EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 12/8/2012 4:04:01 AM

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*****************************************************
  ANGOLA   



African Champions Cup: Petroleos reach the Final game - by Eurobasket News

Al Ittihad-Petroleos 73:85

Petroleos reach the Final game of the African Champions Cup. The team joined another team from Angola in the decisive game tomorrow in Equatorial Guinea.
Petroleos won the first period 21-17 and added 20-18 in the second frame. Moreover the team from Angola posted another two narrow victories in the second half to reach the Final. They won the third period 21-18 and finished the game with 23-20 in the last stanza.
Carlos Morais (193-G-85) top-scored for the winners with 29 points and Parfait Bitee (188-G-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Rhode Island) posted 17. Paulo Santana (185-PG-84, college: Southeastern CC) and Leonel Paulo (197-F-89) followed them with 11 points each in a win. Torrington Cox (201-F-85, college: King) replied with 18 points in the losing effort, while Kevin Burleson (189-PG-79, college: Minnesota) brought 17. Mouhanad ElSabagh (180-PG-88) delivered 16 and Ramy Ibrahim posted 10.

Al Ittihad: Torrington Cox 18, Kevin Burleson 17, Mouhanad ElSabagh 16, Ramy Ibrahim 10
Petroleos: Carlos Morais 29, Parfait Bitee 17, Paulo Santana 11, Leonel Paulo 11


African Champions Cup: 1 De Primero edge Al Ahly - by Eurobasket News

1 De Primero - Al Ahly 75:62

1 De Primero became the first finalists of the African Champions Cup. They knocked down Al Ahly in the first semifinal of the day. Joaquim Gomez dropped 20 points to pace the Angolan team.
1 De Primero gained an early lead. They ran away for a 28:11 advantage at the first break. Al Ahly cut the deficit in the second period though. The Egyptian team got as close as three points at halftime 36:39. But 1 De Primero opened the second half with a 16:2 run to clear off once again. They established a 65:49 advantage into the fourth term. The Angolan powerhouse kept Al Ahly at bay throughout the final frame and sealed the victory at the end. Armando Costa (192-G-83) netted 14 points, while Reggie Moore (203-PF-81, college: ORU) and Cedric Isom (188-G-84, college: E.Texas Baptist) chipped in 12 points each for the winners. Ibrahim ElGamal (188-G-88) replied with 17 points for Al Ahly. Darren Kelly (195-G-78, college: Texas) banked 12 points in the loss.

1 De Primero: Joaquim Gomes (200-C/F-80, college: Valparaiso) 20, Armando Costa 14, Reggie Moore 12, Cedric Isom 12
Al Ahly: Ibrahim ElGamal 17, Darren Kelly 12


African Champions Cup: Libolo rally past ABC - by Eurobasket News

Libolo - ABC 78:52

Libolo celebrated victory at the classification round of the African Champions Cup in Equatorial Guinea. They knocked down Abidijan Basket Club to set up the clash versus ES Sahel for the fifth overall position. Tommie Eddie (201-F/C-82, college: Mississippi) stepped up with 20 points and 7 rebounds to pace Libolo.
Libolo held ABC to 8 points in the opening quarter to take a 5-point lead. The Angolan team stretched the lead in the second quarter. Libolo established a 39:27 halftime lead. Libolo cleared off in the third term. They outscored ABC 18:9 to gain a comfortable 21-point cushion before the fourth term. ABC could not challenge the margin and had to surrender at the end. Olimpio Cipriano (194-F-82) and Luis Costa (193-F-78) netted 12 points apiece for the winners. Stephane Konate (187-G-80) answered with 17 points for ABC. Anderson Affi (195-F-82) chipped in 9 points in the loss.

Libolo: Tommie Eddie 20, Olimpio Cipriano 12, Luis Costa 12
ABC: Stephane Konate 17, Anderson Affi 9


*****************************************************
  AUSTRALIA   

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings
 1. Breakers 8-2 
 2. Hawks 7-3 
 3. Wildcats 7-3 
 4. Kings 7-5 
 5. 36ers 5-5 
 6. Taipans 4-6 
 7. Tigers 2-7 
 8. Crocodiles 1-10 

Regular Season: Round 10

Dec. 7: Wildcats - Hawks 80-68
Dec. 8: Kings - Breakers
Dec. 8: Crocodiles - Tigers
Dec. 9: 36ers - Wildcats


Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game
 Ben MADGEN
  Kings
  (193-G/F-85)
  Avg: 19.4
 1. Madgen, Kings19.4 
 2. Jackson, Breakers16.9 
 3. Deleon, Hawks15.3 
 4. Ervin, Crocodiles15.2 
 5. Lisch, Wildcats14.8 
 6. Tragardh, Taipans14.7 
 7. Johnson, 36ers14.7 
 8. Knight, Wildcats14.5 
 9. Wilson, Taipans14.1 
 10. Scott, Tigers14.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Jacob HOLMES
  Crocodiles
  (201-F-83)
  Avg: 8.9
 1. Holmes, Crocodiles8.9 
 2. Johnson, 36ers7.9 
 3. Scott, Tigers7.4 
 4. Crosswhite, Kings7.2 
 5. Forman, Hawks7.2 
 6. Knight, Wildcats7.0 
 7. Lazare, Kings6.9 
 8. Schenscher, 36ers6.8 
 9. Tragardh, Taipans6.7 
 10. Pledger, Breakers6.6 
Assists Per Game
 Cedric JACKSON
  Breakers
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 8.1
 1. Jackson, Breakers8.1 
 2. Gibson, 36ers4.9 
 3. Ervin, Crocodiles4.6 
 4. Martin, Wildcats3.6 
 5. Martin, Hawks3.5 
 6. Wilson, Taipans3.4 
 7. Henry, Kings3.3 
 8. Cadee, 36ers2.8 
 9. Bruce, Kings2.7 
 10. Redhage, Wildcats2.7 
Steals Per Game
 Cedric JACKSON
  Breakers
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Jackson, Breakers2.6 
 2. Martin, Wildcats1.6 
 3. Deleon, Hawks1.5 
 4. Ervin, Crocodiles1.3 
 5. Henry, Kings1.3 
 6. Wagstaff, Wildcats1.3 
 7. Williams, Taipans1.2 
 8. Edwards, Taipans1.2 
 9. Vukona, Breakers1.1 
 10. Boucher, Breakers1.1 
Blocks Per Game
 Alex PLEDGER
  Breakers
  (213-C-87)
  Avg: 2
 1. Pledger, Breakers2.0 
 2. Schenscher, 36ers1.2 
 3. Scott, Tigers1.2 
 4. Redhage, Wildcats1.1 
 5. Forman, Hawks1.0 
 6. Garlepp, Kings1.0 
 7. Martin, Wildcats0.7 
 8. Rush, Tigers0.7 
 9. Boucher, Breakers0.6 
 10. Tragardh, Taipans0.6 


Wildcats def. Hawks - by Hugh McAuliffe

The Perth Wildcats withstood a second-half shooting barrage from the Wollongong Hawks to win a 80-68 thriller on Friday night at Perth Arena and move into equal-second place with the Hawks.

The Wildcats' 12-point win was their 13th straight home victory over Wollongong, coming after the Hawks recorded their biggest ever win over the Cats in Wollongong earlier this season to the tune of 33 points.

All eyes were on new import Michael Dunigan (208-C-89, agency: N.E.T., college: Oregon), an injury-replacement for big man Matt Knight, and he set the 11,239 strong crowd inside Perth Arena alight with his dunking, blocking and overall energy.

He finished with 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting, four rebounds and a block from the field to give the Cats a strong inside presence offensively and help change the shots of Wollongong's driving guards.

Jesse Wagstaff was the game-winner for the Wildcats, though, with 20 points and seven rebounds in one of the best performances of his career.

Kevin Lisch (14 points), Shawn Redhage (9 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists) and Damian Martin (4 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 blocks, 2 steals) were also valuable contributors.

Lance Hurdle and Oscar Forman top-scored with 17 points for Wollongong, both hitting four three-pointers each for the night.

Rhys Martin also had a big impact for the Hawks to finish with 13 points and six assists while Adris Deleon had 11 points but shot 5-of-17 from the field.

Wollongong only scored seven points in the first period and were 16 points down in the second, but then Hurdle and Forman caught fire from beyond the three-point arc, often set up by Martin.

On the back of their heroics, the Hawks hit the lead late in the third quarter and again early in the last on the back of two straight Hurdle triples.

But the Dunigan-led Wildcats finished the strongest, riding a key steal and block from Damian Martin to come away with the 12-point victory.


Larry Williams joins Hobart Chargers - by Eurobasket News

Hobart Chargers secured the services of Larry Williams (191-G-86, college: Ark.-Pine Bluff). The guard filled in the second import spot. Larry Williams spent the last season in Australia. He started the season in the Darwin Eagles. The guard notched 26.8 points, 7.1 boards, 4.6 assists and 3.2 steals per game for the Darwin Eagles in Australia State League. Later Larry Williams moved to the Burnie Tigers in NWBU. He notched 29.5 points, 8.6 boards, 4.2 assists per appearance. Larry Williams was named NWBU Player of the Year. Previously he had stints Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. The guard also had a stint with Power 92 Jammers touring team.


Hobart Chargers keep George for another season - by Eurobasket News

Hobart Chargers (State League) re-signed 27-year old point guard Deba George (183-85). He played there last season. He also played at Cairns Taipans that season. In 16 NBL games last year he averaged just 2.1ppg.
In 2011 George played at Mackay Meteors. He helped them to win the league title. 
He has played previously for another Australian team: Kuiyam Pride.

By Eurobasket Data Center


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


WBC Wels dismisses Mirza Ahmetbasic - brings in David Gonzalvez - by Stefan Prager

The WBC Raiffeisen Wels has dismissed guard Mirza Ahmetbasic (193-G-87, college: Abil.Christian) with immediate effect. Coach Pete Miller said that there have been several issues and conflicts of opinion. Ahmetbasic appeared in 9 games for Wels averaging 14.1 points per game along with 5.7 rpg and 3.7 apg while shooting 41.9% from the field.
Wels reacted immediately and brought in guard David Gonzalvez (193-G-87, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Richmond). Gonzalvez is well known in Austria. He played for the Oberwart Gunners in 2010/2011 and won the Austrian Championship that year. Furthermore the lock down defender was voted Eurobasket All Austrian Defensive Player of the Year. Last season Gonzalvez played for Eiffel Towers Den Bosch in the Netherlands winning a championship as well. The Wels game on Saturday on the road against the Furstenfeld Panthers will maybe come too early so Gonzalves is expected to have his debut on a week later when the WBC will face the Panthers again.


*****************************************************
  BELARUS   

Standings - Premier League

Premier Standings
 1. Grodno-93 10-0 
 2. Sozh Gomel 8-2 
 3. Rubon 7-3 
 4. Tsmoki-Minsk II 4-6 
 5. Impuls BGUIR 3-7 
 6. Svisloch 2-8 
 7. Borisfen 1-9 
Play in international cups:
 1. Tsmoki-Minsk - 

Regular Season: Round 11

Dec. 7: Sozh Gomel - Impuls BGUIR 99-57
Dec. 6: Tsmoki-Minsk II - Grodno-93 70-91
Dec. 7: Borisfen - Rubon 67-93

Regular Season: Round 12

Dec. 14: Rubon - Impuls BGUIR
Dec. 14: Svisloch - Grodno-93
Dec. 14: Sozh Gomel - Borisfen


Stats Leaders - Premier League

Points Per Game
 Kiril SITNIK
  Sozh Gomel
  (190-G-89)
  Avg: 24.7
 1. Sitnik, Sozh Gomel24.7 
 2. Rutkauskas, Tsmok.21.3 
 3. Miakinin, Sozh Gom.16.4 
 4. Shustau, Svisloch15.8 
 5. Zakhar, Impuls B.15.3 
 6. Akulich, Rubon14.7 
 7. Mishukov, Grodn.14.3 
 8. Semianiuk, Tsmoki.13.8 
 9. Dadukin, Sozh G.13.8 
 10. Sivalko, Rubon13.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Sergei DADUKIN
  Sozh G.
  (198-F-83)
  Avg: 10.3
 1. Dadukin, Sozh G.10.3 
 2. Rutkauskas, Tsmok.10.1 
 3. Zakhar, Impuls B.9.1 
 4. Semianiuk, Tsmoki.8.3 
 5. Ilyukevich, Rubon6.6 
 6. Mishukov, Grodn.6.5 
 7. Sharipov, Svisloch6.4 
 8. Yafremov, Grodn.6.1 
 9. Miakinin, Sozh Gom.5.9 
 10. Hrumiantsau, Svis.5.8 
Assists Per Game
 Siarhei CHARYKAU
  Sozh G.
  (185-PG-82)
  Avg: 6.2
 1. Charykau, Sozh G.6.2 
 2. Ignatchik, Tsmoki.5.3 
 3. Akulich, Rubon4.9 
 4. Shustau, Svisloch4.9 
 5. Kamarunas, Svisl.4.5 
 6. Kuzmin, Grodno-934.1 
 7. Sitnik, Sozh Gomel3.4 
 8. Dadukin, Sozh G.3.0 
 9. Kryukov, Borisfen2.9 
 10. Tatur, Borisfen2.8 
Steals Per Game
 Dmitri AKULICH
  Rubon
  (190-G-86)
  Avg: 3.3
 1. Akulich, Rubon3.3 
 2. Sitnik, Sozh Gomel2.9 
 3. Charykau, Sozh G.2.5 
 4. Zakhar, Impuls B.2.4 
 5. Shustau, Svisloch2.4 
 6. Ignatchik, Tsmoki.2.4 
 7. Sapegin, Rubon2.3 
 8. Volodkin, Impuls B.2.3 
 9. Malkov, Grodno-932.3 
 10. Kamarunas, Svisl.2.1 
Blocks Per Game
 Anton LAGUNOVSKIY
  Impuls B.
  (192-F-94)
  Avg: 0
 1. Lagunovskiy, Impul.0.0 
 2. Kuzmitski, Impuls0.0 
 3. Zakhar, Impuls B.0.0 
 4. Kuzmin, Grodno-930.0 
 5. Volodkin, Impuls B.0.0 
 6. Kurapau, Tsmoki.0.0 
 7. Vasilevich, Grodno.0.0 
 8. Kryukov, Borisfen0.0 
 9. Usovich, Borisfen0.0 
 10. Krisevich, Tsmoki.0.0 


Premier League Round 11: Tsmoki-Minsk II loses to Grodno-93 in the game between Top 4 teams - by Eurobasket News

Very significant was Grodno-93's (#1, 10-0) victory against 4th placed Tsmoki-Minsk II (4-6) 91-70. The game was mostly controlled by Grodno-93. Tsmoki-Minsk II managed to win third quarter 23-16. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Grodno-93 forced 28 Tsmoki-Minsk II turnovers. It was a great evening for the former international guard Dzmitry Kuzmin (196-75) who led his team to a victory scoring 13 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international forward Kanstantin Yafremov (202-86, agency: Promotex) helped adding 14 points. Lithuanian forward Ronaldas Rutkauskas (203-92) responded with a double-double by scoring 12 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Undefeated Grodno-93 (10-0) have an impressive series of ten victories in a row. They maintain first place with a perfect record of 10 victories in a row. Tsmoki-Minsk II lost third consecutive game. They keep the fourth position with six games lost. Grodno-93 are looking forward to face Svisloch (#6) in Osipovichi in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Tsmoki-Minsk II will have a break next round.
The game in Mogilev supposed to be also worth to mention about. Third ranked Rubon (7-3) played at the court of 7th ranked Borisfen (1-9). Rubon smashed Borisfen 93-67. It was an exceptional evening for the former international guard Dmitri Akulich (190-86) who led the winners and scored 13 points and 8 assists. Anton Indrikov accounted for 15 points and 4 assists. Forward Evgeny Batvenkov (198-80) came up with 20 points and 9 rebounds for Borisfen in the defeat. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The victory was the third consecutive win for Rubon. They maintain third place with 7-3 record having just three points less than leader Grodno-93. Borisfen lost their seventh game in a row. Newly promoted team stay at the bottom position with nine games lost. Rubon will play against Impuls BGUIR (#5) in Minsk in the next round. Borisfen will play on the road against the league's second-placed Sozh Gomel to get more than just one victory in their record.
Second ranked Sozh Gomel (8-2) crushed at home 5th ranked Impuls BGUIR (3-7) by 42 points 99-57, which is the biggest margin this round on Friday night. The best player for the winners was Sergei Dadukin who had a double-double by scoring 18 points, 21 rebounds and 5 assists. Anton Papruha produced 15 points for the guests. Impuls BGUIR's coach Fedor Rodenko gave up on the game allowing to play eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Sozh Gomel maintains second place with 8-2 record having just two points less than leader Grodno-93. Impuls BGUIR at the other side keeps the fifth position with seven games lost. Sozh Gomel will meet at home bottom-ranked Borisfen (#7) in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Impuls BGUIR will play against Rubon in Vitebsk and it may be a tough game between close rivals.


Sozh Gomel - Impuls BGUIR 99-57

Second ranked Sozh Gomel (8-2) crushed at home 5th ranked Impuls BGUIR (3-7) by 42 points 99-57, which is the biggest margin this round on Friday night. The game was mostly controlled by Sozh Gomel. Impuls BGUIR managed to win fourth quarter 20-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Impuls BGUIR to just 6 points in third quarter. Sozh Gomel dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to Impuls BGUIR's 24 and made 18-of-23 free shots (78.3 percent) during the game. Sozh Gomel forced 19 Impuls BGUIR turnovers and outrebounded them 54-19 including a 14-2 advantage in offensive rebounds. Sozh Gomel looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by Impuls BGUIR's players. The best player for the winners was Ukrainian forward Sergei Dadukin (198-83) who had a double-double by scoring 18 points, 21 rebounds and 5 assists. Center Pavel Bliznets (210-94) chipped in a double-double by scoring 20 points and 12 rebounds. Four Sozh Gomel players scored in double figures. point guard Anton Papruha (190-93) produced 15 points and guard Kiril Volodkin (190-91) added 12 points and 4 assists respectively for the guests. Impuls BGUIR's coach Fedor Rodenko gave up on the game allowing to play eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Sozh Gomel maintains second place with 8-2 record having just two points less than leader Grodno-93. Impuls BGUIR at the other side keeps the fifth position with seven games lost. Sozh Gomel will meet at home bottom-ranked Borisfen (#7) in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Impuls BGUIR will play against Rubon in Vitebsk and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Sozh Gomel: T.Viaroukin 23+1reb+3ast, P.Bliznets 20+12reb+1ast, S.Dadukin 18+21reb+5ast, K.Sitnik 14+4reb+4ast, S.Miakinin 13+3reb, I.Kaliayev 9+4reb+2ast
Impuls BGUIR: A.Papruha 15+4reb+1ast, K.Volodkin 12+1reb+4ast, A.Kuzmitski 9+1reb, A.Matveyeu 6+3reb+1ast, A.Lagunovskiy 6+1ast, K.Stsiapanau 4+2reb+1ast
gschID: 204722


Borisfen - Rubon 67-93

The game in Mogilev supposed to be also worth to mention about. Third ranked Rubon (7-3) played at the court of 7th ranked Borisfen (1-9). Rubon smashed Borisfen 93-67. The game was mostly controlled by Rubon. Borisfen was better in fourth quarter 18-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Rubon forced 26 Borisfen turnovers and had a 31-19 advantage in offensive rebounds. Borisfen was plagued by 30 personal fouls down the stretch. It was an exceptional evening for the former international guard Dmitri Akulich (190-86) who led the winners and scored 13 points and 8 assists. Russian guard Anton Indrikov (193-87) accounted for 15 points and 4 assists for the winning side. Akulich is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Forward Evgeny Batvenkov (198-80) came up with 20 points and 9 rebounds and forward Vadzim Haidukevich (193-93) added 11 points and 5 rebounds respectively for Borisfen in the defeat. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The victory was the third consecutive win for Rubon. They maintain third place with 7-3 record having just three points less than leader Grodno-93. Borisfen lost their seventh game in a row. Newly promoted team stay at the bottom position with nine games lost. Rubon will play against Impuls BGUIR (#5) in Minsk in the next round. Borisfen will play on the road against the league's second-placed Sozh Gomel to get more than just one victory in their record.
Top scorers:
Rubon: A.Indrikov 15+4reb+4ast, D.Sivalko 15+3reb, D.Akulich 13+4reb+8ast, Y.Patupchyk 11+2reb, S.Sapegin 10+4reb+2ast, V.Ilyukevich 9+11reb+1ast
Borisfen: E.Batvenkov 20+9reb, A.Aheyenka 11+1ast, V.Haidukevich 11+5reb+1ast, E.Kopylov 8+1reb, A.Kasarych 6+6reb+1ast, G.Usovich 4+3reb+1ast
gschID: 204721


Tsmoki-Minsk II - Grodno-93 70-91

Very significant was Grodno-93's (#1, 10-0) victory against 4th placed Tsmoki-Minsk II (4-6) 91-70. The game was mostly controlled by Grodno-93. Tsmoki-Minsk II managed to win third quarter 23-16. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Grodno-93 forced 28 Tsmoki-Minsk II turnovers. It was a great evening for the former international guard Dzmitry Kuzmin (196-75) who led his team to a victory scoring 13 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international forward Kanstantin Yafremov (202-86, agency: Promotex) helped adding 14 points. Lithuanian forward Ronaldas Rutkauskas (203-92) responded with a double-double by scoring 12 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists and center Vladimir Krisevich (210-91) scored 11 points and 5 rebounds. Five Grodno-93 and four Tsmoki-Minsk II players scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Grodno-93 (10-0) have an impressive series of ten victories in a row. They maintain first place with a perfect record of 10 victories in a row. Tsmoki-Minsk II lost third consecutive game. They keep the fourth position with six games lost. Grodno-93 are looking forward to face Svisloch (#6) in Osipovichi in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Tsmoki-Minsk II will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Grodno-93: K.Yafremov 14+4reb+3ast, D.Kuzmin 13+8reb+4ast, E.Ivanov 12+5reb+2ast, V.Korzh 12+3reb+3ast, Y.Mishukov 11+5reb, A.Mastou 9+3reb+1ast
Tsmoki-Minsk II: R.Rutkauskas 12+10reb+4ast, V.Krisevich 11+5reb+2ast, Y.Kurapau 11+2reb+2ast, E.Sugonyako 11+5reb+1ast, R.Rubinshteyn 7+3reb, M.Salash 6+1reb
gschID: 204720



*****************************************************
  BELGIUM   

Standings - Division I

Ethias League Standings
 1. Aalstar 6-2 
 2. Spirou 5-3 
 3. Oostende 4-3 
 4. M.Hainaut 4-3 
 5. Liege 4-4 
 6. Antwerp 3-4 
 7. Leuven 3-5 
 8. Verviers-Pep. 1-6 

Regular Season: Round 8

Dec. 6: Liege - Leuven 75-85
Dec. 7: Spirou - Aalstar 102-71
Dec. 8: Verviers-Pep. - Oostende
Dec. 8: M.Hainaut - Antwerp


Stats Leaders - Division I

Points Per Game
 Matt WALSH
  Spirou
  (197-F/G-82)
  Avg: 18.5
 1. Walsh, Spirou18.5 
 2. Lojeski, Oostende17.7 
 3. Aleksandrov, Vervi.17.6 
 4. Thompson, Aalstar17.3 
 5. Taylor, M.Hainaut16.7 
 6. Mukubu, Liege15.5 
 7. Green, Verviers.15.3 
 8. Clark, Aalstar14.9 
 9. Aska, Leuven14.0 
 10. Cage, M.Hainaut13.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Brian QVALE
  M.Hainaut
  (210-C-88)
  Avg: 7.7
 1. Qvale, M.Hainaut7.7 
 2. Gillet, Liege7.5 
 3. Walsh, Spirou7.0 
 4. Thondique, Antwerp6.6 
 5. Aska, Leuven6.6 
 6. Aleksandrov, Vervi.6.6 
 7. Young, Aalstar6.5 
 8. Mukubu, Liege6.0 
 9. Tofi, Aalstar6.0 
 10. Wright, Oostende5.8 
Assists Per Game
 Jerime ANDERSON
  Verviers.
  (187-G-89)
  Avg: 6
 1. Anderson, Verviers.6.0 
 2. Bosco, Liege4.8 
 3. Djordjevic, Ooste.4.5 
 4. Marnegrave, Leuven4.4 
 5. Raivio, Aalstar3.9 
 6. Walsh, Spirou3.8 
 7. Moors, Antwerp3.6 
 8. Taylor, M.Hainaut2.8 
 9. Thompson, Aalstar2.8 
 10. Lojeski, Oostende2.7 
Steals Per Game
 Ioannis IAROCHEVITCH
  Liege
  (206-C-89)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Iarochevitch, Liege2.3 
 2. Biggs, Antwerp2.1 
 3. Green, Verviers.2.0 
 4. Taylor, M.Hainaut2.0 
 5. Katnic, Oostende1.8 
 6. Anderson, Verviers.1.7 
 7. Hopkins, Antwerp1.6 
 8. Anderson, Aalstar1.6 
 9. Marnegrave, Leuven1.6 
 10. Aska, Leuven1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Brian QVALE
  M.Hainaut
  (210-C-88)
  Avg: 1.7
 1. Qvale, M.Hainaut1.7 
 2. Ferguson, Verviers.1.4 
 3. Young, Aalstar1.1 
 4. Riddick, Spirou1.0 
 5. Dukes, Leuven0.9 
 6. Aska, Leuven0.9 
 7. Thondique, Antwerp0.9 
 8. Lojeski, Oostende0.7 
 9. Thompson, Aalstar0.6 
 10. Jankovic, Spirou0.6 



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


Mogi das Cruzes waive Ryan Bacon - by Eurobasket News

Gremio Mogi das Cruzes/Unip (NBB) released 24-year old American forward Ryan Bacon (200-88, college: St.Peters). In three NBB games he played this season he had just 2.3ppg and 2.0rpg.
The last season Bacon played at Elitzur Ramla in Israeli National League. In 31 games last year he recorded very impressive stats: 16.1ppg, 9.2rpg, 1.2apg and 1.3bpg.
His college team won MAAC Tournament in 2011.
Bacon was also voted All-MAAC 2nd Team in 2011.
He graduated from St.Peters College in 2011 and it is his second season as a professional player.

By Eurobasket Data Center (via @basketeria)


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


Canadian CIS round 14 best performance: Brylle Kamen - by Eurobasket News

American forward Brylle Kamen (201-F) had a great game in the last round for top-ranked UBC, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 14.
The -year old player had a double-double of 26 points and 21 rebounds, while his team beat Lethbridge (#5, 5-5) 96-84. It allowed UBC to consolidate first place in the Canadian CIS. UBC have a solid 8-2 record. It was one of impressive evenings for Kamen as usually he does not deliver so high stats. Former San Jose State University star has very solid stats this year. Kamen is in league's top in rebounds (5th best: 10.0rpg).

The second best player in last round's games was -year old Kevon Parchment of UFV. Parchment had a very good evening with a double-double of 23 points and 12 rebounds. Of course he lead UFV to another comfortable win 82-68 over the lower-ranked Regina (#7, 3-7) being unquestionably team leader. UFV's 3rd position in the standings has not changed. His team's 7-3 record is not bad at all. Parchment is a newcomer at UFV, but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was international guard Jordan Baker (192-G-91) of league's top team Alberta. Baker scored 26 points and grabbed six rebounds. He was a key player of Alberta, leading his team to a 81-70 win against the lower-ranked Mount Royal (#7, 2-8). Many experts and fans count Alberta as a contender for championship title. Another victory and another confirmation that they may be right. Just look at their record: 9 victories and only one lost games. They are currently at the very top of the standings. Baker has a very solid season. In 10 games in Canada he scored 18.2ppg. He also has 7.3rpg, 4.2apg and 2.8spg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Aaron Best (193-G) of Ryerson - 34 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists
5. Kyrie Coleman (F) of Waterloo - 27 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists
6. David Wagner (206-F-92) of UBC - 28 points and 6 rebounds
7. Greg Faulkner (193-F) of Queen's - 17 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists
8. Jose Araujo (186-G-86) of UNBC - 33 points and 3 rebounds
9. Tshing Kasamba (196-F) of Brock - 29 points and 4 rebounds
10. Kyle Grewal (198-F-88) of UFV - 18 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists

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


*****************************************************
  CHINA   

Standings - CBA

CBA Standings
 1. Guandong ST 5-1 
 2. Shandong FB 5-1 
 3. Beijing Ducks 4-1 
 4. Fujian QB 4-2 
 5. Liaoning H. 3-2 
 6. Shanxi Zh. 3-2 
 7. TianJin S. 3-2 
 8. Xinjiang FT 3-3 
 9. Bayi R. 3-3 
 10. Zhejiang CB 2-3 
 11. DongGuan L. 2-3 
 12. Jiangsu D. 2-3 
 13. Guangsha L. 2-4 
 14. Jilin NE T. 2-4 
 15. Shanghai S. 2-4 
 16. Foshan LL 2-4 
 17. Qingdao E. 0-6 

Regular Season: Round 6

Dec. 7: DongGuan L. - Guandong ST 93-107
Dec. 7: Qingdao E. - Liaoning H. 84-114
Dec. 7: Jilin NE T. - Xinjiang FT 77-74
Dec. 7: Shanxi Zh. - Shanghai S. 123-106
Dec. 7: Zhejiang CB - Fujian QB 110-117
Dec. 7: Jiangsu D. - Foshan LL 110-104
Dec. 7: Beijing Ducks - Shandong FB 105-98
Dec. 7: Bayi R. - Guangsha L. 101-72

Regular Season: Round 7

Dec. 9: Jilin NE T. - Shanxi Zh.
Dec. 9: Liaoning H. - Xinjiang FT
Dec. 9: Guangsha L. - Shanghai S.
Dec. 9: Beijing Ducks - Qingdao E.
Dec. 9: Bayi R. - Jiangsu D.
Dec. 9: TianJin S. - Shandong FB
Dec. 9: Foshan LL - Zhejiang CB
Dec. 9: Fujian QB - DongGuan L.


Zhejiang Chouzhou Bank inks Eddy Curry - by Eurobasket News

Zhejiang Chouzhou Bank (CBA) signed 30-year old American power forward Eddy Curry (211-134kg-82). He already started the season at Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. In two games this season he had 4.5ppg and 2.0rpg. Curry also spent pre-season at the Spurs in NBA earlier that year. The last season he also played at the Heat in NBA. In 14 games last year he recorded just 2.1ppg. Part of last season he spent at the Timberwolves in NBA. The other team Curry played shortly were the Knicks in NBA.
In 2001 he was drafted by Chicago Bulls (NBA) as #4 pick overall.
Curry has played also professionally in NBA (New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves).

By Eurobasket Data Center


*****************************************************
  CYPRUS   

Standings - Division A

Division A Standings
 1. Keravnos 6-0 
 2. Apoel 4-2 
 3. Etha 4-2 
 4. AEK 3-3 
 5. Omonia 3-3 
 6. Apollon 3-4 
 7. AEL 1-5 
 8. ENAD 1-6 

Regular Season: Round 7

Dec. 7: ENAD - Apollon 58-84
Dec. 7: Etha - Keravnos
Dec. 7: Apoel - AEL
Dec. 7: Omonia - AEK



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

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings
 1. CEZ Nymburk 15-0 
 2. NH Ostrava 12-2 
 3. BK Prostejov 8-6 
 4. BC Kolin 8-6 
 5. BK Decin 7-5 
 6. BK Pardubice 7-6 
 7. Levice 6-8 
 8. Chomutov 6-8 
 9. USK Praha 6-9 
 10. B&W Opava 5-9 
 11. Svitavy 4-10 
 12. Usti n/Labem 3-10 
 13. J.Hradec 3-11 

Regular Season: Round 15

Dec. 7: USK Praha - CEZ Nymburk 54-83
Dec. 8: B&W Opava - Svitavy
Dec. 8: BK Decin - BK Pardubice
Dec. 9: Usti n/Labem - BK Prostejov
Dec. 8: NH Ostrava - Chomutov
Dec. 8: J.Hradec - BC Kolin


Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game
 Jan TOMANEC
  J.Hradec
  (205-C-85)
  Avg: 19.1
 1. Tomanec, J.Hradec19.1 
 2. Zabas, BK Pardubi.18.2 
 3. Reese, Usti n.18.1 
 4. Meno, USK Praha18.1 
 5. Blazek, B&W Opava17.6 
 6. Bolds, BC Kolin17.6 
 7. Deloach, Svitavy16.9 
 8. Bosak, Chomutov16.2 
 9. Ames, NH Ostrava15.6 
 10. Sedmak, BK Decin15.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Boris MENO
  USK Praha
  (203-F-83)
  Avg: 9.7
 1. Meno, USK Praha9.7 
 2. Tomanec, J.Hradec9.6 
 3. Muirhead, BK Pardu.8.2 
 4. Wilson, NH Ostrava7.3 
 5. Bohacik, BK Pardu.7.1 
 6. Blazek, B&W Opava7.1 
 7. Field, BC Kolin6.8 
 8. Reese, Usti n.6.8 
 9. Deloach, Svitavy6.6 
 10. Bolds, BC Kolin6.5 
Assists Per Game
 Jakub SIRINA
  B&W Opava
  (185-G-87)
  Avg: 6.6
 1. Sirina, B&W Opava6.6 
 2. Ames, NH Ostrava5.4 
 3. Pope, BK Decin4.4 
 4. Deloach, Svitavy4.4 
 5. Pavkovic, CEZ N.4.3 
 6. Ciz, NH Ostrava3.9 
 7. Gonzalez, BC Kolin3.7 
 8. Glover, Chomutov3.4 
 9. Sanders, BK Decin3.4 
 10. Sotnar, USK Praha3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Jakub SIRINA
  B&W Opava
  (185-G-87)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Sirina, B&W Opava2.9 
 2. Gonzalez, BC Kolin2.7 
 3. Ames, NH Ostrava2.5 
 4. Glover, Chomutov2.5 
 5. Bolds, BC Kolin2.3 
 6. Nolen, Usti n.2.1 
 7. Pistecky, Usti n.1.9 
 8. Deloach, Svitavy1.8 
 9. Zabas, BK Pardubi.1.7 
 10. Dufault, BK Prost.1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Andrew NAYMICK
  CEZ N.
  (209-C-85)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Naymick, CEZ N.1.8 
 2. Nuhanovic, Levice1.7 
 3. Miklosik, B&W O.1.5 
 4. Meno, USK Praha1.0 
 5. Simmons, Levice1.0 
 6. Nelson, BK Pardu.0.9 
 7. Svrdlik, BK Prost.0.9 
 8. Slavik, USK Praha0.9 
 9. Kramny, J.Hradec0.8 
 10. Pack, Chomutov0.7 


Standings - D2

1Liga Standings
 1. Sparta Praha 12-1 
 2. Sokol H.K. 9-2 
 3. Sokol P. 7-5 
 4. Liberec 7-5 
 5. Loko Plzen 7-5 
 6. Nymburk B 7-6 
 7. Ostrava 6-7 
 8. JBC Brno 6-7 
 9. Proton Zlin 5-7 
 10. Kara Trutnov 5-7 
 11. Litomerice 3-8 
 12. U19 1-6 
 13. Sokol V. 1-10 

Regular Season: Round 12

Dec. 7: Loko Plzen - JBC Brno 90-67
Dec. 7: Nymburk B - Sokol P. 76-60
Dec. 7: Ostrava - Sparta Praha 70-81
Dec. 9: Kara Trutnov - Sokol V.
Dec. 9: Proton Zlin - Sokol H.K.
Dec. 9: Litomerice - Liberec


Levice adds Fields to their roster, ex Marso NYKK - by Eurobasket News

Astrum Levice (NBL) added to their roster 24-year old American guard Brandon Fields (193-88, college: Nevada). He played last season at Marso NYKK in Hungarian A Division. In 8 games last year he had very impressive stats: 18.5ppg, 3.4rpg, 3.0apg and 1.5spg. Fields also played at CS Energia Rovinari Targu Jiu in Romanian Division A that season. In 14 games he recorded 12.9ppg, 3.7rpg and 3.1apg.
The previous (10-11) season he played at ASS Sale in Moroccan D1.
Fields won Morocco League championship title in 2011.
He was also voted Africabasket.com All-African Champions Cup 2nd Team in 2010 at his college time.
Fields graduated from University of Nevada in 2010 and it will be his third season as a professional player.

By Eurobasket Data Center


*****************************************************
  DENMARK   

Standings - 1st Division

1st Division Standings
 1. BMS Skovlunde 8-2 
 2. Lemvig 8-2 
 3. Amager BK 8-2 
 4. Falcon 7-3 
 5. Virum 6-4 
 6. Stevnsgade 4-6 
 7. Koge BK 4-6 
 8. Aarhus BF 3-6 
 9. Glostrup 3-6 
 10. ALBA 3-6 
 11. Jonstrup 3-7 
 12. Haderslev 1-8 

Regular Season: Round 11

Dec. 6: Koge BK - Falcon 75-93
Dec. 8: Stevnsgade - Glostrup
Dec. 8: Virum - Jonstrup
Dec. 8: Koge BK - Amager BK
Dec. 8: Lemvig - ALBA
Dec. 8: BMS Skovlunde - Aarhus BF
Dec. 9: Haderslev - Falcon



*****************************************************
  D-LEAGUE   

Standings

D-League Standings
East Conference
 1. Sioux Falls S. 5-0 
 2. Santa Cruz W. 3-1 
 3. Springfield A. 3-1 
 4. Maine RC 3-2 
 5. Erie Bay H. 2-3 
 6. Ft.Wayne MA 2-4 
 7. Iowa E. 1-3 
 8. Canton C. 1-4 
West Conference
 1. Bakersfield J. 4-2 
 2. Texas L. 4-2 
 3. Austin T. 3-2 
 4. Tulsa 66ers 3-2 
 5. Los Angeles D. 2-3 
 6. Rio Grande VV 2-3 
 7. Reno B. 1-2 
 8. Idaho S. 0-5 

Regular Season: Round 8

Dec. 7: Los Angeles D. - Santa Cruz W. 92-93
Dec. 7: Idaho S. - Austin T. 91-113
Dec. 7: Iowa E. - Texas L. 74-111
Dec. 7: Reno B. - Bakersfield J. 127-98
Dec. 7: Springfield A. - Ft.Wayne MA 108-100
Dec. 7: Sioux Falls S. - Erie Bay H. 103-89

Regular Season: Round 9

Dec. 8: Maine RC - Ft.Wayne MA
Dec. 8: Tulsa 66ers - Rio Grande VV
Dec. 8: Sioux Falls S. - Texas L.
Dec. 8: Springfield A. - Canton C.
Dec. 8: Idaho S. - Austin T.
Dec. 8: Los Angeles D. - Santa Cruz W.
Dec. 8: Reno B. - Bakersfield J.


Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Chris DOUGLAS-ROBERTS
  Texas L.
  (201-G-87)
  Avg: 27
 1. Douglas-R., Texas27.0 
 2. Jones, Canton C.23.5 
 3. Goudelock, Sioux F.22.4 
 4. Downs, Maine RC21.8 
 5. Howard, Ft.Wayne.21.2 
 6. Dentmon, Austin T.20.2 
 7. Fortson, Los A.20.0 
 8. Kennedy, Erie B.19.6 
 9. Summers, Idaho S.18.4 
 10. Wright, Maine RC18.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Kevin JONES
  Canton C.
  (203-F-89)
  Avg: 13
 1. Jones, Canton C.13.0 
 2. Butch, Bakersfi.11.3 
 3. Adrien, Rio G.11.2 
 4. Mays, Springfield11.0 
 5. Evans, Idaho S.11.0 
 6. Johnson, Ft.Wayne.10.7 
 7. Wright, Maine RC10.0 
 8. Gladness, Santa C.9.8 
 9. Leslie, Santa C.9.5 
 10. Jackson, Austin9.3 
Assists Per Game
 Chris WRIGHT
  Iowa E.
  (185-PG-89)
  Avg: 6.8
 1. Wright, Iowa E.6.8 
 2. Russell, Ft.Wayne.6.3 
 3. Uzoh, Springfield6.3 
 4. Singletary, Texas6.0 
 5. Machado, Rio G.5.8 
 6. Mack, Maine RC5.8 
 7. Fortson, Los A.5.6 
 8. Johnson-Odom, Los5.4 
 9. Gutierrez, Canton4.8 
 10. McNeal, Bakersfi.4.3 
Steals Per Game
 Jamario MOON
  Los A.
  (203-F-80)
  Avg: 3.4
 1. Moon, Los A.3.4 
 2. Scott, Springfield3.0 
 3. Murry, Rio G.2.6 
 4. Greene, Los A.2.6 
 5. Downs, Maine RC2.4 
 6. Sutton, Tulsa 66e.2.4 
 7. Holiday, Idaho S.2.3 
 8. Wright, Maine RC2.2 
 9. Johnson, Rio G.2.2 
 10. Tyndale, Sioux F.2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Jarvis VARNADO
  Sioux F.
  (206-F-88)
  Avg: 4.4
 1. Varnado, Sioux F.4.4 
 2. Moon, Los A.3.6 
 3. Sullivan, Austin T.3.3 
 4. Eyenga, Texas L.3.2 
 5. Reed, Springfield3.0 
 6. Gladness, Santa C.2.8 
 7. Flowers, Los A.2.8 
 8. Johnson, Ft.Wayne.2.7 
 9. Melo, Maine RC2.2 
 10. Major, Bakersfi.2.2 


Dominique sutton looks to make a mark - by Allen Waters

The Tulsa 66ers fell to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, 99-87, on Thursday night at State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, Texas, with Oklahoma City Thunder assignment Jeremy Lamb scoring 22 points.

Lamb, who has played three games for Tulsa, has averaged 26.0 points.

Tulsa guard Dominique Sutton collected 22 points along with 10 rebounds and three steals. OKC assignee Daniel Orton scored six points with five boards and two blocked shots.

Tulsa (3-2) got behind early, trailing Rio Grande Valley (2-3) 33-19 at the end of the first quarter. The Vipers controlled the remainder of the half, leading 54-43 at the mid-game break.

Trailing 58-43 with just under 10 minutes left in the third quarter, Tulsa spurred a 21-3 run in a five-minute span to take a 64-61 lead. The game became a back-and-forth contest before the Vipers ended the game on an 11-0 run.

The 66ers had four players grab five or more boards, but were outrebounded by the Vipers, 44-42. Tulsa forced 18 RGV turnovers, including nine off of steals.

Sutton is looking to earn a call up anyway with his energy and work ethic. And leadership as a rookie.

Tulsa and Rio Grande Valley face off two more times this weekend, this time at the SpiritBank Event Center. The 66ers host the Vipers on Saturday night at 7:00 and Sunday afternoon at 4:00. For more information, visit Tulsa66ers.com. Dominique Sutton (6'5''-F-86, college: N.C.Central)


Blazers Assign Claver, Barton To Idaho - by Eurobasket News

The Portland Trail Blazers have assigned guard Will Barton (6'6''-G-91, college: Memphis) and forward Victor Claver (6'10''-PF-88) to the Idaho Stampede of the NBA Development League.
Barton (6-5, 170, Memphis) has appeared in 16 games for Portland this season, averaging 2.6 points, 1.4 rebounds and 8.8 minutes. Originally selected in the second round (40th overall) of the 2012 NBA Draft by the Trail Blazers, Barton played two seasons at Memphis, averaging 15.2 points, 6.5 rebounds and 32.9 minutes in 70 NCAA career games.
Claver (6-9, 224, Valencia, Spain) has appeared in four games for the Trail Blazers this season, scoring a total of one point and grabbing four rebounds. A member of the Spanish National team who earned a Silver Medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, Claver was a first round pick in 2009.

