EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 8/29/2011

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Men News

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  AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Final Day with stats: Tunisia wins the Gold - by Eurobasket News
FINAL
Angola - Tunisia 56-67
Tunisia make good its desire to be at the London 2012 Olympic Games when it dethrone perennial champion Angola in a tension soaked grand finale of the 26th edition of the FIBA Africa Championship for Men Sunday night at the Palais des Sports Antananarivo, Madagascar. The Tunisia out played the former champion in a department of the game with clinical finishes that made the Angolan to make several mistakes causing them to trail at the end of first by 11 points of 09-21, effort to mount pressure on the Tunisia in the second quarter could only yeild them a point gain of 20-19. The new champion roar back in the third quarter as the most decorated African team lost in the third quarter agains by 12-14 points to go into last quarter with a 13 points deficit of 41-54 Angola however manage to snatch the last quarter by 15-13 points but the rally was too late to save them from defeat as they drop the Africa title after six unbroken run since 1999 when they reclaim the title on home court after losing out in 1997 edition in Dakar, Senegal. Tunisia Marouana Kechrid (178-PG-81) led his challenge for glory with 21 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assist, Mohamed Hadidane (206-F-86) poured in 19 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and 2 steals while Amine Rzig (199-G-80) added 14 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals with the new lord of rim Salah Mejri (216-C-86) grabbing 15 rebounds to give the FIBA Africa Zone-1 side a well deserve victory. *By Olusegun Ikuesan

Third place
Nigeria - Ivory Coast 77-67
Nigeria senior national team, DTigers Sunday defeated 2009 runner-up Cote DIvoire by 77-67 to finish third and a slot for London 2012 Olympic Games playoffs. The Nigerian side who put behind the semi-final lose to Angola Saturday rose to the challenge with a 20-17 and 20-10 points win in the first and second quarters to take a 13 points lead going into the break. Nigeria was however, slowed down in the third quarter by the Ivoriens who back to pick the quarter by 18-23 but it was the Coach Ayo Bakare tutored Nigerian side that carried the day as the romp on to a 19-17 points win in the fourt quarter to emd the series with bronze medal after two championship misses in 2007 and 2009 where Nigeria best was 5th placement. With the third place finish in the 26th edition in Antananarivo, Madagascar Nigeria has earned for itself a Pre-Olympic Games ticket in a yet to be named venue. Nigeria Derrick Obasohan (199-F-81, agency: Beo Basket, college: Texas Arlington) led his team quest for honours with 19 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists, Michael Umeh (188-G-84, agency: Pro One Sports, college: UNLV) had 14 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 assists while the duo pf Ikechukwu Ofoegbu (205-F-85, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: SMU) and Ejike Ugboaja added 13 points, 5 rebounds and 11 points, 10 rebounds. *By Olusegun Ikuesan

26th Afrobasket: Nigeria beat Cote dIvoire to third place 77-67 - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Nigeria senior national team, DTigers Sunday defeated 2009 runner-up Cote DIvoire by 77-67 to finish third and a slot for London 2012 Olympic Games playoffs.

The Nigerian side who put behind the semi-final lose to Angola Saturday rose to the challenge with a 20-17 and 20-10 points win in the first and second quarters to take a 13 points lead going into the break.

Nigeria was however, slowed down in the third quarter by the Ivoriens who back to pick the quarter by 18-23 but it was the Coach Ayo Bakare tutored Nigerian side that carried the day as the romp on to a 19-17 points win in the fourt quarter to emd the series with bronze medal after two championship misses in 2007 and 2009 where Nigeria best was 5th placement.

With the third place finish in the 26th edition in Antananarivo, Madagascar Nigeria has earned for itself a Pre-Olympic Games ticket in a yet to be named venue.

Nigeria Derrick Obasohan led his team quest for honours with 19 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists, Michael Umeh had 14 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 assists while the duo pf Ikechukwu Ofoegbu and Ejike Ugboaja added 13 points, 5 rebounds and 11 points, 10 rebounds.
Derrick Obasohan (199-F-81, agency: Beo Basket, college: Texas Arlington)

26th Afrobasket: Tunisia is Africa king of the Court, bag Olympic ticket - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Tunisia make good its desire to be at the London 2012 Olympic Games when it dethrone perennial champion Angola in a tension soaked grand finale of the 26th edition of the FIBA Africa Championship for Men Sunday night at the Palais des Sports Antananarivo, Madagascar.

The Tunisia out played the former champion in a department of the game with clinical finishes that made the Angolan to make several mistakes causing them to trail at the end of first by 11 points of 09-21, effort to mount pressure on the Tunisia in the second quarter could only yeild them a point gain of 20-19.

The new champion roar back in the third quarter as the most decorated African team lost in the third quarter agains by 12-14 points to go into last quarter with a 13 points deficit of 41-54 Angola however manage to snatch the last quarter by 15-13 points but the rally was too late to save them from defeat as they drop the Africa title after six unbroken run since 1999 when they reclaim the title on home court after losing out in 1997 edition in Dakar, Senegal.

Tunisia Marouan Kecgrid led his challenge for glory with 21 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assist, Mohamed Hadidane poured in 19 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and 2 steals while Amine Rzig added 14 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals with the new lord of rim Salah Mejri grabbing 15 rebounds to give the FIBA Africa Zone-1 side a well deserve victory.
Salah Mejri (216-C-86)

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  ANGOLA   


Angola fails against Tunisia in AfroBasket Finals, 56-67 - by Eurobasket News
Angola - Tunisia 56-67
Tunisia make good its desire to be at the London 2012 Olympic Games when it dethrone perennial champion Angola in a tension soaked grand finale of the 26th edition of the FIBA Africa Championship for Men Sunday night at the Palais des Sports Antananarivo, Madagascar. The Tunisia out played the former champion in a department of the game with clinical finishes that made the Angolan to make several mistakes causing them to trail at the end of first by 11 points of 09-21, effort to mount pressure on the Tunisia in the second quarter could only yeild them a point gain of 20-19. The new champion roar back in the third quarter as the most decorated African team lost in the third quarter agains by 12-14 points to go into last quarter with a 13 points deficit of 41-54 Angola however manage to snatch the last quarter by 15-13 points but the rally was too late to save them from defeat as they drop the Africa title after six unbroken run since 1999 when they reclaim the title on home court after losing out in 1997 edition in Dakar, Senegal. Tunisia Marouana Kechrid (178-PG-81) led his challenge for glory with 21 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assist, Mohamed Hadidane (206-F-86) poured in 19 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and 2 steals while Amine Rzig (199-G-80) added 14 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals with the new lord of rim Salah Mejri (216-C-86) grabbing 15 rebounds to give the FIBA Africa Zone-1 side a well deserve victory. *By Olusegun Ikuesan

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  ARGENTINA   


Liga A 2011/12 rosters: Penarol Mar del Plata - by Facundo Iatzky
Pablo Sebastian Rodriguez (188-G-78)
Selem Safar (190-G-87)
Nicolas Lauria (202-F-88)
Marcos Mata (202-F-86)
Leonardo Gutierrez (200-F-78)
Pablo Barrios (207-C-77)
Martin Leiva (208-F/C-80)
Alejandro Reinick (203-C-78)
Kyle Lamonte (191-G-84, college: William Carey)
Facundo Campazzo (180-G-91)
Franco Giorgetti (202-F-92)
Salvador Giletto (195-F-92)
Pablo Alderete (190-F-92)
Ramiro Ciganek (180-G-93)



Liga A 2011/12 rosters: Boca Juniors - by Facundo Iatzky
Maximiliano Stanic (178-G-78, agency: Players Group)
Lucas Barlasina (194-G-82)
Mariano Fierro (201-F/C-86)
Fernando Martina (202-F/C-81)
Alejandro Diez (201-C-87)
Will Graves (198-F/G-88, college: N.Carolina)
Larry O'Bannon (194-G-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Louisville)<
Derrick Alston (208-C/F-72, agency: Priority Sports, college: Duquesne)
Juan Brussino (185-G-91)
Marcos Delia (206-C-92)
Pablo da Silva (200-F-93)
Facundo Lopez (190-G-93)
Matias Schoffen
Lucas Gargallo (95)

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  AUSTRALIA   


The SEABL 2011 Statistical awards - by Eurobasket News
The SEABL 2011 Statistical awards have been confirmed today, with NW Tasmania import Shawntes Gary (188-G-86, agency: Warren Sports International, college: W.Michigan) winning his first SEABL conference scoring title averaging 26.0 pts in the South Conference. Gary was a major offensive threat all season scoring 30+pts on five occasions, and 20+pts in all but three games.

With a season high of 38pts in round 10 against Albury/Wodonga, Geelong Supercats Deanna Smith finished as the Womens leading scorer, averaging 20.6ppg. Deanna scored 25+pts on six occasions, helping the Supercats to a rewarding 8th place finish on the ladder in their first season of SEABL competition. Knox Raiders Import CJ Massingale (191-G-82, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Metro St.) won the East Men Leading Scorer title for the fourth consecutive season averaging 23.5 points per game. Massingale scored 30+ on nine occasions.

Bendigo Braves import Ivan McFarlin (203-F-82, college: Oklahoma St.) once again dominated the East Men rebounding category, winning for the second straight year. McFarlin averaged 15.8 rebounds per game and recorded double digit rebounding totals in all but three games with a season best 21rebs on four occasions. McFarlin was 4rebs per game clear of second place Greg Vanderjagt from Brisbane.

NW Tasmania Import Eric Gaff (208-C-87, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Grace) led the South Men in rebounds averaging 15.2rebs and a season best 27rebs in rd7 against Canberra. Eric recorded 15rebs on 14 occasions throughout the season. Albury/Wodonga Lady Bandits Lisa Wallbutton won the Womens rebounding title. In her third season, Lisa dominated the glass leading the womens league with 11.2 rebounds.

Sarah Parsons has owned the Golden Hands category over the past five years, winning her third accolade this year with a 3.67 average. Parsons won her two previous Golden Hands award when playing for Kilsyth in 2008 & 2009. Sandringham Sabres Nathan Crosswell (190-G-79) finished the season with 3.63 Golden Hands Average, earning his third consecutive Golden Hands Award for the South Men.

Playing his first full season at SEABL Championship level, Ballarat Miners guard Shaun Bruce (192-G-91) won the East Men Golden Hands Award with a 3.69 average. Bruce averaged an impressive 4.85 assists per game and recorded 10+ assists on three occasions with a league best 11 assists against Albury/Wodonga in rd11.

Despite playing only nine games due to commitments with the Braves Championship team, Matthew Bartlett dominated the scoring in every game he played and finished the season with a 18.1 average in the D League. Kilsyth Cobras Adam Knott was a monster on the boards all season, leading the league in rebounds with 11.4 and was also a member on the All D League Mens team.

After five seasons playing championship division, Ballarat Rush guard Prue Scott joined the D League team for season 2011, scoring 20+ pts on 10 occasions and earning the Leading Scorer title with an 18.4ppg average. Dandenong Rangers Jacinta Vandenberg finished as the competitions best rebounder averaging 14.1 rebounds a game.
Courtesy of: www.seabl.com.au

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  BELGIUM   


Mbenga is back to NT squad - by Eurobasket News
Didier Mbenga (214-C-80) is back to NT squad as he will replace Axel Hervelle. The latter got injured in the last friendly game of Belgian Lions and will be out for Lithuanian competition
In 2005-2006 Didier Mbenga moved to Dallas Mavericks (NBA) and in Regular Season after 43 games averaged 1.7ppg, 1.3rpg; Play-Offs: 7 games: 0.6ppg, 1.1rpg. In 2006-2007 for he continued with Dallas Mavericks (NBA) and had 0.8ppg. In Nov.'07 moved to Golden State Warriors (NBA), waived in Jan.'08, then signed at Los Angeles Lakers (NBA). In Regular Season after 42 games he showed 2.0ppg, 1.7rpg. In 2008-2009 continued with Los Angeles Lakers (NBA) and in 27 games had 2.2ppg, 1.2rpg. The last season started for Denver Nuggets (NBA), but in Oct.'10 moved to New Orleans Hornets (NBA).
He recorded 8 points last season when Lakers beat New Orleans Hornets 101:95. He also added 2 rebounds and 1 assist to his points.


France overwhelm Belgium in Lievin - by Eurobasket News
France-Belgium 74:44

France overwhelm Belgium in Lievin in the tournament with three teams participating. The French side won 74:44 to finish on top.
France opened the game with 28:6 and never looked behind. Belgium however stayed alive in the first half as they produced a 13-7 in the second period for 35:19 at the halftime. In the third period France added another massive run and after 26-12 had 30-points advantage after thirty minutes. Both teams nailed 13 points in the last period for the final result.
Nicolas Batum (201-F-88) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Tony Parker (183-PG-80) netted 12. Boris Diaw (203-F/C-82) delivered 11, while Kevin Seraphin (205-F/C-89) netted 10. Christophe Beghin (207-F-80, agency: Court Side) replied with 13 points in the losing effort and Sam Van Rossom (188-G-86) notched 8.
Both teams are fully prepared now for Eurobasket 2011 that will start in August 31st in Lithuania.

France: Nicolas Batum 18, Tony Parker 12, Boris Diaw 11, Kevin Seraphin 10
Belgium: Christophe Beghin 13, Sam Van Rossom 8


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  BULGARIA   


Pavel Marinov joins Bulgarian champ Lukoil Akademic - by Maria Mitzova
One of Bulgaria's most promising young players Pavel Marinov (197-G-88, agency: Interperformances) joined champion Lukoil Academik Sofia. A product of Tundja Yambol, Marinov has played for his home team throughout his entire career, which still has a lot to go. Only 23-years old, he has been one of the best players for Tundja Yambol. Last season, Marinov played a major part in Tundja Yambol's bronze medal performance in the championship.
Lukoil Academik Sofia is building a Bulgarian selection it already had 4 top Bulgarian players in the face of Todor Stoykov (198-G/F-77, agency: Interperformances), Tencho Banev (209-C-80, agency: Interperformances), Bozhidar Avramov (196-G-90, agency: Interperformances) and Veselin Veselinov (201-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: W.Virginia St.). So far, the champions have signed contracts only with homegrown players, still expecting its foreign additions.
The team will try to enter the group stage of Eurocup, and will play against Czech BK Prostejov in the Qualifying Round.

