play in the third quarter Marion Laborde buried a three pointer. French tied the game. But few moments later Katerina Elhotova responded with another long distance shot. With 2:21 remaining in the third quarter Sandrine Gruda made a jump shot for France. Czech Republic had got only point of advantage 41:40. When Jennifer Digbeu hit another three for France Czechs coach called a timeout. France was up by 2 41:43. Then Eva
Viteckova tied the game with 1:29 to play in this period. Before the last quarter the score was tie 43:43.

French players opened last quarter with 4 straight points. Czechs missed some easy baskets. With 6:24 to play Czechs tied the game. French coach called a timeout. French made
another 4 points in a row and elaborated 4 point lead with 4:53 remaining. Celline Dumerc buried another three for French team. She extend the French lead to 7 points that was
the biggest advantage in this game. With 2:41 Sandrine Gruda made another shot for France. Czech Republic was in trouble. They had a 9 point disadvantage with 2:41 to play.
Czechs coach called his last timeout. The score was 47:56 for France. With 1:21 Katerina Elhotova made two free throws. Her team was down by 7. Edwige Lawson also made
two free throws that was French response. With 36 seconds remaining Veronika Bortelova (169-G-78) buried a three pointer. Edwige Lawson made one free throw for France. With 19 seconds to go Veronika Bortelova missed a long distance shot. France had got 7 point disadvantage and their coach called a timeout. Finally, French won this game 63:56.

Czech Republic France 56:63 (20:15, 10:9, 13:19, 13:20)
Czech Republic: Katerina Elhotova 17, Petra Kulichova 14, Eva Viteckova 13
France: Sandrine Gruda 26, Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui (190-C-86) 9

Russia wins the Gold in Poland - by Eurobasket News

FINAL

Russia - Turkey 59-42
Russia beat Turkey in the final of Eurobasket Women 2011. Russian had not start this tournament good, but they were playing better and better. In the final they had been
controlling the game. It was a great game for Maria Stepanova (203-C-79). She made double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Other Russian leader Elena Danilochkina (185-G-86) scored 12 points.
Both teams were playing with very big ambition. They were aware of big amount of this game place in Olympic Games 2012 and a European Champion tittle. Nevriye Yilmaz (194-C-80) made a first two points in this final game. Maria Stepanova had two free throws with 9:01 She made them both. Ilona Korstin (183-G-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) end a fast attack and Russia had taken the lead 4:2. Elena Danilochkina buried a three pointer and Russia was up by 5 with 7:50 to play in the first quarter. Then Turkish had improved some details and with 6:49 remaining in the first quarter Turkey had only two point less than Russian. But Maria Stepanova made a shot for Russia. Turkish coach called a timeout in the half of the first quarter. Maria Stepanova made shot for Russia with 1:57 to end of the first quarter. She increased the Russian advantage to 9 points. Russian had been controlling this quarter. Russian won the first quarter 19:8.
Russian hammer demolished Turkish. They started the second period scoring 5 straight points. Russian had 16 points of advantage 24:8 after Marina Kuzina (194-C-85) three pointer. But then Russian lost some ball. Turkish made 4 scoring points. Russia is well-experienced team. Firstly Turkey was paralyzed amount of this game, but in the second quarter they were starting much better. With 5:31 remaining in the second quarter Saziye Ivegin (183-F-82) made a three pointer. She reduced the lost to 8 points 26:18. One minute later Russian lost another ball. Turkish exploit it and made some fast break points. Russia was still up by 8 points half the biggest advantage. Russian coach decided to call a timeout. Then Turkish coach wanted to talk with his players few moments later, but on the board it was the same score 28:20 for Russia. With 1:21 to play in the second period Saziye Ivegin reduced the lost to 5 points 28:23 with lay-up ! Olga Arteshina (183-F-82) buried a three pointer for Russia as a response. Maria Stepanova made another shot for Russia with 19 seconds left to the end of this quarter. In the middle of the great final Russia was up by 10 33:23.
Straight after the brake Russian made another great run. She made 6 straight. When Elena Danilochkina made a jump shot Russia again had the biggest lead 16 points. With
8:15 the score was 39:23. Russian totally outrebounded Turkey. With 6:29 on the board was the same score, but Russia had got two free throws. Turkish coach called a
timeout. Tatiana Vidmer (191-C-86) made one free throw and Russian had got 17 point lead. Nevriye Yilmaz made a lay-up for Turkey as a response. But Tatiana Vidmer immediately made a shot for Russia. Turkey was able to reduce the loss to 13 points with 4:05 remaining in the third quarter. Birsel Vardarli (174-G-80) made a lay-up for Turkey at that moment. Turkish were trying to get back in this game. They kept fighting and forcing Russian turnovers. But before last quarter Russia had got 12 points advantage 46:34.
Russian started the last quarter with big 3 points made by Elena Danilochkina. Then Maria Stepanova made another shots for Russia. But Turkey still had an ambition. They were
continuing to do their best, but Turkish had been playing better in previous games. With 7:42 Elena Danilochkina made another shot for Russia Russian was up by 19. Turkish
coached called a timeout He wanted to improve his team performance. But Turkey could catch up Russia. With 5:36 remaining Maria Stepanova made a jump shot for Russia.
Her team was up by 21. Turkey responded with 5 straight points. When Isil Alben (170-G-86) buried a three pointer with 4:08 remaining Russian coach called a timeout. With 2:36 remaining Irina Osipova (196-C/F-81) made another shot for Russia. Russian were up by 16. With 1:46 Turkey called his last timeout. His team had 1:46 to score 16 points more than Russia. Although Turkish effort Russia won this game.
Turkish played with heart and ambition, but Russia had experience and better players. Russian had been controlling the boards They made 33 rebounds more than Turkey.
Russian added another trophy to their big collection. Turkey can be very happy that their players reached silver medals. *BY LUKASZ LUKASZEWSKI

Places 3-4

Czech Republic - France 56-63
That was a very close game. After the brake French found an extra gear and won the game for bronze medal 63:56. Sandrine Gruda (194-C-87) led her team to win. She scored 26 points for France. For their Czech opponents Katerina Elhotova (180-G-89) poured 17 points. Other two Czechs players end this game with double figures: Petra Kulichova (198-C-84) (14 points), Eva Viteckova (190-F-82) (13 points).
Early in the first period France was dominating under the boards. With 7:27 to play in the first quarter France was up by 2 -4:6. Then Eva Viteckova buried a three and Czechs took the lead first time in this game. Czechs started rebounding and secured the zone close to basket. Czechs could not stopped Sandrine Gruda. The international French star scored 8 points in the first 6 minutes of play. On other side Eva Viteckova had been playing very good. With 2 minutes remaining in the first quarter Czechs coach called a timeout. The score was 14:14. Thanks to 6:1 run Czech Republic won the first quarter 20:15.
French tied the game in the first minute of the second period. After Emilie Gomis three points shot the score was 20:20. Then neither team was able to score for 3 minutes and 13
seconds. Jana Vesela aborted this run. She made one free throw. Then Katerina Elthotova hit the three. Czech Republic was up by 4 with 4:53 to play in the second quarter.
French coach called a timeout. Then the game was very nervous both team missed some easy shots. Only Sandrine Gruda made a jump shot for France. With 3:12 to play Czechs coach called his second timeout in this half. That was a very close game with lot of physical fight. In the middle of the show Czech Republic was up by 6- 30:24.
France started the second half with two three points shots. That was a big opposition to the first half. France had made only one three pointer from 8 attempts in the first two
quarters. French was very close to Czech Republic, but they cannot tied the game. With 5:02 to play in the third quarter Marion Laborde buried a three pointer. French tied the game. But few moments later Katerina Elhotova responded with another long distance shot. With 2:21 remaining in the third quarter Sandrine Gruda made a jump shot for France. Czech Republic had got only point of advantage 41:40. When Jennifer Digbeu hit another three for France Czechs coach called a timeout. France was up by 2 41:43. Then Eva
Viteckova tied the game with 1:29 to play in this period. Before the last quarter the score was tie 43:43.
French players opened last quarter with 4 straight points. Czechs missed some easy baskets. With 6:24 to play Czechs tied the game. French coach called a timeout. French made another 4 points in a row and elaborated 4 point lead with 4:53 remaining. Celline Dumerc buried another three for French team. She extend the French lead to 7 points that was the biggest advantage in this game. With 2:41 Sandrine Gruda made another shot for France. Czech Republic was in trouble. They had a 9 point disadvantage with 2:41 to play. Czechs coach called his last timeout. The score was 47:56 for France. With 1:21 Katerina Elhotova made two free throws. Her team was down by 7. Edwige Lawson also made two free throws that was French response. With 36 seconds remaining Veronika Bortelova (169-G-78) buried a three pointer. Edwige Lawson made one free throw for France. With 19 seconds to go Veronika Bortelova missed a long distance shot. France had got 7 point disadvantage and their coach called a timeout. Finally, French won this game 63:56. *BY LUKASZ LUKASZEWSKI

