EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 8/21/2011

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Men News

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  AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Day Four in Antananarivo (with stats) - by Eurobasket News
Group B
Angola - Senegal 78-85
Ten time winner of FIBA Africa Championship for Men Angola Saturday night suffered its first defeat in the last five editions of Africa biggest basketball championship The Afrobasket losing by 78-85 points to the Lions of Senegal. The defending champion opened a 30-18 points lead in the first quarter but the Lions charged back from th second quarter and never looked back with Maleye Ndoye putting Senegal ahead for the first time with one minute ten seconds left in the second quarter with a perfectly taken three point shot, Angola replied almost immediately through Lionel Paulo but Malick Badiane (211-F/C-84) shot Senegal into the lead before the break with a steeler shot to give Senegal a two points lead og 44-46 going into the break. Efforts by Joaquim Gomes and his teammates to come back into proceeding was rebuffed by the never-say-die Senegalese who dominted the game winning the third and fourth quarter by 21-24 and 13-15 points. Senegal guard Mamadou Ndoye (79) led his team with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists, Mouhammad Faye (208-F-85, college: SMU) added 18 points, 5 assists, 3 assists and 3 steals with hard working centre, Malick Badiane contributing 14 points and 7 rebounds for the Lions victory. *By Olusegun Ikuesan

Chad - Morocco 57-89
After initial good start in the first quarter against morocco earning a respectable score-line of 17-20, Chad faded away after ward losing the three remaining quarter by 13-20, 06-17 and 21-32 points in it second group-B game Saturday. Both sides lost their opening games with Morocco being more daring to register a win which they achieved effortlessly over the new-comer to set up a final group game against defending champion Angola on Monday while Chad will have its hands full when it confront five-time champion Senegal. Tunisia Abdelhakim Zouita (201-F-86) led the floor with 25 points, 5 rebounds,4 assists, 2 steals and 2 block-shots. Zouita who play club competition for AS Sale basketball club contributed greatly to his side dominance over Chad he was joined on the scorer sheet Soufiane Kourodu (211-C-85) who netted 18 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and one block shot and Abderrahim Najah with 15 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists and one block-shot. *By Olusegun Ikuesan

Group D
Tunisia - Rwanda 69-37
2009 third place finisher Tunisia Saturday evening proved that it achievement in Libya two years was not a fluke when it put up a great performance in group-D beating Rwanda by 69-37 points to keep a clean slate. The strong FIBA Africa Zone-1 power house won in all four quarters by 10-09, 17-07, 19-09 and 23-13 points to remain top of the group which comprises Central Africa Republic who also enjoy the priviledge of remaining unbeaten, Togo and Rwanda. Tunisia key player, Macram Romdhane (198-F-89) led the floor with 20 points and 6 rebounds, Romdhave was joined his two compatriots Mohamed Hadidane (206-F-86) and Amine Rzig who both score 10 points each. A clash between Tunisia and Central Africa Republic on Monday will determine who lead the group to the round of eight finals. *By Olusegun Ikuesan

Togo - Central Africa 57-82
The hope of Togo of making any appreciable impact in group-D of the 26th FIBA Africa Championship for Men was completely shot-down Saturday by mobile Central Africa Republic side. Togo gave up the first quarter by 12-22 points but showed some promises in the second quarter winning by 19-15 points to cut down the margin between it the FIBA Africa Zone-4 nation to six points going into the break by 31-37 points, it continue the flare in the third quarter losing by just two points 17-19 points to enter the last quarter with eight points deficits of 48-56 points. And when many had thought that the Coach Guy Arneaud tutored Togolese side they gave in to the superior fire power of the Central Africa side losing the last quarter by 09-26 points for a final scores of 57-82 points. Central Africa Max Kouguere (198-F-87) led the floor with 24 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals, William Kossangue-Toro (198-F-86) had 14 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals with Guy Kodio-Sitchi contributing 14 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals and one assist. *By Olusegun Ikuesan



26th Afrobasket: Angola invicibility broken by Senegal 78-85 - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Ten time winner of FIBA Africa Championship for Men Angola Saturday night suffered its first defeat in the last five editions of Africa biggest basketball championship The Afrobasket losing by 78-85 points to the Lions of Senegal.

The defending champion opened a 30-18 points lead in the first quarter but the Lions charged back from th second quarter and never looked back with Maleye Ndoye putting Senegal ahead for the first time with one minute ten seconds left in the second quarter with a perfectly taken three point shot, Angola replied almost immediately through Lionel Paulo but Malick Badiane shot Senegal into the lead before the break with a steeler shot to give Senegal a two points lead og 44-46 going into the break.

Efforts by Joaquim Gomes and his teammates to come back into proceeding was rebuffed by the never-say-die Senegalese who dominted the game winning the third and fourth quarter by 21-24 and 13-15 points.

Senegal guard Mamadou Ndoye led his team with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists, Mouhammad Faye added 18 points, 5 assists, 3 assists and 3 steals with hard working centre, Malick Badiane contributing 14 points and 7 rebounds for the Lions victory.
Malick Badiane (211-F/C-84)

26th Afrobasket: Chad losing streak continue, bow to Morocco 57-89 - by Olusegun Ikuesan
After initial good start in the first quarter against morocco earning a respectable score-line of 17-20, Chad faded away after ward losing the three remaining quarter by 13-20, 06-17 and 21-32 points in it second group-B game Saturday.

Both sides lost their opening games with Morocco being more daring to register a win which they achieved effortlessly over the new-comer to set up a final group game against defending champion Angola on Monday while Chad will have its hands full when it confront five-time champion Senegal.

Tunisia Abdelhakim Zouita led the floor with 25 points, 5 rebounds,4 assists, 2 steals and 2 block-shots.

Zouita who play club competition for AS Sale basketball club contributed greatly to his side dominance over Chad he was joined on the scorer sheet Soufiane Kourodu who netted 18 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and one block shot and Abderrahim Najah with 15 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists and one block-shot.


26th Afrobasket: Togo give in to RCA 57-82 - by Olusegun Ikuesan
The hope of Togo of making any appreciable impact in group-D of the 26th FIBA Africa Championship for Men was completely shot-down Saturday by mobile Central Africa Republic side.

Togo gave up the first quarter by 12-22 points but showed some promises in the second quarter winning by 19-15 points to cut down the margin between it the FIBA Africa Zone-4 nation to six points going into the break by 31-37 points, it continue the flare in the third quarter losing by just two points 17-19 points to enter the last quarter with eight points deficits of 48-56 points.

And when many had thought that the Coach Guy Arneaud tutored Togolese side they gave in to the superior fire power of the Central Africa side losing the last quarter by 09-26 points for a final scores of 57-82 points.

Central Africa Max Kouguere led the floor with 24 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals, William Kossangue had 14 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals with Guy Kodio-Sitchi contributing 14 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals and one assist.


26th Afrobasket: Tunisia too much for Rwanda 69-37 - by Olusegun Ikuesan
2009 third place finisher Tunisia Saturday evening proved that it achievement in Libya two years was not a fluke when it put up a great performance in group-D beating Rwanda by 69-37 points to keep a clean slate.

The strong FIBA Africa Zone-1 power house won in all four quarters by 10-09, 17-07, 19-09 and 23-13 points to remain top of the group which comprises Central Africa Republic who also enjoy the priviledge of remaining unbeaten, Togo and Rwanda.

Tunisia key player, Macram Romdhave led the floor with 20 points and 6 rebounds, Romdhave was joined his two compatriots Mohamed Hadidane and Amine Rzig who both score 10 points each.

A clash between Tunisia and Central Africa Republic on Monday will determine who lead the group to the round of eight finals.


Day Three in Antananarivo (with stats) - by Eurobasket News
Group A
Madagascar - Mali 63-74
Not even the presence of over 5,000 fans could save Madagascar from suffering its second defeat in group-A of the 26th FIBA Africa Championship for Men as it go down to a rejuvenated Mali by 63-74 points in Antananarivo. After taking a 23-14 points first quarter advantage Madagascar failed to maintain the tempo thus allowing the Malian to fight back in the second quarter forcing Madagascar to make series of mistakes Madagascar eventually lost the second , third and fourth quarters by 07-13, 17-23 and 16-24 points respectively. Mali play-maker and point guard Modibo Niakate (185-G-81, college: Cleveland St.) led the floor with 20 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals and gave 2 assists for his side hard earn win. Mali reliable forward Mohamed Tangara (208-F/C-84, agency: Dynamics Global Management, college: Arizona) had an excellent game posting a double double figure of 19 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists while 2006 FIBA Africa Championship for U18 Men most valuable player Waly Coulibaly (190-G-88) added 11 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds and 2 steals to seal victory for their side who now have a 1-1 record. *By Olusegun Ikuesan

Mozambique - Nigeria 63-78
Mozambique was down by Nigeria in both sides second group-A game Friday at the 26th FIBA Africa Championship for Men Madagascar 2011 Afrobasket. The Mozambican lost by 63-78 points to a more composed Nigerian side. The Mozambican lost the first three quarters by 11-20, 21-23, 14-18 and drew levels in the last quarter by 17 points apiece. Nigeria and San Antonio Spurs guard, Ime Udoka led the Coach Ayo Bakare tutored Nigerian side with a treble effort of 13 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds and 2 steals to give DTigers as the Nigeria senior national team is known a clean slate. DTigers and former Union Bank basketball club of Lagos forward Ejike Ugboaja (204-F/C-85) added 12 points, 7 rebounds and 2 block-shots, shooting sensation Derrick Obasohan (199-F-81, college: Texas Arlington) had 11 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists, Oyedeji Olumide (208-C/F-81) contributed 10 points and 9 rebounds with Nigeria DStv Premier Basketball League reliable Abubakar Usman recording seventy-five percent from the three pointer scoring three of four attempt in the few minutes he stepped on court. *By Olusegun Ikuesan

Group C
Ivory Coast - Egypt 75-82
Cote dIvoire hope of making it two-on-two was dashed by Egypt in a group-C tie of the 26th FIBA Africa Championship for Men after taking a 19-13 points lead in the first quarter. The Ivorians bow to the superior fire power of the Ibrahim El-Gammal in the second quarter losing by 16-27 points for a half-time deficit of 35-40 points. Cote dIvoire tried to come into the game at the resumption of play in third quarter yielded a 17-14 points win taking a two points deficit going into the last quarter but gave up when it matter most losing the fourth and decisive quarter by 23-28 points for a final score-line of 75-82 points. Gammal led the floor with 21 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists, Mohamed El-Kerdany had 11 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists with Amr El-Gendy adding up 11 points, 2 rebounds and 2 steal to restore the hope of the five-time champion after losing its group-C opener to Cameroon on Wednesday. *By Olusegun Ikuesan

South Africa - Cameroon 65-87
With better improvement from their Group-C opening game against Cote dIvoire on Wednesday South Africa Friday loses its second first round game to Cameroon by 65-87 points. Though South Africa lost the first three quarters 17-23, 13-17, 11-24 and won the last one by 24-23 points their fighting spirit was never in doubt as they showed lots of improvement and promises. Cameroon big forward Gaston Essengue (203-F-83, college: UNLV) led the floor with 18 points, 4 steals and 3 rebounds, Cyrille Makanda (195-G-80) had 15 points and 3 rebounds, Parfait Bitee (188-G-85) added 13 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals with Frank Ndongo posting 12 points, 4 steals and 3 rebounds for the second win for the Lions. Cameroon coach Lazare Adingono praised the fighting spirit of the South African. The coach whose side face Cote dIvoire on Sunday in his team last group-C game said they are not under any pressure. Coach Adingono also thumm-up effort of FIBA Africa in raising the stake of Africa basketball but concluded that the continent can do more. *By Olusegun Ikuesan



Standings
Standings
Group A
1. Nigeria2-0
2. Mali1-1
3. Mozambique.1-1
4. Madagascar.0-2
Group B
1. Senegal2-0
2. Morocco1-1
3. Angola1-1
4. Chad0-2
Group C
1. Cameroon2-0
2. Egypt1-1
3. Ivory Coas.1-1
4. S.Africa0-2
Group D
1. C.Africa2-0
2. Tunisia2-0
3. Rwanda0-2
4. Togo0-2


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  ANGOLA   


Senegal hands 85-78 loss to defending champion Angola - by Eurobasket News
Angola - Senegal 78-85
Ten time winner of FIBA Africa Championship for Men Angola Saturday night suffered its first defeat in the last five editions of Africa biggest basketball championship The Afrobasket losing by 78-85 points to the Lions of Senegal. The defending champion opened a 30-18 points lead in the first quarter but the Lions charged back from th second quarter and never looked back with Maleye Ndoye putting Senegal ahead for the first time with one minute ten seconds left in the second quarter with a perfectly taken three point shot, Angola replied almost immediately through Lionel Paulo but Malick Badiane (211-F/C-84) shot Senegal into the lead before the break with a steeler shot to give Senegal a two points lead og 44-46 going into the break. Efforts by Joaquim Gomes and his teammates to come back into proceeding was rebuffed by the never-say-die Senegalese who dominted the game winning the third and fourth quarter by 21-24 and 13-15 points. Senegal guard Mamadou Ndoye (79) led his team with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists, Mouhammad Faye (208-F-85, college: SMU) added 18 points, 5 assists, 3 assists and 3 steals with hard working centre, Malick Badiane contributing 14 points and 7 rebounds for the Lions victory. *By Olusegun Ikuesan

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  ARGENTINA   


Argentina prevail against Uruguay in Montevideo - by Eurobasket News
Uruguay - Argentina 50:77

Argentina celebrated another victory in their preparations for the upcoming Fiba Americas Championship. They overcame Uruguay at Palacio Penarol in Montevideo. Luis Scola (206-F/C-80) scored 21 points to pace the winners.
Argentina earned a 15:10 lead after ten minutes. The visitors boosted the margin to 7 points at halftime 32:25. Argentina cleared off in the third term. They erupted for 32 points to enter the fourth frame up by as many as 30 points 64:34. Uruguay finally outscored the visitors in the fourth frame but just sweetened the pill at the end. Carlos Delfino (198-G-82) provided 14 points, while Paolo Quinteros (186-G-79) added 12 points for Argentina. Panchi Barrera (194-G-85) and Mauricio Aguiar (197-F-83, agency: Players Group) answered with 10 points each for Uruguay.

Uruguay: Mauricio Aguiar 10, Panchi Barrera 10
Argentina: Luis Scola 21, Carlos Delfino 14, Paolo Quinteros 12


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  AUSTRALIA   


2011 Universiade. Czech Republic account for Australia - by Eurobasket News
Czech Republic - Australia 78:69

Czech Republic registered a confident win over Australia in the classification round of World University Games. Vojtech Hruban (200-F-89) stepped up with 17 points and 7 rebounds to pace the winners.
Czech Republic jumped in front early in the game. They posted a 22:15 lead ten minutes into the game. The Europeans cleared off in the second term. Czech Republic boosted the margin to 12 points at halftime 40:28. They shielded off the advantage well throughout the third term. Czech Republic entered the fourth frame up by 14 points 53:39. Australia exploded with 30 points in the final quarter but it was not enough to threaten the margin. Petr Dokoupil (191-G-88) produced 18 points, while Jiri Slavik (203-F-89) added 14 points in the win. Ryan Broekhoff (198-F/G-90) replied with 14 points for Australia. Cameron Gliddon (196-G/F-89) netted 12 points in defeat.

Czech Republic: Petr Dokoupil 18, Vojtech Hruban 17, Jiri Slavik 14
Australia: Ryan Broekhoff 14, Cameron Gliddon 12


SBL: Injured Payne a massive concern for Lakeside - by Eurobasket News
Lakeside Lightning coach Andy Stewart admitted the availability of injured star Luke Payne (188-G-85, college: USC Upstate) could be the difference in the semi-final decider against Perry Lakes Hawks on Saturday night.

Payne picked up an apparent leg injury in the third quarter of Lakeside's 92-88 game two victory and didn't return to the court. The import briefly returned to the bench after receiving treatment in the dressing rooms, but walked with a significant limp.

The major thing (for game three) is whether or not we can get Luke Payne back on the floor, Stewart said after Lakeside levelled the best-of-three series at 1-all.

Hes in hospital at the moment (Friday night) so well see what comes of it.

Stewart conceded nerves played a big part in Lakesides poor first-quarter shooting, where they made just 3/24 from the field.

I think it was mainly the event, we knew that if we lost tonight wed be out (of the finals), he said.

All the guys were fairly pumped, and probably a little bit over the top.

The Lightning overcame a 21-13 deficit at quarter-time, going on a 12-0 run to start the second term with the 700-strong crowd behind them at Lakeside Recreation Centre.

Stewart praised the performance of 28-year-old Jarrad Prue who finished with a game-high 29 rebounds.

In our league he (Jarrad) is starting to turn himself into a bit of a legend.

Perry Lakes coach Dion Dagastino was adamant his side must improve its rebounding if it wants to be the first team to defeat Lakeside on their home soil.

Prue dominated the boards, we kept him to 19 last week but he managed 29 today, he said.

We cant beat a team with him doing that.

Theres no science to it, weve just got to work harder on the rebounds.

Article by Jordan McArdle at Lakeside Recreation Centre
Courtesy of: SBL

SBL: Hire leads Wolves to Grand Final (Friday Night Wrap) - by Eurobasket News
New Perth Wildcats recruit Greg Hire (201-F-87, college: Augusta St.) has led Wanneroo Wolves to their first men's State Basketball League Grand Final appearance since 1993 after they eliminated Cockburn Cougars.

Wanneroo won its best-of-three semi-finals series 2-0 after winning game two at Joondalup Basketball Stadium 113-76 to advance to face either Perry Lakes Hawks or Lakeside Lightning in the Grand Final on August 20.

And Hire showed why the Wildcats signed him to the last available spot on their full-time roster last week as he dominated with 34 points and 25 rebounds to help the Wolves qualify for just their second title decider.

Fellow Wildcats player Brad Robbins (186-G-85) chipped in with 20 points and eight assists for Wanneroo, while Ty Harrelson top-scored with 16 points for the Cougars, whose 19-year title drought continues.

The Wolves took control of the game in the third quarter, where they extended their lead from 10 points to 31, and were never challenged from there.

Meanwhile, Lakeside forced its series to a deciding third game overnight after winning game two against the Hawks 92-88.

The Lightning held off a spirited Hawks comeback to level the series at 1-1, but victory may have come at a huge cost, with star Lakeside import Luke Payne picking up an apparent leg injury in the third quarter which put his availability for the rest of the playoffs in question.

Hawks forward Anthony Lee recovered from a quiet first half to lead his side's comeback, finishing with 33 points and 14 rebounds, while Ben Beran top-scored for Lakeside with 34 points.

In women's action, defending champions Willetton stayed alive with a 76-68 win against Wanneroo to level the series at 1-1.

Kate Malpass (176-G-88) (20 points) led the Tigers to a victory which kept alive their chances of a fourth-straight Grand Final appearance.

Article by Jacob Kagi
Courtesy of: SBL



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  BELGIUM   


Germany outscore Belgium at the Stechert Arena in Bamberg - by Eurobasket News
Germany-Belgium 71:65

Germany outscore Belgium at the Stechert Arena in Bamberg. The hosts of the tournament bear the opponents 72:65 in the start of the four-nation campaign.
Belgium won the opening tip 2:7, but Dirk Nowitzki (211-F-78) closed a 7-0 run for 9:7 lead. Germany increased to 22:16 in the end of the first period and had 6-point lead at the halftime. Both teams nailed 12 points each for 34:28 going to the lockers. Chris Kaman (213-C-82, college: Cent.Michigan) and Robin Benzing brought comfortable 42:28 early in the third, while Marcus Faison (196-G-78, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Siena) reduced to 45:41. Belgium looked better in the third frame and managed to tie the game at 49:49. Heiko Schaffartzik (182-G-84) scored for 54:52 and Chris Kaman delivered two for 66:64. Germany held off the opponents and won the opener.
Dirk Nowitzki led all the winners with 18 points and his teammate Chris Kaman collected 17 points and 9 rebounds. Jan-Hendrik Jagla (213-F-81, college: Penn St.) netted 9, while Heiko Schaffartzik delivered 8 and Steffen Hamann (194-G-81) scored 7. Dimitri Lauwers (187-G-79) replied with 14 points in defeat and Marcus Faison notched 10.

Germany: Dirk Nowitzki 18, Chris Kaman 17+9 rebs, Jan-Hendrik Jagla 9, Heiko Schaffartzik 8, Steffen Hamann 7
Belgium: Dimitri Lauwers 14, Marcus Faison 10, Axel Hervelle (205-F-83) 8, Roel Moors (190-G-78, agency: Agency No 10) 8


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  BRAZIL   


2011 Universiade. Birkan Batuk paces Turkey past Brazil - by Eurobasket News
Turkey - Brazil 92:84

Turkey opened classification round for 9th-16th place with victory. They held off Brazil tonight. Birkan Batuk (198-F-90) knocked down 22 points to pace the effort.
Turkey earned a 21:16 lead at the first break. Turkey opened the second frame on a 12:3 run to establish a 14-point advantage. But Brazil cut the deficit to just two points 35:37 at halftime. Turkey however did not allow their opponents to pull in front. Levent Torsakal team maintained the lead as they registered a 64:58 advantage at the final break. Turkey kept their opponents at bay throughout the fourth frame and drove to the victory at the end. Can Ozcan (202-F-89) posted 17 points, while Yigitcan Turna (187-PG-87) added 16 points in the win. Michael Machado (185-G-90) responded with 30 points and 6 assists for Brazil. Fabricio Melo (212-C-90) netted 15 points in the loss.

Turkey: Birkan Batuk 22, Can Ozcan 17, Yigitcan Turna 16
Brazil: Michael Machado 30, Fabricio Melo 15


Caue Verzola sign at Lajeado - by Paulo Freire
The Univates Lajeado team agreed terms with a new player for the outh competitions. It is the swingman Caue Freitas (188-F-88), more knowing as Caue Verzola who was playing for Assis Basket, a team that folded this season for financial problems.

Caue Freitas was formed by Franca basketball and also has expiriences with the Brazilian National Teams for under ages.

Lajeado will play their first game of the season next Aug, 27. The team is still looking for sponsors to continue growning.

Caue will arrive in Lajeado city tomorrow (sunday) and start practicing wuth the team right away.

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  CANADA   


2011 Universiade. Canada reach semifinals with win over Romania - by Eurobasket News
Canada - Romania 71:58

Canada became the first World University Games semifinalists. They held off Romania tonight. Tyson Hinz (199-F-91) stepped up with 23 points to pace the winners.
Canada cleared off late in the opening period posting a 25:14 lead. Romania opened the second term on a 12:0 run to surge ahead. But Canada restored lead late in the first half 32:29. The North American team triggered a 12:2 run at the start of the second half to take a 13-point lead. They earned a 54:44 advantage at the final intermission. Romania never got closer than 7 points in the fourth period as Canada rolled to the victory at the end. Boris Bakovic (201-F-88, agency: Interperformances) scored 13 points, while Jordan Baker (192-G-91, college: Utah Valley St.) added 12 points in the winning effort. Titus Nicoara (202-F-88, agency: Interperformances) answered with 20 points and 13 rebounds for Romania. Vlad Moldoveanu (207-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances, college: American) had 13 points and 8 rebounds in defeat.

