EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 8/22/2011

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Men News

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  AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   


26th Afrobasket: Nigeria keep clean slate, pipe Madagascar 112-81 - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Nigeria Sunday night finish top of group-A without dropping a game with a 112-81 last group game victory over Madagascar to set up Tuesday Eight Round Final date against Chad who has been confine to the bottom of group-B.

Nigeria opened the exciting game with a 25-19 points first quarter win it settle for an even score with the host of 30 points apiece to take a 55-49 points lead into the half-time.

DTigers as the Nigeria senior national team is known took a step further winning the third and fourth quarters by 20-13 and 37-19 points respectively to end the game at 112-81 points to lead the group with Mali placing second while Mozambique finish third.

Nigeria Derrick Obasohan led the floor with 21 points and 2 rebounds, point guard Michael Umeh netted 19 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals, centre Olumide Oyedeji had a double double of 17 points, 13 rebounds and one block-shot, Ime Udoka added 10 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals with Solomon Tat contributing 10 points and 2 rebounds.
Solomon Tat (196-G/F-86, college: Virginia)

26th Afrobasket: Mali edge Mozambique in double OT 72-69 - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Mali edge Mozambique by 72-69 points in a thriller game that provided double over-time to earn it second win in group-A of the 26th FIBA Africa Championship for Men in Palais des Sports Antananarivo, Madagascar.

Mali had trailed the Mozambican by 12-14 points in the first quarter of the game that kept fans cheering ceaselessly but step up it game to win the second quarter by 17-06 points to take a 29-20 points lead going into the break but gave up the lead as Mozambique charged back in the third quarter by 15-27 points to trail by 44-47 points at the end of the third quarter.

The fourth quarter provided Mali another opportunity as they even scores at 59 points apiece at the end of the fourth quarter, the first over-time also saw both sides refusing to give-in as they both scored 6 points each to set the stage for a second over-time which the Malian eventually won by 07-04 points for a final score-line of 72-69 points.

Mali guard Waly Coulibaly led his team with 15 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists, Mohamed Tangara poured in 14 points grabbed 9 rebounds and had 4 steals while Modibo Niakate contributed 12 points and 2 rebounds for their side strong win.
Waly Coulibaly (190-G-88)

26th Afrobasket: Cameroon see off Cote dIvoire 76-70 - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Cameroon won the battle of leading group-C with a 76-70 points victory over Cote dIvoire thus keeping an hundred percent record after the preliminary round of its group at the 26th Madagascar 2011 Afrobasket for Men Sunday night.

Cameroon won the first three quarters by 18-11, 24-22 and 20-19 points while it lost the last quarter by 14-18 points.

Cameroon centre Gaston Essengue led his side charge for a comfortable first round finish with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 2 steals, Alfred Aboya had 17 points and 6 rebound with guard Christain Bayang scoring 15 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals for the Lions victory.


Day Five in Antananarivo (with stats) - by Eurobasket News
Group A
Nigeria - Madagascar 112-81
Nigeria Sunday night finish top of group-A without dropping a game with a 112-81 last group game victory over Madagascar to set up Tuesday Eight Round Final date against Chad who has been confine to the bottom of group-B. Nigeria opened the exciting game with a 25-19 points first quarter win it settle for an even score with the host of 30 points apiece to take a 55-49 points lead into the half-time. DTigers as the Nigeria senior national team is known took a step further winning the third and fourth quarters by 20-13 and 37-19 points respectively to end the game at 112-81 points to lead the group with Mali placing second while Mozambique finish third. Nigeria Derrick Obasohan (199-F-81, college: Texas Arlington) led the floor with 21 points and 2 rebounds, point guard Michael Umeh (188-G-84, agency: Pro One Sports, college: UNLV) netted 19 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals, centre Oyedeji Olumide (208-C/F-81) had a double double of 17 points, 13 rebounds and one block-shot, Ime Udoka (196-F/G-77, agency: Priority Sports, college: Portland St.) added 10 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals with Solomon Tat contributing 10 points and 2 rebounds. *By Olusegun Ikuesan

Mali - Mozambique 72-69 OT2
Mali edge Mozambique by 72-69 points in a thriller game that provided double over-time to earn it second win in group-A of the 26th FIBA Africa Championship for Men in Palais des Sports Antananarivo, Madagascar. Mali had trailed the Mozambican by 12-14 points in the first quarter of the game that kept fans cheering ceaselessly but step up it game to win the second quarter by 17-06 points to take a 29-20 points lead going into the break but gave up the lead as Mozambique charged back in the third quarter by 15-27 points to trail by 44-47 points at the end of the third quarter. The fourth quarter provided Mali another opportunity as they even scores at 59 points apiece at the end of the fourth quarter, the first over-time also saw both sides refusing to give-in as they both scored 6 points each to set the stage for a second over-time which the Malian eventually won by 07-04 points for a final score-line of 72-69 points. Mali guard Waly Coulibaly (190-G-88) led his team with 15 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists, Mohamed Tangara (208-F/C-84, agency: Dynamics Global Management, college: Arizona) poured in 14 points grabbed 9 rebounds and had 4 steals while Modibo Niakate (185-G-81, college: Cleveland St.) contributed 12 points and 2 rebounds for their side strong win. *By Olusegun Ikuesan

Group C
Cameroon - Ivory Coast 76-70
Cameroon won the battle of leading group-C with a 76-70 points victory over Cote dIvoire thus keeping an hundred percent record after the preliminary round of its group at the 26th Madagascar 2011 Afrobasket for Men Sunday night. Cameroon won the first three quarters by 18-11, 24-22 and 20-19 points while it lost the last quarter by 14-18 points. Cameroon centre Gaston Essengue (203-F-83, college: UNLV) led his side charge for a comfortable first round finish with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 2 steals, Alfred Aboya (206-F/C-85, college: UCLA) had 17 points and 6 rebound with guard Christain Bayang scoring 15 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals for the Lions victory. *By Olusegun Ikuesan

Egypt - South Africa 68-71
South Africa won their first game in Antananarivo. It was a 71-68 victory against Egypt. Both teams ended with 1-2 record in Preliminary Group C and Ivory Coast has the same numbers. In this circle Ivory Coast is No2, Egypt No.3 and South Africa ended as the last ranked team in this pool. Cameroon won it with 3-0. Christopher Gabriel (214-C-88) shined with 14 points and 11 rebounds in victory. Neo Mothiba (199-G/F-82) and Kegorapetse Letsebe (198-G/F-80, college: Goucher) (6 rebs) helped with 11 and 10 points respectively. Ramy Gunady (185-G-81) stepped up for Egypt with 21 points and 5 rebounds. Their second scorer was El-Gammal with 9 points. Quarters: 22-11, 17-13, 16-29, 13-18. Championship continues tomorrow.



Standings
Standings
Group A
1. Nigeria3-0
2. Mali2-1
3. Mozambique.1-2
4. Madagascar.0-3
Group B
1. Senegal2-0
2. Morocco1-1
3. Angola1-1
4. Chad0-2
Group C
1. Cameroon3-0
2. Egypt1-2
3. Ivory Coas.1-2
4. S.Africa1-2
Group D
1. C.Africa2-0
2. Tunisia2-0
3. Rwanda0-2
4. Togo0-2


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  AUSTRALIA   


Boomers silence Serbia in London - by Eurobasket News
Australia - Serbia 78:69

Australia earned the third win at the London Invitational Tournament. They prevailed against Serbia to improve at 3-1 record. Joe Ingles (203-G/F-87, agency: Priority Sports) stepped up with 17 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists to pace the winners. Serbia fell at 2-2 record after the loss.
Australia eked out a narrow 23:21 lead after ten minutes. Serbia pulled in front late in the first half but Martin hit a jumper to level things up at 31. The teams went neck and neck throughout the third frame. Nenad Krstic (214-C-83, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) eventually gave Serbia a narrow 50:49 advantage into the fourth quarter. The European team gained a 65:61 lead midway through the final period. However the Boomers responded with eight points in a row to surge in front. Joe Ingles, Matthew Dellavedova (193-G-90) and Ogilvy kept the Boomers in charge throughout the final minutes and Australia celebrated a tough win at the end. Brad Newley (201-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) accounted for 14 points, while Matthew Dellavedova posted 12 points in the win. Nenad Krstic answered with 17 points and 6 rebounds for Serbia. Dusko Savanovic (204-F/C-83, agency: Beo Basket) finished with 16 points in the loss.

Australia: Joe Ingles 17, Brad Newley 14, Matthew Dellavedova 12
Serbia: Nenad Krstic 17, Dusko Savanovic 16


2011 Universiade. Israel need overtime to beat Australia - by Eurobasket News
Israel - Australia 88:83 (OT)

Israel outlasted Australia in a thriller at World University Games tonight. The victory propelled Israel into the game for the 13th place at the tournament against Brazil. Australia will wrap up their campaign against Mexico tomorrow.
The teams exchanged baskets in the close first quarter. Australia and Israel entered the second period tied at 19. Israel pulled in front in the second frame. They grabbed a 36:32 halftime lead. Australia levelled things up at 42 midway through the third quarter but Israel once again put their noses in front to enjoy a 57:50 lead with ten minutes left in regulation. Australia denied the deficit and Benjamin Dowdell (200-F-88) put them in charge 70:69 with under a minute remaining. Eyal Shulman (192-G-87) answered with a triple but Maynard hit a jumper to force overtime. The teams traded baskets for some time in the extra period but Yoad Bet-Yosef (182-G-87, agency: Avi Zilberman) had the last laugh as he knocked down three points late in overtime to seal the victory for Israel. Yoad Bet-Yosef finished with 19 points, while Raviv Pitshon (202-C/F-89) added 16 points and 17 rebounds in the victory. Benjamin Dowdell answered with 23 points and 10 rebounds for Australia. Cameron Gliddon (196-G/F-89) provided 17 points in defeat.

Israel: Yoad Bet-Yosef 19, Raviv Pitshon 16, Eyal Shulman 10, Anton Shoutvin (206-C/F-89) 10
Australia: Benjamin Dowdell 23+10 boards, Cameron Gliddon 17



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  BELGIUM   


Greece triumphs at BEKO-Supercup - by Eurobasket News
Greece-Belgium 70:61

Greece triumphs at BEKO-Supercup with 4 participating teams. The Greek side won all the games including the last one over Belgium 70:61.
Greece started well and had 14:7 with 2 minutes until the end of the first period. Belgium however grabbed the lead at 16:14 finishing the stanza with 9-0 run. In the second period Greece proved their superiority. After 25-12 in it, the favorites enjoyed 39:28 at the halftime. Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81) and Hervelle opened the third period for their teams, while Hervelle later nailed three for 50:36. Kostas Koufos (213-C/F-89, college: Ohio St.) made two free throws for 57:40 and Steinbach closed the third at 61:45. Belgium won the last quarter 16-9, but was too far to upset the Greek side.
Antonis Fotsis and Kostas Koufos top-scored for the winners with 12 points each. Kostas Kaimakoglou followed them with 10, while Kostas Papanikolaou (204-F/G-90) added 9. Marcus Faison (196-G-78, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Siena) replied with 13 points in the losing effort and Dimitri Lauwers (187-G-79) notched 11.

Greece: Antonis Fotsis 12, Kostas Koufos 12, Kostas Kaimakoglou (206-C/F-83) 10, Kostas Papanikolaou 9
Belgium: Marcus Faison 13, Dimitri Lauwers 11



Turkey bounced back after the loss in Day 1, edged Belgium in Bamberg - by Eurobasket News
Turkey-Belgium 66:60

Turkey bounced back after the loss in Day 1, edged Belgium in Bamberg at the BEKO-Supercup. The Turkish side needed 66:60 for 1-1 record, while Belgium fell at 0-2.
Turkey took the lead in the first period and reached 17:13 at the end of it. Enes Kanter (208-C-92, college: Kentucky) scored for 25:17 and Omer Asik (213-C-86) brought 29:24. Onan later sent the teams to the lockers for 36:28. The third period however belonged to Belgium. Trailing 10 points in the start of it, they erupted with 12-2 run and Beghin tied the game at 45:45. Moreover Muya and Oveneke continued the run for 49:45 and Beghin closed the period at 51:47. Ilyasova made it 58:58 midway through the last period and Hervelle scored for 63:60. Semih Erden (211-C-87) and Tunceri scored the last points for the winners from the free throw line to seal the victory.
Omer Asik paced all the winners with 12 points and Ersan Ilyasova (207-F-87) followed him with 11. Semih Erden notched 9, while Enes Kanter scored 7. Jonathan Tabu (190-PG-85) responded with 11 points in defeat, whilst Christophe Beghin (207-F-80, agency: Court Side) and Didier Didier Mbenga (214-C-80)-Illunga posted 10 each.

Turkey: Omer Asik 12, Ersan Ilyasova 11, Semih Erden 9, Enes Kanter 7
Belgium: Jonathan Tabu 11, Christophe Beghin 11, Didier Mbenga 10


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  BRAZIL   


2011 Universiade. Brazil beat Mexico in Shenzhen - by Eurobasket News
Brazil - Mexico 79:61

Brazil shot down Mexico in 13th-16th place classification round at World University Games tonight. Michael Machado (185-G-90) scored 16 points to pace the effort.
The teams stayed close throughout the opening quarter. Brazil eked out a 17:15 lead after ten minutes of action. Brazil stretched the lead in the second frame. The Latin American team opened a 38:28 advantage at halftime. Brazil continued to increase the tempo in the third term. They cleared off to a 22-point lead at the final intermission. Brazil did not slow down as they cruised to the victory at the end. Rafael Stabile (F-88) and Frederico Santos (91) posted 12 points apiece in the win. Gabriel Giron (192-F-88) responded with 17 points and 10 rebounds for Mexico. Israel Nolasco (205-C-89) had 8 points in the loss.

Brazil: Michael Machado 16, Rafael Stabile 12, Frederico Santos 12
Mexico: Gabriel Giron 17+10 boards, Israel Nolasco 8


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  BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS   


Bodkin reaches New Heights as Another Level ties up series with Hawks! - by David Edole
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI --On Friday August 19, 2011, with just 3 seconds remaining and the score at 73-73, the referee blew for a 3-point foul, the Hawks complained, conceded a technical foul and Kevin Bodkin calmly slotted home the free throws to give Another Level a 78-73 win in Game 2 of the Kenny Funny Thomas League Junior Final.

The Referees decision of course was derided by Hawks fans, but there is no excuse for those who should know better making approaches to the referee. Although a passionate game it sends the wrong signals of acceptable behavior standards to future generations.

The BVI Basketball Federation will no doubt have to look into crowd control issues and also the decision on what disciplinary action will be taken against the Khadin Fahie who took his disappointment a little too far.

The Hawks were unable to play at the same tempo as Wednesday night, perhaps unsettled by Another Levels increased speed of passing and more direct running or perhaps the early loss of Ryan Alfred (95) to injury tipped the balance in favour of Another Level.

Either way, Another Level took advantage, kept the ball away from Javier Martinez and fought their way back into the series.

At the end of the 1st quarter, there was 1 point between the two sides and at half time it was all square at 35 apiece. The 3rd quarter ended with Another Level up by 10 at 62-52, but that lead was slowly erased during the final 10 minutes as the Hawks looked to bring off an unlikely victory.

At 73-73 and the clock winding down to the 3 second mark, the Hawks were penalized mid court. From the turnover, with over time looming, Another Level was handed one last chance to win.

However, no one was expecting the drama that unfolded to send the series into at least a Game 3 and 4.

Book your seats early for tonight and Sunday- it could well be a firecracker!

Player of the game was Dione Blyden with 20 points and 9 rebounds. Darryl Alexander added 14 points, 7 rebounds and 6 steals. Raheem Blyden scored 12 points with 7 rebounds.

For the Hawks, Javier Martinez scored 22 points with 19 rebounds, 2 steals and 4 assists. Shakiel Humphrey (95) scored 17 with 10 rebounds and Khadin Fahie netted 14 with 11 rebounds.

In the Senior Division, Legs took a comfortable 2-0 lead in the series with Kennedy Bass (196-F-81, college: Anderson) named Player of the Game.

He scored 21 points, 3 rebounds and added 5 assists as Legs almost threw away a nine point half time lead to win 86-84. Legs were up 47 38 at the half but were outscored 39-46 in the 2nd half.

Jason Edwin scored 21 points for Legs and Khalid Gerrard hit 11.

For East, who are now 2 down in the best of 5, Shamal Caines hit 33 and Ray Victor 15.



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  CAMEROON   


26th Afrobasket: Cameroon see off Cote dIvoire 76-70 - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Cameroon won the battle of leading group-C with a 76-70 points victory over Cote dIvoire thus keeping an hundred percent record after the preliminary round of its group at the 26th Madagascar 2011 Afrobasket for Men Sunday night.

Cameroon won the first three quarters by 18-11, 24-22 and 20-19 points while it lost the last quarter by 14-18 points.

Cameroon centre Gaston Essengue led his side charge for a comfortable first round finish with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 2 steals, Alfred Aboya had 17 points and 6 rebound with guard Christain Bayang scoring 15 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals for the Lions victory.


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  CANADA   


New basketball league lures hoops hopefuls - by Eurobasket News
Michael Evans Jr. (191-G-87) might be the son of a former NBA player and coach, but on Saturday he was just No. 31 in a sea of identical black jerseys.

Evans, whose dad is former Toronto Raptors coach Mike Evans, is among some 180 players vying for a spot in the fledgling National Basketball League.

The seven-team league is holding a combine - a sort of basketball cattle-call - at Seneca College this weekend, ahead of Sunday nights draft.

'The dream is to play and do what you love, and get paid for it,' Evans said. 'Thats been a dream since Ive been little and I thought Id come up and give it a shot.

'I thought about taking a different route but the game has that strange way of calling you back. I cant get away from it, and I love it.'

The slender six-foot-two guard played college basketball at Morehead State and then Slippery Rock University, and then spent this past winter practising with the Halifax Rainmen, where his dad was the head coach.

The 24-year-old is a solid outside shooter like his dad was in his nine years in the NBA.

Evans also credits his father, an assistant coach with the Raptors under Sam Mitchell from 2007 to 2009, for his uncompromising work ethic.

'He told me to always leave it out on the floor, every day, day in and day out,' Evans said. 'At the professional level, youve got to compete all the time. Theres always somebody who might want it a little bit more but youve got to extend yourself, push yourself, and want it more than they do.'

Saturday, he was just hoping his attention to the games finer details would set him apart in a jam-packed gym at in north Toronto.

'Intensity on defence, talking and being really vocal, doing all the small things, the intangibles, will help you stand out,' said Evans, who grew up in Colorado. 'Guys might be focused on trying to score, but its really not about that. Your game is really going to be off and on, but the one thing you can maintain is your intensity, and doing all the little things.'

The NBL is the creation of Andre Levingston and Ian McCarthy, formed when three existing teams the Rainmen, Saint John Mill Rats and Quebec Kebs left the Premier Basketball League amid complaints of poor management. Four NBL franchises have since been formed: the London Lightning and Oshawa Power, plus two still-to-be-named teams in Moncton and Summerside.

Each team will play a 36-game schedule that begins on Oct. 29, with the top four advancing to playoffs in March.

Rosters will be partly stocked from Sunday nights draft at a restaurant at Rogers Centre, with the remaining players signed from team camps in early October.

Levingston was pleased with the turnout for the combine, keeping a watchful eye as players were put through a variety of drills and small games Saturday. Every one of the 180 available spots were filled, with players travelling from across the U.S. and Canada, and as far away as Moscow and Sofia, Bulgaria.

Courtesy of http://thechronicleherald.ca

2011 Universiade. Canada top Lithuania, enter Final - by Eurobasket News
Canada - Lithuania 83:68

Canada reached the title game at the World University Games in China. They overcame Lithuania in the first semifinal tonight. Tyson Hinz (199-F-91) stepped up with 21 points and 7 rebounds to pace the effort.
Lithuania looked exhausted after a tough quarterfinal battle against USA. Canada capitalized jumping to a 24:18 lead after ten minutes. The North American side maintained the lead throughout the second period. They established a 39:29 halftime advantage. The gap grew at double figures in the third frame. Canada enjoyed a 14-point lead before the Baltic team cut it to 9 points with ten minutes to go 47:56. Canada however restored a safe cushion early in the fourth frame and marched to the victory at the end. Warren Ward (196-G-89) and Boris Bakovic (201-F-88, agency: Interperformances) accounted for 16 points apiece in the win. Gediminas Zyle (209-C-88) replied with 15 points and 8 rebounds for Lithuania. Marius Valukonis (198-F-88) posted 11 points in defeat.

Canada: Tyson Hinz 21, Warren Ward 16, Boris Bakovic 16
Lithuania: Gediminas Zyle 15, Marius Valukonis 11


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  CHINA   


China Loses to Great Britain and Croatia - by Arthur Volbert
China lost to Great Britain 64-56 and Croatia 83-53 to end up winless in the London Basketball Invitational and with little hope to win the Asian Championship and a spot in the Olympics.

China trailed Great Britain 19-12 after one quarter and 39-26 at the half. But China rallied to trail only 46-45 after three quarters. Then it was outscored 18-11 in the fourth.

This team is nowhere near as good as the team that played in the 2010 World Championship. It is the development of Chinese basketball that seems to have failed. It is not due to the loss of Yao Ming, who did not play in 2010. China was outrebouded by Great Britain 51-40. It hit only 29.2 percent of its shots from the floor. It did hit an acceptable 75 percent of its free throws and had 17 turnovers to 16 for Britain. Yi Jianlian led China with 20 points and 13 rebounds and played acceptably well. Wang Zhizhi played 20 minutes and had 7 points and 2 rebounds and showed his age. But no younger player stepped up to replace him at center. Zhang Zhaoxu played 11 minutes, Su Wei played 5 and neither scored.

Zhu Fangyu played 11 minutes and hit 1 of 10 shots. He was coming back from injury but where are the younger players to take his place? Sun Yue had 11 points and 3 rebounds in 32 minutes but is a role-player, not a star. Yu Shulong scored 6 points in 29 minutes, with 2 assists and 3 turnovers. Zhang Bo played 20 minutes and missed all 4 shots he took. There still is no point guard better than the aging, injured and absent Liu Wei. Joel Freeland led Great Britain with 18 points and 13 rebounds. Luol Deng had 16 points and 5 rebounds.

The game against Croatia was even more disgusting as China lost 83-53. Wang Zhizhi and Zhu Fangyu did not play as they are clearly not ready to play at a high level. Yi Jianlian had 17 points but only 4 rebounds. No one else scored in double figures. Zhang Zhaoxu had 8 points and 8 rebounds in 29 minutes. Su Wei had 8 points and 7 rebounds along with 5 turnovers in 25 minutes. Sun Yue hit 1 of 9 shots for 6 points in 21 minutes. Zhang Qingpeng, Xirelijiang, Yi Li, Zhang Bo and Sun Yue hit a combined 5 of 31. China had 19 turnovers to 9 for Croatia but did outrebound Croatia 35-34.



Croatia ease past China in London - by Eurobasket News
Croatia - China 83:53

Croatia earned the third win at the London Invitational Tournament. They fired past China to improve at 3-2 record. Bojan Bogdanovic (202-G/F-89) scored 16 points to lead the effort.
Croatia limited China to 12 points in the opening quarter to pile up a five-point lead. Bojan Bogdanovic and Damir Markota (210-C/F-85) stretched the lead to 11 points midway through the second term. But China capped the half on a 14:5 run to narrow the deficit at 4-point mark 31:35. Bojan Bogdanovic triggered a 9:0 run at the start of the third period as China cleared off. They established a 61:45 advantage at the final break. The European team tipped off the final frame on a 9:0 surge and never looked back en route to the victory. Damir Markota finished with 12 points, while Luka Zoric (211-C/F-84) and Marko Popovic (185-G-82, college: S.Idaho JC) added 10 points each in the win. Jianlian Yi (212-C/F-87) answered with 17 points for China. Zhang ZhaoXu (221-C-87, college: California) and Su Wei (212-C-89) netted 8 points each in the loss.

Croatia: Bojan Bogdanovic 16, Damir Markota 12, Luka Zoric 10, Marko Popovic 10
China: Jianlian Yi 17, Zhang ZhaoXu 8, Su Wei 8


2011 Universiade. China celebrate victory over Hungary - by Eurobasket News
China - Hungary 79:72

China recorded their second win at the World University Games in Shenzhen. The hosts overcame Hungary in the 17th-20th place classification round. Li Yuanyu (206-C-91) top-scored with 26 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. China will now take on South Korea for the 17th overall position. Hungary will wrap up their campaign against UAE.
Hungary got to the better start. They posted a 25:20 lead ten minutes into the game. The visitors stayed in front throughout the second quarter. They registered a 36:35 halftime lead. Hungary boosted the margin in the third term. They entered the final period up by two points 56:54. But China gradually turn things around putting their noses in front in the fourth quarter. The hosts stepped on the gas in the dying minutes and escaped with victory at the end. Shi Hongfei (180-PG-93) notched 25 points and 10 rebounds, while Ren JunFei (204-C-90) added 10 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Zoltan Supola (190-G-88, agency: FCM) answered with 19 points for Hungary. Ferdinand Morgen (206-F/C-90) tallied 14 points and 10 rebounds in defeat.

China: Li Yuanyu 26, Shi Hongfei 25+10 boards, Ren JunFei 10+11 boards
Hungary: Zoltan Supola 19, Ferdinand Morgen 14+10 boards


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  CROATIA   


Croatia ease past China in London - by Eurobasket News
Croatia - China 83:53

Croatia earned the third win at the London Invitational Tournament. They fired past China to improve at 3-2 record. Bojan Bogdanovic (202-G/F-89) scored 16 points to lead the effort.
Croatia limited China to 12 points in the opening quarter to pile up a five-point lead. Bojan Bogdanovic and Damir Markota (210-C/F-85) stretched the lead to 11 points midway through the second term. But China capped the half on a 14:5 run to narrow the deficit at 4-point mark 31:35. Bojan Bogdanovic triggered a 9:0 run at the start of the third period as China cleared off. They established a 61:45 advantage at the final break. The European team tipped off the final frame on a 9:0 surge and never looked back en route to the victory. Damir Markota finished with 12 points, while Luka Zoric (211-C/F-84) and Marko Popovic (185-G-82, college: S.Idaho JC) added 10 points each in the win. Jianlian Yi (212-C/F-87) answered with 17 points for China. Zhang ZhaoXu (221-C-87, college: California) and Su Wei (212-C-89) netted 8 points each in the loss.

