EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 2/4/2012 1:00:00 AM

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Men News

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  ABA   


Standings
ABA Standings
Atlantic South
 1. Athens R. 7-1
 2. Jacksonville 6-2
 3. Atlanta E. 4-2
 4. Heartland H. 3-0
 5. Atlanta Aliens 2-1
 6. Georgia G. 1-1
 7. Savannah Storm 0-0
 8. Tampa 0-0
 9. Columbus R. 0-3
 10. E.Point Jaguars 0-8
California NW
 1. Central Valley T. 4-1
 2. Modesto H. 3-2
 3. Chico Rage 0-2
California South
 1. Arizona S. 15-2
 2. San Diego Sol 13-2
 3. San Diego S. 5-6
 4. LA Slam 4-9
 5. Riverside R. 1-3
 6. Las Vegas A. 0-2
 7. SoCal Swish 0-4
 8. Shizuoka G. 0-10
Colonial
 1. Richmond E. 6-1
 2. Lynchburg L. 6-5
 3. NoVa Wonders 4-1
 4. Portsmouth C. 2-3
 5. Seven Cities 0-0
Great Lake
 1. Chicago Steam 8-0
 2. Milwaukee B. 3-0
 3. Chi-Town B. 0-0
 4. Midwest Flames 0-0
 5. Oshkosh 0-0
 6. Cleveland H. 0-1
 7. Porter County P. 0-3
Mid Atlantic
 1. Carolina C. 9-3
 2. S.Carol.W. 6-0
 3. Carolina Ch. 6-5
 4. East Carolina T. 4-4
 5. Nashville S. 3-0
 6. Tennessee MH 2-9
 7. Fayetteville F. 1-10
 8. Clarksville C. 0-2
 9. Carolina J. 0-5
Mid Central
 1. Lima Explosion 5-3
 2. Greencastle GK 2-0
 3. Indianapolis 2-0
 4. Detroit Hoops 1-1
 5. Lansing L. 1-1
 6. Dayton GCHF 0-2
 7. Michiana M. 0-3
Northeast
 1. Connecticut T. 8-0
 2. Jersey Expr. 5-6
 3. Island Vipers 1-6
 4. New York Ch. 0-1
 5. NYC Thunder 0-3
Northern Division
 1. Oklahoma I. 0-0
Pacific North
 1. Bay Area M. 14-5
 2. Richmond R. 10-3
 3. S.Francisco R. 9-2
 4. E.Bay Pitbulls 6-6
 5. Port City P. 4-7
 6. Sacramento H. 2-14
Pacific Northwest
 1. Seattle M. 6-0
 2. Alaska Q. 4-5
 3. Washington R. 0-1
 4. Calgary C. 0-4
Panhandle
 1. Gulf Coast F. 6-1
 2. Panama City D. 0-2
Rocky Mountain
 1. Colorado K. 18-0
 2. Colorado C. 4-9
 3. Crusaders 2-5
 4. Wyoming R. 0-4
South Central
 1. Bluff City R. 12-3
 2. Conway C. 11-4
 3. Little Rock L. 9-5
 4. N.E. Arkansas 5-8
 5. Missouri R. 2-3
 6. St.Louis P. 1-9
South West
 1. Texas Fuel 10-2
 2. North Dallas 9-1
 3. Oklahoma 4-7
 4. West Texas W. 3-5
 5. Houston R.S. 2-0
 6. N.Texas F. 1-7
 7. Dallas Impact 0-3
Touring Team
 1. W.Virginia B. 3-6
 2. Houston X. 1-0
 3. ABA-Canada 0-0
 4. Rocky Mountain S. 0-1
 5. Team Haiti 0-1
 6. Appalachian R. 0-2
 7. Florida M. 0-2
 8. Chicago F. 0-4


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  ACPBL   


Bowie named Player of the Week - by Gianni Pascucci
Adrian Bowie (6'2''-G-89, college: Maryland) of the Bay Area Shuckers has been named Player Of The Week. He put in a convincing performance against the Bombers pouring in 43 points, 7 assists and three rebounds.In three game since joining the Shuckers is averaging 29.67 points per game, 7.67 assists, and 3.67 rebounds. Shuckers are 3-0 with him in the line-up. After finishing his career at Maryland he played professionally in the summer of 2011 with SKS Polpharma-Pakmet of the Polish Basketball League. In November 2011 he was selected in the sixth round of the 2011 Annual NBA Development League Draft by the Erie BayHawks.

Important changes in ACPBL - by Gianni Pascucci
According with a communication received by New York City 524 team owner, Brian Graham , Usbasket.com announces that Mr. Graham the same is the new ACPBL Commisioner, after having took over the position for James R. Schutz . We expect some press releases soon from the new Commissioner, like updated rosters and so on, for now, we can signal that his team, New York City 524 has added to roster is USA-CRO Brian Kortovich (6'2''-G-81, college: Cuyahoga).

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  ARGENTINA   


San Martin target Juan Coronado - by Eurobasket News
San Martin Corrientes are close to signing deal with Juan Coronado (196-G-83). The Dominican Republic guard started the season in Mexico. He played for Halcones Xalapa. Juan Coronado averaged 13.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game in LNBP. Juan Coronado is the member of Dominican Republic National Team. He participated at 2011 PanAmerican Games. The guard notched 11.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.4 assists per game in Mexico. Latinbasket.com gave the guard All-PanAmerican Games Honourable Mention. Juan Coronado was named Dominican Republic Moca Reg. League MVP in 2009. He was also trumped La Vega League MVP in 2008. Juan Coronado may replace Devon Beitzel (185-PG-88, college: N.Colorado) on the roster.


Atenas grabs 65-63 win against Pinheiros - by Eurobasket News
Atenas - Pinheiros 65-63

Atenas celebrated in their first game of the Liga Sudamericana hexagonal finals. They grabbed 65-63 victory against Pinheiros for 1-0 record in Group A. At the same time, Pinheiros dropped to 1-1. Todays game between Atenas and Flamengo will be crucial in this pool. After that we will find out which two teams will advance to the Semifinals. Marcos Bosch (196-F-93) stepped up for Atenas with double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds. Bruno Labaque (183-G-77, agency: Interperformances) scored 16 points, while Ryan Humphrey (203-C/F-79, college: Notre Dame) added 15 points and 8 boards. In the loosing squad, Olivinha Rodriguez (202-F-83) shined with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Shamell Stallworth (196-SG-80, agency: Interperformances, college: USF) had 17 points and 7 boards, while Mineiro Ferreira (208-C/F-88) and Marquinhos Vieira (207-F-84) netted 8 points each. Quarters: 19-11, 9-14, 20-23, 17-15. Atenas and Flamengo will meet at 19:30h.

Atenas: Marcos Bosch 17+11 boards, Bruno Labaque 16, Ryan Humphrey 15+8 boards
Pinheiros: Olivinha Rodriguez 19+11 boards, Shamell Stallworth 17+7 boards, Mineiro Ferreira 8+8 boards, Marquinhos Vieira 8+7 boards+5 as

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  AUSTRIA   


The Chevrolet Cup remains the domain of Allianz Swans Gmunden - by Eurobasket
The Gmunden Swans, with a 74:58-final against UBSC Raiffeisen Graz obtained for the third consecutive year and the sixth time in the last ten years the trophy for the ADMIRAL Basketball League in Austria After a balanced first quarter of the pendulum in the game more and more inclined to favor the UBSC. Only in the third section, as the UBSC surrounded on zone defense and it came up from 34:48 to 43:48, the favorite faltered. But then Gmunden intensified defensively and played the success of home. MVP of the Final Tournament Matthias Mayer, was selected to receive this award as he did with the first Cuptitel of Gmunden.

CHEVROLET CUP FINAL 2012 in detail:UBSC Raiffeisen Graz - Allianz Swans Gmunden 58:74 (45:54, 28:36, 14:13) The medical departments of both teams did a great job overnight, except for Thomas Stelzer, who fails at Gmunden, with his broken nose, chipped actors are all there. For the Swans it is still a change in the starting lineup. In a well-filled park Gssinger active Enis Murati starts in place of Florian Schninger together with Poiger, Mayer, curry and Oppland. The UBSC starts 'default' with Schaal, Ambrose, Moric, Stegnjaic and Grum. Both teams come into the game slowly, in the fourth minute we stop at 4:4. At 6:8 (5) is the first time ahead of Gmunden, at 11:8 for the UBSC there are the first (Gmunden) break (6th). Even then it continues with intensive and low hit rates. It remains tight after 10 minutes is the UBSC ahead by 1. The second quarter starts with 6 points and the first Gmunden Graz timeout with 14:18 (12th). In the state it remains until the 14th Minute, then on both sides met again after 17 minutes, we better hold on the next draw, 23:23. A series of three-pointers taken away then brings the swans to 26:34 (19), with 8 points ahead of Gmunden, it goes into the cabin.an unchanged sight for three years: the Allianz Swans as the Cup Winners Cup CHEVROLET ADMIRAL Basketball LeagueThe first basket after the break makes the UBSC, then the Swans to extend their lead at 32:44 but can. This results in the 23 Minute to the next break in Graz. But this does not detract from the dominance of Gmunden, therefore, asks UBSC steel pit-head coach just 2 minutes later with the score at 34:48 for the next meeting. The fruiting better now, Christopher Knox, shortened single-handedly to 40:48 (26). The UBSC now defended zone, it knows Gmunden no answer, but they can become even prevent further Grazer success. Only in the 28th Minutes following the 41:48 and 43:48. Now the swans can break their lock and basket with 9-point lead going into the fourth quarter. This projection is melting up to the 33rdMinutes to 50:56 and in the 35th Double-digit minutes (50:64). Now the Grazer no recipe found on the offensive and are mainly due to an outstanding Matthias Mayer at this stage that presents Gmunden at 52:69. Two of the three UBSC 58:69 to arrive too late, his success Gmunden can play safely home.

Quotes: Pit Steel, Head Coach of the UBSC: 'Congratulations to the Swans, they deserved to win. I think the decision has been made in the first half, when we actually had control of the game and then completely open with three three-pointers allowed the Swans, which draw on +8. In such a tough tournament against such an experienced team, it is hard to catch up then. The fact that we have lost by 16 then, was the fact that we had to finally take risk. The rise may or may not. ' Mathias Fischer, head coach of the Swans: 'First, a compliment to our opponents, Graz has called us 38 minutes full. I am proud of my team, as they came back after the tough last games. It is difficult to single out someone is to highlight the team, they worked great this weekend. '


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  BENIN   


Vene leaves Baltai, Kedainiai part ways with Peciukas - by Adomas Kraunevicius
KK Baltai Kaunas will be splitting with Estonian forward Siim-Sander Vene (203-F-90). Siim-Sander Vene played 15 matches in this year's BEKO-LKL championship where he averaged 8 points and 3.4 rebounds per game.

Meanwhile, swingman Vaidotas Peciukas (199-G-82, college: Hawaii) left Kedainiai Triobet. Peciukas played in Kedainiai Triobet from the beginning of the season. The club motivated this moves with Peciukas not meeting their expectations.

He played 9 matches and averaged 6.8 points in the BEKO-LKL this season.



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  BRAZIL   


Atenas grabs 65-63 win against Pinheiros - by Eurobasket News
Atenas - Pinheiros 65-63

Atenas celebrated in their first game of the Liga Sudamericana hexagonal finals. They grabbed 65-63 victory against Pinheiros for 1-0 record in Group A. At the same time, Pinheiros dropped to 1-1. Todays game between Atenas and Flamengo will be crucial in this pool. After that we will find out which two teams will advance to the Semifinals. Marcos Bosch (196-F-93) stepped up for Atenas with double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds. Bruno Labaque (183-G-77, agency: Interperformances) scored 16 points, while Ryan Humphrey (203-C/F-79, college: Notre Dame) added 15 points and 8 boards. In the loosing squad, Olivinha Rodriguez (202-F-83) shined with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Shamell Stallworth (196-SG-80, agency: Interperformances, college: USF) had 17 points and 7 boards, while Mineiro Ferreira (208-C/F-88) and Marquinhos Vieira (207-F-84) netted 8 points each. Quarters: 19-11, 9-14, 20-23, 17-15. Atenas and Flamengo will meet at 19:30h.

Atenas: Marcos Bosch 17+11 boards, Bruno Labaque 16, Ryan Humphrey 15+8 boards
Pinheiros: Olivinha Rodriguez 19+11 boards, Shamell Stallworth 17+7 boards, Mineiro Ferreira 8+8 boards, Marquinhos Vieira 8+7 boards+5 as

Uniceub BRB hands 77-68 loss to Malvin - by Eurobasket News
Malvin - Uniceub BRB 68-77

Uniceub BRB booked a spot for the Liga Sudamericana Semifinals. The defending champion was better than Malvin 68-77 for 1-0 score in Group B. The Uruguayan squad dropped to 0-2 and failed to reach the next stage. Uniceub BRB and Obras advanced, but their todays game will give us an answer who will be the winner of this pool. Arthur Silva (199-F/G-82) stepped up for Uniceub BRB yesterday with 23 points and 7 rebounds. Alex Ribeiro (191-G-80, agency: Interperformances) had 20 points and 5 rebs, while Guilherme Giovannoni (202-F-80, agency: Interperformances) helped his team with 19 points. At the other side, Timothy Frost (208-C-80, college: Utah) had double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds. Anthony Myles (208-F/C-82, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Xavier) had 12 pts and 10 boards, and German Silvarrey (173-PG-87) stopped to 10 pts. Quarters: 17-21, 11-14, 8-26, 32-16. The game between Uniceub BRB and Obras will start at 22h.

Malvin: Timothy Frost 16+12 boards, Anthony Myles 12+10 boards, German Silvarrey 10
Uniceub BRB: Arthur Silva 23+7 boards, Alex Ribeiro 20+5 boards, Guilherme Giovannoni 19

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  CANADA   


Lightning strike down Storm - by Eurobasket News
The 2474 fans in attendance at the John Labatt Centre have known for a week that their Lightning were headed to the post season, but who their opponent would be remains a mystery. Fifth place Summerside Storm was the visitor tonight, and a close battled game saw the Lightning winning, 113-107.

'We didn't play well,' explained Lightning Coach Michael Ray Richardson. 'We gave away 25 offensive rebounds and let their guards score too many layups. In the end though a win is a win and we will take it.'

The Storm trail Saint John Mill Rats in the standings and have a very tough schedule ahead. London meanwhile, used its tried and true formula in tonight's contest: Gabe Freeman (6'6''-F-85, college: Costa Mesa JC) ending with his double double, 18 points and 14 rebounds, while 5 players on the Lightning roster scored in double digits, led by DeAnthony Bowden (6'1''-G-80, college: Creighton) with 25.

London gets right back at it on Sunday against Oshawa. Tip-off at the John Labatt Centre is 2 PM

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Oshawa Power sign Canadian forward Shawn Gray, release David Collins - by Eurobasket News
Durham's Team the Oshawa Power have added Canadian forward Shawn Gray to the roster. The Power have released centre David Collins (7'0''-C-85, college: Bradley).

Gray is a 6'7' Forward from Toronto, Canada. Gray played his collegiate basketball at Brandon University in Brandon, Manitoba. Gray has played professionally in Belgium and the Netherlands.

The Power organization is very pleased to add the veteran Gray to the team.

The Power have 5 Canadian players on their roster, the most in the NBL Canada.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

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  CHINA   


Beijing Wins, Guangdong Idle - by Arthur Volbert
With Guangdong idle, Beijing gained a half a game on the league leaders with a 122-112 win over Tianjin. Stephon Marbury had 33 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists. Randolph Morris had 32 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals. Zhu Yanxi had 17 points and 9 rebounds. Zhai Xiaochuan had 13 points and 7 rebounds. Chen Lei returned to the lineup with 17 points. Donnell Harvey had 43 points and 20 rebounds for Tianjin. Marcus Lamizana had 20 points and 13 rebounds. Xu Guijun had 12 points and 4 rebounds. Li Gangfeng scored 11.

Randolph Shavlik (208-F-83, college: Duke) had 35 points and 16 rebounds as Dongguan stopped Liaoning 107-94 and moved to an 18-12 record. Josh Akognon had 27 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists. Qiu Biao had 14 points and 9 rebounds. Zhang Kai had 9 points and 9 rebounds. Gu Quan also scored 9. Rodney Carney had 25 points and 5 rebounds for Liaoning. Li Xiaoxu had 22 points, 19 rebounds and 3 assists. Li, listed as born in 1990, is eligble for the NBA draft this season and NBA scouts should take a look at this 207 cm power forward. Zhang Qingpeng had 16 points and 6 rebounds. Guo Ailun scored 14. Han Dejun had 8 points and 5 rebounds.

Xinjiang gave Zhejiang Guangsha a 99-69 stomping. Tim Pickett had 35 points and 10 rebounds. Gani Lawal had 15 points and 8 rebounds. Mengke Bateer had 15 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists. Xirelijiang scored 11 and Xu Guozhong had 8. Jin Lipeng and Zhang Yongpeng each scored 15 for Guangsha. Peter John Ramos had 13 points and 8 rebounds. Wilson chandler had 10 points and 9 rebounds and only hit 4 of 16 shots. Lin Chih-Chieh scored 12.

Fujian defeated Jilin 109-96. Anthony Roberson had 35 points and 8 rebounds. Will McDonald scored 22. Zaid Abbas had 16 points and 16 rebounds. Zhou Qixin had 14 points and 6 rebounds. Zhao Tailong had 12 points and 5 rebounds. Osama Daghlas had 23 points and 6 rebounds for Jilin. Jameel Watkins had 20 points and 10 rebounds. Zhang Biao scored 15 and Lu Wei had 13. Zhong Cheng had 12 points and 4 rebounds.

Wang Lei scored 29 as Bayi won its second straight game, beating Foshan 116-106. Wang Zhizhi had 17 points and 10 rebounds. Xu Zhonghao had 17 points and 9 rebounds. Han Shuo had 14 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Wang Zhongguang scored 14 and Zhang Bo had 11. Delehei had 8 points but only played 15 minutes. Marcus Haislip had 24 points and 5 rebounds for Foshan. Michel Maadanly scored 18 and Luo Zhi scored 17. Zheng Zhun had 12 points and 4 rebounds. Maiwulan scored 11. Yang Wenbo had 10 points and 6 assists. Marcus Douthit did not play.

Marcus Williams had 44 points and 5 rebounds as Shanxi topped Shanghai 119-108. Charles Gaines had 37 points and 8 rebounds. Ren Junhui had 11 points and 5 rebounds. Bao Zhaobao had 8 points and 4 rebounds. Lv Xiaoming had 7 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists. Duan Jiangpeng was scoreless in 5 minutes, continuing his extremely disappointing season. Michael Harris had 37 points and 12 rebounds for Shanghai. Marcus Landry scored 23. Liu Ziqui had 14 points and 5 rebounds. Zhang Zhaoxu had 9 points and 8 rebounds. Liu Wei had 7 points and 5 assists. Meng Lingyuan had 6 points and 7 rebounds.

Zhejiang edged Shandong in overtime 121-115. J. R. Smith had 41 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Josh Boone had 19 points and 9 rebounds. Ding Jinhui had 15 points and 13 rebounds. Zhang Chunjun had 13 points and 5 rebounds. Xia Yobo scored 14. Cao Fei had 9 points and 4 rebounds. Allan Anderson had 54 points and 7 rebounds for Shandong. Othello Hunter had 15 points and 12 rebounds. Sui Ran had 12 points and 4 rebounds. Ding Yanyuhang scored 9. Tao Hanlin had 10 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists.

Lester Hudson had 27 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists as Qingdao defeated Jiangsu 97-92. Xue Yuyang had 19 points and 5 rebounds. Olumide Oyedeji had 16 points, 18 rebounds and 6 assists. Li Gen had 13 points, 6 assists and 4 steals. Cai Liang had 8 points and 6 rebounds. Jackson Vroman had 25 points and 20 rebounds for Jiangsu. Yi Li had 21 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Hu Xuefeng had 18 points and 4 assists. Liu Yahui had 11 points and 5 rebounds. Meng Da scored 9. Marcus Williams was scoreless.

Kenyon Martin cleared to rejoin NBA - by Eurobasket News
FIBA, the governing body of international basketball, gave its letter of clearance to free agent Martin Kenyon (6'9''-F-77, college: Cincinnati), allowing him to return to the NBA immediately, Yahoo.com reported Thursday, citing sources.

Martin has already met with officials from several NBA teams, and he met with Atlanta Hawks brass on Thursday.

The Hawks, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs appear to be the teams with the most interest in Martin.

'The Clippers are probably the best place for [Martin] to showcase himself for his next deal,' a front-office executive told Yahoo.com. 'He's clearly the third-best [big man] without competition from anyone on their roster.'

The Clippers can pay Martin the midlevel exception for a pro-rated $2.5 million for the season.

Martin, 34, averaged 8.6 points and 6.2 rebounds in 48 games for the Nuggets last season.

Martin had signed a deal worth $2.6 million for the Chinese season, but was paid a prorated salary based on the 12 games. He was not particularly effective, averaging just 14 points and seven rebounds in China.

Martin reached an agreement with the Xinjiang Guanghui Flying Tigers to part ways on Dec. 21, and he came back to the United State shortly after that and awaited clearance from FIBA.

It came as somewhat of surprise that FIBA cleared Martin so soon.

Courtesy of Yahoo! Sports

CBA Round 29 of Regular Season - by Eurobasket News
The Regular Season in CBA is slowly approaching the end. But there may be still some important changes in the final standings in the last 5 rounds.

We should mention about the upset which took place in Urumqi, where higher ranked Zhejiang Guangsha Lions (15-12) were outleveled in a road game by tenth ranked Xinjiang Flying Tige (14-12) 99-69 on Friday. The game without a history. Xinjiang Flying Tige led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Zhejiang Guangsha Lions' 38. The best player for the winners was American swingman Tim Pickett (193-81, college: Florida St.) who had a double-double by scoring 35 points (!!!), 10 rebounds and 5 assists. The former international center Bateer Mengke (210-75) chipped in 15 points and 6 assists. American-Puerto Rican center Peter John Ramos (222-85) produced 13 points and 8 rebounds for the guests. Zhejiang Guangsha Lions' coach gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Xinjiang Flying Tige have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to eighth place. Zhejiang Guangsha Lions at the other side dropped to the seventh position with 12 games lost. Xinjiang Flying Tige are looking forward to face Jilin Tigers (#12) in Changchun in the next round. Zhejiang Guangsha Lions will play on the road against Shanxi Zhongyu (#5) in Taiyuan and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Other games of round 29 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Qingdao DS defeated Jiangsu D. in a road game 97-92. DongGuan L. beat Liaoning H. at home 107-94. TianJin R. lost to Beijing Ducks on the opponent's court 112-122. Shandong FB unfortunately lost to Zhejiang C. in a home game 115-119. Fujian XX managed to beat Jilin NE T. on the road 109-96. Shanghai S. was defeated by Shanxi Zh. on its own court 108-119. Bayi Fubang beat Foshan in Ningbo 116-106.
The best stats of 29th round was 43 points (!!!) and 20 rebounds by Donnell Harvey of TianJin R..

Jiangsu D. - Qingdao DS 92-97

There was no surprise in Nanjing where 16th ranked Jiangsu Dragons (7-20) were defeated by eleventh ranked Qingdao Double Star (13-15) 97-92 on Friday. The guests trailed by 1 point after three quarters before their 25-19 charge, which allowed them to win the game. The best player for the winners was Nigerian-British power forward Olumide Oyedeji (208-81) who had a double-double by scoring 16 points, 18 rebounds and 6 assists. American guard Lester Hudson (191-84, college: Tenn-Martin) chipped in 27 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Qingdao Double Star's coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. American-Lebanese power forward Jackson Vroman (208-81, college: Iowa St.) produced a double-double by scoring 25 points and 20 rebounds and international swingman Li Yi (203-85) added 21 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists respectively for the hosts. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Qingdao Double Star maintains eleventh place with 13-15 record. Jiangsu Dragons lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the sixteenth position with 20 games lost. Qingdao Double Star are looking forward to face league's second-placed Beijing Ducks at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Jiangsu Dragons will play against Shandong Bulls (#13) in Jinan and are hoping to prove to their supporters that they can break losing series.
Top scorers:
Jiangsu D.: V.Jackson 25+20reb+2ast, Y.Li 21+7reb+5ast, H.XueFeng 18+1reb+4ast, L.Yahui 11+5reb+3ast, M.Da 9+1reb+2ast, Y.Li 5+4reb+1ast
Qingdao DS: H.Lester 27+7reb+4ast, X.YuYang 19+5reb, O.Olumide 16+18reb+6ast, L.Gen 13+2reb+6ast, C.Liang 8+6reb+1ast, S.Sani 7+4reb+1ast
gschID: 158292


Xinjiang F.T. - Guangsha L. 99-69

We should mention about the upset which took place in Urumqi, where higher ranked Zhejiang Guangsha Lions (15-12) were outleveled in a road game by tenth ranked Xinjiang Flying Tige (14-12) 99-69 on Friday. The game without a history. Xinjiang Flying Tige led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Zhejiang Guangsha Lions' 38. The best player for the winners was American swingman Tim Pickett (193-81, college: Florida St.) who had a double-double by scoring 35 points (!!!), 10 rebounds and 5 assists. The former international center Bateer Mengke (210-75) chipped in 15 points and 6 assists. American-Puerto Rican center Peter John Ramos (222-85) produced 13 points and 8 rebounds and forward Yongpeng Zhang (208-90) added 15 points and 7 rebounds (perfect from the field making all six shots) respectively for the guests. Four Xinjiang Flying Tige and five Zhejiang Guangsha Lions players scored in double figures. Zhejiang Guangsha Lions' coach gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Xinjiang Flying Tige have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to eighth place. Zhejiang Guangsha Lions at the other side dropped to the seventh position with 12 games lost. Xinjiang Flying Tige are looking forward to face Jilin Tigers (#12) in Changchun in the next round. Zhejiang Guangsha Lions will play on the road against Shanxi Zhongyu (#5) in Taiyuan and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Guangsha L.: J.Lipeng 15+1ast, Z.Yongpeng 15+7reb, R.Peter John 13+8reb+3ast, L.Chih-Chieh 12+2reb+1ast, C.Wilson 10+9reb+2ast, W.Bo 3+1reb+2ast
Xinjiang F.T.: P.Tim 35+10reb+5ast, M.Bateer 15+4reb+6ast, L.Gani 15+8reb, C.Tal 11+3reb+3ast, X.GuoChong 8+3reb+1ast, P.Duo 5+1reb+1ast
gschID: 158293


DongGuan L. - Liaoning H. 107-94

No shocking result in a game when third ranked DongGuan Leopards (18-10) defeated at home 8th ranked Liaoning Hunters (14-13) 107-94 on Friday. The game without a history. DongGuan Leopards led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 21-of-26 free shots (80.8 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was American forward Shavlik Randolph (208-83, college: Duke) who had a double-double by scoring 35 points (!!!) and 16 rebounds. Nigerian-American guard Josh-Emmanuel Akognon (180-86, college: CS Fullerton) chipped in a double-double by scoring 27 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists. DongGuan Leopards' coach Brian Goorjian used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The former international center Xiaoxu Li (207-90) produced a double-double by scoring 22 points and 19 rebounds and American forward Rodney Carney (201-84, college: Memphis) added 25 points and 5 rebounds respectively for the guests. Four Liaoning Hunters players scored in double figures. DongGuan Leopards maintains third place with 18-10 record having four points less than leader Guandong ST. Liaoning Hunters lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the ninth position with 13 games lost. They share it with Shanghai S.. DongGuan Leopards are looking forward to face league's leader Guandong Tigers in Dongguan in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Liaoning Hunters will play on the road against Fujian SBS XunXin (#4) in Jinjiang and are hoping to prove to their supporters that they can break losing series.
Top scorers:
Liaoning H.: C.Rodney 25+5reb, L.Xiaoxu 22+19reb+3ast, Z.QinPeng 16+6reb+1ast, G.Ailun 14+2reb+2ast, H.Dejun 8+5reb, P.Josh 4+3reb
DongGuan L.: R.Shavlik 35+16reb+1ast, A.Josh-Emmanuel 27+10reb+6ast, Q.Biao 14+9reb+2ast, Z.Kai 9+9reb+2ast, G.QuAn 9+1ast, H.Chih-Shan 5+3reb+1ast
gschID: 158289


Beijing Ducks - TianJin R. 122-112

Very expected game when 14th ranked TianJin Rongcheng (10-18) was defeated on the road by second ranked Beijing Ducks (19-8) 122-112 on Friday. The game was mostly controlled by Beijing Ducks. TianJin Rongcheng managed to win second period 30-26. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Beijing Ducks made 40-of-48 free shots (83.3 percent) during the game, while TianJin Rongcheng only scored twenty four points from the stripe. 36 personal fouls committed by TianJin Rongcheng helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American guard Stephon Marbury (188-77, college: Georgia Tech) who scored 33 points (!!!), 9 rebounds and 8 assists. His fellow American import power forward Randolph Morris (211-86, college: Kentucky) chipped in 32 points and 8 rebounds. American power forward Donnell Harvey (203-80, college: Florida) produced a double-double by scoring 43 points (!!!) and 20 rebounds (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) and Ivorian-French power forward Mamadou Lamizana (207-81, college: Rutgers, agency: VVG Sports) added 20 points and 13 rebounds respectively for the guests. Five Beijing Ducks and four TianJin Rongcheng players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Beijing Ducks have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain second place with 19-8 record having four points less than leader Guandong ST. Loser TianJin Rongcheng keeps the fourteenth position with 18 games lost. Beijing Ducks are looking forward to face Qingdao Double Star (#11) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. TianJin Rongcheng will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
TianJin R.: H.Donnell 43+20reb+2ast, L.Mamadou 20+13reb+1ast, X.GuiJun 12+4reb, L.GangFeng 11+2reb+1ast, Z.Zhihan 9+2reb+2ast, M.XiangLong 6+1reb+1ast
Beijing Ducks: M.Stephon 33+9reb+8ast, M.Randolph 32+8reb+3ast, C.Lei 17+2reb, Z.YanXi 17+9reb, Z.Xiaochuan 13+7reb, J.Zhe 4+4reb+1ast
gschID: 158290


Shandong FB - Zhejiang C. 115-119

Very predictable result in Jinan where seventh ranked Zhejiang Cyclones (15-11) beat 13th ranked Shandong Bulls (11-17) 119-115 on Friday. 35 personal fouls committed by Shandong Bulls helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American guard J.R. Smith (198-85) who scored 41 points (!!!), 7 rebounds and 5 assists. International power forward Jinhui Ding (204-89) chipped in a double-double by scoring 15 points and 13 rebounds. Five Zhejiang Cyclones players scored in double figures. American swingman Alan Anderson (198-82, college: Michigan St., agency: Priority Sports) produced 54 points (!!!) and 7 rebounds and Liberian-American forward Othello Hunter (203-86, college: Ohio St., agency: David Lee services) added 15 points and 12 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Shandong Bulls' coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Zhejiang Cyclones moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Shanxi Zh. Loser Shandong Bulls keep the thirteenth position with 17 games lost. Zhejiang Cyclones is looking forward to face bottom-ranked Foshan (#17) on the road in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Shandong Bulls will play against Jiangsu Dragons (#16) in Nanjing and are hoping to prove to their supporters that this time they can win.
Top scorers:
Shandong FB: A.Alan 54+7reb+2ast, H.Othello 15+12reb, S.Ran 12+4reb+2ast, Y.Ding 9, T.HanLin 8+6reb+3ast, L.Li 8+3reb
Zhejiang C.: S.J.R. 41+7reb+5ast, B.Josh 19+9reb+1ast, D.Jinhui 15+13reb+1ast, X.Yo Bo 14+2reb+2ast, Z.ChunJun 13+5reb, C.Fei 9+4reb+2ast
gschID: 158291


Jilin NE T. - Fujian XX 96-109

Not a big story in a game in Changchun where 12th ranked Jilin Tigers (11-16) were defeated by fifth ranked Fujian SBS XunXin (16-12) 109-96 on Friday. The game was mostly controlled by Fujian SBS XunXin. Jilin Tigers managed to win fourth quarter 25-24. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Fujian SBS XunXin made 20-of-26 free shots (76.9 percent) during the game. Fujian SBS XunXin outrebounded Jilin Tigers 52-35 including a 38-25 advantage in defensive rebounds. 26 personal fouls committed by Jilin Tigers helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American guard Anthony Roberson (188-83, college: Florida) who scored 35 points (!!!) and 8 rebounds. Jordanian forward Zaid Abbas (203-83) chipped in a double-double by scoring 16 points and 16 rebounds. Jordanian guard Osama Daghles (198-79, college: Midwestern St.) produced 23 points and 6 rebounds and American power forward Jameel Watkins (211-77, college: Georgetown) added 20 points and 10 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) respectively for the hosts. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Fujian SBS XunXin moved-up to fourth place. Jilin Tigers lost third consecutive game. They keep the twelfth position with 16 games lost. Fujian SBS XunXin are looking forward to face Liaoning Hunters (#9) in Yingkou in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Jilin Tigers will play on the road against Xinjiang Flying Tige in Urumqi and are hoping to prove to their supporters that they can break losing series.
Top scorers:
Jilin NE T.: D.Osama 23+6reb+2ast, W.Jameel 20+10reb, Z.Biao 15+2reb+1ast, L.Wei 13+3reb+1ast, Z.Cheng 12+4reb, L.Tao 7+6reb+2ast
Fujian XX: R.Anthony 35+8reb+1ast, M.Will 22+3reb, A.Zaid 16+16reb+2ast, Z.Qixin 14+6reb+1ast, Z.TaiLong 12+5reb+3ast, G.Lei 3+4reb
gschID: 158287


Shanghai S. - Shanxi Zh. 108-119

Everything went according to plan when sixth ranked Shanxi Zhongyu (15-11) won against on the road 9th ranked Shanghai Sharks (14-13) 119-108 on Friday. The guests trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 64-51 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Shanxi Zhongyu made 27-of-34 free shots (79.4 percent) during the game. 29 personal fouls committed by Shanghai Sharks helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The game was dominated by American players. The best player for the winners was swingman Marcus Williams (201-86, college: Arizona, agency: Interperformances) who scored 44 points (!!!) and 5 rebounds. Forward Charles Gaines (201-81, college: S.Mississippi) chipped in 37 points (!!!) and 8 rebounds. Forward Mike Harris (198-83, college: Rice) produced a double-double by scoring 37 points (!!!) and 12 rebounds (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) and forward Marcus Landry (201-85, college: Wisconsin) added 23 points respectively for the hosts. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Shanxi Zhongyu moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Zhejiang C. Loser Shanghai Sharks keep the ninth position with 13 games lost. They share it with Liaoning H.. Shanxi Zhongyu is looking forward to face Zhejiang Guangsha Lions (#7) in Hangzhou in the next round. Shanghai Sharks will play at home against Bayi Fubang in Ningbo and are hoping to prove to their supporters that this time they can win.
Top scorers:
Shanghai S.: H.Mike 37+12reb+2ast, L.Marcus 23+2reb, L.Ziqui 14+4reb+2ast, Z.ZhaoXu 9+8reb+2ast, L.Wei 7+1reb+5ast, M.Lingyuan 6+7reb+1ast
Shanxi Zh.: W.Marcus 44+5reb+2ast, G.Charles 37+8reb+1ast, R.Junwei 11+5reb, B.ZhaoBao 8+4reb+1ast, L.XiaoMing 7+4reb+5ast, Z.XueWen 6+2reb
gschID: 158288


Foshan - Bayi Fubang 106-116

There was no surprise when 17th ranked Foshan (6-21) was defeated at home by fifteenth ranked Bayi Fubang (9-17) 116-106 on Friday. The game was mostly controlled by Bayi Fubang. Foshan managed to win fourth quarter 32-24. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 18-of-23 free shots (78.3 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was the former international forward Lei Wang (203-86) who scored 29 points. The former international center ZhiZhi Wang (214-77) chipped in a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds. Bayi Fubang's coach Chang Bin Adijan used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American forward Marcus Haislip (208-80, college: Tennessee) produced 24 points and 5 rebounds and Syrian guard Michel Maadanly (195-81) added 18 points respectively for the hosts. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Bayi Fubang maintains fifteenth place with 9-17 record. Foshan lost eighth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom position with 21 games lost. Bayi Fubang are looking forward to face higher ranked Shanghai Sharks (#10) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Foshan will play against Zhejiang Cyclones (#6) in Hangzhou and is hoping to prove to their supporters that they can break losing series.
Top scorers:
Foshan: H.Marcus 24+5reb+3ast, M.Michel 18+2reb+3ast, L.Zhi 17+4reb+1ast, H.Bing 14+6reb+2ast, Z.Zhun 12+4reb+1ast, M.WuLan 11+3reb+1ast
Bayi Fubang: W.Lei 29+3reb+2ast, W.ZhiZhi 17+10reb+1ast, X.ZhongHao 17+9reb, W.ZhongGuang 14+1reb+3ast, H.Shuo 14+5reb+4ast, Z.Bo 11+2reb+1ast
gschID: 158286




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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


Michael Deloach stays with Svitavy - by Michal Koza

QANTO Basketbal Svitavy decided to keep Michael Deloach (183-PG-86, college: Norfolk St.) till the end of the season as he confirmed to be an useful addition to the team which is currently 9th in the league standings with 9-16 record. He already played in two games and recorded 12 points, 17 assists and 3 steals for his new team. He made his first proffessional steps in Poland with Siarka Jezioro Tarnobrzeg where he averaged 10,8 points, 2,3 assits and 1,8 steals.