Canada: Tyson Hinz 23, Boris Bakovic 13, Jordan Baker 12
Romania: Titus Nicoara 20+13 boards, Vlad Moldoveanu 13


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  CENTRAL AFRICA   


Central Africa blasts Togo 82-57 - by Eurobasket News
Togo - Central Africa 57-82
The hope of Togo of making any appreciable impact in group-D of the 26th FIBA Africa Championship for Men was completely shot-down Saturday by mobile Central Africa Republic side. Togo gave up the first quarter by 12-22 points but showed some promises in the second quarter winning by 19-15 points to cut down the margin between it the FIBA Africa Zone-4 nation to six points going into the break by 31-37 points, it continue the flare in the third quarter losing by just two points 17-19 points to enter the last quarter with eight points deficits of 48-56 points. And when many had thought that the Coach Guy Arneaud tutored Togolese side they gave in to the superior fire power of the Central Africa side losing the last quarter by 09-26 points for a final scores of 57-82 points. Central Africa Max Kouguere (198-F-87) led the floor with 24 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals, William Kossangue-Toro (198-F-86) had 14 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals with Guy Kodio-Sitchi contributing 14 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals and one assist. *By Olusegun Ikuesan

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  CHAD   


Another loss for Chad in Antananarivo - by Eurobasket News
Chad - Morocco 57-89
After initial good start in the first quarter against morocco earning a respectable score-line of 17-20, Chad faded away after ward losing the three remaining quarter by 13-20, 06-17 and 21-32 points in it second group-B game Saturday. Both sides lost their opening games with Morocco being more daring to register a win which they achieved effortlessly over the new-comer to set up a final group game against defending champion Angola on Monday while Chad will have its hands full when it confront five-time champion Senegal. Abdelhakim Zouita (201-F-86) led the floor with 25 points, 5 rebounds,4 assists, 2 steals and 2 block-shots. Zouita who play club competition for AS Sale basketball club contributed greatly to his side dominance over Chad he was joined on the scorer sheet Soufiane Kourodu (211-C-85) who netted 18 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and one block shot and Abderrahim Najah with 15 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists and one block-shot. *By Olusegun Ikuesan

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  CHINA   


Great Britain beat China for first win at London Invitational Tournament - by Eurobasket News
Great Britain - China 64:56

Great Britain posted the first win at the London Invitational Tournament. The hosts held off China for 1-3 record. Joel Freeland (208-F-87) accounted for 18 points and 13 rebounds to lead the charge. China fell at 0-4 record after the loss.
Great Britain capped the first period on an 11:2 run to take a 19:12 lead. The hosts maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They established a 32:26 halftime lead. China scored seven straight points midway through the third term to narrow the deficit 35:37. The Asian team got within a single point 45:46 with ten minutes to go. Zhu drew things level early in the fourth quarter. Jianlian Yi (212-C/F-87) finally put the visitors in charge 52:51 midway through the final period. Freelend scored next 12 points of the hosts and sealed the victory for Great Britain. Luol Deng (201-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) had 15 points, while Michael Lenzly (189-G-81, college: Wofford) added 13 points in the victory. Jianlian Yi answered with 20 points and 13 rebounds for China. Yue Sun (206-G/F-85) had 11 points in the loss.

Great Britain: Joel Freeland 18+13 boards, Luol Deng 15, Michael Lenzly 13
China: Jianlian Yi 20+13 boards, Yue Sun 11


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  CONGO-BRAZAVILLE   


26th Afrobasket: Togo give in to RCA 57-82 - by Olusegun Ikuesan
The hope of Togo of making any appreciable impact in group-D of the 26th FIBA Africa Championship for Men was completely shot-down Saturday by mobile Central Africa Republic side.

Togo gave up the first quarter by 12-22 points but showed some promises in the second quarter winning by 19-15 points to cut down the margin between it the FIBA Africa Zone-4 nation to six points going into the break by 31-37 points, it continue the flare in the third quarter losing by just two points 17-19 points to enter the last quarter with eight points deficits of 48-56 points.

And when many had thought that the Coach Guy Arneaud tutored Togolese side they gave in to the superior fire power of the Central Africa side losing the last quarter by 09-26 points for a final scores of 57-82 points.

Central Africa Max Kouguere led the floor with 24 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals, William Kossangue had 14 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals with Guy Kodio-Sitchi contributing 14 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals and one assist.


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  CROATIA   


France post fourth straight win in London - by Eurobasket News
France - Croatia 83:60

France recorded the fourth straight win at the London Invitational Tournament. They eased past Croatia to remain undefeated. Tony Parker (183-PG-80) stepped up with 12 points to pace well-balanced effort. Croatia slipped at 2-2 record suffering the second loss in a row.
The lead changed hands in the opening quarter. Les Bleus posted a narrow 17:15 lead after ten minutes. France opened the second term on a 6:0 run to boost the lead. Croatia soon drew things level at 25 but Tony Parker and Gelabale allowed France to enjoy a 35:31 halftime lead. Les Bleus opened the second half on a 13:o surge to clear off. They established a comfortable 60:41 lead after three quarters of action. France fired 23 points in the fourth period and rallied to a confident win at the end. Joakim Noah (211-F/C-85, college: Florida) posted 11 points and 9 rebounds, while Nando De Colo (202-G-87) added 10 points in the win. Bojan Bogdanovic (202-G/F-89) answered with 16 points and 7 rebounds for Croatia. Stanko Barac (217-C-86) finished with 13 points in defeat.

France: Tony Parker 12, Joakim Noah 11, Nando De Colo 10
Croatia: Bojan Bogdanovic 16, Stanko Barac 13


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


2011 Universiade. Czech Republic account for Australia - by Eurobasket News
Czech Republic - Australia 78:69

Czech Republic registered a confident win over Australia in the classification round of World University Games. Vojtech Hruban (200-F-89) stepped up with 17 points and 7 rebounds to pace the winners.
Czech Republic jumped in front early in the game. They posted a 22:15 lead ten minutes into the game. The Europeans cleared off in the second term. Czech Republic boosted the margin to 12 points at halftime 40:28. They shielded off the advantage well throughout the third term. Czech Republic entered the fourth frame up by 14 points 53:39. Australia exploded with 30 points in the final quarter but it was not enough to threaten the margin. Petr Dokoupil (191-G-88) produced 18 points, while Jiri Slavik (203-F-89) added 14 points in the win. Ryan Broekhoff (198-F/G-90) replied with 14 points for Australia. Cameron Gliddon (196-G/F-89) netted 12 points in defeat.

Czech Republic: Petr Dokoupil 18, Vojtech Hruban 17, Jiri Slavik 14
Australia: Ryan Broekhoff 14, Cameron Gliddon 12


Inter add Kevin Bridgewaters and Kwbana Beckles - by Eurobasket News
Inter add Kevin Bridgewaters (175-G-84, college: Chattanooga) and Kwbana Beckles (203-C/F-81, college: Lee) for the upcoming season. In 2006-2007 Kevin Bridgewaters appeared for Chattanooga (NCAA) and in 33 games averaged 6.7ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 32.8%, 3Pts: 30.2%, FT: 67.4%. In 2007-2008 for Chattanooga (NCAA) showed 9.0ppg, 2.9rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 42.9%, 3Pts: 31.2%, FT: 77.7%. In 2009-2010 joined Kryvbasbasket-Lux Kryvyi Rih (Ukraine-Superleague),but only for try-outs.
Kwbana Beckles is a Canadian-British player who in 2006-2007 played for Gestiberica Vigo (Spain-LEB2). In October 2006 moved to Gunaras KC Dombvr (Hungary-A Division, starting five) and then in Dec.'06 signed at resundskraft Basket (Sweden-Basketligan). The season 2007-2008 signed at Lausanne Morges Basket (Switzerland-LNA, starting five), and in 9 games averaged 12.1ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.3apg, 1.3bpg, 2FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 72.1%. In 2008-2009 appeared for Plymouth Raiders (United Kingdom-BBL, starting five) showing 11.2ppg, 5.3rpg, 2FGP: 42.8%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 80.4%. In 2009-2010 moved to Saitama Broncos (Japan-BJ League) and in 41 games showed 7.6ppg, 6.1rpg, FGP: 40.7%, 3PT: 11.8%, FT: 71.1%.


*****************************************************
  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Tuukka KOTTI
  FIN
  (205-F/C-81)
  Avg: 11
 1. Kotti, FIN11.0 
 2. Huff, FIN11.0 
 3. Rannikko, FIN11.0 
 4. Miranda, POR11.0 
 5. Lee, FIN10.5 
 6. Horvath, HUN10.3 
 7. Hanga, HUN10.0 
 8. Trotter, HUN10.0 
 9. Lorant, HUN10.0 
 10. Santos, POR9.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Carlos ANDRADE
  CPV
  (197-F-78)
  Avg: 8.3
 1. Andrade, POR8.3 
 2. Cunha, POR6.7 
 3. Bader, HUN6.7 
 4. Huff, FIN6.0 
 5. Salin, FIN6.0 
 6. Kotti, FIN6.0 
 7. Hanga, HUN6.0 
 8. Lorant, HUN5.7 
 9. Fonseca, POR5.0 
 10. Santos, POR4.7 
Assists Per Game
 Filipe DA SILVA
  (185-F-86)
  Avg: 5.7
 1. Da Silva, POR5.7 
 2. Koponen, FIN4.5 
 3. Rannikko, FIN4.0 
 4. Hanga, HUN4.0 
 5. Lorant, HUN2.7 
 6. Huff, FIN2.5 
 7. Horvath, HUN2.0 
 8. Trotter, HUN2.0 
 9. Costa, POR2.0 
 10. Miranda, POR1.7 
Steals Per Game
 Obie TROTTER
  USA
  (186-G-84)
  Avg: 3
 1. Trotter, HUN3.0 
 2. Kotti, FIN2.5 
 3. Hanga, HUN2.3 
 4. Miranda, POR1.7 
 5. Andrade, POR1.3 
 6. Horvath, HUN1.3 
 7. Huff, FIN1.0 
 8. Rannikko, FIN1.0 
 9. Fonseca, POR1.0 
 10. Minhava, POR1.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Elvis EVORA
  CPV
  (205-C-78)
  Avg: 1.3
 1. Evora, POR1.3 
 2. Fonseca, POR1.0 
 3. Keller, HUN1.0 
 4. Muurinen, FIN0.5 
 5. Salin, FIN0.5 
 6. Lee, FIN0.5 
 7. Rannikko, FIN0.5 
 8. Kotti, FIN0.5 
 9. Trotter, HUN0.3 
 10. Huff, FIN0.0 


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


2011 Universiade. Russia destroy the Scandinavian side to reach the semis - by Eurobasket News
Russia-Finland 74:39

Russia destroyed Finland in the last Quarterfinal Game of the World University Games in China. The Russia team had an easy 74:39 victory to advance to the semifinals.
Russia opened the game with 7-0 run after the first 5 minutes and had 19:9 at the end of the frame. Finland scored another 9 points in the second period to trail 18:41 at the halftime. In the third quarter Russia also limited the Scandinavian team to 9 points and improved to 59:27 after thirty minutes. Russia won the last stanza 15-12 and advanced to the semis. The favorites scored 38 points in the paint, while Finland just 4. The latter scored only 5/33 from the 2Points.
Ivan Nelyubov (207-C-88) stepped up with 17 points and Petr Gubanov (207-C-87) added 16. Viacheslav Zaitsev (191-G-89) posted 10, while Andrey Mateyunas (180-PG-88) collected 9 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Antto Nikkarinen (185-PG-91) replied with 16 points in the losing effort and Antti Kanervo (193-G/F-89) netted 8.

Russia: Ivan Nelyubov 17, Petr Gubanov 16, Viacheslav Zaitsev 10, Andrey Mateyunas 9+8 rebs+6ast
Finland: Antto Nikkarinen 16, Antti Kanervo 8


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


France post fourth straight win in London - by Eurobasket News
France - Croatia 83:60

France recorded the fourth straight win at the London Invitational Tournament. They eased past Croatia to remain undefeated. Tony Parker (183-PG-80) stepped up with 12 points to pace well-balanced effort. Croatia slipped at 2-2 record suffering the second loss in a row.
The lead changed hands in the opening quarter. Les Bleus posted a narrow 17:15 lead after ten minutes. France opened the second term on a 6:0 run to boost the lead. Croatia soon drew things level at 25 but Tony Parker and Gelabale allowed France to enjoy a 35:31 halftime lead. Les Bleus opened the second half on a 13:o surge to clear off. They established a comfortable 60:41 lead after three quarters of action. France fired 23 points in the fourth period and rallied to a confident win at the end. Joakim Noah (211-F/C-85, college: Florida) posted 11 points and 9 rebounds, while Nando De Colo (202-G-87) added 10 points in the win. Bojan Bogdanovic (202-G/F-89) answered with 16 points and 7 rebounds for Croatia. Stanko Barac (217-C-86) finished with 13 points in defeat.

France: Tony Parker 12, Joakim Noah 11, Nando De Colo 10
Croatia: Bojan Bogdanovic 16, Stanko Barac 13


Report: Knicks C Ronny Turiaf breaks left hand - by Eurobasket News
After all the hand-wringing over NBA players getting injured while playing elsewhere during the ongoing lockout, it's only appropriate that a broken hand would be the first relatively high-profile injury of the summer.

FIBA.com reports that New York Knicks center Ronny Turiaf (6'10''-C/F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga) reportedly broke a bone on his left hand while representing France against Great Britain in a Tuesday exhibition match in London in preparation for the upcoming EuroBasket tournament.

Turiaf got tangled up in a battle for a rebound and, after x-rays were taken at a London hospital, France's medical staff confirmed the player had sustained a fracture in the fourth metacarpal of his left hand.

The 28-year-old will see a specialist in Paris on Thursday to determine how long the injury will keep him on the sidelines. Turiaf could be forced to sit out EuroBasket in Lithuania where France will look to qualify for next year's Olympic Games.

Given that the injury occured in an organized setting and for a national team rather than a professional team, in a pro-am game or other exhibition, Turiaf should be free and clear of any possible sanction.

The bigger concern, of course, is whether Turiaf will be ready to go when Knicks camp opens at some unknown date in the future. And considering the lack of progress in the ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations, it's unlikely that the injury will compromise his availability.

That's good, because the Knicks frontline is notoriously thin, even with Turiaf healthy. Of the 10 Knicks players currently under contract for next season, Turiaf is the only player 6-foot-10 or taller other than franchise power forward Amar'e Stoudemire. Knicks 2011 seocnd round draft pick Josh Harrellson, who has not yet been signed, is also 6-foot-10. Jared Jeffries, who is set to become a free agent, is 6-foot-11.

Turiaf averaged 4.2 points and 3.2 rebounds in 17.8 minutes for the Knicks last season, and was an occasional starter. He's set to enter the final year of his contract in 2011-2012, which will pay him $4.36 million.

Courtesy of CBSSPORTS (www.cbssports.com)

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


FYR Macedonia wins over Montenegro in Skopje - by Eurobasket News
Montenegro-FYR Macedonia 74:79

FYR Macedonia wins over Montenegro in Skopje at the start of the Trofej Makedonija 2011. The hosts needed a strong half for 79:74 victory.
Montenegro opened the game with 12-0 record, but could not win the game. Todor Gecevski made a three pointer to close the first period for 19:18. The guests again took the lead in the second period and after 22-14 had 40:33 at the halftime. Trailing 11 points at the start of the third period, FYR Macedonia tied the game at 59:59. Darko Sokolov brought the lead for the hosts at the start of the last period and Vlado Ilievski (189-PG-80, agency: World Sport Agency) scored for 71:66. Lester McCalebb (183-PG-85, college: New Orleans) was the last to score for the first victory at the tournament.
Lester McCalebb stepped up wirth 16 points for the winners and Vojdan Stojanovski (194-G-87) as well as Todor Gechevski scored 15 each. Vlado Ilievski followed them with 11 points. Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) replied with 23 points in the losing effort and Vladimir Dasic (207-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) netted 14. Nikola Vucevic (208-F-90, college: USC) delivered 10 and Omar-Sharif Cook (186-PG-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.John's) added 8.

Montenegro: Nikola Pekovic 23, Vladimir Dasic 14, Nikola Vucevic 10, Omar-Sharif Cook 8
FYR Macedonia: Lester McCalebb 16, Vojdan Stojanovski 15, Todor Gechevski (209-C-77, agency: Interperformances) 15, Vlado Ilievski 11


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


Germany outscore Belgium at the Stechert Arena in Bamberg - by Eurobasket News
Germany-Belgium 71:65

Germany outscore Belgium at the Stechert Arena in Bamberg. The hosts of the tournament bear the opponents 72:65 in the start of the four-nation campaign.
Belgium won the opening tip 2:7, but Dirk Nowitzki (211-F-78) closed a 7-0 run for 9:7 lead. Germany increased to 22:16 in the end of the first period and had 6-point lead at the halftime. Both teams nailed 12 points each for 34:28 going to the lockers. Chris Kaman (213-C-82, college: Cent.Michigan) and Robin Benzing brought comfortable 42:28 early in the third, while Marcus Faison (196-G-78, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Siena) reduced to 45:41. Belgium looked better in the third frame and managed to tie the game at 49:49. Heiko Schaffartzik (182-G-84) scored for 54:52 and Chris Kaman delivered two for 66:64. Germany held off the opponents and won the opener.
Dirk Nowitzki led all the winners with 18 points and his teammate Chris Kaman collected 17 points and 9 rebounds. Jan-Hendrik Jagla (213-F-81, college: Penn St.) netted 9, while Heiko Schaffartzik delivered 8 and Steffen Hamann (194-G-81) scored 7. Dimitri Lauwers (187-G-79) replied with 14 points in defeat and Marcus Faison notched 10.

Germany: Dirk Nowitzki 18, Chris Kaman 17+9 rebs, Jan-Hendrik Jagla 9, Heiko Schaffartzik 8, Steffen Hamann 7
Belgium: Dimitri Lauwers 14, Marcus Faison 10, Axel Hervelle (205-F-83) 8, Roel Moors (190-G-78, agency: Agency No 10) 8


2011 Universiade. Serbia wins European Quarterfinal - by Eurobasket News
Germany-Serbia 55:77

Serbia became the Semifinalist of the World University Games in China. The team won the European Quarterfinal clash over Germany 77:55 after a miserable start.
It was a slow start as both teams nailed 11 points in the first five minutes. Germany had 6:5 and then erupted for 20:12 after the first period. Serbia tied the game in the middle of the second frame and after 23-13 grabbed 35:33 halftime advantage. They never looked behind after. The third quarter brought 22-10 for the Serbian side that needed 57:43 to enter the last stanza. Serbia had 68:47 after 35 minutes of the game and finished with comfortable 77:55 victory.
Nikola Dragovic (206-F-87, college: UCLA) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Vladimir Lucic (202-F-89, agency: Beo Basket) notched 15. Mladen Jeremic (196-G-88, agency: Interperformances) nailed 14, while Milos Dimic (195-G-89) scored 11. Johannes Lischka (203-F/C-87) brought 12 points in the losing effort and Oskar Fassler (198-G-88) added 10.

Germany: Johannes Lischka 12, Oskar Fassler 10
Serbia: Nikola Dragovic 20, Vladimir Lucic 15, Mladen Jeremic 14, Milos Dimic 11


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


Greece demolish Turkey at the BEKO-Supercup opener - by Eurobasket News
Greece-Turkey 62:38

Greece demolish Turkey at the BEKO-Supercup opener in Germany. The Greek side showed outstanding defense and had an easy 62:38 win.
Greece opened the game with 21:8 and never looked behind after. The Greek side demonstrated their superiority and scored the same 21 points in the second frame. It brought them 42:25 at the ahlftiem when the teams disappeared in the lockers. The second half became defensive and did not bring spectators too much attraction as the teams scored 30 points in 20 minutes. At first Greece won the third quarter 12-11 to take 54:36 after three quarters. Turkey could not do anything anf scored only 2 points in the last 10 minutes.
Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Costas Vasiliadis added 10. Kostas Koufos (213-C/F-89, college: Ohio St.) and Kostas Papanikolaou (204-F/G-90) followed them with 9 points each. Omer Asik (213-C-86) answered with 10 points and 11 rebounds in defeat and Ersan Ilyasova (207-F-87) notched 9.

Greece: Ioannis Bourousis 17, Costas Vasiliadis (200-G/F-84, agency: FCM) 10, Kostas Koufos 9, Kostas Papanikolaou 9
Turkey: Omer Asik 10+11 rebs, Ersan Ilyasova 9


*****************************************************
  HONG KONG   


2011 World University Games. UAE open win count with victory over Hong Kong - by Eurobasket News
UAE - Hong Kong 86:73

UAE registered their first win at World University Games in Shenzhen. They toppled Hong Kong in the classification round for 17th-23rd place tonight. Omar Alameri (200-F-91) stepped up with 26 points and 10 rebounds to pace the winners.
UAE surged ahead early in the encounter and stayed on top throughout the opening frame. They recorded a 23:18 lead after ten minutes. But Hong Kong struck back in the second period. They erased the deficit and established a 39:35 halftime advantage. UAE shifted the gear in the third frame. They strongly finished the period to pile up an 11-point lead 69:58. UAE boosted the margin to 16 points midway through the final stanza and marched to the victory at the end. Rashed Al Zaabi (190-G-88) notched 20 points and 17 rebounds in the victory. Lee Ki (177-PG-87) answered with 25 points for Hong Kong. Chan Yik Lun (190-G-87) tallied 22 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists in defeat.

UAE: Omar Alameri 26+10 boards, Rashed Al Zaabi 20+17 boards, Khalifa Salem (179-G-91) 17
Hong Kong: Lee Ki 25, Chan Yik Lun 22


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


2011 Universiade. Hungary celebrate first win in Shenzhen - by Eurobasket News
New Zealand - Hungary 56:90

Hungary earned the initial win at World University Games in China. They dropped New Zealand in 17th-23rd place classification round. Peter Kovacs (189-G-88) knocked down 23 points to pace the effort.
Hungary fired 28 points in the opening period to post a 6-point lead. They held the Kiwis to just 6 points in the second frame as the margin grew at 16-point mark at halftime. Hungary dominated in the third period. They established a comfortable 68:38 lead heading into the fourth stanza and did not look back en route to the victory. Peter Szabo (183-G-89) registered 14 points, while Gergely Somogyi (218-C-89) had 13 points and 7 rebounds in the winning effort. Justin Richard Edwards (197-F-90) replied with 21 points and 7 rebounds for New Zealand. Marco Alexander (186-G-91) and Dion Prewster (195-G/F-91, college: Stephen F. Austin) finished with 9 points apiece in defeat.

New Zealand: Justin Richard Edwards 21, Marco Alexander 9, Dion Prewster 9
Hungary: Peter Kovacs 23, Peter Szabo 14, Gergely Somogyi 13


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


IBL All Stars Look Forward to the 2012 IBL Season - by Serafim Karaiskakis
Portland, OR August 19, 2011 - The International Basketball League (IBL), in it's eight season, will return to it's original niche in professional basketball as a Spring/Summer professional league focusing on player development and high energy international competition.