Places 5-6

Croatia - Montenegro 73-59
That game was a fight for a place in 2012 Olympic qualifying tournament. Croatia beat Montenegro 73:59 . Jelena Ivezic (182-F/G-84) made 21 points, IIva Ciglar (170-G-85, agency: Data Plus Group) end this game with 19 points. Anna de Forge poured 18 for Montenegro. Other Montenegrin great player Iva Perovanovic (189-C/F-83) ended the game in the hospital.
On the beginning on the game both teams were playing very hard. With 7:33 to play in the first quarter Montenegrin coach called a timeout. The score was tie both teams made 4
points. Teams knew the amount of the this game. They were playing with ambition. Croatian leader gained Sandra Mardir two fouls early in the first quarter. With 5:08 Jelena Ivezic made a unsportsmanlike foul and thanks to its Montenegro was able to elaborate 3 point lead. Croatia was down by 4 with 2:47 remaining and Croatian coach called a timeout. Montenegro won the first quarter 14:16.
Early in the second period Croatia made the game with jump shot by Jelena Ivezic. Montenegro get back on the lead but IIva Ciglar buried a three pointer and Croatia had taken the one point lead - 21:20. Iva Sliskovic (194-F-84, college: S.Carolina) increased Croatian lead and Montenegrin coach called another timeout. With 4:30 Jelena Ivezic made a three points shot. Croatia elaborated biggest lead - 8 points. Both teams still playing very hard. When Montenegro made 5 straight points Croatian coach called a timeout. With 2:05 to play in the second quarter Iva Perovanovic tied the game. The score was 32:32. Lisa Karcic responded with three pointer for Croatia. Jelena Ivezic made a lay-up and Croatian rebuilt the advantage to 5 points 37:32. In the last minutes referees penalty Croatian with technical foul. But in the middle of the game Croatia still had 3 point lead 38:35.
In the beginning of the third quarter Sandar Mardir scored 3 points for Croatia. Then the team were playing basket for basket. With 6:43 to play in the third Anna De Forge (178-G-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Nebraska) made a shot for Montenegro. Her team was still down by 3 42:39. With 5:37 Jelena Dubljevic (191-C-87) buried a three for Montenegro and tied the game. Jelena Ivezic with jump shot for Croatia. Her team get back on the lead. Then Marta Cakic (175-G-82) made a three point shot and Croatia had 5 points advantage again. Jelena Ivezic made another long distance shot. Croatia had 8 point lead with 2:27 remaining in the third quarter. IIva Ciglar ended the third quarter scoring 5 straight points. Before the last quarter Croatia was up by 11 55:44.
Montenegrin played very good at defense. However Croatian players were made shots even against great defense. With 6:52 remaining Marta Cakic end the Croatian quick attack. Montenegro was down by 13, so their coach decided to call a timeout. With 6:33 to play Iva Perovanovic fell down on the ground. She end this game with injury It was necessary to use medics help. Iva Perovanovic abandoned the arena in the ambulance. In the middle of the quarter Croatia was up by 12 61:49. Then Marta Cakic made a jump shote for Croatia. With 2:56 remaining Iva Sliskovic made a 2+1 action. She increased Croatian lead to 17 points. Montenegro was in the big trouble. They had to reduce the lost without very important player Iva Perovanovic. Although Montenegrin effort they were unable to get back in this game. Croatian won this game 73:59 and secured the place in the Olympic qualifying tournament. *BY LUKASZ LUKASZEWSKI

Places 7-8

Latvia - Lithuania 56-75
Lithuania beat Latvia in the 7th place play-off. Lithuanian were leading in this game all time. Lithuania had been controlling the game. Latvia after very good games in Katowice lost
three games in Lod and end the tournament on the eight position. Ausra Bimbaite (179-G-82) and Egle Sulciute (190-F-85) led their team to win the game scoring 15 points. Sandra Linkeviciene (176-G-82) added 13 points and 8 rebounds for Lithuania. Three players in Latvia end this game with double figures: Elina Babkina (173-G-89, agency: LBM Management), Gunta Basko (181-F-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Siena) and Kristine Karlina. They all made 10 points each. George Dikeoulakos confirmed that he is steeping down. Also Gunta Basko - Latvian captain resigned from international career.
Lithuania started this game much better than Latvia. Lithuanian players made 3 long distance shots in the first half of the quarter. Thanks to with 6:05 to play in the first quarter
Lithuania was up by 7 4:11. Latvian were better in fast-break attacks. Elina Babkina scored 4 straight points for Latvia. Her team with 2:50 remaining was down by 3 - 10:13.
Then teams had been scoring points from free throw line. Lithuania had got good execution from this place and Lithuania won the first quarter 12:20.
First half of the second period was not very interesting. Both teams missed some easy shots. After good action Egle Sulciutee made a shot for Lithuania and her team had got 12
points advantage 14:26. With 3:55 to play Zane Tamane (200-C-83, college: W.Illinois) reduced the lost to 8 points 18:26 Latvian coach called a timeout with 1:43 remaining in the second quarter. Then Lithuanian players extend the lead. Latvia was not playing good on defense and Lithuanian was able to extend the lead to 16 points. In the middle of the game Lithuania was leading 18:34.
Latvia started the third quarter with 8:2 run. When Gunta Basko made four straight points Lithuanian coach called a timeout. With 4:25 Milda Sauliute (175-G-81) made a shot for Lithuania. She rebuilt the advantage to 14 points. Now, Latvian coach called a timeout. Then Liene Jansone (191-F/C-81, college: Siena) buried the first three pointer for Latvia in this game. Before this Latvian had had 0/6 at this element. Latvia started play more ambitious on defense They played full court defense. With 2:57 remaining to the end of the third quarter Gunta Basko reduced the lost to 6 points 38:44. Lithuanian responded with 5:0 run. After Rima Valentiene (170-G-78) three pointer Latvian coach called another timeout. Before the last quarter Lithuania had got 8 points advantage 41:49.
Latvia started last quarter with Zane Tamane jump-shot. Lithuania responded with 7:0 run After Sandra Linkeviciene jump-shot Lithuania had 13 points advantage. Latvia had only 7 minutes and 57 seconds to get back in this game. With 3:42 remaining Latvia still had got 13 points of disadvantage. Few seconds later Ausra Bimbaite buried a three pointer for Lithuania. Latvia was in trouble. With 1:32 Lithuanian coach called a timeout. His team was up by 19 52:71. *BY LUKASZ LUKASZEWSKI

Russian are the European Champions 2011 ! - by Lukasz Lukaszewski
Russia beat Turkey in the final of Eurobasket Women 2011. Russian had not start this tournament good, but they were playing better and better. In the final they had been
controlling the game. It was a great game for Maria Stepanova (203-C-79) She made double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Other Russian leader Elena Danilochkina (185-G-86) scored 12
points.

