Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 9/24/2011

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Men News

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ABA

Jersey Express is back for a new ABA season ! - by Gianni Pascucci
The Jersey Express Professional Basketball Team, will begin its seventh ABA season on November 19th, against the Staten Island Vipers.
Marsha Blount , Jersey Express Owner states 'We are proud to call New Jersey OUR home ! With the impending departure of the NBAs NJ Nets, we look forward to stepping into the spotlight, to represent the State for Professional Basketball. Theres so much talent in the tri-state area, and so many players looking for opportunities to showcase that talent on a higher level, that we are primed for our best season yet, both on and off the court. We bolster former NBA stars like Terry Dehere (6'4''-G-71, college: Seton Hall) (Head Coach), who was a 1st round draft pick, and Luther Wright, also a 1st round draft pick, and teammate of Terrys at Seton Hall University. Our Spokesman, Jeffrey R. Brown Sr. comes to us from InSight LLC, and the Director of Entertainment operates Buzz This, a viral marketing company geared towards the music industry'.
The Jersey City Armory will play host to all home games for the 2011-12 season. The 3,000 seat arena is the perfect venue to see current, former, and future stars ! Located at 678 Montgomery Street, Jersey City, NJ is where the magic will happen.
The Express has just announced its last transaction, with the addition of scoring guard Darren Travis (6'3''-G-84, college: Wash.Adventist) to roster. Travis is an experienced player, who can fill it up from 3 point range. He played collegiately at Monroe College, before embarking on several overseas opportunities, and most recently playing in the Italian summer league.

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ANGOLA

Basketball Team Vows to Beat 2009 Performance - by Eurobasket News
Luanda Angolan senior female basketball team attending the 22nd edition of the African Cup of Nations 'Afrobasket2011', from September 23 to October 2, in Bamako (Mali), will seek to go beyond the third position reached in the 2009 edition of the competition.

This was said Wednesday in Luanda by the coach Anbal Moreira.

The coach stressed this to Angop at '4 de Fevereiro' International Airport, short before the departure of the national team to Mali.

According to the coach, 'the perspectives of the team are good, the group is motivated after attaining the second position in the All Africa Games held recently in Maputo, and the purpose is to reach again the podium in the African Championship, despite knowing that this is more difficult than the Pan African games,' said the coach.

'We will face many difficulties, but we are ready for this, we will fight to do what we have been doing in previous years, which is stepping on the podium,' the national coach also said.

Angola is in group B, together with Senegal, previous champion and holder of the gold medal in the All Africa Games. Others team are, Cameroon, Rwanda, Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.

The team comprises Catarina Camufal, Felizarda Jorge, ngela Cardoso, Fineza Eusbio, Cristina Matiquite, Snia Guadalupe, Lusa Toms , Astrida Vicente, Nachissela Maurcio, Nadir Manuel, Nguendula Filipe and Luzia Simo .

Group A includes Mali, Tunisia, Mozambique, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana and DR Congo.
Courtesy of: Angola Press

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ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

China, South Korea, Jordan and Philippines advance into semis - by Eurobasket News

Quarterfinals

Lebanon - China 48-68
China will play at Asian Championship semifinals. They held off Lebanon in the quarterfinal battle tonight. Liu Wei (190-PG-80) stepped up with 13 points to pace the hosts. China played a terrific defensive game limiting their opponents to just 28% of field goals. China and Lebanon exchanged baskets throughout the opening frame. The home team grabbed a narrow 14:12 lead after ten minutes of action. They gradually enlarged the lead throughout the second term. China recorded a 28:22 lead at the interval. China boosted the margin to double figures early in the third term. The home team eventually piled up a 19-point lead with ten minutes remaining. China never loosened the grip in the fourth term. They established a 61:37 lead midway through the period and never looked back en route to the victory. Jianlian Yi (212-C/F-87) and Wang ZhiZhi (214-C-77) posted 12 points each for China. Samuel Hoskin (206-F/C-79, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: De Paul) answered with 20 points for Lebanon. Ghaleb Rida (192-G-81) netted 15 points in defeat.

Jordan - Iran 88-84
Jordan came up with a sensational victory over defending champions Iran at the Asian Championship quarterfinal stage tonight. Daghles Osama (198-G-79, college: Midwestern St.) scored 23 points to lead Tab Baldwin team to a stunning come-from-behind victory. Iran opened the game with six points in a row and seemed to be well in control of their fate in this one. But Jordan soon erased the deficit and pulled ahead for a 20:19 lead after ten minutes. Jordan opened the second period with five points in a row to boost the margin. Kazemi triggered an 8:2 run from Iran late in the half as they eked out a 36:35 lead. But Jordan quickly regained the lead in the third period. The teams went neck and neck throughout the third term. The lead changed hands before Haddadi and Samad Nikkhah made it 62:57 for Iran with ten minutes remaining. Haddadi and Samad Nikkhah stretched the gap to 7 points midway through the fourth term 71:64. Iran were still up by four points 76:72 with under four minutes remaining. But Jordan went on an 8:2 run to take an 80:78 lead with under two minutes to go. Daghles Osama then converted eight free throws in the dying minutes to seal the victory for Jordan. Zaid Alkhas posted 14 points, while Rasheim Wright (192-G-81, college: District of Col.) and Wesam Al-Sous (189-G-83) added 12 points each in the win. Mahdi Kamrani (186-PG-82) answered with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for Iran. Hamed Haddadi (218-C-85) top-scored with 27 points, 14 rebounds and 7 assists in defeat.

South Korea - Japan 86-67
South Korea advanced into the semifinal stage of Asian Championship in Wuhan. They romped past Japan to stay in the title race. Moon Tae-Jong (199-F-75, agency: Alti Sport, college: Richmond) scored 17 points, grabbed 6 boards and issued 4 assists to lead the effort. South Korea outscored their opponents 23:11 in the opening quarter. South Korea stayed well in control throughout the second term. They registered a 45:26 halftime lead. Japan poured in 26 points in the third cutting the deficit. But South Korea kept Japan at bay throughout the final stanza. The intrigue was never revived as the Korean team coasted to the victory at the end. Oh Sek-Eun (200-C-87) posted 15 points, while Ha Seung-Jin (221-C-85) added 14 points in the winning effort. Kosuke Takeuchi (206-C/F-85) answered with 16 points and 13 boards for Japan. Keijuro Matsui (188-G-85, college: Columbia) and Tomoo Amino (196-F-80) had 10 points each in the loss.

Philippines - Taiwan 95-78
Philippines made it into Asian Championship semifinals. They outgunned Taiwan in Wuhan today to set up an exciting clash with Jordan tomorrow. Marcus Douthit (210-C/F-80, agency: Edge Sports, college: Providence) was unstoppable with 37 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Taiwan ensured a perfect start to the game. They grabbed a 23:19 lead after ten minutes of action. They maintained the advantage for some time in the second term but Philippines went on an 11:2 run to take a 42:40 lead. They ensured a 45:42 advantage at the interval. Philippines went on a 12:0 run midway through the third term to gain a 61:48 lead. The margin grew at 13-point mark with one quarter remaining. Philippines opened the fourth term with six points in a row to clear off. Taiwan cut the deficit to just 7 points with under three minutes remaining but failed to get any closer in the reminder of the contest. Ranidel deOcampo (194-F-81) posted 18 points, while Marcio Lassiter (188-G-87, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) added 13 points for the winners. Wen-Ting Tseng (202-C/F-84) answered with 20 points for Taiwan. Chen Hsin-An (198-F/G-80) notched 14 points in the loss.

9-12 place

Malaysia - United Arab Emirates 87-89
UAE claimed a narrow win over Malaysia in the Asian Championship classification round. Rashed Al Zaabi (189-G-88) scored 21 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and issued 4 assists to lead the winners. UAE will now take on Syria for the 9th overall position at the tournament. Malaysia will face Uzbekistan in the final game in China. The teams stayed close throughout the first half. UAE eked out a 24:23 lead after ten minutes of action. But Malaysia pulled in front for a narrow 38:37 lead at the interval. Malaysia stretched the gap midway through the third term. However UAE bounced back posting a 64:59 lead at the final intermission. UAE opened an 11-point lead in the fourth period 72:61. Malaysia answered with a 7:0 run to narrow the margin. Shee Fai Loh (192-G/F-89) drained a triple to drag Malaysia within just one point 87:88 with 8 seconds remaining in regulation. Rashed Al Zaabi answered with just one free throw but Malaysia ran out of time for an answer and UAE ran away with victory at the end. Ali Al Hattawi (200-C-79) accounted for 20 points, while Ibrahim Ahmad (179-G-79) added 16 points for the winners. Li Wei Chee (189-F-85) answered with 18 points and 19 rebounds for Malaysia. Shee Fai Loh provided 15 points in the loss.

Uzbekistan - Syria 65-97
Syria registered a comfortable win over Uzbekistan at Asian Championship classification round. Syria will now take on UAE for the ninth overall position in the ladder. Uzbekistan will take on Malaysia. Joseph Abboud (189-G-89) stepped up with 13 points to lead well-balanced effort from Syria. Syria strongly entered the game. They posted a 21:11 lead after ten minutes. The gap kept on growing in the second term. Syria established a comfortable 46:32 lead at the interval. Syria never slowed down after the big break. They registered a 70:47 advantage at the final intermission. Uzbekistan never came back to life as Syria marched to the victory at the end. Abd Al Wahab Hamowi (217-C-90) delivered 12 points, while Nour Al Saman (189-G-78) posted 11 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Aleksandr Kozlov (201-F-82) answered with 14 points for Uzbekistan. Hurmatjon Nuraliev (202-F-81) netted 13 points in the losing effort.

Jordans Nashama pull the rug from under Team Mellis feet - by Omar Shafaamri
WUHAN, China (26th FIBA Asia Championship): Zaid Abbas ejection for five fouls midway through the final quarter notwithstanding, 2009 FIBA Asia Championship bronze medalists Jordan scripted a fairy tale 88-84 win against twice defending champions Iran in a stunning quarterfinal result on Friday.

Veterans Zaid Alkhas (left in the combo pic above), who was more present on the bench than on the court before this game, pulled a rabbit out of coach Tab Baldwins hat playing a crucial role in the offense with his perimeter shooting and in defense as well.

Alkhas had a stunning 4/7 in three-pointers all of them coming at the crucial juncture for his 14 points.

We brought him exactly for this reason, said Baldwin.

There were a lot of loose tongues when people thought I didnt play him enough in the earlier games, but I had a specific role for him to play in this team. Which is what he did today, Baldwin said.

Sam Daghles (right in the combo pic above)led the Jordanian assault with 23 points, and had a brilliant all-round show with 4 rebounds and as many assists.

Together Daghles and Alkhas scored all the 11 points as Jordan turned a 77-78 deficit into a 88-84 win in the in the final minute or so.

It was Jordan who held in the exchanges for the entire first half.

Back-to-back steals by Daghles once setting up Zaid Abbas and himself scoring on the other put Jordan ahead late in the first quarter.

Alkhas had kept the scoreboard ticking for Jordan with some crispy conversions from downtown and it needed the induction of Bahrami at the start of the third quarter for Iran to find their bearings.

The Mahram forward as expected disturbed the rival defense paving the way for Afagh to fire in two fiery three-pointers to bring back the spring in Team Mellis step.

Bahrami scored 4 points, collected 3 rebounds and 2 assists in the third quarter, while Afagh had 9 of his 12 points in the game during this period.

But the absence of Javad Davari disrupted the rotation as Matic was found wanting for ideas when Jordan repaeated broke past his defense.

Hamed Haddadi was as usual solid with his 27 points and 14 rebounds both game highs but there was little more to speak of Iran.

We didnt mind it at all, said Baldwin about Haddadi.

We were concentrating more on the others. And it worked for us, he said.

They had an answer to all the defense tactics we used today, rued Matic.

I think todays Jordanian team was a different team than the one played earlier in this tournament. They were brilliant. I think now they are a serious favorite for the Championship itself, he added.

Well go one game at a time, said Daghles.

We knew we had a win or go home situation. We won today. Theres 24 hours for us to recover and rework our plans, said Alkhas.

Jordan await the winners of the Philippines-Taipei quarterfinal.

FIBA Asia

China Swamps Lebanon as Iran Shocked by Jordan - by Arthur Volbert
China defeated Lebanon 68-48 in the quarter-finals of the FIBA Asian Championship. Jordan, led by CBA stars Osama Daghles and Zaid Abbas, shocked Iran 88-84 and deprived Iran of any hope for going to the 2012 Olympics.

China led 14-12 after one quarter, 28-22 at the half and 51-32 after three quarters. China outshot Lebanon 46 percent to 28 percent from the floor, 70 percent to 63 percent from the free throw line and outrebounded Jordan 39 to 34. Each team had 16 turnovers. Liu Wei (190-PG-80) led China with 13 points. Yi Jianlian had 12 points and 9 rebounds while Wang Zhizhi had 12 points and 4 rebounds. Zhang Zhaoxu had 8 points and 6 rebounds in 17 minutes. Non-native Samuel Hoskin led Lebanon with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Ghaled Reda had 15 points and 4 rebounds.

Iran, which was favored to meet China in the championship final, lost to Jordan 88-84 and will now play for fifth place in the tourney. Hamed Haddadi had 27 points and 14 rebounds, playing the entire game but got insufficient support from the remainder of the team. Daghles had 23 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists, and showed the all-round game he displayed at Shanxi where he successfully replaced Stephon Marbury. Abbas, who has starred at both Shanghai and Beijing, had 10 points and 7 rebounds.

China will face Korea tomorrow in a semi-final. Korea crushed Japan today 86-67. 7-3 Ha Seung Jin made his longest appearance in the tourney and had 14 points and 8 rebounds. The Phillipines will face Jordan in the other semifinal, after blasting Chinese Taipei 95-78. Non-native Marcus Douthit led with 37 points and 10 rebounds. The Philippines are a superior team to the one that lost to China by 15 in the preliminary round, fortified by the eligibility of non-natives Chris Lutz and Marcio Lassiter.

Other scores:
UAE 89 Malaysia 87
Syria 97 Uzbekistan 65

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Marcus DOUTHIT
  USA
  (210-C/F-80)
  Avg: 21.3

1. Douthit, PHI	21.3
2. Wright, JOR	17.6
3. Ahmad, UAE	17.0
4. Rida, LEB	15.5
5. Daghles, JOR	15.3
6. Koroth, IND	15.3
7. Yi, CHN	15.3
8. Moon, KOR	15.1
9. Haddadi, IRI	15.0
10. Malabes, BHR	14.5

Rebounds Per Game

Hamed HADDADI
  IRI
  (218-C-85)
  Avg: 10.6

1. Haddadi, IRI	10.6
2. Douthit, PHI	10.4
3. Yi, CHN	9.9
4. Takeuchi, JPN	9.7
5. Hoskin, LEB	9.0
6. Kazemi, IRI	8.6
7. Li Wei, MAS	8.4
8. Tabet, LEB	7.4
9. Zhang, CHN	7.3
10. Takeuchi, JPN	7.1

Assists Per Game

Mario WUYSANG
(176-PG-79)
Avg: 6.4

1. Wuysang, IDN	6.4
2. Daghles, JOR	4.8
3. Kim, KOR	4.7
4. Guganeswaran, MAS	4.7
5. Yang, KOR	4.3
6. Deep, SYR	4.0
7. Malabes, BHR	4.0
8. Park, KOR	3.8
9. Lee, TAI	3.7
10. Akl, LEB	3.7

Steals Per Game

Yue SUN
  CHN
  (206-G/F-85)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Sun, CHN	1.9
2. Chang, TAI	1.9
3. Hirose, JPN	1.9
4. Ahmad, UAE	1.8
5. Daghles, JOR	1.8
6. Salem, UAE	1.7
7. Lee, TAI	1.7
8. Wright, JOR	1.6
9. Malallah, BHR	1.5
10. Wang, CHN	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Hamed HADDADI
  IRI
  (218-C-85)
  Avg: 3.1

1. Haddadi, IRI	3.1
2. Zaghab, JOR	1.9
3. Douthit, PHI	1.7
4. Singh, IND	1.4
5. Kim, KOR	1.2
6. Sitepu, IDN	1.2
7. Sun, CHN	1.1
8. Kim, KOR	1.0
9. Hoskin, LEB	0.9
10. Yi, CHN	0.9

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BELGIUM

Oostende too much for Denain - by Eurobasket News
Oostende played another friendly game. This time they hosted French Pro B team Denain and blasted them 92-65. Matt Lojeski (198-G-85, college: Hawaii) top-scored in victory with 18 points and Veselin Petrovic (196-G/F-77, agency: Beo Basket) added one point less. Christopher Booker (208-F/C-81, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Purdue) and Jason Rich (191-G-86) helped with 15 and 13 points respectively. The last one with double-digits in Oostende was Dusan Katnic (194-G-89, agency: Beo Basket) with 10 points. In the loosing squad, Ryan Rossiter (204-F-89, college: Siena) was better than the others with 15 points. Their second scorer was Lamine Kante (201-F-87) with 13 points. Quarters: 23-22, 21-15, 19-13, 29-15. Oostende played two friendly games with French teams earlier this pre-season. They lost in Gravelines 87-94 and outplayed SOMB 101-95.

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BOSNIA

Siroki too strong for Zrinjski in friendly game - by Eurobasket News
Siroki TT Kabeli - Zrinjski 83-52

Siroki TT Kabeli and Zrinjski met in a friendly game last night. The reigning Bosnian champion was the host of this meeting and registered easy 83-52 win. Siroki opened this game with 23-11 and never looked back. They jumped to plus 20 at the halftime and question about the winner was already resolved. Zrinjski was not able to replay after the breather and Siroki won Q3 with 16-11. In the last ten minutes they made 20-14 for the final 83-52 win. Zeljko Sakic (203-F-88) top-scored in victory with 23 points. Dalibor Persic (193-G-85) had 13 and Jakov Vladovic (186-PG-83) helped with 11 points. On the other side, Luka Klarica (190-G-89) delivered 15 points. The second scorer in Zrinjski was Marcel Jones (203-F-85, agency: David Lee services, college: Oregon St.) with 9 points. Both teams will play more friendlies this pre-season.

Siroki: Jakov Vladovic 11, Planinic 10, Pilepic 10, Naletilic, Bilinovac 8, Ramljak 4, Dalibor Persic 13, Topalovic, Butorac 3, Novak, Zeljko Sakic 23, Barac 1
Zrinjski: Luka Klarica 15, Masic, Avdibegovic 3, Marcel Jones 9, Tepalcevic 6, Han 4, Bodiroga 2, Musa, Hasancic 5, Tomic, Radulovic 6, Mahmutovic, Jovanovic 2

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BRAZIL

Paulista Round 16: Itabom/Bauru keeps a leadership position - by Eurobasket
The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Itabom/Bauru as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Itabom/Bauru defeated 7th ranked Araraquara at home 70-63. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Araraquara. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Fernando Fischer (190-81) who helped to win the game recording 19 points. American guard Larry Taylor (185-80, college: Missouri Western) contributed with 9 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Center Deivisson Costa (211-80) replied with a double-double by scoring 10 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists for Araraquara. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Itabom/Bauru (10-1) have an impressive five-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. Araraquara at the other side keeps the seventh place with four games lost. They share the position with Gremio Mogi. Araraquara will play next round against America trying to get back on the winning streak. Itabom/Bauru will try to continue on its current victory against second ranked Winner/Limeira at home.
Bottom-ranked Sao Caetano managed to get a second victory, breaking the four-game losing streak. This time they won against thirteenth-ranked Inter Santos 92-82. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Rafael Malfi (188-91) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 28 points, 7 rebounds, 10 assists and 5 steals and Willians da Silva who added 19 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side power forward Cesar Araujo (201-81) responded with 22 points and 4 assists. Sao Caetano (2-10) moved-up to fifteenth place, which they share with America. Inter Santos lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the fourteenth position with nine games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Worth to mention about the upset in a game between L.S.B. (4-7) and XV/Cosan (2-8), which took place in Piracicaba. Higher ranked L.S.B. was outleveled in a road game by fifteenth ranked XV/Cosan 85-65 on Wednesday. The winners were led by Caio Ranches who scored that evening 22 points and 6 assists. Even 15 points by Kenny Dawkins did not help to save the game for L.S.B.. L.S.B.'s coach rotated ten players seeing no chance for a win. XV/Cosan moved-up to thirteenth place. Loser L.S.B. dropped to the tenth position with seven games lost. XV/Cosan will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. L.S.B. will play against Sao Jose/Vinac (#3) having rather not much hope for a victory.
The game between sixth ranked Pinheiros/Sky (8-3) and 8th ranked Gremio Mogi (6-4) in Sao Paolo ended with biggest points difference. Pinheiros/Sky outscored guests from Mogi das Cruzes 113-73. Olivinha Rodriguez fired 20 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Pinheiros/Sky have an impressive six-game winning streak. They moved-up to fifth place. Gremio Mogi at the other side dropped to the seventh position with four games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

In the last game of round 16 Vivo/Franca smashed America on the road 115-78.
The most impressive performance of 16th round was 30 points and 9 assists by Helinho Garcia of Vivo/Franca.