'The IBL was created to offer a place for professional players to showcase their talents, stay in shape and see international competition during the late spring and summer months when the fall overseas play has concluded and the NBA is winding up. This year will be unique with the NBA lockout, however the NBDL is a go and we look forward to watching from the sidelines, welcoming current or former athletes from either league to be a part of the IBL,' new Commissioner Sharleen Graf stated, adding, 'Our team owners, current All Stars and fans are looking forward to the next phase of the IBL in 2012. Strong ownership and talent will drive our season, providing competition in an affordable family friendly environment.'



Before stepping down former Commissioner and IBL founder Mikal Dulio worked closely with the IBL teams to chose the final All Stars for the 2011 season, a group of talented athletes, some of whom have just returned from showcasing their talents in Japan with the goal of earning spots in leagues overseas.



'The IBL gave me the opportunity to show what I could do on the court with the BC Titans, providing the stats and film I needed to get noticed,' Lawrence Blacklege, the 6'8' forward from Marquette shared regarding his path to becoming an IBL All Star, elaborating, 'Playing in the BJ League in Japan in 2010-2011, the competition was great, then returning to the IBL to win the Championship with the Volcanoes was icing on the cake, real team work. I'm ready to get back to Japan this winter to take the title there too.'

source: iblhoopsonline.com


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


Haukur Palsson joins Manresa - by Eurobasket News
Haukur Palsson (198-F-92) joins Manresa for the next season. The Icelandic Forward comes from Maryland.
In 2008, June: he participated at the NBA Basketball Without Borders Camp-Europe in Istanbul, Turkey. In 2008-2009 started for A.S. Stella Azzurra (Italy-C) and then in 2009-2010 moved to Montverde Academy High School (USA). The season 2010-2011: spent with Maryland (NCAA): and in 32 games averaged 2.8ppg, 2.1rpg.
The head coach Mark Turgeon of Maryland announced that Haukur Palsson did not want to continue to study and play for Maryland. Palsson had three years of eligibility remaining,
This summer he participated at the European Championships U20 Division B in Sarajevo (Bosnia) -11 He became the fourth top-scorer with 22.7ppg Reb-4 (10.0rpg), 2.0apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 40.8%, 3PT: 43.6%, FT: 78.4%. He recorded 33 points at the Preliminary Round Day 5. Iceland won the game over winless Belarus to celebrate the initial victory at the U20 European Championship. They edged Belarus 97:84 to close group D of the campaign with the win. Palsson stepped up with 33 points to lead the charge.


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


2011 Universiade. Ukraine prevail against Israel - by Eurobasket News
Ukraine - Israel 95:80

Ukraine registered another win at the World University Games. They overcame Israel in the 9th-16th place classification round today. Igor Zaitsev (211-F/C-89) tallied 21 points and 16 rebounds to pace Ukraine.
Ukraine surged ahead early in the game and maintained the lead throughout the opening quarter. They entered the second period up by 6 points 25:19. Israel cut the deficit early in the second quarter but Ukraine bounced back posting a 52:40 halftime advantage. The gap grew at 15-point mark midway through the third term. Ukraine established a 76:62 advantage heading into the fourth period. Israel never threatened the margin in the fourth period as Ukraine cruised to the victorya at the end. Stanislav Tymofeyenko (205-F-89) had 17 points, while Maksym Kornienko (205-F/C-87) added 16 points for the winners. Anton Shoutvin (206-C/F-89) answered with 18 points for Israel. Yoad Bet-Yosef (182-G-87, agency: Avi Zilberman) finished with 15 points in the loss.

Ukraine: Igor Zaitsev 21+16 boards, Stanislav Tymofeyenko 17, Maksym Kornienko 16
Israel: Anton Shoutvin 18, Yoad Bet-Yosef 15


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


Effe Biancoblu brings in Dimsa - by Giulio Signorini
Effe Biancoblu Bologna reach an agreement for the upcoming season with Egidijus Dimsa (205-C-85).
The center spent almost all his career in Lithuanian championship. He was NKL champion in 2007.
In the last season with Nevezis Kedainiai he had averaged 16.0 ppg and 7.1rpg on 27.7 mpg in Lithuania and 15.0 ppg and 6.5 rpg on 25.5 mpg in Baltic League. He was MVP of LKL in 2009 - 2010 season. In 2009 he had played in world university games with Lithuanian University National Team.

*****************************************************
  IVORY COAST   


Ivory Coast fails against Egypt 75-82 - by Eurobasket News
Ivory Coast - Egypt 75-82
Cote dI'voire hope of making it two-on-two was dashed by Egypt in a group-C tie of the 26th FIBA Africa Championship for Men after taking a 19-13 points lead in the first quarter. The Ivorians bow to the superior fire power of the Ibrahim El-Gammal in the second quarter losing by 16-27 points for a half-time deficit of 35-40 points. Cote dIvoire tried to come into the game at the resumption of play in third quarter yielded a 17-14 points win taking a two points deficit going into the last quarter but gave up when it matter most losing the fourth and decisive quarter by 23-28 points for a final score-line of 75-82 points. Gammal led the floor with 21 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists, Mohamed El-Kerdany had 11 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists with Amr El-Gendy adding up 11 points, 2 rebounds and 2 steal to restore the hope of the five-time champion after losing its group-C opener to Cameroon on Wednesday. *By Olusegun Ikuesan

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


2011 Universiade. Japan narrowly defeat Mexico - by Eurobasket News
Japan - Mexico 92:88

Japan registered victory in classification round of World University Games in Shenzhen. They overcame Mexico in the 9th-16th place round. Kosuke Kanamaru (193-F/G-89) stepped up with 21 points to pace the effort.
Mexico surged ahead early in the encounter but Japan quickly bounced back. The Asian team accounted for 29 points in the opening stanza to take a 4-point lead. Mexico and Japan stayed close throughout the second term. Japan eked out a 49:47 lead at halftime. Mexico erased the deficit and spurred in front in the third frame. The Latin American team posted a 70:66 advantage at the final intermission. Japan quickly denied the deficit and built an 82:77 lead midway through the fourth quarter. Japan shielded off the margin well enough in the final minutes posting a well-deserved win at the end. Ruymo Ono (197-F/C-88) delivered 18 points, while Takatoshi Furukawa (190-G/F-87) added 12 points in the victory. Gabriel Giron (192-F-88) answered with 26 points for Mexico. Cesar Del Campo (194-F-87) provided 19 points in the loss.

Japan: Kosuke Kanamaru 21, Ruymo Ono 18, Takatoshi Furukawa 12
Mexico: Gabriel Giron 26, Cesar Del Campo 19


Paul Butorac strengthens Takamatsu Five Arrows - by Eurobasket News
Takamatsu Five Arrows are looking for the ways to improve their performance next season. They bolstered their frontcourt with import player. The team agreed on terms of contract with Paul Butorac (208-F-83, college: E.Washington). The 27-year-old forward is not new to Japan. He arrived to the country back in 2008. Paul Butorac played for Niigata Albirex. Last season Paul Butorac spent in Akita Northern Happinets. The forward notched 14.1 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. Earlier Paul Butorac had stints in Estonia, D-League, France, Latvia and Poland. Paul Butorac is the Eastern Washington University graduate. He earned All-Big Sky Honourable Mention twice in 2006 and 2007.


Rizing Fukuoka add Gary Hamilton - by Eurobasket News
Rizing Fukuoka strengthened their frontcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Gary Hamilton (208-F/C-84, agency: Top Notch Sports, college: Miami, FL). The centre arrived to Japan back in 2009. He spent two solid seasons with the Shiga Lakestars in BJ League. Last season Gary Hamilton tallied 12.9 points, 15.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.8 steals per game. Asia-Basket.com named him All-Japanese BJ League Centre of the Year. Gary Hamilton was also trumped All-Japanese BJ League Defensive Player of the Year. The centre was drafted by the Fort Worth Flyers after graduating from the University of Miami in 2006. Gary Hamilton had stints in D-League and Germany before moving to Japan. Eurobasket.com named Gary Hamilton All-German 2.Bundesliga ProA Defensive Player of the Year in 2009.



Al Nolen joins Kyoto Hannaryz - by Eurobasket News
Kyoto Hannaryz have ensured the services of Al Nolen (185-G-89) for the upcoming season. The guard will start his pro career in Japan. Al Nolen graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2011. The guard posted 8.4 points, 3.7 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 2.4 steals per game in his senior season. Al Nolen helped the Gophers to Big Ten Tournament Final in 2010.


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


Reports vary on Andris Biedrins in Europe - by Eurobasket News
Conflicting reports had Warriors center Andris Biedrins (7'0''-C-86) signing with different international teams Friday. The beleaguered big man would have an opt-out clause either way, allowing him to return to Golden State when the lockout ends.

TuBasket.com reported that Biedrins signed with VEF Riga, the Latvian League champions who will play next in the Euroleague. Blic, a Serbian tabloid newspaper, had him signing with Turkish team Anadolu Efes.

Biedrins' agent, Bill Duffy, could not be reached.

Courtesy of www.sfgate.com

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


Russia edge Lithuania in Panevezys - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania - Russia 80:88

Russia outgunned Lithuania in a friendly game in Panevezys. Timofey Mozgov (216-C-86, agency: RIZO) scored 16 points to pace the visitors. Russia managed to overcome a sloppy start to take the victory at the end.
Lithuania strongly entered the game. They erupted for 29 points in the starting period posting a 4-point lead. But Russia turned things around in the second quarter. The visitors knocked down 29 points themselves and recorded a 54:46 halftime lead. Russia maintained the lead throughout the third stanza. They established a 10-point lead heading into the fourth period. Lithuania just cut the margin in the final quarter but could not threaten the deficit and lost the battle. Vitaly Fridzon (195-G-85, agency: Alti Sport) posted 14 points, while Andrei Kirilenko (205-F-81) contributed 13 points for Russia. Paulius Jankunas (205-F-84, agency: Interperformances) answered with 14 points for Lithuania. Rimantas Kaukenas (193-G-77, college: Seton Hall) and Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92) provided 13 points each in the loss.

Lithuania: Paulius Jankunas 14, Rimantas Kaukenas 13, Jonas Valanciunas 13
Russia: Timofey Mozgov 16, Vitaly Fridzon 14, Andrei Kirilenko 13


2011 Universiade. Lithuania shock USA, enter semifinals - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania - USA 76:74

Lithuania will play in World University Games semifinals. They stunned USA to stay in the title race. Gediminas Orelikas (200-G/F-90) stepped up with 19 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists in the victory.
USA quite expectedly grabbed the initiative early in the game. The North Americans posted a 15:12 lead after ten minutes. They maintained the advantage throughout the second period. USA registered a 42:37 halftime advantage. However Lithuania tipped off the second half on a 7:0 run to surge ahead. Denmon Green returned the lead to the United States midway through the third quarter but Gediminas Orelikas and Marius Valukonis (198-F-88) made it 65:61 for the Baltic team heading into the fourth frame. Gediminas Zyle (209-C-88) stretched the gap to 8 points midway through the fourth quarter. But USA reacted with an 8:0 run to draw things level at 74 with under two minutes to go. Kadzevicius sank two free throws and then the teams went scoreless for almost 100 seconds as Lithuania escaped with a narrow win at the end. Marius Valukonis had 11 points, while Edgaras Stanionis (193-G-88) and Gediminas Zyle posted 10 points each in the victory. John Jenkins (193-G-91) replied with 17 points for USA. Ashton Gibbs (187-G-90) provided 16 points in defeat.

Lithuania: Gediminas Orelikas 19, Marius Valukonis 11, Edgaras Stanionis 10, Gediminas Zyle 10
USA: John Jenkins 17, Ashton Gibbs 16


*****************************************************
  MADAGASCAR   


Madagascar losses to Mali 63-74 - by Eurobasket News
Madagascar - Mali 63-74
Not even the presence of over 5,000 fans could save Madagascar from suffering its second defeat in group-A of the 26th FIBA Africa Championship for Men as it go down to a rejuvenated Mali by 63-74 points in Antananarivo. After taking a 23-14 points first quarter advantage Madagascar failed to maintain the tempo thus allowing the Malian to fight back in the second quarter forcing Madagascar to make series of mistakes Madagascar eventually lost the second , third and fourth quarters by 07-13, 17-23 and 16-24 points respectively. Mali play-maker and point guard Modibo Niakate (185-G-81, college: Cleveland St.) led the floor with 20 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals and gave 2 assists for his side hard earn win. Mali reliable forward Mohamed Tangara (208-F/C-84, agency: Dynamics Global Management, college: Arizona) had an excellent game posting a double double figure of 19 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists while 2006 FIBA Africa Championship for U18 Men most valuable player Waly Coulibaly (190-G-88) added 11 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds and 2 steals to seal victory for their side who now have a 1-1 record. *By Olusegun Ikuesan

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


2011 Universiade. Japan narrowly defeat Mexico - by Eurobasket News
Japan - Mexico 92:88

Japan registered victory in classification round of World University Games in Shenzhen. They overcame Mexico in the 9th-16th place round. Kosuke Kanamaru (193-F/G-89) stepped up with 21 points to pace the effort.
Mexico surged ahead early in the encounter but Japan quickly bounced back. The Asian team accounted for 29 points in the opening stanza to take a 4-point lead. Mexico and Japan stayed close throughout the second term. Japan eked out a 49:47 lead at halftime. Mexico erased the deficit and spurred in front in the third frame. The Latin American team posted a 70:66 advantage at the final intermission. Japan quickly denied the deficit and built an 82:77 lead midway through the fourth quarter. Japan shielded off the margin well enough in the final minutes posting a well-deserved win at the end. Ruymo Ono (197-F/C-88) delivered 18 points, while Takatoshi Furukawa (190-G/F-87) added 12 points in the victory. Gabriel Giron (192-F-88) answered with 26 points for Mexico. Cesar Del Campo (194-F-87) provided 19 points in the loss.

Japan: Kosuke Kanamaru 21, Ruymo Ono 18, Takatoshi Furukawa 12
Mexico: Gabriel Giron 26, Cesar Del Campo 19


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


FYR Macedonia wins over Montenegro in Skopje - by Eurobasket News
Montenegro-FYR Macedonia 74:79

FYR Macedonia wins over Montenegro in Skopje at the start of the Trofej Makedonija 2011. The hosts needed a strong half for 79:74 victory.
Montenegro opened the game with 12-0 record, but could not win the game. Todor Gecevski made a three pointer to close the first period for 19:18. The guests again took the lead in the second period and after 22-14 had 40:33 at the halftime. Trailing 11 points at the start of the third period, FYR Macedonia tied the game at 59:59. Darko Sokolov brought the lead for the hosts at the start of the last period and Vlado Ilievski (189-PG-80, agency: World Sport Agency) scored for 71:66. Lester McCalebb (183-PG-85, college: New Orleans) was the last to score for the first victory at the tournament.
Lester McCalebb stepped up wirth 16 points for the winners and Vojdan Stojanovski (194-G-87) as well as Todor Gechevski scored 15 each. Vlado Ilievski followed them with 11 points. Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) replied with 23 points in the losing effort and Vladimir Dasic (207-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) netted 14. Nikola Vucevic (208-F-90, college: USC) delivered 10 and Omar-Sharif Cook (186-PG-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.John's) added 8.

Montenegro: Nikola Pekovic 23, Vladimir Dasic 14, Nikola Vucevic 10, Omar-Sharif Cook 8
FYR Macedonia: Lester McCalebb 16, Vojdan Stojanovski 15, Todor Gechevski (209-C-77, agency: Interperformances) 15, Vlado Ilievski 11


*****************************************************
  MOROCCO   


26th Afrobasket: Chad losing streak continue, bow to Morocco 57-89 - by Olusegun Ikuesan
After initial good start in the first quarter against morocco earning a respectable score-line of 17-20, Chad faded away after ward losing the three remaining quarter by 13-20, 06-17 and 21-32 points in it second group-B game Saturday.

Both sides lost their opening games with Morocco being more daring to register a win which they achieved effortlessly over the new-comer to set up a final group game against defending champion Angola on Monday while Chad will have its hands full when it confront five-time champion Senegal.

Tunisia Abdelhakim Zouita led the floor with 25 points, 5 rebounds,4 assists, 2 steals and 2 block-shots.

Zouita who play club competition for AS Sale basketball club contributed greatly to his side dominance over Chad he was joined on the scorer sheet Soufiane Kourodu who netted 18 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and one block shot and Abderrahim Najah with 15 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists and one block-shot.


*****************************************************
  MOZAMBIQUE   


Nigeria too much for Mozambique, 78-63 - by Eurobasket News
Mozambique - Nigeria 63-78
Mozambique was down by Nigeria in both sides second group-A game Friday at the 26th FIBA Africa Championship for Men Madagascar 2011 Afrobasket. The Mozambican lost by 63-78 points to a more composed Nigerian side. The Mozambican lost the first three quarters by 11-20, 21-23, 14-18 and drew levels in the last quarter by 17 points apiece. Nigeria and San Antonio Spurs guard, Ime Udoka (196-F/G-77, agency: Priority Sports, college: Portland St.) led the Coach Ayo Bakare tutored Nigerian side with a treble effort of 13 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds and 2 steals to give DTigers as the Nigeria senior national team is known a clean slate. DTigers and former Union Bank basketball club of Lagos forward Ejike Ugboaja (204-F/C-85) added 12 points, 7 rebounds and 2 block-shots, shooting sensation Derrick Obasohan (199-F-81, college: Texas Arlington) had 11 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists, Oyedeji Olumide (208-C/F-81) contributed 10 points and 9 rebounds with Nigeria DStv Premier Basketball League reliable Abubakar Usman recording seventy-five percent from the three pointer scoring three of four attempt in the few minutes he stepped on court. *By Olusegun Ikuesan

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


Elton Brand: Players will stick together - by Eurobasket News
Lockout or not, Elton Brand (6'8''-F-79, college: Duke) is set to play basketball with his Philadelphia 76ers teammates.

Brand helped organize a team workout scheduled for next week in Los Angeles and most of the key Sixers have told him they will attend. Andre Iguodala, Evan Turner, Lou Williams and others will fly in, share a hotel, play and work out together and do what they can to get ready for the season.

Whenever that starts, no one is quite sure.

'I can't wait to see where the guys are at,' Brand said. 'I've been talking to them all summer. They seem to be in shape already in case we get this thing going.'

The lingering, messy lockout has thrown doubt that training camp and the regular season will start on time. These loosely organized team activities -- without any input or supervision from the coaching staff -- are as close as the Sixers can get to a training camp without traveling to Philadelphia. Brand's weekly, upbeat offseason texts from coach Doug Collins have vanished from his BlackBerry. The Sixers have completely faded from Philadelphia's bustling sports scene.

But the numerous economic issues that have divided the players and owners are still a daily harsh reality for everyone connected with the sport. Brand attended an NBPA meeting this week in Los Angeles where the message from union leaders and superstars like Kobe Bryant and Paul Pierce was a simple one: Stick together.

'I can't speak for the owner's side, but on the player's side, there's definitely a sense of urgency to meet and talk,' Brand said.

Brand has assumed the role of de facto team player rep. Jason Kapono held the position last season, but is a free agent now. Brand keeps in touch with Players Association executive director Billy Hunter and keeps his teammates informed.

Brand, entering the fourth of a five-year contract, said 'it's tough to answer' if the Sixers really will open the season Nov. 2 in Toronto.

'I'll have a better feel closer to training camp,' Brand said. 'As of now, it doesn't look good. It doesn't look good at all. I don't think we're going to start with a normal training camp because the numbers are so far apart. But I think as training camp gets closer, we'll know more if we have to miss games.'

Brand hasn't ruled out playing overseas if the lockout drags into the regular season. Numerous players have said they would consider playing overseas. Nets All-Star guard Deron Williams recently agreed to a deal with Besiktas of Turkey. Brand has made about $126 million since his rookie year in 1999 and was set to make $17 million this season with the Sixers.

So, if he went abroad, it's not because he needs the cash.

'If the season starts on Jan. 1, I would love to have a leg up on guys,' Brand said. 'I wouldn't want anyone to have a leg up on me. That's why it's been, as we're inching closer, it's been in my brain. I want to be in peak physical condition when the season starts.'

He misses the texts and conversations with Collins and the staff. When Quin Snyder, who recruited Brand to Duke, left his job as an assistant coach to join the Los Angeles Lakers, Brand couldn't even wish him congratulations and good luck.

When Brand returns to work, he'll have a new boss. Comcast-Spectacor sold the team to a group led by New York-based leveraged buyout specialist Joshua Harris. The deal is still awaiting approval by the NBA.

When the Atlanta Hawks were sold earlier this month, new owner Alex Meruelo had to fight back tears as he talked about what it means to be the NBA's first Hispanic team owner.

Harris, oddly, has decided to refrain from publicly talking about the Sixers and his plans for a franchise that hasn't won a championship since 1983. Brand said the team won't be the same without chairman Ed Snider around.

'We're definitely going to miss him,' Brand said, 'and all he's done for the organization over the years.'

For a player who might temporarily be out of a job this fall, Brand has kept busy.

He and Dallas center Brendan Haywood participated in a youth camp in St. Maarten. Brand and his production company, Milk and Media, are reading scipts and greenlighting projects. Brand spent about 10 days in Louisiana earlier this summer -- 'getting eaten up by insects' -- overseeing the psychological thriller, 'No One Lives,' starring Luke Evans.

Backed by WWE and Pathe Films, Brand watched the dailies, oversaw scipt changes, and made sure shooting stayed true to the vision of the project. Brand's next passion project is a film about hip hop artist and actor Tupac Shakur.

And of course, he's been playing pickup games with other NBA players around Los Angeles.

But he's antsy for the real deal to start.

'The one thing I'd want to get out there is for the fans to know we appreciate their support,' he said. 'We're doing all we can as players to try and make this thing right so we can have a season.'

Courtesy of ESPN

Report: Knicks C Ronny Turiaf breaks left hand - by Eurobasket News
After all the hand-wringing over NBA players getting injured while playing elsewhere during the ongoing lockout, it's only appropriate that a broken hand would be the first relatively high-profile injury of the summer.

FIBA.com reports that New York Knicks center Ronny Turiaf (6'10''-C/F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga) reportedly broke a bone on his left hand while representing France against Great Britain in a Tuesday exhibition match in London in preparation for the upcoming EuroBasket tournament.

Turiaf got tangled up in a battle for a rebound and, after x-rays were taken at a London hospital, France's medical staff confirmed the player had sustained a fracture in the fourth metacarpal of his left hand.

The 28-year-old will see a specialist in Paris on Thursday to determine how long the injury will keep him on the sidelines. Turiaf could be forced to sit out EuroBasket in Lithuania where France will look to qualify for next year's Olympic Games.

Given that the injury occured in an organized setting and for a national team rather than a professional team, in a pro-am game or other exhibition, Turiaf should be free and clear of any possible sanction.

The bigger concern, of course, is whether Turiaf will be ready to go when Knicks camp opens at some unknown date in the future. And considering the lack of progress in the ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations, it's unlikely that the injury will compromise his availability.

That's good, because the Knicks frontline is notoriously thin, even with Turiaf healthy. Of the 10 Knicks players currently under contract for next season, Turiaf is the only player 6-foot-10 or taller other than franchise power forward Amar'e Stoudemire. Knicks 2011 seocnd round draft pick Josh Harrellson, who has not yet been signed, is also 6-foot-10. Jared Jeffries, who is set to become a free agent, is 6-foot-11.

