Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 9/26/2011

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Men News

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ABA

Chicago adds Walker to its roster - by Gianni Pascucci
Marvin Walker (6'3''-G-89), who was the leading score in the ABA Detroit Hoops team last season, has just communicated to Usbasket.com that he has agreed to terms to play the next ABA season with the Chicago Steam

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ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

China Unlikely to Go Far in the Olympics - by Arthur Volbert
China may have won the Asian Championship but it will have a difficult time reaching the quarterfinals of the Olympic Games in 2012 as it did in 2008.

While Yi Jianlian is a star in Asian competition he is not a dominant player like Yao Ming when he plays European or Latin American teams. Wang Zhizhi, who was born in 1977 rather than his listed 1979, will be 35 at the Olympics and is likely to be less effective next year than he was this year. Sun Yue has improved his play significantly but is unlikely to improve much further. Zhu Fangyu has been injured so much that he is not the offensive force that he used to be.

Liu Wei will be 32, old for a point guard and indeed plays more like an off guard in combination with Sun Yue. Yi Li is a good all-round player in Asian competition but is more of a perimeter player against the bigger Europeans and Latin Americans. He has yet to prove his worth against that caliber of competition. Ding Jinhui will be better next year. He is continuing to improve, whether he was born in 1990 or 1989. Yu Shulong and Zhang Bo should again make the team, and continue to improve, but it is hard to see them as international stars.

Zhou Peng and Wang Shipeng should return to the team. But it is also likely that one or more unknown players will miss the tournament because of injury so China is still likely to be shorthanded. Zhang Zhaoxu showed flashes of improvement but still was not trusted to play more than a minute in the championship game. Su Wei played not at all in the championship and is unlikely to be on the Olympic team. Xirelijiang will have to improve significantly to make the team again, but is young enough that he might do so.

Seven-foot youngster Wang Zhelin (213-C-94) is highly promising and likely to make the Olympic team but not likely to have much impact in 2012. Guo Ailun may make the team but there are problems between the Chinese basketball authorities and Guo Shiqiang at Liaoning and Guo Ailun could well be off the team because of this.

South Korea defeated the Philippines 70-68 and will join Jordan in the Olympic play-in tournament. Both are almost certain to be eliminated from the Olympics. Iran finished in fifth place, defeating Lebanon 87-65. It was probably the second most talented team in the tournament, if not the most talented, but was shocked by Jordan's impassioned play in the final round, just as China almost was. Japan gained seventh place with an 81-72 win over Chinese Taipei.

China Edges Jordan 70-69 for Asian Championship - by Arthur Volbert
China won the FIBA Asian Basketball Championship today by edging Jordan 70=69.

In a game that was close all the way, China led 16-15 after the first quarter but trailed 36-31 at the half. It led 59-56 after three quarters.

Jianlian Yi (212-C/F-87) led the way with 25 points, 16 rebounds and 6 blocks. Liu Wei had 13 points and 4 rebounds. Wang Zhizhi had 10 points and 5 rebounds. Yi Li had 10 points and 3 rebounds. Sun Yue had 4 points and 5 rebounds in 27 minutes. Zhu Fangyu 3 points and 6 rebounds in 30 minutes. Ding Jinhui had 5 points and 5 rebounds in 16 minutes. No other player saw significant time on the court. The stamina of China's veterans held up and none suffered a significant injury. This allowed China to win the tournament after playing so poorly in preliminary games where all the veterans were almost never able to play together because of injury.

Rasheim Wright scored 26 points for Jordan. Zaid Abbas had 13 points and 10 rebounds. Osama Daghles had 10 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists.

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Marcus DOUTHIT
  USA
  (210-C/F-80)
  Avg: 21.9

1. Douthit, PHI	21.9
2. Wright, JOR	19.2
3. Ahmad, UAE	17.0
4. Yi, CHN	16.6
5. Hoskin, LEB	16.3
6. Haddadi, IRI	15.4
7. Koroth, IND	15.3
8. Daghles, JOR	14.8
9. Malabes, BHR	14.5
10. Sitepu, IDN	13.8

Rebounds Per Game

Marcus DOUTHIT
  USA
  (210-C/F-80)
  Avg: 12.2

1. Douthit, PHI	12.2
2. Takeuchi, JPN	11.4
3. Haddadi, IRI	11.4
4. Yi, CHN	10.8
5. Hoskin, LEB	10.1
6. Li Wei, MAS	9.1
7. Kazemi, IRI	8.9
8. Gorges, SYR	7.6
9. Abbas, JOR	7.1
10. Indrawan, IDN	7.0

Assists Per Game

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

1. Wuysang, IDN	6.4
2. Guganeswaran, MAS	4.9
3. Daghles, JOR	4.6
4. Malabes, BHR	4.0
5. Kamrani, IRI	4.0
6. Yang, KOR	3.9
7. Akl, LEB	3.8
8. Shonaka, JPN	3.7
9. Lee, TAI	3.7
10. Haddadi, IRI	3.6

Steals Per Game

Osama DAGHLES
  JOR
  (198-G-79)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Daghles, JOR	1.8
2. Ahmad, UAE	1.8
3. Sun, CHN	1.8
4. Lee, TAI	1.7
5. Chang, TAI	1.6
6. Wright, JOR	1.6
7. Hirose, JPN	1.6
8. Malallah, BHR	1.5
9. Salem, UAE	1.5
10. Kamrani, IRI	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Hamed HADDADI
  IRI
  (218-C-85)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Haddadi, IRI	2.9
2. Zaghab, JOR	1.7
3. Douthit, PHI	1.7
4. Yi, CHN	1.4
5. Sun, CHN	1.4
6. Singh, IND	1.4
7. Kim, KOR	1.3
8. Sitepu, IDN	1.2
9. Kim, KOR	0.9
10. Tseng, TAI	0.9

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BALTIC LEAGUE

VEF Riga became the 2011 Dorpat BBL Cup winner - by Eurobasket News
VEF Riga became the 2011 Dorpat BBL Cup winner. The Latvian team won the Final game over University of Tartu 95:69 to start the new season with the trophy. The win marks the last time that VEF will be seen in the BBL before the playoffs begin as they now turn their focuses to other tournaments.
The Latvian side easily started with 28-19 and never looked behind in the game. VEF Riga added 21-10 in the second period and enjoyed 49:29 halftime advantage. Moreover the second half also belonged to the Latvian squad. They won the third frame 19-17 and added 27-23 in the last stanza.
Curtis Millage (185-G-81, college: Arizona St.) stepped up with 20 points and Sandis Valters notched 14. Cornelius Cains collected 12 points and 13 rebounds, while Janicenoks nailed 11. Kristo Saage (184-G-85) delivered 14 points in the losing effort and Vallo Allingu (206-C-78) netted 12. Rain Veideman (192-G-91) had 11, while Eihfuss added 9.

Rudupis relied on big defense to clinch bronze at Baltic Cup 2011. The Lithuanian team overcame Kalev/Cramo 85:70 on Sunday.
Rudupis started well and took 19-8 from the first period. The team from Estonia responded with 18-16 in the second frame and trailed 9 points at the halftime. The Lithuanian squad needed 27-21 in the third quarter and never looked behind in the game. Both teams nailed 23 points each in the last quarter for the final result.
Gediminas Orelikas (200-G/F-90) paced all the winners with 18 points and Dainius Salenga (197-F-77) as well as Aidas Viskontas added 15 each. Gintaras Kadziulis (193-G-80) followed them with 12 points. Ulyanko top-scored in defeat with 22 points. Armandas Skele notched 12 and Mihkelas Schleicheris posted 10.

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BELGIUM

Liege Transfer News - by Peter Buyse
Liege Basket has completed its roster for the soon to start 2011-2012 season. Their newest addition is American forward/center Terrence Jennings (205-F-88). Jennings finished his final college year at the university of Louisville and this will be his first year overseas. Jennings declared himself eligible for the 2011 NBA draft. He was not drafted and since he signed with an agent had to forgo his senior season at Louisville. As junior he played 34 games and averaged 9.6 ppg and 5.2 rpg.

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BRAZIL

Paulista Round 17: Winner/Limeira loses to Itabom/Bauru in the game between Top 4 teams - by Eurobasket
The teams have now bigger motivation at this stage of Regular Season. Every game can be crucial and decide about teams' position at the end of Regular Season.

The game between Top Four teams took place in Bauru. First ranked host Itabom/Bauru (11-1) smashed second-ranked Winner/Limeira (9-2) 85-58. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Winner/Limeira. Itabom/Bauru dominated on the defensive end, holding Winner/Limeira to just 5 points in second quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Winner/Limeira's 28. They outrebounded Winner/Limeira 49-21 including a 18-3 advantage in offensive rebounds. American guard Larry Taylor (185-80, college: Missouri Western) stepped up and scored 28 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners and forward Pilar Alves (200-84) chipped in 13 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international forward Rogerio Klafke (201-71) responded with 11 points and 6 rebounds. Itabom/Bauru have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They maintain first place with 11-1 record. Winner/Limeira at the other side keeps the second position with two games lost. They share it with S.Jose/Vinac. Itabom/Bauru will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Winner/Limeira will play on the road against Vivo/Franca in Sao Paulo and is hoping to prove to their supporters that the loss was just an accident.
An interesting game took place in Araraquara where higher ranked Araraquara (6-5) was upset on its own court by fifteenth ranked America (3-10) 103-89. Forward Cassio Leal (198-88) nailed 30 points and 4 assists for the winning side and Alex Matheus accounted for 27 points. Forward Ricardo de Azevedo (201-83) came up with 19 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for Araraquara in the defeat. Araraquara's coach rotated ten players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. America moved-up to thirteenth place. Araraquara at the other side dropped to the eighth position with five games lost. America will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Araraquara will play on the road against Inter Santos (#15) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
An interesting game took place in Rio Claro where 4th placed Vivo/Franca (8-3) was upset on the court of ninth ranked Rio Claro (5-6) 90-82 on Saturday. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Vivo/Franca. The best player for the winners was Rafu Da Silva who scored 21 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Rio Claro's coach used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Helinho Garcia produced 24 points and 7 assists for the guests. Rio Claro maintains ninth place with 5-6 record. Loser Vivo/Franca keeps the fourth position with three games lost. They share it with Pinheiros/Sky. Rio Claro will meet bottom-ranked Sao Caetano (#16) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Vivo/Franca will play against Winner/Limeira (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the last game of round 17 S.Jose/Vinac won against L.S.B. on the opponent's court 85-77.

Araraquara - America 89-103

An interesting game took place in Araraquara where higher ranked Araraquara (6-5) was upset on its own court by fifteenth ranked America (3-10) 103-89. It looked good early as Araraquara took an 1-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then America had a 30-19 second period charge getting the lead and Araraquara was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 89-103. America made 26-of-32 charity shots (81.3 percent) during the game, while Araraquara only scored ten points from the stripe. America players were unselfish on offense dishing 25 assists. Araraquara was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. Forward Cassio Leal (198-88) nailed 30 points and 4 assists for the winning side and Alex Matheus (-85) accounted for 27 points. Forward Ricardo de Azevedo (201-83) came up with 19 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and guard Zezinho Jose Anibal (183-88) added 11 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists respectively for Araraquara in the defeat. Four America and five Araraquara players scored in double figures. Araraquara's coach rotated ten players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. America moved-up to thirteenth place. Araraquara at the other side dropped to the eighth position with five games lost. America will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Araraquara will play on the road against Inter Santos (#15) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
America: C.Leal 30+3reb+4ast, A.Matheus 27+3reb+3ast, Y.Viana 14+8reb+5ast, E.Garcia 10+10reb+5ast, N.da Silva 8+5reb+1ast, D.Alves 8+5reb+3ast
Araraquara: R.de Azevedo 19+5reb+4ast, L.da Silva 17+2reb, T.Pereira 13+6reb+1ast, Z.Jose Anibal 11+5reb+7ast, D.Costa 10+8reb, F.Dias 9+1reb+2ast

L.S.B. - S.Jose/Vinac 77-85

Very expected game in Sorocabana where 10th ranked L.S.B. (4-8) was defeated by third ranked Sao Jose/Vinac (9-2) 85-77 on Saturday. L.S.B. trailed by 15 points after 3 quarters before a 24-17 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 77-85 at the end of the game. Sao Jose/Vinac made 21-of-23 free shots (91.3 percent) during the game. Sao Jose/Vinac outrebounded L.S.B. 41-27 including a 33-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was the former international power forward Jefferson Antonio (207-83) who had a double-double by scoring 14 points and 14 rebounds. International power forward Murilo Becker (210-83) chipped in a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line). American guard Jason Griffin (191-87, college: Wayland Baptist) produced 15 points and 8 rebounds and forward Fabricio Russo (196-85) added 11 points and 6 assists respectively for the hosts. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Sao Jose/Vinac. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Winner/Limeira. Loser L.S.B. keeps the tenth position with eight games lost. Sao Jose/Vinac will meet at home XV/Cosan (#14) in the next round which should be an easy win for them. L.S.B. will play against Gremio Mogi (#7) in Mogi das Cruzes and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
S.Jose/Vinac: D.Stefanelli 21+1reb+1ast, M.Becker 19+10reb, J.Antonio 14+14reb+3ast, A.Laws 11+6reb+2ast, F.de Assis 8+5reb+11ast, P.Castro 4+1reb
L.S.B.: J.Griffin 15+8reb+1ast, K.Dawkins 14+1reb+3ast, F.Russo 11+2reb+6ast, T.Labbate 11+8reb, E.Rodrigues 8+2reb, P.Nery 7+2reb+1ast

Rio Claro - Vivo/Franca 90-82

An interesting game took place in Rio Claro where 4th placed Vivo/Franca (8-3) was upset on the court of ninth ranked Rio Claro (5-6) 90-82 on Saturday. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Vivo/Franca. The hosts trailed by 9 points after first quarter, but they rallied back and won the game by 8 points. Rio Claro looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The best player for the winners was swingman Rafu Da Silva (197-83, college: New Haven) who scored 21 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Forward Ulisses Lima (192-85) chipped in 18 points and 7 assists. Rio Claro's coach used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. The former international guard Helinho Garcia (186-75) produced 24 points and 7 assists and the former international power forward William Drudi (206-81) added 20 points and 10 rebounds respectively for the guests. Five Rio Claro and four Vivo/Franca players scored in double figures. Rio Claro maintains ninth place with 5-6 record. Loser Vivo/Franca keeps the fourth position with three games lost. They share it with Pinheiros/Sky. Rio Claro will meet bottom-ranked Sao Caetano (#16) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Vivo/Franca will play against Winner/Limeira (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Rio Claro: R.Da Silva 21+6reb+4ast, U.Lima 18+4reb+7ast, A.de Mello 17+3reb, R.Castellon 12+5reb+1ast, A.Pinheiro 11+7reb+6ast, W.Evangelista 11+1reb+1ast
Vivo/Franca: H.Garcia 24+2reb+7ast, W.Drudi 20+10reb+3ast, B.Araujo 18+10reb+1ast, F.Penna 11+4reb+6ast, M.Dornelles 7+4reb+2ast, F.Taddei 2+2reb

Itabom/Bauru - Winner/Limeira 85-58

The game between Top Four teams took place in Bauru. First ranked host Itabom/Bauru (11-1) smashed second-ranked Winner/Limeira (9-2) 85-58. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Winner/Limeira. Itabom/Bauru dominated on the defensive end, holding Winner/Limeira to just 5 points in second quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Winner/Limeira's 28. They outrebounded Winner/Limeira 49-21 including a 18-3 advantage in offensive rebounds. American guard Larry Taylor (185-80, college: Missouri Western) stepped up and scored 28 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners and forward Pilar Alves (200-84) chipped in 13 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Itabom/Bauru players scored in double figures. The former international forward Rogerio Klafke (201-71) responded with 11 points and 6 rebounds and forward Biro Alves (200-87) scored 10 points. Itabom/Bauru have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They maintain first place with 11-1 record. Winner/Limeira at the other side keeps the second position with two games lost. They share it with S.Jose/Vinac. Itabom/Bauru will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Winner/Limeira will play on the road against Vivo/Franca in Sao Paulo and is hoping to prove to their supporters that the loss was just an accident.
Top scorers:
Itabom/Bauru: L.Taylor 28+6reb+7ast, F.Fischer 16+2reb+4ast, J.Agba 13+15reb, P.Alves 13+13reb+4ast, D.Nunes 8+5reb+2ast, G.Zilmer 4+3reb
Winner/Limeira: R.Klafke 11+6reb, B.Alves 10+2reb+2ast, Benite 9+2reb+2ast, T.Romualdo 9+2reb+1ast, A.Bambu 6+3reb+1ast, J.Luz dos Santos 6+3reb

Paulista round 17 best performance: Larry Taylor - by Eurobasket
American guard Larry Taylor (185-G-80) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for top-ranked Itabom/Bauru, receiving a Latinbasket.com Paulista Player of the Week award for round 17.
The 31-year old player was the main contributor (28 points, six rebounds and seven assists) to his team's victory, helping them to outclass Winner/Limeira (#3, 9-2) with 27-point margin 85-58. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. It allowed Itabom/Bauru to consolidate first place in the Brazilian Paulista. Itabom/Bauru has a very good season and are considered to have a run for the championship title. They improved their record to 11-1. In the team's last game Taylor had a remarkable 61.5% from 2-point range. He has many years of experience at Itabom/Bauru, through which he has constantly improved. Former Missouri Western State College star has very solid stats this year. Taylor is in league's top in assists (3rd best: 7.0apg) and averages impressive 56.4% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was another Itabom/Bauru's star - 27-year old Pilar Alves (200-F-84). Alves had a very good evening with a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds. Of course together with Taylor he helped Itabom/Bauru with another comfortable win outscoring slightly lower-ranked Winner/Limeira (#3, 9-2) 85-58. It was definitely game of the week between two contenders to the title. Itabom/Bauru consolidated its place in the very top position of the standings. His team belongs to top of the standings with 11-1 record and is considered one of the main candidates for the league title. Alves is well-known at Itabom/Bauru and together with Larry Taylor are proven team's leaders.

Third on the list of top players last round was former international William Drudi (206-C/F-81) of Vivo/Franca (#5). Drudi scored 20 points and grabbed ten rebounds. Despite Drudi's great performance Vivo/Franca lost 82-90 to the lower-ranked Rio Claro (#9, 5-6). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The last thing Vivo/Franca needs is to lose another game like this one. They lose more and more distance to the top teams. Their record is 8 victories and 3 lost games. Drudi has a very solid season. In 10 games in Brazil he scored 12.0ppg. He also has 7.0rpg and FGP: 60.3%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Cassio Leal (198-F-88) of America - 30 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists
5. Jefferson Agba (209-F/C-80) of Itabom/Bauru - 13 points and 15 rebounds
6. Helinho Garcia (186-G-75) of Vivo/Franca - 24 points, 2 rebounds and 7 assists
7. Ulisses Lima (192-F-85) of Rio Claro - 18 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists
8. Jefferson Antonio (207-F/C-83) of S.Jose/Vinac - 14 points, 14 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Eduardo Garcia (197-F/C-78) of America - 10 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists
10. Murilo Becker (210-C/F-83) of S.Jose/Vinac - 19 points and 10 rebounds

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)

Standings - Paulista, Carioca, Minas G. leagues

Paulista Standings

1. Itabom/Bauru		11-1
2. S.Jose/Vinac		9-2
3. Winner/Limeira		9-2
4. Pinheiros/Sky		8-3
5. Vivo/Franca		8-3
6. Paulistano		7-3
7. Gremio Mogi		6-4
8. Araraquara		6-5
9. Rio Claro		5-6
10. L.S.B.		4-8
11. Jacarei		3-7
12. Americana		3-7
13. America		3-10
14. XV/Cosan		2-8
15. Inter Santos		2-9
16. Sao Caetano		2-10

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CHINA

China Edges Jordan 70-69 for Asian Championship - by Arthur Volbert
China won the FIBA Asian Basketball Championship today by edging Jordan 70=69.

In a game that was close all the way, China led 16-15 after the first quarter but trailed 36-31 at the half. It led 59-56 after three quarters.

Jianlian Yi (212-C/F-87) led the way with 25 points, 16 rebounds and 6 blocks. Liu Wei had 13 points and 4 rebounds. Wang Zhizhi had 10 points and 5 rebounds. Yi Li had 10 points and 3 rebounds. Sun Yue had 4 points and 5 rebounds in 27 minutes. Zhu Fangyu 3 points and 6 rebounds in 30 minutes. Ding Jinhui had 5 points and 5 rebounds in 16 minutes. No other player saw significant time on the court. The stamina of China's veterans held up and none suffered a significant injury. This allowed China to win the tournament after playing so poorly in preliminary games where all the veterans were almost never able to play together because of injury.

Rasheim Wright scored 26 points for Jordan. Zaid Abbas had 13 points and 10 rebounds. Osama Daghles had 10 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists.

China Unlikely to Go Far in the Olympics - by Arthur Volbert
China may have won the Asian Championship but it will have a difficult time reaching the quarterfinals of the Olympic Games in 2012 as it did in 2008.

While Yi Jianlian is a star in Asian competition he is not a dominant player like Yao Ming when he plays European or Latin American teams. Wang Zhizhi, who was born in 1977 rather than his listed 1979, will be 35 at the Olympics and is likely to be less effective next year than he was this year. Sun Yue has improved his play significantly but is unlikely to improve much further. Zhu Fangyu has been injured so much that he is not the offensive force that he used to be.

Liu Wei will be 32, old for a point guard and indeed plays more like an off guard in combination with Sun Yue. Yi Li is a good all-round player in Asian competition but is more of a perimeter player against the bigger Europeans and Latin Americans. He has yet to prove his worth against that caliber of competition. Ding Jinhui will be better next year. He is continuing to improve, whether he was born in 1990 or 1989. Yu Shulong and Zhang Bo should again make the team, and continue to improve, but it is hard to see them as international stars.

Zhou Peng and Wang Shipeng should return to the team. But it is also likely that one or more unknown players will miss the tournament because of injury so China is still likely to be shorthanded. Zhang Zhaoxu showed flashes of improvement but still was not trusted to play more than a minute in the championship game. Su Wei played not at all in the championship and is unlikely to be on the Olympic team. Xirelijiang will have to improve significantly to make the team again, but is young enough that he might do so.

Seven-foot youngster Wang Zhelin (213-C-94) is highly promising and likely to make the Olympic team but not likely to have much impact in 2012. Guo Ailun may make the team but there are problems between the Chinese basketball authorities and Guo Shiqiang at Liaoning and Guo Ailun could well be off the team because of this.

South Korea defeated the Philippines 70-68 and will join Jordan in the Olympic play-in tournament. Both are almost certain to be eliminated from the Olympics. Iran finished in fifth place, defeating Lebanon 87-65. It was probably the second most talented team in the tournament, if not the most talented, but was shocked by Jordan's impassioned play in the final round, just as China almost was. Japan gained seventh place with an 81-72 win over Chinese Taipei.

China Heading to London - by Robert Wang
China beat Jordan at 70: 69 tonight. China has the ticket and heads to London for the Olympic Games next year. In this Asian shampionship Games, China won all the 6 games. This is the fist time that China received the Asian Championship since Year 2005. This is also the 15th time for China got the Champ in the Asian Championship history. The last 5 times that China won the asian championship were the Year 1999 between Japan and China, Year 2001 between Korea and China, Year 2003 between Korean and China, Year 2005 between Qatar and China, Year 2007 between Japan and China, and Year 2011 between Jordan and China.

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COLOMBIA

FEDERATION CUP 2011, DAY 6 RESULTS - by Victor Garcia
Bucaros fall at home against Orgullo Paisa, the team coached by Johny Arcila keep surprising, yesterday night playing yet without its imports, made a great defensive effort limiting the Bucaros powerful squad just to 54 points in the game , one of the lowest performances in the history of the yellow team, Orgullo Paisa had in Stalin Ortiz again the unstoppable offensive wheapon, and the help of Yubert Hinestroza in the boards was important for the success,
Bucaros 54
Orgullo Paisa 62

Cucuta did not haf an answer for the Guerreros de Bogota defense, and the Bogotas team had an important victory in the house of the Red and Black team, Kammron Taylor was unstoppable again, finishing with 30 pts, and 8 of 10 from the field, Taylor is proving his great level, Norbey Aragon also had an important performance with 17 points and Cesar Cortez added 11, in Cucuta Norman Nolan back on action had 15 pts, Windy Graterol, Edgar Moreno and Nikola Kuga added 11.
Cucuta Norte 69 N. Nolan 15 pts, Graterol and Moreno 11 pts.
Guerreros de Bogota 80 K. Taylor 30pts, N. Aragon 17 pts

In Tunja Patriotas reached its third straight victory defeating the San Andres Caribbean Heat in a very closed game.
Patriotas 90
Caribbean Heat 88.

Standings

Copa Federacion Standings

1. Orgullo Paisa		4-1
2. Guerreros		3-2
3. Patriotas		2-1
4. Bucaros		2-2
5. Caribbean Heat		2-3
6. InderValle		1-2
7. Cucuta Norte		1-4

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CYPRUS

ETHA vs SPARTAK SP FOR THE EUROCUP QUALIFYING - by Dr. Nasios Orinos
Etha battles 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). If it wins it will move on to play in the Eurocup Regular Season.

The 1st game takes place on the 28th of September at 19:30 at Eleftheria Indoor Arena, Nicosia, Cyprus.

Spartak SP Roster
NamePos. HeightBirth datePlace of birth
Pavel Antipov F 2.01 19.09.1991 Tartarstan (RUS)
Patrick Beverley PG 1.85 12.07.1988 Chicago, IL (USA)
Vladimir Dragicevic PF 2.05 30.05.1986 Cetinje (MNE)
Nikola Dragovic F 1.98 20.12.1987 Podgorica (MNE)
Yotam Halperin SG 1.93 24.01.1984 Tel-Aviv (ISR)
Anatoly Kashirov C 2.15 19.05.1987 Moscow (RUS)
Victor Keyru SG 2.00 31.01.1984 Rostov-na-Donu (RUS)
Aleksey Kotishevskiy F 1.96 04.04.1985 (KGZ)
Valery Likhodey SF 2.03 23.10.1986 Rostov-na-Donu (RUS)
Loukas MavrokefalidisPF 2.10 25.07.1984 Geseni (CZE)
Pavel Sergeev PG 1.87 28.07.1987 Leningrad (RUS)
Aleksey Zozulin SG 2.01 14.01.1983 Alma Ata (KAZ)
Miha Zupan PF 2.05 13.09.1982 Kranj (SLO)
AVERAGE HEIGHT=200.61AGE AVERAGE=25

Special attention needs to be given to YOTAM HALPERIN. Halperin is the type of player who can score 25-30 points but also shares the ball to get his team-mates involved. In 2010/2011 he played for Olympiacos-Greece and in 29 games he had: 8.2ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 64.0%, 3PT-1 (45.7%), FT: 88.9%.

Attention should also be given to Beverley, Mavrokefalidis, Zupan, Dragicevic and Kashirov,

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CZECH REPUBLIC

Turi Svitavy Ink Pawel Mroz to One-Year Deal - by Surujh Roopnarine
Further strengthening their roster for the 2011-12 Mattoni NBL season, Turi Svitavy have signed 27-year old Pawel Mroz (215-C-84) for one season. The 7-1 center from Poland joins Svitavy after having played the past two seasons in Slovakia with BK 04 AC LB Spisska Nova Ves. Last season he appeared in 32 games, averaging 13.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.1 blocks while shooting 51.5% on two-point field goals and 31.3% from behind the arc. During his career he has had stops in Sweden and his native Poland in addition to his time in Slovakia.