Bulgaria 12-men roster for Eurobasket: Velikov in, Gruev out - by Maria Mitzova
Bulgaria NT head coach Rosen Barchovski (agency: Interperformances ) made his final cut before the European championship. The injury-hit team was trimmed almost by itself, with Ivan Lilov (196-F/G-88) not able to recover on time. Aleksandar Gruev (187-G-83, agency: Global Sports Plaza), who traveled with Bulgaria for the last friendly games, being cut out, was the only surprise move from Coach Rosen Barchovski (agency: Interperformances ). His place on the team plane was handed to another playmaker Asen Velikov (188-G-86).
The Bulgarian 12:
Dejan Ivanov (205-F/C-86, agency: Beo Basket)
Chavdar Kostov (196-G-88, agency: Interperformances)
Filip Videnov (196-F/G-80, agency: Interperformances, college: W.Kentucky)
Earl Rowland (188-G-83, college: St.Mary's, CA)
Kaloyan Ivanov (205-F-86)
Zlatin Georgiev (195-G-85)
Nikolay Varbanov (209-C-85, agency: Interperformances)
Bozhidar Avramov (196-G-90, agency: Interperformances)
Tencho Banev (209-C-80, agency: Interperformances)
Pavel Marinov (197-G-88, agency: Interperformances)
Asen Velikov

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  CAMEROON   


Cameroon ends as No.7, Morocco is No.8 in Antananarivo - by Eurobasket News
CAMEROON - MOROCCO 69-67

Cameroon ended as seventh ranked team of AfroBasket 2011. They grabbed 69-67 thriller win against Morocco to take this spot. Morocco finished as No.8. Gaston Essengue (203-F-83, college: UNLV) led the winners with 14 points. Alfred Aboya (206-F/C-85, college: UCLA) (9 rebs) and Christian Bayang (193-G-87) (7 rebs) helped with 11 points each. In the loosing squad, Abderrahim Najah (198-F/C-84) responded with 19 points and 5 rebounds in loss. Soufiane Kourodu (211-C-85) (6 rebs) and Hicham Amrallah (186-PG-78) scored 11 pts each. Quarters: 12-14, 19-16, 19-17, 19-20. Tunisia is the winner of AfroBasket 2011. They dethroned Angola in the Finals.

Cameroon: Gaston Essengue 14, Alfred Aboya 11+9 boards, Christian Bayang 11+7 boards
Morocco: Abderrahim Najah 19+5 boards, Soufiane Kourodu 11+6 boards, Hicham Amrallah 11

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  CANADA   


CIS Standings
CIS Standings
Atlantic
 1. Acadia 0-0 
 2. Cape Breton 0-0 
 3. Dalhousie 0-0 
 4. Memorial 0-0 
 5. New Brunsw. 0-0 
 6. St.Francis X. 0-0 
 7. St.Mary's 0-0 
 8. UPEI 0-0 
CanWest
 1. Alberta 0-0 
 2. Brandon 0-0 
 3. Calgary 0-0 
 4. Lethbridge 0-0 
 5. Manitoba 0-0 
 6. Regina 0-0 
 7. Saskatchewan 0-0 
 8. TRU 0-0 
 9. TWU 0-0 
 10. UBC 0-0 
 11. UFV 0-0 
 12. Victoria 0-0 
 13. Winnipeg 0-0 
OUA East
 1. Carleton 0-0 
 2. Laurentian 0-0 
 3. Ottawa 0-0 
 4. Queen's 0-0 
 5. RMC 0-0 
 6. Ryerson 0-0 
 7. Toronto Univ. 0-0 
 8. York 0-0 
OUA West
 1. Brock 0-0 
 2. Guelph 0-0 
 3. Lakehead 0-0 
 4. Laurier 0-0 
 5. McMaster 0-0 
 6. Waterloo 0-0 
 7. Western 0-0 
 8. Windsor 0-0 
Quebec League
 1. Bishop's 0-0 
 2. Concordia 0-0 
 3. Laval 0-0 
 4. McGill 0-0 
 5. UQAM 0-0 


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  CENTRAL AFRICA   


Senegal takes fifth place in Antananarivo - by Eurobasket News
CENTRAL AFRICA - SENEGAL 71-93

Senegal won the fifth place in Antananarivo. They outplayed Central Africa 93-71 to take this spot. Central Africa finished as No.6. Mouhammad Faye (208-F-85, college: SMU) was the leading player in victory once again. He scored 29 points for his country. Elhadji Ndiaye (199-F-86) had 17 points and 5 assists, while Babacar Toure (205-F/C-85) added 15 points and 8 boards. In defeat, Regis Koundjia-Sindo (203-F-83, college: George Washington) collected 22 points and 7 rebounds. Maxime Zianveni (198-F-79) was their second scorer with 12 points. Quarters: 16-18, 12-26, 22-27, 21-22. Tunisia won the Gold in Antananarivo. They dethroned Angola in the Finals.

Central Africa: Regis Koundjia-Sindo 22+7 boards, Maxime Zianveni 12
Senegal: Mouhammad Faye 29, Elhadji Ndiaye 17+5 as, Babacar Toure 15+8 boards

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  CHINA   


NBL: Jiangsu sweeps the Finals - by Eurobasket News
Jiangsu - Whampoa 104-102

Jiangsu sweeps the Finals over Whampoa 3-0 after 104:102 in Game 3. Whampoa cut a 13-point halftime deficit to two at the end of the game. Jiangsu forced 22 Whampoa turnovers. Strangely Whampoa outrebounded Jiangsu 49-32 including a 24-11 advantage in offensive rebounds. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Jiangsu made 7 blocks. 25 personal fouls committed by Whampoa helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a great evening for U.S. Virgin Isl.-Antiguan guard Julius Hodge (201-83, college: N.Carolina St.) who led his team to a victory scoring 21 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists. Hunter helped adding 17 points and 7 rebounds (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line). Jiangsu's coach WanJun Cui used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. The best for the losing side was American forward Eric Hicks (198-83, college: Cincinnati) with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 12 rebounds and the other American import forward Alan Wiggins (206-85, college: USF) produced a double-double by scoring 21 points and 15 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Jiangsu: H.Julius 21+5reb+7ast, F.Hui 20+2reb+1ast, hunter 17+7reb, N.QingQing 15+3reb+2ast, S.XianLing 9+4reb+2ast, F.Xin 9+1reb+3ast
Whampoa: Y.Ning 27+1reb+2ast, H.Eric 25+12reb+1ast, W.Alan 21+15reb+1ast, J.Lei 14+4reb+1ast, T.Chao 6+5reb+7ast, Y.ZhiYong 4+4reb
gschID: 136768




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  CYPRUS   


Another two for Hasapis Omonia - by Michael Aristidou

Hasapis Omonia Nicosia came to an agreement with their first American for new season. American forward Gordon Watt (198-F-86, college: Houston Baptist) will play for the greens. The player was in Gloria Giants Duesseldorf having 5, 3 ppg and 3,8 rpg.Hasapis Omonia Nicosia still looking for two americans, one in position 1 and another in position 5.
The club also signed up young Cypriot Andreas Vlachos (199-F-92). Vlachos is the second Cypriot in the team after the agreement with Constantinos Papacostas (193-F-95)


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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


Standings - NBL
NBL Standings
 1. B&W Opava 0-0 
 2. BC Kolin 0-0 
 3. BK Decin 0-0 
 4. BK Pardubice 0-0 
 5. BK Prostejov 0-0 
 6. CEZ Nymburk 0-0 
 7. Chomutov 0-0 
 8. Inter Bratislava 0-0 
 9. Levice 0-0 
 10. NH Ostrava 0-0 
 11. Plzen 0-0 
 12. Svitavy 0-0 
 13. USK Praha 0-0 
 14. Usti n/Labem 0-0 


Standings - D2
1Liga Standings
 1. Benesov 0-0 
 2. J.Hradec 0-0 
 3. Kladno 0-0 
 4. Liberec 0-0 
 5. Litomerice 0-0 
 6. Mlada Boleslav 0-0 
 7. Opava B 0-0 
 8. Prostejov B 0-0 
 9. Proton Zlin 0-0 
 10. Sokol H.Kralove 0-0 
 11. Sokol Prazsky 0-0 
 12. Sparta Praha 0-0 
 13. Trutnov 0-0 
 14. Vysehrad 0-0 


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  EL SALVADOR   


Standings - Liga Superior
LEBES Standings
 1. Denver 9-1 
 2. San Marcos 7-1 
 3. ExSAL 5-4 
 4. Leones 5-4 
 5. Santa Tecla 3-6 
 6. UTEC 3-7 
 7. Roll Royce 0-9 


Last First Division results - by Jaime Arevalo
In the last round of 'Liga de Baloncesto de El Salvador' San Marcos confirmed its leadership by winning, 90-66, over UTEC. Edwin Lopez (183-G/F-85) scored 26 points to be the game MVP, while Carlos Valle (169-PG-79) was the best in UTEC with 20 points in losing effort. In another game of the same round, Denver prevailed over Roll Royce 66-53, and Mauricio Lahud (176-PG-84) led the Denver attack with 31 pts. At the other side, Luis Gutierrez (193-F-87) was the best scorer at 17. Two days earlier, UTEC had defaetd Leones 64-58 and ExSal had beaten Chaleco Santa Tecla on the road, 59-43.
The standings table is now as follows:

1. SAN MARCOS 9-1
2. DENVER 7-1
3. ExSAL 5-4
4. LEONES 5-4
5. SANTA TECLA 3-6
6. UTEC 3-7
7. ROLL ROYCE 0-9

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  EUROCUP   


Hapoel Jerusalem Goes Strawberry Picking - by David Pick
In 2010, D.J. Strawberry signed a non-guaranteed one-year deal with the New Orleans Hornets and his NBA career appeared to be right on track. Then, a random phone call in January coming from Lithuania changed D.J.'s basketball path, for now. Joining Lietuvos Rytas, the 26-year-old Maryland graduate was introduced for the first time to the point guard position, as Khalid El-Amin suffered a torn quadriceps ending his season, leaving D.J. to pick up the pieces.

'Last year I had to play the unfamiliar point guard position for the first time in my career. It was an interesting experience but this season I'm looking forward to getting back into the mix of playing the combo-guard spot I'm used to.'

Now, after signing a potential 1+1 year deal with Israeli Hapoel Jerusalem, Strawberry has the month of September to raise some eyebrows in the Holy Land and prove his doubters wrong, starting with the team's coaching staff. 'The one month try-out doesn't really matter to me,' Strawberry exclusively told Eurobasket, 'I know what I'm capable of doing on the court, so, as long as I play my game, perform the way I know I can and prove my doubters wrong, I'll be fine and the contract terms don't concern me.'

Negotiations with Hapoel were a long and tough process, how are you feeling now that things have cooled down?

'I'm very glad we got the deal done. I spoke with people from the management and Hapoel is a team I want to play for. I'm ready to come in and do whatever I can to help the team win.'

A basketball specialist describes Strawberry as an improved version of Maccabi Tel Aviv's recent guard Doron Perkins. 'Coming out of college D.J. wasn't even considering playing abroad, J-M is lucky to have him on their roster. His game is very similar to Perkins', but D.J. is more polished.'

'D.J. is a better shooter and more athletic than Perkins. They are the same kind of defender and both bring lots of energy and winning attitudes to their games. If I had to compare
his style of play to someone from the NBA? Can't, D.J. is unique,' added the specialist.

Jerusalem is in a very delicate guard situation, your expectation of adapting and fitting in?

'I want to lead the team and let everything after that play out. I'm really focused on playing and eager to prove everyone wrong and that I'm a good player. I feel good and probably most healthy since I've been in the NBA, and my game is at high level again, so I just want to prove it every night.'

Strawberry knows that if he puts up the right numbers this year, doors on the other side of the Atlantic will reopen, yet, he is focused on here and now 'eventually everyone wants to play in the NBA but I'm not concerned about that when there's not even a league. I'm focused on Jerusalem and helping my new team. Whatever happens after that happens.'

Are you familiar with the NBA names coming into the Israeli league?

'I heard about Jordan Farmar, Trevor Booker, Sean Williams and that Craig Brackins just recently signed in Israel as well, so the league will definitely be good and we will have tough games night in and night out -- I'm really looking forward to it.'

In light of the recent murder charges against NBAer Javaris Crittenton, Strawberry shared his opinion on who could have been a current potential teammate - 'What's happening with Javaris is crazy. I know him personally and he's not even the type of guy to do such a thing, so to see what's going on is very unfortunate.'

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd



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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Dejan Radonjic cut Golubovic and Sehovic from the squad - by Eurobasket News
Dejan Radonjic cut Golubovic and Sehovic from the squad for Eurobasket 2011. The Head Coach of Montenegro announced the Top 12 for the tournament.
Vladimir Golubovic (213-C-86) spent 2011/2011 season in Turkey. Last year the Montenegrin center has agreed to a one-year deal with Turkish outfit Banvit. Before that Golubovic was a member of Olimpija Ljubljana and Caja Laboral, with whom he has won the ACB title.
Vladimir Golubovic is a product of BC Vojvodina youth system. He made his senior debut during 2003-2004 season. In next 5 seasons with the club, Golubovic has developed in one of the best centers in the league.
Suad Sehovic (197-G/F-87) is a player of the Ukrainian team for 2011/2012 season. The 24-year-old forward has agreed on terms of contract with Budivelnyk. Suad Sehovic started the previous season in Union Olimpija. He got seriously injured in October and missed the bigger part of the season. After recovery Suad Sehovic inked deal with Bosna Sarajevo. He averaged 5.6 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game in Bosnian D1 League.