Turiaf averaged 4.2 points and 3.2 rebounds in 17.8 minutes for the Knicks last season, and was an occasional starter. He's set to enter the final year of his contract in 2011-2012, which will pay him $4.36 million.

Courtesy of CBSSPORTS (www.cbssports.com)

Ron Artest, Cheshire Jets struggling to reach contract agreement - by Eurobasket News
Ron Artest (6'7''-G/F-79, college: St.John's) and the Cheshire Jets have been one of the more interesting sagas to follow this offseason, at least in terms of NBA players looking at overseas options during the NBA lockout. Heck, the man to be known in the future as Metta World Peace might even star in a British soap opera! ~ Unfortunately, it seems all that has been put on hold. At least for the time being, the two sides are unable to come to an agreement according to a release posted on the Chester-based team's website. ~ Ron and his team were scheduled to fly into Manchester on the 19th of August to meet The Jets, see Chester and work with the club to raise the profile of basketball in the UK. However despite extensive and lengthy discussions between the Jets and Ron's lawyers, agreement could not be reached by the ...More two organizations over certain aspects of the proposed playing contract. As a result, it has been mutually agreed to delay Ron's scheduled visit with the intent on both sides to still make the deal. ~ It sounds like Artest and the Jets will keep working on a deal so all hope is not lost for those hoping the Los Angeles Lakers star would infuse a bit of life into their favorite British soap opera/basketball team, but this is disappointing news for the time being.

Courtesy of www.buzzbox.com



2011 Undrafted: Where are they now? - by Julius Johnson
Most of the top undrafted players already found homes in Europe (same or better outcome than drafted players, some who are conflicted as to their next move.
The best available undrafted player is Jeremy Hazell (6'5''-G-86), the Seton Hall shooting guard who put up huge numbers in the ultra-competitive Big East.

Michael Dunigan - Casale, Italy
David Lighty - Cantu, Italy
Malcolm Thomas - Mobis, Korea
Rick Jackson - Roanne, France
Matt Howard - Olimpiakos, Greece
Jamie Skeen - Asvel, France
Jake Pullen - Biela, Italy
Jamine Peterson - unknown
Scotty Hopson - unknown
Demitri McCamey - Mersin, Turkey
Jeremy Richmond - Jail
Ben Hansbrough - Bayern, Germany
Jeremy Hazell - available (contact editor@insidethegreenroom.com)

Keith Benson finds 'good deal' with Italian team - by Eurobasket News
As NBA players scramble to find somewhere to play overseas, Keith Benson (6'11''-C-88, college: Oakland) stayed patient.

The former Oakland University star center was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in June but felt he couldn't sit for the whole lockout.

But given the Hawks' interest in him, Benson needed a promise from the foreign club that he would be released when the lockout ended.

He settled on an offer from Sassari, an Italian club team that plays on the island of Sardinia off the mainland.

'I had offers from Germany, Croatia and a couple in Italy, but I had to have the opt-out clause,' he said. 'This is the highest league in Italy.'

Benson didn't want to reveal the financial details, but both he and Oakland coach Greg Kampe called the money 'substantial' and Benson said it's 'a good deal. Not the same as the NBA, but definitely a good enough offer.'

Once he got the offer with the opt-out to resume NBA play, he accepted it, but Italian newspapers reported that he can opt out only if he has a guaranteed NBA contract, not one for the NBA Development League or a camp attempt to earn one.

Even with the offer, the newspaper Sassari Notizie reported the deal took some convincing after quite a bit of discussion.

The paper reported there was a news conference where the club held up Benson's new jersey, and coach Romeo (Meo) Sacchetti and sporting director Federico Pasquini said they even showed Benson photos of the island's beaches to sway him.

That was enough for Benson. He mentioned Friday that heading to a vacation island off Italy's coast is a pretty good landing spot.

Benson said there are three other Americans on his team. Quinton Hosely, who played at Lamar and Fresno State, also signed with the team recently, according to Sassari Notizie report.

Part of the incentive for Benson was to play against elite competition and produce film other than his four years at Oakland.

He has worked vigorously on his body with the OU strength staff and is up to 233 pounds.

'I'd much rather be playing basketball than sitting around,' Benson said.

Plus, Benson has a bit of international experience. He spent three weeks in France as a foreign exchange student in middle school.

'He's going to be playing against bigger, stronger guys in a physical game and show what he can do,' Kampe said. 'Since the lockout, Atlanta can't talk to him but after the draft, they were ecstatic they got him and thought he was going to be there for years.'

After his European vacation, that is.

Courtesy of www.freep.com

Reports vary on Andris Biedrins in Europe - by Eurobasket News
Conflicting reports had Warriors center Andris Biedrins (7'0''-C-86) signing with different international teams Friday. The beleaguered big man would have an opt-out clause either way, allowing him to return to Golden State when the lockout ends.

TuBasket.com reported that Biedrins signed with VEF Riga, the Latvian League champions who will play next in the Euroleague. Blic, a Serbian tabloid newspaper, had him signing with Turkish team Anadolu Efes.

Biedrins' agent, Bill Duffy, could not be reached.

Courtesy of www.sfgate.com

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


Georgetown Hoyas, Bayi Rockets make peace in Beijing after the brawl - by Eurobasket News
Georgetown coach John III Thompson said he has made peace with the coach of a Chinese basketball team over a bench-clearing brawl and denies the melee carried any political connotations.

Thompson said Saturday that he met with the Bayi Rockets' coach on Friday and they shook hands and chatted about basketball and other matters.

Thompson doesn't think the brawl in Beijing on Thursday had any political overtones. The Rockets are affiliated with China's military, and the fight seemed to embody often contentious U.S.-China relations on the second day of a highly publicized visit by Vice President Joe Biden.

'Beijing is behind us, man,' Thompson said Saturday, a day after flying to Shanghai as part of a 10-day goodwill trip. 'We are excited to be here in Shanghai. And our team was invited to come here to the city of Shanghai to be part of this. Beijing is over.'

Asked what he told his players, Thompson said: 'I told them, 'Let's go to Shanghai and have fun.''

While China likes to use sports to promote diplomacy, at times that has been affected by violent flare-ups by players and fans. Tensions ran high Thursday when referees began calling the Hoyas for numerous fouls.

After Bayi players knocked guard Jason Clark to the ground, the melee ensued with players throwing punches and chairs. The Hoyas left the court as fans threw water bottles at them, the score tied at 64.

Coaches and players representatives from the two teams met at Beijing's airport Friday to reconcile.

'Yeah, we just got together and shook hands and their coach and me talked about things other than basketball, about families, and we both are ready to move on,' Thompson said.

While the Hoyas were originally scheduled to play the Rockets again on Sunday in Shanghai, that match was canceled prior to Thursday's fight. Instead, Georgetown will face the Liaoning Dinosaurs.

'We expect good competition against a very difficult team,' Thompson said.

Courtesy of www.wjla.com

2011 Undrafted: Where are they now? - by Julius Johnson
Most of the top undrafted players already found homes in Europe (same or better outcome than drafted players, some who are conflicted as to their next move.
The best available undrafted player is Jeremy Hazell (6'5''-G-86), the Seton Hall shooting guard who put up huge numbers in the ultra-competitive Big East.

Michael Dunigan - Casale, Italy
David Lighty - Cantu, Italy
Malcolm Thomas - Mobis, Korea
Rick Jackson - Roanne, France
Matt Howard - Olimpiakos, Greece
Jamie Skeen - Asvel, France
Jake Pullen - Biela, Italy
Jamine Peterson - unknown
Scotty Hopson - unknown
Demitri McCamey - Mersin, Turkey
Jeremy Richmond - Jail
Ben Hansbrough - Bayern, Germany
Jeremy Hazell - available (contact editor@insidethegreenroom.com)

2011 Universiade. Lithuania shock USA, enter semifinals - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania - USA 76:74

Lithuania will play in World University Games semifinals. They stunned USA to stay in the title race. Gediminas Orelikas (200-G/F-90) stepped up with 19 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists in the victory.
USA quite expectedly grabbed the initiative early in the game. The North Americans posted a 15:12 lead after ten minutes. They maintained the advantage throughout the second period. USA registered a 42:37 halftime advantage. However Lithuania tipped off the second half on a 7:0 run to surge ahead. Denmon Green returned the lead to the United States midway through the third quarter but Gediminas Orelikas and Marius Valukonis (198-F-88) made it 65:61 for the Baltic team heading into the fourth frame. Gediminas Zyle (209-C-88) stretched the gap to 8 points midway through the fourth quarter. But USA reacted with an 8:0 run to draw things level at 74 with under two minutes to go. Kadzevicius sank two free throws and then the teams went scoreless for almost 100 seconds as Lithuania escaped with a narrow win at the end. Marius Valukonis had 11 points, while Edgaras Stanionis (193-G-88) and Gediminas Zyle posted 10 points each in the victory. John Jenkins (193-G-91) replied with 17 points for USA. Ashton Gibbs (187-G-90) provided 16 points in defeat.

Lithuania: Gediminas Orelikas 19, Marius Valukonis 11, Edgaras Stanionis 10, Gediminas Zyle 10
USA: John Jenkins 17, Ashton Gibbs 16


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


2011 Universiade. Hungary celebrate first win in Shenzhen - by Eurobasket News
New Zealand - Hungary 56:90

Hungary earned the initial win at World University Games in China. They dropped New Zealand in 17th-23rd place classification round. Peter Kovacs (189-G-88) knocked down 23 points to pace the effort.
Hungary fired 28 points in the opening period to post a 6-point lead. They held the Kiwis to just 6 points in the second frame as the margin grew at 16-point mark at halftime. Hungary dominated in the third period. They established a comfortable 68:38 lead heading into the fourth stanza and did not look back en route to the victory. Peter Szabo (183-G-89) registered 14 points, while Gergely Somogyi (218-C-89) had 13 points and 7 rebounds in the winning effort. Justin Richard Edwards (197-F-90) replied with 21 points and 7 rebounds for New Zealand. Marco Alexander (186-G-91) and Dion Prewster (195-G/F-91, college: Stephen F. Austin) finished with 9 points apiece in defeat.

New Zealand: Justin Richard Edwards 21, Marco Alexander 9, Dion Prewster 9
Hungary: Peter Kovacs 23, Peter Szabo 14, Gergely Somogyi 13


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


Texters rout Blazeto force winner-take-all showdown Sunday - by Eurobasket News
Petron Blaze - Talk N Text 78-104
Talk 'N Text kept its ambitious Grandslam hopes alive, pulling away early in Game 6 for a 104-78 rout of Petron Friday night that sent their PBA Governor's Cup Finals into a winner-take-all showdown. The Tropang Texters rediscovered their shooting touch that abandoned them the last two games of the title series as Jason Castro (173-G-86), who suited up despite nursing an MCL tear, and big man Ranidel deOcampo (195-F-81) bombed from the outside in a sizzling first-half display of firepower. Import returnee Maurice Baker (184-PG-79, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Oklahoma St.) then took charge in the second half, scoring 14 of his 18 points in the third period as Talk 'N Text began to rip the game apart and opened the door for Sunday's Game 7 at the Araneta Coliseum. 'Hindi ko na iniisip 'yung sakit,' said Jason Castro, who dropped 13 points against the Blaze Boosters in a four-minute stretch the moment he was fielded in by Tropang Texters coach Chot Reyes with eight minutes left in the first quarter. He replaced Kelly Williams (198-F-82, college: Oakland). 'Kapag inisip ko pa 'yung sakit, hindi na ako makaka-focus sa game. Ang iniisip ko lang makatulong sa team at manalo.' Talk 'N Text's 26-point blowout win leveled the best-of-seven series at 3-3 as the Tropang Texters remained very much on course of becoming only the fifth team in PBA history to complete a sweep of the three-conference season. 'In the end, this series will be won by one thing heart,' said Reyes. De Ocampo led Talk 'N Text with 21 points and nine rebounds, Jason Castro added 19 markers, while Jimmy Alapag scored 16 and 10 assists. Baker, who replaced Scottie Reynolds, also got the better end of his match-up with Anthony Grundy. The Petron import was held to just five points and failed to score in the first half. Arwind Santos (193-F-81) scored 19 and grabbed 14 rebounds to show the way for Petron. Both De Ocampo and Jason Castro already had 16 points in the first half as the two waxed hot and gave the Tropang Texters a 55-43 lead at the turn. De Ocampo took over from where Jason Castro left off in the opening quarter, waxing hot in the second period as the Tropang Texters took control of the match watched by an estimated crowd of 12,708. A Ryan Reyes three-pointer gave Talk 'N Text a 55-42 spread in the closing seconds of the second period. Earlier, Jason Castro came off the bench in the first four minutes of the opening period and scored 13 of his team's first 19 points. His offensive explosion turned a 4-10 deficit to a 19-16 Talk 'N Text lead. A Jason Castro assist to De Ocampo resulted to a booming three-pointer stretching that three-point edge to 22-16. Talk 'N Text never looked back from there. - JVP, GMA News *Courtesy of www.pba-online.net

PBA Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Arizona REID
  Rain or Shine
  (196-F-86)
  Avg: 28.7
 1. Reid, Rain or Shine28.7 
 2. Forte, Alaska Aces23.1 
 3. Sloan, Ginebra Kin.22.6 
 4. Grundy, Petron B.22.5 
 5. Mercado, Meralco21.8 
 6. Yap, B-Meg Llam.21.0 
 7. Porter, Powerade.20.8 
 8. Bangura, Air21 E.19.6 
 9. Caguioa, Ginebra19.5 
 10. Reynolds, Talk N.17.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Arizona REID
  Rain or Shine
  (196-F-86)
  Avg: 15.4
 1. Reid, Rain or Shine15.4 
 2. Forte, Alaska Aces15.4 
 3. Porter, Powerade.14.9 
 4. Santos, Petron B.13.6 
 5. Pingris, B-Meg L.10.2 
 6. Taulava, Meralco10.0 
 7. Thoss, Alaska Aces9.7 
 8. Espinas, Meralco9.1 
 9. Sloan, Ginebra Kin.8.7 
 10. Devance, B-Meg L.8.5 
Assists Per Game
 Alex CABAGNOT
  Petron B.
  (183-G-82)
  Avg: 6.9
 1. Cabagnot, Petron6.9 
 2. Grundy, Petron B.6.4 
 3. Mercado, Meralco5.5 
 4. Sloan, Ginebra Kin.5.3 
 5. Castro, Talk N Te.5.3 
 6. Alapag, Talk N Te.5.2 
 7. Cruz, Powerade T.5.0 
 8. Reynolds, Talk N.4.4 
 9. Tenorio, Alaska A.4.4 
 10. Norwood, Rain o.4.2 
Steals Per Game
 Chris PORTER
  Powerade.
  (201-F-78)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Porter, Powerade.2.6 
 2. Grundy, Petron B.2.4 
 3. Reynolds, Talk N.1.8 
 4. Reyes, Talk N Text1.6 
 5. Bangura, Air21 E.1.4 
 6. Yap, B-Meg Llam.1.4 
 7. Tenorio, Alaska A.1.4 
 8. Cruz, Powerade T.1.4 
 9. Hontiveros, Air211.3 
 10. Arboleda, Air21 E.1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Arwind SANTOS
  Petron B.
  (193-F-81)
  Avg: 1.6
 1. Santos, Petron B.1.6 
 2. Thoss, Alaska Aces1.5 
 3. Seigle, Air21 Expr.1.3 
 4. Rodriguez, Rain o.1.2 
 5. Forte, Alaska Aces1.2 
 6. Devance, B-Meg L.1.2 
 7. Peek, Talk N Text1.1 
 8. Pingris, B-Meg L.1.1 
 9. Espinas, Meralco0.8 
 10. Grundy, Petron B.0.8 


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


2011 Universiade. Canada reach semifinals with win over Romania - by Eurobasket News
Canada - Romania 71:58

Canada became the first World University Games semifinalists. They held off Romania tonight. Tyson Hinz (199-F-91) stepped up with 23 points to pace the winners.
Canada cleared off late in the opening period posting a 25:14 lead. Romania opened the second term on a 12:0 run to surge ahead. But Canada restored lead late in the first half 32:29. The North American team triggered a 12:2 run at the start of the second half to take a 13-point lead. They earned a 54:44 advantage at the final intermission. Romania never got closer than 7 points in the fourth period as Canada rolled to the victory at the end. Boris Bakovic (201-F-88, agency: Interperformances) scored 13 points, while Jordan Baker (192-G-91, college: Utah Valley St.) added 12 points in the winning effort. Titus Nicoara (202-F-88, agency: Interperformances) answered with 20 points and 13 rebounds for Romania. Vlad Moldoveanu (207-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances, college: American) had 13 points and 8 rebounds in defeat.

Canada: Tyson Hinz 23, Boris Bakovic 13, Jordan Baker 12
Romania: Titus Nicoara 20+13 boards, Vlad Moldoveanu 13


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


2011 Universiade. Russia destroy the Scandinavian side to reach the semis - by Eurobasket News
Russia-Finland 74:39

Russia destroyed Finland in the last Quarterfinal Game of the World University Games in China. The Russia team had an easy 74:39 victory to advance to the semifinals.
Russia opened the game with 7-0 run after the first 5 minutes and had 19:9 at the end of the frame. Finland scored another 9 points in the second period to trail 18:41 at the halftime. In the third quarter Russia also limited the Scandinavian team to 9 points and improved to 59:27 after thirty minutes. Russia won the last stanza 15-12 and advanced to the semis. The favorites scored 38 points in the paint, while Finland just 4. The latter scored only 5/33 from the 2Points.
Ivan Nelyubov (207-C-88) stepped up with 17 points and Petr Gubanov (207-C-87) added 16. Viacheslav Zaitsev (191-G-89) posted 10, while Andrey Mateyunas (180-PG-88) collected 9 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Antto Nikkarinen (185-PG-91) replied with 16 points in the losing effort and Antti Kanervo (193-G/F-89) netted 8.

Russia: Ivan Nelyubov 17, Petr Gubanov 16, Viacheslav Zaitsev 10, Andrey Mateyunas 9+8 rebs+6ast
Finland: Antto Nikkarinen 16, Antti Kanervo 8


Russia edge Lithuania in Panevezys - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania - Russia 80:88

Russia outgunned Lithuania in a friendly game in Panevezys. Timofey Mozgov (216-C-86, agency: RIZO) scored 16 points to pace the visitors. Russia managed to overcome a sloppy start to take the victory at the end.
Lithuania strongly entered the game. They erupted for 29 points in the starting period posting a 4-point lead. But Russia turned things around in the second quarter. The visitors knocked down 29 points themselves and recorded a 54:46 halftime lead. Russia maintained the lead throughout the third stanza. They established a 10-point lead heading into the fourth period. Lithuania just cut the margin in the final quarter but could not threaten the deficit and lost the battle. Vitaly Fridzon (195-G-85, agency: Alti Sport) posted 14 points, while Andrei Kirilenko (205-F-81) contributed 13 points for Russia. Paulius Jankunas (205-F-84, agency: Interperformances) answered with 14 points for Lithuania. Rimantas Kaukenas (193-G-77, college: Seton Hall) and Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92) provided 13 points each in the loss.

Lithuania: Paulius Jankunas 14, Rimantas Kaukenas 13, Jonas Valanciunas 13
Russia: Timofey Mozgov 16, Vitaly Fridzon 14, Andrei Kirilenko 13


*****************************************************
  RWANDA   


Rwanda drops to 0-2 in Antananarivo - by Eurobasket News
Tunisia - Rwanda 69-37
2009 third place finisher Tunisia Saturday evening proved that it achievement in Libya two years was not a fluke when it put up a great performance in group-D beating Rwanda by 69-37 points to keep a clean slate. The strong FIBA Africa Zone-1 power house won in all four quarters by 10-09, 17-07, 19-09 and 23-13 points to remain top of the group which comprises Central Africa Republic who also enjoy the priviledge of remaining unbeaten, Togo and Rwanda. Tunisia key player, Macram Romdhane (198-F-89) led the floor with 20 points and 6 rebounds, Romdhave was joined his two compatriots Mohamed Hadidane (206-F-86) and Amine Rzig who both score 10 points each. A clash between Tunisia and Central Africa Republic on Monday will determine who lead the group to the round of eight finals. *By Olusegun Ikuesan

*****************************************************
  SENEGAL   


26th Afrobasket: Angola invicibility broken by Senegal 78-85 - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Ten time winner of FIBA Africa Championship for Men Angola Saturday night suffered its first defeat in the last five editions of Africa biggest basketball championship The Afrobasket losing by 78-85 points to the Lions of Senegal.

The defending champion opened a 30-18 points lead in the first quarter but the Lions charged back from th second quarter and never looked back with Maleye Ndoye putting Senegal ahead for the first time with one minute ten seconds left in the second quarter with a perfectly taken three point shot, Angola replied almost immediately through Lionel Paulo but Malick Badiane shot Senegal into the lead before the break with a steeler shot to give Senegal a two points lead og 44-46 going into the break.

Efforts by Joaquim Gomes and his teammates to come back into proceeding was rebuffed by the never-say-die Senegalese who dominted the game winning the third and fourth quarter by 21-24 and 13-15 points.

Senegal guard Mamadou Ndoye led his team with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists, Mouhammad Faye added 18 points, 5 assists, 3 assists and 3 steals with hard working centre, Malick Badiane contributing 14 points and 7 rebounds for the Lions victory.
Malick Badiane (211-F/C-84)

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


2011 Universiade. Serbia wins European Quarterfinal - by Eurobasket News
Germany-Serbia 55:77

Serbia became the Semifinalist of the World University Games in China. The team won the European Quarterfinal clash over Germany 77:55 after a miserable start.
It was a slow start as both teams nailed 11 points in the first five minutes. Germany had 6:5 and then erupted for 20:12 after the first period. Serbia tied the game in the middle of the second frame and after 23-13 grabbed 35:33 halftime advantage. They never looked behind after. The third quarter brought 22-10 for the Serbian side that needed 57:43 to enter the last stanza. Serbia had 68:47 after 35 minutes of the game and finished with comfortable 77:55 victory.
Nikola Dragovic (206-F-87, college: UCLA) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Vladimir Lucic (202-F-89, agency: Beo Basket) notched 15. Mladen Jeremic (196-G-88, agency: Interperformances) nailed 14, while Milos Dimic (195-G-89) scored 11. Johannes Lischka (203-F/C-87) brought 12 points in the losing effort and Oskar Fassler (198-G-88) added 10.