BC Kolin Defeat Svitavy 84-76 in Final Preseason Tune-Up - by Surujh Roopnarine
Despite trailing 35-44 at the half, BC Kolin climbed back and overtook Turi Svitavy 84-76 on Friday night, in the final preseason match for both teams before the start of the NBL season. Kolins trio of Americans, Rashaan Ames (184-PG-78, college: Shaw), Richard Field (196-F-83, college: Mercyhurst) and Chadwick-Farrell Barnes (190-G-83, college: New Orleans) were in mid-season form, combing for 58 points while shooting 19 for 23 on two-point field goals. Ladislav Horak (205-F/C-86) was the leading scorer for the hosts, tallying 18 points in defeat. Field led all scorers with a game-high 21 points for Kolin.
KOLIN: Richard Field (21pts), Chadwick-Farrell Barnes (19pts), Rashaan Ames (18pts), David Machac (204-F-80) (14pts)
SVITAVY: Ladislav Horak (18pts), Pavel Milos (200-F-79) (13pts), Lubos Moravec (185-G-89) (10pts), Boris Meno (203-F-83, college: Davidson) (10pts)

Czech Republic NBL: 2011-2012 Season Preview - by Surujh Roopnarine
Welcome to the Czech Republic, the home of Martina Navratilova (tennis), Jaromir Jagr (ice hockey) and Tomas Rosicky (football). Unfortunately, basketball in the Czech Republic falls very far behind these and many other sports. While the fan base is smaller than the more popular sports, the passion felt by those who follow basketball is no less than any other Czech fan. With young, rising star Jan Vesely (211-F-90) being drafted 6th overall in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards, the Czech Republic has a potential new hope to look to as they further develop their basketball enthusiasm. The Mattoni NBL is the highest league in the country and this season will see 14 teams compete in two stages as they try to unseat perennial powerhouse CEZ Nymburk. Unique for this season is the addition of two team from Slovakia, Astrum Levice and Inter Bratislava, who were invited (and were financially stable enough) to play in the NBL partly due to the fact that long-time franchises in Novy Jicin and Brno did not have the money to play this season. In addition to two teams from the 1.Liga (second league) being promoted, and a total of three teams playing in European competitions, will makes for as interesting an NBL season as there has been in some time.

KINGS OF CZECH BASKETBALL

CEZ Basketball Nymburk

When you speak about Czech Basketball CEZ Nymburk is the name that comes to mind frst. Founded in 1930, the club has won both the regular season and final championship every season since 2004, eight in a row! Last season they were in the qualifying round for the Euroleague, made it to the Top 16 o the Eurocup and also played in the Adriatic League for the firs time in their history, finishing eigth overall. With shrewd management in the front office and under the leadersip of Head Coach Ronen Ginzburg (agency: Avi Zilberman ) (Israel) last season and this one, the club will once again look to qualify for the Euroleague, will compete in the Eurocup and for the first time, will play in the VTB United League.

The captain of CEZ Nymburk is also the eldest member of the club, Ladislav Sokolovsky (200-F-77). At 34-years of age he still shows a youthful exuberence whenever he is on the court and was a memvr of te Czech National Team for more than 10 years. While supported by several current members of the Czech National Team in Petr Benda (203-F/C-82), Pavel Pumprla (196-G-86) and youngster Lukas Palyza (204-F-89), the strength of this club will be its solid core of foreign imports, led by last seasons leading scorer Chester Simmons (198-G-82, college: Washington). Additionally, newcomers Eugene Lawrence (184-G-86, college: St.John's) at the point guard position and veteran forward Lamayne Wilson (204-F-80, college: Troy) should provide enough support to see the club at least match its performance from lst seasons Eurocup results, provide competitive play in the VTB League and posibly attain the ultimate dream; Euroleague qualification. Training has been tough thus far with an injury to Lawrence slowing development and tough road losses in Austria to start the training campaign. If the team can gel and get the right chmistry on the floor, there is almost no doubt that they will repeat as Czech Champions for a ninth-consecutive season.
Complacency in the Czech League should not ba problem as Palyza (Ostrava) and Lawrence (Prostejov) have both competed (and usually lost ) against Nymburk the last few seasons, while new faces Wilson and Drew Naymick (211-C-85) should be eager to add titles to their resumes.

THE CONTENDERS

BK Prostejov

Finalists the last two seasons, BK Prostejov is arguably the team with the most to prove this season. After their run of success, falling to Nymburk in the Finals the last two seasons, management blew up the club, replacing roughly 75% of the roster, including now former Head Coach Petr Balint . In their stead come a new group which needs to get familiar with each other and build the chemistry and trust needed if they wish to make a third-consecutive trip to the NBL Finals. New Head Coach Zbynek Choleva who comes from now-defunct Novy Jicin, definitely made his presence felt on the composition of the roster, bringing in former players Dusan Pandula (196-F-84), Rostislav Pelikan (207-F/C-78) and Matej Venta (187-G-84) with him to Prostejov. Captain Jaroslav Prasil (201-F-80) is still with the team, but the bulk of the teams scoring will come from newly signed guard Jamar Smith (191-G-87, college: S.Indiana) and Pandula. The front-court I more than adequate with last seasons lone remaining Yemi Nicholson being bolstered by the arrival of Travis Peterson (208-C-85, college: Samford) from Bulgaria, Pelikan and youngster Kamil Svrdlik (203-F-86, college: Fairleigh Dickinson) who finished his collegiate career at Fairleigh Dickinson this past season.

BK JIP Pardubice

Last seasons third-place finishers, pardubice has been consistently good the past several seasons, reaching the semifinals in the 2008, 2010 and 2011 campaigns. This season they brought in veteran swingman Corey Muirhead (198-F-83, college: W.Carolina) from Novy Jicin as well as Lukas Kotas (194-F-84) from USK Praha to help improve the team. Considering that four of the teams top-five scorers are back and with the new additions of Muirhead and Kotas, Head Coach Jan Slowiak should have no excuses for not finishing at least in the top-three again this season. Formr University of Illinois center Marcus Arnold (207-C/F-84, college: Illinois) has the potential to be one of the best big-men in the league, but bouts of inconsistency have kept him from being truly dominant.

BK Decin

Fourth-place finishers last season, the team saw star guard Wiliam Hatcher (188-PG-84, college: Miami, OH) leave for Cyprus. However, last season's league MVP Pavel Houska (201-F-84) returns along with elder-statesman Levell Sanders (189-G-75, college: Seton Hall) to headline an ever persistent Decin club. They met Nymburk in the finals of the Czech Cup last season and only a controversial ending kept them from pulling off the upset. They met Nymburk again in the semifinals, and though they lost 0-3, the margin of victory for each game was just seven points on average. The major signing in the off-season was American point guard John Boyer (185-G-88, college: Buffalo), who will start his professional career with heavy expectations as he works with this veteran club.

MIDDLE OF THE PACK

BK Nova Hut Ostrava

Only a few players remain from last season's roster, and they were mostly reserves. A team which in the 1990s competed in the Korac cup, they have been in the top-10 of the league for the last 10-seasons. Riley Luettgerodt (196-G/F-85, college: Hawaii), who led Portugal's LPB League in scoring last season is the most recognizeable newcomer as well as 6-11 American center James Hughes (211-C-83, college: N.Illinois) who arrives from Ukraine. 36-year old Marek Stuchly (196-F-75) is the best player remaining from last season and has played in the NBL for 19 seasons, amassing 9,307 points over 689 career games.

BK Breda & Weinstein Opava

Founded in 1945, this club from the northern parts of Moravia had success on the European stage during the early 2000s, competing in the Korac Cup, FIBA Champions Cup and ULEB Cup each season from 2000-2004. They returned to the NBL for the 2008-09 seasons and have finished in seventh-position each of the last three seasons. Relying solely on Czech or Slovak born players the club has a strong youth system and is able to compete relatively well with teams with much larger budgets. They lost last seasonss third leading scorer Marek Stec (193-G-80, college: Jacksonville JC) to Astrum levice, but the majority of the club remains intact and they added young guard Petr Dokoupil (191-G-88) from Prostejov who took part in the World University Games this year in China.

BC Kolin

Missed out on last seasons' final play-off spot to Opava, the team will enter this season minus the league leading scorer from last year, Terry Smith (185-G-86, college: Mercyhurst) who has moved on to Switzerland. In his stead comes veteran point guard Rashaan Ames (184-PG-78, college: Shaw) to go with the lone foreign holdover from last season, Richard Field (196-F-83, college: Mercyhurst) and 6-9 domestic forward/center David Machac (204-F-80) (second leading scorer from last season). An experienced group, Kolin should have the poise and talnt to this year once again fight for the playoffs.

USK Praha

Won the league title 2000 and 2001, but have finished no better than sixth-place since. This season will rely solely on Czech or Slovak players for financial reasons, and took a huge hit with the departure of Czech National Team guard/forward Lukas Kotas to Pardubice. 22-year old forward Vojtech Hruban (202-F-89) remains as well as a solid core of youngsters who have grown up and developed in one of the country's best junior programs. Peter Sedmak (207-C-85) (Slovakian National Team center) along with Milan Soukup (203-G-80) from Plzen are the key additions to this season's squad. Unfortunately, the senior team has not had the same track record of success the past decade. American Head Coach Ken Scalabroni will lead Praha for the fifth-consecutive season.

Turi Svitavy

Though thy finished last season with an overall record of 7-23, the team underwent a enormous transformation with the addition of Boris Meno (203-F-83, college: Davidson) from Brno late in the season. Once they entered the A2 stage of play, Svitavy finished the season 5-5, outplaying teams with better records than them along the way. Poised to really step up this season, the team made it a priority to sign its trio of stars, Meno, American guard Ravone George (193-G-83, college: Alabama) and 6-9 forward/center Ladislav Horak (205-F/C-86); the top-three scorers from last season. Meno in particular, is one of the few dynamic and game-changing forces in the NBL, as he has carved out a reputation for himself as the premier rebounder and one of the top defensive players in the league. A key-addition t the quad is veteran forward Pavel Milos (200-F-79) who arrives from Pardubice. As the only member of the team over 30 years old, Milos brings big-game experience as well as a deadly outside shot to the young, hungry and talented Svitavy club.

NEWCOMERS + TEAMS WITH LITTLE CHANCE

BK Lokomotiva Plzen

Last-place finishers a season ago, Plzen was not relegated due to the imbalance to the amount of teams in the league. Won just four games all of last season, two in A1 play and two more in A2. Gone is leading scorer Pavel Novak (199-F-83) (Germany) as well as Milan Soukup (Praha). The only notable addition to the club is former Prostejov reserve Ladislav Toth (196-F-83) who will look to resurrect his career after a miserable previous two years statistically. A pair of wily veterans in Pavel Frana (212-C-77) and Stepan Vrubl (186-G-76) will guide a young and inexperienced group this season.

Levharti Chomutov

Earned promotion to the NBL by winning the 1.Liga (second division) championship in 2010. They will be looking to make a splash in the NBL as they have a trio of foreign imports on board for this season, including second-year guard Rob Lowery (188-G-87, college: Dayton), veteran forward Richard Anderson (199-F-77) and former BK Pardubice dynamo Derek Wright (175-G-86, college: Austin Peay St.). The diminutive Wright will join the team just in time for the start of the regular season and will bring experience, explosiveness and a winning attitude to the NBL newcomers.

SLUNETA Usti nad Labem

Get to know the name Thad McFadden (188-G-87, college: Fairmont St.). This 24-year old guard out of Flint, Michigan was the best scorer in the 1.Liga last season and is poised to break out on the NBL stage. He averaged 22.5 points per contest and was impressive in Czech Cup play as well, scoring 29 points in a lop-sided 68-107 loss to Novy Jicin last season. Entering his third-pro season, Thad McFadden leads a re-tooled Usti club into the NBL this season. New arrivals in Lekendric Longmire (196-G-87, college: Oregon) (University of Oregon), Jaroslav Tyrna (208-C-86, college: New Orleans) (younger brother of veteran center Ales Chan (215-C-80, college: Seton Hill)) and Matus Kuchalik (200-F/G-90) from Slovakia, bring fresh, but untested talent to the squad. While they may not win many games this season due to inexperience, Tomas Hruby is the only veteran presence on the squad, the club will definitely be fun to watch and provide a scare to many teams in the middle and bottom of the league standings.

Astrum Levice

Newcomers to the Mattoni NBL, Astrum Levice captured the Slovakian Extraliga crown in 2010-11 after a third-place regular season finish.
They return last seasons leading scorer Esian Henderson (203-F-86, college: Cent.Missouri) along with Slovakian National Team forward Josef Vojtek. American newcomer Keaton Grant (193-G-86, college: Purdue) will provide size and talent at the guard position, while the acquisition of Croatian veteran Sinisa Stemberger (195-G-79) was a nice find in the free-agency market. This club has a chance to finish in the middle of the pack of the NBL, depending on their durability to withstand the physicality of the Czech league along with how much of a load Henderson and Grant can carry.

BK Inter Bratislava

Based on last seasons last-place finish in the ExtraLiga, Inter would not seem a good candidate to move up in competition to the NBL. However, the club from Slovakias capital has been in a slump the past three seasons, previously, they finished in the top three of the Slovak League three-times in the past 10-years, finalists in 2007 and 2008. The club also has a history of playing in the Korac cup during the late-1990s. The team will look for big things from Jerrenda Wheeler (188-G-87, college: Shorter), who averaged over 17 points a game for them last season. How he will fare against the likes of Eugene Lawrence, Levell Sanders, Derek Wright, etc will be a key factor. Kwbana Beckles (203-C/F-81, college: Lee), Curtis Allen (193-G-86, college: ORU) and Kevin Bridgewaters (175-G-84, college: Chattanooga) are the other imports on the team for this season.

2011-12 Mattoni NBL: Projected Order of Finish
1) CEZ Nymburk
2) BK JIP Pardubice
3) BK Decin
4) BK Prostejov
5) BC Kolin
6) Turi Svitavy
7) BK Breda & Weinstein Opava
8) BK Nova Hut Ostrava
9) Astrum Levice
10) USK Praha
11) SLUNETA Usti Nad Labem
12) BK Levharti Chomutov
13) BK Inter Bratislava
14) BK Lokomotiva Plzen

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DENMARK

Falcon, Naestved, SISU and Vaerlose Victorious in Opening Matches - by Armen Rhodes
Naestved, SISU, Vaerlose and recently promoted Falcon all started their 2011-2012 Basketligaen campaigns out on the right foot, as each team was victorious in the opening round of the season.

Recently promoted Falcon were paced by Henrik Thomsens 17 points as the hometown team pulled off an upset over visiting Horsholm, who were playing without their recently signed American players. The final score was 71-69, as two late free throws by Falcon put the game away.

Vaerlose outclassed Aalborg on the road to give their side a victorious start to the season. Vaerlose benefitted from a dominant performance by Mads Rasmussen, who poured in 26 points, to give the team a 73-70 victory over the Vikings. Meanwhile, Sami Eleraky and Ryan White put together impressive performances for Aalborg, but the Vikings inexperience on the bench and on the court cost them dearly, as late game mistakes and mismanagement hurt them down the stretch.

The opening days most dominant performance came from Naestved, who were 30 point winners over Aabyhoj, 87-57. Corin Henry poured in 26 points and 4 assists to give the visiting Naestved side the win over Aabyhoj. Even though its been only one game, Naestved clearly seem destined to be among the title contenders this year, while Aabyhoj, who were playing without their import players, will struggle to avoid relegation.

Earlier today SISU edged out a victory on the road against Horsens, 95-82. Despite a late charge by the home side, SISU was able to pull away in the 4th quarter behind a tremendous effort from Donald Rutherford, who finished the game with 32 points. Equally as impressive in the loss was Will Harris, Jr., who racked up 32 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists for Horsens. Despite the loss, Horsens showed flashes of brilliance, and are poised to be among the top teams in the Basketligaen this season.

Standings - Basketligaen

Ligaen Standings

1. Falcon		1-0
2. Naestved		1-0
3. SISU		1-0
4. Vaerlose		1-0
5. Bakken		0-0
6. Svendborg		0-0
7. Aabyhoj		0-1
8. Aalborg		0-1
9. Horsens IC		0-1
10. Horsholm		0-1

Stats Leaders - Basketligaen

Points Per Game

Will HARRIS
  Horsens IC
  (198-F-86)
  Avg: 32

1. Harris, Horsens IC	32.0
2. Rutherford, SISU	32.0
3. Marinkovic, Horsho.	19.0
4. Dennis, SISU	19.0
5. Thomsen, Falcon	17.0
6. Bak, Horsholm	16.0
7. McFarlane, Falcon	15.0
8. St.John, Horsens	15.0
9. Larsen, Horsens IC	14.0
10. Benjamin, Horsholm	13.0

Rebounds Per Game

Joe BENJAMIN
  Horsholm
  (201-F/C-83)
  Avg: 16

1. Benjamin, Horsholm	16.0
2. St.John, Horsens	11.0
3. Dennis, SISU	9.0
4. Bak, Horsholm	9.0
5. Rutherford, SISU	9.0
6. Marinkovic, Horsho.	8.0
7. Nielsen, Falcon	7.0
8. Harris, Horsens IC	6.0
9. Bang, Falcon	5.0
10. Larsen, Horsens	5.0

Assists Per Game

Mickey DENNIS
  SISU
  (190-G/F-78)
  Avg: 6

1. Dennis, SISU	6.0
2. Sakne, Horsens IC	5.0
3. McFarlane, Falcon	5.0
4. Rutherford, SISU	4.0
5. Harris, Horsens IC	3.0
6. Wittorff, Horse.	3.0
7. St.John, Horsens	3.0
8. Bak, Horsholm	3.0
9. Bro, Horsholm	2.0
10. Schur, Horsens IC	2.0

Steals Per Game

Julian MCFARLANE
  Falcon
  (184-G-86)
  Avg: 4

1. McFarlane, Falcon	4.0
2. Sakne, Horsens IC	4.0
3. Dennis, SISU	3.0
4. Gyamfi, Falcon	2.0
5. Thomsen, Falcon	2.0
6. Harder, SISU	2.0
7. Flowers, SISU	2.0
8. Benjamin, Horsholm	1.0
9. St.John, Horsens	1.0
10. Hertz, Horsholm	1.0

Blocks Per Game

Will HARRIS
  Horsens IC
  (198-F-86)
  Avg: 2

1. Harris, Horsens IC	2.0
2. Nielsen, Falcon	1.0
3. Rutherford, SISU	1.0
4. Thomsen, Falcon	1.0
5. Marinkovic, Horsho.	1.0
6. Jukic, Horsholm	1.0
7. Grinbergs, Horse.	1.0
8. Glahn, SISU	0.0
9. Dennis, SISU	0.0
10. Nielsen, SISU	0.0

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

James Feldeine MVP in the first round of the Leb Gold. - by Basket Dominicano
The Dominican James Feldeine (193-G-88, college: Quinnipiac) was selected as the most valuable player (MVP) in the first round of the 2011/12 season Leb Gold League in Spain.

James Feldeine finished with 32 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists in 39 minutes.

James is the captain of the club Leche Rio Breogan Lugo in his second season in Spain.

The Quinnipiac University graduate had a +32 ranking.

The Leche Rio Breogan Lugo won 87 of 86 against Menorca Basquet in overtime.

LNB Finals: Leones take Game Four, series tied again - by Eurobasket News
LNB Finals, Game 4: Cocolos - Leones 79-86 (2-2)

Game Four of the LNB Finals was played on Friday afternoon. Leones managed to beat Cocolos 86-79 tying the score to 2-2 in the series. Leones had impressive beginning and later kept their lead until the end. Eulis Baez (201-F-82, college: W.Illinois) shined in victory with double-double of 20 points and 13 rebounds. Jesse Pellot-Rosa (193-G-84, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: VCU) also was great adding 20 points and 6 boards, while Walker Russell (183-G-82, college: Jacksonville St.) and Elys Manuel Guzman (206-F/C-82, college: Bemidji St.) netted 14 and 13 points respectively. In Cocolos, Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) collected 23 points and 11 rebounds. Justin Dentmon (183-G-85, college: Washington) scored 15 and Albero Ozuna added 14 pts. Quarters: 27-13, 19-22, 20-24, 20-20. Cocolos had only 53% from the free throw line in this game. Teams will meet again today.

Cocolos: Jack Michael Martinez 23+11 boards, Justin Dentmon 15, Alberto Ozuna (G) 14
Leones: Eulis Baez 20+13 boards, Jesse Pellot-Rosa 20+6 boards, Walker Russell 14, Elys Manuel Guzman 13+5 boards

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ESTONIA

Rudupis relied on big defense to clinch bronze - by Eurobasket News
Rudupis - Kalev/Cramo 85:70

Rudupis relied on big defense to clinch bronze at Baltic Cup 2011. The Lithuanian team overcame Kalev/Cramo 85:70 on Sunday.
Rudupis started well and took 19-8 from the first period. The team from Estonia responded with 18-16 in the second frame and trailed 9 points at the halftime. The Lithuanian squad needed 27-21 in the third quarter and never looked behind in the game. Both teams nailed 23 points each in the last quarter for the final result.
Gediminas Orelikas (200-G/F-90) paced all the winners with 18 points and Dainius Salenga (197-F-77) as well as Aidas Viskontas (185-G-86) added 15 each. Gintaras Kadziulis (193-G-80) followed them with 12 points. Pavel Ulyanko (204-F/C-79) top-scored in defeat with 22 points. Armands Skele (192-G-83) notched 12 and Mihkelas Schleicheris posted 10.

Rudupis: Gediminas Orelikas 18, Dainius Salenga 15, Aidas Viskontas 15, Gintaras Kadziulis 12
Kalev/Cramo: Pavel Ulyanko 22, Armands Skele 12, Mihkelas Schleicheris 10

VEF Riga has won the 2011 Dorpat BBL Cup - by Eurobasket News
VEF Riga - University of Tartu 95:69

VEF Riga became the 2011 Dorpat BBL Cup winner. The Latvian team won the Final game over University of Tartu 95:69 to start the new season with the trophy. The win marks the last time that VEF will be seen in the BBL before the playoffs begin as they now turn their focuses to other tournaments.
The Latvian side easily started with 28-19 and never looked behind in the game. VEF Riga added 21-10 in the second period and enjoyed 49:29 halftime advantage. Moreover the second half also belonged to the Latvian squad. They won the third frame 19-17 and added 27-23 in the last stanza.
Curtis Millage (185-G-81, college: Arizona St.) stepped up with 20 points and Sandis Valters (193-G-78) notched 14. Cornelius Cains collected 12 points and 13 rebounds, while Janicenoks nailed 11. Kristo Saage delivered 14 points in the losing effort and Jacques Alingue (201-F-88) netted 12. Rain Veideman (192-G-91) had 11, while Eihfuss added 9.

University of Tartu: Kristo Saage (184-G-85) 14, Jacques Alingue 12, Rain Veideman 11, Eihfuss 9, Amiss 8+10 AB, Sokks 7, Lepiks 5, Radiks 3
VEF Riga: Curtis Millage 20, Sandis Valters 14, Cornelius Cains 12+13 AB, Janicenoks 11, Marque Perry (185-G-81, agency: N.E.T., college: St.Louis) 9, Gatis Jahovics (200-F-84) 7+5 AB, Bertans 6, Kavaausks 5+7 AB, Kaufmanis 5, K. Berzis 4, J. Berzis 2

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EUROBASKET SUMMER LEAGUE

GERMANY

Brose Baskets and Bayern enter Domreiter Cup Final - by Eurobasket News
Brose Baskets and Bayern Munich will play in the title game of the Domreiter Cup Final. Both teams celebrated victories in the semifinal clashes.
Brose Baskets narrowly defeated Gran Canaria 87:86 in overtime. Brian Roberts (188-G-85, agency: Interperformances) scored 21 points to pace the winners. Gran Canaria led by as many as 10 points at the interval. But the German team gradually came back into the game. They erased the deficit and levelled things up at the end of regulation. Brose Baskets managed to outscore their opponents by a single point in the extra period. Casey Jacobsen (198-G/F-81, college: Stanford) delivered 16 points, while Julius Jenkins (187-PG-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Georgia Southern) netted 13 points in the win. Spencer Nelson (203-F-80, college: Utah St.) and Martinez answered with 17 points each for Gran Canaria.
Bayern prevailed against Israeli Galil Gilboa 71:68. The teams were tied at 37 at the interval. However Bayern managed to pull away late in regulation clinching a tough win at the end. Je'Kel Foster (191-G-83, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Ohio St.) knocked down 23 points to lead the winners. Aleksandar Nadjfeji (203-F-76) added 11 points for the Munich team. Joseph Jones (206-F/C-86, college: Texas A&M) answered with 14 points for Galil Gilboa.

Standings - Pro B

ProB Standings

Group North
1. Dorsten		1-0
2. Leipzig		1-0
3. SC Rist		1-0
4. Stahnsdorf		1-0
5. Vechta		1-0
6. Wulfen		1-0
7. Herten		0-0
8. ALBA Berlin II		0-1
9. Bayer Giants		0-1
10. Bernau		0-1
11. BSW Sixers		0-1
12. Schwelm		0-1
13. SU Medien		0-1
14. Wolfenbuettel		0-1
Group South
1. Gotha		1-0
2. Hanau		1-0
3. Langen		1-0
4. Licher Baeren		1-0
5. Noerdlingen		1-0
6. Konstanz		0-0
7. NBC		0-0
8. Schwenningen		0-0
9. BG Illertal		0-1
10. Dt.Bank SKY II		0-1
11. Giessen		0-1
12. TSV Troester		0-1

Stats Leaders - 2.Bundesliga

Points Per Game

Robert MCKIVER
  Braves
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 30

1. McKiver, Braves	30.0
2. Bright, Ehingen	24.0
3. Reid, MBC	23.0
4. Jeka, Braves	23.0
5. Vargas, Ehingen	19.0
6. Buljevic, ETB W.	18.0
7. Vilhjalmsson, MBC	16.0
8. Henley, ETB W.	15.0
9. McDaniel, Cuxhaven	15.0
10. Okoye, NBC	13.0

Rebounds Per Game

Cory ABERCROMBIE
  NBC
  (201-F/C-85)
  Avg: 10

1. Abercrombie, NBC	10.0
2. Matthews, Ehingen	10.0
3. Okoye, NBC	7.0
4. Adler, NBC	7.0
5. Land, Braves	7.0
6. Capel, Cuxhaven	7.0
7. Gerwig, Braves	6.0
8. Brown, Cuxhaven	6.0
9. Ides, NBC	6.0
10. Karamatskos, Bra.	5.0

Assists Per Game

Dwuan RICE
  Cuxhaven
  (180-G-)
  Avg: 6

1. Rice, Cuxhaven	6.0
2. Vilhjalmsson, MBC	5.0
3. Carney, ETB W.	4.0
4. Jeka, Braves	4.0
5. Bartels, ETB W.	4.0
6. Brown, Cuxhaven	4.0
7. Schwarz, MBC	3.0
8. Buljevic, ETB W.	3.0
9. Catovic, Braves	3.0
10. Gerwig, Braves	3.0

Steals Per Game

Quinnel BROWN
  Cuxhaven
  (198-G/F-83)
  Avg: 4

1. Brown, Cuxhaven	4.0
2. Rice, Cuxhaven	4.0
3. Creekmore, Ehingen	3.0
4. Catovic, Braves	3.0
5. Harris, NBC	3.0
6. Chavis, NBC	2.0
7. Jeka, Braves	2.0
8. Matthews, Ehingen	2.0
9. Cook, MBC	1.0
10. McKiver, Braves	1.0

Blocks Per Game

Martin IDES
  NBC
  (217-C-80)
  Avg: 2

1. Ides, NBC	2.0
2. McDaniel, Cuxhaven	1.0
3. Smallwood, MBC	1.0
4. Harris, Cuxhaven	1.0
5. Brown, Cuxhaven	1.0
6. Heyden, MBC	1.0
7. Gerwig, Braves	0.0
8. El Domiaty, Cuxha.	0.0
9. De Michael, NBC	0.0
10. Schwarz, MBC	0.0

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

GREECE

Draw of 2011/12 calendar postponed for 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.

