Eurobasket Daily News Report: 2/3/2012 1:00:00 AM

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 2/3/2012 1:00:00 AM

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Men News

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Zlatorog and Popovic part ways - by Zeljko Zule
Zlatorog parted ways with Marko Popovic (193-G-84) after only two games with the team. Popovic played one game in Teleamch League, scoring 8 points and tallying 3 assists and one game in Adriatic League, pulling 2 rebounds. He is the fourth player this season, which left Zlatorog. Popovic was hired in mid January. Zlatorog is bottom placed in Adriatic League and ranked third in domestic championship.

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ANGOLA

1 De Agosto and Petro De Luanda Match Postponed - by Eurobasket News
Luanda The match between 1 de Agosto and Petro de Luanda of the 7th sound of the national basketball championship, initially set for 14 February, was postponed for 22 this month, due to the participation of both squads in the third edition of Compal Super cup on 14-19 February.

The game will take place in Luanda's Rio Seco pavilion.
Courtesy of: Angola Press.

Petro De Luanda Win Cadet Basketball Championship - by Eurobasket News
Kuito Petro de Luanda cadet males basketball team won on Saturday the national championhip in Kuito city, central Bi province, after beating the local Sporting Club Petrleos by 82-64.

ASA came second after beating 1 de Agosto by 84-60.

In female category, Inter de Luanda won the competition after defeating Inter de Benguela by 62-53, while Sporting de Benguela occupied third position by beating 1 de Agosto by 65-50.

The championship took place on 21-28 January.
Courtesy of: Angola Press

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ARGENTINA

Obras blasts Malvin 89-59 in Liga Sudamericana - by Eurobasket News
Obras - Malvin 89-59

Perfect start of the Liga Sudamericana hexagonal finals for Obras. The Argentinean squad was too strong for Malvin registering 89-59 victory. Both teams are placed to Group B, together with defending champion Uniceub BRB. Two best teams from this pool will book a spot for the Semifinals. Julio Mazzaro (190-G-79) and Darren Fells (201-F/C-86, college: Cal-Irvine) led the winners with 15 points each. Pablo Espinoza (195-F-87) was behind them with 13 points and 5 rebounds. At the other side, Nicolas Borsellino (202-F-86) shined with 13 points and 10 boards. Bruno Fitipaldo (183-PG-91) and Anthony Myles (208-F/C-82, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Xavier) (7 rebs) scored 11 and 10 points respectively. Obras took control on Malvin from the beginning and never looked back. Quarters: 21-14, 19-11, 30-14, 19-20. Obras will take a rest today. Malvin will meet Uniceub BRB in do-or-die game.

Obras: Julio Mazzaro 15, Darren Fells 15, Pablo Espinoza 13+5 boards
Malvin: Nicolas Borsellino 13+10 boards, Bruno Fitipaldo 11, Anthony Myles 10+7 boards

Standings - LigaA

LigaA Standings

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

Stats Leaders - LigaA

Points Per Game

Juan GUTIERREZ
  Obras
  (205-F/C-83)
  Avg: 18.4

1. Gutierrez, Obras	18.4
2. Smith, La Union	17.1
3. Villegas, Sionista	17.0
4. OBannon, Boca Jrs	16.6
5. Nelson, GECR I.	16.6
6. Pittman, Libertad.	16.2
7. Meyinsse, Wuber-.	16.2
8. McHopson, Quilm.	15.9
9. Gutierrez, Penarol	15.7
10. Mikulas, La Union	15.3

Rebounds Per Game

Matias SANDES
  Sionista
  (201-F/G-84)
  Avg: 9.5

1. Sandes, Sionista	9.5
2. Garces, Atenas	9.4
3. Battle, Libertad S.	9.0
4. Gutierrez, Obras	9.0
5. Lloreda, Olimpico.	8.8
6. Truscott, Quilm.	8.0
7. Cowan, Club 9	7.7
8. Mikulas, La Union	7.1
9. Williams, Quimsa	7.0
10. Nelson, GECR I.	6.9

Assists Per Game

Facundo CAMPAZZO
  Penarol
  (180-G-91)
  Avg: 6.6

1. Campazzo, Penarol	6.6
2. Stanic, Boca Jrs	5.8
3. Sanchez, Wuber-.	5.8
4. Martinez, Regat.	5.5
5. Cequeira, Sionista	5.5
6. Sucatzky, Atenas	4.2
7. Victoriano, San M.	4.2
8. Smith, La Union	3.8
9. Osimani, Obras	3.6
10. Ciorciari, GECR I.	3.4

Steals Per Game

Matias LESCANO
  Atenas
  (196-G/F-79)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Lescano, Atenas	2.4
2. Campazzo, Penarol	2.2
3. Sanchez, Wuber-.	1.7
4. Ciorciari, GECR I.	1.7
5. McHopson, Quilm.	1.7
6. Stanic, Boca Jrs	1.6
7. Pellot-Rosa, Quimsa	1.5
8. Pau, La Union	1.5
9. Treise, Libertad S.	1.5
10. Quinteros, Regat.	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Robert BATTLE
  Libertad S.
  (204-C-81)
  Avg: 1.4

1. Battle, Libertad S.	1.4
2. Rollins, Sionista	1.4
3. Roe, Regatas C.	1.2
4. Gutierrez, Obras	1.2
5. Ayarza, Club 9	1.0
6. Garces, Atenas	0.9
7. Clancy, Atenas	0.9
8. Rollins, San M.	0.9
9. Meyinsse, Wuber-.	0.9
10. Sanchez, Wuber-.	0.8

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AUSTRALIA

Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game

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

1. Mills, Tigers	18.6
2. Tragardh, Tigers	17.6
3. Khazzouh, Kings	17.1
4. Lisch, Wildcats	16.8
5. Wilson, Taipans	16.4
6. Johnson, 36ers	16.4
7. Wilkinson, Breakers	16.2
8. Crawford, Croco.	15.4
9. Worthington, Blaze	15.2
10. Warren, 36ers	14.6

Rebounds Per Game

Julian KHAZZOUH
  Kings
  (209-C-86)
  Avg: 10.9

1. Khazzouh, Kings	10.9
2. Holmes, Crocodiles	9.5
3. Grant, Kings	8.3
4. Simpsons, 36ers	8.2
5. Johnson, 36ers	8.1
6. Crosswhite, Taipa.	7.8
7. Worthington, Blaze	7.0
8. Vukona, Breakers	6.8
9. Bose, Kings	6.5
10. Saville, Hawks	6.4

Assists Per Game

Cedric JACKSON
  Breakers
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 6.5

1. Jackson, Breakers	6.5
2. Mills, Tigers	5.0
3. Crosswell, 36ers	4.7
4. Gibson, Blaze	4.4
5. Bruce, Kings	4.4
6. Gill, Crocodiles	4.3
7. Martin, Wildcats	3.7
8. Martin, Hawks	3.5
9. Ubaka, Tigers	3.3
10. Dillon, Tigers	3.3

Steals Per Game

Cedric JACKSON
  Breakers
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Jackson, Breakers	2.6
2. Martin, Wildcats	2.4
3. Robbins, Wildcats	2.0
4. Mims, Crocodiles	1.5
5. Crawford, Croco.	1.3
6. Tovey, Wildcats	1.2
7. Glover, Hawks	1.2
8. Gibson, Blaze	1.2
9. Lisch, Wildcats	1.0
10. Deleon, Blaze	1.0

Blocks Per Game

Julian KHAZZOUH
  Kings
  (209-C-86)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Khazzouh, Kings	2.2
2. Simpsons, 36ers	1.5
3. Grant, Kings	1.4
4. Johnson, 36ers	1.3
5. Nevill, Wildcats	1.3
6. Crosswhite, Taipa.	1.1
7. Worthington, Blaze	1.1
8. Abercrombie, Break.	1.0
9. Martin, Wildcats	0.9
10. Pledger, Breakers	0.9

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings

1. Breakers		15-5
2. Wildcats		14-6
3. Crocodiles		10-7
4. Taipans		10-9
5. Blaze		9-8
6. Tigers		9-12
7. Kings		8-12
8. 36ers		5-13
9. Hawks		5-13

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BAHRAIN

Standings

Premier League Standings

1. Muharraq		13-0
2. Al Ahli		10-3
3. Al Manama		9-4
4. Al Hala		9-4
5. Issa Town		7-6
6. Sitra		7-6
7. Nuwaidrat		6-6
8. Al Ittihad		6-6
9. Bahrain Club		2-12
10. Al Najma		1-12
11. Samaheej		1-12

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BALTIC LEAGUE

Standings - Men

Baltic League Standings

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

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. Cipruss, Tarvas	19.0
4. Kalve, Valmiera	18.0
5. Amis, Tartu Ulikool	16.6
6. Pilk, TT.	16.5
7. Barinov, Naglis P.	16.5
8. Soo, Rapla	16.4
9. Mayo, Liepaja	16.1
10. Runkaukas, Neptu.	16.0

Rebounds Per Game

Kaspars CIPRUSS
  Tarvas
  (210-C-82)
  Avg: 10.7

1. Cipruss, Tarvas	10.7
2. McClure, Kedainiai	9.3
3. Bailey, Liepaja	9.0
4. Ringmets, Rapla	8.6
5. Nelson, Jelgava	8.2
6. Mednis, Turiba	8.0
7. Benn, Naglis Palan.	7.8
8. Arnold, TT.	7.8
9. Johnson, Naglis P.	7.7
10. Galdikas, Neptun.	7.6

Assists Per Game

Rashaun BROADUS
  Siauliai
  (183-PG-84)
  Avg: 5.2

1. Broadus, Siauliai	5.2
2. Rinkevicius, Nagli.	5.1
3. Dainys, Neptunas	5.0
4. Kriisa, Tarvas	5.0
5. Maceina, Juventus	4.6
6. Janavicius, Baltai	4.5
7. Tsiopych, Barsy A.	4.4
8. Strelnieks, Ventsp.	4.3
9. Benn, Naglis Palan.	4.2
10. Kulagin, Triumph	4.2

Steals Per Game

Dainius SALENGA
  Rudupis
  (197-F-77)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Salenga, Rudupis	2.2
2. Virsis, Valmiera	2.1
3. Benn, Naglis Palan.	2.0
4. McKee, Triumph	2.0
5. Keedus, TT.	2.0
6. Krumins, Jelgava	2.0
7. Laane, Rapla	1.8
8. Evstigneev, Barsy	1.8
9. Young, Ventspils	1.7
10. Akenparg, TT.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Bamba FALL
  Kalev/Cramo
  (216-C-86)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Fall, Kalev/Cramo	2.5
2. Johnson, Naglis P.	1.9
3. Rozitis, Valmiera	1.8
4. Gumeniuk, Juventus	1.4
5. Staniulis, Lietkab.	1.4
6. Bailey, Liepaja	1.4
7. Amis, Tartu Ulikool	1.3
8. Morgan, Pieno Z.	1.0
9. Toome, Kalev/Cramo	0.9
10. Kurtsevich, Trium.	0.9

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BOSNIA

Aleksandar Petrovic takes over Bosnian National Team - by Eurobasket News
Bosnian National Team got a new Head Coach. It is Croatian specialist Aleksandar Petrovic (agency: Interperformances). The 52-year-old coach will try to help Bosnians to reach the EuroBasket 2013 in Slovenia. Most recently Petrovic worked with Cedevita Zagreb. Before Cedevita he worked with Zadar and helped them win the Croatian league title in 2008. In 2005 and 2006, Aleksandar Petrovic worked with Italian teams Scafati and Fabriano. He also has experience from Spanish Leida and San Fernando Sevilla. He coached Polish Anwil in 2001/02. In the past, Aleksandar Petrovic spent several years with Cibona Zagreb and also coached Croatian National Team. He will be promoted by the Bosnian Basketball Federation tomorrow.

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BRAZIL

Pinheiros/Sky too strong for Flamengo in Liga Sudamericana - by Eurobasket News
Flamengo - Pinheiros/Sky 59-74

Pinheiros/Sky did a great job in the first game of the Liga Sudamericana hexagonal final. They handed 59-74 loss to Flamengo for 1-0 record in Group A. Participant of this pool is also Atenas. Two best teams will book a spot for the Semifinals. Olivinha Rodriguez (202-F-83) stepped up for the winners with double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds. Marquinhos Vieira (207-F-84) also scored 12 points, while Shamell Stallworth (196-SG-80, agency: Interperformances, college: USF) (5 as) and Mineiro Ferreira (208-C/F-88) helped Pinheiros/Sky with 11 points each. In the loosing squad, Marcelo Magalhaes (199-F/G-75, agency: Interperformances) delivered 16 points. Caio Silveira (211-C-87, agency: Interperformances) (5 rebs) and David Jackson (196-G-82, college: Penn St.) scored 14 and 10 points respectively. Quarters: 12-12, 12-16, 15-23, 20-23. Pinheiros/Sky will meet Atenas today. Flamengo has a day-off.

Flamengo: Marcelo Magalhaes 16, Caio Silveira 14+5 boards, David Jackson 10
Pinheiros/Sky: Olivinha Rodriguez 12+10 boards, Marquinhos Vieira 12, Shamell Stallworth 11+5 as, Mineiro Ferreira 11

Castellon and Eric Soares got waived - by Paulo Freire
The guard Rafael Castellon (85) asked to be waiver from Liga Sorocabana de Basquete basketball (LSB) and is no longer part of the roster of the team, who compete in the NBB. Castellon participated in 13 games and was on the court for Liga Sorocabana de Basquete 16 minutes per game and average 3,9 ppg as he scored 63 points. The rumors said he will accepted a proposal from Sao Bernardo to dispute the next Paulista State, scheduled for March. The Sao Bernardo dos Campos folded last season, and Castellon is well knowing on the team.

Another player who recently got waived is Eric Soares (205-F-86), he also asked for be waive from Gremio Mogi das Cruzes/Unip. The news was not expected by the directors, the coach staff or by the players. The athlete only communicated his decision as he desire to leave the team. Eric soares arrived at Gremio Mogi das Cruzes/Unip in the second half of last year and participated in the last Paulista State Championship and Gremio Mogi das Cruzes/Unip open Games. In the international Holland tournament he was cut by the coach staff because of he got injured.

Arthur Casimiro will start college at Southern Idaho - by Paulo Freire
The team of Paulistano has lost a player for the rest of this season. The young big man Arthur Casimiro (208-C-92) is no longer a member of the team, Arthur leave the team to adventure himself in college basketball. The young will play for the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls in the State of Idaho.
Arthur arrived in Paulistano with the age of 17, in January 2010, and in 2011 he was Juvenile State Champion, undefeated at the third place in the NBB U-21 and reached the brazilian national teams for young kids.

' I was already wanting to go play college ball. I don't want to stop playing basketball, but I'll thinking mainly in studying. Basketball career is short, with 35 years old we are already thinking of stopping. There I will study and play at the same time. I won't leave the area, I will study Sports Management. Will be 4 years there and then I will decide where to go, is a long time, you can not know. The Paulistano is a great club, with great structure, which helps a lot the young players. It was all great, learned a lot from my lcoachs, both Gustavo De Conti and Vincius Louzada. Both push you hard in practice, it's heavy, taking your best all the time.' Said Arthur Casimiro

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CAMEROON

CHILE

Dimayor: Liceo Mixto is the exclusive leader - by Daniel Valencia
On tuesday and wednesday night were played games from round 23 and 24. These are the complete results.

Round 23

Municipal Curacavi 63 - Universidad Catolica 98
Cur: Franco Cabanez 9 pts. Adrian Aravena 9 pts.
Uc: John Huggins 26 pts. Tarrie Monroe 20 pts.

Round 24

Municipal Curacavi 83 - Universidad Catolica 102
Cur: Marcos Munoz 29 pts. Omar Rivera 15 pts.
Uc: John Huggins 35 pts. Tarrie Monroe 25 pts.

Union Espanola 97 - Antofagasta Sokol 65
Uni: Jeremiah Wilson 21 pts. Decorey Young 17 pts.
Sok: Rasheem Barrett 19 pts. Damian Staple 18 pts.

San Luis 81 - Espanol de Talca 84
San: Juan Ignacio Luvizetto 18 pts. Rodrigo Ilabaca 15 pts.
Esp: Rome Sanders 23 pts. Francisco Bravo 19 pts.

Liceo Mixto 95 - CD Universidad de Concepcion 91
Lic: Anthony Danridge 32 pts. Howard Wilkerson 19 pts.
Ucon: Evandro Arteaga 22 pts. Jason Keep 21 pts.

Standings - LIBSUR

DIMAYOR Standings

1. Liceo Mixto		21-2
2. U.Concepcion		20-3
3. Dep.Espanol		17-6
4. U.Espanola		12-11
5. Sokol de Antof.		8-13
6. U.Catolica		7-17
7. San Luis		6-15
8. Munic.Curacavi		0-24

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CHINA

Chinese CBA round 28 best performance: J.R. Smith - by Eurobasket News
American guard J.R. Smith (198-G-85) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Zhejiang C., receiving a Asia-basket.com Player of the Week award for round 28.
The 26-year old player was the main contributor (60 points, eight rebounds and two assists) to his team's victory, helping them to beat Qingdao DS (#11, 12-15) 122-110. Zhejiang C. is placed at 7th position in Chinese CBA. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Zhejiang C. will need more victories to improve their 14-11 record. In the team's last game Smith had a remarkable fourteen three-pointers out of 18 attempts. He turned to be Zhejiang C.'s top player in his first season with the team. J.R. Smith has solid league stats. He is league's best scorer averaging so far 35.0ppg. Smith is in league's top in and averages impressive 2.8spg,50.8% FGP and 51.2% from behind 3-point line.

The second best player in last round's games was 28-year old Jordanian Zaid Abbas (203-F-83) of Fujian XX. Abbas had a very good evening with a double-double of 25 points and 24 rebounds. Of course Fujian XX cruised to a 132-125 overtime win over slightly higher-ranked Guangsha L. (#4, 15-11). This victory allowed Fujian XX to move up to 5th position in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 15-12 record is not bad and everything may still change. Abbas is a newcomer at Fujian XX, but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was American forward Wilson Chandler (203-F-87) of Guangsha L. (#4). Chandler got into 30-points club by scoring 36 points in the last round. He went also for twenty one rebounds and six assists. Despite Chandler's great performance Guangsha L. lost 125-132in overtime to slightly lower-ranked Fujian XX (#5, 15-12). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. The last thing Guangsha L. needs is to lose another game like this one. They lose more and more distance to the top teams. Their record is 15 victories and 11 lost games. Chandler has a great season in China. After 26 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 26.7ppg (8th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Charles Gaines (201-F-81) of Shanxi Zh. - 34 points, 17 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Donnell Harvey (203-F/C-80) of TianJin R. - 30 points, 18 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Marcus Williams (201-F/G-86) of Shanxi Zh. - 40 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists
7. Jackson Vroman (208-C/F-81) of Jiangsu D. - 33 points, 13 rebounds and 2 assists
8. ZhiZhi Wang (214-C-77) of Bayi Fubang - 30 points and 10 rebounds
9. James Singleton (203-F-81) of Guandong ST - 28 points, 14 rebounds and 3 assists
10. Peter John Ramos (222-C-85) of Guangsha L. - 24 points, 15 rebounds and 3 assists

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

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CROATIA

Standings - A2 League

A2 Standings

Group Center
1. Dubrava		11-4
2. Gorica		11-4
3. Sanac Karl.		10-5
4. Bosco		9-6
5. Samobor		9-6
6. Kaptol		8-7
7. Mladost Z.		7-8
8. Rudes		6-8
9. Sus.-Moslavina		6-8
10. Zrinjevac		6-8
11. Hermes Anal.		4-11
12. Novska		1-13
Group East
1. Osjecki Sokol		14-1
2. Mladost C.		11-2
3. Vinkovci		11-4
4. Belisce		10-5
5. Zupanja		8-6
6. Virovitica		8-7
7. Vukovar		7-8
8. Meteor D.		6-9
9. Vrijednosnice		4-10
10. Olimp Inspekt		4-11
11. Klasije		3-11
12. Valpovo		1-13
Group North
1. Medjimurje C.		15-0
2. Vindija V.		11-4
3. Podravac Virje		10-5
4. Radnik		9-6
5. Petar Zrinski		9-6
6. Mladost D.		8-7
7. Cakovec		7-6
8. Ivancica		7-8
9. Rudar-Cimper		7-8
10. Bjelovar		3-11
11. Koprivnica		2-13
12. Graficar		0-14
Group South
1. Policnik		10-2
2. Metkovic		9-3
3. Trogir		7-5
4. Kastela		7-5
5. GKK Sibenik		7-5
6. Jazine		6-6
7. Cetina		5-7
8. Omis Galeb		4-8
9. Solin		3-9
10. Vostarnica		2-7
11. DOSK		2-10
12. Drazen Petrovic		0-0
Group West
1. Crikvenica		13-1
2. Kraljevica		12-2
3. Skrljevo		11-3
4. Stoja Pula		9-5
5. Otocac		8-6
6. Pula 1981		7-7
7. Jadran		7-7
8. Kastav		5-9
9. Rovinj		5-9
10. Ghia Staff		4-10
11. Zamet		3-11
12. Fazana		0-14

Ivan Batur to miss a month - by Eurobasket News
Bad news for Ivan Batur (201-G/F-91) and his team Zadar. The Croatian prospect suffered arm injury and he is forced to miss at least a month. Batur got injured during the game against Darda last weekend. He scored 8 points before the injury. Batur helped Zadar to register valuable road win and they needed an OT to do it, 84-86. Ivan Batur averages 5.4 points and 2.2 rebounds this season. Batur is a product of Zadar. He played for their youth teams and was promoted to senior squad in 2010. He had 7.2 ppg and 1.9 rpg for 25 games in Adriatic league last season. Also he registered almost the same numbers for 12 EuroChallenge games. In Croatia, Batur added 11.6 ppg and 2.3 rpg for 12 games. Ivan Batur played for U20, U19, U18 and U16 Croatian National Teams.

Aleksandar Petrovic takes over Bosnian National Team - by Eurobasket News
Bosnian National Team got a new Head Coach. It is Croatian specialist Aleksandar Petrovic (agency: Interperformances). The 52-year-old coach will try to help Bosnians to reach the EuroBasket 2013 in Slovenia. Most recently Petrovic worked with Cedevita Zagreb. Before Cedevita he worked with Zadar and helped them win the Croatian league title in 2008. In 2005 and 2006, Aleksandar Petrovic worked with Italian teams Scafati and Fabriano. He also has experience from Spanish Leida and San Fernando Sevilla. He coached Polish Anwil in 2001/02. In the past, Aleksandar Petrovic spent several years with Cibona Zagreb and also coached Croatian National Team. He will be promoted by the Bosnian Basketball Federation tomorrow.

Brod Svjetlost signs deal with Marko Batina - by Eurobasket News
Marko Batina (198-G-86) is a new member of Brod Svjetlost. Two sides penned a deal for rest of the season. Batina left Bosna ASA BHT to join the club from Slavonski Brod. Marko Batina played for Bosna also in 2010/11. He appeared 28 times in the league averaging 6.7 points, 1.5 assists and 1.2 rebounds. From 2007 to 2000, Batina played for Split. He shined with 11.9 ppg, 1.9 rpg and 1.3 apg in the last season together. Batina also has experience from Hermes Analitica Zagreb, where he played in the past. Marko Batina participated at the Croatian league All-Star Game in 2010. He played for their U21 and U20 National Teams in the past.

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

CYPRUS

Standings - Division A

Division A Standings

1. Keravnos		15-0
2. Apollon		12-2
3. Etha		10-4
4. AEK		9-5
5. APOEL		7-7
6. Omonia		5-8
7. ENAD		4-10
8. AEL		2-13

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

CZECH REPUBLIC

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings

1. CEZ Nymburk		24-1
2. BK Prostejov		20-5
3. BK Pardubice		19-6
4. BK Decin		18-7
5. BC Kolin		17-8
6. USK Praha		14-11
7. NH Ostrava		13-12
8. Levice		11-15
9. Svitavy		9-16
10. Chomutov		8-17
11. Usti n/Labem		7-18
12. Inter Bratislava		6-20
13. B&W Opava		5-20
14. Plzen		5-20

Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game

Keaton GRANT
  Levice
  (193-G-86)
  Avg: 20

1. Grant, Levice	20.0
2. Sedmak, USK Praha	19.8
3. Henderson, Levice	18.5
4. Wright, Chomutov	17.9
5. Lowery, Chomutov	17.4
6. McFadden, Usti n.	17.3
7. Hruban, USK Praha	16.8
8. Houska, BK Decin	16.3
9. Wilson, CEZ N.	16.0
10. Longmire, Usti n.	15.9

Rebounds Per Game

Stanislav VOTROUBEK
  USK P.
  (212-C-81)
  Avg: 9.2

1. Votroubek, USK P.	9.2
2. Naymick, CEZ N.	8.7
3. Meno, Svitavy	8.5
4. Arnold, BK Pardu.	8.2
5. Gadri-N., BK Prost.	7.2
6. Peterson, BK Prost.	7.1
7. Pesic, Inter B.	7.0
8. Houska, BK Decin	7.0
9. Hughes, NH Ostrava	6.8
10. Manousos, NH Os.	6.7

Assists Per Game

Michal SOTNAR
  USK Praha
  (189-PG-92)
  Avg: 5.1

1. Sotnar, USK Praha	5.1
2. Ubilla, Inter B.	4.7
3. Wright, Chomutov	4.6
4. Wright, NH Ostrava	4.2
5. Barnes, BC Kolin	4.2
6. Vrubl, Plzen	4.0
7. Lawrence, CEZ N.	4.0
8. George, Svitavy	3.9
9. Ames, BC Kolin	3.8
10. Boyer, BK Decin	3.6

Steals Per Game

Thaddeus MCFADDEN
  Usti n.
  (188-G-87)
  Avg: 2.5

1. McFadden, Usti n.	2.5
2. Wright, Chomutov	2.4
3. Ames, BC Kolin	2.3
4. Ubilla, Inter B.	2.2
5. Klecka, B&W Opava	2.1
6. Sirina, B&W Opava	2.1
7. Pumprla, CEZ N.	2.1
8. Wright, NH Ostrava	2.1
9. Inge, NH Ostrava	1.8
10. Lowery, Chomutov	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Andrew NAYMICK
  CEZ N.
  (211-C-85)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Naymick, CEZ N.	1.7
2. Hughes, NH Ostrava	1.5
3. Miklosik, B&W O.	1.4
4. Gadri-N., BK Prost.	1.2
5. Meno, Svitavy	1.0
6. Williams, BK Decin	1.0
7. Grant, Levice	1.0
8. Pumprla, CEZ N.	0.9
9. Lowhorn, Levice	0.9
10. Houska, BK Decin	0.8

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

DENMARK

Standings - Basketligaen

Ligaen Standings

1. Bakken		20-1
2. Svendborg		20-2
3. Naestved		14-8
4. SISU		9-13
5. Horsholm		9-13
6. Horsens IC		8-14
7. Vaerlose		8-14
8. Aalborg		7-14
9. Aabyhoj		7-14
10. Falcon		6-15

Standings - 1st Division

1st Division Standings

1. Randers		13-3
2. Amager BK		12-3
3. Lemvig		11-4
4. Aarhus BF		11-5
5. Koge BK		10-5
6. Stevnsgade		7-6
7. Virum		6-8
8. Haderslev		5-9
9. Glostrup		5-9
10. ALBA		4-10
11. Jonstrup		4-11
12. Solrod		0-15

Stats Leaders - Basketligaen

Points Per Game

Ryan WHITE
  Aalborg
  (177-PG-88)
  Avg: 26.4

1. White, Aalborg	26.4
2. Harris, Horsens IC	24.1
3. Henry, Naestved	21.6
4. Rutherford, SISU	20.3
5. Curry, Aabyhoj	19.1
6. Rasmussen, Vaerl.	19.1
7. Kingsley, Svendborg	18.4
8. Bishop, Aalborg	18.4
9. Alexander, Bakken	17.9
10. Iversen, Bakken	15.9

Rebounds Per Game

Tony BISHOP
  Aalborg
  (201-F-89)
  Avg: 11

1. Bishop, Aalborg	11.0
2. Glynn, Naestved	10.8
3. Curry, Aabyhoj	10.5
4. St.John, Horsens	10.4
5. Benjamin, Horsholm	8.9
6. Colas, Horsholm	8.7
7. Osgood-R., Vaerlose	8.4
8. Phillips, Aabyhoj	8.3
9. Harris, Horsens IC	8.2
10. Johansen, Naestv.	8.1

Assists Per Game

Corin HENRY
  Naestved
  (180-PG-88)
  Avg: 5

1. Henry, Naestved	5.0
2. Sattler, Horsens IC	4.5
3. White, Aalborg	4.4
4. Colman, Svendborg	4.2
5. Elgmork, Aalborg	4.0
6. McFarlane, Falcon	3.8
7. Curry, Aabyhoj	3.3
8. Dennis, SISU	3.2
9. Nielsen, SISU	3.1
10. Darboe, Svendborg	3.0

Steals Per Game

Corin HENRY
  Naestved
  (180-PG-88)
  Avg: 4.5

1. Henry, Naestved	4.5
2. White, Aalborg	3.0
3. Wire, Vaerlose	2.9
4. Dennis, SISU	2.5
5. Bishop, Aalborg	2.3
6. Sattler, Horsens IC	2.2
7. Alexander, Bakken	2.1
8. Plannthin, Svend.	2.0
9. McFarlane, Falcon	1.9
10. Nielsen, SISU	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Jenard HARRISON
  SISU
  (203-F-84)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Harrison, SISU	2.3
2. Colas, Horsholm	2.1
3. Phillips, Aabyhoj	1.9
4. Curry, Aabyhoj	1.7
5. Christoffers., Bak.	1.7
6. Bishop, Aalborg	1.6
7. Vinson, Svendborg	1.1
8. Eleraky, Aalborg	1.1
9. Marinkovic, Horsho.	1.1
10. Larsen, Vaerlose	0.8

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

D-LEAGUE

Cavaliers recall Luke Harangody from D-League - by Eurobasket News
The Cleveland Cavaliers have recalled forward Luke Harangody (6'7''-F-88, agency: Priority Sports, college: Notre Dame) from the Canton Charge, the Cavaliers exclusively owned and operated NBA Development League team, Cavaliers General Manager Chris Grant announced today.

Harangody was assigned to Canton on Jan. 26th and played in three games (three starts) with the Charge, averaging 13.3 points on .400 shooting and 8.7 rebounds in 34.7 minutes per game. The 6-foot-8 forward recorded two double-doubles in his three games with the Charge, including a 21-point, 11-rebound effort in 39 minutes versus the Los Angeles Defenders on Jan. 28. Harangody has appeared in five games with the Cavaliers this season. He averaged 2.6 points on .455 shooting and 1.2 rebounds in 7.6 minutes per game.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Vipers down Toros - by Eurobasket News
Kelvin Lewis (6'4''-G-88, college: Houston) scored 21 points to lead the Rio Grande Valley Vipers to a 114-101 victory over the Austin Toros on Wednesday night at the Cedar Park Center.

The Vipers have beaten the Toros in four of their five meetings this season.

Terrance Woodbury (6'7''-G/F-86, college: Georgia) gave the Toros a double-digit lead with 7:43 left in the first period.

The Vipers brought the Toros lead to 33-31, but Dentmon hit a three with 45 seconds left to give the Toros a 36-31 lead after the first quarter. The Vipers led at the half, 58-57.

William Conroy (6'2''-G-82, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices, college: Washington) and Greg Smith (6'10''-C-91, college: Fresno St.) each scored 20 points for the Vipers.

The Toros travel to Canton, Ohio, for back-to-back games this weekend.

Courtesy of www.statesman.com

Darington Hobson recalled by Bucks - by Eurobasket News
The Milwaukee Bucks have recalled rookie guard Darington Hobson (6'7''-G/F-87, college: N.Mexico) from the Fort Wayne Mad Ants of the NBA Development League, General Manager John Hammond announced today.

