Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 2/25/2012

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Men News

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ACPBL

Addition to Hudson Valley Kingz roster - by Mike Lee
The Hudson Valley Kingz have signed Jimmy Bosque (6'2''-G), a 6'2' guard from the Bronx, New York. Bosque played collegiately at CUNY Manhattan and averaged 10.3 points per game during the 2008-09 season. Kingz owner, Donald Herring expressed that the team is really high on him. 'He is very athletic, brings a lot of energy, plays great defense, and plays hard all the time and all over the court, said Herring.

The Hudson Valley Kingz currently have a 6-2 record and currently lead the ACPBL Big Apple Division. Their next game will be a home contest against the Hartford Lightning on March 3rd. The Lightning currently hold the top spot in the ACPBL North Division with a 5-2 record.

ACPBL going on with 10 teams .. - by Gianni Pascucci
Commisioner Graham communicated to Usbasket.com that starting from Feb.16th, The Buffalo Warriors and The Center Court All-Stars have ceased operations. There was insurmountable amount of negative cash flow within both organizations. The teams were failing to meet their financial obligations to their respected venues and vendors. After multiple discussions there was no need to have The ACPBL potentially carry or replace these teams. The owners and Mr. Graham have decided to move forward with a 10 team model in which all 10 teams will make the playoffs. 'I feel this is a fantastic opportunity for the league to have a more cost effective model for traveling. The ups and downs of minor league basketball are amazing, but with a solid foundation in place we can all succeed.' states Brian Graham about the moment of his league

Standings

ACPBL Standings

Big Apple Division
1. Hudson Valley		6-2
2. NYC 524		5-5
3. Toms River S.		2-6
4. Manhattan P.		1-7
North Division
1. Hartford L.		5-2
2. Garden St. R.		5-3
3. North Jersey P.		3-3
4. Buffalo W.		1-3
South Division
1. Palmieri Jeans		7-1
2. Beltway B.		4-3
3. Bay Area Sh.		4-4
4. Center Court		1-3

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Standings

Adriatic League Standings

1. Maccabi T-A			18-1
2. Cedevita			15-4
3. Partizan			14-6
4. Buducnost			13-6
5. Siroki WWin			12-9
6. Cibona			11-9
7. Union Olimpija			11-9
8. KK Zagreb CO			11-10
9. Radnicki K.			9-10
10. Crvena Zvezda			9-12
11. Hemofarm			5-15
12. Krka			5-15
13. Helios			5-15
14. Zlatorog			2-19

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

David SIMON
  Radnicki K.
  (207-C-82)
  Avg: 20.4

1. Simon, Radnicki K.	20.4
2. Scott, Radnicki K.	18.5
3. Kasun, KK.	17.6
4. Panic, Zlatorog	17.5
5. Vucevic, Buducnost	16.9
6. Simon, KK.	16.7
7. Pilepic, Siroki W.	15.5
8. Pavkovic, Radnicki	14.7
9. Gay, Helios	14.1
10. Pekovic, Partizan	13.7

Rebounds Per Game

Boris SAVOVIC
  Hemofarm
  (206-F-87)
  Avg: 11.4

1. Savovic, Hemofarm	11.4
2. Vucevic, Buducnost	9.7
3. Kasun, KK.	8.0
4. Macvan, Partizan	8.0
5. Simon, Radnicki K.	7.3
6. Pasalic, Helios	6.2
7. Scott, Radnicki K.	5.8
8. Popovic, Crvena Z.	5.7
9. Thompson, Union O.	5.6
10. Pavic, Krka	5.6

Assists Per Game

Steven MARKOVIC
  Radnicki K.
  (190-G-85)
  Avg: 7.4

1. Markovic, Radnicki	7.4
2. Pavkovic, Radnicki	6.7
3. Vladovic, Siroki W.	5.0
4. Vujasinovic, Zlato.	4.9
5. Mulaomerovic, KK Z.	4.5
6. Papaloukas, Macca.	4.2
7. Simon, KK.	3.9
8. Draper, Cedevita	3.8
9. Covic, Crvena Z.	3.4
10. Kus, Cibona	3.4

Steals Per Game

D.J. GAY
  Helios
  (183-G-89)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Gay, Helios	2.3
2. Dasic, Union Olimp.	1.9
3. Simon, KK.	1.8
4. Markovic, Radnicki	1.8
5. Ramljak, Siroki W.	1.6
6. Dragic, Krka	1.6
7. Hendrix, Maccabi	1.5
8. Papaloukas, Macca.	1.5
9. Draper, Cedevita	1.5
10. Lucic, Partizan	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Shawn JAMES
  Maccabi T-A
  (208-C-83)
  Avg: 1.5

1. James, Maccabi T-A	1.5
2. Simon, Radnicki K.	1.3
3. Vucevic, Buducnost	1.1
4. Savovic, Hemofarm	1.0
5. Scott, Radnicki K.	0.9
6. Hendrix, Maccabi	0.9
7. Thompson, Union O.	0.9
8. Pekovic, Partizan	0.8
9. Ilic, Crvena Zvezda	0.8
10. Collins, Siroki W.	0.8

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ARGENTINA

Standings - LigaA

LigaA Standings

1. Obras		18-7
2. Penarol		17-7
3. Libertad S.		17-8
4. Lanus		17-9
5. Atenas		15-10
6. Sionista		15-10
7. La Union		15-11
8. Quimsa		13-12
9. GECR Indalo		13-12
10. Regatas C.		12-14
11. Wuber-Est.Bahia		9-15
12. Boca Jrs		9-16
13. Olimpico LB		9-16
14. Club 9		8-16
15. Quilmes MP		8-18
16. San Mart.C.		6-20

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AUSTRALIA

Hammer time in Sydney - by Hugh McAuliffe
He captained the Sydney Kings to their first ever championship win in 2003. Now, the man they call 'The Hammer' is back to lead the Sydney Kings once again. Shane Heal (182-G-70) has been appointed as Head Coach for the remainder of the 2011/12 season. His appointment is effective immediately.

Shane flew in to Sydney this morning to address a team meeting at which time, interim CEO, Ian Robilliard , confirmed Heal's appointment.

'Technically, it was a rest day for the team today, ahead of our clash against Townville on Sunday afternoon at the Sydney Entertainment Centre; but we called the players and coaching staff together to formally introduce Shane as the new Head Coach,' Robilliard said.

'It is a great feeling to have secured Shane Heal for the role of Head Coach. The club definitely considers him a Sydney Kings Legend; and someone who is involved with our program. Having played in the purple and gold, he knows first hand what it means to wear in our colours, to win a championship, and to play at the Kingdome. If he can instil half of his Sydney Kings personal experience into our roster, it could help our team of committed professionals become a champion team.

'The obvious question is, will Shane continue to coach the Sydney Kings for the 2012-2013 season? The answer is that our focus remains on the current season and helping Shane with his program. We have an agreement in place with him to fill the Head Coach position for the rest of the 2011-2012 season. For clarity, he will work with us up to and including our last game against the Wollongong Hawks on March 24, and I believe he will show the same commitment to that role as he always did as a player,' Robilliard said.

Speaking about his new appointment, Shane heal said he was really excited to be the new Head Coach of the Sydney Kings and also to be back in Sydney.

'The last time I stepped on to the Sydney Kings home court in an official capacity was in the Championship game in 2003. I can't wait until Sunday to re-join the team at the Kingdome. It is a place that holds so many fond memories for me,' Shane said.

'Before I get there, we will only have one session together prior to the Townsville game on Sunday so there wont be time to make too many adjustments. I will really be working on getting their mindset right and belief in themselves. I am looking forward to sitting down with the team to talk about philosophies and expectations. I will meet with them all individually too; and hope to put them in an environment where they can play well individually within the team structure. If we can do that in a short period of time, we can turn around this five-game losing streak.

'The real work will begin next week, when we can make some bigger adjustments. It is another short week with a critical game on Friday; but I am confident we can improve again with the extra practices. Ian 'Moose' Robilliard has established a culture where this teams gets along well and they have stuck together through a tough time. It would be great for them to be rewarded for that with some wins in these next six games. I lam looking forward to the challenge and being part of it,' Shane said.

Shane debuted as an NBL player with the Brisbane Bullets in 1988 and was named Rookie of the Year. Two years later, he won the 1990 NBL Most Improved Player Award. In total, he played 440 games in the NBL; as well as playing for Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs in the NBA in 1996-1997 and 2003-2004 respectively. He also represented Australia in four Summer Olympics in 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004. Heal retired from playing professional basketball for a second and last time, on February 14, 2009.

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings

1. Breakers		17-6
2. Wildcats		16-7
3. Crocodiles		13-10
4. Taipans		13-10
5. Blaze		12-9
6. Tigers		10-13
7. Kings		8-14
8. 36ers		6-16
9. Hawks		6-16

Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game

Patrick MILLS
  Tigers
  (183-PG-88)
  Avg: 18.6

1. Mills, Tigers	18.6
2. Tragardh, Tigers	17.4
3. Lisch, Wildcats	17.1
4. Wilson, Taipans	16.8
5. Khazzouh, Kings	16.6
6. Johnson, 36ers	16.3
7. Wilkinson, Breakers	16.0
8. Worthington, Blaze	16.0
9. Deleon, Blaze	15.7
10. Abercrombie, Brea.	14.7

Rebounds Per Game

Julian KHAZZOUH
  Kings
  (209-C-86)
  Avg: 10.7

1. Khazzouh, Kings	10.7
2. Holmes, Crocodiles	9.6
3. Grant, Kings	8.5
4. Simpsons, 36ers	8.1
5. Johnson, 36ers	8.0
6. Crosswhite, Taipa.	7.7
7. Worthington, Blaze	7.0
8. Vukona, Breakers	6.5
9. Bose, Kings	6.4
10. Jackson, Breakers	6.3

Assists Per Game

Cedric JACKSON
  Breakers
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 6.1

1. Jackson, Breakers	6.1
2. Mills, Tigers	5.0
3. Crosswell, 36ers	4.7
4. Gibson, Blaze	4.7
5. Bruce, Kings	4.4
6. Gill, Crocodiles	4.1
7. Martin, Wildcats	3.7
8. Martin, Hawks	3.5
9. Ubaka, Tigers	3.3
10. Dillon, Tigers	3.2

Steals Per Game

Damian MARTIN
  Wildcats
  (188-PG-84)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Martin, Wildcats	2.5
2. Jackson, Breakers	2.5
3. Robbins, Wildcats	1.8
4. Mims, Crocodiles	1.4
5. Tovey, Wildcats	1.3
6. Gill, Crocodiles	1.3
7. Glover, Hawks	1.2
8. Bartlett, 36ers	1.2
9. Deleon, Blaze	1.2
10. Crawford, Croco.	1.1

Blocks Per Game

Julian KHAZZOUH
  Kings
  (209-C-86)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Khazzouh, Kings	2.1
2. Simpsons, 36ers	1.5
3. Grant, Kings	1.4
4. Nevill, Wildcats	1.3
5. Johnson, 36ers	1.2
6. Abercrombie, Break.	1.1
7. Crosswhite, Taipa.	1.0
8. Worthington, Blaze	0.9
9. Martin, Wildcats	0.8
10. Forman, Hawks	0.8

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AUSTRIA

Standings - A Bundesliga

A Standings

Group A
1. Klosterneub.		17-5
2. Gmunden		16-6
3. Wels		16-6
4. Oberwart		15-7
5. Kapfenberg		15-7
6. Gussing		11-11
Group B
1. Furstenfeld		9-13
2. UBSC Graz		8-13
3. BC Vienna		8-13
4. Arkadia		4-18
5. St.Polten		1-21

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Stjepan STAZIC
  BC Vienna
  (199-G-78)
  Avg: 26.9

1. Stazic, BC Vienna	26.9
2. Booker, St.Polten	26.0
3. Wade, Arkadia	24.4
4. Drenovac, Arkadia	21.7
5. Reed, Oberwart	19.9
6. Djuric, Gussing	19.2
7. Shavies, Furstenf.	18.2
8. Fears, Kapfenberg	18.2
9. Rakocevic, BC Vi.	17.6
10. Shaw, Oberwart	17.0

Rebounds Per Game

Zarko RAKOCEVIC
  BC Vi.
  (204-F-84)
  Avg: 13.8

1. Rakocevic, BC Vi.	13.8
2. Werner, Wels	9.1
3. Oppland, Gmunden	7.8
4. Reed, Oberwart	7.8
5. Gordon, Kapfenberg	7.7
6. Scott, Gussing	7.1
7. Skurdauskas, Arkad.	6.8
8. Nelson, Kapfenberg	6.8
9. Moric, UBSC G.	6.8
10. Robinson, Fursten.	6.7

Assists Per Game

Benedikt DANEK
  Arkadia
  (176-PG-86)
  Avg: 6.3

1. Danek, Arkadia	6.3
2. Fears, Kapfenberg	5.7
3. Schreiner, Kapfe.	5.2
4. Shavies, Furstenf.	5.1
5. Klepeisz, Gussing	5.0
6. Stazic, BC Vienna	4.7
7. Rakocevic, BC Vi.	4.6
8. Milosevic, St.Polt.	4.4
9. Lanegger, Klostern.	4.2
10. Hollins, Oberwart	4.0

Steals Per Game

Jeremy FEARS
  Kapfenberg
  (196-G-85)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Fears, Kapfenberg	2.5
2. Shavies, Furstenf.	2.2
3. Pryor, Wels	2.2
4. Schreiner, Kapfe.	2.2
5. Brown, Wels	1.6
6. Jandl, Oberwart	1.5
7. Milosevic, St.Polt.	1.5
8. Wade, Arkadia	1.5
9. Mayer, Gmunden	1.3
10. Artner, Oberwart	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Zarko RAKOCEVIC
  BC Vi.
  (204-F-84)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Rakocevic, BC Vi.	3.2
2. Scott, Gussing	1.2
3. Ware, Furstenfeld	1.1
4. Koch, Gussing	0.9
5. Kohlmaier, Wels	0.8
6. Moric, UBSC G.	0.6
7. Skurdauskas, Arkad.	0.6
8. Brown, Wels	0.6
9. Francois, BC Vienna	0.5
10. Greimeister, Klos.	0.5

A Bundesliga Round 2: Oberwart Gunners defeat group leader Xion Dukes - by Eurobasket News
There were only 2 rounds played so far and it's still very beginning of the Second Stage in A Bundesliga.

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Xion Dukes (17-5) in Klosterneuburg on Friday night. Hosts were edged by fifth ranked Oberwart Gunners (15-7) 60-59. Xion Dukes were trailing by 1 point at halftime but managed to get 1-point lead after three quarters before a 15-13 charge of Oberwart Gunners, which allowed them to win the game. American guard Vernard Hollins (190-80, college: Wright St.) saved the victory by scoring 18 points and 5 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). The other American import forward Joe Dean Shaw (199-87, college: Nevada) contributed with 12 points for the winners. American swingman Curtis Bobb (198-78, college: Utah St.) replied with 14 points and 7 rebounds for Xion Dukes. Defending champion moved-up to fourth place in Bundesliga. Xion Dukes at the other side still keep top position with five games lost. Oberwart Gunners are looking forward to face Gussing Knights (#6) at home in the next round. Xion Dukes will play against Kapfenberg Bulls (#5) and are hoping to win this game.
An interesting game for Gmunden Swans (16-6) which hosted in Gmunden one of their biggest challengers Kapfenberg Bulls (15-7). Second ranked Gmunden Swans had an easy win 88-61. It was a key game for the second position in Bundesliga. Serbian forward Enis Murati (194-88) scored 19 points and 8 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Florian Schoeninger chipped in 18 points and 9 assists during the contest. American power forward Demetrius Nelson (203-86, college: Citadel, agency: Court Side) responded with 14 points and 7 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Gmunden Swans maintains second position in Bundesliga with 16-6 record behind leader Klosterneub. Kapfenberg Bulls at the other side dropped to the fifth place with seven games lost. Gmunden Swans will play against Raiffeisen Wels (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Kapfenberg Bulls will play against the league's leader Xion Dukes in Klosterneuburg and hope to get back on the winning track.
An interesting game for Furstenfeld Panthers (9-13) which hosted in Furstenfeld 4th ranked Arkadia Lions (4-18). First ranked Furstenfeld Panthers had an easy win 83-65. Anthony Shavies notched a double-double by scoring 16 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the effort. Even 22 points by Radosav Spasojevic did not help to save the game for Arkadia Lions. Furstenfeld Panthers maintains first position in Bundesliga with 9-13 record. Loser Arkadia Lions keep the fourth place with 18 games lost. Furstenfeld Panthers will meet BC Vienna (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Arkadia Lions will play against the league's second-placed UBSC Graz and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game in Gussing supposed to be also worth to mention about. Third ranked Raiffeisen Wels (16-6) played at the court of 6th ranked Gussing Knights (11-11). Raiffeisen Wels smashed Gussing Knights 106-73. The best player for the winners was Davor Lamesic who had a double-double by scoring 21 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists. 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. Raiffeisen Wels maintains third position in Bundesliga with 16-6 record behind leader Klosterneub. Gussing Knights at the other side keep the sixth place with 11 games lost. Raiffeisen Wels' next round opponent will be league's second-placed Gmunden Swans in Gmunden and it will be for sure the game of the week. Gussing Knights will play on the road against Oberwart Gunners (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the last game of round 2
In Bundesliga St.Polten was beaten by UBSC Graz on the road 91-74.
The most impressive performance of 2nd round was 22 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists by Zarko Rakocevic of BC Vienna.

Group Group A

Gussing - Wels 73-106

The game in Gussing supposed to be also worth to mention about. Third ranked Raiffeisen Wels (16-6) played at the court of 6th ranked Gussing Knights (11-11). Raiffeisen Wels smashed Gussing Knights 106-73. The game without a history. Raiffeisen Wels led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to Gussing Knights' 20. Raiffeisen Wels forced 19 Gussing Knights turnovers. The best player for the winners was the former international forward Davor Lamesic (203-83, agency: Interperformances) who had a double-double by scoring 21 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists. American guard Todd Brown (196-87, college: Wright St., agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) chipped in 23 points and 6 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field). Four Raiffeisen Wels players scored in double figures. American forward Carleton Scott (200-88, college: Notre Dame) produced a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds and point guard Claudio Vancura (179-92) added 13 points respectively for the hosts. 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. Raiffeisen Wels maintains third position in Bundesliga with 16-6 record behind leader Klosterneub. Gussing Knights at the other side keep the sixth place with 11 games lost. Raiffeisen Wels' next round opponent will be league's second-placed Gmunden Swans in Gmunden and it will be for sure the game of the week. Gussing Knights will play on the road against Oberwart Gunners (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Wels: T.Brown 23+6reb, D.Lamesic 21+11reb+9ast, A.Farokhmanesh 20+2ast, M.Kohlmaier 13+6reb+1ast, J.Werner 9+4reb, R.Vieider 7+2reb
Gussing: C.Scott 19+11reb, C.Vancura 13+1reb+1ast, M.Klepeisz 10+1reb, T.Klepeisz 9+2reb+2ast, A.Djuric 7+3reb+1ast, E.Kadic 7+1reb

Klosterneub. - Oberwart 59-60

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Xion Dukes (17-5) in Klosterneuburg on Friday night. Hosts were edged by fifth ranked Oberwart Gunners (15-7) 60-59. Xion Dukes were trailing by 1 point at halftime but managed to get 1-point lead after three quarters before a 15-13 charge of Oberwart Gunners, which allowed them to win the game. American guard Vernard Hollins (190-80, college: Wright St.) saved the victory by scoring 18 points and 5 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). The other American import forward Joe Dean Shaw (199-87, college: Nevada) contributed with 12 points for the winners. American swingman Curtis Bobb (198-78, college: Utah St.) replied with 14 points and 7 rebounds and international guard Moritz Lanegger (190-90, agency: Interperformances) added 11 points in the effort for Xion Dukes. Defending champion moved-up to fourth place in Bundesliga. Xion Dukes at the other side still keep top position with five games lost. Oberwart Gunners are looking forward to face Gussing Knights (#6) at home in the next round. Xion Dukes will play against Kapfenberg Bulls (#5) and are hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Oberwart: V.Hollins 18+5reb+2ast, J.Dean Shaw 12+4reb, E.Rizvic 9+4reb+2ast, N.Gacesa 7+1reb, H.Artner 5+1ast, J.Johnson 3+6reb+2ast
Klosterneub.: C.Bobb 14+7reb+1ast, D.Zeleznik 13, M.Lanegger 11+2reb+3ast, C.Nagler 8+4reb+2ast, C.Greimeister 6+3reb+1ast, M.Rachar 4+6reb+1ast

Gmunden - Kapfenberg 88-61

An interesting game for Gmunden Swans (16-6) which hosted in Gmunden one of their biggest challengers Kapfenberg Bulls (15-7). Second ranked Gmunden Swans had an easy win 88-61. It was a key game for the second position in Bundesliga. The game without a history. Gmunden Swans led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 17-of-21 charity shots (81.0 percent) during the game. Gmunden Swans outrebounded Kapfenberg Bulls 41-30 including a 29-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a great shooting night for Gmunden Swans especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.4 percentage. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by Kapfenberg Bulls' players. Serbian forward Enis Murati (194-88) scored 19 points and 8 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the former international guard Florian Schoeninger (186-83) chipped in 18 points and 9 assists during the contest. American power forward Demetrius Nelson (203-86, college: Citadel, agency: Court Side) responded with 14 points and 7 rebounds and his fellow American import guard Jeremy Fears (196-85, college: Bradley, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) scored 16 points. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Gmunden Swans maintains second position in Bundesliga with 16-6 record behind leader Klosterneub. Kapfenberg Bulls at the other side dropped to the fifth place with seven games lost. Gmunden Swans will play against Raiffeisen Wels (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Kapfenberg Bulls will play against the league's leader Xion Dukes in Klosterneuburg and hope to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Gmunden: E.Murati 19+8reb+3ast, F.Schoeninger 18+1reb+9ast, D.Oppland 15+9reb, M.Oppland 10+3reb+2ast, R.Poiger 10+3reb+1ast, M.Curry 9+4reb+2ast
Kapfenberg: J.Fears 16+3reb+1ast, D.Nelson 14+7reb, S.Knabl 13+4reb, D.Mayes 7+3reb, L.Gordon 6+10reb+2ast, T.Schreiner 4+2reb+6ast

Group Group B

UBSC Graz - St.Polten 91-74

No shocking result in a game when third ranked UBSC Graz (8-13) beat at home 5th ranked St.Polten (1-21) 91-74. The game was mostly controlled by UBSC Graz. St.Polten was better in fourth quarter 18-14. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated on the defensive end, holding St.Polten to just 5 points in second quarter. UBSC Graz made 24-of-29 charity shots (82.8 percent) during the game, while St.Polten only scored eight points from the stripe. UBSC Graz players were unselfish on offense dishing 27 assists comparing to just 14 passes made by St.Polten's players. The best player for the winners was Croatian forward Marko Moric (207-81) who scored 22 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Croatian power forward Milan Stegnjaic (204-81) chipped in 15 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. American swingman Roy Booker (191-84, college: SE Missouri St.) produced 19 points and the former international forward Martin Speiser (202-83) added 11 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for the guests. Four UBSC Graz and five St.Polten players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. UBSC Graz moved-up to second place in Bundesliga. St.Polten at the other side keeps the fifth position with 21 games lost. UBSC Graz's next round opponent will be Arkadia Lions (#4) in Traiskirchen.
Top scorers:
UBSC Graz: M.Moric 22+8reb+6ast, C.Knor 18+4reb, S.Grum 16+1reb+3ast, M.Stegnjaic 15+6reb+6ast, T.Ambrose 9+3reb+2ast, S.Schaal 5+2reb+8ast
St.Polten: R.Booker 19+3reb+1ast, F.Kramer 12+2reb, N.Milosevic 12+5ast, I.Bakovic 11+7reb+2ast, M.Speiser 11+5reb+4ast, D.Friedrich 4+4reb+1ast

Furstenfeld - Arkadia 83-65

An interesting game for Furstenfeld Panthers (9-13) which hosted in Furstenfeld 4th ranked Arkadia Lions (4-18). First ranked Furstenfeld Panthers had an easy win 83-65. The hosts trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 4-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 83-65. Furstenfeld Panthers outrebounded Arkadia Lions 38-20 including a 16-4 advantage in offensive rebounds. American guard Anthony Shavies (191-83, college: Missouri St., agency: Interperformances) notched a double-double by scoring 16 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the effort and the other American import power forward Gary Ware (205-83, college: Purdue, agency: TSS Management) supported him with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Five Furstenfeld Panthers players scored in double figures. Even 22 points by Montenegrin power forward Radosav Spasojevic (204-92) did not help to save the game for Arkadia Lions. Serbian forward Djordje Drenovac (203-92, agency: Interperformances) added 14 points and 5 rebounds for the guests. Furstenfeld Panthers maintains first position in Bundesliga with 9-13 record. Loser Arkadia Lions keep the fourth place with 18 games lost. Furstenfeld Panthers will meet BC Vienna (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Arkadia Lions will play against the league's second-placed UBSC Graz and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Furstenfeld: G.Ware 21+10reb, J.Robinson 18+7reb+1ast, A.Shavies 16+12reb+6ast, K.Payton 15+7reb+4ast, P.Radakovics 10+1ast, L.O'Neal 3+1reb+5ast
Arkadia: R.Spasojevic 22+1reb+2ast, D.Drenovac 14+5reb, P.Skurdauskas 8+7reb+1ast, B.Danek 6+2reb+8ast, A.Percan 6+1reb+1ast, J.Blazevic 4

Lamesic's double-double lands him (Second Stage) Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
28-year old forward Davor Lamesic (203-F-83, agency: Interperformances) put on an amazing game in the last round for Wels and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 2 (Second Stage).
He had a double-double of 21 points and 11 rebounds, while his team outclassed Gussing (#6, 11-11) with 33-point margin 106-73. Wels maintains the 3rd position in Austrian league. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier in Second Stage. Wels will need more victories to improve their 16-6 record. Lamesic has many years of experience at Wels, through which he has constantly improved.

Second best performed player last round was Marko Moric (207-F-81) of UBSC Graz. He is Croatian forward in his first season at UBSC Graz. In the last game Moric recorded impressive 22 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Of course he lead UBSC Graz to another comfortable win 91-74 over St.Polten (1-21) being unquestionably team leader. The Second Stage is still at the very beginning and this victory may help a lot. Let's wait for the next round. Moric is a newcomer at UBSC Graz and quickly became one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Enis Murati (194-F-88) of league's second-best Gmunden. Murati scored 19 points and grabbed eight rebounds. He was a key player of Gmunden, leading his team to a 88-61 easy win against Kapfenberg (#5, 15-7). Gmunden needs these victories very badly if they think about taking over top position in Group A. Their record at this point is 16 victories and 6 lost games. Murati has a very solid season. In 22 games in Austria he scored 9.0ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Gary Ware (205-F/C-83) of Furstenfeld - 21 points and 10 rebounds
5. Carleton Scott (200-F-88) of Gussing - 19 points and 11 rebounds
6. Todd Brown (196-G-87) of Wels - 23 points and 6 rebounds
7. Anthony Shavies (191-G-83) of Furstenfeld - 16 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists
8. Vernard Hollins (190-G-80) of Oberwart - 18 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Radosav Spasojevic (204-F/C-92) of Arkadia - 22 points and 2 assists
10. Florian Schoeninger (186-G-83) of Gmunden - 18 points and 9 assists

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

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BAHRAIN

Standings

Premier League Standings

1. Muharraq		16-1
2. Al Manama		14-4
3. Al Ahli		13-4
4. Al Hala		11-6
5. Issa Town		11-7
6. Sitra		9-8
7. Nuwaidrat		8-9
8. Al Ittihad		7-9
9. Bahrain Club		2-15
10. Al Najma		2-15
11. Samaheej		1-16

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BALTIC LEAGUE

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Denzel BOWLES
  Siauliai
  (208-F/C-89)
  Avg: 19.3

1. Bowles, Siauliai	19.3
2. Krumins, Jelgava	19.1
3. Kalve, Valmiera	18.0
4. Cipruss, Tarvas	17.8
5. Barinov, Naglis P.	16.5
6. Pilk, TTU	16.4
7. Mayo, Liepaja	16.2
8. Amis, Tartu Ulikool	16.1
9. Hallik, Tarvas	15.5
10. Young, Ventspils	14.8

Rebounds Per Game

Kaspars CIPRUSS
  Tarvas
  (210-C-82)
  Avg: 9.5

1. Cipruss, Tarvas	9.5
2. McClure, Kedainiai	9.3
3. Ringmets, Rapla	8.6
4. Mednis, Turiba	8.0
5. Johnson, Naglis P.	7.8
6. Arnold, TTU	7.7
7. Bowles, Siauliai	7.4
8. Galdikas, Neptunas	7.1
9. Barinov, Naglis P.	7.1
10. Rozitis, Valmiera	6.9

Assists Per Game

Rashaun BROADUS
  Siauliai
  (183-PG-84)
  Avg: 5.3

1. Broadus, Siauliai	5.3
2. Kriisa, Tarvas	5.0
3. Rinkevicius, Nagli.	4.6
4. Sirsnins, Tarvas	4.5
5. Strelnieks, Ventsp.	4.3
6. Ezerskis, Lietkabe.	4.3
7. Dainys, Neptunas	4.3
8. Benn, Naglis Palan.	4.2
9. Maceina, Juventus	4.2
10. Kadziulis, Rudupis	4.1

Steals Per Game

Rinalds SIRSNINS
  Tarvas
  (186-PG-85)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Sirsnins, Tarvas	2.7
2. McKee, Triumph	2.7
3. Salenga, Rudupis	2.2
4. Krumins, Jelgava	2.0
5. Akenparg, TTU	1.8
6. Virsis, Valmiera	1.8
7. Laane, Rapla	1.8
8. Keedus, TTU	1.8
9. Hughes, Pieno Z.	1.7
10. Matulionis, Lietk.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Bamba FALL
  Kalev/Cramo
  (216-C-86)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Fall, Kalev/Cramo	2.7
2. Rozitis, Valmiera	2.1
3. Johnson, Naglis P.	1.8
4. Gumeniuk, Juventus	1.6
5. Staniulis, Lietkab.	1.3
6. Amis, Tartu Ulikool	1.2
7. Morgan, Pieno Z.	0.9
8. Leiteris, Liepaja	0.9
9. McClure, Kedainiai	0.9
10. Jefferson, Triumph	0.8

Standings - Men

Baltic League Standings

Elite Division
1. Siauliai			13-3
2. Triumph			11-4
3. Ventspils			11-5
4. Kalev/Cramo			11-7
5. Rudupis			10-6
6. Kedainiai			8-9
7. Juventus			8-10
8. Pieno Zvaigzdes			7-9
9. Tartu Ulikool			6-12
10. Baltai Kaunas			4-12
11. Liepaja			3-15
Challenge Cup
1. Tarvas			10-2
2. Naglis Palangos			6-4
3. Neptunas			6-4
4. Barsy Atyrau			3-7
5. Jelgava			1-7
6. Techasas			10-2
7. Sakalai			9-5
8. Valmiera			8-4
9. TTU/Kalev			3-9
10. Rapla			2-8
11. Turiba			2-8

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BELARUS

Standings - Premier League

Premier League Standings

1. Minsk-2006		16-1
2. Grodno-93		16-2
3. Rubon		10-8
4. BGUIR-RTI		8-10
5. SBK Osipovichi		7-12
6. Minsk-2006 II		6-13
7. Sozh Gomel		0-17

Stats Leaders - Premier League

Points Per Game

Ronaldas RUTKAUSKAS
  Minsk-.
  (203-F-92)
  Avg: 19.9

1. Rutkauskas, Minsk.	19.9
2. Sitnik, SBK O.	16.5
3. Ignatchik, Minsk-.	15.3
4. Mishukov, SBK O.	15.1
5. Knox, Minsk-2006	14.3
6. Ovdeenko, Grodno-.	14.0
7. Hawkins, Minsk.	13.7
8. Kojenets, Minsk.	13.2
9. Matyukevych, Grod.	13.0
10. Zakhar, BG.	12.8

Rebounds Per Game

Pavel BLIZNETS
  Sozh Gomel
  (205-C-94)
  Avg: 11.4

1. Bliznets, Sozh Gom.	11.4
2. Zakhar, BG.	9.9
3. Rutkauskas, Minsk.	9.8
4. Ovsepian, Rubon	7.5
5. Mishukov, SBK O.	7.3
6. Kojenets, Minsk.	7.2
7. Krisevich, Minsk-.	6.7
8. Drobyshevski., Soz.	6.6
9. Matyukevych, Grod.	6.5
10. Knox, Minsk-2006	5.9

Assists Per Game

Dzmitry KUZMIN
  Grodno-93
  (196-G-75)
  Avg: 5

1. Kuzmin, Grodno-93	5.0
2. Akulich, Rubon	4.8
3. Papruha, BG.	3.7
4. Kudrautsau, Minsk.	3.6
5. Charykau, SBK O.	3.4
6. Volk, SBK O.	3.0
7. Ignatchik, Minsk-.	2.9
8. Nakic, Minsk-20.	2.7
9. Korzh, Grodno-93	2.6
10. Eldridge, Minsk-2.	2.4

Steals Per Game

Dmitri AKULICH
  Rubon
  (192-G-86)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Akulich, Rubon	2.5
2. Zakhar, BG.	2.2
3. Sapegin, Rubon	2.2
4. Eldridge, Minsk-20.	2.0
5. Charykau, SBK O.	2.0
6. Papruha, BG.	2.0
7. Vabischevich, SBK	2.0
8. Ovsepian, Rubon	1.9
9. Malkov, Rubon	1.8
10. Sitnik, SBK O.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Yaraslau KURAPAU
  Minsk-20.
  (200-F-91)
  Avg: 0

1. Kurapau, Minsk-20.	0.0
2. Akulich, Rubon	0.0
3. Kudrautsau, Minsk.	0.0
4. Sivalko, Rubon	0.0
5. Krisevich, Minsk-.	0.0
6. Shuleyko, Grodno-.	0.0
7. Korzh, Grodno-93	0.0
8. Shestilovski., Soz.	0.0
9. Korneenkov, Minsk-.	0.0
10. Sharipov, SBK O.	0.0

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

BELGIUM

Standings - Division I

D1 Standings

1. Spirou		13-6
2. Oostende		12-6
3. Antwerp		11-6
4. Aalstar		11-7
5. Leuven		10-8
6. M.Hainaut		9-8
7. Liege		7-11
8. Gent		5-14
9. Verviers-Pep.		3-15

Stats Leaders - Division I

Points Per Game

Christopher COPELAND
  Aalstar
  (203-F-84)
  Avg: 20.2

1. Copeland, Aalstar	20.2
2. Bostic, Liege	17.2
3. Mallet, Spirou	16.3
4. Rich, Oostende	15.7
5. Taylor, M.Hainaut	14.9
6. Green, Spirou	14.7
7. Lojeski, Oostende	14.3
8. Black, Antwerp	14.1
9. Haynes, Gent	13.9
10. Tofi, Leuven	13.7

Rebounds Per Game

Graham BROWN
  Gent
  (205-C-84)
  Avg: 8.5

1. Brown, Gent	8.5
2. Love, Verviers-Pep.	7.9
3. Mejri, Antwerp	7.4
4. McLean, Leuven	7.2
5. Young, Aalstar	7.0
6. Merriex, Verviers.	6.8
7. Booker, Oostende	6.2
8. Wright, Oostende	6.2
9. Matela, Liege	5.8
10. Bostic, Liege	5.6

Assists Per Game

Dominic WATERS
  Liege
  (185-PG-86)
  Avg: 3.8

1. Waters, Liege	3.8
2. Djordjevic, Ooste.	3.7
3. Bosco, Gent	3.5
4. Marnegrave, Leuven	3.3
5. Thompson, Verviers.	3.3
6. Black, Antwerp	3.2
7. Singletary, M.Hain.	3.0
8. Winston, Oostende	2.9
9. Rich, Oostende	2.9
10. Mallet, Spirou	2.8

Steals Per Game

Sean SINGLETARY
  M.Hainaut
  (183-PG-85)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Singletary, M.Hain.	2.5
2. Dagunduro, Leuven	2.4
3. Black, Antwerp	2.4
4. Wilson, Antwerp	2.3
5. Steinbach, Aalstar	1.9
6. Mallet, Spirou	1.9
7. Ruoff, Aalstar	1.8
8. Mukubu, Verviers.	1.8
9. Wright, Oostende	1.8
10. Bostic, Liege	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Salah MEJRI
  Antwerp
  (216-C-86)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Mejri, Antwerp	2.5
2. Riddick, Spirou	1.7
3. Jennings, Liege	1.5
4. Young, Aalstar	1.0
5. Love, Verviers-Pep.	0.9
6. Booker, Oostende	0.8
7. Holiday, Aalstar	0.6
8. Nivins, M.Hainaut	0.6
9. Vaughn, Antwerp	0.5
10. De Zeeuw, Vervier.	0.5

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

BOSNIA

Standings - BIH League

D1 Standings

1. Igokea		18-1
2. Bosna		14-4
3. Capljina		14-5
4. Varda HE		11-7
5. Leotar		11-8
6. Mladost		11-8
7. Hercegovac		8-10
8. Servitium		8-10
9. Borac Nektar		6-12
10. Celik		5-13
11. Zrinjski HT		5-14
12. Brotnjo		5-14
13. Vogosca		4-14
Play in international cups:
1. Siroki WWin		-

D1, Round 20: Another win for top-ranked Igokea - by Eurobasket News
Round 20 of the Bosnian D1 for men was played on Wednesday. The top-ranked Igokea managed to register its 18th win this season (18-1). They cruised past Servitium on the road 60-90. Milan Dozet (204-SF-79) was the leading player in victory with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. The second ranked Capljina failed against Varda in Visegrad. It was 81-68 win for the home squad. Ivan Miceta (205-FC-81, agency: 011 Sports) stepped up for Varda with 16 points and 8 boards. Bosna ASA BHT outplayed Zrinjski in Mostar with comfortable 83-102. Dino Hodzic (190-PG-90) top-scored in victory with 18 points (6 rebs). Also in this round, Borac was better than Brotnjo 90-76 and Mladost handed 79-71 loss to Hercegovac. Leotar was too strong for Vogosca 90-82. Round 21 is scheduled for the next weekend.