Croatia: Bojan Bogdanovic 16, Damir Markota 12, Luka Zoric 10, Marko Popovic 10
China: Jianlian Yi 17, Zhang ZhaoXu 8, Su Wei 8


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  CYPRUS   


Why the Tendex Score has faults.....! - by Dr. Nasios Orinos
Basketball statistics and the way players are rated is indeed something that has bothered basketball experts over the years and has led to the use of different formulas.

The Tendex rating was developed by Dave Heeran over the course of 30 years as a way to differentiate players by using statistics found in boxscores. The formula has been developed and modified over the years and today countries use different kinds of formulas. The simple formula currently stands as follows:

Tendex Rating=
{[ Points + Rebounds + Assists + Steals + Blocks - Turnovers - Missed Field Goals - Missed Free Throws ] / Minutes / Game Pace }

This formula is based on minutes played.

In Cyprus we use the simple Tendex Score without taking into consideration the game pace.

In my opinion though, the use of this formula and more specifically the use of Tendex Score has many faults and cannot constitute an objective measurement of the performance of a player.

In the formula we use in Cyprus, aspects like leadership, ability of a player to mark his opponent effectively, confidence, running the drills and many other characteristics are not calculated. These are important aspects of a game and most of the times aspects like these win games compared to only scoring points or grabbing rebounds. For example, how does this formula measure how well a guard sets his team and runs the drills?

Simply, it does not. Passing the ball has nothing to do with running the drills and be the brain of your team.

A second problem is that players can fall in the trap and look on how to improve their scores, not really playing to win. These players care more on winning awards rather than winning games.
In this content, i strongly believe that this is something that the Cyprus Basketball Federation needs to take into consideration. It needs to reconsider the way players are rated.

Below I am giving examples on how the formula changes based on the minutes played.

EXAMPLE 1

In the 1st example we have 2 players who have the same stats but have had different time in the game. Player 1 who has played for 20 minutes has a Tendex score of (1), whereas player 2 who has played only for 10 minutes has a Tendex score of (2).
So as you can see this formula is very sensitive on time played. Imagine a 3rd player who only played for 1 minute, obviously having different stats, for example no turnovers and no missed shots, finishing with a score of 13.

Is this fair? I think not.

{ (10+5+2+2+3)-0-1-1}/20=1
{ (10+5+2+2+3)-0-1-1}/10=2
{ (5+2+2+2+2)-0-0-0}/1=13


EXAMPLE 2

In the example below I wish to stress the fact that the formula is not so sensitive on points. The 1st player scores 0.9 with 20 minutes played, the 2nd who has the same stats has a double score with 10 minutes less in the game. Now, the 3rd player has 10 minutes in the game, just like the 2nd player, but 4 points less. This drops his score only by 0.4, proving that points do not influence the final score as much as time played.

{ (10+5+2+2+3)-2-1-1}/20=0.9
{ (10+5+2+2+3)-2-1-1}/10=1.8
{ (6+5+2+2+3)-2-1-1}/10=1.4

EXAMPLE 3

In a 3rd example 2 players have the same time in the game but the 2nd has 2 turnovers and missed 2 field goals and 2 free throws compared to only 1 of the 1st player. As you can see this drops his score only by 0.15 which proves once more that the formula is not as sensitive on these aspects as it is on minutes played.

{ (10+5+2+2+3)-1-1-1}/20=0.95
{ (10+5+2+2+3)-2-2-2}/20=0.8

Bottom line

1)Tendex Score is more sensitive on minutes played than it is on other aspects.

2)The less the minutes someone plays, other things constant, the better the Tendex Score. A player who goes deeper into the playoffs, compared to someone who finishes the championship early, or someone who has a small number of minutes in the game, will obviously have a worse Tendex Score because he will have more minutes played, which of course is not fair. Add to that the fact that this player will probably have more turnovers, or will miss more shots and this affects his score even more. It is that simple.

3)The last thing I wish to add is that the statistics should be broken down into regular season and playoffs.

MANY PLAYERS HAVE GOOD REGULAR SEASONS BUT HORRIBLE PLAYOFFS.
If you do not distinguish between regular season and the playoffs you skew their stats upwards which is again wrong.



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


2011 Universiade. Ukraine prevail against Czech Republic - by Eurobasket News
Ukraine - Czech Republic 71:52

Ukraine celebrated a comfortable victory over Czech Republic in 9th-12th place classification round at World University Games. Maksym Kornienko (205-F/C-87) delivered 20 points to lead the effort.
Ukraine limited their opponents to 11 points in the first frame posting a 4-point lead. The margin grew at 11-point mark midway through the second term. Czech Republic finished the half strongly cutting the deficit at just four points 28:32 at halftime. Ukraine once again cleared off to a double-digit margin in the third quarter. But Czech Republic bounced back again trimming the distance to six points with one quarter remaining. Ukraine tipped off the fourth period on a 10:3 run and coasted to the victory afterwards. Pavlo Burenko (186-PG-90) posted 13 points and 7 rebounds, while Igor Zaitsev (211-F/C-89) contributed 11 points in the victory. Patrik Auda (205-F-89) answered with 12 points for Czech Republic. Petr Dokoupil (191-G-88) finished with 10 points in defeat.

Ukraine: Maksym Kornienko 20, Pavlo Burenko 13, Igor Zaitsev 11
Czech Republic: Patrik Auda 12, Petr Dokoupil 10



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


D.R. The best team ever - by Kerwin Abreu
Dominican Republic National Team have joined the all the pieces in the puzzle in the man national basketball team. The most important thing has been to bring here John Calipari as coach and his assistants.

The team has a great mixture of players, from the NBA as Francisco Garcia (201-F/G-81, college: Louisville), Al Horford (208-F/C-86, college: Florida), Charlie Villanueva (209-F-84, college: Connecticut), and players wich plays in Europe as Luis Flores, Edgar Sosa (188-PG-88, college: Louisville), Ronald Ramon (185-G-86, college: Pittsburgh), Eulis Baez (201-F-82, college: W.Illinois).

Also Jack M. Martinez, Kelvin Pena (193-G-80, college: Southeastern CC), Eloy Vargas (208-F), Orlando Sanchez (205-C-88).

Everybody wants to play good and looking forward for a chance to go to the Olympics for the first time in the Dominican Republic National Team history.

'Edgar Sosa is fantastic', said Calipari early this week. He played very good vs the NBA pros in Kentucky this week. He showed us he can be our man, Said Francisco Garcia.

Dominican Republic National Team will have a great opportunity before the Pre Olympics starts, Copa Tuto Marchand in Brazil, this will be a great stage for the National Team to show what they are able to do, Said Eduardo Najri, The General Manager.

For more log on www.masterdeportes.com


*****************************************************
  EGYPT   


South Africa beats Egypt 71-68 - by Eurobasket News
EGYPT - SOUTH AFRICA 68-71

South Africa won their first game in Antananarivo. It was a 71-68 victory against Egypt. Both teams ended with 1-2 record in Preliminary Group C and Ivory Coast has the same numbers. In this circle Ivory Coast is No2, Egypt No.3 and South Africa ended as the last ranked team in this pool. Cameroon won it with 3-0. Christopher Gabriel (214-C-88) shined with 14 points and 11 rebounds in victory. Neo Mothiba (199-G/F-82) and Kegorapetse Letsebe (198-G/F-80, college: Goucher) (6 rebs) helped with 11 and 10 points respectively. Ramy Gunady (185-G-81) stepped up for Egypt with 21 points and 5 rebounds. Their second scorer was El-Gammal with 9 points. Quarters: 22-11, 17-13, 16-29, 13-18. Championship continues tomorrow.

Egypt: Ramy Gunady 21+5 boards, El-Gammal 9
South Africa: Christopher Gabriel 14+11 boards, Neo Mothiba 11, Kegorapetse Letsebe 10+6 boards

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


Eurobasket Division B: Estonia crushes Luxembourg - by Janar
Estonia posted a firm 105:79 (46:47) victory against Luxembourg in Eurobasket Division B. Estonia had 3 wins out of 5 games and still holds the chance for the first place in Group A after the Netherlands failed to beat Austria. Luxembourg has lost all five games.
The hosts, having lost all games by average margin of 29.5 so far, played a great first half as they outscored Estonia 27:19 in 2nd quarter and 47:46 in first half. The hosts made 7/11 of two-pointers and 4/7 of three-pointers in the 2nd quarter and outscored the guests 17:6 in first 4 minutes of the quarter, going ahead 37:33.
In 3rd, the leading scorer of Estonian team in the tournament, Janar Talts (206-C-83) took over. He scored 12 points in less than 5 minutes and helped the guests to go ahead 60:55 with five minutes played in 3rd. Then, after a three-pointer by Birenbaum, Estonians finished the quarter with a 18:0 run as the hosts missed 9 consecutive shots. 8 points in a row by Gregor Arbet (194-F/G-83) extended the run to 23:0 as the guests led 83:58 with 9 minutes to play. With 2.51 to play, free throws by Kristjan Kitsing made it 100:74 as Estonian national team reached the 100-point margin for the first time since November 2001.

Arbet paced the winners with 20 pts+7 rbs. Talts added 18+5 in 21 minutes. Rain Veideman (192-G-91) had 14, Gert Dorbek (194-G-85) 11 and Kristo Saage (184-G-85) 10 points. Samy Picard (195-F-88) scored 24 points in a losing effort.

Estonian bench players outscored the opponents 40:13.
Estonia hosts the Netherlands on Wednesday as the teams will fight for the first place in Group A.


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


Standings Div.A (Men)
Standings
Group A
1. U.Kingdom0-0
2. Spain0-0
3. Lithuania0-0
4. Poland0-0
5. Turkey0-0
Group B
1. France0-0
2. Germany0-0
3. Israel0-0
4. Italy0-0
5. Latvia0-0
6. Serbia0-0
Group C
1. Bosnia0-0
2. Croatia0-0
3. Greece0-0
4. FYR Macedo.0-0
5. Montenegro.0-0
Group D
1. Belgium0-0
2. Bulgaria0-0
3. Georgia0-0
4. Russia0-0
5. Slovenia0-0
6. Ukraine0-0
Group Qualification
1. Finland3-0
2. Portugal2-1
3. Hungary0-4


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Teemu RANNIKKO
  FIN
  (189-G-80)
  Avg: 11
 1. Rannikko, FIN11.0 
 2. Miranda, POR11.0 
 3. Huff, FIN11.0 
 4. Kotti, FIN11.0 
 5. Lee, FIN10.5 
 6. Keller, HUN10.3 
 7. Horvath, HUN10.3 
 8. Hanga, HUN10.0 
 9. Lorant, HUN10.0 
 10. Trotter, HUN10.0 
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. Kotti, FIN6.0 
 6. Salin, 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. Trotter, HUN2.0 
 8. Horvath, 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. Santos, POR1.0 
 10. Fonseca, 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 


Standings Div.B (Men)
Standings Div.B
Group A
1. Holland4-1
2. Austria3-2
3. Estonia3-2
4. Luxembourg.0-5
Group B
1. Sweden6-1
2. Azerbaijan.5-2
3. Romania4-3
4. Belarus3-4
5. Albania0-8
Group C
1. Czech Rep.5-0
2. Switzerlan.3-2
3. Slovakia2-3
4. Cyprus0-5


Israel runs over Poland with an 82:70 'W' - by David Pick
With a depressing 2-5 exhibition game record, an Omri Casspi-less Israeli NT prepares for the upcoming 2011 EuroBasket tournament as they host their final European Basketball Tour against national teams from Poland and Russia along with their Israeli head coach -- David Blatt.

The opening game of the tourney met Israel and Poland who were without NBA big man Marchin Gortat and former M.T.A forward Maciej Lampe.
Poland began strong and precise but failed to keep up will the blue-and-white hosts falling 82:70

Israel Poland 82:70

Lior Eliyahu gave Israel a 2:0 advantage with a pair of free-throws, however, Thomas Kelati nailed three treys from way out and gave the guests a 20:16 first quarter lead.
David Blu began a change of scenery with tough defense on Kelati at one end, and good plays on the other, along with team captain Tal Burstein led Israel on a 10:3 run, taking a 26:23 lead. Israel was able to maintain its second quarter lead, as the teams entered the locker room with the hosts up 34:28.

Blu and Eliyahu continued being effective as Israel controlled the game. Mid way through the third period Guy Pnini's 3-pointer made it 47:36. The two teams began the final ten minutes with Poland behind by double-digits, 55:45. The fourth period was an on-going display of garbage time as the final buzzer sounded the scoreboard showed an Israeli 82:70 'W'.

Lior Eliyahu, Yotam Halperin, Yaniv Green and Elishay Kadir led Israel's scorers with 19, 15, 11 and 9 points. Thomas Kelati and Lukasz Koszraek answered with 19 and 14 points respectively.

Israel as recalled was pooled to Group B, one of the toughest groups in the EuroBasket games, as they will battle Italy, Serbia, France, Germany and Latvia for one of the first two qualifying spots. Poland was pooled to Group A along with Great Britain, Spain, Turkey, host Lithuania and a qualifying last chance NT.

The tournament will continue on Tuesday with Poland vs. Russia. The final game will be played on Wednesday where Israel hosts Russia and their NBA superstars Andrey Kirilenko and Timofey Mozgov.

Prior to the Games

The three national head coaches officially opened their European Basketball Tour this morning with a press conference where they spoke of what is expected of them in the next three days, as they prepare for Lithuania.

Poland National Head Coach, Pipan Ales. 'I'm honored to be here in Israel and I hope we enjoy these next few days in this beautiful country. The tournament is good opportunity for us to measure our strengths and weaknesses against great teams like ISR and RUS. As a coach, in my opinion, it's important to see what we have achieved thus far as a team and what we still have to work on. I'm expecting a very tough physical basketball atmosphere with great teams that play fast and good transition basketball.'

Russian National Head Coach, David Blatt. 'It is a privilege for me to be hosted in Israel by my friends and co-workers. I have been with the Russian NT for six years and this is the first time we are coming to Israel to play an exhibition tournament and I'm thrilled to have this opportunity. All three teams have good and talented rosters and I hope to see some great basketball.

Israeli Head Coach, Arik Shivek: 'I'm delighted we have another chance to put our game strategy to work and our players to a test before heading out to Lithuania. Having the Russian and Polish NT here in Israel is a great thing and we are happy to have worked it out and pleased with hosting this exciting campaign. This is our last chance to work on final touches and I hope we'll be successful. In my opinion, Russia is one of the favorites to advance to the EuroBasket Final-Four, so having them here in Israel along with Head Coach David Blatt, is an opportunity we can't waist. I'm glad we will be able to adapt to the high level of basketball competition throughout these games and hope it will prepare of for next week's game against Germany.

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd



France drafted in Ali Traore for Eurobasket 2011 - by Eurobasket News
France drafted in Ali Traore for Eurobasket 2011 as Ronny Turiaf broke left hand at the London Invitational Tournament. It was announced that Turiaf will be out for at least three to four weeks.
Ali Traore was an active member of the French National Team, but was cut few weeks ago from the squad. The player recently signed with Lokomotiv Kuban in Russia. The French National Team player heads to Russia from Lottomatica Virtus Roma, where he spent last season. For 30 games in SerieA he averaged 10 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.1 steals. Traore also added 9.5 ppg and 3.8 rpg for 15 Euroleague games. He helped Lottomatica to reach the Top 16. From 2008 until the last summer Traore played for ASVEL. He exploded with 15.6 ppg, 5 rpg and 1.4 apg for 30 games in ProA 2009/10. He was named MVP of the championship. That season Traore led ASVEL to French Cup trophy. He also had 14.5 ppg and 5.4 rpg for 10 Euroleague games. In the past, Traore already spent few years with ASVEL.
At the World Championships in Turkey in 2010 after 6 games he averaged 5.3ppg, 1.5rpg, FGP: 45.2%, FT: 36.4%.


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


Finland rally past Hungary for third straight win in EuroBasket Additional Qualifying Round - by Eurobasket News
Finland - Hungary 87:65

Finland posted the third win in a row at 2011 EuroBasket Additional Qualifying Round. They stormed past Hungary in Helsinki. Five players scored in double digits to pace the hosts. Petteri Koponen (193-G-88) and Hanno Mottola (209-F/C-76, college: Utah) came up with 13 points each to lead the charge. Hungary fell at 0-4 record after the loss.
Finland made it a 22:17 after ten minutes of action. The hosts cleared off to a 10-point lead in the second quarter but Hungary pulled within 5 points 39:44 at halftime. Bader and Horvath dragged the visitors within two points early in the third term. But Finland stopped the rot and established a 62:55 lead with one quarter remaining. The hosts opened the fourth quarter on a 12:2 run and cruised to the victory at the end. Tuukka Kotti (205-F/C-81, college: Providence) posted 12 points, while Sasu Salin (190-PG-91) contributed 11 points and 12 rebounds in the winning effort. Obie Trotter (186-G-84, agency: Court Side, college: Alabama A&M) answered with 14 points for Hungary. David Vojvoda (191-G/F-90, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) netted 9 points in the loss.

Finland: Petteri Koponen 13, Hanno Mottola 13, Tuukka Kotti 12
Hungary: Obie Trotter 14, David Vojvoda 9


EUROBASKET: Finland beat Hungary by 22 pts - by Rauno Hurmalainen
EuroBasket, Additional Qualifying Round, Helsinki, Finland: Finland - Hungary 87-65 (44-39). Quarters: 22-17, 22-22, 18-16, 25-10. Finland didn't have any difficulties beating Hungary after a tough team defense. Finland was better in everything; better shooting percentages, more rebounds, less turnovers. Finland Head Coach Henrik Dettmann was especially pleased with the team defense and team captain Hannu Mottola's return back to the roster. Mottola seemed to enjoy all 17 minutes he was on the court becoming by the same team's top scorer together with Petteri Koponen (193-G-88) (13 pts). Finland had five players in double digits. Finland: Petteri Koponen 13, Hanno Mottola 13, Tuukka Kotti 12/7, Sasu Salin 11/12, Shawn Huff 10/7. 1 - 90,9% (10/11), 2 - 51,2% (22/43), 3 - 42,3% (11/26). R: 28+14=42. TO: 12. Hungary: Obie Trotter 14, David Vojvoda 9, Adam Hanga 8. 1 - 61,5% (8/13), 2 - 45,0% (18/40), 3 - 35,0% (7/20). R: 21+9=30. TO: 16. Attendance: 6278. The very last game: Portugal vs Finland on Wednesday 24.8. in Coimbra, Portugal at 21:40. If Finland (3-0) wins or Finland loss would be less than 13 points, Finns will win this round. If Portugal (2-1) wins on Wednesday over 13 points, Portugal will win it all. Both Finland and Portugal will participate European Championship Games in Lithuania (31.8.-18.9.2011) anyway.

2011 Universiade. Germany drop Finland, set up clash versus USA - by Eurobasket News
Germany - Finland 84:63

Germany will play for the fifth place at World University Games. They outgunned Finland in the classification round tonight. Finland will take on Romania for the 7th overall position at the tournament. Stefan Schmidt (206-C-89) delivered 16 points and 7 rebounds in the win.
Germany erupted for 27 points in the opening quarter to clear off. They piled up a 13-point lead at the first break. Finland opened the second frame on a 9:0 run to narrow the gap. Finland held their opponents to just four points in the second term to trim the deficit to a single point 30:31. Germany used a 9:1 run midway through the third quarter to gain a 42:33 lead. They managed to establish a comfortable 59:45 advantage at the final break. Germany quickly boosted the gap to 20 points in the fourth frame and never looked back en route to the victory. Johannes Lischka (203-F/C-87) provided 14 points, while Nicolai Simon (191-G-87) added 13 points in the winning effort. Matti Nuutinen (200-F-90) answered with 16 points for Finland. Roope Ahonen (187-PG-90, agency: FCM) had 15 points in the loss.

Germany: Stefan Schmidt 16, Johannes Lischka 14, Nicolai Simon 13
Finland: Matti Nuutinen 16, Roope Ahonen 15


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


France drafted in Ali Traore for Eurobasket 2011 - by Eurobasket News
France drafted in Ali Traore for Eurobasket 2011 as Ronny Turiaf broke left hand at the London Invitational Tournament. It was announced that Turiaf will be out for at least three to four weeks.
Ali Traore was an active member of the French National Team, but was cut few weeks ago from the squad. The player recently signed with Lokomotiv Kuban in Russia. The French National Team player heads to Russia from Lottomatica Virtus Roma, where he spent last season. For 30 games in SerieA he averaged 10 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.1 steals. Traore also added 9.5 ppg and 3.8 rpg for 15 Euroleague games. He helped Lottomatica to reach the Top 16. From 2008 until the last summer Traore played for ASVEL. He exploded with 15.6 ppg, 5 rpg and 1.4 apg for 30 games in ProA 2009/10. He was named MVP of the championship. That season Traore led ASVEL to French Cup trophy. He also had 14.5 ppg and 5.4 rpg for 10 Euroleague games. In the past, Traore already spent few years with ASVEL.
At the World Championships in Turkey in 2010 after 6 games he averaged 5.3ppg, 1.5rpg, FGP: 45.2%, FT: 36.4%.


Limoges re-sign Christophe Massie - by Eurobasket News
Limoges have ensured the services of Christophe Massie (206-F/C-77, agency: Court Side, college: Memphis) for the upcoming season. The centre joined the team at the start of the previous season. Christophe Massie tallied 16.9 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists per ProA appearance. Previously the centre had stints in Greece, Bosnia, Israel, Spain and Italy. Eurobasket.com named Christophe Massie into All-Italian LegaDue 2nd Team in 2006 as well as All-Bosnia and Herzegovina League 1st Team in 2010.


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


Greece upend Germany at the BEKO-Supercup - by Eurobasket News
Germany-Greece 56:69

Greece shocked the German side in Day 2 of the BEKO-Supercup in Bamberg. The Greek side proved once again that even without some changes in the rosters, the team will be one of the favorite for Eurobasket 2011.
Steffen Hamann, Joe Herber, Robin Benzing, Chris Kaman and Dirk Nowitzki (211-F-78) appeared in the Starting-Five for the hosts, but it did not help them to take the lead. Greece grabbed 6:3 lead and enjoyed 17:14 after the first period. Heiko Schaffartzik tied the game at 17:17, but Greece needed a 9-2 run for 34:24. After 26-14 in the second period Greece had 43:28 at the halftime. Moreover after 10-9 in the third frame Greece tasted 53:37 lead after thirty minutes. Dirk Nowitzki and Chris Kaman (213-C-82, college: Cent.Michigan) reduced to 45:60, but could bring Germany only to 13 points at the end.
Kostas Koufos (213-C/F-89, college: Ohio St.) top-scored for the winners with 17 points, while Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) collected 14 points and 8 rebounds. Nikolaos Zisis (196-G-83) notched 11 and Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81) scored 9. Chris Kaman delivered 15 for the home side and Dirk Nowitzki added 11.

Germany: Chris Kaman 15, Dirk Nowitzki 11
Greece: Kostas Koufos 17, Ioannis Bourousis 14+8 rebs, Nikolaos Zisis 11, Antonis Fotsis 9


Germany overcame Turkey in the end of the BEKO-Supercup in Bamberg - by Eurobasket News
Germany-Turkey 64:52

Germany overcame Turkey in the end of the BEKO-Supercup in Bamberg. The home side of the tournament needed 64:52 win to finish second behind Greece. Turkey meanwhile lost to both sides and finished on the third place.
Both sides were tied at 4:4 and then at the end of the first period at 15:15. Turkey started to play better in the second frame and grabbed 29:24 after defensive 14-9 in the frame. Robin Benzing tied the game again at 35:35 and then Germany took 41:38 at the end of the third quarter. In the last stanza Germany erupted with 19-3 to seal the victory.
Chris Kaman (213-C-82, college: Cent.Michigan) stepped up with 16 points and Dirk Nowitzki (211-F-78) netted 14. Sven Schultze (208-C-78) followed them with 11 points for the second victory. Enes Kanter (208-C-92, college: Kentucky) ended up with 12 points in the losing effort, while Ersan Ilyasova (207-F-87) and Omer Asik (213-C-86) added 8 apiece.

Germany: Chris Kaman 16, Dirk Nowitzki 14, Sven Schultze 11
Turkey: Enes Kanter 12, Ersan Ilyasova 8, Omer Asik 8


The Rapid Miles Basketball Exchange With Jacob Burtschi (CAI Zaragoza) - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Jacob Burtschi (198-F-84, college: Air Force) is a 27 year old 198cm forward from Chickasha, Oklahoma who will be playing his second professional basketball season in the best basketball league in Europe the ACB in Spain this seasonfor CAI Zaragoza. He completed his rookie season for Phoenix Hagen averaging 14.2ppg, 6.9rpg, 2.5apg, Steals-3 (1.5spg), FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 44.2%, FT: 82.2%. He played at the Air Force from 2003-2007. In his senior year, he played 35 games averaging 13.5ppg, 6.0rpg, 2.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 49.7%, 3Pts: 39.0%, FT: 77.3%. He had offers to play in the NBA, but served in the Air Force the last three years and could only play club ball. Some achievements that he got in the NCAA were All-MWC Honorable Mention -05, MWC Regular Season Runner-Up -06, All-MWC 2nd Team -06, 07, NABC All-NCAA District 13 2nd Team -07, and NIT Final Four -07. He spoke to eurobasket about his season in Germany and his future in Spain.

Congrats on the getting a job in the best European league ACB with CAI Zaragoza. For a guy who didnt play for 3 years and then played in Germany and made the jump to the ACB, you can be extremly happy. Were you surprised to land in the ACB despite your history and so many good players in the world?

Thank you. I am very pleased with how things have progressed and excited for the next opportunity in Spain. I was a bit surprised, but its all about finding the right situation at the right time and I felt that is what I did.

I am sure you had some offers from the BEKO BBL. Was the ACB a no brainer? Would you even have gone if a Beko BBL team had offered more money?

The ACB is very hard to walk away from. Its always about finding the right team and there were a few teams in the BBL that would have been great fits, but this opportunity with Zaragoza was too tough to turn down.

Last season with Phoenix Hagen you played 33 games: 14.2ppg, 6.9rpg, 2.5apg, Steals-3 (1.5spg), FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 44.2%, FT: 82.2%. What was the most important thing that you improved your game in the time period from August to May?

I would say my rebounding and free throw %. I had a lot of rust at the beginning of the year after sitting out 3 years.

Where is your 2011 Beko BBL three point shot award? What is your nicest memory from this event?