BK Decin Brings in Former NBL All-Star Dwight Burke - by Surujh Roopnarine
Looking to strengthen their frontcourt for the upcoming A1 stage of regular season play, BK Decin has announced that they have agreed to terms with former NH Ostrava star Dwight Burke (202-C/F-86, college: Marquette). Burke, 25, began this season in France with Hermine Nantes Atlantique before heading to Austria to play with Allianz Swans Gmunden for a brief stretch in January. While this season abroad has not gone as well as his first two professional seasons, the Brooklyn, New York native may have found a chance for rejuvenation with Decin. The club agreed to bring in Burke on a two week try-out basis, but if all goes hell, he would form a formidable duo with reigning MVP Pavel Houska in the frontcourt. Last season with Ostrava, Burke was named a Mattoni NBL All-Star while averaging 13.5 points, 7.6 rebounds (fifth in the league) and 1.0 assists while shooting 43.8% from the field and 36.1% from three. Burke helped Ostrava to a fifth place regular season finish, their best the last 10 years. After beginning his rookie 2009-10 season in Uruguay, Burke joined Ostrava for the second half of the NBL campaign, appearing in 16 games and averaging 12.3 points and 8.1 rebounds while shooting 50.1% from the field. With the final points of an agreement being finalized, there is still a chance that Burke will be able to suit up for tomorrow's final game of the basic stage, at home against BK JIP Pardubice. BK Decin currently sits in fourth place in the standings with a 18-7 record, one game behind third place Pardubice.

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  DENMARK   


Ligaen Round 22: Horsholm edges Aalborg by two points - by Eurobasket News
The Regular Season in Ligaen is slowly approaching the end. But there may be still some important changes in the final standings in the last 5 rounds.

The most exciting game of round 22 in the Ligaen took place in Horsholm. This derby game ended with only two-point defeat on the road of 8th ranked Aalborg (7-14) to fifth ranked Horsholm (9-13) 72-70 on Wednesday evening. The hosts trailed by 2 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 13-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 72-70. The game was dominated by American players. Forward Bonell Colas (205-82, college: Florida) fired 20 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Power forward Joe Benjamin (201-83, college: W.Virginia St.) chipped in 18 points and 8 rebounds. point guard Ryan White (177-88, college: Texas St.) produced 31 points and 6 steals for lost side. Horsholm moved-up to fourth place, which they share with SISU. Aalborg lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with 14 games lost. They share it with Aabyhoj. Horsholm is looking forward to face league's second-placed Svendborg on the road in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Aalborg will play against Aabyhoj (#9) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Naestved. Third ranked Naestved faced one of their biggest challengers SISU. Host Naestved (14-8) smashed guests from Copenhagen (9-13) 86-62. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Jordan Glynn (200-89, college: SF Austin, agency: I.D.S. Law) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 15 points and 16 rebounds. Corin Henry contributed with 21 points, 6 assists and 4 steals for the winners. Naestved's coach Geoff Kotila felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American forward Donald Rutherford (198-87, college: Catawba) replied with 15 points and 5 rebounds for SISU. Naestved maintains third position with 14-8 record having five points less than leader Bakken. SISU at the other side keeps the fourth place with 13 games lost. They share the position with Horsholm. Naestved will play against Vaerlose (#7) on the road in the next round. SISU will play against Falcon and hopes to get back on the winning track.
The game in Horsens was also quite interesting. Second ranked Bakken (20-1) played at the court of 6th ranked Horsens IC (8-14). Bakken managed to secure a 9-point victory 81-72 on Thursday. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Horsens IC. Chris Christoffersen scored 16 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners. Bakken's coach Philip Dejworek used an eleven-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. At the losing side Will Harris responded with 20 points and 9 rebounds. Bakken have an impressive 16-game winning streak. Defending champion keeps a position of league leader. Loser Horsens IC keeps the sixth place with 14 games lost. They share the position with Vaerlose. Bakken will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Horsens IC will play again against the league's leader Bakken (#1) in Aarhus and hope to secure a win.

In the last game of round 22 Vaerlose was defeated by Svendborg in a road game 81-63.


Naestved - SISU 86-62

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Naestved. Third ranked Naestved faced one of their biggest challengers SISU. Host Naestved (14-8) smashed guests from Copenhagen (9-13) 86-62. The game without a history. Naestved led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Naestved outrebounded SISU 45-19 including a 33-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Jordan Glynn (200-89, college: SF Austin, agency: I.D.S. Law) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 15 points and 16 rebounds. The other American import point guard Corin Henry (180-88, college: Tarleton St.) contributed with 21 points, 6 assists and 4 steals for the winners. Naestved's coach Geoff Kotila felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American forward Donald Rutherford (198-87, college: Catawba) replied with 15 points and 5 rebounds and the former international guard Mike Flowers (193-86, college: Barton, NC) added 14 points in the effort for SISU. Five Naestved and four SISU players scored in double figures. Naestved maintains third position with 14-8 record having five points less than leader Bakken. SISU at the other side keeps the fourth place with 13 games lost. They share the position with Horsholm. Naestved will play against Vaerlose (#7) on the road in the next round. SISU will play against Falcon and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
SISU: D.Rutherford 15+5reb+1ast, M.Nielsen 14+1reb+1ast, M.Flowers 14+3reb+1ast, M.Dennis 10+3reb+4ast, D.Harder 8+3reb, H.Sigmer Nielsen 1+3reb+1ast
Naestved: C.Henry 21+3reb+6ast, J.Glynn 15+16reb+1ast, M.Creppy 14+4reb+2ast, P.Johansen 12+10reb+3ast, L.Hoirup 12+1reb+1ast, N.Brasas 11+5reb+1ast
gschID: 136192


Svendborg - Vaerlose 81-63

There was no surprise when 7th ranked Vaerlose (8-14) was defeated on the road by second ranked Svendborg (20-2) 81-63 on Wednesday. The game was mostly controlled by Svendborg. Vaerlose managed to win fourth quarter 24-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Svendborg dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Vaerlose's 34. American forward Durell Vinson (201-85, college: Wagner) had a double-double by scoring 14 points and 16 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import forward Matthew Kingsley (206-86, college: SF Austin) chipped in 21 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Four Svendborg players scored in double figures. At the losing side American power forward Christopher Sprinker (205, college: Cent.Washington) responded with 12 points and 9 rebounds and forward Mads Rasmussen (191-86) scored 15 points. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Svendborg have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 20-2 record having just -1 point less than leader Bakken. Loser Vaerlose dropped to the sixth place with 14 games lost. They share the position with Horsens IC. Svendborg will meet at home Horsholm (#5) in the next round. Vaerlose will play against Naestved and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Vaerlose: M.Rasmussen 15+1reb+1ast, C.Sprinker 12+9reb, O.Schultz-Barentzen 8+1reb, R.Delk 8+4reb+2ast, A.Karason 8+8reb, T.Dengsoe 4+2reb
Svendborg: M.Kingsley 21+6reb, D.Vinson 14+16reb, M.Plannthin 13+6reb+2ast, A.Darboe 12+1reb+3ast, N.Degn-Andersen 9+2reb, R.Christensen 6+2ast
gschID: 136193


Horsens IC - Bakken 72-81

The game in Horsens was also quite interesting. Second ranked Bakken (20-1) played at the court of 6th ranked Horsens IC (8-14). Bakken managed to secure a 9-point victory 81-72 on Thursday. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Horsens IC. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Horsens IC won third quarter 17-15. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The former international center Chris Christoffersen (218-79, college: Oregon) scored 16 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and the former international point guard Andreas Jakobsen (187-83, college: Columbia, MO) chipped in 15 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists during the contest. Four Bakken players scored in double figures. Bakken's coach Philip Dejworek used an eleven-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. At the losing side American forward Will Harris (198-86, college: Albany) responded with 20 points and 9 rebounds and the former international power forward Hans Schur (203-83, college: Lynn) produced a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 rebounds. Bakken have an impressive 16-game winning streak. Defending champion keeps a position of league leader. Loser Horsens IC keeps the sixth place with 14 games lost. They share the position with Vaerlose. Bakken will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Horsens IC will play again against the league's leader Bakken (#1) in Aarhus and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Horsens IC: W.Harris 20+9reb+3ast, M.Sakne 14+1reb+4ast, H.Schur 14+10reb+1ast, C.Lindberg 8+1reb+2ast, M.St.John 7+14reb+1ast, U.Grinbergs 6+1reb
Bakken: N.Iversen 16+7reb+2ast, C.Christoffersen 16+9reb+4ast, J.Alexander 15+4reb+1ast, A.Jakobsen 15+7reb+6ast, C.Nielsen 6+4reb+2ast, F.Nielsen 5+1reb+1ast
gschID: 168316


Horsholm - Aalborg 72-70

The most exciting game of round 22 in the Ligaen took place in Horsholm. This derby game ended with only two-point defeat on the road of 8th ranked Aalborg (7-14) to fifth ranked Horsholm (9-13) 72-70 on Wednesday evening. The hosts trailed by 2 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 13-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 72-70. The game was dominated by American players. Forward Bonell Colas (205-82, college: Florida) fired 20 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Power forward Joe Benjamin (201-83, college: W.Virginia St.) chipped in 18 points and 8 rebounds. point guard Ryan White (177-88, college: Texas St.) produced 31 points and 6 steals and forward Tony Bishop (201-89, college: Texas St.) added 14 points and 11 rebounds respectively for lost side. Horsholm moved-up to fourth place, which they share with SISU. Aalborg lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with 14 games lost. They share it with Aabyhoj. Horsholm is looking forward to face league's second-placed Svendborg on the road in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Aalborg will play against Aabyhoj (#9) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Aalborg: R.White 31+4reb+2ast, T.Bishop 14+11reb+1ast, S.Eleraky 10+6reb+1ast, A.Nielsen 5+1ast, S.Sorensen 4+4reb, B.Sorensen 4+1reb+1ast
Horsholm: B.Colas 20+8reb+3ast, J.Benjamin 18+8reb+1ast, A.Bak 15+1reb, Z.Jukic 9, B.Marinkovic 4+3reb, V.Aleksic 3+8reb
gschID: 136191




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  D-LEAGUE   


Devan Downey Joins Fort Wayne Mad Ants - by Surujh Roopnarine
The Fort Wayne Mad Ants have acquired second-year player Devan Downey (5'9''-G-87, college: S.Carolina) after he cleared waivers earlier this week. The 5-9 guard from the University of South Carolina made his D-League debut last night as the Mad Ants fell 109-115 to the Maine Red Claws. Downey logged 18 minutes off the bench, scoring six points and handing out two assists while shooting 2-5 from the field. Downey began this season in Belgium with VOO Verviers-Pepinster, but failed to make a drastic impact. In five games he averaged 7.4 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 2.8 steals, but shot just 14-40 from the field and 0-4 from three. During his rookie 2010-11 season, the 5-9 Downey played in Turkey, Croatia and France. The Chester, SC native was one of the countrys most prolific players during his final three-seasons of college. During his senior season with the Gamecocks he finished in the top-5 in the NCAA in scoring (22.4ppg) and steals (2.7spg). Downey went undrafted out of college and spent the summer of 2012 with the Sacramento Kings Summer League entry in Las Vegas.

Mad Ants acquire guard - by Eurobasket News
The Mad Ants have acquired Devan Downey (5'9''-G-87, college: S.Carolina) from the available player pool and have waived point guard Tory Jackson due to an injury suffered this week in practice.

Downey is a 5-foot-9 point guard out of the University of South Carolina. He played overseas last season in Turkey, Croatia, and France. As a senior at South Carolina he averaged 22.5 points and 3.5 assists per game. He was selected to the 1st Team All-SEC all three years at South Carolina and started his career at Cincinnati where he was named to the Big East All-Rookie team.

Courtesy of www.journalgazette.net

Derrick Byars returns to Bakersfield - by Eurobasket News
The Bakersfield Jam announced today that they have acquired shooting guard/small forward Derrick Byars (6'7''-G/F-84, agency: Beo Basket, college: Vanderbilt).

A first round selection (5th overall) by the Bakersfield Jam in the 2008 NBA Development League Draft, Byars played 49 games in the 2008-2009 season averaging 17.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. He returned two seasons later to the Jam in January 2011, where he played in 33 games and averaged 17.5 points and 5.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists.

Most recently, Byars participated in the Miami Heat's 2011-12 training camp. Byars was drafted by the Portland Trailblazers in the second round (42nd overall) of the 2007 NBA Draft, and was then traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. He has played overseas in Greece, Germany, and France. Byars has participated in the NBA Summer League with the Philadelphia 76ers (2007), New Orleans Hornets (2008), Oklahoma City Thunder (2008-2009), Indiana Pacers (2009) and the Chicago Bulls (2010).

As a senior at Vanderbilt, Byars averaged 17.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.4 steals. He was named All-SEC Player of the Year in 2007.

David Palmer has been re-acquired and Chu Maduabum has been waived due to injury. The roster now stands at 10.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Latest games: Red Claws put down Mad Ants - by Eurobasket News
Ft.Wayne MA - Maine RC 109-115
Justin Brownlee's (6'7''-F-88, college: St.John's) floating jump shot with 18 seconds left in the third period whipped through the net, giving the Maine Red Claws an 83-81 lead entering the final quarter Thursday night. The Red Claws led the rest of the way for a 115-109 victory against the Fort Wayne Mad Ants in an NBA Developmental League game. Brownlee started the last period with a layup, then converted a pair of free throws after Dominic Calegari's bank shot for an 88-81 Maine lead. The teams traded baskets until jump shots by Fort Wayne's Darnell Lazare and Gilbert Brown pulled the Mad Ants within 99-96 with 4:15 to play. Lawrence Hill countered with a 3-pointer to begin a 12-4 run that gave the Red Claws a 111-100 lead with 54 seconds left. Hill also made a jump shot during the run. Courtney Pigram drained a 3-pointer, and Paul Harris and Kenny Hayes (6'2''-PG-87, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Miami, OH) hit two free throws apiece. Kenny Hayes finished with 26 points and Morris Almond 20 to lead seven Maine players in double digits. Lazare led Fort Wayne with 31 points and 11 rebounds. Cameron Jones complemented Lazare with 28 points. The win improved Maine's record to 11-17 and put the Red Claws in sole possession of sixth place in the Eastern Conference. The Mad Ants, tied with Maine entering the game, dropped to 10-18 and seventh place in the East. *Courtesy of www.pressherald.com

Bakersfield J. - Erie Bay H. 105-116
Keith McLeod (6'3''-PG-79, college: Bowling Green) scored a game-high 24 points and added 12 assists as the Erie BayHawks led from start to finish in a 116-105 victory over the Bakersfield Jam Thursday night. Kyle Spain (6'5''-F-87, college: San Diego St.) (20 points, 11 rebounds) also had a double-double for Erie, which improved to .500 (13-13) after winning for the fourth time in its past five games. Spain went 6-of-8 from 3-point range. Tirrell Baines and D.J. Kennedy added 22 points apiece for the 'Hawks. McLeod scored five points as Erie opened the game on a 12-0 run at the Jam Events Center. Bakersfield (13-12) closed the second quarter on a 12-4 spurt and trailed 59-56 at halftime. The Jam never got closer than three points in the second half. Jeremy Wise had 19 points and 10 assists to lead the Jam. Osiris Eldridge scored 18 points and Renaldo Major added 16. The 'Hawks remain in California for their next two games, as they play the Los Angeles D-Fenders Saturday at 9:30 p.m. and Monday at 10 p.m. *Courtesy of www.goerie.com

Springfield A. - Sioux Falls S. 103-96
The Springfield Armor defeated the Skyforce 103-96 on Thursday night at the MassMutal Center. The Skyforce (7-20) trailed by as many 14 points in the fourth quarter, cutting the lead to seven late in the game. Sioux Falls had five players in double-figures led by Gabe Pruitt (6'4''-G-86, college: USC), who had 19 points and 10 assists. Keith Benson (6'11''-C-88, college: Oakland) had 15 points and 13 rebounds. Trey Gilder had 18, Anthony Mason Jr. had 16 and Charles Garcia added 10 points. The Skyforce hit just 1-of-16 from beyind the 3-point arc. The teams will play again tonight in Sprinfield. *Courtesy of http://www.argusleader.com

Tulsa 66ers - Reno B. 85-79
The Reno Bighorns were held to a season-low 79 points as the Tulsa 66ers ended the Bighorns' three-game road winning streak Thursday night, 85-79. Andre Emmett (6'5''-G/F-82, college: Texas Tech) led the Bighorns with 16 points and eight rebounds while Mo Charlo once again posted a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds. The Bighorns went an impressive 3-1 on their four-game road trip. The Bighorns were held to only 37.3 percent shooting on the night, converting on only 3-of-20 three-point attempts. The team turned the ball over 22 times and dished out only 12 total assists.The Bighorns missed the offensive spark of the NBA D-League's leading scorer Blake Ahearn (6'2''-PG-84, college: Missouri St.), who missed the game due to illness. Jerome Dyson led the 66ers with 31 points, supplemented by Ryan Reid's 10 points and 14 rebounds. The Bighorns return to Reno to take on the Bakersfield Jam on Saturday, February 4 and Monday, February 6 at the Reno Events Center. *Courtesy of www.ktvn.com

Texas L. - Reno B. 112-119
The Reno Bighorns won their third consecutive road game against the Texas Legends Wednesday night, escaping with a 119-112 victory. Andre Emmett 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 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

Austin T. - Rio Grande VV 101-114
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 and Greg Smith 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

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  EGYPT   


Turk Telecom U16 Tournament: Ehab Saleh pulls Egypt to the semis - by Eurobasket News
Egypt U17-Ukraine U16 91:69

Ehab Saleh pulls Egypt to the semis of the Turk Telekom International Tournament for U16 teams. The African team proved their ambitions for the top places after an easy 91:69 win.
Egypt did not waste time and took the lead in the first period winning 16:12. The second period was decisive in the game as the African representative needed 31-16 for 19-point advantage at the halftime. Ukraine managed to win the third quarter 21-18, but could not keep the race with the favorites. Egypt finished the game with 26-20 and advanced to the semifinals.
Ehab Saleh stepped up with 34 points and Moataz Hosny (201-C-95) collected 16 points and 13 rebounds. Ahmet Mahran notched 11, while Wessam Shafik and Mohammed El Sayed posted 8 apiece. Oleksandr Kobets (192-SF-96) ended up with 22 points and Maksym Miroshnychenko (175-PG-96) had 13. Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk (194-SG-97) and Sergiy Pryymak (199-SF-96) followed them with 10 points each.

Egypt U17: Ehab Saleh 34, Moataz Hosny 16+13 rebs, Ahmet Mahran 11, Wessam Shafik 8, Mohammed El Sayed 8
Ukraine U16: Oleksandr Kobets 22, Maksym Miroshnychenko 13, Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk 10, Sergiy Pryymak 10

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  EUROCUP   


Siim-Sander Vene heads to Riga - by Eurobasket News
Siim-Sander Vene (203-F-90) is another newcomer in VEF Riga. Shortly after inking a deal with Donatas Zavackas (203-F-80, college: Pittsburgh) the Latvian powerhouse announced Siim-Sander Vene. The Estonian forward started the season in Lithuania. The youngster played for Baltai Kaunas. He averaged 8.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.3 steals per game in LKL. In Baltic League Siim-Sander Vene notched 11.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals per appearance. Last season Siim-Sander Vene started in Aisciai Kaunas. Later the forward moved to Ludwigsburg in Germany. Siim-Sander Vene has been the member of Estonian National Team since 2009. He also played for U16, U18 and U20 National Teams.


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  EUROLEAGUE   


Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Mirza TELETOVIC
  Caja L.
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 22
 1. Teletovic, Caja L.22.0 
 2. Spanoulis, Olympia.19.3 
 3. McCalebb, Montepa.18.1 
 4. Domercant, Unics16.8 
 5. Mallet, Spirou16.6 
 6. Gallinari, Armani16.4 
 7. Krstic, CSKA16.0 
 8. Weems, Zalgiris16.0 
 9. Pekovic, Partizan15.4 
 10. Carroll, Real Mad.15.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Milan MACVAN
  Partizan
  (206-C-89)
  Avg: 8.2
 1. Macvan, Partizan8.2 
 2. Motiejunas, Asseco7.9 
 3. Kirilenko, CSKA7.9 
 4. Akingbala, Nancy6.9 
 5. Slaughter, Brose B.6.9 
 6. Krstic, CSKA6.8 
 7. Kasun, KK.6.6 
 8. Freeland, Unicaja6.6 
 9. Veremeenko, Unics6.5 
 10. Zoric, Unicaja6.5 
Assists Per Game
 Sergio RODRIGUEZ
  Real M.
  (191-G-86)
  Avg: 5.5
 1. Rodriguez, Real M.5.5 
 2. Batum, Nancy5.2 
 3. Teodosic, CSKA5.1 
 4. Diamantidis, Panat.5.1 
 5. Cook, Armani MI4.9 
 6. Prigioni, Caja L.4.6 
 7. Tunceri, Anadolu4.6 
 8. Blassingame, Assec.4.5 
 9. Huertas, FCB Regal4.5 
 10. Spanoulis, Olympi.4.4 
Steals Per Game
 Tarence KINSEY
  Anadolu .
  (200-G-84)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Kinsey, Anadolu2.2 
 2. Prigioni, Caja L.2.2 
 3. Sefolosha, Fener.U.2.1 
 4. Linehan, Nancy2.0 
 5. Kirilenko, CSKA1.9 
 6. Gordon, Galatasaray1.9 
 7. Slaughter, Brose B.1.8 
 8. Batum, Nancy1.7 
 9. Eidson, FCB Regal1.5 
 10. Calathes, Panathi.1.5 
Blocks Per Game
 Andrei KIRILENKO
  CSKA
  (205-F-81)
  Avg: 2.9
 1. Kirilenko, CSKA2.9 
 2. Ibaka, Real Madrid2.0 
 3. Begic, Real Madrid1.6 
 4. Riddick, Spirou1.6 
 5. Ilyasova, Anadolu1.5 
 6. Fischer, Gescrap BB1.4 
 7. Perovic, FCB Regal1.3 
 8. Slaughter, Brose B.1.3 
 9. Vazquez, FCB Regal1.2 
 10. Hendrix, Maccabi1.2 


Top 16: Round Three review - by Eurobasket News
Group E
CSKA - Galatasaray 85-70
CSKA Moscow registered 13th straight win in Euroleague this season. The Russian powerhouse outplayed Galatasaray 85-70 for 3-0 record in Top 16, Group E. At the same time, Galatasaray dropped to 1-2. Nenad Krstic (213-C-83) was a key player in victory with 20 points and 9 rebounds (valuation 31). Milos Teodosic (195-G-87) scored 12 points, while Viktor Khryapa (204-F/G-82) (6 as) and Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78) added 11 pts each. In the loosing squad, Jamon Lukas Gordon (191-G-84, college: Virginia Tech) collected 15 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Ender Arslan (190-G-83) scored 13 points, while Furkan Aldemir (207-F-91, agency: Beo Basket) was close to double-double with 11 points and 9 rebs. Third quarter was the crucial one in this meeting. CSKA jumped to plus 18 during this period and later had no troubles to keep its lead for rest of the game. Quarters: 19-12, 25-25, 22-15, 19-18. Galatasaray will host CSKA next week in Istanbul.

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.

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.

Unicaja - Montepaschi 68-91
Montepaschi did a great job in Malaga on Thursday night. The Italian champion handed 68-91 home loss to Unicaja for perfect 3-0 record in Group F of the Euroleague Top 16. Unicaja stays the only winless team in this pool. David Moss (196-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: Indiana St.) shined for the guests with 20 points and 7 rebounds. Ksistof Lavrinovic (210-C-79) scored 18 points and David Andersen (212-C-80) followed with 15 points, plus 6 boards. For the hosts, Joel Freeland (208-F-87) was better than the others with 14 points and 9 rebs. Tremmell Darden (194-G/F-81, college: Niagara) scored 13 and Luka Zoric (211-C/F-84) added 11 points and 7 rebs. Montepaschi opened the game strongly as they made 8-point lead in the first ten minutes. Visitors had plus 10 at the HT and plus 14 after 30 minutes of play. That was not all as Montepaschi dominated in Q4 with 11-20 for the final 68-91 road victory. Two teams will meet in Siena next week.

Group G
Fener.Ulker - Panathinaikos 56-77
Panathinaikos quickly recovered from the last week's shocking home loss against Unics and cruised past Fenerbahce Ulker in Istanbul 56-77. PAO grabbed 15-point lead already in the first quarter. They even touched plus 19 at the halfway of Q2, which later ended with 22-36. Nothing has changed after the breather as PAO was holding double digit lead all the time and actually jumped to plus 21 in the finish of this game. Kostas Kaimakoglou (206-C/F-83) led PAO with 19 points and 5 rebounds. Mike Batiste (203-F-77, college: Arizona St.) had 15 points and 5 boards, while Romain Sato (194-G/F-81, college: Xavier) collected 12 points and 10 reb. Sato didn't miss a single shot last night. For the hosts, Curtis Jerrells (185-G-87, college: Baylor) netted 12 points and Roko-Leni Ukic (196-G-84) had one less. Kaya Peker (207-C/F-80, agency: Court Side) registered 10 points and 5 rebounds. Quarters: 9-24, 13-12, 21-22, 13-19. Two teams will meet against next week, but PAO will be the host. PAO 2-1, Fener 1-2 in Group G.

Unics - Armani MI 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.

Group H
FCB Regal - Zalgiris 94-80
Regal Barca handed 94-80 loss to Zalgiris keeping the perfect score in Group H of the Euroleague Top 16. Barca jumped to 3-0, while at the same time Zalgirs faced with third straight loss. Visitors had pretty good first half of the game and they were holding 1-point lead, 42-43. However, Barca took control on them after the breather and with two strong periods registered double-digit victory at the end. Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) dominated in the paint with 19 points and 5 rebounds. Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) scored 16 points and Marcelinho Huertas (191-PG-83, agency: Edge Sports) added 14 points, plus 6 assists. In Zalgiris, Sonny Weems (198-G/F-86, college: Arkansas) delivered 17 points. Robertas Javtokas (211-C-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Arizona) scored 13, while Paulius Jankunas (205-F-84, agency: Interperformances) and Milovan Rakovic (208-C-85) netted 12 points each. Quarters: 23-18, 19-25, 21-16, 31-21. Two teams will meet next week in Kaunas.

Bennet Cantu - Maccabi T-A 82-74
Both teams had 1-1 record in Group H of the Euroleague Top 16 before this meeting. Bennet Cantu won every single quarter to beat Maccabi Electra 82-74 on Thursday night. Vladimir Micov (203-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) stepped up for the home squad with 17 points and 9 assists (valuation 24). Gianluca Basile (192-G-75) had 14 points, Giorgi Shermadini (216-C-89) (5 rebs) scored 13 and Manuchar Markoishvili (196-G-86) followed them with 11 points, plus 7 rebounds. In Maccabi, Keith Langford (193-G/F-83, college: Kansas) top-scored with 16 points (5 rebs). Their best player was Richard Hendrix (203-F/C-86, college: Alabama) with 15 points and 7 boards (valuation 27, MVP). Third scorers in defeat were Demond Mallet (186-G-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: McNeese St.) and Sofoklis Schortsanitis (206-C-85) with only 8 pts each. Cantu had 10-point lead at the beginning of the last quarter and Maccabi closed the gap to four few minutes later. Richard Hendrix denied Giorgi Shermadini once more, so Cantu went to the bench for Marconato, who scored to make it 72-66. Mallet tried a triple that went in and out and instead Gianluca Basile nailed his fourth three to swing the pendulum back to Cantu, 75-68. Cantu jumped to plus 10 after that and question about the winner was resolved. Quarters: 23-20, 26-24, 17-16, 16-14. Maccabi will be the host against Cantu next week.

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


KORISLIIGA: Pyrinto defeated Kataja - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Korisliiga, round 28: Three contests tonight. Pyrinto (Tampere) defeated League Top Team Kataja, Joensuu (22-5) by one 66-65 (31-34). The winning bucket in this thriller was made by Antero Lehto (184-G-84), who hit his 3-pointer at time 38:30 (66-63). Sami Lehtoranta (205-C/F-79) made his FTs at time 38:55 (66-65) and the last minute was then missed shots or turnovers. Damon Williams (201-F-73, college: Colorado St.-Pueblo) led Pyrinto with a double-double 13pts/12rbs and giving six assists plus blocking three shots. The only minus was missing all six 3-pointers. Antti Nikkila (210-F/C-78, college: Valparaiso) added 11 pts. Jared Newson (195-G/F-84, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Tenn-Martin) (Kataja) scored game high 20 pts. B.A. Walker (188-G-84, agency: Pro One Sports, college: VCU) netted 11 and Antti Kanervo (193-G/F-89) 10 pts.
Torpan Pojat (Helsinki) had crushed YMCA Lappeenranta in Helsinki 107-72 at the end of October. This time visitor YMCA LPR was much closer to victory, but the last minute was too much and ToPo won 80-72 (35-35). Timo Heinonen (198-F-81) scored his season high 30 points (1 - 4/4, 2 - 4/6, 3 - 6/8) and helped ToPo a lot. Josh Wilson (188-PG-87, agency: Hightower Law Firm, college: N.Arizona) added 17 pts and Kimmo Muurinen (202-F-81, college: UALR) nine pts. DeAndre Haynes (187-G-84, agency: Court Side, college: Kent St.) led YMCA LPR with 19 pts and nine assists. Lawrence Hamm (198-F-84, agency: Court Side, college: Towson) had a double-double 15pts/11rbs. And KTP (Kotka) beat Vilpas (Salo) 90-69 (34-39). KTP won the third quarter 36-19 and the second half 56-30. Tim Blue (205-F-84, college: Middle Tenn.St.) (KTP) again game MVP with 26pts/13rbs. Tony Crocker (201-G/F-87, college: Oklahoma) added 25 pts. Emmanuel Holloway (188-G-86, college: Illinois St.) led Vilpas with 23 pts.