In eight games (six starts) for the Mad Ants, Hobson averaged 10.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 27.6 minutes per contest. Hobson was initially assigned to Fort Wayne on December 29 and recalled to join the Bucks on January 4. On January 18, he was re-assigned to Fort Wayne.

Hobson will return to Milwaukee tonight, but not in time for the game vs. Miami.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Bighorns escape Legends - by Eurobasket News
The Reno Bighorns won their third consecutive road game against the Texas Legends Wednesday night, escaping with a 119-112 victory. Andre Emmett (6'5''-G/F-82, college: Texas Tech) led the Bighorns with 26 points, five rebounds and five assists while Bobby Simmons (6'6''-F-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Florida St.) added 21 points and six assists. Blake Ahearn (6'2''-PG-84, college: Missouri St.) added 20 points during a game that would put an end to his historic free throw streak.

Ahearn went 4-for-5 from the free throw line, ending his streak of 110 consecutive free throws made, an NBA D-League record. He missed on a technical foul shot in the third quarter, ironically ending the streak that started the last time he missed on a technical foul shot on December 21. On January 21, Ahearn surpassed the NBA record of 97 consecutive free-throws made, set by Michael Williams of the Minnesota Timberwolves in 1993.

Both teams shot the ball well, converting over 50 percent of all shot attempts. The difference in the game would come at the free throw line, where the Bighorns went 28-of-34 while the Legends converted 16 of only 19 attempts.

Mo Charlo would post the games only double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. The Legends were led by Booker Woodfox's 24 points and five assists.

The Bighorns complete their four-game road trip on Thursday night against the Tulsa 66ers. The team returns to Reno to take on the Bakersfield Jam on Saturday, February 4 at the Reno Events Center.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

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

EL SALVADOR

Division 2: Halcones and Delgadense advance to Final Game - by Jaime Arevalo
Last week started the playoff of Salvadorean Division 2, and the series went as follows:

Biomedical defeated San Marcos
Delgadense defeated Costa Rica
Mayda/Felinos defeated Denver
Halcones defeated ITCA

the Semifinal pairings were Biomedical-Halcones and Mayda/Felinos-Delgadense, and the games have been played on January, the results were:

BIOMEDICAL ( 80) - HALCONES (96) Best Performers: BIOMEDICAL = GEOVANNY HERNANDEZ 16 pts, DOUGLAS BAIRES 20 pts; HALCONES = CESAR ALVAREZ 34 pts, RICARDO CACERES 17 pts. As you can see, Cesar Alvarez was the man of the game despite the good defense displayed by Biomedical all game long.

DELGADENSE (77) - MAYDA FELINOS (57) Best Performers: DELGADENSE = CARLOS MENDEZ 26 pts, KEVIN HERNANDEZ 16 pts; MAYDA/FELINOS = IVAN LOPEZ 13 pts, ROBERTO PALACIOS 12 pts. Game dominated by Delgadense, Flinos stayed in teh race only in first quarter.

At this point, the game for the third and fourth place will be played by BIOMEDICAL and MAYDA/FELINOS, while HALCONES and DELGADENSE will meet in Final Game. The winner team will advance to 2012 First Division.

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

ESTONIA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Toomas RAADIK
  Parnu
  (202-C-90)
  Avg: 18.6

1. Raadik, Parnu	18.6
2. Pilk, TT.	18.2
3. Soo, Rapla	17.3
4. Raley-Ross, Tln K.	16.9
5. Cipruss, Tarvas	16.8
6. Raap, Parnu	16.4
7. Veideman, Tartu U.	15.6
8. Hallik, Tarvas	14.5
9. Arnold, TT.	14.1
10. Shaw, Tln Kalev	13.4

Rebounds Per Game

Kaspars CIPRUSS
  Tarvas
  (210-C-82)
  Avg: 9.6

1. Cipruss, Tarvas	9.6
2. Arnold, TT.	9.0
3. Cricelli, Va.	8.4
4. Ringmets, Rapla	8.0
5. Raadik, Parnu	7.7
6. Shaw, Tln Kalev	7.5
7. Fedortchuk, Tln K.	7.5
8. Allingu, Tartu U.	7.4
9. Amis, Tartu Ulikool	7.2
10. Keedus, TT.	6.4

Assists Per Game

Edgars CUNDA
  Va.
  (196-G-84)
  Avg: 4.5

1. Cunda, Va.	4.5
2. Laane, Rapla	3.8
3. Dorbek, Tarvas	3.7
4. Pilk, TT.	3.5
5. Raap, Parnu	3.4
6. Kriisa, Tarvas	3.4
7. Keedus, TT.	3.1
8. Skele, Kalev/Cramo	3.0
9. Sokk, Tartu Ulikool	2.9
10. Veideman, Tartu U.	2.8

Steals Per Game

Edgars CUNDA
  Va.
  (196-G-84)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Cunda, Va.	2.5
2. Kaldre, Rapla	2.3
3. Laane, Rapla	2.2
4. Dorbek, Tarvas	2.2
5. Leppik, Tartu Ulik.	2.1
6. Veideman, Tartu U.	2.1
7. Skele, Kalev/Cramo	2.0
8. Raley-Ross, Tln K.	1.9
9. Karner, Parnu	1.7
10. Umbrasko, Tarvas	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Bamba FALL
  Kalev/Cramo
  (216-C-86)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Fall, Kalev/Cramo	1.7
2. Raadik, Parnu	1.5
3. Amis, Tartu Ulikool	1.4
4. Fedortchuk, Tln K.	1.1
5. Varbanov, Kalev/Cr.	0.7
6. Toome, Kalev/Cramo	0.7
7. Hallik, Tarvas	0.6
8. Veski, Tarvas	0.6
9. Makke, TT.	0.6
10. Ulyanko, Kalev/Cr.	0.5

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

EUROCHALLENGE

Peavy's 21 points give him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
26-year old forward Nathan Peavy (203-F-85) put on an amazing game in the last round for league's best team Art.Dragons and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 4 (Top 16).
He had the game-high 21 points adding four rebounds for Art.Dragons in his team's victory, helping them to beat Antwerp (#3, 1-3) 81-71. It allowed Art.Dragons to consolidate first place in the EuroChallenge group L. They maintain perfect record without any lost game in the league. The season is still on an early stage, but Art.Dragons already had a very good start winning all 4 without losing a single one. Peavy has many years of experience at Art.Dragons, through which he has constantly improved. Nathan Peavy averages this season 14.6ppg.

Second best performed player last round was Mire Chatman (187-G-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports) of league's second-best Karsiyaka. He is American guard in his first season at Karsiyaka. In the last game Chatman recorded impressive 24 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists. Bad luck as Karsiyaka was edged by slightly lower-ranked Triumph (#4, 1-3) 79-77. It was definitely game of the week between two contenders to the top position in group L. Karsiyaka still maintains its place in the top 2 of the standings, even despite this loss. His team's 2-2 record is not bad at all. Chatman is a newcomer at Karsiyaka and quickly became one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 20.0ppg (#2). His other stats are also decent: 5.3rpg and 3.6apg.

Third place about best performers goes to Kyle Landry (207-C/F-86) of Triumph (#4). Landry scored 24 points and grabbed ten rebounds. He was a key player of Triumph, leading his team to a 79-77 win against #2 ranked Karsiyaka. Triumph can only dream about fighting for top spots in group L. They have rather bad season and 1-3 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Landry he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Landry has a very solid season. In 10 games in EuroChallenge he scored 12.1ppg. He also has 6.5rpg and FGP: 54.3%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Marcus Arnold (207-C/F-84) of BK Pardubice - 27 points and 9 rebounds
5. Artem Kuzyakin (200-G-80) of Triumph - 26 points and 4 rebounds
6. Blake Schilb (200-F/G-83) of Chalon - 20 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists
7. Adam Chubb (208-F/C-81) of EWE Baskets - 18 points and 11 rebounds
8. Anthony King (206-F/C-85) of Art.Dragons - 16 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Jahmar Young (196-G-86) of Ventspils - 18 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Christopher Young (206-F/C-79) of Aalstar - 16 points and 8 rebounds

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

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Jovo STANOJEVIC
  Karsi.
  (208-C-77)
  Avg: 20.4

1. Stanojevic, Karsi.	20.4
2. Chatman, Karsiyaka	20.0
3. Dykes, U.Mobite.	19.0
4. Karadeniz, Turk T.	18.3
5. Copeland, Aalstar	18.1
6. Stimac, Olin Edirne	18.0
7. Clemente, Nitra	17.8
8. Richardson, Armia	17.8
9. Roll, Antwerp	16.9
10. Trotter, Szolnok	16.8

Rebounds Per Game

Will THOMAS
  Armia
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 11.3

1. Thomas, Armia	11.3
2. Mensah-Bonsu, Bes.	10.0
3. Kjellbom, Armia	9.8
4. Bader, Szolnok	9.3
5. Majok, Nitra	9.3
6. Arnold, BK Pardu.	8.9
7. Elonu, Pau-Lacq.	8.6
8. Stanojevic, Karsi.	8.5
9. Young, Aalstar	8.4
10. Terry, Khimik	8.2

Assists Per Game

Jared JORDAN
  Telekom .
  (188-PG-84)
  Avg: 9.2

1. Jordan, Telekom	9.2
2. Eldridge, Minsk-20.	6.5
3. Tchicamboud, Cha.	6.2
4. Moore, Keravnos	6.0
5. Barrett, Roanne	5.8
6. Holston, Art.Drag.	5.8
7. Gipson, Pau-Lacq.	5.7
8. Gaines, Armia	5.5
9. Wright, Olin Edirne	5.3
10. Slagter, Leiden	5.1

Steals Per Game

Denis CLEMENTE
  Nitra
  (185-PG-86)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Clemente, Nitra	2.8
2. Frazier, Keravnos	2.7
3. Moore, Keravnos	2.6
4. Diane, Nitra	2.5
5. Morris, U.Mobite.	2.4
6. Greene, Hoverla	2.3
7. Pandula, BK Prost.	2.3
8. Washington, Turk T.	2.3
9. Hasbrouck, EWE B.	2.0
10. de Jong, Leiden	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Tony GAFFNEY
  Teleko.
  (204-F-84)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Gaffney, Teleko.	2.3
2. Kjellbom, Armia	2.3
3. Sene, Fuenlabrada	1.7
4. Hardin, Minsk-2006	1.7
5. Mejri, Antwerp	1.7
6. Elonu, Pau-Lacq.	1.6
7. Knox, Minsk-2006	1.5
8. Pustovyi, Khimik	1.4
9. Baxter, Enisey	1.4
10. Mensah-Bonsu, Be.	1.4

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

EUROCUP

Abdul Hamid returns Krka - by Uygar Karaca
According to stasport (sta.si) and sportando.net; American guard Mustafa Abdul-Hamid (188-G-88, college: UCLA) now returns to Krka Novo Mesto. He was released on December month ago. He is new to Europe though, played for Hemofarm last year at Eurocup. Novo Mesto, the last years' Eurochallange champion is struggling at Last16 stage of this years' Eurocup. They are now winless and on the brink of elimination. They just got 4 wins in Adriatic League and Tyler Hansborough just left the team. Recently, they have added Israeli guard Affik Nissim.

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

EUROLEAGUE

Top 16, Round 3: Wednesday's games review - by Eurobasket News
GROUP E

Olympiakos - Anadolu Efes 83-65
Olympiakos blasted Anadolu Efes in the last ten minutes registering the first victory in Euroleague Top 16. The Reds celebrated 83-65 and joined Efes with 1-2 record in Group E. Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) top-scored for the home squad with 18 points. Konstantinos Sloukas (197-G-90) had 15 points and Joey Dorsey (206-C/F-83, college: Memphis) helped with 10 points, plus 5 rebounds. For the guests, Tarence Kinsey (200-G-84, college: S.Carolina) shined with 14 points and 8 rebounds. Sasha Vujacic (200-G-84) scored 12, while Esteban Batista (208-F/C-83, agency: Duran International) added 11 points and 6 rebounds. Olympiakos made 20-12 lead in the first ten minutes of play and Efes cut the margin to 41-36 until the halftime. Visitors took control on Olympiakos after the breather and managed to tie the score to 53-53 at the end of Q3. Vassilis Spanoulis and his teammates exploded at the beginning of the last period and created 11-0 run. They jumped to 73-58 with less than five minutes to go and later had no troubles to keep the lead. Quarters: 20-12, 21-24, 12-17, 30-12. Two teams will meet again next week, but Efes will be the host.

Olympiakos: Vassilis Spanoulis, Konstantinos Sloukas 15, Joey Dorsey 10+5 biards
Anadolu Efes: Tarence Kinsey 14+8 boards, Sasha Vujacic 12, Esteban Batista 11+6 boards

GROUP F

Real Madrid - Gescrap BB 89-73

Real Madrid celebrated 89-73 win against Bilbao in Round Three of the Euroleague Top 16. Both teams had 1-1 record before this meeting, Group F. Sergio Rodriguez (191-G-86) stepped up for the winners with 20 points. Ante Tomic (217-C-87) had 15 points and 7 rebounds, Mirza Begic (217-C-85) followed with 12 points and 5 rebs for 13 minutes on the court, while Jaycee Carroll (188-PG-83, agency: Priority Sports) added 11 points. In defeat, Marko Banic (205-F-84) had 18 points and 6 boards. Their second scorer was Alex Mumbru (202-F-79) with 17 points, and Kostas Vasiliadis (200-G/F-84, agency: FCM) was behind him with 13 pts. Real Madrid made double-digit lead already in the first period and jumped to 50-32 in the finish of Q2, which later ended with plus 14 for Real. However, Bilbao didn't give up. They came to 55-48 after the breather, but Real responded with 14-7 after that. Thanks to 0-12 run, Bilbao closed the gap to 69-65 at the beginning of the last quarter, but that was all from the guests as Real answered with 11-1 run and question about the winner was resolved. Quarters: 26-16, 24-20, 19-19, 20-18. Bilbao will host Real next week.

Real Madrid: Sergio Rodriguez 20, Ante Tomic 15+7 boards, Mirza Begic 12+5 boards, Jaycee Carroll 11
Bilbao: Marko Banic 18+6 boards, Alex Mumbru 17, Kostas Vasiliadis 13

GROUP G

Unics - Emporio Armani 59-44
The Euroleague newcomer continues to impress. Unics Kazan limited Emporio Armani Milan to just 44 points on Wednesday night and celebrated 15-point win against them, 59-44. It means that Unics stays No.1 in Group G with perfect 3-0 record. Visitors dropped to 0-3. Henry Domercant (192-G-80, college: E.Illinois) shined for the winners with 16 points and 5 rebounds. Petr Samoylenko (185-G-77) scored 12 and Terrell Lyday (190-G-79, college: BYU) followed with two points less. For Armani, Nicolo Melli (205-F-91) delivered 17 points and was the only one with double digits in scoring. Drew Nicholas (191-G-81, college: Maryland) was the second scorer in defeat with just 6 points and Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81) stopped to 5. Unics took control on Armani in the first quarter and never looked back after that. It was 20-12 for the host after ten minutes and 36-20 at the halftime. Unics had no troubles to keep the lead for rest of the way. Quarters: 20-12, 16-8, 9-7, 14-17. Two teams will meet in Milan next week.

Unics: Henry Domercant 16+5 boards, Petr Samoylenko 12, Terrell Lyday 10
Emporio Armani: Nicolo Melli 17, Drew Nicholas 6, Antonis Fotsis 5

Euroleague round 3 (Top 16) best performance: Nenad Krstic - by Eurobasket News
Serbian center Nenad Krstic (213-C-83) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for CSKA Moscow, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 3 (Top 16).
The 28-year old player was the main contributor (20 points, nine rebounds) to his team's victory, helping them to beat Galatasaray (#3, 1-2) 85-70. It allowed CSKA to keep the perfect score in Group E (3-0). Krstic turned to be CSKA's top player in his first season with the team. Nenad Krstic has solid league stats. He is in league's top in points (7th best: 16.0ppg), rebounds (6th best: 6.8rpg) and averages impressive 61.7% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 27-year old Slovenian Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84) of FCB Regal. Lorbek had a very good evening with 19 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists. Of course he lead FCB Regal to another comfortable win 94-80 over Zalgiris (0-3) being unquestionably team leader. A very good start of the Top 16 for his team, which won so far all 3 games without any defeat. Lorbek is one of the most experienced players at FCB Regal and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third on the list of top players last round was American forward Richard Hendrix (203-F/C-86) of Maccabi T-A (#3). Hendrix scored 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Despite Hendrix's great performance Maccabi T-A lost 74-82 to #2 ranked Bennet Cantu. But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates especially in such crucial game. Maccabi has 1-2 record now. Hendrix has a very solid season. In 13 games in Euroleague he scored 8.0ppg. He also has 4.7rpg, 1.2bpg and FGP: 58.0%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Marko Banic (205-F-84) of Gescrap BB - 18 points and 6 rebounds
5. Romain Sato (194-G/F-81) of Panathinaikos - 12 points and 10 rebounds
6. Vladimir Micov (203-F-85) of Bennet Cantu - 17 points, 2 rebounds and 9 assists
7. Sergio Rodriguez (191-G-86) of Real Madrid - 20 points and 7 assists
8. Kostas Kaimakoglou (206-C/F-83) of Panathinaikos - 19 points and 5 rebounds
9. Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82) of Olympiakos - 18 points and 4 assists
10. Stanko Barac (217-C-86) of Anadolu Efes - 14 points and 8 rebounds

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

Standings

Euroleague Standings

Group E
1. CSKA			3-0
2. Olympiakos			1-2
3. Galatasaray			1-2
4. Anadolu Efes			1-2
Group F
1. Montepaschi			3-0
2. Real Madrid			2-1
3. Gescrap BB			1-2
4. Unicaja			0-3
Group G
1. Unics			3-0
2. Panathinaikos			2-1
3. Fener.Ulker			1-2
4. Armani MI			0-3
Group H
1. FCB Regal			3-0
2. Bennet Cantu			2-1
3. Maccabi T-A			1-2
4. Zalgiris			0-3

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

FINLAND

Standings - Division I

1st Division Standings

1. Tapiolan Honka		13-3
2. Pyrinto II		12-4
3. FoKoPo		12-4
4. BC Nokia		12-5
5. Lapua		11-5
6. Oulun NMKY		10-7
7. Huima		8-9
8. SayRi		6-10
9. Porvoon Tarmo		5-11
10. Ura Basket		5-11
11. ToPo Akatemia		4-13
12. Jyvaskyla		1-17

Stats Leaders - Division I

Points Per Game

Walter BAXLEY
  Lapua
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 29.7

1. Baxley, Lapua	29.7
2. Phillips, Oulun N.	25.0
3. Conerly, SayRi	24.3
4. Simmons, Porvoon	23.5
5. Williams, Lapua	22.9
6. Manning, Huima	21.6
7. Stamper, Pyrin.	21.3
8. Nofflet, Oulun N.	20.5
9. Abdullah, SayRi	19.8
10. Cooper, SayRi	19.6

Rebounds Per Game

Kenneth COOPER
  SayRi
  (208-C-87)
  Avg: 13.9

1. Cooper, SayRi	13.9
2. Moultrie, Oulun N.	13.5
3. January, BC Nokia	11.4
4. Britton, Huima	10.8
5. Bojang, FoKoPo	10.8
6. Stamper, Pyrin.	10.7
7. Townes, BC Nokia	10.4
8. Green, Ura Basket	10.2
9. Andrews, Ura B.	9.8
10. Williams, Lapua	9.8

Assists Per Game

Treylon MANNING
  Huima
  (176-PG-85)
  Avg: 5.3

1. Manning, Huima	5.3
2. Conerly, SayRi	5.2
3. Phillips, Oulun N.	5.1
4. Ikavalko, FoKoPo	4.6
5. Viertola, Huima	3.7
6. Riihela, BC Nokia	3.3
7. Henderson, Porvoo.	3.1
8. Jackson, Lapua	3.1
9. Storrs, Jyvaskyla	3.1
10. Harjula, Pyrinto	2.9

Steals Per Game

Aubrey CONERLY
  SayRi
  (182-G-83)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Conerly, SayRi	2.7
2. Jackson, Lapua	2.3
3. Townes, BC Nokia	2.2
4. January, BC Nokia	1.9
5. Vanjoki, Tapiolan.	1.8
6. Abdullah, SayRi	1.8
7. Green, Ura Basket	1.8
8. Bojang, FoKoPo	1.8
9. Nofflet, Oulun N.	1.8
10. Baxley, Lapua	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Brian MOULTRIE
  Oulun N.
  (198-C/F-87)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Moultrie, Oulun N.	2.6
2. Andrews, Ura B.	1.9
3. Nordman, Tapiolan.	1.3
4. January, BC Nokia	1.2
5. Laitinen, Tapiol.	1.1
6. Cooper, SayRi	1.1
7. Still, Porvoon Tar.	0.9
8. Townes, BC Nokia	0.9
9. Britton, Huima	0.8
10. Pulkkinen, Pyrin.	0.8

Stats Leaders - Korisliiga

Points Per Game

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

1. Blue, KTP	22.5
2. Zeno, Nilan Bisons	21.5
3. Newson, Kataja	19.0
4. Durham, Salon Vilp.	19.0
5. Holloway, Salon V.	18.9
6. Beidler, Kauhajoki	18.9
7. Crocker, KTP	18.5
8. Brooks, Namika L.	18.4
9. Griffin, ToPo	18.3
10. Tiedeman, LrNM.	18.1

Rebounds Per Game

John FIELDS
  Salon Vilpas
  (205-F-88)
  Avg: 14

1. Fields, Salon Vilp.	14.0
2. Durham, Salon Vilp.	10.9
3. Blue, KTP	10.5
4. Newson, Kataja	9.4
5. Beidler, Kauhajoki	9.4
6. Hairston, Salon V.	8.7
7. Williams, Pyrinto	8.3
8. Zeno, Nilan Bisons	8.2
9. McDade, Nilan B.	8.2
10. Brown, Kouvot	7.9

Assists Per Game

Jeb IVEY
  Nilan Bisons
  (190-G-80)
  Avg: 5.1

1. Ivey, Nilan Bisons	5.1
2. Moore, Namika L.	4.6
3. Williams, Pyrinto	4.5
4. Virtanen, Kataja	4.3
5. Hannah, Kauhajoki	4.2
6. Sarcevic, KTP	4.0
7. Haynes, LrNM.	3.8
8. Walker, Kataja	3.7
9. Holloway, Salon V.	3.4
10. Nikkarinen, Kouvot	3.1

Steals Per Game

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

1. Sten, Kataja	2.5
2. Beidler, Kauhajoki	2.2
3. Williams, Pyrinto	2.2
4. Moore, Korihait	2.2
5. Moore, Namika L.	1.9
6. Newson, Kataja	1.7
7. Jordan, Kouvot	1.7
8. Haynes, LrNM.	1.7
9. Williams, Pyrinto	1.7
10. Holloway, Salon V.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

John FIELDS
  Salon Vilpas
  (205-F-88)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Fields, Salon Vilp.	2.3
2. Beidler, Kauhajoki	2.0
3. Blue, KTP	1.4
4. Hairston, Salon V.	1.3
5. Lehtoranta, Kataja	1.0
6. Jones, Nilan Bisons	0.9
7. Zeno, Nilan Bisons	0.9
8. Price, Kataja	0.7
9. Bell, KTP	0.7
10. Mottola, ToPo	0.7

Newson's double-double lands him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
27-year old swingman Jared Newson (195-G/F-84, agency: Pro One Sports) put on an amazing game in the last round for league's best team Kataja and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 29.
He had a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds, while his team beat ToPo (#5, 13-13) 96-91. It allowed Kataja to consolidate first place in the Finnish league. Kataja have a solid 22-4 record. In the team's last game Newson had a remarkable 71.4% from 2-point range. It's his second year at Kataja and it's hard to imagine this team without him. University of Tennessee at Martin graduate has very impressive stats this year. Newson is in league's top in points (3rd best: 19.0ppg), rebounds (4th best: 9.4rpg) and averages solid 53.6% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Allen Durham (198-F-88) of Salon Vilpas. He is American forward in his first season at Salon Vilpas. In the last game Durham recorded impressive double-double of 14 points and 15 rebounds. Of course Salon Vilpas cruised to a 66-56 relatively comfortable win over slightly lower-ranked Korihait (#10, 9-17). This victory allowed Salon Vilpas to move up to 8th position in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 11-16 record. Durham is a newcomer at Salon Vilpas and quickly became one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 19.0ppg (#4). He also registered 10.9 boards per game. Former Grace Bible College star Durham is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market.

Third place about best performers goes to guard Malik Moore (192-G-77, agency: Prossin Sports Management) of Namika Lahti (#11). Moore showcased his all-around game by recording 19 points, nine rebounds and six assists in the last round. Despite Moore's great performance Namika Lahti lost 83-86 to the higher-ranked Pyrinto (#4, 15-10). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. Namika Lahti can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have extremely bad season and 7-20 record places them at the very bottom of the standings. Too bad for Moore he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Moore has individually a great season in Finland. After 16 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in assists with 4.6apg (2nd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Damon Williams (201-F-73) of Pyrinto - 24 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists
5. Sami Lehtoranta (205-C/F-79) of Kataja - 11 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Antwine Williams (192-F-75) of Pyrinto - 26 points and 3 rebounds
7. Tony Crocker (201-G/F-87) of KTP - 17 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Clifton Jones (201-F-78) of Nilan Bisons - 10 points and 12 rebounds
9. Jeb Ivey (190-G-80) of Nilan Bisons - 16 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
10. B.A. Walker (188-G-84) of Kataja - 16 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists

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

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

FRANCE

Clermont add Marcus Jackson - by Eurobasket News
Clermont bolstered their frontcourt. They landed Marcus Jackson (202-F-82, agency: Court Side, college: Marquette). The forward is expected to replace Jonathan McClark (200-F-77, college: Rider). McClark got injured and is expected to miss the rest of the season. Marcus Jackson started the season in Mexico. He played for Abejas de Guanajuato. His stats read 9.4 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game in LNBP. Last season Marcus Jackson also spent in Mexico. He played for Lechegueros de Leon. He posted 11.8 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists per appearance. Marcus Jackson also had stints in Finland, Netherlands, Sweden and Germany before. Eurobasket.com named the forward into All-Finnish Korisliiga 2nd Team in 2007. Marcus Jackson is expected to join Clermont as soon as Friday.

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

FYR MACEDONIA

Last round of the first stage - by Eurobasket News
First stage of the Macedonian top division for men is over. Feni Industri, MZT Skopje, Torus, Lirija, Rabotnicki and Kumanovo advanced to the second stage. Vardar, Kozuv and Strumica will fight for the survival. The second stage begins on Saturday.

Stage One - Standings
1. Feni Indistrija 14-2
2. MZT Skopje 13-3
3. Torus Skopje 11-5
4. Lirija 10-6
5. Rabotnicki 8-8
6. Kumanovo 7-9
7. Vardar 4-12
8. Kozuv 3-13
9. ABA Strumica 2-14

MZT Skopje - Torus Skopje 72-63
Torus Skopje trailed by 13 points at halftime and as many as 14 after three quarters before a 23-18 last quarter charge cut the deficit to 63-72 at the end of the game. 27 personal fouls committed by Torus Skopje helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was international center Todor Gecevski (209-77, agency: Interperformances) who scored 16 points and 5 rebounds. American forward Noah Dahlman (200-89, college: Wofford) chipped in 17 points and 7 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was the former international guard Dimitar Karadzovski (190-84, agency: Global Sports Plaza) who recorded 16 points and 5 rebounds (went 9 for 9 at the free throw line !!!) and American power forward Justin Reynolds (204-88, college: Texas A&M-CC) added 12 points and 10 rebounds respectively.
Top scorers:
Torus Skopje: D.Karadzovski 16+5reb+3ast, B.Trajkovski 14+3reb+1ast, J.Reynolds 12+10reb, I.Dimcevski 10+5reb, K.Bradley 4+1reb+1ast, J.Boswell 3+2reb
MZT Skopje: N.Dahlman 17+7reb, T.Gecevski 16+5reb+3ast, I.Mijajlovic 15+4reb+4ast, N.Gajdadjiev 6+4reb+1ast, G.Cekovski 6+6reb, T.Grncarov 5+2reb+2ast

Feni Indistrija - Lirija 92-72
The game without a history. Feni Indistrija led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They outrebounded Lirija 39-23 including a 31-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a good game for international swingman Marko Simonovski (194-89, agency: Interperformances) who led his team to a victory with 23 points and 8 rebounds. Serbian center Dusan Knezevic (207-80, agency: BeoExcell) contributed with 15 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Four Feni Indistrija players scored in double figures. Feni Indistrija's coach Emil Rajkovic used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Montenegrin power forward Balsa Radunovic (207-80) replied with 23 points and 7 rebounds and naturalized Serbian center Toni Simic (210-76) added 15 points in the effort for Lirija.
Top scorers:
Lirija: B.Radunovic 23+7reb+1ast, V.Filipovic 15+1reb+1ast, T.Simic 15+3reb+1ast, C.Morban 9+3reb+3ast, D.Tasovski 8+2reb+1ast, S.Avramovski 2+1reb
Feni Indistrija: M.Simonovski 23+8reb+1ast, D.Knezevic 15+8reb+3ast, D.Sokolov 11+1ast, J.Frye 10+3reb+1ast, I.Lilov 8+1reb+2ast, P.Nikolov 7+3reb+4ast

Rabotnicki - Kozuv 78-70
Kozuv trailed by 11 points after 3 quarters before a 22-19 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 70-78 at the end of the game. Fersped-Rabotnicki made 22-of-27 free shots (81.5 percent) during the game. Strangely Kozuv outrebounded Fersped-Rabotnicki 34-19 including 23 on the defensive glass. Guard Enes Hadzibulic (196-81) scored 22 points and 4 steals to lead the charge for the winners and guard Jane Petrovski (181-87) chipped in 15 points and 5 assists during the contest. Four Fersped-Rabotnicki players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was Montenegrin center Miko Golubovic (206-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza) with 26 points and 6 rebounds and Serbian guard Dusan Domovic (190-85) scored 20 points and 9 rebounds.
Top scorers:
Kozuv: M.Golubovic 26+6reb, D.Domovic 20+9reb+2ast, M.Bulic 8+3reb+1ast, V.Buha 6+4reb, P.Cvetkov 4, S.Hadzivasilev 2+3reb+1ast
Rabotnicki: E.Hadzibulic 22+3reb+3ast, J.Petrovski 15+2reb+5ast, N.Jelesijevic 15+3reb+2ast, V.Zujovic 13+2ast, M.Pavlovic 7+4reb+2ast, U.Vasiljevic 4+1reb

Vardar - Kumanovo 74-85
The game was mostly controlled by Kumanovo 2009. Vardar managed to win third quarter 19-12. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Kumanovo 2009 won last quarter 22-12. Kumanovo 2009 forced 23 Vardar turnovers. International guard Aleksandar Kostoski (188-88, agency: Global Sports Plaza) scored 13 points and 9 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Serbian forward Dejan Mikic (201-86) chipped in 14 points and 6 rebounds (perfect from the field making all six shots) during the contest. Five Kumanovo 2009 players scored in double figures. Kumanovo 2009's coach used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. The best for the losing side was Darko Kostevski with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 14 rebounds and swingman Vladimir Georgievski (194-82) scored 19 points and 5 rebounds.
Top scorers:
Vardar: V.Georgievski 19+5reb+2ast, D.Kostevski 15+14reb+1ast, A.Stefanovski 14+4reb+2ast, A.Tasevski 9+2reb+6ast, D.Radulovic 7+1ast, P.Pajic 7+1reb+1ast
Kumanovo: D.Matic 15+2reb+2ast, D.Mikic 14+6reb+2ast, A.Kostoski 13+3reb+9ast, U.Lukovic 11+8reb, M.Janjusevic 10+4reb+2ast, M.Janevski 6+4reb

