EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 1/6/2012

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Men News

*****************************************************
  ABA   


Standings
ABA Standings
 1. ABA-Canada 0-0
Atlantic South
 1. Athens R. 5-0
 2. Atlanta E. 4-0
 3. Heartland H. 3-1
 4. Jacksonville 2-0
 5. Atlanta Aliens 1-0
 6. Georgia G. 1-1
 7. Florida T. 0-0
 8. Orlando Kings 0-0
 9. Savannah Storm 0-0
 10. Tampa 0-0
 11. Columbus R. 0-2
 12. E.Point Jaguars 0-7
California NW
 1. S.Francisco R. 5-1
 2. Central Valley T. 5-4
 3. Seattle M. 4-0
 4. Bay Area M. 4-1
 5. Richmond R. 3-3
 6. Port City P. 2-1
 7. Modesto H. 1-0
 8. E.Bay Pitbulls 1-1
 9. Alaska Q. 1-2
 10. California SK 0-0
 11. Chico Rage 0-0
 12. Washington R. 0-0
 13. Sacramento H. 0-6
California South
 1. Arizona S. 11-2
 2. San Diego Sol 9-2
 3. San Diego S. 4-3
 4. LA Slam 3-6
 5. Riverside R. 1-2
 6. Las Vegas A. 0-2
 7. SoCal Swish 0-2
 8. Shizuoka G. 0-5
Colonial
 1. NoVa Wonders 4-4
 2. Richmond E. 3-3
 3. Lynchburg L. 2-1
 4. W.Virginia B. 2-1
 5. Portsmouth C. 1-2
 6. E.Kentucky En. 0-0
 7. Norfolk Sh. 0-0
 8. Seven Cities 0-0
Great Lake
 1. Chicago Steam 5-0
 2. Milwaukee B. 3-0
 3. Chi-Town B. 0-0
 4. Indy S. 0-0
 5. Midwest Flames 0-0
 6. Oshkosh 0-0
 7. Porter County P. 0-2
 8. Cleveland H. 0-3
Mid Atlantic
 1. Carolina C. 7-2
 2. Carolina Ch. 6-2
 3. East Carolina T. 4-4
 4. Nashville S. 3-0
 5. S.Carol.W. 1-0
 6. Tennessee MH 1-6
 7. Fayetteville F. 1-9
 8. Clarksville C. 0-2
 9. Carolina J. 0-3
Mid Central
 1. Lima Explosion 4-0
 2. Greencastle GK 2-0
 3. Indianapolis 2-0
 4. Flint Fire 0-0
 5. Lansing L. 0-0
 6. Detroit Hoops 0-1
 7. Dayton GCHF 0-2
 8. Michiana M. 0-2
Northeast
 1. Connecticut T. 5-0
 2. Jersey Expr. 4-6
 3. Island Vipers 1-3
 4. Conn. Chill 0-0
 5. NY Red Riders 0-0
 6. Rochester 0-0
 7. Syracuse SW 0-0
 8. New York Ch. 0-1
 9. NYC Thunder 0-2
Panhandle
 1. Gulf Coast F. 6-1
 2. Louisiana U.P. 0-0
 3. Mobile Bay H. 0-0
 4. Panama City D. 0-1
Rocky Mountain
 1. Colorado K. 11-0
 2. Colorado C. 4-4
 3. Crusaders 2-4
 4. Wyoming R. 0-4
South Central
 1. Bluff City R. 10-0
 2. Conway C. 9-2
 3. Little Rock L. 5-3
 4. Missouri R. 1-3
 5. St.Louis P. 0-0
 6. Delta S. 0-8
 7. N.E. Arkansas 0-8
South West
 1. Texas Fuel 7-2
 2. North Dallas 6-1
 3. Dallas Impact 1-4
 4. Oklahoma 1-5
 5. Houston R.S. 0-0
 6. N.Texas F. 0-0
 7. Team Havok 0-0
 8. West Texas W. 0-3
Touring Team
 1. Rocky Mountain S. 0-0
 2. Team Haiti 0-1
 3. West Virginia B. 0-1
 4. Appalachian R. 0-2
 5. Calgary C. 0-2
 6. Chicago F. 0-2


*****************************************************
  ADRIATIC LEAGUE   


Standings
Adriatic League Standings
 1. Maccabi T-A 13-1 
 2. Cedevita 11-2 
 3. Buducnost 9-4 
 4. Partizan 9-4 
 5. Union Olimpija 8-5 
 6. KK Zagreb CO 7-6 
 7. Cibona 7-6 
 8. Radnicki K. 6-7 
 9. Siroki WWin 6-7 
 10. Krka 4-9 
 11. Crvena Zvezda 4-10 
 12. Hemofarm 4-10 
 13. Helios 3-10 
 14. Zlatorog 2-12 


Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 David SIMON
  Radnicki K.
  (207-C-82)
  Avg: 20.3
 1. Simon, Radnicki K.20.3 
 2. Panic, Zlatorog17.5 
 3. Scott, Radnicki K.17.1 
 4. Vucevic, Buducnost16.9 
 5. Simon, KK.16.9 
 6. Pilepic, Siroki W.15.7 
 7. Morrison, Crvena Z.15.5 
 8. Kasun, KK.15.4 
 9. Prepelic, Helios14.8 
 10. Pavkovic, Radnick.14.1 
Rebounds Per Game
 Boris SAVOVIC
  Hemofarm
  (206-F-87)
  Avg: 12.1
 1. Savovic, Hemofarm12.1 
 2. Vucevic, Buducnost9.7 
 3. Simon, Radnicki K.7.8 
 4. Kasun, KK.6.8 
 5. Scott, Radnicki K.6.6 
 6. Pasalic, Helios6.1 
 7. Pavic, Krka5.7 
 8. Popovic, Crvena Z.5.6 
 9. Pekovic, Partizan5.5 
 10. Sakic, Siroki WWin5.4 
Assists Per Game
 Steven MARKOVIC
  Radnicki K.
  (190-G-85)
  Avg: 8.6
 1. Markovic, Radnicki8.6 
 2. Pavkovic, Radnicki7.4 
 3. Farmar, Maccabi6.2 
 4. Vujasinovic, Zlato.5.3 
 5. Vladovic, Siroki W.4.6 
 6. Stinson, Krka4.5 
 7. Papaloukas, Macca.4.4 
 8. Mulaomerovic, KK Z.4.3 
 9. Draper, Cedevita4.2 
 10. Covic, Crvena Z.3.9 
Steals Per Game
 D.J. GAY
  Helios
  (183-G-89)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Gay, Helios2.3 
 2. Dragic, Krka2.0 
 3. Papaloukas, Macca.1.9 
 4. Draper, Cedevita1.8 
 5. Pilepic, Siroki W.1.7 
 6. Markovic, Radnicki1.7 
 7. Zubcic, Cibona1.7 
 8. Simon, KK.1.7 
 9. Salin, Union Olimp.1.5 
 10. Lucic, Partizan1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Shawn JAMES
  Maccabi T-A
  (208-C-83)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. James, Maccabi T-A1.7 
 2. Savovic, Hemofarm1.1 
 3. Vucevic, Buducnost1.1 
 4. Scott, Radnicki K.1.0 
 5. Simon, Radnicki K.1.0 
 6. Hendrix, Maccabi0.9 
 7. Pekovic, Partizan0.8 
 8. Kasun, KK.0.8 
 9. Thompson, Union O.0.7 
 10. Ilic, Crvena Zvez.0.7 


Union Olimpija lands Vladimir Dasic - by Eurobasket News
Union Olimpija announced signing of Vladimir Dasic (206-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) for rest of the season. The Montenegrin power forward left Acea Virtus Roma recently. He had 11 ppg and 5.6 rpg for 8 games in Italian Serie A. Dasic played for Roma also in 2010/11. He had 1.8 ppg and 6.5 rpg in 30 games. Dasic added 8.4 ppg and 4.8 rpg for 16 Euroleague appearances. Vladimir Dasic split 2009/10 season between Real Madrid and Gran Canaria. In the past he played for Buducnost Pogdorica. Dasic is active member of the Montenegrin National Team. He had 10 ppg and 2.2 rpg for 5 games at the EuroBasket 2011 in Lithuania.

*****************************************************
  ARGENTINA   


Spurs' Ginobili out 2 months with broken hand - by Eurobasket News
Argentine guard Emanuel Ginobili (6'6''-G-77, agency: Interperformances) will undergo surgery on his broken left hand and is expected to miss at least two months of the NBA.

The Chicago Bulls visit the Spurs on Feb. 29 in their only regular-season meeting.

Ginobili tweeted on Wednesday that he'll have a plate screwed onto his shooting hand on Thursday. He injured it during the San Antonio Spurs' loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday.

Ginobili was averaging 17.4 points a game and was San Antonio's leading scorer.

Losing Ginobili again is a major blow for the Spurs after the two-time NBA All-Star hobbled into the playoffs last year with a sprained elbow. That injury helped doom San Antonio in its first-round loss to Memphis despite a 61-win season.

The 34-year-old Ginobili has become the emotional and offensive centerpiece for the Spurs as Tim Duncan has gotten older.

Courtesy of www.chicagotribune.com

*****************************************************
  AUSTRIA   


Standings - A Bundesliga
A Bundesliga Standings
 1. Gmunden 12-2 
 2. Klosterneub. 12-2 
 3. Wels 10-4 
 4. Kapfenberg 8-5 
 5. Oberwart 8-6 
 6. Gussing 7-7 
 7. BC Vienna 6-9 
 8. UBSC Graz 5-9 
 9. Furstenfeld 5-10 
 10. Arkadia 4-10 
 11. St.Polten 0-13 


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Stjepan STAZIC
  BC Vienna
  (199-G-78)
  Avg: 26.6
 1. Stazic, BC Vienna26.6 
 2. Wade, Arkadia24.4 
 3. Reed, Oberwart21.3 
 4. Vay, Arkadia20.0 
 5. Drenovac, Arkadia19.8 
 6. Shavies, Furstenf.19.2 
 7. Djuric, Gussing19.1 
 8. Bobb, Klosterneub.17.8 
 9. Rakocevic, BC Vi.17.6 
 10. Curry, Gmunden17.1 
Rebounds Per Game
 Zarko RAKOCEVIC
  BC Vi.
  (204-F-84)
  Avg: 13.8
 1. Rakocevic, BC Vi.13.8 
 2. Werner, Wels8.6 
 3. Vay, Arkadia8.6 
 4. Reed, Oberwart8.1 
 5. Oppland, Gmunden8.0 
 6. Skurdauskas, Arkad.7.6 
 7. Trmal, St.Polten7.2 
 8. Suljanovic, Kloste.7.1 
 9. Ware, Furstenfeld6.8 
 10. Nelson, Kapfenbe.6.5 
Assists Per Game
 Jeremy FEARS
  Kapfenberg
  (196-G-85)
  Avg: 6
 1. Fears, Kapfenberg6.0 
 2. Danek, Arkadia5.6 
 3. Klepeisz, Gussing5.4 
 4. Vay, Arkadia5.0 
 5. Lanegger, Klostern.4.9 
 6. Schreiner, Kapfe.4.9 
 7. Shavies, Furstenf.4.8 
 8. Rakocevic, BC Vi.4.6 
 9. Stazic, BC Vienna4.4 
 10. Schaal, UBSC G.4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Fabricio VAY
  Arkadia
  (206-F-86)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Vay, Arkadia2.6 
 2. Pryor, Wels2.5 
 3. Fears, Kapfenberg2.4 
 4. Shavies, Furstenf.2.3 
 5. Schreiner, Kapfe.1.9 
 6. Scott, Gussing1.9 
 7. Brown, Wels1.8 
 8. Danek, Arkadia1.5 
 9. Arnold, Gmunden1.5 
 10. Wade, Arkadia1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Zarko RAKOCEVIC
  BC Vi.
  (204-F-84)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. Rakocevic, BC Vi.3.2 
 2. Ware, Furstenfeld1.2 
 3. Scott, Gussing0.9 
 4. Brown, Wels0.8 
 5. Vay, Arkadia0.6 
 6. Skurdauskas, Arkad.0.6 
 7. Francois, BC Vienna0.6 
 8. Shaw, Oberwart0.6 
 9. Nelson, Kapfenberg0.5 
 10. Moric, UBSC G.0.5 


*****************************************************
  BAHRAIN   


Standings
Premier League Standings
 1. Muharraq 9-0 
 2. Al Hala 7-1 
 3. Al Ahli 7-2 
 4. Al Manama 6-3 
 5. Nuwaidrat 5-4 
 6. Al Ittihad 5-4 
 7. Sitra 4-5 
 8. Issa Town 3-6 
 9. Bahrain Club 2-7 
 10. Samaheej 1-8 
 11. Al Najma 0-9 


*****************************************************
  BALTIC LEAGUE   


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Denzel BOWLES
  Siauliai
  (208-F/C-89)
  Avg: 21
 1. Bowles, Siauliai21.0 
 2. Cipruss, Tarvas19.8 
 3. Krumins, Jelgava18.8 
 4. Kalve, Valmiera18.7 
 5. Barinov, Naglis P.18.0 
 6. Hallik, Tarvas17.2 
 7. Soo, Rapla17.0 
 8. Amis, Tartu Ulikool16.6 
 9. Reminas, Naglis P.16.5 
 10. Mayo, Liepaja16.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Kaspars CIPRUSS
  Tarvas
  (210-C-82)
  Avg: 10.5
 1. Cipruss, Tarvas10.5 
 2. Ringmets, Rapla9.3 
 3. Nelson, Jelgava8.8 
 4. Johnson, Naglis P.8.8 
 5. Galdikas, Neptunas8.7 
 6. Mednis, Turiba8.6 
 7. McClure, Kedainiai8.3 
 8. Arnold, TT.8.3 
 9. Benn, Naglis Palan.7.8 
 10. Bowles, Siauliai7.6 
Assists Per Game
 Mindaugas STASYS
  Neptunas
  (180-PG-86)
  Avg: 6.7
 1. Stasys, Neptunas6.7 
 2. Broadus, Siauliai5.9 
 3. Maceina, Juventus5.7 
 4. Kriisa, Tarvas5.5 
 5. Rinkevicius, Nagli.5.0 
 6. Dorbek, Tarvas4.8 
 7. Janavicius, Baltai4.5 
 8. Dainys, Neptunas4.5 
 9. Tsiopych, Barsy A.4.4 
 10. Strelnieks, Vents.4.3 
Steals Per Game
 Tywain MCKEE
  Triumph
  (188-PG-86)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. McKee, Triumph2.3 
 2. Virsis, Valmiera2.2 
 3. Salenga, Rudupis2.2 
 4. Hughes, Pieno Z.2.1 
 5. Benn, Naglis Palan.2.0 
 6. Keedus, TT.2.0 
 7. Kriisa, Tarvas2.0 
 8. Matulionis, Techas.1.8 
 9. Landry, Triumph1.8 
 10. Evstigneev, Barsy1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Dane JOHNSON
  Naglis P.
  (208-C-86)
  Avg: 2
 1. Johnson, Naglis P.2.0 
 2. Rozitis, Valmiera1.9 
 3. Gumeniuk, Juventus1.9 
 4. Toome, Kalev/Cramo1.6 
 5. Staniulis, Techasas1.6 
 6. Masiulis, Kedainiai1.5 
 7. Amis, Tartu Ulikool1.2 
 8. Jefferson, Triumph1.1 
 9. Cipruss, Tarvas1.0 
 10. Kurtsevich, Trium.1.0 


Standings - Men
Baltic League Standings
Elite Division
 1. Siauliai 9-1 
 2. Triumph 7-3 
 3. Rudupis 7-3 
 4. Kalev/Cramo 6-3 
 5. Pieno Zvaigzdes 6-3 
 6. Ventspils 6-4 
 7. Juventus 5-5 
 8. Tartu Ulikool 3-8 
 9. Kedainiai 2-8 
 10. Liepaja 2-8 
 11. Baltai Kaunas 2-9 
Challenge Cup
Group A
 1. Naglis Palangos 5-1 
 2. Neptunas 4-2 
 3. Tarvas 4-2 
 4. Barsy Atyrau 3-5 
 5. Jelgava 0-6 
Group B
 1. Techasas 6-2 
 2. Sakalai 6-2 
 3. Valmiera 6-3 
 4. TTU/Kalev 3-5 
 5. Rapla 2-6 
 6. Turiba 2-7 


*****************************************************
  BOSNIA   


Roster for KK SPARS in L'Hospitalet Tournament in Spain - by Chris Mathieu
Roster for KK SPARS in L'Hospitalet Tournament in Spain. KK Spars has played three games in two days and have lost all three. The biggest story however isnt the two big Bosnian prospects Adin Vrabac and Nedim Buza but the breakout series Doko Salic is having. Doko is by far the youngest player on KK SPARS and one of the youngest players in the tournament. That hasnt stopped him from having a breakout series so far. Doko has shown a great shooting touch for a player his size averaging 18ppg 11rbpg and a very respectable 70% from the FT line. Theres no doubt Bosnia needs to secure this young player for the KSBiH National team before he is lost like so many others like Alen Omic, Nedim Dedovic, Adnan Omeragic and so many others lost to other countries. It will be interesting to see if the team can keep this young nucleus together as the future looks bright with Samir Sehic, Dzenan Kurtic, Adi Zahiragic, Nedim Buza, Adin Vrabac and add Doko Salic to that list. There is some serious Bosnian talent coming up through the ranks and if the country wants a future as a basketball power, securing these players is a must.
KK SPARS
#NamePos.HeightNat.Born
4Nedim SalcinG184BIH02/07/1994
5Zdravko GrubisaG187BIH31/01/1994
6Aleksej NikolicG183SLO21/02/1995
7Adin Vrabac G202BIH27/01/1994
8Nedim Buza G201BIH10/05/1995
9Kerim KurtagicF200BIH15/03/1994
10Mahir FerhatbegovicF196BIH28/05/1995
11Filip Prusina G192BIH23/04/1995
12Amar Salcin G187BIH21/06/1995
13Emir AhmedovicC210BIH08/11/1994
14Stefan GlogovacF204BIH13/06/1994
15Doko Salic C210BIH18/09/1995


Standings - BIH League
D1 Standings
 1. Igokea 12-1 
 2. Bosna 11-2 
 3. Capljina 9-4 
 4. Leotar 9-4 
 5. Mladost 8-5 
 6. Varda HE 8-5 
 7. Hercegovac 6-7 
 8. Borac Nektar 5-7 
 9. Zrinjski HT 4-9 
 10. Servitium 4-9 
 11. Celik 3-10 
 12. Brotnjo 3-10 
 13. Vogosca 2-11 
Play in international cups:
 1. Siroki WWin 0-0 


*****************************************************
  BRAZIL   


Jeff Trepagnier is announced as the new reinforcement of Sorocaba - by Paulo Freire
To terminate the NBB season, the Liga Sorocabana de Basquete team announced the hiring of american Jeff Trepagnier (192-G-79, college: USC), former NBA and europe experience such asin the Italian basketball. Theguard was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round of the 2001 NBA Draft, coming from USC (University of Southern California). In the two following seasons, he played for the Denver Nuggets. In 2004, he was hired by the Eldo Napoli, starting his career in Europe.
Jeff comes in replace of James Parker, who was waived before the Christmas recess. The team occupies the 9th place in the table of the NBB, with 4 victory in 9 matches.
'He is a distinguished player. I hope he will bring more experience to the group.' said Rinaldo Rodrigues, coach and president of the LSB, about the new reinforcement.

Campo Mourao bring new players for Brazil Cup - by Paulo Freire
Representing of Parana State the Campo Mourao basketball team which is commanded by head coach Emerson de Souza already made his signings for the Brazil Cup dispute that will be qualification for the Super Cup Brazil that will be in may 2012, bringing together the eight best teams from the five regions of Brazil.

The team reached a new duo of point guards, Rafinha da Silva (183-G-88) and Djair Paulino (170-G-76)
Rafinha da Silva has 23 years old and 1.83 (m), in the 2011 season he defended the Americana Basketball team, he also played for clubs such Vila Velha, Vitoria, Vasco and Saldanha da Gama. Djair is a veteran who has 35 years old and 1.72 (m), he play in the earlie 2000 for important teams of the national scene such as Sport Club Ulbra, Americana Basketball, Sao Jose do Rio Preto, Bauru, Macae, among others.

For the forward position the team brought the experienced Roberto Ferreira (196-F/C-79, college: SUNO) who is 32 years old and 1.98 (m). The player has passage for Flamengo, Fluminense, Sao Jose dos Pinhais-PR, Joinville, Vila Velha and four seasons in college basketball.

For long distance shots the team brought the wingman Luciano Junior (201-F-86, college: Idaho) of 2.00 (m) and 25 years old. The last Club where he played was the Sorocaba in dispute of Series A1 of Paulista, also played in the Assis Basket and played for four years in college basketball in the United States.

From last season the Campo Mourao basketball team has renews the contract of Thiago Mathias (206-F-89, college: N.Mexico JC) and Guilherme Schneider (192-G-86).

*****************************************************
  CANADA   


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


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Justin KING
  TRU
  (--)
  Avg: 26.9
 1. King, TRU26.9 
 2. Fassett, St.Mary''s25.2 
 3. Habib, Memorial23.4 
 4. Mackinnon, Victoria22.0 
 5. Barbeau, Western21.6 
 6. Baker, Alberta21.5 
 7. Yu, UBC21.3 
 8. Diloreto, Windsor21.3 
 9. Ward, Ottawa21.0 
 10. Dorsey, Cape Bre.20.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Lien PHILLIP
  Windsor
  (203-F-89)
  Avg: 11.2
 1. Phillip, Windsor11.2 
 2. Klassen, Acadia10.8 
 3. Baker, Alberta10.8 
 4. King, TRU10.6 
 5. Burke, UBC10.5 
 6. Hadzimuratov., Lav.9.5 
 7. Dorsey, Cape Bret.9.0 
 8. Staniscia, Ryerson8.9 
 9. Hull, Laurentian8.6 
 10. Desroches, New B.8.3 
Assists Per Game
 Jimmy DORSEY
  Cape Breton
  (188-G-)
  Avg: 8.7
 1. Dorsey, Cape Bret.8.7 
 2. Kraus, Brock6.2 
 3. Yu, UBC6.0 
 4. Kanza Mata, Dalho.6.0 
 5. Vernon, St.Franc.5.8 
 6. Barrett, Saskatch.5.8 
 7. Shepherd, Memorial5.8 
 8. Helsby, Memorial5.8 
 9. Bonhomme, Brandon5.8 
 10. Collins, Windsor5.6 
Steals Per Game
 Terry THOMAS
  St.Franc.
  (193-G-)
  Avg: 4.3
 1. Thomas, St.Franc.4.3 
 2. Laroche, Concordia4.0 
 3. Cooper, Lethbridge3.5 
 4. Cote-K., UQ.3.0 
 5. Collins, Windsor2.9 
 6. Brown, UPEI2.8 
 7. Baker, Alberta2.8 
 8. Carter, Lakehead2.8 
 9. Cooper, UPEI2.8 
 10. Smith, TWU2.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Dominyc COWARD
  Lethbridge
  (198-F-)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Coward, Lethbridge1.8 
 2. Bains, UBC1.8 
 3. Thomas, St.Franc.1.8 
 4. Glisic, Toronto Un.1.4 
 5. Tufegdzich, York1.4 
 6. Andrews, Bishop''s1.3 
 7. Eyitayo, Concordia1.3 
 8. Klassen, Acadia1.2 
 9. Gibson, Brock1.2 
 10. Iko, Winnipeg1.1 


Jerome Brown suspended, Paul Campbell fined - by Eurobasket News
The National Basketball League of Canada has handed out a one-game suspension and a monetary fine to Jerome Brown (6'5''-G) of the Oshawa Power for throwing a punch during Sunday's game against the Halifax Rainmen at the Halifax Metro Centre.

The Power's Paul Campbell (6'10''-C-87, college: Hawaii), was also handed a fine for leaving the bench during the altercation.

'We expect our players to remain professional on and off the bench and fighting of any kind is unacceptable,' said John Kennedy, Commissioner of NBL Canada.

Brown, the 6'4, 200-pound Power shooting guard, has been suspended from Oshawa's January 5th rematch against the Halifax Rainmen.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

For Lightning, top ranking means little - by Eurobasket News
They're at the head of the class midway through their NBL of Canada season, but the London Lightning realize they still have much to do before they're ready for the final exam.

At 14-4, the Lightning have a 11/2-game lead over the Halifax Rainmen, and they have the perfect chance to widen that gap this weekend as the Rainmen, 11-4 heading into Thursday's game in Oshawa, come to town Saturday night for a 7 p.m. tipoff at the John Labatt Centre. Friday night, the Lightning are home to the Summerside Storm, who were 7-11 heading into Thursday night's game in Moncton.

'Those are big games,' head coach Michael Ray Richardson said Wednesday. 'We've got three home games left (on this homestand) and when we go back out on the road, we want to be 17-4. We can't afford to drop any more home games; we've already lost two and in my last three seasons (in the Continental Basketball Association), I didn't lose a single home game in the regular season.'

Understandably, being in first place at this point in the season means smiles all around the Lightning camp.

'It was a great first half,' Richardson said. 'And if we go 14-4 in the second half, that's a great year. And we may be 14-4, but right now we're just like everyone else -- we haven't won anything yet. Once we win a title, then we can say we're different from the rest.'

Richardson said the league's calibre of play has been good.

'Halifax is a good team, so is Quebec and Saint John. And even (last-place) Moncton, under Mike Evans, are getting a lot better -- they won last night,' he said of the 3-14 Miracles, who come back to London Jan. 12.

The Lightning promised winning, exciting basketball from the minute the franchise was born and so far, they've delivered.

'We've taken a lot of pride in what we've been able to do so far -- me, Taylor (Brown, GM) and Vito (Frijia, owner),' Richardson said. 'We wanted to provide the best entertainment, which we have; we wanted to play in the best arena, which we have; and we wanted to have the best basketball team, which we are.'

On the court, Richardson said he's been most pleased by his team's character.

'What I'm most happy about is, when we lose, how we come back and respond,' he said. 'We lost in Quebec over the Christmas break and we responded by winning in Saint John. We lost a home game to Oshawa and we responded by winning there. So we know what it takes to win.'

Still, it's not perfect.

'If there's one thing I'm disappointed with, it's our rebounding. And our free-throw shooting,' Richardson said. 'I know we can do better and we will do better in the second half.'

The Lightning addressed the former by bringing in 6-foot-8 forward Braxton Dupree. The latter will just take more work, said forward Shawn Daniels, who said the players have been most impressed by the reception they've received from the community.

'We definitely could be better sometimes, but for an expansion team, you can't ask for anything more,' he said. 'The support from the fans, their knowledge of the game and the enjoyment everyone has around the team has been fantastic, especially for this being a hockey town.'

And Daniels said there's no chance the Lightning will take their foot off the gas.

'We've got a couple of new guys and we've had some guys out injured, so we really haven't had a full lineup a lot of the time,' he said. 'With the veterans we have on this team and with Coach's mentality, there's no way we'll get complacent.'

Richardson said apart from working on those areas that need improvement, not much will change over the final 18 games of the regular season.

'We're just going to play the basketball we know and the way we know how,' he said. 'If it's not broke, why would you want to fix it?'

Courtesy of www.lfpress.com

Oshawa Power trades leading scoring Akeem Wright to Moncton - by Eurobasket News
The Oshawa Power have jettisoned their leading scorer in a trade and will have a new face in the lineup when they take the court Thursday night.

Forward Akeem Wright (6'6''-G-84, college: Kansas St.) was dealt by the Power on Wednesday to the Moncton Miracles in exchange for fellow forward Andrew Collins.

Wright, who hails from Philadelphia and is a Kansas State alum, played all 22 games for the Power and led the club in scoring with 15.8 points a game. He scored 20-plus points five times for the 7-15 Power, but is coming off a tough weekend in which he combined for just 13 points in a pair of Oshawa loses.

He was highly sought-after player during the summer when the Power was putting its roster together, and president of basketball operations Gary Durrant indicated it wasn't an easy decision to deal Wright, but wished him well in moving on.

'Akeem Wright is a very talented player and we appreciate everything that he has done for this team and wish him all the best in his future endeavours,' said Durrant in a press release issued by the Power announcing the trade.

Meanwhile, in Francis the Power believes it's getting a tough, athletic wing player that will fill a few holes on the roster.

'Andrew brings a great skill set to our team including the ability to rebound, and shoot with consistency,' noted Durrant. 'He adds length, athleticism and tenacity to our lineup.'

Francis measures in at six-foot-seven and 210 pounds and had played in 15 games for the Miracles prior to the deal, averaging 12.8 points and 6.1 rebounds a game.

He surely made a good impression on the Power when the two club's hooked up last week in Moncton, scoring 15 points and grabbing 10 rebounds for the Miracles in the Power win. Wright, meanwhile, had 17 and 10 in that game.

Francis and Wright will have a chance to face their former club's on Jan. 29 when the Power visits Moncton, while the debut of Francis in a Power uniform is expected to come Thursday night in Halifax.

Courtesy of www.durhamregion.com

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  CHINA   


Standings - CBA
CBA Standings
 1. Guandong ST 15-4 
 2. Guangsha L. 14-5 
 3. Beijing Ducks 14-5 
 4. Zhejiang C. 11-7 
 5. DongGuan L. 11-8 
 6. Liaoning H. 11-8 
 7. Shanghai S. 11-8 
 8. Xinjiang F.T. 10-7 
 9. Fujian XX 10-9 
 10. Shanxi Zh. 8-9 
 11. Qingdao DS 8-11 
 12. Jilin NE T. 7-12 
 13. Shandong FB 7-12 
 14. Bayi Fubang 6-12 
 15. TianJin R. 6-13 
 16. Foshan 5-13 
 17. Jiangsu D. 4-15 


Stats Leaders - CBA
Points Per Game
 J.R. SMITH
  Zhejiang C.
  (198-G-85)
  Avg: 33.6
 1. Smith, Zhejiang C.33.6 
 2. Hudson, Qingdao DS33.1 
 3. Williams, Shanxi Z.29.7 
 4. Gaines, Shanxi Zh.28.4 
 5. Chandler, Guangsha.28.3 
 6. McDonald, Fujian X.28.2 
 7. Mills, Xinjiang.26.5 
 8. Akognon, DongGuan.26.0 
 9. Martin, Jilin N.25.7 
 10. Vroman, Jiangsu D.25.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Zaid ABBAS
  Fujian XX
  (203-F-83)
  Avg: 15.2
 1. Abbas, Fujian XX15.2 
 2. Oyedeji, Qingdao DS13.8 
 3. Ramos, Guangsha L.13.7 
 4. Harvey, TianJin R.13.5 
 5. Gadzuric, Jiang.13.1 
 6. Gaines, Shanxi Zh.12.9 
 7. Hunter, Shandong12.8 
 8. Boone, Zhejiang C.12.3 
 9. Randolph, DongGua.12.3 
 10. Harris, Shanghai12.1 
Assists Per Game
 Osama DAGHLES
  Jilin N.
  (198-G-79)
  Avg: 7.8
 1. Daghles, Jilin N.7.8 
 2. Hudson, Qingdao DS6.3 
 3. Marbury, Beijing6.2 
 4. Yang, Liaoning H.5.8 
 5. Brooks, Guandong5.1 
 6. Lu, Shanxi Zh.5.1 
 7. Mengke, Xinjiang.5.0 
 8. Anderson, Shandon.4.7 
 9. Zhang, Liaoning H.4.6 
 10. Williams, Shanxi4.5 
Steals Per Game
 Lester HUDSON
  Qingdao DS
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 3.3
 1. Hudson, Qingdao DS3.3 
 2. Lee, Beijing Ducks2.9 
 3. Smith, Zhejiang C.2.8 
 4. Hu, Jiangsu D.2.6 
 5. Daghles, Jilin N.2.6 
 6. Vroman, Jiangsu D.2.5 
 7. Anderson, Shandon.2.4 
 8. Marbury, Beijing2.4 
 9. Lu, Shanxi Zh.2.3 
 10. Williams, Shanxi2.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Dan GADZURIC
  Jiang.
  (211-C-78)
  Avg: 2
 1. Gadzuric, Jiang.2.0 
 2. Randolph, DongGua.1.8 
 3. Zhang, Shanghai S.1.8 
 4. Douthit, Foshan1.7 
 5. Xu, Bayi Fubang1.7 
 6. Boone, Zhejiang C.1.7 
 7. Vroman, Jiangsu D.1.6 
 8. Carney, Liaoning H.1.6 
 9. Morris, Beijing Du.1.5 
 10. Abbas, Fujian XX1.4 


Gani Lawal claims Chinese CBA weekly honour - by Eurobasket News
American Gani Lawal (206-F-88) had an amazing evening in the last round for Xinjiang F.T. and that's him to receive a Asia-basket.com Player of the Week award for round 20.
The 23-year old forward had a double-double of 38 points and nineteen rebounds, while his team crushed Bayi Fubang (#14, 6-12) with 19-point margin 102-83. Xinjiang F.T. maintains the 8th position in Chinese CBA. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Xinjiang F.T. will need more victories to improve their 10-7 record. Lawal turned to be Xinjiang F.T.'s top player in his first season with the team. Gani Lawal averages just after two games 32.5ppg and 21.5rpg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 34-year old American guard Stephon Marbury (187-G-77) of Beijing Ducks. Marbury impressed basketball fans with 35 points, 3 rebounds and 9 assists. Bad luck as Beijing Ducks lost that game 99-112 to slightly higher-ranked Guandong ST (#1, 15-4). It was definitely game of the week between two contenders to the title. Beijing Ducks still maintains its place in the top 3 of the standings, even despite this loss. His team's 14-5 record is not bad at all. Marbury is a newcomer at Beijing Ducks and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders.

The third best performed player last round was American Will McDonald (211-C-79) of Fujian XX (#9). McDonald got into 30-points club by scoring 37 points in the last round. He went also for twelve rebounds and four assists. He was a key player of Fujian XX, leading his team to a 102-78 easy win against the higher-ranked Zhejiang C. (#4, 11-7). Fujian XX needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 10 victories and 9 lost games. McDonald has a great season in China. After 18 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 28.2ppg (6th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Marcus Douthit (210-C/F-80) of Foshan - 29 points, 13 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Alan Anderson (198-G/F-82) of Shandong FB - 29 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists
6. Mike Harris (198-F-83) of Shanghai S. - 25 points and 14 rebounds
7. Shavlik Randolph (208-F-83) of DongGuan L. - 29 points and 14 rebounds
8. James Singleton (203-F-81) of Guandong ST - 29 points and 12 rebounds
9. Aaron Brooks (183-PG-85) of Guandong ST - 32 points, 4 rebounds and 8 assists
10. J.R. Smith (198-G-85) of Zhejiang C. - 35 points and 8 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)

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  CROATIA   


Kvarner signs Josip Blajic - by Eurobasket News
Josip Blajic (192-G-87, agency: Court Side) will continue his career in Kvarner 2010. He penned a deal for rest of the season. Blajic arrives from Cibona, where he didnt appear in any official game. Blajic split last season between Trogir and Alkar. With Trogir he had 13.6 ppg, 4.3 apg and 3.5 rpg for 8 games in Croatian league. Later he added 11.2 ppg, 3.9 apg and 3 rpg for 20 games with Alkar. Blajic played for Trogir also in 2009/10 season. Before that, he spent few years with Alkar. Josip Blajic is active member of the Croatian B National Team. He played for U20 and U18 Croatia in the past.

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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


Levharti Chomutov and Richard Anderson Part Ways - by Surujh Roopnarine
Management of Levharti Chomutov announced on Monday that the team and veteran forward Richard Anderson (199-F-77) had mutually agreed to part ways.
The 34-year old Anderson had appeared in all 20 games played up to that point, averaging 6.5 points and a team-leading 4.9 rebounds in 19 minutes per contest while shooting 46.2% from the field and 60.9% from the field. Anderson, a former Canadian National Team member, spent his last two seasons in Estonia where he was named Eurobasket.com All-Estonian League Honorable Mention both years. Chomutov dropped their first game of the New Year, 83-98 on the road against BC Kolin and now sit in 10th position with a 7-14 record on the season.