Mom has it up on a mantel in the living room. I told her to take it down because the oldest news is yesterdays hero's. While I am proud of my accomplishment, that year is over and I am looking to add more hardware to my collection.

Who was your toughest opponent in the Beko BBL last season?

Bamberg was definitely the toughest. They were stacked from the #1 guy to their #12 guy. They were prepared 100% against us. A top notch organization.

What will you miss most from Germany this season when you are balling in Spain?

I would say being around more American players. Not as many in Spain.

Your ex teammate Mark Dorris will be playing in Ludwigsburg this season. Will he be able to make a further step in his basketball career this season?

Mark has always just needed the opportunity to showcase what he can do. and I believe moving to Ludwigsburg will further his career.

CAI Zaragoza is packed with very talented players. With all due respect to your abilities, do you see yourself of having a chance of getting more than 10 minutes this season?

I hope so. I know I will have a lot of things to prove, but I am here to help Zaragoza out in anyway. whether its 25 minutes a game or 5 minutes a game. I just want to contribute.

There are ex NBA players like Bracey Wright and Robert Archibald on your team. Will you be in awe very long or will you be your competitive self quickly?

I dont believe I will be in awe but there is a lot I can learn from guys as talented and experienced as them. I am always competitve no matter who I play with. Its in my blood.

Which player in the ACB are you looking forward the most to playing against?

I cant say there is one player in particular. I am looking forward to just competing night in and night out with those guys.


What was your reaction when you heard that Ron Artest changed his name to World Peace?


I could care less what he changes his name too. Him and guys like Ochocinco are just wanting attention. it is what it is.


Why do so many basketball players like the TV series Entourage?

Everybody wants to be Vincent Chase and have an agent like Ari Gold. Its plain and simple.


What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

She's out of my league

Thanks Jacob for the chat


2011 Universiade. Germany drop Finland, set up clash versus USA - by Eurobasket News
Germany - Finland 84:63

Germany will play for the fifth place at World University Games. They outgunned Finland in the classification round tonight. Finland will take on Romania for the 7th overall position at the tournament. Stefan Schmidt (206-C-89) delivered 16 points and 7 rebounds in the win.
Germany erupted for 27 points in the opening quarter to clear off. They piled up a 13-point lead at the first break. Finland opened the second frame on a 9:0 run to narrow the gap. Finland held their opponents to just four points in the second term to trim the deficit to a single point 30:31. Germany used a 9:1 run midway through the third quarter to gain a 42:33 lead. They managed to establish a comfortable 59:45 advantage at the final break. Germany quickly boosted the gap to 20 points in the fourth frame and never looked back en route to the victory. Johannes Lischka (203-F/C-87) provided 14 points, while Nicolai Simon (191-G-87) added 13 points in the winning effort. Matti Nuutinen (200-F-90) answered with 16 points for Finland. Roope Ahonen (187-PG-90, agency: FCM) had 15 points in the loss.

Germany: Stefan Schmidt 16, Johannes Lischka 14, Nicolai Simon 13
Finland: Matti Nuutinen 16, Roope Ahonen 15


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


Greece triumphs at BEKO-Supercup - by Eurobasket News
Greece-Belgium 70:61

Greece triumphs at BEKO-Supercup with 4 participating teams. The Greek side won all the games including the last one over Belgium 70:61.
Greece started well and had 14:7 with 2 minutes until the end of the first period. Belgium however grabbed the lead at 16:14 finishing the stanza with 9-0 run. In the second period Greece proved their superiority. After 25-12 in it, the favorites enjoyed 39:28 at the halftime. Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81) and Hervelle opened the third period for their teams, while Hervelle later nailed three for 50:36. Kostas Koufos (213-C/F-89, college: Ohio St.) made two free throws for 57:40 and Steinbach closed the third at 61:45. Belgium won the last quarter 16-9, but was too far to upset the Greek side.
Antonis Fotsis and Kostas Koufos top-scored for the winners with 12 points each. Kostas Kaimakoglou followed them with 10, while Kostas Papanikolaou (204-F/G-90) added 9. Marcus Faison (196-G-78, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Siena) replied with 13 points in the losing effort and Dimitri Lauwers (187-G-79) notched 11.

Greece: Antonis Fotsis 12, Kostas Koufos 12, Kostas Kaimakoglou (206-C/F-83) 10, Kostas Papanikolaou 9
Belgium: Marcus Faison 13, Dimitri Lauwers 11



Greece upend Germany at the BEKO-Supercup - by Eurobasket News
Germany-Greece 56:69

Greece shocked the German side in Day 2 of the BEKO-Supercup in Bamberg. The Greek side proved once again that even without some changes in the rosters, the team will be one of the favorite for Eurobasket 2011.
Steffen Hamann, Joe Herber, Robin Benzing, Chris Kaman and Dirk Nowitzki (211-F-78) appeared in the Starting-Five for the hosts, but it did not help them to take the lead. Greece grabbed 6:3 lead and enjoyed 17:14 after the first period. Heiko Schaffartzik tied the game at 17:17, but Greece needed a 9-2 run for 34:24. After 26-14 in the second period Greece had 43:28 at the halftime. Moreover after 10-9 in the third frame Greece tasted 53:37 lead after thirty minutes. Dirk Nowitzki and Chris Kaman (213-C-82, college: Cent.Michigan) reduced to 45:60, but could bring Germany only to 13 points at the end.
Kostas Koufos (213-C/F-89, college: Ohio St.) top-scored for the winners with 17 points, while Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) collected 14 points and 8 rebounds. Nikolaos Zisis (196-G-83) notched 11 and Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81) scored 9. Chris Kaman delivered 15 for the home side and Dirk Nowitzki added 11.

Germany: Chris Kaman 15, Dirk Nowitzki 11
Greece: Kostas Koufos 17, Ioannis Bourousis 14+8 rebs, Nikolaos Zisis 11, Antonis Fotsis 9


Nikos Papanikolaou joined AGOR - by Giorgos Diploidis
Nikolaos Papanikolaou (209-F-85) has agreed in terms with the team of A.G.O Rethymno Aegean. He will find there Akis Kallinikidis with whom where together also in the team of AEK. A.G.O Rethymno Aegean tries to sign experienced players because except from the two already is interested for Giorgos Dedas.

Papanikolaou last year in the team of Athens had 3.1 ppg and 2.2 rpg in 19 matches. So after playing a lot of years in the capital (also in Ilysiakos and Panionos) he decided to move to Crete.

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


Stepco's forward Niels Vorenhout out for couple of weeks - by Fred Roggen
Stepco's forward Niels Vorenhout (202-F-80, agency: Court Side) out for couple of weeks
Stepco BS Weert forward Niels Vorenhout is ruled out a week before the pre-season starts with a groin injury, after a visit to the doctor and a echo in the hospital it becomes clear that the Dutch forward has to undergo a surgery on Monday 29 August.
Vorenhout will be out for practice and games four to six weeks after the surgery.


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


Finland rally past Hungary for third straight win in EuroBasket Additional Qualifying Round - by Eurobasket News
Finland - Hungary 87:65

Finland posted the third win in a row at 2011 EuroBasket Additional Qualifying Round. They stormed past Hungary in Helsinki. Five players scored in double digits to pace the hosts. Petteri Koponen (193-G-88) and Hanno Mottola (209-F/C-76, college: Utah) came up with 13 points each to lead the charge. Hungary fell at 0-4 record after the loss.
Finland made it a 22:17 after ten minutes of action. The hosts cleared off to a 10-point lead in the second quarter but Hungary pulled within 5 points 39:44 at halftime. Bader and Horvath dragged the visitors within two points early in the third term. But Finland stopped the rot and established a 62:55 lead with one quarter remaining. The hosts opened the fourth quarter on a 12:2 run and cruised to the victory at the end. Tuukka Kotti (205-F/C-81, college: Providence) posted 12 points, while Sasu Salin (190-PG-91) contributed 11 points and 12 rebounds in the winning effort. Obie Trotter (186-G-84, agency: Court Side, college: Alabama A&M) answered with 14 points for Hungary. David Vojvoda (191-G/F-90, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) netted 9 points in the loss.

Finland: Petteri Koponen 13, Hanno Mottola 13, Tuukka Kotti 12
Hungary: Obie Trotter 14, David Vojvoda 9


2011 Universiade. China celebrate victory over Hungary - by Eurobasket News
China - Hungary 79:72

China recorded their second win at the World University Games in Shenzhen. The hosts overcame Hungary in the 17th-20th place classification round. Li Yuanyu (206-C-91) top-scored with 26 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. China will now take on South Korea for the 17th overall position. Hungary will wrap up their campaign against UAE.
Hungary got to the better start. They posted a 25:20 lead ten minutes into the game. The visitors stayed in front throughout the second quarter. They registered a 36:35 halftime lead. Hungary boosted the margin in the third term. They entered the final period up by two points 56:54. But China gradually turn things around putting their noses in front in the fourth quarter. The hosts stepped on the gas in the dying minutes and escaped with victory at the end. Shi Hongfei (180-PG-93) notched 25 points and 10 rebounds, while Ren JunFei (204-C-90) added 10 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Zoltan Supola (190-G-88, agency: FCM) answered with 19 points for Hungary. Ferdinand Morgen (206-F/C-90) tallied 14 points and 10 rebounds in defeat.

China: Li Yuanyu 26, Shi Hongfei 25+10 boards, Ren JunFei 10+11 boards
Hungary: Zoltan Supola 19, Ferdinand Morgen 14+10 boards


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


Israel runs over Poland with an 82:70 'W' - by David Pick
With a depressing 2-5 exhibition game record, an Omri Casspi-less Israeli NT prepares for the upcoming 2011 EuroBasket tournament as they host their final European Basketball Tour against national teams from Poland and Russia along with their Israeli head coach -- David Blatt.

The opening game of the tourney met Israel and Poland who were without NBA big man Marchin Gortat and former M.T.A forward Maciej Lampe.
Poland began strong and precise but failed to keep up will the blue-and-white hosts falling 82:70

Israel Poland 82:70

Lior Eliyahu gave Israel a 2:0 advantage with a pair of free-throws, however, Thomas Kelati nailed three treys from way out and gave the guests a 20:16 first quarter lead.
David Blu began a change of scenery with tough defense on Kelati at one end, and good plays on the other, along with team captain Tal Burstein led Israel on a 10:3 run, taking a 26:23 lead. Israel was able to maintain its second quarter lead, as the teams entered the locker room with the hosts up 34:28.

Blu and Eliyahu continued being effective as Israel controlled the game. Mid way through the third period Guy Pnini's 3-pointer made it 47:36. The two teams began the final ten minutes with Poland behind by double-digits, 55:45. The fourth period was an on-going display of garbage time as the final buzzer sounded the scoreboard showed an Israeli 82:70 'W'.

Lior Eliyahu, Yotam Halperin, Yaniv Green and Elishay Kadir led Israel's scorers with 19, 15, 11 and 9 points. Thomas Kelati and Lukasz Koszraek answered with 19 and 14 points respectively.

Israel as recalled was pooled to Group B, one of the toughest groups in the EuroBasket games, as they will battle Italy, Serbia, France, Germany and Latvia for one of the first two qualifying spots. Poland was pooled to Group A along with Great Britain, Spain, Turkey, host Lithuania and a qualifying last chance NT.

The tournament will continue on Tuesday with Poland vs. Russia. The final game will be played on Wednesday where Israel hosts Russia and their NBA superstars Andrey Kirilenko and Timofey Mozgov.

Prior to the Games

The three national head coaches officially opened their European Basketball Tour this morning with a press conference where they spoke of what is expected of them in the next three days, as they prepare for Lithuania.

Poland National Head Coach, Pipan Ales. 'I'm honored to be here in Israel and I hope we enjoy these next few days in this beautiful country. The tournament is good opportunity for us to measure our strengths and weaknesses against great teams like ISR and RUS. As a coach, in my opinion, it's important to see what we have achieved thus far as a team and what we still have to work on. I'm expecting a very tough physical basketball atmosphere with great teams that play fast and good transition basketball.'

Russian National Head Coach, David Blatt. 'It is a privilege for me to be hosted in Israel by my friends and co-workers. I have been with the Russian NT for six years and this is the first time we are coming to Israel to play an exhibition tournament and I'm thrilled to have this opportunity. All three teams have good and talented rosters and I hope to see some great basketball.

Israeli Head Coach, Arik Shivek: 'I'm delighted we have another chance to put our game strategy to work and our players to a test before heading out to Lithuania. Having the Russian and Polish NT here in Israel is a great thing and we are happy to have worked it out and pleased with hosting this exciting campaign. This is our last chance to work on final touches and I hope we'll be successful. In my opinion, Russia is one of the favorites to advance to the EuroBasket Final-Four, so having them here in Israel along with Head Coach David Blatt, is an opportunity we can't waist. I'm glad we will be able to adapt to the high level of basketball competition throughout these games and hope it will prepare of for next week's game against Germany.

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd



2011 Universiade. Israel need overtime to beat Australia - by Eurobasket News
Israel - Australia 88:83 (OT)

Israel outlasted Australia in a thriller at World University Games tonight. The victory propelled Israel into the game for the 13th place at the tournament against Brazil. Australia will wrap up their campaign against Mexico tomorrow.
The teams exchanged baskets in the close first quarter. Australia and Israel entered the second period tied at 19. Israel pulled in front in the second frame. They grabbed a 36:32 halftime lead. Australia levelled things up at 42 midway through the third quarter but Israel once again put their noses in front to enjoy a 57:50 lead with ten minutes left in regulation. Australia denied the deficit and Benjamin Dowdell (200-F-88) put them in charge 70:69 with under a minute remaining. Eyal Shulman (192-G-87) answered with a triple but Maynard hit a jumper to force overtime. The teams traded baskets for some time in the extra period but Yoad Bet-Yosef (182-G-87, agency: Avi Zilberman) had the last laugh as he knocked down three points late in overtime to seal the victory for Israel. Yoad Bet-Yosef finished with 19 points, while Raviv Pitshon (202-C/F-89) added 16 points and 17 rebounds in the victory. Benjamin Dowdell answered with 23 points and 10 rebounds for Australia. Cameron Gliddon (196-G/F-89) provided 17 points in defeat.

Israel: Yoad Bet-Yosef 19, Raviv Pitshon 16, Eyal Shulman 10, Anton Shoutvin (206-C/F-89) 10
Australia: Benjamin Dowdell 23+10 boards, Cameron Gliddon 17



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


2011 Universiade. Turkey nip Japan in classification round - by Eurobasket News
Turkey - Japan 85:83

Turkey overcame Japan in the 5th-8th place classification round at World University Games. Birkan Batuk (198-F-90) scored 17 points and grabbed 8 rebounds to pace the winners. Turkey will now take on Ukraine tomorrow. Japan will face Czech Republic in the tournament finale.
Turkey earned a narrow 24:21 lead at the first intermission. But Japan struck back in the second term. Japan posted a 46:45 halftime advantage. The seesaw action continued in the third term. Turkey regained the lead and secured a one-point lead at the final break 66:65. The teams were tied at 80 with under two minutes left. Ibrahim Yildirim (190-G-90) drained a triple and then Turna sealed the winning outcome for Turkey. Ibrahim Yildirim accounted for 14 points, while Bora Pacun (210-F-87) added 13 points and 9 caroms in the victory. Kosuke Kanamaru (193-F/G-89) answered with 20 points for Japan. Daisuke Kobayashi (188-G-87) 15 points in the losing effort.

Turkey: Birkan Batuk 17, Ibrahim Yildirim 14, Bora Pacun 13
Japan: Kosuke Kanamaru 20, Daisuke Kobayashi 15


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


Lithuania topple Latvia in Panevezys - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania - Latvia 95:75

Lithuania posted a comfortable victory over Latvia in the exhibition clash in Panevezys yesterday. Marijonas Petravicius (208-F/C-79, college: S.Carolina) stepped up with 26 points to lead the winners.
Lithuanua fired 26 points in the opening quarter to surge ahead. They posted a 4-point lead after ten minutes of action. Latvia pulled in front in the second quarter 34:29 but not for long. Lithuania reacted with a 19:9 run to restore the lead. They ensured a 53:38 halftime advantage. The teams traded baskets throughout the third term as Lithuania posted a 75:61 lead with one quarter remaining. Latvia could not threaten the deficit in the fourth period and had to surrender at the end. Paulius Jankunas (205-F-84, agency: Interperformances), Martynas Pocius (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) and Darjus Lavrinovic (212-C-79) accounted for 13 points apiece in the victory. Janis Blums (190-G-82) responded with 21 points for Latvia. Janis Strelnieks (191-G-89) provided 16 points in defeat.

Lithuania: Marijonas Petravicius 26, Paulius Jankunas 13, Martynas Pocius 13, Darjus Lavrinovic 13
Latvia: Janis Blums 21, Janis Strelnieks 16


*****************************************************
  LEBANON   


Summary of the Lebanese National Team Training Camp in Turkey - by Asia-Basket Lebanon
Lebanon finished its training camp in Turkey with a win in its last game against Qatar on the score of 72-68, Lebanon who trailed Qatar at the first half had to make a big run by applying the full pressure on the Qatari Team which reduced the score and gave the lead to Lebanon to secure the win in the end on the score of 72-68.
Thomas Coleman led the team with 16points followed by Ghaleb Reda 13 and Miguel Martinez 9.
Lebanon who won his first game against Algeria on the score of 78-67 with the absence of 4 players , Ghaleb Reda led all scorers with 26pts followed by Mohamad Ibrahim with 14pts.
Lebanon suffered a big defeat against Ukraine in their 3rd game on the score of 74-52 ,the first half was a catastrophic one for the Lebanese but the second half was much better for the Lebanese Players in which the points scored in the 2nd half was 35-33.

Lebanon will fly to Qatar to play a four Nations Tournament together with Qatar,Syria and the Philipinnes.



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


Lithuania topple Latvia in Panevezys - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania - Latvia 95:75

Lithuania posted a comfortable victory over Latvia in the exhibition clash in Panevezys yesterday. Marijonas Petravicius (208-F/C-79, college: S.Carolina) stepped up with 26 points to lead the winners.
Lithuanua fired 26 points in the opening quarter to surge ahead. They posted a 4-point lead after ten minutes of action. Latvia pulled in front in the second quarter 34:29 but not for long. Lithuania reacted with a 19:9 run to restore the lead. They ensured a 53:38 halftime advantage. The teams traded baskets throughout the third term as Lithuania posted a 75:61 lead with one quarter remaining. Latvia could not threaten the deficit in the fourth period and had to surrender at the end. Paulius Jankunas (205-F-84, agency: Interperformances), Martynas Pocius (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) and Darjus Lavrinovic (212-C-79) accounted for 13 points apiece in the victory. Janis Blums (190-G-82) responded with 21 points for Latvia. Janis Strelnieks (191-G-89) provided 16 points in defeat.

Lithuania: Marijonas Petravicius 26, Paulius Jankunas 13, Martynas Pocius 13, Darjus Lavrinovic 13
Latvia: Janis Blums 21, Janis Strelnieks 16


2011 Universiade. Canada top Lithuania, enter Final - by Eurobasket News
Canada - Lithuania 83:68

Canada reached the title game at the World University Games in China. They overcame Lithuania in the first semifinal tonight. Tyson Hinz (199-F-91) stepped up with 21 points and 7 rebounds to pace the effort.
Lithuania looked exhausted after a tough quarterfinal battle against USA. Canada capitalized jumping to a 24:18 lead after ten minutes. The North American side maintained the lead throughout the second period. They established a 39:29 halftime advantage. The gap grew at double figures in the third frame. Canada enjoyed a 14-point lead before the Baltic team cut it to 9 points with ten minutes to go 47:56. Canada however restored a safe cushion early in the fourth frame and marched to the victory at the end. Warren Ward (196-G-89) and Boris Bakovic (201-F-88, agency: Interperformances) accounted for 16 points apiece in the win. Gediminas Zyle (209-C-88) replied with 15 points and 8 rebounds for Lithuania. Marius Valukonis (198-F-88) posted 11 points in defeat.

Canada: Tyson Hinz 21, Warren Ward 16, Boris Bakovic 16
Lithuania: Gediminas Zyle 15, Marius Valukonis 11


*****************************************************
  MALI   


26th Afrobasket: Mali edge Mozambique in double OT 72-69 - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Mali edge Mozambique by 72-69 points in a thriller game that provided double over-time to earn it second win in group-A of the 26th FIBA Africa Championship for Men in Palais des Sports Antananarivo, Madagascar.

Mali had trailed the Mozambican by 12-14 points in the first quarter of the game that kept fans cheering ceaselessly but step up it game to win the second quarter by 17-06 points to take a 29-20 points lead going into the break but gave up the lead as Mozambique charged back in the third quarter by 15-27 points to trail by 44-47 points at the end of the third quarter.

The fourth quarter provided Mali another opportunity as they even scores at 59 points apiece at the end of the fourth quarter, the first over-time also saw both sides refusing to give-in as they both scored 6 points each to set the stage for a second over-time which the Malian eventually won by 07-04 points for a final score-line of 72-69 points.

Mali guard Waly Coulibaly led his team with 15 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists, Mohamed Tangara poured in 14 points grabbed 9 rebounds and had 4 steals while Modibo Niakate contributed 12 points and 2 rebounds for their side strong win.
Waly Coulibaly (190-G-88)

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


2011 Universiade. Brazil beat Mexico in Shenzhen - by Eurobasket News
Brazil - Mexico 79:61

Brazil shot down Mexico in 13th-16th place classification round at World University Games tonight. Michael Machado (185-G-90) scored 16 points to pace the effort.
The teams stayed close throughout the opening quarter. Brazil eked out a 17:15 lead after ten minutes of action. Brazil stretched the lead in the second frame. The Latin American team opened a 38:28 advantage at halftime. Brazil continued to increase the tempo in the third term. They cleared off to a 22-point lead at the final intermission. Brazil did not slow down as they cruised to the victory at the end. Rafael Stabile (F-88) and Frederico Santos (91) posted 12 points apiece in the win. Gabriel Giron (192-F-88) responded with 17 points and 10 rebounds for Mexico. Israel Nolasco (205-C-89) had 8 points in the loss.

Brazil: Michael Machado 16, Rafael Stabile 12, Frederico Santos 12
Mexico: Gabriel Giron 17+10 boards, Israel Nolasco 8


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


Montenegro overcame New Zealand in Skopje - by Eurobasket News
Montenegro-New Zealand 78:72

Montenegro overcame New Zealand in Skopje in Day 2 of the ''Trofej Makedonija 2011. The European team needed a strong first half to escape 78:72 victory.
After the loss in Day 1 from the hosts, Montenegro started better and produced a 14-2 run for 22:16 in the end of the frame. Golubovic scored for 31:21 and then his side had 42:27 at the halftime. Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) gave the biggest lead for Montenegro at 44:27, but New Zealand was too far to give up. The latter erupted with 21-3 run to come closer to 48:47. Only due to 9-1 run from the European team, it became clear about the winner.
Nikola Pekovic led the way with 23 points, while Vladimir Dragicevic (206-C/F-86) and Omar-Sharif Cook (186-PG-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.John's) netted 10 each. Golubovic followed them with 9 points in the winning effort. Kirk Penney (196-G-80, college: Wisconsin) replied with 26 points in defeat and Mika Vukona (197-F-82) added 13.
On Sunday FYR Macedonia will face New Zealand.

Montenegro: Nikola Pekovic 23, Vladimir Dragicevic 10, Omar-Sharif Cook 10, Golubovic 9
New Zealand: Kirk Penney 26, Mika Vukona 13


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


Tour of Australia could be on NBA stars' agendas - by Eurobasket News
A contingent of NBA stars may be headed to Australia for a three-game tour of the island nation, the Herald Sun reports.

Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas), Chris Paul (6'0''-PG-85, college: Wake Forest), Derrick Rose (6'4''-G-88, college: Memphis) and Pau Gasol (7'0''-F/C-80) are among the players that would play in a series of all-star games at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne later this year, according to the report.

At least two sponsors have committed to back the tour and pay for insurance for the players, which would cost more than $1 million, the Herald Sun notes.

Durant, Paul and Rose also participated in two games in the Philippines earlier this summer. JaVale McGee, Derrick Williams, Tyreke Evans, James Harden and Derek Fisher also played for the squad that beat a pair of Filipino teams on consecutive days in July.

Courtesy of http://aol.sportingnews.com

Andris Biedrins not signing overseas just yet - by Eurobasket News
Andris Biedrins (7'0''-C-86) agent said Saturday that conflicting reports of the Warriors center signing with different European teams were erroneous, but Biedrins will explore overseas options next month.

'I think (Biedrins) would be open to playing overseas on a temporary or a long-term basis if the (NBA) lockout continues, but weve got to get him some insurance to protect his (NBA) contract', agent Bill Duffy said. 'He's on a training regimen, and he usually takes it to another level at this time. In 20 to 30 days, hell be 100 percent conditioned.'

On Friday, 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.

Duffy said Biedrins is friends with one of the Latvian team officials, who got excited about the chance of a signing and jumped the gun. Neither have has spoken with the Turkish team, which already has a glut of frontcourt players.

Reported by Rusty Simmons of the San Francisco Chronicle blog

Taken from www.insidehoops.com

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


Norway edge University of California in exhibition clash - by Eurobasket News
Norway - University of California 69:64

Norwegian National Team played an exhibition game versus the University of California in Baerum. The hosts claimed a 5-point victory at the end. Karamo Jawara (200-F-91) and Roy Nwachukwu (196-F-90) stepped up with 12 points each to pace the effort.
The Golden Bears stormed into the game. The visitors fired 24 points to take a 12-point lead after ten minutes. But Norway slowed their opponents down in the second frame. The hosts answered adequately snatching a 37:36 halftime advantage. Norway took over in the third frame. They held the Golden Bears to 13 points in the third term to ensure a 7-point lead before the final stanza 56:49. The Golden Bears outscored the home team in the fourth frame but came up short of victory at the end. Nikolas Skouen (191-F-90) and Frank Nyborg (197-F-83) dropped 8 points each in the winning effort. Richard Solomon (203-F-92) answered with 15 points for the Golden Bears. Justin Cobbs (190-G) had 13 points, while Harper Kamp (203-F-88) finished with 12 points in defeat.