Germany: Johannes Lischka 12, Oskar Fassler 10
Serbia: Nikola Dragovic 20, Vladimir Lucic 15, Mladen Jeremic 14, Milos Dimic 11


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


Inter add Kevin Bridgewaters and Kwbana Beckles - by Eurobasket News
Inter add Kevin Bridgewaters (175-G-84, college: Chattanooga) and Kwbana Beckles (203-C/F-81, college: Lee) for the upcoming season. In 2006-2007 Kevin Bridgewaters appeared for Chattanooga (NCAA) and in 33 games averaged 6.7ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 32.8%, 3Pts: 30.2%, FT: 67.4%. In 2007-2008 for Chattanooga (NCAA) showed 9.0ppg, 2.9rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 42.9%, 3Pts: 31.2%, FT: 77.7%. In 2009-2010 joined Kryvbasbasket-Lux Kryvyi Rih (Ukraine-Superleague),but only for try-outs.
Kwbana Beckles is a Canadian-British player who in 2006-2007 played for Gestiberica Vigo (Spain-LEB2). In October 2006 moved to Gunaras KC Dombvr (Hungary-A Division, starting five) and then in Dec.'06 signed at resundskraft Basket (Sweden-Basketligan). The season 2007-2008 signed at Lausanne Morges Basket (Switzerland-LNA, starting five), and in 9 games averaged 12.1ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.3apg, 1.3bpg, 2FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 72.1%. In 2008-2009 appeared for Plymouth Raiders (United Kingdom-BBL, starting five) showing 11.2ppg, 5.3rpg, 2FGP: 42.8%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 80.4%. In 2009-2010 moved to Saitama Broncos (Japan-BJ League) and in 41 games showed 7.6ppg, 6.1rpg, FGP: 40.7%, 3PT: 11.8%, FT: 71.1%.


Handlova announced Anthony Jones - by Eurobasket News
Handlova announced Anthony Jones (194-G/F-84, college: Indiana Tech) for the upcoming season. The American player is a 63 combo guard. He rebounds like a forward. Being a good on ball defender, he has the potential to be a lockdown defender. Off the ball he has great anticipation getting many steals by playing the passing lanes. He has long arms and is athletic.
Anthony shoots the ball from anywhere on the court and can also can attack the basket in order to either finish or make the right play. He runs the court well and is a hard worker. He is a team leader and a great competitior who hates to lose.
Shooting over 48% from the field, around 40% from three-point and close to 90% from the line has made Anthony quite efficient. Not only is he a prolific scorer, always leading his team in steals, but he also is a versatile athlete who will do whatever needs to be done to help the team win.

In 2009-2010 Anthony Jones played for KK Jedinstvo Bijelo Polje (Montenegro-1A, starting five) and in 10games averaged 16.3ppg, 4.3apg, 5.2rpg, then moved to CVJM Lrrach (Germany-2.Regionalliga, starting five). The season 2010-2011 he appeared for SC Bayer 05 Uerdingen (Germany-2.Regionalliga, starting five) .



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


Spain prevail against Slovenia in Malaga - by Eurobasket News
Spain - Slovenia 73:61

Spain celebrated another victory in their preparations for the upcoming 2011 EuroBasket. They held off Slovenia in Malaga. Gasol brothers teamed up for 29 points and 14 rebounds to pace the hosts to the victory.
The lead changed hands throughout the opening frame. Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) and Marc Gasol (212-C-85, agency: Interperformances) made it 16:14 for Spain after ten minutes. The hosts opened the second period with five points in a row to stretch the lead. Spain established a 25:18 lead midway through the second term. Spain eventually piled up a 36:25 advantage at the interval. Slovenia used a 12:2 run in the third period to narrow the gap at just 3-point mark. Rudy Fernandez gave some breathing space for the hosts at 44:37. Spain capped the third term with five consecutive points to build a 55:42 advantage. Lakovic drained two triples early in the fourth quarter to keep Slovenia in the game however Spain soon boosted the margin to 19 points and rolled to a comfortable win at the end. Juan Carlos Navarro and Jose Manuel Calderon (190-PG-81) delivered 9 points each in the victory. Matjaz Smodis (205-F-79) and Goran Dragic (194-PG-86) responded with 11 points each for Slovenia. Zoran Dragic (196-F/G-89) netted 10 points in the losing effort.

Spain: Pau Gasol 15+10 boards, Marc Gasol 14, Juan Carlos Navarro 9, Jose Manuel Calderon 9
Slovenia: Matjaz Smodis 11, Goran Dragic 11, Zoran Dragic 10



*****************************************************
  SOUTH AFRICA   


Another loss for South Africa in Antananarivo - by Eurobasket News
South Africa - Cameroon 65-87
With better improvement from their Group-C opening game against Cote dIvoire on Wednesday South Africa Friday loses its second first round game to Cameroon by 65-87 points. Though South Africa lost the first three quarters 17-23, 13-17, 11-24 and won the last one by 24-23 points their fighting spirit was never in doubt as they showed lots of improvement and promises. Cameroon big forward Gaston Essengue (203-F-83, college: UNLV) led the floor with 18 points, 4 steals and 3 rebounds, Cyrille Makanda (195-G-80) had 15 points and 3 rebounds, Parfait Bitee (188-G-85) added 13 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals with Frank Ndongo posting 12 points, 4 steals and 3 rebounds for the second win for the Lions. Cameroon coach Lazare Adingono praised the fighting spirit of the South African. The coach whose side face Cote dIvoire on Sunday in his team last group-C game said they are not under any pressure. Coach Adingono also thumm-up effort of FIBA Africa in raising the stake of Africa basketball but concluded that the continent can do more. *By Olusegun Ikuesan

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


Spain prevail against Slovenia in Malaga - by Eurobasket News
Spain - Slovenia 73:61

Spain celebrated another victory in their preparations for the upcoming 2011 EuroBasket. They held off Slovenia in Malaga. Gasol brothers teamed up for 29 points and 14 rebounds to pace the hosts to the victory.
The lead changed hands throughout the opening frame. Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) and Marc Gasol (212-C-85, agency: Interperformances) made it 16:14 for Spain after ten minutes. The hosts opened the second period with five points in a row to stretch the lead. Spain established a 25:18 lead midway through the second term. Spain eventually piled up a 36:25 advantage at the interval. Slovenia used a 12:2 run in the third period to narrow the gap at just 3-point mark. Rudy Fernandez gave some breathing space for the hosts at 44:37. Spain capped the third term with five consecutive points to build a 55:42 advantage. Lakovic drained two triples early in the fourth quarter to keep Slovenia in the game however Spain soon boosted the margin to 19 points and rolled to a comfortable win at the end. Juan Carlos Navarro and Jose Manuel Calderon (190-PG-81) delivered 9 points each in the victory. Matjaz Smodis (205-F-79) and Goran Dragic (194-PG-86) responded with 11 points each for Slovenia. Zoran Dragic (196-F/G-89) netted 10 points in the losing effort.

Spain: Pau Gasol 15+10 boards, Marc Gasol 14, Juan Carlos Navarro 9, Jose Manuel Calderon 9
Slovenia: Matjaz Smodis 11, Goran Dragic 11, Zoran Dragic 10



Venezuelan Jhornan Zamora comes back to Valladolid - by Eurobasket News
Venezuelan Jhornan Zamora (193-G/F-89) comes back to Valladolid where he played few season ago. The 1989 year born player from Latin America will remain in Spain.
In February 2009 C.B. Valladolid has agreed to terms with Venezuelan Jhornan Zamora. The young forward just played his first game with Valladolid and scored 3 points and recorded 3 steals in 14 minutes of playing time. He started the season playing for Zarzuela Maristas Boecillo in the EBA. The season before he played for Zarzuela Maristas Boecillo and played 15 games for them and averaged 11.5ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.7apg. Jhornan also has played for the Venezuelan U16 National Team back in 2005.
In 2009-2010 he played for Clinicas Rincon Axarquia (Spain-LEB Gold, starting five) and in 34 games averaged 10.9ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 32.8%, FT: 75.0%.
The last season he started for CB Ins Oftamologico C Ricon (LEB Gold, starting five) and in 29 games showed 9.7ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 72.1%.
He recorded 20 points last season at the Regular Season Round 18.
The game between Ourense and Clinicas Rincon in Ourense ended with biggest points difference. Guests from Malaga outscored Ourense 71-51. Venezuelan forward Jhornan Zamora notched 20 points and 5 rebounds to lead the effort.


Albert Oliver pens deal with Joventut - by Eurobasket News
Albert Oliver (187-G-78) pens deal with Joventut for 2011/2012 season. The Spanish Guard played for Estudiantes over the last two season but left the team at the end of the season.
Oliver joined Estu in 2009 from Pamesa Valencia. Albert Oliver joined Estudiantes after Valencia decided not to keep Spanish guard. Oliver, that has signed a five years deal with capital team, was pretended by Luis Casimiro squad since the beginning of summer when Valencian club made official that Oliver wasn't the kind of guard that Spain needed.
In their first season together he had 7.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 3.9 apg for 36 games. Last season, Oliver registered 5.1 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 2.5 apg for 32 games in ACB. He also added 5.9 ppg, 2.2 rpg and 2.2 apg for 11 games in EuroCup.
Before Estudiantes Albert Oliver played for Pamesa. He was their member from 2006 to 2009. He also has experience from Manresa and Lleida.


Haukur Palsson joins Manresa - by Eurobasket News
Haukur Palsson (198-F-92) joins Manresa for the next season. The Icelandic Forward comes from Maryland.
In 2008, June: he participated at the NBA Basketball Without Borders Camp-Europe in Istanbul, Turkey. In 2008-2009 started for A.S. Stella Azzurra (Italy-C) and then in 2009-2010 moved to Montverde Academy High School (USA). The season 2010-2011: spent with Maryland (NCAA): and in 32 games averaged 2.8ppg, 2.1rpg.
The head coach Mark Turgeon of Maryland announced that Haukur Palsson did not want to continue to study and play for Maryland. Palsson had three years of eligibility remaining,
This summer he participated at the European Championships U20 Division B in Sarajevo (Bosnia) -11 He became the fourth top-scorer with 22.7ppg Reb-4 (10.0rpg), 2.0apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 40.8%, 3PT: 43.6%, FT: 78.4%. He recorded 33 points at the Preliminary Round Day 5. Iceland won the game over winless Belarus to celebrate the initial victory at the U20 European Championship. They edged Belarus 97:84 to close group D of the campaign with the win. Palsson stepped up with 33 points to lead the charge.


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


Syrian National Team Last Update - by Ahmad Madwar
after he arrived since around 1months .. Goran Miljevic Impressed everyone, the presidint of Federation, the Journalists and all the local coaches who followed his training ..
everybody says .. Coach Goran is different than the other foreign coaches who came to Syria before and we are hopefully to get good results in ASIA Champion
Goran called around 25players to join in the National team training .. and after 1week he took the best 15players .. but the suprise was .. he fired Michel Maadanly !!!
Michel refused the coach request when goran asked him to do fitness test to see if he is in shape or not .. but maybe Micho thinks he is bigger than the National team .. after he fired from the National Team .. he talked with several media .. and had abused the coach !!
at another side 15players are practicing with NT and they are :
At Guard Postion :
Joseph Abboud (190-G-88) from Talee'a, Ioanis Deeb (180-G-86) from Jalaa, Tarek Al-Jabi (182-G-90) from Jeish
At Shooting Guard Postion :
Nour Diarbakrly (186-G-89) from Hurriya, Ramy El Khatib (182-G-84), Nour Al Saman (188-G-78), Watche Nalabandian from Jeish
At Shooting Forward Postion :
Ahmad Ishak (194-F-86) from Jalaa, Wael Jlilati (194-G/F-88) from Ittihad
At Power Forward Postion :
Marcelo Correa (208-C-77, college: San Diego St.) from Jalaa, Shadi Lebs (200-C-86) from Jeish, Sameer Al Dags (197-F-84), Mahmood Osfira (203-F-91) from Ittihad
At Center Postion :
Wissam Yaqqub (212-C-82), Eder Arjo Gorges (212-C/F-81, college: Walsh, OH) from Jalaa, Abd Al Wahab Al Hamowi (217-C-90) from Karameh, Muhia Kasaballi (209-C-84) from Jeish
Head Coach :
Goran Miljevic
Assistant Coaches :
Tane Spasev , Alaa Jokhaji

*****************************************************
  TOGO   


Central Africa blasts Togo 82-57 - by Eurobasket News
Togo - Central Africa 57-82
The hope of Togo of making any appreciable impact in group-D of the 26th FIBA Africa Championship for Men was completely shot-down Saturday by mobile Central Africa Republic side. Togo gave up the first quarter by 12-22 points but showed some promises in the second quarter winning by 19-15 points to cut down the margin between it the FIBA Africa Zone-4 nation to six points going into the break by 31-37 points, it continue the flare in the third quarter losing by just two points 17-19 points to enter the last quarter with eight points deficits of 48-56 points. And when many had thought that the Coach Guy Arneaud tutored Togolese side they gave in to the superior fire power of the Central Africa side losing the last quarter by 09-26 points for a final scores of 57-82 points. Central Africa Max Kouguere (198-F-87) led the floor with 24 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals, William Kossangue-Toro (198-F-86) had 14 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals with Guy Kodio-Sitchi contributing 14 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals and one assist. *By Olusegun Ikuesan

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


26th Afrobasket: Tunisia too much for Rwanda 69-37 - by Olusegun Ikuesan
2009 third place finisher Tunisia Saturday evening proved that it achievement in Libya two years was not a fluke when it put up a great performance in group-D beating Rwanda by 69-37 points to keep a clean slate.

The strong FIBA Africa Zone-1 power house won in all four quarters by 10-09, 17-07, 19-09 and 23-13 points to remain top of the group which comprises Central Africa Republic who also enjoy the priviledge of remaining unbeaten, Togo and Rwanda.

Tunisia key player, Macram Romdhave led the floor with 20 points and 6 rebounds, Romdhave was joined his two compatriots Mohamed Hadidane and Amine Rzig who both score 10 points each.

A clash between Tunisia and Central Africa Republic on Monday will determine who lead the group to the round of eight finals.


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


Greece demolish Turkey at the BEKO-Supercup opener - by Eurobasket News
Greece-Turkey 62:38

Greece demolish Turkey at the BEKO-Supercup opener in Germany. The Greek side showed outstanding defense and had an easy 62:38 win.
Greece opened the game with 21:8 and never looked behind after. The Greek side demonstrated their superiority and scored the same 21 points in the second frame. It brought them 42:25 at the ahlftiem when the teams disappeared in the lockers. The second half became defensive and did not bring spectators too much attraction as the teams scored 30 points in 20 minutes. At first Greece won the third quarter 12-11 to take 54:36 after three quarters. Turkey could not do anything anf scored only 2 points in the last 10 minutes.
Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Costas Vasiliadis added 10. Kostas Koufos (213-C/F-89, college: Ohio St.) and Kostas Papanikolaou (204-F/G-90) followed them with 9 points each. Omer Asik (213-C-86) answered with 10 points and 11 rebounds in defeat and Ersan Ilyasova (207-F-87) notched 9.

Greece: Ioannis Bourousis 17, Costas Vasiliadis (200-G/F-84, agency: FCM) 10, Kostas Koufos 9, Kostas Papanikolaou 9
Turkey: Omer Asik 10+11 rebs, Ersan Ilyasova 9


2011 Universiade. Birkan Batuk paces Turkey past Brazil - by Eurobasket News
Turkey - Brazil 92:84

Turkey opened classification round for 9th-16th place with victory. They held off Brazil tonight. Birkan Batuk (198-F-90) knocked down 22 points to pace the effort.
Turkey earned a 21:16 lead at the first break. Turkey opened the second frame on a 12:3 run to establish a 14-point advantage. But Brazil cut the deficit to just two points 35:37 at halftime. Turkey however did not allow their opponents to pull in front. Levent Torsakal team maintained the lead as they registered a 64:58 advantage at the final break. Turkey kept their opponents at bay throughout the fourth frame and drove to the victory at the end. Can Ozcan (202-F-89) posted 17 points, while Yigitcan Turna (187-PG-87) added 16 points in the win. Michael Machado (185-G-90) responded with 30 points and 6 assists for Brazil. Fabricio Melo (212-C-90) netted 15 points in the loss.

Turkey: Birkan Batuk 22, Can Ozcan 17, Yigitcan Turna 16
Brazil: Michael Machado 30, Fabricio Melo 15


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


VIDEO: The final 13 minutes of Virgin Islands versus Bahamas in CBC - by David Edole
I searched high and low and finally found video of the Virgin Islands versus Bahamas in the gold medal game of the 2011 Caribbean Basketball Championship. Virgin Islands edging out the host team of Bahamas by 2 points, 91-89 to be officially crowned as Caribbean Champions.
The Virgin Islands team got off to a great start, winning the first half 53-33, but a furious third quarter by Bahamas, 28-19, brought the game close at the end of regulation. In the fourth, Bahamas tried to close the deal but an excellent free-throw shooting display by Kevin Sheppard made the Virgin Islands team hold on to get the victory. Sheppard led the game with 28 points and 7 rebounds. His teammates, Victor Cuthbert and Walter Hodge, also contributed big to the victory with 19 and 18 points respectively. Cuthbert also grabbed 10 key rebounds for Virgin Islands. Both teams were already qualified for the 2012 Centrobasket Championship.
The final 13 minutes of action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cNI4m99FTo&feature=related


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


2011 Universiade. Ukraine prevail against Israel - by Eurobasket News
Ukraine - Israel 95:80

Ukraine registered another win at the World University Games. They overcame Israel in the 9th-16th place classification round today. Igor Zaitsev (211-F/C-89) tallied 21 points and 16 rebounds to pace Ukraine.
Ukraine surged ahead early in the game and maintained the lead throughout the opening quarter. They entered the second period up by 6 points 25:19. Israel cut the deficit early in the second quarter but Ukraine bounced back posting a 52:40 halftime advantage. The gap grew at 15-point mark midway through the third term. Ukraine established a 76:62 advantage heading into the fourth period. Israel never threatened the margin in the fourth period as Ukraine cruised to the victorya at the end. Stanislav Tymofeyenko (205-F-89) had 17 points, while Maksym Kornienko (205-F/C-87) added 16 points for the winners. Anton Shoutvin (206-C/F-89) answered with 18 points for Israel. Yoad Bet-Yosef (182-G-87, agency: Avi Zilberman) finished with 15 points in the loss.

Ukraine: Igor Zaitsev 21+16 boards, Stanislav Tymofeyenko 17, Maksym Kornienko 16
Israel: Anton Shoutvin 18, Yoad Bet-Yosef 15


Odessa keep Balashov and Rostyslav Kryvych - by Eurobasket News
Odessa keep Stanislav Balashov (210-C-79, agency: New Trend Agency) and Rostyslav Kryvych (198-F/G-78) for the upcoming season. The team also annnounced Oleg Yushkin to continue working with the squad.
Stanislav Stanislav Balashov will play the third season with the team. In 2009-2010 he joined BC Odessa (Superleague, starting five) and in 31 games averaged 10.7ppg, 6.6rpg, Blocks-3 (1.9bpg), FGP: 63.9%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 65.2%. The last season for Odessa (Superleague) in 47 games his stats read 8.1ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 67.6%.
Rostyslav Kryvych moved to BC Odessa (Superleague, starting five) in October 2010 and in 40 games averaged 8.4ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 81.6%.
The coach Oleg Yushkin started for Odessa and then came back to the team in 2006-2007. As a player he averaged 7.5ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.5apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 62.0%, while in FIBA EuroCup after 2 games showed 12.5ppg, 6.5rpg, 2.0apg, 2FGP: 61.5%, 3FGP: 40%, FT: 42.9%. In the latest season he averaged 2.7ppg, 1.3rpg.
In 2008 he took the team as a Coach Assistant and last year was announced as a Head Coach.



NT players Lukashov and Zabirchenko remain with Budivelnyk - by Eurobasket News
Denys Lukashov (190-G-89) and Dmytro Zabirchenko (192-G-84) will remain in Budivelnyk for the next season. The team also announced keeping Andrei Malysh (204-C/F-83) and adding Kostyantyn Anikiyenko (217-C-92).
Denys Lukashov appeared in Budivelnyk Kyiv (Superleague, starting five) last season and in EuroCup showed 3.7ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.6apg. In the Ukrainian League after 57 games he averaged 5.6ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 83.6%.
The season 2010-2011 Dmytro Zabirchenko joined Budivelnyk Kyiv (Superleague, starting five) and in EuroCup after 14 games had 3.9ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.1apg. In Ukrainian League after 61 games his stats read 4.3ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.9apg.
Kostyantyn Anikiyenko played for BC Odessa over the last few seasons. In 2009-2010 for BC Odessa (Superleague) he averaged 2.4ppg, 1.8rpg.
Andrei Malysh remains with Budivelnyk Kyiv (Superleague,. In 2009/2010 in 36 games he averaged 5.1ppg, 2.2rpg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 42.5%, FT: 69.0%. The last season his stats read 1.6ppg after 18 games.


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  UNITED ARAB EMIRATES   


2011 World University Games. UAE open win count with victory over Hong Kong - by Eurobasket News
UAE - Hong Kong 86:73

UAE registered their first win at World University Games in Shenzhen. They toppled Hong Kong in the classification round for 17th-23rd place tonight. Omar Alameri (200-F-91) stepped up with 26 points and 10 rebounds to pace the winners.
UAE surged ahead early in the encounter and stayed on top throughout the opening frame. They recorded a 23:18 lead after ten minutes. But Hong Kong struck back in the second period. They erased the deficit and established a 39:35 halftime advantage. UAE shifted the gear in the third frame. They strongly finished the period to pile up an 11-point lead 69:58. UAE boosted the margin to 16 points midway through the final stanza and marched to the victory at the end. Rashed Al Zaabi (190-G-88) notched 20 points and 17 rebounds in the victory. Lee Ki (177-PG-87) answered with 25 points for Hong Kong. Chan Yik Lun (190-G-87) tallied 22 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists in defeat.

UAE: Omar Alameri 26+10 boards, Rashed Al Zaabi 20+17 boards, Khalifa Salem (179-G-91) 17
Hong Kong: Lee Ki 25, Chan Yik Lun 22


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  UNITED KINGDOM   


Ron Artest, Cheshire Jets struggling to reach contract agreement - by Eurobasket News
Ron Artest (6'7''-G/F-79, college: St.John's) and the Cheshire Jets have been one of the more interesting sagas to follow this offseason, at least in terms of NBA players looking at overseas options during the NBA lockout. Heck, the man to be known in the future as Metta World Peace might even star in a British soap opera! ~ Unfortunately, it seems all that has been put on hold. At least for the time being, the two sides are unable to come to an agreement according to a release posted on the Chester-based team's website. ~ Ron and his team were scheduled to fly into Manchester on the 19th of August to meet The Jets, see Chester and work with the club to raise the profile of basketball in the UK. However despite extensive and lengthy discussions between the Jets and Ron's lawyers, agreement could not be reached by the ...More two organizations over certain aspects of the proposed playing contract. As a result, it has been mutually agreed to delay Ron's scheduled visit with the intent on both sides to still make the deal. ~ It sounds like Artest and the Jets will keep working on a deal so all hope is not lost for those hoping the Los Angeles Lakers star would infuse a bit of life into their favorite British soap opera/basketball team, but this is disappointing news for the time being.

Courtesy of www.buzzbox.com



Great Britain beat China for first win at London Invitational Tournament - by Eurobasket News
Great Britain - China 64:56

Great Britain posted the first win at the London Invitational Tournament. The hosts held off China for 1-3 record. Joel Freeland (208-F-87) accounted for 18 points and 13 rebounds to lead the charge. China fell at 0-4 record after the loss.
Great Britain capped the first period on an 11:2 run to take a 19:12 lead. The hosts maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They established a 32:26 halftime lead. China scored seven straight points midway through the third term to narrow the deficit 35:37. The Asian team got within a single point 45:46 with ten minutes to go. Zhu drew things level early in the fourth quarter. Jianlian Yi (212-C/F-87) finally put the visitors in charge 52:51 midway through the final period. Freelend scored next 12 points of the hosts and sealed the victory for Great Britain. Luol Deng (201-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) had 15 points, while Michael Lenzly (189-G-81, college: Wofford) added 13 points in the victory. Jianlian Yi answered with 20 points and 13 rebounds for China. Yue Sun (206-G/F-85) had 11 points in the loss.