D1 Standings

Superleague Stage Two Standings

1. Feni Indistrija		14-2
2. MZT Skopje		13-3
3. Torus Skopje		11-5
4. Lirija		10-6
5. Rabotnicki		8-8
6. Kumanovo		7-9
Play Out
1. Vardar		4-12
2. Kozuv		3-13
3. ABA Strumica		2-14

Stage One Standings

Stats Leaders - Superleague

Points Per Game

Dusan DOMOVIC
  Kozuv
  (190-G-85)
  Avg: 21.2

1. Domovic, Kozuv	21.2
2. Brooks, ABA S.	21.0
3. Boswell, ABA S.	19.3
4. Golubovic, Kozuv	18.5
5. Tasovski, Rabotnic.	17.7
6. Radulovic, Vardar	17.5
7. Gecevski, MZT S.	17.4
8. Zivcevic, Lirija	17.4
9. Jelesijevic, Kuman.	17.1
10. Filipovic, Lirija	16.8

Rebounds Per Game

Noah DAHLMAN
  MZT S.
  (200-F-89)
  Avg: 9.1

1. Dahlman, MZT S.	9.1
2. Gecevski, MZT S.	8.3
3. Mitchell, Lirija	8.2
4. Reynolds, Torus S.	8.1
5. Nikolovski, Feni I.	7.5
6. Cekovski, MZT S.	7.2
7. Trajkovski, Torus	7.1
8. Jelesijevic, Kuman.	6.6
9. Cole, Rabotnicki	6.3
10. Chappell, ABA S.	6.2

Assists Per Game

Jane PETROVSKI
  Rabotnicki
  (181-G-87)
  Avg: 3.7

1. Petrovski, Rabotni.	3.7
2. Karadzovski, Torus	3.6
3. Morban, Lirija	3.5
4. Kostoski, Kumanovo	3.3
5. Mijajlovic, MZT S.	3.2
6. Tasevski, Vardar	3.1
7. Tomasevic, Kozuv	3.0
8. Zivcevic, Lirija	3.0
9. Frye, Feni Indistr.	2.9
10. Delev, ABA S.	2.9

Steals Per Game

Jarrid FRYE
  Feni Indistrija
  (194-G/F-85)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Frye, Feni Indistr.	2.5
2. Tasovski, Rabotnic.	2.0
3. Filipovic, Lirija	1.4
4. Morban, Lirija	1.4
5. Tasevski, Vardar	1.3
6. Brooks, ABA S.	1.3
7. Kostoski, Kumanovo	1.2
8. Tomasevic, Kozuv	1.2
9. Stajic, Lirija	1.1
10. Turner, Torus S.	1.1

Blocks Per Game

Nemanja JELESIJEVIC
  Kumanovo
  (210-C/F-79)
  Avg: 1.4

1. Jelesijevic, Kuman.	1.4
2. Chappell, ABA S.	1.2
3. Gecevski, MZT S.	1.0
4. Trajkovski, Torus	1.0
5. Cole, Rabotnicki	0.9
6. Simic, Lirija	0.8
7. Kralevski, Vardar	0.8
8. Avramovski, Lirija	0.8
9. Reynolds, Torus S.	0.8
10. Mitchell, Lirija	0.7

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

GERMANY

Standings - Pro B

ProB Standings

Group North
1. Hannover		14-4
2. SU Medien		14-5
3. Herten		13-6
4. Vechta		13-6
5. Dorsten		11-8
6. Schwelm		11-8
7. Stahnsdorf		11-9
8. Wolfenbuettel		9-11
9. Rist Wedel		8-12
10. Wulfen		8-12
11. Bayer Giants		7-12
12. ALBA Berlin II		5-14
13. Bernau		1-19
Group South
1. Gotha		14-4
2. Noerdlingen		13-5
3. Leipzig		12-6
4. Dragons		11-6
5. BSW Sixers		11-7
6. Hanau		11-7
7. Langen		10-8
8. Licher Baeren		8-10
9. TSV Troester		8-10
10. Fraport SKY II		5-13
11. BG Illertal		3-15
12. Giessen		2-16

Jukka Matinen (KTP Basket Kotka) The Way Pascal Roller Treates Everyone Well is Unique - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Jukka Matinen (203-F-78) is a 33 year old 203cm forward that was born in Kerava, Finland. He started his basketball career in 1995 for New Wave. He then played for NMKY Helsinki, ToPo Helsinki, Tapiolan Honka and Honka Espoo from 1997-2002. He then played for the Skyliners from 2002-2006 playing 104 Beko BBL games, 19 ULEB cup games and 9 Euroleague games. He won the German championship in 2004 and reached the final in 2005. He then played for Honka Espoo Playboys from 2006-2011 playing 195 games winning the Finish title in 2007 and 2008. He spoke to Eurobasket about the Pascal Roller farewell game and basketball in general.

How happy were you to be part of the Pascal Roller farewell game?

It was great to come back and an honor to be asked. I always enjoy coming back to Frankfurt. They have great fans there.

What was your impression of Pascal Roller. Was there much difference to 2006 when you last played with him?

He is still quick. He is still in very good shape despite being retired. He isnt in as good shape as in 2006, but I think that he could still play in the Beko BBL now.

What was your impression of your ex teammates Nino Garris and Robert Maris?

You can see that both know how to play basketball. Nino is still in good shape, jumped a few times and hit some tough shots. Maris is slow, but he still has the moves in the low post.

The game was mainly for fun, but what was key in the end for the Skyliners getting the win?

They started very strong, then shifted down a few gears and let us get back into it. The game was for fun and everyone was there pay respect for Roller. Everybody wanted to enjoy the moment.

You are 33 and still playing in Finland. Was it difficult to come back and play in a team where most were retired?

No it wasnt. It was fun and I didnt have to learn x and os and new plays which is more difficult for a player when coming to a team.

With what Fraport Skyliner were you most impressed with?

I was impressed most with Jimmy Mckinney. I had never seen him play, but had heard good things about him. He is one of the best shooters that I have seen in a while.

Do you still follow the Fraport Skyliners?

Yes I do. I follow them over Eurobasket and their webpage. I check how they do each week.

The play of the game was the Pascal Roller dunk where he was aided by Marius Nolte getting a boost. Do you remember seeing Pascal Roller dunk back in the day?

I remember a couple games where Pascal dunked. The only difference now to then is that he didnt need help to dunk back when I played.

Would the Opel Skyliners been German champion in 2004 without Pascal Roller?

We had very good players then. Pascal was our leader. Nobody could have replaced him that year.

What is the most important thing that you have learned from Pascal Roller?

How he treats people. The way he is is genuine and nothing is faked. He was always serious about winning, but at the same time, he could smile. They way he treated everyone well is unique.

In 2005, Pascal Roller, Chris Williams and Tyrone Ellis where known as the Bermuda triangle. How would Pascal have saved them of a deserted island in the Bermuda triangle?

He would have done like Jonny Depp in the movie Pirates of the Caribeen.

If you could describe Pascal Roller in one sentence how would you?

A great role model.

Can you remember your first meeting with Roller in 2002?

Yes I can. I was in Frankfurt for a try out and Pascal came on the second day. He had remembered that we had played against each other in an international club game. That was our first conversation that we had.

What was your nicest memory about his game on the court?

His jump shot. Pascal coming down on the fast break with high speed stopping and shooting as if he was standing still. The way he controlled his shot was amazing.

You play in Finland for KTP Basket Kotka. You are the oldest in the team. Are you their Pascal Roller?

If you look at our ages yes, but we are too different people and I am not like him. I lead the team with experience and see many things that the young players dont see.

What goals do you still have? How much longer do you want to play?

I obviously want to win titles and have fun. I will continue to keep playing as long as I still stay healthy. If I start to get injuries or the younger guys get faster, then I may retire and then just play for fun.

Who is the best player that you played against in your career?

I played against Dirk Nowitzki at age 16 in a Junior national game. In Europe it was Dejan Bodiroga.

Who wins a one on one in practice, you or Tim Blue?

I would like to say it would be me, but if you were to bet, then the odds would be better for Tim Blue than me.

How long can you last in the sauna?

10-15 minutes. I dont like to stay in longer, because I get to exhausted.

What were the most free throws that you have made in a practice in a row?

64.

What was your most crazy shot in a game or practice?

In a shoot around after practice, I made a shot form the other end line with my back to the basket and made one form the center with one bounce.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Leon : The professional with Jean Reno.

Thanks Jukka for the chat.

ProB Round 21 of Regular Season - by Eurobasket News
The games at this stage are more interesting as they can be crucial for the final standings in Regular Season. Despite we already know who is stronger and who is weaker, there may be still last minute susprises and upsets.

The game in Dorsten was quite interesting. 6th ranked RSV Eintracht (11-9) played at the court of seventh ranked Dorsten (11-8). Dorsten managed to secure a 4-point victory 67-63 on Wednesday. The hosts trailed by 4 points at the halftime before their 35-27 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. It was a good game for American center Blake Poole (195-88, college: St.Martin's, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 14 points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals. Swingman Tom Lipke (194-86, agency: Court Side) contributed with 13 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. American forward Kellen Williams (194-84, college: E.Washington) answered with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 13 rebounds for RSV Eintracht. Dorsten moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Schwelm. RSV Eintracht at the other side dropped to the seventh position with nine games lost. Dorsten is looking forward to face higher ranked Hertener Loewen (#3) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. RSV Eintracht will play against Bayer Giants (#11) in Leverkusen and is hoping to win this game.
Important game to mention about took place in Wolfenbuettel. Eighth ranked Herzoege Wolfenbuettel (9-11) saved a 3-point victory at home edging 10th ranked BSV Wulfen (8-12) 84-81 in the fight for the eighth place. Swingman Henje Knopke (193-85) stepped up and scored 18 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners and Dennis Nawrocki chipped in 14 points and 8 rebounds. The best for the losing side was American guard Steve Briggs (178-85, college: Okla.Wesleyan) with 32 points. BSV Wulfen's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Herzoege Wolfenbuettel maintains eighth place with 9-11 record. Newly promoted BSV Wulfen dropped to the ninth position with 12 games lost. They share it with Rist Wedel. Herzoege Wolfenbuettel will play against higher ranked SG Schwelmer Baskets (#6) at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. BSV Wulfen will play against SC Rist Wedel and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game between twelfth ranked ALBA Berlin II (5-14) and 13th ranked SSV Lok Bernau (1-19) in Berlin on Thursday ended with biggest points difference. ALBA Berlin II beat guests from Bernau 78-63. Joey Ney nailed a double-double by scoring 14 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists for the winning side. Martinis Woody came up with a double-double by scoring 27 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists for SSV Lok Bernau in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. ALBA Berlin II maintains twelfth place with 5-14 record. SSV Lok Bernau lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth position with 19 games lost. ALBA Berlin II will meet at home higher ranked SC Rasta Vechta (#4) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. SSV Lok Bernau will have a break next round.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 21: Schwelm were beaten by Vechta on the road 79-74. Herten won against Rist Wedel on its own court 95-84. SU Medien managed to outperform Bayer Giants in Braunschweig 80-67.
The most impressive performance of 21th round was 34 points (!!!) and 10 rebounds by Augie Johnston of Rist Wedel.

Group North

Dorsten - Stahnsdorf 67-63

The game in Dorsten was quite interesting. 6th ranked RSV Eintracht (11-9) played at the court of seventh ranked Dorsten (11-8). Dorsten managed to secure a 4-point victory 67-63 on Wednesday. The hosts trailed by 4 points at the halftime before their 35-27 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. It was a good game for American center Blake Poole (195-88, college: St.Martin's, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 14 points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals. Swingman Tom Lipke (194-86, agency: Court Side) contributed with 13 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Four Dorsten players scored in double figures. American forward Kellen Williams (194-84, college: E.Washington) answered with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 13 rebounds and the other American import swingman Akeem Bennett (190-87, college: St.Francis, NY) added 15 points in the effort for RSV Eintracht. Dorsten moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Schwelm. RSV Eintracht at the other side dropped to the seventh position with nine games lost. Dorsten is looking forward to face higher ranked Hertener Loewen (#3) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. RSV Eintracht will play against Bayer Giants (#11) in Leverkusen and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Stahnsdorf: K.Williams 18+13reb, A.Bennett 15+3reb+2ast, Y.Evans 8+2reb+4ast, M.Haucke 8+7reb+1ast, T.Lange 6+6reb, T.Schoeps 5+3reb+1ast
Dorsten: B.Poole 14+16reb+6ast, T.Lipke 13+5reb+2ast, N.Pelaj 10+2reb+3ast, T.Bryant 10+2reb+7ast, G.Hagner 9+1reb+1ast, J.Cadmus 9+3reb

Vechta - Schwelm 79-74

The game between closely ranked teams ended with fourth ranked SC Rasta Vechta's (13-6) home victory over 5th ranked SG Schwelmer Baskets (11-8) 79-74 on Wednesday. SG Schwelmer Baskets trailed by 12 points at halftime and as many as 17 after three quarters before a 26-14 last quarter charge cut the deficit to 74-79 at the end of the game. SC Rasta Vechta outrebounded SG Schwelmer Baskets 39-27 including 27 on the defensive glass. American players dominated the game. Forward Marcus Smallwood (198-82, college: N.Illinois, agency: Court Side) nailed a double-double by scoring 23 points and 10 rebounds for the winning side and forward A.J. Rudowitz (198-88, college: Stonehill) accounted for 13 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Forward Alexander Starr (196-84, college: Centenary) came up with 19 points and 7 rebounds (went 9 for 9 at the free throw line !!!) and guard Jason Smith (183-83, college: Al.-Huntsville) added 17 points respectively for SG Schwelmer Baskets in the defeat. SG Schwelmer Baskets' coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. SC Rasta Vechta moved-up to third place, which they share with Herten. Loser SG Schwelmer Baskets keep the fifth position with eight games lost. They share it with Dorsten. SC Rasta Vechta will meet ALBA Berlin II (#12) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. SG Schwelmer Baskets will play against Herzoege Wolfenbuettel (#8) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Schwelm: A.Starr 19+7reb+3ast, J.Smith 17+4reb+3ast, J.Holmes 10+3reb+3ast, M.Kramer 9+2reb, K.Speier 8+2reb, M.Agyapong 4+2reb
Vechta: M.Smallwood 23+10reb+1ast, A.Rudowitz 13+7reb+4ast, D.Madrich 12+7reb, D.Krause 9+1reb, M.Reid 8+1reb, F.Stuckemann 6+3reb+5ast

ALBA Berlin II - Bernau 78-63

The game between twelfth ranked ALBA Berlin II (5-14) and 13th ranked SSV Lok Bernau (1-19) in Berlin on Thursday ended with biggest points difference. ALBA Berlin II beat guests from Bernau 78-63. The game was mostly controlled by ALBA Berlin II. SSV Lok Bernau managed to win third quarter 16-10. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Swingman Joey Ney (197-92) nailed a double-double by scoring 14 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists for the winning side and American forward Darren Stackhouse (198, college: Shepherd, agency: ProSportsCareers) accounted for 17 points and 5 rebounds. Four ALBA Berlin II players scored in double figures. American power forward Martinis Woody (201-82, college: Benedict) came up with a double-double by scoring 27 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists and the other American import guard Jermale Jones (186-86, college: Tuskegee) added 11 points respectively for SSV Lok Bernau in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. ALBA Berlin II maintains twelfth place with 5-14 record. SSV Lok Bernau lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth position with 19 games lost. ALBA Berlin II will meet at home higher ranked SC Rasta Vechta (#4) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. SSV Lok Bernau will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Bernau: M.Woody 27+10reb+4ast, J.Jones 11+3reb+2ast, F.Schekauski 9+3reb+3ast, S.Trzcionka 9+2reb+1ast, V.Mier 2+3reb+1ast, D.Langer 2+2reb
ALBA Berlin II: D.Stackhouse 17+5reb+3ast, C.Dinc 14+4reb+3ast, J.Ney 14+13reb+4ast, S.Fulle 11+1reb+1ast, L.Staiger 8+1reb+4ast, L.Tolksdorf 6+3reb

Wolfenbuettel - Wulfen 84-81

Important game to mention about took place in Wolfenbuettel. Eighth ranked Herzoege Wolfenbuettel (9-11) saved a 3-point victory at home edging 10th ranked BSV Wulfen (8-12) 84-81 in the fight for the eighth place. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But BSV Wulfen won third quarter 18-15. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Herzoege Wolfenbuettel forced 20 BSV Wulfen turnovers. Swingman Henje Knopke (193-85) stepped up and scored 18 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners and guard Dennis Nawrocki (190-92) chipped in 14 points and 8 rebounds. Five Herzoege Wolfenbuettel players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American guard Steve Briggs (178-85, college: Okla.Wesleyan) with 32 points and guard Thomas Reuter (198-92) scored 14 points and 4 assists. BSV Wulfen's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Herzoege Wolfenbuettel maintains eighth place with 9-11 record. Newly promoted BSV Wulfen dropped to the ninth position with 12 games lost. They share it with Rist Wedel. Herzoege Wolfenbuettel will play against higher ranked SG Schwelmer Baskets (#6) at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. BSV Wulfen will play against SC Rist Wedel and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Wulfen: S.Briggs 32+4reb+1ast, T.Reuter 14+3reb+4ast, D.Smith 13+6reb+1ast, R.Sherman 6+3reb+2ast, N.Janoschek 6+12reb, H.Bellscheidt 5+2reb+2ast
Wolfenbuettel: H.Knopke 18+9reb+6ast, M.Jones 15+4reb+2ast, D.Nawrocki 14+8reb+2ast, R.Owens 14+8reb, S.Schubert 11+5reb+1ast, M.Hart 10+5reb+2ast

Herten - Rist Wedel 95-84

Very expected game when 9th ranked SC Rist Wedel (8-12) lost on the road to third ranked Hertener Loewen (13-6) 95-84 on Wednesday. The game without a history. Hertener Loewen led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. American guard Zamal Nixon (185-89, college: Houston) nailed a double-double by scoring 21 points, 5 rebounds and 10 assists for the winning side and guard Maik Berger (175-84) accounted for 18 points and 5 assists. Five Hertener Loewen players scored in double figures. American guard Augie Johnston (185-86, college: CS Monterey) came up with a double-double by scoring 34 points (!!!) and 10 rebounds and the other American import center Anthony Pettaway (203-87, college: Defiance) added 17 points and 11 rebounds respectively for SC Rist Wedel in the defeat. Hertener Loewen have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain third place with 13-6 record behind leader Hannover, which they share with Vechta. Loser SC Rist Wedel keeps the ninth position with 12 games lost. They share it with Wulfen. Hertener Loewen will meet at home Dorsten (#5) in the next round. SC Rist Wedel will play against BSV Wulfen (#10) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Rist Wedel: A.Johnston 34+10reb+3ast, A.Pettaway 17+11reb+1ast, K.Gausa 9+8reb+2ast, I.Akpinar 8+2reb+2ast, F.Luehring 7+2reb, P.Wischnewski 6+4reb+1ast
Herten: Z.Nixon 21+5reb+10ast, V.Kittmann 19+3reb, M.Berger 18+4reb+5ast, J.Taylor 12+9reb, C.Hackenesch 10+11reb+1ast, R.Wright 6+3reb+2ast

Bayer Giants - SU Medien 67-80

Very predictable result when second ranked Spot Up Medien Baskets (14-5) won against 11th ranked Bayer Giants (7-12) in Leverkusen 80-67 on Wednesday. The game was mostly controlled by Spot Up Medien Baskets. Bayer Giants managed to win third quarter 19-13. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Center Daniel Theis (207-92) nailed a double-double by scoring 19 points and 12 rebounds for the winning side and center Frank Theis (200-82) accounted for 21 points and 6 rebounds. Four Spot Up Medien Baskets players scored in double figures. American forward Jack Eggleston (203-88, college: Pennsylvania, agency: Pro One Sports) came up with 17 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and guard Till-Joscha Joenke (189-92) added 9 points and 8 rebounds respectively for Bayer Giants in the defeat. Bayer Giants' coach Achim Kuczmann tested eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Spot Up Medien Baskets have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain second place with 14-5 record having just -1 point less than leader Hannover. Loser Bayer Giants keep the eleventh position with 12 games lost. Spot Up Medien Baskets will meet league's leader Hannover Tigers in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Bayer Giants will play against RSV Eintracht (#7) in Stahnsdorf and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Bayer Giants: J.Eggleston 17+6reb+4ast, C.Robinson 13+3reb, F.Sadek 10+4reb+5ast, T.Joenke 9+8reb+2ast, M.Goddek 5+4reb+4ast, M.Brueggemann 4+3reb
SU Medien: F.Theis 21+6reb+1ast, D.Theis 19+12reb+1ast, H.Sant-Roos 17+5reb+4ast, D.Schroeder 15+2reb+8ast, L.Gertz 6+4reb+2ast, B.Wenzel 2+4reb+1ast

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

HOLLAND

PromotieDivisie scores round 16: BC Amsterdam, Z&Z2 take a loss. Binnenland still lossless. - by Terry Cooper
Well whoa, whoa-Hey hey, what can you say about week 16 as teams that got comfortable in their positions took one to the chin as the standings seemed to shift for teams other than Binnenland who remains undefeated in the league. Most to the part of some teams/players have a tendency to get comfortable when they have defeated their opponents easily before or feel that the game is not important. As we have heard/said many times before that no game is less important than the next. Well BC Amsterdam was the first to feel it as they lost at home over De Groene Uilen 75-64 thank to the experienced play of Erik Schuur (197-G-82) while De Hoppers defeated Z&Z2 at home 70-61 and shaking up the standings. Binnenland won easily over Almonte 99-50 while GOBA sent Punch back to Delft with a 65-57 win. The Cangaroes defeated Jugglers 69-55 while VBC Akrides taught a young Rotterdam2 team a lesson to get veteran players early in the season winning easily 85-58. Finally, the Red Giants bounced back to win convincly over BV Hoofddorp 105-77. It's clear that the race has opened up for five teams to get the final 3 spots as Binnenland has secured a playoff spot and working on the #1 seed. As well as the bottom, Rotterdam2 and Jugglers may be stepping down due to poor coaching and personnel decisions. STOP trying to go so young and get players to win. Stay tuned...

Round 16 Scores:

Goba - Punch 65-57
Red Giants - BV Hoofddorp 105-77
BC Amsterdam - De Groene Uilen 64-75
Almonte - Binnenland 50-99
De Hoppers - Z&Z2 70-61
Cangeroes - Jugglers 69-55
Rotterdam2 - VBC Akrides 58-85

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

HUNGARY

A Division Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Justin INGRAM
  FS Debre.
  (185-PG-85)
  Avg: 25.2

1. Ingram, FS Debre.	25.2
2. Ivosev, Szedeak	23.1
3. Timberlake, Falco-.	21.9
4. Raivio, Kaposvari	21.6
5. Ciric, PVSK P.	21.2
6. Jones, Jaszberenyi	20.2
7. Doyne, PVSK P.	20.0
8. Bell, Kormend	19.3
9. Austin, Jaszberenyi	19.1
10. Levy, Szedeak	18.2

Rebounds Per Game

Jonathan JONES
  Jaszberenyi
  (211-C-79)
  Avg: 12.6

1. Jones, Jaszberenyi	12.6
2. Townes, Kormend	9.5
3. Szabo, FS Debrecen	9.5
4. Miskovic, Marso N.	9.4
5. Bader, Szolnok	9.0
6. Raivio, Kaposvari	8.6
7. Fey, Kaposvari	8.6
8. Ivosev, Szedeak	8.6
9. Pantelic, Falco-Sz.	8.5
10. Austin, Jaszberen.	8.4

Assists Per Game

Laszlo KALMAN
  Falco-Sz.
  (186-G-72)
  Avg: 7.7

1. Kalman, Falco-Sz.	7.7
2. Wilson, Kaposvari	5.9
3. Trotter, Szolnok	5.7
4. Williams, Atomeromu	5.5
5. Ingram, FS Debre.	5.5
6. Simon, Albacomp	5.4
7. Fekete, Marso N.	5.4
8. Drahos, Szedeak	4.2
9. Thomas, Soproni	4.2
10. Kelley, Kecskemeti	3.9

Steals Per Game

Gabor DRAHOS
  Szedeak
  (185-G-79)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Drahos, Szedeak	2.9
2. Fekete, Marso N.	2.7
3. Ivosev, Szedeak	2.6
4. Ingram, FS Debre.	2.5
5. Doyne, PVSK P.	2.5
6. Raivio, Kaposvari	2.4
7. Austin, Jaszberenyi	2.3
8. Perine, ZTE K.	2.2
9. Toth, PVSK P.	2.2
10. Kelley, Kecskemeti	2.2

Blocks Per Game

Darian TOWNES
  Kormend
  (208-F/C-84)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Townes, Kormend	2.6
2. Pantelic, Falco-Sz.	1.8
3. Keller, Albacomp	1.6
4. Jones, Jaszberenyi	1.4
5. Levy, Szedeak	1.2
6. Ivosev, Szedeak	1.1
7. Morgen, Atomeromu	1.1
8. Cole, Atomeromu	1.0
9. Chism, Albacomp	0.9
10. Miskovic, Marso N.	0.9

Hungarian A Division round 17 best performance: Marton Bader - by Eurobasket News
Former international center Marton Bader (212-C-80, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for Szolnok, receiving a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 17.
The 31-year old player had a double-double of 27 points and 15 rebounds, while his team edged out Szedeak (#11, 5-12) 90-88. Szolnok maintains the 4th position in Hungarian A Division. They are still close to the very top. Szolnok would have been even better if they kept winning the games like in the last round. They have a solid 13-3 record. It's Bader's second year at Szolnok and it's hard to imagine this team without him. Marton Bader has solid league stats. He is in league's top in rebounds (5th best: 9.0rpg) and averages impressive 67.9% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was 27-year old Serbian Ivan Miskovic (203-F/C-84) of Marso NYKK. Miskovic had a very good evening with a double-double of 27 points and 11 rebounds. Bad luck as Marso NYKK lost that game 69-88 to slightly higher-ranked Kaposvari (#8, 7-9). This loss caused Marso NYKK to drop to 10th position in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 6-11 record. Miskovic is a newcomer at Marso NYKK, but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was American guard Jonathan Levy (193-G-82) of Szedeak (#11). Levy showcased his all-around game by recording 29 points, six rebounds and five assists in the last round. Despite Levy's great performance Szedeak lost 88-90 to the higher-ranked Szolnok (#4, 13-3). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. Szedeak can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have rather bad season and 5-12 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Levy he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Levy has a very solid season. In 13 games in Hungary he scored 18.2ppg. He also has 5.6rpg, 3.2apg, 1.2bpg and FGP: 56.3%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Rashad Bell (201-F-82) of Kormend - 24 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists
5. Kwadzo Ahelegbe (187-G-88) of Kaposvari - 23 points, 5 rebounds and 10 assists
6. Michael Fey (213-F/C-83) of Kaposvari - 21 points and 12 rebounds
7. Justin Ingram (185-PG-85) of FS Debrecen - 27 points, 3 rebounds and 6 assists
8. Tomislav Ivosev) of Szedeak - 19 points, 3 rebounds and 6 assists
9. Obie Trotter (186-G-84) of Szolnok - 14 points, 5 rebounds and 13 assists
10. Andrija Ciric (199-G-80) of PVSK Pannon - 24 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists

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

Standings - A Division

A Division Standings

1. Kormend		15-2
2. Falco-Szova		15-2
3. Albacomp		13-3
4. Szolnok		13-3
5. Atomeromu		10-7
6. Kecskemeti		9-7
7. PVSK Pannon		8-9
8. Kaposvari		7-9
9. Soproni		7-10
10. Marso NYKK		6-11
11. Szedeak		5-12
12. FS Debrecen		4-13
13. Jaszberenyi		4-13
14. ZTE KK		1-16

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

IBL

Jersey G-Force ready to become a Force in the IBL - by Kip Leonetti
With almost a year of preparation, the Jersey G-Force is readying for its debut as a branding team in the International Basketball League for the 2012 season.

The G-Force, based in Jersey City, N.J., is being launched by sports agent Timmy Butts.

Butts, a graduate of William Penn University and a reinsurance industry executive, has started the G-Force to give budding basketball players a chance to play professionally and find jobs overseas. The IBL has placed over 200 players overseas and into the D-League which fits into the agents vision. Six years ago, he entered the world of sports management and now represents a wide range of athletes, from professional snowboarders to former NCAA Division-I football and basketball players.

''There are great basketball players in the New York-New Jersey area who have the ability to play at the next level, if not in the United States, in the emerging markets overseas,'' stated Butts. ''Bringing the IBL to the New Jersey area will have a two-fold benefit as it gives basketball players a chance for exposure and development, while providing high quality family entertainment in our community thats affordable.''

As a branding team, the G-Force will play quarter of the full IBL schedule, approximately five games this season, with at least two home contests held at Bergen Community College in Paramus.

''The IBL is committed to the development of bringing basketball to communities in the east, servicing our teams and fans. We are exhilarated to have Tim on board, much research and dedication has gone into putting together the G-Force, from the athletes to the court they play on. Expect a positive impact in the community, strong competition and for the Jersey-based team to transition to full season status with the support of the league,'' IBL Commissioner Graf stated.

Butts has already assembled a coaching staff whose skill may rival even veteran IBL teams, announcing Wes Matthews as the team's head coach and Andre Ricketts and James Ryan as assistants. Matthews played professionally in the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakes under Pat Riley and helped guide his son, Wes Matthews Jr., to his own career as a professional athlete with the Portland Trailblazers.

The G-Force will hold a tryout camp for prospective players on March 25 and 26. This two-day event will be conducted by Barry Mestel, owner of the IBL's Orlando Venom and Winning Ways Pro, a respected basketball training and scouting company. Mestel is an NBA certified scout and will be an invaluable asset for the G-Force as they evaluate players for their inaugural season roster. The tryout is scheduled to take place at the Monroe Sports Center in Monroe, New Jersey. Interested IBL hopefuls can sign up on the G-Forces webpage http://www.ibl.com/jersey_g-force/.

''To see two leaders on the east coast working together already as Tim and Barry are to find the best athletes raises the bar and reflects on the collaborative environment of the IBL,'' the Commissioner shared.

The G-Force will tip off their first IBL game this spring, with a schedule to be released early this month.

Jersey G-Force ready to become a force in the IBL - by Eurobasket News
With almost a year of preparation, the Jersey G-Force is readying for its debut as a branding team in the International Basketball League for the 2012 season.
The G-Force, based in Jersey City, N.J., is being launched by sports agent Timmy Butts.

Butts, a graduate of William Penn University and a reinsurance industry executive, has started the G-Force to give budding basketball players a chance to play professionally and find jobs overseas. The IBL has placed over 200 players overseas and into the D-League which fits into the agent's vision. Six years ago, he entered the world of sports management and now represents a wide range of athletes, from professional snowboarders to former NCAA Division-I football and basketball players.

'There are great basketball players in the New York-New Jersey area who have the ability to play at the next level, if not in the United States, in the emerging markets overseas,' stated Butts. 'Bringing the IBL to the New Jersey area will have a two-fold benefit as it gives basketball players a chance for exposure and development, while providing high quality family entertainment in our community that's affordable.'

As a branding team, the G-Force will play quarter of the full IBL schedule, approximately five games this season, with at least two home contests held at Bergen Community College in Paramus.

'The IBL is committed to the development of bringing basketball to communities in the east, servicing our teams and fans. We are exhilarated to have Tim on board, much research and dedication has gone into putting together the G-Force, from the athletes to the court they play on. Expect a positive impact in the community, strong competition and for the Jersey-based team to transition to full season status with the support of the league,' IBL Commissioner Graf stated.