Courtesy of: basketball.realgm.com


Results and Stats from Round 8 of Regular Season - by Eurobasket News

Reno B. - Bakersfield J. 127-98
The Reno Bighorns got their first win of the season Friday, beating the Bakersfield Jam in convincing fashion, 127-98, at the Reno Events Center. Bighorns guard Garrett Temple (6'6''-G-86, college: LSU) had a game-high 25 points, along with six assists and six rebounds. Temple led a balanced attack from the Bighorns (1-2), who had seven players score in double digits. Sacramento Kings assignee Tyler Honeycutt (6'8''-F-90, college: UCLA) had 18 points and 12 rebounds, and center Darnell Jackson recorded his second straight double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Tony Wroten (6'5''-G-93, college: Washington) scored 21 points off the bench. The Jam (4-2) was led by Toronto assignee Quincy Acy, who had 18 points and five rebounds. The Bighorns shot 52.4 percent from the field and outrebounded the Jam, 47-40. The teams face off twice more in the Bighorns' homestand - today at 7 p.m. and Monday at 7 p.m. Courtesy of: rgj.com

Los Angeles D. - Santa Cruz W. 92-93
The Springfield Armor, outscored the Fort Wayne Mad Ants 31-13 in the decisive third quarter to pick up a 108-100 victory tonight at the MassMutual Center. The Armor improve to 3-1, while the Mad Ants fall to 2-4 on the season. The Armor came out sluggish tonight and trailed by a game-high 18 points late in the first half before a late scoring burst cut the deficit to 60-49 by halftime. Fort Wayne knocked down 24-of-54 for 44% from the field and forced 10 turnovers to maintain the lead heading into intermission. Shawn Taggart (6'10''-F-85, college: Memphis) paced the Armor with 13 points in the opening half to help keep his team within striking distance. Springfield came out hot in the third quarter, opening the frame on a 10-2 run, capped by a Taggart hook shot with 7:01 to go to trim the lead to 62-59. The Armor finally took their first lead of the game, 72-71, on a put-back dunk by Willie Reed with 2:16 to go in the quarter. Reed's basket sparked another 10-2 run to give the Armor an 80-73 lead at the end of the third. Seven players scored in the quarter for Springfield, led by Ben Uzoh's seven points, and the Armor held the Mad Ants to 5-of-21 for 24% from the field. In the fourth quarter, Fort Wayne got within four, 99-95, with 1:57 to go, but a steal and dunk by Carleton Scott (6'8''-F-88, college: Notre Dame) pushed the lead to six and helped the Armor seal their second straight victory in Springfield. Scott recorded his first double-double of the season, scoring a team-high 22 points and grabbing 11 rebounds to go along with four steals. Uzoh added 18 points, 11 rebounds and six assists and Taggart contributed 15 points and 11 rebounds (eight offensive). James Mays overcame foul trouble to chip in 16 points, Reed tallied 12 points and seven rebounds and Cliff Tucker rounded out the double digit scorers with 11 points off the bench. The Armor matched their franchise-record for rebounds, 63, which they set in Sunday's victory over Los Angeles. Fort Wayne had five players score in double figures, led by Ron Howard (6'5''-G/F-82, college: Valparaiso)'s 22 points. Walker Russell, Jr. added 16 points and eight assists, former Boston Celtics' forward JaJuan Johnson (6'10''-F-89, college: Purdue) tallied 18 points and eight rebounds, Mike Anderson (6'7''-F-86, college: VCU) recorded a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds and Darryl Partin scored 10 points. The Armor return to action tomorrow night when they host the Canton Charge at 8:00 pm at the MassMutual Center. The Mad Ants head north to Maine to take on the Red Claws tomorrow at 7:00 pm at the Portland Expo. Courtesy of: Los Angeles D-Fenders

Idaho S. - Austin T. 91-113
Justin Dentmon (6'0''-G-85, college: Washington) had a game-high 28 points, making 6-of-11 threes, for the Austin Toros in their 113-91 road win over the Idaho Stampede. Tyler Wilkerson (6'8''-F-88, college: Marshall) had 23 points and 10 rebounds for the 3-2 Toros. Aubrey Coleman (6'4''-G-87, agency: Two Points, college: Houston) had 17 points and eight rebounds, while Patrick Sullivan had seven points, four rebounds and six blocked shots. Will Barton (6'6''-G-91, college: Memphis), an assigned player from the Portland Trail Blazers, scored 18 points and added eight rebounds for winless Idaho, three blocks and three assists for the Stampede. Victor Claver, also assigned with Barton from Portland, added eight points and six rebounds in the loss for Idaho (0-5). The Stampede only led once, taking a one-point advantage with 3 minutes left in the first quarter. The Toros shut the door for the rest of the game, leading by as many as 29 points. The Toros will face Idaho again tonight at 8 p.m. at CenturyLink Arena in Boise. Courtesy of: statesman.com

Iowa E. - Texas L. 74-111
The Iowa Energy treated 3,679 fans to history Friday at Wells Fargo Arena. They came out flat, were thoroughly outplayed in every phase of the game, and ended up with the worst home loss in the six-year history of the franchise, 111-74 at the hands of the Texas Legends. 'When you play like crap, it doesn't matter what you do. There was no scheme or anything else that was going to save us,' Energy center Ben Strong (6'11''-C-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Guilford) said. 'It looked horrible.' The Energy (1-3) couldn't shoot, making 27 of 73 attempts (37 percent), were outrebounded 56-36 and had 17 turnovers against 11 assists. They trailed 53-35 at halftime, and whatever was said at intermission actually made things worse. The Legends (4-2) quickly built a 30-point lead and kept it there throughout the second half, building it as high as 44 points before growing bored and leaving with a 37-point margin. It was so hard to watch that fans in the front row behind the scoring table spent much of the game bantering with Legends coach Eduardo Najera and guard Frederick House (6'5''-F-78, college: S.Utah). 'They hit some tough shots here and there but that doesn't account for 37 points,' said Strong, who led Iowa with 12 points and seven rebounds. 'They weren't even talking crap, they were just talking among themselves. I heard them saying, We've got to go for 40.' That's disrespectful. And we didn't man up and do anything about it. They just took it to us, and we took it.' The worst loss in franchise history was a 125-87 drubbing at Tulsa on April 2, 2010. It couldn't have been any more one-sided than Friday's showing, though. The Energy were outscored by 16 points in the first and third quarters. Coach Kevin Young hinted that some roster changes may be looming if his team doesn't turn things around. The Energy host Erie at 4 p.m. Sunday. 'I'm not trying to threaten the guys, but at the same time this team pays me to win games,' Young said. 'And if we feel the guys that we have on the floor can't do that for us, then we might have to look at doing some things. 'It was men vs. boys really tonight.' Young said he was eager to show his players the game tape today so that they can get a long look at their numerous flaws. 'This league, you don't have time to sit around and sulk,' he said. 'Figure it out quick; that's how this league works. And we'll see what we're made of.' Courtesy of: desmoinesregister.com

Sioux Falls S. - Erie Bay H. 103-89
The Sioux Falls Skyforce defeated the Erie BayHawks 103-89 Friday night to extend their season-opening win streak to five games. Sioux Falls trailed 76-71 heading into the fourth quarter but outscored Erie 32-13 in the final stanza to remain undefeated. Erie (2-3) did not trail in the first half and led 49-42 at halftime behind 16 points from D.J. Kennedy (6'6''-G/F-89, agency: Interperformances, college: St.John's). Troy Hudson (6'1''-PG-76, agency: Veracity Sports, LLC, college: S.Illinois) made a 3-pointer early in the second half to give Sioux Falls a brief 56-54 lead. Erie pushed the lead back to 11 points (74-63) before settling for a five-point lead (76-71) after three quarters. Sioux Falls (5-0) outshot Erie 65.0 percent (13-of-20) to 28.6 percent (6-of-21) in the fourth quarter to pick up the victory. Hudson scored a team-high 27 points behind 12-of-16 field goals (3-of-4 3-pointers). Demetris Nichols added 25 points and eight rebounds. Kennedy scored a game-high 28 points to go along with eight rebounds. Henry Sims posted 18 points while Mychel Thompson added 11 points behind 3-of-8 3-pointers. Sioux Falls hosts Texas tomorrow night at 7 p.m. CT. Erie visits Iowa Sunday at 5 p.m. ET. Courtesy of: Skyforce

Springfield A. - Ft.Wayne MA 108-100
It may seem hard to imagine that defense was the key in a game that saw more than 200 points scored, but that was the case for the Springfield Armor Friday night at the MassMutual Center. After giving up 60 first-half points to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, the Armor held them to just 13 in the third quarter to take the lead, then held off a late charge for a 108-100 victory. It was the second straight win for the Armor (3-1) and the second straight loss for the Mad Ants (2-4), who are 0-2 on the road. "You have to weather the storm. That's what I was always taught," Armor forward Carleton Scott said. "You're going to come out and take some punches and you got to come back with a counterpunch. Cardiac Kids, that's us.'' It was another record-setting night of board work for the Armor, who tied the franchise mark they set last game against Los Angeles with 63 rebounds. Nineteen of them came in the third quarter when Springfield held Fort Wayne to 5-of-21 shooting and gave up just two offensive rebounds. "We came out sluggish again, and not to make excuses, but the schedule when you play two games and are off a week and play two games, we can't get in a rhythm right now," Armor coach Bob MacKinnon said. "I thought we found our rhythm in that third quarter pretty good.'' About the only good part about the first half for the Armor was the end of it. The Mad Ants led by as many as 18 points as they outran, outrebounded and outhustled the Armor to a 60-49 lead at the break. The long-armed Mad Ants were the aggressors, building their lead by holding the Armor to one shot and getting out on the break quickly. They scored 38 of their 60 first-half points in the paint, undeterred by Springfield's reputation as a shot-blocking giant. JaJuan Johnson (18 points), Mike Anderson (15) and Ron Howard (22) were the Fort Wayne players really forcing the issue. The Mad Ants helped themselves on the defensive end, getting James Mays and Chas McFarland in foul trouble with three personals each, several coming on offense. With all that and the Armor shooting below 38 percent with 10 turnovers, an 11-point deficit could be considered a good thing. They closed the half on an 8-1 run to bring Fort Wayne within striking distance of what turned out to be a magnificent third quarter for the home team. "They came out in transition, they came out early in the game running and that's how we wanted to play," Scott said. "In order to play like that, we had to slow them down and get back on defense and get stops. And not just stopping them one time, but getting the rebound and running." A couple of players who have been struggling with their shot helped ignite the third-quarter run. Scott, who had been shooting under 33 percent, and Christian Polk (6'3''-G-87, agency: Interperformances, college: UTEP) hit big hoops in the quarter. Scott had his best game for the Armor with 22 points and 11 rebounds. A 10-1 run to open the third got the Armor within three, and they kept knocking until a McFarland steal led to a Willie Reed dunk and the Armor's first lead at 72-71 with 2:16 left in the quarter. Springfield closed the third with an 8-0 run, including a 3-pointer by Scott. Springfield built a 15-point lead in the fourth, then held on as the Mad Ants made a late charge using fullcourt pressure. It was another strong game by the Armor bench, Shawn Taggart scoring 15 with 10 boards as the reserves scored 40 points to just 21 by the Mad Ants. Courtesy of: masslive.com


Adrien's double-double lands him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News

26-year old forward Jeff Adrien (201-F-86) put on an amazing game in the last round for Rio Grande VV and receives a USBasket.com Player of the Week award for round 7.
He had a double-double of 23 points and 15 rebounds, while his team beat Tulsa 66ers (#2, 3-2) 99-87. Rio Grande VV maintains the 6th position in D-League league. Rio Grande VV is rather a weak team placed in lower part in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 2-3 record. Adrien turned to be Rio Grande VV's top player in his first season with the team. University of Connecticut graduate has very impressive stats this year. Adrien is in league's top in rebounds (4th best: 11.2rpg) and averages solid 1.8bpg and 56.5% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Gary Flowers (203-F-86) of Los Angeles D.. He is a forward in his first season at Los Angeles D.. In the last game Flowers recorded impressive double-double of 25 points and 12 rebounds. Bad luck as Los Angeles D. lost that game 95-109 to the higher-ranked Bakersfield J. (#1, 4-1). This loss caused Los Angeles D. to drop to 5th position in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 2-2 record is not bad and everything may still change. Flowers is a newcomer at Los Angeles D. and quickly became one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to another Los Angeles D.'s star - forward Jamario Moon (203-F-80). Moon showcased his all-around game by recording 9 points, eleven rebounds (!!!) and eight assists in the last round. Despite Moon's great performance Los Angeles D. lost 95-109 to the higher-ranked Bakersfield J. (#1, 4-1). But his team cannot count on just these two top stars as they also need help of the other teammates. The last thing Los Angeles D. needs is to lose another game like this one. They lose more and more distance to the top teams. Their record is 2 victories and 2 lost games. Moon has a very solid season. In 4 games in D-L he scored 7.3ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Dominique Sutton (195-F-86) of Tulsa 66ers - 22 points and 10 rebounds
5. Mark Tyndale (196-G-86) of Sioux Falls S. - 17 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Jarrid Famous (209-C/F-88) of Los Angeles D. - 15 points and 15 rebounds
7. Damion James (201-F-87) of Bakersfield J. - 19 points and 13 rebounds
8. Micah Downs (203-G/F-86) of Maine RC - 27 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists
9. Keith Benson (210-C-88) of Erie Bay H. - 23 points and 11 rebounds
10. Chris Wright (203-F-88) of Maine RC - 14 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists

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)


Cavaliers assign Jon Leuer to D-League - by Eurobasket News

The Cavaliers have assigned Jon Leuer (6'10''-F-89, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wisconsin) to their D-League affiliate, the team announced today in a press release. Leuer will join the Canton Charge and be available for the club's game tomorrow.
After being claimed off waivers by Cleveland in the offseason, Leuer has appeared in five games for the Cavs, averaging 3.2 PPG and 2.0 RPG in 14.4 minutes per contest. The 23-year-old will be the only member of the Cavs playing in the D-League for now, since the team recalled Kevin Jones earlier this week.
Courtesy of: hoopsrumors.com


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  DR CONGO   


African Champions Cup: Mazembe beat Espoir for the 11th spot - by Eurobasket News

Mazembe- Espoir 81:79

Mazembe beat Espoir for the 11th spot at the African Champions Cup. The team from Rwanda escaped the last position after 81:79 win. The team from DR Congo finished the tournament on the last position.
It was the last game for both teams at the tournament and they tried hard to show their best. Mazembe started the game with 20-16 and added 22-17 in the second frame. Espoir erupted with 27-18 in the third period and tied the score entering the last period. Mazembe needed however 21-19 in the last stanza for the final success.
Aubin Junior Kasongo (86) top-scored for the winners with 22 points and Bertrand Boukinda (F-81) notched 21. Kubala Nkatu Guelor ended up with 11, whilst Tshishimbi scored 7. Aristide Mugabe (183-PG-88) posted 19 and Kami notched 18. Bienvenue Ngandu added 15, while Jean Habineza (192-F-83) tossed in 11.

Mazembe: Aubin Junior Kasongo 22, Bertrand Boukinda 21, Kubala Nkatu Guelor 11, Tshishimbi 7
Espoir: Aristide Mugabe 19, Kami 18, Bienvenue Ngandu 15, Jean Habineza 11


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  EGYPT   


African Champions Cup: Petroleos reach the Final game - by Eurobasket News

Al Ittihad-Petroleos 73:85

Petroleos reach the Final game of the African Champions Cup. The team joined another team from Angola in the decisive game tomorrow in Equatorial Guinea.
Petroleos won the first period 21-17 and added 20-18 in the second frame. Moreover the team from Angola posted another two narrow victories in the second half to reach the Final. They won the third period 21-18 and finished the game with 23-20 in the last stanza.
Carlos Morais (193-G-85) top-scored for the winners with 29 points and Parfait Bitee (188-G-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Rhode Island) posted 17. Paulo Santana (185-PG-84, college: Southeastern CC) and Leonel Paulo (197-F-89) followed them with 11 points each in a win. Torrington Cox (201-F-85, college: King) replied with 18 points in the losing effort, while Kevin Burleson (189-PG-79, college: Minnesota) brought 17. Mouhanad ElSabagh (180-PG-88) delivered 16 and Ramy Ibrahim posted 10.

Al Ittihad: Torrington Cox 18, Kevin Burleson 17, Mouhanad ElSabagh 16, Ramy Ibrahim 10
Petroleos: Carlos Morais 29, Parfait Bitee 17, Paulo Santana 11, Leonel Paulo 11


African Champions Cup: 1 De Primero edge Al Ahly - by Eurobasket News

1 De Primero - Al Ahly 75:62

1 De Primero became the first finalists of the African Champions Cup. They knocked down Al Ahly in the first semifinal of the day. Joaquim Gomez dropped 20 points to pace the Angolan team.
1 De Primero gained an early lead. They ran away for a 28:11 advantage at the first break. Al Ahly cut the deficit in the second period though. The Egyptian team got as close as three points at halftime 36:39. But 1 De Primero opened the second half with a 16:2 run to clear off once again. They established a 65:49 advantage into the fourth term. The Angolan powerhouse kept Al Ahly at bay throughout the final frame and sealed the victory at the end. Armando Costa (192-G-83) netted 14 points, while Reggie Moore (203-PF-81, college: ORU) and Cedric Isom (188-G-84, college: E.Texas Baptist) chipped in 12 points each for the winners. Ibrahim ElGamal (188-G-88) replied with 17 points for Al Ahly. Darren Kelly (195-G-78, college: Texas) banked 12 points in the loss.

1 De Primero: Joaquim Gomes (200-C/F-80, college: Valparaiso) 20, Armando Costa 14, Reggie Moore 12, Cedric Isom 12
Al Ahly: Ibrahim ElGamal 17, Darren Kelly 12


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  ESTONIA   

Standings - KML

KML Standings
 1. TU/Rock 11-0 
 2. Tarvas 11-4 
 3. Kalev/Cramo 6-5 
 4. TTU 5-5 
 5. Rapla 5-6 
 6. Valga 5-7 
 7. Parnu 3-6 
 8. Tln Kalev 3-9 
 9. Hito/Johvi 1-10 

Regular Season: Round 9

Dec. 7: Tarvas - Rapla 94-84
Dec. 7: Tln Kalev - Hito/Johvi 89-72
Dec. 4: Valga - Tarvas 67-69
Dec. 4: Rapla - Tln Kalev 65-73
Dec. 7: Valga - TU/Rock 31-90

Regular Season: Round 10

Dec. 11: TTU - Parnu
Dec. 20: Parnu - Hito/Johvi


Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Reimo TAMM
  Tarvas
  (185-PG-84)
  Avg: 16.3
 1. Tamm, Tarvas16.3 
 2. Laksa, Tarvas16.2 
 3. Lindmets, Tarvas15.7 
 4. Campbell, Tln Kalev15.1 
 5. Laur, Hito/Johvi14.6 
 6. Akenparg, TTU14.0 
 7. Pilk, Rapla13.9 
 8. Matulionis, Parnu13.9 
 9. Umbrasko, Tarvas13.8 
 10. Okoye, Tln Kalev13.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Rain RAADIK
  Parnu
  (208-C-89)
  Avg: 12.8
 1. Raadik, Parnu12.8 
 2. Okoye, Tln Kalev10.3 
 3. Lindmets, Tarvas9.3 
 4. Grim, Valga7.2 
 5. Trumm, Hito/Johvi7.1 
 6. Keedus, TTU7.1 
 7. Ringmets, Rapla7.0 
 8. Grafs, Valga6.9 
 9. Cunda, Valga6.9 
 10. Tambre, Hito/Johvi6.5 
Assists Per Game
 Erik KEEDUS
  TTU
  (198-F-90)
  Avg: 4.9
 1. Keedus, TTU4.9 
 2. Tamm, Tarvas4.7 
 3. Cunda, Valga4.4 
 4. Campbell, Tln Kalev4.1 
 5. Laane, Rapla4.0 
 6. Saare, Hito/Johvi3.9 
 7. Peciukeviciu., Par.3.8 
 8. Pilk, Rapla3.1 
 9. Akenparg, TTU2.3 
 10. Umbrasko, Tarvas2.3 
Steals Per Game
 Reimo TAMM
  Tarvas
  (185-PG-84)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Tamm, Tarvas2.7 
 2. Laane, Rapla2.4 
 3. Akenparg, TTU2.2 
 4. Okoye, Tln Kalev1.7 
 5. Keedus, TTU1.7 
 6. Campbell, Tln Kalev1.5 
 7. Cunda, Valga1.5 
 8. Peciukeviciu., Par.1.5 
 9. Pilk, Rapla1.4 
 10. Lindmets, Tarvas1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Andrew ARNOLD
  TTU
  (208-C-86)
  Avg: 1.3
 1. Arnold, TTU1.3 
 2. Raadik, Parnu0.9 
 3. Okoye, Tln Kalev0.8 
 4. Saks, Tarvas0.7 
 5. Grim, Valga0.6 
 6. Nurger, Rapla0.5 
 7. Matulionis, Parnu0.5 
 8. Tambre, Hito/Johvi0.5 
 9. Voolaid, Rapla0.4 
 10. Cunda, Valga0.4 


KML Round 9: BC Rakvere edges Valga by two points - by Eurobasket News

Sixth-ranked Valga (5-7) made lots of trouble for second ranked BC Rakvere (11-4) on Tuesday. The visitors from Rakvere managed to secure only two-point victory 69-67. However their fans expected much easier game. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Valga won third quarter 15-12. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The best player for the winners was naturalized American forward Renato Lindmets (200-84, college: Westfield St.) who had a double-double by scoring 16 points and 14 rebounds. American guard Brandis Raley-Ross (188-87, college: S.Carolina) chipped in 18 points and 6 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was power forward Joonas Jarvelainen (202-90) who recorded a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds. BC Rakvere have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They maintain second place with 11-4 record having just -4 points less than leader TU/Rock. Valga lost third consecutive game. They keep the sixth position with seven games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Another exciting game was between eighth ranked Tln Kalev and 5th ranked Rapla where Tln Kalev (3-9) won against Rapla (5-6) on the road 73-65. It was a good game for American-Italian guard Marc Campbell (180-86, college: N.Carolina) who led his team to a victory with 18 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Janis Vahter contributed with 22 points (went 10 for 10 at the free throw line !!!) for the winners. The former international forward Andre Parn (202-77) answered with 12 points and 8 rebounds for Rapla. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Tln Kalev maintains eighth place with 3-9 record. Rapla lost their third game in a row. They keep the fifth position with six games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Undefeated leader TU/Rock delivered the eleventh consecutive victory on Friday night. This time they crushed 6th ranked Valga (5-7) 90-31. Silver Leppik stepped up and scored 19 points and 4 steals (perfect from the field making all six shots) for the winners. TU/Rock's coach Gert Kullamae felt very confident that he used 11 players and allowed the starting five to rest. The best for the losing side was Joonas Jarvelainen with 11 points and 6 rebounds. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for TU/Rock. They maintain first place with 11-0 record. Valga lost their third game in a row. They keep the sixth position with seven games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

In the last two games of round 9 Rapla was defeated by Tarvas in Rakvere 94-84. Tln Kalev beat Hito/Johvi at home 89-72.
The best stats of 9th round was 22 points and 14 rebounds by Ike Okoye of Tln Kalev.

Tarvas - Rapla 94-84

There was no surprise when 5th ranked Rapla (5-6) was defeated on the road by second ranked BC Rakvere (11-4) 94-84 on Friday. The game was mostly controlled by BC Rakvere. Rapla managed to win second period 27-23. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. BC Rakvere dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to Rapla's 28. Latvian swingman Juris Umbrasko (197-79) stepped up and scored 20 points and 6 rebounds (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line) for the winners and Latvian forward Maris Laksa (205-81, college: Providence) chipped in 22 points. The best for the losing side was forward Indrek Kajupank (200-88) with 22 points and 5 rebounds and guard Martin Paasoja (190-93) scored 15 points and 5 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Rapla's coach Indrek Ruut rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for BC Rakvere. They maintain second place with 11-4 record having just -4 points less than leader TU/Rock. Rapla lost their third game in a row. They keep the fifth position with six games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Tarvas: M.Laksa 22+2reb+1ast, J.Umbrasko 20+6reb+3ast, K.Saks 14+3reb+1ast, R.Tamm 14+7reb+4ast, B.Raley-Ross 11+9reb, R.Lindmets 9+7reb+2ast
Rapla: I.Kajupank 22+5reb+2ast, M.Paasoja 15+5reb+2ast, I.Pilk 12+3reb+4ast, R.Nurger 11+4reb, K.Traumann 9+2reb, A.Antson 4+1reb
gschID: 230025


Valga - TU/Rock 31-90

Undefeated leader TU/Rock delivered the eleventh consecutive victory on Friday night. This time they crushed 6th ranked Valga (5-7) 90-31. The game without a history. TU/Rock led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Valga to just 4 points in second quarter. TU/Rock held Valga to an opponent 21.6 percent shooting from the field compared to 51.5 percent accuracy of the winners. They outrebounded Valga 43-26 including a 31-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. TU/Rock looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by Valga's players. The former international guard Silver Leppik (189-83) stepped up and scored 19 points and 4 steals (perfect from the field making all six shots) for the winners and international center Joosep Toome (208-85) chipped in 15 points and 8 rebounds. TU/Rock's coach Gert Kullamae felt very confident that he used 11 players and allowed the starting five to rest. The best for the losing side was power forward Joonas Jarvelainen (202-90) with 11 points and 6 rebounds and Latvian center Raitis Grafs (208-81, college: Valparaiso) scored 2 points and 6 rebounds. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for TU/Rock. They maintain first place with 11-0 record. Valga lost their third game in a row. They keep the sixth position with seven games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
TU/Rock: S.Leppik 19+3reb+2ast, J.Toome 15+8reb, T.Eichfuss 10+2reb+1ast, R.Veideman 10+3ast, I.Nelyubov 10+4reb, J.Ingram 8+1reb+6ast
Valga: J.Jarvelainen 11+6reb, T.Oja 8, R.Petersonig 4+2reb+2ast, M.Grim 2+5reb, R.Grafs 2+6reb+1ast, E.Cunda 2+4reb+2ast
gschID: 229805


Tln Kalev - Hito/Johvi 89-72

The game between closely ranked teams ended with eighth ranked Tln Kalev's (3-9) home victory over bottom-ranked Hito/Johvi (1-10) 89-72 on Friday. The hosts were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Tln Kalev forced 21 Hito/Johvi turnovers. Nigerian-American forward Ike Okoye (206, college: Boise St.) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 14 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) for the winners and forward Janis Vahter (193-86) chipped in 17 points and 7 rebounds. Four Tln Kalev players scored in double figures. Tln Kalev's coach Kalle Klandorf used an eleven-player rotation saving starting five for next games. The best for the losing side was guard Siim Laur (189-87) with 21 points and 9 rebounds and power forward Edvard Trumm (192-83) scored 17 points and 8 rebounds (perfect from the field making all six shots). Tln Kalev maintains eighth place with 3-9 record. Hito/Johvi lost their tenth game in a row. Newly promoted team stay at the bottom position with ten games lost. Tln Kalev will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Hito/Johvi will play against KK Parnu (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Tln Kalev: I.Okoye 22+14reb+2ast, M.Campbell 18+2reb+3ast, J.Vahter 17+7reb+2ast, M.Paiste 14+4reb+2ast, R.Roos 9+2reb+4ast, T.Liivak 5+1reb
Hito/Johvi: S.Laur 21+9reb+1ast, E.Trumm 17+8reb+2ast, J.Saar 8+4reb, A.Saariste 8+2reb, A.Lehismets 8+1reb, M.Tali 7+1ast
gschID: 229804


Rapla - Tln Kalev 65-73

Another exciting game was between eighth ranked Tln Kalev and 5th ranked Rapla where Tln Kalev (3-9) won against Rapla (5-6) on the road 73-65. Rapla was ahead by 5 points after three quarters before a 25-12 charge of Tln Kalev, which allowed them to win the game. They made 25-of-32 charity shots (78.1 percent) during the game. Rapla was plagued by 28 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a good game for American-Italian guard Marc Campbell (180-86, college: N.Carolina) who led his team to a victory with 18 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Forward Janis Vahter (193-86) contributed with 22 points (went 10 for 10 at the free throw line !!!) for the winners. The former international forward Andre Parn (202-77) answered with 12 points and 8 rebounds and forward Illimar Pilk (195-88) added 11 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in the effort for Rapla. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Tln Kalev maintains eighth place with 3-9 record. Rapla lost their third game in a row. They keep the fifth position with six games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Tln Kalev: J.Vahter 22+3reb+1ast, M.Campbell 18+7reb+4ast, I.Okoye 10+9reb+1ast, R.Roos 8+5reb+3ast, E.Luts 7+8reb+1ast, M.Paiste 6+7reb+1ast
Rapla: A.Parn 12+8reb+3ast, I.Pilk 11+5reb+5ast, R.Ringmets 9+10reb, R.Laane 8+3reb+4ast, M.Paasoja 8+2reb+1ast, R.Nurger 7+5reb
gschID: 229803


Valga - Tarvas 67-69

Sixth-ranked Valga (5-7) made lots of trouble for second ranked BC Rakvere (11-4) on Tuesday. The visitors from Rakvere managed to secure only two-point victory 69-67. However their fans expected much easier game. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Valga won third quarter 15-12. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The best player for the winners was naturalized American forward Renato Lindmets (200-84, college: Westfield St.) who had a double-double by scoring 16 points and 14 rebounds. American guard Brandis Raley-Ross (188-87, college: S.Carolina) chipped in 18 points and 6 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was power forward Joonas Jarvelainen (202-90) who recorded a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds and Latvian center Raitis Grafs (208-81, college: Valparaiso) added 13 points and 6 rebounds respectively. BC Rakvere have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They maintain second place with 11-4 record having just -4 points less than leader TU/Rock. Valga lost third consecutive game. They keep the sixth position with seven games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Tarvas: B.Raley-Ross 18+6reb+2ast, R.Lindmets 16+14reb+1ast, J.Umbrasko 12+5reb+4ast, K.Saks 9+1reb, R.Tamm 9+6reb+3ast, M.Laksa 5+1reb+2ast
Valga: J.Jarvelainen 19+10reb+3ast, R.Grafs 13+6reb+3ast, T.Leok 8+6reb, H.Rannula 7+9reb, E.Cunda 6+6reb+3ast, T.Oja 5+2reb+1ast
gschID: 229802



Ike Okoye claims Estonian KML weekly honour - by Eurobasket News

Nigerian-American Ike Okoye (206-F) had a great game in the last round for Tln Kalev and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 9.
The -year old forward had a double-double of 22 points and fourteen rebounds, while his team crushed Hito/Johvi (#9, 1-10) with 17-point margin 89-72. Tln Kalev maintains the 8th position in Estonian KML. 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. Tln Kalev have already lost 9 games and recorded just three victories. Okoye turned to be Tln Kalev's top player in his first season with the team. Boise State University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Okoye is in league's top in rebounds (2nd best: 10.3rpg) and averages solid 51.9% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 29-year old former international guard Silver Leppik (189-G-83) of league's best team TU/Rock. Leppik impressed basketball fans with 19 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists. Of course he lead TU/Rock to another comfortable win outscoring the lower-ranked Valga (#6, 5-7) 90-31. Of course TU/Rock still keep the league's top spot. He plays for the best team in the league and TU/Rock managed to win all 11 games keeping perfect record. Leppik is one of the most experienced players at TU/Rock and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

The third best performed player last round was Joonas Jarvelainen (202-F/C-90) of Valga (#6). Jarvelainen scored 19 points and grabbed ten rebounds. Despite Jarvelainen's great performance Valga lost 67-69 to the higher-ranked Tarvas (#2, 11-4). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Valga ranking at the top of the league, however are very questionable as they have already lost 7 games, recording just five victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Jarvelainen could help Valga to bring them higher in the standings. Jarvelainen has a very solid season. In 11 games in Estonia he scored 9.3ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Edvard Trumm (192-F/C-83) of Hito/Johvi - 17 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Juris Umbrasko (197-G/F-79) of Tarvas - 20 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Renato Lindmets (200-F-84) of Tarvas - 16 points and 14 rebounds
7. Janis Vahter (193-F-86) of Tln Kalev - 22 points and 3 rebounds
8. Marc Campbell (180-G-86) of Tln Kalev - 18 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists
9. Brandis Raley-Ross (188-G-87) of Tarvas - 11 points and 9 rebounds
10. Indrek Kajupank (200-F-88) of Rapla - 22 points, 5 rebounds and 2 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)


*****************************************************
  EUROLEAGUE   

Standings

Euroleague Standings
Group A
 1. Panathinaikos 6-3 
 2. Real Madrid 6-3 
 3. Khimky 5-4 
 4. Fener.Ulker 4-5 
 5. Un.Olimpija 3-6 
 6. Cantu 3-6 
Group B
 1. Maccabi T-A 7-2 
 2. Unicaja 7-2 
 3. Montepaschi 5-4 
 4. ALBA 4-5 
 5. Chalon 3-6 
 6. Asseco Prok. 1-8 
Group C
 1. Zalgiris 7-2 
 2. Olympiacos 7-2 
 3. Anadolu Efes 5-4 
 4. Caja Laboral 3-6 
 5. EA7 Armani 3-6 
 6. Cedevita 2-7 
Group D
 1. FCB Regal 9-0 
 2. CSKA 8-1 
 3. Besiktas 4-5 
 4. Brose Bask. 2-7 
 5. Lietuvos rytas 2-7 
 6. Partizan 2-7 

Regular Season: Round 9

A

Dec. 6: Cantu - Real Madrid 76-70
Dec. 7: Un.Olimpija - Khimky 74-72
Dec. 7: Panathinaikos - Fener.Ulker 69-55

B

Dec. 6: Asseco Prok. - Maccabi T-A 73-89
Dec. 6: ALBA - Unicaja 63-74
Dec. 7: Chalon - Montepaschi 108-103 OT

C

Dec. 7: Anadolu Efes - Caja Laboral 76-91
Dec. 7: EA7 Armani - Zalgiris 65-67
Dec. 6: Cedevita - Olympiacos 62-84

D

Dec. 6: CSKA - Besiktas 87-72
Dec. 6: Partizan - FCB Regal 67-68
Dec. 7: Lietuvos rytas - Brose Bask. 67-62

Regular Season: Round 10

A

Dec. 14: Fener.Ulker - Cantu
Dec. 14: Real Madrid - Un.Olimpija
Dec. 14: Khimky - Panathinaikos

B

Dec. 13: Maccabi T-A - ALBA
Dec. 13: Unicaja - Chalon
Dec. 13: Montepaschi - Asseco Prok.

C

Dec. 13: Caja Laboral - Cedevita
Dec. 13: Zalgiris - Anadolu Efes
Dec. 13: Olympiacos - EA7 Armani

D

Dec. 13: FCB Regal - CSKA
Dec. 13: Besiktas - Lietuvos rytas
Dec. 13: Brose Bask. - Partizan


Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Bobby BROWN
  Montepaschi
  (188-PG-84)
  Avg: 19.1
 1. Brown, Montepaschi19.1 
 2. Weems, CSKA16.9 
 3. Langford, EA7 A.16.6 
 4. Schilb, Chalon16.2 
 5. Jerrells, Besiktas16.1 
 6. Nachbar, Brose B.16.1 
 7. Spanoulis, Olympia.15.8 
 8. Fernandez, Real M.15.5 
 9. Aradori, Cantu15.4 
 10. Page, Un.Olimpija15.0 
Rebounds Per Game
 Aron BAYNES
  Un.Olimpija
  (208-C-86)
  Avg: 10
 1. Baynes, Un.Olimpija10.0 
 2. Williams, Chalon8.0 
 3. Bourousis, EA7 A.7.9 
 4. Khryapa, CSKA6.8 
 5. Gordon, Partizan6.7 
 6. Lasme, Panathin.6.3 
 7. Erden, Anadolu Ef.6.2 
 8. Hines, Olympiacos6.2 
 9. Bilan, Cedevita6.1 
 10. Zirbes, Brose Bas.6.0 
Assists Per Game
 Dimitris DIAMANTIDIS
  Panath.
  (196-G-80)
  Avg: 6.3
 1. Diamantidis, Panat.6.3 
 2. Spanoulis, Olympia.6.1 
 3. Brown, Montepaschi5.7 
 4. Planinic, Khimky5.6 
 5. Teodosic, CSKA5.3 
 6. Blassingame, Assec.5.2 
 7. Cook, EA7 Armani5.2 
 8. Farmar, Anadolu4.7 
 9. Koszarek, Asseco4.2 
 10. Schilb, Chalon4.2 
Steals Per Game
 Ricky HICKMAN
  Maccabi .
  (189-PG-85)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Hickman, Maccabi2.2 
 2. Jaaber, Zalgiris2.0 
 3. Lucic, Partizan1.7 
 4. Gordon, Anadolu1.7 
 5. Green, Cedevita1.6 
 6. Khryapa, CSKA1.6 
 7. Markoishvili, Cantu1.4 
 8. Planinic, Khimky1.4 
 9. Mickeal, FCB Regal1.4 
 10. Cook, EA7 Armani1.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Stephane LASME
  Panathin.
  (203-F-82)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Lasme, Panathin.2.5 
 2. Tomic, FCB Regal1.8 
 3. Falker, Besiktas1.6 
 4. James, Maccabi T-A1.4 
 5. Thompson, ALBA1.3 
 6. Cusin, Cantu1.2 
 7. Vidmar, Besiktas1.2 
 8. Tyus, Cantu1.1 
 9. Monya, Khimky1.1 
 10. Khryapa, CSKA1.1 


Vule Avdalovic to miss the reminder of the season - by Eurobasket News

ALBA Berlin suffered a heavy blow as Vule Avdalovic (189-PG-81, agency: Beo Basket) got injured. The guard will have to miss the reminder of the season after the rupture in ligaments in his left knee. Vule Avdalovic suffered an injury during a Euroleague encounter versus Unicaja Malaga. The guard tallied 7.1 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game in the German Bundesliga. Vule Avdalovic also notched 7.4 points, 3.0 assists and 2.6 boards per appearance in EuroLeague.


Euroleague round 9 best performance: Blake Schilb - by Eurobasket News

American swingman Blake Schilb (200-G/F-83, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices) had a great game in the last round for Chalon, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 9.
The 29-year old player was the main contributor (28 points, seven rebounds and five assists) to his team's victory, helping them to beat Montepaschi (#3, 5-4) in overtime 108-103. Chalon maintains the 5th position in Euroleague group B. Chalon is rather a weak team placed in lower part in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 3-6 record. In the team's last game Schilb had a remarkable 85.7% from 2-point range. He has many years of experience at Chalon, through which he has constantly improved. Former Loyola University of Chicago star has very solid stats this year. Schilb is in league's top in points (4th best: 16.2ppg) and averages impressive 51.4% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 28-year old Slovenian Sasha Vujacic (201-SG-84) of Anadolu Efes. Vujacic had a very good evening with 21 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Bad luck as Anadolu Efes lost that game 76-91 to slightly lower-ranked Caja Laboral (#4, 3-6). It was definitely game of the week between two contenders to the top position in group C. Anadolu Efes still maintains its place in the top 3 of the standings, even despite this loss. His team's 5-4 record is not bad at all. Vujacic is well-known at Anadolu Efes and is a proven leader in his second season with the team.

Third on the list of top players last round was American guard Bobby Brown (188-PG-84) of Montepaschi (#3). Brown scored 26 points and passed ten assists (!!!). Despite Brown's great performance Montepaschi lost 103-108in overtime to slightly lower-ranked Chalon (#5, 3-6). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. The last thing Montepaschi needs is to lose another game like this one. They lose more and more distance to the top teams in group B. Their record is 5 victories and 4 lost games. Brown has a great season in Euroleague. After only 9 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 19.1ppg (best scorer) and assists with 5.7apg (3rd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Renaldas Seibutis (198-SG-85) of Lietuvos rytas - 19 points and 10 rebounds
5. Keith Langford (193-SG-83) of EA7 Armani - 20 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Romain Sato (194-G/F-81) of Fener.Ulker - 20 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Yassin Idbihi (209-PF-83) of ALBA - 11 points and 12 rebounds
8. Sasha Kaun (211-C-85) of CSKA - 19 points and 5 rebounds
9. Nenad Krstic (212-C-83) of CSKA - 15 points and 4 rebounds
10. Sonny Weems (198-G/F-86) of CSKA - 20 points, 5 rebounds and 2 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)


Results and Stats from Regular Season Round 9 - by Eurobasket News

Group A
Panathinaikos - Fener.Ulker 69-55
Panathinaikos entertained the home crowd with the sixth Euroleague win this season. They held off visiting Fenerbahce for 6-3 record in Group A. Andy Panko (205-F-77, agency: Beo Basket, college: Lebanon Valley) nailed 15 points to lead well-balanced effort from the Athens Team. Fenerbahce slipped at 4-5 record and would try to seal Top 16 ticket next week. Fenerbahce led by two points after the starting quarter 14:12. But Panathinaikos turned on their trademark defence and held the Turkish team to 9 points in the second quarter. The hosts pulled ahead for a 29:23 halftime advantage. The teams exchanged baskets throughout the third term. Panathinaikos secured a 6-point lead before the fourth frame. The tempo increased in the final term as the home team unloaded 26 points and sealed the victory. Sofoklis Schortsanitis (206-C-85) dropped 11 points, while Dimitris Diamantidis and Marcus Banks added 9 points each for the winners. Romain Sato (194-G/F-81, college: Xavier) answered with 20 points and 8 rebounds for Fenerbahce. David Andersen posted 8 points in the loss.

Un.Olimpija - Khimky 74-72
Klemen Prepelic (191-G-92) put on a show in the last 15 seconds draining back-to-back triples to propel Union Olimpija to a hard-fought home win over Khimky. The Slovenian powerhouse improved at 3-6 record in Group A but has no chance to advance into Top 16. Khimky fell at 5-4 record after the defeat. Khimky started strong as they accumulated a 19:13 lead ten minutes into the game. Union Olimpija stopped the rot and pleased the home fans with a 21:12 run. The hosts accumulated a 34:31 halftime lead. Khimky used a 6:0 run midway through the third term to level things up at 48. The teams entered the final quarter tied at 50. Union Olimpija jumped to a 59:53 lead early in the fourth stanza after a three-pointer from Klemen Prepelic. Dino Muric made it 61:53 but Khimky answered with six points in a row to narrow the deficit. K.C. River and Zhukanenko made it 69:65 for the visitors with 48 seconds remaining. James Augustine followed with a free throw as the game seemed to slip away from the home team. But Jaka Blazic (196-G-90) hit from beyond the arc and then Klemen Prepelic followed two free throws from Vitaliy Fridzon with two huge bombs to seal the victory for Union Olimpija. Prepelic finished with 16 points for the home team. Jaka Blazic added 13 points for the winners. Paul Davis (211-C-84, college: Michigan St.) answered with 20 points for Khimky. Vitaliy Fridzon chipped in 12 points in the loss.

Cantu - Real Madrid 76-70
Mapooro Cantu upset Real Madrid in Italy to leave the last spot in Group A of EuroLeague. The Italian team grabbed a 76:70 win for 3-6 record. Real meanwhile dropped at 6-3 record and could be caught up by Fener or Khimky tomorrow. Mapooro Cantu opened the game with 20-18 and continued their push in the whole half. They won the second frame 22-17 and reached 7-oint advantage at the halftime. Real seemed to be awake in the third quarter and replied with 21-13 in it for 56:55 lead after Felipe Reyes's shot. Mapooro Cantu however needed a 21-14 surge to win the last quarter and the game. Manuchar Markoishvili (196-SF-86) top-scored for the winners with 23 points and Jonathan Tabu (184-SG-85) delivered 14. Maarten Leunen brought 11 and Marco Cusin poured in 10. Jaycee Carroll (188-G-83, agency: Priority Sports) ended up with 24 points in the losing case, whilst Sergio Llull netted 17. Felipe Reyes tossed in 11 and Sergio Rodriguez had 6.

Group B
Chalon - Montepaschi 108-103 OT
Chalon celebrated the third victory in EuroLeague Group B. They shot down visiting Montepaschi in overtime drama. Blake Schilb (200-G/F-83, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices, college: Loyola, IL) came up with 28 points and 7 rebounds to pace the home side. Siena fell at 5-4 record after the loss. Chalon dropped 27 points in the first ten minutes to take a 3-point lead. Montepaschi cut the distance to a single point after a high-flying first half 48:49. The Italian champions jumped ahead in the third quarter. The visitors ensured a 75:70 lead with ten minutes left in regulation. David Moss and Kristjan Kangur made sure Siena led by two points 93:91 with 28 seconds remaining in the normal time. But Tchicamboud converted a layup to send the clash into overtime. Blake Schilb and Cedric Banks dropped five straight points midway through the extra period to give Chalon a 101:97 lead. Tomas Ress and Bobby Brown (188-PG-84, college: CS Fullerton) kept Siena in the game but free throws from Evtimov and Tchicamboud helped the hosts seal the win. Adolphe Michel Jean-Baptiste (205-C-79) delivered 20 points, while Shelden Williams added 15 points for the home team. Bobby Brown answered with 26 points for Montepaschi. Tomas Ress had 13 points in the loss.

ALBA - Unicaja 63-74
Unicaja Malaga stole the show from O2 World in Berlin and improved to 7-2 record. The Spanish side overcame local Alba 74:63 in Round 9 of EuroLeague. Alba Berlin opened the game with 18-14, but allowed the guests to taste the lead at the halftime. Krunoslav Simon closed the half with a lay-up for 36:35 lead. Unicaja Malaga however needed more than two minutes in the start of the third period to score another points. They trailed 38:44 midway through the period but needed a final push for 59:51 after 30 minutes. Moreover the guests added 15-12 in the last stanza for the final success. Marcus Williams (191-G-85, college: Connecticut) topped all scorers with 16 points and Luka Zoric (211-C-84) added 11. James Gist notched 9, while Krunoslav Simon posted 8. Sven Schultze (208-C-78) finished the game with 12 points for the hosts and Derrick Byars notched 11. Yassin Idbihi ended up with 11 points, whilst Nihad Djedovic notched 8.

Asseco Prok. - Maccabi T-A 73-89
Maccabi Electra erupts in the last period in Gdynia of EuroLeague Round 9. The Israeli team needed a strong 29-8 finish to beat Asseco Prokom 89:73. Asseco Prokom Gdynia looked outstanding for three quarters and felt the support of almost 5000 local fans. They started with 19-15 in the first period and added 23-20 in the second frame. Maccabi Electra woke up with 25-23 in the third period and reduced to 65:60 after three quarters. Lior Eliyahu (206-SF-85) closed an 11-0 run early in the last period and then Maccabi led the game to a 16-point victory. Ricky Hickman (189-PG-85, college: NC-Greensboro) paced all the winners with 20 points and Lior Eliyahu notched 16. Yogev Ohayon delivered 14, while David Logan had 12. Rasid Mahalbasic (211-C-90) finished the game with 14 points in defeat and Jerel Blassingame as well as Mateusz Ponitka tossed in 13 apiece. Lukasz Koszarek and Ryan Richards brought 10 points apiece in a loss.

Group C
EA7 Armani - Zalgiris 65-67
Zalgiris stayed on top of EuroLeague Group C following a tough road win over Emporio Armani. Paulius Jankunas (205-PF-84, agency: Alti Sport) scored 16 points to pace the Lithuanian team. Emporio Armani fell at 3-6 record after the defeat and endangered their Top 16 aspirations. It was a close affair from start to finish. Zalgiris led by two points after ten minutes 18:16. Emporio Armani pulled ahead in the second term. The Italian team spurred in front for a 37:32 halftime advantage. Zalgiris narrowed the deficit in the third term. The visitors came back from an 8-point deficit to sneak to a 51:50 lead. Stipcevic capped the third term with a three-pointer to give Emporio Armani a 53:51 lead. The lead changed hands several times in the fourth frame before Jaaber made it 67:64 for Zalgiris with 18 seconds remaining. Cook answered with one free throw and then Keith Langford (193-SG-83, college: Kansas) missed a layup as Zalgiris got away with victory. Marko Popovic (185-G-82, agency: Alti Sport, college: S.Idaho JC) and Tremmell Darden (194-G/F-81, college: Niagara) provided 14 points apiece for Zalgiris. Keith Langford answered with 20 points for Emporio Armani. Ioannis Bourousis chipped in 13 points in the loss.