Regular Season - Round 20
Feb. 22, 2012 Servitium-Igokea 60-90
Feb. 22, 2012 Varda HE-Capljina 81-68
Feb. 22, 2012 Borac Nektar-Brotnjo 90-76
Feb. 22, 2012 Zrinjski HT-Bosna 83-102
Feb. 22, 2012 Mladost-Hercegovac 79-71
Feb. 22, 2012 Leotar-Vogosca 90-82

D1 Standings
1. Igokea 18-1
2. Bosna 14-4
3. Capljina 14-5
4. Varda HE 11-7
5. Leotar 11-8
6. Mladost 11-8
7. Hercegovac 8-10
8. Servitium 8-10
9. Borac Nektar 6-12
10. Celik 5-13
11. Zrinjski HT 5-14
12. Brotnjo 5-14
13. Vogosca 4-14

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

BRAZIL

Standings - BNL

NBB Standings

1. Pinheiros/Sky		17-4
2. Flamengo		15-3
3. S.Jose/Unimed		15-4
4. Unitri/Universo		14-6
5. Uniceub/BRB		13-6
6. Itabom/Bauru		12-6
7. Paulistano		12-7
8. Winner/Limeira		10-9
9. Cia do Terno		9-10
10. Vivo/Franca		7-12
11. Liga Sorocaba		7-13
12. Minas		6-13
13. Tijuca TC		5-15
14. Araraquara		2-18
15. Vila Velha		1-19

Santa Cruz sign new players - by Paulo Freire
The Santa Cruz/Rados/Pioneer is moving fast to build their roster for Brazil Cup South Region.
The managers of the team have announced new names to their roster.
The midia already went to their first practice to see the new faces.
The american guard Eryk Watson (190-G, college: Maryville, TN) is already in town in his first year playing in Brazil
From Spain comes in the brazilian forward Andre Almeida (200-F/G-81, agency: Global Sports Network) who had work in the pre season of Caja Laboral this season
The veteran B.A. Muniz (202-C-75) comes in the give more power in the paint area inside the basket.
The young point guard Murilo Parisotto (188-G-86) comes from Lajeado team
As a local player the managers brought in the small forward Gustavo Lawisch (193-F/C-85)

NBB Round 21 recap - by Eurobasket News
Pinheiros/Sky were back to the winning ways in Round 21 of NBB. The league leaders outscored Vila Velha 85:67 at home court to climb at 17-4 record. Shamell Stallworth (196-SG-80, agency: Interperformances, college: USF) finished with 21 points to lead the charge. The teams were tied after ten minutes of action but Pinheiros/Sky gradually picked up the slack and rallied to a comfortable win at the end. Marquinhos Vieira (207-F-84) finished with 18 points, while Olivinha Rodriguez (202-F-83) added 14 points for the winners. Vila Velha answered with 15 points from Isaac Goncalves (193-F/G-90).
Flamengo stayed in the second position as they celebrated the 15th win. Flamengo overcame visiting Joinville 97:83. Marcelo Magalhaes (199-F/G-75, agency: Interperformances) erupted for 40 points to lead the hosts. Caio Torres added 14 points in the win. Jose Victor Jeronimo (208-C-91) answered with 19 points for Joinville.
Defending champions Uniceub/BRB toppled Araraquara 105:66 on the road. Arthur Silva (199-F/G-82) delivered 22 points to lead the charge. Welington Dos Santos (185-PG-81) added 21 points in the victory. Araraquara answered with 14 points from Deivisson Costa (211-C-80).
Uberlandia proved too good against Liga Sorocaba 64:53. Luis Felipe Gruber (205-F-85) chipped in 16 points for the winners. Kenny Dawkins (175-G-87, college: Lamar) answered with 15 points for Liga Sorocaba.

Sao Jose mugs Tijuca in NBB slugfest - by Mel Devonne
Its was a hot and humid night in the Tijuca section of Rio de Janeiro at the un aiir conditioned Tijuca Tenis Clube,
where Sao Jose grinded out a 89-78 road win vs Tijuca.
It was an ugly win for Sao Jose, with the game getting off to a good start, but the second half was marred by alot bad calls from
the officials, cheap shots, and flagrant fouls from both teams.
Tijuca led at the half 37-32 before things got ugly in the 3rd and fourth quarters.
A good 4th quarter by Andre Laws, and two 3s and a 4 point play by Jefferson Antonio (207-F/C-83) sealed the victory for the visiting Sao Jose team.
Jefferson led Sao Jose with 21 , while Laws finished with 14, most in the 4th quarter.
Marcellus led Tijuca with 25 points.

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

BULGARIA

Bulgaria to host European Basketball Tour 2012 - by Maria Mitzova
Bulgaria will host the European Basketball Tour in 2012. Turkey, Poland and Ukraine will arrive to Sofia for a friendly tournament scheduled for July 24 - 26. The newly build Arena Armeec will be the venue for the event.
Previous three editions of the Tour were played in Cyprus and Israel, but now the organizing agency GPK Sports Management chose Bulgaria.
All four teams will be in a final stage of preparations for the European Qualifying Round. Qualifiers start August 15th.
GPK Sports Management Managing Director Haris Papadopoulos expects the European Basketball Tour 2012 in Bulgaria to have success with gathering audience from whole Europe, with the beautiful Arena in Sofia to be a great venue for such an event.
Participating teams will be in Sofia the day before the tournament, and they will play each other in three days - 24, 25 and 26 of July.

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

CANADA

Burks hot streak powers Mill Rats to brink of playoffs - by Eurobasket News
Antonio Burks (6'6''-F-82, college: SF Austin)' hot streak powered the Saint John Mill Rats to the brink of an the NBL Canada playoff berth, 127-115, in front of 1,994 fans at Harbour Station.

Burks nailed 6 of 7 three pointers in the first half and led all scorers at the half with 20 points.

Saint John made a strong statement about their playoff aspirations by leading the game from wire to wire. They outscored the Power in every quarter except for the last.

In first quarter action, the Mill Rats jumped ahead 11-4 with 8 minutes remaining after a few baskets from Stanley Ocitti (6'8''-F/C-80, college: Binghamton) and Darren Duncan. The Power were able to come back and close the quarter trailing behind Saint John 24-22.

Oshawa's Omari Johnson (6'9''-F, college: Oregon St.) opened up the second quarter, tying the game, but it was quickly answered by a three pointer from Antonio Burks. Burks continued to nail down 5 three pointers in the second quarter. Oshawa called a timeout with 4:09 left before half after a big play by Burks stealing the ball and passing off to Kevin Francis who in turn, passed it off to Anthony Anderson (5'11''-G-81, college: Massachusetts) for 2. This gave the Mill Rats a 9 point lead, 49-40.

Mill Rats guards Anthony Anderson and Darren Duncan played together well, setting each other up for a basket, continuing the Mill Rats run, 51-40. After an and 1 play by Anderson, the Power were finally able to get a basket off a free throw, ending the Mill Rats run, 56-41. The Mill Rats closed the half 60-48.

Anderson came alive in the third quarter netting 14 points for the Mill Rats. Stanley Ocitti contributed 8 points and 5 rebounds in the third as well. The Mill Rats closed the quarter leading 93-75.

The Power fought back in the last quarter but weren't able to make a comeback. With 2:44 remaining in the game, Mill Rats PJ Young and Power's Omari Johnson both received technical fouls. Mill Rats Courtland Bluford was able to contribute 7 points for the 7 minutes he played during the last quarter.

Anthony Anderson led the Mill Rats with 25 points, 11 assists and 4 rebounds, almost securing a triple double. Antonio Burks contributed 22 points (18 of these were three pointers), and Stanley Ocitti netted 16.

Oshawa Power was led by Tut Ruach (6'2''-G-85) with 23 points, 11 assists and 5 boards, while Brandon Robinson (6'6''-F-89, college: Clayton St.) and Omari Johnson netted 21 each.

The Mill Rats rise to 16-17 while the Power fall to 14-20.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Rainmen nip Kebs in key game - by Eurobasket News
Joey Haywood stopped short of calling Thursday nights showdown against the Quebec Kebs a must-win game for the Halifax Rainmen.

But while it might not have been that in a literal sense, there was little doubt it was a victory the Rainmen sorely needed in their quest to bounce the Kebs out of second place and secure home-court advantage in the first round of the National Basketball League of Canada playoffs.

Haywood scored 20 points, including 10 in a big second-quarter uprising, and Halifax eked out a 104-100 win in front of 2,894 edgy fans at the Metro Centre who watched the Rainmen slip into a 12-point hole early and then squander a 16-point advantage in the fourth quarter.

'We didnt fold up,' Haywood said. 'Its all mental. Sometimes teams are gonna have runs but weve gotta keep on playing hard and keep on playing with intensity and we did.'

Halifax (19-12) drew to within one game of the Kebs (21-12) and stayed a few steps ahead of the Saint John Mill Rats, who downed the Oshawa Power 127-115 at Harbour Station. The Rats (16-17) still have a mathematical chance of catching the Rainmen but will have to settle for fourth with one more loss or Halifax win. Saint John is in town tonight.

The Rainmen went into Thursdays game having lost six of eight, including a contest Monday night in Saint John in which they fell behind 18-3.

Tempting fate yet again, they missed their first six field-goal attempts while Quebec scored nine points. Haywood finally got the Rainmen on the board with a jumper from the foul line 3:41 in. But they were down 19-7 before closing out the quarter on a 10-2 run, including a three-point play by Chris Hagan (5'9''-G-89, college: Midwestern St.) with 1.3 seconds remaining that left them trailing only 21-17.

In the second period, Halifax held the Kebs to 6-of-23 shooting and outscored them 32-20 - with Haywood pacing the attack - to head to the locker-room in front 49-41.

They extended that lead in the third, with Tyrone Levett (6'5''-F-80, college: Alabama St.) scoring 12 of his team-high 22 points, and were up 86-71 after Darnell Hugee converted one of two free throws 90 seconds into the fourth.

'I thought we had it there and I thought we were gonna just keep it going, keep rolling, but we let them back in,' Halifax centre Richard Anderson said, then added with a smile: 'We made it exciting for the fans, and hopefully theyll come back tomorrow.'

The faint of heart probably could have done without that level of excitement. The Kebs ripped off a 15-0 run over the next three minutes to pull within one point and Jean-Richard Volcy (6'8''-F-82, college: N.Michigan) 's jumper with 5:30 left put the Kebs on top, 90-89, for the first time since midway through the second.

Haywood responded, though, by sinking a pair of shots from the charity stripe on the next possession to restore Halifaxs lead.

Levett followed with two more free throws, then made a huge block from behind as Kebs forward Taylor King appeared to be going in for an uncontested dunk.

Quebec cut its deficit to a point two more times but Anderson drained two from the line with 39 seconds to go to make it 102-98, then hauled down a key offensive rebound after Taliek Brown missed the second of two free throws with 21 seconds remaining.

Halifax ran another 14 seconds off the clock before the Kebs managed to foul Levett, who sank a free throw to give Halifax its final margin of victory.

'They left a smaller guy on me to box me out . . . so I was able to get inside position and get the rebound,' said Anderson, who finished the night with seven points and seven boards.

Hagan added 14 points and Bryan McCullough (6'6''-F/G-83, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: NC-Asheville) had 10 for the Rainmen.

Volcy topped the Kebs with 30 and MVP candidate Ralphy Holmes (6'4''-G-79, college: CS Fullerton) netted 25.

Courtesy of http://thechronicleherald.ca

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Manny PASQUALE
  Laure.
  (183-G-)
  Avg: 24.7

1. Pasquale, Laure.	24.7
2. King, TRU	23.1
3. Barbeau, Western	23.0
4. Dorsey, Cape Bret.	22.5
5. Fassett, St.Mary''s	21.6
6. Barrett, Saskatch.	21.0
7. Mackinnon, Victoria	20.1
8. Ferguson, Alberta	19.7
9. Kok, TRU	19.3
10. Yu, UBC	19.0

Rebounds Per Game

Lien PHILLIP
  Windsor
  (203-F-89)
  Avg: 12

1. Phillip, Windsor	12.0
2. Lieffers, Saskatch.	11.2
3. Burke, UBC	10.7
4. Baker, Alberta	10.5
5. King, TRU	10.1
6. Coward, Lethbridge	9.8
7. Klassen, Acadia	9.6
8. Lual, UPEI	9.1
9. Desroches, New B.	8.8
10. Buckley, Laurier	8.5

Assists Per Game

Jimmy DORSEY
  Cape Breton
  (188-G-)
  Avg: 8.9

1. Dorsey, Cape Bret.	8.9
2. Barrett, Saskatch.	6.9
3. Collins, Windsor	6.0
4. Cunningham, Winnip.	5.8
5. Kanza Mata, Dalho.	5.7
6. Smith, TWU	5.6
7. Bonhomme, Brandon	5.6
8. Allin, Laurier	5.4
9. Kraus, Brock	5.3
10. Vernon, St.Franc.	5.2

Steals Per Game

Evens LAROCHE
  Concordia
  (193-F-)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Laroche, Concordia	2.9
2. Dorsey, Cape Bret.	2.8
3. Thomas, St.Franc.	2.7
4. Cote-K., UQ.	2.6
5. Carter, Lakehead	2.6
6. Collins, Windsor	2.6
7. Ogungbemi, Calgary	2.5
8. Oliver, Manitoba	2.5
9. Desmarais, Conco.	2.4
10. Russel, Lakehead	2.4

Blocks Per Game

Mike ANDREWS
  Bishop''s
  (208-C-)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Andrews, Bishop''s	1.9
2. Glisic, Toronto Un.	1.8
3. Bains, UBC	1.6
4. Fidler, Calgary	1.5
5. Coward, Lethbridge	1.4
6. Klassen, Acadia	1.4
7. Duke, UPEI	1.3
8. Dewar, Alberta	1.1
9. Ezenibe, St.Mary''s	1.1
10. Bakovic, Calgary	1.1

CIS Standings

CIS Standings

Atlantic
1. St.Francis X.		15-4
2. Acadia		12-6
3. UPEI		12-7
4. Cape Breton		11-8
5. St.Mary's		9-10
6. Dalhousie		8-10
7. New Brunsw.		6-12
8. Memorial		1-17
CanWest Pacific Division
1. Victoria		14-4
2. UFV		13-5
3. UBC		13-5
4. TWU		10-8
5. TRU		6-12
6. UBC Okanagan		3-15
CanWest Prairie Division
1. Saskatchewan		16-4
2. Alberta		14-6
3. Lethbridge		11-9
4. Calgary		10-10
5. Manitoba		8-12
6. Brandon		7-13
7. Regina		5-15
8. Winnipeg		4-16
OUA East
1. Carleton		22-0
2. Ryerson		13-9
3. Ottawa		13-9
4. Laurentian		11-11
5. Toronto Univ.		10-12
6. York		5-17
7. Queen's		2-20
8. RMC		0-22
OUA West
1. Lakehead		21-2
2. McMaster		17-5
3. Laurier		16-6
4. Windsor		15-7
5. Brock		10-13
6. Guelph		8-14
7. Western		8-14
8. Waterloo		6-16
Quebec League
1. Concordia		12-2
2. McGill		9-6
3. UQAM		7-7
4. Laval		4-10
5. Bishop's		4-11

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CHINA

Stats Leaders - CBA

Points Per Game

J.R. SMITH
  Zhejiang C.
  (198-G-85)
  Avg: 34.4

1. Smith, Zhejiang C.	34.4
2. Hudson, Qingdao DS	33.6
3. Williams, Shanxi Z.	32.1
4. Gaines, Shanxi Zh.	29.4
5. McDonald, Fujian X.	28.1
6. Pickett, Xinjiang.	27.7
7. Akognon, DongGuan.	27.4
8. Roberson, Fujian XX	26.9
9. Chandler, Guangsha.	26.6
10. Mills, Xinjiang.	26.5

Rebounds Per Game

Donnell HARVEY
  TianJin R.
  (203-F/C-80)
  Avg: 14.6

1. Harvey, TianJin R.	14.6
2. Abbas, Fujian XX	14.5
3. Ramos, Guangsha L.	13.6
4. Gaines, Shanxi Zh.	13.5
5. Oyedeji, Qingdao DS	13.1
6. Hunter, Shandong	12.5
7. Lawal, Xinjiang.	12.3
8. Harris, Shanghai S.	12.2
9. Boone, Zhejiang C.	12.2
10. Randolph, DongGu.	12.0

Assists Per Game

Osama DAGHLES
  Jilin N.
  (198-G-79)
  Avg: 7.3

1. Daghles, Jilin N.	7.3
2. Yang, Liaoning H.	6.5
3. Marbury, Beijing	6.4
4. Hudson, Qingdao DS	6.3
5. Lu, Shanxi Zh.	5.8
6. Brooks, Guandong	4.7
7. Mengke, Xinjiang.	4.5
8. Fahed, TianJin R.	4.4
9. Oyedeji, Qingdao DS	4.3
10. Zhang, Liaoning H.	4.2

Steals Per Game

Tim PICKETT
  Xinjiang.
  (193-G/F-81)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Pickett, Xinjiang.	2.9
2. Hudson, Qingdao DS	2.9
3. Williams, Shanxi Z.	2.6
4. Daghles, Jilin N.	2.5
5. Lee, Beijing Ducks	2.5
6. Smith, Zhejiang C.	2.5
7. Vroman, Jiangsu D.	2.4
8. Lu, Shanxi Zh.	2.4
9. Marbury, Beijing	2.2
10. Anderson, Shando.	2.1

Blocks Per Game

ZhongHao XU
  Bayi Fubang
  (212-C-90)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Xu, Bayi Fubang	2.3
2. Boone, Zhejiang C.	1.7
3. Zhang, Shanghai S.	1.7
4. Douthit, Foshan	1.6
5. Randolph, DongGua.	1.6
6. Vroman, Jiangsu D.	1.6
7. Watkins, Jilin N.	1.5
8. Morris, Beijing Du.	1.5
9. Abbas, Fujian XX	1.4
10. Lawal, Xinjiang.	1.3

CBA Round 2 of Quarter-Finals - by Eurobasket News
Xinjiang F.T. - DongGuan L. 93-82

The game was mostly controlled by Xinjiang Flying Tige. DongGuan Leopards managed to win fourth quarter 26-23. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. American-Nigerian power forward Ike Diogu (203-83, college: Arizona St.) scored 29 points and 9 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and international guard Tal Co (191-91) chipped in 21 points and 13 rebounds during the contest. Four Xinjiang Flying Tige players scored in double figures. Nigerian-American guard Josh-Emmanuel Akognon (180-86, college: CS Fullerton) responded with 31 points and American forward Shavlik Randolph (208-83, college: Duke) scored 18 points and 7 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Xinjiang F.T.: D.Ike 29+9reb, C.Tal 21+13reb+3ast, P.Tim 12+5reb+2ast, T.ZhengDong 10+5reb+1ast, X.GuoChong 7+1ast, Y.Changdong 4+3reb
DongGuan L.: A.Josh-Emmanuel 31+2reb+1ast, R.Shavlik 18+7reb+1ast, Q.Biao 11+3reb+1ast, Z.Kai 6+6reb+4ast, F.Qi 5, L.Muhao 5+5reb

Shanxi Zh. - Shanghai S. 99-95

It looked good early as Shanghai Sharks took an 10-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Shanxi Zhongyu had a 30-17 second period charge getting the lead and Shanghai Sharks were not able to take back game control losing it eventually 95-99. Shanghai Sharks were plagued by 33 personal fouls down the stretch. Americans were the main players on the court. Forward Charles Gaines (201-81, college: S.Mississippi) notched a double-double by scoring 31 points and 17 rebounds to lead the effort and swingman Marcus Williams (201-86, college: Arizona, agency: Interperformances) supported him with 28 points and 6 rebounds. Even 30 points and 6 rebounds by forward Marcus Landry (201-85, college: Wisconsin) did not help to save the game for Shanghai Sharks. Forward Mike Harris (198-83, college: Rice) added 20 points and 10 rebounds for the guests. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game.
Top scorers:
Shanxi Zh.: G.Charles 31+17reb+3ast, W.Marcus 28+6reb+1ast, L.XiaoMing 15+1reb+4ast, P.Jiang 9+2ast, B.ZhaoBao 6+4reb, Y.PengFei 6+6reb
Shanghai S.: L.Marcus 30+6reb+1ast, H.Mike 20+10reb, Z.ZhaoXu 15+13reb, L.Wei 8+2reb+4ast, P.Fei 5+5reb, W.Yong-Liang 4+5reb+3ast

Guandong ST - Fujian XX 116-104

The game was mostly controlled by Guandong Tigers. Fujian SBS XunXin was better in second period 26-22. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Guandong Tigers forced 19 Fujian SBS XunXin turnovers. American point guard Aaron Brooks (183-85, college: Oregon) notched 23 points to lead the effort and international forward FangYu Zhu (201-83) supported him with 21 points and 5 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). Even a double-double of 24 points and 17 rebounds by American center Will McDonald (211-79, college: S.Florida) did not help to save the game for Fujian SBS XunXin. Center Hang Li (204-86) added 13 points and 7 rebounds for the guests. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest.
Top scorers:
Guandong ST: B.Aaron 23+4reb+3ast, Z.FangYu 21+5reb+3ast, W.ShiPeng 13+3reb+3ast, S.James 12+9reb+3ast, H.Dong 10+6reb+3ast, W.Zheng 10+4reb
Fujian XX: M.Will 24+17reb+1ast, G.Lei 15+3reb+1ast, L.Yi Ting 14+3reb+2ast, Z.TaiLong 14+4reb+1ast, L.Hang 13+7reb, G.SongLin 10+1reb+3ast

Beijing Ducks - Guangsha L. 104-87

The game was mostly controlled by Beijing Ducks. Zhejiang Guangsha Lions was better in fourth quarter 23-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Beijing Ducks forced 21 Zhejiang Guangsha Lions turnovers. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. American power forward Randolph Morris (211-86, college: Kentucky) notched 20 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the effort and forward Xiaochuan Zhai (205-93) supported him with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Even a double-double of 23 points and 10 rebounds by American power forward Rodney White (206-80, college: Charlotte) did not help to save the game for Zhejiang Guangsha Lions. American-Puerto Rican center Peter John Ramos (222-85) added 22 points and 10 rebounds for the guests. Five Beijing Ducks and four Zhejiang Guangsha Lions players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest.
Top scorers:
Beijing Ducks: Z.YanXi 20+4reb+1ast, M.Randolph 20+7reb+4ast, Z.Xiaochuan 17+9reb, M.Stephon 14+4reb+7ast, C.Lei 12+2reb+1ast, J.Zhe 5+5reb+1ast
Guangsha L.: W.Rodney 23+10reb+3ast, R.Peter John 22+10reb, W.Zirui 15+3reb+1ast, L.Chih-Chieh 12+4reb+4ast, J.Lipeng 5+4reb, Z.Wei 4+3reb

Guangdong, Beijing, Shanxi Take 2-0 Leads in Playoffs - by Arthur Volbert
Guangdong, Beijing and Shanxi took 2-0 leads in their best-of-five playoff series while Xinjiang evened its series with Dongguan 1=1.

Aaron Brooks had 23 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists as Guangdong crushed Fujian 116-104. Zhu Fangyu had 21 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Wang Shipeng had 13 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists. James Singleton had 12 points and 9 rebounds. Wang Zheng, Zhou Peng and Dong Hanlin each scored 10. Dong grabbed 6 rebounds. Liu Xiaoyu had 9 points and 5 rebounds. Anthony Roberson again did not play for Fujian. Will McDonald had 24 points and 17 rebounds. Guo Lei scored 15 and Zhao Tailong and Luo Yiting had 14. Li Hang had 13 points and 7 rebounds. Gong Songlin scored 10.

Beijing topped Zhejiang Guangsha 104-87. Randolph Morris had 20 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Zhu Yanxi had 20 points and 4 rebounds. Zhai Xiaochuan had 17 points and 9 rebounds. Stephon Marbury had 14 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists. Chen Lei scored 12. Rodney White had 23 points and 10 rebounds for Guangsha. Peter John Ramos had 22 points and 10 rebounds. Wang Zirui had 15 points and 3 rebounds. Lin Chih-Chieh had 12 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists.

Gaines Charles (201-F-81, college: S.Mississippi) had 31 points and 17 rebounds as Shanxi edged Shanghai 99-95. Marcus Williams had 28 points and 6 rebounds. Lv Xiaoming had 15 points, 4 assists and 6 steals. Pan Jiang scored 9. Yan Pengfei had 6 points and 6 rebounds and Bao Zhaobao had 6 points and 4 rebounds. Marcus Landry had 30 points and 6 rebounds for Shanghai. Michael Harris had 20 points and 10 rebounds. Zhang Zhaoxu had 15 points and 13 rebounds. Liu Wei had 8 points and 4 assists.

Xinjiang overcame Dongguan 93-82. Ike Dioju had 29 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks. Xirelijiang had 21 points, 13 rebounds and 3 assists. Tim Pickett had 12 points and 5 rebounds. Tang Zhengdong had 10 points and 5 rebounds. Mengke Bateer had 4 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Josh Akognon scored 31 for Dongguan. Shavlik Randolph had 18 points and 7 rebounds. Qiu Biao scored 11. Zhang Kai had 6 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Sun Tonglin had 2 points and 9 rebounds. Gu Quan had 2 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists. Li Muhao had 5 points and 5 rebounds.

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

CYPRUS

Important announcement for all coaches - by Dr. Nasios Orinos
With the regular season over and with playoffs approaching, Eurobasket.com has run different analyses that can be useful for all teams.

IMPORTANT STATISTICS

1) All Cyprus League scoring (all teams together) averages at 78.5 pts/round. Same time last year this was at 70 pts.
2) League's best scoring teams (average)= Apollon 86.5 pts/game and Keravnos 83.1 pts/game (Ael's games in which it battled without Bosman or American players are not included in the calculation for consistency purposes)
3) Best scoring team on the road= Apollon 82 pts/game and Keravnos 81 pts/game

Team - Total Point Average
Apoel=78.6
Apollon=86.5
Etha=76.8
Keravnos=83.1
Omonoia=77.7
Enad=74.3
Aek=74.3
Ael=76.6

Team - Home Court Average
Apoel=83.4
Apollon=91.3
Etha=79.3
Keravnos=85.5
Omonoia=77.3
Enad=76
Aek=76.4
Ael=73.8

Team - On the Road Average
Apoel=73.9
Apollon=81.7
Etha=74.6
Keravnos=80.7
Omonoia=78
Enad=72.9
Aek=71
Ael=81.3

4) League's worst scoring team (average)= Enad and Aek =74.3 pts/game
5) League's best defensive team = Keravnos accepting 70.2 pts/game
6) League's best turnover team= Keravnos, averages 13.3 turnovers /game - besides its ability to score high, Keravnos wins mainly because it accepts a low average of points plus it keeps its turnovers low.
7) League's top scorer =Palalas - Ael + Subotic - Aek
8) Leagues top rebounder= Garcia - Aek and Watkins - Etha
9) Leagues top stealer = Panteli - Aek
10) Leagues top assist man=Nicolas Papadopoulos - Omonoia

Conclusion about the regular season

1)It looks like Keravnos has been the most stable team. It has the 2nd best offense and the best defense in the league and the best turnover average.
2)5 teams will battle for the championship (AEK, Apoel, Apollon, Etha and Keravnos).
3)ONLY 4 teams (Apoel, Apollon, Keravnos, Etha) have a positive indicator (score more pts than they accept).
4)ONLY 3 teams, Apoel, Keravnos and Apollon have been scoring above the cutoff point (78).
5)Keravnos and Apollon have been the two best scoring teams so far.
6)Keravnos has been the best defensive team so far with 70.2 points.
7)Strange but true, Aek has the league's top scorer, rebounder and stealer.

Note:

Statistics are provided by the Cyprus Statistical Service BUT are processed and analysed by eurobasket.com.

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

CZECH REPUBLIC

Standings - D2

1Liga Standings

1. J.Hradec		22-1
2. Sparta Praha		18-4
3. Opava B		17-6
4. Proton Zlin		15-7
5. Sokol H.Kralove		14-8
6. Sokol Prazsky		13-10
7. Liberec		10-12
8. Trutnov		10-12
9. Vysehrad		10-12
10. Litomerice		8-14
11. Prostejov B		8-14
12. Benesov		8-14
13. Mlada Boleslav		2-21
14. Kladno		1-21

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

DENMARK

Standings - 1st Division

1st Division Standings

1. Amager BK		15-3
2. Randers		15-3
3. Lemvig		12-5
4. Aarhus BF		12-6
5. Koge BK		11-7
6. Glostrup		9-9
7. Stevnsgade		8-8
8. Virum		7-9
9. Haderslev		6-12
10. Jonstrup		5-12
11. ALBA		4-12
12. Solrod		0-18

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

D-LEAGUE

All-Star Game 2012: Replacements announced - by Eurobasket News
Five NBA D-League top prospects were today selected as replacements in the 2012 NBA Development League All-Star Game presented by 26 seconds. On the West Team's roster, Zachary Andrews (6'8''-F/C-85, college: Bradley) (Los Angeles) will replace Brandon Costner (Los Angeles), Tyren Johnson (6'8''-F-88, college: La-Lafayette) (Rio Grande Valley) will replace Lance Thomas (New Orleans Hornets/Austin Toros), and Leo Criswell-Lyons (6'9''-F-87, college: Missouri) (Austin Toros) will replace Greg Smith (Houston Rockets/Rio Grande Valley Vipers). For the East, Ehambe Moses Randall (6'6''-G/F-86, college: ORU) (Iowa Energy) will replace Walker Russell (Detroit Pistons/Fort Wayne Mad Ants) and Lawrence Hill (6'8''-F-87, college: Stanford) (Maine Red Claws) will replace Tyrell Biggs (Canton Charge).
Russell, Thomas, and Smith are all being replaced following GATORADE Call-Ups to the NBA, while Biggs and Costner will sit out the game due to injury. The original 20 NBA D-League All-Stars were selected by a combination of the League's 16 head coaches and a fan vote.

Lyons, a 6-9, 240-pound forward out of Missouri is among the NBA D-League's leaders in scoring (16.6 points per game) and rebounds (8.8 rebounds per game) while Andrews, a 6-9, 230-pound forward out of Bradley ranks second in the NBA D-League in field goal percentage (.650) as a member of the NBA D-League-leading D-Fenders, who currently own a 26-10 record. Johnson is averaging 11.8 points and 5.2 rebounds for the Vipers. Ehambe is the Energy's second-leading scorer with 14.3 points per game and Hill is averaging 13.0 points and 7.0 rebounds for the Red Claws.