Butts has already assembled a coaching staff whose skill may rival even veteran IBL teams, announcing Wes Matthews as the team's head coach and Andre Ricketts and James Ryan as assistants. Matthews played professionally in the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakes under Pat Riley and helped guide his son, Wes Matthews Jr., to his own career as a professional athlete with the Portland Trailblazers.

The G-Force will hold a tryout camp for prospective players on March 25 and 26. This two-day event will be conducted by Barry Mestel, owner of the IBL's Orlando Venom and Winning Ways Pro, a respected basketball training and scouting company. Mestel is an NBA certified scout and will be an invaluable asset for the G-Force as they evaluate players for their inaugural season roster. The tryout is scheduled to take place at the Monroe Sports Center in Monroe, New Jersey. Interested IBL hopefuls can sign up on the G-Force's webpage 065ddcf&eae4d131ef4.

'To see two leaders on the east coast working together already as Tim and Barry are to find the best athletes raises the bar and reflects on the collaborative environment of the IBL,' the Commissioner shared.

The G-Force will tip off their first IBL game this spring, with a schedule to be released early this month.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

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

ICELAND

Stats Leaders (Men)

Points Per Game

Nathan WALKUP
  Fjolnir
  (200-F-88)
  Avg: 24.2

1. Walkup, Fjolnir	24.2
2. Jarvis, IR	23.8
3. Sovic, IR	23.7
4. Govens, Thor Thorl	23.3
5. Echols, Njardvik	23.1
6. Dagostino, Keflavik	22.9
7. Bullock, Grindavik	22.8
8. Shuler, Haukar	22.7
9. Hairston, Thor T.	22.4
10. Brown, KR	22.0

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Hairston, Thor T.	15.0
2. Hankins-Cole, Snae.	13.2
3. Echols, Njardvik	11.7
4. Ringgold, Thor Tho.	11.3
5. Smith, Haukar	11.0
6. Walkup, Fjolnir	10.6
7. Tratnik, Valur	10.4
8. Bullock, Grindavik	10.3
9. Shuler, Haukar	10.0
10. Hampton, Tindasto.	9.9

Assists Per Game

Justin SHOUSE
  Stjarnan
  (180-G-81)
  Avg: 6.8

1. Shouse, Stjarnan	6.8
2. Watson, Grindavik	6.4
3. Miller, Tindastoll	6.4
4. Hall, Snaefell	6.0
5. O''Neil, Fjolnir	4.8
6. Dagostino, Keflavik	4.8
7. Haraldsson, Haukar	4.6
8. Brown, KR	4.5
9. Steinarsson, Fjoln.	4.4
10. Horton, KR	4.3

Steals Per Game

Travis HOLMES
  Njardvik
  (193-G-86)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Holmes, Njardvik	3.2
2. Hall, Snaefell	2.8
3. Allen, Tindastoll	2.7
4. Cothran, Stjarnan	2.6
5. Brown, KR	2.5
6. Shuler, Haukar	2.5
7. Shouse, Stjarnan	2.4
8. Parker, Keflavik	2.4
9. Miller, Tindastoll	2.1
10. Gunnarsson, Kefla.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Junior HAIRSTON
  Thor T.
  (203-F-84)
  Avg: 4.4

1. Hairston, Thor T.	4.4
2. Smith, Haukar	3.3
3. Hugee, Valur	2.3
4. Tratnik, Valur	2.2
5. Hampton, Tindastoll	1.3
6. Gudbrandsson, Kefl.	1.3
7. Ferguson, KR	1.3
8. Allen, Tindastoll	1.2
9. Ragnarsson, Fjolnir	1.1
10. Thorsteinsso., Gr.	1.0

Standings - Iceland Express League

Express L. Standings

1. Grindavik		13-1
2. Stjarnan		10-4
3. Keflavik		10-4
4. KR		9-5
5. Snaefell		8-6
6. Thor Thorl		8-6
7. IR		6-8
8. Fjolnir		6-8
9. Njardvik		6-8
10. Tindastoll		6-8
11. Haukar		2-12
12. Valur		0-14

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

INDONESIA

Best players of Indonesian NBL round 22 - by Eurobasket News
Talented Handri Santosa (182-G-92) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's second-best Aspac and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 22.
The 19-year old guard had the game-high 15 points adding eight rebounds for Aspac in his team's victory, helping them to crush Comfort Mobile (#10, 3-12) with 24-point margin 71-47. Aspac maintains the 2nd position in Indonesian NBL. They are still close to the very top. Aspac would have been even better if they kept winning the games like in the last round. They have a solid 12-2 record. In the team's last game Santosa had a remarkable 75.0% from 2-point range. It was one of impressive evenings for him as usually he does not deliver so high stats. Handri Santosa averages this season 5.1ppg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 29-year old forward Fadlan Minallah (185-F-82) of Garuda. Minallah impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds. Of course he lead Garuda to another comfortable win outscoring the lower-ranked Satya Wacana (#12, 1-13) 75-43. Garuda's 5th position in the standings has not changed. His team lost some distance to top teams. But 10-4 record is not bad and everything may still change. Minallah is a newcomer at Garuda and despite he is not a team leader yet, every game he becomes more reliable player. Hopefully performances like the last one will happen more often.

The third best performed player last round was another Garuda's star - Vinton Nolland (194-PF-82). Nolland scored 12 points and grabbed eight rebounds. He was another key player of Garuda, helping his team with a 75-43 easy win against the lower-ranked Satya Wacana (#12, 1-13). Garuda needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 10 victories and 4 lost games. Nolland has a very solid season. In 20 games in Indonesia he scored 7.8ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Randolph Ariestedes (197-PF-87) of Stadium Jak. - 15 points and 16 rebounds
5. Oei Abraham Trisakti (180-PG-91) of Aspac - 13 points, 2 rebounds and 7 assists
6. Fidyan Dini (195-C-83) of Pelita Jaya - 11 points and 8 rebounds
7. Ponsianus Indrawan (191-C-85) of Pelita Jaya - 8 points and 8 rebounds
8. Anggi Arizki (212-C-90) of Aspac - 12 points and 9 rebounds
9. Airlangga Sabara (190-PF-85) of Comfort Mobile - 19 points and 7 rebounds
10. Hendru Ramli (188-G-88) of Garuda - 18 points and 3 rebounds

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

NBL Round 23: Top-ranked Satria Muda wins another game - by Eurobasket News
What a coincidence that all visitors won their games.

NBL top team - Satria Muda (13-1) had no problems winning another game on Wednesday. This time they crushed eighth ranked Bima Sakti (4-10) 87-46. The game without a history. Satria Muda led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Bima Sakti to just 6 points in second quarter. Satria Muda held Bima Sakti to an opponent 24.3 percent shooting from the field compared to 47.2 percent accuracy of the winners. Satria Muda forced 19 Bima Sakti turnovers and outrebounded them 52-27 including a 35-14 advantage in defensive rebounds. Guard Arki Wisnu (187-88) orchestrated the victory by scoring 22 points and 6 rebounds. Frida Susanto (195-86) contributed with 16 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Yanuar Dwi Priasmoro (178-89) answered with 15 points for Bima Sakti. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Satria Muda have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain first place with 13-1 record. Bima Sakti lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with ten games lost. They share it with Pacific Caesar. Satria Muda's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Jakarta Comfort Mobile.
Twelfth-ranked Satya Wacana (1-14) used its home court advantage to challenge sixth ranked Muba Hangtuah (8-6) in Salatiga. The visitors from Pandang managed to secure only three-point victory 52-49. However their fans expected much easier game. It was a great evening for forward Ary Sapto (188-80) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds. I G Ngurah Teguh helped adding 8 points, 10 rebounds and 5 blocks. Muba Hangtuah's coach Nathaniel Canson used entire bench in such tough game. Forward Valentino Wuwungan (193-89) responded with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 16 rebounds. Muba Hangtuah maintains sixth place with 8-6 record. Satya Wacana lost third consecutive game. They stay at the bottom position with 14 games lost. Muba Hangtuah will play against higher ranked CLS Knights (#5) in Surabaya in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Satya Wacana will have a break next round.
The game between 11th ranked NSH GMC Riau (1-13) and third ranked Pelita Jaya (12-3) in Riau on Wednesday ended with biggest points difference. Guests from Jakarta outscored NSH GMC Riau 118-64. It was a quality performance for Kelly Purwanto who led the winners and scored 14 points, 7 assists and 4 steals. Ryan Febriyan came up with 10 points for NSH GMC Riau in the defeat. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Pelita Jaya have an impressive series of five victories in a row. Defending champion maintains third place with 12-3 record behind leader Satria Muda. NSH GMC Riau lost tenth consecutive game. They keep the eleventh position with 13 games lost. Pelita Jaya will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. NSH GMC Riau will play against the league's second-placed Aspac (#2) in Jakarta.

In the last game of round 23 Garuda smashed Pacific Caesar on the road 77-57.
The most impressive performance of 23th round was 15 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals by Vinton Nolland of Garuda.

Pacific Caesar - Garuda 57-77

No shocking result in a game when fifth ranked Garuda (11-4) crushed 9th ranked Pacific Caesar (4-10) in Surabaya 77-57 on Wednesday. The game was mostly controlled by Garuda. Pacific Caesar managed to win fourth quarter 17-12. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Garuda forced 23 Pacific Caesar turnovers and outrebounded them 43-27 including 30 on the defensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists comparing to just 7 passes made by Pacific Caesar's players. It was an exceptional evening for Vinton Nolland (194-82) who led the winners and scored 15 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals. Forward Christ Gideon (188-84) accounted for 18 points and 5 rebounds for the winning side. Dewa Galih (185-87) came up with 15 points and the former international swingman Pek King Dhay (185-78) added 10 points respectively for Pacific Caesar in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Garuda have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to fourth place. Pacific Caesar at the other side dropped to the eighth position with ten games lost. They share it with Bima Sakti. Garuda will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Pacific Caesar will play against Stadium Jakarta (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Pacific Caesar: D.Galih 15+3reb, P.King Dhay 10+4reb, G.Nagata 6+4reb, H.Saputro 6+5reb+2ast, H.Listiyono 5+2reb, E.Sasmito 5
Garuda: C.Gideon 18+5reb+2ast, H.Ramli 17+4reb+1ast, V.Nolland 15+5reb+6ast, F.Minallah 8+8reb+1ast, T.Febyanto 7+2reb+1ast, I.Budianto 5+5reb+1ast

NSH GMC Riau - Pelita Jaya 64-118

The game between 11th ranked NSH GMC Riau (1-13) and third ranked Pelita Jaya (12-3) in Riau on Wednesday ended with biggest points difference. Guests from Jakarta outscored NSH GMC Riau 118-64. 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 NSH GMC Riau to just 7 points in second quarter. Pelita Jaya dominated down low during the game scoring 80 of its points in the paint compared to NSH GMC Riau's 38. Pelita Jaya forced 38 NSH GMC Riau turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 31 assists comparing to just 14 passes made by NSH GMC Riau's players. It was a quality performance for the former international point guard Kelly Purwanto (177-83) who led the winners and scored 14 points, 7 assists and 4 steals. The former international guard Erick Sebayang (180-83) accounted for 20 points and 4 assists for the winning side. Five Pelita Jaya players scored in double figures. Ryan Febriyan (194-87) came up with 10 points and Andi Amier (185-90) added 7 points respectively for NSH GMC Riau in the defeat. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Pelita Jaya have an impressive series of five victories in a row. Defending champion maintains third place with 12-3 record behind leader Satria Muda. NSH GMC Riau lost tenth consecutive game. They keep the eleventh position with 13 games lost. Pelita Jaya will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. NSH GMC Riau will play against the league's second-placed Aspac (#2) in Jakarta.
Top scorers:
NSH GMC Riau: R.Febriyan 10+3reb+2ast, W.Chandra 9+3reb, S.Agustinus 8+1reb, M.Yesyurun 8+1reb, A.Amier 7+4reb+3ast, Y.Efendi 6+6reb
Pelita Jaya: E.Sebayang 20+4ast, D.Wenas 17+4reb+2ast, A.Chandra 15+3reb+1ast, K.Purwanto 14+4reb+7ast, J.Sucipto 13+5reb+1ast, A.Poedjakesuma 13+2reb+1ast

Satya Wacana - Muba Hangtuah 49-52

Twelfth-ranked Satya Wacana (1-14) used its home court advantage to challenge sixth ranked Muba Hangtuah (8-6) in Salatiga. The visitors from Pandang managed to secure only three-point victory 52-49. However their fans expected much easier game. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Satya Wacana won fourth quarter 16-12. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Muba Hangtuah held Satya Wacana to an opponent 20.5 percent shooting from the field compared to 27.4 percent accuracy of the winners. Muba Hangtuah brought some defensive toughness making 11 blocks. It was a great evening for forward Ary Sapto (188-80) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds. Guard I G Ngurah Teguh (189-88) helped adding 8 points, 10 rebounds and 5 blocks. Muba Hangtuah's coach Nathaniel Canson used entire bench in such tough game. Forward Valentino Wuwungan (193-89) responded with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 16 rebounds and guard Yo Sua (180-91) scored 18 points. Muba Hangtuah maintains sixth place with 8-6 record. Satya Wacana lost third consecutive game. They stay at the bottom position with 14 games lost. Muba Hangtuah will play against higher ranked CLS Knights (#5) in Surabaya in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Satya Wacana will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Satya Wacana: V.Wuwungan 19+16reb+1ast, Y.Sua 18+3reb, M.Ramadhan 4+3reb+1ast, J.Lolowang 3+1reb, R.Pamungkas 3+7reb+1ast, L.Gunawan 1+6reb
Muba Hangtuah: A.Sapto 19+10reb+3ast, A.Junaidi 10+6reb, I.G Ngurah Teguh 8+10reb+1ast, A.Prasetyo 6+2reb, M.Joni 4+1reb+2ast, D.Heryadi 3+8reb

Bima Sakti - Satria Muda 46-87

NBL top team - Satria Muda (13-1) had no problems winning another game on Wednesday. This time they crushed eighth ranked Bima Sakti (4-10) 87-46. The game without a history. Satria Muda led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Bima Sakti to just 6 points in second quarter. Satria Muda held Bima Sakti to an opponent 24.3 percent shooting from the field compared to 47.2 percent accuracy of the winners. Satria Muda forced 19 Bima Sakti turnovers and outrebounded them 52-27 including a 35-14 advantage in defensive rebounds. Guard Arki Wisnu (187-88) orchestrated the victory by scoring 22 points and 6 rebounds. Frida Susanto (195-86) contributed with 16 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Yanuar Dwi Priasmoro (178-89) answered with 15 points and Bima Rizky Ardiansyah (182-90) added 4 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Bima Sakti. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Satria Muda have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain first place with 13-1 record. Bima Sakti lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with ten games lost. They share it with Pacific Caesar. Satria Muda's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Jakarta Comfort Mobile.
Top scorers:
Bima Sakti: Y.Dwi Priasmoro 15+2reb+2ast, H.Gunawan 9+1reb, M.Indra 7+4reb+1ast, S.Cahyadi 5, I.Mu'Ammal 4+2reb, B.Rizky Ardiansyah 4+5reb+3ast
Satria Muda: A.Wisnu 22+6reb+1ast, F.Susanto 16+9reb+2ast, R.Putra 11+4reb+1ast, C.Ronaldo Sitepu 8+9reb+2ast, F.Julius Ahmad 8+3reb+3ast, W.Situmorang 6+1ast

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

IRAN

MEHMED BECIROVIC ; New Iran NT Head Coach ... - by Mohammad Ahmadi
After some months search, Iran basketbal federation decided to sign Slovenian Muslim Coach, Mehmed Becirovic .
When Contract of Veselin Matic , former National Team Head Coach finished, federation didn't extend the contract and were looking for new Coach for NT. They reviewed many coaches CV and finally they decided to choose Becirovic, as Head coach for Iran National Team.
51 years Old Becirovic was Head Coach of Slovenia NT in World Cup 2010 in Turkey.

Mehmed Becirovic Awards/Achievements:
Coach Assistant: Slovenian U18 National Team -97
Head Coach: Slovenian U20 National Team -99, 02
Head Coach: Slovenian U18 National Team -00-03
Albert Schweitzer Junior Championships in Mannheim (Germany) -00
European Championships U18 -00, 02 (Silver)
Coach Assistant: Slovenian National Team -01
European Championships in Turkey -01
European Championships U20 in Lithuania -02
Douai International Tournament for Juniors -03 (Winner)
World Championships U18 in Greece -03 (7th place)
Slovenian Cup Semifinals -06
Slovenian League Semifinals -06
Slovenian Cup Winner -07
Slovenian League Regular Season Champion -07
Slovenian League Champion -07
Head Coach: Slovenian League All-Star Game -07, 08
Eurobasket.com All-Slovenian League Coach of the Year -07
Coach Assistant: Adriatic League All-Star Game -08
Ukrainian Cup Winner -08
Ukrainian Superleague Regular Season Runner-Up -08
Ukrainian Superleague Champion -08
Head Coach: Slovenian National Team -10
World Championships in Turkey -10

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

ISRAEL

Stats Leaders - National League

Points Per Game

Errick MCCOLLUM
  Hapoel K.
  (185-G-88)
  Avg: 26.9

1. McCollum, Hapoel K.	26.9
2. Hall, Macc.B.Y.	23.6
3. Clinch, Lev H.	23.1
4. Sanders, Hapoel Y.	22.9
5. Miller, Macc.B.Y.	22.5
6. Moragne, Elitzur	21.4
7. Clemente, Kiryat T.	21.3
8. Ginyard, Ironi N.	21.3
9. Thondique, Hapoel	20.6
10. Daniel, Ironi K-A	20.4

Rebounds Per Game

Ramon CLEMENTE
  Kiryat T.
  (200-PF-85)
  Avg: 15.1

1. Clemente, Kiryat T.	15.1
2. Thondique, Hapoel	13.4
3. Moses, Hapoel K/S	11.8
4. Rosefelt, Lev H.	11.4
5. Blair, Ironi N.	10.3
6. Daniel, Ironi K-A	10.3
7. Webb, Ironi R.	10.1
8. Kelly, Hapoel T-A	9.7
9. McCollum, Hapoel K.	9.5
10. Bacon, Elitzur Ra.	9.3

Assists Per Game

Lior SEGEV
  Kiryat Tivon
  (190-PG-83)
  Avg: 7.8

1. Segev, Kiryat Tivon	7.8
2. Nanikashvili, Iron.	7.3
3. Eliyahu, Ironi N.	7.3
4. Bannister, Ironi R.	6.7
5. Sukar, Hod Hashar.	6.7
6. Berkowitz, Elitzu.	6.4
7. Rub, Lev Hasharon	6.3
8. Assaf, Ironi N.	4.9
9. Bet-Yosef, Macc.B.	4.5
10. Housman, Macc.B.Y.	3.7

Steals Per Game

Lior SEGEV
  Kiryat Tivon
  (190-PG-83)
  Avg: 3.7

1. Segev, Kiryat Tivon	3.7
2. Bet-Yosef, Macc.B.	3.1
3. Hofman, Elitzur	3.0
4. Tolbert, Hapoel K/S	2.8
5. Miller, Macc.B.Y.	2.6
6. McCollum, Hapoel K.	2.5
7. Eliyahu, Ironi N.	2.4
8. Gonzalez, Hod H.	2.3
9. Housman, Macc.B.Y.	2.3
10. Sanders, Hapoel Y.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Lenny DANIEL
  Ironi K-A
  (201-F-87)
  Avg: 3

1. Daniel, Ironi K-A	3.0
2. Kelly, Hapoel T-A	2.3
3. Blair, Ironi N.	2.0
4. Johnson, Hod H.	1.9
5. Jackson, Hapoel Y.	1.8
6. Webb, Ironi R.	1.7
7. Clemente, Kiryat T.	1.6
8. Thondique, Hapoel	1.4
9. Tzubrevitch, Ironi	1.2
10. Rosefelt, Lev H.	1.2

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

ITALY

Unics limits Armani to 44 points for the game, jumps to 3-0 in Euroleague Top 16 - by Eurobasket News
Unics - Emporio Armani 59-44

The Euroleague newcomer continues to impress. Unics Kazan limited Emporio Armani Milan to just 44 points on Wednesday night and celebrated 15-point win against them, 59-44. It means that Unics stays No.1 in Group G with perfect 3-0 record. Visitors dropped to 0-3. Henry Domercant (192-G-80, college: E.Illinois) shined for the winners with 16 points and 5 rebounds. Petr Samoylenko (185-G-77) scored 12 and Terrell Lyday (190-G-79, college: BYU) followed with two points less. For Armani, Nicolo Melli (205-F-91) delivered 17 points and was the only one with double digits in scoring. Drew Nicholas (191-G-81, college: Maryland) was the second scorer in defeat with just 6 points and Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81) stopped to 5. Unics took control on Armani in the first quarter and never looked back after that. It was 20-12 for the host after ten minutes and 36-20 at the halftime. Unics had no troubles to keep the lead for rest of the way. Quarters: 20-12, 16-8, 9-7, 14-17. Two teams will meet in Milan next week.

Unics: Henry Domercant 16+5 boards, Petr Samoylenko 12, Terrell Lyday 10
Emporio Armani: Nicolo Melli 17, Drew Nicholas 6, Antonis Fotsis 5

Cimberio Varese release Justin Hurtt - by Eurobasket News
Cimberio Varese split ways with Justin Hurtt (194-G-88, college: Tulsa). The guard joined the team at the start of the season. It was the first pro contract for the player. Justin Hurtt posted 7.3 points, 2.6 rebounds per game in SeriaA. But after the arrival of Tony Weeden (186-G-83, agency: Court Side, college: Chicago St.) Cimberio Varese decided to release the player. Justin Hurtt graduated from Tulsa in 2011. He notched 20.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists per appearance in his senior season. Justin Hurtt was named into All-C-USA 1st Team. He also got into NABC Division I All-District 11 1st Team. The guard participated at Pre-NBA Draft Portsmouth Invitational Tournament. He averaged 13.7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists there.

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JORDAN

Aramex clinch Jordan Cup title - by Eurobasket News
Aramex - Kafer Yoba 65:58

Aramex celebrated the Jordan Cup title this year. They defeated underdogs Kafer Yoba in the title clash. Aramex thus regained the trophy they celebrated in 2002. Jamal Ali Ahmed knocked down 17 points to pace Aramex.
Aramex strongly entered the game. They grabbed a 13:5 lead early on. The margin slowly grew in the next quarters. Aramex enjoyed a 15-point buffer in the third term but Kafer Yoba did not surrender. They erased the gap and even pulled ahead. However Aramex used all of their experience to eventually tame their opponents and seal the victory at the end. Ayman Idais (205-C-78, agency: Court Side) and Mohammad Jamal (195-F-89) finished with 15 points each for Aramex. Ibrahim Bassam (204-C-87) answered with 16 points for Kafer Yoba. Khaldoun Abu Rukayeah and Nidal Al Shareef chipped in 12 points each in the loss.

Aramex: Jamal Ali Ahmed 17, Ayman Idais 15, Mohammad Jamal 15
Kafer Yoba: Ibrahim Bassam 16, Khaldoun Abu Rukayeah 12, Nidal Al Shareef 12

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KOSOVO

Start of the season delayed - by Dren Shporta
The second part of the season in BKT Superliga of Kosovo had to start this weekend. But after a clubs request, Basketball Federation of Kosovo (FBK) decided to delay the start of the season for two weeks.

A notification, signed from FBK says, after the club request, general situation in kosovar basketball and very low temperatures in all Kosovo, the start of BKT Superliga is delayed until 18 and 19 February, when the 15th gameweek should start.

The polar temperatures and a high level of snow have made impossible the preparations and court heating. For this reason the FBK officials have approved the clubs request for delaying the season start.

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LATVIA

Standings - LBAL

LBL2 Standings

1. BK VEF		18-1
2. Barons/Keizar.		17-2
3. Liepaja-2		16-2
4. Saldus		16-4
5. Riga		12-7
6. VEF Kadeti		11-8
7. RSU		11-9
8. VA		10-9
9. DSN		9-10
10. Cesis		6-13
11. Jelgava/LLU		6-13
12. Livani		6-13
13. Ogres		5-13
14. Valmiera U21		4-16
15. Gulbene		4-17
16. Ridzene		3-17

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LIGA SUDAMERICANA

Hexagonal Final: First games - by Eurobasket News

Group A

Flamengo - Pinheiros/Sky 59-74
Pinheiros/Sky did a great job in the first game of the Liga Sudamericana hexagonal final. They handed 59-74 loss to Flamengo for 1-0 record in Group A. Participant of this pool is also Atenas. Two best teams will book a spot for the Semifinals. Olivinha Rodriguez (202-F-83) stepped up for the winners with double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds. Marquinhos Vieira (207-F-84) also scored 12 points, while Shamell Stallworth (196-SG-80, agency: Interperformances, college: USF) (5 as) and Mineiro Ferreira (208-C/F-88) helped Pinheiros/Sky with 11 points each. In the loosing squad, Marcelo Magalhaes (199-F/G-75, agency: Interperformances) delivered 16 points. Caio Silveira (211-C-87, agency: Interperformances) (5 rebs) and David Jackson (196-G-82, college: Penn St.) scored 14 and 10 points respectively. Quarters: 12-12, 12-16, 15-23, 20-23. Pinheiros/Sky will meet Atenas today. Flamengo has a day-off.

Group B

Obras - Malvin 89-59
Perfect start of the Liga Sudamericana hexagonal finals for Obras. The Argentinean squad was too strong for Malvin registering 89-59 victory. Both teams are placed to Group B, together with defending champion Uniceub BRB. Two best teams from this pool will book a spot for the Semifinals. Julio Mazzaro (190-G-79) and Darren Fells (201-F/C-86, college: Cal-Irvine) led the winners with 15 points each. Pablo Espinoza (195-F-87) was behind them with 13 points and 5 rebounds. At the other side, Nicolas Borsellino (202-F-86) shined with 13 points and 10 boards. Bruno Fitipaldo (183-PG-91) and Anthony Myles (208-F/C-82, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Xavier) (7 rebs) scored 11 and 10 points respectively. Obras took control on Malvin from the beginning and never looked back. Quarters: 21-14, 19-11, 30-14, 19-20. Obras will take a rest today. Malvin will meet Uniceub BRB in do-or-die game.

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LITHUANIA

Standings - LKL

LKL Standings

1. Lietuvos rytas		13-2
2. Zalgiris		11-0
3. Rudupis		11-3
4. Siauliai		10-6
5. Baltai Kaunas		8-7
6. Pieno Zvaigzdes		7-6
7. Neptunas		6-6
8. Juventus		5-9
9. Kedainiai		4-10
10. Sakalai		3-11
11. Lietkabelis		3-12
12. Naglis Palangos		2-11

Stats Leaders - LKL

Points Per Game

Povilas BUTKEVICIUS
  Rudupis
  (203-F-87)
  Avg: 17.6

1. Butkevicius, Rudup.	17.6
2. Urbonas, Juventus	16.3
3. Cepukaitis, Lietka.	16.3
4. Valanciunas, Lietu.	15.8
5. Mazeika, Neptunas	15.5
6. Benn, Naglis Palan.	14.5
7. Vasylius, Siauliai	14.5
8. Hughes, Pieno Z.	13.8
9. Baniulis, Sakalai	13.6
10. Orelikas, Rudupis	13.5

Rebounds Per Game

Dane JOHNSON
  Naglis P.
  (208-C-86)
  Avg: 10.4

1. Johnson, Naglis P.	10.4
2. Mikalauskas, Neptu.	9.2
3. Butkevicius, Rudup.	8.6
4. McClure, Kedainiai	7.9
5. Benn, Naglis Palan.	7.5
6. Petrukonis, Juven.	7.5
7. Valanciunas, Lietu.	7.5
8. Adomaitis, Kedaini.	6.5
9. Bowles, Siauliai	6.4
10. Jankunas, Zalgiris	6.1

Assists Per Game

Mantas KALNIETIS
  Zalgiris
  (196-G-86)
  Avg: 5.3

1. Kalnietis, Zalgiris	5.3
2. Peciukeviciu., Sak.	5.2
3. Dainys, Neptunas	4.9
4. Rice, Lietuvos.	4.8
5. Broadus, Siauliai	4.6
6. Ezerskis, Lietkabe.	4.0
7. Maceina, Juventus	3.9
8. Salenga, Rudupis	3.4
9. Kadziulis, Rudupis	3.4
10. Janavicius, Balta.	3.3

Steals Per Game

TreVon HUGHES
  Pieno Z.
  (183-PG-87)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Hughes, Pieno Z.	2.4
2. Broadus, Siauliai	1.9
3. Ginevicius, Kedain.	1.8
4. Seibutis, Lietuv.	1.7
5. Dainys, Neptunas	1.7
6. Benn, Naglis Palan.	1.7
7. Collins, Zalgiris	1.6
8. Long, Siauliai	1.6
9. Kelys, Pieno Z.	1.6
10. Weems, Zalgiris	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Jonas VALANCIUNAS
  Lietuv.
  (210-C-92)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Valanciunas, Lietu.	1.8
2. Johnson, Naglis P.	1.7
3. Petrukonis, Juven.	1.2
4. Samardziski, Lietu.	1.2
5. Morgan, Pieno Z.	1.1
6. Staniulis, Lietkab.	1.1
7. Kairys, Pieno Z.	1.1
8. Butkevicius, Rudup.	1.0
9. McClure, Kedainiai	1.0
10. Zelionis, Rudupis	1.0

LKL Round 14: Zalgiris beat Rudupis by two after a very close game - by Eurobasket News
The most exciting game of round 14 in the LKL took place in Kaunas. This derby game ended with only two-point defeat on the road of second-ranked Rudupis (11-3) to top-ranked Zalgiris (11-0) 76-74 in the game for the second place. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Rudupis. Rudupis was trailing by 4 points at halftime but managed to get 3-point lead after three quarters before a 18-13 charge of Zalgiris, which allowed them to win the game. The former international forward Paulius Jankunas (205-84, agency: Interperformances) orchestrated the victory by scoring 14 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. American swingman Sonny Weems (198-86, college: Arkansas) contributed with 19 points for the winners. Zalgiris' coach Aleksandar Trifunovic used entire bench in such tough game. Forward Arnas Labuckas (205-87, agency: Interperformances) replied with 14 points for Rudupis. Undefeated Zalgiris have an impressive 11-game winning streak. Defending champion moved-up to second place. Rudupis at the other side dropped to the third position with three games lost. Zalgiris are looking forward to face bottom-ranked Naglis Palangos (#12) in Palanga in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Rudupis will play at home against Sakalai (#10) in Vilnius and is hoping to win this game.
An interesting game for Lietuvos rytas (13-2) which played road game in Siauliai against 4th ranked Siauliai (10-6). First ranked Lietuvos rytas had an easy win 88-71. The former international forward Mindaugas Katelynas (206-83, college: Chattanooga) scored 9 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Aleksandar Rasic chipped in 14 points during the contest. The former international forward Valdas Vasylius (203-83, college: ODU) responded with 12 points and 5 rebounds. Siauliai's coach Antanas Sireika rotated ten players seeing no chance for a win. Lietuvos rytas maintains first position with 13-2 record. Siauliai at the other side keeps the fourth place with six games lost. Lietuvos rytas will play against Neptunas (#7) in Klaipeda in the next round where they are favorite. Siauliai will have a break next round.
Eleventh-ranked Lietkabelis (3-12) used its home court advantage to challenge fourth ranked Siauliai (10-6) in Panevezys on Thursday. The visitors from Siauliai managed to secure only two-point victory 87-85. However their fans expected much easier game. Mindaugas Zukauskas notched 19 points and 7 rebounds to lead the effort. Even 21 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) by Vaidas Cepukaitis did not help to save the game for Lietkabelis. Lietkabelis' coach Gintaras Leonavicius tested ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Siauliai maintains fourth position with 10-6 record. Loser Lietkabelis keeps the eleventh place with 12 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
The game between top-ranked Zalgiris (11-0) and 10th ranked Sakalai (3-11) in Kaunas ended with biggest points difference. Zalgiris outscored guests from Vilnius 97-71. The best player for the winners was Mindaugas Kuzminskas who scored 20 points and 6 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Undefeated Zalgiris have an impressive 11-game winning streak. Defending champion moved-up to second place. Sakalai lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the tenth position with 11 games lost. Zalgiris' next round opponent will be bottom-ranked Naglis Palangos (#12) in Palanga and are hoping to win another game. Sakalai will play on the road against Rudupis in Prienai.