Ravone George and Turi Svitavy Part Ways - by Surujh Roopnarine
Fourth-year guard Ravone George (193-G-83, college: Alabama) and the management of Turi Basketbal Svitavy have mutually agreed to part ways.
This season the 28-year old George appeared in 15 games averaging 14.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 56.5% on two-point field goals and 31.7% from three. He joined Turi Basketbal Svitavy for the end of the 2010-11 season, playing in eight games before returning for a second year. George, 6-4, finished his collegiate career at Murray State and has played professionally in Austria, Estonia and Slovakia in addition to the Czech Republic.



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  D-LEAGUE   


Standings
D-League Standings
East Conference
 1. Iowa E. 10-4 
 2. Canton C. 7-7 
 3. Springfield A. 7-7 
 4. Dakota W. 6-6 
 5. Erie Bay H. 6-9 
 6. Ft.Wayne MA 5-10 
 7. Sioux Falls S. 5-10 
 8. Maine RC 4-10 
West Conference
 1. Los Angeles D. 11-6 
 2. Rio Grande VV 10-6 
 3. Austin T. 9-3 
 4. Bakersfield J. 8-6 
 5. Reno B. 8-7 
 6. Tulsa 66ers 7-6 
 7. Idaho S. 6-8 
 8. Texas L. 5-9 


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Blake AHEARN
  Reno B.
  (188-PG-84)
  Avg: 26.1
 1. Ahearn, Reno B.26.1 
 2. Costner, Los A.25.6 
 3. Millsap, Los A.23.4 
 4. Emmett, Reno B.21.8 
 5. Dentmon, Austin T.21.7 
 6. Howard, Ft.Wayne.21.5 
 7. Mitchell, Sioux F.20.7 
 8. Moses Randal., Iow.19.8 
 9. Biggs, Canton C.19.6 
 10. Garcia, Sioux F.19.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Marcus LEWIS
  Tulsa 66ers
  (203-F/C-86)
  Avg: 14.4
 1. Lewis, Tulsa 66ers14.4 
 2. Famous, Iowa E.11.0 
 3. Milligan, Canton C.10.8 
 4. Dawson, Austin T.10.3 
 5. Thomas, Reno B.9.8 
 6. Daniels, Erie B.9.6 
 7. Harris, Maine RC9.6 
 8. Brown, Springfield9.4 
 9. Foote, Springfield9.1 
 10. Reid, Tulsa 66ers8.9 
Assists Per Game
 Walker RUSSELL
  Ft.Wayne.
  (183-G-82)
  Avg: 9.1
 1. Russell, Ft.Wayne.9.1 
 2. Sloan, Erie Bay H.8.4 
 3. Tinsley, Los A.7.6 
 4. Coleman, Sioux F.7.5 
 5. Cooksey, Texas L.7.3 
 6. Ewing, Iowa E.7.0 
 7. Ahearn, Reno B.6.7 
 8. Baker, Dakota W.6.5 
 9. Bailey, Idaho S.6.4 
 10. Bozeman, Reno B.6.2 
Steals Per Game
 Elijah MILLSAP
  Los A.
  (198-G-87)
  Avg: 3
 1. Millsap, Los A.3.0 
 2. Curry, Springfield2.4 
 3. Tinsley, Los A.2.4 
 4. Baker, Dakota W.2.4 
 5. Fortson, Los A.2.3 
 6. Coleman, Sioux F.2.1 
 7. Dyson, Tulsa 66ers2.1 
 8. Harris, Rio G.2.1 
 9. Russell, Ft.Wayne.2.1 
 10. Dentmon, Austin2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Will FOSTER
  Idaho S.
  (226-C-88)
  Avg: 3.5
 1. Foster, Idaho S.3.5 
 2. Daniels, Erie B.2.4 
 3. Thompson, Erie B.2.0 
 4. Dove, Dakota W.1.9 
 5. Tisdale, Maine RC1.6 
 6. Anderson, Dakota1.6 
 7. Fazekas, Reno B.1.5 
 8. Kent, Maine RC1.5 
 9. Sensley, Rio G.1.4 
 10. Washington, Erie1.4 


Raptors' Alabi headed to D-League - by Eurobasket News
Solomon Alabi (7'1''-C-88, college: Florida St.) is heading back to the NBA Development League.

The 7-foot-1 centre was assigned to the Bakersfield Jam of the NBADL on Wednesday. He will still be included on Toronto's roster, but will be placed on the inactive list.

Alabi made three trips to the D-League last season, totalling 22 games, where he averaged 7.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.8 bloocks per game in 18.5 minutes.

Alabi has only managed to get off of the Raptors' bench once this season and played 12 games for the club last season.

Head coach Dwane Casey recently told the Toronto Sun that Alabi desperately needed playing time in order to develop.

Really, Solo needs to play more than anything else to learn the NBA game and adjust to the speed, Casey said.

'A summer league would have been great for him. All the workout drills dont really help him (as much as game situations).

On Wednesday, Casey said backup point guard Jerryd Bayless is day-to-day with a sore ankle, while centre Aaron Gray also remains day-to-day. Forward Linas Kleiza continues to work his way back from off-season surgery and is doing offensive drills without defenders, but still needs to be cleared by his doctors in Colorado before he can fully scrimmage.

Meanwhile, Raptors have three players listed on this year's NBA all-star ballot - Andrea Bargnani, Jose Calderon and DeMar DeRozan.

Courtesy of www.torontosun.com

Cavs assign Christian Eyenga to Canton Charge - by Eurobasket News
The goal is simple for Christian Eyenga (6'7''-G-89).

Just to be consistent, the Cleveland Cavaliers 22-year-old forward said. They know what I can do, and they want me to do it every time.

His chance to prove it will come in Canton.

The Cavaliers assigned Eyenga to the Charge on Wednesday, making him the first Cleveland player to be sent down to the organizations exclusive NBA Development League affiliate.

The 6-foot-7, 210-pound Eyenga is a young player with eye-popping athleticism and a skill set in need of some polish.

Cavaliers head coach Byron Scott had not made a secret his displeasure with the play of Eyenga through training camp, specifically on the defensive end.

Then, through the Cavs first five games, Eyenga played a grand total of one minute.

Eyenga played 44 games (starting 18) for the Cavaliers during his rookie campaign last year and averaged 6.9 points and 2.8 rebounds. While a demotion might be hard to swallow, he seemed positive Wednesday after going through his first practice with the Charge.

Its very fortunate for me to get to come and compete and get better, said Eyenga, a native of the Republic of Congo. I can say nothing about it. The Cavs have the right to put me here. They feel its good for me to come here, play and compete. Im not thinking of this as a bad thing.

Eyenga, the 30th pick in the first round of the 2009 NBA Draft, played in 15 games last year with the D-Leagues Erie BayHawks the Cavaliers former affiliate. He averaged 12.3 points on 53.1 percent shooting and 4.7 rebounds. So hes well acquainted with life in the D-League.

Said Charge head coach Alex Jensen, The thing he has to look at is, Im playing. Use it as an opportunity.

Its nothing but a positive from the Charges perspective. They get to add a talented player with NBA experience without having to waive a player to make room for him.

D-League teams can increase their rosters from 10 up to 12 for assigned players. They can add a third assigned player, but a corresponding move must be made so the roster doesnt exceed 12.

Eyengas assignment is an example of one of the main reasons the Cavaliers own and operate the Charge.

He can continue to develop instead of rotting on the Cavaliers bench, and hell do it while running the same system as the Cavaliers.

Were going to be running the same plays. Hes going to hear, No middle (on defense), everyday. Hes going to hear defense and rebounding, Jensen said.

Thats the nice thing: Hes going to hear the same things hes going to hear in Cleveland, but hes going to be able to play on the court.

The Charge (7-7) return to the court Friday against Fort Wayne at Memorial Civic Center, starting at 7:30 p.m.

Courtesy of www.cantonrep.com

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  ESTONIA   


Baltic Sea Basketball Cup: Estonia U18 edge Latvia U18 in the last game - by Eurobasket News
Latvia U18-Estonia U18 69:73

Estonia U18 edge Latvia U18 in the last game of Baltic Sea Basketball Cup. Both teams finished with 2-1 records, but allowed the Finnish side with the same record to triumph in the tournament.
Latvia started with 14-10, but lost the half due to the second frame. Estonia bounced back with 24-8 in the second quarter to take 34:22 at the halftime. Latvia again replied with 23-16 and even won the last stanza 24-23. It was not however enough to escape the first loss.
Estonias biggest scorer was Kent Vene, who brought 20 points. Sander Saare (180-PG-94) added 13 and Martin Jurtom (197-F-94) 12 points and 13 rebounds. Latvias best was Ivars Zvigurs (193-G-95) with 22 points and 10 rebounds. He was supported by Dimitrijs Brizgalovs (186-G-94) 18 and Toms Leimanis (183-G-94) 12 points.

Latvia U18: Ivars Zvigurs 22+10 rebs, Dimitrijs Brizgalovs 18, Toms Leimanis 12,
Estonia U18: Kent Vene (192-F-94) 20, Sander Saare 13, Martin Jurtom 12+13 rebs, Kaarel Traumann (185-G-94) 7, Aleksis Anijarv (180-G-94) 7

Baltic Sea Basketball Cup: Latvia U16 wins the tournament - by Eurobasket News
Latvia U16-Estonia U16 81:52

Latvia U16 beat Estonia U16 81:52 and due to that, they also won the tournament and left Estonians in second and Swedish in third place. Sweden U16 won over Finland U16 in the last game of the Baltic Sea Basketball Cup for the third place.
Latvia produced a 24-12 first quarter and never looked behind after. They upset the hosts with 19-12 in the second frame and took 43:24 at the halftime. Moreover Latvia won the third quarter 23-16 and finished the game with 15-12.
Latvia showed 35% from the field, while Estonia had 33%.
Rudolfs Stradnieks (202-C-96) stepped up with 17 points and 12 rebounds, while Davis Zonne (183-PG-96) also scored 17. Ricards Melderis (185-PG-96) delivered 14, and Artis Arnitis (195-C-96) netted 10. Ken Lill (188-G-96) ended up with 10 points in the losing effort and Kristofer Kurvits (192-G/F-96) added 9.

Latvia U16: Rudolfs Stradnieks 17+12 rebs, Davis Zonne 17, Ricards Melderis 14, Artis Arnitis 10
Estonia U16: Ken Lill 10, Kristofer Kurvits 9

*****************************************************
  EUROCHALLENGE   


Standings
EuroChallenge Standings
Group I
 1. Roanne 0-0 
 2. Leiden 0-0 
 3. Ventspils 0-0 
 4. EWE Baskets 0-0 
Group J
 1. Aalstar 0-0 
 2. Telekom Baskets 0-0 
 3. Chalon 0-0 
 4. Szolnok 0-0 
Group K
 1. BK Pardubice 0-0 
 2. Besiktas 0-0 
 3. Fuenlabrada 0-0 
 4. N.Novgorod 0-0 
Group L
 1. Triumph 0-0 
 2. Art.Dragons 0-0 
 3. Karsiyaka 0-0 
 4. Antwerp 0-0 


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


Standings - Division I
1st Division Standings
 1. FoKoPo 11-2 
 2. Tapiolan Honka 11-3 
 3. Oulun NMKY 9-4 
 4. BC Nokia 9-4 
 5. Lapua 9-4 
 6. Pyrinto II 8-5 
 7. Huima 6-7 
 8. Ura Basket 5-9 
 9. Porvoon Tarmo 4-8 
 10. SayRi 4-9 
 11. ToPo Akatemia 2-12 
 12. Jyvaskyla 1-12 


Stats Leaders - Division I
Points Per Game
 Walter BAXLEY
  Lapua
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 28.7
 1. Baxley, Lapua28.7 
 2. Phillips, Oulun N.25.2 
 3. Williams, Lapua23.2 
 4. Manning, Huima21.7 
 5. Nofflet, Oulun N.21.6 
 6. Stamper, Pyrin.21.3 
 7. Abdullah, SayRi20.2 
 8. Green, Ura Basket19.7 
 9. Henderson, Porvoo.19.4 
 10. January, BC Nokia19.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Kenneth COOPER
  SayRi
  (208-C-87)
  Avg: 14.4
 1. Cooper, SayRi14.4 
 2. Moultrie, Oulun N.14.1 
 3. January, BC Nokia11.0 
 4. Bojang, FoKoPo10.8 
 5. Britton, Huima10.8 
 6. Stamper, Pyrin.10.7 
 7. Townes, BC Nokia10.5 
 8. Coleman, FoKoPo10.4 
 9. Williams, Lapua9.8 
 10. Green, Ura Basket9.7 
Assists Per Game
 Treylon MANNING
  Huima
  (176-PG-85)
  Avg: 5.4
 1. Manning, Huima5.4 
 2. Phillips, Oulun N.5.1 
 3. Ikavalko, FoKoPo4.7 
 4. Viertola, Huima4.1 
 5. Riihela, BC Nokia3.8 
 6. Henderson, Porvoo.3.7 
 7. Jackson, Lapua3.2 
 8. Storrs, Jyvaskyla2.9 
 9. Harjula, Pyrinto II2.7 
 10. Baxley, Lapua2.6 
Steals Per Game
 Emmanuel JACKSON
  Lapua
  (188-G-86)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Jackson, Lapua2.7 
 2. Townes, BC Nokia2.2 
 3. January, BC Nokia1.9 
 4. Vanjoki, Tapiolan.1.9 
 5. Bojang, FoKoPo1.8 
 6. Nofflet, Oulun N.1.8 
 7. King, Porvoon1.7 
 8. Williams, Lapua1.6 
 9. Green, Ura Basket1.6 
 10. Abdullah, SayRi1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Brian MOULTRIE
  Oulun N.
  (198-C/F-87)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Moultrie, Oulun N.2.3 
 2. Andrews, Ura B.1.9 
 3. Nordman, Tapiolan.1.2 
 4. January, BC Nokia1.2 
 5. Cooper, SayRi1.1 
 6. Laitinen, Tapiol.1.1 
 7. Pulkkinen, Pyrin.0.9 
 8. Britton, Huima0.8 
 9. Townes, BC Nokia0.8 
 10. Molenius, FoKoPo0.8 


Baltic Sea Basketball Cup: Finland U18 triumphed in Tallinn - by Eurobasket News
Finland U18-Sweden U18 85:73

Finland U18 triumphed at Baltic Sea Basketball Cup. After the loss from the Latvian side in Day 1, the Finnish team needed a 85:73 victory over Sweden to step up on the top position.
Finland started with 19-10 in the first period and added 20-17 in the second frame. Sweden produced 25-21 in the third quarter to hope for the end of the game. Finland meanwhile finished the game with 25-21 to seal the victory.
Joonas Lehtoranta (185-F/G-94) top-scored for the winners with 22 points and Julius Rajala (204-F-94) added 14. Miikka Luosmaa (202-C-94) notched 10 points, while Niko Mattila (191-G-94) and Oskar Michelsen (197-F-95) delivered 8 each. Johan Lofberg (193-G/F-95) ended up with 17 points and Filip Kovacek (180-PG-95) netted 14. Jesper Eliasson (201-F-94) followed them with 12 points in defeat as Sweden lost all three games.

Finland U18: Joonas Lehtoranta 22, Julius Rajala 14, Miikka Luosmaa 10, Niko Mattila 8, Oskar Michelsen 8
Sweden U18: Johan Lofberg 17, Filip Kovacek 14 Jesper Eliasson 12

Baltic Sea Basketball Cup: Sweden U16 beat Finland U16 to finish the tournament - by Eurobasket News
Finland U16-Sweden U16 42:72

Sweden U16 won over Finland U16 in the last game of the Baltic Sea Basketball Cup. The winners finished on the third place with 2-1 record. Latvia beat Estonia 81:52 and due to that, they also won the tournament and left Estonians in second and Swedish in third place. Finland finished on the last spot.
Sweden took the lead from the very beginning and reached 19-6 after the first 10 minutes. Moreover they added 12-8 in the second frame and won also the next two quarters. Sweden needed 16-9 in the third frame and 25-19 in the last one to win with 30-point margin.
William Skagius (196-C-96) top-scored for the winners with 21 points and Sheriff Drammeh (179-G-96) netted 12. Oliver Gustavsson (195-F-96) delivered 11, whilst Erik Johansson (194-F-96) and Ludvig Swanstrom (191-F-96) nailed 10 apiece. Henri Niemisto (194-G-96) replied with 12 points in the losing effort, while Akseli Hartikainen (193-F-96) and Thomas vanSanten had 6 each.

Finland U16: Henri Niemisto 12, Akseli Hartikainen 6, Thomas Van Santen (205-C-96) 6
Sweden U16: William Skagius 21, Sheriff Drammeh 12, Oliver Gustavsson 11, Erik Johansson 10, Ludvig Swanstrom 10

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


Standings - 1. Bundesliga
1.Bundesliga Standings
 1. Brose Baskets 13-2 
 2. Ratiopharm 13-2 
 3. Art.Dragons 12-4 
 4. ALBA 10-5 
 5. EWE Baskets 9-6 
 6. NY Phantoms 9-7 
 7. B.Muenchen 9-7 
 8. s.Oliver Baskets 9-7 
 9. Bremerhaven 8-8 
 10. Telekom Baskets 8-8 
 11. Bayreuth 7-9 
 12. Fraport SKY 6-10 
 13. Walter Tigers 6-10 
 14. Phoenix Hagen 6-10 
 15. EnBW L'burg 5-11 
 16. LTi 46ers 5-11 
 17. TBB Trier 5-11 
 18. Goettingen 2-14 


Stats Leaders - 1.Bundesliga
Points Per Game
 Bobby BROWN
  EWE Baskets
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 18.3
 1. Brown, EWE Baskets18.3 
 2. Holston, Art.Drag.17.5 
 3. Carter, Phoenix16.9 
 4. Foster, B.Muenchen15.5 
 5. Jonusas, Phoenix15.2 
 6. Ensminger, Teleko.15.1 
 7. Leuer, Fraport SKY14.8 
 8. Swann, Ratiopharm14.5 
 9. Jeffers, LTi 46ers14.4 
 10. Burrell, EWE B.14.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 John BRYANT
  Ratiopharm
  (208-C-87)
  Avg: 9.8
 1. Bryant, Ratiopharm9.8 
 2. Chubb, EWE Baskets8.3 
 3. Ensminger, Teleko.8.3 
 4. Evans, Goettingen7.9 
 5. Davidson, Fraport7.9 
 6. Leuer, Fraport SKY7.8 
 7. Watts, Ratiopharm7.1 
 8. Sykes, Goettingen7.1 
 9. Zirbes, TBB Trier6.6 
 10. Ovcina, LTi 46ers6.6 
Assists Per Game
 Jared JORDAN
  Telekom .
  (188-PG-84)
  Avg: 7.4
 1. Jordan, Telekom7.4 
 2. Holston, Art.Drag.5.8 
 3. Wood, ALBA5.3 
 4. Joyce, TBB Trier5.3 
 5. Brown, EWE Baskets5.2 
 6. Brewer, Bremerha.5.1 
 7. Hamann, B.Muenchen4.6 
 8. Campbell, Walter T.4.5 
 9. Gibson, Bayreuth4.4 
 10. Everett, Bremerha.4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Nate LINHART
  TBB Trier
  (201-F-86)
  Avg: 1.9
 1. Linhart, TBB Trier1.9 
 2. Holston, Art.Drag.1.6 
 3. Dorris, EnBW L.1.6 
 4. Redding, Walter T.1.5 
 5. Kramer, s.Oliv.1.4 
 6. Wood, ALBA1.4 
 7. Carter, Phoenix1.4 
 8. Crowe, Phoenix1.4 
 9. Bernard, LTi 46ers1.3 
 10. Jacobson, s.Oliv.1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Ekenechukwu IBEKWE
  Bayreuth
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Ibekwe, Bayreuth2.1 
 2. Slaughter, Brose B.1.8 
 3. Gaffney, Teleko.1.8 
 4. Looby, EnBW L.1.7 
 5. Davidson, Fraport1.5 
 6. Pleiss, Brose B.1.4 
 7. King, Art.Dragons1.3 
 8. Bryant, Ratiopharm1.1 
 9. Redding, Walter T.1.0 
 10. Boone, s.Oliver.0.9 


Johannes Lischka claims German 1.Bundesliga weekly honour - by Eurobasket News
Former international power forward Johannes Lischka (203-F/C-87) had an amazing evening in the last round for EnBW L'burg and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 16.
The 24-year old power forward had a double-double of 19 points and thirteen rebounds, while his team beat Walter Tigers (#13, 6-10) 80-74. The game was not the highest importance and did not have significant influence on the top of the standings. EnBW L'burg is placed at 15th position in German 1.Bundesliga. EnBW L'burg is rather a weak team placed in lower part in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 5-10 record. It's Lischka's second year at EnBW L'burg and it's hard to imagine this team without him. Johannes Lischka averages this season 10.7ppg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 30-year old American power forward Adam Chubb (208-F/C-81, agency: Pro One Sports) of EWE Baskets. Chubb impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 19 points and 11 rebounds. Of course EWE Baskets cruised to a 97-89 relatively comfortable win over the lower-ranked Bremerhaven (#9, 8-8). This victory allowed EWE Baskets to move up to 5th position in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 9-6 record is not bad and everything may still change. Chubb is a newcomer at EWE Baskets and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders.

The third best performed player last round was another EWE Baskets' star - American Bobby Brown (188-G-84, agency: Priority Sports). Brown scored 22 points and passed nine assists. He was another key player of EWE Baskets, helping his team with a 97-89 win against the lower-ranked Bremerhaven (#9, 8-8). EWE Baskets needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 9 victories and 6 lost games. Brown has a great season in Germany. After 15 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 18.3ppg (best scorer) and assists with 5.2apg (4th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Elvir Ovcina (210-F/C-76) of LTi 46ers - 20 points and 13 rebounds
5. John Bowler (206-F-84) of EnBW L'burg - 22 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Tommy Mason-Griffin (180-PG-89) of Ratiopharm - 19 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Ricky Harris (188-G-87) of s.Oliver Baskets - 20 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Jermareo Davidson (208-F-84) of Fraport SKY - 16 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists
9. Jonathan Wallace (187-G-86) of B.Muenchen - 26 points and 2 rebounds
10. Jason Boone (198-F/C-85) of s.Oliver Baskets - 20 points and 8 rebounds

The Player of the week is chosen 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)

Regionalliga stars: Michael Taylor - by Moritz Korff
Playing in the 1. Regionalliga does not necessarily mean that you are not good enough to make an impact in the 2. Bundesliga or even in the BBL. Far from it! Oftentimes those players who shine at the regional level just go under the radar, while nationwide attention would be appropriate. On the other hand side, in some cases a year or two in the Regionalliga have marked the beginning of a stellar career, as a number of example indicate, especially for players coming out off small colleges who took their first steps overseas on the way up at the regional level. So who's next? Maybe one of those current Regionalliga standouts that Eurobasket Germany will take a closer look at in the near future.

As a rookie spending his first year overseas Michael Taylor (193-G-87, college: Whitworth) should have been the one to learn from his team mates, the one who needs some advice and the one who is among the youngest on his team. But this may not be the case, if you arrive with the recommendation of a whole array of experts who had presented you with NCAA Division 3 Player of the Year honors only a couple of months ago. And since Taylor joined the team of the Basketball Akademie Weser-Ems/Oldenburger TB, basically consisting of a bunch of talented teenagers with little veteran leadership, his job exceeded the usual assignments of a first year player from the start. But thanks to his oustanding senior campaign with NCAA D3 powerhouse Whitworth, Taylor, who attended D1 schools Eastern Washington and Montana earlier, was prepared: 'At Montana I came off the bench and was mostly used as a shooter and a role player. After we made it to the NCAA tournament my junior season, I decided to go to Whitworth, where my fiance (now wife) Taylor and two cousins played basketball. Coach Hayford said I would be a good fit in his program. I knew a change to a Christian University would be great and the basketball program had a long winning tradition. I did have a much more key role at Whitworth, which helped me improve many facets of my game. I had to improve both with and ball and without it, as well as on defense. We played lots of matchup zone at Division 1 and almost always man to man at Whitworth. The role I played at Whitworth, with a young team, is very similar to the role they have asked me to play here.'

The Wenatchee, Washington native settled in well and quickly at his new team. He is leading the young Oldenburg squad in more than one category, including scoring (23.7ppg), total field goals and three pointers made and steals per game (1.7spg). BAWE/OTB got off to a hot start in the 1. Regionalliga North and prolonged the winning streak each and every week: The team is currently 11-0, sitting in first place of the RLN standings: 'We have done a great job both as players and coaches of preparing ourselves in practice. The harder we work in practice the better opportunity we create at improving. We must continue to do this the rest of the season', Taylor says. Though some wins resembled a grind - like the 108-100 overtime thriller versus Magdeburg in December - that does not diminish the outcome, according to Taylor: 'First, I think a win is a win regardless of the opponent. We have had a variety of wins, all of which took our whole team. We have had wins where we shot high percentages and played tough defense, but we have also had close wins where we only played half of the game well. In our close wins, we did not play a complete game on both sides of the ball. Consistency on both sides of the ball, starts in practice and will be necessary if we want to continue winning.'

Considering Taylor's performances the 25-year-old seems to be a very serious POY contender, as he continues to leave his mark with the Oldenburg team: 'The Regionalliga North has some great competition. The skill sets of the players are quite similar to that of the D3 level. Some of the post players are bigger than the ones I ran into at D3, but overall the competition in this league if very similar to that of the D3 level. I had to get used to some rules being different, as well as a shorter shot clock and back court violation. I feel that the game here is very similar to my college games, with some differences in physicality and defenses.'
While playing professionally in Germany, Taylor's ties to home are still strong. When his former Whitworth coach Jim Hayford, who was named the head coach of D1 programme Eastern Washington this year, was considering Oldenburg's big man Frederik Joerg (215-C-92) for an athletic scholarship, Taylor provided some insight: 'Freddy was being recruited before I came to Oldenburg, but once I arrived, I thought it would be foolish to not give him a first hand account of playing at D1 and in the Big Sky conference. I also had contact with Coach Hayford and his staff about Freddy, but I was not a scout, but rather a player who had first hand experience. I am excited for Freddy to play at EWU and I know he will have coaches who care about him as a player and as a person.'

2012 Beko BBL Allstar Slam Dunkers And Three Point Shooters Named - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
16 days to go and then it will be time again for the 2012 Beko BBL Allstar game and today the league named the players who will be partcipating in the slam dunk contest and in the three point shooting contest. Two dunkers that particpated last season in Trier will get another chance to try to win the competition in Ludwigsburg as TBB Trier guard John Bynum and EnBW Ludwigsburg guard Mark Dorris will be on flight to the basket. Further players invited to dunk are Brose Baskets Bamberg forward Marcus Slaughter who has had some memorable dunks this season, Chevon Troutman of FC Bayern Munich and Tony Gaffney of the Telekom Baskets Bonn. The league also announced the three point shooters who had to qualify with the highest shooting percentage having taken at least 25 shots. The best three point shooter to qualify was Ludwigsburg forward Donatas Zavackas with 47,3%, followed by Artland Dragon Johannes Strasser and Oldenburg American Rickey Paulding who both shot 44,7% and then ratiopharm Ulm Keaton Nankivil (203-F-89, college: Wisconsin) with 44,1% who beat FC Bayern Munich yesterday with a last second shot and BBC Bayreuth guard Osvaldo Jeanty with 44,8% who won the competition in 2009 in Mannheim.

Source: Beko BBL

Giessen Pointers waive their leading scorer Danny Sumner - by Moritz Korff
The Giessen Pointers are currently ranked 11th in the 2. Bundesliga Pro B South and are in peril of being relegated, but felt nonetheless that it would be the right thing to do to waive their leading scorer Danny Sumner (201-F-87, college: William & Mary). The 24-year-old forward tallied a team high 16.6 points per contest through 14 appearances on the Giessen team. Sumner scored a personal season high 33 points against Frankfurt in December and led the Pointers in scoring on six occassions. In his last game for the team, a 81-91 loss to Langen shortly before the christmas break, he collected 20 points and four boards.

The Mitteldeutscher BC bring In Agnis Cavars - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

The Mitteldeutscher BC of the PRO A announced today that Agnis Cavars (198-F-86) will join the team until the end of the season to help out at the forward position. Cavars is a 198cm player from Latvia that had been with the Gloria Giants Duesseldorf this season, but only partcipated with the club, because he couldnt get clearance to play. He had been with MBC since December in a try out as was able to convince management of his services. 'He plays very hard and can shoot well. He can play the position three and four and makes our team more deep', stressed MBC head coach Silvano Poropat (agency: FCM )

Cavars started his basketball career in 2003 for : BK Riga/Juniors (LBAL) where he played until 2006. He then played for Valmiera-Lacplesa alus (LBL): 19 games 8.5ppg 3.2rpg 0.9apg 1.3spg; Baltic League: 26 games 5.5ppg 2.7rpg 1.0apg 0.7spg from 2006-2007. He then played for SK Valmiera (LBL) from 2007-2009. He then played in 2009-2010 for Beverina Brenguli (LBAL): 6 games: 21.2ppg 10.7ppg 2.2apg 0.8bpg 3.0spg, in Jan.'10 signed at BK Keizarmezs Riga (LBL, starting five): 3 games: 23.0ppg, 7.3rpg, 3.0apg, 1.7spg; in Feb.'10 moved to BK Barons Riga (LBL): 19 games: 5.9ppg, 2.3rpg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 41.2%, FT-2 (86.7%). In 2010-2011, he played for BK Barons Riga (LBL, starting five): 36 games: 11.2ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 43.3%, FT: 75.6%. 'It is very positive that I can play for the top PRO A team. I thank the team, management and coaches that they have accepted me as player. After my first bad experiences in Germany, this gives me a new chance to have new self confidence and I will do all I can to help the team and get as many wins as possible. I love the atmosphere at the games', stressed Agnis Cavars. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been
Latvian U18 National Team -03-04, EC U18 Challenge Round -04: 5 games: 10.8ppg, 9.4rpg, 2.8apg, 3.2spg, Latvian Amateur League Silver Medallist - 04
European Championships U18 in Spain - 04 (7games 11.0ppg 9.4rpg 2.7apg 2.3spg), Latvian LBL All-Star Game -05, 06, Eurobasket.com All-Latvian League Newcomer of the Year -05, Latvian U20 National Team -05-06, European Championships U20 in Moscow -05: 8 games: 10.8ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.3apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 54.5%, 3FGP: 16.7%, FT: 53.1%
European Championships U20 in Izmir (Turkey) -06: 8 games: 15.8ppg, 6.1rpg, 2.3apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 53.5%, 3FGP: 44%, FT: 70.8%, Latvian League Regular Season Champion -09, 10, Latvian League Champion -10, Eurobasket.com All-Latvian League Honorable Mention -11, and Latvian League All-Star Game -11


Source: Mitteldeutscher BC

Dashaun Wood (Alba Berlin) I Can Focus More On Defense Now - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
DaShaun Wood (185-G-85, college: Wright St.) is a 26 year old 185cm point guard from Detroit, Michigan that is playing his second season in Germany for Alba Berlin. He is a young point guard with natural leadership abilities, who directs teammates on the floor and takes the ball in clutch moments. Loves to go inside to score, challenging the big guys, but has also shooting range from behind the 3pts arch. Despite lack of size, he can be effective even at the defensive side. He played at Wright state from 2003-2007. In his senior year, he played 33 games averaging 19.6ppg, 5.1rpg, 4.0apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 43.5%, 3Pts: 37.3%, FT: 88.3%. In 2007-2008, he played his rookie season for Tisettanta Cantu (Italy-SerieA, starting five): 38 games: Score-5 (16.9ppg), 3.0rpg, Assists-4 (3.3apg), 2.7spg, 2FGP:52.1%, 3PT-2 (42.8%), FT:77.4%. In 2008-2009, he played for : Benetton Treviso (Italy-SerieA), injured in Oct.'08 and was off for 2 months: Eurocup: 12 games: 5.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 87.5%; Italian League: 17 games: 7.2ppg, 2.9rpg, 3.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 43.1%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 70.4%. Last season, he was the Beko BBL MVP with The Deutsche Bank Skyliners playing EuroCup Qualifying Round: 2 games: 13.5ppg, 2.5rpg, 5.0apg; EuroChallenge: 6 games: 16.3ppg, 3.8rpg, 5.2apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 73.7%; German League: 42 games: Score-1 (19.0ppg), 4.6rpg, Assists-2 (5.9apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 33.2%, FT: 80.3%. He spoke to Eurobasket about the current season with Alba Berlin.

What was it like playing against former NBA player Bobby Brown? Had you played him back in the NCAA?

Bobby Brown and me are about the same age. As a senior we played against each other and we won by 15 points. We also played against each other at NBA camps where we went at it 1-1 and had shooting drills. We have known each other for a while.

You are playing your first season with Alba Berlin. How well have you adapted to your surroundings?

Berlin is a very big city and reminds me of New York. There are many people, excitements and many stores and we live right in the middle of the city. It is a great experience and I really like it a lot. However there is still a lot that I want to see.

How much does the Palace at Auburn Hills remind you of the O2 arena?

It reminds me a lot of the Palace. Playing for Alba Berlin is My NBA experience. I love the arena and fans very much.

Why did Alba Berlin get off to a slow start losing two of its first three games?

The reason we got off to a slow start was because we had many new players that wasnt used to the defensive system of Gordon Herbert. It took a while for the new guys to understand what was to be done. The two loses early, we had double digit leads, but still lost the games which really hurt. We learned from these loses and now the difference and key to our success is that we play as a team on defense while other teams rely more on individual good defensive players.

Last season with The Deutsche Bank Skyliners you had to do a lot, but now you dont with Alba Berlin since there are so many guys that can score. How are you getting used to your new role?


It really isnt difficult to get used to my new role. You have seen how difficult it can be for guys like Justin Gray and Bobby Brown to carry their teams for 40 minutes. With Alba Berlin, there are so many guys that can carry the load. In the win to Oldenburg, I scored 14 points in the first quarter and finished with 16 points. We have enough guys who can score and teams cant focus stopping only a Wood, but everyone else.

You dont have to focus on scoring and getting assists for Alba Berlin to win like you had to last season with Frankfurt. On what other things can you focus on now?

I can focus more on defense now. I think a reason for our success has to do with the extra energy that I can give on defense. With the added energy, I am able to get out on transition which leads to quick baskets. I am focusing more energy for defense than offense.

What things can a DaShaun Wood still improve on?

I think that I can always get better on defense. I am working hard on defense, but the Beko BBL has many good point guards like Jared Jordan, David Holston or Bobby Brown so it is always a challenge to slow them down.

Has your relationship gotten stronger to Gordon Herbert this year?

No, the relationship is still the same. We are both very focused and just want to always win. We just want to do the best for the team and we will continue to work as hard as we always have.

Alba Berlin has a very potent point guard duo with you and Heiko Schaffartzik. How do you get along with this tough competitor?


I have a good relationship with Heiko. He is a very strong competitor. We always compete hard against each other in practice. We make each other better, but I think that we also play very well together on the court. I think that he is like a Pascal Roller in that he makes the team a lot better when he gets on the court. I have learned a lot from him.

Heiko Schaffartzik is known to hit bombs from all over the court. Have you seen him make a trick shot from 20 rows up?


I havent seen him hit one from 20 rows back, but whenever I am guarding him in practice, he is able to make crazy shots. Sometimes he will make a crazy fade away jumper falling back in the corner.

How much will a Kyle Weaver amaze the Beko BBL?


He already has. He is a very talented player that can shoot and pass very well. He has helped make the league a lot better.

Derrick Allen is known as being one of the hardest working players in the league. What else has really impressed you by the play and person Derrick Allen?