Olympiakos stun Partizan at Torneo Citta di Cagliari - by Eurobasket News
Olympiakos - Partizan 82:64

Olympiakos won on the second day of Torneo Citta di Cagliari. The Greek powerhouse stormed past Partizan to clinch the third position in the ladder. Michalis Pelekanos (198-F-81) posted 16 points to lead the winners.
The teams stayed close throughout the opening quarter. Olympiakos snatched a 19:18 lead ten minutes into the game. The Greek team limited their opponents to 12 points in the second quarter and piled up a 38:30 halftime lead. Olympiakos shifted the gear in the third term. They poured in 26 points to establish a 14-point lead with one quarter to go. Partizan did not recover in the fourth stanza and had to surrender at the end. Martynas Gecevicius (193-G-88) chipped in 12 points, while Kyle Hines (198-F/C-86) and Andreas Glyniadakis (215-C-81) had 10 points each in the victory. Miroslav Raduljica (213-C-88) responded with 14 points for Partizan. Dragan Milosavljevic (198-G-89) delivered 9 points in the loss.

Olympiakos: Michalis Pelekanos 16, Martynas Gecevicius 12, Kyle Hines 10, Andreas Glyniadakis 10
Partizan: Miroslav Raduljica 14, Dragan Milosavljevic 9

Panathinaikos edge Zalgiris for third place finish at Gomelsky Cup - by Eurobasket News
Panathinaikos - Zalgiris 80:66

Panathinaikos claimed the third position at the Gomelsky Cup in Moscow. The Greek team outscored Zalgiris tonight. Aleks Maric (211-C-84, college: Nebraska) posted 19 points and 9 rebounds to pace Panathinaikos.
Zalgiris were up by one point after ten minutes of action 17:16. But the Hellenes turned things around in the second frame. They went on a 25:12 run to post a 12-point halftime advantage. Panathinaikos kept the pressure in the third term. They cleared off to a comfortable 20-point distance before the fourth frame. Zalgiris unleashed 23 points in the final stanza to cut the deficit but they just sweetened the pill at the end. David Logan (184-G-82, college: Indianapolis) chipped in 13 points, while Pat Kalathis (208-G/F-85, college: St.Joseph's) and Ian Vougioukas (212-C/F-85, college: St.Louis) added 8 points each in the victory. Ty Lawson (180-PG-87, college: N.Carolina) answered with 17 points for Zalgiris. Sonny Weems (198-G/F-86, college: Arkansas) delivered 15 points in the loss.

Panathinaikos: Aleks Maric 19, David Logan 13, Pat Kalathis 8, Ian Vougioukas 8
Zalgiris: Ty Lawson 17, Sonny Weems 15

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

HOLLAND

Standings - Promotie Divisie

Prom.Divisie Standings

1. Amsterdam		3-0
2. De Hoppers		3-0
3. Red Giants		3-0
4. Binnenland		2-0
5. Leiden 2		2-0
6. Rotterdam 2		2-0
7. Hoofddorp		2-1
8. Almonte		1-2
9. Goba		1-2
10. Cangeroes		0-2
11. Akrides		0-3
12. De Groene		0-3
13. Jugglers		0-3
14. Punch		0-3

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

ICELAND

Walkup & Watson to Iceland - by Siggi Hjorleifsson
Texas A & M 6'7' power forward Nathan Walkup (200-F-88) ( Agent: Icebasket) has sign with Fjolnir in Iceland Express League for 2011-2012 season. Walkup a starter for Top 20 ranked College was teams leading rebounder with 5,5 per game and average 9,4 points per game. A versatile inside / outside player.

A from Akranes in Division 1 has sign Terrence Watson (196-F-87) 6'6' power forward (Agent: Icebasket) as their player/coach for the upcoming season. Watson started his College career at University of Mississippi but transferred to Ball State another D-1 College where he was a starter and average 8,6 points and 6,2 rebounds.
A just moved up to Division 1 after some years in D-2.

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

INDONESIA

Standings - IBL

NBL Standings

1. Aspac		3-0
2. CLS Knights		2-0
3. Garuda		2-1
4. Stadium Jak.		1-1
5. Bima Sakti		1-1
6. Pelita Jaya		1-1
7. Muba Hangtuah		1-1
8. Comfort Mobile		1-1
9. Satya Wacana		1-1
10. NSH GMC Riau		0-2
11. Pacific Caesar		0-2
12. Satria Muda		0-2

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Ary SAPTO
  Muba H.
  (188-F-80)
  Avg: 17

1. Sapto, Muba H.	17.0
2. Sebayang, Pelita J.	16.0
3. Effendi, Aspac	13.0
4. Purwanto, Pelita J.	13.0
5. Regowo, Aspac	12.0
6. Sitaniapesy, Comfo.	11.5
7. Kurniawan, Comfor.	10.5
8. Novonsen, Bima S.	10.5
9. Dwi Priasmor., Bim.	10.0
10. Ramli, Garuda	9.0

Rebounds Per Game

Herman KURNIAWAN
  Comfor.
  (171-PG-86)
  Avg: 7

1. Kurniawan, Comfor.	7.0
2. Sapto, Muba H.	7.0
3. Thoyib, Aspac	7.0
4. Regowo, Aspac	6.5
5. Rizky Ardian., Bim.	6.5
6. Sitaniapesy, Comfo.	6.0
7. Sabara, Comfort	6.0
8. Mardiyansyah, Peli.	5.5
9. Sucipto, Pelita Ja.	5.5
10. Nolland, Garuda	5.0

Assists Per Game

Kelly PURWANTO
  Pelita J.
  (177-PG-83)
  Avg: 4

1. Purwanto, Pelita J.	4.0
2. Cahyadi, Bima Sakti	3.0
3. Thoyib, Aspac	3.0
4. Novonsen, Bima S.	2.5
5. Wijaya, Garuda	2.0
6. Heryadi, Muba H.	2.0
7. Sapto, Muba H.	2.0
8. Sebayang, Pelita J.	2.0
9. Sunarya, Muba H.	2.0
10. Nurman, Aspac	2.0

Steals Per Game

Isman THOYIB
  Aspac
  (202-C-84)
  Avg: 6

1. Thoyib, Aspac	6.0
2. Purwanto, Pelita J.	3.5
3. Wijaya, Garuda	3.0
4. Nolland, Garuda	3.0
5. Ramli, Garuda	3.0
6. Sartika, Bima Sakti	3.0
7. Kurniawan, Comfor.	2.5
8. Nurman, Aspac	2.5
9. Cahyadi, Bima Sakti	2.0
10. Rizky Ardian., Bi.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Putra NGURAH
  Muba H.
  (189-G-88)
  Avg: 3

1. Ngurah, Muba H.	3.0
2. Sitaniapesy, Comfo.	2.0
3. Sura, Garuda	1.5
4. Mardiyansyah, Peli.	1.0
5. Sapto, Muba H.	1.0
6. Arizki, Aspac	1.0
7. Budianto, Garuda	1.0
8. Kurniawan, Comfor.	1.0
9. Nurman, Aspac	1.0
10. Joko, Aspac	0.5

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

IRAN

2011 Asian Championship: Iran too good for Lebanon, claim 5th place in Wuhan - by Eurobasket News
Iran - Lebanon 87:65

Iran celebrated a comfortable win over Lebanon on the final day of the Asian Championship. The former champions cruised past Lebanon to clinch the fifth overall position in the ladder. Samad Nikkhah (198-G/F-83, agency: SportsList Inc.) and Mahdi Kamrani (186-PG-82) posted 18 points each to lead the effort.
Lebanon got to a better start to the game. They established a 17:15 lead after ten minutes. But Iran shifted the gear in the second frame. They unloaded 35 points to build a 50:36 halftime lead. The teams exchanged baskets in the third term. Iran secured a 14-point buffer before the fourth term. Iran limited Lebanon to only 10 points in the fourth quarter to seal the victory. Arsalan Kazemi (199-F-90) provided 17 points and 9 rebounds, while Hamed Haddadi (218-C-85) added 13 points and 15 boards in the win. Ghaleb Rida (192-G-81) answered with 37 points and 12 rebounds for Lebanon. Mohamad Ibrahim (195-G-83) netted 11 points in the losing effort.

Iran: Samad Nikkhah 18, Mahdi Kamrani 18, Arsalan Kazemi 17, Hamed Haddadi 13+15 boards
Lebanon: Ghaleb Rida 37+12 boards, Mohamad Ibrahim 11

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

ISRAEL

Galil Gilboa lose to Bayern Munich at Domreiter Cup opener - by Eurobasket News
Galil Gilboa surrendered against Bayern Munich in the first game of 2011 Domreiter Cup. Joseph Jones (206-F/C-86, college: Texas A&M) scored 14 points but could not prevent the Israeli team from falling 68:71.
The teams stayed very close throughout the first half. The lead changed hands before the scoreboard read 37:37 at the interval. Galil Gilboa pulled in front for a 52:50 lead midway through the second half. Bayern pulled back in charge after a three-pointer from JeKel Foster 65:63. Je'Kel Foster (191-G-83, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Ohio St.) drained a triple and sank two free throws to make it 70:66 for the German team. Courtney Fells dragged Galil Gilboa within just two points 68:70 but Ben Hansbrough hit one free throw to make it 71:68. Courtney Fells tried to save the game for Galil Gilboa but his three-pointer missed the target. Je'Kel Foster led the winners with 23 points. Aleksandar Nadjfeji (203-F-76) added 11 points for Bayern. Nimrod Tishman (196-PG-91) notched 10 points, while Dagan Yavzuri (193-G-85) delivered 9 points in the loss.

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

ITALY

Montepaschi Siena clinch title at Torneo Citta di Cagliari - by Eurobasket News
Montepaschi Siena - Dinamo Sassari 64:54

Montepaschi Siena claimed the Torneo Citta di Cagliari trophy. They held off Dinamo Sassari in the title game. Pietro Aradori (192-G-88) stepped up with 16 points to pace the winners.
Dinamo Sassari led by a single point after ten minutes of action 16:15. But Montepaschi pulled in front at the interval 30:28. They maintained the lead throughout the third term. Siena eked out a 47:45 lead after three quarters of action. The Italian champions opened the fourth term on a 13:5 run to clear off to a double-digit distance. Montepaschi stayed in charge in the reminder of the contest and celebrated a well-deserved win at the end. Bo McCalebb (183-PG-85, college: New Orleans) delivered 13 points, while Rimantas Kaukenas (193-G-77, college: Seton Hall) provided 11 points for the winners. Quinton Hosley (200-F/G-84, college: Fresno St.) and Keith Benson (210-C-88, college: Oakland) answered with 13 points each for Sassari. Drake Diener (196-G-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: De Paul) netted 9 points in defeat.

Montepaschi Siena: Pietro Aradori 16, Bo McCalebb 13, Rimantas Kaukenas 11
Dinamo Sassari: Quinton Hosley 13, Keith Benson 13, Drake Diener 9

Sutor Montegranaro bring in Coby Karl - by Eurobasket News
Coby Karl (196-G-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Boise St.) will stay in Italy in the next season. The guard has agreed on terms of contract with Sutor Montegranaro. Coby Karl signed a one-year deal with the team. Last season the guard started in Spain. He averaged 10.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.0 steal per game for CB Granada. In February Coby Karl moved to Italy. He joined Armani Jeans Milano. His stats read 4.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.3 steals per appearance in Seria A. Coby Karl previously played in the NBA, Spain and D-League. The guard was NBA Western Conference Champion together the Los Angeles Lakers.

McIntyre at the buzzer. Canadian Solar Bologna wins the Trofeo Naturhouse - by Giovanni Bargna
Very balanced games at the Trofeo Naturhouse semifinals yesterday and we had a thrilling finale in the final game too.
Canadian Solar Bologna defeated Angelico Biella 79-76 thanks to a buzzer-beater by Terrell McIntyre (175-G-77, college: Clemson).
Angelico Biella got a great margin early in the game (11-2) led by Aubrey Coleman (193-G-87, college: Houston) and managed any attempt of a comeback until the end of the second period when the score was 46-32.
In the second half of the game McIntyre, providing leadership and points, gave Bologna the first lead of the game (57-58).
Last quarter was a tough battle with both of the teams alternating in the lead. It was Terrell McIntyre again being the man for the winners with three 3-pointers and setting the final score.

In the semifinals Angelico Biella downed Lottomatica Virtus Roma 79-75 and Canadian Solar Bologna got the ticket to the final defeating Banca Tercas Teramo 72-71.

FINAL
CANADIAN SOLAR BOLOGNA-ANGELICO BIELLA 79-76
CANADIAN SOLAR: McIntyre 14, Koponen 14, Person ne, Poeta 16, Moraschini ne, Homan 4, Gigli, Sanikidze 11, Martinoni, Gailius 8, Quaglia ne, Douglas-Roberts 12.
ANGELICO: Jurak 7, Aubrey Coleman 20, Soragna 7, Minessi ne, Pullen 3, Lagan, Miralles 18, Lombardi, Magarity ne, Chessa ne, Dragicevic 9, Tavernari 12.

SEMIFINALS
ANGELICO BIELLA-VIRTUS ROMA 79-75
ANGELICO: Jurak 15, Minessi ne, Aubrey Coleman 18, Soragna 6, Pullen 15, Lagan 7, Miralles 9, Lombardi 4, Magarity, Chessa ne, Dragicevic, Tavernari 5.
VIRTUS ROMA: Tucker 2, Maestranzi 8, Gordic 8, Tonolli 2, Staffieri ne, Marchetti ne, Crosariol 10, Modica ne, Datome 8, Dedovic 21, Dasic 14, Slokar 2.

CANADIAN SOLAR BOLOGNA-BANCE TERCAS TERAMO 72-71
CANADIAN SOLAR: McIntyre 9, Koponen 16, Person ne, Poeta 2, Moraschini, Homan 6, Gigli 10, Sanikize 8, Martinoni 2, Gailius 13, Quaglia ne, Douglas 6.
BANCA TERCAS: Ricci ne, BrownB. 14, Amoroso 7, Cerella 5, BrownD. 10, Fultz 7, Lulli ne, Green 4, Borisov 9, Wanamaker 14, Polonara 1.

Trofeo Lombardia won by Bennet Cantu - by Giovanni Bargna
Bennet Cantu downed Cimberio Varese 78 - 66 (21- 11, 34- 27, 56- 50) in the final game of Trofeo Lombardia at PalaDesio that will be the home court of Andrea Trinchieri's team for all of the next euroleague games. Bennet Cantu had a great start in the first quarter making it a double digit margin very soon (14-4). In the second Varese narrowed the gap with Luca Garri (207-C/F-82) and Yakhouba Diawara (201-F-82, college: Pepperdine) and with an efficient zone defense, but at half time was trailing by seven.
Though Vladimir Micov (203-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) became unstoppable in the third Varese stayed in the game shooting from behind the arc with Teemu Rannikko (189-G-80) and Justin Hurtt (194-G-88, college: Tulsa).
In the last quarter of the game Nicolas Mazzarino (181-G-75, agency: Players Group) and Manuchar Markoishvili (195-G-86) were the go-to-guys for the winners and helped Bennet Cantu increasing the gap to twelve points at last buzzer.
For Cimberio Varese is to remark an outstanding performance of Justin Hurtt.

On Saturday Cimberio Varese defeated Vanoli-Braga Cremona 79-78 and Bennet Cantu got the win against Novipiu Casal Novipiu Casale Monferrato for 75-54 in the semifinals.

FINAL
BENNET CANTU: Lighty, Micov 18, Scekic 4, Ortner 4, Markoishvili 2, Leunen 6, Marconato 4, Mazzarino 15, Parakhouski 7, Basile 5, Cinciarini 4, Bolzonella ne. All. Trinchieri.
CIMBERIO VARESE: Demartini 2, Justin Hurtt 14, Zattra ne, Teemu Rannikko 7, Talts 2, Yakhouba Diawara 5, Garri 12, Genovese, Fajardo 9, Stipcevic 15. All. Recalcati.

SEMIFINALS
BENNET CANTU' NOVIPIU' CASALE MONFERRATO 75 54
BENNET: Lighty 2, Micov 11, Ortner 4, Markoishvili 7, Leunen 19, Marconato 2, Mazzarino 9, Diviach ne, Parakhouski 9, Basile 2, Cinciarini 10, Bolzonella ne.
NOVIPIU': Malaventura 3, Gentile 10, Nnamaka 6, Pierich 3, Trapani 10, Chiotti 3, Temple 2, Ferrero 6, Janning 8, Dunigan 3.

CIMBERIO VARESE VANOLI BRAGA CREMONA 79-78
CIMBERIO: Demartini, Justin Hurtt 12, Zattra ne, Teemu Rannikko 12, Talts 12, Yakhouba Diawara 22, Garri 9, Genovese, Fajardo 8, Stipcevic 4.
VANOLI BRAGA: Cinciarini 13, Lottici, Antonelli 6, DErcole 2, Perkovic 18, Milic 9, Wafer 26, Thomas 2, Mazic, Belloni, Dalibor 2.

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

JAPAN

JORDAN

2011 Asian Championship: China clinch title in dramatic clash versus Jordan - by Eurobasket News
China - Jordan 70:69

The championship game of the 2011 Asian Championship lived up to the highest expectations. The teams came up with a first class drama and the puzzle was solved in the dying seconds. Abuqoura and Rasheim Wright (192-G-81, college: District of Col.) missed their attempts and the hosts ran away with the prize. China triumphed at the tournament and got the direct promotion to the 2012 London Olympic Games.
China and Jordan exchanged baskets throughout the opening frame. China registered a 16:15 lead after ten minutes of action. Jordan surged ahead midway through the second frame. They posted a 36:31 halftime lead. China answered with a 9:0 run at the start of the second half. Jianlian Yi (212-C/F-87) scored seven points in a row to make it 51:42 for China late in the third term. Jordan did not allow the home team to run away as they narrowed the deficit to just three points at the final break 56:59. Jianlian Yi gave China a 66:61 lead midway through the final term. Rasheim Wright answered with five points as Jordan got as close as a single point 66:67. Yi Li (203-F/G-85) hit a jumper bit Rasheim Wright answered with a triple to draw things level 69. Jianlian Yi hit a free throw and then both Rasheim Wright and Abuqoura missed their attempts as China escaped with a narrow win at the end. Jianlian Yi posted 25 points and 16 boards, while Liu Wei (190-PG-80) contributed 13 points in the win. Rasheim Wright answered with 26 points for Jordan. Abbas Zaid (203-F-83) had 13 points and 10 rebounds in defeat.

China: Jianlian Yi 25+16 boards, Liu Wei 13, Wang ZhiZhi (214-C-77) 10, Yi Li 10
Jordan: Rasheim Wright 26, Abbas Zaid 13+10 boards

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

LATVIA

VEF Riga has won the 2011 Dorpat BBL Cup - by Eurobasket News
VEF Riga - University of Tartu 95:69

VEF Riga became the 2011 Dorpat BBL Cup winner. The Latvian team won the Final game over University of Tartu 95:69 to start the new season with the trophy. The win marks the last time that VEF will be seen in the BBL before the playoffs begin as they now turn their focuses to other tournaments.
The Latvian side easily started with 28-19 and never looked behind in the game. VEF Riga added 21-10 in the second period and enjoyed 49:29 halftime advantage. Moreover the second half also belonged to the Latvian squad. They won the third frame 19-17 and added 27-23 in the last stanza.
Curtis Millage (185-G-81, college: Arizona St.) stepped up with 20 points and Sandis Valters (193-G-78) notched 14. Cornelius Cains collected 12 points and 13 rebounds, while Janicenoks nailed 11. Kristo Saage delivered 14 points in the losing effort and Jacques Alingue (201-F-88) netted 12. Rain Veideman (192-G-91) had 11, while Eihfuss added 9.

University of Tartu: Kristo Saage (184-G-85) 14, Jacques Alingue 12, Rain Veideman 11, Eihfuss 9, Amiss 8+10 AB, Sokks 7, Lepiks 5, Radiks 3
VEF Riga: Curtis Millage 20, Sandis Valters 14, Cornelius Cains 12+13 AB, Janicenoks 11, Marque Perry (185-G-81, agency: N.E.T., college: St.Louis) 9, Gatis Jahovics (200-F-84) 7+5 AB, Bertans 6, Kavaausks 5+7 AB, Kaufmanis 5, K. Berzis 4, J. Berzis 2

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

LEBANON

LITHUANIA

Panathinaikos edge Zalgiris for third place finish at Gomelsky Cup - by Eurobasket News
Panathinaikos - Zalgiris 80:66

Panathinaikos claimed the third position at the Gomelsky Cup in Moscow. The Greek team outscored Zalgiris tonight. Aleks Maric (211-C-84, college: Nebraska) posted 19 points and 9 rebounds to pace Panathinaikos.
Zalgiris were up by one point after ten minutes of action 17:16. But the Hellenes turned things around in the second frame. They went on a 25:12 run to post a 12-point halftime advantage. Panathinaikos kept the pressure in the third term. They cleared off to a comfortable 20-point distance before the fourth frame. Zalgiris unleashed 23 points in the final stanza to cut the deficit but they just sweetened the pill at the end. David Logan (184-G-82, college: Indianapolis) chipped in 13 points, while Pat Kalathis (208-G/F-85, college: St.Joseph's) and Ian Vougioukas (212-C/F-85, college: St.Louis) added 8 points each in the victory. Ty Lawson (180-PG-87, college: N.Carolina) answered with 17 points for Zalgiris. Sonny Weems (198-G/F-86, college: Arkansas) delivered 15 points in the loss.

Panathinaikos: Aleks Maric 19, David Logan 13, Pat Kalathis 8, Ian Vougioukas 8
Zalgiris: Ty Lawson 17, Sonny Weems 15

Rudupis relied on big defense to clinch bronze - by Eurobasket News
Rudupis - Kalev/Cramo 85:70

Rudupis relied on big defense to clinch bronze at Baltic Cup 2011. The Lithuanian team overcame Kalev/Cramo 85:70 on Sunday.
Rudupis started well and took 19-8 from the first period. The team from Estonia responded with 18-16 in the second frame and trailed 9 points at the halftime. The Lithuanian squad needed 27-21 in the third quarter and never looked behind in the game. Both teams nailed 23 points each in the last quarter for the final result.
Gediminas Orelikas (200-G/F-90) paced all the winners with 18 points and Dainius Salenga (197-F-77) as well as Aidas Viskontas (185-G-86) added 15 each. Gintaras Kadziulis (193-G-80) followed them with 12 points. Pavel Ulyanko (204-F/C-79) top-scored in defeat with 22 points. Armands Skele (192-G-83) notched 12 and Mihkelas Schleicheris posted 10.

Rudupis: Gediminas Orelikas 18, Dainius Salenga 15, Aidas Viskontas 15, Gintaras Kadziulis 12
Kalev/Cramo: Pavel Ulyanko 22, Armands Skele 12, Mihkelas Schleicheris 10

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MEXICO

Halcones UV Xalapa adds ex ESL Kris Richard to their roster - by Eurobasket Center
Halcones UV Xalapa (LNBP) added to their roster 21-year old American guard Kris Richard (195-G-90, college: Tulane). Richard played most recently at Team Rio de Janeiro (Eurobasket) in the U.S. While playing 3 games for Rio de Janeiro last season he recorded 19.7ppg, 8.3rpg, 6.3apg, 2.3spg and 1.7bpg. He just graduated Tulane University and it will be his first season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Bowie comes back to Panteras de Aguascalientes - by Eurobasket Center
Panteras de Aguascalientes (LNBP) added to their roster 36-year old American swingman Samuel Bowie (198-F/G-75, college: SE Louisiana). Its actually Bowies comeback to Panteras as she played here before. Bowie played most recently at Caneros de La Romana (Dominican Rep.). He played also pro basketball in Dominican Rep. and Germany. He is very well-known player in Mexico. He has been playing here on and off for the last 10 years. He won twice CIBACOPA championship and three times LNBP title. Bowie graduated Southeastern Louisiana University in 1996 and it will be his 16th season in pro basketball.
By Eurobasket Data Center

LNBP Round 9: Fuerza Regia defeats leader Barreteros - by Eurobasket
The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Barreteros (7-2) in Zacatecas on Friday night. Hosts were defeated by Fuerza Regia (7-2) 89-76. It was a key game for the top position in the league as both teams had the same 6-2 record before this meeting. The game was mostly controlled by Fuerza Regia. Barreteros managed to win fourth quarter 26-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Fuerza Regia made 22-of-26 free shots (84.6 percent) during the game. It was a good game for American forward Jeremis Smith (203-F-86, college: Georgia Tech) who led his team to a victory with 19 points and 6 rebounds. International guard Andre Joseph Tyronzic (191-81, college: Oregon) contributed with 20 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) for the winners. American forward James Reaves (203-82, college: Niagara, agency: TSS Management) answered with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds for Barreteros. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Fuerza Regia keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Toros and Barreteros. Fuerza Regia is looking forward to face Panteras (#12) in Aguascalientes in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Barreteros will play at home against the league's second-placed Toros (#2) in Nuevo Laredo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Important game to mention about took place in Aguascalientes. Thirteenth ranked Panteras (2-7) saved a 3-point victory at home edging second-best Toros (7-2) 92-89 on Friday evening. It was quite big embarassment for the guest team. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Toros. American guard Devon Ford (193-77, college: Idaho) stepped up and scored 31 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners and Ricardo Melendez chipped in 18 points and 4 steals. The best for the losing side was American forward Devon Pearson (198-84, college: SMU) with 25 points and 7 rebounds. Panteras moved-up to twelfth place. Toros at the other side still keep top position with two games lost. They share it with Fuerza Regia and Barreteros. Panteras will play against league's leader Fuerza Regia in Monterrey in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Toros will play on the road against Barreteros where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Bottom-ranked Volcanes is still unable to win any game. This time they lost on the road their ninth consecutive match to seventh ranked Pioneros (5-4) 115-69 on Friday evening. Romel Beck nailed 23 points and 4 assists for the winning side. Pioneros' coach felt very confident that he used 10 players and allowed the starting five to rest. Larry Morinia came up with 17 points and 8 assists (went 10 for 10 at the free throw line !!!) for Volcanes in the defeat. Pioneros maintains seventh place with 5-4 record. Loser Volcanes still closes the standings with nine games lost. Pioneros will again meet at home bottom-ranked Volcanes (#14) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Volcanes will have a break next round.
The game in Xalapa supposed to be also worth to mention about. 4th placed Abejas (5-3) played at the court of sixth ranked Halcones UV Xalapa (5-3). Halcones UV Xalapa did not have too big problems and got a relatively easy victory 97-77. The best player for the winners was Davin White who scored 24 points (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Halcones UV Xalapa's coach Andy Stoglin used entire bench saving starting five for next games. Halcones UV Xalapa have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They moved-up to fifth place, which they share with defeated Abejas. Halcones UV Xalapa's next round opponent will be Lechugueros (#11) in Leon which should be theoretically another easy game. Abejas will play on the road against Halcones Rojos (#4) in Veracruz and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 9: Lechugueros were beaten by Halc.Rojos on the road 93-85. Huracanes won against Soles on its own court 88-76. Aguilas Rojas unfortunately lost to Corr.Victoria in Ciudad Victoria 77-93.
The most impressive performance of 9th round was 34 points (!!!) and 5 rebounds by Robert Hornsby of Huracanes.