America - Vivo/Franca 78-115

No shocking result in a game when fourth ranked Vivo/Franca (8-2) crushed 14th ranked America (2-10) in Rio Preto 115-78. Vivo/Franca well out of reach of America shooting 73.1 percent from the field and made 27-of-28 charity shots (96.4 percent) during the game. They outrebounded America 28-13 including a 22-7 advantage in defensive rebounds. Vivo/Franca shot the lights out from three nailing 12 long-distance shots on high 63.2 percentage. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 26 assists. The former international guard Helinho Garcia (186-75) fired 30 points and 9 assists (on 10-of-11 shooting from the field) for the winners. The former international forward Marcio Dornelles (194-75) chipped in 27 points and 4 steals. Vivo/Franca's coach felt very confident that he used 11 players and allowed the starting five to rest. Negreti da Silva (-81) produced 13 points, 6 assists and 4 steals and power forward Eduardo Garcia (197-78) added 14 points respectively for lost side. Four Vivo/Franca and five America players scored in double figures. Vivo/Franca have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place, which they share with S.Jose/Vinac. America at the other side dropped to the fifteenth position with ten games lost. Vivo/Franca's next round opponent will be Rio Claro (#9) on the road where they are favorite. America will play against Araraquara (#7).
Top scorers:
Vivo/Franca: H.Garcia 30+4reb+9ast, M.Dornelles 27+3ast, B.Araujo 14+3reb+2ast, W.Drudi 14+4reb+1ast, F.Penna 9+2reb+3ast, R.Probst 6+5reb
America: C.Leal 15+2reb+2ast, Y.Viana 14+2reb+2ast, E.Garcia 14+3reb+2ast, N.da Silva 13+1reb+6ast, A.Matheus 12+2reb+1ast, T.Mathias 5+1reb

Sao Caetano - Inter Santos 92-82

Bottom-ranked Sao Caetano managed to get a second victory, breaking the four-game losing streak. This time they won against thirteenth-ranked Inter Santos 92-82. Sao Caetano made 18-of-22 charity shots (81.8 percent) during the game. They also forced 19 Inter Santos turnovers. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Rafael Malfi (188-91) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 28 points, 7 rebounds, 10 assists and 5 steals and center Willians da Silva (198-91) who added 19 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side power forward Cesar Araujo (201-81) responded with 22 points and 4 assists and guard Caue Rico (182-82) scored 14 points and 9 assists. Four Inter Santos players scored in double figures. Sao Caetano (2-10) moved-up to fifteenth place, which they share with America. Inter Santos lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the fourteenth position with nine games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Sao Caetano: R.Malfi 28+7reb+10ast, L.Dias 21+3reb+2ast, W.da Silva 19+8reb+2ast, F.Pires 9+7reb+3ast, G.de Oliveira 8+1ast, F.Souza 7+1reb
Inter Santos: C.Araujo 22+4reb+4ast, C.Rico 14+2reb+9ast, R.Mineiro 13+7reb+1ast, T.Rodrigo 11+1reb+1ast, M.Martins 8+7reb, S.Ortiz 6+1reb+1ast

Pinheiros/Sky - Gremio Mogi 113-73

The game between sixth ranked Pinheiros/Sky (8-3) and 8th ranked Gremio Mogi (6-4) in Sao Paolo ended with biggest points difference. Pinheiros/Sky outscored guests from Mogi das Cruzes 113-73. Pinheiros/Sky dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Gremio Mogi's 32. Pinheiros/Sky forced 19 Gremio Mogi turnovers and outrebounded them 33-22 including 25 on the defensive glass. They shot the lights out from three nailing 12 long-distance shots on high 66.7 percentage. Pinheiros/Sky players were unselfish on offense dishing 27 assists comparing to just 14 passes made by Gremio Mogi's players. International forward Olivinha Rodriguez (202-83) fired 20 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Naturalized American forward Shamell Stallworth (196-80, college: USF, agency: Interperformances) chipped in 20 points and 5 assists (made all of his seven free throws). Five Pinheiros/Sky players scored in double figures. Guard Gustavinho Lima (178-85) produced 13 points and 4 assists and forward Fernando Alvim (200-80) added 14 points respectively for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Pinheiros/Sky have an impressive six-game winning streak. They moved-up to fifth place. Gremio Mogi at the other side dropped to the seventh position with four games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Pinheiros/Sky: S.Stallworth 20+2reb+5ast, O.Rodriguez 20+7reb+2ast, M.Vieira 16+2reb+5ast, B.Fiorotto 12+10reb+1ast, M.Ferreira 11+4reb+1ast, J.Pablo Figueroa 10+5reb+5ast
Gremio Mogi: F.Alvim 14+3reb, G.Lima 13+3reb+4ast, P.I. Calderon 10+2reb, G.Filipin 8+2reb+5ast, T.Gehrke 7+2reb, E.Caviglia 7+3reb

Itabom/Bauru - Araraquara 70-63

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Itabom/Bauru as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Itabom/Bauru defeated 7th ranked Araraquara at home 70-63. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Araraquara. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Fernando Fischer (190-81) who helped to win the game recording 19 points. American guard Larry Taylor (185-80, college: Missouri Western) contributed with 9 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Center Deivisson Costa (211-80) replied with a double-double by scoring 10 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists and forward Ricardo de Azevedo (201-83) added 12 points in the effort for Araraquara. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Itabom/Bauru (10-1) have an impressive five-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. Araraquara at the other side keeps the seventh place with four games lost. They share the position with Gremio Mogi. Araraquara will play next round against America trying to get back on the winning streak. Itabom/Bauru will try to continue on its current victory against second ranked Winner/Limeira at home.
Top scorers:
Itabom/Bauru: F.Fischer 19+2reb+2ast, J.Agba 15+3reb, D.Nunes 12+5reb+1ast, L.Taylor 9+9reb+5ast, G.Deodato 6+3reb, P.Alves 4+1reb
Araraquara: R.de Azevedo 12+3reb, L.da Silva 11+1reb+2ast, D.Costa 10+12reb+4ast, D.Costa 9+4reb+1ast, T.Pereira 7+1reb+1ast, F.Dias 5+2reb+2ast

XV/Cosan - L.S.B. 85-65

Worth to mention about the upset in a game between L.S.B. (4-7) and XV/Cosan (2-8), which took place in Piracicaba. Higher ranked L.S.B. was outleveled in a road game by fifteenth ranked XV/Cosan 85-65 on Wednesday. They made 18-of-23 free shots (78.3 percent) during the game. XV/Cosan looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The winners were led by forward Caio Ranches (192-87) who scored that evening 22 points and 6 assists and forward Luciano Machado (198-85) supported him with 20 points and 6 rebounds. Four XV/Cosan players scored in double figures. Even 15 points by American guard Kenny Dawkins (175-87, college: Lamar) did not help to save the game for L.S.B.. Forward Luciano Matao (200-86, college: Idaho) added 13 points and 5 rebounds for lost side. L.S.B.'s coach rotated ten players seeing no chance for a win. XV/Cosan moved-up to thirteenth place. Loser L.S.B. dropped to the tenth position with seven games lost. XV/Cosan will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. L.S.B. will play against Sao Jose/Vinac (#3) having rather not much hope for a victory.
Top scorers:
XV/Cosan: C.Ranches 22+4reb+6ast, L.Machado 20+6reb+2ast, T.Silva 13+2reb+5ast, T.Oliveira 11+6reb+2ast, D.Gorauskas 8+8reb+4ast, F.Marques 7+2reb+1ast
L.S.B.: K.Dawkins 15+4reb+2ast, L.Matao 13+5reb+3ast, T.Labbate 10+8reb, J.Griffin 8, F.Russo 7+2reb+3ast, P.Nery 7+4reb+1ast

Garcia's 30-point game gives him Paulista Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket Center
36-year old guard Helinho Garcia (186-G-75) put on an amazing game in the last round for Vivo/Franca and receives a Latinbasket.com Paulista Player of the Week award for round 16.
He had the game-high 30 points adding four rebounds and nine assists for Vivo/Franca in his team's victory, helping them to outclass America (#15, 2-10) with 37-point margin 115-78. Vivo/Franca maintains the 4th position in Paulista. They are still close to the very top. Vivo/Franca would have been even better if they kept winning the games like in the last round. They have a solid 8-2 record. In the team's last game Garcia had a remarkable eight three-pointers out of 9 attempts. He has many years of experience at Vivo/Franca, through which he has constantly improved. Garcia has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in assists (4th best: 6.3apg) and averages solid 57.9% FGP and 56.5% from behind 3-point line.

Second best performed player last round was Rafael Malfi (188-G-91) of Sao Caetano. He is a guard in his first season at Sao Caetano. In the last game Malfi recorded impressive double-double of 28 points and 10 assists. Of course Sao Caetano cruised to a 92-82 relatively comfortable win over slightly higher-ranked Inter Santos (#14, 2-9). The game was between two teams which are definitely not main contenders for the title. Sao Caetano is still at the dead bottom 16th position. 10 lost games are too many comparing to just two victories Sao Caetano managed to get this year. Malfi is a newcomer at Sao Caetano and quickly became one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to another Vivo/Franca's star - forward Marcio Dornelles (194-F-75). Dornelles scored 27 points. He was another key player of Vivo/Franca, helping his team with a 115-78 easy win against the lower-ranked America (#15, 2-10). Vivo/Franca is closer and closer to the top of the standings. They will still need more victories. But 8-2 record is not that bad... Dornelles has a very solid season. In 10 games in Brazil he scored 17.8ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Luciano Machado (198-F-85) of XV/Cosan - 20 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Olivinha Rodriguez (202-F-83) of Pinheiros/Sky - 20 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Shamell Stallworth (196-F-80) of Pinheiros/Sky - 20 points, 2 rebounds and 5 assists
7. Marquinhos Vieira (207-F-84) of Pinheiros/Sky - 16 points, 2 rebounds and 5 assists
8. Larry Taylor (185-G-80) of Itabom/Bauru - 9 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists
9. Cesar Araujo (201-F/C-81) of Inter Santos - 22 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists
10. Caio Ranches (192-F-87) of XV/Cosan - 22 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists

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

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BULGARIA

PAO is coming for the benefis of Bulgarian legend Georgi Mladenov - by Eurobasket
Bulgaria is getting excited each day and preparing for the most significant sports event in the country for 2011. Bulgarian vice-champion and silver medalist for the National Cup last season - Levski Sofia vs Euroleague and Greek champion Panathinaikos Athens - the game starts at 19:30 h, on 28th September 2011. The host is Bulgarian brand new 'Armeetz Arena' in Sofia - the new home for volleyball and basketball National teams. This game is awaited benefis of one of the greatest Bulgarian basketball players - Georgi Mladenov, who grown up and spent the best time of his long and successful career in 'blue' jersey.
49-years old Mladenov is 13 times champion and 9 times National Cup holder. Nive of his titles are with Levski Sofia, five of his Cups are with 'The Blues' as well. Levski Sofia, thanks to the good contacts and great ambition of their head coach Konstantin Papazov, are organizing the show in the last 3 months. For Mladenov, who seems to be in excellent shape after joining 'The Blues' two days ago and practicing with the team in Sofia, and for all the fans and basketball community in Bulgaria, is a question of honour to see Panathinaikos Athens coming with their full roster and stars for the match, of course led by Zeljko Obradovic - the man with 8 European crowns, 6 of them with PAO.

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CHINA

China Swamps Lebanon as Iran Shocked by Jordan - by Arthur Volbert
China defeated Lebanon 68-48 in the quarter-finals of the FIBA Asian Championship. Jordan, led by CBA stars Osama Daghles and Zaid Abbas, shocked Iran 88-84 and deprived Iran of any hope for going to the 2012 Olympics.

China led 14-12 after one quarter, 28-22 at the half and 51-32 after three quarters. China outshot Lebanon 46 percent to 28 percent from the floor, 70 percent to 63 percent from the free throw line and outrebounded Jordan 39 to 34. Each team had 16 turnovers. Liu Wei (190-PG-80) led China with 13 points. Yi Jianlian had 12 points and 9 rebounds while Wang Zhizhi had 12 points and 4 rebounds. Zhang Zhaoxu had 8 points and 6 rebounds in 17 minutes. Non-native Samuel Hoskin led Lebanon with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Ghaled Reda had 15 points and 4 rebounds.

Iran, which was favored to meet China in the championship final, lost to Jordan 88-84 and will now play for fifth place in the tourney. Hamed Haddadi had 27 points and 14 rebounds, playing the entire game but got insufficient support from the remainder of the team. Daghles had 23 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists, and showed the all-round game he displayed at Shanxi where he successfully replaced Stephon Marbury. Abbas, who has starred at both Shanghai and Beijing, had 10 points and 7 rebounds.

China will face Korea tomorrow in a semi-final. Korea crushed Japan today 86-67. 7-3 Ha Seung Jin made his longest appearance in the tourney and had 14 points and 8 rebounds. The Phillipines will face Jordan in the other semifinal, after blasting Chinese Taipei 95-78. Non-native Marcus Douthit led with 37 points and 10 rebounds. The Philippines are a superior team to the one that lost to China by 15 in the preliminary round, fortified by the eligibility of non-natives Chris Lutz and Marcio Lassiter.

Other scores:
UAE 89 Malaysia 87
Syria 97 Uzbekistan 65

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CROATIA

A1 Standings

A1 Standings

1. Alkar Sinj		0-0
2. Borik		0-0
3. Darda		0-0
4. Dubrovnik		0-0
5. Jolly JBS		0-0
6. KK Split		0-0
7. Krizevci		0-0
8. Kvarner 2010		0-0
9. Svjetlost		0-0
10. Zabok		0-0
11. Zadar		0-0
Play in international cups:
1. Cedevita		-
2. Cibona		-
3. KK Zagreb CO		-

KK Zabok adds Kruslin to their roster - by Eurobasket Center
KK Zabok agreed terms with 22-year old guard Filip Kruslin (198-G-89, agency: Interperformances). Kruslin played most recently at Bosna ASA BH Telecom Sarajevo (Bosnia). While playing 2 games in EuroChallenge Qualifying Round for Bosna last season he recorded 7.0ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.5apg and 2.0spg. He also played 23 games in Bosnian League and his stats were 9.4ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.3apg and 1.0spg. He is a very experienced player. Kruslin played also pro basketball in Bosnia, Greece, Latvia and Spain.

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CYPRUS

KERAVNOS AND ETHA - EUROCHALLENGE 2011/2012 - by Dr. Nasios Orinos
A total of 45 teams from all corners of Europe were involved in the Draws for the Eurocup Qualifying Round and the EuroChallenge Qualifying Round and Regular Seasons which took place in Barcelona, Spain.
16 clubs will play in the Eurocup Qualifying Round, with the winners moving on to play in the Eurocup Regular Season while the losing teams will enter the EuroChallenge Regular Season.

The EuroChallenge Regular Season line-up will feature 32 clubs.
A total of 19 teams have already qualified directly and will be drawn into the Regular Season groups during the Barcelona event.
8 others will emerge following the Eurocup Qualifying Round which features 16 clubs.
The 8 winning teams from those two-game, head-to-head games will advance to the Eurocup Regular Season while the losing clubs will play in EuroChallenge.

It should be noted that Keravnos will battle in the EuroChallenge Regular Season group 8 against Pau Orthez (France), the winner of Szolnoki (HUN)/Tampere (FIN) and the EC Qualifier (Gran Canaria (ESP) or Artland Dragons (GER).
It should be highlighted that Dragons have signed Anthony King who played the last two years for Etha. King won the eurobasket.com Best Player of the Year Award in 2010-2011.

Etha will battle in the eurocup qualifying round against Spartak SP. If it loses it will then enter the EuroChallenge Regular Season and battle in group 6 against Krasnye or Triumph (Russia), Olin (Turkey) and Aalstar (Belgium).

Analytically the Draw results:

EUROCUP QUALIFYING ROUND:
BC Azovmash - BK Ventspils (EC Qualifier 1)
Gran Canaria 2014 - Artland Dragons (EC Qualifier 2)
Dexia Mons Hainaut - Besiktas JK (EC Qualifier 3)
Cedevita Zagreb - Elan Chalon (EC Qualifier 4)
Le Mans Sarthe Basket - Pinar Karsiyaka (EC Qualifier 5)
BC Telenet Oostende - Norrkoeping Dolphins (EC Qualifier 6)
BC Spartak St. Petersburg - Etha Engomis (EC Qualifier 7)
BK Prostejov - PBC Lukoil Academic (EC Qualifier 8)

EUROCHALLENGE QUALIFYING ROUND:
Spartak Primorie (RUS -Enisey Krasnoyask (RUS) (EuroChallenge Qualifier 1)
Triumph Lyubertsy (RUS) - Krasnye Krylia (RUS) (EuroChallenge Qualifier 2)
BC Sokhumi (GEO) - Minsk 2006 (BLR) (EuroChallenge Qualifier 3)
Atomeroemue (HUN) - Arkadia Traiskirchen (AUT) (EuroChallenge Qualifier 4)
Pyrintoe Tampere (FIN) - Szolnoki Olaj KK (HUN) (EuroChallenge Qualifier 5)

EUROCHALLENGE REGULAR SEASON:
GROUP A
1. BK Bemaco SPU Nitra
2. Fuenlabrada
3. EC Qualifier 6
4. EWE Baskets Oldenburg
GROUP B
1. Armia
2. ZZ Leiden Basket
3. EC Qualifier 3
4. BG Goettingen
GROUP C
1. BK Pardubice
2. BC Goverla
3. EC Qualifier 8
4. Chorale de Roanne
GROUP D
1. (Arkadia Traiskirchen/Atomeroemue)
2. BC Khimik Yuzhny
3. EC Qualifier 1
4. Nizhny Novgorod
GROUP E
1. (Enisey/Spartak Primorie)
2. U-Mobitel Cluj
3. EC Qualifier 4
4. Antwerp Giants
GROUP F
1. (Krasnye Krylia/Triumph)
2. Olin Edirne Basket
3. EC Qualifier 7
4. Generali Okapi Aalstar
GROUP G
1. (Minsk 2006/Sokhumi)
2. Turk Telekom
3. EC Qualifier 5
4. Telekom Bonn
GROUP H
1. (Szolnoki/Pyrintoe Tampere)
2. Keravnos
3. EC Qualifier 2
4. Pau-Orthez

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CZECH REPUBLIC

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings

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

Standings - D2

1Liga Standings

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

Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game

Esian HENDERSON
  Levice
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 19

1. Henderson, Levice	19.0
2. Peterson, BK Prost.	18.0
3. Grant, Levice	17.0
4. Pandula, BK Prost.	14.0
5. Venta, BK Prostej.	13.0
6. Cadri-N., BK Prost.	13.0
7. Stemberger, Levice	11.0
8. Bernard, Levice	11.0
9. Prasil, BK Prost.	8.0
10. Cervenka, Levice	4.0

Rebounds Per Game

Matej VENTA
  BK Prostejov
  (187-G-84)
  Avg: 9

1. Venta, BK Prostej.	9.0
2. Prasil, BK Prost.	6.0
3. Peterson, BK Prost.	6.0
4. Henderson, Levice	6.0
5. Cadri-N., BK Prost.	5.0
6. Grant, Levice	5.0
7. Pandula, BK Prost.	5.0
8. Vojtek, Levice	4.0
9. Bohacik, BK Prost.	4.0
10. Bernard, Levice	4.0

Assists Per Game

Sinisa STEMBERGER
  Levice
  (195-G-79)
  Avg: 4

1. Stemberger, Levice	4.0
2. Eitutavicius, BK P.	3.0
3. Cadri-N., BK Prost.	3.0
4. Grant, Levice	2.0
5. Peterson, BK Prost.	2.0
6. Bohacik, BK Prost.	2.0
7. Henderson, Levice	2.0
8. Bernard, Levice	2.0
9. Klein, Levice	1.0
10. Bratcenkov, BK Pr.	1.0

Steals Per Game

Sinisa STEMBERGER
  Levice
  (195-G-79)
  Avg: 3

1. Stemberger, Levice	3.0
2. Grant, Levice	2.0
3. Venta, BK Prostej.	1.0
4. Prasil, BK Prost.	1.0
5. Peterson, BK Prost.	1.0
6. Cadri-N., BK Prost.	1.0
7. Kostomaj, Levice	1.0
8. Bohacik, BK Prost.	1.0
9. Pandula, BK Prost.	1.0
10. Bratcenkov, BK Pr.	1.0

Blocks Per Game

Bertengeh CADRI-NICHOLSON
  BK Prost.
  (208-C-83)
  Avg: 3

1. Cadri-N., BK Prost.	3.0
2. Grant, Levice	3.0
3. Henderson, Levice	1.0
4. Bernard, Levice	1.0
5. Kostomaj, Levice	0.0
6. Eitutavicius, BK P.	0.0
7. Cervenka, Levice	0.0
8. Stec, Levice	0.0
9. Bratcenkov, BK Pro.	0.0
10. Peterson, BK Pros.	0.0

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DENMARK

Hope and Question Marks Surround Aalborg and Vaerlose As CDL Season Kicks Off Tomorrow - by Armen Rhodes
The 2011-2012 CDL season tips-off tomorrow in Aalborg, where the Vikings play host to visiting Vaerlose at 3 PM local time. Action from the game can be followed in real-time via the www.canaldigitalligaen.dk website.

Both teams shared similar themes in their offseason rebuilding strategies, and look to be among a handful of clubs toward the bottom of the table that will be competing for the last few playoff spots this year.

Most notably, on the Aalborg side, the Vikings bid farewell to superstar point guard Marquis Hall and rising Danish star Henrik Falsvig, who left the club for greener pastures in Bakken. Replacing them are former Texas State standouts Ryan White and Tony Bishop, the ladder of whom will be unavailable for the Vaerlose game due to a delay in his paperwork.

The Vikings also intend to give 7 foot center Sami Eleraky a much more integral role in the team's rotation this season, after the youngster's impressive performance in the Under 18 European Championship this offseason. The 18-year old has been in the starting lineup for all of Aalborg's preseason friendly matches.

Additionally, the club re-extended the contract of head coach John Staudt, who took over for Thomas Quaade prior to last season's relegation playoffs. Whether or not the decision to bring back Staudt -- who, at 29 years old, is one of Europe's youngest head coaches --pays off for Aalborg, remains to be seen. On one hand, the young coach did guide the Vikings through an improbable march toward avoiding relegation. On the other hand, Aalborg's ambitions to make the playoffs this season rest on the shoulders of a coach who is only entering his first full season as a professional head coach.

As for Vaerlose, after a run to the CDL playoffs last year the club is once again pointing toward the post season as their primary goal. The team dealt with some budget issues in the offseason, and as a result, lost several of the key players that led them to the playoffs last year. Among the most notable newcomers to the team are former Cornell teammates Aaron Osgood-Richardson and Adam Wire, both of whom will be unavailable for the opener in Aalborg due to immigration paperwork delays.

Similar to the Vikings, the Vaerlose side will be pointing toward a young Danish Under 18 national team player to step up and emerge as a force in the CDL this year. Vaerlose's 7 foot center Rasmus Larsen has been pegged to have a major role in the lineup following his dominant performance in the Under 18 European Championships and a strong showing in Treviso, Italy at the Adidas Eurocamp this summer.

While the Vaerlose frontcourt seems rock solid with the Cornell duo and Larsen, the backcourt remains the team's biggest question mark, with unproven Peter Simonsen at the point guard position and Iceland native Axel Karason at the shooting guard.

Both teams should be in a tight race all year long between fighting for relegation and the final playoff spots. If the ball bounces right for either club a mid-table finish is not out of the question, and if things go the slightest bit wrong the dreaded relegation playoff will once again become a reality.

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EBA

Hudson Valley Hype Sign Two New York Area College Stars - by EBA Media
Coach Pickett explains, I firmly believe that in order to win you have to start at the bottom and work your way up. The old saying you have to crawl before you walk applies to all aspects of life, especially basketball. As the Hudson Valley Hype enters into our 3rd year we have come a long way, not only as an organization but as a franchise. It can be seen in the professionalism of our website and now the quality of our players.

This evolution started with Syracuse star Louie McCrowskey becoming a member of the Hype and has continued with such names as Lloyd Johnson and Lloyd Clinton. The Hudson Valley Hype is proud to announce that this season we are welcoming two more names to the star studded roster, Anderson LaBase and Lex James are new contract players for the 2011/2012 season. Those with any basketball knowledge in the New York area understand what those names mean to the game of basketball. If you dont, take a minute to visit their player profiles on our website (www.hudsonvalleyhype.com). If you still dont believe the Hype, come to our Fall Basketball Festival season opener the weekend of November 12th and 13th and see these and the other future stars of the Eastern Basketball Alliance.