Norway: Karamo Jawara 12, Roy Nwachukwu 12, Nikolas Skouen 8, Frank Nyborg 8
University of California: Richard Solomon 15, Justin Cobbs 13, Harper Kamp 12


2011 Universiade. USA cruise past Romania in Shenzhen - by Eurobasket News
USA - Romania 94:73

USA outmuscled Romania in the 5th-8th place classification round at World University Games. USA will now take on Germany for the fifth place tomorrow. Romania will face Finland in the final game of the tournament.
USA opened the game with a 12:2 run. They stayed in charge posting a 20:12 lead at the first break. USA cleared off to an 18-point lead at halftime. The North American team maintained the advantage throughout the third term. USA entered the fourth quarter up by 19 points 74:55. Romania could not get any closer throughout the final period as the United States breezed to the victory at the end. Draymond Green (6'6''-F-90) registered 16 points to lead the charge. Jamychal Green (6'9''-F-90) and John Jenkins (6'4''-G-91) contributed 12 points apiece in the victory. Titus Nicoara (6'8''-F-88, agency: Interperformances) responded with 22 points and 10 rebounds for Romania. Andrei Mandache (6'3''-G-87, agency: Global Sports Plaza) had 18 points in the loss.

USA: Draymond Green 16, Jamychal Green 12, John Jenkins 12
Romania: Titus Nicoara 22+10 boards, Andrei Mandache 18


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


Montenegro overcame New Zealand in Skopje - by Eurobasket News
Montenegro-New Zealand 78:72

Montenegro overcame New Zealand in Skopje in Day 2 of the ''Trofej Makedonija 2011. The European team needed a strong first half to escape 78:72 victory.
After the loss in Day 1 from the hosts, Montenegro started better and produced a 14-2 run for 22:16 in the end of the frame. Golubovic scored for 31:21 and then his side had 42:27 at the halftime. Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) gave the biggest lead for Montenegro at 44:27, but New Zealand was too far to give up. The latter erupted with 21-3 run to come closer to 48:47. Only due to 9-1 run from the European team, it became clear about the winner.
Nikola Pekovic led the way with 23 points, while Vladimir Dragicevic (206-C/F-86) and Omar-Sharif Cook (186-PG-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.John's) netted 10 each. Golubovic followed them with 9 points in the winning effort. Kirk Penney (196-G-80, college: Wisconsin) replied with 26 points in defeat and Mika Vukona (197-F-82) added 13.
On Sunday FYR Macedonia will face New Zealand.

Montenegro: Nikola Pekovic 23, Vladimir Dragicevic 10, Omar-Sharif Cook 10, Golubovic 9
New Zealand: Kirk Penney 26, Mika Vukona 13


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


26th Afrobasket: Nigeria keep clean slate, pipe Madagascar 112-81 - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Nigeria Sunday night finish top of group-A without dropping a game with a 112-81 last group game victory over Madagascar to set up Tuesday Eight Round Final date against Chad who has been confine to the bottom of group-B.

Nigeria opened the exciting game with a 25-19 points first quarter win it settle for an even score with the host of 30 points apiece to take a 55-49 points lead into the half-time.

DTigers as the Nigeria senior national team is known took a step further winning the third and fourth quarters by 20-13 and 37-19 points respectively to end the game at 112-81 points to lead the group with Mali placing second while Mozambique finish third.

Nigeria Derrick Obasohan led the floor with 21 points and 2 rebounds, point guard Michael Umeh netted 19 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals, centre Olumide Oyedeji had a double double of 17 points, 13 rebounds and one block-shot, Ime Udoka added 10 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals with Solomon Tat contributing 10 points and 2 rebounds.
Solomon Tat (196-G/F-86, college: Virginia)

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


Norway edge University of California in exhibition clash - by Eurobasket News
Norway - University of California 69:64

Norwegian National Team played an exhibition game versus the University of California in Baerum. The hosts claimed a 5-point victory at the end. Karamo Jawara (200-F-91) and Roy Nwachukwu (196-F-90) stepped up with 12 points each to pace the effort.
The Golden Bears stormed into the game. The visitors fired 24 points to take a 12-point lead after ten minutes. But Norway slowed their opponents down in the second frame. The hosts answered adequately snatching a 37:36 halftime advantage. Norway took over in the third frame. They held the Golden Bears to 13 points in the third term to ensure a 7-point lead before the final stanza 56:49. The Golden Bears outscored the home team in the fourth frame but came up short of victory at the end. Nikolas Skouen (191-F-90) and Frank Nyborg (197-F-83) dropped 8 points each in the winning effort. Richard Solomon (203-F-92) answered with 15 points for the Golden Bears. Justin Cobbs (190-G) had 13 points, while Harper Kamp (203-F-88) finished with 12 points in defeat.

Norway: Karamo Jawara 12, Roy Nwachukwu 12, Nikolas Skouen 8, Frank Nyborg 8
University of California: Richard Solomon 15, Justin Cobbs 13, Harper Kamp 12


Tromso Storm confirm Morten Sahlertz - by Eurobasket News
Tromso Storm have officially announced the signing of Morten Sahlertz (198-F-89). The sides have agreed on terms of one-year contract. The 22-year-old forward spent the last season in Horsens IC in Danish Ligaen. Morten Sahlertz posted 11.5 points, 3.5 boards and 1.3 assists per game. The forward participated at the Ligaen All-Star Game. Morten Sahlertz is the member of Danish National Team.



*****************************************************
  PERU   


Standings - Superior
Superior Standings
 1. Regatas 22-2 
 2. Real Club 22-3 
 3. Escuela Fap 19-5 
 4. El Bosque 17-10 
 5. Inmaculada 14-11 
 6. Ejercito 11-15 
 7. Centro Naval 11-15 
 8. San Augustin 8-20 
 9. San Marcos 3-23 
 10. Universitario 1-24 


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


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. Grundy, Petron B.22.8 
 4. Sloan, Ginebra Kin.22.6 
 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.13.7 
 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: 7
 1. Cabagnot, Petron7.0 
 2. Grundy, Petron B.6.0 
 3. Mercado, Meralco5.5 
 4. Sloan, Ginebra Kin.5.3 
 5. Castro, Talk N Te.5.2 
 6. Cruz, Powerade T.5.0 
 7. Alapag, Talk N Te.5.0 
 8. Reynolds, Talk N.4.4 
 9. Tenorio, Alaska A.4.4 
 10. Reid, Rain or Shi.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 Text1.5 
 5. Yap, B-Meg Llam.1.4 
 6. Cruz, Powerade T.1.4 
 7. Tenorio, Alaska A.1.4 
 8. Bangura, Air21 E.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 


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


Puerto Rico prepares for Olympic Qualifier - by Eric de la Cruz
After a month of 2 a day practices 5 times a week, Puerto Ricos National team began playing friendly games as warm up for the Olympic Qualyfing Tournament in Argentina on August 30.

The first game was last Sunday night, as PR Team A faced PR Team B (the Basketball Federation wanted to have 2 teams, A & B, just as Team USA has done it since the arrival of Jerry Colangelo as GM, so that they can have a deep pool of talent for the international competitions, as in this case, PR will have another tournament in October, The Panamerican Games in Guadalajara, Mexico).

Later in the week, PR played 3 straight games against Panama. In 2 of the games PR used their A team (Olympic Qualifier) and on the other they used their B team (Panamerican Games). PR, which had cut their roster to 15 players, was still deciding on their final roster of 12 players. For now, they decided on 13 players, which will travel to Brazil this weekend to play in the Tuto Marchand Cup alongside the hosts, Canada and Dominican Republic. After the tournament, the team will make its final roster cut and travel to Argentina. The players who don't make the cut will continue practicing for the Panamerican Games.

Panama, which was missing 3 players, was just beginning their training for the Olympic Qualifier. The completed team will reunite in their country to finish training, with the games against PR their only friendlies.

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


2011 Universiade. USA cruise past Romania in Shenzhen - by Eurobasket News
USA - Romania 94:73

USA outmuscled Romania in the 5th-8th place classification round at World University Games. USA will now take on Germany for the fifth place tomorrow. Romania will face Finland in the final game of the tournament.
USA opened the game with a 12:2 run. They stayed in charge posting a 20:12 lead at the first break. USA cleared off to an 18-point lead at halftime. The North American team maintained the advantage throughout the third term. USA entered the fourth quarter up by 19 points 74:55. Romania could not get any closer throughout the final period as the United States breezed to the victory at the end. Draymond Green (6'6''-F-90) registered 16 points to lead the charge. Jamychal Green (6'9''-F-90) and John Jenkins (6'4''-G-91) contributed 12 points apiece in the victory. Titus Nicoara (6'8''-F-88, agency: Interperformances) responded with 22 points and 10 rebounds for Romania. Andrei Mandache (6'3''-G-87, agency: Global Sports Plaza) had 18 points in the loss.

USA: Draymond Green 16, Jamychal Green 12, John Jenkins 12
Romania: Titus Nicoara 22+10 boards, Andrei Mandache 18


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


2011 Universiade. Serbia thump Russia in semifinal - by Eurobasket News
Serbia - Russia 81:61

Serbia will defend their World University Games title in the championship against Canada tomorrow. The reigning champions held off Russia in the semifinal tonight to ensure their title game birth. Vladimir Lucic (202-F-89, agency: Beo Basket) scored 18 points to pace the effort.
Serbia dominated from start to finish. They established a 23:18 lead after ten minutes. Serbia extended the lead in the second quarter. They posted a 45:26 halftime advantage. Russia could not change the complexion of the encounter in the second half. Serbia stayed well in charge of the proceedings. They recorded a 64:45 lead heading into the final period. They did not slow down in the fourth frame and celebrated a comfortable win at the end. Mladen Jeremic (196-G-88, agency: Interperformances) and Milos Dimic (195-G-89) accounted for 12 points each for Serbia. Stefan Bircevic (209-F/C-89) and Vladimir Stimac (209-C-87, agency: Interperformances) had 11 points each in the victory. Viacheslav Zaitsev (191-G-89) responded with 15 points for Russia. Petr Gubanov (207-C-87) notched 12 points in the loss.

Serbia: Vladimir Lucic 18, Mladen Jeremic 12, Milos Dimic 12
Russia: Viacheslav Zaitsev 15, Petr Gubanov 12


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


2011 Universiade. Serbia thump Russia in semifinal - by Eurobasket News
Serbia - Russia 81:61

Serbia will defend their World University Games title in the championship against Canada tomorrow. The reigning champions held off Russia in the semifinal tonight to ensure their title game birth. Vladimir Lucic (202-F-89, agency: Beo Basket) scored 18 points to pace the effort.
Serbia dominated from start to finish. They established a 23:18 lead after ten minutes. Serbia extended the lead in the second quarter. They posted a 45:26 halftime advantage. Russia could not change the complexion of the encounter in the second half. Serbia stayed well in charge of the proceedings. They recorded a 64:45 lead heading into the final period. They did not slow down in the fourth frame and celebrated a comfortable win at the end. Mladen Jeremic (196-G-88, agency: Interperformances) and Milos Dimic (195-G-89) accounted for 12 points each for Serbia. Stefan Bircevic (209-F/C-89) and Vladimir Stimac (209-C-87, agency: Interperformances) had 11 points each in the victory. Viacheslav Zaitsev (191-G-89) responded with 15 points for Russia. Petr Gubanov (207-C-87) notched 12 points in the loss.

Serbia: Vladimir Lucic 18, Mladen Jeremic 12, Milos Dimic 12
Russia: Viacheslav Zaitsev 15, Petr Gubanov 12


Boomers silence Serbia in London - by Eurobasket News
Australia - Serbia 78:69

Australia earned the third win at the London Invitational Tournament. They prevailed against Serbia to improve at 3-1 record. Joe Ingles (203-G/F-87, agency: Priority Sports) stepped up with 17 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists to pace the winners. Serbia fell at 2-2 record after the loss.
Australia eked out a narrow 23:21 lead after ten minutes. Serbia pulled in front late in the first half but Martin hit a jumper to level things up at 31. The teams went neck and neck throughout the third frame. Nenad Krstic (214-C-83, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) eventually gave Serbia a narrow 50:49 advantage into the fourth quarter. The European team gained a 65:61 lead midway through the final period. However the Boomers responded with eight points in a row to surge in front. Joe Ingles, Matthew Dellavedova (193-G-90) and Ogilvy kept the Boomers in charge throughout the final minutes and Australia celebrated a tough win at the end. Brad Newley (201-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) accounted for 14 points, while Matthew Dellavedova posted 12 points in the win. Nenad Krstic answered with 17 points and 6 rebounds for Serbia. Dusko Savanovic (204-F/C-83, agency: Beo Basket) finished with 16 points in the loss.

Australia: Joe Ingles 17, Brad Newley 14, Matthew Dellavedova 12
Serbia: Nenad Krstic 17, Dusko Savanovic 16


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


Maslik Is Out With Injury, Laslo Without Passport - by Tomas Kottra
Two players already left MBK Rieker Komarno fo different reasons.
Two changes in Komarno - Michal Maslik (209-C-89) is out for probably whole season. The pre-season trainings have just started and Michal injured his achilles tendon. It is a serious injury towards his basketball career. MBK have replaced him very quickly with experienced Czech forward Jan Kratochvil (200-F-82).
Second player who left MBK is Robert Laslo (194-G-84, agency: TSS Management) - Serbian with announced Hungarian passport did not get his passport so MBK would exceed the non-EU players quota.'It [the passport] will be not done in the time when i am supposed to get licence in Slovakian competition,' said Laslo. He was also quickly replaced - by Martin Binovsky (185-G-87), former Handlova and Prievidza player.

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


South Africa beats Egypt 71-68 - by Eurobasket News
EGYPT - SOUTH AFRICA 68-71

South Africa won their first game in Antananarivo. It was a 71-68 victory against Egypt. Both teams ended with 1-2 record in Preliminary Group C and Ivory Coast has the same numbers. In this circle Ivory Coast is No2, Egypt No.3 and South Africa ended as the last ranked team in this pool. Cameroon won it with 3-0. Christopher Gabriel (214-C-88) shined with 14 points and 11 rebounds in victory. Neo Mothiba (199-G/F-82) and Kegorapetse Letsebe (198-G/F-80, college: Goucher) (6 rebs) helped with 11 and 10 points respectively. Ramy Gunady (185-G-81) stepped up for Egypt with 21 points and 5 rebounds. Their second scorer was El-Gammal with 9 points. Quarters: 22-11, 17-13, 16-29, 13-18. Championship continues tomorrow.

Egypt: Ramy Gunady 21+5 boards, El-Gammal 9
South Africa: Christopher Gabriel 14+11 boards, Neo Mothiba 11, Kegorapetse Letsebe 10+6 boards

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


KT Sonic Boom Preparing For 2011 - by Jeff Liebsch
After a July workout camp, the Sonic Boom KT are back at practice, and are looking to defend their regular season championship. The players have been going through strenuous gym workouts, as well as running mountains to prepare their strength and endurance for the upcoming season.

'This year's training is more difficult than last year's,' said last season's MVP Park Sang-Oh (196-F-81)

The Sonic Boom hit the gym last week to start their workouts in preparation for this season. They finished last season on top of the league with a 41-13 regular season record, tops in league history. They bowed out in the second round of the playoffs however, losing three games to one to Wonju.

They have also started their exhibition schedule, defeating Kyung Hee University's basketball team 86-66 on the 19th. They will play Yonsei University on the 23rd, Joongang University on the 25th, the national squad on the 26th, and Konkuk University on the 27th. All games begin at 4 p.m.

The Boom are led by Park, American import Charles Rhodes (203-F/C-85, college: Mississippi St.), who has re-signed for this season, as well as national team member Cho Sung-Min (189-F-83)

The regular season is set for mid-October, but the schedule has yet to be announced.

2011 Universiade. South Korea cruise past UAE - by Eurobasket News
South Korea - UAE 87:61

South Korea breezed past UAE at the World University Games classification round tonight. Cha Bawee (191-F-89) erupted for 30 points to pace the winners. South Korea will now take on China for the 17th overall position at the tournament. UAE will wrap up their campaign against Hungary.
South Korea fired 27 points in the first period to take an 11-point lead. They maintained the lead throughout the second frame. South Korea established a 47:38 halftime buffer. The Korean team gradually boosted the gap throughout the third stanza. They ensured a 64:49 advantage with ten minutes remaining. South Korea took off in the fourth frame opening a 20-point lead and eased to the victory at the end. Lim Jongill (192-F-90) had 11 points, while Kim Jun-Yl (202-C-92) and Kim Jiwan (188-G-90) scored 10 points apiece in the win. Mohamed AlBraiki (205-C-91) answered with 22 points for UAE. Omar Alameri (200-F-91) netted 12 points in the loss.

South Korea: Cha Bawee 30, Lim Jongill 11, Kim Jun-Yl 10, Kim Jiwan 10
UAE: Mohamed AlBraiki 22, Omar Alameri 12


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


Ferran Lavina remain with Baloncesto Fuenlabrada - by Eurobasket News
Ferran Lavina (192-G-77, agency: Court Side) remain with Baloncesto Fuenlabrada for 2011/2012 season. The Spanish Guard joined the team in 2009 and will enter the third season in a row.
Two seasons before Fuenlabrada agreed 2-year deal with experienced Ferran Lavina. The 34-year old guard was coming from DKV Joventut, where he spent last 3 years. In the last season Lavina had 5.5 ppg and 1.9 rpg for 10 Euroleague games. In ACB he appeared 30 times registering 3.8 ppg, 1 rpg and 1.1 apg. In 2008 Lavina helped Joventut to win ULEB Cup, as well as 'Copa del Rey'. In ULEB he had 5.7 ppg, 2.3 rpg and 1.5 apg for 16 games. Before Joventut, Lavina spent almost a decade with Manresa.
In 2009-2010 for Alta Gestion Fuenlabrada Madrid (ACB) after 33 games he averaged 3.0ppg, 1.3rpg. In 2010-2011 for Baloncesto Fuenlabrada (ACB) after 35 games his stats read 4.9ppg, 1.7rpg.
Last season Ferran Lavina played his 350th game in ACB.


Svetislav Pesic takes over Estrella Roja - by Eurobasket News
Svetislav Pesic (agency: Interperformances ) takes over Estrella Roja for 2011/2012 season. The Serbian specialist comes from Valencia.
Last year Valencia hired Svetislav Pesic (agency: Interperformances ) as their new head coach. The deal was meant till the end of the season. Svetislav Pesic (agency: Interperformances ) worked with Crvena Zvezda in 2008/09 season. The 62-year-old specialist led the Serbian team to the Adriatic League as well as Serbian League Finals. Svetslav Pesic led Yugoslavian National Team to the European and World Championship Gold. He also triumphed in Euroleague together with Barcelona. Pesic replaced Manuel Hussein who got axed a week ago after 1-6 start for Valencia in ACB.
In 2007 Akasvayu Girona's Svetislav Pesic (agency: Interperformances ) has been chosen as a head coach for the FIBA EuroCup All-Star game. Pesic led the European All-Star side in the game while his FIBA EuroCup second round opponent, Zare Markovski of Virtus Bologna coached the 'Rest of the World' team.


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


Turkey bounced back after the loss in Day 1, edged Belgium in Bamberg - by Eurobasket News
Turkey-Belgium 66:60

Turkey bounced back after the loss in Day 1, edged Belgium in Bamberg at the BEKO-Supercup. The Turkish side needed 66:60 for 1-1 record, while Belgium fell at 0-2.
Turkey took the lead in the first period and reached 17:13 at the end of it. Enes Kanter (208-C-92, college: Kentucky) scored for 25:17 and Omer Asik (213-C-86) brought 29:24. Onan later sent the teams to the lockers for 36:28. The third period however belonged to Belgium. Trailing 10 points in the start of it, they erupted with 12-2 run and Beghin tied the game at 45:45. Moreover Muya and Oveneke continued the run for 49:45 and Beghin closed the period at 51:47. Ilyasova made it 58:58 midway through the last period and Hervelle scored for 63:60. Semih Erden (211-C-87) and Tunceri scored the last points for the winners from the free throw line to seal the victory.
Omer Asik paced all the winners with 12 points and Ersan Ilyasova (207-F-87) followed him with 11. Semih Erden notched 9, while Enes Kanter scored 7. Jonathan Tabu (190-PG-85) responded with 11 points in defeat, whilst Christophe Beghin (207-F-80, agency: Court Side) and Didier Didier Mbenga (214-C-80)-Illunga posted 10 each.

Turkey: Omer Asik 12, Ersan Ilyasova 11, Semih Erden 9, Enes Kanter 7
Belgium: Jonathan Tabu 11, Christophe Beghin 11, Didier Mbenga 10


Germany overcame Turkey in the end of the BEKO-Supercup in Bamberg - by Eurobasket News
Germany-Turkey 64:52

Germany overcame Turkey in the end of the BEKO-Supercup in Bamberg. The home side of the tournament needed 64:52 win to finish second behind Greece. Turkey meanwhile lost to both sides and finished on the third place.
Both sides were tied at 4:4 and then at the end of the first period at 15:15. Turkey started to play better in the second frame and grabbed 29:24 after defensive 14-9 in the frame. Robin Benzing tied the game again at 35:35 and then Germany took 41:38 at the end of the third quarter. In the last stanza Germany erupted with 19-3 to seal the victory.
Chris Kaman (213-C-82, college: Cent.Michigan) stepped up with 16 points and Dirk Nowitzki (211-F-78) netted 14. Sven Schultze (208-C-78) followed them with 11 points for the second victory. Enes Kanter (208-C-92, college: Kentucky) ended up with 12 points in the losing effort, while Ersan Ilyasova (207-F-87) and Omer Asik (213-C-86) added 8 apiece.

Germany: Chris Kaman 16, Dirk Nowitzki 14, Sven Schultze 11
Turkey: Enes Kanter 12, Ersan Ilyasova 8, Omer Asik 8


2011 Universiade. Turkey nip Japan in classification round - by Eurobasket News
Turkey - Japan 85:83

Turkey overcame Japan in the 5th-8th place classification round at World University Games. Birkan Batuk (198-F-90) scored 17 points and grabbed 8 rebounds to pace the winners. Turkey will now take on Ukraine tomorrow. Japan will face Czech Republic in the tournament finale.
Turkey earned a narrow 24:21 lead at the first intermission. But Japan struck back in the second term. Japan posted a 46:45 halftime advantage. The seesaw action continued in the third term. Turkey regained the lead and secured a one-point lead at the final break 66:65. The teams were tied at 80 with under two minutes left. Ibrahim Yildirim (190-G-90) drained a triple and then Turna sealed the winning outcome for Turkey. Ibrahim Yildirim accounted for 14 points, while Bora Pacun (210-F-87) added 13 points and 9 caroms in the victory. Kosuke Kanamaru (193-F/G-89) answered with 20 points for Japan. Daisuke Kobayashi (188-G-87) 15 points in the losing effort.

Turkey: Birkan Batuk 17, Ibrahim Yildirim 14, Bora Pacun 13
Japan: Kosuke Kanamaru 20, Daisuke Kobayashi 15


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


Jack McClinton joins Budivelnyk - by Eurobasket News
Budivelnyk continued to bolster their roster. They added Jack McClinton (185-G-85, college: Miami, FL) to the squad. The 26-year-old guard spent the last season in Israel. He played for Galil Gilbao. Jack McClinton averaged 19.5 points, 2.5 assists and 2.0 rebounds per game in Euroleague Qualifying Round. In EuroCup his stats read 14.7 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.0 steal per appearance. Jack McClinton also delivered 7.8 points, 1.3 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.1 assists in Israeli Premier League. The guard participated at Premier League All-Star Game. Jack McClinton won Three-Point Shootout Contest. Jack McClinton graduated from the University of Miami in 2009. He was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs. The guard later moved to Turkey to start his pro career in Aliaga Petkim.


2011 Universiade. Ukraine prevail against Czech Republic - by Eurobasket News
Ukraine - Czech Republic 71:52

Ukraine celebrated a comfortable victory over Czech Republic in 9th-12th place classification round at World University Games. Maksym Kornienko (205-F/C-87) delivered 20 points to lead the effort.
Ukraine limited their opponents to 11 points in the first frame posting a 4-point lead. The margin grew at 11-point mark midway through the second term. Czech Republic finished the half strongly cutting the deficit at just four points 28:32 at halftime. Ukraine once again cleared off to a double-digit margin in the third quarter. But Czech Republic bounced back again trimming the distance to six points with one quarter remaining. Ukraine tipped off the fourth period on a 10:3 run and coasted to the victory afterwards. Pavlo Burenko (186-PG-90) posted 13 points and 7 rebounds, while Igor Zaitsev (211-F/C-89) contributed 11 points in the victory. Patrik Auda (205-F-89) answered with 12 points for Czech Republic. Petr Dokoupil (191-G-88) finished with 10 points in defeat.

Ukraine: Maksym Kornienko 20, Pavlo Burenko 13, Igor Zaitsev 11
Czech Republic: Patrik Auda 12, Petr Dokoupil 10



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


2011 Universiade. South Korea cruise past UAE - by Eurobasket News
South Korea - UAE 87:61

South Korea breezed past UAE at the World University Games classification round tonight. Cha Bawee (191-F-89) erupted for 30 points to pace the winners. South Korea will now take on China for the 17th overall position at the tournament. UAE will wrap up their campaign against Hungary.
South Korea fired 27 points in the first period to take an 11-point lead. They maintained the lead throughout the second frame. South Korea established a 47:38 halftime buffer. The Korean team gradually boosted the gap throughout the third stanza. They ensured a 64:49 advantage with ten minutes remaining. South Korea took off in the fourth frame opening a 20-point lead and eased to the victory at the end. Lim Jongill (192-F-90) had 11 points, while Kim Jun-Yl (202-C-92) and Kim Jiwan (188-G-90) scored 10 points apiece in the win. Mohamed AlBraiki (205-C-91) answered with 22 points for UAE. Omar Alameri (200-F-91) netted 12 points in the loss.

South Korea: Cha Bawee 30, Lim Jongill 11, Kim Jun-Yl 10, Kim Jiwan 10
UAE: Mohamed AlBraiki 22, Omar Alameri 12


*****************************************************
  VTB UNITED LEAGUE   


Jack McClinton joins Budivelnyk - by Eurobasket News
Budivelnyk continued to bolster their roster. They added Jack McClinton (185-G-85, college: Miami, FL) to the squad. The 26-year-old guard spent the last season in Israel. He played for Galil Gilbao. Jack McClinton averaged 19.5 points, 2.5 assists and 2.0 rebounds per game in Euroleague Qualifying Round. In EuroCup his stats read 14.7 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.0 steal per appearance. Jack McClinton also delivered 7.8 points, 1.3 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.1 assists in Israeli Premier League. The guard participated at Premier League All-Star Game. Jack McClinton won Three-Point Shootout Contest. Jack McClinton graduated from the University of Miami in 2009. He was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs. The guard later moved to Turkey to start his pro career in Aliaga Petkim.