Panteras - Toros 92-89

Important game to mention about took place in Aguascalientes. Thirteenth ranked Panteras (2-7) saved a 3-point victory at home edging second-best Toros (7-2) 92-89 on Friday evening. It was quite big embarassment for the guest team. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Toros. The hosts were ahead by 2 points but lost the second period ending it with a 5-point deficit before their 24-16 run, which allowed them to win the game. Panteras made 19-of-24 charity shots (79.2 percent) during the game. Strangely Toros outrebounded Panteras 39-23 including a 16-4 advantage in offensive rebounds. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists. American guard Devon Ford (193-77, college: Idaho) stepped up and scored 31 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners and Puerto Rican point guard Ricardo Melendez (180-83, agency: TSS Management) chipped in 18 points and 4 steals. The best for the losing side was American forward Devon Pearson (198-84, college: SMU) with 25 points and 7 rebounds and the other American import forward Justin Brownlee (201, college: St.John's) produced a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds. Four Panteras and five Toros players scored in double figures. Panteras moved-up to twelfth place. Toros at the other side still keep top position with two games lost. They share it with Fuerza Regia and Barreteros. Panteras will play against league's leader Fuerza Regia in Monterrey in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Toros will play on the road against Barreteros where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Panteras: D.Ford 31+5reb+4ast, R.Melendez 18+1reb+3ast, M.Bryant 13+3reb+2ast, S.Bowie 11+3reb+2ast, K.Malpica 9+4reb+4ast, J.Moron 6+3reb
Toros: D.Pearson 25+7reb+1ast, J.Brownlee 16+10reb+2ast, R.Rougeau 15+6reb+3ast, J.Lopez 14+9reb+2ast, W.Pagan 13+4reb+9ast, J.Manuel Esteva 4+1reb

Barreteros - Fuerza Regia 76-89

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Barreteros (7-2) in Zacatecas on Friday night. Hosts were defeated by Fuerza Regia (7-2) 89-76. It was a key game for the top position in the league as both teams had the same 6-2 record before this meeting. The game was mostly controlled by Fuerza Regia. Barreteros managed to win fourth quarter 26-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Fuerza Regia made 22-of-26 free shots (84.6 percent) during the game. It was a good game for American forward Jeremis Smith (203-86, college: Georgia Tech) who led his team to a victory with 19 points and 6 rebounds. International guard Andre Joseph Tyronzic (191-81, college: Oregon) contributed with 20 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) for the winners. Four Fuerza Regia players scored in double figures. American forward James Reaves (203-82, college: Niagara, agency: TSS Management) answered with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds and the other American import guard Melvin Council (191-82, college: Robert Morris) added 20 points and 8 assists in the effort for Barreteros. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Fuerza Regia keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Toros and Barreteros. Fuerza Regia is looking forward to face Panteras (#12) in Aguascalientes in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Barreteros will play at home against the league's second-placed Toros (#2) in Nuevo Laredo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Fuerza Regia: A.Joseph Tyronzic 20+3reb+2ast, J.Smith 19+6reb+2ast, M.Mitchell 12+2reb+2ast, M.Strobbe 10+4reb, C.Roberts 9+4reb+2ast, A.Izaguirre 6
Barreteros: M.Council 20+2reb+8ast, J.Reaves 18+10reb+3ast, R.Navarro 10, R.Loera Almanza 10+2reb+3ast, A.Aguirre 5+2reb, C.Twan Briggs 5+17reb

Pioneros - Volcanes 115-69

Bottom-ranked Volcanes is still unable to win any game. This time they lost on the road their ninth consecutive match to seventh ranked Pioneros (5-4) 115-69 on Friday evening. The game without a history. Pioneros led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 70 of its points in the paint compared to Volcanes' 20. They outrebounded Volcanes 44-22 including a 36-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a great shooting night for Pioneros especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.4 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. The former international swingman Romel Beck (203-82, college: UNLV, agency: Interperformances) nailed 23 points and 4 assists for the winning side and American point guard Gregory Grays (185-79, college: Detroit Mercy, agency: Interperformances) accounted for 16 points and 6 assists. Five Pioneros players scored in double figures. Pioneros' coach felt very confident that he used 10 players and allowed the starting five to rest. American guard Larry Morinia (180-80, college: Montana St., agency: ProSportsCareers) came up with 17 points and 8 assists (went 10 for 10 at the free throw line !!!) and Zachery Alvidres added 16 points and 8 rebounds respectively for Volcanes in the defeat. Pioneros maintains seventh place with 5-4 record. Loser Volcanes still closes the standings with nine games lost. Pioneros will again meet at home bottom-ranked Volcanes (#14) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Volcanes will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Pioneros: R.Beck 23+4reb+4ast, G.Grays 16+4reb+6ast, J.Sanchez 16+1reb, J.Millsap 16+6reb+3ast, A.Esparza 12+6reb, S.Soriano 12+2reb+2ast
Volcanes: L.Morinia 17+1reb+8ast, C.M. Toussaint 16+1reb+2ast, Z.Alvidres 16+8reb+2ast, F.Ibarra 8+6reb, M.Martinez 6, L.Felipe Diaz 3+2reb

Halc.Xalapa - Abejas 97-77

The game in Xalapa supposed to be also worth to mention about. 4th placed Abejas (5-3) played at the court of sixth ranked Halcones UV Xalapa (5-3). Halcones UV Xalapa did not have too big problems and got a relatively easy victory 97-77. The game was mostly controlled by Halcones UV Xalapa. Abejas was better in second period 21-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Halcones UV Xalapa players were unselfish on offense dishing 25 assists. The best player for the winners was American guard Davin White (186-81, college: Cal.St. Northridge) who scored 24 points (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Power forward Lorenzo Real Aguilar (203) chipped in a double-double by scoring 12 points and 11 rebounds. Halcones UV Xalapa's coach Andy Stoglin used entire bench saving starting five for next games. At the other side the best for losing team was American-Jamaican forward Mattis McHugh (198-84, college: S.Florida) who recorded a double-double by scoring 14 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists and the former international swingman Jovan Harris (191-81, college: USF) added 16 points and 5 assists respectively. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Halcones UV Xalapa have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They moved-up to fifth place, which they share with defeated Abejas. Halcones UV Xalapa's next round opponent will be Lechugueros (#11) in Leon which should be theoretically another easy game. Abejas will play on the road against Halcones Rojos (#4) in Veracruz and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Halc.Xalapa: D.White 24+1reb+2ast, D.Shaw 13+3reb+3ast, L.Real Aguilar 12+11reb+2ast, H.Hernandez 12+5reb+4ast, O.Mendez-Valdez 8+1reb+2ast, V.Mariscal 8+4reb+4ast
Abejas: L.Wade 22+2reb, J.Harris 16+4reb+5ast, M.McHugh 14+11reb+5ast, B.Heredia 10+1ast, M.Jackson 6+4reb, C.Soto 3+4reb

Halc.Rojos - Lechugueros 93-85

No shocking result in a game when fifth ranked Halcones Rojos (6-2) beat 11th ranked Lechugueros (3-5) in Veracruz 93-85. The hosts were already 16 points ahead after 3 quarters before a 35-27 Lechugueros' run in the last quarter cut the lead to 93-85 at the end of the game. Halcones Rojos shot the lights out from three nailing 12 long-distance shots on high 63.2 percentage. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists. The best player for the winners was American center Shaun Pruitt (208-85, college: Illinois, agency: Edge Sports) who scored 16 points and 6 rebounds. Venezuelan point guard Gregory Vargas (182-86) chipped in 11 points and 5 assists. Halcones Rojos' coach Eddie Casiano let to play all 12 players and allowed the starting five to get some rest. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Deilvez Yearby (198-87, college: IPFW, agency: Pro One Sports) who recorded 23 points and 9 rebounds and Haitian-American swingman Bobby St.Preux (196-80, college: N.Kentucky, agency: KMG Sports Management) added 19 points and 6 rebounds respectively. Five Halcones Rojos and four Lechugueros players scored in double figures. Halcones Rojos moved-up to fourth place. Lechugueros at the other side keep the eleventh position with five games lost. Halcones Rojos' next round opponent will be Abejas (#6) in Guanajuato. Lechugueros will play on the road against Halcones UV Xalapa (#5).
Top scorers:
Halc.Rojos: S.Pruitt 16+6reb+1ast, D.Cortes 13+1reb+2ast, N.Alonzo 13+1reb, C.Rivera 13+2reb+3ast, G.Vargas 11+3reb+5ast, P.Stoll 7+1reb+5ast
Lechugueros: D.Yearby 23+9reb, B.St.Preux 19+6reb+1ast, L.Keeler 15+1reb, R.Moss 14+9reb+3ast, W.Funn 8+3reb+12ast, E.Zuniga 6+2reb+1ast

Huracanes - Soles 88-76

There was a minor upset when 8th ranked Soles (4-5) lost to tenth ranked Huracanes (4-4) in Tampico 76-88. The game was mostly controlled by Huracanes. Soles was better in third quarter 20-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 23-of-25 charity shots (92.0 percent) during the game. Huracanes outrebounded Soles 30-19 including 19 on the defensive glass. The best player for the winners was American power forward Robert Hornsby (196-82, college: Troy) who scored 34 points (!!!) and 5 rebounds (went 9 for 9 at the free throw line !!!). Canadian guard Stephen Sir (195-82, college: N.Arizona) chipped in 16 points and 6 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was American power forward Robert Glenn (201-89, college: IUPUI) who recorded 17 points and 6 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) and the other American import forward Carl Edwards (196-81, college: Charleston) added 19 points respectively. Four Soles players scored in double figures. Huracanes moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Corr.Victoria. Soles at the other side dropped to the tenth position with five games lost. Huracanes' next round opponent will be Aguilas Rojas (#13) in San Juan which should be theoretically an easy game. Soles will play on the road against Correcaminos in Ciudad Victoria and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Huracanes: R.Hornsby 34+5reb+2ast, S.Sir 16+6reb+1ast, O.Quintero 10+3reb+3ast, N.Colmenares 9+5reb+2ast, A.Fuqua 8+6reb+1ast, J.Edwin 6+4reb
Soles: C.Edwards 19+1reb+1ast, R.Glenn 17+6reb+3ast, M.Marriaga 10+2reb+1ast, D.Cubillan 10+2reb+6ast, P.Meza Rogel 8+1reb+2ast, G.Smith 7+5reb

Corr.Victoria - Aguilas Rojas 93-77

Rather predictable result when ninth ranked Correcaminos (4-4) won against 12th ranked Aguilas Rojas (1-8) in Ciudad Victoria 93-77. The game was mostly controlled by Correcaminos. Aguilas Rojas was better in second period 25-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Aguilas Rojas 48-35 including a 19-8 advantage in offensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was American point guard Myron Allen (180-79, college: Lee JC) who had a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds. His fellow American import forward Ronald Selleaze (197-76, college: CSU Bakersfield, agency: Dream Team Management) chipped in 20 points and 6 rebounds. Five Correcaminos players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American point guard Majic Dorsey (185-81, college: S.Indiana) who recorded 26 points and forward Daniel Pineda (198-84) added 12 points and 8 rebounds respectively. The victory was the third consecutive win for Correcaminos. They moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Huracanes. Aguilas Rojas lost their sixth game in a row. They dropped to the thirteenth position with eight games lost. Correcaminos' next round opponent will be Soles (#10) in Mexicali. Aguilas Rojas will play on the road against Huracanes in Tampico.
Top scorers:
Corr.Victoria: R.Selleaze 20+6reb+2ast, M.Allen 17+11reb+1ast, S.Monreal 15+6reb+2ast, F.Harris 14+3reb+1ast, J.Penny 14+8reb+4ast, G.Burris 8+5reb+2ast
Aguilas Rojas: M.Dorsey 26+2ast, I.Silva 13+3reb, D.Pineda 12+8reb, D.Mercer 8+10reb+1ast, E.Hare 6+3reb, F.Sanchez 6+8reb+1ast

Ford's 31-point game gives him LNBP Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket
34-year old guard Devon Ford (193-G-77) put on an amazing game in the last round for Panteras and receives a Latinbasket.com LNBP Player of the Week award for round 9.
He had the game-high 31 points adding five rebounds and four assists for Panteras in his team's victory, helping them to edge out Toros (#2, 7-2) 92-89. Panteras is placed at 12th position in LNBP. Too late to salvage the team, which is currently ranked such low. They already lost 7 games and recorded just two victories. In the team's last game Ford had a remarkable 69.2% from 2-point range. He has many years of experience at Panteras, through which he has constantly improved. Devon Ford averages this season 13.0ppg.

Second best performed player last round was Robert Hornsby (196-F/C-82) of Huracanes. He is American forward in his 3rd season at Huracanes. In the last game Hornsby recorded impressive 34 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists. Of course Huracanes cruised to a 88-76 relatively comfortable win over slightly lower-ranked Soles (#10, 4-5). The game was between two teams which are definitely not main contenders for the title. But Huracanes managed to improve slightly their position in standings taking 9th place. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 4-4 record is not bad and everything may still change. Hornsby is one of the most experienced players at Huracanes and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to guard Melvin Council (191-G-82) of Barreteros (#3). Council scored 20 points and passed eight assists. Despite Council's great performance Barreteros lost 76-89 to #1 ranked Fuerza Regia. But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates especially in such crucial game. The last thing Barreteros needs is to lose another game like this one. They lose more and more distance to the top teams. Their record is 7 victories and 2 lost games. Council has a great season in Mexico. After only 7 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 21.7ppg (7th best). He also has 2.3spg, FGP: 62.3% and 3PT: 45.7%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Davin White (186-G-81) of Halc.Xalapa - 24 points and 2 assists
5. Lorenzo Real Aguilar (203-F/C) of Halc.Xalapa - 12 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Ronald Selleaze (197-F-76) of Corr.Victoria - 20 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Deilvez Yearby (198-F-87) of Lechugueros - 23 points and 9 rebounds
8. Romel Beck (203-G/F-82) of Pioneros - 23 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists
9. Devon Pearson (198-F-84) of Toros - 25 points and 7 rebounds
10. Larry Morinia (180-G-80) of Volcanes - 17 points and 8 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)

Majic Dorsey joins Aguilas Rojas de San Juan del Rio - by Eurobasket Center
Aguilas Rojas de San Juan del Rio (LNBP) agreed terms with 30-year old American Majic Dorsey (185-PG-81, college: S.Indiana). Dorsey played most recently at Halcones UV Xalapa (LNBP). While playing 2 games for Halc.Xalapa this season he averaged 5.0ppg, 4.5rpg, 5.0apg and 1.5spg. Dorsey is a very experienced player. He graduated University of Southern Indiana in 2005 and it will be his seventh season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Standings - LNBP

LNBP Standings

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

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NBA

Players considering overseas play - by Eurobasket News
John Wall (6'4''-PG-90, college: Kentucky) isn't taking his game overseas yet.

If the NBA lockout continues to drag on, well, he just might.

'Maybe down the road, but not right now,' the former No. 1 overall pick said Saturday night when asked about the possibility before a loosely organized exhibition game in Indianapolis.

One day after league officials announced the postponement of training camp and the cancellation of 43 preseason games, 16 NBA players -- including 10 former first-round picks -- participated in a game that could become the new normal for NBA fans. Most participants played high school, college or pro ball near Indianapolis.

Saturday's game, of course, came without many of the NBA's usual trimmings.

Instead of thousands of fans, only a few hundred showed up at the University of Indianapolis, a Division II school best known until now for being the practice site for this year's Super Bowl team from the NFC.

Instead of hearing a live person sing the National Anthem, a recording was played over the public address system.

Instead of wearing clearly distinguishing colors, the team with black jerseys was told to turn theirs inside out just before tip-off in an effort to delineate themselves from the navy blue team.

And instead of making money, the proceeds from Saturday's Indy Pro Am Lockout League game will benefit charitable foundations headed by new Pacers player George Hill, former Indiana Mr. Basketball Eric Gordon and WNBA MVP Tamika Catchings.

Officials wore gray shirts with an NBA logo but were not sanctioned by the league, and team officials were not allowed to attend.

Players will take it, for now.

'I don't know how many games we'll miss or how long we'll be locked out,' Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague said. 'But this going to have to do because it's the only way to play against the best talent and be at an NBA level when it (the lockout) ends.'

Nobody's sure when the lockout will end, so players are taking precautions.

Five of them told The Associated Press they are carrying insurance to cover any potential injuries during the lockout, and that's not the only way they're protecting themselves.

'The best thing about games like this is that all the guys realize you have careers,' former Butler star and current Utah Jazz player Gordon Hayward said. 'So we're not going to do something stupid.'

Perhaps that accounted for the lack of defense Saturday night.

The blue team, Goodman League, won 170-167. Wall had 41 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds. DeMarcus Cousins had 33 points and 15 rebounds. Gordon led the Knox team with 40 points and nine assists. All but three of the 16 players reached double figures.

Still, the lockout was front and center among players from coast-to-coast.

Whether it was Wall, the Washington Wizards point guard, or Gordon, who plays for the Los Angeles Clippers, the key concern was staying in shape.

And players aren't even sure the league owners know what they want in a new deal.

'That's what it seems like from what I've seen in the media and from what I hear,' Gordon said. 'It's going to take a collective agreement by everybody to get this thing settled.'

In the meantime, they'll continue working on their own.

Hayward is going through his training at St.Vincent Sports Performance in Indy. Some are working in groups, and others are playing in games like this, where there are almost as many smiles as dunks. Teague plans to return to Atlanta next week, where he will continue playing pro am games.

But each player has his own primary concern.

Josh McRoberts, an Indiana native who played with the Pacers last season, is a free agent who hasn't been able to negotiate a new deal. Shelvin Mack left Butler after his junior season, was selected by Washington in the second round of this year's NBA draft and is still unsigned.

'It's kind of tough,' Mack said. 'We've got things like this so we can still work on our skills, but you'd really like to get back to work.'

For some players, that could come sooner -- if they decide to move overseas.

Wall, for one, isn't ready to do that, and he isn't alone.

Gordon said that while he's had offers, he's not jumping at the chance and either is D.J. White, the former Indiana star who now plays for Charlotte.

'I've really not thought much about it,' White said. 'You really just want to work on your game and we'll see what happens. It's hard to put a time table (on deciding to play overseas).'

Courtesy of ESPN

With NBA in lockout, Celtics Paul Pierce and other former Jayhawks play in Kansas alumni game - by Eurobasket News
With the Jayhawks football team having a bye this weekend, basketball took center stage at Kansas on Saturday thanks to the NBA lockout.

Boston Celtics guard Paul Pierce (6'7''-F-77, college: Kansas) and 22 other former Jayhawks played in the first Legends of the Phog alumni game at Allen Fieldhouse.

Kansas fans got to see four decades of Jayhawks play in the game, which ended in a 111-111 tie a day after the NBA postponed training camps indefinitely and canceled 43 preseason games.

Pierce wouldnt comment on whether he was optimistic about the lockout being resolved in time to save the regular season.

Thats another conversation, he said. I think we should focus on this moment.

The Celtics guard hit a 3-pointer to give his blue team a 111-108 lead with 5 seconds left, but Miami Heat guard Mario Chalmers responded with a 3 from the top of the arc with 0.1 remaining. Chalmers white squad featured five members of Kansas 2008 national championship team.

Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com

OKC Thunder's Kevin Durant undecided on signing overseas deal - by Eurobasket News
Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) still hasn't decided whether he'll sign a deal to play overseas.

The unpredictability of the NBA lockout has disrupted the Thunder star's decision-making process. Saturday, though, Durant was firm in what he wants to do.

Stay here, Durant, the reigning two-time scoring champ, told The Oklahoman on Saturday while promoting his upcoming film Switch.

But, again, that's now.

That could change tomorrow, Durant added. That could change in the next hour.

Durant's agent, Aaron Goodwin, last month announced he was in negotiations with the Turkish club Besiktas. It's the same organization that signed New Jersey point guard Deron Williams. Goodwin reportedly also has explored opportunities in Spain and Russia.

Durant had previously stated his intentions to make a decision by Oct. 1. The erratic nature of negotiations for a ratified collective bargaining agreement, however, has thrown off Durant's timeline.

I've thought about it before and I really was close to making a decision about doing that, Durant said of possibly signing overseas. But I kind of stopped a little bit once I heard things were kind of moving a little better with the lockout. But one day it's good and one day it's bad. You never know.

With the start of the season approaching and no imminent deal anywhere in sight, the NBA announced Friday it has postponed training camps indefinitely and cancelled 43 preseason games league-wide. The Thunder lost two of its seven scheduled preseason games.

I was shocked. The lockout is starting to be for real now, Durant said. Now that they've canceled some preseason games and postponed training camps, people are starting to really think (a lost season) can really happen.

Durant acknowledged the likelihood of the league wiping out more games soon and said it could be a determining factor in what he ultimately decides to do.

On Wednesday, Thunder center Byron Mullens left for Greece, becoming the first Thunder player to sign overseas during the lockout. Durant said he will now closely monitor Mullens' experience before making his own decision.

I'm going to talk to him and see how it is over there and see what happens maybe in a few weeks or so, Durant said.

Courtesy of www.newsok.com

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

NBLCANADA

Mill Rats sign two talented guards - by Gianni Pascucci
The Saint John Mill Rats, presented by Rogers, announce the signing of two talented guards to their roster: shooting guard JaJuan Smith (6'2''-G-85, college: Tennessee) and combo guard Dele Ojo (6'0''-G-81, college: Pfeiffer).
JaJuan Smith, from Decatur, Tennessee was a star player for the University of Tennessee from 2004-2008. He posted a season high scoring average of 15.2 points per game as a junior and 14.4 as a senior. 'This is a respected player that packs a lot of offensive fire-power in his game, and we consider him still an NBA prospect' stated Mill Rats Head Coach Jaren Jackson . 'The fans in Saint John are going to be treated to a great show watching this young man perform.'
Dele Ojo, a wiry 6'0 guard, has taken the 'road less travelled' to get an opportunity with the Mill Rats. A sensation and fan favourite on the Washington, DC summer circuit, Ojo caught the eye of Coach Jackson this past summer while playing at the notorious Goodman League in Barry Farms. Its a league that regularly features NBA stars such as Kevin Durant, Michael Beasley, Ty Lawson, Gilbert Arenas, and many other area big names.
Ojo led his team to the Goodman League Championship and was named Finals Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year, and League Most Valuable Player.

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

NCAA1

With NBA in lockout, Celtics Paul Pierce and other former Jayhawks play in Kansas alumni game - by Eurobasket News
With the Jayhawks football team having a bye this weekend, basketball took center stage at Kansas on Saturday thanks to the NBA lockout.

Boston Celtics guard Paul Pierce (6'7''-F-77, college: Kansas) and 22 other former Jayhawks played in the first Legends of the Phog alumni game at Allen Fieldhouse.

Kansas fans got to see four decades of Jayhawks play in the game, which ended in a 111-111 tie a day after the NBA postponed training camps indefinitely and canceled 43 preseason games.

Pierce wouldnt comment on whether he was optimistic about the lockout being resolved in time to save the regular season.

Thats another conversation, he said. I think we should focus on this moment.

The Celtics guard hit a 3-pointer to give his blue team a 111-108 lead with 5 seconds left, but Miami Heat guard Mario Chalmers responded with a 3 from the top of the arc with 0.1 remaining. Chalmers white squad featured five members of Kansas 2008 national championship team.

Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com

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NORWAY

BLNO Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Stian MJOS
  Baerum B.
  (182-G-89)
  Avg: 24

1. Mjos, Baerum B.	24.0
2. Sahlertz, Tromso	22.3
3. Land, Asker Aliens	21.7
4. Stien, Asker Aliens	21.0
5. Kombat, Froya B.	20.7
6. Hagen, Ammerud	18.7
7. Okoroafor, Ammerud	18.3
8. Wallace, Tromso	18.0
9. Berg, Gimle BBK	17.0
10. Mahnin, Centrum	16.7

Rebounds Per Game

Tony LEE
  Asker Aliens
  (185-G-86)
  Avg: 13.7

1. Lee, Asker Aliens	13.7
2. Byerson, Tromso	9.0
3. Bullock, Froya B.	8.7
4. Hagen, Ammerud	8.0
5. Oatis, Baerum B.	7.7
6. Kombat, Froya B.	7.3
7. Ferranti, Baerum B.	7.3
8. Wallace, Tromso	7.0
9. Nwachukwu, Ammerud	7.0
10. Ouakkaha, Froya	6.3

Assists Per Game

Hani ISSALHI
  Tromso
  (187-G-84)
  Avg: 7

1. Issalhi, Tromso	7.0
2. Mjos, Baerum B.	5.0
3. Midtvedt, Asker A.	5.0
4. Gabrans, Froya B.	4.7
5. Byerson, Tromso	4.0
6. Lee, Asker Aliens	4.0
7. Stien, Gimle BBK	3.7
8. Stien, Asker Aliens	3.7
9. Mjos, Baerum B.	3.7
10. Mahnin, Centrum	3.7

Steals Per Game

Hani ISSALHI
  Tromso
  (187-G-84)
  Avg: 3

1. Issalhi, Tromso	3.0
2. Sahlertz, Tromso	2.0
3. Mjos, Baerum B.	2.0
4. Westerlund, Ammeru.	2.0
5. Mjos, Baerum B.	2.0
6. Gabrans, Froya B.	1.7
7. Hagen, Ammerud	1.7
8. Vangen, Centrum	1.3
9. Sumskis, Gimle BBK	1.3
10. Andersen, Langhus	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Donald OATIS
  Baerum B.
  (206-F/C-79)
  Avg: 3.7

1. Oatis, Baerum B.	3.7
2. Byerson, Tromso	1.3
3. Nyborg, Centrum	1.0
4. Nwachukwu, Ammerud	1.0
5. Lee, Asker Aliens	1.0
6. Andreassen, Baerum	0.7
7. Bullock, Froya B.	0.7
8. Kombat, Froya B.	0.3
9. Mjos, Baerum B.	0.3
10. O''Garrow, Langhus	0.3

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

PBL

Ex-Bull Guyton tabbed coach of B-N hoops team - by Eurobasket News
The Twin Cities are about to add a fourth minor-league sports team.

The Premier Basketball League will place a team at U.S. Cellular Coliseum for the upcoming season, which starts in January.

The yet-to-be named Bloomington franchise will be the ninth team in the 5-year-old league.

The team will be owned by Bloomington businessman Jim Morris, owner of the recently opened Sonic Americas Drive-In in Normal. Morris is also part-owner of the Bloomington Extreme indoor football team, Roar Food Group LLC and four other Bloomington-Normal companies.

A news conference has been set for 3 p.m. Thursday at the Coliseum, and A.J. Guyton (6'2''-G-78, college: Indiana) will be introduced as head coach along with the unveiling of the team nickname.

Guyton was a star basketball player at Peoria High School before going on to a sterling career at Indiana University where he earned All-American honors his senior year. He also played two seasons with the Chicago Bulls.

Im a huge basketball fan, Morris said. I think it would be an exciting thing for the community. Im a businessman first and foremost, but I think there are enough basketball fans in Central Illinois to support this, and it seems like something that might make sense for us.

Morris, 50, is son-in-law of the late Gary Egbers, who founded Commercial Packaging of Normal.

Premier Basketball League teams play a 20-game season from January through March with 10 home games and 10 on the road. Playoffs are in April.

The leagues teams have an annual salary cap of $130,000 to spend on its 12-player rosters.

Tom McGinn, the leagues vice president of team development, said teams employ players who played at the Division I, Division II and NAIA levels.

Were a run-and-gun league, he said. Its more entertaining that way.

Other league teams are located in northwestern Illinois (Sauk Valley); Chicago; Crown Point, Ind.; St. Joseph, Mich.; Charleston, W.Va.; Dayton, Ohio; Scranton Wilkes-Barre, Pa.; and Rochester, N.Y.

Bloomington is a great community; weve been recruiting Bloomington for at least four years, McGinn said. Its one of the few thriving communities in the United States.

The team will have a rental agreement to play 10 nights plus playoffs at the Coliseum, said John Butler, president of Central Illinois Arena Management, which runs the city-owned, downtown arena.

We are extremely excited to add a PBL team as a new tenant in our facility, Butler said. Central Illinois is a hotbed for basketball, and we anticipate tremendous support for the team.

Officials said one reason for bringing in the new team was the NBA lockout. If the work stoppage cancels or delays the NBA season, Morris said we expect some NBA guys will hopefully play for us.

The new basketball team will be a part of a quickly crowding minor-league sports landscape in Bloomington-Normal, joining baseballs CornBelters, hockeys Blaze and indoor footballs Extreme.

It made sense for us to take a gander at it and see if the community will support it, Morris said. We will commit to it as long as the fan support is there.

Courtesy of www.pantagraph.com

Admirals add Alleyne to their roster - by Gianni Pascucci
Admirals team officials communicated to Usbasket.com thet towering center Shagari Alleyne (7'3''-C-84, college: Manhattan), nicknamed 'Skyscraper', has committed to play for the Lake Michigan Admirals for the 2011-12 season. Alleyne has played for the University of Kentucky and the Harlem Globetrotters.