Anadolu Efes - Caja Laboral 76-91
Caja Laboral stayed alive in the race for Euroleague Top 16. They knocked down Anadolu Efes in Istanbul to improve at 3-6 record in Group C. Anadolu Efes slipped at 5-4 record after the defeat. Thomas Heurtel (188-G-89) fired 22 points to lead the winners. Caja Laboral snatched a narrow 21:19 lead ten minutes into the game. The Spaniards maintained the advantage throughout the second quarter. Caja Laboral established a 38:34 halftime advantage. The Vitoria team erupted for 27 points in the third term to keep Anadolu Efes at bay. The visitors entered the fourth stanza up by 6 points. Thomas Heurtel fired 13 points in the fourth term to carry Caja Laboral to an important win at the end. Maciej Lampe (211-F/C-85) notched 17 points and 7 rebounds, while Nemanja Bjelica added 9 points for the winners. Sasha Vujacic (201-SG-84) answered with 21 points for Anadolu Efes. Semih Erden had 17 points and 7 rebounds for the home team.

Cedevita - Olympiacos 62-84
Olympiacos Piraeus takes 7-2 record in Group C of EuroLeague. The Greek side overcame Cedevita Zagreb 84:62 away from home in the start of Round 9. The Croatian side fell at 2-7 record. Olympiacos Piraeus started the game with 21-18 rally and won the first half by three points. The third quarter became decisive in the game and brought 24-11 surge for the visiting team. Moreover the Greek side added 20-14 in the last stanza for the final result. Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) top-scored for the winners with 14 points and Stratos Perperoglou (203-F-84) added 12. Georgios Printezis notched 11, whilst Kyle Hines scored 10. Vlado Ilievski (190-PG-80, agency: Beo Basket) finished the game with 14 points in the losing effort and Bracey Wright tossed in 11. Predrag Suput brought 9 points in the losing effort.

Group D
CSKA - Besiktas 87-72
CSKA picked up the tempo late in the game and outlasted Besiktas in Moscow tonight. The victory propelled the Russian powerhouse at 8-1 record in Euroleague Group D. Sonny Weems (198-G/F-86, college: Arkansas) scored 20 points to lead the winners. Besiktas stormed into the game going for 28 points in the opening quarter. They grabbed a 4-point lead. The Turkish team maintained the advantage throughout the second quarter. They established a 51:46 halftime lead. But CSKA turned things around in the third term. The hosts capped the period on an 11:0 run to take a 67:61 lead. CSKA opened the fourth term with an 8:2 rally to clear off for good. Sasha Kaun (211-C-85) accounted for 19 points, while Nenad Krstic added 15 points in the victory. Patrick Christopher (196-G-88, agency: 1x1 Sports, college: California) responded with 14 points for Besiktas. Damir Markota had 12 points and 6 boards in the loss.

Lietuvos rytas - Brose Bask. 67-62
Lietuvos Rytas clinched a vital win in the Euroleague Group D. They held off Brose Baskets to improve at 2-7 record for a three-team tie in the fourth position in the ladder. Renaldas Seibutis (198-SG-85) scored 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to pace the Vilnius team. Lietuvos Rytas and Bamberg exchanged baskets throughout the opening quarter. The scoreboard read 15:15 after ten minutes. Lietuvos Rytas surged ahead in the second term. They established a 35:28 halftime advantage. Brose Baskets slowed the hosts down in the third term. The German team got within 5 points midway through the quarter. Renaldas Seibutis and Samardziski stretched the margin to 7 points at the final break 50:43. Lietuvos Rytas stayed calm throughout the fourth frame. They kept Brose Baskets at bay and rallied to the victory at the end. Leon Radosevic (206-C-90) provided 11 points and 9 rebounds, while Janis Blums and Simas Buterlevicius added 8 points each for the winners. Bostjan Nachbar (207-F-80) and Maik Zirbes (208-C-90) responded with 12 points each for Brose Baskets.

Partizan - FCB Regal 67-68
Barcelona Regal needed overtime thriller in Belgrade to remain unbeaten in EuroLeague. The Spanish titan grabbed 68:67 in the last seconds of the game and did not allow Dejan Musli to upset them with the last shot. It was a slow start and brought 14:13 lead for the home side after the first 10 minutes. More than 7500 in Pionir center saw another push with 16-12 in the second period for 5-point lead at the halftime. Barcelona Regal however was lucky in the second half and then posted a narrow win in overtime to seal the 9th victory. They won the third period 18-14 and then tied the game after 15-14 in the fourth quarter. Due to 10-9 in overtime they managed to keep their winning streak. Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) paced all the winners with 10 points and Joe Ingles (203-SF-87, agency: Priority Sports) notched 9. Nathan Jawai and Pete Mickeal brought 8 points apiece in the winning effort. Dragan Milosavljevic (198-G-89) finished the game with 14 points in defeat, whilst Djordje Gagic and Dejan Musli had 12 apiece. Vladimir Lucic followed them with 10 points in a loss.


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

Standings - Korisliiga

Korisliiga Standings
 1. Pyrinto 11-2 
 2. Nilan Bisons 11-3 
 3. KTP 10-4 
 4. Kauhajoki 10-5 
 5. Kataja 9-4 
 6. LrNMKY 8-5 
 7. Kouvot 6-8 
 8. Salon Vilpas 6-9 
 9. Lapua 4-10 
 10. Namika Lahti 4-11 
 11. FoKoPo 3-12 
 12. Korihait 3-12 

Regular Season: Round 16

Dec. 7: KTP - FoKoPo 99-98
Dec. 7: Korihait - Kauhajoki 85-98
Dec. 7: Namika Lahti - Salon Vilpas 65-74
Dec. 8: Kataja - Kouvot
Dec. 8: Nilan Bisons - Pyrinto
Dec. 8: Lapua - LrNMKY


Stats Leaders - Korisliiga

Points Per Game
 Martin ZENO
  Nilan Bisons
  (196-G-85)
  Avg: 23.3
 1. Zeno, Nilan Bisons23.3 
 2. Gibson, LrNM.22.3 
 3. Conley, LrNM.21.6 
 4. Clavell, Kouvot19.0 
 5. Haanpaa, Lapua18.1 
 6. Ulmer, Pyrinto17.4 
 7. Hester, Kouvot17.1 
 8. Flowers, Kataja17.1 
 9. Holloway, Namika L.17.0 
 10. Bullock, Kauhajoki16.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Ryan MCDADE
  Nilan B.
  (201-F-80)
  Avg: 10.9
 1. McDade, Nilan B.10.9 
 2. Conley, LrNM.9.0 
 3. Thorpe, FoKoPo8.8 
 4. Williams, Pyrinto8.3 
 5. Tolbert, Lapua8.1 
 6. Ford, Kauhajoki8.1 
 7. Giles, KTP8.1 
 8. Logins, LrNM.8.0 
 9. Dyer, Korihait7.9 
 10. Johnson, Namika7.5 
Assists Per Game
 Damon WILLIAMS
  Pyrinto
  (201-F-73)
  Avg: 8.7
 1. Williams, Pyrinto8.7 
 2. Ivey, Nilan Bisons5.3 
 3. Smith, Kataja5.1 
 4. Burgess, FoKoPo4.4 
 5. Gibson, LrNM.4.2 
 6. Nikkarinen, Kouvot3.9 
 7. Zeno, Nilan Bisons3.9 
 8. Watson, Kauhajoki3.7 
 9. Sarcevic, KTP3.5 
 10. Ikavalko, FoKoPo3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Johnell SMITH
  Kataja
  (180-PG-80)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Smith, Kataja2.6 
 2. Flowers, Kataja2.5 
 3. Williams, Pyrinto2.3 
 4. Conley, LrNM.2.1 
 5. Gibson, LrNM.2.1 
 6. Williams, KTP1.9 
 7. Ford, Kauhajoki1.8 
 8. Holloway, Namika L.1.7 
 9. Vuori, Kauhajoki1.7 
 10. Sarcevic, KTP1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Sefton BARRETT
  KTP
  (196-SF-83)
  Avg: 1.6
 1. Barrett, KTP1.6 
 2. Commons, Lapua1.4 
 3. Williams, Pyrinto1.2 
 4. Ford, Kauhajoki1.1 
 5. Nikkila, Pyrinto1.1 
 6. Jones, LrNM.1.0 
 7. Zeno, Nilan Bisons0.9 
 8. Dyer, Korihait0.9 
 9. Ahvenniemi, Pyrinto0.9 
 10. McDade, Nilan B.0.9 


KORISLIIGA: Chris Taft no more on Korihait roster - by Rauno Hurmalainen

American Center Chris Taft (208-F-85, college: Pittsburgh) is no more on UU-Korihait (Uusikaupunki) roster. Korihait has released Taft, because the player's health needs examinations and time. Taft played 13 games averaging 8,3 ppg - 6,5 rpg in 22:02 mpg. UU-Korihait is after a new big man.
American Guard Kenneth Lowe (192-G-80, college: Purdue) (Pyrinto, Tampere) is on injured (knee) list. Lowe will be out of Pyrinto roster for several weeks. American swingman Reginald Bratton (193-G/F-86, college: Lenoir-Rhyne) will replace Lowe probably untill the end of January 2013. Bratton has international playing experience from England (2009-10), Spain (LEB Silver 2010-11) and Morocco (2011-12).


KORISLIIGA: KTP Basket won by one - by Rauno Hurmalainen

Korisliiga, round 15: Interesting contest tonight at Kotka, where local KTP Basket won over FoKoPo (Forssa) by one 99-98 (59-50). When the last quarter started, FoKoPo was leading by 10 (74-84). But the hosts came back to the game and won the contest. Bojan Sarcevic (190-G-88) led KTP with 27 points. Antwine Williams (192-F-75, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: N.Colorado) added 17 pts. FoKoPo (3-12) was shooting with 65% accuracy from behind the bonus line (13/20), but even that was not enough. Olli Kaunomaki (195-G/F-86) made six 3-pointers (6/8).
UU-Korihait from Uusikaupunki was down by 26 points vs Karhu (Kauhajoki) during the half time, but won the third quarter 32-19 and was back in the game. Karhu (10-5) didn't however let the upset happen and won 85-98 (34-60). J'Nathan Bullock (196-F-87, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Cleveland St.) again Karhu's leading scorer and rebounder: 24/11. Karhu had six players in double digits.
And in Lahti local YMCA lost vs Vilpas (Salo) 65-74 (28-32). YMCA Lahti (4-11) was led by Jordan Hasquet (206-F-85, agency: Dynamics Global Management, college: Montana) (17 pts). Vilpas (6-9) got a double-double (19/10) from Troy Barnies (200-F-89, college: Maine).
KTP - FoKoPo 99-98 (59-50). (Bojan Sarcevic 27, Antwine Williams 17, Devonne Giles 15/8 - Charlie Burgess 25, Jahmar Thorpe 20/13, Olli Kaunomaki 22. A: 970).
UU-Korihait - Kauhajoki 85-98 (34-60). (Alain Laroche 19, Ramon Dyer 18/9, Mikko Jalonen 14 - J'Nathan Bullock 24/11, Tremaine Ford 19/9, Giordan Watson 14. A: 599).
YMCA Lahti - Vilpas 65-74 (28-32). (Jordan Hasquet 17, Louis Johnson 15, Aleksi Alanen 14 - Troy Barnies 19/10, Shawn Atupem 16, Eero Lehtinen. A: 820).


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

Standings - ProB

ProB Standings
 1. Antibes 10-3 
 2. Pau-Lacq-Orthez 10-3 
 3. Evreux 10-3 
 4. Chalons-Reims 9-4 
 5. Le Portel 8-4 
 6. Boulogne 7-5 
 7. St Quentin 7-6 
 8. Maurienne 7-6 
 9. St Vallier 6-6 
 10. Fos Ouest 6-7 
 11. Rouen 6-7 
 12. Bourg 6-7 
 13. Nantes 5-8 
 14. Lille 5-8 
 15. Denain 4-9 
 16. Charleville 4-9 
 17. Hyeres-Toulon 3-9 
 18. Bordeaux 2-11 

Regular Season: Round 13

Dec. 7: Fos Ouest - Denain 90-62
Dec. 7: St Quentin - Maurienne 90-58
Dec. 7: Chalons-Reims - Pau-Lacq-Orthez 87-78
Dec. 7: Evreux - Lille 86-80
Dec. 7: Rouen - Bordeaux 86-67
Dec. 7: Nantes - Bourg 66-69
Dec. 7: Antibes - Charleville 109-81
Dec. 8: St Vallier - Le Portel
Dec. 8: Boulogne - Hyeres-Toulon


Stats Leaders - ProB

Points Per Game
 Wilbert BROWN
  Maurienne
  (200-PF-84)
  Avg: 22.8
 1. Brown, Maurienne22.8 
 2. Flowers, Denain20.7 
 3. Blue, Antibes20.5 
 4. Booker, St Vallier20.4 
 5. McKines, Rouen20.1 
 6. Siggers, Lille19.7 
 7. Boddicker, Pau-La.18.7 
 8. Bassett, Rouen18.4 
 9. Wood, Evreux17.8 
 10. Monds, Bourg17.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Mouhammadou JAITEH
  Boulogne
  (206-C-94)
  Avg: 10.3
 1. Jaiteh, Boulogne10.3 
 2. Wood, Evreux10.2 
 3. McKines, Rouen10.1 
 4. Bing, Maurienne10.1 
 5. Lesieu, St Quentin10.0 
 6. Jackson, Pau-La.9.2 
 7. Kitts, Denain9.2 
 8. Blue, Antibes8.5 
 9. Monds, Bourg8.3 
 10. Brown, Maurienne7.9 
Assists Per Game
 Errick CRAVEN
  St Vallier
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 7.4
 1. Craven, St Vallier7.4 
 2. McIntosh, Hyeres-.5.7 
 3. Taylor, Le Portel5.5 
 4. Bassett, Rouen5.3 
 5. Huffman, Antibes5.3 
 6. Dumas, Bourg5.2 
 7. Denave, Pau-Lacq.5.1 
 8. Hannah, Evreux5.0 
 9. Da Silva, Rouen4.8 
 10. Darnauzan, Mauri.4.6 
Steals Per Game
 Errick CRAVEN
  St Vallier
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Craven, St Vallier2.8 
 2. Flowers, Denain2.5 
 3. Calvez, Charleville2.5 
 4. Hannah, Evreux1.9 
 5. Toney, Charleville1.9 
 6. Siggers, Lille1.8 
 7. Wilson, Le Portel1.8 
 8. Brown, Maurienne1.8 
 9. Mullins, Chalons-.1.8 
 10. Taylor, Le Portel1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Moussa BADIANE
  Antibes
  (205-C-81)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Badiane, Antibes2.5 
 2. Gay, Le Portel1.5 
 3. Chism, Maurienne1.2 
 4. Johnson, Chalons-.1.2 
 5. Coleman, Bordeaux1.2 
 6. Taccoen, Lille1.1 
 7. Henry, Nantes1.0 
 8. Williams, St Quent.0.9 
 9. Burrell, Chalons-.0.8 
 10. Jaiteh, Boulogne0.8 


EuroLeague: Chalon edge Montepaschi in overtime marathon - by Eurobasket News

Chalon - Montepaschi Siena 108:103 (OT)

Chalon celebrated the third victory in EuroLeague Group B. They shot down visiting Montepaschi in overtime drama. Blake Schilb (200-G/F-83, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices, college: Loyola, IL) came up with 28 points and 7 rebounds to pace the home side. Siena fell at 5-4 record after the loss.
Chalon dropped 27 points in the first ten minutes to take a 3-point lead. Montepaschi cut the distance to a single point after a high-flying first half 48:49. The Italian champions jumped ahead in the third quarter. The visitors ensured a 75:70 lead with ten minutes left in regulation. David Moss and Kristjan Kangur made sure Siena led by two points 93:91 with 28 seconds remaining in the normal time. But Tchicamboud converted a layup to send the clash into overtime. Blake Schilb and Cedric Banks dropped five straight points midway through the extra period to give Chalon a 101:97 lead. Tomas Ress (209-C-80, college: Texas A&M) and Bobby Brown (188-PG-84, college: CS Fullerton) kept Siena in the game but free throws from Evtimov and Tchicamboud helped the hosts seal the win. Adolphe Michel Jean-Baptiste (205-C-79) delivered 20 points, while Shelden Williams (206-F-83, college: Duke) added 15 points for the home team. Bobby Brown answered with 26 points for Montepaschi. Tomas Ress had 13 points in the loss.

Chalon: Blake Schilb 28, Adolphe Michel Jean-Baptiste 20, Shelden Williams 15
Montepaschi: Bobby Brown 26, Tomas Ress 13


*****************************************************
  FYR MACEDONIA   


Bo McCalebb selected the top FYR Macedonian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

We bring you last week's top performances from FYR Macedonians who are playing abroad and who all have had prior experience of national team duties at youth or senior level.

Bo McCalebb
Bo McCalebb
   #1. This week's number one is an international point guard Bo McCalebb (178-85, college: New Orleans, currently plays in Turkey). He led Fenerbahce Ulker to a victory over the league outsider Gaziantep (1-7) 86-69 in the Turkish TBL in Sunday night's game. McCalebb was MVP of the game. He scored 18 points and added 6 passes in 25 minutes on the court. Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul (7-1) is placed third in the TBL. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen. It's McCalebb's first year with the team. McCalebb has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages: 15.7ppg, 2.3rpg, 4.0apg, 2FGP: 61.9%(13-21), 3FGP: 33.3% and FT: 85.7% in the three games he played so far. McCalebb is a naturalized American. He is currently a member of the FYR Macedonian senior national team. Strangely McCalebb has never played in FYR Macedonia.

Pero Antic
Pero Antic
   #2. Second place goes to an international forward Pero Antic (210-82, agency: Beo Basket, currently plays in Greece). He contributed to an easy victory against the 11th-ranked Aris (2-6) crushing them 100-65 in the Greek A1 last Monday. Antic scored 10 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. Olympiacos S.F.P. Pireus (8-0) is placed first in the A1. So far his team won all eight games in the Regular Season. But the season just started, so everything may happen. Antic's overall stats this year are: 6.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.6apg, 2FGP: 56.3%(9-16), 3FGP: 22.7% and FT: 68.8%. He has a dual citizenship: FYR Macedonian and Bulgarian. Antic is in the roster of the FYR Macedonian senior national team.

Jeremiah Massey
Jeremiah Massey
   #3. The FYR Macedonian player who performed third best last week abroad was former international forward Jeremiah Massey (202-82, college: Kansas St., currently plays in EuroChallenge). He contributed to an easy victory against the fourth-ranked Ploiesti (0-5) crushing them 97-72 in the EuroChallenge on Wednesday night. Massey scored 11 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 21 minutes. Krasnie Krilya Samara (5-0) is placed first in group B. So far his team won all five games in the Regular Season. They will play only one more game in the EuroChallenge Regular Season. And that game will be critical. This year Massey's overall stats are: 9.0ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.3apg, 2FGP: 62.5%(10-16), 3FGP: 30.8% in the four games. He is a naturalized American. Massey played for the FYR Macedonian national team three years ago. Apparently he has never played in FYR Macedonia.

Vlado Ilievski
Vlado Ilievski
   #4. Point guard Vlado Ilievski (190-80, also represented by Beo Basket, currently plays in Adriatic League) contributed to an easy victory against the eighth-ranked Krka (5-6) 97-78 in the Adriatic League in Sunday night's game. Ilievski scored 12 points. KK Cedevita Zagreb (7-4) is placed third in the Adriatic League. Ilievski's total stats this season are: 4.9ppg and 1.4apg. He is another player who holds two passports: FYR Macedonian and Slovenian. Ilievski is also FYR Macedonian national team player.

Vojdan Stojanovski
Vojdan Stojanovski
   #5. International guard Vojdan Stojanovski (194-87, currently plays in Ukraine), who plays in the Ukrainian Superleague could not help BC Donetsk (7-8) in their last game. Despite his very good performance BC Donetsk was badly defeated 86-69 on the road by the higher-ranked (#4) Azovmash. Stojanovski was the top scorer with 17 points in 29 minutes. It's Stojanovski's first season with the team. He has relatively good stats this year: 11.8ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.5apg and 1.2spg in the 10 games. Stojanovski plays currently for the FYR Macedonian national team.

Marques Green
Marques Green
   #6. Point guard Marques Green (167-82, college: St.Bonaventure, currently plays in Euroleague) is a teammate of previously mentioned Vlado Ilievski. But that was another game of his team in Euroleague which we would like to mention. Green was not able to help Cedevita (2-7) in their game against Olympiacos (7-2). He scored 6 points and had 3 steals. The sixth-placed Cedevita was crushed 84-62 at home by the leading Olympiacos in the group C of Euroleague. Green belongs to league's most steals and is ranked #5. His total stats this season are: 5.6ppg, 1.7rpg, 3.7apg and 1.6spg. Green is a naturalized American. He is a former international player as he played for the FYR Macedonian senior team two years ago. Interesting that Green has never played in FYR Macedonia.

Predrag Samardziski
Predrag Samardziski
   #7. International center Predrag Samardziski (215-86, another player represented by Beo Basket, currently plays in VTB United League) was not able to secure a victory for Lietuvos rytas (3-4) in their game against Khimky (6-1) in the VTB United League. He recorded 6 points in only 12 minutes. Lietuvos rytas (#6) lost 69-80 in Khimki to the leading Khimky in the group A of VTB United League. This year Samardziski's total stats are: 4.7ppg and 3.7rpg in the six games. He is also FYR Macedonian national team player.

Bojan Krstevski
Bojan Krstevski
   #8. Power forward Bojan Krstevski (205-89, currently plays in Balkan League) managed to help Enosi Kalathosfairisis Kavalas to win against one of league's weakest teams Kozuv (3-4) 87-77 in the Balkan League in Wednesday night's game. Krstevski recorded only 4 points. Enosi Kalathosfairisis Kavalas (3-2) is placed eighth in the Balkan League. There are only three games left until the end of the Balkan League Regular Season. So now every game is very crucial. Krstevski has averaged so far 4.6ppg and 3.2rpg. He used to play for the FYR Macedonian U20 national team back in 2009.

The list of other players, who all have FYR Macedonian passport but never been selected to any of FYR Macedonian national teams:

   #1. Jovan Zdravevski (197-F-80, currently plays in Iceland) led Stjarnan to a victory against the closely-ranked Skallagrimur 98-84 in the Icelandic Dominos League last Thursday. Zdravevski scored 12 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and dished 3 assists. Stjarnan (6-3) is placed third in the Dominos League. Zdravevski is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's his fifth year in Stjarnan's roster. He has averaged so far 9.3ppg, 2.9rpg and 2.1apg. Zdravevski has a dual citizenship: FYR Macedonian and Icelandic.

   #2. Cedi Osman (195-SG-95, currently plays in Turkey) contributed to Pertevniyal's victory against one of league's weakest teams Baskent Genclik (2-8) 68-62 in the Turkish TB2L (second division) on Saturday night. He recorded 10 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 35 minutes. Pertevniyal Istanbul (5-5) is placed 11th in the TB2L. But the season is still in it's first stage and everything can happen. This year Osman has relatively solid stats: 14.4ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.2apg and 1.1spg in the 10 games he played so far. He is another player who holds two passports: FYR Macedonian and Turkish. Despite Osman's FYR Macedonian nationality, he currently plays for the Turkish U18 national team and is not eligible to play for the FYR Macedonian team.

   #3. Tomcho Sokolov (205-F/C-84, agency: Prossin Sports Management, currently plays in Turkey), who plays in the Turkish TB2L (second division) could not help Pi Koleji (3-7) to beat Gelisim (5-5). Sokolov recorded 5 points in 19 minutes. Pi Koleji lost 70-74 at home to the much higher-ranked (#9) Gelisim. It was Pi Koleji's fifth consecutive loss in a row. But there are still lots of games to play and it's a long way to go. Sokolov has averaged so far 7.6ppg and 6.3rpg in the 10 games.


*****************************************************
  GABON   


African Champions Cup: ESS topple Manga - by Eurobasket News

ES Sahel - Manga BB 73:56

ES Sahel claimed victory in the classification round at the African Champions Cup. They knocked down Manga to set up the clash Libolo for the fifth overall position tomorrow. Manga will take on ABC in the search of the 7th position.
ESS jumped to an early lead. They grabbed 20:10 lead after ten minutes. The Tunisian side stretched the gap in the second frame. ESS accumulated a 42:23 halftime advantage. The teams traded baskets throughout the third term. ES Sahel entered the fourth period up by 19 points. Manga outscored their opponents in the final frame but came up way too short of victory at the end. Ziyed Chennoufi (202-F-88) delivered 14 points and 11 boards for the winners. Omar Mouhli (190-G-86) and Moez Mestiri (199-F-83) added 12 points each for ESS. Raymond Koumen (85) netted 16 points for Manga BB. Darlyse Obango (88) had 12 points and 7 rebounds in the loss.

ES Sahel: Ziyed Chennoufi 14+11 boards, Omar Mouhli 12, Moez Mestiri 12
Manga BB: Raymond Koumen 16, Darlyse Obango 12


*****************************************************
  GEORGIA   

Highest League Standing

Superleague Standings
 1. Rustavi 7-1 
 2. MIA Academy 6-0 
 3. Olimpi 5-1 
 4. Armia 5-2 
 5. Kutaisi 5-2 
 6. Dinamo Tbilisi 3-3 
 7. TSU Tbilisi 2-5 
 8. Batumi 2-5 
 9. Sokhumi 1-5 
 10. Samedicino 0-6 
 11. STU Tbilisi 0-6 

Regular Season: Round 8

Dec. 7: Rustavi - Armia 79-77
Dec. 8: STU Tbilisi - Batumi
Dec. 8: MIA Academy - Olimpi
Dec. 8: Dinamo Tbilisi - Sokhumi
Dec. 8: TSU Tbilisi - Samedicino


Geogian Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Kirk ARCHIBEQUE
  MIA A.
  (205-C-84)
  Avg: 22.2
 1. Archibeque, MIA A.22.2 
 2. Chlaidze, Sokhumi20.8 
 3. Bowie, Rustavi19.5 
 4. Matiashvili, Kutai.18.3 
 5. Karim, Dinamo Tbil.17.8 
 6. Fatsatsia, Olimpi17.0 
 7. Bakradze, TSU T.15.6 
 8. Kadaria, Sokhumi15.0 
 9. Nelson, Rustavi14.8 
 10. Nanitashvili, Bat.14.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Stevan MILOSEVIC
  Olimpi
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 12.2
 1. Milosevic, Olimpi12.2 
 2. Archibeque, MIA A.11.8 
 3. Kadaria, Sokhumi11.5 
 4. Matiashvili, Kutai.11.3 
 5. Keshelava, Batumi9.7 
 6. Aselaini, TSU T.9.2 
 7. Prewitt, MIA A.8.0 
 8. Nelson, Rustavi7.9 
 9. Revazashvili, Same.7.7 
 10. Wilson, Armia7.3 
Assists Per Game
 Deonta VAUGHN
  MIA A.
  (185-PG-86)
  Avg: 9.4
 1. Vaughn, MIA A.9.4 
 2. Sokk, Olimpi6.8 
 3. Gamqrelidze, Armia6.0 
 4. Pashayev, Kutaisi5.3 
 5. Gaprindashvi., Sam.4.8 
 6. Lezhava, Dinamo T.4.7 
 7. Karim, Dinamo Tbil.4.7 
 8. Baakashvili, Sokhu.4.2 
 9. Bakradze, TSU T.4.1 
 10. Bowie, Rustavi3.9 
Steals Per Game
 Deonta VAUGHN
  MIA A.
  (185-PG-86)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. Vaughn, MIA A.3.2 
 2. Bowie, Rustavi2.9 
 3. Ramishvili, Batumi2.3 
 4. Dvalishvili, Olimpi2.2 
 5. Millage, Armia2.2 
 6. Chochua, Rustavi2.0 
 7. Bakradze, TSU T.1.7 
 8. Machaladze, STU T.1.7 
 9. Chikviladze, Dinam.1.7 
 10. Babunashvili, Kut.1.6 
Blocks Per Game
 Richard MATIASHVILI
  Kutaisi
  (207-C-89)
  Avg: 1.4
 1. Matiashvili, Kutai.1.4 
 2. Milosevic, Olimpi1.3 
 3. Kobidze, TSU T.1.2 
 4. Kadaria, Sokhumi1.2 
 5. Aselaini, TSU T.1.0 
 6. Kjellbom, Armia1.0 
 7. Archibeque, MIA A.1.0 
 8. Nazmiev, Sokhumi1.0 
 9. Kvelashvili, Batumi1.0 
 10. Tukvadze, Samed.0.8 



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

Standings - Pro B

ProB Standings
Group North
 1. Schwelm 9-1 
 2. Rist Wedel 8-2 
 3. Herten Lions 7-3 
 4. Dorsten 5-5 
 5. BSW Sixers 5-5 
 6. Recklinghausen 5-5 
 7. MTV Wolfenbuettel 4-6 
 8. Hannover 4-6 
 9. Oldenburg 4-6 
 10. Wulfen 3-7 
 11. Stahnsdorf 3-7 
 12. SU Medien 3-7 
Group South
 1. Dragons 10-0 
 2. Weissenhorn 7-3 
 3. Hanau 6-4 
 4. Langen 6-4 
 5. Licher Baeren 6-4 
 6. Bayer Giants 5-5 
 7. Noerdlingen 5-5 
 8. Fraport SKY II 5-6 
 9. Dresden 4-7 
 10. Konstanz 3-7 
 11. Leitershofen 3-7 
 12. TSV Troester 1-9 

Regular Season: Round 11

North

Dec. 8: Rist Wedel - Hannover
Dec. 8: Recklinghausen - Oldenburg
Dec. 8: Schwelm - BSW Sixers
Dec. 8: SU Medien - Stahnsdorf
Dec. 8: Wulfen - Dorsten
Dec. 8: MTV Wolfenbuettel - Herten Lions

South

Dec. 7: Dresden - Fraport SKY II 100-90
Dec. 8: Hanau - Licher Baeren
Dec. 8: Weissenhorn - Langen
Dec. 8: TSV Troester - Konstanz
Dec. 9: Bayer Giants - Noerdlingen
Dec. 9: Leitershofen - Dragons


Vule Avdalovic to miss the reminder of the season - by Eurobasket News

ALBA Berlin suffered a heavy blow as Vule Avdalovic (189-PG-81, agency: Beo Basket) got injured. The guard will have to miss the reminder of the season after the rupture in ligaments in his left knee. Vule Avdalovic suffered an injury during a Euroleague encounter versus Unicaja Malaga. The guard tallied 7.1 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game in the German Bundesliga. Vule Avdalovic also notched 7.4 points, 3.0 assists and 2.6 boards per appearance in EuroLeague.


Paul Harrison: "I just think the Sixers wasn't the right fit for me" - by Moritz Korff

One of the most productive big men at the NCAA Division 2 level last season, Paul Harrison (203-C-89, college: N.Greenville) struggled to put up solid numbers during his first job as a professional and thus was waived by 2. Bundesliga Pro B team BSW Sixers in November. "I was not playing to the best of my ability", the 23-year-old Alpharetta, Georgia native said. Sixers' head coach Stephen Arigbabu had high hopes following Harrison's showings in the preseason exhibition games, but felt that he had to make a change as the rookie was not able to continue the same way in the first nine encounters of the regular season. "I definitely played a lot better in the preseason than in the regular season", Harrison admits.

In the Pro B he scored 10.2 points per contest (playing 21:29 minutes a game), a number below his rebounding (10.4rpg) during his senior season at North Greenwood and had a 3.3 boards per game-average. He had some decent performances though, showing flashes of his potential and contributing in double digits on five occasions, including a personal season-high 18 points against Wolfenbuettel (converting eight of his eleven finishing opportunities) and two 16 points-performances (against Recklinghausen and Wedel), in which he impressed with high percentage shooting as well. "My overall game could have been better, I just think the Sixers wasn't the right fit for me", he says. Considering the stats line that he posted for the Knights last year (17.9ppg, 10.4rpg, 2.4apg, 2.0bpg), which resulted in All-Conference Carolinas Second Team honors, he remains confident for his further career: "I think I could be a very dominate player at the Pro B level. No doubt in my mind I could average a double double (in this league). Right now I am in Finland with Kaarinan URA Baskets to see if this is a better fit. I'm sure it will be."



Can Dru Joyce (EWE Baskets Oldenburg) Help Forget Bobby Dont Be Cruel Brown This Season? - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

After reaching the Beko BBL playoffs year after year, it can quickly become a matter of course for a renowned organization like the EWE Baskets Oldenburg continuing to reach the post season each season as its is for NBA superstar Rajon Rondo to make at least one spectacular eyebrow raising pass each game. After four consecutive playoff appearances and winning the 2009 Beko BBL championship, the club missed the Beko BBL playoffs last season finishing in 10th place despite a very competitive roster. With the arrival of ex NBA player Bobby Brown last season, it seemed like a given that the team would not only reach the playoffs, but possibly reach the final, but the California native was unable to lead the club into the promised land in May. At the times the ex Sacramento King seemed more obsessed with his own scoring average than doing what was best for the team. His lethal scoring at times was so destructive it seemed that the best for the opponent could have been to blare out the famous Bobby Brown hit Dont be cruel in hopes that he might stop, but in the end his scoring wasnt even consistent enough to get the extra needed victories. Despite leading the Beko BBL in scoring last season and being in fifth place for best assist average, there were numerous games where his one on one play and ego got in the way in crunch time and he could have been wearing a Amare Stoudemire mask and no one would of noticed. This season new Oldenburg head coach Sebastian Machowski hauled in Lebron James friend Dru Joyce (183-PG-85, college: Akron) who is as much of a classical point guard as NBA legend John Stockton was back in the day. The Ohio native can score if needed, but in his four seasons in the Beko BBL with Ulm and Trier he has been second in assists twice and third once and would most likely choose the pass over a lay up on a 2-0. Oldenburg hopes that his non ego playmaking skills will lead the team back into the Beko BBL playoffs. Joyce knows what he can do and has the needed self confidence to be successful as a professional basketball player. I go out and try to be a good leader. I know that I am a pretty good playmaker that also likes to create and finish. Key for me also is to play good defense, warned Dru Joyce. One of the better and more underrated defenders in the Beko BBL is TBB Trier forward Nate Linhart who remembers Joyce well from Akron where they were teammates and from Trier. Dru has continued to develop his penetration and point guard skills the last years. He is a lot more physical and sees the court better. He has improved his pick and role play the most, stressed Nate Linhart. If the EWE Baskets Oldenburg reach the Beko BBL playoffs this season, then fans wont remember how cruel the offseason and long summer was.

Since their amazing 2009 Beko BBL title where they beat Bonn in a nail biting 5th game 71-70, the team has reached the playoffs the two following years, but missed them last year and for fans and critics have stayed behind their expectations losing in the quarterfinals of the playoffs each time. In 2010-2011, the EWE Baskets Oldenburg finished the season in sixth place with a record of 20-14. The teams biggest wins were sweeping the Artland Dragons and wins against Frankfurt, Bremerhaven and Goettingen, but were swept by Bamberg and Alba Berlin. Oldenburg had done a good job again with getting strong individual players, but had no real knowledge of team basketball. In the Beko BBL playoffs, the EWE Baskets Oldenburg showed a spirited fight against 8 time Beko BBL champion Alba Berlin coming back after being in the hole 0-2, they won the next two games including an exciting 80-79, win in game 4, but then had no power left in their thunderbird wings as they were destroyed 99-68 in the 0-2 arena.

After a serious house cleaning in 2010-2011, they were content to do it again last season as 10 players left. The first order of business was keeping 29 year old Rickey Paulding (12.8ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 30.6%, FT: 79.5%)who will be playing his 5th season in Oldenburg, brought back 28 year old 207cm Serb Miljan Mastorovic who played in the ACB for Assignia Manresa playing 33 games: 6.9ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 64.9% who was the three point killer who was instrumental in the 2009 championship for Oldenburg and 24 year old 208cm German /Dutch Robin Schmeulders (: EuroCup: 6 games: 5.3ppg, 1.8rpg, FGP: 55.0%, FT: 83.3%; German League: 17 games: 2.6ppg, 1.6rpg. They have brought in strong players again led by Bobby Brown who brought 108 NBA games experience. The club hoped some of his albatross magic from the 2008 Beko BBL title would still be with him and rub off on the Thunderbirds team. But no such luck rubbed off on Oldenburg.

With so much hype before the season, the EWE Baskets simply werent a consistent force in the Beko BBL last season. After starting off the season with a two game winning streak, they then lost three games in a row. They had two three games winning streaks, but simply too little to be able to compete with the Bambergs, Berlins or Ulms this season One of their biggest problems was their lack of being able to beat any top playoff teams. They lost the season series to the Artland Dragons where David Holston was able to lead his team clearly over ex NBA player Bobby Brown. The club was unable to beat Bamberg or Alba Berlin or ratiopharm Ulm. Their biggest wins were against FC Bayern Munich and Bremerhaven. The team continued to be an enigma. Losing in Wurzburg can always happen, but only scoring 42 points when it was averaging 80 points a game just forces the basketball follower to say WOW. In the next game, they score 89 points against one of the top defensive teams in the league with the Brose Baskets Bamberg. They finished the season with a 3-4 record and missed the playoffs finishing in tenth place with a record of 16-18. Long time head coach Predrag Krunich was let go near the end of the season as he was unable to reach his players anymore.

The goal of the EWE Baskets Oldenburg this season is reach the Beko BBL playoffs and will need to help support the new 6000 seat arena which will be ready for use in the Spring of 2013. The first order of business was getting a strong coach and that was done with ex German national player Sebastian Machowski. Machowski has had a very consistent and strong short coaching career winning a cup in his second season in 2009 with SKK Kotwica Kolobrzeg. He then moved to the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig taking their program to the playoffs for three consecutive seasons. With Braunschweig he also understood how to find the right mix of players to have success. With Oldenburg, he has made the next step going to a potential playoff team that has a higher budget than the Phantoms. Machowski is different to Krunich in that he seeks more communication with his players and doesnt rely on a standard system, but allows his players more freedom and that each player always has many options to be able to make their own decisions. Machowski did a good job keeping possibly more players than one might have expected with seven and getting four new components for the building of the winning team. Only one player is left from the 2009 title win and that is American Rickey Paulding who is starting his sixth season for the team and is the heart and soul of the team and can still hurt you with his offense. Adam Chubb remains who has become more of a beast under the boards this season simply because he needs to do more there. Power Forward Ronald Burrell returns who can still battle with the best of them and can be a deadly player that can make the extra pass. Ex Skyliner Dominic Bahiense De Mello returns for a second season and is looking for more minutes. The team also Jannik Freese who is an animal in practice, but is still searching for his Beko BBL breakthrough. The team also returns Robin Smeulders who is a solid role player from the bench and German Kevin Schmit. The team signed experienced American Julius Jenkins who has the most hardware on the team and gives that deadly scoring touch. The team brought in classic point guard Dru Joyce who is still developing as a player. Konrad Wysocki also returns back to the Beko BBL after three seasons in Poland. Wysocki can play the three four position and will give the team energy on both ends of the court. American Chris Kramer was also added wo is a work horse on offense and defense and sometimes one may think he likes defense more than offense. He led Wurzburg in scoring and can penetrate with the best of them. The biggest strength of the team is their experience and guys that have won titles. The team also is very athletic and will defend better than last season due to guys like Kramer and Wysocki arriving. With more freedom on offense, the team should have more joy for creativity in the offense. The team is very talented and can really only defeat themselves and not think too much about having to get back to the Beko BBL playoffs. With Chubb, the team only has one strong dominant center, so team rebounding will have to be on the agenda during every game.

Since the 2005-2006 season, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners have a weak 7-9 record against The EWE Baskets Oldenburg. In the 2005-2006 season, even five years later stick in the minds of many as in the 98-75 loss in Oldenburg saw Malick Badiane get ejected after kicking a chair and in the last game of the season, Frankfurt had to win to stay in the league and did 70-58 thanks to 22 points from American Kavossy Franklin. In the 2006-2007 season, won the season series with a 80-70 win in Oldenburg and a 76-70 win at home despite 30 points from Ricky Paulding.In the 2007-2008 season, the teams split the season series as Derrick Allen combined for 48 points in the two games. In the 2008-2009 season, the teams split the season series as Frankfurt totally crushed Oldenburg 84-53 at home, but lost 66-58 on the road. Oldenburg got the last laugh in the quarterfinals of the playoffs winning the series 3-1. In 2009-2010, Frankfurt lost a nail bitter in Oldenburg 63-61 and 75-69 at home despite 26 points from Derrick Allen. In 2010-2011, The two teams split the season series with Frankfurt losing a bitter 70-67 game which they led for most of the game, but let it slip away at the end while they won at home 76-71 fueled by 24 points by Dashaun wood. Last season, the two also split the season series and both teams met in the first game of the season as Oldenburg jumped all over Frankfurt 72-53 as Frankfurt had a horrible shooting day as Oldenburg was led by 17 points by Ronald Burrell. In the return game in Oldenburg, the Fraport Skyliners were going through their euphoric second half of the season and rode into Oldenburg with a lot of confidence winning 75-67 as the team held on to win a nail bitter. Despite 22 points from Bobby Brown, Skyliner Jermario Davidson out did him scoring 25 points, getting seven rebounds and making two blocks while Jimmy Mckinney contributed 16 points. On Saturday The sixth in the standings with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg meet 14th placed Fraport Skyliners. The EWE Baskets started the season hot winning four of their first five games winning in Munich and in Wurzburg two very difficult places to win at, but since then have a 3-4 record seeming to be in a early season funk. There only big highlight this season so far has been their immaculate unbeaten record in Eurochallenge play. This will be another tough game for the Fraport Skyliners as every game is a game seven for them this season as they might be short handed again and Oldenburg is a stronger team than Wurzburg and rebound very well. Oldenburg is one of the quality teams in the league and made big changes from last season. They have a good roster with good inside out play. Oldenburg is more talented than Wurzburg and we will have to work hard. We have to dictate the game with our defense and not let them run and make easy points, stressed Fraport Skyliners head coach Muli Katzurin. We have to come out aggressive on defense and execute on offense, added Quantez Robertson.

The EWE Baskets Oldenburg are led by Adam Chubb who is a 31 year old 208cm power forward/center from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania that is a Very athletic big man, runs the floor extremely well. Sound fundamental player who has good hands, fine low-post presence and is a good passer to players who are open or cutting to the basket. Can defend a center in the low-post as well as a power forward perimeter player. He is playing his ninth professional season and seventh in Germany.After starting his professional basketball career in Korea in 2004, he then played in Germany for Giessen, Bremerhaven, Artland and Alba Berlin before getting some valuable experience in 2010-2011 for CAI Zaragoza (Spain-ACB): 34 games: 7.4ppg, 3.9rpg, FGP: 52.0%, FT: 69.4%. He won a Beko BBL cup for Artland and Alba Berlin. Last season for Oldenburg he played EuroChallenge: 12 games: 11.7ppg, 6.3rpg, FGP: 61.5%, FT: 73.7%; German League: 34 games: 12.4ppg, Reb-2 (8.5rpg), 1.7apg, FGP: 64.1%, FT: 77.2%. 31 year old 187 cm guard American Julius Jenkins is playing his first season in Oldenburg and has developed into one of the top players in the BBL after first being recognized in the 2004-2005 season as he averaged 27,1ppg in the second Bundesliga for Nurnberg. He played a season in Bree, Belgium getting ULEB Cup experience before coming to Berlin in 2006 where he since has become a household name. His best scoring season was 2007-2008 where he played 45 games: Score-3 (18.2ppg), 2.9rpg, 2.8apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 57.8%, 3FGP: 42.0%, FT: 81.4%. In 2009-2010, he played EuroCup: 14 games: 14.0ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 43.1%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 74.3%; German League: 35 games: Score-5 (14.8ppg), 1.7rpg, 2.5apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 44.3%, FT: 80.2%. He is an explosive scorer from the point guard or the shooting guard position; possesses the ability to score and create his own shot at anytime; Has very long arms and great leaping ability; unlimited range on the jump shot, which allows him to stretch the defense. You have to pray that he misses. You have to be physical with him and make sure the bigs hedge hard on ball screens, warned Omari Westley. With Berlin, Jenkins has won a number of awards such as Bundesliga All-Star Game -08 (MVP), Bundesliga Champion -08 (Finals MVP), Eurocup finalist 2010 and German Bundesliga Cup Winner -09 (FinalFour MVP). Last season in Bamberg he played Euroleague: 10 games: 10.4ppg, 1.4apg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 95.0%; German League: 37 games: 9.7ppg, 1.5rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 63.9%.