The sixth annual NBA D-League All-Star Game presented by 26 Seconds will take place on Saturday, Feb. 25 on Center Court at NBA All-Star Jam Session and will be televised live on NBA TV at 2 p.m. ET. The fifth-annual NBA Development League Dream Factory presented by Haier will begin at halftime of the All-Star Game with the Dunk Contest, which will also air live on NBA TV. Dream Factory will resume after the game concludes with the Shooting Stars and the 3-Point Competition.

NBA D-League All-Stars must be on an active NBA D-League roster in order to participate in the game.

The complete 2012 NBA D-League All-Star teams are listed below.

EAST ALL-STAR ROSTER

No. Player (Team) Pos. Ht. Wt. College

21 Marqus Blakely (Sioux Falls) F 6-5 220 Vermont

24 JamesOn Curry (Springfield) G 6-4 200 Oklahoma State

17 Ehambe Moses Randall (Iowa) G/F 6-6 215 Oral Roberts

21 Jeff Foote (Springfield) C 7-0 265 Cornell

24 Charles Garcia (Sioux Falls) C 6-10 230 Seattle

23 Lawrence Hill (Maine) F 6-8 235 Stanford

21 Darnell Lazare (Fort Wayne) F 6-8 240 Louisiana State

9 Keith McLeod (Erie) G 6-2 190 Bowling Green

6 Jerry Smith (Springfield) G 6-2 190 Louisville

24 Edwin Ubiles (Dakota) F 6-6 204 Siena

Head Coach: Kevin Young (Iowa)

Assistant Coaches: Gene Cross (Iowa)

Athletic Trainer: Jeremy MacVarish (Iowa)

WEST ALL-STAR ROSTER

No. Player (Team) Pos. Ht. Wt. College

13 Blake Ahearn (Reno) G 6-3 190 Missouri State

34 Zachary Andrews (Los Angeles) F 6-9 230 Bradley

9 Justin Dentmon (Austin) G 6-0 185 Washington

11 Jerome Dyson (Tulsa) G 6-3 180 Connecticut

15 Andre Emmett (Reno) F 6-5 220 Texas Tech

24 Gerald Green (Los Angeles) F 6-8 220 Gulf Shores Academy, TX (HS)

18 Tyren Johnson (Rio Grande Valley) F 6-7 225 Louisiana-Lafayette

33 Marcus Lewis (Tulsa) F 6-8 245 Oral Roberts

6 Leo Criswell-Lyons (Austin) F 6-9 240 Missouri

18 Elijah Millsap (Los Angeles) G 6-5 215 Alabama-Birmingham

Head Coach: Brad Jones (Austin)

Assistant Coaches: Taylor Jenkins (Austin), Alex Lloyd (Austin)

Athletic Trainer: Nixon Dorvilien (Austin)

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

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

ESTONIA

Baltic League. Tarvas enter Challenge Cup Final - by Eurobasket News
Tarvas - Sakalai 102:91

Rakvere Tarvas became the first finalists of Baltic League Challenge Cup. They defeated Sakalai for the second time in a row to seal the birth in the title series. Juris Umbrasko (197-G/F-79) stepped up with 33 points to lead the Estonian team.
Tarvas enjoyed a 7-point buffer after the game in Lithuania. The teams stayed close throughout the starting frame. The scoreboard read 22:22 after ten minutes of action. Sakalai fired 27 points in the second term to pull ahead for a narrow 49:48 halftime lead. Rakvere however exploded with 32 points in the third term to take a comfortable 80:64 lead at the final break. Sakalai fought till the final second but the mission was too difficult to be achieved. Tarvas will play in the Challenge Cup Final. Rinalds Sirsnins (186-PG-85) provided 26 points, while Kaspars Cipruss (210-C-82, agency: Interperformances) added 15 points for the winners. Virginijus Sirvydis (196-G/F-73) answered with 21 points for Sakalai. Evaldas Baniulis (201-F-87, college: S.Carolina) had 19 points in the loss.

Tarvas: Juris Umbrasko 33, Rinalds Sirsnins 26, Kaspars Cipruss 15
Sakalai: Virginijus Sirvydis 21, Evaldas Baniulis 19

Brandis Raley-Ross claims Estonian KML weekly honour - by Eurobasket News
American Brandis Raley-Ross (188-G-87) had an amazing evening in the last round for Tln Kalev and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 21.
The 24-year old guard had the game-high 21 points adding nine rebounds and five assists for Tln Kalev in his team's victory, helping them to beat TTU (#5, 9-10) 74-60. Tln Kalev maintains the 6th position in Estonian KML. Tln Kalev is rather a weak team placed in lower part in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 8-15 record. Raley-Ross turned to be Tln Kalev's top player in his first season with the team. University of South Carolina graduate has very impressive stats this year. Raley-Ross is in league's top in points (6th best: 17.5ppg) and averages solid 2.0spg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 24-year old Latvian guard Reinis Strupovics (192-G-87) of Valga/CKE. Strupovics impressed basketball fans with 27 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists. Bad luck as Valga lost that game 78-89 to the higher-ranked Tartu Ulikool (#1, 19-2). Valga are still at the very bottom. 19 lost games are too many comparing to just three victories Valga managed to get this year. Strupovics is one of the most experienced players at Valga and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 20.9ppg (#1).

The third best performed player last round was Toomas Raadik (202-C-90) of Parnu (#7). Raadik scored 29 points and grabbed eleven rebounds (!!!). Despite Raadik's great performance Parnu lost 69-94 to the higher-ranked Kalev/Cramo (#2, 14-2). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. Parnu can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have rather bad season and 3-17 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Raadik he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Raadik has individually a great season in Estonia. After 20 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 19.0ppg (2nd best) and rebounds with 7.8rpg (6th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Lauris Blaus (204-C-90) of Valga - 16 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Sten-Timmu Sokk (181-G-89) of Tartu Ulikool - 18 points, 3 rebounds and 6 assists
6. Valmo Kriisa (190-G-74) of Tartu Ulikool - 18 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists
7. Armands Skele (192-G-83) of Kalev/Cramo - 15 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Bamba Fall (216-C-86) of Kalev/Cramo - 11 points and 8 rebounds
9. Kaido Saks (207-F-86) of Kalev/Cramo - 16 points and 5 rebounds
10. Marek Doronin (200-F/G-83) of Tartu Ulikool - 14 points

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)

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

EUROLEAGUE

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Mirza TELETOVIC
  Caja L.
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 22

1. Teletovic, Caja L.	22.0
2. Spanoulis, Olympia.	17.9
3. McCalebb, Montepa.	17.6
4. Mallet, Spirou	16.6
5. Weems, Zalgiris	16.3
6. Domercant, Unics	16.1
7. Macvan, Partizan	15.3
8. Lorbek, FCB Regal	14.9
9. Krstic, CSKA	14.8
10. Carroll, Real Mad.	14.7

Rebounds Per Game

Milan MACVAN
  Partizan
  (206-C-89)
  Avg: 8.2

1. Macvan, Partizan	8.2
2. Motiejunas, Asseco	7.9
3. Kirilenko, CSKA	7.4
4. Slaughter, Brose B.	6.9
5. Akingbala, Nancy	6.9
6. Freeland, Unicaja	6.7
7. Kasun, KK.	6.6
8. Bourousis, Armani	6.5
9. May, KK.	6.4
10. Krstic, CSKA	6.4

Assists Per Game

Omar-Sharif COOK
  Armani Mit
  (186-PG-82)
  Avg: 5.5

1. Cook, Armani Mit	5.5
2. Rodriguez, Real M.	5.4
3. Batum, Nancy	5.2
4. Teodosic, CSKA	4.9
5. Diamantidis, Panat.	4.9
6. Prigioni, Caja L.	4.6
7. Blassingame, Assec.	4.5
8. Tunceri, Anadolu	4.5
9. Huertas, FCB Regal	4.3
10. Farmar, Maccabi	4.0

Steals Per Game

Pablo PRIGIONI
  Caja L.
  (191-G-77)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Prigioni, Caja L.	2.2
2. Gordon, Galatasaray	2.1
3. Sefolosha, Fener.U.	2.1
4. Linehan, Nancy	2.0
5. Slaughter, Brose B.	1.8
6. Batum, Nancy	1.7
7. Kirilenko, CSKA	1.7
8. McCalebb, Montepa.	1.6
9. Diamantidis, Panat.	1.6
10. Kinsey, Anadolu	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Andrei KIRILENKO
  CSKA
  (205-F-81)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Kirilenko, CSKA	2.4
2. Ibaka, Real Madrid	2.0
3. Riddick, Spirou	1.6
4. Begic, Real Madrid	1.6
5. Ilyasova, Anadolu	1.5
6. Fischer, Gescrap BB	1.4
7. Hendrix, Maccabi	1.3
8. Vazquez, FCB Regal	1.3
9. Slaughter, Brose B.	1.3
10. Perovic, FCB Regal	1.1

Top 16: Exciting Round Five - by Eurobasket Center

Group E

CSKA - Olympiakos 96-64
CSKA Moscow is the first team who booked a spot for the Euroleague Playoffs this season. The Russian powerhouse blasted Olympiakos 96-64 for 4-1 record in Group E. It is already clear that CSKA will be the winner of this pool at the end of Top 16. Andrey Vorontsevich (204-C-87) scored 15 points for the hosts, Milos Teodosic (195-G-87) had 14, while Darjus Lavrinovic (212-C-79) added 12 points and 5 rebounds. Andrei Kirilenko (205-F-81) collected 11 points and 7 boards. CSKA Moscow took control on Olympiakos from the very beginning and never looked back. Visitors got 12 points from Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket), who was their only player with double-digits. Pero Antic (210-F-82, agency: Beo Basket), Konstantinos Sloukas (197-G-90), Michalis Pelekanos (198-F-81) and Martynas Gecevicius (193-G-88) stopped to 7 points each. Olympiakos dropped to 2-3, but still controls its destiny and can advance to the playoffs with a win over GS Medical Park at home next week. Quarters: 30-16, 24-10, 18-18, 24-20. CSKA Moscow will meet Anadolu Efes in Istanbul.

Galatasaray - Anadolu Efes 64-56
Galatasaray Medical Park handed 64-56 loss to Anadolu Efes on Wednesday night. It means that Galata improved to 3-2 record in Group E of the Euroleague Top 16 and will have to beat Olympiakos as a guest in the next round to reach the Playoffs. Anadolu Efes dropped to 1-4 with no chance to advance. Luksa Andric (210-C-85, agency: Beo Basket) stepped up for the winners with 15 points and 7 rebounds. Joshua Shipp (196-G/F-86, college: UCLA), Jamon Lukas Gordon (191-G-84, college: Virginia Tech) and Jaka Lakovic (186-G-78) netted 9 points apiece. For Anadolu Efes, Stanko Barac (217-C-86) collected 16 points and 5 rebs. Sasha Vujacic (200-G-84) had 15 points and 8 rebounds, while Sinan Guler (193-G-83, agency: 1x1 Sports, college: Carroll, MT) stopped to 7 points. Galatasaray had a great start. They made 20-13 lead after ten minutes and jumped to 39-24 during the second period. Efes finally responded and cut the margin to 39-32 at the halftime. Ten minutes later it was 50-45 and Galatasaray opened the last period with 8-3 run. Efes came to minus six in the finish, but Jaka Lakovic iced the game from the line, 64-56, with 15.6 seconds left. Quarters: 20-13, 19-19, 11-13, 14-11. As mentioned above, Galatasaray will play in Greece next week. Anadolu Efes waits CSKA Moscow.

Group F

Real Madrid - Unicaja 86-65
Real Madrid demonstrated its power against Unicaja celebrating 86-65 home win in Round 5 of the Euroleague Top 16. Thanks to this victory Real Madrid joined Bilbao on the second place in Group F with 3-2 record. Unicaja stays the only winless team in this pool. The two Playoff berths from this group will be decided in the final week as the three teams still have options to advance. Nikola Mirotic (207-F/C-91) led the hosts with double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds. Sergio Llull (190-PG-87) scored 15 and Jaycee Carroll (188-PG-83, agency: Priority Sports) followed with 2 points less. In the loosing squad, Gerald Fitch (191-G-82, agency: SportsTalent, college: Kentucky) delivered 15 points. Augusto Cesar Lima (206-C-91) (7 rebs) and Hrvoje Peric (203-F-85) scored 12 and 11 pts respectively. Unicaja had a great start as they made 14-22 lead in the first ten minutes, but Real Madrid took control on them after that and never looked back. Real tied the score at the HT and took 6-point lead before the last ten minutes, when they smashed Unicaja with impressive 27-12 for the final 86-65 victory. In the last and crucial round of Top 16, Real Madrid will meet Montepaschi in Siena. Unicaja waits Bilbao.

Gescrap BB - Montepaschi 60-59
Bilbao grabbed 60-59 thriller win against Montepaschi on Wednesday night for 3-2 record in Group F of the Euroleague Top 16. Bilbao will clinch a Playoffs spot with another win or if Real Madrid loses any of its remaining Top 16 games. Despite defeat, Montepaschi stays No.1 in this pool with 4-1 record. Marko Banic (205-F-84) top-scored for the winners with 16 points and he pulled down 8 rebounds. Raul Lopez (183-G-80) followed him with 15 points, but he was a hero of the night as he buried the game-winning shot at the buzzer. Montepaschi was 58-59 up and Bilbao had 6.4 seconds for the last possession, what was enough for the experienced Spanish point guard to bring Bilbao one of the biggest wins in its history. Alex Mumbru (202-F-79) added 10 points for the hosts. In Montepaschi, Igor Rakocevic (193-G-78) had 14 points and Bo McCalebb (183-PG-85, college: New Orleans) added two less. David Moss (196-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: Indiana St.) stopped to 10 points. Quarters: 7-8, 14-14, 18-17, 21-20. In the last round of Top 16, Bibao will meet Unicaja on the road. Montepaschi waits Real Madrid.

Group G

Fener.Ulker - Unics 94-87 OT
In one of the most exciting games in Top 16 history, Fenerbahce Ulker rallied from a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit to edge Unics 94-87 in overtime in front of almost 12,000 fans at Ulker Sports Arena in Istanbul, Turkey in Group G on Thursday. Unics was better than FB Ulker in the first round 76-71, so Fener needed at least 6-point win to keep their Playoffs hopes alive. The hosts managed to do it and they needed an extra five minutes to improve its record to 2-3 in Group G. Unics slipped to 3-2 and the last round will give us an answer who will advance to the next stage. Unics will advance if they beat PAO next week or if Fener losses to Armani in Milano. In order to advance, Fener needs to beat Armani and PAO to win in Kazan. Bojan Bogdanovic (203-G/F-89) had 20 points and 5 rebounds for Fener last night. Roko-Leni Ukic (196-G-84) scored 18 and Emir Preldzic (205-F-87, agency: Beo Basket) added 13 points. Unics got 33 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists from Lynn Greer (186-PG-79, college: Temple) (valuation 43). Michael Wilkinson (204-F-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Wisconsin) (5 rebs) and Henry Domercant (192-G-80, college: E.Illinois) scored 17 and 13 points respectively. Unics held 73-79 lead with 1:23 remaining in regular time. Emir Preldzic and Bojan Bogdanovic made free throws to bring FB Ulker within 77-79 with 25.5 seconds left in regulation. Wilkinson missed foul shots and Roko-Leni Ukic beat the shot clock with a rainbow jumper that sent the game to overtime, 79-79, setting Ulker Sports Arena on fire. The hosts jumped to 87-83 during the OT and later free throws by Preldzic and Bogdanovic allowed FB Ulker to get a 94-87 lead with 6 seconds left. Unics had the last possession, but they were unable to score. Quarters: 21-26, 21-18, 13-24, 24-11, 15-8 OT. Last round of Top 16 phase for Group G teams is scheduled for February 29.

Panathinaikos - Armani Mit 58-67
EA7 Emporio Armani Milan celebrated 58-67 victory at OAKA last night, but that was not enough as PAO won 57-78 in Milano more than a month ago. It means that Armani improved to 2-3 in Group G, but with no chance to advance. At the same time, PAO booked a spot for the Playoffs despite they dropped to 3-2. Nicolo Melli (205-F-91) top-scored in victory with 13 points. Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81) and Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) had 12 points each in this meeting and they grabbed 17 rebounds together. In PAO, Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80) netted 12 points and Mike Batiste (203-F-77, college: Arizona St.) had 11 points, plus 7 rebounds. Ian Vougioukas (212-C/F-85, college: St.Louis) and David Logan (184-G-82, college: Indianapolis) stopped to 7 pts each. Visitors had 51-65 lead with 4 minutes to go. Nicolo Melli dunked then Romain Sato answered with a layup, but Panathinaikos could do little more than cut the margin of defeat, adding a Batiste layup and Sato free throws. Quarters: 11-16, 21-18, 14-19, 12-14. In the last round of Top 16, Panathinaikos will meet Unics in Kazan. Armani will host Fenerbahce Ulker.

Group H

Maccabi T-A - Zalgiris 70-66
Maccabi Electra had to work very hard to beat Zalgiris 70-66 on Thursday night. Thanks to this victory the Israeli powerhouse jumped to 3-2 in Group H and booked a ticket for the Euroleague Playoffs. Zalgiris remains the only winless team in this pool with 0-5 record. Keith Langford (193-G/F-83, college: Kansas) was the leading scorer in victory with 17 points. Richard Hendrix (203-F/C-86, college: Alabama) had 11 points and 9 rebounds, while Sofoklis Schortsanitis (206-C-85) nailed 10 points. Sonny Weems (198-G/F-86, college: Arkansas) responded with 20 points at the other side. Dainius Salenga (197-F-77) and DeJuan Collins (188-G-76, college: Tuskegee) (5 rebs) had 12 and 11 points respectively. Zalgiris had an amazing start. They made 11-25 lead after just ten minutes of play, but Maccabi immediately woke up after that cutting the margin to minus 4 until the halftime. Zalgiris won the next period with 11-12 for 5-point lead before the last ten minutes, but than Keith Langford and his teammates exploded with 11-2 run as Nokia Arena was rocking. Zalgiris didn't give up and they grabbed back 65-66 lead with 1:42 remaining in the game. Langford made 4-0 series on his own and there was something more than 24 seconds to go. Sony Weems went for an open three, but Smith flew in to block the shot and tried to take it in for a slam. But he missed the dunk, Zalgiris recovered and Weems tried again, but missed from downtown. This time Hendrix corralled the rebound, was fouled and iced the game with a free throw with 7 seconds left. Maccabi will meet Barcelona in the last round of Top 16. Zalgiris will host Bennet Cantu.

Bennet Cantu - FCB Regal 62-63
Regal Barcelona grabbed 62-63 thriller win in Cantu last night. It was a Round 5 of the Euroleague Top 16 phase and Barca managed to stay undefeated. They secured first place in Group H and booked a spot for the Playoffs. At the other side, Cantu dropped to 2-3 with no chance to advance. Boniface Ndong (213-C-77) led the Spanish champs with 13 points and 5 rebounds. Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) had 12 and Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) added 10 points, plus 6 rebounds. The hosts got 14 points and 8 boards from Giorgi Shermadini (216-C-89). Doron Perkins (188-PG-83, college: Santa Clara) had 12 points, 7 rebs and 5 assists, and third scorer in defeat was Maarten Leunen (206-F-85, college: Oregon) with 9 points. Barca made 0-9 run during the last period for 58-61 lead with something more than 5 minutes to go. Doron Perkins and Giorgi Shermadini answered with mini 4-0 run for 62-61 Cantu lead with 40 seconds remaining. Juan Carlos Navarro made two free throws with 26 seconds to go for a 62-63 Barcelona lead before Basiles potential game-winning jumper from the right baseline went off the front of the rim and out just before the final buzzer. Quarters: 18-18, 15-17, 17-17, 12-11. Barca waits Maccabi in the last round of Top 16. Cantu will go to Kaunas.

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

FINLAND

Standings - Korisliiga

Korisliiga Standings

1. Kataja		25-5
2. Pyrinto		22-10
3. Nilan Bisons		21-8
4. Kauhajoki		20-11
5. ToPo		18-14
6. KTP		13-19
7. Salon Vilpas		12-20
8. LrNMKY		11-20
9. Kouvot		11-20
10. Korihait		10-20
11. Namika Lahti		8-24

Stats Leaders - Korisliiga

Points Per Game

Tim BLUE
  KTP
  (205-F-84)
  Avg: 22.5

1. Blue, KTP	22.5
2. Zeno, Nilan Bisons	20.7
3. Beidler, Kauhajoki	19.2
4. Holloway, Salon V.	19.0
5. Newson, Kataja	18.7
6. Durham, Salon Vilp.	18.7
7. Crocker, KTP	18.5
8. Griffin, ToPo	18.3
9. Brooks, Namika L.	18.1
10. Tiedeman, LrNM.	18.1

Rebounds Per Game

John FIELDS
  Salon Vilpas
  (205-F-88)
  Avg: 13.2

1. Fields, Salon Vilp.	13.2
2. Durham, Salon Vilp.	11.1
3. Blue, KTP	10.4
4. Beidler, Kauhajoki	9.5
5. Williams, Pyrinto	9.1
6. Newson, Kataja	9.0
7. Hairston, Salon V.	8.7
8. McDade, Nilan B.	8.3
9. Brown, Kouvot	7.9
10. Zeno, Nilan Bisons	7.8

Assists Per Game

Malik MOORE
  Namika L.
  (192-G-77)
  Avg: 4.9

1. Moore, Namika L.	4.9
2. Ivey, Nilan Bisons	4.9
3. Hannah, Kauhajoki	4.6
4. Virtanen, Kataja	4.3
5. Williams, Pyrinto	4.2
6. Haynes, LrNM.	4.1
7. Sarcevic, KTP	4.0
8. Walker, Kataja	3.7
9. Holloway, Salon V.	3.4
10. Nikkarinen, Kouvot	3.2

Steals Per Game

Juha STEN
  Kataja
  (191-G-83)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Sten, Kataja	2.5
2. Williams, Pyrinto	2.3
3. Beidler, Kauhajoki	2.3
4. Moore, Korihait	2.2
5. Williams, Pyrinto	1.8
6. Haynes, LrNM.	1.7
7. Crocker, KTP	1.7
8. Jordan, Kouvot	1.7
9. Newson, Kataja	1.7
10. Holloway, Salon V.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

John FIELDS
  Salon Vilpas
  (205-F-88)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Fields, Salon Vilp.	2.1
2. Beidler, Kauhajoki	1.9
3. Blue, KTP	1.5
4. Hairston, Salon V.	1.3
5. Zeno, Nilan Bisons	0.9
6. Lehtoranta, Kataja	0.9
7. Williams, Pyrinto	0.8
8. Jones, Nilan Bisons	0.8
9. Hamm, LrNM.	0.7
10. Bell, KTP	0.7

KORISLIIGA: Bisons beat ToPo again - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Korisliiga, round 32: Torpan Pojat (Helsinki) didn't beat Bisons (Loimaa) a single time during the regular season - by playing. Tonight Bisons came to Helsinki and winning 87-96 (48-54). This time it was sharpshooter Jeb Ivey (190-G-80, college: Portland St.) who stole the show by knocking down 31 points for the Bisons. Martin Zeno (196-G-85, college: Texas Tech) added 22 pts. Justin Hawkins (201-F-85, college: N.Mexico St.) led ToPo with 24 pts.
Pyrinto (Tampere) was winning the ninth game in a row as KTP (Kotka) was defeated 82-71 (40-38). Kenneth Lowe (192-G-80, college: Purdue) was early in foul troubles, but leading anyway the hosts with 24 pts. Tim Blue (205-F-84, college: Middle Tenn.St.) (KTP) had again a double-double 22pts/11rbs. YMCA Lahti loosing 24th time this season as Vilpas (Salo) came and won 73-92 (35-43). Emmanuel Holloway (188-G-86, college: Illinois St.) (Vilpas) scored game high 25 pts.
ToPo - Bisons 87-96 (48-54). (Justin Hawkins 24, Josh Wilson 18, Chase Griffin 15 - Jeb Ivey 31, Martin Zeno 22, Mikko Koivisto 15. A: 1198).
Pyrinto - KTP 82-71 (40-38). (Kenneth Lowe 24, Antero Lehto 19, Damon Williams 18 - Tim Blue 22/11, Jukka Matinen 20, Jeremy Williams 12. A: 822).
YMCA Lahti - Vilpas 73-92 (35-43). (Brant Bailey 24, Sami Pekkola 16, Malik Moore 11/8a - Emmanuel Holloway 25, Allen Durham 23/12, Roope Ahonen 17. A: 732).
1.Division:
Huima - BC Nokia 88-79 (52-41). (Marcel Liukko 26, Treylon Manning 22/5a, Baboucarr Bojang 18/17 - Darren Townes 19, Gerald January 16, Timo Riihela 15/6a).

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

FRANCE

Stats Leaders - N1

Points Per Game

Ville KAUNISTO
  Blois
  (204-F-82)
  Avg: 18.5

1. Kaunisto, Blois	18.5
2. Bigote, Cognac	17.3
3. Pridotkas, Brest	17.2
4. Petrovic, Orchy	17.0
5. Bluntt, Orchy	16.9
6. Pearson, Angers B.	16.8
7. Almanson, Challans	16.4
8. Thomas, Roche	16.2
9. Avramovic, Chart.	16.0
10. Belser, Charlevil.	16.0

Rebounds Per Game

Ville KAUNISTO
  Blois
  (204-F-82)
  Avg: 12

1. Kaunisto, Blois	12.0
2. Jaiteh, CFBB	10.6
3. Caskill, Cognac	10.4
4. Avramovic, Chart.	8.9
5. Pearson, Angers B.	8.7
6. Sanborn, Lievin	8.3
7. Toney, Charleville	8.0
8. Pridotkas, Brest	8.0
9. Cabarkapa, Rueil	7.7
10. McClark, Clermont	7.7

Assists Per Game

Johan RATHIEUVILLE
  Brest
  (177-G-85)
  Avg: 6.9

1. Rathieuville, Brest	6.9
2. Calvez, Charleville	5.2
3. Barbry, Orchy	4.8
4. Brochard, Blois	4.7
5. Daube, Le Puy	4.6
6. Ball, St Quentin	4.6
7. Dessart, Lievin	4.5
8. Berquier, Chartres	4.2
9. Tillon, Montbrison	4.2
10. Godin, Cognac	4.1

Steals Per Game

Aurelien TOTO N''KOTE
  Roche
  (194-F-79)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Toto N''Kote, Roche	2.1
2. Calvez, Charleville	2.0
3. Ball, St Quentin	1.8
4. Pistre, Charleville	1.8
5. Bichard, St Quentin	1.8
6. Dessart, Lievin	1.7
7. Koundjia-S., Le Puy	1.7
8. Bigote, Cognac	1.6
9. Daube, Le Puy	1.6
10. Cretaux, Lievin	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Yannis MORIN
  CFBB
  (206-C/F-93)
  Avg: 1.6

1. Morin, CFBB	1.6
2. N''Diaye, Souffel	1.6
3. Alingue, Souffel	1.6
4. Caskill, Cognac	1.6
5. Sanborn, Lievin	1.4
6. Davis, Blois	1.2
7. Traore, Angers B.	1.2
8. Ipouck, Chartres	1.1
9. Toney, Charleville	1.0
10. Diame, Rueil	1.0

Standings - ProA

ProA Standings

1. Chalon		16-3
2. Gravelines		15-3
3. Paris-Levallois		13-5
4. Orleans		12-6
5. Nancy		12-6
6. Le Mans		12-7
7. ASVEL		10-8
8. Roanne		8-10
9. Dijon		8-10
10. Cholet		8-10
11. Strasbourg		8-11
12. Nanterre		7-11
13. Le Havre		5-13
14. Pau-Lacq-Orthez		5-13
15. Poitiers		5-14
16. Hyeres-Toulon		2-16

Standings - ProB

ProB Standings

1. Boulazac		18-4
2. Limoges		18-4
3. Chalons-Reims		15-7
4. Fos Ouest		15-8
5. Maurienne		14-9
6. Bordeaux		12-11
7. Lille		12-11
8. Bourg		11-11
9. Boulogne		11-11
10. Nantes		11-12
11. Evreux		10-12
12. St Vallier		10-13
13. Antibes		10-13
14. Le Portel		9-13
15. Denain		9-14
16. Rouen		8-14
17. Quimper		5-17
18. Vichy		4-18
19. St Etienne		0-0

Standings - N1

NM1 Standings

1. St Quentin		17-5
2. Charleville		17-6
3. Orchy		16-6
4. Souffel		15-7
5. Roche		15-8
6. Cognac		14-8
7. Blois		14-9
8. Challans		12-10
9. Sorgues		12-10
10. Brest		12-11
11. Lievin		12-11
12. Chartres		10-12
13. Angers BC 49		9-13
14. Rueil		9-13
15. Clermont		8-15
16. Le Puy		4-18
17. Montbrison		3-19
18. CFBB		2-20

Stats Leaders - ProA

Points Per Game

Eric CHATFIELD
  Paris-.
  (191-G-79)
  Avg: 21.7

1. Chatfield, Paris-.	21.7
2. Rochestie, Le Mans	19.5
3. Hughes, Hyeres-T.	18.5
4. Hamilton, Paris-.	17.5
5. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.	17.2
6. Causeur, Cholet	16.7
7. Williams, Paris-.	16.7
8. Cox, Le Havre	16.2
9. Nelson, Cholet	15.8
10. Holland, Roanne	15.8

Rebounds Per Game

Lamont HAMILTON
  Paris-.
  (208-C/F-84)
  Avg: 8.6

1. Hamilton, Paris-.	8.6
2. Elonu, Pau-Lacq.	7.9
3. Akingbala, Nancy	7.8
4. Aminu, Chalon	7.6
5. Greer, Strasbourg	7.6
6. Allen, Strasbourg	7.2
7. Nsonwu-Amadi, Roa.	7.1
8. Armstrong, AS.	7.1
9. Falker, Cholet	6.7
10. Vebobe, Cholet	6.6

Assists Per Game

Kareem REID
  Hyeres-Toulon
  (178-PG-75)
  Avg: 7.9

1. Reid, Hyeres-Toulon	7.9
2. Rochestie, Le Mans	6.7
3. Parker, AS.	6.3
4. Wise, Le Havre	5.8
5. Linehan, Nancy	5.7
6. Pellin, Orleans	5.3
7. Barrett, Roanne	4.9
8. Dixon, Dijon	4.8
9. Schilb, Chalon	4.8
10. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.	4.7

Steals Per Game

Andrew ALBICY
  Gravelines
  (178-PG-90)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Albicy, Gravelines	2.4
2. Batum, Nancy	2.1
3. Linehan, Nancy	2.1
4. Riley, Nanterre	2.0
5. Melody, Dijon	1.8
6. Wise, Le Havre	1.8
7. Fournier, Poitiers	1.7
8. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.	1.7
9. Acker, Le Mans	1.7
10. Nelson, Cholet	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Alexis AJINCA
  Strasbourg
  (215-C-88)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Ajinca, Strasbourg	2.2
2. Falker, Cholet	1.4
3. Gobert, Cholet	1.3
4. Akingbala, Nancy	1.2
5. Batum, Nancy	1.1
6. Hamilton, Paris-.	1.1
7. Issa, Gravelines	1.1
8. Nichols, Cholet	1.0
9. Jackson, Roanne	1.0
10. Akpomedah, Grave.	0.9

Stats Leaders - ProB

Points Per Game

Moses SONKO
  Bourg
  (198-F-83)
  Avg: 18.5

1. Sonko, Bourg	18.5
2. Davis, Le Portel	18.3
3. McCray, Boulogne	18.3
4. Denave, St Vallier	17.4
5. Siggers, Rouen	17.3
6. Paelay, Quimper	16.4
7. Wood, Evreux	16.0
8. Barro, Bourg	16.0
9. Prowell, St Vallier	15.4
10. Smith, Lille	15.3

Rebounds Per Game

Christophe MASSIE
  Limoges
  (206-C/F-77)
  Avg: 11.8

1. Massie, Limoges	11.8
2. Wood, Evreux	11.3
3. Badiane, Antibes	9.3
4. Rossiter, Denain	9.3
5. Monroe, Boulazac	9.2
6. Osby, Maurienne	9.2
7. Allen, Antibes	9.0
8. Barro, Bourg	9.0
9. Badiane, Nantes	8.7
10. Daniels, Chalons-.	8.3

Assists Per Game

Ronnie TAYLOR
  Le Portel
  (188-PG-81)
  Avg: 7.4

1. Taylor, Le Portel	7.4
2. Copeland, Bourg	5.6
3. Rowland, Evreux	5.5
4. Patiejunas, Rouen	5.4
5. Darnauzan, Mauri.	5.3
6. Mouillard, Quimper	5.2
7. Mullins, Chalons-.	5.2
8. Darrigand, Bordeaux	5.0
9. Denave, St Vallier	4.7
10. Sauret, Lille	4.6

Steals Per Game

Chris MCCRAY
  Boulogne
  (196-G/F-84)
  Avg: 2.6

1. McCray, Boulogne	2.6
2. Charles, Nantes	2.6
3. Paelay, Quimper	2.2
4. Flowers, Vichy	2.0
5. Allen, Antibes	2.0
6. Shiloh, St Vallier	2.0
7. Eito, Vichy	1.8
8. Denave, St Vallier	1.8
9. Stanley, Boulogne	1.7
10. Taylor, Le Portel	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Moussa BADIANE
  Antibes
  (205-C-81)
  Avg: 2

1. Badiane, Antibes	2.0
2. Gay, Fos Ouest	1.7
3. Badiane, Antibes	1.6
4. Osby, Maurienne	1.6
5. Jefferson, Vichy	1.2
6. Ford, Bordeaux	1.1
7. Massie, Limoges	1.0
8. Dunn, Rouen	0.9
9. Daniels, Chalons-.	0.9
10. Adjiwanou, Boula.	0.9

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

GERMANY

The Fraport Skyliners Face No Kevin Durant, But A Ear-Splitting Arena And Belligerent BBC Bayreuth Team February 25th - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Two months ago, the small basketball world in Bayreuth was about as exciting and comparable to if Lebron James were ever to be traded to small market team Memphis Grizzlies, ex Artland Dragons Darius Hall and Michael hakim Jordan going back to the Artland Dragons to have a smiling contest with the loser to tangle with mascot Toby the dragon in a mud pit or the current buzz that is actually happening in Berlin with famous coach Otto Rehagel coming to save Hertha Berlin and keep them in the Bundesliga. The rumor of NBA mega superstar Kevin Durant (206-G/F-88, college: Texas) joining the team the Bavarian team had transformed the city into Durant fever and put the quaint city onto the world basketball map. Even though the city never got to see the American do his magic on the court, the possibility of what he could have done on the court and how he could of helped the team win removed some boring and laid back afternoons for some into an exciting and magical dreamland. With Jeremy Lin and Linmania taking the big apple by storm presently, BBC Bayreuth fans may be dreaming of a new basketball mania for the future, but for now basketball life is back to normal in the Richard Wagner city as the team is still fighting to reach the beko BBL playoffs despite a slump presently. For BBC Bayreuth German big man Stefan Schmidt, the whole Kevin Durant (206-G/F-88, college: Texas) is old news, but he still remembers how life was in early December 2011. I was surprised at the beginning about the Durant rumors and we sat together and talked about it and we agreed not to talk about it and just concentrate on our games. At that point the topic of Durant was forgotten. The whole Durant rumor wasnt really as spectacular as many may have expected. I dont read Bayreuth newspapers, so I didnt really follow what was happening. I thought it was only funny that suddenly as Durant wa sin the news, everyone was interested in little old Bayreuth. Everything is back to normal, but the only difference now is that I am not getting 50 messages a day asking if Durant was coming, smiled Stefan Schmidt.