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EL SALVADOR

First playoff results - by Jaime Arevalo
The two 'game 1' of Liga de Baloncesto Playoff were played on tuesday, Sept.20 night, and were both well played.
In the first one, Leones-Automoto took a surprining win over Denver, 94-91 after an overtime. Denver had ended the first three quarters ahead, but during the last one Leones managed to came bac, ending the regulation on 78-78. Roberto Gomez (185-G-87) led the Leones attack with 24 points, Nestor Montalvo (G) added 19 at the winning side. Hector Ceron (191-F-81) scored 20 points for Denver, and Mauricio Lahud (176-PG-84) well assisted him with 17 points.
Top raknked San Marcos had, instead an easier job in defeating, 89-60 ExSal. Miguel Banos (186-F/C-84) was the best performer with 20 points, Fabio Molina (195-G/F-81) added 15 and Salvador Bandek (181-G-78) 14 at San Marcos side. Martin Ignacio Ramos (170-PG-92) topped all the scorers at 22, Jose Miguel Torres (184-G/F-91) added 13

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EUROLEAGUE

Maccabi to Battle Nancy in Pro Stars Finals, Beat Gravelines 93:79 - by David Pick
After demolishing Cholet 105:74 in their Pro Stars tournament opener, Maccabi Tel-Aviv hoped for another easy 'W' tonight against Gravelines, however, the hosts clearly had different plans dragging the Israeli champions to a tough OT dog-battle, ending with an Israeli, 93:79, triumph.

Head coach David Blatt told yesterdays starting five-men to take the court once again as Farmar, Smith, Blu, Ohayon and big Sofo began the first-quarter with a 6:2 and 16:8 advantage, before Gravelines made an impressive run ending the first-period with a 19:18 lead. The French hosts maintained their advantage but Blu kept Maccabi close (30:25), and Farmar's buzzer-beating lay-up ended the first-half with the Israelis down by the same first quarter single-point deficit, 38:37.

Gravelines returned from the locker rooms on fire immediately taking a double-digit 47:37 lead, as Blatt sent all five-starters to the bench. Blu reminded his opponents why he's considered one of Europe's top shooters bringing Maccabi back into business, giving them a third-session improvement, 59:55. Both teams exchanged fourth-quarter buckets sending the game to overtime (75:75), yet at this point, the hosts ran out of air scoring just four-points in five-minutes, allowing Maccabi to easily qualify to the tourney's finals with an exhausting, 93:79, 'W'.

David Blu and Guy Pnini combined for five-treys scoring 13 points each, Papaloukas and Farmar each split 12 points, Smith 11 (6reb), Hendrix 9 (6reb), Ohayon 8, Sofo 6, James 4 (8reb), Scheyer 3 and Burstein finished with 2 points.

Tomorrow, Maccabi will play Nancy in the finals and look to win its second Pro Stars title in three years.

For more Israeli basketball updates follow David Pick on Twitter: @Dpick_Mvd

Asseco Prokom lands Donatas Motiejunas - by Eurobasket News
Donatas Motiejunas (213-F/C-90, agency: Interperformances) will play next season for Asseco Prokom. The Polish powerhouse agreed a one-year loan with Benetton Treviso. Motiejunas will first undergo a physical examination before joining training this weekend. Donatas Motiejunas averaged 12.8 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.2 steals for 37 games in SerieA last season. He also added 10.2 ppg and 5.3 rpg for 18 games in EuroCup. Motiejunas joined Benetton in 2009 from Aisciai Kaunas. In the past he played for Zalgiris Kaunas and Zalgiris-Sabonio. Motiejunas was 20th overall pick this year at the NBA Draft. Minnesota selected him and he was traded to Houston later. Donatas Motiejunas was Eurocup Rising Star Trophy winner last season. In 2008, he was named Eurobasket.com All-European Championships U18 Best Player (Silver medal). In 2009, Motiejunas was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Lithuanian LKL Most Improved Player of the Year.

Dusko Savanovic officially joins Anadolu Efes - by Eurobasket News
Power Electronics Valencia and Dusko Savanovic (204-F/C-83, agency: Beo Basket) terminated deal today and the player officially became a new member of Anadolu Efes. The Serbian PF was announced by Efes during the summer, but his signing became official today. Efes paid a buy-out fee and Valencia made Savanovic a free agent. Dusko Savanovic appeared 21 times for Valencia in Euroleague last season averaging 11.9 points and 4.5 rebounds. He helped them reach Quarterfinals. In ACB, Savanovic added 11.4 ppg, 5.3 rpg and 1.2 apg for 36 games. From 2008 to 2010, Savanovic played for Cajasol Sevilla. He had 14.7 ppg and 4.8 rpg in their second season together. In the past, he was a member of Unics Kazan and FMP Zeleznik. Savanovic is active member of the Serbian National Team since 2008.

Head coaches meet in Istanbul - by Eurobasket News
With the start of the new 2011-12 season just around the corner, 36 head coaches from the Turkish Airlines Euroleague and the Eurocup met in Istanbul, Turkey on Wednesday to discuss issues pertaining to rules, interpretations and points of emphasis in advance of the first official games, the qualifying rounds of both competitions that begin next week. The annual sitdown between the coaches and the Euroleague Basketball refereeing department helps formulate the rule interpretations and points of emphasis prior to the start of a new season.

Euroleague Basketball Director of Referees Costas Rigas presided over the meeting, in which the coaches were able to review video examples, make comments and discuss the officiating for the coming season. As always, both sides also discussed rule changes and made proposals for future seasons.

Rigas applauded the cooperation of the coaches in making the meeting a success. 'I am very pleased with the exchange of information that took place between coaches and the refereeing department. I am glad that we were able to have an open discussion touching on details of refereeing. We will now take the coaches' input and present this during our preseason refereeing clinic over the next few days.'

'I came back from Istanbul with a very positive feeling and it was a good experience as always. It's always useful to meet all coaches and the referee's commission in one place.' Caja Laboral head coach Dusko Ivanovic said. 'The essence of that convention is dialogue. This platform for dialogue is very important is has been there since the creation of the Euroleague. Euroleague Basketball cares about this dialogue and advances it continuously every year.'

Courtesy of Euroleague

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FRANCE

Nicolas De Jong several weeks out - by Eurobasket News
Strasbourg's Nicolas de Jong (210-C-88) will be out for several weeks due to injury. The French big guy suffered double fracture of his left hand during the practice on Tuesday night. De Jong joined Strasbourg IG last summer from Vichy. He helped Vichy to reach the French Cup Semifinals this year. He appeared 22 times in ProA averaging 3 points and 2 rebounds. Nicolas de Jong played for Vichy from 2008 until this summer. In their first season together he played just 11 games for the club in total. In 2009/10, he appeared seven times. Nicolas de Jong played for Tours-Joue Basket in the past. They competed in N2.

Budivelnyk beats Paris-Levallois, 82-66 - by Eurobasket News
Budivelnyk - Paris-Levallois 82-66

Budivelnyk celebrated in Day One of the Tournament in Alfortville. The reigning Ukrainian champion cruised past Peris-Levallois 82-66. Michailis Anisimovas (214-C-84) was the leading player in victory with 18 points. Zach Morley (203-F-83, college: Wisconsin) secured a great help adding 15 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Andrei Malysh (204-C/F-83) collected 13 points and 6 boards. In the loosing squad, Eric Chatfield (191-G-79, college: N.Mexico) top-scored with 21 points. Lamont Hamilton (208-F-84, college: St.John's) and Michel Morandais (197-G/F-79, college: Colorado) netted 13 and 9 points respectively. Last quarter was the crucial one in this game. Before that, Paris-Levallois made 17-19 in the first ten minutes and Budivelnyk responded with 22-13 in Q2. The French team came to minus 5 before the last quarter, but that Michailis Anisimovas and his teammates exploded and with 24-13 secured comfortable victory in this game.

Budivelnyk: Michailis Anisimovas 18, Zach Morley 15+6 boards+5 as, Andrei Malysh 13+6 boards
Paris-Levallois: Eric Chatfield 21, Lamont Hamilton 13, Michel Morandais 9

Cholet faces with 74-105 loss against Maccabi Electra - by Eurobasket News
Cholet - Maccabi Electra 74-105

Cholet and Maccabi Electra met in a friendly game yesterday. The Israeli powerhouse handed 74-105 loss for former French champions. Maccabi took control on Cholet from the beginning and never looked back. Actually, Cholet started the game with 16-14 in the first five minutes, but than Maccabi made amazing 4-19 series for rest of the first quarter. They jumped to 37-56 until the halftime and question about the winner was already resolved. Maccabi was 53-78 up after 30 minutes and finally celebrated 74-105 win at the end. Sofoklis Schortsanitis (206-C-85) scored 16 points in victory and Jordan Farmar (188-PG-86, college: UCLA) had one less. Shawn James (208-C/F-83, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices, college: Northeastern) had 14, Richard Hendrix (203-F/C-86, agency: Avi Zilberman, college: Alabama) 13 and Guy Pnini (200-F/G-83) added 11 pts. In Cholet, Fabien Causeur (193-G-87) shined with 19 points. Talor Battle (182-PG-88, college: Penn St.) had 13 pts and Carl Ona-Embo (186-G-89) stopped to 9 pts.

Cholet: Fabien Causeur 19, Talor Battle 13, Carl Ona-Embo 9
Maccabi Electra: Sofoklis Schortsanitis 16, Jordan Farmar 15, Shawn James 14, Richard Hendrix 13, Guy Pnini 11

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FYR MACEDONIA

Hemofarm cruises past Kumanovo in a friendly - by Eurobasket News
Hemofarm Stada - Kumanovo 92-77

Hemofarm Stada and Kumanovo met in a friendly game yesterday. The Serbian team was much better celebrating 15-point win at the end, 92-77. Hemofarm took control on Kumanovo from the beginning and never looked back. The hosts made impressive 26-10 lead in the first ten minutes and jumped to plus 19 until the halftime. Kumanovo was not able to respond after the breather, despite they made 18-22 in Q3. Last ten minutes ended with 19-19 tie and Hemofarm celebrated easy win at the end. Boris Savovic (206-F-87) and Mladen Jeremic (196-G-88, agency: Interperformances) stepped up for the hosts with 16 points each. Ivan Maras (208-C/F-86, agency: Beo Basket) and Marko Sutalo (194-G-83, agency: BeoExcell) netted 12 and 10 points respectively. Milan Janjusevic (196-F-83) shined in defeat with 20 points. Aleksandar Kostoski (188-G-88, agency: Global Sports Plaza) and Darko Matic (192-G-84, agency: 011 Sports) stopped to 16 and 14 pts.

Hemofarm Stada: Boris Savovic 16+7 boards, Mladen Jeremic 16+5 as, Ivan Maras 12+7 boards, Marko Sutalo 10
Kumanovo: Milan Janjusevic 20, Aleksandar Kostoski 16+5 boards, Darko Matic 14

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GERMANY

The Giessen 46ers Make A Friday Double Strike With Barry Stewart And Achmadschah Zazai - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
After being fish bait for the Fraport Skyliners last week and having to hear more criticism about his team as well as first warnings about the Giessen 46ers being one of the sure teams of landing in the Pro A next season, mastermind head coach and Pat Riley clone Bjoren Harmsen reacted by getting a Friday double strike with Barry Stewart (191-G-88, college: Mississippi St.) and Achmadschah Zazai (177-PG-86). With Barry Stewart (191-G-88, college: Mississippi St.), the team gets a strong shooting guard and with the speedy gonzalez Achmadscah Zazai a very talented point guard who should give strength at the point guard position something which had been a question mark the last weeks. 'We noticed that we still needed some help in order to stay in the league. We hadplanned to go into the season with Radenko Pilcevic, Matthias Perl,Misan Nikagbatse and Dominic Lockhart, but Perl isnt 100% yet after his injury and Misan still needs more time to find the form he needs after his two year pause. he is unable to stop quick guards on account of athletic deficits on defense. we have to be deep at every position in order to be to play our systems', stressed Bjoern Harmsen .

Stewart is a 23 year old 191cm guard from Shelbyville,Tennessee. This will be his second season in Germany. Last season, he played for TBB Trier (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 35 games: 8.8ppg, 3.4rpg, FGP: 35.8%, 3PT: 31.4%, FT: 78.4%. 'His strength is on defense. last season, he often defended the opponents best player. On offense, he had problems in the first half, but in the second half, he improved', stressed Bjoern Harmsen. Stewart played at Mississippi St. (NCAA) from 2006-2010 and in his senior year played 36 games: 11.8ppg, 3.6rpg, 2.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 37.4%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 71.4%.Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been SEC Western Division Runner-Up -07, SEC Tournament Semifinals -07, 08, All-Freshman Team -07, SEC Eastern Division Regular Season Champion -08, NIT Final Four -07, SEC Tournament Winner -09, SEC All-Tournament Team -09, 10, SEC West Division Regular Season Co-Champion -10, and SEC Tournament Finalist -10.

Achmadsachah Zazai may be a 177cm Afghani-German guard and only 24 years old, but the LTi Giessen 46ers will be his 13th team since 2003.He started this season for the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg, but was recently released. Last season,he played BV Chemnitz 99 (Germany-ProA, starting five): 30 games: 11.6ppg, 2.8rpg, Assists-2 (5.9apg), Steals-4 (2.1spg), FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 64.7%. He plays with a lot of energy and brings pressure on defense and has an aggressive penetration to the hoop', stressed Bjoern Harmsen.he started his basketball career with TUS Lichterfelde Berlin (2.Bundesliga) where he played from 2002-2005. In 2005-2006, he played for SG FT/MTV Braunschweig (2.Bundesliga, starting five): 28 games: 6.3ppg, 1.3rpg, 2.2apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 48.3%, 3FGP: 26.9%, FT: 75.0%. In 2006-2007, he played for BSG Ludwigsburg (Germany-Regionalliga): 15 games: 19.3ppg, has also a license for EnBW Ludwigsburg (1. Bundesliga): 12 games: 1.1ppg. In 2007-2008, he played for Bremen Roosters (Germany-ProA): 14 games: 3.4ppg, 1.1apg, in Jan.'08 signed at Horsens IC (Denmark-Ligaen, starting five): 8 games: 9.8ppg, 3.0rpg, Assists-3 (4.5apg), 2.4spg, 2FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 29.0%, FT: 92.0%. In 2008-2009, he played for Telemotive Muenchen (Germany-ProB): 25 games: 13.6ppg, 2.4rpg, Assists-4 (5.5apg), Steals-5 (2.2spg), FGP: 53.9%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 82.4%.In 2009-2010, he played for Artland Dragons Quakenbrueck (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 3 games: 0pts, in Dec.'09 moved to TV 1862 Langen (Germany-ProA): 4 games: 8.5ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.5apg, 1.3spg; left in Jan.'10, later that month signed at USC Freiburg (Germany-ProA, starting five): 14 games: 10.4ppg, 2.5rpg, Assists-5 (4.9apg), Steals-1 (2.4spg), FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 21.8%, FT: 76.0%.Awards/Achievements in his career have been European Championships U20 in Izmir (Turkey) -06: 8 games: 5.0ppg, 2.1rpg, 3.1apg, 1.9spg, German Bundesliga Cup Semifinals -07,German Bundesliga Regular Season Runner-Up -07, German Bundesliga Semifinals -07, and Eurobasket.com German 2. Bundesliga Pro A All-Domestic Players Team -11.

Source: LTi Giessen 46ers

Michael Jordan (I HAVE To Win. I NEED To Win) - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
34 year old Michael Jordan (183-PG-77, college: Pennsylvania) is a 183cm guard from Philadelphia. He played at the University of Pennsylvania graduating in 2000. His first two years found him jumping around leagues in France and Spain before he found a new home in Germany with TSV Quackenbruck. In the 2002-2003 season, he helped lead Quackenbruck into the BBL with exceptional stats in 30 games, 21.1 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 6.9 apg. He helped turn The Artland Dragons into a playoff team in the 2004-2005 season as they lost the BBL Quarterfinal playoff series to The Opel Skyliners in five games. That season he averaged in 34 games: 11.1ppg, 3.4rpg, Ast-1 (6.4apg), 1.3spg, 2.6bpg, 2FGP: 52.5%, 3FGP: 31.3%. The next season, he was released by The Artland Drgaons, but went to Rhein Energie Cologne and won the BBL championship in 2006 averaging in 33 games: 9.8ppg, 2.3rpg, Assists-4 (4.1apg), 1.0spg, 2FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 40.3%, FT: 52.2%. The next season, he went to Italy and played at Cantu where he led the league in assists and averaged in 37 games: 13.8ppg, 2.7rpg, Assists-1 (5.2apg), 2.0spg, 2FGP: 54.6%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 74.0%. The next season, he played in Belgium for Charleroi averaging in 15 games: 9.5ppg, 1.6rpg, 3.6apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 90.0%;. He had injury problems and finished the season in Greece with PAOK. In 2008-2009 after a very short stay in Israel, he played a few months in Bamberg before going to the Cologne 99ers averaging 10,5ppg, 2,4rpg and leading the BBL in assists with 6,2apg. In 2009-2010, he played for Phoenix Hagen helping the team remain in the BEKO BBL. He played 16 games: 8.9ppg, 2.3rpg, Assists-5 (5.3apg), FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 73.3%. Last season, he played for Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 19 games: 9.3ppg, 1.9rpg, 4.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 80.6%; in Jan.'11 moved to LTi Giessen 46ers (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 14 games: 7.1ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.7apg, FGP: 40.4%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 72.7%. Michael spoke to eurobasket about basketball and his current situation.

It is September now and your still unsigned. How surprised are you about this? Is the Market even tighter now then the last few years due to the lockout?

I'm really surprised because I thought I played well enough last year to earn a job for this season. I did what I was brought in to do you know? I guess The lockout plays a role, but still it's a bit disappointing.

What are the biggest difficulties for Michael Jordan (183-PG-77, college: Pennsylvania) finding a team right now? I am sure your agent is working day and night to find you a team?

Honestly, If I knew I would feel better about the situation. My agent Refiloe Lethunya is doing what he can to get me a job. Just a little difficult at the moment and neither of us know why exactly. I have a few theories though.

In 2009, you came a few months into the season to Phoenix Hagen and last year, you were signed early by MBC. Is getting signed sometimes like a lottery where you dont know what will happen?

Yeah unless you sign a multi-year deal it's always up in the air if you will receive another contract. Especially when your team didn't do so well the year before.

Most teams are filled at the moment. what is your current strategy about finding a team?

Just have to keep plugging away and talking to teams and see if they aren't happy or wait until someone gets injured. That is how it normally works out

The most common knock about you is your age. You are 34. How much of a weight does that fill into the equation in 2011 with teams looking for players?

I guess some teams are scared off by the fact that i'm 34 but age is just a number Miles. I feel good and I know I can play

What do you tell critics who say you have lost a step or two?

I don't say anything to them. I can show them better than I can tell them Miles

What have you been working on this summer the most in your game?

I've worked on every aspect of my game this summer.

Does conditioning play more of a role at 34. How does a normal conditioning day look like for you?

Conditioning plays a role at any age. I've been running in the woods, and working out with College guys to keep in shape.

An Aubrey Reese who is a few years younger than you signed with PRO A team Gloria Giants Duesseldorf. Is going to a lower league not an option for you?

Miles, I want to play. I'd like to be in a good situation but the bottom line is I want to play and have the opportunity to prove the naysayers wrong yet again.

What is the biggest strength that Michael Jordan (183-PG-77, college: Pennsylvania) can give any team at the age of 34?

I know how to run the team and set the table. Basically, my knowledge of the game. Experience

If you could describe the passion of Michael Jordan (183-PG-77, college: Pennsylvania) to win basketball games in one or two sentences how would you do it?

Some people want to win, the like to win. I HAVE to win. I NEED to win

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Last Movie I saw was 'Captain America'

The Beko BBL really is missing your big smile now. Which current American player now in the beko BBL will take the big smile award?

Biggest Smile, I have the slightest Idea probably someone on a team that is winning and having fun on the court. Thanks Miles

Thanks MJ for the chat.

Christian Behrends dies of cancer - by Moritz Korff
SVD 49 Dortmund forward Christian Behrends (200-F-89) lost his battle with cancer on Wednesday evening. He was 22 years old.
In the 2010-11 season he played the season opener for the 49ers and afterwards had to step back due to the disease.
Behrens was the 2008-09 Eurobasket.com All-1. Regionalliga West Newcomer of the Year. He played for the Iserlohn Kangaroos in the 2. Bundesliga and the 1. Regionalliga West until 2009 and then moved on to Dortmund.

Will Creekmore Joins Erdgas Ehingen - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Shortly before the start of the PRO A season, Erdgas Ehingen got active on the transfer market gaining Will Creekmore (205-C-89, college: Missouri St.). Creekmore is a 22 year old 205cm center from Tulsa, Oklahoma. He will be starting his professional career in Germany and he comes from the NCAA where he played for Missouri St. (NCAA) playing 35 games: 11.3ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 56.9%, FT: 60.7%. Creekmore started his NCAA career for Boston U in 2007 playing 4 games: 2.8ppg, 2.5rpg. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been AEC Tournament Semifinals -08, MVC All-Bench Team -09, MVC Scholar-Athlete 2nd Team -09, MVC All-Scholar-Athlete 1st Team -10, MVC Regular Season Champion -11, MVC Tournament Finalist -11, All-MVC Scholar-Athlete of the Year -11, All-MVC 2nd Team -11, All-MVC Most-Improved Team -11, and CoSIDA Capital One Academic All-America 3rd Team -11.

Source: Erdgas Ehingen

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GREECE

Draw of 2011/12 calendar postponed fot October - by George Fragkos
The new season in the A1 league will possibly begin a little later. The scheduled draw for the calendar of 2011/12 has been postponed and it will take place by the first days of October. The most probable date for this draw is the 4th of October, when some things that concern ESAKE and the teams should be settled.

The most important one has to do with the license that the clubs have to obtain in order to have the right to take part in the league. So far only four (Panathinaikos, Ikaros Kallitheas, Aris and AGO Rethymnou) have accomplished to obtain it, though it is believed that most of the others will also be able to do so.

The other reason for this delay is the fact that ESAKE has not sold the TV rights to any channel yet. The financial situation of the country makes it really difficult for the National Television (ERT) to buy the rights and this makes it for the basketball clubs even more difficult. The certain thing is that the revenues will be reduced due to lack of competition.

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HUNGARY

Atomeromu SE Paks sign Lee Nailon - by Eurobasket Center
Atomeromu SE Paks signed 36-year old American power forward Lee Nailon (204-F/C-75, college: TCU, agency: I.D.S. Law). Nailon played most recently at Metros de Santiago (Dominican Rep.). Nailon is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in China, Dominican Rep., Iran, Israel, Puerto Rico, Russia, Venezuela, Lebanon and USA.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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IRAN

ISRAEL

ITALY

Seventeen teams in the next Serie A season - by Giovanni Bargna
After the sentence that recognized to Umana Venezia the right to take part to the incoming Serie A season, the Italian Basketball Federal Concil decided to expand the number of teams allowed to play in the tournament to seventeen. This means that both Banca Tercas Teramo, that paid the 500.000 Euros wild card after the deadline, and Umana Venezia will be part of the next Serie A Championship.
It has been decided that at the end of 2011-2012 season only one team will drop to Lega2. In the second division, made up of fifteen teams, two will be the teams to get into the Serie A at the end of the incoming season.
The goal is having a Serie A made up of eighteen teams and a Lega2 made up of sixteen teams in season 2012-2013.