Both teams were playing with very big ambition. They were aware of big amount of this game place in Olympic Games 2012 and a European Champion tittle. Nevriye Yilmaz (194-C-80) made a first two points in this final game. Maria Stepanova had two free throws with 9:01 She made them both. Ilona Korstin (183-G-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) end a fast attack and Russia had taken the lead 4:2. Elena Danilochkina buried a three pointer and Russia was up by 5 with 7:50 to play in the first quarter. Then Turkish had improved some details and with 6:49 remaining in the first quarter Turkey had only two point less than Russian. But Maria Stepanova made a shot for Russia. Turkish coach called a timeout in the half of the first quarter. Maria Stepanova made shot for Russia with 1:57 to end of the first quarter. She increased the Russian advantage to 9 points. Russian had been controlling this quarter. Russian won the first quarter 19:8.

Russian hammer demolished Turkish. They started the second period scoring 5 straight points. Russian had 16 points of advantage 24:8 after Marina Kuzina (194-C-85) three pointer. But then Russian lost some ball. Turkish made 4 scoring points. Russia is well-experienced team. Firstly Turkey was paralyzed amount of this game, but in the second quarter they were starting much better. With 5:31 remaining in the second quarter Saziye Ivegin (183-F-82) made a three pointer. She reduced the lost to 8 points 26:18. One minute later Russian lost another ball. Turkish exploit it and made some fast break points. Russia was still up by 8 points half the biggest advantage. Russian coach decided to call a timeout. Then Turkish coach wanted to talk with his players few moments later, but on the board it was the same score 28:20 for Russia. With 1:21 to play in the second period Saziye Ivegin reduced the lost to 5 points 28:23 with lay-up ! Olga Arteshina (183-F-82) buried a three pointer for Russia as a response. Maria Stepanova made another shot for Russia with 19 seconds left to the end of this quarter. In the middle of the great final Russia was up by 10 33:23.

Straight after the brake Russian made another great run. She made 6 straight. When Elena Danilochkina made a jump shot Russia again had the biggest lead 16 points. With
8:15 the score was 39:23. Russian totally outrebounded Turkey. With 6:29 on the board was the same score, but Russia had got two free throws. Turkish coach called a
timeout. Tatiana Vidmer (191-C-86) made one free throw and Russian had got 17 point lead. Nevriye Yilmaz made a lay-up for Turkey as a response. But Tatiana Vidmer immediately made a shot for Russia. Turkey was able to reduce the loss to 13 points with 4:05 remaining in the third quarter. Birsel Vardarli (174-G-80) made a lay-up for Turkey at that moment. Turkish were trying to get back in this game. They kept fighting and forcing Russian turnovers. But before last quarter Russia had got 12 points advantage 46:34.

Russian started the last quarter with big 3 points made by Elena Danilochkina. Then Maria Stepanova made another shots for Russia. But Turkey still had an ambition. They were
continuing to do their best, but Turkish had been playing better in previous games. With 7:42 Elena Danilochkina made another shot for Russia Russian was up by 19. Turkish
coached called a timeout He wanted to improve his team performance. But Turkey could catch up Russia. With 5:36 remaining Maria Stepanova made a jump shot for Russia.
Her team was up by 21. Turkey responded with 5 straight points. When Isil Alben (170-G-86) buried a three pointer with 4:08 remaining Russian coach called a timeout. With 2:36 remaining Irina Osipova (196-C/F-81) made another shot for Russia. Russian were up by 16. With 1:46 Turkey called his last timeout. His team had 1:46 to score 16 points more than Russia. Although Turkish effort Russia won this game.

Turkish played with heart and ambition, but Russia had experience and better players. Russian had been controlling the boards They made 33 rebounds more than Turkey.
Russian added another trophy to their big collection. Turkey can be very happy that their players reached silver medals.

Russia Turkey 59:42 (19:8, 14:15, 13:11, 13:8 )

Russia: Maria Stepanova 18, Elena Danilochkina 12
Turkey: Birsel Vardarli 10, Isil Alben 8

Stats Leaders Div.A (Women)

Points Per Game

Doneeka HODGES
  USA
  (175-G-82)
  Avg: 20.3

1. Hodges, BUL	20.3
2. Tuukkanen, FIN	18.3
3. Perovanovic, MNT	16.4
4. Zherzherunov., UKR	15.5
5. Meesseman, BEL	15.0
6. Kobryn, POL	14.7
7. Fegyverneky, HUN	14.7
8. Babkina, LAT	14.4
9. Mandir, CRO	14.3
10. Elhotova, CZE	14.2

Rebounds Per Game

Zane TAMANE
  LAT
  (200-C-83)
  Avg: 9.1

1. Tamane, LAT	9.1
2. Meesseman, BEL	9.0
3. Stepanova, RUS	8.9
4. Tuukkanen, FIN	8.8
5. Bar, GER	8.8
6. Zherzherunov., UKR	8.3
7. Leuchanka, BLR	8.2
8. Ress, ITA	8.0
9. Perovanovic, MNT	7.8
10. Kobryn, POL	7.7

Assists Per Game

Elina BABKINA
  LAT
  (173-G-89)
  Avg: 4.2

1. Babkina, LAT	4.2
2. Bortelova, CZE	4.1
3. Vardarli, TUR	4.0
4. Mandir, CRO	3.8
5. Dumerc, FRA	3.8
6. Marchanka, BLR	3.8
7. Dubljevic, MNT	3.6
8. Pawlak, POL	3.5
9. Zara, ITA	3.3
10. Bar, GER	3.3

Steals Per Game

Dimitra KALENTZOU
(174-G-78)
Avg: 2.7

1. Kalentzou, GRE	2.7
2. Zherzherunov., UKR	2.5
3. Lyttle, ESP	2.5
4. Palau, ESP	2.5
5. Mayombo, BEL	2.5
6. Linkeviciene, LTU	2.4
7. Bimbaite, LTU	2.3
8. Zlatanova, BUL	2.3
9. Skerovic, MNT	2.3
10. Bar, GER	2.3

Blocks Per Game

Sandrine GRUDA
  FRA
  (194-C-87)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Gruda, FRA	1.7
2. Kobryn, POL	1.7
3. Marginean, ROM	1.5
4. Veremeenko, BLR	1.4
5. Tamane, LAT	1.4
6. Khomenchuk, UKR	1.3
7. Burgrova, CZE	1.2
8. Popovic, MNT	1.1
9. Jurcenkova, SVK	1.0
10. Kupcikova, SVK	1.0

Elena Danilochkina - MVP of the Eurobasket Women 2011 - by Lukasz Lukaszewski
After the game speaker announced the results of media voting for best 5 players and MVP of tournament. Awarder players take special trophies in the middle of the court during
celebration. The gold medalist - Russia had taken two places in the starting five. Turkey, Croatia and Czech Republic elaborated one place each.

The best team :
Nevriye Yilmaz (194-C-80), Maria Stepanova (203-C-79) Eva Viteckova (190-F-82), Sandra Mandir (175-G-77) and Elena Danilochkina (185-G-86)
MVP : Elena Danilochkina

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FINLAND - Women

Finland U18 triumph in Tallinn - by Eurobasket News
Finland U18 triumph in Tallinn at the Baltic Cup 2011. The team won all three games and rightfully clinched the top position.
In Day 2 Finland U18 overcame Estonian U18 selection 77:54. It was an easy start for the guests that enjoyed 24-8 after the first 10 minutes in the court. Estonia bounced back with 19-15 in the second period, but Finland added 24-13 to the massive lead. Both teams nailed 14 points in the last stanza that brought the second straight win for Finland. Annika Holopainen (186-F/C-93) paced all the winners with 24 points and Elisa Runsas scored 12. Birgit Piibur (160-PG-94) replied with 9 points in the losing effort and Greeta Uprus (175-G/F-94) posted 8.
In Day 3 Finland U18 won over Lithuania U18 88:73 to clinch the title. The latter opened the game with 24-23, but could not stay in front. Finland needed 20-11 in the second frame to take the lead and never looked behind after. Finland added 21-19 and then 24-19 in the third and the last quartets respectively for the win. Anette Juvonen (170-G-93) stepped up with 21 points and Annika Holopainen scored 19. Ieva Kazlauskaite (178-F-94) finished the game with 18 points, while Monika Aleksaite (178-F-93) and Vita Zilinskaite added 10 each.