Besides being a very hard worker, he is a great person. He is always trying to help the young guys on the team. He is always trying to give good advice. He is a leader on and off the court and is the type of guy that you always want around you.

Was your trip back to Frankfurt recently very emotional for you?


Yes it was. I have great memories of my time there. I met great people and the fans were great also. The organization gave me a chance and I was very happy to be back.

Who wins a one on one game you or Heiko Schaffartzik?

I would win. If we played 10 games, we would exit the 10th games like two tired boxers after a 12 round bout. But Heiko is a great competitor and they would all be great games.

Recently Alba Berlin visited a ice hockey game of the Berlin Eisbaeren. What kind of a figure would DaShaun Wood make on the ice?

I would look so amazing. There is so much speed in ice hockey. You would see me going up and down the ice with speed. I know how to skate. Whenever I am home in Detroit in the winter, I go ice skating.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Just Right.

Thanks Dashaun for the chat.


The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig Lose Rich Melzer To Injury - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig announced recently that forward Rich Melzer (203-F/C-79, agency: Court Side, college: Wisc.-RiverFal.) will miss several weeks due to an injury. Last monday, the 32 year old 203cm forward broke his small finger on his right hand in the game against BG Goettingen. Melzer is playing his first season with Braunschweig and has played 16 games averaging 13,4ppg, 5,6rpg and 1,4apg and was Phantoms top scorer in 5 games this season. 'Rich is the cornerstone of our game. His injury is a big loss for us. We will miss him against BBC Bayreuth and need a win to qualify for the cup round. Now his teammates have to step up. I hope the fans will support us in this small final', stressed New Yorker Phantoms sport director Oliver Braun.

Brenton Butler does not return to RSV - by Moritz Korff
Brenton Butler (190-G, college: Fordham) has parted ways with 2. Bundesliga Pro B side RSV Eintracht Teltow / Kleinmachnow / Stahnsdorf and thus ended his stint at the club after 15 games played this season. The decision to split came by mutual consent, as the club says. The RSV officials had nothing but kind words to say about Butler, who decided to stay in the United States rather than to accept any of the offers that he reportedly had received by Regionalliga teams. The graduate of Fordham University scored 11.3 points per contest for RSV and had a season high 22 points in a road win at Hertener Loewen.

Crailsheim Merlins bring in Aaron Cook - by Moritz Korff
Aaron Cook (186-G-83, college: Hartford) has put pen to paper on a deal with the Crailsheim Merlins (2. Bundesliga Pro A), the club tells today. Cook started this current season with Mitteldeutscher BC, but appeared in only three league games (5.3ppg, 2.3apg, 2.3rpg), as he suffered a broken bone in his hand early in the season and parted ways with MBC recently. The 28-year-old combo guard was named Eurobasket.com All-Pro A Honorable Mention following the impact he made on the Cuxhaven BasCats last season. Cook will be the sixth American player on the Merlins' team, who wanted to add some more experience and depth for the stretch run and their antcipated play off appearance.

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


A1 Round 11 of Regular Season - by Eurobasket News
Fifth-ranked AGOR (5-5) was very close to win a game against third ranked Kolossos (9-1) in Rodou on Wednesday. Kolossos managed to secure only three-point victory 93-90. However their fans expected easier game. Marcus Hatten (186-G-80, college: St.John's) orchestrated the victory by scoring 27 points and 7 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Kolossos have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Panathinaikos and Olympiakos. Newly promoted AGOR keeps the fifth place with five games lost. Kolossos will face Peristeri GS (#6) in Athens in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. AGOR will play at home against Aris in Thessaloniki.

In the last game of round 11 Ilysiakos was beaten by Ikaros on the road 75-69. Panathinaikos destroyed Peristeri GS on its own court 104-69. Olympiakos managed to outperform Panionios in Athens 80-69. Aris managed to beat Marousi at home 79-71. PAOK was crushed by KAOD on the opponent's court 93-72.

Ikaros - Ilysiakos 75-69

There was a small surprise when twelfth ranked Ikaros (2-8) beat 9th ranked Ilysiakos (4-7) in Kalitheas 75-69 on Wednesday. Ilysiakos was tied after three quarters but could not keep up in the last quarter eventually losing the game. Ikaros made 27-of-33 free shots (81.8 percent) during the game. Ikaros outrebounded Ilysiakos 36-24 including 29 on the defensive glass. Ilysiakos was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. American-Mexican swingman Romel Beck (203-82, college: UNLV, agency: Interperformances) orchestrated the victory by scoring 25 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Australian-New Zealand center Aron Baynes (208-86, college: Washington St.) contributed with 11 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Ikaros' coach Aris Likogiannis used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Guard Giorgios Apostolidis (199-84, agency: FCM) answered with 11 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists and Bosnian-Serbian forward Miroslav Todic (205-85) added 13 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Ilysiakos. Four Ilysiakos players scored in double figures. Ikaros maintains twelfth place with 2-8 record. Ilysiakos at the other side keeps the ninth position with seven games lost. Ikaros will face higher ranked PAOK (#9) in Thessaloniki in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
Top scorers:
Ikaros: R.Beck 25+5reb+5ast, A.Baynes 11+9reb, R.Papargiropoulos 9+3reb, F.Koumpouras 9+3reb+3ast, J.Baxter 8+5reb+3ast, G.Skordilis 7+5reb
Ilysiakos: H.NaNa 14+1reb+1ast, M.Todic 13+6reb+1ast, D.Thompson 11+3reb+1ast, G.Apostolidis 11+5reb+7ast, A.Spanos 6+1reb, L.Kaselakis 6+6reb+3ast
gschID: 152413


Panathinaikos - Peristeri GS 104-69

Rather expected game when 5th ranked Peristeri GS (5-5) was smashed by third ranked Panathinaikos (9-1) in Athens 104-69 on Thursday. The game without a history. Panathinaikos 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 Peristeri GS's 42. Panathinaikos forced 26 Peristeri GS turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Peristeri GS was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. Australian center Aleks Maric (211-84, college: Nebraska) orchestrated the victory by scoring 13 points and 7 rebounds. International power forward Ian Vougioukas (212-85, college: St.Louis) contributed with 18 points (perfect from the field making all eight shots !!!) for the winners. Four Panathinaikos players scored in double figures. American forward Ernest Scott (201-82, college: Valdosta St., agency: VVG Sports) answered with 15 points and 8 rebounds and the other American import power forward Gavin Edwards (206-88, college: Connecticut) added 15 points in the effort for Peristeri GS. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Panathinaikos have an impressive series of five victories in a row. Defending champion keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Olympiakos and Kolossos. Peristeri GS lost third consecutive game. They keep the fifth place with five games lost. Panathinaikos' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Athens Panionios.
Top scorers:
Panathinaikos: I.Vougioukas 18+3reb, A.Maric 13+7reb+3ast, D.Logan 12+3reb+2ast, D.Diamantidis 10+1reb+5ast, S.Smith 9+3reb+1ast, S.Perperoglou 9+1reb+3ast
Peristeri GS: G.Edwards 15+3reb, E.Scott 15+8reb+1ast, H.Giannopoulos 11+4reb+1ast, J.Mocnik 8+6ast, S.Manolopoulos 7+2reb, N.Papantoniou 4+1reb+3ast
gschID: 152409


Panionios - Olympiakos 69-80

Rather predictable result when first ranked Olympiakos (9-1) won against 4th placed Panionios (7-3) in Athens 80-69 on Wednesday. The game was mostly controlled by Olympiakos. Panionios was better in third quarter 22-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Olympiakos had a 29-17 advantage in offensive rebounds. Panionios was plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. The former international center Andreas Glyniadakis (215-81) orchestrated the victory by scoring 17 points (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). Lithuanian guard Martynas Gecevicius (193-88) contributed with 19 points for the winners. Naturalized Serbian forward Vladimir Jankovic (202-90) answered with 14 points and 5 rebounds and American guard Jon Diebler (198-88, college: Ohio St.) added 14 points in the effort for Panionios. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Olympiakos have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain first place with 9-1 record, which they share with Panathinaikos and Kolossos. Panionios at the other side keeps the fourth position with three games lost. Olympiakos will face Kavala (#7) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Panionios' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Athens to the arena Panathinaikos.
Top scorers:
Olympiakos: M.Gecevicius 19+1reb+1ast, A.Glyniadakis 17+4reb+1ast, G.Printezis 14+6reb+1ast, K.Lucas 9+3reb+4ast, M.Keselj 7+3reb, K.Hines 4+6reb
Panionios: V.Jankovic 14+5reb+1ast, J.Diebler 14+1reb, W.Keys 12+1reb, V.Xanthopoulos 8+2ast, S.Nadjfeji 6+2reb+1ast, A.Stepheson 6+8reb
gschID: 152410


Aris - Marousi 79-71

Not a big story in a game when bottom-ranked Marousi (0-11) lost to tenth ranked Aris (4-6) in Thessaloniki 71-79 on Wednesday. The hosts trailed by 10 points at the halftime before their 47-29 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. American-German forward Sergio Kerusch (195-89, college: W.Kentucky) orchestrated the victory by scoring 24 points and 7 rebounds. American point guard Dominic James (180-86, college: Marquette) contributed with 17 points and 9 assists for the winners. Four Aris players scored in double figures. Aris' coach Vangelis Alexandris used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The former international forward Nestoras Kommatos (203-77) answered with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 10 rebounds and guard Yannis Gagaloudis (192-78) added 14 points and 8 assists in the effort for Marousi. Aris moved-up to eighth place. Marousi at the other side still closes the standings with 11 games lost. Aris will face higher ranked AGOR (#5) in Rethymno in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Marousi will play at home against KAOD (#11) in Dramas and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Aris: S.Kerusch 24+7reb, D.James 17+2reb+9ast, S.Muldrow 11+13reb, C.Tapoutos 10+4reb+3ast, A.Oliver 8+2reb+1ast, M.Krusic 4+3reb+1ast
Marousi: N.Kommatos 25+10reb+3ast, Y.Gagaloudis 14+1reb+8ast, F.Elegar 14+6reb+2ast, L.Akepsemaidis 9+2reb, D.Haritopoulos 8+9reb+1ast, G.Demertzis 1+2reb
gschID: 152411


KAOD - PAOK 93-72

There was a small surprise when eleventh ranked KAOD (3-7) outplayed 8th ranked PAOK (4-7) in Dramas 93-72 on Wednesday. KAOD made 27-of-35 free shots (77.1 percent) during the game, while PAOK only scored eight points from the stripe. They outrebounded PAOK 38-27 including 25 on the defensive glass. PAOK was plagued by 29 personal fouls down the stretch. Bosnian power forward Edin Bavcic (210-84, agency: Beo Basket) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 13 rebounds. Serbian center Dragan Ceranic (212-76, agency: Beo Basket) contributed with 15 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Four KAOD players scored in double figures. The former international power forward Dimos Dikoudis (206-77) answered with 20 points and American guard Rashad Wright (189-82, college: Georgia, agency: Pro One Sports) added 15 points in the effort for PAOK. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Newly promoted KAOD maintains eleventh place with 3-7 record. PAOK at the other side dropped to the ninth position with seven games lost. KAOD will face bottom-ranked Marousi (#13) on the road in the next round.
Top scorers:
KAOD: E.Bavcic 19+13reb+1ast, K.Charalampidis 17+2reb+5ast, D.Ceranic 15+8reb+2ast, J.Hunt 14+7reb+2ast, K.Kakaroudis 8+2reb+3ast, C.Monroe 8
PAOK: D.Dikoudis 20+4reb+1ast, R.Wright 15+2reb+3ast, G.Kalambokis 15+2reb+2ast, J.Giddens 7+6reb+1ast, N.Kalles 5+2reb, M.Giannakidis 5+4reb
gschID: 152412


Kolossos - AGOR 93-90 OT

Fifth-ranked AGOR (5-5) was very close to win a game against third ranked Kolossos (9-1) in Rodou on Wednesday. Kolossos managed to secure only three-point victory 93-90. However their fans expected easier game. The hosts trailed by 3 points at the halftime before their 23-19 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 20-17. Kolossos shot 35 for 47 from the free-throw line, while AGOR only scored fourteen points from the stripe. AGOR was plagued by 33 personal fouls down the stretch. American guard Marcus Hatten (186-80, college: St.John's) orchestrated the victory by scoring 27 points and 7 rebounds. His fellow American import forward Ruben Boykin (201-85, college: N.Arizona) contributed with 19 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Four Kolossos players scored in double figures. American guard Dionte Christmas (196-86, college: Temple) answered with 25 points and 5 rebounds and the former international forward Giorgos Dedas (200-80) added 13 points in the effort for AGOR. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Kolossos have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Panathinaikos and Olympiakos. Newly promoted AGOR keeps the fifth place with five games lost. Kolossos will face Peristeri GS (#6) in Athens in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. AGOR will play at home against Aris in Thessaloniki.
Top scorers:
Kolossos: M.Hatten 27+7reb+3ast, R.Boykin 19+8reb+1ast, S.Hopson 15+6reb+2ast, A.Tsamis 14+7reb+3ast, A.Asimakopoulos 7+6reb, G.Georgalis 5+1reb
AGOR: D.Christmas 25+5reb+1ast, G.Dedas 13+2reb+1ast, D.Latovic 11+3reb, Z.Wright 10+5reb, A.Tsochlas 9+3reb+3ast, N.Papanikolaou 9+6reb+1ast
gschID: 152408




Nikos Barlos out for 6 weeks - by Giorgos Diploidis
Nikos Barlos (202-F-79) was injured yesterday in the game of Panionios ON Telecoms Athens against Olympiakos for that reason why he played only for 14 minutes. As it was diagnosed later he has a dislocted shoulder and he has to be away from trainings for 6 weeks. Barlos will be hard to be replaced because he is one of the best and most experienced players in the team's squad.

Panionios ON Telecoms Athens now may search for a continental player to help them while Barlos will be out in the power forward position.

Milutin Aleksic arrives for PAOK - by Giorgos Diploidis
PAOK Thessaloniki board after the defeat from KAO Dramas decided to make some signings to improove the curent squad. The first one is (203-F-82) Milutin Aleksic (203-F-82) who will be tomorrow in Thessaloniki to make the first training with his new team. In order PAOK Thessaloniki to use Alexic they must pay some of the money that they owe to Dejan Tomasevic and for that reason fiba does not allow the club to take new players. If PAOK Thessaloniki will find the money for Tomasevic may do one or two more signings.

The second player that seeems to be close to the team of Thessaloniki is Ryvon Covile (206-C-84, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices, college: Detroit Mercy) to replace Marcus Goree for the place in the front line. The third addition depends on the case of Martynas Andriuskevicious. The two sides try to agree to terminate their co-operation. If Adriuskevicious will leave PAOK Thessaloniki then the Greek club may sign a combo guard to help the rest of the players in that posiiton.

Alexic comes to Greece for third time, last year was in Panionios and it is worth mentioning that his first appearence in the country was again for PAOK. The period 2005-06 who singned to help the team in the Greek play-offs.

Covile was also in Greece last year, he was co-player with Alexic in Panionios having 13.1 ppg and 6 rpg in 17 games. This year started in JSF Nanterre having 9.7 ppg and 4.5rpg in 13 games.





















Stats Leaders - A1
Points Per Game
 Kosta CHARALAMPIDIS
  KAO.
  (189-G-76)
  Avg: 19.7
 1. Charalampidi., KAO.19.7 
 2. Christmas, AGOR18.5 
 3. Kommatos, Marousi18.0 
 4. Bavcic, KAOD17.0 
 5. Roby, Peristeri GS16.4 
 6. Tapoutos, Aris16.3 
 7. James, Aris15.1 
 8. Baynes, Ikaros14.8 
 9. Hatten, Kolossos14.6 
 10. Gagaloudis, Marou.14.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Edin BAVCIC
  KAOD
  (210-F/C-84)
  Avg: 9.8
 1. Bavcic, KAOD9.8 
 2. Baynes, Ikaros9.7 
 3. Haritopoulos, Maro.8.2 
 4. Stepheson, Panio.8.1 
 5. Goree, PAOK7.1 
 6. Kommatos, Marousi6.7 
 7. Flowers, KAOD6.7 
 8. Giddens, PAOK6.6 
 9. Muldrow, Aris6.3 
 10. Tapoutos, Aris6.0 
Assists Per Game
 Yannis GAGALOUDIS
  Marousi
  (192-G-78)
  Avg: 5.3
 1. Gagaloudis, Marousi5.3 
 2. Spanoulis, Olympia.5.1 
 3. Diamantidis, Panat.5.0 
 4. Xanthopoulos, Pani.5.0 
 5. James, Aris4.7 
 6. Charalampidi., KAO.4.3 
 7. Petroulas, Periste.3.9 
 8. Thompson, Ilysi.3.8 
 9. Wright, AGOR3.4 
 10. Tsamis, Kolossos3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Darryl THOMPSON
  Ilysi.
  (173-PG-85)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Thompson, Ilysi.2.3 
 2. Wright, AGOR2.1 
 3. James, Aris1.8 
 4. Christmas, AGOR1.7 
 5. Tsamis, Kolossos1.6 
 6. Calathes, Panathin.1.6 
 7. Hatten, Kolossos1.4 
 8. Chatzis, Ilysiakos1.3 
 9. Gardener, Ilysiakos1.3 
 10. O''Bryant, Kavala1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Sam MULDROW
  Aris
  (205-F-88)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Muldrow, Aris1.8 
 2. O''Bryant, Kavala1.4 
 3. Flowers, KAOD1.3 
 4. Hines, Olympiakos1.2 
 5. Scott, Peristeri GS1.0 
 6. Johnson, Ikaros1.0 
 7. Stepheson, Panio.1.0 
 8. Giddens, PAOK0.9 
 9. Vougioukas, Panat.0.8 
 10. Edwards, Perister.0.8 


Standings - A1
A1 Standings
 1. Olympiakos 9-1 
 2. Panathinaikos 9-1 
 3. Kolossos 9-1 
 4. Panionios 7-3 
 5. AGOR 5-5 
 6. Peristeri GS 5-5 
 7. Kavala 5-5 
 8. Aris 4-6 
 9. PAOK 4-7 
 10. Ilysiakos 4-7 
 11. KAOD 3-7 
 12. Ikaros 2-8 
 13. Marousi 0-11 


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


Results Dutch Basketball League: Landstede Basketball Blows Out Stepco BS Weert - by Sanders Jackson

Wednesday in the first DBL game in 2012, in Landstede Sportcentrum Landstede Basketball continued on their recent strong play, carrying it over from the closing of the 2011 year with a 76-46 blowout win over struggling Stepco BS Weert. Landstede shot the ball well from three-point distance and strong defense held the Limburgers to only 33% FG and only 4 of 19 from the three-point line. Landstede led 44-26 at the half and were never seriously threatened afterwards. Gerald Robinson (204-F-84, agency: Court Side, college: Tenn-Martin) led all scorers with 19 pts., with Arno Bunnig (197-F-85, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) adding 14, including 4 threes. Landstede improves to 8-6.

Vincent Krieger Returns to the Rotterdam Hardwood, Brings Intensity With Him - by Fred Roggen
It had been three years since he ended his playing career, but former Dutch NT guard Vincent Krieger (184-PG-74, agency: Court Side, college: NC-Asheville) returns in the Dutch Basketball League, playing for Rotterdam Basketbal College.
At the age of 37, Vincent Krieger (184-PG-74, agency: Court Side, college: NC-Asheville) can still out hustle and out play any Rotterdam Basketbal College player on the court, but when he takes the ball, its to teach. This season, Krieger worked as a assistent-coach in Rotterdam.
'But I'm not in shape. I will definitely continue with practice and coaching there. It is a kind of player-coach', thus Vincent Krieger (184-PG-74, agency: Court Side, college: NC-Asheville).

Career:
1994-1995: NC-Asheville (NCAA)
1995-1996: NC-Asheville (NCAA, starting five): 5.1ppg, 2.5rpg, 4.6apg
1996-1997: NC-Asheville (NCAA, starting five): 4.1ppg, 2.8apg
1997-1998: NC-Asheville (NCAA): 5.1ppg, 2rpg, 2.1apg
1998: Nike Summerleague
1998-1999: Besancon (France-ProA): 1.1rpg, 0.7ppg
1999-2000: Houthalen (Belgium): 11.8ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.2apg
2000-2001: Ubizen Echo Hasselt (Belgium): 9.9ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.7apg
2001-2002: Ubizen Echo Hasselt (Belgium)
2002-2003: Racing Basket Antwerp (Belgium): 6 games: 6.8ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.2apg - Apollon Patras (Greece-A2): 15 games: 2.7ppg, 11reb, 12ast, 4steals
2003-2004: Melilla Baloncesto (Spain-LEB1, starting five): released during the season: 18 games: 4.6ppg, 1.3rpg, then played shortly at Beauvais (France-ProB): 4 games: 2.0ppg, 1.0rpg, 2.0apg
2004 - signed 3-years contract with Rotterdam Basketball (Eredivisie)
2004-2005: Rotterdam Basketbal (Eredivisie, starting five): 28 games: 12.4ppg, 3.3rpg, 4.3apg, 2.4spg
2005-2006: Rotterdam Basketbal (Eredivisie, starting five): 22 games: 10.1ppg, 3.0rpg, 4.5apg, 2.6spg
2006-2007: Rotterdam Basketbal (Eredivisie, starting five): 37 games: 9.2ppg, 2.9rpg, 3.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 39.1%, FT: 67.6%, 3Pts: 37.2%
2007-2008: Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden (Eredivisie, starting five): 38 games: 6.1ppg, 2.4rpg, 3.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 36.6%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 63.4%
2008-2009: Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden (Eredivisie): 20 games: 2.4ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.9apg

Results Dutch Basketball League: Eiffel Towers Topple Gas Terra Flames - by Sanders Jackson

Thursday night in the Maaspoort in the Eiffel Towers-Gas Terra Flames matchup, a strong 4th quarter effort helped Eiffel make the difference, with Eiffel taking over 1st place and winning 84-77. Eiffel started the game strong, leading 26-11 at the end of the 1st quarter but fell behind in the ensuing two quarters, before finding their mojo back in the 4th quarter, through turning Gas Terra's mistakes into baskets, and the stellar play of guard David Gonzalvez (193-G-87, college: Richmond), who would go on to lead all scorers with 22 pts. Both Jason Dourisseau (196-G-83, college: Nebraska) and David Bell (186-G-81) led the flames with 19 pts. each. The win improves Eiffel's record to 10-3, while the Flames fall to 9-4.

Stats Leaders - Eredivisie
Points Per Game
 Lance JETER
  Leeuwarden
  (190-G-)
  Avg: 18.1
 1. Jeter, Leeuwarden18.1 
 2. Sally, Rotterdam17.9 
 3. Anderson, Weert17.2 
 4. Humphrey, Nijmegen16.7 
 5. Acker, Nijmegen16.5 
 6. Wesby, Groningen15.6 
 7. Hargrove, Nijmegen15.4 
 8. Sanchez, Leeuw.14.9 
 9. Boxley, Leiden14.8 
 10. Wesley, Den Bosch13.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Yamene COLEMAN
  Weert
  (206-C-86)
  Avg: 9.2
 1. Coleman, Weert9.2 
 2. Sanchez, Leeuw.8.7 
 3. Robinson, Zwolle7.9 
 4. Bekkering, Nijme.7.4 
 5. Van Paassen, Den6.8 
 6. van Kempen, Weert6.7 
 7. de Randamie, Groni.6.4 
 8. Humphrey, Nijmegen6.4 
 9. Boxley, Leiden6.3 
 10. Hargrove, Nijmegen6.1 
Assists Per Game
 Frank TURNER
  Den Bosch
  (178-G-88)
  Avg: 4.6
 1. Turner, Den Bosch4.6 
 2. Anderson, Weert4.6 
 3. Harman, Weert4.5 
 4. Jeter, Leeuwarden4.1 
 5. Acker, Nijmegen3.8 
 6. Bell, Groningen3.5 
 7. Wells, Zwolle3.4 
 8. de Randamie, Groni.3.1 
 9. Huffman, Zwolle3.1 
 10. Slagter, Leiden3.0 
Steals Per Game
 David GONZALVEZ
  Den B.
  (193-G-87)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Gonzalvez, Den B.2.6 
 2. Wells, Zwolle2.5 
 3. Harman, Weert2.5 
 4. Huffman, Zwolle2.4 
 5. Wesley, Den Bosch1.9 
 6. Turner, Den Bosch1.9 
 7. de Jong, Leiden1.9 
 8. Acker, Nijmegen1.9 
 9. Wesby, Groningen1.8 
 10. de Randamie, Gron.1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Ross BEKKERING
  Nijme.
  (203-F-85)
  Avg: 1.6
 1. Bekkering, Nijme.1.6 
 2. Wyatt, Groningen1.5 
 3. Maddox, Zwolle1.5 
 4. Wesley, Den Bosch1.0 
 5. Minter, Weert0.9 
 6. Zondervan, Zwolle0.9 
 7. Boxley, Leiden0.8 
 8. Kennedy, Leiden0.7 
 9. Poels, Leeuwarden0.7 
 10. Wessels, Den Bos.0.6 


Standings - Eredivisie
Eredivisie Standings
 1. Groningen 9-3 
 2. Den Bosch 9-3 
 3. Leiden 8-4 
 4. Zwolle 8-6 
 5. Nijmegen 7-5 
 6. Leeuwarden 7-6 
 7. Rotterdam 2-12 
 8. Weert 1-12 


*****************************************************
  IBA   


Standings
IBA Standings
Winter League
 1. Kankakee S. 12-3 
 2. Rockford RD 10-5 
 3. Gary Splash 8-8 
 4. Battle Creek K. 7-6 
 5. Chicago R. 4-6 
 6. Lake County S. 0-13 
Spring League
 1. Holland Blast 0-0 
 2. Lansing C. 0-0 
 3. Springfield S. 0-0 


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


Netanya Lands Veteran Eric Campbell - by David Pick
Netanya managed to pull off an interesting acquisition this morning with the signing of American veteran Eric Campbell.

The 36-year-old Campbell replaces Christian Burns who suffered an unfortunate season ending injury. Campbell, who began his professional career in the 1999-2000 season in Israel playing for Elitzur Qiryat Ata, returns to the Holy Land for a fourth time looking to contribute some of his experience, leadership and hard working mentality.

Campbell last played in France for Entente Orleans posting averages of 8.1ppg, 4.6rpg and 1.0apg.

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @IAmDPick


Standings - BSL
Premier League Standings
 1. Maccabi T-A 10-1 
 2. Galil Gilboa 7-4 
 3. Hapoel J-M 7-4 
 4. Maccabi Rishon 6-5 
 5. B.C. Habikaa 6-5 
 6. Hapoel Holon 6-5 
 7. Ironi Ashkelon 6-5 
 8. Elitzur Netanya 4-6 
 9. Maccabi Haifa 3-8 
 10. Maccabi Ashdod 3-8 
 11. Bnei Hasharon 2-9 


Standings - National League
National League Standings
 1. Macc.B.Yaakov 11-2 
 2. Hapoel T-A 10-3 
 3. Elitzur Yavne 9-4 
 4. Hapoel Afula 8-5 
 5. Kiryat Tivon 8-5 
 6. Hod Hasharon 7-6 
 7. Ironi Nahariya 6-6 
 8. Ironi K-A 6-7 
 9. Ironi Nes-Ziona 5-7 
 10. Elitzur Ramla 5-8 
 11. Lev Hasharon 5-8 
 12. Ironi Ramat Gan 4-9 
 13. Hapoel K/S 3-10 
 14. Hapoel Y/M 3-10 


Azulay Resigned, Bnei Hasharon's Chasing Third Coach of The Season - by David Pick
Israeli basketball journalist Shai Levi reported this evening (Thursday) that after just 11 season games, Bnei Hasharon's on the lookout for it's third head coach of the season after Adi Azulay returned the reins to the management earlier today.

Azulay, who replaced Roi Hagai after 6 games with a 1-5 record, failed to bring the team to new heights, leaving with a negative 1-4 record and point differential of -119 points. Source close to the situation told Eurobasket that one of the main candidates to take over the head coach position is Ariel Beit-Halamy, who coached Bnei during the 2008-09 season and already received a phone call from the management.

On Monday, Bnei hosts Maccabi Tel-Aviv in the Israeli State- Cup competition elimination round.

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @IAmDPick


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


Marcus Goree is back to Treviso - by Giovanni Bargna
As announced by Benetton Treviso the team has just inked Marcus Goree (201-F-77, college: W.Virginia). The power forward from Dallas gets back in the city where he clinched the italian title in season 2005/2006.
Out of West Virginia College Goree flew to Europe in 2000/01 season joining STB Le Havre, then travelled to Germany (Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt, 01/02), to Israel (Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv, 03/04) and to Spain (C.B. Gran Canaria 2014, 03/04).
He landed in Italy for the first time in 2004 and spent 3 seasons wearing the green jersey of Benetton and playing 119 games. The team won a league title (05/06), two italian national cups (05 and 07) an italian supercup (06). Another shining season for Goree was the one spent in Russia with CSKA Moscow. In that sole season the team got the Euroleague title and the russian league title.
Since then there was a comeback to Italy signed by Enel Brindisi (2010/2011) and a quick experience at PAOK Thessaloniki in Greece before he left the team becoming a free agent few days ago.

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


Standings - BJ League
BJ Standings
Eastern
 1. Niigata Albirex 14-8 
 2. Akita NH 13-9 
 3. Hamamatsu P. 13-10 
 4. Sendai 89ers 11-11 
 5. Toyama Grouses 10-10 
 6. Chiba Jets 10-12 
 7. Shinshu BW 9-13 
 8. Yokohama BC 8-13 
 9. Saitama Bron. 7-14 
 10. Iwate Big Bulls 7-17 
Western
 1. Okinawa GK 19-5 
 2. Osaka Evessa 15-5 
 3. Kyoto Hannar. 15-5 
 4. Shiga L-Stars 15-7 
 5. Fukuoka Rizing 15-9 
 6. Shimane SM 12-10 
 7. Miyazaki SS 11-13 
 8. Oita H.Devils 5-18 
 9. Takamatsu FA 1-21 


BJ League Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Michael PARKER
  Shimane SM
  (202-F-81)
  Avg: 24
 1. Parker, Shimane SM24.0 
 2. Palmer, Fukuoka21.3 
 3. Hargrow, Chiba J.21.0 
 4. White, Oita H.20.4 
 5. Humphrey, Saitama20.3 
 6. Woods, Akita NH20.1 
 7. Flowers, Saitama19.9 
 8. Staten, Chiba Jets19.6 
 9. Roberts, Shins.19.5 
 10. Gardener, Akita NH19.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Chris HOLM
  Niigata Albirex
  (212-C/F-84)
  Avg: 14.5
 1. Holm, Niigata Albi.14.5 
 2. Roberts, Shins.11.1 
 3. Hamilton, Fukuok.10.8 
 4. Malloy, Iwate B.10.6 
 5. Staten, Chiba Jets10.5 
 6. Mims, Sendai 89ers10.4 
 7. Rickert, Kyoto H.10.3 
 8. Allred, Kyoto H.10.2 
 9. Blackledge, Osaka10.2 
 10. Dora, Miyazaki SS10.1 
Assists Per Game
 Kenny SATTERFIELD
  Saitam.
  (188-PG-81)
  Avg: 7.2
 1. Satterfield, Saita.7.2 
 2. Yamamoto, Shima.5.8 
 3. Gardener, Akita NH5.6 
 4. Shimura, Sendai5.0 
 5. Dixon, Hamamats.4.9 
 6. Takushi, Oita H.4.8 
 7. Dukes, Sendai 89e.4.6 
 8. Shimizu, Miyazaki.4.6 
 9. Yamamoto, Iwate B.4.6 
 10. Namizato, Okina.4.5 
Steals Per Game
 Jamel STATEN
  Chiba Jets
  (198-G-83)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Staten, Chiba Jets3.1 
 2. Palmer, Fukuoka3.0 
 3. Parker, Shimane SM2.6 
 4. Humphrey, Saitama2.4 
 5. Hamilton, Fukuok.2.2 
 6. Arnold, Hamamats.2.1 
 7. Lyons, Miyazaki SS2.0 
 8. Golson, Shimane SM1.8 
 9. Joho, Toyama G.1.7 
 10. Dixon, Hamamats.1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Jeral DAVIS
  Shimane SM
  (216-C-84)
  Avg: 3.6
 1. Davis, Shimane SM3.6 
 2. Blackledge, Osaka3.2 
 3. Singleton, Sendai2.3 
 4. Dukes, Sendai 89e.1.6 
 5. Hughes, Shinshu BW1.6 
 6. Mims, Sendai 89ers1.6 
 7. Flowers, Saitama1.5 
 8. Moliva, Chiba Jets1.4 
 9. Ocitti, Akita NH1.4 
 10. Marshall, Osaka E.1.4 


Standings - JBL
JBL Standings
 1. Toyota Alvark 18-4 
 2. Aishin SH 17-5 
 3. Hitachi SR 12-10 
 4. Panasonic T. 11-11 
 5. Tochigi Brex 10-12 
 6. Mitsubishi DD 9-13 
 7. Hokkaido L. 9-13 
 8. Toshiba BT 2-20 


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


Baltic Sea Basketball Cup: Latvia U16 wins the tournament - by Eurobasket News
Latvia U16-Estonia U16 81:52

Latvia U16 beat Estonia U16 81:52 and due to that, they also won the tournament and left Estonians in second and Swedish in third place. Sweden U16 won over Finland U16 in the last game of the Baltic Sea Basketball Cup for the third place.
Latvia produced a 24-12 first quarter and never looked behind after. They upset the hosts with 19-12 in the second frame and took 43:24 at the halftime. Moreover Latvia won the third quarter 23-16 and finished the game with 15-12.
Latvia showed 35% from the field, while Estonia had 33%.
Rudolfs Stradnieks (202-C-96) stepped up with 17 points and 12 rebounds, while Davis Zonne (183-PG-96) also scored 17. Ricards Melderis (185-PG-96) delivered 14, and Artis Arnitis (195-C-96) netted 10. Ken Lill (188-G-96) ended up with 10 points in the losing effort and Kristofer Kurvits (192-G/F-96) added 9.

Latvia U16: Rudolfs Stradnieks 17+12 rebs, Davis Zonne 17, Ricards Melderis 14, Artis Arnitis 10
Estonia U16: Ken Lill 10, Kristofer Kurvits 9

Baltic Sea Basketball Cup: Estonia U18 edge Latvia U18 in the last game - by Eurobasket News
Latvia U18-Estonia U18 69:73

Estonia U18 edge Latvia U18 in the last game of Baltic Sea Basketball Cup. Both teams finished with 2-1 records, but allowed the Finnish side with the same record to triumph in the tournament.
Latvia started with 14-10, but lost the half due to the second frame. Estonia bounced back with 24-8 in the second quarter to take 34:22 at the halftime. Latvia again replied with 23-16 and even won the last stanza 24-23. It was not however enough to escape the first loss.
Estonias biggest scorer was Kent Vene, who brought 20 points. Sander Saare (180-PG-94) added 13 and Martin Jurtom (197-F-94) 12 points and 13 rebounds. Latvias best was Ivars Zvigurs (193-G-95) with 22 points and 10 rebounds. He was supported by Dimitrijs Brizgalovs (186-G-94) 18 and Toms Leimanis (183-G-94) 12 points.