Zalgiris - Sakalai 97-71

The game between top-ranked Zalgiris (11-0) and 10th ranked Sakalai (3-11) in Kaunas ended with biggest points difference. Zalgiris outscored guests from Vilnius 97-71. The game without a history. Zalgiris led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to Sakalai's 36. They outrebounded Sakalai 37-25 including a 31-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. Zalgiris players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists. The best player for the winners was international forward Mindaugas Kuzminskas (205-89) who scored 20 points and 6 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). The former international guard Tomas Delininkaitis (192-82, agency: Interperformances) chipped in 14 points. Guard Laurynas Samenas (192-88) produced 16 points and 6 assists and forward Arnas Butkevicius (199-92) added 15 points and 5 rebounds respectively for the guests. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Zalgiris have an impressive 11-game winning streak. Defending champion moved-up to second place. Sakalai lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the tenth position with 11 games lost. Zalgiris' next round opponent will be bottom-ranked Naglis Palangos (#12) in Palanga and are hoping to win another game. Sakalai will play on the road against Rudupis in Prienai.
Top scorers:
Zalgiris: M.Kuzminskas 20+6reb, T.Delininkaitis 14+2reb+2ast, M.Rakovic 12+5reb, P.Jankunas 12, T.Klimavicius 10+6reb, S.Weems 6+2reb+3ast
Sakalai: L.Samenas 16+4reb+6ast, A.Butkevicius 15+5reb+2ast, E.Baniulis 14+1reb, V.Sirvydis 7, A.Gydra 6+1reb+1ast, A.Kiausas 4+2ast

Zalgiris - Rudupis 76-74

The most exciting game of round 14 in the LKL took place in Kaunas. This derby game ended with only two-point defeat on the road of second-ranked Rudupis (11-3) to top-ranked Zalgiris (11-0) 76-74 in the game for the second place. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Rudupis. Rudupis was trailing by 4 points at halftime but managed to get 3-point lead after three quarters before a 18-13 charge of Zalgiris, which allowed them to win the game. The former international forward Paulius Jankunas (205-84, agency: Interperformances) orchestrated the victory by scoring 14 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. American swingman Sonny Weems (198-86, college: Arkansas) contributed with 19 points for the winners. Four Zalgiris players scored in double figures. Zalgiris' coach Aleksandar Trifunovic used entire bench in such tough game. Forward Arnas Labuckas (205-87, agency: Interperformances) replied with 14 points and swingman Gediminas Orelikas (198-90) added 9 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Rudupis. Zalgiris have an impressive 11-game winning streak. Defending champion moved-up to second place. Rudupis at the other side dropped to the third position with three games lost. Zalgiris are looking forward to face bottom-ranked Naglis Palangos (#12) in Palanga in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Rudupis will play at home against Sakalai (#10) in Vilnius and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Zalgiris: S.Weems 19+2reb+2ast, M.Rakovic 15+2reb, M.Kalnietis 14+5reb+3ast, P.Jankunas 14+9reb+4ast, R.Javtokas 5+4reb, T.Klimavicius 4+3reb+2ast
Rudupis: A.Labuckas 14+3reb+2ast, A.Juskevicius 13+2reb+1ast, P.Butkevicius 10+5reb+1ast, G.Orelikas 9+6reb+3ast, A.Milaknis 9+6reb+2ast, S.Buterlevicius 9+6reb+1ast

Lietkabelis - Siauliai 85-87

Eleventh-ranked Lietkabelis (3-12) used its home court advantage to challenge fourth ranked Siauliai (10-6) in Panevezys on Thursday. The visitors from Siauliai managed to secure only two-point victory 87-85. However their fans expected much easier game. The guests trailed by 6 points at the halftime before their 30-15 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. It was a great shooting night for Siauliai especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.6 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The former international forward Mindaugas Zukauskas (201-75, agency: World Sport Agency) notched 19 points and 7 rebounds to lead the effort and American guard Cam Long (193-88, college: George Mason, agency: KMG Sports Management) supported him with 18 points, 7 assists and 4 steals. Four Siauliai players scored in double figures. Even 21 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) by center Vaidas Cepukaitis (207-89, agency: Interperformances) did not help to save the game for Lietkabelis. Center Adomas Drungilas (203-90) added 4 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists for the hosts. Lietkabelis' coach Gintaras Leonavicius tested ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Siauliai maintains fourth position with 10-6 record. Loser Lietkabelis keeps the eleventh place with 12 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Siauliai: E.Ruzgas 21+3reb+2ast, M.Zukauskas 19+7reb+3ast, C.Long 18+2reb+7ast, J.Jucikas 14+5reb+1ast, A.Siksnius 8+2reb+3ast, R.Broadus 7+10reb+5ast
Lietkabelis: V.Cepukaitis 21+1reb+1ast, S.Vasiliauskas 13+2ast, G.Staniulis 10+5reb, E.Ezerskis 9+2reb+5ast, E.Stanionis 9+2reb, K.Babkauskas 8+3reb

Siauliai - Lietuvos rytas 71-88

An interesting game for Lietuvos rytas (13-2) which played road game in Siauliai against 4th ranked Siauliai (10-6). First ranked Lietuvos rytas had an easy win 88-71. Siauliai was ahead by 2 points at the halftime before a 43-24 second half run of Lietuvos rytas. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists. The former international forward Mindaugas Katelynas (206-83, college: Chattanooga) scored 9 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Serbian guard Aleksandar Rasic (194-84, agency: Beo Basket) chipped in 14 points during the contest. The former international forward Valdas Vasylius (203-83, college: ODU) responded with 12 points and 5 rebounds and American-Samoan point guard Rashaun Broadus (183-84, college: BYU) scored 14 points. Siauliai's coach Antanas Sireika rotated ten players seeing no chance for a win. Lietuvos rytas maintains first position with 13-2 record. Siauliai at the other side keeps the fourth place with six games lost. Lietuvos rytas will play against Neptunas (#7) in Klaipeda in the next round where they are favorite. Siauliai will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Lietuvos rytas: A.Rasic 14+3reb+3ast, R.Seibutis 13+4ast, S.Babrauskas 12+2reb+2ast, J.Valanciunas 12+7reb, M.Katelynas 9+7reb+4ast, P.Samardziski 9+6reb+1ast
Siauliai: R.Broadus 14+4reb+1ast, V.Vasylius 12+5reb+3ast, J.Jucikas 11+8reb, A.Siksnius 9+4reb+1ast, M.Zukauskas 8+4reb+4ast, C.Long 7+4reb+5ast

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LUXEMBOURG

Yves Mekongo is a newcomer at Amicale Steinsel - by Eurobasket Center
Amicale Steinsel invites 25-year old Cameroonian international forward Yves Mekongo (201-F-111kg-87, college: La Salle) for a try-out. Mekongo played most recently at Grupo Iruna Navarra (Spain). While playing 7 games for Navarra this season he averaged 3.4ppg and 2.6rpg. Mekongo played also profesionally in Hungary, Spain and Cameroon. Mekongo graduated La Salle University in 2010 and it will be his second season in pro basketball. Mekongo played for Cameroonian senior national team this year.

A perfect January - by Philip Perre
Hello world, im back again. Sorry its taken me so long to update my blog, been busy focusing on games trying to help put my team into a better position in the Diekirch league. Coming back from the holidays, we as a team and coaching staff, have come back focused on our goals, one of them being, making the top six in the Diekirch league. Top six means an automatic playoff spot, we also focused on continue to surprise people and going as far as possible in the Luxembourgish cup. Both our goals we have nearly reached, we have now finished join 3rd in the league after starting bottom to last when I first arrived here in Luxembourg. We also have reached the semi finals of the Luxembourgish cup, which will take place next week, in the biggest arena here in Luxembourg and will be live on national television. The month of January has seen us as a team record an impressive 4-0 month, recording no loses against tough competition. I think as a team we have grown tremendously and our coaching staff have also done a tremendous job in getting us prepared every week. Now we have to continue to stay focused, setting our goals even higher, continue to be determined and keep moving forward as the team. My job as a leader is to be always prepared physically and mentally at all times and to lead by example day in and day out. As you get older as a player, you really learn to appreciate gigs and situations you in. I have learned over the years that, the players that remain successful for many years keep them selves in great physical shape and work extremely hard on and off the court. So till next time people, stay safe, God bless and keep moving forward.

Handwork beats talent, if talent doesnt work hard.

Philip Perre (198cm, 79. N.Alabama)

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NBA

Darington Hobson recalled by Bucks - by Eurobasket News
The Milwaukee Bucks have recalled rookie guard Darington Hobson (6'7''-G/F-87, college: N.Mexico) from the Fort Wayne Mad Ants of the NBA Development League, General Manager John Hammond announced today.

In eight games (six starts) for the Mad Ants, Hobson averaged 10.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 27.6 minutes per contest. Hobson was initially assigned to Fort Wayne on December 29 and recalled to join the Bucks on January 4. On January 18, he was re-assigned to Fort Wayne.

Hobson will return to Milwaukee tonight, but not in time for the game vs. Miami.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Nets sign Keith Bogans, waive Larry Owens - by Eurobasket News
The 7-15 New Jersey Nets have shown more life lately than they were earlier in the season, and on Tuesday they added some experienced help in the backcourt.

The team today signed free agent guard Keith Bogans (6'5''-G-80, college: Kentucky), Nets General Manager Billy King announced. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not released. To make room on the roster the Nets have waived forward Larry Owens (6'7''-G/F-83, college: ORU).

Keith will give us defensive toughness and experience, said King. He will add depth and versatility to our perimeter.

Bogans, an eight-year NBA veteran, started in all 82 games for the Chicago Bulls in 2010-11, averaging 4.4 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 17.8 minutes per game. Originally drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks with the 43rd overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, the University of Kentucky product began his career in Orlando, before moving on to Charlotte, Houston, Orlando again, Milwaukee, San Antonio and Chicago. Overall, the 6-5 guard has played in 586 career games with averages of 6.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. He has appeared in 34 career playoff games, with averages of 4.7 points and 2.0 rebounds. Bogans started all 16 postseason contests for Chicago in 2011 and led the league in postseason three-point shooting, hitting on 42.4% of his shots from behind the arc.

Owens, who signed as a free agent on January 18, played in seven games with the Nets, averaging 1.9 points and 1.9 rebounds in 10.7 minutes per game.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Cavaliers recall Luke Harangody from D-League - by Eurobasket News
The Cleveland Cavaliers have recalled forward Luke Harangody (6'7''-F-88, agency: Priority Sports, college: Notre Dame) from the Canton Charge, the Cavaliers exclusively owned and operated NBA Development League team, Cavaliers General Manager Chris Grant announced today.

Harangody was assigned to Canton on Jan. 26th and played in three games (three starts) with the Charge, averaging 13.3 points on .400 shooting and 8.7 rebounds in 34.7 minutes per game. The 6-foot-8 forward recorded two double-doubles in his three games with the Charge, including a 21-point, 11-rebound effort in 39 minutes versus the Los Angeles Defenders on Jan. 28. Harangody has appeared in five games with the Cavaliers this season. He averaged 2.6 points on .455 shooting and 1.2 rebounds in 7.6 minutes per game.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Wednesday's games review (11): Bucks win 105-97, beat Heat again - by Eurobasket News
Milwaukee B. - Miami Heat 105-97
The Miami Heat have the stars, the sun and South Beach. Somehow, the Milwaukee Bucks have bragging rights. Brandon Jennings (6'0''-PG-89) scored 31 points, including three 3-pointers in a critical stretch of the fourth quarter, and Milwaukee beat Miami 105-97 on Wednesday night for the Bucks' second win over the Heat this season. Even on a huge night for LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) - he scored a season-high 40 points, including a powerful windmill dunk destined for the highlight reels - Jennings and the Bucks walked away with a win. And, apparently, a little bit of admiration from James. 'Me and LeBron looked at each other,' Jennings said. 'I said, '40?' He said, 'You've got 31, though.'' Jennings also had eight assists with no turnovers while Drew Gooden added 17 points and nine rebounds for the Bucks, who have won three straight - including a victory over the Los Angeles Lakers last Saturday. The Bucks also beat the Heat 91-82 in Miami on Jan. 22. James had 24 points in the first quarter, the most points any player has scored in a quarter this season, according to STATS LLC. But he went cold in the second half. 'You always give credit where credit is due,' James said. 'They made some shots in the third quarter and fourth quarter. They got back into it. They made a run. We held it as much as possible.' Dwyane Wade added 23 points for the Heat, but it wasn't enough. 'What that second half showed is we still have a long way to go as a ballclub just in terms of playing consistently,' Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. 'We were playing very good basketball in the first half. It's a fragile game. In this league it can go the other way quickly if you're not staying consistent to your identity.' Bucks fans chanted 'overrated' in the final minutes of the game. 'We can't just have an ordinary energy game, we have to have an extraordinary game against them,' Bucks coach Scott Skiles said. 'The guys came out in the second half and really took it to them.' Milwaukee trailed 60-47 at the half but closed the gap in the third quarter. The Heat went into the fourth with a 79-76 lead. Ersan Ilyasova converted a three-point play to tie the score at the start of the fourth, and Jennings hit a running layup to give the Bucks an 81-79 lead with 11:06 left. Milwaukee's fourth-quarter run continued, and the Bucks led 87-82 when Luc Richard Mbah a Moute scored inside. The Heat than drew a shot-clock violation with the ball in James' hands, and Jennings hit a 3-pointer on the other end to give Milwaukee a 90-82 lead with 6:40 to go. After a pair of free throws by Gooden, Wade missed a contested layup, and Jennings hit another 3-pointer. James missed a long jumper - and Jennings drilled yet another 3, giving the Bucks a 98-82 lead. With Milwaukee later leading 101-92, James was called for traveling in transition with just over two minutes left. James shot 5 for 12 in the second half. 'He's not easy to stop,' Jennings said. 'He got it going early, but I think we did a great job (in the) second half, just countering him on everything.' A large part of the credit goes to Mbah a Moute, the Bucks' defensive ace. 'It's a tough job, going against those guys,' Mbah a Moute said. 'But it's a fun job, too. Those guys are the best and it's always fun to play against the best.' Wednesday's game had all the makings of a Heat blowout early on, thanks to James. Already off to a sizzling start, James finished the first quarter in memorable fashion. 'The first half, it felt like LeBron was going to go for like 60 or whatever,' Jennings said. With under a minute left in the quarter, he took the ball away from Milwaukee's Beno Udrih, took a couple of steps and finished with a powerful windmill dunk with 32.9 seconds left in the quarter. As if that wasn't enough, James then hit a 3 with 2.2 seconds left in the quarter. James' huge dunk drew a gasp, then a roar from the crowd. It even had a pair of Bradley Center ushers recreating the dunk during the first-quarter break. But the Heat couldn't keep the lead. 'I don't think we relaxed,' Wade said. 'They played well. Give them credit. I'm not taking anything away from the Bucks.' *Courtesy of www.chron.com

N.Orleans H. - Phoenix Suns 103-120
Steve Nash (6'3''-PG-74, college: Santa Clara) became the Phoenix Suns' all-time leader in assists and set a season-high for points while he was at it. Nash had 30 points and 10 assists, and the Phoenix Suns defeated the New Orleans Hornets, 120-103 on Wednesday night. By increasing his total number of assists with the Suns to 6,522, Nash surpassed Kevin Johnson's mark of 6,518. Marcin Gortat (7'0''-C-84) had 23 points and 11 rebounds for Phoenix, which won for only the fourth time on the road this season and second time in New Orleans. Channing Frye added 16 points and Jared Dudley 15. Hornets reserve point guard Greivis Vasquez had career highs of 20 points and 12 assists for the Hornets, who have lost three straight and 18 of 20. Jason Smith added 16 points for the Hornets, who led 57-44 late in the first half, but were outscored 76-46 the rest of the way. Trevor Ariza added 15 points for New Orleans, while Emeka Okafor scored 11. New Orleans was as close as 95-94 after Vasquez's 3 with 8:14 to go in the game, then the Suns began to pull away, outscoring the Hornets 25-4 the rest of the way. Gortat's free throws began a 13-0 Suns run that included Frye's layup as he was fouled, Nash closed out that spurt with a 3 that made it 108-94 with 5:10 left. Phoenix wound up shooting nearly 53 percent (41 of 78) for the game, while New Orleans shot 52 percent (40 of 77). The big problem for the Hornets were their 17 turnovers - including 13 in the second half - which led to 27 Suns points. The Hornets, who shot nearly 60 percent (25 of 42) in the opening half, led by 13 points when Jack made his second 3-pointer to make it 57-44 with 2:12 left in the second quarter. Nash then hit a reverse layup and a floater before setting up Gortat's jumper, which comprised the beginning of 12-2 run to close out the half and cut New Orleans' lead to 59-56. Nash finished the half with 19 points, 12 in the second quarter. Phoenix then scored 10 straight points early in the third quarter, capped by Nash's jumper, to go up 66-62. When that surge ended, Phoenix had scored on 15 of 16 possessions. The Hornets managed to regroup and stay close until early in the fourth quarter before Phoenix finally pulled away for good. *Courtesy of www.charlotteobserver.com

Portland TB - Charlotte B. 112-68
Jamal Crawford (6'5''-G-80, college: Michigan) scored 24 points in 21 minutes, helping the Portland Trail Blazers rout Charlotte 112-68 on Wednesday night for the Bocbats' 10th straight loss and the worst in franchise history. Gerald Wallace (6'7''-F-82, college: Alabama), traded to the Blazers from Charlotte last year, scored 23 points while LaMarcus Aldridge added 22 before Portland sat all of its starters in the fourth quarter. Gerald Henderson led the hapless Bobcats with 16 points. Charlotte's 44-margin of defeat topped the previous franchise-worst in a 120-80 loss at Denver last March 2. The Bobcats' losing streak is their longest since an 11-game slide from November 2007 to early January 2008. It was a season-high for points for the Blazers, and a season-low for the Bobcats. Charlotte, which has the NBA's worst record at 3-20, was coming off a 106-73 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night to open a four-game road trip. Charlotte has now lost 10 straight on the road, dropping to 1-12 away from home this season. The Blazers improved to 10-1 at the Rose Garden this season. Portland led 40-18 early in the second quarter and Crawford hit three straight 3-pointers to put the Blazers up 53-25 midway through the period. The lead was 61-35 lead by halftime, giving the Blazers their highest first-half total of the season. Portland extended the lead to 79-43 in the third on Wallace's layup and free throw. Aldridge left the game for good late in the quarter, and most of the rest of Portland's starters sat down soon thereafter. It got so bad that at one point a fan in the crowd yelled, 'C'mon Charlotte! Make it a game!' The Blazers were without forward Nicolas Batum, who was out with a left knee bone bruise. Batum, averaging 11.4 points and 4.1 rebounds off the bench, injured his knee in the final seconds of Portland's 93-89 loss at Utah on Monday. Batum is considered day-to-day, although coach Nate McMillan said he will miss Thursday night's game at Sacramento. His absence meant extra playing time for Craig Smith, a free agent acquired in training camp, and Elliot Williams, a rookie after missing all of last season because of injuries on both knees. Smith finished with six points and Williams had four. The Bobcats shot just 32 percent from the floor, compared to 55 percent for the Blazers. *Courtesy of www.utsandiego.com

Utah Jazz - LA Clippers 105-107
Chris Paul (6'0''-PG-85, college: Wake Forest) scored a season-high 34 points and Blake Griffin (6'10''-F-89, college: Oklahoma) added 31 as the Los Angeles Clippers held on for a 107-105 victory over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night. It was the Clippers' first win in Salt Lake City since 2003, snapping a string of 16 consecutive losses - including a 108-79 loss in Utah on Jan. 17. Paul sat out that the last visit with a left hamstring injury. He had 12 points in the fourth quarter in this game as the Clippers won their fourth straight. Al Jefferson had 27 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Jazz. The Clippers made eight free throws in the final 30 seconds. Utah's C.J. Miles intentionally missed his second free throw with the Jazz down two points with 1.2 seconds left but Reggie Evans grabbed the rebound to seal the win. The Jazz led by four points early in the fourth, but Paul and Mo Williams, who also missed the first meeting, brought the Clippers back. Paul's 3-pointer gave Los Angeles an 86-84 lead with 6:08 remaining, and his reverse layup later made it 92-87. Paul Millsap's 3-pointer got Utah to 101-99 with 16 seconds left, but Chauncey Billups made both free throws with 13 seconds remaining to put the Clippers up four. Miles made a 3-pointer with 8 seconds left, but Billups made two more free throws to put Los Angeles up 105-102. The Clippers fouled quickly again, and Devin Harris' free throws pulled Utah within one with 3.8 seconds left. But Williams made both foul shots on the other end, and Miles was fouled bringing the ball up the court with 1.2 seconds left. He made one free throw before intentionally missing the second. Overall, Utah struggled at the line, making 26 of 36 overall. It was a back-and-forth fourth quarter after a high-flying first. The game was under way just seven seconds in when Griffin took an alley-oop pass from Paul and dunked. He had five more dunks and 14 points before the quarter ended. Paul and Griffin combined for 26 of L.A.'s 32 first-quarter points. The Jazz countered with Jefferson, who had 10 points in the first quarter on 5-of-6 shooting. Utah opened the second quarter on an 8-0 run to take a 37-32 lead, with Utah's under-21 players stealing the show. Rookie center Enes Kanter hit a pair of jump shots, second-year pro Derrick Favors followed with a driving layup and rookie Alec Burks scored inside on a feed from Earl Watson. The Jazz extended their lead to 44-34, with Miles capping the 15-4 run with a three-point play. Los Angeles answered with its own 8-0 run to pull to 44-42 midway through the quarter, fueled by Randy Foye. Paul tied the score at 56 with a driving layup but Jefferson gave the Jazz a 58-56 halftime lead on his ninth field goal. The Jazz were shooting 61 percent at halftime (27 of 44) while L.A. was at 53 percent (24 for 45). The teams combined for only 32 points in the third quarter. *Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Orlando M. - Washington W. 109-103
Ryan Anderson (6'10''-F-88, college: California) scored 23 points, including six 3-pointers, to help the Orlando Magic snap a four-game losing streak with a 109-103 victory over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night. Dwight Howard (6'11''-C-85) and J.J. Redick added 21 points each for Orlando, which beat Washington for the eighth straight time. It was the Magic's first 100-point game since a win at Indiana on Jan. 24. After struggling with turnovers throughout their recent skid, the Magic settled down after a rocky first half to commit just four turnovers in the final 24 minutes. Nick Young had 24 points and Rashard Lewis added 20 for Washington. The Wizards dropped to 1-9 on the road and still haven't beaten a .500 team on the road the past two seasons. The Wizards trailed by just a point entering the fourth quarter and stayed close before the Magic took an 87-77 lead with 5:56 to play on a one-handed dunk by Howard in the post over JaVale McGee. Howard ran down the court after the play and pointed toward Quentin Richardson before the two bumped chests. It was a rare moment of celebration or levity for a team that had so very few of them during its skid. Washington got to 104-100 with 34.8 to play, but the Magic were able to close it out at the free-throw line. After coasting through the opening minutes during most of its recent losing skid, Orlando picked up its offense in the first half Wednesday and led by four at the break. But many of its recent headaches in its half-court offense persisted early on. The Magic were up as many as 11 points at one point. They also committed 11 turnovers, though, the product of their increasing difficulty getting the ball across half court which led to steals and layups on the other end for the Wizards. Washington used a 16-5 spurt to begin the second quarter to take a 36-30 lead before a 14-2 run by Orlando, which included three straight 3-pointers, nudged the Magic back in front. They hit 7 of 19 of their shots from beyond the arc in the opening 24 minutes. Anderson had four of the makes and led all scorers with 15 points. *Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

New Jersey N. - Detroit P. 99-96
Deron Williams (6'3''-PG-84, college: Illinois) scored 26 points to help the New Jersey Nets beat the Detroit Pistons 99-96 Wednesday night. Kris Humphries (6'9''-F-85, college: Minnesota) had 18 points, Jordan Farmar added 15 and Shawne Williams 15 for the Nets. Greg Monroe and Tayshaun Prince scored 21 points each for the Pistons, who have lost 20 of 24 this season. Detroit rookie point guard Brandon Knight added 15 points, Jonas Jerebko had 14 and Walker Russell Jr. 12. After trailing by 12 points midway through the third quarter, Detroit rallied to pull to 72-71 entering the fourth. The teams exchanged baskets throughout the final quarter, with Williams' playmaking the difference. Taking advantage of his pass-or-shoot options, Williams routinely broke down Knight. He would then drive, shoot or set up his teammates. Williams shot 12 for 21 from the field and had nine assists on the Nets' 38 baskets. The game between two of the Eastern Conference's weaker teams was predictably sloppy. In the first quarter, Monroe drove baseline and elevated. He extended his arm a split-second before releasing the ball, which missed the rim by 6 inches. Deron Williams' teammates fumbled a half-dozen of his passes in the first three quarters. New Jersey took advantage of Detroit's porous perimeter defense, shooting 48 percent from the field and 35 percent on 3s. The game also marked former Nets coach Lawrence Frank's return to New Jersey for the first time since taking over the Pistons. Frank was 225-241 record in 466 games spanning seven seasons with the Nets, including four straight playoff appearances. 'I love New Jersey. It's home,' said Frank, who coached in New Jersey last season as an assistant on the Celtics. 'There are a lot of great memories.' *Courtesy of www.ktvn.com

San Antonio S. - Houston R. 99-91
Tim Duncan (6'10''-C/F-76, college: Wake Forest) scored 25 points and Tony Parker (6'0''-PG-82) added 24 to help the San Antonio Spurs rally for a 99-91 victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. The Spurs (14-9), who trailed by as many as 18 points in the third quarter, have won two straight and improved to 11-1 at home. Gary Neal had 15 for San Antonio, which split the four-game season series with the Rockets (12-10), who have lost two straight. Kevin Martin scored 29 points to lead Houston but went 1 for 6 in the fourth quarter. Kyle Lowry and Courtney Lee each added 15, and Patrick Patterson had 10. The Rockets led by 18 points in the third quarter and looked poised to put the game away before Duncan led the Spurs on an 11-2 run. When he wasn't barking directions to his younger teammates, Duncan was burying running hooks in the lane. Duncan scored 16 points in the quarter, after which the Spurs trailed only 71-67. The Spurs took their first lead since the first quarter on Danny Green's 3-pointer with 7 minutes left in the game - a shot that brought his former coach Roy Williams, in attendance to support Green, to his feet. Both teams traded baskets before the Spurs took the lead for good on Neal's runner with 2 minutes left. San Antonio closed the game on a 6-0 run. Houston led 52-39 at halftime behind 21 points from Martin, who returned this week from a two-game absence because of a twisted right ankle. He's picked up right where he left off before the injury, scoring 29 against Minnesota on Monday and hitting 6 of 11 3-pointers against the Spurs. With his characteristic quick release, Martin hit 5 of 7 3-pointers in the first half, often in the face of late-arriving Spurs defenders. Martin wasted no time reaching double figures for the 19th time this season - the only time he didn't was in the season opener. His 3 with 7:18 left in the first quarter gave him 11 points and capped a 13-2 Rockets run. When Lee wasn't burying jumpers, backup guard Courtney Lee picked up the offense. He had 11 points on 5-of-6 shooting in the half. The Rockets held the Spurs to 14-of-39 shooting in the half. Parker led the Spurs with 13 points and Duncan had nine. *Courtesy of www.thenewstribune.com

Boston C. - Toronto R. 100-64
Beat 'em down. And then beat 'em down some more. The Boston Celtics have seen their share of weak foes this year. But it wasn't until Wednesday night's 100-64 thumping of the Toronto Raptors did they crush an opponent from the opening tip until the final horn sounded. It was the kind of win that the C's (11-10) of old, are used to delivering against a Raptors team that's once again in rebuilding mode. Even Kevin Garnett (6'11''-F-76), who does a little bit of everything most nights, had a new trick for the Garden faithful. With time running out in the second half, Garnett launched a contested 3-pointer that went in. It was only his fifth (in 30 tries) 3-pointer as a Celtic, which gave Boston a commanding 57-35 lead. Boston's lead ballooned past the 30-point plateau in the second half, and seemed to only grow over time. A big part of the Celtics' success was the 3-point shot, as the C's connected on a season-high 12 3-pointers. Bolting out to such a huge lead had a much different feel about it compared to Tuesday's game in Cleveland, a game in which the Celtics led by as many as 22 points in the second half only to see that lead cut to as little as two points late in the fourth quarter before holding on for a 93-90 win. The C's had no thoughts about Tuesday's game or any game in the past for that matter, against the Raptors. Their focus was to do the best with what they had, as they continue to play short-handed. Playing without Rajon Rondo (wrist) for the eighth straight game, his replacements -- Avery Bradley and E'Twaun Moore -- continue to show the kind of growth the C's like to see from its young players. Bradley, who has been one of the C's better defenders, tied a season-high with 11 points. And Moore, more of a playmaker than defender, had eight points. Paul Pierce (6'7''-F/G-77, college: Kansas) led all scorers with 17 points to go with six rebounds and eight assists. The Raptors were led by Jerryd Bayless' 14 points, and Ed Davis' double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds. *Courtesy of www.csnne.com

Minnesota T. - Indiana P. 99-109
The Indiana Pacers and Minnesota Timberwolves have been two of the league's woebegone franchises over the past five seasons or so, both dealing with their own batch of problems that has kept them from relevance. Somehow, a heated little rivalry managed to develop anyway. Now that both franchises are on the rise, the matchups are only getting more intense. Danny Granger (6'8''-F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico) scored 29 of his 36 points in the second half, and a third-quarter skirmish with Kevin Love (6'10''-C-88, college: UCLA) seemed to fuel the Pacers to a 109-99 victory over the Wolves on Wednesday night. Granger also grabbed seven rebounds and hit 5 of 8 from three-point range, and Darren Collison thoroughly out-played Ricky Rubio with 20 points, nine assists and six rebounds for the Pacers, who topped 100 points for just the second time this season. 'I've said all along I've never liked the Pacers,' Love said. 'I guarantee the next time we play them it will be just as physical.' The turning point came late in the third quarter, when Love and Granger tangled after a hard foul. Love got frustrated after not getting a foul call on an offensive rebound, and the all-star forward raked Granger across the shoulder on the other end. Granger took exception, shoving Love and jawing at him. 'Kevin Love is a friend of mine so I'm sure he didn't do it on purpose,' Granger said of his Team USA teammate. 'I think in the heat of the moment he gave me a hard foul. I got clotheslined and that's how I reacted. It kind of lit a fire under me. I kind of got going a little bit.' Pacers coach Frank Vogel sprinted onto the court and immediately pulled Granger away from the fray as Michael Beasley and Martell Webster came to Love's defence. The officials gave the incident a long look at the replay, assessing Granger with a technical foul. 'There's a reason I sprinted out there to save him,' Vogel said. 'Did you see what he did after that point? We wanted him in the game.' The Pacers went on a 22-12 run to blow the doors open and win for the 15th time in 21 games, their best start since 2003-04, when they went to the Eastern Conference finals. Granger scored 13 points in the surge, including a four-point play that gave them a 94-77 lead midway through the fourth. 'Danny took over,' said Roy Hibbert, who had 15 points, nine rebounds and three blocks. 'When you get the Grange mad, that's what you get, you know?' Love had 21 points and 17 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who were completely overwhelmed by Indiana's size and flustered by the Pacers' tenacity. 'They take those pills and they've got all that toughness,' Love said with his tongue planted in his cheek. 'I don't know where that comes from. They all think they're tough guys. I just don't know where that comes from. That just blows my mind. They're all tough. And it makes me laugh.' Love wasn't laughing for much of the game. He made 6-of-16 shots and was 0 for 3 on three-pointers and also tangled with Tyler Hansbrough under the basket several times. 'I knew that none of them were going to do anything,' Love said. 'Just play ball. It's part of the game. Hard foul. Everybody's getting fouled out there. They're silly.' Rubio had 10 points and six assists and Nikola Pekovic had 13 points and 12 boards. Granger got off to a horrible start to the season, shooting 35 per cent in his first 15 games. He has since found a rhythm, hitting nearly 48 per cent of his shots in the last five games. He's topped 20 points in each of those games, his longest such streak since March 2010. The Wolves were wearing Minnesota Muskies uniforms, an homage to the ABA team that played one season in 1967-68. Their offence harkened back to that era as well as they missed 15 of their first 18 shots, hit only 37 per cent for the game and turned the ball over 16 times. 'You can't be running away from the punches,' Webster said. 'You have to go in there with your guard up and ready to fight. Something like that (skirmish) is probably what you need to jumpstart something. But we let them hit first and we couldn't recover from that.' *Courtesy of www.winnipegfreepress.com