The third place for Lithuania U18 in Baltic Cup - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania U18 finished on the third place with 1-2 record. After the win over the hosst, Estonia U18, Lithuania U18 lost two other games.
In Day 2 Latvia overcame Lithuania U18 in a real thriller 81:80. Lithuania opened the game with 20-14 and added 22-20 in the second frame for 42:34 halftime advantage. It was not enough to seal the victory as Latvia won the third and the last periods in the game. Latvia won the third period 20-15 and finished with 27-23 in the last quarter. Ance Aizsila (176-G-94) and Sabine Dukate (174-F-93) poured in 18 points each, while Paula Tomsone (192-C-94) and Paula Langina (179-F-94) had 10 apiece. Ieva Kazlauskaite (178-F-94) answered with 20 points in the losing effort and Akvile Baronenaite netted 19.
In Day 3 Finland U18 won over Lithuania U18 88:73 to clinch the title. The latter opened the game with 24-23, but could not stay in front. Finland needed 20-11 in the second frame to take the lead and never looked behind after. Finland added 21-19 and then 24-19 in the third and the last quartets respectively for the win. Anette Juvonen (170-G-93) stepped up with 21 points and Annika Holopainen (186-F/C-93) scored 19. Ieva Kazlauskaite finished the game with 18 points, while Monika Aleksaite and Vita Zilinskaite added 10 each.

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FRANCE - Women

Serbia celebrate second straight win over France - by Eurobasket News
Serbia U20 - France U20 70:50

Serbian U20 National Team recorded the second win in a row over their French counterparts in exhibition series. Once again the hosts dominated the clash posting a 20-point win at the end. Tina Jovanovic (192-F/C-91) scored 15 points to lead Serbia.
France entered the game trying to impose aggressive defence. They held Serbia to 8 points in the starting frame to take a 10:8 lead. But Serbia easily increased the tempo in the second quarter to account for 27 points. They piled up a 36:18 halftime advantage. France tried to turn things around in the third quarter. They cut the deficit to 16 points but it was too little to hope for a positive outcome. Serbia knocked down 21 points in the final frame and raced to the victory at the end. Snezana Colic (176-G-92) delivered 12 points for the home team. Jelena Prvulovic (177-G-91) and Nikolina Nikolic (178-G-91) accounted for 9 points apiece in the win. Touty Gandega (170-G-91) and Kadidia Minte (187-F-91) replied with 10 points each for France.

Serbia U20: Tina Jovanovic 15, Snezana Colic 12, Jelena Prvulovic 9, Nikolina Nikolic 9
France U20: Touty Gandega 10, Kadidia Minte 10

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GERMANY - Women

Michaela Abelova stays with Halle Lions - by Eurobasket News
Michaela Abelova (183-G-85) renewed her contract with Halle Lions. The 25-year-old guard will spend one more season in Germany. It will be the third straight season with Halle Lions for the Slovakian player. Last season Michaela Abelova tallied 10.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.3 steals per game. The guard made it into Eurobasket.com German DBBL All-Bosmans Team. Michaela Abelova is the member of Slovakian National Team.

Italy U20 won the second game of the Torneo di Caorle - by Eurobasket News
Italy U20-Germany U20 69:52 52:69

After the victory over Sweden U20, Italy U20 won the second game of the Torneo di Caorle. The home side overcame Germany U20 69:52.
The hosts of the tournament started with 19-7, but allowed the German side to reduce to 8 points at the halftime. Moreover Germany won the third quarter 17-16 to stay alive for the win at the end of the game. Italy U20 however needed 18-8 in the last period to prove their superiority and step forward for the first place.
Laura Spreafico (182-F/G-91) top-scored for the winners with 17 points, while Alessandra Tava (184-F/C-91) and Federica Tognalini (183-F-91) posted 11 apiece. Federica Nannucci (170-G-91) followed them with 10 points in a win. Judith Schmidt (186-F/C-92) replied with 16 points in the losing effort. Sarah-Marie Frankenberger (180-F-91) scored 10 and Finja Schaake (179-G/F-92) notched 9.

Italy U20: Laura Spreafico 17, Alessandra Tava 11, Federica Tognalini 11, Federica Nannucci 10
Germany U20: Judith Schmidt 16, Sarah-Marie Frankenberger 10, Finja Schaake 9

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GREECE - Women

Stavridou joined Aris - by Giorgos Diploidis
Nafsika Stavridou (182-G-86) has decided to join Aris Thessalonikis. The Greek player left the city rivals AS PAOK Thessalonikis, to become part of the 'yellows'. Stavridou had not contract with the 'black an white' team so she was free to choose her next team. Stavridou was one of the best players of AS PAOK Thessalonikis the season that passed by and she helped them to stay in A1 category. She had an average of 12.8ppg, 4.6rpg, 3.6apg.

Aris Thessalonikis the last season had a very good run both in league and in Europe but the financial problems had as a result at the play offs to loose the advantage they had so far and to reach the 4rth place (they were 2nd after Athinaikos).

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ITALY - Women

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LATVIA - Women

Latvia U18 finished second in Baltic Cup - by Eurobasket News
Latvia U18 finished second in Baltic Cup winning two games out of three. After the loss to Finland U18 in the opener, Latvia overcame Lithuania U18 in a real thriller 81:80.
In Day 2 Lithuania opened the game with 20-14 and added 22-20 in the second frame for 42:34 halftime advantage. It was not enough to seal the victory as Latvia won the third and the last periods in the game. Latvia won the third period 20-15 and finished with 27-23 in the last quarter. Ance Aizsila (176-G-94) and Sabine Dukate (174-F-93) poured in 18 points each, while Paula Tomsone (192-C-94) and Paula Langina had 10 apiece. Ieva Kazlauskaite (178-F-94) answered with 20 points in the losing effort and Akvile Baronenaite (185-F-93) netted 19.
In Day 3 Latvia U18 smashed Estonian U18 team 98:78. The guests opened the game strong and had 31-19 after the first quarter. Latvia easily reached the bigger lead after 29-17 in the second frame. Estonia however replied with two narrow victories in the third and the last periods to reduce the gap at the end. Renate Reine chipped in 21 points to lead all the winners, while Kate Aizsila added 17. Greeta Uprus (175-G/F-94) replied with 18 points for the home side and Trine Kasemagi (189-C-95) notched 15.

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LUXEMBOURG - Women

Amanda Stowe extends contract with Contern - by Eurobasket News
Contern ensured the services of one of the teams leaders for another season. The team extended the contract of Amanda Stowe (186-F/C-79, college: Wisc.-Green Bay). The 31-year-old centre averaged 22.0 points, 12.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.0 steal per game in the previous season. She will enter her fourth straight season with Contern. Eurobasket.com named Amanda Stowe All-Luxembourg League Centre of the Year in 2007 and 2010. The centre also had stints in Portugal, Austria and Sweden.
Contern also brought in Eva Schonecker (181-G/F-81). The 30-year-old forward was last seen in Saarbrucken. Eva Schonecker also had stints with Saarlouis and Viernheim in Germany. She was German Cup Finalist together with Saarlouis and also played in EuroCup in 2004/05 season.

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PERU - Women

Peru ends U17 South American championship winless - by Eurobasket News
Peru ended as the last ranked team of the U17 South American championship. The event was held in Pasto (Colombia). Peru was not able to take a single win. They lost all of their six games. Peru had a chance to avoid the last place at this event as they met Uruguay in the last day of the Preliminary Round. However, Uruguay was too strong for them celebrating 39-56 victory.
Colombia won the Gold in Pasto. They grabbed 55-54 thriller win against Argentina to take this medal. Brazil is No.3 as they outplayed Chile 61-49. Fifth position belongs to Ecuador, who blasted Uruguay 69-45 in the last day of the competition. As mentioned above, Peru is No.7 (last place).