Montenegro:
Goran Jeretin (192-G-79, agency: Beo Basket)

Vladimir Mihailovic (193-G-90)

Omar-Sharif Cook (186-PG-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.John's)

Boris Bakic (194-G-86, agency: Beo Basket)

Vlado Scepanovic (198-G-75, agency: FCM)

Vladimir Dasic (207-F-88, agency: Beo Basket)

Milos Borisov (201-F-85)

Milko Bjelica (207-C-84, agency: Beo Basket)

Vladimir Dragicevic (206-C/F-86)

Nikola Vucevic (208-F-90, college: USC)

Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket)

Slavko Vranes (229-C-83, agency: Beo Basket)



Eurobasket Introduces The Teams: 3 Days to go... - by Eurobasket News
Three days are left before the start of the European Championships 2011 to be held in Lithuania. The upcoming tournament already brought the exciting events and will keep the fans, teams and spectators involved for a long time.
In January 30th EuroBasket 2011 draw took place in Vilnius, Lithuania. It brought the following groups for the tournament.

Group A: Poland, Great Britain, Turkey, Qualifier 2 (Portugal), Lithuania, Spain
Group B: Italy, Israel, France, Latvia, Germany, Serbia
Group C: Bosnia and Herzegovina, FYR Macedonia, Croatia, Qualifier 1 (Finland), Montenegro, Greece
Group D: Bulgaria, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Belgium, Slovenia

Three teams from each group will advance into the qualifying round. Recently it became known that Portugal and Finland will play at EuroBasket 2011 in Lithuania after the Additional Qualifying Round when they left Hungary of the tournament.
Spain are the defending champions and one of the favorites of Group A. In Eurobasket 2009 Spain grabbed Gold beating Serbia in the Final. Spain had great preparation for Lithuania and won almost all the friendly games. In the last one Spain and Australia played the second exhibition encounter in as many days. In the second game Spain celebrated 97:58 win in Valencia. The outcome was the same though as the hosts claimed a comfortable win at the end. Pau Gasol (214-F/C-80) scored 17 points to pace the winners.
Lithuania is another favorite of the group as well as of the tournament. The home side was the one to stun Spain in front of 15000 fans in Kaunas in the second friendly game between two sides. The main favorites for Eurobasket 2011 Gold, had a great game in Zalgiris sport arena, while the hosts grabbed 88:76 win.
Mantas Kalnietis (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances) stepped up with 16 points for the winners and Simas Jasaitis (202-F/G-82) netted 13. Pau Gasol answered with 18 points and 12 rebounds, whilst Marc Gasol notched 17. Last night Lithuania escaped a tough win over Georgia to finish the preparation for the upcoming Eurobasket 2011. The hosts of the tournament won 88:80 at the Vilnius Siemens Arena.
Poland enjoyed the European Basketball Tour friendly tournament but lost to Israel and Russia. Before that Poland outscored Bosnia and Herzegovina in the last day of the Trofeo Tassoni in Rimini. The Polish side grabbed the initial victory over the opponents 87:68 to finish third.
Portugal grabbed the second place at the Additional Qualifying Round. Finland registered the fourth straight win at the 2011 EuroBasket Additional Qualifying Round. They upset Portugal on the road to clinch 4-0 record. Portugal finished at 2-2 record and also reached 2011 EuroBasket.
Great Britains Chris Finch cuts two from squad and announced the squad for Eurobasket 2011. The Head Coach left Matthew Bryan-Amaning (205-F-88, agency: Interperformances, college: Washington) and Laurence Ekperigin out of the team. It was announced earlier that Ben Gordon will miss the European Basketball Championship because of insurance problems caused by the NBA lockout. Last night Latvia down United Kingdom in Jelgava and did not allow any of the players to score more than 8 points. The Baltic side grabbed 74:51 victory to be ready for Lithuania.
Turkey became the Winner of the Adidas Istanbul Cup 2011 few days ago. The team won over Montenegro 81:69 in the Final game of the tournament. Semih Erden (211-C-87) will miss the upcoming EuroBasket in Lithuania. The player didnt recover from injury and will not be able to help his country mates. Turkey however remembers the second place at the World Championship in 2010. Turkey survived heart-stopping dying seconds to nip Serbia in the second semifinal of the World Championship tonight. The hosts took on the undefeated Team USA in the championship game and lost only in the Final.

Group B Italy's celebrated the Acropolis Tournament title. They overcame Greece in double-overtime thriller to clinch the crown. Danilo Gallinari (205-G/F-88, agency: Players Group) scored 23 points to pace the effort. He was named the MVP of the tournament after the game. Earlier Italy won Trofeo Tassoni in Rimini after the victory in Day 3 over Greece. The hosts of the tournament handed the opponents their first loss as both teams finished with 2-1 records. Due to the game between each other, Italy triumphed in Rimini.
France looked awesome in the friendly games. In the last one they overwhelm Belgium in Lievin in the tournament with three teams participating. The French side won 74:44 to finish on top.
Earlier France registered the fifth straight win at London Invitational Tournament. They thus finished the tourney undefeated. France held off Serbia on the final day of action. Tony Parker (183-PG-80) fired 24 points, grabbed 6 boards and issued 3 assists in the victory.
Ali Traore replaced injured Ronny Turiaf in the French National Team. The former ProA MVP got a call and immediately joined the team. Turiaf broke a bone on his left hand while representing France against Great Britain in a Tuesday exhibition match in London in preparation for the upcoming EuroBasket tournament.
Germany is ready with NBA stars Nowitski and Kaman this time. Few days ago Germany won a thriller over FYR Macedonia in front of 12000 fans in Munich in the first friendly game between two sides. The home side grabbed 70:68 win as Heiko Schaffartzik (182-G-84) erupted from the perimeter at the end to bring the victory for Germany. Earlier 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.
Head Coach of the Serbian National Team, Dusan Ivkovic (agency: Beo Basket ) made last two cuts before the EuroBasket in Lithuania. He thanked Uros Tripkovic and Dragan Milosavljevic for their contribution during the preparation period. Ivkovic decided to keep Marko Keselj despite his injury (broken cheekbone). As it was written above France edged Serbia at London Tournament.
Ainars Bagatskis (agency: Alti Sport ) presented 12-players-squad for European Championship. The Latvian Head Coach cut Akselis Vairogs (195-F-85, agency: Players Group) and big man Lauris Blaus from the final squad. Latvia down United Kingdom in Jelgava and did not allow any of the players to score more than 8 points. The Baltic side grabbed 74:51 victory to be ready for Lithuania.
Israel beats Russia 89:79 to win the European Basketball Tour. Loir Eliyahu had a team high 27 points. Guy Pnini added 17, Yotam Halperin (196-G-84) and David Blu finished with 13 & 8 points respectively for the winners.

Group C has four representatives from former Yugoslavia. They all met at the Adecco Cup EX-YU in the beginning of July. Bosnia opened Adecco Cup EX-YU with the win over F.Y.R. of Macedonia in Ljubljana.
Mirza Teletovic stepped up with 19 points for the winners and Nihad Djedovic added 13. Kiril Nikolovski delivered 13 points in defeat and Vojdan Stojanovski scored 10. Matjaz Smodis led Slovenia to the third place at Adecco Cup EX YU 2011. The hosts of the tournament won over Bosnia and Herzegovina 59:52 as the latter finished on the fourth position. In the last friendly game France cruised past Bosnia and Herzegovina in the friendly clash. Tony Parker stepped up with 21 points to lead the effort.
Montenegro finished fifth in Ljubljana at the Adecco Cup EX YU 2011. The team overcame F.Y.R. of Macedonia NT 67:57 in the last game for both teams. Vladimir Dasic stepped up with 17 points and Goran Jeretin netted 11. Milos Borisov and Nikola Pekovic followed them with 10 points apiece. Pero Antic ended up with 17 points in the losing effort. Vojdan Stojanovski scored 12, whilst Lester McCalebb (183-PG-85, college: New Orleans) posted 9. Head Coach of the FYROM National Team, Marin Dokuzovski, announced final roster for the upcoming EuroBasket in Lithuania. His last cuts are Ivica Dimcevski and Aleksandar Kostovski. Dejan Radonjic cut Golubovic and Sehovic from the squad for Eurobasket 2011.
Croatian Josip Vrankovic left Marko Car and Zoran Vrkic (200-G-87) in Croatia as the players will not head to Eurobasket 2011. Croatia won their Adecco Cup opener over Montenegro in Ljubljana. Trailing after the first period, Croatian side pushed the tempo for good and won the game with 3000 spectators in Slovenia. Serbia National Team however won the thriller over Croatia at the Final of the Adecco Cup EX YU 2011. Serbia became the champion in the capital of Slovenia winning all three games and clinching the title with 80:71 win.
Finland registered the fourth straight win at the 2011 EuroBasket Additional Qualifying Round. They upset Portugal on the road to clinch 4-0 record. Portugal finished at 2-2 record and also reached 2011 EuroBasket. Petteri Koponen scored 26 points and issued 9 assists to lead the charge. Teemu Rannikko fired 21 points, while Kimmo Muurinen and Shawn Huff posted 10 points each in the winning effort. Joao Santos answered with 19 points for Portugal. Miguel Miranda had 17 points in the loss.
Ilias Zouros announced the Greek roster for Eurobasket 2011 leaving Evangelos Mantzaris and Ian Vougioukas out of the squad. Italy celebrated the Acropolis Tournament title. They overcame Greece in double-overtime thriller to clinch the crown. Danilo Gallinari scored 23 points to pace the effort. He was named the MVP of the tournament after the game. Earlier Greece triumphed at BEKO-Supercup with 4 participating teams. The Greek side won all the games including the last one over Belgium 70:61.
Antonis Fotsis and Kostas Koufos top-scored for the winners with 12 points each. Kostas Kaimakoglou followed them with 10, while Kostas Papanikolaou added 9. Marcus Faison replied with 13 points in the losing effort and Dimitri Lauwers notched 11.

Group D top two teams are for sure Slovenia and Russia. Jaka Blazic was the last cut of the Slovenian National Team Head Coach Bozidar Maljkovic .The Serbian specialist thanked Blazic for great work during the preparations. He decided to keep point guard Luka Rupnik. Recently Slovenia knock off Lithuania in Ljubljana in the friendly game before the preparation for Eurobasket 2011. The home side grabbed 80:66 victory after a comfortable start.
Erazem Lorbek paced all the winners with 13 points and Uros Slokar notched 12. Jaka Lakovic and Saso Ozbolt followed them with 10 points apiece. Marijonas Petravicius replied with 15 points in the losing effort and Rimantas Kaukenas as well as Paulius Jankunas (205-F-84, agency: Interperformances) scored 9 each. Tomas Delininkaitis ended up with 8 points for the home side of Eurobasket.
Russia lost to Israel and won over Poland at the European Basketball Tour tournament in Tel-Aviv. Alexey Shved scored 22 points to pace the effort. Before that Russia outgunned Lithuania in a friendly game in Panevezys. Timofey Mozgov scored 16 points to pace the visitors. Russia managed to overcome a sloppy start to take the victory at the end. Vitaly Fridzon posted 14 points, while Andrei Kirilenko contributed 13 points for Russia. Paulius Jankunas answered with 14 points for Lithuania. Rimantas Kaukenas and Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92) provided 13 points each in the loss.
Fratellos Ukraine look ambitious and excited for the tournament. They lost however last two games in Turkey. The Tall Blacks rout Ukraine in the game for the third place at the Adidas Istanbul Cup 2011. New Zealand overcame Ukraine 85:78 to clinch the initial victory in Turkey. Earlier the team however showed great effort at the Spor Toto World Cup. In the last day they beat Germany 81:67.
Viacheslav Kravtsov top-scored for the winners with 18 points, while Oleksiy Pecherov added 16. Steve Burtt posted 12, while Denys Lukashov nailed 10. Tibor Pleiss and Jan-Hendrik Jagla delivered 16 points each in defeat, while Heiko Schaffartzik netted 10.
Belgium stunned Bosnia and Herzegovina in a friendly clash in Oostende. Axel Hervelle came up with 16 points to pace the Lions. It was a tough battle in the first half. Sam Van Rossom and Dimitri Lauwers posted 11 points each in the victory. Last night France however overwhelmed Belgium in Lievin in the tournament with three teams participating. The French side won 74:44 to finish on top. Belgium also traveled to Toronto and Dallas to play some friendly games abroad.
Bulgaria lost two games at the Acropolis Tournament. In day 1 they were beaten by Italy and then Greece destroyed the Bulgarian team in Day 2 of the Acropolis Tournament. The home side erupted with 101:67 for the second straight win. Spain also cruised past Bulgaria in Guadalajara in the friendly encounter to prepare better for Eurobasket 2011. The hosts easily won another friendly game winning 96:59. It was announced that the center of the national team of Bulgaria Stefan Georgiev will not participate in the EuroBasket 2011 in Lithuania in September. Toro received a knee injury in Sunday's victory over Israel in last day of international tournament in Cyprus.
Georgia and Zaza Pachulia (212-C-84) will do their best to play on nerves for other teams. Last night Lithuania escaped a tough win over Georgia to finish the preparation for the upcoming Eurobasket 2011. The hosts of the tournament won 88:80 at the Vilnius Siemens Arena. Earlier Zaza Pachulia erupted with 42 points to lead Georgian National team over Latvia in Riga. The NBA star was unstoppable in an 83:79 win in a friendly game. Manuchar Markoishvili scored 13 points and Nikoloz Tskitishvili nailed 9. Janis Blums ended up with 25 points in the losing effort, whilst Janis Strelnieks (191-G-89) notched 16. Rihards Kuksiks delivered 12 for the home side and Dairis Bertans added 9.