Latvia U18: Ivars Zvigurs 22+10 rebs, Dimitrijs Brizgalovs 18, Toms Leimanis 12,
Estonia U18: Kent Vene (192-F-94) 20, Sander Saare 13, Martin Jurtom 12+13 rebs, Kaarel Traumann (185-G-94) 7, Aleksis Anijarv (180-G-94) 7

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


Freije is back at Hebraica Macabi - by Eurobasket Center
Hebraica Macabi agreed terms with 31-year old Lebanese ex-international-Lebanese forward Matt Freije (207-F-110kg-81, college: Vanderbilt). Its actually Freijes comeback to Hebraica as he played here before. In his first game he scored 4 points and grabbed 11 rebounds helping his new team beat Aguada 62-56. Freije played most recently at BC Armia Tbilisi (Georgia). He is a very experienced player. Freije played also pro basketball in China, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Lebanon and Puerto Rico. He graduated Vanderbilt University in 2004 and actually missed last season. It will be his eighth season in pro basketball. Freije played for Lebanese senior national until 2010.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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


Standings - LKL
LKL Standings
 1. Lietuvos rytas 11-1 
 2. Zalgiris 8-0 
 3. Siauliai 8-3 
 4. Rudupis 7-2 
 5. Neptunas 6-4 
 6. Baltai Kaunas 6-5 
 7. Pieno Zvaigzdes 5-5 
 8. Juventus 4-7 
 9. Sakalai 3-9 
 10. Kedainiai 2-8 
 11. Naglis Palangos 2-10 
 12. Techasas 1-9 


Standings - NKL
NKL Standings
 1. Nafta Universitetas 15-7 
 2. Radviliskis 14-8 
 3. Delikatesas 14-8 
 4. Zalgiris-Sabonio 13-9 
 5. LKKA-Atletas 13-9 
 6. Statyba 13-9 
 7. Mazeikiai 12-10 
 8. Matinga-Juod. 12-10 
 9. Ezerunas-Karys 11-11 
 10. Perlas-MRU 11-11 
 11. Triobet 11-11 
 12. Meresta 10-12 
 13. Silute 9-13 
 14. S.Marciulionio 7-15 
 15. Gargzdai 6-16 
 16. ABRO-Univ. 5-17 


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


LNBP: Second games of the Playoff 1/8 Finals - by Eurobasket News
Barreteros - Abejas 79-74 (1-1)
The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 22-15. But Abejas won second period 24-18. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Barreteros made 20-of-23 charity shots (87.0 percent) during the game. American forward James Reaves (203-82, college: Niagara, agency: TSS Management) had a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import guard Louis White (192-76, college: Voorhees) chipped in 14 points and 12 rebounds during the contest. Four Barreteros players scored in double figures. American-Jamaican forward Mattis McHugh (198-84, college: S.Florida) responded with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 17 rebounds and Puerto Rican guard Jesus Verdejo (193-85, college: S.Florida) scored 27 points.
Top scorers:
Barreteros: J.Reaves 19+10reb+3ast, G.Stokes 17+2reb+1ast, R.Navarro 16+4reb, L.White 14+12reb+3ast, J.Habel 7+7reb+4ast, R.Loera Almanza 3
Abejas: J.Verdejo 27+2reb+3ast, M.McHugh 19+17reb+2ast, K.Gray 13+4reb+1ast, V.Buelna 8+1reb+1ast, M.Jackson 3+7reb+2ast, B.Heredia 3
gschID: 166646


Soles - Panteras 89-60 (2-0)
It looked good early as Panteras took an 2-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Soles had a 30-19 second period charge getting the lead and Panteras were not able to take back game control losing it eventually 60-89. Soles dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Panteras' 30. American power forward Darren Fells (201-86, college: Cal-Irvine) had a double-double by scoring 21 points and 10 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import forward Carl Edwards (196-81, college: Charleston) chipped in 16 points and 5 assists during the contest. Four Soles players scored in double figures. Soles' coach Ivan Deniz felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Forward Gabriel Giron (192-88) responded with 12 points and 8 rebounds and American swingman Samuel Bowie (198-75, college: SE Louisiana) scored 16 points.
Top scorers:
Soles: D.Fells 21+10reb+2ast, D.Cubillan 16+3reb+3ast, C.Edwards 16+2reb+5ast, R.Wright 12+7reb, P.Meza Rogel 6+2reb, J.Vargas 6+5reb+3ast
Panteras: S.Bowie 16+3reb, G.Giron 12+8reb+1ast, M.Johnson 11+6reb+1ast, M.Bryant 9+5reb+1ast, R.Benitez 6+4reb, J.Alvarez 3+1reb
gschID: 166643


Halc.Xalapa - Lechugueros 93-85 (2-0)
The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 24-16. But Lechugueros won second period 23-17. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Halcones UV Xalapa forced 20 Lechugueros turnovers. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 31 assists. The former international forward Victor Mariscal (198-72) had a double-double by scoring 17 points, 6 rebounds, 10 assists and 4 steals to lead the charge for the winners and American guard Davin White (186-81, college: CS Northridge) chipped in 19 points and 9 assists during the contest. Bahamas power forward Ryan Moss (200-74, college: UALR) responded with 18 points and 7 rebounds and the former international guard Enrique Zuniga (193-76, college: Grand Canyon) scored 20 points. Five Halcones UV Xalapa and four Lechugueros players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Halc.Xalapa: H.Dugat 19+2reb+4ast, D.White 19+4reb+9ast, Q.Gonzalez 17+8reb+5ast, V.Mariscal 17+6reb+10ast, J.Herrera 10+5reb+2ast, O.Mendez-Valdez 9+2reb+1ast
Lechugueros: E.Zuniga 20+2reb+3ast, R.Moss 18+7reb+2ast, E.'Guayito' Santiago 16+3reb+5ast, D.Ford 15+5reb+3ast, E.Cuen 8+6reb+2ast, L.Keeler 6+2reb+2ast
gschID: 166644


Huracanes - Corr.Victoria 74-76 (1-1)
The guests were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. American forward Jermaine Green (203-80, college: N.Texas) orchestrated the victory by scoring 24 points. The other American import point guard Myron Allen (180-79, college: Lee JC) contributed with 15 points, 7 assists and 4 steals for the winners. Venezuelan forward Nestor Colmenares (203-87, college: Campbellsville) replied with a double-double by scoring 19 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists and American center Albert Fuqua (211-83, college: UTSA) added 22 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists in the effort for Huracanes. Huracanes' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help.
Top scorers:
Corr.Victoria: J.Green 24+4reb+2ast, M.Allen 15+3reb+7ast, G.Burris 12+2reb+1ast, D.Lamont 8+9reb, A.Ferguson 6+4reb, F.Harris 6+4reb+2ast
Huracanes: E.Fuqua 22+8reb+4ast, N.Colmenares 19+14reb+6ast, R.Hornsby 16+4reb+2ast, O.Quintero 7+2reb+1ast, O.Bailey 3+1reb, E.Medina 3+3reb
gschID: 166645




Ramses Benitez joins Panteras de Aguascalientes - by Eurobasket Center
Panteras de Aguascalientes (LNBP) agreed terms with 33-year old center Ramses Benitez (210-C-79). In his first game he scored 3 points. However his new team lost to Soles 72-103. Benitez played most recently at Ostioneros de Guaymas (CIBACOPA). While playing 49 games for Guaymas this season he averaged 7.4ppg, 3.5rpg and 1.0apg. Benitez helped them to make it to the semifinals. He played also pro basketball in Australia and Hungary.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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


Hasan Rizvic is the new center of KK Buducnost Podgorica - by Darko Pekic
Good new for all Buducnost Podgorica fans. As it was announced a couple of days before, Buducnost was very close to sign the Bosnian-Slovenian big man Hasan Rizvic (212-C-84). And they took the opportunity to get stronger under the basket! Rizvic will wear the blue and white jersey for the rest of the season. The signature of Rizvic means that Buducnost does not count on Vladimir Tica (208-C/F-81, agency: BeoExcell)'s services any more and he is free to sign a new deal somewhere else. Tica did not prove that he could play at the highest level (3 ppg and 3.6 rpg in Adriatic League) so Buducnost decided to get some fresh blood.

Hasan Rizvic is a regular member of Slovenian National Team. He started the season in Ukraine and got playing experience in Bosnia, Slovenia, Russia nad Poland.

Vladimir Dasic moves to Olimpija - by Darko Pekic
Union Olimpija announced this morning the signing of Vladimir Dasic (206-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) for rest of the season. The Montenegrin power forward left Acea Virtus Roma recently. He had 11 ppg and 5.6 rpg in Italian Serie A. Dasic played for Roma also in 2010/11. He had 8.4 ppg and 4.8 rpg in 16 Euroleague appearances. The 23 year old Montenegrin international split 2009/10 season between Real Madrid and Gran Canaria. In the past he played for Buducnost Pogdorica where he started his career. Dasic is active member of the Montenegrin National Team. He had 10 ppg and 2.2 rpg (5 games) at the EuroBasket 2011 in Lithuania.

Olimpija Ljubljana had huge financial problems in December and most first teams members left the team due to the lack of pay. However, the addition of Dasic along with some other transfer rumours mean that they will return where they belong- on the top of Adriatic Basketball League.

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


Spurs' Ginobili out 2 months with broken hand - by Eurobasket News
Argentine guard Emanuel Ginobili (6'6''-G-77, agency: Interperformances) will undergo surgery on his broken left hand and is expected to miss at least two months of the NBA.

The Chicago Bulls visit the Spurs on Feb. 29 in their only regular-season meeting.

Ginobili tweeted on Wednesday that he'll have a plate screwed onto his shooting hand on Thursday. He injured it during the San Antonio Spurs' loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday.

Ginobili was averaging 17.4 points a game and was San Antonio's leading scorer.

Losing Ginobili again is a major blow for the Spurs after the two-time NBA All-Star hobbled into the playoffs last year with a sprained elbow. That injury helped doom San Antonio in its first-round loss to Memphis despite a 61-win season.

The 34-year-old Ginobili has become the emotional and offensive centerpiece for the Spurs as Tim Duncan has gotten older.

Courtesy of www.chicagotribune.com

Memphis Grizzlies' Zach Randolph out 6-8 weeks with torn MCL - by Eurobasket News
The Memphis Grizzlies were the surprise of the NBA last summer, riding Zach Randolph's (6'9''-C-81, college: Michigan St.) broad shoulders to within one win of the Western Conference finals.

If they hope to build on that momentum this season, they'll have to do it without their burly power forward and unquestioned leader for the next two months.

Randolph is expected to miss six to eight weeks after tearing a ligament in his right knee, the team announced Wednesday.

'That's life,' coach Lionel Hollins said. 'You have to go and play. He's not going to be here. We can't worry about what ifs and what we should do to get him back. This is where we are.'

The 6-foot-9, 255-pound Randolph tore his right MCL in the first quarter of the Grizzlies' 104-64 loss at Chicago on Sunday. Randolph had an MRI on Tuesday, and the team learned of the prognosis Wednesday afternoon before they played at Minnesota.

It's a crushing blow to the Grizzlies, who had never made it out of the first round of the playoffs in their nine seasons before last year's remarkable run, the deepest a No. 8 seed has ever gone.

Randolph scored at least 30 points and grabbed at least 10 rebounds four times in the playoffs last season, and he also provided some toughness on defense.

The 29-year-old Randolph led the Grizzlies in scoring through the first four games of the season with an average of 14.8 points and had pulled down 7.5 rebounds per game. More importantly, they lose their emotional core and the player whose maturity and evolving game elevated one of the league's moribund franchises to a contender in the powerful West.

He was injured when he knocked knees with guard O.J. Mayo, and the Grizzlies are 1-1 since he went down, with a 40-point loss to Chicago and a victory over Sacramento on Tuesday night in which the team still managed to score 72 points in the paint.

'The way we play and attack, hopefully we'll continue that way,' Hollins said.

An 11-year NBA veteran, Randolph was selected to the 2010-11 All-NBA third team after leading Memphis to the semifinals and averaging 20.1 points and a career-high and franchise-record 12.2 rebounds during the regular season.

He teamed with emerging star center Marc Gasol to give the Grizzlies one of the most formidable front courts in the league, a bruising tandem that dominated the boards and racked up the points in the paint.

'It doesn't matter what happens, we've got to (move on),' Gasol said. 'Our reality is that he's not here. The truth is he's not here and we've got to play and we've got to win.'

Now, with forward Darrell Arthur already out for the season with an Achilles injury, the Grizzlies will likely have to turn to Dante Cunningham and the newly acquired Marreese Speights, who came over in a trade from Philadelphia on Wednesday to fill in up front. The Grizzlies sent guard Xavier Henry to New Orleans and a second-round pick to Philadelphia as part of the three-team trade.

The 6-10 Speights has averaged 7.2 points and 3.7 rebounds in four seasons.

'We weren't trying to get Speights to replace Zach,' Hollins said. 'We've been trying to get a big man since we started training camp. We were really thin in the front-court area.'

Randolph's injury will put more of the onus on Rudy Gay, who is still trying to find his game after missing the final three months of last season with a shoulder injury. Gay leads the team with 15.2 points per game, but he had made 6 of 23 shots in two games before breaking out against Sacramento on Tuesday with 23 points on 10 of 16 shooting.

'This is a great opportunity for guys who haven't played,' Hollins said. 'This is a great opportunity for a team to show their character, show what their made of, show their mental toughness because I don't think you can have success or growth without some kind of adversity.'

Courtesy of ESPN

Wednesday's games review (12) - by Eurobasket News
LA Clippers - Houston R. 117-89
Blake Griffin (6'10''-F-89, college: Oklahoma) had 22 points and nine rebounds before sitting out most of the fourth quarter, Chris Paul (6'0''-PG-85, college: Wake Forest) added 20 points and 10 assists, and the Los Angeles Clippers cruised to a 117-89 victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. Paul shot 9 for 14 and had three steals, extending his streak to 14 consecutive games with at least one. Reserve guard Randy Foye locked it up by scoring 14 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter. And center DeAndre Jordan had eight rebounds and seven points in 28 minutes, while failing to block an opponents' shot for the first time in his last 19 games. Chauncey Billups returned to the lineup, playing his first home game with the Clippers after sitting out two games because of a sore groin. He scored 13 points in 22 minutes. The five-time All-Star, claimed from the New York Knicks in a waiver auction Dec. 12, averaged 16 points in his first two games with the club. Kyle Lowry had 17 points and five assists for the Rockets, who won 25 of their previous 31 games against the Clippers and held them under 100 points in 14 of the previous 15 meetings. Houston's two best defensive efforts last season - in terms of lowest field goal percentage by an opponent - were against the Clippers. Los Angeles shot 36.4 percent in a 96-83 loss, and 34.7 percent in a 99-78 defeat. The Rockets played without reserve swingman Courtney Lee, who injured his right calf Tuesday night on a non-contact play in the fourth quarter of a 108-99 loss to the Lakers. Paul, who averaged 20.6 points and 10.0 assists in his previous 16 games against Houston while playing for the New Orleans Hornets, had 11 points and six assists in the first quarter to help the Clippers build a 67-55 halftime lead. Los Angeles ended the half shooting 67.5 percent while committing four of its seven turnovers. Reserve guard Ryan Gomes beat the first-quarter buzzer with a 17-footer from the left baseline for a 41-26 margin. The Rockets narrowed the gap to 47-40 on Lowry's 3-pointer with 7:38 left in the second quarter, but got no closer the rest of the game as the Clippers pulled away in the third. Griffin, who went to the bench for good with 10:17 remaining, finished with 16 points in the paint - including a dunk off an alley-oop pass from Paul to cap an 18-7 run and give Los Angeles a 85-62 cushion with 5:47 left in the third. Houston coach Kevin McHale then emptied his bench during the ensuing timeout, and the Rockets scored the next four points. Moments later, Griffin and reserve center Samuel Dalembert nearly got into it under the Clippers' basket before they were separated by Jordan. The fourth quarter became a showcase for Foye, who scored 10 points in the first 3:42 to help the Clippers increase a 15-point lead to 102-76. He added a layup to make it a 30-point advantage with 5:07 to play. *Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Boston C. - New Jersey N. 89-70
Boston coach Doc Rivers didn't hind the fact that his team should beat an injury-riddled New Jersey team. Paul Pierce (6'7''-F/G-77, college: Kansas) listened and nearly took care of it himself. Pierce scored 9 of his 24 points during a game-breaking third-quarter run and Avery Bradley (6'2''-G-90, college: Texas) hit his first career 3-pointer, helping the Celtics beat the Nets 89-70 Wednesday night. After what looked like a listless first half, Boston took over with an 18-3 third-quarter closing run. 'He mainly talked about us,' Pierce said Rivers told the team after the sluggish first half. 'He just told us we should win this game with all the injuries they have. We just needed to clean up some things and stop turning the ball over.' Reserve Brandon Bass scored 15 and grabbed 13 rebounds, and Rajon Rondo had eight points and 12 assists for the Celtics (4-3). Boston has won four straight since dropping all three of a season-opening road trip. Kevin Garnett had 14 points and 12 boards, Bradley finished with 11 points. 'We just played better, played harder, executed better,' Rivers said of the change after halftime. 'I really thought in the first half our defense was terrific; our offense was horrendous.' Rivers also said Pierce's play is improving after he missed the initial three games with a bruised right heel. 'You can see it,' he said. 'He's getting his rhythm.' MarShon Brooks, making his first career start, led the Nets with 17 points, and Jordan Farmar had 11. New Jersey has lost six straight since a season-opening win at Washington. 'I thought it was going to be a big game until it happened,' he said. 'Boston did a good job of adjusting at halftime and throwing some double teams at me. It was my first time getting double teamed in this league, so I didn't know how to get my shot off.' Nets guard Deron Williams missed the game with a sore right ankle, forward Kris Humphries with a sore left shoulder and center Brook Lopez with a broken right foot. Further depleting their roster, starting forward Damion James had his right foot stepped on late in the second quarter and didn't play the second half. Brooks had 15 in the first half, but was hobbled after tweaking his left ankle late in the second quarter. 'He had an awfully good first half for us. He showed how explosive he is offensively and I think since he kind of tweaked it in the first and it took a lot of his energy in the second half,' Nets coach Avery Johnson said. 'He tried to play through it - he had a really nice first half for us, as well as our team, defensively. We just couldn't score in the second half.' The Nets are hoping Brooks and James aren't out now, too. Brooks had x-rays in the arena after the game, but results were not immediately available to the media. 'Damion is more of a foot situation and MarShon is more of an ankle,' Johnson said. 'We'll have more of an update on them tomorrow.' Boston guard Ray Allen missed the game due to illness. Neither team shot over 40 percent in the first half that ended with the Nets up 35-34. To add to its weak shooting first half, Boston had 10 turnovers. But in the third quarter, the Celtics just had too much offense - mainly Pierce. 'We just started to execute and run a little bit,' Pierce said. 'We kept it simple.' Bass started the spree with a jumper from the wing and Rondo hit a free throw before Pierce nailed consecutive 3s just 34 seconds apart, making it 55-44. He then hit one free throw before Bradley, who played sparingly in just his second season, nailed his first 3 of his brief NBA career and Pierce hit two more free throws, making it 61-46. Bass' jumper late in the quarter gave Boston a 63-47 lead after three quarters. Rondo's jumper midway into the final quarter gave the Celtics a 73-51 lead. *Courtesy of www.chron.com

N.Orleans H. - Philadelph.76 93-101
Jrue Holiday (6'3''-PG-90, college: UCLA) scored 14 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a 101-93 win over the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday night. Holiday, who was 3 for 9 from the field after three quarters, drained three 3-pointers and five of six shots the rest of the way. The 76ers trailed 73-67 at the end of the third, but Holiday scored 10 points down the stretch as Philadelphia extended an 84-83 lead to 98-89. Evan Turner (6'7''-G/F-88, college: Ohio St.) added 21 points and Spencer Hawes scored 17 for the 76ers, who won for the third time during a franchise-record five-game road trip to start the season. Eric Gordon led New Orleans with 22 points after missing four consecutive games with a bruised knee. Carl Landry added 21 points and eight rebounds while Jarrett Jack had 19 points and 11 assists, but it wasn't enough to keep the Hornets from losing their fourth in a row. Philadelphia, which trailed 73-65 late in the third quarter, went on a 9-0 run to take the lead early in the fourth, scoring on four consecutive trips down the court. Elton Brand's dunk closed the gap to 73-67 entering the fourth. Holiday followed with a 3-pointer, Brand then hit a face-up shot and Turner scored as the 76ers went ahead. The lead changed hands six times in the next 6 minutes, with neither team going ahead by more than three points until Holiday hit another 3 to give the 76ers an 89-83 advantage. The Hornets cut the deficit to 89-87 on a pair of free throws by Jack and a floater by Jack after Gordon's steal, but Holiday responded with another 3-pointer at the 2:40 mark. New Orleans center Emeka Okafor missed two free throws, and Holiday hit a leaner to give Philadelphia a 94-87 lead. After Landry scored inside, the 76ers' Andre Iguodala soared to the rim for an emphatic dunk to make the score 96-89. It was only his second basket in 10 shots. Holiday sealed the victory with a shot just inside the 3-point line with 36.6 seconds left as Philadelphia took its largest lead to that point, 98-89. The 76ers, who had zero points off turnovers through three quarters, scored 13 off six Hornets miscues in the fourth. Philadelphia also scored three baskets on putbacks in the quarter against the NBA's leading rebounding team. Those factors made up for a lack of outside shooting from anyone other than Holiday. Iguodala and Louis Williams, who had combined to go 21 of 36 on 3-pointers through four games, combined to miss all five of their long-range attempts, with Iguodala misfiring on four. The Hornets led for almost the entire first three quarters. Gordon scored seven of their first nine points and hit his first four shots. Showing no signs of the knee injury that kept him out for four games, Gordon drove the baseline for an easy basket, followed with a layup in transition, drained a 3-pointer off an offensive rebound, knocked down an outside shot and hit a midrange jumper, all in the first 9:30. He cooled off the rest of the way, finishing 8 of 22 from the floor. It was Holiday's turn to heat up in the fourth quarter. *Courtesy of www.wsmv.com

San Antonio S. - Golde State W. 101-95
Tony Parker (6'0''-PG-82) scored the Spurs' final six points Wednesday night, helping lift San Antonio to a 101-95 victory over the Golden State Warriors. The Spurs were playing their first game without leading scorer Emanuel Ginobili (6'6''-G-77, agency: Interperformances), who will have surgery on his broken left hand and is expected to be out at least two months. The Warriors, meanwhile, lost Stephen Curry to a sprained left ankle in the third quarter. Monta Ellis scored 38 points on 15-of-30 shooting to lead Golden State (2-4). The Warriors led 75-70 entering the fourth quarter. Parker, though, scored 10 points in the fourth quarter for San Antonio (4-2). Curry hurt his ankle with 2:49 remaining in the third quarter when he appeared to land wrong after jumping. He went to the bench after a timeout but was then escorted to the locker room and never returned. The Spurs outscored the Warriors 31-20 in the fourth quarter. The Spurs have won 27 straight games at home against the Warriors, last losing Feb. 14, 1997. San Antonio has defeated Golden State 13 straight times. Tim Duncan had 15 points and 11 rebounds for the Spurs. Richard Jefferson added 17 points and DeJuan Blair had 12 points. James Anderson, who replaced Ginobili in the starting lineup, scored only five points on 2-of-6 shooting. Curry had 20 points and eight assists before leaving with the injury, and David Lee had 13 points and 10 rebounds. Ginobili tweeted Wednesday that he'll have a plate screwed onto his shooting hand Thursday. He broke his fifth metacarpal, below his pinkie, during the second quarter of a loss at Minnesota on Monday night. 'Not thrilled,' tweeted Ginobili, who's averaging 17.4 points per game. Ginobili injured his hand in the season's fifth game when he fouled Anthony Tolliver as he jumped to shoot the ball. 'Six to eight weeks is the most common things that's been thrown around, so I assume that's what it is unless the docs figure out differently tomorrow,' Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. *Courtesy of www.sfgate.com

Orlando M. - Washington W. 103-85
Dwight Howard (6'11''-C-85) had 28 points and 20 rebounds, Ryan Anderson (6'10''-F-88, college: California) added 23 points and 15 rebounds and the Orlando Magic ran past the winless Washington Wizards 103-85 on Wednesday night.The Magic won for the fifth time in six games and had four players in double figures. Orlando has won seven straight against Washington and 15 of the last 18 meetings. The Wizards got 17 points from Nick Young, but shot poorly all night and trailed by as many as 28 in falling to 0-6 for the first time in franchise history. They remain the NBA's only winless team. The Magic had a four-game winning streak snapped Monday at Detroit in a lethargic effort that coach Stan Van Gundy said was virtually void of any energy from a team playing its sixth game in nine days. Orlando was off Tuesday and appeared to have its pep back against the Wizards, sprinting out to as much as a 22-point lead in the opening 24 minutes and taking an 18-point cushion into halftime. Howard led all scorers with 17 points in the first half - coming mostly on layups or dunks - as the beneficiary of several assists from Hedo Turkoglu and Jameer Nelson, who had five apiece. The Wizards struggled to get shots to fall from the outset, settling for jumpers and missing their first 12 field goal attempts. They also gave up 31 points in the first quarter, the third time this season they allowed an opponent to score at least 30 in a period. Meanwhile, Washington shot a paltry 21 percent (6 for 28) in a 14-point first quarter. The Magic made 61 percent (11 for 18) of their shots in the first quarter. Howard was 4 for 4. *Courtesy of www.wjla.com

Miami Heat - Indiana P. 118-83
LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) had 33 points and 13 assists, Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech) added 22 points and the Miami Heat hardly missed Dwyane Wade in a 118-83 rout of the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night. James also grabbed eight rebounds and the Heat turned up the defensive intensity without their star guard. Wade sat out with a sore left foot, and his status for Thursday's game at Atlanta is uncertain. Roy Hibbert had 16 points and 12 rebounds to lead Indiana. Tyler Hansbrough scored 14. Wade, a six-time All-Star, injured his foot in the second quarter at Charlotte on Dec. 28. He missed the first 10 minutes of the third period but played regular minutes the rest of the game and in the two that followed. He skipped Wednesday's shootaround, though. The Heat had a scare late in the third quarter when James went down underneath the basket with an apparent left ankle injury. James appeared to step on the foot of Indiana's Paul George while attempting a fast-break layup. But after staying on the court for a few seconds James got to his feet, prompting applause from the sellout crowd, and resumed breaking down the Pacers. Indiana, a fashionable pick to be one of the surprise teams in the East, had a miserable second quarter, going 1 for 15 from the field and committing 10 turnovers that Miami turned into 10 points. Miami took a 62-39 halftime lead thanks to a 25-6 run to close the second quarter. Indiana's main problem, however, was that it couldn't slow Miami's transition offense. And because the Pacers shot so poorly and committed so many turnovers, all the Heat had to do was grab the ball and start running, and they did it quite successfully. The Pacers trailed 29-27 after the first quarter. But in the second half, they never got closer than 12 points and the lead eventually ballooned to 36. Indiana's Danny Granger scored only six points on 2-for-13 shooting. He missed six of his seven shots in the first half and committed three turnovers. The Pacers ended up shooting 34.8 percent from the field. They committed 23 turnovers that Miami turned into 28 points. This was Indiana's biggest test of the season after beating Detroit, Toronto, Cleveland and New Jersey. *Courtesy of www.chron.com

Minnesota T. - Memphis G. 86-90
Rudy Gay (6'9''-F/G-86, college: Connecticut) had 19 points and eight rebounds, lifting the Memphis Grizzlies to a 90-86 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night in their first game since learning Zach Randolph (6'9''-C-81, college: Michigan St.) would be out for six to eight weeks. O.J. Mayo scored 11 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter and Mike Conley had 12 points and eight assists for Memphis. Kevin Love had 27 points and 14 rebounds and Ricky Rubio added 12 points, 10 assists and four rebounds for the Timberwolves, who missed a chance for their first three-game winning streak since February 2010. Love became the first player since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1975 to record 20 points and 12 rebounds in his team's first six games. But it wasn't enough against the hard-nosed Grizzlies, who scored 23 points off 17 turnovers and held the Wolves to 40 percent shooting to grind out the kind of victory that would make Randolph proud. Memphis used a 13-0 run to take a 76-68 lead with 3:37 to go, then held on as the Wolves tried to rally. Love, Luke Ridnour and Rubio hit 3s, the last from the Spaniard with 16.5 seconds to play to make it 84-83. But Conley and Mayo knocked down free throws to hold them off. Tony Allen added 20 points for Memphis. The Grizzlies found out earlier Wednesday that they will be missing Randolph, their emotional leader and best player, for the next six to eight weeks because of a torn MCL in his right knee. It was Randolph who instilled the swagger and toughness in this young team last year, carrying them to within one win of the Western Conference finals. Memphis traded a second-round pick to Philadelphia and sent guard Xavier Henry to New Orleans as part of a three-team trade that landed them Philly big man Marreese Speights, but most of the onus will be put on Gay and Gasol to fill the void. *Courtesy of www.sctimes.com

Dallas M. - Phoenix Suns 98-89
Dirk Nowitzki (6'11''-F-78) and the Dallas Mavericks are slowly starting to perform a little more like the defending NBA champs. Nowitzki scored 20 points in his 1,000th NBA game to lead the Mavericks to a 98-89 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night. Jason Terry (6'2''-PG-77, college: Arizona) contributed 18 points, including nine in the fourth quarter, to help the Mavs (3-4) string together consecutive wins for the first time this season. 'We said at the beginning, we're going to be a piece of work and everybody is going to come along and I think this team is more set up to peak down the stretch and not now,' Nowitzki said. 'Everybody's got to work themselves back into shape, get the legs strong and play with each other more and I think we're going to be a good team down the stretch.' Lamar Odom added 15 points and five rebounds in his best game since joining the Mavericks in a trade with the Los Angeles Lakers on Dec. 11. But Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said Odom can do better in just about every area. 'He had good stats, but there are areas where he needs to improve.' Carlisle said. Steve Nash had 15 points and 12 assists for the Suns (2-4), while Marcin Gortat had 22 points and 10 rebounds. The Mavericks lost their first three games while trying to introduce five new faces into the lineup after the departures of five key players from the team that won its first title last season. Now the Mavericks are playing with more cohesion and energy, winning three of four. 'These are steps in the right direction,' said Mavericks forward Shawn Marion, who had 13 points despite being listed as questionable before the game due to illness. 'Things are starting to click on both ends of the floor.' Nowitzki is the team's career leader in most categories, including points. He already had the record for games played and was appearing in his 975th game as a starter. 'I'm still working to get back to where I was,' said Nowitzki, MVP of the NBA Finals last season. 'It's definitely good to get to 1,000 games, that's a lot of games and means I was healthy a lot and I was able to help my team and this franchise a lot. It's great and now we're looking for another 1,000, we'll see how far we can take it.' The Mavs broke the game open with a 13-4 third-quarter run capped by five straight points from Nowitzki, including a three-point play for a 62-49 lead. Terry hit a 3-pointer at the third-quarter buzzer to make it 77-66. 'It was a 3-point momentum play at the end of the quarter, a huge play,' Carlisle said. Terry connected on three more from behind the arc early in the fourth, the final one pushing the Mavs' advantage to 92-71 with 7:46 remaining. The Suns kept hustling and trimmed the deficit to 96-87 on Nash's 3-pointer with 2:50 to play, but the Phoenix couldn't get any closer. The Mavericks were up at halftime, 49-41 behind Nowitzki's 13 points. For the game, the Suns were outrebounded 53-42, 19-11 on the offensive glass. 'I think we gave up tons of offensive rebounds,' Nash said. 'We held them to 41 percent shooting which is more than acceptable, but we missed a lot of shots. We're OK offensively, but you can't give up so many offensive rebounds like we did tonight.' Terry and Odom led Dallas to a 51-21 advantage in bench scoring. 'That's where the separation came, with the second units,' Suns coach Alvin Gentry said. 'That's where the lead came and it was hard for us to overcome.' *Courtesy of www.chron.com

Denver N. - Sacramento K. 110-83
Al Harrington (6'9''-F-80) scored 15 points, Rudy Fernandez (6'6''-G-85) had 12 points to go with eight assists, and the Denver Nuggets won their third straight by beating the Sacramento Kings 110-83 Wednesday night. Timofey Mozgov and Arron Afflalo added 11 points apiece for the Nuggets, who have won their last six meetings against the Kings in Denver. Playing the second of three games in three days, the Kings played from behind most of the night and lost guard Tyreke Evans for the last two quarters after he became ill. The Kings, who remained winless in three road games this season, got 26 points from DeMarcus Cousins and 23 points from Marcus Thornton. Cousins was playing in his second game since returning from a one-game banishment for, the team said, demanding a trade. Cousins has denied making a trade demand. Up by 17 at the half, the Nuggets stretched the lead to 66-41 on a basket by Danilo Gallinari with 6:33 left in the third quarter. Sacramento scored 14 of the next 18 points, pulling to 70-55 on Thornton's 3-pointer but wound up lagging behind Denver 85-64 going into the fourth quarter. Well in front already, Denver made it a runaway with a 9-0 burst to start the start fourth. The run was punctuated by dunks by Chris Andersen and rookie Kenneth Faried off a no-look alley oop pass from Fernandez. The Nuggets led 27-17 after the first quarter and began the second with a 14-2 run, pulling out to a 41-19 lead on a fast-break dunk by Corey Brewer with 7:14 remaining in the period. The Kings cut the deficit to 13 on a layup by Thornton but Gallinari pulled off a reverse layup and then got a steal to start a fast break that Harrington finished with a layup for a 56-39 lead at halftime. *Courtesy of www.ktvn.com

Toronto R. - Cleveland C. 92-77
Andrea Bargnani (6'10''-F/C-85) scored 31 points on 11-for-16 shooting and the Toronto Raptors won for the second game in a row, 92-77 over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. Demar DeRozan (6'7''-F/G-89, college: USC) added 25 points on 9-for-18 shooting for the Raptors while Jose Calderon had 11 assists to go with 13 points. The Raptors took the lead late in the first quarter and held it the rest of the way for their second victory of the season over the Cavs. Antawn Jamison led Cleveland with 19 points with Kyrie Irving adding 12 and Omri Casspi scoring 10. Anderson Varejao led all rebounders with 13. Cleveland rookie forward Tristan Thompson of Brampton, Ont., scored one point in just under 17 minutes and was 0 for 5 from the field. The Raptors took a 15-point lead into the fourth quarter but learned in their games earlier this season that a big lead was no guarantee of a win. The Cavaliers scored the first five points of the fourth but Leandro Barbosa responded by hitting a 34-footer for three points that brought a gasp from the crowd. DeRozan hit his fourth three-pointer of the game with 8:52 to play in the third quarter to put Toronto into a 10-point lead. Led by Bargnani's 11 third-quarter points, the Raptors opened up a 66-51 lead going into the final quarter. The Raptors beat the Cavs 104-96 in the opening game of the season for both teams on Dec. 26 in Cleveland. But Cleveland (3-3) won three of their next four games before Wednesday's game as Toronto (3-3) lost three in a row before beating the New York Knicks 90-85 on Monday. Bargnani scored eight points and DeRozan had seven as Toronto led 21-18 after the first quarter. Toronto built the lead to nine points late in the second quarter but Cleveland cut it to four before DeRozan hit a three-pointer with the last shot of the half, a 28-foot, pull-up jumper, to make the half-time score 46-39. DeRozan finished the first half with 15 points that included going 3 for 3 on three-pointers. Bargnani added 10 for Toronto while Jamison led all first-half scorers with 17 points for the Cavs. Thompson, 20, entered the game with 1:09 left in the first quarter and received a round of applause. He left 26 tickets for friends and family and figured that he had a contingent of about 200 supporters cheering for him. The Cavaliers took Thompson with the fourth pick overall in the first round in the 2011 draft. He is the highest picked Canadian in the modern history of the NBA draft. *Courtesy of http://toronto.ctv.ca

New York K. - Charlotte B. 110-118
Boris Diaw (6'8''-PF-82) was lousy the night before, Charlotte coach Paul Silas conceded. Nothing to worry about, Silas figured, because he remembered Diaw usually plays well against the New York Knicks. Sure enough, Diaw rebounded with a season-high 27 points, and the Bobcats snapped a four-game losing streak with a 118-110 victory Wednesday. Diaw had some of his best moments playing for Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni in Phoenix, and he's just as good against D'Antoni's system as he was in it. 'Some games I'm going to score a lot of points and some not, and usually it doesn't depend on what we do but what the opposite team is doing, and I always try to adapt to whatever the defense is giving me,' Diaw said. 'And against this kind of team, yeah, I like these kind of games.' Gerald Henderson (6'4''-G-87, college: Duke) added 24 for the Bobcats, who won for the first time since their opener. Reserve Byron Mullens scored 16 and D.J. Augustin finished with 14 points and 10 assists. Charlotte shot 55 percent from the field. *Courtesy of www.sfgate.com