Venezia back in the Serie A championship - by Edoardo Tamalio
The Italian Basketball Federal Concil admits Umana Venezia in the Serie A championship. The Reyer had resorted against Teramo, arguing that they paid the 500.000 Euros wild card, to stay in the main Italian Championship, out of time. Now everybody is trying to understand the future of the championship: who will partecipate in the first competition and who won't, and if the Serie A will be delayed. What is sure is that this is not a good move for italian basketball.

Cantu hands 65-58 loss to Casale - by Eurobasket News
Bennet Cantu - Novipiu Casale Monferrato 65-58

Bennet Cantu was better than Novipiu Casale Monferrato in a friendly game 65-58. It was a very exciting meeting, where last quarter was the crucial one. Nicolas Mazzarino (181-G-75, agency: Players Group) top-scored for Cantu with 13 points. Vladimir Micov (203-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) and David Lighty (195-G/F-88, college: Ohio St.) followed him with 12 and 10 points respectively. Marko Scekic (207-F/C-81, agency: Beo Basket) helped his team with 9 points in this game. On the other side, Garrett Temple (197-G-86, college: LSU) was the only one with double-digits in Casale. He had 18 points. Matt Janning (193-G/F-88, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: Northeastern) stopped to 9. Cantu had plus two before the last quarter and they made 19-14 after that for the final 65-58 victory. Ends of periods: 14-14, 29- 30, 46- 44.

Bennet Cantu: David Lighty 10, Vladimir Micov 12, Marko Scekic 9, Ortner 6, Markoishvili 4, Marconato, Nicolas Mazzarino 13, Diviach, Parakhouski 4, Cinciarini 7, Bolozonella
Novipiu Casale Monferrato: Malaventura 6, Gentile 4, Nnamaka, Pierich 7, Trapani 6, Chiotti 2, Garrett Temple 18, Ferrero, Matt Janning 9, Dunigan 6

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JAPAN

JORDAN

2011 Asian Championship: Jordan put an end to Iran title defence story - by Eurobasket News
Jordan - Iran 88:84

Jordan came up with a sensational victory over defending champions Iran at the Asian Championship quarterfinal stage tonight. Daghles Osama (198-G-79, college: Midwestern St.) scored 23 points to lead Tab Baldwin team to a stunning come-from-behind victory.
Iran opened the game with six points in a row and seemed to be well in control of their fate in this one. But Jordan soon erased the deficit and pulled ahead for a 20:19 lead after ten minutes. Jordan opened the second period with five points in a row to boost the margin. Kazemi triggered an 8:2 run from Iran late in the half as they eked out a 36:35 lead. But Jordan quickly regained the lead in the third period. The teams went neck and neck throughout the third term. The lead changed hands before Haddadi and Samad Nikkhah (198-G/F-83, agency: SportsList Inc.) made it 62:57 for Iran with ten minutes remaining. Haddadi and Samad Nikkhah stretched the gap to 7 points midway through the fourth term 71:64. Iran were still up by four points 76:72 with under four minutes remaining. But Jordan went on an 8:2 run to take an 80:78 lead with under two minutes to go. Daghles Osama then converted eight free throws in the dying minutes to seal the victory for Jordan. Zaid Alkhas posted 14 points, while Rasheim Wright (192-G-81, college: District of Col.) and Wesam Al-Sous (189-G-83) added 12 points each in the win. Mahdi Kamrani (186-PG-82) answered with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for Iran. Hamed Haddadi (218-C-85) top-scored with 27 points, 14 rebounds and 7 assists in defeat.

Jordan: Daghles Osama 23, Zaid Alkhas 14, Rasheim Wright 12, Wesam Al-Sous 12
Iran: Hamed Haddadi 27+14 boards, Mahdi Kamrani 14

Jordans Nashama pull the rug from under Team Mellis feet - by Omar Shafaamri
WUHAN, China (26th FIBA Asia Championship): Zaid Abbas ejection for five fouls midway through the final quarter notwithstanding, 2009 FIBA Asia Championship bronze medalists Jordan scripted a fairy tale 88-84 win against twice defending champions Iran in a stunning quarterfinal result on Friday.

Veterans Zaid Alkhas (left in the combo pic above), who was more present on the bench than on the court before this game, pulled a rabbit out of coach Tab Baldwins hat playing a crucial role in the offense with his perimeter shooting and in defense as well.

Alkhas had a stunning 4/7 in three-pointers all of them coming at the crucial juncture for his 14 points.

We brought him exactly for this reason, said Baldwin.

There were a lot of loose tongues when people thought I didnt play him enough in the earlier games, but I had a specific role for him to play in this team. Which is what he did today, Baldwin said.

Sam Daghles (right in the combo pic above)led the Jordanian assault with 23 points, and had a brilliant all-round show with 4 rebounds and as many assists.

Together Daghles and Alkhas scored all the 11 points as Jordan turned a 77-78 deficit into a 88-84 win in the in the final minute or so.

It was Jordan who held in the exchanges for the entire first half.

Back-to-back steals by Daghles once setting up Zaid Abbas and himself scoring on the other put Jordan ahead late in the first quarter.

Alkhas had kept the scoreboard ticking for Jordan with some crispy conversions from downtown and it needed the induction of Bahrami at the start of the third quarter for Iran to find their bearings.

The Mahram forward as expected disturbed the rival defense paving the way for Afagh to fire in two fiery three-pointers to bring back the spring in Team Mellis step.

Bahrami scored 4 points, collected 3 rebounds and 2 assists in the third quarter, while Afagh had 9 of his 12 points in the game during this period.

But the absence of Javad Davari disrupted the rotation as Matic was found wanting for ideas when Jordan repaeated broke past his defense.

Hamed Haddadi was as usual solid with his 27 points and 14 rebounds both game highs but there was little more to speak of Iran.

We didnt mind it at all, said Baldwin about Haddadi.

We were concentrating more on the others. And it worked for us, he said.

They had an answer to all the defense tactics we used today, rued Matic.

I think todays Jordanian team was a different team than the one played earlier in this tournament. They were brilliant. I think now they are a serious favorite for the Championship itself, he added.

Well go one game at a time, said Daghles.

We knew we had a win or go home situation. We won today. Theres 24 hours for us to recover and rework our plans, said Alkhas.

Jordan await the winners of the Philippines-Taipei quarterfinal.

FIBA Asia

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KENYA

Four Teams for Regional Club Tourney in Dar-Es -Salaam - by Eurobasket News
FOUR Kenyan teams will spearhead the country's assault in the FIBA Africa Zone Five Club Championships early next month in Dar-es -Salaam, Tanzania. The event moved from September due to the 10th All Africa games in Maputo, Mozambique will throw off from October 9-15 in the Tanzanian capital city.

Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) secretary Vitalis Gode said with the Pan Africa Games over, the stage is set for the regional event and reigning men's champions Co-operative Bank (men) and Eagle Wings (women) will lead Kenya's charge.

The other participants are KCB Lions and national women champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA). The four teams were also in Bujumbura, Burundi last year, where Lions and KPA finished third.

Host Burundi gave a good account of themselves in only their first regional championships that also included teams from Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda. With four strong teams, Kenyans will most likely be the sides to beat again in the championships that will also bring clubs from Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Ethiopia and Djibouti together.

Zone Five president Morris Aluanga said that the entry in Dar will be the largest ever as a minimum of 22 clubs are expected. He said the competition is expected to get tight in future with the entry of Southern Sudan. The last edition in Burundi had a total of 18 teams with the 2009 one in Kampala, Uganda setting the existing record with 19 clubs.
Courtesy of: Nairobi Star (Nairobi)

Six Clubs Book Places for NBA Play-Offs Next Week - by Eurobasket News
SIX teams have booked places in the 2011 Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) Provincial play-offs planned for next weekend at the Railways Club. With a total 14 matches on card, fixtures secretary Caleb Osewe said league leaders Kenya Airways (61 points), Barclays Bank (58), Strathmore University (53), KU Pirates (53), Old Pirates (52) and Upper Hill School (48) have all qualified for the post season games. The last two places, he observed, will be filled by either Baraka Xtreme (47), Little Prince (47), Legacy (46) or Jomo kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (46). The four teams go into this weekend's matches aware of the scenario.

Over the weekend, KQ soared past Upper Hill School 68-56 in a charged show. Vincent Onsongo scored 18 points and Erick Odhiambo netted 14. Collins Ochieng led with 21 and Eric Ouma hit 14 for the students. Upper Hill beat Heroes 63-46. Barclays Bank nipped JKUATS 53-46 as Ian Wachie collected 21 points. JKUATS posted a 64-57 victory over Legacy. Dean Wamema led the way with 29. Reagan Basweti hit points 17 while Manasseh Otieno and Paul Limanthi nailed 15 each to lift Old Pirates to a 88-39 thumping of Aquinas High. KU Pirates rolled over Multi Media University (MMU) while in the ladies tie, Barclays Bank beat Jkuat 47-42.
Courtesy of: Nairobi Star (Nairobi)

Kenya Airways Still Soaring in NBA League - by Eurobasket News
LEADERS Kenya Airways continued their fine run in the Nairobi Basketball Association league when they costed to an easy 94-67 win over Baraka Xtreme at Railways Club.

With Emmanuel Ekai in great form, KQ were in control from the start as he nailed 23 points for the winners. Old Pirates pipped Upper Hill School 65-64 in a closely fought and entertaining tie with Hannington Sitati bagging 14 points for the winners. Upper Hill had clobbered Legacy 60-47 in their earlier fixture as Ochieng provided 26 points. Legacy had 11 from Jesse Umala.

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (Jkuat) had mixed results. They hit Heroes 70-51 as Guyton Kijuba nailed a season high 35 points that included a record seven three pointers. Heroes had 12 points from Ansalim Onalo. Jkuat were then felled 57-74 by Don Bosco. KU Pirates whipped Little Prince coached by former great Jaffred Amugune 69-36. Douglas Momanyi shot 12 for KU. And in the ladies tie Africa Nazarene University ANU) nu continued to impress with a 44-21 over Jkuat.
By Dann O'werre

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KOSOVO

Clubs want one week delay of season start - by Dren Shporta

In the meeting between board of Basketball Federation of Kosova (FBK) and officials of BKT Superliga teams, yesterday in Prishtina, after the discussions the clubs requested delay of the season start. The main reason for this are the financial and infrastructural problems of the teams. This request from all basketball teams of BKT Superliga will be analyzed and discussed in the next meeting of FBK board which will be held on September 26th, and the decision will be given.

The new season was planned to start in October 1st, but after the clubs request the beginning date will be determined in the next meeting of FBK board. The clubs want to delay the season start for one week, October 8th.

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LEBANON

2011 Asian Championship: China silence Lebanon, enter semifinals - by Eurobasket News
China - Lebanon 68:48

China will play at Asian Championship semifinals. They held off Lebanon in the quarterfinal battle tonight. Liu Wei (190-PG-80) stepped up with 13 points to pace the hosts. China played a terrific defensive game limiting their opponents to just 28% of field goals.
China and Lebanon exchanged baskets throughout the opening frame. The home team grabbed a narrow 14:12 lead after ten minutes of action. They gradually enlarged the lead throughout the second term. China recorded a 28:22 lead at the interval. China boosted the margin to double figures early in the third term. The home team eventually piled up a 19-point lead with ten minutes remaining. China never loosened the grip in the fourth term. They established a 61:37 lead midway through the period and never looked back en route to the victory. Jianlian Yi (212-C/F-87) and Wang ZhiZhi (214-C-77) posted 12 points each for China. Samuel Hoskin (206-F/C-79, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: De Paul) answered with 20 points for Lebanon. Ghaleb Rida (192-G-81) netted 15 points in defeat.

China: Liu Wei 13, Jianlian Yi 12, Wang ZhiZhi 12
Lebanon: Samuel Hoskin 20, Ghaleb Rida 15

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LITHUANIA

Update on Juventus, Siauliai and Pieno Zvaigzdes - by Eurobasket News
Only Siauliai managed to win in one of three games between Lithuanian and Ukrainain teams. Goverla surrendered against Siauliai 68:75. Marcus Walker (186-G-86, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Colorado St.) stepped up with 25 points but could not rescue the Ivano-Frankivsk team. Vasilius notched 13 points to lead Siauliai. Eric Coleman delivered 16 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.
Dnipro celebrated a 70:64 win over Juventus in the pre-season clash in Lithuania. Steve Burtt stepped up with 15 points to pace the Ukrainian team. Dnipro built a 37:31 lead at the interval. Juventus erased the deficit in the third term but Dnipro managed to regain control in the final term and celebrated a tough win at the end. Maksym Kornienko and Oleksandr Mishula delivered 11 points for the winners. Zygimantas Sestokas (196-G/F-86, agency: Players Group, college: Hofstra) answered with 15 points for Juventus. Vaidotas Volkus (203-F-85, college: Redlands CC) had 12 points in defeat.
BC Kyiv outscored Pieno Zvaigzdes 72:70 in Klaipeda. Gary Ervin (186-G-83, college: Arkansas) delivered 19 points to lead the effort. Artem Shvets accounted for 13 points for the winning team. BC Kyiv led by as many as 9 points after ten minutes of action. But Pieno Zvaigzdes surged ahead for a 40:39 halftime lead. BC Kyiv regained the advantage in the second half and rolled to a tough win at the end. Derrick Zimmerman (189-G-81, college: Mississippi St.) and Ruslan Otverchenko accounted for 11 points each in the victory.

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MALAYSIA

2011 Asian Championship: UAE overcome Malaysia in Wuhan - by Eurobasket News
UAE - Malaysia 89:87

UAE claimed a narrow win over Malaysia in the Asian Championship classification round. Rashed Al Zaabi (189-G-88) scored 21 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and issued 4 assists to lead the winners. UAE will now take on Syria for the 9th overall position at the tournament. Malaysia will face Uzbekistan in the final game in China.
The teams stayed close throughout the first half. UAE eked out a 24:23 lead after ten minutes of action. But Malaysia pulled in front for a narrow 38:37 lead at the interval. Malaysia stretched the gap midway through the third term. However UAE bounced back posting a 64:59 lead at the final intermission. UAE opened an 11-point lead in the fourth period 72:61. Malaysia answered with a 7:0 run to narrow the margin. Shee Fai Loh (192-G/F-89) drained a triple to drag Malaysia within just one point 87:88 with 8 seconds remaining in regulation. Rashed Al Zaabi answered with just one free throw but Malaysia ran out of time for an answer and UAE ran away with victory at the end. Ali Al Hattawi (200-C-79) accounted for 20 points, while Ibrahim Ahmad (179-G-79) added 16 points for the winners. Li Wei Chee (189-F-85) answered with 18 points and 19 rebounds for Malaysia. Shee Fai Loh provided 15 points in the loss.

UAE: Rashed Al Zaabi 21, Ali Al Hattawi 20, Ibrahim Ahmad 16
Malaysia: Li Wei Chee 18+19 boards, Shee Fai Loh 15

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MEXICO

LNBP Round 8: Barreteros beat Abejas by one after a very close game - by Eurobasket
There were just 8 rounds played in Regular Season of LNBP and we can clearly see which teams will fight for top positions and which will try to avoid bottom places.

The most exciting game of round 8 in the LNBP took place in Guanajuato. This derby game ended with only one-point home defeat of 3rd ranked Abejas (5-2) to first ranked Barreteros (7-1) 75-74 on Wednesday evening. The guests trailed by 8 points after three quarters before their 26-17 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Jamaican forward Mugabe Thomas (193-80, college: Cedarville) saved the victory by scoring 19 points. American forward Chaz Twan Briggs (201-80, college: W.Virginia) contributed with 10 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Barreteros' coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. American forward Lorrenzo Wade (198-85, college: San Diego St.) replied with 16 points and 7 rebounds for Abejas. Barreteros maintains first position with 7-1 record, which they share with Toros. Abejas at the other side dropped to the fourth place with two games lost. They share the position with Halc.Rojos. Barreteros is looking forward to face Fuerza Regia (#3) in Monterrey in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Abejas will play on the road against Halcones UV Xalapa and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Halcones Rojos (5-2) against tenth ranked Soles (4-4) on Wednesday night. Visiting Halcones Rojos were defeated by Soles in Mexicali 81-71. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Halcones Rojos. Worth to mention a great performance of American power forward Robert Glenn (201-89, college: IUPUI) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 23 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks and Carl Edwards who added 16 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Venezuelan point guard Gregory Vargas (182-86) responded with 13 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Soles moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Pioneros. Halcones Rojos at the other side dropped to the fourth position with two games lost. They share it with Abejas. Soles will play against Huracanes (#10) in Tampico in the next round. Halcones Rojos will play at home against Lechugueros (#11) in Leon and hope to get back on the winning track.
Bottom-ranked Volcanes is still unable to win any game. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their eighth consecutive match to second ranked Toros (7-1) 90-71 on Wednesday evening. The winners were led by Devon Pearson who had that evening a double-double by scoring 31 points and 12 rebounds. Toros' coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even 31 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists by Larry Morinia did not help to save the game for Volcanes. Toros have an impressive six-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Barreteros. Loser Volcanes still closes the standings with eight games lost. Toros will meet Panteras (#13) in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Volcanes will play against Pioneros in Cancun and hope to get finally their first victory.
The game in Cancun was also worth to mention about. Fifth ranked Fuerza Regia (6-2) played at the court of 6th ranked Pioneros (4-4). Fuerza Regia defeated Pioneros 100-87. The best player for the winners was Jeremis Smith who scored 32 points and 7 rebounds (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field). Fuerza Regia moved-up to third place. Pioneros at the other side dropped to the seventh position with four games lost. Fuerza Regia's next round opponent will be league's leader Barreteros in Zacatecas and it will be for sure the game of the week. Pioneros will play at home against Volcanes (#14) in Toluca.
The game between 12th ranked Aguilas Rojas (1-7) and seventh ranked Halcones UV Xalapa (4-3) in San Juan on Wednesday ended with biggest points difference. Guests from Xalapa outscored Aguilas Rojas 114-83. Halcones UV Xalapa have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to sixth place. Aguilas Rojas lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the twelfth position with seven games lost. Halcones UV Xalapa will face higher ranked Abejas (#4) in Guanajuato in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Aguilas Rojas will play on the road against Correcaminos (#9) in Ciudad Victoria.

In the last two games of round 8 Corr.Victoria beat Huracanes on the road 102-96. Lechugueros destroyed Panteras on its own court 85-56.

Huracanes - Corr.Victoria 96-102

There was a small surprise when eleventh ranked Correcaminos (3-4) beat 8th ranked Huracanes (3-4) in Tampico 102-96 on Wednesday. The guests trailed by 14 points at the halftime before their 32-17 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Correcaminos shot 40 for 54 from the free-throw line, while Huracanes only scored twenty points from the stripe. Strangely Huracanes outrebounded Correcaminos 47-29 including a 33-22 advantage in defensive rebounds. Huracanes were plagued by 39 personal fouls down the stretch. American forward Ronald Selleaze (197-76, college: CSU Bakersfield, agency: Dream Team Management) orchestrated the victory by scoring 30 points. The other American import forward James Penny (198-76, college: TCU) contributed with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Venezuelan forward Nestor Colmenares (203-87, college: Campbellsville) replied with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 15 rebounds and Canadian guard Stephen Sir (195-82, college: N.Arizona) added 23 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists in the effort for Huracanes. Five Correcaminos and four Huracanes players scored in double figures. Correcaminos moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Lechugueros and Huracanes. Correcaminos will face Aguilas Rojas (#12) in San Juan in the next round.
Top scorers:
Huracanes: S.Sir 23+6reb+4ast, N.Colmenares 22+15reb+2ast, O.Quintero 14+4reb+6ast, A.Fuqua 11+9reb+1ast, J.Edwin 10+3reb+1ast, R.Hornsby 9+5reb+1ast
Corr.Victoria: R.Selleaze 30+4reb+2ast, J.Penny 19+11reb, F.Harris 16+2reb, M.Allen 14+2reb+1ast, S.Monreal 12+5reb+2ast, G.Burris 5+2reb+1ast

Abejas - Barreteros 74-75

The most exciting game of round 8 in the LNBP took place in Guanajuato. This derby game ended with only one-point home defeat of 3rd ranked Abejas (5-2) to first ranked Barreteros (7-1) 75-74 on Wednesday evening. The guests trailed by 8 points after three quarters before their 26-17 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Jamaican forward Mugabe Thomas (193-80, college: Cedarville) saved the victory by scoring 19 points. American forward Chaz Twan Briggs (201-80, college: W.Virginia) contributed with 10 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Barreteros' coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. American forward Lorrenzo Wade (198-85, college: San Diego St.) replied with 16 points and 7 rebounds and guard Brandon Heredia (180-85, college: Lon Morris JC) added 18 points and 5 rebounds (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) in the effort for Abejas. Four Abejas players scored in double figures. Barreteros maintains first position with 7-1 record, which they share with Toros. Abejas at the other side dropped to the fourth place with two games lost. They share the position with Halc.Rojos. Barreteros is looking forward to face Fuerza Regia (#3) in Monterrey in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Abejas will play on the road against Halcones UV Xalapa and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Abejas: B.Heredia 18+5reb+2ast, L.Wade 16+7reb+2ast, M.McHugh 15+5reb+1ast, J.Harris 14+2reb+1ast, C.Castillo 4+3reb+1ast, M.Jackson 4+9reb
Barreteros: M.Thomas 19+1reb, J.Reaves 13+4reb, C.Twan Briggs 10+7reb+2ast, S.Cuevas 8+4reb+3ast, R.Loera Almanza 7, M.Council 6+4reb

Lechugueros - Panteras 85-56

Rather expected game when 13th ranked Panteras (1-7) were smashed by eleventh ranked Lechugueros (3-4) in Leon 85-56 on Wednesday. The game without a history. Lechugueros led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Lechugueros outrebounded Panteras 61-30 including a 26-4 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by Panteras' players. Panteras were plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. Bahamas power forward Ryan Moss (200-74, college: UALR) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 20 rebounds. American forward Deilvez Yearby (198-87, college: IPFW, agency: Pro One Sports) contributed with 13 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Dominican-Puerto Rican power forward Ivan Lopez (208-85, college: Memphis) replied with 15 points and forward Jorge Casillas (196-90) added 12 points in the effort for Panteras. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Lechugueros have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Corr.Victoria and Huracanes. Panteras lost sixth consecutive game. They dropped to the twelfth position with seven games lost. Lechugueros will face higher ranked Halcones Rojos (#5) in Veracruz in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Panteras will play at home against the league's second-placed Toros (#2) and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Panteras: I.Lopez 15+3reb+1ast, J.Casillas 12+1reb+2ast, D.Ford 9+6reb, M.Bryant 9+3reb, J.Alvarez 4+3reb, R.Melendez 3+3reb+2ast
Lechugueros: R.Moss 22+20reb+1ast, B.St.Preux 15+3reb+2ast, D.Yearby 13+9reb+2ast, J.Campos 10, A.Cristian Montas 8+13reb+2ast, L.Keeler 6+2ast