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


Turk Telecom U16 Tournament: Poland overwhelm France at Ataturk Arena - by Eurobasket News
Poland U16-France U16 71:51

Poland overwhelm France at Ataturk Arena at the Turk Telekom International Tournament for U16 teams. The Polish side shocked the French outfit 29-8. Polish players erupted with 21-1 run in the third quarter to seal the victory. Trailing 4 points at the halftime, Polish team managed to win the game.
Marek Zywert (181-G-96) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Grzegorz Kulka (198-PF-96) added 11. Kamil Zywert (183-PG-96) nailed 10, while Filip Pruefer (208-C-96) and Igor Wadowski (195-F-96) scored 7 apiece. Ywen Smock (201-PF-96) finished the game with 13 points for France and Etienne Ory (175-PG-96) scored 8.
In the Semifinal Poland will take on Germany. The latter surprised the hosts for the Semifinal birth of the Turk Telekom International Tournament for U16 teams. The German team overcame Turkey 51:47 in the defensive encounter.

Poland U16: Marek Zywert 18, Grzegorz Kulka 11, Kamil Zywert 10, Filip Pruefer 7, Igor Wadowski 7
France U16: Ywen Smock 13, Etienne Ory 8


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


Basco Batumi lands Revazashvili - by Eurobasket Center
Basco Batumi strengthened their roster with addition of 21-year old center Giorgi Revazashvili (208-C-91). In his first game he scored 10 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Despite his good performance his new team lost to MIA Academy 56-96. Revazashvili played most recently at Maccabi Brinkford Tbilisi (Superleague).

By Eurobasket Data Center

Markoishvili and Shermadini - by Darbaiseli
Italian Bennet Cantu of Georgian basketball players Manuchar Markoishvili and Giorgi Shermadini continues surprising Europe. No one expected Bennet Cantu to go through Euroleague Top 16 though the team has a pretension to play in final.

In the third round of Top 16, the Italian team hosted Maccabi Tel Aviv on Arena Pala Desio and beat it 82:74. Georgian basketball players earned 24 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals and 2 block-shots.

None of Georgians were in the main staff.

Markoishvili spent 28:19 minutes on the arena. He collected 11 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals. Manuchar scored 3 from 5 2 points, 1 from 4 3 points and both two free throws. He lost the ball once, received one personal foul. Three fouls were committed against him.

As for Shermadini, he played for 25:23 minutes and earned 13 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and 2 block-shots. Georgian center scored 4 from 9 2 points and all 5 free throws. He lost the ball once and received two fouls. 5 fouls were committed against him.

Vladimir Micov of Serbia became the best player of Bennet Cantu. He earned 17 points and 9 assists. Richard Hendrix of America (Maccabi) earned 15 points and 7 rebounds.

Bennet Cantu is in the 2nd place of Group H with two victories and 1 failure. The team is one victory behind Spanish Barcelona which beat Lithuanian Zalgiris 94:80. The Italian team will hold three games in Top 16. On February 9, Bennet Cantu will visit Maccabi in Tel Aviv. On February 23, Italians will host Barcelona and on February 29, they will visit Zalgiris in Lithuania. In order to go through final, team must get in two best teams of the group.
Giorgi Markoishvili (200-G/F-83)

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


Can The Fraport Skyliners Extend Their Winning Streak On The Road In Ludwigsburg To 6 Games? - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
At the moment in the NBA, some teams have as many games a week as Beko BBL teams have games in a month. Ex Skyliner Jon Leuer has played 20 games in about a five week span and will surely never trade anything for the chance to lace them up in the NBA, but he possibly may day dream every so often and look back to the more tranquil life in the Beko BBL where 1-2 games a week seemed like a blessing in disguise for the recuperation of his basketball body. For the Fraport Sklyiners, they will have been idle for 15 days days when they next meet EnBW Ludwigsburg on February 4th as their last game was the dreadful and unnecessary loss to their Hessen derby neighbor January 20th. When you are away so long, it is always difficult getting the rhythm back which you had before the break. The players have to take good care of their bodies. Two weeks is a long time and that can always hurt the conditioning of a player. Tactical things wont be much of a challenge, because they never really change. The European schedule is good for the body and working on your game between games as too many games take atoll on the body which one sees with all the injuries in the NBA. The problem with the schedule in Europe is that you have too much time to dwell on a loss while in the NBA, you need to have a short memory, stressed Quentin Pryor who is playing in Wels, Austria. In between, the team had a fun, but meaningless game against the Pascal Roller allstars in his farewell game January 28th. With the long competitive delay and a place in the middle of the Beko BBL rankings, the team was as focused to get back to their day job as Tom Brady was after the AFC championship win with that special sparkle in his eyes giving an indirect look that he wont lose a second Super Bowl to Eli Manning and the New York Giants, Super model Heidi Klum decision in making her chapter in love with Mr kiss from a rose Seal final with a divorce and Mr Aerosmith Steven Tyler recently reciting an interesting and so Tylerisch redemption of the national anthem. I think the break and having the Pascal Roller farewell game in between was a good thing for the players. I think for the new Skyliner Americans, they cant really realize what Pascal Roller meant to basketball in Germany and to the organization Skyliners. For the German players playing in this game meant a lot. Even if the Roller game was for fun, I think that it could have a positive effect on the chemistry of the Skyliners, warned Walter tiger Tuebingen forward Ruben Spoden.

It has been a while since the wins for EnBW Ludwigsburg were as frequent as they have been for the Brose Baskets Bamberg in the last years. There was one season, where the team was winning, winning, winning and Who could forget the 2006-2007 EnBW Ludwigsburg Cinderella team that started the season on a seven game winning streak, winning the first 11 of 12 games and dominating the BBL the whole season until losing in the semi finals against The Brose Baskets Bamberg who would later win the BBL title. There was something so fresh with this team as team basketball had been taught by coach Silvano Propat and his players had learned it as quickly as first graders do their a,b,cs. However the last two seasons were a downgrade as the playoffs were missed. In the 2007-2008 season, the team reached the BBL cup final losing to The Artland Dragons, but management somehow had their differences with coach Silvano Poropat as he had to pack his bags and go. In 2008-2009, management brought in ex Bamberg player Rick Stafford as the team missed the playoffs again and were searching for an identity all season long, but never found one. After December 14th, 2008, the team would not win more than one game at a time before losing again. It was a very disappointing and weird season as the biggest highlights were the three B wins against Berlin, Bonn and Bamberg, and then the strange 1-0 win as The Giessen 46ers were unable to get to Ludwigsburg on time as they were stuck in traffic. It also marked the last professional season of all rounder and likeable American Brandon Woudstra who decided to hang up his sneakers and return back to the States to start a new life with his family. The 2009-2010 season marked a rebirth as a new arena was introduced, a new coach with Tolga Ongoren and many new Americans that would hopefully lead the club back to the playoffs. Many fans had to get used to watching basketball in a new state of the art arena as the club said goodbye to the old, but comfy Rundsporthalle that had been alive for 37 years. The goal last season could only be the playoffs as the club has a lot of pressure from their sponsor to perform in the new arena, but this important goal was missed as the team missed the playoffs for the third consecutive season finishing the season in 11th place with a record 17-17. In the last three seasons, the club had a dismal record of 48-54. Two years ago, the club started well last season winning seven of their first nine games including a six game winning streak, but then lost nine of 11 games. The team had the problem of being consistent and was unable to beat the big teams. Their two biggest wins of the season was against Oldenburg and BG Goettingen. The team was strong on paper, with players like Kyle Bailey, Michael King, Quadre Lollis, Kyle Visser, Michael Haynes, Domonic Jones and Richard Chaney, but coach Tolga Ongoren was unable to produce a chemistry on the court and something else was missing as well. 'It seemed that winning wasnt as important to some guys as their selves. They definitely were talented enough for the playoffs, but they lost some games that they should of won', stressed ex Paderborn guard Steven Wright.

Last season, EnBW Ludwigsburg got off to a slow start as they were in 15th place with a record of 2-5 before the first meeting with The Deutsche Bank Skyliners in Frankfurt in November. Despite the poor start, it was simply to early to have any panic yet in Ludwigsburg. 'Ludwigsburg is a very experienced team. They were tough to handle down low, because they are so big. The team seemed to have tough luck at the start', stressed Quentin Pryor. It didnt help the team either that power forward Donatas Zavackas was injured in the first months missing 7 games. In November EnBW Ludwigsburg and many other teams were having growing pains. 'Ludwigsburg is a very good team and were finding each other as are many other teams in the league were. They have great players and continued to improve. Their strength is the guards and Harris, Green and Bowler play a great role. They have a good inside out game and have depth at the guard position. It was just a matter of time before they started winning. I just think they play well together and they started to understand their go to guys and their roles later', said John Bynum. 'Their weakness is that they lack some depth from the bench', expressed Quentin Pryor. 'I think depth is their weakness, but at the same time they make it up with what there starters bring to the table', added John Bynun. Jerry Green might be their key player for the team, but so was Harris, Bowler and Rickert. 'Alex Harris was their X-factor last season being their leading scorer and main threat from the perimeter. Bowler and Rickert were a tough tandem to handle because they are so big. You have to crowd Bowler and make him put the ball on the floor. You have to fight Rickert for position and cant let him catch the ball close to the basket, because then you will be in trouble', stated Quentin Pryor. 'Without a question Alex Harris was their X-factor', warned John Bynum. EnBW Ludwigsburg went on a five game winning streak in December 2010 which got them more into the direction of the beko BBL playoffs. The club showed nerves of steel winning a big game in Oldenburg 67-66. Since the winning streak, the team has played in spurts having two three game winning streaks and one three game losing streak, but at the same time were over 500 with a 10-8 record and on course for the playoffs as they their fate leads in their hands. In the last two months it seems like the chemistry has progressed positively as they have won five of their last eight games and three of their last four games. 'They were clicking right at the right time. They have did some good things in the last couple of weeks and they were showing why they are in the playoff race. If a team clicks especially at this time of the year it can be very dangerous to play for a higher seed', warned John Bynum. The biggest wins of the season for EnBW Ludwigsburg was against 8 time beko BBL champion Alba Berlin, BG Goettingen and The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig at home. However their 2010-2011 rollar coaster season ended at home on a sad note as the ylost the last two games of the season to Bamberg and 94-79 to Frankfurt which they had to win to enter the playoffs and finished with a 18-16 record landing in ninth place.

Before the season started, team CEO Alexander Reil stressed a three point plan that he wanted to achieve with EnBW Ludwigsburg with consistency, Identification and giving the fans an attractive basketball game. The club hasnt reached the Beko BBL playoffs since 2007 and since then the fans have gotten impatient, but it seems like with only a minimal budget, the expectations seem to be a lot higher than what they should be. Markus Jochem started his planning for this season, by doing an important deed by keep a healthy core of his players from last season with with John Mr old school Bowler, German forward Johannes Lischka who is on the verge of breaking out, the heart and soul of the team point guard Jerry Green, athletic sharp shooter Alex Harris, Mr versatile forward Lithuanian Donatas Zavackas and the added assistant coach on the court who will do anything to win David Mccray. Jochum brought in defense stand out Mark Dorris who was the fifth best scorer in the Beko BBL last season, shot blocking sensation and rebound ace Kurt Looby and recently Jeff Greer who adds experience that is lacking with the retirement to ex NBA player Toby Bailey. The team lost only Bailey and Rick Rickert. Recently the club brought in experienced Jeff Greer who has had a long and successful basketball career in France.

The 2011-2012, season started off with a bang as EnBW Ludwigsburg won three of their first four games beating Giessen and potential playoff teams the EWE Baskets Oldenburg and Bremerhaven at home showing early their scoring power averaging 90 points in the two wins against the teams from the north. However then out of nowhere and totally unexpected, the club went on a severe tailspin losing nine of ten games and recently axed having Markus Jochum as head coach a man who Is a basketball legend in Ludwigsburg having played for the club from 1987-1996 and played 62 games for the German national team, the team recently had to react and he had to pack his bags and assistant coach Steven Key took over the reigns. The team has misfortune at the start of the losing streak losing to Braunschweig and Ulm by one point, but in the last weeks have given up more than 80 points per game as their bad habit of allowing too many points from last season seems to have surfaced again. The team has a very solid roster and should be a team that can be in the 10-13 range in the standings.Ludwigsburg have been going through a tough period. They have been without Jerry Green and structure is missing. Dorris is more of a scoring point guard than an organizer, added ex TBB Trier German Christian Hoffmann. It is no secret that the Beko BBL has gotten stronger each year, but EnBW Luwdwigsburg is a club that could battle for the positions 9-12. Their strength is their athletic guards. Their weakness is the defense. Their big guys arent as mobile and the opponents get easy baskets inside. Without Green, something is missing on defense. On offense , a guy like John Bowler needs to get the ball inside more where he is dangerous, but too often he is only taking the pick and pop which he can make, but his game is more inside, warned Christian Hoffmann.

The Fraport Skyliners have nice memories of the last 13 games against EnBW Ludwigsburg having a 9-4 record. They have a 5-1 record in the Ballsporthalle. Frankfurt has a 1-1 record in the new Ludwigsburg arena. One player who has fond memories of playing EnBW Ludwigsburg is ex Skyliner Derrick Allen who was the top scorer of Frankfurt in four of the last six games including a 37 point performance in a 96-87 win in 2008. In 2008-2009, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners split the season series 1-1 winning 68-64 at home getting 19 points from Aubrey Reese and losing the last game of the season 71-62 on the road getting 18 points from Derrick Allen. Last season, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners beat EnBW Ludwigsburg 74-67 in a low scoring affair. Frankfurt was led by Roger Powell with 16 points and six rebounds while current beko BBL top scorer Dashaun Wood chipped in with 13 points and eight assists. EnBW Ludwigsburg was led by Alex Harris with 18 points and ex Telekom Baskets Bonn center John Bowler was tough with 13 points and nine rebounds. In the last game of the season in Ludwigsburg, the Skyliners whipped EnBW Ludwigsburg 94-79 as ex NBA player Roger Powell had his best game as a Skyliner pouring in 28 points and Dashaun Wood added a double double with 19 points and 10 assists. In their first meeting this season, Frankfurt won 76-72. The Skyliners were led by jermareo Davidson with 21 points and eight rebounds. Michael Thompson added 17 points and Johannes Herber 11 points. Alex Harris led Ludwigsburg with 16 points. Jerry Green produced 15 points and Mark Dorris 10 points.

The Fraport Skyliners enter the game against EnBW Ludwigsburg looking for their sixth win in a row on the road and a hot Devin Gibson who played at The university of Texas at San Antonio. He had big games in Wurzburg and against Giessen and could slide into the starting point guard position. Frankfurt needs to play good defense like they did against us which usually will spark their offense. They have to take out their big guys and attack from outside, stressed Christian Hoffmann. EnBW Ludwigsburg finally won again in Tuebingen after having lost 9 of their last 10, but have lost their last three games including their fourth loss by one point this season in Trier last weekend. They got a big blow losing big man John Bowler for the season and guards Jerry Green and Mark Dorris arent at 100% either. The team has brought in guard Anthony Fisher (191-G-86, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) on a try out basis to help out. Fisher is a 25 year old 191cm guard that played at Tennessee Tech (NCAA) and had stints in Switzerland, Germany (with Frankfurt) and last season played for PVSK Pannonpower Pecs (Hungary-A Division, starting five), only pre-season, in Oct.'10 moved to SKK Kotwica Kolobrzeg (Poland-PLK, starting five): 22 games: 13.2ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.5apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 31.4%, FT: 73.9%. The team also returned Ermin Jazvin who is a 31 year old 201cm center from Bosnia-Herzegovia. He played with EnBW Ludwigsburg from 2004-2006. He was brought in to compensate the John Bowler season ending injury. Jazvin has a lot of experience having played in countries like Greece,Russia, Spain, Ukraine and Poland. Ludwigsburg is a lot better than their record shows. Frankfurt cant let the Allstar three point king Donatas Zavackas get any open shots, keep Joe Lischka in check and keep an eye on David mccray who can always change momentum of game with his defense and energy. He is often underestimated, warned Ruben Spoden.
EnBW Ludwigsburg are led by 31 year old 203cm Donatas Zavackas from Lithuania who is playing his second season there. He is a hard nosed and very versatile player, with good on 1-on-1 offensive skills; excels in game without the ball, and runs the court very well; shoots well from the distance, and defense well, thanks to a strong body can play in the two forward positions, but his size and quickness make him better for the Shooting forward position. He played at : Pittsburgh (NCAA) from 1998-2003 reaching the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2002 and 2003. In his 8 year professional basketball career, he has played in countries like Poland, France, Belgium, Italy and Spain. Before coming to Germany, he played for top European team Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius from 2008-2010 playing 10 Euroleague games. Last season for Ludwigsburg, he played 27 games: 12.5ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 41.7%, 3PT-2 (49.5%), FT-3 (88.5%). He was Lithuanian League Champion and cup winner in 2009 and 2010 and won the Eurocup in 2009 with Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius. The team brought back Alex Harris who is a 25 year old 196cm guard from Mission Viejo, California that is playing his first season in Luwdigsburg. He grew up in Alameda, California and played at the University of California/Santa Barbara from 2004-2008 and in his senior year, he played games: 20.2ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 43.0%, 3Pts: 42.3%, FT: 81.2%. After college, he played in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft): 3 games: 8.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 34.5%, 3PT: 11.1%, FT: 66.7%. In 2008-2009, he turned professional and played in Poland the last two seasons. In 2008-2009, he played for Turow Zgorzelec (Poland-DBE, starting five): Eurocup: 6 games: 6.8ppg, 1.0rpg, 1.0apg; Polish League: 34 games: 7.3ppg, 2.1rpg, FGP: 40.4%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 82.7%. In 2009-2010, he played for Czarni Slupsk (Poland-PLK, starting five): 30 games: 9.7ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 38.2%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 81.5%. He played in the Polish Allstar game 2010. Last season for Ludwigsburg, he played 34 games: Score-4 (16.0ppg), 2.4rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 42.8%, FT: 80.8%. He played at the 2011 Beko BBL Allstar game in Trier.

John Bowler is a 27 year old 206cm forward/center from Chicago, Illinois that is playing his second season with EnBW Luwigsburg. He is the ultimate team player who really understands the game of basketball and does not back down from anybody.He is a big competitor who does everything needed to win. He played at Eastern Michigan from 2002-2006. In his senior year, he played 28 games: 20.1ppg, 10.8rpg, 2.5apg, FG: 54.9%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 72.3%. He finished being the 11th best scorer in Eastern Michigan history getting 1427 points and fifth best rebounder with 801 rebounds. he recorded 32 double doubles in his college career. He started his professional basketball career for The Telekom Baskets Bonn in 2006 and played there until 2010. In his four seasons with the Telekom Baskets, he made it to the German BBL Finals twice and qualified every season for the play-offs... named Most Likeable Player in German BBL in 2008. His best season was 2007-2008 as he played 39 games: 12.1ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 41.9%, FT: 70.5%. In 2009-2010, he played 27 games: 7.7ppg, 3.5rpg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 79.4%. Last season for Ludwigsburg, he played 34 games: 11.8ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 56.4%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 79.5%. The club brought back fan favorite Jerry Green who could jump in for the soul singer Lionel Richie at a concert simply because of the similarity in appearance. He played for EnBW Ludwigsburg from 2004-200t and led the team to their best season in club history in the 2006-2007 season as they belonged to the top teams in the BEKO BBL and reached the semi finals of the playoffs before bowing out to Bamberg. Green is a 30 year old 191cm point guard from Pomona, California. He is a point guard, with great offesive skills, but a first-look-to-pass mentality. He led his college team in scoring for 3 seasons and in assists for 4 seasons... Has a solid body and this allows him to defend well and to grab some rebounds. He can easily hit a three pointer, if left open. He played at Cal Irvine from 1999-2002. In his senior year, he played games: ScoreConf-1 (20.3ppg), 3.9rpg, 4.0apg, 1.5spg, FGPConf-7 (48.2%), 3PTConf-5 (36.7%), FTConf-2 (82.2% ). He finished his college career as the alltime Cal Urvine leading scorer with 1993 points. In his first two professional seasons, he played in germany for MBC an din Poland before going to Ludwigsburg. His best season in Ludwigsburg was 2006-2007 as he played 42 games: Score-3 (16.1ppg), 4.1rpg, Assists-3 (4.7apg), 1.5spg, 2FGP: 55.4%, 3FGP: 35.4%, FT: 85.5%. The three seasons away from Ludwigsburg, he played in Belgium for Ostende (8.8ppg, 2.8rpg, 3.1apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 80.0%), and two years in Italy for Solsonica Rieti (2.7rpg, 2.7apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 76.0%) and in 2009-2010 for Cantu playing 37 games: 9.6ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 83.5%. Last season for Ludwigsburg, he played 34 games: 9.9ppg, 2.5rpg, Assists-5 (4.6apg), FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 27.5%, FT: 80.4% Green won the Belgium cup with Ostende in 2008 with ex Skyliner Titus Ivory.

24 year old 203cm power forward Johannes Lischka is playing his second season with EnBW Ludwigsburg.He can hurt you with his three pointer and has a very dangerous penetration into the lane where he can finish in many different ways He started his professional basketball career with TV Lich in 2004 and played for the Giessen 46ers from 2007-2010 while also playing for TV Lich. In 2008-2009 for TV Lich he led the PRO A in scoring with 23,7ppg, 8,8rpg, 2,2apg and 1,8spg. He was bitterly disappointed in 2009 not being invited to the Euro Championships in Poland. The next calamity happened in the second game of the season, as he injured his hand in Frankfurt missing seven games. In 2009-2010, he played games: 5.4ppg, 3.5rpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 56.1%. In three seasons for Giessen, he played 86 games. He was a member of the German A-2 national team in 2009 and then played at the University Games in Belgrade (Serbia) -09: 7 games: 10.6ppg, Reb-5 (10.4rpg), 2.0spg, FGP: 41.0%, FT: 77.4%. Last season for Ludwigsburg, he played 34 games: 5.9ppg, 3.5rpg, FGP: 51.7%, FT: 71.6%. The team hauled in . Mark Dorris is a 26 year old 188 cm guard that is playing his first season for EnBW Ludwigsburg. He was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio and visited Princeton high school. He then attended St. Catharine College for a year before transfering to Marshall where he played from 2005-2008. In his senior year, he played 30 games averaging 13.6ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.4apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 39.1%, 3Pts: 34.3%, FT: 75.9%.For Cuxhaven, he played 29 games: 18.3ppg, 4.8rpg, 3.7apg, Steals-3 (2.3spg), FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 26.7%, FT: 77.3%. Last season for Phoenix Hagen, he was invited to the Beko BBL Allstar game and for Hagen played 34 games: 15.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.6apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 24.4%, FT: 72.8%.

The club brought in 27 year old 208cm power forward/center Kurt Looby who is an American/Antiguan. Looby started his basketball career for Tyler (JC) where he played from 2003-2005 and then played for Iowa (NCAA) from 2005-2008. His senior year, he played 32 games: 3.6ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 66.7%, FT: 41.7%: Finished two year career at Iowa ranked seventh all-time in blocked shots with 96. In 2008-2009, he played for Rio Grande Valley Vipers (D-League): 50 games: 6.4ppg, 8.1rpg, Blocks-2 (2.5bpg), FGP-3 (56.4%), FT: 57.4% and in the summer of 2009 forGrises de Humacao (Puerto Rico-BSN, starting five): 22 games: 9.4ppg, Reb-3 (10.5rpg), Blocks-1 (2.8bpg), FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 66.2%. In 2009-2010, he played for Rio Grande Valley Vipers (D-League, starting five): 11 games: 3.3ppg, 5.4rpg, 2.6bpg, in Jan.'10 moved to Albuquerque Thunderbirds (D-League, starting five): 26 games: 6.8ppg, 9.0rpg, Blocks-2 (3.2bpg), FGP: 59.3%, FT: 56.4%; in Mar.'10 signed at Maine Red Claws (D-League, starting five): 13 games: 5.2ppg, 7.8rpg, 4.0bpg, FGP: 66.7%, FT: 30.8%. Last season, he came to Europe and played for DASH Peristeri GS Athens (Greece-A1): 28 games: 6.5ppg, 7.0rpg, Blocks-4 (1.1bpg), FGP: 54.1%, FT: 61.0%. Recently the team signed Jeff Greer who is a 32 year old 196cm shooting guard/small forward from the Bronx, New York that has the Dominican Republic citzenship. He played at Rutgers (NCAA) from 1997-2001. He turned professional in 2001 and in his 10 year basketball career, he has played nine years in France for teams like Vichy, Le Havre, SIG Strassburg (2 years), Sluc Nancy (three years) and one season in Israel. Last season, he played for BCM Gravelines Dunkerque Grand Littoral (France-ProA): EuroChallenge: 13 games: 8.4ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 70.7%; French League: 35 games: 7.4ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 34.3%, FT: 54.3%. He was French Pro A champion 2008 and won the French La Semaine des AS Cup in 2011.
25 year old 188cm guard German guard David Mccray is playing his fifth season with EnBW Ludwigsburg. He already made his debut in the BBL as an 18 year old in 2004 with BG Karlsruhe where he played until 2007. He is very athletic that can put the ball in the hoop. He is tough to stop on one on one defense and he is secretly the teams energizer and coach on the court. He can be very efficient on the court as he showed in 2009-2010 as he scored 13 points in 15 minutes against Bamberg and 11 points in 12 minutes against Ratiopharm Ulm. In 2009-2010, he played 33 games: 5.0ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 42.3%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 65.0%. Last season, he played 34 games: 5.7ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 57.4%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 64.2%. The club also has big german/Albanian talent Besnik Bekteshi who is a 18 year old 188cm guard. In 2009-2010, he played for BSG Ludwigsburg (Germany-Regionalliga): 19 games: 12.6ppg, played also for BBA Ludwigsburg (NBBL): 11 games: 16.0ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.4apg, 3.7spg. He made an early name for himself in the summer of 2010 at the European Championships U17 in Hamburg (Germany) -10: 8 games: 15.5ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.9apg, Steals-4 (2.3spg), FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 40.7%, FT-3 (87.0%). He won a bronze at the 2010 Albert Schweitezr tournament in Mannheim. He played at the European Championships U18 in Wroclaw (Poland) -11: 8 games: 9.1ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.4apg, Steals-5 (2.4spg), FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 41.7%, FT-3 (87.5%)

Turk Telecom U16 Tournament: Germany surprise the hosts for the Semifinal birth - by Eurobasket News
Germany U16-Turkey U16 51:47

Germany surprise the hosts for the Semifinal birth of the Turk Telekom International Tournament for U16 teams. The German team overcame Turkey 51:47 in the defensive encounter.
Turkey started with 16:14 after the first period and increased to 7 points at the halftime. The hosts added 18-13 for 34:27 lead at the halftime. Germany however did not give up and bounced back with two victories in the second half. They won the third period 15-7 and finished the game with 9-6 in the last stanza.
Lennart Okeke (188-G-96) paced all the winners with 10 points for the important victory. Joschka Ferner (200-F-96) notched 9 and Jan Wimberg (202-G-96) scored 8. Okay Ulubay, Ogulcan Baykan (195-SG-96) and Egemen Guven each scored 7 points apiece in defeat.
In the Semifinal Germany will take on Poland that overwhelm France at Ataturk Arena at the Turk Telekom International Tournament for U16 teams. The Polish side shocked the French outfit 29-8. Polish players erupted with 21-1 run in the third quarter to seal the victory.

Germany U16: Lennart Okeke 10, Joschka Ferner 9, Jan Wimberg 8
Turkey U16: Okay Ulubay 7, Ogulcan Baykan 7, Egemen Guven 7


Bryan Bailey (Artland Dragons) We Have To Stay Focused On Every Possession Against Oldenburg - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Bryan Bailey (185-PG-80, college: Bucknell) is a 31 year old 185cm combo guard that is playing his 10th professional basketball season and fifth playing with The Artland Dragons. He is a true team leader both on and off the court. He possesses a diverse game, with an ability to stroke the long-range jumper, penetrate to the rim or distribute the ball. He is solid on the defensive end of the floor as well. His fierce competitive drive rubs off on his teammates. He started his professional basketball career at Bucknell and player there from 1998-2002 and in his senior year played 17 games averaging 18.1ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.4apg. He made All-Patriot League 1st Team in 2001 and 2002. In 2002-2003, he started his professional basketball season in Germany with DJK S. Oliver Wurzburg (Germany-1Bundesliga, starting five): 26 games, 15.4ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.4spg. In 2003-2004, he played in Holland for Landstede Zwolle (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five): 35 games: 17.5ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.1apg, 2.4spg, 0.2bpg. He then played with The Artland Dragons from 2004-2007 reaching the league and cup final in 2007. His best statistical season was 2005-2006 playing 33 games and averaging 11.4ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.7apg, 1.7spg, 2FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 25.3%. In 2007-2008, he played with Bosna ASA BH Telecom Sarajevo (Bosnia-D1, starting five): ULEB Cup: 12 games: 10.3ppg, 2.3rpg, 4.5apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 20.8%, FT: 84.3%. In 2008-2009, he played in Poland for PGE Turow Zgorzelec (Poland-DBE): Eurocup: 6 games: 7.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.7apg, 1.7spg; Polish League: 32 games: 8.0ppg, 1.8rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 77.0%. In 2009-2010, he played with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg playing Euroleague: 4 games: 8.3ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.8apg; German League: 6 games: 9.3ppg, 1.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 89.7%. Last season with the Dragons, he played EuroChallenge Qualifying Round: 1 game: 7pts, 5reb, 3ast, 3steals; German League: 41 games: 11.5ppg, 2.4rpg, 3.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 77.2% He sat down and spoke with Eurobasket before the game with against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg.

Congrats on reaching the last 8 of the Eurochallenge. How good does it feel now despite the ice cold weather?

It feels good to advance to the next round, but we still have two more games that we have to focus on in order to get home court advantage in the last 8.

You played against Tim Black earlier in your career. What is always the most difficult thing in keeping him in check?

He's a very quick guard and shoots the ball well off the dribble, which makes him a good pick and roll player.

The next game is against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. They have struggled from time to time. What has been your impression of this team?

Oldenburg has a strong team with talented players at every position. We can't just focus on one player, because they have many players who can step up and have a big game.

What was your memory of the first meeting between both teams in the first half of the season?

In the first meeting we played well offensively. We had a good ball movement and shared the ball well.

Oldenburg also are playing great in Eurochallenge play. How good are the chances that a German team could win this competition?

I think so far all the German teams are playing well in Eurochallenge, and we all have a chance to win the competition.


Oldenburg can put up points fast but dont always remember to defend for 40 minutes. What will be key in getting the win?

I think defense will be the key to getting the win. In the first meeting we gave up a lot of points in the first half and picked up the defense in the second half. We have to stay focused on every possession.

Where do you rate the monster Blake Griffin dunk over Kendrick Perkins?

It's definitely one of the best in game dunks I've seen.


The New England Patriots want revenge over the New York Giants for the 2008 Super Bowl loss. Who will win and what will be the score?

I think the Giants will win 31-28.

Thanks Bryan for the chat.


Josh Young (Walter Tigers Tuebingen) BBC Bayreuth Might Be The Sleeper Of The League - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Joshua Young (185-G-88, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Drake) is a 23 year old 185cm guard from Lawton, Oklahoma. He played at Drake from 2006-2010. In his senior year, he played 32 games: 14.4ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 73.0%. Last season he came to Germany and played for Bayer Giants Leverkusen (Germany-ProB, starting five): 11 games: 26.7ppg, 6.4rpg, 3.0apg, 2.3spg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 45.3%, FT: 79.0%. He spoke to Eurobasket before the game against BBC Bayreuth on February 4th.

How have you been surviving the cold weather? How long does it take for you to get from your car to the gym/home. Lol

Ive been staying bundled up - coat, gloves, and more than one layer. I stay relatively close to the gym, so it takes me about 5 minutes.

How much of a focus has been the Tigers 4 game losing streak on the road this week in practice?

Our focus is just to continue to improve our game as a team. Whether we are playing at home or on the road is irrelevant. We just have to play well.


What is your memory of the bitter loss against BBC Bayreuth at home in the first part of the season?

I just remember them really opening up the game late in the second half. We cant allow that to happen this time.


Is BBC Bayreuth a team with a legtimate chance of the Beko BBL playoffs?