Ronald Burrell is a 29 year old 204cm power forward from Montclair, New Jersey playing hiss econd season for Oldenburg. After an NCAA career at North Carolina-Greensboro, he came to Europe in 2005 to France to play for Levallois SCB. He then came to Germany and played for Rhein Energy Cologne and the Telekom Baskets Bonn. He then played for Polish Euroleague team Asseco Prokom Gdynia winning 3 Polish titles and amassing 45 Euroleague games. In 2010-2011 in Poland, he played Euroleague: 9 games: 3.7ppg, 3.4rpg; Polish League: 34 games: 5.8ppg, 4.3rpg, FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 73.8%. Last season for Oldenburg, he played EuroChallenge: 11 games: 12.5ppg, 5.5rpg, FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 48.0%, FT: 84.2%; German League: 29 games: 12.4ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 54.3%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 80.5%. Chris Kramer is a 23 year old 191cm from Huntington, Indiana that is playing his first season for Oldenburg. Kramer had a solid career at Purdue and in his senior year played 35 games: 6.5ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.3apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 74.7%. At Purdue, he won the Big ten tournament in 2009 and reached the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2010. He also was the All-Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 2010.In 2010-2011 as a professional rookie, he played for Fort Wayne Mad Ants (D-League, starting five): 41 games: 13.8ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.8apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 81.9%. In June 2011, he signed at Mets de Guaynabo (Puerto Rico-BSN, starting five): 12 games: 8.8ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.9apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 69.8%. Last season for the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg he played 41 games: 11.2ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.0apg, Steals-2 (1.5spg), FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 25.5%, FT: 73.9%. This past summer he played at the AirTran Orlando Summer League (Indiana Pacers): 3 games: 4.7ppg, 1.3rpg. Dru Joyce is a 27 year old 183cm point guard. He is the typical floor general who supplies leadership, court vision and points when needed. He returned back to the BEKO BBL last season to Trier after playing for Ratiopharm Ulm from 2007-2009. Each season, he was the second best assist man in the BEKO BBL. His best season in Ulm was 2008-2009 as he led the club into the playoffs playing 34 games averaging 10.1ppg, 1.8rpg, Assists-2 (4.5apg), FGP: 42.8%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 73.0%. He is best known for playing along side NBA superstar Lebron James at St Marys and winning three high school titles. He played at Akron from 2003-2007 as in his senior year, he played 33 games averaging 10.0ppg, 2.4rpg, 4.3apg, FGP: 41.3%, 3Pts: 39.6%, FT: 65.6%. In 2009-2010, he played in Poland forEnerga Czarni Slupsk (Poland-PLK, starting five), Polish League: 6 games: 4.5ppg, 1.5rpg, 3.0apg; in Nov.'09 moved to Anwil Wloclawek (Poland-PLK): 27 games: 7.5ppg, 1.6rpg, 3.4apg, FGP: 41.0%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 75.9%. I played for two very good coaches. One was from Latvia and the other was from Belarus. It was a new situation for me since I had always played for American coaches. They both had different styles. I had some ups and downs in Poland, but I learned to always keep fighting when I was going through a rough time. You always have to be ready when called upon, stressed Dru Joyce. Last season for TBB Trier, he played : 34 games: 11.6ppg, 2.9rpg, 4.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 40.6%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 69.2%.

Konrad Wysocki is a 30 year old 201cm forward that returns back to the Beko BBL after three seasons in Poland. He started his basketball career in 2000 for Ivy league school Princeton where he played until 2004. He then turned professional playing for BG Goettingen and Erdgas Ehingen for moving to ratiopharm Ulm in January 2006 where he played until 2008. He helped Mike Taylor and ratiopharm Ulm reach the Beko BBL in 2006. In 2008-2009 he played for the Deutsche Bank Skyliners. Last season for PGE Turow Zgorzelec (Poland-PLK) he played Euroleague Qualifying Round: 1 game: 14pts, 6reb, 1ast, 1steal; EuroCup: 6 games: 9.5ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 57.7%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 64.3%; Polish League: 43 games: 9.0ppg, 3.7rpg, FGP: 60.7%, 3PT: 41.1%, FT: 74.3%. Rickey Paulding returns for a sixth season to Oldenburg. Paulding is a 30 year old 196cm guard/forward from Detroit, Michigan that is a exciting wing player. Natural position is small forward. Can play the 2 spot. Excels in the transition game, and is arguably one of the nation's most explosive leapers who can finish a play with highlight-reel ability. He played at Missouri from 2000-2004 with good friend Jimmy Mckinney. He reached the NCAA Final 8 in 2002. He was drafted by the by Detroit Pistons (NBA,2rd (54) in 2004. As a rookie, he played for Hapoel Jerusalem (Israel-Premier L.): ULEB Cup: 10 games: 9,2ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.6spg, FGP: 64.7%, 3Pts: 25.0%; Israeli Premier League: 22 games: 12.5ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.9apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 58.5%, 3FGP: 51.9%. In 2005-2006, he played for Adecco ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne (France-ProA): ULEB Cup: 12 games: 10.8ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.3apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 58.5%, 3FGP: 32.7%, FT: 70.4%; French League: 24 games: 9.7ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 43.4%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 69.8%. In 2006-2007, he played for BCM Gravelines Dunkerque Grand Littoral (France-ProA): FIBA EuroCup: 6 games: 16.3ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.0apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 65.8%, 3FGP: 37.5%, FT: 53.8%; French League: 33 games: 13.2ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.5apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 47.3%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 69.7%. Last season for Oldenburg, he palyed EuroChallenge: 12 games: 10.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 27.7%, FT: 78.3%; German League: 34 games: 12.4ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 53.9%, 3PT: 40.2%, FT: 83.6%. He is a four time Beko BBL Allstar. 25 year old 207cm forward/center Robin Smeulders who has the Dutch/German citizenship is playing his third season in Oldenburg. He started his basketball career in 2004 for SG FT/MTV Braunschweig (Germany-2.Bundesliga) where he played until 2006. He then played four seasons at Portland (NCAA) where he played a total of 95 NCAA games. Last season for Oldenburg, he played EuroChallenge: 7 games: 4.3ppg, 4.3rpg; German League: 25 games: 4.5ppg, 3.9rpg. He has been with the Dutch national team since 2010 and last summer played Qualifications to European Championships 2013 -12: 8 games: 14.3ppg, 8.3rpg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 76.7%. Dominic Bahiense De Mello is a 27 year old 190cm guard that is playing his second season for Oldenburg. He started his career in 1999 for the Telekom Bonn Cadet Team. He then played for Rhondorf from 2001-2005. He then played for the Frankfurt Skyliners from 2005-2011 playing a total of 188 Beko BBL games and 214 total games. Last season for Oldenburg he played EuroChallenge: 12 games: 7.3ppg, 1.0rpg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 43.1%, FT: 83.3%; German League: 34 games: 4.2ppg, 1.5rpg. . Freese is a 26 year old 211cm center. .He played many years in Braunschweig, but never getting a real chance to showcase his talent until he got to Giessen in 2008. In the three years in Giessen, he played 76 beko BBL games. Last season for Oldenburg he played EuroChallenge: 6 games: 2.2ppg, 2.2rpg; German League: 17 games: 1.6ppg, 1.2rpg.




Beckham Wyrick Stays Until 2014 With BBC Bayreuth - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Sometimes things develop so quickly as a few weeks ago, nobody knew what the future of Beckham Wyrick (198-F-83, agency: Pro One Sports, college: NC-Wilmington) had in store, but after a long campaign of gathering up donations to help finance Beckham Wyrick, the team was able to give him a contract extension until the end of the 2012-2013 season. Now only a week later with another new sponsor on board, http://www.nordbayerischer-kurier.de has reported that the club will keep the likeable American until 2014. A smart move by the team since the American from Ohio will most likely have a German passport soon and as a German he will be so much more expensive. Wyrick has played 11 games avergaging 8,4ppg, 3,2rpg, 1,1apg and is shooting 45,5% from outside. The American who is slowly becoming a fan favorite with BBC Bayreuth has played his whole professional basketball career in Germany for Leverkusen, Bamberg, Munich and now will try to help the Franken team reach the playoffs.


EuroLeague: Lietuvos Rytas edge Brose Baskets in Vilnius - by Eurobasket News

Lietuvos Rytas - Brose Baskets 67:62

Lietuvos Rytas clinched a vital win in the Euroleague Group D. They held off Brose Baskets to improve at 2-7 record for a three-team tie in the fourth position in the ladder. Renaldas Seibutis (198-SG-85) scored 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to pace the Vilnius team.
Lietuvos Rytas and Bamberg exchanged baskets throughout the opening quarter. The scoreboard read 15:15 after ten minutes. Lietuvos Rytas surged ahead in the second term. They established a 35:28 halftime advantage. Brose Baskets slowed the hosts down in the third term. The German team got within 5 points midway through the quarter. Renaldas Seibutis and Samardziski stretched the margin to 7 points at the final break 50:43. Lietuvos Rytas stayed calm throughout the fourth frame. They kept Brose Baskets at bay and rallied to the victory at the end. Leon Radosevic (206-C-90) provided 11 points and 9 rebounds, while Janis Blums (191-SG-82) and Simas Buterlevicius (200-F-89) added 8 points each for the winners. Bostjan Nachbar (207-F-80) and Maik Zirbes (208-C-90) responded with 12 points each for Brose Baskets.

Lietuvos Rytas: Renaldas Seibutis 19+10 boards, Leon Radosevic 11, Janis Blums 8, Simas Buterlevicius 8
Brose Baskets: Bostjan Nachbar 12, Maik Zirbes 12


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

Standings - A2

A2 Standings
 1. Nea Kifisia 9-0 
 2. Filathlitikos 8-1 
 3. Koroivos 7-2 
 4. Trikalla 7-2 
 5. Ikaroi Serron 6-3 
 6. Lavrio 6-3 
 7. Agia Paraskevis 5-4 
 8. Ermis Lagkada 4-4 
 9. Pagrati 4-5 
 10. Irakleio 2-6 
 11. Arkadikos 2-7 
 12. Doxa Lefkadas 1-8 
 13. OFI 1-8 
 14. Niki Volou 0-9 

Regular Season: Round 9

Dec. 8: Pagrati - Ermis Lagkada
Dec. 8: Trikalla - Koroivos
Dec. 8: Ikaroi Serron - Nea Kifisia
Dec. 8: Irakleio - OFI
Dec. 8: Lavrio - Doxa Lefkadas
Dec. 8: Filathlitikos - Niki Volou
Dec. 8: Agia Paraskevis - Arkadikos


Stats Leaders - A2

Points Per Game
 Giorgos ANAGNOSTOPOULOS
  Ermis L.
  (207-C-80)
  Avg: 21.8
 1. Anagnostopou., Erm.21.8 
 2. Karaboulas, Nea K.21.1 
 3. Totsios, Ikaroi S.19.9 
 4. Giannakopoul., Lav.18.9 
 5. Vranjes, Pagrati17.9 
 6. Psileas, Agia P.16.8 
 7. Tsiotras, Arkadikos16.0 
 8. Cubrilo, Arkadikos15.3 
 9. Kaklamanos, Trikal.15.0 
 10. Tsiakas, Agia P.14.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Petros NOEAS
  Koroivos
  (204-F-87)
  Avg: 9.6
 1. Noeas, Koroivos9.6 
 2. Anagnostopou., Erm.9.1 
 3. Cubrilo, Arkadikos8.8 
 4. Manousos, Doxa L.8.4 
 5. Doychinov, OFI7.9 
 6. Kitsoulis, OFI7.1 
 7. Papachristos, Trik.7.1 
 8. Charismidis, Trika.6.7 
 9. Pelkic, Irakleio6.6 
 10. Pagonis, Lavrio6.1 
Assists Per Game
 Fotis VASILOPOULOS
  Pagrati
  (187-G-86)
  Avg: 5.7
 1. Vasilopoulos, Pagr.5.7 
 2. Karydas, Koroivos5.6 
 3. Moschovitis, Nea K.5.6 
 4. Gikas, Filathlitik.5.0 
 5. Tsiotras, Arkadikos4.0 
 6. Saloustros, Filath.4.0 
 7. Katsares, Trikalla3.8 
 8. Cosic, Koroivos3.6 
 9. Giannakopoul., Lav.3.5 
 10. Papadakis, OFI3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Nikos KATSARES
  Trikalla
  (190-G-83)
  Avg: 3.5
 1. Katsares, Trikalla3.5 
 2. Onasoglou, Ermis L.2.3 
 3. Karydas, Koroivos2.1 
 4. Gikas, Filathlitik.2.1 
 5. Tsiotras, Arkadikos2.1 
 6. Vranjes, Pagrati2.0 
 7. Sakellarakis, Irak.1.9 
 8. Kapiniaris, Ikaroi1.9 
 9. Giannakopoul., Lav.1.9 
 10. Ioakeimidis, Ermi.1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Thanasis ADETOKOUBO
  Filath.
  (200-F-93)
  Avg: 1.3
 1. Adetokoubo, Filath.1.3 
 2. Papachristos, Trik.1.3 
 3. Sigounas, Arkadikos1.0 
 4. Doychinov, OFI1.0 
 5. Charismidis, Trika.0.9 
 6. Pelkic, Irakleio0.9 
 7. Pavlovic, Pagrati0.9 
 8. Vagenas, Doxa L.0.9 
 9. Georgitsis, Ermis0.6 
 10. Anagnostopou., Er.0.6 


EuroLeague: Panathinaikos hang on to edge Fenerbahce - by Eurobasket News

Panathinaikos - Fenerbahce 69:55

Panathinaikos entertained the home crowd with the sixth Euroleague win this season. They held off visiting Fenerbahce for 6-3 record in Group A. Andy Panko (205-F-77, agency: Beo Basket, college: Lebanon Valley) nailed 15 points to lead well-balanced effort from the Athens Team. Fenerbahce slipped at 4-5 record and would try to seal Top 16 ticket next week.
Fenerbahce led by two points after the starting quarter 14:12. But Panathinaikos turned on their trademark defence and held the Turkish team to 9 points in the second quarter. The hosts pulled ahead for a 29:23 halftime advantage. The teams exchanged baskets throughout the third term. Panathinaikos secured a 6-point lead before the fourth frame. The tempo increased in the final term as the home team unloaded 26 points and sealed the victory. Sofoklis Schortsanitis (206-C-85) dropped 11 points, while Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80) and Marcus Banks (188-G-81, college: UNLV) added 9 points each for the winners. Romain Sato (194-G/F-81, college: Xavier) answered with 20 points and 8 rebounds for Fenerbahce. David Andersen (212-C-80) posted 8 points in the loss.

Panathinaikos: Andy Panko 15, Sofoklis Schortsanitis 11, Dimitris Diamantidis 9, Marcus Banks 9
Fenerbahce: Romain Sato 20, David Andersen 8


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

Standings - Promotie Divisie

Prom.Divisie Standings
 1. Orca's Urk 9-1 
 2. De Groene 8-2 
 3. Cangeroes 8-2 
 4. Almonte 5-4 
 5. De Hoppers 5-4 
 6. Rotterdam 2 5-5 
 7. Leiden 2 5-5 
 8. BC Apollo 2 4-5 
 9. Binnenland 4-5 
 10. Red Giants 4-5 
 11. MSV/Zeemacht 4-6 
 12. Punch 3-7 
 13. Almere P. 2-8 
 14. UBALL 2-8 

Regular Season: Round 10

Dec. 4: De Groene - UBALL 83-59
Dec. 4: Orca's Urk - Almere P. 81-79
Dec. 7: Rotterdam 2 - MSV/Zeemacht 59-67
Dec. 5: Binnenland - Red Giants


Henk Norel's double-double lands him Player of the Week award among Dutchs playing currently abroad - by Eurobasket Center

We bring you last week's top performances from Dutchs who are playing abroad and who all have had prior experience of national team duties at youth or senior level.

Henk Norel
Henk Norel
   #1. This week's number one is an international center Henk Norel (214-87, currently plays in Spain), who plays in the Spanish ACB. He could not help CAI Zaragoza (6-4) in their last game. Despite Norel's very good performance CAI Zaragoza lost 79-94 on the road to the leading Real Madrid. He had a double-double by scoring 20 points and getting 10 rebounds. Norel also added 3 assists in 31 minutes on the court. It was CAI Zaragoza's first loss after four consecutive victories. But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen. It's Norel's first year with the team. Norel belongs to league's best rebounders and is ranked #6 with 6.4rpg. He also averaged so far 10.8ppg, 2FGP: 56.0%(47-84) and FT: 58.3% in the 10 games he played so far. Norel is currently a member of the Dutch senior national team.

Robin Smeulders
Robin Smeulders
   #2. Second place goes to an international forward Robin Smeulders (207-87, agency: Court Side, college: Portland, currently plays in Germany), who plays in the German BBL. He was not able to help EWE Baskets (7-4) in their last game on Sunday. Despite Smeulders' good performance EWE Baskets was defeated 74-67 in Trier by the higher-ranked TBB Trier (#4). He was the top scorer with 14 points. Smeulders also added 7 rebounds (was perfect 5-for-5 from the free throw line). But the season just started, so everything may happen. This year Smeulders averages: 6.2ppg, 3.5rpg, 2FGP: 55.6%(20-36), 3FGP: 33.3% and FT: 81.5%. He has a dual citizenship: Dutch and German. Smeulders is in the roster of the Dutch senior national team.

Kadeem Pantophlet
Kadeem Pantophlet
   #3. The Dutch player who performed third best last week abroad was former U20 international forward Kadeem Pantophlet (201-90, currently plays college basketball in the States). He led Duquesne to a victory against the University of Maine 87-73 in the NCAA on Saturday night. Pantophlet scored 14 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. The University of Duquesne has conference record this season. Pantophlet's overall stats this year are: 8.0ppg, 3.6rpg, 2FGP: 53.2% and FT: 63.6%. He played for the Dutch U20 national team three years ago.

Kevin van Wijk
Kevin van Wijk
   #4. Forward Kevin van Wijk (203-89, currently studies in the States) contributed to Valparaiso's victory against the Indiana Univ-Purdue Univ.-Ft.Wayne 63-52 in the NCAA last Wednesday. van Wijk scored 12 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. The Valparaiso University has conference record this season. van Wijk's overall stats this year are: 8.5ppg, 4.8rpg and 1.4apg. He used to play for the Dutch U16 national team back in 2005.

Thomas van der Mars
Thomas van der Mars
   #5. Former U20 international center Thomas van der Mars (208-90, is currently at the American university), who plays in the NCAA was not able to secure a victory for the Portland in their last game. Despite van der Mars' good performance the Portland lost 60-68 at home to the University of Nevada - Las Vegas. He scored 11 points, grabbed 9 rebounds and made 2 blocks in 25 minutes. This year van der Mars' overall stats are: 8.5ppg, 4.8rpg and 1.4apg in the 10 games. He used to play for the Dutch U20 national team two years ago.

Roeland Schaftenaar
Roeland Schaftenaar
   #6. Power forward Roeland Schaftenaar (211-88, college: Oregon St., currently plays in Spain) contributed to a 2-point Leche Rio Breogan's victory against the closely-ranked Leyma Basquet (5-4) 71-69 in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) in Saturday night's game. Schaftenaar scored 8 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Leche Rio Breogan Lugo (6-3) is placed fourth in the LEB Gold. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. But there are still lots of games to play and it's a long way to go. Schaftenaar's total stats this season are: 6.9ppg, 5.1rpg and 1.6apg. He is a former international player as he played for the Dutch senior team two years ago.

Gerald Robinson
Gerald Robinson
   #7. International power forward Gerald Robinson (202-84, also represented by Court Side, college: Tenn-Martin, currently plays in EuroChallenge), who plays in Cyprus couldn't help Apollon (1-4) in their last game. Despite Robinson's good performance the fourth-placed Apollon lost 72-81 on their home court in Limassol to the higher-ranked (#3) Tsmoki-Minsk in the group G of EuroChallenge. He scored 13 points in 23 minutes. Robinson's team will play only one more game in the EuroChallenge Regular Season. And that game will be critical. This year Robinson's total stats are: 8.0ppg and 2.8rpg in the five games. He is a naturalized American. Robinson used to play for the Dutch national team last year. He played also for Landstede Basketbal Zwolle in Dutch league.

Charlon Kloof
Charlon Kloof
   #8. Guard Charlon Kloof (190-90, currently plays college basketball in the States) contributed to a 3-point St.Bonaventure's victory against the The University of Buffalo 82-79 in the NCAA on Saturday night. Kloof scored 10 points and added 3 assists. The St.Bonaventure University has conference record this season. Kloof has averaged so far 8.0ppg and 2.8rpg. He used to play for the Dutch U20 national team back in 2010.

Jito Kok
Jito Kok
   #9. U18 international center Jito Kok (206-94, currently plays college basketball in the States) contributed to an San Diego's surprising victory against the Southern Utah University 67-53 in the NCAA last Tuesday. He scored 8 points. The University of San Diego has conference record this season. It's Kok's first year with the team. Kok is ranked third on the list of the best blockers in the league. He has averaged so far 4.4ppg, 4.2rpg and 2.2apg. Kok is also in the roster of the Dutch U18 national team.

Olaf Schaftenaar
Olaf Schaftenaar
   #10. Center Olaf Schaftenaar (206-93, currently plays college basketball in the States) couldn't help the Oregon St. in their game against the University of Kansas (0-0) in the NCAA. He recorded 6 points in 17 minutes. The Oregon St. lost 78-84 in Lawrence, KS to the University of Kansas. It's Schaftenaar's first season with the team. Schaftenaar has averaged so far 4.4ppg, 4.2rpg and 2.2apg in the five games. He is U18 international player as one years ago he still played for the Dutch national team.

   #11. U18 international forward Shane Hammink (201-94, currently plays college basketball in the States) managed to help Louisiana State University to win against the Seton Hall University 72-67 in the NCAA in Thursday night's game. Hammink scored only 3 points. He has averaged so far 4.4ppg, 4.2rpg and 2.2apg. Hammink is a naturalized American. He plays currently for the Dutch U18 national team. Strangely Hammink has never played in Holland.

   #12. U20 international center Bart Stolk (206-93, currently plays in Spain) contributed to a 1-point La Palma's victory against the closely-ranked Palma 75-74 in the Spanish LEB Silver (third division) last Saturday. He scored 6 points in only 7 minutes. Stolk has averaged so far 3.4ppg and 2.3rpg in the seven games. He is also in the roster of the Dutch U20 national team.

The list of other players, who all have Dutch passport but never been selected to any of Dutch national teams:

   #1. Stanley Ocitti (203-F/C-80, college: Binghamton, currently plays in United Kingdom), who plays in the British BBL could not help Worcester Wolves (7-7) in their last game. Despite his very good performance Worcester Wolves was crushed 87-65 on the road by the higher-ranked (#4) Plymouth Raiders. Ocitti had a double-double by scoring 16 points and getting 14 rebounds in 38 minutes. Ocitti is ranked third on the list of the best rebounders in the league with 9.4rpg. This year his other stats are: 12.9ppg and 1.2apg in the 13 games he played so far. Ocitti is a naturalized American.

   #2. Devon Van Oostrum (190-G-93, currently plays in Spain), who plays in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) was not able to help Caceres Basket (3-7) in their last game on Friday. Despite his good performance Caceres Basket was edged 91-88 on the opponent's court by the second-ranked Ford_Burgos. Van Oostrum was the second best scorer with 14 points. He also added 4 rebounds and 8 assists. It's Van Oostrum's first season with the team. Van Oostrum's overall stats this year are: 10.0ppg, 3.0rpg and 2.6apg. He has a dual citizenship: Dutch and British.

   #3. Kim Tillie (210-F-88, agency: Priority Sports, college: Utah, currently plays in Spain) was not able to secure a victory for UCAM Murcia (24-6) in their game against Unicaja Malaga (6-4) in the Spanish ACB. Tillie recorded 7 points in 20 minutes. his team was crushed 85-58 in Malaga by the much lower-ranked (#9) Unicaja. But the season is still in it's first stage and everything can happen. It's Tillie's first year with the team. This season his overall stats are: 8.0ppg and 3.6rpg in the 10 games. Tillie is another player who holds two passports: Dutch and French.

   #4. Josh Duinker (210-F/C-89, college: Richmond, currently plays in Spain) is a teammate of previously mentioned Devon Van Oostrum. But that was another game of his team in Spanish LEB Gold which we would like to mention. Duinker couldn't help Caceres Basket (3-7) in their game against River Andorra (8-1), despite his good performance in Friday night's game. He had a double-double by scoring 10 points and getting the same number of rebounds in 33 minutes. But Caceres Basket was edged 71-69 on the opponent's court by the leading River_Andorra. This year Duinker's overall stats are: 8.5ppg, 4.8rpg and 1.4apg in the 10 games. He has both Australian and Dutch nationalities.

   #5. Denis Scott (188-F, currently plays in United Kingdom) couldn't help Bradford Dragons (5-2) in their game against Hemel Storm (3-3) in the British EBL D1 (second division), despite his good performance in Sunday night's game. Scott scored 10 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and dished 7 assists in 37 minutes. But Bradford Dragons was badly defeated 79-61 in Hemel by the lower-ranked (#8) Storm. Scott has averaged so far 4.4ppg, 4.2rpg and 2.2apg in the five games.

   #6. Joey van Zegeren McAdam (208-F-90, currently plays college basketball in the States) managed to help Virginia Tech to win against the Oklahoma State University 81-71 in the NCAA on Saturday night. van Zegeren McAdam scored only 2 points. He has averaged so far 3.4ppg and 2.3rpg.

   #7. Daniel Kickert (208-C/F-83, college: St.Mary's, CA, currently plays in Ukraine) couldn't help Dnipro in their game against Halychyna in the Ukrainian Superleague, despite his very good performance in Sunday night's game. Kickert was the second best scorer with 18 points. He also added 5 rebounds in 27 minutes. But his team lost 68-79. Kickert has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 15.4ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1bpg and 1.1spg in the 15 games. Kickert also holds two passports: Australian and Dutch.


*****************************************************
  ICELAND   

Standings - Iceland Express League

Express L. Standings
 1. Grindavik 7-2 
 2. Snaefell 7-2 
 3. Thor Thorl 6-2 
 4. Stjarnan 6-3 
 5. KR 5-3 
 6. Keflavik 5-4 
 7. Fjolnir 4-5 
 8. Skallagrimur 3-5 
 9. IR 3-6 
 10. Njardvik 3-6 
 11. KFI 2-7 
 12. Tindastoll 1-7 

Regular Season: Round 9

Dec. 6: Snaefell - Skallagrimur 98-81
Dec. 6: IR - Fjolnir 86-88
Dec. 6: Njardvik - Tindastoll 80-86
Dec. 6: Stjarnan - KR 73-75
Dec. 7: Grindavik - KFI 110-82
Dec. 7: Thor Thorl - Keflavik 108-82

Regular Season: Round 10

Dec. 13: KFI - Stjarnan
Dec. 13: Fjolnir - Grindavik
Dec. 13: Tindastoll - IR
Dec. 13: Keflavik - Njardvik
Dec. 13: Snaefell - Thor Thorl
Dec. 13: Skallagrimur - KR


Stats Leaders (Men)

Points Per Game
 Benjamin SMITH
  Thor Thorl
  (178-G-87)
  Avg: 26.6
 1. Smith, Thor Thorl26.6 
 2. Palm, IR26.0 
 3. Medlock, Skallagri.24.0 
 4. Shouse, Stjarnan23.6 
 5. Broussard, Grind.23.4 
 6. Jonsson, Snaefell23.3 
 7. Zeglinski, Grindav.22.3 
 8. Latinovic, KFI21.2 
 9. Craion, Keflavik20.6 
 10. Quaintance, Skall.20.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Marcus VAN
  Njardvik
  (201-F/C-85)
  Avg: 16.1
 1. Van, Njardvik16.1 
 2. Craion, Keflavik12.9 
 3. Quaintance, Skalla.11.0 
 4. Mills, Stjarnan10.4 
 5. Diggs, Thor Thorl10.0 
 6. Spicer, Fjolnir9.8 
 7. McQueen, Snaefell9.4 
 8. Valentine, Tindast.9.0 
 9. Helgason, Stjarnan8.3 
 10. Miller-W., KFI8.2 
Assists Per Game
 Justin SHOUSE
  Stjarnan
  (180-G-81)
  Avg: 10.3
 1. Shouse, Stjarnan10.3 
 2. Threatt, Snaefell9.8 
 3. Williams, IR7.2 
 4. Zeglinski, Grindav.7.1 
 5. Smith, Thor Thorl5.0 
 6. Fridriksson, Njard.4.9 
 7. Ragnarsson, Thor T.4.7 
 8. Quaintance, Skalla.4.6 
 9. Valsson, Keflavik3.8 
 10. Broussard, Grind.3.8 
Steals Per Game
 Haminn QUAINTANCE
  Skalla.
  (201-F-85)
  Avg: 3
 1. Quaintance, Skalla.3.0 
 2. Hilmarsson, Thor T.2.9 
 3. Broussard, Grind.2.6 
 4. Jonsson, Thor Thorl2.6 
 5. Williams, IR2.2 
 6. Threatt, Snaefell2.2 
 7. Lewis, Keflavik2.1 
 8. Valentine, Tindast.2.1 
 9. Smith, Thor Thorl2.1 
 10. Viggosson, Tindas.1.9 
Blocks Per Game
 Robert DIGGS
  Thor Thorl
  (203-F-87)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Diggs, Thor Thorl2.2 
 2. Mills, Stjarnan2.1 
 3. Quaintance, Skalla.1.9 
 4. Craion, Keflavik1.7 
 5. Magnusson, KR1.4 
 6. Valdimarsson, Stja.1.1 
 7. Gudbrandsson, Kefl.1.0 
 8. Thorsteinsso., Gri.1.0 
 9. Eiriksson, Skallag.0.9 
 10. Van, Njardvik0.9 


Standings - 1 Division

D1 Standings
 1. Hamar 6-0 
 2. Valur 6-0 
 3. Hottur 5-2 
 4. Haukar 4-2 
 5. Thor AK 3-3 
 6. FSU 3-3 
 7. Breidablik 3-4 
 8. Augnablik 1-6 
 9. Reynir S. 1-6 
 10. IA 0-6 

Regular Season: Round 7

Dec. 7: FSU - Breidablik 81-71
Dec. 7: Thor AK - Augnablik 80-56
Dec. 7: Haukar - Reynir S. 77-59
Dec. 6: Hottur - Hamar 73-88
Dec. 7: IA - Valur 62-91

Regular Season: Round 8

Dec. 12: Breidablik - Haukar
Dec. 12: Hamar - Valur
Dec. 12: Augnablik - IA
Dec. 12: Reynir S. - Thor AK
Dec. 13: Hottur - FSU


Smith's double-double lands him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News

25-year old guard Benjamin Smith (178-G-87) had a great game in the last round for Thor Thorl and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 9.
He had a double-double of 24 points and 12 rebounds, while his team outclassed Keflavik (#6, 5-4) with 26-point margin 108-82. Thor Thorl is placed at 3rd position in Icelandic league. They would have been even better if they did not have these two lost games earlier in Regular Season. Thor Thorl will need more victories to improve their 6-2 record. In the team's last game Smith had a remarkable three three-pointers out of 7 attempts. He turned to be Thor Thorl's top player in his first season with the team. Jacksonville University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Smith is league's best scorer averaging so far 26.6ppg. Smith is in league's top in assists (5th best: 5.0apg) and averages solid 2.1spg and 45.6% from behind 3-point line.

Second best performed player last round was Aaron Broussard (195-F-90) of top-ranked Grindavik. He is American forward in his first season at Grindavik. In the last game Broussard recorded impressive 28 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Of course he lead Grindavik to another comfortable win outscoring the lower-ranked KFI (#11, 2-7) 110-82. This victory allowed Grindavik to move up to 1st position in the standings. His team has currently 7-2 record. Broussard is a newcomer at Grindavik and quickly became one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 23.4ppg (#5). His other stats are also decent: 7.0rpg and 3.8apg.

Third place about best performers goes to guard Damier Pitts (177-PG-89) of KFI (#11). Pitts got into 30-points club by scoring 32 points in the last round. He went also for eight rebounds and ten assists. Despite Pitts' great performance KFI lost 82-110 to the higher-ranked Grindavik (#1, 7-2). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. KFI can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have rather bad season and 2-7 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Pitts he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Pitts has a very solid season. In 3 games in Iceland he scored 28.7ppg. Pitts attended one of camps at Eurobasket Summer League on his way to pro basketball.

Other top performing players last week:
4. George Valentine (203-F) of Tindastoll - 21 points and 7 rebounds
5. Eric Palm (188-G-87) of IR - 43 points and 3 rebounds
6. Helgi Magnusson (195-SF-82) of KR - 20 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists
7. Brian Mills (203-F-88) of Stjarnan - 19 points and 11 rebounds
8. Michael Craion (195-F-89) of Keflavik - 23 points and 13 rebounds
9. Marcus Van (201-F/C-85) of Njardvik - 17 points and 15 rebounds
10. Justin Shouse (180-G-81) of Stjarnan - 27 points, 3 rebounds and 4 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)


Dominos League Round 9: Grindavik keeps a leadership position - by Eurobasket News

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Grindavik as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Grindavik smashed 11th ranked KFI at home 110-82. The game was mostly controlled by Grindavik. KFI managed to win fourth quarter 19-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Grindavik dominated down low during the game scoring 70 of its points in the paint compared to KFI's 36. They outrebounded KFI 48-29 including 33 on the defensive glass. Grindavik looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists. American players dominated the game. It was a good game for forward Aaron Broussard (195-F-90, college: Seattle) who led his team to a victory with 28 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals. point guard Sammy Zeglinski (182-88, college: Virginia) contributed with 17 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists for the winners. Grindavik's coach Sverrir Sverrisson felt very confident that he used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. point guard Damier Pitts (177-89, college: Marshall) answered with a double-double by scoring 32 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists for KFI. Grindavik have a solid series of four victories in a row. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Snaefell. KFI lost sixth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the eleventh place with seven games lost. KFI will play next round against strong Stjarnan trying to get back on the winning streak. Grindavik will try to continue on its current victory against seventh ranked Fjolnir in Reykjavik.
Important game to mention about took place in Stjarnan. Sixth ranked KR (5-3) saved a 2-point victory on the road edging 3rd placed Stjarnan (6-3) 75-73 on Thursday evening. The former international Helgi Magnusson (195-82, college: Catawba) stepped up and scored 20 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners and Brynjar Bjornsson chipped in 21 points and 4 assists. The best for the losing side was naturalized American guard Justin Shouse (180-81, college: Mercyhurst) with 27 points and 4 assists. KR moved-up to fifth place. Stjarnan at the other side dropped to the fourth position with three games lost. KR will play against Skallagrimur (#8) in Borgarnes in the next round. Stjarnan will play on the road against KFI (#11) in Reykjavik and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Tindastoll's fans can finally celebrate the first win of their team after seven consecutive loses. The victory is especially important as it came on the road game in Njardvik, where they defeated Njardvik (3-6) 86-80 on Thursday. Drew Gibson nailed a double-double by scoring 18 points, 6 rebounds and 11 assists for the winning side. Tindastoll's coach Bardur Eythorsson used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Marcus Van came up with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 15 rebounds for Njardvik in the defeat. Tindastoll maintains twelfth place with 1-7 record. Loser Njardvik dropped to the ninth position with six games lost. They share it with IR. Tindastoll will meet at home higher ranked IR (#9) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Njardvik will play against Keflavik and hope to secure a win.
A very interesting game took place in Reykjavik. It ended with only two-point home defeat of 9th ranked IR (3-6) to tenth ranked Fjolnir (4-5) 88-86 on Thursday evening. The best player for the winners was Jon Sverrisson who had a double-double by scoring 14 points and 13 rebounds. IR's coach Jon Arnar Ingvarsson tried various players' combinations and tested in total eighteen players in this game, but that didn't help. Fjolnir moved-up to seventh place. IR at the other side keeps the ninth position with six games lost. Fjolnir's next round opponent will be league's leader Grindavik at home and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. IR will play against Tindastoll (#12) in Sauoarkrokur.

In the last two games of round 9 Keflavik was smashed by Thor Thorl on the road 108-82. Snaefell won against Skallagrimur on its own court 98-81.
The most impressive performance of 9th round was 24 points, 12 rebounds and 8 assists by Benjamin Smith of Thor Thorl.

Stjarnan - KR 73-75

Important game to mention about took place in Stjarnan. Sixth ranked KR (5-3) saved a 2-point victory on the road edging 3rd placed Stjarnan (6-3) 75-73 on Thursday evening. KR players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. The former international Helgi Magnusson (195-82, college: Catawba) stepped up and scored 20 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners and the former international guard Brynjar Bjornsson (191-88, college: Francis Marion) chipped in 21 points and 4 assists. The best for the losing side was naturalized American guard Justin Shouse (180-81, college: Mercyhurst) with 27 points and 4 assists and American forward Brian Mills (203-88, college: Mercer, agency: Pro One Sports) produced a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds. KR moved-up to fifth place. Stjarnan at the other side dropped to the fourth position with three games lost. KR will play against Skallagrimur (#8) in Borgarnes in the next round. Stjarnan will play on the road against KFI (#11) in Reykjavik and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
KR: B.Bjornsson 21+3reb+4ast, H.Magnusson 20+9reb+6ast, M.Hermannsson 17+1reb+6ast, K.Acox 8+9reb+2ast, F.Magnusson 6+6reb+2ast, J.Kristjansson 3+3reb
Stjarnan: J.Shouse 27+3reb+4ast, B.Mills 19+11reb+1ast, D.Jonsson 14+4reb+2ast, J.Zdravevski 7+2reb, M.Valdimarsson 4+6reb, F.Helgason 2+4reb
gschID: 180208


Thor Thorl - Keflavik 108-82

No shocking result in a game when fourth ranked Thor Thorl (6-2) crushed 6th ranked Keflavik (5-4) in Thorlakshofn 108-82. It looked good early as Keflavik took an 6-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Thor Thorl had a 30-18 second period charge getting the lead and Keflavik was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 82-108. Thor Thorl made 22-of-27 charity shots (81.5 percent) during the game. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists. The best player for the winners was American guard Benjamin Smith (178-87, college: Jacksonville) who had a double-double by scoring 24 points, 12 rebounds and 8 assists. Guard Gudmundur Jonsson (191-84) chipped in 21 points and 5 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Michael Craion (195-89, college: ORU, agency: Ronsport) who recorded a double-double by scoring 23 points and 13 rebounds and the former international guard Magnus Gunnarsson (186-81) added 16 points respectively. Five Thor Thorl and four Keflavik players scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Thor Thorl have a solid series of four victories in a row. They moved-up to third place. Keflavik at the other side keeps the sixth position with four games lost. Thor Thorl's next round opponent will be league's second-placed Snaefell in Stykkisholmur and it will be for sure the game of the week. Keflavik will play at home against Njardvik (#10) in Njardvik.
Top scorers:
Thor Thorl: B.Smith 24+12reb+8ast, D.Jackson 23+6reb+1ast, G.Jonsson 21+4reb+5ast, G.Erlendsson 19+9reb+2ast, D.Flake 12+7reb+3ast, D.Hilmarsson 7+2reb+1ast
Keflavik: M.Craion 23+13reb+1ast, M.Gunnarsson 16+4reb+1ast, D.Lewis 13+4reb+2ast, S.McDowell 11+2reb+5ast, V.Valsson 9+6ast, A.Gudbrandsson 5+5reb
gschID: 180210


Grindavik - KFI 110-82

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Grindavik as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Grindavik smashed 11th ranked KFI at home 110-82. The game was mostly controlled by Grindavik. KFI managed to win fourth quarter 19-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Grindavik dominated down low during the game scoring 70 of its points in the paint compared to KFI's 36. They outrebounded KFI 48-29 including 33 on the defensive glass. Grindavik looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists. American players dominated the game. It was a good game for forward Aaron Broussard (195-90, college: Seattle) who led his team to a victory with 28 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals. point guard Sammy Zeglinski (182-88, college: Virginia) contributed with 17 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists for the winners. Four Grindavik players scored in double figures. Grindavik's coach Sverrir Sverrisson felt very confident that he used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. point guard Damier Pitts (177-89, college: Marshall) answered with a double-double by scoring 32 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists and Tyrone Bradshaw (202-86, college: S.Indiana) added 15 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for KFI. Grindavik have a solid series of four victories in a row. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Snaefell. KFI lost sixth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the eleventh place with seven games lost. KFI will play next round against strong Stjarnan trying to get back on the winning streak. Grindavik will try to continue on its current victory against seventh ranked Fjolnir in Reykjavik.
Top scorers:
Grindavik: A.Broussard 28+8reb+5ast, S.Zeglinski 17+7reb+9ast, S.Thorsteinsson 13+5reb+4ast, J.Olafsson 11+5reb+4ast, B.Brynjolfsson 7+2reb+2ast, T.Olafsson 7+3reb+1ast
KFI: D.Pitts 32+8reb+10ast, T.Bradshaw 15+5reb+1ast, K.Andresson 11+2reb+1ast, H.Hreinsson 9+1reb+1ast, M.Virijevic 7+8reb+1ast, J.H. Baldvinsson 6+4reb+3ast
gschID: 180207


IR - Fjolnir 86-88

A very interesting game took place in Reykjavik. It ended with only two-point home defeat of 9th ranked IR (3-6) to tenth ranked Fjolnir (4-5) 88-86 on Thursday evening. IR was ahead by 2 points at the halftime before a 24-17 third quarter run of Fjolnir. They made 20-of-25 charity shots (80.0 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was forward Jon Sverrisson (198-88) who had a double-double by scoring 14 points and 13 rebounds. American guard Paul Williams (193-89, college: Dayton) chipped in 23 points. Four Fjolnir players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American guard Eric Palm (188-87, college: McKendree) who recorded 43 points (!!!) (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line) and Serbian-Canadian forward Nemanja Sovic (198-77, college: Pfeiffer) added 15 points and 7 rebounds respectively. IR's coach Jon Arnar Ingvarsson tried various players' combinations and tested in total eighteen players in this game, but that didn't help. Fjolnir moved-up to seventh place. IR at the other side keeps the ninth position with six games lost. Fjolnir's next round opponent will be league's leader Grindavik at home and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. IR will play against Tindastoll (#12) in Sauoarkrokur.
Top scorers:
Fjolnir: P.Williams 23+4reb+1ast, T.Tomasson 20+4reb+2ast, A.Gudmundsson 14+2reb+3ast, J.Sverrisson 14+13reb+1ast, S.Spicer 8+10reb+2ast, G.Olafsson 4+1reb
IR: E.Palm 43+3reb+1ast, N.Sovic 15+7reb+1ast, H.Magnusson 8+5reb+3ast, E.Arnarson 6+2reb, H.Fridriksson 5+7reb+3ast, I.Miles 5+5reb+3ast
gschID: 180212


Njardvik - Tindastoll 80-86

Tindastoll's fans can finally celebrate the first win of their team after seven consecutive loses. The victory is especially important as it came on the road game in Njardvik, where they defeated Njardvik (3-6) 86-80 on Thursday. The guests trailed by 8 points after three quarters before their 28-14 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Strangely Njardvik outrebounded Tindastoll 47-35 including a 22-9 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. American guard Drew Gibson (188-85, college: Wofford) nailed a double-double by scoring 18 points, 6 rebounds and 11 assists for the winning side and his fellow American import forward George Valentine (203, college: Winthrop) accounted for 21 points and 7 rebounds (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field). Gibson is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top summer league for players who want to play basketball overseas. Tindastoll's coach Bardur Eythorsson used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. American power forward Marcus Van (201-85, college: Cent.Michigan) came up with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 15 rebounds and point guard Elvar Fridriksson (180-94) added 18 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists respectively for Njardvik in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Tindastoll maintains twelfth place with 1-7 record. Loser Njardvik dropped to the ninth position with six games lost. They share it with IR. Tindastoll will meet at home higher ranked IR (#9) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Njardvik will play against Keflavik and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Tindastoll: G.Valentine 21+7reb+1ast, D.Gibson 18+6reb+11ast, T.Johannsson 16+4reb+3ast, H.Viggosson 14+10reb, A.Bjornsson 7+2ast, S.Birgisson 7+2reb+1ast
Njardvik: N.Moore 18+2reb+1ast, E.Fridriksson 18+5reb+5ast, M.Van 17+15reb, A.Orrason 13+4reb+1ast, O.Jonsson 7+2reb+1ast, H.Einarsson 4+6reb+1ast
gschID: 180211


Snaefell - Skallagrimur 98-81

Very expected game when 7th ranked Skallagrimur (3-5) lost to second ranked Snaefell (7-2) in Stykkisholmur 81-98. Snaefell outrebounded Skallagrimur 48-31 including a 37-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists comparing to just 11 passes made by Skallagrimur's players. The best player for the winners was American guard Jay Threatt (180-89, college: Delaware St., agency: Pro One Sports) who had a double-double by scoring 18 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists. The former international guard Palmi Sigurgeirsson (190-78) chipped in 25 points. Five Snaefell players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American guard Carlos Medlock (183-87, college: E.Michigan) who recorded 28 points and 5 rebounds and the other American import forward Haminn Quaintance (201-85, college: Kent St., agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices) added 18 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists respectively. Both coaches used bench players saving starting five for next games. Snaefell keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Grindavik. Skallagrimur lost fourth consecutive game. Newly promoted team dropped to the eighth place with five games lost. Snaefell's next round opponent will be Thor Thorl (#3) in Thorlakshofn, which may be the game of the day. Skallagrimur will play at home against KR (#5) in Reykjavik.
Top scorers:
Snaefell: P.Sigurgeirsson 25+4reb+3ast, J.Olafur Jonsson 21+6reb+5ast, J.Threatt 18+10reb+9ast, A.McQueen 14+13reb, S.Thorvaldsson 14+2reb+2ast, S.Torfason 4+2reb
Skallagrimur: C.Medlock 28+5reb+3ast, H.Quaintance 18+9reb+5ast, S.Egilsson 9+4reb+2ast, D.Asgeirsson 8+3reb, O.Jonsson 6+3reb, B.Sverisson 4+1ast
gschID: 180209



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  IRAN   


MARKO MILIC in Iran - by Mohammad Amin Maghsoodlou

Iran Super league defending Champion Mahram Tehran inked Slovenian Star Marko Milic (201-F-77). Milic started is pro career in 1991 when he was only 15 yo . He played internationally in Turkey , France , NBA , Italia and Spain . last year Marko Milic averaged 12.8 ppg , 6.3 rpg in Italia-SerieA .
Marko Milic Awards/Achievements:
Slovenian U18 National Team -94
Slovenian U22 National Team -94-96
Slovenian National Team -95-97, 99-03, 05-06
European Championships U22 -96
European Championships -95, 97, 99, 01, 03
Slovenian League Champion -96, 08
Slovenian All-Star Game -94 (Slam Dunk Contest Winner), 95 (Slam Dunk Contest Winner), 97 (MVP), 00 (MVP), 08
Euro All-Star Game -97, Berlin '98, Moscow'99
Spanish Cup (Copa del Rey) Finalist -01, 07
ULEB Euroleague Quarterfinals -01
Spanish ACB Finalist -01
Italian SeirieA Finalist -02
Italian Cup Finalist -04
Eurobasket.com Italian SerieA All-Bosmans Team -04, 11
Italian SerieA Semifinals -04
Euroleague Quarterfinals -05
European Championships in Belgrade -05: 6 games: 3.7ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.2spg
World Championships in Japan -06: 5 games: 4.2ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.6apg, 1.0spg
Adriatic League All-Star Game -07
ULEB Cup Winner -07
Spanish ACB Regular Season Runner-Up -07
Spanish ACB Champion -07
Adriatic League All-Star Game -08
Slovenian Cup Winner -08
Adriatic League Semifinals -08
Slovenian League Regular Season Champion -08


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  IRELAND   


Basketball Ireland Cup Quarter Final Weekend Preview - by Patrick Maher



Basketball Ireland Cup Quarter Final Weekend Preview

The annual drama of the National Cup gets into full swing this weekend as the quarter final round kicks off in the Men and Womens SuperLeague Cup.