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ROMANIA - Women

Serbia U16 and Romania U16 played two friendlies in Kikindi - by Eurobasket News
Serbia U16 and Romania U16 played two friendlies in Kikindi, Serbia. Both games became real thrillers and brought interest until the very end.
Serbia started with 20-19 in the first period, but Romanian side replied with 22-16 in the second frame to take the lead. The hosts needed 18-14 in the third frame to trail just one points entering the last quarter, while Serbia produced 20-18 in the last period to win the opener. Aleksandra Crvendakic (186-C/F-96) top-scored for the winners with 23 points and Vukosavljevic nailed 11. Rajileanu answered with 25 points in defeat and Leani delivered 12.
In Game 2 Serbia won 56:53 in another thriller. The guests took the lead after the first 10 minutes finishing it with 16-10. Serbia managed to tie the game at 24:24 at the halftime and grabbed 5-point deficit after 30 minutes of the game. Romania could only reduce to 3 as they won the last stanza 16-14. Nikitovic stepped up with 11 points and Nikolic scored 9. Rajleanu ended up with 23 points in the losing case, while Cristina Gavrila (170-G-95) posted 16.

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RUSSIA - Women

Russia wins the Gold in EuroBasket 2011 - by Eurobasket News
Russia beat Turkey in the final of Eurobasket Women 2011. Russian had not start this tournament good, but they were playing better and better. In the final they had been
controlling the game. It was a great game for Maria Stepanova (203-C-79) She made double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Other Russian leader Elena Danilochkina (185-G-86) scored 12 points.

Both teams were playing with very big ambition. They were aware of big amount of this game place in Olympic Games 2012 and a European Champion tittle. Nevriye Yilmaz (194-C-80) made a first two points in this final game. Maria Stepanova had two free throws with 9:01 She made them both. Ilona Korstin (183-G-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) end a fast attack and Russia had taken the lead 4:2. Elena Danilochkina buried a three pointer and Russia was up by 5 with 7:50 to play in the first quarter. Then Turkish had improved some details and with 6:49 remaining in the first quarter Turkey had only two point less than Russian. But Maria Stepanova made a shot for Russia. Turkish coach called a timeout in the half of the first quarter. Maria Stepanova made shot for Russia with 1:57 to end of the first quarter. She increased the Russian advantage to 9 points. Russian had been controlling this quarter. Russian won the first quarter 19:8.

Russian hammer demolished Turkish. They started the second period scoring 5 straight points. Russian had 16 points of advantage 24:8 after Marina Kuzina (194-C-85) three pointer. But then Russian lost some ball. Turkish made 4 scoring points. Russia is well-experienced team. Firstly Turkey was paralyzed amount of this game, but in the second quarter they were starting much better. With 5:31 remaining in the second quarter Saziye Ivegin (183-F-82) made a three pointer. She reduced the lost to 8 points 26:18. One minute later Russian lost another ball. Turkish exploit it and made some fast break points. Russia was still up by 8 points half the biggest advantage. Russian coach decided to call a timeout. Then Turkish coach wanted to talk with his players few moments later, but on the board it was the same score 28:20 for Russia. With 1:21 to play in the second period Saziye Ivegin reduced the lost to 5 points 28:23 with lay-up ! Olga Arteshina (183-F-82) buried a three pointer for Russia as a response. Maria Stepanova made another shot for Russia with 19 seconds left to the end of this quarter. In the middle of the great final Russia was up by 10 33:23.

Straight after the brake Russian made another great run. She made 6 straight. When Elena Danilochkina made a jump shot Russia again had the biggest lead 16 points. With
8:15 the score was 39:23. Russian totally outrebounded Turkey. With 6:29 on the board was the same score, but Russia had got two free throws. Turkish coach called a
timeout. Tatiana Vidmer (191-C-86) made one free throw and Russian had got 17 point lead. Nevriye Yilmaz made a lay-up for Turkey as a response. But Tatiana Vidmer immediately made a shot for Russia. Turkey was able to reduce the loss to 13 points with 4:05 remaining in the third quarter. Birsel Vardarli (174-G-80) made a lay-up for Turkey at that moment. Turkish were trying to get back in this game. They kept fighting and forcing Russian turnovers. But before last quarter Russia had got 12 points advantage 46:34.

Russian started the last quarter with big 3 points made by Elena Danilochkina. Then Maria Stepanova made another shots for Russia. But Turkey still had an ambition. They were
continuing to do their best, but Turkish had been playing better in previous games. With 7:42 Elena Danilochkina made another shot for Russia Russian was up by 19. Turkish
coached called a timeout He wanted to improve his team performance. But Turkey could catch up Russia. With 5:36 remaining Maria Stepanova made a jump shot for Russia.
Her team was up by 21. Turkey responded with 5 straight points. When Isil Alben (170-G-86) buried a three pointer with 4:08 remaining Russian coach called a timeout. With 2:36 remaining Irina Osipova (196-C/F-81) made another shot for Russia. Russian were up by 16. With 1:46 Turkey called his last timeout. His team had 1:46 to score 16 points more than Russia. Although Turkish effort Russia won this game.

Turkish played with heart and ambition, but Russia had experience and better players. Russian had been controlling the boards They made 33 rebounds more than Turkey.
Russian added another trophy to their big collection. Turkey can be very happy that their players reached silver medals.

Russia - Turkey 59:42 (19:8, 14:15, 13:11, 13:8)
Russia: Maria Stepanova 18, Elena Danilochkina 12
Turkey: Birsel Vardarli 10, Isil Alben 8

*BY LUKASZ LUKASEWSKI

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SERBIA - Women

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SLOVAKIA - Women

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SLOVENIA - Women

Slovenia U19 edge Czech Republic U19 in Pivka - by Eurobasket News
Slovenia U19 - Czech Republic U19 71:62

Slovenian U19 selection continued their preparations for the upcoming World Championship in Chile. They celebrated a 9-point victory over Czech Republic in a test game in Pivka lately. Nika Baric (169-G-92) stepped up with 18 points to lead the winners.
Slovenia built a narrow 20:18 lead after ten minutes of action. Czech Republic responded in the second stanza to surge ahead. The visitors piled up a 41:38 halftime advantage. But the hosts turned things around in the third quarter. Slovenia went on a 22:13 rally to pull in front 60:54 at the final break. Slovenia limited their opponents to just 8 points in the final quarter to seal the victory at the end. Tina Jakovina (182-G-92) nailed 17 points for Slovenia. Tjasa Gortnar (185-F-92) added 15 points in the winning effort.
Slovenia tip off their U19 World Championship campaign on July 21 against Taiwan.

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SOUTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U17 - Women

Colombia wins the Gold in Pasto - by Eurobasket News
FINAL
Colombia won the Gold at the U17 South American Championship in Pasto. They managed to grab 55-54 thriller win against Argentina in the Big Final. Of course, Argentina won the Silver. Maria Tapias (95) was the leading scorer in victory with 20 points. Elizabeth Gutierrez (94) secured a great help adding 12 points and 7 rebounds. In the loosing squad, Micaela Sancisi (160-G-94) replied with 19 points and 7 rebs. Victoria Llorente (96) followed her with 16 points. Argentina was slightly better team in the first quarter winning it 13-11. Colombia answered with 8-14 after that taking 4-point lead at the halftime. Third quarter was pretty leveled, but still Argentina won it by one, 20-19. In thriller finish, the home squad was concentrated, but also had a little bit more sports luck to take 55-54 victory at the end.

Places 3-4
Brazil won the Bronze in Pasto (U17 South American championship). They outplayed Chile 61-49 in the last day of the competition to take this medal. Chile ended as No.4. Vitoria Domingos (96) stepped up for the winners with 17 points and 8 rebounds. Monique Soares (97) followed her with 14 points and 11 boards, while Izabella Frederico (95) added 13 points and 5 rebs. On the other side, Chile had just two players with double-digits in scoring. Dayanne Garcia and Estefania Vasquez (167-G-94) had 10 pts each.
Brazil did a great job in the first half. They won the Q1 14-10 and later continued with 17-9 for the next ten minutes. Chile slightly improved after the breather, but still Brazil ended third period with 14-13. The only quarter which belonged to Chile was the last one 16-17, but it was too late for them.