The last time BBC Bayreuth won the BEKO BBL title was in 1989 a few months before German tennis legends Boris Becker and Steffi Graf won Wimbeldon together, Sebastian Vettel was only two years old and late Boston Celtic Reggie Lewis was slowly making a name for himself in the NBA. Back then the team was called Steiner Bayreuth and had German basketball legends like Michael Koch, Hansi Gnad and Calvin Oldham and success was as common in 88 and 89 for the club as winning was fr Rhein Energie Colonge was from 2004-2006. After being regulated in 1999 due to financial reasons, the team had to start at scratch in the Regionaliga and fought its way back up to the PRO A and finally landed back in the BEKO BBL in 2010.

Last season, BBC Bayreuth were saved at the end as MBC lost on the last game day and the Bavarian team finished with a record of 9-25 and a 16th place finish. The team started off with two losses against The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig and the Giessen 46ers before winning a big game at home against 2010 Eurochallenge champion BG Goettingen. However instead of continuing the winning streak, the club suffered a five game losing streak before recovering and going on a two game winning streak beating Phoenix Hagen and TBB Trier on the road.The team then finished the season with a record of 6-18. I think their guards were a big part of their success. But they have had injuries as well this season. Gibson is a solid point, and Ginyard was a great player as well. Harris came in and was a solid back up. I think the guards but then you had Reiner in the middle as well and he gave them a guy on the block that can score', added John Bynum. It didnt help the team either that they lost five games by five or less points. If they had won at least three of those games, they would have had their ticket to the beko BBL sooner for next season. They havd all the pieces, but couldnt seem to put it together better. Their strength was that they have high quality players at each position. Our biggest problem when we played them was not being able to keep Danny Gibson in front of us on the press', warned Quentin Pryor. It also has been surprising that the club wasnt able to have more success even with strong experienced players like Jared Reiner and Koko Archibong on the roster. I just think it has just been one of those seasons for them. It is there first year in the league but still on paper if you were to look at that team, they are a good team. I dont know what it is but they beat us twice so I cant really say nothing negative about them. I think their weakness is just playing consistent for 40 minutes, they played well at times and have let ups and at this level you cant have too many let ups but like I said, they didnt have a let up against us either time', warned John Bynum. 'I think chemistry had been their weakness', said Quentin Pryor. If the team hadnt had a big 86-79 win against The Deutsche Bank Skyliners at home at the end of the season and finished winning four of the last five games near the end of the season, the yprobably would be back to traveling to less exciting cities like Kirchheim and Cuxhaven
Despite their poor record last season, the organization was in high spirits for the upcoming season and maintained head coach Andreas Wagner for a second season. However Andreas Wagner has had a steady rise as head coach and is coaching for the second time in the BEKO BBL. Wagner also has had a secret formula of how to help basketball clubs reach the next level as he brought FC Bayern Munich from the Regionaliga to the second Bundesliga in 2004, led the Nordlingen Giants from the PRO to the BEKO BBL in 2008 and had another trick up his sleeve bringing BBC Bayreuth from the PRO A into the BEKO BBL in 2010. Of course, the question was can he keep BBC Bayreuth in the BEKO BBL in 2011? The club made a pretty big house cleaning as seven players left. The team held forward and shot block ace Ibekwe Ekene and young Germans Simon Schmitz and Stefan Schmidt. The club brought in experienced point guard Kevin Hamilton who had led the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig into the playoffs twice in a row and is one of best defenders in the Beko BBL. Mr everything on the court Beckham Wyrick was added who won titles with Bamberg. The team brought also brought in ex NBA player Brandon Hunter for the dirty work under the boards, banger Maksym Shtein to give stability from the bench, versatile forward Tyler Smith, sharp shooter Osvaldo Jenaty who can give shooting clinics in any Beko BBL arena, Beko BBL rookie Corey Stokes who is Mr efficient and German Tom Spoler. Stokes got injured and returned back to the StatesWagners motto was that he rather wanted a strong starting five then solid 12 man rotation. But if you look at the roster and record, one can see that the team has stability from top to bottom. The team recently got 21 year old 192cm Estonian Rain Veideman to help out at the guard position. He last played at Tartu and is a U-20 player.

After a slow start this season where the club lost the first four games of the season, the team surprisingly let go of Andreas Wagner and bringing in experienced Dutch coach Marco van Den Berg who coached in Holland form 1996-2011 winning two titles there. The team also brought back point guard Danny Gibson and since then the team went on a 5-2 record with big wins against EnBW Ludwigsburg and the Telekom Baskets Bonn as they came to Frankfurt in December winning 79-71 as Gibosn and Ibekwe hit big shots in the fourth quarter to secure the win. Van Den Berg has changed the team philosophy and brought success to the team quickly and was rewarded last week with an early contract extension. Despite the Kevin Durant (206-G/F-88, college: Texas) rumors and injury to Kevin Hamilton, BBC Bayreuth have brought a refreshing game to the Beko BBL in the first two months. Bayreuth is a good team. I believe that people have underestimated them. Defensively they do their home work on their opponents and have detailed game plans, warned Josh Young who saw BBC Bayreuth let up only 53 points in Tuebingen. In the first games BBC Bayreuth let up an average 83 points, but since Van Den Berg took over, the team has only let up an average 68 points per game in those six games. The team can score if needed and scored over 80 points twice and even if they are keeping teams to under 70 points, defense is still an area where the team can improve. Their outside shooting is their biggest strength. Gibson really gets their offense going. He provides instant offense and is great in transition. He is the floor general that has been important for their success. If they had a weakness then their pick and roll defense and transition. The few points that we got, we got on transition. But it is hard to pinpoint it in one game since we looked so bad and made them look so good, added Josh Young. Last season, The Frankfurt Skyliners split the game series winning in Frankfurt 83-75 as Dashaun Wood had 26 points, four rebounds and seven assists and in the return game had problems with the noise level in Bayreuth losing 86-79 despite 29 points from Dashaun Wood. However since the big win in Frankfurt, the team has been struggling a bit having a 3-8 record. They had a big win at home against Bremerhaven and against Alba Berlin, but since that big win against 8 time Beko BBL champion, the team lost 4 games in a row and couldnt hold the momentum. Last weekend, they celebrated a big road win in the always tough Osthalle against the LTi Giessen 46ers. Despite being known for being tough to beat at home because of the noise level, BBC Bayreuth only has a 6-5 record at home and need to get out of their slump. We seemed to have lost our rhythm at the Allstar break. Nobody really knows why. We have good practices, but cant transform it into games. I hope that we can lose our black sheep soon and find rhythm again. We are having problems on offense. Our defense is good, but cant take that energy into our offense. Jeanty and Gibson have had problems shooting the ball, warned Stefan Schmidt.

The Fraport Skyliners are looking to start a new winning record on the road after their bitter loss in Bremerhaven last week, but at the same time win their second game in a row. After averaging giving up only 64 points in 11 games recently, leading up to the FC Bayern Munich game, the troops of Muli Katurin had given up a total average of 79 points in the four games prior to the last game. The team found back to their defense strength allowing FC Bayern Munich only to getting 49 points with great pick and roll defense and showing the heart of a lion again. If we can play defense again the way we did against FC Bayern Munich, then we will have good chances to win, stressed Skyliner Quantez Robertson. BBC Bayreuth may only be in 13th place, but is still a dangerous team that Frankfurt has to be aware of and be awake for 40 minutes. They are a very athletic team and we will have to be ready for them. It will come down to our defense which has been our staple. One can win letting up 80 points, but with our team it has been keeping a team to 40-50 points, smiled Sklyiner forward Jacob Burtschi. We have to move the ball and our good defense sparks our offense. Once we get stops early, we have to get out on transition, warned Skyliner guard Michael Thompson. BBC Bayreuth know that they have to use their home court advantage . We cant worry about Frankfurt, but concentrate more on our game. We cant let Tim Ohlbrecht have another big game again. We owe it to our fans to play with passion, so our home court becomes our sixth man, warned BBC Bayreuth center Stefan Schmidt.

BBC Bayreuth is led by Danny Gibson who is a 27 year old 180cm point guard from Madison, Indiana who is playing his fourth season in Germany and second in the BEKO BBL. In 2007-2008, he slowly made a name for himself in the German basketball world as he played for the Cuxhaven BasCats (Germany-ProA, starting five): 28 games: 15.6ppg, 2.9rpg, 4.2apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 51.4%, 3FGP: 38.1%, FT: 76.3%. In 2008-2009, he played his first season in the top German league for Giants Noerdlingen (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 34 games: 12.2ppg, 1.9rpg, 3.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 66.0%. In 2009-2010 he made the jump for the cheese in Holland and promptly led the league in scoring for Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five): 43 games: Score-1 (18.3ppg), 2.8rpg, Assists-5 (4.3apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 42.3%, FT: 73.3%. He was named MVP in the Dutch league and was an allstar. Last season for BBC Bayreuth he played 34 games: 12.0ppg, 1.6rpg, 3.6apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 40.8%, FT: 79.4%. Osvaldo Jeanty is a 28 year old 183cm guard from Gloucester, Canada. He is a combo guard who is a shooter run the offence guy as a point and a scorer shooter at the two. A good shooter with unlimited range and incredibly consistent. He defends bigger guards extremely well because of his strength. He is as tough a competitor as you will find. Extremely hard worker, determined and focused. Great attitude. If deference to team goals and sacrificing personal gain are what coaches are looking for, then Osvaldo Jeanty is your man. His focus is on the execution of game plans, belief in his coach, and faith in his teammates to deliver a common goal. A most refreshing perspective in an age where so many young athletes are preoccupied with what they're getting. He played at : Carleton (CIS) from 2002-2007. He played for Nordlingen helping team advance to the Beko BBL in 2008. In 2009-2010, he also played for CS Gaz Metan Medias (Romania-Div.A): Romanian League: 2 games: 11.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.0apg; Balkan League: 3 games: 7.0ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0spg, in Jan.'10 signed at LTi Giessen 46ers (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 14 games: 13.1ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 40.7%, FT: 86.7%. Last season for BBC Bayreuth he played 12 games: 9.9ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 32.8%, FT: 88.0%.

Kevin Hamilton from New York is a 27 year old 193cm guard. He played at Holy Cross with ex Skyliner Keith Simmons from 2002-2006. He played in Poland the last few years and in the summers in Puerto Rico. He played under coach Sebastian Machowski in Poland and was made into a point guard even though he has been a shooting guard most of his career. He scored 17,9ppg in his last season at Holy Cross and last season he led the Polish league in assists. What makes him so dangerous is his scoring and his potential and ability to score are limitless. In college, I averaged almost 18 points per game. I have been a shooting guard for most of my career. Two seasons ago, I had to play point guard in Poland. I always thought that I was a good passer. I think passing has come naturally to me. I have enjoyed playing point guard, stressed Kevin Hamilton. The best thing that teams can do is to keep the ball out of Hamiltons hands, but that is about as impossible as doing the same to Lebron James. We tried to keep the ball out of his hands. We didnt want him to make plays. He is a true point guard. He is a great passer and makes things happen for them. When he gets going, it is hard to stop the team, warned ex Braunschweig guard Steven Wright. In 2009-2010 Hamilton played 39 games: 10.1ppg, 3.8rpg, Assists-3 (5.4apg), Steals-2 (1.9spg), FGP: 63.7%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 77.6%. He is one of those rare players that has triple double potential. Last season for Braunschweig, he played 39 games: 9.0ppg, 4.1rpg, 4.3apg, Steals-1 (1.9spg), FGP: 53.9%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 67.0%. Last summer, he played for Indios de Mayaguez (Puerto Rico-BSN): 11 games: 8.5ppg, 5.5rpg, 7.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 18.4%, FT: 66.7%. Ekene Ibekwe is a 26 year old 296cm forward with American/Nigerian roots. He is a long, lean dynamic player with unlimited athletic potential that can score in the post and brings energy to the team on defense with his shot blocking ability. He played at Maryland from 2004-2007. He turned professional in 2007 and played in Israel and in France for Bensancon where he was France PRO B champion. In 2008-2009, he played for Aku Selcuk Universitesi Konya (Turkey-TBL, starting five): 28 games: 18.6ppg, 8.3rpg, 1.2apg, 1.8spg, Blocks-5 (1.8bpg), FGP: 60.6%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 57.0%. In 2009-2010, he played for Bld Antalya (Turkey-TBL) in Jan.'10 signed at Genc Banvitliler (Turkey-TB2L, starting five): 10 games: 21.2ppg, 10.6rpg, 1.2apg, 2.2spg, 2.1bpg, FGP: 58.8%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 59.2%. Last season, he started with The Artland Dragons averaging 11,8ppg, 5,8rpg, 1,1apg and 1,3bpg. He then had a very short stay in Israel for Ashkelon (Israel-Premier League) averaging 6,0ppg and 4,7rpg. He neded the season with BBC Bayreuth playing 15 games: 11.5ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.0apg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 57.4%, FT: 54.7%.

Tyler Smith is a 25 year old 201cm forward from Pulaski, Tennessee. He played at Iowa (NCAA) from 2006-2007 and at Tennessee (NCAA) from 2007-2010, but had to leave early because of disciplinary reasons going to play for Bornova Bld (Turkey-TBL): 12 games: 16.8ppg, 6.8rpg, 4.1apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 53.1%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 72.5%. he remained with the team last year playing 19 games: 15.4ppg, 7.9rpg, 3.7apg, FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 13.3%, FT: 70.6%. he reached the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2008 with Tennessee and last season was a Turk Allstar and won the slam dunk contest. Brandon Hunter is a 31 year old 201cm forward from Cincinnati, Ohio. He played at Ohio Univ. (NCAA) from 1999-2003 with Beko BBL players Steven Esterkamp and Patrick Flomo. He was drafted by the Boston Celtics in 2003 in the second round at #56.He played at total of 67 NBA games for Boston and Orlando from 2003-2005. Since then he has had a very fruitful career in Europe playing in countries like Greece, Italy, Turkey, Israel, Lativa and Puerto Rico. He played three complete seasons in Italy and belonged to the top big men never averaging less than 8,6 rpg. Last season, he played for Aliaga Petkim (Turkey-TBL): 19 games: 10.9ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 52.1%, FT: 60.4%; in Mar.'11 moved to BK Ventspils (Latvia-LBL): Latvian League: 18 games: 11.5ppg, 6.6rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 56.1%, FT: 48.8%; EuroChallenge: 3 games: 11.7ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.3apg; Baltic League: 4 games: 12.0ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.3apg.

Maksym Shtein is a 31 year old 206cm center from the Ukraine who is the typical solid role player from the bench that just does his job. He is a big guy who runs the floor extremely well, is able to play both inside positions defensively because of his mobility and speed, likes to play physical and with contact, has nice post-up moves underneath the basket and good hands cutting through the zone, good shooting skills enable him to play also minutes offensively on Position four and is a confident and fearless player who will produce at any level. He has played in Germany since 1996 for teams like MTV Stuttgart, Ludwigsburg, ratiopharm Ulm (2002-2007 with 155 games), Deutsche Bank Skyliners, TBB Trier and last season with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven where he played 35 games: 3.5ppg, 2.1rpg. Beckham Wyrick is a 27 year old 198cm forward from Cincinnati, Ohio that ha splayed in Germany since he was a rookie in 2006. He played for NC-Wilmington (NCAA) from 2002-2006 together with Bamberg floor general John Goldsberry. Wyrick played for Bayer Giants Leverkusen from 2006-2008. He then had a successful stay with the Brose Baskets Bamberg from 2008-2010 winning a Beko BBL title and cup. Last season, he played for FC Bayern Muenchen (Germany-ProA): 25 games: 8.8ppg, 4.7rpg, FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 30.4%, FT: 68.4%. Simon Schmitz is a 21 year old 188cm point guard that began his basketball career in 2005 with SG Bad Duerkheim/Speyer junior team. In 2008-2009, he played for BIS Baskets Speyer (ProB, starting five) where he played together with German national player Elias Harris. He played German League: 20 games: 14.1ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.7apg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 79.1%; also TV Bad Bergzabern (2.Regionalliga): 8 games: 14.5ppg. Last season, he played for Science City Jena (ProA): 29 games: 10.9ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 44.7%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 80.2%, in Mar.'10 also played at Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels (1.Bundesliga). Last season, he played at the European Championships U20 in Croatia -10: 9 games: 10.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 80.0%. Last season, the German played 31 games: 3.3ppg. 22 year old 206cm center Stefan Schmidt who was born in Schwandorf. He started his basketball career with Franken Hexer (2.Regionalliga) in 2006. In 2007-2008, he played for SELLBYTEL Baskets Nuernberg (ProA, starting five): 20 games: 3.2ppg, 2.7rpg, FGP: 39.5%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 66.7%. In 2008-2009, he played for Franken Hexer (ProB, starting five): 29 games: 9.4ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 25.3%, FT: 75.0%. Last season, he played only three games for BBC Bayreuth. He has played for the German U-18 and U-20 German national teams. Last season, he played 21 games: 0.7ppg, 1.6rpg.

German Players Abroad Report - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
A new category is starting this week at Eurobasket where a look is taken at German players playing abroad and how they fared in games. German national player Dirk Nowitzki (213-F-78) helped the Dallas Mavericks to win their game against Philadelpha 75-82 in the NBA last Friday. He recorded 28 points and 12 rebounds (made all of his six free throws). It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in group W Southwest Div.. Dallas Mavericks has a very solid 21-13 record this season.

German national player Chris Kaman (213-C-82, college: Cent.Michigan) helped the New Orleans Hornets win their game against Utah Jazz 86-80 in the NBA last Monday. Kaman scored 27 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. New Orleans Hornets has 8-25 record this season. Kaman has played so far 25 games for New Orleans Hornets this season (plays for them since 2011), last game stats: 27pts 13reb 2ast 1blocks 2steals 3FGP:0-0 2FGP:12-22 FT:3-4 .

Ex ratiopharm Ulm forward Konrad Wysocki (201-F-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Princeton) helped PGE Turow to win their game against closely ranked Polpharma 103-80 in Polish PLK last Sunday. He scored 13 points, had 4 rebounds and dished out 3 assists.

Urule Igbavboa (205-C-87, college: Valparaiso) who plays in Swedish Basketligan could not help LF Basket (18-12) to beat Boras despite Igbavboa's very good performance on Thursday. He scored 15 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. But LF Basket (#5) was defeated 118-91:

U22international power forward Tilo Klette (206-C/F-77) helped Levanga Hokkaido to win their game against fourth ranked Hitachi SR 73-79 in Japanese JBL last Sunday. He scored 17 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. Levanga Hokkaido (14-18) is placed fifth.

Keith Waleskowski (204-C/F-80, college: Dayton) who plays in Italian Lega2 could not help Tezenis Verona (8-12) to beat Centrale Latte Waleskowski hdid not beat the league record on Sunday evening. He scored 2 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. But Tezenis Verona (#5) was defeated 58-70 at home by lower ranked (#6) Centrale Latte. It was Tezenis Verona's third consecutive lost game in a row.

Former U18international center Mike Dejworek (210-87, college: Citadel) helped Bakken to win their game against second ranked Horsholm 63-79 in Danish Ligaen last Saturday. He recorded 4 points and 8 rebounds. Bakken Bears (23-2) is placed fifth. It was Bakken's 19th consecutive victory in a row. Dejworek's team will play only one more game in Regular Season.

Jorg Rottgardt (191-G-81) who plays in Danish Ligaen could not help Falcon (6-19) to beat Svendborg despite his very good performance on Thursday. Rottgardt scored 13 points. But Falcon (#5) was defeated 94-109 at home by higher ranked (#2) Svendborg. It was Falcon's fourth consecutive lost game in a row. There are only 2 games left until the end of Regular Season.

Dorian Baclawski (189-G-86) helped AZS UWM Olsz. to win their game against 11th ranked GKK Gorzow 78-101 in Polish 2Liga last Sunday. He recorded 9 points and 4 rebounds. Inter Parts AZS UWM Olsztyn (9-9) is placed fifth in Group A.

Kiril Wachsmann (203-C/F-83, agency: Edge Sports, college: Iona) who plays in Spanish LEB Gold could not help Melilla_Baloncesto (15-10) to beat Navarra He cannot count Friday's game as one of the best ones. Wachsmann scored 0 points. But Melilla Baloncesto (#5) was defeated 83-75 on the road by much lower ranked (#13) Navarra.

Joachim Thoss (203-C-81) helped Alaska Aces to win their game against fifth ranked Ginebra Kings 76-74 in Filipino PBA last Saturday. He scored 4 points. Alaska Aces (2-1) is placed fifth.

Former international guard Chad Toppert (201-85, college: N.Mexico) helped CAI Zaragoza to win their game against 16th ranked Asefa Estudian. 75-72 in Spanish ACB last Sunday. He scored 3 points. CAI Zaragoza (11-9) is placed fifth. It was CAI Zaragoza's third consecutive victory in a row.

Darko Rallis (180-G-78) helped Doxa Lefkadas to win their game against fourth ranked Arkadikos 71-65 in Greek A2 last Saturday. Rallis recorded 0 points. AE Doxa Lefkadas (10-9) is placed fifth.

Marco Sanders (202-F-79, college: Point Park) helped Centrum to win their game against seventh ranked Ammerud Bskt 54-80 in Norwegian BLNO last Friday. Sanders scored 0 points. Centrum Tigers Oslo (11-8) is placed fifth. It was Centrum's third consecutive victory in a row. There are only 2 games left until the end of Regular Season.

Adam Sean Mink (196-F-91) helped Pavia to win their game against second ranked Torino 73-66 in Italian Nazionale A last Sunday. Mink scored 0 points. Paul Mitchell Pavia (13-13) is placed fifth in Div.North-West group.

Crvena Zvezda IJT start Belgrade Tournament with win - by Eurobasket News
Crvena Zvezda IJT - ALBA Berlin IJT 92:63

Crvena Zvezda team victoriously opened the Nike International Junior Classification Tournament in Belgrade. The hosts thrashed ALBA Berlin for the first win in Group A. Nikola Jankovic (203-F/C-94) provided 18 points and 9 rebounds to pace the hosts.
Crvena Zvezda erupted for 30 points in the starting quarter to take a 12-point lead. They maintained the advantage throughout the second period. The hosts arrived at halftime up by 16 points 48:32. Crvena Zvezda did not allow the German juniors any closer in the third term. They secured a 68:51 lead with ten minutes remaining. Crvena Zvezda cruised to the win afterwards. Brano Djukanovic (193-G-95) posted 16 points for the winners. Luka Kamber (202-F-94) answered with 19 points for ALBA. Mauricio Marin (188-PG-94) had 16 points in the loss.

Crvena Zvezda IJT: Nikola Jankovic 18, Brano Djukanovic 16, Dusan Ristic 13
ALBA Berlin IJT: Luka Kamber 19, Mauricio Marin 16

Al Nolen joins Giessen 46ers - by Eurobasket News
Giessen 46ers bolstered their backcourt. They signed a deal with Al Nolen (185-G-89, college: Minnesota). The guard started the season in Japan. He played for the Kyoto Hannaryz. Later the guard moved to D-League. He inked a deal with the Los Angeles D-Fenders. His stats read 3.0 points, 3.5 assists and 1.0 rebound per game in D-League. It is the first pro season for Al Nolen. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2011. His stats read 8.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.4 steals per game in the senior season.

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

GREECE

Giannis Kalambokis, is close to Alba Berlin - by Diamadis Farmakis
Only the official anouncement is left, for Giannis Kalambokis (195-G-78) transfer to German powerhouse, Alba Berlin.

The 33 years old guard and PAOK (his team from the start of the season), agreed terms with the german team, in a deal that everyone wins.

PAOK, who has financial problems and can not afford Kalambokis contract, Alba who will add a very experienced point guard in its roster and ofcourse the player himself, who will have the chance to play in the German Bundesliga with a team that aims to the championship.

Kalambokis will play his last game with PAOK, against Peristeri.

EA7 Armani wins in Athens but not enough for Playoffs, PAO advances - by Eurobasket News
Panathinaikos - Armani MI 58-67

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan celebrated 58-67 victory at OAKA last night, but that was not enough as PAO won 57-78 in Milano more than a month ago. It means that Armani improved to 2-3 in Group G, but with no chance to advance. At the same time, PAO booked a spot for the Playoffs despite they dropped to 3-2. Nicolo Melli (205-F-91) top-scored in victory with 13 points. Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81) and Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) had 12 points each in this meeting and they grabbed 17 rebounds together. In PAO, Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80) netted 12 points and Mike Batiste (203-F-77, college: Arizona St.) had 11 points, plus 7 rebounds. Ian Vougioukas (212-C/F-85, college: St.Louis) and David Logan (184-G-82, college: Indianapolis) stopped to 7 pts each. Visitors had 51-65 lead with 4 minutes to go. Nicolo Melli dunked then Romain Sato answered with a layup, but Panathinaikos could do little more than cut the margin of defeat, adding a Batiste layup and Sato free throws. Quarters: 11-16, 21-18, 14-19, 12-14. In the last round of Top 16, Panathinaikos will meet Unics in Kazan. Armani will host Fenerbahce Ulker.

PAO: Dimitris Diamantidis 12, Mike Batiste 11+7 boards, Ian Vougioukas 7, David Logan 7
Armani: Nicolo Melli 13, Antonis Fotsis 12+9 boards, Ioannis Bourousis 12+8 boards

Greeks of Diaspora: Alex Hill is doing marvelous!! - by Chris Mammides
Eurobasket.com is introducing a new awesome player who belongs to the Greeks of Diaspora. This time the article is focused on Alex Hill (196-F-90, college: Cornell), the Canadian forward (of Greek decent) who is having an amazing season since his departure to the University of Toronto, Varsity blues. Especially the last couple of games were amazing, and he was the stepping stone for the last two results of his team, a positive and a negative one.
From the local papers of Toronto, Eurobasket has 'picked' a couple of lines and he is uploading right away:

'Laurentian has been hot as of late winning 7 of their past 8, and were looking to narrow the gap on Ryerson and 3rd place in the OUA East when taking on Toronto. The Laurentian University were notorious for their fast starts this game were not different, though it certainly didn't last as long as usual. Although Laurentian were able to jump out to an early lead, it was short lived and the University of Toronto began to heat up. Hitting shot after shot and getting some big stops on the other end of the floor, Toronto grinded away and were able to take a 24-15 lead into the second frame. The second quarter Laurentian looked to narrow the gap but were met with just as much resistance as the first.
The second half saw Laurentian regain their form some quick ball movement combined with many solid looks and quality execution allowed the Voyageurs to quickly narrow the Toronto 21 point half time lead. Toronto forward Alex Hill (Toronto, ON) put an end to the comeback hitting back to back three pointers, and most impressively was 9 for 13 from the floor including 5 for 8 from long range for a team high 28 points. Torontos patience and team offense were simply too much for Laurentian to handle and resulted in an easy 104-88 win'.

'The University of Toronto mens basketball team dropped an 80-74 decision to the Laurentian University in OUA East quarter-final action on Wednesday night (Feb. 22) in Sudbury; Ont.
The loss puts an end to Toronto's 2011-12 campaign. The Blues finished the regular season in fifth place with a 10-12 record.
University of Toronto put up a valiant effort in the second half, led in large part by third-year forward Alex Hill. The Toronto native tallied a game-high 23 points, knocking down three threes and going 6-for-7 from the line.
Down 63-42 heading into the final frame, Hill opened the fourth quarter with eight consecutive points as U of T went on a 24-10 run to bring the game within four with 1:47 remaining. That would be as close as the Blues would get as the Voyageurs held on for the six-point win'.

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

ICELAND

Stats Leaders (Men)

Points Per Game

Cameron ECHOLS
  Njardvik
  (203-F/C-81)
  Avg: 23.6

1. Echols, Njardvik	23.6
2. Walkup, Fjolnir	23.1
3. Govens, Thor Thorl	23.0
4. Dagostino, Keflavik	22.9
5. Holmes, Njardvik	22.9
6. Shuler, Haukar	22.7
7. Johnson, Valur	22.0
8. Jarvis, IR	21.9
9. Bullock, Grindavik	21.9
10. Hairston, Thor T.	21.7

Rebounds Per Game

Junior HAIRSTON
  Thor T.
  (203-F-84)
  Avg: 15

1. Hairston, Thor T.	15.0
2. Hankins-Cole, Snae.	12.9
3. Echols, Njardvik	11.8
4. Smith, Haukar	11.5
5. Ringgold, Thor Tho.	11.3
6. Walkup, Fjolnir	10.7
7. Tratnik, Valur	10.4
8. Bullock, Grindavik	10.4
9. Shuler, Haukar	10.0
10. Cole, Keflavik	9.9

Assists Per Game

Giordan WATSON
  Grindavik
  (178-G-85)
  Avg: 6.7

1. Watson, Grindavik	6.7
2. Shouse, Stjarnan	6.6
3. Miller, Tindastoll	6.6
4. Hall, Snaefell	5.6
5. Pauline, Haukar	5.4
6. Dagostino, Keflavik	4.8
7. Brown, KR	4.7
8. O''Neil, Fjolnir	4.6
9. Haraldsson, Haukar	4.6
10. Fridriksson, Njar.	4.5

Steals Per Game

Travis HOLMES
  Njardvik
  (193-G-86)
  Avg: 3.1

1. Holmes, Njardvik	3.1
2. Hall, Snaefell	2.9
3. Shuler, Haukar	2.5
4. Cothran, Stjarnan	2.5
5. Allen, Tindastoll	2.5
6. Shouse, Stjarnan	2.5
7. Brown, KR	2.3
8. Parker, Keflavik	2.3
9. Miller, Tindastoll	2.2
10. Pauline, Haukar	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Junior HAIRSTON
  Thor T.
  (203-F-84)
  Avg: 4.6

1. Hairston, Thor T.	4.6
2. Smith, Haukar	3.3
3. Hugee, Valur	2.3
4. Tratnik, Valur	2.2
5. Pettinella, Grinda.	1.4
6. Hampton, Tindastoll	1.3
7. Ferguson, KR	1.3
8. Ragnarsson, Fjolnir	1.1
9. Gudbrandsson, Kefl.	1.1
10. Lindmets, Stjarnan	1.1

Standings - Iceland Express League

Express L. Standings

1. Grindavik		16-1
2. Keflavik		11-5
3. Stjarnan		11-6
4. KR		10-6
5. Thor Thorl		10-6
6. Snaefell		9-8
7. Njardvik		8-9
8. Fjolnir		7-9
9. Tindastoll		7-9
10. IR		6-11
11. Haukar		4-13
12. Valur		0-16

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

INDONESIA

NBL Round 34 of Regular Season - by Eurobasket News
The game in Pandang was quite interesting. Second ranked Aspac (18-3) played at the court of 6th ranked Muba Hangtuah (13-9). Aspac managed to secure a 9-point victory 78-69 on Friday. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Muba Hangtuah. Muba Hangtuah trailed by 13 points after 3 quarters before a 25-21 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 69-78 at the end of the game. Aspac made 22-of-28 free shots (78.6 percent) during the game. 24 personal fouls committed by Muba Hangtuah helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Forward Pringgo Regowo (190-87) scored 27 points and 9 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the former international center Isman Thoyib (202-84) chipped in 10 points and 14 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side the former international power forward Dian Heryadi (194-80) responded with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 10 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Aspac have a solid three-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Satria Muda. Muba Hangtuah at the other side keeps the sixth place with nine games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
9th ranked Pacific Caesar (6-15) was outscored at home by fifth ranked Pelita Jaya (15-6) with the biggest margin this round 91-33. International forward Ary Chandra (182-84) notched 22 points and 8 rebounds to lead the effort and Kelly Purwanto supported him with 16 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 6 steals. Even 6 points and 7 rebounds by center Hery Listiyono (191-86) did not help to save the game for Pacific Caesar. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Defending champion moved-up to fourth place. Pacific Caesar lost third consecutive game. They keep the ninth position with 15 games lost. Pelita Jaya will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Pacific Caesar will play on the road against Bima Sakti (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Another interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Jakarta: Stadium Jakarta (#7) and Comfort Mobile (#10). Stadium Jakarta (11-10) smashed visiting Comfort Mobile (4-18) by 23 points 74-51. Dino Leonardo fired 16 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Herman Kurniawan produced 11 points for lost side. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Stadium Jakarta maintains seventh position with 11-10 record. Comfort Mobile lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the tenth place with 18 games lost. Stadium Jakarta will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Comfort Mobile will play against NSH GMC Riau (#12) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Muba Hangtuah - Aspac 69-78

The game in Pandang was quite interesting. Second ranked Aspac (18-3) played at the court of 6th ranked Muba Hangtuah (13-9). Aspac managed to secure a 9-point victory 78-69 on Friday. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Muba Hangtuah. Muba Hangtuah trailed by 13 points after 3 quarters before a 25-21 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 69-78 at the end of the game. Aspac made 22-of-28 free shots (78.6 percent) during the game. 24 personal fouls committed by Muba Hangtuah helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Forward Pringgo Regowo (190-87) scored 27 points and 9 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the former international center Isman Thoyib (202-84) chipped in 10 points and 14 rebounds during the contest. Four Aspac players scored in double figures. At the losing side the former international power forward Dian Heryadi (194-80) responded with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 10 rebounds and swingman Tri Wilopo (180-86) scored 15 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Aspac have a solid three-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Satria Muda. Muba Hangtuah at the other side keeps the sixth place with nine games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Aspac: P.Regowo 27+9reb+2ast, S.Harun Nurman 16+3reb, O.Wira Sanjaya 12+1ast, I.Thoyib 10+14reb+2ast, R.Shariputra 8, F.Andika Ramadhani 3+3reb
Muba Hangtuah: T.Wilopo 15+3reb+1ast, D.Heryadi 15+10reb+3ast, A.Sapto 9+4reb+4ast, A.Junaidi 8+6reb, I.G Ngurah Teguh 6+3reb+1ast, A.Sigar 6+2reb+2ast

Stadium Jak. - Comfort Mobile 74-51

Another interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Jakarta: Stadium Jakarta (#7) and Comfort Mobile (#10). Stadium Jakarta (11-10) smashed visiting Comfort Mobile (4-18) by 23 points 74-51. The hosts trailed by 1 point at the halftime before their 43-19 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Stadium Jakarta outrebounded Comfort Mobile 46-26 including a 21-6 advantage in offensive rebounds. Dino Leonardo (188-86) fired 16 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Merio Ferdiansyah (176-85) chipped in 17 points and 5 rebounds. Four Stadium Jakarta players scored in double figures. point guard Herman Kurniawan (171-86) produced 11 points and guard Haritsa Herlusdityo (180-89) added 11 points respectively for lost side. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Stadium Jakarta maintains seventh position with 11-10 record. Comfort Mobile lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the tenth place with 18 games lost. Stadium Jakarta will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Comfort Mobile will play against NSH GMC Riau (#12) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Stadium Jak.: M.Ferdiansyah 17+5reb+3ast, D.Leonardo 16+8reb+4ast, F.Budianto 13+3reb+3ast, D.Iskandar 10+6reb+1ast, R.Ariestedes 9+4reb, E.Hadi 5+3reb+1ast
Comfort Mobile: H.Herlusdityo 11+3reb+2ast, H.Kurniawan 11+4reb+3ast, G.Sitaniapesy 9+1reb+1ast, R.Orlando Uniputty 8+3reb+2ast, S.Afriatna 6, A.Prasetyo 4+6reb+3ast

Pacific Caesar - Pelita Jaya 33-91

9th ranked Pacific Caesar (6-15) was outscored at home by fifth ranked Pelita Jaya (15-6) with the biggest margin this round 91-33. The game without a history. Pelita Jaya led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Pacific Caesar to just 5 points in first quarter and to 12 points in first half. Pelita Jaya held Pacific Caesar to an opponent 20.0 percent shooting from the field compared to 44.6 percent accuracy of the winners. Pelita Jaya forced 25 Pacific Caesar turnovers and outrebounded them 58-26 including a 23-4 advantage in offensive rebounds. Pelita Jaya players were unselfish on offense dishing 29 assists comparing to just 4 passes made by Pacific Caesar's players. International forward Ary Chandra (182-84) notched 22 points and 8 rebounds to lead the effort and the former international point guard Kelly Purwanto (177-83) supported him with 16 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 6 steals. Four Pelita Jaya players scored in double figures. Even 6 points and 7 rebounds by center Hery Listiyono (191-86) did not help to save the game for Pacific Caesar. Forward Gege Nagata (185-88) added 6 points for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Defending champion moved-up to fourth place. Pacific Caesar lost third consecutive game. They keep the ninth position with 15 games lost. Pelita Jaya will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Pacific Caesar will play on the road against Bima Sakti (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Pelita Jaya: A.Chandra 22+8reb+3ast, I.Gusti Rustawijaya 19+5reb+2ast, K.Purwanto 16+7reb+6ast, P.Indrawan 11+8reb+4ast, D.Wenas 7+1reb+3ast, J.Sucipto 4+5reb+2ast
Pacific Caesar: H.Listiyono 6+7reb, G.Nagata 6+4reb, R.Anggakara 4+4reb+1ast, E.Sasmito 4+4reb+1ast, Bisih 3+1reb, D.Yulyanto 3+1ast

Israelli's double-double lands him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
29-year old Reza Israelli (182-SF-82) put on an amazing game in the last round for NSH GMC Riau and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 33.
He had a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds, while his team lost the game against Satya Wacana (#11, 2-19) 69-76. The game rather meaningless between the teams, which do not have any influence on the top of the standings. NSH GMC Riau moved-up to the 12th position in the Indonesian league. Too late to salvage the team, which is currently ranked at the very bottom. They already lost 19 games and recorded just one victory. It was one of impressive evenings for Israelli as usually he does not deliver so high stats. Reza Israelli averages this season 6.6ppg.