Detroit P. - Chicago B. 83-99
Richard Hamilton (6'7''-G-78, college: Connecticut) scored 14 points in his return to The Palace, and the Chicago Bulls shut down the Detroit Pistons in a 99-83 victory Wednesday night. Hamilton started after missing the previous two games with a sore left groin. He received a warm welcome from Detroit fans, many of whom stood and applauded the veteran guard who spent nine years with the Pistons before being waived prior to this season. Hamilton went 5 of 9 from the field and added five assists. Derrick Rose had 17 points and 10 assists for the Bulls. Greg Monroe (6'11''-C-90, college: Georgetown) had 19 points and 13 rebounds for Detroit. Pistons guard Rodney Stuckey didn't play in the second half because of a left groin problem. Rose, last season's NBA MVP, was shaken up late in the fourth quarter when he landed hard following a drive to the basket. He was able to stay in the game. Hamilton chatted a bit with some former teammates while out on the court warming up about 45 minutes before the game. He was announced last among Chicago's starters, and the crowd showed its appreciation. Hamilton led Detroit to the 2004 NBA championship but was benched for an extended period last season amid a falling out with then-coach John Kuester. The Pistons fired Kuester after the season, then parted ways with Hamilton following the lockout. The Pistons were held scoreless until Monroe's layup 3:54 into the first quarter. Hamilton then made a tough shot off the backboard while being fouled. His three-point play made it 9-2. A dunk in transition by Rose put Chicago ahead 20-10, and a 3-pointer by Kyle Korver made it 47-33 in the second quarter. The Bulls led 51-35 at halftime. Hamilton scored seven points in the third quarter, including a perimeter shot that gave the Bulls their biggest lead at 57-37. After the Pistons pulled within a dozen, Hamilton made a 3-pointer from the right corner for a 67-52 advantage. With 5:04 left in the fourth quarter, Hamilton was slow getting up after being fouled hard by Will Bynum in transition. He was able to make the two free throws and continue playing. Chicago has won five straight and 12 in a row against the Pistons. The Bulls haven't lost to Detroit since Dec. 23, 2008. Five Chicago players finished in double figures, led by Carlos Boozer with 19 points. Joakim Noah had 13 points and 11 rebounds. The Bulls shot 53 percent to Detroit's 41 percent. *Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com



Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 LeBron JAMES
  Miami Heat
  (203-F-84)
  Avg: 29.9
 1. James, Miami Heat29.9 
 2. Anthony, New Y.27.8 
 3. Durant, Oklah.Ci.26.1 
 4. Bryant, LA Lakers25.9 
 5. Love, Minnesota T.25.7 
 6. Griffin, LA Clipp.25.2 
 7. Bargnani, Toron.24.0 
 8. Ellis, Golde S.23.8 
 9. Aldridge, Portland.22.2 
 10. Nowitzki, Dallas22.1 
Rebounds Per Game
 Andrew BYNUM
  LA Lakers
  (213-C-87)
  Avg: 17
 1. Bynum, LA Lakers17.0 
 2. Howard, Orlando M.16.0 
 3. Love, Minnesota T.15.0 
 4. Hawes, Philadelph..11.4 
 5. Gasol, Memphis G.10.2 
 6. Humphries, New J.10.0 
 7. Haslem, Miami Heat10.0 
 8. Hibbert, Indiana P.10.0 
 9. Bogut, Milwauke.10.0 
 10. McGee, Washingt.9.8 
Assists Per Game
 Rajon RONDO
  Boston C.
  (185-PG-86)
  Avg: 10.7
 1. Rondo, Boston C.10.7 
 2. Lowry, Houston R.10.0 
 3. Calderon, Toron.10.0 
 4. Paul, LA Clippers9.8 
 5. Nash, Phoenix Suns8.7 
 6. Rose, Chicago B.8.6 
 7. Jack, N.Orleans H.8.6 
 8. Ellis, Golde S.8.2 
 9. James, Miami Heat7.4 
 10. Conley, Memphis G.7.3 
Steals Per Game
 Mike CONLEY
  Memphis G.
  (186-PG-87)
  Avg: 3
 1. Conley, Memphis G.3.0 
 2. Lawson, Denver N.2.6 
 3. Paul, LA Clippers2.6 
 4. Kidd, Dallas M.2.1 
 5. Lowry, Houston R.2.0 
 6. Gallinari, Denver2.0 
 7. Millsap, Utah Jazz2.0 
 8. Allen, Memphis G.2.0 
 9. Westbrook, Oklah..2.0 
 10. James, Miami Heat2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 DeAndre JORDAN
  LA Clippers
  (213-C-88)
  Avg: 3
 1. Jordan, LA Clippers3.0 
 2. McGee, Washingt.2.8 
 3. Howard, Orlando M.2.7 
 4. Stiemsma, Boston2.6 
 5. Faried, Denver N.2.5 
 6. Chandler, New Y.2.2 
 7. Hawes, Philadelph..2.2 
 8. Wade, Miami Heat2.0 
 9. Ibaka, Oklah.Ci.2.0 
 10. Bynum, LA Lakers2.0 


Standings
NBA Standings
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
 1. Boston C. 4-3 
 2. Philadelph.76 3-2 
 3. Toronto R. 3-3 
 4. New York K. 2-4 
 5. New Jersey N. 1-6 
Central Div.
 1. Chicago B. 6-1 
 2. Indiana P. 4-2 
 3. Cleveland C. 3-3 
 4. Milwaukee B. 2-3 
 5. Detroit P. 2-4 
Southeast Div.
 1. Miami Heat 6-1 
 2. Orlando M. 5-2 
 3. Atlanta H. 4-2 
 4. Charlotte B. 2-4 
 5. Washington W. 0-6 
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
 1. Denver N. 5-2 
 2. Oklah.City T. 5-2 
 3. Portland TB 4-1 
 4. Utah Jazz 3-3 
 5. Minnesota T. 2-4 
Pacific Div.
 1. LA Lakers 4-3 
 2. LA Clippers 3-2 
 3. Phoenix Suns 2-4 
 4. Golde State W. 2-4 
 5. Sacramento K. 2-5 
Southwest Div.
 1. San Antonio S. 4-2 
 2. Memphis G. 3-3 
 3. Dallas M. 3-4 
 4. Houston R. 2-4 
 5. N.Orleans H. 2-4 


San Antonio 93, Dallas 71 - by Milord Nikolic
Richard Jefferson scored 16 points and got the San Antonio Spurs off to a quick start in thumping the visiting Dallas Mavericks 93-71 on Thursday at the AT&T Center. San Antonio (5-2) won its fifth straight home game and fourth in a row versus the Mavericks (3-5), who fell to 3-8 in their last 11 meetings with the Spurs. Jefferson knocked down three of the Spurs 16 3-pointers and Gary Neal, starting in place of the injured Manu Ginobili, scored all his 12 points from outside by going 4 for 7 from 3-point range. The Spurs exploded out of the gate, opening the game with a 19-4 run. San Antonio took a 55-29 lead into the half, hitting 11 for 18 from beyond the arc in the first two quarters while Dallas went 0 for 11 from 3-point range at the break. The Spurs led by as many as 28 points. The Mavericks scored less than 30 points in a half for the first time since scoring 29 points against Philadelphia on Feb. 11, 2008. Dallas, playing its sixth game in eight nights, shot just 35 percent from the field, 1 for 19 from the 3-point arc and committed 15 turnovers. Jason Terry led the way with 12 points for the Mavs. Dirk Nowitzki shot just 3 for 11 from the floor and finished with only six points. Reserve Matt Bonner led San Antonio with 17 points off the bench, including five 3-pointers. Tony Parker scored 11 points and Tim Duncan added 10 points and five rebounds. Dallas point guard Jason Kidd left the game early in the first quarter with a lower back injury and did not return.

Cavs assign Christian Eyenga to Canton Charge - by Eurobasket News
The goal is simple for Christian Eyenga (6'7''-G-89).

Just to be consistent, the Cleveland Cavaliers 22-year-old forward said. They know what I can do, and they want me to do it every time.

His chance to prove it will come in Canton.

The Cavaliers assigned Eyenga to the Charge on Wednesday, making him the first Cleveland player to be sent down to the organizations exclusive NBA Development League affiliate.

The 6-foot-7, 210-pound Eyenga is a young player with eye-popping athleticism and a skill set in need of some polish.

Cavaliers head coach Byron Scott had not made a secret his displeasure with the play of Eyenga through training camp, specifically on the defensive end.

Then, through the Cavs first five games, Eyenga played a grand total of one minute.

Eyenga played 44 games (starting 18) for the Cavaliers during his rookie campaign last year and averaged 6.9 points and 2.8 rebounds. While a demotion might be hard to swallow, he seemed positive Wednesday after going through his first practice with the Charge.

Its very fortunate for me to get to come and compete and get better, said Eyenga, a native of the Republic of Congo. I can say nothing about it. The Cavs have the right to put me here. They feel its good for me to come here, play and compete. Im not thinking of this as a bad thing.

Eyenga, the 30th pick in the first round of the 2009 NBA Draft, played in 15 games last year with the D-Leagues Erie BayHawks the Cavaliers former affiliate. He averaged 12.3 points on 53.1 percent shooting and 4.7 rebounds. So hes well acquainted with life in the D-League.

Said Charge head coach Alex Jensen, The thing he has to look at is, Im playing. Use it as an opportunity.

Its nothing but a positive from the Charges perspective. They get to add a talented player with NBA experience without having to waive a player to make room for him.

D-League teams can increase their rosters from 10 up to 12 for assigned players. They can add a third assigned player, but a corresponding move must be made so the roster doesnt exceed 12.

Eyengas assignment is an example of one of the main reasons the Cavaliers own and operate the Charge.

He can continue to develop instead of rotting on the Cavaliers bench, and hell do it while running the same system as the Cavaliers.

Were going to be running the same plays. Hes going to hear, No middle (on defense), everyday. Hes going to hear defense and rebounding, Jensen said.

Thats the nice thing: Hes going to hear the same things hes going to hear in Cleveland, but hes going to be able to play on the court.

The Charge (7-7) return to the court Friday against Fort Wayne at Memorial Civic Center, starting at 7:30 p.m.

Courtesy of www.cantonrep.com

Raptors' Alabi headed to D-League - by Eurobasket News
Solomon Alabi (7'1''-C-88, college: Florida St.) is heading back to the NBA Development League.

The 7-foot-1 centre was assigned to the Bakersfield Jam of the NBADL on Wednesday. He will still be included on Toronto's roster, but will be placed on the inactive list.

Alabi made three trips to the D-League last season, totalling 22 games, where he averaged 7.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.8 bloocks per game in 18.5 minutes.

Alabi has only managed to get off of the Raptors' bench once this season and played 12 games for the club last season.

Head coach Dwane Casey recently told the Toronto Sun that Alabi desperately needed playing time in order to develop.

Really, Solo needs to play more than anything else to learn the NBA game and adjust to the speed, Casey said.

'A summer league would have been great for him. All the workout drills dont really help him (as much as game situations).

On Wednesday, Casey said backup point guard Jerryd Bayless is day-to-day with a sore ankle, while centre Aaron Gray also remains day-to-day. Forward Linas Kleiza continues to work his way back from off-season surgery and is doing offensive drills without defenders, but still needs to be cleared by his doctors in Colorado before he can fully scrimmage.

Meanwhile, Raptors have three players listed on this year's NBA all-star ballot - Andrea Bargnani, Jose Calderon and DeMar DeRozan.

Courtesy of www.torontosun.com

Grizzlies acquire Speights from 76ers in three-team trade - by Eurobasket News
The Grizzlies have acquired forward/center Marreese Speights (6'10''-F/C-87, college: Florida) from Philadelphia as part of a three-team trade that also includes the Hornets.

The Grizzlies sent a 2012 second-round draft pick to the Sixers in exchange for Speights, while sending guard Xavier Henry (6'6''-G-91, college: Kansas) to New Orleans. The Hornets also sent a future second-round pick to Philadelphia.

Speights was the 16th overall pick of the 2008 draft, but did not play in the Sixers' first four games this season with Spencer Hawes, Elton Brand and Thaddeus Young taking the majority of Philadelphia's frontcourt minutes. Reserve power forwards Nikola Vucevic and Craig Brackins have also seen playing time.

But Speights, 24, had already seen his role with the Sixers reduced. He averaged only 11.5 minutes per game last season in Doug Collins' first year as the team's head coach, after averaging at least 16 in his first two seasons in the league.

In 205 games (four starts) over three NBA seasons, Speights has averaged 7.2 points and 3.7 rebounds.

Henry is in his second NBA season, though he did not appear in Memphis' first five contests because of a right ankle sprain. The 20-year-old was picked 12th overall in the 2010 draft, and averaged 4.3 points and 1.0 rebounds as a rookie. He played in 38 games (16 starts) last season, averaging 13.9 minutes.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Ray Allen hopes for multiyear deal from Celtics - by Eurobasket News
Boston Celtics shooting guard Ray Allen (6'5''-SG-75, college: Connecticut) has been in the NBA since being selected fifth overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 1996 draft. Since then, he's been an All-Star 10 times and won an NBA championship with Boston in 2008 after joining the team the summer before.

In the second year of a two-year, $20 million contract, the 36-year-old Allen will be a free agent next summer and is hoping to re-sign with Boston for more than one year, according to Fox Sports: 'That's what I want,' he said, according to the site.

However, he is also aware that he's getting older, even if he is still performing at a high level: 'I'm living on borrowed time right now,' he said, according to Fox. 'I look around at some of the greats to have played the game. You think about 12 to 14 years is a great career for anybody and at I'm at 16 [years] and still being able to play the game that I want to play.'

This season, over the team's first six games, Allen is averaging 20 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game.

Courtesy of Yahoo! Sports

Jerry West: Riley still has 'numerous' titles left in him - by Eurobasket News
At 66-years-old, Pat Riley is eligible for retirement, but Jerry West doesn't believe the Miami Heat president will be going anywhere soon.

'I was talking to Pat, and I told him, 'Don't walk away from something,'' West, the Hall of Famer who called Riley his 'best friend,' said Wednesday in a phone interview with FOX Sports Florida. 'I would be shocked if he did (anytime soon). . . If I were him, I would stay there and watch them win championships.'

Yes, that would plural. West called the Heat, with stars LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, 'absolutely' the best team now in the NBA. And he expects that to continue for years to come.

'They've got two of the three best players in the NBA,' West said of James and Wade. 'I think they can win numerous championships.'

West is a guy who should know. He's been a part of seven NBA titles, one as a player, four as a general manager and two as a special consultant to the Lakers.

West was general manager of the Lakers from 1982-2000. That tenure included Riley winning three of his four coaching titles with the team.

Riley, who also coached the Heat to an NBA crown in 2005-06, works on year-to-year contracts with Heat owner Micky Arison. Speaking to the media last month, Riley did not indicate any desire to retire anytime soon.

'Where am I going to go?' Riley said. 'The lockout, to me, drove me crazy. . .The Arisons have been great to me.'

Riley was named co-NBA Executive of the Year last season along with Chicago's Gar Forman, making him the second man to win that award and Coach of the Year (Riley has won that three times). Boston's Red Auerbach is the other one.

When asked if Riley is better as a coach or as an executive, West said he's been great at both. He spoke mostly about Riley's ability as an executive because that's what he's doing now.

'Pat is able to see things differently,' said West, Executive of the Year with the Lakers in 1994-95 and with Memphis in 2003-04. 'He can convince players to come and play for his team and be part of a family. . . He's had unbelievable success.'

With that in mind, West, who calls it 'sour grapes' that anybody could criticize how Riley put together the Heat in free agency, doesn't see his friend moving on anytime soon.

'He wants to win championships,' West said. 'He's still got the vitality and the energy and the knowledge and the work ethic to accomplish that.'

Courtesy of www.foxsportsflorida.com

Golden State Warriors sign free agent G Nate Robinson - by Eurobasket News
The Golden State Warriors wanted to bolster their backcourt with some scoring punch off the bench.

Once again, theyre hoping big things come in small packages.

The Warriors completed a deal to sign free agent Nate Robinson (5'9''-PG-84, college: Washington) on Wednesday night, adding another flashy but undersized guard to a backcourt that already features Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry. The team announced the move before playing at San Antonio.

Robinson is expected to join the Warriors in Los Angeles on Thursday. Hell wear No. 2 when Golden State faces the Lakers on Friday night, but its unclear how soon hell play.

The three-time NBA slam dunk champion is expected to provide depth at guard. Curry already has sprained his troublesome, surgically repaired right ankle twice this season.

At 5-foot-9, Robinson makes the combo of Curry and Ellis often the target of the teams defensive struggles with each at 6-foot-3 look like a towering twosome.

Robinson, a seventh-year pro, was sent from Boston to Oklahoma City as part of the deal that brought center Kendrick Perkins to the Thunder at the trade deadline last season. Robinson averaged 3.3 points and 1.5 assists in 7.5 minutes per game in his short Oklahoma City tenure.

Thunder general manager Sam Presti announced the 27-year-old Robinsons release Dec. 24. Robinson didnt attend Oklahoma Citys training camp after the lockout was lifted, and Presti said then that it was unlikely he will have an opportunity to contribute on a nightly basis.

During the offseason, Robinson was arrested for urinating in public outside a bookstore in a New York City suburb. He also had been training in his hometown of Seattle but its unclear what kind of shape hell be in with no preseason or training camp and the season already a few weeks old.

Certainly, the Warriors are counting on contributions immediately.

Golden State was 2-3 under first-year coach Mark Jackson heading into Wednesday nights game at San Antonio. With Currys constant injury concerns and little productivity coming from the bench, the Warriors hope Robinson while also not known for his defense can provide some scoring punch.

Rookies Klay Thompson and Charles Jenkins and second-year guard Ish Smith have shared time off the bench with mixed results. Robinson turned out to be a key contributor during Bostons run to the 2010 NBA finals, where the Celtics lost to the Lakers in seven games, but he has done little since.

Robinson was drafted 21st overall by the Phoenix Suns in 2005 following a stellar college career at Washington. The Suns traded him on draft night to the New York Knicks, where he spent 4 seasons. He won the dunk contest during the NBAs All-Star weekend in 2006, 2009 and 2010.

Robinsons best season came in 2008-09, when he averaged 17.2 points, 4.1 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game. He has averaged 11.3 points for his career.

Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com

*****************************************************
  NBLCANADA   


Oshawa Power trades leading scoring Akeem Wright to Moncton - by Eurobasket News
The Oshawa Power have jettisoned their leading scorer in a trade and will have a new face in the lineup when they take the court Thursday night.

Forward Akeem Wright (6'6''-G-84, college: Kansas St.) was dealt by the Power on Wednesday to the Moncton Miracles in exchange for fellow forward Andrew Collins.

Wright, who hails from Philadelphia and is a Kansas State alum, played all 22 games for the Power and led the club in scoring with 15.8 points a game. He scored 20-plus points five times for the 7-15 Power, but is coming off a tough weekend in which he combined for just 13 points in a pair of Oshawa loses.

He was highly sought-after player during the summer when the Power was putting its roster together, and president of basketball operations Gary Durrant indicated it wasn't an easy decision to deal Wright, but wished him well in moving on.

'Akeem Wright is a very talented player and we appreciate everything that he has done for this team and wish him all the best in his future endeavours,' said Durrant in a press release issued by the Power announcing the trade.

Meanwhile, in Francis the Power believes it's getting a tough, athletic wing player that will fill a few holes on the roster.

'Andrew brings a great skill set to our team including the ability to rebound, and shoot with consistency,' noted Durrant. 'He adds length, athleticism and tenacity to our lineup.'

Francis measures in at six-foot-seven and 210 pounds and had played in 15 games for the Miracles prior to the deal, averaging 12.8 points and 6.1 rebounds a game.

He surely made a good impression on the Power when the two club's hooked up last week in Moncton, scoring 15 points and grabbing 10 rebounds for the Miracles in the Power win. Wright, meanwhile, had 17 and 10 in that game.

Francis and Wright will have a chance to face their former club's on Jan. 29 when the Power visits Moncton, while the debut of Francis in a Power uniform is expected to come Thursday night in Halifax.

Courtesy of www.durhamregion.com

Jerome Brown suspended, Paul Campbell fined - by Eurobasket News
The National Basketball League of Canada has handed out a one-game suspension and a monetary fine to Jerome Brown (6'5''-G) of the Oshawa Power for throwing a punch during Sunday's game against the Halifax Rainmen at the Halifax Metro Centre.

The Power's Paul Campbell (6'10''-C-87, college: Hawaii), was also handed a fine for leaving the bench during the altercation.

'We expect our players to remain professional on and off the bench and fighting of any kind is unacceptable,' said John Kennedy, Commissioner of NBL Canada.

Brown, the 6'4, 200-pound Power shooting guard, has been suspended from Oshawa's January 5th rematch against the Halifax Rainmen.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

For Lightning, top ranking means little - by Eurobasket News
They're at the head of the class midway through their NBL of Canada season, but the London Lightning realize they still have much to do before they're ready for the final exam.

At 14-4, the Lightning have a 11/2-game lead over the Halifax Rainmen, and they have the perfect chance to widen that gap this weekend as the Rainmen, 11-4 heading into Thursday's game in Oshawa, come to town Saturday night for a 7 p.m. tipoff at the John Labatt Centre. Friday night, the Lightning are home to the Summerside Storm, who were 7-11 heading into Thursday night's game in Moncton.

'Those are big games,' head coach Michael Ray Richardson said Wednesday. 'We've got three home games left (on this homestand) and when we go back out on the road, we want to be 17-4. We can't afford to drop any more home games; we've already lost two and in my last three seasons (in the Continental Basketball Association), I didn't lose a single home game in the regular season.'

Understandably, being in first place at this point in the season means smiles all around the Lightning camp.

'It was a great first half,' Richardson said. 'And if we go 14-4 in the second half, that's a great year. And we may be 14-4, but right now we're just like everyone else -- we haven't won anything yet. Once we win a title, then we can say we're different from the rest.'

Richardson said the league's calibre of play has been good.

'Halifax is a good team, so is Quebec and Saint John. And even (last-place) Moncton, under Mike Evans, are getting a lot better -- they won last night,' he said of the 3-14 Miracles, who come back to London Jan. 12.

The Lightning promised winning, exciting basketball from the minute the franchise was born and so far, they've delivered.

'We've taken a lot of pride in what we've been able to do so far -- me, Taylor (Brown, GM) and Vito (Frijia, owner),' Richardson said. 'We wanted to provide the best entertainment, which we have; we wanted to play in the best arena, which we have; and we wanted to have the best basketball team, which we are.'

On the court, Richardson said he's been most pleased by his team's character.

'What I'm most happy about is, when we lose, how we come back and respond,' he said. 'We lost in Quebec over the Christmas break and we responded by winning in Saint John. We lost a home game to Oshawa and we responded by winning there. So we know what it takes to win.'

Still, it's not perfect.

'If there's one thing I'm disappointed with, it's our rebounding. And our free-throw shooting,' Richardson said. 'I know we can do better and we will do better in the second half.'

The Lightning addressed the former by bringing in 6-foot-8 forward Braxton Dupree. The latter will just take more work, said forward Shawn Daniels, who said the players have been most impressed by the reception they've received from the community.

'We definitely could be better sometimes, but for an expansion team, you can't ask for anything more,' he said. 'The support from the fans, their knowledge of the game and the enjoyment everyone has around the team has been fantastic, especially for this being a hockey town.'

And Daniels said there's no chance the Lightning will take their foot off the gas.

'We've got a couple of new guys and we've had some guys out injured, so we really haven't had a full lineup a lot of the time,' he said. 'With the veterans we have on this team and with Coach's mentality, there's no way we'll get complacent.'

Richardson said apart from working on those areas that need improvement, not much will change over the final 18 games of the regular season.

'We're just going to play the basketball we know and the way we know how,' he said. 'If it's not broke, why would you want to fix it?'

Courtesy of www.lfpress.com

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


Stats Leaders - NCAA1
Points Per Game
 Laquentin MILES
  Cent.Ark.
  (195-G/F-)
  Avg: 18
 1. Miles, Cent.Ark.18.0 
 2. Fortenberry, SE Lo.17.6 
 3. Richard, McNeese16.3 
 4. James, Lamar15.9 
 5. Burrage, UTSA14.6 
 6. Johnson III, UT.14.3 
 7. Scott, SF Austin14.2 
 8. Reed, Texas A.14.2 
 9. Miles, Lamar13.8 
 10. Lewis, Nicholls S.13.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 William MOSLEY
  Northw.
  (200-C-89)
  Avg: 9.4
 1. Mosley, Northw.9.4 
 2. Bailey, SE Louis.8.4 
 3. Lamb, Lamar7.9 
 4. Dempsey, Texas A.7.8 
 5. Johnson, SE Louis.7.4 
 6. James, Sam H.7.0 
 7. Turner, McNeese6.9 
 8. Staff, Texas St.6.8 
 9. Reves, Texas A.6.7 
 10. Harper, Lamar6.6 
Assists Per Game
 Anthony MILES
  Lamar
  (182-G-89)
  Avg: 3.9
 1. Miles, Lamar3.9 
 2. Jordan, Texas A.3.8 
 3. Jones, Texas St.3.7 
 4. Gatson, Sam H.3.5 
 5. Hale, UTSA3.2 
 6. Gardner, SF Austin3.1 
 7. Davis, Northwes.3.1 
 8. Rios, Texas St.3.1 
 9. Catlett, Texas A.3.0 
 10. White-Miller, Tex.3.0 
Steals Per Game
 Laquentin MILES
  Cent.Ark.
  (195-G/F-)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Miles, Cent.Ark.2.6 
 2. Lamb, Lamar2.1 
 3. James, Lamar1.8 
 4. Jordan, Texas A.1.8 
 5. Johnson III, UT.1.6 
 6. Franklin, UTSA1.6 
 7. Butler, Texas A.1.6 
 8. Patterson, SE Loui.1.5 
 9. Cannon, McNeese1.5 
 10. Ellis, Northwes.1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 William MOSLEY
  Northw.
  (200-C-89)
  Avg: 3.4
 1. Mosley, Northw.3.4 
 2. Ebomwonyi, Lamar2.3 
 3. Maxey, Texas A.2.0 
 4. Borden, Cent.Ark.1.8 
 5. Reves, Texas A.1.8 
 6. Turner, McNeese1.2 
 7. Vouyoukas, UTSA1.1 
 8. Johnson, SE Louis.1.1 
 9. Acosta, Lamar1.1 
 10. Staff, Texas St.1.1 


Top 25 - Men
TOP25 Standings
 1. Syracuse 2-0 (14-0) 
 2. Duke 0-0 (10-1) 
 3. Connecticut 2-1 (12-2) 
 4. Seton Hall 2-1 (13-2) 
 5. Baylor 1-0 (14-0) 
 6. Gonzaga 1-0 (14-2) 
 7. Kentucky 0-0 (14-1) 
 8. Michigan St. 3-0 (15-2) 
 9. Ohio St. 2-1 (14-2) 
 10. Georgetown 3-0 (15-0) 
 11. UNLV 0-0 (15-2) 
 12. N.Carolina 0-0 (11-0) 
 13. Louisville 1-1 (12-4) 
 14. Long Beach St. 1-0 (7-6) 
 15. Indiana 1-1 (13-1) 
 16. Murray St. 3-0 (15-0) 
 17. S.Mississippi 1-0 (13-2) 
 18. Alabama 0-0 (10-2) 
 19. Minnesota 0-2 (13-3) 
 20. Marquette 0-1 (10-3) 
 21. Creighton 2-1 (12-2) 
 22. Harvard 0-0 (11-2) 
 23. N.Iowa 1-1 (11-3) 
 24. St.Mary's, CA 2-0 (13-2) 
 25. Illinois 2-1 (7-6) 


DePaul 84, Pittsburgh 81 - by Milord Nikolic
Brandon Young converted the go-ahead three-point play with 1.3 seconds remaining as DePaul capped off an unlikely comeback with an 84-81 victory over visiting Pittsburgh on Thursday. Young rebounded from a scoreless effort in his last game with 26 points for the Blue Demons (10-4, 1-1 Big East), who sent the Panthers to their fourth straight loss for the first time since Feb. 2-11, 2001. Pitt (11-5, 0-3) appeared to have the game in hand when John Johnson hit two free throws to give the Panthers an 81-77 lead with 17 seconds remaining. Young answered with an unchallenged layup seven seconds later and DePaul immediately fouled Isaiah Epps on the subsequent possession. Epps missed both free throw attempts and the Panthers allowed Young to drive the lane, where he drew a foul on Ashton Gibbs to tie the game at 81. Young calmly hit the free throw to give DePaul the lead and hit a pair of free throws after he intercepted a full-court desperation pass and was fouled. Talib Zanna had a career-high 16 points for Pittsburgh, which fell to 7-2 all-time against the Blue Demons.

No. 20 Marquette loses to No. 9 Georgetown 73-70 - - by Eurobasket News
Immediately after his 20th-ranked Marquette allowed a 17-point lead to vanish in a 73-70 loss at No. 9 Georgetown, Golden Eagles coach Buzz Williams wanted to get a look at the tiebreaking 3-pointer by Hollis Thompson (6'8''-F) that provided the final margin.

'We just watched that last clip on the computer. I thought our guys did exactly what we would want them to do,' Williams said with the hint of a chuckle. 'It was a perfect defensive possession in a lot of ways. He made the shot, though.'

That happened quite a bit Wednesday night, particularly over the last 10 minutes.

Marquette (12-3, 1-1 Big East) led 43-29 at halftime and stretched that edge to 56-39 on freshman guard Todd Mayo's 3-pointer with 13:10 left.

But Georgetown (13-1, 3-0) overcame that for its 11th consecutive victory, thanks in large part to 26 points from Jason Clark (6'2''-G), and 18 from Thompson, including eight in the last 3 1-2 minutes.

The Hoyas shot 76 percent in the second half, and 63 percent for the game.

'That's really hard to overcome,' Williams said.

'We lose by one possession and the opponent shot 63 percent, so defensively we have to get better,' he said. 'In some ways, we did some good things defensively, but down the stretch, not enough.'

After Thompson's big 3-pointer, Darius Johnson-Odom (6'2''-G-89) and Jae Crowder (6'6''-F) both got late looks at potential tying 3s for Marquette, but both missed.

Marquette lost for the third time in five games, despite 18 points from Johnson-Odom, 17 from Crowder, and 16 from Mayo.

The Golden Eagles went cold for a significant chunk of the second half, going more than 7 1/2 minutes between field goals.

Now they get set to face No. 1 Syracuse on the road this weekend.

'We're playing the best team in the country on Saturday, so it's not going to get easier. It's going to get more difficult,' Williams said.

The Hoyas, who are on their longest winning streak in five years, got 13 points from Henry Sims, and key contributions from four freshmen who played significant minutes in the second half. They also wouldn't have had much a chance without Clark, who brought the hosts back by making 6 of 7 shots in the second half, when he scored 18 points.

'I guess we just felt like we were being embarrassed. We were getting embarrassed,' Clark said. 'So the second half, we just wanted to turn it up defensively, and our defense turned into our offense.'

With starters Sims and Thompson sitting with three fouls each in the second half, Georgetown went with a lineup of freshmen Jabril Trawick, Otto Porter, Greg Whittington and Mikael Hopkins, along with senior guard Clark. Something clicked, because the Hoyas starting chipping away at that big deficit.

'They come in and contribute so well that you don't even know there's four freshmen out there,' Clark said.

He did most of the scoring in the rally, including a 3-pointer and a three-point play. And when Sims went back in and made 1 of 2 free throws, then assisted on Porter's backdoor cut for a layup, suddenly Marquette's lead was down to 62-57 with a little more than 7 minutes remaining.

When Thompson swished a 3, the Hoyas were only down 66-64, and his fallaway baseline jumper tied it. After yet another Marquette turnover, Sims' layup put Georgetown ahead 68-66 with a little more than 2 minutes to go. After the teams traded scores, the game was tied at 70-all when Thompson made his biggest basket of the game.
'I was open,' he said, 'so I took the shots.'

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

No. 19 Murray State beats E. Kentucky 76-67 - by Eurobasket News
Donte Poole's (6'3''-G-89) superstition involves getting on the court as early as he can and taking up to 200 shots to keep his mind clear before his Murray State teammates arrive. He kept the 19th-ranked Racers' record unblemished, too.

Poole scored 22 points and Isaiah Canaan (6'0''-G) added 16 - including the 1,000th of his career - and Murray State remained unbeaten with a 76-67 victory over Eastern Kentucky on Wednesday night.

'It's maybe a superstition, but I like to get out there when no one is out here,' said Poole, who went 6 of 12 from the field. 'I get in my rhythm and space everything out, really.'

So, far it's been a sweet tune.

The Racers (15-0, 3-0 Ohio Valley Conference) are one win from matching the school's all-time best start set in 1935-36. But to get there they had to hold off a furious rally by the Colonels.

Jaron Jones (6'6''-G) scored 23 points for Eastern Kentucky (9-7, 3-1).

'In the second half, we really turned up our defense and fought back,' Jones said.

The Colonels trailed by as many as 15 points, but came within one with just under 5 minutes to go before falling for the seventh straight time in the series.

'They always come back. We had it at 15 in the first half and I thought it was big,' Murray State coach Steve Prohm said. 'The difference tonight, we didn't give them easy turnovers off their 1-3-1 (zone).'

The Racers played their first game without senior forward Ivan Aska, the team's leading rebounder who is out indefinitely with a broken right hand. Ed Daniel scored 16 points and Stacy Wilson added 13 for the Racers.

Murray State started the day one of four remaining unbeaten teams in Division I men's basketball with Syracuse, Baylor and Missouri. But the Racers got a close call against the Colonels after opening a 42-27 lead on Wilson's 3-pointer with 1:52 left in the first half.

'I told them don't try to get it all at once, just get it one possession at a time and I do think we had that mentality in the second half,' Colonels coach Jeff Neubauer said. 'Guys were not taking crazy shots other than Mike DiNunno everyone else was very disciplined and understood what we needed and kept attacking the rim.'

Eastern Kentucky's Jeff Allgood (6'2''-G) hit a 3 and Racers guard Jewuan Long was called for a technical foul with just under 9 minutes to play for arguing with officials. The Colonels made all four free throws to cut it to 54-50.

After Poole hit a free throw, DiNunno missed a 3 that would have tied it, but hit a floater in the lane on the next possession to cut it to 55-54.

Daniel's three-point play made it 58-54 with 4:25 left.

Murray State pushed the lead to six points, but Jones rallied the Colonels again, hitting a jumper and adding two free throws that cut it to 65-62 with 1:29 to play.

Poole hit two free throws that made it 67-62 and Jones, the reigning OVC player of the year, was called for charging with 1:05 left as the Colonels could never get closer despite 16 points from D'Mitri Riggs.

'A couple of turnovers, that's what really sticks out to me at the end,' Jones said. 'There were some mental mistakes.'

Murray State is one of the nation's most prolific 3-point shooting teams, coming in at 43.7 percent. The Racers went 8 of 17 from beyond the arc against the Colonels.

Aska broke his hand in the first half of Murray State's 73-40 victory over Eastern Illinois on Dec. 30, but still played 21 minutes in the game. Aska had been averaging 12.6 points and 6.0 rebounds in 14 starts, but Poole picked up the slack.

'It was tough on the offensive end, defensive end, rebounding wise (without Aska),' Poole said. 'The whole time we were playing, I heard him on the sideline yelling.'

Canaan, a junior guard, became the 38th player in Racers' history to go over 1,000 points with a 3-pointer with 12:43 to go in the first half.