For many teams, the cup is a welcome escape from league struggles and for all the teams competing this weekend, regardless of their season so far, lie just two wins from a cup final and live TV exposure.

One team glad for the distraction is UCC Demons, the early pacesetters in the Nivea For Mens SuperLeague who have recently relinquished their grip on first place with back to back losses.

They will need to rediscover that form quickly as they travel to Dublin this weekend to play DCU Saints, a formidable team fresh off a dramatic overtime win against Dublin Inter.

We are going to have to match their enthusiasm and energy and if we do that we will be there or there about and thats all we can ask for, said Demons head coach Paul Kelleher.

Weve actually played reasonably well recently and we are back to full strength. Carlton Cuffe played last weekend but showed a bit of rust, which is to be expected, and having him back into our rotation properly this weekend should make a big difference.

Opposing Kelleher on the sideline will be Saints head coach Dave Donnelly, who described the game simply as massive and knows that his team, who will be without the services of an injured Mark Nagle, must contain Demons star players to be in with a chance.

Cup games are massive for all the teams. We slipped early in the league a little bit so there has been a little bit of extra focus on the cup and the lads have been going really hard in training all week.

Shane Coughlan controls the tempo for them and he hurt us earlier in the season with some big scores. We need to limit his influence and that of their American (Kenton Walker).

Meanwhile, the only two teams to have beaten Demons this year meet in Limerick as UL Eagles take on Killester.

After a dismal start saw them plummet towards the bottom of the table, Killester have won their last two games and seem reinvigorated by the addition of Michael Bonaparte to the line-up.

Despite the disruption of losing head coach Darren ONeill last week, Killester kept their focus against a Demons side looking to exact revenge for their first loss of the season a week earlier, winning by eight points.

Weve had a good week of practice coming off the momentum of that win and Michael Bonaparte is settling in really well, said Killester team manager Rachel OConnell.

A tough challenge awaits Killester this weekend however. As if a trip to play the defending champions in Limerick was not difficult enough, the Dubliners will be without star guard Eoin Chubb, whose knee problems leave him side-lined.

Despite this, Eagles head coach Mark Keenan is taking nothing for granted.

Killester have shown how good they can be by beating UCD Marian and UCC Demons in the last few weeks. Mike Bonaparte has made an immediate impact for them. We will need a big performance from all our players if we want to go through to the cup semi-finals.

In Cork, Bord Gais Neptune are getting into the Christmas spirit for their cup quarter final against Dublin Inter in Neptune Stadium and have been busy distributing free tickets to help people experience the magic of cup basketball in Ireland.

"We are trying to have a sort of carnival of basketball," said Neptune head coach, Mark Scannell who encouraged fans to check out the U18 cup quarter final preceding the senior game when Neptune play Letterkenny Blaze in the stadium at 2pm (SuperLeague Cup game at 7pm).

We are playing well at the minute but the fact that we were beaten by Inter in Dublin will be on our minds. We had a lot of injury worries recently but everyone is back to playing health and it has actually stood to us as we have a deeper rotation due to so many bench guys stepping in and playing very well in that time.

Inter will have the extra burden of enetering the game with a new head coach after they parted ways with Audrius Jonusas by mutual agreement. Their Basketball Ireland Mens Division One coach, Irmantas Griksas, has agreed to fill the role for the remainder of the year.

A statement released by Dublin Inter stated that the first year at the highest level of Irish basketball has been demanding to all involved and it has taken lot of the time and commitment - players and management would like to thank Audrius for his passion and dedication over the years for the benefit of the club and team and we wish all the best in future to him.

The final cup quarter final pits old rivals UCD Marian against Moycullen with the unique venue of Leitir Moir in the Galway Gaeltacht being used for the fixture.

We have had a lot of success playing games in Leitir Moir and there is a great basketball community out there that really appreciate the chance to see top teams playing in their area, said Moycullen guard James OBrien.

Marian have a great team and we will have to keep a handle on their scorers to be in with a chance but we have beaten them once this year and are confident that if we play we have a team good enough to make a real run at the cup.

Basketball Ireland Upcoming Fixtures

Saturday 8th December 2012

Men's SuperLeague Cup - Quarter Finals

Moycullen V UCD Marian, Sportlann Mhicil Mhor, 15:45; Bord Gais Neptune V Dublin Inter, Neptune Stadium, 19:00; UL Eagles V Killester, UL Arena, 19:30;

Basketball Ireland Mens Senior National Cup - Quarter Finals

Maree V St Brendans Tralee, Calsanctius College, 17:00;

Basketball Ireland Mens U-18 National Cup

St Marys V St Vincents, Castleisland, 13:30;Neptune V Letterkenny Blaze, Neptune Stadium, 14:00;

Sunday 09th December 2012

Men's SuperLeague Cup - Quarter Finals

DCU Saints V UCC Demons, DCU Complex, 15:30;

Basketball Ireland Mens Senior National Cup - Quarter Finals

St. Vincents V Team Garveys St Marys, St. Vincents 14:00; Ulster Elks V Blue Demons, UUJ, 16:00;

Basketball Ireland Mens U-18 National Cup

Belfast Star V Templeogue Azzurri, UUJ, 13:15;Kubs V Moycullen, St Fintans HS, 15:00;

Courtesy .... Cian Nihill .... www.basketballireland.ie

Today at the Gurranabraher Parochial Hall Cork City the Cork County Basketball Board run the Boys u14 tournament. Shane Coughlan (188-G-79)


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  ISRAEL   


Hapoel Jerusalem signed Lior Lifshich - by Idan Seggev

The 28-years-old point guard, Lior Lifshich, was released by Ashkelon and signed with Hapoel Jerusalem. HIs average in 6 games so far with Ashkelon is 5.3 pts, 2 ast & 1.8 rbs. In the last two games he barely played due to the fact that Ashkelon signed Marki Perry. Lior may debut vs. Maccabi Haifa in Jerusalem's next game. It seems like a weird decision of Lior, since in Jerusalem there are James Fulan & Meir Tapiro as point guards ahead of him, while in Ashkelon he played 20 minutes per game.


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  ITALY   


A Day in The Life! - by Dwight Coleman

ARTICLE FOR FORUM24

A day in the life!
As I step off of the plane in Oulu Finland, I smelled more than just the cool brisk air that graced my face. I smelled the distinct aroma of hospitality and warmth. The warm smiles that greeted me when I arrived put my spirit at ease and made me eager to help bring positive to the team and the community at large. When I met my team I was drawn to Josh Nofflet, he has been a good tour guide, friend, teammate and roommate. He made my transition smooth upon my arrival.
I miss my family a great deal therefore; as a result, my days are start early. I work out before and after practice to keep my mind off of my lovely wife, beautiful kids and outwork my competition in chase of my NBA dream. When I am not working out I spend time in the gym with YNNI boys A team or volunteering at elementary schools with Pekka Laasko. Interacting with the bright eyed warm hearted youth here in Oulu has become what I consider family time. I feel very fortunate to be a positive motivating force in their lives and as a leader on the YNNI basketball team, a big brother as well.
I really appreciate the organization that I play for. I am familiar with the YMCA from the states from a little kid for providing more than sports opportunities but opportunities to grow as a person. The young mens aspect is and always will be a vital part of the fabric of every society. To enrich the youth and teach those qualities of leadership and sportsmanship empower a better future society. The young men aspect also fosters diversity in social relationships from my experience back home and here in Finland.
The second portion of the YMCA the Christian Association has great meaning to meaning is another reason I take pride in playing for the team name. I grew up in a Christian household and my grandmother Tansey Moore who is now deceased instilled Christian values in my mother at a very early age and my mother did the same for me. The great thing about the YMCA is Christian religious tolerance if you are a member of Baptist, Catholic, Yahology we all play together for the same Christ and try to exemplify biblical principles through social interaction and sportsmanship. I consider it a part of my destiny for my basketball career to go by way of the YMCA to remind me of where I came from in route to where I pray to go.
The cuisine that I have been influenced most by and enjoy the most is Rahula, although there is a big mix of many fine restaurants I keep finding myself there the most. The architectural skyline of the city is not quite Dallas Texas but it is romantic and enjoyable when I step out to get a bite to eat. The biggest adjustment for me has been weather as I write this article; it is currently 74 and sunny in Dallas Texas where they are still wearing short pants and short sleeved shirts.
Before I go to bed at night I try to read myself to sleep currently I am reading the Bible and a couple of E-books Shape or Shake Your Faith Secrets of the Original Kingdom Come and The Purpose Driven Life. After I read myself to sleep of course my dreams are filled with shooting threes in the face of my opponent to win games, dunking on my sons playing in the living room and walking hand in hand with my beautiful wife into purple sunsets with basketball rain.


EuroLeague: Zalgiris snatch win in Milan - by Eurobasket News

Emporio Armani - Zalgiris 65:67

Zalgiris stayed on top of EuroLeague Group C following a tough road win over Emporio Armani. Paulius Jankunas (205-PF-84, agency: Alti Sport) scored 16 points to pace the Lithuanian team. Emporio Armani fell at 3-6 record after the defeat and endangered their Top 16 aspirations.
It was a close affair from start to finish. Zalgiris led by two points after ten minutes 18:16. Emporio Armani pulled ahead in the second term. The Italian team spurred in front for a 37:32 halftime advantage. Zalgiris narrowed the deficit in the third term. The visitors came back from an 8-point deficit to sneak to a 51:50 lead. Stipcevic capped the third term with a three-pointer to give Emporio Armani a 53:51 lead. The lead changed hands several times in the fourth frame before Jaaber made it 67:64 for Zalgiris with 18 seconds remaining. Cook answered with one free throw and then Keith Langford (193-SG-83, college: Kansas) missed a layup as Zalgiris got away with victory. Marko Popovic (185-G-82, agency: Alti Sport, college: S.Idaho JC) and Tremmell Darden (194-G/F-81, college: Niagara) provided 14 points apiece for Zalgiris. Keith Langford answered with 20 points for Emporio Armani. Ioannis Bourousis (213-C-83, agency: FCM) chipped in 13 points in the loss.

Emporio Armani: Keith Langford 20, Ioannis Bourousis 13
Zalgiris: Paulius Jankunas 16, Marko Popovic 14, Tremmell Darden 14


EuroLeague: Chalon edge Montepaschi in overtime marathon - by Eurobasket News

Chalon - Montepaschi Siena 108:103 (OT)

Chalon celebrated the third victory in EuroLeague Group B. They shot down visiting Montepaschi in overtime drama. Blake Schilb (200-G/F-83, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices, college: Loyola, IL) came up with 28 points and 7 rebounds to pace the home side. Siena fell at 5-4 record after the loss.
Chalon dropped 27 points in the first ten minutes to take a 3-point lead. Montepaschi cut the distance to a single point after a high-flying first half 48:49. The Italian champions jumped ahead in the third quarter. The visitors ensured a 75:70 lead with ten minutes left in regulation. David Moss and Kristjan Kangur made sure Siena led by two points 93:91 with 28 seconds remaining in the normal time. But Tchicamboud converted a layup to send the clash into overtime. Blake Schilb and Cedric Banks dropped five straight points midway through the extra period to give Chalon a 101:97 lead. Tomas Ress (209-C-80, college: Texas A&M) and Bobby Brown (188-PG-84, college: CS Fullerton) kept Siena in the game but free throws from Evtimov and Tchicamboud helped the hosts seal the win. Adolphe Michel Jean-Baptiste (205-C-79) delivered 20 points, while Shelden Williams (206-F-83, college: Duke) added 15 points for the home team. Bobby Brown answered with 26 points for Montepaschi. Tomas Ress had 13 points in the loss.

Chalon: Blake Schilb 28, Adolphe Michel Jean-Baptiste 20, Shelden Williams 15
Montepaschi: Bobby Brown 26, Tomas Ress 13


*****************************************************
  IVORY COAST   


African Champions Cup: Libolo rally past ABC - by Eurobasket News

Libolo - ABC 78:52

Libolo celebrated victory at the classification round of the African Champions Cup in Equatorial Guinea. They knocked down Abidijan Basket Club to set up the clash versus ES Sahel for the fifth overall position. Tommie Eddie (201-F/C-82, college: Mississippi) stepped up with 20 points and 7 rebounds to pace Libolo.
Libolo held ABC to 8 points in the opening quarter to take a 5-point lead. The Angolan team stretched the lead in the second quarter. Libolo established a 39:27 halftime lead. Libolo cleared off in the third term. They outscored ABC 18:9 to gain a comfortable 21-point cushion before the fourth term. ABC could not challenge the margin and had to surrender at the end. Olimpio Cipriano (194-F-82) and Luis Costa (193-F-78) netted 12 points apiece for the winners. Stephane Konate (187-G-80) answered with 17 points for ABC. Anderson Affi (195-F-82) chipped in 9 points in the loss.

Libolo: Tommie Eddie 20, Olimpio Cipriano 12, Luis Costa 12
ABC: Stephane Konate 17, Anderson Affi 9


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  JAPAN   

Standings - JBL

JBL Standings
 1. Toyota Alvark 17-2 
 2. Aishin SH 17-3 
 3. Panasonic T. 11-8 
 4. Toshiba BT 10-10 
 5. Hitachi SR 9-10 
 6. Mitsubishi DD 6-13 
 7. Tochigi Brex 5-14 
 8. Hokkaido L. 2-17 

Regular Season: Round 10

Dec. 8: Tochigi Brex - Hokkaido L. 89-77
Dec. 7: Toshiba BT - Aishin SH 81-88
Dec. 8: Mitsubishi DD - Hitachi SR 77-63
Dec. 8: Toshiba BT - Aishin SH 74-89
Dec. 8: Toyota Alvark - Panasonic T. 100-74
Dec. 9: Tochigi Brex - Hokkaido L.
Dec. 9: Toyota Alvark - Panasonic T.
Dec. 9: Mitsubishi DD - Hitachi SR


Standings - BJ League

BJ Standings
Eastern
 1. Niigata Albirex 12-6 
 2. Shinshu BW 11-5 
 3. Iwate Big Bulls 11-5 
 4. Toyama Grouses 11-7 
 5. Akita NH 10-4 
 6. Yokohama BC 8-6 
 7. Chiba Jets 7-7 
 8. Tokyo Cinq R. 7-9 
 9. Sendai 89ers 5-11 
 10. Saitama Bron. 2-10 
 11. Gunma 1-15 
Western
 1. Okinawa GK 14-0 
 2. Hamamatsu P. 11-7 
 3. Shimane SM 10-6 
 4. Fukuoka Rizing 10-6 
 5. Oita H.Devils 9-7 
 6. Kyoto Hannar. 8-8 
 7. Shiga L-Stars 8-8 
 8. Takamatsu FA 4-10 
 9. Miyazaki SS 2-14 
 10. Osaka Evessa 1-11 

Regular Season: Round 18

Dec. 6: Sendai 89ers - Niigata Albirex 82-100
Dec. 7: Sendai 89ers - Niigata Albirex
Dec. 8: Akita NH - Yokohama BC
Dec. 8: Toyama Grouses - Shinshu BW
Dec. 8: Saitama Bron. - Iwate Big Bulls
Dec. 8: Chiba Jets - Gunma
Dec. 8: Shiga L-Stars - Kyoto Hannar.
Dec. 8: Shimane SM - Osaka Evessa
Dec. 8: Takamatsu FA - Oita H.Devils
Dec. 8: Fukuoka Rizing - Okinawa GK
Dec. 8: Miyazaki SS - Hamamatsu P.


BJ League Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Dominique KELLER
  Miyazaki.
  (203-F-88)
  Avg: 21.3
 1. Keller, Miyazaki.21.3 
 2. Jones, Tokyo C.21.0 
 3. Burns, Yokohama BC20.6 
 4. Woodbury, Okina.19.5 
 5. Werner, Chiba Jets19.3 
 6. Cummings, Akita NH19.3 
 7. Parker, Shimane SM19.1 
 8. Kennedy, Yokohama.18.8 
 9. Galloway, Hamamats.18.2 
 10. White, Oita H.17.6 
Rebounds Per Game
 Wendell WHITE
  Oita H.
  (198-G-84)
  Avg: 13.7
 1. White, Oita H.13.7 
 2. Holm, Niigata Albi.13.5 
 3. Warren, Fukuoka12.9 
 4. Willard, Sendai 89.12.6 
 5. Cox, Osaka Evessa11.6 
 6. Werner, Chiba Jets10.9 
 7. Sato, Tokyo Cinq10.7 
 8. Pomare, Kyoto H.10.3 
 9. Jones, Tokyo C.10.3 
 10. Williams, Takamat.9.8 
Assists Per Game
 Tanaka KENSUKE
  Chiba Jets
  (187-G-85)
  Avg: 6.7
 1. Kensuke, Chiba Je.6.7 
 2. Galloway, Hamamats.6.1 
 3. Namizato, Okina.5.6 
 4. Shimura, Sendai5.3 
 5. Burns, Yokohama BC5.2 
 6. Harris, Akita NH4.9 
 7. Orr, Saitama Bron.4.3 
 8. Tomori, Gunma4.0 
 9. Setoyama, Kyoto H.3.9 
 10. Mito, Toyama G.3.8 
Steals Per Game
 Draelon BURNS
  Yokohama BC
  (194-G-85)
  Avg: 2.5
 1. Burns, Yokohama BC2.5 
 2. McHenry, Okina.2.5 
 3. Masato, Iwate B.2.3 
 4. Parker, Shimane SM2.2 
 5. Brown, Toyama G.2.2 
 6. Shimura, Sendai1.9 
 7. Orr, Saitama Bron.1.9 
 8. Namizato, Okina.1.8 
 9. Ohguchi, Hamamats.1.8 
 10. Joho, Toyama G.1.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Jeral DAVIS
  Shimane SM
  (216-C-84)
  Avg: 3.3
 1. Davis, Shimane SM3.3 
 2. Blackledge, Iwate3.0 
 3. Newton, Okinawa GK2.1 
 4. Marshall, Shins.1.9 
 5. Williams, Takamats.1.8 
 6. Carter, Tokyo C.1.8 
 7. Brown, Toyama G.1.7 
 8. Parker, Shimane SM1.6 
 9. Fairley, Miyazaki.1.5 
 10. Cox, Osaka Evessa1.4 



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  KOSOVO   


RTV 21 replaces Morgan Sabia with John Clark - by Dren Shporta

Teleboys from Prishtina, RTV 21, have registered their third american player while they notified the newcomer John Clark (205-C-89).

They replaced Morgan Sabia with Clark, who has made carrier in Spain lower leagues and Urdingen in Germany.

Clark will have a right to play in the weekend against Drita in Gjilan.

RTV 21 is the only team so far that had a chance to win against one of the TOP 4 teams. They beat Bashkimi earlier in this season.


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  KUWAIT   


Nolan signs for Al Jahraa - by Ali Ahmed

Al Jahraa agreed terms with 36-years old American Center Norman Nolan (204-C/F-76, college: Virginia).

Outlook:
A very powerful inside player, very physical. He performed a great NCAA career. Great rebounder and scorer in the paint.

Awards/Achievements:
Italian A2 All-Imports 1st Team -00
Italian A1 All-Star Game -01
Puerto Rican PRSBL All-Imports Team -01
Greek A1 All-Star Game -02
Asia-Basket.com All-Lebanese League Center of the Year -08
Asia-Basket.com All-Lebanese League 1st Team -08
Asia-Basket.com Lebanese League All-Imports Team -08
Lebanese League Finalist -08
Lebanese League Regular Season Runner-Up -08
Arab Club Championships Finalist -09
Iranian Superleague Semifinals -10
Latinbasket.com All-Colombian Federation Cup Center of the Year -11
Latinbasket.com All-Colombian Federation Cup 1st Team -11
Latinbasket.com Colombian Federation Cup All-Imports Team -11
Kuwait Federation Cup Finalist -12


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

Standings - NKL

NKL Standings
 1. Mazeikiai 13-4 
 2. Zanavykas 12-5 
 3. Statyba 12-5 
 4. Olimpas 12-5 
 5. Dzukija 12-5 
 6. Suduva-Mantinga 11-6 
 7. Triobet 10-7 
 8. Meresta 10-7 
 9. Zalgiris-Sabonio 10-7 
 10. S.Marciulionio 9-8 
 11. Perlas-MRU 8-9 
 12. Delikatesas 7-10 
 13. Ezerunas-Karys 7-10 
 14. Birstono 5-12 
 15. Nafta Universitetas 4-13 
 16. Radviliskis 4-13 
 17. Silute 4-13 
 18. Gargzdai 3-14 

Regular Season: Round 17

Dec. 7: Meresta - Mazeikiai 92-94
Dec. 7: Silute - Suduva-Mantinga 87-90
Dec. 7: Gargzdai - Radviliskis 87-59
Dec. 7: Zanavykas - Zalgiris-Sabonio 86-74
Dec. 7: Dzukija - Nafta Universitetas 84-69
Dec. 7: Ezerunas-Karys - Triobet 80-81
Dec. 7: Perlas-MRU - Delikatesas 72-71
Dec. 7: Birstono - Statyba 57-62
Dec. 7: Olimpas - S.Marciulionio 111-109

Regular Season: Round 18

Dec. 8: Triobet - Ezerunas-Karys
Dec. 8: Mazeikiai - Meresta
Dec. 8: Delikatesas - Perlas-MRU
Dec. 8: Suduva-Mantinga - Silute
Dec. 8: Radviliskis - Gargzdai
Dec. 8: S.Marciulionio - Olimpas
Dec. 8: Zalgiris-Sabonio - Zanavykas
Dec. 8: Statyba - Birstono
Dec. 8: Nafta Universitetas - Dzukija


Stats Leaders - NKL

Points Per Game
 Edgaras STANIONIS
  Zanav.
  (193-G-88)
  Avg: 24.7
 1. Stanionis, Zanav.24.7 
 2. Maneikis, Olimpas19.7 
 3. Kleiza, Birstono18.5 
 4. Tarvydas, Statyba17.8 
 5. Gaidamaviciu., Mer.17.0 
 6. Macernis, Mazeikiai16.4 
 7. Gudaitis, Zalgir.16.2 
 8. Pociukonis, S.Marc.16.1 
 9. Linkevicius, Triob.15.8 
 10. Sakinis, Dzukija15.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Cezary TRYBANSKI
  Dzukija
  (218-C-79)
  Avg: 10.8
 1. Trybanski, Dzukija10.8 
 2. Linkevicius, Triob.10.1 
 3. Udras, Perlas-MRU9.2 
 4. Virbalas, Perla.9.0 
 5. Gudaitis, Zalgir.8.2 
 6. Tarolis, Gargzdai7.6 
 7. Jurgo, Radviliskis7.5 
 8. Norkus, Nafta U.7.4 
 9. Macernis, Mazeikiai7.2 
 10. Kazakauskas, Olim.7.1 
Assists Per Game
 Bryan HARRISON
  Dzukija
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 7.8
 1. Harrison, Dzukija7.8 
 2. Gaidamaviciu., Mer.7.7 
 3. Zurna, Radviliskis5.6 
 4. Anuzis, Nafta U.4.9 
 5. Mazutis, Mazeikiai4.8 
 6. Kuklierius, Suduva.4.8 
 7. Rakauskas, S.Marc.4.4 
 8. Pelss, Zanavykas4.2 
 9. Razutis, Olimpas4.2 
 10. Kelys, Perlas-MRU4.2 
Steals Per Game
 Ignas RAZUTIS
  Olimpas
  (185-G-87)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Razutis, Olimpas2.8 
 2. Stanionis, Zanav.2.6 
 3. Kelys, Perlas-MRU2.5 
 4. Macernis, Mazeikiai2.5 
 5. Harrison, Dzukija2.4 
 6. Pelss, Zanavykas2.3 
 7. Radavicius, Meres.2.1 
 8. Virbalas, Perla.2.1 
 9. Sabeckis, Birstono2.1 
 10. Matutis, Gargzdai2.1 
Blocks Per Game
 Cezary TRYBANSKI
  Dzukija
  (218-C-79)
  Avg: 3.7
 1. Trybanski, Dzukija3.7 
 2. Krestinin, S.Marc.2.1 
 3. Gudaitis, Zalgir.1.9 
 4. Virbalas, Perla.1.6 
 5. Macernis, Mazeikiai1.5 
 6. Tarolis, Gargzdai1.3 
 7. Kaubrys, Silute1.3 
 8. Zvinklys, Nafta U.1.3 
 9. Staniulis, S.Marc.1.2 
 10. Petrileviciu., Bi.1.0 


S.Marciulionio inks Janas Jurgo - by Eurobasket News

S.Marciulionio K.A. Vilnius (NKL) agreed terms with 29-year old domestic forward Janas Jurgo (200-83). He just played at KK Radviliskis-Juodeliai (NKL). In 14 games this season he had 13.2ppg, 7.5rpg and 1.1spg. The last season Jurgo also played at Mazeikiai. In 45 NKL games last year he recorded 12.9ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.1apg and 1.4spg.
The previous (10-11) season he played at Akademija. In 11 RKL games he recorded very impressive stats: 22.3ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.3apg and 1.1spg.
Jurgo won Lithuanian NKL championship title in 2006 and 2009.
He has played previously for three other Lithuanian teams: Sakalai, Rudupis and Pieno Zvaigzdes.

By Eurobasket Data Center


Bitinas' 46-point game gives him NKL Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News

28-year old point guard Robertas Bitinas (182-PG-84) put on an amazing game in the last round for S.Marciulionio and receives a Eurobasket.com NKL Player of the Week award for round 17.
He had the game-high 46 points adding two rebounds and six assists for S.Marciulionio as his team was edged out by Olimpas (#4, 12-5) 111-109. S.Marciulionio maintains the 10th position in Lithuanian NKL. S.Marciulionio is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. But it was their 8th lost game this season out of 17 games. In the team's last game Bitinas had a remarkable 77.8% from 2-point range and got nine three-pointers out of 15 attempts. It was one of impressive evenings for him as usually he does not deliver so high stats. Robertas Bitinas averages this season 11.3ppg.

Second best performed player last round was Dustin Heiman (180-PG-86) of Silute. He is American guard in his first season at Silute. In the last game Heiman recorded impressive 33 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists. Bad luck as Silute was edged by the higher-ranked Suduva-Mantinga (#6, 11-6) 90-87. Silute is still in a red zone at 17th spot in the standings. 13 lost games are too many comparing to just four victories Silute managed to get this year. Heiman is a newcomer at Silute and quickly became one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Audrius Maneikis (203-F-84) of Olimpas (#4). Maneikis showcased his all-around game by recording 24 points, five rebounds and six assists in the last round. He was a key player of Olimpas, leading his team to a 111-109 win against the lower-ranked S.Marciulionio (#10, 9-8). Olimpas needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 12 victories and 5 lost games. Maneikis has a great season in Lithuania. After 15 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 19.7ppg (2nd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Edgaras Stanionis (193-G-88) of Zanavykas - 31 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Audrius Mineikis (201-F-77) of Suduva-Mantinga - 25 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists
6. Deividas Keburys (202-C-90) of Meresta - 15 points, 12 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Tomas Gaidamavicius (191-G-82) of Meresta - 26 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists
8. Ignas Razutis (185-G-87) of Olimpas - 23 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists
9. Raimundas Ambrulaitis (199-F-82) of Ezerunas-Karys - 9 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists
10. Dominikas Matutis (180-PG-91) of Gargzdai - 23 points and 6 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)


S.Marciulionio inks Janas Jurgo - by Eurobasket News

S.Marciulionio K.A. Vilnius (NKL) agreed terms with 29-year old domestic forward Janas Jurgo (200-83). He just played at KK Radviliskis-Juodeliai (NKL). In 14 games this season he had 13.2ppg, 7.5rpg and 1.1spg. The last season Jurgo also played at Mazeikiai. In 45 NKL games last year he recorded 12.9ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.1apg and 1.4spg.
The previous (10-11) season he played at Akademija. In 11 RKL games he recorded very impressive stats: 22.3ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.3apg and 1.1spg.
Jurgo won Lithuanian NKL championship title in 2006 and 2009.
He has played previously for three other Lithuanian teams: Sakalai, Rudupis and Pieno Zvaigzdes.

By Eurobasket Data Center


NKL Round 17: Mazeikiai beats Meresta by two after a very close game - by Eurobasket News

NKL is at the halfway of the Regular Season and there are still another 17 rounds left.

The most exciting game of round 17 in the NKL took place in Pakruojis. This derby game ended with only two-point home defeat of 6th ranked Meresta (10-7) to first ranked Mazeikiai (13-4) 94-92 on Friday evening. Guest team only slightly avoided a big embarassment. Belarusian center Aleh Kojenets (208-77, college: NC-Wilmington) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 13 rebounds. Forward Osvaldas Macernis (196-82) contributed with 17 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Guard Tomas Gaidamavicius (191-82) answered with 26 points and 5 assists for Meresta. Mazeikiai have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain first place with 13-4 record. Meresta lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the seventh position with seven games lost. They share it with Triobet and Zalgiris-Sabonio. Mazeikiai will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Meresta will play again on the road against the league's leader Mazeikiai (#1) and is hoping to prove to their supporters that they can break losing series.
Bottom-ranked Gargzdai-Bremena managed to get a third victory, breaking the series of two consecutive loses. This time they outleveled sixteenth-ranked Radviliskis 87-59. It's especially surprising that the victory came too easily and 28-point difference suggests that Gargzdai-Bremena is in a good shape to leave the bottom place. Point guard Dominikas Matutis (180-91) stepped up and scored 23 points and 6 rebounds for the winners and Donatas Tarolis chipped in 15 points and 10 rebounds. Guard Lukas Pipiras (192-89) responded with 19 points. Gargzdai-Bremena maintains eighteenth place with 3-14 record. Radviliskis at the other side dropped to the fifteenth position with 13 games lost. They share it with Silute and Nafta Universitetas. Gargzdai-Bremena will again play against higher ranked Radviliskis (#16) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Radviliskis will have a break next round.
A very close game took place in Moletai between Triobet and Ezerunas-Karys. Ninth ranked Triobet (10-7) got a very close victory on the road over 13th ranked Ezerunas-Karys (7-10). Triobet managed to escape with a 1-point win 81-80 on Friday evening. Tadas Sebeziovas nailed 26 points for the winning side. Justas Narusis came up with 18 points for Ezerunas-Karys in the defeat. Triobet have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Meresta and Zalgiris-Sabonio. Loser Ezerunas-Karys dropped to the twelfth position with ten games lost. They share it with Delikatesas. Triobet will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Ezerunas-Karys will play again against Triobet (#7) in Jonava and hope to secure a win.
A very interesting game took place in Vilnius. It ended with only one-point defeat on the road of 11th ranked Delikatesas (7-10) to twelfth ranked Perlas-MRU (8-9) 72-71 in the game for the eleventh place. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Delikatesas. The best player for the winners was Zydrunas Kelys who scored 20 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Perlas-MRU's coach Erikas Kuciauskas allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Perlas-MRU moved-up to eleventh place. Delikatesas at the other side dropped to the twelfth position with ten games lost. Perlas-MRU's next round opponent will be again Delikatesas (#12) in Joniskis.
Important game to mention about took place in Plunge. Fourth ranked Olimpas (12-5) saved a 2-point victory at home edging 10th ranked S.Marciulionio (9-8) 111-109 on Friday evening. Host team only slightly avoided a big embarassment. Audrius Maneikis orchestrated the victory by scoring 24 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Olimpas have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser S.Marciulionio keeps the tenth position with eight games lost. Olimpas will face again S.Marciulionio (#10) in Vilnius in the next round and are hoping to win another game.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 17: Nafta Universitetas was beaten by Dzukija on the road 84-69. Zanavykas won against Zalgiris-Sabonio on its own court 86-74. Statyba managed to outperform Birstono in Vilnius 62-57. Silute recorded a loss to Suduva-Mantinga at home 87-90.
The most impressive performance of 17th round was 46 points (!!!) and 6 assists by Robertas Bitinas of S.Marciulionio.

Gargzdai - Radviliskis 87-59

Bottom-ranked Gargzdai-Bremena managed to get a third victory, breaking the series of two consecutive loses. This time they outleveled sixteenth-ranked Radviliskis 87-59. It's especially surprising that the victory came too easily and 28-point difference suggests that Gargzdai-Bremena is in a good shape to leave the bottom place. The game without a history. Gargzdai-Bremena led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Gargzdai-Bremena outrebounded Radviliskis 47-28 including a 29-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. Point guard Dominikas Matutis (180-91) stepped up and scored 23 points and 6 rebounds for the winners and forward Donatas Tarolis (201-94) chipped in 15 points and 10 rebounds. Four Gargzdai-Bremena players scored in double figures. Guard Lukas Pipiras (192-89) responded with 19 points and forward Vaidas Trepocka (200-80, agency: Court Side) scored 10 points and 5 rebounds. Gargzdai-Bremena maintains eighteenth place with 3-14 record. Radviliskis at the other side dropped to the fifteenth position with 13 games lost. They share it with Silute and Nafta Universitetas. Gargzdai-Bremena will again play against higher ranked Radviliskis (#16) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Radviliskis will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Radviliskis: L.Pipiras 19+3reb+1ast, E.Kaupaitis 12+2reb, V.Trepocka 10+5reb+1ast, L.Kutra 6+3reb+5ast, D.Gricius 5+3reb, A.Montrimavicius 5+4reb+1ast
Gargzdai: D.Matutis 23+6reb+1ast, D.Tarolis 15+10reb+1ast, L.Lucinskas 12+4reb+2ast, M.Martinkus 12+3reb+4ast, G.Sakalas 9+4reb, R.Zabita 6+11reb+2ast
gschID: 201292


Dzukija - Nafta Universitetas 84-69

No shocking result in a game when fifth ranked Dzukija (12-5) beat 15th ranked Nafta Universitetas (4-13) in Alytus 84-69 on Friday. The game was mostly controlled by Dzukija. Nafta Universitetas was better in fourth quarter 23-13. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Dzukija had a 31-20 advantage in offensive rebounds. American guard Bryan Harrison (188-84, college: Georgia Coll., agency: Global Sports Plaza) orchestrated the victory by scoring 13 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists. Forward Povilas Sakinis (199-80) contributed with 21 points and 4 steals for the winners. Four Dzukija players scored in double figures. Dzukija's coach Mindaugas Jarusevicius used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Forward Donatas Norkus (196-90) answered with 16 points and 9 rebounds and center Valentas Tarolis (206-91) added 20 points in the effort for Nafta Universitetas. Dzukija moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams. Nafta Universitetas lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the fifteenth position with 13 games lost. Dzukija will face again Nafta Universitetas (#15) in Klaipeda in the next round which should be an easy win for them.
Top scorers:
Nafta Universitetas: V.Tarolis 20+4reb+1ast, D.Norkus 16+9reb, D.Anuzis 8+2reb+2ast, V.Chodosovskis 6+7reb, H.Venskus 6+4reb+8ast, T.Mazelis 6+2reb+2ast
Dzukija: P.Sakinis 21+4reb, T.Skripkauskas 16+6reb+1ast, B.Harrison 13+5reb+8ast, C.Trybanski 11+9reb, M.Reminas 9+11reb+3ast, A.Vaitiekus 8+2reb
gschID: 201290


Perlas-MRU - Delikatesas 72-71

A very interesting game took place in Vilnius. It ended with only one-point defeat on the road of 11th ranked Delikatesas (7-10) to twelfth ranked Perlas-MRU (8-9) 72-71 in the game for the eleventh place. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Delikatesas. They outrebounded Delikatesas 38-26 including 28 on the defensive glass. The best player for the winners was point guard Zydrunas Kelys (188-87) who scored 20 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Forward Jonas Elvikis (195-82) chipped in 14 points and 5 assists. Perlas-MRU's coach Erikas Kuciauskas allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Forward Edvinas Vaupsas (201-91) produced 12 points and swingman Laimonas Lukosevicius (197-86) added 13 points respectively for the guests. Four Delikatesas players scored in double figures. Perlas-MRU moved-up to eleventh place. Delikatesas at the other side dropped to the twelfth position with ten games lost. Perlas-MRU's next round opponent will be again Delikatesas (#12) in Joniskis.
Top scorers:
Delikatesas: L.Lukosevicius 13+3reb+1ast, E.Vaupsas 12+4reb+1ast, A.Kvedaravicius 10+4reb+1ast, Z.Petraitis 10+2reb, M.Keras 8+2reb, P.Klemas 8+2reb+1ast
Perlas-MRU: Z.Kelys 20+6reb+5ast, J.Elvikis 14+4reb+5ast, D.Domarkas 12+3reb+4ast, A.Udras 8+11reb+1ast, E.Pundzius 6+2reb, Z.Stankus 6+4reb+1ast
gschID: 201294


Olimpas - S.Marciulionio 111-109

Important game to mention about took place in Plunge. Fourth ranked Olimpas (12-5) saved a 2-point victory at home edging 10th ranked S.Marciulionio (9-8) 111-109 on Friday evening. Host team only slightly avoided a big embarassment. Olimpas dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to S.Marciulionio's 44. Olimpas forced 19 S.Marciulionio turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. S.Marciulionio was plagued by 28 personal fouls down the stretch. Forward Audrius Maneikis (203-84, college: Motlow St. CC) orchestrated the victory by scoring 24 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Guard Ignas Razutis (185-87) contributed with 23 points, 5 assists and 4 steals (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) for the winners. point guard Robertas Bitinas (182-84) answered with 46 points (!!!) and 6 assists and guard Marius Pociukonis (190-82) added 16 points and 6 assists in the effort for S.Marciulionio. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Olimpas have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser S.Marciulionio keeps the tenth position with eight games lost. Olimpas will face again S.Marciulionio (#10) in Vilnius in the next round and are hoping to win another game.
Top scorers:
S.Marciulionio: R.Bitinas 46+2reb+6ast, M.Pociukonis 16+3reb+6ast, O.Olisevicius 13+3reb, G.Staniulis 12+8reb+1ast, R.Sugintas 10+9reb, D.Krestinin 5+3reb
Olimpas: A.Maneikis 24+5reb+6ast, I.Razutis 23+3reb+5ast, J.Kazakauskas 16+6reb+2ast, M.Kazonas 15+5reb, E.Jocys 10+9reb+2ast, R.Venskus 9+3reb+1ast
gschID: 201291


Zanavykas - Zalgiris-Sabonio 86-74

Very expected game when 8th ranked Zalgiris-Sabonio (10-7) lost to second ranked Zanavykas (12-5) in Sakiai 74-86 on Friday. Zanavykas forced 21 Zalgiris-Sabonio turnovers and outrebounded them 38-27 including 16 on the offensive glass. Guard Edgaras Stanionis (193-88) orchestrated the victory by scoring 31 points and 8 rebounds (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line). Guard Arturs Pelss (181-87) contributed with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. Four Zanavykas players scored in double figures. Swingman Tomas Dimsa (195-94) answered with 18 points and point guard Vaidas Kariniauskas (200-93) added 8 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists in the effort for Zalgiris-Sabonio. Zalgiris-Sabonio's coach Tomas Masiulis rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for Zanavykas. Newly promoted Zanavykas maintains second place with 12-5 record behind leader Mazeikiai, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Zalgiris-Sabonio dropped to the seventh position with seven games lost. Zanavykas will face again Zalgiris-Sabonio (#9) in Kaunas in the next round and are hoping to win another game.
Top scorers:
Zalgiris-Sabonio: T.Dimsa 18+1reb+1ast, A.Gudaitis 12+3reb, M.Grigonis 10+2reb+4ast, L.Lekavicius 9+3reb+1ast, S.Kymantas 8+6reb+2ast, V.Kariniauskas 8+7reb+5ast
Zanavykas: E.Stanionis 31+8reb+3ast, V.Sumskis 15+8reb+1ast, A.Pelss 14+6reb+7ast, R.Ostreika 11+4reb, V.Vaiksnis 5+4reb+1ast, J.Andriuska 3+2reb+1ast
gschID: 201289


Ezerunas-Karys - Triobet 80-81

A very close game took place in Moletai between Triobet and Ezerunas-Karys. Ninth ranked Triobet (10-7) got a very close victory on the road over 13th ranked Ezerunas-Karys (7-10). Triobet managed to escape with a 1-point win 81-80 on Friday evening. The guests trailed by 6 points after three quarters before their 24-17 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Triobet made 16-of-21 free shots (76.2 percent) during the game. Guard Tadas Sebeziovas (183-85) nailed 26 points for the winning side and forward Martynas Linkevicius (197-85) accounted for 12 points and 11 rebounds. Four Triobet players scored in double figures. Forward Justas Narusis (198-90) came up with 18 points and center Marius Janisius (203-77) added 8 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists respectively for Ezerunas-Karys in the defeat. Triobet have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Meresta and Zalgiris-Sabonio. Loser Ezerunas-Karys dropped to the twelfth position with ten games lost. They share it with Delikatesas. Triobet will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Ezerunas-Karys will play again against Triobet (#7) in Jonava and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Ezerunas-Karys: J.Narusis 18+2reb+1ast, M.Kugauda 12+3reb+1ast, E.Narusis 12+7reb, R.Ambrulaitis 9+6reb+4ast, G.Kulbis 8+1reb+3ast, K.Alekna 8+2reb+1ast
Triobet: T.Sebeziovas 26+2reb+2ast, T.Milinskas 13+5reb, M.Linkevicius 12+11reb+2ast, A.Lencevicius 11+1reb, I.Dauksys 5+2reb+1ast, V.Kruzikas 4+3reb+1ast
gschID: 201296


Birstono - Statyba 57-62

Very predictable result when third ranked Statyba (12-5) won against 14th ranked Birstono (5-12) in Kaunas 62-57 on Friday. The guests were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Forward Darius Tarvydas (200-91) orchestrated the victory by scoring 14 points and 8 rebounds. Forward Karolis Brusokas (200-91) contributed with 12 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Paulius Kleiza (195-88) answered with 21 points and 7 assists and Simas Raupys (195-94) added 11 points and 9 rebounds in the effort for Birstono. Statyba moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Birstono keeps the fourteenth position with 12 games lost. Statyba will have a break next round. Birstono will play again on the road against Statyba (#3) in Vilnius.
Top scorers:
Birstono: P.Kleiza 21+4reb+7ast, D.Sabeckis 14+1reb, S.Raupys 11+9reb+1ast, A.Oladimeji 7+7reb, M.Lukminas 4+4reb, D.Sabeckis 0
Statyba: D.Tarvydas 14+8reb+1ast, K.Brusokas 12+6reb, K.Jonuska 10+2reb, M.Paliukenas 7, O.Varanauskas 6+7reb+2ast, A.Zarskus 5+4reb+1ast
gschID: 201288


Silute - Suduva-Mantinga 87-90

Not a big story in a game when 17th ranked Silute (4-13) was edged at home by seventh ranked Suduva-Mantinga (11-6) 90-87 on Friday. Suduva-Mantinga dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Silute's 34. Suduva-Mantinga forced 19 Silute turnovers. Silute was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. Forward Audrius Mineikis (201-77) orchestrated the victory by scoring 25 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Guard Zilvinas Kuklierius (180-85) contributed with 22 points for the winners. Suduva-Mantinga's coach Gintautas Zibuda used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. American point guard Dustin Heiman (180-86, college: Abil.Christian) answered with 33 points (!!!) and 8 rebounds and guard Eivydas Molosciakas (190-93) added 19 points in the effort for Silute. Suduva-Mantinga moved-up to sixth place. Silute lost their fifth game in a row. They dropped to the fifteenth position with 13 games lost. Suduva-Mantinga will have a break next round. Silute will play again on the road against Suduva-Mantinga (#6) in Marijampole.
Top scorers:
Silute: D.Heiman 33+8reb+3ast, E.Molosciakas 19+3reb+3ast, M.Kasiulevicius 12+4reb+1ast, G.Pakalniskis 8+5reb, D.Lavonne Brents 8+2reb+2ast, E.Saulys 7+2reb+2ast
Suduva-Mantinga: A.Mineikis 25+8reb+5ast, Z.Kuklierius 22+4reb+3ast, M.Kalvelis 15+5reb+4ast, A.Cizikas 11+1reb+1ast, P.Knyza 9+6reb+3ast, K.Pupinis 8+7reb
gschID: 201293


Meresta - Mazeikiai 92-94

The most exciting game of round 17 in the NKL took place in Pakruojis. This derby game ended with only two-point home defeat of 6th ranked Meresta (10-7) to first ranked Mazeikiai (13-4) 94-92 on Friday evening. Guest team only slightly avoided a big embarassment. Belarusian center Aleh Kojenets (208-77, college: NC-Wilmington) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 13 rebounds. Forward Osvaldas Macernis (196-82) contributed with 17 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Four Mazeikiai players scored in double figures. Guard Tomas Gaidamavicius (191-82) answered with 26 points and 5 assists and center Deividas Keburys (202-90) added 15 points and 12 rebounds in the effort for Meresta. Mazeikiai have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain first place with 13-4 record. Meresta lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the seventh position with seven games lost. They share it with Triobet and Zalgiris-Sabonio. Mazeikiai will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Meresta will play again on the road against the league's leader Mazeikiai (#1) and is hoping to prove to their supporters that they can break losing series.
Top scorers:
Meresta: T.Gaidamavicius 26+3reb+5ast, L.Radavicius 25+1reb+2ast, D.Keburys 15+12reb+2ast, A.Povilaitis 7+2reb, I.Vaitkus 7+4reb+1ast, B.Bagdonavicius 6+7reb
Mazeikiai: R.Giedraitis 20+5reb, O.Macernis 17+7reb+2ast, A.Kojenets 16+13reb+1ast, M.Sidlauskas 16+4reb+2ast, A.Mikutis 14+4reb+2ast, A.Mazutis 7+4reb+10ast
gschID: 201295



EuroLeague: Zalgiris snatch win in Milan - by Eurobasket News

Emporio Armani - Zalgiris 65:67

Zalgiris stayed on top of EuroLeague Group C following a tough road win over Emporio Armani. Paulius Jankunas (205-PF-84, agency: Alti Sport) scored 16 points to pace the Lithuanian team. Emporio Armani fell at 3-6 record after the defeat and endangered their Top 16 aspirations.
It was a close affair from start to finish. Zalgiris led by two points after ten minutes 18:16. Emporio Armani pulled ahead in the second term. The Italian team spurred in front for a 37:32 halftime advantage. Zalgiris narrowed the deficit in the third term. The visitors came back from an 8-point deficit to sneak to a 51:50 lead. Stipcevic capped the third term with a three-pointer to give Emporio Armani a 53:51 lead. The lead changed hands several times in the fourth frame before Jaaber made it 67:64 for Zalgiris with 18 seconds remaining. Cook answered with one free throw and then Keith Langford (193-SG-83, college: Kansas) missed a layup as Zalgiris got away with victory. Marko Popovic (185-G-82, agency: Alti Sport, college: S.Idaho JC) and Tremmell Darden (194-G/F-81, college: Niagara) provided 14 points apiece for Zalgiris. Keith Langford answered with 20 points for Emporio Armani. Ioannis Bourousis (213-C-83, agency: FCM) chipped in 13 points in the loss.