Pioneros - Fuerza Regia 87-100

The game in Cancun was also worth to mention about. Fifth ranked Fuerza Regia (6-2) played at the court of 6th ranked Pioneros (4-4). Fuerza Regia defeated Pioneros 100-87. The game was mostly controlled by Fuerza Regia. Pioneros was better in second period 20-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Fuerza Regia dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Pioneros' 36. They outrebounded Pioneros 31-19 including 20 on the defensive glass. It was a great shooting night for Fuerza Regia especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 62.5 percentage. The best player for the winners was American forward Jeremis Smith (203-86, college: Georgia Tech) who scored 32 points and 7 rebounds (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field). The other American import guard Chris Roberts (193-88, college: Bradley) chipped in 23 points and 7 rebounds (perfect from downtown making all five shots). American forward John Millsap (198-82, college: UTSA) produced 26 points and the former international swingman Romel Beck (203-82, college: UNLV, agency: Interperformances) added 15 points and 5 assists (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) respectively for the hosts. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Fuerza Regia moved-up to third place. Pioneros at the other side dropped to the seventh position with four games lost. Fuerza Regia's next round opponent will be league's leader Barreteros in Zacatecas and it will be for sure the game of the week. Pioneros will play at home against Volcanes (#14) in Toluca.
Top scorers:
Pioneros: J.Millsap 26+3reb+1ast, G.Grays 16+2reb+4ast, R.Beck 15+2reb+5ast, S.Soriano 13+3reb+1ast, H.Llamas 7+1reb+4ast, J.Sanchez 6+1reb
Fuerza Regia: J.Smith 32+7reb, C.Roberts 23+7reb, A.Joseph Tyronzic 18+4reb+3ast, K.Penn 14+5reb, M.Mitchell 8+3reb+12ast, A.Cruz 3+2ast

Volcanes - Toros 71-90

Bottom-ranked Volcanes is still unable to win any game. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their eighth consecutive match to second ranked Toros (7-1) 90-71 on Wednesday evening. Volcanes were trailing by 2 points at halftime but managed to get 2-point lead after three quarters before a 25-14 charge of Toros, which allowed them to win the game. They dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Volcanes' 36. They outrebounded Volcanes 48-36 including a 40-26 advantage in defensive rebounds. The winners were led by American forward Devon Pearson (198-84, college: SMU) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 31 points and 12 rebounds and the former international forward Jesus Lopez (205-83, college: SW Baptist) supported him with 22 points and 13 rebounds. Toros' coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even 31 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists by American guard Larry Morinia (180-80, college: Montana St., agency: ProSportsCareers) did not help to save the game for Volcanes. Guard Carlos M. Toussaint (190-91) added 19 points for the hosts. Toros have an impressive six-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Barreteros. Loser Volcanes still closes the standings with eight games lost. Toros will meet Panteras (#13) in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Volcanes will play against Pioneros in Cancun and hope to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Volcanes: L.Morinia 31+6reb+5ast, C.M. Toussaint 19+2reb, Z.Alvidres 5+7reb, A.Clyde Nunn 5+3reb+1ast, J.Rivera 4+6reb, M.Martinez 3+1reb
Toros: D.Pearson 31+12reb+1ast, J.Lopez 22+13reb, R.Rougeau 13+7reb+4ast, B.Angley 7+3reb+8ast, L.Ellis Vasquez 6+9reb+1ast, J.Hutchingson Mejia 5

Soles - Halc.Rojos 81-71

Very important is a road loss of third ranked Halcones Rojos (5-2) against tenth ranked Soles (4-4) on Wednesday night. Visiting Halcones Rojos were defeated by Soles in Mexicali 81-71. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Halcones Rojos. Soles made 29-of-38 charity shots (76.3 percent) during the game. Halcones Rojos were plagued by 29 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of American power forward Robert Glenn (201-89, college: IUPUI) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 23 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks and the other American import forward Carl Edwards (196-81, college: Charleston) who added 16 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Four Soles players scored in double figures. Venezuelan point guard Gregory Vargas (182-86) responded with 13 points and 6 rebounds and Venezuelan power forward Luis Bethelmy (200-86) scored 15 points and 7 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Soles moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Pioneros. Halcones Rojos at the other side dropped to the fourth position with two games lost. They share it with Abejas. Soles will play against Huracanes (#10) in Tampico in the next round. Halcones Rojos will play at home against Lechugueros (#11) in Leon and hope to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Halc.Rojos: L.Bethelmy 15+7reb, G.Vargas 13+6reb+3ast, S.Pruitt 9+9reb, P.Stoll 7+2reb+1ast, D.Cortes 7+4reb+2ast, N.Alonzo 6+3reb
Soles: R.Glenn 23+13reb+3ast, C.Edwards 16+6reb, D.Cubillan 12+3reb+2ast, M.Marriaga 10+5reb, J.Griffin 7+2reb, P.Meza Rogel 4+4reb+2ast

Aguilas Rojas - Halc.Xalapa 83-114

The game between 12th ranked Aguilas Rojas (1-7) and seventh ranked Halcones UV Xalapa (4-3) in San Juan on Wednesday ended with biggest points difference. Guests from Xalapa outscored Aguilas Rojas 114-83. Halcones UV Xalapa have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to sixth place. Aguilas Rojas lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the twelfth position with seven games lost. Halcones UV Xalapa will face higher ranked Abejas (#4) in Guanajuato in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Aguilas Rojas will play on the road against Correcaminos (#9) in Ciudad Victoria.

Standings - LNBP

LNBP Standings

1. Barreteros		7-1
2. Toros		7-1
3. Fuerza Regia		6-2
4. Abejas		5-2
5. Halc.Rojos		5-2
6. Halc.Xalapa		4-3
7. Pioneros		4-4
8. Soles		4-4
9. Corr.Victoria		3-4
10. Huracanes		3-4
11. Lechugueros		3-4
12. Aguilas Rojas		1-7
13. Panteras		1-7
14. Volcanes		0-8

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NBA

NBA player Austin Daye signs with Khimky - by Eurobasket News
Austin Daye (211-F-88, college: Gonzaga) is a new member of Khimky Moscow Region. The NBAer tweeted yesterday that he officially signed a deal to play in Russia. He also mentioned he has an out clause to return to the NBA when the lockout is over. Austin Daye spent last two seasons with Detroit Pistons. In the latest one he had 7.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg and 1.1 apg for 72 games. In 2009/10, Daye averaged 5.1 points and 2.6 rebounds. Daye is a product of Gonzaga University, where he played until 2009. He left the school after two years (15th overall pick, NBA Draft 2009). They won the WCC Tournament together in 2009. For the past week and a half, Austin Daye has been participating in the Impact Sports competitive training series in Las Vegas. Daye averaged 28.6 points in his first five games. He scored 28 points on 9-of-15 shooting and grabbed seven rebounds in a game Tuesday.

NBA player Camby arrested for drug possession - by Eurobasket News
NBA veteran Marcus Camby is free on bond after police in suburban Houston arrested him on a charge of marijuana possession.

Camby was in a Porsche pulled over Monday for what police called an equipment violation. Pearland police Lt. Onesimo Lopez says an officer detected the odour of marijuana coming from the vehicle and they found less than two ounces of the drug inside.

Camby and another person inside, Kendal Johnson, were arrested and charged with misdemeanour possession of marijuana in a drug-free zone because the arrest occurred near a school. Both were released on individual $2,000 US bonds.

Court records did not show a lawyer for either individual.

Camby, who was arrested in 1997 in Connecticut for marijuana possession, played last season with the Portland Trail Blazers. The 15-year NBA veteran is 37 years old.

Courtesy of www.cbc.ca

Brian Scalabrine signs in Italy - by Eurobasket News
Brian Scalabrine is another NBA player who left overseas this summer. The American big guy, with Italian passport, penned a deal with Benetton Treviso. He was practicing with them since August. Scalabrine spent last season with Chicago Bulls. However, he appeared just 16 times in NBA averaging 1.3 points. From 2005 until the last summer Brian Scalabrine played for the Boston Celtics. He had 1.6 ppg and 1 rpg in their last season together. Scalabrine and Boston won the NBA title in 2008. That season he had 1.8 ppg and 1.6 rpg for the franchise. Before Boston, Brian Scalabrine spent four years with the New Jersey Nets. He is a product of the USC.

Report: NBA to postpone training camp, preseason games - by Eurobasket News
The NBA is expected to announce Friday that the start of training camp and the opening slate of exhibition games will be postponed, Yahoo! Sports and ESPN.com report.

Most league observers believed this week was the deadline for owners and players to come to a deal on a new collective-bargaining agreement before the league took that step. No deal was reached when the sides met Thursday in New York, and the next negotiating session wont happen until next week.

The split of revenue between owners and players remains a key issue. Players reportedly have agreed to lower their cut from the 57 percent they got under the old deal to 53 percent, but NBA commissioner David Stern told union head Billy Hunter on Thursday that owners want to lower that figure to well under 50 percent, a source told ESPN.

The regular season is scheduled to open Nov. 1, and while both the league and union have maintained for weeks that there is enough time to reach a deal and get the season started on time, neither side made that same claim on Thursday, ESPN notes.

'I don't have control of that part of it, that would be more of a commissioner Stern, Adam Silver question in terms of logistics of starting the season on time,' union president Derek Fisher (6'1''-PG-74, agency: Priority Sports, college: UALR) said. 'I'm not going to try and make a guess on that one. The calendar's obviously not our friend, but we're not going to give up on the process because of the time.'

Courtesy of http://aol.sportingnews.com

Owners, union meet again in NBA labor dispute - by Eurobasket News
Representatives of NBA owners and players met Thursday for nearly 5 1/2 hours in their effort to make inroads on labor negotiations, but with training camps fast approaching the league calendar could be altered in the coming days.

Commissioner David Stern didn't say if training camps, which are due to open Oct. 3 would be delayed. Preseason contests are scheduled to start Oct. 9.

'The calendar is obviously not our friend, but we're not going to give up on the process because of the time,' union president Derek Fisher of the Los Angeles Lakers said.

Yahoo! Sports reported that Stern would cancel the first two weeks of training camp and exhibition games in October after a phone call with team owners on Friday.

'My demeanor is flat because I don't have anything to say,' Stern said following Thursday's meeting. 'We're getting on fine as a personal matter. We're each saying and believe we're doing the best for our clients and we're trying to make a fair deal. But both sides have work to do.'

The regular season is scheduled to open November 1.

'We'll get back at it next week, hopefully earlier in the week, with respect to personal calendars, etc.,' Fisher said. 'Right now there isn't anything to report or say. We'll keep working until we find some solutions.'

The NBA locked out its players on July 1 after the most recent labor deal between the two sides expired. Unlike the labor strife that caused NFL lockout, which long appeared to be solvable, the problems facing the NBA have led observers to warn about a prolonged dispute like the one that canceled the 2004-05 NHL season.

'We're trying to figure out ways to come together,' Fisher added. 'It didn't happen today. Hopefully we'll get another opportunity next week to continue to try and figure this thing out. We're committed to this process, we're committed to our players.'

Courtesy of www.latimes.com

Celtics' Ray Allen ready to give up the NBA season - by Eurobasket News
Boston Celtics guard Ray Allen (6'6''-G-75, college: Connecticut) says he's ready to give up the season if necessary to the NBA lockout.

Speaking Thursday before an appearance at the University of Connecticut, his alma mater, Allen said he doesn't want to have to sit out a season this late in his career, but he believes the issues are important to the future of the game.

'Nobody wants to miss a year,' he said. 'But I'm prepared to do what the team needs me to do, what my players association, players union team, what they need me to do, because we want to make sure we get the right deal for us.'

Allen is entering what would be his 16th NBA season with 22,286 points, 24th in league history. Last season, he set the NBA record for three-point field goals in a career with 2,612.

He said he's not considering retirement and has been working out with members of the Connecticut basketball team.

'I always, typically, come up here in September anyway,' he said. 'But obviously, due to not being able to work out in my gym, this is my gym of choice.

'Being around the young guys, they push me physically and mentally,' he added. 'So I look forward to being up here and trying to be up here as much as I can.'

Allen said the idea that Connecticut could leave the Big East Conference is a hard pill for him to swallow, but he believes the school needs to do what it must to ensure it continues to have one of the nation's top basketball programs. The Connecticut men have won three national championships, and the women have won seven.

'We have to stay on par with the other schools around the country, because we do feel like we're the standard by which college basketball should be measured men and women's basketball,' he said. 'So however we need to do it to stay on top of that. Because we need to continue to get the players to keep this university going and moving in the right direction and win the championship.'

He also said he would love seeing Connecticut in the Atlantic Coast Conference, where it could play Duke twice a year.

'They are another program that shares the same tradition, the same legacy of basketball, great players having come through and having a Hall of Fame coach at the helm,' he said. 'It only raises or heightens the awareness, the traditions of college basketball. And, you know, you've got North Carolina in the conference, so that creates some devastating, scary matchups.'

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

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NBLCANADA

Mill Rats Sign Terrence Woodyard and draft picks - by Gianni Pascucci
The Saint John Mill Rats, presented by Rogers, are pleased to announce the signing of Terrence Woodyard (6'10''-F/G-82, college: W.Carolina). Woodyard first came onto the Mill Rats radar this past April while playing with the Sendai Japan All-Stars in a charity game at Harbour Station.
'Terrence stood out to us as a young man who was not only extremely talented, but also a quality person. This was evident by his willingness to travel to Saint John to heed the call to help Japan,' stated Mill Rats General Manager Ian McCarthy .
Terrence Woodyard hails from Jonesboro, Georgia and played four years at Division 1 Western Carolina. The past three seasons he has played in Japan for the Sendai 89ers, the Toyama Grouses, and the Saitama Broncos of the BJ League.
The Mill Rats have also signed all three of their draft picks selected in the recent NBL Canada 2011 Draft: Jerome Brown (6'5''-G, college: Pittsburgh) from Toronto, 5-11 guard Sherton Sanderson from Markham, Ontario and Kevin Massiah (6'5''-G/F)

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

NCAA1

Beebe resigns; fractured Big 12 tries to progress toward stability - by Eurobasket News
There was talk of solidarity, plans for stability, expressions of encouragement.

And then there was a step toward forced confinement from the Big 12 as it sought to prevent any more departures following a topsy-turvy year in which it lost Nebraska and Colorado and learned it will lose Texas A&M soon enough.

The Big 12 dumped embattled Commissioner Dan Beebe on Thursday and announced a plan to bind nine member schools together by holding a huge financial hammer - their TV rights for the next six years - over their heads. The plan is far from a done deal, since it must be approved by some if not all the schools' governing bodies.

But if it sticks, any school that considers leaving the Big 12 would have to leave their TV rights - and millions of dollars - behind in a blow much more punishing than a typical exit fee.

'These are very strong handcuffs,' Oklahoma President David Boren said after Big 12 university leaders met for more than an hour by telephone. 'The grant of rights really does bind the conference together and it shows that we fully intend to stay together.

Handcuffs. That's what it has come to in a fractured league that seemed ready to split apart on Monday.

And there are still signs the Big 12 has a lot of healing to do.

Oklahoma, which was trying to leave the Big 12 for the Pac-12 just a few days ago, and Missouri, which wanted to leave for the Big Ten in 2010, even staged competing news conferences to start spreading the new message of goodwill and stability in the Big 12.

Texas officials, often portrayed as the Big 12 bullies, chose not to say anything at all. Still not addressed was whether the Big 12 wants to do something about Texas' lucrative Longhorn Network agreement with ESPN that casts an ominous shadow over the rest of the league.

Beebe is gone after five up-and-down years that included securing a 13-year, $1.2 billion contract with Fox Sports but sharp criticism for failing to keep Nebraska (Big Ten) and Colorado (Pac-12) from leaving over the summer. Texas A&M plans to leave by July for the Southeastern Conference.

Former Big Eight Commissioner Chuck Neinas will serve as interim commissioner. Boren said Neinas will not be a candidate to take the job permanently.

Revenue sharing and a change of leadership were considered by some schools, notably Oklahoma, as the top issues to address to save the league in the latest round of conference realignment.

The Big 12 splits revenue from its Fox Sports contract evenly, but only half of the money from its top-tier deal with ABC goes into equal shares. The rest is weighted toward the programs that play on the network more frequently.

Boren said all nine remaining schools - all those except for Texas A&M - 'agreed' to give a six-year grant of their first- and second-tier television rights to the Big 12.

The six-year term runs past the next negotiating period for the top-tier contract, currently with ABC/ESPN, in a bid to keep the nine schools together for the next contract.

'If you wanted to talk about one important action that really does demonstrate that this conference is going to be stable, that we're not going to have year-to-year dramas like we have had, I think that grant of rights is a very essential item,' Boren said.

Texas Tech President Guy Bailey agreed.

'Not everybody in the past has been willing to do that,' Bailey said.

Texas has proposed equal revenue sharing of top-level television rights but also said it won't make changes to its controversial 20-year, $300 million contract with ESPN for the Longhorn Network.

Boren said any changes to the Longhorn Network would have to be considered by a special panel to be appointed by Big 12 board chairman Brady Deaton, Missouri's chancellor. Boren said that panel would likely be chosen by Friday.

Texas officials were not available for comment Thursday night.

Thursday's conference call came after a whirlwind month when the league appeared - again - to be on the verge of breaking apart.

The league nearly split when Nebraska and Colorado left. The Big 12 appeared to be set as a 10-team league until Texas A&M announced earlier this month it will leave in 2012 to seek membership in the Southeastern Conference.

That started a new round of maneuvering and Texas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech all were considering a potential move to the Pac-12 until it announced Tuesday that it would not expand.

The 54-year-old Beebe became an easy target for schools upset about instability in the league.

'I have no negative personal feelings toward our previous commissioner, but I'm alarmed by the fact that in 15 months we lost three teams and I'm aware in detail in how of some of those situations played out,' Boren said. 'I don't feel it was inevitable that we lost those three teams.'

Critics portrayed Beebe as constantly being outmaneuvered by other league commissioners who were picking off his teams one by one and as someone beholden to Texas, the Big 12's biggest and wealthiest member.

Last fall, Beebe was granted a three-year extension on his contract through 2015. When the extension was announced, Deaton said Beebe had been 'an outstanding leader' during challenging times.

Now, he's gone.

'I put all my effort into doing what was best for the Big 12. With great fondness, I wish the Big 12 Conference a long and prosperous future,' Beebe said in a statement released by the Big 12.

That future includes finding a replacement for Texas A&M. Boren said an expansion committee within the Big 12 had been restarted, but offered no timeline.

Texas has said it wants the Big 12 to stay at 10 teams. Others may want to go back to 12.

As for the Aggies?

Texas A&M's president, R. Bowen Loftin, participated in the call as a voting member but Boren said 'no one should take that as a signal that they have changed their minds.' Boren said the other nine members did nothing to remove the threat of legal action that has kept A&M's departure from being finalized.

'I think that it's highly likely that they will go to the SEC,' Boren said. 'They're so far down the line, I think, with the SEC that I don't think they are likely to change their mind.'

Texas A&M spokesman Jason Cook said the school is not sticking around.

'Another key to the (Big 12's) stability will be for the league to assist Texas A&M with our departure. The events of this week were positive in that regard,' Cook said.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

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

PHILIPPINES

2011 Asian Championship: Marcus Douthit leads Philippines past Taiwan - by Eurobasket News
Philippines - Taiwan 95:78

Philippines made it into Asian Championship semifinals. They outgunned Taiwan in Wuhan today to set up an exciting clash with Jordan tomorrow. Marcus Douthit (210-C/F-80, agency: Edge Sports, college: Providence) was unstoppable with 37 points and 10 rebounds for the winners.
Taiwan ensured a perfect start to the game. They grabbed a 23:19 lead after ten minutes of action. They maintained the advantage for some time in the second term but Philippines went on an 11:2 run to take a 42:40 lead. They ensured a 45:42 advantage at the interval. Philippines went on a 12:0 run midway through the third term to gain a 61:48 lead. The margin grew at 13-point mark with one quarter remaining. Philippines opened the fourth term with six points in a row to clear off. Taiwan cut the deficit to just 7 points with under three minutes remaining but failed to get any closer in the reminder of the contest. Ranidel deOcampo (194-F-81) posted 18 points, while Marcio Lassiter (188-G-87, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) added 13 points for the winners. Wen-Ting Tseng (202-C/F-84) answered with 20 points for Taiwan. Chen Hsin-An (198-F/G-80) notched 14 points in the loss.

Philippines: Marcus Douthit 37+10 boards, Ranidel deOcampo 18, Marcio Lassiter 13
Taiwan: Wen-Ting Tseng 20, Chen Hsin-An 14

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POLAND

Krzysztof Szubarga leaves Asseco Prokom, return to Anwil Wloclawek - by Eurobasket News
Krzysztof Szubarga (182-G-84) is back to Anwil Wloclawek. The Polish point guard left Asseco Prokom and joined his former team today. Szubarga appeared 25 times for Asseco Prokom last season averaging 7.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.2 steals in PLK. Prokom managed to defend the title. Krzysztof Szubarga played for Anwil in 2009/10. He had 11.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 6.8 apg for 33 games that season. He finished as the best PLK assistant and Anwil reached Playoff Finals. Szubarga was named Eurobasket.com All-Polish League 2nd Team -10. In the past he played for Atlas Stal Ostrow, Polonia Warszawa, Polpak Swiecie and Notec Inowroclaw. Szubarga is member of the Polish NT since 2005.

KRZYSZTOF SZUBARGA BACKS TO ANWIL - by Maciej Paszyn
After one season break toppest polish point guard - Krzysztof Szubarga (182-G-84) - is coming back to Anwil Wloclawek. New Anwils playmaker singed up one-year contract and he propably will become starter in team roster. New transfer generates question about Louis Hinnant (193-PG-84, college: Boston Coll.) future in Anwil becouse third of team PGs- Marcin Nowakowski (184-PG-89) - is playing very well in pre-season games. Hinnant will be propably checking up on position SG.

Szubarga will propably debut today in Kasztelan Basketball Cup final game.

Asseco Prokom lands Donatas Motiejunas - by Eurobasket News
Donatas Motiejunas (213-F/C-90, agency: Interperformances) will play next season for Asseco Prokom. The Polish powerhouse agreed a one-year loan with Benetton Treviso. Motiejunas will first undergo a physical examination before joining training this weekend. Donatas Motiejunas averaged 12.8 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.2 steals for 37 games in SerieA last season. He also added 10.2 ppg and 5.3 rpg for 18 games in EuroCup. Motiejunas joined Benetton in 2009 from Aisciai Kaunas. In the past he played for Zalgiris Kaunas and Zalgiris-Sabonio. Motiejunas was 20th overall pick this year at the NBA Draft. Minnesota selected him and he was traded to Houston later. Donatas Motiejunas was Eurocup Rising Star Trophy winner last season. In 2008, he was named Eurobasket.com All-European Championships U18 Best Player (Silver medal). In 2009, Motiejunas was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Lithuanian LKL Most Improved Player of the Year.