'Isaiah's done a tremendous job,' Prohm said. 'Isaiah's really stepped in the leadership role and that's what I told him after the game - 'You've got to be great every night.''

Courtesy of www.chron.com

Southern Miss holds off East Carolina 78-76 - by Eurobasket News
Lashay Page (6'2''-G) scored 20 points and Darnell Dodson (6'7''-F) added 17 to push Southern Mississippi past East Carolina 78-76 in the Conference USA opener for both teams Wednesday night.

The Golden Eagles (14-2) never trailed, but had to fight off a late East Carolina rally sparked by Pirates forward Darrius Morrow, who scored 12 of his game-high 23 points in the second half.

Southern Miss won the rebounding battle 35-25, including three out of the four rebounds after the 1:28 mark in the second half when East Carolina (9-5) was making its push.
Torye Pelham, then Rashard McGill (6'5''-G) pulled down rebounds after teammates missed the front end of two 1-and-1 opportunities in the final minute.

Miguel Paul (6'3''-G) scored 19 for East Carolina, including a final free throw that pulled the Pirates within two with 2.8 seconds left, but Pelham rebounded his second shot and cleared it out as time expired to snap the Pirates' five-game winning streak.

'The effort late was the difference in the game,' Southern Miss coach Larry Eustachy said. 'I think a lot of rebounding is desire, and we work on it an awful lot in the practice. If we get in those situations late in games we want to be prepared.'

The Golden Eagles are winners of 10 straight games to match the best winning streak since the 1990-1991 season. Dodson has scored in double-digits in five of the last six games despite averaging less than 25 minutes of playing time per contest.

Page came up big for Southern Miss time and again, shooting 6 of 13 with six 3-pointers.

Four came with Southern Miss leading by fewer than three points.

'He's obviously got the green light out there,' Eustachy said. 'You don't want to curtail his selection out there, because with a guy like him you want him to be out there with a lot of confidence.'

Southern Miss led by as many as 10 in the first half, but held a 41-37 lead at the break after Morrow hit a couple of jumpers and Paul added a 3-pointer just before the half.

The Golden Eagles led until the 5:52 mark in the second half, when Paris Campbell's 3-pointer tied the game for the first time since the opening tipoff at 64-64.

Just under a minute later, an alley-oop from Neil Watson to Pelham gave Southern Miss its final lead and brought the crowd of 2,889 to its feet.

Maurice Kemp added 14 for East Carolina and led the Pirates in rebounds with six. East Carolina shot a season-high 52.9 percent from the floor (27 of 51).

'East Carolina is a tough team,' Page said. 'We went up 12 in the second half and they wouldn't go away. We got two big rebounds there at the end and it made the difference in the game. They have great guards and great big men and if we hadn't have gotten those rebounds anything could have happened.'

Pelham was the only player to reach double figures in rebounds with 10.

Neil Watson and Maurice Bolden chipped in 11 and 10 points for Southern Miss.

Courtesy of www.sunherald.com

Temple upsets Duke 78-73 - by Eurobasket News
At a couple of critical points of Temple's surprising 78-73 win over Duke, it seemed a defensive stop or two was all the Blue Devils needed to grab the momentum and change a narrative that had been developing since the end of November.

Thats when Duke's defense and intensity were first questioned in the aftermath of a 22-point loss to Ohio State.

Temple guard Khalif Wyatt (6'4''-G) ensured Duke never got the defensive stop it needed Wednesday night, knocking down a pair of clutch 3-pointers with a little more than 4 minutes remaining to lift the Owls (10-3) to their first win over the fifth-ranked Blue Devils (12-2) in 10 tries.

Afterwards, Dukes players sounded many of the same alarms they did after that loss to the Buckeyes.

'We didn't fight', Austin Rivers (6'4''-G-92) said. 'It's the same stuff that happened with Ohio State. We came out, and we didnt fight. They just kept throwing punches at us and kept making shots. People can say, Oh, they were lucky shots. But they werent. They had confidence. They had guys that were making shots with confidence because we let them have confidence.'

Added Mason Plumlee (6'10''-F-90), I just think both games, we came out flat and not ready to play. You cant come out slow on the road.

Mason and Miles Plumlee (6'10''-F-88) paced the Blue Devils offense, finishing with 16 and 17 points, respectively. Wyatt led all scorers with 22 points.

Temple made 56.4 percent of its shots and knocked down 50 percent of its 3-pointers. Just as alarmingly for Duke, the Owls who only have one starter taller than 6-foot-6 outrebounded the Blue Devils by three.

That cant happen against an undersized team, said Mason Plumlee, who finished with 13 rebounds and was the only Duke player with more than four.

That cant happen against anybody. We cant be outrebounded.

The game was close throughout the first half, with neither side taking more than a five-point lead, but the Owls started to pull away in the second half.

With Temple up 49-45, Rivers tried to get to the rim but missed on a drive. The Owls Ramone Moore came down on the other end and knocked down a 3-pointer. After a Duke turnover, Anthony Lee made another 3-pointer to put Temple up 55-45 with 9:31 remaining.

By then, the Wells Fargo Center crowd it was the third-largest in the history of the building for college basketball smelled an upset.

Plumlee threw the Owls fans off the scent temporarily, scoring on Dukes next two possessions to cut the Owls lead to 55-49.

Plumlee then scored on back-to-back possessions a couple of minutes later to offset a Temple basket and bring the Blue Devils within four, 60-56.

When Temple turned the ball over on its next possession and Miles Plumlee made one of two free throws, the Blue Devils were within three.

But thats when Wyatt landed his knockout punch, hitting a 3-pointer from the right corner and another from the right wing.

They made big shots, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said. We obviously didnt play very well, but that doesnt take away from how well they played. They played really well. For some reason, we didnt show up with the enthusiasm and toughness that we usually display.

With the Temple crowd roaring after Wyatts second 3, Andre Dawkins turned the ball over on the Blue Devils next possession. As the ball bounced out of bounds, Dawkins gave a quick, dispirited look up to the heavens as if to say: Not again.

Once you let a team think they can play with you, then its going to be tough to win, Rivers said. Thats what we did we were soft. They came out, and they just kept playing. We just kept backing down and we lost.

Courtesy of www.newsobserver.com

Top-ranked Syracuse holds off Providence 87-73 - by Eurobasket News
Brandon Triche (6'4''-G-91) scored 16 points, hitting three straight 3-pointers early in the second half, and No. 1 Syracuse pulled away from Providence to win 87-73 on Wednesday night.

It is the second straight season the Orange (16-0, 3-0 Big East) have opened with 16 straight wins. Last season's team went 18-0 before its first loss.

Scoop Jardine (6'2''-G-88) added 10 points and 11 assists for Syracuse.

Gerard Coleman (6'4''-G-90) and Vincent Council (6'2''-G-90) each scored 17 points for Providence, and LaDontae Henton had 11 points and 13 rebounds. The Friars (11-5, 0-3) were playing the No. 1 team in the nation for the first time since beating top-ranked Pittsburgh 81-73 in Providence in 2009.

Providence took its last lead of the game when Council was fouled making a 3-pointer with 1:46 left in the first half. He made the free throw to give the Friars a 34-33 lead, but Triche hit a 3-pointer to give Syracuse a 36-34 halftime lead.

It was 40-38 with 2 minutes gone in the second half when the Orange scored nine straight points. After Brice Kofane made one of two free throws, Triche hit another 3-pointer and then added another that made it 55-41 with 15 minutes left.

Henton hit a 3-pointer to make it 62-55 with just under 10 minutes left, but he missed two free throws that could have cut it to five points after being fouled on a fourth-chance put-back. Triche drove for a layup, then Council was called for a charge; James Southerland made a 3-pointer to give Syracuse a 67-55 lead.

Providence made it a six-point game, 70-64 with 5:33 left, but never got any closer.

Providence honored Dave Gavitt during its first conference home game since the death of the former Friars coach, Big East commissioner and Naismith Hall of Famer. There was a moment of silence for Gavitt, who died on Sept. 16, and a halftime video tribute.

Earlier in the day, the city renamed a street near the arena 'Dave Gavitt Way.' The Friars had previously named their court for him, and they are wearing 'DG' patches on their jerseys this season.

Courtesy of www.miaimiherald.com

Rodgers, Kidd-Gilchrist, Melo Named NetScouts Basketball Players of the Week - by Carl Berman
NetScouts Basketball has named Georgetown guard Sugar Rodgers as its Women's National Player of the Week for games ending the week of Sunday, Jan. 1. Rodgers, a 5-11 junior guard from Suffolk, Va., averaged 36.5 points in two games in Dartmouths Blue Sky Classic, matching a career high with 34 points against Vermont and then topping it the next day with 39 points against the host Big Green to be named MVP of the tournament. Rodgers leads the Hoyas (12-2) and the Big East in scoring at 20.2 ppg and is 17th in the nation.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist of Kentucky is our Mens National Player of the Week. Gilchrist, a 67, 232-pound freshman from Somerdale, NJ averaged 21 points and 12.5 rebounds in wins over Louisville (69-62) and Lamar (86-64) including a game high 24 points and 19 rebounds against in-state rival Louisville.

Gilchrist scored 18 points on 5-for-6 shooting against Lamar to go along with six rebounds and four assists before his monster game against Louisville in which he had career highs in both points and rebounds. Gilchrist is now averaging 13.9 points and 7.9 rebounds a game for the Wildcats.

Fabricio Melo (7'0''-C-90) of top-ranked Syracuse, a 70, 244-pound sophomore center from Juiz de Fora, Brazil is our International Player of the Week. Melo is starting to come into his own in his second season with the Orange. In wins over Seton Hall (75-49) and DePaul (87-68) He averaged 12 points, six rebounds and eight blocked shots while shooting 75% from the field (12-for-16). Melo had a double-double against Seton Hall with 12 points and 10 blocked shots.

Carl Berman is a Managing Partner of NetScouts Basketball. Information about NetScouts Basketball can be found at www.netscoutsbasketball.com.

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


UCAM Murcia brings in Ime Udoka - by Eurobasket News
UCAM Murcia announced signing of Ime Udoka (196-F/G-77, agency: Priority Sports, college: Portland St.) for rest of the season. The player spent some time with the New Jersey Nets during the NBA pre-season. Udoka played for the San Antonio Spurs in 2010/11. He appeared in 17 games, but with very limited playing time. Udoka had 3.9 ppg and 3 rpg for 64 games with the Sacramento Kings in 2009/10. Before that, he averaged 4.5 ppg and 3 rpg for 68 games with the Spurs. Udoka also has experience from the Portland Trail Blazers and New York Knicks. He already played in Spain in the past. It was in 2004/05, when Ime Udoka was a member of Gran Canaria. He had 8.1 ppg and 4 rpg for 15 games in ACB. Ime Udoka is active member of the Nigerian National Team.

*****************************************************
  PBL   


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Chris COMMONS
  Scranton.
  (204-F-84)
  Avg: 34
 1. Commons, Scranton.34.0 
 2. Robinson, Scranton.26.0 
 3. Crouch, Rocheste.21.0 
 4. Simpson, Scranton.20.0 
 5. McCoy, Rocheste.15.0 
 6. Williams, Rocheste.13.0 
 7. Council, Rocheste.11.0 
 8. Giddings, Rocheste.11.0 
 9. Davis, Rochester R.10.0 
 10. Griffin, Scranton.9.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Darrion GRIFFIN
  Scranton.
  (196-G-87)
  Avg: 10
 1. Griffin, Scranton.10.0 
 2. Williams, Rocheste.9.0 
 3. Walton, Rocheste.9.0 
 4. Robinson, Scranton.9.0 
 5. Davis, Rochester R.8.0 
 6. Commons, Scranton.6.0 
 7. Mayhane, Rocheste.5.0 
 8. Robbins, Scranton.5.0 
 9. Simpson, Scranton.4.0 
 10. Carr, Rochester R.4.0 
Assists Per Game
 Brandon TUNNELL
  Scranton.
  (185-PG-89)
  Avg: 4
 1. Tunnell, Scranton.4.0 
 2. Draper, Scranton.4.0 
 3. Crouch, Rocheste.4.0 
 4. Davis, Rochester R.3.0 
 5. Robinson, Scranton.3.0 
 6. Griffin, Scranton.3.0 
 7. Council, Rocheste.3.0 
 8. Simpson, Scranton.2.0 
 9. Walton, Rocheste.2.0 
 10. McCoy, Rocheste.2.0 
Steals Per Game
 Rob ROBINSON
  Scranton.
  (203-F-87)
  Avg: 2
 1. Robinson, Scranton.2.0 
 2. Commons, Scranton.2.0 
 3. Griffin, Scranton.2.0 
 4. Crouch, Rocheste.2.0 
 5. Walton, Rocheste.1.0 
 6. McCoy, Rocheste.1.0 
 7. Howard, Rocheste.1.0 
 8. Friel, Rochester R.1.0 
 9. Simpson, Scranton.1.0 
 10. Darden, Rocheste.1.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Chris COMMONS
  Scranton.
  (204-F-84)
  Avg: 2
 1. Commons, Scranton.2.0 
 2. Walton, Rocheste.2.0 
 3. Giddings, Rocheste.1.0 
 4. Robinson, Scranton.1.0 
 5. Davis, Rochester R.1.0 
 6. Robbins, Scranton.1.0 
 7. Darden, Rocheste.1.0 
 8. Council, Rocheste.0.0 
 9. Jokic, Scranton.0.0 
 10. Griffin, Scranton.0.0 


Standings
PBL Standings
Central Division
 1. Cent.Illinois D. 0-0 
 2. Chicago M. 0-0 
 3. Indiana D. 0-0 
 4. NW Indiana S. 0-0 
 5. Sauk Valley P. 0-0 
 6. St. Louis P. 0-0 
Eastern Division
 1. Rochester R. 1-0 
 2. Charleston G. 0-0 
 3. Dayton A.S. 0-0 
 4. Lake Michigan 0-0 
 5. Scranton/W-B 0-1 


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


2011 PBA Philippine Cup Semifinals: Larry Legend Shines for TNT - by Enzo Flojo
TALK N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS over PETRON BLAZE BOOSTERS, 87-83

Talk 'N Text's injured star players may be back, but it is still one durable player who stole the limelight. Larry Fonacier (186-F/G-82) scored half of his game-high 22 points in the fourth quarter to lift TNT to nail-biter over Petron Blaze at the start of their PBA Philippine Cup semifinal duel.

The clutch explosion by the only man who has played all of the Texters' games since last season enabled them to withstand a spirited comeback by the Alex Cabagnot-led Boosters and gain an important advantage in the best-of-seven series.

Winning coach Chot Reyes, however, was far from satisfied by the way his team still got threatened at 85-83 and almost blew a 73-60 fourth quarter lead behind seven straight points by Cabagnot and a baseline jumper by Arwind Santos (193-F-81), still 21.7 seconds left.

Kelly Williams (199-F-82, college: Oakland) showed little ill effects of a reconstructive surgery done on his nose after TNT made the semis last Dec. 14, finishing with 14 points and 7 rebounds, while the likes of Ali Peek, Ryan Reyes, Ranidel de Ocampo and Jimmy Alapag all returned to action.

Still, Fonacier clearly hogged the limelight by going 5-for-8 from beyond the arc and adding 6 rebounds in his 81st straight game. His two free throws in the last 18.9 seconds also clinched it for the Texters.

Despite going scoreless in the first half, Cabagnot still wound up with 20 points on top of 7 assists while Robert Reyes (196-C-83, college: Flagler) submitted career numbers with 18 points and 14 rebounds. After carrying the fight for Petron in the early goings Chris Lutz wound up with 15 points, but missed a hurried three-point shot from the right corner in the last 16 seconds. Santos was a big factor off the boards with 20 rebounds, but he was limited to just 10 points before fouling out off Fonacier.

Fonacier's third triple of the night gave the Texters their second 13-point spread before Cabagnot buckled down to work and, together with Reyes, led the Boosters back.

TNT 87 - Fonacier 22, Williams 14, Castro 10, Dillinger 9, Reyes 9, Peek 8, Aguilar 5,
Carey 5, Gamalinda 2, De Ocampo 2, Alapag 1.
PBB 83 - Cabagnot 20, Reyes 18, Lutz 15, Santos 10, Tugade 9, Ildefonso 6, Yeo 4, Baclao 1, Doruelo 0, Agustin 0, Miranda 0.
QS: 25-18, 45-36, 69-57, 87-83

Source: Game recap was compressed and compiled from PBA.ph


*****************************************************
  POLAND   


Standings - DBE
PLK Standings
 1. PGE Turow 13-4 
 2. Trefl Sopot 13-5 
 3. Anwil 13-5 
 4. Energa Czarni 12-5 
 5. Kotwica 12-7 
 6. Zastal ZG 11-7 
 7. Slask Wroclaw 10-7 
 8. Siarka Jezioro 8-11 
 9. AZS Koszalin 7-10 
 10. PBG Basket 6-13 
 11. Polpharma 5-13 
 12. AZS PW 4-14 
 13. LKS Lodz 3-16 
Play in international cups:
 1. Asseco Prokom - 


Standings - 1 Liga
1Liga Standings
 1. Sokol Lancut 11-4 
 2. MKS DG 11-4 
 3. Start Gdynia 11-4 
 4. Spojnia 10-5 
 5. SKK Siedlce 9-6 
 6. P.Cukier SIDEn 9-6 
 7. Rosa Radom 9-6 
 8. AZS Kutno 8-7 
 9. Polonia 8-7 
 10. Znicz Basket 7-7 
 11. Start Lublin 7-8 
 12. AZS Szczecin 6-9 
 13. MOSiR Krosno 2-13 
 14. Sportino 2-13 
 15. Sudety 2-13 


DBE Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Corsley EDWARDS
  Anwil
  (205-C/F-79)
  Avg: 17.4
 1. Edwards, Anwil17.4 
 2. Kulig, PBG Basket17.0 
 3. Koszarek, Trefl S.16.8 
 4. Hodge, Zastal ZG16.8 
 5. Archibeque, LKS L.16.7 
 6. Lawal, Zastal ZG16.5 
 7. Reese, AZS Koszal.16.1 
 8. Corbett, Siarka J.15.8 
 9. Miller, Siarka J.15.7 
 10. Weeden, Polpharma15.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Gani LAWAL
  Zastal ZG
  (206-F-88)
  Avg: 11.7
 1. Lawal, Zastal ZG11.7 
 2. Harris, Kotwica11.5 
 3. Archibeque, LKS L.10.2 
 4. Burgess, Trefl S.8.7 
 5. Doaks, Siarka J.7.2 
 6. Bartosz, PBG Bask.6.8 
 7. Edwards, Anwil6.7 
 8. Bigus, AZS Koszalin6.5 
 9. Turek, Trefl Sopot6.4 
 10. Dluski, LKS Lodz6.2 
Assists Per Game
 Robert SKIBNIEWSKI
  Slask W.
  (182-G-83)
  Avg: 7.1
 1. Skibniewski, Slask7.1 
 2. Hodge, Zastal ZG6.7 
 3. Koszarek, Trefl S.5.6 
 4. Wilczek, AZS P.5.3 
 5. Szubarga, Anwil5.0 
 6. Burrell, Energa C.4.9 
 7. Moore, PGE Turow4.9 
 8. Miller, Siarka J.4.6 
 9. Sapp, Kotwica4.6 
 10. Micic, PBG Basket4.6 
Steals Per Game
 Krzysztof SZUBARGA
  Anwil
  (182-G-84)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Szubarga, Anwil2.1 
 2. Cesnauskis, Energa1.6 
 3. Sapp, Kotwica1.6 
 4. Skibniewski, Slask1.5 
 5. Hodge, Zastal ZG1.4 
 6. Nikolic, PBG Basket1.4 
 7. Edwards, Anwil1.4 
 8. Koszarek, Trefl S.1.4 
 9. Reese, AZS Koszal.1.3 
 10. Ponitka, AZS P.1.3 
Blocks Per Game
 Callistus EZIUKWU
  AZS K.
  (208-F/C-85)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Eziukwu, AZS K.2.2 
 2. Burgess, Trefl S.1.7 
 3. Kesicki, Kotwica1.6 
 4. Lauderdale, PGE T.1.5 
 5. Morrison, Energa C.1.4 
 6. Lawal, Zastal ZG1.4 
 7. Harris, Kotwica1.3 
 8. Barycz, Siarka J.1.2 
 9. Mladenovic, Slask1.1 
 10. Turek, Trefl Sopot0.9 


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


Apodaca signs with Capitanes de Arecibo: - by Luis Modestti
Capitanes de Arecibo announced the signing of shooting guard Rick Apodaca (192-G-80, college: Hofstra) to a one-year deal.

Apodaca will report to Capitanes soon. They are scheduled to play in the 2012 FIBA Americas League and BSN.

'Thanks to the Monrouzeau family and to my coaches, teammates/brothers for allowing me to be part of this family again,' said Apodaca.

He played last season in Quebradillas where he averaged 7.85 points. He signed last month with Marousi BC in Greece but never played.


Mets de Guaynabo announces James Maye as their first import: - by Luis Modestti
Mets de Guaynabo announced forward James Maye (201-G/F-81, college: NC-Greensboro) as their first import for the 2012 BSN season.

Guaynabo can sign two more imports and one of them has to be Latin-American.

Maye played last season with Caciques de Humacao and made his BSN debut in 2009 with Indios de Mayagez.

For this season Guaynabo has a great group of talent led by Angel Daniel Vassallo and Buster Figueroa. In this offseason they added Manuel Narvaez, Bobby Joe Hatton and Johwen Villegas making them one of the favorites on paper.


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


Donte Gennie is back to Romania - by Tamas Deri
American guard Donte Gennie (185-PG-83, college: Georgia Sout) agreed with the management of Craiova and arrived already to Romania. The 183 cm tall playmaker is a well known player in the country as he spent the last season with BC Arges Pitesti and averaged 18.8ppg, 3.3rpg, 4.8apg, 2.4 spg in 32 games. He signed last summer with SK Dnipro Azot Dniprodzerzhynsk but left the team before the season started. Gennie will play his first game against the newcomer of the league, Giurgiu on the 14th of January.

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  SERBIA   


Unicaja and Uros Tripkovic part ways - by Eurobasket News
As expected, Uros Tripkovic (197-G-86) is no longer a member of Unicaja. They officially terminated the contract today. Tripkovic will undergo hip surgery and will be out for at least five months. He did not appear in any official game for Unicaja this season. In the latest one Tripkovic averaged 6.5 points in 34 ACB games. He also added 8.1 ppg and 1.5 rpg for 15 Euroleague games. Uros Tripkovic joined Unicaja in 2010 from DKV Joventut Badalona. He spent one season with the Badalona team averaging 11 ppg, 2.1 rpg and 1.6 apg for 29 games in Spain. Tripkovic spent several years with Partizan Belgrade in the past winning many trophies and personal awards. He also played for the Serbian National Team at the World Championship 2006 and EuroBasket 2009 in Poland.

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  SLOVENIA   


Union Olimpija lands Vladimir Dasic - by Eurobasket News
Union Olimpija announced signing of Vladimir Dasic (206-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) for rest of the season. The Montenegrin power forward left Acea Virtus Roma recently. He had 11 ppg and 5.6 rpg for 8 games in Italian Serie A. Dasic played for Roma also in 2010/11. He had 1.8 ppg and 6.5 rpg in 30 games. Dasic added 8.4 ppg and 4.8 rpg for 16 Euroleague appearances. Vladimir Dasic split 2009/10 season between Real Madrid and Gran Canaria. In the past he played for Buducnost Pogdorica. Dasic is active member of the Montenegrin National Team. He had 10 ppg and 2.2 rpg for 5 games at the EuroBasket 2011 in Lithuania.

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  SOUTH KOREA   


Best players of South Korean KBL round 36 - by Eurobasket News
Experienced American Ira Clark (203-C/F-75) had an amazing evening in the last round for Samsung Th. and that's him to receive a Asia-basket.com Player of the Week award for round 36.
The 36-year old had a double-double of 42 points and eleven rebounds, while his team lost the game against LG Sakers (#7, 14-20) 76-94. Samsung Th. maintains the 10th position in South Korean KBL. The season is in a full swing, so it's only a dream for the team to make it into top half of the standings. For contrary they may face relegation if the situation turns from bad to worse. Samsung Th. have already lost 28 games and recorded just six victories. Clark turned to be Samsung Th.'s top player in his first season with the team. The University of Texas graduate has very impressive stats this year. Clark is in league's top in points (6th best: 23.3ppg) and averages solid 1.1bpg and 55.4% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 30-year old American center Terrence Leather (204-C-81) of Mobis Phoebus. Leather impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 26 points and 19 rebounds. Of course Mobis Phoebus cruised to a 79-67 relatively comfortable win over slightly higher-ranked ET Land (#5, 17-17). Mobis Phoebus' 6th position in the standings has not changed. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 15-19 record. Leather is a newcomer at Mobis Phoebus and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 24.8ppg (#3). He also registered 14.7 boards per game.

The third best performed player last round was American Herbert Hill (208-F-84) of ET Land (#5). Hill scored 23 points and grabbed thirteen rebounds (!!!). Despite Hill's great performance ET Land lost 67-79 to slightly lower-ranked Mobis Phoebus (#6, 15-19). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The last thing ET Land needs is to lose another game like this one. They lose more and more distance to the top teams. Their record is 17 victories and 17 lost games. Hill has a great season in South Korea. After 15 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 10.9rpg (7th best). He also has 2.9bpg and FGP: 60.0%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Charles Rhodes (203-F/C-85) of Sonic Boom KT - 16 points and 11 rebounds
5. Aaron Haynes (201-F-81) of LG Sakers - 17 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Dong-Geun Yang (181-G-81) of Mobis Phoebus - 23 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists
7. Gregory Stevenson (198-F-78) of LG Sakers - 21 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists
8. Hyun-Joong Kim (178-G-81) of LG Sakers - 20 points, 2 rebounds and 8 assists
9. DeShawn Sims (203-F-88) of KCC Egis - 20 points and 13 rebounds
10. Rodney White (206-C/F-80) of Anyang KGC - 15 points, 8 rebounds and 3 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)

Standings
KBL Standings
 1. Dongbu Promy 28-7 
 2. Anyang KGC 25-9 
 3. Sonic Boom KT 22-11 
 4. KCC Egis 21-13 
 5. ET Land 17-17 
 6. Mobis Phoebus 15-19 
 7. LG Sakers 14-20 
 8. SK Knights 13-21 
 9. Daegu Orions 9-25 
 10. Samsung Th. 6-28 


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  SPAIN   


LEB Gold Round 17: Girona FC defeats Melilla Baloncesto in the closest game of the week - by Eurobasket News
LEB Gold is at the halfway of the Regular Season and there are still another 17 rounds left. There was no lack of interesting games this round. The round ended with favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin.

The most exciting game of round 17 in the LEB Gold took place in Girona. This derby game ended with only two-point defeat on the road of 5th ranked Melilla Baloncesto (10-7) to eighth ranked Girona FC (9-8) 78-76 on Wednesday evening. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Melilla Baloncesto. The hosts trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 19-13 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Latvian power forward Rolands Freimanis (207-88, agency: Players Group) stepped up and scored 22 points and 9 rebounds for the winners and guard Xavier Guirao (190-87) chipped in 12 points and 5 rebounds. American guard Troy DeVries (193-82, college: N.Mexico) responded with 19 points. Melilla Baloncesto's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Girona FC maintains eighth place with 9-8 record. Melilla Baloncesto at the other side dropped to the fourth position with seven games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Girona FC are looking forward to face Caceres 2016 (#11) on the road in the next round. Melilla Baloncesto will play against Palencia Baloncesto (#9) and is hoping to win this game.
Very important is a home loss of third ranked Menorca Basquet (10-7) against seventh ranked Grupo Iruna Navarra (10-7) on Wednesday night. Host Menorca Basquet was defeated by Grupo Iruna Navarra in Mahon 82-72. Point guard Inaki Sanz (190-84) nailed 14 points and 9 rebounds for the winning side and Inaki Narros accounted for 16 points and 5 rebounds. Center Oliver Arteaga (211-83) came up with 10 points and 5 rebounds for Menorca Basquet in the defeat. Menorca Basquet's coach tested eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Grupo Iruna Navarra moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Menorca Basquet. Grupo Iruna Navarra will play against league's leader Canarias in Tenerife in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Menorca Basquet will play at home against Leche Rio Breogan in Lugo and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Bottom-ranked Clinicas Rincon managed to get a third victory on Wednesday night. This time they won against seventeenth-ranked CB Granada 70-60. The best player for the winners was Ognen Kuzmin who had a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds. Jesus Fernandez produced 16 points and 8 rebounds for the hosts. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Clinicas Rincon maintains eighteenth place with 3-14 record. Loser CB Granada keeps the seventeenth position with 12 games lost. Clinicas Rincon will meet league's second-placed Ford Burgos on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. CB Granada will play against Basquet Mallorca (#12) and hope to secure a win and be promoted back to the ACB just one year after relegation.
LEB Gold top team - Canarias (14-3) added another victory to their record. This time they beat fifteenth ranked CB Tarragona 2017 (6-11) in Tenerife 74-67. Jakim Donaldson orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds. CB Tarragona 2017's coach let to play eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Canarias maintains first place with 14-3 record. CB Tarragona 2017 lost third consecutive game. CB Tarragona 2017 at the other side dropped to the sixteenth position with 11 games lost. Canarias' next round opponent will be Grupo Iruna Navarra (#6) in Pamplona which should be theoretically an easy game. CB Tarragona 2017 will play on the road against UB La Palma (#3).
Important game to mention about took place in Caceres. Sixteenth ranked CB Clavijo (7-10) saved a 1-point victory on the road edging higher ranked Caceres 2016 (8-9) 86-85 on Wednesday evening. Olaseni Lawal stepped up with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 12 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) for the winners. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. CB Clavijo moved-up to thirteenth place, which they share with Huesca and Leon. Loser Caceres 2016 dropped to the ninth position with nine games lost. CB Clavijo will face Baloncesto Leon (#14) on the road in the next round.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 17: Breogan lost to Burgos on the opponent's court 73-86. La Palma managed to outperform Huesca in a home game 82-79. Palencia managed to beat Lleida on the road 92-85. Leon was defeated by Mallorca on its own court 95-100.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 26 points by Jeffrey Xavier of Palencia.


Burgos - Breogan 86-73

Very expected game when 9th ranked Leche Rio Breogan (8-9) was defeated on the road by second ranked Ford Burgos (12-5) 86-73 on Wednesday. The hosts were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. British-American forward Darren Phillip (201-78, college: Fairfield) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 14 rebounds for the winners and guard Jesus Castro (191-83) chipped in 10 points and 4 assists. Ford Burgos' coach Andreu Casadevall used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. American power forward Brooks Sales (208-80, college: Villanova) responded with 18 points and 8 rebounds and the other American import swingman Joseph Krabbenhoft (201-87, college: Wisconsin, agency: N.E.T.) scored 11 points and 5 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Ford Burgos maintains second place with 12-5 record having just two points less than leader Canarias. Loser Leche Rio Breogan keeps the ninth position with nine games lost. Ford Burgos will face bottom-ranked Clinicas Rincon (#18) in Malaga in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Leche Rio Breogan will play on the road against Menorca Basquet (#5) in Mahon.
Top scorers:
Breogan: B.Sales 18+8reb+2ast, J.Krabbenhoft 11+5reb+2ast, S.Ogirri 10+1reb+3ast, J.Feldeine 10+6reb, E.Sanchez 9+3reb+2ast, A.Navajas 8+1reb+2ast
Burgos: D.Phillip 17+14reb, R.Schraeder 14+1reb+1ast, J.Ortega 12+2reb+1ast, J.Castro 10+4reb+4ast, D.Lopez 9+2reb+6ast, R.Huertas 7+3reb
gschID: 134711


Menorca - Navarra 72-82

Very important is a home loss of third ranked Menorca Basquet (10-7) against seventh ranked Grupo Iruna Navarra (10-7) on Wednesday night. Host Menorca Basquet was defeated by Grupo Iruna Navarra in Mahon 82-72. The game was mostly controlled by Grupo Iruna Navarra. Menorca Basquet was better in fourth quarter 25-20. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Grupo Iruna Navarra made 18-of-21 charity shots (85.7 percent) during the game. It was a great shooting night for Grupo Iruna Navarra especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 58.8 percentage. Point guard Inaki Sanz (190-84) nailed 14 points and 9 rebounds for the winning side and guard Inaki Narros (194-81) accounted for 16 points and 5 rebounds. Four Grupo Iruna Navarra players scored in double figures. Center Oliver Arteaga (211-83) came up with 10 points and 5 rebounds and center Albert Moncasi (209-86) added 10 points and 5 rebounds respectively for Menorca Basquet in the defeat. Menorca Basquet's coach tested eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Grupo Iruna Navarra moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Menorca Basquet. Grupo Iruna Navarra will play against league's leader Canarias in Tenerife in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Menorca Basquet will play at home against Leche Rio Breogan in Lugo and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Menorca: O.Arteaga 10+5reb+1ast, M.Blanch 10+1ast, A.Moncasi 10+5reb+1ast, A.Matali 8+2reb, D.Navarro 7+4reb+2ast, R.Morentin 5+2reb+1ast
Navarra: I.Narros 16+5reb+1ast, N.Rakocevic 15+1ast, I.Sanz 14+9reb+1ast, O.Starosta 14+5reb, J.Garcia 9+5reb+1ast, K.Langford 8+3reb
gschID: 134712


Canarias - CB Tarragona 74-67

LEB Gold top team - Canarias (14-3) added another victory to their record. This time they beat fifteenth ranked CB Tarragona 2017 (6-11) in Tenerife 74-67. CB Tarragona 2017 was ahead by 2 points at the halftime before a 36-27 second half run of Canarias. Canarias shot 27 for 38 from the free-throw line, while CB Tarragona 2017 only scored eleven points from the stripe. They outrebounded CB Tarragona 2017 48-32 including 17 on the offensive glass. 30 personal fouls committed by CB Tarragona 2017 helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American power forward Jakim Donaldson (204-83, college: Edinboro) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds. The former international power forward Ricardo Guillen (205-76) contributed with 13 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Four Canarias players scored in double figures. Guard Jorge Santana (193-90, agency: Beo Basket) answered with 14 points and Dutch-British guard Devon Van Oostrum (190-93) added 8 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists in the effort for CB Tarragona 2017. CB Tarragona 2017's coach let to play eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Canarias maintains first place with 14-3 record. CB Tarragona 2017 lost third consecutive game. CB Tarragona 2017 at the other side dropped to the sixteenth position with 11 games lost. Canarias' next round opponent will be Grupo Iruna Navarra (#6) in Pamplona which should be theoretically an easy game. CB Tarragona 2017 will play on the road against UB La Palma (#3).
Top scorers:
CB Tarragona: J.Santana 14+3reb+2ast, J.Mitchell 12+2reb+1ast, D.Van Oostrum 8+6reb+5ast, R.Fornas 8+7reb, I.Martinez 8+2reb+1ast, A.Alba 7+4reb+4ast
Canarias: I.Yanez 15+4reb+1ast, N.Richotti 14+5reb, R.Guillen 13+7reb+2ast, J.Donaldson 13+10reb, A.Fuentes 6+1ast, A.Sabat 4+7reb+4ast
gschID: 134713