Places 5-6
Ecuador finished as No.5 at the U17 South Americas championship in Pasto (Colombia). They handed 69-45 loss to Uruguay to take this position. Rina Yepez (95) was totally the best player in this victory. She collected 29 points and 7 rebounds for 37 minutes. Maria Carrasco (94) had 19 points and 5 rebounds, and Alba Hermig (95) added 9 points. In the loosing squad, Florencia Sergio (96) shined with 16 points and 12 boards. Victoria Cardone (95) stopped to 9 pts. Ecuador had wonderful second half and thanks to it they celebrated comfortable win last night. Before that Uruguay made 8-11 in the first period and Ecuador replied with 20-14 after that. Rina Yepez and her teammates blasted Uruguay with 21-8 in third quarter and later closed this game with 20-12 (Q4) for the final 69-45 victory.

Peru ended as the last ranked team at this event (No.7).

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SPAIN - Women

Spain U20 edged the Scandinavian team in Torneo de Caorle - by Eurobasket News
Spain U20 -Sweden U20 72:55

Spain U20 edged the Scandinavian team in Torneo de Caorle, Day 2. The Spanish team overcame Sweden U20 72:55 to meet the hosts in the last game of the competition.
Spain started strong and reached 15-5 after the first period. The favorites played tough in defense and also managed to show good skills scoring the baskets. In the second period they added 18-16 for 33:21 halftime advantage. Even in the second half having the necessary deficit, Spain did not allow Sweden to come closer. They won the third period 18-15 and finished the game with 21-19.
Laura Gil Collado stepped up with 17 points for the winners, while Queralt Casas (180-G-92) netted 14. Rodriguez and Vega Gimeno Martinez (183-F-91, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Robert Morris) followed them with 11 points apiece. Farhiya Abdi (188-F-92) ended up with 16 points in defeat and Cleopatra Forsman-Goga (180-G-91) nailed 11.

Spain U20: Laura Gil Collado (190-C-92, agency: Josep and Nicolas) 17, Queralt Casas 14, Rodriguez 11, Vega Gimeno Martinez 11
Sweden U20: Farhiya Abdi 16, Cleopatra Forsman-Goga 11

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SWEDEN - Women

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TURKEY - Women

Optimum TED Ankara lands Victoria Dunlap - by Eurobasket News
Optimum TED Ankara Kolejliler came up with another signing. The Turkish outfit penned a one-year deal with Victoria Dunlap (185-F-89, college: Kentucky). She is currently a member of the WNBA team Washington Mystics. For 6 games so far this season Dunlap averages 1.8 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.2 assist. She graduated at the University of Kentucky few months ago. Dunlap had 17 ppg and 8.7 rpg for her school as a senior. She was awarded with All-SEC Defensive Player of the Year -11. In 2010, Dunlap was named Associated Press NCAA All-America 3rd Team. She had 18.1 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 1.4 apg and 3.1 spg that season. Dunlap paced Kentucky for NIT Elite Eight in 2008.

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URUGUAY - Women

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USBA - Women

WUSBA Youth Outreach programs will be offered to all elementary schools in each team city - by USBA Media

Atlanta, Ga. (July 3, 2011) --- The Women's United States Basketball Association (WUSBA) announces the installation of youth outreach initiatives in an effort to aid those in need in the community, These programs will be provided by the WUSBA and the WUSBA Youth Outreach, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) not for profit sister company of the WUSBA and overseen by the staff of the selected elementary schools in all team cities.

The first initiative is called Elizabeths Book Bag and the 2011 WUSBA School Supply Extravaganza. The WUSBA and its basketball teams have arranged the collection of school supplies with the help of Wal Mart, Target, Office Depot, Kroger, Staples, and Sams Club and others. Recently the WUSBA began to unite these companies in a effort to provide students with school supplies in each of the league team cities. Beginning in August, these companies are launching the first annual collaborative school supply drive. 'We need everything from crayons to back packs, for the kids in need', said WUSBA president Duane Jenkins, 'We installed this program in my daughters school, it was extremely successful, and we decided to expand our efforts to include elementary schools in all our sixteen cities.'

Yvonne Lewis, Community Coordinator of Birmingham City Public Schools was contacted about this program and stated, 'We are extremely pleased to be included with these programs, particularly the school supply effort and the overcoat and mitten drive. We have undertaken a school supply drive each year and we need additional donations each year. We are faced with a growing need for supplies for our children. We relish this opportunity to combine our efforts with the WUSBA.'

WUSBA players and coaches will be active on and off the court, assisting in a very wide variety of community outreach programs, charitable fund raising events, youth advocates programs, RSVP retired senior citizen programs, and family progress initiatives. These programs will aid the community and its citizens as a whole. The WUSBA and the WUSBA Youth Outreach prides itself on being an advocate within the community. From the youngest child to the oldest senior citizen, helping people is our strongest commitment. The WUSBA will build relationships by its loyalty and its faith based participation in each community. 'All WUSBA players, coaches, and team staff members will visit senior facilities, hospitals, Boys and Girls Clubs, and local schools, help raise money for local charities, collect food for local food banks and be a positive mentor to children who are housed in juvenile retention facilities and children who are live in foster care facilities.' The WUSBA and the WUSBA Youth Outreach have partnered with the United States Marine Corps and the 'Toys for Tots' holiday program. 'The WUSBA's coaches, players, staff and the WUSBA Youth Outreach will serve as a great role model to other and will always be a positive inspiration to all, thus being an important asset to all team cities and their communities.'

'We have had a tremendous response from every school system in our teams cities, said Jenkins, It is our pleasure to partner with all the school systems in our other cities, we intend to assist our cities in any way we can. '

The WUSBA community assistance programs will team up with a league wide community service partnership that will join with the city, the county, the private sector, the local business community and major industry to instill the ideals of educational values, ethical performance, honesty, sportsmanship, fair play and integrity to the youth of the local community. These programs will allow youth to develop a personal positive educational commitment and practice Faith based contributions to their community.

The purposes of the WUSBA Youth Outreach programs is to provide the youth in the community with a positive role model through a series of free educational programs:

*Goals for Graduation
Through the Goals for Graduation program, the league have developed programs to assist students from grade 6 through grade 12. The WUSBA and the WUSBA Youth Outreach will offer free tutoring sessions in all the core subjects with local college students. The sessions will be held in a positive and secure learning environment. This tutoring program is available to all students. The goal of all communities is to have 100% of its student graduate and attend a higher learning center, whether it is vocational or academic. A 100% graduation rate may seem impossible; however, at one time in history the majority of the people on earth believed the world was flat. With the Goals for Graduation everyone wins, particularity the students who earnestly participate in this program.

* Kids Kamp
Kids Kamp is another example of a student tutoring program specifically developed for younger students in the 4th and 5th grade levels. Student with special needs can better prepare themselves for middle school. Kids Kamp promotes volunteerism with older school age children. Any group of students, who volunteer their weekends in a community project, can join the WUSBA and others to help clean up roadways, neighborhoods, clear the local parks and lakes of litter and trash, help senior citizen with small jobs around their homes, read to young children at school or at the public library or any other organized project. The WUSBA will award such community spirit with a $25.00 Visa gift card to students who will donate a Saturday to help others and their community.

* Book-a Lious
Reading is fun. Book-a-lious is a program that will allow students and adults, who can't afford to purchase books, to select new books to keep for their family to enjoy. This will allow a household to begin to establish their own personal library. With the assistance of a host of Publishing companies and a major retail book store, people will have an opportunity, to receive, read, keep or swap free books with their family and friends.