BBC Bayreuth might be the sleeper team of the league. They have a good enough team to make post season play.


BBC Bayreuth have some injury concerns, but are always hard to beat at home. What will be key in getting the win?

We have to control their guard play, stop transition, and be efficient on the offensive end.

Where do you rate the monster Blake Griffin dunk over Kendrick Perkins?

That was one of the nastiest dunks I've ever seen - definitely top 10.


The New England Patriots want revenge over the New York Giants for the 2008 Super Bowl loss. Who will win and what will be the score?

I'm pulling for the G-men, 24-14.

How good are the chances of having a another German team as Eurochallenge winner in 2012?

The German teams playing in Eurochallenge are all good teams. I wouldnt be surprised to see one of them take home the title.

Thanks Josh for the chat.


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  GREECE   


Jure Mocnik leaves Peristeri - by Eurobasket News
Jure Mocnik (185-G-85) is no longer a member of Peristeri. The Slovenian point guard decided to leave the club. Richard Roby (198-G-85) and Ernest Scott (201-F-82, agency: VVG Sports, college: Valdosta St.) did the same recently. Mocnik signed with Peristeri in 2010. He had 5.4 ppg, 3 apg and 1.8 rpg for 28 games last season. In this one, Mocnik averaged 6.9 points, 3.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds (14 games). Jure Mocnik spent more than ten years with Helios Domzale, before he moved to Greece. In his last season with Helios he had 8.4 ppg, 5.5 apg and 3.7 rpg for 22 games in Adriatic league. They won the Slovenian Cup together in 2007. Jure Mocnik played for Slovenian U20, U18 and U16 National Teams in the past.

Panathinaikos celebrates huge win in Istanbul - by Eurobasket News
Fenerbahce Ulker - Panathinaikos 56-77

Panathinaikos quickly recovered from the last week's shocking home loss against Unics and cruised past Fenerbahce Ulker in Istanbul 56-77. PAO grabbed 15-point lead already in the first quarter. They even touched plus 19 at the halfway of Q2, which later ended with 22-36. Nothing has changed after the breather as PAO was holding double digit lead all the time and actually jumped to plus 21 in the finish of this game. Kostas Kaimakoglou (206-C/F-83) led PAO with 19 points and 5 rebounds. Mike Batiste (203-F-77, college: Arizona St.) had 15 points and 5 boards, while Romain Sato (194-G/F-81, college: Xavier) collected 12 points and 10 reb. Sato didn't miss a single shot last night. For the hosts, Curtis Jerrells (185-G-87, college: Baylor) netted 12 points and Roko-Leni Ukic (196-G-84) had one less. Kaya Peker (207-C/F-80, agency: Court Side) registered 10 points and 5 rebounds. Quarters: 9-24, 13-12, 21-22, 13-19. Two teams will meet against next week, but PAO will be the host. PAO 2-1, Fener 1-2 in Group G.

Fenerbahce Ulker: Curtis Jerrells 12, Roko-Leni Ukic 11, Kaya Peker 10+5 boards
Panathinaikos: Kostas Kaimakoglou 19+5 boards, Mike Batiste 15+5 boards, Romain Sato 12+10 boards

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  HUNGARY   


Enrique Gutierrez hired by Atomeromu - by Eurobasket News
Atomeromu hired a new head coach. Enrique Gutierrez will take over the Hungarian team. The Spaniard will replace Peter Volgyi in the office. Enrique Gutierrez was at helm of CB Movimientos Puente Genil in EBA last season. Previously he worked as head coach in Algeciras, Ejido, Club Granada, Club Oximeca, Motril. He also had stints with Granada, Sevilla and Huelva as sports director.


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  ICELAND   


Bullock's double-double lands him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
24-year old forward J'Nathan Bullock (196-F-87, agency: Pro One Sports) put on an amazing game in the last round for league's best team Grindavik and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 14.
He had a double-double of 51 points and 14 rebounds, while his team edged out IR (#7, 6-8) 90-89. It allowed Grindavik to consolidate first place in the Icelandic league. Grindavik has a very good season and are considered to have a run for the championship title. They improved their record to 13-1. In the team's last game Bullock had a remarkable 67.7% from 2-point range. He turned to be Grindavik's top player in his first season with the team. Cleveland State University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Bullock is in league's top in points (7th best: 22.8ppg), rebounds (8th best: 10.3rpg) and averages solid 50.6% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Nathan Walkup (200-F-88) of Fjolnir. He is American forward in his first season at Fjolnir. In the last game Walkup recorded impressive double-double of 35 points and 12 rebounds. Of course he lead Fjolnir to another comfortable win 106-87 over Tindastoll (6-8) being unquestionably team leader. This victory allowed Fjolnir 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 6-8 record. Walkup is a newcomer at Fjolnir and quickly became one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 24.2ppg (#1). He also registered 10.6 boards per game.

Third place about best performers goes to forward Renato Lindmets (198-F-84) of league's second-best Stjarnan. Lindmets scored 25 points and grabbed twelve rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of Stjarnan, leading his team to a 81-74 win against the lower-ranked Haukar (#11, 2-12). Stjarnan needs these victories very badly if they think about taking over top position in the standings. Their record at this point is 10 victories and 4 lost games. Lindmets has a very solid season. In 4 games in Iceland he scored 17.3ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Junior Hairston (203-F-84) of Thor Thorl - 20 points, 21 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Travis Holmes (193-G-86) of Njardvik - 27 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Marquis Hall (183-PG-87) of Snaefell - 24 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists
7. Jon Sverrisson (198-F-88) of Fjolnir - 21 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists
8. Darrin Govens (185-G-88) of Thor Thorl - 27 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Cameron Echols (203-F/C-81) of Njardvik - 23 points and 10 rebounds
10. Kris Douse (198-F-86) of Keflavik - 19 points and 4 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)

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  INDONESIA   


Nolland's 15 points and 6 assists give him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
29-year old power forward Vinton Nolland (194-PF-82) put on an amazing game in the last round for Garuda and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 23.
He had the game-high 15 points adding five rebounds and six assists for Garuda in his team's victory, helping them to crush Pacific Caesar (#9, 4-10) with 20-point margin 77-57. Garuda is placed at 4th position in Indonesian league. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Garuda will need more victories to improve their 11-4 record. In the team's last game Nolland had a remarkable 66.7% from 2-point range. It was one of impressive evenings for him as usually he does not deliver so high stats. Vinton Nolland averages this season 8.1ppg and 6.5rpg.

Second best performed player last round was Kelly Purwanto (177-PG-83) of Pelita Jaya. He is former international guard in his second season at Pelita Jaya. In the last game Purwanto recorded impressive 14 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists. Of course he lead Pelita Jaya to another comfortable win outscoring the lower-ranked NSH GMC Riau (#11, 1-13) 118-64. Pelita Jaya's 3rd position in the standings has not changed. His team lost just three games this season, while they won 12 matches. Purwanto is well-known at Pelita Jaya and he already established his position as one of the team's leaders.

Third place about best performers goes to guard Arki Wisnu (187-G-88) of league's leader Satria Muda. Wisnu scored 22 points and grabbed six rebounds. He was a key player of Satria Muda, leading his team to a 87-46 easy win against the lower-ranked Bima Sakti (#8, 4-10). Many experts and fans count Satria Muda as a contender for championship title. Another victory and another confirmation that they may be right. Just look at their record: 13 victories and only one lost games. They are currently at the very top of the standings. Wisnu has a great season in Indonesia. After 18 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 13.7ppg (4th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Valentino Wuwungan (193-F-89) of Satya Wacana - 19 points and 16 rebounds
5. Ary Sapto (188-F-80) of Muba Hangtuah - 19 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Daniel Wenas (188-F-92) of Pelita Jaya - 17 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Ary Chandra (182-F-84) of Pelita Jaya - 15 points and 3 rebounds
8. Frida Susanto (195-PF-86) of Satria Muda - 16 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists
9. I G Ngurah Teguh (189-G-88) of Muba Hangtuah - 8 points and 10 rebounds
10. Juliano Sucipto (188-F-82) of Pelita Jaya - 13 points and 5 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)

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  ISRAEL   


Micov leads Cantu to 82-74 win against Maccabi - by Eurobasket News
Bennet Cantu - Maccabi T-A 82-74

Both teams had 1-1 record in Group H of the Euroleague Top 16 before this meeting. Bennet Cantu won every single quarter to beat Maccabi Electra 82-74 on Thursday night. Vladimir Micov (203-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) stepped up for the home squad with 17 points and 9 assists (valuation 24). Gianluca Basile (192-G-75) had 14 points, Giorgi Shermadini (216-C-89) (5 rebs) scored 13 and Manuchar Markoishvili (196-G-86) followed them with 11 points, plus 7 rebounds. In Maccabi, Keith Langford (193-G/F-83, college: Kansas) top-scored with 16 points (5 rebs). Their best player was Richard Hendrix (203-F/C-86, college: Alabama) with 15 points and 7 boards (valuation 27, MVP). Third scorers in defeat were Demond Mallet (186-G-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: McNeese St.) and Sofoklis Schortsanitis (206-C-85) with only 8 pts each. Cantu had 10-point lead at the beginning of the last quarter and Maccabi closed the gap to four few minutes later. Richard Hendrix denied Giorgi Shermadini once more, so Cantu went to the bench for Marconato, who scored to make it 72-66. Mallet tried a triple that went in and out and instead Gianluca Basile nailed his fourth three to swing the pendulum back to Cantu, 75-68. Cantu jumped to plus 10 after that and question about the winner was resolved. Quarters: 23-20, 26-24, 17-16, 16-14. Maccabi will be the host against Cantu next week.

Bennet Cantu: Vladimir Micov 17+9 as, Gianluca Basile 14, Giorgi Shermadini 13+5 boards, Manuchar Markoishvili 11+7 boards
Maccabi: Keith Langford 16+5 boards, Richard Hendrix 15+7 boards, Demond Mallet 8, Sofoklis Schortsanitis 8

Chaisson Allen Leaves Galil/Gilboa, Joins Karsiyaka - by David Pick
Altshuler Saham Galil/Gilboa released it's 22-year-old American Rookie point guard Chaisson Allen of Northeastern University. The young guard who began the season as a starter, slowly saw his playing minutes decreasing when signs of on-court adjusting difficulties began to appear. Shortly after, Galil signed Chris Thomas, resulting into Allen playing spotty minutes. However, Allen still managed to post decent plus averages of 11.7ppg, 3.6rpg and 3.7rpg in the Domestic League, and 8.8ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.8apg during the team's Balkan League competition.

Eurobasket was told Allen is to continue his pro career in Turkey, playing for Karsiyaka.

Follow David Pick on Twitter: @IAmDPick

Interview with Derwin Kitchen, Maccabi Rishon - by Amir Fleischman
Derwin Kitchen, the premier league's MVP in January, turned Maccabi Rishon into the hottest team of the league

Derwin, after a slow start Maccabi Rishon has become a pleasant surprise with a 6-win strike. What's the reason for that?
At the beginning nobody knew each other very well. The more we played together and got to know each other, the more the team took shape and now we have better understanding of each player's role.

The most surprising thing in your winning strike and performance is that you managed to do so without your main player, Brandon Bowman (sidelined due to an injury). How do you explain that?
Bowman's injury affected us tremendously. He is our best player. We had no choice but to work harder, put an extra effort and lift ourselves every one of us in terms of ability and professional attitude.

Speaking about lifting yourself, you have personally shined in January with outstanding performance (25.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 5 assists per game, 37.7 weighted index rating). How's that?
My teammates believe in me, and I should admit that I took advantage of the fact that our opponents usually concentrate on Joe (Crawford) and Adrian (Uter). I had opportunities to exploit, and that's what I did.

How's the atmosphere in the team?
The atmosphere is really good. We get along very well, local and foreign players alike. We play together and hang out together. There is really no bad energy here, and that helps a lot.

What is your overall impression of the level of the Israeli premier league?
Having played college basketball up until not long ago, the basketball level here is good and definitely competitive.

It's your first year outside the USA as a professional basketball player. How's the experience so far?
It is nothing but exciting.

And life in Israel?
I love Israel. I'm originally from Florida, and the weather here reminds me of home. My friends really envy me for playing here.

Maccabi Rishon has recently reached the Israeli state cup semi-finals. What do you think your chances are of going all the way and winning the cup?
We have a chance to take it, but I can assure you it will not be easy.

Basketball wise, what is your dream?
Man, I'm living my dream every day. I wanted to make a living out of basketball, and that's exactly what I do.

Interview with Derwin Kitchen, Maccabi Rishon - by Amir Fleischman
Derwin Kitchen, the premier league's MVP in January, turned Maccabi Rishon into the hottest team of the league

Derwin, after a slow start Maccabi Rishon has become a pleasant surprise with a 6-win strike. What's the reason for that?
At the beginning nobody knew each other very well. The more we played together and got to know each other, the more the team took shape and now we have better understanding of each player's role.

The most surprising thing in your winning strike and performance is that you managed to do so without your main player, Brandon Bowman (sidelined due to an injury). How do you explain that?
Bowman's injury affected us tremendously. He is our best player. We had no choice but to work harder, put an extra effort and lift ourselves every one of us in terms of ability and professional attitude.

Speaking about lifting yourself, you have personally shined in January with outstanding performance (25.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 5 assists per game, 37.7 weighted index rating). How's that?
My teammates believe in me, and I should admit that I took advantage of the fact that our opponents usually concentrate on Joe (Crawford) and Adrian (Uter). I had opportunities to exploit, and that's what I did.

How's the atmosphere in the team?
The atmosphere is really good. We get along very well, local and foreign players alike. We play together and hang out together. There is really no bad energy here, and that helps a lot.

What is your overall impression of the level of the Israeli premier league?
Having played college basketball up until not long ago, the basketball level here is good and definitely competitive.

It's your first year outside the USA as a professional basketball player. How's the experience so far?
It is nothing but exciting.

And life in Israel?
I love Israel. I'm originally from Florida, and the weather here reminds me of home. My friends really envy me for playing here.

Maccabi Rishon has recently reached the Israeli state cup semi-finals. What do you think your chances are of going all the way and winning the cup?
We have a chance to take it, but I can assure you it will not be easy.

Basketball wise, what is your dream?
Man, I'm living my dream every day. I wanted to make a living out of basketball, and that's exactly what I do.

Interview with Derwin Kitchen, Maccabi Rishon - by Amir Fleischman
Derwin Kitchen (193-G-86, agency: VVG Sports, college: Florida St.) , the premier league's MVP in January, turned Maccabi Rishon into the hottest team of the league

Derwin, after a slow start Maccabi Rishon has become a pleasant surprise with a 6-win strike. What's the reason for that?
At the beginning nobody knew each other very well. The more we played together and got to know each other, the more the team took shape and now we have better understanding of each player's role.

The most surprising thing in your winning strike and performance is that you managed to do so without your main player, Brandon Bowman (sidelined due to an injury). How do you explain that?
Bowman's injury affected us tremendously. He is our best player. We had no choice but to work harder, put an extra effort and lift ourselves every one of us in terms of ability and professional attitude.

Speaking about lifting yourself, you have personally shined in January with outstanding performance (25.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 5 assists per game, 37.7 weighted index rating). How's that?
My teammates believe in me, and I should admit that I took advantage of the fact that our opponents usually concentrate on Joe (Crawford) and Adrian (Uter). I had opportunities to exploit, and that's what I did.

How's the atmosphere in the team?
The atmosphere is really good. We get along very well, local and foreign players alike. We play together and hang out together. There is really no bad energy here, and that helps a lot.

What is your overall impression of the level of the Israeli premier league?
Having played college basketball up until not long ago, the basketball level here is good and definitely competitive.

It's your first year outside the USA as a professional basketball player. How's the experience so far?
It is nothing but exciting.

And life in Israel?
I love Israel. I'm originally from Florida, and the weather here reminds me of home. My friends really envy me for playing here.

Maccabi Rishon has recently reached the Israeli state cup semi-finals. What do you think your chances are of going all the way and winning the cup?
We have a chance to take it, but I can assure you it will not be easy.



Basketball wise, what is your dream?

Man, I'm living my dream every day. I wanted to make a living out of basketball, and that's exactly what I do.



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  ITALY   


Montepaschi cruises past Unicaja in Malaga - by Eurobasket News
Unicaja - Montepaschi 68-91

Montepaschi did a great job in Malaga on Thursday night. The Italian champion handed 68-91 home loss to Unicaja for perfect 3-0 record in Group F of the Euroleague Top 16. Unicaja stays the only winless team in this pool. David Moss (196-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: Indiana St.) shined for the guests with 20 points and 7 rebounds. Ksistof Lavrinovic (210-C-79) scored 18 points and David Andersen (212-C-80) followed with 15 points, plus 6 boards. For the hosts, Joel Freeland (208-F-87) was better than the others with 14 points and 9 rebs. Tremmell Darden (194-G/F-81, college: Niagara) scored 13 and Luka Zoric (211-C/F-84) added 11 points and 7 rebs. Montepaschi opened the game strongly as they made 8-point lead in the first ten minutes. Visitors had plus 10 at the HT and plus 14 after 30 minutes of play. That was not all as Montepaschi dominated in Q4 with 11-20 for the final 68-91 road victory. Two teams will meet in Siena next week.

Unicaja: Joel Freeland 14+9 boards, Tremmell Darden 13, Luka Zoric 11+7 boards
Montepaschi: David Moss 20+7 boards, Ksistof Lavrinovic 18, David Andersen 15+6 boards+6 as

Micov leads Cantu to 82-74 win against Maccabi - by Eurobasket News
Bennet Cantu - Maccabi T-A 82-74

Both teams had 1-1 record in Group H of the Euroleague Top 16 before this meeting. Bennet Cantu won every single quarter to beat Maccabi Electra 82-74 on Thursday night. Vladimir Micov (203-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) stepped up for the home squad with 17 points and 9 assists (valuation 24). Gianluca Basile (192-G-75) had 14 points, Giorgi Shermadini (216-C-89) (5 rebs) scored 13 and Manuchar Markoishvili (196-G-86) followed them with 11 points, plus 7 rebounds. In Maccabi, Keith Langford (193-G/F-83, college: Kansas) top-scored with 16 points (5 rebs). Their best player was Richard Hendrix (203-F/C-86, college: Alabama) with 15 points and 7 boards (valuation 27, MVP). Third scorers in defeat were Demond Mallet (186-G-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: McNeese St.) and Sofoklis Schortsanitis (206-C-85) with only 8 pts each. Cantu had 10-point lead at the beginning of the last quarter and Maccabi closed the gap to four few minutes later. Richard Hendrix denied Giorgi Shermadini once more, so Cantu went to the bench for Marconato, who scored to make it 72-66. Mallet tried a triple that went in and out and instead Gianluca Basile nailed his fourth three to swing the pendulum back to Cantu, 75-68. Cantu jumped to plus 10 after that and question about the winner was resolved. Quarters: 23-20, 26-24, 17-16, 16-14. Maccabi will be the host against Cantu next week.

Bennet Cantu: Vladimir Micov 17+9 as, Gianluca Basile 14, Giorgi Shermadini 13+5 boards, Manuchar Markoishvili 11+7 boards
Maccabi: Keith Langford 16+5 boards, Richard Hendrix 15+7 boards, Demond Mallet 8, Sofoklis Schortsanitis 8

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  JUCO   


Cuyahoga CC (Cleveland, Oh) defeats No. 10 Lakeland CC (Mentor, Oh) in an NJCAA Div II Rivalry Game - by Vance Marbury
Despite double-doubles from Chaz Rollins (Warrensville Heights, Ohio / John Hay) and Brendan Cooper (Parma, Ohio / Parma), the No. 10 Lakeland mens basketball team suffered a tough 75-68 loss to local rival Cuyahoga on Wednesday night. The game was played at Lake Erie Colleges Osborne Center due to water damage inside the main gymnasium in the Athletic & Fitness Center.

The Lakers (17-4, 3-2 OCCAC) built a five point halftime lead (45-40) behind 11 points from Cooper. The sophomore forward shot 4 of 6 from the floor in the opening 20 minutes. Cooper finished with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists in the setback.

The second half proved to be a different story as Cuyahoga CC (Tri-C) outscored the LCC 35-23. Lakeland found itself down just two with under a minute to play after a Rollins layup made it 67-65. Cuyahoga answered by scoring five of the next six points to put the game out of reach.

The freshman Chaz Rollins finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds for his 14th double-double of the year. Classmate Richard Smith (Cleveland, Ohio / Lutheran East) added ten points and four rebounds in the loss.

Lakeland will look to bounce back on Saturday (Feb. 4) when it travels to Piqua, Ohio to take on Edison (7-12, 0-5 OCCAC) at 3:00 p.m.

Cuyahoga CC is led by Cleveland, Ohio local products, Jamil Brooks (Warrensville Hts, Oh) and David Goodwater (Solon, Oh). Through 19 games Tri-C point guard Jamil Brooks is avg 15 ppg 4 reb/gm 3.1 Asst/Gm and 1.5 Stl/Gm. Small Forward David Goodwater has tallied 12 ppg 5.8 reb/gm. Power Forward Josh Ecord has recorded 3.9 ppg and 5.4 reb/gm. Philadelphia, Pa product Darrel Robinson is averaging 17 ppg 5.9 reb/gm 4.8 asst/gm and 2.2 stl/gm.

Cuyahoga CC next game will be February 4th vs Sinclair CC.

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  KUWAIT   


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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  LATVIA   


Siim-Sander Vene heads to Riga - by Eurobasket News
Siim-Sander Vene (203-F-90) is another newcomer in VEF Riga. Shortly after inking a deal with Donatas Zavackas (203-F-80, college: Pittsburgh) the Latvian powerhouse announced Siim-Sander Vene. The Estonian forward started the season in Lithuania. The youngster played for Baltai Kaunas. He averaged 8.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.3 steals per game in LKL. In Baltic League Siim-Sander Vene notched 11.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals per appearance. Last season Siim-Sander Vene started in Aisciai Kaunas. Later the forward moved to Ludwigsburg in Germany. Siim-Sander Vene has been the member of Estonian National Team since 2009. He also played for U16, U18 and U20 National Teams.


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  LIGA SUDAMERICANA   


Hexagonal Final: Second games - by Eurobasket News
GROUP A

Atenas - Pinheiros 65-63
Atenas celebrated in their first game of the Liga Sudamericana hexagonal finals. They grabbed 65-63 victory against Pinheiros for 1-0 record in Group A. At the same time, Pinheiros dropped to 1-1. Todays game between Atenas and Flamengo will be crucial in this pool. After that we will find out which two teams will advance to the Semifinals. Marcos Bosch (196-F-93) stepped up for Atenas with double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds. Bruno Labaque (183-G-77, agency: Interperformances) scored 16 points, while Ryan Humphrey (203-C/F-79, college: Notre Dame) added 15 points and 8 boards. In the loosing squad, Olivinha Rodriguez (202-F-83) shined with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Shamell Stallworth (196-SG-80, agency: Interperformances, college: USF) had 17 points and 7 boards, while Mineiro Ferreira (208-C/F-88) and Marquinhos Vieira (207-F-84) netted 8 points each. Quarters: 19-11, 9-14, 20-23, 17-15. Atenas and Flamengo will meet at 19:30h.

Atenas: Marcos Bosch 17+11 boards, Bruno Labaque 16, Ryan Humphrey 15+8 boards
Pinheiros: Olivinha Rodriguez 19+11 boards, Shamell Stallworth 17+7 boards, Mineiro Ferreira 8+8 boards, Marquinhos Vieira 8+7 boards+5 as


GROUP B

Malvin - Uniceub BRB 68-77
Uniceub BRB booked a spot for the Liga Sudamericana Semifinals. The defending champion was better than Malvin 68-77 for 1-0 score in Group B. The Uruguayan squad dropped to 0-2 and failed to reach the next stage. Uniceub BRB and Obras advanced, but their todays game will give us an answer who will be the winner of this pool. Arthur Silva (199-F/G-82) stepped up for Uniceub BRB yesterday with 23 points and 7 rebounds. Alex Ribeiro (191-G-80, agency: Interperformances)had 20 points and 5 rebs, while Guilherme Giovannoni (202-F-80, agency: Interperformances) helped his team with 19 points. At the other side, Timothy Frost (208-C-80, college: Utah) had double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds. Anthony Myles (208-F/C-82, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Xavier) had 12 pts and 10 boards, and German Silvarrey (173-PG-87) stopped to 10 pts. Quarters: 17-21, 11-14, 8-26, 32-16. The game between Uniceub BRB and Obras will start at 22h.

Malvin: Timothy Frost 16+12 boards, Anthony Myles 12+10 boards, German Silvarrey 10
Uniceub BRB: Arthur Silva 23+7 boards, Alex Ribeiro 20+5 boards, Guilherme Giovannoni 19



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  LITHUANIA   


Changes in Naglis roster - by Eurobasket News
Naglis decided to make some changes in the roster. They released Nikita Barinov (200-F-91) and Paul Davis (205-F-88, college: Winston Salem).
Paul Davis joined the team in December. He averaged 7.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.0 block per LKL game. In Baltic League the forward appeared just once scoring 17 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.
Nikita Barinov joined Naglis at the start of the season. The Russian forward averaged 11.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists in LKL. He also notched 16.5 points, 7.1 boards and 1.6 assists in Baltic League. Nikita Barinov used to be the member of U16, U18 and U20 Russian National Teams.
Meanwhile Naglis signed Vaidotas Peciukas (199-G-82, college: Hawaii). The guard tallied 6.8 points, 1.2 assists and 1.2 rebounds per game in LKL. Previously Vaidotas Peciukas had stints with Neptunas, Reggio Emilia, Zalgiris, Antibes, Targu Mures and Novy Jicin.

Kedainiai and Rudupis enter Cup Final Four - by Eurobasket News
Kedainiai and Rudupis joined Zalgiris in Lithuanian Cup Final Four. They celebrated victories in their respective quarterfinal series.
Rudupis held off Pieno zvaigzdes in two games. Rudupis faced a 2-point deficit after the opening game but clinched a 64:50 victory in Game 2 to seal the ticket into the next round. Gintaras Kadziulis (193-G-80) scored 22 points to pace the winners. Simas Buterlevicius (200-F-89) added 14 points for Rudupis. TreVon Hughes (183-PG-87, agency: Edge Sports, college: Wisconsin) answered with 12 points for Pieno zvaigzdes.
Kedainiai and Siauliai went into a dramatic encounter. Kedainiai enjoyed an 8-point buffer before the second game. However Siauliai managed to erase it winning the regulation by exactly 8 points. The teams had to go into overtime to decide on the winner. Kedainiai eked out an 8:6 advantage and advanced into the next stage. David McClure (200-F-86, college: Duke) posted 29 points and 12 rebounds to lead the effort. Vytautas Sulskis (200-G-88, college: Youngstown St.) added 16 points in the victory. Rashaun Broadus (183-PG-84, college: BYU) answered with 27 points and 12 rebounds for Siauliai. Edvinas Ruzgas (198-G-87, college: TCU) had 20 points in the loss.
Siauliai and Pieno zvaigzdes still have a chance to make it into Final Four as they clash for one remaining spot. The game is scheduled for February 12th.

Barca keeps Zalgiris winless - by Eurobasket News
Regal Barca - Zalgiris 94-80

Regal Barca handed 94-80 loss to Zalgiris keeping the perfect score in Group H of the Euroleague Top 16. Barca jumped to 3-0, while at the same time Zalgirs faced with third straight loss. Visitors had pretty good first half of the game and they were holding 1-point lead, 42-43. However, Barca took control on them after the breather and with two strong periods registered double-digit victory at the end. Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) dominated in the paint with 19 points and 5 rebounds. Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) scored 16 points and Marcelinho Huertas (191-PG-83, agency: Edge Sports) added 14 points, plus 6 assists. In Zalgiris, Sonny Weems (198-G/F-86, college: Arkansas) delivered 17 points. Robertas Javtokas (211-C-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Arizona) scored 13, while Paulius Jankunas (205-F-84, agency: Interperformances) and Milovan Rakovic (208-C-85) netted 12 points each. Quarters: 23-18, 19-25, 21-16, 31-21. Two teams will meet next week in Kaunas.

Regal Barca: Erazem Lorbek 19+5 boards, Juan Carlos Navarro 16, Marcelinho Huertas 14+6 as
Zalgiris: Sonny Weems 17, Robertas Javtokas 13, Paulius Jankunas 12, Milovan Rakovic 12

Kuzminskas' 20 points and 6 rebounds give him Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
22-year old forward Mindaugas Kuzminskas (205-F-89) put on an amazing game in the last round for second-ranked Zalgiris and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 14.
He had the game-high 20 points adding six rebounds for Zalgiris in his team's victory, helping them to outclass Sakalai (#10, 3-11) with 26-point margin 97-71. Zalgiris is placed at 2nd position in Lithuanian league. They maintain perfect record without any lost game in the league. It's already very far into the season and Zalgiris keeps perfect 11 -0 record. It's Kuzminskas' second year at Zalgiris and it's hard to imagine this team without him. Mindaugas Kuzminskas averages this season 9.5ppg.

Second best performed player last round was Vaidas Cepukaitis (207-C-89, agency: Interperformances) of Techasas. He is a center in his first season at Lietkabelis. In the last game Cepukaitis recorded impressive 21 points. Bad luck as Lietkabelis was edged by the higher-ranked Siauliai (#4, 10-6) 87-85. Lietkabelis is still in a red zone at 11th spot in the standings. 12 lost games are too many comparing to just three victories Lietkabelis managed to get this year. Cepukaitis is a newcomer at Lietkabelis and quickly became one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 16.3ppg (#3). He also registered 6.1 boards per game.

Third place about best performers goes to another Zalgiris' star - forward Paulius Jankunas (205-F-84, agency: Interperformances). Jankunas showcased his all-around game by recording 14 points, nine rebounds and four assists in the last round. He was another key player of Zalgiris, helping his team with a 76-74 win against #3 ranked Rudupis in a game of the week. Zalgiris have amazing season winning all 11 games without a single defeat. Jankunas turns to be one of the very best players in the league while he is also a leader of the top team having his eyes on the championship title. Jankunas has a very solid season. In 11 games in Lithuania he scored 9.7ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Edvinas Ruzgas (198-G-87) of Siauliai - 21 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Mindaugas Zukauskas (201-F-75) of Siauliai - 19 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Mindaugas Katelynas (206-F-83) of Lietuvos rytas - 9 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists
7. Arnas Butkevicius (199-F-92) of Sakalai - 15 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Cam Long (193-G-88) of Siauliai - 18 points, 2 rebounds and 7 assists
9. Milovan Rakovic (208-C-85) of Zalgiris - 15 points and 2 rebounds
10. Aleksandar Rasic (194-G-84) of Lietuvos rytas - 14 points, 3 rebounds and 3 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)

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  MEXICO   


LNBP Semifinals: Toros forces decisive Game 7 against Fuerza Regia - by Eurobasket News
LNBP Semifinals, Game 6: Fuerza Regia - Toros 69-74 (3-3)

Game Six of the LNBP Semifinals was played last night. Toros celebrated 69-74 road win against Fuerza Regia and tied the score to 3-3 in the series. Two teams will meet today again in crucial Game Seven. Fuerza Regia is the host and the winner will advance to Finals. The guests trailed by 1 point after three quarters before their 19-13 charge, which allowed them to win the game. 25 personal fouls committed by Fuerza Regia helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a good game for American-Nigerian forward Ike Ofoegbu (205-85, college: SMU, agency: Paris Global Sports) who led his team to a victory with 22 points and 8 rebounds. Venezuelan-Puerto Rican swingman Rafael Perez (193-82, agency: Paris Global Sports) contributed with 23 points for the winners. American forward Terrence Shannon (203-79, college: Elgin CC, agency: Paris Global Sports) replied with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 16 rebounds and Puerto Rican point guard Alvin Cruz (186-82, college: Niagara, agency: Paris Global Sports) added 20 points and 4 assists in the effort for Fuerza Regia. The winner of today's game will meet Halcones Rojos in the Finals. Halcones Rojos eliminated Pioneros with perfect 4-0.

Fuerza Regia: A.Cruz 20+4reb+4ast, T.Shannon 19+16reb, D.Smith 11+8reb+4ast, K.Rhymer 7+4reb, M.Mitchell 5+2reb+2ast, A.Izaguirre 4+2reb
Toros: R.Perez 23+3reb, I.Ofoegbu 22+8reb+2ast, J.Lopez 9+7reb+1ast, R.Rougeau 9+8reb, W.Pagan 7+6reb+8ast, L.Ellis Vasquez 4+3reb+1ast

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  MONTENEGRO   


Cup of Montenegro: Ulcinj qualifies for the Final Four without any problem- 20:0 - by Darko Pekic
The competition in Montenegrin Cup is getting more excited and there are only 4 teams left: Buducnost, Mornar, Sutjeska and Ulcinj. Ulcinj qualified for the Final Four yesterday in a strange way. Actually, Nikola Milatovic 's guys came to Tivat to face Mogren but the club from Budva did not bother to do the same thing and the game was registered 20:0 for Ulcinj. Weather conditions, financial problems or something else its unknown but now the only thing important is that Ulcinj qualified for the next round.

The Final Four draw will be held a couple of days before the Tournament which will be organized in Niksic, Sutjeska's home court. We will see some good basketball for sure because this will be the first time in the new season to see Buducnost facing the strongest Erste Basketball League teams.