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RUSSIA

SCOTLAND

Standings

National League Standings

1. Edinburgh K.		3-0
2. C.Eriksson F.		2-1
3. Stirling Knights		2-1
4. St.Mirren		1-0
5. Troon Tornadoes		1-0
6. Glasgow Univ.		1-1
7. Glasgow Storm		1-2
8. Boroughmuir		0-2
9. Dunfermline		0-2
10. Glasgow R. II		0-2

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SERBIA

Radnicki Kragujevac wins in another friendly - by Eurobasket News
Radnicki Kragujevac won in another friendly game. This time they played against Serbian B League team Napredak Aleksinac. Radnicki had no troubles to win in this meeting 94-66. Anton Gaddefors (200-F-89) exploded with 25 points in victory. David Simon (207-C-82, college: IPFW) had 17 points and 12 rebounds, and Yunus Cankaya (199-F-85, agency: EM-PA) added 12 pts. Djukic scored 22 points for Napredak Aleksinac. Quarters: 20-20, 20-20, 31-12, 23-14.
Recently, Radnicki Kragujevac won the tournament in Kraljevo. They grabbed 96-92 victory against Crvena Zvezda in the Finals. It was the first pre-season loss for Crvena Zvezda. Anton Gaddefors was the leading player in Radnicki with 22 points. Stefan Bircevic (209-F/C-89) and David Simon followed him with 18 and 16 points respectively. Stefan Sinovec (195-G-88) helped with 14 points.

Hemofarm cruises past Kumanovo in a friendly - by Eurobasket News
Hemofarm Stada - Kumanovo 92-77

Hemofarm Stada and Kumanovo met in a friendly game yesterday. The Serbian team was much better celebrating 15-point win at the end, 92-77. Hemofarm took control on Kumanovo from the beginning and never looked back. The hosts made impressive 26-10 lead in the first ten minutes and jumped to plus 19 until the halftime. Kumanovo was not able to respond after the breather, despite they made 18-22 in Q3. Last ten minutes ended with 19-19 tie and Hemofarm celebrated easy win at the end. Boris Savovic (206-F-87) and Mladen Jeremic (196-G-88, agency: Interperformances) stepped up for the hosts with 16 points each. Ivan Maras (208-C/F-86, agency: Beo Basket) and Marko Sutalo (194-G-83, agency: BeoExcell) netted 12 and 10 points respectively. Milan Janjusevic (196-F-83) shined in defeat with 20 points. Aleksandar Kostoski (188-G-88, agency: Global Sports Plaza) and Darko Matic (192-G-84, agency: 011 Sports) stopped to 16 and 14 pts.

Hemofarm Stada: Boris Savovic 16+7 boards, Mladen Jeremic 16+5 as, Ivan Maras 12+7 boards, Marko Sutalo 10
Kumanovo: Milan Janjusevic 20, Aleksandar Kostoski 16+5 boards, Darko Matic 14

Anadolu Efes loans 'giant' Dusan Cantekin to Mega Vizura - by Eurobasket News
Dusan Cantekin (222-C-90, agency: Beo Basket) will play one more season in Serbia. Anadolu Efes loaned 222cm tall big guy to Mega Vizura for the 2011/12. Cantekin finished last season with Mega Vizura as well. He joined them on loan in December averaging 11 points and 6.8 rebounds for 27 games. He started last season with Turkish Mersin. There he had 2.3 ppg and 1.5 rpg in four TBL games. Dusan Cantekin played 19 games for Efes Pilsen in 2009/10 season. He had 2 ppg and 1.9 rpg. In the past, Cantekin played for Pertevniyal Istanbul. Dusan Cantekin participated at the Adidas Eurocamp in Treviso this summer. He also played for the Turkish B National Team. In 2009 and 2010, Cantekin was a member of U20 Turkey.

Marko Cakarevic: I can't wait anymore, finally it's time to come back! - by Eurobasket
Now that it's time to restart, he simply can't wait anymore. In the last two months, Marko Cakarevic (200-F/G-88, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) had to pass through a difficult path: from the great joy for the convocation in the Serbian National Team dreaming to play at EuroBasket in Lithuania, to the tough disappointment for the foot injury who forced him to practice only few times and then definitely leave coach Ivkovic's team; and from the excitement for signing with Partizan Belgrade, to the never ending wait to start practicing with his new teammates. Finally, the time has come. And he is directly the one to tell us...

First of all, Marko, how are you?
'Now I feel great. In this moment I am in Cagliari, Italy, where Partizan will play a tournament. But most of all, on next Monday I will start practicing. Until now I was just running or making some individual work out courtside with the athletic trainer, but finally I will be on the court together with my new teammates. Of course I will not be at 100%, but I hope in a couple of days to come back working normally. After almost two months out, sitting and watching, I really can't wait anymore...'

You had to stop just when you were living your daydream with the National Team of Serbia...
'When coach Ivkovic called me to be part of the group I was very happy: it was just like a gift, or better a repayment for my good season with Radnicki. That call gave me great satisfaction and motivation to do even more and I wanted to work at my best. But from the beginning I had foot problems, I practiced only one or two times in a row but then I had to stop, retry and stop again... I couldn't prepare as I wanted for a so important competition, so I had to go out from the team. But I kept my motivation to play at my best to deserve that call again, and I hope next year or later I will do it'.

Anyway, in that moment you became the first fan of Serbian National Team, supporting your teammates day by day from your Facebook page...
'Yes, for sure. It was the first time for me in National Team, I already knew personally just some of them, but I became close to everyone in few days. Hey, it's the National Team: the goal I dreamt for all my career since the day I started playing basketball. It's something to keep for all life. And I will be always a strong fan of our National Team, hoping in its best results, no matter if I will be part of the team or not'.

How can you describe Marko Cakarevic as a player on the basketball court?
'I always try to do my best, and I think there is not something particular I do better, but I can do almost everything good: I can score, score, rebound, assist or defend, trying to make what the team need the most. I think in a team is important to have some specialists, but also a kind of all around player making all different things, as I always try to do'.

And what about you as a teammate into the locker-room?
I think Im not the one who push the guys in locker-room cheering with loud voice, but if I see someone down or in troubles, I try to help him, sitting at his side and telling him some words'.

At the age of 23, you have just joined the most famous team of Serbia, Partizan...
'It's a so big thing! Partizan is truly one of the biggest teams of all Serbia, Eastern part of Europe and Balkans. A team who practically always won the Serbian Championship in the last 10 years and the Adriatic League in the last 5 years. It's a special thing for me to come in a so historical team, my willing and my hope is to play at my best'.

Partizan will compete to win again both in Serbia and Adriatic League, but it will also try again to be protagonist in Euroleague...
'One of my greatest goals as a player was playing in the Euroleague, and now that I am preparing to do it, I feel how it's a big thing. For sure it will not be easy, because in our group we will front very strong opponents, each one fighting to win, and some teams will add very important players coming from NBA because of the lock-out. But we will have to think about ourselves, knowing to be a good team, and I hope we will qualify for the Top 16. And who knows, maybe later we will make the first 8, and who knows... maybe later the Final Four... The important will be to go on making one step at time'.

Which are your personal ambitions for the coming season and for the next future?
'As I said, my goal was to play in Euroleague one day, but now that I am going to do it, I haven't planned any other goal for the future, yet... I prefer to go on step by step: now I want to do my best with Partizan, making the team and giving my help. Then, I will try to do better and more every day, always trying to make my career develop higher and higher'.

The day of the announcement of your signing for Partizan, the black-and-white fans came in crowds into INVICTUS' website, like crazy...
'The fans of Partizan are known and famous everywhere around Europe! And I just can't wait to play for them, especially in our home court of Pionir: no matter if we will play a game of Euroleague, Adriatic League or Serbian League, they will immediately create a great atmosphere!'

Did you have any model or idol to inspire to, when you started playing basketball as a child?
'No, I didn't. I have always tried to do all, without copy from anyone else but developing my skills. For sure I can say I think Kobe Bryant now is the best player of the world, and I often watch his moves on tv or youtube, but for sure I can't copy him...'

You joined Zoran Savics INVICTUS Sports Group and Predrag Danilovics Partizan Belgrade: what did they mean for your generation?
'They were so important for all our people, along different generations. They were two of the greatest players of our National Team, winning every kind of medals and trophies. And they represented so much when there was war in my Country, because life was very difficult and through basketball and their victories people always felt very proud. For me, it's a great honor to be represented by Zoran Savic's agency, as well as to play for Predrag Danilovic's team: I have the great opportunity to talk with them, learn their suggestion and become a better player. And this is exactly what I want'.

Crvena Zvezda wins another game in Samokov - by Eurobasket News
Lukoil Akademik - Crvena Zvezda Beograd 76-89

Crvena Zvezda registered second straight win in Samokov. After victory against Cypriot Keravnos, Crvena Zvezda handed 89-76 defeat to reigning Bulgarian champion Lukoil Akademik. Adam Morrison (203-F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga) once again was the leading scorer in victory. This time he had 14 points. Bojan Subotic (206-F/C-90) followed him with 13 points, while Nemanja Nedovic (192-PG-91, agency: Beo Basket) and Andreja Milutinovic (199-G-90) added 12 points each. On the other side, Lukoil got 15 points from experienced Todor Stoykov (198-G/F-77, agency: Interperformances). Damjan Stojanovski (197-F-87) scored 13, while Andre Owens (193-G-80, college: Houston) and Lamont Mack (201-F-87, college: Charlotte) added 10 points each. Crvena Zvezda won all four quarters in this game. They started with 23-26 and later made 20-22 in Q2. After the breather, Crvena Zvezda won Q3 with 17-22 and finally the last one with 16-19.

Lukoil Akademik: Todor Stoykov 15, Damjan Stojanovski 13, Andre Owens 10, Lamont Mack 10
Crvena Zvezda Beograd: Adam Morrison 14, Bojan Subotic 13, Nemanja Nedovic 12, Andreja Milutinovic 12

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

SOUTH KOREA

2011 Asian Championship: South Korea cruise past Japan into semis - by Eurobasket News
South Korea - Japan 86:67

South Korea advanced into the semifinal stage of Asian Championship in Wuhan. They romped past Japan to stay in the title race. Moon Tae-Jong (199-F-75, agency: Alti Sport, college: Richmond) scored 17 points, grabbed 6 boards and issued 4 assists to lead the effort.
South Korea outscored their opponents 23:11 in the opening quarter. South Korea stayed well in control throughout the second term. They registered a 45:26 halftime lead. Japan poured in 26 points in the third cutting the deficit. But South Korea kept Japan at bay throughout the final stanza. The intrigue was never revived as the Korean team coasted to the victory at the end. Oh Sek-Eun (200-C-87) posted 15 points, while Ha Seung-Jin (221-C-85) added 14 points in the winning effort. Kosuke Takeuchi (206-C/F-85) answered with 16 points and 13 boards for Japan. Keijuro Matsui (188-G-85, college: Columbia) and Tomoo Amino (196-F-80) had 10 points each in the loss.

South Korea: Moon Tae-Jong 17, Oh Sek-Eun 15, Ha Seung-Jin 14
Japan: Kosuke Takeuchi 16+13 boards, Keijuro Matsui 10, Tomoo Amino 10

Korean national team quotes after playing with Japan - by JungHwan Seo
Korean national team quotes after playing with Japan.

Kim Joo-Sung (205-F/C-79)

'We got a great chance from elimination of Iran. It does not matter semifinal or final against China. We have to defeat them once for championship anyway. We will do our best tomorrow'

Ha Seung-Jin (221-C-85)

'We had to focus more. There was no second chance in the tournament. I will play aggressive in post to make an easy chance for Moon Tae-jong outside. Injury cannot be an excuse. We must win. Wang ZhiZhi is great threat for us inside and outside but I have to stop him as possible as I can'

Cho Sung min

'Defeat means death from now. We reflected on ourselves after big defeat by Iran. We already lost against China last year. This time will be different. We will try again'

Coach Hur Jae

'We won over Japan more easily than I expected. But If we want to defeat China, we have to play harder and harder. We will destroy 'the Great Wall' and go to the final'

'China got lots of home advantages such as big home crowds, judges and familiar atmosphere. We have to focus more on rebound and defense. This will be the real final game for both Korea and China. Final winner will be definitely us'

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

SPAIN

SYRIA

2011 Asian Championship: Syria prove strength against Uzbekistan - by Eurobasket News
Syria - Uzbekistan 97:65

Syria registered a comfortable win over Uzbekistan at Asian Championship classification round. Syria will now take on UAE for the ninth overall position in the ladder. Uzbekistan will take on Malaysia. Joseph Abboud (189-G-89) stepped up with 13 points to lead well-balanced effort from Syria.
Syria strongly entered the game. They posted a 21:11 lead after ten minutes. The gap kept on growing in the second term. Syria established a comfortable 46:32 lead at the interval. Syria never slowed down after the big break. They registered a 70:47 advantage at the final intermission. Uzbekistan never came back to life as Syria marched to the victory at the end. Abd Al Wahab Hamowi (217-C-90) delivered 12 points, while Nour Al Saman (189-G-78) posted 11 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Aleksandr Kozlov (201-F-82) answered with 14 points for Uzbekistan. Hurmatjon Nuraliev (202-F-81) netted 13 points in the losing effort.

Syria: Joseph Abboud 13, Abd Al Wahab Hamowi 12, Nour Al Saman 11+12 boards
Uzbekistan: Aleksandr Kozlov 14, Hurmatjon Nuraliev 13

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

TAIWAN

Philippines beat Taiwan to reach semi behind Douthit's 37 - by Chris Wang
Philippine center Marcus Douthit (210-C/F-80, agency: Edge Sports, college: Providence) was unstoppable. The naturalized center had 37 points and 10 rebounds as Philippines rallied in the second half to beat Taiwan 95-78 in the quarterfinal of the 2011 FIBA Asia Championship for Men and advanced to the semifinals.

Philippines advanced to Asian semifinals for the first time since 1987 while Taiwan failed to make the final four for the first time since 1999.

Despite Taiwan coaching staff knew that Douthit would be the key man in the Philippines' offense and had reportedly designed special defensive plans to contain Douthit, the former NBA draft pick still dominated the paint, shooting 14-for-25 in the game.

Taiwan played brilliantly for 15 minutes, leading by as many as nine points in the first half. It led by eight after backup forward James Mao's three-pointer with 4:40 left, but Philippines answered with a 14-3 run to close the first half leading by three.

Taiwan was out of synch in the second half as Philippines jumped to a 65-50 lead. It was hurt after point guard Lee Hsueh-lin was bloodied by an elbow of Joseph Casio and was forced to leave the game.

Taiwanese center Tseng Wen-ting fouled out of the game with 4:27 remaining. While Lu Cheng-ju made consecutive threes to pull within seven with three minutes left, it was too late.

Tseng led Taiwan with 20 points and five rebounds while Chen Hsin-an had 14. Lu scored 12 points and Lin Chih-chieh turned in 10 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Wu Tai-hao had 9 and 7.

Ranidel De Ocampo had 18 points for the Philippines. Masio Lassiter had 13 and 8.

Taiwan is scheduled to meet two-time defending champion Iran, which was shocked by Jordan in the quarterfinal, tomorrow but Lee Hsueh-lin would probably sit out the game for receiving stitches above his left eyebrow.

Several Taiwanese players were quoted as saying that they were not happy with the cheap shots thrown by some opposing players, but they also acknowledged that their poor play in the second half was why the Philippines had an opportunity for the comeback.

2011 Asian Championship: Marcus Douthit leads Philippines past Taiwan - by Eurobasket News
Philippines - Taiwan 95:78

Philippines made it into Asian Championship semifinals. They outgunned Taiwan in Wuhan today to set up an exciting clash with Jordan tomorrow. Marcus Douthit (210-C/F-80, agency: Edge Sports, college: Providence) was unstoppable with 37 points and 10 rebounds for the winners.
Taiwan ensured a perfect start to the game. They grabbed a 23:19 lead after ten minutes of action. They maintained the advantage for some time in the second term but Philippines went on an 11:2 run to take a 42:40 lead. They ensured a 45:42 advantage at the interval. Philippines went on a 12:0 run midway through the third term to gain a 61:48 lead. The margin grew at 13-point mark with one quarter remaining. Philippines opened the fourth term with six points in a row to clear off. Taiwan cut the deficit to just 7 points with under three minutes remaining but failed to get any closer in the reminder of the contest. Ranidel deOcampo (194-F-81) posted 18 points, while Marcio Lassiter (188-G-87, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) added 13 points for the winners. Wen-Ting Tseng (202-C/F-84) answered with 20 points for Taiwan. Chen Hsin-An (198-F/G-80) notched 14 points in the loss.

Philippines: Marcus Douthit 37+10 boards, Ranidel deOcampo 18, Marcio Lassiter 13
Taiwan: Wen-Ting Tseng 20, Chen Hsin-An 14

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

TANZANIA

Heroes Rally to Beat Mzizima 50-28 in Basketball Tourney - by Eurobasket News
Brown Msyan
Dar es Salaam Heroes Secondary School survived a scare before beating Mzizima 50-28 in a thrilling Dar es Salaam regional basketball championship league at Zanaki grounds on Monday.

Mzizima seemed destined for a win in the opening minutes as they enjoyed the lion's share of the first four minutes of the first quarter.

However, they lost steam towards the end of the closely contested quarter to go down 16-14.

In the second quarter, Heroes started where they had left off, scoring points almost at will to take the quarter 36-12.

Yusuph Abel and Ben Elisha were instrumental to Heroes' victory. They scored 16 and 15 points respectively, while their team mate Jaisan Ndambala had 10 points.

Earlier, Azania Secondary School tumbled to 58-27 to Loyora in another exciting match at the same venue. At half time, Loyora were leading 33-7.

Luis Abrahaman scored 16 points for Loyora and Francis Crispian had 16. Rogers Adely was a notable player for Azania. He scored 18 points.
Courtesy of: The Citizen (Dar es Salaam)

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TURKEY

Deron Williams wants to play basketball - by Orhan Suer
Besiktas ColaTurka Istanbul' American NBA Star Deron Williams (191-PG-84, college: Illinois) who joined the club throughout the lock out in NBA, said he wants to play basketball and met with a new culture.

During NBA lockout period Turkish Basketball Team Besiktas ColaTurka Istanbul added an American star basketball player Deron Williams who made important comments. Williams said he wants to play basketball and Istanbul is a very beautiful city.

He was asked about the differences between NBA basketball and basketball in Europe, he said there are some differences in the rules stating that, as an example, when an opponent's pull back shouting is prohibited.

Deron Williams, stressing that there is only a physical need for playing in basketball, Playing is better than doing nothing,'' he said. Williams, the reason to come to Europe to play basketball is the ''only reason'' he underlined.

27 year-old basketball player describes Istanbul as a very beautiful city of Turkey, and that those who ask how the environment and a different culture in the impressions of his writing said he had met. Deron Williams also asked whether there is knowledge of lockouts, he did not have any new information, adding that everything in the newspapers that he followed.

Deron Williams 3 Point Show

Beko Basketball League Besiktas ColaTurka Istanbul continued preparations for the new season and in the 3 point shoot out contest NBA star Deron Williams' team won the throwing contest.

The ongoing preparations for the black-whites training Besiktas ColaTurka Istanbul was experiencing joyful moments, the players had laughs in the face of strife and friendship, the technical committee reported.

Between the Turkish players Mehmet Yagmur (188-G-87), Can Akin (190-G-83, agency: 1x1 Sports) and Serhat Cetin (197-G-86) Team and the foreign players Deron Williams, Marcelus Kemp (196-G-84, agency: SportsTalent, college: Nevada)p and David Hawkins (194-G-82, college: Temple) Team, 3 point shooting contest was won by NBA star's team.

Deron Williams' 3-point field goal success rate was quite high as reported.

Dusko Savanovic officially joins Anadolu Efes - by Eurobasket News
Power Electronics Valencia and Dusko Savanovic (204-F/C-83, agency: Beo Basket) terminated deal today and the player officially became a new member of Anadolu Efes. The Serbian PF was announced by Efes during the summer, but his signing became official today. Efes paid a buy-out fee and Valencia made Savanovic a free agent. Dusko Savanovic appeared 21 times for Valencia in Euroleague last season averaging 11.9 points and 4.5 rebounds. He helped them reach Quarterfinals. In ACB, Savanovic added 11.4 ppg, 5.3 rpg and 1.2 apg for 36 games. From 2008 to 2010, Savanovic played for Cajasol Sevilla. He had 14.7 ppg and 4.8 rpg in their second season together. In the past, he was a member of Unics Kazan and FMP Zeleznik. Savanovic is active member of the Serbian National Team since 2008.

Banvit better than Erdemir, Olin Edrine beats Strumica - by Eurobasket News
Banvit and Erdemir played a friendly game last night. Banvit was better team and celebrated 90-84 win at the end. Kenan Bajramovic (206-F-81) stepped up in victory with 18 points. Clifford Hammonds (191-G-85, college: Clemson), Lance Williams (206-C-80, college: De Paul) and Erkan Veyseloglu (200-F-83, agency: 1x1 Sports) helped with 13 points each. Guard Serkan Erdogan (190-G-78, agency: 1x1 Sports) added 11 pts for his team. In Erdemir, former Cholet player Antywane Robinson (203-F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Temple) delivered 22 points. Altan Erol (194-G-83) followed him with 15.
Olin Edrine played another friendly game. This time they handed 69-62 loss to FYR Macedonian team Strumica. Chris Wright (185-G-89, college: Georgetown) top-scored for Olin Edrine with 16 points. Ogun Sevinc (198-F/G-88, agency: 1x1 Sports) scored 14 pts, while Vladimir Stimac (209-C-87, agency: Interperformances) added 10 pts and was the last one with double-digits.

Trefl Sopot grabs 69-68 win against Tofas - by Eurobasket News
Trefl Sopot - Tofas 69-68

Trefl Sopot and Tofas met each other in a friendly game yesterday. The Polish outfit was slightly better and managed to grab 69-68 thriller win. Lukasz Koszarek (187-G-84) paced Trefl Sopot to victory with 12 points. Josh Alexander (193-G-87, college: Stephen F. Austin) followed him with one point less and at the same time he was the last one with double-digits in scoring. John Turek (205-F/C-83, college: Nebraska) and Mike Cook (193-G/F-84, agency: Alti Sport, college: Pittsburgh) helped their team with 9 points. In the loosing squad, Austin Nichols (198-G/F-82, college: Humboldt St.) delivered 16 points. Ronald Steele (187-PG-86, agency: SportsTalent, college: Alabama) and Bradley Buckman (203-F-84, college: Texas) netted 12 and 11 points respectively. Teams exchanged in lead during the entire game. They were tied at 59-59 and Trefl Sopot managed to grab 1-point win in the finish. Both squads will play more friendlies this pre-season.