Second best performed player last round was Respati Pamungkas (180-G-91) of Satya Wacana. He is a guard in his first season at Satya Wacana. In the last game Pamungkas recorded impressive 32 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists. Of course Satya Wacana cruised to a 76-69 relatively comfortable win over slightly lower-ranked NSH GMC Riau (#12, 1-19). The game was between two teams which are definitely not main contenders for the title. But Satya Wacana left the very bottom place moving slightly to 11th position. 19 lost games are too many comparing to just two victories Satya Wacana managed to get this year. Pamungkas is a newcomer at Satya Wacana and quickly became one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to another Satya Wacana's star - forward Eko Wiratama Nasution (195-F-90). Nasution scored 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds. He was another key player of Satya Wacana, helping his team with a 76-69 win against slightly lower-ranked NSH GMC Riau (#12, 1-19). Satya Wacana can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have rather bad season and 2-19 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Nasution he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Nasution has individually a great season in Indonesia. After 21 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 6.8rpg (8th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Ary Sapto (188-F-80) of Muba Hangtuah - 10 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Andrie Ekayana (182-SG-82) of CLS Knights - 18 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Ryan Febriyan (194-PF-87) of NSH GMC Riau - 18 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Rachmad Utomo (180-SF-85) of CLS Knights - 14 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Agustinus Sigar (180-G-79) of Muba Hangtuah - 19 points and 2 assists
9. Dimaz Muharri (181-PG-85) of CLS Knights - 6 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Dian Heryadi (194-F/C-80) of Muba Hangtuah - 4 points, 8 rebounds and 4 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)

Standings - IBL

NBL Standings

1. Satria Muda		18-3
2. Aspac		18-3
3. Garuda		17-4
4. Pelita Jaya		15-6
5. CLS Knights		14-6
6. Muba Hangtuah		13-9
7. Stadium Jak.		11-10
8. Bima Sakti		6-13
9. Pacific Caesar		6-15
10. Comfort Mobile		4-18
11. Satya Wacana		2-19
12. NSH GMC Riau		1-19

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Yanuar DWI PRIASMORO
  Bima S.
  (178-SG-89)
  Avg: 15.7

1. Dwi Priasmor., Bim.	15.7
2. Ferdiansyah, Stadi.	14.7
3. Wisnu, Satria Muda	14.0
4. Sapto, Muba H.	13.9
5. Chandra, Pelita J.	13.1
6. Nagata, Pacific	12.9
7. Prawiro, Aspac	12.6
8. Rizky Ardian., Bim.	12.5
9. Ahmad, Satria Muda	12.3
10. Regowo, Aspac	12.3

Rebounds Per Game

Galank GUNAWAN
  Satria M.
  (194-PF-87)
  Avg: 10.8

1. Gunawan, Satria M.	10.8
2. Regowo, Aspac	8.4
3. Sitepu, Satria M.	7.9
4. Thoyib, Aspac	7.7
5. Rizky Ardian., Bim.	7.4
6. Wuwungan, Satya W.	6.9
7. Yanto, NSH G.	6.9
8. Nasution, Satya W.	6.8
9. Situmorang, Satria	6.8
10. Nolland, Garuda	6.8

Assists Per Game

Dirk GERUNGAN
  Aspac
  (182-PG-87)
  Avg: 4.6

1. Gerungan, Aspac	4.6
2. Sartika, Bima Sakti	4.0
3. Purwanto, Pelita J.	3.6
4. Muharri, CLS K.	3.2
5. Widyanto, Pacifi.	3.0
6. Ahmad, Satria Muda	2.6
7. Sura, Garuda	2.5
8. Wilopo, Muba H.	2.5
9. Yusran, Stadium	2.4
10. Uniputty, Comfor.	2.3

Steals Per Game

Kelly PURWANTO
  Pelita J.
  (177-PG-83)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Purwanto, Pelita J.	3.2
2. Poedjakesuma, Peli.	2.6
3. Muharri, CLS K.	2.5
4. Ferdiansyah, Stadi.	2.4
5. Sartika, Bima Sakti	2.2
6. Uniputty, Comfor.	2.2
7. Sura, Garuda	2.1
8. Ramli, Garuda	2.1
9. Sunarya, Muba H.	2.1
10. Wijaya, Garuda	2.1

Blocks Per Game

R RUSLAN
  Stadium .
  (197-C-89)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Ruslan, Stadium	2.2
2. Sitepu, Satria M.	2.2
3. Thoyib, Aspac	2.0
4. Arizki, Aspac	1.6
5. Teguh, Muba H.	1.5
6. Indrawan, Pelita J.	1.3
7. Gunawan, Satya W.	1.3
8. Sitaniapesy, Comfo.	1.3
9. Damanik, NSH G.	1.2
10. Sasmito, Pacific	1.1

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IRELAND

BASKETBALL IRELAND WEEKLY PREVIEW - by Patrick Maher
BASKETBALL IRELAND WEEKLY PREVIEW

Teams seek play-off place

UCC Demons face a difficult and unusual programme in the Nivea for Mens SuperLeague when they play Belfast Star twice in less than 24 hours this weekend.

11890 Killester will be hoping to build on their epic win over Bord Gais Neptune last week when they visit NUIG to play Moycullen.

UL Eagles will be looking to continue their positive end to the season when they visit UCD Marian, while Bord Gais Neptune will be looking for their first win of the season against DCU Saints.

UCC Demons trip north will be a memorable one, as they become the first team in the history of the league to play the same team twice in less than 24 hours.

Demons will be without the injured Carlton Cuff and Shane Duggan but coach Paul Kelleher is hoping his team can produce the type of basketball they are capable of.

'This could be our toughest weekend of the season for a whole number of reasons, said Kelleher. Star are coming into the sort of form that I had expected from them before the season started and coming off two big wins in recent weeks makes them even tougher.

Star have quality right through their side and have great perimeter scoring and we also know of Josh Johnson's credentials after he spent a season with us. This will be an exciting game, but if we are going to get the desired result in both games, we will have to play with patience, poise and use our experience to get over this challenge.'

For the Star coach Danny Fulton it is an opportunity to make it three wins in a row and end the season on a high despite failing to reach the Play-Offs.

We stopped the rot against Killester and followed up last week with a win against Moycullen but we know Demons will be a far tougher proposition, said Fulton.

Bord Gais Neptune will be desperate to return to winning ways against DCU Saints after the disappointment of last weeks one point overtime loss to 11890 Killester.

The defeat to Killester leaves their hopes of claiming the Southern Conference hanging by a thread.

If we produce a similar battling performance against DCU Saints I think we will pose them problems, said Neptune Head Coach Mark Scannell.

It was hard to take the Killester defeat in the manner we did but we cannot do anything about that now and we must stay focused on the job in hand.

For the DCU Saints coach David Donnelly it has been a frustrating last fortnight following defeats to UCC Demons and UL Eagles.

We are not firing and we need to get back to winning ways and playing Neptune on our home court will be the acid test for us, David said.

I am trying to solve the mystery of how our form dipped so suddenly and we need to address it quickly with the play offs around the corner.

11890 Killester will have a full quota to choose from as they make the trip to a Moycullen side, who are looking for their fifth win of the season.

We were relieved to get back to winning ways against Neptune but this is another game that is not a forgone conclusion, said Killester Head Coach Darren ONeill.

UL Eagles had a mixed weekend when losing to UCC Demons but they bounced back to demolish DCU Saints and coach Mark Keenan is hoping for a repeat performance when they travel to Belfield to play UCD Marian.

When we play our best basketball we are formidable opponents for any side in this league and the main focus for us right now is not to look beyond the play offs, Mark said.

UCD Marian showed signs of vast improvement in their recent clash with 11890 Killester despite the 84-81 loss and will be hoping the Play offs will mark a positive end to their campaign.

Nivea for Mens SuperLeague

Moycullen (Galway) v 11890 Killester (Dublin), NUIG Kingfisher, 19:00; UCD Marian (Dublin) v UL Eagles (Limerick), UCD Sports Centre, 19:10; Belfast Star (Belfast) v UCC Demons (Cork), DLS Anderstown, 19:15

Basketball Ireland Mens Division One

Matt OFlaherty Chemist Titans (Galway) v Maree 9Galway), Renmore Community Centre, 19:00; Team Left Bank Kilkenny (Kilkenny) v Neptune (Cork), OLoughlin Gaels GAA Club, 19:00; Team Loftus Recycling Ballina (Mayo) v CHM Ballon (Carlow), Ballina Sports & Leisure Centre,19:30; Team Meadowlands St.Brendans (Kerry) v Blue Demons (Cork), Mercy Mounthawk, 19:30

Sunday February 26th 2012

Nivea for Mens SuperLeague

DCU Saints (Dublin) v Bord Gais Neptune (Cork), DCU Sports Complex, 16:00; Belfast Star (Belfast) v UCC Demons (Cork), UUJ, 15:00

Midweek game result : Nivea For Mens SuperLeague

11890 Killester 84 (37) (J Turner 31, R Clarke 13, P Madsen 11) UCD Marian 81 (42) (K Foley 20, C Meany 17, N Meany 16)

Courtesy : Shane whelan .... www.basketballireland.ie Joshua Johnson (199-F-85, college: Bowie St.)

Standings - EBS Superleague

SuperLeague Standings

North Conference
1. DCU Saints		15-4
2. 11890 Killester		13-6
3. UCD Marian		6-13
4. Belfast Star		3-14
South Conference
1. UCC Demons		12-5
2. B.Gais Neptune		10-7
3. UL Eagles		10-9
4. Moycullen		4-15

Stats Leaders - Men

Points Per Game

Joshua JOHNSON
  Belfast .
  (199-F-85)
  Avg: 25.5

1. Johnson, Belfast	25.5
2. Thompson, B.Gais N.	24.5
3. Atupem, UCC Demons	24.4
4. Turner, 11890 K.	23.0
5. Enos, Moycullen	22.9
6. Taylor, UL Eagles	19.3
7. Cummins, Belfast	18.0
8. Stith, UCD Marian	17.9
9. Noonan, B.Gais N.	15.0
10. Provizors, DCU S.	14.5

Rebounds Per Game

Jermaine TURNER
  11890 K.
  (195-F-74)
  Avg: 19

1. Turner, 11890 K.	19.0
2. Thompson, B.Gais N.	14.4
3. Killeen, UL Eagles	13.0
4. Johnson, Belfast	12.5
5. Provizors, DCU S.	12.3
6. Enos, Moycullen	11.0
7. Atupem, UCC Demons	9.8
8. Stith, UCD Marian	8.5
9. Glover, DCU Saints	8.0
10. O''Brien, 11890 K.	7.9

Assists Per Game

Shane COUGHLAN
  UCC D.
  (188-G-79)
  Avg: 5.3

1. Coughlan, UCC D.	5.3
2. Noonan, B.Gais N.	4.9
3. Taylor, UL Eagles	4.9
4. Clarke, 11890 K.	4.9
5. Kinevane, UL Eagl.	4.8
6. Dowd, Moycullen	4.6
7. Donnelly, DCU S.	4.1
8. Madsen, 11890 K.	4.0
9. Turner, 11890 K.	4.0
10. Cunningham, Moycu.	3.8

Steals Per Game

Jermaine TURNER
  11890 K.
  (195-F-74)
  Avg: 3.8

1. Turner, 11890 K.	3.8
2. Thompson, B.Gais N.	3.2
3. Taylor, UL Eagles	3.1
4. Anderson, DCU S.	2.5
5. Noonan, B.Gais N.	2.2
6. Madsen, 11890 K.	2.1
7. Taylor, B.Gais N.	2.1
8. Donnelly, DCU S.	2.0
9. Murphy, UCC Demons	2.0
10. Johnson, Belfast	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Jermaine TURNER
  11890 K.
  (195-F-74)
  Avg: 3.8

1. Turner, 11890 K.	3.8
2. Killeen, UL Eagles	2.2
3. Thompson, B.Gais N.	2.1
4. Stith, UCD Marian	1.7
5. O''Brien, 11890 K.	1.5
6. Trimmer, DCU S.	1.4
7. Casey, 11890 K.	1.3
8. Provizors, DCU S.	1.2
9. Enos, Moycullen	1.1
10. Johnson, Belfast	0.9

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

ISRAEL

Maccabi Electra heads to Euroleague Playoffs - by Eurobasket News
Maccabi Electra - Zalgiris 70-66

Maccabi Electra had to work very hard to beat Zalgiris 70-66 on Thursday night. Thanks to this victory the Israeli powerhouse jumped to 3-2 in Group H and booked a ticket for the Euroleague Playoffs. Zalgiris remains the only winless team in this pool with 0-5 record. Keith Langford (193-G/F-83, college: Kansas) was the leading scorer in victory with 17 points. Richard Hendrix (203-F/C-86, college: Alabama) had 11 points and 9 rebounds, while Sofoklis Schortsanitis (206-C-85) nailed 10 points. Sonny Weems (198-G/F-86, college: Arkansas) responded with 20 points at the other side. Dainius Salenga (197-F-77) and DeJuan Collins (188-G-76, college: Tuskegee) (5 rebs) had 12 and 11 points respectively. Zalgiris had an amazing start. They made 11-25 lead after just ten minutes of play, but Maccabi immediately woke up after that cutting the margin to minus 4 until the halftime. Zalgiris won the next period with 11-12 for 5-point lead before the last ten minutes, but than Keith Langford and his teammates exploded with 11-2 run as Nokia Arena was rocking. Zalgiris didn't give up and they grabbed back 65-66 lead with 1:42 remaining in the game. Langford made 4-0 series on his own and there was something more than 24 seconds to go. Sony Weems went for an open three, but Smith flew in to block the shot and tried to take it in for a slam. But he missed the dunk, Zalgiris recovered and Weems tried again, but missed from downtown. This time Hendrix corralled the rebound, was fouled and iced the game with a free throw with 7 seconds left. Maccabi will meet Barcelona in the last round of Top 16. Zalgiris will host Bennet Cantu.

Maccabi Electra: Keith Langford 17, Richard Hendrix 11+9 boards, Sofoklis Schortsanitis 10
Zalgiris: Sonny Weems 22, Dainius Salenga 12, DeJuan Collins 11+5 boards

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ITALY

Change at the top of the standings - by Eurobasket News
The fans could enjoy quite many interesting games in the last round. The round ended with change at the leadership position and favorites losing the games.

Nazionale A round 26 caused change at the leadership position. Twelfth defeat of league's leader Bari (13-12) against second ranked Orlandina (16-9) 76-69 was the most important game of the last round. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Bari. Bari trailed by 16 points after 3 quarters before a 23-14 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 69-76 at the end of the game. Guard Gionata Zampolli (189-85) orchestrated the victory by scoring 13 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Forward Andrea Benevelli (202-85) contributed with 14 points for the winners. Center Domenico Morena (210-70) replied with 13 points and 6 rebounds for Bari. Bari's coach Giovanni Putignano rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Newly promoted Orlandina maintains second position with 16-9 record having five points less than leader Trento which they share with defeated Bari. Bari at the other side, also newcomer in the league, dropped to the second place with 12 games lost. They were replaced at the leadership position by Trento. Bari will play next round against strong Chieti trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Orlandina will try to continue on its current victory against first ranked Recanati on the road.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Perugia (11-13) against sixth ranked Santarcangelo (7-17) on Thursday night. Visiting Perugia was defeated by Santarcangelo in a tough game in Sant'Arcangelo 52-58. Swingman Luca Bedetti (193-89) scored 18 points and 8 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Eugenio Rivali chipped in 12 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 6 steals (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) during the contest. Forward Thomas De Min (203-86) responded with 12 points and 7 rebounds. Santarcangelo moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Fabriano and Comsum.it SI. Perugia at the other side keeps the third position with 13 games lost. They share it with Latina Basket and Matera. Santarcangelo will play against league's second-placed Trieste on the road in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Perugia will play against the league's second-placed Torino and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Very important is a road loss of second ranked Torino (17-9) against fourth ranked Casalpusterlengo (14-11) on Thursday night. Visiting Torino was crushed by Casalpusterlengo in Casalpusterlengo 85-65. Marco Venuto notched 23 points to lead the effort. Even 14 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists by Marco Portannese did not help to save the game for Torino. Casalpusterlengo maintains fourth position with 14-11 record. Loser Torino keeps the second place with nine games lost. Casalpusterlengo will meet league's leader Trento on the road in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Torino will play against Perugia and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An interesting game for Recanati (13-11) which played road game in Ferentino against 3rd ranked Ferentino (13-10). Third ranked Recanati managed to get a 7-point victory 82-75. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The best player for the winners was Federico Gilardi who scored 18 points and 6 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Recanati keeps a position of league leader. Ferentino lost third consecutive game. They keep the third place with ten games lost. Recanati's next round opponent will be league's second-placed Orlandina at home and it will be for sure the game of the week. Ferentino will play against Ruvo in Ruvo di Puglia.
An interesting game for Trento (18-7) which played road game in Siena against 4th ranked Comsum.it SI (7-17). First ranked Trento had an easy win 87-72. Davide Pascolo orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 13 rebounds. Trento maintains first position with 18-7 record, which they share with Trieste. Comsum.it SI lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the fourth place with 17 games lost. Trento will face Casalpusterlengo (#4) at home in the next round. Comsum.it SI will play against Treviglio and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 26: Ruvo was beaten by San Severo on the road 81-74. Fabriano lost to Anagni on its own court 54-68. Latina Basket managed to outperform Matera in a road game 89-79. Napoli managed to beat Chieti at home 68-57. Treviglio defeated Pavia on the opponent's court 65-60. Omegna smashed Firenze in a home game 87-64. Trieste won against Castelletto on the road 72-61.

San Severo - Ruvo 81-74

No shocking result in a game when fourth ranked Mazzeo San Severo (10-14) beat at home 6th ranked Ruvo (3-22) 81-74 on Thursday. The hosts started the game with a very strong first quarter 24-13. But Ruvo won second period 23-17. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Mazzeo San Severo made 18-of-23 free shots (78.3 percent) during the game. They also forced 20 Ruvo turnovers. Ruvo was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. Swingman Ivan Scarponi (196-86) orchestrated the victory by scoring 18 points and 7 rebounds. Swingman Giovanni Rugolo (196-81) contributed with 22 points for the winners. Four Mazzeo San Severo players scored in double figures. Mazzeo San Severo's coach Antonio Paternoster used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Swingman Christian Villani (200-82) replied with 17 points and guard Davide Bonacini (190-90) added 13 points in the effort for Ruvo. Mazzeo San Severo maintains fourth position with 10-14 record. Ruvo lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the sixth place with 22 games lost. Mazzeo San Severo will face Fabriano (#5) in the next round. Ruvo will play against Ferentino.
Top scorers:
Ruvo: C.Villani 17+2reb, D.Bonacini 13+4reb+1ast, P.de Martino 12+5reb, M.Tagliabue 9+6reb, D.Merletto 8+2reb, T.Laquintana 5+2ast
San Severo: G.Rugolo 22+2reb+1ast, I.Scarponi 18+7reb+1ast, G.Fattori 16+7reb+2ast, R.Marzoli 11+3reb+2ast, F.Lovatti 5+5reb+8ast, F.Amoroso 5+3reb+2ast

Fabriano - Anagni 54-68

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams when 5th ranked Fabriano (7-17) lost at home to sixth ranked Anagni (8-15) 68-54 on Thursday. The guests trailed by 2 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 10-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 68-54. Anagni forced 22 Fabriano turnovers and outrebounded them 37-26 including 27 on the defensive glass. Naturalized Argentinian center Diego Corral (205-86, agency: Players Group) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 15 rebounds. The former international guard Riccardo Santolamazza (195-83) contributed with 7 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals for the winners. Forward Alessio Iardella (187-88) replied with 15 points and 7 rebounds and power forward Luca Usberti (201-73) added 9 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Fabriano. Anagni maintains sixth position with 8-15 record. Fabriano lost fourth consecutive game. Newly promoted team dropped to the fourth place with 17 games lost. Anagni will face higher ranked Matera (#5) at home in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Fabriano will play against Mazzeo San Severo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Fabriano: A.Iardella 15+7reb+1ast, L.Usberti 9+5reb, G.Sgobba 8+2reb+1ast, N.D'Arrigo 7+2reb, C.Fontani 6+1reb+1ast, N.Manuel Stanic 5+5reb+2ast
Anagni: N.Benedusi 13+2reb+2ast, D.Corral 12+15reb+2ast, L.Ciribeni 11+2reb+2ast, J.Pozzi 9+4reb+1ast, V.Circosta 7+2reb+3ast, R.Santolamazza 7+7reb+5ast

Matera - Latina Basket 79-89

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams when fifth ranked Latina Basket (11-13) won against on the road one of their biggest challengers Matera (11-13) 89-79 on Thursday. The guests trailed by 5 points at the halftime before their 48-33 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Matera was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. Guard Tommaso Milani (190-88) orchestrated the victory by scoring 22 points and 6 rebounds. Naturalized Serbian forward Marko Micevic (198-89) contributed with 14 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Guard Pierluigi Aprea (191-91) replied with 16 points and power forward Cristiano Grappasonni (204-72) added 15 points (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) in the effort for Matera. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Latina Basket moved-up to third place, which they share with Perugia and Matera. Latina Basket will face league's leader Napoli at home in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Matera will play against Anagni.
Top scorers:
Matera: P.Aprea 16+3reb+1ast, C.Grappasonni 15+2reb+1ast, R.Martone 10+3reb, A.LaGioia 10, G.Cantagalli 10+6reb, A.Pilotti 7+4reb
Latina Basket: T.Milani 22+6reb, M.Micevic 14+5reb, G.Gazzotti 13+4reb, T.Plateo 10+2reb, R.Romano 9+2reb, R.Serena 6

Ferentino - Recanati 75-82

An interesting game for Recanati (13-11) which played road game in Ferentino against 3rd ranked Ferentino (13-10). Third ranked Recanati managed to get a 7-point victory 82-75. It was a key game for the top position in the league. It looked good early as Ferentino took an 1-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Recanati had a 17-11 second period charge getting the lead and Ferentino was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 75-82. The best player for the winners was naturalized Argentinian guard Federico Gilardi (190-79, agency: Players Group) who scored 18 points and 6 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Center Paolo Chiarello (204-78) chipped in 20 points. Four Recanati players scored in double figures. Forward Francesco Ihedioha (196-86) produced 25 points and 7 rebounds and guard Fabio Marcante (196-80, agency: Players Group) added 16 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists respectively for the hosts. Recanati keeps a position of league leader. Ferentino lost third consecutive game. They keep the third place with ten games lost. Recanati's next round opponent will be league's second-placed Orlandina at home and it will be for sure the game of the week. Ferentino will play against Ruvo in Ruvo di Puglia.
Top scorers:
Ferentino: F.Ihedioha 25+7reb+1ast, F.Marcante 16+5reb+5ast, M.Carrizo 13+4reb+1ast, F.Guarino 9+5ast, L.Pongetti 4+4reb+2ast, G.Andrea Fratini 3
Recanati: P.Chiarello 20+1reb+2ast, F.Gilardi 18+6reb+1ast, M.Ceron 11+4reb, R.Fossati 10+5reb+2ast, A.Pierini 8+4reb, A.Traini 7+1reb+4ast

Comsum.it SI - Trento 72-87

An interesting game for Trento (18-7) which played road game in Siena against 4th ranked Comsum.it SI (7-17). First ranked Trento had an easy win 87-72. The guests trailed by 5 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 4-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 87-72. Forward Davide Pascolo (200-90) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 13 rebounds. Naturalized Argentinian point guard Andres Forray (187-86) contributed with 22 points for the winners. Four Trento players scored in double figures. Forward Stefano Simeoli (200-86) replied with 17 points and 8 rebounds and swingman Andrea Colli (203-88, agency: Players Group) added 16 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for Comsum.it SI. Trento maintains first position with 18-7 record, which they share with Trieste. Comsum.it SI lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the fourth place with 17 games lost. Trento will face Casalpusterlengo (#4) at home in the next round. Comsum.it SI will play against Treviglio and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Comsum.it SI: S.Simeoli 17+8reb+2ast, G.Spizzichini 17+5reb+3ast, A.Colli 16+10reb, N.Mei 7+1reb+1ast, M.Pascolo 7+1reb, C.Bianconi 6+2reb
Trento: A.Forray 22+3reb+2ast, D.Pascolo 22+13reb+1ast, M.Negri 13+2reb, M.Spanghero 11+1reb+1ast, S.Fiorito 8+2reb, L.Conte 5+2reb

Napoli - Chieti 68-57

The game between closely ranked teams ended with second-ranked Chieti's (12-12) road loss to first ranked Napoli (21-4) 57-68 on Thursday. The game without a history. Napoli led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Forward Simone Gatti (202-82) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds. Naturalized Argentinian guard Bernardo Musso (192-86) contributed with 19 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Napoli's coach Maurizio Bartocci used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Swingman Antonio Porfido (190-90) replied with 16 points and naturalized San Marino swingman Andrea Raschi (200-79) added 9 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Chieti. Napoli have an impressive 11-game winning streak. Newly promoted Napoli maintains first position with 21-4 record. Chieti at the other side, also newcomer in the league, dropped to the third place with 12 games lost. Napoli will face Latina Basket (#4) on the road in the next round. Chieti will play against the league's second-placed Bari and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Chieti: A.Porfido 16+2reb, M.Diomede 12+1ast, A.Raschi 9+6reb+2ast, F.Gialloreto 7+4reb+1ast, E.Rossi 5+9reb+1ast, A.Martelli 4+2reb
Napoli: B.Musso 19+8reb+3ast, S.Gatti 19+11reb+2ast, N.Rizzitiello 10+3reb, P.Rotondo 6+3reb, N.Sabbatino 5+1reb+5ast, A.Iannilli 4+3reb+4ast

Orlandina - Bari 76-69

Nazionale A round 26 caused change at the leadership position. Twelfth defeat of league's leader Bari (13-12) against second ranked Orlandina (16-9) 76-69 was the most important game of the last round. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Bari. Bari trailed by 16 points after 3 quarters before a 23-14 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 69-76 at the end of the game. Guard Gionata Zampolli (189-85) orchestrated the victory by scoring 13 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Forward Andrea Benevelli (202-85) contributed with 14 points for the winners. Center Domenico Morena (210-70) replied with 13 points and 6 rebounds and forward Fabio Mian (195-92) added 15 points in the effort for Bari. Bari's coach Giovanni Putignano rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Newly promoted Orlandina maintains second position with 16-9 record having five points less than leader Trento which they share with defeated Bari. Bari at the other side, also newcomer in the league, dropped to the second place with 12 games lost. They were replaced at the leadership position by Trento. Bari will play next round against strong Chieti trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Orlandina will try to continue on its current victory against first ranked Recanati on the road.
Top scorers:
Bari: F.Mian 15+2reb+2ast, D.Morena 13+6reb+1ast, S.Deguara 12+4reb, A.Ruggiero 9+3reb+2ast, M.Cardillo 5+3reb, S.Gigena 5+2reb+1ast
Orlandina: A.Benevelli 14+3reb+2ast, G.Zampolli 13+5reb+4ast, F.Zanelli 9+2reb+1ast, N.Damiani 9+1reb+1ast, F.Pellegrino 9+7reb+1ast, M.Cardinali 7+2reb+2ast

Pavia - Treviglio 60-65

Everything went according to plan when third ranked Treviglio (15-10) defeated on the road 5th ranked Pavia (13-13) 65-60 on Thursday. The guests trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 26-16 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Guard Tommaso Marino (190-86, agency: Interperformances) orchestrated the victory by scoring 11 points and 5 assists. Naturalized Argentinian swingman Augustin Fabi (199-91) contributed with 11 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Guard Luca Furlanetto (197-81) replied with 10 points and 8 rebounds and power forward Roberto Cazzaniga (205-78) added 14 points and 5 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) in the effort for Pavia. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Treviglio maintains third position with 15-10 record having six points less than leader Trento. Loser Pavia keeps the fifth place with 13 games lost. Treviglio will face Comsum.it SI (#4) in Siena in the next round. Pavia will play at home against the league's leader Omegna.
Top scorers:
Pavia: R.Cazzaniga 14+5reb, R.Pederzini 13+2reb+1ast, F.Maiocco 11+6reb, L.Furlanetto 10+8reb+3ast, I.Cisse 6+8reb+1ast, D.Bozzetto 4+6reb
Treviglio: N.Cazzolato 12+7reb, T.Marino 11+4reb+5ast, A.Fabi 11+6reb+3ast, R.Marulli 11+2reb, J.Borra 10+5reb, M.Planezio 6+9reb+3ast

Omegna - Firenze 87-64

There was no surprise when 5th ranked Firenze (7-18) was outleveled on the road by first ranked Omegna (23-3) 87-64 on Thursday. The game was mostly controlled by Omegna. Firenze was better in fourth quarter 21-16. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 21-of-27 free shots (77.8 percent) during the game. Omegna had a 25-11 advantage in offensive rebounds. Guard Tommaso Raspino (196-89, agency: Players Group) orchestrated the victory by scoring 16 points. Guard Pierpaolo Picazio (193-79, agency: Players Group) contributed with 13 points and 5 assists for the winners. Omegna's coach Giampaolo Di Lorenzo felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Center Andrea Capitanelli (203-86) replied with 10 points, 7 rebounds and 4 blocks and forward Stefano Spizzichini (202-90) added 7 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Firenze. Omegna have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 23-3 record. Firenze lost fourth consecutive game. Newly promoted team dropped to the sixth place with 18 games lost. Omegna will face Pavia (#5) on the road in the next round. Firenze will play against Castelletto and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Firenze: F.Bellina 12+1reb, A.Capitanelli 10+7reb, A.Giampaoli 9+1reb, S.Spizzichini 7+7reb, D.Monaldi 6+1ast, A.Amici 6+3reb+1ast
Omegna: T.Raspino 16+2reb+2ast, P.Picazio 13+1reb+5ast, A.Saccaggi 13+1reb, S.Masciadri 9+6reb+3ast, M.Bertolazzi 9+1reb+4ast, F.Prelazzi 7+6reb+1ast