* Mount-Read Moor
Through the Mount-Read-Moor program, local area students will discover that reading and comprehension skills can be greatly improved with the proper practice. This program will also promote literacy among youth and young adults. This free program will encourage school age students and young adults to read through the guidance and help of volunteer college student. The WUSBA and the WUSBA Youth Outreach will work in conjunction with Reading is Fundamental (RIF). This is a program where youth can develop their reading skills to greatly improve their learning capabilities so they can experience the adventure and entertainment of reading.

* Math Berry Pie
The Math Berry Pie program is designed to assist students through a free tutorial agreement with collegiate math students. The program will cover all segments of math from 'one plus one' to 'pre-calculus'. Assistance in this area will give students the skills they need to meet and exceed federal requirements. Math is a critical core subject that is essential for a child's advancement to collegiate levels.

* Father, Mother, and Child Reunion
The successful family unit is proven to be the single most important factor in a child's educational achievements. The WUSBA Youth Outreach will work in conjunction with local Family Services, Church Groups, and other family oriented organizations to assist families in the areas of housing, nutrition, family counseling, job placement assistance, medical assistance and other interdiction programs when deemed needed to assist the family.

* Star Vision
When President John F. Kennedy looked toward the moon he must have felt what all children see every night as they gaze at the stars. Science, in all its many categories has been at the heart of human curiosity. Many students love science. The WUSBA and the WUSBA Youth Outreach will organize after school and summer science introduction sessions that will be run by volunteer students and faculty from the local colleges. This will include field trips to scientific venues. The careers that can be found in the fields surrounding science seldom get explored by a large segment of the student population. With these programs students will be able to get a glimpse of a career field they may never have attempted to explore.

* Elizabeth's Book Bag
Through the Elizabeth's Book Bag program students will have access to free book bags, paper, notebooks, pencils, markers, pens and all other material that are a requirement to start the new school year. Each year the school sends a material list to the parents of what items are needed in that grade for the first day of school. The Elizabeth's Book Bag program will make all required materials available to all students, twice a year, in August and in January (students will have additional access to materials if needed during the course of the school year). This program is sponsored by the WUSBA Youth Outreach, the WUSBA and the sponsors and advertisers This is a free program to all families in need. Having all the materials needed, will help a student strive for a successful school year.

* Grandma Coras Kitchen
The difference in a persons ability to improve their lives could hang on the balance of a hot meal. The WUSBA believes that no person should go hungry. The WUSBA will join forces with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), local churches and other faith based organizations to open a series of restaurants that will be open to the public with the sole purpose allowing anyone to fulfill their daily nutritional requirements. The WUSBA has made arrangements will major industry sponsors and governmental entities to fully fund this endeavor. The oldest senior citizen to the youngest child will be welcome to sit down at the table and break bread with other neighbors. This program will also include emergency grocery vouchers for families with children in need.

* Patricia's Closet
A warm blanket, a new pair of socks, a overcoat in winter or a umbrella during the spring rain in most times are taken for granted by most people, but to some others it may be a luxury they can't afford but they so desperately need. The WUSBA will assist The Salvation Army and others to help collect wearable goods for those in need. The WUSBA has made arraignments with clothing and other manufacturers to acquire goods for the needy. Children can compete in school more effectively, when they show confidence in their appearance. An extra blanket in winter can be a warm feeling to a child, a new pair of shoes will keep a child's feet dry, a new shirt, a pair of slacks or a new stylish dress could be the difference in a helping, bolstering a childs self confidence. This program will be open to everyone in the community and will offer new clothing and other unused products from participating manufactures.

* The Queens English
Through the Queens English program, area community elementary through high school students will discover that speaking proper English will open doors across the educational and business communities. The WUSBA and the WUSBA Youth Outreach will partner with communication students from local colleges to tutor students in the importance of using correct enunciation and proper speech structure. The WUSBA will sponsor a competition spelling bee that will pit students of schools against each other to establish a champion. Prizes and certificates of recognition of accomplishment will be awarded to all students. The WUSBA encourages all students to participate in this program.

* The Toy Fest and Can Slam Basketball Games
This program was a great success in 2009. We coordinated with High Schools, the USMC Toys for Tots and Feeding America to collect food and toys during the holiday season.

*The Overcoat and Mitten Collection Event
This program will collect slightly used and new winter coats and mittens to keep our children warm in the wintertime. With the help of the school system, we will discretely approach teachers and parents to deliver the coats and mittens to the children.

The WUSBA have adopted these programs to share with the team cities. Everyone will have equal access to any program offered by the Womens United States Basketball Association, said Jenkins.

WUSBA announce team home arena location's for 2011 fall basketball season - by USBA Media

Atlanta, Ga. (June 23, 2010) --- 'We are extremely pumped about this upcoming basketball season said,' WUSBA president, Duane Allen Jenkins. 'Our first season is set to go and our future in the world of basketball looks very bright.' The Women's United States Basketball Association (WUSBA) today made public the final roster of teams, along with the teams home arena and gymnasiums. This new women's professional basketball league is scheduled to begin play on August 27, 2011. The league will field sixteen teams in four divisions. League sources states 'Timing is everything, particularly in business, the time is right to begin our inaugural basketball campaign.' The WUSBA originated in January 2010. The league was born out of an effort to expand womens professional basketball in the United States. The WUSBA was activated when the leagues brother company, the United States basketball Association (USBA) placed its inaugural season on hold. The USBA originally planned to place basketball teams in the Southeast United States. Jenkins made the decision to place efforts behind the activation of the WUSBA. The decision to postpone again the opening of the USBA was not an easy one to make, there are critics who will blast me for this decision, however after every forest fire, new life assuredly flourishes, said Jenkins. The WUSBA was always in our plans. In the United States and in Europe women play ball on the highest level and we are pleased with our decision to place our emphasis on their success.
The league will begin with sixteen teams in four divisions; the teams are spread out over eight southern states.

The Southern Division will house the Atlanta Platinum, the Birmingham Starz, Montgomery Spirit and the Macon Storm.

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

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

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

New cities and teams will be added periodically. The complete 2011 schedule will become available to the public on July 1, 2011.

Each team will play a 26 game regular season followed by the leagues championship tournament. The WUSBA local team tryouts will be held on August 13, 2011 in each team city. Location and time schedules for the tryouts will be made available in the very near future. 'I'm real comfortable in the leagues success,' said Jenkins. 'I feel we can make a real impact on the game of basketball and the local charitable organizations in each of our teams cities.' The league has ties with the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots, Feeding America, Boys and Girls Club of America and local churchs. During previous holiday season's, the WUSBA enlisted the help of the Feeding America and the U.S.M.C. to conduct a series of basketball games to collect toys, clothing and food for the needy. According to reports filed, seven cities held games gave away prizes to fans that contributed toys, clothing and food. 'The WUSBA will make the same commitment to the communities and give them aid via the programs we created.' said Jenkins.