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

PHILIPPINES

DAY 8 OF THE 2011 FIBA-ASIA MEN'S TOURNEY - by Enzo Flojo

MALAYSIA over UZBEKISTAN, 82-76
MAS 82 - Loh 18, Chee 13, Wee 9, Batumalai 9, Ng 9, Ooi 8, Lau 5, Kuek 4, Kuppusamy 3, Soo 2, Kwaan 2 Chin 0
UZB 76 - Denisov 21, Kozlov 15, Juginisov 13, Shatrov 10, Zinovev 6, Belokurov 6, Nuraliev 5, Yahin 0, Pereverzev 0, Timofev 0
QS: 22-14, 45-33, 64-59, 82-76
- Malaysia led early and held on to nail 11th place in Wuhan, China. The Malaysians compensated for their size disadvantage by shooting better from the field (43%-34%) and from behind the arc (42%-29%). They also used speed, outscoring the Uzbeks 27-8 in transition.
- Shee Fai Loh led Malaysia, hitting 4 threes for a total of 18 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists. Li Wei Chee had another good game down low, scoring 13 markers and grabbing 14 boards. This is Malaysia's best finish in the tournament since getting 9th place in 1989, and augurs well for their chances in the 2011 SEA Games.
- Vyacheslav Denisov hit 6 triples to lead Uzbekistan with 21 points. Aleksandr Kozlov backed him up with a beastly double-double of 15 points and 15 rebounds to go along with 4 assists and 2 steals. Uzbekistan finishes 12th, which is two notches higher than their 14th spot finish in 2009.

SYRIA over UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 76-72
SYR 76 - Osfira 18, Nalbandian 16, Georges 12, Jlilati 8, Al-Khatib 7, Daks 7, Deeb 4, Lubus 4, Al-Saman 0, Abboud 0
UAE 72 - Ahmed 19, Al-Braiki 18, Abdalla 13, Al-Shabebi 11, Al-Sari 7, Banihammad 4, Salem 0, Al-Ali 0, Al-Zaabi 0
QS: 21-24, 43-39, 59-53, 76-72
- A big fourth quarter run by the Syrians put enough separation to hold off a late charge by the Emirates and close out the tournament with a 76-72 win. It was a close game all throughout with Syria unable to exploit its size, losing the rebounding battle, 39-42, and not dominating the paint offensively. UAE proved better in transition, too, outscoring Syria, 17-6, on fastbreak points, but the Syrians hit the shots that counted the most.
- Mahmoud Osfira fired in 18 points with 4 rebounds to lead Syria's offense while frontcourt partner Eder Georges finished with a dozen markers and 11 boards. Vache Nalbandian stroked in 4 triples and scored 16 markers in total to help balance out the scoring. Syria matches its 9th place finish in the 2003 edition, but it seems the Syrians will forever be hard-pressed to match their best-ever 4th place finish back in 2001.

IRAN over TAIWAN, 98-66
IRI 98 - Haddadi 21, Kamrani 18, Afagh 18, Kazemi 13, Sahakian 10, Bahrami 9, Kardoust 5, Davoudi 3, Davari 1, Davarpanah 0, Sohrabnejad 0
TPE 66 - Wu 16, Tseng 13, Lin 12, Lu 12, Chen HA 8, Chen SN 5, Chien 0, Su 0, Ho 0, Chang 0
QS: 21-16, 48-31, 75-50, 98-66
- Taiwan seemed like it would make this game exciting, until Iran unleashed a 17-0 run that extended a tight 19-16 lead into a wide 20-point gap midway in the 2nd period. The WABA kings coasted from then on and proceeded to impose themselves at will over the hapless Taiwanese. Iran dominated in the paint and in transition, more than doubling Taiwan's rebounding output and dishing out significantly more assists.
- Hamed Haddadi made up for the Jordan game by pouring in 21 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 blocks. Arsalan Kazemi had his own double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds while Hamed Afagh and Mehdi Kamrani each contributed 18 markers. Afagh made all his points from behind the arc. Iran bounces back after the shocker to Jordan and now battles for 5th place against Lebanon.
- Wu Tai-Hao led Taiwan's losing effort with 16 points and 6 boards while Tseng Wen-Ting, Lin Chih-Chieh and Lu Cheng-Ju combined for all 8 of Taiwan's triples to score 37 markers in all. Starting PG Lee Hsueh-Lin and relief big man Mao Chia-En both did not play. Taiwan falls further and now battles Japan for 7th spot.

JORDAN over PHILIPPINES, 75-61
JOR 75 - Wright 24, Dahglas 16, Abbas 14, Abu Quora 9, Zaghab 5, Abbaas 5, Al-Sous 2, Hussein 0, Abu Ruqayah 0, Soobzokov 0, Al-Khas 0
PHL 61 - Douthit 21, Casio 15, De Ocampo 8, Williams 6, Barroca 4, Lutz 4, Lassiter 2, Alapag 1, Taulava 0, Tiu 0
QS: 12-18, 27-28, 49-41, 75-61
- The Pinoys' dream run ends while the Jordanians' upset streak continues after coach Tab Baldwin's boys caught the Philippines in its worst shooting funk of the tournament. The Filipinos shot a woeful 31% from the field, including an anemic 13% from downtown, as Jordan's big three of Sam Dahglas, Rasheim Wright and Zaid Abbas made key shots that put the game away mid-4th quarter. Dahglas sandwiched an Abbas triple with 2 treys of his own to expand a precarious 49-48 lead to a 60-48 advantage and effectively dash the hopes of the erstwhile resurgent Filipinos.
- Wright led all scorers with 24 points on 9-of-17 shooting from the field while Dahglas scored 16 markers and dished out 4 assists. Dahglas and Abbas both sat out a significant portion of the 1st half due to early foul trouble, but came back strong in the 2nd half to repeatedly frustrate the Filipinos. Jordan now barges into the Championship game after two wins over higher seeds.
- Marcus Douthit had another commendable game, scoring 21 points, grabbing 15 rebounds and rejecting 2 shots, while JV Casio led the backcourt with 15 markers and 3 triples. It was all for naught, though, as the team shot miserably from the field and just couldn't solve the defensive puzzle presented by the determined Jordanians. The Pinoys still have a crack at the Olympics if they succeed in claiming 3rd place against Korea.

LEBANON over JAPAN, 80-78
LIB 80 - Hoskin 16, Stephan 16, Ibrahim 16, Abdel Nour 13, Akl 8, Martinez 7, Kanaan 2, Tabet 2
JPN 78 - Kawamura 20, Amino 17, Takeuchi 15, Matsui 9, Shonaka 6, Hirose 4, Ota 3, Sakurai 2, Ishizaki 2, Takeda 0
QS: 15-23, 41-42, 61-62, 80-78
- KJ Matsui will have bad dreams all the way back to Japan after missing those free throws at the end of the game. Lebanon made an improbable endgame rally, cutting an 11-point deficit and taking the lead, 80-78, after Mohamad Ibrahim's three went in at the heels of a 15-2 run. The Japanese managed to get the ball back after Tomoo Amino missed a desperation 3, with Matsui fouled by Sam Hoskin. Matsui uncharacteristically missed the front end and deliberately missed the second, but Japan couldn't muster any miracles to send the game into an extra period.
- Hoskin, Elie Stephan and Ibrahim combined for 48 points for the Lebanese, who fall to the battle for 5th place with Iran after a dominating run in the last 10 years of FIBA-Asia basketball. Even if they manage to upset Iran, this will be Lebanon's worst finish in the competition since its 7th place debut in 1999. Hoskin added 16 rebounds to his tally while Stephan and Ibrahim each converted 4 triples.
- Japan is relegated to the battle for 7th spot with the Taiwanese, but this is the 7th straight edition they've missed the cut for the Top 4. Takuya Kawamura bounced back from a subpar showing against Korea with 20 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists while Amino scored 17 markers and grabbed 5 boards. Kosuke Takeuchi was solid down low with 15 points and 13 caroms, but he made a costly traveling infraction in the clutch. His twin, Joji, sat out the game to rest his rib injury.

CHINA over SOUTH KOREA, 56-43
CHN 56 - Yi J 17, Wang 15, Liu 11, Zhu 5, Sun 5, Ding 2, Zhang B 1, Yi L 0, Zhang Z 0, Yu 0, Su 0, Xirelijiang 0
KOR 43 - Yang DG 17, Stevenson 6, Kim YH 6, Ha 4, Yang HJ 4, Kim JS 3, Oh 2, Kang 1, Park 0, Cho 0, Kim JK 0
QS: 8-11, 21-19, 36-30, 56-43
- China outlasted South Korea in a game marred by terrible field goal shooting. Both teams shot below 30% from the field, with China making just 3-of-15 from downtown and Korea doing even worse, converting just 1-of-20. The keys for China were points-off-turnovers (13-2) and second-chance-points (11-2), as well as timely hits by veterans Wang Zhizhi and Yi Jianlian.
- Yi and Wang led the Chinese, combining for 32 points and 21 rebounds. Liu Wei balanced it out with an 11-point, 4-rebound, 3-assist production. As expected, the hometown team advances to the Championship game as the heavy favorites against an overachieving Jordanian team. The Chinese are pressured to break Iran's stranglehold on FIBA-Asia supremacy, and their chances are stronger now more than ever.
- Yang Dong-Geun played through an injured ankle to lead Korea's upset efforts with 17 points, but nobody else scored more than 6 from coach Hur Jae's squad. So awful was Korea's shooting that they managed just 19 points after 20 minutes of play, and were just outshot the rest of the way. Korea faces a familiar foe in the Philippines to try and salvage a slot in the FIBA Olympic Wildcard Tournament next year by getting 3rd place.

Source: HoopNut.blogspot.com

2011 Asian Championship: South Korea nip Philippines for Bronze in Wuhan - by Eurobasket News
South Korea - Philippines 70:68

South Korea snatched a tough win over Philippines in the consolation final battle at the Asian Championship. Cho Sung-Min (189-F-83) scored 20 points to pace the winners.
Philippines gained a 14:7 lead after ten minutes of action. Jimmy Alapag (177-G-77, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) gave the Filipino team an 18:7 lead midway through the second term. They maintained the lead and arrived at the interval up by as many as 7 points 24:17. Williams made it 30:19 for Philippines early in the third term. South Korea answered with a 9:1 run to cut the deficit. Philippines however picked up the slack and earned a 47:36 advantage at the final intermission. But it was Cho Sung-Min who gave necessary spark for South Korea. He unleashed 15 points in the fourth frame as South Korea pulled ahead and sealed a narrow win at the end. Kim Joo-Sung (205-F/C-79) posted 14 points and 9 rebounds, while Oh Sek-Eun (200-C-87) added 9 points in the win. Marcus Douthit (210-C/F-80, agency: Edge Sports, college: Providence) answered with 27 points and 22 rebounds for Philippines. Jimmy Alapag provided 17 points in the loss.

South Korea: Cho Sung-Min 20, Kim Joo-Sung 14, Oh Sek-Eun 9
Philippines: Marcus Douthit 27+22 boards, Jimmy Alapag 17

DAY 9 OF THE 2011 FIBA-ASIA MEN'S TOURNEY - by Enzo Flojo

JAPAN over TAIWAN, 81-72
JPN 81 - Takeuchi K 16, Amino 14, Matsui 13, Shonaka 13, Takeda 9, Kawamura 9, Ishizaki 5, Ota 2, Sakurai 0, Hirose 0, Takeuchi J 0
TPE 72 - Lin 18, Tseng 17, Chang 14, Chen HA 7, Ho 7, Chen SN 5, Lu 4, Wu 0,
QS: 28-9, 47-36, 66-53, 81-72
- Japan had a hot 13-2 start to the game and never really gave Taiwan a chance the rest of the way. KJ Matsui, Takuya Kawamura and Takeki Shonaka each hit 3 triples to spark the balanced Japanese attack that left the Taiwanese playing catch-up for all 40 minutes. Taiwan was severely beaten on the glass, too, as Japan won the rebound battle with plenty to spare, 48-37.
- Kosuke Takeuchi grabbed a tournament-high 22 rebounds to go along with his 16 points as Japan notched 7th place in the competition, which is 2 places higher than their 9th place finish in 2009. Tomoo Amino backstopped Takeuchi with 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting while young guns Matsui and Shonaka each contributed 13 markers.
- With this loss, Taiwan finishes 8th, its worst in the past few years, and goes home toting a 4-win, 5-loss slate. Lin Chih-Chieh led the Taiwanese with 18 points, but he shot just 6-of-16 from the floor. Tseng Wen-Ting finished with 17 markers, 7 boards, 3 dimes, 2 swipes and 2 rejections.

IRAN over LEBANON, 87-65
IRI 87 - Kamrani 18, Bahrami 18, Kazemi 17, Haddadi 13, Afagh 5, Davoudi 4, Davari 4, Sahakian 4, Davarpanah 2, Kardoust 2, Atashi 0, Sohrabnejad 0
LIB 65 - Hoskin 37, Ibrahim 11, Kanaan 6, Akl 4, Stephan 3, Reda 2, Tabet 2, Martinez 0, El Farkh 0, Bitar 0
QS: 15-17, 50-36, 69-55, 87-65
- The Lebanese held the fort for a quarter before a 14-0 run in the 2nd frame gave Iran a 10-point lead they wouldn't relinquish. Iran dominated in the paint and in transition, outscoring the Lebanese, 46-32, down low and on the break, 29-4. As expected, Iran also pumped in more rebounds and assists as they shot much better from the field, 49% to 36%.
- Mehdi Kamrani and Samad Nikkhah Bahrami led Iran with 18 points each. Kamrani quarterbacked pretty well, too, dishing out 6 assists with 2 steals. Arsalan Kazemi and Hamed Haddadi were pillars of strength inside for Iran, combining for 30 points and 24 rebounds. Kazemi also had 4 steals while shooting 7-of-10 from the floor. Iran finishes the competition with an 8-win, 1-loss card, but they fall to 5th place after two straight FIBA-Asia Championships. They have the Jordanians to thank for that.
- Sam Hoskin had his best game of the tournament, erupting for 37 points while grabbing 12 rebounds and getting 2 steals. He held his own against Haddadi, but hardly anyone else helped him in this fight. Mohamad Ibrahim was the only other Lebanese in double figures, finishing with 11 points, but he shot just 3-of-12 from the floor. Lebanon ends the tournament ranked 6th, its lowest in the past 10 years.

SOUTH KOREA over PHILIPPINES, 70-68
KOR 70 - Cho 20, Kim JS 14, Oh 9, Kang 8, Stevenson 8, Kim JK 7, Lee 2, Kim YH 1, Yang HJ 1, Park 0
PHL 68 - Douthit 27, Alapag 17, Williams 9, Lutz 5, De Ocampo 3, Casio 2, Tiu 2, Baracael 2, Lassiter 1, Taulava 0
QS: 7-14, 17-24, 36-47, 70-68
- The Philippines had the game under wraps until Korea unloaded 20 points in the final 5 minutes to break the hearts of the Filipinos yet again. The crucial endgame reminded Filipino fans of the heart-wrenching 2002 Busan Asian Games semifinals where Korean sniper Lee Sang-Min hit a buzzer-beating three to send the Pinoys packing. This time it was Cho Sung-Min, Oh Se-Keun and Jarod Stevenson who found their touches in the clutch, eating up at the Filipino lead until there was nothing left. It was a squandered chance for coach Rajko Toroman's crew, who led practically the whole game, dictated the tempo, and played without having to go against Yang Dong-Geun and Ha Seung-Jin, both of whom sat out due to injuries.
- Cho hit majority of his 4 treys in those pivotal five minutes, where he nailed 12 of his 20 markers. Kim Joo-Sung fouled out mid-4th frame, but not after scoring 14 points, grabbing 9 rebounds and blocking 2 shots. Stevenson was just 3-of-12 the whole game and hit only one three, but it was the dagger that gave Korea the lead for good. He also had two key blocks on Filipino big man Marcus Douthit that helped seal the bronze medal, and a longshot at the Olympics, for coach Hur Jae's wards.
- Marcus Douthit had another beastly outing with 27 points and 22 rebounds, but he was bottled up when the going got tough down the stretch. Jimmy Alapag hit 17 markers thanks to 5 triples, but, alas, it was not enough. Just like in Busan, it was free throws that did the Filipinos in, with Kelly Williams and Marcio Lassiter missing key freebies inside the final minute. Despite the loss, however, this Top 4 finish is the best that the Philippines has done in 27 years, and it should give credence to the success and promise of the Smart-Gilas program.

CHINA over JORDAN, 70-69
CHN 70 - Yi J 25, Liu 13, Wang 10, Yi L 10, Ding 5, Sun 4, Zhu 3, Zhang B 0, Zhang Z 0, Yu 0
JOR 69 - Wright 26, Abbas 13, Dahglas 10, Al-Sous 7, Zaghab 4, Abbaas 4, Al-Khas 3, Abu Quora 2, Abu Ruqayah 0, Soobzokov 0,
QS: 16-15, 31-36, 59-56, 70-69
- An Ali Zaghab foul at the end doomed Jordan's Cinderella story. Yi Jianlian was fouled after grabbing a defensive rebound and split his charities, which proved to be enough as China scraped past a determined and wily Jordan five to clinch the lone guaranteed Asian spot in the 2012 London Olympics. China didn't look as dominant as it did for most of the tourney as Jordan kept the pace slow and picked their shots while confusing the Chinese with perpetually switching defense. But the Chinese were able to hit their shots when they needed to and just barely made the grade.
- Yi Jianlian proved he was the tournament MVP by pouring in 25 points, grabbing 16 rebounds and blocking 6 shots for China. He was ably supported by Liu Wei, Yi Li and Wang Zhizhi, who finished with 13, 10 and 10 points respectively. Unlike their first meeting with this same Jordanian team, the Chinese failed to dominate, instead groping for form amidst a determined stand by the WABA powerhouse. China moves on and begins preparations for the 2012 Olympics, but, perhaps more importantly, they regain the FIBA-Asia title that has eluded them in the past 2 installments.
- Jordan clinches the silver medal and qualifies for the 2012 Olympics Wildcard Tournament together with bronze medalists South Korea. Rasheim Wright led Jordan with 26 points on 10-of-19 shooting while Zaid Abbas had 13 points and 10 rebounds. Abbas, however, fouled out in the fourth, leaving a gaping hole down low for coach Tab Baldwin's team. Sam Dahglas produced 10 points, 8 rebouds and 4 assists in the tight defeat.

Source: HoopNut.blogspot.com

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

POLAND

Tony Weeden joins Polpharma - by Eurobasket News
Polpharma have secured the services of Tony Weeden (186-G-83, college: Chicago St.) for the upcoming season. The guard spent the last season in Greece. He played for Marousi BC averaging 10.4 points, 2.6 assists, 1.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game in A1 League. Tony Weeden is not new to Polpharma. The guard used to play for the team in 2007/08 and 2009/10 seasons.

Energa Czarni win Poznan Tournament - by Eurobasket News
Energa Czarni celebrated victory at the pre-season Poznan Tournament. They overcame PBG Basket in the semifinal and took care of Zastal Zielona Gora in the title game.

Semifinals:
Zastal Zielona Gora outscored Kotwica Kolobrzeg 88:81. Gani Lawal (206-F-88, college: Georgia Tech) stepped up with 23 points to lead the winners. Zastal Zielona Gora piled up a 48:44 halftime lead. They used a 20:12 run in the third term to clear off for good. Walter Hodge (183-PG-86, college: Florida) and Nobles accounted for 16 points each in the victory. Reginald Holmes (193-G-87, college: Morgan St.) responded with 18 points for Kotwica. Wichniarz had 15 points in the losing effort.
Energa Czarni surprised hosting PBG Basket 81:67. Darnell Hinson (186-G-80, college: Northeastern St.) delivered 22 points to propel the visitors to the victory. Energa Czarni piled up a 23:12 lead after ten minutes. PBG Basket narrowed the deficit at a single point with one quarter to go. But Energa Czarni went on a 25:14 run in the fourth frame to seal the winning outcome. Mantas Cesnauskis (189-G-81, agency: Promotex) posted 12 points, while Pawel Kikowski (193-G-86, agency: Limelight Hoops) added 11 in the victory. Damian Kulig (205-F/C-87) responded with 20 points for PBG Basket. Zarko Comagic (201-F-85, agency: 011 Sports, college: N.Arizona) had 19 points in the loss.

Final:
Energa Czarni outgunned Zastal Zielona 78:69 in the title game. Energa Czarni grabbed a 21:11 lead ten minutes into the game. Zastal Zielona Gora erased the deficit and pulled in front for a 2-point lead with ten minutes remaining. But a 22:11 run from Energa Czarni in the final term allowed them to clinch the trophy. Darnell Hinson posted 20 points in the victory. Pawel Leonczyk (202-F-86, agency: Promotex) added 15 points for the winners. Gani Lawal responded with 14 points for Zastal Zielona Gora. Walter Hodge contributed 14 points in defeat.
PBG Basket finished third after they edged Kotwica Kolobrzeg 82:75. Damian Kulig stepped up with 21 points. Djordje Micic (195-G-83) notched 13 points in the winning effort.

Standings - 2 Liga

2Liga Standings

Group A
1. AZS UWM Olsz.		1-0
2. GKK Gorzow		1-0
3. Ksiezak		1-0
4. Zuraw		1-0
5. Zyrardowianka		1-0
6. Astoria		0-0
7. Open Florentyna		0-0
8. Trefl II		0-0
9. AZS PP Poznan		0-1
10. KK Swiecie		0-1
11. Korsarz		0-1
12. SMS PZKosz		0-1
13. Wilki Morskie		0-1
Group B
1. Alba Chorzow		1-0
2. AZS AGH Alstom		1-0
3. AZS AWF K-ce		1-0
4. MCKiS Jaworz.		1-0
5. Obiekty		1-0
6. Pogon Prudnik		1-0
7. Slask II W.		1-0
8. BM Wegiel Stal		0-1
9. GTK Gliwice		0-1
10. HK Zory		0-1
11. Mickiewicz		0-1
12. MKS Skierniew.		0-1
13. Nysa Klodzko		0-1
14. Piotrcovia		0-1
Group C
1. Novum Lublin		1-0
2. PWiK Piaseczno		1-0
3. Unia Tarnow		1-0
4. Wisla AWF Kr.		1-0
5. AZS II Polit.W-wa		0-0
6. Handlopex AZS		0-0
7. Limbach		0-0
8. Rosa II Radom		0-0
9. Staco MNLK		0-0
10. WOSSM W-wa		0-0
11. Pulaski Warka		0-1
12. Tur		0-1
13. UKS Siemaszka		0-1
14. UMKS		0-1

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

PORTUGAL

New Season + New Teammates + New Opportunities = More Obstacles - by Nate Bowie
As we all sit back and wait for the NBA season to begin, overseas basketball has begun bringing more talent than most other years overseas. Blessed for my second year in Portugal, I begin to think about my goals and plans for this new season. Im very excited to get back on the court and showcase my talents. This summer was a very good chance for me to work on my game and develop things that I needed to work on as a basketball player. Playing and working out with my friends Leo Lyons as he gets ready for the Pan American Games and Quinton Day all summer really help me to stare my career in the eye and see what I need to do to better myself. I was also blessed to have the opportunity to endorse the apparel brand 2 Da Hole for the 2011-2012 season. This company is very well established apparel company that showcase their talents in likes such as the Slam Magazine. Im very honored to wear this brand and I want to thank Richard Rivera for giving me the opportunity. http://www.2dahole.com/ . Entering a new season I think this year will be even more exciting due to the import rule change of having 4 Import players. Currently my team Terceira Basket also brings in 4 Americans including myself for this season. This will help the league out and make it more competivitive. Im blessed to be able to be here again, alot of people are waiting on jobs and the opportunity to show the world their talents. We get ready to take on Benfica and Barreirense in the Antnio Pratas Cup. This should be a good test for us to gage where we are at now. No play and back to business.

Until next time always remember to THINK BIG, BELIEVE BIG, and ACT BIG, and the RESULTS will be BIG.

For more questions email nathan_bowie (skype) or nathanbowie@yahoo.com. Nate Bowie (183-G-86, college: Cent.Arkansas)

Porto Ferpinta surrender against Valladolid in exhibition clash - by Eurobasket News
Valladolid - Porto Ferpinta 74:67

Porto Ferpinta came up short against Valladolid in the friendly game. Miguel Miranda (205-F-78) scored 14 points but it was not enough for Porto as they suffered a 7-point loss at the end. Porto led by one point ten minutes into the game. They maintained the lead throughout the second term. The Portuguese team posted a 36:35 halftime advantage. But Valladolid changed the complexion of the game in the third frame. The Spanish team poured in 25 points to take a 6-point lead before the fourth frame. Porto scored just 13 points in the final quarter allowing Valladolid to run away with the win. Isaac Lopez (196-F/G-78) stepped up with 14 points to pace Valladolid. Kahiem Seawright (203-C/F-86, agency: Edge Sports, college: Rhode Island) added 13 points in the winning effort. Reggie Jackson (180-G-84, college: Duquesne) answered with 12 points for Porto. Carlos Andrade (197-F-78, college: Queens, NC) and Gregory Stempin (203-F-79, agency: Duran International, college: Toledo) had 8 points each in the loss.

Valladolid: Isaac Lopez 14, Kahiem Seawright 13
Porto Ferpinta: Miguel Miranda 14, Reggie Jackson 12, Carlos Andrade 8, Gregory Stempin 8

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

RUSSIA

CSKA clinch Gomelsky Cup title - by Eurobasket News
CSKA - Fenerbahce 73:57

CSKA triumphed at the Gomelsky Cup in Moscow. The hosts overcame Fenerbahce in the title game tonight. Nenad Krstic (214-C-83, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) stepped up with 14 points to pace the winners.
CSKA quickly jumped in front and piled up an 18:14 lead ten minutes into the game. They stretched the gap in the second term. The Russian powerhouse built a 40:29 halftime lead. Fenerbahce could not change the complexion on the encounter in the second half. CSKA stayed in control stretching the lead to as many as 16 points with ten minutes to go. The teams exchanged baskets throughout the fourth frame as CSKA kept the Turkish side at bay coasting to the victory. Darjus Lavrinovic (212-C-79) posted 11 points, while Andrey Vorontsevich (204-C-87) added 7 points in the winning case. James Gist (203-F-86) responded with 10 points for Fenerbahce. Oguz Savas (208-C-87) and Bojan Bogdanovic (202-G/F-89) delivered 8 points apiece in the loss.

CSKA: Nenad Krstic 14, Darjus Lavrinovic 11, Andrey Vorontsevich 7
Fenerbahce: James Gist 10, Oguz Savas 8, Bojan Bogdanovic 8

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

SERBIA

Olympiakos stun Partizan at Torneo Citta di Cagliari - by Eurobasket News
Olympiakos - Partizan 82:64

Olympiakos won on the second day of Torneo Citta di Cagliari. The Greek powerhouse stormed past Partizan to clinch the third position in the ladder. Michalis Pelekanos (198-F-81) posted 16 points to lead the winners.
The teams stayed close throughout the opening quarter. Olympiakos snatched a 19:18 lead ten minutes into the game. The Greek team limited their opponents to 12 points in the second quarter and piled up a 38:30 halftime lead. Olympiakos shifted the gear in the third term. They poured in 26 points to establish a 14-point lead with one quarter to go. Partizan did not recover in the fourth stanza and had to surrender at the end. Martynas Gecevicius (193-G-88) chipped in 12 points, while Kyle Hines (198-F/C-86) and Andreas Glyniadakis (215-C-81) had 10 points each in the victory. Miroslav Raduljica (213-C-88) responded with 14 points for Partizan. Dragan Milosavljevic (198-G-89) delivered 9 points in the loss.