Great Britain: Joel Freeland 18+13 boards, Luol Deng 15, Michael Lenzly 13
China: Jianlian Yi 20+13 boards, Yue Sun 11


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  URUGUAY   


Argentina beat Uruguay 77-50 - by Hector Lopez
Argentina crushed Uruguay 77-50 as both teams are training for the Tournament of the Americas to be played in Mar del Plata. Luis Scola (206-F/C-80) scored 21 points and grabbed 8 rebounds for Argentina, while the best scorer for Uruguay were Gustavo Barrera and Mauricio Aguiar with 10 points.
Argetina - Luis Scola 21, Emanuel Ginobili 8, Juan Sanchez 0 Martin Leiva 0, Pablo Prigioni 6 Juan Gutierrez 8 Carlos Delfino 14 Paolo Quinteros 12, Andrs Nocioni 4, Leonardo Mainoldi 0, Juan Pablo Figueroa o Federico Kamerichs 4. Uruguay - Fernando Martinez 4, Gustavo Barrera 10 Mauricio Aguiar 10, Joaquin Osimani 3, Bruno Fitipaldo 0, Sebastian Izaguirre 0 Leandro Garcia Morales 0, Martin Osimani 4, Reque Newsome 2, Sebastian Vazquez 0, Nicolas Borsellino 8, Emiliano Baston 2, Joaquin Izuibejeres 5

Argentina defeated Uruguay 77-50 - by Sergio Palay
Argentina defeated Uruguay 77-50 in a game played in Palacio Pearol of Montevideo.

Uruguay had a good defense in the first period, but after that the mans of coach Gerardo Jauri couldn't stop the Argentine NBA players.

Luis Scola (206-F/C-80) score 21 points and Carlos Delfino netted 14 for the team coach by Julio Cesar Lamas (agency: Interperformances ). In Uruguay, the top players were Nicolas Borsellino (202-F-86) (8 points and 10 rebounds) and Gustavo Barrera (10 points).

For Uruguay Esteban Batista (208-F/C-83) was unable to play because of injury. However, Uruguay's most important player will be available in the Pre Olimpico of Mar del Plata.

Uruguay (50): M. Osimani 5, Garca Morales 0, Aguiar 10, Izaguirre 2 y Newsome 2, Barrera 10, Borsellino 8, F. Martnez 4, S. Vzquez 0, Fitipaldo 0, Izuibejeres 3, J. Osimani 3 y Bastn 4. DT: G. Jauri.

Argentina (77): Prigioni 6, Ginbili 8, Delfino 14, Nocioni 4 y Scola 21, J. Gutirrez 8, Leiva 0, J. Snchez 0, Quinteros 12, Kammerichs 4, Mainoldi 0 y Figueroa 0. DT: J. Lamas.

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  VENEZUELA   


Venezuelan Jhornan Zamora comes back to Valladolid - by Eurobasket News
Venezuelan Jhornan Zamora (193-G/F-89) comes back to Valladolid where he played few season ago. The 1989 year born player from Latin America will remain in Spain.
In February 2009 C.B. Valladolid has agreed to terms with Venezuelan Jhornan Zamora. The young forward just played his first game with Valladolid and scored 3 points and recorded 3 steals in 14 minutes of playing time. He started the season playing for Zarzuela Maristas Boecillo in the EBA. The season before he played for Zarzuela Maristas Boecillo and played 15 games for them and averaged 11.5ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.7apg. Jhornan also has played for the Venezuelan U16 National Team back in 2005.
In 2009-2010 he played for Clinicas Rincon Axarquia (Spain-LEB Gold, starting five) and in 34 games averaged 10.9ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 32.8%, FT: 75.0%.
The last season he started for CB Ins Oftamologico C Ricon (LEB Gold, starting five) and in 29 games showed 9.7ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 72.1%.
He recorded 20 points last season at the Regular Season Round 18.
The game between Ourense and Clinicas Rincon in Ourense ended with biggest points difference. Guests from Malaga outscored Ourense 71-51. Venezuelan forward Jhornan Zamora notched 20 points and 5 rebounds to lead the effort.


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  WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES   


Canada, Serbia, Russia and Lithuania will play in semifinals - by Eurobasket News
Quarterfinals
Russia - Finland 74-39
Russia destroyed Finland in the last Quarterfinal Game of the World University Games in China. The Russia team had an easy 74:39 victory to advance to the semifinals. Russia opened the game with 7-0 run after the first 5 minutes and had 19:9 at the end of the frame. Finland scored another 9 points in the second period to trail 18:41 at the halftime. In the third quarter Russia also limited the Scandinavian team to 9 points and improved to 59:27 after thirty minutes. Russia won the last stanza 15-12 and advanced to the semis. Ivan Nelyubov (207-C-88) stepped up with 17 points and Petr Gubanov (207-C-87) added 16. Viacheslav Zaitsev (191-G-89) posted 10, while Andrey Mateyunas (180-PG-88) collected 9 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Antto Nikkarinen (185-PG-91) replied with 16 points in the losing effort and Antti Kanervo (193-G/F-89) netted 8.

Canada - Romania 71-58
Canada became the first World University Games semifinalists. They held off Romania tonight. Tyson Hinz (199-F-91) stepped up with 23 points to pace the winners. Canada cleared off late in the opening period posting a 25:14 lead. Romania opened the second term on a 12:0 run to surge ahead. But Canada restored lead late in the first half 32:29. The North American team triggered a 12:2 run at the start of the second half to take a 13-point lead. They earned a 54:44 advantage at the final intermission. Romania never got closer than 7 points in the fourth period as Canada rolled to the victory at the end. Boris Bakovic (201-F-88, agency: Interperformances) scored 13 points, while Jordan Baker (192-G-91, college: Utah Valley St.) added 12 points in the winning effort. Titus Nicoara (202-F-88, agency: Interperformances) answered with 20 points and 13 rebounds for Romania. Vlad Moldoveanu (207-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances, college: American) had 13 points and 8 rebounds in defeat.

USA - Lithuania 74-76
Lithuania will play in World University Games semifinals. They stunned USA to stay in the title race. Gediminas Orelikas (200-G/F-90) stepped up with 19 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists in the victory. USA quite expectedly grabbed the initiative early in the game. The North Americans posted a 15:12 lead after ten minutes. They maintained the advantage throughout the second period. USA registered a 42:37 halftime advantage. However Lithuania tipped off the second half on a 7:0 run to surge ahead. Denmon Green returned the lead to the United States midway through the third quarter but Gediminas Orelikas and Marius Valukonis (198-F-88) made it 65:61 for the Baltic team heading into the fourth frame. Gediminas Zyle (209-C-88) stretched the gap to 8 points midway through the fourth quarter. But USA reacted with an 8:0 run to draw things level at 74 with under two minutes to go. Kadzevicius sank two free throws and then the teams went scoreless for almost 100 seconds as Lithuania escaped with a narrow win at the end. Marius Valukonis had 11 points, while Edgaras Stanionis (193-G-88) and Gediminas Zyle posted 10 points each in the victory. John Jenkins (193-G-91) replied with 17 points for USA. Ashton Gibbs (187-G-90) provided 16 points in defeat.

Germany - Serbia 55-77
Serbia became the Semifinalist of the World University Games in China. The team won the European Quarterfinal clash over Germany 77:55 after a miserable start. It was a slow start as both teams nailed 11 points in the first five minutes. Germany had 6:5 and then erupted for 20:12 after the first period. Serbia tied the game in the middle of the second frame and after 23-13 grabbed 35:33 halftime advantage. They never looked behind after. The third quarter brought 22-10 for the Serbian side that needed 57:43 to enter the last stanza. Serbia had 68:47 after 35 minutes of the game and finished with comfortable 77:55 victory. Dragovic Nikola top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Vladimir Lucic (202-F-89, agency: Beo Basket) notched 15. Mladen Jeremic (196-G-88, agency: Interperformances) nailed 14, while Milos Dimic (195-G-89) scored 11. Johannes Lischka (203-F/C-87) brought 12 points in the losing effort and Oskar Fassler (198-G-88) added 10.

9-16 place
Czech Republic - Australia 78-69
Czech Republic registered a confident win over Australia in the classification round of World University Games. Vojtech Hruban (200-F-89) stepped up with 17 points and 7 rebounds to pace the winners. Czech Republic jumped in front early in the game. They posted a 22:15 lead ten minutes into the game. The Europeans cleared off in the second term. Czech Republic boosted the margin to 12 points at halftime 40:28. They shielded off the advantage well throughout the third term. Czech Republic entered the fourth frame up by 14 points 53:39. Australia exploded with 30 points in the final quarter but it was not enough to threaten the margin. Petr Dokoupil (191-G-88) produced 18 points, while Jiri Slavik (203-F-89) added 14 points in the win. Ryan Broekhoff (198-F/G-90) replied with 14 points for Australia. Cameron Gliddon (196-G/F-89) netted 12 points in defeat.

Turkey - Brazil 92-84
Turkey opened classification round for 9th-16th place with victory. They held off Brazil tonight. Birkan Batuk (198-F-90) knocked down 22 points to pace the effort. Turkey earned a 21:16 lead at the first break. Turkey opened the second frame on a 12:3 run to establish a 14-point advantage. But Brazil cut the deficit to just two points 35:37 at halftime. Turkey however did not allow their opponents to pull in front. Levent Torsakal team maintained the lead as they registered a 64:58 advantage at the final break. Turkey kept their opponents at bay throughout the fourth frame and drove to the victory at the end. Can Ozcan (202-F-89) posted 17 points, while Yigitcan Turna (187-PG-87) added 16 points in the win. Michael Machado (185-G-90) responded with 30 points and 6 assists for Brazil. Fabricio Melo (212-C-90) netted 15 points in the loss.

Ukraine - Israel 95-80
Ukraine registered another win at the World University Games. They overcame Israel in the 9th-16th place classification round today. Igor Zaitsev (211-F/C-89) tallied 21 points and 16 rebounds to pace Ukraine. Ukraine surged ahead early in the game and maintained the lead throughout the opening quarter. They entered the second period up by 6 points 25:19. Israel cut the deficit early in the second quarter but Ukraine bounced back posting a 52:40 halftime advantage. The gap grew at 15-point mark midway through the third term. Ukraine established a 76:62 advantage heading into the fourth period. Israel never threatened the margin in the fourth period as Ukraine cruised to the victorya at the end. Stanislav Tymofeyenko (205-F-89) had 17 points, while Maksym Kornienko (205-F/C-87) added 16 points for the winners. Anton Shoutvin (206-C/F-89) answered with 18 points for Israel. Yoad Bet-Yosef (182-G-87, agency: Avi Zilberman) finished with 15 points in the loss.

Mexico - Japan 88-92
Japan registered victory in classification round of World University Games in Shenzhen. They overcame Mexico in the 9th-16th place round. Kosuke Kanamaru (193-F/G-89) stepped up with 21 points to pace the effort. Mexico surged ahead early in the encounter but Japan quickly bounced back. The Asian team accounted for 29 points in the opening stanza to take a 4-point lead. Mexico and Japan stayed close throughout the second term. Japan eked out a 49:47 lead at halftime. Mexico erased the deficit and spurred in front in the third frame. The Latin American team posted a 70:66 advantage at the final intermission. Japan quickly denied the deficit and built an 82:77 lead midway through the fourth quarter. Japan shielded off the margin well enough in the final minutes posting a well-deserved win at the end. Ruymo Ono (197-F/C-88) delivered 18 points, while Takatoshi Furukawa (190-G/F-87) added 12 points in the victory. Gabriel Giron (192-F-88) answered with 26 points for Mexico. Cesar Del Campo (194-F-87) provided 19 points in the loss.

17-23 place
New Zealand - Hungary 56-90
Hungary earned the initial win at World University Games in China. They dropped New Zealand in 17th-23rd place classification round. Peter Kovacs (189-G-88) knocked down 23 points to pace the effort. Hungary fired 28 points in the opening period to post a 6-point lead. They held the Kiwis to just 6 points in the second frame as the margin grew at 16-point mark at halftime. Hungary dominated in the third period. They established a comfortable 68:38 lead heading into the fourth stanza and did not look back en route to the victory. Peter Szabo (183-G-89) registered 14 points, while Gergely Somogyi (218-C-89) had 13 points and 7 rebounds in the winning effort. Justin Richard Edwards (197-F-90) replied with 21 points and 7 rebounds for New Zealand. Marco Alexander (186-G-91) and Dion Prewster (195-G/F-91, college: Stephen F. Austin) finished with 9 points apiece in defeat.

Hong Kong - United Arab Emirates 73-86
UAE registered their first win at World University Games in Shenzhen. They toppled Hong Kong in the classification round for 17th-23rd place tonight. Omar Alameri (200-F-91) stepped up with 26 points and 10 rebounds to pace the winners. UAE surged ahead early in the encounter and stayed on top throughout the opening frame. They recorded a 23:18 lead after ten minutes. But Hong Kong struck back in the second period. They erased the deficit and established a 39:35 halftime advantage. UAE shifted the gear in the third frame. They strongly finished the period to pile up an 11-point lead 69:58. UAE boosted the margin to 16 points midway through the final stanza and marched to the victory at the end. Rashed Al Zaabi (190-G-88) notched 20 points and 17 rebounds in the victory. Lee Ki (177-PG-87) answered with 25 points for Hong Kong. Chan Yik Lun (190-G-87) tallied 22 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists in defeat.





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Women News

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  AUSTRALIA - Women  


WSBL: Tigers level WSBL series with Wolves - by Eurobasket News
Defending champions Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers and Glasscraft Wanneroo Wolves are headed to a deciding third game after the Tigers levelled their WSBL semi-final series at one game apiece with a 76-68 victory.

The deciding game of the best-of-three series will take place at Willetton Basketball Stadium on Saturday night, with the winner will advance to face either Perry Lakes or East Perth in the Grand Final.

Kate Malpass (176-G-88) was back to her best for the Tigers, leading her team with 20 points and adding 10 rebounds, eight assists and four steals. Zoe Harper (191-C-88, college: Minnesota) also added 17 points and 13 rebounds, proving to be a handful down in the low post. For the Wolves, Rebecca Mercer (175-G-86, college: Montana St.) dominated with 23 points while Shani Amos contributed 15.

It was good, the girls did really well, Willetton coach Glenn Clarke said.

We had a good session during the week with a lot of shooting. One from 20 last game was disappointing so we needed to work on that and the girls came through.

The Tigers raced out to an early eight point lead with Malpass and Harper both making early shots from the perimeter and inside the key. Harper took the early advantage drawing two early fouls on Ainsleigh Sanders which saw her head to the bench early.

Willetton also tightened their half-court defense and placed immense pressure on the Wanneroo ball handlers, forcing them into costly turnovers resulting in easy layups for Malpass. She exploded for 11 first quarter points as the Tigers raced away early.

The Wolves immediately hit back with an early second quarter run, scoring 12 of the first 14 points with Mercer and Amos sharing the load. However Willetton continued to force turnovers at mid court and held on to their lead going into half time.

The second half started with Wolves coach Craig Friday wanting his team to push the tempo up the court. His cries were answered with Amos and Meghan Lee directing the fast breaks with Mercer on the receiving end of long passes, finishing them with easy layups.

However the Wolves hard work was countered with some accurate long distance shooting from the Tigers. Melissa Marsh found her shooting touch along with Malpass and Ebony Antonio. The Tigers combined for 64% shooting from the three point line for the game compared to 25% for Wanneroo.

Once again the Wolves clawed their way back to only trail by three points at the final break. But that was as close as they could get for the remainder of the game as the outside shooting of the Tigers proved too much for the Wanneroo defenders.

Mercer was held to only two points in the fourth quarter as Antonio and Jasmine Hooper stepped up with some big shots for the Tigers. Offensive rebounding also hurt Wanneroo as the Tigers outscored them 13-2 in second chance points, however it was the rebounding count that was the major factor as the Tigers won the offensive count 17-2 and overall 47-28.

We played well as a team tonight which is really important for us, Malpass said.

Tomorrow night is not going to be easy. As long as we look for the open shots and not the first shot everything else should fall into place.'

Article by Nathan Winch at Willetton Basketball Stadium
Courtesy of: SBL



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  BELGIUM - Women  


U16 Belgium heads to Semifinals in Cagliari - by Eurobasket News
U16 BELGIUM - U16 FRANCE 70-67

Belgium eliminated France 70-67 in the Quarterfinals of U16 EuroBasket in Cagliari. It means that Belgium advanced to the Semis, where they will take on Italy. On the other side, France will be transferred to Classification Round from 5-8 place. Their first rival will be Russia. Hind Ben Abdelkader (170-G/F-95) led the winners with 18 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. Margo De Korte (168-G-95) scored 17 points, while Julie Allemand (173-PG-96) added 12 pts. In the loosing squad, Berengere Dinga-Mbomi (174-G-95) responded with 20 points. Assitan Kone (191-F-95) also shined adding 17 points and 16 boards, while Aby Gaye (195-C-95) registered 14 pts and 9 rebs. Quarters: 16-17, 19-16, 17-14, 18-20. Championship continues today.

Belgium: Hind Ben Abdelkader 18+8 boards+8 as, Margo De Korte 17, Julie Allemand 12
France: Berengere Dinga-Mbomi 20, Assitan Kone 17+16 boards, Aby Gaye 14+9 boards

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  BULGARIA - Women  


Borislava Hristova leads U16 Bulgaria to Semifinals in Arad - by Eurobasket News
U16 PORTUGAL - U16 BULGARIA 59-61

Bulgaria did a great job yesterday beating Portugal 61-59 in the Quarterfinals of U16 EuroBasket Division B in Arad. Bulgaria advanced to the Semis, where they will meet Germany. Portugal will go to Classification Round from 5-8 place. Their first rival will be Ukraine. Borislava Hristova (180-F-96) was totally the best player in victory with 30 points. Iva Georgieva (172-F-96) was the second scorer in Bulgaria with juts 6 points. In defeat, Laura Ferreira (177-G-95) collected 15 points and 7 rebs. Joana Soeiro (170-PG-95) had 11 points, 5 rebs and 6 assists. Quarters: 23-8, 13-16, 14-15, 9-22. Championship continues today.

Portugal: Laura Ferreira 15+7 boards, Joana Soeiro 11
Bulgaria: Borislava Hristova 30, Iva Georgieva 6

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  CROATIA - Women  


U16 Finland wins their first game in Cagliari - by Eurobasket News
U16 FINLAND - U16 CROATIA 61-54

Finland registered first win in Group G in Cagliari. They outplayed Croatia 61-54 for 1-3 record in this pool. On the other side, Croatia dropped to 2-2. Moona Hamalainen (184-F/C-95) came up with 13 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Jasmine Dolivo (165-PG-95) had 11 points and Anni Jamsa (167-PG-95) added three less than her. In defeat, Antonija Chiabov (190-C-95) (8 rebs) and Ivana Matic (181-F-95) netted 16 points each. Dana Saric (174-F-95) had 15 points and 6 boards. Quarters: 10-21, 14-10, 16-8, 21-15. In the next game Finland will meet Poland. Croatia will play against Serbia.

Finland: Moona Hamalainen 13+6 boards, Jasmine Dolivo 11, Anni Jamsa 8
Criatia: Antonija Chiabov 16+8 boards, Ivana Matic 16, Dana Saric 15+6 boards

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  CZECH REPUBLIC - Women  


U16 Czech Republic outplays U16 Hungary 65-59 - by Eurobasket News
U16 CZECH REPUBLIC - U16 HUNGARY 65-59

Czech Republic is a step closer to ninth place of the U16 EuroBasket in Cagliari. They outplayed Hungary 65-59 and will meet Holland in the last day of the competition. On the other side, Hungary will play against Slovakia. The winner of that game will take position No.11. Kamila Hoskova (174-F-95) led Czech Republic with 21 points. Mariana Opocenska (183-F-95) had 19 points and 7 rebounds, while Sarah Berankova (174-PG-96) helped with 8 pts. In defeat, Agnes Dobos (190-C-96) collected 17 points and 6 rebounds. Vivien Borondy (170-PG-95) netted 14 pts. Quarters: 12-10, 16-13, 17-12, 20-24. Both teams will take a rest today.

Czech Reoublic: Kamila Hoskova 21, Mariana Opocenska 19+7 boards, Sarah Berankova 8
Hungary: Agnes Dobos 17+6 boards, Vivien Borondy 14

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  DENMARK - Women  


U16 Estonia hands 59-51 loss to U16 Denmark - by Eurobasket News
U16 DENMARK - U16 ESTONIA 51-59

Estonia is a step closer to ninth place in Arad. They outplayed Denmark 59-51 and will meet Slovenia tomorrow in the battle for position No.9. Denmark will play against Switzerland also tomorrow. The winner of that meeting will end as No.11. Trine Kasemagi (190-C-95) exploded with 24 points and 16 rebounds for the winners. Jane Svilberg (180-F-95) followed her with 15 points and 9 rebounds. On the other side, Denmark got 13 points and 9 rebs from Sofie Preetzmann (180-G-95). Frederikke Mollerup (177-G-95) scored 11 pts. Quarters: 14-11, 11-18, 11-17, 15-13. Both teams will take a rest today.

Denmark: Sofie Preetzmann 13+9 boards, Frederikke Mollerup 11
Estonia: Trine Kasemagi 24+16 boards, Jane Svilberg 15+9 boards

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  ESTONIA - Women  


U16 Estonia hands 59-51 loss to U16 Denmark - by Eurobasket News
U16 DENMARK - U16 ESTONIA 51-59

Estonia is a step closer to ninth place in Arad. They outplayed Denmark 59-51 and will meet Slovenia tomorrow in the battle for position No.9. Denmark will play against Switzerland also tomorrow. The winner of that meeting will end as No.11. Trine Kasemagi (190-C-95) exploded with 24 points and 16 rebounds for the winners. Jane Svilberg (180-F-95) followed her with 15 points and 9 rebounds. On the other side, Denmark got 13 points and 9 rebs from Sofie Preetzmann (180-G-95). Frederikke Mollerup (177-G-95) scored 11 pts. Quarters: 14-11, 11-18, 11-17, 15-13. Both teams will take a rest today.