*****************************************************
  WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES   


Serbia to defend title against Canada in Shenzhen - by Eurobasket News
SEMIFINALS
Canada - Lithuania 83-68
Canada reached the title game at the World University Games in China. They overcame Lithuania in the first semifinal tonight. Tyson Hinz (199-F-91) stepped up with 21 points and 7 rebounds to pace the effort. Lithuania looked exhausted after a tough quarterfinal battle against USA. Canada capitalized jumping to a 24:18 lead after ten minutes. The North American side maintained the lead throughout the second period. They established a 39:29 halftime advantage. The gap grew at double figures in the third frame. Canada enjoyed a 14-point lead before the Baltic team cut it to 9 points with ten minutes to go 47:56. Canada however restored a safe cushion early in the fourth frame and marched to the victory at the end. Warren Ward (196-G-89) and Boris Bakovic (201-F-88, agency: Interperformances) accounted for 16 points apiece in the win. Gediminas Zyle (209-C-88) replied with 15 points and 8 rebounds for Lithuania. Marius Valukonis (198-F-88) posted 11 points in defeat.

Russia - Serbia 61-81
Serbia will defend their World University Games title in the championship against Canada tomorrow. The reigning champions held off Russia in the semifinal tonight to ensure their title game birth. Vladimir Lucic (202-F-89, agency: Beo Basket) scored 18 points to pace the effort. Serbia dominated from start to finish. They established a 23:18 lead after ten minutes. Serbia extended the lead in the second quarter. They posted a 45:26 halftime advantage. Russia could not change the complexion of the encounter in the second half. Serbia stayed well in charge of the proceedings. They recorded a 64:45 lead heading into the final period. They did not slow down in the fourth frame and celebrated a comfortable win at the end. Mladen Jeremic (196-G-88, agency: Interperformances) and Milos Dimic (195-G-89) accounted for 12 points each for Serbia. Stefan Bircevic (209-F/C-89) and Vladimir Stimac (209-C-87, agency: Interperformances) had 11 points each in the victory. Viacheslav Zaitsev (191-G-89) responded with 15 points for Russia. Petr Gubanov (207-C-87) notched 12 points in the loss.

5-8 place
USA - Romania 94-73
USA outmuscled Romania in the 5th-8th place classification round at World University Games. USA will now take on Germany for the fifth place tomorrow. Romania will face Finland in the final game of the tournament. USA opened the game with a 12:2 run. They stayed in charge posting a 20:12 lead at the first break. USA cleared off to an 18-point lead at halftime. The North American team maintained the advantage throughout the third term. USA entered the fourth quarter up by 19 points 74:55. Romania could not get any closer throughout the final period as the United States breezed to the victory at the end. Draymond Green (198-F-90) registered 16 points to lead the charge. Jamychal Green (206-F-90) and John Jenkins (193-G-91) contributed 12 points apiece in the victory. Titus Nicoara (202-F-88, agency: Interperformances) responded with 22 points and 10 rebounds for Romania. Andrei Mandache (189-G-87, agency: Global Sports Plaza) had 18 points in the loss.

Germany - Finland 84-63
Germany will play for the fifth place at World University Games. They outgunned Finland in the classification round tonight. Finland will take on Romania for the 7th overall position at the tournament. Stefan Schmidt (206-C-89) delivered 16 points and 7 rebounds in the win. Germany erupted for 27 points in the opening quarter to clear off. They piled up a 13-point lead at the first break. Finland opened the second frame on a 9:0 run to narrow the gap. Finland held their opponents to just four points in the second term to trim the deficit to a single point 30:31. Germany used a 9:1 run midway through the third quarter to gain a 42:33 lead. They managed to establish a comfortable 59:45 advantage at the final break. Germany quickly boosted the gap to 20 points in the fourth frame and never looked back en route to the victory. Johannes Lischka (203-F/C-87) provided 14 points, while Nicolai Simon (191-G-87) added 13 points in the winning effort. Matti Nuutinen (200-F-90) answered with 16 points for Finland. Roope Ahonen (187-PG-90, agency: FCM) had 15 points in the loss.

9-12 place
Czech Republic - Ukraine 52-71
Ukraine celebrated a comfortable victory over Czech Republic in 9th-12th place classification round at World University Games. Maksym Kornienko (205-F/C-87) delivered 20 points to lead the effort. Ukraine limited their opponents to 11 points in the first frame posting a 4-point lead. The margin grew at 11-point mark midway through the second term. Czech Republic finished the half strongly cutting the deficit at just four points 28:32 at halftime. Ukraine once again cleared off to a double-digit margin in the third quarter. But Czech Republic bounced back again trimming the distance to six points with one quarter remaining. Ukraine tipped off the fourth period on a 10:3 run and coasted to the victory afterwards. Pavlo Burenko (186-PG-90) posted 13 points and 7 rebounds, while Igor Zaitsev (211-F/C-89) contributed 11 points in the victory. Patrik Auda (205-F-89) answered with 12 points for Czech Republic. Petr Dokoupil (191-G-88)oupil finished with 10 points in defeat.

Turkey - Japan 85-83
Turkey overcame Japan in the 5th-8th place classification round at World University Games. Birkan Batuk (198-F-90) scored 17 points and grabbed 8 rebounds to pace the winners. Turkey will now take on Ukraine tomorrow. Japan will face Czech Republic in the tournament finale. Turkey earned a narrow 24:21 lead at the first intermission. But Japan struck back in the second term. Japan posted a 46:45 halftime advantage. The seesaw action continued in the third term. Turkey regained the lead and secured a one-point lead at the final break 66:65. The teams were tied at 80 with under two minutes left. Ibrahim Yildirim (190-G-90) drained a triple and then Turna sealed the winning outcome for Turkey. Ibrahim Yildirim accounted for 14 points, while Bora Pacun (210-F-87) added 13 points and 9 caroms in the victory. Kosuke Kanamaru (193-F/G-89) answered with 20 points for Japan. Daisuke Kobayashi (188-G-87) 15 points in the losing effort.

13-16 place
Australia - Israel 83-88 OT
Israel outlasted Australia in a thriller at World University Games tonight. The victory propelled Israel into the game for the 13th place at the tournament against Brazil. Australia will wrap up their campaign against Mexico tomorrow. The teams exchanged baskets in the close first quarter. Australia and Israel entered the second period tied at 19. Israel pulled in front in the second frame. They grabbed a 36:32 halftime lead. Australia levelled things up at 42 midway through the third quarter but Israel once again put their noses in front to enjoy a 57:50 lead with ten minutes left in regulation. Australia denied the deficit and Benjamin Dowdell (200-F-88) put them in charge 70:69 with under a minute remaining. Eyal Shulman answered with a triple but Maynard hit a jumper to force overtime. The teams traded baskets for some time in the extra period but Yoad Bet-Yosef (182-G-87, agency: Avi Zilberman) had the last laugh as he knocked down three points late in overtime to seal the victory for Israel. Yoad Bet-Yosef finished with 19 points, while Raviv Pitshon (202-C/F-89) added 16 points and 17 rebounds in the victory. Benjamin Dowdell answered with 23 points and 10 rebounds for Australia. Cameron Gliddon (196-G/F-89) provided 17 points in defeat.

Brazil - Mexico 79-61
Brazil shot down Mexico in 13th-16th place classification round at World University Games tonight. Michael Machado (185-G-90) scored 16 points to pace the effort. The teams stayed close throughout the opening quarter. Brazil eked out a 17:15 lead after ten minutes of action. Brazil stretched the lead in the second frame. The Latin American team opened a 38:28 advantage at halftime. Brazil continued to increase the tempo in the third term. They cleared off to a 22-point lead at the final intermission. Brazil did not slow down as they cruised to the victory at the end. Rafael Stabile (F-88) and Frederico Santos (91) posted 12 points apiece in the win. Gabriel Giron (192-F-88) responded with 17 points and 10 rebounds for Mexico. Israel Nolasco (205-C-89) had 8 points in the loss.

17-20 place
United Arab Emirates - South Korea 61-87
South Korea breezed past UAE at the World University Games classification round tonight. Cha Bawee (191-F-89) erupted for 30 points to pace the winners. South Korea will now take on China for the 17th overall position at the tournament. UAE will wrap up their campaign against Hungary. South Korea fired 27 points in the first period to take an 11-point lead. They maintained the lead throughout the second frame. South Korea established a 47:38 halftime buffer. The Korean team gradually boosted the gap throughout the third stanza. They ensured a 64:49 advantage with ten minutes remaining. South Korea took off in the fourth frame opening a 20-point lead and eased to the victory at the end. Lim Jongill (192-F-90) had 11 points, while Kim Jun-Yl (202-C-92) and Kim Jiwan (188-G-90) scored 10 points apiece in the win. Mohamed AlBraiki (205-C-91) answered with 22 points for UAE. Omar Alameri (200-F-91) netted 12 points in the loss.

China - Hungary 79-72
China recorded their second win at the World University Games in Shenzhen. The hosts overcame Hungary in the 17th-20th place classification round. Li Yuanyu (206-C-91) top-scored with 26 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. China will now take on South Korea for the 17th overall position. Hungary will wrap up their campaign against UAE. Hungary got to the better start. They posted a 25:20 lead ten minutes into the game. The visitors stayed in front throughout the second quarter. They registered a 36:35 halftime lead. Hungary boosted the margin in the third term. They entered the final period up by two points 56:54. But China gradually turn things around putting their noses in front in the fourth quarter. The hosts stepped on the gas in the dying minutes and escaped with victory at the end. Shi Hongfei (180-PG-93) notched 25 points and 10 rebounds, while Ren JunFei (204-C-90) added 10 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Zoltan Supola (190-G-88, agency: FCM) answered with 19 points for Hungary. Ferdinand Morgen (206-F/C-90) tallied 14 points and 10 rebounds in defeat.





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Women News

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  ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS - Women  


Standings
Standings
Group A
1. Japan1-0
2. S.Korea1-0
3. Taiwan1-0
4. Lebanon0-1
5. China0-1
6. India0-1
Group B
1. Indonesia1-0
2. Malaysia1-0
3. Uzbekistan.1-0
4. Singapore0-1
5. Sri Lanka0-1
6. Kazakhstan.0-1


Japan dash Lebanese hopes with early flurry - by Maarouf Mawloud
It was baptism by fire for Lebanon in Level I of the FIBA Asia Championship for Women with the team losing to hosts, and strong contenders for the title itself, Japan 77-49 on Sunday.

Chada Nasr, arguably one of the most talented woman basketballers in West Asia, opened the scoring for the game with a sizzling three-pointer and naturalized center Brittany Denson capped her own offensive rebound to keep Japan 5-2 ahead.

That was for all Lebanon were in lead for the rest of the game.

Yuko Oga (pic above), the most popular player in Japan, who had scored in between, took control of her teams moves and subsequently the proceedings in the game scoring 8 of her games 14 points in the first quarter, which Japan closed 22-9 ahead.

Fumikazu Nakagawas team never looked back thereafter.

I am happy to start with a win. It is a nice way to begin such an important, and deep tournament, Nakagawa said.

Denson had 14 points and Chada Nasr (174-G-83) contributed 13.

I think their experience in Level I games showed, Nasr said.

And mind you, this is our first ever game at this level. We are happy we picked a few points, from where we can only improve, she added.

Of course, we can learn a lot more too, Oga responded.

For one, they (Lebanon) are a much stronger team physically. We dont play such normally, the JX Sunflowers star added.

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  AUSTRALIA - Women  


Australia climbed on the podium at the 2011 World University Games - by Eurobasket News
Sweden-Australia 56:66

Australia won the Bronze medals in Shenzhen. Australia climbed on the podium at the World University Games in China beating Sweden 66:56. The Scandinavian team became the best out of all European squads and finished fourth.
After the losses in the Semifinal clashes both teams desired to finish on the third position. In 2009 the Aussies overcame Czech Republic in the consolation final 88:77. Elyse Penaluna was back to her outstanding form to lead Australia. She tallied 28 points and 16 rebounds to lead Australia. Tonight Abby Bishop (189-C-88) gave Australia 14:13 at the end of the first period, but Sweden won the second period for 29:28 at the halftime. Moreover the Swedish side enjoyed 7-point advantage at the end of three quarters, but failed at the end. Australia erupted with 30-13 in the last stanza to seal the victory.
Abby Bishop top-scored for the winners with 21 points, while Tess Madgen (180-G/F-90), Marianna Tolo (196-C-89) and Elyse Penaluna (193-C-88) posted 9 each. Louice Halvarsson (189-C-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas) ended up with 20 points in the losing effort, whilst Frida Eldebrink (174-G-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) and Elisabeth Egnell (185-F-87, college: Boston Coll.) netted 10 apiece.

Sweden: Louice Halvarsson 20, Frida Eldebrink 10, Elisabeth Egnell 10
Australia: Abby Bishop 21, Tess Madgen 9, Marianna Tolo 9, Elyse Penaluna 9




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  BELGIUM - Women  


U16 Belgium advances to Big Final in Cagliari - by Eurobasket News
U16 BELGIUM - U16 ITALY 54-43

Belgium advanced to the Big Final of U16 EuroBasket in Cagliari. They outplayed Italy 54-43 in the Semis and will meet Spain in the gold medal game. On the other side, Italy will fight for Bronze. Their rival will be Turkey. Hind Ben Abdelkader (170-G/F-95) was a key player in Belgium once again collecting 29 points and 5 rebounds. Julie Allemand (173-PG-96) helped with 8 points. In the loosing squad, Elisa Penna (185-F-95) was better than the others with 14 points. Anna Djedjemel (169-PG-95) was their second scorer with 9 pts. Quarters: 12-14, 13-17, 16-6, 13-6. Today is the last day of the competition in Cagliari.

Belgium: Hind Ben Abdelkader 29+5 boards, Julie Allemand 8
Italy: Elisa Penna 14, Anna Djedjemel 9

Spain wins U16 EuroBasket in Cagliari with perfect record - by Eurobasket News
BELGIUM - SPAIN 43-67

Spain is the winner of U16 EuroBasket 2011. They outplayed Belgium 67-43 in the Big Final to take the Gold. Spain finished this event with perfect 9-0 record. Silver belongs to Belgium, what is also great result. Maria Arrojo (186-F-85) paced Spain to victory with 20 points and 6 rebounds. Leticia Romero (174-F-95) had 15 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists, while Yaiza Rodriguez (163-PG-95) helped with 10 points. In Belgium, Hind Ben Abdelkader (170-G/F-95) was better than the others with 18 points. Julie Allemand (173-PG-96) had 8 points and 5 rebounds in this defeat. Spain opened the game with 12-21 lead, but Belgium responded with 18-12 in the second period. Spain took control on their rival after the breather making 9-14 in third and impressive 4-20 in the last quarter for the final 43-67 victory and gold medal in Cagliari.

Belgium: Hind Ben Abdelkader 18, Julie Allemand 8+5 boards
Spain: Maria Arrojo 20+6 boards, Leticia Romero 15+6 boards+5 as, Yaiza Rodriguez 10

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  BRAZIL - Women  


2011 Universiade. Calhado leads Brazil to the 7th place - by Eurobasket News
Brazil-Finland 62:47

Calhado leads Brazil to the 7th place at the World University Games in China. She collected 21 points and 11 rebounds in a 62:47 win over Finland that finished on the 8th spot. Tassia Carcavalli (179-F-92) notched 11 points for the winners and Taina Paixao (172-G-91) scored 7. Krista Gross (183-G/F-90) ended up with 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Minna Sten (189-F-87) posted 7 in the losing effort.
The teams were tied at 4:4 after the first 5 minutes in the court, while Brazil needed a 10-6 run for 14:10 after the first ten minutes. The board showed 26:15 in the middle of the second period and Brazil reached 30:18 at the halftime. Moreover the Latin American team erupted with 12-1 run for 42:19 midway through the third quarter. After 22-8 in the period Brazil had 52:26 after three quarters. Finland bounced back with 21-10 in the last quarter to reduce to 15 points at the end.

Brazil: Nadia Calhado (196-C-89) 21+11 rebs, Tassia Carcavalli 11, Taina Paixao 7
Finland: Krista Gross 17+11 rebs, Minna Sten 7


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  BULGARIA - Women  


U16 Germany eliminates U16 Bulgaria in OT, 71-64 - by Eurobasket News
U16 BULGARIA - U16 GERMANY 64-71 OT

Germany grabbed 71-64 OT win against Bulgaria in the Semifinals of U16 EuroBasket in Arad. Thanks to this win Germany advanced to the Finals and at the same time they won the promotion to Division A. Germany will meet UK in the gold medal game. Bulgaria will play against Latvia for the Bronze. Emma lina Stach (175-PG-96) came up with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners. Alina Hartmann (182-F-95) had 18 pts and 7 rebs, while Noemie Rouault (180-F-95) also was great as she added 14 points and 27 rebounds (!). In defeat, Borislava Hristova (180-F-96) was much better than the others with 26 points and 7 rebounds. Iva Georgieva (172-F-96) netted 12 pts in this loss. Quarters: 13-17, 21-19, 11-16, 15-8, 4-11. Championship ends today.

Bulgaria: Borislava Hristova 26+7 boards, Iva Georgieva 12
Germany: Emma lina Stach 19+7 boards+8 as, Alina Hartmann 18+7 boards, Noemie Rouault 14+27 boards

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  CANADA - Women  


2011 Universiade. Russia clinched the fifth place at the World University Games in China - by Eurobasket News
Russia-Canada 71:52

Russia clinched the fifth place at the World University Games in China. The European team outscored Canada 71:52 as the latter finished on the 6th spot.
Few days ago the Canadian womens basketball team fell into an early first-quarter hole and never recovered, losing 46:73 to Russia at the Luohu Gymnasium Monday morning at the 26th Summer Universiade.
Today Russia opened the game with 11-4 and had 20:14 at the end of the frame. The second quarter became defensive and decisive in the game as Russia needed 14-6 to take 34:20 at the halftime. The European team did not slow down and produced 22-16 in the third quarter for 20-point advantage after three quarters. Canada managed to win the last period 16-15 and lost the game by 19.
Maria Cherepanova (187-C-87), Liubov Paskalenko (205-C-90) and Maria Khrustaleba (167-G-87) paced all the winners with 12 points each, while Natalia Vieru (198-C-89) netted 11. Kendel Ross (185-G/F-88, college: Dayton) notched 17 points in defeat, while Megan Pinske (176-G-88) added 11.

Russia: Maria Cherepanova 12, Liubov Paskalenko 12+10 rebs, Maria Khrustaleba 12, Natalia Vieru 11
Canada: Kendel Ross 17, Megan Pinske 11


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  CHINA - Women  


2011 Universiade. Czech Republic beat the hosts for the 9th place - by Eurobasket News
China-Czech Republic 68:93

Czech Republic beat the hosts for the 9th place at the Gymnasium of Pingshan Sports Complex. The European side finished the World University Games with 93:68 win over China.
Czech Republic and China started offensively and nailed 49 points in the first period. China grabbed 26:23 after the first period, but could not keep the lead. The European team bounced back with 23-14 to take 46:40 at the halftime. Czech Republic never looked back after that and even increased the lead. They needed 18-5 in the third quarter for 64:45 and added 29-23 in the last stanza.
Kamila Stepanova (192-C-88) top-scored for the winners with 26 points and 11 rebounds, while Tereza Peckova (190-F-87) posted 15. Katerina Elhotova (180-G-89) delivered 13 and Romana Hejdova (183-F-88) notched 12. Shao Ting (183-F-89) replied with 21 points and 11 rebounds in defeat and Guo Xiaochen (183-F-92) nailed 12. Wang Miqi (185-F-89) added 11, while Zhai Huan (178-F-89) chipped in 10.

China: Shao Ting 21+11 rebs, Guo Xiaochen 12, Wang Miqi 11, Zhai Huan 10
Czech Republic: Kamila Stepanova 26+11 rebs, Tereza Peckova 15, Katerina Elhotova 13, Romana Hejdova 12


South Korea needed two overtimes to edge China in Day 1 Omura's opener - by Eurobasket News
South Korea-China 99:93 2 OT

South Korea needed two overtimes to edge China at the 24th FIBA Asia Championship for Women. In the best game of Day 1 South Korea grabbed 99:93 victory.
The teams started well but Kwe Ryong scored for 14:5. China had a strong end of the quarter to tie the period at 16:16. Again the team from South Korea went on a bigger lead and enjoyed 40:32 at the halftime when Kim Jung Eun (180-F-87) and Nuo Xu (196-C-87) exchanged the late baskets in the half. China however won the third quarter 23-15 and Lijie MIAO tied it all at 55:55. Trailing 6 points with 2 minutes in the fourth period Choi Youn Ah (170-G-85) tied it all at 76:76. In the first extra time the squads scored 10 points each for 86:86 and then in the second overtime South Korea won the game.
Choi Youn Ah erupted with 29 points for the winners and Kim Jung Eun netted 23. Sin Jung Ja (185-C-80) posted 20, while Younhoa LEE delivered 11. Chen Nan (197-C-83) collected 27 points and 12 rebounds in defeat and Lijie MIAO posted 18. Ma Zengyu (183-F-84) ended up with 17 points, while Nuo Xu added 13.

South Korea: Choi Youn Ah 29, Kim Jung Eun 23, Sin Jung Ja 20, Younhoa LEE 11
China: Chen Nan 27+12 rebs, Lijie MIAO 18, Ma Zengyu 17, Nuo Xu 13



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  CROATIA - Women  


U16 Serbia secures survival in Division A - by Eurobasket News
U16 CROATIA - U16 SERBIA 60-70

Serbia secured survival in U16 EuroBasket Division A. They outplayed Croatia 70-60 for 4-1 record in Group G. On the other side, Croatia dropped to 2-3. Sanja Mandic (177-G-95) paced Serbia to victory with 26 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Aleksandra Crvendakic (187-C/F-96) (10 rebs) and Duska Nikitovic (95) (5 rebs) helped with 13 and 11 points respectively. In defeat, Inja Butina (170-PG-95) collected 18 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Ivana Matic (181-F-95) also scored 18 pts in this loss. Quarters: 25-15, 10-21, 10-22, 15-12. Croatia will meet Poland today in do-or-die game. Serbia will play against Finland.

Croatia: Inja Butina 18+8 boards+6 as, Ivana Matic 18
Serbia: Sanja Mandic 26+9 boards+6 as, Aleksandra Crvendakic 13+10 boards, Duska Nikitovic 11+5 boards

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  CZECH REPUBLIC - Women  


2011 Universiade. Czech Republic beat the hosts for the 9th place - by Eurobasket News
China-Czech Republic 68:93

Czech Republic beat the hosts for the 9th place at the Gymnasium of Pingshan Sports Complex. The European side finished the World University Games with 93:68 win over China.
Czech Republic and China started offensively and nailed 49 points in the first period. China grabbed 26:23 after the first period, but could not keep the lead. The European team bounced back with 23-14 to take 46:40 at the halftime. Czech Republic never looked back after that and even increased the lead. They needed 18-5 in the third quarter for 64:45 and added 29-23 in the last stanza.
Kamila Stepanova (192-C-88) top-scored for the winners with 26 points and 11 rebounds, while Tereza Peckova (190-F-87) posted 15. Katerina Elhotova (180-G-89) delivered 13 and Romana Hejdova (183-F-88) notched 12. Shao Ting (183-F-89) replied with 21 points and 11 rebounds in defeat and Guo Xiaochen (183-F-92) nailed 12. Wang Miqi (185-F-89) added 11, while Zhai Huan (178-F-89) chipped in 10.

China: Shao Ting 21+11 rebs, Guo Xiaochen 12, Wang Miqi 11, Zhai Huan 10
Czech Republic: Kamila Stepanova 26+11 rebs, Tereza Peckova 15, Katerina Elhotova 13, Romana Hejdova 12


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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U16 - Women  


Division B: UK and Germany advance to Finals, secure promotion to Division A - by Eurobasket News
SEMIFINALS

United Kingdom - Latvia 51-40
United Kingdom advanced to the Big Final of U16 EuroBAsket Division B and at the same time they won promotion to Division A. UK outplayed Latvia 51-40 in the Semifinals yesterday and will meet Germany in the gold medal game. On the other side, Latvia will play for the Bronze. Their rival will be Bulgaria. Cheridene Green (187-C-95) led the winners with double-double of 15 points and 14 rebounds. Jay-Ann Bravo-Harriott (183-PG-95) had 15 points and 6 boards, while Shequila Joseph (189-F-95) added 12 points and 5 rebs. In the loosing squad, Sigita Dzarcane (181-F-95) came up with 11 points and 8 rebounds. Kate Kreslina (178-PG-96) had 10 points and 6 boards. Quarters: 8-9, 11-6, 17-11, 15-14. Championship in Arad ends today.

Bulgaria - Germany 64-71 OT
Germany grabbed 71-64 OT win against Bulgaria in the Semifinals of U16 EuroBasket in Arad. Thanks to this win Germany advanced to the Finals and at the same time they won the promotion to Division A. Germany will meet UK in the gold medal game. Bulgaria will play against Latvia for the Bronze. Emma lina Stach (175-PG-96) came up with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners. Alina Hartmann (182-F-95) had 18 pts and 7 rebs, while Noemie Rouault (180-F-95) also was great as she added 14 points and 27 rebounds (!). In defeat, Borislava Hristova (180-F-96) was much better than the others with 26 points and 7 rebounds. Iva Georgieva (172-F-96) netted 12 pts in this loss. Quarters: 13-17, 21-19, 11-16, 15-8, 4-11. Championship ends today.

Places 5-8
Portugal - Ukraine 55-56
Ukraine grabbed 56-55 thriller win against Portugal and will meet Lithuania today. The winner will take fifth place at the U16 EuroBasket in Arad. On the other side, Portugal will play against Romania for the position No.7. Romania is the host of this event. Tetyana Antonyuk (184-C-95) exploded with 26 points and 16 rebounds in victory. Nataliya Skorbatyuk (183-F-95) followed her with 12 points and 7 boards. In the loosing squad, Laura Ferreira (177-G-95) collected 19 points and 7 rebounds. Joana Soeiro (170-PG-95) had 12 points and 5 boards. Quarters: 17-11, 16-15, 9-19, 13-11. Championship ends today.