Castelletto - Trieste 61-72

No shocking result in a game when second ranked Trieste (18-7) beat on the road 6th ranked Castelletto (8-17) 72-61 on Thursday. They outrebounded Castelletto 47-24 including a 19-3 advantage in offensive rebounds. Forward Luca Gandini (205-85) orchestrated the victory by scoring 9 points and 13 rebounds. point guard Michele Ruzzier (181-93) contributed with 15 points for the winners. Trieste's coach Eugenio Dalmasson used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Center Matteo Raminelli (203-83) replied with 15 points, 7 rebounds and 5 blocks and point guard Simone Ferrarese (182-87) added 11 points and 4 assists in the effort for Castelletto. Four Castelletto players scored in double figures. Trieste have an impressive six-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Trento. Castelletto lost ninth consecutive game. They keep the sixth place with 17 games lost. Trieste will face Santarcangelo (#5) in Sant'Arcangelo in the next round. Castelletto will play on the road against Firenze and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Castelletto: M.Raminelli 15+7reb+1ast, F.Dri 13+1reb+2ast, S.Ferrarese 11+3reb+4ast, M.Terzaghi 10+2reb, L.Marmugi 5+2reb, S.Cotani 5+5reb
Trieste: M.Ruzzier 15+4reb+2ast, D.Mastrangelo 12+3reb, A.Moruzzi 10+3reb, L.Gandini 9+13reb+1ast, I.Ferraro 8+4reb+1ast, M.Carra 7+3reb+2ast

Santarcangelo - Perugia 58-52

Very important is a road loss of third ranked Perugia (11-13) against sixth ranked Santarcangelo (7-17) on Thursday night. Visiting Perugia was defeated by Santarcangelo in a tough game in Sant'Arcangelo 52-58. Perugia was ahead by 3 points at the halftime before a 31-22 second half run of Santarcangelo. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Perugia to just 6 points in third quarter. Swingman Luca Bedetti (193-89) scored 18 points and 8 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and point guard Eugenio Rivali (178-86) chipped in 12 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 6 steals (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) during the contest. Forward Thomas De Min (203-86) responded with 12 points and 7 rebounds and power forward Filippo Baldi Rossi (207-91) scored 2 points and 10 rebounds. Santarcangelo moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Fabriano and Comsum.it SI. Perugia at the other side keeps the third position with 13 games lost. They share it with Latina Basket and Matera. Santarcangelo will play against league's second-placed Trieste on the road in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Perugia will play against the league's second-placed Torino and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Perugia: D.Poltroneri 12+1reb, T.De Min 12+7reb, R.Truccolo 8+3reb+1ast, M.Caroldi 7+2reb+1ast, S.Bonamente 4+3reb, F.Santantonio 3+3reb+1ast
Santarcangelo: L.Bedetti 18+8reb+1ast, E.Rivali 12+6reb+4ast, M.Bonaiuti 10+1reb+1ast, L.Pesaresi 6, A.Ancellotti 4+6reb, N.Italiano 4+6reb

Casalpusterlengo - Torino 85-65

Very important is a road loss of second ranked Torino (17-9) against fourth ranked Casalpusterlengo (14-11) on Thursday night. Visiting Torino was crushed by Casalpusterlengo in Casalpusterlengo 85-65. The game was mostly controlled by Casalpusterlengo. Torino managed to win third quarter 14-13. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Casalpusterlengo forced 20 Torino turnovers and outrebounded them 38-23 including 24 on the defensive glass. They shot the lights out from three sinking 13 long-distance shots on high 54.2 percentage. Guard Marco Venuto (190-85) notched 23 points to lead the effort and guard Federico Loschi (195-90) supported him with 16 points. Even 14 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists by guard Marco Portannese (192-89, agency: Players Group) did not help to save the game for Torino. Maurizio Giadini (200-77) added 7 points and 4 steals for the guests. Casalpusterlengo maintains fourth position with 14-11 record. Loser Torino keeps the second place with nine games lost. Casalpusterlengo will meet league's leader Trento on the road in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Torino will play against Perugia and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Torino: M.Portannese 14+5reb+4ast, F.Conti 9+1reb, C.Masper 7+1reb, M.Giadini 7+4reb+3ast, L.Fontecchio 7+5reb, M.DeFant 6+1reb
Casalpusterlengo: M.Venuto 23+1reb+3ast, F.Loschi 16+2reb+1ast, M.Contento 11+2reb, A.Chiumenti 9+7reb, R.Prandin 8+2reb+3ast, R.Casagrande 7+5reb+2ast

EA7 Armani wins in Athens but not enough for Playoffs, PAO advances - by Eurobasket News
Panathinaikos - Armani MI 58-67

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan celebrated 58-67 victory at OAKA last night, but that was not enough as PAO won 57-78 in Milano more than a month ago. It means that Armani improved to 2-3 in Group G, but with no chance to advance. At the same time, PAO booked a spot for the Playoffs despite they dropped to 3-2. Nicolo Melli (205-F-91) top-scored in victory with 13 points. Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81) and Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) had 12 points each in this meeting and they grabbed 17 rebounds together. In PAO, Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80) netted 12 points and Mike Batiste (203-F-77, college: Arizona St.) had 11 points, plus 7 rebounds. Ian Vougioukas (212-C/F-85, college: St.Louis) and David Logan (184-G-82, college: Indianapolis) stopped to 7 pts each. Visitors had 51-65 lead with 4 minutes to go. Nicolo Melli dunked then Romain Sato answered with a layup, but Panathinaikos could do little more than cut the margin of defeat, adding a Batiste layup and Sato free throws. Quarters: 11-16, 21-18, 14-19, 12-14. In the last round of Top 16, Panathinaikos will meet Unics in Kazan. Armani will host Fenerbahce Ulker.

PAO: Dimitris Diamantidis 12, Mike Batiste 11+7 boards, Ian Vougioukas 7, David Logan 7
Armani: Nicolo Melli 13, Antonis Fotsis 12+9 boards, Ioannis Bourousis 12+8 boards

stats leader

Points Per Game

Bernardo MUSSO
  Napoli
  (192-G-86)
  Avg: 19.4

1. Musso, Napoli	19.4
2. Evangelisti, Recan.	17.4
3. Mei, Comsum.it SI	15.3
4. Ferrarese, Castell.	15.1
5. Prandin, Casalp.	14.9
6. Carrizo, Ferentino	14.8
7. Portannese, Torino	14.8
8. Benevelli, Orlandi.	14.7
9. Vitale, Treviglio	14.5
10. Tessitori, Comsum.	14.4

Rebounds Per Game

Emanuele ROSSI
  Chieti
  (208-C-82)
  Avg: 12.6

1. Rossi, Chieti	12.6
2. Iannilli, Napoli	9.6
3. Benevelli, Orlandi.	8.4
4. Borra, Treviglio	8.3
5. Gandini, Trieste	8.3
6. Simeoli, Comsum.i.	8.3
7. Tessitori, Comsum..	8.2
8. Baldi Rossi, Perug.	8.1
9. Raminelli, Castell.	7.6
10. Ferraro, Trieste	7.4

Assists Per Game

Matteo BERTOLAZZI
  Omegna
  (181-G-79)
  Avg: 4.5

1. Bertolazzi, Omegna	4.5
2. Musso, Napoli	4.0
3. Stanic, Fabriano	3.7
4. Guarino, Ferentino	3.3
5. Vico, Matera	3.2
6. Santolamazza, Ana.	3.1
7. Ferrarese, Castell.	3.1
8. Forray, Trento	2.8
9. Parente, Torino	2.8
10. Zanelli, Orlandina	2.8

Steals Per Game

Alessio IARDELLA
  Fabriano
  (187-F-88)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Iardella, Fabriano	3.3
2. Musso, Napoli	3.0
3. Bertolazzi, Omegna	3.0
4. Malamov, Anagni	2.9
5. Maggio, Pavia	2.8
6. Portannese, Torino	2.8
7. Rivali, Santarcang.	2.8
8. Amici, Firenze	2.7
9. Rossi, Chieti	2.7
10. Cazzaniga, Pavia	2.7

Blocks Per Game

Andrea CAPITANELLI
  Firenze
  (203-C-86)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Capitanelli, Firen.	1.7
2. Ancellotti, Santar.	1.7
3. Borra, Treviglio	1.4
4. Candido, San Seve.	1.2
5. Gandini, Trieste	1.0
6. Cazzaniga, Pavia	1.0
7. Tessitori, Comsum..	1.0
8. Raminelli, Castell.	1.0
9. Pascolo, Trento	1.0
10. Benevelli, Orland.	0.9

Standings - B1

Nazionale Standings

Div.North-East
1. Trento		18-7
2. Trieste		18-7
3. Perugia		11-13
4. Comsum.it SI		7-17
5. Santarcangelo		7-17
6. Firenze		7-18
Div.North-West
1. Omegna		23-3
2. Torino		17-9
3. Treviglio		15-10
4. Casalpusterlengo		14-11
5. Pavia		13-13
6. Castelletto		8-17
Div.South-East
1. Recanati		13-11
2. Bari		13-12
3. Chieti		12-12
4. San Severo		10-14
5. Fabriano		7-17
6. Ruvo		3-22
Div.South-West
1. Napoli		21-4
2. Orlandina		16-9
3. Ferentino		13-10
4. Latina Basket		11-13
5. Matera		11-13
6. Anagni		8-15

Regal Barcelona grabs thriller win in Cantu, secures first place in Group H - by Eurobasket News
Bennet Cantu - FCB Regal 62-63

Regal Barcelona grabbed 62-63 thriller win in Cantu last night. It was a Round 5 of the Euroleague Top 16 phase and Barca managed to stay undefeated. They secured first place in Group H and booked a spot for the Playoffs. At the other side, Cantu dropped to 2-3 with no chance to advance. Boniface Ndong (213-C-77) led the Spanish champs with 13 points and 5 rebounds. Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) had 12 and Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) added 10 points, plus 6 rebounds. The hosts got 14 points and 8 boards from Giorgi Shermadini (216-C-89). Doron Perkins (188-PG-83, college: Santa Clara) had 12 points, 7 rebs and 5 assists, and third scorer in defeat was Maarten Leunen (206-F-85, college: Oregon) with 9 points. Barca made 0-9 run during the last period for 58-61 lead with something more than 5 minutes to go. Doron Perkins and Giorgi Shermadini answered with mini 4-0 run for 62-61 Cantu lead with 40 seconds remaining. Juan Carlos Navarro made two free throws with 26 seconds to go for a 62-63 Barcelona lead before Basiles potential game-winning jumper from the right baseline went off the front of the rim and out just before the final buzzer. Quarters: 18-18, 15-17, 17-17, 12-11. Barca waits Maccabi in the last round of Top 16. Cantu will go to Kaunas.

Cantu: Giorgi Shermadini 14+8 boards, Doron Perkins 12+7 boards+5 as, Maarten Leunen 9
Barcelona: Boniface Ndong 13+5 boards, Juan Carlos Navarro 12, Erazem Lorbek 10+6 boards

Donnie McGrath joins Tezenis Verona - by Eurobasket News
Donnie McGrath (193-G-84, college: Providence) is coming back to Italy. The guard has agreed on terms of contract with Tezenis Verona. The US-Irish player started the season in France. He played for Cholet Basket. Donnie McGrath averaged 2.6 points and 1.2 assists per game in EuroCup. In ProA his stats read 2.7 points and 2.0 assists per appearance. Later Donnie McGrath moved to Italy to join Banca Tercas Teramo. The guard produced 4.8 points, 3.0 assists and 1.8 rebounds per appearance in Seria A. Previously Donnie McGrath had stints in Greece, Italy. The guard was the member of Irish National Team in 2006/08 seasons.

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JAPAN

Stats Leaders - JBL Superleague

Points Per Game

Takuya KAWAMURA
  Tochigi .
  (193-G-86)
  Avg: 20.4

1. Kawamura, Tochigi	20.4
2. Hale, Mitsubis.	17.5
3. Sakuragi, Aishin SH	17.1
4. Kanamaru, Panasoni.	16.5
5. Orimo, Hokkaido L.	15.6
6. McFarlin, Tochigi	15.5
7. Lewis, Hokkaido L.	14.4
8. Takeuchi, Hitac.	13.8
9. Igarashi, Mitsubis.	13.7
10. Ricci, Toyota Alv.	13.2

Rebounds Per Game

J.R. SAKURAGI
  Aishin SH
  (206-F/C-76)
  Avg: 11.9

1. Sakuragi, Aishin SH	11.9
2. McFarlin, Tochigi	10.0
3. Takeuchi, Hitac.	9.8
4. Moss, Toshiba BT	8.7
5. Diouf, Hokkaido L.	8.3
6. Gibbs, Toyota A.	8.0
7. Hale, Mitsubis.	7.4
8. Ricci, Toyota Alva.	7.3
9. Lewis, Hokkaido L.	6.8
10. Allen, Mitsubis.	6.7

Assists Per Game

Takuya KAWAMURA
  Tochigi .
  (193-G-86)
  Avg: 4.1

1. Kawamura, Tochigi	4.1
2. Sakurai, Hokkaido.	4.1
3. Igarashi, Mitsubis.	3.9
4. Sakuragi, Aishin SH	3.5
5. Kashiwagi, Aishin	3.1
6. Takeuchi, Hitac.	2.9
7. Watanabe, Panason.	2.9
8. Kashiwakura, Hitac.	2.9
9. Tabuse, Tochigi	2.7
10. Hirose, Panasoni.	2.5

Steals Per Game

Takuya KAWAMURA
  Tochigi .
  (193-G-86)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Kawamura, Tochigi	1.8
2. Sato, Hitachi SR	1.7
3. Hale, Mitsubis.	1.6
4. Kashiwagi, Aishin	1.6
5. Hirose, Panasoni.	1.5
6. Gibbs, Toyota A.	1.5
7. Igarashi, Mitsubis.	1.4
8. Diouf, Hokkaido L.	1.4
9. Tabuse, Tochigi	1.3
10. Sakuragi, Aishin	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Joji TAKEUCHI
  Hitac.
  (206-F/C-85)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Takeuchi, Hitac.	1.5
2. Richardson, Aishin	1.4
3. Ricci, Toyota Alva.	1.1
4. Diouf, Hokkaido L.	1.0
5. Takeuchi, Toyota	1.0
6. McFarlin, Tochigi	0.8
7. Hale, Mitsubis.	0.8
8. Aono, Panasonic T.	0.8
9. Merritt, Toshi.	0.8
10. Moss, Toshiba BT	0.7

Standings - JBL

JBL Standings

1. Toyota Alvark		23-9
2. Aishin SH		23-9
3. Panasonic T.		20-13
4. Hitachi SR		19-14
5. Tochigi Brex		15-17
6. Hokkaido L.		14-18
7. Mitsubishi DD		11-21
8. Toshiba BT		4-28

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

LATVIA

LBL2 Round 28: Leader VEF Riga junior gets another victory - by Eurobasket News
Leader VEF Riga junior delivered the twentieth first win on Tuesday night. This time they crushed 8th ranked Ventspils Augstskola (11-12) 73-54. VEF Riga junior have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 21-2 record. Ventspils Augstskola lost third consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with 12 games lost. VEF Riga junior are looking forward to face Gulbene (#15) in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Ventspils Augstskola will play against the league's second-placed Barons kvartals (#2) in Riga and is hoping to prove to their fans that they can break losing series.
Important game to mention about took place in Riga. Fourteenth ranked Valmiera BSS (6-17) saved a 1-point victory on the road edging higher ranked BS Riga (12-10) 73-72 on Monday evening. It was quite big embarassment for the home team. Newly promoted Valmiera BSS maintains fourteenth position with 6-17 record. BS Riga lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the sixth place with ten games lost. They share the position with RSU. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Sixteenth-ranked Ridzene (3-20) made lots of trouble for tenth ranked BS Ogre (8-14) on Wednesday. BS Ogre managed to secure only three-point victory 70-67. However their fans expected much easier game. BS Ogre maintains tenth position with 8-14 record. Ridzene lost tenth consecutive game. They stay dead last with 20 lost games. BS Ogre will meet higher ranked VEF Kadeti (#5) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Ridzene will play against Zemgale/Juniors (#11) in Jelgava and hope to secure a win.
The game with biggest result difference took place in Riga. Local Barons kvartals (20-2) outscored 12th ranked Livani (7-16) 100-65. Barons kvartals have an impressive eight-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place. Livani at the other side dropped to the eleventh position with 16 games lost. Barons kvartals' next round opponent will be Ventspils Augstskola (#8) on the road where they are favorite. Livani will play against Liepaja-2.

In the last two games of round 28 Saldus defeated Cesis in a road game 77-65. Jelgava/LLU were beaten by Liepaja-2 at home 77-90.

Cesis - Saldus 65-77

There was no surprise when 11th ranked Cesis (7-16) were defeated at home by fourth ranked Saldus (18-4) 77-65. The game without a history. Saldus led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Saldus have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 18-4 record. Newly promoted Cesis keep the eleventh place with 16 games lost. Saldus will have a break next round. Cesis will play against Gulbene (#15).

Ogres - Ridzene 70-67

Sixteenth-ranked Ridzene (3-20) made lots of trouble for tenth ranked BS Ogre (8-14) on Wednesday. BS Ogre managed to secure only three-point victory 70-67. However their fans expected much easier game. The hosts trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 3-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 70-67. BS Ogre maintains tenth position with 8-14 record. Ridzene lost tenth consecutive game. They stay dead last with 20 lost games. BS Ogre will meet higher ranked VEF Kadeti (#5) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Ridzene will play against Zemgale/Juniors (#11) in Jelgava and hope to secure a win.

Barons kvartals - Livani 100-65

The game with biggest result difference took place in Riga. Local Barons kvartals (20-2) outscored 12th ranked Livani (7-16) 100-65. The game was mostly controlled by Barons kvartals. Livani was better in third quarter 22-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Barons kvartals have an impressive eight-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place. Livani at the other side dropped to the eleventh position with 16 games lost. Barons kvartals' next round opponent will be Ventspils Augstskola (#8) on the road where they are favorite. Livani will play against Liepaja-2.

BK VEF - VA 73-54

Leader VEF Riga junior delivered the twentieth first win on Tuesday night. This time they crushed 8th ranked Ventspils Augstskola (11-12) 73-54. VEF Riga junior have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 21-2 record. Ventspils Augstskola lost third consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with 12 games lost. VEF Riga junior are looking forward to face Gulbene (#15) in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Ventspils Augstskola will play against the league's second-placed Barons kvartals (#2) in Riga and is hoping to prove to their fans that they can break losing series.

Jelgava/LLU - Liepaja-2 77-90

No shocking result in a game in Jelgava where third ranked Liepaja-2 (20-3) defeated 11th ranked Zemgale/Juniors (7-16) 90-77. Zemgale/Juniors were ahead by 2 points at the halftime before a 55-40 second half run of Liepaja-2. Liepaja-2 maintains third position with 20-3 record behind leader BK VEF. Zemgale/Juniors at the other side keep the eleventh place with 16 games lost. Liepaja-2's next round opponent will be Livani (#13) at home and are hoping to win another game. Zemgale/Juniors will play against Ridzene in Riga.

BS Riga - Valmiera BSS 72-73

Important game to mention about took place in Riga. Fourteenth ranked Valmiera BSS (6-17) saved a 1-point victory on the road edging higher ranked BS Riga (12-10) 73-72 on Monday evening. It was quite big embarassment for the home team. The guests were ahead by 4 points but lost the second period ending it with a 1-point deficit before their 18-16 run, which allowed them to win the game. Newly promoted Valmiera BSS maintains fourteenth position with 6-17 record. BS Riga lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the sixth place with ten games lost. They share the position with RSU. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

Standings - LBAL

LBL2 Standings

1. BK VEF		21-2
2. Barons kvartals		20-2
3. Liepaja-2		20-3
4. Saldus		18-4
5. VEF Kadeti		13-8
6. BS Riga		12-10
7. RSU		12-10
8. VA		11-12
9. DSN		10-12
10. Ogres		8-14
11. Jelgava/LLU		7-16
12. Cesis		7-16
13. Livani		7-16
14. Valmiera BSS		6-17
15. Gulbene		5-18
16. Ridzene		3-20

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

LIGA AMERICAS

Quentin Smith joins Pioneros de Quintana - by Eurobasket News
Pioneros de Quintana strengthen their roster prior to the start of Liga Americas 2012. They landed Quentin Smith (205-C-77, college: Mississippi St.) lately. Quentin Smith started the season in Ecuador. The centre played for UTEQ. Quentin Smith tallied 15.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.0 block and 1.0 steal per game in Liga Sudamericana. Last season the centre tipped off with Huesca in Spain. He averaged 7.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game in LEB Gold. Later the centre had stints in Dominican Republic and Uruguay. Quentin Smith also played Venezuela, Argentina, Spain, Uruguay, Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, Kosovo and Norway before. Eurobasket.com named Quentin Smith All-Kosovo League Import Player of the Year in 2006.
Pioneros de Quintana open Liga Americas campaign tonight. They host Vivo/Franca of Brazil in Group A.

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

LITHUANIA

Baltic League. Tarvas enter Challenge Cup Final - by Eurobasket News
Tarvas - Sakalai 102:91

Rakvere Tarvas became the first finalists of Baltic League Challenge Cup. They defeated Sakalai for the second time in a row to seal the birth in the title series. Juris Umbrasko (197-G/F-79) stepped up with 33 points to lead the Estonian team.
Tarvas enjoyed a 7-point buffer after the game in Lithuania. The teams stayed close throughout the starting frame. The scoreboard read 22:22 after ten minutes of action. Sakalai fired 27 points in the second term to pull ahead for a narrow 49:48 halftime lead. Rakvere however exploded with 32 points in the third term to take a comfortable 80:64 lead at the final break. Sakalai fought till the final second but the mission was too difficult to be achieved. Tarvas will play in the Challenge Cup Final. Rinalds Sirsnins (186-PG-85) provided 26 points, while Kaspars Cipruss (210-C-82, agency: Interperformances) added 15 points for the winners. Virginijus Sirvydis (196-G/F-73) answered with 21 points for Sakalai. Evaldas Baniulis (201-F-87, college: S.Carolina) had 19 points in the loss.

Tarvas: Juris Umbrasko 33, Rinalds Sirsnins 26, Kaspars Cipruss 15
Sakalai: Virginijus Sirvydis 21, Evaldas Baniulis 19

NKL Round 7: Nafta Universitetas lose #1 position in their group - by Eurobasket News
Round 7 in NKL Second Stage means a new league leader. The biggest surprise took place in Marijampole where host Matinga-Juod. (21-16) crushed league's leader Nafta Universitetas (23-14) 83-63 on Friday evening. The hosts trailed by 3 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 12-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 83-63. Matinga-Juod. dominated on the defensive end, holding Nafta Universitetas to just 7 points in second quarter. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists comparing to just 11 passes made by Nafta Universitetas' players. Guard Aurimas Birgelis (190-88) fired 24 points and 9 assists (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) for the winners. Center Mindaugas Kalvelis (205-80) chipped in 13 points and 11 rebounds. Forward Julius Kazakauskas (197-90) produced 15 points and 8 rebounds for lost side. Nafta Universitetas' coach Dainius Miliunas rotated eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Newly promoted Matinga-Juod. maintains seventh place in with 21-16 record. Nafta Universitetas at the other side dropped to the second position with 14 games lost. They were replaced at the leadership position by Radviliskis. Nafta Universitetas will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest and make it back to the top of the standings. Matinga-Juod. will try to continue on its current victory against second ranked Nafta Universitetas in Klaipeda.
The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Radviliskis as it allowed them to take a leadership position in . Radviliskis defeated 3rd placed Delikatesas at home 73-61. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Audrius Mineikis (201-77) who helped to win the game recording 9 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Juozas Ramanauskas contributed with 12 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Center Tautvydas Slezas (207-90, agency: Interperformances) answered with a double-double by scoring 14 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists for Delikatesas. As mentioned above they took over a top position. Delikatesas at the other side keeps the third place with 15 games lost. Delikatesas will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest in order to get back on the winning path. Radviliskis will try to continue on its current victory against sixth ranked Zalgiris-Sabonio at Kaunas.
A very close game took place in Kaunas between Zalgiris-Sabonio and LKKA-Atletas. Sixth ranked Zalgiris-Sabonio (21-15) got a very close home victory over 4th placed LKKA-Atletas (22-15). Zalgiris-Sabonio managed to escape with a 2-point win 80-78 on Friday evening. It was a great evening for Tomas Dimsa who led his team to a victory scoring 16 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Zalgiris-Sabonio's coach Tomas Masiulis used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. At the losing side Vidmantas Sragauskis responded with 25 points and 9 rebounds. Zalgiris-Sabonio maintains sixth place in with 21-15 record. Loser LKKA-Atletas keeps the fourth position with 15 games lost. Zalgiris-Sabonio will meet at home league's leader Radviliskis in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. LKKA-Atletas will have a break next round.
A very interesting game took place in Siauliai. This derby game ended with only three-point home defeat of 16th ranked ABRO-Universitetas (7-30) to fifteenth ranked Gargzdai-Bremena (10-27) 65-62 in the fight for the fifteenth place. It was an exceptional evening for Egidijus Ramanauskas who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 16 rebounds. Gargzdai-Bremena's coach Rytas Vaisvila allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Newly promoted Gargzdai-Bremena maintains fifteenth place in with 10-27 record. ABRO-Universitetas at the other side stay dead last with 30 lost games. Gargzdai-Bremena will have a break next round. ABRO-Universitetas will play again on the road against Gargzdai-Bremena (#15) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Another exciting game was a derby match between two local teams from Vilnius: S.Marciulionio (#12) and Perlas-MRU (#9). Perlas-MRU was defeated at home 79-83 and even the advantage of their own court did not help. Nerijus Varnelis fired 25 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. S.Marciulionio (18-19) moved-up to eleventh place in . S.Marciulionio will have a break next round. Perlas-MRU's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Vilnius to the arena S.Marciulionio.

Other games of round 7 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Triobet was defeated by Mazeikiai in a road game 70-52. Zalgiris-Sabonio beat Matinga-Juod. at home 84-80. Statyba destroyed Silute on the opponent's court 83-61. Meresta was outscored by Ezerunas-Karys in a home game 76-99.
The best stats of 7th round was 30 points and 7 assists by Sarunas Vingelis of LKKA-Atletas.

Group A

Mazeikiai - Triobet 70-52

There was no surprise when 8th ranked Triobet (19-18) was defeated on the road by fifth ranked Mazeikiai (22-15) 70-52 on Friday. The game was mostly controlled by Mazeikiai. Triobet was better in second period 23-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Triobet to just 5 points in fourth quarter. Mazeikiai forced 23 Triobet turnovers. Forward Janas Jurgo (200-83) fired a double-double by scoring 14 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. American guard Parrish Brown (185-84, college: Maryland, agency: Hightower Law Firm) chipped in 19 points and 4 assists. Forward Vytautas Kruzikas (199-89) produced 13 points and 6 rebounds and forward Martynas Linkevicius (197-85) added 8 points and 7 rebounds respectively for lost side. Triobet's coach Kestutis Narusevicius tested twelve players seeing no chance for a win. Mazeikiai maintains fifth place in with 22-15 record. Loser Triobet dropped to the ninth position with 18 games lost. Mazeikiai will face again Triobet (#9) in Jonava in the next round.
Top scorers:
Triobet: V.Kruzikas 13+6reb, M.Linkevicius 8+7reb+3ast, P.Vaitiekunas 8+5reb, T.Sebeziovas 8+2reb, H.Vorotnikovas 6+3reb+1ast, E.Zukas 3+2reb
Mazeikiai: P.Brown 19+2reb+4ast, C.Brock 15+6reb, J.Jurgo 14+13reb+1ast, M.Stasys 7+2reb+2ast, R.Trakimas 4+2reb, M.Norkus 4+4reb+2ast

Zalgiris-Sabonio - LKKA-Atletas 80-78

A very close game took place in Kaunas between Zalgiris-Sabonio and LKKA-Atletas. Sixth ranked Zalgiris-Sabonio (21-15) got a very close home victory over 4th placed LKKA-Atletas (22-15). Zalgiris-Sabonio managed to escape with a 2-point win 80-78 on Friday evening. LKKA-Atletas cut a 17-point first quarter deficit to two at the end of the game. Zalgiris-Sabonio dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to LKKA-Atletas' 44. It was a great evening for swingman Tomas Dimsa (195-94) who led his team to a victory scoring 16 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Power forward Simonas Kymantas (204-93) helped adding 16 points and 7 rebounds. Zalgiris-Sabonio's coach Tomas Masiulis used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. At the losing side forward Vidmantas Sragauskis (200-86) responded with 25 points and 9 rebounds and center Tomas Urbonas (218-92) scored 16 points and 7 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Zalgiris-Sabonio maintains sixth place in with 21-15 record. Loser LKKA-Atletas keeps the fourth position with 15 games lost. Zalgiris-Sabonio will meet at home league's leader Radviliskis in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. LKKA-Atletas will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
LKKA-Atletas: V.Sragauskis 25+9reb+2ast, T.Urbonas 16+7reb+1ast, D.Gricius 11+4reb+1ast, M.Sapiega 10+4reb+8ast, S.Vingelis 8+3reb+5ast, A.Sakalauskas 7+2reb
Zalgiris-Sabonio: T.Dimsa 16+5reb+6ast, S.Kymantas 16+7reb+1ast, R.Jakstas 15+4reb+2ast, Z.Skucas 11+4reb+1ast, V.Kariniauskas 8+2reb+6ast, T.Jogela 6+3reb+2ast

Radviliskis - Delikatesas 73-61

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Radviliskis as it allowed them to take a leadership position in . Radviliskis defeated 3rd placed Delikatesas at home 73-61. The game was mostly controlled by Radviliskis. Delikatesas was better in fourth quarter 20-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Delikatesas 45-33 including 31 on the defensive glass. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Audrius Mineikis (201-77) who helped to win the game recording 9 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Center Juozas Ramanauskas (207-85) contributed with 12 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Center Tautvydas Slezas (207-90, agency: Interperformances) answered with a double-double by scoring 14 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists and swingman Vaidotas Jatulevicius (194-88) added 10 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Delikatesas. Four Delikatesas players scored in double figures. As mentioned above they took over a top position. Delikatesas at the other side keeps the third place with 15 games lost. Delikatesas will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest in order to get back on the winning path. Radviliskis will try to continue on its current victory against sixth ranked Zalgiris-Sabonio at Kaunas.
Top scorers:
Delikatesas: T.Slezas 14+11reb+5ast, Z.Petraitis 10+1reb, V.Jatulevicius 10+6reb+1ast, A.Kvedaravicius 10+2reb+3ast, P.Klemas 9+2reb+2ast, V.Uzkuraitis 6+4reb
Radviliskis: L.Valantinas 12+1reb, J.Ramanauskas 12+9reb+1ast, M.Pukinskas 10+5reb, A.Mineikis 9+11reb+4ast, T.Rakauskas 9+4reb+2ast, R.Grinius 8+6reb+1ast

Matinga-Juod. - Nafta Universitetas 83-63

Round 7 in NKL means a new league leader. The biggest surprise took place in Marijampole where host Matinga-Juod. (21-16) crushed league's leader Nafta Universitetas (23-14) 83-63 on Friday evening. The hosts trailed by 3 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 12-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 83-63. Matinga-Juod. dominated on the defensive end, holding Nafta Universitetas to just 7 points in second quarter. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists comparing to just 11 passes made by Nafta Universitetas' players. Guard Aurimas Birgelis (190-88) fired 24 points and 9 assists (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) for the winners. Center Mindaugas Kalvelis (205-80) chipped in a double-double by scoring 13 points and 11 rebounds. Four Matinga-Juod. players scored in double figures. Forward Julius Kazakauskas (197-90) produced 15 points and 8 rebounds and center Arturas Gudaitis (208-93) added 14 points, 7 rebounds and 4 blocks respectively for lost side. Nafta Universitetas' coach Dainius Miliunas rotated eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Newly promoted Matinga-Juod. maintains seventh place in with 21-16 record. Nafta Universitetas at the other side dropped to the second position with 14 games lost. They were replaced at the leadership position by Radviliskis. Nafta Universitetas will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest and make it back to the top of the standings. Matinga-Juod. will try to continue on its current victory against second ranked Nafta Universitetas in Klaipeda.
Top scorers:
Nafta Universitetas: J.Kazakauskas 15+8reb+3ast, A.Gudaitis 14+7reb, H.Venskus 9+2reb+3ast, V.Chodosovskis 7+3reb, D.Norkus 7+2reb+1ast, D.Zvinklys 4+4reb
Matinga-Juod.: A.Birgelis 24+1reb+9ast, M.Kalvelis 13+11reb+2ast, A.Cizikas 10+4reb+4ast, P.Gvazdaitis 10+9reb+2ast, A.Zibuda 8+1reb, K.Pupinis 6+2reb+1ast

Zalgiris-Sabonio - Matinga-Juod. 84-80

The game between closely ranked teams ended with sixth ranked Zalgiris-Sabonio's (21-15) home victory over 7th ranked Matinga-Juod. (21-16) 84-80 on Tuesday. The hosts trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 5-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 84-80. Zalgiris-Sabonio forced 20 Matinga-Juod. turnovers. Forward Rolandas Jakstas (200-92) fired 18 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Forward Vaidas Kariniauskas (198-93) chipped in 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Zalgiris-Sabonio players scored in double figures. Guard Aurimas Birgelis (190-88) produced 22 points and guard Paulius Knyza (190-91) added 14 points respectively for lost side. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Zalgiris-Sabonio maintains sixth place in with 21-15 record. Newly promoted Matinga-Juod. keeps the seventh position with 16 games lost. Zalgiris-Sabonio will face league's leader Radviliskis at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Matinga-Juod. will play against the league's second-placed Nafta Universitetas (#2) in Klaipeda.
Top scorers:
Matinga-Juod.: A.Birgelis 22+3reb+3ast, P.Knyza 14+2reb+1ast, Z.Kuklierius 10+5ast, M.Kalvelis 8+4reb, K.Pupinis 6+7reb+1ast, P.Gvazdaitis 6+3reb
Zalgiris-Sabonio: R.Jakstas 18+9reb, V.Kariniauskas 17+5reb+4ast, R.Simanavicius 12+2reb+1ast, T.Dimsa 11+1reb+2ast, T.Jogela 8+3reb+1ast, S.Kymantas 6+7reb+1ast