La Palma - Huesca 82-79

Very predictable result when fourth ranked UB La Palma (11-6) edged at home 14th ranked Lobe Huesca (7-10) 82-79 on Wednesday. However just three-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Lobe Huesca cut a 20-point halftime deficit to three at the end of the game. It was a great shooting night for UB La Palma especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 57.1 percentage. Dutch power forward Roeland Schaftenaar (211-88, college: Oregon St.) stepped up and scored 18 points for the winners and guard Cristian Diaz (185-92) chipped in 12 points and 4 assists. UB La Palma's coach used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. Lithuanian guard Gintaras Leonavicius (194-83, agency: Players Group) responded with 20 points and 5 rebounds and power forward Miguel Montanana (206-80) scored 16 points and 6 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. They have a solid series of four victories in a row. UB La Palma moved-up to third place. Loser Lobe Huesca dropped to the thirteenth position with ten games lost. UB La Palma will face CB Tarragona 2017 (#16) at home in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Lobe Huesca will play against Lleida Basquet.
Top scorers:
Huesca: G.Leonavicius 20+5reb+2ast, M.Montanana 16+6reb+2ast, L.Knutson 15+1reb+2ast, A.Franklin 11+1reb+2ast, J.Orfila 8+9reb+1ast, M.Servera 6+3reb+2ast
La Palma: R.Schaftenaar 18+4reb+1ast, R.Martinez 15+2ast, A.Pena 14+1reb+1ast, C.Diaz 12+3reb+4ast, L.Sikma 6+4reb+1ast, O.Alvarado 6+4ast
gschID: 134714


Lleida - Palencia 85-92

There was an upset when higher ranked Lleida Basquet (10-7) was defeated at home by twelfth ranked Palencia Baloncesto (8-9) 92-85 on Wednesday. The guests trailed by 3 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 2-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 92-85. Palencia Baloncesto shot the lights out from three sinking 12 long-distance shots on high 57.1 percentage. American-Cape Verdean guard Jeffrey Xavier (185-85, college: Providence) stepped up and scored 26 points for the winners and American power forward Adrian Moss (204-81, college: Florida) chipped in 13 points and 7 rebounds. American-Madagascar power forward Charles Ramsdell (208-85, college: Tulsa, agency: Court Side) responded with 23 points and 8 rebounds and American-Croatian guard Marcus Norris (185-74, college: Ball St., agency: SportsTalent) scored 19 points and 7 assists. Five Palencia Baloncesto and four Lleida Basquet players scored in double figures. Lleida Basquet's coach gave the chance to play for ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Palencia Baloncesto moved-up to ninth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Lleida Basquet lost fifth consecutive game. Loser Lleida Basquet dropped to the fourth position with seven games lost. Palencia Baloncesto will face higher ranked Melilla Baloncesto (#4) at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Lleida Basquet will play against Lobe Huesca.
Top scorers:
Lleida: C.Ramsdell 23+8reb+3ast, M.Norris 19+4reb+7ast, J.Kale 14+5reb, M.Feliu 12+5reb+4ast, A.Alzamora 6+3reb+1ast, J.Detrick 3+3reb+1ast
Palencia: J.Xavier 26+3reb+2ast, C.Bravo 17+1reb+2ast, A.Moss 13+7reb, E.Garrido 12+1reb+4ast, M.Diouf 10+9reb, I.O'Leary 7+3reb+3ast
gschID: 134715


Girona - Melilla 78-76

The most exciting game of round 17 in the LEB Gold took place in Girona. This derby game ended with only two-point defeat on the road of 5th ranked Melilla Baloncesto (10-7) to eighth ranked Girona FC (9-8) 78-76 on Wednesday evening. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Melilla Baloncesto. The hosts trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 19-13 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Latvian power forward Rolands Freimanis (207-88, agency: Players Group) stepped up and scored 22 points and 9 rebounds for the winners and guard Xavier Guirao (190-87) chipped in 12 points and 5 rebounds. Four Girona FC players scored in double figures. American guard Troy DeVries (193-82, college: N.Mexico) responded with 19 points and German power forward Kiril Wachsmann (203-83, college: Iona, agency: Edge Sports) scored 14 points and 7 rebounds. Melilla Baloncesto's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Girona FC maintains eighth place with 9-8 record. Melilla Baloncesto at the other side dropped to the fourth position with seven games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Girona FC are looking forward to face Caceres 2016 (#11) on the road in the next round. Melilla Baloncesto will play against Palencia Baloncesto (#9) and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Melilla: T.DeVries 19+1reb+1ast, K.Wachsmann 14+7reb, H.Manzano 12+4reb+2ast, M.Suka-Umu 9+1reb+1ast, J.Salvador Arco 8+4reb+4ast, C.Odiakosa 6+8reb+1ast
Girona: R.Freimanis 22+9reb, X.Guirao 12+5reb+2ast, D.Middleton 11+6reb+1ast, I.Ordin 11+2reb+4ast, T.Coleman 8+4reb, M.Fernandez 8+4reb+2ast
gschID: 134707


Caceres - Knet Clavijo 85-86

Important game to mention about took place in Caceres. Sixteenth ranked CB Clavijo (7-10) saved a 1-point victory on the road edging higher ranked Caceres 2016 (8-9) 86-85 on Wednesday evening. Caceres 2016 cut a 14-point halftime deficit to one at the end of the game. CB Clavijo made 18-of-20 free shots (90.0 percent) during the game. Nigerian power forward Olaseni Lawal (208-86, college: Wayne St., MI) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 12 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) for the winners and American point guard Mathew Witt (183-84, college: E.Kentucky) chipped in 18 points and 6 assists. Lawal is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Belizean-American power forward Leon Williams (203-86, college: Ohio) responded with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds and point guard Carlos Cherry (184-79) scored 19 points. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. CB Clavijo moved-up to thirteenth place, which they share with Huesca and Leon. Loser Caceres 2016 dropped to the ninth position with nine games lost. CB Clavijo will face Baloncesto Leon (#14) on the road in the next round.
Top scorers:
Caceres: C.Cherry 19+2reb+2ast, L.Williams 16+10reb+2ast, D.Rodriguez 14, J.Angel Antelo 10+5reb+1ast, A.Zengotitabengoa 9+2reb+1ast, J.Sanguino 7+3reb
Knet Clavijo: M.Witt 18+1reb+6ast, A.Ruiz de Galarreta 17+1reb, S.Zagorac 17+2reb+2ast, O.Lawal 14+12reb+3ast, D.Mediano 6+4reb+4ast, E.Suarez 5+2reb+2ast
gschID: 134708


Leon - Mallorca 95-100

Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both thirteenth ranked Basquet Mallorca and 11th ranked Baloncesto Leon had identical 7-9 record. But Baloncesto Leon was not able to use a home court advantage and lost to the opponent from Mallorca 100-95 on Wednesday night. Baloncesto Leon trailed by 12 points at halftime and as many as 15 after three quarters before a 37-27 last quarter charge cut the deficit to 95-100 at the end of the game. Basquet Mallorca shot the lights out from three sinking 17 long-distance shots on high 51.5 percentage. American forward Shaun Green (203-87, college: Utah, agency: Limelight Hoops) stepped up and scored 20 points and 7 rebounds for the winners and point guard Sergio Alonso (180-80) chipped in 16 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Power forward Javier Mugica (200-83) responded with 17 points and 8 rebounds and American-Italian power forward Cristopher Mortellaro (206-82, college: Drury) produced a double-double by scoring 12 points and 11 rebounds (perfect from the field making all six shots). Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Basquet Mallorca (8-9) moved-up to ninth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Baloncesto Leon dropped to the thirteenth position with ten games lost. Basquet Mallorca will face CB Granada (#17) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Baloncesto Leon will play against CB Clavijo (#13) in Logrono and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Leon: J.Mugica 17+8reb+2ast, J.Alberto Gonzalez 13+6reb+3ast, F.Rocchia 13+6reb+1ast, J.Calvo 12+2reb+2ast, C.Mortellaro 12+11reb+2ast, J.Durley 9+2reb+2ast
Mallorca: S.Green 20+7reb, G.Justo 19+1reb, J.Amador 17+5reb+2ast, S.Alonso 16+5reb+6ast, J.Carles Bivia 16+6reb+4ast, M.Angel Garcia 6+1ast
gschID: 134709


Granada - Clinicas Rincon 60-70

Bottom-ranked Clinicas Rincon managed to get a third victory on Wednesday night. This time they won against seventeenth-ranked CB Granada 70-60. The guests trailed by 1 point at the halftime before their 38-27 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. The best player for the winners was Bosnian center Ognen Kuzmin (215-90) who had a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds. Center Augusto Cesar Lima (206-91) chipped in a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds. The former international center Jesus Fernandez (204-75) produced 16 points and 8 rebounds and naturalized Senegalese power forward Mamadou Samb (208-89) added 12 points and 5 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Clinicas Rincon maintains eighteenth place with 3-14 record. Loser CB Granada keeps the seventeenth position with 12 games lost. Clinicas Rincon will meet league's second-placed Ford Burgos on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. CB Granada will play against Basquet Mallorca (#12) and hope to secure a win and be promoted back to the ACB just one year after relegation.
Top scorers:
Granada: J.Fernandez 16+8reb+3ast, M.Samb 12+5reb+1ast, F.Sanchez 10+2reb+1ast, J.Manuel Coego 6+5reb, R.Guerra 5+5reb+2ast, E.Ruiz 4+2reb
Clinicas Rincon: A.Abrines 17, A.Cesar Lima 13+10reb, O.Kuzmin 13+10reb+1ast, M.Lorenzo 9+3reb+1ast, A.Diaz 6+2reb+4ast, J.Pozas 5+2reb+1ast
gschID: 134710




Standings - ACB
ACB Standings
 1. Real Madrid 11-3 
 2. Caja Laboral 11-3 
 3. Unicaja 11-3 
 4. FCB Regal 11-3 
 5. Lucentum 11-3 
 6. CAI Zaragoza 7-6 
 7. Cajasol 7-7 
 8. Valencia 7-7 
 9. Lagun Aro GBC 6-8 
 10. Assignia M. 6-8 
 11. Fuenlabrada 6-8 
 12. Gescrap BB 5-8 
 13. GC 2014 5-9 
 14. Asefa Estudian. 5-9 
 15. FIATC Joventut 5-9 
 16. Blusens M. 4-10 
 17. UCAM Murcia 4-10 
 18. B.de Rueda V. 3-11 


ACB Round 14: Regal FC Barcelona loses #1 position - by Eurobasket News
Coincidentally all hosts won their games, including even overtime victory of Lucentum at home. There were many interesting games last round. The round ended with change at the leadership position, extra overtimes and favorites losing the games.

Round 14 in ACB means a new league leader. The biggest surprise took place in Madrid where host Real Madrid (11-3) beat league's leader Regal FC Barcelona (11-3) 78-74 on Wednesday evening. 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 Regal FC Barcelona won third quarter 22-14. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The best player for the winners was Croatian center Ante Tomic (217-87) who scored 16 points and 8 rebounds. American point guard Jaycee Carroll (188-83, agency: Priority Sports) chipped in 16 points. Senegalese center Boniface Ndong (213-77) produced a double-double by scoring 12 points and 12 rebounds for the guests. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Real Madrid keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 4 other teams including defeated Regal FC Barcelona. Regal FC Barcelona will play next round against Meridiano Alicante trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Real Madrid will try to continue on its current victory against seventeenth ranked UCAM Murcia on the road.
Thirteenth-ranked FIATC Joventut (5-9) made lots of trouble for fifth ranked Meridiano Alicante (11-3). Meridiano Alicante managed to secure only six-point victory 84-78. However their fans expected much easier game. Bulgarian forward Kaloyan Ivanov (205-86) orchestrated the victory by scoring 24 points and 7 rebounds. Pedro Llompart contributed with 22 points and 5 assists for the winners. American forward Latavious Williams (202-91) replied with 20 points and 6 rebounds (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field) for FIATC Joventut. FIATC Joventut's coach Salvador Maldonado rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Meridiano Alicante have an impressive six-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with 4 other teams. FIATC Joventut at the other side keeps the thirteenth place with nine games lost. They share the position with Asefa Estudian. and GC 2014. Meridiano Alicante will play against Regal FC Barcelona (#4) on the road in the next round. FIATC Joventut will play against the league's second-placed Caja Laboral (#2) in Vitoria and hopes to get back on the winning track.
A very close game took place in San Sebastian between Lagun Aro GBC and Cajasol. Eleventh ranked Lagun Aro GBC (6-8) got a very close home victory over higher ranked Cajasol (7-7). Lagun Aro GBC managed to escape with a 2-point win 67-65 on Tuesday evening. Andy Panko scored 14 points and 7 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners. Paul Davis responded with 27 points and 8 rebounds. Cajasol's coach Joan Plaza tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Lagun Aro GBC have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Assignia M. and Fuenlabrada. Loser Cajasol dropped to the seventh position with seven games lost. They share it with Valencia. Lagun Aro GBC will meet Gescrap BB (#12) in the next round. Cajasol will play against CAI Zaragoza (#6) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
A very interesting game took place in Zaragoza. It ended with only two-point defeat on the road of 13th ranked Gran Canaria 2014 (5-9) to seventh ranked CAI Zaragoza (7-6) 63-61 on Tuesday evening. Host team only slightly avoided a big embarassment. Sam Van Rossom notched 12 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the effort. Gran Canaria 2014's coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. CAI Zaragoza have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to sixth place. Gran Canaria 2014 at the other side keeps the thirteenth position with nine games lost. CAI Zaragoza's next round opponent will be Cajasol (#7) in Sevilla. Gran Canaria 2014 will play at home against Valencia Basket (#8).
The game with biggest result difference took place in Vitoria. Local Caja Laboral (11-3) beat 8th ranked Baloncesto Fuenlabrada (6-8) 61-51 on Wednesday night. The best player for the winners was Mirza Teletovic who had a double-double by scoring 11 points and 15 rebounds. Baloncesto Fuenlabrada's coach let to play eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Caja Laboral have an impressive ten-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with 4 other teams. Baloncesto Fuenlabrada lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the ninth place with eight games lost. Caja Laboral will face FIATC Joventut (#15) in Badalona in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Baloncesto Fuenlabrada will play at home against Unicaja Malaga (#3).

Rest of the games of round 14 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
bottom-ranked B.de Rueda V. was defeated by Asefa Estudian. in Madrid 69-62. Unicaja beat Gescrap BB at home 78-73. UCAM Murcia lost to Assignia M. on the opponent's court 74-83. Valencia managed to outperform Blusens M. in a home game 77-71.
The best stats of 14th round was 32 points by Justin Doellman of Assignia M..


Caja Laboral - Fuenlabrada 61-51

The game with biggest result difference took place in Vitoria. Local Caja Laboral (11-3) beat 8th ranked Baloncesto Fuenlabrada (6-8) 61-51 on Wednesday night. The hosts trailed by 4 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 3-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 61-51. The best player for the winners was Bosnian forward Mirza Teletovic (206-85, agency: Beo Basket) who had a double-double by scoring 11 points and 15 rebounds. Serbian-Montenegrin center Milko Bjelica (207-84, agency: Beo Basket) chipped in a double-double by scoring 15 points and 10 rebounds. Four Caja Laboral players scored in double figures. Senegalese center Mouhamed Sene (213-86) produced a double-double by scoring 18 points and 13 rebounds and New Zealand guard Kirk Penney (196-80, college: Wisconsin) added 10 points and 5 rebounds respectively for the guests. Baloncesto Fuenlabrada's coach let to play eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Caja Laboral have an impressive ten-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with 4 other teams. Baloncesto Fuenlabrada lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the ninth place with eight games lost. Caja Laboral will face FIATC Joventut (#15) in Badalona in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Baloncesto Fuenlabrada will play at home against Unicaja Malaga (#3).
Top scorers:
Caja Laboral: B.Oleson 18+2ast, M.Bjelica 15+10reb+1ast, T.Heurtel 11+2reb, M.Teletovic 11+15reb+2ast, N.Bjelica 2+3reb, F.San Emeterio 2+1reb+3ast
Fuenlabrada: M.Sene 18+13reb, K.Penney 10+5reb+1ast, J.Cortaberria 8+1reb, J.Vega 4+4reb+1ast, A.Munoz 3, S.Sanchez 3+5reb+3ast
gschID: 133999


Asefa Estudian. - B.de Rueda V. 69-62

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 18th ranked Blancos de Rueda's (3-11) road loss to seventeenth ranked Asefa Estudiantes (5-9) 62-69 on Tuesday. The hosts trailed by 4 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 1-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 69-62. The best player for the winners was Uruguayan-Italian guard Jayson Granger (186-89) who scored 22 points and 9 rebounds. The former international forward Rodrigo De La Fuente (200-76, college: Washington, agency: Interperformances) chipped in 11 points and 5 rebounds. Granger is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Argentinian guard Diego Garcia (190-79) produced 15 points and 5 rebounds and French-Ivorian forward Herve Toure (202-82) added 10 points and 8 rebounds respectively for the guests. Blancos de Rueda's coach gave the chance to play for ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Asefa Estudiantes moved-up to thirteenth place, which they share with FIATC Joventut and GC 2014. Loser Blancos de Rueda stay at the bottom position with 11 games lost. Asefa Estudiantes will face higher ranked Assignia Manresa (#10) at home in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Blancos de Rueda will play against Blusens Monbus (#16) in Santoago de Comp and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Asefa Estudian.: J.Granger 22+9reb+3ast, L.Flores 13+1reb+2ast, R.De La Fuente 11+5reb+2ast, Y.Driesen 6+3reb+1ast, D.Clark 4+2reb, G.Gabriel 4+6reb+1ast
B.de Rueda V.: D.Garcia 15+5reb+1ast, H.Toure 10+8reb, I.Lopez 8+2reb, S.Dumas 7+2reb+2ast, N.Martin 6+1reb, R.Uriz 5+1reb+4ast
gschID: 134000


Unicaja - Gescrap BB 78-73

No shocking result in a game when second ranked Unicaja Malaga (11-3) defeated at home 10th ranked Gescrap BB (5-8) 78-73 on Tuesday. However just five-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. The hosts trailed by 1 point at the halftime before their 41-35 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Gescrap BB was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. The best player for the winners was Croatian power forward Luka Zoric (211-84) who scored 19 points and 6 rebounds. American guard Gerald Fitch (191-82, college: Kentucky, agency: SportsTalent) chipped in 12 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Croatian forward Marko Banic (205-84) produced 8 points and 9 rebounds and the former international guard Raul Lopez (183-80) added 12 points respectively for the guests. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Unicaja Malaga have a solid three-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with 4 other teams. Loser Gescrap BB dropped to the twelfth place with eight games lost. Unicaja Malaga will face Baloncesto Fuenlabrada (#11) in Madrid in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Gescrap BB will play at home against Lagun Aro GBC in San Sebastian.
Top scorers:
Unicaja: L.Zoric 19+6reb+2ast, J.Freeland 18+3reb, G.Fitch 12+6reb+4ast, M.Payne 7+2reb+3ast, E.Rowland 6+2reb+5ast, J.Garbajosa 6+4reb+1ast
Gescrap BB: K.Vasiliadis 13+3ast, R.Lopez 12+2reb+3ast, A.Jackson 11+1reb+2ast, D.Fischer 8+4reb+1ast, M.Banic 8+9reb, A.Mumbru 7+4reb+4ast
gschID: 134001


Lucentum - FIATC Joventut 84-78 OT

Thirteenth-ranked FIATC Joventut (5-9) made lots of trouble for fifth ranked Meridiano Alicante (11-3). Meridiano Alicante managed to secure only six-point victory 84-78. However their fans expected much easier game. FIATC Joventut was ahead by 5 points at the halftime before a 23-15 third quarter run of Meridiano Alicante. They tied the game at the end of regular time. Then they were better in overtime eventually winning that period 17-11. Bulgarian forward Kaloyan Ivanov (205-86) orchestrated the victory by scoring 24 points and 7 rebounds. Guard Pedro Llompart (190-82) contributed with 22 points and 5 assists for the winners. American forward Latavious Williams (202-91) replied with 20 points and 6 rebounds (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field) and Dominican forward Eulis Baez (201-82, college: W.Illinois) added 11 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for FIATC Joventut. FIATC Joventut's coach Salvador Maldonado rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Meridiano Alicante have an impressive six-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with 4 other teams. FIATC Joventut at the other side keeps the thirteenth place with nine games lost. They share the position with Asefa Estudian. and GC 2014. Meridiano Alicante will play against Regal FC Barcelona (#4) on the road in the next round. FIATC Joventut will play against the league's second-placed Caja Laboral (#2) in Vitoria and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Lucentum: K.Ivanov 24+7reb+1ast, P.Llompart 22+1reb+5ast, T.Ellis 15+4reb+1ast, L.Barnes 7+5reb+1ast, B.Dewar 7+2reb+2ast, M.Kone 4+9reb
FIATC Joventut: L.Williams 20+6reb, E.Baez 11+6reb+1ast, F.Van Lacke 9+4reb+1ast, A.Oliver 9+1reb+2ast, N.Llovet 9+4reb+2ast, P.Jeter 7+4reb+3ast
gschID: 134002


Real Madrid - FCB Regal 78-74

Round 14 in ACB means a new league leader. The biggest surprise took place in Madrid where host Real Madrid (11-3) beat league's leader Regal FC Barcelona (11-3) 78-74 on Wednesday evening. 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 Regal FC Barcelona won third quarter 22-14. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The best player for the winners was Croatian center Ante Tomic (217-87) who scored 16 points and 8 rebounds. American point guard Jaycee Carroll (188-83, agency: Priority Sports) chipped in 16 points. Four Real Madrid players scored in double figures. Senegalese center Boniface Ndong (213-77) produced a double-double by scoring 12 points and 12 rebounds and Brazilian-Italian point guard Marcelinho Huertas (191-83, agency: Edge Sports) added 13 points and 7 assists respectively for the guests. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Real Madrid keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 4 other teams including defeated Regal FC Barcelona. Regal FC Barcelona will play next round against Meridiano Alicante trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Real Madrid will try to continue on its current victory against seventeenth ranked UCAM Murcia on the road.
Top scorers:
Real Madrid: J.Carroll 16+2reb+1ast, A.Tomic 16+8reb, C.Suarez 11+5reb+2ast, M.Pocius 10+3reb+1ast, S.Llull 7+1reb+4ast, F.Reyes 6
FCB Regal: P.Mickeal 14+3reb+1ast, M.Huertas 13+3reb+7ast, B.Ndong 12+12reb, J.Wallace 9+3reb, C.Eidson 7+3reb+2ast, J.Ingles 7+2reb+1ast
gschID: 134003


Assignia M. - UCAM Murcia 83-74

Very expected game when 16th ranked UCAM Murcia (4-10) was defeated on the road by eleventh ranked Assignia Manresa (6-8) 83-74 on Wednesday. UCAM Murcia was trailing by 2 points at halftime but managed to get 2-point lead after three quarters before a 30-19 charge of Assignia Manresa, which allowed them to win the game. They made 19-of-23 free shots (82.6 percent) during the game. UCAM Murcia was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. The best player for the winners was American forward Justin Doellman (206-85, college: Xavier) who scored 32 points (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line). The former international guard Roman Montanez (193-79) chipped in 11 points and 5 assists. Montenegrin power forward Blagota Sekulic (208-82, agency: FCM) produced a double-double by scoring 18 points and 13 rebounds and American forward James Augustine (208-84, college: Illinois, agency: Priority Sports) added 12 points and 12 rebounds respectively for the guests. Four UCAM Murcia players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Assignia Manresa moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Fuenlabrada and Lagun Aro GBC. Newly promoted UCAM Murcia keeps the sixteenth position with ten games lost. Assignia Manresa will face Asefa Estudiantes (#14) in Madrid in the next round where they are favorite. UCAM Murcia will play at home against the league's leader Real Madrid and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Assignia M.: J.Doellman 32+3reb+2ast, M.Downs 13+6reb, R.Montanez 11+3reb+5ast, A.Hanga 6+6reb+6ast, J.Asselin 6+1reb+2ast, H.Palsson 5+2reb
UCAM Murcia: B.Sekulic 18+13reb+2ast, J.Grimau 14+1reb, M.Walsh 13+2reb+1ast, J.Augustine 12+12reb+1ast, J.Franch 8+2reb+3ast, J.Ignacio Jasen 3+1reb
gschID: 134004


Valencia - Blusens M. 77-71

Very predictable result when ninth ranked Valencia Basket (7-7) beat at home 16th ranked Blusens Monbus (4-10) 77-71 on Wednesday. However just six-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. The hosts trailed by 15 points at the halftime before their 37-16 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Valencia Basket dominated on the defensive end, holding Blusens Monbus to just 3 points in third quarter. Blusens Monbus was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. The best player for the winners was American forward Nik Caner-Medley (203-83, college: Maryland, agency: Priority Sports) who scored 18 points and 7 rebounds. Ukrainian power forward Serhiy Lishchuk (210-82, agency: Beo Basket) chipped in 18 points (perfect from the field making all seven shots !!!). Belizean guard Milton Palacio (190-78, college: Colorado St.) produced 17 points and 7 assists and Gabonese forward Stephane Lasme (203-82, college: Massachusetts) added 11 points and 7 rebounds respectively for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Blusens Monbus' coach gave the chance to play for eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Valencia Basket moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Cajasol. Newly promoted Blusens Monbus keeps the sixteenth position with ten games lost. Valencia Basket will face Gran Canaria 2014 (#13) in Las Palmas in the next round where they are favorite. Blusens Monbus will play at home against Blancos de Rueda in Valladolid and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Valencia: N.Caner-Medley 18+7reb+1ast, S.Lishchuk 18+2reb+1ast, R.Martinez 15+2reb+3ast, N.De Colo 11+2reb+8ast, V.Faverani 7+3reb, V.Claver 5+7reb
Blusens M.: M.Palacio 17+2reb+7ast, S.Lasme 11+7reb, J.Bulfoni 11+3reb+1ast, E.Ere 10+1ast, D.Washington 7+3reb, A.Corbacho 5
gschID: 133996


CAI Zaragoza - GC 2014 63-61

A very interesting game took place in Zaragoza. It ended with only two-point defeat on the road of 13th ranked Gran Canaria 2014 (5-9) to seventh ranked CAI Zaragoza (7-6) 63-61 on Tuesday evening. Host team only slightly avoided a big embarassment. It looked good early as Gran Canaria 2014 took an 5-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then CAI Zaragoza had a 21-13 second period charge getting the lead and Gran Canaria 2014 was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 61-63. Belgian guard Sam Van Rossom (188-86) notched 12 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the effort and Icelandic guard Jon Stefansson (196-82) supported him with 13 points. Even 15 points by American-Azerbaijan forward Spencer Nelson (203-80, college: Utah St.) did not help to save the game for Gran Canaria 2014. Center Xavier Rey (209-87, agency: Interperformances) added 9 points and 9 rebounds for the guests. Gran Canaria 2014's coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. CAI Zaragoza have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to sixth place. Gran Canaria 2014 at the other side keeps the thirteenth position with nine games lost. CAI Zaragoza's next round opponent will be Cajasol (#7) in Sevilla. Gran Canaria 2014 will play at home against Valencia Basket (#8).
Top scorers:
CAI Zaragoza: J.Stefansson 13+2reb+3ast, S.Van Rossom 12+6reb+4ast, R.Hettsheimer 11+4reb, C.Cabezas 8+1reb+2ast, B.Wright 6+2reb+4ast, C.Toppert 6+1reb
GC 2014: S.Nelson 15+3reb+2ast, T.Bellas 11+1reb, X.Rey 9+9reb, M.Haynes 8+2reb+3ast, A.Tucker 5+1reb, J.Palacios 4+3reb+1ast
gschID: 133997


Lagun Aro GBC - Cajasol 67-65

A very close game took place in San Sebastian between Lagun Aro GBC and Cajasol. Eleventh ranked Lagun Aro GBC (6-8) got a very close home victory over higher ranked Cajasol (7-7). Lagun Aro GBC managed to escape with a 2-point win 67-65 on Tuesday evening. Cajasol was trailing by 3 points at halftime but managed to get 1-point lead after three quarters before a 19-16 charge of Lagun Aro GBC, which allowed them to win the game. American forward Andy Panko (204-77, college: Lebanon Valley) scored 14 points and 7 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import guard Jimmy Baron (191-86, college: Rhode Island) chipped in 13 points during the contest. American center Paul Davis (211-84, college: Michigan St.) responded with 27 points and 8 rebounds and guard Txemi Urtasun (193-84, agency: Interperformances) scored 17 points. Cajasol's coach Joan Plaza tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Lagun Aro GBC have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Assignia M. and Fuenlabrada. Loser Cajasol dropped to the seventh position with seven games lost. They share it with Valencia. Lagun Aro GBC will meet Gescrap BB (#12) in the next round. Cajasol will play against CAI Zaragoza (#6) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Lagun Aro GBC: A.Panko 14+7reb+1ast, J.Baron 13+3reb+2ast, D.Doblas 12+5reb, S.Vidal 8+5reb+4ast, R.Neto 7+2reb+2ast, E.Papamakarios 6+2reb
Cajasol: P.Davis 27+8reb+1ast, T.Urtasun 17+3reb+2ast, T.Satoransky 6+1reb+2ast, C.English 6+1reb+2ast, H.Jasen 2+4reb+1ast, E.Calloway 2+2reb+3ast
gschID: 133998




Stats Leaders - LEB Gold
Points Per Game
 Troy DEVRIES
  Melilla
  (193-G-82)
  Avg: 19.3
 1. DeVries, Melilla19.3 
 2. Witt, Knet Clavijo18.4 
 3. Quezada, Leon17.9 
 4. Feldeine, Breogan17.8 
 5. Antelo, Caceres17.4 
 6. Guillen, Canarias17.2 
 7. Leonavicius, Hues.16.1 
 8. Xavier, Palencia15.7 
 9. Phillip, Burgos15.6 
 10. Knutson, Mallorca15.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Olaseni LAWAL
  Knet Clavijo
  (208-F/C-86)
  Avg: 9.8
 1. Lawal, Knet Clavijo9.8 
 2. Diouf, Palencia8.4 
 3. Donaldson, Canarias8.2 
 4. Sikma, La Palma8.1 
 5. Mortellaro, Leon8.0 
 6. Williams, Caceres7.8 
 7. Starosta, Navarra7.7 
 8. Phillip, Burgos7.7 
 9. Orfila, Huesca7.5 
 10. Antelo, Caceres6.9 
Assists Per Game
 Oscar ALVARADO
  La Palma
  (184-PG-91)
  Avg: 5.7
 1. Alvarado, La Palma5.7 
 2. Witt, Knet Clavijo4.6 
 3. Norris, Lleida4.4 
 4. Lopez, Burgos4.0 
 5. Bernabe, Leon3.9 
 6. Riera, Melilla3.9 
 7. Perez, Menorca3.8 
 8. Bivia, Mallorca3.6 
 9. Sabat, Canarias3.6 
 10. DeVries, Melilla3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Jeffrey XAVIER
  Palencia
  (185-G-85)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Xavier, Palencia2.6 
 2. Toledo, Burgos2.5 
 3. Bernabe, Leon2.2 
 4. Abrines, Clinic.1.9 
 5. Alonso, Mallorca1.9 
 6. Norris, Lleida1.8 
 7. Sanz, Navarra1.7 
 8. Arco, Melilla1.7 
 9. Guerra, Granada1.6 
 10. Green, Mallorca1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Ognen KUZMIN
  Clinicas.
  (215-C-90)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Kuzmin, Clinicas.1.8 
 2. Diouf, Palencia1.6 
 3. Green, Mallorca1.5 
 4. Odiakosa, Melilla1.4 
 5. Lawal, Knet Clavijo1.3 
 6. Samb, Granada1.1 
 7. Antelo, Caceres1.0 
 8. Coleman, Girona1.0 
 9. El Hadji Mal., Cli.0.9 
 10. Donaldson, Canari.0.8 


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


Stats Leaders - ACB
Points Per Game
 Andy PANKO
  Lagun A.
  (204-F-77)
  Avg: 18.8
 1. Panko, Lagun A.18.8 
 2. Davis, Cajasol17.1 
 3. Teletovic, Caja L.16.9 
 4. Fernandez, Real M.16.1 
 5. Ayon, Fuenlabrada15.9 
 6. Doellman, Assignia15.9 
 7. Penney, Fuenlabra.15.6 
 8. Wright, CAI Z.15.5 
 9. Hettsheimer, CAI Z.14.6 
 10. Caner-Medley, Val.14.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Kaloyan IVANOV
  Lucentum
  (205-F-86)
  Avg: 8.7
 1. Ivanov, Lucentum8.7 
 2. Augustine, UCAM M.8.6 
 3. Davis, Cajasol8.4 
 4. Teletovic, Caja L.8.3 
 5. Ayon, Fuenlabrada8.1 
 6. Hettsheimer, CAI Z.8.0 
 7. Freeland, Unicaja7.2 
 8. Ndong, FCB Regal6.9 
 9. Baez, FIATC J.6.9 
 10. Reyes, Real Madrid6.6 
Assists Per Game
 Javier RODRIGUEZ
  Assignia.
  (189-G-79)
  Avg: 5.7
 1. Rodriguez, Assigni.5.7 
 2. Markovic, Valencia4.6 
 3. Dumas, B.de R.4.1 
 4. Salgado, Lagun A.3.9 
 5. Huertas, FCB Regal3.9 
 6. Oliver, FIATC J.3.8 
 7. Colom, Fuenlabrada3.7 
 8. Llull, Real Madrid3.7 
 9. Rodriguez, Real M.3.6 
 10. Cabezas, CAI Z.3.6 
Steals Per Game
 Rudy FERNANDEZ
  Real M.
  (197-G-85)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Fernandez, Real M.2.4 
 2. Prigioni, Caja L.1.9 
 3. Doellman, Assignia1.7 
 4. Barnes, Lucentum1.7 
 5. De Colo, Valencia1.6 
 6. Ayon, Fuenlabrada1.6 
 7. Eidson, FCB Regal1.5 
 8. Davis, Cajasol1.5 
 9. Downs, Assignia M.1.5 
 10. Rodriguez, Assign.1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Serge IBAKA
  Real Madrid
  (208-C/F-89)
  Avg: 2
 1. Ibaka, Real Madrid2.0 
 2. Fischer, Gescrap BB2.0 
 3. Lasme, Blusens M.1.8 
 4. Sene, Fuenlabrada1.7 
 5. Toure, B.de R.1.5 
 6. Asselin, Assignia1.4 
 7. Begic, Real Madrid1.3 
 8. Baez, FIATC J.1.3 
 9. Landry, Assignia.1.2 
 10. Seraphin, Caja L.1.2 


Unicaja and Uros Tripkovic part ways - by Eurobasket News
As expected, Uros Tripkovic (197-G-86) is no longer a member of Unicaja. They officially terminated the contract today. Tripkovic will undergo hip surgery and will be out for at least five months. He did not appear in any official game for Unicaja this season. In the latest one Tripkovic averaged 6.5 points in 34 ACB games. He also added 8.1 ppg and 1.5 rpg for 15 Euroleague games. Uros Tripkovic joined Unicaja in 2010 from DKV Joventut Badalona. He spent one season with the Badalona team averaging 11 ppg, 2.1 rpg and 1.6 apg for 29 games in Spain. Tripkovic spent several years with Partizan Belgrade in the past winning many trophies and personal awards. He also played for the Serbian National Team at the World Championship 2006 and EuroBasket 2009 in Poland.

UCAM Murcia brings in Ime Udoka - by Eurobasket News
UCAM Murcia announced signing of Ime Udoka (196-F/G-77, agency: Priority Sports, college: Portland St.) for rest of the season. The player spent some time with the New Jersey Nets during the NBA pre-season. Udoka played for the San Antonio Spurs in 2010/11. He appeared in 17 games, but with very limited playing time. Udoka had 3.9 ppg and 3 rpg for 64 games with the Sacramento Kings in 2009/10. Before that, he averaged 4.5 ppg and 3 rpg for 68 games with the Spurs. Udoka also has experience from the Portland Trail Blazers and New York Knicks. He already played in Spain in the past. It was in 2004/05, when Ime Udoka was a member of Gran Canaria. He had 8.1 ppg and 4 rpg for 15 games in ACB. Ime Udoka is active member of the Nigerian National Team.