Emporio Armani: Keith Langford 20, Ioannis Bourousis 13
Zalgiris: Paulius Jankunas 16, Marko Popovic 14, Tremmell Darden 14


EuroLeague: Lietuvos Rytas edge Brose Baskets in Vilnius - by Eurobasket News

Lietuvos Rytas - Brose Baskets 67:62

Lietuvos Rytas clinched a vital win in the Euroleague Group D. They held off Brose Baskets to improve at 2-7 record for a three-team tie in the fourth position in the ladder. Renaldas Seibutis (198-SG-85) scored 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to pace the Vilnius team.
Lietuvos Rytas and Bamberg exchanged baskets throughout the opening quarter. The scoreboard read 15:15 after ten minutes. Lietuvos Rytas surged ahead in the second term. They established a 35:28 halftime advantage. Brose Baskets slowed the hosts down in the third term. The German team got within 5 points midway through the quarter. Renaldas Seibutis and Samardziski stretched the margin to 7 points at the final break 50:43. Lietuvos Rytas stayed calm throughout the fourth frame. They kept Brose Baskets at bay and rallied to the victory at the end. Leon Radosevic (206-C-90) provided 11 points and 9 rebounds, while Janis Blums (191-SG-82) and Simas Buterlevicius (200-F-89) added 8 points each for the winners. Bostjan Nachbar (207-F-80) and Maik Zirbes (208-C-90) responded with 12 points each for Brose Baskets.

Lietuvos Rytas: Renaldas Seibutis 19+10 boards, Leon Radosevic 11, Janis Blums 8, Simas Buterlevicius 8
Brose Baskets: Bostjan Nachbar 12, Maik Zirbes 12


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


Amara Sy selected the top Malian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

Here is the weekly review of the top performing Mali players, who play currently abroad.

Amara Sy
Amara Sy
   #1. This week's number one is an international forward Amara Sy (202-81, currently plays in France), who plays in the French ProA. He could not help ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne Basket (5-4) in their last game. Despite Sy's good performance ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne Basket lost 72-78 on the road to the lower-ranked (#10) Poitiers. He was the second best scorer with 10 points. Sy also added 8 rebounds and dished 3 assists in 30 minutes on the court. But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen. Sy has relatively good stats this year: 12.8ppg, 6.1rpg, 2.8apg, 1.2bpg, 2FGP: 48.8% and FT: 62.1% in the nine games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Mali and French. Sy played for the Mali senior national team one years ago.

Ibrahim Saounera
Ibrahim Saounera
   #2. Second place goes to an international point guard Ibrahim Saounera (178-87, currently plays in France). Saounera was the major contributor in Rueil's victory against the closely-ranked Angers BC 49 (4-6) 78-71 in the French NM1 (third division) in Tuesday night's game. He scored 17 points, had 4 rebounds and dished 4 assists. Rueil Athletic Club (5-6) is placed eighth in the NM1. But the season is still in it's first stage and everything can happen. It's Saounera's first year with the team. Saounera is ranked fifth on the list of the best passers in the league and also on the list of most steals (fourth place). He has very reliable stats this season: 12.0ppg, 2.4rpg, 5.1apg, 2.2spg, 3FGP: 33.3% and FT: 79.1%. Saounera is another player who holds two passports: Mali and French. He played for the Mali national team in 2011.

Sambou Traore
Sambou Traore
   #3. The Mali player who performed third best last week abroad was an experienced international power forward Sambou Traore (199-79, currently plays in France). Traore was not able to help Limoges CSP Elite (4-5) in their game against STB Le Havre (4-5) in the French ProA. He scored only 4 points. Limoges CSP Elite was crushed 88-60 in Le Havre by the higher-ranked STB Le Havre (#8). This season Traore averages: 2.2ppg, 1.4rpg, 2FGP: 28.6% and FT: 75.0%. Similarly like Saounera and Sy above he has both Mali and French nationalities. Traore played for the Mali national team one years ago.

Oumar Sylla
Oumar Sylla
   #4. Forward Oumar Sylla (201-84, college: Richmond, currently plays in Germany) contributed to a ifm Baskets Konstanz's victory against the 11th-ranked Leitershofen (3-7) 90-81 in the German ProB (third division) in Sunday night's game. He recorded 6 points and added 4 passes in 19 minutes. ifm Baskets Konstanz (3-7) is placed ninth in Group South. This year Sylla has relatively solid stats: 13.8ppg, 4.7rpg, 3.1apg and 1.2spg in the 10 games. He used to play for the Mali national team back in 2009.

The list of other players, who all have Mali passport but never been selected to any of Mali national teams:

   #1. Bandja Sy (203-F, currently plays college basketball in the States) led N.Mexico St. to a victory against the University of South Alabama (2-0) 58-52 in the NCAA last Tuesday. He recorded a double-double by scoring 11 points and getting 14 rebounds. The New Mexico State University has conference record this season. It's Sy's fourth year with the team. This year Sy has relatively solid stats: 12.8ppg, 6.1rpg, 2.8apg and 1.2bpg. He has a dual citizenship: Mali and French.

   #2. Yohann Sangare (193-G-83, currently plays in France), who plays in the French ProA could not help Chorale de Roanne (3-6) to beat JDA Dijon (4-5). Sangare scored 9 points in 30 minutes. But the bottom-ranked Chorale de Roanne lost 61-71 on the road to the much higher-ranked (#9) JDA Dijon. But the season just started, so everything may happen. This year Sangare averages: 6.8ppg, 3.0rpg and 3.2apg in the nine games he played so far. He is another player who holds two passports: Mali and French.

   #3. Mamoudou Sy (196-F-83, college: Cowley County CC, currently plays in France) contributed to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Cognac (8-3) 96-80 in the French NM1 (third division) last Tuesday. Sy scored 11 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 20 minutes. ADA Blois Basket (7-3) is placed fifth in the NM1. It was his team's first victory after three consecutive loses. But there are still lots of games to play and it's a long way to go. This year Sy averages: 3.8ppg and 2.7rpg in the nine games. Similarly like Sangare and Sy above he has both Mali and French nationalities.

   #4. Mamoutou Diarra (200-F-80, currently plays in France) was not able to help JSF Nanterre (4-5) in their game against Le Mans (7-2) in the French ProA. Diarra cannot count Saturday's game as one of the best ones. He scored only 1 points. JSF Nanterre was defeated 80-74 in Le Mans by the second-ranked Le Mans. Diarra's overall stats this season are: 1.0ppg and 2.0rpg. Similarly like three previous players above, he also holds two passports: Mali and French.

   #5. Bakary Konate (208-C/F-93, currently plays in Spain) contributed to a 1-point La Palma's victory against the closely-ranked Palma (3-5) 75-74 in the Spanish LEB Silver (third division) on Saturday night. Konate scored 6 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in only 14 minutes. U.B. La Palma (1-6) is located at the very bottom in the LEB Silver. But the situation may improve as they ended a series of six consecutive loses. This year Konate's overall stats are: 5.6ppg and 5.7rpg in the seven games.


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


Paul Stoll selected the top Mexican playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

Here is the weekly review of the top performing Mexican players, who play currently abroad.

Paul Stoll
Paul Stoll
   #1. This week's number one is an international point guard Paul Stoll (180-85, currently plays in Israel). He led Maccabi Haifa to a victory over the ninth-ranked Bnei Hasharon (2-5) 91-86 in the Israeli Winner League in Monday night's game. Stoll was MVP of the game. He scored 17 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and dished 3 assists in 34 minutes on the court. Maccabi Bazan Haifa (6-2) is placed second in the Winner League. It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row. It's Stoll's first season with the team. Stoll has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 15.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.6apg, 2.0spg, 2FGP: 40.7%, 3FGP: 39.4% and FT: 81.8% in the eight games he played so far. Stoll is a naturalized American. He is currently a member of the Mexican senior national team. Stoll used to play for Algodoneros de La Comarca - Torreon in Mexican league.

Earl Watson
Earl Watson
   #2. Second place goes to an experienced former international point guard Earl Watson (185-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: UCLA, currently plays in NBA), who plays in the NBA. He could not help the Utah Jazz (10-10) to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder (15-4). Watson did not impress in that game on Friday. He recorded only 2 points and added 8 assists. The Utah Jazz was defeated 106-94 on the road by the Thunder. It was Utah Jazz's third consecutive loss in a row. But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen. Watson's overall stats this year are: 1.9ppg, 4.0apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 42.9%. He is a naturalized American. Watson played for the Mexican national team in 2007. Strangely he has never played in Mexico.

Gustavo Ayon
Gustavo Ayon
   #3. The Mexican player who performed third best last week abroad was an international power forward Gustavo Ayon (209-85, college: San Jose St., currently plays in NBA). Ayon managed to help Orlando Magic in a victory against the Golden State Warriors (11-7) 102-94 in the NBA on Monday night. He recorded only 4 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 15 minutes. The Orlando Magic has 7-11 record this season. But the season just started, so everything may happen. This year Ayon's overall stats are: 3.0ppg, 3.0rpg, 2FGP: 48.8% and FT: 42.9% in the 16 games. He is also a member of the Mexican senior national team.

Romel Beck
Romel Beck
   #4. Swingman Romel Beck (201-82, agency: Interperformances, college: UNLV, currently plays in Israel) faced previously mentioned Paul Stoll in the Israeli Winner League last game. Beck was not able to help Bnei Hasharon (2-5) in their game against Maccabi Haifa (6-2). He scored 7 points, grabbed 4 rebounds and dished 5 assists. Bnei Hasharon was defeated 91-86 in Haifa by the second-ranked Maccabi. It was Bnei Hasharon's fourth consecutive loss in a row. But the season is still in it's first stage and everything can happen. Beck is currently second on the league's list of top scorers. This season he has very high stats. Beck averages: 18.0ppg, 3.0rpg and 1.9apg. He is a naturalized American. Beck is also Mexican national team player. He used to play for Correcaminos Victoria in Mexican league.

   #5. University international guard Raul Delgado (188-91, currently plays college basketball in the States) was not able to secure a victory for the BYU in their game against the Iowa State University (0-0) in the NCAA. He cannot count Saturday's game as one of the best ones. Delgado scored only 2 points in 10 minutes. The BYU was crushed 83-62 in Ames, IA by the Iowa State University. This year Delgado averages just 1.3ppg in the 12 games. He used to play for the Mexican university national team last year.

The list of other players, who all have Mexican passport but never been selected to any of Mexican national teams:

   #1. Diego Gonzalez (175-PG-84, currently plays in Uruguay) contributed to Aguada's victory against the third-ranked Bigua (18-6) 101-96 in the Uruguayan LUB in Monday night's game. Gonzalez scored 10 points and added 8 passes. It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in group Capital. Atletico Aguadais placed first. Gonzalez's total stats this season are: 5.5ppg, 3.0rpg, 4.8apg and 1.3spg. He has a dual citizenship: Mexican and Uruguayan.

   #2. Mark Sanchez (201-F-87, agency: Court Side, college: Boise St., currently plays in Austria) was the major contributor in an overtime Kapfenberg Bulls' victory against the closely-ranked Gussing Knights (5-4) 87-76 in the Austrian A Bundesliga last Sunday. Sanchez recorded 13 points and grabbed 8 rebounds (made all of his six free throws) in 41 minutes. ECE Bulls Kapfenberg (6-3) is placed second in the A Bundesliga. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. Sanchez has relatively good stats this year: 14.9ppg, 7.0rpg and 2.3apg in the nine games he played so far. He is a naturalized American. Sanchez used to play for Lobos Grises de la UAD Durango in Mexican league.

   #3. Jaime Serna (205-F-89, college: UCSB, currently plays in Spain) contributed to an easy victory against the closely-ranked FCB Regal II (5-4) crushing them 94-74 in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) in Friday night's game. Serna scored 9 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 22 minutes. CB Clavijo (5-4) is placed seventh in the LEB Gold. But there are still lots of games to play and it's a long way to go. This year Serna's total stats are: 4.3ppg and 3.9rpg in the eight games. He is another player who holds two passports: Mexican and Spanish.

   #4. Juan Alvarez (200-F-92, currently plays in Uruguay) managed to help Atletico Bigua to win against the 11th-ranked Olimpia (10-13) 94-84 in a derby game in the Uruguayan LUB last Saturday. Alvarez scored only 2 points. Atletico Bigua (18-6) is placed third in Capital group. There are only three games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. This season Alvarez averages just 1.3ppg.


Hickerson number one in Mexican LNBP for round 29 - by Eurobasket News

American guard LeRoy Hickerson (196-G-82) had a great game in the last round for top-ranked Halc.Xalapa, receiving a Latinbasket.com LNBP Player of the Week award for round 29.
The 30-year old player was the main contributor (25 points, nine rebounds and five assists) to his team's victory, helping them to crush Gigantes (#16, 2-27) with 22-point margin 101-79. It allowed Halc.Xalapa to consolidate first place in the Mexican LNBP. Halc.Xalapa have a solid 25-4 record. Hickerson turned to be Halc.Xalapa's top player in his first season with the team. Former University of the Cumberlands star has very solid stats this year. Hickerson is in league's top in points (4th best: 22.7ppg) and averages impressive 62.9% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 23-year old American Shannon Shorter (193-G-89) of Gansos. Shorter had a very good evening with 34 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists. Bad luck as Gansos lost that game 91-117 to the higher-ranked Panteras (#5, 21-8). Gansos is still in a red zone at 15th spot in the standings. 25 lost games are too many comparing to just five victories Gansos managed to get this year. Shorter is a newcomer at Gansos, but is already one of team's top players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 27.2ppg (#1). His other stats are also decent: 7.9rpg and 3.9apg.

Third on the list of top players last round was Trinidad and Tobago guard Ian Young (191-PG-81) of Lechugueros (#12). Young got into 30-points club by scoring 37 points in the last round. He went also for eleven assists. Despite Young's great performance Lechugueros lost 88-106 to the higher-ranked Fuerza Regia (#8, 16-13). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. The chances of Lechugueros not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 20 games, recording just nine victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Young could try to bring Lechugueros' a little bit higher in the standings. Young has a very solid season. In 10 games in Mexico he scored 21.0ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Babacar Camara (211-C-81) of Lechugueros - 27 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Jerome Habel (208-F-85) of Barreteros - 30 points and 9 rebounds
6. McHugh Mattis (198-F-84) of Abejas - 28 points and 9 rebounds
7. Luis Bethelmy (200-F/C-86) of Halc.Rojos - 26 points and 9 rebounds
8. Lance Allred (211-C-81) of Fuerza Regia - 22 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Oritseweyinmi Efejuku (196-G-86) of Fuerza Regia - 27 points and 4 assists
10. Jermaine Johnson (201-F-85) of Gigantes - 25 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists

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)


Halc.Xalapa adds Sowell to their roster, ex Reales - by Eurobasket News

Halcones UV Xalapa (LNBP) added to their roster 31-year old American guard Kevin Sowell (190-81, agency: Interperformances). He played last summer at Reales in LNB league in Dominican Republic. Sowell also played at Franca in Brazilian NBB that season. A very spectacular year in his career as he was voted to Latinbasket.com Brazilian League All-Imports Team and to the All-Star Game. The most of last summer Sowell spent at Frayles de Guasave. In 20 CIBACOPA games he was the best scorer with impressive 30.7ppg and had 6.6rpg, 3.2apg, 1.6spg (in top 5) and 2.3bpg. A very spectacular season in his career as he was selected Latinbasket.com All-Mexican CIBACOPA Defensive Player of the Year and voted to 1st Team and voted to All-Imports Team. Another team he played that season for was Caballeros de Culiacan. In 18 CIBACOPA games he was the best scorer with impressive 27.3ppg and recorded 5.2rpg, 3.2apg, 1.4spg (in top 5) and 3.2bpg. 
Sowell won Dominican Rep. LNB North Division championship title in 2011.
He is quite experienced player. Sowell has played also professionally in Argentina, Chile, Colombia (Bucaros), Iceland, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Venezuela (Gaiteros and Bucaneros).
He is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top summer league for players who want to play basketball overseas.

By Eurobasket Data Center


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


EBL Round 8: Jedinstvo surprised Teodo in Bijelo Polje - by Darko Pekic

In the first game of EBL there was a surprise. Balkan League member Teodo lost against a team that few days before the season did not have full roster to compete (60:53 for the home team). Actually, this surprise it not a miracle because the team led by Slobodan Savovic has been playing below its potentials lately and without the injured Marko Mijovic (188-PG-87) lost three games (Ulcinj, Rilski and Jedinstvo) and won just one (Sutjeska). On the other side, it motivated Jedinstvo to fight hard, play defense and outscore the better rival. The home team took the lead in the 2nd quarter and kept it until the end of game.

Saud Omerovic (194-F-84) was the game top scorer with 21 points while Nikola Munjic (202-F/C-93) added 11 points. In the guest team Savo Djikanovic (211-C-75, agency: Beo Basket) had a solid game with 17 points but everybody else underachieved.


Nikola Pekovic's double-double lands him Player of the Week award among Montenegrins playing currently abroad - by Eurobasket Center

We bring you last week's top performances from Montenegrins who are playing abroad and who all have had prior experience of national team duties at youth or senior level.

Nikola Pekovic
Nikola Pekovic
   #1. This week's number one is an international center Nikola Pekovic (209-86, agency: Beo Basket, currently plays in NBA). He led Minnesota Timberwolves to a victory against the Milwaukee Bucks (8-9) 95-85 in the NBA on Friday night. Pekovic had a double-double by scoring 14 points and getting 16 rebounds. He also added 3 blocks in 36 minutes on the court. The Minnesota Timberwolves have 8-9 record this season. But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen. Pekovic has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 14.2ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.3apg, 2FGP: 48.0% and FT: 74.2% in the 15 games he played so far. Pekovic is currently a member of the Montenegrin senior national team.

Nikola Vucevic
Nikola Vucevic
   #2. Second place goes to an international center Nikola Vucevic (210-90, college: USC, currently plays in NBA). He contributed to an Orlando Magic's victory against the Los Angeles Lakers (9-10) 113-103 in the NBA in Sunday night's game. Vucevic recorded a double-double by scoring 17 points and getting 12 rebounds. He also added 4 blocks; quite an impressive performance considering it's only Vucevic's second season in pro basketball. The Orlando Magic has 7-11 record this season. But the season just started, so everything may happen. Vucevic has relatively good stats this year: 9.9ppg, 8.9rpg, 1.6apg, 1.3bpg, 2FGP: 46.6% and FT: 73.9%. He is in the roster of the Montenegrin senior national team.

Bojan Dubljevic
Bojan Dubljevic
   #3. The Montenegrin player who performed third best last week abroad was an international power forward Bojan Dubljevic (205-91, also represented by Beo Basket, currently plays in Spain). Dubljevic contributed to a Valencia Basket's victory against the closely-ranked G.Canaria 2014 (7-3) 79-65 in the Spanish ACB last Saturday. He recorded 10 points in 17 minutes. Valencia Basket (8-2) is placed third in the ACB. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. But the season is still in it's first stage and everything can happen. It's Dubljevic's first year with the team. This season Dubljevic has relatively solid stats: 10.7ppg, 2.9rpg, 2FGP: 54.2%, 3FGP: 52.6%(10-19) and FT: 87.5% in the nine games. He is also a member of the Montenegrin senior national team.

Ivan Ivanovic
Ivan Ivanovic
   #4. Forward Ivan Ivanovic (205-80, currently plays in EuroChallenge) led his Romanian team Gaz Metan to a victory over the third-ranked TU/Rock (2-3) crushing them 81-58 in the EuroChallenge on Tuesday night. Ivanovic was MVP of the game. He recorded a double-double by scoring 20 points and getting 12 rebounds. CS Gaz Metan Medias (4-1) is placed first in group D. Ivanovic's team will play only one more game in the EuroChallenge Regular Season. And that game will be critical. Ivanovic has reliable stats this season: 10.4ppg, 5.6rpg and 2.8apg. He has a dual citizenship: Montenegrin and Serbian. Ivanovic used to play for the Montenegrin national team back in 2008.

Vladimir Dragicevic
Vladimir Dragicevic
   #5. International power forward Vladimir Dragicevic (206-86, currently plays in Eurocup) helped his Russian team Spartak St.Petersburg win their game against the closely-ranked Cibona (0-5) crushing them 93-60 in the Eurocup last Wednesday. Dragicevic scored 11 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Spartak St.Petersburg (5-0) is placed first in the Eurocup. So far his team won all five games in the Regular Season. They will play only one more game in the Eurocup Regular Season. Dragicevic's overall stats this season are: 8.5ppg and 5.5rpg. He plays currently for the Montenegrin national team.

Suad Sehovic
Suad Sehovic
   #6. Swingman Suad Sehovic (196-87, currently plays in Ukraine), who plays in the Ukrainian Superleague could not help Khimik (11-5) in their last game. Despite Sehovic's very good performance Khimik lost 91-105 on the road to the leading Ferro-ZNTU. He was the second best scorer with 16 points. Sehovic also added 6 rebounds in 23 minutes. It's Sehovic's first season with the team. His stats this year are: 12.8ppg, 4.8rpg and 1.4apg in the 16 games. Sehovic is an international player who is currently on the senior Montenegrin National Team roster.

Goran Martinic
Goran Martinic
   #7. Former U21 international point guard Goran Martinic (184-87, agency: BeoExcell, currently plays in Romania), who plays in the Romanian Division A was not able to help CSM Bucuresti (8-3) in their last game on Friday. Despite his very good performance CSM Bucuresti was defeated 96-88 at home by the lower-ranked Rovinari (#8). Martinic was the top scorer with 28 points. He also added 7 passes. Martinic is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's his sixth year in CSM Bucuresti's roster. Martinic is ranked first on the list of the top scorers in the league and also on the list of most steals (second place). This season he has very high stats. Martinic averages: 24.2ppg, 2.5rpg, 4.6apg and 2.2spg. He used to play for the Montenegrin U21 national team five years ago.

Igor Bijelic
Igor Bijelic
   #8. Power forward Igor Bijelic (207-88, currently plays in Bosnia) was the main contributor in Mladost's victory against the eighth-ranked Varda HE (3-4) 79-69 in the Bosnia and Herzegovina Division I last Saturday. Bijelic was the best player in that game. He recorded 23 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks (made all of his nine free throws !!!) in 25 minutes. KK Mladost Mrkonjic Gradis placed in the Division I. Bijelic is currently seventh on the league's list of best rebounders and also on the list of best blockers (first place). He has very impressive stats this year: 17.4ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.3apg, 1.6bpg and 1.3spg in the seven games. Bijelic used to play for the Montenegrin U21 national team back in 2007.

Nemanja Radovic
Nemanja Radovic
   #9. U20 international power forward Nemanja Radovic (206-91, another player represented by Beo Basket, currently plays in Serbia), who plays in the Serbian A League was not able to secure a victory for Vrsac (6-5) in their last game on Saturday. Despite his very good performance Vrsac was defeated 122-113 in Beograd by the lower-ranked OKK Beograd (#11). Radovic scored 18 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. Radovic belongs to league's top scorers (ranked #6) and also on the list of best rebounders (third place). This season he has very high stats. Radovic averages: 15.7ppg, 9.4rpg, 1.4apg and 1.2bpg. He used to play for the Montenegrin U20 national team last year.

Milko Bjelica
Milko Bjelica
   #10. Power forward Milko Bjelica (205-84, another player represented by Beo Basket, currently plays in Spain) helped Caja Laboral edge the league outsider Lagun Aro GBC (1-9) 71-69 in the Spanish ACB in Sunday night's game. Bjelica recorded 7 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in 27 minutes. Caja Laboral Vitoria (7-3) is placed fourth in the ACB. But there are still lots of games to play and it's a long way to go. This year Bjelica's overall stats are: 4.9ppg and 1.8rpg in the eight games. He is an international player who is currently on the senior Montenegrin National Team roster.

   #11. International point guard Omar-Sharif Cook (188-82, another player represented by Beo Basket, college: St.John's, currently plays in Euroleague), who plays in Italy couldn't help Armani Milano (3-5) in their last game on Thursday. Despite Cook's good performance the fourth-placed Armani Milano was edged 64-62 in Vitoria by the lower-ranked Caja Laboral (#5) in the group C of Euroleague. He was the second best scorer with 14 points. Cook is currently fourth on the league's list of best passers. His total stats this season are: 7.4ppg, 1.6rpg, 5.4apg and 1.4spg. Cook is a naturalized American. He plays currently for the Montenegrin national team. Strangely Cook has never played in Montenegro.

   #12. U21 international power forward Marko Todorovic (210-92, currently plays in Euroleague) managed to help Regal FC Barcelona in a victory against the third-ranked Besiktas crushing them 78-48 in the Euroleague on Friday night. He scored only 4 points, grabbed 4 rebounds and made 2 blocks in 11 minutes. This year Todorovic's total stats are: 1.8ppg and 1.9rpg in the eight games. He is also in the roster of the Montenegrin U21 national team.

   #13. Former U20 international power forward Nemanja Milosevic (204-87, agency: Interperformances, college: W.Kentucky, currently plays in Bulgaria), who plays in the Bulgarian NBL couldn't help Tundja Yambol (4-3) in their last game on Saturday. Despite Milosevic's very good performance Tundja Yambol was edged 83-82 in Samokov by the second-ranked Rilski Sportist. He was the top scorer with 19 points. Milosevic also added 8 rebounds. He averaged so far 14.5ppg and 6.5rpg. Milosevic used to play for the Montenegrin U20 national team four years ago.

   #14. International swingman Sead Sehovic (196-89, currently plays in Adriatic League), who plays in Hungary couldn't help Szolnok (2-9) in their last game. Despite his very good performance the bottom-ranked Szolnok was crushed 87-53 in Skopje by the much higher-ranked (#7) MZT Skopje. Sehovic was the top scorer with 15 points. He also added 6 rebounds in 33 minutes. Sehovic averaged so far 12.6ppg, 4.4rpg and 1.7apg in the seven games. He plays currently for the Montenegrin national team.

   #15. Former U20 international guard Milorad Sutulovic (196-90, currently plays in Serbia) faced previously mentioned Nemanja Radovic in the Serbian A League last game. Sutulovic helped OKK Beograd win their game against one of league's weakest teams Vrsac 122-113. He scored 19 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. Sutulovic has averaged so far 9.5ppg and 2.0rpg. He used to play for the Montenegrin U20 national team two years ago.

The list of other players, who all have Montenegrin passport but never been selected to any of Montenegrin national teams:

   #1. Nikola Mirotic (207-F/C-91, currently plays in Euroleague) led his Spanish team Real Madrid to a victory over the fourth-ranked Fenerbahce Ulker (4-4) 77-61 in the Euroleague in Friday night's game. He was MVP of the game. Mirotic scored 18 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 27 minutes. Real Madrid (6-3) is placed first in group A. His team will play only one more game in the Euroleague Regular Season. And that game will be critical. Mirotic has relatively good stats this year: 11.9ppg and 5.0rpg in the nine games he played so far. He has a dual citizenship: Montenegrin and Spanish. Despite Mirotic's Montenegrin passport, he currently plays for the Spanish U20 national team and is not eligible to play for the Montenegrin team.

   #2. Bojan Subotic (203-F-90, currently plays in Eurocup) was the main contributor in Zvezda's victory against the closely-ranked Entente Orleans 45 (1-4) 85-75 in the Eurocup last Wednesday. Subotic was MVP of the game. He scored 24 points. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Crvena Zvezda DIVA Beograd (5-0) is placed first in the Eurocup. So far his team won all five games in the Regular Season. They will play only one more game in the Eurocup Regular Season. And now that game is very crucial. Subotic has relatively good stats this season: 11.2ppg and 4.8rpg.

   #3. Dusan Djordjevic (195-G-83, agency: Beo Basket, currently plays in Eurocup), who plays in Belgium could not help Base Oostende (2-3) in their last game. Despite his very good performance Base Oostende was edged in an overtime 101-100 on the road by the lower-ranked (#4) Panionios. Djordjevic was the top scorer with 20 points. He also added made 8 passes and 3 steals (was perfect 12-for-12 from the free throw line !!!) in 40 minutes. Djordjevic's team will play only one more game in the Eurocup Regular Season. And now that game is quite important. This year Djordjevic's overall stats are: 9.8ppg, 2.2rpg, 4.8apg and 1.4spg in the five games. He is another player who holds two passports: Serbian and Montenegrin.

   #4. Experienced Branko Cuic (197-G-78, currently plays in Romania) was the major contributor in a Targu Mures' victory against the closely-ranked U-Mobitelco (7-4) 82-72 in the Romanian Division A in Friday night's game. Cuic recorded 18 points, 4 rebounds and 9 assists (made all of his five free throws) in 37 minutes. BC Mures Targu-Mures (7-4) is placed sixth in the Division A. Cuic is currently fourth on the list of best passers with 5.7apg. He also averaged so far 15.9ppg and 5.8rpg in the 11 games.

   #5. Miljan Pavkovic (178-G-81, also represented by Beo Basket, currently plays in Eurocup) was not able to help CEZ Nymburk (3-2) in their game against Budivelnyk (3-2) in the Eurocup. Pavkovic scored 7 points and added 5 assists. The league leader CEZ Nymburk was defeated 72-62 in Kyiv by the second-ranked Budivelnyk. His team will play only one more game in the Eurocup Regular Season. Pavkovic is currently fourth on the list of best passers. He has averaged so far 6.2ppg, 3.0rpg and 5.4apg.

   #6. Mensud Julevic (200-PF-85, currently plays in Slovenia) contributed to a 3-point Elektra's victory against the closely-ranked Geoplin Slovan 66-63 in the Slovenian Telemach League on Saturday night. Julevic was the top player that evening. He recorded 12 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists in 32 minutes. Julevic averaged so far 12.2ppg, 5.3rpg and 2.3apg in the six games. He has both Montenegrin and Slovenian nationalities. Despite Julevic's Montenegrin passport, he previously played for the Slovenian U21 national team and probably cannot be called to the Montenegrin team.

   #7. Ranko Velimirovic (205-C/F-72, another player represented by Beo Basket, currently plays in Bosnia) contributed to Mladost's victory against the eighth-ranked Varda HE 79-69 in the Bosnia and Herzegovina Division I in Saturday night's game. Velimirovic recorded 15 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Velimirovic is currently fifth on the list of best blockers. He has very reliable stats this season: 11.1ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.9apg and 1.3spg.

   #8. Novak Popovic (207-C-81, currently plays in Bosnia) contributed to a Capljina Lasta's victory against the 12th-ranked Posusje 70-61 in the Bosnia and Herzegovina Division I last Saturday. Popovic was the top player that evening. He recorded 17 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists in 35 minutes. Popovic averaged so far 14.1ppg, 4.6rpg and 2.0apg in the seven games.

   #9. Vasilije Seferovic (193-G/F-85, currently plays in Serbia), who plays in the Serbian A League was not able to secure a victory for KK Jagodina (3-8) in their last game. Despite his very good performance KK Jagodina lost 77-87 in Kraljevo to the lower-ranked (#14) Sloga. Seferovic was the top scorer with 20 points. He also added 4 steals in 31 minutes. Seferovic is ranked seventh on the list of the top scorers in the league with 15.7ppg. He also averaged so far 2.7rpg, 2.0apg and 1.6spg in the 10 games.

   #10. Stevan Milosevic (211-C-85, agency: Interperformances, currently plays in Georgia) helped Olimpi win their game against the closely-ranked Dinamo Tbilisi 84-79 in a derby game in the Georgian Superleague last Saturday. Milosevic recorded 11 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and made 2 blocks. Milosevic is currently first on the list of best rebounders and also on the list of best blockers (second place). He has very reliable stats this season: 14.3ppg, 12.2rpg, 1.5apg and 1.3bpg.


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  NBA   

Standings

NBA Standings
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
 1. New York K. 14-4 
 2. Brooklyn N. 11-7 
 3. Philadelph.76 11-8 
 4. Boston C. 10-9 
 5. Toronto R. 4-16 
Central Div.
 1. Chicago B. 10-8 
 2. Indiana P. 10-10 
 3. Milwaukee B. 9-9 
 4. Detroit P. 6-15 
 5. Cleveland C. 4-16 
Southeast Div.
 1. Miami Heat 12-5 
 2. Atlanta H. 11-5 
 3. Charlotte B. 7-11 
 4. Orlando M. 7-12 
 5. Washington W. 2-14 
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
 1. Oklah.City T. 16-4 
 2. Utah Jazz 11-10 
 3. Denver N. 10-10 
 4. Minnesota T. 9-9 
 5. Portland TB 8-11 
Pacific Div.
 1. LA Clippers 12-6 
 2. Golden St.W. 12-7 
 3. LA Lakers 9-11 
 4. Phoenix Suns 7-13 
 5. Sacramento K. 6-12 
Southwest Div.
 1. San Antonio S. 16-4 
 2. Memphis G. 14-3 
 3. Houston R. 9-9 
 4. Dallas M. 9-10 
 5. N.Orleans H. 5-13 

Regular Season: Round 38

Dec. 7: Philadelph.76 - Boston C. 95-94 OT
Dec. 7: Sacramento K. - Orlando M. 91-82
Dec. 7: Minnesota T. - Cleveland C. 91-73
Dec. 7: N.Orleans H. - Memphis G. 89-96
Dec. 7: Indiana P. - Denver N. 89-92
Dec. 7: Utah Jazz - Toronto R. 131-99
Dec. 7: San Antonio S. - Houston R. 114-92
Dec. 7: Oklah.City T. - LA Lakers 114-108
Dec. 7: Milwaukee B. - Charlotte B. 108-93
Dec. 7: Atlanta H. - Washington W. 104-95
Dec. 7: Detroit P. - Chicago B. 104-108
Dec. 7: Brooklyn N. - Golden St.W. 102-109

Regular Season: Round 39

Dec. 8: LA Clippers - Phoenix Suns
Dec. 8: Washington W. - Golden St.W.
Dec. 8: Charlotte B. - San Antonio S.
Dec. 8: Boston C. - Philadelph.76
Dec. 8: Miami Heat - N.Orleans H.
Dec. 8: Cleveland C. - Detroit P.
Dec. 8: Chicago B. - New York K.
Dec. 8: Memphis G. - Atlanta H.
Dec. 8: Houston R. - Dallas M.
Dec. 8: Portland TB - Sacramento K.


Stats Leaders

Points Per Game
 Kobe BRYANT
  LA Lakers
  (198-SG-78)
  Avg: 28.4
 1. Bryant, LA Lakers28.4 
 2. Durant, Oklah.Ci.27.0 
 3. Anthony, New Y.26.4 
 4. James, Miami Heat25.2 
 5. Harden, Houston R.23.9 
 6. Westbrook, Oklah..21.5 
 7. Aldridge, Portland.20.7 
 8. Mayo, Dallas M.19.8 
 9. Curry, Golden S.19.6 
 10. Pierce, Boston C.19.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Anderson VAREJAO
  Clevelan.
  (205-C-82)
  Avg: 15.3
 1. Varejao, Clevelan.15.3 
 2. Randolph, Memph.12.9 
 3. Asik, Houston R.11.7 
 4. Howard, LA Lakers11.5 
 5. Lee, Golden St.W.10.9 
 6. Noah, Chicago B.10.8 
 7. Jefferson, Utah J.10.7 
 8. Faried, Denver N.10.2 
 9. Duncan, San A.10.2 
 10. Cousins, Sacramen.10.0 
Assists Per Game
 Rajon RONDO
  Boston C.
  (185-PG-86)
  Avg: 12.8
 1. Rondo, Boston C.12.8 
 2. Paul, LA Clippers9.5 
 3. Holiday, Philadel.9.0 
 4. Vasquez, N.Orlean.8.7 
 5. Williams, Brooklyn8.7 
 6. Westbrook, Oklah..8.7 
 7. Parker, San A.7.3 
 8. Williams, Utah Jazz7.1 
 9. Lawson, Denver N.7.0 
 10. Calderon, Toron.6.9 
Steals Per Game
 Mike CONLEY
  Memphis G.
  (186-PG-87)
  Avg: 2.7
 1. Conley, Memphis G.2.7 
 2. Paul, LA Clippers2.7 
 3. Jennings, Milwauke.2.4 
 4. Walker, Charlott.2.1 
 5. Allen, Memphis G.2.1 
 6. Kidd, New York K.2.1 
 7. Lawson, Denver N.2.1 
 8. Westbrook, Oklah..2.1 
 9. Dragic, Phoenix2.0 
 10. Richardson, Phila.1.9 
Blocks Per Game
 Serge IBAKA
  Oklah.Ci.
  (208-C/F-89)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. Ibaka, Oklah.Ci.3.2 
 2. Hibbert, Indiana P.3.1 
 3. Sanders, Milwauke.3.0 
 4. Howard, LA Lakers2.8 
 5. Lopez, Brooklyn N.2.5 
 6. Duncan, San A.2.3 
 7. Noah, Chicago B.2.2 
 8. Smith, Atlanta H.2.1 
 9. Gortat, Phoenix2.1 
 10. Lopez, N.Orleans2.0 


Cavaliers assign Jon Leuer to D-League - by Eurobasket News

The Cavaliers have assigned Jon Leuer (6'10''-F-89, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wisconsin) to their D-League affiliate, the team announced today in a press release. Leuer will join the Canton Charge and be available for the club's game tomorrow.
After being claimed off waivers by Cleveland in the offseason, Leuer has appeared in five games for the Cavs, averaging 3.2 PPG and 2.0 RPG in 14.4 minutes per contest. The 23-year-old will be the only member of the Cavs playing in the D-League for now, since the team recalled Kevin Jones earlier this week.
Courtesy of: hoopsrumors.com


Recap of Friday's games around the League - by Eurobasket News

Sacramento K. - Orlando M. 91-82
DeMarcus Cousins (6'11''-C/F-90, agency: SportsTalent, college: Kentucky) had 17 points and 14 rebounds, and reserve guard Isaiah Thomas also scored 17 to help the Sacramento Kings beat the Orlando Magic 91-82 on Friday night. After squandering an 11-point lead in the third quarter, the Kings regrouped in the fourth behind the strong play of their backups. Led by Thomas, who scored 11 points in the period, reserves played for much of the final quarter and produced a 15-2 run that propelled Sacramento to consecutive wins for the second time this season. Jimmer Fredette had nine of his 15 points in the fourth quarter for the Kings, who outscored the Magic 29-18. Jason Thompson (6'11''-F-86, college: Rider) added 12 points and Aaron Brooks 11. The Kings are 5-0 at home when leading at halftime. Glen Davis had 20 points and 11 rebounds for Orlando, but fouled out in the final 36 seconds. Arron Afflalo (6'5''-G-85, college: UCLA) had 18 points and Jameer Nelson scored 17 for the Magic, who have lost two straight and five of seven. Andrew Nicholson added 14 points. The Kings were without starting guard Tyreke Evans, who didn't play for the third time in four games with a sore right knee. Evans was a critical factor in the Kings' victory Wednesday over Toronto, making two 3-pointers late in the fourth quarter and scoring 23 points. A fast-break layup by Afflalo cut the Sacramento lead to 81-78 with just under 3 minutes left. The Kings' final 10 points were free throws, including a pair by Cousins that stretched their cushion to 87-78 with 28 seconds remaining. The Kings used a 15-2 run to take a nine-point lead, but Orlando responded on Davis' three-point play and a 3-pointer from Nelson to trim it to 79-76 with 3:40 left. After losing the lead in the third quarter, the Kings regained it in the fourth behind the play of five reserves. Fredette connected on a corner 3 off a fast break for a 69-68 advantage at the 8:28 mark. A jumper by Fredette a short time later capped seven unanswered points for the Kings, who took a 73-68 lead. Nelson had 10 points and Afflalo scored nine in the third period when the Magic shook off a poor first half and outscored the Kings 30-16. Nelson made all four third-quarter shots, including a pair of 3s. Trailing 54-43 in the third, the Magic finally got going offensively, scoring 16 straight points. Afflalo scored the final five, hitting two free throws and a 3 that put Orlando in front 59-54 with 4:28 left in the quarter. The Kings benefited in the first half from the inside play of Thompson and Cousins. Thompson had 10 points and six rebounds, while Cousins had nine points and eight rebounds in leading the Kings to a 46-34 halftime lead. Brooks also scored nine points for Sacramento. Davis scored 10 first-half points for the Magic, who shot 35 percent. They were outrebounded 27-18 and committed nine turnovers. Courtesy of: huffingtonpost.com

Oklah.City T. - LA Lakers 114-108
Kevin Durant (6'9''-SF-88, college: Texas) had 36 points, Russell Westbrook (6'3''-PG-88, college: UCLA) scored 27 of his 33 in the first half to stake Oklahoma City to a commanding lead and the Thunder beat the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers 114-108 Friday night. NBA scoring leader Kobe Bryant (6'6''-SG-78) had 35 points for Los Angeles, which trailed by as many as 19 before rallying to get within four in the final minute. Dwight Howard (6'11''-C-85) added 23 points and 18 rebounds for the Lakers. What could have been an early showdown between championship contenders instead had the Lakers limping in with a losing record and three key players out because of injuries. Westbrook's big first half put the Thunder in control, but L.A. charged back with a late 27-12 run to make it interesting. The game grew tense when Metta World Peace - already a public enemy in Oklahoma City after he clocked James Harden (6'5''-SG-89, college: Arizona St.) last season - and Serge Ibaka each got technical fouls for a confrontation in the closing minutes. World Peace grabbed Ibaka's back and the two barked at each other face to face and chest to chest, with Ibaka then grasping the back of World Peace's jersey. Ibaka rared back with his right fist clenched, but the two were separated before it escalated any further. The Lakers never backed down. After trailing by 12 with 1:32 remaining, Jodie Meeks drove for a pair of layups and Chris Duhon followed with a 3-pointer to cut the deficit to 110-105. Bryant followed Durant's two free throws with a 3-pointer from the corner to get the deficit down to four with 15 seconds left. Durant hit two foul shots and Meeks airballed a 3-pointer as the rally fizzled. That it even ended up so close was a surprise with the Lakers already struggling and Westbrook putting together the best first half of his career. Westbrook was in attack mode right from the start with Los Angeles missing top point guards Steve Nash (left leg) and Steve Blake (abdominal surgery), plus All-Star forward Pau Gasol for the third straight game with tendinitis in both knees. Westbrook buried 3-pointers on two of Oklahoma City's first three possessions on his way to making a career-best five from behind the arc - all in the first half. He had never scored more than 20 in the first half before amassing 27 by halftime in this one. When Westbrook missed his first eight shots of the second half, Durant helped pick up the slack. He made a jumper, a 3-pointer and a runner for a personal 7-0 run that increased Oklahoma City's edge to 85-66 with 3:34 left in the third quarter. That 19-point cushion was restored with 7:42 left in the game when Nick Collison took a charge at one end and then dunked at the other to make it 100-81. The Lakers, eliminated by Oklahoma City in five games in last season's Western Conference semifinals, wouldn't go away quietly. The Thunder charged ahead in the second quarter, just as they'd done in each of their previous five games - outscoring opponents by 55 points in the period during that span. Westbrook drove for a three-point play and had assists on Durant's 3-pointer and alley-oop dunk during a 10-0 burst that stretched the lead to 52-40 with 4:31 left before halftime. Bryant hit a quick 3-pointer and a pair of free throws, then set up Howard's dunk to stop Oklahoma City's charge. But Westbrook wasn't done. The All-Star point guard connected on back-to-back jumpers from the right elbow and assisted on Ibaka's jumper before making a 3 from the left wing. To top it all off, he made his fifth 3-pointer while getting fouled by Duhon - then still went ahead with his usual celebration move of acting as though he were holstering his hands even while lying on his back. His free throw to complete the four-point play made it 67-51. Oklahoma City outscored L.A. 26-8 in fast-break points on its way to a 14-point halftime lead. Courtesy of: abclocal.go.com