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  NBA   


Blake Griffin not planning to defend dunk contest title - by Eurobasket News
Clippers forward Blake Griffin (6'10''-F-89, college: Oklahoma) got some good news Thursday when he learned he was voted into the All-Star Game as a starter. Unfortunately he wasnt able to deliver the same good news to the fans. Griffin says he's not planning to defend his dunk competition title.

'As of right now I dont plan on being in it', Griffin said Thursday night. 'Those dunk contests aren't my thing, I said that last year. There's a lot of guys that can put on a great show and do some good stuff.'

Wait, wait, wait a second. Blake says the dunk contests arent his thing? I'm sorry, sir, but they were invented for guys like you.

'Last year was hectic and it kind of made it unenjoyable', Griffin said. 'So this year, we'll see what will happen, but I will try to tone it down a bit and get a break instead of being so busy.'

Thats certainly understandable. Blake played in the rookie-sophomore game, the All-Star Game, and participated in the dunk contest. Theres no doubt it tired him out at a time when he should be enjoying things. But Blake is only 22. He should give the fans another show or two before officially retiring from the competition.

Courtesy of http://larrybrownsports.com

Kenyon Martin cleared to rejoin NBA - by Eurobasket News
FIBA, the governing body of international basketball, gave its letter of clearance to free agent Martin Kenyon (6'9''-F-77, college: Cincinnati), allowing him to return to the NBA immediately, Yahoo.com reported Thursday, citing sources.

Martin has already met with officials from several NBA teams, and he met with Atlanta Hawks brass on Thursday.

The Hawks, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs appear to be the teams with the most interest in Martin.

'The Clippers are probably the best place for [Martin] to showcase himself for his next deal,' a front-office executive told Yahoo.com. 'He's clearly the third-best [big man] without competition from anyone on their roster.'

The Clippers can pay Martin the midlevel exception for a pro-rated $2.5 million for the season.

Martin, 34, averaged 8.6 points and 6.2 rebounds in 48 games for the Nuggets last season.

Martin had signed a deal worth $2.6 million for the Chinese season, but was paid a prorated salary based on the 12 games. He was not particularly effective, averaging just 14 points and seven rebounds in China.

Martin reached an agreement with the Xinjiang Guanghui Flying Tigers to part ways on Dec. 21, and he came back to the United State shortly after that and awaited clearance from FIBA.

It came as somewhat of surprise that FIBA cleared Martin so soon.

Courtesy of Yahoo! Sports

LeBron James leaves door open for dunk contest - by Eurobasket News
To say LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) dunking juices are stirring would be an understatement. Two days after the fact, he still was talking Wednesday about what Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin did Monday night to Oklahoma City Thunder center Kendrick Perkins.

So could this finally be it, the year James takes his dunks to the show level and enters the dunking contest during All-Star Weekend in Orlando, perhaps to go one-on-one against Griffin?

'I don't know. Il'l be on the fence every year about it,' he said following the Miami Heat's shootaround at the Bradley Center, in advance of their game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Pressed if he might be poised to leap over that fence, like he did over Chicago Bulls guard John Lucas III for Sundays alley-oop dunk, he hedged but left the door open.

'Its always a fence year for me,' he said. 'I know theyre getting tired of me, though, so Im not even going to start up nothing.'

Amid this compressed post-lockout schedule, James said he simply doesnt know where his legs are going to be in advance of the All-Star Saturday contest Feb. 25 at the Amway Center.

'I have thought about it before,' he acknowledged, 'and a few times in the past I kind of had an ankle injury that kind of kept me out of it. And a couple of times, I was just like, You know what? Im going to go in here and rest my legs for this weekend and then get back to the regular season.

'But, I mean, they say a lot of the greats have done it and Ive watched it over the years.'

James formally will be named an Eastern Conference starter Thursday, when fan voting for the All-Star lineups is announced. The All-Star Game is Feb. 26.

With the Heat taking Tuesday off to travel, Wednesday was the first time James was available to comment, beyond a Twitter post, on Blakes Monday throwdown.

He said he appreciates that, in the moment, Griffins blast had the buildup that his leap lacked until further review.

'The difference between my dunk and Blakes dunk, if youre watching it live, you actually had to see the replay of what I did to really be like, Oh, wow, he really jumped over somebody, ' he said of his alley-oop feed from Dwyane Wade.

'I was at home watching Blake Griffins dunk and when you see it like youre automatically like, Oh, my God, did he really go chest to chest and to throw it down?

'So it took replays for you to realize what I did. And for Blake, it was like an automatic, Like wow! thing.'

Pushing through

Reserve swingman Mike Miller exited Tuesdays shootaround with a huge ice bandage wrapped around his right hand. He had banged it against the backboard in Mondays victory over the visiting New Orleans Hornets.

'An owe-eee,' was how he described it.

After offseason thumb and shoulder surgeries and then a hernia procedure on the eve of camp, Miller said he was finished having injuries checked and would simply play through them.

'We dont know. We havent even checked. Its good to go,' he said of the hand ailment. 'Its not good, but Ill be fine. I told you, Im not checking anything out any more.'

Coach Erik Spoelstra said it is difficult to change a player who has only known one speed.

'Thats a part of his nature,' Spoelstra said, 'and if you start to tell him to take away his aggressiveness, itll affect all parts of his game. Thats who he is. Thats his DNA. And hes so far into his career right that, that it would be very difficult to change.

'Now, he also can be smart when theres plays when he absolutely doesnt have a chance, well those he might not need to put his body in such harm.'

Courtesy of www.vancouversun.com

Gerald Henderson out 2-4 weeks - by Eurobasket News
Things keep getting harder for the 3-20 Charlotte Bobcats.

An MRI taken Thursday confirmed that Bobcats guard/forward Gerald Henderson (6'4''-G-87, college: Duke) suffered a right hamstring strain during the third quarter of Wednesday nights game at Portland. Henderson is expected to miss 2-4 weeks.

Herderson is the teams leading scorer this season, averaging 15.0 points and 4.4 rebounds in 33.8 minutes per game.

The Bobcats have been getting smoked this season. And now things will get even harder.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Irving, Rubio named NBA's top rookies for January - by Eurobasket News
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (6'3''-G-92, college: Duke) and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (6'4''-G-90) were named the top rookies in the Eastern and Western Conference, respectively, for games played from the season's December 25 start through the end of January.

Irving paced all rookies by averaging 18.1 points per game. He ranked second among NBA freshmen in assists with a 4.9 average and field-goal percentage at 51.1 percent.
Irving also ranked third among rookies by connecting on 41.1 percent of his tries from beyond the arc.

Rubio's 8.9 assists per game average led all rookies, and his 2.24 steals per game also ranked tops among first-year players.

Other nominees for the rookie award were Detroit's Brandon Knight, Houston's Chandler Parsons, Miami's Norris Cole, New Jersey's MarShon Brooks and Phoenix's Markieff Morris.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Latest games: Nuggets beat Clippers 112-91 behind Gallinari's 21 - by Eurobasket News
LA Clippers - Denver N. 91-112
Danilo Gallinari (6'9''-G/F-88, agency: Players Group) scored 21 points, including all five of his 3-pointers, and the Denver Nuggets beat the Clippers 112-91 Thursday night, ending Los Angeles' season-high four-game winning streak that included a victory over the Nuggets last weekend. Ty Lawson (5'11''-PG-87, college: N.Carolina) added 18 points, Arron Afflalo (6'5''-G-85, college: UCLA) 15 and Timofey Mozgov 11 for the Nuggets, who had lost two straight overall and three in a row to the Clippers, their longest active losing streak against any team. Blake Griffin led the Clippers with 18 points, Chris Paul added 15 points and nine assists, and Caron Butler had 11 after missing Wednesday night's win at Utah with a sore lower back. Earlier Thursday, Griffin and Paul were voted to the starting lineup for the All-Star game, giving the Clippers two players on the team for the first time since 1976. The Nuggets pulled away with a dominant third quarter in which they outscored the Clippers 32-16 while shooting 65 percent. Gallinari hit consecutive 3-pointers to open the quarter, and Al Harrington closed it with two straight 3-pointers. In between, Mozgov had nine points while Los Angeles slumped to 7 of 19 from the floor. Playing their fourth game in five nights, the Clippers closed within 10 points midway through the period before getting outscored 14-5 going into the fourth. All five of the Clippers' starters began the fourth on the bench, although Paul checked in 2:10 into the period with his team trailing by 21. He was the only starter to return and he sat down for good a couple minutes later, leaving Mo Williams to run a second unit that never posed a threat. Williams finished with 13 and Randy Foye 17. Chauncey Billups, who had 32 points in the Clippers' 109-105 win at Denver on Sunday, had eight points and three assists against his old team. The Clippers led most of the first half before Denver outscored them 9-4 to lead 54-51 at the break. *Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Golde State W. - Utah Jazz 119-101
Stephen Curry (6'3''-PG-88, college: Davidson) scored 29 points and had a season-high 12 assists, Monta Ellis (6'4''-G-85) added 33 points and the Golden State Warriors beat the Utah Jazz 119-101 on Thursday night. David Lee added 23 points and 14 rebounds for the Warriors. Golden State has won two straight since losing the first four games on its six-game homestand. Curry and Ellis, who were on the bench for most of the fourth quarter in Tuesday's win over Sacramento when coach Mark Jackson played mainly reserves, didn't get much of a rest against the Jazz while leading the Warriors to their highest point total of the season. Paul Milsap had 15 points and 11 rebounds for Utah. The Jazz played without starting point guard Devin Harris, who was a late scratch due to a strained left hamstring. Golden State (8-12) led by two at halftime but got a big lift from Ellis in the third quarter then coasted over the final 12 minutes while leading by as much as 23. Ellis scored 16 of his points in the third, including the final five of a 15-6 run to close out the period. He added five in the fourth before he and Curry left to a standing ovation from the Oracle Arena crowd. That was in stark contrast to the win over Sacramento when Ellis, Curry and center Andris Biedrins sat on the bench for almost all of the fourth quarter. Ellis didn't talk to reporters following the game and coach Mark Jackson's only comments were in support of his bench. If there was any lingering issue between the two, Ellis didn't show it. He went 13 of 21 from the floor and added four assists. Curry also had a solid night shooting, going 10 of 14. Utah, coming off a 107-105 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, committed 14 turnovers. The Jazz were playing short-handed in the backcourt because Harris and backup Earl Watson (sprained left ankle) were both hurt in Wednesday's loss to the Clippers. Utah trailed by five with 5 minutes remaining in the half but pulled even after Jefferson powered through the lane for a dunk that tied the score at 46-46. Curry then made an 18-footer with five-tenths of a second left to give the Warriors a two-point halftime lead. *Courtesy of www.ktvn.com

New York K. - Chicago B. 102-105
Maybe it was just a coincidence that one night after Derrick Rose (6'3''-G-88, college: Memphis) sat out the fourth quarter of a 16-point loss to the 76ers, the Bulls' irrepressible point guard found a second wind in the fourth quarter and carried his team to a nerve-wracking 105-102 victory over the New York Knicks on Thursday night. Or maybe not. Maybe Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau - whether it was by design or not - made the prudent move when he ostensibly gave up a long shot at beating the Sixers to keep Rose fresher for the Knicks. That's the way it played out at Madison Square Garden as Rose recovered from a sluggish third quarter to play a spirited fourth quarter as the Bulls barely fended off Amare Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-F-84, college: Syracuse) and the stubborn Knicks. Rose, who had made 2 of 7 shots from the field in the third quarter and missed both of his three-point attempts, scored 15 of his 32 points in the fourth quarter to will the Bulls to a lead they barely hung on to. Rose also had three key defensive rebounds in the fourth quarter - he had grabbed just two boards in the previous 11 quarters - and added two assists to give him 13 for the game. In a post-lockout season that even Thibodeau admits is a different sort of season,'' the Bulls might do well to rest Rose whenever they can. It sure seemed to make a difference against the Knicks. I guess [it helped]. Rest is always a good thing,'' Rose said. But knowing that we lost last night, I definitely wanted to come out here and play good tonight.'' Rose seemed to turn it on at will against the Knicks. He was 0-for-3 on three-point shots after three quarters - and 3 of 17 in his last six games - but nailed a three-pointer that beat the shot clock in the first minute of the fourth quarter to give the Bulls an 80-75 lead. He scored 11 more points, including a lightning-quick left-handed scoop on a drive and a pull-up three-pointer that gave the Bulls a 95-88 lead. I really wasn't forcing it,'' Rose said. 'I'm always put in that position, where I'm one of the leaders in the fourth quarter. My teammates have confidence in me to take over the game in the fourth quarter and that's all I do is try.'' But Stoudemire (34 points on 16 of 27 shooting, 11 rebounds) and Anthony (26 points on 10 of 26 shooting) kept the Knicks close, and it wasn't over until Anthony's 33-foot three-pointer clanked off the front of the rim as time ran out. You have to find a way,'' Thibodeau said. The good teams in this league find ways to win games. We were fortunate tonight because we were able to score. We have to continue to improve on defense.'' The Bulls had other heroes. Joakim Noah (16 points, nine rebounds, four blocked shots) and Taj Gibson had key blocked shots in the final two minutes. Kyle Korver (16 points, 3 of 5 three-pointers) hit two free throws that gave the Bulls a 103-100 lead with 13 seconds left. C.J. Watson (12 points) scored 10 points in place of Rose as the Bulls opened a 55-44 halftime lead. And rookie Jimmy Butler hit a critical jump shot with 1:10 to go and held up well while playing all but nine seconds of the fourth quarter. We stayed together. We are a team,'' Rose said. When we have tough situations, that's when we come together and fight through it.'' *Courtesy of www.suntimes.com

Sacramento K. - Portland TB 95-92
Marcus Thornton (6'4''-G-87, college: LSU) scored 20 points and John Salmons (6'7''-F-79, college: Miami, FL) had a season-high 19 for the Sacramento Kings, who snapped a five-game losing streak by beating the Portland Trail Blazers 95-92 on Thursday night. The Blazers had beaten the Kings in 12 of the previous 13 games, but Sacramento ran off five straight points late in the game and held off Portland, which missed two 3-pointers in the final 10 seconds. LaMarcus Aldridge had 28 points and 14 rebounds for the Blazers, who have lost four straight on the road, where they are 3-9 this season. Jamal Crawford scored 17 points and Raymond Felton 15 points and 10 assists. Portland made just 8-of-16 free throws. Tyreke Evans scored 18 points, Marcus Thornton and Jason Thompson added 13 points and 12 rebounds for the Kings. Salmons broke an 88-88 tie with a jumper and Thompson put back a shot in traffic, giving the Kings a 92-88 lead with 1:53 left. A jumper by Evans gave Sacramento a 95-90 cushion with 15.2 seconds remaining. Kings center DeMarcus Cousins, who averaged nearly 21 points and 12 rebounds in the previous games, was in foul trouble early. He played 14 minutes, and didn't leave the bench in the fourth quarter, finishing with eight points and six rebounds. After squandering a six-point lead and allowing the Blazers to go ahead by a basket, Thornton hit a 3-pointer and next time down court made a fastbreak layup to put the Kings in front 84-81 with five minutes left. Salmons, who entered the game in a season-long slump and was shooting 35 percent, opening the fourth quarter with his third 3-pointer of the game. Isaiah Thomas quickly followed with a basket to give Sacramento a 76-69 advantage. Evans and Thompson both scored seven points in the third quarter. The Kings overcame nine-point halftime deficit, outscoring Portland 24-13 to take a 71-69 lead into the fourth. Trailing since early in the first quarter, the Kings pulled even when Evans got loose on a fastbreak and his emphatic dunk tied the game at 63 with 3:39 left in the third period. Evans later followed with a three-point play to give Sacramento a 68-65 lead. After shooting over 60 percent in the opening half, the Blazers went cold to start the third quarter. They had just two points in the first five minutes before Matthews connected on a 3-pointer for a 61-55 lead. The Kings had no answer for Aldridge in the opening half. The smooth-shooting forward continually got open for mid-range jumpers and made them, scoring 19 points to help Portland take a 56-47 lead into the half. The Blazers ran off 11 straight points early in the second quarter to build a 13-point lead. The Blazers received second-quarter points from an unlikely source - Kurt Thomas. The 39-year-old veteran forward scored eight points in the spurt. *Courtesy of www.mercurynews.com

Atlanta H. - Memphis G. 77-96
Rudy Gay (6'9''-F/G-86, college: Connecticut) scored 21 points to lead five Memphis players in double figures and the Grizzlies blew out the listless Atlanta Hawks 96-77 Thursday night. Memphis pulled away late in the first half, closing on an 18-7 run that gave the Grizzlies a 10-point lead at the break. They totally blew it open in the third quarter after Atlanta missed its first seven shots and turned it over three times. The Hawks were coming off a 4-1 road trip that left them tied with Miami for the Southeast Division lead. But they looked exhausted in their return to Philips Arena, putting up ugly jumpers, playing pedestrian defense and struggling just to hang on to the ball. Gay and the Grizzlies took advantage, running the court with abandon and slamming down several thunderous dunks. The sparse crowd at Philips Arena began booing in the third quarter, then mostly headed for home early in the fourth as Memphis stretched the lead as high as 30 points. Tony Allen and O.J. Mayo scored 18 apiece for Memphis, while Mike Conley (6'1''-PG-87, college: Ohio St.) had 15. Marc Gasol turned in a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Dante Cunningham chipped in with 10 rebounds off the bench. Josh Smith led the Hawks with 11 points, playing only 19 minutes. Both teams cleared their benches in the final minutes and the only thing the Hawks could take solace in was avoiding their worst loss of the season, which remains a 22-point defeat at San Antonio. The Hawks got an omen of things to come when backup center Jason Collins tumbled to the court chasing a loose ball late in the first quarter. His left arm was pinned under Cunningham, leaving the 7-footer writhing on the court with a sprained elbow that finished him off for the night. The Hawks were already shorthanded in the middle with Al Horford recovering from surgery for a torn pectoral muscle that will keep him out for most, if not all, of the regular season. Atlanta was up 36-35 with 5 minutes left in the opening half. That's when the game turned Memphis' way. Mayo knocked down a jumper, Gasol hit a turnaround hook and Allen laid it in off a nifty pass from Gay. After Jeff Teague missed a jumper, Gay broke ahead of the pack, took a pass from Conley and jammed it down. Then Mayo stole the ball from Joe Johnson, feeding Allen for another layup. The Hawks got a bit of a spark when Marvin Williams swished a 3-pointer, but Allen matched it with a 3 of his own just ahead of the buzzer, sending the Grizzlies sprinting to the locker room up 53-43. Atlanta never got closer. Joe Johnson was smothered by the Grizzlies and finished with 10 points on 4-of-10 shooting. Ivan Johnson, also with 10, was the only other Hawks player in double figures. *Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

San Antonio S. - N.Orleans H. 93-81
Tim Duncan (6'10''-C/F-76, college: Wake Forest) scored 19 points, Tony Parker (6'0''-PG-82) had 18 and the San Antonio Spurs won their third in a row, beating the New Orleans Hornets 93-81 Thursday night. A night after Duncan scored 25 in a win over Houston, it was somewhat surprising that he even played. Coach Gregg Popovich has vowed to limit the 35-year-old's minutes and playing the West's worst team seemed to invite a night off. But the Hornets didn't make it easy. Carly Landry scored 17 points and Greivis Vasquez added 16 points staring in place of Jarrett Jack, keeping New Orleans close before the Spurs blew out the game in the fourth. Jack sat out with a sore knee but the pain isn't considered serious. The Hornets have lost 12 of their last 13. Tiago Splitter added 16 points and Danny Green had 11 off the bench for the Spurs, who improved to an NBA-best 12-1 at home. They need to stockpile all the home wins they can: After hosting the NBA-leading Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday night, the Spurs won't be back home for three weeks. The San Antonio Rodeo runs the Spurs out of town every February - but the franchise has never seen a stretch like this. The compressed schedule in wake of the NBA lockout has San Antonio in the midst of playing 16 of 21 games outside the AT&T Center, the toughest road run in Spurs history. The upside is that the Spurs should get Manu Ginobili back on their trip. Ginobili broke his hand Jan. 2 but the Spurs have persevered without their go-to scorer, going 12-7 so far and staying atop the Southwest Division. Carldell Johnson scored 11 points and was the only other Hornets player in double figures. New Orleans trailed by just 3 after the third quarter but was outscored 22-12 in the fourth. The Hornets shot 29 percent in the fourth while the Spurs missed only five shots. Like the Spurs, the Hornets were also playing for the second time in two nights after losing at home to Phoenix. Hornets coach Monty Williams shrugged before the game at the effect of defeat after defeat. 'We've had so many losses, they all sting,' Williams said. *Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com



Zach Randolph on schedule to return in early March - by Eurobasket News
Grizzlies fans were understandably nervous after a report this week said that Memphis coach Lionel Hollins did not believe Zach Randolph (6'9''-C-81, college: Michigan St.) would return this season. Hollins, though, denied ever saying that, and an MRI on Wednesday showed that Randolph is making progress and his rehabilitation from a torn right MCL is on schedule, the Commercial Appeal reports. He is expected back the first week of March.

'The results came back positive and hes on schedule and progressing', Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace said. 'I don't have a timetable for the date hes back. But there's no bad news. There are no red flags or talk of surgery. That's all Im looking for. The doctors are happy with his progress.'

Randolph, who injured his knee in Chicago on Jan. 1, has been cleared to begin non-contact drills, according to the report.

Courtesy of www.aol.sportingnews.com

All-Star Game 2012: Starters named - by Eurobasket News
Blake Griffin (6'10''-F-89, college: Oklahoma) and Andrew Bynum (7'0''-C-87, agency: David Lee services) have been voted to the All-Star game, joining Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) and Chris Paul (6'0''-PG-85, college: Wake Forest) to give the city of Los Angeles four starters.

Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant kept the West from being an entire L.A. story by earning a forward spot for the Feb. 26 game in Orlando. Griffin and Bynum are first-time starters, while Bryant earned his record-tying 14th consecutive nod.

Dwight Howard (6'11''-C-85) of the host Magic was the leading vote-getter with 1.6 million. LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) and Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) are going together again from Miami, while MVP Derrick Rose (6'3''-G-88, college: Memphis) of Chicago and New York's Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-F-84, college: Syracuse) round out the East starters.

Starters were chosen by fan balloting. The reserves will be chosen by voting of the head coaches from each conference and will be announced next Thursday.

Courtesy of www.wrdw.com

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  NBLCANADA   


Lightning strike down Storm - by Eurobasket News
The 2474 fans in attendance at the John Labatt Centre have known for a week that their Lightning were headed to the post season, but who their opponent would be remains a mystery. Fifth place Summerside Storm was the visitor tonight, and a close battled game saw the Lightning winning, 113-107.

'We didn't play well,' explained Lightning Coach Michael Ray Richardson. 'We gave away 25 offensive rebounds and let their guards score too many layups. In the end though a win is a win and we will take it.'

The Storm trail Saint John Mill Rats in the standings and have a very tough schedule ahead. London meanwhile, used its tried and true formula in tonight's contest: Gabe Freeman (6'6''-F-85, college: Costa Mesa JC) ending with his double double, 18 points and 14 rebounds, while 5 players on the Lightning roster scored in double digits, led by DeAnthony Bowden (6'1''-G-80, college: Creighton) with 25.

London gets right back at it on Sunday against Oshawa. Tip-off at the John Labatt Centre is 2 PM

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Oshawa Power sign Canadian forward Shawn Gray, release David Collins - by Eurobasket News
Durham's Team the Oshawa Power have added Canadian forward Shawn Gray to the roster. The Power have released centre David Collins (7'0''-C-85, college: Bradley).

Gray is a 6'7' Forward from Toronto, Canada. Gray played his collegiate basketball at Brandon University in Brandon, Manitoba. Gray has played professionally in Belgium and the Netherlands.

The Power organization is very pleased to add the veteran Gray to the team.

The Power have 5 Canadian players on their roster, the most in the NBL Canada.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

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  NCAA1   


Boynton, Beal lead No. 12 Florida to 6th straight victory, 74-66 over South Carolina - by Eurobasket News
Kenny Boynton (6'2''-G-91) scored 24 points, Bradley Beal (6'3''-G-93) had his fourth double-double and No. 12 Florida beat South Carolina 74-66 Thursday night for its sixth consecutive victory.

The Gators (18-4, 6-1 Southeastern Conference) swept the Gamecocks (9-12, 1-6) for the first time since 2008 and extended their home-winning streak to 18 games.

Florida had to grind out the latest one.

The Gators led by 17 points midway through the first half, but South Carolina slowly whittled it down to five with 2:51 remaining. Brenton Williams had a chance to make it a five-point game with 1:13 remaining, but he missed the first of two free throws. Williams also had a costly turnover on the previous possession. He was 2-of-9 shooting.

Florida made 11 of 12 free throws in the final 1:09 to close it out.

Bruce Ellington (5'9''-G) led South Carolina with 15 points. Damontre Harris and Malik Cooke added 12 each.

The Gamecocks squandered several chances in the final few minutes. Maybe the toughest to swallow was when Floridas Erving Walker (5'8''-G) came up with a loose ball the Gators seemingly got all of them and found Beal slicing through the lane. Beal dunked the ball, got fouled and completed the three-point play to put the Gators up 59-50.

Beal finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Walker had 14 points, seven assists and four rebounds.

The Gators built their big lead with a huge rebounding advantage and by making four of their first seven 3-point attempts. But they went cold from long range in the second half and finished 7 of 28 from behind the arc.

South Carolina couldnt take advantage after digging a huge hole.

Florida dominated the opening 10 minutes.

The Gators made 3-pointers, got every loose ball and took advantage of a 14-1 rebounding margin to build a 27-10 lead.

Nothing went wrong for Florida early. The press took South Carolina out of rhythm, and the Gators seemed to find wide-open shooters all over the floor. And even when they did miss, they got just about every rebound. Florida ended the first half with 14 offensive boards more than coach Billy Donovans team had in its previous three games combined.

The Gamecocks eventually settled down and started slicing into the lead.

Brian Richardson hit a 3-pointer and a jumper, and then Cooke found his stroke. Cooke sank a mid-range shot, and then converted a three-point play on the next possession. Cooke flipped in a shot over his head, got fouled and knocked down the free throw.

RJ Slawson continued South Carolinas late surge with a layup in the final minute. The Gamecocks ended the half on a 9-1 run and suddenly trailed 37-28 after looking like they would get blown out.

Florida contributed to its problems late in the first half with poor shot selection and missed free throws. Beal missed three from the charity stripe in the final 5:48, and Walker missed both of his in the final minute.

Cooke made it a six-point game, 37-31, with a three-point play to open the second half.

The Gators responded, though.

Walker made consecutive floaters in the lane, and Beal tipped in a miss. The game went back and forth the rest of the way. The biggest different was Florida started making free throws and finished 23 for 32 from the stripe.

Courtesy of www.washingtonpost.com

Canaan scores 32 as No. 10 Murray State top SE Missouri State 81-73 to move to 22-0 - by Eurobasket News
Isaiah Canaan (6'0''-G-91) scored 32 points and No. 10 Murray State remained unbeaten with an 81-73 win over Southeast Missouri State on Thursday night.

Jewuan Long (6'1''-G-88) added 13 points for Murray State (22-0, 10-0), which is off to the best start by an Ohio Valley Conference team since Western Kentucky opened 21-0 in 1953-54.

Marcus Brister (6'4''-G-87) had 17 points and eight rebounds for the Redhawks (12-10, 7-3).

The lead changed hands three times in the first half and Murray State trailed the Redhawks 39-33 at the break. Murray State took the lead for good less than 10 minutes into the second half.

Southeast Missouri forced the Racers into 14 turnovers, but Murray State outrebounded the Redhawks 43-34.

Courtesy of www.ky3.com

No. 24 Gonzaga gives it away to BYU, 83-73 - by Eurobasket News
Gonzaga practically gave it away to BYU.

The 24th-ranked Bulldogs committed 15 first half turnovers and the Cougars coasted to an 83-73 victory on Thursday night.

Gonzaga turned the ball over 19 times total, including 14 BYU steals.

'It cut us down,' Bulldogs center Robert Sacre (7'0''-C-88) said. 'It cut us down big time. That was the definition of the game right there was turnovers.'

BYU broke open a close game in the first half by taking advantage of a prolonged shooting drought by the Zags. Gonzaga took a 15-13 lead on a jumper from Sam Dower (6'9''-C) and then went 7 minutes without a basket.

The Cougars responded with a 23-7 spurt to take a commanding lead. Brandon Davies started the run with a tying jumper and once Noah Hartsock (6'8''-F) capped the run with another jumper, BYU held a 36-22 lead.

For BYU coach Dave Rose , it came down to team defense. Rose praised his players disrupting Gonzaga's attempts to set up its interior offense. As a team, they racked up 12 steals before halftime.

Our hands were active,' Rose said. 'Our feet were active. We were challenging for rebounds. That's when we're good. Our guys respond to that and build on it and it gives them confidence.'

The Cougars also came out strong in the second half and pushed the lead to 55-36 with 13:30 left in the game. Gonzaga mounted a small rally late and cut BYU's lead to eight points in the final minute. It was too little, too late for the Zags.

Bulldogs coach Mark Few criticized his team for not handling the task of playing in a tough road environment well.

'We were rattled and frazzled,' Few said. 'Just played with no poise and no composure. Timeouts couldn't stop it. Substitutions couldn't stop it. BYU did a good job of just coming out and playing with great energy and great passion.'

Hartsock finished with 24 points and 14 rebounds to lead BYU (19-6, 7-3). Davies added 15 points. The Cougars also received major contributions from their backcourt. Anson Winder was inserted into the starting lineup in place of Brock Zylstra (6'6''-G/F) and responded with 10 points, five assists and three steals. Matt Carlino chipped in 18 points and five assists.

Reserve Sam Dower scored 15 points for Gonzaga (17-4, 7-2). Gary Bell Jr. added 14 for the Bulldogs, Marquise Carter had 13 and Robert Sacre 11.

The Bulldogs were only 3 of 19 from 3-point range, and BYU was slightly better at 3 of 12 from the perimeter. The Cougars outscored Gonzaga 44-36 in the paint and had 22 points off 19 turnovers.

Gonzaga, behind defensive pressure that forced BYU into some sloppy turnovers and a few bad shots, trimmed BYU's lead to 65-55 with two Michael Hart free throws.

David Stockton missed an open 3 that could have trimmed the margin further, and a hook by Davies with 1:30 remaining put the Cougars back ahead by 12 and in command.

Courtesy of www.seattlepi.com

No.7 Duke gets convincing 75-60 win over Virginia Tech - by Eurobasket News
Quinn Cook (6'0''-G-93) got into the lane to the right of the Virginia Tech basket midway through the second half and found a Hokies defender between him and the basket.

Mason Plumlee (6'10''-F-90) stood behind that defender and gave a quick point to the ceiling of Cassell Coliseum. Cook lofted the ball over the rim to Plumlee, who finished for an emphatic alley-oop. With that, Duke was up 17 points against the Hokies and in a similar situation to Saturday, when the Blue Devils took their foot off the gas late against St. Johns.

There was no such let-up Thursday.

No. 7 Duke (19-3, 6-1) took it to Virginia Tech (12-10, 1-6) until the final buzzer sounded, posting a convincing 75-60 victory that erased much of the lingering sourness from Saturdays win.

I think the big thing was for 40 minutes everybody fought, junior Ryan Kelly (6'11''-F-91) said. All they cared about was winning. Things arent perfect we made mistakes but if we continue to do that, things are going to be good.

Austin Rivers (6'4''-G-92) led the Blue Devils with 18 points while Kelly finished with 15.

In light of the disappointing half against the Red Storm, Duke stressed the importance of team unity over the last four days. The players have decided not to post anything on social media for the rest of the season, and they bussed up to Blacksburg in order to spend some time together.

We have nine games left now in the season, Rivers said. You look at the seniors like Miles (Plumlee). A month from now, hell never play in Cameron again. That kind of bothers me because I want to play hard for him. Were going to fight for each other, especially the older guys.

There were also changes to the starting lineup as Josh Hairston and Tyler Thornton started for Kelly and Seth Curry.

Once the game started, if Duke employed the same approach as it did Saturday, there were a couple of moments when Virginia Tech could have wiggled its way back into the final 10 minutes.

After Plumlees alley-oop, the Blue Devils scored on their next possession when Kelly drove and converted a one-handed attempt in the lane. Kelly then made a deep 3-pointer when Duke got the ball again, giving the Blue Devils a 62-40 lead.

The Blue Devils offense bogged down for a couple of possessions after that, giving the Virginia Tech crowd some hope.

Plumlee steadied Duke with an important defensive play.

With Virginia Tech within 15, the Hokies took advantage of a Rivers turnover and sped ahead on a fast-break opportunity. First, Tyler Thornton impeded Robert Browns path to the basket, and then Plumlee sprinted back and managed to stuff the layup attempt.

I thought his hustle was one of the great plays of the game, Krzyzewski said of Plumlee. What Tyler did, too. Tyler kind of stopped him a little bit, and then Mason made his play. Because if they hit that, you never know. Its a momentum play. Its a big-time play.

Duke knows from Saturday that if you allow opponents to get momentum, they may crawl their way back into the game.