Romania - Lithuania 60-67
Lithuania made a first step forward to fifth place in Arad. They handed 67-60 loss to Romania and will have to beat Ukraine today in order to take this spot. On the other side, the host of U16 EuroBasket Division B will meet Portugal. The winner of that game will end as No.7. Dalia Belickaite (175-F-96) led Lithuania with 21 points and 11 rebounds. Sibile Balaisyte (195-C-95) secured a great help with 11 points and 9 boards. In defeat, Simina Avram (190-C-95) collected 20 points and 9 rebounds. Iulia Pasca (175-F-95) was their second scorer with 9 points (7 rebs). Quarters: 20-12, 19-23, 8-18, 13-14. Championship ends today.

Places 13-15
Ireland - Israel 52-70
Israel won 13th place in Arad. They finished U16 EuroBasket Division B with 70-52 victory against Ireland for almost perfect 3-1 record in Group G. On the other side, Ireland dropped to 0-3. Noa Zelivanski (168-PG-96) led Israel in scoring with 12 points, while Eden Porat (174-F-96) added 11 points and 12 rebounds. Shay Alon (164-G-95) (5 rebs) also scored 11 pts in this victory, while Moran Sapir (165-G-95) helped with 10 pts. Jennifer Sheehan (170-PG-95) responded with 11 points in defeat. Their second scorer was Aileen Crowley (178-C-95) with 8 points (6 rebs). Quarters: 10-10, 10-18, 17-17, 15-25. Ireland will meet Luxembourg today. Israel already played their four games in this pool.

Division A: Belgium and Spain to meet in the Finals - by Eurobasket News
SEMIFINALS

Belgium - Italy 54-43
Belgium advanced to the Big Final of U16 EuroBasket in Cagliari. They outplayed Italy 54-43 in the Semis and will meet Spain in the gold medal game. On the other side, Italy will fight for Bronze. Their rival will be Turkey. Hind Ben Abdelkader (170-G/F-95) was a key player in Belgium once again collecting 29 points and 5 rebounds. Julie Allemand (173-PG-96) helped with 8 points. In the loosing squad, Elisa Penna (185-F-95) was better than the others with 14 points. Anna Djedjemel (169-PG-95) was their second scorer with 9 pts. Quarters: 12-14, 13-17, 16-6, 13-6. Today is the last day of the competition in Cagliari.

Spain - Turkey 79-52
Spain extended their winning streak to eight games and advanced to the Big Final of U16 EuroBasket in Cagliari. They eliminated Turkey in the Semis 79-52 and will fight for the Gold against Belgium. Turkey will play against Italy for third place. Italy is the host of this event. Maria Arrojo (186-F-85) led Spain with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Leticia Romero (174-F-95) had 11 points, while Ariadna Pujol (182-F-95) and Yaiza Rodriguez (163-PG-95) netted 9 points each. In defeat, Nurcan Basaran (176-F-95) collected 13 points and 7 rebs. Hulya Coklar (188-C-95) followed her with 10 points and 8 boards. Quarters: 20-14, 16-15, 19-8, 24-15. Today is the last day of the championship in Cagliari.

Places 5-8
Greece - Sweden 74-50
Greece made a first step forward to fifth place in Cagliari. They blasted Sweden 74-50 and will meet Russia today. The winner of that meeting will end as No.5 of U16 EuroBasket. On the other side, Sweden will play against France for the seventh place. Anna Stamolamprou (165-PG-95) exploded in Greece with 30 points. Eleni Kyratzi (170-PG-95) scored 16 points, while Pinelopi Pavlopoulou (170-PG-96) added 10 points, 10 boards and 5 assists. In Sweden, Regan Magarity (187-F-96) shined with 14 points and 7 rebounds. Their second scorer was Veronika Mirkovic (183-C-95) with 9 pts. Quarters: 18-14, 11-16, 25-15, 20-5. Championship ends today.

France - Russia 67-80 OT
Russia needed an OT to beat France yesterday in Cagliari, 80-67. Thanks to this win Russia will have a chance to fight for the fifth place and their rival will be Greece. On the other side, France will play for the seventh place in Cagliari. They will meet Sweden. Ekaterina Tsukanova (183-F-95) led the winners with 15 points. Elizaveta Komarova (170-PG-95) scored 13 points, while Yana Degtyarskaya (178-F-95) (6 rebs) and Yuliya Chaykovskaya (173-G-95) helped with 12 points each. In France, Assitan Kone (191-F-95) shined with double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds. Aby Gaye (195-C-95) collected 16 points and 6 boards. Quarters: 15-16, 19-15, 18-17, 11-15, 4-17 OT. Championship ends today.

Places 13-16
Poland - Finland 75-59
Poland improved their record to 3-2 in Group G. They outplayed Finland 75-59 and will meet Croatia today in do-or-die game. The winner will survive in U16 EuroBasket Division A, while the other team will face with relegation. Finland dropped to 1-4 with no chance to survive. Karolina Pobozy (188-F-96) came up with 17 points and 8 rebounds in Poland. Weronika Telenga (189-C-95) had 15 points and 15 boards, and Julia Drop helped with 13 pts, plus 5 rebs. In the loosing squad, Anni Jamsa (167-PG-95) top-scored with 12 points. Tuuli Menna (180-F-96) had one point less than her. Quarters: 17-8, 25-13, 20-27, 13-11. Championship ends today. As mentioned above, Poland will meet Croatia. Finland will take on Serbia.

Croatia - Serbia 60-70
Serbia secured survival in U16 EuroBasket Division A. They outplayed Croatia 70-60 for 4-1 record in Group G. On the other side, Croatia dropped to 2-3. Sanja Mandic (177-G-95) paced Serbia to victory with 26 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Aleksandra Crvendakic (187-C/F-96) (10 rebs) and Duska Nikitovic (95) (5 rebs) helped with 13 and 11 points respectively. In defeat, Inja Butina (170-PG-95) collected 18 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Ivana Matic (181-F-95) also scored 18 pts in this loss. Quarters: 25-15, 10-21, 10-22, 15-12. Croatia will meet Poland today in do-or-die game. Serbia will play against Finland.

Stats Leaders W - Group A
Points Per Game
 Sanja MANDIC
  (177-G-95)
  Avg: 22.8
 1. Mandic, SRB22.8 
 2. Ben Abdelkad., BEL18.9 
 3. Hruscakova, SVK16.7 
 4. Stamolamprou, GRE15.4 
 5. Zandalasini, ITA15.1 
 6. Crvendakic, SRB15.1 
 7. Chiabov, CRO14.8 
 8. Arrojo, ESP14.7 
 9. Hoskova, CZE14.4 
 10. Magarity, SWE14.1 
Rebounds Per Game
 Hulya COKLAR
  (188-C-95)
  Avg: 11.1
 1. Coklar, TUR11.1 
 2. Hruscakova, SVK10.1 
 3. Magarity, SWE9.6 
 4. Szajtauer, POL9.4 
 5. Telenga, POL9.2 
 6. Kone, FRA9.0 
 7. Lammerink, NED9.0 
 8. Crvendakic, SRB8.9 
 9. Chiabov, CRO8.8 
 10. Gaye, FRA8.5 
Assists Per Game
 Inja BUTINA
  (170-PG-95)
  Avg: 5.1
 1. Butina, CRO5.1 
 2. Mandic, SRB4.0 
 3. Ben Abdelkad., BEL3.3 
 4. Akbas, TUR3.1 
 5. Kyratzi, GRE3.1 
 6. Marangoni, ITA2.9 
 7. Allemand, BEL2.9 
 8. Matuskova, SVK2.9 
 9. Hanson, SWE2.5 
 10. Romero, ESP2.4 
Steals Per Game
 Leticia ROMERO
  (174-F-95)
  Avg: 3
 1. Romero, ESP3.0 
 2. Butina, CRO2.9 
 3. Mandic, SRB2.8 
 4. Jamsa, FIN2.8 
 5. Nagy, HUN2.5 
 6. Hanson, SWE2.5 
 7. Lizarazu, ESP2.4 
 8. Pujol, ESP2.1 
 9. Palenikova, SVK2.1 
 10. Borondy, HUN2.1 
Blocks Per Game
 Aleksandra CRVENDAKIC
  (187-C/F-96)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Crvendakic, SRB2.8 
 2. Chiabov, CRO2.6 
 3. Zarevuckaa, SVK2.0 
 4. Pobozy, POL1.4 
 5. Zandalasini, ITA1.4 
 6. Gaye, FRA1.4 
 7. Arrojo, ESP1.2 
 8. Linskens, BEL1.1 
 9. Telenga, POL1.0 
 10. Magarity, SWE1.0 


Div B. - by Greg
Points Per Game
 Borislava HRISTOVA
  (180-F-96)
  Avg: 26.2
 1. Hristova, BUL26.2 
 2. Stach, GER19.3 
 3. Rouault, GER18.5 
 4. Belickaite, LTU16.8 
 5. Preetzmann, DEN16.0 
 6. Ferreira, POR15.0 
 7. Soeiro, POR14.6 
 8. Skorbatyuk, UKR14.2 
 9. Bravo-H., ENG14.0 
 10. Zali, SUI14.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Noemie ROUAULT
  (180-F-95)
  Avg: 16.7
 1. Rouault, GER16.7 
 2. Antonyuk, UKR14.4 
 3. Lisec, SLO11.8 
 4. Green, ENG11.0 
 5. Kasemagi, EST11.0 
 6. Putramentait., LTU10.8 
 7. Monakana, ENG10.3 
 8. Batrakova, UKR9.2 
 9. Pauly, LUX8.7 
 10. McNamee, IRL8.7 
Assists Per Game
 Emma lina STACH
  (175-PG-96)
  Avg: 5.2
 1. Stach, GER5.2 
 2. Aha, GER3.3 
 3. Soeiro, POR3.2 
 4. Sirsinaityte, LTU3.0 
 5. Tamp, EST3.0 
 6. Bravo-H., ENG3.0 
 7. Hristova, BUL3.0 
 8. Potocnik, SLO2.8 
 9. Sanelli, LUX2.7 
 10. Joseph, ENG2.7 
Steals Per Game
 Cristina GAVRILA
  (172-G-95)
  Avg: 5.2
 1. Gavrila, ROM5.2 
 2. Crowley, IRL5.0 
 3. Belickaite, LTU4.6 
 4. Mollerup, DEN3.8 
 5. Banet, ISR3.3 
 6. Preetzmann, DEN3.3 
 7. Colding-P., DEN3.0 
 8. Porat, ISR3.0 
 9. Soeiro, POR3.0 
 10. Hristova, BUL3.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Bianca BLANARU
  (193-C-95)
  Avg: 4.2
 1. Blanaru, ROM4.2 
 2. Avram, ROM3.6 
 3. Batrakova, UKR2.2 
 4. Zali, SUI1.8 
 5. Mizgeryte, LTU1.4 
 6. Skorbatyuk, UKR1.4 
 7. Antonyuk, UKR1.4 
 8. Eneva, BUL1.2 
 9. Halstad, DEN1.0 
 10. Lisec, SLO1.0 


Division A: Spain wins the Gold in Cagliari - by Eurobasket News
BELGIUM - SPAIN 43-67

Spain is the winner of U16 EuroBasket 2011. They outplayed Belgium 67-43 in the Big Final to take the Gold. Spain finished this event with perfect 9-0 record. Silver belongs to Belgium, what is also great result. Maria Arrojo (186-F-85) paced Spain to victory with 20 points and 6 rebounds. Leticia Romero (174-F-95) had 15 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists, while Yaiza Rodriguez (163-PG-95) helped with 10 points. In Belgium, Hind Ben Abdelkader (170-G/F-95) was better than the others with 18 points. Julie Allemand (173-PG-96) had 8 points and 5 rebounds in this defeat. Spain opened the game with 12-21 lead, but Belgium responded with 18-12 in the second period. Spain took control on their rival after the breather making 9-14 in third and impressive 4-20 in the last quarter for the final 43-67 victory and gold medal in Cagliari.

Belgium: Hind Ben Abdelkader 18, Julie Allemand 8+5 boards
Spain: Maria Arrojo 20+6 boards, Leticia Romero 15+6 boards+5 as, Yaiza Rodriguez 10

Germany wins Division B in Arad - by Eurobasket News
U16 UNITED KINGDOM - U16 GERMANY 63-66

Germany grabbed 66-63 thriller win against United Kingdom in the Big Final of U16 Eurobasket Division B in Arad. Germany won the Gold and this event, while Silver belongs to UK. Both teams earned a promotion for Division A, where they will compete next year. Ama Degbeon (183-F-95) led Germany in scoring with 17 points. Noemie Rouault (180-F-95) had 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Emma lina Stach (175-PG-96) helped with 12 points and 6 assists. In the loosing squad, Jay-Ann Bravo-Harriott (183-PG-95) was much better than the others with 24 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Leah McDerment (180-PG-96) (5 as) and Cheridene Green (187-C-95) scored 13 and 12 points respectively. It was a very exciting game until the end. UK had the last possession, but they missed for 3-pts. Quarters: 15-20, 14-16, 16-16, 18-14.

United Kingdom: Jay-Ann Bravo-Harriott 24+8 boards+5 as, Leah McDerment 13, Cheridene Green 12
Germany: Ama Degbeon 17, Noemie Rouault 14+10 boards, Emma lina Stach 12+6 as

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  FINLAND - Women  


U16 Poland celebrates valuable 75-59 win against U16 Finland - by Eurobasket News
U16 POLAND - U16 FINLAND 75-59

Poland improved their record to 3-2 in Group G. They outplayed Finland 75-59 and will meet Croatia today in do-or-die game. The winner will survive in U16 EuroBasket Division A, while the other team will face with relegation. Finland dropped to 1-4 with no chance to survive. Karolina Pobozy (188-F-96) came up with 17 points and 8 rebounds in Poland. Weronika Telenga (189-C-95) had 15 points and 15 boards, and Julia Drop helped with 13 pts, plus 5 rebs. In the loosing squad, Anni Jamsa (167-PG-95) top-scored with 12 points. Tuuli Menna (180-F-96) had one point less than her. Quarters: 17-8, 25-13, 20-27, 13-11. Championship ends today. As mentioned above, Poland will meet Croatia. Finland will take on Serbia.

Poland: Karolina Pobozy 17+8 boards, Weronika Telenga 15+15 boards, Julia Drop 13+5 boards
Finland: Anni Jamsa 12, Tuuli Menna 11

2011 Universiade. Calhado leads Brazil to the 7th place - by Eurobasket News
Brazil-Finland 62:47

Calhado leads Brazil to the 7th place at the World University Games in China. She collected 21 points and 11 rebounds in a 62:47 win over Finland that finished on the 8th spot. Tassia Carcavalli (179-F-92) notched 11 points for the winners and Taina Paixao (172-G-91) scored 7. Krista Gross (183-G/F-90) ended up with 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Minna Sten (189-F-87) posted 7 in the losing effort.
The teams were tied at 4:4 after the first 5 minutes in the court, while Brazil needed a 10-6 run for 14:10 after the first ten minutes. The board showed 26:15 in the middle of the second period and Brazil reached 30:18 at the halftime. Moreover the Latin American team erupted with 12-1 run for 42:19 midway through the third quarter. After 22-8 in the period Brazil had 52:26 after three quarters. Finland bounced back with 21-10 in the last quarter to reduce to 15 points at the end.

Brazil: Nadia Calhado (196-C-89) 21+11 rebs, Tassia Carcavalli 11, Taina Paixao 7
Finland: Krista Gross 17+11 rebs, Minna Sten 7


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  FRANCE - Women  


U16 Russia beats U16 France in OT 80-67 - by Eurobasket News
U16 FRANCE - U16 RUSSIA 67-80 OT

Russia needed an OT to beat France yesterday in Cagliari, 80-67. Thanks to this win Russia will have a chance to fight for the fifth place and their rival will be Greece. On the other side, France will play for the seventh place in Cagliari. They will meet Sweden. Ekaterina Tsukanova (183-F-95) led the winners with 15 points. Elizaveta Komarova (170-PG-95) scored 13 points, while Yana Degtyarskaya (178-F-95) (6 rebs) and Yuliya Chaykovskaya (173-G-95) helped with 12 points each. In France, Assitan Kone (191-F-95) shined with double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds. Aby Gaye (195-C-95) collected 16 points and 6 boards. Quarters: 15-16, 19-15, 18-17, 11-15, 4-17 OT. Championship ends today.

France: Assitan Kone 18+14 boards, Aby Gaye 16+6 boards
Russia: Ekaterina Tsukanova 15, Elizaveta Komarova 13, Yana Degtyarskaya 12+6 boards, Yuliya Chaykovskaya 12

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  GERMANY - Women  


U16 Germany eliminates U16 Bulgaria in OT, 71-64 - by Eurobasket News
U16 BULGARIA - U16 GERMANY 64-71 OT

Germany grabbed 71-64 OT win against Bulgaria in the Semifinals of U16 EuroBasket in Arad. Thanks to this win Germany advanced to the Finals and at the same time they won the promotion to Division A. Germany will meet UK in the gold medal game. Bulgaria will play against Latvia for the Bronze. Emma lina Stach (175-PG-96) came up with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners. Alina Hartmann (182-F-95) had 18 pts and 7 rebs, while Noemie Rouault (180-F-95) also was great as she added 14 points and 27 rebounds (!). In defeat, Borislava Hristova (180-F-96) was much better than the others with 26 points and 7 rebounds. Iva Georgieva (172-F-96) netted 12 pts in this loss. Quarters: 13-17, 21-19, 11-16, 15-8, 4-11. Championship ends today.

Bulgaria: Borislava Hristova 26+7 boards, Iva Georgieva 12
Germany: Emma lina Stach 19+7 boards+8 as, Alina Hartmann 18+7 boards, Noemie Rouault 14+27 boards

Wasserburg committed Shanika Freeman - by Marsha Owusu Gyamfi
Rebecca Thoresen (178-F/G-78) questionable

Shanika Freeman (183-F/C-83, college: Jacksonville St.) is the latest addition for TSV Wasserburg teamroster. The German champion and cup winner committed to the second player from the Finnish champions Kotka Peli-Karhut. Freeman was teammate from Krystal Vaughn and and had good statistics. The wing player came to an average of 14.7 points and 13.2 rebounds. She was the second best Rebounderin the Finnish league.

Coach Wanda Gyuton hopes that the duo with Tiffany Porter-Talbert just harmonizes well. 'All three are very open and approachable people, there should be no major problems. With Freeman, Vaughn and Porter-Talbert, we have three extremely athletic, quick and strong rebound players who are also excellent in defense. So we should be able to play a good role next season in the league. '

With the 28-year-old Freeman initially only an agreement was signed before Christmas,. There may be a luxury problem at the Inn. Namely, when Rebecca Thoresen remains with the team. Last season's captain still didn't sogned her new contract offer. Thoresen hesitates because her husband is looking for a job and may be away from Bavaria. In addition, the top Italian team Priolo has made the Australian-Maltese Player a lucrative offer.

Germany is the winner of U16 EuroBasket Division B in Arad - by Eurobasket News
U16 UNITED KINGDOM - U16 GERMANY 63-66

Germany grabbed 66-63 thriller win against United Kingdom in the Big Final of U16 Eurobasket Division B in Arad. Germany won the Gold and this event, while Silver belongs to UK. Both teams earned a promotion for Division A, where they will compete next year. Ama Degbeon (183-F-95) led Germany in scoring with 17 points. Noemie Rouault (180-F-95) had 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Emma lina Stach (175-PG-96) helped with 12 points and 6 assists. In the loosing squad, Jay-Ann Bravo-Harriott (183-PG-95) was much better than the others with 24 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Leah McDerment (180-PG-96) (5 as) and Cheridene Green (187-C-95) scored 13 and 12 points respectively. It was a very exciting game until the end. UK had the last possession, but they missed for 3-pts. Quarters: 15-20, 14-16, 16-16, 18-14.

United Kingdom: Jay-Ann Bravo-Harriott 24+8 boards+5 as, Leah McDerment 13, Cheridene Green 12
Germany: Ama Degbeon 17, Noemie Rouault 14+10 boards, Emma lina Stach 12+6 as

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  GREECE - Women  


U16 Greece cruises past U16 Sweden 74-50 - by Eurobasket News
U16 GREECE - U16 SWEDEN 74-50

Greece made a first step forward to fifth place in Cagliari. They blasted Sweden 74-50 and will meet Russia today. The winner of that meeting will end as No.5 of U16 EuroBasket. On the other side, Sweden will play against France for the seventh place. Anna Stamolamprou (165-PG-95) exploded in Greece with 30 points. Eleni Kyratzi (170-PG-95) scored 16 points, while Pinelopi Pavlopoulou (170-PG-96) added 10 points, 10 boards and 5 assists. In Sweden, Regan Magarity (187-F-96) shined with 14 points and 7 rebounds. Their second scorer was Veronika Mirkovic (183-C-95) with 9 pts. Quarters: 18-14, 11-16, 25-15, 20-5. Championship ends today.

Greece: Anna Stamolamprou 30, Eleni Kyratzi 16, Pinelopi Pavlopoulou 10+10 boards+5 as
Sweden: Regan Magarity 14+7 boards, Veronika Mirkovic 9

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  INDIA - Women  


Chinese Taipei opened 24th FIBA Asia Championship for Women with the win over India - by Eurobasket News
Chinese Taipei-India 81:53

Chinese Taipei opened 24th FIBA Asia Championship for Women with the win over India. Sea Hat Omura Venue saw 81:53 victory in the opener of the tournament.
India opened the game with 4-0 but could not keep the lead. Lan Hao-Yu (171-F-83) nailed three for 11:7 and she also closed the quarter at 20:15. The advantage continued to grow in the second period as Liu Chun-Yi (180-F/C-81) made two free throws for 31:22. After 21-11 in the second quarter Chinese Taipei had 41:26 at the halftime. Chi-Wen LIN closed the third period at 66:38 when her team made the push for the victory. Both teams nailed 15 points each in the last stanza for the final result.
Liu Chun-Yi stepped up with 19 points for the winners, while Lan Hao-Yu and Ma Yi-Hung (176-F/G-80) nailed 11 apiece. Geethu Anna Jose (185-C-85) replied with 18 points in the losing effort, whilst Prashanti Singh (173-G-84) and Anitha Pauldurai (170-G-85) added 10 each.

Chinese Taipei: Liu Chun-Yi 19, Lan Hao-Yu 11, Ma Yi-Hung 11
India: Geethu Anna Jose 18, Prashanti Singh 10, Anitha Pauldurai 10


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  INDONESIA - Women  


Indonesia tame Sri Lanka in Asia Championship opener - by Eurobasket News
Indonesia - Sri Lanka 67:53

Indonesia opened their Asian Championship campaign with victory. They toppled Sri Lanka in Level II battle in Omura. Yunita Sugianto (167-PG-87) scored 14 points and grabbed 6 rebounds to lead the charge.
Indonesia fired 23 points to surge ahead for six points at the first break. They maintained the lead throughout the second period. Indonesia posted a 40:31 halftime lead. Sri Lanka managed just 6 points in the third frame to face a massive 20-point deficit heading into the fourth quarter. Sri Lanka finally showed some signs of recovery in the fourth term. They cut the deficit but never threatened the margin as Indonesia cruised to the victory at the end. Maharani Adhipuspitasari (172-G-86) provided 11 points, while Yulinda Wati (174-F-87) and Wulan Ningrum (174-G/F-85) had 8 points each in the victory. Inoka Juwan Pedige (82) responded with 16 points for Sri Lanka. Solange Gunawijeya (91) had 11 points in the loss.

Indonesia: Yunita Sugianto 14, Maharani Adhipuspitasari 11, Yulinda Wati 8, Wulan Ningrum 8
Sri Lanka: Inoka Juwan Pedige 16, Solange Gunawijeya 11


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  IRELAND - Women  


U16 Israel takes 13th place in Arad - by Eurobasket News
U16 IRELAND - U16 ISRAEL 52-70

Israel won 13th place in Arad. They finished U16 EuroBasket Division B with 70-52 victory against Ireland for almost perfect 3-1 record in Group G. On the other side, Ireland dropped to 0-3. Noa Zelivanski (168-PG-96) led Israel in scoring with 12 points, while Eden Porat (174-F-96) added 11 points and 12 rebounds. Shay Alon (164-G-95) (5 rebs) also scored 11 pts in this victory, while Moran Sapir (165-G-95) helped with 10 pts. Jennifer Sheehan (170-PG-95) responded with 11 points in defeat. Their second scorer was Aileen Crowley (178-C-95) with 8 points (6 rebs). Quarters: 10-10, 10-18, 17-17, 15-25. Ireland will meet Luxembourg today. Israel already played their four games in this pool.

Ireland: Jennifer Sheehan 11, Aileen Crowley 8+6 boards
Israel: Noa Zelivanski 12, Eden Porat 11+12 boards, Shay Alon 11+5 boards Moran Sapir 10

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  ISRAEL - Women  


U16 Israel takes 13th place in Arad - by Eurobasket News
U16 IRELAND - U16 ISRAEL 52-70

Israel won 13th place in Arad. They finished U16 EuroBasket Division B with 70-52 victory against Ireland for almost perfect 3-1 record in Group G. On the other side, Ireland dropped to 0-3. Noa Zelivanski (168-PG-96) led Israel in scoring with 12 points, while Eden Porat (174-F-96) added 11 points and 12 rebounds. Shay Alon (164-G-95) (5 rebs) also scored 11 pts in this victory, while Moran Sapir (165-G-95) helped with 10 pts. Jennifer Sheehan (170-PG-95) responded with 11 points in defeat. Their second scorer was Aileen Crowley (178-C-95) with 8 points (6 rebs). Quarters: 10-10, 10-18, 17-17, 15-25. Ireland will meet Luxembourg today. Israel already played their four games in this pool.

Ireland: Jennifer Sheehan 11, Aileen Crowley 8+6 boards
Israel: Noa Zelivanski 12, Eden Porat 11+12 boards, Shay Alon 11+5 boards Moran Sapir 10

LINDSAY BIGGS SIGNED WITH ELITZUR NETANYA! - by Gil Goshen


Lindsay biggs signed today with Elitzur Netanya.
2008-2009: Virginia Tech (NCAA, starting five): 30 games: 12.5ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 38.0%, 3Pts: 36.6%, FT: 60.0%
2009-2010: Virginia Tech (NCAA, starting five): 30 games: 11.2ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 35.3%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 69.4%
2010-2011: Akides Ymuiden (Holland-Promotiedivisie, starting five), then moved to AutoCAD Amazone Leidsche Rijn (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five): 20 games: 18.5ppg, 7.0rpg, 3.0apg, 2.3spg, 2FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 41.5%, FT: 75.0% Lindsay Biggs (180-G-88, college: Virginia Tech)

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  ITALY - Women  


U16 Belgium advances to Big Final in Cagliari - by Eurobasket News
U16 BELGIUM - U16 ITALY 54-43

Belgium advanced to the Big Final of U16 EuroBasket in Cagliari. They outplayed Italy 54-43 in the Semis and will meet Spain in the gold medal game. On the other side, Italy will fight for Bronze. Their rival will be Turkey. Hind Ben Abdelkader (170-G/F-95) was a key player in Belgium once again collecting 29 points and 5 rebounds. Julie Allemand (173-PG-96) helped with 8 points. In the loosing squad, Elisa Penna (185-F-95) was better than the others with 14 points. Anna Djedjemel (169-PG-95) was their second scorer with 9 pts. Quarters: 12-14, 13-17, 16-6, 13-6. Today is the last day of the competition in Cagliari.