Utah Jazz - Toronto R. 131-99
You have to wonder when the explosion is going to come and who will be the first to erupt. As the losses mount and the play becomes more desultory, the simmering frustration and anger that runs through the Raptors organization may soon bubble over. The latest defeat - an ugly 131-99 loss to the Utah Jazz on Friday night - could be attributed to a lack of energy and effort and basketball intelligence and was the most disheartening of the season. And for all the chatter about not getting too frustrated and staying the course, there were more sideways glances at teammates and open and evident frustration than there's been all season. Now with a 4-16 record a quarter of the way through the season and still two games left on this arduous western road trip, nerves have to be getting even more frayed. The Jazz simply did what they wanted against a Raptor team that looked as dispirited as it has all season. Utah hit 13 of 23 three-pointers, dominated on the glass and led comfortably from about the middle of the second quarter on. Even without Al Jefferson and Derrick Favors, they were able to score practically at will. Paul Millsap (6'7''-F-85, college: Louisiana Tech) had 20 points and Enes Kanter (6'10''-C-92, college: Kentucky) 18 for Utah while Andrea Bargnani (6'10''-F/C-85) led Toronto with 20. Coach Dwane Casey said before the game that he toyed with the idea of changing is starting lineup - replacing Jonas Valanciunas with Amir Johnson - but didn't make a move after closer review of Wednesday's game in Sacramento. 'I hinted at possible lineup changes, but again I think that would send the wrong message,' he said. 'We want to be patient with our young kid (Valanciunas) and sometimes it's frustrating. Sometimes he's frustrated a little bit but he's growing. As many mistakes as he's making, he's also growing.' Besides, there was more than enough blame to spread around. 'That's why you should always watch the film because he didn't make as many mistakes as you thought he did,' Casey said. 'Even though we gave up 56 points in the paint (against the Kings), everyone had a little of that. ... 'We're patient with Jonas and we're going to keep the lineup the same. Again, if we get in trouble we still have Amir and Eddy (Davis) who are doing an excellent job of bringing energy, athleticism, speed and quickness to the table in case we get in trouble.' The Raptors did get in trouble in the second quarter but it wasn't because they were inept in the paint. The Jazz made five three-pointers in the quarter thanks to some good ball movement and lax defensive rotations by the Raptors. It allowed Utah to roll up a 63-52 halftime lead after the Raptors had led by 10 in the first quarter. Davis, meanwhile, spent a fair chunk of the second quarter in the locker room after he hurt his left ring finger. The digit was bent at about a 90-degree angle when he left the court but the medical staff popped it back into place and he played in the second half. The game did have one milestone for the Raptors as Jose Calderon became just the third player in franchise history to play 500 games for the Raptors. 'I feel great, because when I arrived here, you never know how long you're going to be in the NBA. This is a great achievement,' said Calderon, a 30-year-old who is the longest serving player on the team. 'I'm very happy; it's even more difficult to stay all the time with the same team, that doesn't happen a lot.' Only Morris Peterson (542 games) and Chris Bosh (509) have pulled on a Raptors jersey more often than Calderon. 'I knew I signed for three years but I wasn't sure if I was going to fit here, if I could play, there were a lot of things,' Calderon recalled of the start of his journey. 'You have to go through some crazy stuff to make a name in this league. It's been tough. There's been highs and lows, you play good, and you play bad but at the end of the day, it's been eight years and 500 games, it's unbelievable.' Courtesy of: thestar.com

San Antonio S. - Houston R. 114-92
Tony Parker (6'2''-PG-82) had 17 points and seven assists, and the San Antonio Spurs never trailed in a 114-92 victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday night. The Spurs had six players score in double figures while matching their season high with 33 assists. Tiago Splitter (6'11''-C/F-85, agency: Interperformances) scored 15 points and Gary Neal, Manu Ginobili, Patty Mills and Tim Duncan each added 12. Duncan also had a game-high 12 rebounds. James Harden had 29 points, and Patrick Patterson and Toney Douglas each scored 10 to lead Houston. It was Harden's first game in San Antonio since helping the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Spurs last season in the Western Conference finals. The fans certainly remembered Harden, who was booed heartily during pregame introductions and every time he shot a free throw. It was clear early that Harden wouldn't help the Rockets to a similar result against the Spurs. Parker keyed a quick start, scoring eight points and picking up two assists as San Antonio took a 10-point lead in the first 5 minutes. Jeremy Lin had difficulty keeping up with Parker, who raced by him for three layups in scoring eight of the Spurs' first 10 points. Parker also made a pair of free throws during the run after being fouled by Lin on a layup attempt. Lin finished with four points, four assists and two turnovers. Harden kept the Rockets in contention early, scoring 13 points in the first quarter after being shut out in the opening 4 minutes. His 3-pointer pulled Houston to 14-13, but the Rockets never tied it. Harden fueled another rally in the second half, scoring nine points to help Houston pull to 66-58 with 7:27 left in the third quarter. The Spurs responded with a 15-0 run, holding the Rockets scoreless for 4 minutes to essentially seal the game. San Antonio outrebounded Houston 50-37 and outscored the Rockets 60-38 in the paint. Courtesy of: galvestondailynews.com

Milwaukee B. - Charlotte B. 108-93
Ersan Ilyasova (6'10''-F-87) scored a season-high 21 points and Marquis Daniels (6'6''-G/F-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: Auburn) had season highs with 18 points and six rebounds and the Milwaukee Bucks took command early and beat the Charlotte Bobcats 108-93 on Friday night. Brandon Jennings had 15 points and eight assists and Monta Ellis added 13 points to help the Bucks. Milwaukee led by 13 after the first quarter, 18 at the half and 25 at the end of the third. Leading 98-77 with 6:06 to play, coach Scott Skiles cleared the bench. The Bobcats closed to within nine, but never got any closer. Gerald Henderson (6'4''-G-87, college: Duke) led the Bobcats with 19 points and Kemba Walker had 16 for Charlotte, which has lost six in a row. Ilyasova set a season high with 12 rebounds and was replaced by Drew Gooden with 8:23 left. For Gooden, it was his first appearance of the season. Ilyasova was 7 of 17 from the floor and 5 of 6 from the free throw line. Daniels made 7 of 11 shots, including 3 of 3 from beyond the arc. Milwaukee came in having lost seven of its past nine. The Bucks averaged 91.9 points per game during this losing stretch after averaging 101.0 points in their first eight games and going 6-2. Ellis couldn't duplicate his performance from the previous meeting in Charlotte on Nov. 19, when he scored a game-high 31 points. The game got a bit chippy late in the second quarter. Brendan Haywood picked up a flagrant-1 foul when he grabbed Jennings and pulled him away from the Bucks' basket. Jennings had stolen the ball from Ramon Sessions and raced down the court only to be caught from behind by Haywood. Jennings walked away from Haywood and stood with his teammates at center court. The referees reviewed the call and left it as a flagrant-1. After shaking hands with Haywood during the review, Jennings made one free throw to push the lead to 54-38 with 3:03 left in the quarter. Jennings scored 11 of his 15 first-half points in the second quarter. Daniels, Ellis and Ilyasova scored a combined 25 points to pace the Bucks' attack as Milwaukee took a 33-20 lead after one. Daniels had 10 points, two off his season high. Courtesy of: galvestondailynews.com

Minnesota T. - Cleveland C. 91-73
Kevin Love (6'10''-PF-88, college: UCLA)'s shooting stroke returned, and Andrei Kirilenko also was back for the Minnesota Timberwolves. The timing couldn't have been worse for the reeling Cleveland Cavaliers. Love had 36 points and 13 rebounds and Kirilenko delivered another solid all-around performance in the Timberwolves' 91-73 victory over the Cavaliers on Friday night. Love missed most of the first month of the season with a broken right hand, and he's been struggling to regain his shooting touch since returning nine games ago. The release looked much more fluid against the Cavs, and the trajectory was better as well. He made 10 of 19 shots and 14 of 18 free throws and is cautiously optimistic that it's all coming back to him now. "Hopefully it's not fool's gold," Love said. "It's a step in the right direction. I've been putting in work, but it's just one game." Kirilenko had eight points, seven rebounds, six assists, four steals and three blocks after missing four games with back spasms and Luke Ridnour (6'2''-PG-81, college: Oregon) added 12 points, seven assists and five rebounds for the Timberwolves, who improved to 9-9 in their best start since the 2006-07 season. Alonzo Gee (6'6''-G-87, college: Alabama) scored 16 points and Anderson Varejao grabbed 14 rebounds for the Cavaliers, who have lost four in a row and eight of their last nine while star guard Kyrie Irving has been out with a broken left index finger. The Cavs turned the ball over 20 times, which led to 32 Minnesota points, shot 34.5 percent and attempted just nine free throws to Minnesota's 35. "I'm trying to figure out a way to say this without getting fined," coach Byron Scott said of the officiating. "It was that bad. It really was. It was that bad. I mean I understand we're playing in Minnesota, but 35-9, we went to the basket just as much as they did. I think we had 38 attempts in the paint to their 34, we get nine free throws, I think that speaks for itself." It wasn't a pretty game offensively for either team, aside from Love's shooting. He entered the night hitting just 19.6 percent of his 3s and 36 percent overall while still trying to get the feeling in his hand back to normal. "I know I haven't been the 25 (points) and 10 (rebounds) guy that I usually am. ... I haven't been quite putting up the numbers and helping the team as much as I can," Love said at the shootaround on Friday morning. While Love was terrific in the matchup of two of the game's best rebounders, Varejao managed just four points on 2-for-10 shooting and lost a streak of 10 straight games with at least 15 boards. C.J. Miles scored 13 points for Cleveland. Both teams were missing their playmaking point guards, and it showed in the disjointed mess that was the offense on both sides of the court. Irving missed his 10th straight game and Dion Waiters was out again with a sprained left ankle, robbing the Cavaliers of one of the promising young backcourts in the league. Once again, the Cavs struggled to create space for easy jumpers, turned the ball over 18 times and really were relegated to hoping for a dunk from Gee on offense. Gee threw down a soaring jam and then knifed through the lane for another two-hander that cut Minnesota's lead to nine points late in the third quarter. He made seven of his 12 shots, but his teammates shot just 30 percent. Miles' dunk pulled the Cavs to within seven in the fourth, but Minnesota closed the game on a 19-8 surge. "He's definitely a luxury when you've got a guy that does what he does, who can break his guy down at any point in time," Miles said of Irving. "That's definitely a luxury, but we did a good job, guys are stepping up. We've been in every game to a certain extent, I think we've just got to figure out how to close games, how to win games." Courtesy of: newsnet5.com

Detroit P. - Chicago B. 104-108
The Chicago Bulls visited the Detroit Pistons Friday night as they kicked off their second back-to-back in just five nights. Bulls center Joakim Noah (6'11''-F/C-85, college: Florida) made a strong case as to why he should be an All-Star selection this season, posting a career-high 30 points and 23 rebounds (10 offensive). Carlos Boozer (6'10''-F/C-80, college: Duke) was second in scoring with 24 points on 12-of-19 shooting. Luol Deng and Marco Belinelli rounded out the Bulls' top scorers with 16 points each. After a slow start by the Bulls-down by as many as 17 points-their offense picked it up throughout the second quarter, cutting the lead down to just five before heading into halftime. The Bulls had one of their better performances of the season in the third quarter, shooting 63 percent from the floor and scoring 28 points to Detroit's 19. Chicago closed the game out in the fourth quarter behind Noah's 12 points and eight boards. The Bulls had one of their best offensive performances of the year, as they shot 52 percent on the night. They dominated the boards once again, out-rebounding the Pistons by 13 and scoring 23 second-chance points. Noah and Deng's two-man game was executed to perfection; Deng found Noah cutting to the basket on several possessions. Fifty-eight of the Bulls' 108 points came in the paint, a testament to how well the players were making cuts to the basket and finding the open man inside. It's hard to find something bad when the team played so well, but Chicago's defense wasn't as strong as it normally is. Detroit shot 51 percent from the floor (57 from beyond the arc), and Rodney Stuckey got just about every look he wanted, scoring 24 points on 7-of-12 shooting. Brandon Knight (6'3''-G-91, college: Kentucky) also had a big game, shooting over 50 percent for 21 points. The Bulls' win over Detroit gives them their second consecutive win and lifts them to a 10-8 record. They will host the New York Knicks on Saturday as they conclude their back-to-back. Courtesy of: bleacherreport.com

Atlanta H. - Washington W. 104-95
Josh Smith (6'9''-F-85) had 23 points and 15 rebounds, Al Horford also posted a double-double and the Atlanta Hawks beat Washington 104-95 on Friday night to keep the Wizards winless on the road. Horford had 14 points and 14 rebounds for the Hawks, who have won eight of nine. The Wizards, who had won two of three following their 0-12 start, fell to 0-8 in road games. Kevin Seraphin (6'9''-C-89) had 19 points and Bradley Beal had 18 for Washington, which could not build on its win over defending champion Miami on Tuesday night. Jeff Teague had 19 points and DeShawn Stevenson made five 3-pointers for 15 points for Atlanta. Atlanta's last big lead of 18 points came at 70-52. Washington closed the third period with a hook shot by Seraphin and a 3-pointer from Beal to pull to 80-71. The Wizards kept the momentum in the opening minutes and got within two at 84-82 on Seraphin's 15-foot jumper. Horford answered with back-to-back baskets. Washington again cut the lead to two points at 91-89 but couldn't complete the comeback. The Hawks, who rank sixth in fewest points allowed, have been winning with defense. They are the league's only team to not allow an opponent to shoot 50 percent in a game this season. Atlanta continued the streak of strong defense, holding the Wizards to 45.6-percent shooting. Stevenson and Devin Harris, who had 15 points, set season scoring highs. Teague and Harris each had six assists. Jordan Crawford had 14 points but made only 5 of 13 shots. Washington's last lead was 10-9. Courtesy of: huffingtonpost.com

Brooklyn N. - Golden St.W. 102-109
Joe Johnson (6'7''-G-81, college: Arkansas) played his best game of the season, scoring 32 points and shooting 52%, but it wasn't enough to overcome David Lee (6'9''-F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Florida)'s 30 points and 15 rebounds and Stephen Curry (6'3''-PG-88, college: Davidson)'s 27 points as the Warriors swept by the Nets 109-102 in Brooklyn tonight. The Nets started strong behind Johnson - extending an 8 point first quarter lead to as much as 13 - but the Warriors fed off the torrid pace and their transition offense helped them take a 3 point lead with 2:15 left in the half. However, Andray Blatche (22 points, 15 rebounds) heated up and scored 9 points in an 11-0 run that was capped by Blatche draining a three at the buzzer to give the Nets a 63-55 halftime advantage. Deron Williams wound up with 23 points and 8 assists for the game, but shot only 36% and was never able to slow down a pace that seemed to heavily favor the visitors. That brisk pace finally seemed to catch up to the Nets in the second half. Their poor shooting and turnovers led to easy baskets for the young Warriors. "We're a team that hangs our hat on defense and we haven't been very good defensively these last three games.", said coach Avery Johnson. "We're not going to beat many teams giving up 109 points". "We've got to do a better job of guarding penetration, pick and roll coverage", Johnson added. "We've got to get more blocked shots out of our big guys...our defense got broken down quite a bit." Down the stretch, Lee and Curry took over - with the former crashing the offensive glass (7 offensive rebounds) and the latter scoring 21 of his 28 points in the second half - making a myriad of tough, contested shots. "He (Curry) is one of those players who you think you're guarding him tough, two or three feet behind the line and he raises up and hits them", said Deron Williams. "He got himself going and opened the game up a little bit for them." The loss dropped the Nets to 11-7 (7-3 at home) 5th in the East and 3 games beind the Knicks for the top spot. The Warriors are now 5th in the West, 3 games behind the West leading Memphis Grizzlies. Courtesy of: netsdaily.com

Indiana P. - Denver N. 89-92
Andre Miller (6'2''-PG-76, college: Utah) floated as he floated the 15-footer. And over on the Nuggets' sideline, assistant coach Melvin Hunt had been standing and screaming when the floater fell with 1:55, and Hunt punched the air with a symbolic haymaker. Miller, a Denver point guard, entered Friday averaging 8.4 points per game - he scored eight points alone in the final 2:35 of Friday night's game. He kept the Nuggets, yes, afloat as they knocked off the Indiana Pacers 92-89. "He just has that old-man knack, that old-school knack," Nuggets coach George Karl said after Miller finished with 15 points, eight assists and a plus-13 rating. "He was running the pick-and-roll and the actions all game probably better than anybody out there." This is become almost commonplace - a Denver road game came down to the last shot. With the Pacers down three, George Hill tossed up a rushed 3-pointer at the buzzer and missed. The 15,289 fans in the arena believed Hill was fouled by Ty Lawson (5'11''-PG-87, college: N.Carolina), but the three in the gray NBA officials jerseys felt otherwise. Both teams are now 10-10. "We needed that for our confidence, especially against a team like that, a defensive-minded team," Miller said. But wait. How did Denver win this thing? The Nuggets shot 3-for-17 on 3-pointers. Only 65 percent from the free-throw line. And their four big starters - Lawson, Andre Iguodala, Danilo Gallinari and Kenneth Faried - combined for nine field goals, the same amount as reserve Corey Brewer. Denver did it with defense, holding the Pacers to 33.3 percent shooting in the fourth. And with ball control, the Nuggets turned it over just eight times - a season low, with only one turnover coming in the fourth quarter. Said Karl: "I told the team, when you don't play well, and a lot of the guys didn't have good stats, but you win on the road, I think it says that we're in a good place. We know we've got to play better and we know we can play better. But beating a pretty respectful playoff team on their home court, I think it's a good step for us." JaVale prevailed. Remember those two playoff games against the Los Angeles Lakers? He was that JaVale McGee on Friday. He was 9-for-9 from the field with 20 points and eight rebounds in 30 minutes. He's just the 26th player since 1985 and the first since Pau Gasol in 2010 to have 20 or more points on 100 percent shooting (minimum nine attempts) and eight boards in a game. "It was maybe the best I've seen him play this year by far, maybe since he's been in Denver," Karl said. "His energy and focus was good." As for Miller, the 36-year-old guard was very unselfish in his description of his fourth quarter, "Just the opportunity was there, that's all. I was able to get in there and make plays. I wasn't necessarily looking to score, I kind of fell into the shots." But his teammate Iguodala, who played with him in Philadelphia, described "that calm about him" that made the difference. In a frenetic frenzy of a fourth, Miller controlled the flow when it mattered, giving the Nuggets just enough breathing room to exhale in the winning locker room. Courtesy of: denverpost.com

Philadelph.76 - Boston C. 95-94 OT
Evan Turner (6'7''-G/F-88, college: Ohio St.) had 26 points and 10 rebounds and Thaddeus Young (6'8''-F-88, college: Georgia Tech) added 17 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a 95-94 overtime win over the Boston Celtics on Friday night. Turner drove past Courtney Lee and tossed up an off-balance, right-handed shot for a 95-94 lead with 3.9 seconds left. Boston guard Rajon Rondo (6'1''-PG-86, college: Kentucky) slipped and his ankles buckled on the last possession, costing him a chance to hit the potential game-winner, a dud ending to his sizzling triple-double. The same two teams meet again Saturday night in Boston. Rondo had 16 points, 14 assists and a season-high 13 rebounds. Kevin Garnett had 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Paul Pierce (6'7''-F/G-77, college: Kansas) scored 27 points. Jeff Green, who gave Boston its last lead in OT with a 3-pointer, scored 19 points. Turner and Pierce nudged each other and yapped at the free throw line all throughout a fourth quarter in which neither team budged. Turner recovered after Pierce tipped his jumper and drove down the lane for a layup and an 89-87 lead with 49 seconds left. Jason Terry missed a drive and Garnett couldn't convert the easy putback to give the Sixers a chance to seal the win. But their miss led to more life for the Celtics. This time, the veterans delivered. Pierce escaped a fast double team and swung the ball to Garnett - who buried the tying 20-footer with 7.7 seconds left. Pierce showed how a veteran operates in the fourth. Turner, in his third season, is still playing through mistakes. He was trapped in the corner with a timeout to spare and tossed a wild pass into the lane and the hands of a leaping Rondo. Rondo missed at the buzzer to send the game into OT tied at 89. Turner made up for it in OT and even had five assists. Rondo's steal was another highlight in a game in which he was seemingly involved with every Boston bucket. His assist on Green's corner 3-pointer late in the third gave him his first triple-double of the season and trimmed Philadelphia's lead to four. Spencer Hawes played his best game since opening night and gave the Sixers the production off the bench they've sorely needed in their so-so start. He answered Pierce's tremendous dunk - he can still go at 35 - with a jumper for the lead. Hawes ended the third with a big right hand that swatted Pierce's drive down the lane well away from the basket. The crowd of 17,921 went wild as the Sixers hung onto their 72-70 lead to end the third. Pierce scored 20 points on 7-of-16 shooting over the first three quarters before letting Garnett do the heavy lifting in the fourth and OT. The 76ers-Celtics rivalry used to be one of the best in the NBA. Philadelphia's resurgence has helped heat up the series again and another tight game can only help a new generation get excited for this matchup. Some trash talking never hurt in adding some juice to the division game, either. Turner hit a 3 over Pierce, then shouted in the Boston captain's face early in the first quarter, though nothing really came of the exchange. Pierce and Rondo each had near-flawless quarters to set an early tone for the game. Rondo had 10 points, eight rebounds and five assists in the period. Turner and Hawes kept the Sixers close in the second quarter and trimmed Boston's lead to 50-46 at the break. Courtesy of: abclocal.go.com

N.Orleans H. - Memphis G. 89-96
As animated as Quincy Pondexter was on a night when he couldn't miss, it looked as though he wanted the team that traded him away to notice how well he's doing these days. Pondexter denied it, to which teammate Rudy Gay (6'9''-F/G-86, college: Connecticut) said, 'I don't believe him at all.' Gay tied a season-high with 28 points, Pondexter matched his season-high with 16, and the Memphis Grizzlies maintained their NBA-best winning percentage with their second-straight victory, 96-89 over the struggling New Orleans Hornets on Friday night. Pondexter hit all six of his shots, including four 3-pointers. 'I didn't look at it as I'm playing against my old team,' Pondexter said. 'I looked at it as we needed a win and I'm really glad our guys pulled it off tonight. It wasn't I was extra assertive or anything tonight. I was just making the right basketball plays.' New Orleans put up resistance, despite losing for the 11th time in 13 games, and Memphis needed Gay's 3-pointer with 2:10 left to get some breathing room. 'We just toughed it out,' Gay said. 'This is one of those games that a young team probably wouldn't win, but the fact that we've been around and know how it is, the fact that this is the NBA and everybody has a chance to win, that's what got us over the hump.' Zach Randolph (6'9''-C-81, college: Michigan St.) added 15 points and Marc Gasol 13 for the Grizzlies, who improved to 14-3 (.824). Pondexter, the Hornets' first-round draft choice in 2010 who was traded for Greivis Vasquez shortly before last season, appeared to be engaging in a measure of trash talk as he made his way down the court followed each basket. 'He was yapping with them and stuff like that. That's how it is sometimes. Guys find ways to get yourself in rhythm and get yourself pumped up,' Gay said. 'There's a lot of games. You've got to find whatever you can to get up. It probably does feel good for him to play against them like that, to be able to win and play well.' Ryan Anderson (6'10''-F-88, college: California), Austin Rivers (6'4''-G-92, college: Duke) and Brian Roberts (6'2''-PG-85, agency: Interperformances) each scored 15 points for the Hornets, who were within one possession of tying or leading several times in the fourth quarter. Xavier Henry, making his first start this season, had 12 points. 'It's close to the right effort,' Hornets coach Monty Williams said. 'I'm proud of how we competed but my heart aches because you lost a game you had a chance to win. 'That we held a good team to 45 points in the second half says a lot about how our guys competed,' Williams added. Henry started for Al-Farouq Aminu, who did not play at all despite being healthy. Williams did not explain the lineup change in detail other than to say he wants to give chances to those who understand that playing in the NBA is a privilege and who play with passion. Rivers' point total was a season high for the rookie, drafted 10th overall. Both teams shot well in a crowd-pleasing contest, with Memphis hitting 50 percent (36 of 72) and New Orleans 48 percent (36 of 75). The Hornets were 8 of 16 from 3-point range and the Grizzlies 8 of 17. Memphis dominated inside, however, outrebounding New Orleans 46-29 and outscoring the Hornets 46-36 in the paint. The Grizzlies also had 17 second-chance points, thanks in part to 11 offensive rebounds. New Orleans close to 86-85 when Jason Smith snagged Roberts' lob feed at the front rim and laid it in. Memphis responded with Randolph's inside basket and Gasol's 8-foot turnaround bank shot as he was fouled by Smith. Rivers' one-handed pull-up cut the Grizzlies' lead to 91-87 before Gay drilled his key right win 3 to quiet the New Orleans Arena crowd. Memphis appeared to be taking control in the last five minutes of the second quarter with a 12-4 run that began with Gay's 3-pointer. Conley and Pondexter also hit from deep, giving the Grizzlies their first double-digit lead at 43-33. Memphis' lead grew to 14 before Anderson's tip-in cut it to 51-39 at halftime. New Orleans slowly clawed back in the third quarter, though, closing the period with an 8-2 spurt, featuring 3s by Rivers and Roberts, that cut the Grizzlies' lead to 71-66 and setting up a tense final 12 minutes. Courtesy of: salon.com


Blazers Assign Claver, Barton To Idaho - by Eurobasket News

The Portland Trail Blazers have assigned guard Will Barton (6'6''-G-91, college: Memphis) and forward Victor Claver (6'10''-PF-88) to the Idaho Stampede of the NBA Development League.
Barton (6-5, 170, Memphis) has appeared in 16 games for Portland this season, averaging 2.6 points, 1.4 rebounds and 8.8 minutes. Originally selected in the second round (40th overall) of the 2012 NBA Draft by the Trail Blazers, Barton played two seasons at Memphis, averaging 15.2 points, 6.5 rebounds and 32.9 minutes in 70 NCAA career games.
Claver (6-9, 224, Valencia, Spain) has appeared in four games for the Trail Blazers this season, scoring a total of one point and grabbing four rebounds. A member of the Spanish National team who earned a Silver Medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, Claver was a first round pick in 2009.

Courtesy of: basketball.realgm.com


Dominique sutton looks to make a mark - by Allen Waters

The Tulsa 66ers fell to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, 99-87, on Thursday night at State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, Texas, with Oklahoma City Thunder assignment Jeremy Lamb scoring 22 points.

Lamb, who has played three games for Tulsa, has averaged 26.0 points.

Tulsa guard Dominique Sutton collected 22 points along with 10 rebounds and three steals. OKC assignee Daniel Orton scored six points with five boards and two blocked shots.

Tulsa (3-2) got behind early, trailing Rio Grande Valley (2-3) 33-19 at the end of the first quarter. The Vipers controlled the remainder of the half, leading 54-43 at the mid-game break.

Trailing 58-43 with just under 10 minutes left in the third quarter, Tulsa spurred a 21-3 run in a five-minute span to take a 64-61 lead. The game became a back-and-forth contest before the Vipers ended the game on an 11-0 run.

The 66ers had four players grab five or more boards, but were outrebounded by the Vipers, 44-42. Tulsa forced 18 RGV turnovers, including nine off of steals.

Sutton is looking to earn a call up anyway with his energy and work ethic. And leadership as a rookie.

Tulsa and Rio Grande Valley face off two more times this weekend, this time at the SpiritBank Event Center. The 66ers host the Vipers on Saturday night at 7:00 and Sunday afternoon at 4:00. For more information, visit Tulsa66ers.com. Dominique Sutton (6'5''-F-86, college: N.C.Central)


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

NBLC Standings

NBL Canada Standings
 1. London L. 9-0 
 2. Moncton M. 8-5 
 3. Summerside S. 7-6 
 4. Halifax R. 6-5 
 5. Oshawa P. 6-6 
 6. St.John M.R. 4-6 
 7. Windsor Exp. 3-7 
 8. Montreal J. 0-8 

Regular Season: Round 10

Dec. 7: Montreal J. - London L. 97-116
Dec. 7: Halifax R. - Oshawa P. 90-87
Dec. 7: Summerside S. - Windsor Exp. 102-92

Regular Season: Round 11

Dec. 8: Halifax R. - St.John M.R.
Dec. 9: Montreal J. - London L.
Dec. 9: Moncton M. - Windsor Exp.



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

Top 25 - Men

B12 Standings
 1. Oklahoma 1-0 (6-2) 
 2. Kansas (7) 0-0 (6-1) 
 3. Kansas St. 0-0 (6-1) 
 4. Oklahoma St. 0-0 (6-1) 
 5. Iowa St. 0-0 (6-3) 
 6. TCU 0-0 (6-3) 
 7. Texas Tech 0-0 (5-1) 
 8. Baylor (18) 0-0 (5-3) 
 9. Texas (25) 0-0 (5-3) 
 10. W.Virginia 0-1 (2-3) 

Regular Season: Round 27

Dec. 5: Evansville - Miami, OH 94-68
Dec. 5: Weber St. - Utah Valley 89-56
Dec. 5: Austin Peay St. - Oakland City 88-63
Dec. 5: Cent.Arkansas - Tenn-Martin 87-86
Dec. 5: Butler - IUPUI 87-55
Dec. 5: N.Arizona - Loyola Mary 86-92 OT
Dec. 5: New Hampshire - Cent.Conn.St. 84-87
Dec. 5: Middle Tenn.St. - UAB 84-64
Dec. 5: Memphis - Ohio 84-58
Dec. 5: La Salle - Penn St. 82-57
Dec. 5: Ill.-Chicago - Roosevelt 81-43
Dec. 5: Detroit Mercy - Toledo 79-73
Dec. 5: Sacred Heart - Holy Cross 78-83
Dec. 5: Texas St. - ORU 77-86
Dec. 5: Albany - St.Francis, NY 77-73
Dec. 5: Alabama - Dayton 76-81
Dec. 5: N.Iowa - N.Colorado 76-59
Dec. 5: Ball St. - Holy Cross Coll. 76-57
Dec. 5: Utah - Boise St. 76-55
Dec. 5: Michigan St. - Ark.-Pine Bluff 76-44
Dec. 5: N.Mexico - USC 75-67
Dec. 5: Drake - St.Mary's, CA 73-88
Dec. 5: Arizona St. - Hartford 71-63
Dec. 5: Wake Forest - High Point 71-60
Dec. 5: N.Dakota - UMKC 70-73
Dec. 5: Colorado - Colorado St. 70-61
Dec. 5: JMU - E.Tenn.St. 70-45
Dec. 5: Davidson - Charlotte 69-73
Dec. 5: Washington St. - Gonzaga 69-71
Dec. 5: W.Virginia - Marshall 69-59
Dec. 5: Denver - Mercer 69-40
Dec. 5: St.Louis - N.Texas 67-63
Dec. 5: Quinnipiac - Colgate 67-56
Dec. 5: Monmouth - Navy 66-85
Dec. 5: Pittsburgh - Duquesne 66-45
Dec. 5: N.Illinois - SIU Edwardsville 65-54
Dec. 5: Chicago St. - De Paul 64-74
Dec. 5: Cal-Davis - San Jose St. 64-73
Dec. 5: Vermont - Towson 64-68
Dec. 5: St.Peter''s - Iona 64-62
Dec. 5: Valparaiso - IPFW 63-52
Dec. 5: Bryant - Yale 62-64
Dec. 5: Texas A&M - SF Austin 62-54
Dec. 5: NC-Wilmington - Coker 62-47
Dec. 5: Pepperdine - Cal-Riverside 62-40
Dec. 5: Villanova - Temple 61-76
Dec. 5: Loyola, MD - Niagara 61-62
Dec. 5: Oklahoma St. - S.Florida 61-49
Dec. 5: Tulsa - Missouri St. 61-42
Dec. 5: W.Kentucky - S.Illinois 58-57
Dec. 5: Morehead St. - N.Dakota St. 57-69
Dec. 5: Wofford - Gardner-Webb 54-42
Dec. 5: Wisc.-Milwaukee - Buffalo 52-72
Dec. 5: Florida St. - Florida 47-72
Dec. 5: Virginia - Tennessee 46-38
Dec. 5: E.Illinois - W.Illinois 45-57
Dec. 5: CS Northridge - Vanguard 120-69
Dec. 5: Maryland - Md-E Shore 100-68

Regular Season: Round 30

Dec. 8: George Mason - N.Iowa
Dec. 8: Youngstown St. - Hiram
Dec. 8: Dayton - Miami, OH
Dec. 8: Ohio St. - Long Beach St.
Dec. 8: Loyola, MD - St.Peter's
Dec. 8: Kentucky - Portland
Dec. 8: Michigan - Arkansas
Dec. 8: Georgetown - Towson
Dec. 8: Lipscomb - Tenn-Martin
Dec. 8: Texas St. - UTPA
Dec. 8: Memphis - Austin Peay St.
Dec. 8: Ball St. - S.Dakota
Dec. 8: N.Carolina St. - Cleveland St.
Dec. 8: Bryant - Binghamton
Dec. 8: New Hampshire - Yale
Dec. 8: Kansas - Colorado
Dec. 8: Tulsa - TCU
Dec. 8: Arizona St. - CS Northridge
Dec. 8: Hampton - Robert Morris
Dec. 8: Delaware - Delaware St.
Dec. 8: E.Michigan - Purdue
Dec. 8: Radford - William & Mary
Dec. 8: USC Upstate - UTSA
Dec. 8: Cincinnati - Md-E Shore
Dec. 8: LIU Brooklyn - Hofstra
Dec. 8: Princeton - Drexel
Dec. 8: Michigan St. - Loyola, IL
Dec. 8: Georgia St. - So.Poly State
Dec. 8: Morehead St. - Indiana St.
Dec. 8: Bowling Green - Samford
Dec. 8: N.Mexico - Valparaiso
Dec. 8: Louisville - UMKC
Dec. 8: Maryland - S.Carolina St.
Dec. 8: Boston Coll. - St.Francis, NY
Dec. 8: St.Francis, PA - Lehigh
Dec. 8: Colgate - Albany
Dec. 8: Ohio - Oakland
Dec. 8: Detroit Mercy - Rochester, MI
Dec. 8: Evansville - Murray St.
Dec. 8: G.Washington - Kansas St.
Dec. 8: Missouri - Tennessee St.
Dec. 8: Quinnipiac - Vermont
Dec. 8: Ill.-Chicago - Colorado St.
Dec. 8: Chicago St. - Alabama St.
Dec. 8: Arkansas St. - St.Bonaventure
Dec. 8: Duke - Temple
Dec. 8: Virginia - Miss.Valley St.
Dec. 8: W.Virginia - Virginia Tech
Dec. 8: Beth.-Cookman - Edward Waters
Dec. 8: Oklahoma St. - Missouri St.
Dec. 8: Penn St. - Army
Dec. 8: Alcorn St. - Paine
Dec. 8: W.Kentucky - IUPUI
Dec. 8: Air Force - Ark.-Pine Bluff
Dec. 8: Wyoming - Oklah. Panhandle St.
Dec. 8: Holy Cross - Dartmouth
Dec. 8: Oregon St. - Grambling St.
Dec. 8: Florida A&M - Allen
Dec. 8: W.Carolina - Appalachian St.
Dec. 8: NC-Asheville - Montreat
Dec. 8: Middle Tenn.St. - Mississippi
Dec. 8: Texas - UCLA
Dec. 8: Oregon - Idaho St.
Dec. 8: Marquette - Wisconsin
Dec. 8: Houston - Texas Southern
Dec. 8: Indiana - Cent.Conn.St.
Dec. 8: SE Missouri St. - Cent.Arkansas
Dec. 8: Duquesne - New Orleans
Dec. 8: Marshall - Coppin St.
Dec. 8: Mercer - Alabama A&M
Dec. 8: Buffalo - Niagara
Dec. 8: JMU - Richmond
Dec. 8: Notre Dame - Brown
Dec. 8: Georgia Tech - NC-Wilmington
Dec. 8: SF Austin - LSU-Shreveport
Dec. 8: E.Kentucky - Chattanooga
Dec. 8: Georgia South - Brewton Parker
Dec. 8: St.John's - Fordham
Dec. 8: Northeastern - La Salle
Dec. 8: Davidson - Wofford
Dec. 8: Wake Forest - Seton Hall
Dec. 8: E.Illinois - Toledo
Dec. 8: Pittsburgh - N.Florida
Dec. 8: Wright St. - VMI
Dec. 8: Gardner-Webb - Tenn Tech
Dec. 8: Syracuse - Monmouth
Dec. 8: Charlotte - Cent.Michigan
Dec. 8: N.Carolina - E.Tenn.St.
Dec. 8: San Jose St. - Sacramento St.
Dec. 8: Louisiana Tech - S.Mississippi
Dec. 8: Pennsylvania - Villanova
Dec. 8: Wichita St. - N.Colorado
Dec. 8: Clemson - Arizona
Dec. 8: Troy - Utah Valley
Dec. 8: Northwestern - Butler
Dec. 8: Washington - Nevada
Dec. 8: Pacific - USF
Dec. 8: UAB - S.Alabama
Dec. 8: Illinois St. - W.Michigan
Dec. 8: W.Illinois - SIU Edwardsville
Dec. 8: N.Texas - Jackson St.
Dec. 8: Houston Baptist - Sam Houston St.
Dec. 8: Drake - IPFW
Dec. 8: McNeese St. - La-Lafayette
Dec. 8: Weber St. - Cal-Irvine
Dec. 8: BYU - Utah
Dec. 8: UTEP - Idaho
Dec. 8: Montana - Carroll, MT
Dec. 8: Utah St. - W.Oregon
Dec. 8: Rutgers - Iona
Dec. 8: Gonzaga - Illinois
Dec. 8: Santa Clara - Pacific Union
Dec. 8: San Diego - Tulane
Dec. 8: Cal Poly - SLO - Menlo
Dec. 8: USC - Minnesota
Dec. 8: Hawaii - Pepperdine


Stats Leaders - NCAA1

Points Per Game
 Isaiah CANAAN
  Murray St.
  (185-G-91)
  Avg: 21.4
 1. Canaan, Murray St.21.4 
 2. Dillard, Tenn Tech20.4 
 3. Clark, Belmont19.4 
 4. Cosey, E.Kentucky17.0 
 5. Taylor, Tenn-Mar.16.9 
 6. Thornton, Tenness.16.8 
 7. Covington, Tennes.16.8 
 8. Wilson, Murray St.16.6 
 9. Daniel, Murray St.16.3 
 10. Stone, SE Misso.15.5 
Rebounds Per Game
 Ed DANIEL
  Murray St.
  (201-F-90)
  Avg: 11.7
 1. Daniel, Murray St.11.7 
 2. Johnson, SE Mis.9.5 
 3. Stone, SE Misso.9.1 
 4. Covington, Tennes.7.8 
 5. Taylor, Tenn-Mar.7.8 
 6. Freeman, Austin P.7.4 
 7. Thornton, Tenness.7.3 
 8. Dillard, Tenn Tech7.1 
 9. Horton, Austin P.6.4 
 10. Rhett, Tennesse.6.1 
Assists Per Game
 Patrick MILLER
  Tennessee St.
  (185-G-92)
  Avg: 6.5
 1. Miller, Tennessee6.5 
 2. Johnson, Belmont4.8 
 3. Atkinson, Morehead.4.6 
 4. DiNunno, E.Kentuc.4.5 
 5. Nutt, SE Misso.4.1 
 6. Akers, E.Illinois4.1 
 7. Samarrippas, Tenn3.9 
 8. Canaan, Murray St.3.9 
 9. Lynch, Austin P.3.5 
 10. Cosey, E.Kentucky3.3 
Steals Per Game
 Patrick MILLER
  Tennessee St.
  (185-G-92)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Miller, Tennessee2.9 
 2. Covington, Tennes.2.4 
 3. Cosey, E.Kentucky2.1 
 4. Childs, Tenn-Martin2.1 
 5. Fields, Murray St.2.1 
 6. Chavis, Morehead.2.0 
 7. Johnson, Belmont1.9 
 8. Daniel, Murray St.1.9 
 9. Mann, Belmont1.8 
 10. Walden, E.Kentuc.1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Chris HORTON
  Austin P.
  (203-C/F-)
  Avg: 3.1
 1. Horton, Austin P.3.1 
 2. Johnson, SE Mis.2.5 
 3. Daniel, Murray St.2.0 
 4. Cook, Jacksonv.1.8 
 5. Jenkins, Belmont1.6 
 6. Stone, SE Misso.1.5 
 7. Morse, Tenn Tech1.1 
 8. Green, Tennesse.1.1 
 9. Rhett, Tennesse.1.0 
 10. Freeman, Austin P.1.0 


Maine Overwhelms Fisher 97-42 - by Eurobasket News

ORONO, Maine The University of Maine men's basketball team had six players in double figures as the Black Bears cruised to a 97-42 win over Fisher on Thursday evening in the Memorial Gym. Maine is now 3-5 on the year while Fisher falls to 4-5. Alasdair Fraser (6'7''-F-92) (Falkirk, Scotland) led the way for Maine with his second double-double of the season of 13 points, 14 rebounds and four assists.

Maine controlled the game from the start, taking a 21-4 lead to open the game courtesy of seven points from Xavier Pollard (6'3''-G-91) (Bronx, N.Y.).

Fisher cut into the lead a little bit to make it 23-10 with 8:33 left in the first half, but Maine finished the opening stanza on a 23-to-7 run to take a 46-17 lead into intermission.

Pollard had 10 points to lead the scoring and Fraser added seven points, eight rebounds, three assists and two blocks.

Maine shot 65.5 percent from the field while holding Fisher to 20.6 percent. The Black Bears outrebounded the Falcons 25-12.

The Falcons tried to chip away in the second half and got within 52-28 three minutes into the second half.

However, Maine clamped down on defense and went on a 29-to-6 run that featured five Black Bear dunks to make it 81-34 with 5:42 left to eliminate any comeback bid by the Falcons.

Pollard finished with 14 points, while the other players in double-figures were: Till Gloger (Bochum, Germany) with 12 points and four rebounds, Justin Edwards (Whitby, Ontario) with 14 points, Zarko Valjarevic (Belgrade, Serbia) with 13 points and Stefan Micovic (Pondov, Serbia) with 10 points.

Maine had a season-high nine dunks in the contest as the Black Bears shot 62.9 percent from the field while holding Fisher to 23.2 percent.

Fraser was named Maine's America East Player of the Game.

Sam Nwadike had eight points, four rebounds and three steals to lead the Falcons.

The Black Bears continue play on Sunday at defending Atlantic Coast Conference champion Florida State.
Courtesy of: http://www.goblackbears.com


No. 11/12 Men's Basketball Conquers Trojans, 87-53 - by Eurobasket News

CINCINNATI The No. 11/12 University of Cincinnati mens basketball team recorded a school-record 23 steals and defeated Arkansas-Little Rock 87-53 Thursday evening at Fifth Third Arena.

The UC (8-0) defense was stout all game, limiting UALR (7-4) to 32 percent shooting and forcing 32 turnovers, which tied for the most in the Mick Cronin era. The Bearcats converted the Trojans turnovers into 31 points, including 21 fast-break points.

Ten of 12 Bearcats produced at least one steal, including four with at least three. Junior forward Justin Jackson led with a career-high four steals, while totaling seven points, four rebounds and four assists, which tied his career best.

Sean Kilpatrick (6'4''-G-90) led all scorers with 18 points on 7-of-16 shooting. Senior center Cheikh Mbodj tied his career-high point total of 12, while junior center David Nyarsuk scored a career-high 12 points with a game-high seven rebounds. JaQuon Parker (6'3''-G-90) rounded out Cincinnatis double-digit scorers, adding 11 points, three steals, two rebounds and two assists.

UC extended its lead to 38 points at 63-25 at the 13:02 mark of the second half after going on an 11-0 run over a 1:49 span. Kilpatrick and Parker combined for nine points during that stretch.

The Bearcats produced their record-setting 21st steal with 6:12 left in the second half when forward Shaquille Thomas swiped the ball away from UALR point guard Leroy Isler near midcourt and picked the ball up for a fast-break dunk that put UC ahead 74-44.

Cincinnati relied on its defensive pressure to lock down the Trojans in the first half, forcing 18 turnovers and holding UALR to 32 percent shooting in the games opening stanza.

After a slow start offensively, UC found its shooting touch midway through the first half as the Bearcats went on a 15-2 run over a span of 3:42 to take a 28-10 advantage.

UC went on to end the first half outscoring UALR 31-9 as it took a 44-17 halftime lead. The 17 points scored by the Trojans are tied for the second fewest allowed by the Bearcats in the first half this season.

Kilpatrick, Parker and Wright scored eight points apiece to lead all scorers in the first half, while Nyarsuk added seven on 3-for-3 shooting.

UC next takes on Maryland Eastern Shore on Saturday at Fifth Third Arena beginning at 2 p.m. ET. The game will be televised by FOX SPorts Ohio.
Courtesy of: http://www.gobearcats.com


SU Rolls Past Long Beach State, 84-53 - by Eurobasket News

SYRACUSE, N.Y. The #4/4 Orange (7-0) extended its home-court winning streak to 27 with an 84-53 win against Long Beach State (3-5) on Thursday evening in the Carrier Dome. The consecutive Orange victories is the longest Division I active span in the nation.

Syracuse also upped its regular-season, non-conference winning streak to 47.

Junior C.J. Fair (6'8''-F-91) led the offense, notching 16 points and a career-high 13 rebounds for his second double-double of the year.

"I just think what was different today was that I got a couple easy points early. I was being aggressive and I think that being on the offensive glass helped me a lot," C.J. Fair said.

Sophomore Michael-Carter Williams tallied his third straight double-double, totaling 15 points and dishing out 10 assists. Sophomore Rakeem Christmas had a personal-best 11 points to go along with five rebounds and two blocks. Redshirt freshman Trevor Cooney had 11 points off the bench, equaling his career-best effort.

The Orange allowed the 49ers just four points in the first five minutes of the game, as SU picked up a 12 point advantage at 16-4. C.J. Fair led the offense during the streak with six points, while senior Brandon Triche and Carter-Williams tipped in five points each.

Syracuse drew a 17-point lead after Christmas drained a pair of back-to-back dunks. C.J. Fair quickly followed with a third consecutive slam. The Orange, managed to stretch it to 20 points before heading into the intermission ahead of Long Beach State 49-29.

C.J. Fair led the charge again in the second half as SU used an 11-0 run to construct a 28-point advantage at 61-33. Syracuse took its largest lead of the game, up by 34 points at 81-47, before closing out the game with an 84-53 win against the 49ers.

The Orange is back in action on December 8th against Monmouth at 7 p.m. in the Carrier Dome. The Sports Management Club at SU will also be hosting its eighth annual Charity Sports Auction in the backcourt during the game to benefit the Special Olympics of New York. Admission to the event is included in the purchase of any ticket.
Courtesy of: http://www.suathletics.com


Creighton Posts 64-42 Win Over Nebraska in Lincoln - by Eurobasket News

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Behind a combined 39 points from junior Doug McDermott (6'8''-F-92) and senior Gregory Echenique (6'9''-C-90), the No. 16 Creighton mens basketball team earned a 64-42 victory over Nebraska on Thursday, Dec. 6. The Jays 22-point victory is the largest margin of victory for the Jays in Lincoln, passing an 11-point Creighton win on Jan. 2, 2001 (62-51)

The win lifted the Jays to 8-1 on the season, while Nebraska fell to 6-2.