Trefl Sopot: Mike Cook (9), Dylewicz (6) 7 reb, Stefanski (4), Wisniewski (8), Josh Alexander (11), John Turek (9), Lukasz Koszarek (12), Waczynski (5) 9 reb, Horne (5), Burgess (0) 6 reb
Tofas: Ronald Steele (12) 4 ass, Austin Nichols (16) 5 reb 4 ass, Ugur (7) 5 reb, Samet (7) 4 reb, Baris (3), Inanc (2) 5 reb, Can Ozcan (8) 4 reb, Bradley Buckman (11) 8 reb, Kenan (0)

Anadolu Efes loans 'giant' Dusan Cantekin to Mega Vizura - by Eurobasket News
Dusan Cantekin (222-C-90, agency: Beo Basket) will play one more season in Serbia. Anadolu Efes loaned 222cm tall big guy to Mega Vizura for the 2011/12. Cantekin finished last season with Mega Vizura as well. He joined them on loan in December averaging 11 points and 6.8 rebounds for 27 games. He started last season with Turkish Mersin. There he had 2.3 ppg and 1.5 rpg in four TBL games. Dusan Cantekin played 19 games for Efes Pilsen in 2009/10 season. He had 2 ppg and 1.9 rpg. In the past, Cantekin played for Pertevniyal Istanbul. Dusan Cantekin participated at the Adidas Eurocamp in Treviso this summer. He also played for the Turkish B National Team. In 2009 and 2010, Cantekin was a member of U20 Turkey.

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UBA

Sources: Disciples, Generals agree to Williams megadeal - by UBA media

The Southern Generals and GIE Morrow Disciples, who nearly completed a blockbuster Freddie Williams (6'2''-G-87, college: Clayton St.) trade before the Eurobasket Summer League, resurrected those talks in recent days and have agreed to a megadeal that is likely to be announced later Saturday, according to UBA front-office sources.

Sources close to the situation told Usbasket.com on Tuesday afternoon that the required trade call has been completed by the league office, which should soon lead to a news conference in Atlanta that formally brings a blockbuster end to Williams Finals MVP association with the Generals.

The Disciples blog reported on its Web site Tuesday that Williams has agreed to a three-year deal with the Disciples, the only out of the contract is overseas.

The Disciples to ship UBA rights to standout Jermaine Dailey (6'8''-F-86, agency: SportsList Inc., college: Ill.-Chicago), Roscoe Davis (6'11''-F-88, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Midland CC) and cash to the Generals, along with first-round draft pick (which looks to be Marques Johnson (6'5''-G)) and the return of a first-rounder the Generals and Anthony Joseph (6'8''-F/C-82, college: Emporia St.).

But Williams now is said to be amenable to the move, after the fiercely loyal 24-year-old learned how far along the Generals had been in negotiations with the Disciples in July and with the Disciples responding to the breakdown of its initial pursuit by signing UBA All-Star shooting guard Ricky James (6'3''-G-84, college: Trevecca Naz.).

One thing is for sure, the GIE Morrow Disciples are serious about returning to the UBA championship dominance. The Disciples own 2 out of the 3 UBA championships falling short this season in the playoffs.

Williams was a hot topic this offseason by several European counties along with UBA teams. Williams averaged 15.6ppg along with leading the league in steals. He was named Usbasketbasket.com All-UBA 3rd Team and UBA Finals MVP. Williams shocked the world and all international scouts with his break out performance at the Eurobasket Summer League (Eurobasket.com All-ESL 1st Team).

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UGANDA

Falcons On Verge of Relegation - by Eurobasket News
Uganda's most successful basketball club, Falcons, is on the verge of relegation after the game's governing body FUBA penalised them for using an ineligible player in Philip Amweny.

According to FUBA technical committee chairman William Musaazi, the Falcons will lose four points for using Amweny against the Kyambogo Warriors and Charging Rhinos in the first round and another four points in the second round.

'There is no club that is above the law in this league, Falcons and Charging Rhino have been penalised and will lose points for fielding ineligible players,' said Ali Balunywa, FUBA's vice president.

In reference to the FUBA rules and regulations, Falcons will not be allowed to play the return fixtures against the same sides.

Competitions committee chairman Sande Manano told New Vision that Falcons was warned beforehand that they would lose points but they did not heed to the advice. The development means the team has now five points.
Courtesy of: The New Version

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UKRAINE

Standings - Superleague

Superleague Standings

1. Azovmash		0-0
2. BC Donetsk		0-0
3. BC Kyiv		0-0
4. BC Odessa		0-0
5. Budivelnyk		0-0
6. Cherkasy		0-0
7. Dnipro		0-0
8. DniproAzot		0-0
9. Ferro-ZNTU		0-0
10. Halychyna		0-0
11. Hoverla		0-0
12. Khimik		0-0
13. Kryvbasbasket		0-0
14. Mykolaiv		0-0

Wins for Dnipro, BC Kyiv and DniproAzot in pre-season action - by Eurobasket News
Dnipro celebrated a 70:64 win over Juventus in the pre-season clash in Lithuania. Steve Burtt (192-G-62, college: Iona) stepped up with 15 points to pace the Ukrainian team. Dnipro built a 37:31 lead at the interval. Juventus erased the deficit in the third term but Dnipro managed to regain control in the final term and celebrated a tough win at the end. Maksym Kornienko (205-F/C-87) and Oleksandr Mishula (187-G-92) delivered 11 points for the winners. Zygimantas Sestokas (196-G/F-86, agency: Players Group, college: Hofstra) answered with 15 points for Juventus. Vaidotas Volkus (203-F-85, college: Redlands CC) had 12 points in defeat.
BC Kyiv outscored Pieno Zvaigzdes 72:70 in Klaipeda. Gary Ervin (186-G-83, college: Arkansas) delivered 19 points to lead the effort. Artem Shvets (203-G/F-85) accounted for 13 points for the winning team. BC Kyiv led by as many as 9 points after ten minutes of action. But Pieno Zvaigzdes surged ahead for a 40:39 halftime lead. BC Kyiv regained the advantage in the second half and rolled to a tough win at the end. Derrick Zimmerman (189-G-81, college: Mississippi St.) and Ruslan Otverchenko (194-G/F-90) accounted for 11 points each in the victory.
DniproAzot fired past Ferro-ZNTU 113:105 behind 22 points from Sergiy Gorbenko (200-F-85). Stanley Pringle (185-PG-87, college: Penn St.) and Volodymyr Gurtovoy (207-C-75) posted 19 points apiece in the winning effort. Randy Culpepper (182-G-89, college: UTEP) and Jeremy Chappell (191-G-87, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Robert Morris) answered with 29 points each for Ferro-ZNTU.
Goverla surrendered against Siauliai 68:75. Marcus Walker (186-G-86, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Colorado St.) stepped up with 25 points but could not rescue the Ivano-Frankivsk team. Vasilius notched 13 points to lead Siauliai. Eric Coleman (200-C-85, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: N.Iowa) delivered 16 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.

Budivelnyk beats Paris-Levallois, 82-66 - by Eurobasket News
Budivelnyk - Paris-Levallois 82-66

Budivelnyk celebrated in Day One of the Tournament in Alfortville. The reigning Ukrainian champion cruised past Peris-Levallois 82-66. Michailis Anisimovas (214-C-84) was the leading player in victory with 18 points. Zach Morley (203-F-83, college: Wisconsin) secured a great help adding 15 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Andrei Malysh (204-C/F-83) collected 13 points and 6 boards. In the loosing squad, Eric Chatfield (191-G-79, college: N.Mexico) top-scored with 21 points. Lamont Hamilton (208-F-84, college: St.John's) and Michel Morandais (197-G/F-79, college: Colorado) netted 13 and 9 points respectively. Last quarter was the crucial one in this game. Before that, Paris-Levallois made 17-19 in the first ten minutes and Budivelnyk responded with 22-13 in Q2. The French team came to minus 5 before the last quarter, but that Michailis Anisimovas and his teammates exploded and with 24-13 secured comfortable victory in this game.

Budivelnyk: Michailis Anisimovas 18, Zach Morley 15+6 boards+5 as, Andrei Malysh 13+6 boards
Paris-Levallois: Eric Chatfield 21, Lamont Hamilton 13, Michel Morandais 9

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

UNITED KINGDOM

Tarragona gets young PG Devon Van Oostrum - by Eurobasket News
Devon Van Oostrum (190-G-93) will continue his career in Tarragona. The British/Dutch point guard penned a deal for the next season. Van Oostrum played for the British National Team at EuroBasket in Lithuania this summer. He had 1.3 ppg, 1.7 rpg and 3 apg for 3 games. Last season Van Oostrum spent with Baskonia Basonia. This year Devon Van Oostrum also played for the British U20 National Team. He shined with 13.1 ppg, 7.1 rpg and 5 apg at the European Championships U20 Division B in Sarajevo. Van Oostrum was the leading assistant of this competition. A year ago he played for U18 NT. For 10 games at the European Championships U18 Division B in Israel Devon Van Oostrum averaged 14.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists. In 2009, he led U16 UK to Bronze at the European Championships U16 Division B in Portugal. He exploded with 22.6 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 4.2 apg and 6.8 spg at this event.

Pre-Season Focus - Newcastle Eagles - by Paul Nilsen
After a rare season without taking any silverware to the north east, Newcastle Eagles player-coach Fabulous Flournoy will field a mixture of new and old players when the BBL Championship tips off next week writes Dave Ryan.

Flournoy completed ten years with the Eagles last season, and remains a force on the floor as one of the most versatile players in the BBL as he is able to play anywhere on the court.

While he hasn't been with the Eagles quite as long as Flournoy, it would seem strange to see a Newcastle team on the court without Darius Defoe in a black and white uniform. The 6'8' English centre averaged 11 points and seven rebounds last season and has developed into one of the most reliable young British players in the league. Defoe first came to the Eagles having been recommended by current Mersey Tigers coach Tony Garbelletto having learned his basketball playing for the Hackney White Heat in his native North London.

Another familiar face for the north east club is veteran forward Charles Smith who returns for an eighth season. Smith, nicknamed 'The Prince', is the Eagles all-time leading scorer with over 5,000 points in his illustrious career and was voted into the all BBL first team last season by the league's coaches having averaged 21 points and six rebounds per game and shooting 40% from the three point line. Smith, who is originally from Philadelphia but holds dual nationality, played college basketball with Rider University before spells in Venezuela and Taiwan. He first joined the Eagles in 1999 and, barring a season in Spain and a short lived association with the Glasgow Rocks, he has been an Eagles regular ever since.

The fourth experienced British passport holder to return to Newcastle is club captain Andrew Bridge (193-F-79). Bridge will be entering his tenth season with the Eagles having joined from BBL rivals One Health Sharks Sheffield where he played for two years. Like his coach, Smith and Defoe, 31-year-old Bridge has won everything there is to win in the British game. He was behind only Smith in minutes played last season and averaged 8.1 points and close to five boards per game. Youngster Jamie Glenn also re-signs for the Eagles having appeared in 29 Championship games last season.

While Eagles fans will undoubtedly be delighted with their core British contingent retuning, the biggest boost for them this summer was the announcement that Joe Chapman had re-signed for the club. The American missed the end of last season due to injury, but he did enough in a shortened first year in the BBL to persuade Flournoy to bring him back to Newcastle. With Eagles having an end-of-season fixture backlog, Chapman played in only 17 BBL Championship match-ups but he averaged an impressive 20 points, four rebounds and just under four assists per game.

There will also be some new faces on show in the north east, though Eagles' fans will need little introduction to big man Andrew Thomson. The former Manchester Magic junior has spent the last three seasons at BBL rivals Mersey Tigers and last season was named as BBL's British Player of the Year. Originally known for his ability to make three point shots, he has now added a powerful inside presence to his game which helped him gain a place in the 2010 England squad.

Eagles' major signing of the summer is 25-year-old point guard Paul Gause. The 5'11' New Jersey native is a graduate of Seton Hall University where he was the all-time leader in steals. In an impressive college career he averaged 8ppg and three assists as well as leading the Big East conference in steals in both his second and fourth seasons. In his rookie year as a professional he played at Freiburg in the German Pro A league and averaged 16 points per game and four assists.

Another new signing in 25-year-old small forward Joel Madourie. The former GB under-20 international helped Derby Trailblazers win the 2009/10 EBL Division One title and is known for his explosive athleticism.

Kandi Power For Heat - by Paul Nilsen
A former member of the Under 20s and Under 18s Belgium national basketball team, Kandi Mukole (203-F, college: Howard) is the latest signing for Guildford Heat. The 6ft 8in power forward joins from BC Carnieres in Belgium, having played the previous season at Howard University in Washington DC.

Creon Raftopoulos commented, 'From watching Kandi on film in the limited minutes he played in college and the improvement he showed playing in Belgium, I believe we have signed a player who will fit into our style of play and help us on the defensive end. He can play with his back to the basket and can attack off the dribble, finishing strong at the rim. With Mike Martin, Hermann Opoku and Kandi Mukole (203-F, college: Howard) we have three power forwards who all rebound and run the floor like guards.''

Kandi Mukole (203-F, college: Howard) said, 'I want to thank Guildford Heat for giving me the opportunity to showcase my talent. I am looking forward to developing my skills and giving 120% everyday! I hope to help Guildford Heat win as many games as possible.'

Patrons Cup preview - Hemel to play back-to-back - by Eurobasket News

The Division 2 Men's Patrons Cup competition continues its pools stage this weekend with five games scheduled, including a home double-header for 2011 champions Hemel Storm. Here's a preview:

Team Solent v Team Northumbria

Saturday 24 September, St Mary's Sports Centre

Newly-promoted Team Solent will be looking to continue their positive start to the season when they face Team Northumbria on Saturday. Despite losing their opening game of the season last weekend, it took a buzzer-beater from ex-BBL team Worthing Thunder that eliminated Solent from the National Cup.

Team Northumbria coach Marc Steutel is familiar with the Solent program and is anticipating the match-up:

'I am looking forward to the game this Saturday for multiple reasons! Not only do I believe it will be a good test to see where we are at collectively, it is our first major road trip this season. I also enjoyed a good season as a player with the Solent Stars in which Coach Donneaud [now Team Solent head coach] was the assistant. He is a fantastic tactician and brings his unique style which will be a great challenge for us collectively.'

The Northumbria club started their EBL campaign well last weekend with a pair of lopsided wins, one against London United-Harfield Academy in the Patrons Cup (77-42) and then against Middlesbrough Lions in the National Cup (104-62).

Steutel targeted a few Solent players as giving his club potential problems:

'I believe one of their biggest strengths is the unselfish, fundamental play of Ryan Payne (175-G-82), Anthony Rutter and Ollie Marsh. They have all played with each other for many years and can hurt you from a variety of ways.'

Of Solent veteran Mark Jackson, Steutel said, 'Even with him missing last season I am certain he can be a difference maker. I expect him to be in great shape and he adds so much experience and poise to their team.'

Team Northumbria will welcome two returning players back this weekend in guard Toby Hutton and German big man Nils Steuber.

Hemel Storm v London Westside

Saturday 24 September, Sportspace

Hemel Storm v Mansfield Giants

Sunday 25 September, John F. Kennedy School

Hemel Storm's double-header action begins against Division 2 newcomers London Westside on Saturday as both teams emerge from National Cup wins last weekend. Storm dispatched of Ipswich Tomcats 95-56 and Westside fought to the end before eliminating London Greenhouse Pioneers, 57-53.

On Sunday Hemel face Mansfield Giants who have been eagerly awaiting their first taste of EBL action this season, having to postpone their opening games last weekend.

On paper Storm appear to be a strong side heading into the Division 2 season, featuring the likes of ex-London United and Reading guards Andy Harper and Rich Wellings as well as former BBL player Andrew Spinks.

Westside had a successful season in Division 3 in 2010/11, winning the playoff title and earning promotion while Mansfield have been a solid Division 2 side for several seasons, always capable of the upset.

Eastside Eagles v Glamorgan Gladiators

Saturday 24 September, Walthamstow Academy

Eastside Eagles are up against Glamorgan Gladiators in the Patrons Cup on Saturday and while the London club already have two EBL games under their belt this season, Glamorgan were forced to postpone their Cup game against Taunton and their Patrons game against Mansfield.

Eagles were edged by a bucket in their opening Patrons game against London Westside last Saturday but bounced back to hammer Southgate Academical in the Cup, 104-45.

Welsh club Glamorgan, also promoted this season, were Division 3 Playoff runners-up in the in 10/11 and were led by MVP American Joseph Womack, who isn't returning to the club this year. However, with veteran coach Steve Williams at the helm they will be a force to reckoned with.

London United-Harefield Academy v Birmingham Mets

Sunday 25 September, The Harefield Academy

London United suffered an early exit from the Men's National Cup at the hands of Ealing Phoenicians last weekend, giving the young academy team an incentive to open their home campaign successfully.

Their opponents, however, are perfect to start the season (recording National Cup and Patrons wins) showing the league that Birmingham Mets are out with something to prove. Last season's Men's Shield and Division 3 North league champions Mets are coached by ex-England player Stephen Barnes and welcome the return of the high scoring Cameroonian forward, Franck Kouagniakandoum.

United are fielding a young team this season, having lost the likes of veteran Andy Harper to Hemel, but coach Jack Majewski demands the most of his players as the club's past success will attest so no game against them will be easy.
Courtesy of: http://www.englandbasketball.co.uk

National Shield begins this weekend - by Eurobasket News
The Men's National Shield competition begins this weekend with a slate of 14 first round fixtures.

The Shield is a knockout competition for Division 3 and Division 4 Men's teams, with the final traditionally taking place on the same day as the U18 and U16 Boys Sureshot Cup finals.

There will be no reigning champions in the draw as Birmingham Mets have been promoted to Division 2, but Birmingham Mets II will take part, facing an opening round fixture at home against Worcester Wolves II. Each of the last 3 champions of the competition have also secured promotion in the same season - Birmingham last season, London United before them and Brixton Topcats three seasons ago.

Last year's runners-up Solent City Smugglers (who were known as Portsmouth City Smugglers at the time) are in the draw, but are one of eighteen teams already through to the second round of the competition.

One of last weekend's National Cup cinderellas, Ealing Phoenicians, will be in action in the first round as they host Barking Abbey Leopards and will be hopeful of progressing to a second round tie with fellow National Cup giantkillers Canary Wharf Baltic Staff, who they also face in the second round of the Cup.
Courtesy of: http://www.englandbasketball.co.uk

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URUGUAY

Uruguay will play the Pan American Games - by Hector Lopez
Uruguay named the NT to play the Pan American Games, in Guadalajara (Mexico) from October 26-30. The HC will be Alvaro Tito and players named were:
Emiliano Baston (200-F-88)
Nicolas Borsellino (202-F-86)
Mathias Calfani (202-C-92)
Bruno Fitipaldo (183-PG-91)
Sebastian Izaguirre (207-C/F-85)
Reque Newsome (204-C-81, college: S.Indiana)
Joaquin Osimani (193-G-87)
Martin Osimani (194-G-81, college: Duquesne)
Sebastian Vazquez (195-F-85)
Santiago Vidal (180-G-89)
Juan Pablo Silveira (191-G-86, college: Weber St.)
Ivan Loriente (186-G-92)
Uruguay will play against Dominican Republic, United States and Brazil for the Group B. For the other group will be playing Argentina, Canada, Mexico and Puerto rico.

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UZBEKISTAN

Women News

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ANGOLA - Women

Nation's Ladies Basketball Team to Travel to Bamako On Wednesday - by Eurobasket News
Luanda The Angolan senior females basketball team will travel on Wednesday to Mali, where they will compete from 23 September to 2 October in the 22nd edition of the African Cup of Nations (Afrobasket2011), set for Bamako city.

The national squad is comprised in group B together with Senegal, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Cameroun and Rwanda.

Angop learnt that Angolan want to improve the third position achieved in 2009 in Madagascar.

Check the players summoned by coach Anbal Moreira: Catarina Camufal, Felizarda Jorge (172-F-85), Angela Cardoso (180-F-79), Fineza Eusbio, Cristina Matiquite, Snia Guadalupe, Lusa Toms, Astrida Vicente (174-F/G-78), Nachissela Maurcio, Nadir Manuel (183-F-86), Nguendula Filipe and Luzia Simo.

Group A is integrated by Mali, Tunisia, Mozambique, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana and DR Congo.

Senegal are the title holders of the competition.
Courtesy of: Angola Press

Females Basketball Squad Player Confident in Victory At Afrobasket2011 - by Eurobasket News
Luanda The player of the Angolan senior females basketball team Felizarda Jorge, on Tuesday here expressed the squad's determination to fight for the conquest of the 22nd edition of the Afrobaskte2011, set for September 23 and October 02, in Bamako, Mali.

Speaking to ANGOP, after one more training session, the player said currently there is only positive thoughts, taking into account the squad's intention of improving the third place achieved in the previous edition.

'We have been preparing with much strength and with the main goal of getting positive results that enable us to reach the final and win it. I know it will not be an easy competition. We will find many difficulties, but we are determined to achieve our goals', she said.

The player pointed out that the second post at the Pan African Games of Maputo, Mozambique, is an importance experience that will be used for the African Nations Cup (Afrobasket'2011) in Bamako, Mali.

The Angolan ladies basketball team will start the Afrobasket competition in group B, with Senegal, Nigeria, Cameroon, Rwanda and Equatorial Guinea.
Courtesy of: Angola Press

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BALTIC LEAGUE - Women

Standings

Baltic League Standings

Regular Season
Group A
1. MRU Vilnius			0-0
2. Olimpia			0-0
3. Sirenos			0-0
4. TTT Juniores			0-0
5. TTT Riga			0-0
6. Victoria			0-0
Group B
1. Berezina			0-0
2. Eclex Tallinn			0-0
3. Halichina			0-0
4. Minsk-2006			0-0
5. Tim-Scuf			0-0
6. TLU/Volta			0-0
Semifinals
Group C
1. Lemminkainen			0-0
2. VICI-Aistes			0-0
Group D
1. Gorizont			0-0
2. Spartak SP			0-0

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BRAZIL - Women

De Souza to join National team after WNBA playoff loss - by Mel Devonne
Decsions, Decsions are the order of the day for Brasilan national team center, Erika de Souza. Last night, she lost
an emotional game in the semi finals of the WNBA playoffs. And her countries national team is starting an important
qualifing tournament in Columbia, Saturday Sept. 24. Erika will have to leave the WNBA playoffs to join the Brasilian
national team to try and qualify for the 2012 olympic games.
Erika is a key player for her WNBA Atlanta Dream and probally the best player on her national team.
Atlanta lost game one of the eastern conference semi finals last night, to the Indaina Fever and will play game two
in Atlanta on Sunday Sept. 25.
Erika will probally miss the remander of the WNBA playoff, which will be trouble for her WNBA team.
In game one Erika had 8 points and 13 rebounds in the game one loss to Indiana 82-74.