Group B

Silute - Statyba 61-83

Very expected game when 14th ranked Silute (14-23) was rolled over at home by tenth ranked Statyba (19-18) 83-61 on Friday. The game without a history. Statyba led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Forward Remigijus Sugintas (200-87) fired 16 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Guard Tomas Galeckas (183-94) chipped in 16 points. Guard Ignas Razutis (185-87) produced 15 points (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) and forward Deividas Petravicius (198-83, college: Northwestern St.) added 13 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Statyba moved-up to eighth place in . Loser Silute keeps the fourteenth position with 23 games lost. Statyba will have a break next round. Silute will play again on the road against Statyba (#8) in Vilnius.
Top scorers:
Silute: I.Razutis 15+4reb+3ast, V.Pancerevas 13+2reb+3ast, D.Petravicius 13+6reb+1ast, E.Saulys 8+5reb, A.Kaubrys 6+6reb+2ast, M.Tamasevicius 2
Statyba: R.Sugintas 16+5reb+1ast, T.Galeckas 16+4reb+1ast, O.Varanauskas 10+5reb+4ast, T.Rinkunas 8+6reb, M.Budzinauskas 7+1reb+1ast, L.Kazlauskas 7+2reb+1ast

ABRO-Univ. - Gargzdai 62-65

A very interesting game took place in Siauliai. This derby game ended with only three-point home defeat of 16th ranked ABRO-Universitetas (7-30) to fifteenth ranked Gargzdai-Bremena (10-27) 65-62 in the fight for the fifteenth place. The guests were ahead by 6 points but lost the second period ending it with a 6-point deficit before their 18-9 run, which allowed them to win the game. Gargzdai-Bremena outrebounded ABRO-Universitetas 51-28 including a 22-7 advantage in offensive rebounds. It was an exceptional evening for forward Egidijus Ramanauskas (202-88) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 16 rebounds. Swingman Tadas Mazelis (194-92) accounted for 14 points for the winning side. Gargzdai-Bremena's coach Rytas Vaisvila allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Center Agnius Gurklys (205-88) came up with 16 points and 7 rebounds and guard Rokas Giedraitis (195-92) added 14 points respectively for ABRO-Universitetas in the defeat. Four ABRO-Universitetas players scored in double figures. Newly promoted Gargzdai-Bremena maintains fifteenth place in with 10-27 record. ABRO-Universitetas at the other side stay dead last with 30 lost games. Gargzdai-Bremena will have a break next round. ABRO-Universitetas will play again on the road against Gargzdai-Bremena (#15) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
ABRO-Univ.: A.Gurklys 16+7reb, R.Giedraitis 14+4reb+1ast, E.Vaupsas 10+5reb+2ast, N.Mika 10+1reb+1ast, A.Kurauskas 9+4reb+5ast, E.Grikstas 2
Gargzdai: T.Mazelis 14+3reb+1ast, E.Ramanauskas 12+16reb+2ast, D.Matutis 10+1reb, M.Grigaitis 9+3reb+1ast, M.Martinkus 6+2reb+3ast, L.Jonuska 5+9reb

Perlas-MRU - S.Marciulionio 79-83

Another exciting game was a derby match between two local teams from Vilnius: S.Marciulionio (#12) and Perlas-MRU (#9). Perlas-MRU was defeated at home 79-83 and even the advantage of their own court did not help. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Perlas-MRU won third quarter 27-18. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when S.Marciulionio won last quarter 22-19. S.Marciulionio outrebounded Perlas-MRU 33-21. It was a great shooting night for S.Marciulionio especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.9 percentage. Forward Nerijus Varnelis (200-78) fired 25 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Forward Vaidas Trepocka (200-80, agency: Court Side) chipped in 22 points and 6 rebounds (on 11-of-12 shooting from the field). Power forward Mantas Virbalas (203-88) produced 27 points and 7 rebounds and forward Mantas Kazonas (201-89) added 16 points and 4 assists respectively for lost side. Four Perlas-MRU players scored in double figures. S.Marciulionio (18-19) moved-up to eleventh place in . S.Marciulionio will have a break next round. Perlas-MRU's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Vilnius to the arena S.Marciulionio.
Top scorers:
Perlas-MRU: M.Virbalas 27+7reb+1ast, M.Kazonas 16+3reb+4ast, K.Brusokas 13+5reb, P.Semaska 10+3reb+2ast, T.Padegimas 8+3reb+3ast, D.Domarkas 5+1ast
S.Marciulionio: N.Varnelis 25+7reb+2ast, V.Trepocka 22+6reb+2ast, R.Bitinas 9+3reb+3ast, T.Lekunas 9+8reb+4ast, J.Elvikis 6+3reb, M.Pociukonis 5+3reb+4ast

Meresta - Ezerunas-Karys 76-99

Rather predictable result in Pakruojis where eleventh ranked Ezerunas-Karys (19-18) outscored 13th ranked Meresta (17-20) 99-76 on Friday. Ezerunas-Karys dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Meresta's 38. Guard Paulius Lescinskas (188-93) fired 29 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Guard Marius Kugauda (191-76) chipped in 14 points and 6 assists. Ezerunas-Karys' coach Mindaugas Kildisius felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Forward Darius Griskenas (194-84) produced 15 points and 9 rebounds and guard Simonas Slivka (193-86) added 18 points respectively for lost side. Five Ezerunas-Karys and four Meresta players scored in double figures. Ezerunas-Karys moved-up to tenth place in . Loser Meresta keeps the thirteenth position with 20 games lost. Ezerunas-Karys will have a break next round. Meresta will play again on the road against Ezerunas-Karys (#10) in Moletai.
Top scorers:
Meresta: S.Slivka 18+4reb+1ast, D.Griskenas 15+9reb, A.Maneikis 12+6reb+2ast, B.Bagdonavicius 11+4reb, S.Raziulis 8+2reb+3ast, K.Artamonov 7+1reb+2ast
Ezerunas-Karys: P.Lescinskas 29+7reb, M.Kugauda 14+2reb+6ast, B.Steponenas 11+3reb+2ast, R.Ambrulaitis 11+8reb+1ast, G.Kulbis 10+2reb+2ast, M.Janisius 6+5reb

Standings - NKL

NKL Standings

1. Radviliskis		23-13
2. Nafta Universitetas		23-14
3. Delikatesas		22-15
4. LKKA-Atletas		22-15
5. Mazeikiai		22-15
6. Zalgiris-Sabonio		21-15
7. Matinga-Juod.		21-16
8. Statyba		19-18
9. Triobet		19-18
10. Ezerunas-Karys		19-18
11. S.Marciulionio		18-19
12. Perlas-MRU		18-19
13. Meresta		17-20
14. Silute		14-23
15. Gargzdai		10-27
16. ABRO-Univ.		7-30

Stats Leaders - NKL

Points Per Game

Sarunas VINGELIS
  LKKA-.
  (192-G-89)
  Avg: 21.5

1. Vingelis, LKKA-.	21.5
2. Uzkuraitis, Delika.	19.8
3. Rakauskas, Radvili.	18.4
4. Birgelis, Matinga-.	18.3
5. Jucikas, AB.	17.8
6. Varnelis, S.Marc.	17.6
7. Maneikis, Meresta	17.5
8. Gudaitis, Gargzdai	17.0
9. Sragauskis, LKKA-.	16.9
10. Brown, Mazeikiai	16.7

Rebounds Per Game

Arturas GUDAITIS
  Gargzdai
  (208-C-93)
  Avg: 10.8

1. Gudaitis, Gargzdai	10.8
2. Ambrulaitis, Ezeru.	8.9
3. Mineikis, Radvilis.	8.2
4. Urbonas, LK.	8.2
5. Kalvelis, Matinga-.	7.7
6. Jucikas, AB.	7.4
7. Linkevicius, Triob.	7.4
8. Pikalavicius, Deli.	7.3
9. Kazakauskas, Naft.	7.3
10. Ramanauskas, Radv.	7.2

Assists Per Game

Matas SAPIEGA
  LK.
  (179-PG-90)
  Avg: 8.6

1. Sapiega, LK.	8.6
2. Kurauskas, AB.	5.3
3. Razutis, Silute	5.0
4. Semaska, Perla.	4.9
5. Malasauskas, LKKA.	4.6
6. Vileita, Perla.	4.5
7. Varanauskas, Stat.	4.4
8. Kuklierius, Mating.	4.4
9. Kulbis, Ezerunas.	4.3
10. Vasiliauskas, Tri.	4.3

Steals Per Game

Ignas RAZUTIS
  Silute
  (185-G-87)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Razutis, Silute	2.8
2. Vileita, Perla.	2.5
3. Brown, Mazeikiai	2.4
4. Slivka, Meresta	2.2
5. Jogela, Zalgir.	2.2
6. Uzkuraitis, Delika.	2.0
7. Birgelis, Matinga-.	1.9
8. Paliukenas, S.Marc.	1.9
9. Vasiliauskas, Trio.	1.9
10. Semaska, Perla.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Tomas URBONAS
  LK.
  (218-C-92)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Urbonas, LK.	2.9
2. Mockevicius, S.Mar.	1.8
3. Gudaitis, Gargzdai	1.7
4. Kaubrys, Silute	1.2
5. Jucikas, AB.	1.1
6. Krestinin, S.Marc.	1.1
7. Kymantas, Zalgir.	1.0
8. Ramanauskas, Sil.	1.0
9. Vaitiekunas, Triob.	1.0
10. Kalvelis, Matinga.	0.9

MEXICO

MONTENEGRO

Standings - 1A

1A Standings

1. Mornar Bar		14-1
2. Lovcen		11-5
3. Sutjeska		10-6
4. Teodo Tivat		10-6
5. Mogren		9-7
6. KK Podgorica		6-9
7. Ulcinj		5-7
8. Jedinstvo		4-9
9. Danilovgrad		3-12
10. ABS Primorje		3-13
Play in international cups:
1. Buducnost		-

Balkan League: Scott decisive in the important win against OKK Beograd - by Darko Pekic
Mornar won the home game against Serbian side OKK Beograd on Thursday and secured a spot in the Balkan league play-offs. Akeem Scott (186-PG-83, agency: Interperformances, college: High Point) was the hero of the night, as he scored two-free throws that tied the game, and after that added a game winning shot for 75:73. The game between two old rivals from ex YUBA league was tied and both teams traded the lead while trying to get a positive result from the game. But there is always a looser and a winner and coach Mihajlo Pavicevic 's guys had more luck and experience in final minutes of the game.

Akeem Scott was outstanding once again with 22 points, 8 rebounds and 5 steals. Ex Red Star Belgrade, Lazar Radosavljevic (204-F-91, agency: Beo Basket) needed only one rebound to reach a double double (16 pts, 9rbs). For the guests from Serbia, Nemanja Bezbradica (205-F/C-93, agency: Beo Basket) scored 18 points, Filip Sepa (198-SG-90, agency: Beo Basket) added 16 while another ex player of Red Star Belgrade, Nenad Misanovic (217-C-84) had a double double (14pts and 12 rbs)

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NBA

Thunder top Lakers 100-85, tie Miami for NBA's best record at All-Star break - by Eurobasket News
Oklah.City T. - LA Lakers 100-85
It's not so easy any more for the Los Angeles Lakers to push around the Oklahoma City Thunder. Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) scored 33 points, Russell Westbrook (6'3''-PG-88, college: UCLA) added 19 and the Thunder beat the Lakers 100-85 Thursday night to head into the All-Star break tied for the league's best record. The Thunder won their 12th straight home game and denied Los Angeles the chance to head into the midseason break with back-to-back statement wins on the road. The Lakers had won at defending NBA champion Dallas a night earlier and were trying to follow it by knocking off the other half of last year's West finals. 'It's a regular game for us,' Durant said, downplaying any significance of a midseason victory. 'Of course, we respect those guys and they're champions and they've won multiple rings but it's another game for us. You're just trying to get better every single day.' Oklahoma City and Miami both have NBA-leading 27-7 records at the break. The Lakers are 20-14 and sitting in fifth place in the West. 'It's cool that we're winning games but we can't be complacent,' Durant said. 'We've been on a good roll lately. We've got to just keep working hard. It's not over yet. We're glad we're going into the break with some wins but I think it's important for us to come out of the break with some energy and some momentum.' Kobe Bryant scored 24 points but went 7 for 24 from the field for Los Angeles. Pau Gasol had 22 points and nine rebounds. The Thunder pulled away in the second half to win their second in a row against the Lakers, who won eight of the teams' previous nine regular-season meetings and knocked Oklahoma City out of the 2010 playoffs in the first round. 'They did a great job. They took advantage of opportunities when they presented themselves, jumped out to a good cushion and we could never get the game back in balance,' Bryant said. The Lakers, once able to use their size advantage against Oklahoma City, struggled to get those same inside baskets against the remade Thunder interior of NBA blocks leader Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins. Center Andrew Bynum started out 2 for 12 before finally hitting three in a row midway through the fourth quarter. His two-handed slam got the Lakers within 81-74 with 7 minutes remaining, only for Oklahoma City to come right back by scoring the next seven points on a three-point play by Westbrook and dunks by Harden and Perkins. Los Angeles didn't get any closer than nine after that. 'Going into this game, we really wanted to keep them out of the paint, keep them away from the basket and rebound the shot,' Thunder coach Scott Brooks said. 'Just give them one shot - one and done, and get out and run.' Harden scored 16 and Ibaka added 11 points and 13 rebounds for Oklahoma City, which limited L.A. to 39 percent shooting while making 47 percent of its own shots. 'We have to work too hard to get points going up against defenses that are set and double-teams all the time,' Bryant said. 'Having a little bit more movement, it'll free Andrew up, free Pau up, free myself up to where I don't have to work against two guys all the time.' Bryant said he didn't have any expectations for where the Lakers would be at the midpoint of their first season under Mike Brown and considered himself 'neutral' about their play so far. He had made waves recently by criticizing management about leaving Gasol to wonder whether he'd be traded, but general manager Mitch Kupchak didn't back down. 'Just trucking along,' Bryant said. 'As you can see, we still have things we have to figure out about how we're going to play and how we're going to execute. 'It's going to take time, especially in this type of season when we don't have any practice time.' The Thunder emerged ahead 46-43 after a closely contested first half, with Westbrook connecting on a 3-pointer from the left wing with 0.8 seconds left and Durant stealing Bynum's inbounds pass along the left baseline before hitting a jumper before the buzzer. Bynum and World Peace, his intended target, walked off the court discussing what went wrong. The Lakers would never lead again. Durant converted a three-point play and Daequan Cook hit a 3-pointer during a burst of eight straight points for Oklahoma City midway through the third quarter, and the lead stretched to 71-58 when Cook followed Harden's slam by hitting a right wing jumper with 1:43 left in the period. 'We didn't close the half off well at all, and then the third quarter they were more playing their game and we were making it a little easy for them by not moving the ball, by the ball getting stuck on one side of the floor and settling for jumpers,' Gasol said. 'They just came out and ran. That's what they do.' *Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com

Atlanta H. - Orlando M. 83-78
Josh Smith (6'9''-F-85) scored 22 points and pulled down 12 rebounds to help the Atlanta Hawks snap a three-game skid with an 83-78 victory over the Orlando Magic on Thursday night. J.J. Redick (6'4''-G-84, college: Duke) finished with 13 points and Dwight Howard had 12 for the Magic, who had won two straight and six of seven. Hawks leading scorer Joe Johnson missed his second straight game with left knee tendinitis, but Atlanta got 36 points from their reserves, including Jannero Pargo with 15 and Willie Green with 14. The Magic recovered from a 10-point second quarter by scoring 25 in the third to pull within three heading into the final period. Howard's lay-in cut the lead to 69-68 with 4:42 left, but the Magic never got any closer. Green hit a 3-pointer from the left wing with 3:16 remaining and followed with a fast-break runner over Redick to make it 74-68. Pargo scored 12 points in the second quarter, including consecutive possessions that made it 41-28 after he hit a 3-pointer and a 16-footer on assists from Tracy McGrady. The Hawks led 47-30 at halftime, thanks in part to a 21-2 advantage on fast-break points and a 28-18 edge in rebounds. Atlanta missed its first five shots of the first quarter and last six of the second, but hit 58.3 percent of 36 attempts in between. Pargo's 19-footer with 3:21 left in the second ended the first-half scoring, but he bent over in pain after running into Howard's screen late in the third quarter and was never again a factor. Smith missed nine of his last 11 shots after scoring 14 points in the first. Atlanta had lost five of six and eight of 11 overall, but the Hawks took their sixth straight win at Philips Arena over the Magic. After Howard's three-point play with 1:26 remaining made it 74-71, Green scored a wild runner from the left baseline over Howard's outstretched arm to give the Hawks a 76-71 lead. Atlanta guard Jeff Teague finished with 13 points, while Magic forwards Hedo Turkoglu and Ryan Anderson combined for 22 points. *Courtesy of http://abcnews.go.com

Denver N. - San Antonio S. 99-114
DeJuan Blair (6'7''-F-89, college: Pittsburgh) tied a career high with 28 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, helping the San Antonio Spurs beat the Denver Nuggets 114-99 on Thursday night to wrap up a nine-game road swing. Buoyed by a 19-1 run midway through the first quarter, the Spurs jumped out to a big lead and then held on at the end. They've won 12 of their last 13 heading into the All-Star break and lead the Southwest Division by three games over the defending champion Dallas Mavericks. All five starters for the Spurs scored in double figures. Tony Parker (6'0''-PG-82) had 16 points and 12 assists, while Tim Duncan added 18 points. Richard Jefferson hit 5 of 7 3-point attempts and scored 17. The Spurs finished their rodeo road swing with an 8-1 mark. In all, the team spent 17 days away from home and logged 7,941 miles. The nine straight games away tied a franchise record. Corey Brewer scored 23 points for the banged-up and beleaguered Nuggets, who have lost 12 of their last 16 to drop out of the playoff picture. The loudest cheer of the night came when rookie Kenneth Faried slammed home a pass from Andre Miller midway through the third quarter. That cut the Spurs' lead to 24 points. It was simply that kind of night for Denver. Duncan and Parker were back in the lineup after coach Gregg Popovich elected to rest them in a lopsided 137-97 loss in Portland on Tuesday. While most of the Spurs receive a break, Parker will head to the All-Star game as a reserve. He will be making his fourth appearance, joining George Gervin, David Robinson and Duncan as the only San Antonio players be picked at least that many times. Parker is in the midst of another strong season, averaging nearly 20 points and eight assists. Before the game, Nuggets coach George Karl was asked what his team's focus would be against the Spurs. 'Parker,' he said, with little hesitation. But the problem Thursday was perimeter defense as the Spurs hit 13 3-pointers and shot 48 percent from the field. San Antonio led by as many as 28 points in the second half and looked to be headed toward a rout. Duncan even took a seat on the bench, figuring his night was finished. When the Nuggets pulled within 12 points with 6:42 remaining, Popovich quickly summoned Duncan back into the game. From there, the Spurs pulled away again. Blair hit four straight free throws to silence the threat. Blair was dominant down low, hitting 12 of 21 shots. The Nuggets showed their fatigue early on, falling behind 26-7 midway through the opening quarter. The team arrived back in town late Tuesday night after a 103-95 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. This has been an injury-filled season for the Nuggets. They were without speedy point guard Ty Lawson (left ankle), big man Nene (calf strain) and leading scorer Danilo Gallinari (left ankle). Although they were supposed to have Rudy Fernandez back on the court, he ended up missing his fourth straight game with a strained lower back. Miller finished with 20 points, while Jordan Hamilton had an interesting stat line - no points and nine boards. *Courtesy of www.cbsnews.com

Miami Heat - New York K. 102-88
Jeremy Lin (6'3''-PG-88, college: Harvard) was held to one basket and the Miami Heat made 12 steals in a 102-88 defeat of the New York Knicks, who were playing a road game against a winning team for the first time since Linsanity began. Lin had eight points on 1-of-11 shooting, three assists and eight turnovers as the Knicks lost for the third time in their last five games after a seven-game winning streak that began when Lin took over at point guard. Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech) scored 25 points, Dwyane Wade had 22 and LeBron James added 20 for the Heat (27-7), which won its eighth straight game. Miami entered the game tied with Oklahoma City for the best record in the NBA. The Thunder host the Los Angeles Lakers later tonight. Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks (17-18) with 19 points and Amar'e Stoudemire had 13 at AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami. Lin, 23, is the first Harvard University graduate in the NBA since Ed Smith in 1954 and the first Chinese- or Taiwanese- American to play in the league. He was cut by two other clubs before signing with the Knicks on Dec. 27. The Knicks have now won nine of their 12 games since Lin started running the offense on Feb. 4. Six of those wins have come at Madison Square Garden, and none of the three road victories has come against a team with a winning record. Miami led 24-20 after the first quarter, during which Lin had two points, two assists and three turnovers. The Knicks opened the second quarter with a 10-2 run that included a pair of 3-pointers by Steve Novak while Lin was on the bench. The Heat led 51-47 at the half. Lin had two points, two assists and six turnovers at the break, and was 1-for-5 shooting -- including an air ball on a 10-foot floater midway through the second period. Miami had 11 steals in the first half. Miami was ahead 80-66 entering the fourth period. Lin's six points in the third period all came on free throws. *Courtesy of www.bloomberg.com

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Derrick Rose feeling good, denied trade rumors - by Eurobasket News
Derrick Rose (6'3''-G-88, college: Memphis) spoke to reporters for the first time since his five-game absence prior to tipoff of Wednesday's 110-91 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.

It was his second straight game since returning to the lineup, having scored 23 points and handing out six assists in nearly 35 minutes in Monday nights win over the Atlanta Hawks.

I felt good. If anything, I was just trying to test myself, trying to make sure that I still have it, said Rose. I hit a couple of shots, some of them I usually hit, I missed. I just tried to play my game, thats aggressive and it started off pretty good.

He followed that up with 16 points and seven assists in 30 minutes against Milwaukee and said his back is no longer a concern.

Im not worried about it anymore, said Rose. I dont feel any pain anymore.

Rose also admitted that the rehabilitation and steps he has taken to return to the court will be a process he follows for the remainder of the season, continuing to do daily stretching and visiting with his chiropractor.

Ill go see him after shootarounds and days off, said Rose. Just go up there for an hour, so that he can work on me and get back to what Im doing.

Usually making himself available to reporters after games, Rose explained the reason he didnt address the media following his return on Monday.

I was just tired of hearing about my back, he said. I just needed a break. Im sorry about [not speaking] but I needed a break.

He also dismissed the circulated rumors of him privately urging management to pursue trading Carlos Boozer for Los Angeles Lakers power forward Pau Gasol.

I heard it after the game [on Monday] and thats something that I wouldnt say to anyone, said Rose. It was all false and thats something Ill never do. Im good with the teammates that I have. Ive always been saying that. Weve been winning games and were not in the position to look to trade anyone right now.

I talked to [Boozer] a little bit, but I think he already knew that [the rumor] was false, continued Rose. Its something that I wouldnt do to anyone. It was all false.

Courtesy of www.csnchicago.com

Jeremy Lin of N.Y. Knicks files request to trademark Linsanity phrase - by Eurobasket News
Jeremy Lin (6'3''-PG-88, college: Harvard) wants to own the term Linsanity.

Lin, who has rejuvenated the New York Knicks over the past two weeks, moved to take control of the catch phrase thats encapsulated his meteoric rise, filing an application on Feb. 13 with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, according to the agencys website.

The filing came six days after Yenchin Chang, a 35-year-old Alhambra, California, resident with no ties to Lin, became the first to apply for a Linsanity trademark, according to the website.

A second filing was made on Feb. 9 by Andrew W. Slayton of Los Altos, California, and on Feb. 14 there was another filing by Yoonsoo Stephen Kim of Duluth, Georgia.

Were prepared to enforce his intellectual property rights, Pamela M. Deese, a partner in the law firm Arent Fox LLP, said in a telephone interview, confirming that she had filed the application on Lins behalf.

Trademark applications generally take about three months to be examined and published, according to Gary Krugman, a partner at the Washington-based firm of Sughrue Mion. As Lin, 23, is the subject of the phrase Linsanity, he would probably be successful in opposing an application filed earlier than his own, Krugman said.

Nobody can register a mark if it falsely suggests a connection with a person or an institution, Krugman said in a telephone interview. I would guess that Jeremy Lin would be able to oppose on the grounds that Linsanity points uniquely and unmistakably to him.

Courtesy of www.bloomberg.com

Mark Cuban not looking to trade, but will listen - by Eurobasket News
Mark Cuban likes this Mavericks roster a lot. Hes said hes not actively looking to make any changes before the March 15 trade deadline.

However, Cuban and Mavs president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson will still take calls.

Cuban always says the Mavs will be 'opportunistic' in the trade market. But unlike a couple of years ago, when he acknowledged that the Mavs wanted to make a major move weeks before shipping Josh Howard to Washington in a blockbuster deal, the Mavs' front office isn't planning to be aggressive over the next few weeks.

Were not looking to change unless someone makes us an offer we cant refuse, Cuban said. Were not looking to shake anything up. We think weve got a good team that hasnt played its best basketball yet.

(Cubans dismissive take on the rumor that Rodrigue Beaubois is available: Thats what people in New Orleans say because theyve always liked him.)

The Mavs are set up to have significant space under the salary cap this summer for the first time since Cuban bought the franchise and helped build the Mavs into a perennial playoff team. It would take a major upgrade to get Cuban to reverse course financially, in part because of the Mavs potential to be major players in free agency and in part because he considers it important to get in line with the new CBA, which has increasingly harsh luxury-tax penalties.

But the bottom line still isnt Cubans biggest concern.

Priority No. 1 is to win a championship, Cuban said, whose competitive fire burns as hot as ever after last summers championship parade. If theres something that takes up cap room that puts us over the top, Im in.

Courtesy of ESPN

Kevin Martin denies being unhappy with Rockets - by Eurobasket News
On Tuesday, Kevin Martin (6'7''-G/F-83, college: W.Carolina) spoke about his happiness with the Rockets.

Im still in a great situation, he said. Im still on a good team. Im still helping the team win.

On Wednesday, he read an Internet report that it is an open secret he is not happy.

I think its an inappropriate article, Martin said. A writer must be starving for attention. Hes not going to bring a distraction around our team. Im the teams leading scorer, and were in the playoff hunt. I dont understand how I could not be happy about that. Basically, hes just making it up.

Individually and team-wise, were doing pretty well.

Courtesy of www.chron.com (via www.insidehoops.com)

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Kobe BRYANT
  LA Lakers
  (198-G-78)
  Avg: 28.4

1. Bryant, LA Lakers	28.4
2. Durant, Oklah.Ci.	27.9
3. James, Miami Heat	27.4
4. Love, Minnesota T.	25.0
5. Westbrook, Oklah..	23.5
6. Wade, Miami Heat	22.4
7. Ellis, Golde S.	22.4
8. Aldridge, Portland.	22.3
9. Williams, New J.	22.2
10. Rose, Chicago B.	21.8

Rebounds Per Game

Dwight HOWARD
  Orlando M.
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 15.3

1. Howard, Orlando M.	15.3
2. Love, Minnesota T.	14.0
3. Bynum, LA Lakers	12.8
4. Varejao, Clevelan.	11.5
5. Griffin, LA Clipp.	11.4
6. Cousins, Sacramen.	11.3
7. Gasol, LA Lakers	10.6
8. Humphries, New J.	10.5
9. Gortat, Phoenix	10.4
10. Gasol, Memphis G.	10.1

Assists Per Game

Steve NASH
  Phoenix Suns
  (190-PG-74)
  Avg: 10.9

1. Nash, Phoenix Suns	10.9
2. Rondo, Boston C.	9.5
3. Calderon, Toron.	8.9
4. Paul, LA Clippers	8.6
5. Rubio, Minnesot.	8.4
6. Williams, New J.	8.2
7. Parker, San A.	8.1
8. Rose, Chicago B.	7.7
9. Lowry, Houston R.	7.6
10. Wall, Washington	7.6

Steals Per Game

Mike CONLEY
  Memphis G.
  (186-PG-87)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Conley, Memphis G.	2.5
2. Rubio, Minnesot.	2.4
3. Paul, LA Clippers	2.3
4. Shumpert, New Y.	2.0
5. Lowry, Houston R.	2.0
6. Allen, Memphis G.	1.9
7. Iguodala, Philadel.	1.9
8. Westbrook, Oklah..	1.9
9. James, Miami Heat	1.8
10. Kidd, Dallas M.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Serge IBAKA
  Oklah.Ci.
  (208-C/F-89)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Ibaka, Oklah.Ci.	3.2
2. McGee, Washingt.	2.7
3. Jordan, LA Clippers	2.6
4. Howard, Orlando M.	2.2
5. Gasol, Memphis G.	2.2
6. Smith, Atlanta H.	2.1
7. Bogut, Milwauke.	2.0
8. Bynum, LA Lakers	2.0
9. Dalembert, Houst.	1.9
10. Udoh, Golde S.	1.7

NBA icon Oscar Robertson advises Dwight Howard to keep mouth shut about trade - by Eurobasket News
Oscar Robertson, NBA legend and the man who led the way so players like Dwight Howard (6'11''-C-85) would have the right to become free agents, has a word of advice for Dwight in this ongoing trade saga.

Keep your mouth shut and play basketball, said Robertson, who was a guest on our radio show Wednesday and will be in town during All-Star Weekend to raise awareness for prostate cancer. If he wants to be traded, hes going to be traded. Go and talk to the owners and say, I want to be traded and keep it a secret. In a situation like this, he cant win. Anytime they (Magic) stumble and fall and every time they get beat, theyre going to blame Dwight Howard and its totally unfair because its not all his fault. I dont think management has done a great job in keeping certain players on the team. They had a nucleus of players that got them to the Finals and then, all of the sudden, its gone downhill.
It is not surprising that Robertson would back Howard; hes been fighting for player rights since he was an NBA superstar in the 1960s and 70s. He sued the NBA in a landmark lawsuit in the 1970s and contended that the NBA draft and other rules restricting player movement violated antitrust laws. The suit was settled in 1976 when the league agreed to let players become free agents.

In effect, Robertson sacrificed his own future for the good of the players who came after him. After the lawsuit, he was essentially blackballed from any future NBA coaching or executive positions that almost certainly would have come his way.

They didnt want to be bothered with Oscar Robertson because of that (the lawsuit), said Robertson, who is proud that he and some of his contemporaries blazed the trail so players like LeBron would have the right to make The Decision. We were successful in getting these rights rights for players to be able to move once their contracts were up, the right to have better hotels, better doctors, better everything. It made basketball players like movie stars.

Courtesy of http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com

Warriors' Curry will skip Skills Challenge - by Eurobasket News
Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (6'3''-PG-88, college: Davidson) will not defend his title in the NBA Skills Challenge, part of the All-Star festivities this weekend in Orlando. Instead, hell skip the event because of injury.

Currys agent, Lance Young, confirmed the news to NBA.com.

Curry strained a tendon in his right foot during the first half of the Warriors 106-104 win over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday. He appeared to initially injure the foot late in the first quarter while trying to convert a layup in transition.

Curry is being listed as day-to-day. The Warriors (13-17) dont play again until Tuesday, when they begin a five-game road trip against the Indiana Pacers.

Curry was hoping to become the third player to win back-to-back Skill Challenge competitions, along with Steve Nash and Dwyane Wade. Involved in this years Challenge are Kyrie Irving, Tony Parker, John Wall, Russell Westbrook and Deron Williams.

Courtesy of www.csnbayarea.com

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NBLCANADA

NBL Canada Standings

1. London L.		26-7
2. Quebec K.		21-12
3. Halifax R.		20-12
4. St.John M.R.		16-18
5. Oshawa P.		14-20
6. Summerside S.		12-22
7. Moncton M.		8-26

Rainmen nip Kebs in key game - by Eurobasket News
Joey Haywood stopped short of calling Thursday nights showdown against the Quebec Kebs a must-win game for the Halifax Rainmen.

But while it might not have been that in a literal sense, there was little doubt it was a victory the Rainmen sorely needed in their quest to bounce the Kebs out of second place and secure home-court advantage in the first round of the National Basketball League of Canada playoffs.

Haywood scored 20 points, including 10 in a big second-quarter uprising, and Halifax eked out a 104-100 win in front of 2,894 edgy fans at the Metro Centre who watched the Rainmen slip into a 12-point hole early and then squander a 16-point advantage in the fourth quarter.

'We didnt fold up,' Haywood said. 'Its all mental. Sometimes teams are gonna have runs but weve gotta keep on playing hard and keep on playing with intensity and we did.'

Halifax (19-12) drew to within one game of the Kebs (21-12) and stayed a few steps ahead of the Saint John Mill Rats, who downed the Oshawa Power 127-115 at Harbour Station. The Rats (16-17) still have a mathematical chance of catching the Rainmen but will have to settle for fourth with one more loss or Halifax win. Saint John is in town tonight.

The Rainmen went into Thursdays game having lost six of eight, including a contest Monday night in Saint John in which they fell behind 18-3.

Tempting fate yet again, they missed their first six field-goal attempts while Quebec scored nine points. Haywood finally got the Rainmen on the board with a jumper from the foul line 3:41 in. But they were down 19-7 before closing out the quarter on a 10-2 run, including a three-point play by Chris Hagan (5'9''-G-89, college: Midwestern St.) with 1.3 seconds remaining that left them trailing only 21-17.

In the second period, Halifax held the Kebs to 6-of-23 shooting and outscored them 32-20 - with Haywood pacing the attack - to head to the locker-room in front 49-41.

They extended that lead in the third, with Tyrone Levett (6'5''-F-80, college: Alabama St.) scoring 12 of his team-high 22 points, and were up 86-71 after Darnell Hugee converted one of two free throws 90 seconds into the fourth.

'I thought we had it there and I thought we were gonna just keep it going, keep rolling, but we let them back in,' Halifax centre Richard Anderson said, then added with a smile: 'We made it exciting for the fans, and hopefully theyll come back tomorrow.'

The faint of heart probably could have done without that level of excitement. The Kebs ripped off a 15-0 run over the next three minutes to pull within one point and Jean-Richard Volcy (6'8''-F-82, college: N.Michigan) 's jumper with 5:30 left put the Kebs on top, 90-89, for the first time since midway through the second.

Haywood responded, though, by sinking a pair of shots from the charity stripe on the next possession to restore Halifaxs lead.

Levett followed with two more free throws, then made a huge block from behind as Kebs forward Taylor King appeared to be going in for an uncontested dunk.