Kestutis Kemzura keep Mindaugas Lukauskis out of the Top 12 - by Eurobasket News
Kestutis Kemzura keep Mindaugas Lukauskis (198-G-79) out of the Top 12 and announced the players who will participate at the Eurobasket 2011.
Mindaugas Lukauskis is a member of the Italian Barcellona that announced his signing for the 2011/12 season. The Lithuanian player spent last season in Germany as a member of Oldenburg. He played 40 games for them in domestic championship collecting 12.4 ppg, 3.7 rpg and 3.1 apg. Lukauskis also added 13.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 4.7 apg and 2.5 spg for 6 EuroCup games. He was named Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Honorable Mention -11 and Eurobasket.com German Bundesliga All-Bosmans Team -11. Mindaugas Lukauskis spent 2009/10 season with ASVEL. He helped them win Semaine des As Cup.
Ankle's pain sent Darjus Lavrinovic out of Eirobasket. The Lithuania Big Man can not help the team in the upcoming home tournament.
Lithuania is one of the favorites of the tournament. The team will need however huge crowd support to be the favorite number one in each game.

Lithuania:
Rimantas Kaukenas (193-G-77, college: Seton Hall),

Mantas Kalnietis (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances),

Tomas Delininkaitis (192-G-82, agency: Interperformances),

Martynas Pocius (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke),

Darius Songaila (205-C/F-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest),

Simas Jasaitis (202-F/G-82), Ksistof Lavrinovic,

Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland),

Marijonas Petravicius (208-F/C-79, college: S.Carolina),

Robertas Javtokas (211-C-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Arizona),

Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92)

Paulius Jankunas (205-F-84, agency: Interperformances).



Simone Pianigiani named Top12 heading to Lithuania - by Eurobasket News
Simone Pianigiani named Top12 heading to Lithuania. The Head Coach of the Italian team left Giuseppe Poeta (190-G-85) out of squad and thanked him for his effort. Last season Virtus Bologna tabbed Giuseppe Poeta as the latter signed three-year deal with his new team. The Italian player started for Salerno (B2) and then played for Prima Veroli (B1) and Siviglia Wear Teramo (SerieA). In 2008-2009 moved to Banca Tercas Teramo and played there for two seasons. In the first one after 33 games he averaged 14.2ppg, 2.3rpg, Assists-2 (4.2apg), 2.5spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 77.9%. In 2009-2010 for Banca Tercas Teramo (SerieA, starting five) in EuroCup after 8 games his stats read 9.3ppg, 1.4rpg, 4.9apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 36.7%, 3PT: 24.0%. In Italian League after 27 games he showed 10.8ppg, 2.2rpg, Assists-3 (4.4apg), 1.7spg, FGP: 42.4%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 75.2%.
Recently Italy celebrated the Acropolis Tournament title. They overcame Greece in double-overtime thriller to clinch the crown. Danilo Gallinari (205-G/F-88, agency: Players Group) scored 23 points to pace the effort. He was named the MVP of the tournament after the game.
Italy starts against Serbia in August 31st.

Italy:
Andrea Bargnani (209-F/C-85),

Marco Belinelli (196-G-86),

Marco Carraretto (196-G-77, agency: Players Group),

Andrea Cinciarini (193-PG-86),

Marco Cusin (211-C-85, agency: Interperformances),

Luigi Datome (202-G/F-87),

Danilo Gallinari,

Daniel Hackett (196-G-87, college: USC),

Antonio Maestranzi (178-PG-84, college: N.Illinois),

Stefano Mancinelli (203-F-83),

Marco Mordente (191-G-79),

Andrea Renzi (208-F/C-89, agency: Players Group).



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  FRANCE   


The French teams start friendly campaigns - by Eurobasket News
The French teams start friendly campaigns in order to prepare better for the 2011/2012 season.
Roanne overcame Dijon 68:60. Dylan Page (204-F-82, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) stepped up with 19 points and Philippe Braud netted 14. Moss responded with 12 points in the losing effort.
Asvel outscored Aix-Maurienne 86:81. Kim Tillie (211-F-88, agency: Priority Sports, college: Utah) paced all the winners with 17 points, while Jackson posted 16. Armstrong netted 15 and Goss notched 12. Osby reposned with 21 points in the losing effort and Brown posted 18.
ALM Evreux grabbed 70:69 over Lille. Steeve Ho You Fat (201-F-88) stepped up with 17 points and Kevyn Popovich (196-F-85, college: SE Louisiana) nailed 16. Curtis Marshall (196-G/F-83, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Texas Tech) produced 22 points in the losing case and Steffon BRADFORD scored 16.
Fos rolled over Vichy 82:76. Gay poured in 20 points and Philippe Haquet (199-F-86) added 15. Eito netted 17 points in the losing effort and Flowers scored 14.


France overwhelm Belgium in Lievin - by Eurobasket News
France-Belgium 74:44

France overwhelm Belgium in Lievin in the tournament with three teams participating. The French side won 74:44 to finish on top.
France opened the game with 28:6 and never looked behind. Belgium however stayed alive in the first half as they produced a 13-7 in the second period for 35:19 at the halftime. In the third period France added another massive run and after 26-12 had 30-points advantage after thirty minutes. Both teams nailed 13 points in the last period for the final result.
Nicolas Batum (201-F-88) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Tony Parker (183-PG-80) netted 12. Boris Diaw (203-F/C-82) delivered 11, while Kevin Seraphin (205-F/C-89) netted 10. Christophe Beghin (207-F-80, agency: Court Side) replied with 13 points in the losing effort and Sam Van Rossom (188-G-86) notched 8.
Both teams are fully prepared now for Eurobasket 2011 that will start in August 31st in Lithuania.

France: Nicolas Batum 18, Tony Parker 12, Boris Diaw 11, Kevin Seraphin 10
Belgium: Christophe Beghin 13, Sam Van Rossom 8


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  FYR MACEDONIA   


Germany cruise past FYR Macedonia at the O2 World in Berlin - by Eurobasket News
Germany-FYR Macedonia 81:65

Germany cruise past FYR Macedonia at the O2 World in Berlin in front of 14000 fans. The German side won 81:65 as both teams will head to Eurobasket 2011. Philipp Schwethelm (201-F-89, agency: Pro One Sports) scored 5/5 three-pointers to top-score in the game for the home side.
Chris Kaman (213-C-82, college: Cent.Michigan) made a dunk for 6:5 and Germany increased to 17:11 at the end of the first period. Philipp Schwethelm nailed three for 22:13 and Dirk Nowitzki (211-F-78) followed him with 27:18. Germany needed 25-13 in the second frame to take 42:24 halftime advantage. Schaffartzik scored for 53:28, while the home side added 17-16 in the third frame for a bigger lead. Due to the win in the last quarter, FYR Macedonia managed to reduce the gap.
Philipp Schwethelm paced all the winners with 19 points and Chris Kaman netted 17. Dirk Nowitzki followed them with 12 points. Lester McCalebb (183-PG-85, college: New Orleans) erupted with 24 points in the losing case and Predrag Samardziski (214-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) chipped in 12.

Germany: Philipp Schwethelm 19, Chris Kaman 17, Dirk Nowitzki 12
FYR Macedonia: Lester McCalebb 24, Predrag Samardziski 12



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  GERMANY   


Germany cruise past FYR Macedonia at the O2 World in Berlin - by Eurobasket News
Germany-FYR Macedonia 81:65

Germany cruise past FYR Macedonia at the O2 World in Berlin in front of 14000 fans. The German side won 81:65 as both teams will head to Eurobasket 2011. Philipp Schwethelm (201-F-89, agency: Pro One Sports) scored 5/5 three-pointers to top-score in the game for the home side.
Chris Kaman (213-C-82, college: Cent.Michigan) made a dunk for 6:5 and Germany increased to 17:11 at the end of the first period. Philipp Schwethelm nailed three for 22:13 and Dirk Nowitzki (211-F-78) followed him with 27:18. Germany needed 25-13 in the second frame to take 42:24 halftime advantage. Schaffartzik scored for 53:28, while the home side added 17-16 in the third frame for a bigger lead. Due to the win in the last quarter, FYR Macedonia managed to reduce the gap.
Philipp Schwethelm paced all the winners with 19 points and Chris Kaman netted 17. Dirk Nowitzki followed them with 12 points. Lester McCalebb (183-PG-85, college: New Orleans) erupted with 24 points in the losing case and Predrag Samardziski (214-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) chipped in 12.

Germany: Philipp Schwethelm 19, Chris Kaman 17, Dirk Nowitzki 12
FYR Macedonia: Lester McCalebb 24, Predrag Samardziski 12



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  GREECE   


Rethymno signs PG Vukasin Aleksic - by Eurobasket News
Vukasin Aleksic (183-G-85, agency: Beo Basket) will continue his career in Greece. The Serbian point guard signed a one-year deal with Rethymno. Aleksic heads to his new club from Radnicki Kragujevac, where he finished last season. He joined them in February averaging 5.2 points and 2.9 rebounds for 9 games in Serbian league. He also added 4.4 ppg and 1.6 apg for 5 games in Adriatic league. Vukasin Aleksic started last season in Russia with Nizhny Novgorod. He had 5.2 ppg and 3.3 rpg for 9 games in PBL. In EuroChallenge, Aleksic registered 8.4 ppg, 2.9 rpg and 4.1 apg for 8 games. In the past, Vukasin Aleksic played for Partizan, Swisslion Takovo, Zdravlje, Mega Ishrana and Hemofarm. He won the Serbian league title with Partizan in 2009. They also celebrated in Adriatic league and Serbian Cup that season.

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  HUNGARY   


Hungarian NT member, Andras Molnar stays in Sopron - by Tamas Deri
Hungarian national team guard, Andras Molnar (195-F/G-83, agency: TSS Management) signed his 1 + 1 year contract with Sopron yesterday. The 195 cm tall Andrs had some offers outside of Hungary during this summer, but he decided to stay at least one more season in Hungary. He spent the last two seasons with the club of Sopron, in the last season he was averaging 12.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.4 steals per game. In August he played in all four games of the EC qualification with the National Team in Hungary, but finally the team did not qualificy for the EC 2011.



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  ICELAND   


Division 1 news - by Siggi Hjorleifsson
Teams in Division 1 (second league) have been adding foreigner on their rosters.
Hottur have sign Michael Sloan (196-G/F-84, college: Clayton St.) 6'5' guard out of Clayton State Div 2 College Club also sign big men Travon Bryant (6'9' out of Cal St-Dominquez Div 2 College
Skallagrimur have sign Dominique Holmes (199-F-84, college: So.Poly State) 6'7' veteran forward who played College ball at Ao.Polytechnic State NAIA School.
KFI had sign Edin Suljic (202-F-87, college: E.Illinois) forward from Bosnia who played few games with Club last season but had to quit because of injry. Again he did not have luck because he broke his arm just before leaving for Iceland.

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  ISRAEL   


Hapoel Jerusalem Goes Strawberry Picking - by David Pick
In 2010, D.J. Strawberry signed a non-guaranteed one-year deal with the New Orleans Hornets and his NBA career appeared to be right on track. Then, a random phone call in January coming from Lithuania changed D.J.'s basketball path, for now. Joining Lietuvos Rytas, the 26-year-old Maryland graduate was introduced for the first time to the point guard position, as Khalid El-Amin suffered a torn quadriceps ending his season, leaving D.J. to pick up the pieces.

'Last year I had to play the unfamiliar point guard position for the first time in my career. It was an interesting experience but this season I'm looking forward to getting back into the mix of playing the combo-guard spot I'm used to.'

Now, after signing a potential 1+1 year deal with Israeli Hapoel Jerusalem, Strawberry has the month of September to raise some eyebrows in the Holy Land and prove his doubters wrong, starting with the team's coaching staff. 'The one month try-out doesn't really matter to me,' Strawberry exclusively told Eurobasket, 'I know what I'm capable of doing on the court, so, as long as I play my game, perform the way I know I can and prove my doubters wrong, I'll be fine and the contract terms don't concern me.'

Negotiations with Hapoel were a long and tough process, how are you feeling now that things have cooled down?

'I'm very glad we got the deal done. I spoke with people from the management and Hapoel is a team I want to play for. I'm ready to come in and do whatever I can to help the team win.'

A basketball specialist describes Strawberry as an improved version of Maccabi Tel Aviv's recent guard Doron Perkins. 'Coming out of college D.J. wasn't even considering playing abroad, J-M is lucky to have him on their roster. His game is very similar to Perkins', but D.J. is more polished.'

'D.J. is a better shooter and more athletic than Perkins. They are the same kind of defender and both bring lots of energy and winning attitudes to their games. If I had to compare
his style of play to someone from the NBA? Can't, D.J. is unique,' added the specialist.

Jerusalem is in a very delicate guard situation, your expectation of adapting and fitting in?

'I want to lead the team and let everything after that play out. I'm really focused on playing and eager to prove everyone wrong and that I'm a good player. I feel good and probably most healthy since I've been in the NBA, and my game is at high level again, so I just want to prove it every night.'

Strawberry knows that if he puts up the right numbers this year, doors on the other side of the Atlantic will reopen, yet, he is focused on here and now 'eventually everyone wants to play in the NBA but I'm not concerned about that when there's not even a league. I'm focused on Jerusalem and helping my new team. Whatever happens after that happens.'

Are you familiar with the NBA names coming into the Israeli league?

'I heard about Jordan Farmar, Trevor Booker, Sean Williams and that Craig Brackins just recently signed in Israel as well, so the league will definitely be good and we will have tough games night in and night out -- I'm really looking forward to it.'

In light of the recent murder charges against NBAer Javaris Crittenton, Strawberry shared his opinion on who could have been a current potential teammate - 'What's happening with Javaris is crazy. I know him personally and he's not even the type of guy to do such a thing, so to see what's going on is very unfortunate.'