Dallas M. - Oklah.City T. 86-95
Russell Westbrook (6'3''-PG-88, college: UCLA) scored 33 points, Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) added 23 points and 13 rebounds, and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Dallas Mavericks 95-86 on Wednesday night. James Harden had 10 points off the bench and Serge Ibaka anchored the Thunder defense with a career-high 10 blocked shots. Oklahoma City limited Dallas to 8-for-38 shooting from the field in the second half as the Thunder bounced back from Monday night's 112-100 road loss to the Los Angeles Clippers that snapped a four-game winning streak. Jason Terry had 26 points for the short-handed Mavericks, who snapped a three-game winning streak. Dirk Nowitzki went 2 for 15 from the floor and finished with eight points for Dallas in his third game back after a four-game absence to deal with a sore right knee and conditioning issues. He had 10 points in each of his first two games after returning. Oklahoma City has won two of three meetings between the teams this season. The Mavs won a five-game series with the Thunder in last season's Western Conference finals before Dallas went on to its first league title. Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle was ejected with 9:34 left in the game after picking up two technicals in a span of a little over two minutes for arguing officiating decisions. The Mavs were without key reserve Lamar Odom and starting center Brendan Haywood. Odom was sent home with a stomach ailment and Haywood was out with lower back tightness. Dallas starting point guard Jason Kidd sat out his third straight game with a strained right calf. The Mavericks trailed by 10 early in the fourth quarter before rallying to tie it at 85 on Shawn Marion's runner in the lane with 2:14 left. But Westbrook and Durant connected on consecutive mid-range jumpers, then Westbrook made a 3 from the right wing with 35 seconds to play to give his team a 92-85 advantage. The Thunder fought back from a nine-point first-half deficit, grabbing a 59-56 lead with 7:25 remaining in the third quarter on consecutive layups by Westbrook. That sparked a 10-2 spurt that put the Thunder ahead 65-58, and Oklahoma City carried a 71-66 edge into the final quarter. The Thunder turned up the defensive intensity in the third quarter, limiting Dallas to 3-for-19 shooting from the floor. Ibaka blocked three shots in the third quarter after swatting four in the second quarter, surpassing his season-high of seven before getting two more early in the fourth to beat his career high of eight. Dallas got off to a fast start, hitting nine straight field-goal attempts during one stretch in the first quarter to build a 29-21 lead entering the second quarter. The Mavs went 13 for 19 from the field in the first quarter while the Thunder connected on only 6 of 19. Oklahoma City got back in the game with a 16-7 second-quarter run for its first lead of the night, 37-36 on Durant's 16-footer with 7:12 left until halftime. Dallas held a 52-49 advantage at the break on Roddy Beaubois' reverse dunk with 29 seconds left and Marion's follow with less than a second remaining. *Courtesy of www.dallasnews.com

Philadelph.76 - Chicago B. 98-82
Andre Iguodala (6'6''-G-84, college: Arizona) helped the Philadelphia 76ers stamp themselves as a rising threat in the East, scoring 19 points and grabbing nine rebounds in a 98-82 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night. Iguodala outplayed Derrick Rose (6'3''-G-88, college: Memphis) and stuffed a month's worth of highlight video activity into one game. His one-handed dunks, around-the-back passes, and big 3s helped the Sixers lead the Eastern Conference-leading Bulls by 20 at the end of the third quarter. In front of 18,325 fans, the Sixers confidence is skyrocketing along with the crowds at the Wells Fargo Center. Thaddeus Young scored 19 points, Lavoy Allen had 14 and Lou Williams 14, all of the bench for the Sixers. The Sixers (16-6) had used a soft schedule to race to their best start in nearly a decade. No padding their record this week. They beat Orlando on Monday, tamed the Bulls, and go for the home-week sweep against Miami on Friday. C.J Watson scored 20 points and Rose had 18 for the Bulls. Long a scapegoat for being an $80 million player on a mediocre team, Iguodala walked off the court during a substitution late in the third quarter to a standing ovation. Iguodala scored nine points in the third - when the Sixers held the Bulls to 11 total in the quarter. Rose went 1 for 5 from the floor and the Bulls missed 13 of 16 shots in the quarter. At times, Iguodala played like he was in a pickup game, dunking with style in front of a raucous crowd. His wowed the crowd on a fastbreak when he took the ball behind his back, then gave a scoop pass to Jrue Holiday for a jumper and a 58-46 lead. Holiday scored 17. Late in the third, Williams and Allen hit consecutive jumpers, and Holiday finished with a 3 to lift the Sixers to a stunning 75-55 lead. Sixers coach Doug Collins scolded the team after beating the Magic for letting a big lead turn into a soft finish. The Bulls pulled within 12, but Young put a halt to any late spurt with two straight buckets and the lead was pushed back to 15. The Sixers won their fourth straight game and improved to 12-2 at home. The Bulls played without Richard Hamilton (right thigh) and Luol Deng (left wrist). The Sixers were ready to topple the Bulls and caught them off guard early with their frantic defense. Iguodala blocked a driving Rose, Evan Turner snagged the loose ball and fed to Iguodala on the other end for the bucket. Turner stripped Kyle Korver and that led to an Allen jumper for a 23-19 lead. Even Collins came extra juiced for the first truly big game of the season for the Sixers. Collins was irate when Iguodala was whistled for a charge and drew a fast technical. Unlike some technicals that can fire up the other team, the Bulls failed to pull ahead the rest of the half. Young, one of the top reserves in the NBA, had plenty to do with that. He was in perfect position near the basket to grab a wildly off Iguodala airball, spin around Noah and score. He fell on his rear on a jumper the next time down, then took a perfect pass from Iguodala to finish a fastbreak dunk for a 47-40 lead. Young scored 11 points in the half and led the Sixers to a 49-44 lead at the break. *Courtesy of www.foxnews.com

Rockets trying to acquire Kaman - by Eurobasket News
The Houston Rockets have had extensive discussions with the New Orleans Hornets about center Chris Kaman (7'0''-C-82, college: Cent.Michigan) and appear to be in the lead to trade for him, numerous sources told SI.com.

The NBA-owned Hornets, who acquired Kaman from the Clippers in the Chris Paul deal on Dec. 15, rendered him inactive last week and publicly acknowledged their decision to trade him. Hornets general manager Dell Demps has been shopping for a deal involving young players and draft picks while the big man awaits his next destination. Kaman, 29, an All-Star in 2009-2010 when he averaged 18.5 points and 9.2 rebounds, is making $14 million in the last year of his contract.

Dealing with the Hornets means any trade must be vetted by league executives Stu Jackson and Joel Litvin before being approved by commissioner David Stern. A week before Paul was traded to the Clippers, Stern vetoed a three-team deal that would have sent the star point guard to the Lakers and Pau Gasol to the Rockets, who are now back negotiating with New Orleans.

While no deal is imminent and the pieces are still being discussed, sources said the talks have involved the Rockets' two top-10 picks from the 2009 draft -- center Hasheem Thabeet (No. 2 by Memphis) and power forward Jordan Hill (No. 8 by New York). The Rockets have other young former first-rounders who could be included as well, among them second-year forward Patrick Patterson, third-year point guard Jonny Flynn and third-year small forward Terrence Williams. They also have a 2012 first-round pick from the Knicks that the Hornets would love to obtain.

According to several reports, Cleveland, San Antonio and Indiana are among the other teams interested in Kaman. Atlanta and Golden State have also been linked to Kaman, but sources said a deal with either team appears unlikely. Philadelphia does not intend to pursue Kaman, a source close to the 76ers told SI.com's Zach Lowe.

Kaman played 17 games with the Hornets this season, averaging 9.2 points and 6.6 rebounds in 22.7 minutes. The nine-year veteran has career averages of 11.7 points and 8.3 rebounds.

The Hornets are 4-17 in their worst start since 2004-05, the season before Paul arrived. Making matters worse, shooting guard Eric Gordon, the centerpiece of the Paul deal for the Hornets, has played only two games because of a bruised right knee and isn't expected to return for at least two more weeks. Gordon recently turned down a four-year extension offer from New Orleans.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Deron Williams considering picking up option - by Eurobasket News
The clock is ticking on the Nets. Not just on their time in New Jersey as they prepare to move to Brooklyn, but also on Deron Williams (6'3''-PG-84, college: Illinois). He's a free agent this summer and with the Nets not doing anything as of yet to convince him to stay, the Nets' gamble on Williams may turn out to be quite the swing and miss.

But Williams might add a little bit of time to that clock. He could, possibly, pick up his player option and therefore become a free agent in 2013.

'Yeah (picking up the option is something I'm considering). I don't know what I'm going to do,' Williams told the New York Daily News. 'At the end of the season, I'm going to figure out what's going on, I'm going to sit down with my agent and look at every option possible.'

Not exactly a glowing endorsement, but it's something. The fact Williams would admit he's considering it, even though he almost won't do it, is a little glimmer of hope that he enjoys the organization and believes in their plan.

Before the season, Williams said he wouldn't be signing an extension with the Nets. He also said though that it was a 90 percent chance he'd stay with the Nets. But potential suitors are lining up for him, most notably his hometown Mavericks. He's going to have options and he's going to want to go somewhere he can win and win now. He's been in a rebuilding situation for full year now with the Nets and he's not used to be in a losing circumstance.

If the Nets don't start lining up plans to get Dwight Howard soon, or at least something that helps Williams, he won't only pass on exercising that options, he'll pass on signing a new deal at all this summer and pack his bags for another city.

Courtesy of http://eye-on-basketball.blogs.cbssports.com

Orlando Magic waive veteran guard Larry Hughes, sign Ish Smith - by Eurobasket News
The Orlando Magic have decided to cut veteran guard Larry Hughes (6'5''-G-79, college: St.Louis) following Wednesday night's win over the Washington Wizards. GM Otis Smith announced the transaction after the game, as the roster now stands at 14 players.

This move is actually quite surprising, as Larry Hughes has been effective in the limited role he has received from coach Stan Van Gundy. In the nine games he has appeared, the veteran shooting guard has averaged 1.3 PPG in the 12.7 minutes he sees per night.

The most suspicious part about Smith's decision is the fact that Jameer Nelson and Jason Richardson are still nursing their respective injuries. In fact, neither of them played in Wednesday's exhibition match. Plus, Hughes has been one of the main beneficiaries of the absences of the two aforementioned players. Hughes logged 14 minutes while contributing two points in the Magic's narrow win against the Wizards.

This move raises a peculiar question: Could Smith and the Orlando Magic be opening themselves up to a trade? Sure, Otis Smith did say last Monday that he was content with the roster he currently possesses, but the one thing Orlando can not afford to do is become complacent. The Magic need to either trade for another superstar or ship Howard away. Pulling a 'Cleveland' and losing their superstar in free agency is unacceptable.

Whether or not Smith does indeed have a trade in the works, there is no denying that Orlando will host Cleveland on February 3rd at 7 p.m.

Update: According to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports, the Orlando Magic have called up D-League point guard Ishmael Smith (6'0''-PG-88, college: Wake Forest) to fill their guard need.

Courtesy of http://bleacherreport.com

Kenyon Martin deciding which contender to join - by Eurobasket News
Martin Kenyon (6'9''-F-77, college: Cincinnati) is expected to decide by this weekend which NBA team hell join, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. The Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks have expressed interest in signing the veteran forward.

Martin signed with Xinjiang Gyang Hui of the Chinese Basketball Association, but has since returned to the United States. Hes not eligible to sign with an NBA team until Xinjiangs season ends, which could be as soon as Feb. 16.

Hes a veteran guy who knows how to win at a high level and in a playoff environment, one NBA general manager said. He also plays multiple positions. If you get him to a situation where he can be an Antonio McDyess-type of guy, thats a heck of a guy to add to your roster.

[ Related: Lakers show interest in Cavaliers Ramon Sessions ]

Martin, 34, has visited with as many as five teams over the past two weeks and has another meeting scheduled Wednesday, sources said. He averaged 8.6 points and 6.2 rebounds in 48 games with the Nuggets last season. Martin wants to join a winning team that gives him consistent minutes.

Martin has been working out in Los Angeles, where he owns a house, and his hometown of Dallas.

If the Lakers dont sign Martin, they could have interest in adding Rasheed Wallace, who contacted the team several weeks ago, a league source said. Wallace retired after the 2009-10 season, but has told friends hes interested in returning to the NBA.

Courtesy of Yahoo! Sports

Standings

NBA Standings

Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
1. Philadelph.76		16-6
2. Boston C.		11-10
3. New York K.		8-14
4. New Jersey N.		8-15
5. Toronto R.		7-16
Central Div.
1. Chicago B.		19-6
2. Indiana P.		15-6
3. Milwaukee B.		10-11
4. Cleveland C.		8-12
5. Detroit P.		4-20
Southeast Div.
1. Miami Heat		16-6
2. Atlanta H.		16-7
3. Orlando M.		13-9
4. Washington W.		4-18
5. Charlotte B.		3-20
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
1. Oklah.City T.		17-4
2. Denver N.		15-7
3. Portland TB		13-10
4. Utah Jazz		12-9
5. Minnesota T.		10-12
Pacific Div.
1. LA Clippers		13-7
2. LA Lakers		13-9
3. Golde State W.		8-12
4. Phoenix Suns		8-13
5. Sacramento K.		7-15
Southwest Div.
1. San Antonio S.		15-9
2. Dallas M.		14-9
3. Memphis G.		12-10
4. Houston R.		12-10
5. N.Orleans H.		4-19

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

NCAA1

Thompson scores 18, leads No. 14 Georgetown past Connecticut, 58-44 - by Eurobasket News
Junior forward Hollis Thompson (6'8''-F) (Los Angeles, Calif./Loyola) led three Hoyas in double-figures, as the No. 14 Georgetown University men's basketball team (17-4, 7-3 BIG EAST) defeated UConn (14-7, 4-5 BIG EAST), 58-44, on Wednesday night at Verizon Center.

It was the third win in the last four games for the Hoyas, who improve to 17-4 overall and 7-3 in the BIG EAST, while Connecticut falls to 14-7 overall and 4-5 in league play. The victory was the Hoyas fourth straight at home against the Huskies.

Senior center Henry Sims (6'10''-C-90) (Baltimore, Md./Mount St. Joseph's) added 13 points and senior guard Jason Clark (6'2''-G-90) (Arlington, Va./Bishop O'Connell) finished with 11 points and five rebounds.

The Hoyas led by 11 points, 40-29, midway through the second half after freshman forward Otto Porter (6'9''-F-93) (Sikeston, Mo./Scott County Central) hit one of two free throws, but UConn narrowed the lead to six points, 45-39, on a layup from DeAndre Daniels with 7:45 left in the game.

Georgetown, however, responded with a 10-5 run over 3:56 and took its biggest lead of the game, 55-41, on a layup from Sims with 3:49 to play. Clark started the spurt with a pair of baskets and Sims scored the final six points, including a thunderous dunk with 5:44 left in the game.

Georgetown led by 10 points (31-21) at the break and pushed the lead to 13 points after a three-pointer from Thompson early in the second half. The lead was 12 points, 37-25, after a conventional three-point play from the junior with 15:38 left in the game.

Clark helped erase an early UConn lead, scoring seven of the Hoyas' first nine points, including four straight points after a GU time-out to keep the fast-starting Huskies from pulling away, before both teams went cold from the floor. Freshman forward Mikael Hopkins (Hyattsville, Md./DeMatha) ended four minutes of scoreless ball, banking a shot high off the glass to bring GU within two points, 13-11 starting the Hoyas 22-8 run over the rest of the first half.

A pair of Jeremy Lamb free throws extended UConn's lead to four points, but Porter pulled down an offensive rebound on the following possession, made the put back and converted a free throw to complete the three-point play, bringing GU within one-point, at 15-14.

A free-throw from Sims tied the score at 15-all and then Thompson would take over, making a three-pointer to give Georgetown an 18-15 lead, its first of the game. Thompson scored eight straight for the Hoyas, including two three-pointers, to give GU a 23-17 lead, forcing a UConn time-out with 3:44 left in the half.

Sims scored GU's next six points, before sophomore forward Nate Lubick (Southborough, Mass./St. Marks) found Thompson on a back door cut to put Georgetown in front 31-21 at the half, as the Hoyas outscored UConn 24-8 over the last 16 minutes of the half.

Georgetown shot 43.8 percent from the floor (21-of-48), hit 38.5 percent of its three-pointers (5-of-13) and 73.3 percent of its free throws (11-of-15). The Hoyas held a 37-35 advantage on the boards and handed out 13 assists.

Georgetown is back in action at home on Saturday, Feb. 1, hosting South Florida at Verizon Center. Breakfast with the Hoyas at Verizon Center is slated for 11 a.m. The game will be shown live on ESPNU, with Beth Mowins and Tim Welsh calling all of the action and can be heard locally on ESPN 980 AM.

Courtesy of www.guhoyas.com

No. 13 Creighton routs Illinois State 102-74 - by Eurobasket News
Doug McDermott (6'7''-F-92) scored 17 of his 25 points in the first half to lead six Creighton players in double figures and the 13th-ranked Bluejays rode a fast start to a 102-74 victory over Illinois State on Wednesday night.

The Bluejays (21-2, 11-1 Missouri Valley Conference) won their 11th straight overall and fourth in a row against the Redbirds (14-9, 6-6).

Creighton broke out to a 17-2 lead making eight straight shots and 10 of its first 11, and McDermott was in double figures inside 8 minutes.

Grant Gibbs (6'4''-G-89) had 12 points and seven assists, Jahenns Manigat (6'1''-G-91) and Will Artino added 11 points each and Gregory Echenique and Josh Jones had 10 apiece.

Tyler Brown (6'4''-G-90) had 21 points, Bryant Allen (6'0''-G-90) added 14 and Nic Moore and Jon Ekey had 11 apiece for the Redbirds.

Creighton went over 100 points for the second time this season. The Bluejays scored 104 against Campbell.

They hadn't gone over 100 against a conference opponent since beating Bradley 111-110 in double-overtime four years ago. It was the first time they went over 100 in a conference game in regulation since a 102-69 win over Evansville in 2000.

Illinois State gave up 100 points for the first time since allowing Oklahoma 112 in 1990.

The Bluejays shot 56.4 percent for the game and made 13 of 25 3-pointers.

Jackie Carmichael, Illinois State's leading scorer who had 26 and 19 points in his previous two games, took only three shots and had just two points in the first half with Echenique and Artino guarding him.

Carmichael, the Valley player of the week, finished with six points on five shots before fouling out with 3:50 left.

The Redbirds got within 14 points early in the second half when Carmichael strode through the lane for a big dunk and Ekey hit a 3. But Jones' 3 a while later restored Creighton's 20-point lead, and it was a 25-point game when Ethan Wragge hit one from long range with 11:12 left.

McDermott, who came into the game as the nation's third-leading scorer at 23.5 points a game, was 9 of 11 from the field, including 3 for 3 on 3-pointers.

The Redbirds, who have dropped five of six conference road games, have lost 23 straight against ranked opponents since 1987.

Courtesy of www.huffingtonpost.com

No. 11 UNLV beats Colorado State 82-63 - by Eurobasket News
Colorado State missed on a chance to throw the Mountain West Conference race into chaos on Wednesday night when the Rams failed to stop No. 11 UNLV after taking an early seven-point lead and follow up on a 17-point victory over then-No. 13 San Diego State.

'In 2 minutes, our lead was gone,' Colorado State coach Tim Miles said after the Rams lost 82-63 to the Runnin' Rebels.

'We gave them three possessions without touching the ball,' Miles said.

Wes Eikmeier (6'3''-G-89) led Colorado State with 18 points, while Dorian Green (6'2''-G-91) scored 15 - 10 in the first half and seven during the initial run that had the UNLV fans uneasy.

Colorado State (14-7, 3-3) came within two points by scoring the first 11 points of the second half, but the Rebels responded with a 15-4 spurt that put the game out of reach.

Oscar Bellfield (6'2''-G-90) appears to have his shot back, as he and Chace Stanback (6'8''-G/F-89) each scored 16 points. Bellfield was 4 of 8 from beyond the 3-point line in matching a season-high for points he set earlier this season against then-No. 1 North Carolina.

'Oscar needed it for Oscar but more importantly, his teammates have confidence in him,' UNLV coach Dave Rice said. 'He's continued to have confidence.'

Bellfield is shooting 44.4 percent over his last three games after making just five field goals combined during his previous three games - including a 1-for-12 performance against San Diego State, then ranked 22nd, to start Mountain West play.

'He's back making the shots he's capable of,' Rice said.

Anthony Marshall and Mike Moser scored 13 points each for the Rebels (21-3, 5-1). Moser fell two rebounds shy of a double-double, ending a four-game personal streak for the reigning conference player of the week.

UNLV fell behind 19-12 nearly 7 minutes into the game, then went on a 20-2 run over the next 8 minutes to take a 32-21 lead.

'We got off to a rough start,' Rice said. 'We picked up our defensive intensity.'

With the game tied at 19, Reggie Smith pulled up for a long 3-pointer to give the Rebels the lead for good, one possession after missing two free throws.

UNLV shot 50 percent for the game with 27 fast-break points and 17 points off turnovers.

'Colorado State had our full attention,' Rice said.

The Rams ended up with 12 turnovers compared with eight assists, and were outrebounded 39-28. Colorado State shot 41.1 percent, 46.2 percent from beyond the 3-point line.

The Rebels' reserves scored 20 points, led by Quintrell Thomas with nine in 17 minutes.

The teams observed a moment of silence before the game to honor former UNLV coach Charlie Spoonhour, who died Wednesday at 72.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

No. 8 Kansas blows out Oklahoma 84-62 - by Eurobasket News
Bill Self refused to let his team look past Oklahoma to a high-profile showdown with border rival Missouri, even though his own mind might have slipped that way a time or two.

Given the way No. 8 Kansas had played lately, they weren't always pleasant thoughts.

That certainly changed Wednesday night, though, when Thomas Robinson (6'9''-F-91) had 20 points and 17 rebounds to lead the Jayhawks in an 84-62 blowout of the Sooners.

'I'm leaving out of here more excited about our team than before the game started,' Self said. 'I didn't think the last couple of weeks we had been that good. We're going to have to be better Saturday night than we were tonight, but we were pretty good.'

Pretty close to perfect, at least in the second half.

Tyshawn Taylor (6'3''-G-90) had 21 points, Jeff Withey (7'0''-C-90) added 15 and Travis Releford (6'5''-G-90) had 12 for Kansas (18-4, 8-1 Big 12), which responded to its first conference loss at Iowa State by outscoring turnover-prone Oklahoma 50-31 over the final 20 minutes.

'I don't think it was difficult to focus on this game because of our last game,' Taylor said, adding: 'Coach said in the locker room, 'It's something we can start focusing on now.''

The Jayhawks haven't lost to Oklahoma in the last nine meetings, and the last 10 at venerable Allen Fieldhouse, where they have won 19 straight overall. They have also gone 225 games without consecutive defeats, the longest streak in the nation. Duke is next at 110 games.

'They're a terrific ball club. Bill does a great job,' said Oklahoma coach Lon Kruger, who is no stranger to the Jayhawks from his days as a player and coach at Kansas State. 'You can't give them that opportunity to get up and get going like they did. They finished it pretty early in the second half.'

Romero Osby (6'8''-F-90) scored 19 points, Steven Pledger (6'4''-G) had 17 and Andrew Fitzgerald finished with 14 for the Sooners (13-8, 3-6), who were within 34-31 at halftime before Kansas hit its stride.

The game nearly got out of hand much earlier, when Elijah Johnson hit consecutive 3-pointers and Taylor -- after some encouragement from Self -- carved into the lane for an acrobatic layup.

Robinson's putback moments later gave the Jayhawks a 30-19 lead.

'Coach just told me that I'm not playing like the player I'm capable of being,' Robinson said. 'He's been stressing all week that I haven't been aggressive.'

Kruger wisely called for a timeout, and his Sooners embarked on 12-2 run.

Cameron Clark's basket started it and Pledger added a deep 3-pointer from the wing. The hot-shooting Pledger, who had 30 points in a win over Kansas State last weekend, capped the spurt with another 3-pointer with 15 seconds left in the half, drawing the Sooners within 32-31.

Taylor's two foul shots just before the buzzer restored the three-point cushion.

It turned out to be the closest Oklahoma got.

'I thought we battled pretty well for a half,' Kruger said. 'Then we opened the second half not how we wanted to, or not how we needed to, for sure.'

Withey, who played just 8 minutes in the first half due to foul trouble, scored the first basket of the second half, sending the Jayhawks on a 12-2 run that resulted in a 44-33 lead.

Robinson added an impressive dunk off a feed from Taylor, who finished with six assists, and Kansas kept drawing away. Taylor's deep 3 from the wing as the shot clock wound down pushed the lead to 59-39 with 11:41 left in the game.

The lead reached 30 when Withey made a nice post move on C.J. Washington and drew a foul with 4:06 left. The 7-footer, an 86 percent free throw shooter, made both for an 80-49 lead.

'We took a lot of 3-pointers in the first half, kind of playing into their hands, how they wanted to play,' Taylor said. 'I think we got a lot of fast-break points and in the paint just because of our defensive pressure, getting fast breaks.'

Self substituted liberally after that, allowing his starters to bask in the adoration of another sellout crowd and rest up before the first installment this season of the Border War.

The Jayhawks had been wary not to look ahead to their game against Missouri (20-2, 7-2), who had a couple of extra days to prepare after beating Texas on Monday night. They can now turn their full attention to one of the biggest regular-season matchups ever between the teams.

'If we're tuned in defensively and we're rebounding the ball, I think we can beat anybody, and I think that's going to be our focus these next couple weekends, guarding and rebounding the ball,' Taylor said. 'We have to win these games. We have to. They're important.'

Courtesy of www.newsday.com

No. 6 Baylor beats Texas A&M 63-60 - by Eurobasket News
Texas A&M played so well without two of its starters in a close loss to No. 6 Baylor on Wednesday night that Aggies coach Billy Kennedy might consider his options after they get healthy.

'Those guys who are coming back, they better be ready to work and earn their spots back because I like how these guys have risen to the challenge and it just makes us a better team,' Kennedy said.

Pierre Jackson (5'10''-PG-91) hit a 3-pointer with 17 seconds remaining to put Baylor on top and added two free throws to give the Bears a 63-60 victory.

The Bears (20-2, 7-2 Big 12) were up by four points with 5 minutes left before A&M used a 9-3 run capped by a short jump shot by David Loubeau (6'8''-F-89) to take a 60-58 lead with 29 seconds remaining.

Jackson's second 3 of the game put the Bears on top before A&M's Elston Turner (6'5''-G-90) missed a 3-pointer forcing the Aggies (12-9, 3-6) to foul.

Kennedy said Turner's shot wasn't what they were looking for on that play.

'We tried to get him isolated at the top,' Kennedy said. 'Pierre got the same shot at the top of the key, and he made it.'

Jackson missed his first free throw attempt, but was fouled again after the rebound and made the insurance shots.

The Aggies were without second-leading scorer Khris Middleton (right knee) for the third straight game and point guard Dash Harris (right foot) for the second. Kennedy said Monday that he hoped Harris could play, but when he appeared on crutches during warmups it became apparent that he would sit out again.

'They've got a lot of weapons and we made them have to use them,' Kennedy said. 'I'm proud of the way our guys competed in a difficult situation.'

Loubeau had 16 points for Texas A&M, while Daniel Alexander (6'9''-F-91) finished with 12 points and six rebounds and Ray Turner (6'9''-F-90) had 13 points. The Bears were able to limit Elston Turner, who had scored at least 23 points in three straight games, to eight points.

'We have to build from here,' Ray Turner said. 'It was a tough game, now we can't let it bring us down for the next game. We just move on from here and try to get the next one.'

The win gives Baylor its first 7-2 conference start since 1968-69 and its fourth 20-win season in the last five.

Baylor has won five straight over the Aggies in this rivalry which has been played every year since 1930-31 but is in jeopardy with Texas A&M leaving for the Southeastern Conference.

The Bears got 15 points from Perry Jones III and Jackson finished with 14 points and five assists. Quincy Acy added 11 points and Quincy Miller had 11 rebounds and nine points.

The Bears were down by five before scoring nine consecutive points to take a 53-49 lead with 6 minutes remaining. Acy had two dunks in that span to quiet the crowd a bit.

The Bears led by nine points early in the second half before A&M used a 14-3 run to take a 44-42 lead with about 12 minutes remaining. Alexander started the spurt with a 3-pointer and A&M had two steals which ended with easy layups to keep it going.

Anthony Jones had a tip-in for Baylor to tie it before A&M scored five straight points, led by a dunk by Loubeau, to take a 49-44 lead with about 10 minutes left.

Things got testy in this one with Loubeau and Acy having to be separated by teammates and officials after two other players tussled on the court for a loose ball midway through the second half.

Acy was impressed with A&M's performance on Wednesday while playing shorthanded.

'Those are two of their better players and they showed a lot of heart and that says a lot about them and their coach,' he said.

Baylor used a 16-5 run to take a 31-23 lead about 3 minutes before halftime. The Bears led 36-25 at halftime.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

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

NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand Breakers go five and five - by Mike Lacey
The two top sides in the Australian National Basketball League fought out an encounter of play off intensity in front of almost 4000 fans at the North Shore Events Centre on Thursday night, the New Zealand Breakers defeating the Perth Wildcats 83-77.
The Breakers edged a free scoring first quarter 31-24, Kevin Lisch leading the way for the Wildcats and Tom Abercrombie the Breakers main offensive weapon. Shawn Redhage scored 6 points early in the second stanza, Perths transition game igniting their scoring. The Wildcats continued to get the better of the home side to take a narrow 44-42 lead into the half time break.
The Wildcats had won the rebounding battle 21-10 in the half and this was the major focus of Breakers coach Andrej Lemaniss address to his troops in the locker room. His words, along with some ice cold shooting from the Cats instigated a 24-10 third period surge from the Breakers. Gary Wilkinson, CJ Bruton and Mika Vukona (198-F-82) (11 points,10 rebounds) inspired the Breakers and it was only a technical foul incurred by Abercrombie that stalled the charging Breakers allowing Redhage and Lisch to knock down some freebies the Breakers ahead 66-54 at three quarter time.
To their credit Perth Wildcats fought bravely and gave the Breakers some nervous moments down the stretch as they reduced the defecit to six points, the Breakers missing the experience of the fouled out Bruton and Dillon Boucher as the Wildcats full court pressure paid dividends in the final minutes. The Breakers were poor from the foul line (15 from 27) but a couple from Daryl Corletto eased the nerves as the current champions eased to their fifth straight win in front of their fifth straight sell out crowd.
For many watching the highlight of the game was the battle between arguably the best two point guards in the league, certainly the best two defensive guards in the competition. In a boxing match it would probably have been called a draw as Cedric Jackson (15 points, 10 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals) went toe to toe with Damian Martin (6 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 staeals) for most the game before Martin fouled out with a couple of minutes remaining and Jackson retired to the bench at the same time with cramp.
New Zealand Breakers 83 (Wilkinson 18, Jackson 15, Abercrombie 12, Vukona 11)
Perth Wildcats 77 (Lisch 20, Redhage 15, Nevill 14).