Creighton has now won 11 of the past 14 regular-season match-ups with Nebraska and snapped a three-game losing streak in Lincoln.

Both teams struggled from the field in the opening 10 minutes, shooting a combined 7-of-27 (25.9%) from the field. Creighton forced Nebraska into six early fouls and held a 10-8 lead with 10:13 remaining in the opening period.

With the score at 14-12 moments later, the Jays created the first separation of the game with a five point burst via a three-pointer from junior Ethan Wragge and a dunk by Echenique to enter the final five minutes of the half up 19-12.

Coming out of a media timeout, senior Grant Gibbs (6'5''-G-89) found Echenique wide open for a two-handed flush from the left to push the Jays lead to 21-12. A layup by the Huskers Shavon Shields ended the Creighton run at seven, but the Jays pushed their lead to double digits at 28-17 at the break.

The Jays finished the first half 10-of-27 from the floor (37%), while Nebraska was just 7-of-28 (25%).

After each team converted a couple of easy layup to start the half, Nebraska head coach Tim Miles drew a technical foul arguing for a traveling violation. McDermott drained both foul shots to push Creightons lead to 15, 36-21 at the 17:31 mark.

The Bluejays began to assert themselves as the second half continued, pushing the lead to 21-points on a Wragge triple with 10:26 left at 51-30. Nebraska got as no closer than 17 the rest of the way.

McDermott's 27 points moved him into 10th on Creighton's all-time scoring chart, surpassing Benoit Benjamin (1982-85) with 1,579. Echenique finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds for his second double-double of 2012-12 and the 13th of his career.

Dylan Talley led the Huskers with 14 points, while Brandon Ubel finished with 10 points. NU shot 32.1 percent from the floor and made just 2-of-6 free throws. Nebraska's 42 points were the fewest against Creighton since March 4, 1932.

With the victory, Greg McDermott became the first head coach in Creighton history to win two of his first three games against Nebraska and became the third-quickest coach in Creighton history to 60 wins (83 games) with tonight's triumph.
Creighton returns to action on Sunday with a 1:05 pm home game vs. Akron. That game can be heard on KXSP (590 AM) and watched statewide on NET or nationwide on ESPN3.

NOTES: Greg McDermott is now 10-0 in match-ups against Tim Miles. The coaching pals had previously faced each other in games involving Wayne State-SW Minnesota State as well as Iowa State-North Dakota State Creighton has won five straight games against the Big Ten and is 7-1 against BCS schools in the past two years ...Creighton is now a perfect 14-0 against teams that wear red/cardinal/crimson/scarlet/garnet/maroon in 2012 ...Creighton improved to 7-5 in true road openers during the past 12 seasons ...Each of the last three times the Creighton women's baskeball team has defeated Nebraska (as it did last night), the Creighton men's basketball team has won in Lincoln in the same season ...Grant Gibbs dished 10 assists against just one turnover, improving his assist/turnover ratio to 58/9 on the winter.
Courtesy of: http://www.gocreighton.com


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  NCAA2   


Saint Martin's Update - by Sanjey Noriega

From: smusaints.com

The Saint Martin's University men's basketball team will play one of its three non-conference games over the next two weeks starting with a game at Willamette University tomorrow evening, Friday, Dec. 7th at 7:00 pm in Salem, Ore.

LAST ACTION

The Saints dropped two close games in conference play last week at home to Central Washington (75-81) and Northwest Nazarene (65-66, OT).

Against NNU last Saturday, SMU opened up a 19-point lead behind 53.3 percent shooting from the field and held a 13-point lead at the break while the Crusaders shot just 28.8 percent.

After shooting over 50 percent in the first half the Saints shot just 30.8 percent while Northwest Nazarene found a rhythm on offense shooting 50 percent from the field. NNU would take its first lead of the game at 5:33.

As the two teams went back and forth trading baskets down the stretch it was Evan Coulter that tied the game with 52 seconds remaining. The Crusaders got a look at a three with 18 seconds left but failed to convert and Rei Jensen missed an up-and-under layup as time expired sending the game into overtime.

In the overtime neither team would score until Roger O'Neill (6'5''-F) made a jumper with 1:43 on the clock. Jensen looked to have given the lead to the Saints for good with less than 10 seconds remaining but NNU found its way to the hoop and scored with .4 seconds to win the game.

The Saints were 7-of-14 from the free throw line in the game while Northwest Nazarene was 12-of-15 (80 percent). Jensen scored a career-high 29 points and recorded his second double double of the season as he grabbed 11 rebounds. He finished the night 12-of-19 from the field. Coulter added 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals.

SMU led at the half against Central Washington on Thursday, Nov. 29th in a game that was tied six times in the first half. CWU opened the second half on a 24-5 run and saw it lead climb to 17 points. The Saints trailed by 15 with seven minutes to play and used a 16-5 run to cut it to four points with under three minutes left in the game.

Saint Martin's had two possessions with an opportunity to make it a two-point game but did not capitalize in the final minutes. Central Washington scored 20 second-chance points while SMU had none and the Wildcats won the battle of the boards, 40-26.

O'Neill led SMU with 18 points as he was 8-of-14 from the field. Jensen finished with 17 points (7-of-11 FG) and six rebounds. Coulter added 16 points and was perfect from the free throw line (9-of-9). Brady Bomber contributed 10 points, four assists and three steals.

VS WILLAMETE

SMU will look to get back on track against Willamette tomorrow evening. These two teams met last season in Lacey as the Saints picked up the 93-83 win behind a balanced-scoring effort as six players finished in double figures. Saint Martin's built a large lead in the first half and held on for the win despite the Bearcats outscoring the Saints, 47-38, in the second half. The Saints shot 54.4 percent from the field as three players from this year's team finished that game in double figures: Will Bond (14 points), O'Neill (13 points) and Eric Taylor (10 points).

THE OPPONENT

This is the only meeting on record since Saint Martin's joined NCAA Division II. Willamette is Division III and a member of the Northwest Conference. This season the Bearcats are 3-4 on the year coming off a 83-80 win over Linfield College. Willamette is lead by Terrell Malley who is averaging 16.4 points per game and Sean Dart at 10.0 points and 9.0 rebounds.

SAINTS STATS

Three of the Saints five starters average double figures and all three rank in the top 20 in the GNAC in scoring: O'Neill (tied 9th - 14.7), Jensen (tied 16th - 13.9) and Coulter (18th - 13.7). Jensen also ranks second in rebounding (tied - 8.6). Brady Bomber leads the GNAC and is 18th in Division II in assist-to-turnover ratio (3.7). He also ranks fourth in assists (4.7) and fifth in steals (1.7). Coulter is fifth in free throw percentage (88.9). Lucas Shannon ranks fifth in blocked shots (1.2).




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  NCAA3   


Eastern Blasts Nichols, 95-86 - by Eurobasket News

WILLIMANTIC, Conn. Mike Garrow (6'4''-F) (Terryville) scored 18 of his 21 points in the first half, Joe Ives (Avon) scored 18 of his career-high 25 points in the second half and freshman Trachone Preston (Enfield) scored a career-high 18 points in his second career start to carry the Eastern Connecticut State University men's basketball team to a 95-86 non-conference win over Nichols College Thursday evening at Francis E. Geissler Gymnasium.

Garrow had two buckets, a steal and a defensive rebound in a 10-2 Eastern (5-2) run over 2+ minutes late in the first half to help Eastern break from a 23-all tie on the way to an eight-point, 45-37 lead at halftime. The Warriors' lead crested at 17 on a three-point field goal from Ives midway through the second half.

Trailing by 17 with eight minutes left, Nichols (3-4) used a 15-4 spurt over 3+ minutes to pull as close as six, 82-76, with 4:24 left and had possession of the ball before Garrow nailed a three-point field goal after a missed Nichols free throw, and Preston turned a Bison turnover into a layup on a pass from Ives to push the lead by to 11 with two minutes left.

Kyle Mascilak came off the bench for a game-high 25 points for Nichols, hitting ten of 15 field goals and all four of his free throws. Team scoring leader Ryan Sheehan (28 ppg.) scored 19 points before fouling out with 11:23 left and his team down by 14.

Ives added six rebounds and six assists to go along with his career-high scoring effort. Brandon Yarborough (6'3''-F) had a season-high ten points and career-high 16 rebounds for the Warriors, who outrebounded Nichols, 46-23.

The loss was the fourth straight for Nichols.

Eastern visits Rhode Island College Saturday in a 3 p.m. Little East Conference game.
Courtesy of: http://d3hoops.com


Babson Stuns No. 10 Amherst, 78-70 - by Eurobasket News

AMHERST, Mass. -- Four different players scored in double figures for the Babson College men's basketball team as the Beavers staged a stunning 78-70 upset of nationally-ranked Amherst College at LeFrak Gymnasium on Thursday night.

With its fourth consecutive victory, Babson improved to 6-3 on the year, while the Lord Jeffs, ranked 10th in the country in the most recent D3hoops.com poll, lost for just the second time to drop to 6-2. The Beavers' victory also snapped Amherst's incredible 35-game home winning streak dating back to the 2009-10 season.

The difference in Thursday's contest was each team's performance from long range, as Babson hit 12 of its 22 three-point attempts (54.5 percent) while Amherst hit just 6-of-25 from beyond the arc. Junior Matt Palazini (Franklin, Mass.) and sophomore John Wickey (Manchester, N.H.) each hit four trifectas in the win, while junior Kenny Ross (Furlong, Pa.) added three others and first-year Travis Sheldon (Woodstock, N.Y.) hit one.

Palazini finished with a game-high 21 points while also grabbing five rebounds in the win, while Wickey recorded his fourth double-double of the season with 19 points and 11 boards. Ross dished out a game-high six assists to go along with his 16 points, and senior Russell Braithwaite (Brooklyn, N.Y.) tacked on 15 points and nine rebounds for the Beavers

Junior David Kalema (6'1''-G) paced Amherst for the third-straight game with 15 points on 6-of-12 shooting, while first-year Connor Green finished with 13 points. Senior Allen Williamson added 11 points, senior Aaron Toomey (6'2''-PG) scored 12 points with a career-high nine rebounds, and senior Peter Kaasila rounded out the group of Jeffs in double figures with 10 points on 5-of-8 shooting.

Down 4-0 early, the Beavers scored five unanswered, taking their first lead of the night on a Wickey triple. Trailing 8-7, Palazani hit a layup to put the visitors back on top before a Sheldon jumper stretched the margin to three.

Williamson answered with a trey on the Jeffs' ensuing possession before a Willy Workman layup coupled with a Ben Pollack basket gave Amherst a 15-11 edge. Williamson kept things rolling with a jumper before Wickey ended a 9-0 Jeff run and a three-minute Babson scoring drought with a layup at 10:56.

Ross pulled the Beavers within one with a three with just over 10 minutes to play in the half before a Sheldon trey followed by a Ross jumper suddenly put Babson up 21-17. With Amherst down three after a Toomey bucket at 3:50, the Beavers reeled off an 8-3 spurt to go up 10 on a Palazini jumper.

Tipping in a Williamson three-pointer at the end of the half, Kaasila got the Jeffs off to a fast start in the second, hitting a jumper to cut the Amherst deficit to 37-31, but Ross came right back with a three to push the lead back up to nine. A steal and a fastbreak dunk by Williamson pulled the home team to within seven at 18:33.

A Kaasila steal and a Toomey outlet to Kalema led to another easy basket and a five-point game, but Palazini drained another from long distance before knocking down a jumper to make it 45-35. Amherst answered with a 10-3 run over the next two and a half minutes to trim the margin to just three. Kaasila got the rally started with a layup at 15:44, before a Pollack three-point play with just over 14 minutes remaining capped the stretch.

Up just two after a pair of Toomey free throws, Babson responded with a 17-3 run of its own to take control of the game and go up 65-49. Ahead by five at 8:37, Wickey hit the first of three-consecutive Beaver triples before Sheldon knocked down a jumper to stake the visitors to a 16-point lead.

Coming out of a timeout, Green drained a three-pointer ending a nearly four-minute dry spell without a field goal before Kalema hit 1-of-2 from the line to bring Amherst within 12. Three Toomey free throws in the waning moments of regulation made it 76-70, but it was too little too late, with Babson holding off the late Jeff charge.

Babson will now break briefly for end-of-the-semester exams before hosting Becker College on Sunday, December 16, at 2 p.m. in its final game before the holidays.
Courtesy of: http://d3hoops.com


Bowdoin tops Bates men in overtime, 74-70 - by Eurobasket News

Graham Safford '15 scored a career- and game-high 21 points in Bates' overtime setback against Bowdoin on Dec. 6, 2012. File photo by Michael Bradley/Bates College.LEWISTON, Maine -- Bryan Hurley's 10-foot leaner with 14 seconds left in overtime broke the 13th tie of the ballgame, at 70-70, and Lucas Hausman's two free throws with three seconds left sealed a 74-70 win for Bowdoin over rival Bates in a non-conference men's basketball game played Thursday night in Alumni Gym.
Hurley led the Polar Bears (4-2) with 17 points, six rebounds and four assists. Maximilian Staiger added 13 points, including 11 in the second half, while Keegan Pieri and Hausman added 12 and 11 points apiece. Hausman netted six of his points in overtime: a game-tying jumper, followed by a go-ahead layup that made it 70-68 in Bowdoin's favor.

Bates sophomore Graham Safford (Hampden, Maine) led all scorers with a career-high 21 points, in addition to six rebounds, four assists and two steals. Senior Ed Bogdanovich (Portland, Maine) added 12 points, senior Mark Brust (Duxbury, Mass.) scored 11 with four assists, and first-year Mike Boornazian (Portland, Conn.) also netted 11 for the Bobcats (3-5).

Bates outscored Bowdoin 14-0 in second-chance points behind an 18-10 rebounding advantage, but in the second half and overtime periods combined, the Polar Bears turned the tables with a 28-14 edge on the boards and a 13-5 edge in second-chance points. Bowdoin outscored Bates 20-4 in the paint in the second half.

Brust scored four of his points in overtime on a pair of jumpers, the latter of which tied the game at 70-70 with 41 seconds to go.

The lead changed hands four times in the first half. A jumper by Nick Lenker gave Bowdoin an 18-15 lead, but senior Taylor Gartley's (Rockport, Maine) three-point play evened up the score, and the Bobcats outscored the Polar Bears 15-6 over the final 7:18 to open up a nine-point halftime advantage. Safford had a pair of threes in the run, junior Sean Cunningham (Amherst, Mass.) scored four points and Brust finished it off with a three with 1:50 to go in the period. Neither team could score over the final 110 seconds of the half.

Bates' lead expanded to 13, as a jumper by Bogdanovich, a layup by Safford and two free throws by Bogdanovich offset a layup by Pieri on a feed by Andrew Madlinger to make it 39-26 in Bates' favor, the largest lead for either team in the game.

Pieri hit back-to-back jumpers, and then fed Staiger for a three-point play, but Safford kept the Bobcats in good shape with two more threes, and a jumper by Bogdanovich had Bates in the lead at 47-37 with 14:39 to go.

Staiger then went to work, personally outscoring Bates 6-1 to cut the lead to 48-43. After a Hausman jumper made it 53-49, John Swords stuffed a jumpshot by junior Luke Matarazzo (Shelton, Conn.), one of his three blocked shots in the game, and he followed it with a putback at the other end to cut it to 53-51. Bowdoin benefited from three more offensive boards on its next possession, which ended in a three-point play by Hausman to give Bowdoin its first lead in over 20 minutes, at 54-53 with 6:34 left in regulation. Hurley then offset a free throw by Matarazzo with two straight layins for a 58-55 Bowdoin lead.

A baseline jumper by Bogdanovich, followed by a three from the wing by Boornazian, returned the lead to the Bobcats at 60-58 with 2:02 to go. Staiger hit a pair of foul shots to retie the game, but Safford drove and dished to Bogdanovich for a go-ahead layup with 1:06 left. With 35 seconds left in regulation, Pieri banked in a jumper from 12 feet out on a feed by Hurley to make it 62-62. Bates inbounded with eight seconds left but couldn't get a final shot off.
Courtesy of: http://d3hoops.com


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  NEW ZEALAND   


Thomas Abercrombie selected the top New Zealander playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

Traditionally, every week we bring you a list of the top performances of New Zealanders who are currently playing abroad.

Thomas Abercrombie
Thomas Abercrombie
   #1. This week's number one is an international swingman Thomas Abercrombie (198-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Washington St., currently plays in Australia). He was the major contributor in a New Zealand Breakers' victory against one of league's weakest teams Melbourne Tigers (2-7) crushing them 94-64 in the Australian NBL last Friday. Abercrombie scored 11 points and blocked 2 blocks. New Zealand Breakers (8-2) are placed first in the NBL. It's Abercrombie's fifth season with the team. He has relatively good stats this year: 10.7ppg, 3.7rpg, 2FGP: 39.4%, 3FGP: 36.7% and FT: 68.8%. Abercrombie played for the New Zealand senior national team one years ago.

Alex Pledger
Alex Pledger
   #2. Second place goes to an international center Alex Pledger (213-87, college: Belm.Abbey, currently plays in Australia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Thomas Abercrombie and both played together in the last Australian NBL game. Pledger contributed to an easy victory against one of league's weakest teams Melbourne Tigers (2-7) crushing them 94-64. He scored 10 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in 20 minutes. Pledger is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's his fourth year in New Zealand Breakers' roster. Pledger is ranked first on the list of the best blockers in the league with 2.0bpg. This year his other stats are: 10.0ppg, 6.6rpg, 2FGP: 51.9% and FT: 61.5% in the 10 games he played so far. Pledger is in the roster of the New Zealand senior national team.

Kirk Penney
Kirk Penney
   #3. The New Zealand player who performed third best last week abroad was an international guard Kirk Penney (196-80, agency: Duran International, college: Wisconsin, currently plays in Turkey), who plays in the Turkish TBL. He could not help TED Kolejliler (3-5) in their last game. Despite Penney's good performance TED Kolejliler was edged 70-68 on the road by the higher-ranked (#6) Aliaga. He was the second best scorer with 12 points in 28 minutes. It was TED Kolejliler's third consecutive loss in a row. But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen. It's Penney's first year with the team. Penney is currently third on the list of top scorers with 17.9ppg. This year he also averages: 3.1rpg, 2.3apg, 2FGP: 52.6%, 3FGP: 48.8%(21-43) and FT: 78.6% in the seven games. Penney played for the New Zealand national team one years ago.

Corey Webster
Corey Webster
   #4. Guard Corey Webster (188-88, college: Lambuth, currently plays in Australia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Thomas Abercrombie. He played also in the last Australian NBL game facing Alex Pledger (above) in the other team. Webster contributed to an easy victory against one of league's weakest teams Melbourne Tigers (2-7) crushing them 94-64. He scored 10 points. Webster's overall stats this season are: 6.0ppg and 1.7rpg. He used to play for the New Zealand national team last year.

Jeremiah Trueman
Jeremiah Trueman
   #5. International power forward Jeremiah Trueman (207-87, college: Alaska-Anch., currently plays in Australia) contributed to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Kings (7-5) 75-56 in the Australian NBL in Friday night's game. Trueman scored 10 points in 20 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Perth Wildcats (7-3) are placed third in the NBL. It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row. This year Trueman's overall stats are: 4.2ppg and 2.0rpg in the 10 games. He plays currently for the New Zealand national team.

Brendon Polyblank
Brendon Polyblank
   #6. Swingman Brendon Polyblank (197-78, college: Texas St., currently plays in Switzerland) contributed to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Monthey (6-3) 81-64 in the Swiss LNA last Sunday. Polyblank scored 10 points, had 4 rebounds and dished 3 assists. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Benetton Fribourg Olympic (8-1) is placed first in the LNA. It was his team's seventh consecutive victory in a row. Polyblank's total stats this season are: 10.0ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.6apg and 1.2spg. He is a former international player as he played for the New Zealand senior team eight years ago.

Dillon Boucher
Dillon Boucher
   #7. Former international forward Dillon Boucher (196-75, currently plays in Australia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Thomas Abercrombie. He played also in the last Australian NBL game facing Corey Webster (above) in the other team. Boucher managed to help New Zealand Breakers in a victory against one of league's weakest teams Melbourne Tigers (2-7) crushing them 94-64. He scored only 3 points, had 6 rebounds and dished 4 assists in 14 minutes. Boucher has been at the team for five years. This season Boucher's total stats are: 1.9ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.5apg and 1.1spg in the 10 games. He used to play for the New Zealand national team five years ago.

Mika Vukona
Mika Vukona
   #8. Forward Mika Vukona (198-82, currently plays in Australia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Thomas Abercrombie. He played also in the last Australian NBL game facing Dillon Boucher (above) in the other team. Vukona contributed to an easy victory against one of league's weakest teams Melbourne Tigers (2-7) crushing them 94-64. He scored only 4 points. Vukona has averaged so far 7.0ppg, 6.5rpg, 2.5apg and 1.1spg. He plays currently for the New Zealand national team.

Leon Henry
Leon Henry
   #9. International swingman Leon Henry (200-85, college: S.Idaho JC, currently plays in Australia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Thomas Abercrombie. He played also in the last Australian NBL game facing Mika Vukona (above) in the other team. Henry contributed to an easy victory against one of league's weakest teams Melbourne Tigers (2-7) crushing them 94-64. He scored only 4 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 13 minutes. Henry has averaged so far 2.8ppg and 2.6rpg in the nine games. He is also in the roster of the New Zealand national team.

Everard Bartlett
Everard Bartlett
   #10. Guard Everard Bartlett (198-86, currently plays in Australia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Jeremiah Trueman. But that was another game of his team in Australian NBL which we would like to mention. Bartlett contributed to a Perth Wildcats' victory against the closely-ranked Wollongong Hawks (7-3) 80-68. He recorded 6 points. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Perth Wildcats (7-3) are placed third in the NBL. It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row. It's Bartlett's first season with the team. Bartlett has averaged so far 4.4ppg and 1.3rpg. He is an international player who is currently on the senior New Zealand National Team roster.

   #11. U18 international forward Reuben Te Rangi (201-94, currently plays in Australia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Thomas Abercrombie. He played also in the last Australian NBL game facing Leon Henry (above) in the other team. Te Rangi helped New Zealand Breakers win their game against one of league's weakest teams Melbourne Tigers crushing them 94-64. He scored only 2 points in 4 minutes on the court. This year Te Rangi averages just 1.7ppg in the three games. He plays currently for the New Zealand U18 national team.

   #12. International guard Tai Jack Webster (186-95, currently plays in Australia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Thomas Abercrombie. He played also in the last Australian NBL game facing Reuben Te Rangi (above) in the other team. Webster helped New Zealand Breakers win their game against one of league's weakest teams Melbourne Tigers crushing them 94-64. He scored only 1 points. Webster has averaged so far 0.5ppg and 1.5apg. He is also in the roster of the New Zealand national team.

   #13. International forward Robert Loe (211-91, currently plays college basketball in the States) helped St.Louis win their game against the University of North Texas 67-63 in the NCAA on Wednesday night. Loe scored only 1 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 18 minutes. He has averaged so far 0.5ppg and 1.5apg in the two games. Loe is also New Zealand national team player.

   #14. International forward Isaac Fotu (203-93, currently studies in the States) was not able to help the Hawaii in their game against the University of Nevada - Las Vegas in the NCAA. He cannot count Saturday's game as one of the best ones. Fotu scored only 2 points. His team was defeated 77-63. He has averaged so far 0.5ppg and 1.5apg. Fotu plays currently for the New Zealand national team.

   #15. International power forward Steven Adams (213-93, is currently at the American university) helped Pittsburgh win their game against the University of Duquesne crushing them 66-45 in a derby game in the NCAA last Wednesday. He scored 8 points, had 14 rebounds and made 2 blocks in 28 minutes. Adams has averaged so far 0.5ppg and 1.5apg in the two games. He used to play for the New Zealand national team last year.

The list of other players, who all have New Zealand passport but never been selected to any of New Zealand national teams:

   #1. Aron Baynes (208-C-86, college: Washington St., currently plays in Adriatic League) was the major contributor in Un.Olimpija's victory against the closely-ranked Cibona (4-7) 87-82 in the Adriatic League in Sunday night's game. He had a double-double by scoring 19 points and getting 16 rebounds. Baynes also added 3 assists and 2 blocks in 36 minutes. Union Olimpija Ljubljana (5-6) is placed ninth in the Adriatic League. Baynes is ranked fifth on the list of the best blockers in the league with 0.6bpg. He also averaged so far 12.0ppg and 5.8rpg in the 11 games he played so far. Baynes has a dual citizenship: Australian and New Zealand.

   #2. Marcel Jones (203-F-85, college: Oregon St., currently plays in EuroChallenge) led his Romanian team Pitesti to a victory against the second-ranked Okapi Aalstar (3-2) 89-77 in the EuroChallenge in Tuesday night's game. He scored 19 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and dished 4 assists. BCM U Pitesti (1-4) is placed fourth in group E. It was his team's first victory after four consecutive loses. They will play only one more game in the EuroChallenge Regular Season. And that game will be critical. This season Jones has relatively solid stats: 14.4ppg, 5.6rpg and 1.8apg. He is a naturalized American. Jones used to play for McDonalds Manawatu Jets in New Zealand league.


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  NIGERIA   


Alade Aminu selected the top Nigerian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

Here is the weekly review of the top performing Nigerian players, who play currently abroad.

Alade Aminu
Alade Aminu
   #1. This week's number one is an international center Alade Aminu (210-87, college: Georgia Tech, currently plays in Turkey). He led Karsiyaka to a victory over the 12th-ranked Hacettepe (2-6) crushing them 79-52 in the Turkish TBL in Saturday night's game. Aminu was MVP of the game. He scored 14 points, grabbed 9 rebounds and made 3 blocks in 28 minutes on the court. Pinar Karsiyaka SK Izmir (6-2) is placed fifth in the TBL. But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen. It's Aminu's first year with the team. Aminu is currently sixth on the list of best rebounders with 7.6rpg. He also averaged so far 14.0ppg, 1.5spg and FT: 60.9% in the eight games he played so far. Aminu is currently a member of the Nigerian senior national team.

Ebi Ere
Ebi Ere
   #2. Second place goes to former international swingman Ebi Ere (195-81, college: Oklahoma, currently plays in Italy), who plays in the Italian SerieA. He could not help Cimberio Varese (9-1) in their last game on Sunday. Despite Ere's very good performance the league leader Cimberio Varese was defeated 91-87 on the road by the lower-ranked Lottomatica Roma (#6). He was the second best scorer with 20 points. But the season just started, so everything may happen. It's Ere's first year with the team. Ere is ranked fourth on the list of the top scorers in the league. He has individually a very good season with high stats. Ere averages: 18.0ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.1apg, 1.5spg, 3FGP: 47.4%(27-57) and FT: 76.7%. He has a dual citizenship: Nigerian and American. Ere played for the Nigerian national team in 2009.

Benjamin Eze
Benjamin Eze
   #3. The Nigerian player who performed third best last week abroad was former international power forward Benjamin Eze (207-81, college: S.Idaho JC, currently plays in Euroleague), who plays in Italy. He was not able to help Montepaschi Siena (5-4) in their last game on Friday. Despite Eze's good performance the third-placed Montepaschi Siena was defeated in an overtime 108-103 on the opponent's court by the lower-ranked Chalon/Saor (#5) in the group B of Euroleague. He scored 11 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. Eze's team will play only one more game in the Euroleague Regular Season. And that game will be critical. Eze's overall stats this season are: 9.0ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 54.5% and FT: 75.0%. He is another player who holds two passports: Nigerian and Italian. Eze played for the Nigerian national team three years ago.

Ike Diogu
Ike Diogu
   #4. Power forward Ike Diogu (204-83, college: Arizona St., currently plays in China) contributed to an overtime Guandong Tigers' victory against the tenth-ranked Zhejiang Chouzhou Bank (2-3) 126-124 in the Chinese CBA last Tuesday. He had a double-double by scoring 23 points and getting 19 rebounds (was perfect 13-for-13 from the free throw line !!!) in 48 minutes. Guandong Southern Tigers (5-1) are placed first in the CBA. It was his team's fifth consecutive victory in a row. But there are still lots of games to play and it's a long way to go. Diogu is currently seventh on the league's list of best rebounders with 12.5rpg. This year he also averages: 17.3ppg in the four games. Diogu has both American and Nigerian nationalities. He is also Nigerian national team player.

Josh-Emmanuel Akognon
Josh-Emmanuel Akognon
   #5. Former international point guard Josh-Emmanuel Akognon (180-86, college: CS Fullerton, currently plays in China), who plays in the Chinese CBA was not able to secure a victory for Liaoning Hunters (3-2) in their last game on Friday. Despite Akognon's very good performance Liaoning Hunters were defeated 109-104 in Beijing by the higher-ranked Ducks (#3). He was the top scorer with 31 points. Akognon also added 3 steals (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line). Akognon is currently first on the list of top scorers. This season he has very high stats. Akognon averages: 33.0ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.0apg and 2.0spg. He also holds two passports: Nigerian and American. Akognon used to play for the Nigerian national team three years ago.

Ike Ofoegbu
Ike Ofoegbu
   #6. Forward Ike Ofoegbu (205-85, college: SMU, currently plays in Mexico) was the main contributor in Toros' victory against the tenth-ranked Barreteros (12-17) 100-84 in the Mexican LNBP (second division) in Friday night's game. He was the best player in that game. Ofoegbu had a double-double by scoring 29 points and getting 12 rebounds in 33 minutes. Toros Nuevo Laredo (22-7) is placed third in the LNBP. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. Ofoegbu has very impressive stats this year: 16.8ppg, 5.2rpg and 1.6apg in the 27 games. He holds both American and Nigerian passports. Ofoegbu is international player as he played for the Nigerian senior team one years ago.

Jeleel Akindele
Jeleel Akindele
   #7. Former international center Jeleel Akindele (216-83, college: Chicago St., currently plays in Italy) was the major contributor in an overtime Juvecaserta's surprising victory against the fourth-ranked Cantu (6-4) 76-74 in the Italian SerieA on Sunday night. He recorded 15 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in 34 minutes. JuveCaserta (5-5) is placed tenth in the SerieA. It's Akindele's first season with the team. Akindele belongs to league's best rebounders and is ranked #2 with 8.7rpg. This year his other stats are: 12.4ppg and 1.4spg in the 10 games. Akindele used to play for the Nigerian national team three years ago.

Derrick Obasohan
Derrick Obasohan
   #8. Forward Derrick Obasohan (198-81, college: Texas Arlington, currently plays in France) couldn't help Cholet (5-4) in their game against Gravelines-Dunkerque (6-3) in the French ProA. Obasohan scored only 4 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 29 minutes. Cholet was crushed 88-67 on the opponent's court by the higher-ranked (#3) Gravelines-Dunkerque. This year Obasohan's overall stats are: 9.3ppg, 3.0rpg and 2.0apg in the three games. He holds both American and Nigerian passports. Obasohan plays currently for the Nigerian national team.

Ekenechukwu Ibekwe
Ekenechukwu Ibekwe
   #9. International forward Ekenechukwu Ibekwe (210-85, college: Maryland, currently plays in Spain), who plays in the Spanish ACB couldn't help Lagun Aro GBC (1-9) in their last game on Sunday. Despite his very good performance the bottom-ranked Lagun Aro GBC was edged 71-69 at home by the much higher-ranked Caja Laboral (#4). Ibekwe was the second best scorer with 16 points. He also added 7 rebounds and 2 blocks. Ibekwe is currently seventh on the league's list of best rebounders and also on the list of best blockers (first place). His total stats this season are: 9.0ppg, 6.4rpg and 2.0bpg. Ibekwe holds both American and Nigerian passports. He is also in the roster of the Nigerian national team.

Chukwudinma Odiakosa
Chukwudinma Odiakosa
   #10. Power forward Chukwudinma Odiakosa (203-85, agency: N.E.T., college: Illinois St., currently plays in Israel) contributed to an easy victory against the ninth-ranked Hapoel Kazrin (3-5) crushing them 82-56 in the Israeli National League (second division) in Tuesday night's game. He recorded a double-double by scoring 17 points and getting 12 rebounds. Odiakosa also added 3 assists; not bad, considering it's only his third season in pro basketball. Maccabi Hod Hasharon (6-2) is placed fifth in the National League. Odiakosa is currently first on the league's list of top scorers and also on the list of best rebounders (first place). This season he has very high stats. Odiakosa averages: 20.9ppg, 16.0rpg and 1.4bpg. He is a former U22 international player as eight years ago he still played for the Nigerian national team.

   #11. Former U19 international guard Ayodeji Egbeyemi (193-90, currently plays college basketball in the States), who plays in the NCAA couldn't help the Loyola Mary in their last game on Thursday. Despite Egbeyemi's very good performance the Loyola Mary was edged 73-70 on their home court in Los Angeles, CA by the Long Beach State University. He recorded a double-double by scoring 16 points and getting 11 rebounds. Egbeyemi also added 4 assists. This season he has very high stats. Egbeyemi averages: 20.9ppg, 16.0rpg and 1.4bpg. He used to play for the Nigerian U19 national team five years ago.

   #12. International point guard Michael Umeh (188-84, agency: Two Points, college: UNLV, currently plays in Italy) contributed to Pall.Trento's victory against the closely-ranked Tezenis VE 78-70 in the Italian Lega2 (second division) last Sunday. Umeh scored 14 points. This season he has very high stats. Umeh averages: 16.9ppg, 4.3rpg and 1.5apg. He holds both American and Nigerian passports. Umeh used to play for the Nigerian national team last year.

   #13. International forward Andy Ogide (204-87, college: Colorado St., currently plays in Spain), who plays in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) couldn't help Ourense (15-13) in their last game on Friday. Despite his good performance his team was edged 76-75 on the opponent's court by the one of league's weakest teams Melilla_Baloncesto (#13). Ogide recorded a double-double by scoring 13 points and getting 10 rebounds. He also added and 3 steals. Ogide is currently seventh on the league's list of best rebounders. He has very reliable stats this season: 11.9ppg, 6.6rpg and 1.6spg. Ogide is also Nigerian national team player.

   #14. International guard Jayson Obazuaye (193-84, college: Colorado, currently plays in Qatar) contributed to an Al Wakrah's victory against the closely-ranked Al Ahli 65-61 in the Qatari D1 last Friday. He scored 8 points, had 4 boards, passed 7 assists and added 3 steals. This season Obazuaye has very high stats. He averages: 15.6ppg, 3.1rpg, 4.7apg and 1.7spg. Obazuaye holds both American and Nigerian passports. He used to play for the Nigerian national team last year.

   #15. Former U16 international center Christopher Obekpa (206-93, currently studies in the States) couldn't help the one of league's weakest teams St.John's in their game against the University of San Francisco in the NCAA. Obekpa cannot count Tuesday's game as one of the best ones. He scored only 2 points, grabbed 9 rebounds and made 3 blocks. His team was badly defeated by 16 points 81-65. This season Obekpa has very high stats. He averages: 15.6ppg, 3.1rpg, 4.7apg and 1.7spg. Obekpa used to play for the Nigerian U16 national team four years ago.

The list of other players, who all have Nigerian passport but never been selected to any of Nigerian national teams:

   #1. Gani Lawal (205-C/F-88, college: Georgia Tech, currently plays in Italy) led Lottomatica Roma to a victory over the league leader Cimberio Varese (9-1) 91-87 in the Italian SerieA on Sunday night. He was the best player in that game. Lawal recorded 23 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in 28 minutes; quite an impressive performance considering it's only his third season in pro basketball. Acea Virtus Roma (6-4) is placed sixth in the SerieA. But the season is still in it's first stage and everything can happen. It's Lawal's first year with the team. Lawal is currently fourth on the list of best blockers with 1.4bpg. This year his other stats are: 12.3ppg and 6.8rpg in the 10 games he played so far. Lawal has a dual citizenship: Nigerian and American.

   #2. Ekpe Udoh (208-F/C-87, college: Baylor, currently plays in NBA), who plays in the NBA could not help the Milwaukee Bucks (8-9) to beat the New Orleans Hornets (5-12). He recorded 7 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. The Milwaukee Bucks were crushed 102-81 on the road by the Hornets. It's Udoh's first season with the team. Udoh's overall stats this year are: 5.6ppg, 3.9rpg and 1.1bpg.

   #3. Oritseweyinmi Efejuku (196-G-86, college: Providence, currently plays in Mexico) was the main contributor in a Fuerza Regia's victory against the 12th-ranked Lechugueros (9-20) 106-88 in the Mexican LNBP (second division) in Thursday night's game. He was the top player that evening. Efejuku scored 27 points (!!!) and added 4 assists. Fuerza Regia Monterrey (16-13) is placed eighth in the LNBP. Efejuku has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages: 18.1ppg, 3.6rpg and 3.2apg. Efejuku is another player who holds two passports: Nigerian and Jamaican.

   #4. Stan Okoye (198-F-91, currently plays college basketball in the States), who plays in the NCAA was not able to help the VMI in their last game. Despite his very good performance the VMI was edged in an overtime 81-80 at home by the Morgan State University. Okoye had a double-double by scoring 29 points and getting 11 rebounds. He also added 3 assists and 3 steals in 36 minutes. Okoye is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's his fourth year in VMI's roster. Okoye has very impressive stats this season: 18.1ppg, 3.6rpg and 3.2apg in the 21 games.

   #5. Festus Ezeli (210-C-89, college: Vanderbilt, currently plays in NBA) managed to help Golden State Warriors to win against the Detroit Pistons (6-14) 104-97 in the NBA on Wednesday night. He scored 5 points and blocked 2 shots. The Golden State Warriors have a solid 11-7 record this season. Ezeli's overall stats this year are: 3.6ppg, 4.6rpg and 1.1bpg.

   #6. Jefferson Agba (209-F/C-80, college: Embry Riddle, currently plays in Brazil), who plays in the Brazilian NBB was not able to secure a victory for one of league's weakest teams Bauru (2-2) in their last game. Despite his good performance Bauru was edged 82-81 on their home court in Bauru by the higher-ranked (#6) Uberlandia. Agba scored 13 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 24 minutes. Agba is ranked fifth on the list of the best rebounders in the league and also on the list of most steals (second place). He has very reliable stats this year: 12.8ppg and 7.5rpg in the four games. Agba has both American and Nigerian nationalities.

   #7. Emeka Okafor (206-F/C-82, college: Connecticut, currently plays in NBA) couldn't help the Washington Wizards in their game against the New York Knicks in the NBA. He recorded 6 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. His team were crushed by 21 points 108-87 in the NBA. Okafor's overall stats this season are: 7.0ppg, 5.9rpg and 1.5bpg. He also holds two passports: Nigerian and American.

   #8. Aleksey Adediran (204-C-82, college: Binghamton, currently plays in Ukraine) was the major contributor in Mykolaiv's victory against the fifth-ranked Hoverla 86-79 in the Ukrainian Superleague last Friday. Adediran scored 18 points, grabbed 9 rebounds and made 2 blocks in 25 minutes. This year his total stats are: 8.7ppg and 3.4rpg in the 14 games. Adediran holds both Nigerian and Russian passports.

   #9. Corey Raji (198-F-88, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: Boston Coll., currently plays in France) contributed to a Quimper UJAP's victory against the 14th-ranked Vendee Challans 94-85 in the French NM1 (third division) on Tuesday night. He recorded a double-double by scoring 26 points and getting 12 rebounds. Raji also added and 3 steals. Raji is currently fifth on the league's list of top scorers and also on the list of best rebounders (third place). This season he has very high stats. Raji averages: 17.2ppg, 8.8rpg and 1.7apg.

   #10. Ike Okoye (206-F, college: Boise St., currently plays in Estonia) helped Tln Kalev win their game against the league outsider Hito/Johvi 89-72 in the Estonian KML in Friday night's game. He was the top player that evening. Okoye had a double-double by scoring 22 points and getting 14 rebounds. He also added and 5 steals in 34 minutes. Okoye is ranked second on the list of the best rebounders in the league and also on the list of best blockers (third place). He has very reliable stats this year: 13.5ppg, 10.3rpg, 1.6apg and 1.7spg in the 10 games. Okoye holds both American and Nigerian passports.


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  PANAMA   


Danilo Pinnock selected the top Panamanian playing abroad in last week's games - by Eurobasket Center

We bring you last week's top performances from Panamanians who are playing abroad and who all have had prior experience of national team duties at youth or senior level.

Danilo Pinnock
Danilo Pinnock
   #1. This week's number one is an international guard Danilo Pinnock (196-83, college: G.Washington, currently plays in Mexico). He was the major contributor in a Halcones Rojos' victory against the closely-ranked Pioneros (19-10) crushing them 105-81 in the Mexican LNBP (second division) in Saturday night's game. Pinnock recorded 24 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists in 36 minutes on the court. Halcones Rojos de Veracruz (22-7) is placed fourth in the LNBP. It's Pinnock's first season with the team. He has relatively good stats this year: 14.8ppg, 5.0rpg, 3.5apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 53.2%, 3FGP: 41.7% in the eight games he played so far. Pinnock is a naturalized American. He is currently a member of the Panamanian senior national team. Pinnock used to play for Toros de Chorrillo in Panamanian league.

Antonio Garcia
Antonio Garcia
   #2. Second place goes to an experienced international power forward Antonio Garcia (203-76, college: Ky Wesleyan, currently plays in Mexico). He led Panteras to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Fuerza Regia (16-13) 90-72 in the Mexican LNBP (second division) last Sunday. Garcia recorded a double-double by scoring 15 points and getting the same number of rebounds. He also added 4 assists. Panteras de Aguascalientes (21-8) is placed fifth in the LNBP. It was his team's seventh consecutive victory in a row. Garcia is currently first on the league's list of best rebounders. He has very reliable stats this season: 13.2ppg, 11.0rpg, 3.7apg, 2FGP: 65.3%(147-225) and FT: 65.3%. Garcia played for the Panamanian national team in 2011.

Josimar Ayarza
Josimar Ayarza
   #3. The Panamanian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international forward Josimar Ayarza (205-87, college: S.Mississippi, currently plays in Argentina), who plays in the Argentinian LigaA. He could not help 9 de Julio (6-15) in their last game. Despite Ayarza's very good performance 9 de Julio lost 74-78 on the road to the higher-ranked (#11) Boca Juniors. He recorded 15 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 31 minutes; quite an impressive performance considering it's only Ayarza's second season in pro basketball. This year Ayarza has relatively solid stats: 13.3ppg, 4.3rpg, 2FGP: 47.3%, 3FGP: 31.6% and FT: 70.7% in the 10 games. He is also a member of the Panamanian senior national team.

Dionisio Gomez Camargo
Dionisio Gomez Camargo
   #4. Forward Dionisio Gomez Camargo (203-80, college: Arkansas, currently plays in Japan) led Shiga L-Stars to a victory against the third-ranked Shimane Magic (10-6) 84-77 in the Japanese BJ League in Saturday night's game. Gomez Camargo recorded a double-double by scoring 15 points and getting the same number of rebounds. Shiga Lakestars (8-8) are placed seventh in Western group. But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen. Gomez Camargo has reliable stats this year: 11.9ppg and 8.1rpg. He used to play for the Panamanian national team last year.

Leonardo Pomare
Leonardo Pomare
   #5. International forward Leonardo Pomare (203-86, agency: Top Notch Sports, college: San Diego, currently plays in Japan) contributed to an easy victory against the ninth-ranked Miyazaki Shining Suns (2-14) crushing them 87-67 in the Japanese BJ League last Sunday. Pomare had a double-double by scoring 12 points and getting 14 rebounds. He also added 5 assists in 25 minutes. Kyoto Hannaryz (8-8) is placed sixth in Western group. It was his team's eighth consecutive victory in a row. But the season just started, so everything may happen. Pomare's stats this year are: 13.9ppg, 10.3rpg and 1.6apg in the 14 games. He is a naturalized American. Pomare used to play for the Panamanian national team last year. He played also for Fieras de Cocle in Panamanian league.

Jose Lloreda
Jose Lloreda
   #6. Power forward Jose Lloreda (203-80, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: LSU, currently plays in Argentina) managed to help Centro Juventud Sionista de Parana to win against the closely-ranked GECR Indalo (9-12) 85-79 in the Argentinian LigaA last Friday. He recorded only 4 points. Centro Juventud Sionista de Parana (10-12) is placed ninth in the LigaA. They ended the series of three consecutive loses. Lloreda's stats this season are: 10.5ppg, 7.1rpg and 1.4apg. He is international player as he played for the Panamanian senior team one years ago.

The list of other players, who all have Panamanian passport but never been selected to any of Panamanian national teams:

   #1. Gabriel Giron (192-G-88, currently plays in Mexico), who plays in the Mexican LNBP (second division) could not help Fuerza Regia (16-13) to beat Panteras (21-8). Giron scored 7 points, had 4 rebounds and dished 3 assists. Fuerza Regia was edged 92-90 at home by the higher-ranked Panteras (#5). This season Giron averages: 7.7ppg, 3.0rpg and 2.0apg. He has a dual citizenship: Panamanian and Mexican.

   #2. Jamaal Levy (206-C-83, college: Wake Forest, currently plays in Argentina) was not able to help one of league's weakest teams Olimpico de La Banda (13-9) in their game against Libertad Sunchales (13-6) in the Argentinian LigaA. Levy recorded 5 points in 15 minutes. Olimpico de La Banda lost 74-79 on the road to the higher-ranked (#4) Libertad Sunchales. This year Levy's overall stats are: 2.3ppg and 3.0rpg in the three games he played so far.

Other top Panamanian players, who play abroad:

Levour Warren (196-SF-81) plays for Air Avellino in Italian SerieA
Michael Hicks (194-G/F-76) plays for Tuscany Pistoia in Italian Lega2
Gary Forbes (201-G/F-85) plays for Zhejiang Guangsha Lions in Chinese CBA
Daniel King (203-F-87) plays for Maldonado in Uruguayan LUB
Ernesto Oglivie (199-F-89) plays for Maldonado in Uruguayan LUB
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