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd



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  ITALY   


Simone Pianigiani named Top12 heading to Lithuania - by Eurobasket News
Simone Pianigiani named Top12 heading to Lithuania. The Head Coach of the Italian team left Giuseppe Poeta (190-G-85) out of squad and thanked him for his effort. Last season Virtus Bologna tabbed Giuseppe Poeta as the latter signed three-year deal with his new team. The Italian player started for Salerno (B2) and then played for Prima Veroli (B1) and Siviglia Wear Teramo (SerieA). In 2008-2009 moved to Banca Tercas Teramo and played there for two seasons. In the first one after 33 games he averaged 14.2ppg, 2.3rpg, Assists-2 (4.2apg), 2.5spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 77.9%. In 2009-2010 for Banca Tercas Teramo (SerieA, starting five) in EuroCup after 8 games his stats read 9.3ppg, 1.4rpg, 4.9apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 36.7%, 3PT: 24.0%. In Italian League after 27 games he showed 10.8ppg, 2.2rpg, Assists-3 (4.4apg), 1.7spg, FGP: 42.4%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 75.2%.
Recently Italy celebrated the Acropolis Tournament title. They overcame Greece in double-overtime thriller to clinch the crown. Danilo Gallinari (205-G/F-88, agency: Players Group) scored 23 points to pace the effort. He was named the MVP of the tournament after the game.
Italy starts against Serbia in August 31st.

Italy:
Andrea Bargnani (209-F/C-85),

Marco Belinelli (196-G-86),

Marco Carraretto (196-G-77, agency: Players Group),

Andrea Cinciarini (193-PG-86),

Marco Cusin (211-C-85, agency: Interperformances),

Luigi Datome (202-G/F-87),

Danilo Gallinari,

Daniel Hackett (196-G-87, college: USC),

Antonio Maestranzi (178-PG-84, college: N.Illinois),

Stefano Mancinelli (203-F-83),

Marco Mordente (191-G-79),

Andrea Renzi (208-F/C-89, agency: Players Group).



Alibegovic Mirza joins Scavolini - by Eurobasket News
Alibegovic Mirza joins Scavolini for 2011/2012 season. The 1992 year-born Guard comes from Conad Sg Fortitudo. In 2009-2010 he started for Snaidero Cucine Udine (Italy-Lega2) and in 2010-2011 moved to Conad Sg Fortitudo (Italy-B dilettanti). In 24 games his stats read 5.3ppg, 1.3rpg, 2FGP: 60.9%, 3PT: 31.2%, FT: 73.3%. He has yet a very good outside touch, but needs to improve his defensive skills and his 1-vs-1 at the offensive side.


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  IVORY COAST   


Ivory Coast stays without medal in Antananarivo - by Eurobasket News
Nigeria - Ivory Coast 77-67
Nigeria senior national team, DTigers Sunday defeated 2009 runner-up Cote DIvoire by 77-67 to finish third and a slot for London 2012 Olympic Games playoffs. The Nigerian side who put behind the semi-final lose to Angola Saturday rose to the challenge with a 20-17 and 20-10 points win in the first and second quarters to take a 13 points lead going into the break. Nigeria was however, slowed down in the third quarter by the Ivoriens who back to pick the quarter by 18-23 but it was the Coach Ayo Bakare tutored Nigerian side that carried the day as the romp on to a 19-17 points win in the fourt quarter to emd the series with bronze medal after two championship misses in 2007 and 2009 where Nigeria best was 5th placement. With the third place finish in the 26th edition in Antananarivo, Madagascar Nigeria has earned for itself a Pre-Olympic Games ticket in a yet to be named venue. Nigeria Derrick Obasohan (199-F-81, agency: Beo Basket, college: Texas Arlington) led his team quest for honours with 19 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists, Michael Umeh (188-G-84, agency: Pro One Sports, college: UNLV) had 14 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 assists while the duo pf Ikechukwu Ofoegbu (205-F-85, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: SMU) and Ejike Ugboaja added 13 points, 5 rebounds and 11 points, 10 rebounds. *By Olusegun Ikuesan

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  KAZAKHSTAN   


BC Astana brings in Goran Cakic - by Eurobasket News
BC Astana continues with signings for the next season. The newly formed team from the Kazakhstan capital penned a one-year deal with Goran Cakic (208-C/F-80, agency: Beo Basket). The Serbian big guy heads to Astana from Trabzon, where he finished last season. He had 6.4 ppg and 4 rpg for them in 21 Turkish league games. Cakic started last season with Serbian team Mega Vizura and later moved to Scavolini Pesaro. Season 2009/10, Goran Cakic spent with Banvit. He had 7.2 ppg and 2.8 rpg for them in 12 EuroChallenge games. He also added 5.8 ppg and 3.3 rpg in TBL. Before Banvit, Cakic played for Azovmash, Khimik Yuzhny and Apolon Patras. He also has experience from the Serbian teams Partizan, Radnicki and Beobanka. Goran Cakic was Eurobasket.com All-Ukrainian Superleague Center of the Year -08.

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  LITHUANIA   


Kestutis Kemzura keep Mindaugas Lukauskis out of the Top 12 - by Eurobasket News
Kestutis Kemzura keep Mindaugas Lukauskis (198-G-79) out of the Top 12 and announced the players who will participate at the Eurobasket 2011.
Mindaugas Lukauskis is a member of the Italian Barcellona that announced his signing for the 2011/12 season. The Lithuanian player spent last season in Germany as a member of Oldenburg. He played 40 games for them in domestic championship collecting 12.4 ppg, 3.7 rpg and 3.1 apg. Lukauskis also added 13.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 4.7 apg and 2.5 spg for 6 EuroCup games. He was named Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Honorable Mention -11 and Eurobasket.com German Bundesliga All-Bosmans Team -11. Mindaugas Lukauskis spent 2009/10 season with ASVEL. He helped them win Semaine des As Cup.
Ankle's pain sent Darjus Lavrinovic out of Eirobasket. The Lithuania Big Man can not help the team in the upcoming home tournament.
Lithuania is one of the favorites of the tournament. The team will need however huge crowd support to be the favorite number one in each game.

Lithuania:
Rimantas Kaukenas (193-G-77, college: Seton Hall),

Mantas Kalnietis (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances),

Tomas Delininkaitis (192-G-82, agency: Interperformances),

Martynas Pocius (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke),

Darius Songaila (205-C/F-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest),

Simas Jasaitis (202-F/G-82), Ksistof Lavrinovic,

Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland),

Marijonas Petravicius (208-F/C-79, college: S.Carolina),

Robertas Javtokas (211-C-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Arizona),

Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92)

Paulius Jankunas (205-F-84, agency: Interperformances).



Aivaras Kiausas continue with Sakalai Vilnius - by Eurobasket News
Aivaras Kiausas (199-F-80) continue with Sakalai Vilnius for another season. Last year the player started in Ukraine but moved back to his home country.
Last season Aivaras Kiausas after 4 years playing abroad returned to Sakalai Vilnius. Forward came from Ivan-Frankovsk.
In 2010-2011 for Hoverla Ivano-Frankivsk (Ukraine-Superleague, starting five) in 22 games he averaged 3.5ppg, 1.6rpg. In Jan.'11 moved to Sakalai Vilnius (LKL, starting five) and in 11 games had 5.8ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 34.8%, FT: 55.2%.
For Sakalai Vilnius he recorded 15 points last season at the Regular Season Round 24. Sakalai beat Juventus 87:78 early in March. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Juventus won fourth quarter 20-19. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Sakalai looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists comparing to just 6 passes made by Juventus' players. The former international forward Aivaras Kiausas chipped in 15 points and 7 rebounds.



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  MONTENEGRO   


Dejan Radonjic cut Golubovic and Sehovic from the squad - by Eurobasket News
Dejan Radonjic cut Golubovic and Sehovic from the squad for Eurobasket 2011. The Head Coach of Montenegro announced the Top 12 for the tournament.
Vladimir Golubovic (213-C-86) spent 2011/2011 season in Turkey. Last year the Montenegrin center has agreed to a one-year deal with Turkish outfit Banvit. Before that Golubovic was a member of Olimpija Ljubljana and Caja Laboral, with whom he has won the ACB title.
Vladimir Golubovic is a product of BC Vojvodina youth system. He made his senior debut during 2003-2004 season. In next 5 seasons with the club, Golubovic has developed in one of the best centers in the league.
Suad Sehovic (197-G/F-87) is a player of the Ukrainian team for 2011/2012 season. The 24-year-old forward has agreed on terms of contract with Budivelnyk. Suad Sehovic started the previous season in Union Olimpija. He got seriously injured in October and missed the bigger part of the season. After recovery Suad Sehovic inked deal with Bosna Sarajevo. He averaged 5.6 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game in Bosnian D1 League.

Montenegro:
Goran Jeretin (192-G-79, agency: Beo Basket)

Vladimir Mihailovic (193-G-90)

Omar-Sharif Cook (186-PG-82, agency: Beo Basket, college: St.John's)

Boris Bakic (194-G-86, agency: Beo Basket)

Vlado Scepanovic (198-G-75, agency: FCM)

Vladimir Dasic (207-F-88, agency: Beo Basket)

Milos Borisov (201-F-85)

Milko Bjelica (207-C-84, agency: Beo Basket)

Vladimir Dragicevic (206-C/F-86)

Nikola Vucevic (208-F-90, college: USC)

Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket)

Slavko Vranes (229-C-83, agency: Beo Basket)



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  MOROCCO   


Cameroon ends as No.7, Morocco is No.8 in Antananarivo - by Eurobasket News
CAMEROON - MOROCCO 69-67

Cameroon ended as seventh ranked team of AfroBasket 2011. They grabbed 69-67 thriller win against Morocco to take this spot. Morocco finished as No.8. Gaston Essengue (203-F-83, college: UNLV) led the winners with 14 points. Alfred Aboya (206-F/C-85, college: UCLA) (9 rebs) and Christian Bayang (193-G-87) (7 rebs) helped with 11 points each. In the loosing squad, Abderrahim Najah (198-F/C-84) responded with 19 points and 5 rebounds in loss. Soufiane Kourodu (211-C-85) (6 rebs) and Hicham Amrallah (186-PG-78) scored 11 pts each. Quarters: 12-14, 19-16, 19-17, 19-20. Tunisia is the winner of AfroBasket 2011. They dethroned Angola in the Finals.

Cameroon: Gaston Essengue 14, Alfred Aboya 11+9 boards, Christian Bayang 11+7 boards
Morocco: Abderrahim Najah 19+5 boards, Soufiane Kourodu 11+6 boards, Hicham Amrallah 11

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  NBA   


Should NBA let coaches coach during lockout? - by Milord Nikolic
Magic coach Stan Van Gundy was at a restaurant recently when someone asked him whether NBA coaches could take their talents elsewhere during the lockout. Van Gundy responded, 'That's an interesting question.' After all, players are investigating opportunities overseas to play and make money. New Jersey Nets star Deron Williams already has signed with a Turkish team. If the lockout cancels the season a real possibility there will be a lot of basketball brain-power going to waste. But the big difference is that head coaches and assistant coaches considered management still get paid during the work stoppage while players do not.




Bartelstein says client "hasn't done anything wrong" - by Julius Johnson
That statement was made to CNN on January 4, 2010 after the Priority client was involved in Arenas-gate.

Not surprisingly, Bartelstein hasn't offered any quotes on the murder investigation and the player's name has been wiped from the company's official website.

We bring this up to highlight the lengths an agent will go to in order to protect his client.

Most anything short of murder is a sports misdemeanor. An agent is almost like a defense attorney, obligated to defend his client, right or wrong,

The easy was to get out of that conflict is to dump the client when accused of murder.

Perhaps Javaris Crittenton (6'5''-G-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Georgia Tech) (6'5''-G-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Georgia Tech) was replaced by a free agent or two with a shorter rap sheets.

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  NCAA1   


Top prospect Drummond chooses UConn - by Rick Ross
Courtesy Of SI (AP) Andre Drummond, a 6-foot-11 center from Middletown, Conn.,
who was expected to attend prep school this year,
has instead said he will play basketball for
defending national-champion Connecticut.

Drummond confirmed an earlier report by The Hartford
Courant with a posting on his Twitter account Friday that read,
It's official I'm heading to the university of
connecticut to be a husky this year! Do I hear repeat.

A message was left with a school spokesman seeking comment.

Drummond is considered one of the top prospects in the nation.
Earlier this month, he said he planned to
attend prep school in Massachusetts.

It's not clear where his scholarship will come from.
Connecticut has none available after losing three due to
NCAA rules violations and a poor academic performance rating.

Georgetown's Thompson meets with Chinese team officials in wake of melee - by Milord Nikolic
Georgetown men's basketball John Thompson III met with officials of the Bayi Rockets on Friday morning in an attempt to defuse tensions following a benches-clearing brawl between the teams on Thursday night. Thompson and two players from the Hoyas met with Bayi officials and players, exchanging souvenirs one day after a melee erupted during an exhibition game. No players were injured in the skirmish, which ended with Thompson pulling his team off the court and Chinese fans showering the Hoyas with debris. The game was part of a visit by U.S. Vice President Joe Biden to China. With the teams scheduled to square off against Sunday, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai told the Associated Press that players with the Rockets went to an airport in Beijing to see Georgetown's team off.

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  NIGERIA   


26th Afrobasket: Nigeria beat Cote dIvoire to third place 77-67 - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Nigeria senior national team, DTigers Sunday defeated 2009 runner-up Cote DIvoire by 77-67 to finish third and a slot for London 2012 Olympic Games playoffs.

The Nigerian side who put behind the semi-final lose to Angola Saturday rose to the challenge with a 20-17 and 20-10 points win in the first and second quarters to take a 13 points lead going into the break.

Nigeria was however, slowed down in the third quarter by the Ivoriens who back to pick the quarter by 18-23 but it was the Coach Ayo Bakare tutored Nigerian side that carried the day as the romp on to a 19-17 points win in the fourt quarter to emd the series with bronze medal after two championship misses in 2007 and 2009 where Nigeria best was 5th placement.

With the third place finish in the 26th edition in Antananarivo, Madagascar Nigeria has earned for itself a Pre-Olympic Games ticket in a yet to be named venue.