But the Hokies didnt get closer than 14 points the rest of the way.

'I'm very pleased with our team,' Krzyzewski said.

Courtesy of www.charlotteobserver.com

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  NCAA2   


Alderson-Broaddus College (Who is led by 3 Cleveland Oh Products Bohanon, Barnes, and Brown) 13 game winning streak was snapped!! - by Vance Marbury
The Wheeling Jesuit Cardinals shot a blistering 63 percent from the floor in the first half and never looked back in knocking off the Alderson-Broaddus (A-B) Battlers 77-66 Monday night in the Rex Pyles Arena. The loss ended the Battlers' 13-game winning streak.

The Battlers (14-3, 11-2 WVIAC) played evenly with the Cardinals (13-5, 9-3) early on, as the game saw four ties and nine lead changes over the first ten minutes of play. However, a 16-5 WJU run broke the game open, as the Cardinals took a 42-32 lead into halftime.

A-B came out of the locker room on a run of their 15-4 run of their own to take a 47-46 lead on an ODell Eargle dunk at the 14:14 mark. Another Eargle layup with 11:46 to play gave the Battlers a 54-53 lead, but it was the last lead they would see, as WJU used a 17-6 run to put the game out of reach.

Steve Catich led the Cardinals with a game high 22 points, while Ben Siefert and Marquis Moore each added 17, with Moore doing so on perfect 7-7 shooting.

Nate Barnes led the Battlers with 18 points, while Adam Kline added 11 points off the bench. More importantly, WJU held Kurlin 'Going Pro' Bohanon, the conferences 2nd-leading scorer, to just 12 points, nearly ten below his season average. The Cardinals also forced A-B into 18 turnovers and scored 22 points off of those turnovers.

On the season for A-B Kurlin 'Going Pro' Bohanon (Cleveland Oh/Glen Oaks, CC) is averaging 20.7 PPg 6.8 Reb/Gm 1.5 Asst/Gm 1.6 Stl/Gm and 1.6 Blk/Gm. Nate Barnes (Villa Angela St. Joesph High School/Lakeland CC (Mentor, Oh) is averaging 15.9 PPG 3.1 Reb/Gm and 5.4 Asst/Gm. Roy Brown (Garfield Hts. High School) has tallied 11.6 PPG 4.9 Reb/Gm 3.6 Asst/Gm.

A-B will resume league play Saturday February 4th vs West Virginia State University

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  NIGERIA   


Nigeria DStv League dunks-off February 25 - by Olusegun Ikuesan
..... As NBBF-Stakeholders, League Board meet

The 2011/2012 Dstv Premier Basketball League dunks-off February 25 across the country.

In a statement issued by the Secretariat Thursday the new date of February 25 was arrived at after the Nigeria Basketball ruling body, NBBF took into consideration appeals from the sixteen clubs from the Atlantic and Savannah conference of the league.

NBBF president Tijjani Umar says the federation is a proactive one that is prepared to carry every stakeholder along in its administration of the game in Nigeria.

Officials of the NBBF will on February 16, 2012 hold a stakeholder conference with teams in the Atlantic conference in Lagos while that of the Savannah conference have been schedule for February 18 in Abuja with the federation first executive meeting for the 2012 holding same day as the Savannah conference stakeholder conference in Abuja.

The sixteen clubs that will be campaigning in the league this season include league defending champion, Royal Hoopers basketball club of Port Harcourt and seven Lagos-based clubs Union Bank basketball club, Dodan Warriors basketball club, Comets basketball club, Islanders basketball club, Police Baton basketball club, Chariot basketball club and newly promoted Nigeria Customs basketball club in the Atlantic conference.

Leading the challenge in the Savannah conference are 2010/2011 fourth placed side Kada Stars basketball club of Kaduna, three-time champion Kano Pillars basketball club and Nigeria Immigration basketball club of Kano. Bauchi Nets basketball club and Yelwa Hawks basketball club of Bauchi, Tapgun Rockets basketball club of Jos, Niger Potters basketball club of Minna and newly promoted Civil Defence basketball club of Abuja.
Orseer Ikyaator (191-G-89)

London not too far away - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Nigeria's chances of making it to the 2012 Olympic Games are bigger than a lot of people think.

At least that's according to national team coach Ayodele Bakare, whose optimism is based on the country's vast pool of experienced talent to draw from, and an improved Nigerian Basketball Federation administration.

Nigeria, despite a chaotic start to their preparations last summer, won the bronze medal at Afrobasket 2011 in Madagascar to book a place in the 12-team FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, which is to be staged in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas in the first week of July.

Three places for the London Games will be at stake. Nigeria will take part in the event for the first time.

Which teams are in the best position to make it to London?

'Nigeria, for sure,' Bakare said to FIBA.com.

'Then, Lithuania and Greece.'

Angola, Jordan, Korea, New Zealand, Russia, F.Y.R. of Macedonia, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and hosts Venezuela are the other teams in the mix.

Bakare, who has coached Nigerian national teams at all levels, including youth and women, took over last year after the resignation of Nigeria coach John Lucas, a great player in the NBA who also coached in the league.

Bakare says Nigeria were in Orlando, Florida, preparing for the Afrobasket when everything fell apart.

'We were having a training camp when suddenly we had no coach, no players,' Bakare said.

'The original team was completely broken.

'We had to call some players who were already on holidays.

'The way my players made a commitment, I just have to give them credit.'

The team, under Bakare and led by Ime Udoka, travelled to Madagascar and finished third after a 77-67 victory over Ivory Coast.

Bakare says that Nigeria's prospects have improved since Afrobasket 2011, when the national team 'had many administrative problems' to overcome.

Looking for reinforcements

Bakare believes the Nigerians have the potential for a much stronger squad than the one that showed up last year in Antananarivo.

'We keep monitoring regularly potential players for our national team,' he said.

'We have a number of players based in Europe and the USA.

'Some of them were born outside Nigeria, but all of them hold Nigerian passports.

'This increases our chances to select a strong team.'

Familiar foes

In Caracas, Nigeria could cross swords with three teams they have met before: Angola, Korea and Venezuela.

In 1998, they celebrated their first-ever win in a FIBA World Championship game by hammering Korea, 89-65.

Nigeria lost 84-77 to Venezuela at the 2006 FIBA World Championship.

Angola and Nigeria have faced each other at the Afrobasket over the years.

Bakare expects the strongest opponents to come from the old continent.

'The European teams are always tough to beat,' he said.

Nigeria can draw on impressive results from years gone by to serve as inspiration.

Six years ago in Japan was one of the most famous, when Nigeria prevailed 82-75 victory over Serbia and Montenegro to make worldwide headlines.

'We will surprise some people,' Bakare said.

'We are doing everything to get all players together, and the federation is committed to giving into the players' demands.'

Might the obsession with foreign-based players affect home-based players' motivation?

'Clearly our national championship has no players of the quality of those in the main leagues around the world, but it does not mean we disregard them,' Bakare said.

'Our policy is to keep at least two home-based players in the national team.

'If you recall, when the US Dream Team appeared at the 1992 Olympics, they used one college player (Christian Laettner) among the NBA professionals.

'This policy applies to Nigerian players who have left the country in the last 12 months, and everybody is happy with it.

'Home-based players react positively to this policy as we seek to name the best players for the national team, as everybody wishes us to do well.'

Nigeria are second to Angola in the FIBA Africa Rankings, and 21st in the FIBA World Rankings, yet they have never played in an Olympic tournament.



Courtesy: www.fiba.com



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


Lewis leaves Drive to play in Australia - by Eurobasket News
How one plays in the Premier Basketball League can open doors or result in one being shown the door.

The Central Illinois Drive made that clear this week as star forward Tony Lewis (6'7''-F-89, college: Illinois St.) accepted a chance to play professionally in Australia while fellow forward Deonta Black was released.

Its a big loss, but also a great opportunity for other guys, said Drive coach A.J. Guyton referring to the 6-foot-6 Lewis, an Illinois State grad who averaged 13.8 points on 58.1 percent shooting.

Its good for the league for a guy to go on and play at another level and it shows that if you work hard enough, youll get noticed.

Winning also gets noticed. Lewis helped the Drive, the PBLs only unbeaten team, build a 6-0 record ahead of Saturdays 3 p.m. (Central) game against the Indiana Diesels (1-4) at Whiteland (Ind.) High School.

The Drive and Diesels play again at 2:05 p.m. Sunday at U.S. Cellular Coliseum. For $10, fans can attend the Drive Tailgate at 12:30 p.m. for all-you-can-eat food, a ticket to the game and a ticket to the Bloomington Edge home football opener.

Lewiss playing time will likely be split among Matt Salley, Anthony Slack, Bryan Mokeski and new acquisition Terrence Green.

The 6-foot-10 Green, a Chicago King product, is a former Augustana College reserve who averaged 2.0 points as a senior in 2009-10.

Hes super athletic and physical, said guard Rodney Edgerson, who leads the Drive in scoring at 16.0 per game. Hell bring us rebounding and he can finish at the rim.

Courtesy of www.pantagraph.com

Steamers add high-scoring guard - by Eurobasket News
The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Steamers signed guard Lionel Armstead (5'11''-G-80, college: W.Virginia) Wednesday and placed Daniel Miller (6'5''-F) on the injured reserve list.

Armstead started the season with the Charleston Gunners, who were dismissed by the Premier Basketball League. The Steamers selected Armstead in a dispersal draft last week, brought him in Tuesday and agreed to a contract Wednesday.

The former West Virginia University guard still ranks third in the PBL in 3-pointers made per game while ranking sixth in scoring and 3-point percentage.

The addition of Armstead gives the first-year Steamers (3-3) three of the top six scorers in the league.

Chris Commons is second to Desmond Hollaway of the Sauk Valley Predators with a 24.0 points per game average. Hollaway leads the league with 27.2 per game.

Vinny Simpson ranks fourth at 22.2 points per game and leads the league with 2.8 made 3-pointers per game.

Miller, a 6-foot-5 forward, made his only appearance with the team in Saturday's 114-108 loss to the Dayton Air Strikers. He was scoreless.

The Steamers return to action Saturday at 3:05 against the Lake Michigan Admirals at the Lackawanna College Student Union.

Courtesy of www.timesleader.com

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


Turk Telecom U16 Tournament: Poland overwhelm France at Ataturk Arena - by Eurobasket News
Poland U16-France U16 71:51

Poland overwhelm France at Ataturk Arena at the Turk Telekom International Tournament for U16 teams. The Polish side shocked the French outfit 29-8. Polish players erupted with 21-1 run in the third quarter to seal the victory. Trailing 4 points at the halftime, Polish team managed to win the game.
Marek Zywert (181-G-96) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Grzegorz Kulka (198-PF-96) added 11. Kamil Zywert (183-PG-96) nailed 10, while Filip Pruefer (208-C-96) and Igor Wadowski (195-F-96) scored 7 apiece. Ywen Smock (201-PF-96) finished the game with 13 points for France and Etienne Ory (175-PG-96) scored 8.
In the Semifinal Poland will take on Germany. The latter surprised the hosts for the Semifinal birth of the Turk Telekom International Tournament for U16 teams. The German team overcame Turkey 51:47 in the defensive encounter.

Poland U16: Marek Zywert 18, Grzegorz Kulka 11, Kamil Zywert 10, Filip Pruefer 7, Igor Wadowski 7
France U16: Ywen Smock 13, Etienne Ory 8


*****************************************************
  QATAR   


Standings
D1 Standings
 1. Al Rayyan 6-0 
 2. As Sadd 5-1 
 3. Al Arabi 3-2 
 4. Al Gharrafah 3-2 
 5. Al Jaysh 3-3 
 6. Al Wakrah 1-4 
 7. Al Ahli 1-5 
 8. Qatar 0-5 


D1 Stats
Points Per Game
 Abdulai JALLOH
  Al Arabi
  (188-G-86)
  Avg: 31.6
 1. Jalloh, Al Arabi31.6 
 2. Ngombo, Al Rayyan22.8 
 3. Crisp, Al Ahli22.0 
 4. Watson, Al Gharr.21.0 
 5. N''Diaye, Al Gharr.17.6 
 6. Seck, Qatar17.6 
 7. Souleye, Al Wakrah17.2 
 8. Ismail, Al Rayyan17.0 
 9. Soyebo, Qatar16.8 
 10. Thiam, As Sadd16.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Michael OKORO
  Qatar
  (206-F-89)
  Avg: 15
 1. Okoro, Qatar15.0 
 2. Seck, Qatar14.8 
 3. Mofunanya, Al Ar.13.8 
 4. Southall, As Sadd11.8 
 5. Okosun, Al Ahli11.7 
 6. Souleye, Al Wakrah11.2 
 7. Byrd, Al Arabi10.8 
 8. Jabbi, Al Ahli10.7 
 9. Abussar, Al Gharr.10.0 
 10. Abdelkader, Al Gh.9.0 
Assists Per Game
 Boney WATSON
  Al Gharr.
  (183-G-)
  Avg: 5.6
 1. Watson, Al Gharr.5.6 
 2. Abdu, Al Wakrah4.6 
 3. Jalloh, Al Arabi4.4 
 4. Mousa, As Sadd4.0 
 5. Suliman, As Sadd3.8 
 6. Soyebo, Qatar3.8 
 7. Al Siddeequ, Al Ah.3.7 
 8. Ismail, Al Rayyan3.7 
 9. Hani, Al Jaysh3.5 
 10. Ali, Al Rayyan3.5 
Steals Per Game
 Abdulai JALLOH
  Al Arabi
  (188-G-86)
  Avg: 3
 1. Jalloh, Al Arabi3.0 
 2. Hani, Al Jaysh2.5 
 3. Abdelkader, Al Gha.2.4 
 4. N''Diaye, Al Gharr.2.4 
 5. Ismail, Al Rayyan2.3 
 6. Saad, As Sadd2.2 
 7. Thiam, As Sadd2.0 
 8. Seck, Qatar2.0 
 9. Soyebo, Qatar1.8 
 10. Ngombo, Al Rayyan1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Michael SOUTHALL
  As Sadd
  (210-C-82)
  Avg: 3
 1. Southall, As Sadd3.0 
 2. Souleye, Al Wakrah2.2 
 3. Byrd, Al Arabi1.4 
 4. Mofunanya, Al Ar.1.2 
 5. Okosun, Al Ahli1.2 
 6. Seck, Qatar1.0 
 7. Thiam, As Sadd0.8 
 8. Okoro, Qatar0.8 
 9. Jabbi, Al Ahli0.8 
 10. Abdelkader, Al Gh.0.8 


*****************************************************
  RUSSIA   


CSKA downs Galatasaray 85-70, stays perfect - by Eurobasket News
CSKA - Galatasaray 85-70

CSKA Moscow registered 13th straight win in Euroleague this season. The Russian powerhouse outplayed Galatasaray 85-70 for 3-0 record in Top 16, Group E. At the same time, Galatasaray dropped to 1-2. Nenad Krstic (213-C-83) was a key player in victory with 20 points and 9 rebounds (valuation 31). Milos Teodosic (195-G-87) scored 12 points, while Viktor Khryapa (204-F/G-82) (6 as) and Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78) added 11 pts each. In the loosing squad, Jamon Lukas Gordon (191-G-84, college: Virginia Tech) collected 15 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Ender Arslan (190-G-83) scored 13 points, while Furkan Aldemir (207-F-91, agency: Beo Basket) was close to double-double with 11 points and 9 rebs. Third quarter was the crucial one in this meeting. CSKA jumped to plus 18 during this period and later had no troubles to keep its lead for rest of the game. Quarters: 19-12, 25-25, 22-15, 19-18. Galatasaray will host CSKA next week in Istanbul.

CSKA: Nenad Krstic 20+9 boards, Milos Teodosic 12, Viktor Khryapa 11+6 as, Ramunas Siskauskas 11
Galatasaray: Jamon Lukas Gordon 15+5 boards+5 as, Ender Arslan 13, Furkan Aldemir 11+9 boards

Turk Telecom U16 Tournament: Russia advanced to Final Four - by Eurobasket News
Serbia U16-Russia U16 66:76

Russia advanced to Final Four of the Turk Telekom International Tournament for U16 teams. The Russian team overcame Serbia U16 76:66 due to the first half.
Russia started with 18-11 and added 23-13 in the second period. Serbia responded with two victories in the second half but could not save the game.
Aleksandr Gavrilov (192-PG-96) poured in 17 points to lead the charge and Pavel Afanasev (194-SG-96) added 12. Andrey Korolyatin (200-PF-96) and Maxim Morozov (202-PF-96) followed them with 11 points each in a win. Stefan Lazarevic (193-SG-96) and Ivan Daskalovic (199-SG-96) finished the game with 13 points each in defeat, while Stefan Pano and Vasilije Vucetic (206-PF-96) netted 10 points apiece.
Russia will take on Egypt in the Semifinal that overcame Ukraine in the Quarterfinals. Ehab Saleh pulled Egypt to the semis of the Turk Telekom International Tournament for U16 teams. The African team proved their ambitions for the top places after an easy 91:69 win.

Serbia U16: Stefan Lazarevic 13, Ivan Daskalovic 13, Stefan Pano 10, Vasilije Vucetic 10
Russia U16: Aleksandr Gavrilov 17, Pavel Afanasev 12, Andrey Korolyatin 11, Maxim Morozov 11


*****************************************************
  SERBIA   


Turk Telecom U16 Tournament: Russia advanced to Final Four - by Eurobasket News
Serbia U16-Russia U16 66:76

Russia advanced to Final Four of the Turk Telekom International Tournament for U16 teams. The Russian team overcame Serbia U16 76:66 due to the first half.
Russia started with 18-11 and added 23-13 in the second period. Serbia responded with two victories in the second half but could not save the game.
Aleksandr Gavrilov (192-PG-96) poured in 17 points to lead the charge and Pavel Afanasev (194-SG-96) added 12. Andrey Korolyatin (200-PF-96) and Maxim Morozov (202-PF-96) followed them with 11 points each in a win. Stefan Lazarevic (193-SG-96) and Ivan Daskalovic (199-SG-96) finished the game with 13 points each in defeat, while Stefan Pano and Vasilije Vucetic (206-PF-96) netted 10 points apiece.
Russia will take on Egypt in the Semifinal that overcame Ukraine in the Quarterfinals. Ehab Saleh pulled Egypt to the semis of the Turk Telekom International Tournament for U16 teams. The African team proved their ambitions for the top places after an easy 91:69 win.

Serbia U16: Stefan Lazarevic 13, Ivan Daskalovic 13, Stefan Pano 10, Vasilije Vucetic 10
Russia U16: Aleksandr Gavrilov 17, Pavel Afanasev 12, Andrey Korolyatin 11, Maxim Morozov 11


*****************************************************
  SLOVENIA   


D2 Round 16: Sencur CP beats Postojna by three after a very close game - by Eurobasket News
Host teams show no mercy winning all games.

The most exciting game of round 16 in the D2 took place in Kranj. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of one of their biggest challengers Postojna (10-5) to fifth ranked Sencur CP (11-4) 74-71 in the game for the third place. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Postojna. Postojna cut a 13-point halftime deficit to three at the end of the game. 26 personal fouls committed by Postojna helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of center Jure Erzen (203-C-75) who helped to win the game recording 19 points and 8 rebounds. The former international forward Roman Horvat (200-71) contributed with 14 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Sencur CP's coach Gregor Jeras used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Guard Savo Milovic (192-86) replied with 13 points for Postojna. Sencur CP have an impressive five-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place. Postojna at the other side dropped to the fourth position with five games lost. They share it with Splosna plovba and Branik. Sencur CP are looking forward to face Radenska (#7) in Murska Sobota in the next round. Postojna will play on the road against Hrastnik and is hoping to win this game.
An interesting game for Grosuplje (13-2) which hosted in Grosuplje 4th ranked Branik (10-5). First ranked Grosuplje had an easy win 93-78. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Branik. Worth to mention a great performance of power forward Blaz Lobe (202-84) who helped to win the game recording 33 points (!!!) (perfect from downtown making all six shots !!!) and Jure Misic who added 15 points during the contest. At the losing side forward Aljosa Remus (200-86) responded with 18 points. Grosuplje have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 13-2 record. Branik at the other side keeps the fourth place with five games lost. They share the position with Postojna and Splosna plovba. Grosuplje will play against Jance Prit (#12) in Ljubljana in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Branik will play at home against the league's second-placed Triglav Strazisce (#2) in Kranj and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Eleventh-ranked Jance Prit (3-12) was very close to win a game against sixth ranked Splosna plovba (10-5) in Portoroz on Saturday. Splosna plovba managed to secure only two-point victory 88-86. However their fans expected much easier game. The winners were led by Adin Kavgic who had that evening a double-double by scoring 15 points and 16 rebounds. Even 27 points and 8 rebounds by Matic Sirnik did not help to save the game for Jance Prit. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Splosna plovba moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Postojna and Branik. Newly promoted Jance Prit dropped to the twelfth position with 12 games lost. They share it with Litija. Splosna plovba will meet bottom-ranked Litija (#13) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Jance Prit will play against the league's leader Grosuplje in Grosuplje and hope to secure a win.

Other games in round 16 were not that significant. Konjice was beaten by Triglav Strazisce on the road 65-58. Radenska won against Litija on its own court 67-61. Hrastnik unfortunately lost to Terme Olimia in Podcetrtek 71-84.

Triglav Strazisce - Konjice 65-58
No shocking result in a game when second ranked Triglav Strazisce (12-3) beat 9th ranked Konjice (5-10) in Kranj 65-58 on Saturday. The hosts trailed by 3 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 7-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 65-58. Triglav Strazisce forced 20 Konjice turnovers. The winners were led by forward Matic Korosec (194-89) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 15 points and 12 rebounds and guard Boris Jersin (183-85, agency: Kotnik Sports Agency) supported him with 13 points and 5 rebounds. Triglav Strazisce's coach Franci Podlipnik allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even 19 points and 8 rebounds (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field) by center Davorin Skornik (211-81, college: Bucknell) did not help to save the game for Konjice. Power forward Bostjan Sivka (200-76) added 7 points and 8 rebounds for lost side. Triglav Strazisce have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 12-3 record behind leader Grosuplje. Konjice lost third consecutive game. They keep the ninth place with ten games lost. They share the position with Hrastnik. Triglav Strazisce will meet Branik (#5) in the next round. Konjice will play against Medvode (#11) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Triglav Strazisce: M.Korosec 15+12reb, B.Jersin 13+5reb+3ast, E.Radoncic 12+1reb+2ast, G.Mahkovic 7+1reb+1ast, N.Pavlin 6+1reb, A.Vojicic 6+2reb+4ast
Konjice: D.Skornik 19+8reb+1ast, T.Jereb 13+3reb+1ast, B.Sivka 7+8reb+2ast, D.Sipura 5+3reb+2ast, J.Teras 5+2reb+1ast, A.Gacnik 4
gschID: 146255


Grosuplje - Branik 93-78
An interesting game for Grosuplje (13-2) which hosted in Grosuplje 4th ranked Branik (10-5). First ranked Grosuplje had an easy win 93-78. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Branik. The game was mostly controlled by Grosuplje. Branik was better in fourth quarter 28-25. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Grosuplje shot 64.2 percent from the field. They shot the lights out from three nailing 12 long-distance shots on high 63.2 percentage. Worth to mention a great performance of power forward Blaz Lobe (202-84) who helped to win the game recording 33 points (!!!) (perfect from downtown making all six shots !!!) and guard Jure Misic (188-87) who added 15 points during the contest. At the losing side forward Aljosa Remus (200-86) responded with 18 points and power forward Marko Vranjkovic (204-90) scored 13 points and 6 rebounds. Four Branik players scored in double figures. Grosuplje have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 13-2 record. Branik at the other side keeps the fourth place with five games lost. They share the position with Postojna and Splosna plovba. Grosuplje will play against Jance Prit (#12) in Ljubljana in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Branik will play at home against the league's second-placed Triglav Strazisce (#2) in Kranj and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Grosuplje: B.Lobe 33+4reb+2ast, J.Misic 15+4reb+2ast, Z.Jerman 13+1ast, M.Antonijevic 9+2reb+1ast, A.Kunc 7+5reb, M.Trampus 6+4reb
Branik: A.Remus 18+4reb, M.Vranjkovic 13+6reb, P.Brolih 11+2reb+1ast, M.Verginella 10+3reb, J.Brolih 9, S.Skrbinsek 9+4reb
gschID: 146256


Splosna plovba - Jance Prit 88-86
Eleventh-ranked Jance Prit (3-12) was very close to win a game against sixth ranked Splosna plovba (10-5) in Portoroz on Saturday. Splosna plovba managed to secure only two-point victory 88-86. However their fans expected much easier game. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Jance Prit won fourth quarter 35-27. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The winners were led by power forward Adin Kavgic (193-87) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 15 points and 16 rebounds and guard Rok Perko (179-87) supported him with 9 points and 5 assists. Four Splosna plovba players scored in double figures. Even 27 points and 8 rebounds by forward Matic Sirnik (200-91) did not help to save the game for Jance Prit. Forward Andraz Kavas (200-92) added 17 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists for lost side. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Splosna plovba moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Postojna and Branik. Newly promoted Jance Prit dropped to the twelfth position with 12 games lost. They share it with Litija. Splosna plovba will meet bottom-ranked Litija (#13) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Jance Prit will play against the league's leader Grosuplje in Grosuplje and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Splosna plovba: A.Kavgic 15+16reb+1ast, D.Moro 12+3reb, J.Drenik 11+2reb+2ast, J.Zagorc 11+2reb+3ast, R.Perko 9+3reb+5ast, A.Katonar 8+4reb
Jance Prit: M.Sirnik 27+8reb, A.Kavas 17+10reb+4ast, D.Mlakar 14+4reb+8ast, J.Pticak 8+1ast, J.Strazar 6+4reb, N.Cukovic 4+2reb+1ast
gschID: 146257


Radenska - Litija 67-61
Very expected game when 11th ranked Litija (3-12) lost to seventh ranked Radenska (7-8) in Murska Sobota 61-67 on Thursday. However just six-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. The hosts trailed by 9 points after first quarter, but they rallied back and won the game by 6 points. Radenska outrebounded Litija 42-25 including 27 on the defensive glass. The winners were led by forward Ales Novak (197-83) who scored that evening 18 points and 9 rebounds and power forward Igor Spesic (204-83) supported him with 11 points and 9 rebounds. Radenska's coach Dusan Ulaga allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds by guard Luka Hren (198-90, agency: Kotnik Sports Agency) did not help to save the game for Litija. Guard Matic Zupanc (182-90) added 16 points for lost side. Newly promoted Radenska maintains seventh position with 7-8 record. Loser Litija dropped to the bottom place with 12 games lost. They share the position with Jance Prit. Radenska will meet at home higher ranked Sencur CP (#3) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Litija will play against Splosna plovba (#6) in Portoroz and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Radenska: A.Novak 18+9reb+1ast, I.Spesic 11+9reb, J.Struc 10+8reb, R.Suran 7+3reb+2ast, M.Gomboc 6+3reb, T.Horvat 5+2reb
Litija: M.Zupanc 16+3reb+2ast, L.Hren 15+10reb, R.Gominsek 12+4reb+2ast, K.Panic 8+1ast, S.Ljubenovic 8+3reb, C.Lipovsek 2+4reb
gschID: 146258


Sencur CP - Postojna 74-71
The most exciting game of round 16 in the D2 took place in Kranj. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of one of their biggest challengers Postojna (10-5) to fifth ranked Sencur CP (11-4) 74-71 in the game for the third place. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Postojna. Postojna cut a 13-point halftime deficit to three at the end of the game. 26 personal fouls committed by Postojna helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of center Jure Erzen (203-75) who helped to win the game recording 19 points and 8 rebounds. The former international forward Roman Horvat (200-71) contributed with 14 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Sencur CP's coach Gregor Jeras used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Guard Savo Milovic (192-86) replied with 13 points and guard Tilen Zalar (193-87) added 13 points in the effort for Postojna. Five Postojna players scored in double figures. Sencur CP have an impressive five-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place. Postojna at the other side dropped to the fourth position with five games lost. They share it with Splosna plovba and Branik. Sencur CP are looking forward to face Radenska (#7) in Murska Sobota in the next round. Postojna will play on the road against Hrastnik and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Sencur CP: J.Erzen 19+8reb+2ast, R.Horvat 14+8reb+2ast, D.Pusic 13+2reb+4ast, K.Cvek 9+4reb+1ast, U.Troppan 7+4reb+1ast, A.Blazevic 5+2reb+5ast
Postojna: T.Zalar 13+3reb+1ast, S.Milovic 13+4reb+2ast, T.Podboj 12+1ast, M.Dimnik 11+2reb+1ast, M.Klepo 10+5reb, K.Muha 6+6reb+1ast
gschID: 146252


Terme Olimia - Hrastnik 84-71
Everything could happen in Podcetrtek at the game between two tied teams. Both ninth ranked Terme Olimia and 8th ranked Hrastnik had identical 5-9 record. This time Terme Olimia used a home court advantage and won against the opponent from Hrastnik 84-71 on Saturday night. The game without a history. Terme Olimia led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 22-of-28 free shots (78.6 percent) during the game. The winners were led by guard Andrej Macek (183-83) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 13 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists and guard Robert Abramovic (185-88) supported him with 21 points. Five Terme Olimia players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds by guard Sanel Dzombic (198-78) did not help to save the game for Hrastnik. Guard Ziga Percel (188-89) added 22 points for lost side. Hrastnik's coach Igor Pucko rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Terme Olimia (6-9) moved-up to eighth place. Loser Hrastnik dropped to the ninth position with ten games lost. They share it with Konjice. Terme Olimia will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Hrastnik will play against Postojna (#4) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Terme Olimia: R.Abramovic 21+2reb+3ast, B.Trupaj 17+2reb, A.Macek 13+10reb+5ast, J.Hunski 11+5reb, B.Pungartnik 10+2reb+1ast, D.Brcina 8+3reb+1ast
Hrastnik: Z.Percel 22+2reb+1ast, S.Dzombic 17+11reb, G.Ovnik 10+3reb+10ast, A.Hasanovic 6+6reb, T.Tusek 5+6reb+1ast, A.Macek 5+1ast
gschID: 146253




Jure Mocnik leaves Peristeri - by Eurobasket News
Jure Mocnik (185-G-85) is no longer a member of Peristeri. The Slovenian point guard decided to leave the club. Richard Roby (198-G-85) and Ernest Scott (201-F-82, agency: VVG Sports, college: Valdosta St.) did the same recently. Mocnik signed with Peristeri in 2010. He had 5.4 ppg, 3 apg and 1.8 rpg for 28 games last season. In this one, Mocnik averaged 6.9 points, 3.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds (14 games). Jure Mocnik spent more than ten years with Helios Domzale, before he moved to Greece. In his last season with Helios he had 8.4 ppg, 5.5 apg and 3.7 rpg for 22 games in Adriatic league. They won the Slovenian Cup together in 2007. Jure Mocnik played for Slovenian U20, U18 and U16 National Teams in the past.

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  SOUTH KOREA   


Rhodes Leads KT Past KCC - by Jeff Liebsch
Charles Rhodes (203-F/C-85, college: Mississippi St.) scored 35 points and added 15 rebounds to help the KT Sonic Boom to an 89-80 win over fourth place KCC Egis.

Park Sang-Oh (196-F-81) added 22 points, including 11 in the third quarter, and Cho Sung-Min (197-F-83) added 18 as KT used 51% shooting from the field to take solid control of third place. KT is now 3.5 games ahead of KCC Egis.

KT controlled the first half, taking a 50-36 halftime lead, before going on cruise control in the fourth to take their record to 27-15. KCC Egis fell to 24-19 with the loss.

KCC Egis was led by Ha Seung-Jin (221-C-85) with 24 points and 7 rebounds, while DeShawn Sims (203-F-88, college: Michigan) added 15 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists in the loss.

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  SPAIN   


Barca keeps Zalgiris winless - by Eurobasket News
Regal Barca - Zalgiris 94-80

Regal Barca handed 94-80 loss to Zalgiris keeping the perfect score in Group H of the Euroleague Top 16. Barca jumped to 3-0, while at the same time Zalgirs faced with third straight loss. Visitors had pretty good first half of the game and they were holding 1-point lead, 42-43. However, Barca took control on them after the breather and with two strong periods registered double-digit victory at the end. Erazem Lorbek (209-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) dominated in the paint with 19 points and 5 rebounds. Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) scored 16 points and Marcelinho Huertas (191-PG-83, agency: Edge Sports) added 14 points, plus 6 assists. In Zalgiris, Sonny Weems (198-G/F-86, college: Arkansas) delivered 17 points. Robertas Javtokas (211-C-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Arizona) scored 13, while Paulius Jankunas (205-F-84, agency: Interperformances) and Milovan Rakovic (208-C-85) netted 12 points each. Quarters: 23-18, 19-25, 21-16, 31-21. Two teams will meet next week in Kaunas.

Regal Barca: Erazem Lorbek 19+5 boards, Juan Carlos Navarro 16, Marcelinho Huertas 14+6 as
Zalgiris: Sonny Weems 17, Robertas Javtokas 13, Paulius Jankunas 12, Milovan Rakovic 12

Rubio named NBA West Conference Rookie of the Month - by Eurobasket News
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (192-G-90) was named the NBA Western Conference rookie of the month for January.