Olympiakos: Michalis Pelekanos 16, Martynas Gecevicius 12, Kyle Hines 10, Andreas Glyniadakis 10
Partizan: Miroslav Raduljica 14, Dragan Milosavljevic 9

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

SOUTH KOREA

2011 Asian Championship: South Korea nip Philippines for Bronze in Wuhan - by Eurobasket News
South Korea - Philippines 70:68

South Korea snatched a tough win over Philippines in the consolation final battle at the Asian Championship. Cho Sung-Min (189-F-83) scored 20 points to pace the winners.
Philippines gained a 14:7 lead after ten minutes of action. Jimmy Alapag (177-G-77, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) gave the Filipino team an 18:7 lead midway through the second term. They maintained the lead and arrived at the interval up by as many as 7 points 24:17. Williams made it 30:19 for Philippines early in the third term. South Korea answered with a 9:1 run to cut the deficit. Philippines however picked up the slack and earned a 47:36 advantage at the final intermission. But it was Cho Sung-Min who gave necessary spark for South Korea. He unleashed 15 points in the fourth frame as South Korea pulled ahead and sealed a narrow win at the end. Kim Joo-Sung (205-F/C-79) posted 14 points and 9 rebounds, while Oh Sek-Eun (200-C-87) added 9 points in the win. Marcus Douthit (210-C/F-80, agency: Edge Sports, college: Providence) answered with 27 points and 22 rebounds for Philippines. Jimmy Alapag provided 17 points in the loss.

South Korea: Cho Sung-Min 20, Kim Joo-Sung 14, Oh Sek-Eun 9
Philippines: Marcus Douthit 27+22 boards, Jimmy Alapag 17

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

SPAIN

Valladolid, CAI Zaragoza and Lagun Aro clinch pre-season victories - by Eurobasket News
Valladolid prevailed against Porto Ferpinta 74:67 in the friendly clash. Kahiem Seawright (203-C/F-86, agency: Edge Sports, college: Rhode Island) stepped up with 13 points to pace the winners. Porto led by a single point 36:35 at halftime. But Valladolid poured in 25 points in the third term and ran away with for the win at the end. Isaac Lopez (196-F/G-78) topscored with 14 points for the Spanish team. Miguel Miranda (205-F-78) answered with 14 points for Porto Ferpinta. Jackson had 12 points in the loss.
CAI Zaragoza toppled Asefa Estudiantes 76:61 in Monzon. Rafael Hettsheimer (206-C-86) delivered 22 points to pace the charge. CAI Zaragoza ensured a 47:27 halftime lead. Estudiantes improved their game in the second half but had to surrender at the end. Carlos Cabezas (186-PG-80) posted 12 points for the winners. Luis Flores (188-G-81, college: Manhattan) answered with 11 points for Estudiantes. Yannick Driesen (215-C-88) provided 10 points in the loss.
Lagun Aro knocked down Obradoiro CAB 67:57 behind 17 points from David Doblas (206-C-81). Javier Salgado (180-PG-80) contributed 9 points for the winning side. Lagun Aro led from start to finish in this one. Levon Kendall (209-F-84, college: Pittsburgh) answered with 13 points for Obradoiro. Mario Cabanas (207-C-85) had 11 points in the loss.
Gran Canaria narrowly lost to Brose Baskets 86:87 at the Domreiter Cup. Brian Roberts (188-G-85, agency: Interperformances) stepped up with 21 points to lead the German team to an overtime victory. Casey Jacobsen (198-G/F-81, college: Stanford) delivered 16 points in the win. Spencer Nelson (203-F-80, college: Utah St.) and Martinez responded with 17 points apiece for Gran Canaria.

LEB Gold: Round One review - by Eurobasket News
The Regular Season in LEB Gold just started.

Mallorca - Granada 75-81

The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Basquet Mallorca won third quarter 20-19. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international center Jesus Fernandez (204-75) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 16 points and 14 rebounds. Swingman Roberto Guerra (195-83) contributed with 17 points and 6 steals for the winners. Five CB Granada players scored in double figures. point guard Joan Carles Bivia (185-85) answered with 27 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and power forward Jose Amador (210-83, agency: Duran International) added 16 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Basquet Mallorca.
Top scorers:
Granada: R.Guerra 17+3reb+2ast, J.Fernandez 16+14reb+3ast, R.Lopez 12+4reb+2ast, M.Rodriguez 11+3reb+1ast, C.Cobos 11+4reb+2ast, E.Ruiz 6+7reb+1ast
Mallorca: J.Carles Bivia 27+6reb+4ast, J.Amador 16+6reb, L.Knutson 10+3reb, S.Green 8+9reb+2ast, S.Alonso 6+3reb+2ast, M.Whippy 6+5reb+1ast

Clavijo - Leon 93-73

The game was mostly controlled by CB Clavijo. Baloncesto Leon was better in fourth quarter 22-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. CB Clavijo dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Baloncesto Leon's 44. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Nigerian power forward Olaseni Lawal (208-86, college: Wayne St., MI) fired a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Guard Enrique Suarez (185-83) chipped in 16 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Lawal is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. CB Clavijo's coach Jesus Sala used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American-Italian power forward Cristopher Mortellaro (206-82, college: Drury) produced a double-double by scoring 15 points and 11 rebounds and American-Dominican point guard Emmanuel Quezada (188-85, college: USF) added 15 points respectively for lost side.
Top scorers:
Clavijo: O.Lawal 19+11reb+2ast, E.Suarez 16+2reb+1ast, J.Herrero 12+2reb+2ast, B.Arevalo 10+3reb+5ast, A.Ruiz de Galarreta 9+2reb+1ast, M.Mejeris 7+2reb
Leon: E.Quezada 15+3reb+2ast, C.Mortellaro 15+11reb+1ast, J.Durley 14+2reb, J.Fernandez 12+3reb, J.Alberto Gonzalez 7+4reb+3ast, J.Mugica 3+1ast

Girona - Caceres 87-72

Caceres 2016 was tied after three quarters but could not keep up in the last quarter eventually losing the game. Girona FC dominated on the defensive end, holding Caceres 2016 to just 7 points in fourth quarter. Point guard Ignacio Ordin (183-78) fired 24 points for the winners. Forward Sergi Pino (196-87) chipped in 21 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Power forward Jose Angel Antelo (203-87) produced a double-double by scoring 19 points and 13 rebounds and guard Pedro Robles (192-77) added 14 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Girona: I.Ordin 24+4reb+2ast, S.Pino 21+3ast, R.Freimanis 13+7reb+2ast, M.Fernandez 12+3reb, D.Middleton 6+7reb, T.Coleman 6+4reb
Caceres: J.Angel Antelo 19+13reb, P.Robles 14+2reb+2ast, C.Cherry 13+2reb+1ast, L.Williams 10+4reb+1ast, D.Rodriguez 5+5ast, X.Forcada 5+2ast

Huesca - Lleida 67-71

The guests were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Lobe Huesca was plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. The former international power forward Alfonso Alzamora (206-79) fired 8 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. American-Madagascar power forward Charles Ramsdell (208-85, college: Tulsa, agency: Court Side) chipped in 12 points and 5 rebounds. Lleida Basquet's coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Power forward Miguel Montanana (206-80) produced 20 points and 6 rebounds and guard Miguel Servera (199-92) added 11 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) respectively for lost side.
Top scorers:
Lleida: J.Detrick 14+3reb, C.Ramsdell 12+5reb+1ast, F.Vazquez 10+3reb+1ast, A.Alzamora 8+11reb+2ast, M.Feliu 6+1ast, M.Norris 6+4reb+4ast
Huesca: M.Montanana 20+6reb, M.Servera 11+3reb+2ast, G.Leonavicius 7+2reb+3ast, J.Orfila 6+6reb+1ast, A.Garcia 6+1reb+1ast, D.Sanchez 6+5reb+2ast

CB Tarragona - La Palma 70-71

CB Tarragona 2017 was tied after three quarters but could not keep up in the last quarter eventually losing the game. UB La Palma made 20-of-24 free shots (83.3 percent) during the game. They also forced 20 CB Tarragona 2017 turnovers. Lucas Clayton Sikma fired 8 points and 14 rebounds for the winners. Guard Sebastian Arrocha (180-76) chipped in 16 points. Four UB La Palma players scored in double figures. American forward Jonathan Mitchell (200-87, college: Rutgers) produced 22 points and 7 rebounds and Swedish center Andreas Schreiber (205-87, college: Pennsylvania, agency: Dynamics Global Management) added 13 points and 12 rebounds respectively for lost side.
Top scorers:
La Palma: S.Arrocha 16+1reb+3ast, R.Schaftenaar 11+6reb+2ast, A.Lopez 10+2reb, J.Bonhome 10+3reb+3ast, S.LUCAS CLAYTON 8+14reb+1ast, F.Santana 7+1reb+1ast
CB Tarragona: J.Mitchell 22+7reb, A.Schreiber 13+12reb+1ast, R.Sallie 8+6reb+2ast, A.Alba 8+4reb+1ast, D.Fernandez 4+3reb+1ast, I.Martinez 4+2reb+1ast

Navarra - Tenerife 85-82

Tenerife was tied after three quarters but could not keep up in the last quarter eventually losing the game. Grupo Iruna Navarra made 19-of-23 free shots (82.6 percent) during the game. Tenerife was plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. American power forward Kevin Langford (204-85, college: TCU) fired 17 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Guard Mikel Uriz (180-89) chipped in 14 points. American power forward Jakim Donaldson (204-83, college: Edinboro) produced 17 points and 9 rebounds and Argentinian-Italian point guard Nicolas Richotti (181-86) added 19 points respectively for lost side. Five Grupo Iruna Navarra and four Tenerife players scored in double figures.
Navarra: K.Langford 17+7reb+1ast, M.Uriz 14+3reb+3ast, J.Garcia 13+4reb, I.Sanz 12+1reb+1ast, I.Narros 11+1reb, K.Barrett 8+2reb
Tenerife: N.Richotti 19+3reb+2ast, J.Donaldson 17+9reb, L.Rost 12+5reb+1ast, R.Guillen 11+4reb+1ast, J.Chagoyen 9+4reb, J.Heras 5+1reb

Breogan - Menorca 87-86 OT

The hosts trailed by 3 points at the halftime before their 21-17 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time. They were better in overtime eventually winning that period 11-10. Dominican-American guard James Feldeine (193-88, college: Quinnipiac) fired 32 points and 5 assists for the winners. Center Manuel Gomez (203-78) chipped in 13 points and 8 rebounds (perfect from the field making all six shots). point guard Daniel Perez (188-90) produced 20 points and 4 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) and American forward Taylor Coppenrath (205-81, college: Vermont) added 12 points and 9 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Menorca Basquet's coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Breogan: J.Feldeine 32+4reb+5ast, A.Navajas 15+3reb+1ast, M.Gomez 13+8reb+2ast, J.Krabbenhoft 10+6reb+2ast, S.Ogirri 9+3reb+3ast, A.Ogide 8+6reb+1ast
Menorca: D.Perez 20+4ast, A.Matali 12+3reb, T.Coppenrath 12+9reb+2ast, D.Navarro 10+2reb, R.Morentin 9+12reb+2ast, J.Jimenez 7+1reb+2ast

Clinicas Rincon - Burgos 63-78

The game was mostly controlled by Ford Burgos. Clinicas Rincon was better in fourth quarter 15-14. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Clinicas Rincon was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. British-American forward Darren Phillip (201-78, college: Fairfield) fired 20 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. American power forward Jerome Tillman (198-87, college: Ohio) chipped in 13 points and 9 rebounds. Bosnian center Ognen Kuzmin (215-90) produced a double-double by scoring 13 points and 11 rebounds and power forward Miguel Lorenzo (205-91) added 14 points and 8 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Burgos: D.Phillip 20+6reb+3ast, M.Vinicius Toledo 15+6reb+2ast, J.Castro 13+2reb+2ast, J.Tillman 13+9reb+2ast, D.Lopez 8+2reb+2ast, R.Huertas 5+3reb
Clinicas Rincon: A.Abrines 17+2reb+3ast, M.Lorenzo 14+8reb+1ast, O.Kuzmin 13+11reb+2ast, J.Pozas 10+1ast, S.Faifr 3, L.Conde 2+2reb+2ast

Melilla - Palencia 94-79

The game was mostly controlled by Melilla Baloncesto. Palencia Baloncesto was better in second period 24-13. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Melilla Baloncesto made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game. Melilla Baloncesto outrebounded Palencia Baloncesto 41-30 including a 30-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. Melilla Baloncesto looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. American guard Troy DeVries (193-82, college: N.Mexico) fired 23 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. point guard Juan Riera (188-79) chipped in 11 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists. Melilla Baloncesto's coach Gonzalo Garcia used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American forward Ian O'Leary (201-86, college: St.Mary's, CA) produced 18 points and 9 rebounds and swingman Carles Bravo (192-79) added 14 points and 6 assists respectively for lost side.
Top scorers:
Melilla: T.DeVries 23+6reb+5ast, H.Manzano 14+8reb+2ast, J.Riera 11+6reb+8ast, C.Odiakosa 11+9reb, M.Suka-Umu 8+1reb+1ast, K.Wachsmann 8+5reb
Palencia: I.O'Leary 18+9reb+2ast, A.Moss 14+3reb, C.Bravo 14+4reb+6ast, M.Diouf 12+7reb+1ast, J.Xavier 10+1reb+1ast, R.Mena 6+1reb+5ast

Standings - LEB Gold

LEB Gold Standings

1. Breogan		1-0
2. Burgos		1-0
3. Clavijo		1-0
4. Girona		1-0
5. Granada		1-0
6. La Palma		1-0
7. Lleida		1-0
8. Melilla		1-0
9. Navarra		1-0
10. Caceres		0-1
11. CB Tarragona		0-1
12. Clinicas Rincon		0-1
13. Huesca		0-1
14. Leon		0-1
15. Mallorca		0-1
16. Menorca		0-1
17. Palencia		0-1
18. Tenerife		0-1

Stats Leaders - LEB Gold

Points Per Game

James FELDEINE
  Breogan
  (193-G-88)
  Avg: 32

1. Feldeine, Breogan	32.0
2. Bivia, Mallorca	27.0
3. Ordin, Girona	24.0
4. DeVries, Melilla	23.0
5. Mitchell, CB Tarra.	22.0
6. Pino, Girona	21.0
7. Phillip, Burgos	20.0
8. Perez, Menorca	20.0
9. Montanana, Huesca	20.0
10. Antelo, Caceres	19.0

Rebounds Per Game

Jesus FERNANDEZ
  Granada
  (204-C-75)
  Avg: 14

1. Fernandez, Granada	14.0
2. Antelo, Caceres	13.0
3. Schreiber, CB Tarr.	12.0
4. Morentin, Menorca	12.0
5. Kuzmin, Clinicas.	11.0
6. Mortellaro, Leon	11.0
7. Alzamora, Lleida	11.0
8. McNeil, Huesca	11.0
9. Lawal, Clavijo	11.0
10. Tillman, Burgos	9.0

Assists Per Game

Juan RIERA
  Melilla
  (188-PG-79)
  Avg: 8

1. Riera, Melilla	8.0
2. Arco, Melilla	7.0
3. Witt, Clavijo	6.0
4. Bravo, Palencia	6.0
5. DeVries, Melilla	5.0
6. Rodriguez, Caceres	5.0
7. Arevalo, Clavijo	5.0
8. Mena, Palencia	5.0
9. Feldeine, Breogan	5.0
10. Santana, CB Tarra.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Sergio ALONSO
  Mallorca
  (180-PG-80)
  Avg: 6

1. Alonso, Mallorca	6.0
2. Guerra, Granada	6.0
3. Toledo, Burgos	4.0
4. Montanana, Huesca	4.0
5. Bonds, Clavijo	3.0
6. Sabat, Tenerife	3.0
7. Bernabe, Leon	3.0
8. Sanz, Navarra	3.0
9. Fernandez, CB Tarr.	3.0
10. Arco, Melilla	3.0

Blocks Per Game

Shaun GREEN
  Mallorca
  (203-F-87)
  Avg: 3

1. Green, Mallorca	3.0
2. Kuzmin, Clinicas.	3.0
3. Freimanis, Girona	2.0
4. Schreiber, CB Tarr.	2.0
5. Coleman, Girona	2.0
6. Lawal, Clavijo	2.0
7. Antelo, Caceres	2.0
8. Lorenzo, Clinic.	1.0
9. Mortellaro, Leon	1.0
10. Amador, Mallorca	1.0

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TAIWAN

2011 Asian Championship: Japan rally past Taiwan for 7th place in China - by Eurobasket News
Japan - Taiwan 81:72

Japan capped their Asian Championship campaign with victory. They outscored Taiwan to clinch the seventh overall position. Kosuke Takeuchi (206-C/F-85) posted 16 points and 22 rebounds to lead the charge.
Japan stunned their opponents in the opening frame. They outscored Taiwan 28:9 in the starting ten minutes. Taiwan adjusted their offence in the second frame. They answered with 27 points of their own to cut the margin to 11 points at the interval. But Japan picked up the tempo in the third term. They slowed Taiwan down and maintained the lead well. Japan entered the fourth quarter up by as many as 13 points. Taiwan narrowed the gap to just 6 points 63:69 but Japan hung on to escape with victory at the end. Tomoo Amino (196-F-80) posted 14 points, while Keijuro Matsui (188-G-85, college: Columbia) and Takeki Shonaka (180-G-84) added 13 points apiece in the winning effort. Lin Chih-Chieh (192-F/G-82) answered with 18 points for Taiwan. Wen-Ting Tseng (202-C/F-84) had 17 points in the losing case.

Japan: Kosuke Takeuchi 16+22 boards, Tomoo Amino 14, Keijuro Matsui 13, Takeki Shonaka 13
Taiwan: Lin Chih-Chieh 18, Wen-Ting Tseng 17

Taiwan-Philippines post game thoughts - by Chris Wang
Some quotes taken from Taiwanese media is the past few days after the quarterfinal loss to the Philippines:

'It's a pity. This is the most important game and we had a chance to win, ' center Tseng Wen-ting said, adding that Taiwan players failed to execute its defensive plan on Douthit's high post pick-and-roll.

Tseng said the communication between frontcourt players and guards was so bad that they ended up fouling the offensive players.

According to Tseng, Philippines executed its pick-and-roll and inside-outside games beautifully. Taiwan's defense fell apart when Casio's shot began to fall. The frontcourt guys had to go out to help, leaving Douthit uncovered inside.

'Our defensive plan did not adjust quick enough, ' Tseng said.

==

It was never a happy thing to see your teammates get hit, said Chen Hsin-an.

'I was pretty mad at them. If Casio did not intentionally hit Lee [Hseuh-lin], I have to say that Asi Taulava's foul on Wu Tai-hao (grabbing) must have been intentional, ' Chen said.

==

'Lee's injury was not why we lost this game, ' said head coach Chou Jun-san. 'Our play was out of synch before that. And we could not contain Douthit.'

'We had a good first quarter. Unfortunately the backup players did not do their job, ' Chou said, adding that the deciding factors were Douthit and Philippines' physical play.

Chou was not happy with his guards, saying that they were not offensive-minded throughout the tournament. The experiment of using Jet Chang as a point guard also failed.

==

Local media has also started to discuss whether Taiwan should, like other countries, to use naturalized players.

There has been similar discussion as well in China, according to local media. However, most Chinese players and basketball observers are against it.

For Taiwan, it would be difficult to find naturalized players for a number of reasons. First, I don't think there are many foreigners would like to receive Taiwanese passports or citizenship due to Taiwan's sensitive political relations with China.

Second, who is going to pay the bill? Some of the naturalized players -- if not all of them -- receive preferential treatment from the country he plays for. I don't think the CTBA would like to pick up those pay checks. The CTBA probably doesn't have enough budget.

Taiwan finishes eighth in 2011 Asian Championship - by Chris Wang
Taiwan was down to six available players due to injury and lost to Japan 81-72 to finish for the eighth place in the 2011 FIBA Asia Championship for Men in Wuhan, China.

Taiwan, which had already lost four players -- point guards Lee Hsueh-lin, Su Yi-chieh and forwards James Mao and Chien Chia-hung to injury -- trailed 28-9 in the first quarter, when it again lost injured Wu Tai-hao after three minutes.

Lin Chih-chieh chipped in nine points in the second period and Lu Cheng-ju made two threes to ignite a 13-4 run as Taiwan cut the deficit to 47-36 at the half.

Taiwan tried to stay with the Japanese. Chen Shih-nian made one of two free-throws to narrow the score to 54-49. However, Chen Hsin-an was down with injury and Japan pulled away 66-53 at the end of the third period.

Japan wouldn't stop, making nine three-pointers in the last period for the win.

Lin Chih-chieh had a team-high 18 points. Tseng Wen-ting had 17 while Jet Chang added 14.

Taiwan shot miserably in the game with only 3-of-19 from three and 17-of-28 from the free-throw line. Meanwhile, Japan made 11 threes in the game and was 12-of-14 from the free-throw line.

Taiwan dropped to the eighth place after finishing fifth and sixth in 2009 and 2007. In 2003, it finished for the all-time worst 11th place in Harbin, China. Taiwan hasn't made the Asian final four since 1999.

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TURKEY

UKRAINE

Kryvbasbasket edge Mykolaiv in Odessa - by Eurobasket News
Kryvbasbasket - Mykolaiv 97:86

Kryvbasbasket claimed the first win at the pre-season tournament in Odessa. They overcame Mykolaiv and improved at 1-1 record. Alvin Snow (188-G-81, college: E.Washington) knocked down 21 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and issued 6 assists to lead the effort. Mykolaiv will play against the hosts tonight in their second game at the tournament.
Kryvbasbasket started the game aggressively. They erupted for 28 points to take a 4-point lead after ten minutes. Kryvbasbasket stayed on fire in the second frame. They unloaded 23 points to establish a 51:42 halftime lead. Mykolaiv cut the deficit in the third term. They erupted for 29 points to narrow the gap to just a single point with ten minutes remaining. But Kryvbasbasket outscored their opponents 26:15 in the fourth frame and clinched the victory at the end. Igor Krivtsov (202-F-86) scored 14 points, while Davis contributed 13 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Rodney Green (196-F/G-88, college: La Salle) answered with 16 points for Mykolaiv. Jerome Coleman (185-G-81, college: Rutgers) delivered 17 points in the loss.

Kryvbasbasket: Alvin Snow 21, Igor Krivtsov 14, Davis 13
Mykolaiv: Jerome Coleman 17, Rodney Green 16

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URUGUAY

Defensor Sp beat Bigua for the LUB 1st round - by Hector Lopez
Diego Castrillon (199-F-75), with 3 seconds to play, netted a three points shot and added a free throw leading Defensor Sporting to defeat Bigua 94-92 for the Uruguayan league first round. The results and main players, including imports, were:
Defensor Sporting 94 - Diego Castrillon 17 points 10 rebounds, Robert Ferguson (203-F/C-85, college: St.Joseph's) 11 points 5 rebounds, Christopher Jackson (208-C-81, college: N.Mexico St.) 7 points 10 rebounds
Bigua 92 Leandro Garcia Morales (186-G-80, college: Texas A&M) 28 points, Marvin Jefferson (206-C-86, college: Idaho) 10 points 5 rebounds, Nathan Brumfield (196-F-86, college: Oklahoma Baptist) 0 points 0 rebounds
- - -
Bohemios 80 - Diego Pereyra (184-G-85) 16 points, Jaycen Herring (196-G/F-86, college: SE Missouri St.) 14 points 5 rebounds, Jamaal Douglas (201-F-85, agency: Dynamics Global Management, college: E.Kentucky) 9 points 6 rebounds
Cader 78 - Willard Crews (203-F-88, college: Bowie St.) 31 points 7 rebounds 4 assists, Jason Hartford (206-F-85) 16 points 11 rebounds 5 asists
- - -
Union Atletica 85 - Blake Walker (197-F/G-82, college: Portland St.) 19 points 5 rebounds, Will Caudle (206-C-82, college: Xavier) 18 points 8 rebounds 1 block 3 assits
Sayago 66 - Derrick Roland (193-G-88, college: Texas A&M) 20 points 2 rebounds, Terrence Shelman 16 points 9 rebounds

Standings - LUB

LUB Standings

Capital
1. Aguada		1-0
2. Bohemios		1-0
3. Defensor		1-0
4. Montevideo		1-0
5. Un.Atletica		1-0
6. Welcome		1-0
7. Cordon		0-0
8. Guruyu Waston		0-0
9. Hebraica		0-0
10. Malvin		0-0
11. Bigua		0-1
12. Cader		0-1
13. Larre Borges		0-1
14. Olimpia		0-1
15. Sayago		0-1
16. Trouville		0-1
Littoral
1. Anastasia		0-0
2. Juventus Salto		0-0
3. Remeros		0-0
4. Universitario S.		0-0
5. Wanderers		0-0
South
1. Flores Trinidad		0-0
2. Lagomar		0-0
3. Lavalleja		0-0
4. Maldonado		0-0
5. Plaza		0-0

Stats Leaders - LUB

Points Per Game

Willard CREWS
  Cader
  (203-F-88)
  Avg: 31

1. Crews, Cader	31.0
2. Johnson, Olimpia	31.0
3. Haller, Montevideo	25.0
4. Roland, Sayago	20.0
5. Walker, Un.Atletica	19.0
6. Caudle, Un.Atletica	18.0
7. Acosta, Welcome	17.0
8. Rivero, Montevideo	17.0
9. Izaguirre, Un.Atle.	16.0
10. Vazquez, Olimpia	16.0

Rebounds Per Game

Angel VARELA
  Larre B.
  (187-G-87)
  Avg: 14

1. Varela, Larre B.	14.0
2. Hartford, Cader	11.0
3. Haller, Montevideo	11.0
4. Charquero, Welcome	10.0
5. Monroe, Larre B.	9.0
6. Shellman, Sayago	9.0
7. Caudle, Un.Atletica	8.0
8. Crews, Cader	7.0
9. Polk, Montevideo	7.0
10. Vazquez, Olimpia	6.0

Assists Per Game

Diego PEREYRA
  Bohemios
  (184-G-85)
  Avg: 7

1. Pereyra, Bohemios	7.0
2. Hartford, Cader	5.0
3. de Gouveia, Monte.	5.0
4. Nelson, Welcome	4.0
5. Roselli, Cader	4.0
6. Crews, Cader	4.0
7. Silvarrey, Sayago	4.0
8. Modernell, Larre B.	4.0
9. Walker, Un.Atletica	4.0
10. Rivero, Montevideo	4.0

Steals Per Game

Terence SHELLMAN
  Sayago
  (199-F-78)
  Avg: 5

1. Shellman, Sayago	5.0
2. Lazzaroni, Larre B.	4.0
3. Hartford, Cader	4.0
4. Lewis, Olimpia	3.0
5. Walker, Un.Atletica	3.0
6. Keenan, Larre B.	3.0
7. Pereyra, Bohemios	3.0
8. de Gouveia, Monte.	3.0
9. Acosta, Welcome	2.0
10. Trasante, Olimpia	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Claudio CHARQUERO
  Welcome
  (207-C-77)
  Avg: 2

1. Charquero, Welcome	2.0
2. Polk, Montevideo	1.0
3. San Miguel, Bohemi.	1.0
4. Shellman, Sayago	1.0
5. Douglas, Bohemios	1.0
6. Trelles, Bohemios	1.0
7. Miglionico, Sayago	1.0
8. Vazquez, Olimpia	1.0
9. De Leon, Sayago	1.0
10. Caudle, Un.Atleti.	1.0

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Women News

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AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS - Women

Standings

Group A
1. Mali		4-0
2. Mozambique.		4-0
3. DRCongo		1-1
4. Tunisia		1-3
5. Ghana		0-2
6. Ivory Coas.		0-3
Group B
1. Senegal		4-0
2. Angola		2-1
3. Nigeria		2-2
4. Rwanda		1-2
5. Cameroon		1-3
6. Guinea		0-3

Day Two in Bamako - by Eurobasket News
GROUP A

DR Congo - Mozambique 55-76
Mozambique registered second straight win at AfroBasket 2011. They cruised past DR Congo 55-76 for perfect 2-0 record in Preliminary Group A. On the other side, it was the first appearance for DR Congo in Bamako. Leia Dongue (184-F-91) shined for the winners with 19 points and 8 rebounds. Deolinda Ngulela (170-G-81) had 15 points and 5 assists, while Valerdina Manhonga (163-G-80) added 12 points. In the loosing squad, Mfutila Makiete was much better than the others with 20 points. Badite Tebapale and Kanyubo Mubalo had 8 and 7 points respectively. Quarters: 17-25, 12-18, 15-17, 11-16. In the next game, Mozambique will meet Tunisia. DR Congo will take on Ivory Coast.