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

NIGERIA

First Bank Ready to Displace Deepwater - by Eurobasket News
Lagos Coach of First Bank basketball club of Lagos, Adewunmi Aderemi is optimistic that his wards will wrestle the league diadem from current champions, First Deepwater, when hostilities in the domestic league begin by March.

Aderemi, disclosed this year's competitions will be taken with all seriousness, especially the forthcoming basketball competition holding in February.

The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) as part of its efforts to move the slamming and dunking game forward in the country, have concluded arrangements to hold an Open Championship for Women in Abuja this month.

Aderemi said: 'The programme for this year's competition is out, but we have started training on Monday ahead of the competition. We hope to do our best by winning the competition while the Women's League kicks-off in March.

Aderemi said they had put behind the loss to Interclube of Angola at the FIBA competition and that of coming second behind First Deepwater in the league last year.

'I can assure you that we are ready for the league and our target is to win the forthcoming competition in February.

'My girls will use the league to prepare for our continental engagement later in the year,' Aderemi said.

First Bank came second at the 17th Inter-club Basketball Club Championship for women. They were defeated by Interclube of Angola by 81-55 points at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
Courtesy of: Daily Trust

FIBA 2012 Olympic Qualifiers - D'Tigers Draws Host Venezuela, Lithuania - by Eurobasket News
Nigeria's D'Tigers were yesterday drawn in Group B of the FIBA qualifying tournament for the London 2012 Olympic Games' basketball event slated for Caracas, Venezuela from July 2 to July 8 this year.

Group has Greece, Jordan and Puerto Rico. In group C are Dominican Republic and Korea, Russia while group D parades Angola, FYR of Macedonia and New Zealand.

According to the draws held in Caracas yesterday, Nigeria will play her first match against host nation Venezuela on July 2, while her last group match is against Lithuania two days later.

The fixtures for the tournament, according to FIBA Secretary General, Patrick Baumann, the two best placed teams from each group will qualify for the quarter final which holds on July 6, while the teams placed third in each group are eliminated.

The fixtures also show that the semi finals hold on July 7 while the final comes up July 8.

The two finalists and the third place winner will qualify for the London 2012 Olympic Games basketball event.
Courtesy of: Daily Trust

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

NORWAY

BLNO Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Anthony LEE-INGRAM
  Asker A.
  (198-F-)
  Avg: 22.9

1. Lee-Ingram, Asker	22.9
2. Mjos, Baerum B.	22.0
3. Land, Asker Aliens	21.7
4. Karlsen, Centrum	20.4
5. Westerlund, Ammeru.	20.2
6. Wallace, Tromso	18.3
7. Kombat, Froya B.	17.3
8. Stien, Gimle BBK	16.6
9. Bullock, Froya B.	16.5
10. Oatis, Baerum B.	16.1

Rebounds Per Game

Anthony LEE-INGRAM
  Asker A.
  (198-F-)
  Avg: 12.4

1. Lee-Ingram, Asker	12.4
2. Oatis, Baerum B.	9.5
3. Karlsen, Centrum	9.1
4. Bullock, Froya B.	8.7
5. Byerson, Tromso	8.7
6. Land, Asker Aliens	8.5
7. Kombat, Froya B.	7.8
8. Ferranti, Baerum B.	7.5
9. Wallace, Tromso	7.2
10. Hagen, Ammerud	6.9

Assists Per Game

Stian MJOS
  Baerum B.
  (182-G-89)
  Avg: 5.2

1. Mjos, Baerum B.	5.2
2. Issalhi, Tromso	4.5
3. Mahnin, Centrum	4.4
4. Gabrans, Froya B.	4.1
5. Stien, Asker Aliens	4.1
6. Randolph, Langhus	4.0
7. Byerson, Tromso	3.8
8. Midtvedt, Asker A.	3.6
9. Mjos, Baerum B.	3.5
10. Stien, Gimle BBK	3.4

Steals Per Game

Peter BULLOCK
  Froya B.
  (198-F/C-82)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Bullock, Froya B.	2.4
2. Mjos, Baerum B.	2.3
3. Ferranti, Baerum B.	2.2
4. Silavs, Froya B.	2.1
5. Pavlovic, Gimle B.	2.0
6. Issalhi, Tromso	2.0
7. Crouch, Langhus	2.0
8. Sumskis, Gimle BBK	2.0
9. Sahlertz, Tromso	1.9
10. Gabrans, Froya B.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Donald OATIS
  Baerum B.
  (206-F/C-79)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Oatis, Baerum B.	3.3
2. Sjostrom, Baerum B.	1.2
3. Nyborg, Centrum	1.1
4. Byerson, Tromso	1.1
5. Hagen, Ammerud	0.8
6. Bryn, Ammerud Bskt	0.8
7. Lee-Ingram, Asker	0.8
8. Karlsen, Centrum	0.8
9. Sumskis, Gimle BBK	0.6
10. Hammer, Gimle BBK	0.6

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PALESTINE

Standings - Men

PBBA Standings

1. Al Ahli		0-0
2. Beit Jala		0-0
3. Beit Sahour		0-0
4. Berzeit Club		0-0
5. Bethlehem		0-0
6. De La Salle		0-0
7. Ebal		0-0
8. Hiteen		0-0
9. Ibdaa D.		0-0
10. Orthodox R.		0-0
11. Rameen		0-0
12. Sarriyet		0-0

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PBL

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Desmond HOLLOWAY
  Sauk V.
  (190-G-)
  Avg: 27.2

1. Holloway, Sauk V.	27.2
2. Commons, Scranton.	24.0
3. Collins, Charlest.	23.3
4. Simpson, Scranton.	22.2
5. Valencia, Lake M.	22.0
6. Armstead, Charlest.	20.5
7. Favors, Sauk V.	20.3
8. Eldridge, NW India.	20.0
9. Goldsberry, Charle.	19.8
10. Tubbs, Sauk V.	19.0

Rebounds Per Game

Billy PETTIFORD
  India.
  (201-F-)
  Avg: 11.6

1. Pettiford, India.	11.6
2. Hill, Chicago M.	11.3
3. Robinson, Scranton.	10.8
4. Valencia, Lake M.	10.3
5. Harris, Sauk V.	10.0
6. Fay, Sauk Valley P.	9.5
7. Holloway, Sauk V.	9.0
8. Davis, Rochester R.	8.9
9. Artest, Indiana D.	8.4
10. Smith, NW India.	7.5

Assists Per Game

Vince GOLDSBERRY
  Charle.
  (182-PG-89)
  Avg: 10.8

1. Goldsberry, Charle.	10.8
2. Favors, Sauk V.	8.0
3. Simpson, Scranton.	7.7
4. Voils, Indiana D.	6.3
5. Smith, Dayton A.S.	5.4
6. Ruffin, Cent.I.	5.3
7. Crouch, Rocheste.	5.1
8. Skinner, Chica.	5.0
9. Council, Rocheste.	4.3
10. Griffin, Scranton.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Sean SMITH
  NW India.
  (201-G/F-85)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Smith, NW India.	2.5
2. Snow, Lake M.	2.5
3. Holloway, Sauk V.	2.3
4. Griffin, Scranton.	2.0
5. Commons, Scranton.	1.7
6. Radchiff, NW India.	1.7
7. Pettiford, India.	1.6
8. Bobo, Lake M.	1.5
9. Polk, St. Louis P.	1.5
10. Harris, Sauk V.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Shagari ALLEYNE
  Lake M.
  (221-C-84)
  Avg: 3

1. Alleyne, Lake M.	3.0
2. Webster, Rocheste.	2.0
3. Slack, Cent.Ill.	1.7
4. Commons, Scranton.	1.5
5. Robbins, Scranton.	1.2
6. Pettiford, India.	1.2
7. Robinson, Scranton.	1.2
8. Holloway, Sauk V.	1.0
9. Bobo, Lake M.	1.0
10. Peterson, Cent.I.	0.8

Standings

PBL Standings

Central Division
1. Cent.Illinois D.		6-0
2. Sauk Valley P.		4-2
3. Chicago M.		4-2
4. Indiana D.		1-4
5. St. Louis P.		0-4
Eastern Division
1. Rochester R.		7-1
2. Scranton/W-B		3-3
3. Dayton A.S.		2-4
4. Lake Michigan		0-4

Drive's Guyton tabbed PBL coach of month - by Eurobasket News
Central Illinois Drive coach A.J. Guyton was honored as the Premier Basketball Leagues Coach of the Month for January, it was announced Wednesday.

Guyton, a first-time head coach, has guided the Drive to a league-best 6-0 start. Central Illinois has held opponents to 91 points per game and boasts a 16-point average margin of victory.

'I think it represents a lot more than just A.J. and A.J. would be the first one to second that notion', Drive owner Jim Morris said in a team news release. 'He is a very modest and humble individual. A.J.s ability is certainly reflected in our team winning and shines on our entire organization.'
Courtesy of www.pantagraph.com

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

POLAND

Standings - DBE

PLK Standings

1. Trefl Sopot		17-5
2. Energa Czarni		16-7
3. PGE Turow		15-7
4. Anwil		15-7
5. Zastal ZG		14-8
6. Slask Wroclaw		12-10
7. Kotwica		12-10
8. AZS Koszalin		10-12
9. Siarka Jezioro		10-12
10. PBG Basket		8-15
11. Polpharma		7-15
12. AZS PW		5-16
13. LKS Lodz		3-20
Play in international cups:
1. Asseco Prokom		-

DBE Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Walter HODGE
  Zastal ZG
  (183-PG-86)
  Avg: 17.7

1. Hodge, Zastal ZG	17.7
2. Kulig, PBG Basket	17.0
3. Edwards, Anwil	16.7
4. Corbett, Siarka J.	16.7
5. Archibeque, LKS L.	16.7
6. Lawal, Zastal ZG	16.5
7. Reese, AZS Koszal.	16.1
8. Koszarek, Trefl S.	15.9
9. Miller, Siarka J.	15.6
10. Turek, Trefl Sopot	15.6

Rebounds Per Game

Darrell HARRIS
  Kotwica
  (208-F/C-84)
  Avg: 11.7

1. Harris, Kotwica	11.7
2. Lawal, Zastal ZG	11.7
3. Archibeque, LKS L.	10.2
4. Burgess, Trefl S.	8.0
5. Eziukwu, AZS K.	7.6
6. Bartosz, PBG Bask.	7.5
7. Turek, Trefl Sopot	7.1
8. Doaks, Siarka J.	6.9
9. Archibeque, Zastal	6.8
10. Dluski, LKS Lodz	6.8

Assists Per Game

Robert SKIBNIEWSKI
  Slask W.
  (182-G-83)
  Avg: 6.9

1. Skibniewski, Slask	6.9
2. Hodge, Zastal ZG	6.6
3. Koszarek, Trefl S.	5.3
4. Wilczek, AZS P.	5.1
5. Moore, PGE Turow	5.0
6. Burrell, Energa C.	4.9
7. Milicic, AZS K.	4.7
8. Szubarga, Anwil	4.7
9. Miller, Siarka J.	4.7
10. Micic, PBG Basket	4.6

Steals Per Game

Krzysztof SZUBARGA
  Anwil
  (182-G-84)
  Avg: 2

1. Szubarga, Anwil	2.0
2. Sapp, Kotwica	1.5
3. Skibniewski, Slask	1.5
4. Cesnauskis, Energa	1.4
5. Comagic, PBG B.	1.4
6. Moore, PGE Turow	1.3
7. Reese, AZS Koszal.	1.3
8. Miller, Siarka J.	1.3
9. Ponitka, AZS P.	1.3
10. Hodge, Zastal ZG	1.3

Blocks Per Game

Callistus EZIUKWU
  AZS K.
  (208-F/C-85)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Eziukwu, AZS K.	1.9
2. Burgess, Trefl S.	1.6
3. Kesicki, Kotwica	1.5
4. Lauderdale, PGE T.	1.5
5. Lawal, Zastal ZG	1.4
6. Morrison, Energa C.	1.4
7. Harris, Kotwica	1.3
8. Mladenovic, Slask	1.1
9. Barycz, Siarka J.	1.0
10. Turek, Trefl Sopot	1.0

2Liga Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Marcin KOWALEWSKI
  AZS U.
  (200-PF-86)
  Avg: 21.5

1. Kowalewski, AZS U.	21.5
2. Karolak, Novum Lub.	21.3
3. Diduszko, WKK O.	21.1
4. Peciak, MKS L.	20.1
5. Kuczynski, Tur B.	19.9
6. Swiech, MKS S.	19.1
7. Ejsmont, GKK G.	19.1
8. Zurawski, Open F.	18.5
9. Pawlowski, Zuraw G.	18.3
10. Kucharek, AZS I.	18.0

Rebounds Per Game

Arkadiusz ZABIELSKI
  Tur B.
  (195-F-84)
  Avg: 11.9

1. Zabielski, Tur B.	11.9
2. Szwed, Zyrardow.	11.5
3. Cygan, Unia Tarnow	11.3
4. Kwandrans, MKS L.	10.4
5. Fras, Trefl I.	10.1
6. Niedzwiedzki, WKK	9.8
7. Mis, Handlopex AZS	9.2
8. Dolinski, Handlope.	9.2
9. Zurawski, Open F.	8.8
10. Malona, GTK G.	8.7

Assists Per Game

Marcin STOKLOSA
  Open F.
  (188-G-77)
  Avg: 11.6

1. Stoklosa, Open F.	11.6
2. Wluczynski, Ksieza.	6.5
3. Kindlik, MKS L.	5.8
4. Paszkiewicz, PWiK	5.5
5. Hybiak, AZS P.	5.4
6. Rapucha, Tur B.	5.2
7. Lipinski, Nysa K.	5.1
8. Gospodarek, Novum	5.1
9. Grzelinski, WKK O.	5.1
10. Adamczyk, Pulaski	4.8

Steals Per Game

Marcin STOKLOSA
  Open F.
  (188-G-77)
  Avg: 4.9

1. Stoklosa, Open F.	4.9
2. Chojecki, Zyrardow.	4.7
3. Zych, Unia Tarnow	4.1
4. Sobilo, Pulaski Wa.	3.9
5. Rapucha, Tur B.	3.8
6. Misztela, UMKS P.	3.7
7. Makolski, MKS S.	3.6
8. Bojko, Wilki Morsk.	3.5
9. Adamczyk, Pulaski	3.5
10. Maksymiuk, SMS P.	3.5

Blocks Per Game

Tomasz ZYCH
  Unia Tarnow
  (188-G-87)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Zych, Unia Tarnow	2.8
2. Lewandowski, Astor.	2.7
3. Rostalski, AZS P.	2.3
4. Misztela, UMKS P.	2.3
5. Kunc, Staco M.	2.2
6. Paszkiewicz, PWiK	2.2
7. Szewczyk, Unia T.	2.1
8. Weiss, Nysa K.	2.1
9. Malinowski, KK Sw.	2.1
10. Diduszko, WKK O.	2.0

Wojciech Zurawski gets MVP of the Week award for Polish 2Liga - by Eurobasket News
Experienced Wojciech Zurawski (199-F/C-76) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's leader Open Florentyna and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com 2Liga Player of the Week award for round 17.
The 35-year old power forward had a double-double of 30 points and seventeen rebounds, while his team outclassed AZS PP Poznan (#4, 9-5) with 29-point margin 101-72. It allowed Open Florentyna to consolidate first place in the Polish 2Liga. They maintain perfect record without any lost game in the league. The season is already in a full swing and Open Florentyna still have not lost a single game, getting all 16 victories. Zurawski turned to be Open Florentyna's top player in his first season with the team. Zurawski has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in points (8th best: 18.5ppg), rebounds (9th best: 8.8rpg) and averages solid 1.4bpg and 75.9% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 26-year old forward Lukasz Kuczynski (194-F-85) of Tur Bielsk Pdl.. Kuczynski impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 31 points and 12 rebounds. Of course Tur Bielsk Pdl. cruised to a 96-85 relatively comfortable win over the lower-ranked Novum Lublin (#8, 7-9). Tur Bielsk Pdl.'s 4th position in Group C has not changed. His team's 9-6 record is not bad at all. Kuczynski is a newcomer at Tur Bielsk Pdl. and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 19.9ppg (#5). He also registered 8.2 boards per game.

The third best performed player last round was Mateusz Szwed (197-C-91) of Zyrardowianka (#12). Szwed scored 19 points and grabbed twenty two rebounds (!!!). Despite Szwed's great performance Zyrardowianka lost 80-100 to the higher-ranked KK Swiecie (#7, 7-8). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. Zyrardowianka can only dream about fighting for top spots in Group A. They have rather bad season and 4-12 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Szwed he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Szwed has individually a great season in Poland. After 13 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 11.5rpg (2nd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Lukasz Kasperzec (187-G-74) of UKS Siemaszka - 27 points and 8 rebounds
5. Piotr Kindlik (166-PG-84) of MKS Limbach - 22 points, 4 rebounds and 11 assists
6. Tomasz Borkowski (200-F/C-81) of PWiK Piaseczno - 18 points, 16 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Rafal Sobilo (188-G-89) of Pulaski Warka - 25 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Adam Szopinski (190-G-89) of Astoria Bydg. - 15 points, 2 rebounds and 10 assists
9. Mikolaj Grod (194-F-89) of KK Swiecie - 26 points and 8 rebounds
10. Maciej Lepczynski (193-G/F-82) of Pogon Prudnik - 24 points, 6 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)

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

PUERTO RICO

Piratas sign Santiago: - by Luis Modestti
Piratas de Quebradillas announced the signing of veteran guard Eddin Orlando Santiago (186-G-75, college: Dowling). At the same time they released guard Samuel Rosas and forward Jonathan Rodriguez.

Santiago was released earlier in the week by Vaqueros de Bayamon. The former national team guard served a two year suspension from FIBA competitions after testing positive for a banned substance.

He missed the 2010 and 2011 BSN seasons. He returned to basketball in 2011 with Lechugueros de Leon in Mexico and played four games.

In his career Santiago has won seven titles in his career, six of them with Cangrejeros de Santurce. He will be a key part of this team because of his range and accuracy from three-point range.

Franklin selected first in the 2012 BSN Draft: - by Marcos Carlo
Alexander Franklin (196-PF-88, college: Siena) was the first pick of the 2012 BSN Draft held at the Puerto Rican Olympic Committee in San Juan.

Before the draft, the league determined that forward Victor Davila was part of Caciques de Humacao farm system and is now a reserve for the upcoming season.

The draft results are below:

First Round:

1.Mayaguez Alexander Franklin
2.Guayama Andres Torres
3.Humacao Alberto Estwick
4.Guayama Tomas Vazquez-Simmons
5.San German Wayne Portalatin
6.Bayamon Bryan De Leon
7.Quebradillas Chris Baez
8.Arecibo Pass

Second Round:

9. San German Scott Sterling
10.Quebradillas Brandon Lyn
11.Humacao Pass
12.San German Elvin Hernandez
13.Guaynabo Michael Martinez
14.Bayamon Ferdinand Morales Jr.
15.Humacao Pass
16.Arecibo Pass

Third Round:

17.Mayaguez Marlon Rivera
18.Guayama Pass
19.Humacao Pass
20.San German Pass
21.Guaynabo Pass
22.Bayamon Keith Hamilton
23.Quebradillas Emmanuel Acosta
24.Arecibo Pass

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RUSSIA

SAUDI ARABIA

Jones to Al Jahraa - by Ali Ahmed
Anthony Jones (196-G-77, college: Ohio) is a new member of Al Jahraa. The American Guard signed a deal for rest of the season.

Outlook:
Wing span of a 68 player. Great competitor.Very strong and mentally tough. Excellent slasher to the hoop. Excellent defender who can guard the 1,2 or 3 positions. Posts up on opposing guards. Very good from the foul lane. Co-captain his senior season in which Ohio University won 19 games and lost 11. Rated one of the MACs best defensive players.

Awards/Achievements:
Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Basketligan 2nd Team -04
Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Basketligan Defensive Team -04
Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Basketligan Entertainment Team -04
Asia-Basket.com All-Syrian League 1st Team -06
Asia-Basket.com Syrian League All-Imports Team -06, 11
Syrian League Semifinals -06
Bahrain League Semifinals -09, 10
Kuwait League Finalist -10
Bahrain Cup Winner -10
Arab Club Championships -10
Bahrain League Regular Season Runner-Up -10
Asia-Basket.com All-Syrian League Honorable Mention -11
WABA Club Championships -11
Syrian League Regular Season Runner-Up -11
Syrian League Finalist -11

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SERBIA

Stats Leaders - 1A

Points Per Game

Milos BOJOVIC
  Zeleznicar
  (198-G-81)
  Avg: 23.6

1. Bojovic, Zeleznicar	23.6
2. Milisavljevi., Meg.	22.7
3. Popovic, Sloga	21.1
4. Zigeranovic, Borac	20.5
5. Balaban, Smederevo	20.2
6. Dimic, Radnicki.	17.3
7. Bozovic, Sloga	17.1
8. Pekovic, Prolet.	16.5
9. Micic, Mega Vizura	15.9
10. Cupkovic, Napred.	15.7

Rebounds Per Game

Darko BALABAN
  Smederevo
  (211-C-89)
  Avg: 9.2

1. Balaban, Smederevo	9.2
2. Zigeranovic, Borac	8.2
3. Cantekin, Mega V.	7.6
4. Smiljanic, Radnic.	7.5
5. Petrovic, BKK R.	7.2
6. Misanovic, OKK B.	7.1
7. Mijajlovic, Sloga	6.8
8. Cupkovic, Napredak	6.6
9. Majkic, Prolet.	6.3
10. Jovic, Sloga	6.1

Assists Per Game

Marko POPOVIC
  Sloga
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 6

1. Popovic, Sloga	6.0
2. Jovic, Sloga	5.6
3. Dundjerski, Vojvo.	5.4
4. Milisavljevi., Meg.	5.1
5. Micic, Mega Vizura	5.0
6. Boltic, BKK R.	4.7
7. Stefanovic, Smede.	4.4
8. Osmokrovic, BKK R.	4.2
9. Rakic, Sloboda Uzi.	3.9
10. Drca, OKK Beograd	3.8

Steals Per Game

Negoslav GACIC
  BKK Radnicki
  (--)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Gacic, BKK Radnicki	3.2
2. Jovic, Sloga	2.8
3. Micic, Mega Vizura	2.5
4. Boltic, BKK R.	2.5
5. Dundjerski, Vojvo.	2.4
6. Vasilic, Radnic.	2.3
7. Vulin, Prolet.	2.3
8. Kuzeta, Vojvodina	2.0
9. Majstorovic, Tamis	1.9
10. Milosevic, Vojvod.	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Nenad MISANOVIC
  OKK B.
  (217-C-84)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Misanovic, OKK B.	1.7
2. Zigeranovic, Borac	1.2
3. Balaban, Smederevo	1.2
4. Bojic, Mega Vizura	1.1
5. Tubak, Radnicki.	0.9
6. Petronic, BKK R.	0.8
7. Jevtovic, Sloboda	0.8
8. Cantekin, Mega V.	0.8
9. Majkic, Prolet.	0.8
10. Bjegovic, Prolet.	0.8

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SLOVAKIA

Jean-Felix Moupegnou joins Nova Ves - by Eurobasket News
Nova Ves strengthened their frontcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Jean-Felix Moupegnou (201-F-82, college: Alabama). The Congolese forward started the season in France. He played for Cognac BB. Jean-Felix Moupegnou tallied 8.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.3 assists per game in NM1 League. Last season the forward spent in Poligny Jura Basket in NM2 League. Jean-Felix Moupegnou also had stints in French ProB, USBL and D-League.

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

SLOVENIA

SPAIN

Blancos de Rueda Valladolid introduces new head coach Roberto Gonzalez - by Natxo Mendaza
A few days after announcing the dismissal of Luis Casimiro , Blancos de Rueda Valladolid revealed the identity of his replacement. The chosen one is Roberto Gonzalez , assistant coach of the team for the last 10 seasons, Gonzalez, 44-years old, was introduced to the media today and stated that 'when the club needs you, you cannot just keep yourself away from the challenge. I have been here for the past 10 years, and I always felt respected by everyone in the club'. Meanwhile, Valladolid president Jose Luis Mayordomo stressed that 'We are very confident on Roberto's capability, he is ready to coach in ACB and I'm sure he will prove it'.

Ourense fires coach Dominguez, signs Rafa Sanz - by Natxo Mendaza
Club Ourense Baloncesto officially announced the comeback of Rafael Sanz as the new head coach of the team. Sanz will replace Ruben Dominguez , who took over the job last summer. According to the press release issued by the club, the bad results and the erratic performance of the team are the reasons why the management decided to replace him. Ourense is at the third place on LEB Silver standings, tied with another 4 teams with the same record: 8-5. Rafa Sanz is not a stranger in Ourense, as he joined the team in similar circumstances last season, when Ourense played LEB Gold, replacing Francisco 'Paco' Garcia (agency: Interperformances ).

Real Madrid beats Bilbao 89-73 - by Eurobasket News
Real Madrid - Gescrap BB 89-73

Real Madrid celebrated 89-73 win against Bilbao in Round Three of the Euroleague Top 16. Both teams had 1-1 record before this meeting, Group F. Sergio Rodriguez (191-G-86) stepped up for the winners with 20 points. Ante Tomic (217-C-87) had 15 points and 7 rebounds, Mirza Begic (217-C-85) followed with 12 points and 5 rebs for 13 minutes on the court, while Jaycee Carroll (188-PG-83, agency: Priority Sports) added 11 points. In defeat, Marko Banic (205-F-84) had 18 points and 6 boards. Their second scorer was Alex Mumbru (202-F-79) with 17 points, and Kostas Vasiliadis (200-G/F-84, agency: FCM) was behind him with 13 pts. Real Madrid made double-digit lead already in the first period and jumped to 50-32 in the finish of Q2, which later ended with plus 14 for Real. However, Bilbao didn't give up. They came to 55-48 after the breather, but Real responded with 14-7 after that. Thanks to 0-12 run, Bilbao closed the gap to 69-65 at the beginning of the last quarter, but that was all from the guests as Real answered with 11-1 run and question about the winner was resolved. Quarters: 26-16, 24-20, 19-19, 20-18. Bilbao will host Real next week.

Real Madrid: Sergio Rodriguez 20, Ante Tomic 15+7 boards, Mirza Begic 12+5 boards, Jaycee Carroll 11
Bilbao: Marko Banic 18+6 boards, Alex Mumbru 17, Kostas Vasiliadis 13

Caja Laboral keeps Matt Walsh for Copa del Rey tournament - by Eurobasket News
Caja Laboral announced signing of contract extension with Matt Walsh (197-F/G-82, college: Florida). It will keep the player in Vitoria team until the end of the Copa del Rey tournament, which will be held from February 16-19 in Barcelona. Matt Walsh joined Caja Laboral last month. He appeared 3 times in Liga Endesa, but with limited playing time (1.7 ppg). Walsh started this season with UCAM Murcia. There he had 10 ppg, 3.8 rpg and 3 apg for 6 games. Matt Walsh spent last season with ASVEL. He shined with 17.7 ppg, 8.3 rpg and 6 apg for 6 EuroCup games. The player also added 13.9 ppg, 4.8 rpg and 4.9 apg for 27 games in France. In the past, Walsh was a member of Aris, Union Olimpija, Charleroi, Manresa and Larissa. With Manresa in 2007/08 season he had 11.3 ppg, 3.2 rpg and 1.3 spg for 18 games.