The team announced the honor, which is only the teams fourth for rookie of the month in franchise history.

Rubio has scored 11.4 points, made 8.9 assists and 2.24 steals this season so far.

In the Eastern Conference, Clevelands Kyrie Irving (191-G-92, college: Duke) won rookie of the month honors.

Rubio and Irving were up against Detroits Brandon Knight, Houstons Chandler Parsons, Miamis Norris Cole, New Jerseys MarShon Brooks and Phoenixs Markieff Morris for the January honors.

Courtesy of http://minnesota.cbslocal.com

Montepaschi cruises past Unicaja in Malaga - by Eurobasket News
Unicaja - Montepaschi 68-91

Montepaschi did a great job in Malaga on Thursday night. The Italian champion handed 68-91 home loss to Unicaja for perfect 3-0 record in Group F of the Euroleague Top 16. Unicaja stays the only winless team in this pool. David Moss (196-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: Indiana St.) shined for the guests with 20 points and 7 rebounds. Ksistof Lavrinovic (210-C-79) scored 18 points and David Andersen (212-C-80) followed with 15 points, plus 6 boards. For the hosts, Joel Freeland (208-F-87) was better than the others with 14 points and 9 rebs. Tremmell Darden (194-G/F-81, college: Niagara) scored 13 and Luka Zoric (211-C/F-84) added 11 points and 7 rebs. Montepaschi opened the game strongly as they made 8-point lead in the first ten minutes. Visitors had plus 10 at the HT and plus 14 after 30 minutes of play. That was not all as Montepaschi dominated in Q4 with 11-20 for the final 68-91 road victory. Two teams will meet in Siena next week.

Unicaja: Joel Freeland 14+9 boards, Tremmell Darden 13, Luka Zoric 11+7 boards
Montepaschi: David Moss 20+7 boards, Ksistof Lavrinovic 18, David Andersen 15+6 boards+6 as

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  SWEDEN   


Basketligan Round 27: LF Basket loses to lower ranked Sundsvall Dragons - by Eurobasket News
Round 27 most important game was a victory of Sundsvall Dragons over 4th placed LF Basket 97-87 on Friday night. The game was mostly controlled by Sundsvall Dragons. LF Basket managed to win second period 29-20. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded LF Basket 39-25 including 29 on the defensive glass. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Sundsvall Dragons made 12 blocks. It was a good game for Icelandic guard Jakob Sigurdarson (192-82, college: Birm.Southern) who led his team to a victory with 27 points. American forward Dino Gregory (200-89, college: Maryland) contributed with 23 points, 7 rebounds and 5 blocks for the winners. The former international guard Martin Pahlmblad (193-86) answered with 30 points and 4 assists for LF Basket. Sundsvall Dragons (14-12) moved-up to sixth place. LF Basket lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the fifth position with 11 games lost. Sundsvall Dragons are looking forward to face bottom-ranked Eco Orebro (#10) on the road in the next round. LF Basket will play against the league's second-placed Norrkoping Dolphins (#2) in Norrkoping and is hoping to win this game.
Basketligan top team - Sodertalje Kings (17-9) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed ninth ranked KFUM Jamtland (11-17) 101-75. It was a great evening for American point guard Johnell Smith (185-80, college: New Orleans, agency: Global Sports Plaza) who led his team to a victory scoring 25 points and 4 steals. Dino Pita helped adding 24 points (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line). The best for the losing side was American power forward Jason Stamper (200-85, college: Minnesota, agency: JEMsports) with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 13 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Sodertalje Kings have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain first place with 17-9 record. KFUM Jamtland at the other side keeps the ninth position with 17 games lost. Sodertalje Kings will play against Boras Basket (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. KFUM Jamtland will play against the league's second-placed Norrkoping Dolphins (#2) in Norrkoping and hopes to get back on the winning track.
The game in Stockholm was also quite interesting. Third ranked Norrkoping Dolphins (16-9) played at the court of 8th ranked 08 Stockholm (13-14). Norrkoping Dolphins managed to secure a 5-point victory 85-80 on Friday. It was an exceptional evening for Anton Saks who led the winners and scored 16 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). Nils Hedstrom came up with 22 points for 08 Stockholm in the defeat. Norrkoping Dolphins have a solid series of four victories in a row. Defending champion moved-up to second place. Loser 08 Stockholm keeps the eighth position with 14 games lost. Norrkoping Dolphins will meet at home LF Basket (#5) in the next round. 08 Stockholm will play against LF Basket in Lulea and hope to secure a win.
The game between third ranked Boras Basket (16-11) and 6th ranked Uppsala Basket (14-13) in Boras ended with biggest points difference. Boras Basket outscored guests from Uppsala 107-73. The best player for the winners was Christopher McKnight who had a double-double by scoring 23 points and 15 rebounds. 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. Boras Basket maintains third place with 16-11 record behind leader Sodertalje. Uppsala Basket at the other side dropped to the seventh position with 13 games lost. Boras Basket's next round opponent will be league's leader Sodertalje Kings at home and it will be for sure the game of the week.

In the last game of round 27 bottom-ranked Eco Orebro was beaten by Solna on the road 83-74.


Boras - Uppsala 107-73

The game between third ranked Boras Basket (16-11) and 6th ranked Uppsala Basket (14-13) in Boras ended with biggest points difference. Boras Basket outscored guests from Uppsala 107-73. It looked good early as Uppsala Basket took an 5-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Boras Basket had a 26-11 second period charge getting the lead and Uppsala Basket was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 73-107. They outrebounded Uppsala Basket 49-28 including a 31-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. Boras Basket players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists. The best player for the winners was American forward Christopher McKnight (201-87, college: Akron) who had a double-double by scoring 23 points and 15 rebounds. The former international center Michael Palm (208-79, college: W.Washington, agency: R.H.Consultancy) chipped in a double-double by scoring 20 points and 13 rebounds. Four Boras Basket players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was the former international swingman Johan Jeansson (197-85) who recorded 18 points and American power forward Delvon Johnson (206-89, college: Arkansas, agency: Priority Sports) added 11 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks respectively. 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. Boras Basket maintains third place with 16-11 record behind leader Sodertalje. Uppsala Basket at the other side dropped to the seventh position with 13 games lost. Boras Basket's next round opponent will be league's leader Sodertalje Kings at home and it will be for sure the game of the week.
Top scorers:
Boras: C.McKnight 23+15reb+1ast, R.Zamroz 21+2reb+3ast, M.Palm 20+13reb+2ast, J.Thomas 16+5reb, H.Carlsson 12+1ast, O.Krayem 6+6reb+12ast
Uppsala: J.Jeansson 18+2reb+1ast, R.Carter 15+4reb+2ast, D.Johnson 11+9reb+1ast, R.Eriksson 9+4reb+2ast, O.Lindell 7+3reb, S.Grundberg 5+2reb+3ast
gschID: 168226


Sundsvall - LF Basket 97-87

Round 27 most important game was a victory of Sundsvall Dragons over 4th placed LF Basket 97-87 on Friday night. The game was mostly controlled by Sundsvall Dragons. LF Basket managed to win second period 29-20. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded LF Basket 39-25 including 29 on the defensive glass. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Sundsvall Dragons made 12 blocks. It was a good game for Icelandic guard Jakob Sigurdarson (192-82, college: Birm.Southern) who led his team to a victory with 27 points. American forward Dino Gregory (200-89, college: Maryland) contributed with 23 points, 7 rebounds and 5 blocks for the winners. The former international guard Martin Pahlmblad (193-86) answered with 30 points and 4 assists and American forward Marcus Relphorde (200-88, college: Colorado) added 24 points in the effort for LF Basket. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Sundsvall Dragons (14-12) moved-up to sixth place. LF Basket lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the fifth position with 11 games lost. Sundsvall Dragons are looking forward to face bottom-ranked Eco Orebro (#10) on the road in the next round. LF Basket will play against the league's second-placed Norrkoping Dolphins (#2) in Norrkoping and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Sundsvall: J.Sigurdarson 27+2reb+2ast, D.Gregory 23+7reb, N.Zivcevic 14+6reb+5ast, A.Nilsson 12+4reb, H.Baeringsson 10+8reb+1ast, M.Tyndale 6+10reb+5ast
LF Basket: M.Pahlmblad 30+2reb+4ast, M.Relphorde 24+2reb, C.Ryan 12+2reb+4ast, K.Ramsey 12+8reb+4ast, E.Salon 7+2reb+3ast, M.Poscic 2+5reb
gschID: 132303


Solna - Eco Orebro 83-74

No shocking result in a game when fifth ranked Solna Vikings (15-11) beat at home bottom-ranked Eco Orebro (2-25) 83-74. It looked good early as Eco Orebro took an 2-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Solna Vikings had a 23-18 second period charge getting the lead and Eco Orebro was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 74-83. The best player for the winners was American swingman Jonte Flowers (196-85, college: Winona St., agency: Warren Sports International) who scored 25 points. His fellow American import forward William Walker (201-87, college: Bethel, IN, agency: Warren Sports International) chipped in 13 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Solna Vikings players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was forward Pierre Hampton (198-91) who recorded 22 points and 7 rebounds and American forward Demond Watt (200-89, college: Texas A&M-CC) added 17 points and 9 rebounds respectively. Solna Vikings have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They moved-up to fourth place. Eco Orebro at the other side stay dead last with 25 lost games. Solna Vikings will have a break next round. Eco Orebro will play at home against Sundsvall Dragons (#6).
Top scorers:
Solna: J.Flowers 25+3reb+3ast, K.Doychinov 14+7reb+1ast, W.Walker 13+7reb+4ast, L.Myrthil 12+5reb, L.Gunnarsson 7+3reb+2ast, N.Larsson 5+2reb
Eco Orebro: P.Hampton 22+7reb+1ast, D.Watt 17+9reb+1ast, B.Barton 9+2reb+1ast, T.Oglesby 8+2ast, T.Georgitsis 8+1reb, B.Toombs 6+12reb+1ast
gschID: 132304


Jamtland - Sodertalje 75-101

Basketligan top team - Sodertalje Kings (17-9) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed ninth ranked KFUM Jamtland (11-17) 101-75. The game without a history. Sodertalje Kings led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 22-of-24 charity shots (91.7 percent) during the game. Sodertalje Kings players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. It was a great evening for American point guard Johnell Smith (185-80, college: New Orleans, agency: Global Sports Plaza) who led his team to a victory scoring 25 points and 4 steals. The former international guard Dino Pita (192-88) helped adding 24 points (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line). Four Sodertalje Kings players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American power forward Jason Stamper (200-85, college: Minnesota, agency: JEMsports) with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 13 rebounds and American-Liberian power forward Boakai Lalugba (200-81, college: Bucknell, agency: Court Side) scored 17 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Sodertalje Kings have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain first place with 17-9 record. KFUM Jamtland at the other side keeps the ninth position with 17 games lost. Sodertalje Kings will play against Boras Basket (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. KFUM Jamtland will play against the league's second-placed Norrkoping Dolphins (#2) in Norrkoping and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Sodertalje: J.Smith 25+4reb+3ast, D.Pita 24+3reb+3ast, M.Griskenas 13+6reb+3ast, J.Andersson 12+1reb+3ast, T.Borg 7+1reb+3ast, M.Joseph 7+2reb
Jamtland: J.Stamper 19+13reb, B.Lalugba 17+5reb+6ast, E.Zabas 10+2reb+4ast, B.Bjornsson 8+1reb, D.Klaric 8+4reb+2ast, S.Hellgren 5+2reb+1ast
gschID: 132305


08 - Norrkoping 80-85

The game in Stockholm was also quite interesting. Third ranked Norrkoping Dolphins (16-9) played at the court of 8th ranked 08 Stockholm (13-14). Norrkoping Dolphins managed to secure a 5-point victory 85-80 on Friday. The guests trailed by 8 points after first quarter, but they rallied back and won the game by 5 points. Norrkoping Dolphins dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to 08 Stockholm's 28. It was an exceptional evening for international guard Anton Saks (200-89) who led the winners and scored 16 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). American guard Andrew Mitchell (181-79, college: Kent St.) accounted for 13 points for the winning side. Guard Nils Hedstrom (190-83) came up with 22 points and the former international center Joakim Blom (211-76, agency: Court Side) added 15 points and 5 assists respectively for 08 Stockholm in the defeat. Five Norrkoping Dolphins and four 08 Stockholm players scored in double figures. Norrkoping Dolphins have a solid series of four victories in a row. Defending champion moved-up to second place. Loser 08 Stockholm keeps the eighth position with 14 games lost. Norrkoping Dolphins will meet at home LF Basket (#5) in the next round. 08 Stockholm will play against LF Basket in Lulea and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Norrkoping: A.Saks 16+8reb+4ast, M.Lindquist 13+1reb+3ast, A.Mitchell 13+4reb+3ast, F.Drains 11+3reb+1ast, E.Jeromanovs 10+2reb+5ast, P.Balocka 10+4reb+2ast
08: N.Hedstrom 22+3reb+3ast, J.Blom 15+3reb+5ast, H.Magnusson 11+3reb+2ast, J.Akesson 11+6reb+2ast, G.Nystrom 9+3reb+2ast, O.Ilunga 8+5ast
gschID: 132306




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  SWITZERLAND   


Benetton Fribourg Olympic sign Kenny Thomas - by Luca Maffioli
Benetton Fribourg Olympic strengthened their roster with the American player Kenny Thomas (191-G-87, college: Radford). Last season, the 24-years old guard played twelve games with Lions de Geneve. He averaged 14.9 points ( FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 76.3% ), 3.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. Graduated at Radford University, Thomas started his career in 2009 in Swiss with Lausanne Basket.

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  TURKEY   


Turk Telecom U16 Tournament: Germany surprise the hosts for the Semifinal birth - by Eurobasket News
Germany U16-Turkey U16 51:47

Germany surprise the hosts for the Semifinal birth of the Turk Telekom International Tournament for U16 teams. The German team overcame Turkey 51:47 in the defensive encounter.
Turkey started with 16:14 after the first period and increased to 7 points at the halftime. The hosts added 18-13 for 34:27 lead at the halftime. Germany however did not give up and bounced back with two victories in the second half. They won the third period 15-7 and finished the game with 9-6 in the last stanza.
Lennart Okeke (188-G-96) paced all the winners with 10 points for the important victory. Joschka Ferner (200-F-96) notched 9 and Jan Wimberg (202-G-96) scored 8. Okay Ulubay, Ogulcan Baykan (195-SG-96) and Egemen Guven each scored 7 points apiece in defeat.
In the Semifinal Germany will take on Poland that overwhelm France at Ataturk Arena at the Turk Telekom International Tournament for U16 teams. The Polish side shocked the French outfit 29-8. Polish players erupted with 21-1 run in the third quarter to seal the victory.

Germany U16: Lennart Okeke 10, Joschka Ferner 9, Jan Wimberg 8
Turkey U16: Okay Ulubay 7, Ogulcan Baykan 7, Egemen Guven 7


Panathinaikos beats Fenerbahce Ulker in Istanbul after first period massacre: 56-77 - by Pervin Elgin
In Group G of the Turkish Airlines Euroleague, Fenerbahce dropped to 1-2 after a clear defeat at home against Panathinaikos. The Greek guests dealt a fatal 9-24 blow to Fener in the first period and cruised to victory. Curtis Jerrells led Ulker with 12 points, Roko Ukic added 11 and Kaya Peker scored 10 for the hosts.

Mike Batiste got Panathinaikos going in the first minute. Kaya Peker responded, but Ulkers offense struggled after that and Bastiste and Kostas Kaimakoglou supplied the guests with 0-13 run. After 7 minutes of play, Roko Ukic broke the silence for Fenerbahce with a pair of three throws: 4-15. Back to back three-points by Kaimakoglou increased the Greek lead to 9-24after 10 minutes.

Panathinaikos was the first team to score again in the second quarter, answered by a basket by Curtis Jerrells. After 15 minutes of playing time, a layup-plus-foul by Ian Vougioukas made it a 19-point game, the biggest margin of the game. Fenerbahce looked to turn things around with a three-pointer by Engin Atsur and a lau up by Kaya Peker, 18-32, but Panathinaikos closed ranks. Kaya Peker's basket put the halftime score on the board: 22-36.

The third period was kicked off with a Greek score again, but Roko Ukic replied and James Gist added a three-pointer: 27-38 after 23 minutes. Curtis Jerrells brought Fenerbahce back to 34-45 after 25 minutes, but a free throw foursome by Panathinaikos gave the guests some breathing space. Kaimakoglou restored a 41-55 Panathinaikos margin with a three-pointer, and moments later a score from downtown by Dimitris Diamantidis fixed the score at 43-58 at the third period buzzer.

Oguz Savas opened the score for Fenerbahce in the fourth period, followed by a lay up by James Gist, 47-58, but Panathinaikos once again replied well and increased the lead again to 47-64 after 34 minutes. After a Fener time out, Ukic, Turkcan and again Ukic gave Ulker some hope: 54-66 with 3 minutes to go. Another three-pointer by Kaimakoglou and a fast break layup by David Logan sealed the Fenerbahce's fate, 56-71 with 2 minutes left. The hosts surrendered, and Panathinaikos cruised to a 56-77 victory.

Next week, Fenerbahce will travel to Greece for revenge, needing a win to keep the Euroleague dream alive.

CSKA downs Galatasaray 85-70, stays perfect - by Eurobasket News
CSKA - Galatasaray 85-70

CSKA Moscow registered 13th straight win in Euroleague this season. The Russian powerhouse outplayed Galatasaray 85-70 for 3-0 record in Top 16, Group E. At the same time, Galatasaray dropped to 1-2. Nenad Krstic (213-C-83) was a key player in victory with 20 points and 9 rebounds (valuation 31). Milos Teodosic (195-G-87) scored 12 points, while Viktor Khryapa (204-F/G-82) (6 as) and Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78) added 11 pts each. In the loosing squad, Jamon Lukas Gordon (191-G-84, college: Virginia Tech) collected 15 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Ender Arslan (190-G-83) scored 13 points, while Furkan Aldemir (207-F-91, agency: Beo Basket) was close to double-double with 11 points and 9 rebs. Third quarter was the crucial one in this meeting. CSKA jumped to plus 18 during this period and later had no troubles to keep its lead for rest of the game. Quarters: 19-12, 25-25, 22-15, 19-18. Galatasaray will host CSKA next week in Istanbul.

CSKA: Nenad Krstic 20+9 boards, Milos Teodosic 12, Viktor Khryapa 11+6 as, Ramunas Siskauskas 11
Galatasaray: Jamon Lukas Gordon 15+5 boards+5 as, Ender Arslan 13, Furkan Aldemir 11+9 boards

Panathinaikos celebrates huge win in Istanbul - by Eurobasket News
Fenerbahce Ulker - Panathinaikos 56-77

Panathinaikos quickly recovered from the last week's shocking home loss against Unics and cruised past Fenerbahce Ulker in Istanbul 56-77. PAO grabbed 15-point lead already in the first quarter. They even touched plus 19 at the halfway of Q2, which later ended with 22-36. Nothing has changed after the breather as PAO was holding double digit lead all the time and actually jumped to plus 21 in the finish of this game. Kostas Kaimakoglou (206-C/F-83) led PAO with 19 points and 5 rebounds. Mike Batiste (203-F-77, college: Arizona St.) had 15 points and 5 boards, while Romain Sato (194-G/F-81, college: Xavier) collected 12 points and 10 reb. Sato didn't miss a single shot last night. For the hosts, Curtis Jerrells (185-G-87, college: Baylor) netted 12 points and Roko-Leni Ukic (196-G-84) had one less. Kaya Peker (207-C/F-80, agency: Court Side) registered 10 points and 5 rebounds. Quarters: 9-24, 13-12, 21-22, 13-19. Two teams will meet against next week, but PAO will be the host. PAO 2-1, Fener 1-2 in Group G.

Fenerbahce Ulker: Curtis Jerrells 12, Roko-Leni Ukic 11, Kaya Peker 10+5 boards
Panathinaikos: Kostas Kaimakoglou 19+5 boards, Mike Batiste 15+5 boards, Romain Sato 12+10 boards

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  UKRAINE   


Turk Telecom U16 Tournament: Ehab Saleh pulls Egypt to the semis - by Eurobasket News
Egypt U17-Ukraine U16 91:69

Ehab Saleh pulls Egypt to the semis of the Turk Telekom International Tournament for U16 teams. The African team proved their ambitions for the top places after an easy 91:69 win.
Egypt did not waste time and took the lead in the first period winning 16:12. The second period was decisive in the game as the African representative needed 31-16 for 19-point advantage at the halftime. Ukraine managed to win the third quarter 21-18, but could not keep the race with the favorites. Egypt finished the game with 26-20 and advanced to the semifinals.
Ehab Saleh stepped up with 34 points and Moataz Hosny (201-C-95) collected 16 points and 13 rebounds. Ahmet Mahran notched 11, while Wessam Shafik and Mohammed El Sayed posted 8 apiece. Oleksandr Kobets (192-SF-96) ended up with 22 points and Maksym Miroshnychenko (175-PG-96) had 13. Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk (194-SG-97) and Sergiy Pryymak (199-SF-96) followed them with 10 points each.

Egypt U17: Ehab Saleh 34, Moataz Hosny 16+13 rebs, Ahmet Mahran 11, Wessam Shafik 8, Mohammed El Sayed 8
Ukraine U16: Oleksandr Kobets 22, Maksym Miroshnychenko 13, Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk 10, Sergiy Pryymak 10

Mykolaiv release Anton Rozhkov and Yuri Zozulia - by Eurobasket News
Mykolaiv have parted ways with Anton Rozhkov (198-G/F-88) and Yuri Zozulia (189-PG-81).
Anton Rozhkov joined the team at the start of the season. The guard tallied 0.3 points and 0.3 rebounds per in just over two minutes per game in Superleague. Last season Anton Rozhkov spent with Striba Chernivci. He also played for Poltava Basket earlier in his career.
Yuri Zozulia tipped off the season with Cherkasy. The guard averaged 1.5 points and 1.0 assist per game in Superleague. Yuri Zozulia joined Mykolaiv in October. He posted 1.0 point and 1.0 board per appearance. Previously Yuri Zozulia had spells for BC Donetsk, DniproAzot, Sumikhimprom, Dnipro and Dynamo Dnipropetrovsk.


Azovmash tab Jerome Randle - by Eurobasket News
Azovmash bolstered their backcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Jerome Randle (178-G-87, college: California). The guard started the season in Israel. He played for Elitzur Netanya. Jerome Randle tallied 14.9 points, 6.6 assists and 3.0 rebounds per appearance in Premier League. Jerome Randle moved overseas in December. He joined Frisco Texas Legends in D-League. His stats read 7.0 points, 3.0 assists and 1.0 boards per game for the Legends. In January Jerome Randle joined the Maine Red Claws. The guard averaged 14.9 points, 4.3 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game for the Red Claws.


Zeljko Lukajic replaces Valentin Voronin in Halychyna - by Eurobasket News
Politekhnika Halychyna changed their head coach. Valentin Voronin decided to leave the position. The sides have reached an agreement on terms of contract termination. Zeljko Lukajic (agency: Beo Basket ) will replace the Belarusian specialist on the bridge. Zeljko Lukajic (agency: Beo Basket ) was at helm of Hemofarm since 2010. He left the Serbian powerhouse earlier this year. The Serbian specialist also worked with Universitet-Surgut, Lukoil Akademik, KK Igokea, PAOK Thessaloniki, Borovica, Partizan, KK Kikinda, KK Zeleznicar, Igman and Flamos. Eurobasket.com named Zeljko Lukajic (agency: Beo Basket ) All-Adriatic League Coach of the Year in 2005. He led his teams to Adriatic League, Bulgarian League and Cup and Bosnian Cup titles. Dusan Gvozdic will be assistant coach.


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  URUGUAY   


Uniceub BRB hands 77-68 loss to Malvin - by Eurobasket News
Malvin - Uniceub BRB 68-77

Uniceub BRB booked a spot for the Liga Sudamericana Semifinals. The defending champion was better than Malvin 68-77 for 1-0 score in Group B. The Uruguayan squad dropped to 0-2 and failed to reach the next stage. Uniceub BRB and Obras advanced, but their todays game will give us an answer who will be the winner of this pool. Arthur Silva (199-F/G-82) stepped up for Uniceub BRB yesterday with 23 points and 7 rebounds. Alex Ribeiro (191-G-80, agency: Interperformances) had 20 points and 5 rebs, while Guilherme Giovannoni (202-F-80, agency: Interperformances) helped his team with 19 points. At the other side, Timothy Frost (208-C-80, college: Utah) had double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds. Anthony Myles (208-F/C-82, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Xavier) had 12 pts and 10 boards, and German Silvarrey (173-PG-87) stopped to 10 pts. Quarters: 17-21, 11-14, 8-26, 32-16. The game between Uniceub BRB and Obras will start at 22h.

Malvin: Timothy Frost 16+12 boards, Anthony Myles 12+10 boards, German Silvarrey 10
Uniceub BRB: Arthur Silva 23+7 boards, Alex Ribeiro 20+5 boards, Guilherme Giovannoni 19

ITS BEEN A PLEASURE XAU :) - by Brandon Brown
My time in uruguay has come to an end.Its been a pleasure and an honor to play in this beautiful country. But as always this is a business in this sport we call basketball.. Being in uruguay for this past season has been fun.. I visited this this little city name PUNTA DEL ESTE. man i had a blast there.i have never seen so many people on the beach until i went there.it was like the entire city was on the beach. If you ever come to uruguay u deff need to go there. I never thought i would surf but i did in punta del este. i salute the guys who surf for a living. I thought it would be easy since i was athletic. ahahaha boy was i wron.its sad to say i only stood up on the board one time and road a wave. I tried and tried for about 30 minutes but couldnt but my goal was to stand up on the board at least one time.

I thought uruguay was weak basketball league but its really not. I think it will be a better league if every team could have 3 americans. if that happened you wouldnt have only a few teams winning the championship every year. this year will be a battle for the championship,theres a lot of solid teams. Bohemios have been on a hot streak. They came out of nowhere to get into the top 8, then you have herbraica and welcome who are 2 pretty tough teams..those were the only 2 teams i had trouble scoring on.i salute the coaching staff for those teams.

I finished the season on a good note, at least thats what i think. but this season had brought me alot of laughs and just a few a few happy moments. The most frustrating thing about this year for me was being doubled and tripled team.but it is what it is. the door to this season here in uruguay has closed but hopefully another will open. shout to mr donkey, one of coolest dudes in uruguay.

you can follow me on twitter @brandonthegre8 if you want to keep up with me.

signing off

YOLO Brandon Brown (201-F college: CS San Bernar.)

*****************************************************
  VTB UNITED LEAGUE   


Azovmash tab Jerome Randle - by Eurobasket News
Azovmash bolstered their backcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Jerome Randle (178-G-87, college: California). The guard started the season in Israel. He played for Elitzur Netanya. Jerome Randle tallied 14.9 points, 6.6 assists and 3.0 rebounds per appearance in Premier League. Jerome Randle moved overseas in December. He joined Frisco Texas Legends in D-League. His stats read 7.0 points, 3.0 assists and 1.0 boards per game for the Legends. In January Jerome Randle joined the Maine Red Claws. The guard averaged 14.9 points, 4.3 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game for the Red Claws.




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Women News

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  CZECH REPUBLIC - Women  


Will Chloe Kerr play for Valosun Brno ? - by Michal Koza
Valosun KP Brno is in a great need of some inside presence. In their last game against Sokol VCP Hradec Kralove in the Czech league, they allowed 22 offensive rebounds and were outrebounded by a total margin of 16 despite playing at home. Chloe Kerr (191-C-85, college: USC) may be the right remedy as Valosun KP Brno is interested in her. American center, lately in the roster of Swedish Telge Basketball, is a 12 points, 8 rebounds player. Valosun KP Brno is currently 8th in the league standings with 8-14 record.

Trutnov defeated Valosun Brno in the Czech Cup - by Michal Koza
Kara Trutnov - Valosun KP Brno 85:78

In the first game of the second day of the Czech Cup Final Six tournament Kara Trutnov defeated Valosun KP Brno 85:78 in Strakonice. The game was last in the tournament for both teams as they lost their previous games. Kara Trutnov tried to make a statement with an early lead and established an 8 point lead (38:30) into the halftime behind strong performance from Lenka Vetrovcova (188-C-84) 21 points and 10 rebounds in the game. Valosun KP Brno never give up and reduced deficit to 2 points (62:60) with over 8 minutes to play behind Veronika Vlkova (176-F/G-84) and Lucie Kysilkova (161-PG-82) who scored 18 and 14 respectively in the game. Kara Trutnov reacted immediately with 11-0 spurt and sealed the victory. With that win Kara Trutnov secured 5th place in the tournament.

Kara Trutnov: Lenka Vetrovcova 21, Hana Snajdrova-Ziklova (183-F-80) 19, Petra Zaplatova (175-G/F-91) 12.
Valosun KP Brno Brno: Veronika Vlkova 18, Lucie Kysilkova 14, Eva Mrhalkova (175-F/G-88) 11.


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  ESTONIA - Women  


Standings - Women
Meistriliiga Standings
 1. KK Tallina U. 6-1 
 2. Eclex Tallinn 6-2 
 3. Tartu Ulikooli 2-5 
 4. Audentes SG/N. 1-7 


Meisterliga Stst Leaders
Points Per Game
 Kerttu JALLAI
  Eclex Tallinn
  (180-F-90)
  Avg: 17.9
 1. Jallai, Eclex Tall.17.9 
 2. Rosenfeldt, Tartu17.2 
 3. Nikolai, KK Talli.15.1 
 4. Teppo, Tartu Uliko.14.7 
 5. Wallace, KK Talli.14.0 
 6. Puu, KK Tallina U.14.0 
 7. Miil, KK Talli.13.0 
 8. Kasemagi, KK Talli.12.3 
 9. Laurimaa, KK Talli.11.3 
 10. Metsalu, Eclex T.10.9 
Rebounds Per Game
 Triin TEPPO
  Tartu Ulikooli
  (186-F/C-90)
  Avg: 11.6
 1. Teppo, Tartu Uliko.11.6 
 2. Jallai, Eclex Tall.9.1 
 3. Rosenfeldt, Tartu8.8 
 4. Wallace, KK Talli.8.7 
 5. Kasemagi, KK Talli.7.2 
 6. Rits, Au.6.9 
 7. Koster, Eclex Tall.6.9 
 8. Nikolai, KK Talli.6.7 
 9. Arniste, Tartu U.5.3 
 10. Poldmaa, Auden.5.0 
Assists Per Game
 Heila ROSENFELDT
  Tartu U.
  (173-G-83)
  Avg: 5
 1. Rosenfeldt, Tartu5.0 
 2. Miil, KK Talli.3.3 
 3. Nikolai, KK Talli.3.1 
 4. Jallai, Eclex Tall.3.1 
 5. Puu, KK Tallina U.2.4 
 6. Poljakov, Tartu U.2.1 
 7. Haas, Eclex Tallinn2.0 
 8. Laurimaa, KK Talli.2.0 
 9. Ruutli, Tartu U.1.7 
 10. Wallace, KK Talli.1.7 
Steals Per Game
 Heila ROSENFELDT
  Tartu U.
  (173-G-83)
  Avg: 3.4
 1. Rosenfeldt, Tartu3.4 
 2. Kullamaa, Auden.3.0 
 3. Miil, KK Talli.2.7 
 4. Koster, Eclex Tall.2.6 
 5. Laurimaa, KK Talli.2.3 
 6. Jallai, Eclex Tall.2.1 
 7. Puu, KK Tallina U.2.0 
 8. Kosk, Eclex Tallinn1.9 
 9. Lass, Au.1.8 
 10. Arniste, Tartu U.1.8 
Blocks Per Game
 Kerttu JALLAI
  Eclex Tallinn
  (180-F-90)
  Avg: 2
 1. Jallai, Eclex Tall.2.0 
 2. Teppo, Tartu Uliko.1.1 
 3. Koster, Eclex Tall.0.8 
 4. Wallace, KK Talli.0.6 
 5. Puu, KK Tallina U.0.6 
 6. Arbet-Lenear, Ecle.0.6 
 7. Lass, Au.0.5 
 8. Kasemagi, KK Talli.0.5 
 9. Laurimaa, KK Talli.0.5 
 10. Rosenfeldt, Tartu0.4 


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  EUROCUP - Women  


Quarterfinals: First games - by Eurobasket News
MBK Ruzomb. - Dynamo K. 80-81
Dynamo Kursk did a good job against MBK Ruzomberok in Game One of the EuroCup Quarterfinals. The Russian squad grabbed 80-81 road victory and the next game will be played in Kursk. It will be a nice chance for Dynamo to book a spot for the Semis. Temeka Johnson (160-PG-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: LSU) paced Dynamo to victory on Wednesday scoring 22 points. Anna Petrakova (189-PF-84) followed her with 19 and Michelle Snow (196-C-80, agency: LBM Management, college: Tennessee) shined with double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds. At the other side, Ruza got 22 points and 7 boards from Katarina Tetemondova (188-F/C-88). Carmen Guzman (172-SG-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: UAB) also scored 22 pts and Kadidja Andersson (185-F-80, college: Minnesota) stopped to 10. Dynamo celebrated in this meeting thanks to great played last ten minutes of the game. Quarters: 20-20, 22-20, 26-17, 12-24. Two teams will meet again next week in decisive Game Two.