Nigeria Derrick Obasohan led his team quest for honours with 19 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists, Michael Umeh had 14 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 assists while the duo pf Ikechukwu Ofoegbu and Ejike Ugboaja added 13 points, 5 rebounds and 11 points, 10 rebounds.
Derrick Obasohan (199-F-81, agency: Beo Basket, college: Texas Arlington)

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  POLAND   


Paul Graham joins Slask Wroclaw - by Eurobasket News
Paul Graham (196-G-85, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices, college: Florida Atlantic) joins Slask Wroclaw and will help the team in 2011/2012 season. The USA-Puerto Rican Guard heads from Indios de Mayaguez.
After graduating from Florida Atlantic, in 2009 he signed a one-year deal with MJUS-Fortress Kormend including a two weeks tryout period. The 196 cm tall wingman graduated on the Florida Atlantic University and was the key player of the men's basketball team. As a senior he played 31 games and averaged 18.5ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 39.0%, 3Pts: 33.5%, FT: 83.0%.
In 2010 joined Indios de Mayaguez (Puerto Rico-BSN, starting five) and in 26 games averaged 10.2ppg, 2.8rpg, 4.0apg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 75.4%. In 2011 for Indios de Mayaguez (Puerto Rico-BSN, starting five) his stats read 5.4ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 55.1%, 3PT: 21.1%, FT: 75.0%.
In his top game last season in Puerto Rico Paul Graham recorded 22 points at the Regular Season Round 28.
Capitanes outscored guests from Mayaguez 109-88. The game was mostly controlled by Capitanes. Indios managed to win fourth quarter 28-26. Even 22 points and 7 rebounds by naturalized American guard Paul Graham did not help to save the game for Indios.


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  RUSSIA   


Semen Antonov and Nizhny Novgorod sign 3-year deal - by Eurobasket News
Semen Antonov (202-F-89) and Nizhny Novgorod sign 3-year deal. The 22-year-old forward will remain with the team until 2014.
Semen Antonov came to Novgorod from B Superleague team TSU-Basket Tambov. He appeared 36 times for them last season and was one of the league best players. Antonov averaged 15.4 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 2.2 apg and 1 bpg. He was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Russian B Superleague Honorable Mention -10.
Before TSU-Basket Tambov, Semen Antonov spent three years with Avtodor Saratov. The team competed in B Superleague on season 2008/09, where Antonov registered 7.7 ppg, 5.2 rpg and 1.4 apg. From 2006 to 2008 Avtodor played in Higher League.
Semen Antonov was a member of U20 Russia last summer. They participated at the U20 EuroBasket in Rhodos, where Antonov shined with 15.6 ppg and 6.6 rpg. In 2008, he played at U20 EuroBasket in Riga and also had important role in his team. In the past, Antonov was a member of U18 Russia.
In 2010-2011 for BC Nizhny Novgorod (PBL) in EuroChallenge after 8 games he averaged 2.8ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.0spg, while in Russian League after 32 games his stats read 7.5ppg, 4.8rpg, FGP: 57.9%, 3PT: 21.4%, FT: 73.3%.


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  SENEGAL   


Senegal takes fifth place in Antananarivo - by Eurobasket News
CENTRAL AFRICA - SENEGAL 71-93

Senegal won the fifth place in Antananarivo. They outplayed Central Africa 93-71 to take this spot. Central Africa finished as No.6. Mouhammad Faye (208-F-85, college: SMU) was the leading player in victory once again. He scored 29 points for his country. Elhadji Ndiaye (199-F-86) had 17 points and 5 assists, while Babacar Toure (205-F/C-85) added 15 points and 8 boards. In defeat, Regis Koundjia-Sindo (203-F-83, college: George Washington) collected 22 points and 7 rebounds. Maxime Zianveni (198-F-79) was their second scorer with 12 points. Quarters: 16-18, 12-26, 22-27, 21-22. Tunisia won the Gold in Antananarivo. They dethroned Angola in the Finals.

Central Africa: Regis Koundjia-Sindo 22+7 boards, Maxime Zianveni 12
Senegal: Mouhammad Faye 29, Elhadji Ndiaye 17+5 as, Babacar Toure 15+8 boards

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  SERBIA   


Rethymno signs PG Vukasin Aleksic - by Eurobasket News
Vukasin Aleksic (183-G-85, agency: Beo Basket) will continue his career in Greece. The Serbian point guard signed a one-year deal with Rethymno. Aleksic heads to his new club from Radnicki Kragujevac, where he finished last season. He joined them in February averaging 5.2 points and 2.9 rebounds for 9 games in Serbian league. He also added 4.4 ppg and 1.6 apg for 5 games in Adriatic league. Vukasin Aleksic started last season in Russia with Nizhny Novgorod. He had 5.2 ppg and 3.3 rpg for 9 games in PBL. In EuroChallenge, Aleksic registered 8.4 ppg, 2.9 rpg and 4.1 apg for 8 games. In the past, Vukasin Aleksic played for Partizan, Swisslion Takovo, Zdravlje, Mega Ishrana and Hemofarm. He won the Serbian league title with Partizan in 2009. They also celebrated in Adriatic league and Serbian Cup that season.

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  SLOVENIA   


Elektra Sostanj wins Bisol Cup 2011 - by Eurobasket News
Elektra Sostanj - Hopsi Polzela 69:62

Elektra Sostanj wins Bisol Cup 2011 as in the Final they overcame Hopsi Polzela. Ekektra needed a strong second half for 69:62 victory.
The winners started the game with 23:16, but had difficulties scoring in the second frame. Hopsi Polzela limited them to just 5 points and scored 12. The teams went to the lockers for 28:28 on the board. Only in the third quarter Elektra Sostanj managed to take 5-point advantage after 24-19 in it. Another 17-15 brought them the first trophy of the season.
Tadej Horvat (196-G-87) top-scored for the winners with 15 points, while Lelic scored 14. Ziga Zagorc (188-PG-84) notched 12 and Sanel Bajramlic (198-F-85) delivered 9. Dmitry Sviridov (212-C-85) ended up with 23 points in the losing effort. Jasonn Hannibal (208-C, college: Portland) notched 9, whilst Miha Vasl (190-G-92) scored 8.


Jan Span part ways with Union Olimpija - by Eurobasket News
Jan Span (189-PG-92) part ways with Union Olimpija and will not continue in the team. The team recently announced the squad and did not have place for the Slovenian Point Guard.
In 2007-2008 he started for Litija (1B) and in 2009 averaged 14.7ppg, 2.9rpg, 3.1apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 61.7%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 75.8%. In Feb.'10 moved to Union Olimpija Ljubljana (Telemach League) and debuted in Adriatic League.
In 2010-2011 for Union Olimpija Ljubljana (Telemach League) in Adriatic League and in 12 games had 1.8ppg. In Euroleague after 3 games he had 1.7ppg, 1.3apg, whilst in Slovenian League showed 1.3ppg, played also for junior team.
This summer Jan Span participated at the European Championships U20 in Bilbao (Spain) and in 8 games averaged 8.1ppg, 2.9rpg, Assists-3 (4.3apg), 1.0spg, FGP: 42.6%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 62.5%. He recorded 12 points twice for the National U20 team.


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  SPAIN   


Valladolid add French-Ivorian forward - by Eurobasket News
Valladolid add French-Ivorian forward for the upcoming season. Herve Toure (202-F-82) will join the team after a year in Italy.
Last year Enel Brindisi announced the signing from Lottomatica Virtus Roma of Herve Toure for the remainder of the season. The French power forward arrived in the team from the Italian capital in the summer 2009 with big expectations but, with the arrival of coach Matteo Boniciolli, he was put out of the rotations.
Herve Toure with Virtus Roma averaged 6.2ppg, 4.2rpg, FGP: 37.0%, 3PT: 44.4%, FT: 70.6% in Euroleague last season and 5.6ppg, 4.2rpg, FGP: 61.2%, 3PT: 26.9%, FT: 82.4% in 17 games in Serie A. Toure has a long experience in Italy with Capo d'Orlando, Milano and Cantu.
In 2010-2011 for Lottomatica Virtus Roma (Italy-SerieA) in Italian League his stats read 4pts, 5reb, 1steal, 1block, while in Euroleague he averaged 3.5ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.5bpg. For Enel Brindisi (Italy-SerieA) after 25 games he had 11.7ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.7spg, Blocks-4 (1.2bpg), FGP: 55.1%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 69.3%.


CAI Zaragoza edged Manresa in a friendly game - by Eurobasket News
CAI Zaragoza edged Manresa in a friendly game as the teams started preparation for 2011/2012 season. CAI Zaragoza grabbed 75:63 win due to 23-0 run in the last quarter.
Both teams nailed 16 points each in the opening period, while Manresa got the lead at the halftime. The latter needed 17-10 in the second frame for 7-point advantage after 20 minutes. Both teams again scored the same number of points in the third quarter that remained Manresa in front. In the last period CAI Zaragoza erupted with 23-0 run and after 28-9 won the game.
Bracey Wright (191-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Indiana) stepped up with 13 points and Carlos Cabezas (186-G-80) nailed 12. Javier Marin ended up with 11 and Chad Toppert (201-G-85, college: N.Mexico) posted 10. Justin Doellman ended up with 13 points in the losing effort, while Josh Asselin (211-C/F-78, agency: Duran International, college: Michigan) added 10.

Manresa (63): Haukur Palsson 1, Justin Doellman 13, Javi Rodriguez 2, Roman Montanez 2, Alex Hernandez 7, Micah Downs 7, Johan Kody 2, Josh Asselin 10, Kieron Achara 5, Sergi Sole, Fernando Cerqueira Pierre Oriola 4.

CAI Zaragoza (75): Jacob Burtschi 4, Bracey Wright 13, Jon Stefansson 5, Rogelio Legasa 8, Marcos Portalez 1, Carlos Cabezas 12, Jorge Cano 2, Javier Marin 11, Albert Fontet 7, Roberto Perez 2, Chad Toppert 10 Lorenzo Mastrocinque.


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  SWITZERLAND   


Martin Spoerri new president of Starwings - by Luca Maffioli
Martin Spoerri was named president of Starwings Basket Regio Basel. He was chief financial officer of the club. Pascal Donati , head coach of CVJM Birsfelden Basketball, was named vice-president of Starwings.

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  TUNISIA   


26th Afrobasket: Tunisia is Africa king of the Court, bag Olympic ticket - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Tunisia make good its desire to be at the London 2012 Olympic Games when it dethrone perennial champion Angola in a tension soaked grand finale of the 26th edition of the FIBA Africa Championship for Men Sunday night at the Palais des Sports Antananarivo, Madagascar.

The Tunisia out played the former champion in a department of the game with clinical finishes that made the Angolan to make several mistakes causing them to trail at the end of first by 11 points of 09-21, effort to mount pressure on the Tunisia in the second quarter could only yeild them a point gain of 20-19.

The new champion roar back in the third quarter as the most decorated African team lost in the third quarter agains by 12-14 points to go into last quarter with a 13 points deficit of 41-54 Angola however manage to snatch the last quarter by 15-13 points but the rally was too late to save them from defeat as they drop the Africa title after six unbroken run since 1999 when they reclaim the title on home court after losing out in 1997 edition in Dakar, Senegal.

Tunisia Marouan Kecgrid led his challenge for glory with 21 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assist, Mohamed Hadidane poured in 19 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and 2 steals while Amine Rzig added 14 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals with the new lord of rim Salah Mejri grabbing 15 rebounds to give the FIBA Africa Zone-1 side a well deserve victory.
Salah Mejri (216-C-86)

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  TURKEY   


Standings - TB2L
TB2L Standings
 1. Akhisar Bld 0-0 
 2. Balikesir 0-0 
 3. Baskent Genclik 0-0 
 4. Darussafaka 0-0 
 5. Final Genclik 0-0 
 6. Gaziantep 0-0 
 7. Gelisim 0-0 
 8. Genc Telekom 0-0 
 9. Istanbul B.B. 0-0 
 10. Istanbulspor 0-0 
 11. Kepez Bld 0-0 
 12. Maliye Milli 0-0 
 13. Optimum TED 0-0 
 14. Orman Genc 0-0 
 15. Pamukkale 0-0 
 16. Pertevniyal 0-0 
 17. Selcuk Univ. 0-0 
 18. TED Istanbul 0-0 
 19. Usak 0-0 
 20. Vestel 0-0 


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  UKRAINE   


Friendlies: BC Donetsk crushes Enisey - by Alexander Muzyka
BC Donetsk has got the second triumph at the pre-season training camp in Belgrade. This time 'tigers' were so much stronger than Russian Enisey. Vule Avdalovic and DeMarcus Nelson were so active in defence that Russians scored the first points just at the fifth minute - 16:3. It was 52:29 when the second quarter has ended. Next friendlies in Serbia will be the following: Radnicki (Aug. 29 and 31) and Mega Vizura (Sep. 1)

Enisey (Russia) - BC Donetsk (Ukraine) - 61:89 (11:27, 18:25, 11:22, 21:15)
E: Baxter 18, Hukic 13, Komarovskiy 9, Trushkin 8, Toporov 7...
D: Radenovic 12, Lee 12, Nelson 11, Curry 10, Gliebov 9...

Azovmash Cup starts at Sep. 17 - by Alexander Muzyka
Traditional Azovmash Cup will be held in Mariupol in September since 2003. This time it starts at Sep. 17 and Azovmash will face BC Odesa, Cherkasy Monkeys and Triumph this time. Rules are the same - it's a Final Four scheme.

It was just one time Azovmash didn't get a win at the home tournament. Mariupol team won it at 2003, 2004, 2005 (opponents were Lokomotiv-Rostov, Maccabi TA, Barons), 2006 (Turk Telekom, Lokomotiv-Rostov, CSKA Sophia), 2007 (Nymburk, Lokomotiv-Rostov, AEL), 2008 (Lokomotiv-Rostov, BC Donetsk), 2010 (Triumph, BC Minsk-2006, BC Kyiv) and was the second at 2009 (Triumph - winner, Krasnie Krilya, Kremen-KNU).