DR Congo: Mfutila Makiete 20, Badite Tebapale 8, Kanyubo Mubalo 7
Mozambique: Leia Dongue 19+8 boards, Deolinda Ngulela 15+5 as, Valerdina Manhonga 12

Ivory Coast - Mali 44-57
Mali won their second game in Bamako. After victory against Tunisia in Day One, Mali managed to beat Ivory Coast for perfect 2-0 record in Preliminary Group A. On the other side, Ivory Coast stays winless with 0-2. Djenebou Sissoko (190-F/C-82, college: Union (TN)) paced Mali with double-double of 14 points and 9 rebounds. Meiya Tirera (180-F-86) also scored 14 points and she grabbed 6 boards in this meeting, while Djene Diawara (192-C-85) added 7 pts. In Ivory Coast, Kani Kouyate (178-F-90) top-scored with 14 points. Salimata Berte (182-F-89) had 10 pts in this loss. Quarters: 12-14, 12-14, 10-16, 10-13. Mali will meet Ghana in the next game. Ivory Coast will play against DR Congo.

Ivory Coast: Kani Kouyate 14, Salimata Berte 10,
Mali: Djenebou Sissoko 14+9 boards, Meiya Tirera 14+6 boards, Djene Diawara 7

Ghana - Tunisia 0-20

GROUP B

Nigeria - Guinea 60-31
Both teams failed in Day One of the AfroBasket 2011 in Bamako. Nigeria blasted Guinea yesterday 60-31 for 1-1 record in Group B. Guinea dropped to 0-2. Rashidat Sadiq (188-F-81) stepped up for Nigeria with 15 points. She was their only player with double-digits in scoring. Helene Ogunjimi (175-G/F-85, college: Columbia (MO)) and Chinyere Ibekwe (193-F/C-87, agency: LBM Management, college: UCLA) helped with 9 and 8 points respectively. On the other side, Guinea got 16 points from Khady Mbaye. Moussogbe Sidibe stopped to 6 pts in this meeting. Quarters: 21-6, 16-12, 8-7, 15-6. Today, Nigeria will meet Cameroon. Guinea will play against Senegal.

Nigeria: Rashidat Sadiq 15, Helene Ogunjimi 9, Chinyere Ibekwe 8+6 boards
Guinea: Khady Mbaye 16, Moussogbe Sidibe 6+6 boards

Angola - Senegal 42-63
Senegal won their second straight game at AfroBasket 2011. This time Senegal was too strong for Angola 63-42 for 2-0 record in Group B. Angola appeared for the first time in Bamako. Astou Traore (182-F/C-81, agency: Josep and Nicolas) led the winners with 13 points and 5 rebounds. Oumoul Sarr (185-F/C-84) scored 9 points, while Aya Traore (186-F-83, college: Purdue) and Ndeye Sene (167-G/F-88) helped with 9 points each. Angola did not have anyone with double-digits in scoring. Their best players were Luisa Tomas (192-C-83), Astrida Vicente (174-F/G-78) and Catarina Camufal (167-G-80) with 7 points each. Quarters: 8-17, 18-15, 7-17, 9-14. In Day Three, Senegal will play against Guinea. Angola will meet Rwanda.

Angola: Luisa Tomas 7+6 boards, Astrida Vicente 7, Catarina Camufal 7
Senegal: Astou Traore 13+5 boards, Oumoul Sarr 9, Aya Traore 8, Ndeye Sene 8

Cameroon - Rwanda 45-42

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ANGOLA - Women

Senegal beats Angola in Bamako - by Eurobasket News
Angola - Senegal 42-63

Senegal won their second straight game at AfroBasket 2011. This time Senegal was too strong for Angola 63-42 for 2-0 record in Group B. Angola appeared for the first time in Bamako. Astou Traore (182-F/C-81, agency: Josep and Nicolas) led the winners with 13 points and 5 rebounds. Oumoul Sarr (185-F/C-84) scored 9 points, while Aya Traore (186-F-83, college: Purdue) and Ndeye Sene (167-G/F-88) helped with 9 points each. Angola did not have anyone with double-digits in scoring. Their best players were Luisa Tomas (192-C-83), Astrida Vicente (174-F/G-78) and Catarina Camufal (167-G-80) with 7 points each. Quarters: 8-17, 18-15, 7-17, 9-14. In Day Three, Senegal will play against Guinea. Angola will meet Rwanda.

Angola: Luisa Tomas 7+6 boards, Astrida Vicente 7, Catarina Camufal 7
Senegal: Astou Traore 13+5 boards, Oumoul Sarr 9, Aya Traore 8, Ndeye Sene 8

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BRAZIL - Women

Brazil destroys Paraguay 117-37 - by Eurobasket News
BRAZIL - PARAGUAY 117-34

Brazil smashed Paraguay 117-34 in the opening day of the FIBA Americas Championship 2011. Brazil was simply too much for their rival and dominated during the entire game. Both teams are placed to Preliminary Group B together with Canada, Mexico and Jamaica. Brazil had six players with double-digits in scoring in this game. Erika De Souza (197-C-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas) was the leading one with 18 points and 8 rebounds. Adriana Moises Pinto (169-G-78) had 15 points, while Palmira Marcal (177-G-84), Micaela Martins (180-F-79, agency: Josep and Nicolas) and Patricia De Oliveira (180-F/G-79) netted 13 pts each. In Paraguay, Tamara Insfran (175-G-89, college: Cumberland) was better than the others with 12 points. Astrid Huttemann (178-F/C-92) stopped to 6 pts. Quarters: 28-5, 27-9, 35-7, 27-13. In Day Two, Brazil will meet Canada. Paraguay will have a day off.

Brazil: Erika De Souza 18+8 boards, Adriana Moises Pinto 15, Palmira Marcal 13, Micaela Martins 13, Patricia De Oliveira 13
Paraguay: Tamara Insfran 12, Astrid Huttemann 6

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CANADA - Women

Canada cruises past Mexico in Day One - by Eurobasket News
MEXICO - CANADA 45-72

Canada exploded in Day One of the FIBA Americas Championship 2011. They blasted Mexico 72-45 for 1-0 record in Group B. Kalisha Keane (185-F-89, college: Michigan St.) stepped up for Canada with 15 points and 5 rebounds. Krista Phillips (198-C-88, college: Michigan) and Courtnay Pilypaitis (185-G-88, college: Vermont) (5 rebs) helped with 11 and 10 points respectively. In Mexico, Erika Gomez (187-F/C-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas) shined with 18 points and 8 rebounds. Alexis Castro (184-G/F-86, agency: 22ft, college: Vermont) was their second scorer with 11 points and she pulled down 8 rebs. Quarters: 4-19, 5-16, 16-12, 20-25. Both teams are placed to Preliminary Group B together with Brazil, Paraguay and Jamaica. Canada will play against Brazil today. Mexico will meet Jamaica.

Mexico: Erika Gomez 18+8 boards, Alexis Castro 11+8 boards
Canada: Kalisha Keane 15+5 boards, Krista Phillips 11, Courtnay Pilypaitis 10+5 boards

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

CHILE - Women

Colombia too strong for Chile, 69-50 - by Eurobasket News
CHILE - COLOMBIA 50-69

Colombia had a joyful Day One of the FIBA Americas Championship 2011. The host of this event celebrated 50-69 win against Chile. Both teams are placed to Group A together with Cuba, Puerto Rico and Argentina. Tathiana Mosquera (195-C-89) was a key player in victory with 19 points and 8 rebounds. Mabel Martinez (176-F-86) had 13 points and 7 rebs, while Erika Valek (168-G-82, college: Purdue) helped her team with 11 points and 6 assists. In Chile, Javiera Novion (168-G-87, college: Eckerd) shined with 19 points and 10 rebs. Daniela Troncoso (175-F-87) and Jenifer Fuentes (178-F-96) had 9 and 8 points respectively. Quarters: 15-13, 9-19, 11-20, 15-17. In Day Two, Colombia will meet Puerto Rico. Chile will take on Argentina.

Chile: Javiera Novion 19+10 boards, Daniela Troncoso 9, Jenifer Fuentes 8
Colombia: Tathiana Mosquera 19+8 boards, Mabel Martinez 13+7 boards, Erika Valek 11+6 as

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COLOMBIA - Women

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

CUBA - Women

Cuba hands 67-50 loss to Puerto Rico at FIBA Americas - by Eurobasket News
PUERTO RICO - CUBA 50-67

Cuba demonstrated great performance in Day One of the FIBA Americas Championship in Colombia. They cruised past Puerto Rico 50-67 for 1-0 record in Preliminary Group A. Participants of the same pool are also Chile, Argentina and host Colombia. Oyanaisy Gelis (172-G-83) and Taimy Fernandez (183-F-82) stepped up for the winners with 14 points each. Gelis also handed out 6 assists, while Fernandez grabbed 5 rebounds in this meeting. Clenia Noblet (191-C-87) helped with 12 points and 9 boards. In the loosing squad, Cynthia Valentin (173-G-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Indiana) top-scored with 15 points. Jazmine Sepulveda (177-G-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: S.Florida) and Esmary Vargas-Sanchez (193-C-81, college: Emporia St.) stopped to 9 points each. Quarters: 15-19, 12-7, 14-23, 9-18. Cuba will take a rest today. Puerto Rico will meet Colombia.

Puerto Rico: Cynthia Valentin 15, Jazmine Sepulveda 9, Esmary Vargas-Sanchez 9
Cuba: Oyanaisy Gelis 14+6 as, Taimy Fernandez 14+5 boards, Clenia Noblet 12+9 boards

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CZECH REPUBLIC - Women

ZBL Round 2: Frisco Sika defeats leader Valosun Brno - by Eurobasket Center
There were only 2 rounds played so far and it's still very beginning of the Regular Season in ZBL.

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of undefeated Valosun Brno (1-1) on the court of top-ranked Frisco Sika on Saturday night. Visitors were rolled over by Frisco Sika 85-63. It was a key game for the top position in the league as both teams had the same 1-0 record before this meeting. The game without a history. Frisco Sika led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 18-of-21 free shots (85.7 percent) during the game. International power forward Alena Hanusova (189-91) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 11 rebounds. International forward Tereza Peckova (189-87) contributed with 21 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Swingman Veronika Vlkova (176-84) replied with 24 points for Valosun Brno. Valosun Brno's coach Richard Klein gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Defending champion maintains first position with 2-0 record, which they share with USK Praha and Trutnov. Valosun Brno at the other side dropped to the fourth place with one game lost. They share the position with 4 other teams. Frisco Sika is looking forward to face Lokomotiva Karlovy Vary (#7) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Valosun Brno will play against VSE Praha and is hoping to prove to their fans that the loss was just an accident.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Aldast Strakonice (1-1) against top-ranked Kara Trutnov (2-0) on Saturday night. Visiting Aldast Strakonice was defeated by Kara Trutnov in a tough game in Trutnov 60-65. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Point guard Darina Misurova (163-81) scored 18 points and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Hana Snajdrova-Ziklova chipped in 15 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. Kara Trutnov's coach Martin Petrovicky allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. The former international guard Michaela Uhrova (168-82, agency: Promotex) responded with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Kara Trutnov keeps a position of league leader, which they share with USK Praha and Frisco Sika. Aldast Strakonice at the other side dropped to the fourth place with one game lost. They share the position with 4 other teams. Kara Trutnov will play against DSK Karlin (#11) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Aldast Strakonice will play against Sokol Hradec Kralove (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Very important is a road loss of second ranked Sokol Hradec Kralove (1-1) against top-ranked USK Praha (2-0) on Saturday night. Visiting Sokol Hradec Kralove was crushed by USK Praha in Praha 113-39. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Katerina Elhotova notched 31 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists (on 13-of-16 shooting from the field) to lead the effort. Even 11 points and 5 rebounds by Tereza Kuthanova did not help to save the game for Sokol Hradec Kralove. Sokol Hradec Kralove's coach already knew that her team would not have a big chance, so allowed to play twelve players seeing no chance for a win. USK Praha keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Frisco Sika and Trutnov. Loser Sokol Hradec Kralove dropped to the fourth place with one game lost. They share the position with 4 other teams. USK Praha will meet at home bottom-ranked BK Pliska Studanka (#12) in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Sokol Hradec Kralove will play against Aldast Strakonice (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Worth to mention about the upset in a game between DSK Karlin (0-2) and VSE Praha (1-1), which took place in Praha. Bottom-ranked DSK Karlin was outleveled in a road game by twelfth ranked VSE Praha 92-67. The best player for the winners was Darina Johnova who scored 28 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. VSE Praha left bottom position moving up to fourth place, which they share with 4 other teams. DSK Karlin at the other side, also newcomer in the league, still closes the standings with two games lost. VSE Praha's next round opponent will be Valosun Brno (#6) on the road. DSK Karlin will play against the league's second-placed Kara Trutnov (#2).

In the last two games of round 2 Karlovy Vary smashed Pardubice on the road 84-60. Winless VS Praha won against Slovanka MB on its own court 84-69.

Pardubice - Karlovy Vary 60-84

Everything could happen in Pardubice at the game between two tied teams. Both ninth ranked Lokomotiva Karlovy Vary and bottom-ranked BK Pliska Studanka had identical 0-1 record. But BK Pliska Studanka was not able to use a home court advantage and was crushed by the opponent from Karlovy Vary 84-60. It looked good early as BK Pliska Studanka took an 3-point lead at the end of first quarter. Then Lokomotiva Karlovy Vary had a 31-24 second period charge getting the lead and BK Pliska Studanka was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 60-84. Lokomotiva Karlovy Vary dominated on the defensive end, holding BK Pliska Studanka to just 6 points in third quarter. They made 23-of-26 charity shots (88.5 percent) during the game. Lokomotiva Karlovy Vary forced 27 BK Pliska Studanka turnovers. The best player for the winners was forward Sarka Kucerova (181) who scored 23 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Guard Blanka Sedlackova (171-84) chipped in 20 points. Four Lokomotiva Karlovy Vary players scored in double figures. Center Renata Brezinova (189-90) produced a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds and swingman Michaela Pavlasova (180-91) added 12 points respectively for the hosts. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. It was the only win of guest team this round and in all other games host teams recorded victories. Lokomotiva Karlovy Vary (1-1) left bottom position moving up to fourth place, which they share with 4 other teams. BK Pliska Studanka at the other side still closes the standings with two games lost. Lokomotiva Karlovy Vary's next round opponent will be league's leader Frisco Sika in Brno and it may be the game of the week. BK Pliska Studanka will play on the road against USK Praha (#3).
Top scorers:
Karlovy Vary: S.Kucerova 23+7reb+5ast, B.Sedlackova 20+2reb+1ast, L.Krc-Turbova 15+3reb+1ast, S.Pospisilova 10+5reb+6ast, M.Bestagno 4+6reb, J.Houdkova 4+3reb+2ast
Pardubice: R.Brezinova 13+10reb+3ast, M.Pavlasova 12+1reb+1ast, M.Jedlickova 9+2reb+1ast, B.Habetinkova 6+4reb+1ast, H.Kramperova 6+5reb, N.Dvorakova 4+1reb

Frisco Sika - Valosun Brno 85-63

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of undefeated Valosun Brno (1-1) on the court of top-ranked Frisco Sika on Saturday night. Visitors were rolled over by Frisco Sika 85-63. It was a key game for the top position in the league as both teams had the same 1-0 record before this meeting. The game without a history. Frisco Sika led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 18-of-21 free shots (85.7 percent) during the game. International power forward Alena Hanusova (189-91) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 11 rebounds. International forward Tereza Peckova (189-87) contributed with 21 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Four Frisco Sika players scored in double figures. Swingman Veronika Vlkova (176-84) replied with 24 points and Slovakian power forward Eva Kmetova (188-87) added 13 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Valosun Brno. Valosun Brno's coach Richard Klein gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Defending champion maintains first position with 2-0 record, which they share with USK Praha and Trutnov. Valosun Brno at the other side dropped to the fourth place with one game lost. They share the position with 4 other teams. Frisco Sika is looking forward to face Lokomotiva Karlovy Vary (#7) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Valosun Brno will play against VSE Praha and is hoping to prove to their fans that the loss was just an accident.
Top scorers:
Frisco Sika: A.Hanusova 22+11reb, T.Peckova 21+6reb+2ast, R.Hejdova 17+8reb+3ast, F.Abdi 11+7reb+2ast, M.Palenikova 7+4reb+1ast, R.Stehlikova 5+3reb
Valosun Brno: V.Vlkova 24+4reb+1ast, E.Kmetova 13+7reb+2ast, E.Mrhalkova 9+7reb+3ast, P.Svdrlkova 8+5reb, M.Zatloukalova 3+2reb, K.Sedlakova 2+4reb+2ast

VSE Praha - DSK Karlin 92-67

Worth to mention about the upset in a game between DSK Karlin (0-2) and VSE Praha (1-1), which took place in Praha. Bottom-ranked DSK Karlin was outleveled in a road game by twelfth ranked VSE Praha 92-67. They made 28-of-32 charity shots (87.5 percent) during the game, while DSK Karlin only scored eleven points from the stripe. They outrebounded DSK Karlin 48-24 including a 35-14 advantage in offensive rebounds. 25 personal fouls committed by DSK Karlin helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was international guard Darina Johnova (178-85) who scored 28 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. American forward Dalila Eshe (191-84, college: Florida) chipped in a double-double by scoring 19 points and 15 rebounds. Four VSE Praha players scored in double figures. Forward Katerina Ciperova (180-83) produced 14 points and center Adela Vechtova (190-87) added 9 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the guests. VSE Praha left bottom position moving up to fourth place, which they share with 4 other teams. DSK Karlin at the other side, also newcomer in the league, still closes the standings with two games lost. VSE Praha's next round opponent will be Valosun Brno (#6) on the road. DSK Karlin will play against the league's second-placed Kara Trutnov (#2).
Top scorers:
VSE Praha: D.Johnova 28+6reb+4ast, D.Eshe 19+15reb+2ast, A.Filarova 15+3reb+1ast, A.Sladkova 12+7reb, D.Harapesova 7+2reb+3ast, P.Kubusova 4+7reb
DSK Karlin: K.Ciperova 14+4reb+1ast, A.Vechtova 9+6reb+1ast, B.Emmelova 7+1reb, V.Rozhina 6+3reb, A.Buldrova 6+1reb, E.Lomoznikova 6+1ast

Trutnov - Strakonice 65-60

Very important is a road loss of third ranked Aldast Strakonice (1-1) against top-ranked Kara Trutnov (2-0) on Saturday night. Visiting Aldast Strakonice was defeated by Kara Trutnov in a tough game in Trutnov 60-65. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Aldast Strakonice won fourth quarter 17-15. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Point guard Darina Misurova (163-81) scored 18 points and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and the former international forward Hana Snajdrova-Ziklova (183-80) chipped in 15 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. Kara Trutnov's coach Martin Petrovicky allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. The former international guard Michaela Uhrova (168-82, agency: Promotex) responded with 16 points and 6 rebounds and forward Katerina Krizova (186-80) scored 10 points and 9 rebounds. Kara Trutnov keeps a position of league leader, which they share with USK Praha and Frisco Sika. Aldast Strakonice at the other side dropped to the fourth place with one game lost. They share the position with 4 other teams. Kara Trutnov will play against DSK Karlin (#11) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Aldast Strakonice will play against Sokol Hradec Kralove (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Trutnov: D.Misurova 18+4reb+4ast, H.Snajdrova-Ziklova 15+5reb, L.Vetrovcova 8+8reb+2ast, P.Zaplatova 7+2reb, K.Novakova 7+3reb, K.Hindrakova 6+4reb+3ast
Strakonice: M.Uhrova 16+6reb+1ast, Z.Skrabalova 12+7reb, K.Krizova 10+9reb, A.Jenisova 8+6reb, J.Musilova 2+2reb, S.Jozova 0

VS Praha - Slovanka MB 84-69

There was a minor upset when bottom-ranked Basket Slovanka MB (0-1) lost on the road to ninth ranked VS Praha (0-1) 84-69. It looked good early as Basket Slovanka MB took an 2-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then VS Praha had a 29-8 second period charge getting the lead and Basket Slovanka MB was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 69-84. VS Praha had a 28-17 advantage in offensive rebounds. It was a great shooting night for VS Praha especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 57.1 percentage. They brought some defensive toughness making 8 blocks. The best player for the winners was center Petra Reisingerova (195-73) who had a double-double by scoring 12 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. Ukrainian center Viktoria Mircheva (190-87, agency: LBM Management) chipped in 14 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. VS Praha's coach Petr Treml used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. point guard Hana Nezdarilova (170-84) produced 12 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals and center Lenka Sipova (185-88) added 12 points and 10 rebounds respectively for the guests. Four VS Praha and five Basket Slovanka MB players scored in double figures. VS Praha maintains ninth position with 0-1 record, which they share with Slovanka MB. VS Praha's next round opponent will be higher ranked Aldast Strakonice (#4) on the road and they do not belong to the favorites in that game.
Top scorers:
VS Praha: A.Tarasava 15+3reb+3ast, T.Vyoralova 15+4reb+1ast, V.Mircheva 14+9reb+4ast, T.Vorlova 13+2reb, P.Reisingerova 12+12reb+4ast, K.Elhotova 9+4reb+3ast
Slovanka MB: H.Nezdarilova 12+6reb+6ast, L.Sipova 12+10reb+2ast, P.Pospisilova 10+4reb, M.Satoranska 10+3reb, E.Dujsikova 10+3reb, L.Tesarikova 8+1reb

USK Praha - Hradec Kralove 113-39

Very important is a road loss of second ranked Sokol Hradec Kralove (1-1) against top-ranked USK Praha (2-0) on Saturday night. Visiting Sokol Hradec Kralove was crushed by USK Praha in Praha 113-39. It was a key game for the top position in the league. 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 Sokol Hradec Kralove to just 6 points in third quarter and to 12 points in second half. USK Praha held Sokol Hradec Kralove to an opponent 23.7 percent shooting from the field compared to 58.0 percent accuracy of the winners. USK Praha forced 28 Sokol Hradec Kralove turnovers and outrebounded them 48-25 including a 34-20 advantage in offensive rebounds. USK Praha looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists comparing to just 4 passes made by Sokol Hradec Kralove's players. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when USK Praha made 8 blocks. International guard Katerina Elhotova (180-89) notched 31 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists (on 13-of-16 shooting from the field) to lead the effort and Spanish forward Anna Montanana (186-80, college: George Washington, agency: Josep and Nicolas) supported her with 18 points and 4 assists. Five USK Praha players scored in double figures. Even 11 points and 5 rebounds by forward Tereza Kuthanova (180-87) did not help to save the game for Sokol Hradec Kralove. Forward Klara Rosenbaumova (182-90) added 6 points for the guests. Sokol Hradec Kralove's coach already knew that her team would not have a big chance, so allowed to play twelve players seeing no chance for a win. USK Praha keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Frisco Sika and Trutnov. Loser Sokol Hradec Kralove dropped to the fourth place with one game lost. They share the position with 4 other teams. USK Praha will meet at home bottom-ranked BK Pliska Studanka (#12) in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Sokol Hradec Kralove will play against Aldast Strakonice (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
USK Praha: K.Elhotova 31+7reb+6ast, A.Montanana 18+4reb+4ast, E.Viteckova 16+6reb+2ast, P.Kulichova 14+5reb+2ast, F.Eldebrink 12+4reb+6ast, I.Burgrova 10+14reb+1ast
Hradec Kralove: T.Kuthanova 11+5reb+1ast, L.Bartakova 7, K.Selucka 6+1reb, K.Rosenbaumova 6+4reb, B.Vechtova 4+4reb, M.Stara 3+2reb+2ast

Standings - ZBL (W)

ZBL Standings

1. Frisco Sika		2-0
2. Trutnov		2-0
3. USK Praha		2-0
4. Strakonice		1-1
5. Hradec Kralove		1-1
6. Valosun Brno		1-1
7. Karlovy Vary		1-1
8. VSE Praha		1-1
9. VS Praha		0-1
10. Slovanka MB		0-1
11. DSK Karlin		0-2
12. Pardubice		0-2

Stats Leaders - Women

Points Per Game

Katerina ELHOTOVA
  USK Praha
  (180-G-89)
  Avg: 23

1. Elhotova, USK Pra.	23.0
2. Eldebrink, USK P.	16.5
3. Uhrova, Strakonice	16.0
4. Snajdrova-Z., Trut.	16.0
5. Tarasava, VS Praha	15.0
6. Mircheva, VS Praha	15.0
7. Misurova, Trutnov	14.5
8. Montanana, USK P.	14.0
9. Vorlova, VS Praha	12.5
10. Zavazalova, Hrade.	12.0

Rebounds Per Game

Ilona BURGROVA
  USK Praha
  (196-C-84)
  Avg: 10

1. Burgrova, USK Praha	10.0
2. Reisingerova, VS P.	9.5
3. Sipova, Slovanka.	9.0
4. Mircheva, VS Praha	9.0
5. Krizova, Strakonice	9.0
6. Kulichova, USK P.	7.5
7. Snajdrova-Z., Trut.	7.5
8. Vetrovcova, Trutn.	7.0
9. Skrabalova, Strak.	7.0
10. Zavazalova, Hrade.	7.0

Assists Per Game

Anna MONTANANA
  USK P.
  (186-F-80)
  Avg: 5.5

1. Montanana, USK P.	5.5
2. Nezdarilova, Slova.	4.5
3. Elhotova, USK Pra.	4.0
4. Eldebrink, USK P.	4.0
5. Misurova, Trutnov	3.0
6. Elhotova, VS Praha	3.0
7. Zavazalova, Hradec	3.0
8. Hindrakova, Trutnov	3.0
9. Tarasava, VS Praha	3.0
10. Stara, Hradec K.	2.5

Steals Per Game

Anna MONTANANA
  USK P.
  (186-F-80)
  Avg: 4.5

1. Montanana, USK P.	4.5
2. Elhotova, VS Praha	4.0
3. Eldebrink, USK P.	4.0
4. Nezdarilova, Slova.	3.5
5. Kotlanova, Slovank.	2.5
6. Burgrova, USK Praha	2.5
7. Sipova, Slovanka.	2.0
8. Zavazalova, Hradec	2.0
9. Zrustova, USK Pra.	2.0
10. Vyoralova, VS Pra.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Katerina BARTONOVA
  USK P.
  (173-G-90)
  Avg: 2

1. Bartonova, USK P.	2.0
2. Elhotova, USK Pra.	2.0
3. Reisingerova, VS P.	2.0
4. Kulichova, USK P.	2.0
5. Zrustova, USK Pra.	1.5
6. Mircheva, VS Praha	1.5
7. Smidkova, VS Praha	1.0
8. Zavazalova, Hradec	1.0
9. Bakajsova, VS Pra.	1.0
10. Viteckova, USK P.	1.0

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DENMARK - Women

Standings - Dameligaen

Dameligaen Standings

1. Horsholm		1-0
2. SISU		1-0
3. Vaerlose		1-0
4. Aabyhoj		0-0
5. Lemvig		0-0
6. Amager		0-1
7. Falcon		0-1
8. Horsens		0-1

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DR CONGO - Women

Mozambique cruises past DR Congo, stays perfect in Bamako - by Eurobasket News
DR Congo - Mozambique 55-76

Mozambique registered second straight win at AfroBasket 2011. They cruised past DR Congo 55-76 for perfect 2-0 record in Preliminary Group A. On the other side, it was the first appearance for DR Congo in Bamako. Leia Dongue (184-F-91) shined for the winners with 19 points and 8 rebounds. Deolinda Ngulela (170-G-81) had 15 points and 5 assists, while Valerdina Manhonga (163-G-80) added 12 points. In the loosing squad, Mfutila Makiete was much better than the others with 20 points. Badite Tebapale and Kanyubo Mubalo had 8 and 7 points respectively. Quarters: 17-25, 12-18, 15-17, 11-16. In the next game, Mozambique will meet Tunisia. DR Congo will take on Ivory Coast.