Kayseri - Union Hainaut 68-59
Kayseri was better than Union Hainaut in Game One of the EuroCup Quarterfinals for women. It was a 68-59 home win for Kayseri and we will see next week will it be enough for the Semis. Union Hainaut will host Kasyeri in Game Two on Thursday. Nakia Sanford (194-C-76, agency: LBM Management, college: Kansas) was a key player for the hosts. She had 19 points and 16 rebounds - valuation 34. LaToya Sanders (191-PF-86, college: N.Carolina) also was great adding 13 points and impressive 19 boards, while Doneeka Hodges-Lewis (175-PG-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: LSU) helped her team with 13 points and 5 assists. For the guests, Marina Solopova (180-G/F-90) netted 17 points. Amisha Carter (186-PF-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Louisiana Tech) (11 rebs) and Petra Stampalija (189-C-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) (10 rebs) scored 15 and 12 points respectively. Quarters: 15-21, 13-14, 16-12, 24-12. As mentioned above, teams will meet on Thursday in Game Two.

Arras - Chevakata 71-80
Excellent road win for Chevakata in Game One of the EuroCup Quarterfinals. The Russian squad exploded in last ten minutes to hand Arras 71-80 home loss on Thursday night. It means that Chevakata already made 9-point lead before the second meeting in Russia. Jessica Davenport (196-C-85, college: Ohio St.) shined for the guests with 17 points and 7 rebounds. Svetlana Makhlina (180-SG-85) had 16 points and 5 assists, while Katerina Keyru (182-G/F-88) helped with 11 pts. For the hosts, Pauline Akonga Nsimbo (188-F/C-82, agency: LBM Management) delivered 23 points. Nadezhda Grishaeva (195-PF-89) had 21 pts and 6 rebs, while Gabriela Marginean (182-F-87, college: Drexel) followed with 15 points and 9 boards. Quarters: 17-18, 15-15, 21-18, 18-29. Game Two is scheduled for the next Thursday. The winner of this two-game duel will meet Dynamo Kursk or MBK Ruzomberok in the Semis.

Gran Canaria - Botas 64-67
Botas made a huge step forward to EuroCup Semifinals. The Turkish squad celebrated 64-67 road win against Granca on Thursday. It means that Botas transfers 3-point lead for the second game in Turkey. Quianna Chaney (180-G/F-86, college: LSU) top-scored for the winners with 27 points. Courtney Paris (193-C-87, college: Oklahoma) was amazing registering monster double-double of 24 points and 22 rebounds (valuation 32). Third scorer in victory was Monica Wright (180-F-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Virginia) with 8 points. At the other side, Granca got 21 points from D'andra Moss (178-SG-88, college: VCU).. Vanessa Ble (190-F/C-91) had 15 points and 10 rebs, while Astou Ndour (196-C-94) also had double-double of 10 points and 13 boards. Quarters: 14-22, 20-16, 19-18, 11-11. Two teams will meet next week again. The game is scheduled for Thursday.

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  EUROLEAGUE - Women  


Ilona Korstin joins Perfumerias Avenida - by Eurobasket News
Perfumerias Avenida have bolstered their roster before the start of Euroleague eighth-final round. The Spanish team landed Russian international Ilona Korstin (183-G/F-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas). The guard started the season in Besiktas. Ilona Korstin averaged 10.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.5 assists per game in EuroCup. In TKBL the guard notched 7.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists per appearance. Financial issues became the reason for Ilona Korstin to leave the Turkish team. Previously Ilona Korstin had stints with Spartak Moscow Region. Ilona Korstin has been the member of Russian National Team since 2001. Eurobasket.com named Ilona Korstin on All-Euroleague All-Defensive Team in 2006. She was also named into Russian Superleague All-Domestic Team in 2010 and 2011.


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  FRANCE - Women  


Kayseri hands 68-59 loss to Union Hainaut - by Eurobasket News
Kayseri - Union Hainaut 68-59

Kayseri was better than Union Hainaut in Game One of the EuroCup Quarterfinals for women. It was a 68-59 home win for Kayseri and we will see next week will it be enough for the Semis. Union Hainaut will host Kasyeri in Game Two on Thursday. Nakia Sanford (194-C-76, agency: LBM Management, college: Kansas) was a key player for the hosts. She had 19 points and 16 rebounds - valuation 34. LaToya Sanders (191-PF-86, college: N.Carolina) also was great adding 13 points and impressive 19 boards, while Doneeka Hodges-Lewis (175-PG-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: LSU) helped her team with 13 points and 5 assists. For the guests, Marina Solopova (180-G/F-90) netted 17 points. Amisha Carter (186-PF-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Louisiana Tech) (11 rebs) and Petra Stampalija (189-C-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) (10 rebs) scored 15 and 12 points respectively. Quarters: 15-21, 13-14, 16-12, 24-12. As mentioned above, teams will meet on Thursday in Game Two.

Kayseri: Nakia Sanford 19+16 boards, LaToya Sanders 13+19 boards, Doneeka Hodges-Lewis 13+5 as
Union Hainaut: Marina Solopova 17, Amisha Carter 15+11 boards, Petra Stampalija 12+10 boards

Chevakata wins in Arras thanks to great finish - by Eurobasket News
Arras - Chevakata 71-80

Excellent road win for Chevakata in Game One of the EuroCup Quarterfinals. The Russian squad exploded in last ten minutes to hand Arras 71-80 home loss on Thursday night. It means that Chevakata already made 9-point lead before the second meeting in Russia. Jessica Davenport (196-C-85, college: Ohio St.) shined for the guests with 17 points and 7 rebounds. Svetlana Makhlina (180-SG-85) had 16 points and 5 assists, while Katerina Keyru (182-G/F-88) helped with 11 pts. For the hosts, Pauline Akonga Nsimbo (188-F/C-82, agency: LBM Management) delivered 23 points. Nadezhda Grishaeva (195-PF-89) had 21 pts and 6 rebs, while Gabriela Marginean (182-F-87, college: Drexel) followed with 15 points and 9 boards. Quarters: 17-18, 15-15, 21-18, 18-29. Game Two is scheduled for the next Thursday. The winner of this two-game duel will meet Dynamo Kursk or MBK Ruzomberok in the Semis.

Arras: Pauline Akonga Nsimbo 23, Nadezhda Grishaeva 21+6 boards, Gabriela Marginean 15+9 boards
Chevakata: Jessica Davenport 17+7 boards, Svetlana Makhlina 16+5 as, Katerina Keyru 11

*****************************************************
  NCAA1 - Women  


Bell helps Pepperdine women upset No. 22 BYU - by Eurobasket News
In a rollercoaster season, Pepperdine players were all smiles after one of the program's biggest wins in years.

Lauren Bell (5'8''-G) scored a career-high 26 points, Kelsey Patrick (6'0''-F) had 13 and Pepperdine used a strong second half to upset No. 22 BYU 61-49 on Thursday night, ending the Lady Cougars' nine-game winning streak.

'It's a great moment,' Pepperdine coach Julie Rousseau said. 'We haven't been playing well of late. Our kids stuck with it. It's just a testament to the fortitude of this team.'

Jazmine Jackson (5'9''-G) added 10 points for the Waves (11-10, 6-4 WCC), who shot 55 percent after halftime and harassed the Cougars into 23 total turnovers.

'Our main goal was to keep pushing them,' said, Bell who hit 9 of 14 shots, including four 3-pointers. 'The energy we had coming out of the second half was very important.'

Kristen Riley had 15 points and 13 rebounds and Haley Steed added 10 points to lead BYU (20-4, 8-2). The loss dropped the Lady Cougars out of a tie with Gonzaga for first place in the West Coast Conference.

'It hurts because we worked so hard to get where we want to,' BYU coach Jeff Judkins said. 'You come in and you're ranked, and people play their best and give their best effort.'

Bell hit back-to-back 3-pointers from the same spot near the top of the key to push the lead to 53-36 with 3 1/2 minutes remaining.

The Lady Cougars made a late push, getting as close as 56-49 with just over a minute to play. Bell was then intentionally fouled and made both free throws to preserve the win.

'We were well prepared for the game,' Bell said. 'Everything was clicking for us.'

Pepperdine trailed by one at the half but quickly went ahead with eight straight points.

Bell stole the ball on the Cougars' opening possession and raced down for a layup. Shay Cooney-Williams hit a jumper, Jackson made a pair of free throws and Bell capped the spurt with a steal, going the length of the floor for a layup that resulted in a 30-23 lead.

BYU went scoreless for nearly five minutes, missing its first four shots of the half and turning it over four times. Jennifer Hamson broke the drought and Riley hit a free throw to get back within 30-26.

The Waves extended the advantage moments later when Patrick accounted for six points during an 8-0 run. She had a jumper, two free throws and a layup to make it 38-26 midway through the half.

Bell would later put the game out of reach with her pair of 3s.

'They were timely and they were awesome,' Rousseau said.

Skye Barnett had eight points and nine rebounds for Pepperdine, which recorded 12 steals.

BYU struggled with its outside shooting, going 4 of 24 on 3-pointers.

'We missed a lot of open shots,' Riley said. 'We were just a little bit off.'

The Waves were able to overcome some early shooting struggles to stay close, thanks in large part to Bell. She had 10 points in the first half.

Steed gave BYU its largest lead of the half on a pair of free throws that made it 17-12. The margin hovered in the same range until Bell hit a 3 to get the Waves within 21-19.

Riley then finished a layup at the rim before Pepperdine closed the half with three free throws as BYU held a 23-22 lead at the break.

Courtesy of http://sports.sportsillustrated.cnn.com

No.16 Nebraska women edge No.15 Purdue in 3 OT thriller - by Eurobasket News
Nebraska is already making its mark in the Cornhuskers' inaugural Big Ten season.

They pulled out a thrilling triple overtime victory over Purdue on Thursday night, leaving them in a tie for first place in the conference.

Lindsey Moore (5'9''-G-91) scored eight of her 26 points in the third overtime session, including two 3-pointers, and No. 16 Nebraska beat 15th-ranked Purdue 93-89.

'Lindsey has hit a lot of big shots for us,' Yori said. 'She is a very, very competitive kid. I know that Lindsey will generally make a good decision and make a big play when the game is on the line.'

Moore hit a 3-pointer to open the third overtime session to give the Cornhuskers an 83-80 lead and later hit a 3-pointer to make it 88-84 with 48 seconds left. She then hit two free throws after KK Houser missed a 3-pointer. The Cornhuskers (19-3, 8-2 Big Ten) made five of six free throws down the stretch to seal the victory.

Jordan Hooper (6'2''-F) had 27 points and seven rebounds to lead the Cornhuskers and Alex Guyton (6'3''-F-90) had 16 points and 13 rebounds for the Boilermakers (18-5, 8-2), who have dropped two straight.

'We came in here knowing that we didn't have anything to lose,' Hooper said. 'Once we got here, we just played it like any other game. We just treated it like any other game. We weren't expecting this at all, but glad we got the win.'

Both teams hit 3-pointers to force extra sessions.

Trailing by three in the first overtime, Hooper hit a 3-pointer to tie the game at 70.

The Boilermakers scored five straight points to start the second overtime period and held the Cornhuskers scoreless for nearly the first four minutes. The Cornhuskers never led, but Emily Cady hit a 3 at the buzzer to tie the game at 80 and force a third overtime.

'I thought we looked tired in that second overtime,' Yori said. 'But I think that reenergized us.'

It was the first triple overtime game in Purdue's history.

The Cornhuskers built a 12-point lead in the first half and the Boilermakers got back within a point late in the second half when Houser hit a 3-pointer to cut the Cornhusker lead to 53-52.

The Boilermakers took the lead at the 3:14 mark in the second half on a shot by Guyton to make it 54-53.

Cady, who scored 11 points, was fouled on a shot and converted the three-point play and the Cornhuskers took a 56-54 advantage.

Houser scored another 3-pointer to make it 57-56, and then Moore went to the line and hit both free throws to take a 58-57 Nebraska lead. Howard scored under the basket to give Purdue the lead and Cady was fouled on a long jumper with 4.2 seconds left in regulation. She went to the line and made the first free throw before missing the second sending the game to overtime.

'The biggest thing is that when they had open looks they knocked down shots,' Purdue coach Sharon Versyp said. 'We just have to learn from this and continue to get better.'

Courtesy of http://sports.sportsillustrated.cnn.com

South Carolina women beat No. 8 Tennessee 64-60 - by Eurobasket News
Dawn Staley was determined to end South Carolina's long losing streak to Tennessee.

It had been 32 years since the Gamecocks last beat the Lady Vols, a drought that included 40 straight defeats. But the coach had a feeling the skid was about to end and her team obliged, beating eighth-ranked Tennessee 64-60 on Thursday night.

Markeshia Grant (5'6''-G) scored a career-high 27 points and South Carolina got strong performances from the rest of its guards to finally get past the Lady Vols.

It had been the second-longest active winning streak by one opponent over another. Stanford has beaten Washington State 52 straight times.

'I think anytime when you have an opportunity to play Tennessee year in and year out, you keep measuring yourself, you keep trying to find game plans that will put you in the best possible situation to win,' Staley said. 'I thought coming into this particular game with how we were playing, it was our best shot, and we did it.'

The Gamecocks (18-5, 7-3 Southeastern Conference) were down 60-55 when Ashley Bruner hit a layup with 3:18 to play. The basket launched a 9-0 South Carolina run to close the game, and Ieasia Walker hit the go-ahead layup with 2:15 to play.

The Lady Vols led 57-50 with 5:02 to play in the back-and-forth game, but a layup by Walker and a 3-pointer by Grant, one of seven by the senior, fired up the Gamecocks bench. Tennessee remained flat the rest of the way and missed five shots during South Carolina's game-ending run.

'I'm just glad our players got a chance to experience this experience, knowing the tradition of Tennessee,' said Staley, who had never beaten Tennessee as a coach at either Temple or South Carolina. 'By far, this is the biggest win of my career.'

In the final 3 minutes, the Gamecocks forced a turnover by point guard Ariel Massengale (5'6''-G-93) and tied up the ball twice. South Carolina gained possession on the second jump ball, preventing Tennessee from getting a chance at a game-tying shot with 47 seconds left.

Tennessee outshot South Carolina 41.4 percent to 39.4 percent and held a 44-36 advantage in rebounding but had little answer for the Gamecocks' guards. La'Keisha Sutton added 12 points, and Walker had 11.

'We didn't have an answer for them the last 4 minutes of the game. We didn't have an answer for their runs,' Tennessee associate head coach Holly Warlick said. 'We continue to let star players put up big numbers against us, and that's been a focal point for us, but obviously it hasn't been good enough.'

Glory Johnson (6'3''-F-90) scored 13 points in 26 minutes for Tennessee (16-6, 7-2), but foul trouble kept her from being the force in the paint the Lady Vols have come to rely on. Massengale scored 12 points and Shekinna Stricklen (6'2''-G/F-90) grabbed 10 rebounds.

The Lady Vols hadn't dropped an SEC game at home since a loss to LSU on Feb. 14, 2008, but they have struggled in the first season since coach Pat Summitt announced she'd been diagnosed with early onset dementia, Alzheimer's type.

'We have the fan support. We have home-court advantage. We're sleeping in our own beds before the game. We're having a great pregame meal. We're completely prepared with the scouting report from our coaches, so this loss is on us. There are no excuses,' Johnson said.

South Carolina has been laying the foundation for one of its strongest seasons ever. It now owns the program's best record since the 2001-02 season, when the Gamecocks finished 20-3 and reached the NCAA regional finals.

The Gamecocks have managed the feat with the same kind of sharp focus on defense that has been the hallmark of so many Summitt-coached teams. They entered the game ranked second in the nation in limiting opponents to 47.5 points per game and tops in the nation with 20.1 3-point shooting defense.

That defense frustrated the Lady Vols all over the floor. They struggled to get second-chance points, hit just one 3-pointer and turned the ball over 11 times.

The Gamecocks' last win over a top-10 team came in a 71-52 decision over then-No. 6 Vanderbilt on Jan. 3, 2002, in Columbia. The highest-ranked team the Gamecocks had defeated in Staley's four seasons was then-No. 14 Georgia on Feb. 25, 2010, when South Carolina left Athens with a 52-42 victory.

'I really can't put it into words because I don't think it has hit me yet,' Sutton said. 'I'm really happy for our team, Coach Staley, our coaching staff for preparing us and just every player who ever put on a Gamecock uniform.'

During the team shootaround on Thursday, Staley, South Carolina assistant coach and former Lady Vol Nikki McCray and the rest of the Gamecocks presented to Summitt's son Tyler a $20,000 check to the Alzheimer's Association in honor of the Hall of Fame coach.

Soon after that, Staley's own college coach, former Virginia coach Debbie Ryan, spoke to the Gamecocks about believing in themselves. With Staley as her point guard, Ryan's Cavaliers beat Summitt's Lady Vols in the 1990 NCAA regional finals.

'We had my college coach Debbie Ryan come talk to our team about everyone believing on one accord, and being on one accord, and anything is possible,' Staley said. 'I think our team took that to heart.'

Courtesy of www.foxnews.com

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  RUSSIA - Women  


Chevakata wins in Arras thanks to great finish - by Eurobasket News
Arras - Chevakata 71-80

Excellent road win for Chevakata in Game One of the EuroCup Quarterfinals. The Russian squad exploded in last ten minutes to hand Arras 71-80 home loss on Thursday night. It means that Chevakata already made 9-point lead before the second meeting in Russia. Jessica Davenport (196-C-85, college: Ohio St.) shined for the guests with 17 points and 7 rebounds. Svetlana Makhlina (180-SG-85) had 16 points and 5 assists, while Katerina Keyru (182-G/F-88) helped with 11 pts. For the hosts, Pauline Akonga Nsimbo (188-F/C-82, agency: LBM Management) delivered 23 points. Nadezhda Grishaeva (195-PF-89) had 21 pts and 6 rebs, while Gabriela Marginean (182-F-87, college: Drexel) followed with 15 points and 9 boards. Quarters: 17-18, 15-15, 21-18, 18-29. Game Two is scheduled for the next Thursday. The winner of this two-game duel will meet Dynamo Kursk or MBK Ruzomberok in the Semis.

Arras: Pauline Akonga Nsimbo 23, Nadezhda Grishaeva 21+6 boards, Gabriela Marginean 15+9 boards
Chevakata: Jessica Davenport 17+7 boards, Svetlana Makhlina 16+5 as, Katerina Keyru 11

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  SLOVENIA - Women  


Celje wins without four starters - by Zeljko Zule
Without four starters, Teja Oblak,Tina Trebec, Marica Gajic and Lea Jagodic, second ranked Celje topped Rogaska, 94-74, in the first game of Round 14. Sanja Orozovic (184-G-90) scored 30 points, Ziva Macura had 16 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists, Rebeka Abramovic scored 14 points in her first action since injuring her knee last November, Anja Klavzar had 14 points and 8 rebounds and Maja Bosnjak finished with 12 points. Celje made a 16-3 run to go ahead 18-10 and never looked back from there. After trailing by 19 early in the third quarter, Rogaska cut the deficit to 59-63, but Celje responded with 7 straight points and again extended their lead with a 18.-2 run to go ahead 90-68. Rogaska made eleven 3-pointers. Ursa Svetic scored 25 points, Mateja Baloh and Simona Jurse both added 12 points and Anja Lesjak posted 10 points.


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  SPAIN - Women  


Botas grabs 3-point road win against Gran Canaria - by Eurobasket News
Gran Canaria - Botas 64-67

Botas made a huge step forward to EuroCup Semifinals. The Turkish squad celebrated 64-67 road win against Granca on Thursday. It means that Botas transfers 3-point lead for the second game in Turkey. Quianna Chaney (180-G/F-86, college: LSU) top-scored for the winners with 27 points. Courtney Paris (193-C-87, college: Oklahoma) was amazing registering monster double-double of 24 points and 22 rebounds (valuation 32). Third scorer in victory was Monica Wright (180-F-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Virginia) with 8 points. At the other side, Granca got 21 points from D'andra Moss (178-SG-88, college: VCU).. Vanessa Ble (190-F/C-91) had 15 points and 10 rebs, while Astou Ndour (196-C-94) also had double-double of 10 points and 13 boards. Quarters: 14-22, 20-16, 19-18, 11-11. Two teams will meet next week again. The game is scheduled for Thursday.

Gran Canaria: D'andra Moss 21, Vanessa Ble 15+10 boards, Astou Ndour 10+13 boards
Botas: Quianna Chaney 27, Courtney Paris 24+22 boards, Monica Wright 8

Ilona Korstin joins Perfumerias Avenida - by Eurobasket News
Perfumerias Avenida have bolstered their roster before the start of Euroleague eighth-final round. The Spanish team landed Russian international Ilona Korstin (183-G/F-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas). The guard started the season in Besiktas. Ilona Korstin averaged 10.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.5 assists per game in EuroCup. In TKBL the guard notched 7.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists per appearance. Financial issues became the reason for Ilona Korstin to leave the Turkish team. Previously Ilona Korstin had stints with Spartak Moscow Region. Ilona Korstin has been the member of Russian National Team since 2001. Eurobasket.com named Ilona Korstin on All-Euroleague All-Defensive Team in 2006. She was also named into Russian Superleague All-Domestic Team in 2010 and 2011.


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  SWITZERLAND - Women  


Elfic Fribourg profit and loss at a same time - by Melanie Nussbaumer
BCF Elfic Fribourg Basket announced the departure of their american forward Jerica Watson (183-F-80, college: Iowa) who was averaging 20.3ppg, 10.3rpg and 3.3apg. For replacement they signed Maria Villarroel (174-G-78, agency: LBM Management, college: Oklahoma) who is a well-known figure of swiss women basketball since she has been playing there since 2005. She will be qualified for the game of the weekend in the League Cup Finale where BCF Elfic Fribourg Basket will play against Sdent Helios. Maria Villarroel played for Helios last season where she averaged 25.9ppg, 7.7rpg, 4.1apg, 4.1spg. She also had a great performance during the Finale of the Swiss Cup last year, where she scored 36pts, 7rbs, 5ast and 4stls.

Heckendorn's double-double lands her Player of the Week award - by Eurobasket News
27-year old forward Marisa Heckendorn (170-F-84) put on an amazing game in the last round for Basel and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 16.
She had a double-double of 23 points and 10 rebounds, while her team beat Highflyers (#8, 3-11) 85-77. Basel is placed at 4th position in Swiss LNA. Basel is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 7-6 record. In the team's last game Heckendorn had a remarkable 77.8% from 2-point range. She has many years of experience at Basel, through which he has constantly improved. Heckendorn has impressive league stats. She is in league's top in assists (5th best: 2.9apg) and averages solid 3.4spg.

Second best performed player last round was Jamila Griffith (183-G/F-82) of Ovronnaz-Mart.. She is Barbados swingman in her first season at Ovronnaz-Mart.. In the last game Griffith recorded impressive 29 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. It was enough for Ovronnaz-Mart. to edge slightly higher-ranked Nyon (#7, 4-11) by 5 points 52-47. Despite this victory they still are dead at the bottom. 12 lost games are too many comparing to just two victories Ovronnaz-Mart. managed to get this year. Griffith is a newcomer at Ovronnaz-Mart. and quickly became one of team's most reliable players. She belongs to the best scorers in the league with 18.2ppg (#6). She also registered 7.7 boards per game.

Third place about best performers goes to guard Whitney Boddie (173-G-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas) of league's leader Helios. Boddie scored 24 points and passed five assists. She was a key player of Helios, leading her team to a 91-63 easy win against #3 ranked Fribourg in a game of the week. Helios have amazing season winning all 14 games without a single defeat. Boddie turns to be one of the very best players in the league while he is also a leader of the top team having his eyes on the championship title. Boddie has a great season in Switzerland. After 11 games, she made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 15.8ppg (9th best) and assists with 6.1apg (2nd best). She also has 4.4spg and FGP: 58.2%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Tiffany Benson (185-F-88) of Nyon - 19 points, 17 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Diodio Diouf (170-G-84) of Pully - 29 points and 6 assists
6. Janae Young (183-G-87) of Highflyers - 31 points and 7 rebounds
7. Savannah Werner (185-F-85) of Highflyers - 24 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Dorothee Studer (168-G-92) of Hope-GBA - 27 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Celeste Trahan (184-C-85) of Fribourg - 25 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Eva Moldovanyi (183-F/C-87) of Basel - 19 points, 4 rebounds and 3 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)

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  TURKEY - Women  


Kayseri hands 68-59 loss to Union Hainaut - by Eurobasket News
Kayseri - Union Hainaut 68-59

Kayseri was better than Union Hainaut in Game One of the EuroCup Quarterfinals for women. It was a 68-59 home win for Kayseri and we will see next week will it be enough for the Semis. Union Hainaut will host Kasyeri in Game Two on Thursday. Nakia Sanford (194-C-76, agency: LBM Management, college: Kansas) was a key player for the hosts. She had 19 points and 16 rebounds - valuation 34. LaToya Sanders (191-PF-86, college: N.Carolina) also was great adding 13 points and impressive 19 boards, while Doneeka Hodges-Lewis (175-PG-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: LSU) helped her team with 13 points and 5 assists. For the guests, Marina Solopova (180-G/F-90) netted 17 points. Amisha Carter (186-PF-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Louisiana Tech) (11 rebs) and Petra Stampalija (189-C-80, agency: Josep and Nicolas) (10 rebs) scored 15 and 12 points respectively. Quarters: 15-21, 13-14, 16-12, 24-12. As mentioned above, teams will meet on Thursday in Game Two.

Kayseri: Nakia Sanford 19+16 boards, LaToya Sanders 13+19 boards, Doneeka Hodges-Lewis 13+5 as
Union Hainaut: Marina Solopova 17, Amisha Carter 15+11 boards, Petra Stampalija 12+10 boards

Botas grabs 3-point road win against Gran Canaria - by Eurobasket News
Gran Canaria - Botas 64-67

Botas made a huge step forward to EuroCup Semifinals. The Turkish squad celebrated 64-67 road win against Granca on Thursday. It means that Botas transfers 3-point lead for the second game in Turkey. Quianna Chaney (180-G/F-86, college: LSU) top-scored for the winners with 27 points. Courtney Paris (193-C-87, college: Oklahoma) was amazing registering monster double-double of 24 points and 22 rebounds (valuation 32). Third scorer in victory was Monica Wright (180-F-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Virginia) with 8 points. At the other side, Granca got 21 points from D'andra Moss (178-SG-88, college: VCU).. Vanessa Ble (190-F/C-91) had 15 points and 10 rebs, while Astou Ndour (196-C-94) also had double-double of 10 points and 13 boards. Quarters: 14-22, 20-16, 19-18, 11-11. Two teams will meet next week again. The game is scheduled for Thursday.

Gran Canaria: D'andra Moss 21, Vanessa Ble 15+10 boards, Astou Ndour 10+13 boards
Botas: Quianna Chaney 27, Courtney Paris 24+22 boards, Monica Wright 8

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  USBA - Women  


"Its time to play basketball" ; WUSBA poised to begin the 2012 spring basketball season - by USBA Media

Atlanta, Ga. (February 3, 2012) ----The Women's United States Basketball Association (WUSBA) announced today it is set to begin basketball season to the spring of 2012. The season will begin on April 11, 2012 and end on June 30, 2012. According to league sources, the initial preparation for the new time frame has already begun. Last year we could not begin because some of the schools did not have air conditioning in the gym, so we switched to the fall, only to find that this is the wrong time of year to try to rent gymnasiums from any school, said league president Duane Allen Jenkins. We have been given final approval to use the same colleges and high schools we have been in agreement with over the past several years. We have a final roster of teams and as it sit's right now we are going to activate twenty communities, we plan to visit each site over the next 30 days, and we will finish signing arenas for the team. We may lose Macon and Winston Salem, however that still leaves us with eighteen teams and the number of teams we have already signed, is what we go with for the spring, no exceptions. Mercer University and Winston Salem State University have not given final rental approval and the clock is at midnight. I'll give them to the end of business on the 3rd, if we have no affirmative response; well pull and reproach them next year.'

The following is the list of teams targeted for the WUSBA 2012 basketball season:

The Piedmont Division consists of the Macon Storm, the Charlotte Blue Wave, the Columbia Breeze, Winston Salem Cardinals and the Augusta Raging River

The Appalachian Division houses Nashville Thunder, the Chattanooga Royal, the Knoxville Reign, the Huntsville Rockets, and the West Virginia Capitals.

The Atlantic Division has the Norfolk Blaze, the Virginia Colonials, the Jacksonville Surf, the Savannah Seahawks and the Charleston Cadets.

The Southern Division fields the Atlanta Platinum, the Columbus Gold, the Mobile Spirit, the Tallahassee Cypress and the Birmingham Starz.

Teams that were under consideration are Memphis, Louisville, Norfolk, Pensacola, Huntsville, Asheville, Washington D.C. and Montgomery.

'We set out to deliver twenty basketball teams; however, since we do not own these facilities, we must visit each school to confirm our agreement. We know using colleges and high schools gives us a great venue for our players. We believe we have overcome all the obstacles in our way,' said WUSBA vice president Kenneth Green.

'We had originally planned to begin in the summer of 2010, however when we discovered that we only had 48 players signed, and we discovered we had serious issues with some of our coaches and our staff. This year we wanted to launch in the summer and follow right along with the WNBA, we then found out that seven of the schools did not have central air conditioning, we had no choice. Everyone knows how hot its been in the south, this became a health issue and everyone associated with the Women's United States Basketball Association has the basketball players safety first and foremost on their minds. We will accomplish all that is necessary to maintain the safe environment for our teams. We are truly grateful to be accepted in these great cities and towns, said Jenkins. ' We will honor all coaches and player agreements for the new season'.

'In the beginning, I stated that the WUSBA would assist female basketball players to continue their careers. We have created a system that will bring our league right underneath the WNBA. We plan to utilize former NCAA players as coaches and league staff. We hope to begin our inaugural season with 20 teams that are united in their dedication to bring top quality basketball to our team cities. We require the teams, coaches and players to share a common objective and a commitment to our fans' satisfaction; we will work together as community partners with our team cities.'

'We do not own any of these venues, such as we are at the mercy of the school or university, playing gives us unfettered access to the arenas We are satisfied with the venue agreements and we have everything it takes to run a basketball league in the pursuit of our original goals. Basketball is a winter and spring sport.

'As I have already stated, it is my pleasure to announce our march to the opening day of our 2012 basketball season; it is our goal to conduct proper preparation for the season.'

'Accordingly, I am pleased to announce the actual beginning of the 2012 Women's United States Basketball Association basketball season. We will conduct ourselves in a manner consistent with major professional women's basketball.'

'We will present a great competitive product that will be entertaining to our fans, our team cities and the profession of basketball as a whole. We are extremely excited about future of our league. We now have the time to do it right and I stand here today to assure that everything will be ready for the 2012 basketball season.'

'We'll see you, your family and your friends courtside in April 2012.'

'The Women's United States Basketball Association was formed in late March 2010, but the WUSBA concept was originally founded in July 2007. Through the months and years, we have faced a variety of challenges -- some of which seemed insurmountable at the time. The WUSBA will persevere through the tough economic adversities our country has faced and the WUSBA will persevere through this one, as well -- to emerge with a framework for the future, one that everyone will be proud to be associated with -- where our players and coaches have an opportunity to achieve their goals.'


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  WNBA - Women  


Mercury acquire Hornbuckle in sign-and-trade - by Eurobasket News
The Phoenix Mercury has acquired restricted free agent Alexis Hornbuckle (5'11''-G-85, college: Tennessee) in a sign-and-trade deal that sent the teams 2013 second round draft pick to the Minnesota Lynx, the club announced today. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Free agents could begin signing contracts Wednesday.

The 5-10 guard is entering her fifth year in the league and has already won two WNBA championships, in 2011 with the Minnesota Lynx and 2008 with the Detroit Shock.

Originally selected fourth overall by Detroit in the 2008 draft after winning back-to-back NCAA national championships at the University of Tennessee (2007, 2008), Hornbuckle is the only player to win a NCAA title and WNBA title in the same year.

Alexis joins our team with a championship pedigree, having won at every stop, Mercury Head Coach and General Manager Corey Gaines said. We expect her versatility at the guard position to be a great asset to our team. She can defend, she can rebound, she can play multiple positions and she can score when called upon.

Hornbuckle had the best statistical season of her career in 2009 with the Shock when she averaged 6.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists, while starting 21 games for the defending champions. The following year she averaged 5.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists through 15 games for the relocated Tulsa Shock before being traded to Minnesota midway through the 2010 season. She has since served primarily in a reserve role behind All-Star guards Seimone Augustus and Lindsay Whalen.

At the conclusion of her junior season at Tennessee, the do-it-all guard joined Chamique Holdsclaw and Tamika Catchings as the only three Lady Vols to amass over 900 points, 500 rebounds, 350 assists, 250 steals and 50 blocks.

Hornbuckle will make her first return to Minnesota when the Mercury opens the 2012 WNBA season against the Lynx on Sunday, May 20 at 9:30 a.m. PT. The game will be nationally televised on ABC. The Mercury makes its home debut on May 26 against Candace Parker and the Los Angeles Sparks, who own the first pick in the 2012 WNBA Draft. Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m.

Courtesy of www.foxsportsarizona.com