Belgium: Hind Ben Abdelkader 29+5 boards, Julie Allemand 8
Italy: Elisa Penna 14, Anna Djedjemel 9

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  JAPAN - Women  


2011 Universiade. Lithuania finished on the 11th place, Japan on the 12th - by Eurobasket News
Japan-Lithuania 66:80

Lithuania finished on the 11th place at the World University Games. In the last game for the Women's Classification 11th-12th the Baltic side overcame 80:66.
Both teams wanted to do their best in the last game. Lithuania started with 13:8 in the opening tip and increased to 25:12 after the first period. Japan reduced to 9 points midway through the second frame and trailed 26:38 at the halftime. The third quarter became decisive in the game as the Baltic State needed 20-13 for 58:39 at the end of thirty minutes. They had 18 points lead with 5 minutes to go and finished with margin 14. Mio Shinozaki (166-PG-91) made the last two free throws for the final result.
Gintare Mazionyte (186-F/C-91) top-scored for the winners with 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Lina Aglinskaite (182-F-87) added 15. Laima Rickeviciute (188-F-88) posted 12 and Sigita Galdikaite (187-F-90) chipped in 8.

Japan: Mio Shinozaki 16, Azusa Sato (167-G-89) 9, Mika Kurihara (178-F-89) 8
Lithuania: Gintare Mazionyte 16+12 rebs, Lina Aglinskaite 15, Laima Rickeviciute 12, Sigita Galdikaite 8


*****************************************************
  KAZAKHSTAN - Women  


Malaysia hold off Kazakhstan in Omura - by Eurobasket News
Malaysia - Kazakhstan 67:58

Malaysia earned the first win at the Asian Championship held in Japan. They prevailed against Kazakhstan in the opener. Beng Fong Goh (165-G-82) stepped up with 15 points to lead the winners.
Malaysia held their opponents at 10 points in the opening quarter to post a 4-point lead. The tempo increased in the second quarter. Malaysia fired 21 points to take an 8-point halftime lead 35:27. Kazakhstan however bounced back after the big break. They narrowed the deficit at just four points 45:49 with ten minutes to go. Kondrakova put Kazakhstan as close as two points 47:49 early in the fourth frame but Malaysia responded with 10:2 run and cleared off for good in this one. Woon Yuen Teo (165-G-85) chipped in 10 points for the winners. Zalina Kurazova (184-F-85) answered with 16 points for Kazakhstan. Anna Vinokurova (191-C-92) provided 11 points and 9 rebounds in defeat.

Malaysia: Beng Fong Goh 15, Woon Yuen Teo 10, Hui Pin Pang (176-90) 9
Kazakhstan: Zalina Kurazova 16, Anna Vinokurova 11


*****************************************************
  LATVIA - Women  


U16 UK heads to Finals in Arad, wins promotion to Division A - by Eurobasket News
U16 UNITED KINGDOM - U16 LATVIA 51-40

United Kingdom advanced to the Big Final of U16 EuroBAsket Division B and at the same time they won promotion to Division A. UK outplayed Latvia 51-40 in the Semifinals yesterday and will meet Germany in the gold medal game. On the other side, Latvia will play for the Bronze. Their rival will be Bulgaria. Cheridene Green (187-C-95) led the winners with double-double of 15 points and 14 rebounds. Jay-Ann Bravo-Harriott (183-PG-95) had 15 points and 6 boards, while Shequila Joseph (189-F-95) added 12 points and 5 rebs. In the loosing squad, Sigita Dzarcane (181-F-95) came up with 11 points and 8 rebounds. Kate Kreslina (178-PG-96) had 10 points and 6 boards. Quarters: 8-9, 11-6, 17-11, 15-14. Championship in Arad ends today.

United Kingdom: Cheridene Green 15+14 boards, Jay-Ann Bravo-Harriott 15+6 boards, Shequila Joseph 12+5 boards
Latvia: Sigita Dzarcane 11+8 boards, Kate Kreslina 10+6 boards

*****************************************************
  LEBANON - Women  


Japan dash Lebanese hopes with early flurry - by Maarouf Mawloud
It was baptism by fire for Lebanon in Level I of the FIBA Asia Championship for Women with the team losing to hosts, and strong contenders for the title itself, Japan 77-49 on Sunday.

Chada Nasr, arguably one of the most talented woman basketballers in West Asia, opened the scoring for the game with a sizzling three-pointer and naturalized center Brittany Denson capped her own offensive rebound to keep Japan 5-2 ahead.

That was for all Lebanon were in lead for the rest of the game.

Yuko Oga (pic above), the most popular player in Japan, who had scored in between, took control of her teams moves and subsequently the proceedings in the game scoring 8 of her games 14 points in the first quarter, which Japan closed 22-9 ahead.

Fumikazu Nakagawas team never looked back thereafter.

I am happy to start with a win. It is a nice way to begin such an important, and deep tournament, Nakagawa said.

Denson had 14 points and Chada Nasr (174-G-83) contributed 13.

I think their experience in Level I games showed, Nasr said.

And mind you, this is our first ever game at this level. We are happy we picked a few points, from where we can only improve, she added.

Of course, we can learn a lot more too, Oga responded.

For one, they (Lebanon) are a much stronger team physically. We dont play such normally, the JX Sunflowers star added.

*****************************************************
  LITHUANIA - Women  


2011 Universiade. Lithuania finished on the 11th place, Japan on the 12th - by Eurobasket News
Japan-Lithuania 66:80

Lithuania finished on the 11th place at the World University Games. In the last game for the Women's Classification 11th-12th the Baltic side overcame 80:66.
Both teams wanted to do their best in the last game. Lithuania started with 13:8 in the opening tip and increased to 25:12 after the first period. Japan reduced to 9 points midway through the second frame and trailed 26:38 at the halftime. The third quarter became decisive in the game as the Baltic State needed 20-13 for 58:39 at the end of thirty minutes. They had 18 points lead with 5 minutes to go and finished with margin 14. Mio Shinozaki (166-PG-91) made the last two free throws for the final result.
Gintare Mazionyte (186-F/C-91) top-scored for the winners with 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Lina Aglinskaite (182-F-87) added 15. Laima Rickeviciute (188-F-88) posted 12 and Sigita Galdikaite (187-F-90) chipped in 8.

Japan: Mio Shinozaki 16, Azusa Sato (167-G-89) 9, Mika Kurihara (178-F-89) 8
Lithuania: Gintare Mazionyte 16+12 rebs, Lina Aglinskaite 15, Laima Rickeviciute 12, Sigita Galdikaite 8


U16 Lithuania to much for U16 Romania, 67-60 - by Eurobasket News
U16 ROMANIA - U16 LITHUANIA 60-67

Lithuania made a first step forward to fifth place in Arad. They handed 67-60 loss to Romania and will have to beat Ukraine today in order to take this spot. On the other side, the host of U16 EuroBasket Division B will meet Portugal. The winner of that game will end as No.7. Dalia Belickaite (175-F-96) led Lithuania with 21 points and 11 rebounds. Sibile Balaisyte (195-C-95) secured a great help with 11 points and 9 boards. In defeat, Simina Avram (190-C-95) collected 20 points and 9 rebounds. Iulia Pasca (175-F-95) was their second scorer with 9 points (7 rebs). Quarters: 20-12, 19-23, 8-18, 13-14. Championship ends today.

Romania: Simina Avram 20+9 boards, Iulia Pasca 9+7 boards
Lithuania: Dalia Belickaite 21+11 boards, Sibile Balaisyte 11+9 boards

*****************************************************
  MALAYSIA - Women  


Malaysia hold off Kazakhstan in Omura - by Eurobasket News
Malaysia - Kazakhstan 67:58

Malaysia earned the first win at the Asian Championship held in Japan. They prevailed against Kazakhstan in the opener. Beng Fong Goh (165-G-82) stepped up with 15 points to lead the winners.
Malaysia held their opponents at 10 points in the opening quarter to post a 4-point lead. The tempo increased in the second quarter. Malaysia fired 21 points to take an 8-point halftime lead 35:27. Kazakhstan however bounced back after the big break. They narrowed the deficit at just four points 45:49 with ten minutes to go. Kondrakova put Kazakhstan as close as two points 47:49 early in the fourth frame but Malaysia responded with 10:2 run and cleared off for good in this one. Woon Yuen Teo (165-G-85) chipped in 10 points for the winners. Zalina Kurazova (184-F-85) answered with 16 points for Kazakhstan. Anna Vinokurova (191-C-92) provided 11 points and 9 rebounds in defeat.

Malaysia: Beng Fong Goh 15, Woon Yuen Teo 10, Hui Pin Pang (176-90) 9
Kazakhstan: Zalina Kurazova 16, Anna Vinokurova 11


*****************************************************
  NCAA1 - Women  


Team USA University won Gold at the 2011 Summer Games in Shenzhen - by Eurobasket News
Chinese Taipei-USA 66:101

The USA University Womens won Gold again at the 2011 Summer Universiade in Shenzhen, China. The American team defended their title in an easy final over Chinese Taipei 101:66. The latter shocked the audience reaching the Final, but could not follow the favorites.
Team USA was going for its eighth World University Games Gold Medal. The program has also won the silver medal six times and received the bronze once. Team USA has met Taiwan just twice in previous World University Games and holds now a 3-0 record. The two teams have not met since 2005 when the USA defeated Taiwan 109-57. The squads met for the first time in 1993 with Team USA earning an 84-73 victory.
Both sides were tied at 14:14 after the first five minutes, but USA took 29:21 at the end of the quarter. They needed 26-17 in the second period for 55:38 advantage at the halftime. After 20-16 in the third quarter USA increased to 75:54 and reached three-digit number due to 26-12 in the last stanza.
Nnemkadi Ogwumike (187-F-90) paced all the winners with 24 points, while Skylar Diggins (175-G-90) nailed 19. Delle Donne Elena collected 18 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists, while 1Chinenye Ogwumike (191-F-92) notched 10. Delle Donne became the first player in Colonial Athletic Association and University of Delaware history to win the Gold Medal as a member of Team USA.
Chen Yu-Chun (176-F-87) replied with 21 points in defeat and Huang Ping-Jen (178-F-89) scored 11.

Chinese Taipei: Chen Yu-Chun 21, Huang Ping-Jen 11
USA: Nnemkadi Ogwumike 24, Skylar Diggins 19, Elena Delle Donne (195-G/F-89) 18+11 rebs+8 asts, Chinenye Ogwumike 10


*****************************************************
  POLAND - Women  


U16 Poland celebrates valuable 75-59 win against U16 Finland - by Eurobasket News
U16 POLAND - U16 FINLAND 75-59

Poland improved their record to 3-2 in Group G. They outplayed Finland 75-59 and will meet Croatia today in do-or-die game. The winner will survive in U16 EuroBasket Division A, while the other team will face with relegation. Finland dropped to 1-4 with no chance to survive. Karolina Pobozy (188-F-96) came up with 17 points and 8 rebounds in Poland. Weronika Telenga (189-C-95) had 15 points and 15 boards, and Julia Drop helped with 13 pts, plus 5 rebs. In the loosing squad, Anni Jamsa (167-PG-95) top-scored with 12 points. Tuuli Menna (180-F-96) had one point less than her. Quarters: 17-8, 25-13, 20-27, 13-11. Championship ends today. As mentioned above, Poland will meet Croatia. Finland will take on Serbia.

Poland: Karolina Pobozy 17+8 boards, Weronika Telenga 15+15 boards, Julia Drop 13+5 boards
Finland: Anni Jamsa 12, Tuuli Menna 11

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  PORTUGAL - Women  


U16 Ukraine grabs 56-55 thriller win against U16 Portugal - by Eurobasket News
U16 PORTUGAL - U16 UKRAINE 55-56

Ukraine grabbed 56-55 thriller win against Portugal and will meet Lithuania today. The winner will take fifth place at the U16 EuroBasket in Arad. On the other side, Portugal will play against Romania for the position No.7. Romania is the host of this event. Tetyana Antonyuk (184-C-95) exploded with 26 points and 16 rebounds in victory. Nataliya Skorbatyuk (183-F-95) followed her with 12 points and 7 boards. In the loosing squad, Laura Ferreira (177-G-95) collected 19 points and 7 rebounds. Joana Soeiro (170-PG-95) had 12 points and 5 boards. Quarters: 17-11, 16-15, 9-19, 13-11. Championship ends today.

Portugal: Laura Ferreira 19+7 boards, Joana Soeiro 12+5 boards
Ukraine: Tetyana Antonyuk 26+16 boards, Nataliya Skorbatyuk 12+7 boards

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  PUERTO RICO - Women  


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


*****************************************************
  ROMANIA - Women  


U16 Lithuania to much for U16 Romania, 67-60 - by Eurobasket News
U16 ROMANIA - U16 LITHUANIA 60-67

Lithuania made a first step forward to fifth place in Arad. They handed 67-60 loss to Romania and will have to beat Ukraine today in order to take this spot. On the other side, the host of U16 EuroBasket Division B will meet Portugal. The winner of that game will end as No.7. Dalia Belickaite (175-F-96) led Lithuania with 21 points and 11 rebounds. Sibile Balaisyte (195-C-95) secured a great help with 11 points and 9 boards. In defeat, Simina Avram (190-C-95) collected 20 points and 9 rebounds. Iulia Pasca (175-F-95) was their second scorer with 9 points (7 rebs). Quarters: 20-12, 19-23, 8-18, 13-14. Championship ends today.

Romania: Simina Avram 20+9 boards, Iulia Pasca 9+7 boards
Lithuania: Dalia Belickaite 21+11 boards, Sibile Balaisyte 11+9 boards

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  RUSSIA - Women  


U16 Russia beats U16 France in OT 80-67 - by Eurobasket News
U16 FRANCE - U16 RUSSIA 67-80 OT

Russia needed an OT to beat France yesterday in Cagliari, 80-67. Thanks to this win Russia will have a chance to fight for the fifth place and their rival will be Greece. On the other side, France will play for the seventh place in Cagliari. They will meet Sweden. Ekaterina Tsukanova (183-F-95) led the winners with 15 points. Elizaveta Komarova (170-PG-95) scored 13 points, while Yana Degtyarskaya (178-F-95) (6 rebs) and Yuliya Chaykovskaya (173-G-95) helped with 12 points each. In France, Assitan Kone (191-F-95) shined with double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds. Aby Gaye (195-C-95) collected 16 points and 6 boards. Quarters: 15-16, 19-15, 18-17, 11-15, 4-17 OT. Championship ends today.

France: Assitan Kone 18+14 boards, Aby Gaye 16+6 boards
Russia: Ekaterina Tsukanova 15, Elizaveta Komarova 13, Yana Degtyarskaya 12+6 boards, Yuliya Chaykovskaya 12

2011 Universiade. Russia clinched the fifth place at the World University Games in China - by Eurobasket News
Russia-Canada 71:52

Russia clinched the fifth place at the World University Games in China. The European team outscored Canada 71:52 as the latter finished on the 6th spot.
Few days ago the Canadian womens basketball team fell into an early first-quarter hole and never recovered, losing 46:73 to Russia at the Luohu Gymnasium Monday morning at the 26th Summer Universiade.
Today Russia opened the game with 11-4 and had 20:14 at the end of the frame. The second quarter became defensive and decisive in the game as Russia needed 14-6 to take 34:20 at the halftime. The European team did not slow down and produced 22-16 in the third quarter for 20-point advantage after three quarters. Canada managed to win the last period 16-15 and lost the game by 19.
Maria Cherepanova (187-C-87), Liubov Paskalenko (205-C-90) and Maria Khrustaleba (167-G-87) paced all the winners with 12 points each, while Natalia Vieru (198-C-89) netted 11. Kendel Ross (185-G/F-88, college: Dayton) notched 17 points in defeat, while Megan Pinske (176-G-88) added 11.

Russia: Maria Cherepanova 12, Liubov Paskalenko 12+10 rebs, Maria Khrustaleba 12, Natalia Vieru 11
Canada: Kendel Ross 17, Megan Pinske 11


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  SERBIA - Women  


U16 Serbia secures survival in Division A - by Eurobasket News
U16 CROATIA - U16 SERBIA 60-70

Serbia secured survival in U16 EuroBasket Division A. They outplayed Croatia 70-60 for 4-1 record in Group G. On the other side, Croatia dropped to 2-3. Sanja Mandic (177-G-95) paced Serbia to victory with 26 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Aleksandra Crvendakic (187-C/F-96) (10 rebs) and Duska Nikitovic (95) (5 rebs) helped with 13 and 11 points respectively. In defeat, Inja Butina (170-PG-95) collected 18 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Ivana Matic (181-F-95) also scored 18 pts in this loss. Quarters: 25-15, 10-21, 10-22, 15-12. Croatia will meet Poland today in do-or-die game. Serbia will play against Finland.

Croatia: Inja Butina 18+8 boards+6 as, Ivana Matic 18
Serbia: Sanja Mandic 26+9 boards+6 as, Aleksandra Crvendakic 13+10 boards, Duska Nikitovic 11+5 boards

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  SINGAPORE - Women  


Uzbekistan drive past Singapore in Omura - by Eurobasket News
Uzbekistan - Singapore 73:45

Uzbekistan registered their first win at Asian Championship in Japan. They toppled Singapore in Level II clash. Yelena Khusnitdinova (85) stepped up with 25 points to lead the winners.
Uzbekistan marked their ambitions early in the encounter. They outscored Singapore 21:12 in the opening term. Uzbekistan stayed dominant throughout the second stanza. They piled up a comfortable 39:23 halftime lead. Uzbekistan stayed aggressive defensively throughout the third quarter. They limited Singapore to just 10 points in the frame to build a 21-point cushion heading into the fourth term. Uzbekistan did not loosen the grasp in the final quarter rolling to the victory at the end. Irina Averyanova (185-F-84) accounted for 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Marina Zakharova (170-G-86) and Irina Polunina (176-G-79) added 7 points apiece in the victory. Tan Sarah (173-F-91) answered with 17 points for Singapore. Lim Alanna (173-F-94) had 6 points in defeat.

Uzbekistan: Yelena Khusnitdinova 25, Irina Averyanova 17+10 boards, Marina Zakharova 7, Irina Polunina 7
Singapore: Tan Sarah 17, Lim Alanna 6


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  SLOVAKIA - Women  


2011 Universiade. Slovakia and United Kingdom farewell to Shenzhen - by Eurobasket News
Slovakia-United Kingdom 69:56

Slovakia outscored United Kingdom at their last game of the World University Games in China. The team won 69:56 to finish on the 13th spot, while United Kingdom ended up on the step below.
It was a slow start at the Gymnasium of Pingshan Sports Complex. The teams exchanged the baskets before the United Kingdom grabbed 6:4 lead and had 16:12 after the first period. They led 23:20 in the middle of the second period, but Slovakia took 29:27 at the end of the half. The latter increased to 38:32 and enjoyed 44:40 after three quarters. In the last stanza Slovakia pushed the tempo for good and managed to add 25-16 for 13-point victory.
Katarina Tetemondova (187-F-88) collected 17 points and 14 rebounds for the winners and Katarina Pindrochova (183-F-88) nailed 13. Diana Benuskova (167-PG-89) scored 10, while Eva Kmetova (188-C-87) added 8. Tamzin Barroilhet (182-G-90) and Lauren Thomas-Johnson (178-G-88, college: Marquette) replied with 11 points each in defeat, whilst Georgia Jones (172-G-90) posted 10.

Slovakia: Katarina Tetemondova 17+14 rebs, Katarina Pindrochova 13, Diana Benuskova 10 Eva Kmetova 8
United Kingdom: Tamzin Barroilhet 11, Lauren Thomas-Johnson 11, Georgia Jones 10, Chantelle Handy (191-F/C-87, college: Marshall) 7+10 rebs


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  SOUTH KOREA - Women  


South Korea women's NT beats China at double overtime - by JungHwan Seo
Korean women's national team defeated China at the first match of Asian women's championship in Japan.

Korean NT won over China to 99-93 after second overtime. Choi Youn Ah (170-G-85) scored 29 points including 7 points at the second overtime. Kim Jung Eun (180-F-87) (23 points) and Sin Jung Ja (185-C-80) (20 points) also played very well.

It was a revenge match for Korea. Korea lost by China to 64-70 in the Asian game final 2010 in China.

'We held our own when push came to shove, which is something we lacked two years ago. But we were determined to outdo ourselves. And I think we did' Sin Jung Ja talked with fibaasia.net.

Chen Nan (197-C-83) and Miao Lijie were one two punch of China. Chen Nan got 27 points and 12 rebounds. Miao had 18 points.


*****************************************************
  SPAIN - Women  


U16 Spain extends winning streak, heads to Finals in Cagliari - by Eurobasket News
U16 SPAIN - U16 TURKEY 79-52

Spain extended their winning streak to eight games and advanced to the Big Final of U16 EuroBasket in Cagliari. They eliminated Turkey in the Semis 79-52 and will fight for the Gold against Belgium. Turkey will play against Italy for third place. Italy is the host of this event. Maria Arrojo (186-F-85) led Spain with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Leticia Romero (174-F-95) had 11 points, while Ariadna Pujol (182-F-95) and Yaiza Rodriguez (163-PG-95) netted 9 points each. In defeat, Nurcan Basaran (176-F-95) collected 13 points and 7 rebs. Hulya Coklar (188-C-95) followed her with 10 points and 8 boards. Quarters: 20-14, 16-15, 19-8, 24-15. Today is the last day of the championship in Cagliari.

Spain: Maria Arrojo 17+10 boards, Leticia Romero 11, Ariadna Pujol 9, Yaiza Rodriguez 9
Turkey: Nurcan Basaran 13+7 boards, Hulya Coklar 10+8 boards

Spain wins U16 EuroBasket in Cagliari with perfect record - by Eurobasket News
BELGIUM - SPAIN 43-67

Spain is the winner of U16 EuroBasket 2011. They outplayed Belgium 67-43 in the Big Final to take the Gold. Spain finished this event with perfect 9-0 record. Silver belongs to Belgium, what is also great result. Maria Arrojo (186-F-85) paced Spain to victory with 20 points and 6 rebounds. Leticia Romero (174-F-95) had 15 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists, while Yaiza Rodriguez (163-PG-95) helped with 10 points. In Belgium, Hind Ben Abdelkader (170-G/F-95) was better than the others with 18 points. Julie Allemand (173-PG-96) had 8 points and 5 rebounds in this defeat. Spain opened the game with 12-21 lead, but Belgium responded with 18-12 in the second period. Spain took control on their rival after the breather making 9-14 in third and impressive 4-20 in the last quarter for the final 43-67 victory and gold medal in Cagliari.

Belgium: Hind Ben Abdelkader 18, Julie Allemand 8+5 boards
Spain: Maria Arrojo 20+6 boards, Leticia Romero 15+6 boards+5 as, Yaiza Rodriguez 10

*****************************************************
  SRI LANKA - Women  


Indonesia tame Sri Lanka in Asia Championship opener - by Eurobasket News
Indonesia - Sri Lanka 67:53

Indonesia opened their Asian Championship campaign with victory. They toppled Sri Lanka in Level II battle in Omura. Yunita Sugianto (167-PG-87) scored 14 points and grabbed 6 rebounds to lead the charge.
Indonesia fired 23 points to surge ahead for six points at the first break. They maintained the lead throughout the second period. Indonesia posted a 40:31 halftime lead. Sri Lanka managed just 6 points in the third frame to face a massive 20-point deficit heading into the fourth quarter. Sri Lanka finally showed some signs of recovery in the fourth term. They cut the deficit but never threatened the margin as Indonesia cruised to the victory at the end. Maharani Adhipuspitasari (172-G-86) provided 11 points, while Yulinda Wati (174-F-87) and Wulan Ningrum (174-G/F-85) had 8 points each in the victory. Inoka Juwan Pedige (82) responded with 16 points for Sri Lanka. Solange Gunawijeya (91) had 11 points in the loss.

Indonesia: Yunita Sugianto 14, Maharani Adhipuspitasari 11, Yulinda Wati 8, Wulan Ningrum 8
Sri Lanka: Inoka Juwan Pedige 16, Solange Gunawijeya 11


*****************************************************
  SWEDEN - Women  


Australia climbed on the podium at the 2011 World University Games - by Eurobasket News
Sweden-Australia 56:66

Australia won the Bronze medals in Shenzhen. Australia climbed on the podium at the World University Games in China beating Sweden 66:56. The Scandinavian team became the best out of all European squads and finished fourth.
After the losses in the Semifinal clashes both teams desired to finish on the third position. In 2009 the Aussies overcame Czech Republic in the consolation final 88:77. Elyse Penaluna was back to her outstanding form to lead Australia. She tallied 28 points and 16 rebounds to lead Australia. Tonight Abby Bishop (189-C-88) gave Australia 14:13 at the end of the first period, but Sweden won the second period for 29:28 at the halftime. Moreover the Swedish side enjoyed 7-point advantage at the end of three quarters, but failed at the end. Australia erupted with 30-13 in the last stanza to seal the victory.
Abby Bishop top-scored for the winners with 21 points, while Tess Madgen (180-G/F-90), Marianna Tolo (196-C-89) and Elyse Penaluna (193-C-88) posted 9 each. Louice Halvarsson (189-C-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas) ended up with 20 points in the losing effort, whilst Frida Eldebrink (174-G-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) and Elisabeth Egnell (185-F-87, college: Boston Coll.) netted 10 apiece.