Stats Leaders - LEB Gold

Points Per Game

Troy DEVRIES
  Melilla
  (193-G-82)
  Avg: 18.3

1. DeVries, Melilla	18.3
2. Witt, Knet Clavijo	18.1
3. Antelo, Caceres	17.8
4. Quezada, Leon	17.6
5. Feldeine, Breogan	17.3
6. Guillen, Canarias	16.3
7. Donaldson, Canarias	15.5
8. Knutson, Mallorca	15.5
9. Xavier, Palencia	15.5
10. Moss, Palencia	15.5

Rebounds Per Game

Olaseni LAWAL
  Knet Clavijo
  (208-F/C-86)
  Avg: 10.9

1. Lawal, Knet Clavijo	10.9
2. Diouf, Palencia	8.8
3. Donaldson, Canarias	8.6
4. Sikma, La Palma	8.4
5. Mortellaro, Leon	8.3
6. Williams, Caceres	8.1
7. Phillip, Burgos	7.7
8. Starosta, Navarra	7.7
9. Fernandez, Granada	7.6
10. Antelo, Caceres	7.3

Assists Per Game

Oscar ALVARADO
  La Palma
  (184-PG-91)
  Avg: 6.1

1. Alvarado, La Palma	6.1
2. Witt, Knet Clavijo	4.6
3. Norris, Lleida	4.3
4. Lopez, Burgos	4.1
5. Riera, Melilla	3.9
6. Bernabe, Leon	3.9
7. Bivia, Mallorca	3.9
8. DeVries, Melilla	3.9
9. Perez, Menorca	3.7
10. Sabat, Canarias	3.7

Steals Per Game

Marcus Vinicius TOLEDO
  Burgos
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Toledo, Burgos	2.5
2. Xavier, Palencia	2.5
3. Bernabe, Leon	2.2
4. Abrines, Clinic.	1.9
5. Norris, Lleida	1.8
6. Alonso, Mallorca	1.8
7. Sanz, Navarra	1.7
8. Guerra, Granada	1.6
9. Green, Mallorca	1.6
10. Herrero, Huesca	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Ognen KUZMIN
  Clinicas.
  (215-C-90)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Kuzmin, Clinicas.	1.8
2. Lawal, Knet Clavijo	1.7
3. Diouf, Palencia	1.6
4. Green, Mallorca	1.6
5. Odiakosa, Melilla	1.3
6. Antelo, Caceres	1.3
7. Samb, Granada	1.1
8. El Hadji Mal., Cli.	1.0
9. Coleman, Girona	1.0
10. Donaldson, Canari.	0.9

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

SWEDEN

Standings - Basketligan

Basketligan Standings

1. Sodertalje		16-9
2. Boras		16-11
3. Norrkoping		15-9
4. LF Basket		14-10
5. Solna		14-11
6. Uppsala		14-13
7. Sundsvall		13-12
8. 08		13-13
9. Jamtland		11-16
10. Eco Orebro		2-24

Stats Leaders - Basketligan

Points Per Game

Stephen MCDOWELL
  Solna
  (180-G-85)
  Avg: 23

1. McDowell, Solna	23.0
2. Zabas, Jamtland	21.9
3. Sigurdarson, Sunds.	19.5
4. Palm, Boras	18.4
5. Krayem, Boras	18.1
6. Smith, Sodertalje	18.0
7. McKnight, Boras	17.8
8. Mbemba, LF Basket	17.4
9. Klaric, Jamtland	17.1
10. Gunnarsson, Solna	17.0

Rebounds Per Game

Michael PALM
  Boras
  (208-C-79)
  Avg: 10.9

1. Palm, Boras	10.9
2. Baeringsson, Sunds.	10.7
3. Johnson, Uppsala	10.2
4. Ramsey, LF Basket	9.8
5. Toombs, Eco Orebro	9.8
6. Lalugba, Jamtland	8.7
7. Simms, Sodertalje	8.5
8. Stamper, Jamtland	8.2
9. McKnight, Boras	8.1
10. Watt, Eco Orebro	8.0

Assists Per Game

Rudy MBEMBA
  LF Basket
  (184-G-87)
  Avg: 7.1

1. Mbemba, LF Basket	7.1
2. Krayem, Boras	6.6
3. Pleick, Eco Orebro	6.0
4. Ermolinskij, Sunds.	5.8
5. Carter, Uppsala	5.2
6. Chuk, Sodertalje	4.9
7. Beck, Solna	4.1
8. Mitchell, Norrkopi.	4.1
9. Zabas, Jamtland	4.0
10. Eriksson, Uppsala	3.8

Steals Per Game

Johnell SMITH
  Sodertalje
  (185-PG-80)
  Avg: 3.1

1. Smith, Sodertalje	3.1
2. Carter, Uppsala	2.7
3. Mbemba, LF Basket	2.3
4. Mitchell, Norrkopi.	2.2
5. Ermolinskij, Sunds.	2.0
6. Krayem, Boras	2.0
7. McDowell, Solna	1.8
8. Johnson, Sundsvall	1.8
9. Ramsey, LF Basket	1.8
10. Zabas, Jamtland	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Delvon JOHNSON
  Uppsala
  (206-F/C-89)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Johnson, Uppsala	1.9
2. Ramsey, LF Basket	1.9
3. Simms, Sodertalje	1.7
4. Gregory, Sundsvall	1.3
5. Lalugba, Jamtland	1.3
6. Toombs, Eco Orebro	1.2
7. Watt, Eco Orebro	1.1
8. Doychinov, Solna	1.0
9. Ayuba, Norrkoping	0.8
10. Seay, Norrkoping	0.8

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

SWITZERLAND

Standings - LNB

LNB Standings

1. Neuchatel		19-0
2. Meyrin Geneve		14-4
3. BC AKA		13-6
4. Vevey		13-6
5. Bern		13-6
6. Nyon U23		11-8
7. Bernex		10-9
8. Villars		8-11
9. Zurich Wildcats		6-12
10. Swiss Central		6-13
11. Pully		6-13
12. Blonay Basket		6-13
13. Acad.Fribourg		3-15
14. DDV Lugano		3-15

Stats Leaders LNA

Points Per Game

Mohammed ABUKAR
  Lugano T.
  (208-F-85)
  Avg: 20.1

1. Abukar, Lugano T.	20.1
2. Yates, Fribourg	18.3
3. Burrows, Starwings	18.1
4. Barnette, Geneve	18.1
5. Smith, Monthey	17.9
6. Calasan, Boncourt	16.9
7. Efevberha, Lugano	16.7
8. Uzas, SAV Vacallo	16.5
9. Jenkins, Starwings	16.3
10. Schneiderman, SAV	16.0

Rebounds Per Game

Babacar TOURE
  Geneve Lions
  (205-F/C-85)
  Avg: 9.4

1. Toure, Geneve Lio.	9.4
2. Bing, Geneve Lions	9.4
3. Johnson, Starwings	9.3
4. Burrows, Starwings	8.6
5. Knutson, BBC Nyon	8.3
6. Calasan, Boncourt	8.3
7. Barnette, Geneve	7.9
8. Jukes, Geneve Lio.	7.7
9. Allen, Boncourt	7.7
10. Schneiderman, SAV	7.6

Assists Per Game

Rickey GIBSON
  SAV Vacallo
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 6.9

1. Gibson, SAV Vacallo	6.9
2. Jenkins, Starwings	5.6
3. Petkovic, Starw.	5.5
4. Brown, Lugano T.	5.0
5. Draughan, Lugano	4.9
6. Petkovic, Fribourg	4.1
7. Thomas, BBC Nyon	4.0
8. Buscaglia, Geneve	3.9
9. Efevberha, Lugano	3.8
10. Esterkamp, Fribo.	3.6

Steals Per Game

Miroslav PETKOVIC
  Starw.
  (183-G-88)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Petkovic, Starw.	3.3
2. Gugino, SAM M.	2.6
3. Gibson, SAV Vacallo	2.6
4. Boylan, Monthey	2.5
5. Jenkins, Starwings	2.4
6. Efevberha, Lugano	2.4
7. Thomas, BBC Nyon	2.3
8. Jones, SAM M.	2.3
9. Stockalper, Lugano	2.1
10. Smith, Monthey	2.1

Blocks Per Game

Babacar TOURE
  Geneve Lions
  (205-F/C-85)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Toure, Geneve Lio.	2.8
2. Johnson, Starwings	2.1
3. Knutson, BBC Nyon	1.6
4. Salaam, Monthey	1.4
5. Matter, Starwings	1.3
6. Burrows, Starwings	1.0
7. Molteni, SAM M.	1.0
8. Barnette, Geneve	0.9
9. Albrecht, Starw.	0.9
10. Jukes, Geneve Li.	0.9

LNB Round 19: Nyon U23 edges Bernex by two points - by Eurobasket News
The most exciting game of round 19 in the LNB took place in Nyon. This derby game ended with only two-point defeat on the road of 6th ranked Bernex (10-9) to seventh ranked Nyon U23 (11-8) 61-59 in the game for the sixth place. Bernex was trailing by 4 points at halftime but managed to get 1-point lead after three quarters before a 23-20 charge of Nyon U23, which allowed them to win the game. Nyon U23 have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to sixth place. Bernex at the other side dropped to the seventh position with nine games lost. Nyon U23 are looking forward to face Academie Fribourg (#13) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Bernex will play against the league's leader Neuchatel (#1) and is hoping to win this game.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Geneve. Second ranked Meyrin Geneve faced 3rd placed Vevey. Host Meyrin Geneve (14-4) defeated guests from Vevey (13-6) 88-74. Meyrin Geneve maintains second place with 14-4 record having six points less than leader Neuchatel. Vevey at the other side keeps the third position with six games lost. They share it with Bern and BC AKA. Meyrin Geneve will play against Swiss Central (#10) in Luzern in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Vevey will play at home against Bern (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Neuchatel. Leader Neuchatel faced 3rd placed Bern. Host Neuchatel (19-0) defeated guests from Bern (13-6) 93-84. Undefeated Neuchatel have an impressive series of seventeen victories in a row. They maintain first place with 19-0 record. Loser Bern keeps the third position with six games lost. They share it with Vevey and BC AKA. Neuchatel will meet Bernex (#7) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Bern will play against Vevey (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
A very interesting game took place in Villars. It ended with only two-point home defeat of 8th ranked Villars (8-11) to eleventh ranked Pully (6-13) 81-79 on Wednesday evening. Pully moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Swiss Central and Blonay Basket. Villars at the other side keep the eighth position with 11 games lost. Pully's next round opponent will be higher ranked BC AKA (#3) in Hirschthal and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
The game with biggest result difference took place in Hirschthal. Local BC AKA (13-6) outscored 9th ranked Zurich Wildcats (6-12) 81-51 on Tuesday night. BC AKA moved-up to third place, which they share with Bern and Vevey. Loser Zurich Wildcats keep the ninth position with 12 games lost. BC AKA will face Pully (#11) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Zurich Wildcats will play against Blonay Basket and be promoted back to the LNA just one year after relegation.

In the last two games of round 19 bottom-ranked DDV Lugano were defeated by Swiss Central in Luzern 73-62. Blonay Basket beat Acad.Fribourg at home 78-70.

Swiss Central - DDV Lugano 73-62

There was no surprise in Luzern where 14th ranked DDV Lugano (3-15) was defeated by tenth ranked Swiss Central (6-13) 73-62 on Wednesday. The game was mostly controlled by Swiss Central. DDV Lugano was better in second period 15-14. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The victory was the third consecutive win for Swiss Central. They maintain tenth place with 6-13 record, which they share with Pully and Blonay Basket. DDV Lugano lost their seventh game in a row. They stay at the bottom position with 15 games lost. Swiss Central will face league's second-placed Meyrin Geneve at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. DDV Lugano will play against Villars (#8).

Nyon U23 - Bernex 61-59

The most exciting game of round 19 in the LNB took place in Nyon. This derby game ended with only two-point defeat on the road of 6th ranked Bernex (10-9) to seventh ranked Nyon U23 (11-8) 61-59 in the game for the sixth place. Bernex was trailing by 4 points at halftime but managed to get 1-point lead after three quarters before a 23-20 charge of Nyon U23, which allowed them to win the game. Nyon U23 have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to sixth place. Bernex at the other side dropped to the seventh position with nine games lost. Nyon U23 are looking forward to face Academie Fribourg (#13) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Bernex will play against the league's leader Neuchatel (#1) and is hoping to win this game.

Meyrin Geneve - Vevey 88-74

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Geneve. Second ranked Meyrin Geneve faced 3rd placed Vevey. Host Meyrin Geneve (14-4) defeated guests from Vevey (13-6) 88-74. The game was mostly controlled by Meyrin Geneve. Vevey was better in third quarter 20-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Meyrin Geneve maintains second place with 14-4 record having six points less than leader Neuchatel. Vevey at the other side keeps the third position with six games lost. They share it with Bern and BC AKA. Meyrin Geneve will play against Swiss Central (#10) in Luzern in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Vevey will play at home against Bern (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Villars - Pully 79-81

A very interesting game took place in Villars. It ended with only two-point home defeat of 8th ranked Villars (8-11) to eleventh ranked Pully (6-13) 81-79 on Wednesday evening. The guests were already 16 points ahead after 3 quarters before a 28-14 Villars' run in the last quarter cut the lead to 81-79 at the end of the game. Pully moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Swiss Central and Blonay Basket. Villars at the other side keep the eighth position with 11 games lost. Pully's next round opponent will be higher ranked BC AKA (#3) in Hirschthal and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.

Blonay Basket - Acad.Fribourg 78-70

The game between closely ranked teams ended with twelfth ranked Blonay Basket's (6-13) home victory over 13th ranked Academie Fribourg (3-15) 78-70 on Wednesday. The hosts trailed by 3 points after three quarters before their 24-13 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Blonay Basket moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Pully and Swiss Central. Loser Academie Fribourg keeps the thirteenth position with 15 games lost. Blonay Basket will face higher ranked Zurich Wildcats (#9) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Academie Fribourg will play against Nyon U23 (#6).

Neuchatel - Bern 93-84

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Neuchatel. Leader Neuchatel faced 3rd placed Bern. Host Neuchatel (19-0) defeated guests from Bern (13-6) 93-84. Bern trailed by 12 points after 3 quarters before a 25-22 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 84-93 at the end of the game. Neuchatel have an impressive series of seventeen victories in a row. They maintain first place with 19-0 record. Loser Bern keeps the third position with six games lost. They share it with Vevey and BC AKA. Neuchatel will meet Bernex (#7) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Bern will play against Vevey (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

BC AKA - Zurich Wildcats 81-51

The game with biggest result difference took place in Hirschthal. Local BC AKA (13-6) outscored 9th ranked Zurich Wildcats (6-12) 81-51 on Tuesday night. The game without a history. BC AKA led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. BC AKA moved-up to third place, which they share with Bern and Vevey. Loser Zurich Wildcats keep the ninth position with 12 games lost. BC AKA will face Pully (#11) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Zurich Wildcats will play against Blonay Basket and be promoted back to the LNA just one year after relegation.

Rickey Gibson gets MVP of the Week award for Swiss LNA - by Eurobasket News
American Rickey Gibson (191-G-84) had an amazing evening in the last round for SAV Vacallo and that's him to receive a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 18.
The 27-year old guard had the game-high 29 points adding six rebounds and six assists for SAV Vacallo as his team lost overtime game against Fribourg (#2, 12-4) 77-83. SAV Vacallo maintains the 5th position in Swiss LNA. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. SAV Vacallo will need to avoid more loses keep or improve their 9-7 record. In the team's last game Gibson had a remarkable 69.2% from 2-point range. He has many years of experience at SAV Vacallo, through which he has constantly improved. Stillman College graduate has very impressive stats this year. Gibson is league's best passer with 6.9apg. Gibson is in league's top in and averages solid 2.6spg and 60.0% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was 27-year old Montenegrin Danilo Mitrovic (208-C/F-84) of SAM Massagno. Mitrovic impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 21 points and 11 rebounds. Of course he lead SAM Massagno to another comfortable win outscoring slightly higher-ranked BBC Nyon (2-14) 77-55. Despite this victory they still are dead at the bottom. 14 lost games are too many comparing to just two victories SAM Massagno managed to get this year. Mitrovic is one of the most experienced players at SAM Massagno and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

The third best performed player last round was American Ronald Yates (201-F-83) of second-ranked Fribourg. Yates scored 25 points and grabbed five rebounds. He was a key player of Fribourg, leading his team to a 83-77overtime win against the lower-ranked SAV Vacallo (#5, 9-7). Fribourg needs these victories very badly if they think about taking over top position in the standings. Their record at this point is 12 victories and 4 lost games. Yates has a great season in Switzerland. After 15 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 18.3ppg (2nd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Ismael N'Diaye (197-F-82) of Boncourt - 18 points and 7 rebounds
5. George Odufuwa (203-F-88) of Monthey - 14 points and 11 rebounds
6. Sean Barnette (195-F-86) of Geneve Lions - 20 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists
7. Mohammed Abukar (208-F-85) of Lugano Tigers - 20 points and 7 rebounds
8. Avery Jukes (203-F-88) of Geneve Lions - 13 points and 11 rebounds
9. Martin Mihajlovic (208-C-81) of Monthey - 17 points and 8 rebounds
10. Erroyl Bing (198-F/C-82) of Geneve Lions - 16 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists

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

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

TUNISIA

Standings - D1

D1 Standings

Places 1-8
1. Stade Nabeulien		2-0
2. ES Sahel		2-0
3. C Africain		2-0
4. ES Rades		1-1
5. Ezzahra		1-1
6. CA Bizerte		0-0
7. JS Kairouan		0-2
8. ESG		0-2
Places 9-14
1. AS Hammamet		1-0
2. ASC Bizerte		1-0
3. Tunisair		0-0
4. C Cheminots		0-1
5. JS Manazeh		0-1
6. US Monastir		0-2

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

TURKEY

Jermont Horton back to Turkey - by Mustafa Bozkurt
Jermont Horton (198-G-83, college: Rutgers-Newark) is a new member of Baskent Genclik Ankara. The American guard signed one-year deal with his new club. He arrives from France, where he averaged 14.5 Points 3.5 Rebounds in 13 games at France NM1 Team - Blois. Horton played 19 games for SCM CSU Craiova averaging 19.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.4 steals. He started the season in Kuwait with An Nasr team last season. Jermont Horton played in Turkey 2 years ago and He shined with 18 ppg, 5.5 rpg and 1.4 spg in 14 games with TB2L team TED Istanbul. Here is the Horton's Eurobasket Outlook: Outlook: At 6-foot-6, Jermont is quick and versatile. He is a consistent 3-point threat and possesses the ability to run the point, play the 2, or fill in at the 3 position when needed. Jermont possesses an outstanding perimeter game which includes a perfect jump shot and the ability to dribble as well as most point guards. This comes from the fact that when he entered college he was 6'1 and when he graduated he was 6'6. An extremely talented basketball player.

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

UBA

URBL Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Jermaine BARNES
(194-G/F-82)
Avg: 30.8

1. Barnes, GIE M.	30.8
2. Canady Jr., Atlan.	25.0
3. Williams, GIE M.	23.8
4. Morgan, Tennesse.	23.0
5. Sims, Georgia L.	23.0
6. Franklin, Austin K.	22.8
7. Levy, Cleveland H.	22.3
8. Williams, Georgia	21.5
9. Webb, Tennessee D.	21.0
10. James, Nashville	20.7

Rebounds Per Game

Jermaine DAILEY
  USA
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 16.4

1. Dailey, Georgia L.	16.4
2. Moore, GIE M.	14.0
3. Terrell, Dallas St.	12.8
4. Joseph, S.Generals	12.0
5. Green, GIE M.	11.7
6. Morning, C.Tex.	11.4
7. Canady Jr., Atlan.	11.0
8. Johnson, Austin K.	11.0
9. Davis, Queen C.	10.8
10. Blue, Atlanta A.	10.0

Assists Per Game

DeAndre BRAY
(168-G-85)
Avg: 12.5

1. Bray, S.Generals	12.5
2. Horton, C.Texas C.	9.0
3. Webb, Tennessee D.	6.8
4. Sims, Georgia L.	6.5
5. Barnes, GIE M.	6.3
6. Ragsdale, GIE M.	6.1
7. Glover, C.Texas C.	5.7
8. Belton, Atlanta A.	5.7
9. Morgan, Tennesse.	5.3
10. Beaulah, Queen C.	5.0

Steals Per Game

Freddie WILLIAMS
(188-G-87)
Avg: 5

1. Williams, GIE M.	5.0
2. Bray, S.Generals	4.5
3. Horton, C.Texas C.	3.3
4. Barnes, GIE M.	3.2
5. Johnson, S.Generals	2.3
6. Glover, C.Texas C.	2.3
7. Ragsdale, GIE M.	2.3
8. Bowdy, Dallas S.	2.3
9. James, Nashville M.	2.0
10. Antoine, Atlanta	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Vivian DESTIN
  ANT
  (188-G-86)
  Avg: 0

1. Destin, DFW W.	0.0
2. Adkins, Austin K.	0.0
3. Davis, Queen C.	0.0
4. McClinic, Dallas S.	0.0
5. Daniels, Tennesse.	0.0
6. Maxtion, Tennesse.	0.0
7. Dailey, Georgia L.	0.0
8. Lewis, Austin K.	0.0
9. Curry, S.Generals	0.0
10. Lancaster, DFW W.	0.0

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

UGANDA

Afidra Finally Wins MVP Award - by Eurobasket News
Twelve years after he was first nominated for the Most Valuable Player (MVP), Isaac Afidra finally won the most prestigious award in local basketball.

Afidra beat two-time winner and DMark Power teammate Ben Komakech to the 2011 MTN-Fuba League playoffs MVP diadem during the annual dinner at Imperial Royale Hotel on Saturday night.

'I dedicate this to Tyler,' he said. 'He has something new to play with.' Baby Tyler was born last month, just 48 hours after Afidra led Power to a first successful defence of the national title and fifth in total.

The two nominees walked together to pick the award. Afidra first joined Power in December 1999 and was first nominated for MVP in 2000 losing out to Wilbrod Oketcho (RIP).

Four years ago, he again lost out to Komakech and the same happened last year. The go-ahead three-pointer to give Power a 97-96 lead in the decisive Game Seven must have helped to tilt the balance in his favour. It was from that moment that Warriors crumbled and Power gained the impetus to claim one of the most thrilling finals in the history of Ugandan basketball.

Double-doubles

The former KIU Titan star scored 29 points and 15 rebounds with Komakech putting the finishing touch to the 99-97 victory over Warriors for a series 4-3 win.

Through the series, the forward scored 66 points and 76 rebounds including four double-doubles in the final four games of the thrilling series. Komakech, a guard, had 121 points and 32 assists.

Despite previously not awarding foreigners with individual accolades, UCU Lady Canons' Kenyan centre Purity Adhiambo took the women's gong. She helped her side sweep KCC Leopards 4-0.

Warrior's Eric Malinga was named regular season MVP ahead of Stephen Omony (Miracle Eagles) but Ivan Enabu, also a Warrior, was controversially not nominated at all.

KCC's Martha Soigi took the women's equivalent. Malinga and Soigi also clinched the respective top scorers' awards. The emcee Carol Mugasha didn't nail this as the announcement of Afidra before the other 31 honours killed the mood entirely. The entertainment hardly left any smiles.
Courtesy of: The Monitor

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

UKRAINE

Stats Leaders - Men

Points Per Game

Willie SOLOMON
  Cherkasy
  (187-G-78)
  Avg: 22.3

1. Solomon, Cherkasy	22.3
2. Culpepper, Fe.	20.7
3. Burtt, Dnipro	19.6
4. Deane, BC Odessa	18.4
5. Vukosavljevi., Hal.	18.4
6. King, BC Odessa	18.2
7. Mitchell, Khimik	17.3
8. Harris, Halychyna	17.3
9. Guinn, Fe.	17.3
10. Green, Mykolaiv	16.8

Rebounds Per Game

Vladan VUKOSAVLJEVIC
  Halych.
  (206-F/C-84)
  Avg: 11.3

1. Vukosavljevi., Hal.	11.3
2. King, BC Odessa	10.8
3. Fraser, DniproAzot	8.9
4. Davis, Kryvbasb.	8.7
5. Drozdov, Azovmash	8.5
6. Davis, Fe.	8.4
7. Dunigan, DniproAzot	8.2
8. Odufuwa, Halychyna	8.1
9. Goodridge, BC Kyiv	7.9
10. Korniyenko, Dnipro	7.8

Assists Per Game

Darrel MITCHELL
  Khimik
  (181-PG-84)
  Avg: 6.1

1. Mitchell, Khimik	6.1
2. Zimmerman, BC Kyiv	5.9
3. Deane, BC Odessa	5.8
4. Ewing, Azovmash	5.6
5. Florence, Kryvbasb.	5.2
6. Burtt, Dnipro	5.1
7. Butskyy, Fe.	4.7
8. Solomon, Cherkasy	4.6
9. Swanson, Hoverla	4.4
10. Morovic, Halychyna	4.4

Steals Per Game

Jeremy CHAPPELL
  Fe.
  (191-G-87)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Chappell, Fe.	1.9
2. House, Dnipro	1.9
3. Curry, BC Donetsk	1.8
4. Florence, Kryvbasb.	1.8
5. Minard, Azovmash	1.7
6. Tiggs, Hoverla	1.7
7. Culpepper, Fe.	1.7
8. Solomon, Cherkasy	1.6
9. Sirsnins, DniproAz.	1.6
10. Ewing, Azovmash	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Vernon GOODRIDGE
  BC Kyiv
  (206-F-84)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Goodridge, BC Kyiv	2.5
2. King, BC Odessa	2.2
3. McClintock, Mykola.	2.2
4. Davis, Kryvbasb.	1.8
5. Korniyenko, Dnipro	1.5
6. Rizvic, Azovmash	1.5
7. Vukosavljevi., Hal.	1.5
8. Gorbenko, Dnipr.	1.5
9. Hunter, Mykolaiv	1.4
10. Pecherov, Azovma.	1.4

Standings - Superleague

Superleague Standings

1. Budivelnyk		20-6
2. BC Donetsk		18-7
3. Azovmash		17-9
4. Khimik		16-10
5. BC Odessa		16-10
6. Ferro-ZNTU		16-10
7. Hoverla		15-11
8. Dnipro		14-12
9. BC Kyiv		13-13
10. Mykolaiv		10-16
11. Kryvbasbasket		9-17
12. DniproAzot		7-18
13. Cherkasy		7-19
14. Halychyna		3-23

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

UNITED KINGDOM

Eagles face ghost of Christmas pst - by Paul Nilsen
This weekend, Newcastle Eagles will come face to face again with the only team to have beaten them in the BBL Championship so far this season.

Tomorrow night, Fab Flournoy will take his team to Worcester to face a high flying Wolves side who shocked the Eagles by claiming a festive victory on Tyneside.

Not only was it their first league loss, it was also the last time the Eagles tasted defeat. They have since won seven straight games since that fateful December night including the BBL Cup Final.

Wolves meanwhile have continued their challenge at the top of the table and consequently it's a really attractive and key fixture in the context of the title race a fact not lost on Wolves head coach Paul James

It's an important game for both teams who have hopes of winning the BBL Championship explained the play-caller.

But, I think that Newcastle are certainly the favourites for the title.

On the night, I'm expecting a real battle between two really good teams that play a good style of basketball.

However before Flournoy and the Eagles players can even think about extracting revenge, they have an even more important task ahead of them tonight.

They take to the road for a BBL Trophy semi-final first leg clash at One Health Sharks Sheffield hoping they can get one foot in what would be their second showpiece final of the season. They will certainly be confident having torn the Sharks to shreds last month in the league although they will no doubt be expecting a backlash.

Whatever the result, Atiba Lyons and his team could actually do the Eagles a big favour tomorrow evening when they look to derail the title bid of Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders who have endured a blip during the last fortnight with a couple of shock losses.

But, they got back to winning ways last time out and will be hoping to not only win but also capitalize on something having to give when the Wolves and Eagles lock horns with one of their rivals guaranteed to pick up a loss!

Back in the BBL Trophy, the winners of the match-up between Sharks and Eagles will face either Prestige Homes MK Lions or UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders meaning there is distinct possibility that there could be a repeat of the BBL Cup Final.

Raiders travel to Milton Keynes for the first leg tonight and Mike New will be paying attention to what happened the last time they played a semi-final away from home they blew Worcester completely out of the water.

This is a tie which will actually be completed over the weekend since Raiders will host Lions at the Pavilions on Sunday as they look to take an opportunity to get into their second Final of the season and perhaps make amends for the disappointment of what happened in Birmingham.

Finally there is plenty to gain for a bunch of teams languishing in the bottom half of the BBL Championship and not least the big north-west derby between Mersey Tigers and Cheshire Jets.

The last meeting was an overtime classic which the hosts managed to win and it promises to be another cracker with Jets still looking for an elusive victory after a barren 2012 and Tigers having looked impressive in their last couple of games.

Finally Glasgow Rocks will host Guildford Heat at Kelvin Hall on Sunday night with the visitors knowing a victory would ensure the home team moves level with them on nine league losses.

Lewis-Parry Back With Heat - by Paul Nilsen
The multi-talented and hugely popular Chi Lewis-Parry (203-F-83) is coming back to the Heat! The 6' 8' powerhouse played for Guildford Heat in 2008 and, having moved away from basketball to focus on his fighting career, is keen to return and contribute to the Heat's success.

Lewis-Parry was a valuable member of the 2008 Guildford Heat squad, best known for his rugged defending and rebounding. He went on to play for Scottish Rocks where he appeared in all 33 games and led the team in rebounding with 5.5 rebounds per game, while contributing 5.9 points per game.

Guildford Heat's head coach, Creon Raftopoulos commented, 'After the ups and downs that we've had this season, I felt it important that we get cover at the forward position. Chi is a great utility player who we can count on at the defensive end, and will contribute to rebounding which is key to our success.'

Chi Lewis-Parry (203-F-83) commented, 'Returning to Guildford Heat is like a homecoming for me. I hated the way things were left on my departure in 2008 and wanted to come back and rectify things with Guildford's wonderfully loyal fans. This time I'll be here to the end.'

As a competitive fighter, Chi is in great physical shape

Standings - EBL Conf.

EBL Standings

1. Bristol AF		10-2
2. Derby T.		10-3
3. Leicester W.		9-4
4. Bradford D.		8-4
5. Worthing T.		8-5
6. Medway Park		8-5
7. Brixton T.		7-5
8. Reading R.		5-6
9. Leopards		4-4
10. Leeds Carnegie		3-8
11. Westminster W.		2-10
12. Tees Valley M.		2-11
13. London Cap.		1-10

EBL Div.1 Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Vernon TEEL
  Leopards
  (193-G-87)
  Avg: 24.5

1. Teel, Leopards	24.5
2. Kakad, Derby T.	23.3
3. Gariba, London Cap.	22.0
4. Glavin, Tees V.	21.2
5. Treasure, Brist.	19.3
6. Krubally, Leopards	19.2
7. Darpino, Worthing.	18.2
8. Rivers, Worthing.	17.7
9. Gayle, Derby T.	17.6
10. Whittington, Derb.	16.9

Rebounds Per Game

Hank RIVERS
  Worthing.
  (203-F-81)
  Avg: 12

1. Rivers, Worthing.	12.0
2. Krubally, Leopards	11.5
3. Silcott, Bradford.	11.2
4. Gariba, London Cap.	10.0
5. Bolomo, Tees V.	9.6
6. Pettway, Leiceste.	9.0
7. Demba-Kasse, Brixt.	8.8
8. Whittington, Derby	8.7
9. Schow, Medway Park	8.7
10. Teel, Leopards	8.3

Assists Per Game

Steve VEAR
  Medway Park
  (180-G-)
  Avg: 8.7

1. Vear, Medway Park	8.7
2. Teel, Leopards	7.0
3. Edmunds, Bradford.	5.7
4. Streete, Bristol AF	5.1
5. Popoola, Westmins.	5.1
6. Guymon, Reading R.	4.8
7. Jivens, London Ca.	4.7
8. Lascelles, Derby T.	4.1
9. Ciesla, Bradford D.	3.8
10. Glavin, Tees V.	3.8

Steals Per Game

Ibrahim GARIBA
  London Cap.
  (206-C-84)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Gariba, London Cap.	3.3
2. Butler, Tees V.	3.3
3. Small, Worthing T.	2.8
4. Teel, Leopards	2.4
5. Sulcs, Bradford D.	2.3
6. Odumosu, Tees V.	2.3
7. Edmunds, Bradford.	2.3
8. Popoola, Westmins.	2.2
9. Treasure, Brist.	2.1
10. Knight, Brixton T.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Marcus TULLIS
  Worthing T.
  (198-F-86)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Tullis, Worthing T.	2.6
2. Whittington, Derby	2.0
3. Garcia, Bristol AF	1.5
4. Matzeder, Readi.	1.2
5. Schow, Medway Park	1.1
6. Amato, Worthing T.	1.1
7. Bowne, Bristol AF	1.1
8. Gariba, London Cap.	1.0
9. Bolomo, Tees V.	0.8
10. Attewell, Derby T.	0.8

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

URUGUAY

Standings - LUB

LUB Standings

Serie 1
1. Welcome		3-0
2. Hebraica		2-1
3. Bohemios		2-1
4. Lagomar		1-2
5. Wanderers		1-2
6. Trouville		0-3
Serie 2
1. Malvin		2-0
2. Plaza		2-1
3. Defensor		1-1
4. Aguada		1-2
5. Anastasia		1-2
6. Bigua		1-2

Stats Leaders - LUB

Points Per Game

Brandon BROWN
  Trouville
  (201-F-85)
  Avg: 24

1. Brown, Trouville	24.0
2. Keenan, Larre B.	23.9
3. Humphrey, Bigua	23.8
4. Crews, Cader	23.5
5. Herring, Bohemios	22.7
6. Roland, Sayago	22.1
7. Eddie, Cordon	21.7
8. McCullough, Un.Atl.	21.2
9. Johnson, Olimpia	21.0
10. Jennings, Cordon	20.9

Rebounds Per Game

Ryan HUMPHREY
  Bigua
  (203-C/F-79)
  Avg: 43.8

1. Humphrey, Bigua	43.8
2. Allen, Bohemios	15.8
3. Polk, Montevideo	14.1
4. Shellman, Sayago	12.8
5. Wilborn, Un.Atleti.	12.8
6. Passos, Hebraica	11.4
7. Keenan, Larre B.	10.8
8. Crews, Cader	10.7
9. Douglas, Bohemios	9.7
10. Jackson, Defensor	9.6

Assists Per Game

Gustavo BARRERA
  Hebraica
  (194-G-85)
  Avg: 8.9

1. Barrera, Hebraica	8.9
2. Fitipaldo, Malvin	6.0
3. Gonzalez, Aguada	5.6
4. Taboada, Larre B.	5.0
5. Vidal, Bigua	5.0
6. Silvarrey, Sayago	4.8
7. Jennings, Cordon	4.8
8. Muro, Aguada	4.7
9. Garcia Moral., Big.	4.6
10. Tornaria, Trouvil.	4.3

Steals Per Game

Derrick MILLER
  Cordon
  (202-C/F-78)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Miller, Cordon	2.8
2. Shellman, Sayago	2.5
3. Barrera, Hebraica	2.4
4. Tornaria, Trouville	2.4
5. Clarkson, Larre B.	2.4
6. Garcia Moral., Big.	2.3
7. Aguilera, Trouville	2.2
8. Silvarrey, Sayago	2.1
9. Brown, Trouville	2.1
10. Evans, Cader	2.1

Blocks Per Game

Rammel ALLEN
  Bohemios
  (210-C-79)
  Avg: 3.7

1. Allen, Bohemios	3.7
2. Jackson, Olimpia	2.3