Quebec cut its deficit to a point two more times but Anderson drained two from the line with 39 seconds to go to make it 102-98, then hauled down a key offensive rebound after Taliek Brown missed the second of two free throws with 21 seconds remaining.

Halifax ran another 14 seconds off the clock before the Kebs managed to foul Levett, who sank a free throw to give Halifax its final margin of victory.

'They left a smaller guy on me to box me out . . . so I was able to get inside position and get the rebound,' said Anderson, who finished the night with seven points and seven boards.

Hagan added 14 points and Bryan McCullough (6'6''-F/G-83, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: NC-Asheville) had 10 for the Rainmen.

Volcy topped the Kebs with 30 and MVP candidate Ralphy Holmes (6'4''-G-79, college: CS Fullerton) netted 25.

Courtesy of http://thechronicleherald.ca

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NCAA1

Top 25 - Men

TOP25 Standings

1. Kentucky		9-0 (23-1)
2. Syracuse		11-1 (23-1)
3. Missouri		10-2 (23-2)
4. Kansas		11-2 (21-5)
5. Duke		10-1 (21-2)
6. Michigan St.		10-1 (22-3)
7. N.Carolina		9-2 (20-2)
8. Ohio St.		9-4 (21-5)
9. Georgetown		8-4 (20-4)
10. Marquette		9-3 (19-5)
11. Michigan		7-3 (18-6)
12. Florida		9-2 (21-5)
13. Baylor		8-4 (21-4)
14. Murray St.		14-1 (27-1)
15. Florida St.		9-3 (18-8)
16. Wisconsin		6-6 (17-8)
17. Louisville		9-4 (20-7)
18. N.Mexico		6-2 (20-4)
19. Wichita St.		15-2 (25-4)
20. Notre Dame		12-2 (20-7)
21. UNLV		7-3 (23-5)
22. Temple		10-2 (21-5)
23. Indiana		8-5 (21-5)
24. San Diego St.		6-4 (20-6)
25. Virginia		6-4 (18-5)

Stats Leaders - NCAA1

Points Per Game

Shane GIBSON
  Sacred H.
  (187-G-)
  Avg: 21.8

1. Gibson, Sacred H.	21.8
2. Horton, Cent.Con.	18.6
3. Vinales, Cent.Con.	17.9
4. Ptacek, Cent.Con.	17.7
5. Boyd, LIU Brooklyn	17.4
6. Olasewere, LIU B.	17.4
7. Francis, Bryant	16.9
8. Azotam, Quinnipiac	16.3
9. Jones, Robert M.	16.1
10. Johnson, Quinnipi.	15.9

Rebounds Per Game

Julian BOYD
  LIU Brooklyn
  (200-F-90)
  Avg: 9.7

1. Boyd, LIU Brooklyn	9.7
2. Azotam, Quinnipiac	9.5
3. Horton, Cent.Con.	9.0
4. Cannon, St.Franc.	8.4
5. Olasewere, LIU B.	7.6
6. Goode, Fair Dickin.	7.5
7. Francis, Bryant	7.3
8. Drame, Quinnipiac	7.3
9. Eatherton, St.Fra.	7.1
10. Thompson, Mt.St.M.	7.0

Assists Per Game

Jason BRICKMAN
  LIU B.
  (177-G-91)
  Avg: 7.2

1. Brickman, LIU B.	7.2
2. Dobbs, Bryant	4.6
3. Castellanos, Mt.St.	4.4
4. Jones, Robert M.	4.3
5. Ortiz, Wagner	4.2
6. Gaetano, Sacred H.	4.2
7. Hayes, Fair Dickin.	4.1
8. McMillan, Cent.Con.	4.0
9. Steele, Monmouth	4.0
10. Jones, St.Franc.	3.9

Steals Per Game

Velton JONES
  Robert M.
  (182-G-89)
  Avg: 2

1. Jones, Robert M.	2.0
2. Hayes, Fair Dickin.	2.0
3. Horton, Cent.Con.	2.0
4. Ortiz, Wagner	1.8
5. Gibson, Sacred H.	1.6
6. Jones, St.Franc.	1.4
7. Olasewere, LIU B.	1.4
8. Johnson, Quinnipiac	1.4
9. Ritter, St.Franc.	1.4
10. Waite, Monmouth	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Naofall FOLAHAN
  Wagner
  (210-C-90)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Folahan, Wagner	1.8
2. Thompson, Mt.St.Ma.	1.4
3. Goode, Fair Dickin.	1.4
4. Swidowski, Sacred	1.3
5. Horton, Cent.Con.	1.3
6. Eatherton, St.Fra.	1.2
7. Altit, Bryant	1.2
8. Moody, Wagner	1.1
9. Olasewere, LIU B.	1.0
10. Efese, Cent.Con.	1.0

No. 15 Florida State falls 74-66 to No. 5 Duke - by Eurobasket News
Florida State made the 3-pointers when it mattered most in its upset of Duke last month, hitting 50 percent of its shots from beyond the arc.

But the 15th-ranked Seminoles misfired badly from long range and at the free throw line Thursday night in their second matchup against the fifth-ranked Blue Devils. They made just 4 of 15 3-point attempts and were a chilly 12 of 22 on free throws in a 74-66 loss.

'We fought hard but we had just too many empty possessions,' Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton said.

Michael Snaer (6'5''-G-89) scored 18 points on 8-of-18 shooting, and Bernard James (6'10''-F-85) scored 13 points in the game's final 21 minutes for Florida State (19-8, 10-3 Atlantic Coast Conference). James also tied a career-high with five blocks.

Duke (24-4, 11-2) was simply too good from long range. The Blue Devils made 46.4 percent of their 3-point attempts (13 of 28), with Andre Dawkins (6'4''-G-91) making six and Austin Rivers (6'4''-G-92) connecting on four.

'They obviously are one of the best 3-point shooting teams in the country,' Hamilton said. 'We got beat by a pretty good basketball team tonight.'

Snaer hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer and the Seminoles made 7 of 14 3s in the upset at Cameron Indoor Stadium. And he gave the Seminoles a win over Virginia Tech a week ago with another 3-pointer in the closing seconds. Deividas Dulkys (6'5''-G-88) made eight 3-pointers in Florida State's 90-57 win over No. 7 North Carolina.

But the Seminoles couldn't rekindle any of that magic on Thursday.

'For Florida State fans, it wasn't as good as the game in Durham,' Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said. 'But I think it was played at an even higher level. Both teams have gotten better.'

Florida State had won 10 of 11 games coming into Thursday, and a win over Duke would have given them a share of first place in the ACC with North Carolina (24-4, 11-2).

'We've got to forget about this game,' Snaer said. 'This was a hard-fought game and we know that we have so much more at stake than to worry about this loss.'

The Seminoles, who have never won an ACC title, beat Duke and North Carolina in January, but they never got a shot at any last-second heroics Thursday although they got within three points twice, the last at 61-58 with 4:17 left on a three-point play by James.

It was just the Seminoles' second home loss this season. They have three games left, beginning at Miami on Sunday, before the ACC tournament next month in Atlanta.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

No. 16 Wisconsin falls 67-66 at Iowa - by Eurobasket News
No. 16 Wisconsin's rare struggles at home in the Big Ten had largely been alleviated by a strong road record.

But that stellar mark away from Madison is in trouble after the Badgers lost 67-66 to unranked Iowa on Thursday night ahead of Sunday's showdown at No. 8 Ohio State.

Matt Gatens (6'5''-G-89) scored a career-high 33 points for Iowa in its second straight win over a ranked opponent.

It was the second straight career-high for Gatens, who had 30 points in Iowa's win over then-No. 18 Indiana on Sunday. Gatens scored the most points by a Badgers opponent since Davidson's Stephen Curry had 33 in the NCAA's regional semifinals in 2008.

Josh Gasser (6'3''-G) and Ryan Evans (6'6''-G/F) each had 14 points for Wisconsin, which never led and got swept by Iowa in the regular season for the first time since 1994-95.

'It hurts now, but we're going to keep moving forward. And Ohio State, if we can go in there and get them, that will erase a lot of things,' Evans said.

Wisconsin (20-8, 9-6) lost for just the third time in 11 games, largely because of Gatens.

The Badgers did get within 65-63 on Jordan Taylor (6'1''-PG-89) 's layup with 4 seconds left. But Gatens made two free throws to cap his brilliant night for the Hawkeyes (15-13, 7-8), who celebrated along with a rowdy bunch of students who stormed the court.

Taylor's meaningless 3-pointer at the buzzer was the closest the Badgers would get in the second half.

'He's playing really well, and we knew it. It's not like we were surprised,' Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan said about Gatens. 'You've got the give the guy credit when he knocks those kinds of shots down. There was a lot of up hands. It wasn't hand down, man down. Those were tough shots.'

With Gatens hitting from long range, Taylor saddled with three fouls and Iowa ahead by 13 points with 17:33 left, it looked nearly hopeless for the Badgers early in the second half.

Wisconsin rallied behind its well-honed resiliency, getting within a possession midway through the second half.

Iowa answered with Gatens, the heart of soul of a program that he's helped appear as promising as it has been since he arrived four years ago.

The Badgers rattled off a 12-2 run, capped when former Iowa commit Ben Brust drilled a 3 in transition to cut Iowa's lead to 51-48 with 12:56 to go. But Gatens followed two jumpers with challenged 3-pointers on consecutive possessions to push Iowa back ahead 61-50 with 9:13 to go.

Aaron White added 12 points for Iowa. The Hawkeyes won despite going the final 7:29 without a field goal and allowing the Badgers to keep pulling within a possession in a final minute that was more frantic than it needed to be.

'Defensively, we obviously did a much better job in the second half,' Ryan said.

Iowa pulled off what at the time appeared to be a stunning New Year's Eve result; beating Wisconsin 72-65 at the Kohl Center for their first victory in Madison since 2000.

It didn't look so stunning after the first 20 minutes of the rematch.

Iowa came out and scored 16 points in less than 5 minutes against the nation's leader in fewest points allowed per game. Gatens hit his first six shots as the Hawkeyes pushed their lead to 35-24.

Melsahn Basabe capped a rousing stretch for Iowa, throwing down a dunk off a through-the-legs pass from Devyn Marble, and White's slam off another turnover helped put Iowa ahead 43-34 at halftime.

The Hawkeyes were just nine points from topping Wisconsin's 51.1 points with a half to go. Not surprisingly, it was by far the most the Badgers had let up in the first half all season.

Rob Wilson chipped in 11 points, Brust had 10 and Taylor finished with just nine points, four assists and four turnovers for Wisconsin, which committed 11 of its 13 turnovers in that first half.

'Guys were a little anxious, trying to make the great play instead of the good play, things like that. Just part of the game, but usually for us it's not 11 in a half,' Ryan said.

Courtesy of www.sfgate.com

No. 14 Murray State beats Tennessee State 80-62 - by Eurobasket News
Isaiah Canaan (6'0''-G-91) scored 16 of his 24 points in the first half, and No. 14 Murray State routed Tennessee State 80-62 on Thursday night, avenging the Racers' lone loss this season.

The Racers (27-1, 14-1 Ohio Valley Conference) blew a 13-point lead in losing 72-68 on Feb. 9. They used a 14-0 run over the final 2:31 of the first half Thursday with four Racers each hitting a 3-pointer to blow open a tight game.

Murray State shot 62.5 percent from the field in the first half and finished by matching its season-high with 12 3-pointers. Donte Poole (6'3''-G-89) added 16 points and Zay Jackson (6'0''-G-92) had 11.

Tennessee State (19-11, 11-5) had a nine-game winning streak snapped and missed its chance to sweep Murray State for the first time since 1993, when the Tigers reached the NCAA tournament.

Robert Covington (6'8''-F-90) led the Tigers with 24 points and 15 rebounds and Kellen Thornton had 17 points.

Murray State, which had already clinched its 23rd regular season OVC title, has gotten used to lots of attention during an unprecedented season even by Racers' standards.

The Tigers will be the OVC's No. 2 seed in the league tournament next week. But they had problems dealing with the nationally televised game with a standing-room only crowd of 10,125. The last time the Tigers had an event this big on campus that didn't involve graduation was back in 1980 when Stevie Wonder played the Gentry Center.

They outrebounded Murray State 36-24 and had a 36-20 edge in the paint.

But they couldn't match Murray State's shooting beyond the arc or inside. The Racers shot 56.5 percent (26 of 46) compared to 46.4 percent (23 of 57) for Tennessee State.

Whether nerves or too much adrenaline, Tennessee State struggled shooting air balls and committing turnovers. Jordan Cyphers had one of their worst turnovers of the game, overthrowing a teammate so badly the ball went well over the sideline media table. They also missed all seven 3-point attempts in the first half and didn't hit from beyond the arc until Covington's 3 with 17:45 left in the second half.

The Tigers stayed close early with two ties and six lead changes. Murray State took the lead for good at 18-17 midway through the first half on Mushatt's layup. Tennessee State got within three points twice, the last on Covington's rebound of Chris Conner's missed 3 for a layup that made it 31-28 with 2:46 left.

That's when the Racers started scoring. Mushatt hit a 3 from the corner, Canaan added a 3. Jackson scored on a layup, then pulled up for a 3 on the next trip down the court. Covington, the Tigers' leading scorer, shot an airball. The Racers got the rebound, and Poole hit the eighth 3 of the half just before the buzzer prompting Mushatt to stand for a couple of seconds looking up at the fans.

Murray State opened the lead with a 12-2 run that ended with Mushatt's 3 that made it 58-38 with 13:21 left.

Even when the Racers had four players with at least three fouls each, Tennessee couldn't get closer than 12 points on a 3 by Kenny Moore with 3:54 remaining. Poole answered with another 3, and Canaan hit Murray State's 12th 3 with 2:42 to go, matching the Racers' season-high set Dec. 30 at Eastern Illinois. After Ed Daniels got a loose ball and went in alone for a dunk with 1:23 left for a 78-60 lead, fans started heading toward the exits.

Courtesy of www.tri-cityherald.com

Wright, Cincinnati beat No. 17 Louisville 60-56 - by Eurobasket News
One foul changed everything for Louisville.

The 17th-ranked Cardinals were more than holding their own against Cincinnati in the second half, with 6-foot-11 center Gorgui Dieng having his way against the Bearcats' front line. He tried to block a shot with 10:54 left, and wound up on the bench with his fourth foul.

He watched the game slip away.

Point guard Cashmere Wright (6'0''-G-90) scored 22 points and matched his career-high with six 3-pointers as the Bearcats rallied for a 60-56 victory on Thursday night that turned on one foul.

'Gorgui picked up his fourth foul, and that changed the whole momentum of the game,' Louisville coach Rick Pitino said. 'If Gorgui stays in there, we have a great chance to win the game.'

The foul negated Louisville's advantage inside and turned it into more of a shooting contest. The Bearcats got the better of it.

Cincinnati (20-8, 10-5 Big East) went 11 of 27 from behind the arc, a place where Louisville (21-7, 9-6) has prospered. The Bearcats' fifth win in six games broke a tie with the Cardinals for sixth place in the conference.

'Coach told us there's no offense, no plays, just play,' said Wright, who made several 3s from well beyond the arc. 'I felt like that was a very comfortable situation for me, not worrying about mistakes, just going out there and playing.'

Sean Kilpatrick (6'4''-G-90) had 12 points, including baskets that started and finished a 14-point run that put the Bearcats ahead to stay midway through the second half. Cincinnati improved to 4-3 against ranked teams this season.

The Cardinals had won seven of their last eight, making 3s at a prodigious rate lately. They lost their touch Thursday, going only 1 of 14 from behind the arc. Leading scorer Kyle Kuric (6'4''-G/F-89) missed all of his 11 shots from the field, including an open 3 that would have tied it with 19 seconds left.

'I thought every shot was great,' said Kuric, who managed only four free throws. 'There wasn't one shot that when it left my hand I thought it was awful. Just one of those nights.'

Dieng had 11 points and 13 rebounds, but couldn't do anything during the decisive minutes because of foul trouble.

'That's the type of effort you want this time of the year, the type of defense you want this time of the year,' Pitino said. 'We just have to keep Gorgui in the game.'

Cincinnati won the rivalry game 63-54 last season, an impressive victory that started its surge toward the first NCAA tournament appearance since 2005. The Bearcats need another late surge to get there again, including a few impressive wins over quality teams to help make their case with the selection committee.

This one represented a good starting point.

'We needed a win against a ranked opponent, and you don't want to lose to Louisville,' said power forward Yancy Gates, who had 10 points and 10 rebounds. 'I think the team kind of fed off of it.'

The student sections behind each basket dressed in black to show support for the team, which was wearing all-black uniforms. Cincinnati's coaches dressed in all-black as well, with head coach Mick Cronin sporting an open-collar black shirt.

Kilpatrick went to the scorer's table and raised his arms before the tipoff, trying to get as much home-court advantage as possible from the crowd of 13,176 only the Bearcats' second sellout of the season.

There were three ties and eight lead changes in the first 10 minutes, with neither team ahead by more than four points. Wright made four 3s in five attempts to keep the back-and-forth pace.

The Bearcats changed things around on Louisville, going 8 of 19 from behind the arc in the first half for a 32-30 lead. That was more 3s than the Bearcats had made in four of their last five games, and it made up for a 33 percent shooting percentage overall from the field.

By contrast, Louisville was only 1 of 4 from behind the arc in the half, more intent on taking the ball inside for dunks and floaters.

Russ Smith had two driving bank shots and two free throws during a 15-4 run that put Louisville ahead 45-39 with 12:16 left, the Cardinals' biggest lead. Dieng had 11 points and 10 rebounds by then, but picked up his fourth foul with 10:54 to go while trying to block a shot.

That coincided with a 14-0 Cincinnati run that began and ended with baskets by Kilpatrick and put the Bearcats ahead 53-45 with 6:36 to go.

Cincinnati's missed free throws gave Louisville a chance to tie, but Kuric was off on his 3 from the top of the arc. Dion Dixon and Gates each made a free throw to make the lead hold up.

Courtesy of www.foxnews.com

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

PBL

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Desmond HOLLOWAY
  Sauk V.
  (190-G-88)
  Avg: 27.1

1. Holloway, Sauk V.	27.1
2. Collins, Z*Char.	23.3
3. Simpson, Scranton.	21.3
4. Favors, Sauk V.	21.1
5. Valencia, Lake M.	21.1
6. Armstead, Z*Char.	20.5
7. Commons, Scranton.	20.0
8. Goldsberry, Z*Char.	19.8
9. Robinson, Scranton.	19.4
10. Radcliff, Indiana	19.1

Rebounds Per Game

Billy PETTIFORD
  India.
  (201-F-)
  Avg: 12.2

1. Pettiford, India.	12.2
2. Robinson, Scranton.	12.0
3. Hill, Chicago M.	10.6
4. Valencia, Lake M.	10.0
5. Fay, Sauk Valley P.	9.8
6. Harris, Sauk V.	9.0
7. Holloway, Sauk V.	8.4
8. Davis, Rochester R.	8.3
9. Hill, St. Louis P.	7.6
10. Alexander, Lake M.	7.5

Assists Per Game

Vince GOLDSBERRY
  Z*Char.
  (182-PG-89)
  Avg: 10.8

1. Goldsberry, Z*Char.	10.8
2. Favors, Sauk V.	8.2
3. Simpson, Scranton.	7.2
4. Ruffin, Cent.I.	5.3
5. Petty, Cent.Ill.	5.3
6. Smith, Dayton A.S.	5.0
7. Snow, Lake M.	4.3
8. Anderson, Chica.	4.3
9. Crouch, Rocheste.	4.3
10. Council, Rocheste.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Marcel ANDERSON
  Chica.
  (175-PG-86)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Anderson, Chica.	2.2
2. Holloway, Sauk V.	2.0
3. Snow, Lake M.	1.8
4. Smith, Dayton A.S.	1.6
5. Collins, Z*Char.	1.5
6. Bobo, Lake M.	1.4
7. Polk, St. Louis P.	1.4
8. Blackmore, Lake M.	1.4
9. Radcliff, Indiana	1.3
10. Livas, Chicago M.	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Shagari ALLEYNE
  Lake M.
  (221-C-84)
  Avg: 3.1

1. Alleyne, Lake M.	3.1
2. Commons, Scranton.	2.3
3. Slack, Cent.Ill.	1.9
4. Webster, Rocheste.	1.6
5. Robinson, Scranton.	1.1
6. Pettiford, India.	1.0
7. Hill, Chicago M.	0.9
8. Peterson, Cent.I.	0.8
9. Robbins, Scranton.	0.8
10. Davis, Rochester	0.8

Standings

PBL Standings

Central Division
1. Cent.Illinois D.		12-0
2. Sauk Valley P.		6-5
3. Chicago M.		6-5
4. St. Louis P.		2-6
5. Indiana D.		2-9
Eastern Division
1. Rochester R.		11-1
2. Scranton/W-B		5-5
3. Dayton A.S.		4-6
4. Lake Michigan		0-8

SWB Steamers look to make run toward playoff berth - by Eurobasket News
Nearly halfway through their 20-game season, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Steamers (4-4) are still trying to find the momentum that could lead them on a streak of wins.

For a team that has played only eight games, a team that has added and lost players, momentum hasn't been easy to find.

But beginning with today's game against the Dayton Air Strikers (3-5) at the Lacka-wanna College Student Union at 3:05 p.m., the Steamers will have a chance to go on a roll that could end with the team being in prime position for a playoff run.

The Steamers will play six games through March 4, only one of which will be against the Rochester RazorSharks - the team that has handed the Steamers three of their losses, and which held them to a season-low 88 points in their last meeting.

' (After the last game) we were down,' Steamers co-coach Dennis Mishko said. 'Psychologically, it was a tough loss because we had hoped and thought that we would be the only team that would be able to compete with Rochester.

'But we've come to realize that it's going to be us, Lake Michigan and Dayton for second place and we have to make sure we get that second spot.'

At 10-1, the RazorSharks hold a healthy lead in the Eastern Division over the second-place Steamers. Lake Michigan (0-7) is one of only two winless teams in the Premier Basketball League, which puts the Steamers and Air Strikers in position to battle it out for the second spot in the division.

'We've had a great week of practice,' Mishko said. 'We're out to prove ourselves. This game will go a long way to deciding whether we do make the playoffs, because it's going to be a tough task to beat Dayton out on their home court.'

With less down time between their upcoming games, the Steamers are confident that they can realize their full potential.

'We've practiced until we can't practice anymore,' Mishko said.

'Getting in the swing of things will be great. Let's play some games and let's play them on a regular basis. We're ready to get rolling.'

In the teams' last meeting, the Air Strikers used a 44-point fourth quarter to beat the Steamers, 114-108. Brandon Russ (6'8''-F-87, college: S.Indiana) scored 27 points and Avery Smith (6'3''-G-86, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) added 20 points, nine assists and seven rebounds to lead the Air Strikers.

'Avery Smith had the game of his life,' Mishko said.

'We didn't defend him the way we should have. We had the lead and we didn't play hard defensively.

'We're going to come out with a lot more intensity. We're going to focus for a whole game this time.'

Courtesy of http://thetimes-tribune.com

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

PHILIPPINES

Standings - PBA Fiesta Conference

PBA Standings

1. Alaska Aces		2-1
2. B-Meg Llam.		2-1
3. Ginebra Kings		2-1
4. Powerade T.		1-0
5. Talk N Text		1-0
6. Meralco Bolts		1-2
7. Petron Blaze		1-2
8. Rain or Shine		1-3
9. Barako Bull		1-3
10. Shopinas.com C.		0-0

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

POLAND

LaMarshall Corbett and Siarka Jezioro part ways - by Michal Koza
It is a disappointing end of the season for LaMarshall Corbett (190-G-88, college: Angelo St.) as his knee injury proves to be serious one. Siarka Jezioro Tarnobrzeg agreed with a player to terminate his contract till the end of February. Corbett averaged 16.1 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 24 games in Poland while shooting 51% from the field and 46% from distance. He was a leading scorer for his team. It was his first season overseas.

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

ROMANIA

Krstanovic number one in Romania for round 22 - by Eurobasket News
Serbian center Zoran Krstanovic (204-C-82) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for U.Mobitel.CN, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 22.
The 29-year old player was the main contributor (33 points, six rebounds) to his team's victory, helping them to beat Giurgiu (#13, 5-16) 88-77. U.Mobitel.CN maintains the 3rd position in Romanian Div.A. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. U.Mobitel.CN will need more victories to improve their 15-5 record. Krstanovic has many years of experience at U.Mobitel.CN, through which he has constantly improved. Zoran Krstanovic has solid league stats. He is in league's top in points (4th best: 22.1ppg), rebounds (8th best: 8.3rpg) and averages impressive 62.2% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 23-year old American Paul Nelson (208-C-88) of Dinamo B.. Nelson had a very good evening with a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds. It was enough for Dinamo B. to edge the lower-ranked Perla Harghitei (#14, 3-17) 82-77. The game was between two teams which are definitely not main contenders for the title. But Dinamo B. managed to improve slightly their position in standings taking 11th place. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 7-14 record. Nelson is a newcomer at Dinamo B., but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was Jamaican guard Garry Gallimore (192-G-84) of CSM Bucuresti (#5). Gallimore showcased his all-around game by recording 29 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in the last round. He was a key player of CSM Bucuresti, leading his team to a 84-77 win against the lower-ranked Pitesti (#10, 11-10). CSM Bucuresti needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 14 victories and 7 lost games. Gallimore has a very solid season. In 21 games in Romania he scored 17.2ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Liviu Dumitru (203-C-79) of Targu Mures - 21 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Catalin Burlacu (210-C-77) of Ploiesti - 20 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Virgil Stanescu (208-C/F-77) of Targu Mures - 27 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Kevin Sims (178-G-88) of Giurgiu - 24 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Kyndall Dykes (190-SG-87) of U.Mobitel.CN - 22 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Jer'Vaughn Johnson (198-F-88) of Dinamo B. - 12 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists
10. Enrico Tucker (183-PG-86) of Perla Harghitei - 24 points and 5 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)

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

RUSSIA

Heartbreaking thriller: Fenerbahce Ulker beats Unics in OT to stay alive - by Eurobasket News
Fenerbahce Ulker - Unics 94-87 OT

In one of the most exciting games in Top 16 history, Fenerbahce Ulker rallied from a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit to edge Unics 94-87 in overtime in front of almost 12,000 fans at Ulker Sports Arena in Istanbul, Turkey in Group G on Thursday. Unics was better than FB Ulker in the first round 76-71, so Fener needed at least 6-point win to keep their Playoffs hopes alive. The hosts managed to do it and they needed an extra five minutes to improve its record to 2-3 in Group G. Unics slipped to 3-2 and the last round will give us an answer who will advance to the next stage. Unics will advance if they beat PAO next week or if Fener losses to Armani in Milano. In order to advance, Fener needs to beat Armani and PAO to win in Kazan. Bojan Bogdanovic (203-G/F-89) had 20 points and 5 rebounds for Fener last night. Roko-Leni Ukic (196-G-84) scored 18 and Emir Preldzic (205-F-87, agency: Beo Basket) added 13 points. Unics got 33 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists from Lynn Greer (186-PG-79, college: Temple) (valuation 43). Michael Wilkinson (204-F-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Wisconsin) (5 rebs) and Henry Domercant (192-G-80, college: E.Illinois) scored 17 and 13 points respectively. Unics held 73-79 lead with 1:23 remaining in regular time. Emir Preldzic and Bojan Bogdanovic made free throws to bring FB Ulker within 77-79 with 25.5 seconds left in regulation. Wilkinson missed foul shots and Roko-Leni Ukic beat the shot clock with a rainbow jumper that sent the game to overtime, 79-79, setting Ulker Sports Arena on fire. The hosts jumped to 87-83 during the OT and later free throws by Preldzic and Bogdanovic allowed FB Ulker to get a 94-87 lead with 6 seconds left. Unics had the last possession, but they were unable to score. Quarters: 21-26, 21-18, 13-24, 24-11, 15-8 OT. Last round of Top 16 phase for Group G teams is scheduled for February 29.

Fenerbahce Ulker: Bojan Bogdanovic 20+5 boards, Roko-Leni Ukic 18, Emir Preldzic 13
Unics: Lynn Greer 33+6 boards+6 as, Michael Wilkinson 17+5 boards, Henry Domercant 13

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

SERBIA

Crvena Zvezda IJT start Belgrade Tournament with win - by Eurobasket News
Crvena Zvezda IJT - ALBA Berlin IJT 92:63

Crvena Zvezda team victoriously opened the Nike International Junior Classification Tournament in Belgrade. The hosts thrashed ALBA Berlin for the first win in Group A. Nikola Jankovic (203-F/C-94) provided 18 points and 9 rebounds to pace the hosts.
Crvena Zvezda erupted for 30 points in the starting quarter to take a 12-point lead. They maintained the advantage throughout the second period. The hosts arrived at halftime up by 16 points 48:32. Crvena Zvezda did not allow the German juniors any closer in the third term. They secured a 68:51 lead with ten minutes remaining. Crvena Zvezda cruised to the win afterwards. Brano Djukanovic (193-G-95) posted 16 points for the winners. Luka Kamber (202-F-94) answered with 19 points for ALBA. Mauricio Marin (188-PG-94) had 16 points in the loss.

Crvena Zvezda IJT: Nikola Jankovic 18, Brano Djukanovic 16, Dusan Ristic 13
ALBA Berlin IJT: Luka Kamber 19, Mauricio Marin 16

Mega Vizura IJT edge Union Olimpija IJT in Belgrade - by Eurobasket News
Mega Vizura IJT - Union Olimpija IJT 76:72

Mega Vizura IJT celebrated a tough victory over Union Olimpija counterparts at the start of Euroleague Basketball Nike International Junior Classification Tournament in Belgrade. Dusan Stankovic (94) knocked down 22 points and grabbed 8 rebounds to lead Mega Vizura to the win.
Union Olimpija grabbed a 22:19 lead ten minutes into the game. But Mega Vizura bounced right back as they erased the deficit in the second quarter. The Serbian juniors ensured a 43:35 halftime lead. The Slovenian side got closer in the third term but still faced a five-point deficit with one period to go 52:57. Union Olimpija got within one point 69:70 in the dying seconds but Strahinja Jovanovic and Milos Jankovic hit crucial free throws to seal the win for Mega Vizura. Milos Lukic delivered 15 points, while Milutin Borojevic added 14 points in the win. Jusuf Nurkic (210-C-94) answered with game-high 25 points and 10 rebounds for Union Olimpija. Matic Rebec (179-PG-95) had 19 points, 6 assists and 6 steals in the loss.

Mega Vizura IJT: Dusan Stankovic 22, Milos Lukic 15, Milutin Borojevic 14
Union Olimpija IJT: Jusuf Nurkic 25+10 boards, Matic Rebec 19

Stats Leaders - 1B

Points Per Game

Dragan BJELICA
  Viva Basket
  (198-G-81)
  Avg: 24

1. Bjelica, Viva Bask.	24.0
2. Dukanac, Mladost	18.9
3. Djurovic, Crnokosa	18.8
4. Riboskic, Beovuk	18.2
5. Dasic, Jagodina	17.1
6. Samailovic, Radnic.	16.7
7. Gagovic, Jagodina	16.4
8. Dondur, Beovuk 72	16.2
9. Skoko, Vojvodina	16.2
10. Boljkovac, Sabac	16.1

Rebounds Per Game

Aleksandar VULETIC
  Viva Basket
  (202-F-86)
  Avg: 12.2

1. Vuletic, Viva Bask.	12.2
2. Sikman, Napredak.	8.6
3. Glisovic, Radnic.	8.2
4. Jankovic, Mladost	7.9
5. Dondur, Beovuk 72	7.9
6. Tmusic, Jagodina	7.8
7. Janjusevic, Konst.	7.7
8. Vukovic, Mladost	7.6
9. Dukanac, Mladost	7.3
10. Grubor, Vojvodina	7.3

Assists Per Game

Dragan BJELICA
  Viva Basket
  (198-G-81)
  Avg: 6.9

1. Bjelica, Viva Bask.	6.9
2. Velickovic, Konst.	5.0
3. Mukanovic, Crnok.	4.9
4. Simic, Radnicki OB	4.4
5. Dumic, Mladost	4.2
6. Boricic, Radnicki.	4.2
7. Tanasijevic, Radni.	4.1
8. Skoko, Vojvodina	3.7
9. Dinic, Spartak	3.6
10. Samailovic, Radni.	3.5

Steals Per Game

Aleksandar VULETIC
  Viva Basket
  (202-F-86)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Vuletic, Viva Bask.	2.9
2. Tanasijevic, Radni.	2.6
3. Kuntic, Spartak	2.4
4. Kovacevic, Mlados.	2.1
5. Rasic, Mladost	2.1
6. Stajic, Viva Basket	2.0
7. Dugosija, Mladost	2.0
8. Stojanovic, Spartak	2.0
9. Djurovic, Spartak	2.0
10. Djoric, Jagodina	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Slobodan LJUBOTINA
  Spartak
  (207-F/C-84)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Ljubotina, Spartak	2.3
2. Huskic, Radnicki OB	2.1
3. Karahodzic, Spartak	1.7
4. Karalic, Radnicki.	1.2
5. Radenkovic, Jedins.	1.1
6. Jankovic, Mladost	0.9
7. Dukanac, Mladost	0.9
8. Mirkovic, Jagodina	0.8
9. Savic, Radnicki St.	0.8
10. Djurovic, Crnokosa	0.8

Standings - A Liga

A Standings

1. Vojvodina		18-3
2. Mega Vizura		15-5
3. BKK Radnicki		15-6
4. Radnicki Basket		12-8
5. Borac		12-8
6. Tamis		12-8
7. Sloga		11-9
8. Smederevo		10-10
9. OKK Beograd		10-10
10. Sloboda Uzice		8-12
11. Metalac		7-13
12. Napredak		5-15
13. Zeleznicar		4-16
14. Proleter Naftagas		2-18
Play in international cups:
1. Crvena Zvezda		-
2. Hemofarm		-
3. Partizan		-
4. Radnicki K.		-

Standings - B Liga

B League Standings

1. Konstantin		12-6
2. Mladost Zemun		12-6
3. Jagodina		12-6
4. Mladost Cacak		11-7
5. Spartak		11-7
6. Radnicki OB		10-8
7. Crnokosa		9-9
8. Napredak A.		9-9
9. Sabac		8-10
10. Viva Basket		8-10
11. Beovuk 72		7-11
12. Radnicki Stud.		6-12