Sweden: Louice Halvarsson 20, Frida Eldebrink 10, Elisabeth Egnell 10
Australia: Abby Bishop 21, Tess Madgen 9, Marianna Tolo 9, Elyse Penaluna 9




U16 Greece cruises past U16 Sweden 74-50 - by Eurobasket News
U16 GREECE - U16 SWEDEN 74-50

Greece made a first step forward to fifth place in Cagliari. They blasted Sweden 74-50 and will meet Russia today. The winner of that meeting will end as No.5 of U16 EuroBasket. On the other side, Sweden will play against France for the seventh place. Anna Stamolamprou (165-PG-95) exploded in Greece with 30 points. Eleni Kyratzi (170-PG-95) scored 16 points, while Pinelopi Pavlopoulou (170-PG-96) added 10 points, 10 boards and 5 assists. In Sweden, Regan Magarity (187-F-96) shined with 14 points and 7 rebounds. Their second scorer was Veronika Mirkovic (183-C-95) with 9 pts. Quarters: 18-14, 11-16, 25-15, 20-5. Championship ends today.

Greece: Anna Stamolamprou 30, Eleni Kyratzi 16, Pinelopi Pavlopoulou 10+10 boards+5 as
Sweden: Regan Magarity 14+7 boards, Veronika Mirkovic 9

*****************************************************
  TAIWAN - Women  


Chinese Taipei opened 24th FIBA Asia Championship for Women with the win over India - by Eurobasket News
Chinese Taipei-India 81:53

Chinese Taipei opened 24th FIBA Asia Championship for Women with the win over India. Sea Hat Omura Venue saw 81:53 victory in the opener of the tournament.
India opened the game with 4-0 but could not keep the lead. Lan Hao-Yu (171-F-83) nailed three for 11:7 and she also closed the quarter at 20:15. The advantage continued to grow in the second period as Liu Chun-Yi (180-F/C-81) made two free throws for 31:22. After 21-11 in the second quarter Chinese Taipei had 41:26 at the halftime. Chi-Wen LIN closed the third period at 66:38 when her team made the push for the victory. Both teams nailed 15 points each in the last stanza for the final result.
Liu Chun-Yi stepped up with 19 points for the winners, while Lan Hao-Yu and Ma Yi-Hung (176-F/G-80) nailed 11 apiece. Geethu Anna Jose (185-C-85) replied with 18 points in the losing effort, whilst Prashanti Singh (173-G-84) and Anitha Pauldurai (170-G-85) added 10 each.

Chinese Taipei: Liu Chun-Yi 19, Lan Hao-Yu 11, Ma Yi-Hung 11
India: Geethu Anna Jose 18, Prashanti Singh 10, Anitha Pauldurai 10


Team USA University won Gold at the 2011 Summer Games in Shenzhen - by Eurobasket News
Chinese Taipei-USA 66:101

The USA University Womens won Gold again at the 2011 Summer Universiade in Shenzhen, China. The American team defended their title in an easy final over Chinese Taipei 101:66. The latter shocked the audience reaching the Final, but could not follow the favorites.
Team USA was going for its eighth World University Games Gold Medal. The program has also won the silver medal six times and received the bronze once. Team USA has met Taiwan just twice in previous World University Games and holds now a 3-0 record. The two teams have not met since 2005 when the USA defeated Taiwan 109-57. The squads met for the first time in 1993 with Team USA earning an 84-73 victory.
Both sides were tied at 14:14 after the first five minutes, but USA took 29:21 at the end of the quarter. They needed 26-17 in the second period for 55:38 advantage at the halftime. After 20-16 in the third quarter USA increased to 75:54 and reached three-digit number due to 26-12 in the last stanza.
Nnemkadi Ogwumike (187-F-90) paced all the winners with 24 points, while Skylar Diggins (175-G-90) nailed 19. Delle Donne Elena collected 18 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists, while 1Chinenye Ogwumike (191-F-92) notched 10. Delle Donne became the first player in Colonial Athletic Association and University of Delaware history to win the Gold Medal as a member of Team USA.
Chen Yu-Chun (176-F-87) replied with 21 points in defeat and Huang Ping-Jen (178-F-89) scored 11.

Chinese Taipei: Chen Yu-Chun 21, Huang Ping-Jen 11
USA: Nnemkadi Ogwumike 24, Skylar Diggins 19, Elena Delle Donne (195-G/F-89) 18+11 rebs+8 asts, Chinenye Ogwumike 10


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  TURKEY - Women  


U16 Spain extends winning streak, heads to Finals in Cagliari - by Eurobasket News
U16 SPAIN - U16 TURKEY 79-52

Spain extended their winning streak to eight games and advanced to the Big Final of U16 EuroBasket in Cagliari. They eliminated Turkey in the Semis 79-52 and will fight for the Gold against Belgium. Turkey will play against Italy for third place. Italy is the host of this event. Maria Arrojo (186-F-85) led Spain with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Leticia Romero (174-F-95) had 11 points, while Ariadna Pujol (182-F-95) and Yaiza Rodriguez (163-PG-95) netted 9 points each. In defeat, Nurcan Basaran (176-F-95) collected 13 points and 7 rebs. Hulya Coklar (188-C-95) followed her with 10 points and 8 boards. Quarters: 20-14, 16-15, 19-8, 24-15. Today is the last day of the championship in Cagliari.

Spain: Maria Arrojo 17+10 boards, Leticia Romero 11, Ariadna Pujol 9, Yaiza Rodriguez 9
Turkey: Nurcan Basaran 13+7 boards, Hulya Coklar 10+8 boards

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  UKRAINE - Women  


U16 Ukraine grabs 56-55 thriller win against U16 Portugal - by Eurobasket News
U16 PORTUGAL - U16 UKRAINE 55-56

Ukraine grabbed 56-55 thriller win against Portugal and will meet Lithuania today. The winner will take fifth place at the U16 EuroBasket in Arad. On the other side, Portugal will play against Romania for the position No.7. Romania is the host of this event. Tetyana Antonyuk (184-C-95) exploded with 26 points and 16 rebounds in victory. Nataliya Skorbatyuk (183-F-95) followed her with 12 points and 7 boards. In the loosing squad, Laura Ferreira (177-G-95) collected 19 points and 7 rebounds. Joana Soeiro (170-PG-95) had 12 points and 5 boards. Quarters: 17-11, 16-15, 9-19, 13-11. Championship ends today.

Portugal: Laura Ferreira 19+7 boards, Joana Soeiro 12+5 boards
Ukraine: Tetyana Antonyuk 26+16 boards, Nataliya Skorbatyuk 12+7 boards

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  UNITED KINGDOM - Women  


U16 UK heads to Finals in Arad, wins promotion to Division A - by Eurobasket News
U16 UNITED KINGDOM - U16 LATVIA 51-40

United Kingdom advanced to the Big Final of U16 EuroBAsket Division B and at the same time they won promotion to Division A. UK outplayed Latvia 51-40 in the Semifinals yesterday and will meet Germany in the gold medal game. On the other side, Latvia will play for the Bronze. Their rival will be Bulgaria. Cheridene Green (187-C-95) led the winners with double-double of 15 points and 14 rebounds. Jay-Ann Bravo-Harriott (183-PG-95) had 15 points and 6 boards, while Shequila Joseph (189-F-95) added 12 points and 5 rebs. In the loosing squad, Sigita Dzarcane (181-F-95) came up with 11 points and 8 rebounds. Kate Kreslina (178-PG-96) had 10 points and 6 boards. Quarters: 8-9, 11-6, 17-11, 15-14. Championship in Arad ends today.

United Kingdom: Cheridene Green 15+14 boards, Jay-Ann Bravo-Harriott 15+6 boards, Shequila Joseph 12+5 boards
Latvia: Sigita Dzarcane 11+8 boards, Kate Kreslina 10+6 boards

2011 Universiade. Slovakia and United Kingdom farewell to Shenzhen - by Eurobasket News
Slovakia-United Kingdom 69:56

Slovakia outscored United Kingdom at their last game of the World University Games in China. The team won 69:56 to finish on the 13th spot, while United Kingdom ended up on the step below.
It was a slow start at the Gymnasium of Pingshan Sports Complex. The teams exchanged the baskets before the United Kingdom grabbed 6:4 lead and had 16:12 after the first period. They led 23:20 in the middle of the second period, but Slovakia took 29:27 at the end of the half. The latter increased to 38:32 and enjoyed 44:40 after three quarters. In the last stanza Slovakia pushed the tempo for good and managed to add 25-16 for 13-point victory.
Katarina Tetemondova (187-F-88) collected 17 points and 14 rebounds for the winners and Katarina Pindrochova (183-F-88) nailed 13. Diana Benuskova (167-PG-89) scored 10, while Eva Kmetova (188-C-87) added 8. Tamzin Barroilhet (182-G-90) and Lauren Thomas-Johnson (178-G-88, college: Marquette) replied with 11 points each in defeat, whilst Georgia Jones (172-G-90) posted 10.

Slovakia: Katarina Tetemondova 17+14 rebs, Katarina Pindrochova 13, Diana Benuskova 10 Eva Kmetova 8
United Kingdom: Tamzin Barroilhet 11, Lauren Thomas-Johnson 11, Georgia Jones 10, Chantelle Handy (191-F/C-87, college: Marshall) 7+10 rebs


Germany is the winner of U16 EuroBasket Division B in Arad - by Eurobasket News
U16 UNITED KINGDOM - U16 GERMANY 63-66

Germany grabbed 66-63 thriller win against United Kingdom in the Big Final of U16 Eurobasket Division B in Arad. Germany won the Gold and this event, while Silver belongs to UK. Both teams earned a promotion for Division A, where they will compete next year. Ama Degbeon (183-F-95) led Germany in scoring with 17 points. Noemie Rouault (180-F-95) had 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Emma lina Stach (175-PG-96) helped with 12 points and 6 assists. In the loosing squad, Jay-Ann Bravo-Harriott (183-PG-95) was much better than the others with 24 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Leah McDerment (180-PG-96) (5 as) and Cheridene Green (187-C-95) scored 13 and 12 points respectively. It was a very exciting game until the end. UK had the last possession, but they missed for 3-pts. Quarters: 15-20, 14-16, 16-16, 18-14.

United Kingdom: Jay-Ann Bravo-Harriott 24+8 boards+5 as, Leah McDerment 13, Cheridene Green 12
Germany: Ama Degbeon 17, Noemie Rouault 14+10 boards, Emma lina Stach 12+6 as

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  UZBEKISTAN - Women  


Uzbekistan drive past Singapore in Omura - by Eurobasket News
Uzbekistan - Singapore 73:45

Uzbekistan registered their first win at Asian Championship in Japan. They toppled Singapore in Level II clash. Yelena Khusnitdinova (85) stepped up with 25 points to lead the winners.
Uzbekistan marked their ambitions early in the encounter. They outscored Singapore 21:12 in the opening term. Uzbekistan stayed dominant throughout the second stanza. They piled up a comfortable 39:23 halftime lead. Uzbekistan stayed aggressive defensively throughout the third quarter. They limited Singapore to just 10 points in the frame to build a 21-point cushion heading into the fourth term. Uzbekistan did not loosen the grasp in the final quarter rolling to the victory at the end. Irina Averyanova (185-F-84) accounted for 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Marina Zakharova (170-G-86) and Irina Polunina (176-G-79) added 7 points apiece in the victory. Tan Sarah (173-F-91) answered with 17 points for Singapore. Lim Alanna (173-F-94) had 6 points in defeat.

Uzbekistan: Yelena Khusnitdinova 25, Irina Averyanova 17+10 boards, Marina Zakharova 7, Irina Polunina 7
Singapore: Tan Sarah 17, Lim Alanna 6


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  WNBA - Women  


Standings
WNBA Standings
Eastern
 1. Indiana F. 18-8 
 2. Connecticut S. 16-10 
 3. New York L. 15-12 
 4. Atlanta D. 13-12 
 5. Chicago S. 12-14 
 6. Washington M. 5-19 
Western
 1. Minnesota L. 20-6 
 2. Phoenix M. 15-10 
 3. Seattle S. 14-12 
 4. S.Antonio SS 13-12 
 5. L.Angeles S. 10-15 
 6. Tulsa S. 1-22 


Latest WNBA games - by Eurobasket News
Seattle S. - New York L. 63-62
Lauren Jackson (6'5''-F/C-81) was forced to watch the final minutes of Saturday's 63-62 victory over the New York Liberty from the bench. Thankfully for the Storm - and Jackson - it was six personal fouls that put her there and not the hip injury that has caused her to miss the last 20 games. Jackson made her much anticipated return to a previously struggling Storm team on Saturday night and aside from fouling out with four minutes to play, things couldn't have gone much better. In just under 22 minutes of play, Jackson scored a season-high 20 points, grabbed seven rebounds and blocked a shot. 'I feel good,' Jackson said. 'Before the game, even just today, I have been so excited. I don't think I've like actually looked forward to playing basketball as much as I did before this game for probably 10 years. It just felt awesome to be back out there and I'm just happy. I'm happy that my hip held up and that we won, obviously.' Storm head coach Brian Agler praised Jackson's efficiency after the game. *Courtesy of www.heraldnet.com

Minnesota L. - L.Angeles S. 87-68
Seimone Augustus (6'1''-G-84, college: LSU) scored 17 points and the Minnesota Lynx beat the Los Angeles Sparks 87-68 on Saturday night to earn their first playoff berth since 2004. Candice Wiggins added 13 points, including four 3-pointers for Minnesota (20-6), which tied a team record for wins in a season and entered the day leading the Western Conference by 4 1/2 games over second-place Phoenix. Monica Wright scored 11 points for the Lynx, who also own the WNBA's best record by two games over East-leading Indiana (18-8). Candace Parker had 18 points and eight rebounds in her second start since returning from knee surgery for Los Angeles (10-15), which fell further behind fourth-place Seattle for the final playoff spot in the West. *Courtesy of www.kxnet.com

Phoenix M. - S.Antonio SS 87-81
Penny Taylor (6'1''-F-81) scored 16 of her 28 points in the fourth quarter and the Phoenix Mercury rallied to beat the San Antonio Silver Stars 87-81 on Saturday night. Candice Dupree (6'2''-F/C-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Temple) had 20 points and 10 rebounds, and DeWanna Bonner added 13 points for the Mercury, who won for the fourth time in five games. The Mercury were without guard Diana Taurasi, who was a game-time scratch with back spasms. Becky Hammon had 20 points and 10 assists, Ruth Riley had 16 points and Scholanda Robinson added 15 for the Silver Stars, who have dropped three straight and four of their last five. *Courtesy of www.kxnet.com

L.Angeles S. - Indiana F. 75-70
Rather than being upset that Candace Parker's return to the starting lineup came at her expense, Ebony Hoffman (6'2''-F/C-82, college: USC) is embracing it. Hoffman scored 21 points against her former team to help the Los Angeles Sparks beat the Indiana Fever 75-70 on Thursday night. Parker, appearing in her second game since missing six weeks with a knee injury, added 18 points and Los Angeles (10-14) held Indiana (18-8) to four points over the final 4:57. 'We all knew Candace was coming back, and she was going to be back in the starting lineup,' Hoffman said. 'It doesn't change my role any. I'm still going to be aggressive, I still gotta score points.' Parker returned to her accustomed starting role after playing 26 minutes off the bench on Tuesday before being ejected in the closing seconds of an 84-79 loss to Atlanta. Parker was on the floor for all but 30 seconds against Indiana. She said she didn't expect to play the full game and felt fatigued at times. Most importantly, though, she's had no setbacks with her rehabilitated right knee. 'I feel confident in my knee,' Parker said. 'I don't think I'm hesitant in doing anything or think twice about doing something I wouldn't have done before.' Tamika Catchings (6'1''-F-79, college: Tennessee) and Erin Phillips (5'8''-G-85) each had 16 points for the Eastern Conference-leading Fever, which snapped a three-game winning streak. *Courtesy of www.kentucky.com

Atlanta D. - Connecticut S. 94-88 OT
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. *Courtesy of www.wokv.com

Washington M. - Chicago S. 70-71
Epiphanny Prince (5'9''-G-88, college: Rutgers) made two of three free throws with 0.7 seconds remaining and the Chicago Sky beat the Washington Mystics, 71-70 on Saturday night in a game that featured 18 lead changes. The Sky trailed by one when the Mystics' Matee Ajavon (5'8''-G-86, college: Rutgers) missed a pair of free throws and the ball went out of bounds to the Sky with 2.5 seconds left. After Chicago inbounded, Prince crossed halfcourt and pulled up for a long jumper. Ajavon contested the shot as the final buzzer sounded with the referees signaling a foul. After reviewing the tape, the officials sent Prince to the line for three free throws and put 0.7 on the clock. Prince hit the first two and missed the third on purpose. The buzzer sounded as the teams fought for control of the rebound. *Courtesy of www.kxnet.com

New York L. - Connecticut S. 84-81 OT
Cappie Pondexter (5'9''-G-83, college: Rutgers) hit a fall-away jumper with 24.3 seconds left in overtime and finished with 27 points to help the New York Liberty rally for an 84-81 victory against the Connecticut Sun on Thursday night. Down by 15 points after the third quarter, the Liberty (15-11) limited the Sun to seven points in the fourth quarter and seven more in overtime to win their third straight game. Pondexter -- who hit a clutch shot with 13 seconds left to lift the Liberty to victory in their last outing -- hit three jumpers in the extra period and Kia Vaughn (6'4''-C-87, college: Rutgers) (17 points, 11 rebounds) added a putback. The win moved the Liberty within 1 12 games of the Sun (16-9) for second in the Eastern Conference. The Sun had won two straight. Pondexter hit an off-balance 3-pointer to give the Liberty a 74-71 lead with 50.6 seconds left, but Kara Lawson (5'8''-G-81, college: Tennessee) countered with a 3-pointer with 30 seconds left to force overtime. Essence Carson (6'0''-G-86, college: Rutgers) scored 19 points for the Liberty, including two free throws with 6 seconds left to seal the win. Former UConn standout and reigning WNBA rookie of the year Tina Charles (6'4''-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) had 29 points and 13 rebounds for the Sun (16-9) and Renee Montgomery -- another former UConn All-America -- added 16 points. It was the 100th career WNBA win for Liberty head coach John Whisenant. The Sun will try to get back on track tonight in Atlanta. The Liberty's next outing is scheduled for Saturday night in Seattle . *Courtesy of www.thehour.com

Washington M. - Minnesota L. 62-81
Seimone Augustus scored 18 points and Maya Moore (6'0''-F-89, college: Connecticut) added 14 as the Minnesota Lynx rebounded from their worst loss of the season by routing the Washington Mystics 81-62 on Thursday night. Rebekkah Brunson (6'3''-F/C-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Georgetown) scored 13 points for the Lynx (19-6), who shot 57.1 percent (36 for 63) from the field - matching their season high set at Seattle on June 9. The Western Conference leaders lost by 29 points at Connecticut on Tuesday, but bounced back to win for the 12th time in 14 games. Matee Ajavon scored 15 points and Marissa Coleman had 12 points for the Mystics (5-18), in their most lopsided loss of the season. Washington has lost three straight and four of five. Washington's previous five losses were by a combined 18 points, but the Mystics trailed by as many as 23 in the second half against Minnesota. Moore's basket to open the second quarter put the Lynx ahead for good at 19-18. Lindsay Whalen's 3-pointer at the halftime buzzer gave Minnesota its largest first-half lead at 39-29. After Taj McWilliams Franklin's layup with 2:07 remaining in the third quarter made it 53-42, the lead never dipped below 10 points. The Lynx made seven of their first eight shots in the fourth. Crystal Langhorne scored 11 points for the Mystics, who three-game winning streak against the Lynx was snapped. Whalen scored 11 points and had seven assists for the Lynx. *Courtesy of www.cbsnews.com



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  WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES - Women  


Team USA University won Gold at the 2011 Summer Games in Shenzhen - by Eurobasket News
FINAL
Taiwan - USA 66-101
The USA University Women's won Gold again at the 2011 Summer Universiade in Shenzhen, China. The American team defended their title in an easy final over Chinese Taipei 101:66. The latter shocked the audience reaching the Final, but could not follow the favorites. Team USA was going for its eighth World University Games Gold Medal. The program has also won the silver medal six times and received the bronze once. Team USA has met Taiwan just twice in previous World University Games and holds now a 3-0 record. The two teams have not met since 2005 when the USA defeated Taiwan 109-57. The squads met for the first time in 1993 with Team USA earning an 84-73 victory. Both sides were tied at 14:14 after the first five minutes, but USA took 29:21 at the end of the quarter. They needed 26-17 in the second period for 55:38 advantage at the halftime. After 20-16 in the third quarter USA increased to 75:54 and reached three-digit number due to 26-12 in the last stanza. Nnemkadi Ogwumike (187-F-90) paced all the winners with 24 points, while Skylar Diggins (175-G-90) nailed 19. Elena Delle Donne (195-G/F-89) collected 18 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists, while Chinenye Ogwumike (191-F-92) notched 10. Delle Donne became the first player in Colonial Athletic Association and University of Delaware history to win the Gold Medal as a member of Team USA. Chen Yu-Chun replied with 21 points in defeat and Huang Ping-Jen (178-F-89) scored 11.



3rd place
Australia - Sweden 66-56
Australia won the Bronze medals in Shenzhen. Australia climbed on the podium at the World University Games in China beating Sweden 66:56. The Scandinavian team became the best out of all European squads and finished fourth. After the losses in the Semifinal clashes both teams desired to finish on the third position. In 2009 the Aussies overcame Czech Republic in the consolation final 88:77. Elyse Penaluna was back to her outstanding form to lead Australia. She tallied 28 points and 16 rebounds to lead Australia. Tonight Abby Bishop (189-C-88) gave Australia 14:13 at the end of the first period, but Sweden won the second period for 29:28 at the halftime. Moreover the Swedish side enjoyed 7-point advantage at the end of three quarters, but failed at the end. Australia erupted with 30-13 in the last stanza to seal the victory. Abby Bishop top-scored for the winners with 21 points, while Madgen Tess, Tolo Marianna and Elyse Penaluna (193-C-88) posted 9 each. Louice Halvarsson (189-C-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas) ended up with 20 points in the losing effort, whilst Frida Eldebrink (174-G-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) and Egnell Elisabeth netted 10 apiece.

5th place
Russia - Canada 71-52
Russia clinched the fifth place at the World University Games in China. The European team outscored Canada 71:52 as the latter finished on the 6th spot. Few days ago the Canadian women's basketball team fell into an early first-quarter hole and never recovered, losing 46:73 to Russia at the Luohu Gymnasium Monday morning at the 26th Summer Universiade. Today Russia opened the game with 11-4 and had 20:14 at the end of the frame. The second quarter became defensive and decisive in the game as Russia needed 14-6 to take 34:20 at the halftime. The European team did not slow down and produced 22-16 in the third quarter for 20-point advantage after three quarters. Canada managed to win the last period 16-15 and lost the game by 19. Cherepanova Maria, Liubov Paskalenko (205-C-90) and Maria Khrustaleba (167-G-87) paced all the winners with 12 points each, while Natalia Vieru (198-C-89) netted 11. Kendel Ross (185-G/F-88, college: Dayton) notched 17 points in defeat, while Megan Pinske (176-G-88) added 11.

7th place
Finland - Brazil 47-62
Calhado leads Brazil to the 7th place at the World University Games in China. She collected 21 points and 11 rebounds in a 62:47 win over Finland that finished on the 8th spot. Tassia Carcavalli (179-F-92) notched 11 points for the winners and Taina Paixao (172-G-91) scored 7. Krista Gross (183-G/F-90) ended up with 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Minna Sten (189-F-87) posted 7 in the losing effort. The teams were tied at 4:4 after the first 5 minutes in the court, while Brazil needed a 10-6 run for 14:10 after the first ten minutes. The board showed 26:15 in the middle of the second period and Brazil reached 30:18 at the halftime. Moreover the Latin American team erupted with 12-1 run for 42:19 midway through the third quarter. After 22-8 in the period Brazil had 52:26 after three quarters. Finland bounced back with 21-10 in the last quarter to reduce to 15 points at the end. Both teams finished the tournament and will be coming home.

9th place
Czech Republic - China 93-68
Czech Republic beat the hosts for the 9th place at the Gymnasium of Pingshan Sports Complex. The European side finished the World University Games with 93:68 win over China. Czech Republic and China started offensively and nailed 49 points in the first period. China grabbed 26:23 after the first period, but could not keep the lead. The European team bounced back with 23-14 to take 46:40 at the halftime. Czech Republic never looked back after that and even increased the lead. They needed 18-5 in the third quarter for 64:45 and added 29-23 in the last stanza. Kamila Stepanova (192-C-88) top-scored for the winners with 26 points and 11 rebounds, while Tereza Peckova (190-F-87) posted 15. Elhotova Katerina delivered 13 and Hejdova Romana notched 12. Shao Ting (183-F-89) replied with 21 points and 11 rebounds in defeat and Guo Xiaochen (183-F-92) nailed 12. Wang Miqi added 11, while Zhai Huan (178-F-89) chipped in 10.

11th place
Lithuania - Japan 80-66
Lithuania finished on the 11th place at the World University Games. In the last game for the Women's Classification 11th-12th the Baltic side overcame 80:66. Both teams wanted to do their best in the last game. Lithuania started with 13:8 in the opening tip and increased to 25:12 after the first period. Japan reduced to 9 points midway through the second frame and trailed 26:38 at the halftime. The third quarter became decisive in the game as the Baltic State needed 20-13 for 58:39 at the end of thirty minutes. They had 18 points lead with 5 minutes to go and finished with margin 14. Mio Shinozaki (166-PG-91) made the last two free throws for the final result. Gintare Mazionyte (186-F/C-91) top-scored for the winners with 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Lina Aglinskaite (182-F-87) added 15. Laima Rickeviciute (188-F-88) posted 12 and Galdikaite Sigita chipped in 8.

13th place
Slovakia - United Kingdom 69-56
Slovakia outscored United Kingdom at their last game of the World University Games in China. The team won 69:56 to finish on the 13th spot, while United Kingdom ended up on the step below. It was a slow start at the Gymnasium of Pingshan Sports Complex. The teams exchanged the baskets before the United Kingdom grabbed 6:4 lead and had 16:12 after the first period. They led 23:20 in the middle of the second period, but Slovakia took 29:27 at the end of the half. The latter increased to 38:32 and enjoyed 44:40 after three quarters. In the last stanza Slovakia pushed the tempo for good and managed to add 25-16 for 13-point victory. Katarina Tetemondova (187-F-88) collected 17 points and 14 rebounds for the winners and Pindrochova Katarina nailed 13. Diana Benuskova (167-PG-89) scored 10, while Eva Kmetova (188-C-87) added 8. Barroilhet Tamzin and Thomas-Johnson Lauren replied with 11 points each in defeat, whilst Jones Georgia posted 10.