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CROATIA - Women

Standings - Women

A1 Standings

1. Agram ZG		0-0
2. Croatia 2006		0-0
3. Dubrava		0-0
4. Gospic		0-0
5. Jolly		0-0
6. Medvescak		0-0
7. Novi Zagreb		0-0
8. Plamen Pozega		0-0
9. Pleter		0-0
10. Rockwool Pula		0-0
11. Studenec Omis		0-0
12. Zadar		0-0

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CZECH REPUBLIC - Women

Stats Leaders - Women

Points Per Game

Hana SNAJDROVA-ZIKLOVA
  Trutn.
  (183-F-80)
  Avg: 17

1. Snajdrova-Z., Trut.	17.0
2. Mircheva, VS Praha	16.0
3. Tarasava, VS Praha	15.0
4. Novakova, Trutnov	14.0
5. Vetrovcova, Trutn.	12.0
6. Reisingerova, VS P.	12.0
7. Vorlova, VS Praha	12.0
8. Misurova, Trutnov	11.0
9. Vackova, Trutnov	9.0
10. Vyoralova, VS P.	7.0

Rebounds Per Game

Hana SNAJDROVA-ZIKLOVA
  Trutn.
  (183-F-80)
  Avg: 10

1. Snajdrova-Z., Trut.	10.0
2. Mircheva, VS Praha	9.0
3. Tarasava, VS Praha	7.0
4. Reisingerova, VS P.	7.0
5. Novakova, Trutnov	6.0
6. Vetrovcova, Trutn.	6.0
7. Vyoralova, VS Praha	6.0
8. Vorlova, VS Praha	5.0
9. Vackova, Trutnov	5.0
10. Misurova, Trutnov	4.0

Assists Per Game

Alexandra TARASAVA
  VS Praha
  (170-PG-88)
  Avg: 3

1. Tarasava, VS Praha	3.0
2. Novakova, Trutnov	3.0
3. Hindrakova, Trutnov	3.0
4. Misurova, Trutnov	2.0
5. Vyoralova, VS Praha	2.0
6. Mircheva, VS Praha	1.0
7. Komzikova, Trutnov	1.0
8. Vetrovcova, Trutn.	1.0
9. Makitalo, Trutnov	1.0
10. Reisingerova, VS	1.0

Steals Per Game

Katerina HINDRAKOVA
  Trutnov
  (176-G/F-88)
  Avg: 3

1. Hindrakova, Trutnov	3.0
2. Vackova, Trutnov	3.0
3. Tarasava, VS Praha	2.0
4. Vyoralova, VS Praha	1.0
5. Snajdrova-Z., Trut.	1.0
6. Novakova, Trutnov	1.0
7. Vorlova, VS Praha	1.0
8. Matulkova, VS Pr.	1.0
9. Makitalo, Trutnov	1.0
10. Reisingerova, VS	0.0

Blocks Per Game

Petra REISINGEROVA
  VS Pr.
  (195-C-73)
  Avg: 2

1. Reisingerova, VS P.	2.0
2. Vetrovcova, Trutn.	1.0
3. Mircheva, VS Praha	1.0
4. Makitalo, Trutnov	1.0
5. Misurova, Trutnov	0.0
6. Matulkova, VS Pr.	0.0
7. Komzikova, Trutnov	0.0
8. Snajdrova-Z., Trut.	0.0
9. Hindrakova, Trutnov	0.0
10. Pohunkova, VS Pr.	0.0

ZBL Round 1: Kara Trutnov defeats leader VS Praha - by Eurobasket
The Regular Season in ZBL just started.

VS Praha (0-1) lost on the court of Kara Trutnov on Wednesday night. Visitors were defeated by Kara Trutnov 78-64. It was a very close game until the last quarter, when Kara Trutnov's pressure prevailed and they won that period 22-15 extending their advantage to 14 points. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international forward Hana Snajdrova-Ziklova (183-80) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds. Forward Katerina Novakova (188-85) contributed with 14 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Kara Trutnov's coach Martin Petrovicky used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Ukrainian center Viktoria Mircheva (190-87, agency: LBM Management) answered with 16 points and 9 rebounds for VS Praha. Kara Trutnov is looking forward to face Aldast Strakonice (#3) at home in the next round, which may be the game of the day. VS Praha will play against Basket Slovanka MB (#10) in Vodochody and is hoping to prove to their supporters that the loss was just an accident.
Frisco Sika (1-0) played on the court of DSK Karlin (0-1). Frisco Sika crushed hosts 105-53. International power forward Alena Hanusova (189-91) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 12 rebounds for the winners and Farhiya Abdi chipped in 19 points and 8 rebounds. At the losing side center Adela Vechtova (190-87) responded with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 rebounds. DSK Karlin's coach Daniel Kurucz gave up on the game allowing to play twelve players seeing no chance for a win. It was the only win of guest team this round and in all other games host teams recorded victories. Defending champion keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 5 other teams. Newly promoted DSK Karlin closes the standings with one game lost. They share the position with 5 other teams. Frisco Sika's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Brno Valosun Brno.
Worth to mention about the upset in a game between BK Pliska Studanka (0-1) and Valosun Brno (1-0), which took place in Brno. BK Pliska Studanka lost to Valosun Brno in a road game 64-72 on Wednesday. Veronika Vlkova nailed 19 points for the winning side. Renata Brezinova came up with 28 points and 8 rebounds for BK Pliska Studanka in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Valosun Brno will meet Frisco Sika in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. BK Pliska Studanka will play against Lokomotiva Karlovy Vary (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Another upset was a game between Basket Slovanka MB (0-1) and USK Praha (1-0), which took place in Praha. Slovanka MB was outleveled in a road game by USK Praha 75-37. Frida Eldebrink fired 21 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Basket Slovanka MB's coach already knew that her team would not have a big chance, so allowed to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. USK Praha's next round opponent will be Sokol Hradec Kralove at home. Basket Slovanka MB will play against VS Praha.

In the last two games of round 1 winless VSE Praha lost to undefeated Strakonice on the road 68-90. Hradec Kralove won against Karlovy Vary on its own court 68-60.

Trutnov - VS Praha 78-64

VS Praha (0-1) lost on the court of Kara Trutnov on Wednesday night. Visitors were defeated by Kara Trutnov 78-64. It was a very close game until the last quarter, when Kara Trutnov's pressure prevailed and they won that period 22-15 extending their advantage to 14 points. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international forward Hana Snajdrova-Ziklova (183-80) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds. Forward Katerina Novakova (188-85) contributed with 14 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Kara Trutnov's coach Martin Petrovicky used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Ukrainian center Viktoria Mircheva (190-87, agency: LBM Management) answered with 16 points and 9 rebounds and Belarusian point guard Alexandra Tarasava (170-88) added 15 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for VS Praha. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Kara Trutnov (1-0) keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 5 other teams. VS Praha at the other side still closes the standings with one game lost. They share the position with 5 other teams. Kara Trutnov is looking forward to face Aldast Strakonice (#3) at home in the next round, which may be the game of the day. VS Praha will play against Basket Slovanka MB in Vodochody and is hoping to prove to their supporters that the loss was just an accident.
Top scorers:
Trutnov: H.Snajdrova-Ziklova 17+10reb+1ast, K.Novakova 14+6reb+3ast, L.Vetrovcova 12+6reb+1ast, D.Misurova 11+4reb+2ast, A.Vackova 9+5reb, P.Zaplatova 6+2reb
VS Praha: V.Mircheva 16+9reb+1ast, A.Tarasava 15+7reb+3ast, T.Vorlova 12+5reb+1ast, P.Reisingerova 12+7reb+1ast, T.Vyoralova 7+6reb+2ast, T.Matulkova 2+1ast

Strakonice - VSE Praha 90-68

Aldast Strakonice used a home court advantage and crushed VSE Praha 90-68. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The game without a history. Aldast Strakonice led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Aldast Strakonice (1-0) keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 5 other teams. Newly promoted VSE Praha still closes the standings with one game lost. Aldast Strakonice's next round opponent will be Kara Trutnov on the road. VSE Praha will play against DSK Karlin.

DSK Karlin - Frisco Sika 53-105

Another interesting game for Frisco Sika (1-0) which played on the court of DSK Karlin (0-1). Leader Frisco Sika crushed hosts 105-53. The game without a history. Frisco Sika led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding DSK Karlin to just 7 points in third quarter. Frisco Sika dominated down low during the game scoring 70 of its points in the paint compared to DSK Karlin's 26. Frisco Sika forced 22 DSK Karlin turnovers. DSK Karlin was plagued by 29 personal fouls down the stretch. International power forward Alena Hanusova (189-91) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 12 rebounds for the winners and Swedish forward Farhiya Abdi (188-92) chipped in 19 points and 8 rebounds. Five Frisco Sika players scored in double figures. At the losing side center Adela Vechtova (190-87) responded with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 rebounds and center Irena Spirkova (191-82) scored 8 points and 15 rebounds. DSK Karlin's coach Daniel Kurucz gave up on the game allowing to play twelve players seeing no chance for a win. Frisco Sika's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Brno Valosun.
Top scorers:
Frisco Sika: A.Hanusova 26+12reb+1ast, R.Hejdova 20+7reb, F.Abdi 19+8reb+1ast, M.Stalvant 13+1reb+2ast, R.Stehlikova 12+5reb, M.Palenikova 8+1reb
DSK Karlin: A.Vechtova 14+10reb, I.Spirkova 8+15reb, K.Ciperova 8+4reb+1ast, A.Hunkova 6+2reb, V.Rybova 5+1reb+2ast, V.Rozhina 4+2reb

Valosun Brno - Pardubice 72-64

Worth to mention about the upset in a game between BK Pliska Studanka (0-1) and Valosun Brno (1-0), which took place in Brno. BK Pliska Studanka lost to Valosun Brno in a road game 64-72 on Wednesday. BK Pliska Studanka trailed by 11 points at halftime and as many as 13 after three quarters before a 19-14 last quarter charge cut the deficit to 64-72 at the end of the game. Valosun Brno outrebounded BK Pliska Studanka 38-25 including a 29-15 advantage in offensive rebounds. Swingman Veronika Vlkova (176-84) nailed 19 points for the winning side and the former international swingman Irena Borecka (176-80) accounted for 13 points and 6 rebounds. Center Renata Brezinova (189-90) came up with 28 points and 8 rebounds and forward Hana Kramperova (176-85) added 13 points respectively for BK Pliska Studanka in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Valosun Brno will meet Frisco Sika in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. BK Pliska Studanka will play against Lokomotiva Karlovy Vary and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Valosun Brno: V.Vlkova 19+4reb+1ast, I.Borecka 13+6reb, E.Kmetova 12+7reb, K.Sedlakova 7+2reb, M.Zatloukalova 7, L.Kysilkova 6+3reb+5ast
Pardubice: R.Brezinova 28+8reb+1ast, H.Kramperova 13+1reb+1ast, B.Habetinkova 5+2reb+1ast, M.Pavlasova 4+1reb+2ast, M.Ondrejova 4+3reb, M.Jedlickova 3+4reb+1ast

Hradec Kralove - Karlovy Vary 68-60

Sokol Hradec Kralove used a home court advantage and defeated the opponent from Karlovy Vary 68-60. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Lokomotiva Karlovy Vary won third quarter 17-15. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Guard Michaela Stara (180-90) fired 20 points for the winners. Swingman Katerina Zavazalova (172-90) chipped in 12 points and 7 rebounds. Forward Sarka Kucerova (181) produced a double-double by scoring 21 points and 13 rebounds and Slovakian forward Lucia Krc-Turbova (185-87) added 8 points and 7 rebounds respectively for lost side. Sokol Hradec Kralove's next round opponent will be USK Praha (#5) on the road. Lokomotiva Karlovy Vary will play against BK Pliska Studanka in Pardubice and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Hradec Kralove: M.Stara 20+2reb+3ast, K.Zavazalova 12+7reb+3ast, K.Rosenbaumova 9+9reb, T.Kuthanova 8+4reb+2ast, L.Bartakova 8+2reb+1ast, K.Pochobradska 6+3reb+1ast
Karlovy Vary: S.Kucerova 21+13reb, L.Krc-Turbova 8+7reb+2ast, J.Houdkova 8, S.Pospisilova 6+2reb, B.Novocka 5+3reb+4ast, M.Muchova 5+2reb+3ast

USK Praha - Slovanka MB 75-37

The game Basket Slovanka MB (0-1) vs USK Praha (1-0) took place in Praha. Basket Slovanka MB was outleveled in a road game by leader USK Praha 75-37. The game without a history. USK Praha led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Basket Slovanka MB to just 4 points in first quarter and to 11 points in first half. USK Praha held Basket Slovanka MB to an opponent 18.1 percent shooting from the field compared to 44.9 percent accuracy of the winners. USK Praha forced 19 Basket Slovanka MB turnovers and had a 36-24 advantage in offensive rebounds. They brought some defensive toughness making 9 blocks. Swedish guard Frida Eldebrink (174-88, agency: Josep and Nicolas) fired 21 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Spanish forward Anna Montanana (186-80, college: George Washington, agency: Josep and Nicolas) chipped in 10 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists and 5 steals. Center Lenka Sipova (185-88) produced 11 points and 8 rebounds and center Linda Tesarikova (178-78) added 6 points and 10 rebounds respectively for lost side. Basket Slovanka MB's coach already knew that her team would not have a big chance, so allowed to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. USK Praha's next round opponent will be league's second-placed Sokol Hradec Kralove at home and it will be for sure the game of the week. Basket Slovanka MB will play against VS Praha.
Top scorers:
USK Praha: F.Eldebrink 21+7reb+2ast, K.Elhotova 15+3reb+2ast, A.Montanana 10+8reb+7ast, E.Viteckova 8+6reb+2ast, P.Kulichova 8+10reb+2ast, I.Burgrova 8+6reb
Slovanka MB: L.Sipova 11+8reb, H.Nezdarilova 7+6reb+3ast, L.Tesarikova 6+10reb+2ast, E.Dujsikova 5+7reb+1ast, K.Novotna 4+3reb, E.Kotlanova 4+2reb+1ast

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ICELAND - Women

Butler & Jones to Iceland - by Siggi Hjorleifsson
Jaleesa Butler (183-F-87, college: Georgetown) & Britney Jones (170-G-87, college: UAB) have sign with teams in Iceland Express league for upcoming season.
Jaleesa Butler (183-F-87, college: Georgetown) 6'0! forward out of Georgetown sign with Keflavik. Last season was her first pro season and that was with Hamar in Iceland where she had great season with very good statistic 23,8 points. 14,4 rebounds and 3,4 assist. Played also in the All-Star game.
Britney Jones (170-G-87, college: UAB) standout from University of Birmingham Alabama 2009 where she average 19,4 points played in Puerto Rico 2010 where she average 17,4 points a game Jones sign with Fjolnir.

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LITHUANIA - Women

Standings - LMKL

LMKL Standings

1. Laisve Kaunas		0-0
2. Lemminkainen		0-0
3. LKKA-Aistes		0-0
4. MRU Vilnius		0-0
5. Ruta Siauliai		0-0
6. Sirenos		0-0
7. Suduva		0-0
8. Utena		0-0
9. VICI-Aistes		0-0

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SERBIA - Women

Standings - Women

A League Standings

1. Beocin		0-0
2. Celarevo		0-0
3. Crvena Zvezda		0-0
4. Jagodina 2001		0-0
5. Loznica		0-0
6. Proleter		0-0
7. Radnicki KG		0-0
8. Sabac		0-0
9. Spartak		0-0
10. Stara Pazova		0-0
11. Student		0-0
12. Vrbas		0-0
Play in international cups:
1. Hemofarm		0-0
2. Partizan		0-0
3. Radivoj Korac		0-0
4. Vojvodina		0-0
5. Vozdovac		0-0

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SPAIN - Women

Caja Rural signs American F Bernice Mosby - by Eurobasket News
Bernice Mosby (186-F-84, college: Baylor) will continue her career in Spain. The American forward penned a deal with Caja Rural Zamarat for the next season. She spent the last one in Poland as a member of Blachy Pruszynski Lider Pruszkow. For 18 games in the league Mosby averaged 13.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.3 steals. She was named Eurobasket.com All-Polish PLKK Honorable Mention -11 and also she participated at the All-Star Game. Before Poland, Bernice Mosby spent one season in Italy. She had 8.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg and 3.2 spg for 21 games with Bracco Geas Sesto San Giovanni. Three years ago Mosby played for French Arras. She was Eurobasket.com All-French LFB Newcomer of the Year -09. Mosby also has experience from Greece and WNBA.

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TURKEY - Women

Tarsus lands WNBA player Tangela Smith - by Eurobasket News
Tarsus announced very important signing today. The Turkish squad penned a one-year deal with WNBA player Tangela Smith (193-F/C-77, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Iowa). The American PF/C is currently a member of Indiana Fever and they reached Eastern Conference Finals three days ago. Their rival in the Finals will be Atlanta Dream. Smith appeared 36 times in WNBA so far this season averaging 7.2 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists. Tangela Smith spent last season with Polish team CCC Polkowice. She had 4.9 ppg and 3.3 rpg for 15 games in Poland. In 2009/10, she played in Turkey. Smith had 14.8 ppg and 6.5 rpg for 17 games with Ted Kayseri.

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WNBA - Women

Smith, Catchings lead Fever past Dream in Game 1 - by Eurobasket News
Tamika Catchings (6'1''-F-79, college: Tennessee) finished her special day the right way.

After being announced as the league's most valuable player earlier Thursday, she had 12 points and 13 rebounds to help the Indiana Fever defeat the Atlanta Dream 82-74 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.

Catchings sealed the win with one of her signature late-game gems. She stole the ball from Atlanta's Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-F-86, college: Louisville), then drove more than half the length of the court, spun through contact and made a behind-the-head layup off the backboard that gave the Fever a 74-66 lead.

'I was just trying to drive the basket and get to the line,' Catchings said. 'I was going in there with the intention of attacking Sancho (Lyttle) and get to the line.'

It was the kind of play that has earned Catchings a rare level of respect from her peers.

'She's just a hustle player, she just outworks everybody,' Tangela Smith (6'4''-F/C-77, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Iowa), who led Indiana with 25 points, said. 'We needed that stop at that time. That's what Catch does.'

McCoughtry, second in the league in scoring during the regular season, was held to 11 points about 10.5 below her average. She played just 17 minutes and was in foul trouble throughout. Atlanta had swept the regular-season series with the Fever 4-0, and McCoughtry averaged nearly 24 points in those games.

McCoughtry had words for the officials as the game ended, and Atlanta coach Marynell Meadors wasn't happy with them, either.

'She had a lot of fouls called on her,' Meadors said. 'I don't think she ever had a chance to get into her game, which really hurt us. So take it for whatever you want to take it. I just don't she had any chance out there tonight.'

Lindsey Harding (5'8''-G-84, college: Duke) scored 17 points for Atlanta, but she shot 1 for 5 from the field in the final 10 minutes with Indiana's Shavonte Zellous guarding her.

Lyttle scored 14 points, Armintie Price had 13 and Erika DeSouza had eight points and 13 rebounds for the Dream.

Game 2 of the best-of-three series is Sunday in Atlanta.

Catchings' late-game heroics were possible, in part, because of Smith's performance. She made 5 of 7 3-pointers and had nine rebounds and four blocks. She didn't score more than 16 points in any regular-season game this year.

'I was just doing it tonight,' Smith said. 'It just seemed like everything was going in, except my first two missed layups. My teammates kept finding me and giving me the ball, and I was fortunate to knock down shots.'

It was the kind of game the Fever envisioned when they signed the 34-year-old Smith before the season.

'That's why we brought Tan here, because she can spread the floor and knock down threes, and she did exactly what we expected her to do,' Dunn said. 'She has the green light. If she's open, we want her to shoot.'

Indiana balanced Smith's outside shooting with an aggressive approach. The Fever made 23 of 27 free throws while Atlanta made just 9 of 17.

'I thought the 27 free throws and us attacking the paint was really big for us,' Indiana coach Lin Dunn said. 'We had a few too many turnovers, but I think we were able to overcome those just because of staying close in the rebounding and the free throws.'

The score was tied at 57 at the end of the third quarter.

A 3-pointer by Smith gave Indiana a 63-59 lead with 7:17 remaining.

McCoughtry was called for a charge with 5:35 left, her fifth foul of the game and the third time Catchings drew a charge from her. Moments after McCoughtry went to the bench, Smith made another 3 to put the Fever ahead 68-62 midway through the fourth quarter.

Later, Catchings drove and drew McCoughtry's sixth foul.

'I thought we did a really good job of defending her,' Dunn said. 'When we put Catch on her in the second half, she just kind of lost her poise and composure a little bit, and that's okay with us.'

The Fever expect McCoughtry to be focused in Game 2.

'Now we go back to their place and play, and for us, we have to put this game behind us already and look at what she's going to do and what kind of mentality she's going to come out with,' Catchings said. 'I feel like Angel is going to be a lot more aggressive.'

Atlanta remained confident.

'We've had our backs to the wall many, many times this season,' Meadors said. 'We've faced adversity many times, and we've managed to jump over the hurdles, and this is one in front of us. We will come back strong on Sunday afternoon.'

Courtesy of www.chron.com

Augustus, Lynx roll to Game 1 win over Mercury - by Eurobasket News
Seimone Augustus (6'1''-G-84, college: LSU) had 21 points and seven assists to lead the Minnesota Lynx to a 95-67 victory over the Phoenix Mercury in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals on Thursday night.

Maya Moore (6'0''-F-89, college: Connecticut) scored 13 of her 15 points in the first quarter and Candice Wiggins (5'11''-G-87, college: Stanford) added 14 off the bench for the top-seeded Lynx, who held the highest scoring team in the league 22 points below its regular season average.

Diana Taurasi (6'0''-F/G-82, college: Connecticut) had 22 points and five rebounds for the Mercury, who were outrebounded 42-26 and shot just 35.7 percent from the field.

The Lynx opened the game with a 15-3 run and the Mercury never got closer than six points the rest of the way.

Game 2 is Sunday in Phoenix.

Courtesy of www.kxnet.com

Fever star Tamika Catchings finally nets WNBA MVP honor - by Eurobasket News
Indiana Fever forward Tamika Catchings (6'1''-F-79, college: Tennessee) has captured the 2011 WNBA MVP award Thursday, edging out Connecticut center Tina Charles (6'4''-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) and Chicago center Sylvia Fowles (6'6''-C-85, college: LSU) for the leagues most prestigious individual award.

Catchings finally garnered her first WNBA MVP award after coming up short several times, including twice to Seattle Storm center Lauren Jackson.

The 32-year-old Catchings received 21 of 40 first place votes to gain 292 points from a media voting panel.

Catchings has already received numerous individual honors -- including Defensive Player of the Year awards (four times), All-Star appearances (seven times), and Rookie of the Year honors -- but the MVP award certainly capped her decorated WNBA career.

The versatile 6-foot-1 forward averaged 15.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.0 steals as the Fever nabbed the top seed in the Eastern Conference standings with a 21-13 slate.

Despite placing only 10th in scoring average, Catchings has been a better all-around player this season and a driving force for the Fever in the regular-season and playoffs.

With the MVP award in the bag, Catchings wish list came down to just a WNBA title that has been elusive in her career.

Tina Charles, who averaged 17.6 boards and 11.0 boards in the regular-season, placed second to Catchings with 209 points (6 first-place votes). Despite her monster stats, the Mercurys early playoff exit might have hurt her MVP bid after winning the Rookie of the Year award last season.

Chicago center and perennial MVP candidate Sylvia Fowles finished third in the race with 148 points (6 first-place votes).

Courtesy of www.allheadlinenews.com

Standings

WNBA Standings

Eastern
1. Indiana F.		22-13
2. Connecticut S.		21-13
3. Atlanta D.		20-15
4. New York L.		19-15
5. Chicago S.		14-20
6. Washington M.		6-28
Western
1. Minnesota L.		27-7
2. Seattle S.		21-13
3. Phoenix M.		19-15
4. S.Antonio SS		18-16
5. L.Angeles S.		15-19
6. Tulsa S.		3-31