Denmark: Sofie Preetzmann 13+9 boards, Frederikke Mollerup 11
Estonia: Trine Kasemagi 24+16 boards, Jane Svilberg 15+9 boards

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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U16 - Women  


Stats Leaders W - Group A
Points Per Game
 Sanja MANDIC
  (177-G-95)
  Avg: 22.3
 1. Mandic, SRB22.3 
 2. Ben Abdelkad., BEL17.6 
 3. Hruscakova, SVK16.7 
 4. Zandalasini, ITA16.1 
 5. Chiabov, CRO16.1 
 6. Crvendakic, SRB15.4 
 7. Hoskova, CZE14.4 
 8. Magarity, SWE14.1 
 9. Arrojo, ESP13.6 
 10. Coklar, TUR13.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Hulya COKLAR
  (188-C-95)
  Avg: 11.7
 1. Coklar, TUR11.7 
 2. Szajtauer, POL10.3 
 3. Hruscakova, SVK10.1 
 4. Magarity, SWE10.0 
 5. Lammerink, NED9.0 
 6. Hanson, SWE9.0 
 7. Gaye, FRA8.9 
 8. Crvendakic, SRB8.7 
 9. Chiabov, CRO8.7 
 10. Opocenska, CZE8.3 
Assists Per Game
 Inja BUTINA
  (170-PG-95)
  Avg: 5
 1. Butina, CRO5.0 
 2. Ben Abdelkad., BEL4.0 
 3. Mandic, SRB3.7 
 4. Akbas, TUR3.4 
 5. Allemand, BEL3.3 
 6. Kyratzi, GRE3.0 
 7. Lizarazu, ESP2.9 
 8. Marangoni, ITA2.9 
 9. Matuskova, SVK2.9 
 10. Hanson, SWE2.6 
Steals Per Game
 Leticia ROMERO
  (174-F-95)
  Avg: 3.3
 1. Romero, ESP3.3 
 2. Jamsa, FIN3.0 
 3. Butina, CRO3.0 
 4. Hanson, SWE2.9 
 5. Mandic, SRB2.7 
 6. Lizarazu, ESP2.6 
 7. Nagy, HUN2.5 
 8. Pisera, POL2.2 
 9. Borondy, HUN2.1 
 10. Palenikova, SVK2.1 
Blocks Per Game
 Antonija CHIABOV
  (190-C-95)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Chiabov, CRO2.7 
 2. Crvendakic, SRB2.4 
 3. Zarevuckaa, SVK2.0 
 4. Gaye, FRA1.6 
 5. Arrojo, ESP1.3 
 6. Pobozy, POL1.3 
 7. Magarity, SWE1.1 
 8. Zandalasini, ITA1.1 
 9. Szajtauer, POL1.0 
 10. Linskens, BEL1.0 


Div B. - by Greg
Points Per Game
 Borislava HRISTOVA
  (180-F-96)
  Avg: 26.3
 1. Hristova, BUL26.3 
 2. Stach, GER21.3 
 3. Rouault, GER20.8 
 4. Preetzmann, DEN16.0 
 5. Belickaite, LTU15.8 
 6. Kraujunaite, LTU15.3 
 7. Soeiro, POR15.3 
 8. Kreslina, LAT15.0 
 9. Joseph, ENG15.0 
 10. Skorbatyuk, UKR14.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Noemie ROUAULT
  (180-F-95)
  Avg: 15.8
 1. Rouault, GER15.8 
 2. Antonyuk, UKR14.0 
 3. Green, ENG12.0 
 4. Lisec, SLO11.8 
 5. Kasemagi, EST11.0 
 6. Batrakova, UKR10.5 
 7. Monakana, ENG10.0 
 8. Putramentait., LTU9.5 
 9. Pauly, LUX8.7 
 10. Preetzmann, DEN8.5 
Assists Per Game
 Emma lina STACH
  (175-PG-96)
  Avg: 4.3
 1. Stach, GER4.3 
 2. Aha, GER3.5 
 3. Soeiro, POR3.3 
 4. Sirsinaityte, LTU3.0 
 5. Tamp, EST3.0 
 6. Hristova, BUL2.8 
 7. Potocnik, SLO2.8 
 8. Bravo-H., ENG2.8 
 9. Kreslina, LAT2.8 
 10. Joseph, ENG2.8 
Steals Per Game
 Cristina GAVRILA
  (172-G-95)
  Avg: 5.8
 1. Gavrila, ROM5.8 
 2. Crowley, IRL4.5 
 3. Belickaite, LTU4.5 
 4. Mollerup, DEN3.8 
 5. Banet, ISR3.3 
 6. Sapir, ISR3.3 
 7. Preetzmann, DEN3.3 
 8. Soeiro, POR3.0 
 9. Green, ENG3.0 
 10. Sirsinaityte, LTU3.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Bianca BLANARU
  (193-C-95)
  Avg: 5
 1. Blanaru, ROM5.0 
 2. Batrakova, UKR2.8 
 3. Avram, ROM2.3 
 4. Skorbatyuk, UKR1.8 
 5. Zali, SUI1.8 
 6. Antonyuk, UKR1.5 
 7. Eneva, BUL1.5 
 8. Mizgeryte, LTU1.5 
 9. Edringer, GER1.0 
 10. Halstad, DEN1.0 


Division B (Arad): Quarterfinals - by Eurobasket News
QUARTERFINALS

Portugal - Bulgaria 59-61
Bulgaria did a great job yesterday beating Portugal 61-59 in the Quarterfinals of U16 EuroBasket Division B in Arad. Bulgaria advanced to the Semis, where they will meet Germany. Portugal will go to Classification Round from 5-8 place. Their first rival will be Ukraine. Borislava Hristova (180-F-96) was totally the best player in victory with 30 points. Iva Georgieva (172-F-96) was the second scorer in Bulgaria with juts 6 points. In defeat, Laura Ferreira (177-G-95) collected 15 points and 7 rebs. Joana Soeiro (170-PG-95) had 11 points, 5 rebs and 6 assists. Quarters: 23-8, 13-16, 14-15, 9-22. Championship continues today.

United Kingdom - Romania 63-50
United Kingdom outplayed Romania 63-50 in the Quarterfinals of U16 EuroBasket Division B. UK advanced to the Semis where their rival will be Latvia. On the other side, the host of this event will fight for the fifth place. Their first rival will be Lithuania. Shequila Joseph (189-F-95) led the winners with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Leah McDerment (180-PG-96) scored 17 points, while Cheridene Green (187-C-95) added 10 points and 16 rebounds. In defeat, Iulia Pasca (175-F-95) collected 15 points and 9 rebounds. Mihaela Maxim (167-PG-96) scored 13 pts. Quarters: 19-7, 15-14, 15-16, 14-13. Championship continues today.

Lithuania - Latvia 52-67
Latvia cruised past Lithuania 67-52 in the Quarterfinals of U16 EuroBasket Division B in Arad. Of course Latvia advanced to the Semis, where they will meet United Kingdom. Lithuania failed to advance and they will go to Classification Round. Lithuania will fight for the fifth place. Ieva Spigule (179-F-96) led Latvia in scoring with 16 points. Kate Kreslina (178-PG-96) had 13 points, while Arta Fridenberga (178-F-95) added 9 points and 5 rebounds. In defeat, Justina Kraujunaite (174-F-95) was better than the others with 14 points. Dalia Belickaite (175-F-96) had 12 pts and 6 boards. Quarters: 11-17, 9-23, 14-19, 18-8. Championship continues today.

Germany - Ukraine 85-79 OT
Germany eliminated Ukraine 85-79 in the Quarterfinals of U16 EuroBasket Division B. It was an OT win for Germany, who will meet Bulgaria in the Semis. On the other side, Ukraine will continue in Classification Round. Ukraine will fight for the fifth place and their first rival will be Portugal. Noemie Rouault (180-F-95) exploded with 28 points and 14 rebounds in Germany. Emma lina Stach (175-PG-96) also scored 28 pts, but to go with 5 rebounds, while Leonie Edringer (182-F-95) added 11 pts and 5 rebs. In defeat, Nataliya Skorbatyuk (183-F-95) was better than the others with 25 points and 6 rebounds. Tetyana Antonyuk (184-C-95) was their second scorer with 12 points (6 rebs). Quarters: 14-23, 24-8, 16-15, 22-30, 9-3 OT. Championship continues today.
Places 9-12
Denmark - Estonia 51-59
Estonia is a step closer to ninth place in Arad. They outplayed Denmark 59-51 and will meet Slovenia tomorrow in the battle for position No.9. Denmark will play against Switzerland also tomorrow. The winner of that meeting will end as No.11. Trine Kasemagi (190-C-95) exploded with 24 points and 16 rebounds for the winners. Jane Svilberg (180-F-95) followed her with 15 points and 9 rebounds. On the other side, Denmark got 13 points and 9 rebs from Sofie Preetzmann (180-G-95). Frederikke Mollerup (177-G-95) scored 11 pts. Quarters: 14-11, 11-18, 11-17, 15-13. Both teams will take a rest today.

Slovenia - Switzerland 82-56
Slovenia made a step forward to ninth place in Arad. They outplayed Switzerland 82-56 and will have to beat Estonia tomorrow if they want to end as No.9. On the other side, Switzerland will play against Denmark. The winner of that game will finish as No.11. Eva Lisec (191-C-95) was a key player in victory with double-double of 24 points and 11 rebounds. Anja Valentincic (181-F-95) had 13 points and 12 rebounds, while Larisa Ocvirk (184-F-97) added 11 pts, plus 5 rebounds. Tiffanie Zali (182-F-95) and Dijana Milenkovic collected 15 points and 6 rebounds each in defeat. Miryam Sohm (175-F-95) had 11 points and 8 rebs. Quarters: 25-17, 18-16, 17-13, 22-10. Both teams will take a rest today.

Places 13-15
Israel - Luxembourg 48-56
Luxembourg registered second victory in Group G. They outplayed Israel 56-48 to join them with 2-1 record. Mia Pauly (176-F-96) came up with 13 points and 6 rebounds in victory. Alexa Sanelli (174-F-95) also scored 13 points, while Charlie Bidinger (167-G-95) added 11 pts. In the loosing squad, Noa Zelivanski (168-PG-96) was better than the others with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Dekel Itach (164-G-95) had 6 points and 5 boards. Quarters: 13-15, 16-13, 6-14, 13-14. Luxembourg will take a rest today. Israel will meet Ireland. Ireland is still winless in Arad.

Division A (Cagliari): Quarterfinals review - by Eurobasket News
QUARTERFINALS

Spain - Greece 75-28
Spain continued with impressive performance in Cagliari. They smashed Greece 75-28 in the Quarterfinals of U16 EuroBasket and will meet Turkey in the Semis. Greece will fight for the fifth place at this event. Their first rival will be Sweden. Leticia Romero (174-F-95) top-scored in Spain with 12 points. Judith Sole (190-C-95) had 11 points and 6 rebounds, while Ariadna Pujol (182-F-95) helped with 10 pts and 7 rebs. In defeat, Dimitra Tsavou (182-F-96) collected 8 points and 5 rebs. Pinelopi Pavlopoulou (170-PG-96) stopped to 6 points. Quarters: 18-9, 18-4, 24-11, 15-4. Championship continues today.

Sweden - Turkey 53-56
Turkey grabbed 56-53 win against Sweden in the Quarterfinals of U16 EuroBasket in Cagliari. Turkey advanced to the Semis, where they will play against powerful Spain. Sweden will fight for the fifth place at this event. Their first rival will be Greece. Busra Akbas (168-PG-95) stepped up for Turkey with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Their second scorer was Nurcan Basaran (176-F-95) with 10 points. In Sweden, Regan Magarity (187-F-96) shined with 18 points and 18 rebounds. Gabriella Hanson (180-G-95) had 13 pts and 7 rebs. Quarters: 10-15, 16-13, 17-15, 10-13. Semifinals are scheduled for today.

Italy - Russia 60-50
The host of U16 EuroBasket advanced to Semifinals of this event. Italy cruised past Russia 60-50 in the QFinals and will meet Belgium in the battle for the gold medal game. Russia will fight for the fifth place in Cagliari. Their first rival will be France. Cecilia Zandalasini (182-F-96) was a key player in Italy with 23 points and 6 rebounds. Elisa Penna (185-F-95) had 10 points and Elisa Ercoli (190-C-95) helped with 8 points, plus 8 rebounds. On the other side, Yana Degtyarskaya (178-F-95) led the winners with 17 points. Polina Fedorova (188-F-95) had 12 points and 9 rebs. Quarters: 19-12, 15-15, 12-7, 14-16. Championship continues today.

Belgium - France 70-67
Belgium eliminated France 70-67 in the Quarterfinals of U16 EuroBasket in Cagliari. It means that Belgium advanced to the Semis, where they will take on Italy. On the other side, France will be transferred to Classification Round from 5-8 place. Their first rival will be Russia. Hind Ben Abdelkader (170-G/F-95) led the winners with 18 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. Margo De Korte (168-G-95) scored 17 points, while Julie Allemand (173-PG-96) added 12 pts. In the loosing squad, Berengere Dinga-Mbomi (174-G-95) responded with 20 points. Assitan Kone (191-F-95) also shined adding 17 points and 16 boards, while Aby Gaye (195-C-95) registered 14 pts and 9 rebs. Quarters: 16-17, 19-16, 17-14, 18-20. Championship continues today.

Places 9-12
Czech Republic - Hungary 65-59
Czech Republic is a step closer to ninth place of the U16 EuroBasket in Cagliari. They outplayed Hungary 65-59 and will meet Holland in the last day of the competition. On the other side, Hungary will play against Slovakia. The winner of that game will take position No.11. Kamila Hoskova (174-F-95) led Czech Republic with 21 points. Mariana Opocenska (183-F-95) had 19 points and 7 rebounds, while Sarah Berankova (174-PG-96) helped with 8 pts. In defeat, Agnes Dobos (190-C-96) collected 17 points and 6 rebounds. Vivien Borondy (170-PG-95) netted 14 pts. Quarters: 12-10, 16-13, 17-12, 20-24. Both teams will take a rest today.

Holland - Slovakia 52-48
Holland made a first step forward to ninth place in Cagliari. They grabbed 52-48 win against Slovakia and will have to beat Czech Republic on Sunday in order to take position No.9. On the other side, Slovakia will meet Hungary. The winner of that game will end as No.11 of U16 EuroBasket. Klaziena Guijt (173-G-95) came up with 12 points for Holland, while Merlin Lammerink (186-C-95) helped with double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds. Lisanne de Jonge (181-F-95) also had double-double to help her country: 10 pts and 11 rebs. In Slovakia, Zofia Hruscakova (190-C-95) was better than the others with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Their second scorer was Nikola Dudasova (169-PG-95) with 11 pts. Quarters: 15-7, 12-18, 8-11, 17-12. Both teams will take a rest today.

Places 13-16
Finland - Croatia 61-54
Finland registered first win in Group G in Cagliari. They outplayed Croatia 61-54 for 1-3 record in this pool. On the other side, Croatia dropped to 2-2. Moona Hamalainen (184-F/C-95) came up with 13 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Jasmine Dolivo (165-PG-95) had 11 points and Anni Jamsa (167-PG-95) added three less than her. In defeat, Antonija Chiabov (190-C-95) (8 rebs) and Ivana Matic (181-F-95) netted 16 points each. Dana Saric (174-F-95) had 15 points and 6 boards. Quarters: 10-21, 14-10, 16-8, 21-15. In the next game Finland will meet Poland. Croatia will play against Serbia.

Serbia - Poland 62-66
Poland jumped to 2-2 in Group G in Cagliari. They outplayed Serbia in very important game 66-62 making a step forward to survival in U16 EuroBasket Division A. On the other side, Serbia dropped to 3-1. Weronika Telenga (189-C-95) shined for the winners with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Karolina Pobozy (188-F-96) (11 rebs) and Monika Buczak (166-PG-95) helped with 11 points each. In the loosing squad, Sanja Mandic (177-G-95) collected 26 points and 7 rebounds. Aleksandra Crvendakic (187-C/F-96) followed her with 18 points ad 6 rebs. Quarters: 24-16, 14-20, 11-15, 13-15. In the next game, Poland will meet Finland. Croatia will play against Serbia.

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  FINLAND - Women  


U16 Finland wins their first game in Cagliari - by Eurobasket News
U16 FINLAND - U16 CROATIA 61-54

Finland registered first win in Group G in Cagliari. They outplayed Croatia 61-54 for 1-3 record in this pool. On the other side, Croatia dropped to 2-2. Moona Hamalainen (184-F/C-95) came up with 13 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Jasmine Dolivo (165-PG-95) had 11 points and Anni Jamsa (167-PG-95) added three less than her. In defeat, Antonija Chiabov (190-C-95) (8 rebs) and Ivana Matic (181-F-95) netted 16 points each. Dana Saric (174-F-95) had 15 points and 6 boards. Quarters: 10-21, 14-10, 16-8, 21-15. In the next game Finland will meet Poland. Croatia will play against Serbia.

Finland: Moona Hamalainen 13+6 boards, Jasmine Dolivo 11, Anni Jamsa 8
Criatia: Antonija Chiabov 16+8 boards, Ivana Matic 16, Dana Saric 15+6 boards

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  FRANCE - Women  


U16 Belgium heads to Semifinals in Cagliari - by Eurobasket News
U16 BELGIUM - U16 FRANCE 70-67

Belgium eliminated France 70-67 in the Quarterfinals of U16 EuroBasket in Cagliari. It means that Belgium advanced to the Semis, where they will take on Italy. On the other side, France will be transferred to Classification Round from 5-8 place. Their first rival will be Russia. Hind Ben Abdelkader (170-G/F-95) led the winners with 18 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. Margo De Korte (168-G-95) scored 17 points, while Julie Allemand (173-PG-96) added 12 pts. In the loosing squad, Berengere Dinga-Mbomi (174-G-95) responded with 20 points. Assitan Kone (191-F-95) also shined adding 17 points and 16 boards, while Aby Gaye (195-C-95) registered 14 pts and 9 rebs. Quarters: 16-17, 19-16, 17-14, 18-20. Championship continues today.

Belgium: Hind Ben Abdelkader 18+8 boards+8 as, Margo De Korte 17, Julie Allemand 12
France: Berengere Dinga-Mbomi 20, Assitan Kone 17+16 boards, Aby Gaye 14+9 boards

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  GERMANY - Women  


U16 Germany eliminates U16 Ukraine 85-79 after OT - by Eurobasket News
U16 GERMANY - U16 UKRAINE 85-79 OT

Germany eliminated Ukraine 85-79 in the Quarterfinals of U16 EuroBasket Division B. It was an OT win for Germany, who will meet Bulgaria in the Semis. On the other side, Ukraine will continue in Classification Round. Ukraine will fight for the fifth place and their first rival will be Portugal. Noemie Rouault (180-F-95) exploded with 28 points and 14 rebounds in Germany. Emma lina Stach (175-PG-96) also scored 28 pts, but to go with 5 rebounds, while Leonie Edringer (182-F-95) added 11 pts and 5 rebs. In defeat, Nataliya Skorbatyuk (183-F-95) was better than the others with 25 points and 6 rebounds. Tetyana Antonyuk (184-C-95) was their second scorer with 12 points (6 rebs). Quarters: 14-23, 24-8, 16-15, 22-30, 9-3 OT. Championship continues today.

Germany: Noemie Rouault 28+14 boards, Emma lina Stach 28+5 boards, Leonie Edringer 11+5 boards
Ukraine: Nataliya Skorbatyuk 25+6 boards, Tetyana Antonyuk 12+6 boards

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  GREECE - Women  


U16 Spain smashes U16 Greece 75-28 in the QFinals - by Eurobasket News
U16 SPAIN - U16 GREECE 75-28

Spain continued with impressive performance in Cagliari. They smashed Greece 75-28 in the Quarterfinals of U16 EuroBasket and will meet Turkey in the Semis. Greece will fight for the fifth place at this event. Their first rival will be Sweden. Leticia Romero (174-F-95) top-scored in Spain with 12 points. Judith Sole (190-C-95) had 11 points and 6 rebounds, while Ariadna Pujol (182-F-95) helped with 10 pts and 7 rebs. In defeat, Dimitra Tsavou (182-F-96) collected 8 points and 5 rebs. Pinelopi Pavlopoulou (170-PG-96) stopped to 6 points. Quarters: 18-9, 18-4, 24-11, 15-4. Championship continues today.

Spain: Leticia Romero 12, Judith Sole 11+6 boards, Ariadna Pujol 10+7 boards
Greece: Dimitra Tsavou 8+5 boards, Pinelopi Pavlopoulou 6

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  HOLLAND - Women  


U16 Holland beats U16 Slovakia 52-48 - by Eurobasket News
U16 HOLLAND - U16 SLOVAKIA 52-48

Holland made a first step forward to ninth place in Cagliari. They grabbed 52-48 win against Slovakia and will have to beat Czech Republic on Sunday in order to take position No.9. On the other side, Slovakia will meet Hungary. The winner of that game will end as No.11 of U16 EuroBasket. Klaziena Guijt (173-G-95) came up with 12 points for Holland, while Merlin Lammerink (186-C-95) helped with double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds. Lisanne de Jonge (181-F-95) also had double-double to help her country: 10 pts and 11 rebs. In Slovakia, Zofia Hruscakova (190-C-95) was better than the others with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Their second scorer was Nikola Dudasova (169-PG-95) with 11 pts. Quarters: 15-7, 12-18, 8-11, 17-12. Both teams will take a rest today.

Holland: Klaziena Guijt 12, Merlin Lammerink 11+10 boards, Lisanne de Jonge 10+11 boards
Slovakia: Zofia Hruscakova 21+10 boards, Nikola Dudasova 11

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  HUNGARY - Women  


U16 Czech Republic outplays U16 Hungary 65-59 - by Eurobasket News
U16 CZECH REPUBLIC - U16 HUNGARY 65-59

Czech Republic is a step closer to ninth place of the U16 EuroBasket in Cagliari. They outplayed Hungary 65-59 and will meet Holland in the last day of the competition. On the other side, Hungary will play against Slovakia. The winner of that game will take position No.11. Kamila Hoskova (174-F-95) led Czech Republic with 21 points. Mariana Opocenska (183-F-95) had 19 points and 7 rebounds, while Sarah Berankova (174-PG-96) helped with 8 pts. In defeat, Agnes Dobos (190-C-96) collected 17 points and 6 rebounds. Vivien Borondy (170-PG-95) netted 14 pts. Quarters: 12-10, 16-13, 17-12, 20-24. Both teams will take a rest today.

Czech Reoublic: Kamila Hoskova 21, Mariana Opocenska 19+7 boards, Sarah Berankova 8
Hungary: Agnes Dobos 17+6 boards, Vivien Borondy 14

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  ISRAEL - Women  


U16 Luxembourg jumps to 2-1 in Group G - by Eurobasket News
U16 ISRAEL - U16 LUXEMBOURG 48-56

Luxembourg registered second victory in Group G. They outplayed Israel 56-48 to join them with 2-1 record. Mia Pauly (176-F-96) came up with 13 points and 6 rebounds in victory. Alexa Sanelli (174-F-95) also scored 13 points, while Charlie Bidinger (167-G-95) added 11 pts. In the loosing squad, Noa Zelivanski (168-PG-96) was better than the others with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Dekel Itach (164-G-95) had 6 points and 5 boards. Quarters: 13-15, 16-13, 6-14, 13-14. Luxembourg will take a rest today. Israel will meet Ireland. Ireland is still winless in Arad.