Robert Kurz ready to play, Murcia release Matt Walsh - by Eurobasket News
Robert Kurz (206-F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: Notre Dame) recovered from injury and UCAM Murcia decided to release Matt Walsh. The 29-year-old American joined the club month and a half ago. He appeared 6 times in Liga Endesa averaging 10 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3 assists. Matt Walsh spent last season with French ASVEL.
Robert Kurz got injured in November, so he missed month and a half. The player already rejoined his teammates and is ready to play. Kurz arrived to Murcia during the pre-season. He averages 7.4 points and 4.3 rebounds in Liga Endesa. Kurz played 7 games so far. He split last season between Gran Canaria and Artland Dragons.

Fuenlabrada officially returns Saul Blanco - by Eurobasket News
As expected, Saul Blanco (195-G/F-85) is back to Fuenlabrada. The player parted ways with Unicaja yesterday. He had 1.8 ppg and 1.3 rpg for 12 games in Liga Endesa this season. Blanco also added 2.9 ppg and 7 games in Euroleague. Last season Saul Blanco had better numbers averaging 8.4 points and 3 rebounds for 13 Euroleague games. He joined Unicaja in 2009. Before that, Saul Blanco spent four years with Fuenlabrada. He had 13.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg and 2.7 apg for 29 games in their last season together. Before Fuenla, Blanco played for Gijon and Siglo. In 2009, he participated at the Spanish NT camp. In the past, he played for the Spanish youth National Teams.

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  SWEDEN   


Swedish Men U18 National Team 2012 - by Eurobasket Center
Starting five
#s#
Jacob Magnusson
Magnusson
Niklas Larsson
Larsson
Jesper Eliasson
Eliasson
Filip Kovacek
Kovacek
Simon Ezra
Ezra
#e#5
4 Jacob Magnusson 185-G-94 Malbas Sweden
5 Filip Kovacek 180-PG-95 Sodertalje Sweden
6 Niklas Larsson 196-G-94 Solna Sweden
7 Alexander Russom 191-G-95 Sanda Sweden
8 Johan Lofberg 193-G/F-95
9 Simon Ezra 197-G/F-94 Uppsala KFUM Sweden
10 Hajzer Ismaili 200-C-94 Boras Sweden
11 Alexander Gorski 193-G-94 Uppsala Sweden
12 Jesper Eliasson 201-F-94 Solna Sweden
13 Hannes Erhardt 203-F/C-94 Malbas Sweden
14 Sebastian Schutsler 201-F/C-94
15 Alexander Larsson 204-C/F-95

David Leman Head Coach Uppsala KFUM Sweden
Jonathan Haile Assistant 08 Sweden


Baltic Sea Basketball Cup: Finland U18 triumphed in Tallinn - by Eurobasket News
Finland U18-Sweden U18 85:73

Finland U18 triumphed at Baltic Sea Basketball Cup. After the loss from the Latvian side in Day 1, the Finnish team needed a 85:73 victory over Sweden to step up on the top position.
Finland started with 19-10 in the first period and added 20-17 in the second frame. Sweden produced 25-21 in the third quarter to hope for the end of the game. Finland meanwhile finished the game with 25-21 to seal the victory.
Joonas Lehtoranta (185-F/G-94) top-scored for the winners with 22 points and Julius Rajala (204-F-94) added 14. Miikka Luosmaa (202-C-94) notched 10 points, while Niko Mattila (191-G-94) and Oskar Michelsen (197-F-95) delivered 8 each. Johan Lofberg (193-G/F-95) ended up with 17 points and Filip Kovacek (180-PG-95) netted 14. Jesper Eliasson (201-F-94) followed them with 12 points in defeat as Sweden lost all three games.

Finland U18: Joonas Lehtoranta 22, Julius Rajala 14, Miikka Luosmaa 10, Niko Mattila 8, Oskar Michelsen 8
Sweden U18: Johan Lofberg 17, Filip Kovacek 14 Jesper Eliasson 12

Baltic Sea Basketball Cup: Sweden U16 beat Finland U16 to finish the tournament - by Eurobasket News
Finland U16-Sweden U16 42:72

Sweden U16 won over Finland U16 in the last game of the Baltic Sea Basketball Cup. The winners finished on the third place with 2-1 record. Latvia beat Estonia 81:52 and due to that, they also won the tournament and left Estonians in second and Swedish in third place. Finland finished on the last spot.
Sweden took the lead from the very beginning and reached 19-6 after the first 10 minutes. Moreover they added 12-8 in the second frame and won also the next two quarters. Sweden needed 16-9 in the third frame and 25-19 in the last one to win with 30-point margin.
William Skagius (196-C-96) top-scored for the winners with 21 points and Sheriff Drammeh (179-G-96) netted 12. Oliver Gustavsson (195-F-96) delivered 11, whilst Erik Johansson (194-F-96) and Ludvig Swanstrom (191-F-96) nailed 10 apiece. Henri Niemisto (194-G-96) replied with 12 points in the losing effort, while Akseli Hartikainen (193-F-96) and Thomas vanSanten had 6 each.

Finland U16: Henri Niemisto 12, Akseli Hartikainen 6, Thomas Van Santen (205-C-96) 6
Sweden U16: William Skagius 21, Sheriff Drammeh 12, Oliver Gustavsson 11, Erik Johansson 10, Ludvig Swanstrom 10

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  SWITZERLAND   


Rod Brown joins Lugano Tigers - by Luca Maffioli
Lugano Tigers announced signing of Rod Brown (186-PG-78, college: W.Michigan). The British playmaker will replace Mike Efevberha. Last season Brown played 3 games with InterCollege Etha Engomis and 15 in Spain with Aquas De Sousas Club Ourense Baloncesto. He had 8.9 points (FGP: 50.5%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 75.0%), 3.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists. Graduated at Western Michigan University, he played also with Leopards London, London Towers, Drac Inca Mallorca, Vive Menorca, AEL Larissa, AEP Olimpias Patron, Bruesa-Guipuzcoa BC, Caceres 2016 C.B. and Snaidero Udine.

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  TURKEY   


Bojan Bogdanovic gets MVP of the Week award for Turkish TBL - by Eurobasket News
Bosnia and Herzegovina-Croatian Bojan Bogdanovic (203-G/F-89) had an amazing evening in the last round for Fener.Ulker and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 13.
The 22-year old swingman had the game-high 30 points adding seven rebounds and three assists for Fener.Ulker in his team's victory, helping them to crush Hacettepe Univ. (#11, 5-8) with 21-point margin 79-58. Fener.Ulker is placed at 3rd position in Turkish TBL. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Fener.Ulker will need more victories to improve their 10-3 record. In the team's last game Bogdanovic had a remarkable 85.7% from 2-point range and got four three-pointers out of 6 attempts. It was one of impressive evenings for him as usually he does not deliver so high stats. Bojan Bogdanovic averages this season 10.6ppg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 33-year old American guard Mire Chatman (187-G-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports) of Karsiyaka. Chatman impressed basketball fans with 28 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. It was enough for Karsiyaka to edge the lower-ranked Antalya (#14, 2-11) by 5 points 94-89. This victory allowed Karsiyaka to move up to 6th position in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 8-5 record is not bad and everything may still change. Chatman is a newcomer at Karsiyaka and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 19.2ppg (#2). His other stats are also decent: 5.9rpg and 6.3apg.

The third best performed player last round was former international forward Umit Sonkol (206-F-82) of Aliaga (#9). Sonkol scored 26 points and grabbed thirteen rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of Aliaga, leading his team to a 67-63 win against the lower-ranked Olin Edirne (#12, 4-9). Aliaga needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 7 victories and 6 lost games. Sonkol has a great season in Turkey. After 13 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 7.6rpg (6th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Bradley Buckman (203-F-84) of Tofas - 18 points and 9 rebounds
5. Jovo Stanojevic (208-C-77) of Karsiyaka - 14 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Jonathan Gibson (182-PG-87) of Trabzonspor - 20 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists
7. Gary McGhee (208-C-88) of Bandirma Kir. - 15 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Vladimir Stimac (209-C-87) of Olin Edirne - 10 points and 9 rebounds
9. Goran Ikonic (196-G-80) of Karsiyaka - 19 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists
10. Corey Fisher (185-G-88) of Antalya - 19 points and 6 assists

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

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


Kevin Sheppard Interview - by David Edole
Excerpts from a Kevin Sheppard (182-G-79, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Jacksonville) interview on his documentary style movie 'Iran Job'. Mr. Sheppard was interviewed last night live by CNN International and I am working on getting you guys the copy. I hope his words inspire you as it has done me... ENJOY

Question: Why did you choose to retire now?
Answer:
It was not that hard of a decision really. Even though I know I am still young, 32 years, I had taken my game and my body to the highest of levels. I played on every continent in great competitive leagues. From Spain to Argentina, Puerto Rico to Venezuela, Israel to Iran, Poland to China any so many more countries. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever Imagine playing basketball in all these different places. Only the NBA eluded me, not because I wasn't good enough, I was, but sometimes timing is everything. Nevertheless as captain of the Virgin Islands national team, I was competing against the best of the best players. From the likes of Allen Iverson, La Brone James, Ray Allen, Chauncy Billips, Carmello Antony to Kobe Bryant and so many other international stars. I have played and earned their respect on and off the court. I played the game with discipline and character and a mental toughness that says Never give up. In the end, I have done all I could and I thank God for the opportunities He presented my way, and I took advantage of most if not all of them.


Question: How did Basketball Change Your life?
Answer:
Basketball and sports in general, helps build character in a person. There comes a time when I was at the hardest point in my career, but I never gave in to failure, I never gave in to pressure. Through my failures an pressure situations on the court, they made me the person I am today. Basketball has a parallel affect in our personal lives also. How we are able to handle the game through adversity will be a reflection of how we will handle pressure situations in life. Basketball has exalted me and humbled me all at the same time. Basketball is one of the main reason why I am a better man today.


Question: Is there any others like youself in the Virgin Islands? What's the Future for athletes in the virgin Islands?
Answers:
There are wave of talented players in the Virgin Islands that sadly, our leaders refuse to invest in future generational talents. When a nation produces Tim Ducan, Raja Bell, Milt Neuton, Cuftbert Victor, David Vantapool, Leon Trimmingham and so many more talent Virgin Islanders, who are leaving legacies the game of Basketball, its mind boggling to me, that from only 110000 people, we can produce this wave of talents without proper preparation. I think if we push sports in general, the next generation of the Virgin Islands athletes will dominate every sport we set our focus on. We all ready are doing good but we can reach unprecedented level for our per capita in sports. This is the reason why I started my Elite Basketball and Education Program to created an atmosphere that would bring all of our best young talents under one umbrella. My focus is to prepare them with the education of the game while monitoring their grades on and off the court.


Question: What support are you getting for your After School Program? What other support are you hoping for internationally?
Answer:
Well due to the hard economics times here in the Virgin Islands, it has been extremely difficult to gain ground with financial support. I am still hoping that the government will see that this program is an absolute necessity in our community in terms of changing young men lives in the virgin island and producing future Home grown athletes, that we will instill that Virgin Islands Pride that is missing in our athletic community. The Leaders here do a very poor job pushing sports, especially with the success of Tim Duncan, that should have been our calling card to the future. Yet we still lack gyms an facilities and no infrastructures in place. This creates a void that force local talents to leave the VI before time, which creates a different mentality an identity among our athletes to distance themselves from the VI. Its why our athletes don't come back and do any thing because they were nurture by the states not us. The vision here is tunnel vision for athlete and it is something I am determine to change.


Question: You said the Government doesn't push sports because they have a tunnel vision towards athletes in the Virgin Islands elaborate?
Answer
:
Tunnel Vision meaning they haven't seen the Worlds talent like I have, and they don't know that we have natural inherited talent in the VI. Because of this, we have numerous talented athletes falling to the waste site. I played in many So Called third world countries, yet they have schools for athletes and recreation center for future Olympians only. Their government pumps money into the sports program and the dream of a few became the opportunity for many. The only reason why those countries passes us internationally is not on the account for athleticism or talent but because they do more to nurture their talents than us. This create their National Pride among the athletes and in their countries. We need a world wide vision and it begins with leadership and commitment.


Question: This passion you have for Change, were you always like this and do you teach this to your kids?
Answer:
Lol well changes are needed everywhere, but I do know that the system we are using now is stagnant. Changes take time and I understand that this is not going to be easy. But I do know one thing, in order for us to change as a nation, we all have to be willing to change. You cant change unless you yourself go through changes. I do preach this to my kids because I am a transparent guy. Only because I've been there and failed time an time again both on and off the court, creates this humbleness. I never felt sorry for myself and I learned and change. The key is, I was always willing to change and I always gave my very best. Kids today must see our flaws and where we went wrong, for them to trust us. So here I am. Judge me.


Question: What are you hoping to accomplished with your program for the Kids on St. Croix?
Answer:
I want to show the people in power that it's about time someone is willing to get into the trenches while passing up millions to make a difference in our community. Our young men are failing, committing crimes, dying way before their time, but we as a nation is trying to control the problem with laws instead of killing the problem at its root. Sports and Education will always be the keys. If we can produce educated citizens rooted in team work and competition through sports, we will produce a better society. Take this for instance. It is so amazing that the kids the army recruit are not the scholar kids but the public school kids who probably don't know what they will do when the finish High school. Yet those same kids, giving the opportunity to serve this great nation, in a few years are landing planes reading sonar and making weapons. Those same kids become team oriented and discipline with a talk on their tongues Yes Sir, yes Mum. The question I have why do we have to wait for our kids to joined the army to learn teamwork and respect, when we have the ability to enforce this with sports and our Schools? The army program works to protect a nation through discipline and teamwork. The same can be done through education and sports. The difference is the government ensures that our army which receives nearly half of the Nations funding, remain financially strong. But on the lower level, education and sports in the Virgin Islands are suffering because they are not respected. As a result, our young people are been disrespected and they look forward to join a new team, CRIMINALS. Now our Nation will focus on solving crimes, harboring and housing prisoners, while spending enormous amount of money into a system that has an unlimited exponential curb instead of using those same resources in educating the next generation at its root. This is my passion and I am taking this back to the basics.


Question: What's missing in terms of infrastructure in the Virgin Islands?
Answer
:
In reality St. Thomas are making good strides in terms of wood floor gyms as they continue to upgrade their facilities, but they do need a Sports Recreation Complex for all the sports as well. A place where the community can use the facilities outside the schools so that the schools can used their facilities for their students after school programs. Their gyms are being over used. Especially Central High school gym that can not buy a break for a facelift. We badly need a recreation center on St.Croix. A place for all sports that the police and parents can control a specific location because everyone plays there.


Question: You played in Iran, what was that like? How is your native talents in comparison?
Answer
:
Iran open my world to when it comes to people and respect. The Iranian people accepted me and I was treated with a superstar atmosphere and kindness. Many of our talents here can play there and I believe we have many talents that surpasses many nations, the different is my people perish for a lack of knowledge. (Hosea 4:6) Because we dont know what we have, we are not maximizing our talents.


Question: You played in Israel also how do compare the two?
Answer:
Israel is a beautiful country. I loved it and really the two countries are so similar. They both are so respectful an obviously they both want to kill each other in battle. But they both have a lot of historic structures that are in the Bible and I know that is one of the reason why they take more pride in their God.


Question: How did you felt doing a reality documentary? What's your expectation of the Iran Job Movie?
Answer
:
At first I was nervous because the camera was always in my face but as the days goes by, really, I forget that I am being taped. I am hoping for people all over the world to have a different view that no matter what's going on with government and the hint of war, people are all the same. Frustration with Leadership because with great power, the leaders set themselves up as Kings, and forget about the same people who gave them that power. The definition of leadership exemplifies Putting the welfare of others first before yourself. This is the characteristics that people are searching for no matter where you are living.


Question: You were on the front page in two major news medias, the Washington Post an CNN News, what was your reaction as well as your peers with the entire World watching?
Answer
:
I was excited but not surprised. I knew by doing this film it will have two sides of the story and by no means were I trying to spy on Iran or steal information. All I wanted to show was the Iranian people have real lives real struggles real problems like all of us and I lived it.


Question: Will we see a come back like Michael Jordan in the future?
Answer
:
I will have to say no thank you lol. I am committed to my family and my new mission.


Question: Will you go back to Jacksonville University and coach someday? Did you get any coaching offers?
Answers
:
I was asked by few of my coaches in the main land and Puerto Rico to come and be assistant to them but I have to start from home first. Once I accomplish my goal here them maybe I might go to the mainland. Coaching Jacksonville University would be a dream come through.

Question: You are not only talented but highly educated, what did you major in at Jacksonville University?
Answer
:
I have a degree in Business Economics and a minor in Psychology. I try to follow the money and read people's mind. It think its a good mix for success in today's recession economy. And thank you for noticing I'm highly educated because a lot of people believes that athletes don't have any brain. I take great pride in knowledge and respect in education and history.


Question: Last question. What happened to you? There are not much like you. How did all this happen?
Answer
:
lol. Simple answer God lol. Frustration. Here is a prime example. One day my kids where arguing about who is better Rajon Rondo or Derick Rose. I'm listening to their arguments and I saw they have know idea about professional players. While they are arguing who is better Rajon Rondo and D Rose are studying how they could exploit each other weaknesses. See, professional athletes play to their strengths and try to force their opponent to play to their weaknesses. Who ever do that best will be the winner. The truth is once you play on that level, you never believe another player is better than you. The focus changes to play with your strengths. I try to explain this to the kids but they didn't understand so I ask God how can I bring this to their understanding. One day I realized that they all play Video games so I pull them together and I told them 'All of you guys can play Video games but I can't. I'm not good. So if I play you guys I will get crushed because I never taken the time to study the game. I am just pressing buttons and whatever happen, happens. But you guys know the moves and the buttons for the game, that you can play the game in your sleep. U can take one look at me playing and say I dont know what I am doing even though to me, I think I am doing very well. An even though I won a few games, at the end of the game I am still clueless because I never taken the time to study. The same parallel goes in basketball. Even tough you guys are playing you are just playing without studying the game. I am here to teach you the game so you can understand. So that all of us will have that understanding a speak on basketball terms. That way I wouldn't be lonely speaking basketball by myself. They were impressed and I got through.
Then God messes me up because the question always hit me Why are we Here? He said used your kids example. I am God and I know all things. The problem is I have no one to talk God stuff with that's why I made you, so that you can learn to do what I do, see what I see, say what I say, and all of us will be knowledgeable to live as Gods. In that perspective, I too am lonely, and I awaits for rising of the saints to come up higher. Learn what you can on Earth, its your preparation for something greater. I was so inspired by this revelation it sparked a fire and passion in me to reach out and touch the next generation. That was the beginning but I'm just getting started.



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


Superleague Round 20: BC Odessa defeats Dnipro in the closest game of the week - by Eurobasket News
The most exciting game of round 20 in the Superleague took place in Odessa. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of 8th ranked Dnipro (11-9) to sixth ranked BC Odessa (13-8) 70-67 on Thursday evening. The hosts trailed by 4 points after three quarters before their 19-12 charge, which allowed them to win the game. BC Odessa forced 20 Dnipro turnovers. Worth to mention a great performance of Vincentian center Shawn King (208-82, college: ORU) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 15 points and 15 rebounds and American-Bulgarian point guard Willie Deane (188-80, college: Purdue, agency: Higher Vision Sports) who added 24 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. French power forward Jerome Moiso (208-78, college: UCLA) responded with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 12 rebounds. Dnipro's coach Denys Zhuravlov rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. BC Odessa moved-up to fifth place. Dnipro lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with nine games lost. BC Odessa are looking forward to face Cherkasy (#11) at home in the next round where they are favorite. Dnipro will play against Azovmash in Mariupol and is hoping to prove to their fans that they can break losing series.
The game in Odessa supposed to be also worth to mention about. 5th ranked Hoverla (13-9) played at the court of sixth ranked BC Odessa (13-8). BC Odessa did not have too big problems and got a relatively easy victory 101-81. The winners were led by American-Bulgarian point guard Willie Deane (188-80, college: Purdue, agency: Higher Vision Sports) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 26 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists and Justin Love supported him with 19 points and 5 rebounds. Even 27 points and 4 steals by American point guard Marcus Walker (186-86, college: Colorado St., agency: Hart Sports Mngm) did not help to save the game for Hoverla. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. BC Odessa moved-up to fifth place. Hoverla at the other side dropped to the sixth position with nine games lost. They share it with Ferro-ZNTU. BC Odessa will play against Cherkasy (#11) at home in the next round where they are favorite. Hoverla will play against Halychyna (#14) in Lviv and hopes to get back on the winning track.
An interesting game took place in Krivoy Rog where higher ranked Azovmash (13-7) was upset on the court of thirteenth ranked Kryvbasbasket (6-14) 85-57 on Wednesday. The best player for the winners was Bryan Davis who had a double-double by scoring 18 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks. Daniel Ewing produced 10 points and 5 assists for the guests. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Kryvbasbasket moved-up to twelfth place. Loser Azovmash keeps the fourth position with seven games lost. Kryvbasbasket will meet higher ranked BC Kyiv (#9) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Azovmash will play against Dnipro (#8) in Dnepropetrovsk and hope to secure a win.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 20: DniproAzot lost to Ferro-ZNTU on the opponent's court 76-82. Khimik managed to outperform Hoverla in a home game 84-72. BC Donetsk managed to beat BC Kyiv on the road 85-77. Khimik defeated Dnipro on its own court 92-87.


BC Odessa - Dnipro 70-67

The most exciting game of round 20 in the Superleague took place in Odessa. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of 8th ranked Dnipro (11-9) to sixth ranked BC Odessa (13-8) 70-67 on Thursday evening. The hosts trailed by 4 points after three quarters before their 19-12 charge, which allowed them to win the game. BC Odessa forced 20 Dnipro turnovers. Worth to mention a great performance of Vincentian center Shawn King (208-82, college: ORU) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 15 points and 15 rebounds and American-Bulgarian point guard Willie Deane (188-80, college: Purdue, agency: Higher Vision Sports) who added 24 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. French power forward Jerome Moiso (208-78, college: UCLA) responded with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 12 rebounds and international guard Steven Burtt (185-84, college: Iona) scored 22 points. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Dnipro's coach Denys Zhuravlov rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. BC Odessa moved-up to fifth place. Dnipro lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with nine games lost. BC Odessa are looking forward to face Cherkasy (#11) at home in the next round where they are favorite. Dnipro will play against Azovmash in Mariupol and is hoping to prove to their fans that they can break losing series.
Top scorers:
BC Odessa: W.Deane 24+5reb+2ast, S.King 15+15reb+3ast, R.Kryvych 13+5reb+2ast, J.Love 13+4reb+1ast, A.Kalnichenko 3+1reb+2ast, S.Balashov 2+8reb
Dnipro: S.Burtt 22+4reb+3ast, J.Moiso 19+12reb, C.Thomas 10+10reb, Q.Woods 10+7reb+3ast, O.Shchepkin 2+4reb+1ast, D.Low 2+2reb
gschID: 166215


Ferro-ZNTU - DniproAzot 82-76

Very expected game in Zaporozhye where 13th ranked DniproAzot (6-15) was defeated by seventh ranked Ferro-ZNTU (13-9) 82-76 on Thursday. However just six-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. DniproAzot was trailing by 4 points at halftime but managed to get 6-point lead after three quarters before a 25-13 charge of Ferro-ZNTU, which allowed them to win the game. The best player for the winners was American guard Jeremy Chappell (191-87, college: Robert Morris, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) who had a double-double by scoring 14 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. The other American import center R.T. Guinn (208-81, college: Baylor) chipped in 18 points and 7 rebounds. American guard Pierre Pierce (193-83, college: Iowa) produced 18 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and the former international center Volodymyr Gurtovoy (207-75) added 16 points and 10 rebounds respectively for the guests. Four Ferro-ZNTU and five DniproAzot players scored in double figures. Ferro-ZNTU have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Hoverla. Loser DniproAzot keeps the thirteenth position with 15 games lost. Ferro-ZNTU will meet bottom-ranked Halychyna (#14) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. DniproAzot will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Ferro-ZNTU: R.Culpepper 18+3reb+3ast, R.Guinn 18+7reb+1ast, A.Butskyy 15+1reb+2ast, J.Chappell 14+10reb+4ast, M.Davis 7+7reb+1ast, A.Rybalko 5+2reb+2ast
DniproAzot: P.Pierce 18+7reb+5ast, V.Gurtovoy 16+10reb+1ast, S.Gorbenko 14+7reb, M.Little 12+6reb+6ast, S.Pringle 10+8reb+5ast, L.Stefanishin 4+4reb
gschID: 166213


Khimik - Hoverla 84-72

Rather predictable result in Yuzhny where third ranked Khimik (15-8) defeated 5th ranked Hoverla (13-9) 84-72 on Thursday. The hosts trailed by 9 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 13-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 84-72. Khimik dominated on the defensive end, holding Hoverla to just 6 points in second quarter. The best player for the winners was American forward Reyshawn Terry (203-84, college: N.Carolina) who had a double-double by scoring 27 points and 10 rebounds. Forward Denis Ikovlev (201-86, college: Nevada, agency: RIZO) chipped in 19 points and 8 rebounds. Center Yaroslav Lemyk (203-85, agency: New Trend Agency) produced 15 points and American point guard Dante Swanson (178-81, college: Tulsa, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) added 13 points and 4 assists respectively for the guests. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Khimik moved-up to second place. Loser Hoverla dropped to the sixth position with nine games lost. They share it with Ferro-ZNTU. Khimik will meet BC Donetsk (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Hoverla will play against Halychyna in Lviv and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Khimik: R.Terry 27+10reb+1ast, D.Ikovlev 19+8reb+2ast, D.Mitchell 15+3reb+9ast, S.Popov 7+1reb+4ast, A.McGhee 6+3reb, P.Miletic 5+4reb+1ast
Hoverla: Y.Lemyk 15+4reb+1ast, D.Swanson 13+2reb+4ast, M.Walker 9+2reb+4ast, K.Tiggs 9+6reb+4ast, B.Greene 7+4reb, E.Coleman 6+4reb
gschID: 166214


BC Odessa - Hoverla 101-81

The game in Odessa supposed to be also worth to mention about. 5th ranked Hoverla (13-9) played at the court of sixth ranked BC Odessa (13-8). BC Odessa did not have too big problems and got a relatively easy victory 101-81. The game was mostly controlled by BC Odessa. Hoverla was better in third quarter 22-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Hoverla 34-19 including 23 on the defensive glass. The winners were led by American-Bulgarian point guard Willie Deane (188-80, college: Purdue, agency: Higher Vision Sports) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 26 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists and American guard Justin Love (189-78, college: St.Louis) supported him with 19 points and 5 rebounds. Even 27 points and 4 steals by American point guard Marcus Walker (186-86, college: Colorado St., agency: Hart Sports Mngm) did not help to save the game for Hoverla. His fellow American import swingman Brian Greene (195-83, college: Florida A&M) added 15 points and 7 rebounds for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. BC Odessa moved-up to fifth place. Hoverla at the other side dropped to the sixth position with nine games lost. They share it with Ferro-ZNTU. BC Odessa will play against Cherkasy (#11) at home in the next round where they are favorite. Hoverla will play against Halychyna (#14) in Lviv and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
BC Odessa: W.Deane 26+6reb+10ast, J.Love 19+5reb+3ast, R.Kryvych 15+2reb, E.Annenkov 13, S.King 11+5reb+4ast, D.Korshuk 8+4reb
Hoverla: M.Walker 27+3ast, B.Greene 15+7reb+3ast, E.Coleman 14+5reb, K.Tiggs 11+3ast, Y.Lemyk 6+3reb+1ast, D.Swanson 4+3reb+5ast
gschID: 166210


BC Kyiv - BC Donetsk 77-85

Not a big story in a game when 9th ranked BC Kyiv (10-11) was defeated at home by third ranked BC Donetsk (14-5) 85-77 on Wednesday. The guests trailed by 3 points at the halftime before their 46-35 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. BC Donetsk made 16-of-20 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was international forward Maksym Pustozvonov (200-87, agency: Beo Basket) who scored 17 points (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). Serbian point guard Vule Avdalovic (189-81, agency: Beo Basket) chipped in 11 points and 7 rebounds. BC Donetsk's coach Sasa Obradovic used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. American guard Derrick Zimmerman (191-81, college: Mississippi St.) produced 12 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and guard Vladyslav Podolyan (196-86, agency: New Trend Agency) added 17 points respectively for the hosts. Five BC Donetsk and four BC Kyiv players scored in double figures. BC Donetsk maintains third position with 14-5 record behind leader Budivelnyk. Loser BC Kyiv keeps the ninth place with 11 games lost. BC Donetsk will meet at home league's second-placed Khimik in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. BC Kyiv will play against Kryvbasbasket (#12) in Krivoy Rog and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
BC Donetsk: M.Pustozvonov 17+2reb+1ast, R.Curry 12+2reb+1ast, I.Radenovic 11+5reb+2ast, O.Lypovyy 11+1reb+1ast, V.Avdalovic 11+7reb+2ast, D.Gliebov 11+5reb+1ast
BC Kyiv: V.Podolyan 17+3reb+1ast, R.Otverchenko 15+3reb+1ast, D.Zimmerman 12+5reb+4ast, V.Goodridge 10+7reb, P.Barac 9+2reb+1ast, G.Ervin 7+2reb+2ast
gschID: 166211


Kryvbasbasket - Azovmash 85-57

An interesting game took place in Krivoy Rog where higher ranked Azovmash (13-7) was upset on the court of thirteenth ranked Kryvbasbasket (6-14) 85-57 on Wednesday. The hosts trailed by 2 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 5-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 85-57. Kryvbasbasket outrebounded Azovmash 46-28 including a 30-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The best player for the winners was American forward Bryan Davis (206-86, college: Texas A&M, agency: N.E.T.) who had a double-double by scoring 18 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks. Serbian power forward Dalibor Djapa (204-84, agency: Alti Sport) chipped in a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds. Four Kryvbasbasket players scored in double figures. American guard Daniel Ewing (191-83, college: Duke, agency: Alti Sport) produced 10 points and 5 assists and the former international center Oleksiy Pecherov (213-85) added 11 points respectively for the guests. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Kryvbasbasket moved-up to twelfth place. Loser Azovmash keeps the fourth position with seven games lost. Kryvbasbasket will meet higher ranked BC Kyiv (#9) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Azovmash will play against Dnipro (#8) in Dnepropetrovsk and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Kryvbasbasket: B.Davis 18+13reb+1ast, D.Djapa 16+10reb+1ast, J.Florence 16+3reb+7ast, A.Snow 10+4reb+3ast, D.Korablev 8+2reb, V.Konev 6+4reb+3ast
Azovmash: O.Pecherov 11+4reb+2ast, D.Ewing 10+4reb+5ast, R.Minard 9+1reb+1ast, M.Ivshyn 8+5reb+1ast, R.Varda 7+2reb, A.Drozdov 5+7reb+1ast
gschID: 166212


Khimik - Dnipro 92-87

Everything went according to plan in Yuzhny where third ranked Khimik (15-8) beat 8th ranked Dnipro (11-9) 92-87 on Tuesday. However just five-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Dnipro trailed by 13 points at halftime and as many as 14 after three quarters before a 29-20 last quarter charge cut the deficit to 87-92 at the end of the game. It was a great shooting night for Khimik especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 62.5 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The best player for the winners was American forward Reyshawn Terry (203-84, college: N.Carolina) who scored 31 points and 7 rebounds. The other American import point guard Darrel Mitchell (181-84, college: LSU, agency: Beo Basket) chipped in a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 assists. International guard Steven Burtt (185-84, college: Iona) produced 35 points (!!!) (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) and French power forward Jerome Moiso (208-78, college: UCLA) added 10 points and 9 rebounds respectively for the guests. Four Dnipro players scored in double figures. Dnipro's coach Denys Zhuravlov tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Khimik moved-up to second place. Dnipro lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with nine games lost. Khimik will meet BC Donetsk (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Dnipro will play against Azovmash (#4) in Mariupol and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Khimik: R.Terry 31+7reb+2ast, D.Mitchell 19+3reb+10ast, A.McGhee 15+11reb+1ast, P.Miletic 8+6reb+5ast, A.Pustovyi 6+1reb, D.Ikovlev 5+1reb+2ast
Dnipro: S.Burtt 35+1reb+1ast, D.Kozlov 11+1ast, C.Thomas 10+7reb+3ast, J.Moiso 10+9reb+1ast, D.Low 10+2ast, O.Shchepkin 6+4reb+2ast
gschID: 166209




Akida McLain returns to Ukraine - by Alexander Muzyka
MBC Mykolaiv inked Akida McLain (206-F-86) who parted ways with Bulgarian Lukoil Academik Sofia four days ago, club's official site informs. Valentyn Berestnev's team needed a good bigman after Vincent Hunter (208-F-84) has left Mykolaiv.
Akida McLain is a well-known one in Ukraine by his performance for Khimik-OPZ Yuzny at season 2010/11 - he scored 13,0 ppg + 5,8 rpg in 13 games for this team. This season he started in Bulgaria with 6,9 ppg + 4,7 rpg. He will be introduced to the fans in the next game of MBC Mykolaiv vs Cherkasy Monkeys.
'We are glad to see Akida who decided to join us at that moment when we needed a player of his level', Mykola Zhuk, the president of MBC Mykolaiv said. 'We hope he will complete our team's puzzle and help us to win the following games to reach the play-off zone'.

Stats Leaders - Men
Points Per Game
 Randy CULPEPPER
  Fe.
  (182-G-89)
  Avg: 20.7
 1. Culpepper, Fe.20.7 
 2. Solomon, Cherkasy20.4 
 3. Burtt, Dnipro20.1 
 4. Deane, BC Odessa18.7 
 5. King, BC Odessa18.0 
 6. Guinn, Fe.17.9 
 7. Mitchell, Khimik17.5 
 8. Minard, Azovmash17.3 
 9. McClinton, Budivel.17.0 
 10. Harris, Halychyna16.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Shawn KING
  BC Odessa
  (208-C-82)
  Avg: 10.9
 1. King, BC Odessa10.9 
 2. Vukosavljevi., Hal.10.3 
 3. Davis, Kryvbasb.9.0 
 4. Fraser, DniproAzot8.9 
 5. Davis, Fe.8.8 
 6. Korniyenko, Dnipro8.7 
 7. Dunigan, DniproAzot8.6 
 8. Odufuwa, Halychyna8.1 
 9. Goodridge, BC Kyiv7.9 
 10. Pecherov, Azovma.7.8 
Assists Per Game
 Darrel MITCHELL
  Khimik
  (181-PG-84)
  Avg: 6.4
 1. Mitchell, Khimik6.4 
 2. Zimmerman, BC Kyiv5.9 
 3. Deane, BC Odessa5.5 
 4. Ewing, Azovmash5.3 
 5. Florence, Kryvbasb.5.2 
 6. Burtt, Dnipro5.0 
 7. Butskyy, Fe.4.9 
 8. Vaughn, Mykolaiv4.4 
 9. Morovic, Halychyna4.4 
 10. Ervin, BC Kyiv4.3 
Steals Per Game
 James FLORENCE
  Kryvbasb.
  (185-G-88)
  Avg: 2
 1. Florence, Kryvbasb.2.0 
 2. Chappell, Fe.2.0 
 3. House, Dnipro1.9 
 4. Minard, Azovmash1.8 
 5. Curry, BC Donetsk1.7 
 6. Sirsnins, DniproAz.1.6 
 7. Nelson, BC Donetsk1.6 
 8. Tiggs, Hoverla1.6 
 9. Ewing, Azovmash1.6 
 10. Miletic, Khimik1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Vernon GOODRIDGE
  BC Kyiv
  (206-F-84)
  Avg: 2.4
 1. Goodridge, BC Kyiv2.4 
 2. McClintock, Mykola.2.3 
 3. Davis, Kryvbasb.2.2 
 4. King, BC Odessa2.2 
 5. Korniyenko, Dnipro1.7 
 6. Gorbenko, Dnipr.1.6 
 7. Rizvic, Azovmash1.5 
 8. Kravtsov, BC Do.1.4 
 9. Hunter, Mykolaiv1.4 
 10. Parakhouski, Budi.1.4 


Standings - Superleague
Superleague Standings