*****************************************************
  UNITED KINGDOM   


Standings - BBL
BBL Standings
 1. Cheshire Jets 0-0 
 2. Durham W. 0-0 
 3. Essex Pirates 0-0 
 4. Glasgow Rocks 0-0 
 5. Guildford Heat 0-0 
 6. Leicester R. 0-0 
 7. Liverpool MT 0-0 
 8. MK Lions 0-0 
 9. Newcastle E. 0-0 
 10. Plymouth R. 0-0 
 11. Sheffield S. 0-0 
 12. Worcester W. 0-0 


Standings - EBL Conf.
EBL Standings
 1. Bradford D. 0-0 
 2. Bristol AF 0-0 
 3. Brixton T. 0-0 
 4. Derby 0-0 
 5. Leeds 0-0 
 6. Leicester 0-0 
 7. Leopards 0-0 
 8. London Cap. 0-0 
 9. Medway Park 0-0 
 10. Reading 0-0 
 11. Tees Valley 0-0 
 12. Westminster W. 0-0 
 13. Worthing T. 0-0 


Ryan Richards has been released from the squad - by Eurobasket News
Ryan Richards (212-C/F-91, agency: Interperformances) has been released from the squad as the Standard Life GB men's final 12 for EuroBasket has today been confirmed by British Basketball.
Ryan Richards is a player of C.B. Gran Canaria 2014. In 2010 he was loaned to BBC Monthey. The NBA future prospect exploded in his second game against Boncourt on Saturday with a 20 point and 11 rebound performance as Monthey won 79-73.
Ryan had been at C.B. Gran Canaria 2014 all season practicing with the ACB team and he played in a few EBA games.
Ryan is a very versatile 7 footer who can play three positions and score either on the inside or outside.
At the European Championships U20 Division B in Sarajevo (Bosnia) after 7 games he averaged 22.3ppg, 8.1rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 37.9%, FT: 76.3%. He recorded 32 points in the game against Israel U20 and Marcotullio brought the victory over Israel with the buzzer-beater as Great Britain edged Israel at the start of the Classification Round for 9-16 places in Sarajevo.
The first round of EuroBasket will be hosted in Panevezys where the Standard Life GB men will take on the home nation Lithuania


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


BC Astana brings in Goran Cakic - by Eurobasket News
BC Astana continues with signings for the next season. The newly formed team from the Kazakhstan capital penned a one-year deal with Goran Cakic (208-C/F-80, agency: Beo Basket). The Serbian big guy heads to Astana from Trabzon, where he finished last season. He had 6.4 ppg and 4 rpg for them in 21 Turkish league games. Cakic started last season with Serbian team Mega Vizura and later moved to Scavolini Pesaro. Season 2009/10, Goran Cakic spent with Banvit. He had 7.2 ppg and 2.8 rpg for them in 12 EuroChallenge games. He also added 5.8 ppg and 3.3 rpg in TBL. Before Banvit, Cakic played for Azovmash, Khimik Yuzhny and Apolon Patras. He also has experience from the Serbian teams Partizan, Radnicki and Beobanka. Goran Cakic was Eurobasket.com All-Ukrainian Superleague Center of the Year -08.



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Women News

*****************************************************
  ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS - Women  


China won the 24th FIBA Asia Championship for Women - by Eurobasket News
FINAL
China - South Korea 65-62
China won the 24th FIBA Asia Championship for Women. They handed South Korea their first loss and triumphed with 65:62 victory. Miao sank a sizzling three-pointer to take the game away from a precarious position and Nan Chen stepped up to draw a foul and convert both the free-throws to seal the 111th FIBA Asia Championship for Women gold medal for China. It was a slow start and both teams realized the importance of the victory. China took 10:9 lead after the first defensive 10 minutes and added massive 24-19 in the second frame. Zengyu MA and Kim Youn Joo (178-F-86) exchanged the three-pointers at the end of the half for 34:29 halftime advantage. The third quarter belonged to the undefeated team before that game as South Korea needed 19-11 in the quarter for 47:45 lead after thirty minutes. Sin Jung Ja (185-C-80) later tied the game at 51:51, while Lijie MIAO nailed three for 63:59. Lee Younhoa (186-C-83) reduced to 63:62 but Chen Nan (197-C-83) made two free throws for the final triumph. Miao LiJie stepped up with 20 points for the winners and Ma Zengyu (183-F-84) netted 19. Chen Nan collected 17 points and 10 rebounds in a win, while Gao Song notched 3. Sin Jung Ja replied with 15 points and 16 rebounds, whilst Kim Danbi added 11.



3rd place
Japan - Taiwan 83-56
Japan clinched Bronze at the home tournament. The hosts overcame Chinese Taipei 83:56 in the game for the third place at the 24th FIBA Asia Championship for Women. Japan's 11th bronze medal in FIBA Asia Championship for Women history also booked them a place in the 2012 FIBA Olympic Qualifying tournament. Japan showed their ambitions for the higher place from the very beginning and reached 28:10 at the end of the first period. Moreover they erupted with another 27-9 and just enjoyed the rest of the game. Chinese Taipei won the third quarter 15-12 and even looked better in the last stanza. The guests needed 22-16 in the final period to reduce to 27 points. Maki Takada (183-C-89) paced all the winners with 25 points and Oga Yuko netted 10. Yoko Nagi (175-F-82) and Yuka Mamiya (183-C/F-90) delivered 9 points apiece. Chiang Feng-Chun ended up with 24 points in the losing effort and Lin Chi-Wen (186-C-83) notched 9.



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  AUSTRALIA - Women  


SEABL Finals Preview - by Eurobasket News
Bendigo Lady Braves (17-7) v Ballarat Rush (15-9), Bendigo stadium, 6pm Saturday, August 27


Form

Bendigo at home is a juggernaut. The Lady Braves are 10-2 at Bendigo stadium, and only Knox and Dandenong have better home records. Playing as the curtain raiser to the mens game against Knox, another big crowd is expected, so the atmosphere will again be electric and should provide a lift for the Lady Braves. The concern however is some indifferent form over the last six weeks, going 3-3 in that time including a loss to their arch rival and opponent this weekend, the Ballarat Rush.


The lineup changes forced on Ballarat may have cost them a couple of games over the season and subsequently home court advantage for the finals, and that will put the odds definitely in Bendigos favour. It also makes Ballarats form hard to read, because the Rush will still be adjusting to the loss of Chloe Kerr after she departed at the end of round 16. The loss last week to Geelong will also be not ideal form, but the Rush should be keen to bounce back after the result.


Key Players

Bendigo:

Kelly Wilson (170-G-84) is a champion. She can light up from outside, averaging 40.4% from beyond the arc this season. She can dish it out to teammates, leading the competition with 4.8 assists per game. And she is a clutch player, not afraid of taking the big shots. Lauren King is the other ace in the hole for the Lady Braves. The captain can be the toughest player for opponents to match up on, as it is rare for players with her height to be so comfortable and dangerous on the perimeter.


Ballarat:

Natalie Taylor (178-F, college: S.Illinois) is one of, if not the best, player in the competition at the moment. The Tall Ferns international is a class above, and can destroy opponents in express fashion. If she gets off the leash, the Rush will go from underdogs to favourites very quickly. Kate Willey is another classy competitor who has finals experience, having played in the 2009 championship team with Brisbane, and her leadership will be called on this Saturday night.


X-Factor

Bendigo

Toni Edmondson has proven to be an integral part of the Bendigo line-up since joining the Lady Braves from Albury/Wodonga at the start of this year. The New Zealander is third in scoring and third in field goal percentage for the team, and she plays with a degree of toughness that belies her thin frame.


Ballarat

Kristi Rinaldi has taken her game up a level in 2011. Since being made captain at the start of the season, her scoring and rebounding numbers have reached career best levels, and she typifies the non-nonsense, gritty brand of basketball that the Rush has become known for this year. But she must lift again with the added intensity and pressure that finals basketball creates.


Key Match ups

Kelly Wilson vs Kate Willey

Even though Wilson and Willey are not first-choice point guards, more often than not they bring the ball up the floor to start the offence. That suggests the pair are the actual on-court architects for their respective teams, and whoever controls the tempo in that match up could give their side a big advantage.


Nat Taylor vs Andrea Wilson

Andrea Wilson is the unheralded player in the Bendigo squad. Living in the shadow of her sister, she probably doesnt get the recognition she deserves for the outstanding and tireless effort she brings, especially at the defensive end. But if she can cut Taylor out of the game and effective snuff out Ballarats chances, she will finally get the recognition she warrants.


Previous Meetings This Year
Round 4
Round 16

Bendigo 77 def Ballarat 69 @ Bendigo
Ballarat 67 def Bendigo 49 @ Ballarat



Overall:

On their home court and at near full strength, Bendigo must be favourites. They defeated Dandenong a few weeks ago, and must be desperate to feature prominently in this finals series after bowing out at the first stage last year. Ballarats chances seem to hinge on Nat Taylor, and if she has a break out game, Bendigo could be in trouble.
Courtesy of: seabl.com.au



The SEABL 2011 Statistical awards - by Eurobasket News
The SEABL 2011 Statistical awards have been confirmed today.

With a season high of 38pts in round 10 against Albury/Wodonga, Geelong Supercats Deanna Smith (179-G-80) finished as the Womens leading scorer, averaging 20.6ppg. Deanna scored 25+pts on six occasions, helping the Supercats to a rewarding 8th place finish on the ladder in their first season of SEABL competition.



NW Tasmania Import Eric Gaff led the South Men in rebounds averaging 15.2rebs and a season best 27rebs in rd7 against Canberra. Eric recorded 15rebs on 14 occasions throughout the season. Albury/Wodonga Lady Bandits Lisa Wallbutton (183-C/F-86) won the Womens rebounding title. In her third season, Lisa dominated the glass leading the womens league with 11.2 rebounds.


Sarah Parsons (174-F-86) has owned the Golden Hands category over the past five years, winning her third accolade this year with a 3.67 average. Parsons won her two previous Golden Hands award when playing for Kilsyth in 2008 & 2009. Sandringham Sabres Nathan Crosswell finished the season with 3.63 Golden Hands Average, earning his third consecutive Golden Hands Award for the South Men.


After five seasons playing championship division, Ballarat Rush guard Prue Scott joined the D League team for season 2011, scoring 20+ pts on 10 occasions and earning the Leading Scorer title with an 18.4ppg average. Dandenong Rangers Jacinta Vandenberg (194-C-93) finished as the competitions best rebounder averaging 14.1 rebounds a game.
Courtesy of: seabl.com.au



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  CANADA - Women  


CIS Standings
CIS Standings
AUS
 1. Acadia 0-0 
 2. Cape Breton 0-0 
 3. Dalhousie 0-0 
 4. Memorial 0-0 
 5. New Brunsw. 0-0 
 6. St.Francis X. 0-0 
 7. St.Mary's 0-0 
 8. UPEI 0-0 
Canada West
 1. Alberta 0-0 
 2. Brandon 0-0 
 3. Calgary 0-0 
 4. Lethbridge 0-0 
 5. Manitoba 0-0 
 6. Regina 0-0 
 7. Saskatchewan 0-0 
 8. TRU 0-0 
 9. TWU 0-0 
 10. UBC 0-0 
 11. UFV 0-0 
 12. Victoria 0-0 
 13. Winnipeg 0-0 
QSSF
 1. Bishop's 0-0 
 2. Concordia 0-0 
 3. Laval 0-0 
 4. McGill 0-0 
 5. UQAM 0-0 
UOA East
 1. Carleton 0-0 
 2. Laurentian 0-0 
 3. Ottawa 0-0 
 4. Queen's 0-0 
 5. RMC 0-0 
 6. Ryerson 0-0 
 7. Toronto Univ. 0-0 
 8. York 0-0 
UOA West
 1. Brock 0-0 
 2. Guelph 0-0 
 3. Lakehead 0-0 
 4. Laurier 0-0 
 5. McMaster 0-0 
 6. Waterloo 0-0 
 7. Western 0-0 
 8. Windsor 0-0 


*****************************************************
  CHINA - Women  


China beat South Korea at the 24th Asia Championship for Women - by Eurobasket News
China-South Korea 65:62

China won the 24th FIBA Asia Championship for Women. They handed South Korea their first loss and triumphed with 65:62 victory. Miao sank a sizzling three-pointer to take the game away from a precarious position and Nan Chen stepped up to draw a foul and convert both the free-throws to seal the Asia Championship for Women gold medal for China.
It was a slow start and both teams realized the importance of the victory. China took 10:9 lead after the first defensive 10 minutes and added massive 24-19 in the second frame. Zengyu MA and Youn Joo KIM exchanged the three-pointers at the end of the half for 34:29 halftime advantage. The third quarter belonged to the undefeated team before that game as South Korea needed 19-11 in the quarter for 47:45 lead after thirty minutes. Jung Ja SIN later tied the game at 51:51, while Lijie MIAO nailed three for 63:59. Younhoa LEE reduced to 63:62 but Chen Nan (197-C-83) made two free throws for the final triumph.
Miao LiJie (180-G-81) stepped up with 20 points for the winners and Ma Zengyu (183-F-84) netted 19. Chen Nan collected 17 points and 10 rebounds in a win, while Gao Song (190-F-92) notched 3. Sin Jung Ja (185-C-80) replied with 15 points and 16 rebounds, whilst Kim Danbi (180-F-90) added 11.

China: Miao LiJie 20, Ma Zengyu 19, Chen Nan 17+10 rebs, Gao Song 3
South Korea: Sin Jung Ja 15+16 rebs, Kim Danbi 11


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  GERMANY - Women  


Cunningham and Halle part ways - by Juliane Hoehne
The recent signing of Whitney Cunningham (191-C-87, college: Coppin St.) by SV Halle Lions, which was supposed to be the last addition to the new team, turned out not to be the expected hope. Whitney Cunningham couldn't live up to the expectations of the coach and cub. The 24-year old post player didn't show any effort off- and on the court, trying to become a part of her new team as it was reported on their website. Therefore, the management and Head Coach Jaroslaw Zyskowski didn't have any other choice than sending Whitney Cunningham back home. The new spot will be hopefully filled soon.