Israel: Noa Zelivanski 16+6 boards, Dekel Itach 6+5 boards
Luxembourg: Mia Pauly 13+6 boards, Alexa Sanelli 13, Charlie Bidinger 11

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  ITALY - Women  


U16 Italy advances to Semifinals in Cagliari - by Eurobasket News
U16 ITALY - U16 RUSSIA 60-50

The host of U16 EuroBasket advanced to Semifinals of this event. Italy cruised past Russia 60-50 in the QFinals and will meet Belgium in the battle for the gold medal game. Russia will fight for the fifth place in Cagliari. Their first rival will be France. Cecilia Zandalasini (182-F-96) was a key player in Italy with 23 points and 6 rebounds. Elisa Penna (185-F-95) had 10 points and Elisa Ercoli (190-C-95) helped with 8 points, plus 8 rebounds. On the other side, Yana Degtyarskaya (178-F-95) led the winners with 17 points. Polina Fedorova (188-F-95) had 12 points and 9 rebs. Quarters: 19-12, 15-15, 12-7, 14-16. Championship continues today.

Italy: Cecilia Zandalasini 23+6 boards, Elisa Penna 10, Elisa Ercoli 8+8 boards
Russia: Yana Degtyarskaya 17, Polina Fedorova 12+9 boards

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  LATVIA - Women  


U16 Latvia advances to Semifinals in Arad - by Eurobasket News
U16 LITHUANIA - U16 LATVIA 52-67

Latvia cruised past Lithuania 67-52 in the Quarterfinals of U16 EuroBasket Division B in Arad. Of course Latvia advanced to the Semis, where they will meet United Kingdom. Lithuania failed to advance and they will go to Classification Round. Lithuania will fight for the fifth place. Ieva Spigule (179-F-96) led Latvia in scoring with 16 points. Kate Kreslina (178-PG-96) had 13 points, while Arta Fridenberga (178-F-95) added 9 points and 5 rebounds. In defeat, Justina Kraujunaite (174-F-95) was better than the others with 14 points. Dalia Belickaite (175-F-96) had 12 pts and 6 boards. Quarters: 11-17, 9-23, 14-19, 18-8. Championship continues today.

Lithuania: Justina Kraujunaite 14, Dalia Belickaite 12+6 boards
Latvia: Ieva Spigule 16, Kate Kreslina 13, Arta Fridenberga 9+5 boards

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  LITHUANIA - Women  


U16 Latvia advances to Semifinals in Arad - by Eurobasket News
U16 LITHUANIA - U16 LATVIA 52-67

Latvia cruised past Lithuania 67-52 in the Quarterfinals of U16 EuroBasket Division B in Arad. Of course Latvia advanced to the Semis, where they will meet United Kingdom. Lithuania failed to advance and they will go to Classification Round. Lithuania will fight for the fifth place. Ieva Spigule (179-F-96) led Latvia in scoring with 16 points. Kate Kreslina (178-PG-96) had 13 points, while Arta Fridenberga (178-F-95) added 9 points and 5 rebounds. In defeat, Justina Kraujunaite (174-F-95) was better than the others with 14 points. Dalia Belickaite (175-F-96) had 12 pts and 6 boards. Quarters: 11-17, 9-23, 14-19, 18-8. Championship continues today.

Lithuania: Justina Kraujunaite 14, Dalia Belickaite 12+6 boards
Latvia: Ieva Spigule 16, Kate Kreslina 13, Arta Fridenberga 9+5 boards

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  LUXEMBOURG - Women  


U16 Luxembourg jumps to 2-1 in Group G - by Eurobasket News
U16 ISRAEL - U16 LUXEMBOURG 48-56

Luxembourg registered second victory in Group G. They outplayed Israel 56-48 to join them with 2-1 record. Mia Pauly (176-F-96) came up with 13 points and 6 rebounds in victory. Alexa Sanelli (174-F-95) also scored 13 points, while Charlie Bidinger (167-G-95) added 11 pts. In the loosing squad, Noa Zelivanski (168-PG-96) was better than the others with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Dekel Itach (164-G-95) had 6 points and 5 boards. Quarters: 13-15, 16-13, 6-14, 13-14. Luxembourg will take a rest today. Israel will meet Ireland. Ireland is still winless in Arad.

Israel: Noa Zelivanski 16+6 boards, Dekel Itach 6+5 boards
Luxembourg: Mia Pauly 13+6 boards, Alexa Sanelli 13, Charlie Bidinger 11

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  POLAND - Women  


U16 Poland improves to 2-2 in Group G - by Eurobasket News
U16 SERBIA - U16 POLAND 62-66

Poland jumped to 2-2 in Group G in Cagliari. They outplayed Serbia in very important game 66-62 making a step forward to survival in U16 EuroBasket Division A. On the other side, Serbia dropped to 3-1. Weronika Telenga (189-C-95) shined for the winners with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Karolina Pobozy (188-F-96) (11 rebs) and Monika Buczak (166-PG-95) helped with 11 points each. In the loosing squad, Sanja Mandic (177-G-95) collected 26 points and 7 rebounds. Aleksandra Crvendakic (187-C/F-96) followed her with 18 points ad 6 rebs. Quarters: 24-16, 14-20, 11-15, 13-15. In the next game, Poland will meet Finland. Croatia will play against Serbia.

Serbia: Sanja Mandic 26+7 boards, Aleksandra Crvendakic 18+6 boards
Poland: Weronika Telenga 20+11 boards, Karolina Pobozy 11+11 boards, Monika Buczak 11

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  PORTUGAL - Women  


Borislava Hristova leads U16 Bulgaria to Semifinals in Arad - by Eurobasket News
U16 PORTUGAL - U16 BULGARIA 59-61

Bulgaria did a great job yesterday beating Portugal 61-59 in the Quarterfinals of U16 EuroBasket Division B in Arad. Bulgaria advanced to the Semis, where they will meet Germany. Portugal will go to Classification Round from 5-8 place. Their first rival will be Ukraine. Borislava Hristova (180-F-96) was totally the best player in victory with 30 points. Iva Georgieva (172-F-96) was the second scorer in Bulgaria with juts 6 points. In defeat, Laura Ferreira (177-G-95) collected 15 points and 7 rebs. Joana Soeiro (170-PG-95) had 11 points, 5 rebs and 6 assists. Quarters: 23-8, 13-16, 14-15, 9-22. Championship continues today.

Portugal: Laura Ferreira 15+7 boards, Joana Soeiro 11
Bulgaria: Borislava Hristova 30, Iva Georgieva 6

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  PUERTO RICO - Women  


Carolina Gigantes beats Juncos Valenciana 77-68 in BSNF opener - by Eurobasket News
Juncos Valenciana - Carolina Gigantes 68-77

BSNF 2011 season started last night with Juncos Valenciana - Carolina Gigantes game. Visitors registered 77-68 victory to enter the new season. Amber Rockwell (173-G-86) was their leading player with 20 points and 8 rebounds. Lindsay Laur (182-F) secured a great help with double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Monique Blake (187-C/F-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: Seton Hall) also was impressive adding 12 pts and 14 boards. In the loosing squad, Kamela Gissendanner (185-G-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: Penn St.) was better than the others with 19 points and 14 rebounds. Tudy Reed (180-F-86, agency: Merit Sports, college: Xavier) (6 rebs) and Taisja Jones (182-F-89) (7 rebs) netted 17 and 13 points respectively. Juncos Valenciana opened this meeting with 18-16 lead, but Carolina responded with 12-15 in Q2. Visitors made 19-22 after the breather and finally closed this game with 19-24 in the last ten minutes for 68-77 victory at the end. Championship continues today with Aguas Buenas - Morovis game.

Juncos Valenciana: Kamela Gissendanner 19+14 boards, Tudy Reed 17+6 boards, Taisja Jones 13+7 boards
Carolina Gigantes: Amber Rockwell 20+8 boards, Lindsay Laur 15+11 boards, Monique Blake 12+14 boards

Standings - Women
BSNF Standings
 1. Carolina G. 1-0 
 2. Aguas B.T. 0-0 
 3. Guaynabo M. 0-0 
 4. Morovis M. 0-0 
 5. Ponce L. 0-0 
 6. San German 0-0 
 7. San Juan W. 0-0 
 8. Juncos V. 0-1 


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  ROMANIA - Women  


U16 UK heads to Semifinals in Arad - by Eurobasket News
U16 UNITED KINGDOM - U16 ROMANIA 63-50

United Kingdom outplayed Romania 63-50 in the Quarterfinals of U16 EuroBasket Division B. UK advanced to the Semis where their rival will be Latvia. On the other side, the host of this event will fight for the fifth place. Their first rival will be Lithuania. Shequila Joseph (189-F-95) led the winners with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Leah McDerment (180-PG-96) scored 17 points, while Cheridene Green (187-C-95) added 10 points and 16 rebounds. In defeat, Iulia Pasca (175-F-95) collected 15 points and 9 rebounds. Mihaela Maxim (167-PG-96) scored 13 pts. Quarters: 19-7, 15-14, 15-16, 14-13. Championship continues today.

United Kingdom: Shequila Joseph 20+11 boards, Leah McDerment 17, Cheridene Green 10+16 boards
Romania: Iulia Pasca 15+9 boards, Mihaela Maxim 13

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  RUSSIA - Women  


U16 Italy advances to Semifinals in Cagliari - by Eurobasket News
U16 ITALY - U16 RUSSIA 60-50

The host of U16 EuroBasket advanced to Semifinals of this event. Italy cruised past Russia 60-50 in the QFinals and will meet Belgium in the battle for the gold medal game. Russia will fight for the fifth place in Cagliari. Their first rival will be France. Cecilia Zandalasini (182-F-96) was a key player in Italy with 23 points and 6 rebounds. Elisa Penna (185-F-95) had 10 points and Elisa Ercoli (190-C-95) helped with 8 points, plus 8 rebounds. On the other side, Yana Degtyarskaya (178-F-95) led the winners with 17 points. Polina Fedorova (188-F-95) had 12 points and 9 rebs. Quarters: 19-12, 15-15, 12-7, 14-16. Championship continues today.

Italy: Cecilia Zandalasini 23+6 boards, Elisa Penna 10, Elisa Ercoli 8+8 boards
Russia: Yana Degtyarskaya 17, Polina Fedorova 12+9 boards

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  SERBIA - Women  


U16 Poland improves to 2-2 in Group G - by Eurobasket News
U16 SERBIA - U16 POLAND 62-66

Poland jumped to 2-2 in Group G in Cagliari. They outplayed Serbia in very important game 66-62 making a step forward to survival in U16 EuroBasket Division A. On the other side, Serbia dropped to 3-1. Weronika Telenga (189-C-95) shined for the winners with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Karolina Pobozy (188-F-96) (11 rebs) and Monika Buczak (166-PG-95) helped with 11 points each. In the loosing squad, Sanja Mandic (177-G-95) collected 26 points and 7 rebounds. Aleksandra Crvendakic (187-C/F-96) followed her with 18 points ad 6 rebs. Quarters: 24-16, 14-20, 11-15, 13-15. In the next game, Poland will meet Finland. Croatia will play against Serbia.

Serbia: Sanja Mandic 26+7 boards, Aleksandra Crvendakic 18+6 boards
Poland: Weronika Telenga 20+11 boards, Karolina Pobozy 11+11 boards, Monika Buczak 11

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  SLOVAKIA - Women  


U16 Holland beats U16 Slovakia 52-48 - by Eurobasket News
U16 HOLLAND - U16 SLOVAKIA 52-48

Holland made a first step forward to ninth place in Cagliari. They grabbed 52-48 win against Slovakia and will have to beat Czech Republic on Sunday in order to take position No.9. On the other side, Slovakia will meet Hungary. The winner of that game will end as No.11 of U16 EuroBasket. Klaziena Guijt (173-G-95) came up with 12 points for Holland, while Merlin Lammerink (186-C-95) helped with double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds. Lisanne de Jonge (181-F-95) also had double-double to help her country: 10 pts and 11 rebs. In Slovakia, Zofia Hruscakova (190-C-95) was better than the others with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Their second scorer was Nikola Dudasova (169-PG-95) with 11 pts. Quarters: 15-7, 12-18, 8-11, 17-12. Both teams will take a rest today.

Holland: Klaziena Guijt 12, Merlin Lammerink 11+10 boards, Lisanne de Jonge 10+11 boards
Slovakia: Zofia Hruscakova 21+10 boards, Nikola Dudasova 11

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  SLOVENIA - Women  


U16 Slovenia beats U16 Switzerland 82-56 - by Eurobasket News
U16 SLOVENIA - U16 SWITZERLAND 82-56

Slovenia made a step forward to ninth place in Arad. They outplayed Switzerland 82-56 and will have to beat Estonia tomorrow if they want to end as No.9. On the other side, Switzerland will play against Denmark. The winner of that game will finish as No.11. Eva Lisec (191-C-95) was a key player in victory with double-double of 24 points and 11 rebounds. Anja Valentincic (181-F-95) had 13 points and 12 rebounds, while Larisa Ocvirk (184-F-97) added 11 pts, plus 5 rebounds. Tiffanie Zali (182-F-95) and Dijana Milenkovic collected 15 points and 6 rebounds each in defeat. Miryam Sohm (175-F-95) had 11 points and 8 rebs. Quarters: 25-17, 18-16, 17-13, 22-10. Both teams will take a rest today.

Slovenia: Eva Lisec 24+11 boards, Anja Valentincic 13+12 boards, Larisa Ocvirk 11+5 boards
Switzerland: Tiffanie Zali 15+6 boards, Miryam Sohm 11+8 boards

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  SPAIN - Women  


U16 Spain smashes U16 Greece 75-28 in the QFinals - by Eurobasket News
U16 SPAIN - U16 GREECE 75-28

Spain continued with impressive performance in Cagliari. They smashed Greece 75-28 in the Quarterfinals of U16 EuroBasket and will meet Turkey in the Semis. Greece will fight for the fifth place at this event. Their first rival will be Sweden. Leticia Romero (174-F-95) top-scored in Spain with 12 points. Judith Sole (190-C-95) had 11 points and 6 rebounds, while Ariadna Pujol (182-F-95) helped with 10 pts and 7 rebs. In defeat, Dimitra Tsavou (182-F-96) collected 8 points and 5 rebs. Pinelopi Pavlopoulou (170-PG-96) stopped to 6 points. Quarters: 18-9, 18-4, 24-11, 15-4. Championship continues today.

Spain: Leticia Romero 12, Judith Sole 11+6 boards, Ariadna Pujol 10+7 boards
Greece: Dimitra Tsavou 8+5 boards, Pinelopi Pavlopoulou 6

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  SWEDEN - Women  


U16 Turkey edges U16 Sweden 56-53 in QFinals - by Eurobasket News
U16 SWEDEN - U16 TURKEY 53-56

Turkey grabbed 56-53 win against Sweden in the Quarterfinals of U16 EuroBasket in Cagliari. Turkey advanced to the Semis, where they will play against powerful Spain. Sweden will fight for the fifth place at this event. Their first rival will be Greece. Busra Akbas (168-PG-95) stepped up for Turkey with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Their second scorer was Nurcan Basaran (176-F-95) with 10 points. In Sweden, Regan Magarity (187-F-96) shined with 18 points and 18 rebounds. Gabriella Hanson (180-G-95) had 13 pts and 7 rebs. Quarters: 10-15, 16-13, 17-15, 10-13. Semifinals are scheduled for Today.

Sweden: Regan Magarity 18+18 boards, Gabriella Hanson 13+7 boards
Turkey: Busra Akbas 19+7 boards, Nurcan Basaran 10

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  SWITZERLAND - Women  


U16 Slovenia beats U16 Switzerland 82-56 - by Eurobasket News
U16 SLOVENIA - U16 SWITZERLAND 82-56

Slovenia made a step forward to ninth place in Arad. They outplayed Switzerland 82-56 and will have to beat Estonia tomorrow if they want to end as No.9. On the other side, Switzerland will play against Denmark. The winner of that game will finish as No.11. Eva Lisec (191-C-95) was a key player in victory with double-double of 24 points and 11 rebounds. Anja Valentincic (181-F-95) had 13 points and 12 rebounds, while Larisa Ocvirk (184-F-97) added 11 pts, plus 5 rebounds. Tiffanie Zali (182-F-95) and Dijana Milenkovic collected 15 points and 6 rebounds each in defeat. Miryam Sohm (175-F-95) had 11 points and 8 rebs. Quarters: 25-17, 18-16, 17-13, 22-10. Both teams will take a rest today.

Slovenia: Eva Lisec 24+11 boards, Anja Valentincic 13+12 boards, Larisa Ocvirk 11+5 boards
Switzerland: Tiffanie Zali 15+6 boards, Miryam Sohm 11+8 boards

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  TURKEY - Women  


U16 Turkey edges U16 Sweden 56-53 in QFinals - by Eurobasket News
U16 SWEDEN - U16 TURKEY 53-56

Turkey grabbed 56-53 win against Sweden in the Quarterfinals of U16 EuroBasket in Cagliari. Turkey advanced to the Semis, where they will play against powerful Spain. Sweden will fight for the fifth place at this event. Their first rival will be Greece. Busra Akbas (168-PG-95) stepped up for Turkey with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Their second scorer was Nurcan Basaran (176-F-95) with 10 points. In Sweden, Regan Magarity (187-F-96) shined with 18 points and 18 rebounds. Gabriella Hanson (180-G-95) had 13 pts and 7 rebs. Quarters: 10-15, 16-13, 17-15, 10-13. Semifinals are scheduled for Today.

Sweden: Regan Magarity 18+18 boards, Gabriella Hanson 13+7 boards
Turkey: Busra Akbas 19+7 boards, Nurcan Basaran 10

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  UKRAINE - Women  


U16 Germany eliminates U16 Ukraine 85-79 after OT - by Eurobasket News
U16 GERMANY - U16 UKRAINE 85-79 OT

Germany eliminated Ukraine 85-79 in the Quarterfinals of U16 EuroBasket Division B. It was an OT win for Germany, who will meet Bulgaria in the Semis. On the other side, Ukraine will continue in Classification Round. Ukraine will fight for the fifth place and their first rival will be Portugal. Noemie Rouault (180-F-95) exploded with 28 points and 14 rebounds in Germany. Emma lina Stach (175-PG-96) also scored 28 pts, but to go with 5 rebounds, while Leonie Edringer (182-F-95) added 11 pts and 5 rebs. In defeat, Nataliya Skorbatyuk (183-F-95) was better than the others with 25 points and 6 rebounds. Tetyana Antonyuk (184-C-95) was their second scorer with 12 points (6 rebs). Quarters: 14-23, 24-8, 16-15, 22-30, 9-3 OT. Championship continues today.

Germany: Noemie Rouault 28+14 boards, Emma lina Stach 28+5 boards, Leonie Edringer 11+5 boards
Ukraine: Nataliya Skorbatyuk 25+6 boards, Tetyana Antonyuk 12+6 boards

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  UNITED KINGDOM - Women  


U16 UK heads to Semifinals in Arad - by Eurobasket News
U16 UNITED KINGDOM - U16 ROMANIA 63-50

United Kingdom outplayed Romania 63-50 in the Quarterfinals of U16 EuroBasket Division B. UK advanced to the Semis where their rival will be Latvia. On the other side, the host of this event will fight for the fifth place. Their first rival will be Lithuania. Shequila Joseph (189-F-95) led the winners with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Leah McDerment (180-PG-96) scored 17 points, while Cheridene Green (187-C-95) added 10 points and 16 rebounds. In defeat, Iulia Pasca (175-F-95) collected 15 points and 9 rebounds. Mihaela Maxim (167-PG-96) scored 13 pts. Quarters: 19-7, 15-14, 15-16, 14-13. Championship continues today.

United Kingdom: Shequila Joseph 20+11 boards, Leah McDerment 17, Cheridene Green 10+16 boards
Romania: Iulia Pasca 15+9 boards, Mihaela Maxim 13

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  USBA - Women  


WUSBA annouce final roster of teams and locations for inaugural basketball season - by USBA Media

Atlanta, Ga. (August 20, 2011) --- '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 September 14, 2011. The league will field eight teams.
League sources states 'Timing is everything, particularly in this 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 initial efforts were stalled when a series of conflicts in booking dates arose came to light in the beginning of August. 'Hey, we are grateful to the schools that are letting us rent their gymnasiums, now its time to play some basketball', said Jenkins. Jenkins made the decision to place efforts behind the activation of the WUSBA. The decision to postpone again the opening of the WUSBA 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 is now ready. The schools we use have to allow their departments and their students first rights on their gyms; we understand and appreciate that fact'.

'In the United States, in China, South America 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 eight teams spread out over six southern states.'

The inaugural season will begin with the Atlanta Platinum, the Birmingham Starz, the Jacksonville Surf, the Savannah Seahawks, the Chattanooga Royal, the Charlotte Blue Wave, the Augusta Raging River and the Columbia Breeze

New cities and teams will be added in the spring basketball season. 'We already have nine universities who have agreed to let rent their arenas in the spring'. 'I am grateful to the schools who have worked with us over the years.' The complete 2011 schedule will become available to the public on September 1, 2011.

Each team will play a 24 game regular season followed by the leagues championship tournament. The WUSBA team roster are said to be complete in each team city. Team rosters 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 churches. During previous holiday seasons, 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 -KennethGreen

Vice President of League Personnel -Terry Truax
Director of Operations - Regina Eubanks
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

2011 WUSBA Roster of Teams


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

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

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


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


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


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


(This is a list of all WUSBA 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 approved for 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. Indiana F. 18-8 
 2. Connecticut S. 16-10 
 3. New York L. 15-11 
 4. Atlanta D. 13-12 
 5. Chicago S. 11-14 
 6. Washington M. 5-18 
Western
 1. Minnesota L. 19-6 
 2. Phoenix M. 14-10 
 3. S.Antonio SS 13-11 
 4. Seattle S. 13-12 
 5. L.Angeles S. 10-14 
 6. Tulsa S. 1-22 


McCoughtry scores 24, Dream top Sun 94-88 in OT - by Eurobasket News
Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-F-86, college: Louisville) scored 24 points, including two crucial baskets in overtime, to help the Atlanta Dream defeat the Connecticut Sun 94-88 on Friday night.

Atlanta was leading by one point when McCoughtry made a runner with 1:03 left in overtime. On the next possession she made a jumper just before the shot clock expired to give the Dream an 88-83 lead with 22 seconds remaining.

Lindsey Harding (5'8''-G-84, college: Duke) scored 21 points for Atlanta (13-12), which has won 10 of its last 13 games. Sancho Lyttle (6'4''-C-83, college: Houston) added 20, Erika De Souza (6'6''-C-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas) had 12 points and 10 rebounds, and McCoughtry grabbed 12 rebounds.

Asjha Jones (6'2''-F-80, college: Connecticut) had 21 points for Connecticut (16-10), which lost its second straight overtime game. Tina Charles added 15 points and 11 rebounds.

Atlanta tied the game with 12.2 seconds remaining in regulation when Lyttle made a 3-pointer from the right side, a shot that drew iron but bounced up and through the basket to even the score at 78-78. Connecticut worked for the final shot, but McCoughtry swatted away Allison Hightower's jumper from the corner.

Atlanta trailed 54-41 early in the third period, but went on an 18-5 run to tie the game at 59-all. The Dream took a four-point lead when Harding scored nine of the team's final 10 points in the quarter.

The Sun outscored Atlanta 29-19 in the second period to take control of the game. Charles scored nine straight points that period and helped the Sun race to a 12-point lead. Connecticut outrebounded Atlanta 16-7 in the second quarter.

The Dream was back home after a 3-1 road trip and will go on the road for its next three games.

Courtesy of www.wokv.com