LEAGUE PERSONNEL
Executive Department:
Commissioner- Mrs. Jeanne Hunter (Honorary)
President / C.E.O. -Duane Allen Jenkins
Executive Vice President / Basketball Operations -Kenneth Green
Director of Operations - Regina Eubanks
Director of League Personnel -Terry Truax
Director of Player Personnel - Melanie Oliver
Director of Player Personnel - Stanecia Graham
Director of Player Personnel - Corin Adams
Director of Administration - Elyria Skyill
Director of Marketing - Duane Allen Jenkins
Director of Human Resources - Clare Irving
Director of Media Relations (TBA) -
Supervisor of Officials - Simmie Lavender
Chief of Security (TBA)
Director of Community Affairs (TBA)
General Counsel- Jackie Paterson ESQ
Accounting- Floyd Green and Associate
Web Master- Joey Johnson

Piedmont Division

Augusta Raging River
Richmond Academy High School
Richmond Academy Field House (2500)
2500 Walton Way
Augusta, Georgia 30904

Charlotte Blue Wave
Lifepointe Christian Church
Bobcat Practice Facility (3300)
13209 Carowinds Blvd
Charlotte, North Carolina 28273

Columbia Breeze
Benedict College
HRC Arena (2300)

1600 Hardin Street
Columbia, South Carolina 28204

Winston Salem Cardinals
Winston Salem State University
C.E Gaines Center (3500)
601 South Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
Winston Salem, North Carolina 27110

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Southern Division

Atlanta Platinum
Norcross High School
NHS Gymnasium (2500)
5505 Spalding Drive
Norcross, Georgia 30092

Macon Storm
Southwest High School
SHS Gymnasium (2200)
12101 Sycamore Station Place
Macon, Georgia

Birmingham Starz
George Washington Carver High School
Carver Gymnasium (2700)
3900 24th Street North
Birmingham, Alabama 35207

Montgomery Spirit
Alabama State University
ASU ACCA Dome (5000)
915 South Jackson Street
Montgomery, Alabama 34104

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Appalachian Division

Chattanooga Royal
Tennessee Temple University
McGillivray Gymnasium (2500)
1815 Union Avenue
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37404

Knoxville Reign
Farragut High School
FHS Gymnasium (2900)
11237 Kingston Pike
Knoxville, Tennessee 37934

Nashville Thunder
Glen Cliff High School
GCHS Gymnasium (2800)
160 Antioch Pike
Nashville, Tennessee 37211

West Virginia Capitals
Capital High School
CHS Gymnasium (2500)
1500 Greenbrier Street
Charleston, West Virginia 25311

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Atlantic Division

Savannah Seahawks
Sol Johnson High School
Johnson Gymnasium (2200)
3012 Sun Set Blvd.
Savannah, Georgia 31214

Richmond Colonial
Virginia State University
Daniel Gymnasium (3700)
1 Hayden Drive
Petersburg, Virginia 23806

Jacksonville Surf
Edward Waters College
Adams-Jenkins Sports Center (2300)
1658 Kings Road
Jacksonville, Florida 32209

Charleston Cadets
College of Charleston
Carolina 1st Arena (3500)
66 George Street
Charleston, South Carolina 29424

(This is a list of all WUSBA tentative and confirmed home team gymnasiums. Players and agents can contact the Head Coach directly with inquires. All locations have given their permission to secure the gymnasium. Agreements of Usage are in place. Final contracts are pending and have preliminary approval from each location. Each Client Arena has a confidentially agreement and is not at liberty to disclose certain contents of any agreements made with the Womens United States Basketball Association without written permission of the WUSBA and the Client Arena).

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WNBA - Women

Standings

WNBA Standings

Eastern
1. Atlanta D.		0-0
2. Chicago S.		0-0
3. Connecticut S.		0-0
4. Indiana F.		0-0
5. New York L.		0-0
6. Washington M.		0-0
Western
1. L.Angeles S.		0-0
2. Minnesota L.		0-0
3. Phoenix M.		0-0
4. S.Antonio SS		0-0
5. Seattle S.		0-0
6. Tulsa S.		0-0

Latest games - by Eurobasket News
Washington M. - Seattle S. 63-73
The Seattle Storm finally found their offense without imposing All-Star center Lauren Jackson. The Washington Mystics couldn't make up for the loss of leading scorer Crystal Langhorne. Swin Cash (6'2''-F-79, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Connecticut) scored 19 points and Sue Bird (5'9''-G-80, college: Connecticut) added 17 as the Storm won in Washington for the first time since 2006, topping the Mystics 73-63 on Sunday. The Storm (5-3) have won two of three without Jackson, the reigning WNBA MVP who is out following left hip surgery. The defending champions have won three of four overall. 'We have a lot of players in here that can score, but for the most part we hang our hat on defense,' said Bird, who had three steals. 'Our problem this season has been kind of scoring on the other end. 'We were able to get out in transition, get some easy looks.' The Mystics (2-6) played without Langhorne (back pain), and scored a season-low 26 points in the first half. Washington shot 31.9 percent (22 for 69) overall. *Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

New York L. - S.Antonio SS 81-75
Cappie Pondexter (5'9''-G-83, college: Rutgers) has known Essence Carson (6'0''-G-86, college: Rutgers) for eight years through their time together at Rutgers and now with the Liberty. In that time, she had never seen Carson cry - until tonight, when Carson was hit in the right eye with a ball during warm-ups. 'When she cried,' Pondexter said, 'I knew it was pretty intense.' With the team's second-leading scorer out with what was diagnosed as traumatic iritis, Pondexter stepped up. She scored 19 points - 15 in the second half - as the Liberty (5-5) got back to .500 with an 81-75 victory over the Western Conference-leading San Antonio Silver Stars (7-2). In front of 6,714 at the Prudential Center, Pondexter and forward Plenette Pierson (14 points) steadied the Liberty late, as they held on for perhaps their most impressive win of the season. 'Cappie and I have both won championships, and we know what it takes to get to the next level,' Pierson said. 'We're emotional leaders. When we step it up a notch, the team follows.' The Liberty built a 39-34 halftime lead thanks to hot shooting from forwards Nicole Powell and Sidney Spencer. But the Liberty's turnovers - 10 in the first half alone - kept them from going on an extended run. And after playing 37 minutes Thursday, Pondexter had trouble getting into any kind of rhythm. 'I was a little winded,' she said. 'I actually felt better in the second half.' The Silver Stars made a comeback as the Liberty went cold. But unlike other times this season - including Thursday's loss at Atlanta - the Liberty bent but didn't break on their second-half lead. Throughout the final five minutes, the Liberty and Silver Stars traded the lead. A pair of 3-pointers, by Becky Hammon and Danielle Adams, who finished with 19 points, gave the Silver Stars a 66-65 advantage. But Pondexter punched back immediately with a driving layup. 'I knew I wasn't aggressive in the first half,' Pondexter said. 'I thought I needed to be a little bit more aggressive.' Pierson scored the last eight Liberty points. The last came on an assist from Pondexter, as she lobbed the ball ahead off a rebound to a streaking Pierson for an easy layup - and put her left thumb up to signal a victory was near. *Courtesy of www.nj.com

Connecticut S. - Seattle S. 75-70
Tina Charles (6'4''-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) had 20 points and 10 rebounds to help the Connecticut Sun hold off the Seattle Storm 75-70 on Friday night. Kara Lawson (5'8''-G-81, college: Tennessee) added 16 points, including three key free throws in the fourth quarter for the Sun (6-3), which squandered an 18-point lead in the second half. Seattle (4-3) held Connecticut scoreless for 5:14 in the fourth, trimming a 68-57 deficit to 68-66 with 2:35 left. Lawson and Renee Montgomery, who scored 11 points, combined to make five of six free throws in the final 1:22 to help Connecticut hold on. 'We won high intensity games and they're learning how to win,' said Sun coach Mike Thibault. 'We made enough mistakes so I can show them the parts we need to improve on.' The Sun had a 73-70 lead when Sue Bird missed an off-balance 3-point attempt with 5.2 seconds left. Kalana Greene sealed it for the Sun with two free throws. Swin Cash led Seattle with 25 points and nine rebounds, and Le'Coe Willingham and Camille Little had 10 points apiece. *Courtesy of www.wtnh.com

Phoenix M. - Chicago S. 97-84
Diana Taurasi (6'0''-F/G-82, college: Connecticut) scored 24 points to lead the Phoenix Mercury past the Chicago Sky 97-84 on Friday night. Taurasi also had six assists and went 11 of 12 from the line to help Phoenix set a franchise record with 42 made free throws - including all but one of its 27 attempts in the second half. The Mercury, who trailed by as many as 15 at one point, went 42 of 45 at the stripe to help offset their 31 percent shooting in the second half. Phoenix made 13 of 14 free throws in the fourth quarter. Penny Taylor (6'1''-F-81) scored 14 points, grabbed seven rebounds and had two steals for Phoenix, which has won five of six after losing the first three games of the season. Epiphanny Prince had 19 points and six assists for Chicago, which has lost three straight. *Courtesy of http://msn.foxsports.com