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  ISRAEL - Women  


ELITZUR NETANYA CMPLETES THE ROSTER !. - by Gil Goshen

By signing today two players Elitzur Netanya completes their roster:


JESSICA LAWSON:
2008-2009: S.Florida (NCAA, starting five): 34 games: 10.6ppg, 6.7rpg, 2.3bpg, FGP: 55.9%, FT: 60.8%
2009-2010: S.Florida (NCAA, starting five): 31 games: 14.5ppg, 10.5rpg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 51.0%, FT: 67.3%.

MARCEDES WALKER:

2009-2010: Pallacanestro Pozzuoli (Italy-A1, starting five): 24 games: Score-5 (15.5ppg), Reb-1 (10.2rpg), 3.3spg, FGP: 56.3%, FT: 60.1%
2010-2011: Pallacanestro Pozzuoli (Italy-A1, ): 19 games: 12.1ppg, Reb-5 (8.9rpg), 2.8spg, FGP: 50.9%, FT: 63.1%.

ELITZUR NETANYA COMPLETES THE ROSTER !. - by Gil Goshen

By signing today two players Elitzur Netanya completes their roster:

JESSICA LAWSON:
2008-2009: S.Florida (NCAA, starting five): 34 games: 10.6ppg, 6.7rpg, 2.3bpg, FGP: 55.9%, FT: 60.8%
2009-2010: S.Florida (NCAA, starting five): 31 games: 14.5ppg, 10.5rpg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 51.0%, FT: 67.3%.

MARCEDES WALKER:

2009-2010: Pallacanestro Pozzuoli (Italy-A1, starting five): 24 games: Score-5 (15.5ppg), Reb-1 (10.2rpg), 3.3spg, FGP: 56.3%, FT: 60.1%
2010-2011: Pallacanestro Pozzuoli (Italy-A1, ): 19 games: 12.1ppg, Reb-5 (8.9rpg), 2.8spg, FGP: 50.9%, FT: 63.1%. Marcedes Walker (191-C-86, agency: Merit Sports, college: Pittsburgh)

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  JAPAN - Women  


Japan clinched Bronze and booked a place in the 2012 Olympic Qualifying tournament - by Eurobasket News
Japan-Chinese Taipei 83:56

Japan clinched Bronze at the home tournament. The hosts overcame Chinese Taipei 83:56 in the game for the third place at the 24th FIBA Asia Championship for Women. Japans 11th bronze medal in FIBA Asia Championship for Women history also booked them a place in the 2012 FIBA Olympic Qualifying tournament.
Japan showed their ambitions for the higher place from the very beginning and reached 28:10 at the end of the first period. Moreover they erupted with another 27-9 and just enjoyed the rest of the game. Chinese Taipei won the third quarter 15-12 and even looked better in the last stanza. The guests needed 22-16 in the final period to reduce to 27 points.
Maki Takada (183-C-89) paced all the winners with 25 points and Yuko Oga (170-G-82) netted 10. Yoko Nagi (175-F-82) and Yuka Mamiya (183-C/F-90) delivered 9 points apiece. Chiang Feng-Chun (184-F-81) ended up with 24 points in the losing effort and Lin Chi-Wen (186-C-83) notched 9.

Japan: Maki Takada 25, Yuko Oga 10, Yoko Nagi 9, Yuka Mamiya 9
Chinese Taipei: Chiang Feng-Chun 24, Lin Chi-Wen 9


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  PUERTO RICO - Women  


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


*****************************************************
  SOUTH KOREA - Women  


China beat South Korea at the 24th Asia Championship for Women - by Eurobasket News
China-South Korea 65:62

China won the 24th FIBA Asia Championship for Women. They handed South Korea their first loss and triumphed with 65:62 victory. Miao sank a sizzling three-pointer to take the game away from a precarious position and Nan Chen stepped up to draw a foul and convert both the free-throws to seal the Asia Championship for Women gold medal for China.
It was a slow start and both teams realized the importance of the victory. China took 10:9 lead after the first defensive 10 minutes and added massive 24-19 in the second frame. Zengyu MA and Youn Joo KIM exchanged the three-pointers at the end of the half for 34:29 halftime advantage. The third quarter belonged to the undefeated team before that game as South Korea needed 19-11 in the quarter for 47:45 lead after thirty minutes. Jung Ja SIN later tied the game at 51:51, while Lijie MIAO nailed three for 63:59. Younhoa LEE reduced to 63:62 but Chen Nan (197-C-83) made two free throws for the final triumph.
Miao LiJie (180-G-81) stepped up with 20 points for the winners and Ma Zengyu (183-F-84) netted 19. Chen Nan collected 17 points and 10 rebounds in a win, while Gao Song (190-F-92) notched 3. Sin Jung Ja (185-C-80) replied with 15 points and 16 rebounds, whilst Kim Danbi (180-F-90) added 11.

China: Miao LiJie 20, Ma Zengyu 19, Chen Nan 17+10 rebs, Gao Song 3
South Korea: Sin Jung Ja 15+16 rebs, Kim Danbi 11


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


Japan clinched Bronze and booked a place in the 2012 Olympic Qualifying tournament - by Eurobasket News
Japan-Chinese Taipei 83:56

Japan clinched Bronze at the home tournament. The hosts overcame Chinese Taipei 83:56 in the game for the third place at the 24th FIBA Asia Championship for Women. Japans 11th bronze medal in FIBA Asia Championship for Women history also booked them a place in the 2012 FIBA Olympic Qualifying tournament.
Japan showed their ambitions for the higher place from the very beginning and reached 28:10 at the end of the first period. Moreover they erupted with another 27-9 and just enjoyed the rest of the game. Chinese Taipei won the third quarter 15-12 and even looked better in the last stanza. The guests needed 22-16 in the final period to reduce to 27 points.
Maki Takada (183-C-89) paced all the winners with 25 points and Yuko Oga (170-G-82) netted 10. Yoko Nagi (175-F-82) and Yuka Mamiya (183-C/F-90) delivered 9 points apiece. Chiang Feng-Chun (184-F-81) ended up with 24 points in the losing effort and Lin Chi-Wen (186-C-83) notched 9.

Japan: Maki Takada 25, Yuko Oga 10, Yoko Nagi 9, Yuka Mamiya 9
Chinese Taipei: Chiang Feng-Chun 24, Lin Chi-Wen 9


*****************************************************
  UNITED KINGDOM - Women  


Standings - Women
EBL Standings
 1. Barking Abbey 0-0 
 2. Durham W. 0-0 
 3. Leeds Carnegie 0-0 
 4. Northumbria 0-0 
 5. Nottingham 0-0 
 6. Sevenoaks Suns 0-0 
 7. Sheffield Hatters 0-0 
 8. UWIC Archers 0-0 


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


Latest WNBA games - by Eurobasket News
Indiana F. - Atlanta D. 80-86
Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-F-86, college: Louisville) scored 20 points and Lindsey Harding added 17 to lead the Atlanta Dream to an 86-80 win over the Indiana Fever on Saturday night. Erika De Souza (6'6''-C-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas) had 14 points and six rebounds and Iziane Castro Marques scored 11 points for the Dream (15-13), who moved one game behind third-place New York in the Eastern Conference. Tamika Catchings scored 22 points, Tangela Smith had 15 and Katie Douglas 14 for the Fever (19-9). Indiana's lead over second-place Connecticut was cut to one game. Harding and Marques each scored nine points in the fourth quarter and combined to scored eight of the final 11 points for the Dream. Harding scored the go ahead jumper with 37 seconds left to give Atlanta an 82-80 lead, then went 1-for-2 from the line. *Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

L.Angeles S. - Tulsa S. 75-77
Sheryl Swoopes (6'0''-F/G-71, college: Texas Tech) hit a jumper with 2.9 seconds remaining to lift Tulsa to a 77-75 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday night, ending the Shock's WNBA-record 20-game losing streak. Tiffany Jackson (6'3''-F-85, college: Texas) had 20 points and 11 rebounds, Ivory Latta (5'6''-G-84, college: N.Carolina) had 18 points and Swoopes finished with 17 points and nine rebounds for Tulsa (2-25). The Shock's only other win this season came at home against Washington on June 18. Tulsa had also lost 22 in a row on the road, including the first 13 this season. DeLisha Milton-Jones led the Sparks (12-16) with 24 points, while Tina Thompson added 16. The loss spoiled a festive night for Los Angeles, which announced at halftime that former star Lisa Leslie was joining the team's ownership group. Courtesy of www.newser.com

Connecticut S. - Phoenix M. 95-92
Kara Lawson (5'8''-G-81, college: Tennessee) scored all of 14 points in the fourth quarter, including a go-ahead 3-pointer in the final minute, as the Connecticut Sun rallied to beat the Phoenix Mercury Friday, 95-92, before 9,007 at Mohegan Sun Arena. The Sun trailed by as much as 11 points (64-53) with over three minutes left in the third quarter. Asjha Jones (6'2''-F-80, college: Connecticut) had 16 points and 11 rebounds for Connecticut (18-10), which assured its first winning season in two years. Tina Charles (6'4''-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) added 17 points and nine rebounds. Penny Taylor (6'1''-F-81) and Diana Taurasi both scored 26 for the Mercury (15-12). Courtesy of www.theday.com

Minnesota L. - S.Antonio SS 85-75
Seimone Augustus (6'1''-G-84, college: LSU) scored 19 points and Maya Moore (6'0''-F-89, college: Connecticut) added 18 points and seven rebounds to lead the Minnesota Lynx to an 85-75 victory over the San Antonio Silver Stars on Friday night. Lindsay Whalen (5'8''-G-82, college: Minnesota) added 14 points and nine assists and Rebekkah Brunson had 15 points and eight boards for the Lynx (22-6), who are running away from the rest of the Western Conference. Silver Stars rookie Danielle Adams (6'1''-F/C-89, college: Texas A&M) scored 10 points in her first game back with the Silver Stars since July 26 because of a sprained right foot. Sophia Young added 10 points and six rebounds. But San Antonio was outscored 17-1 to start the fourth period en route to its fifth straight loss. Courtesy of www.kxnet.com

Chicago S. - Washington M. 80-67
Epiphanny Prince (5'9''-G-88, college: Rutgers) had 18 points and Sylvia Fowles (6'6''-C-85, college: LSU) scored 14 - all in the second half - and grabbed 12 rebounds to lead the Chicago Sky to an 80-67 victory over the Washington Mystics on Friday night. Tamera Young (6'2''-G-86, college: JMU) added 12 points for Chicago (13-15), which moved 1 1/2 games behind fourth-place Atlanta in the Eastern Conference. Crystal Langhorne (6'2''-F/C-86, college: Maryland) scored 19 points, Kelly Miller had 13 and Matee Ajavon added 12 for the Mystics (5-22), who have lost seven straight. Fowles, limited to 4:57 of playing time in the first half due to early foul trouble, dominated play in the second half as Chicago pulled away from a 49-49 tie midway through the third quarter. The Sky led 61-55 entering the final period but pushed the margin to 18 with 5:06 to play. They never led the lead slip under double digits the rest of the way Chicago led by as many as 15 points in the second quarter before Washington's 11-0 run over a 4-minute span cut the Sky's lead to single digits. Prince hit a jumper with 31 seconds left and followed with a 3 pointer as the Sky opened a 45-38 lead at the break. The Mystics staged another run early in the third quarter, tying the game at 49-all on Ajavon's bank shot with 4 1/2 minutes remaining. Fowles scored eight points to restore Chicago's lead to six entering the fourth. Washington was scheduled to return home for a Sunday game with Phoenix. But the impending arrival of Hurricane Irene could force postponement of that game. Chicago hosts New York on Sunday and the Liberty were on hand to watch Friday's game after leaving New York ahead of the hurricane. Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Seattle S. - Tulsa S. 74-57
Lauren Jackson (6'5''-F/C-81) had nine of her 14 points in the third quarter to help lead the Seattle Storm past the Tulsa Shock 74-57 Thursday night. Tanisha Wright (5'11''-G-83, agency: LBM Management, college: Penn St.) scored 12 points, Camille Little had 10 and Swin Cash nine for Seattle (16-12), which moved into a tie with Phoenix for second place in the Western Conference. The Storm have won three straight since Jackson returned from a hip injury. Tiffany Jackson and Sheryl Swoopes each scored 12 points and Amber Holt had 10 for Tulsa (1-25), which extended its WNBA record to 20 straight losses. Lauren Jackson has averaged 15.7 points in the three games after missing 20 games. Defending champion Seattle hopes to overtake Phoenix for second as the top two conference teams earn homecourt advantage in the playoffs. The Storm are 12-2 at home and 4-10 on the road. Jackson scored nine and Cash had five to key a 28-16 run in the third quarter and give the Storm a 56-41 lead. Jackson hit two 3-pointers in the quarter to help offset Holt's eight points, including two 3's. Seattle led 28-25 at halftime as Tiffany Jackson scored 10 to help keep the Shock close. Despite Tulsa's nearly 7-minute scoreless drought to start the second quarter, the Shock closed the first half with six straight points. The Storm struggled as well with a 4-minute scoreless stretch early in the second quarter and shot 3 for 16 from the field in the period. Jackson and Cash were a combined 1 for 11 in the first half, including Cash's 0-for-5 effort. Tulsa's only win this season came on June 16, 77-59 against Washington. *Courtesy of www.king5.com

Standings
WNBA Standings
Eastern
 1. Indiana F. 19-9 
 2. Connecticut S. 18-10 
 3. New York L. 16-12 
 4. Atlanta D. 15-13 
 5. Chicago S. 13-15 
 6. Washington M. 5-22 
Western
 1. Minnesota L. 22-6 
 2. Seattle S. 16-12 
 3. Phoenix M. 15-12 
 4. S.Antonio SS 13-14 
 5. L.Angeles S. 12-16 
 6. Tulsa S. 2-25