DR Congo: Mfutila Makiete 20, Badite Tebapale 8, Kanyubo Mubalo 7
Mozambique: Leia Dongue 19+8 boards, Deolinda Ngulela 15+5 as, Valerdina Manhonga 12

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FIBA AMERICAS - Women

Day One in Neiva - by Eurobasket News

Group A

Chile - Colombia 50-69
Colombia had a joyful Day One of the FIBA Americas Championship 2011. The host of this event celebrated 50-69 win against Chile. Both teams are placed to Group A together with Cuba, Puerto Rico and Argentina. Tathiana Mosquera (195-C-89) was a key player in victory with 19 points and 8 rebounds. Mabel Martinez (176-F-86) had 13 points and 7 rebs, while Erika Valek (168-G-82, college: Purdue) helped her team with 11 points and 6 assists. In Chile, Javiera Novion (168-G-87, college: Eckerd) shined with 19 points and 10 rebs. Daniela Troncoso (175-F-87) and Jenifer Fuentes (178-F-96) had 9 and 8 points respectively. Quarters: 15-13, 9-19, 11-20, 15-17. In Day Two, Colombia will meet Puerto Rico. Chile will take on Argentina.

Puerto Rico - Cuba 50-67
Cuba demonstrated great performance in Day One of the FIBA Americas Championship in Colombia. They cruised past Puerto Rico 50-67 for 1-0 record in Preliminary Group A. Participants of the same pool are also Chile, Argentina and host Colombia. Oyanaisy Gelis (172-G-83) and Taimy Fernandez (183-F-82) stepped up for the winners with 14 points each. Gelis also handed out 6 assists, while Fernandez grabbed 5 rebounds in this meeting. Clenia Noblet (191-C-87) helped with 12 points and 9 boards. In the loosing squad, Cynthia Valentin (173-G-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Indiana) top-scored with 15 points. Jazmine Sepulveda (177-G-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: S.Florida) and Esmary Vargas-Sanchez (193-C-81, college: Emporia St.) stopped to 9 points each. Quarters: 15-19, 12-7, 14-23, 9-18. Cuba will take a rest today. Puerto Rico will meet Colombia.

Group B

Brazil - Paraguay 117-34
Brazil smashed Paraguay 117-34 in the opening day of the FIBA Americas Championship 2011. Brazil was simply too much for their rival and dominated during the entire game. Both teams are placed to Preliminary Group B together with Canada, Mexico and Jamaica. Brazil had six players with double-digits in scoring in this game. Erika De Souza (197-C-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas) was the leading one with 18 points and 8 rebounds. Adriana Moises Pinto (169-G-78) had 15 points, while Palmira Marcal (177-G-84), Micaela Martins (180-F-79, agency: Josep and Nicolas) and Patricia De Oliveira (180-F/G-79) netted 13 pts each. In Paraguay, Tamara Insfran (175-G-89, college: Cumberland) was better than the others with 12 points. Astrid Huttemann (178-F/C-92) stopped to 6 pts. Quarters: 28-5, 27-9, 35-7, 27-13. In Day Two, Brazil will meet Canada. Paraguay will have a day off.

Mexico - Canada 45-72
Canada exploded in Day One of the FIBA Americas Championship 2011. They blasted Mexico 72-45 for 1-0 record in Group B. Kalisha Keane (185-F-89, college: Michigan St.) stepped up for Canada with 15 points and 5 rebounds. Krista Phillips (198-C-88, college: Michigan) and Courtnay Pilypaitis (185-G-88, college: Vermont) (5 rebs) helped with 11 and 10 points respectively. In Mexico, Erika Gomez (187-F/C-76, agency: Josep and Nicolas) shined with 18 points and 8 rebounds. Alexis Castro (184-G/F-86, agency: 22ft, college: Vermont) was their second scorer with 11 points and she pulled down 8 rebs. Quarters: 4-19, 5-16, 16-12, 20-25. Both teams are placed to Preliminary Group B together with Brazil, Paraguay and Jamaica. Canada will play against Brazil today. Mexico will meet Jamaica.

Standings

Group A
1. Cuba		1-0
2. Argentina		1-0
3. P.Rico		1-1
4. Colombia		1-1
5. Chile		0-2
Group B
1. Brazil		2-0
2. Jamaica		1-0
3. Canada		1-1
4. Paraguay		0-1
5. Mexico		0-2

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GERMANY - Women

Stats Leaders - Women

Points Per Game

Kim SITZMANN
  Rotenbur.
  (178-G-88)
  Avg: 35

1. Sitzmann, Rotenbur.	35.0
2. Cannon, Osnabruck	31.0
3. Vaughn, Wasserburg	22.0
4. Watson, Wolfenbu.	20.0
5. Jeltema, Chemnitz	17.0
6. Rego, Donau-Ries	17.0
7. Davidson, Marburg	16.0
8. Wagner, Rhein MB	15.0
9. Rexroth, Rhein MB	15.0
10. Landry, Marburg	14.0

Rebounds Per Game

Janie BOS
  Rotenburg/Sch
  (185-F-88)
  Avg: 16

1. Bos, Rotenburg/Sch	16.0
2. Cannon, Osnabruck	15.0
3. Porter-T., Wasse.	12.0
4. Pace, Osnabruck	10.0
5. Koop, Marburg	10.0
6. Richter, Donau-Ries	9.0
7. Masek, Halle	9.0
8. Rego, Donau-Ries	8.0
9. Meissel, Chemnitz	8.0
10. Thimm, Oberhausen	6.0

Assists Per Game

Amanda REGO
  Donau-Ries
  (170-G-86)
  Avg: 5

1. Rego, Donau-Ries	5.0
2. Pace, Osnabruck	4.0
3. Nainima, Oberh.	4.0
4. Ohanian, Wasse.	3.0
5. Whitcomb, Chemnitz	3.0
6. Richter, Donau-Ries	3.0
7. Davidson, Marburg	3.0
8. Beld, Oberhausen	2.0
9. Watson, Wolfenbu.	2.0
10. Dietrich, Rhein MB	2.0

Steals Per Game

Melissa JELTEMA
  Chemnitz
  (175-G-88)
  Avg: 6

1. Jeltema, Chemnitz	6.0
2. Pace, Osnabruck	6.0
3. Sitzmann, Rotenbur.	4.0
4. Vaughn, Wasserburg	3.0
5. Schnorr, Chemnitz	3.0
6. Thoresen, Wasse.	3.0
7. Davidson, Marburg	3.0
8. Abelova, Halle	3.0
9. Porter-T., Wasse.	3.0
10. Harris, Wolfenbue.	3.0

Blocks Per Game

Sharon BELD
  Oberhausen
  (184-F-88)
  Avg: 2

1. Beld, Oberhausen	2.0
2. Saponjic, Chemnitz	1.0
3. Sitzmann, Rotenbur.	1.0
4. Holtz, Rhein MB	1.0
5. Bos, Rotenburg/Sch	1.0
6. Pace, Osnabruck	1.0
7. Kohlmann, Halle	0.0
8. Hootmann, Wasse.	0.0
9. Henderson, Donau.	0.0
10. Sprague, Donau-R.	0.0

Standings - Women

DBBL Standings

1. Donau-Ries		1-0
2. Freiburg		1-0
3. Oberhausen		1-0
4. Rhein MB		1-0
5. Rotenburg/Sch		1-0
6. Wasserburg		1-0
7. Chemnitz		0-1
8. Halle		0-1
9. Marburg		0-1
10. Osnabruck		0-1
11. Saarlouis		0-1
12. Wolfenbuettel		0-1

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GUINEA - Women

Nigeria takes first win in Bamako - by Eurobasket News
Nigeria - Guinea 60-31

Both teams failed in Day One of the AfroBasket 2011 in Bamako. Nigeria blasted Guinea yesterday 60-31 for 1-1 record in Group B. Guinea dropped to 0-2. Rashidat Sadiq (188-F-81) stepped up for Nigeria with 15 points. She was their only player with double-digits in scoring. Helene Ogunjimi (175-G/F-85, college: Columbia (MO)) and Chinyere Ibekwe (193-F/C-87, agency: LBM Management, college: UCLA) helped with 9 and 8 points respectively. On the other side, Guinea got 16 points from Khady Mbaye. Moussogbe Sidibe stopped to 6 pts in this meeting. Quarters: 21-6, 16-12, 8-7, 15-6. Today, Nigeria will meet Cameroon. Guinea will play against Senegal.

Nigeria: Rashidat Sadiq 15, Helene Ogunjimi 9, Chinyere Ibekwe 8+6 boards
Guinea: Khady Mbaye 16, Moussogbe Sidibe 6+6 boards

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ITALY - Women

The schedule for A1 Opening Day 2011-2012 - by Carlo Grilli
The Italian Basketball Federation has announced the schedule for the tenth A1 Opening Day on October 15th and 16th in the same venue at PalaCervia (via Pinarella 66, Cervia):

Saturday, October 15th:
h 16,00 Bracco Geas Sesto San Giovanni vs Liomatic Umbertide
h 18,00 Le Mura Lucca vs GMA Del B Pozzuoli

Sunday, October 16th:
h. 11,45 Pool Comense vs Basket Alcamo
h. 14,00 Lavezzini Parma vs Trogylos Priolo
h. 16,15 Club Atletico Faenza vs CUS Cagliari
h. 18,30 Famila Wuber Schio vs Cras Taranto

The last game will oppose the two main contenders for the Italian title; Schio and Taranto together have won 7 of the last 9 championships.

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IVORY COAST - Women

Mali jumps to 2-0 in Bamako - by Eurobasket News
Ivory Coast - Mali 44-57

Mali won their second game in Bamako. After victory against Tunisia in Day One, Mali managed to beat Ivory Coast for perfect 2-0 record in Preliminary Group A. On the other side, Ivory Coast stays winless with 0-2. Djenebou Sissoko (190-F/C-82, college: Union (TN)) paced Mali with double-double of 14 points and 9 rebounds. Meiya Tirera (180-F-86) also scored 14 points and she grabbed 6 boards in this meeting, while Djene Diawara (192-C-85) added 7 pts. In Ivory Coast, Kani Kouyate (178-F-90) top-scored with 14 points. Salimata Berte (182-F-89) had 10 pts in this loss. Quarters: 12-14, 12-14, 10-16, 10-13. Mali will meet Ghana in the next game. Ivory Coast will play against DR Congo.

Ivory Coast: Kani Kouyate 14, Salimata Berte 10,
Mali: Djenebou Sissoko 14+9 boards, Meiya Tirera 14+6 boards, Djene Diawara 7

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MALI - Women

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MEXICO - Women

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MOZAMBIQUE - Women

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NIGERIA - Women

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PARAGUAY - Women

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PUERTO RICO - Women

Standings - Women

BSNF Standings

1. Morovis M.		10-1
2. Juncos V.		7-3
3. San German		7-4
4. Carolina G.		5-3
5. Guaynabo M.		4-6
6. Ponce L.		4-8
7. San Juan W.		3-7
8. Aguas B.T.		1-9

Stats Leaders - Superleague 25

Points Per Game

Renee TAYLOR
  Juncos V.
  (158-G-85)
  Avg: 28.3

1. Taylor, Juncos V.	28.3
2. Martin, Guaynabo.	22.3
3. Bingham, San G.	21.0
4. Williams, Morovis	20.5
5. Ross, San Juan W.	19.8
6. McLean, Juncos V.	18.8
7. Wiley, Guaynabo M.	18.0
8. Raven, Morovis M.	17.9
9. Bland, Ponce L.	17.5
10. Batiz, Ponce L.	16.6

Rebounds Per Game

Candyce BINGHAM
  San G.
  (183-F-86)
  Avg: 12.9

1. Bingham, San G.	12.9
2. Rosigi, Morovis M.	12.4
3. Seals, Guaynabo M.	11.2
4. Jones, Aguas B.T.	11.0
5. Blake, Carolina G.	11.0
6. Pineiro, Morovis M.	10.6
7. Ross, San Juan W.	10.1
8. Martin, Guaynabo.	10.0
9. Cabrera, Juncos V.	9.8
10. Rosche, Ponce L.	9.5

Assists Per Game

Yahimily CABRERA
  Juncos V.
  (--82)
  Avg: 7.6

1. Cabrera, Juncos V.	7.6
2. Young, Aguas B.T.	7.3
3. Raven, Morovis M.	5.0
4. Teasley, Ponce L.	4.9
5. Flagg, San Juan W.	4.8
6. Bingham, San G.	4.7
7. Montalvo, San J.	4.6
8. Flores, Carolina G.	3.7
9. Williams, Morovis	3.5
10. Figueroa, Morov.	3.4

Steals Per Game

Yahimily CABRERA
  Juncos V.
  (--82)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Cabrera, Juncos V.	3.2
2. Mahan, San Juan W.	3.2
3. Teasley, Ponce L.	3.1
4. Flores, Carolina G.	2.9
5. Taylor, Juncos V.	2.8
6. Roman, Guaynabo M.	2.7
7. Montalvo, San J.	2.7
8. McLean, Juncos V.	2.7
9. Williams, Morovis	2.5
10. Young, Aguas B.T.	2.5

Blocks Per Game

Dominic SEALS
  Guaynabo M.
  (188-F-87)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Seals, Guaynabo M.	1.8
2. Willoughy, Juncos	1.7
3. Ramirez, Aguas B.	1.5
4. Williams, Morovis	1.4
5. Bingham, San G.	1.3
6. Jones, Aguas B.T.	1.2
7. Jones, Juncos V.	1.0
8. Martin, Guaynabo.	1.0
9. Bermudez, San G.	0.9
10. Mahan, San Juan	0.7

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SENEGAL - Women

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WNBA - Women

Shock hopes for a few breaks going forward - by Eurobasket News
Every possesion was critical in the fourth quarter of the Tulsa Shock's season finale, an overtime loss to the San Antonio Silver Stars.

Early in the quarter, with the shot clock due to expire, San Antonio's Jayne Appel launched a desperation shot and it swished the net.

A few possessions later, with the shot clock again winding down, San Antonio's Jia Perkins let fly with a 3-pointer from the corner. The ball hit front rim, bounced high and dropped through the hoop.

After both shots, Shock interim coach Teresa Edwards had an expression on her face that screamed 'we can't catch a break.'

The Shock didn't finish 3-31 because a ball bounced the wrong way.

But, if the hoops gods value justice, balls will bounce the Shock's way when the lottery (no date has been announced) is held for the 2012 WNBA draft.

Lotto luck

Tulsa posted a league-worst 6-28 record in 2010, but didn't get the first pick in the 2011 draft. You can sort of blame Shock center Abi Olajuwon's dad, even though his only fault was greatness.

In 1984, NBA teams were accused of tanking games to improve their chances of 'earning' the top pick (Hakeem Olajuwon) in the draft. A lottery system was launched the next year. No longer were the worst teams guaranteed the top picks.

Tulsa had a 44 percent chance of winning the 2011 WNBA draft lottery, but Minnesota had an almost equal chance (38 percent) because the Lynx owned not only its first pick but a lotto pick acquired in a trade. The Lynx got the first and fourth picks and produced the WNBA's best record this season.

A possible No. 1 pick is Stanford's Nnemkadi Ogwumike. The abbreviated version of her first name is 'Nneka' (pronounced neck-a) and her name might sound familiar to Oklahoma fans.

At the 2010 Final Four, the 6-foot-2 forward was beastly enough to torch OU for a career-high 38 points and 16 rebounds. Sherri Coale said her team did not have an answer for Ogwumike.

Can Ogwumike be the answer for the Shock? She would bolster a young foundation that includes Elizabeth Cambage and former Stanford teammate Kayla Pedersen.

Pedersen ranked fifth among rookie scorers and fourth among rookie rebounders this season. Cambage, a 6-foot-8 Australian, was the leading rookie rebounder and the third-leading rookie scorer.

State of Shock

Nine teams have folded or relocated since the WNBA launched in 1997. But signs indicate the 12-team league is trending upward. Attendance and TV viewership (best since 2005) increased this season.

Tulsa's two-year record is 9-59, and a man-on-the-street question seems to be 'is the Shock coming back?'

Owners Bill Cameron and David Box continue to tell interviewers they are in it for the long haul.

'Ownership has never wavered off of that,' Shock president Steve Swetoha said.

'Perception is reality and when people see us losing games, they automatically think we are not successful. Any business, any start-up organization, you go through trials and tribulations. No one expected we were going to lose as many games as we did, but ... the fan support is here and it is quite remarkable. Our fan base is sticking with us, knowing that we have struggled on the court.'

A new franchise can lose a little luster and newness may wear off a little bit in the second year, according to Swetoha. But he said the Shock increased its season ticket base 20 percent this year. He said there has been a 60 percent renewal rate for 2012 only three weeks into a renewal campaign.

The Shock's per-game average of total tickets distributed (including season tickets, staff tickets, community tickets and suite tickets) was 4,842, a figure nearly identical to the first season, according to Swetoha.

Announced attendance at the last two home games was 6,117 and 5,949.

'When we are winning games, can you imagine what this place would be like?' Swetoha said, adding that the team has a goal of packing the BOK Center's lower level, which would translate to a crowd of 7,000-plus.

Shock fans have witnessed six home wins in two seasons.

'We recognize we have a lot of work to do across the board,' Swetoha said.

'The most important thing is to continue to focus on improving this basketball team and this organization on and off the court. We are going into our third year and we think we are a couple of pieces away from turning the corner.'

Moving forward

The Shock changed coaches 11 games into the season, set a league record with 20 consecutive defeats and finished with the fewest wins ever in a 34-game season.

When Cambage was asked about the difficulty level of playing in the up-tempo system of former coach Nolan Richardson, she said this: 'I don't think there was any difficulty. I just think when things aren't going right, people want change. And there was change and we have only won two games (since) so it wasn't like changing coaches was the right answer.'

What should people remember about the 2011 version of the Tulsa Shock?

'We never quit and that's what you have to have in an organization that has only been around two years,' Andrea Riley said.

'I think the third year is a charm. We have to come back with the mindset that we are winners and we can beat anybody in this league.'

Sheryl Swoopes, a four-time WNBA champ in Houston, has experienced better times. She said this season was a challenge, but said it was fun and echoed Riley's comments about players not quitting.

'We continued to work hard and we continued to get better,' she said.

'The fans came out and continued to support us, and you really can't ask for more than that when you are not having the type of season that you want to have. I am really glad I had the opportunity to come back and play this season. I am glad I made the decision to do it, and hopefully I can come back and do it again next year.'

Courtesy of www.tulsaworld.com

Phoenix Mercury in yet another must-win situation in Game 2 of WNBA West Finals - by Eurobasket News
.Here we go again.

The Mercury are again one loss from ending their season. It seems it wouldn't be a Mercury playoff series without the team in danger of being eliminated.

But we've seen the Mercury win these types of games before. As has been said by Mercury players and their fans, the team plays better when its proverbial 'backs are against the wall' and when everyone else already is preparing for the Mercury's season obituary.

After the Mercury's 95-67 loss to the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals on Thursday, Mercury coach Corey Gaines is counting on it.

'We didn't play well,' Gaines said after the game. 'It happens. It happened a couple of weeks ago. It happened a couple years ago. Happened a couple years before that, too. It happens. You can't take one game. What are you guys, writing us off already? You can write us off if you want. That helps us. Write us off. They always write us off. We have done it before, we will do it again.'

The Mercury will have to, starting today when they host the Lynx at US Airways Center for Game 2.

The West finals have begun eerily similar to the conference semifinals when the Seattle Storm dominated and beat the Mercury. The Mercury went on to win the next two games to advance.

When the Mercury won their second WNBA title in 2009, every one of the team's postseason series reached its limit of games. (Penny Taylor and Diana Taurasi are the only holdovers among players from the 2007 Mercury team that came back from a 2-1 games deficit to win the franchise's first league championship.)

So is this a real thing? Do the Mercury really play much better when they are facing elimination?

Taurasi said it is just a matter of finding out what didn't work in the last game and fixing it.

'The other night in Minnesota, it was a combination of things that didn't go well for us,' she said. 'And it showed on the court. So we have to find a way to turn it to our side and we usually do a pretty good job of that. There's something to be said about momentum and energy and trying to channel that into a great effort.

'We looked at the film (on Saturday). And it's not anything Minnesota did. It's our ability to concentrate on the little things and get them done as individuals and as a group and we didn't do that.'

Taylor said the travel may have also sapped the team's energy for Thursday's game.

'By the second half, my legs did feel a little weary,' she said. 'But really, there are no excuses.'

Taurasi pointed out the simple things the team needs to do today - rebound, run, convert layups and take care of the ball.

She also said some players do feel a little bit different walking into the arena before an elimination game, something different that could give them an extra push.

'You go through some thoughts of 'Well, maybe today is the last day we go into the gym,' ' Taurasi said. 'And it's about how bad do you want that to not be the last day. After the game, do you know if you want to get back on the plane to go to Minnesota and have another hard game? Do you really want to do that? And I think there are 11 players on this team that do.'

Minnesota update
Coming into the series, Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve told her team it needed to hold the Mercury to a particular number of points in order to win Game 1. Neither Reeve nor the Lynx players would say what the number was. But the Lynx held the Mercury well below the Mercury's league-leading regular-season scoring average (89 points) in a 95-67 win in Game 1 on Thursday. It was the lowest point total the Mercury have scored against the Lynx this season and the second-lowest overall in 2011, both of those games coming in Game 1 of each the Mercury's playoff series.

Mercury update
The Mercury may have gone into Thursday's Game 1 loss on too much of a high after a physical and emotional Game 3 win in the conference semifinals against the Seattle Storm. When asked if that was a possibility, Mercury forward Penny Taylor gave The Republic a 'maybe' and also said there are no excuses for the loss. When posed the same question, guard Diana Taurasi said, 'When you put a lot of emotion and energy into something, you need to fill that tank back up. That's just a natural progression of your body and mind. When you're at the top, when (you earn) something that is so hard, it takes you a little bit to get ramped back up. And we're going to try and do that Sunday.'

Courtesy of www.azcentral.com

Smiles all around in Lynx land this season - by Eurobasket News
Second-year Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said so far everything has gone along as planned with her team.

'Roger is the one who gave me the opportunity to be a head coach of this team,' she said, referring to Roger Griffith, the team's executive vice president. 'We laid out a plan in the beginning. I shared with him what my goals were with the team and he believed in it. It is just nice to lay out a plan and go out there and be able to execute it and come through with it.

'Someone like Roger has been doing it for 13 seasons,' Reeve said. She could have added without much success until this season.

'And to see the smile on his face and [owner] Glen Taylor's face, it was what our goal was,' Reeve said. 'And to be able to do it feels good.'

The Lynx beat Phoenix 95-67 on Thursday to take a 1-0 lead in their best-of-three Western Conference finals.

MERCURY UNCOMFORTABLE

'It was a great Game 1 for us [against Phoenix],' Reeve said, 'but it is only 40 minutes and there is 80 minutes to go in the series. We were in their cuts, we made things difficult for them. We pushed them out beyond their comfort zone. We got our defense set. Our help was really good when they did try to use on-ball screens. Overall, in all positions, we were pretty good defensively.'

On offense, Reeve said the Lynx turned the ball over a little too much: 'We gave them some easy baskets, especially Ferdinand [Marie Ferdinand-Harris] in that first half.'

The Lynx committed 16 turnovers, off of which the Mercury scored 17 points. Phoenix had 15 turnovers which led to 21 Lynx points.

The second game of the series is Sunday afternoon in Phoenix. 'It is going to be a hard game in Phoenix,' Reeve said, 'no doubt about it. They are going to step up their defense, they are going to get more physical. If we take care of the ball better, we will take away those points [the Mercury gets off turnovers]. Our defense has to be really good. They are going to get very determined and desperate.'

TOUGH FIRST SERIES HELPFUL

'It is a mature group,' Reeve said, referring to her team, 'and the San Antonio series helped us in our preparation for this [second series], especially defensively. We were really tested with San Antonio's other schemes. The biggest key to the game for us [against Phoenix] was defending the three-point line. We did a much better job than any game we played all season with them.'

'Overall we defended her pretty well. We were where we needed to be and it is going to take an even better effort on Sunday to try to close out a team. I am sure [Diana] Taurasi will be ready to play when we play again.'

Taurasi led the WNBA in scoring, averaging 21.6 points, and the Mercury averaged a league-high 89 points.

'From the standpoint of being able to score against them, [Phoenix] is a better matchup for us' than the Silver Stars, Reeve said. 'San Antonio, Dan Hughes is more of a defensive coach.'

Phoenix's emphasis is offense. 'There is a greater comfort level knowing we are going to be able to score,' Reeve said before Thursday's tipoff. 'We've shot nearly 51 percent against them in our series, [averaged] 90-some points. We've got to do the same thing. We've got to move the ball. We've got to make sure we don't take contested shots. There is no reason to because if you continue to move [the ball], you are going to get an open shot against these guys.'

As it tuned out, the Lynx shot 50 percent. They were especially good on three pointers (42.9 percent) and free throws (17 for 19).

Reeve said Phoenix had to be looking forward to playing against the Lynx. 'We haven't defended the three-point line very well,' she said. 'I know for [the Mercury], they are excited about that part of our defense. That we have not been able to defend the three. We've got to defend the three, that's the No. 1 thing. They shoot 37 percent from there on the season but against the Lynx the shoot 47 percent. That's a glaring number for us.

'We have tweaked some of our rotations so they don't get some of those opportunities. We'll see if we can execute it.'

And excecute they did. Phoenix was just four for 20 on three-pointers or 20 percent. Taurasi was two for six behind the arc, Penny Taylor and DeWanna Bonner were each zero for three.

EXPECTING WRATH

'It is a unique experience; this is my first playoffs,' Lynx guard Candice Wiggins said after scoring 14 points against the Mercury. 'It is a big picture here. This is just Part I. And I am really happy we were able to set the tone the way we did with our defense. I am really proud of our whole team.

'When you play a team like Phoenix with DIana and Penny Taylor, they are just so offensively gifted that when you are able to win with your defense, it feels good. It feels very confident.'

But Wiggins said she knows beating the Mercury a second time in their arena will be much tougher. 'We've got to prepare for wrath. That's the word that comes to mind. They are going to be real upset. We just have to be ready for that. It's playoff time.'

GAINES ON HIS EARLY T

Phoenix coach Corey Gaines got his first technical foul of the seaosn in the first quarter. He was upset at a non-call when Rebekkah Brunson knocked Taylor down on a shot.

'I didn't lose my temper,' Gaines said. 'I guess she [the referee] didn't like what I said. Sometimes the truth hurts.'

He is convinced, though, the Mercury will be ready for the next game. 'I don't need to motivate them. I have [WNBA] champions, World champions, gold-medal winners, NCAA champions. I don't need to motivate them. Champions motivate themselves.'

GENO HERE

UConn coach Geno Auriemma was at courtside Thursday at Target Center. He was working as a basketball analyst for ESPN2.

'It has been great for me to watch a lot of the WNBA games because so many of our players are in the league,' said Auriemma, who will coach the U.S. team in the 2012 London Olympics. 'So every night ... you are not quite sure who you want to win. In this case, it is interesting for Minnesota because this is their first time being in this situation whereas Phoenix has been here lots of times. They won two WNBA titles.'

Auriemma called the Lynx the best team in the league in a promo spot. He described Phoenix as a surprise winner over Seattle.

'I don't think it is going to be about Diana and Maya to be honest with you,' he said in a pregame interview on Thursday. Those, of course, were two of his former stars.

'In these kind of games, your third and fourth players, whichever team gets the most production out of those players is going to win.the game,' Auriemma said.

He was right about that. The Lynx had five players in double figures, Augustus with 21 and four bunched between 13 and 15.

Taurasi scored 21, but the next two scorers had 12 and 11 and it dropped to six points after that.

DIANA'S FAVORITE PLAYER IS ...

Taurasi and Augustus have know each other for about 17 years, meeting as youngsters in AAU basketball. 'We have always had a great friendship and that continued on to USA basketball,' Taurasi said. '[Seimone] is probably my favorite player in the league the way she plays is unlike anyone else.'

Her opinion of Augustus doesn't change even if she is guarding her, Taurasi said: 'You always want to play against the best, right? Otherwise there is no point in playing.'

Courtesy of www.startribune.com